bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of home rule on municipal boundary and fiscal expansion: Evidence from Texas
Authors: Zhang Pengju , Nguyen‐Hoang Phuong , Chen Na
Published: June 2022

Changing boundaries is a major method for municipalities to accommodate growth, expand economic and tax base, and optimize resource allocation. This study leverages variation in the adoption of home rule charters in Texas to provide the first empirical examination of whether home rule adoption causes municipal boundary expansion. We employ fuzzy regression‐discontinuity and event‐study estimation methods on actual boundary data for causal inference and find that home rule cities expand their boundaries to significantly greater total area than general law cities in Texas. This finding is robust to the voluntary Boundary and Annexation Surveys data used widely by extant studies. We also find evidence that annexations allow home rule cities to fiscally expand, primarily by broadening tax bases.
Developmental changes in young people's evaluations of sexual harassment
Authors: Horn Stacey S. , Poteat V. Paul
Published: June 2022

Using an accelerated longitudinal design, we investigated developmental changes in young peoples’ evaluations of sexual harassment (SH) and how young peoples’ own experiences with harassment, their perceptions of teacher intervention, as well as how gender and sexual orientation related to their judgments. This study documented significant changes in adolescents’ evaluations of peer‐based SH from grades 7 to 10. Overall, there was a significant decrease in the extent to which youth judged SH to be wrong as they progressed through school. Yet, there was also significant variability across youth in their initial judgments at grade 7 and the extent to which their judgments changed over time. Youth judged SH to be less wrong at occasions when they reported engaging in this behavior more frequently. Conversely, youth judged SH to be more wrong at occasions where they saw teachers intervene. In grade 7, girls, youth more frequently reporting seeing teachers intervene, and youth reporting less SH perpetration judged SH as more wrong than boys, those reporting less teacher intervention, and those reporting higher perpetration, respectively. Perceptions of teacher intervention attenuated the grade‐related declines in judgments of wrongness. The results of this study have important implications for research and policy related to SH among adolescents.
Synergistic and antagonistic ingredient interactions as a sugar reduction strategy in chocolate milk
Authors: Hopfer Helene , Riak Alden C. , Roberts Robert F. , Hayes John E. , Ziegler Gregory R.
Published: June 2022

Here we report synergistic and antagonistic mixture interactions between sucrose, vanillin, and cocoa powder as a potential added sugar reduction strategy in chocolate milk. Objectives of this project were to (i) model consumer perception of relevant sensory attributes as a function of sucrose, vanillin, and cocoa powder in chocolate milk, (ii) test for the presence of synergistic, additive, and antagonistic interactions via the isobole method, and (iii) determine consumer acceptance of these samples with both adults and children. In Study 1, adult chocolate milk consumers (n = 136) rated perceived intensities of sweetness, bitterness, chocolate flavor, and color for 22 chocolate milk formulations created according to an experimental design to systematically cover the multidimensional design space. Dose–response contour plots and regression modeling highlighted the large contributions of sucrose‐vanillin and sucrose‐cocoa interactions to ratings of sweetness, bitterness, and chocolate flavor. Indeed, three of the five tested mixture samples showed sweetness synergy and bitterness antagonism. In Study 2, overall acceptability of these five samples was evaluated by adults (n = 142) and children (n = 61) consumers of chocolate milk. Among the three chocolate milks that showed sweetness enhancement and bitterness suppression, one with moderate levels of sucrose (4.67% [w/w]) also received liking scores above neutral (>5 on a 9‐point hedonic scale), suggesting this formulation provides the greatest potential to decrease added sugar content while preserving consumer acceptability.

Practical Applications

Sucrose, vanillin, and cocoa powder act synergistically and antagonistically on perceived sweetness and bitterness in chocolate milk. Ingredient combinations could be optimized for lowering added sugar content while maintaining acceptability by adult and children consumers of chocolate milk.
Racial and ethnic disparities in oral healthcare quality among children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP
Authors: Herndon Jill Boylston , Ojha Diptee
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Addressing inequities in oral health care requires identification of which populations are experiencing performance gaps and the extent of those gaps. This study used Dental Quality Alliance (DQA) measures to examine variations in quality by race and ethnicity.

Methods

We used eligibility and claims data for 2018 for children aged <21 years for state Medicaid/CHIP programs available through the Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System. For a subset of states with sufficient data quality, we calculated DQA measures of utilization of services, oral evaluation, and topical fluoride. The measures were stratified by race and ethnicity, age, sex, geographic location, and language. We used bivariate logistic regression to analyze relative disparities.

Results

Variations in measure scores were noted between racial and ethnic groups. Measure scores were typically lower for non‐Hispanic black and American Indian/Alaskan Native children and higher for non‐Hispanic Asian and Hispanic children compared with non‐Hispanic white children. There also was variation in the patterns of disparities between states. More than two‐thirds of states had insufficient race and ethnicity data (>10% missing) to reliably report stratified measure scores.

Conclusions

Because disparities vary by state, each Medicaid/CHIP program should evaluate variations in care quality in the context of the population it serves. A critical first step is to improve collection of race and ethnicity. These measurements can be used to set improvement goals that not only raise quality of care for the population overall but also close gaps in performance between racial and ethnic groups.
Community based participatory research approaches to combat oral health inequities among American Indian and Alaska Native populations
Authors: Camplain Carolyn , Kirby Christine , Barger Steven D. , Thomas Heather , Tutt Marissa , Elwell Kristan , Young Sara , Morrison Gerlinda , Hyeoma Stephanie , Baldwin Julie A.
Published: June 2022

American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities have experienced a history of systemic racism and still face significant oral health disparities. These disparities extend to the youngest community members in the form of early childhood caries (ECC). Although behavior and biology contribute to ECC, the conditions where people live, grow, and work, and the systems and political and economic forces that shape individual health outcomes, are thought to greatly impact ECC among AI/AN populations. To address ECC in AI/AN communities, we used a community based participatory approach that incorporated social determinants of health. We found that implementing culturally‐tailored, culturally‐centered, and AI/AN‐created materials for ECC interventions is viewed favorably by community members and tribal leaders. Because of the complexity of ECC in AI/AN communities we adopted a bundled approach of best practices to reduce ECC including: (1) incorporating locally, contextually, and culturally relevant strategies to present recommended ECC prevention approaches; (2) employing AI/AN community members as educators; (3) utilizing motivational interviewing with expectant mothers; and (4) providing fluoride varnish. Our work underscores the importance of developing trusting partnerships with each other and with our communities, drawing upon the insights of community advisory board members, and eliciting formative assessment data from tribal members to gain a more holistic understanding of our participants' lived experience to design relevant intervention materials. Incorporating local knowledge and situating Western oral health prevention approaches within culturally aligned frameworks can enhance partnerships and create sustainable materials for community work.
Patient‐reported outcomes and their relation with iron parameters in HFE haemochromatosis during maintenance therapy: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Belhomme Nicolas , Morcet Jeff , Lescoat Alain , Robin François , Deugnier Yves , Bardou‐Jacquet Edouard , Lainé Fabrice
Published: June 2022

Background & Aims

The standard of care for haemochromatosis is regular phlebotomy in order to maintain low ferritin levels. Many patients report fatigue or joint pain despite serum ferritin within the therapeutic targets. We evaluated Patient‐Reported Outcomes, and their relation with iron parameters, in C282Y homozygous patients undergoing maintenance phlebotomy.

Methods

Patients were prospectively enrolled in a French referral care centre. At each phlebotomy, patients completed a numeric fatigue scale, a joint pain questionnaire and SF‐36 Mental Component Score (MCS) and Physical Component Score (PCS). Haemoglobin, iron, TS and ferritin were collected concomitantly.

Results

About 701 visits were performed in 259 patients. The median fatigue score was 3/10; 171 (66%) patients reported joint pain. Age and worsening of joint pain were associated with fatigue (p < .0001 for both). Female gender (p < .037), age (p < .003), and a decrease of TS (p = .050) were associated with joint pain. Main features associated with PCS <50 were worsening of joint pain and age (p < .001 for both) and TS <20% (p < .02).

Conclusions

Fatigue was independent from iron parameters. The main factor impacting quality of life was joint pain, which was more severe in patients with low TS values. Then, a more precise monitoring of TS should be proposed during haemochromatosis maintenance therapy; while less stringent monitoring of serum ferritin levels could be tested.
Environmental policy instruments and ownership of firms
Authors: Bárcena‐Ruiz Juan Carlos , Garzón María Begoña
Published: June 2022

We assume an economy comprising two countries, with one polluting firm located in each country and transboundary spillovers. Each government may implement an environmental tax or an emission standard to control pollutant emissions. Investors from each country own a percentage of the stock in their local firm and in the firm located abroad. We find that the ownership structure of firms that compete in international markets affects the design of environmental policies by governments. In equilibrium, governments implement emission standards if the stake held by domestic investors in the firm located abroad is small enough. When that stake is intermediate in size and transboundary spillovers are high enough, identical governments choose different environmental policies. Finally, when the stake is large enough both governments implement environmental taxes.
Extensive transgressive gene expression in testis but not ovary in the homoploid hybrid Italian sparrow
Authors: Papoli Yazdi Homa , Ravinet Mark , Rowe Melissah , Sætre Glenn‐Peter , Guldvog Caroline Ø. , Eroukhmanoff Fabrice , Marzal Alfonso , Magallanes Sergio , Runemark Anna
Published: June 2022

Hybridization can result in novel allelic combinations which can impact the hybrid phenotype through changes in gene expression. While misexpression in F1 hybrids is well documented, how gene expression evolves in stabilized hybrid taxa remains an open question. As gene expression evolves in a stabilizing manner, break‐up of co‐evolved cis‐ and trans‐regulatory elements could lead to transgressive patterns of gene expression in hybrids. Here, we address to what extent gonad gene expression has evolved in an established and stable homoploid hybrid, the Italian sparrow (Passer italiae). Through comparison of gene expression in gonads from individuals of the two parental species (i.e., house and Spanish sparrow) to that of Italian sparrows, we find evidence for strongly transgressive expression in male Italian sparrows—2530 genes (22% of testis genes tested for inheritance) exhibit expression patterns outside the range of both parent species. In contrast, Italian sparrow ovary expression was similar to that of one of the parent species, the house sparrow (Passer domesticus). Moreover, the Italian sparrow testis transcriptome is 26 times as diverged from those of the parent species as the parental transcriptomes are from each other, despite being genetically intermediate. This highlights the potential for regulation of gene expression to produce novel variation following hybridization. Genes involved in mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes and protein synthesis are enriched in the subset that is over‐dominantly expressed in Italian sparrow testis, suggesting that selection on key functions has moulded the hybrid Italian sparrow transcriptome.
Important lack of difference in tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid pharmacokinetics between Aboriginal and Caucasian kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Barraclough Katherine A. , Metz David , Staatz Christine E. , Gorham Gillian , Carroll Robert , Majoni Sandawana William , Cherian Sajiv , Swaminathan Ramyasuda , Holford Nick
Published: June 2022

Aim

To examine whether differences in tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid (MPA) pharmacokinetics contribute to the poorer kidney transplant outcomes experienced by Aboriginal Australians.

Methods

Concentration‐time profiles for tacrolimus and MPA were prospectively collected from 43 kidney transplant recipients: 27 Aboriginal and 16 Caucasian. Apparent clearance (CL/F) and distribution volume (V/F) for each individual were derived from concentration‐time profiles combined with population pharmacokinetic priors, with subsequent assessment for between‐group difference in pharmacokinetics. In addition, population pharmacokinetic models were developed using the prospective dataset supplemented by previously developed structural models for tacrolimus and MPA. The change in NONMEM objective function was used to assess improvement in goodness of model fit.

Results

No differences were found between Aboriginal and Caucasian groups or empirical Bayes estimates, for CL/F or V/F of MPA or tacrolimus. However, a higher prevalence of CYP3A5 expressers (26% compared with 0%) and wider between‐subject variability in tacrolimus CL/F (SD = 5.00 compared with 3.25 L/h/70 kg) were observed in the Aboriginal group, though these differences failed to reach statistical significance (p = .07 and p = .08).

Conclusion

There were no differences in typical tacrolimus or MPA pharmacokinetics between Aboriginal and Caucasian kidney transplant recipients. This means that Bayesian dosing tools developed to optimise tacrolimus and MPA dosing in Caucasian recipients may be applied to Aboriginal recipients. In turn, this may improve drug exposure and thereby transplant outcomes in this group. Aboriginal recipients appeared to have greater between‐subject variability in tacrolimus CL/F and a higher prevalence of CYP3A5 expressers, attributes that have been linked with inferior outcomes.
Enzymatic antioxidants activity in gingival crevicular fluid and saliva in advanced periodontitis
Authors: Toczewska Joanna , Zalewska Anna , Konopka Tomasz , Maciejczyk Mateusz
Published: June 2022

Aim

Enzymatic antioxidants are the primary line of defense against oxidative and nitrosative stress. However, their involvement in the progression of periodontitis is still not well understood. The study aimed to determine the activity of enzymatic antioxidants in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva of patients with periodontitis.

Materials and methods

The study group of 56 patients with periodontitis (stage III and IV) and 28 healthy controls were involved. The modified plaque index, probing depth, the clinical attachment level, the percentage of sites with bleeding on probing, papilla bleeding index, and maximum value of tooth mobility (Periotest®) were tested. Saliva (stimulated and non‐stimulated) and GCF were collected from the participants, and activity of peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase were determined colorimetrically.

Results

Lower activity of peroxidase (p < 0.0001), catalase (p < 0.0001), superoxide dismutase (p = 0.0188), and glutathione reductase (p < 0.0001) was noted in non‐stimulated saliva of patients with periodontitis compared to healthy subjects. Peroxidase (p < 0.0001), catalase (p < 0.0001) and superoxide dismutase (p < 0.0001) showed lower activity in stimulated saliva of patients with periodontitis compared to healthy subjects. The peroxidase (p < 0.0029), catalase (p < 0.0001), and glutathione reductase (p = 0.0028) activity in GCF of stage III + IV were significantly higher compared to healthy controls. Superoxide dismutase (p < 0.0001) showed lower activity in GCF of patients with periodontitis.

Conclusions

The demonstrated decrease in activity of all analyzed enzymatic antioxidants in non‐stimulated saliva may result from long‐lasting periodontitis and exhaustion of the safeguard mechanism against reactive oxygen species.
A meta‐synthesis of qualitative data exploring the experience of living with temporomandibular disorders: The patients' voice
Authors: Taimeh Dina , Leeson Rachel , Fedele Stefano , Ni Riordain Richeal
Published: June 2022

Objective

The aim of this review was to systematically review the qualitative evidence related to the experience of patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and to explore the effect it has on their lives.

Materials and methods

The following databases were searched systemically: Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL Complete and the Cochrane database. Thematic synthesis was used to analyse and synthesise the data from the qualitative studies which explored the experience of adult patients with TMD. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool was used to critically appraise the quality of the included studies.

Results

The search strategies yielded 3588 articles across all databases. A total of 20 articles were eventually included. Six themes were derived: TMD causes uncertainty and doubt, TMD had disruptive effects on life, TMD causes distress, understanding TMD—the illness and the causes, dealing with the pain and aims and hopes.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the impact TMD could have on the quality of life and confirms the psychological and social challenges these patients experience.
Long‐term evolution of mucoepidermoid carcinoma: Report of two cases
Authors: Sena Dáurea Adília Cóbe , de Souto Medeiros Maurília Raquel , Martins Helder Domiciano Dantas , da Trindade Gustavo Alcântara , da Silveira Éricka Janine Dantas , de Souza Lélia Batista
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common salivary gland malignancy, which mainly affects the major salivary glands. Its prognosis is associated with clinical and histopathological factors.

Aim

This article reports two long‐term evolution cases of MEC.

Case Report

Two cases of MEC in female patients, duration of 8 years (case 1) and 24 years (case 2). Clinical and histopathological features were analysed in order to predict the long‐term survival of patients.

Conclusions

In addition, possible differential diagnoses are discussed, as well as the results of a histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis performed to assist the accurate diagnosis of the two cases.
Incidence and outcome of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in a pediatric kidney transplant recipient cohort from a single center in Northern Italy
Authors: Cazzaniga Marco , Testa Sara , Brambilla Marta , Vergori Antonio , Viganoni Maria , Montini Giovanni
Published: June 2022

Background

Concern about SARS‐CoV‐2 infection has increased over the possible effects on immunocompromised patients. Among them, recipients of solid organ transplantation deserve special attention. Data from the adult population suggest they may be at high risk for developing severe COVID‐19, but little data are available for pediatric solid organ transplantation recipients.

Methods

From March 2020 to April 2021, KT recipients aged <21 years, routinely managed at our center, who underwent RT‐PCR testing with nasopharyngeal swabs to detect SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, were studied. Tests were performed according to clinical and/or epidemiological criteria.

Results

One hundred one transplanted patients were managed at our center during the observation period. Among this population, 57 patients were tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection with a RT‐PCR test and were subsequently enrolled. A total of 111 swabs were performed. Twelve out of the 57 patients tested (21.1%) had a positive RT‐PCR test result. Among the positive patients, eight were symptomatic (66.7%). Median duration of symptoms and RT‐PCR positivity was two days (IQR 1–2.25) and 17 days (IQR 11–27.25), respectively. No patients required specific treatment or IS therapy reduction; no one was admitted to hospital.

Conclusions

Our data show that pediatric renal transplant recipients are at low risk of clinically relevant COVID‐19, as is the healthy age‐related population. On the contrary, our results differed substantially from those seen in adult SOT recipient populations that have a high incidence and an even earlier and higher mortality rate.
A Simple and Practical Method for Fluence Determination in Bench‐Scale UV‐LED Setups
Authors: Watanabe Shinya , Oguma Kumiko
Published: June 2022

In UV disinfection of water, the fluence of UV required to inactivate a target microorganism is determined based on the procedures developed for conventional mercury‐based UV lamps with collimation. In this regard, a simple and practical method with a mathematical model and radiometry is proposed for determining the fluence rate with UV light‐emitting diodes (UV‐LEDs). This method was applied to a bench‐scale UV‐LED setup and validated by comparing the calculations with the measurements using either a spectroradiometer or a chemical actinometer. The results showed high accordance with spectroradiometer outputs with a linear regression equation y = 0.997x (x: model calculation, y: spectroradiometer output, r2 = 0.999, P < 0.001 for n = 20) in an experiment varying the distance between the measurement points and the UV‐LEDs. Meanwhile, the proposed method and chemical actinometry exhibited 98% concordance. Furthermore, this method was applied to determine the fluence‐response profiles of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the results demonstrated that the proposed method was appropriate at two different distances between the UV‐LEDs and the solutions. To conclude, the proposed method can determine the fluence in a UV‐LED bench‐scale setup in a simple and practical way, which would potentially promote the research and development of water treatment using UV‐LEDs.
Against resultant moral luck
Authors: Demirtas Huzeyfe
Published: June 2022

Does one's causal responsibility increase the degree of one's moral responsibility? The proponents of resultant moral luck hold that it does. Until quite recently, the causation literature has almost exclusively been interested in the binary question of whether one factor is a cause of an outcome. Naturally, the debate over resultant moral luck also revolved around this binary question. However, we have seen an increased interest in the question ofdegreesof causation in recent years. And some philosophers have already explored various implications of a graded notion of causation on resultant moral luck. In this paper, I will do the same. But the implications that I will draw attention to are bad news for resultant moral luck. I will show that resultant moral luck entails some implausible results that leave resultant moral luck more indefensible than it was previously thought be. I will also show that what is typically taken to be the positive argument in favor of resultant moral luck fails. I will conclude that we should reject resultant moral luck.
Concise or comprehensive? Predictors of impact assessment choices for electric transmission line projects
Authors: Scott Ryan P. , Ulibarri Nicola , Scott Tyler A.
Published: June 2022

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedures required in the United States and many other countries are often highlighted as a major hindrance to timely and efficient deployment of critical infrastructure projects. Under the U.S. National Environmental Policy Act, a more extensive environmental impact statement (EIS) review can take several more years and cost much more than a succinct environmental assessment (EA). This not only affects the project in question, but also likely informs how—or whether—additional projects are pursued. Thus, understanding key predictors of the EA versus EIS choice sheds light on supply‐side considerations affecting infrastructure deficits. Using the case of NEPA reviews conducted for 244 transmission line projects between 2005 and 2018 by two U.S. federal agencies in the western United States, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Department of Energy (DOE), this addresses the following question: What project features most predict whether EA or an EIS is used to assess a transmission line project? Drawing upon NEPA assessment guidance and agency NEPA records, we use a regression classification tree to analyze how protocols and project attributes relate to assessment choice. The result is essentially a null finding: transmission line length is by far the most important predictor of whether a project receives an extensive EIS or a shorter EA, with little predictive value provided by other attributes. While absolute project size undoubtedly influences impacts, the lack of further differentiation in what predicts use of EISs versus EAs suggests assessment does not simply respond to project details but also shapes proposal and design choices beforehand.
On the use of the Reproduction Number for SARS-COV-2: Estimation, Misinterpretations and Relationships with other Ecological Measures
Authors: Jewell Nicholas P. , Lewnard Joseph A.
Published: June 2022

The basic reproduction number, R0, and its real-time analogue, Rt, are summary measures that reflect the ability of an infectious disease to spread through a population. Estimation methods for Rt have a long history, have been widely developed and are now enhanced by application to the COVID-19 pandemic. While retrospective analyses of Rt have provided insight into epidemic dynamics and the effects of control strategies in prior outbreaks, misconceptions around the interpretation of Rt have arisen with broader recognition and near real-time monitoring of this parameter alongside reported case data during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we discuss some widespread misunderstandings regarding the use of Rt as a barometer for population risk and its related use as an ‘on/off’ switch for policy decisions regarding relaxation of non-pharmaceutical interventions. Computation of Rt from downstream data (e.g. hospitalizations) when infection counts are unreliable exacerbates lags between when transmission happens and when events are recorded. We also discuss analyses that have shown various relationships between Rt and measures of mobility, vaccination coverage and a test–trace–isolation intervention in different settings.
Paired or Partially Paired Two-sample Tests With Unordered Samples
Authors: Wang Yudong , Tang Yanlin , Ye Zhi-Sheng
Published: June 2022

In paired two-sample tests for mean equality, it is common to encounter unordered samples in which subject identities are not observed or unobservable, and it is impossible to link the measurements before and after treatment. The absence of subject identities masks the correspondence between the two samples, rendering existing methods inapplicable. In this paper, we propose two novel testing approaches. The first splits one of the two unordered samples into blocks and approximates the population mean using the average of the other sample. The second method is a variant of the first, in which subsampling is used to construct an incomplete U-statistic. Both methods are affine invariant and can readily be extended to partially paired two-sample tests with unordered samples. Asymptotic null distributions of the proposed test statistics are derived and the local powers of the tests are studied. Comprehensive simulations show that the proposed testing methods are able to maintain the correct size, and their powers are comparable to those of the oracle tests with perfect pair information. Four real examples are used to illustrate the proposed methods, in which we demonstrate that naive methods can yield misleading conclusions.
Self‐organizing maps as a dimension reduction approach for spatial global sensitivity analysis visualization
Authors: Şalap‐Ayça Seda
Published: June 2022

Spatial global sensitivity analysis (SGSA) reveals and ranks the input–output relation in spatial models. The SGSA output is twofold: (1) first‐order effects which are the linear relations of every input layer with the output; and (2) high‐order effects where the nonlinear interaction among input layers is depicted. The resulting sensitivity maps are twice the number of input layers which is challenging to visualize, considering the limitations of the human cognitive system or visual representations. Finding similar patterns and projecting that similarity into a 2D surface will help to tackle this voluminous visual load. This article presents the implementation of self‐organizing maps (SOM), a type of artificial neural network, as a dimension reduction approach for SGSA visualization. SOM is also used for feature selection to identify the most relevant feature for model uncertainty. The winning neurons at SOM are projected as the influence map and the results are compared with conventional visualization techniques.
Mitigating the risk of transfusion‐transmitted infections with vector‐borne agents solely by means of pathogen reduction
Authors: Stramer Susan L. , Lanteri Marion C. , Brodsky Jaye P. , Foster Gregory A. , Krysztof David E. , Groves Jamel A. , Townsend Rebecca L. , Notari Edward , Bakkour Sonia , Stone Mars , Simmons Graham , Spencer Bryan , Tonnetti Laura , Busch Michael P.
Published: June 2022

Background

This study evaluated whether pathogen reduction technology (PRT) in plasma and platelets using amotosalen/ultraviolet A light (A/UVA) or in red blood cells using amustaline/glutathione (S‐303/GSH) may be used as the sole mitigation strategy preventing transfusion‐transmitted West Nile (WNV), dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV), and chikungunya (CHIKV) viral, and Babesia microti, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Plasmodium parasitic infections.

Methods

Antibody (Ab) status and pathogen loads (copies/mL) were obtained for donations from US blood donors testing nucleic acid (NAT)‐positive for WNV, DENV, ZIKV, CHIKV, and B. microti. Infectivity titers derived from pathogen loads were compared to published PRT log10 reduction factors (LRF); LRFs were also reviewed for Plasmodium and T. cruzi. The potential positive impact on donor retention following removal of deferrals from required questioning and testing for WNV, Babesia, Plasmodium, and T. cruzi was estimated for American Red Cross (ARC) donors.

Results

A/UVA and S‐303/GSH reduced infectivity to levels in accordance with those recognized by FDA as suitable to replace testing for all agents evaluated. If PRT replaced deferrals resulting from health history questions and/or NAT for WNV, Babesia, Plasmodium, and T. cruzi, 27,758 ARC donors could be retained allowing approximately 50,000 additional donations/year based on 1.79 donations/donor for calendar year 2019 (extrapolated to an estimated 125,000 additional donations nationally).

Conclusion

Pathogen loads in donations from US blood donors demonstrated that robust PRT may provide an opportunity to replace deferrals associated with donor questioning and NAT for vector‐borne agents allowing for significant donor retention and likely increased blood availability.
ADAPTIVE MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROLLER FOR TRAJECTORY TRACKING AND OBSTACLE AVOIDANCE ON AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE
Authors: Ali Leman Zulkarnain , Mohammad Ariff Mohd Hatta , Zamzuri Hairi , Abdul Rahman Mohd Azizi , Mazlan Saiful Amri , Bahiuddin Irfan , Yakub Fitri
Published: June 2022

Advancement in active steering technology is vital as the autonomous vehicle technology is preparing to enter the commercialization phase. Accurate trajectory tracking and collision free motion have become an active topic being discussed in research field recently. During an emergency obstacle avoidance manoeuvre conditions, tyre force saturation can easily happened when availability of lateral tyre forces is limited by the law of tyre friction circle. This greatly affects the trajectory tracking performance of the vehicle. Existing controllers such as generic model predictive controller (MPC) and geometric controller (Stanley) need a proper gain tuning to cope with this condition. This is due to the control gains were determined by trial and error basis via linearization process at a certain targeted speed. Therefore, the control performance is limited considering the presence of speed variation as well as extreme manoeuvre trajectory. This paper proposes an Adaptive Model Predictive Controller (MPC) controller to solve aforementioned issues.  First, optimized weighting gains for the steering control were obtained using PSO algorithm. The optimised weighting gains were then scheduled into the proposed Model predictive Controller via a look-up table strategy. In this work, the proposed adaptive MPC controller was designed by using the linearization of the 7 degree-of-freedom (DOF) non-linear vehicle model. Here, the linearized model for controller design was update based on the instantaneous longitudinal speed of the vehicle system plant.
POTENCY OF Areca catechu FLESH EXTRACT IN INHIBITING SOFT ROT FUNGI OF MELONS AND BANANAS
Authors: Dewi Pramesti , Indriyanti Dyah Rini , Herlina Lina , Gunawan Arvidhea Safira , Lusiana Cindyla Ega
Published: June 2022

Areca fruit (Areca catechu) has traditionally been used as a tooth strengthening and whitener through the habit of “chewing,” in Indonesian culture. In Madura, the use of young areca nuts is an herbal medicine for male virility. Wider utilization has not been performed, even though betel nuts contain bioactive compounds, potentially as antimicrobials. The aim of this research was to obtain evidence for the use of watery extract of betel nuts as a natural ingredient to extend fruits’ shelf life from fungal attacks. The fungus isolated from melon fruit was Meyerozyma sp., and the isolate from banana fruit was Aspergillus sp. Extraction of betel nuts using water as a solvent produces a dark brown concentrated solution. The in vitro antifungal test result showed that the inhibitory activity of areca flesh water extract against fungal isolates was still lower than that of 0.2% ketoconazole. The in vivo test results on “Arumanis” mangoes and “Ambon” bananas with Aspergillus sp. from bananas showed that hyphae had not appeared on days 4 and 5 of storage at room temperature 25 oC, respectively. Areca fruit extract can extend the shelf life of the fruit at room temperature.
PHOTOACOUSTIC PHASE ANGLE FOR NONINVASIVE MONITORING OF MICROCIRCULATORY CHANGE IN HUMAN SKIN: A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION
Authors: Chua Hui Ling , Huong Audrey
Published: June 2022

Measurement using the currently available tissue oxygen monitoring systems, such as pulse oximeter, is unreliable in patients with compromised microcirculation. Others offer high diagnostic accuracy, but are complicated and expensive in their operation. This paper is motivated to study the use of photoacoustic (PA) phase change as a predictor of skin tissue oxygen levels. This work used EPOCH 650 ultrasonic flaw detector with a longitudinal transducer and a red laser light of wavelength 633 nm for measurement of PA signals. This pilot study was conducted on a group of four human subjects. The pressure waves were collected from their anterior left arm under three experimental conditions, namely at rest, venous and arterial blood flow occlusions, for extraction of hemoglobin absorption dependent phase information.
OPTIMIZATION AND VERIFICATION OF DOUBLE LAYER BEAM SHAPING ASSEMBLY (DLBSA) FOR EPITHERMAL NEUTRON GENERATION
Authors: Bilalodin Bilalodin , Haryadi Aris , Sari Kartika , Wihantoro Wihantoro
Published: June 2022

The designs of Beam Shaping Assembly (BSA) for moderating fast neutron into epithermal neutron have been conducted. Some BSA models that are previously developed are still having problems in generating epithermal neutron. Instead, we propose designs of double layer beam shaping assembly (DLBSA) to produce epithermal neutron. Optimization of the Double Layer Beam Shaping Assembly (DLBSA) design was carried out using the genetic algorithm (AG) method using MCNPX and verified using the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (PHITS). The optimization resulted in four configurations up to the 21st generation capable of producing epithermal neutron beams that comply with the IAEA standards. The best four configurations are obtained by combining: (1) Al with one of the CaF2, BiF3 or PbF2 materials as moderator, (2) Pb with Pb, Ni, or Bi as a reflector, (3) Ni with FeC, or C as collimator, (4) (FeC + LiF) as fast neutron filter, Cd or B4C as thermal neutron filter. Verification of the four optimum configurations of the DLBSA model using PHITS code shows that the epithermal neutron beam produced by DLBSA has met the IAEA standards.
Artificial Intelligence in Wind Energy
Authors: Hu Weifei
Published: June 2022

Despite the increasing development of wind energy (WE) which has notably become the leading renewable energy now, there are still persistent barriers to wider implementation related to technology, cost, and environmental and social impacts, e.g., super large-scale (≥10 megawatt) wind turbine (WT) technology, WT deployment at low wind speed and/or residential-closed areas, and offshore wind farm under severe wind-wave conditions. As one of the emerging technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) could take some of these challenges and assist in achieving the goal of further lowering the levelized cost of energy from wind. Recently AI has been tremendously investigated in an extremely wide range from financial data analytics and industrial production design to novel biometric and forensic applications and various renewable energy development. This chapter provides the fundamental introduction of four categories of state-of-the-art AI methods including (i) neural learning methods, (ii) statistical learning methods, (iii) evolutionary learning methods, and (iv) hybrid learning methods in a lucid way, then carry out a comprehensive survey of various AI methods used in WE including (i) wind speed prediction, (ii) wind power estimation, (iii) WT design and optimization, and (iv) WT condition monitoring.
Two step synthesis of ultrathin transition metal tellurides
Authors: Snure Michael , Motala Michael J. , Prusnick Timothy A. , Smith Evan M. , Moore David , Muratore Christopher , Vangala Shivashankar R. , Glavin Nicholas R.
Published: June 2022

Transition metal tellurides (TMTs) are an exciting group of two-dimensional materials with a wide variety of polytypes and properties. Here, we demonstrate a simple and versatile two-step method for producing MoTe2, WTe2, and PtTe2 films via tellurization of thin metals at temperatures between 400 and 700 °C. Across this temperature range, monoclinic 1T′ phase of MoTe2, orthorhombic Td phase of WTe2, and hexagonal 2H phase of PtTe2 were formed. Based on x-ray diffraction and Raman analysis, temperatures greater than 600 °C were found to produce the best quality MoTe2 and WTe2. In contrast, lower temperatures (400 °C) were preferred for PtTe2, which becomes discontinuous and eventually decomposes above 650 °C. The presence of H2 in the tellurization process was critical to facilitate the formation of H2Te, which is known to be more reactive than Te vapor. In the absence of H2, neither MoTe2 nor WTe2 formed, and although PtTe2 was formed under pure N2, the crystal quality was significantly reduced. Temperature-dependent resistivity (ρ) measurements were performed on the best quality TMT films revealing all films to be highly conductive. MoTe2 showed metallic behavior up to 205 K where it underwent a phase transition from the semimetallic Td to semiconducting 1T′ phase. WTe2 exhibited a consistent semiconducting behavior with a small positive increase in ρ with decreasing temperature, and PtTe2 showed a metallic dependence from 10 K up to room temperature. Spectroscopic ellipsometry for TMT films provides complex optical constants n and k from ultraviolet to infrared.
Robust underwater direction-of-arrival tracking with uncertain environmental disturbances using a uniform circular hydrophone array
Authors: Zhang Boxuan , Hou Xianghao , Yang Yixin
Published: June 2022

Underwater direction-of-arrival (DOA) tracking using a hydrophone array is an important research subject in passive sonar signal processing. In this study, considering that an unknown underwater environment results in uncertain disturbances to the measurements, robust underwater DOA tracking with regard to uncertain environmental disturbances was studied. Because the uniform circular array (UCA) is free from the port and starboard ambiguity problem, a UCA was used to obtain the measurements for a long-time tracking scenario. First, a kinematic model of an underwater target and a measurement model based on the received signal of the UCA were established. Then, a DOA tracking algorithm was derived based on the extended Kalman filter (EKF), whose performance is significantly affected by the accuracy of the measurement noise covariance matrix (MNCM). Finally, considering that uncertain disturbances carry out unstable measurement noise, the modified Sage–Husa algorithm was used to obtain accurate MNCMs during the process of the derived EKF-based DOA tracking algorithm. Thus, a robust DOA tracking method with uncertain environmental disturbances using a UCA was proposed. The accuracy and reliability of the suggested method was verified via Monte Carlo simulations of a DOA tracking scenario and an experiment in the South China Sea in July 2021.
An Analysis of Identity Conflict Among Health-Conscious Sport Fans
Authors: Mansfield Aaron C. , Melton E. Nicole , Katz Matthew
Published: June 2022

Scholars have begun to explore the interplay between the multiple identities within a sport fan’s salience hierarchy, noting fandom may compete with other central roles. Researchers have also recently emphasized well-being outcomes for fans, with increasing focus on physical health. Though sport consumer behavior and health consciousness have concurrently emerged, the social psychological connection between the two is unclear. Thus, we aim to clarify this relationship. We leverage an emerging quantitative approach: polynomial regression and response surface methodology. Our findings indicate individuals who value both fandom and health consciousness (i.e., demonstrate high fan identity and health consciousness congruence) experience identity conflict, with men reporting higher levels of identity conflict than women. Thus, we contribute to literature on the potential negative sides (or challenges) of fan identity. The food and sedentarism common to fan culture appear to prompt psychological turmoil for health-conscious individuals. Fan identity may naturally integrate with other social roles, yet our results indicate fandom and health consciousness are often viewed in conflict.
Use of Quartz Sand Columns to Study Far-Red Light Photoacclimation (FaRLiP) in Cyanobacteria
Authors: Nien Ting-Shuo , Bryant Donald A. , Ho Ming-Yang
Published: June 2022

This study uses sand columns to establish a terrestrial model system for the investigation of the distribution and acclimation of cyanobacteria to far-red light. Previous studies of this group of cyanobacteria required direct
in situ
samplings.
Microbiome Analysis for Wastewater Surveillance during COVID-19
Authors: Brumfield Kyle D. , Leddy Menu , Usmani Moiz , Cotruvo Joseph A. , Tien Ching-Tzone , Dorsey Suzanne , Graubics Karlis , Fanelli Brian , Zhou Isaac , Registe Nathaniel , Dadlani Manoj , Wimalarante Malinda , Jinasena Dilini , Abayagunawardena Rushan , Withanachchi Chiran , Huq Anwar , Jutla Antarpreet , Colwell Rita R.
Published: June 2022

Traditionally, testing for COVID-19 is done by detecting SARS-CoV-2 in samples collected from nasal swabs and/or saliva. However, SARS-CoV-2 can also be detected in feces of infected individuals.
A Ubiquitously Conserved Cyanobacterial Protein Phosphatase Essential for High Light Tolerance in a Fast-Growing Cyanobacterium
Authors: Walker Patricia L. , Pakrasi Himadri B.
Published: June 2022

Cyanobacteria are a diverse group of photosynthetic prokaryotes. The cyanobacterium
Synechococcus
2973 is a high light tolerant strain with industrial promise due to its fast growth under high light conditions and the availability of genetic modification tools.
Compositional and diagenetic control of bed- to formational-scale deformation in siliceous sedimentary rocks, Santa Maria Basin, California
Authors: Wirtz* Yannick , Behl Richard J.
Published: June 2022

Rock properties play a critical role in dictating styles of deformation at all spatial scales, yet the effect of changes across and within diagenetic transition zones has been little studied, despite profound impact on resulting mechanical stratigraphy. Our analysis of the variation of fold strain at map scale and outcrop scale of the highly siliceous Monterey and Sisquoc Formations in the southern Santa Maria Basin, California, provides insight into the interplay among deformation, diagenesis, and rock composition. Diagenetic modification of these rocks has created intervals with high interstratal and interformational contrasts in competence. Map-scale analysis showed large variation in fold strain within the same area, with shortening values ranging from 5.5% to 21.1% between siliceous formations of different diagenetic grade and competence. Apparent shortening in the competent, diagenetically altered, thinly bedded Monterey Formation is twice as high as that in the overlying highly porous, diatomaceous, more massive Sisquoc Formation. The large difference in measurable apparent shortening suggests that the same amount of actual strain was chiefly accommodated by folding in the Monterey Formation versus horizontal compaction in the Sisquoc Formation, since there is no evidence of a detachment between the units. Strain analysis at outcrop scale provided insight into the ways in which both units express such different shortening ratios without having an unconformity or detachment fault between them.