bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does habitat complexity and prior residency influence aggression between invasive and native freshwater crayfish?
Authors: O'Hea Miller Sarah B. , Davis Andrew R. , Wong Marian Y. L.
Published: March 2022

Aggressive encounters between invasive and native species are considered a key threat associated with the spread of invasive species. Extrinsic factors such as habitat complexity can profoundly influence the outcome of aggressive interactions between conspecifics, and this may also be the case in invasive‐native species interactions. This study used invasive and native freshwater crayfish species in Australia as a model system to investigate the influence of habitat complexity on aggression in both intraspecific and interspecific contests. Paired contests between the native Euastacus spinifer and the invasive Cherax destructor were conducted in the laboratory under high and low habitat complexity conditions. Furthermore, the influence of prior residency was examined, with one individual assigned the resident and the other as the intruder. In intraspecific contests, the number of interactions and aggression score were significantly reduced under high complexity conditions; however, complexity had no effect on the time spent interacting and contest outcome. Instead, the two crayfish species differed in terms of time spent interacting. In interspecific contests, complexity had no effect on any of the aggression metrics. Alarmingly, however, we demonstrate that when C. destructor was a resident the likelihood that E. spinifer won a contest fell to a mere 8% compared to 31% when E. spinifer was resident. This study suggests that while habitat complexity plays a role in shaping aggressive behaviour in intraspecific interactions, invasive species are competitively dominant if they are already established i.e. resident in a location and even as intruders. Therefore, preserving habitat complexity in freshwater systems may not be sufficient to sustain populations of native species, and other measures that mitigate the potential for range overlap between the species would also be needed to prevent the further spread of invasive species such as C. destructor within freshwater ecosystems.
Plantar osteochondral fragments in young Standardbreds are associated with minimal joint inflammation at the time of surgical removal
Authors: McCoy Annette M. , Secor Erica J. , Roady Patrick J. , Gray Sarah M. , Klein Julie , Gutierrez‐Nibeyro Santiago D.
Published: March 2022

Background

Plantar osteochondral fragments (POF) are common but their effect on joint health of young Standardbreds in race training is largely unknown.

Objectives

Evaluate the inflammatory effects of POF in metatarsophalangeal joints of young Standardbreds as a step towards developing evidence‐based recommendations for surgical removal.

Study design

Cohort study.

Methods

Forty‐nine Standardbred horses (age 11‐33 months) presented for surgical removal of POF from 56 metatarsophalangeal joints. Synovial tissue collected at arthroscopy was subjected to histopathology. IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and PGE‐2 were measured in synovial fluid using ELISA. Digital arthroscopy images were scored for inflammation. Racing performance data were retrieved from a public database.

Results

Median time in race training prior to surgery was 8 weeks (IQR 4‐12; range 0‐40). There was minimal evidence of synovial inflammation as assessed by histopathology (median total score 2/20, IQR 0‐2, range 0‐5) or arthroscopy (median average total score 2.67/15, IQR 1.79‐4, range 0‐8.83). IL‐1β was not detected in any sample. TNF‐α (median 0 pg/mL, IQR 0‐0) and PGE‐2 (median 56.6 pg/mL, IRQ 40.5‐99.8) were measured at low levels. Weeks in training prior to surgery was associated with the number of starts in the season after surgery (incidence rate ratio 1.02, 95% CI 1.00, 1.04,P = .03).

Main limitations

Small sample size from a single breed with a relatively short training time prior to surgery.

Conclusions

There was minimal evidence of synovial inflammation in the metatarsophalangeal joints in this population of young Standardbred horses with POF. It is possible that POF may result in a different inflammatory response than other fragments because they are generally well‐embedded in situ. These findings suggest that, in Standardbreds, race training can commence several weeks prior to surgical removal of POF with minimal detrimental effects on joint health, although further investigation of long‐term effects of POF on joint health is warranted.
Student loneliness through the pandemic: How, why and where?
Authors: Phillips Richard , Seaborne Katie , Goldsmith Angus , Curtis Natasha , Davies Adele , Haynes Will , McEnroe Rose , Murphy Nadia , O’Neill Lucy , Pacey Charlotte , Walker Edward , Wordley Elizabeth
Published: March 2022

Loneliness has emerged as a problem for individuals and society. A group whose loneliness has recently grown in severity and visibility is students in higher education. Complementing media reports and surveys of students’ lockdown loneliness, this paper presents qualitative research findings on students loneliness during the COVID‐19 pandemic. It explores the how, why and where of student loneliness through research co‐produced with undergraduate and postgraduate students. Student‐researchers investigated loneliness as a function of relationships and interactions through self‐interviews and peer interviews (n = 46) and through objects, chosen by participants to represent their experiences of lockdown. This research led to three conclusions, each with a geographical focus. First, as the spaces in which students live and study were fragmented, interactions and relationships were disrupted. Second, students struggled to put down roots in their places of study. Without a sense of belonging—to the city and institution where they studied, and the neighbourhood and accommodation where they lived—they were more likely to experience loneliness. Third, many students were unable to progress through life transitions associated with late adolescence including leaving home, learning social skills, forming sexual relationships and emerging into adulthood. Those facing bigger changes such as bereavement struggled to process these events and spoke of feeling ‘neither here nor there’—in limbo. But students displayed resilience, finding ways to cope with and mitigate their loneliness. Their coping strategies speak to the efforts of policymakers and practitioners—including those in universities, government, health and wellbeing services, and accommodation services—who are seeking ways to tackle students' (and other peoples') loneliness.
Labour or lifestyle? Understanding urban incorporation of European middling migrants
Authors: Barwick Christine
Published: March 2022

In this paper, I examine the urban incorporation of British middling migrants in Berlin, expressed through residential choice, local belonging and local networks. So far, urban incorporation has rarely been studied systematically, as European migrants have often been viewed as free floaters who are not invested in their new place of residence. Based on interviews with British nationals in Berlin, the contribution advances the literature on intra‐European migration by bringing together labour‐ and lifestyle‐related migration research to fully account for the respondents’ migration experience and urban incorporation. Lifestyle‐related reasons figure strongly in the respondents’ decision to move to Berlin, as many were seeking a better way of life. For these migrants, characterized by high cultural capital, but less economic capital, the project of self‐realization is strongly tied to their professional careers. Their urban incorporation can only be fully understood when considering the entanglement of labour‐ and lifestyle‐related motives for migration.
Fermentation quality and protein fractions of four Pennisetum grass silages
Authors: Tian Jing , Shen Chengli , Zhang Jianguo
Published: March 2022

In order to make good use of Pennisetum grasses to relieve the shortage of animal feed, the nutrients, silage fermentation quality, and Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) protein fractions of Pennisetum spp. were evaluated in this study. Four Pennisetum cultivars of Reyan‐4, Mott, Guimu‐1, and MT‐1 were harvested at the first cut and second cut, and they were wilted and ensiled for the analyses of fermentation quality and protein fractions. The first‐cut grasses had higher crude protein (CP), water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) contents, and lower detergent fiber contents than the second cut ones. Mott had higher CP content. Reyan‐4 and MT‐1 contained higher WSC contents, and their silages had lower pH and ammonia nitrogen (NH3‐N) content, higher lactic acid content than Mott and Guimu‐1 silages. Wilting increased pH and NH3‐N contents and decreased lactic acid contents of both cut silages. The CNCPS analysis showed that fresh MT‐1 of either first or second cut had more evenly distributed protein fractions than other three grasses. Wilting and ensiling increased nonprotein nitrogen contents and decreased unavailable protein contents of four grasses. Four cultivars at the first cut contained more CP and less fiber than those at the second cut. Reyan‐4 and MT‐1 had better fermentation quality of silage than Mott and Guimu‐1; the latter might need additives to improve fermentation quality at ensiling.
The socioemotional challenges and consequences for caregivers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with otitis media: A qualitative study
Authors: Campbell Letitia , Reath Jennifer , Hu Wendy , Gunasekera Hasantha , Askew Deborah , Watego Chelsea , Kong Kelvin , Walsh Robyn , Doyle Kerrie , Leach Amanda , Tyson Claudette , Abbott Penelope
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Living with ear disease can have extensive impacts on physical, emotional and social well‐being. This study explored otitis media (OM) and its management from the perspective of caregivers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted from 2015 to 2020 with caregivers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with OM. Thematic analysis of transcripts was undertaken using a constructivist grounded theory approach through the leadership and the cultural lens of an Aboriginal community‐based researcher.

Results

Caregivers described OM as having profound impacts on their child's physical, developmental, and emotional well‐being, with long waits for specialist treatment contributing to extra strain on families. Children's well‐being suffered when OM was mistaken for poor behaviour and children were punished, with caregivers subsequently experiencing strong feelings of guilt. Concerns were conveyed about the social implications of having a sick child. The variable nature of OM symptoms meant that caregivers had to monitor closely for sequelae and advocate for appropriate treatment. Success in navigating the diagnosis and treatment of OM can be strongly impacted by the relationship between caregivers and health professionals and the perceived access to respectful, collaborative and informative healthcare.

Conclusion

OM may have substantial social and emotional consequences for children and their caregivers. A holistic understanding of the way in which OM impacts multiple facets of health and well‐being, as well as recognition of challenges in accessing proper care and treatment, will aid families managing OM and its sequelae.

Patient or Public Contribution

Governing boards, managers, staff and community members from five Australian Aboriginal Medical Services were involved in the approval, management and conduct of this study and the wider clinical trials. The caregivers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients at these services informed the interview study and guided its purpose.
Perception of HIV physicians in Spain towards diagnosis and management of neuropsychiatric comorbidities in people with HIV
Authors: Pérez‐Valero Ignacio , Blanch Jordi , Martínez Esteban
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Despite the importance of neuropsychiatric comorbidities (NPCs) in people with HIV, the degree of physician compliance with recommendations for diagnosis and management is unknown. This study assessed the perceptions, knowledge, skills, and attitudes of physicians regarding the diagnosis and management of NPCs in people with HIV in hospital settings in Spain.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study including non‐psychiatrist HIV specialist physicians responsible for antiretroviral therapy (ART) prescription and clinical care of ≥50 people with HIV/month, who completed an online survey of 34 questions.

Results

The 115 physicians who completed the survey (totally) agreed that assessing mental health was relevant (97.4%) and that NPCs were underdiagnosed (76.6%) and were very/fairly sensitized (67.8%). However, they reported receiving little/no training on the detection of NPCs (64.3%). Physicians considered that patients underreported NPCs (53.9%) and that alcohol (94.8%), recreational substances (97.4%), and tobacco consumption (95.6%) were (very) relevant. Physicians agreed that NPCs were difficult to identify (52.2%) and that few tools were available (53.0%) and failed to use questionnaires (79.1%) and follow guidelines (77.4%) for the detection of NPCs. The main reasons precluding appropriate diagnosis and evaluation were lack of proactive attitudes and specific training and limited visit time. Upon detection of NPCs, physicians referred patients to the in‐house psychiatry/psychology centre (61.7%), adjusted ART to minimize interactions (96.5%), and managed NPCs in conjunction with mental health professionals (71.3%).

Conclusions

Physicians in hospital settings in Spain were aware of the relevance of NPC diagnosis and their underdiagnosis. However, they still failed to routinely evaluate NPCs, follow guideline recommendations, and use questionnaires, highlighting opportunities for improved NPC detection and management in people with HIV.
Trust as a catalyst for regional growth in a decentralized Europe: The interplay between informal and formal institutions in driving economic growth
Authors: Muringani Jonathan
Published: March 2022

Empirical studies examining the interplay between informal and formal institutions on economic growth are scarce. As a result, we do not know how differences in trust affect the economic returns of the quality of regional governments and their autonomy. A panel regression analysis of 208 regions in 21 EU countries shows that informal and formal institutions matter for economic growth, individually and in combination. More specifically, trust substitutes the quality of regional government but does not affect the economic impact of its degree of decentralization. Therefore, policymakers need to think creatively about harnessing institutions to promote economic growth.
Health subsidies, prevention and welfare
Authors: Marchiori Luca , Pierrard Olivier
Published: March 2022

People value healthy ageing but may underinvest in health‐improving preventive care. This arises when they ignore the beneficial effects of healthy ageing on public health expenditures and hence on the tax burden of future generations. This health externality justifies public intervention. We build an overlapping generations model with a government subsidizing investment in health by the young generation and paying the health care costs of the old generation. We find that the welfare‐maximizing subsidy rate depends positively on the health externality and the size of health care costs, and negatively on the discount factor. The subsidy rate should therefore be high when prevention is cost‐effective and when the population is careless about the future. Moreover, the welfare‐maximizing subsidy rate is lower than the health‐maximizing rate but higher than the capital‐maximizing rate. This underlines the trade‐off for a policy maker between health and economy.
Effects of DDR1 on migration and adhesion of periodontal ligament cells and the underlying mechanism
Authors: Wang Yuhan , Han Bing , Liu Kaining , Wang Xiaoyan
Published: March 2022

Background and objective

As one of the widely expressed cell surface receptors binding to collagen, the most abundant component of the extracellular matrix (ECM), knowledge of the expression, functions, and mechanisms underlying the role of discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) is incomplete. This study determined the expression of DDR1 in hPDLCs and the effect of DDR1 upon migration and adhesion to hPDLCs, as well as the related regulatory mechanisms.

Materials and Methods

The expression of DDR1 and the DDR1 isoforms in hPDLCs from six donors were tested. The migratory ability (horizontal and vertical) and adhesive capacity of hPDLCs with or without specific knockdown of DDR1 were evaluated. After treatment with MEK‐ERK1/2 inhibitors (PD98059 and U0126) with or without RNAi, the migratory and adhesive capacity of hPDLCs were re‐tested. Western blotting was performed to verify p‐MEK1/2 and p‐ERK1/2, the key factors of the MEK‐ERK1/2 signaling pathways.

Results

DDR1 was detected in hPDLCs in the mRNA and protein level; DDR1b was the dominant isoform. Knockdown of DDR1 almost halved the migratory capacity and significantly downregulated the adhesive capacity of hPDLCs. The use of MEK‐ERK1/2 inhibitors caused declined migratory and adhesive capacity of hPDLCs as well. After DDR1 was knocked down, the expression of p‐MEK and p‐ERK protein declined significantly while total MEK and ERK showed no obvious change, which means the ratio of p‐MEK/MEK and p‐ERK/ERK was markedly reduced.

Conclusions

DDR1 plays an important role in the migration and adhesion of hPDLCs and might be regulated via the MEK‐ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
A worldwide phylogenetic classification of the Poaceae (Gramineae) III: An update
Authors: Soreng Robert J. , Peterson Paul M. , Zuloaga Fernando O. , Romaschenko Konstantin , Clark Lynn G. , Teisher Jordan K. , Gillespie Lynn J. , Barberá Patricia , Welker Cassiano A. D. , Kellogg Elizabeth A. , Li De‐Zhu , Davidse Gerrit
Published: March 2022

We present an updated worldwide phylogenetic classification of Poaceae with 11 783 species in 12 subfamilies, 7 supertribes, 54 tribes, 5 super subtribes, 109 subtribes, and 789 accepted genera. The subfamilies (in descending order based on the number of species) are Pooideae with 4126 species in 219 genera, 15 tribes, and 34 subtribes; Panicoideae with 3325 species in 242 genera, 14 tribes, and 24 subtribes; Bambusoideae with 1698 species in 136 genera, 3 tribes, and 19 subtribes; Chloridoideae with 1603 species in 121 genera, 5 tribes, and 30 subtribes; Aristidoideae with 367 species in three genera and one tribe; Danthonioideae with 292 species in 19 genera and 1 tribe; Micrairoideae with 192 species in nine genera and three tribes; Oryzoideae with 117 species in 19 genera, 4 tribes, and 2 subtribes; Arundinoideae with 36 species in 14 genera and 3 tribes; Pharoideae with 12 species in three genera and one tribe; Puelioideae with 11 species in two genera and two tribes; and the Anomochlooideae with four species in two genera and two tribes. Two new tribes and 22 new or resurrected subtribes are recognized. Forty‐five new (28) and resurrected (17) genera are accepted, and 24 previously accepted genera are placed in synonymy. We also provide an updated list of all accepted genera including common synonyms, genus authors, number of species in each accepted genus, and subfamily affiliation. We propose Locajonoa, a new name and rank with a new combination, L. coerulescens. The following seven new combinations are made in Lorenzochloa: L. bomanii, L. henrardiana, L. mucronata, L. obtusa, L. orurensis, L. rigidiseta, and L. venusta.
Thyroid dysfunction incidence and risk factors in Chinese chronic hepatitis B patients treated with pegylated interferon alpha: A long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Ma Zhenxuan , Qin Yanli , Jia Yidi , Xie Yiran , Qi Xun , Guo Yifei , He Jingjing , Zhang Yongmei , Li Fahong , Yu Jie , Zhu Haoxiang , Yang Feifei , Zhang Yu , Mao Richeng , Zhang Jiming
Published: March 2022

The long‐term impact, incidence and risk factors of thyroid dysfunction in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients receiving pegylated interferon (IFN) alpha (PegIFN‐alpha) therapy remain unclear. We aim to investigate the long‐term safety of thyroid dysfunction in CHB patients receiving PegIFN‐alpha. A retrospective observational study of 425 CHB patients with normal baseline thyroid function was carried out. Patients were followed up over 10 years to assess thyroid function after receiving IFN. At the end of the IFN therapy, 67 patients (15.8%) had developed thyroid dysfunction, 31 patients (46.3%) had hyperthyroidism and 64.4% presented with subclinical thyroid dysfunction. In follow‐up of thyroid dysfunction patients, 37 patients (74.0%) spontaneously regained normal thyroid function. Pretreatment thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) level, thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) positivity and free thyroxine (FT4) were independent risk factors associated with thyroid dysfunction incidence. High TSH level (OR = 9.866, 95%CI, 3.245–29.998) was associated with a greater likelihood of hypothyroidism. High FT4 levels (OR = 0.464, 95%CI, 0.248–0.868) indicate a low likelihood of thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid dysfunction is a common but acceptable side effect of IFN therapy for CHB. Most thyroid dysfunction is reversible. Pretreatment TSH level and TPOAb positivity are risk factors for thyroid dysfunction development during IFN therapy. A high TSH level predicts an increased incidence of hypothyroidism. Moreover, FT4 may be a protective factor for thyroid dysfunction.
A regulatory cost assessment of ornamental aquaculture farms in Florida
Authors: Boldt Noah C. , Engle Carole R. , van Senten Jonathan , Cassiano Eric J. , DiMaggio Matthew A.
Published: March 2022

The ornamental aquaculture trade is a diverse sector of aquaculture and faces unique challenges that other commodity groups do not have to contend with. The various production techniques, species, and destination markets make ornamental aquaculture an interesting study in how regulations impact the industry. In Florida, aquaculture is primarily regulated under the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, unique from other states. Regulatory costs and the value of lost production on ornamental farms in Florida were estimated to be $5.2 and $23.2 million, respectively. Results from an industry‐wide census have shown that there is a high regulatory burden on ornamental farmers for some regulatory categories. These include issues of legal control of fish‐eating predators, the restriction of drugs and chemicals, which would be beneficial to production, and the prohibition for farmers to raise species that have been restricted for culture at the national and state level. Larger farms were also able to limit the impact from regulations better than smaller farms by spreading their regulatory costs and value of lost production across greater sales. Although the values of lost production were high for ornamental producers, direct regulatory costs were low compared with other aquaculture commodities demonstrating that the industry in Florida may prove a regulatory model for other sectors.
Motion planning for efficient and safe module transportation in modular integrated construction
Authors: Zheng Zhenjie , Pan Mi , Yang Yi , Pan Wei
Published: March 2022

Modular integrated construction (MiC) is the most advanced construction method that involves off‐site manufacturing, factory‐to‐site transportation, and on‐site assembly of free‐standing integrated modules. Despite the growing interest in the manufacturability of MiC, little research is available on the passing ability issues where efficient and safe transportation of modules is critical to the project's success. This paper proposes (1) a novel computational method for formulating and solving the module's horizontal passing ability with road constraints as a motion planning problem and (2) a new index to assess the path performance in critical scenarios. The newly developed Truck‐Parallelized Hybrid A Star (TP‐Hybrid A*) has novelties in collision checking, cost function formulation, and parallel computing on different vehicle dimensions. The effectiveness of the developed algorithm was experimentally verified to be superior to the rapid random tree in computation time and path performance and further demonstrated by applying it to a real‐life MiC project. The new index can serve as a useful tool for decision‐making in module dimension design and transportation planning of MiC projects when tackling the module's horizontal passing ability issues.
Mary as a New Eve in the Thought of St Paul
Authors: Crean Thomas
Published: March 2022

Although the theme of Mary as a new or second Eve is first explicitly found in the writings of Justin Martyr, there is an antecedent probability that it is of apostolic origin and familiar to St Paul. I argue that this theme helps to interpret several passages in the Pauline corpus that have remained without adequate explanation. The first and principal passage discussed is 1 Cor. 11:11-12, where the phrase ‘the man by the woman’ is put in parallel with the original formation of the woman ‘from the man’. Once it is thus accepted that St Paul understood the Virgin Mary through this typological lens, three others passages are seen to yield a more coherent and richer sense: ‘made of a woman’ in Gal. 4:4; ‘saved through child-bearing’ in 1 Tim. 2:14-15; and ‘each in his own “tagma”’ in 1 Cor. 15:23.
Why Angels And Aliens Do Not Receive The Sacraments
Authors: Lazzari Edmund Michael
Published: March 2022

My ‘Would St. Thomas Aquinas baptize an Extraterrestrial?’ argued that intelligent extraterrestrial life with sufficiently different matter from human beings would not share a human nature and would therefore not be integrated into the Mystical Body of Christ in the same way as human beings, through Christ's sacrifice and the sacraments. Marie George, in ‘Would St. Thomas Aquinas Baptize an Extraterrestrial? Revisited’, demonstrated that the angels are fully incorporated into the Mystical Body of Christ in the theology of St. Thomas Aquinas, and therefore posited that St. Thomas would not object to intelligent extraterrestrials of a different nature being baptized. This article revises my contentions about the Mystical Body and then shows that St. Thomas's theology excludes angels from the sacraments on the grounds of lacking a shared nature and argues that, while both extraterrestrials and angels can be saved by Christ, the sacraments have been given only to those who share a human nature with Christ.
Salivary bacterial community profile in normal‐weight and obese adolescent patients prior to orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances
Authors: Sharara Shima H. , Cleaver Leanne M. , Saloom Hayder , Carpenter Guy H. , Cobourne Martyn T.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the intra‐oral bacterial profile of normal‐weight and obese adolescents prior to orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances.

Materials and methods

Nineteen adolescent patients were recruited into two groups based upon body mass index (BMI) and classified as normal‐weight or obese. Unstimulated whole mouth saliva was obtained for 5 minutes. Bacterial DNA extraction was performed from saliva, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the V1‐2 variable regions was undertaken followed by analysis using the mothur pipeline.

Results

Saliva from a total of 19 adolescent patients with mean (SD) age 15.6 (1.8) years were divided into 10 normal‐weight with mean BMI of 19.4 (2.2) kg/m2 and 9 obese with mean BMI of 30.2 (3.5) kg/m2. A total of 156 783 sequences were obtained from the 19 samples with no significant differences in richness or diversity between sample groups by obesity status or gender (AMOVA). The bacterial community in both groups was dominated by bacterial genera characteristic of the human mouth, which included Streptococcus, Porphyromonas, Veillonella, Gemella, Prevotella, Fusobacterium and Rothia.

Conclusion

There were no differences in alpha or beta diversity of oral bacterial communities between normal‐weight and obese orthodontic patients. Obese adolescents attending for orthodontic treatment had a similar microflora to their normal‐weight counterparts.
Ciliary muscle thickness in adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Anderson Heather A. , Bailey Melissa D. , Manny Ruth E. , Kao Chiu‐Yen
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The relationship between ciliary muscle thickness (CMT), age and refractive error was investigated to determine if CMT, like other anterior ocular anatomy, differs in adults with Down syndrome (DS).

Methods

The CMT of 33 adults with DS was imaged using anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Images from the right eye obtained 45 minutes after cycloplegia (1% tropicamide, 2.5% phenylephrine) were analysed to calculate thickness at 1, 2 and 3 mm posterior to the scleral spur (CMT1, CMT2, CMT3), maximum thickness (CMTMAX) and apical thickness (AT = CMT1 – CMT2). Spherical equivalent refractive error was determined by clinical refraction using both non‐dilated and dilated measures. Multivariate regression analysis evaluated the relationship between CMT and refractive error while controlling for subject age.

Results

Images were analysed from 26 subjects (mean age (SD) 29 years; mean refractive error (SD): −0.90 (5.03) D, range: −15.75 to +5.13D). Mean (SD) CMT decreased with posterior position (CMT1: 804 (83) μm; CMT2: 543 (131) μm; CMT3: 312 (100) μm). Mean (SD) CMTMAX and AT was 869 (57) μm and 260 (84) μm, respectively. There was a significant linear correlation indicating thinning CMT with increasing age for CMT1 and CMT2 (p ≤0.05). CMT2 and CMT3 had a significant negative correlation (thicker muscle with increasing myopic refractive error) (p ≤0.01). AT had a significant positive correlation (thicker muscle with increasing hyperopic refractive error) (p <0.01).

Conclusions

Ciliary muscle thickness in participants with DS was found to be in a similar range with similar refractive error trends to previous reports of individuals without DS. However, it is important to note that the refractive error trends were driven by individuals with moderate to high levels of myopia.
Plasma procurement and plasma product safety in light of the COVID‐19 pandemic from the perspective of the plasma industry
Authors: Turecek Peter L. , Hibbett Deborah , Kreil Thomas R.
Published: March 2022

This review, written from the perspective of the plasma industry, discusses plasma procurement and plasma product safety in light of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The COVID‐19 pandemic impacted the whole world and, therefore, not unexpectedly, the pharmaceutical industry too. In spite of this, the plasma protein industry has continued to provide life saving therapies to critically ill patients. Moreover, companies have collected COVID convalescent plasma (CP) to support development of investigational therapies, for example, hyperimmune globulins to potentially treat SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, and collaborated with those collecting COVID CP for direct transfusion, which has been made available under emergency use in the United States. For plasma that is fractionated to become a therapy, general knowledge of coronaviruses and numerous new studies on the structure and function of SARS‐CoV‐2 provide reassurance that existing industry precautions, including donor selection, as well as virus inactivation and removal steps during the manufacturing process are sufficient to maintain the high standards of virus safety of plasma products. The pandemic also revealed the vulnerability and inadequacy of the current plasma ecosystem. There is a need for more plasma to be collected around the world to meet the growing need for safe and efficacious plasma‐derived therapies. This requires outdated regulatory and policy restrictions to be realigned with current scientific evidence. More countries around the world should be in a position to contribute to global supply of plasma so that patients with life‐threatening conditions ‐ and often no alternative therapeutic solutions ‐ have better access to care.
Construction and application of water security early‐warning model
Authors: Guo Lishuo , Wang Lifang
Published: March 2022

Ensuring water security means meeting the water demand required to sustain human activity. This study constructs an early‐warning model of water resources security based on water resource carrying capacity, which consists of water demand predictions and early‐warning standards. Taking China as an example, we compare expected water demand in 2030 with the maximum available water (water use red line) regulated by the government. The results reveal that some regional water demand will surpass their own red line at the provincial level, whereas at the national level, total water use is not expected to exceed the red line control of 700 billion m3. This approach provides a valuable method for tracking the future water demands of human activity. An early‐warning model for water resources contributes to identifying strategies for expanding water security in the face of drought and other water hazards and is applicable to other regions.
INVENTORY OF HIGH VALUE CROPS USING LIDAR DATA AND GIS IN LANAO DEL NORTE PHILIPPINES
Authors: Sabado-Burlat Carmel , T. Ignacio Ma. Teresa , Guihawan Jaime
Published: March 2022

One of the objectives of Republic Act 8435 or Philippines Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 is to modernize the agriculture and fisheries sectors by developing it into a technology –supported division.  In the Philippines, about 32% of the country's total land areas were agricultural lands. Mapping and delineating the agricultural crops are significant in the implementation of this Act. Moreover, having an updated and accurate inventory of the agricultural resources in an area is critical in the assessment, planning, and development specifically in providing the necessary government support to improve the agricultural system, like Farm-to-Market Roads (FMR), irrigation system, pre- and post-harvest facilities, among others. This study extracted agricultural crops like rice, corn, coconut, banana, and mango present in the province of Lanao Del Norte using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology and Geographic Information System (GIS). LiDAR is an active remote sensing system with an illumination source from laser lights. Object-based image analysis (OBIA), multi-level support vector machine (SVM) classifier, and ground truthing were the general procedure in extracting and validating these crops. OBIA allows the segmentation of images derived from LiDAR datasets into meaningful objects. SVM classifier analyzes and identifies the pattern in the attributes of the segmented objects and classifies these objects based on its analysis. 71% of the extracted agricultural areas are planted with coconut, followed by banana with 13%, corn with 8%, rice constitutes 5%, and lastly mango with 3% of the total agricultural area. These extracted crops can now be utilized in updating the agricultural resource accounting of the province. Accuracy assessment was performed using 3,300 validation points gathered from the field and from orthorectified photos. Result of evaluating the accuracy shows that 80-90% of the crops were extracted and classified correctly. The accuracy assessment records an overall accuracy of 0.915 and a Kappa Index of Agreement (KIA) of 0.89147
Australia y su contribución a la discusión sobre el Patrimonio Cultural Mundial: una teoría, una carta y una categoría
Authors: Ortega Andrea
Published: March 2022

El presente artículo aborda la manera como Australia ha contribuido a la discusión sobre patrimonio cultural en el mundo en los últimos años. En primer lugar, se presenta el conflicto original entre los colonos británicos y los aborígenes australianos durante el proceso de colonización de Australia, el cual aún se refleja en el proceso de construcción de su identidad y patrimonio cultural. En este proceso se identifican tres tipos de contribuciones: desde la teoría del patrimonio, desde la práctica de la conservación y desde las categorías de patrimonio mundial de la Unesco. Desde la teoría, Laurajane Smith propone que el discurso patrimonial autorizado busca anular los discursos de las minorías, estableciéndose como aquello que es intrínsecamente valioso para ser protegido. Desde la práctica de la conservación del patrimonio, en 1979 surge la Carta de Burra, la cual entiende que la significación cultural es el paso más importante para definir algo como patrimonio. Finalmente, la categoría de paisaje cultural asociativo impulsada desde Australasia surge desde la necesidad de proteger paisajes culturales indígenas con énfasis en las relaciones simbólicas de las comunidades y su territorio, buscando superar el enfoque eurocéntrico y monumentalista.
Intersecciones y tensiones patrimoniales entre arte, tecnología y cultura popular en las Fallas de València
Authors: Huerta Ricard , Ramon Ricard
Published: March 2022

En este artículo abordamos algunas experiencias que, por sus características especiales, alternan entre el arte popular, el arte contemporáneo y la tecnología; todas ellas están vinculadas al fenómeno cultural de las Fallas de València. Analizamos algunos casos concretos de fallas de carácter experimental e innovador y la manera en la que la tecnología funciona como aliada para permitir nuevas estéticas frente a la renovación de determinadas tradiciones culturales y patrimoniales como las Fallas de València. Entre esos casos se destaca el de la Falla Inmaterial, así como algunos otros ejemplos donde el uso de la tecnología genera polémicas sociales y políticas que permiten avanzar en las rupturas estéticas y en las redefiniciones de la tradición y la innovación. Complementamos el análisis incorporando una reflexión sobre las posibilidades educativas de estas manifestaciones artísticas y los cambios que generan.
Del origen del concepto centro histórico al enfoque de paisajes urbanos históricos
Authors: González Biffis Alejandra
Published: March 2022

El artículo que se presenta propone un recorrido por la evolución del concepto centro histórico, el cual ha experimentado diversas miradas a lo largo del tiempo hasta su incorporación en el paisaje con la aparición del enfoque de paisajes urbanos históricos. Para ello, se ha desarrollado una investigación de tipo explicativo con el objetivo de identificar los cambios teórico-conceptuales experimentados en los modos de interpretar los centros históricos, y que han influido en el diseño de estrategias de intervención y gestión aplicadas en estas valiosas áreas de las ciudades. Metodológicamente, se ha elaborado un marco teórico-conceptual con base en la recolección, sistematización y análisis de una vasta lista de documentos y autores especializados en el tema. Finalmente, se exponen las conclusiones encontradas en la investigación.
Sound Speed and Poisson’s Ratio Calibration of (Split) Hopkinson Bar via Iterative Dispersion Correction of Elastic Wave
Authors: Shin Hyunho
Published: March 2022

A process of calibrating a one-dimensional sound speed (co) and Poisson’s ratio (ν) of a (split) Hopkinson bar is presented. This process consists of Fourier synthesis and iterative dispersion correction (time-domain phase shift) of the elastic pulse generated by the striker impact on a circular bar. At each iteration, a set of co and ν is assumed, and the sound speed versus frequency (cdc versus fdc) relationship under the assumed set is obtained using the Pochhammer–Chree equation solver developed herein for ground state excitation. Subsequently, each constituting wave of the overall elastic pulse is phase shifted (dispersion corrected) using the cdc–fdc relationship. The co and ν values of the bar are determined in the iteration process when the dispersion-corrected overall pulse profiles are reasonably consistent with the measured profiles at two travel distances in the bar. The observed consistency of the predicted (dispersion-corrected) wave profiles with the measured profiles is a mutually self-consistent verification of (i) the calibrated values of co and ν, and (ii) the combined theories of Fourier and Pochhammer–Chree. The contributions of the calibrated values of co and ν to contemporary bar technology are discussed, together with the physical significance of the tail part of a traveling wave according to the combined theories. A preprocessing template (in Excel®) and calibration platform (in matlab®) for the presented calibration process are openly available online in a public repository.
Design and Analysis of a Three-Fingered Deployable Metamorphic Robotic Grasper
Authors: Gao Changqing , Huang Hailin , Li Yao , Li Bing
Published: March 2022

This paper presents the design and analysis of a three-fingered deployable metamorphic robotic grasper for manipulating large-scale unknown objects. This grasper is composed of three fingers and a single-mobility umbrella-shaped palmar mechanism. First, the mechanism-design of the grasper is introduced and the metamorphic-motion process is analyzed, followed by the structural optimization, the finger with three modules can be deployed from 111.5 mm to 304 mm, and the good deploy/fold ratio can reach 2.73. This equips the grasper with a compact folded configuration and a large deployed configuration. Second, kinematic models of the deployment motion and grasping motion are independently established, and kinematic analysis is conducted. To further illustrate kinematic performance, kinematic simulation for the grasper is then performed. Third, the condition of the stable grasp is analyzed; trajectory planning of the grasper based on an S-shaped acceleration and deceleration function algorithm is then carried out. Fourth, a control system is designed and a physical prototype is fabricated. Grasping experiments are then conducted to prove the ability of the grasper to grasp objects of various sizes and shapes.
A Novel Design of Torsion Spring-Connected Nonlinear Stiffness Actuator Based on Cam Mechanism
Authors: Qu Xiangxu , Cao Dongxing , Qu Ruheng , Zhang Guyu , Zhang Shan
Published: March 2022

The nonlinear stiffness actuator (NSA) is a type of compliant joint with variable stiffness that is necessary for human–machine collaboration and has been the focus of extensive research attention. This academic work presents the principle of a torsion spring-connected nonlinear stiffness actuator (TSNSA), a NSA suitable for implementing revolute motions, which contrasts with existing NSAs that often have bulky mechanisms and are affected by a limited range of movement. It has a split sleeve, disc springs, and cam mechanisms (CMs) that when correctly configured, can passively and actively adjust stiffness, where the speed of stiffness regulation can be effectively improved. The mathematical model of a split sleeve inserted into a torsion spring is designed to analyze the behavior of mechanical components. Furthermore, a detailed CM profile has been designed to obtain the desired nonlinear stiffness. Its theoretical analysis includes numerical simulations with results consistent with the desired deflection–torque profile.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Study on Heat Transfer Augmentation in Tube With Various V-Cut Twisted Tape
Authors: Chu Wen-Xiao , Tsai Ching-An , Lee Bing-Hung , Cheng Kai-Yueh , Wang Chi-Chuan
Published: March 2022

A comparative study on the enhancement mechanism by various twisted tapes (TTs) in association with the local flow pattern is investigated in detail via computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The effect of gap between TT and tube is further examined based on prior experimental validation. Result shows that the Nusselt number and friction factor will be increased by 12.6% and 18.1%, respectively, and the comprehensive thermal performance (CTP) will be improved from 1.05–1.07 to 1.12–1.15 when the gap is reduced from 1.0 mm to zero. The obtuse V-cut design in the experimental study shows superior performance, and the related enhancement mechanisms by windward, isosceles, and leeward V-cut configurations are numerically investigated. By comparing the local streamline at V-cut regions and the velocity distribution on the cross section, the windward V-cut might notably introduce fluid into the cut region and toward the tube wall subsequently, thereby resulting in effective heat transfer augmentation near the tube wall. Compared to the isosceles V-cut TT, the CTP of windward V-cut TT can be augmented from 1.15–1.18 to 1.16–1.21. However, the leeward V-cut TT will impair the CTP due to its inconsistent turbulence direction to the main helical flow. On the other hand, it is also indicated that fabricating three windward V-cuts at each helical pitch shows the highest improvement on CTP. Further increment of V-cut number may reversely reduce the CTP because of the rapid increase of flow resistance. Moreover, fabricating windward V-cuts on bilateral edges of the TT shows limited improvement.
Value of Information in Multi-Attribute Decisions With Applications in Ground Vehicle Autonomy
Authors: Kassoumeh Sam , Pandey Vijitashwa , Gorsich David , Jayakumar Paramsothy
Published: March 2022

This work presents some results in the value of information calculations for multi-attribute decision-making under uncertainty. Almost all engineering activities are undertaken in the face of uncertainty and a decision that maximizes a suitably chosen metric is generally selected. It becomes essential to collect information regarding these uncertainties so that better informed decisions can be made. Calculation of the worth of this information (VoI) is a difficult task, particularly when multiple attributes are present and there exists dependence between the random attributes in the same alternative or across different alternatives. In this paper, closed-form expressions and numerical models for the calculation of VoI are presented. Particularly, we derive methods for the general scenario where we have to decide over two or more alternatives, each involving two or more continuous random attributes exhibiting some level of dependence with the others. These reduce or completely eliminate the need for conducting simulations or approximations, both of which tend to be either computationally expensive (such as Monte Carlo), limited in accuracy or both. It also allows us to conduct more involved analyses such as sensitivity analysis on design parameters and the engineer’s preferences in a feasible and even potentially automated way. We also introduce “attribute-wise VoI,” which shows that collecting information on one or more of the attribute(s) makes sense only in specific dependence scenarios and tradeoff relationships between attributes. Calculation methods for value of such information are also provided. We illustrate our models on mobile autonomous system selection decisions. We conclude with a discussion on the avenues for future research into the optimal mix of a system’s intelligence (autonomy), communication, and information gathering.