bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrolyte and Interphase Design for Magnesium Anode: Major Challenges and Perspectives
Authors: Sun Yue , Ai Fei , Lu Yi‐Chun
Published: March 2022

The rechargeable magnesium battery (RMB) is regarded as a high‐energy, safe, and cost‐effective alternative for conventional batteries. Unfortunately, the passivation and uneven Mg growth not only raise the voltage hysteresis but also shorten the cycle life of RMBs. In this review, Mg passivation induced by electrolytes/contaminants, growth patterns of high dimensional Mg0, and mechanisms of Mg anode degradation are discussed. The recent efforts on suppressing electrolyte decomposition and uneven Mg growth including electrolyte/interphase modifications through additives, weakly coordinating anions, artificial interphases, and 3D magnesiophilic hosts are summarized. Finally, the future directions in stabilizing Mg anode and realizing high‐performance RMBs are highlighted.
Construction of elliptic curve cryptography‐based authentication protocol for internet of things
Authors: Chhikara Deepak , Rana Saurabh , Mishra Ankita , Mishra Dheerendra ,   Member of IEEE
Published: March 2022

The advancement in the internet of things (IoT) is bringing changes in our daily lives. The widespread adoption of the IoT in a variety of areas sets the basis for smart living while also posing privacy and security concerns. Authentication and key agreement (AKA) protocol provides identity authentication for participants in a communication system and generates a temporary session key for participants to securely transmit messages. In addition to this, the adoption of smart cards adds a second line of defense in AKA protocols for IoT. To enhance the security of AKA protocols for IoT, many AKA protocols are proposed, but the majority of them fail to manage the balance between security and efficiency. To achieve both security and efficiency together for IoT, based on the elliptic curve public‐key cryptography, we design a three‐factor AKA protocol. We follow security analysis and efficiency analysis to analyze the security and efficiency. By comparing with related existing protocols, it is found that this protocol achieves security and efficiency attributes. The investigation shows that the protocol can meet key security requirements, consumes less computing resources, and is especially suitable for IoT scenarios with high security and efficiency.
Experimental study on the eccentric performances of high predamaged rectangular reinforced concrete columns strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced polymer
Authors: Yu Feng , Zou Qiye , Fang Yuan , Wu Ping , Huang Longxu , Bu Shuangshuang
Published: March 2022

The mechanical behaviors of 12 high predamaged reinforced concrete (RC) rectangular columns strengthened with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) under eccentric compression were experimentally investigated. The effects of the predamaged degree (), CFRP strips spacing () and eccentricity () on failure mode, bearing capacity, strain behaviors of CFRP strengthened predamaged columns were examined systematically. Test results demonstrated that the strengthened RC columns with small‐eccentricity were destroyed by the yielding of compressive longitudinal steel bars and the crushing of compression concrete while the transverse CFRP strips were not ruptured. The failure mode of the strengthened RC columns with large‐eccentricity was distinguished by the yielding of tensile and compressive longitudinal steel bars, the rupturing of longitudinal CFRP sheet, and the crushing of compressive concrete. With the increase of predamaged degree or eccentricity, the maximum bearing capacity of specimens decreased. In contrast, CFRP strips spacing had little effect on bearing capacity. Considering the effect of predamaged degree and eccentricity, a modified model for conveniently predicting the stress–strain relationship of CFRP strengthened predamaged RC columns under eccentric compression was proposed. On the basis of experimental study, the influence coefficients of predamaged degree and eccentricity and a strain distribution coefficient of CFRP strips were introduced, a calculation formula for predicting bearing capacity of high predamaged rectangular RC columns strengthened with CFRP under eccentric compression was proposed and validated test data with good agreement.
Experimental investigation of response of HSTC beam encased with Hf‐ECC and LWAC
Authors: Soniya Soundararaj Manju , Chithra Rethnasamy
Published: March 2022

The present investigation deals with the flexural behavior of a new type of Hybrid steel, polypropylene Engineered Cementitious Composite (Hf‐ECC) ‐ Lightweight Aggregate Concrete (LWAC) encased Hybrid Steel Truss Composite (HSTC) beams and detailed parametric study of HSTC beams using Abaqus. Eight simply supported beams fabricated with identical hybrid steel truss, but with varying depths and layer arrangement of Hf‐ECC and LWAC were experimentally tested to investigate the effects of Hf‐ECC depth of HSTC beam on the ultimate load‐carrying capacities and failure modes. Test results show that cracking, yield, ultimate moments, and the ductility of HSTC beams are improved by increasing the depth of Hf‐ECC due to the excellent tensile properties of Hf‐ECC. In addition to the above enhancement, it is also found that the combined use of Hf‐ ECC and LWAC could improve the beams' general ductility and considerable energy dissipation capacity due to Hf‐ECC's excellent deformation ability besides reducing beams' weight. In addition to experimental work, a finite element model is used to predict the load‐deflection behavior of Hf‐ECC and LWAC‐encased HSTC beams.
Modeling coarse aggregate distribution in interfacial zone of new–old concrete in precast concrete structures
Authors: Zhao Jie , Li Fumin , Chen Zhixiang
Published: March 2022

There are a large number of interfacial zones of new–old concrete in precast concrete structures, and the wall effect causes the reduction of coarse aggregate in the interfacial zones, which leads to the weaker physical, mechanical and durability properties of this part. In the present paper, some new–old concrete specimens with different chiseled depths at the interfaces were made to simulate the wet joints of precast concrete structures. The distribution characteristics of the coarse aggregate volume fraction in the interfacial zones of new–old concrete specimens were obtained by DIP (Digital Image Processing) technology. The results show that the distribution of the coarse aggregate volume fraction in the interfacial zones is similar to a positive V‐shape (no chiseling) or partial V‐shape (chiseled interface), and is generally lower than that of the noumenons of new and old concrete (constant values). With the increase of chiseled depth, the valley point (i.e., the minimum value) of the distribution curve of coarse aggregate volume fraction in the interfacial zone will move upwards and offset toward the old concrete. When the offset reaches 2 mm from the interface, it remains stable. The multiple irregular cone‐shape small pits on the actual chiseled surface are abstracted into a single bulging slope pit, and the area ratio of new–old concrete on the cross section within the chiseled range is derived. On this basis, the model of the coarse aggregate volume fraction in the interfacial zone varied with the distance from the interface is proposed.
Constipation: Prevalence in the Portuguese community using Rome IV—Associated factors, toilet behaviours and healthcare seeking
Authors: Caetano Ana Célia , Costa Dalila , Silva‐Mendes Sofia , Correia‐Pinto Jorge , Rolanda Carla
Published: March 2022

Background

Chronic constipation (CC) is a major public health condition and CC management remains challenging.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the CC (and subtypes) prevalence in a Southern Europe Mediterranean country using Rome IV criteria, and to assess related factors, toilet and healthcare seeking behaviours.

Methods

Cross‐sectional epidemiological survey, conducted in general community and representing the Portuguese population according to sex and age. The questionnaire covered bowel habits, factors potentially associated with CC (demographic, health/lifestyle, toilet behaviours) and data regarding healthcare seeking.

Results

From the study data of 1950 individuals were analyzed. The answer rate was 68% and 1335 questionnaires were available for calculation. The CC prevalence was 17.8%, with respectively 9.3% of Functional Constipation (FC) and 8.5% of Irritable Bowel Syndrome – subtype constipation (IBS‐C). The likelihood of constipation was significantly higher in younger (OR 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.007–1.031), solo (OR 2.48; 95% CI, 1.7–3.47) and low‐income (OR 2.40; 95% CI, 1.77–3.47) individuals. Constipated individuals spent more time at defecation, longer than 5 min (p = 0.001), and had particular toilet behaviours (absence of a morning pattern [p = 0.008], the use of triggers [p = 0.001] and reading/technological material [p = 0.006]) to facilitate the evacuation. Only 39% of affected individuals sought medical advice, mainly IBS‐C patients (p = 0.018).

Conclusion

Chronic constipation seems to impact 1 in each 5 Portuguese. Constipated patients are younger, solo, less active and with low income. They develop a clear toilet behaviour profile. FC and IBS‐C patients assume particular behaviours.
Umbilical venous diameter and flow in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy: association with placental sharing and fetal demise
Authors: Couck I. , van der Merwe J. , Russo F. , Richter J. , Aertsen M. , Cauwberghs B. , van Aelst M. , Lewi L.
Published: March 2022

Objective

To examine the association of umbilical venous diameter and flow in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy with placental sharing and fetal demise.

Methods

This was a prospective longitudinal cohort study of a consecutive series of monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies that underwent ultrasound assessments at 12, 16, 20 and 28 weeks' gestation. Fetal biometry (crown–rump length at 12 weeks or estimated fetal weight (EFW) thereafter) and cord insertion sites were recorded at each visit, as well as the diameter of the umbilical vein (UV) in both the intra‐abdominal part and a free loop of the umbilical cord. Time‐averaged maximum velocity in the intra‐abdominal part of the UV was measured to calculate UV‐flow. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between intertwin ratios of these variables and placental sharing at 12, 16, 20 and 28 weeks' gestation. Placental sharing was calculated by dividing the larger by the smaller placental share, as measured on placental injection studies after birth. Additionally, the Mann–Whitney U‐test and receiver‐operating‐characteristics‐curve analysis were used to explore the relationship between the occurrence of fetal demise and intertwin differences in fetal biometry, cord insertion sites, UV diameters and flow at 12, 16, 20 and 28 weeks.

Results

Of 200 consecutive monochorionic twin pregnancies enrolled, injection studies were performed in 165 (82.5%) placentas. On univariate analysis, intertwin differences in fetal biometry, cord insertions and UV variables were associated significantly with placental sharing at 12, 16, 20 and 28 weeks' gestation. On multivariate analysis, intertwin differences in fetal biometry, cord insertions and all three UV variables remained associated significantly with placental sharing at 12 and 16 weeks. However, at 20 and 28 weeks, only the intertwin EFW ratio was associated consistently with placental sharing. Fetal demise of one or both twins complicated 26 (13.0%) pregnancies. Differences in EFW and cord insertion sites were not associated significantly with fetal demise, while at 16 weeks, differences in intra‐abdominal UV diameter and flow were associated with an increased risk of subsequent fetal demise.

Conclusions

At 12 and 16 weeks' gestation, intertwin differences in UV diameter and flow reflect placental sharing more accurately than do differences in fetal growth and cord insertion sites. At 16 weeks, discordance in intra‐abdominal UV diameter and flow is also associated with an increased risk of fetal demise. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Survey of zoonotic parasites and bacteria in faeces of Canada geese (Branta canadensis) in North‐Central Oklahoma
Authors: Nagamori Yoko , Litherland Marisa A. , Koons Nicole R. , Linthicum Anna R. , Ramachandran Akhilesh
Published: March 2022

Background

As a population of non‐migratory Canada geese (Branta canadensis) has been growing in residential and recreational areas, public concerns on potential acquisition of zoonotic pathogens from Canada geese and their faecal deposits have been increasing.

Objectives

The main study objective was to evaluate the prevalence of zoonotic microorganisms, Campylobacter spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. and Salmonella spp. and antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli in faeces of Canada geese residing in North‐Central Oklahoma, United States.

Methods

A total of 204 faecal samples were collected from 11 locations in North‐Central Oklahoma, where public recreational areas such as lakes and ponds were located, and Canada geese were commonly inhabited. Faecal samples were examined by a centrifugal flotation to evaluate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. infections. A total of 180 faecal samples were grouped into 36 pooled samples and cultured using standard culture methods to detect the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. infections. The antimicrobial resistance profile was determined on 32 E. coli isolates recovered from the 36 sample pools, using the Kirby Bauer Disk Diffusion method.

Results

The targeted zoonotic pathogens were not identified by the faecal examinations performed. Of the 32 E. coli isolates, 17 isolates (53.1%) demonstrated resistance to ≥1 antimicrobial agent.

Conclusions

Targeted zoonotic pathogens were not detected among the examined resident Canada geese in North‐Central Oklahoma. The findings of multiple‐antimicrobial resistant E. coli infections are potentially a public health concern although the prevalence was low in this study. Further, larger scale surveys are recommended.
Charakteristika und Spezifika der FMS Pädagogik und des musisch-pädagogischen Gymnasialprofils: schulische Dispositive im Vergleich
Authors: Hafner Sandra
Published: March 2022

In diesem Kapitel werden die Resultate der kantonalen Fallstudien präsentiert und zentrale Charakteristika der FMS Pädagogik sowie des musisch-pädagogischen Gymnasialprofils dargestellt. Das Erkenntnisinteresse besteht in der Frage nach zugrundeliegenden Konventionen und deren Kompromissen, welche die beiden schulischen Profile konstituieren. Die Ergebnisdarstellung erfolgt entlang der Dimensionen Bildungsziele und Beziehung zur Abnehmerinstitution, Bildungsinhalte und Formate der Bildung, Wissensvermittlung sowie Schüler*innen. Abschliessend wird diskutiert, inwiefern die präsentierten Charakteristika die unterschiedliche Bedeutung der beiden untersuchten Schultypen für die Primarlehrpersonenbildung erklären können.
Designing Online Learning in Higher Education
Authors: Martin Florence , Bolliger Doris U.
Published: March 2022

Design is critical in online learning. This chapter reviews research and practice on designing effective online courses in higher education. Firstly, the importance of design in online learning is described including asynchronous, synchronous, and bichronous delivery methods, as well as the significance of course organization and meeting learner needs in online courses. Secondly, we provide a brief overview of online course design research in higher education. Thirdly, standards and rubrics for online course design from US colleges and universities as well as professional organizations across the world are reviewed. Fourthly, we describe a research-based and validated online course design element rubric, which includes overview, course presentation, interaction and communication, assessment and evaluation, and student support. Fifthly, the chapter describes how instructors can be prepared for and supported in online course design, incorporating administrator support, pedagogical support, technology support, and personnel support. Sixthly, the role of instructional designers in online course design is described. The chapter concludes with recommendations for instructors and designers and topics for future research.
(Super)Schwarzian mechanics
Authors: Kozyrev Nikolay , Krivonos Sergey
Published: March 2022

Abstract

In this paper we revisit the construction of supersymmetric Schwarzians using nonlinear realizations. We show that $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 supersymmetric Schwarzians can be systematically obtained as certain projections of Maurer-Cartan forms of superconformal groups after imposing simple conditions on them. We also present the supersymmetric Schwarzian actions defined as the integrals of products of Cartan forms. In contrast with the previous attempts to obtain the super-Schwarzians within nonlinear realizations technique, our set of constraints does not impose any restriction on the super-Schwarzians.
Mapping out the internal space in AdS/BCFT with Wilson loops
Authors: Coccia Lorenzo , Uhlemann Christoph F.
Published: March 2022

Abstract

We study Wilson loops in string theory realizations of AdS/BCFT and wedge holography. The field theories are based on 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 long quiver gauge theories engineered by D3, D5 and NS5 branes, and on BCFTs involving 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM coupled to such 3d theories. The holographic duals have geometry AdS4× S2× S2 warped over a strip. We identify the holographic representation of antisymmetric Wilson loops associated with individual 3d gauge nodes in terms of probe D5-branes. The expectation values obtained holographically are matched to supersymmetric localization computations. Our results yield an identification of regions in the internal space with individual 3d gauge nodes. Connecting to bottom-up braneworld models, this gives a concrete notion of which parts of the 10d solutions correspond to the end-of-the-world brane and which to the remaining bulk. We also construct supersymmetric Janus on the brane embeddings in AdS5×S5, which describe surface defects with boundaries and interfaces in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM.
A two-way approach to out-of-time-order correlators
Authors: Gu Yingfei , Kitaev Alexei , Zhang Pengfei
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Out-of-time-order correlators (OTOCs) are a standard measure of quantum chaos. Of the four operators involved, one pair may be regarded as a source and the other as a probe. A usual approach, applicable to large-N systems such as the SYK model, is to replace the actual source with some mean-field perturbation and solve for the probe correlation function on the double Keldysh contour. We show how to obtain the OTOC by combining two such solutions for perturbations propagating forward and backward in time. These dynamical perturbations, or scrambling modes, are considered on the thermofield double background and decomposed into a coherent and an incoherent part. For the large-q SYK, we obtain the OTOC in a closed form. We also prove a previously conjectured relation between the Lyapunov exponent and high-frequency behavior of the spectral function.
Quantum extremal islands made easy. Part IV. Massive black holes on the brane
Authors: Grimaldi Guglielmo , Hernandez Juan , Myers Robert C.
Published: March 2022

Abstract

We study two-dimensional eternal black holes with non-zero mass, where each asymptotic boundary is in contact with a CFT on a circle, following the doubly holographic braneworld models constructed in [1–3]. We compute the Page curve of the black hole (or the bath CFTs), which amounts to finding different geodesics in the bulk BTZ geometry with a Randall-Sundrum brane falling into the black hole. We also explore the possibility of including an intrinsic JT gravity action on the brane. As expected, the generalized entropy rises linearly at early times. However, there is a transition to a late-time phase in which the entropy remains constant. The value of the late-time entropy depends on the size of the thermal baths. For a small size, it corresponds to the thermal entropy of the baths, while for large size, it corresponds to twice the horizon entropy of the black hole. The critical size and the Page time are proportional to ratio of the central charges of the conformal defect and the bath CFT.
School burnout trends and sociodemographic factors in Finland 2006–2019
Authors: Read Sanna , Hietajärvi Lauri , Salmela-Aro Katariina
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To identify the changes of school burnout for Finnish adolescents in lower (grades 8–9) and upper secondary schools (grades 10–11) during years 2006–2019; and to examine the associations of personal—(gender, family socioeconomic, and immigrant status) and school-related (school level, urban–rural area) sociodemographic demands and resources in school burnout.

Methods

We used nationally representative data on 949,347 students in secondary school in Finland between 2006 and 2019. Generalized Linear Models were used to assess the effects of year, gender, school level, parental education, unemployment, immigrant status, and urban–rural area and the interactions of year, gender, and school level with each of the remaining sociodemographic variables on school burnout.

Results

School burnout increased among girls and slightly declined among boys. The increase intensified in girls and the decline in boys stagnated after 2011. The educational level of the parents had a constant protective impact over time, the gradient for boys slightly larger compared to girls. Urban areas contributed to the trend of increasing school burnout among girls but not among boys. Parental unemployment and immigration background were associated with the increasing trend of school burnout over time, although somewhat mitigated by parental education.

Conclusion

The results showed the trends in school burnout are often gendered and appeared to worsen aligned with the school budget cuts after 2011. In addition to considering school burnout related to lower parental education and urbanization, it is important to support those students in families experiencing unemployment and/or immigration, especially when concurring with lower parental education.
Manner of death, causes of death and autopsies in infants, children and adolescents
Authors: Feld Katharina , Feld Dustin , Quandel Kristin , Banaschak Sibylle
Published: March 2022

Child mortality is an issue that is repeatedly discussed internationally and is subject to strong fluctuations depending on the country and region and the respective levels of development. Several studies on child mortality are available from e.g., the USA; however, data from institutes in Germany are still lacking.

The present study compared data on the manner and causes of deaths of infants, children and adolescents in Germany from 2002 to 2012 on different levels (the Institute of Legal Medicine and the Public Health Department, both in Cologne, as well as nationwide) with international data. Special attention is paid to autopsy figures and cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Throughout the observation period, child mortality decreased overall in all levels of data. Mortality rates were highest in the first year of life, with natural causes of death (premature birth, malformations, SIDS) dominating. With increasing age the number of non-natural deaths and thus, accident-related deaths, especially transportation accidents, increased.

Reasons for the reduced number of cases can be nationally effective prevention and awareness campaigns as well as constantly improving medical care. At a local level, targeted educational work leads to higher numbers of autopsies, particularly in cases of SIDS. In principle, the results of this study are generally comparable with other studies on child mortality, although the available data can only be used for detailed analyses to a limited extent
Towards Uniform Online Spherical Tessellations
Authors: Bell Paul C. , Potapov Igor
Published: March 2022

The problem of uniformly placing N points onto a sphere finds applications in many areas. For example, points on the sphere correspond to unit quaternions as well as to the group of rotations SO(3) and the online version of generating uniform rotations (known as “incremental generation”) plays a crucial role in a large number of engineering applications ranging from robotics and aeronautics to computer graphics. An online version of this problem was recently studied with respect to the gap ratio as a measure of uniformity. The first online algorithm of Chen et al. was upper-bounded by 5.99 and later improved to 3.69, which is achieved by considering a circumscribed dodecahedron followed by a recursive decomposition of each face. In this paper we provide a more efficient tessellation technique based on the regular icosahedron, which improves the upper-bound for the online version of this problem, decreasing it to approximately 2.84. Moreover, we show that the lower bound for the gap ratio of placing at least three points is $$({1+\sqrt{5}})/2\approx 1.618$$

(

1
+

5

)
/
2
≈
1.618

and for at least four points is no less than 1.726.
Oral bacteria in infective endocarditis requiring surgery: a retrospective analysis of 134 patients
Authors: Deppe Herbert , Reitberger Julia , Behr Alexandra V. , Vitanova Keti , Lange Rüdiger , Wantia Nina , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Sculean Anton , Ritschl Lucas M.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

It has been reported that bacteria associated with infective endocarditis originate from the oral cavity in 26–45% of cases. However, little is known on the counts and species of periodontal microbiota in infected heart valves. The aim of this study was to identify these aspects of periodontal microbiota in infective endocarditis and to potentially initiate a dental extraction concept for periodontally compromised teeth concerning patients requiring heart valve surgery.

Materials and methods

The retrospective study group consisted of tissue samples from infected heart valves of 683 patients who had undergone heart valve surgery. Before patients had undergone cardiac surgery, the following laboratory tests confirmed the occurrence of endocarditis in all patients: blood cultures, echocardiography, electrocardiography, chest X-ray, and electrophoresis of the serum proteins. The specimens were aseptically obtained and deep frozen immediately following surgery. Microbiological diagnosis included proof of germs (dichotomous), species of germs, and source of germs (oral versus other).

Results

Microbiota was detected in 134 (31.2%) out of 430 enrolled patients. Oral cavity was supposed to be the source in 10.4% of cases, whereas microbiota of the skin (57.5%) and gastrointestinal tract (GIT, 24.6%) were detected considerably more frequently. Moreover, periodontal bacteria belonged mostly to the Streptococci species and the yellow complex. None of the detected bacteria belonged to the red complex.

Conclusion

Most frequently, the skin and GIT represented the site of origin of the microbiota. Nevertheless, the oral cavity represented the source of IE in up to 10%.

Consequently, it needs to be emphasized that a good level of oral hygiene is strongly recommended in all patients undergoing heart valve surgery in order to reduce the bacterial load in the oral cavity, thereby minimizing the hematogenous spread of oral microbiota. The prerequisites for conservative dental treatment versus radical tooth extraction must always be based on the patient’s cooperation, and the clinical intraoral status on a sense of proportion in view of the overall clinical situation due to the underlying cardiac disease.

Clinical relevance

The oral cavity is a source of oral microbiota on infected heart valves. Patients requiring heart valve surgery should always undergo a critical evaluation of dental treatment affecting periodontally compromised teeth, favoring a systematic, conservative-leaning recall.
Transforming fire governance in British Columbia, Canada: an emerging vision for coexisting with fire
Authors: Copes-Gerbitz Kelsey , Hagerman Shannon M. , Daniels Lori D.
Published: March 2022

The dominant command and control fire governance paradigm is proven ineffective at coping with modern wildfire challenges. In response, jurisdictions globally are calling for transformative change that will facilitate coexisting with future fires. Enacting transformative change requires attention to historical governance attributes that may enable or constrain transformation, including diverse actors, objectives, worldviews of fire, decision-making processes and power, legislation, and drivers of change. To identify potential pathways for transformative change, we systematically examined the history of fire governance attributes in British Columbia (BC), Canada (until 2020), a region that has experienced seven catastrophic fire seasons in the twenty-first century. By reviewing 157 provincial historical documents and interviewing 19 fire experts, we delineated five distinct governance eras that demonstrated the central role of government actors with decision-making power shaping fire governance through time, superseding First Nations fire governance starting in the 1870s. The emerging vision for transformation proposed by interviewees focuses on the need for increased decision-making power for community actors, yet legacies of entrenched government power and organizational silos between fire and forestry continue to constrain transformation. Although progress to overcome constraints has been made, we argue that enabling transformative change in fire governance in BC will require intervention by the provincial government to leverage modern drivers of change, including recent catastrophic fire seasons and reconciliation with First Nations.
Interpreting wind damage risk–how multifunctional forest management impacts standing timber at risk of wind felling
Authors: Potterf Mária , Eyvindson Kyle , Blattert Clemens , Burgas Daniel , Burner Ryan , Stephan Jörg G. , Mönkkönen Mikko
Published: March 2022

Landscape multifunctionality, a widely accepted challenge for boreal forests, aims to simultaneously provide timber, non-timber ecosystem services, and shelter for biodiversity. However, multifunctionality requires the use of novel forest management regimes optimally combined over the landscape, and an increased share of sets asides. It remains unclear how this combination will shape stand vulnerability to wind disturbances and exposed timber volume. We combined forest growth simulations and multi-objective optimization to create alternative landscape level forest management scenarios. Management choices were restricted to 1) rotation forestry, 2) continuous cover forestry, and 3) all regimes allowed over a harvest intensity gradient from completely set aside landscapes to maximal economic gain. Estimates for the stands’ structural and environmental characteristics were used to predict the stand level wind damage probability. We evaluated averaged wind-exposed standing timber volume and changing forest structure under management scenarios. Intensive rotation forestry reduced tree heights and wind damage risk, but also reduced landscape multifunctionality. Conversely, continuous cover forestry maintained multifunctionality but increased wind damage probability due to taller trees and higher thinning frequency. Overall, continuous cover forestry lowers the total volume of wind exposed timber at any given time compared with rotation forestry. Nevertheless, a selective application of rotation forestry contributes to high economic gains and increases landscape heterogeneity. A combination of management approaches across landscapes provides an efficient way to reduce the amount of wind-exposed timber volume while also increasing habitat for vertebrate and non-vertebrate species and satisfying high timber demands.
Palliative Care bei über 80-jährigen Patienten mit COVID‑19-Pneumonie auf der Intensivstation – invasive Beatmung zielführend?
Authors: Vohla Dagmar
Published: March 2022

Mit dem Auftreten des neuartigen SARS-CoV-2-Virus im Februar 2020 und der damit assoziierten COVID‑19-Viruspneumonie kam es zu einer Vielzahl schwer erkrankter Patienten auf den Intensivstationen. Gerade zu Beginn der Pandemie zeigte sich eine hohe Mortalität insbesondere der intubierten Patienten. Auch wenn sich durch gewonnene Erfahrungswerte in der Beatmung der schwer kranken Patienten die Mortalitätsrate senken ließ, beträgt sie in der Patientengruppe der über 80-Jährigen weiterhin 80 %. Anhand des vorgestellten Patientenbeispiels wird erörtert, inwieweit validierte Scores unterstützen, eine Entscheidung bezüglich einer möglichen Intubation vs. Best Supportive Care zu finden.
Genome-edited versus genetically-modified tomatoes: an experiment on people’s perceptions and acceptance of food biotechnology in the UK and Switzerland
Authors: Bearth Angela , Kaptan Gulbanu , Kessler Sabrina Heike
Published: March 2022

Biotechnology might contribute to solving food safety and security challenges. However, gene technology has been under public scrutiny, linked to the framing of the media and public discourse. The study aims to investigate people’s perceptions and acceptance of food biotechnology with focus on transgenic genetic modification versus genome editing. An online experiment was conducted with participants from the United Kingdom (n = 490) and Switzerland (n = 505). The participants were presented with the topic of food biotechnology and more specifically with experimentally varied vignettes on transgenic and genetic modification and genome editing (scientific uncertainty: high vs. low, media format: journalistic vs. user-generated blog). The results suggest that participants from both countries express higher levels of acceptance for genome editing compared to transgenic genetic modification. The general and personal acceptance of these technologies depend largely on whether the participants believe the application is beneficial, how they perceive scientific uncertainty, and the country they reside in. Our findings suggest that future communication about gene technology should focus more on discussing trade-offs between using an agricultural technologies and tangible and relevant benefits, instead of a unidimensional focus on risk and safety.
Developments in Pb-210 methodologies to provide chronologies for environmental change
Authors: Hunter H. N. , Gowing C. J. B. , Marriott A. L. , Lacey J. H. , Dowell S. , Watts M. J.
Published: March 2022

Chronologies generated from core profiles to apply dates to environmental changes commonly use the measurement of the activity of radionuclides deposited and stratified with physical environmental material. The most commonly reported nuclide to define chronologies covering the last 150 years is Pb-210, for which accepted data processing methodologies in the literature have focussed on the constant rate of supply (CRS) model and the more recently published Bayesian Plum model. This short communication describes a validation approach using defined sediment layers referred to as ‘varve’ counting, which provide known points of reference to account for uncertainty between generated dates from each model using published Pb-210 measurements. A significant improvement in the chronologies was observed when applying reference date corrections to the models. This was shown to be essential in providing confidence in reported datasets and accuracy of predicted chronologies, which will better inform the interpretation of environmental change, e.g. sedimentation rates, climate change, pollution pathways and land degradation. Generated chronologies from both the CRS and Plum methods showed good agreement with the established varve dates (typically < 4-year difference).
Serum Uric Acid as a Diagnostic Biomarker for Rheumatoid Arthritis–Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Wang Zitao , Wang Wen , Xiang Ting , Gong Bangdong , Xie Jianmin
Published: March 2022

Previous studies have suggested a correlation between uric acid (UA) and lung lesion in some diseases. However, it remains unknown whether UA contributes to the lung injury in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our study aimed to investigate the clinical value of the UA level in the severity of rheumatoid arthritis–associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). We measured UA in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and UA levels of subjects were compared. As for the role of UA on ILD, we incubated A549 cells with UA and the expression of EMT markers was measured by immunofluorescence staining. The concentrations and messenger RNA expression of IL-1, IL-6, and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were measured by ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively. We observed that serum UA levels in RA were significantly higher than those in controls. And, higher UA was measured in both serum and BALF of patients with RA-ILD, particularly those with interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern. Additionally, the correlation of the serum and BALF UA levels with serum KL-6, a biomarker of ILDs, in RA was significant (r = 0.44, p < 0.01; r = 0.43, p < 0.01). And, the negative correlations of UA, in both serum and BALF, with forced vital capacity (r =  −0.61, p < 0.01; r =  −0.34, p < 0.01) and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (r =  −0.43, p < 0.01; r =  −0.30, p < 0.01) were measured in patients. In the ROC curve analysis, the AUC value of UA for RA-ILD was 0.744 (95% CI: 0.69–0.80; p < 0.01), and the AUC of serum UA for predicting UIP pattern of patients with RA-ILD was 0.845 (95% CI: 0.78–0.91; p < 0.01), which showed the significance of the UA in clinical settings. Also, the in vitro experiment showed that UA induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and production of IL-1, IL-6, and TGF-β in A549 cells. Therefore, the elevated UA levels may be a diagnostic marker in RA-ILD, particularly RA-UIP.
How to Facilitate Disclosure of Violence while Delivering Perinatal Care: The Experience of Survivors and Healthcare Providers
Authors: Pederson Ann , Mirlashari Jila , Lyons Janet , Brotto Lori A.
Published: March 2022

Gender-based Violence (GBV) during the perinatal period is a serious concern as it is associated with many adverse outcomes for both the mother and the baby. It is well known that violence is under-reported. Thus, official statistics (both police reports and survey data) underestimate the prevalence of violence in general and during the perinatal period specifically. In this study conducted in Canada, we sought to explore the barriers to and facilitators of women disclosing their experiences of GBV within healthcare services to safely facilitate more disclosure in the future and reduce the harms that arise from GBV. We used thematic analysis to analyze in-depth interviews with 16 healthcare providers (nurses, midwives and physicians) and 12 survivors of GBV. The data reflect three main themes: “raising awareness of gender-based violence”, “creating a shift in the healthcare system’s approach toward gender-based violence” and “providing support for survivors and care providers.” Our findings suggest that the healthcare system should increase its investments in raising awareness regarding GBV, training healthcare providers to respond appropriately, and building trust between survivors and healthcare providers. Healthcare providers need to be aware of their role and responsibility regarding identifying GBV as well as how to support survivors who talk about violence. Expanding a relationship-based approach in the care system and providing support for both survivors and health care providers would likely lead to more disclosures.
Impact of the Domestic Violence Housing First Model on Survivors’ Safety and Housing Stability: Six Month Findings
Authors: Sullivan Cris M. , López-Zerón Gabriela , Farero Adam , Ayeni Oyesola Oluwafunmilayo , Simmons Cortney , Chiaramonte Danielle , Guerrero Mayra , Hamdan Noora , Sprecher Mackenzie
Published: March 2022

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a leading cause of homelessness, yet little evidence exists about effective strategies to assist IPV survivors as they work to avoid homelessness while freeing themselves from abuse. An ongoing demonstration evaluation is examining if and how one promising model assists IPV survivors in obtaining safe and stable housing over time. The Domestic Violence Housing First (DVHF) model involves providing IPV survivors with mobile advocacy and/or flexible funding, depending on individual needs, in order to attain these goals. We hypothesized that those receiving DVHF would experience greater housing stability and less re-abuse compared to survivors receiving services as usual. The current study evaluated the short-term efficacy of the DVHF model with a sample of 345 homeless or unstably housed survivors who sought services and who completed in-person interviews shortly after contacting the DV agency, as well as six months later. Those who received the DVHF model showed greater improvement in their housing stability compared to those receiving services as usual, as well as decreased economic abuse. Both groups experienced a sharp decline in all forms of abuse. The Domestic Violence Housing First model shows promise in helping unstably housed DV survivors achieve safe and stable housing. Study findings have implications for DV agencies as well as those funding such services. Understanding which interventions work best for which survivors is critical to ensuring that service providers are effectively working toward long-term housing stability and well-being for IPV survivors and their children.
UAV-borne, LiDAR-based elevation modelling: a method for improving local-scale urban flood risk assessment
Authors: Trepekli Katerina , Balstrøm Thomas , Friborg Thomas , Fog Bjarne , Allotey Albert N. , Kofie Richard Y. , Møller-Jensen Lasse
Published: March 2022

In this study, we present the first findings of the potential utility of miniaturized light and detection ranging (LiDAR) scanners mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for improving urban flood modelling and assessments at the local scale. This is done by generating ultra-high spatial resolution digital terrain models (DTMs) featuring buildings and urban microtopographic structures that may affect floodwater pathways (DTMbs). The accuracy and level of detail of the flooded areas, simulated by a hydrologic screening model (Arc-Malstrøm), were vastly improved when DTMbs of 0.3 m resolution representing three urban sites surveyed by a UAV-LiDAR in Accra, Ghana, were used to supplement a 10 m resolution DTM covering the region’s entire catchment area. The generation of DTMbs necessitated the effective classification of UAV-LiDAR point clouds using a morphological and a triangulated irregular network method for hilly and flat landscapes, respectively. The UAV-LiDAR data enabled the identification of archways, boundary walls and bridges that were critical when predicting precise run-off courses that could not be projected using the coarser DTM only. Variations in a stream’s geometry due to a one-year time gap between the satellite-based and UAV-LiDAR data sets were also observed. The application of the coarser DTM produced an overestimate of water flows equal to 15% for sloping terrain and up to 62.5% for flat areas when compared to the respective run-offs simulated from the DTMbs. The application of UAV-LiDAR may enhance the effectiveness of urban planning by projecting precisely the locations, extents and run-offs of flooded areas in dynamic urban settings.
Now or Later?: The Inter-temporal Decision-Making of Electoral Participation
Authors: Kitamura Shuhei , Matsubayashi Tetsuya
Published: March 2022

This study examines the dynamic nature of voting in modern elections with wide voting windows. Our stylized two-period model predicts that, if voters are not myopic, turnout in the current period tends to increase as the costs in the other period increase. The model also predicts that overall turnout does not always decrease even when the costs increase. We test these predictions using novel data from Japan’s General Election in 2017 with a weather disruption caused by a powerful typhoon. Our analyses show that the tremendous costs on Election Day shifted the timing of voting and did not decrease overall turnout in 2017, as compared to 2014. Our model and findings build a new benchmark to understand how voters decide their timing of voting. This study also has implications for the unprecedented popularity of early voting in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
Old versus young: How much do countries spend on social benefits? Deterministic modeling for government expenditure
Authors: Focacci Chiara Natalie
Published: March 2022

The increasing levels of population ageing have led to debates questioning the spending hierarchy granted by governments to social benefits. In this article, we use a Lotka–Voltera competition model based on differential equations to investigate the relationships between old age pensions, family/children benefits, sickness/health care, and unemployment benefits. The analysis focuses on Austria, Germany, and Switzerland between 2007 and 2018 with the aim of better understanding whether and when priority is given to benefits in favour of the older versus younger cohorts of the population. Findings for the German-speaking European triangle show that an intergenerational conflict is significantly present in government expenditure. In particular, old age pensions and family and children benefits mostly interact in a predator–prey relationship that favours old age pensions, while expenditure for sickness and health care predominates the scenario.
A community-based intervention approach to control disease outbreaks and climate-related deaths in communally raised goat kids in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Slayi Mhlangabezi , Zhou Leocadia , Tyasi Thobela Louis , Jaja Ishmael
Published: March 2022

A community-based intervention project was conducted, from April 2017 to March 2019, on 512 kids born from flocks of 30 purposively selected households located in ten villages within Alice district of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The study aimed to examine the effectiveness of combined efforts from the research team and farmers to control disease outbreaks and climate change-related deaths. A systematic dosing and fortnight dipping schedule was part of the intervention efforts made by the research team as well as supplying feed to pregnant and lactating does. Proper housing shelters were constructed and practicing hygiene measures were implemented. Veterinary assistance and medication were availed whenever there was a sick kid. Diseases and climate-related deaths were diagnosed based on clinical signs, laboratory results and relevant necropsy records. The current intervention program resulted to a decline in kid mortality rate (56.17% to 22.38%). Consistent access to veterinary services reduced the prevalence of Infectious diseases in year-2 (6.38%) as opposed to year-1 (14.89%). Climatic factors (11.92 vs 2.89%) became less prevalent due to better housing infrastructure while parasitic-related health problems showed a similar trend (9.79% vs 1.81%) after implementing a systematic dosing plan and fortnight dipping schedule. Death due to mechanical (7.66% vs 3.97%), reproductive (5.53% vs 3.25%) and nutritional (6.38% vs 2.53%)-related health problems also showed a slight decline. Even though the mortality rate was still above 20%, the documented improvement in kids’ survival rate implies that the approach was a moderate success. An in-depth analysis with regard to affordability and effectiveness should be conducted to ensure consistent support.