bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative chemical investigations of alum treated archaeological wood from various museum collections
Authors: Łucejko Jeannette Jacqueline , McQueen Caitlin M. A. , Sahlstedt Malin , Modugno Francesca , Colombini Maria Perla , Braovac Susan
Published: June 2021

From the mid-1800s to the late 1960s, conservation by alum salts (KAl(SO4)2·12H2O—potassium aluminium sulphate), using various recipes, was a common method to prevent shrinkage and to strengthen waterlogged archaeological wooden objects. This method was mainly used in Scandinavia. The alum method appears to have also been applied to highly degraded archaeological waterlogged wood in other countries, for example in the U.S and Germany. Today, many of the archaeological wooden objects treated with alum show extreme deterioration and very low pH, which are attributed to the effects of the alum-treatment. This study investigated the extent of the current levels of chemical degradation in wooden objects conserved with alum salts at different points in time (1880s, 1930s and 1905–13) in order to understand their current condition and whether extent of degradation was in any way related to time of treatment, in an attempt to understand the rate of degradation. It was also an opportunity to compare the chemical state of preservation of alum-treated wood from different collections, as only the Oseberg collection has been intensively studied in this way up until now. Samples from historical wooden objects from the following collections were investigated and compared: the Dejbjerg collection (National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen); the Oseberg collection (Museum of Cultural History, Oslo, Norway); the Glimmingehus collection (Swedish History Museum, Sweden). Analyses of lignocellulosic polymers and of inorganic compounds were undertaken to evaluate the chemical preservation of the wooden objects. The investigations were performed using a multi-analytical approach which consisted of: pH measurements, analytical pyrolysis (Py-GC/MS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS). It was possible to link the extent of degradation with time, on a general level but we found a great variability in the state of preservation of the wood also within the same collection. It is clear, however that alum-treated wood is more degraded than archaeological wood not treated with alum.
The use of ground glass in red glazes: structural 3D imaging and mechanical behaviour using optical coherence tomography and nanoindentation
Authors: Almasian Mitra , Tiennot Mathilde , Fiske Lionel D. , Hermens Erma
Published: June 2021

In this study we investigate the impact of the addition of colourless glass particles to red glazes, as seen in many 15th-17th-century easel paintings. With the use of reconstructions, we examined the influence of the paint preparation process on the morphological and mechanical properties of the paint film. Three sets of reconstructions were made, a control without ground glass, reconstructions with coarse or fine ground glass mixed in, and reconstructions where fine ground glass was ground jointly with the pigment oil mixture. The latter gave the desired consistency and colour based on visual inspection. The dried reconstructions were non-invasively imaged using optical coherence tomography (OCT). A data-analysis pipeline was developed for both the segmentation of the OCT images and the measurement of the size and spatial distributions of the glass particles within the glaze layer. Moreover, we used a nanoindentation protocol to measure the viscoelastic properties of the dried red glaze film. The OCT results show an expected decrease in median particle size with longer grinding-time, for which the additional grinding with pigment/oil resulted in a more narrow size distribution and a homogenous spatial distribution of the glass particles. The nanoindentation results indicate that the addition of glass particles increases the elastic and viscous moduli of the red glaze layers. The homogeneous size distribution, obtained by grinding the oil, pigment, and glass together, induces higher elastic and viscous moduli. Our imaging and analyses approach, combining OCT and nanoindentation, provides a non-invasive and quantitative investigation of glass particles in (semi-) transparent paint layers, and their effect on the mechanical properties of the glaze. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of the artists’ addition of ground glass in paint layers.
Correction to: Nonlinear wave growth theory of whistler-mode chorus and hiss emissions in the magnetosphere
Authors: Omura Yoshiharu
Published: June 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
In vivo toxicity and antitumor activity of newly green synthesized reduced graphene oxide/silver nanocomposites
Authors: El-Zahed Mohamed M. , Baka Zakaria A. , Abou-Dobara Mohamed I. , El-Sayed Ahmed K. , Aboser Magy M. , Hyder Ayman
Published: June 2021

A novel biosynthesis of dual reduced graphene oxide/silver nanocomposites (rGO/AgNC) using the crude metabolite of Escherichia coli D8 (MF06257) strain and sunlight is introduced in this work. Physicochemical analysis of these rGO/AgNC revealed that they are sheet-like structures having spherically shaped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with an average particle size of 8 to 17 nm, and their absorption peak ranged from 350 to 450 nm. The biosynthesized rGO/AgNC were characterized by UV–vis and FT-IR spectra, X-ray diffraction, Zeta potential and transmission electron microscopy. After the injection of these nanocomposites to mice, their uptake by the kidney and liver has been proven by the ultrastructural observation and estimation of the hepatic and renal silver content. These nanocomposites caused a moderate toxicity for both organs. Changes in the liver and kidney functions and histopathological effects had been observed. The rGO/AgNC revealed a remarkable antitumor effect. They showed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells in vitro. Treatment of mice bearing EAC tumors intraperitoneally with 10 mg/kg rGO/AgNC showed an antiproliferative effect on EAC cells, reduced ascites volume, and maintained mice survival. The results indicate that this green synergy of silver nanoparticles with reduced graphene oxide may have a promising potential in cancer therapy.
How does financial literacy impact on inclusive finance?
Authors: Hasan Morshadul , Le Thi , Hoque Ariful
Published: June 2021

Inclusive finance is a core concept of finance that makes various financial products and services accessible and affordable to all individuals and businesses, especially those excluded from the formal financial system. One of the leading forces affecting people's ability to access financial services in rural areas is financial literacy. This study investigated the impacts of financial knowledge on financial access through banking, microfinance, and fintech access using the Bangladesh rural population data. We employed three econometrics models: logistic regression, probit regression, and complementary log–log regression to examine whether financial literacy significantly affects removing the barriers that prevent people from participating and using financial services to improve their lives. The empirical findings showed that knowledge regarding various financial services factors had significant impacts on getting financial access. Some variables such as profession, income level, knowledge regarding depositing and withdrawing money, and knowledge regarding interest rate highly affected the overall access to finance. The study's results provide valuable recommendations for the policymaker to improve financial inclusion in the developing country context. A comprehensive and long-term education program should be delivered broadly to the rural population to make a big stride in financial inclusion, a key driver of poverty reduction and prosperity boosting.
Involving frail older patients in identifying outcome measures for transitional care—a feasibility study
Authors: Hansen Troels Kjærskov , Jensen Annesofie Lunde , Damsgaard Else Marie , Rubak Tone Maria Mørck , Jensen Mikkel Erik Juul , Gregersen Merete
Published: June 2021

Background

During care transitions, the older (75+) patient’s agenda can easily be missed. To counteract this, involving patients in shared clinical decision making has proven to be of great value. Likewise, involving patients and other stakeholders as researchers is gaining ground. Patient and public involvement (PPI) in research entails many benefits, for example, by bringing further insight from those with lived experiences of being ill. There are various challenges associated with involving some older patients, for example frailty, cognitive impairment and other chronic illnesses. To the best of our knowledge, there are only a few examples of initiatives involving older patients beyond research participation. The feasibility of involving frail older patients during an ongoing care transition from hospital to primary health care remains unknown. To investigate the feasibility of including older frail patients, their relatives and health care professionals (HCPs) as co-researchers, we established a study with increasingly demanding levels of patient involvement to identify relevant outcome measures for future transitional care research.

Methods

The study was a pragmatic, qualitative feasibility study. The involved individuals were frail older patients, their relatives and HCPs. Patients and their relatives were interviewed, while the interviewer made reflective notes. A thematic analysis was made. Relatives and HCPs discussed the themes to identify relevant outcome measures and potentially co-create new patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for use in future transitional care studies. The feasibility was evaluated according to six involvement steps. The level of involvement was evaluated using the five-levelled Health Canada Public Involvement Continuum (HCPIC).

Results

In total, eight patients, five relatives and three HCPs were involved in the study. Patients were involved in discussing care transitions (HCPIC level 3), while some relatives were engaged (HCPIC level 4) in forming PROMs. The partnership level of involvement (HCPIC level 5) was not reached. The thematic analysis and the subsequent theme discussion successfully formed PROMs. The key PROMs were related to care, transparency and the relatives’ roles in the transitional care process.

Conclusions

When applying a pragmatic involvement approach, frail older patients can be successfully involved in identifying relevant transitional care outcome measures; however, involving these patients as fellow researchers seems infeasible. To maintain involvement, supportive relatives are essential. Useful experiences for future research involvement of this vulnerable group were reported, arguing that patient participation has the potential to become inherent in future geriatric research.
VEGFR1-tyrosine kinase signaling in pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Amano Hideki , Matsui Yoshio , Hatanaka Ko , Hosono Kanako , Ito Yoshiya
Published: June 2021

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is not only an important factor for angiogenesis but also lung development and homeostasis. VEGF-A binds three tyrosine kinase (TK) receptors VEGFR1–3. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one of the poor prognoses of lung diseases. The relationship of VEGF and IPF remains to be clarified. Treatment with nintedanib used for the treatment of IPF reduced fibroblast proliferation, inhibited TK receptors, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), and VEGFR. Because the effect of that treatment is still not satisfactory, the emergence of new therapeutic agents is needed. This review describes the enhancement of pulmonary fibrosis by VEGFR1-TK signal and suggests that the blocking of the VEGFR1-TK signal may be useful for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
A child psychiatrist's expert roles in the criminal court: children as vulnerable witnesses
Authors: Baker Anthony W.
Published: June 2021

In this article three main issues are addressed using anecdotal and anonymised illustrations of situations in which the author has been engaged, during 35 years of medico-legal practice, to assist in the process of obtaining and analysing the evidence of children to facilitate decision-making by various authorities and tribunals. Those issues are: the competence of a child to be a witness in the Crown Court; the process by which a child's evidence has been elicited; and the use of an analytical approach to the content (verbal, behavioural and emotional) of a child's evidence as an aid to jurists who have the task of reaching a decision as to the child's reliability, as distinct from their competence.
HPV associated cancers in the United States over the last 15 years: Has screening or vaccination made any difference?
Authors: Liao Cheng-I , Caesar Michelle Ann P. , Chan Chloe , Richardson Michael , Kapp Daniel Stuart , Francoeur Alex Andrea , Chan John
Published: June 2021

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Background: Human papillomavirus is a causative agent of many human cancers. This study aims to determine the incidence and trends of HPV-related cancers in the United States. Methods: HPV-associated cancers as classified by the CDC were included: oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), anal & rectal SCC, vulvar SCC, vaginal SCC, cervical carcinoma, and penile SCC. Data were obtained from the United States Cancer Statistics program from 2001-2017. SEER*Stat 8.3.8 and Joinpoint regression program 4.8.0.1 were used to calculate incidence trends of HPV-associated cancers per 100,000. Results: The overall incidence of HPV related cancers for women was 13.68/100,000, more than half of which (52%) were cervical cancer, at 7.12/100,000 in the year 2017. Over the last 16 years, the incidence of cervical cancer has decreased at an annual percent change (APC) of 1.03% (p < 0.001). In contrast, oropharyngeal (APC = 0.77%, p < 0.001), anal & rectal (APC = 2.75%, p < 0.001), and vulvar SCC all increased significantly (APC = 1.27%, p < 0.001). For older women, the incidence of anal & rectal cancer approached that of cervical cancer. In those over 80, the incidence of cervical cancer was 6.95 (-2.90% APC, p < 0.001), compared to 6.36 for anal & rectal cancer (1.23% APC, p < 0.001). Using a projection model, incidence of anal & rectal cancer is expected to surpass that of cervical cancer by year 2025 for every age group over 55. For men, the incidence of all HPV-related cancers was 11.0/100,000 in the year 2017, 81% were associated with oropharyngeal cancer. Over the last 16 years, there was an overall annual increase in HPV related cancers at 2.36% per year (p < 0.001) with the highest increase in oropharyngeal (APC = 2.71%, p < 0.001) and anal & rectal SCC (APC = 1.71%, p < 0.001). Those at greatest risk of oropharyngeal cancer were older men aged 65-69 years with an incidence of 36.5/100,000 and annual percent increase of 4.24% (p < 0.001). The intersectionality of age and race showed that White men age 65-69 years had the highest incidence of oropharyngeal at 41.6/100,000. Conclusions: Overall, there was a decrease in cervical cancer incidence likely due to screening or vaccination. However, over 80% of men with HPV related cancers had oropharyngeal cancer, a nearly fivefold higher incidence compared to women. In contrast, there was a significant increase in non-screenable HPV-related cancers and anal & rectal SCC incidence is projected to surpass that of cervical cancer within 5 years for certain at-risk groups. Further resources and research should be conducted to address the lack of screening or vaccination in these preventable cancers.
Outcome of Organ Dysfunction in the Perioperative Period
Authors: Thiele Robert H. , Theodore Danny J. , Gan Tong J.
Published: June 2021

While intraoperative mortality has diminished greatly over the last several decades, the risk of death within 30 days of surgery remains stubbornly high and is ultimately related to perioperative organ failure. Perioperative strokes, while rare (<2% in noncardiac surgery), are associated with a more than 10-fold increase in mortality. Rapid identification and treatment are key to maximizing long-term outcomes. Postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) are separate but related perioperative neurological disorders, both of which are associated with poor long-term outcomes. To date, there are few known interventions that can ameliorate the risk of perioperative central nervous system dysfunction. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) are a major contributor to adverse clinical outcomes following surgical procedures. Recently, advances in diagnostic strategies (eg, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin [hs-cTn] assays) have improved our understanding of MACE. Recently, the dabigatran in patients with myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS; Management of myocardial injury After NoncArdiac surGEry) trial demonstrated that a direct thrombin inhibitor could improve outcomes following MINS. While the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after surgery is approximately 0.2%, other less severe complications (eg, pneumonia, reintubation) are closer to 2%. While intensive care unit (ICU) concepts related to ARDS have migrated into the operating room, whether or not adverse pulmonary outcomes impact long-term outcomes in surgical patients remains a matter of debate. The standardization of acute kidney injury (AKI) definition has improved the ability of clinicians to measure and study the incidence of this important source of perioperative morbidity. AKI is associated with increased mortality as well as nonrenal morbidity (eg, myocardial infarction) after major surgery. Gastrointestinal complications after surgery range from ileus (common in abdominal procedures and associated with an increased length of stay) to less common complications such as mesenteric ischemia and gastrointestinal bleeding, both of which are associated with very high mortality. Outside of cardiothoracic surgery, the incidence of perioperative hepatic injury is not well described but, in this population, is associated with worsened long-term outcomes. Hyperglycemia is a common perioperative complication and occurs in patients undergoing both cardiac and noncardiac surgery. Both hyper- and hypoglycemia are associated with worsened long-term outcomes in cardiac and noncardiac surgery. Better diagnosis and increased understanding of perioperative organ injury has led to an increased appreciation for the specific role that particular organ systems play in poor long-term outcomes and has set the stage for targeted therapeutic interventions.
The histone demethylase PHF8 regulates astrocyte differentiation and function
Authors: Iacobucci Simona , Padilla Natalia , Gabrielli Martina , Navarro Claudia , Lombardi Marta , Vicioso-Mantis Marta , Verderio Claudia , de la Cruz Xavier , Martínez-Balbás Marian A.
Published: June 2021

Epigenetic factors have been shown to play a crucial role in X-linked intellectual disability (XLID). Here, we investigate the contribution of the XLID-associated histone demethylase PHF8 to astrocyte differentiation and function. Using genome-wide analyses and biochemical assays in mouse astrocytic cultures, we reveal a regulatory crosstalk between PHF8 and the Notch signaling pathway that balances the expression of the master astrocytic gene Nfia. Moreover, PHF8 regulates key synaptic genes in astrocytes by maintaining low levels of H4K20me3. Accordingly, astrocytic-PHF8 depletion has a striking effect on neuronal synapse formation and maturation in vitro. These data reveal that PHF8 is crucial in astrocyte development to maintain chromatin homeostasis and limit heterochromatin formation at synaptogenic genes. Our studies provide insights into the involvement of epigenetics in intellectual disability.
Loss of phosphatidylserine flippase β-subunit Tmem30a in podocytes leads to albuminuria and glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Peng Lei , Tian Wanli , Li Yi , Zhang Ping , Sun Kuanxiang , Yang Yeming , Li Xiao , Li Guisen , Zhu Xianjun
Published: June 2021

The asymmetric distribution of phosphatidylserine (PS) in the cytoplasmic leaflet of eukaryotic cell plasma membranes is regulated by a group of P4-ATPases (named PS flippases) and the β-subunit TMEM30A. Podocytes in the glomerulus form a filtration barrier to prevent the traversing of large cellular elements and macromolecules from the blood into the urinary space. Damage to podocytes can disrupt the filtration barrier and lead to proteinuria and podocytopathy. We observed reduced TMEM30A expression in patients with minimal change disease and membranous nephropathy, indicating potential roles of TMEM30A in podocytopathy. To investigate the role of Tmem30a in the kidney, we generated a podocyte-specific Tmem30a knockout (KO) mouse model using the NPHS2-Cre line. Tmem30a KO mice displayed albuminuria, podocyte degeneration, mesangial cell proliferation with prominent extracellular matrix accumulation and eventual progression to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Our data demonstrate a critical role of Tmem30a in maintaining podocyte survival and glomerular filtration barrier integrity. Understanding the dynamic regulation of the PS distribution in the glomerulus provides a unique perspective to pinpointing the mechanism of podocyte damage and potential therapeutic targets.
Bacteria- and host-derived extracellular vesicles – two sides of the same coin?
Authors: Schorey Jeffrey S. , Cheng Yong , McManus William R.
Published: June 2021

Intracellular bacterial pathogens spend portions of their life cycle both inside and outside host cells. While in these two distinct environments, they release or shed bacterial components, including virulence factors that promote their survival and replication. Some of these components are released through extracellular vesicles, which are either derived from the bacteria themselves or from the host cells. Bacteria- and host-derived vesicles have been studied almost exclusively in isolation from each other, with little discussion of the other type of secreted vesicles, despite the fact that both are generated during an in vivo infection and both are likely play a role in bacterial pathogenesis and host immunity. In this Review, we aim to bridge this gap and discuss what we know of bacterial membrane vesicles in their generation and composition. We will compare and contrast this with the composition of host-derived vesicles with regard to bacterial components. We will also compare host cell responses to the different vesicles, with a focus on how these vesicles modulate the immune response, using Mycobacterium, Listeria and Salmonella as specific examples for these comparisons.
DNA polymerase η is a substrate for calpain: A possible mechanism for pol η retention in UV induced replication foci
Authors: Nettersheim Jo-Ann , Janel-Bintz Régine , Kuhn Lauriane , Cordonnier Agnès M
Published: June 2021

DNA polymerase η (pol η) is specifically required for translesion DNA synthesis across ultraviolet radiation-induced DNA lesions. Recruitment of this error-prone DNA polymerase is tightly regulated during replication to avoid mutagenesis and perturbation of fork progression. Here we report that pol η interacts with the calpain small subunit-1 (CAPNS1), in a yeast two-hybrid screening. This interaction is functional as demonstrated by the ability of endogenous calpain to mediate calcium-dependent cleavage of pol η in cell-free extracts and in living cells treated with a calcium ionophore. The proteolysis of pol η is found to occur at position 465 leading to a catalytically active truncated protein containing the PCNA-interacting motif PIP1. Unexpectedly, cell treatment with the specific calpain inhibitor calpeptin results in a decreased extent of pol η foci after UV irradiation, indicating that calpain positively regulates pol η accumulation in replication foci.
Mechanistic Studies into Visible Light-Driven Carboxylation of Aryl Halides/Triflates by the Combined Use of Palladium and Photoredox Catalysts
Authors: Toriumi Naoyuki , Shimomaki Katsuya , Caner Joaquim , Murata Kei , Martin Ruben , Iwasawa Nobuharu
Published: June 2021

The reaction mechanism of palladium-catalyzed visible light-driven carboxylation of aryl halides and triflates with a photoredox catalyst was examined in detail. Experimental and theoretical studies indicated that the active species for photoredox-catalyzed reduction was cationic ArPd(II)+ species to generate nucleophilic ArPd(I) or its further reduced ArPd(0)− species, which reacted with CO2 to give carboxylic acids. Hydrodehalogenated compounds, main byproducts in this carboxylation, were thought to be generated by protonation of these reduced species.
Muscle Metaboreflex Control of Sympathetic Activity Is Preserved after Acute Intermittent Hypercapnic Hypoxia
Authors: SHAFER BROOKE M. , INCOGNITO ANTHONY V. , VERMEULEN TYLER D. , NARDONE MASSIMO , TEIXEIRA ANDRÉ L. , BENBARUJ JENNA , MILLAR PHILIP J. , FOSTER GLEN E.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In normotensive patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) response to exercise is increased while metaboreflex control of MSNA is decreased. We tested the hypotheses that acute intermittent hypercapnic hypoxia (IHH) in males free from OSA and associated comorbidities would augment the MSNA response to exercise but attenuate the change in MSNA during metaboreflex activation.

Methods

Thirteen healthy males (age = 24 ± 4 yr) were exposed to 40 min of IHH. Before and after IHH, the pressor response to exercise was studied during 2 min of isometric handgrip exercise (at 30% maximal voluntary contraction), whereas the metaboreflex was studied during 4 min of postexercise circulatory occlusion (PECO). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and fibular MSNA were recorded continuously. MSNA was quantified as burst frequency (BF) and total activity (TA). Mixed effects linear models were used to compare the exercise pressor and metaboreflex before and after IHH.

Results

As expected, IHH led to significant increases in MSNA BF, TA, and MAP at baseline and throughout exercise and PECO. However, during handgrip exercise, the change from baseline in MAP, HR, MSNA BF, and TA was similar before and after IHH (All P > 0.31). During PECO, the change from baseline in MSNA BF and TA was similar after IHH, whereas the change from baseline in MAP (Δ14 mm Hg, 95% CI = 7–19, vs Δ16 mm Hg, 95% CI = 10–21; P < 0.01) was modestly increased.

Conclusion

After acute IHH, MSNA response to handgrip exercise and metaboreflex activation were preserved in healthy young males despite overall increases in resting MSNA and MAP. Chronic IHH and comorbidities often associated with OSA may be required to modulate the exercise pressor reflex and metaboreflex.
Factors affecting students’ entrepreneurial intentions and their differences based on gender, tribe, and parents’ occupation: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hutasuhut Saidun , Thamrin Thamrin , Aditia Reza
Published: June 2021

Background: This study examines the impact of entrepreneurial knowledge and self-efficacy in increasing students' entrepreneurial intentions and their self-efficacy. Differences were analyzed in entrepreneurial intentions based on gender, tribe, and parents’ occupation.

Methods: The data used in this research was collected from a survey, done by distributing questionnaires electronically to students of the Economics Education Study Program, Faculty of Economics, State University of Medan in the semesters 3, 5, and 7, (n = 307), with a response from 260 individuals. The analytical test used was the PLS-SEM and nonparametric Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests.

Results: Entrepreneurial knowledge and self-efficacy positively and significantly increased entrepreneurial intentions. Self-efficacy was not proven to act as a moderating variable, and there was no difference in entrepreneurial intentions between genders, tribes and parents’ occupations.

Conclusions: There is a need to enhance the role of the family, so that women's entrepreneurial intentions will not fall lower than men’s. It should be noted, however, the role of the family was not discussed in this study. This research implies that it is necessary to embrace innovative entrepreneurship education, so as to increase the entrepreneurial intentions of women and reduce gender inequality in entrepreneurial activities. Further research needs to be conducted on the role of culture-based families in preparing their sons and daughters to become entrepreneurs.
FDRestimation: Flexible False Discovery Rate Computation in R
Authors: Murray Megan H. , Blume Jeffrey D.
Published: June 2021

False discovery rates (FDR) are an essential component of statistical inference, representing the propensity for an observed result to be mistaken. FDR estimates should accompany observed results to help the user contextualize the relevance and potential impact of findings. This paper introduces a new user-friendly R pack-age for estimating FDRs and computing adjusted p-values for FDR control. The roles of these two quantities are often confused in practice and some software packages even report the adjusted p-values as the estimated FDRs. A key contribution of this package is that it distinguishes between these two quantities while also offering a broad array of refined algorithms for estimating them. For example, included are newly augmented methods for estimating the null proportion of findings - an important part of the FDR estimation procedure. The package is broad, encompassing a variety of adjustment methods for FDR estimation and FDR control, and includes plotting functions for easy display of results. Through extensive illustrations, we strongly encourage wider reporting of false discovery rates for observed findings.
Regional disparities and their contribution to the coverage of the tetanus toxoid vaccine among women aged 15–49 years in Indonesia
Authors: Arifin Hidayat , Widiasih Restuning , Pradipta Rifky Octavia , Kurniawati Yulia
Published: June 2021

Background: The prevention of Clostridium tetani bacterial infection through the administration of the tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine in women is important. The purpose of this study was to determine the regional disparities and factors associated with TT vaccine coverage in women aged 15–49 years in Indonesia.

Methods: The Indonesian Demographic Health Survey (IDHS) 2017 data was used in this study. A total of 36,028 women, aged 15–49 years were recruited using the two-stage stratified cluster sampling technique. The questionnaire used was based on the DHS Questionnaire Phase 7. Chi-squared and binary logistic regression were used in this study as part of the analysis.

Results: We found that the TT vaccine coverage was 75.32% and that the majority were spread across several provinces. The provinces of Bali and Nusa Tenggara, the richer respondents, living in a rural area, visiting the health facility, having health insurance, and those currently working were factors making it more likely that the women would receive the TT vaccine. The respondents aged 15–24 years with a primary education level and the respondents who were divorced were less likely to receive the TT vaccine.

Conclusion: The coverage of the TT vaccine among women can be increased by considering the regional disparities in Indonesia and the socio-economic demographic details of the respondents. Strengthening the policies from the central government in the local governments can improve the screening process and vaccine delivery outcomes. In addition, the importance of giving the TT vaccine to women needs to be relayed through health education in collaboration between health workers and the public.
luox: novel validated open-access and open-source web platform for calculating and sharing physiologically relevant quantities for light and lighting
Authors: Spitschan Manuel , Mead James , Roos Chris , Lowis Chris , Griffiths Ben , Mucur Paul , Herf Michael
Published: June 2021

Light exposure has a profound impact on human physiology and behaviour. For example, light exposure at the wrong time can disrupt our circadian rhythms and acutely suppress the production of melatonin. In turn, appropriately timed light exposure can support circadian photoentrainment. Beginning with the discovery that melatonin production is acutely suppressed by bright light more than 40 years ago, understanding which aspects of light drive the 'non-visual' responses to light remains a highly active research area, with an important translational dimension and implications for "human-centric" or physiologically inspired architectural lighting design. In 2018, the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) standardised the spectral sensitivities for predicting the non-visual effects of a given spectrum of light with respect to the activation of the five photoreceptor classes in the human retina: the L, M and S cones, the rods, and the melanopsin-containing intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). Here, we described a novel, lean, user-friendly, open-access and open-source platform for calculating quantities related to light. The platform, called luox, enables researchers and research users in chronobiology, sleep research and adjacent field to turn spectral measurements into reportable quantities. The luox code base, released under the GPL-3.0 License, is modular and therefore extendable to other spectrum-derived quantities. luox has been endorsed by the CIE following black-box validation.
Tax Accounting When Carrying Out Operations by Foreign Divisions of Russian Firms
Authors: Kochinev Yuriy , Neelova Natalia , Sobol' O.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, recommendations for the implementation of tax accounting of material costs are proposed and illustrated with examples. Th e issue of recognition of non-operating income or non-operating expenses in the form of exchange diff erences arising in the balance sheet as a result of translation into rubles of assets and liabilities of a foreign unit denominated in a foreign currency is considered.
Divide and Conquer: A Hygienic, Efficient, and Reliable Assembly Line for Housekeeping
Authors: Chen Xiao Alison , Wang Rowan , Zhang Jianghua
Published: June 2021

Problem definition: This work focuses on the hotel housekeeping process. In a field study, a possible channel of disease transmission between consecutive guests in hotel rooms is revealed. In order to prevent the transmission, an innovative assembly-line housekeeping method is developed. Academic/practical relevance: The transmission of infectious diseases during hotel stays (e.g., by touching unclean towels or bed linens) has been reported globally. Under the current COVID-19 pandemic, having contact with saliva or mucus left by an infected person could cause infection. The standard housekeeping process used by the majority of hotels leaves a channel for new towels and bed linens in refreshed rooms to be contaminated by bacteria or viruses from used towels and bed linens. Eliminating the contamination channel and preventing disease transmission are crucial for protecting the health and safety of hotel guests, especially under a disease outbreak such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: The research was conducted during a field study at a hotel. To design the assembly-line process, the service time distribution of each housekeeping operational step is characterized using data collected from the practice at hundreds of hotel rooms. An optimization model is proposed to optimize the operation. Through a pilot test, the performance of the assembly-line and the traditional housekeeping methods is compared. Results: The pilot test results show that the assembly-line housekeeping method has the potential to improve not only hygienic standards but also, labor efficiency and service quality (error rate). Managerial implications: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic draws tremendous public attention on disease transmission and public hygiene. The principle of the assembly-line method (i.e., eliminating contamination channels through teamwork operational design) can be applied to not only hotel housekeeping practices but also, many other service settings. It leads to hygienic, efficient, and reliable operations, at no additional cost.
Is Africa Ready for the SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) Target by 2030?
Authors: Otekunrin Olutosin A.
Published: June 2021

In recent time, the prevalence of hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity have increased in most African countries as the continent continued to experience rising number of people that are undernourished. This paper reveals the progress of African region in pursuit of SDG 2 target by 2030 considering both the global and Africa SDG threshold (rating) in 2019. The SDG2 target achievement in Africa is facing serious obstacles such as high level of poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, corruption, banditry, kidnapping, conflicts, and terrorism. With enormous challenges confronting Africa, can SDG 2 target be achieved in the continent by 2030?
Fusarium Wilt of Banana in Kisii County, Kenya.
Authors: Momanyi Kennedy Moseti , Muthomi James Wanjohi , Kimenju John Wangai
Published: June 2021

Banana categorized as third in world’s key starch crops after cassava and sweet potatoes and it is the fourth most widely grown crop after rice, wheat and maize. The crop accounts for over 70 % of farmer’s earnings in Kisii county of Kenya. Farmers growing the crop are facing several challenges including depletion of soil fertility, low yields and diseases especially Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense (Foc). A study was conducted to determine the status of this disease in Kisii County. Ten farms were sampled in each Agro-ecological zone and in each farm four symptomatic and four non-symptomatic mats were sampled. Incidence was determined by relating banana seedlings affected and the total number of banana seedlings planted while severity was determined by measuring the extent of the damage/brown discoloration of the stem in length. Banana roots and pseudostem cuttings that were infected with the disease were used for isolation of the pathogen.Fusarium wilt is common in banana producing regions of Kisii County, however, the management practices are poor and do not meet the required strategies for controlling the disease. It was established that only; wood-ash and poultry manure were used by a few farmers in managing this disease. Present report is an attempt to improve the understanding of distribution and diversity of Foc in banana producing regions of Kisii County thereby aiding formulation of appropriate mitigation measures which the farmers can adopt locally.
Virulence of Five Isolates of Indigenous Beauveria Bassiana Against Eggs and Nymphs of Bemisia Tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Flawerina Gita , Trizelia Trizelia , Nurbailis Nurbailis
Published: June 2021

This research aims to study the virulence of five isolates of Beauveria bassiana to eggs and nymphs of Bemisia tabaci on tomato. In the experiment eggs and second instar nymphs of B. Tabaci were used. Five isolates of the fungus, i.e., WS, TD312, PD114, PA221, PB211, were tested. Conidial concentration of B. bassiana used were 108 conidia/ml. Experimental parameters included mortality of eggs and nymph and percentage of adult emergence. The results showed that all B. bassiana isolates tested were able to kill B. tabaci eggs but with very low mortality (2-19%). Mortality of second instar B. tabaci nymphs was dependent on the fungal isolates. Isolate WS had the highest virulence, which caused 70% mortality of 2nd instar nymphs, with a LT50 of 4.87 days. Nymphs of B. tabaci were highly susceptible to B. bassiana infection compared with eggs. B. bassiana applicated to nymphs of B. tabaci can decrease the percentage of adult emergence.
A quarter face literacy barriers to GCSE success
Authors: Henshaw Pete
Published: June 2021

With one in four 15-year-olds having a reading age of 12 or under, schools are urged to prioritise key stage 3 literacy support
Hyperspectral Estimation of Apple Canopy Chlorophyll Content Using an Ensemble Learning Approach
Authors: Bai Xueyuan , Song Yingqiang , Yu Ruiyang , Xiong Jingling , Peng Yufeng , Jiang Yuanmao , Yang Guijun , Li Zhenhai , Zhu Xicun
Published: June 2021

Highlights

Monitored the canopy chlorophyll content of apple trees using hyperspectral reflectance information.

Constructed support vector machine combination regression model (C-SVR) based on five-fold cross validation and support vector machine regression approach.

Compared estimation accuracy of ensemble learning models (C-SVR, RF), machine learning models (SVR, ANN), and PLSR models for apple canopy chlorophyll content.

Abstract. Rapidly and effective monitoring of the canopy chlorophyll content (CCC) of apple trees is of great significance for crop stress monitoring in precision agriculture. This study attempted to use hyperspectral vegetation indices (VIs) to estimate the CCC of apple trees based on ensemble learning approach. In this study, vegetation indices combined by any two wavelengths from 400 to 1100 nm were constructed to calculate the correlation coefficient with the CCC in apple. We constructed a partial least squares regression model (PLSR), artificial neural network regression model (ANN), support vector machine regression (SVR), random forest regression (RF) model and support vector machine combination regression model (C-SVR) based on combinations of VIs to improve the estimation accuracy in apple CCC. The results showed that the correlation coefficients between NDVI (949,695), OSAVI (828,705), RDVI (741,725), RVI (716,707), DVI (572,532), and apple CCC were all above 0.76. The CCC estimation model using the RF and C-SVR approach constructed by the NDVI (949,695), OSAVI (828,705), RDVI (741,725), RVI (716,707), and DVI (572,532) achieved the better estimation results, and the R2V, RMSEV, and RPDV values of models were 0.76, 0.131(mg . g-1), 2.04 and 0.78, 0.127(mg . g-1), 2.12, respectively. Compared with the PLSR, ANN, and SVR model, the R2V and RPDV values of C-SVR model were increased by 4%, 1.2%, 3.8%, and 5.0%, 28.4%, 7.1%, respectively. The results show that using C-SVR approach to estimating the apple CCC can realize high accuracy of quantitative estimation. Ensemble learning approach is an effective method for monitoring the nutrient status of fruit trees based on hyperspectral technique. Keywords: Apple tree canopy, Chlorophyll content, Crop stress monitoring, Ensemble learning, Hyperspectral, Vegetation index.
Chemical Components and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Hedysarum Polybotrys Hand.-Mazz. Leaves and Root: A Comparative Study
Authors: Yang Doudou , Chen Yuan , Guo Fengxia , Jin Jianqin , Zhang Biquan , Jiao Xusheng
Published: June 2021

Highlights

Hedysarum polybotrys leaves have high levels of bioactive chemicals.

H. polybotrys leaves have much stronger antioxidant activity than the root.

The leaves may have a bright future if used as bioactive resources and antioxidants.

The leaves should be a good material used in other fields with health and economic benefits.

Abstract. Hedysarum polybotrys Hand.-Mazz. is a valuable plant that is usually used in food and medicine. The dry roots are important materials for chemical and medicinal applications, only a few researchers were concerned about the above-ground part though they contain various chemicals and nutrients. In this work, the chemical components and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the leaves were analyzed and compared with those of the roots. The results showed that compared to the roots the leaves contained much higher levels of polyphenol (13.11%), flavonoids (15.68%), and protein (26.49%) than the root (0.94%, 1.39%, 18.52%); higher levels of some important minerals, especially Fe (106.00 mg/kg) and Mn (20.40 mg/kg) than the root (88.80 mg/kg, 7.64 mg/kg); higher ratios of some essential fatty acids (alpha-linoleic acid); in particular, exhibited much stronger DPPH and ABTS radicals scavenging abilities and reducing power activities than HR. Therefore, the leaves contain various chemical components and much stronger antioxidant and broader antimicrobial activities than the roots, which indicates that they functioned as bioactive resources and antioxidants might have abundant health and economic benefits. The leaves and root extracts may have commercial potentials used by the food industry. Keywords: Antioxidant, Chemical components, Hedysarum polybotrys, Leaves.
Laboratory Scale of Seed Damage of Coarse-Grain Depending on Groove Diameter and Depth in Roller Devices
Authors: Kus Emrah , Yildirim Yildiran
Published: June 2021

Highlights

The rate of damage to the bean seed by the grooved roller planter was determined

The effects of planting speed, seed rate, groove diameter, and groove depth on seed damage

The most suitable groove diameter and depth were determined in bean planting

Abstract. Grooved roller planters can be used in the planting of small and large seeds when they are produced in the appropriate groove diameter and groove depth depending on the seed dimensions. In this study, the rate of damage to the dry bean seeds of the grooved roller device, which was modified and placed on the bottom of the warehouse of a grain planter, was investigated. Nine grooved rollers manufactured in different groove diameters (18, 20, and 22 mm) and groove depths (5, 8, and 11 mm) were tested at 80, 120, and 160 kg ha-1 seed rates and 8, 13, and 18 min-1 feed shaft rotation speeds. Breakage, crushing, and cracking in dry bean seeds were considered as damaged seeds. According to the results, the increase in the seed rate, feed shaft rotation speed, and groove depth reduced the seed damage rate. The increase in groove diameter increased the rate of seed damage. The lowest seed damage rate values were obtained at 160 kg ha-1 seed rate, 2 m s-1 forward speed, 18 mm groove diameter, and 11 mm groove depth. Keywords: Active groove length, Dry bean seed, Forward speed, Grooved roller, Seed rate.
Potential Niche Modeling Distribution and Wing Geometric Morphometrics of Apis mellifera In The Brazilian Pantanal
Authors: Peil Alessandra Carniato , Aranda Rodrigo
Published: June 2021

The ecological niche models can be important for biogeographic patterns and processes and geometric morphometrics involves identifying changes that have occurred and comparing them to other specimens from different places and/or environmental conditions, assessing whether the environment is influencing such change. The present work aimed to verify the potential model of distribution for Apis mellifera and analyze if there is variation in the geometric morphometrics in wing venation in the Pantanal. We followed the hypothesis that there is variation in the geometric morphometrics of wings and that the geographically closest groups are more similar. For niche modeling, 44 geographical points and 19 bioclimatic variables were used. For morphometrics, twenty-two anatomical landmarks were plotted at the intersection of the veins. The X and Y coordinates were standardized through Procrustes superimposition, and PCA and MANOVA tests were performed. The predictive model indicated that the center of the Pantanal plain shows the greater probability of occurrence for the species. The most important bioclimatic variables were: average temperature in the rainiest quarter (84%) and average annual temperature (72%). Morphometric analyzes indicate that there was variation between the most distant geographic points. The slight variation between some closely located points in the Pantanal can be related to individual reflections of colonies from other points, since the species has great dispersion capacity. Thus, the distribution of A. mellifera in the Pantanal is possibly related to temperature also accompanied by human occupation and the geometric morphometrics of its wings reflecting aspects of dispersion and population dynamics in the Brazilian Pantanal.