bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Animal migrations and parasitism: reciprocal effects within a unified framework
Authors: Poulin Robert , de Angeli Dutra Daniela
Published: March 2021

Migrations, i.e. the recurring, roundtrip movement of animals between distant and distinct habitats, occur among diverse metazoan taxa. Although traditionally linked to avoidance of food shortages, predators or harsh abiotic conditions, there is increasing evidence that parasites may have played a role in the evolution of migration. On the one hand, selective pressures from parasites can favour migratory strategies that allow either avoidance of infections or recovery from them. On the other hand, infected animals incur physiological costs that may limit their migratory abilities, affecting their speed, the timing of their departure or arrival, and/or their condition upon reaching their destination. During migration, reduced immunocompetence as well as exposure to different external conditions and parasite infective stages can influence infection dynamics. Here, we first explore whether parasites represent extra costs for their hosts during migration. We then review how infection dynamics and infection risk are affected by host migration, thereby considering parasites as both causes and consequences of migration. We also evaluate the comparative evidence testing the hypothesis that migratory species harbour a richer parasite fauna than their closest free‐living relatives, finding general support for the hypothesis. Then we consider the implications of host migratory behaviour for parasite ecology and evolution, which have received much less attention. Parasites of migratory hosts may achieve much greater spatial dispersal than those of non‐migratory hosts, expanding their geographical range, and providing more opportunities for host‐switching. Exploiting migratory hosts also exerts pressures on the parasite to adapt its phenology and life‐cycle duration, including the timing of major developmental, reproduction and transmission events. Natural selection may even favour parasites that manipulate their host's migratory strategy in ways that can enhance parasite transmission. Finally, we propose a simple integrated framework based on eco‐evolutionary feedbacks to consider the reciprocal selection pressures acting on migratory hosts and their parasites. Host migratory strategies and parasite traits evolve in tandem, each acting on the other along two‐way causal paths and feedback loops. Their likely adjustments to predicted climate change will be understood best from this coevolutionary perspective.
Racial Pairings and Fertility: Do Interracial Couples Have Fewer Children?
Authors: Qian Zhenchao , Lichter Daniel T.
Published: March 2021

Objective

Our overall goal is largely descriptive—to compare recent fertility patterns between racially endogamous and exogamous couples in the United States. Evidence of lower fertility among exogamous or interracial couples arguably provides indirect evidence of social distance and cultural and economic integration.

Background

The growth of interracial marriage and cohabitation has fueled the rise in biracial or mixed‐race children. Fertility rates are uneven among racial and ethnic groups, seemingly rooted in stigma and cultural differences (e.g., fertility norms). Whether fertility is different among interracial couples is unclear: Fertility rates that largely conform to the population of racially endogamous White couples provide evidence of social integration whereas differential fertility may reveal gender dynamics in fertility decision‐making, including power relationships that depend on the race of male and female partners.

Method

We pool data from the 2008 to 2017 American Community Survey to compare past‐year fertility patterns among endogamously and interracially married and cohabiting couples.

Results

Fertility is generally lower among racially exogamous than endogamous unions, especially among Asian American‐White couples. Fertility among American Indian‐White couples is much closer to patterns of White couples than of American Indian couples. Fertility among other interracial couples nevertheless varies by the race of male partners. That is, fertility of the Black male/White female and the Hispanic male/White female couples is similar to patterns found among endogamous Black and Hispanic couples, respectively. The White male/Black female and the White male/Hispanic female couples follow the fertility patterns of White couples.

Conclusion

In general, the fertility levels of interracial couples are intermediate between those of endogamous White couples and their endogamous Black, Hispanic, or American Indian counterparts, but vary significantly by the race‐gender mix of partners.
Comparison of stillbirth trends over two decades in Wales, United Kingdom and Western Australia: An international retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bailey Helen D. , Kotecha Sarah J. , Watkins William J. , Adane Akilew A. , Shepherd Carrington C. J. , Kotecha Sailesh
Published: March 2021

Background

Stillbirth is a critical public health issue worldwide. While the rates in high‐income countries are relatively low, there are persistent between‐country disparities.

Objectives

To compare stillbirth rates and trends in Wales and the State of Western Australia (WA), Australia, and provide insights into any differences.

Methods

In this international retrospective cohort study, we pooled population‐based data collections of all births ≥24 weeks’ gestation (excluding terminations for congenital anomalies) between 1993 and 2015, divided into six time periods. The stillbirth rate per 1000 births was estimated for each cohort in each time period. Multivariable Poisson regression analyses, adjusted for appropriateness of growth, socio‐economic status, maternal age, and multiple birth, were performed to evaluate the interaction between cohort and time period. Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each time period and cohort were calculated.

Results

There were 767 731 births (3725 stillbirths) in Wales and 648 373 (2431 stillbirths) in WA. The overall stillbirth rate declined by 15.9% over the study period in Wales (from 5.3 in 1993‐96 to 4.5 per 1000 births in 2013‐15; Ptrend < .01) but by 40.4% in WA (from 4.9 to 2.9 per 1000 births in WA; Ptrend < .01). Using 1993‐96 in WA as the reference group, the adjusted RRs for stillbirths at 37‐38 weeks' gestation in the most recent study period (2013‐15) were 0.85 (95% CI 0.64, 1.13) in Wales and 0.51 (95% CI 0.36, 0.73) in WA.

Conclusions

The stillbirth rates between Wales and WA have widened in the last two decades (especially among late‐term births), although the absolute rates for both are distinctly higher than the best‐performing nations. While the differences may be partly explained by timing of birth and maternal life style behaviours such as smoking, it is important to identify and ameliorate the associated risk factors to support a reduction in preventable stillbirths.
Emerging warriors against salinity in plants: Nitric oxide and hydrogen sulphide
Authors: Goyal Vinod , Jhanghel Dharmendra , Mehrotra Shweta
Published: March 2021

The agriculture sector is vulnerable to various environmental stresses, which significantly affect plant growth, performance, and development. Abiotic stresses, such as salinity and drought, cause severe losses in crop productivity worldwide. Soil salinity is a major stress suppressing plant development through osmotic stress accompanied by ion toxicity, nutritional imbalance, and oxidative stress. Various defense mechanisms like osmolytes accumulations, activation of stress‐induced genes, and transcription factors, production of plant growth hormones, accumulation of antioxidants, and redox defense system in plants are responsible for combating salt stress. Nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) have emerged as novel bioactive gaseous signaling molecules that positively impact seed germination, homeostasis, plant metabolism, growth, and development, and are involved in several plant acclimation responses to impart stress tolerance in plants. NO and H2S trigger cell signaling by activating a cascade of biochemical events that result in plant tolerance to environmental stresses. NO‐ and H2S‐mediated signaling networks, interactions, and crosstalks facilitate stress tolerance in plants. Research on the roles and mechanisms of NO and H2S as challengers of salinity is entering an exponential exploration era. The present review focuses on the current knowledge of the mechanisms of stress tolerance in plants and the role of NO and H2S in adaptive plant responses to salt stress and provides an overview of the signaling mechanisms and interplay of NO and H2S in the regulation of growth and development as well as modulation of defense responses in plants and their long term priming effects for imparting salinity tolerance in plants.
Life experiences preceding high lethality suicide attempts in adolescents at a level I regional trauma center
Authors: Lyons Vivian H. , DeCou Christopher R. , Niehoff Elizabeth , Moore Megan , Rivara Frederick P. , Rowhani‐Rahbar Ali
Published: March 2021

Objective

To describe life experiences associated with patterns of medically treated and documented self‐directed violence among youth who attempted suicide using highly lethal means to understand precipitating factors among youth using such lethal means.

Method

Using data from a regional, level 1 Trauma center, we identified all youth suicide attempt survivors who received treatment from 2010 to 2018 for a suicide attempt with a firearm, hanging, or jump from height injury (n = 42). We described differences in patient demographics and life experiences associated with patterns of self‐directed violence by suicide attempt mechanism. We additionally assessed mechanisms used in any prior suicide attempts to identify potential increasing lethality of mechanism selection.

Results

There were 42 eligible patients included, of whom 40.5% attempted suicide with a firearm, 26.2% with hanging, 33.3% with jumping injury. A greater proportion of patients with firearm injuries endorsed social support and had fewer preparatory acts, history of self‐harming behavior, prior suicide behaviors, and fewer prior attempts compared to patients who attempted suicide with other mechanisms.

Conclusions

Given our findings, means safety should remain a key strategy to prevent highly lethal suicidal behavior among adolescents, especially with firearms, given that such attempts may occur prior to formal contact with mental health services.
Ansiedad y depresión en pacientes hospitalizados con diabetes mellitus tipo 2
Authors: Muñoz Monterroza Dennys Isabel , Arteaga Noriega Aníbal
Published: March 2021

Introducción: estudios han reportado altos niveles de incertidumbre, ansiedad, depresión y desesperanza en pacientes diabéticos, afectando el control glucémico y la adherencia al tratamiento, favoreciendo las complicaciones micro y macro vasculares. Especialmente en los episodios de hospitalización, donde se alteran los procesos familiares, sociales y laborales, afectando la recuperación y el desenlace de la enfermedad, reflejado en mayores días de estancia hospitalaria, y por tanto elevando los costos asociados a la hospitalización. Objetivo: asociar la ansiedad y depresión en pacientes diabéticos hospitalizados según variables clínicas y sociodemográficas. Método: estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo con componente analítico, de corte transversal. Mediante un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia se seleccionaron 82pacientes diabéticos tipo 2, ambos sexos, en un hospital de la ciudad de Montería, Colombia. Se aplicó un cuestionario de caracterización del paciente y la Escala Hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión. El análisis de los datos se realizó a través de SPSS 25. Resultados: predominó el sexo femenino (60%), la procedencia rural (51%) y la baja escolaridad (72%). Se evidencia ausencia de trastorno para ansiedad (54%) y depresión (65%). Se observó mediante la prueba χ2 asociación entre ansiedad y depresión con las variables edad, pareja estable (p = 0,002; 0,013), años de estudio (p = 0; 0,010) complicaciones (p = 0,008; 0,006) y días de hospitalización (p = 0,005; 0,004). Conclusión: se evidenció bajos niveles de ansiedad y depresión en los pacientes diabéticos hospitalizados. Así mismo se identificó que existe asociación de ambos trastornos con la edad, años de estudio y los días de hospitalización.
Cuidar de quem cuida: eficácia de um programa de inteligência emocional para enfermeiros
Authors: Fonte Carla , Silva Pereira Ana Filipa , Santos Prior Ana Inês , Ferreira Marlene
Published: March 2021

Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia de um programa de promoção da inteligência emocional, em enfermeiros em exercício de funções num hospital do Porto. Metodo: Estudo exploratório e quase-experimental, misto, com recurso à Escala de Inteligência Emocional de Wong e Law; Continuum de Saúde Mental- versão reduzida para adultos; Escala de Ansiedade, Depressão e Stress – 21 itens; Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory. A amostra incluiu 6 enfermeiros, maioritariamente do sexo feminino, com idades compreendidas entre os 29 e os 35. Resultados: Os enfermeiros desenvolveram e aplicaram estratégias mais eficazes ao nível da autoconsciência, clarificação, autorregulação emocional, comunicação e gestão do conflito, permitindo um maior bem-estar social e emocional. Conclusões: O desenvolvimento de competências de Inteligência Emocional são essenciais na prestação de cuidados, permitindo a adoção de comportamentos adaptativos, a aprimoração de habilidades de gestão/regulação emocional promovendo o bem-estar, fulcrais para o processo de humanizar os cuidados.
Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad y el impacto de un programa de intervención grupal, para promover la inteligencia emocional, en enfermeros que trabajan en un hospital.
Método: La muestra consistió en 6 enfermeros de dos unidades, en su mayoría mujeres, con edades comprendidas entre 29 y 35 y que han estado trabajando durante aproximadamente 8 años. Para evaluar la efectividad del programa, se administró un protocolo de instrumentos (cuestionario sociodemográfico, WLEIS-P, MHC-SF, EADS-21; ROCI II - A, B, C) antes y después de la implementación de las sesiones.
Resultados: En general, los resultados obtenidos demuestran que los enfermeros desarrollaron y aplicaron estrategias más efectivas en términos de autoconciencia, clarificación y autorregulación emocional, comunicación y manejo de conflictos. El aprendizaje de estas estrategias a lo largo del programa aumentó el bienestar social y emocional de los participantes.
Conclusiones: Con la implementación de este programa, fue posible comprender que el desarrollo de competencias de Inteligencia Emocional es esencial en la provisión de atención, no solo para permitir la adopción de comportamientos adaptativos y efectivos en el contexto laboral, sino también para la mejora de las habilidades de comunicación. gestión y regulación emocional, que están directamente relacionadas con el aumento del bienestar y que son fundamentales para el proceso de humanización de la atención.
A Two-Stage Sequential Approximation Method for Non-Linear Discrete-Variable Optimization
Authors: Hsu Yeh-Liang , Sun Tzyh-Li , Leu Li-Hwang
Published: March 2021

A two-stage sequential approximation method is developed for non-linear discrete-variable optimization. The concept of this technique is similar to that of sequential linear programming (SLP), only in each iteration, the linear programming subproblem in the first stage is modified into a discrete programming subproblem in the second stage in order to solve for a discrete solution. SLP is often impractical when applied to engineering optimization problems with implicit constraints, because of the difficulties in choosing proper move limits. For this reason, in the second stage a “boundary control factor” is introduced to augment the function of move limits. Several mechanical design optimization problems are presented to demonstrate this algorithm.
Comparison of Assembly Tolerance Analysis by the Direct Linearization and Modified Monte Carlo Simulation Methods
Authors: Gao Jinsong , Chase Kenneth W. , Magleby Spencer P.
Published: March 2021

Two methods for performing statistical tolerance analysis of mechanical assemblies are compared: the Direct Linearization Method (DLM), and Monte Carlo simulation. A selection of 2-D and 3-D vector models of assemblies were analyzed, including problems with closed loop assembly constraints. Closed vector loops describe the small kinematic adjustments that occur at assembly time. Open loops describe critical clearances or other assembly features. The DLM uses linearized assembly constraints and matrix algebra to estimate the variations of the assembly or kinematic variables, and to predict assembly rejects. A modified Monte Carlo simulation, employing an iterative technique for closed loop assemblies, was applied to the same problem set. The results of the comparison show that the DLM is accurate if the tolerances are relatively small compared to the nominal dimensions of the components, and the assembly functions are not highly nonlinear. Sample size is shown to have great influence on the accuracy of Monte Carlo simulation.
Gear Damage Detection Using Chaotic Dynamics Techniques: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Golnaraghi M. Farid , Lin DerChyan , Fromme Paul
Published: March 2021

This paper is a preliminary study applying nonlinear time series analysis to crack detection in gearboxes. Our investigations show that the vibration signal emerging from a gearbox is chaotic. Appearance of a crack in a gear tooth alters this response and hence the chaotic signature. We used correlation dimension and Lyapunov exponents to quantify this change. The main goal of this study is to point out the great potential of these methods in detection of cracks and faults in machinery.
Nonlinear Transient Analysis of Aircraft Landing Gear Brake Whirl and Squeal
Authors: Travis Matt H.
Published: March 2021

The feasibility of computing non-linear transient finite element simulations of aircraft landing gear brake whirl and squeal is demonstrated and discussed. Methodology to conduct the high frequency brake transient analysis is developed using an explicit integration finite element approach. Results indicate the approach has the capability to simulate brake dynamic behavior in dynamometer and aircraft landing gear installations — thus enabling evaluation of modifications to braking systems that lead to more stable and robust designs. A simple multi-disk brake model is developed and described. Modeling techniques for including the dynamometer road wheel and runway in the simulations are given. Issues such as piston housing hydraulic fluid stiffness and damping effects, and parametric friction modeling are discussed.
Condensing Structural Finite Element Meshes Into Coarser Acoustic Element Meshes
Authors: Fahnline John B.
Published: March 2021

The sound power radiated by a vibrating structure (with negligible fluid loading) is typically computed in two steps. First, a finite element mesh of the structure is constructed, and the structural vibrations are computed. The finite element mesh is then converted to a surface mesh, and the sound power output is computed using the boundary element method. In many cases, the acoustic analysis is computationally inefficient because the structural finite element mesh is much denser than required for the acoustic calculations, leading to the solution of a large, fully populated, matrix equation. It is shown that the efficiency of the acoustic analysis can be significantly increased by condensing the structural finite element mesh into a much coarser acoustic element mesh, where the surface meshes of several structural elements are combined to form a single acoustic element. This condensation becomes possible when the boundary condition for the acoustic analysis is written in terms of elemental volume velocities instead of nodal velocities. An example is given in which sample computation times are tabulated, and the accuracy of the numerical calculations are assessed.
Observations of sound-speed fluctuations in the Beaufort Sea from summer 2016 to summer 2017
Authors: Kucukosmanoglu Murat , Colosi John A. , Worcester Peter F. , Dzieciuch Matthew A. , Torres Daniel J.
Published: March 2021

Due to seasonal ice cover, acoustics can provide a unique means for Arctic undersea communication, navigation, and remote sensing. This study seeks to quantify the annual cycle of the thermohaline structure in the Beaufort Sea and characterize acoustically relevant oceanographic processes such as eddies, internal waves, near-inertial waves (NIWs), and spice. The observations are from a seven-mooring, 150-km radius acoustic transceiver array equipped with oceanographic sensors that collected data in the Beaufort Sea from 2016 to 2017. Depth and time variations of the sound speed are analyzed using isopycnal displacements, allowing a separation of baroclinic processes and spice. Compared to lower latitudes, the overall sound speed variability is small with a maximum root mean square of 0.6 m/s. The largest source of variability is spice, most significant in the upper 100 m, followed by eddies and internal waves. The displacement spectrum in the internal wave band is time dependent and different from the Garret-Munk (GM) spectrum. The internal wave energy varied with time averaging 5% of the GM spectrum. The spice sound-speed frequency spectrum has a form very different from the displacement spectrum, a result not seen at lower latitudes. Because sound speed variations are weak, observations of episodic energetic NIWs with horizontal currents up to 20 cm/s have potential acoustical consequences.
The near field, Westervelt far field, and inverse-law far field of the audio sound generated by parametric array loudspeakers
Authors: Zhong Jiaxin , Kirby Ray , Qiu Xiaojun
Published: March 2021

The near and far fields of traditional loudspeakers are differentiated by whether the sound pressure amplitude is inversely proportional to the propagating distance. However, the audio sound field generated by a parametric array loudspeaker (PAL) is more complicated, and in this article it is proposed to be divided into three regions: near field, Westervelt far field, and inverse-law far field. In the near field, the audio sound experiences strong local effects and an efficient quasilinear solution is presented. In the Westervelt far field, local effects are negligible so that the Westervelt equation is used, and in the inverse-law far field, a simpler solution is adopted. It is found that the boundary between the near and Westervelt far fields for audio sound lies at approximately a2/λ – λ/4, where a is transducer radius and λ is ultrasonic wavelength. At large transducer radii and high ultrasonic frequencies, the boundary moves close to the PAL and can be estimated by a closed-form formula. The inverse-law holds for audio sound in the inverse-law far field and is more than 10 meters away from the PAL in most cases. With the proposed classification, it is convenient to apply appropriate prediction models to different regions.
Spontaneous phase segregation of Sr
2
NiO
3
and SrNi
2
O
3
during SrNiO
3
heteroepitaxy
Authors: Wang Le , Yang Zhenzhong , Yin Xinmao , Taylor Sandra D. , He Xu , Tang Chi Sin , Bowden Mark E. , Zhao Jiali , Wang Jiaou , Liu Jishan , Perea Daniel E. , Wangoh Linda , Wee Andrew T. S. , Zhou Hua , Chambers Scott A. , Du Yingge
Published: March 2021

Dynamic phase segregation, driven by the instability of Ni
2+
, occurs during SrNiO
3
heteroepitaxy growth.
Longitudinal antibody repertoire in “mild” versus “severe” COVID-19 patients reveals immune markers associated with disease severity and resolution
Authors: Ravichandran Supriya , Lee Youri , Grubbs Gabrielle , Coyle Elizabeth M. , Klenow Laura , Akasaka Osamu , Koga Michiko , Adachi Eisuke , Saito Makoto , Nakachi Ichiro , Ogura Takayuki , Baba Rie , Ito Mutsumi , Kiso Maki , Yasuhara Atsuhiro , Yamada Shinya , Sakai-Tagawa Yuko , Iwatsuki-Horimoto Kiyoko , Imai Masaki , Yamayoshi Seiya , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Khurana Surender
Published: March 2021

SARS-CoV-2–induced human antibody repertoire in patients with COVID-19 reveals immune markers of disease severity and recovery.
C. elegans
discriminates colors to guide foraging
Authors: Ghosh D. Dipon , Lee Dongyeop , Jin Xin , Horvitz H. Robert , Nitabach Michael N.
Published: March 2021

A new way to “see” color

Color perception is an important aspect of the way many organisms navigate their world. The ability to perceive color has thus far thought to depend on the presence of either eyes or minimally receptive cells containing opsin receptor genes. Ghosh
et al.
show that foraging
Caenorhabditis elegans
roundworms, which do not have eyes or opsins, can distinguish a blue color indicative of a toxin released by bacterial mats (see the Perspective by Neal and Vosshall). They suggest that the worms do this through the detection of the ratio between blue and amber light, a process dependent on at least two cellular stress-response genes. Different strains of
C. elegans
responded to different ratios, suggesting that this pathway plays an ecological role.

Science
, this issue p.
1059
; see also p.
995
Deforestation, forestation, and water supply
Authors: Zhang Mingfang , Wei Xiaohua
Published: March 2021

A systematic approach helps to illuminate the complex forest-water nexus
Acetylcholine production by group 2 innate lymphoid cells promotes mucosal immunity to helminths
Authors: Roberts Luke B. , Schnoeller Corinna , Berkachy Rita , Darby Matthew , Pillaye Jamie , Oudhoff Menno J. , Parmar Naveen , Mackowiak Claire , Sedda Delphine , Quesniaux Valerie , Ryffel Bernhard , Vaux Rachel , Gounaris Kleoniki , Berrard Sylvie , Withers David R. , Horsnell William G. C. , Selkirk Murray E.
Published: March 2021

Synthesis of acetylcholine by group 2 innate lymphoid cells is important for optimal immune responses to helminth infection.
The ChAT-acetylcholine pathway promotes group 2 innate lymphoid cell responses and anti-helminth immunity
Authors: Chu Coco , Parkhurst Christopher N. , Zhang Wen , Zhou Lei , Yano Hiroshi , Arifuzzaman Mohammad , Artis David
Published: March 2021

Activated ILC2s use the ChAT-acetylcholine pathway to enhance their cytokine production and promote helminth expulsion.
Investigating the clinical usefulness of definitions of progression with 10-2 visual field
Authors: Asano Shotaro , Murata Hiroshi , Fujino Yuri , Yamashita Takehiro , Miki Atsuya , Ikeda Yoko , Mori Kazuhiko , Tanito Masaki , Asaoka Ryo
Published: March 2021

Background/Aim

To investigate the clinical validity of the Guided Progression Analysis definition (GPAD) and cluster-based definition (CBD) with the Humphrey Field Analyzer 10-2 test in diagnosing glaucomatous visual field (VF) progression, and to introduce a novel definition with optimised specificity by combining the ‘any-location’ and ‘cluster-based’ approaches (hybrid definition).

Methods

64 400 stable glaucomatous VFs were simulated from 664 pairs of 10-2 tests (10 sets × 10 VF series × 664 eyes; data set 1). Using these simulated VFs, the specificity to detect progression and the effects of changing the parameters (number of test locations or consecutive VF tests, and percentile cut-off values) were investigated. The hybrid definition was designed as the combination where the specificity was closest to 95.0%. Subsequently, another 5000 actual glaucomatous 10-2 tests from 500 eyes (10 VFs each) were collected (data set 2), and their accuracy (sensitivity, specificity and false positive rate) and the time needed to detect VF progression were evaluated.

Results

The specificity values calculated using data set 1 with GPAD and CBD were 99.6% and 99.8%. Using data set 2, the hybrid definition had a higher sensitivity than GPAD and CBD, without detriment to the specificity or false positive rate. The hybrid definition also detected progression significantly earlier than GPAD and CBD (at 3.1 years vs 4.2 years and 4.1 years, respectively).

Conclusions

GPAD and CBD had specificities of 99.6% and 99.8%, respectively. A novel hybrid definition (with a specificity of 95.5%) had higher sensitivity and enabled earlier detection of progression.
Creating a culture of quality: our experience with providing feedback to frontline hospitalists
Authors: Becker Brittany , Nagavally Sneha , Wagner Nicholas , Walker Rebekah , Segon Yogita , Segon Ankur
Published: March 2021

Background

One way to provide performance feedback to hospitalists is through the use of dashboards, which deliver data based on agreed-upon standards. Despite the growing trend on feedback performance on quality metrics, there remain limited data on the means, frequency and content of feedback that should be provided to frontline hospitalists.

Objective

The objective of our research is to report our experience with a comprehensive feedback system for frontline hospitalists, as well as report the change in our quality metrics after implementation.

Design, setting and participants

This quality improvement project was conducted at a tertiary academic medical centre among our hospitalist group consisting of 46 full-time faculty members.

Intervention or exposure

A monthly performance feedback report was distributed to provide ongoing feedback to our hospitalist faculty, including an individual dashboard and a peer comparison report, complemented by coaching to incorporate process improvement tactics into providers’ daily workflow.

Main outcomes and measures

The main outcome of our study is the change in quality metrics after implementation of the monthly performance feedback report

Results

The dashboard and rank order list were sent to all faculty members every month. An improvement was seen in the following quality metrics: length of stay index, 30-day readmission rate, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, central line-associated bloodstream infections, provider component of Healthcare Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems scores, attendance at care coordination rounds and percentage of discharge orders placed by 10:00.

Conclusions

Implementation of a monthly performance feedback report for hospitalists, complemented by peer comparison and guidance on tactics to achieve these metrics, created a culture of quality and improvement in the quality of care delivered.
Strength development according with age and position: a 10-year study of 570 soccer players
Authors: Scoz Robson Dias , Alves Bruno Mazziotti Oliveira , Burigo Ricardo Lima , Vieira Edgar Ramos , Ferreira Luciano Maia Alves , da Silva Rubens Alexandre , Hirata Rogerio Pessoto , Amorim Cesar Ferreira
Published: March 2021

Background/aim

The purpose of this study was to compare the isokinetic peak torque profiles from the quadriceps and hamstrings muscles during concentric and eccentric contractions in elite Brazilian soccer players across different field positions and age categories. Our hypothesis was that soccer players from different field positions are subjected to different ageing-related effects on their isokinetic peak torque.

Methods

This is a retrospective study based on professional elite-level soccer players between the years 2009 and 2019. It included 570 adult males who played for at least 5 years on first or second Brazilian divisions. Playing positions were divided as: goalkeepers, defenders, sidebacks, midfielders and forwards. Age categories were also divided as: G1 (17–20 years old), G2 (21–24 years old), G3 (25–28 years old), G4 (29–32 years old) and G5 (33 years old or more).

Results

The results indicate a moderate effect of age (F(4545)=8.197; p<0.001; η2=0.057) and a small effect of playing position (F(4545)=2.993; p<0.05; η2=0.021) on torque of concentric extensors; mainly from midfielders and goalkeepers with 29 years or more.

Conclusions

Soccer players from different field positions are subjected to different ageing related effects on their muscular performance during their career special attention should be given to these players to avoid reduction in physical performance.
Machine Learning for Social Science: An Agnostic Approach
Authors: Grimmer Justin , Roberts Margaret E. , Stewart Brandon M.
Published: March 2021

Social scientists are now in an era of data abundance, and machine learning tools are increasingly used to extract meaning from data sets both massive and small. We explain how the inclusion of machine learning in the social sciences requires us to rethink not only applications of machine learning methods but also best practices in the social sciences. In contrast to the traditional tasks for machine learning in computer science and statistics, when machine learning is applied to social scientific data, it is used to discover new concepts, measure the prevalence of those concepts, assess causal effects, and make predictions. The abundance of data and resources facilitates the move away from a deductive social science to a more sequential, interactive, and ultimately inductive approach to inference. We explain how an agnostic approach to machine learning methods focused on the social science tasks facilitates progress across a wide range of questions.
[Retracted] Improvement of Cerebral Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury via Regulation of Apoptosis by Exosomes Derived from BDNF‐Overexpressing HEK293
Authors: Wang Lizong , Jiang Jinghan , Zhou Taofeng , Xue Xiang , Cao Yongjun
Published: March 2021

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) provides neuroprotective effects towards therapeutic cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury. This view has been proposed by more and more evidence. However, due to the lack of permeability of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) as well as the brief half‐life in serum, clinical application is not widespread. To study the participation of exosomes containing BDNF in I/R, we isolated exosomes from BDNF‐overexpressing HEK293. The protective outcomes of exosomes in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) experiments were determined by the use of SY‐5Y cells. Exosome‐BDNF therapy restrained H/R‐induced apoptosis by inhibition of the reducing levels of oxidative stress and calcium ions in the cells while maintaining stable levels of mitochondrial membrane potential in brain cells damaged by I/R. We then constructed a cerebral I/R injury model using SD rats to find the function of BDNF in exosome‐mediated neuroprotection. The in vivo experiments conducted established that exosomes from BDNF‐overexpressing HEK293 cells improved cerebral I/R injury by concealing neuronal apoptosis. Findings gained demonstrated that BDNF is a part of preventing cerebral I/R injury due to exosome mediation by regulating the cellular internal environment and inhibiting apoptosis.
A Comparison Study of Irregularity Descriptors of Benzene Ring Embedded in P-Type Surface Network and Its Derived Network
Authors: Shah Nehad Ali
Published: March 2021

Topological indices are atomic auxiliary descriptors which computationally and hypothetically portray the natures of the basic availability of nanomaterials and chemical mixes, and henceforth, they give faster techniques to look at their exercises and properties. Anomaly indices are for the most part used to describe the topological structures of unpredictable graphs. Graph anomaly examines are helpful not only for quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) and also quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) but also for foreseeing their different physical and compound properties, including poisonousness, obstruction, softening and breaking points, the enthalpy of vanishing, and entropy. In this article, we discuss the irregularities of benzene ring and its line graph and compare them by its irregularity indices. We present graphical comparison by using Mathematica.
Improvement of sliding mode power control applied to wind system based on doubly-fed induction generator
Authors: Majout Btissam , Abrahmi Douae , Ihedrane Yasmine , El Bakkali Chakib , Mohammed Karim , Bossoufi Badre
Published: March 2021

In this work, we are interested in improving the performance of a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind system, by applying a sliding mode control strategy. The objective is the regulation of the active and reactive power, also the voltage and the frequency of the signal injected into the distribution network. The model proposed for the control is based on the sliding mode technique with performance estimators. The proposed model was validated by a simulation on MATLAB/Simulink.
Design and simulation of stand-alone photovoltaic system supplying BTS in Iraq
Authors: Sami Saja Mazin , Mahmood Anas Lateef
Published: March 2021

The problem of power outages is still present in most cities of Iraq as a result of the wars and crises experienced by Iraq and this makes it difficult to provide continuous electric power to the electrical devices. All telecommunications companies, including Zain, Asia cell, etc in Iraq used diesel generators as an alternative source to the national electricity grid, but this will adversely affect the environment and humans as a result of toxic emissions associated with the use of these generators. In this paper, a stand-alone PVsystem was designed and simulated to supply a base transceiver station (BTS) in Iraq. A BTS in Jadriyah, Baghdad with 4.177 kW load power belong to Zain Telecommunication Company was taken as a case study in this paper. The meteorological data of the Jadriyah region were taken from a weather station belong to the ministry of Sciences and Technology in Iraq for the year 2017. The simulation for this BTS was carried out using the Pvsyst simulation program. The financial analysis of the proposed system shows that it has small kWh unit price (0.108 $/kWh).
Reducing torque pulsations in PMa-SynRM: a way for improving motor performance
Authors: Viego Percy R. , Gómez Julio R. , Sousa Vladimir , Yanes José P. Monteagudo , Quispe Enrique C.
Published: March 2021

This paper aims to evaluate the performance of synchronous reluctance motors assisted by a permanent magnet (PMa-SynRM) focused on efficiency and torque pulsations. PMa-SynRM shows high efficiency and power factor, compared to induction motors (IM), although they have a greater cost. These machines develop relatively high torque ripple, cogging torque, and torque imbalances. Consequently, the electromagnetic torque is reduced, the motor temperature is increased, and mechanical vibrations are induced. The optimal design of the machine structures such as flow barriers, permanent magnets, and stator slots, among others, allow reducing torque pulsations. A comparison is made between different designs of the PMa-SynRM reported in the scientific literature, and the effects on efficiency, torque pulsation, and operating costs are evaluated. A case study on the motor driving the air conditioner blower in a hotel room was made, to determine the best economic variant between IM or PMa-SynRM. A sensitive analysis was made to evaluate several uncertainties. The advantages of using one of the PMa-SynRM analyzed were demonstrated. Also, it was proved that the investment is feasible economically, although NPV and payback are not the best, due to low load factor in inverter-controlled motors in air conditioners.
Morphology of immature stages and life cycle of Monotoma testacea Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Monotomidae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: March 2021

The egg, all three larval instars, and pupa are described for the cucujoid beetle species Monotoma (s. str.) testacea Motschulsky, which develops in decomposing plant matter. Adults and larvae were fed with baker’s yeast under laboratory conditions; this food source allowed for successful breeding of several generations. Detailed and illustrated descriptions of all immature stages are given. It is suggested that simple, pointed setae may represent a diagnostic character for Monotoma (s. str.), whereas clavate setae characterize Monotoma (Gyrocecis). Only minor differences in the number and patterns of setae were found between first, second and third larval instars, supporting observations of previous authors. Morphological differences are listed to distinguish between the three larval instars. An arrow-head aggregation of coarse asperities on the frontal region of the L1 larva, lacking in older instars, is hypothesized to be an egg-burster. Only 34–42 days elapsed from egg laying to emergence of the adult; the egg stage lasted 5–6 days; L1 larvae 2–3 days; L2 3–5 days; L3 2–5 days; the immovable prepupal stage 12–13 days; and the pupa 7–10 days. One female laid 1–5 eggs daily, averaging ~1.5 egg per day during her entire life; the total number of eggs in two independent cultures produced by one female accompanied by one male was 57 and 94.
The Irreplaceable Utility of Sequential Data Assimilation for Numerical Weather Prediction System Development: Lessons Learned from an Experimental HWRF System
Authors: Poterjoy Jonathan , Alaka Ghassan J. , Winterbottom Henry R.
Published: March 2021

Limited-area numerical weather prediction models currently run operationally in the United States and follow a “partially cycled” schedule, where sequential data assimilation is periodically interrupted by replacing model states with solutions interpolated from a global model. While this strategy helps overcome several practical challenges associated with real-time regional forecasting, it is no substitute for a robust sequential data assimilation approach for research-to-operations purposes. Partial cycling can mask systematic errors in weather models, data assimilation systems, and data preprocessing techniques, since it introduces information from a different prediction system. It also adds extra heuristics to the model initialization steps outside the general Bayesian filtering framework from which data assimilation methods are derived. This study uses a research-oriented modeling system, which is self-contained in the operational Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting (HWRF) Model package, to illustrate why next-generation modeling systems should prioritize sequential data assimilation at early stages of development. This framework permits the rigorous examination of all model system components—in a manner that has never been done for the HWRF Model. Examples presented in this manuscript show how sequential data assimilation capabilities can accelerate model advancements and increase academic involvement in operational forecasting systems at a time when the United States is developing a new hurricane forecasting system.
On the Renewal of Seminary Formation to Meet Evangelization Needs in Africa: The Nigerian Experience
Authors: Wankar Gabriel T.
Published: March 2021

One of the critical challenges for ministry and evangelization in Africa today is the search for an integral and nonviolent basis for social existence on the continent. This essay argues that since the Church considers seminary formation to be one of the most demanding and important tasks for the future of the evangelization agenda of humanity ( Pastores Dabo Vobis # 2), the approach to, and the content of the formation programs for agents of evangelization in the Catholic Church in Africa, most especially in the seminaries, must be attuned to this critical need, since the style and approach to evangelization is often largely the result of the quality of faith formation found in the seminaries.
Analysis of medical waste management and impact analysis of COVID-19 on its generation in Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Wen-Tien
Published: March 2021

Medical waste management in Taiwan is a crucial issue due to its highly environmental and human health risks. The main objectives of this paper were to analyse the status of medical waste generation and treatment in recent years, and also address the discussions on the impacts of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on its generation in the first half of 2020. It showed that the reported quantities have slightly increased from 35,747 metric tonnes (Mt) in 2016 to 40,407 Mt in 2019, showing an average increase by 4.17%. This rate of increase was consistent with the hospital services. When classified by the reported codes, the C-type waste (infectious waste) accounted for about 89% of the reported quantities, which indicated an annual increase by 4.14% during the same period. In addition, the medical waste treatment in 2019 was mainly dependent on the commissioned treatment (80.18%), followed by the recycling (18.53%) and the self-treatment (1.29%). Furthermore, the impact of COVID-19 on the medical waste generation in Taiwan was not significant in the first half of 2020 compared to the data during the years of 2016–2019. It was indicated that the consistent trend was observed at the daily confirmed COVID-19 cases in Taiwan during this period. Obviously, the reduction in the hospital medical services during the COVID-19 outbreak should be offset by the increase in medical waste generation from the medical services. In order to try to ensure safe and complete destruction of the COVID-19 virus, all the waste generated from the healthcare facilities should be treated in the incineration plants.
Exploring Global Fashion Sustainability Practices through Dictionary-Based Text Mining
Authors: Li Muzhen , Zhao Li
Published: March 2021

Nowadays, more fashion companies have started to adopt various sustainability practices and communicate these practices through their annual public CSR reports. In this study, we aim to provide a holistic perspective of fashion companies’ sustainable development and investigate the sustainability practices of global fashion companies. A total of 181 CSR reports from 29 fashion companies were collected. A Dictionary approach text classification method, combined with Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), a computer-assisted topic modeling algorithm, was implemented to detect and summarize the themes and keywords of detailed practices disclosed in CSR reports. The findings identified 12 main sustainability practices themes based on the triple bottom line theory and the moral responsibility of corporate sustainability theory. In general, waste management and human rights are the most frequently mentioned themes. The findings also suggest that global fashion companies adopted different sustainability strategies based on their product categories and competitive advantages.
Daily Social Pressure and Alcohol Consumption Among Chinese Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gu Jiafeng , Ming Xing
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the daily social pressure and socioeconomic factors related to women’s alcohol consumption in China. Cross-sectional data were obtained from the 2012 China Family Panel Studies. A multivariate logistic regression analysis of a sample of 16 339 female adults with the mean age of 45.3 years was used to examine the relationships between dependent and independent variables. According to the results, first, the greater the daily social pressure, the more likely women were to engage in general alcohol consumption (odds ratio = 1.061) and risk drinking (odds ratio = 1.057). Second, while there is a positive relationship between the general level of social pressure and women’s alcohol consumption, the relationship between the severe level of social pressure and women’s alcohol consumption was not significant. Finally, women in the Central region were less likely to engage in risk drinking than women in the Western region; women with secondary school education were more likely to engage in risk drinking than women with primary school education or below; and age was significantly positively associated with both general and risk drinking. In conclusion, increasing alcohol consumption among women may be due to increased social pressure.