bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intra-destination travel behavior of alpine tourists: a literature review on choice determinants and the survey work
Authors: Bursa Bartosz , Mailer Markus , Axhausen Kay W.
Published: February 2022

In the face of a continuous increase in the number of tourists in the Alps, the associated traffic volumes, and the resulting negative externalities, there is an urgent need to design policies capable of managing tourist traffic efficiently and to invest in transport systems and infrastructure wisely, given the limited financial, spatial and environmental resources. Unfortunately, while there is a considerable research interest in long-distance travel and arrival/departure patterns of tourists, research on tourist mobility during the stay at the destination is almost non-existent. This prevents policy-makers from making informed decisions backed by scientific evidence. The paper presents a data collection study that contributes to filing this gap. This ‘data paper’ reports on the motivation, design and administration of a bespoke travel-activity survey of tourists at vacation destinations. It informs other researchers about the encountered difficulties and helps them optimize data collection effort in their future studies. Besides the contribution to survey methodology, the paper reports on a rare and policy-relevant dataset, provides descriptive results, and thereby contributes to evidence-based design of transport policies in tourist regions. With this paper, we also want to inspire and invite researchers to conduct further quantitative and modeling work in this under-studied field.
Untangling Trustworthiness and Uncertainty in Science
Authors: Covitt Beth A. , Anderson Charles W.
Published: February 2022

This article focuses on uncertainty—ways in which scientists recognize and analyze limits in their studies and conclusions. We distinguish uncertainty from (un)trustworthiness—ways in which scientific reports can be affected by conscious deception or unconscious bias. Scientific journal articles typically include analyses and quantifications of uncertainty in both quantitative forms (e.g., error bars, ranges of predictions, statistical tests) and qualitative forms (e.g., alternate hypotheses, limitations of studies, questions for future research). These analyses of uncertainty are often incorporated into reports from scientific organizations and responsible scientific journalism. We argue that a critical goal of science education should be to help students understand how science may be employed as an uncertain and limited, yet still useful tool for informing decisions about socioscientific problems. When members of the public are insufficiently prepared to understand analyses and quantifications of uncertainty, the consequences are manifest in public skepticism about science and inadequately informed decision-making about socioscientific issues. We describe current design work in science education that includes a worthwhile emphasis on helping students to recognize and leverage uncertainty in their own data and models. Additional important work can enable students to develop proficiency in seeking out and understanding analyses of continuing uncertainty in media accounts of scientific conclusions and predictions.
Lipidomic signatures from physically frail and robust older adults at hospital admission
Authors: Ramírez-Vélez Robinson , Martínez-Velilla Nicolás , Correa-Rodríguez María , Sáez de Asteasu Mikel L. , Zambom-Ferraresi Fabricio , Palomino-Echeverria Sara , García-Hermoso Antonio , Izquierdo Mikel
Published: February 2022

Identifying serum biomarkers that can predict physical frailty in older adults would have tremendous clinical value for primary care, as this condition is inherently related to poor quality of life and premature mortality. We compared the serum lipid profile of physically frail and robust older adults to identify specific lipid biomarkers that could be used to assess physical frailty in older patients at hospital admission. Forty-three older adults (58.1% male), mean (range) age 86.4 (78–100 years) years, were classified as physically frail (n = 18) or robust (n = 25) based on scores from the Short Physical Performance Battery (≤ 6 points). Non-targeted metabolomic study by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) analysis with later bioinformatics data analysis. Once the significantly different metabolites were identified, the KEGG database was used on them to establish which were the metabolic pathways mainly involved. Area under receiver-operating curve (AUROC) analysis was used to test the discriminatory ability of lipid biomarkers for frailty based on the Short Physical Performance Battery. We identified a panel of five metabolites including ceramides Cer (40:2), Cer (d18:1/20:0), Cer (d18:1/23:0), cholesterol, and phosphatidylcholine (PC) (14:0/20:4) that were significantly increased in physically frail older adults compared with robust older adults at hospital admission. The most interesting in the physically frail metabolome study found with the KEGG database were the metabolic pathways, vitamin digestion and absorption, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, and insulin resistance. In addition, Cer (40:2) (AUROC 0.747), Cer (d18:1/23:0) (AUROC 0.720), and cholesterol (AUROC 0.784) were identified as higher values of physically frail at hospital admission. The non-targeted metabolomic study can open a wide view of the physically frail features changes at the plasma level, which would be linked to the physical frailty phenotype at hospital admission. Also, we propose that metabolome analysis will have a suitable niche in personalized medicine for physically frail older adults.
Design of clinched joints on the basis of binding mechanisms
Authors: Kalich Jan , Füssel Uwe
Published: February 2022

The work carried out is based on the thesis properties of clinched joints are determined by the proportions of binding mechanisms form-closure, force-closure and material-closure. To describe the acting binding mechanisms and thus to derive the joint properties, detailed knowledge of the local effect of the individual binding mechanisms is necessary to ensure their targeted adjustment by the joining process. The targeted setting of different proportions of the binding mechanisms is achieved firstly via tool geometry and secondly via surface condition of the joined parts. An introduced form-closure component can be quantified by metallographic cross section with subsequent measurement of the quality-determining parameters such as undercut, penetration depth and neck thickness. To qualify the force-closure component, a torsional load can be applied mechanically at rotationally symmetrical clinch joints. This also allows the influence of different surface conditions on the tribological system to be quantified. Measurement of electrical resistance can reveal the binding mechanisms of force- and material-closure. These investigations are carried out on an aluminum joining part combination of the same type. As a result of these investigations, the clinched joints can be designed according to the load occurring in the later life cycle in the form of an optimum and compromise variant with regard to minimum loads to be transmitted mechanically, electrically with regard to low resistance or manufacturing with minimum energy input.
Needs and preferences of breast cancer survivors regarding outcome-based shared decision-making about personalised post-treatment surveillance
Authors: Ankersmid Jet W. , Drossaert Constance H. C. , van Riet Yvonne E. A. , Strobbe Luc J. A. , Siesling Sabine ,   on behalf of the Santeon VBHC Breast Cancer Group
Published: February 2022

Purpose

In this study, we explored how patients experience current information provision and decision-making about post-treatment surveillance after breast cancer. Furthermore, we assessed patients’ perspectives regarding less intensive surveillance in case of a low risk of recurrence.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 22 women in the post-treatment surveillance trajectory in seven Dutch teaching hospitals.

Results

Although the majority of participants indicated a desire for shared decision-making (SDM) about post-treatment surveillance, participants experienced no SDM. Information provision was often suboptimal and unstructured. Participants were open for using risk information in decision-making, but hesitant towards less intensive surveillance. Perceived advantages of less intensive surveillance were: less distressing moments, leaving the patient role behind, and lower burden. Disadvantages were: fewer moments for reassurance, fear of missing recurrences, and a higher threshold for aftercare for side effects.

Conclusions

SDM about post-treatment surveillance is desirable. Although women are hesitant about less intensive surveillance, they are open to the use of personalised risk assessment for recurrences in decision-making about surveillance.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

To facilitate SDM about post-treatment surveillance, the timing and content of information provision should be improved. Risk information should be provided in an accessible and understandable way. Moreover, fear of cancer recurrence and other personal considerations should be addressed in the process of SDM.
Learning research in a laboratory classroom: a reflection on complementarity and commensurability among multiple analytical accounts
Authors: Chan Man Ching Esther , Moate Josephine ,   with the Social Unit of Learning project team, Clarke David , Cunnington Ross , Díez-Palomar Javier , Friesen Marita , Haataja Eeva , Hošpesová Alena , Kuntze Sebastian , Nieminen Juuso , Novotná Jarmila , Ochoa Xavier , Sherwell Chase , Tran Dung , Tuohilamp. Laura
Published: February 2022

With the myriad theories generated through research over the years, a continuing challenge for researchers is to navigate the multitude of theories in order to communicate their research, integrate empirical results, and make progress as a field by building upon empirical research. The Social Unit of Learning project was purposefully designed so that researchers from multiple disciplines with different theoretical perspectives could work together to examine the complexity of the mathematics classroom. In this paper, we reflect on the multiple analytical accounts generated from the project, drawing from the notions of complementarity and commensurability. Two parallel analyses, applying the commognitive framework and the theory of representations respectively, are used as illustrative examples for discussion regarding complementarity and commensurability. The paper addresses two focal questions, as follows: in what ways do divergence or contradiction in incommensurable analytical accounts reflect methodological discrepancies or fundamental differences in the underpinning theories? Furthermore, in what ways do the accounts generated by the parallel analyses predicated on different theories lead to differences in instructional advocacy? The answers to these questions provide empirically-grounded insights into the consideration of incommensurability in educational research, and suggest ways in which researchers and practitioners might apply the notion of complementarity to reconcile or exploit incommensurable analytical accounts that have resulted in different instructional advocacies.
Linking Foraging Domestic Burglary: An Analysis of Crimes Committed Within Police-Identified Optimal Forager Patches
Authors: Halford Eric
Published: February 2022

Crime linkage is a systematic way of assessing behavioural or physical characteristics of crimes and considering the likelihood they are linked to the same offender. This study builds on research in this area by replicating existing studies with a new type of burglar known as optimal foragers, who are offenders whose target selection is conducted in a similar fashion to foraging animals. Using crimes identified by police analysts as being committed by foragers this study examines their crime scene behaviour to assess the level of predictive accuracy for linking crimes based on their offending characteristics. Results support previous studies on randomly selected burglary offence data by identifying inter-crime distance as the highest linking indicator, followed by target selection, entry behaviour, property stolen and offender crime scene behaviour. Results discuss distinctions between this study and previous research findings, outlining the potential that foraging domestic burglary offenders display distinct behaviours to other forms of offender (random/marauder/commuter).
Early Therapeutic Interventions for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma: Rationale and Review of the Literature
Authors: Waqar Mueez , Trifiletti Daniel M. , McBain Catherine , O’Connor James , Coope David J. , Akkari Leila , Quinones-Hinojosa Alfredo , Borst Gerben R.
Published: February 2022

Purpose of Review

Glioblastoma is the commonest primary brain cancer in adults whose outcomes are amongst the worst of any cancer. The current treatment pathway comprises surgery and postoperative chemoradiotherapy though unresectable diffusely infiltrative tumour cells remain untreated for several weeks post-diagnosis. Intratumoural heterogeneity combined with increased hypoxia in the postoperative tumour microenvironment potentially decreases the efficacy of adjuvant interventions and fails to prevent early postoperative regrowth, called rapid early progression (REP). In this review, we discuss the clinical implications and biological foundations of post-surgery REP. Subsequently, clinical interventions potentially targeting this phenomenon are reviewed systematically.

Recent Findings

Early interventions include early systemic chemotherapy, neoadjuvant immunotherapy, local therapies delivered during surgery (including Gliadel wafers, nanoparticles and stem cell therapy) and several radiotherapy techniques. We critically appraise and compare these strategies in terms of their efficacy, toxicity, challenges and potential to prolong survival. Finally, we discuss the most promising strategies that could benefit future glioblastoma patients.

There is biological rationale to suggest that early interventions could improve the outcome of glioblastoma patients and they should be investigated in future trials.
Sr Isotope Ratios (87Sr/86Sr) in Water and Fish Otoliths as Estuarine Salinity Tracers: Case Studies from Three NW African Rivers
Authors: Höpker Sebastian N. , Wu Henry C. , Lucassen Friedrich , Sadio Oumar , Brochier Timothée , Nuworkpor Ishmael Y. , Kasemann Simone A. , Merschel Peter , Westphal Hildegard
Published: February 2022

Variations of strontium isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr) in river systems are increasingly utilised to geochemically trace origin and movement patterns of migratory fish species. Accretionary calcified structures, such as otoliths, preserve 87Sr/86Sr signatures of the surrounding water during a fish’s lifetime. In this study, we present 87Sr/86Sr measurements of water samples and catfish otoliths collected in the estuaries of the Sine-Saloum (Senegal), the Gambia River (The Gambia), and the Volta River (Ghana) to assess their systematics and relationships with salinity. The three rivers possess distinct hydrological properties resulting in variable degrees of correlations between 87Sr/86Sr and salinity. The Gambia River (87Sr/86Sr of ~ 0.71209) proved exceptionally preconditioned for the approach due to well-defined geochemical end-members, allowing for quantitative estimates of salinity based on otolith 87Sr/86Sr measurements. The Volta River (~ 0.71392) presents a more complex case due the possible influence of multiple water sources to the main channel, while the inverse salinity gradient and excessive evaporation in the Sine-Saloum estuary (~0.70915) impede any significant correlations between 87Sr/86Sr and salinity. Bulk otolith 87Sr/86Sr values in the Gambia River and Volta River clearly depicted a mixed influence of seawater and riverine compositions, strongly encouraging the application of this approach for geochemical fingerprinting of critical NW African species.
Antibody–drug conjugates—the magic bullet?
Authors: Aretin Marie-Bernadette
Published: February 2022

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are a relatively new class of highly potent molecules which combine the targeting properties of monoclonal antibodies with the cell destructive properties of cytotoxic agents in order to reduce systemic exposure and toxicity of the latter. Gemtuzumab–ozogamicin was the first-in-class drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2000, but later approval was withdrawn. In the meantime, the number of these types of drugs available for clinical use is rapidly evolving. This review gives a brief overview of currently approved ADCs, with special consideration of pharmaceutical aspects
An Asian perspective on the governance of cyber civilization
Authors: Kokuryo Jiro
Published: February 2022

This paper proposes potential benefits of adopting Asian philosophies in considering the design of “cyber civilization” governance. The West is currently struggling to balance the use of data for commercial purposes with the social good stemming from the protection of personal privacy and dignity. It is also grappling with the idea of machines having autonomous capabilities that human minds alone were supposed to monopolize. East Asia, with its tradition of Confucianism, Buddhism, and animism, has long emphasized the virtue of mutual benevolence as well as conviviality with nature, both of which may be contrasted with the Western emphasis on the autonomy of individuals and the supremacy of humans over nature. We need to revisit such foundational schools of thought in view of such factors as network externalities of data, extremely low marginal cost of digital services, and high level of traceability, all of which are altering the historical prerequisites of the modern market economy. In the face of the emergence of a new civilization, we need to find a guiding philosophy which allows us to develop policies that adequately benefit all people. There are notions such as integrity (fiduciary responsibility) that East and West share and that may be adopted to build broadly acceptable governance principles.
Efficient unconstrained black box optimization
Authors: Kimiaei Morteza , Neumaier Arnold
Published: February 2022

For the unconstrained optimization of black box functions, this paper introduces a new randomized algorithm called . In practice, matches the quality of other state-of-the-art algorithms for finding, in small and large dimensions, a local minimizer with reasonable accuracy. Although our theory guarantees only local minimizers our heuristic techniques turn into an efficient global solver. In very thorough numerical experiments, we found in most cases either a global minimizer, or where this could not be checked, at least a point of similar quality to the best competitive global solvers. For smooth, everywhere defined functions, it is proved that, with probability arbitrarily close to 1, a basic version of our algorithm finds with $${{\mathcal {O}}}(n\varepsilon ^{-2})$$

O
(
n

ε

-
2

)

function evaluations a point whose unknown exact gradient 2-norm is below a given threshold $$\varepsilon >0$$

ε
>
0

, where n is the dimension. In the smooth convex case, this number improves to $${{\mathcal {O}}}(n\log \varepsilon ^{-1})$$

O
(
n
log

ε

-
1

)

and in the smooth (strongly) convex case to $${{\mathcal {O}}}(n\log n\varepsilon ^{-1})$$

O
(
n
log
n

ε

-
1

)

. This matches known recent complexity results for reaching a slightly different goal, namely the expected unknown exact gradient 2-norm is below a given threshold $$\varepsilon >0$$

ε
>
0

. Numerical results show that is effective and robust in comparison with the state-of-the-art local and global solvers on the unconstrained test problems of Gould et al. (Comput Optim Appl 60:545–557, 2014) for optimization and the test problems of Jamil and Yang (Int J Math Model Numer Optim 4:150, 2013) for global optimization with 2–5000 variables.
Remanufacturing of single-use medical devices: a case study on cross-border collaboration between the UK and Nigeria
Authors: Oturu Kingsley , Ijomah Winifred , Orr Andrew , Verpeaux Laura , Broadfoot Ben , Clark Stuart , Devine Ryan
Published: February 2022

This paper aims to evaluate the current state of the remanufacturing of medical devices, considering the differences between developed and developing countries. With reference to various socio-economic factors, the impact of remanufacturing to sustainability was evaluated and from this, single-use medical devices were deemed to be critical in minimising waste within the medical industry. This is even more critical with increasing use of single-use devices in the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) pandemic. It was identified that cleaning is a key consideration for ensuring a safe remanufacturing process that would minimise the risk of infection to patients. Therefore, this process was evaluated and appropriate recommendations made. Although there may be some challenges, further research would be required for integration of the methodology and process outlined into the medical sector.
Mission engineering for the RETALT VTVL launcher
Authors: De Zaiacomo Gabriele , Blanco Arnao Gonzalo , Bunt Riccardo , Bonetti Davide
Published: February 2022

In the last decade, the rapid and successful development of reusable launch systems such as SpaceX’ Falcon 9 demonstrated both the operational feasibility of reusable launchers and their economic viability. The objective of recovering a launcher or a launcher’s booster requires to safely return the launch vehicle from orbital or sub-orbital conditions to a soft landing. To increase the reusability, decrease the turnaround time and reduce costs, a precise touchdown on a pre-defined landing site or on a floating barge on the Ocean is preferred to splashdown in the water, due mainly to the highly detrimental effect of the salted water on the launcher components and equipment. The project RETALT (Retro Propulsion Assisted Landing Technologies) was funded by the EU Horizon 2020 program to study and develop critical technologies for launcher recovery based on retro-propulsion. In this context, and based on in-house experience and tools, DEIMOS Space carried out the mission engineering of the RETALT1 vehicle concept to assess the feasibility of a return mission, from a wide range of Main Engine Cut-Off (MECO) conditions, when the stage is separated from the rest of the launch vehicle, in line with the available propellant budget, and while maintaining the peak entry conditions within acceptable limits. Either a DownRange Landing (DRL) on a drone ship at sea or a Return To Launch Site (RTLS) to land in the proximity of the launch pad is performed based on the velocity and distance at MECO from the launch site. For the landing burn, a safe splashdown approach has been implemented to avoid damaging the ground infrastructure in case of anomalies during the flight. Based on the mission feasibility assessment, the needs for the vehicle recovery have been identified, leading to the definition of preliminary mission requirements at the system and subsystem level. Consequently, the consolidation of the return mission design was possible and optimised trajectories have been defined for the DRL and RTLS scenarios.
Estimation of nutritional postharvest losses along food value chains: A case study of three key food security commodities in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Bechoff Aurélie , Shee Apurba , Mvumi Brighton M. , Ngwenyama Patrick , Debelo Hawi , Ferruzzi Mario G. , Nyanga Loveness K. , Mayanja Sarah , Tomlins Keith I.
Published: February 2022

Postharvest losses (PHLs) amplify food insecurity and reduce the amount of nutrients available to vulnerable populations, especially in the world's Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs). However, little is known about nutrient loss at the various postharvest stages. The objective of our study was to develop a methodology and a tool to estimate nutritional postharvest losses (NPHLs) along food value chains for three distinct food commodities in sub-Saharan Africa. The study used a combination of literature, laboratory and field data to investigate NPHLs caused by both changes in quantity and quality of food material (quantitative and qualitative NPHLs, respectively). The method can be expanded to various other food value chains. A user-friendly predictive tool was developed for case studies involving maize and cowpea in Zimbabwe, and for sweet potato in Uganda. Quantitative and qualitative NPHLs were combined and converted into predicted nutrient loss and nutritional requirement lost due to postharvest losses. The number of people who may not meet their daily nutritional needs, as a result of the food and nutrient losses at country level, was estimated. The estimates consider nutritionally vulnerable groups such as children under five years and pregnant women. The nutrient density of the harvested food material, the level of food production, the postharvest stages along the food value chain, the levels of pest damage along the value chain, and the susceptibility of the nutrients to degradation e.g. during storage, are all important factors that affect NPHLs. Our modelling work suggests that reducing PHLs along food value chains could significantly improve access to nutritious food for populations in LMICs.
Variational principle for some nonlinear problems
Authors: Tian Yi
Published: February 2022

A variational principle is established by the semi-inverse method and used to solve approximately a nonlinear problem by the Ritz method. In this process,it may be difficult to solve a large system of algebraic equations,the Groebner bases theory (Buchberger’s algorithm) is applied to solve this problem. The results show that the variational approach is much simpler and more efficient.
Characterizing the role of bots’ in polarized stance on social media
Authors: Aldayel Abeer , Magdy Walid
Published: February 2022

There is a rising concern with social bots that imitate humans and manipulate opinions on social media. Current studies on assessing the overall effect of bots on social media users mainly focus on evaluating the diffusion of discussions on social networks by bots. Yet, these studies do not confirm the relationship between bots and users’ stances. This study fills in the gap by analyzing if these bots are part of the signals that formulated social media users’ stances towards controversial topics. We analyze users’ online interactions that are predictive to their stances and identify the bots within these interactions. We applied our analysis on a dataset of more than 4000 Twitter users who expressed a stance on seven different topics. We analyzed those users’ direct interactions and indirect exposures with more than 19 million accounts. We identify the bot accounts for supporting/against stances, and compare them to other types of accounts, such as the accounts of influential and famous users. Our analysis showed that bot interactions with users who had specific stances were minimal when compared to the influential accounts. Nevertheless, we found that the presence of bots was still connected to users’ stances, especially in an indirect manner, as users are exposed to the content of the bots they follow, rather than by directly interacting with them by retweeting, mentioning, or replying.
Hypogonadisme en een kinderwens, hebben we opties om te behandelen?
Authors: van Breda H. M. K. , de Kemp Vincent F.
Published: February 2022

Samenvatting

Hypogonadisme bij mannen is een klinisch én biochemisch syndroom met een negatieve invloed op de kwaliteit van leven en op multipele orgaansystemen. De gouden standaard is testosterontherapie. Exogeen testosteron heeft een negatieve invloed op de endogene testosteronproductie en spermatogenese, met subfertiliteit of onvruchtbaarheid tot gevolg. Na staken kan het 1–2 jaar duren tot de fertiliteit hersteld is; bij 10% van de patiënten herstelt deze zich niet. Behandelaren en patiënten zoeken naar een alternatieve behandeling. Momenteel is alleen humaan chorion gonadotrofine (HCG) hiervoor geregistreerd. Naast leefstijladviezen worden offlabel ook selectieve oestrogeenreceptormodulatoren (SERM’s) en aromataseremmers (AI’s) gebruikt. Clomifeencitraat, een SERM, is potentieel een alternatief voor testosterontherapie bij mannen die vruchtbaar willen blijven. Het middel leidt tot een verhoging van de testosteronspiegel en heeft geen negatieve invloed op de spermatogenese.
On composite entire functions and their central indexes
Authors: Ghosh Chinmay , Khan Subhadip , Mondal Sutapa
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we present a few relations on the composition of two entire functions in terms of their central indexes. Furthermore, we investigate various growth properties of composite entire functions.
Dynamics of Dissolved Ions in the Rhizosphere Under Flooded Conditions
Authors: Mansour Mostafa M. , Soliman Enas
Published: February 2022

Soil salinity represents one of the major threats of land degradation and desertification under arid and semi-arid environments. It has an adverse influence on soil-water-plant relationships, posing serious challenges to agricultural productivity. The main objective of this work was to monitor the effect of farmyard manure (FYM) application and irrigation with low-quality water on the dynamics of dissolved salts and yield of rice crop (Oryza sativa L.) under flooded conditions. Accordingly, field and column experiments were carried out with three treatments of irrigation water, namely, tap, saline-sodic, and saline, as well as three rates of FYM application (0, 12, and 24 Mg ha-1). The obtained data indicated that the highest grain yields were found under the treatment with tap water followed by saline water amended with FYM at 24 Mg ha-1. The loss of ions (Na+, HCO3-, Cl-, NO3-, SO42-) from the soil irrigated with saline water was greater than that from irrigated with saline-sodic water. The addition of FYM led to an increase in the leaching of most ions (Na+, HCO3-, and Cl- in particular) and decreased their accumulation in soils irrigated with saline and saline-sodic waters. The regression studies revealed that FYM application may be attributed to the increase in soil resistance against secondary salinization through improving water and salt flux out of the rhizosphere. Under flooded conditions, these findings support the hypothesis that using FYM in conjunction with saline irrigation water has a beneficial effect, while saline-sodic irrigation water should be used with a calcium source.
Mobilizing Home: Diasporic Agitations and the Global Remakings of Postwar Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Lu Vivian Chenxue
Published: February 2022

In the context of shifting global geographies of labor and political volatility, Nigerian migrant associations play a significant role in organizing diasporic life. Yet, far from being a culturally static feature, Igbo Nigerian associations emerge through diasporic agitations, or dynamic mobilizations around particular events, crises, and projects that deliberately engage the postcolonial state. Lu first reconsiders the significance of 1970s post-civil war reconstruction in southeastern Nigeria before tracing subsequent transformations in flexible diasporic organizations within Global South locations such as China and Dubai. These agile and multi-scalar diasporic mobilizations enable their members to negotiate the nexus of postcolonial politics and transnational capitalism.
“Bananas are for Women, Coffee is for Men”: Gendered Narratives of Agricultural Histories on Mount Meru, Tanzania
Authors: Williams Beth Ann
Published: February 2022

The history of coffee cultivation on Mount Meru in northern Tanzania has been narrated by men and most scholars as a tale of extraordinary achievement and unfortunate decline. Meru women, however, associate coffee agriculture with gender inequality and social disorder. Complicating narratives of cash crop agriculture as a straightforward communal good, Williams uses oral histories to explore alternative renderings of Meru agricultural history, centering memories that highlight coffee’s role in reifying patriarchal power. Women’s concern with labor exploitation and emphasis on relational integrity challenge our understanding of what coffee represents in Meru history and our ideal models for pursuing sustainable growth through cash crop commodities.
Music as Socially Reproductive Labor: Murid Creative Practice in Dakar’s Médina
Authors: Kibbee Brendan
Published: February 2022

In Médina, a crowded, working-class neighborhood in Dakar, disciples’ associations (dahiras) from the Murid Islamic Brotherhood turn city streets into spaces of participatory musical performance on a nightly basis. While the Brotherhood is frequently cited for its industriousness, scholars have generally focused on the agricultural and commercial aspects of Murid labor, rather than the creative aspect. This article examines how the Brotherhood’s valuing of creative activitiesaslabor mitigates against the stigma that many young men in Médina face when they are expected to be productive members of society while largely being excluded from the prevailing global economic order.
Transvenous Embolization of Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas with Cortical Venous Drainage
Authors: Nassar Mark , Nijjar Nazukjit Kaur , Kaderali Zul , Silvaggio Joseph , Shankar Jai
Published: February 2022

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are direct shunts between extracranial or meningeal arteries and dural sinuses, dural veins, or cortical veins. They account for 10%–15% of all intracranial vascular malformations. DAVFs are classified according to two classification systems, Borden and Cognard, both of which are based on the venous drainage pathway and presence of antegrade or retrograde venous flow. A multidisciplinary approach using endovascular techniques has become the mainstay of treatment. We present two cases of DAVF with cortical venous drainage (Borden type 3) that were successfully treated using a transvenous approach via the draining subarachnoid veins.
Food insecurity and common mental disorders in perinatal women living in low socio-economic settings in Cape Town, South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cohort study
Authors: Abrahams Zulfa , Lund Crick
Published: February 2022

Background

Common mental disorders (CMDs), i.e. depression and anxiety, are highly prevalent during the perinatal period, and is associated with poverty, food insecurity and domestic violence. We collected data from perinatal women at two time-points during the COVID-19 pandemic to test the hypotheses that (1) socio-economic adversities at baseline would be associated with CMD prevalence at follow-up and (2) worse mental health at baseline would be associated with higher food insecurity prevalence at follow-up.

Methods

Telephonic interviews with perinatal women attending healthcare facilities in Cape Town, South Africa. Multivariable (multilevel) regression analysis was used to model the associations of baseline risk factors with the prevalence of household food insecurity and probable CMD at 3 months follow-up.

Results

At baseline 859 women were recruited, of whom 217 (25%) were pregnant, 631 (73%) had given birth in the previous 6 months, 106 (12%) had probable CMD, and 375 (44%) were severely food insecure. At follow-up (n = 634), 22 (4%) were still pregnant, 603 (95%) had given birth, 44 (7%) had probable CMD, and 207 (33%) were severely food insecure. In the multivariable regression model, after controlling for confounders, unemployment [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.19 (1.12–2.27); p < 0.001] and had higher scores on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [IRR 1.05 (1.03–1.09); p < 0.001] at baseline predicted food insecurity at follow-up; and experiencing domestic violence [OR 2.79 (1.41–5.50); p = 0.003] at baseline predicted CMD at follow-up.

Conclusions

This study highlights the complex bidirectional relationship between mental health and socio-economic adversity among perinatal women during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rational Theology within Postmetaphysical Thinking? A Catholic Assessment of Habermas’ View of Religious Belief
Authors: Breul Martin
Published: February 2022

Jürgen Habermas’ assessment of the rationality of religious convictions is ambivalent, as it oscillates between a postsecular appropriation of their semantic potentials and a fideistic insistence on their “discursive extraterritoriality.” In this article, I argue that Habermas’ fideistic portrayal of religious convictions is neither compatible with the overall argumentative architecture of his postsecular paradigm nor a logical consequence of Habermas’ philosophical framework in general. Instead, once his fideism is overcome, Habermas’ postmetaphysical discourse theory provides valuable resources for contemporary Catholic theology. This article thus offers both a theological assessment of Habermas’ view of religious belief and an argument for a Catholic appropriation of Habermas’ postmetaphysical thinking.
Factors associated with minimum dietary diversity failure among Indian children
Authors: Rai Rajesh Kumar , Kumar Sandhya S. , Kumar Chandan
Published: February 2022

Recognising the importance of infant and young child feeding practices during the first 2 years of life, the World Health Organization's Global Nutrition Monitoring Framework developed a minimum dietary diversity (MDD) indicator for feeding children aged 6–23 months. MDD is defined as the consumption of food items from five or more groups out of a total of eight food groups. Food intake from less than five food groups is considered minimum dietary diversity failure (MDDF). Using the nationally representative National Family Health Survey (NFHS) dataset, the present study assessed the trend in MDDF between 2005–6 and 2015–16 and the factors associated with MDDF among children aged 6–23 months during 2015–16. The NFHS conducted in 2005–6 and 2015–16 covered a sample of 14 419 and 74 078 children aged 6–23 months, respectively. Overall, the MDDF reduced from 87⋅4  % (95  % confidence interval (95  % CI) 86⋅8  %, 87⋅9  %) in 2005–6 to 80⋅6  % (95  % CI 80⋅1  %, 81⋅0  %) in 2015–16. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that increased child's age, second and third birth order children, higher maternal age and education, mass media exposure of mothers and more than four antenatal care visits had a negative association with the MDDF. Children living in rural areas and residing in high-focus states of India were observed with higher odds of experiencing MDDF. Exposure to community healthcare services was negatively associated with MDDF, and anaemic children were more likely to have MDDF. Socioeconomic status of mothers and children and encouragement of maternal and child healthcare use could be helpful in devising context-specific intervention to mitigate MDDF.
BOHR COMPACTIFICATIONS OF GROUPS AND RINGS
Authors: GISMATULLIN JAKUB , JAGIELLA GRZEGORZ , KRUPIŃSKI KRZYSZTOF
Published: February 2022

We introduce and study model-theoretic connected components of rings as an analogue of model-theoretic connected components of definable groups. We develop their basic theory and use them to describe both the definable and classical Bohr compactifications of rings. We then use model-theoretic connected components to explicitly calculate Bohr compactifications of some classical matrix groups, such as the discrete Heisenberg group
${\mathrm {UT}}_3({\mathbb {Z}})$
, the continuous Heisenberg group
${\mathrm {UT}}_3({\mathbb {R}})$
, and, more generally, groups of upper unitriangular and invertible upper triangular matrices over unital rings.
A rank-one convex, nonpolyconvex isotropic function on with compact connected sublevel sets
Authors: Voss Jendrik , Ghiba Ionel-Dumitrel , Martin Robert J. , Neff Patrizio
Published: February 2022

According to a 2002 theorem by Cardaliaguet and Tahraoui, an isotropic, compact and connected subset of the group $\textrm {GL}^{\!+}(2)$ of invertible $2\times 2$ - - matrices is rank-one convex if and only if it is polyconvex. In a 2005 Journal of Convex Analysis article by Alexander Mielke, it has been conjectured that the equivalence of rank-one convexity and polyconvexity holds for isotropic functions on $\textrm {GL}^{\!+}(2)$ as well, provided their sublevel sets satisfy the corresponding requirements. We negatively answer this conjecture by giving an explicit example of a function $W\colon \textrm {GL}^{\!+}(2)\to \mathbb {R}$ which is not polyconvex, but rank-one convex as well as isotropic with compact and connected sublevel sets.
The ability of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) to diagnose protein–energy malnutrition in patients requiring vascular surgery: a validation study
Authors: Thomas Jolene , Delaney Christopher , Miller Michelle
Published: February 2022

Identifying nutritional deficits and implementing appropriate interventions in patients requiring vascular surgery is challenging due to the paucity of appropriate screening and assessment tools in this group. This retrospective study aimed to determine the validity of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) in identifying protein–energy malnutrition (PEM) in inpatients admitted to a vascular surgery unit, using the PG-SGA as the comparator. Diagnostic accuracy and consistency were determined between the GLIM and the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) global rating. The GLIM determination was made retrospectively using the relevant parameters collected at baseline in the original study. Two hundred and twenty-four (70·1 % male) participants were included. The prevalence of PEM was 28·6 % on GLIM and 17 % via the PG-SGA. Compared with the PG-SGA, the GLIM achieved sensitivity of 73·7 % and specificity of 80·6 %; however positive predictive value was 43·7 % indicating that the GLIM over-diagnosed malnutrition compared with the PG-SGA. Kappa reached 0·427 indicating moderate diagnostic consistency. Due to the absence of an ideal instrument and the complexity of malnutrition often seen in this group which extends beyond PEM to significant micronutrient deficiencies, further work is required to determine the most appropriate instrument in this patient group, and how micronutrient status can also be included in the overall assessment given the critical role of micronutrients in this group.
Maternal folic acid supplement use/dietary folate intake from preconception to early pregnancy and neurodevelopment in 2-year-old offspring: the Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Suzuki Taeko , Nishigori Toshie , Obara Taku , Masumoto Toshio , Mori Miyuki , Murata Tsuyoshi , Kyozuka Hyo , Ogata Yuka , Sato Akiko , Sampei Mari , Takahashi Toshifumi , Shinoki Kosei , Hosoya Mitsuaki , Fujimori Keiya , Yasumura Seiji , Hashimoto Koichi , Goto Aya , Nishigori Hidekazu ,   The Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group
Published: February 2022

We evaluated the association between maternal prenatal folic acid supplementation/dietary folate intake and motor and cognitive development in 2-year-old offspring using data from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study database. Neurodevelopment of 2-year-old offspring were evaluated using the Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development 2001. In total, data of 3839 offspring were analysed. For folic acid supplementation, a multiple regression analysis showed that offspring of mothers who started using folic acid supplements before conception had a significantly lower developmental quotient (DQ) in the postural-motor DQ area than offspring of mothers who did not use them at any time throughout their pregnancy (partial regression coefficient (B) −2·596, 95 % CI −4·738, −0·455). Regarding daily dietary folate intake from preconception to early pregnancy, a multiple regression analysis showed that the group with ≥ 200 µg had a significantly higher DQ in the language-social area than the group with <200 µg. The DQ was higher in the ≥ 400 µg group (B 2·532, 95 % CI 0·201, 4·863) than the 200 to <400 µg group (B 1·437, 95 % CI 0·215, 2·660). In conclusion, our study showed that maternal adequate dietary folate intake from preconception to early pregnancy has a beneficial association with verbal cognition development in 2-year-old offspring. On the other hand, mothers who started using folic acid supplements before conception had an inverse association with motor development in 2-year-old offspring. There were no details on the amount of folic acid in the supplements used and frequency of use. Therefore, further studies are required.
Morphological and genetic variability of the cryptic Gyrodactylus sphinx and Gyrodactylus gerasevi n. sp. (Platyhelminthes: Monogenea) from the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea: two new members of the cross-ocean distributed Gyrodactylus orecchiae species group
Authors: Dmitrieva E. , Sanna D. , Vodiasova E. , Prokhorova D. , Casu M. , Burreddu C. , Piras M.C. , Garippa G. , Merella P.
Published: February 2022

Gyrodactylus sphinx Dmitrieva & Gerasev, 2000 is the only species of Gyrodactylus originally described from Aidablennius sphynx (Valenciennes) in the Black Sea. In the present study, monogeneans similar to G. sphinx are reported from the same host and from two other species of Blenniidae from the Black Sea, as well as from the Mediterranean Sea. This study aims to verify the taxonomic status of the specimens found in different hosts and localities, other than the type ones of G. sphinx. Twenty-two measurements of the haptoral structures of 169 gyrodactylids were used for the morphological study. Morphometric variability between different samples was analysed using analysis of variance, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and principal component analysis (PCA). Molecular studies were carried out using the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 and 5.8S ribosomal DNA regions. Network, Bayesian phylogenetic and species delimitation analyses were performed to infer the number of taxonomic units and the phylogeographic relationships occurring within and among them. MANOVA revealed a significant dependence of the morphometry of hamuli and marginal hooks on host species and regions, but a clear differentiation between samples was not confirmed by PCA. Moreover, the ranges of all dimensions overlapped between samples. However, molecular analyses suggested the occurrence of at least two taxonomic entities. The most common entity was present in individuals of the Black and Mediterranean seas, and is described here as Gyrodactylus gerasevi n. sp., whereas a second entity recognized as a G. sphinx was found only in individuals from two localities off Crimea. The monophyletic cluster grouping of these two species was placed within a large clade that also included a separate sister cluster with seven other species of the Gyrodactylus orecchiae cross-ocean species group.