bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RESPONSIVENESS OF WINTER WHEAT TO FERTILIZING WITH COMPLEX CONCENTRATED FERTILIZER IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE ANCESTRAL REGION OF THE REPUBLIC OF TATARSTAN
Authors: Amirov Marat , Cvetkov Timur
Published: December 2022

This article presents the results of studying the effect of foliar fertilizing with concentrated complex liquid fertilizer Ultramag Combi in the phase of tillering and earing of winter wheat with doses of 1 l/ha and 2 l/ha, in 2021-2022. The studies were carried out with winter soft wheat of the Scepter variety on the basis of Agrobiotechnopark LLC at the Kazan State Agrarian University on gray forest soils with a humus content of more than 3.0%, mobile phosphorus of more than 250 mg/kg according to Kirsanov, exchangeable potassium of 121-170 mg/ kg, the reaction of the soil medium close to a neutral pH of 6.6. Accounting for the density of seedlings, the structure of plant yield was carried out by the method of sites. Accounting for the actual yield of winter wheat grain was carried out for all variants by a continuous method, followed by conversion to standard (14%) humidity and 100% purity [GOST 13586.5-2015; GOST 30483-97], determination of the quantity and quality of gluten in wheat grain – according to GOST R 54478-2011. The use of complex concentrated fertilizer Ultramag Combi with foliar top dressing in the tillering phase of winter wheat with doses of 1 and 2 l / ha increased the growth of dry biomass, productive bushiness, the safety of seedlings for harvesting, the mass of 1000 grains and the mass of grain from 1 ear, which eventually increased the biological yield compared with the control. Foliar top dressing with Ultramag Combi preparation in the phase of tillering and earing of winter wheat with a dose of 1 l / ha on average over the years of research increased grain yield by 9.5%, and when using a dose of 2 l/ha in the same phases of winter wheat development, the yield increase reached 16.8%.
Optimization of Vitamin E Extraction from Rice Bran Oil Deodorizer Distillate using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Yort Laichheang , Singanusong Riantong , Yuenyong Jitkunya , Sookwong Phumon , Jiamyangyuen Sudarat
Published: December 2022

Rice bran oil deodorizer distillate (RBODD) is the low valuable secondary product of refinery rice bran oil. However, RBODD contains bioactive compounds such as vitamin E, gamma-oryzanols, and phytosterols. To increase value of vitamin E obtained from underutilized product, tocopherols and tocotrienols were extracted from RBODD using ethanol followed by a freezing step. The response surface method (RSM) is known as a potential tool for optimizing processing parameters in order to save time, energy, and chemical material. In current study, vitamin E extract (VEE) was extracted using ethanol and response surface method (RSM) was employed to investigate the optimum condition. The ratio of RBODD: ethanol (1:5, 1:10, and 1:15) and the incubation temperature (0, -20, and -40℃) of vitamin E extraction were used to design the experiment using a central composite design (CCD). Once the optimization process was completed, the RSM was executed using the following 5 responses simultaneously: VEET3, VEEToc, VEETot, RecoveryVEE, and YieldVEE. Results showed that values of each parameter were VEET3 (10.69-89.60 mg/g), VEEToc (2.85-23.37 mg/g), VEETot (13.53-112.97mg/g), RecoveryVEE (16.15-134.76%), and YieldVEE (12.64-44.48%). All model predictions were significant (p-value < 0.05), with non-significant lack of fit (> 0.05). In addition, the values of R2 and R2(Adj) of model were in the range of 0.922-0.988 and 0.893-0.982, respectively. According to these findings, response values were associated with RBODD:ethanol ratio and the incubation temperature. The ratio 1:9.5 (RBODD: Ethanol) and incubation temperature at -26.5 ℃ provided the optimal condition for vitamin E extraction from RBODD. At this optimum condition, it was determined that the predicted responses for VEET3, VEEToc, VEETot, RecoveryVEE, and YieldVEE were 81.87 mg/g, 23.70 mg/g, 103.64 mg/g, 123.63 %, and 20.05%, respectively. The obtained product with high content of tocopherol and tocotrienol can be used as ingredient in food as well as pharmaceutical applications.
Consumption of Cruciferous Foods, Ingestion of Glucosinolates and Goiter in a Region of Eastern Algeria
Authors: Mezdoud Afaf , Agli Selma , Agli Abdel-Nacer , Bahchachi Nora , Oulamara Hayet
Published: December 2022

This study is about the estimation of the consumption of cruciferous vegetables, and the search for a possible relationship between the ingestion of glucosinolates provided by these foods and the emergence of endemic goiter. A prospective cohort survey was carried out on 1098 subjects residing in the district of EL-MILIA (Algeria) where endemic goiter is known to estimate the consumption of crucifers. Total glucosinolates levels in cruciferous vegetables, cabbage, cauliflower, fresh and cooked turnip and radish were determined by the glucose release method. The goiter was detected by clinical investigation. Both various fresh and cooked cruciferous vegetables have the same total glucosinolates levels as reported in other studies. The prevalence of endemic goiter was 17.5 %. The average consumption of crucifers was 380.30 g per person a week, i.e. 54.32 g per person a day, and the weekly ingestion of glucosinolates per person was 369.4 μmoles, or 52.7 μmoles per day. No dependence was observed between the consumption of glucosinolates and the disease in general. However, isolated stage 2 and 3 of goiter were dependent on the consumption of glucosinolates ; stage 1 was not related to the disease. Despite the current consumption, at EL-MILIA, we estimate that glucosinolate’s ingestion does not cause goiter, but may worsen the condition of subjects already affected.
Implementing essential steps to manage obstetric emergencies in South Africa: midwives’ perspectives
Authors: Sewnunan Asha , Puckree Threethambal
Published: December 2022

Background/Aims

South Africa, and in particular the KwaZulu Natal province, failed to meet the millennium development goal of reducing maternal mortality rates by 2015. The new sustainable development goals provide another opportunity to achieve a maternal mortality rate of less than 70 maternal deaths per 100 000 live births by 2030. Despite implementation of the ‘essential steps in managing obstetric emergencies’ in KwaZulu Natal, the maternal mortality rate remains high. This study analysed midwives’ views of implementing the essential steps in managing obstetric emergencies guidelines in contributing to reducing the maternal mortality rate.

Methods

A total of 14 purposively chosen midwives trained in the essential steps in managing obstetric emergencies from all levels of hospitals and community health clinics in two of 11 randomly chosen districts in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, participated in a qualitative, unstructured interview. The interview focused on barriers and challenges to the effective implementation of the guidelines. The data were thematically analysed and presented as themes and subthemes.

Results

Effective implementation of the guidelines was obstructed by a lack of resources. The lack of staff, including those able to train others in the guidelines and doctors at the hospitals, as well as there being no obstetrician at community health centres, and the shortage of advanced midwives across facilities and wards impacted implementation of the guidelines. The lack of drugs, equipment and materials, such as manikin to simulate ‘fire drill’ training across facilities, contributed to ineffective management of emergencies. The participants believed that further efforts are required through collaborative teams to enhance implementation of the guidelines to achieve the sustainable development goals target before 2030.

Conclusions

Implementation of the essential steps in managing obstetric emergencies to reduce maternal mortality requires immediate, significant effort on the part of the Department of Health in KwaZulu Natal.
Birthing outside the guidelines: a qualitative study of student midwives' experiences
Authors: Morris Kimberley
Published: December 2022

Background

Choice in childbirth is not a new concept, yet it has been suggested that few service-users have a genuine choice about birth. Existing research has explored midwives' experiences of caring for service users birthing outside guidelines, but nothing is known about student midwives' experiences. This study's aim was to explore student midwives' experiences of caring for women giving birth outside the guidelines.

Methods

A generic qualitative approach was used, and purposive sampling recruited five student midwives from a university in east England. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically.

Results

The three themes were ‘contradictions’, focusing on the incongruity identified in the narratives, ‘the actions of clinicians’ illustrated by clinician behaviour witnessed by the participants and ‘punishment and judgement’, which outlines the treatment of service users who gave birth outside the guidelines.

Conclusions

Students can be exposed to inapt clinicians' behaviours, with the failure to protect and advocate for service users leaving them feeling anxious and potentially burnt out. Midwives should act as role models, so future midwives are aware this behaviour is not conducive to person-led care.
The spirit of social pedagogy: the alternative theory base of German child welfare
Authors: Frampton Magnus
Published: December 2022

While the term ‘social work’ has established itself internationally, many countries have alternative social professions with rich histories and distinct theory bases. This article examines a German example by theoretically considering a discipline central to child welfare: social pedagogy. The frameworks of key theorists are presented, reconstructing an intellectual lineage in education discourses and Continental philosophy. The case of social pedagogy acts as a reminder of mainstream theory bases quite different to those historically seen in Anglo-Saxon social work. Positivist perspectives are absent; instead, hermeneutics and critical theory have been dominant theoretical sources. Kant’s concept of Mündigkeit (‘maturity’), that is, the ability of a person to be a self-determining subject, reveals itself as the theoretical anchor point, linking the earliest theory making with later emancipatory and lifeworld approaches. The concepts that are recurrent in discourses can be amalgamated to define the discipline, and a tentative composite German social pedagogy definition is cautiously suggested.
Targeted photothrombotic subcortical small vessel occlusion using in vivo real-time fiber bundle endomicroscopy in mice
Authors: Kim Min-kyung , Choi Wonseok , Moon Hyuk-June , Han Sungmin , Shin Hyun-joon
Published: December 2022

The development of an accurate subcortical small vessel occlusion model for pathophysiological studies of subcortical ischemic stroke is still insignificant. In this study, in vivo real-time fiber bundle endomicroscopy (FBEµ) was applied to develop subcortical photothrombotic small vessel occlusion model in mice with minimal invasiveness. Our FBFµ system made it possible to precisely target specific blood vessels in deep brain and simultaneously observe the clot formation and blood flow blockage inside the target blood vessel during photochemical reactions. A fiber bundle probe was directly inserted into the anterior pretectal nucleus of the thalamus in brain of live mice to induce a targeted occlusion in small vessels. Then, targeted photothrombosis was performed using a patterned laser, observing the process through the dual-color fluorescence imaging. On day one post occlusion, infarct lesions are measured using TTC staining and post hoc histology. The results show that FBEµ applied to targeted photothrombosis can successfully generate a subcortical small vessel occlusion model for lacunar stroke.
Convex-shaped silicon-on-insulator waveguide for linear and nonlinear applications
Authors: Singhal Sridhar , Kar Sauradeep , Sharma Shubhanshi , Rehan Mohd , Kumari Rashmi , Varshney Shailendra K.
Published: December 2022

Dispersion engineering and enhanced light–matter interaction are the most desirable attributes for creating linear and nonlinear devices. It is always a challenging task to achieve both characteristics simultaneously. In this paper, we present a design of a silicon waveguide that provides not only enhanced light–matter interaction, measured through evanescent field strength, but also a platform to realize compact couplers and enhanced four-wave mixing efficiency. We make use of a convex-shaped design and numerically evaluate its modal characteristics. The design supports two zero dispersion wavelengths, from 1.2 µm to 1.3 µm and 1.7 µm to 1.8 µm, which can be tailored by changing the shape design parameters such as depth. Numerical simulations reveal that the depth of the convex shape affects both linear and nonlinear properties of the designed waveguide. We observe significant improvement of 15.2 dB in four-wave mixing efficiency when the waveguide is covered with a monolayer of graphene, illustrating the capabilities of such convex-shaped waveguides.
Ultra-wideband two-dimensional Airy beam generation with an amplitude-tailorable metasurface
Authors: Qu Kai , Li Bingqing , Zhao Junming , Chen Ke , Jiang Tian , Feng Yijun
Published: December 2022

Airy beams, accelerating optical beams with exotic properties of self-bending, self-healing and non-diffraction, are essential for a wide range of photonics applications. Recently, metasurfaces have provided an efficient platform for generating desired Airy beams within a thin thickness, but they suffer from the narrow bandwidth, especially for two-dimensional (2D) Airy beams. Here, we propose an amplitude-tailorable polarization-converting metasurface to enable ultra-wideband 2D Airy beam generation. The amplitude and phase profiles for the 2D Airy beam can be realized by tuning only the orientation of the multi-resonant meta-atom, which can operate in the range of 6.6 GHz to 23.7 GHz, or fractional bandwidth of 113%. An exemplary prototype is measured to validate the design principle, which is in agreement with the simulation results. The proposed method holds great promise for wavefront shaping, and may facilitate the uses of Airy beam for practical applications.
Mechanisms of enhanced sub-bandgap absorption in high-speed all-silicon avalanche photodiodes
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Sorin Wayne V. , Liang Di , Cheung Stanley , Peng Yiwei , Jain Mudit , Huang Zhihong , Fiorentino Marco , Beausoleil Raymond G.
Published: December 2022

All-silicon (Si) photodiodes have drawn significant interest due to their single and simple material system and perfect compatibility with complementary metal-oxide semiconductor photonics. With the help from a cavity enhancement effect, many of these photodiodes have shown considerably high responsivity at telecommunication wavelengths such as 1310 nm, yet the mechanisms for such high responsivity remain unexplained. In this work, an all-Si microring is studied systematically as a photodiode to unfold the various absorption mechanisms. At

−
6.4
  
V

, the microring exhibits responsivity up to

∼
0.53
  
A
/
W

with avalanche gain, a 3 dB bandwidth of

∼
25.5
  
GHz

, and open-eye diagrams up to 100 Gb/s. The measured results reveal the hybrid absorption mechanisms inside the device. A comprehensive model is reported to describe its working principle, which can guide future designs and make the all-Si microring photodiode a promising building block in Si photonics.
HIV risk perception and sexual behavior among HIV-uninfected men and transgender women who have sex with men in sub-Saharan Africa: Findings from the HPTN 075 qualitative sub-study
Authors: Mbilizi Chimwaza Yamikani R. , Dadabhai Sufia S. , Nyondo Mipando Alinane L. , Mbeda Calvin , Panchia Ravindre , Lucas Jonathan P. , Chege Wairimu , Hamilton Erica L. , Sandfort Theodorus G. M.
Published: December 2022

There remains a limited understanding of how men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) perceive their risk for HIV and how risk influences behavior during sexual interactions. We performed thematic analysis on in-depth interviews from the qualitative sub-study of HPTN 075 in Kenya, Malawi, and South Africa. Using the Integrated Behavioral Model (IBM) constructs, we found that most MSM and TGW perceived themselves to be at risk for HIV, leading them to regularly engage in safer sexual behaviors. Notably, even though these MSM and TGW perceived themselves to be at risk for HIV, some of them reported engaging in transactional sex, sex under the influence of alcohol, and intentional non-use of condoms. This indicates that HIV risk perception was not always associated with safer sexual behaviors or a reduction in risk behaviors. Attitudes (negative attitudes toward condom use), perceived norms (social pressures), and environment constraints (contextual barriers) were related to MSM and TGW not engaging in safe sexual behavior. Hearing the perspectives of MSM and TGW on their sexual behavior continues to be important for the development and implementation of effective prevention policies and interventions. Eliminating structural barriers such as stigma, discrimination, and criminalization of same-sex sexuality is a crucial prerequisite for the success of interventions to promote sexual health among MSM and TGW in SSA.
Improving knowledge, attitudes, and practices on dengue and diarrhea in rural primary school students, their parents, and teachers in Colombia: A cluster-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sarmiento-Senior Diana , Matiz Maria Ines , Vargas-Cruz Sandra , Jaramillo Juan Felipe , Olano Victor Alberto , Lenhart Audrey , Stenström Thor Axel , Alexander Neal , Overgaard Hans J.
Published: December 2022

Background

Improved education on water-related diseases in schools could help to reduce disease burden. This paper presents specific results on knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of a cluster-randomized controlled trial to reduce diarrheal disease and dengue entomological risk factors in rural primary schools in Colombia. The aim was to investigate whether enhanced educational interventions on dengue and diarrheal disease in schools could improve KAP scores related to these diseases in students and teachers in rural primary schools, as well as the students’ parents.

Methodology/Principal findings

A factorial cluster-randomized controlled trial was carried out in 35 rural primary schools in two municipalities in Cundinamarca, central Colombia. Schools were randomized into four arms: interventions related to diarrheal disease (DIA), dengue (DEN), both (DIADEN), or no interventions (control, CON). Both educational and physical interventions to reduce risk factors of dengue and diarrhea were implemented. Comprehensive teachers’ manuals were developed and deployed to guide the learning activities. The intervention was carried out over two school years. The knowledge scores of students receiving dengue interventions (DEN, DIADEN) increased by 1.16 point score (0.75–1.56, p<0.001) and those receiving diarrhea interventions (DIA, DIADEN) increased by 1.15 point score (0.67–1.63, p<0.001). The attitude and practice scores of students receiving the diarrhea interventions increased (Attitudes: 0.41 [0.11–0.71, p = 0.01]; Practices: 0.33 [0.01–0.65, p = 0.042]), but not for those receiving the dengue interventions (p = 0.31 and p = 0.08, respectively).

Conclusions/Significance

There were increases in knowledge scores among students, their teachers and their parents for both diseases. However, the attitudes and practices components were not affected to the same extent. The hypothesis that the students would disseminate knowledge acquired from the educational interventions to their parents was confirmed for dengue, but not for diarrhea.

Trial registration

ISRCTN40195031 The trial is registered in the Current Controlled Trials under Infections and Infestations category.
Accuracy of COVID-19 relevant knowledge among youth: Number of information sources matters
Authors: Hill Patricia Wonch , Diamond Judy , Spiegel Amy N. , VanWormer Elizabeth , Leadabrand Meghan , McQuillan Julia
Published: December 2022

Can comics effectively convey scientific knowledge about COVID-19 to youth? What types and how many sources of information did youth have about COVID-19 during the pandemic? How are sources of information associated with accurate COVID-19 knowledge? To answer these questions, we surveyed youth in grades 5–9 in a Midwestern United States school district in the winter of 2020–2021. The online survey used measures of COVID-19 knowledge and sources, with an embedded experiment on COVID-19 relevant comics. Guided by an integratedscience capitalandjust-in-time health and science information acquisitionmodel, we also measured level of science capital, science identity, and utility of science for health and society. The school district protocol required parental consent for participation; 264 of ~15,000 youth participated. Youth were randomly assigned one of four comic conditions before receiving an online survey. Results indicate that, similar to knowledge gains in comic studies on other science topics, reading the comics was associated with 7 to 29% higher accuracy about COVID-19. We found that youth reported getting information about COVID-19 from between 0–6 sources including media, family, friends, school, and experts. The bivariate positive association of news versus other sources with accuracy of knowledge did not persist in the full model, yet the positive association of a higher number of sources and accuracy did persist in the multivariate models. The degree of valuing the utility of science for their health moderated the number of sources to accuracy association. Those with less value on science for health had a stronger positive association of number of sources and accuracy in COVID-19 knowledge. We conclude that during a pandemic, even with health and science information ubiquitous in the news media, increasing youth access to a variety of accurate sources of information about science and health can increase youth knowledge.
Effect of the Nordmøre grid bar spacing on size selectivity, catch efficiency and bycatch of the Barents Sea Northern shrimp fishery
Authors: Larsen Roger B. , Herrmann Bent , Sistiaga Manu , Brinkhof Jesse , Cerbule Kristine , Grimaldo Eduardo , Lomeli Mark J. M.
Published: December 2022

The introduction of the Nordmøre grid in shrimp trawls has reduced the bycatch of non-target species. In the Norwegian Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) fishery, the mandatory selective gear consists of a Nordmøre grid with 19 mm bar spacing combined with a 35 mm mesh size diamond mesh codend. However, fish bycatch in shrimp trawls remains a challenge and further modifications of the gear that can improve selectivity are still sought. Therefore, this study estimated and compared the size selectivity of Nordmøre grids with bar spacings of 17 and 21 mm. Further, the effect of applying these two grids on trawl size selectivity was predicted and compared to the legislated gear configuration. Experimental fishing trials were conducted in the Barents Sea where the bottom trawl fleet targets Northern shrimp. Results were obtained for the target species and two by-catch species: cod (Gadus morhua) and American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides). This study demonstrated that reducing bar spacing can significantly reduce fish bycatch while only marginally affecting catch efficiency of Northern shrimp. This is a potentially important finding from a management perspective that could be applicable to other shrimp fisheries where flexibility in the use of different grid bar spacings may be beneficial to maximize the reduction of unwanted bycatch while minimizing the loss of target species.
Reduction in PA28αβ activation in HD mouse brain correlates to increased mHTT aggregation in cell models
Authors: Geijtenbeek Karlijne W. , Janzen Jolien , Bury Aleksandra E. , Sanz-Sanz Alicia , Hoebe Ron A. , Bondulich Marie K. , Bates Gillian P. , Reits Eric A. J. , Schipper-Krom Sabine
Published: December 2022

Huntington’s disease is an autosomal dominant heritable disorder caused by an expanded CAG trinucleotide repeat at the N-terminus of the Huntingtin (HTT) gene. Lowering the levels of soluble mutant HTT protein prior to aggregation through increased degradation by the proteasome would be a therapeutic strategy to prevent or delay the onset of disease. Native PAGE experiments in HdhQ150 mice and R6/2 mice showed that PA28αβ disassembles from the 20S proteasome during disease progression in the affected cortex, striatum and hippocampus but not in cerebellum and brainstem. Modulating PA28αβ activated proteasomes in various in vitro models showed that PA28αβ improved polyQ degradation, but decreased the turnover of mutant HTT. Silencing of PA28αβ in cells lead to an increase in mutant HTT aggregates, suggesting that PA28αβ is critical for overall proteostasis, but only indirectly affects mutant HTT aggregation.
Adolescent resilience and mobile phone addiction in Henan Province of China: Impacts of chain mediating, coping style
Authors: Ma Anna , Yang Yan , Guo Shuangxi , Li Xue , Zhang Shenhua , Chang Hongjuan
Published: December 2022

Background

As mobile phone use grows, so it brings benefits and risks. As an important part of adolescents healthy growth, resilience plays an indispensable role. Thus, it is important to identify when mobile phone use of an adolescent becomes an addiction. This study proposed to explore the effects of adolescent resilience on mobile phone addiction, and tested the mediating role of coping style and depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS) on phone addiction among 2,268 adolescents in the Henan province, China.

Methods

The adolescents were surveyed via an online questionnaire, a mobile phone addiction index (MPAI), a depression, anxiety, and stress scale with 21 items (DASS-21), the Resilience Scale for Chinese Adolescents (RSCA), and the Simplified coping style questionnaire (SCSQ), and we used structural equation modeling to examine the correlations and moderation effects. All data analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0 and Amos 23.0.

Results

The results show that adolescences resilience were negatively related to negative coping, DASS, and mobile phone addiction; both coping style and DASS could mediate the relationship between adolescent resilience and mobile phone addiction among Chinese adolescents. The relationship between adolescent resilience and mobile phone addiction in Chinese adolescents was mediated by the chain of coping styles and DASS.

Conclusions

There is a negative relationship which exists between resilience and mobile phone addiction in this population. In addition, stress, anxiety, depression, and coping style significantly influence the risk of adolescent mobile phone addiction and play an intermediary role in Chinese adolescent resilience and mobile phone addiction.
Population processes in cyber system variability
Authors: Mangel Marc , Brown Alan
Published: December 2022

Variability is inherent to cyber systems. Here, we introduce ideas from stochastic population biology to describe the properties of two broad kinds of cyber systems. First, we assume that each ofN0components can be in only one of two states: functional or nonfunctional. We model this situation as a Markov process that describes the transitions between functional and nonfunctional states. We derive an equation for the probability that an individual cyber component is functional and use stochastic simulation to develop intuition about the dynamics of individual cyber components. We introduce a metric of performance of the system ofN0components that depends on the numbers of functional and nonfunctional components. We numerically solve the forward Kolmogorov (or Fokker–Planck) equation for the number of functional components at timet, given the initial number of functional components. We derive a Gaussian approximation for the solution of the forward equation so that the properties of the system with many components can be determined from the transition probabilities of an individual component, allowing scaling to very large systems. Second, we consider the situation in which the operating system (OS) of cyber components is updated in time. We motivate the question of OS in use as a function of the most recent OS release with data from a network of desktop computers. We begin the analysis by specifying a temporal schedule of OS updates and the probability of transitioning from the current OS to a more recent one. We use a stochastic simulation to capture the pattern of the motivating data, and derive the forward equation for the OS of an individual computer at any time. We then include compromise of OSs to compute that a cyber component has an unexploited OS at any time. We conclude that an interdisciplinary approach to the variability of cyber systems can shed new light on the properties of those systems and offers new and exciting ways to understand them.
Research on prediction of compressive strength of fly ash and slag mixed concrete based on machine learning
Authors: Wang Meng , Kang Jiaxu , Liu Weiwei , Su Jinshuai , Li Meng
Published: December 2022

Every year, a large amount of solid waste such as fly ash and slag is generated worldwide. If these solid wastes are used in concrete mixes to make concrete, it can effectively save resources and protect the environment. The compressive strength of concrete is an essential indicator for testing its quality, and its prediction is affected by many factors. It is difficult to predict its strength accurately. Therefore, based on the current popular machine learning supervised learning algorithms: Random Forest (RF), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Support Vector Machine (SVR), three models established a nonlinear mapping between multi-factor features and target feature concrete compressive strength. Using the three completed training models, we validated the test set with 206 example sets, and the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), fitting coefficient (R2), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) were used as evaluation metrics. The validation results showed that the values of RMSE, R2, and MAE for the RF model were 0.1, 0.9, and 0.21, respectively; the values of XGBoost model were 0.05, 0.95, and 0.15, respectively. The values of SVR were 0.15, 0.86, and 0.3, respectively. As a result, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) has better generalization ability and prediction accuracy than the other two algorithms.
Effect of repeated bolus and continuous glucose infusion on a panel of circulating biomarkers in healthy volunteers
Authors: Feldbauer Roland , Heinzl Matthias Wolfgang , Klammer Carmen , Resl Michael , Pohlhammer Johannes , Rosenberger Klemens , Almesberger Verena , Obendorf Florian , Schinagl Lukas , Wagner Thomas , Egger Margot , Dieplinger Benjamin , Clodi Martin
Published: December 2022

Hypothesis

Glycaemic variability (GV) refers to fluctuations in the blood glucose level and may contribute to complications in patients suffering from Diabetes. Several studies show negative effects of GV on the cardiovascular system, however there is still a lack of conclusive evidence. Using an explorative cardiovascular panel, it is possible to simultaneously measure the effects on proteins relevant for cardiovascular processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rapid glucose excursions on cardiovascular and metabolic parameters in healthy individuals.

Methods

An explorative single-blinded cross-over study was performed in ten healthy men. Subjects received 3 times 20 grams of glucose i.v. over 5 minutes or 60 grams of glucose continuously over 3 hours. Blood was taken for repeated measurements of the cardiovascular panel over the following 6 hours and again after 24 and 48 hours.

Results

We observed a significant elevation of 7 cardiovascular biomarkers (BMP6, SLAMF7, LOX-1, ADAMTS13, IL-1RA, IL-4RA, PTX3) at t = 360min after rapid glucose infusion compared to a continuous glucose infusion.

Conclusions

Intraday GV seems to have acute effects on cardiovascular proteins in healthy test persons. Rapid glucose administration compared to continuous administration showed significant changes in BMP6, SLAMF7, ADAMTS13, IL1RA, PTX3, IL-4RA and LOX-1.

Clinical trial registration

NCT04488848.
simpleISM—A straight forward guide to upgrade from confocal to ISM
Authors: Goswami Monalisa , Lachmann René , Kretschmer Robert , Heintzmann Rainer
Published: December 2022

Resolution in a confocal laser scanning microscopes (CLSM) can be improved if the pinhole is closed. But closing the pinhole will deteriorate the signal to noise ratio (SNR). A simple technique to improve the SNR while keeping the resolution same by upgrading the system to an image scanning microscope. In this paper, we explain in detail, based on an Olympus Fluoview 300 system, how a scanning microscope can be upgraded into an image scanning microscope (ISM) using a simple camera-based detector and an Arduino Due providing a galvo driving and camera synchronization signals. We could confirm a resolution improvement as well as superconcentration and made the interesting observation of a reduced influence of laser fluctuations.
A novel Q-learning algorithm based on improved whale optimization algorithm for path planning
Authors: Li Ying , Wang Hanyu , Fan Jiahao , Geng Yanyu
Published: December 2022

Q-learning is a classical reinforcement learning algorithm and one of the most important methods of mobile robot path planning without a prior environmental model. Nevertheless, Q-learning is too simple when initializing Q-table and wastes too much time in the exploration process, causing a slow convergence speed. This paper proposes a new Q-learning algorithm called the Paired Whale Optimization Q-learning Algorithm (PWOQLA) which includes four improvements. Firstly, to accelerate the convergence speed of Q-learning, a whale optimization algorithm is used to initialize the values of a Q-table. Before the exploration process, a Q-table which contains previous experience is learned to improve algorithm efficiency. Secondly, to improve the local exploitation capability of the whale optimization algorithm, a paired whale optimization algorithm is proposed in combination with a pairing strategy to speed up the search for prey. Thirdly, to improve the exploration efficiency of Q-learning and reduce the number of useless explorations, a new selective exploration strategy is introduced which considers the relationship between current position and target position. Fourthly, in order to balance the exploration and exploitation capabilities of Q-learning so that it focuses on exploration in the early stage and on exploitation in the later stage, a nonlinear function is designed which changes the value of ε in ε-greedy Q-learning dynamically based on the number of iterations. Comparing the performance of PWOQLA with other path planning algorithms, experimental results demonstrate that PWOQLA achieves a higher level of accuracy and a faster convergence speed than existing counterparts in mobile robot path planning. The code will be released at https://github.com/wanghanyu0526/improveQL.git.
Factors associated with high-level endurance performance: An expert consensus derived via the Delphi technique
Authors: Konopka Magdalena J. , Zeegers Maurice P. , Solberg Paul A. , Delhaije Louis , Meeusen Romain , Ruigrok Geert , Rietjens Gerard , Sperlich Billy
Published: December 2022

There is little agreement on the factors influencing endurance performance. Endurance performance often is described by surrogate variables such as maximum oxygen consumption, lactate threshold, and running economy. However, other factors also determine success and progression of high-level endurance athletes. Therefore, the aim was to identify the relevant factors for endurance performance assessed by international experts by adhering to a structured communication method (i.e., Delphi technique). Three anonymous evaluation rounds were conducted initiated by a list of candidate factors (n= 120) serving as baseline input variables. The items that achieved ≥70% of agreement in round 1 were re-evaluated in a second round. Items with a level of agreement of ≥70% in round 2 reached consensus and items with a level of agreement of 40–69% in round 2 were re-rated in a third round followed by a consensus meeting. Round 1 comprised of 27 panellists (n= 24 male) and in round 2 and 3 18 (n= 15 male) of the 27 panellists remained. Thus, the final endurance expert panel comprised of 18 international experts (n= 15 male) with 20 years of experience on average. The consensus report identified the following 26 factors: endurance capacity, running economy, maximal oxygen consumption, recovery speed, carbohydrate metabolism, glycolysis capacity, lactate threshold, fat metabolism, number of erythrocytes, iron deficiency, muscle fibre type, mitochondrial biogenesis, hydrogen ion buffering, testosterone, erythropoietin, cortisol, hydration status, vitamin D deficiency, risk of non-functional overreaching and stress fracture, healing function of skeletal tissue, motivation, stress resistance, confidence, sleep quality, and fatigue. This study provides an expert-derived summary including 26 key factors for endurance performance, the “FENDLE” factors (FENDLE = Factors for ENDurance Level). This consensus report may assist to optimize sophisticated diagnostics, personalized training strategies and technology.
A street corner education: Stop and search, trust, and gendered norms among adolescent males
Authors: Bradford Ben , Pósch Krisztián , Jackson Jonathan , Dawson Paul
Published: December 2022

Police stop and search activity has consistently been shown to affect the opinions, attitudes and behaviours of those subject to it. For young people in particular this can be an important moment in which they learn about and orientate themselves towards law, authority, and the exercise of power. Drawing on work into procedural justice and legal socialisation, we build on the premise that stop and search has, in practice, more to do with the imposition of authority on the streets than the accurate targeting tool of crime-control activity. We consider the link between experiences of stop and search, trust in the police, exposure to or involvement in gangs and violence, and the extent to which male adolescents hold abusive and controlling gendered beliefs regarding sexuality and intimate partner relations. Using data from a survey of Londoners aged 14–16, we find support for the notion that adolescent males’ procedurally unjust stop and search experiences are associated with lower levels of trust in the police, higher levels of involvement in and exposure to gang-related activities, and believing it is acceptable to harass females in public space and control intimate partners. We conclude with the idea that unfair stop/searches can signal that it is ‘OK’ to abuse power.
Queueing theory model of mTOR complexes’ impact on Akt-mediated adipocytes response to insulin
Authors: Kloska Sylwester M. , Pałczyński Krzysztof , Marciniak Tomasz , Talaśka Tomasz , Miller Marissa , Wysocki Beata J. , Davis Paul H. , Soliman Ghada A. , Wysocki Tadeusz A.
Published: December 2022

A queueing theory based model of mTOR complexes impact on Akt-mediated cell response to insulin is presented in this paper. The model includes several aspects including the effect of insulin on the transport of glucose from the blood into the adipocytes with the participation of GLUT4, and the role of the GAPDH enzyme as a regulator of mTORC1 activity. A genetic algorithm was used to optimize the model parameters. It can be observed that mTORC1 activity is related to the amount of GLUT4 involved in glucose transport. The results show the relationship between the amount of GAPDH in the cell and mTORC1 activity. Moreover, obtained results suggest that mTORC1 inhibitors may be an effective agent in the fight against type 2 diabetes. However, these results are based on theoretical knowledge and appropriate experimental tests should be performed before making firm conclusions.
Multi-isotopic analysis of zooarchaeological material from Estonia (ca. 200–1800 CE): Variation among food webs and geographical regions
Authors: Aguraiuja-Lätti Ülle , Tõrv Mari , Sayle Kerry L. , Lõugas Lembi , Rannamäe Eve , Ehrlich Freydis , Nuut Sander , Peeters Taavi , Oras Ester , Kriiska Aivar
Published: December 2022

To better comprehend the dietary practices of past populations in the Eastern Baltic region we have created temporally and geographically restricted baselines for the time period of 200–1800 CE. In this multi-isotopic analysis, we report new δ13C, δ15N and δ34S values for 251 faunal bone collagen samples from various archaeological contexts in Estonia representing the most comprehensive set of Iron Age, Medieval and Early Modern Period faunal stable isotope values to date. The results map out the local carbon and nitrogen baselines and define isotopic ranges of local terrestrial, avian and aquatic fauna. We also demonstrate the potential application of sulfur stable isotope analysis in archaeological research. The results demonstrate a clear distinction between δ13C and δ34S values of marine and terrestrial species, however, freshwater fish display notable overlaps with both marine and terrestrial ranges for both δ13C and δ34S values. Herbivores show variation in δ34S values when grouped by region, explained by differences in the local biotopes. This study is the first attempt to connect the Eastern Baltic isotopic baselines and provides more detailed temporal and geographical references to study the local ecologies and interpret the human data.
Amikacin liposome and Mycobacterium avium complex: A systematic review
Authors: Zangiabadian Moein , Malekshahian Donya , Arabpour Erfan , Abadi Sahel Shafiee Dolat , Yazarlou Fartous , Bostanghadiri Narjess , Centis Rosella , Aghababa AmirHossein Akbari , Farahbakhsh Mohammad , Nasiri Mohammad Javad , Sotgiu Giovanni , Migliori Giovanni Battista
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The prevalence of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is increasing globally. Macrolide-based multidrug regimens have been recommended as the first-line treatment for patients with MAC pulmonary disease. However, developing macrolide resistance was associated with poor treatment outcomes and increased mortality. In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved liposomal amikacin for inhalation (LAI) to treat refractory MAC pulmonary disease. The current systematic review aimed to evaluate LAI’s outcomes and adverse events in MAC pulmonary disease.

Methods

The systematic search was performed in PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL) up to March 8, 2022. The search terms included Mycobacterium avium complex, MAC, amikacin, and liposomal amikacin.

Results

After reviewing 1284 records, four papers met the inclusion criteria, including three clinical trials and one prospective cohort study. These studies showed that adding LAI to guideline-based therapies can increase sputum culture conversion rate and achieve early sustained (negative sputum culture results for 12 months with treatment) and durable (negative sputum culture results for three months after treatment) negative sputum culture. In addition, extended LAI use was a potential benefit in patients considered refractory to initial treatment. The most prevalent treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE) reported in the LAI group were the respiratory TEAE.

Conclusions

LAI could increase the sputum culture conversion rate and achieve early sustainable, durable negative sputum culture. However, additional large-scale research is required to confirm the results.
Merkel cell polyomavirus small T antigen is a viral transcription activator that is essential for viral genome maintenance
Authors: Rapchak Kyle , Yagobian Shiva D. , Moore Jackson , Khattri Michelle , Shuda Masahiro
Published: December 2022

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) is a small DNA tumor virus that persists in human skin and causes Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) in immunocompromised individuals. The multi-functional protein MCV small T (sT) activates viral DNA replication by stabilizing large T (LT) and promotes cell transformation through the LT stabilization domain (LTSD). Using MCVΔsT, a mutant MCV clone that ablates sT, we investigated the role of sT in MCV genome maintenance. sT was dispensable for initiation of viral DNA replication, but essential for maintenance of the MCV genome and activation of viral early and late gene expression for progression of the viral lifecycle. Furthermore, in phenotype rescue studies, exogenous sT activated viral DNA replication and mRNA expression in MCVΔsT through the LTSD. While exogenous LT expression, which mimics LT stabilization, increased viral DNA replication, it did not activate viral mRNA expression. After cataloging transcriptional regulator proteins by proximity-based MCV sT-host protein interaction analysis, we validated LTSD-dependent sT interaction with four transcriptional regulators: Cux1, c-Jun, BRD9, and CBP. Functional studies revealed Cux1 and c-Jun as negative regulators, and CBP and BRD9 as positive regulators of MCV transcription. CBP inhibitor A-485 suppressed sT-induced viral gene activation in replicating MCVΔsT and inhibited early gene expression in MCV-integrated MCC cells. These results suggest that sT promotes viral lifecycle progression by activating mRNA expression and capsid protein production through interaction with the transcriptional regulators. This activity is essential for MCV genome maintenance, suggesting a critical role of sT in MCV persistence and MCC carcinogenesis.
The me you see: The creative identity as constructed in music documentaries
Authors: Nairn Angelique
Published: December 2022

Stereotypically, creative people are considered intelligent, immature, demanding, aware, receptive, autonomous, flexible, introverted, self-confident, unconventional and asocial. They are driven by a desire to create, peer acceptance and, to an extent, commercial gain. They negotiate their creative persona by seeking validation from others. Accordingly, creative people are active agents in the negotiation of their identities, and they can communicate their attitudes and feelings towards their work through the stories depicted in documentaries. Netflix has released several documentaries capturing the creative process and projects of musicians and singers, which offer a ‘behind the scenes’ account of what it is like working in the music industry. These same documentaries offer insights into what it means to be a creative navigating the trappings of project-based work, questions of authenticity, audience and management demands, and the pressures of making successful music. The purpose of this research is to use thematic analysis to explore the documentaries of Shawn Mendes, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ariana Grande and Queen + Adam Lambert for how they conceptualize the creative identity and whether they maintain or challenge the stereotypes that continue to be perpetuated in the media.
Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, Aoife Mary Dempsey (2022)
Authors: Thompson Matthew
Published: December 2022

Review of: Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, Aoife Mary Dempsey (2022)

Cardiff: University of Wales Press, 214 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-78683-827-8, h/bk, USD 94.07