bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ViroMatch: A Computational Pipeline for the Detection of Viral Sequences from Complex Metagenomic Data
Authors: Wylie Todd N. , Wylie Kristine M.
Published: March 2021

ViroMatch is an automated pipeline that takes metagenomic sequencing reads as input and performs iterative nucleotide and translated nucleotide mapping to identify viral sequences. We provide a Docker image for ViroMatch, so that users will not have to install dependencies.
Complete Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus aureus Strain 834, Isolated from a Septic Patient in Japan
Authors: Ono Hisaya K. , Suzuki Yasunori , Kubota Hiroaki , Asano Krisana , Takai Shinji , Nakane Akio , Hu Dong-Liang
Published: March 2021

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Staphylococcus aureus
strain 834, which was isolated from a septic patient in Japan and showed strong virulence and methicillin resistance. The complete genome consists of a 2,838,668-bp chromosome and a 24,653-bp plasmid. Genome annotation predicts 2,670 coding sequences, 16 rRNAs, and 61 tRNAs.
Complete and Circularized Bacterial Genome Sequence of
Gordonia
sp. Strain X0973
Authors: Gulvik Christopher A. , Batra Dhwani , Rowe Lori A. , Sheth Milli , Nobles Sarah , Lee Justin S. , McQuiston John R. , Lasker Brent A.
Published: March 2021

Gordonia
sp. strain X0973 is a Gram-positive, weakly acid-fast, aerobic actinomycete obtained from a human abscess with
Gordonia araii
NBRC 100433
T
as its closest phylogenetic neighbor. Here, we report using Illumina MiSeq and PacBio reads to assemble the complete and circular genome sequence of 3.75 Mbp with 3,601 predicted coding sequences.
The construction of the Donegal composite batholith, Irish Caledonides: Temporal constraints from U-Pb dating of zircon and titanite
Authors: Archibald Donnelly B. , Macquarrie Lauren M.G. , Murphy J. Brendan , Strachan Robin A. , McFarlane Chris R.M. , Button Mark , Larson Kyle P. , Dunlop Joseph
Published: March 2021

Magmatic and tectonic processes can transport large volumes of magma generated in the deep crust as discrete pulses to shallower crustal depths, resulting in the incremental construction of large, composite batholiths over thousands to tens of millions of years. The Silurian to Early Devonian Donegal composite batholith in Ireland is a classic example of which regional geological syntheses and lithogeochemical data show that emplacement was syn- and post-kinematic with respect to the terminal phases (ca. 437−415 Ma) of the Caledonian orogeny. We used U-Pb dating of zircon and titanite to investigate the construction of the batholith over time. Imaging of these minerals reveals complex, zoned grains with distinct autocrystic (growth during pluton emplacement) and antecrystic (growth during lower crustal incubation) domains as well as xenocrysts (incorporated from wall rocks). To determine the ages of emplacement and of inherited domains, discrete growth zones were targeted for dating using laser ablation−inductively coupled plasma−mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Taken together, the zircon and titanite U-Pb isotopic data indicate that magmatism occurred over at least 30 m.y., between ca. 430 Ma and 400 Ma. Batholith emplacement is bracketed by the ca. 427−423 Ma Ardara pluton and the latest phases in the Main Donegal and Trawenagh Bay plutons (ca. 400 Ma). Although apparently volumetrically minor, U-Pb data from spatially associated mafic rocks (appinite suite, lamprophyre dikes, and mafic enclaves in granitoid plutons) yield ages ranging from ca. 431−416 Ma, which indicates ongoing mafic magmatism during emplacement of much of the Donegal composite batholith.
Space Study of a Red Tide-Related Environmental Disaster near Kamchatka Peninsula in September–October 2020
Authors: Bondur V. G. , Zamshin V. V. , Chvertkova O. I.
Published: March 2021

The results of space monitoring of an extreme ecological situation near Kamchatka Peninsula, which was responsible for a mass death of hydrobionts in autumn 2020, are presented. The analysis of long-term series of satellite data (>15 000 scenes) on sea surface temperature (from 1981 to 2020) and concentration of chlorophyll a (from 2000 to 2020) showed strong positive temperature anomalies (deviations from a climate norm 3–6°C) in the studied region in July–September 2020, which resulted in anomalous increase in the concentration of chlorophyll a (5–8 times higher than the background values) in the end of September–the beginning of October 2020. As a result, a significantly changed biogenic regime led to harmful bloom of algae (red tide), which caused death of hydrobionts both in Avacha Bay and coastal regions of the entire Kamchatka Peninsula.
Case of oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum: rare clinical features
Authors: Khera Daisy , Agarwal Saurabh , Kumar Prawin , Singh Kuldeep
Published: March 2021

A 2-month-old boy presented to us with bilateral microtia, left lower motor neuron facial palsy, micrognathia, hemivertebra, bifid rib, bifid thumb and absent/hypoplastic right-sided depressor anguli oris. He had bilateral external auditory canal atresia, although response to loud sound was present. Brain stem evoked response audiometry (BERA) was advised at 3 months of age. Karyotype was normal. We diagnosed him as a case of oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum. Child was discharged on request by the family with the plan for bone-anchored hearing aid after BERA and plan for pinna and ear canal reconstruction at a later age but child did not come for any follow-up visit. On telephonic enquiry, it was found that he is thriving well but has developmental delay including speech delay. We conclude that children presenting with external ear abnormalities should be screened for multiple congenital anomalies so that a multidisciplinary approach to management can be planned.
Monomelic Maffucci syndrome
Authors: Verma Gopalkrishna G , Jain Vijay Kumar , Iyengar Karthikeyan P
Published: March 2021

Maffucci syndrome is a rare congenital, non-hereditary condition characterised by presence of multiple enchondromas and haemangiomas. Enchondromatous lesions affecting epiphysial growth plates can lead to angular deformities and leg-length discrepancy in the lower limb. We describe a 12-year-old girl with monomelic Maffucci syndrome affecting her left lower limb. She presented with progressive genu valgus deformity of her left knee. This caused her to limp during her gait and was a cosmetic dissatisfaction. The deformity affected her quality of life. She underwent a supracondylar distal femoral corrective osteotomy with a successful clinical outcome and restoration of her gait and cosmetic deformity.
Persistent positivity of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in asymptomatic healthcare worker: infective virion or inactive nucleic acid?
Authors: Tiwari Lokesh , Gupta Prakriti , Singh Chandra Mani , Singh Prabhat Kumar
Published: March 2021

Asymptomatic individuals positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA constitute a significant proportion of the infected population and play a role in the transmission of the virus. We describe a healthcare worker who presented with fever and malaise and was diagnosed with mild COVID-19. The symptoms resolved within 4 days but there was persistent positivity of viral RNA in the upper respiratory tract for more than 58 days, which is the longest reported duration of persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in a healthcare worker. In this case report, we discuss clinical and administrative issues such as the role of asymptomatic cases in the transmission of the virus to patients and coworkers as an occupational hazard, interpretation of persistent positivity of nucleic acid test, duration of isolation and return-to-work guidelines pertinent to researchers and global health policymakers.
Time to achieve best postoperative visual acuity following Boston keratoprosthesis surgery
Authors: El-Khoury Jonathan , Mustafa Majd , Daoud Roy , Harissi-Dagher Mona
Published: March 2021

Background/aims

To evaluate the time needed for patients with Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis (KPro) to reach their best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and all contributing factors.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 137 consecutive eyes from 118 patients, measured how long they needed to reach their BCVA and looked at factors that might affect this time duration including patient demographics, ocular comorbidities and postoperative complications.

Results

The mean follow-up was 5.49 years. The median time to BCVA postoperatively was 6 months, with 47% of patients achieving their BCVA by 3 months. The mean best achieved logMAR visual acuity was 0.71, representing a gain of 6 lines on the Snellen visual acuity chart. Postoperative glaucoma, retroprosthetic membrane (RPM) and endophthalmitis prolonged this duration. We found no correlation between the following factors and time to BCVA: gender, age, indication for KPro surgery, primary versus secondary KPro, number of previous penetrating keratoplasties, previous retinal surgery, intraoperative anterior vitrectomy and preoperative glaucoma.

Conclusion

In our retrospective cohort, the majority of subjects reached their BCVA between 3 and 6 months after KPro implantation. This duration was significantly prolonged by the development of postoperative glaucoma, RPM and endophthalmitis.
Incidence of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in France from 2010 to 2016: seasonal and geographical variations
Authors: Ben Ghezala Inès , Mariet Anne Sophie , Benzenine Eric , Gabrielle Pierre-Henry , Baudin Florian , Bron Alain M , Quantin Catherine , Creuzot-Garcher Catherine P
Published: March 2021

Aims

To investigate the annual and monthly hospital incidence rate of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs) from 2010 to 2016 in France at the national and regional levels.

Methods

In this nationwide database study, we identified hospital and clinic admissions of French residents for a first episode of RRD in France during 2010–2016 from the national administrative database. The annual and monthly hospital incidence rates of RRD per 100 000 population were calculated for the whole country and for each region.

Results

The average annual national hospital incidence rate of RRD was 21.97±1.04 per 100 000 population. The annual national hospital incidence rate of RRD was the lowest in 2010 (20.91 per 100 000 population) after which it increased until 2015 (23.55 per 100 000 population). The average monthly national RRD hospital incidence rate was the highest in June (2.03±0.12 per 100 000 population) and the lowest in August (1.60±0.09). The average annual age-standardised and sex-standardised regional hospital incidence rate was the highest in Guadeloupe and Pays de la Loire (28.30±2.74 and 26.13±0.84 per 100 000 population, respectively) and the lowest in French Guiana and Martinique (15.51±3.50 and 17.29±2.12 per 100 000 population, respectively).

Conclusions

The average annual national hospital incidence rate of RRD increased from 2010 to 2015. The hospital incidence rate of RRD seemed to vary according to season and geographical location.
Sports injuries and illnesses at the Lausanne 2020 Youth Olympic Winter Games: a prospective study of 1783 athletes from 79 countries
Authors: Palmer Debbie , Engebretsen Lars , Carrard Justin , Grek Natalia , Königstein Karsten , Maurer Debbie J , Roos Thomas , Stollenwerk Lauren , Tercier Stephane , Weinguni Raphael , Soligard Torbjørn
Published: March 2021

Objective

To describe the injury and illness characteristics among participating athletes during the Lausanne 2020 Youth Olympic Winter Games (YOG 2020), 9–22 January 2020.

Methods

The daily number of athlete injuries and illnesses were recorded (1) through the reporting of all National Olympic Committee (NOC) medical teams and (2) in the polyclinic and medical venues by the Lausanne 2020 medical staff.

Results

In total, 1783 athletes from 79 NOCs were observed. NOC and Lausanne 2020 medical staff reported 228 injuries and 167 illnesses, equating 11.7 injuries and 8.6 illnesses per 100 athletes over the 14-day period. Injury incidence was highest for snowboard slopestyle (39%), bobsleigh (36%), snowboard big air (29%), ski slopestyle (29%), snowboard cross (24%) and ski cross (21%), and lowest for speed skating, snowboard halfpipe and curling (2%–4%). The highest incidence of illness was recorded for curling (21%), ski mountaineering (15%), snowboard halfpipe (13%), bobsleigh (11%), cross-country skiing (10%) and figure skating (10%). Almost one-third of injuries were expected to result in time loss and 17% of illnesses. Most injuries occurred to the knee (12%) and head (11%), and 64% of illnesses affected the respiratory system. Overall, women suffered more injuries and illness than males.

Conclusion

Overall, injury and illness rates were similar compared with recent YOG. While the rate and characteristics of injury and illness varied between sports, consistent patterns across YOG are emerging. If addressed, changes in highlighted areas of risk could have a positive impact on the health and well-being of these young athletes.
Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio levels are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and predict CVD events and all-cause deaths: a prospective analysis
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Niu Jingya , Wu Shujing , Xin Zhuojun , Zhao Zhiyun , Xu Min , Lu Jieli , Wang Tiange , Chen Yuhong , Wang Shuangyuan , Lin Hong , Xu Yiping , Ye Lei , Dai Meng , Wang Weiqing , Ning Guang , Bi Yufang , Xu Yu , Li Mian
Published: March 2021

Objective

We aimed to examine the associations of urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) levels with risks of subclinical atherosclerosis, cardiovascular events and all-cause deaths.

Methods

Data from a large population-based cohort were used, which included 9580 participants aged ≥40 years free from cardiovascular diseases. Carotid intima–media thickness, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and ankle-brachial index were measured at baseline to assess subclinical atherosclerosis. After a median of 4.53 years’ follow-up, 486 cardiovascular events and 230 all-cause deaths were recorded.

Results

The urinary ACR levels were categorised into three groups. Compared with the normal group (0≤ACR <7.82 mg/g), people with low-grade albuminuria (7.82≤ACR <30 mg/g) and albuminuria (ACR ≥30 mg/g) had higher levels of subclinical atherosclerosis. In prospective analysis, people with low-grade albuminuria was not significantly associated with cardiovascular events (HR=1.18; 95% CI 0.95 to 1.46], whereas people with albuminuria had a 50% higher risk of cardiovascular events (HR=1.50; 95% CI 1.11 to 2.03). People with low-grade albuminuria and albuminuria had 43% (HR=1.43; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.93) and 87% (HR=1.87; 95% CI 1.24 to 2.81) higher risks of all-cause deaths during follow-up, respectively. In stratified analysis, the association of higher ACR with risks of cardiovascular events and all-cause deaths was stronger among individuals with concomitant subclinical atherosclerosis, the presence of diabetes and more cardiovascular risk factors, respectively.

Conclusions

ACR levels were positively associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and predicted the risks of cardiovascular events and all-cause deaths. Evaluation of ACR levels should be integrated into risk stratification and prevention of cardiovascular events and all-cause deaths, especially among those with pre-existing subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiometabolic abnormalities.
Technology-assisted depression screening tools for patients with cancer: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Lazaro-Escudero Maria Isabel , Burgos-Cardona Camila Alanna , Acevedo-Fernández Karina , Castro-Figueroa Eida Maria
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Among patients with cancer, depression is still under-detected. The use of technology-assisted screening tools is rising; however, little is known about the uptake of these devices as depression screening tools among patients with cancer.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review will be conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). The review is registered with PROSPERO and any adjustments to the protocol will be traced. The aims of this systematic review are to (1) identify the most common and feasible depression screening information technology (IT) delivery models among patients with cancer, (2) identify the most common depression screening instrument used in IT devices and (3) describe the published technology-assisted depression screening tools for patients with cancer. PubMed, EBSCOhost and Google Scholar databases will be used. PICO (Patient/

Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes) guidelines will inform the inclusion criteria. Two researchers will independently review titles and abstracts, followed by full article review and data extraction. In the case of a disagreement, a third reviewer will make the final decision. Title/abstract screening will be conducted using a screening tool prepared by the researchers. Articles will be included for review if: (1) the study includes patients with cancer, cancer survivors and/or patients on remission, (2) depression is screened using technology and (3) technology-assisted depression screening effectiveness, efficacy, feasibility and/or acceptance is addressed. The quality of the articles will be assessed using the Methodological Index For Non-Randomised Studies (MINORS, maximum score 24) through independent coding of reviewers.

Ethics and dissemination

This research is exempt from ethics approval given that this is a protocol for a systematic review, which uses published data. Findings from this review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO registration number CRD42019121048.
Gendered economic, social and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigation policies in Kenya: evidence from a prospective cohort survey in Nairobi informal settlements
Authors: Pinchoff Jessie , Austrian Karen , Rajshekhar Nandita , Abuya Timothy , Kangwana Beth , Ochako Rhoune , Tidwell James Benjamin , Mwanga Daniel , Muluve Eva , Mbushi Faith , Nzioki Mercy , Ngo Thoai D
Published: March 2021

Objectives

COVID-19 may spread rapidly in densely populated urban informal settlements. Kenya swiftly implemented mitigation policies; we assess the economic, social and health-related harm disproportionately impacting women.

Design

A prospective longitudinal cohort study with repeated mobile phone surveys in April, May and June 2020.

Participants and setting

2009 households across five informal settlements in Nairobi, sampled from two previously interviewed cohorts.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Outcomes include food insecurity, risk of household violence and forgoing necessary health services due to the pandemic. Gender-stratified linear probability regression models were constructed to determine the factors associated with these outcomes.

Results

By May, more women than men reported adverse effects of COVID-19 mitigation policies on their lives. Women were 6 percentage points more likely to skip a meal versus men (coefficient: 0.055; 95% CI 0.016 to 0.094), and those who had completely lost their income were 15 percentage points more likely versus those employed (coefficient: 0.154; 95% CI 0.125 to 0.184) to skip a meal. Compared with men, women were 8 percentage points more likely to report increased risk of household violence (coefficient: 0.079; 95% CI 0.028 to 0.130) and 6 percentage points more likely to forgo necessary healthcare (coefficient: 0.056; 95% CI 0.037 to 0.076).

Conclusions

The pandemic rapidly and disproportionately impacted the lives of women. As Kenya reopens, policymakers must deploy assistance to ensure women in urban informal settlements are able to return to work, and get healthcare and services they need to not lose progress on gender equity made to date.
Telehealth versus self-directed lifestyle intervention to promote healthy blood pressure: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Taher Mohamed , Yule Christina , Bonaparte Heather , Kwiecien Sara , Collins Charlotte , Naylor Allison , Juraschek S P , Bailey-Davis Lisa , Chang Alex R
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Weight loss, consumption of a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension dietary pattern, reduced sodium intake and increased physical activity have been shown to lower blood pressure (BP). Use of web-based tools and telehealth to deliver lifestyle counselling could be potentially scalable solutions to improve BP through behavioural modification though limited data exists to support these approaches in clinical practice.

Methods and analysis

This randomised controlled trial will compare the efficacy of a telehealth versus self-directed lifestyle intervention in lowering 24-hour SBP in patients with overweight/obesity (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) and 24-hour SBP 120–160 mm Hg. All participants receive personalised recommendations to improve dietary quality based on a web-based Food Frequency Questionnaire, access to an online comprehensive weight management programme and a smartphone dietary app. The telehealth arm additionally includes weekly calls with registered dietitian nutritionists who use motivational interviewing. The primary outcome is change from baseline to 12 weeks in 24-hour SBP. Secondary outcomes include changes from baseline in 24-hour diastolic BP, daytime SBP, nighttime SP, daytime diastolic BP, nighttime diastolic BP, total Healthy Eating Index-2015 score, weight, waist circumference and physical activity. Other prespecified outcomes will include change in individual components of the Healthy Eating Index-2015 score, and satisfaction with the Healthy BP research study measured on a 5-point Likert scale.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Geisinger Institutional Review Board. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT03700710.
‘A silent epidemic of grief’: a survey of bereavement care provision in the UK and Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Pearce Caroline , Honey Jonathan R , Lovick Roberta , Zapiain Creamer Nicola , Henry Claire , Langford Andy , Stobert Mark , Barclay Stephen
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To investigate the experiences and views of practitioners in the UK and Ireland concerning changes in bereavement care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

Online survey using a snowball sampling approach.

Setting

Practitioners working in hospitals, hospices, care homes and community settings across the UK and Ireland.

Participants

Health and social care professionals involved in bereavement support.

Interventions

Brief online survey distributed widely across health and social care organisations.

Results

805 respondents working in hospice, community, and hospital settings across the UK and Ireland completed the survey between 3 August and 4 September 2020. Changes to bereavement care practice were reported in: the use of telephone, video and other forms of remote support (90%); supporting people bereaved from non-COVID conditions (76%), from COVID-19 (65%) and people bereaved before the pandemic (61%); funeral arrangements (61%); identifying bereaved people who might need support (56%); managing complex forms of grief (48%) and access to specialist services (41%). Free-text responses demonstrated the complexities and scale of the impact on health and social care services, practitioners and their relationships with bereaved families, and on bereaved people.

Conclusions

The pandemic has created major challenges for the support of bereaved people: increased needs for bereavement care, transition to remote forms of support and the stresses experienced by practitioners, among others. The extent to which services are able to adapt, meet the escalating level of need and help to prevent a ‘tsunami of grief’ remains to be seen. The pandemic has highlighted the need for bereavement care to be considered an integral part of health and social care provision.
Higher clinical acuity and 7-day hospital mortality in non-COVID-19 acute medical admissions: prospective observational study
Authors: Lyall Marcus J , Lone Nazir I
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To understand the effect of COVID-19 lockdown measures on severity of illness and mortality in non-COVID-19 acute medical admissions.

Design

A prospective observational study.

Setting

3 large acute medical receiving units in NHS Lothian, Scotland.

Participants

Non-COVID-19 acute admissions (n=1682) were examined over the first 31 days after the implementation of the COVID-19 lockdown policy in the UK on 23 March 2019. Patients admitted over a matched interval in the previous 5 years were used as a comparator cohort (n=14 954).

Main outcome measures

Patient demography, biochemical markers of clinical acuity and 7-day hospital inpatient mortality.

Results

Non-COVID-19 acute medical admissions reduced by 44.9% across all three sites in comparison with the mean of the preceding 5 years (p<0.001). Patients arriving during this period were more likely to be male, of younger age and to arrive by emergency ambulance transport. Non-COVID-19 admissions during lockdown had a greater incidence of acute kidney injury, lactic acidaemia and an increased risk of hospital death within 7 days (4.2% vs 2.5%), which persisted after adjustment for confounders (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.43 to 2.41, p<0.001).

Conclusions

These data demonstrate a significant reduction in non-COVID-19 acute medical admissions during the early weeks of lockdown. Patients admitted during this period were of higher clinical acuity with a higher incidence of early inpatient mortality.
Levels of stress in medical students due to COVID-19
Authors: O'Byrne Lorcan , Gavin Blánaid , Adamis Dimitrios , Lim You Xin , McNicholas Fiona
Published: March 2021

For medical schools, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated examination and curricular restructuring as well as significant changes to clinical attachments. With the available evidence suggesting that medical students’ mental health status is already poorer than that of the general population, with academic stress being a chief predictor, such changes are likely to have a significant effect on these students. This online, cross-sectional study aimed to determine the impact of COVID-19 on perceived stress levels of medical students, investigate possible contributing and alleviating factors, and produce recommendations for medical schools to implement during future healthcare emergencies. The majority (54.5%) of respondents reported levels of stress ranging from moderate to extreme. Higher levels of stress were significantly associated with female gender (p=0.039) and international status (p=0.031). A significant association was also noted between reported stress and the transition to online learning (p<0.0001) and online assessment formatting (p<0.0001), concerns for personal health (p<0.0001) and for the health of family members (p<0.0001). Students who reported higher stress levels were less confident in their government’s management of the crisis (p=0.041). Additionally, students who reported lower stress agreed highly that their medical school had an appropriate response to the crisis (p<0.0001), had provided sufficient information regarding the crisis (p=0.015), that they trust their school in handling the continuing of their education (p=0.020) and that their school had appropriate plans in place to support the continuing of education (p=0.017)
Analysis of bacterial communities associated with Mountain Chickadees (Poecile gambeli) across urban and rural habitats
Authors: Stephens Colton R.A. , McAmmond Breanne M. , Van Hamme Jonathan D. , Otter Ken A. , Reudink Matthew W. , Bottos Eric M.
Published: March 2021

Host-associated microbial communities play important roles in wildlife health, but these dynamics can be influenced by environmental factors. Urbanization has numerous effects on wildlife; however, the degree to which wildlife-associated bacterial communities and potential bacterial pathogens vary across urban–rural/native habitat gradients remains largely unknown. We used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to examine bacterial communities found on Mountain Chickadee (Poecile gambeli) feathers and nests in urban and rural habitats. The feathers and nests in urban and rural sites had similar abundances of major bacterial phyla and dominant genera with pathogenic members. However, richness of bacterial communities and potential pathogens on birds were higher in urban habitats, and potential pathogens accounted for some of the differences in bacterial occurrence between urban and rural environments. We predicted habitat using potential pathogen occurrence with a 90% success rate for feather bacteria, and a 72.2% success rate for nest bacteria, suggesting an influence of urban environments on the presence of potential pathogens. We additionally observed similarities in bacterial communities between nests and their occupants, suggesting bacterial transmission between them. These findings improve our understanding of the bacterial communities associated with urban wildlife and suggest that urbanization impacts the composition of wildlife-associated bacterial communities.
Relativistic corrections to the rotation curves of disk galaxies
Authors: Deur Alexandre
Published: March 2021

We present a method to investigate relativistic effects arising from large masses. The method is non-perturbative and employs a mean-field approximation and gravitational lensing. Using this method and a basic model of disk galaxy, we find that relativistic corrections to the rotation curves of disk galaxies are significant at large galactic radii. The model predicts a strong correlation between the inferred galactic dark mass and the galactic disk thickness, which we verified using two separate sets of observational data.
Refactoring Cost Estimation for Architectural Technical Debt
Authors: Deeb Samir , BenIdris Mrwan , Ammar Hany , Dzielski Dale
Published: March 2021

Paying-off the Architectural Technical Debt by refactoring the flawed code is important to control the debt and to keep it as low as possible. Project Managers tend to delay paying off this debt because they face difficulties in comparing the cost of the refactoring against the benefits gained. These managers need to estimate the cost and the efforts required to conduct these refactoring activities as well as to decide which flaws have higher priority to be refactored.

Our research is based on a dataset used by other researchers that study the technical debt. It includes more than 18,000 refactoring operations performed on 33 apache java projects. We applied the COCOMO II:2000 model to calculate the refactoring cost in person-months units per release. Furthermore, we investigated the correlation between the refactoring efforts and two static code metrics of the refactored code. The research revealed a weak correlation between the refactoring efforts and the size of the project, and a moderate correlation with the code complexity. Finally, we applied the DesigniteJava tool to verify our research results. From the analysis we found a significant correlation between the ranking of the architecture smells and the ranking of refactoring efforts for each package. Using machine learning practices, we took the architecture smells level and the code metrics of each release as an input to predict the levels of the refactoring effort of the next release. We calculated the results using our model and found that we can predict the ‘High’ and ‘Very High’ levels, the most significant levels from managers’ perspective, with [Formula: see text] accuracy.
A Values-Based Explanation of the Resilience of Family Firms: Evidence from Tunisia After the 2011 Jasmine Revolution
Authors: Hammouda Amira , Basly Sami
Published: March 2021

While the goals of long term sustainability and survival were thoroughly studied in family firms’ literature, to the best of our knowledge, rare studies had investigated the influence of values on the capacity of family firms to be resilient. In addition, this likely relationship is highly contingent on cultural and national contexts, as family values – on which family business values are dependent – are not the same across countries and World regions. These theoretical and empirical gaps motivated the present research which aims at investigating the probable influence of family firms’ values on the resilience of these firms in the unique context of Tunisia.

This qualitative research is based on a body of discourse collected from nine managers belonging to five Tunisian family businesses. Our research allowed us to highlight some key family business values in a new underexplored setting that is an oriental country with a culture driven by Islamic and Arab values. More importantly, our analysis shows that family values underlie both community and business values. Finally, our results underscore the importance of business values, community values and family values in the resilience of the firms studied.
Automatic Indonesian Sentiment Lexicon Curation with Sentiment Valence Tuning for Social Media Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Wijayanti Rini , Arisal Andria
Published: March 2021

A novel Indonesian sentiment lexicon
(SentIL -- Sentiment Indonesian Lexicon)
is created with an automatic pipeline; from creating sentiment seed words, adding new words with slang words, emoticons, and from the given dictionary and sentiment corpus, until tuning sentiment value with tagged sentiment corpus. It begins by taking seed words from
WordNet
Bahasa that mapped with sentiment value from English
SentiWordNet
. The seed words are enriched by combining the dictionary-based method with words’ synonyms and antonyms, and corpus-based methods with word embedding for word similarity that trained in positive and negative sentiment corpus from online marketplaces review and Twitter data. The valence score of each lexicon is recalculated based on its relative occurrence in the corpus. We also add some famous slang words and emoticons to enrich the lexicon. Our experiment shows that the proposed method can provide an increase of 3.5 times lexicon number as well as improve the accuracy of 80.9% for online review and 95.7% for Twitter data, and they are better than other published and available Indonesian sentiment lexicons.
UX of data
Authors: Koesten Laura , Simperl Elena
Published: March 2021

This forum provides a space to engage with the challenges of designing for intelligent algorithmic experiences. We invite articles that tackle the tensions between research and practice when integrating AI and UX design. We welcome interdisciplinary debate, artful critique, forward-looking research, case studies of AI in practice, and speculative design explorations.
--- Juho Kim and Henriette Cramer, Editors
Listening to the Sound of Silence in Supporting Instructors' Transitions to Remote Teaching During COVID-19
Authors: Murray-Johnson Kayon , Santucci Anna , Goldsmith Diane J.
Published: March 2021

While online education has been with us for more than 20 years, and many faculty are proficient at designing and teaching highly interactive, intellectually stimulating asynchronous classes, other faculty have chosen to remain focused on their teaching in the classroom. However, COVID-19 has rapidly and without warning ushered all higher ed teaching and learning into emergency remote environments. By now, many who support faculty in transitioning courses have received varying levels of participation and are examining ways to increase support opportunities. But one question might linger: What might be happening with practitioners who appear to be silent?or reluctant to engage with the kinds of support provided?perhaps faculty who might really benefit?
Kinetic and Thermodynamic Properties of Samarium Chlorides Dissolved in Alkali Chloride Melts Obtained by Electrochemical Transient Techniques
Authors: Kuznetsov S. A. , Stulov Yu. V. , Gaune-Escard M.
Published: March 2021

The electrochemical behavour of samarium in NaCl-KCl, KCl and CsCl melts have been studied in the temperature range 973–1173 K by different electrochemical methods. The diffusion coefficients (D) of Sm(III) and Sm(II) have been determined by linear sweep voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and chronoamperometry methods. The standard rate constants of charge transfer (ks) for the Sm(III)/Sm(II) redox couple have been calculated on the basis of cyclic voltammetry data using Nicholson’s equation. The nature of working electrode on the standard rate constants of charge transfer for the Sm(III)/Sm(II) redox couple has been studied. The formal redox potentialsE*Sm(III)/Sm(II)have been obtained in alkali chloride melts from the cyclic voltammetry data.
Competitive state of movements during planning predicts sequence performance
Authors: Mantziara Myrto , Ivanov Tsvetoslav , Houghton George , Kornysheva Katja
Published: March 2021

Sequence planning is an integral part of motor sequence control. Here, we demonstrate that the competitive state of sequential movements during sequence planning can be read out behaviorally through movement probes. We show that position-dependent differences in movement availability during planning reflect sequence preparedness and skill but not the timing of the planned sequence. Behavioral access to the preparatory state of movements may serve as a marker of sequence planning capacity.
Relation between Blood Pressure Variability within a Single Visit and Stroke
Authors: Ma Wei , Yang Ying , Qi Litong , Zhang Baowei , Meng Lei , Zhang Yan , Li Min , Huo Yong
Published: March 2021

Blood pressure variability (BPV) has been identified as an important risk factor for cardiovascular events. The white coat effect (WCE), which is measured as the first systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurement minus the mean of the second and third measurements, is a BPV indicator within a single visit. In total, 2,972 participants who had three measurements of BP within a single visit were included. The participants were divided into three groups based on their WCE percentiles: Group 1 (WCE2.5-97.5, 2.5–97.5th percentiles of WCE), Group 2 (WCE2.5, 0–2.4th percentiles of WCE), and Group 3 (WCE97.5, 97.6–100th percentiles of WCE). A multiple logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between WCE and stroke after adjusting for cardiovascular disease risk factors. Compared with the WCE2.5-97.5 group, the OR for stroke in the WCE2.5 group was 2.78 (95% CI: 1.22, 6.36,

p
=
0.015

). After adjusting for cardiovascular factors, OR increased to 3.12 (95% CI: 1.22, 7.96,

p
=
0.017

). The OR of WCE for stroke was 0.93 (95%CI: 0.87, 0.99,

p
=
0.036

). BPV within a single visit is associated with stroke. The value and direction of the change may be important as well.
Effect of Thermal Parameters on Hydration Heat Temperature and Thermal Stress of Mass Concrete
Authors: Zhao Yuqin , Li Gaosheng , Fan Caixia , Pang Wentai , Wang Yongtao
Published: March 2021

To explore the influence of concrete thermal parameters on the hydration heat temperature and thermal stress of mass concrete, four feature positions of a dam foundation were chosen to analyze the changing process of temperature and stress by varying the thermal parameters, including the thermal conductivity, specific heat, surface heat diffusion coefficient, temperature rise coefficient, solar absorption coefficient, and thermal expansion coefficient. Some conclusions were obtained as follows. Increasing the thermal conductivity and reducing the specific heat and temperature rise coefficient of concrete can effectively reduce the maximum temperature of the central concrete structure. Increasing the solar absorption coefficient, specific heat, and thermal expansion coefficient and reducing the thermal conductivity, surface heat diffusion coefficient, and temperature rise coefficient of concrete can reduce the maximum principal tensile stress in the structure to a certain extent. The maximum principal tensile stress at different positions of the structure has a linear functional relationship with the thermal conductivity, specific heat, and thermal expansion coefficient and has a quadratic function relationship with the surface heat diffusion coefficient, temperature rise coefficient, and solar absorption coefficient. Besides, this study also proposed a series of related anticracking measures. This study was expected to provide a theoretical reference for the design, construction, and cracking disease prevention of mass concrete structures.
Breakage Mechanism of Layered Sandstone Penetrated by TBM Disc Cutter
Authors: Bao Yingji , Cheng Jianlong , Jiang Binsong
Published: March 2021

In this paper, the breakage mechanism of layered sandstone subjected to the TBM disc cutter was investigated. A series of typical layered sandstone specimens were prepared for true triaxial compression tests in the laboratory to simulate the disc cutter action at the tunnel face, and an acoustic emission (AE) system was used to monitor the breaking process during the penetration tests. Furthermore, a DV recorder was employed to capture the surface deformation. Then, the failure specimens were scanned by high resolution X‐ray micro‐CT. The results show that the failure mode of layered sandstone in terms of cracking transforms into local crushing with increasing confining stress. The propagation pattern of the cracks varies with the bedding inclination, which is distinctly different from intact rock. The results also indicate that the peak force presents linear variation with the confining stress and an increasing trend with the bedding inclination at the first penetration, and the failure mode of the second penetration is mainly related to the broken status from the first penetration.
Performance Evaluation of Layered Double Hydroxides Containing Benzotriazole and Nitrogen Oxides as Autonomic Protection Particles against Corrosion
Authors: Pellanda Alana Cristine , Neto Alexandre Gonçalves Cordeiro , Carvalho Jorge Agne Roani de , Berton Marcos Antonio Coelho , Floriano João Batista , Thomas Sabu , Vijayan P Poornima
Published: March 2021

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) are lamellar structures with positively charged laminates and charge-compensating interlayer anions. The ion-exchange capacity of LDHs makes them as promising hosts for corrosion inhibitor anions with stimulus-responsive release and self-healing anticorrosion. In the current work, LDHs loaded with two different corrosion inhibitors (nitrogen oxides and benzotriazole) were evaluated for their ion-exchange capacity and autonomic protection against corrosion on carbon steel. Studies on nitrogen oxide-loaded LDH (NOx-LDH) showed that nitrogen oxides were successfully intercalated in LDH structure, which were released in chloride media. Open Circuit Potential (OCP) results showed that NOx-LDH extract shifted OCP to nobler values, indicating the protection of metal. For benzotriazole-loaded LDH (BTZ-LDH), the results indicated the presence of benzotriazole in the structure, but its release was not observed. OCP results showed no significant increase of carbon steel protection, corroborating with the conclusion that benzotriazole ions did not migrate to metal surface. Considering these results, the insertion of NOx-LDH in an automotive primer was proceeded, under three different concentrations (0.2. 1.0, and 3.0%). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed that the more effective NOx-LDH concentration on corrosion delay was 0.2%, which better balanced protection level conferred by LDH with a possible loss on effectiveness of coating due to increase in porosity.
Transcatheter Closure of Mitral Paravalvular Leak via Multiple Approaches
Authors: Liu Yang , Xu Chennian , Ding Peng , Tang Jiayou , Jin Ping , Li Lanlan , Chen Min , Meng Xin , Zhao Hongliang , Yang Jian
Published: March 2021

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to review the experiences with transcatheter closure of mitral PVL after surgical valve replacement. Background. Transcatheter closure of paravalvular leak (PVL) is an intricate alternative to surgical closure. But it represents one of the most intricate procedures in the field of structural heart interventions, especially for patients with mitral PVL. Methods. From January 2015 through January 2019, 35 patients with mitral PVL after valve replacement underwent transcatheter closure. We reviewed the catheter techniques, perioperative characteristics, and prognosis. The median follow-up was 26 (3–48) months. Results. Acute procedural success was achieved in 33/35 (94.3%) patients. Twenty-five patients had single mitral prosthetic valve replacements; 10 had combined aortic and mitral prosthetic valve replacements previously; 28 had mechanical valves; and 7 had bioprosthetic valves. All percutaneous procedures were performed with local anesthesia except for seven transapical cases with general anesthesia. Multiple approaches were used: transfemoral, transapical, and transseptal via an arteriovenous loop. Multiple devices were deployed. There were no hospital deaths. The procedural time was 67–300 (124 ± 62) minutes. Fluoroscopic time was 17–50 (23.6 ± 12.1) minutes. The hospital stay was 5–17 (8.3 ± 3.2) days. Complications included recurrent hemolysis, residual regurgitation, acute renal insufficiency, and anemia. Twenty-seven (77.1%) patients improved by ≥1 New York Heart Association functional class at the 1-year follow-up. Conclusions. Transcatheter mitral PVL closure requires complex catheter techniques. However, this minimally invasive treatment could provide reliable outcomes and shorter hospital stays in selected patients. This trial is registered with NCT02917980.
A Detailed Numerical Study of NOx Kinetics in Counterflow Methane Diffusion Flames: Effects of Fuel-Side versus Oxidizer-Side Dilution
Authors: Xu Huanhuan , Liu Fengshan , Wang Zhiqiang , Ren Xiaohan , Chen Juan , Li Qiang , Zhu Zilin
Published: March 2021

Dilution combustion has been widely utilized due to various merits, such as enhanced efficiency, fewer pollutants emissions, and even a promising future in alleviating global warming. Diluents can be introduced through the oxidizer or fuel side to achieve the desired combustion properties, and H2O and CO2 are the most common ones. A comprehensive comparison between the different dilution methods still lacks understanding and optimizes the dilution combustion technologies. This study numerically compared the effects of H2O and CO2 dilution in the oxidizer or fuel stream on counterflow methane diffusion flames, emphasizing NO formation kinetics. Results showed that the impact of different radiation heat transfer models on NO emissions diminishes with increasing the dilution ratio. The calculations of radiation heat transfer were treated in three ways: radiation-neglected, optically thin, and using a nongrey radiation model. When keeping the oxygen content and methane fraction constant, CO2 dilution in the air-side has the most profound influence on NO reduction, and CO2 dilution in the fuel-side has the least. H2O dilution showed a medium impact with a larger degree on air-side than that on fuel-side. To gain a deeper understanding of this effect order, the contributions of different NO formation routes were quantified, and analyses were made based on the diluents’ chemical and thermal effects. It was found that the oxidizer-side dilution and fuel-side dilution affect the NO formation pathway similarly. Still, the influence of H2O dilution on the NO formation pathway differs from that of CO2 dilution.