bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new model for zircon saturation in silicate melts
Authors: Crisp Laura J. , Berry Andrew J.
Published: July 2022

A new model describing zircon saturation in silicate melts is presented that combines the results of 196 data from new experiments with data from previous experimental studies. In the new experiments, the concentration of Zr in melts coexisting with zircon was determined at temperatures between 800 and 1500 °C for 21 compositions (with alumina saturation index, ASI, from 0.20 to 1.15), containing ~ 1 to 16 wt % FeOT and, for a subset of these conditions, at variable pressure (0.0001 to 4.0 GPa) and water content (0 to 15 wt %). The collated dataset contains 626 data, with 430 from 26 literature studies, and covers conditions from 750 to 1620 °C, (including 45 new data and 106 literature data for temperatures < 1000 °C), ASI 0.20 to 2.00, 0.0001 to 4.0 GPa and 0 to 17 wt % H2O. A limitation of previous models of zircon saturation is the choice of parameter used to describe the silicate melt, which may not be appropriate for all compositions and can result in differences in predicted temperatures of over 200 °C for granitic systems. Here we use optical basicity (Λ), which can be easily calculated from the major oxide components of a melt, to parameterise the composition. Using a non-linear least-squares multiple regression, the new zircon saturation model is:$$\log{\mathrm{Zr}} = 0.96(5) - 5790(95)/T - 1.28(8)P + 12.39(35){\varLambda} + 0.83(9)x.\text{H}{_2}\text{O} + 2.06(16)P{\varLambda} $$

log
Zr
=
0.96

(
5
)

-
5790

(
95
)

/
T
-
1.28

(
8
)

P
+
12.39

(
35
)

Λ
+
0.83

(
9
)

x
.
H

2

O
+
2.06

(
16
)

P
Λ

where Zr is in ppm, T is temperature in K, P is pressure in GPa, Λ is the optical basicity of the melt, x.H2O is the mole fraction of water in the melt, and the errors are 1σ. This model confirms that temperature and melt composition are the dominant controls on zircon solubility. In addition, pressure and melt water content exert small but resolvable effects on the solubility and are included, for the first time, in a model. Using this new calibration, 92% of the predicted temperatures are within 10% of the experimental temperatures for the collated dataset (with an average temperature difference of 57 °C), while predicted temperatures for only 78 and 62% of the collated dataset are within 10% of the experimental temperature (with average temperature differences > 80 °C) using the widely cited Watson and Harrison (Earth Planet Sci Lett 64:295–304, 1983) and Boehnke et al. (Chem Geol 351:324–334, 2013) models, respectively. This new model can be extrapolated to temperatures below those included in the calibration with greater accuracy and when applied to melt inclusions from the Bishop Tuff, gives temperatures that are in excellent agreement with independent estimates.
Videofluoroscopy Practice in India: A Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists
Authors: Krishnamurthy Rahul , Bhat Bhavana , Nayak Priyanka Suresh , Balasubramanium Radish Kumar
Published: July 2022

Owing to differences in clinical approaches toward videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS), professional and governing bodies in some countries have implemented guidelines for performing VFSS. However, in India, the establishment of such practice guidelines is in initial stages of acceptance and there are no uniform guidelines. The aim of the current study was to investigate and describe the clinical practice patterns related to VFSS assessments among Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) in India. An electronic survey consisting of 34 questions categorized into four main sections (demographic details and education; current practice; instrumental and technical considerations; protocol and assessment methods) was sent to SLPs registered with the Indian Speech and Hearing Association (ISHA) through email and social media from August 2020 to January 2021. A total of 129 eligible responses were received. More than 50% of the participants used a standard assessment and analysis protocol. Barium and water-soluble contrasts were mostly used, and 97% of participants did not know what percent weight to volume (w/v) or volume to volume (v/v) contrast to fluid were used. Considerable amount of variability was observed in the responses of our participants, which was consistent with international surveys of VFSS practice patterns. Lack of adequate radiation safety measures was also observed. Our findings suggest a need to increase awareness and training among Indian SLPs in technical and procedural aspects of VFSS, and more sensitization toward radiation safety. ISHA should consider forming a committee to develop and adopt uniform nationwide practices in VFSS. Future studies exclusively investigating barriers and facilitators to VFSS practice in the Indian scenario are necessary.
Risk factors for developing hyperoxaluria in children with Crohn’s disease
Authors: Salem Amr , Sawires Happy , Eskander Ayman , Marwan Radwa , Boshra Engy
Published: July 2022

Background

For the purpose of a better understanding of enteric hyperoxaluria in Crohn’s disease (CD) in children and adolescents, we investigated the occurrence and risk factors for development of hyperoxaluria in those patients.

Methods

Forty-five children with CD and another 45 controls were involved in this cross-sectional study. Urine samples were collected for measurement of spot urine calcium/creatinine (Ur Ca/Cr), oxalate/creatinine (Ur Ox/Cr), and citrate/creatinine (Ur Citr/Cr) ratios. Fecal samples were also collected to detect the oxalyl-CoA decarboxylase of Oxalobacter formigenes by PCR. Patients were classified into 2 groups: group A (with hyperoxaluria) and group B (with normal urine oxalate excretion). The disease extent was assessed, and the activity index was calculated.

Results

According to the activity index, 30 patients (66.7%) had mild disease and 13 patients (28.9%) had moderate disease. There was no significant difference in Ur Ox/Cr ratio regarding the disease activity index. O. formigenes was not detected in 91% of patients in group A while it was detected in all patients in group B (p < 0.001). By using logistic regression analysis, the overall model was statistically significant when compared to the null model, (χ2 (7) = 52.19, p < 0.001), steatorrhea (p = 0.004), frequent stools (p = 0.009), and O. formigenes (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Lack of intestinal colonization with O. formigenes, steatorrhea, and frequent stools are the main risk factors for development of enteric hyperoxaluria in CD patients. Identifying risk factors facilitates proper disease management in future studies.

Graphical abstract

A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information
Performance of hybrid artificial intelligence in determining candidacy for lumbar stenosis surgery
Authors: Mourad Raphael , Kolisnyk Serhii , Baiun Yurii , Falk Alessandra , Yuriy Titenkov , Valerii Frolov , Kopeev Aleksey , Suldina Olga , Pospelov Andrey , Kim Jack , Rusakov Andrej , Lebl Darren R.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a condition affecting several hundreds of thousands of adults in the United States each year and is associated with significant economic burden. The current decision-making practice to determine surgical candidacy for LSS is often subjective and clinician specific. In this study, we hypothesize that the performance of artificial intelligence (AI) methods could prove comparable in terms of prediction accuracy to that of a panel of spine experts.

Methods

We propose a novel hybrid AI model which computes the probability of spinal surgical recommendations for LSS, based on patient demographic factors, clinical symptom manifestations, and MRI findings. The hybrid model combines a random forest model trained from medical vignette data reviewed by surgeons, with an expert Bayesian network model built from peer-reviewed literature and the expert opinions of a multidisciplinary team in spinal surgery, rehabilitation medicine, interventional and diagnostic radiology. Sets of 400 and 100 medical vignettes reviewed by surgeons were used for training and testing.

Results

The model demonstrated high predictive accuracy, with a root mean square error (RMSE) between model predictions and ground truth of 0.0964, while the average RMSE between individual doctor's recommendations and ground truth was 0.1940. For dichotomous classification, the AUROC and Cohen's kappa were 0.9266 and 0.6298, while the corresponding average metrics based on individual doctor's recommendations were 0.8412 and 0.5659, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that AI can be used to automate the evaluation of surgical candidacy for LSS with performance comparable to a multidisciplinary panel of physicians.
Krebskranke Eltern mit minderjährigen Kindern
Authors: Petermann-Meyer Andrea , Dohmen Marc , Ernstmann Nicole , Holsteg Steffen , Icks Andrea , Karger Andre , Panse Jens , Bremen Rebecca
Published: July 2022

Hintergrund

Pro Jahr erfahren 37.000 Eltern mit minderjährigen Kindern, dass sie an Krebs erkrankt sind. Die Situation führt bei allen Familienmitgliedern zu erheblichen Belastungen und einer erhöhten Rate an psychischen Folgeerkrankungen. Betroffene Familien werden nicht adäquat wahrgenommen, bestehende Unterstützungsangebote treffen nicht ausreichend den spezifischen Bedarf und werden selten in Anspruch genommen.

Fragestellung

Was sind spezifische Belastungs- und Schutzfaktoren für Familien mit krebskrankem Elternteil? Welche Versorgungsangebote existieren aktuell und was sind Kriterien für bedarfsorientierte Interventionen, die in die Regelversorgung implementiert werden können?

Methode

Zusammenfassung aktueller Kenntnisstand (selektive Literaturrecherche), Entwicklung neue Versorgungsform „Familien-SCOUT“, Erfahrungen und erste Ergebnisse Wirsamkeitsstudie.

Ergebnisse

Passgenaue Interventionen sollten aufsuchend, familienzentriert, sektoren- und phasenübergreifend sein. Die Bereiche Organisation des Alltags, Förderung einer offenen krankheitsbezogenen Kommunikation und Unterstützung der emotionalen Krankheitsbewältigung müssen adressiert werden. Die erfolgreiche Implementierung einer solchen Intervention konnte nachgewiesen werden. Grundlage für die Übernahme in die Regelversorgung sind vertragliche Regelungen mit gesetzlichen Krankenversicherungen.

Schlussfolgerungen

Zur Prävention gesundheitlicher Beeinträchtigungen gehört bei krebskranken Eltern minderjähriger Kinder die Unterstützung aller Familienmitglieder bei der Krankheitsbewältigung. Onkologisch Tätige sollten die betroffenen Eltern identifizieren, sie zu offener Kommunikation in der Familie ermutigen und den entsprechenden regionalen Versorgungsangeboten zuführen. Diese sollten Teil der Regelversorgung werden.
Incomplete denitrification phenotypes in diverse Thermus species from diverse geothermal spring sediments and adjacent soils in southwest China
Authors: Mefferd Chrisabelle C. , Zhou Enmin , Seymour Cale O. , Bernardo Noel A. , Srivastava Shreya , Bengtson Amanda J. , Jiao Jian-Yu , Dong Hailiang , Li Wen-Jun , Hedlund Brian P.
Published: July 2022

A few members of the bacterial genus Thermus have been shown to be incomplete denitrifiers, terminating with nitrite (NO2−) or nitrous oxide (N2O). However, the denitrification abilities of the genus as a whole remain poorly characterized. Here, we describe diverse denitrification phenotypes and genotypes of a collection of 24 strains representing ten species, all isolated from a variety of geothermal systems in China. Confirmed terminal products of nitrate reduction were nitrite or N2O, while nitric oxide (NO) was inferred as the terminal product in some strains. Most strains produced N2O; complete denitrification was not observed. Denitrification phenotypes were largely consistent with the presence of denitrification genes, and strains of the same species often had the same denitrification phenotypes and largely syntenous denitrification gene clusters. Genes for nirS and nirK coexisted in three Thermus brockianus and three Thermus oshimai genomes, which is a unique hallmark of some denitrifying Thermus strains and may be ecologically important. These results show that incomplete denitrification phenotypes are prominent, but variable, within and between Thermus species. The incomplete denitrification phenotypes described here suggest Thermus species may play important roles in consortial denitrification in high-temperature terrestrial biotopes where sufficient supply of oxidized inorganic nitrogen exists.
InSAR-based mapping of ground deformation caused by industrial waste disposals: the case study of the Huelva phosphogypsum stack, SW Spain
Authors: González Felipe
Published: July 2022

Close to the city of Huelva, SW Spain, and near the Atlantic Ocean, there is a phosphogypsum (PG) stack that accumulates 100 Mt of wastes and extends over 1000 ha. The stack lies directly over estuarine unconsolidated sediments with no protective layer in between. Here, we evaluate for the first time the structural stability of the PG stack, monitoring the deformation suffered by the salt-marsh basement. Through the web-based Geohazard Exploitation Platform (GEP) of the European Space Agency (ESA), a specific differential SAR interferometry (DInSAR) algorithm known as Parallel Small Baseline Subset (P-SBAS) has been used to process 279 ESA Sentinel-1 images acquired between October 2016 and June 2021. Resulting displacement maps and time-series curves reveal vertical displacements of up to 16 cm/year. This vertical motion has been associated to subsidence. In parallel with subsidence, horizontal movements > 2.5 cm/year have been also accounted and linked to talus destabilization. The analysis also demonstrates that the Huelva PG stack is vulnerable to adverse weather condition. The present study demonstrates that the InSAR-based methods are effective tools for monitoring the stability and ground motion of large waste stockpiles.
Longitudinal Analysis of Mental Health in Autistic University Students Across an Academic Year
Authors: Scott Matthew , Leppanen Jenni , Allen Melissa , Jarrold Chris , Sedgewick Felicity
Published: July 2022

Background

Autistic people have worse mental health (MH) than non-autistic people. This proof-of-concept study explored feasibility of longitudinal research with autistic university students, focusing on their MH and coping styles across an academic year.

Methods

Twenty-two students took part at all timepoints. They completed four rounds of online MH questionnaires.

Results

Over 80% of students were retained. They started the year with high levels of all MH issues, which remained stable across the year. Network Change analysis showed the connections between MH and coping style changed over time.

Conclusions

Autistic students are engaged participants who are likely to take part in longitudinal research. While MH levels were stable, it may be that coping styles are a useful target for intervention.
Is quality of life related to high autistic traits, high ADHD traits and their Interaction? Evidence from a Young-Adult Community-Based twin sample
Authors: Capp Simone J. , Agnew-Blais Jessica , Lau-Zhu Alex , Colvert Emma , Tye Charlotte , Aydin Ümit , Lautarescu Alexandra , Ellis Claire , Saunders Tyler , O’Brien Lucy , Ronald Angelica , Happé Francesca , McLoughlin Gráinne
Published: July 2022

This study explored whether high autistic traits, high attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits and their interaction were associated with quality of life (QoL) in a sample of 556 of young-adult twins (Mean age 22 years 5 months, 52% Female). Four participant groups were created: high autistic traits, high ADHD traits, high autistic/ADHD traits, and low ADHD/autistic traits. High autistic traits were associated with lower QoL across domains (physical, psychological, social, and environmental). High ADHD traits associated with lower physical, psychological, and environmental QoL. The interaction of autistic and ADHD traits was not significant in any domain. While mental health difficulties were associated with lower QoL, after accounting for mental health, most relationships between autistic traits, ADHD traits and QoL remained.
Family Functioning in Humanitarian Contexts: Correlates of the Feminist-Grounded Family Functioning Scale among Men and Women in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Blackwell Alexandra H. , Asghar Khudejha , de Dieu Hategekimana Jean , Roth Danielle , O’Connor Meghan , Falb Kathryn
Published: July 2022

In humanitarian contexts, family functioning may have a positive influence on outcomes of mental health and wellbeing for both children and adults. This study sought to adapt and explore an existing family functioning measure for use in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Cross-sectional data were collected from 394 respondents (196 men and 198 women) in North Kivu, DRC. The Feminist-Grounded Family Functioning Scale was developed through qualitative research and cognitive testing which conceptualized a healthy and functioning family as one without gender and power hierarchies. Generalized linear mixed models stratified by gender assessed the association between family functioning and demographics, conflict experiences, and correlates of interest including gender attitudes, acceptance of harsh discipline, positive parenting, and power sharing. In the final adjusted models, family functioning among women was associated with positive parenting (β = 0.32, p = 0.009) and power sharing (β = 0.24, p < 0.001), but attitudes around gender and harsh discipline did not retain their significant association. Similarly, men’s family functioning was significantly associated with positive parenting (β = 0.41, p = 0.011) and power sharing (β = 0.16, p = 0.014). Results suggest that family functioning is positively associated with behaviors indicative of non-violent and equitable relationships between family members, but that behaviors might be attenuating the influence of attitudes on family functioning, as the significant association between attitudes and family functioning in the univariate models was not retained in the full models accounting for both behaviors and attitudes. Further research is needed to capture the context-specific nuances of family functioning and to understand the influence of gender and power hierarchies for families in conflict settings.
Socio-Cognitive Processes and Peer-Network Influences in Defending and Bystanding
Authors: Rambaran J. Ashwin , Pozzoli Tiziana , Gini Gianluca
Published: July 2022

Peers are critical to defending and bystanding during episodes of bullying. This study investigates the extent to which friends can shape defending and bystanding as well as social cognitions associated with these two behaviors (i.e., perceptions of self-efficacy and moral distress). The study sample consisted of n = 1354 early and middle adolescents (7th‒10th grade; 81.4% Italian; 51.3% boys) in northern Italy. Employing a longitudinal social network analytic approach, using stochastic actor-oriented modeling, this study found that adolescents become more similar or stay similar to their friends in both behaviors and perceptions, with no clear indication that students select friends based on similar levels of behaviors or perceptions. The findings illustrate how defending and bystanding behaviors and related social cognitions are developed within friend (peer) networks.
Combining reference point based composite indicators with data envelopment analysis: application to the assessment of universities
Authors: El Gibari Samira , Gómez Trinidad , Ruiz Francisco
Published: July 2022

In our knowledge society, where universities are key players, the assessment of higher education institutions should meet the new demands of the present complex environment. This calls for the use of techniques that are able to manage this complexity. In this paper, we propose a novel combination of methodologies, jointly using a multi-criteria reference point scheme and the data envelopment analysis (DEA) for the assessment of universities. This combination allows us to take into account all the aspects regarded as relevant to assess university performance, and use them as outputs in the efficiency analysis. Our findings highlight the convenience to assess the university performance by using both compensatory and non-compensatory schemes. This way, the information provided allows to detect the actions needed to improve the performances of the universities, rather than just giving an overall performance measure. Furthermore, combining the use of composite indicators with the DEA analysis provides a more complete picture of the institutions assessed, allowing universities to check their efficiency and to detect their weaknesses and strengths accordingly. The approach is illustrated using data of 47 Spanish public universities for the academic year, 2016–2017.
Meta-comparisons: how to compare methods for LCA?
Authors: Heijungs Reinout , Dekker Erik
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Many methodological papers report a comparison of methods for LCA, for instance comparing different impact assessment systems, or developing streamlined methods. A popular way to do so is by studying the differences of results for a number of products. We refer to such studies as quasi-empirical meta-comparisons.

Review of existing approaches

A scan of the literature reveals that many different methods and indicators are employed: contribution analyses, Pearson correlations, Spearman correlations, regression, significance tests, neural networks, etc.

Critical discussion

We critically examine the current practice and conclude that some of the widely used methods are associated with important deficits.

A new approach

Inspired by the critical analysis, we develop a new approach for meta-comparative LCA, based on directional statistics. We apply it to several real-world test cases, and analyze its performance vis-à-vis traditional regression-based approaches.

Conclusion

The method on the basis of directional statistics withstands the tests of changing the scale and unit of the training data. As such, it holds a promise for improved method comparisons.
Pattern Formation in a Spatially Extended Model of Pacemaker Dynamics in Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Fatoyinbo H. O. , Brown R. G. , Simpson D. J. W. , van Brunt B.
Published: July 2022

Spatiotemporal patterns are common in biological systems. For electrically coupled cells, previous studies of pattern formation have mainly used applied current as the primary bifurcation parameter. The purpose of this paper is to show that applied current is not needed to generate spatiotemporal patterns for smooth muscle cells. The patterns can be generated solely by external mechanical stimulation (transmural pressure). To do this we study a reaction-diffusion system involving the Morris–Lecar equations and observe a wide range of spatiotemporal patterns for different values of the model parameters. Some aspects of these patterns are explained via a bifurcation analysis of the system without coupling — in particular Type I and Type II excitability both occur. We show the patterns are not due to a Turing instability and that the spatially extended model exhibits spatiotemporal chaos. We also use travelling wave coordinates to analyse travelling waves.
Structural Features of Microvascular Networks Trigger Blood Flow Oscillations
Authors: Ben-Ami Y. , Atkinson G. W. , Pitt-Francis J. M. , Maini P. K. , Byrne H. M.
Published: July 2022

We analyse mathematical models in order to understand how microstructural features of vascular networks may affect blood flow dynamics, and to identify particular characteristics that promote the onset of self-sustained oscillations. By focusing on a simple three-node motif, we predict that network “redundancy”, in the form of a redundant vessel connecting two main flow-branches, together with differences in haemodynamic resistance in the branches, can promote the emergence of oscillatory dynamics. We use existing mathematical descriptions for blood rheology and haematocrit splitting at vessel branch-points to construct our flow model; we combine numerical simulations and stability analysis to study the dynamics of the three-node network and its relation to the system’s multiple steady-state solutions. While, for the case of equal inlet-pressure conditions, a “trivial” equilibrium solution with no flow in the redundant vessel always exists, we find that it is not stable when other, stable, steady-state attractors exist. In turn, these “nontrivial” steady-state solutions may undergo a Hopf bifurcation into an oscillatory state. We use the branch diameter ratio, together with the inlet haematocrit rate, to construct a two-parameter stability diagram that delineates regimes in which such oscillatory dynamics exist. We show that flow oscillations in this network geometry are only possible when the branch diameters are sufficiently different to allow for a sufficiently large flow in the redundant vessel, which acts as the driving force of the oscillations. These microstructural properties, which were found to promote oscillatory dynamics, could be used to explore sources of flow instability in biological microvascular networks.
Soil Penetration Resistance and Sugarcane Rooting Under Subsuperficial Drip Irrigation Levels
Authors: Resende Ronaldo S. , Cintra Fernando L. D. , Pacheco Edson Patto , de Amorim Júlio R. A. , Gomes Renata S. B. , da Silva Sandra M.
Published: July 2022

Knowledge of the soil water regime in a dynamic equilibrium condition (steady state) of the emitter–soil–plant system is essential to evaluate the adopted irrigation management, aiming to maximize the water use efficiency in irrigation. Thus, our objective was to determine the integrated effect of four irrigation levels on the soil moisture (θv) distribution pattern, mechanical soil penetration resistance (PR), and sugarcane rooting. Irrigation levels were established based on the percentage of reference evapotranspiration (ETo), as follows: 40% (W1), 70% (W2), 100% (W3), and 130% (W4) of ETo. From the soil moisture profile and PR versus θv regression models, PR profiles for each irrigation level were estimated. At the end of the crop cycle, trenches were opened to assess sugarcane root system. According to the results, the water dynamic in the soil profile resulted in a soil-wetting pattern that did not match the sugarcane rooting profile. For treatments W3 and W4 the wetting pattern indicated water loss through deep percolation. For all treatments and considering the entire soil profile, the PR values ranged from < 2 to 10 MPa. Also, the roots were superficially spread and limited to the first 0.35 m in depth for all irrigation depths applied. Although the soil wetting by irrigation reduced the strength of the cohesive layer, this reduction was insufficient to allow the deepening of plant roots. The su garcane root development was limited to the region of the soil profile defined by a PR value approximately equal to 2.0 MPa.
Analyse du processus de construction de connaissances dans des activités de programmation à l’école
Authors: Romero Margarida , DeBlois Lucie
Published: July 2022

The introduction of programming activities in the classroom has given rise to a variety of teaching methods. Some methods focus on learning to code while others take a creative programming approach (Resnick & Rusk, 2020). This study looks at creative programming as an opportunity for students to develop their reasoning skills. Drawing from both mathematics teaching and creative programming practices, we identify the elements of informatics thinking and use them to analyze the behaviour of students during a programming task in educational robotics. We also apply certain conceptual tools from both the field of mathematics teaching and the framework of informatics thinking in the course of our study. Creative programming practices provide six factors for analyzing how the students approached situational problems, framed the problems, learned the code, and developed the programs. From a didactics perspective, we use the components of DeBlois’ model (2001, 2003) for interpreting cognitive activities to analyze elements in the knowledge-building process. Our article ends with a comparison of the benefits of each analytical framework, which could have implications for teacher training on programming in the classroom.
Bioavailability and health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in salty water environment of Okposi, Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Ugwu Kenechukwu E. , Ofomatah Anthony C.
Published: July 2022

This study is to determine some physicochemical parameters and potentially toxic elements (PTE) in water samples collected from a borehole, a stream and a lake in Okposi, Nigeria, for their quality status and the human health risk of exposure to the waters. The physico-chemical properties: pH, electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, nitrate and sulphate, were determined by standard methods, while the level of PTE contamination was analysed by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS). The results show that the levels of physicochemical parameters in the water samples are within the World Health Organisation (WHO) permissible limit. The PTE concentrations (mg/L) in the samples are in the ranges of 0.12–0.35 (Cr); 0.06–0.19 (Cu); 0.24–2.45 (Fe); 0.0–0.06 (Mn); 0.00–0.75 (Pb); and 0.0–02 (Zn). The levels of Cr and Pb in all the samples, except Pb in the downstream water, are above the WHO permissible limits, indicating that the waters are contaminated and unsafe for drinking. PTE form complexes with anions in water at high EC and salinity which reduces availability of toxic metals to organisms. Therefore, toxicity of PTE in the samples is in decreasing order: Upstream > Downstream > Lake water > borehole water. Calculations of hazard quotients shows possible adverse effects on adults and children on dermal contact with the waters due to Cr. Children might get cancer due to Pb on ingestion of water from the studied borehole, the Lake and the Upstream waters. Statistical analysis suggests that the geology of the area influenced PTE contamination of the water bodies.

Article highlights

Evaluation of the pollution status of the major water sources (borehole, lake, upstream and downstream) in the study area was conducted since the information will be useful for making decisions that will protect human health by the policy makers and the public.

The samples from all the water bodies in the study area were contaminated by chromium. The borehole water samples were contaminated by Iron and Lead; the downstream samples were contaminated by Iron; while samples from the lake and the upstream were contaminated by Lead. They are contaminated because the concentrations of these metals in the water bodies were above the World Health Organisation’s permissible limit for those metals in drinking water. Human exposure to the level of these metals in the water bodies may lead to severe health problems.

Based on the bioavailability studies of the metals and the physicochemical parameters of the major water bodies in the study area, the borehole water (ground water) is the safest (best) for drinking and domestic purposes, then, the lake water (safer), followed by the downstream water (safe), while the upstream water has the highest toxicity potential (not safe).
Compensation and transition order temperature behavior of mixed spin-1 and spin-1/2 ising model on a centered honeycomb-hexagonal structure: two points of compensation
Authors: Gharaibeh Maen , Almahmoud Ali , Obeidat Abdalla
Published: July 2022

The magnetic properties and phase diagrams of the mixed spin-1/2 and spin-1 Ising model on a honeycomb inside a hexagonal structure have been studied using the Monte Carlo simulations based on the Metropolis update protocol. The effect of different exchange interactions (intralayer and interlayer Js') and single-ion anisotropy D on the magnetic properties, transition and compensation temperatures, and magnetic susceptibility have been investigated. The phase diagrams, T-J and T-D, for different exchange interactions and crystal field values have been examined. Compensation behavior exists for critical values of interlayer's exchange interactions. Our calculations reveal the existence of two points of compensation for a narrow range of negative D.

Article highlights

A mixed spin Ising model on a centered honeycomb-hexagonal structure was proposed

The effects of crystal field and exchange coupling were studied

Two points of compensation temperature were exist.
The EBMT Immune Effector Cell Nursing Guidelines on CAR-T Therapy: A Framework for Patient Care and Managing Common Toxicities
Authors: Ellard Rose , Kenyon Michelle , Hutt Daphna , Aerts Erik , de Ruijter Maaike , Chabannon Christian , Mohty Mohamad , Montoto Silvia , Wallhult Elisabeth , Murray John
Published: July 2022

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T) therapy is a new and rapidly developing field. Centers across the world are gaining more experience using these innovative anti-cancer treatments, transitioning from the ‘bench’ to the ‘bedside’, giving benefit to an increasing number of patients. For those with some refractory hematological malignancies, CAR-T may offer a treatment option that was not available a few years ago.

CAR-T therapy is an immune effector cell and precision/personalized medicine treatment which is tailored to the individual patient and associated with a variety of unique adverse events and toxicities that necessitate specialist nursing/medical vigilance in an appropriate clinical setting. Subtle unrecognized signs and symptoms can result in rapid deterioration and, possibly, life threatening cardiorespiratory and/or neurological sequelae.

These guidelines have been prepared for nurses working in cellular therapy in inpatient, outpatient and ambulatory settings. Many nurses will encounter cellular therapy recipients indirectly, during the referral process, following discharge, and when patients are repatriated back to local centers. The aim of these guidelines is to provide all nurses with a practice framework to enable recognition, monitoring and grading of CAR-T therapy-associated toxicities, and to support and nurse these highly complex patients with confidence.

They have been developed under the auspices of several bodies of the European society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT), by experienced health professionals, and will be a valuable resource to all practitioners working in cellular therapy.
Electroacupuncture Alleviate Lung Injury of Sepsis Through α7nAChR and NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Shi Xingxing , Du Lixia , Fan Zhongmin , Su Binxiao , Chen Yu , Fang Zongping , Zhang Xijing
Published: July 2022

Background

Sepsis is the leading cause of death in hospitalized patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Although substantial progress has been made in studies on the treatment of sepsis, the mortality rate remains extremely high. We have previously reported that electroacupuncture (EA) induced tolerance against sepsis, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were pretreated with EA before sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Then the indexes associated with pulmonary edema and mortality were tested. And the changes of endogenous cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway especially their typical receptor α7nAChR were detected. Finally, the mechanism of EA in sepsis was explored through regulating the expression of α7nAChR.

Results

The expression of α7nAChR was significantly decreased after sepsis, while EA prevented this reduction. Methyllycaconitine (MLA), an antagonist of α7nAChR, attenuated the beneficial effects of EA. On the other hand, as an α7nAChR agonist, GTS-21 produced similar protective effects against sepsis. Furthermore, the EA-induced enhancement of α7nAChR and inhibition of NF-κB expression in the lungs were reversed by MLA administration.

Conclusions

EA robustly protects the lungs against sepsis and inhibits NF-κB release by activating α7nAChR in mice.
Activist Origins of Political Ambition
Authors: Weghorst Keith
Published: July 2022

Why do people run for office with opposition parties in electoral authoritarian regimes, where the risks of running are high, and the chances of victory are bleak? In Activist Origins of Political Ambition, Keith Weghorst offers a theory that candidacy decisions are set in motion in early life events and that civic activism experiences and careers in civil society organizations funnel aspirants towards opposition candidacy in electoral authoritarian regimes. The book also adapts existing explanations of candidacy decisions derived from leading democracies that can be applied to electoral authoritarian contexts. The mixed-methods research design features an in-depth study of Tanzania using original survey data, sequence methods, archival research, and qualitative data combined with an analysis of legislators across authoritarian and democratic regimes in Africa. A first-of-its kind study, the book's account of the origins of candidacy motivations offers contributions to its study in autocracies, as well as in leading democracies and the United States.
Pediatric surgical site infections in 287 hospitals in the United States, 2015–2018
Authors: Mathew Roshni , Salinas Jorge L. , Hsu Heather E. , Jin Robert , Rhee Chanu , Lee Grace M.
Published: July 2022

Among 287 US hospitals reporting data between 2015 and 2018, annual pediatric surgical site infection (SSI) rates ranged from 0% for gallbladder to 10.4% for colon surgeries. Colon, spinal fusion, and small-bowel SSI rates did not decrease with greater surgical volumes in contrast to appendix and ventricular-shunt SSI rates.
Modernization, Race, and the Rural Past in Brazil: A Transnational Analysis of Donald Pierson’s Sociology (1930–1950)
Authors: Maio Marcos Chor , Lopes Thiago da Costa
Published: July 2022

This article analyzes the US sociologist Donald Pierson’s views on the process of modernization as expressed in research he conducted while residing in Brazil from the 1930s to the 1950s. Looking first at his study on race relations in Bahia and then at his investigations of rural communities in the São Francisco Valley, it shows that Pierson’s exchange with local intellectuals was decisive to his readings of Brazil’s rural, patriarchal past and his understanding of the potential for building a modern social order out of these traditions. His perspective was also evident during the debate on the relation between racism and modernity in the context of the UNESCO Race Relations Project. This examination of Pierson’s work likewise signals how transnational dialogue between the Global North and South contributed to the sociological debate on modernization, and how US scholars ascribed more than one meaning to the modernizing changes underway in peripheral countries around the world.
Hermetic SuperGrain bags for controlling storage losses caused by Callosobruchus maculatus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Bruchinae) in stored mung bean (Vigna radiata)
Authors: Yewle Nileshwari Raju , Gupta Suchita V. , Patil Bhagyashree N. , Mann Sandeep , Kandasamy Palani
Published: July 2022

Mung bean is highly susceptible to insect attack during storage. Hermetic storage is an effective technique to control insect damage. This study investigated the potential of the hermetic SuperGrain bag (SGB) for controlling bruchids during storage. The dry samples were packed in SGB infested with adult bruchids (SGB-I), SGB natural field infested (SGB-N), woven polypropylene bags (WPP-I and WPP-N) and kept at room temperature for 180 days. Oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations were measured at 15 days intervals. Moisture content, infestation level, seed damage and weight loss were determined at 60 days intervals. Seed colour, hardness, crude protein and fat contents were analysed before and after storage. The O2 level decreased to 10.09%, whereas the CO2 level increased to 8.87% in both SGB-I and SGB-N treatments. The moisture content of mung bean was maintained as onset storage in both SGB-N and SGB-I treatments, whereas reduced in WPP-N (9.26% db) and WPP-I (9.21% db). In SGB treatments, no significant bruchids were detected, but they increased drastically in WPP-N (52 ± 9) and WPP-I (377 ± 14). Seed damage (2–3%) and weight loss (0.8–1.0%) were recorded in both SGB-N and SGB-I. Conversely, seed damage reached 26.67 and 54.17%, corresponding to weight losses of 12.33 and 20.82% in WPP-N and WPP-I, respectively. Seed colour, hardness, crude protein and fat contents in SGBs showed no significant changes than in the WPP bags. The study illustrated that the SGB is an efficient hermetic device in protecting mung beans against bruchids attacks compared to the WPP bags.
Conditions d'une démocratie en santé d'ordre maximaliste
Authors: Gross Olivia
Published: July 2022

Les motivations des usagers du système de santé et des acteurs traditionnels à s'engager dans des pratiques participatives diffèrent. Les usagers entendent améliorer l'expérience patient en réduisant les injustices épistémiques et en augmentant les libertés de bien-être, le tout dans une perspective de justice sociale. Six logiques guidant les participations coexistent (utilitariste, méthodologique, démocratique, consumériste, épistémique et émancipatoire), logiques dont la compatibilité n'est pas évidente. Par ailleurs, la démocratie en santé est devenue protéiforme et des tensions apparaissent entre la démocratie représentative et une démocratie participative, de type indirect. Cumuler les profils épistémiques d'usagers et les différentes envies et raisons d'agir, puis les envisager sous le prisme de la complémentarité, pourrait atténuer ces tensions.
A study on the executive functioning skills of Greek–English bilingual children – a nearest neighbour approach
Authors: Papastergiou Athanasia , Sanoudaki Eirini , Tamburelli Marco , Chondrogianni Vasiliki
Published: July 2022

Findings of bilingual participants outperforming their monolingual counterparts in executive functioning tasks have been repeatedly reported in the literature (Bialystok, 2017). However, uncontrolled factors or imperfectly matched samples might affect the reliability of these findings. This study aims to take into account a range of relevant variables in combination with innovative analyses to investigate the performance of one unstudied language group, Greek–English bilingual children in the north of England, compared to monolingual control groups. Our battery of executive function tasks taps into inhibition, updating and shifting. We use k-means nearest neighbour methods to match the groups and factor analysis to determine language proficiency. We find that bilinguals’ accuracy is on a par with their monolingual peers – however, they are faster in inhibition and working memory tasks. Our study provides strong evidence for the presence of a bilingual advantage in these domains, while making important methodological contributions to the field.
Wie beschreiben Pflegefachpersonen zeitliche Angemessenheit für das Durchführen von Pflegemassnahmen?
Authors: Tschuppert Adina , Spirig Rebecca , Kleinknecht-Dolf Michael
Published: July 2022

Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: Zeitlich angemessenes Durchführen von Pflegemaßnahmen ist grundlegend für eine professionelle Pflege. Obwohl Strategien zum Umgang mit Zeitressourcen vorliegen, werden Pflegemaßnahmen wiederholt zu früh, zu spät oder nicht durchgeführt. Dies kann negative Auswirkungen auf Pflegequalität und Sicherheit haben. Es gibt jedoch keine publizierte Beschreibung zur zeitlichen Angemessenheit des Durchführens von Pflegemaßnahmen aus Sicht von Pflegefachpersonen. Ziel: Es liegt eine Beschreibung vor, was Pflegefachpersonen im Spital unter zeitlicher Angemessenheit für das Durchführen von Pflegemaßnahmen verstehen. Methode: Für diese qualitative Studie wurden in Einzelinterviews acht diplomierte Pflegefachpersonen befragt. Die Datenanalyse erfolgte mittels Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring. Ergebnisse: Für die Teilnehmenden ist zeitliche Angemessenheit beim Durchführen von Pflegemaßnahmen relational. Sie beschrieben diese als Zeitrahmen, der sich im Verlauf der Zeit dynamisch verändern kann. Aus ihrer Sicht kann zeitlich angemessenes Handeln Schaden und Leiden verhindern sowie Sicherheit und Wohlbefinden von Patient_innen gewährleisten. Rahmenbedingungen, Pflegeziele und die Dringlichkeit von Maßnahmen beeinflussen dabei, ob die Teilnehmenden zeitlich angemessen handeln. Schlussfolgerung: Unter den befragten Pflegefachpersonen besteht ein gemeinsames, oft implizites Verständnis von zeitlicher Angemessenheit. Resultate dieser Studie können helfen, das implizite Verständnis und damit verbundene Prozesse zu verstehen und einen Beitrag zur Qualitätssicherung in der Pflege leisten.
Anisotropy and Microcrack Propagation Induced by Weathering, Regional Stresses and Topographic Stresses
Authors: Xu Tingting , Shen Xianda , Reed Miles , West Nicole , Ferrier Ken L. , Arson Chloé
Published: July 2022

This paper presents a new model for anisotropic damage in bedrock under the combined influences of biotite weathering, regional stresses, and topographic stresses. We used the homogenization theory to calculate the mechanical properties of a rock representative elementary volume made of a homogeneous matrix, biotite inclusions that expand as they weather, and ellipsoidal cracks of various orientations. With this model, we conducted a series of finite element simulations in bedrock under gently rolling topography with two contrasting spatial patterns in biotite weathering rate and a range of biotite orientations. In all simulations, damage is far more sensitive to biotite weathering than to topographic or regional stresses. The spatial gradient of damage follows that of the imposed biotite weathering rate at all times. The direction of micro‐cracks tends to align with that of the biotite minerals. Relative to the topographic and regional stresses imparted by the boundary conditions of the model, the stress field after 1,000 years of biotite weathering exhibits higher magnitudes, wider shear stress zones at the feet of hills, more tensile vertical stress below the hilltops, and more compressive horizontal stress concentrated in the valleys. These behaviors are similar in simulations of slowing eroding topography and static topography. Over longer periods of time (500 kyr), the combined effects or weathering and erosion result in horizontal tensile stress under the hills and vertical tensile stress under and in the hills. These simulations illustrate how this model can help elucidate the influence of mineral weathering on Critical Zone evolution.
Therapy-related clonal cytopenia as a precursor to therapy-related myeloid neoplasms
Authors: Shah Mithun Vinod , Mangaonkar Abhishek A. , Begna Kebede H. , Alkhateeb Hassan B. , Greipp Patricia , Nanaa Ahmad , Elliott Michelle A. , Hogan William J. , Litzow Mark R. , McCullough Kristen , Tefferi Ayalew , Gangat Naseema , Patnaik Mrinal M. , Al-Kali Aref , He Rong , Chen Dong
Published: July 2022

Therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MN) are aggressive leukemia that develops as a complication of prior exposure to DNA-damaging agents. Clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance (CCUS) is a precursor of de novo myeloid neoplasms. Characteristics of CCUS that develop following cytotoxic therapies (therapy-related clonal cytopenia, t-CC) and outcomes following t-CC have not been described. We identified 33 patients with t-CC and compared to a cohort of the WHO-defined t-MN (n = 309). t-CC had a distinct genetic and cytogenetic profile: pathogenic variants (PV) in TET2 and SRSF2 were enriched in t-CC, whereas TP53 PV was more common in t-MN. Ten (30%) t-CC patients developed a subsequent t-MN, with a cumulative incidence of 13%, 23%, and 50% at 6 months, 1, and 5 years, respectively. At t-MN progression, 44% of evaluable patients had identifiable clonal evolution. The median survival following t-CC was significantly superior compared all t-MN phenotype including t-MDS with <5% bone marrow blasts (124.5 vs. 16.3 months, P < 0.001) respectively. The presence of cytogenetic abnormality and the absence of variants in DNMT3A, TET2, or ASXL1 (DTA-genes) were associated with a higher likelihood of developing a subsequent t-MN and an inferior survival. We describe a putative precursor entity of t-MN with distinct features and outcomes.