bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
p–Laplacian diffusion coupled to logistic reaction: asymptotic behavior as p goes to 1
Authors: Sabina de Lis José C. , Segura de León Sergio
Published: March 2022

This work discusses the limit aspgoes to 1 of solutions to problem$$\begin{aligned} {\left\{ \begin{array}{ll} -\varDelta _p u = \lambda |{u}|^{{p}-2}{u} -|{u}|^{{q}-2}{u},&{} \qquad x\in \varOmega ,\\ \ u=0 &{}\qquad x\in \partial \varOmega , \end{array}\right. } \end{aligned}$$-Δpu=λ|u|p-2u-|u|q-2u,x∈Ω,u=0x∈∂Ω,where$$\varOmega$$Ωis a bounded smooth domain of$${\mathbb {R}}^N$$RN,$$\lambda >0$$λ>0is a parameter and the exponentsp, qsatisfy$$1< p < q$$1<p<q. Our interest is focused on the radially symmetric case. We prove in this radial setting that solutions$$u_p$$upto (P) converge to a limituas$$p\rightarrow 1+$$p→1+. Moreover, the limit functionudefines a solution to the natural ‘limit problem’ which involves the 1–Laplacian operator. In addition, a precise description of the structure of the set of all possible solutions to such a problem is achieved. This is accomplished by means of the introduction of a suitable energy condition. Furthermore, a detailed analysis of the profiles of all these solutions is also performed.
Impact of an educational tool on young women’s knowledge of cervical cancer screening recommendations
Authors: Thiel de Bocanegra Heike , Dehlendorf Christine , Kuppermann Miriam , Vangala Sitaram S. , Moscicki Anna-Barbara
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Current cervical cancer screening guidelines recommend 3-year screening intervals, in contrast to the previous recommendation of annual screening, to prevent over screening and overtreatment. We evaluated the impact of viewing a tablet-based educational tool prior to seeing a clinician on young women’s knowledge and understanding of cervical cancer screening, HPV vaccination follow-up of abnormal pap smears, and comfort in communicating with their providers.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was part of a cluster-randomized study of fourteen primary care clinics from January 2015 to December 2016. We developed the cervical cancer education tool in English and Spanish using a community-based approach that included formative work and cognitive interviewing. Clinics were randomized to use the intervention (tablet-based patient education tool) or to participate as a control group. We administered surveys to a convenience sample of 229 English- or Spanish-speaking women aged 19 to 35 years in these clinics. We used descriptive analyses and logistic regression models with cluster-robust standard errors to compare differences among the two groups.

Results

Compared to women seen in control clinics, women seen in intervention clinics demonstrated greater knowledge regarding human papilloma virus (HPV (p = 0.004) and understanding (p < 0.001) of cervical cancer screening. Comfort in communicating with providers was not statistically different (p = 0.053). Women in the intervention group felt that the tool helped them understand that an abnormal Pap smear does not require immediate treatment (61.5%).

Conclusion

Innovative online patient education that is offered prior to patients’ interaction with their clinicians can improve their knowledge about cervical cancer prevention and treatment.
Poly-guanidine shows high cytotoxicity in glioma cell cultures and glioma stem cells
Authors: Márquez Marcela , Olausson Karl Holmberg , Alaiya Ayodele , Nilsson Sten , Meurling Lennart , Holmberg Anders R.
Published: March 2022

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a malignant CNS tumor with a poor prognosis. GBM shows aberrant glycosylation with hypersialylation. This property is a potential target for therapy. This study investigates the growth inhibitory efficacy of poly-guanidine (GuaDex), with an affinity for sialic acid (Sia). Glioma cell cultures and patient-derived glioma cell lines (PDGCLs) expressing Prominin-1 (CD133) were used. Human fibroblasts and astrocyte-derived cells were used as controls. Temozolomide (standard GBM drug, TMZ) and DMSO were used as a comparison. GuaDex at 1–10 µM concentrations, were incubated for 3.5–72 h and with PDGCLs cells for 6–24 h. The cytotoxicity was estimated with a fluorometric cytotoxicity assay (FMCA). Fluorescence-labelled GuaDex was used to study the cell interactions. Sia expression was confirmed with a fluorescence labelled Sia binding lectin. Expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein was determined. GuaDex induction of growth inhibition was fast, showing after less than 5 min incubation while the control cells were not affected even after 50 min incubation. The growth inhibitory effect on PDGCLs spheroids was persistent still showing after 4 weeks post-treatment. The growth inhibition of GuaDex was induced at low µM concentrations while TMZ induced only a slight inhibition at mM concentrations. GuaDex efficacy appears significant and warrants further studies.
The kinesin Eg5 inhibitor K858 exerts antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects and attenuates the invasive potential of head and neck squamous carcinoma cells
Authors: Nicolai Alice , Taurone Samanta , Carradori Simone , Artico Marco , Greco Antonio , Costi Roberta , Scarpa Susanna
Published: March 2022

Our group recently demonstrated that K858, an inhibitor of motor kinesin Eg5, has important antiproliferative and apoptotic effects on breast cancer, prostatic cancer, melanoma and glioblastoma cells. Since high levels of kinesin Eg5 expression have been correlated with a poor prognosis in laryngeal carcinoma, we decided to test the anticancer activity of K858 toward this tumor, which belongs to the group of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). These cancers are characterized by low responsiveness to therapy. The effects of K858 on the proliferation and assembly of mitotic spindles of three human HNSCC cell lines were studied using cytotoxicity assays and immunofluorescence for tubulin. The effect of K858 on the cell cycle was analyzed by FACS. The expression levels of cyclin B1 and several markers of apoptosis and invasion were studied by Western blot. Finally, the negative regulation of the malignant phenotype by K858 was evaluated by an invasion assay. K858 inhibited cell replication by rendering cells incapable of developing normal bipolar mitotic spindles. At the same time, K858 blocked the cell cycle in the G2 phase and induced the accumulation of cytoplasmic cyclin B and, eventually, apoptosis. Additionally, K858 inhibited cell migration and attenuated the malignant phenotype. The data described confirm that kinesin Eg5 is an interesting target for new anticancer strategies and suggest that this compound may be a powerful tool for an alternative therapeutic approach to HNSCCs.
Using the problem based learning method and educational technologies to teach open data: A design-based research approach
Authors: Dermentzi Eleni , Zotou Maria , Tambouris Efthimios , Tarabanis Konstantinos
Published: March 2022

With Open Data becoming more popular and more public bodies publishing their datasets, the need for educating prospective graduates on how they can use them has become prominent. This study examines the use of the Problem Based Learning (PBL) method and educational technologies to support the development of Open Data skills in university students. The study follows a Design Based Research approach and consists of three phases: a) examination of stakeholders’ needs, b) design of an Open Data module, and c) re-design of the module based on the outcomes of its first run. The data collected throughout the three phases come from various sources, namely interviews with practitioners, focus groups with students, and tutors’ reflection. The findings suggest that while the PBL method is suitable for Open Data education, special care should be taken to ensure that the potential of educational technologies is fully realised. The study concludes with design principles that aim to guide instructors on how they can incorporate the PBL method and digital tools into Open Data education effectively.
Work stress and loss of years lived without chronic disease: an 18-year follow-up of 1.5 million employees in Denmark
Authors: Sørensen Jeppe K. , Framke Elisabeth , Pedersen Jacob , Alexanderson Kristina , Bonde Jens P. , Farrants Kristin , Flachs Esben M. , Magnusson Hanson Linda L. , Nyberg Solja T. , Kivimäki Mika , Madsen Ida E. H. , Rugulies Reiner
Published: March 2022

We aimed to examine the association between exposure to work stress and chronic disease incidence and loss of chronic disease-free life years in the Danish workforce. The study population included 1,592,491 employees, aged 30–59 in 2000 and without prevalent chronic diseases. We assessed work stress as the combination of job strain and effort-reward imbalance using job exposure matrices. We used Cox regressions to estimate risk of incident hospital-diagnoses or death of chronic diseases (i.e., type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, and dementia) during 18 years of follow-up and calculated corresponding chronic disease-free life expectancy from age 30 to age 75. Individuals working in occupations with high prevalence of work stress had a higher risk of incident chronic disease compared to those in occupations with low prevalence of work stress (women: HR 1.04 (95% CI 1.02–1.05), men: HR 1.12 (95% CI 1.11–1.14)). The corresponding loss in chronic disease-free life expectancy was 0.25 (95% CI − 0.10 to 0.60) and 0.84 (95% CI 0.56–1.11) years in women and men, respectively. Additional adjustment for health behaviours attenuated these associations among men. We conclude that men working in high-stress occupations have a small loss of years lived without chronic disease compared to men working in low-stress occupations. This finding appeared to be partially attributable to harmful health behaviours. In women, high work stress indicated a very small and statistically non-significant loss of years lived without chronic disease.
Dual-Polarised Radiometer for Road Surface Characterisation
Authors: Auriacombe Olivier , Vassilev Vessen , Pinel Nicolas
Published: March 2022

This paper presents measurements using a dual-polarised radiometer operating at 93 GHz to detect ice or water on asphalt in laboratory conditions. The brightness temperatures of bothHandVpolarizations were measured for a dry surface, liquid water, and ice on asphalt at observation angles of 50° and 56°. The results presented in this paper demonstrate that the studied road conditions can be identified by the radiometer. The measurements are compared with a model and surface parameters, such as dielectric constant and roughness are fitted and compared to reference values. The experiments and results, described in this article, are the first steps towards the future installation of a polarimetric sensor on a moving vehicle for traffic safety.
Convergence Rates of Monotone Schemes for Conservation Laws for Data with Unbounded Total Variation
Authors: Fjordholm Ulrik Skre , Lye Kjetil Olsen
Published: March 2022

We prove convergence rates of monotone schemes for conservation laws for Hölder continuous initial data with unbounded total variation, provided that the Hölder exponent of the initial data is greater than $$\nicefrac {1}{2}$$

1
2

. For strictly $${{\,\mathrm{Lip}\,}}^+$$

Lip

+

stable monotone schemes, we prove convergence for any positive Hölder exponent. Numerical experiments are presented which verify the theory.
Listen-and-repeat training in the learning of non-native consonant duration contrasts: influence of consonant type as reflected by MMN and behavioral methods
Authors: Saloranta Antti , Heikkola Leena Maria , Peltola Maija S.
Published: March 2022

Phonological duration differences in quantity languages can be problematic for second language learners whose native language does not use duration contrastively. Recent studies have found improvement in the processing of non-native vowel duration contrasts with the use of listen-and-repeat training, and the current study explores the efficacy of similar methodology on consonant duration contrasts. 18 adult participants underwent two days of listen-and-repeat training with pseudoword stimuli containing either a sibilant or a stop consonant contrast. The results were examined with psychophysiological event-related potentials (mismatch negativity and P3), behavioral discrimination tests and a production task. The results revealed no training-related effects in the event-related potentials or the production task, but behavioral discrimination performance improved. Furthermore, differences emerged between the processing of the two consonant types. The findings suggest that stop consonants are processed more slowly than the sibilants, and the findings are discussed with regard to possible segmentation difficulties.
Change in beta diversity of riverine fish during and after supra-seasonal drought
Authors: Rolls Robert J. , Chessman Bruce C. , Heino Jani , Wolfenden Ben , Thurtell Lisa A. , Cheshire Katherine J. M. , Ryan David , Butler Gavin , Growns Ivor , Curwen Graeme
Published: March 2022

Context

A core theme in ecohydrology is understanding how hydrology affects spatial variation in the composition of species assemblages (i.e., beta diversity). However, most empirical evidence is from research in upland rivers spanning small spatial extents. Relatively little is known of the consequences of hydrological variation for beta diversity across multiple spatial scales in lowland rivers.

Objectives

We sought to examine how spatial variation in hydrology and fish beta diversity within and among rivers changed over time in response to intensification and cessation of hydrological drought.

Methods

We used monitoring data of fish assemblages, coupled with hydrological and biophysical data, to test how spatial variation in hydrology and multiple components of fish beta diversity in lowland rivers of the Murray—Darling Basin (Australia) varied across spatial scales during contrasting hydrological phases.

Results

Spatial variation in hydrology among rivers declined with increasing duration of drought before increasing during a return to above-average flows. Spatial variation in hydrology within rivers did not show consistent changes between hydrological phases. Beta diversity among and within rivers showed variable, river-specific changes among hydrological phases for both incidence- and abundance-based components of assemblage composition.

Conclusions

Inconsistent hydrology—beta diversity patterns found here suggest that mechanisms and outcomes of drought and flooding impacts to beta diversity are context-dependent and not broadly generalisable. Our findings indicate that hydrological fluctuations occurring in the Murray—Darling Basin in the period analysed here did not cause significant or consistent homogenisation or differentiation of freshwater fish assemblages.
Special Issue: Geostatistics and Machine Learning
Authors: De Iaco Sandra , Hristopulos Dionissios T. , Lin Guang
Published: March 2022

Recent years have seen a steady growth in the number of papers that apply machine learning methods to problems in the earth sciences. Although they have different origins, machine learning and geostatistics share concepts and methods. For example, the kriging formalism can be cast in the machine learning framework of Gaussian process regression. Machine learning, with its focus on algorithms and ability to seek, identify, and exploit hidden structures in big data sets, is providing new tools for exploration and prediction in the earth sciences. Geostatistics, on the other hand, offers interpretable models of spatial (and spatiotemporal) dependence. This special issue onGeostatistics and Machine Learningaims to investigate applications of machine learning methods as well as hybrid approaches combining machine learning and geostatistics which advance our understanding and predictive ability of spatial processes.
Identification and validation of a QTL for spikelet number on chromosome arm 6BL of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Katz Andrew , Byrne Patrick , Reid Scott , Bratschun Sarah , Haley Scott , Pearce Stephen
Published: March 2022

To provide food security for a growing world population, it will be necessary to increase yields of staple crops such as wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Yield is a complex, polygenic trait influenced by grain weight and number, which are negatively correlated with one another. Spikelet number is an important determinant of grain number, but allelic variants impacting its expression are often associated with heading date, constraining their use in wheat germplasm that must be adapted for specific environments. Identification and characterization of genetic variants affecting spikelet number will increase selection efficiency through their deployment in breeding programs. In this study, a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome arm 6BL for spikelet number was identified and validated using an association mapping panel, a recombinant inbred line population, and seven derived heterogeneous inbred families. The superior allele, QSn.csu-6Bb, was associated with an increase of 0.248 to 0.808 spikelets per spike across multiple environments that varied for mean spikelet number. Despite epistatic interactions between QSn.csu-6B and three other loci (WAPO-A1, VRN-D3, and PPD-B1), genotypes with a greater number of superior alleles at these loci consistently exhibit higher spikelet number. The frequency of superior alleles at these loci varies among winter wheat varieties adapted to different latitudes of the US Great Plains, revealing opportunities for breeders to select for increased spikelet number using simple molecular markers. This work lays the foundation for the positional cloning of the genetic variant underlying the QSn.csu-6B QTL to strengthen our understanding of spikelet number determination in wheat.
Cutaneous Phaeohyphomycosis of the Right Hand Caused by Exophiala jeanselmei: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Wu Chongyang , Shu Ling , Chen Zhixing , Hu Qianrong , Tao Lijun , He Chao
Published: March 2022

Exophialaspp. is increasingly reported as a pathogen causing the cutaneous, subcutaneous or invasive infection. In this report, we present a case of cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due toE. jeanselmeion the right hand of a farmer,who suffered from this disease three years ago which had not been definitely diagnosed until he was admitted to our hospital. In our hospital, a potential fungal pathogen was observed by histopathological examination, and then was recovered and identified asE. jeanselmeiby sequencing its internal transcribed spacer region. After 4 weeks of antifungal treatment, his hand recovered very well. To investigate the in vitro susceptibility ofE. jeanselmeiisolates to antifungal agents and compare the characteristics of their related infections among immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients, we reviewed 84 cases published in PubMed database between 1980 and 2020.
Strain sensing in underwater acoustics with a hybrid π-shifted FBG and different interrogation methods
Authors: El-Gammal Hanan M. , Ismail Nour Eldin , Rizk Mohamed R. M. , Aly Moustafa H.
Published: March 2022

Although Piezo-Electric Transducers (PZT) hydrophones are widely accepted and technologically mature in the field of Acoustic Emissions (AE) strain sensing underwater, optical fiber-based sensors are gaining more attraction due to their multiplexing capability, small size, high resolution, high sensitivity and immunity to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). In this paper, we propose a hybrid Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) system based on combining two apodized FBGs (AFBGs); named Nuttall and Cos8, separated by a pi-phase shift to apply it for underwater strain sensing. This combination results in optimum performance in terms of the reflection properties including high peak reflectivity, narrow Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM), remarkable side lobes suppression, high roll-off rate, good Ripple Factor (RF) and high Detection Accuracy (DA) as well. In addition, an excellent multiplexing capability, high temperature and strain sensitivities and a stable operation over increased temperatures, strain and pressure levels (up to 250 °C, 1000 µstrain and 100 MPa) are achieved. Moreover, mechanical analysis and comparisons revealed that the Polymer Optical Fiber (POF) recorded the highest sensitivity among other fiber types and their coatings with a value of 1.43 pm/µstrain, making it applicable in the strain sensing in underwater acoustics. Furthermore, in this work, a detailed comparative study is performed between several types of interrogators targeting an optimum interrogator for the strain sensing application in underwater acoustics. The obtained results reveal that the linear edge absorption filter detection method achieves better results among the other types. But, unfortunately, when talking about the multiplexing capability, it shows a remarkable failure. Whereas, the Mach–Zehnder. Interferometry (MZI) comes in the second place with higher resolution range (103–104) with tunable sensitivity, fast measurement speed, good long-term stability, high multiplexing capability and medium cost. Accordingly, it could be applicable in the application understudy.
Legume nutrition is improved by neighbouring grasses
Authors: Wei Zhang , Maxwell Thomas M. R. , Robinson Brett , Dickinson Nicholas
Published: March 2022

Background

Combinations of grasses and nitrogen-fixing legumes are ubiquitous in most natural and derived pastoral grasslands. This was not formerly the case in New Zealand’s unique indigenous grasslands that are now frequently impacted by exotic pasture grasses and legumes. Understanding the co-existence of native and exotic plants is the broad focus of this research.

Aims

Spillover of nitrogen (N) from clovers to grasses in diverse pasture is well known. We question whether grasses provide reciprocal nutritional benefits to legumes. Does the mutual exploitation of soil biogeochemistry by legumes and grasses help to explain their coexistence and, if so, does this have implications for biodiversity in NZ’s novel native grassland communities?

Methods

Combinations of grasses and legumes, including a native tussock grass, were grown in a nutrient-poor (low P, S, Ca, Mg, Mn, and B) high country soil in a pot experiment, quantifying the foliar acquisition of nutrients from soil. Field data were obtained by sampling foliage of clover in single- and mixed-species patches in a more fertile lowland pasture.

Results

Benefits of legume and grass growing together were reflected in enhanced productivity and higher uptake of a range of key nutrients. This was most evident but not restricted to a combination of two exotic species: cocksfoot and white clover. In the nutrient-poor soil, legumes grew better in combination with different species of introduced grasses. Uptake of key elements from soil to plants significantly differed with combinations of legumes and grasses compared to individual species. Elevated concentrations of P, K and S were recorded in clover when growing with grasses, although Ca uptake was lower. Expected reciprocal reduction of clover N or enhanced grass N were not recorded. Mass balance data (total extraction of key nutrients from the soil pool) showed that combination of grasses and legumes exploit soil nutrients (particularly P, Zn, Mn and Mo) more effectively than single species alone. In grasses, only tissue concentrations of K, S and Zn significantly increased when growing with legumes, but native tussock grass procured less nutrients when growing with the exotic legumes. Field sampling of clover from the more fertile lowland soil showed significantly higher foliar concentrations of K, Mn, Cu and B, but less Ca.

Conclusions

The findings are indicative of a mutualistic relationship: legumes derive nutritional benefits from growing with grasses. Native tussock grass contained less N when growing with the exotic legumes, suggesting less compatibility and a lack of adaptation to coexistence.
Impact of Tumor Burden on Normal Organ Distribution in Patients Imaged with CXCR4-Targeted [68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor PET/CT
Authors: Serfling Sebastian E. , Lapa Constantin , Dreher Niklas , Hartrampf Philipp E. , Rowe Steven P. , Higuchi Takahiro , Schirbel Andreas , Weich Alexander , Hahner Stefanie , Fassnacht Martin , Buck Andreas K. , Werner Rudolf A.
Published: March 2022

Background

CXCR4-directed positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has been used as a diagnostic tool in patients with solid tumors. We aimed to determine a potential correlation between tumor burden and radiotracer accumulation in normal organs.

Methods

Ninety patients with histologically proven solid cancers underwent CXCR4-targeted [68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor PET/CT. Volumes of interest (VOIs) were placed in normal organs (heart, liver, spleen, bone marrow, and kidneys) and tumor lesions. Mean standardized uptake values (SUVmean) for normal organs were determined. For CXCR4-positive tumor burden, maximum SUV (SUVmax), tumor volume (TV), and fractional tumor activity (FTA, defined as SUVmean x TV), were calculated. We used a Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (ρ) to derive correlative indices between normal organ uptake and tumor burden.

Results

Median SUVmean in unaffected organs was 5.2 for the spleen (range, 2.44 – 10.55), 3.27 for the kidneys (range, 1.52 – 17.4), followed by bone marrow (1.76, range, 0.84 – 3.98), heart (1.66, range, 0.88 – 2.89), and liver (1.28, range, 0.73 – 2.45). No significant correlation between SUVmax in tumor lesions (ρ ≤ 0.189, P ≥ 0.07), TV (ρ ≥ -0.204, P ≥ 0.06) or FTA (ρ ≥ -0.142, P ≥ 0.18) with the investigated organs was found.

Conclusions

In patients with solid tumors imaged with [68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor PET/CT, no relevant tumor sink effect was noted. This observation may be of relevance for therapies with radioactive and non-radioactive CXCR4-directed drugs, as with increasing tumor burden, the dose to normal organs may remain unchanged.
A comprehensive review on comparison among effluent treatment methods and modern methods of treatment of industrial wastewater effluent from different sources
Authors: Sathya K. , Nagarajan K. , Carlin Geor Malar G. , Rajalakshmi S. , Raja Lakshmi P.
Published: March 2022

In recent years, rapid development in the industrial sector has offered console to the people but at the same time, generates numerous amounts of effluent composed of toxic elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, hydrocarbons, and heavy metals that influences the environment and mankind hazardously. While the technological advancements are made in industrial effluent treatment, there arising stretch in the techniques directing on hybrid system that are effective in resource recovery from effluent in an economical, less time consuming and viable manner. The key objective of this article is to study, propose and deliberate the process and products obtained from different industries and the quantity of effluents produced, and the most advanced and ultra-modern theoretical and scientific improvements in treatment methods to remove those dissolved matter and toxic substances and also the challenges and perspectives in these developments. The findings of this review appraise new eco-friendly technologies, provide intuition into the efficiency in contaminants removal and aids in interpreting degradation mechanism of toxic elements by various treatment assemblages.
Toward coupling of groundwater drawdown and pumping time in a constant discharge
Authors: Dastourani Mehdi , Nazeri Tahroudi Mohammad
Published: March 2022

Groundwater is considered an essential water resource in arid and semi-arid regions such as Iran. This study used a copula-based approach to analyze the joint frequency of groundwater level and the duration of groundwater pumping with a constant discharge. In particular, this study examines the correlation between the pumping time and groundwater drawdown variables for two cases of 26.6 and 28.8 l/s constant discharges and a pumping time of 220 min. In addition, the Weibull probability distribution and Galambos copula were used for these two tests. To estimate the groundwater drawdown at different pumping times with different probabilities, the obtained typical curves by providing the contour curves of the cumulative groundwater drawdown probability and the pumping time in both tests were obtained. For example, for 150 min of pumping, the groundwater drawdown for pumping discharge of 26.64 and 28.8 l/s with a 60% probability is about 7.4 and 8 m, respectively. The results of the joint-occurrence frequency analysis in the study area showed that for each unit of increase in pumping discharge in the pumping well, a drawdown of 0.32 m is imaginable in the observation well. In the next step, the groundwater drawdown got analyzed in both tests simultaneously. Since the pumping time is the same, the effect of increasing the pumping discharge in the study area is observable in the joint-occurrence probability curve.
Root-Planing Efficiency of Edge Retention Curettes After Extended Use on the Surface of the Tooth Root
Authors: Kumar Santhosh , Damodara K. Vibha , Maithri M. , Bhogi Venkatesh , Bhat Chandrashekhar
Published: March 2022

The present study aimed to evaluate the root surface topography and cutting-edge retention after mechanical root planing using five different types of curettes. Sixty premolars were divided among stainless steel curette (SS), titanium-coated curette (SC), titanium curette (Ti), EverEdge curette (EE), and XP curette (XP) groups. Mean tooth surface roughness (Ra) and the mean roughness depth (Rz) values were determined. The SEM and EDX values were checked after 40, 500, 1,000, and 2500 strokes. At 40 strokes, the mean Ra value of 2.33 ± 0.88 and mean Rz value of 18.5 ± 5.70 was the lowest recorded for titanium coated instrument. After 500 strokes, XP curettes presented with the lowest Ra and Rz values of 1.39 ± 0.25 and 12.32 ± 1.76, respectively. After 1000 and 2500 strokes, the XP curettes had Ra (1.02 ± 0.07; 0.71 ± 0.12) and Rz (9.63 ± 0.50; 7.20 ± 0.96), respectively. The 2-way ANOVA of Ra and Rz values and the post hoc showed a statistically significant difference with p < 0.05. The SEM analysis showed the surface of the roots to be smoother in XP, and the cutting was retained in XP and the EE curettes. In the EDX analysis, there was corrosion on the lateral surface of the Ti and the SC. XP curettes showed to be better statistically than other curettes, and both XP and EE retained the cutting edges longer. Hence, curettes with edge retention technology are long-lasting and effective for root surface instrumentation in periodontal practice.
Hierarchical Ti3C2Tx@ZnO Hollow Spheres with Excellent Microwave Absorption Inspired by the Visual Phenomenon of Eyeless Urchins
Authors: Wang Yan-Qin , Zhao Hai-Bo , Cheng Jin-Bo , Liu Bo-Wen , Fu Qiang , Wang Yu-Zhong
Published: March 2022

Ingenious microstructure design and rational composition selection are effective approaches to realize high-performance microwave absorbers, and the advancement of biomimetic manufacturing provides a new strategy. In nature, urchins are the animals without eyes but can “see”, because their special structure composed of regular spines and spherical photosensitive bodies “amplifies” the light-receiving ability. Herein, inspired by the above phenomenon, the biomimetic urchin-like Ti3C2Tx@ZnO hollow microspheres are rationally designed and fabricated, in which ZnO nanoarrays (length: ~ 2.3 μm, diameter: ~ 100 nm) as the urchin spines are evenly grafted onto the surface of the Ti3C2Tx hollow spheres (diameter: ~ 4.2 μm) as the urchin spherical photosensitive bodies. The construction of gradient impedance and hierarchical heterostructures enhance the attenuation of incident electromagnetic waves. And the EMW loss behavior is further revealed by limited integral simulation calculations, which fully highlights the advantages of the urchin-like architecture. As a result, the Ti3C2Tx@ZnO hollow spheres deliver a strong reflection loss of − 57.4 dB and broad effective absorption bandwidth of 6.56 GHz, superior to similar absorbents. This work provides a new biomimetic strategy for the design and manufacturing of advanced microwave absorbers.
Sinology in Russia during the Soviet and Post-Soviet Periods: Research and Politics
Authors: Guleva Mariia
Published: March 2022

This paper follows the developments in Chinese studies in Moscow and Leningrad–Saint Petersburg during the Soviet and post-Soviet decades. It provides an overview of institutions and key currents in research conducted in these two cities, while also contextualizing the general political conditions under which Sinology existed. The paper examines the ways researchers responded to the ideological requirements placed upon them in the early Soviet period, then outlines the main trends in Chinese studies after the establishment of the PRC and during the Sino-Soviet split, and, finally, traces the continuities and changes of the late Soviet and post-Soviet years. This article provides some information on existing bibliographical publications, conferences, and journals as an aid for following China-related research conducted in Russia. It also demonstrates that, while many problems continue to hamper the development of Sinology in Russia, this field has sound foundations and many promising tendencies.
Dietary practice among cohort pregnant women who gave birth to neonates with and without neural tube defect: a comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Berhane Anteneh , Fikadu Tewodros , Belachew Tefera
Published: March 2022

Despite the high burden of neural tube defects (NTD) in eastern Ethiopia, there is no evidence that it is related to maternal dietary practice. The aim of the present study was to compare dietary practice between women who gave birth to newborns with and without NTDs. A comparative cross-sectional study was performed on a total of 276 (138 in each group) mothers who delivered neonates with or without NTD. Study participants were selected from three hospitals found in the eastern part of Ethiopia. The dietary practice was determined using the indicators including meal frequency, dietary diversity score (DDS), food variety score (FVS) and consumption of animal source food (ASF) generated from the dietary data collected using validated and pre-tested Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to isolate independent predictors of dietary practices. The prevalence of good dietary practice was 29 % (95 % CI 23·6 %, 34·3 %). There was a significant difference in dietary practices (P= 0·034), in FVS (P= 0·01), in DDS (P= 0·045) between the two groups. In multivariable logistic regression, independent predictors of having good dietary practice were: not being the mother of a newborn with NTDs [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2·1, 95 % CI 1·07, 4·1], being from a rural residence area (AOR 0·29, 95 % CI 0·1, 0·7) and being illiterate (AOR 0·16, 95 % CI 0·03, 0·8). The present study found that dietary practice is associated with the development of NTDs. Nutrition education, food fortification and supplementation are needed to address this issue, and further research is needed to explore the mechanism.
Unusual assemblage of conulariids (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa) from the Taddrist Formation (Middle Ordovician, Darriwilian) of southern Morocco
Authors: Van Iten Heyo , Gutiérrez-Marco Juan Carlos , Cournoyer Mario E.
Published: March 2022

Silty noduliferous shales in the lower part of the Middle Ordovician (late Darriwilian 2) Taddrist Formation in the central Moroccan Anti-Atlas contain a unique assemblage of conulariids consisting of one species each ofArchaeoconulariaBouček, 1939,GlyptoconulariaSinclair, 1952, andPseudoconulariaBouček, 1939.Glyptoconularia antiatlasicanew species, currently represented by a single three-dimensional specimen, is the first member of this extremely rare, highly autapomorphic genus to be described from outside of cratonic North America as well as the firstGlyptoconulariafrom the Middle Ordovician.Pseudoconulariacf.P.grandissima(Barrande, 1867) andArchaeoconulariacf.A.exquisita(Barrande, 1867) most closely resemble species previously described from Middle and Upper Ordovician strata in the Prague Basin (Czech Republic), then located adjacent to North Africa.Anaconularia anomala(Barrande, 1867), previously known from the Upper Ordovician (Sandbian) Libeň and Letná formations in the Prague Basin, is documented for the first time from the Upper Ordovician (Katian) Upper Tioririne Formation of Morocco. In addition to extending the known stratigraphical and paleogeographical ranges of these conulariids, results of the present investigation add to the list of invertebrate taxa that appear to have originated during Early or Mid-Ordovician times in peri-Gondwana or south-polar Gondwana, and then migrated to the eastern margin of Laurentia, arriving there along with other cool-water taxa during the Sandbian-Katian transition.

UUID:http://zoobank.org/9ea5051b-cff5-4911-861a-531db4f45883
Musical Intimacy, Model Citizenship, and Sufism in the Life of Niyazi Sayın
Authors: Senay Banu , Houston Christopher
Published: March 2022

Niyazi Sayın is an Istanbul-born ney (reed flute) virtuoso, and the most acclaimed musician of a musical tradition controversially called “Ottoman-Turkish classical music.” Now 94 years old, Sayın has been called insan-i kamil (a perfect human), kutb-ı nayi, (the musical spiritual axis of his age), and hezarfen (master of a thousand arts). What do such titles mean? Building upon the work of Martin Stokes on popular music and its fashioning of intimate publics, this paper explores Sayın's musical life. We argue that it provides an exemplary expression of cultural intimacy for listeners and students, one that (as reflected in his titles) demonstrates a particular way of becoming a person, a Muslim, and a model citizen. In contrast with more official constructions of citizenship, as well as with the political neo-Ottomanism of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), Sayın's life and music open up alternative possibilities of self-alteration for those who engage with it.
SHORT- AND LONG-RUN EFFECTS OF DEVALUATIONS: EVIDENCE FROM ARGENTINA
Authors: Campos Luciano
Published: March 2022

Devaluations were traditionally considered to be expansionary in the short run and have no real long-run effects. Alternatively, some observers in developing countries found that devaluations were contractionary on impact, and that they might foster long-term growth. Using Argentina as a case study, which is convenient due to its long series availability and its subsequent switches in exchange rate regimes, four structural shocks are identified in line with the traditional and alternative views. It is found that devaluations were mostly contractionary, and that real long-run effects were only possible when inflation was either low or moderate. In light of the estimates, a historical revision of Argentinean devaluation episodes from 1854 to 2018 has been carried out.
Virtual water and the inequality in water content of consumption
Authors: Afkhami Mohamad , Bassetti Thomas , Ghoddusi Hamed , Pavesi Filippo
Published: March 2022

We present evidence that international trade may exacerbate the initial unequal distribution of hydric resources. This result is driven by the fact that countries exporting agricultural goods are relatively abundant (with respect to capital) in the combined availability of water and arable land but, in absolute terms, scarce in capital and not richer in water in comparison to more developed ones. Due to both the scarcity of capital and the lower relative price of natural resources with respect to capital, the total value of production in these developing countries is modest, implying that international trade can lead to a less even distribution of the water content of consumption. Policies sustaining water prices and, more generally, those of natural resources (or lower capital costs) may contribute to offsetting this effect and allow for trade to play a positive role in reducing the uneven distribution of water endowments.
Degree of adherence to plant-based diet and total and cause-specific mortality: prospective cohort study in the Million Veteran Program
Authors: Wang Dong D , Li Yanping , Nguyen Xuan-Mai T , Song Rebecca J , Ho Yuk-Lam , Hu Frank B , Willett Walter C , Wilson Peter , Cho Kelly , Gaziano J Michael , Djoussé Luc
Published: March 2022

Objective:

To examine the association between adherence to plant-based diets and mortality.

Design:

Prospective study. We calculated a plant-based diet index (PDI) by assigning positive scores to plant foods and reverse scores to animal foods. We also created a healthful PDI (hPDI) and an unhealthful PDI (uPDI) by further separating the healthy plant foods from less-healthy plant foods.

Setting:

The VA Million Veteran Program.

Participants:

315 919 men and women aged 19–104 years who completed a FFQ at the baseline.

Results:

We documented 31 136 deaths during the follow-up. A higher PDI was significantly associated with lower total mortality (hazard ratio (HR) comparing extreme deciles = 0·75, 95 % CI: 0·71, 0·79, Ptrend < 0·001]. We observed an inverse association between hPDI and total mortality (HR comparing extreme deciles = 0·64, 95 % CI: 0·61, 0·68, Ptrend < 0·001), whereas uPDI was positively associated with total mortality (HR comparing extreme deciles = 1·41, 95 % CI: 1·33, 1·49, Ptrend < 0·001). Similar significant associations of PDI, hPDI and uPDI were also observed for CVD and cancer mortality. The associations between the PDI and total mortality were consistent among African and European American participants, and participants free from CVD and cancer and those who were diagnosed with major chronic disease at baseline.

Conclusions:

A greater adherence to a plant-based diet was associated with substantially lower total mortality in this large population of veterans. These findings support recommending plant-rich dietary patterns for the prevention of major chronic diseases.
Conflicts of interest for members of the US 2020 dietary guidelines advisory committee
Authors: Mialon Mélissa , Serodio Paulo Matos , Crosbie Eric , Teicholz Nina , Naik Ashka , Carriedo Angela
Published: March 2022

Objectives:

To measure incidence of conflicts of interest (COI) with food and pharmaceutical industry actors on the advisory committee for the 2020–2025 US Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and assess the adequacy of current mechanisms to disclose and manage COI among the committee’s members.

Design:

We compiled longitudinal data from archival sources on connections between members of the DGA’s advisory committee and actors. We hypothesised that these committee members, who oversee the science for the most influential dietary policy in the USA, might have significant COI that would be relevant to their decision making. Disclosure of COI on this committee was recommended in 2017 by the National Academies of Sciences in order to increase transparency and manage bias, but public disclosure of the committee’s COI does not appear to have taken place.

Setting:

The committee was composed of twenty experts.

Participants:

None.

Results:

Our analysis found that 95 % of the committee members had COI with the food and/or pharmaceutical industries and that particular actors, including Kellogg, Abbott, Kraft, Mead Johnson, General Mills, Dannon and the International Life Sciences, had connections with multiple members. Research funding and membership of an advisory/executive board jointly accounted for more than 60 % of the total number of COI documented.

Conclusions:

Trustworthy dietary guidelines result from a transparent, objective and science-based, process. Our analysis has shown that the significant and widespread COI on the committee prevent the DGA from achieving the recommended standard for transparency without mechanisms in place to make this information publicly available.
Aboriginal children and family connections to primary health care whilst homeless and in high housing mobility: observations from a Nurse Practitioner-led service
Authors: Sivertsen Nina , Parry Yvonne , Willis Eileen , Kendall Sally , Marriott Rhonda , Bell Alicia
Published: March 2022

Aim:

This article documents the impact of a Nurse Practitioner-led primary health service for disadvantaged children living in housing instability or homelessness. It identifies that First Nations children miss out on essential primary care, particularly immunisation, but have less severe health conditions than non-First Nations children living in housing insecurity.

Background:

Health services for homeless populations focus on the 11% of rough sleepers, little is done for the 22% of children in Australia living in housing instability; many of whom are from First Nations families. Little is known of the health status of these children or their connections to appropriate primary health care.

Methods:

This research implemented an innovative model of extended health care delivery, embedding a Nurse Practitioner in a homeless service to work with families providing health assessments and referrals, using clinically validated assessment tools. This article reports on proof of concept findings on the service that measured immunisation rates, developmental, medical, dental and mental health needs of children, particularly First Nations children, using a three-point severity level scale with Level 3 being the most severe and in need of immediate referral to a specialist medical service.

Findings:

Forty-three children were referred by the service to the Nurse Practitioner over a 6-month period, with nine identifying as First Nations children. Differences in severity levels between First Nations/non-First Nations children were Level 1, First Nations/non-First Nations 0/15%; Level 2, 10/17%; and Level 3, 45/29%. Forty-five percent of First Nations children had no health problems, as compared to 29% on non-First Nations children. Immunisation rates were low for both cohorts. No First Nations child was immunised and only 9% of the non-First Nations children. While numbers for both cohorts are too low for valid statistical analysis, the lower levels of severity for First Nations children suggest stronger extended family support and the positive impact of cultural norms of reciprocity.
Welfare between Social and Human Rights – Charity in the New Social Landscape of Sweden
Authors: Vamstad Johan , Karlsson Magnus
Published: March 2022

Welfare states in Europe and around the world are experiencing growing numbers of people with limited or unclear rights to public welfare within their borders. These are refugees, undocumented migrants, EU-migrants and other groups of displaced or deprived people seeking a better life. In Sweden, this situation is trying the highly held principles of social and human rights, as charities are becoming an increasingly important complement to rights-based public welfare services. This article will show how eight different City Missions in Sweden are seeing a new role for themselves in an emerging social landscape. The findings will be analysed in terms of social and human rights, using the classic theories of T. H. Marshall as well as more recent research.