bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Summertime variability of Mediterranean evaporation: competing impacts from the mid latitudes teleconnections and the South Asian monsoon
Authors: Zveryaev Igor I. , Hannachi Abdel A.
Published: February 2021

Interannual variability of Mediterranean evaporation and its links to regional climate during summer are investigated based on evaporation data from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution dataset. An EOF (Empirical Orthogonal Function) analysis performed on the monthly means (i.e., separately for June, July, August, and September time series) revealed two leading modes of evaporation variability, characterized by the monopole (EOF-1) and zonal dipole (EOF-2) patterns. These modes explain altogether more than 60% of the total variability of Mediterranean evaporation for each month. In all summer months, the EOF-1 reflects an interdecadal change signal characterized by below normal evaporation in 1970–2000 and above normal evaporation before and after this period. This mode is associated with the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation. The EOF-2 pattern reflects interannual variations of Mediterranean evaporation that differ significantly from month to month. The reason for this difference is the changing roles of regional teleconnections, such as the summer North Atlantic Oscillation (SNAO), the Scandinavian and East Atlantic teleconnections, and the Asian monsoon. The impacts of these teleconnections on Mediterranean evaporation are highly variable both in space and time. The largest impact of the SNAO on Mediterranean evaporation is detected in early summer, but its impact weakens and disappears towards the end of the summer season. An opposite tendency is obtained with the Asian monsoon, having the strongest impact on evaporation in late summer. The study suggests that these teleconnections impact Mediterranean evaporation mostly through atmospheric dynamics (the SNAO) and thermodynamics (the Asian monsoon) in early and late summer respectively.
GIS tools and programming languages for creating models of public and private transport potential accessibility in Szczecin, Poland
Authors: Goliszek Sławomir
Published: February 2021

This article presents the results of public and private (car) transport accessibility modelling, which gives the room for the comparison of two types of transport throughout the whole day as well as the rush hours. Both public and private transport models are based on public available data, accessible via the Internet which is downloaded using a programming language and processed using the GIS tools. The public transport model is based on the GTFS data (General Transit Feed Specification), while the car model has been created from data on driving times derived from Google Maps® API. Both models presented in the article have been constructed for a specified period of time, namely from 5.00 am to 10.00 pm in 15-min intervals. The analysis of the above-mentioned models has allowed the comparison of differences in potential accessibility and its deviations at different times of the day. The disparities revealed by the study have indicated that there are certain times of the day when public transport is actually competitive with the private means of transport. The results of potential accessibility analysis are visualised with the use of maps, including the choropleth ones.
Variability in periphyton community and biomass over 37 years in Lake Tahoe (CA-NV)
Authors: Atkins Karen S. , Hackley Scott H. , Allen Brant C. , Watanabe Shohei , Reuter John E. , Schladow S. Geoffrey
Published: February 2021

Nuisance periphyton blooms are occurring in oligotrophic lakes worldwide, but few lakes have documented changes in biomass through periphyton monitoring. For decades periphyton has caused concern about oligotrophic Lake Tahoe’s nearshore water quality. To determine whether eulittoral periphyton increased in Lake Tahoe, measures of biomass and dominant communities at 0.5 m below lake level have been monitored regularly at nine shoreline sites starting in 1982, with up to 54 additional sites monitored annually at peak biomass. Lake-wide, this metric of periphyton biomass has not increased since monitoring began. Biomass decreased at many sites and increased at one. Periphyton biomass peaked in March and was low in the summer lake-wide. The northern and western shores had higher biomass than the eastern and southern shores. Biomass varied with lake level. High biomass occurred at sites regardless of urban development levels. As increasing periphyton at Lake Tahoe was first cited in scientific literature in the 1960s, it is possible that periphyton increased prior to our monitoring program. A dearth of published long-term monitoring data from oligotrophic lakes with reported periphyton blooms makes it difficult to determine the extent of this issue worldwide. Long-term nearshore monitoring is crucial for tracking and understanding periphyton blooms.
Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence during Lockdown and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lyons Minna , Brewer Gayle
Published: February 2021

Previous studies have demonstrated that there is an increase in Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) during times of crisis (e.g., financial, environmental, or socio-political situations). The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an unprecedented global health and financial tragedy, but research is yet to establish exactly how the situation may impact on IPV. The present study investigates victims’ experience of IPV during lockdown and the COVID-19 pandemic. We report a qualitative thematic analysis of 50 discussion forum posts written by victims of IPV. Of these, 48 forum posts were written by female victims of male perpetrated violence. All forum posts were obtained from the popular online platform, Reddit. We identified four themes associated with IPV victims’ experiences during lockdown and the global pandemic: (i) Use of COVID-19 by the Abuser, (ii) Service Disruption, (iii) Preparation to Leave, and (iv) Factors Increasing Abuse or Distress. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on those living with IPV, often increasing the severity of IPV experienced. The experiences of those affected by IPV during this period inform interventions and the guidance and support provided to IPV victims during times of crisis.
EfficientPS: Efficient Panoptic Segmentation
Authors: Mohan Rohit , Valada Abhinav
Published: February 2021

Understanding the scene in which an autonomous robot operates is critical for its competent functioning. Such scene comprehension necessitates recognizing instances of traffic participants along with general scene semantics which can be effectively addressed by the panoptic segmentation task. In this paper, we introduce the Efficient Panoptic Segmentation (EfficientPS) architecture that consists of a shared backbone which efficiently encodes and fuses semantically rich multi-scale features. We incorporate a new semantic head that aggregates fine and contextual features coherently and a new variant of Mask R-CNN as the instance head. We also propose a novel panoptic fusion module that congruously integrates the output logits from both the heads of our EfficientPS architecture to yield the final panoptic segmentation output. Additionally, we introduce the KITTI panoptic segmentation dataset that contains panoptic annotations for the popularly challenging KITTI benchmark. Extensive evaluations on Cityscapes, KITTI, Mapillary Vistas and Indian Driving Dataset demonstrate that our proposed architecture consistently sets the new state-of-the-art on all these four benchmarks while being the most efficient and fast panoptic segmentation architecture to date.
Potential Impact of Microplastics and Additives on the Health Status of Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta caretta) Stranded Along the Central Adriatic Coast
Authors: Di Renzo L. , Mascilongo G. , Berti M. , Bogdanović T. , Listeš E. , Brkljača M. , Notarstefano V. , Gioacchini G. , Giorgini E. , Olivieri V. , Silvestri C. , Matiddi M. , D’Alterio N. , Ferri N. , Di Giacinto F.
Published: February 2021

Loggerhead sea turtle (C. caretta) is the official European bioindicator of marine litter in the Mediterranean Sea. In 2019, 8 sea turtles, out of 28 specimens loggerhead on the Adriatic coast of Molise, were subjected to necropsy. The intestinal contents were collected and the microplastics until 0.45 μm were extracted. Qualitative and quantitative assessments were performed by stereomicroscope observation and spectroscopic analyses (attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ATR-FTIR and Raman microspectroscopy, RMS). Moreover, the analytical quantification of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), para phthalic acid (PTA) and bisphenol A (BPA) in fat and liver tissues was performed by LC-MS/MS. Microparticles ranging from 0.45 μm to 1 mm were found in all turtles, for a total of 623, while plastic litter greater than 1 mm were found only in 4 specimens (ranging from 0.03 to 0.11 g). Nineteen different polymers and 10 pigments, including polyester (100% of animals), high-density polyethylene (50%) and polypropylene (50%) were identified. BPA, PTA and PET were detected in fat and liver tissues of all animals, while PC was found only in 50%. A major prevalence was registered in the abdominal fat tissue, although only PC compounds were significantly higher in abdominal tissue (p < 0.05), except for free PTA with liver tissue being the most contaminated (p < 0.05). Microplastics and additives surely impact the health status of turtles that showed gastrointestinal impairment and an important level of contamination in tissues.

Graphical abstract
Macroelement content in plants after amendment application to cobalt-contaminated soil
Authors: Kosiorek Milena , Wyszkowski Mirosław
Published: February 2021

Aim

The study was undertaken to determine the effect of amendments used in remediation of cobalt-contaminated soil on the macroelement content of all organs of spring barley (the main crop) and white mustard (the after-crop).

Methods

In the experiment, six blocks were selected: without amendments; with manure (bovine, granulated); clay; charcoal; zeolite; and with calcium oxide (50%). In each of the blocks, increasing doses of cobalt were applied: 0, 20, 40, 80, 160, and 320 mg kg−1 of soil.

Results

Cobalt-contaminated soil and amendments application had a significant effect on macroelement content of all organs of both plants.

Conclusions

In blocks without amendments, 80 mg Co kg−1 contributed the most increase in nitrogen, sodium, and calcium contents of both organs of spring barley. Cobalt-contaminated soil increased content of all macroelements in white mustard organs. Application of amendments to soil had strong impact on phosphorus, sodium, and calcium contents of organs of both plant species, compared to the control block (without amendments). Among the amendments, manure had the greatest effect on the content of macroelements in plants. Manure increased phosphorus, potassium, and sodium contents of all organs of both plants. The optimal content of macroelements is extremely important for the growth and development of plants, especially on soils contaminated with trace elements, including cobalt.
A design concept of active cooling for tailored forming workpieces during induction heating
Authors: Ince Caner-Veli , Chugreeva Anna , Böhm Christoph , Aldakheel Fadi , Uhe Johanna , Wriggers Peter , Behrens Bernd-Arno , Raatz Annika
Published: February 2021

The demand for lightweight construction is constantly increasing. One approach to meet this challenge is the development of hybrid components made of dissimilar materials. The use of the hybrid construction method for bulk components has a high potential for weight reduction and increased functionality. However, forming workpieces consisting of dissimilar materials requires specific temperature profiles for achieving sufficient formability. This paper deals with the development of a specific heating and cooling strategy to generate an inhomogeneous temperature distribution in hybrid workpieces. Firstly, the heating process boundaries with regard to temperature parameters required for a successful forming are experimentally defined. Secondly, a design based on the obtained cooling strategy is developed. Next a modelling embedded within an electro-thermal framework provides the basis for a numerical determination of admissible cooling rates to fulfil the temperature constraint. Here, the authors illustrate an algorithmic approach for the optimisation of cooling parameters towards an effective minimum, required for applicable forming processes of tailored forming.
Self – Regard of Individuals with Autism – How People from the Autism Spectrum Perceive Autism. A Netnographic Research
Authors: Błeszyński Jacek Jarosław
Published: February 2021

This research on adults with a diagnosis of autism is a multidirectional and multistage analysis. It is aimed at reviewing the current knowledge about the disorder as well as taking optimal actions towards social inclusion for people with ASD (autistic spectrum disorder). The research and analysis was facilitated by selecting subjects who have sufficient communication and social skills to be able to participate in the study. The new DSM 5, which now has descriptors of CTS (Conflict Tactics Scale) degrees, was useful for this purpose. Data was gathered by means of personalized forms and methods, with in-depth netnographic (rather than face-to-face) interviews conducted. As no similar research using the netnographic method could be found, a pilot study was initiated, which was then gradually expanded to include a larger number of respondents. This research made it possible to record the views of people with ASD regarding autism and their functioning in society.
Travel planning in men and women. Who is better?
Authors: Bocchi Alessia , Palmiero Massimiliano , Piccardi Laura
Published: February 2021

Gender differences are often reported in spatial abilities, most of the times favouring men. Even during wayfinding, which requires planning and decision-making, such as choosing roads to take or shortcuts, men are in general better and faster than women. Although different interpretations have been proposed to explain men’s advantage in navigation, no study has explored the possibility that it could be due to men’s better travel planning ability. This latter has been recently identified as a distinct kind of planning that allows implementing an efficient navigational strategy in accordance with the environmental features. Therefore, the present study was aimed at investigating gender differences in travel planning ability. We compared men and women in performing the Key Search Task that requires to implement a strategy to search for a lost object in a wide imagined space. Results showed that men outperform women in both the overall performance and in some specific indexes of the total score. Men had a better travel planning ability with respect to women, outperforming women in configuring the planned strategy and choosing the best point to enter the imagined field. Therefore, men seem to plan the best navigational strategy and appear more cognitively flexible than women in adapting the strategy at the environmental features. The two genders did not differ in the time spent to solve the task. This finding suggests that differences in travel planning skills can contribute in explaining gender differences in wayfinding and spatial orientation.
Confusions about ‘Inner’ and ‘Outer’ Voices: Conceptual Problems in the Study of Auditory Verbal Hallucinations
Authors: Knappik Franz , Bless Josef J. , Larøi Frank
Published: February 2021

Both in research on Auditory Verbal Hallucinations (AVHs) and in their clinical assessment, it is common to distinguish between voices that are experienced as ‘inner’ (or ‘internal’, ‘inside the head’, ‘inside the mind’, ...) and voices that are experienced as ‘outer’ (‘external’, ‘outside the head’, ‘outside the mind’, ...). This inner/outer-contrast is treated not only as an important phenomenological variable of AVHs, it is also often seen as having diagnostic value. In this article, we argue that the distinction between ‘inner’ and ‘outer’ voices is ambiguous between different readings, and that lack of disambiguation in this regard has led to flaws in assessment tools, diagnostic debates and empirical studies. Such flaws, we argue furthermore, are often linked to misreadings of inner/outer-terminology in relevant 19th and early twentieth century work on AVHs, in particular, in connection with Kandinsky’s and Jaspers’s distinction between hallucinations and pseudo-hallucinations.
Preparation and performance analysis of a coking coal dust suppressant spray
Authors: Jiang Jiuhong , Wang Pengfei , Pei Ye , Liu Ronghua , Liu Liming , He Yunchu
Published: February 2021

Coking coal dust is extremely hydrophobic; therefore, combination with droplets in the air is difficult and dust suppression is challenging. Here, a dust suppressant spray for coking coal dust was studied in order to improve of the combination of droplets and coking coal dust. Based on monomer optimization and compounding analysis, two surfactant monomers, fatty alcohol ether sodium sulfate (AES) and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) were selected as the surfactant components of the dust suppressant. The surfactant monomers were combined with four inorganic salts and the reverse osmosis moisture absorption of each solution was determined. By combining the reverse osmosis moisture absorption values with the water retention experimental results, CaCl2 was identified as the optimal inorganic salt additive for the dust suppressant. Finally, the optimal concentration of each component was obtained using orthogonal experimental design i.e., AES (0.03%), SDBS (0.05%), and CaCl2 (0.4%). The dust suppressant solution formulated using this method had a high moisture absorption capacity and excellent performance.

Graphic Abstract
Data-sharing markets for integrating IoT data processing functionalities
Authors: Kasrin Nasr , Benabbas Aboubakr , Elmamooz Golnaz , Nicklas Daniela , Steuer Simon , Sünkel Michael
Published: February 2021

The recent evolution of the Internet of Things into a cyber-physical reality has spawned various challenges from a data management perspective. In addition, IoT platform designers are faced with another set of questions. How can platforms be extended to smoothly integrate new data management functionalities? Currently, data processing related tasks are typically realized by manually developed code and functions which creates difficulties in maintenance and growth. Hence we need to explore other approaches to integration for IoT platforms. In this paper we cover both these aspects: (1) we explore several emerging data management challenges, and (2) we propose an IoT platform integration model that can combine disparate functionalities under one roof. For the first, we focus on the following challenges: sensor data quality, privacy in data streams, machine learning model management, and resource-aware data management. For the second, we propose an information-integration model for IoT platforms. The model revolves around the concept of a Data-Sharing Market where data management functionalities can share and exchange information about their data with other functionalities. In addition, data-sharing markets themselves can be combined into networks of markets where information flows from one market to another, which creates a web of information exchange about data resources. To motivate this work we present a use-case application in smart cities.
Sustainable AI: AI for sustainability and the sustainability of AI
Authors: van Wynsberghe Aimee
Published: February 2021

While there is a growing effort towards AI for Sustainability (e.g. towards the sustainable development goals) it is time to move beyond that and to address the sustainability of developing and using AI systems. In this paper I propose a definition of Sustainable AI; Sustainable AI is a movement to foster change in the entire lifecycle of AI products (i.e. idea generation, training, re-tuning, implementation, governance) towards greater ecological integrity and social justice. As such, Sustainable AI is focused on more than AI applications; rather, it addresses the whole sociotechnical system of AI. I have suggested here that Sustainable AI is not about how to sustain the development of AI per say but it is about how to develop AI that is compatible with sustaining environmental resources for current and future generations; economic models for societies; and societal values that are fundamental to a given society. I have articulated that the phrase Sustainable AI be understood as having two branches; AI for sustainability and sustainability of AI (e.g. reduction of carbon emissions and computing power). I propose that Sustainable AI take sustainable development at the core of its definition with three accompanying tensions between AI innovation and equitable resource distribution; inter and intra-generational justice; and, between environment, society, and economy. This paper is not meant to engage with each of the three pillars of sustainability (i.e. social, economic, environment), and as such the pillars of sustainable AI. Rather, this paper is meant to inspire the reader, the policy maker, the AI ethicist, the AI developer to connect with the environment—to remember that there are environmental costs to AI. Further, to direct funding towards sustainable methods of AI.
Combined Hepatopancreaticobiliary Volume and Hepatectomy Outcomes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients at Low-Volume Liver Centers
Authors: de Geus Susanna WL. , Woods Alison P. , Papageorge Marianna V. , Zheng Jian , Ng Sing Chau , McAneny David , Sachs Teviah E. , Tseng Jennifer F.
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND:

The relationship between hospital volume and surgical outcomes is well-established; however, considerable socioeconomic and geographic barriers to high-volume care persist. This study assesses how the overall volume of hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) cancer operations impacts outcomes of liver resections (LRs).

STUDY DESIGN:

The National Cancer Database (2004-2014) was queried for patients who underwent LR for hepatocellular carcinoma. Hospital volume was determined separately for all HPB operations and LRs. Centers were dichotomized as low and high volume based on the median number of operations. The following study cohorts were created: low-volume hospitals (LVHs) for both LRs and HPB operations, mixed-volume hospitals (MVHs) with low-volume LRs but high-volume HPB operations, and high-volume LR hospitals (HVHs) for both LRs and HPB operations.

RESULTS:

Of 7,265 patients identified, 37.5%, 8.8%, and 53.7% were treated at LVHs, MVHs, and HVHs, respectively. On multivariable analysis, patients treated at LVHs had higher 30-day mortality compared with patients treated at HVHs (odds ratio 1.736; p < 0.001). However, patients treated at MVHs experienced 30-day mortality comparable with patients treated at HVHs (odds ratio 0.789; p = 0.318). Similar results were found for positive margin status, prolonged hospital stay, and overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS:

LR outcomes at low-volume LR centers that have substantial experience with HPB cancer operations are similar to those at high-volume LR centers. Our results demonstrate that the volume to outcomes curve for HPB operations should be assessed more holistically and that patients can safely undergo liver operations at low-volume LR centers if HPB volume criteria are met.
Understanding Development and Proficiency in Writing
Authors: Durrant Philip , Brenchley Mark , McCallum Lee
Published: February 2021

Quantitative corpus research on written language development has expanded rapidly in recent years, assisted by the ever-increasing power and accessibility of software capable of reliably analysing huge collections of learner writing. For this work to reach its full potential, it is important that researchers have a strong understanding of its methodological foundations and of the existing empirical evidence base on which it can build. This book provides the most comprehensive discussion to date of research in this area. Covering both first and second language learning contexts, it sets out a coherent theoretical framework and systematically reviews studies published over the last seventy years in order to establish what such research has taught us about written language development, what it hasn't taught us, and what we should do next. Timely and original, this is an essential reference work for academic researchers and students of first and second language writing.
Animal Anomalies
Authors: Held, Jr Lewis I.
Published: February 2021

Among the offspring of humans and other animals are occasional individuals that are malformed in whole or in part. The most grossly abnormal of these have been referred to from ancient times as monsters, because their birth was thought to foretell doom; the less severely affected are usually known as anomalies. This volume digs deeply into the cellular and molecular processes of embryonic development that go awry in such exceptional situations. It focuses on the physical mechanisms of how genes instruct cells to build anatomy, as well as the underlying forces of evolution that shaped these mechanisms over eons of geologic time. The narrative is framed in a historical perspective that should help students trying to make sense of these complex subjects. Each chapter is written in the style of a Sherlock Holmes story, starting with the clues and ending with a solution to the mystery.
Nonlinear Solid Mechanics for Finite Element Analysis: Dynamics
Authors: Bonet Javier , Gil Antonio J. , Wood Richard D.
Published: February 2021

Designing engineering components that make optimal use of materials requires consideration of the nonlinear static and dynamic characteristics associated with both manufacturing and working environments. The modeling of these characteristics can only be done through numerical formulation and simulation, which requires an understanding of both the theoretical background and associated computer solution techniques. By presenting nonlinear solid mechanics, dynamic conservation laws and principles, and the associated finite element techniques together, the authors provide in this second book a unified treatment of the dynamic simulation of nonlinear solids. Alongside a number of worked examples and exercises are user instructions, program descriptions, and examples for two MATLAB computer implementations for which source codes are available online. While this book is designed to complement postgraduate courses, it is also relevant to those in industry requiring an appreciation of the way their computer simulation programs work.
Canadian Guidelines for Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis Polyneuropathy Management
Authors: Alcantara Monica , Mezei Michelle M. , Baker Steven K. , Breiner Ari , Dhawan Priya , Fiander Amanda , Fine Nowell M. , Hahn Christopher , Katzberg Hans D. , Khayambashi Shahin , Massie Rami , Matte Genevieve , Putko Brendan , Siddiqi Zaeem , Delgado Diego , Bril Vera
Published: February 2021

Hereditary transthyretin-mediated (hATTR) amyloidosis is a progressive disease caused by mutations in the TTR gene leading to multisystem organ dysfunction. Pathogenic TTR aggregation, misfolding, and fibrillization lead to deposition of amyloid in multiple body organs and frequently involve the peripheral nerve system and the heart. Common neurologic manifestations include: sensorimotor polyneuropathy (PN), autonomic neuropathy, small-fiber PN, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Many patients have significant progression due to diagnostic delays as hATTR PN is not considered within the differential diagnosis. Recently, two effective novel disease-modifying therapies, inotersen and patisiran, were approved by Health Canada for the treatment of hATTR PN. Early diagnosis is crucial for the timely introduction of these disease-modifying treatments that reduce impairments, improve quality of life, and extend survival. In this guideline, we aim to improve awareness and outcomes of hATTR PN by making recommendations directed to the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment in Canada.
Refining tree size and dose–response functions for control of invasivePinus contorta
Authors: Rolando Carol A. , Richardson Brian , Paul Thomas S. H. , Somchit Chanatda
Published: February 2021

Exotic conifers are rapidly spreading in many regions of New Zealand, as well as in many other countries, with detrimental impacts on both natural ecosystems and some productive sector environments. Herbicides, in particular the active ingredient triclopyr, are an important tool to manage invasive conifers, yet there is a paucity of information that quantifies the amount of herbicide required to kill trees of different sizes when applied as a basal bark treatment. Two sequential experiments were conducted to define the amount of triclopyr required to kill individual invasive lodgepole pine (Pinus contortaDouglas ex Loudon), trees of different sizes when applied in a methylated seed oil to bark (either the whole stem or base of the tree) and to determine which tree size variates (height, diameter at breast height [DBH], crown diameter [CD]) or derived attributes (crown area, crown volume index) best characterized this dose–response relationship. The outcomes of the dose–response research were compared with field operations where triclopyr was applied to the bark of trees from an aerial platform. Applying the herbicide to the whole stem, as opposed to the base of the tree only, significantly increased treatment efficacy. The tree size variates DBH, CD, crown area, and crown volume index all provided good fits to the tree mortality data, with >91% prediction accuracy. Of these variates, CD provided the most practical measure of tree size for ease of in-field calculation of dose by an operator. Herbicide rates used in field operations were seven to eight times higher than lethal doses calculated from experimental data. Our results highlight the potential for substantial reductions in herbicide rates for exotic conifer control, especially if dose–response data are combined with remotely sensed quantitative measurements of canopy area or volume using new precision technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles.
How Much Does the Cardinal Treatment of Ordinal Variables Matter? An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Bloem Jeffrey R.
Published: February 2021

Many researchers use an ordinal scale to quantitatively measure and analyze concepts. Theoretically valid empirical estimates are robust in sign to any monotonic increasing transformation of the ordinal scale. This presents challenges for the point-identification of important parameters of interest. I develop a partial identification method for testing the robustness of empirical estimates to a range of plausible monotonic increasing transformations of the ordinal scale. This method allows for the calculation of plausible bounds around effect estimates. I illustrate this method by revisiting analysis by Nunn and Wantchekon (2011, American Economic Review, 101, 3221–3252) on the slave trade and trust in sub-Saharan Africa. Supplemental illustrations examine results from (i) Aghion et al. (2016, American Economic Review, 106, 3869–3897) on creative destruction and subjective well-being and (ii) Bond and Lang (2013, The Review of Economics and Statistics, 95, 1468–1479) on the fragility of the black–white test score gap.
RADIOCARBON DATING APPLIED TO PREHISPANIC TERRITORIAL DYNAMICS AT EL MAYE, IXMIQUILPAN, HIDALGO, MEXICO
Authors: Alcántara Alberto , Solís Corina , López Aguilar Fernando , Rodríguez-Ceja María , Anaya Linares Víctor Hugo , Santamaría Guadarrama Evgueni , Bello Nuñez Silvia
Published: February 2021

El Maye is a community located in the municipality of Ixmiquilpan, Hidalgo, in the central region of Mexico. During the late Postclassic period (1350–1521 AD), the Aztecs controlled the area through the establishment of a dual-headed system, one part belonging to the Aztec government and the other to the local government. El Maye was the local government center for the Ixmiquilpan territory under the Aztec domain. The residential units of El Maye archaeological site were constructed in 6 different occupational phases, with the presence of large rooms, stucco floors and walls, offerings, and a variety of ceramics belonging to the late Aztec III ceramic period (1400–1520 AD). The Axis Project of the Mezquital Valley (PEVM-ENAH) and the Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Laboratory (LEMA-UNAM) have undertaken a collaborative study of the El Maye site by performing absolute radiocarbon accelerator mass spectrometry (14C AMS) dating. For a better understanding of the emergence and development of El Maye, a series of AMS 14C dates of charcoal and bone samples recovered from different stratigraphic levels, was performed. This allowed us to locate the occupation of the site between 1320 and 1625 cal AD.
Correlates of a southern diet pattern in a national cohort study of blacks and whites: the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study
Authors: Couch Catharine A , Gray Marquita S , Shikany James M , Howard Virginia J , Howard George , Long D Leann , McClure Leslie A , Manly Jennifer J , Cushman Mary , Zakai Neil A , Pearson Keith E , Levitan Emily B , Judd Suzanne E
Published: February 2021

The Southern dietary pattern, derived within the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort, is characterised by high consumption of added fats, fried food, organ meats, processed meats and sugar-sweetened beverages and is associated with increased risk of several chronic diseases. The aim of the present study was to identify characteristics of individuals with high adherence to this dietary pattern. We analysed data from REGARDS, a national cohort of 30 239 black and white adults ≥45 years of age living in the USA. Dietary data were collected using the Block 98 FFQ. Multivariable linear regression was used to calculate standardised beta coefficients across all covariates for the entire sample and stratified by race and region. We included 16 781 participants with complete dietary data. Among these, 34·6 % were black, 45·6 % male, 55·2 % resided in stroke belt region and the average age was 65 years. Black race was the factor with the largest magnitude of association with the Southern dietary pattern (Δ = 0·76 sd, P < 0·0001). Large differences in Southern dietary pattern adherence were observed between black participants and white participants in the stroke belt and non-belt (stroke belt Δ = 0·75 sd, non-belt Δ = 0·77 sd). There was a high consumption of the Southern dietary pattern in the US black population, regardless of other factors, underlying our previous findings showing the substantial contribution of this dietary pattern to racial disparities in incident hypertension and stroke.
AN EXPLORATION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY'S TROUBLED RELATIONSHIP WITH UNILATERAL SANCTIONS
Authors: Barber Rebecca
Published: February 2021

This article seeks to make sense of two seemingly contradictory aspects of the General Assembly's practice: its history of recommending to States that they impose unilateral sanctions; and its series of resolutions denouncing unilateral coercive measures as illegal. It examines the seeming discrepancy between the customary international law position regarding unilateral sanctions, and the position asserted by the Assembly, and argues that on a nuanced reading of the Assembly's resolutions, these positions are not so divergent as is often supposed. The article concludes by examining the scope for the Assembly to make future sanctions recommendations, consistently with its prior condemnation of unilateral coercive measures.
Investigative strategies for fish bone foreign bodies during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: an analysis of ENT UK guidelines
Authors: Michaels J , Orji C , Green F , Nogueira C
Published: February 2021

Background

By nature of their specialty, otolaryngologists are disproportionately exposed to coronavirus disease 2019 through aerosol-generating procedures and close proximity to the oropharynx during examination.

Methods

Our single-centre, retrospective study analysed the pertinence of guidelines produced by ENT UK to improve the investigation and management of suspected upper aerodigestive fish bone foreign bodies during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Results

Our results demonstrated 43.3 per cent (n = 13) low-risk cases and 56.7 per cent (n = 17) moderate-risk cases. Nine fish bones (two low risk, seven moderate risk) were found; none of these were confirmed with X-ray and three (moderate risk) required nasoendoscopy for diagnosis. One patient required rigid pharyngoscopy.

Conclusion

This study confirms that soft tissue neck X-ray and flexible nasoendoscopy are unnecessary in low-risk cases; however, early nasoendoscopy in higher suspicion cases is appropriate. Recommendations are made about the long-term sustainability of these guidelines, and additional measures are encouraged that relate to repeat attendances and varying prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 in the hospital catchment area.
Genetic contributions to autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Havdahl A. , Niarchou M. , Starnawska A. , Uddin M. , van der Merwe C. , Warrier V.
Published: February 2021

Autism spectrum disorder (autism) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by early childhood-onset impairments in communication and social interaction alongside restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests. This review summarizes recent developments in human genetics research in autism, complemented by epigenetic and transcriptomic findings. The clinical heterogeneity of autism is mirrored by a complex genetic architecture involving several types of common and rare variants, ranging from point mutations to large copy number variants, and either inherited or spontaneous (de novo). More than 100 risk genes have been implicated by rare, often de novo, potentially damaging mutations in highly constrained genes. These account for substantial individual risk but a small proportion of the population risk. In contrast, most of the genetic risk is attributable to common inherited variants acting en masse, each individually with small effects. Studies have identified a handful of robustly associated common variants. Different risk genes converge on the same mechanisms, such as gene regulation and synaptic connectivity. These mechanisms are also implicated by genes that are epigenetically and transcriptionally dysregulated in autism. Major challenges to understanding the biological mechanisms include substantial phenotypic heterogeneity, large locus heterogeneity, variable penetrance, and widespread pleiotropy. Considerable increases in sample sizes are needed to better understand the hundreds or thousands of common and rare genetic variants involved. Future research should integrate common and rare variant research, multi-omics data including genomics, epigenomics, and transcriptomics, and refined phenotype assessment with multidimensional and longitudinal measures.
The relation of depression with structural brain abnormalities and cognitive functioning: the Maastricht study
Authors: Geraets Anouk F. J. , Schram Miranda T. , Jansen Jacobus F. A. , Koster Annemarie , Dagnelie Pieter C. , van Greevenbroek Marleen M. J. , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Verhey Frans R. J. , Köhler Sebastian
Published: February 2021

Background

Individuals with depression often experience widespread and persistent cognitive deficits, which might be due to brain atrophy and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). We therefore studied the associations between depression, markers of brain atrophy and CSVD, and cognitive functioning.

Methods

We used cross-sectional data from the population-based Maastricht study (n = 4734; mean age 59.1 ± 8.6 years, 50.2% women), which focuses on type 2 diabetes. A current episode of major depressive disorder (MDD, n = 151) was assessed by the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Volumes of cerebral spinal fluid, white matter, gray matter and white matter hyperintensities, presence of lacunar infarcts and cerebral microbleeds, and total CSVD burden were assessed by 3 T magnetic resonance imaging. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses tested the associations between MDD, brain markers and cognitive functioning in memory, information processing speed, and executive functioning & attention, and presence of cognitive impairment. Structural equation modeling was used to test mediation.

Results

In fully adjusted models, MDD was associated with lower scores in information processing speed [mean difference = −0.18(−0.28;−0.08)], executive functioning & attention [mean difference = −0.13(−0.25;−0.02)], and with higher odds of cognitive impairment [odds ratio (OR) = 1.60(1.06;2.40)]. MDD was associated with CSVD in participants without type 2 diabetes [OR = 1.65(1.06;2.56)], but CSVD or other markers of brain atrophy or CSVD did not mediate the association with cognitive functioning.

Conclusions

MDD is associated with more impaired information processing speed and executive functioning & attention, and overall cognitive impairment. Furthermore, MDD was associated with CSVD in participants without type 2 diabetes, but this association did not explain an impaired cognitive profile.
Critical language pedagogy
Authors: Crookes Graham V.
Published: February 2021

There are long and diverse strands of thinking about how schools and schooling, teaching, curriculum, and learning could be conceptualized and developed so as to foster what is often loosely called social justice. Many of these strands go back (in Europe) at least to the French Revolution. The original term that encompasses this area is ‘radical pedagogy’ (that is to say, a pedagogy suitable for radicals or radical purposes; cf. Crookes, 2009). Emerging out of this area in the post-World War Two era, one version of this thought and practice that has become somewhat influential in language teaching is ‘critical pedagogy’, and ‘critical language pedagogy’ (CLP) is a key term used to refer to applications of the concepts of critical pedagogy to second language (L2) contexts.
High susceptibility to varicella among urban and rural pregnant women in South India: a brief report
Authors: Inbaraj Leeberk Raja , Chandrasingh Sindhulina , Arun Kumar Nalini , Suchitra Jothi , Manesh Abi
Published: February 2021

Varicella infection during pregnancy has serious and/or difficult implications and in some cases lethal outcome. Though epidemiological studies in developing countries reveal that a significant proportion of patients may remain susceptible during pregnancy, such an estimate of susceptible women is not known in India. We designed this study to study the prevalence and factors associated with susceptibility to varicella among rural and urban pregnant women in South India. We prospectively recruited 430 pregnant women and analysed their serum varicella IgG antibodies as surrogates for protection. We estimated seroprevalence, the validity of self-reported history of chickenpox and factors associated with varicella susceptibility. We found 23 (95% CI 19.1–27.3) of women were susceptible. Nearly a quarter (22.2%) of the susceptible women had a history of exposure to chickenpox anytime in the past or during the current pregnancy. Self-reported history of varicella had a positive predictive value of 82.4%. Negative history of chickenpox (adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) 1.85, 95% CI 1.15–3.0) and receiving antenatal care from a rural secondary hospital (adjusted PR 4.08, 95% CI 2.1–7.65) were significantly associated with susceptibility. We conclude that high varicella susceptibility rates during pregnancy were noted and self-reported history of varicella may not be a reliable surrogate for protection.
Differential susceptibility 2.0: Are the same children affected by different experiences and exposures?
Authors: Belsky Jay , Zhang Xiaoya , Sayler Kristina
Published: February 2021

Differential susceptibility theory stipulates that some children are more susceptible than others to both supportive and adverse developmental experiences/exposures. What remains unclear is whether the same individuals are most affected by different exposures (i.e., domain general vs. specific). We address this issue empirically for the first time using, for illustrative and proof-of-principle purposes, a novel influence-statistics’ method with data from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Study of Early Child Care. Results indicated that previously documented effects of greater quality of care on enhanced pre-academic skills and greater quantity of care on more behavior problems apply mostly to different children. Analyses validating the new method indicated, as predicted, that (a) the quantity-of-care effect applied principally to children from more socioeconomically advantaged families and that (b) being highly susceptible to both, one or neither childcare effect varied as a function of a three-gene, polygenic-plasticity score (serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region [5-HTTLPR], dopamine receptor D4 [DRD4], brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF]) in a dose–response manner (i.e., 2>1>0). While domain-specific findings involving child-care effects cannot be generalized to other environmental influences, the influence-statistics’ approach appears well suited for investigating the generality–specificity of environment effects, that is, of “differential, differential susceptibility.”
Evaluation of Disaster Preparedness and Preparedness Behaviors among Pharmacists: A Cross-Sectional Study in Australia
Authors: McCourt Elizabeth M. , Singleton Judith A. , Tippett Vivienne , Nissen Lisa M.
Published: February 2021

Introduction:

In a disaster aftermath, pharmacists have the potential to provide essential health services and contribute to the maintenance of the health and well-being of their community. Despite their importance in the health care system, little is known about the factors that affect pharmacists’ disaster preparedness and associated behaviors.

Study Objective:

The goal of this study was to determine the factors that influence disaster preparedness behaviors and disaster preparedness of Australian pharmacists.

Methods:

A 70-question survey was developed from previous research findings. This survey was released online and registered Australian pharmacists were invited to participate. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the factors that influenced preparedness and preparedness behaviors among pharmacists.

Results:

The final model of disaster preparedness indicated that 86.0% of variation in preparedness was explained by disaster experience, perceived knowledge and skills, colleague preparedness, perceived self-efficacy, previous preparedness behaviors, perceived potential disaster severity, and trust of external information sources. The final model of preparedness behaviors indicated that 71.1% of variation in previous preparedness behaviors can be explained by disaster experience, perceived institution responsibility, colleague preparedness, perceived likelihood of disaster, perceived professional responsibility, and years of practice as a pharmacist.

Conclusion:

This research is the first to explore the significant factors affecting preparedness behaviors and preparedness of Australian pharmacists for disasters. It begins to provide insight into potential critical gaps in current disaster preparedness behaviors and preparedness among pharmacists.