bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upstream migration of anadromous and potamodromous brown trout: patterns and triggers in a 25-year overview
Authors: García-Vega Ana , Fuentes-Pérez Juan Francisco , Leunda Urretabizkaia Pedro M. , Ardaiz Ganuza José , Sanz-Ronda Francisco Javier
Published: October 2021

River fragmentation and alterations in flow and thermal regimes are the main stressors affecting migrating fish, which could be aggravated by climate change and increasing water demand. To assess these impacts and define mitigation measures, it is vital to understand fish movement patterns and the environmental variables affecting them. This study presents a long-term (1995–2019) analysis of upstream migration patterns of anadromous and potamodromous brown trout in the lower River Bidasoa (Spain). For this, captures in a monitoring station were analyzed using Survival Analysis and Random Forest techniques. Results showed that most upstream movements of potamodromous trout occurred in October–December, whereas in June–July for anadromous trout, although with differences regarding sex and size. Both, fish numbers and dates varied over time and were related to the environmental conditions, with different influence on each ecotype. The information provided from comparative studies can be used as a basis to develop adaptive management strategies to ensure freshwater species conservation. Moreover, studies in the southern distribution range can be crucial under climate warming scenarios, where species are expected to shift coldwards.
Heart Rate Variability in Children and Adolescents with Autism, ADHD and Co-occurring Autism and ADHD, During Passive and Active Experimental Conditions
Authors: Bellato Alessio , Arora Iti , Kochhar Puja , Ropar Danielle , Hollis Chris , Groom Madeleine J.
Published: October 2021

Despite overlaps in clinical symptomatology, autism and ADHD may be associated with opposite autonomic arousal profiles which might partly explain altered cognitive and global functioning. We investigated autonomic arousal in 106 children/adolescents with autism, ADHD, co-occurring autism/ADHD, and neurotypical controls. Heart rate variability was recorded during resting-state, a ‘passive’ auditory oddball task and an ‘active’ response conflict task. Autistic children showed hyper-arousal during the active task, while those with ADHD showed hypo-arousal during resting-state and the passive task. Irrespective of diagnosis, children characterised by hyper-arousal showed more severe autistic symptomatology, increased anxiety and reduced global functioning than those displaying hypo-arousal, suggesting the importance of considering individual autonomic arousal profiles for differential diagnosis of autism/ADHD and when developing personalised interventions.
Robust Virus-Specific Adaptive Immunity in COVID-19 Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Δ382 Variant Infection
Authors: Fong Siew-Wai , Yeo Nicholas Kim-Wah , Chan Yi-Hao , Goh Yun Shan , Amrun Siti Naqiah , Ang Nicholas , Rajapakse Menaka Priyadharsani , Lum Josephine , Foo Shihui , Lee Cheryl Yi-Pin , Carissimo Guillaume , Chee Rhonda Sin-Ling , Torres-Ruesta Anthony , Tay Matthew Zirui , Chang Zi Wei , Poh Chek Meng , Young Barnaby Edward , Tambyah Paul A. , Kalimuddin Shirin , Leo Yee-Sin , Lye David C. , Lee Bernett , Biswas Subhra , Howland Shanshan Wu , Renia Laurent , Ng Lisa F. P.
Published: October 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) that have become dominant as the pandemic progresses bear the ORF8 mutation together with multiple spike mutations. A 382-nucleotide deletion (Δ382) in the ORF7b and ORF8 regions has been associated with milder disease phenotype and less systemic inflammation in COVID-19 patients. However, its impact on host immunity against SARS-CoV-2 remains undefined. Here, RNA-sequencing was performed to elucidate whole blood transcriptomic profiles and identify contrasting immune signatures between patients infected with either wildtype or Δ382 SARS-CoV-2 variant. Interestingly, the immune landscape of Δ382 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients featured an increased adaptive immune response, evidenced by enrichment of genes related to T cell functionality, a more robust SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell immunity, as well as a more rapid antibody response. At the molecular level, eukaryotic initiation factor 2 signaling was found to be upregulated in patients bearing Δ382, and its associated genes were correlated with systemic levels of T cell-associated and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study provides more in-depth insight into the host–pathogen interactions of ORF8 with great promise as a therapeutic target to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Biomarkers of DNA Damage Response Enable Flow Cytometry-Based Diagnostic to Identify Inborn DNA Repair Defects in Primary Immunodeficiencies
Authors: Felgentreff Kerstin , Baumann Ulrich , Klemann Christian , Schuetz Catharina , Viemann Dorothee , Wetzke Martin , Pannicke Ulrich , von Hardenberg Sandra , Auber Bernd , Debatin Klaus-Michael , Jacobsen Eva-Maria , Hoenig Manfred , Schulz Ansgar , Schwarz Klaus
Published: October 2021

DNA damage is a constant event in every cell caused by exogenous factors such as ultraviolet and ionizing radiation (UVR/IR) and intercalating drugs, or endogenous metabolic and replicative stress. Proteins of the DNA damage response (DDR) network sense DNA lesions and induce cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, and apoptosis. Genetic defects of DDR or DNA repair proteins can be associated with immunodeficiency, bone marrow failure syndromes, and cancer susceptibility. Although various diagnostic tools are available to evaluate DNA damage, their quality to identify DNA repair deficiencies differs enormously and depends on affected pathways. In this study, we investigated the DDR biomarkers γH2AX (Ser139), p-ATM (Ser1981), and p-CHK2 (Thr68) using flow cytometry on peripheral blood cells obtained from patients with combined immunodeficiencies due to non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) defects and ataxia telangiectasia (AT) in response to low-dose IR. Significantly reduced induction of all three markers was observed in AT patients compared to controls. However, delayed downregulation of γH2AX was found in patients with NHEJ defects. In contrast to previous reports of DDR in cellular models, these biomarkers were not sensitive enough to identify ARTEMIS deficiency with sufficient reliability. In summary, DDR biomarkers are suitable for diagnosing NHEJ defects and AT, which can be useful in neonates with abnormal TREC levels (T cell receptor excision circles) identified by newborn screening. We conclude that DDR biomarkers have benefits and some limitations depending on the underlying DNA repair deficiency.
The role of GTPase-activating protein ARHGAP26 in human cancers
Authors: Zhang Lingye , Zhou Anni , Zhu Shengtao , Min Li , Liu Si , Li Peng , Zhang Shutian
Published: October 2021

Rho GTPases are molecular switches that play an important role in regulating the behavior of a variety of tumor cells. RhoA GTPase-activating protein 26 (ARHGAP26) is a GTPase-activating protein and inhibits the activity of Rho GTPases by promoting the hydrolytic ability of Rho GTPases. It also affects tumorigenesis and progression of various tumors through several methods, including formation of abnormal fusion genes and circular RNA. This review summarizes the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of ARHGAP26 in different tumors, proposes the potential clinical value of ARHGAP26 in cancer treatment, and discusses current issues that need to be addressed.
Listening to vaccine refusers
Authors: Kärki Kaisa
Published: October 2021

In bioethics vaccine refusal is often discussed as an instance of free riding on the herd immunity of an infectious disease. However, the social science of vaccine refusal suggests that the reasoning behind refusal to vaccinate more often stems from previous negative experiences in healthcare practice as well as deeply felt distrust of healthcare institutions. Moreover, vaccine refusal often acts like an exit mechanism. Whilst free riding is often met with sanctions, exit, according to Albert Hirschman’s theory of exit and voice is most efficiently met by addressing concerns and increasing the quality and number of feedback channels. If the legitimate grievances responsible for vaccine refusal are not heard or addressed by healthcare policy, further polarization of attitudes to vaccines is likely to ensue. Thus, there is a need in the bioethics of vaccine refusal to understand the diverse ethical questions of this inflammable issue in addition to those of individual responsibility to vaccinate.
The effects of hyperuricemia on endothelial cells are mediated via GLUT9 and the JAK2/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Nie Qian , Liu Miaomiao , Zhang Zhimei , Zhang Xuemei , Wang Chao , Song Guangyao
Published: October 2021

Background

Uric acid (UA) transporters mediate the uptake and outflow of UA, and are greatly involved in the control of UA concentrations. Glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9), one of the UA transporters, has been confirmed to be expressed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). This study aimed to characterize GLUT9’s effect on intracellular UA accumulation in HUVECs in a high-UA environment and to explore the mechanism of cellular dysfunction.

Methods and results

HUVECs were treated with UA to establish a model of cellular dysfunction. Then, UA uptake, GLUT9 expression and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) amounts were measured. UA uptake was concentration- and time-dependent, and UA treatment significantly reduced nitric oxide (NO) levels and eNOS activity. UA also upregulated pro-inflammatory molecules and GLUT9, and increased intracellular ROS amounts in HUVECs. GLUT9 knockdown reduced UA uptake and ROS content, but antioxidant treatment did not reduce GLUT9 expression. To assess the function of JAK2/STAT3 signaling, HUVECs were treated with UA, and the phosphorylation levels of JAK2, STAT3, IL-6 and SOCS3 were increased by a high concentration of UA. In addition, GLUT9 knockdown reduced the phosphorylation of JAK2/STAT3 intermediates and increased p-eNOS amounts.

Conclusions

GLUT9 mediated the effects of high UA levels on HUVECs by increasing the cellular uptake of UA, activating JAK2/STAT3 signaling, and reduced the production of active eNOS and NO in HUVECs.
Independent Retailer Restocking Choices in Urban Goods Movement and Interaction Effects with Traditional Markets
Authors: Nugroho Taufiq Suryo , Balijepalli Chandra , Whiteing Anthony
Published: October 2021

Traditional markets play a key role in local supply chains in many countries, often influencing retailer decisions due to their inherent attractiveness. In contrast to restocking choices for retailers as part of large chains, choices of independent retailers driven by local traditional markets have not been widely researched and are not well understood. This paper analyses the factors influencing independent retailer restocking choices and investigates the interplay between the presence of traditional markets and retailer choices. Bandung city in Indonesia is chosen for the study where independent retailers are prevalent, and where a number of traditional markets are thriving. A retrospective questionnaire was used to capture independent retailer restocking behaviour and generation models were calibrated to arrive at the trip propensity. Discrete choice models were estimated to explain the retailer preferences for supplier location and transport service choice. Results indicate that trips generated by independent retailers are explained by the presence of traditional markets and retailers’ vehicle ownership, in addition to the standard variables such as number of persons employed, weekly goods demand and average shipment weight. As for restocking location choice, retailers are more likely to choose suppliers within a traditional market where the number of wholesaler units is larger. Furthermore, the choice of traditional markets has a positive influence on whether retailers choose to use their own vehicle to restock their shops.
Phenomenological psychology and qualitative research
Authors: Englander Magnus , Morley James
Published: October 2021

This article presents the tradition of phenomenologically founded psychological research that was originally initiated by Amedeo Giorgi. This data analysis method is inseparable from the broader project of establishing an autonomous phenomenologically based human scientific psychology. After recounting the history of the method from the 1960’s to the present, we explain the rationale for why we view data collection as a process that should be adaptable to the unique mode of appearance of each particular phenomenon being researched. The substance of the article is then devoted to a detailed outline of the method’s whole-part-whole procedure of data analysis. We then offer a sample analysis of a brief description of an ordinary daydream. This is an anxiety daydream in response to the recent Covid-19 pandemic. We present this daydream analysis in full to show the concrete hands-on 5 step process through which the researcher explicated the participants’ expressions from the particular to the general. From this brief sample analysis, the researcher offers a first-person reflection on the data analysis process to offer the reader an introduction to the diacritical nature of phenomenological psychological elucidation.
Cultural citizenship without state: historical roots of the modern Polish citizenship model
Authors: Zarycki Tomasz , Smoczyński Rafał , Warczok Tomasz
Published: October 2021

Citizenship is usually seen as a product of modern nation-states, or of other political entities which possess institutional infrastructures and political systems capable of producing a coherent framework that defines the relationship between that system and its members. In this paper, we show that an early system of modern citizenship was created in the absence of a formal state, notably by the cultural elite of a stateless nation. The Polish case illustrates that an elite may become a dominant class in the given society only later, and institutionalize that early citizenship system within the framework of a newly founded state. As a result of the legacy of the emergence of citizenship predating the restoration of statehood, the contemporary Polish citizenship model is influenced by a strong and largely overlooked cultural component that emerged at the turn of the 19th century. This model uses the figure of the intelligentsia member as its ideal citizen. Despite the dramatic political and economic changes in the decades which have passed since its emergence, this cultural frame, which was institutionalized during the interwar period, still defines the key features of the Polish citizenship model. Consequently, we argue that the culturalization of citizenship is hardly a new phenomenon. It can be seen as a primary mechanism in the formation of civic polities within the imperial context. Moreover, it shows that such processes can have many ambiguous aspects as far as their Orientalizing forces of exclusion are concerned.
Leaving No One Behind: An Individual-Level Approach to Measuring Multidimensional Poverty in Botswana
Authors: Lekobane Khaufelo Raymond
Published: October 2021

The Leave No One Behind principle is at the core of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development and acknowledges that poverty is multidimensional and should be examined at individual level. Notwithstanding this, most empirical studies use the household as the unit of analysis for multidimensional poverty measurement. However, estimation of poverty levels at household-level underestimates poverty levels of the society and does not capture intra-household inequalities. The objective of this study is two-fold: (1) developing a country-specific individual-level multidimensional poverty measure; and (2) providing estimates of multidimensional poverty for Botswana. This study contributes to the limited literature on individual-level multidimensional poverty measurement. Empirically, this study offers the first attempt to estimate a nationally relevant and context-specific multidimensional poverty index for Botswana using the individual as a unit of analysis. The results reveal that an estimated 46.2% of individuals are considered multidimensionally poor based on individual-level analysis. This figure is higher than the household-level estimate of 36.5%, which indicates that using the household as a unit of analysis leads to underestimating poverty levels in the society. The results show that on average, the multidimensionally poor are deprived in 47.4% of all indicators under consideration. This finding indicates that multidimensional poverty intensity is also a considerable concern in Botswana. These findings warrant policy interventions.
Jack D. Dunitz (1923–2021): a chemists’ crystallographer
Authors: Hargittai Istvan
Published: October 2021

Jack D. Dunitz (1923–2021) was Professor of Chemical Crystallography at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich. He received his degrees from Glasgow University, was at the ETH Zurich since 1957, and retired in 1990. His research interests included crystal structure analysis as a tool for solving chemical problems, polymorphism, solid state reactions, and a broad area of structural variations during chemical events under the umbrella term of structure correlation.
Developing a System Dynamics Model for the Nizhniy Kaban and Sredniy Kaban Lakes, Kazan, Russia, Assessing the Impacts of Phosphorus and Nitrogen Inputs on Lake Ecology
Authors: Frolova Liudmila L. , Sverdrup Antoniy Elias , Sverdrup Harald Ulrik
Published: October 2021

The Kaban Lakes Integrated Assessment Model (KLIAM) was developed for the lake hydrology, chemistry, and plankton dynamics of the Nizhniy Kaban and Sredniy Kaban lakes, Kazan, Russia. KLIAM is able to describe the variations seen in the Kaban lakes chemical and biological states as far seen through measurements available at the moment. KLIAM is able to reconstruct the lake history as it is approximately known from the data and written narratives. KLIAM was used to assess the measures to return the lakes to their original pre-urban status as alkaline and semi-oligotrophic lakes. The Kaban Lakes periodically goes through plankton blooms, as seen in the lake in the last decades since before World War II, which are caused by plankton growth promoted by phosphorus and nitrogen coming to the lakes as pollution from the human environment. In the new plans for development of the area surrounding the Nizhniy Kaban and Sredniy Kaban lakes, we suggest that attention is paid to reducing phosphorus and nitrogen flows to the lakes, as the best way to improve their ecological status. This is based on simulations with KLIAM. We recommend that the monitoring of lake chemistry and lake ecology is improved with reoccurring analysis of samples from the Kaban Lakes.
The frontal aslant tract and its role in executive functions: a quantitative tractography study in glioma patients
Authors: Landers Maud J. F. , Meesters Stephan P. L. , van Zandvoort Martine , de Baene Wouter , Rutten Geert-Jan M.
Published: October 2021

Focal white matter lesions can cause cognitive impairments due to disconnections within or between networks. There is some preliminary evidence that there are specific hubs and fiber pathways that should be spared during surgery to retain cognitive performance. A tract potentially involved in important higher-level cognitive processes is the frontal aslant tract. It roughly connects the posterior parts of the inferior frontal gyrus and the superior frontal gyrus. Functionally, the left frontal aslant tract has been associated with speech and the right tract with executive functions. However, there currently is insufficient knowledge about the right frontal aslant tract’s exact functional importance. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the right frontal aslant tract in executive functions via a lesion-symptom approach. We retrospectively examined 72 patients with frontal glial tumors and correlated measures from tractography (distance between tract and tumor, and structural integrity of the tract) with cognitive test performances. The results indicated involvement of the right frontal aslant tract in shifting attention and letter fluency. This involvement was not found for the left tract. Although this study was exploratory, these converging findings contribute to a better understanding of the functional frontal subcortical anatomy. Shifting attention and letter fluency are important for healthy cognitive functioning, and when impaired they may greatly influence a patient’s wellbeing. Further research is needed to assess whether or not damage to the right frontal aslant tract causes permanent cognitive impairments, and consequently identifies this tract as a critical pathway that should be taken into account during neurosurgical procedures.
The main anammox-based processes, the involved microbes and the novel process concept from the application perspective
Authors: Guo Yan , Luo Zibin , Shen Junhao , Li Yu-You
Published: October 2021

Anammox technology has been widely researched over the past 40-year from the laboratory-scale to full-scale. It is well-known that in actual applications, the solo application of anammox is not feasible. Since both ammonium and nitrite are prerequisites based on the reaction mechanism, the pre-treatment of wastewater is necessary. With the combination of anammox process and other pre-treatment processes to treat the actual wastewater, many types of anammox-based processes have been developed with distinct nitrogen removal performance. Thus, in order to heighten the awareness of researchers to the developments and accelerate the application of these processes to the treatment of actual wastewater, the main anammox-based processes are reviewed in this paper. It includes the partial nitritation/anammox process, the denitratation/anammox (PD/A) process, the denitrifying anaerobic methane oxidation/anammox (DAMO/A) process, and more complex deuterogenic processes. These processes have made the breakthroughs in the application of the anammox technology, such as the combination of nitrification and PD/A process can achieve stability and reliability of nitrogen removal in the treatment of mainstream wastewater, the PD/A process and the DAMO/A have brought about further improvements in the total nitrogen removal efficiency of wastewater. The diversity of functional microbe characteristics under the specific condition indicate the wide application potential of anammox-based processes, and further exploration is necessary. A whole waste treatment system concept is proposed through the effective allocation of above mentioned processes, with the maximum recovery of energy and resources, and minimal environmental impact.
A White Paper on Collagen Hydrolyzates and Ultrahydrolyzates: Potential Supplements to Support Joint Health in Osteoarthritis?
Authors: Mobasheri Ali , Mahmoudian Armaghan , Kalvaityte Ursule , Uzieliene Ilona , Larder Christina E. , Iskandar Michèle M. , Kubow Stan , Hamdan Paulo Cesar , de Almeida Cyro Scala , Favazzo Lacey J. , van Loon Luc J.C. , Emans Pieter J. , Plapler Pérola G. , Zuscik Michael J.
Published: October 2021

Purpose of Review

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common forms of arthritis in the general population, accounting for more pain and functional disability than any other musculoskeletal disease. There are currently no approved disease modifying drugs for OA. In the absence of effective pharmacotherapy, many patients with OA turn to nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals, including collagen derivatives. Collagen hydrolyzates and ultrahydrolyzates are terms used to describe collagens that have been broken down into small peptides and amino acids in the presence of collagenases and high pressure.

Recent Findings

This article reviews the relevant literature and serves as a White Paper on collagen hydrolyzates and ultrahydrolyzates as emerging supplements often advertised to support joint health in OA. Collagen hydrolyzates have demonstrated some evidence of efficacy in a handful of small scale clinical trials, but their ability to treat and reverse advanced joint disease remains highly speculative, as is the case for other nutritional supplements.

The aim of this White Paper is to stimulate research and development of collagen-based supplements for patients with OA and other musculoskeletal diseases at academic and industrial levels. This White Paper does not make any treatment recommendations for OA patients in the clinical context, but simply aims to highlight opportunities for scientific innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, which are crucial for the development of novel products and nutritional interventions based on the best available and published evidence.
A Novel SCA3 Knock-in Mouse Model Mimics the Human SCA3 Disease Phenotype Including Neuropathological, Behavioral, and Transcriptional Abnormalities Especially in Oligodendrocytes
Authors: Haas Eva , Incebacak Rana D. , Hentrich Thomas , Huridou Chrisovalantou , Schmidt Thorsten , Casadei Nicolas , Maringer Yacine , Bahl Carola , Zimmermann Frank , Mills James D. , Aronica Eleonora , Riess Olaf , Schulze-Hentrich Julia M. , Hübener-Schmid Jeannette
Published: October 2021

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 is the most common autosomal dominant inherited ataxia worldwide, caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the Ataxin-3 gene resulting in a polyglutamine (polyQ)-expansion in the corresponding protein. The disease is characterized by neuropathological, phenotypical, and specific transcriptional changes in affected brain regions. So far, there is no mouse model available representing all the different aspects of the disease, yet highly needed for a better understanding of the disease pathomechanisms. Here, we characterized a novel Ataxin-3 knock-in mouse model, expressing a heterozygous or homozygous expansion of 304 CAACAGs in the murine Ataxin-3 locus using biochemical, behavioral, and transcriptomic approaches. We compared neuropathological, and behavioral features of the new knock-in model with the in SCA3 research mostly used YAC84Q mouse model. Further, we compared transcriptional changes found in cerebellar samples of the SCA3 knock-in mice and post-mortem human SCA3 patients. The novel knock-in mouse is characterized by the expression of a polyQ-expansion in the murine Ataxin-3 protein, leading to aggregate formation, especially in brain regions known to be vulnerable in SCA3 patients, and impairment of Purkinje cells. Along these neuropathological changes, the mice showed a reduction in body weight accompanied by gait and balance instability. Transcriptomic analysis of cerebellar tissue revealed age-dependent differential expression, enriched for genes attributed to myelinating oligodendrocytes. Comparing these changes with those found in cerebellar tissue of SCA3 patients, we discovered an overlap of differentially expressed genes pointing towards similar gene expression perturbances in several genes linked to myelin sheaths and myelinating oligodendrocytes.
From Value to Valuation: Pragmatist and Hermeneutic Orientations for Assessing Science on the International Space Station
Authors: Castaño Paola
Published: October 2021

Based on a study of the International Space Station (ISS), this paper argues that – as a set of orientations for sociological inquiry – pragmatism and hermeneutics are confluent frameworks to examine valuation as a social process. This confluence is grounded on their common attunement to valuing as a problematic and relational process, their equally common updates with theories of institutions, and a further conceptual development regarding the temporalities of valuation. I advance the argument in four steps. First, looking at how the question about the “scientific value” of the ISS is far from settled, I show how valuation is always about something considered problematic and indeterminate. Second, characterizing the ISS at the intersection of different criteria of assessment, I stress the nature of valuation as a fundamentally perspectival and interpretive process, and show how a hermeneutic approach can complement some of the limitations of pragmatism in this regard. Third, I look at the question of institutions considering how some modes of assessment sediment more successfully than others. Fourth, I argue that, while providing insights towards it, pragmatist and hermeneutic approaches to valuation have not fully grasped its temporal nature as a process, and outline ways to open this line of inquiry. I conclude with some ideas for studies in sociology of science to re-entangle detailed case studies of scientific practice with the study of how institutions make claims of worth about the nature of science, I propose ways to extend these arguments to other studies of what I calliridescent institutions, and I make some considerations about our stance as sociologists in these valuation disputes.
Children’s Intention to Adopt Social Robots: A Model of its Distal and Proximal Predictors
Authors: de Jong Chiara , Peter Jochen , Kühne Rinaldo , Barco Alex
Published: October 2021

Social robots have increasingly been entering children’s daily lives and their domestic environment. Whereas various studies have shown children’s enthusiasm towards social robots in, for example, an educational context, little is known about children’s acceptance—or rejection—of domestic social robots. This paper aimed at filling this research gap by developing a model of children’s intention to adopt a social robot at home, based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. Relying on data from a survey among 570 children aged eight to nine, we found that, before having ever interacted with the robot in real life, 82% of the children were willing to adopt the robot at home. Children’s adoption intention was mainly predicted by hedonic attitudes and social norms, as well as by their general attitude towards robots, which was linked to adoption both directly and indirectly through hedonic attitudes and social norms. Our findings suggest that entertainment-related and normative considerations drive children’s intention to adopt a domestic social robot.
Pigments — Mercury-based red (cinnabar-vermilion) and white (calomel) and their degradation products
Authors: Gliozzo Elisabetta
Published: October 2021

This article summarises the history of cinnabar, from its first uses in burials to modern oils on canvas. After a brief introduction on mercury and contamination issues, the article gets to the heart of the topic. First, mercury-based minerals significant for studying pigments,i.e. cinnabar, metacinnabar, hypercinnabar and calomel, are presented. Structural information and properties precede an overview of the geographic distribution of cinnabar deposits. The following section addresses the multiple uses of cinnabar, divided into funerary use, decorative use, lustre and Chinese lacquer production. The use of cinnabar for writing (ink), medicine and cosmetics is briefly described, and a shortlist of uncommon finds is further provided. The following section approaches inherent but less known topics such as cinnabar procurement, trade, production technology, application and alteration. An entire section is dedicated to calomel before concluding with an overview of the analytical methods for the characterisation and provenance investigation of cinnabar.
Approach to shape factor determination in estimating horizontal wells productivity for pressure transient model of Mutalik et al.
Authors: Al-Kabbawi Firas A. A.
Published: October 2021

Horizontal well productivity (Jh) equation at pseudo-steady state (PSS) of Mutalik et al. (in: Presented at SPE 63rd annual technical conference and exhibition, Houston, Texas, 1988) has long and widely been known to estimate well performance. One key parameter of that equation is the so-called shape factor (CA) that characterizes the effect of the pressure transient behavior at PSS depending on well and reservoir configuration. For limited well and reservoir configurations, CA tables had been generated decades ago, but at unknown accuracy they are still used widely via tedious correlation or interpolation from those reported CA tables to estimate Jh for different configurations even today. The innovation points in this study are as follows: (1) The pressure transient model of Mutalik et al. (in: Presented at SPE 63rd annual technical conference and exhibition, Houston, Texas, 1988) (PTM) is improved to generalized pressure transient model (GPTM) and verified by converting several dimensional parameters to dimensionless forms. (2) An efficient algorithm is developed, and accurate CA and Jh are obtained for any well and reservoir configuration. (3) The accuracy of the reported CA tables is quantified, and the consequences are determined when they are used to estimate Jh. (4) New CA tables and their correspondence dimensionless time based on drainage area at PSS ((TDA)PSS) tables are generated for a wider range of well and reservoir configurations. Although horizontal wells usually have been drilled with high dimensionless well length (LD) industrially (i.e., LD > 10), it is still a significant error in Jh by (< 7%) that has been determined when using the reported CA of PTM for rectangular reservoir aspect ratio (xe/ye) = (1) and (2) in the both assumed input data, while for (xe/ye = 5), significant error in Jh starts from (46.43%) to (1037%) for LD = (10) to (100), respectively, in the first assumed input data [variable, dimensionless wellbore radius (rWD)] and expected the same in the second assumed input data (constant rWD).
Use of two vertical injectors in place of a horizontal injector to improve the efficiency and stability of THAI in situ combustion process for producing heavy oils
Authors: Ado Muhammad Rabiu
Published: October 2021

The current commercial technologies used to produce heavy oils and bitumen are carbon-, energy-, and wastewater-intensive. These make them to be out of line with the global efforts of decarbonisation. Alternative processes such as the toe-to-heel air injection (THAI) that works as an in situ combustion process that uses horizontal producer well to recover partially upgraded oil from heavy oils and bitumen reservoirs are needed. However, THAI is yet to be technically and economically well proven despite pilot and semi-commercial operations. Some studies concluded using field data that THAI is a low-oil-production-rate process. However, no study has thoroughly investigated the simultaneous effects of start-up methods and wells configuration on both the short and long terms stability, sustainability, and profitability of the process. Using THAI validated model, three models having a horizontal producer well arranged in staggered line drive with the injector wells are simulated using CMG STARS. Model A has two vertical injectors via which steam was used for pre-ignition heating, and models B and C each has a horizontal injector via which electrical heater and steam were respectively used for pre-ignition heating. It is found that during start-up, ultimately, steam injection instead of electrical heating should be used for the pre-ignition heating. Clearly, it is shown that model A has higher oil production rates after the increase in air flux and also has a higher cumulative oil recovery of 2350 cm3 which is greater than those of models B and C by 9.6% and 4.3% respectively. Thus, it can be concluded that for long-term projects, model A settings and wells configuration should be used. Although it is now discovered that the peak temperature cannot in all settings tell how healthy a combustion front is, it has revealed that model A does indeed have far more stable, safer, and efficient combustion front burning quality and propagation due to the maintenance of very high peak temperatures of mostly greater than 600 °C and very low concentrations of produced oxygen of lower than 0.4 mol% compared to up to 2.75 mol% in model C and 1 mol% in model B. Conclusively, since drilling of, and achieving uniform air distribution in horizontal injector (HI) well in actual field reservoir are costly and impracticable at the moment, and that electrical heating will require unphysically long time before mobilised fluids reach the HP well as heat transfer is mainly by conduction, these findings have shown decisively that the easy-and-cheaper-to-drill two vertical injector wells configured in a staggered line drive pattern with the horizontal producer should be used, and steam is thus to be used for pre-ignition heating.
The impact of permeability heterogeneity on water-alternating-gas displacement in highly stratified heterogeneous reservoirs
Authors: Khan Mohammad Yunus , Mandal Ajay
Published: October 2021

Availability of gases at the field level makes attractive to water-alternating-gas (WAG) process for low viscosity and light oils carbonate reservoir. However, impact of reservoir heterogeneity on WAG performance is crucial before field application. In general, ramp carbonates have heterogeneity due to variation of permeability and porosity. However, WAG performance significantly affected by permeability variations. This article investigates merits and demerits of WAG displacement due to permeability heterogeneities such as permeability anisotropy, high permeability streaks (HKS), matrix permeability, dolomite and thin dense stylolite layers. High-resolution compositional simulations with tuned equation of state (EoS) were carried out using 2D and 3D sector models. The study focuses on WAG performance in terms of oil recovery, vertical sweep, solvent utilization, gas oil ratio (GOR), water cut (WCT), WAG response time, gravity override, hysteresis, un-contacted oil saturation and economics. The results of simulation show that the heterogeneous reservoir provides initially faster WAG response, lower expected ultimate recovery (EUR), faster gas breakthrough, higher GOR and WCT production compared to homogeneous reservoir. The gas gravity override at smaller wells spacing is less in homogeneous reservoir as compared to heterogeneous reservoir, but it is reverse in case of larger well spacing. In heterogeneous reservoir, the HKS shows significant gas override resulting in poor vertical sweep due to capillary holding, and the high permeability dolomite layer shows early water breakthrough. This reservoir has higher solvent utilization in initial stage, and then, it becomes nearly equal to homogeneous reservoir. Simulation in both reservoirs overestimates incremental recovery of 2–3% OOIP at one pore volume injection because of not involving un-contacted oil saturation as predicted in core flood. The findings of this study will help to understand WAG performance and design in highly heterogeneous reservoirs for field applications.

Graphical abstract
Colorectal cancer promoter methylation alteration affects the expression of glutamate ionotropic receptor AMPA type subunit 4 alternative isoforms potentially relevant in colon tissue
Authors: Vega-Benedetti Ana Florencia , Loi Eleonora , Moi Loredana , Restivo Angelo , Cabras Francesco , Deidda Simona , Pretta Andrea , Ziranu Pina , Orrù Sandra , Scartozzi Mario , Zorcolo Luigi , Zavattari Patrizia
Published: October 2021

DNA methylation alterations are early events during tumourigenesis, affecting genes involved in the crosstalk between cells and surroundings in colorectal cancer (CRC). Among these genes, GRIA4, Glutamate Ionotropic Receptor AMPA Type Subunit 4, displays hypermethylation in the promoter region, and is an early diagnostic biomarker. It is well known that methylation can also affect alternative transcription. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the expression, at transcript and protein level, of GRIA4 main isoforms (the canonical one and a short variant) in 23 CRC and matched normal samples, of which we previously verified the methylation status. We further predicted miRNA/transcript target interactions as a possible post-transcriptional regulation using bioinformatics tools. As expected, downregulation of both variants has been observed in tumours. Interestingly, in contrast to what observed at transcriptional level, the GluR4 protein short isoform displayed higher expression than the canonical one either in normal or tumoural tissues. This may be explained by miRNA specifically targeting the canonical isoform. Our study is the first one that shows the expression of both isoforms in colon tissues. To note, the evident expression of the short isoform suggests a functional role in intestinal cell biology.
Associations of pre-pandemic levels of physical function and physical activity with COVID-19-like symptoms during the outbreak
Authors: Saadeh Marguerita , Calderón-Larrañaga Amaia , Vetrano Davide Liborio , von Rosen Philip , Fratiglioni Laura , Welmer Anna-Karin
Published: October 2021

Background

One’s physical function and physical activity levels can predispose or protect from the development of respiratory infections. We aimed to explore the associations between pre-pandemic levels of physical function and physical activity and the development of COVID-19-like symptoms in Swedish older adults.

Methods

We analyzed data from 904 individuals aged ≥ 68 years from the population-based Swedish National study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen. COVID-19-like symptoms were assessed by phone interview (March–June 2020) and included fever, cough, sore throat and/or a cold, headache, pain in muscles, legs and joints, loss of taste and/or odor, breathing difficulties, chest pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, and eye inflammation. Muscle strength, mobility, and physical activity were examined in 2016–2018 by objective testing. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models in the total sample and stratifying by age.

Results

During the first outbreak of the pandemic, 325 (36%) individuals from our sample developed COVID-19-like symptoms. Those with slower performance in the chair stand test had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–2.1) for presenting with COVID-19-like symptoms compared to better performers, after adjusting for potential confounders. The association was even higher among people aged ≥ 80 years (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.5–4.7). No significant associations were found between walking speed or engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and the likelihood to develop COVID-19-like symptoms.

Conclusion

Poor muscle strength, a possible indicator of frailty, may predispose older adults to higher odds of developing COVID-19-like symptoms, especially among the oldest-old.
Probabilistic measures of edge criticality in graphs: a study in water distribution networks
Authors: Ponti Andrea , Candelieri Antonio , Giordani Ilaria , Archetti Francesco
Published: October 2021

The issue of vulnerability and robustness in networks have been addressed by several methods. The goal is to identify which are the critical components (i.e., nodes/edges) whose failure impairs the functioning of the network and how much this impacts the ensuing increase in vulnerability. In this paper we consider the drop in the network robustness as measured by the increase in vulnerability of the perturbed network and compare it with the original one. Traditional robustness metrics are based on centrality measures, the loss of efficiency and spectral analysis. The approach proposed in this paper sees the graph as a set of probability distributions and computes, specifically the probability distribution of its node to node distances and computes an index of vulnerability through the distance between the node-to-node distributions associated to original network and the one obtained by the removal of nodes and edges. Two such distances are proposed for this analysis: Jensen–Shannon and Wasserstein, based respectively on information theory and optimal transport theory, which are shown to offer a different characterization of vulnerability. Extensive computational results, including two real-world water distribution networks, are reported comparing the new approach to the traditional metrics. This modelling and algorithmic framework can also support the analysis of other networked infrastructures among which power grids, gas distribution and transit networks.
Basic Creep-Fatigue Models Considering Cavitation
Authors: Sandström Rolf
Published: October 2021

Cavitation plays a central role during creep-fatigue. During recent years, fundamental models for initiation and growth of creep cavities that do not involve any adjustable parameters have been developed. These models have successfully been used to predict creep rupture data for austenitic stainless steels again without using adjustable parameters. However, it appears that basic models have not yet been applied to creep-fatigue assessments. A summary of the fundamental cavitation models is given. A model for monotonous deformation is transferred to cyclic loading. The parameter values are kept except that the dynamic recovery constant is raised due to increased interactions between dislocations during cycling. This model is successfully compared with observed LCF and TMF hysteresis loops. A new model for cavity growth due to plastic deformation is presented. The model is formulated in such a way that the condition for constrained growth is automatically satisfied. In this way, it is avoided to overestimate the growth rate.
Presence, Absence, and Alterity: Fire Space and Goffman’s Selves in Postdigital Education
Authors: Gourlay Lesley
Published: October 2021

The literature on space in higher education has arguably been dominated by the concept of ‘learning spaces’. In this paper, I will argue that this construct, while appearing student-focused and creative, is ideologically circumscribed by an underlying social constructivism. Following Bayne et al. (2014), I draw on science and technology studies to consider social topologies, in particular regional space,network space, and their proposedfluid space, and the work of Law and colleagues on the category offire space, derived from Bachelard’s (The Psychoanalysis of Fire, 1964) disquisition on the nature of fire. I work with this construct in an analysis of postdigital education, in particular looking at synchronous interaction via video conferencing software such as Zoom. Linking this analysis to the work of Goffman and his concept of the lecturerselves(Goffman inForms of Talk, 1981), I argue that the concept offire spacemay allow for a more nuanced and accurate account of the flickering, contingent nature of (co) presence, absence, and alterity, allowing for a more immanent account of digital interaction in ‘distance’ or ‘online’ education.
Steam gasification of municipal solid waste for hydrogen production using Aspen Plus® simulation
Authors: Shafiq Hamza , Azam Shakir Ul , Hussain Arshad
Published: October 2021

Approximately 50 million ton of municipal waste is generated in Pakistan per annum and most of this waste does not reach final deposit sites. In this research, Silvia gas technology for municipal solid waste (MSW) steam gasification is studied to produce high energy density product gas. A detailed simulation model is developed with the help of Aspen Plus®. Catalyst coal bottom ash along with lime (CaO) as sorbent is employed for tar reduction and improving the hydrogen (H2) yield in the product gas. The effect of gasification operating temperature and the ratio of steam to feedstock on synthetic gas composition, hydrogen (H2) yield and heating values of synthesis gas was studied. Coal bottom ash along with CaO had a substantial effect on hydrogen (H2) yield and synthesis gas production. Rise in steam–MSW ratio increased the hydrogen (H2) from 58 to 74.9% (vol.). The maximum value of hydrogen (H2) production, i.e., 74.9% by vol. was achieved at a steam–feedstock ratio of 1.9. A maximum of 79.8% by vol. hydrogen (H2) was attained at 680 °C gasification operating temperature with 1.3 ratio of steam to feedstock and coal bottom ash 0.07% by wt. High value of 13.1 MJ/Nm3 of hydrogen-rich synthetic gas was achieved at 680 °C. The acquired results lay the foundation for the economic feasibility study and pilot plant for MSW usage for hydrogen production.