bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASSESSING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF FIRMS IN THE INDIAN MANUFACTURING SECTOR: AN INTER INDUSTRY ANALYSIS
Authors: Sahoo Pradipta Kumar , Rath Badri Narayan , Le Viet
Published: February 2022

This study measures the competitiveness of Indian manufacturing industries by covering 650 firms from 11 industries using the composite index approach. Firms are classified into two broad groups based on labor-capital intensity and ownership. The study found that capital-intensive industries are more competitive than labor-intensive industries. With regards to ownership of firms, the study finds that foreign-owned firms are more competitive than domestic firms. The study also divides the sample into two sub-periods based on India’s Competition Act 2002. The results reveal that competitiveness has slightly increased after the implementation of the Act.
Evaluasi Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab dengan Memanfaatkan Aplikasi MiSK
Authors: Rizal Muhammad , Syihabuddin Syihabuddin , Mad‘ali Mad‘ali
Published: February 2022

This study aims to optimize the evaluation of Arabic learning by utilizing technological developments as a means of evaluation. On this occasion, the researcher chose the MiSK application as a model, which is a game-based learning application on Android, equipped with Arabic vocabulary, images, and audio, which was designed by one of the lecturers from Istanbul 29 Mayis University. Researchers use the data that has been obtained to conduct library research, link some problems with existing theories, and find relevant solutions for each problem obtained. Some of the problems related to this research are: 1) Advances in information technology require teachers to always provide interesting, intuitive, and interactive learning facilities. 2) The lack of Arabic language applications that can test the four basic language learning skills in one application. Of the existing problems, there are several solutions, one of which is by using the MiSK application. Teachers can easily provide an evaluation of Arabic learning which already contains four basic skills in one application
Perspektif Filosofis Penelitian Bahasa Arab; Kajian Pembelajaran Bahasa Dengan Metode Terjemah
Authors: Setyawan Mohammad Yusuf
Published: February 2022

This article aims to provide an overview of the philosophical review in Arabic language research. The focus of the research is the study of language learning with the translation method (ṭarīqah al-tarjamah). A philosophical review in the study of Arabic is certainly very necessary in improving the quality of learning Arabic. The philosophy of science (falsafah al-'ulūm) is a branch of philosophy that questions and examines all issues related to science. Linguistics and philosophy have always had a close relationship. The study of language was first carried out by philosophers and not linguists. Since ancient times, philosophers have tried to solve philosophical problems with an analytical approach to language. After linguistics is able to stand alone as a solid field of science, the role of philosophy remains firmly rooted. This research is a qualitative research using descriptive-narrative method. This research will examine the nature of linguistics and language learning studies, methods of language learning studies, and the measurement of the truth of language learning studies. The results of the study show that philosophical review in Arabic language research is very helpful in revealing the nature, methods, and measures of truth in the study of Arabic learning. In essence, linguistics is the science of language or the science that takes language as its object of study. The study of language learning aims to find solutions to improve language teaching outcomes. The method used is included in the systematic scientific method which includes the formulation of the problem, the preparation of a framework of thinking in submitting hypotheses, formulating hypotheses, testing hypotheses, and drawing conclusions. The size of the truth is based on the formulation of logical thinking and unified deductive and inductive logic.
Upaya Peningkatan Kemampuan Menyusun Bahan Ajar Online Bagi Guru Bahasa Arab di Kabupaten Ponorogo
Authors: Chusna Ali Ba’ul , Mujib Ahmad , Antun Firdausi Kholidah
Published: February 2022

The need for teaching materials becomes something very important in learning activities. Especially during the current covid-19 pandemic where learning activities that are usually carried out face-to-face are directly replaced with distance learning by utilizing technological sophistication as a medium. In this case, teachers are required to be able to prepare teaching materials properly so that learning activities will continue to take place well, effectively, efficiently, and fun. This article aims to describe efforts to increase teacher competence in compiling online teaching materials for Arabic language teachers in the Ponorogo Regency area and the results achieved after participating in the preparation of online teaching materials. The service method used is participatory action research (PAR) which consists of four stages, namely mapping or problem mapping; action planning; implementation of actions; and evaluation. Efforts to improve the ability to compose online teaching materials were carried out in the form of training which was attended by 16 teachers from both Tsanawiyah and Aliyah madrasas in the Ponorogo Regency area. This activity was carried out in two stages with the presenters being the teaching team consisting of lecturers in the Arabic Language Education Department of IAIN Ponorogo. The material presented is the preparation of teaching materials based on power point and video. The results of the service show that participants are able to compile teaching materials using power point programs and videos to then be uploaded as online learning media.
A Physics-Constrained Data-Driven Workflow for Predicting Coalbed Methane Well Production Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Yang Ruiyue , Qin Xiaozhou , Liu Wei , Huang Zhongwei , Shi Yu , Pang Zhaoyu , Zhang Yiqun , Li Jingbin , Wang Tianyu
Published: February 2022

Coalbed methane (CBM) has emerged as one of the clean unconventional resources to supplement the rising demand of oil and gas. Analyzing and predicting CBM production performance are critical in choosing the optimal completion methods and parameters. However, the conventional numerical simulation has challenges of complicated gridding issues and expensive computational costs. The huge amount of available production data that has been collected in the field site opens up a new opportunity to develop data-driven approaches in predicting the production rate. Here, we proposed a novel physics-constrained data-driven workflow to effectively forecast the CBM productivity based on a gated recurrent unit (GRU) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) combined neural network (GRU-MLP model). The model architecture is optimized automatically by the multiobjective algorithm: nondominated sorting genetic algorithm Ⅱ (NSGA Ⅱ). The proposed framework was used to predict gas and water production in synthetic cases with various fracture-network-complexity/connectivity and two multistage fractured horizontal wells in field sites located at Ordos Basin and Qinshui Basin, China. The results indicated that the proposed GRU-MLP combined neural network was able to accurately and stably predict the production performance of CBM fractured wells in a fast manner. Compared with recurrent neural network (RNN), GRU, and long short-term memory (LSTM), the proposed GRU-MLP had the highest accuracy, stability, and generalization, especially in the peak or trough and late-time production periods, because it could capture the production-variation trends precisely under the static and dynamic physical constraints. Consequently, a physics-constrained data-driven approach performed better than a pure data-driven method. Moreover, the contributions of constraints affecting the model prediction performance were clarified, which could provide insights for the practicing engineers to choose which categorical constraints are needed to focus on and preferentially treated if there are uncertainties and unknowns in a realistic reservoir. In addition, the optimum GRU-MLP model architecture was a group of optimized solutions, rather than a single solution. Engineers can evaluate the tradeoffs within this optimal set according to the field-site requirements. This study provides a novel machine learning approach based on a GRU-MLP combined neural network to estimate production performances in naturally fractured reservoir. The method is gridless and simple, but is capable of predicting the productivity in a computational cost-effective way. The key findings of this work are expected to provide a theoretical guidance for the intelligent development in oil and gas industry.
Improved Enhanced Oil Recovery Polymer Selection Using Field-Flow Fractionation
Authors: Steindl Johannes , Hincapie Rafael E. , Borovina Ante , Puls Christoph , Badstoeber Johann , Heinzmann Gerhard , Clemens Torsten
Published: February 2022

Various polyacrylamide polymers have been successfully applied in chemical enhanced oil recovery (EOR) projects. These polymers are characterized by high molecular weights (MWs) to achieve high viscosifying power. The selection of polymers for chemical EOR is a crucial step in the field testing and implementation of such EOR projects. The reason is that per-pattern operating expenditures (OPEX) are one of the sensitive cost drivers for such projects. The important parameters for the selection of polymers are the filtration ratio, viscosifying power, polymer retention, and stability of the polymers at reservoir conditions.

The MW distribution (MWD) of the polymers has a major impact on polymer properties and performance. Measuring the MWD is challenging using conventional methods. Field-flow fractionation (FFF) enables the determination of the distribution to select and quality check various polymers. Multiangle light scattering (MALS) was used as the main detector. Polymers with high MWs (>1 MDa) are used for EOR to obtain highly viscous aqueous solutions. The MWD of the polymers is crucial for the solution characteristics. Conventional analysis of polymers is performed using either viscometry, which is able to determine the average MW but does not give information on MWD, or size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), which is restricted to MWs of <20 MDa. FFF is based on the analytes flowing at different speeds in a channel-dependent on their size and mass. This effect leads to separation, which is then used to determine the MWD.

FFF allows determining the MW and MWD of various ultrahigh MW polyacrylamides (HPAAMs). The FFF measurements showed that, despite similar MWs being claimed, substantial differences in MWD are observed. This technology allowed the quantification of the MWD of HPAAMs up to an MW of 5 GDa. Furthermore, gyration radii of the HPAAM molecules were determined. Selecting polymers on viscosifying power only is not addressing issues related to different MWs and MWDs such as selective polymer retention and degradation of the high molar mass part of the distribution. The results were used to improve the polymer selection for chemical EOR projects. In addition to viscosifying power and price, also the MWD and changes of the MWD in the porous medium are considered in the selection of the polymer.

Overall, this work presents a new technique for the analysis of ultrahigh MW EOR polymers, which enables the possibility to determine the full range of polymer MWDs. This available information enhances the EOR polymer selection process addressing selective polymer retention and mechanical degradation in addition to the viscosifying power of polymers.
A Time Series Forecasting Model Selection Framework Using CNN and Data Augmentation for Small Sample Data
Authors: Jiang Wentao , Ling Liwen , Zhang Dabin , Lin Ruibin , Zeng Liling
Published: February 2022

The key to the accuracy of time series forecasting is to find the most appropriate forecasting method. Therefore, the forecasting model selection of time series has become a new research hotspot in the data analysis field. However, most of the existing forecasting model selection methods reduce the forecasting efficiency for relying on subjective manual selection of features. In this paper, an automatic time series feature extraction framework is proposed for forecasting model selection based on the idea of meta learning. Inspired by computer vision, we transform one -dimensional time series into two-dimensional images, and use convolution neural network (CNN) to train and classify time series images (model selection). Moreover, in order to deal with the over fitting problem caused by small sample datasets, the sliding window data augmentation method is used to improve the accuracy of small datasets model selection. A large-scale empirical study on M3 datasets shows that the proposed framework has better model selection accuracy and smaller forecasting error(MAPE) than Support vector machine(SVM) and traditional time series image algorithms. Moreover, the classification rate(model selection accuracy) of the proposed algorithm are increased by 6.5% and 4.4% compare with the traditional time series image method and Support vector machine respectively in average
Shared Understanding of Resilient Practices in the Context of Inpatient Suicide Prevention: A Narrative Synthesis
Authors: Berg Siv Hilde , Rørtveit Kristine , Walby Fredrik A , Aase Karina
Published: February 2022

Background.
The prevailing patient safety strategies in suicide prevention are suicide risk assessments and retrospective reviews, with emphasis on minimising risk and preventing adverse events. Resilient healthcare focuses on how everyday clinical practice succeeds and emphasises learning from practice, not from adverse events. Yet, little is known about resilient practices for suicidal inpatients. The aim of the study is to draw upon the perspectives of patients and healthcare professionals to inform the conceptual development of resilient practices in inpatient suicide prevention.
Methods.
A narrative synthesis was conducted of findings across patients and healthcare professionals derived from a qualitative case study based on interviews with patients and healthcare professionals in addition to a systematic literature review.
Results.
Three sub-themes categorise resilient practices for healthcare professionals and for patients hospitalised with suicidal behaviour: 1) interactions capturing non-verbal cues; 2) protection through dignity and watchfulness; and 3) personalised approaches to alleviate emotional pressure. The main theme, the establishment of relationships of trust in resilient practices for patients in suicidal crisis, is the foundation of their communication and caring.
Conclusion
Clinical practice for patients hospitalised with suicidal behaviour has characteristics of complex adaptive systems in terms of dynamic interactions, decision-making under uncertainty, tensions between goals solved through trade-offs, and adaptations to patient variability and interpersonal needs. To improve the safety of patients hospitalised with suicidal behaviour, variability in clinical practice should be embraced.
Trial registration:
doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012874
The unreachable doorbells of South Texas: community engagement in colonias on the US-Mexico border for mosquito control
Authors: Juarez Jose G , Carbajal Ester , Dickinson Katherine L. , Garcia-Luna Selene , Vuong Nga , Mutebi John-Paul , Hemme Ryan R. , Badillo-Vargas Ismael , Hamer Gabriel L.
Published: February 2022

Mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit continue to place millions of people at risk of infection around the world. Novel methods of vector control are being developed to provide public health officials with the necessary tools to prevent disease transmission and reduce local mosquito populations. However, these methods will require public acceptance for a sustainable approach and evaluations at local settings. We currently present our efforts in community engagement carried out in colonias of the Lower Rio Grande Valley in south Texas for mosquito surveillance, control, and ecological projects. Along the US-Mexico border the term colonia refers to impoverished communities that are usually inhabited by families of Hispanic heritage. The different engagements were carried out from September 2016 to February 2019; during this time, we had three distinct phases for community engagement. In Phase 1 we show the initial approach to the colonias, Phase 2 the first recruitment procedure, and Phase 3 a modified recruitment procedure based on community members’ input. Our results show that incorporating community members in the development of communication materials and following their suggestions for engagement allowed us to generate culturally sensitive recruitment materials and to better understand the social relationships and power dynamics within these communities. We were able to effectively reach a larger portion of the community and decrease the dropout rate of participants. Community engagement should be viewed as a key component of any local vector control program as well as for any scientific research project related to vector control. Even in the face budgetary constraints, small efforts in community engagement go a long way.
Study of the judder Characteristics of Friction Material for an Automobile Clutch and Test Verification
Authors: Wang Leigang , Yan Zhengfeng , Li Hangsheng , Lei Hairui , Xie Maoqing
Published: February 2022

The friction judder characteristics during clutch engagement have a significant influence on the NVH of a driveline. In this research, the judder characteristics of automobile clutch friction materials and experimental verification are studied. First, considering the stick-slip phenomenon in the clutch engagement process, a detailed six-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) model including the body, engine, clutch and friction lining, torsional damper, transmission and other driveline parts is established, and the calculation formula of friction torque in the clutch engagement process is determined. Second, the influence of the friction gradient characteristics on the amplification or attenuation of the automobile friction judder is analyzed, and the corresponding stability analysis and the numerical simulation of different friction gradient values are carried out with MATLAB/Simulink software. Finally, judder bench test equipment and a corresponding damping test program are developed, and the relationship between the friction coefficient gradient characteristics and the system damping is analyzed, to determine the evaluation basis of the test. The research results show that the friction lining with negative gradient characteristics of the friction coefficient will have a judder signal. When the friction gradient value is less than −0.005 s /m, the judder signal of the measured clutch cannot be completely attenuated, and the judder phenomenon occurs. When the friction gradient is greater than −0.005 s/m, the judder signal can be significantly suppressed and the system connection tends to be stable.
IKK2/NFkB signaling controls lung resident CD8 T cell memory during influenza infection
Authors: Teixeiro Emma , Pritzl Curtis , Luera Dezzarae , Knudson Karin , Quaney Michael , Daniels Mark
Published: February 2022

CD8 tissue resident memory (TRM) cells are especially suited to control pathogen spread at mucosal sites. However, their maintenance in lung is limited. Here, we found that enhancing NFkB signaling in T cells once memory to influenza is established increased pro-survival Bcl-2 and CD122 levels boosting lung CD8 TRM maintenance. By contrast, enhancing NFkB signals during the contraction phase of the response led to a defect in TRM differentiation without impairing recirculating memory subsets. Specifically, inducible activation of NFkB via constitutive active IKK2 or TNF interfered with TGFb signaling resulting in defects of lung CD8 TRM imprinting molecules CD69, CD103, Runx3 and Eomes. Conversely, inhibiting NFkB signals not only recovered but improved the transcriptional signature and generation of lung CD8 TRM. Thus, NFkB signaling is a critical regulator of tissue resident memory, whose levels can be tuned at specific times during infection to boost lung CD8 TRM.
LiFi and Hybrid WiFi/LiFi Indoor Networking: From Theory to Practice
Authors: Ghaderi Mohammad Reza
Published: February 2022

Today, researchers and manufacturers consider light fidelity (LiFi) technology as an essential solution for fast data transfer in networks. In addition, one of the essential solutions to meet the traffic restriction challenge caused by the growing demand of Internet users is the integration of various communication technologies. Combining LiFi and wireless fidelity (WiFi) technologies is an effective solution to overcome this challenge. Hybrid WiFi/LiFi network uses fast data transfer from LiFi and wide coverage from WiFi. Therefore, their integration can complement the shortcomings of each of these technologies and increases the network performance. In this work, while presenting theoretical concepts of LiFi and hybrid WiFi/LiFi networks, issues such as network structure, cell deployment, modulation techniques, multiple access schemes, and criteria for measuring network performance are discussed. We present practical concepts for implementing LiFi-based networks in detail.
Real-space observations of three-dimensional antiskyrmions and skyrmion strings
Authors: Yu Xiuzhen , Iakoubovskii Konstantin , Yasin Fehmi , Peng Licong , Nakajima Kiyomi , Schneider Sebastian , Karube Kosuke , Arima Taka-hisa , Taguchi Yasujiro , Tokura Yoshinori
Published: February 2022

Nanometric topological spin textures, such as magnetic skyrmions (Sks) and antiskyrmions (antiSks), have attracted much attention in condensed matter physics and spintronics. To date, most studies have focused on two-dimensional Sks and antiSks in thin films with inherent or synthetic antisymmetric spin exchange interaction, termed Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction, for their topological features and information-carrier functions. Although three-dimensional (3D) spin textures are ubiquitous, previous studies have focused mostly on cylindrical Sks or other non-topological magnetic vortices. Nontrivial 3D spin textures, such as antiSks composed of alternating Bloch- and Néel-type spin spirals, chiral bobbers carrying emergent magnetic monopoles, and deformed Sk strings, have rarely been identified, particularly on their topological nature. To elucidate these textures, we have developed a 3D nanometric magnetic imaging technique - tomographic Lorentz transmission electron microscopy. This approach enables not only the visualisation of 3D shape of magnetic objects, but also their 3D vector field mapping. The present research will lead to discoveries and advanced understanding of fertile 3D magnetic structures in a broad class of magnets, providing insight into 3D topological magnetism.
Association between triglyceride-glucose index and gastroesophageal reflux disease: a health checkup cohort study
Authors: Kim Jie-Hyun , Kim Young Min , Park Jong Suk , Baik Su Jung , Chun Jaeyoung , Youn Young Hoon , Park Hyojin
Published: February 2022

The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index was proposed as a useful marker of metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance, which is the main mechanism underlying metabolic syndrome, is related to the gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study aimed to elucidate the association between the TyG index and GERD. We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of patients who underwent gastroduodenoscopy at a checkup center. The calculation of TyG index used following formula: ln (fasting triglycerides [mg/dL] × fasting glucose [mg/dL]/2). We divided the patients into four groups according to the TyG index quartile (Q). We evaluated the relationship between the alteration of the TyG index and GERD in patients who received health checkup two times. Among the 52,605 enrolled patients, 3,073 (5.8%) were diagnosed with GERD. The odds ratios (ORs) for GERD in the TyG index progressively increased across quartiles (P < 0.001): Q2 (OR = 2.477), Q3 (OR = 3.013), and Q4 (OR = 4.027) compared with Q1, which was used as a reference. Male, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and hypertension were also predictive factors for GERD. Moreover, the degree of TyG index increase during the first and second tests in the GERD group was more prominent than that in the control group (P = 0.001). In conclusion, the higher TyG index was significantly associated with GERD. The TyG index may be a novel predictive biomarker of GERD.
Fuel-Driven Formation of Covalent Basket Cages
Authors: Badjic Jovica , Gunawardana Vageesha Liyana , Finnegan Tyler , Ward Carson , Moore Curtis
Published: February 2022

Essential functions that sustain life including reproduction, signaling and mechanical motion, persist through the consump-tion of chemical fuels. Despite recent advances in developing dissipative assemblies that mimic such systems, the fuel-driven formation of covalent organic cages with the capacity to promote catalysis, folding, delivery and sequestration has yet to be demonstrated. In this work we describe the transient formation of a nanosized, tetrahedral cage (V = 5 nm3, Mw = 6150 Da) with four molecular baskets at its vertices linked via imine bonds to four aromatic amines forming the faces. Tribromo-acetic acid (TBA) acts as the chemical fuel that drives assembly of the cage via imine metathesis in addition to controlling its formation over time. Our study sets the stage for constructing large dissipative cages with spatiotemporal modes of opera-tion resembling the action of biological molecular machines.
Evaluation of gridded precipitation products in the selected sub-basins of Lower Mekong River Basin
Authors: Dhungana Santosh , Shrestha Sangam , Van Tuan Pham , Saurav KC , Gupta Ashim Das , Lai Thi Phuoc
Published: February 2022

Hydrological and meteorological studies demand accurate, continuous long-term reliable and uniformly distributed precipitation datasets. A plethora of gridded precipitation products (GPPs) has made their place as an alternate to rain gauge records. However, GPPs house inherent depending on the type of data, data density, gridding algorithm, etc. Hence it is crucial to evaluate them prior to their application. This study evaluated eight GPPs: Asian Precipitation Highly Resolved Observational Data Integration towards Evaluation data (APHRODITE), Climate Prediction Center (CPC), Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS), Southeast Asian Observed dataset (SA-OBS), Climate Prediction Center Morphing Technique (CMORPH), The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) -daily products and Climate Research Unit (CRU) and Global Precipitation Climatology Center (GPCC)- monthly products for 17 years (1998-2014). An entropy-based weight calculation for each statistical indices and compromise programming was employed to rank GPPs in the selected sub-basins basins (Nam Ngum River Basin (NRB) and Vietnam Mekong Delta (VMD)) of Lower Mekong Region (LMR) for mean and six extreme precipitation indices. The correlation coefficient (r), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and skilled score (SS) were the statistical indices used in this study. In terms of capturing mean monthly precipitation, GPCC outweighed all other products for both the studied basin. However, APHRODITE ranked first on a daily based product based on compromise programming for NRB. APHRODITE consistently recorded r between 0.85 to 0.95, RMSE in between 50 and 100 mm/month and SS between 0.72 to 0.90 for the 5 observed stations. Similarly, in case of VMD, TRMM ranked first for the daily precipitation products with r in between 0.8 to 0.95, RMSE between 50 to 70 mm/month and SS between 0.56 to 0.9 when evaluated with 11 observed stations. The APHRODITE for NRB and TRMM for VMD could be reliable GPPs for hydrological and meteorological studies.
The Effect of Varying Levels of Purified Condensed Tannins on Performance, Blood Profiles, Meat Quality and Methane Emission by Male Bapedi Sheep Fed a Grass Hay and Sheep Pellet-Based Diet
Authors: Ng'ambi Jones , Selapa Morongoa , Brown David , Manyelo Tlou Grace
Published: February 2022

This study determined the effect of purified condensed tannin inclusion levels in a diet on production, haematological indices, blood biochemical components, meat quality and methane emission by yearling indigenous male Bapedi sheep on a grass hay and sheep pellet-based diet in a 28-day trial. The diets contained similar (P>0.05) nutrients but with different (P<0.05) purified condensed tannin supplementation levels. A complete randomized design was used. Twenty-four yearling male Bapedi sheep were assigned to four dietary treatments having different purified condensed tannin levels of 0 (GH80P20PCT0), 30 (GH80P20PCT30), 40 (GH80P20PCT40) and 50 (GH80P20PCT50) g/kg DM. A quadratic type of equation was also used to determine condensed tannin supplementation levels for optimal performance and methane emission reduction by sheep. Supplementing diets with purified condensed tannins did not affect (P>0.05) intake, digestibility and performance of male Bapedi sheep. Supplementing diets with purified condensed tannins had no effect (P>0.05) on blood components of male Bapedi sheep. Bapedi sheep meat pH and sensory attributes were not influenced (P>0.05) by purified condensed tannin level in the diet. However, supplementing diets with purified condensed tannins decreased (P<0.05) methane emission by 51 to 60%. A 49.08g supplementation level with purified condensed tannins per kg DM diet was calculated, with the use of quadratic equations, to result in the lowest methane emission by male Bapedi sheep. Meat of male Bapedi rams on diets containing 30, 40 or 50g of purified condensed tannins per kg DM contained higher (P<0.05) antioxidant activities than meat from rams fed a feed without purified condensed tannins. These results indicate that purified condensed tannin supplementation levels used did not have adverse effects on Bapedi sheep. However, supplementation levels of 30, 40 or 50g of purified condensed tannins per kg DM diet reduced methane emission by 51 to 60%, and increased sheep meat antioxidant activity values. Supplementing diets with purified condensed tannins has potential to reduce methane production and emission by sheep. However, long-term studies are recommended to ascertain the present findings.
Polymer and bioink mixed strategy for human 3D printed Hippocampus model development
Authors: Rodrigues Felipe Valle Fortes , Zanirati Gabriele , Ghilardi Isadora , Marinho Allan , Maraschin Thuany , Bastos Nara Regina , Santos Carlos A. dos , Pimentel Vitória , Siqueira Lia , Marinowic Daniel , DaCosta Jaderson Costa
Published: February 2022

Science development can be directly correlated with the models and technologies applied to best simulate the analyzed environment in relation to the clinical reality to be studied and treated. 3D printers and bioinks enable the information acquisition from a clinical imaging environment and replicate it in an experimental one, such as cultured cells, with individual anatomical fidelity and control of cell layers, which mimic real tissue. Neuronal tissue greatly benefits from this approach because it´s a tissue hard to get samples, controls and with limitations in current cell culture monolayer models. Our results demonstrate the development of a model of human hippocampus with anatomical fidelity from magnetic resonance, printed with 3D technology in polylactic acid (PLA) polymer and brain decellularized tissue bioink. Therefore, we performed a screening aiming to determine the best materials. We performed hydrophobicity, surface morphology, cell viability, direct and indirect adhesion assays in the polymers, resulting in PLA among the best performing materials. Then we demonstrated a 3D model to comprehend hippocampus anatomy and histological complexity. Our results combine different expertise in the development of a model with the potential to enhance the study and application of therapeutic strategies regarding hippocampus pathologies.
Conditionality of Soil Microbial Mediation of Plant Phenotype
Authors: Beals Kendall , Lebeis Sarah , Bailey Joseph , Schweitzer Jennifer
Published: February 2022

Purpose: While distinct soil microbiomes and individual soil microbial taxa can alter particular plant traits under highly controlled conditions, little is known about the role of particular microbial taxa and microbial functions within complex soil microbial communities for mediating plant phenotypes or if the strength of microbial mediation of plant phenotype varies among plant species or plant phenotypic traits. Examining how the plant phenotype spectrum is influenced by the taxonomic and functional composition of complex soil microbial communities allows for a more accurate understanding of the biotic environmental drivers of plant phenotype.Methods: Using rhizosphere soil collected from field sites, we conducted a microbiome transfer glasshouse experiment to test the hypothesis that the taxonomic and functional composition of different soil microbiomes would differentially shift growth, physiological or reproductive phenotypes of three Solidago species. Results: We found that soil microbiome inoculations influenced Solidago growth traits more than physiological and reproductive traits. We found that root growth of one of the Solidago species was negatively correlated with 77% of the indicator bacterial and fungal taxa from one of the soil microbiome treatments. Conclusions: Soil microbial mediation of plant phenotype varies by plant traits, is not universal across plant species, and can be associated with a small number of microbial taxa. This study illustrates that specific microbial taxa within a soil microbiome are associated with shifts in plant phenotype by pinpointing important individual microbial taxa from complex field soil microbial communities.
Impacts of Comorbidities on Annual Incidence and Frequency of Asthma Exacerbation Hospitalisation: Data from CARN Study
Authors: Lin Jiangtao , Wang Wenqiao , Zhou Xin , Wang Changzheng , Huang Mao , Cai Shaoxi , Chen Ping , Lin Qichang , Zhou Jianying , Gu Yuhai , Yuan Yadong , Sun Dejun , Yang Xiaohong , Yang Lan , Huo Jianmin , Chen Zhuochang , Jiang Ping , Zhang Jie , Ye Xianwei , Liu Huiguo , Tang Huaping , Liu Rongyu , Liu Chuntao , Zhang Wei , Hu Chenping , Chen Yiqiang , Liu Xiaoju , Dai Luming , Zhou Wei , Huang Yijiang , Xu Jianying
Published: February 2022

Purpose: While asthma comorbidities are associated with higher health care utilisation, lower quality of life and poorer asthma control, the impact of asthma comorbidities on hospitalisation for asthma exacerbation (H-AX) remains less recognised. We aim to analyse the impact of asthma comorbidities on H-AX.Methods: Based on a national survey on asthma control and disease perception (CARN 2015 study), we analysed the impact of comorbidities on annual incidence and frequency of H-AX in China. Information on demographic characteristics, asthma comorbidities and annual incidence and frequency of H-AX were presented in this study. Results: Among 3875 ambulatory asthma patients, 75.9% (2941/3875) had comorbidities, and 26.4% (1017/3858) experienced H-AX during past year. After adjusting for confounding factors such as demographic data, smoking status and asthma control, COPD [OR=2.189, 95%CI (1.673, 2.863)] and coronary heart disease [OR=1.387, 95%CI (1.032, 1.864)] were associated with higher annual incidence, while allergic rhinitis [OR=0.692, 95%CI (0.588, 0.815)] was associated with lower annual incidence, of H-AX. In terms of frequency, allergic rhinitis [OR=1.630, 95%CI (1.214, 2.187)], COPD [OR=1.472, 95%CI (1.021, 2.122)] and anxiety [OR=2.609, 95%CI (1.051, 6.477)] showed statistically significant correlation with frequent H-AX.Conclusions: Comorbidities such as COPD, coronary heart disease and allergic rhinitis, may have an important role in the risk and/or frequency of annual hospitalisations due to asthma exacerbation. The goal of asthma control should rely on a multi-disciplinary treatment protocol but not merely on efforts of respiratory physicians.
Dynamical double full Bloch beam created with polariton vortices
Authors: Dominici Lorenzo , Voronova Nina , Rahmani Amir , colas david , Ballarini Dario , De Giorgi Milena , Gigli Giuseppe , Laussy Fabrice , Sanvitto Daniele
Published: February 2022

Vortices provide elementary quanta of rotation in superfluids, superconductors, and optics. In the latter case, such vortices are relevant to the encoding of arbitrary quantized angular momentum for both fiber and free-air communications, data elaboration, gyroscopes, and medical tools, and play a prominent role as building blocks in the field of structured light. Differently from the synthetic generation of arbitrary wave shaping, here we exploit the natural assets of open-dissipative exciton-polariton fluids to set into ultrafast motion a doubly-charged vortex, which also results in the time-varying orbital angular momentum of emitted light. The created topology comprises all the possible polariton pseudospins, with each state appearing twice in real space where the Bloch sphere is conformally mapped, with the orthogonality between the parallels and meridians preserved. The density of the sphere metric lines is described by the Berry curvature which is reshaping in time, but always keeps a space integral of twice the solid angle. This confirms that the spiraling motion of the two observable photonic vortex cores is due to the creation of a dynamical full Bloch beam and its evolving metric.
High Temperature and Water Deficit Cause Epigenetic Changes in Somatic Plants of Pinus Radiata D. Don
Authors: NASCIMENTO ANTONIA MAIARA MARQUES DO , Montalbán Itziar Aurora , de Miguel Diego Llamazares , Goicoa Tomás , Ugarte María Dolores , Moncaleán Paloma
Published: February 2022

Current climate changes imply an imminent risk for forest species. In this context, somatic embryogenesis is a valuable tool to study the response of plants to different abiotic stresses. Based on this, we applied a high-temperature regime (50 ºC, 5 min) during the maturation of Pinus radiata D. Don embryogenic masses in order to evaluate the development of an epigenetic memory months later. Therefore, somatic plants (SP) resulting from somatic embryos (ses) maturated at control temperature and cultivated in a greenhouse were submitted to heat stress (40 ºC, 2 h, 10 days; 23 ºC, 10 days) or at a control temperature (23 ºC, 20 days); while another 20 SP resulting from ses maturated in the two temperature regimes and cultivated in the greenhouse were submitted to drought stress or weekly irrigated. All plants were evaluated for relative water content, water potential, electrolyte leakage, stomatal conductance, transpiration, methylation (5-mC) and hydroxymethylation (5-hmC) levels. The results showed that the SP obtained from ses maturated at 50 ºC showed an adaptation to drought stress based on water potential and transpiration. Furthermore, SP kept under heat stress in a greenhouse showed lower 5-hmC levels than SP kept at 23 ºC. Furthermore, the 5-hmC and 5-hmC/5-mC ratio showed a significantly negative correlation with changes in water potential; and a significantly negative correlation was observed between the levels of stomatal conductance and 5-mC. We conclude that the manipulation of conditions during the maturation process in somatic embryogenesis modulates the physiological characteristics of the SP obtained.
Prognostic value of APACHE II and SAVE scores in adult patients treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: Zhu Yi , Zou Yue , Mei Yong , Lv Jinru , Zhou Hao , Zhang Zhongman , An Di , Ding Tao , Li Wei , Chen Xufeng
Published: February 2022

Purpose
The primary purpose of our study is to determine the accuracy and consistency of different evaluation systems including APACHE II scoring system and Survival After Veno-arterial ECMO (SAVE) score on predicting the prognosis of adult patients with ECPR.
Methods
We reviewed 74 adult patients underwent ECPR from June 2016 to July 2021. The primary endpoint examined was survival at hospital discharge or 28 days. The predicted accuracy of SAVE and APACHE II scoring systems was evaluated by binary logistic analysis and ROC curve, and the predicted consistency of the two grading systems was evaluated by Bland Altman plots.
Results
Overall, 43 (58.1%) patients finally died. On multivariable analysis, APACHE II score (OR = 1.372, 95%CI: 1.056–1.782, P = 0.018) was independently associated with increased 28-day mortality. The variable independently associated with decreased 28-day mortality included increased SAVE score (OR = 0.757, 95%CI: 0.643–0.890, P = 0.001). ROC analysis showed cut-off values to predict 28-day mortality for APACHE II score, namely 35.5 (sensitivity 79.1%, specificity 74.1%, AUC 0.81, 95%CI: 0.70–0.91), for SAVE score, namely − 6.5 (sensitivity 61.1%, specificity 83.7%, AUC 0.86, 95%CI:0.78–0.95), combined multivariate ROC analysis of both two parameters showed an AUC of 0.90 (95%CI: 0.83–0.97). In the Bland Altman plot for ECPR, mean mortalityAPAHCE II was not statistically different from mean mortalitySAVE (P = 0.99, mean difference mortalityAPAHCE II-mortalitySAVE=0.00%, 95%CI: -6.89–6.89%), meanwhile APACHE II and SAVE agreed well (95% limit of agreement:-59.29–59.29%) .
Conclusion
APACHE II and SAVE scores were fairly accurate in predicting prevention in adult ECPR patients and the predictive results of the two scoring systems are highly consistent.
Do extravillous trophoblasts isolated from maternal blood and cervical canal express the same markers?
Authors: Kongstad Christine , Singh Ripudaman , Ravn Katarina , Hatt Lotte , Bor Pinar , Vogel Ida , Uldbjerg Niels
Published: February 2022

Introduction Two approaches have been suggested for cell-based non-invasive prenatal testing (cbNIPT); A) enrichment of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) from maternal blood using antibodies targeting a combination of mesodermal and ectodermal markers and B) enrichment of EVTs from cervical swabs using antibodies targeting human leukocyte antigen G. Objective To investigate whether a well-established protocol for enrichment of EVTs from maternal blood sample can be used on cervical swabs. Methods A blood sample and a cervical swab from each of the ten women carrying male fetuses and undergoing first trimester termination of pregnancy were obtained. A previously published method, ‘trophoblast retrieval and isolation from the cervix’ was used for mucus dissolvement before enriching EVTs using antibodies against CD105 and CD141, as used for enrichment of EVTs from maternal blood. XY chromosome fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed to validate potential EVTs. Results No EVTs (XY cells) were detected in the cervical samples. Only maternal cells of epithelial origin were identified. However, the number of EVTs in blood samples varied from 1-9 EVTs per 30 mL.Conclusion A cbNIPT antibody-based protocol developed for enrichment of EVTs from maternal blood failed to enrich EVTs from the cervical canal of pregnant women in first trimester.
The microbiome in lichen and moss biocrust differentially contribute to carbon and nitrogen cycles in arid ecosystems
Authors: Tian Chang , Pang Jingwen , Bu Chongfeng , Wu Shufang , Li Yahong , Guo Qi , Siddique Kadambot H.M.
Published: February 2022

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are the main cover in arid and semi-arid regions worldwide. Microbes are an essential component in biocrusts and mediate many critical biochemical processes. However, little is known about the taxonomic composition and the functions of microbiomes in lichen and moss biocrusts. The shotgun metagenomic sequencing was used to compare two biocrust types (lichen-dominated and moss-dominated) in this study to reveal the microbial genes and metabolic pathways involved in carbon and nitrogen cycling. The results showed that the most abundant phylum in the two types of biocrust microbiomes was Actinobacteria, but their composition differed for the other abundant phyla (Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Acidobacteria). The relative abundance of carbohydrate-active enzymes and enzymes associated with carbon and nitrogen metabolism significantly differed in both biocrust types. There is a clear dominance of respiration pathways over carbon fixation pathways in the microbial communities of both biocrust types. The genes encoding carbon monoxide dehydrogenase were more abundant than those encoding ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCo) involved in the C fixation. N2 fixation had low metabolic pathways diversity in biocrust microbiomes, while nitrogen reduction dominated. The assimilatory nitrate reduction genes showed higher relative abundance in lichen biocrusts, while the dissimilatory nitrate reduction genes showed higher relative abundance in moss biocrusts. Dissolved organic carbon and soil organic carbon were considered as critical environmental factors affecting biocrust type. Our study suggests that biocrust type has significant effects on microbial biodiversity and biogeochemical cycling, providing new insights into biocrust microbiome responses to climate change at the gene level.
Wet and Dry Deposition Flux Measurements of Atmospheric Microplastic Particles in Central Germany
Authors: Kernchen Sarmite , Schmalz Holger , Löder Martin G. J. , Georgi Christoph , Einhorn Andrej , Greiner Andreas , Nölscher Anke C. , Laforsch Christian , Held Andreas
Published: February 2022

Air emissions, atmospheric transport and subsequent deposition of microplastics to other environments are now recognized. However, atmospheric dry and wet deposition of plastic particles and how different weather conditions may affect this fallout process are still poorly investigated. Hence, we examined wet and dry deposition of airborne plastic particulates from the atmosphere at a site in Kassel in Central Germany. Monthly samples of wet and dry deposition were taken separately over one year (05/2019-05/2020) and analysed by micro-Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (µFTIR) down to 11 µm. Additionally, one exemplary dry deposition sample was subjected to Raman analyses to investigate the abundance of dry deposited plastic particles in the lower micron and submicron size range. Microplastic particles in size range of 11 µm to 130 µm were detected in all wet deposition samples and in 5 out of 12 dry deposition samples by µFTIR. Polypropylene particles were found most frequently and accounted for 62% and 54% of all particles in wet and dry deposition, respectively. Wet deposition of plastics dominated at the study site and comprised 62% of the total number and 70% of the total mass of deposition. Plastic wet deposition fluxes (DFs) were 10 ± 5 MPs m− 2 day− 1 and accounted for 4284 MPs m− 2 a− 1. Microplastic deposition was elevated when the dominant wind direction was recorded in the direction from the city centre of Kassel and concentrations in precipitation correlated significantly with population-weighted air mass trajectories. Thus, anthropogenic activities contribute to the MP pollution at the study site. Raman analyses revealed additional plastic particles in the micron (> 10 µm) and lower micron (between 10 µm and 1 µm) range but submicron (< 1 µm) range particles made of common synthetic polymer materials could not be detected in the exemplary analysed dry deposition sample. Our results suggest that microplastic analysis by µFTIR down to 11 µm may underestimate DFs at least by an order of magnitude. However, more comprehensive studies on submicroplastics and nanoplastics (< 100 nm) are needed to fully assess air pollution by plastic particles.