bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pleuraerkrankungen
Authors: Antoniewicz L. , Hoda M. A. , Gompelmann D.
Published: June 2022

Pleuraerkrankungen bieten ein weites Spektrum an Differenzialdiagnosen. Häufigstes Symptom ist der Pleuraerguss, der zur Luftnot führen kann. Neben der initialen bildgebenden Diagnostik mittels Röntgen, Sonographie des Thorax sowie Computertomographie ist die Pleurapunktion einer der wichtigsten diagnostischen Schritte. Dabei kann die Unterscheidung in ein Trans- und ein Exsudat Hinweise auf die zugrunde liegende Pleuraerkrankung geben. So sind Transsudate beispielsweise bei Dekompensation einer Herz‑, Leber- oder Niereninsuffizienz vorzufinden, Exsudate hingegen oft Ausdruck infektiöser oder maligner Erkrankungen. Eine zytologische Aufarbeitung kann v. a. bei malignen Prozessen den entscheidenden Hinweis geben. Ergibt sich kein richtungsweisender Befund, muss eine bioptisch-histologische Untersuchung der Pleura über eine Punktion oder Thorakoskopie erfolgen. Auch der Pneumothorax, bei dem es zur Luftansammlung in der Pleurahöhle kommt, gehört zu den Pleuraerkrankungen.
On the Discursive Construction of Social Entrepreneurship in Pitch Situations: The Intertextual Reproduction of Business and Social Discourse by Presenters and Their Audience
Authors: Kreutzer Karin
Published: June 2022

This study explores the discourse of social entrepreneurs and their audiences in pitch situations. Adopting a practice perspective on social entrepreneurship, we videotaped 49 pitches by social entrepreneurs at five different events in two incubators in Germany and Switzerland. Our analysis of the start-ups’ pitches and the audience’s questions and comments as well as of interview data elucidates the nuances of social and business discourse that social entrepreneurs and their audiences draw upon. Our analysis shows how many social entrepreneurs mobilize a discursive repertoire that is familiar to their business-oriented audience while others predominantly draw on a social discourse. We identify separating, mixing, and combining as key strategies that allow social entrepreneurs to dance between the two. We discuss how the intertextual reproduction of concepts, objects, and subject positions contains both enabling and constraining elements, which results in an ethical dilemma for social entrepreneurs: Should they re-package their social impact story in a business discourse to connect with their audience?
Uncomfortable Memories and Non-Heritages: The Archaeology of Counter-Revolution and the Carlist Wars in the Basque Country
Authors: Tejerizo-García Carlos , Quirós Castillo Juan Antonio
Published: June 2022

The development of historical archaeology in the Iberian Peninsula has opened new and stimulating avenues of research into its most recent times. One of these has been the archaeology of the Carlist Wars, a series of nineteenth-century conflicts related to the overarching process of the emergence of liberal governments in Europe and, contemporarily, of counter-revolutionary movements. This paper will describe recent excavations at Carlist sites in the southern part of the Basque Country in order to tackle two interrelated questions: the limits and possibilities of a Carlist archaeology and the close connection of the specific materialities of these events and the politics of memory surrounding them. It is argued that the Carlist War materiality has not been considered in the process of the construction of the Basque heritage because these conflicts are not introduced into the legitimating narratives of the failed-state formation project of the Basque identity.
Inhibition of the 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase—hydrogen sulfide system promotes cellular lipid accumulation
Authors: Casili Giovanna , Randi Elisa , Panagaki Theodora , Zuhra Karim , Petrosino Maria , Szabo Csaba
Published: June 2022

H2S is generated in the adipose tissue by cystathionine γ-lyase, cystathionine β-synthase, and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST). H2S plays multiple roles in the regulation of various metabolic processes, including insulin resistance. H2S biosynthesis also occurs in adipocytes. Aging is known to be associated with a decline in H2S. Therefore, the question arises whether endogenous H2S deficiency may affect the process of adipocyte maturation and lipid accumulation. Among the three H2S-generating enzymes, the role of 3-MST is the least understood in adipocytes. Here we tested the effect of the 3-MST inhibitor 2-[(4-hydroxy-6-methylpyrimidin-2-yl)sulfanyl]-1-(naphthalen-1-yl)ethan-1-one (HMPSNE) and the H2S donor (GYY4137) on the differentiation and adipogenesis of the adipocyte-like cells 3T3-L1 in vitro. 3T3-L1 cells were differentiated into mature adipocytes in the presence of GYY4137 or HMPSNE. HMPSNE significantly enhanced lipid accumulation into the maturing adipocytes. On the other hand, suppressed lipid accumulation was observed in cells treated with the H2S donor. 3-MST inhibition increased, while H2S donation suppressed the expression of various H2S-producing enzymes during adipocyte differentiation. 3-MST knockdown also facilitated adipocytic differentiation and lipid uptake. The underlying mechanisms may involve impairment of oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid oxidation as well as the activation of various differentiation-associated transcription factors. Thus, the 3-MST/H2S system plays a tonic role in suppressing lipid accumulation and limiting the differentiation of adipocytes. Stimulation of 3-MST activity or supplementation of H2S—which has been recently linked to various experimental therapeutic approaches during aging—may be a potential experimental approach to counteract adipogenesis.
Should We Take Up the Slack?: Reflections on Non-ideal Theory in Ethics
Authors: Fukuma Satoshi
Published: June 2022

This article asks whether (and how) our moral duties are created by others’ non-compliance and whether we should fulfill them or not. For example, do we need to donate more of our income to eradicate world poverty because billionaires do not donate? If so, how much should we donate? In short, should we make up for others’ defaulting on their moral duties – and if so, how and to what extent? Such situations are called non-ideal circumstances in political philosophy. With the increasing importance of non-ideal theories of justice and ethics, the question of how we should act in non-ideal situations has received more attention in the ethics literature in recent years. This article poses and addresses the question of whether we should take up the slack when others do not comply with their own moral duty. This article examines how consequentialism and contractualism might respond to non-ideal situations of taking up the slack and then defends a contractualist-constructivist approach to dealing with these situations.
Creative intention and persistence in educational robotic
Authors: Leroy Anaïs , Romero Margarida
Published: June 2022

When participants engage twice in the same creative problem-solving task with educational robots, they have the possibility to repeat the same solution, allowing them to complete the task faster, or to show a creative intention and behavior, engaging them in developing a new solution. In this study, we aim to analyze the creative process considering the creative intention and the persistence in the creative process. For this purpose, we engaged 115 adults to perform twice the same problem-solving task using modular robotic cubes without specific instruction concerning the way to solve the task the second time. Creative intention is observed when the participant tests a new solution in the beginning of the second realization of the task, creative persistence behavior is show when participant stay engaged in a new plan although it requires time and efforts. Results show that participants’ effective creative solution is related to their creative intention and the time engaged in the second occurrence of the educational robotic task (assessing the creative behavior persistence). These results suggest that the creative process leading to an effective creative solution in a repeated task requires an initial creative intention, but also a higher creative behavior persistence than engaging in a conservative behavior.
Excess Mortality during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Cities of Chile: Magnitude, Inequalities, and Urban Determinants
Authors: Alfaro Tania , Martinez-Folgar Kevin , Vives Alejandra , Bilal Usama
Published: June 2022

We estimated excess mortality in Chilean cities during the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with city-level factors. We used mortality, and social and built environment data from the SALURBAL study for 21 Chilean cities, composed of 81 municipalities or “comunas”, grouped in 4 macroregions. We estimated excess mortality by comparing deaths from January 2020 up to June 2021 vs 2016–2019, using a generalized additive model. We estimated a total of 21,699 (95%CI 21,693 to 21,704) excess deaths across the 21 cities. Overall relative excess mortality was highest in the Metropolitan (Santiago) and the North regions (28.9% and 22.2%, respectively), followed by the South and Center regions (17.6% and 14.1%). At the city-level, the highest relative excess mortality was found in the Northern cities of Calama and Iquique (around 40%). Cities with higher residential overcrowding had higher excess mortality. In Santiago, capital of Chile, municipalities with higher educational attainment had lower relative excess mortality. These results provide insight into the heterogeneous impact of COVID-19 in Chile, which has served as a magnifier of preexisting urban health inequalities, exhibiting different impacts between and within cities. Delving into these findings could help prioritize strategies addressed to prevent deaths in more vulnerable communities.
Defect Engineering in MBE-Grown CdTe Buffer Layers on GaAs (211)B Substrates
Authors: Pan W. W. , Gu R. J. , Zhang Z. K. , Lei W. , Umana-Membreno G. A. , Smith D. J. , Antoszewski J. , Faraone L.
Published: June 2022

Demand for high-performance HgCdTe infrared detectors with larger array size and lower cost has fuelled the heteroepitaxial growth of HgCdTe on CdTe buffer layers on lattice-mismatched alternative substrates such as Si, Ge, GaAs and GaSb. However, the resulting high threading dislocation (TD) density in HgCdTe/CdTe limits their ultimate application. Herein, strained CdZnTe/CdTe superlattice layers have been used as dislocation filtering layers (DFL) to reduce the TDs in CdTe buffer layers grown on GaAs (211)B substrates (14.4% lattice-mismatch) by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Cross-sectional microstructure characterization indicates that the DFLs suppress the propagation of TDs. For optimal Zn content combined with thermal annealing, the DFLs effectively reduce the defect density of the upper-most CdTe layer from low-107 cm−2 to the critical level of below 106 cm−2. In comparison to conventional buffer CdTe layers, the in-plane lattice of the CdTe layers in/near the DFL region is compressively strained, leading to a spread in x-ray double-crystal rocking curve full-width at half-maximum values but better in-plane lattice-matching with HgCdTe. The combined advantages of lower dislocation density and better lattice-matching with HgCdTe indicate that the DFL approach is a promising path towards achieving heteroepitaxy of high-quality HgCdTe on large-area lattice-mismatched substrates for fabricating next-generation infrared detectors.
Myiasis by Cordylobia anthropophaga (Calliphoridae) in rodents from Cape Verde
Authors: Fernández-Alvarez Ángela , Sánchez-Vicente Santiago , Feliu Carlos , Valladares Basilio , Miquel Jordi , Alves Joana , Melero-Alcíbar Rosario , Foronda Pilar
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The tumbu fly, Cordylobia anthropophaga (Diptera: Calliphoridae), is widely distributed in continental tropical and subtropical Africa, being the most common cause of furuncular myiasis in Sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of the present work was to analyze the role of rodents as possible reservoirs of C. anthropophaga in Cape Verde, considering the zoonotic character of this fly species.

Materials and Methods

A total of 150 peridomestic rodents were studied in Santiago island. For the obtained larvae, morphological and molecular characters were analyzed.

Results

Cordylobia anthropophaga was found in 6.4% of the peridomestic Rattus rattus analyzed. The present work unveils the presence of C. anthropophaga in rodents of the African archipelago of Cape Verde, introduced probably with West African humans and/or animals.

Conclusion

The presence in peridomestic animals, and the wide range of species that this fly can affect, entails a zoonotic risk of myiasis by tumbu fly.
Prevalence and clinical significance of point of care elevated lactate at emergency admission in older patients: a prospective study
Authors: Gosselin Mélanie , Mabire Cédric , Pasquier Mathieu , Carron Pierre-Nicolas , Hugli Olivier , Ageron Françcois-Xavier , Dami Fabrice
Published: June 2022

Objective

Patients who are over 65 years old represent up to 24% of emergency department (ED) admissions. They are at increased risk of under-triage due to impaired physiological responses. The primary objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of elevated lactate by point of care testing (POCT) in this population. The secondary objective was to assess the additional value of lactate level in predicting an early poor outcome, as compared to and combined with common clinical scores and triage scales.

Methods

This monocentric prospective study recruited ED patients who were over 65 years old between July 19th 2019 and June 17th 2020. Patients consulting for seizures or needing immediate assessment were excluded. POCT lactates were considered elevated if ≥ 2.5 mmol/L. A poor outcome was defined based on certain complications or therapeutic decisions.

Results

In total, 602 patients were included; 163 (27.1%) had elevated lactate and 44 (7.3%) had a poor outcome. There was no association between poor outcome and lactate level. Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) was significantly associated with poor outcome, alongside National Early Warning Score (NEWS). Logistic regression also associated lactate level combined with MEWS and poor outcome.

Conclusion

The prevalence of elevated lactate was 27.1%. Lactate level alone or combined with different triage scales or clinical scores such as MEWS, NEWS and qSOFA was not associated with prediction of a poor outcome. MEWS alone performed best in predicting poor outcome. The usefulness of POCT lactate measurement at triage is questionable in the population of 65 and above.
Learning-based low-rank denoising
Authors: Cammarasana Simone , Patane Giuseppe
Published: June 2022

The denoising of 2D images through low-rank methods is a relevant topic in digital image processing. This paper proposes a novel method that trains a learning network to predict the optimal thresholds of the singular value decomposition involved in the low-rank denoising of 2D images. To improve the denoising results, we apply the block-matching algorithm and classify each 3D block according to four parameters, which increase the specificity of the network for the prediction of the thresholds. Our method outperforms state-of-the-art methods for image denoising; furthermore, it is general with respect to the type of noise and provides an upper bound to the accuracy of the denoising of 2D images through the Singular Value Decomposition.
Types of usual sources of care and their association with healthcare outcomes among cancer survivors: a Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) study
Authors: Pandit Ambrish A. , Li Chenghui
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To assess associations between usual source of care (USC) type and health status, healthcare access, utilization, and expenses among adult cancer survivors.

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional analysis using 2013–2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey included 2690 observations representing 31,953,477 adult cancer survivors who were currently experiencing cancer and reporting one of five USC types: solo practicing physician (SPP), a specific person in a non-hospital facility, a specific person in a hospital-based facility, a non-hospital facility, and a hospital-based facility. We used logistic regressions and generalized linear models to determine associations of USC type with health status, healthcare access, utilization, and expenses, adjusting for patient demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results

All non-SPP USC types were associated with reporting more difficulties contacting USC by telephone during business hours (p < 0.05). Compared to SPP, non-hospital facility was associated with more difficulty getting needed prescriptions (OR: 1.81, p = 0.036) and higher annual expenses ($5225, p = 0.028), and hospital-based facility was associated with longer travel time (OR: 1.61, p = 048), more ED visits (0.13, p = 0.049), higher expenses ($6028, p = 0.014), and worse self-reported health status (OR: 1.93, p = 0.001), although both were more likely to open on nights/weekends (p < 0.05). Cancer survivors with a specific person in a hospital-based facility (vs. SPP) as USC were > twofold as likely (p < 0.05) to report difficulty getting needed prescriptions and contacting USC afterhours.

Conclusions

Among adult cancer survivors who were currently experiencing cancer, having a non-SPP type of UCS was associated with reporting more difficulties accessing care, worse health, more ED visits, and higher total expenses.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Transitioning to SPP type of USC may result in better healthcare outcomes.
Effect of Sous vide Processing on Quality Parameters of Beef Short Ribs and Optimisation of Sous vide Time and Temperature Using Third-Order Multiple Regression
Authors: Karki Roman , Bremer Phil , Silcock Patrick , Oey Indrawati
Published: June 2022

The aim of this research was to study the effect of sous vide temperature (60, 65, and 70 °C) and time (12, 24, and 36 h) combination on the quality of beef short ribs, namely colour, cooking loss (%), shrinkage (%), soluble collagen (%), myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI), Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF), and Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) parameters with different packaging materials. Aluminium and polyethylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol, and polyamide plastic laminate pouch were recommended for sous vide processing due to no detrimental effect on colour owing to its low oxygen permeability. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in shrinkage in volume (%), cooking loss (%), and the proportion of soluble collagen (%) and MFI when sous vide temperature and the processing time were increased to 70 °C and 36 h. WBSF and the TPA hardness value were significantly lower (p < 0.05) at 70 °C than at 60 °C both for 36 h due to higher level of solubilisation of collagen and myofibrillar fragmentation by prolonged heating in the moist in-pack environment and overpressure created by saturated steam. As the use of a laminate pouch reduced the oxidation of red myoglobin to brown metmyoglobin, the effect of sous vide temperature and time on International Commission on Illumination (CIE) hue angle and Chroma was not significant. Process optimisation using third-order multiple regression was conducted and the results revealed that optimum sous vide processing temperature and time combination for beef short ribs were 60 °C and 34.06 h.
Celsr3 Inactivation in the Brainstem Impairs Rubrospinal Tract Development and Mouse Behaviors in Motor Coordination and Mechanic-Induced Response
Authors: Chen Boli , Li Fuxiang , Jia Bin , So Kwok-Fai , Wei Ji-An , Liu Yuchu , Qu Yibo , Zhou Libing
Published: June 2022

Inactivation of Celsr3 in the forebrain results in defects of longitudinal axonal tracts such as the corticospinal tract. In this study, we inactivated Celsr3 in the brainstem using En1-Cre mice (Celsr3 cKO) and analyzed axonal and behavioral phenotypes. Celsr3 cKO animals showed an 83% reduction of rubrospinal axons and 30% decrease of corticospinal axons in spinal segments, associated with increased branching of dopaminergic fibers in the ventral horn. Decreases of spinal motoneurons, neuromuscular junctions, and electromyographic signal amplitude of the biceps were also found in mutant animals. Mutant mice had impaired motor coordination and defective response to heavy mechanical stimulation, but no disability in walking and food pellet handling. Transsynaptic tracing demonstrated that rubrospinal axons synapse on spinal neurons in the deep layer of the dorsal horn, and mechanical stimulation of hindpaws induced strong calcium signal of red nuclei in control mice, which was less prominent in mutant mice. In conclusion, Celsr3 regulates development of spinal descending axons and the motor network in cell and non-cell autonomous manners, and the maturation of the rubrospinal system is required for motor coordination and response to mechanical stimulation.
Vygotsky’s, Leontiev’s and Engeström’s Cultural-Historical (Activity) Theories: Overview, Clarifications and Implications
Authors: Cong-Lem Ngo
Published: June 2022

At the social turn in education, Vygotsky’s cultural-historical/sociocultural theory (VST) has become particularly influential. There are other cultural-historical traditions associated with VST, including Leontiev’s and Engeström’s versions of cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT). These approaches are frequently conflated, resulting in confusion that can be consequential in interpreting educational research findings. Unravelling these frameworks is thus an important and urgent task. In addressing this gap, the paper first provides an overview of the origins and fundamental tenets of these cultural-historical perspectives, followed by a critical evaluation of and comparison among them. Implications for utilising these cultural-historical traditions are discussed.
Prior Learning Assessment of Immigrants Competences—a Systematic Review
Authors: Klages Britta , Mustafa Lea Sophie
Published: June 2022

Abstract

As immigration increases around the globe, the assessment and recognition of prior learning experiences become inevitable to incorporate foreign-trained professionals. However, even though Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is claimed to be a source of social inclusion, it encourages a dividing practice—potentially building more barriers than bridges. This systematic review analyzes the practice of PLAR in the case of recent immigrants using 39 articles published between 1990 and 2020. The research reviewed was primarily conducted in Canada and Sweden, followed by other European countries. The systematic review synthesizes the context in which PLAR is used, the difficulties encountered during the process, and the impact of the process. By doing so, it pinpoints a new baseline for future innovative research. The analysis focuses on three identified difficulties: (1) language influence, (2) labour market demands, and (3) systemic limitations. The findings raise the question whether PLAR is an appropriate tool for the assessment of immigrants’ prior learning, as the plurality in knowledge and education is not valued during the process. Therefore, overall systemic change is needed to enable social inclusion.
A Thiazole-Based Polymer Donor for Efficient Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Ye , Yao Huifeng , Zhang Tao , Ma Lijiao , Hou Jianhui
Published: June 2022

The development of new materials plays a critical role in improving the efficiency of organic solar cells (OSCs). At present, the relatively high-lying highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level of the high-efficiency polymer donor is regarded as one of the main reasons for the low open-circuit voltage (Voc). In this work, we introduced the strong electron-withdrawing thiazole unit into the construction of a polymer donor. We designed and prepared an alternating donor–acceptor material, namely PSZ, by copolymerizing 4-methyl thiazole with an electron-donating benzodithiophene unit and studied its application in high-efficiency OSCs. The optical and electrical properties of the new material were characterized by UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy and electrochemical cyclic voltammetry. Results show that PSZ is a typical wide-bandgap material with a high optical bandgap of 2.0 eV and a deep HOMO level of − 5.70 eV. When a non-fullerene BTP-eC9 was selected as the acceptor material, Voc reached 0.88 V in the resulting device, and the corresponding power conversion efficiency (PCE) was 8.15%. In addition, when PSZ was added as the third component to the binary photoactive combination with PBDB-TF as the donor and BTP-eC9 as the acceptor, Voc of the cell device could be increased, thereby obtaining a high PCE of 17.4%. These results indicated that introducing thiazole units into polymer donors can remarkably reduce the HOMO levels and improve Voc and PCE in OSCs.
Long-term survivor of hepatocellular carcinoma treated with repeated carbon ion radiotherapy and transarterial chemoembolization: a case report
Authors: Ohtaka Takeru , Shiba Shintaro , Shibuya Kei , Okazaki Shohei , Miyasaka Yuhei , Tomizawa Kento , Okamoto Masahiko , Ohno Tatsuya
Published: June 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often recurs in the liver and requires multiple rounds of treatment. Thus, less-invasive multidisciplinary approaches are essential for preserving liver function, especially in elderly patients. Here, we report a case of an 86 year-old Japanese male patient with HCC who was successfully treated with repeated carbon ion radiotherapy (C-ion RT) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). The patient had alcoholic liver cirrhosis with a 60 mm HCC lesion and a satellite lesion in segment 6. The patient underwent initial C-ion RT but developed primary tumor recurrence (segment 6) and a new lesion (segment 2) 24 months later. The patient received TACE for each lesion, followed by an increased dose of C-ion RT for the recurrent primary tumor. Although the primary tumor lesion was well controlled, the patient subsequently developed new lesions, and TACE was repeated. The patient died of bacterial pneumonia 88 months after the initial treatment. His general condition and liver function were well preserved, and no severe adverse events were observed throughout the course of treatment. These results suggest that a less-invasive multidisciplinary approach involving repeated C-ion RT combined with TACE enables preservation of liver function, which may contribute to long-term survival in elderly patients with HCC.
Impact of the Error Structure on the Design and Analysis of Enzyme Kinetic Models
Authors: Yousefi Elham , Müller Werner G.
Published: June 2022

The statistical analysis of enzyme kinetic reactions usually involves models of the response functions which are well defined on the basis of Michaelis–Menten type equations. The error structure, however, is often without good reason assumed as additive Gaussian noise. This simple assumption may lead to undesired properties of the analysis, particularly when simulations are involved and consequently negative simulated reaction rates may occur. In this study, we investigate the effect of assuming multiplicative log normal errors instead. While there is typically little impact on the estimates, the experimental designs and their efficiencies are decisively affected, particularly when it comes to model discrimination problems.
The effect of ENSO on common bean production in Colombia: a time series approach
Authors: Botero Hernan , Barnes Andrew P.
Published: June 2022

The common bean is an important staple food in Colombia with diverse nutritional content and environmental benefits. The most important climatic risk confronted by common bean production in Colombia is El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) since its two extreme phases —El Niño and La Niña— increase the intensity and variety of abiotic and biotic stresses in the region. Using information from the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) for the period 1991–2018, we test whether pre-2030 ENSO has had a negative impact on common bean production in Colombia using a Prais–Winsten regression model. We find that common beans’ yields have been negatively affected by El Niño, but not by La Niña. Moreover, short-run ENSO-induced deviations in the growth rate of precipitation with respect to its long-run value reduce yields and increase farmers’ income from common bean production. These results have two important implications. From a modelling standpoint, we find that precipitation has a non-linear relationship with yields and incomes, implying that second-order effects should be incorporated in any analysis of the effects of climatic variables on agricultural production. From a policy perspective, our results suggest a need for countercyclical polices to counteract price spikes of common beans in the Colombian market since, when they occur, they tend to over-compensate the reduction in yields, which reduce common bean consumers’ purchasing power and food security.
Suppressed Upwelling Events in the Seychelles–Chagos Thermocline Ridge of the Southwestern Tropical Indian Ocean
Authors: Lee Eunsun , Kim Chanmi , Na Hanna
Published: June 2022

A prominent subsurface upwelling over the Seychelles–Chagos Thermocline Ridge (SCTR) in the southwestern tropical Indian Ocean is suppressed when downwelling Rossby waves propagate from the eastern Indian Ocean during the positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) or El Niño periods. Recent studies have suggested that the upwelling can be further suppressed during the co-occurrence years of positive IOD and El Niño, associated with the strong easterly wind anomalies in the eastern Indian Ocean. This study examines the temporal variations in the SCTR upwelling strength during 1968–2017, identifies strong upwelling suppression events, and analyzes their characteristics by focusing on the role of both remote and local wind forcing, not limited to the remote influence linked to the IOD and the El Niño Southern Oscillation. A total of nine events were identified for the 50-year period, with seven of them occurring 3–6 months after the co-occurring peaks of positive IOD and El Niño in the eastern Indian Ocean. However, only IOD exhibited a positive phase before the 2011–2012 suppression event associated with the downwelling-favorable anticlockwise local wind anomalies in the SCTR. Moreover, the 1978–1979 suppression event was primarily caused by the strong anticlockwise wind anomalies in the SCTR, without any significant influence of the positive IOD or El Niño. The results suggest that the role of local winds, as well as the remote forcing, are significant in the upwelling suppression over the SCTR, which would contribute to understanding the potential predictability of the upwelling variations.
Multisite assessment of the impact of a prenatal testing educational App on patient knowledge and preparedness for prenatal testing decision making
Authors: Winters Patricia , Curnow Kirsten J. , Benachi Alexandra , Gil Maria Mar , Santacruz Belen , Nishiyama Miyuki , Hasegawa Fuyuki , Sago Haruhiko
Published: June 2022

In this study, we wanted to assess the impact of the use of a patient educational app on patient knowledge about noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and preparedness for prenatal screening decision-making. A randomized control study was carried out at three international sites between January 2019 and October 2020. Study participants completed a pre-consultation survey and post-consultation survey to assess knowledge, satisfaction, and preparedness for prenatal screening consultation. Providers completed a post-consultation survey. In the control arm, the pre-consultation survey was completed prior to consultation with their prenatal care provider. In the intervention arm, the pre-consultation survey was completed after using the app but prior to consultation with their prenatal care provider. Mean knowledge scores in the 203 participants using the app were significantly higher pre-consultation (p < 0.001) and post-consultation (p < 0.005) than those not using the app. Higher pre-consultation knowledge scores in the intervention group were observed at all sites. Most (86%) app users stated they were “Satisfied” or “Very Satisfied” with it as a tool. Providers rated the intervention group as more prepared than controls (p = 0.027); provider assessment of knowledge was not significantly different (p = 0.073). This study shows that clinical implementation of a patient educational app in a real-world setting was feasible, acceptable to pregnant people, and positively impacted patient knowledge.
Expecting some action: Predictive Processing and the construction of conscious experience
Authors: Nave Kathryn , Deane George , Miller Mark , Clark Andy
Published: June 2022

Predictive processing has begun to offer new insights into the nature of conscious experience—but the link is not straightforward. A wide variety of systems may be described as predictive machines, raising the question: what differentiates those for which it makes sense to talk about conscious experience? One possible answer lies in the involvement of a higher-order form of prediction error, termed expected free energy. In this paper we explore under what conditions the minimization of this new quantity might underpin conscious experience. Our suggestion is that the minimisation of Expected Free Energy is not in itself sufficient for the occurrence of conscious experience. Instead, it is relevant only insofar as it helps deliver what Ward et al. (2011) have previously described as asense of our own poise over an action space. Perceptual experience, we will argue, is nothing other than the process that puts current actions in contact with goals and intentions, enabling some creatures to know the space of options that their current situation makes available. This proposal fits with recent work suggesting a deep link between conscious contents and contents computed at an ‘intermediate’ level of processing, apt for controlling action.
Risk factors associated with bacteremia in COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care unit: a retrospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Bonazzetti Cecilia , Rinaldi Matteo , Giacomelli Andrea , Colombo Riccardo , Ottolina Davide , Rimoldi Sara Giordana , Pagani Cristina , Morena Valentina , Ridolfo Anna Lisa , Vatamanu Oana , Giacomini Maria Eugenia , Campoli Caterina , Oreni Letizia , Rizzardini Giuliano , Viale Pierluigi , Antinori Spinello , Giannella Maddalena
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This multicenter observational study was done to evaluate risk factors related to the development of BSI in patients admitted to ICU for COVID-19.

Methods

All patients with COVID-19 admitted in two COVID-19 dedicated ICUs in two different hospital between 02–2020 and 02–2021 were recruited.

Result

537 patients were included of whom 265 (49.3%) experienced at least one BSI. Patients who developed bacteremia had a higher SOFA score [10 (8–12) vs 9 (7–10), p < 0.001], had been intubated more frequently [95.8% vs 75%, p < 0.001] and for a median longer time [16 days (9–25) vs 8 days (5–14), p < 0.001]. Patients with BSI had a median longer ICU stay [18 days (12–31.5) vs 9 days (5–15), p < 0.001] and higher mortality [54% vs 42.3%, p < 0.001] than those who did not develop it. Development of BSI resulted in a higher SOFA score [aHR 1.08 (95% CI 1.03–1.12)] and a higher Charlson score [csAHR 1.15 (95% CI 1.05–1.25)].

Conclusion

A high SOFA score and a high Charlson score resulted associated with BSI’s development. Conversely, immunosuppressive therapy like steroids and tocilizumab, has no role in increasing the risk of bacteremia.
An application of the splitting-up method for the computation of a neural network representation for the solution for the filtering equations
Authors: Crisan Dan , Lobbe Alexander , Ortiz-Latorre Salvador
Published: June 2022

The filtering equations govern the evolution of the conditional distribution of a signal process given partial, and possibly noisy, observations arriving sequentially in time. Their numerical approximation plays a central role in many real-life applications, including numerical weather prediction [Llopis et al. (SIAM J Sci Comput 40(3):A1544–A1565, 2018), Galanis et al. (Geophysicae 24(10): 2451–2460, 2006)], finance [Brigo and Hanzon (Insurance Math Econom 22(1):53–64, 1998), Date and Ponomareva (IMA J Manag Math 22(3): 195–211, 2011), Crisan and Rozovskii (The Oxford handbook of nonlinear filtering, 2011)] and engineering [Myötyri et al. (Reliability Eng Syst Saf 91(2):200–208, 2005)]. One of the classical approaches to approximate the solution of the filtering equations is to use a PDE inspired method, called the splitting-up method, initiated by Gyongy, Krylov, LeGland, among other contributors, see e.g., Gyöngy and Krylov (Stochastic inequalities and applications,Progr. Probab.56:301–321, 2003), Le Gland(Stochastic partial differential equations and their applications (Charlotte, NC, 1991),Lect. Notes Control Inf. Sci.176:177–187, 1992). This method, and other PDE based approaches, have particular applicability for solving low-dimensional problems. In this work we combine this method with a neural network representation inspired by [Han et al. (Proc Natl acad Sci 115(34):8505–8510, 2018)]. The new methodology is used to produce an approximation of the unnormalised conditional distribution of the signal process. We further develop a recursive normalisation procedure to recover the normalised conditional distribution of the signal process. The new scheme can be iterated over multiple time steps whilst keeping its asymptotic unbiasedness property intact. We test the neural network approximations with numerical approximation results for the Kalman and Benes filter.
Developing the viscoelastic model and model-based fuzzy controller for the MRE isolator for the wide frequency range vibration isolation
Authors: Kiran Katari , Poojary Umanath R. , Gangadharan K. V.
Published: June 2022

The ability to mitigate the vibrations by a magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) isolator varies with the amplitude of the excitation and the magnetic field. To implement semi-active vibration control, a mathematical model representing the dynamic response over a wide frequency range is crucial. In the present study, an attempt was made to develop a mathematical model for the designed MRE isolator over a wide frequency range under different operating conditions. A model-based fuzzy controller was developed to implement semi-active control attributes over a broadband frequency. The methodology entails that the MRE isolator operating in shear mode was designed. The performance of the isolator was evaluated over a frequency range of 15–80 Hz with varying input currents and excitation amplitudes. The transmissibility response of MRE isolator was mathematically represented using viscoelastic constitutive relations. The isolator system was represented in state-space form, and its parameters were determined by minimizing the mean square error between experimental and model responses. A polynomial function was used to generalize variations in viscoelastic model parameters with respect to the input current. Based on the controller stopping frequency, a relationship was established between the current input to the MRE isolator and the excitation amplitude. Using the mathematical equations, a model-based fuzzy controller was developed and tested in simulation and real-time conditions. The results show that the controller effectively isolates the vibration amplitude at various excitation amplitudes and frequencies.
University education, mismatched jobs: are there gender differences in the drivers of overeducation?
Authors: Boto-García David , Escalonilla Marta
Published: June 2022

This paper studies potential gender differences in overeducation prevalence among recent highly educated entrants to the labour market and in its underlying drivers. Using representative microdata on university graduates in Spain in the academic year 2009/2010 observed in 2014, we analyse whether males and females exhibit distinct overeducation likelihoods, distinguishing between graduates below and above 30 years of age. First, we use matching estimators based on characteristics. Next, we estimate a Heckman probit regression with interactions between the gender indicator and graduates’ characteristics to study differences between males and females in the overeducation drivers. We focus on the effects of pre- and post-graduation mobility, pre- and post-graduation labour experience, on-the-job training, first job search strategies, the field of knowledge, and English language on the probability of being overeducated. We find evidence that males and females do not exhibit different overeducation risks conditional on characteristics. In general, educational credentials that act as signals of human capital are not found to be differently valued by gender.
Analytical Investigations to Estimate Phosphorus Re-dissolution Rates in Trace Levels of Selected Topsoils and River Sediments
Authors: Hellmann Steffen , Kießling Günter , Leiterer Matthias , Schindewolf Marcus , Orme Alice May , von Tümpling Wolf
Published: June 2022

Anthropogenic phosphorus (P) input from fertilised and unfertilised topsoils into surface water and re-dissolution from sediments can be key drivers of eutrophication. This study aimed to (1) analyse the P input processes into streams/rivers particularly via erosion from fertilised and unfertilised fields and (2) study the effectiveness of the riparian strip in reducing P emissions from diffuse sources. For the investigation, Cambisol-Tschernosem and Luvisol samples from Loess were taken from Thuringian test fields (Germany). Three laboratory simulations were designed to analyse P re-dissolution and leaching behaviour from topsoils and sediments and further extrapolated to a realistic scenario based on the P input path into receiving waters via erosion. Organic bonded phosphorus and orthophosphate were leached out at the beginning. Upscaling to a realistic scenario showed that the main source of P in receiving waters was leaching from sediment interstitial sites (57.5%) via percolation while the P re-dissolution via diffusion (13%), due to two heavy rain events (17%), and leaching from soil interstitial sites (12.5%) only played a minor role. The risk of eutrophication exceeded the threshold total P of 0.10 mg L-1 given as an orientation value by the Federal/State water consortium (LAWA). This was observed in percolates from all sandy soils (0.17–0.85 mg L-1), only slightly in the clayey soils (≤ 0.11 mg L-1) but not in either streambed sediment (≤ 0.08 mg L-1). However, local differences such as steeper slope, different soil compositions such as higher sand and lower clay percentages, and poorer buffering due to lower lime and aluminium content were identified as reasons for a higher risk of eutrophication.
The dilemma for China’s national carbon trading market: minimizing carbon abatement costs or maximizing net social benefits?
Authors: Hu Yunyi , Yin Haitao , Wang Feng
Published: June 2022

After a decade of planning and trials, China officially launched a national carbon trading in July 2021. Using a standard economic model, this study shows that an unconstrained carbon trading market would face a dilemma between minimizing pollution control costs and maximizing social benefits. We further show that this would be a significant challenge in China. Our results show that areas with higher population densities also would have higher costs for carbon reduction, and hence the polluters in those areas would be net buyers in the national market. Moreover, our analysis indicates a significantly high correlation between carbon dioxide emissions and other local pollutants. Therefore, cross-regional transactions may result in more emission of other pollutants in areas with higher population density under the unconstrained national cap-and-trade system and cause larger losses in social benefits. We call for more studies to address the issue.
Bilateral Tensions, the Trade War, and US–China Trade Relations
Authors: Zeng Ka , Wells Rob , Gu Jingping , Wilkins Austin
Published: June 2022

This article constructs a measure of geopolitical and economic tensions in US–China relations based on the sentiment expressed in major US news media and utilizes it to analyze the impact of bilateral tensions on US imports from China between 2002 and 2019. Our results suggest that bilateral tensions have had a negative effect on US imports. Additional analyses of the impact of bilateral tensions for industries with varying levels of supply chain linkages to China suggest that, contrary to expectations, they have more disproportionately affected industries highly integrated with the Chinese market. This pattern continues to hold during the trade war period. Not only were bilateral tensions associated with higher tariffs for industries with high levels of global value chain linkages to China, but the tariff hikes have also had a more sustained impact on such industries. Overall, our findings indicate that potential “sunk costs” considerations may not have been strong enough to forestall the downward trend in bilateral trade relations under both routine diplomacy and trade war conditions.
Joint ergodicity of fractional powers of primes
Authors: Frantzikinakis Nikos
Published: June 2022

We establish the mean convergence for multiple ergodic averages with iterates given by distinct fractional powers of primes and related multiple recurrence results. A consequence of our main result is that every set of integers with positive upper density contains patterns of the form

$\{m,m+[p_n^a], m+[p_n^b]\}$

, where

$a,b$

are positive nonintegers and

$p_n$

denotes the nth prime, a property that fails if a or b is a natural number. Our approach is based on a recent criterion for joint ergodicity of collections of sequences, and the bulk of the proof is devoted to obtaining good seminorm estimates for the related multiple ergodic averages. The input needed from number theory are upper bounds for the number of prime k-tuples that follow from elementary sieve theory estimates and equidistribution results of fractional powers of primes in the circle.
Subduction-accretion complex with boninitic ophiolite slices and Triassic limestone seamounts: Ankara Mélange, central Anatolia
Authors: Okay Aral I , Altıner Demir , Danelian Taniel , Topuz Gültekin , Özcan Ercan , Kylander-Clark Andrew RC
Published: June 2022

Ophiolitic mélanges in Anatolia represent Mesozoic subduction-accretion complexes, which are unusually poor in land-derived coarse-clastic rocks. A segment of the ophiolitic mélange in the Beynam region south of Ankara was studied. The ophiolitic mélange consists of three accretionary units (AUs), which are distinguished by lithology, structure, age and geochemistry. At the base there is a serpentinite mélange, which is overlain by a semi-intact Upper Jurassic ophiolite with boninite geochemistry. The topmost AU consists of ocean-island-like alkali basalts with seamount-derived Triassic shallow-marine limestones and Jurassic radiolarian cherts, which are stratigraphically overlain by Upper Cretaceous fore-arc turbidites. The base of the fore-arc sequence is palaeontologically and isotopically dated to the early to middle Campanian (c. 81 Ma). Detrital zircons from the fore-arc sequence indicate a Late Cretaceous (87–81 Ma) magmatic arc as a source. The formation of the subduction-accretion complex was a two-stage process. The first stage took place during the Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous, when supra-subduction type oceanic crust was generated, and subduction accretion was intra-oceanic. In the second stage during the Late Cretaceous the subduction jumped inboard, creating an Andean-type convergent margin, and the Jurassic oceanic crust was incorporated in the subduction-accretion complex. The lack of land-derived sandstones in the ophiolitic mélange can be attributed to the intra-oceanic subduction and to the limestone deposition in the upper plate during the main phase of subduction accretion in the Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous.