bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Economic Analysis of Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu
Authors: Narkis C. Joys , Uma K. , Rohini A. , Vasanthi R.
Published: October 2021

Shrimp has become a popular seafood delicacy across the world. Shrimp is one of the widely traded seafood items and shrimp farming has created huge employment opportunities and gives foreign exchange to developing Nations. Shrimp exports have grown substantially with the introduction of Litopenaeus vannamei in India. The study analyses the economics of shrimp production and the constraints faced by the shrimp farmers in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. The economic analysis indicated that shrimp farmers have realized average gross returns of Rs.24,48,000 per hectare and average net return of Rs.8,71,038.58 per hectare. Disease problem and high feed cost were the major constraints faced by the farmers in the shrimp production.The results would help the policy makers in formulating suitable programs and devising strategies for increasing production of shrimp in Tamil Nadu.
Agronomic Characteristics and Seed Yield of Indonesian Mungbean (Vigna radiata) Genetic Resources
Authors: Soehendi Roedy , T. Hapsari Ratri , Nugrahaeni Novita , Haksiwi Pratanti , Suhartina . , Trustinah . , J. Mejaya Made
Published: October 2021

The availability of mungbean (Vigna radiata) genetic resources is important in breeding programs for development of new improved varieties. The objective of this study was to  describe the characters of 300 accessions of ILETRI’s mungbean genetic resources  collections. The study was conducted in Jambegede Experimental Station, East Java, Indonesia during dry season 2018. The results showed that the descriptive characters of 300 mungbean germplasm accessions had a fairly wide range, namely  50%-flowering date ranged from 30-50 days after planting with an average of 41.92 days, Pod maturity  ranged from 50 - 88 days after planting with an average of 74.08 days, 100-seed weight ranged from 2.43 to 7.96 g with an average of 4.52 g, and Seed weight per plot ranged from 10 - 525 g with an average of 254.53 g. There were three accessions with seed size more than 7.5 g/100 seeds, namely MLGV 0713, MLGV 0960, and MLGV 1027. These accessions could be used as a source of genes for developing high yielding and large seed size of  new improved mungbean varieties. Furthermore, the high diversity data in mungbean collection can provide information to used by  breeders.
Parental Diversity and Its Relationship with Performance of F1 Hybrid in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Kumar Avinash , Kumar Ashutosh , Singh N. K. , Kumar Rajesh , Nilanjaya . , Singh Mithilesh Kumar , Hussain Mohd Zakir , Bijarnia Subhash , Shahani Monika , Rojaria Vinay , Pragati Kumari
Published: October 2021

The present investigation was carried out including 10 parents and their 45 half diallel crosses with the objective to study the relationship between heterosis and diverse genotype. The Mahalonobis D2values resulted in grouping of 10 parents into 3 clusters. Cluster I was comprised of four genotypes, cluster II comprised of five genotypes while, cluster III was found monogenotypic. Cluster II and Cluster III had maximum mean values for 4 traits. Highest intercluster distance was also observed in these 2 cluster followed by cluster I and III . Maximum intra cluster distance was observed in cluster II followed by cluster I. The highest contribution in the manifestation of total genetic divergence was exhibited by grain iron content followed by grain zinc content. The relationship between parental diversity and heterosis indicated that majority of crosses belong to moderate divergence class. The cross P4×P5 exhibiting better parent heterosis for maximum traits also exhibited at par mean performance for 5 traits including grain yield per plant over the better parent. For grain zinc content, two crosses from high and low while, nine crosses from moderate divergence classes reported positive significant heterosis and SCA effects. For grain iron content, 1 cross with high, 2 crosses with moderate while four crosses with low divergence classes reported significantly positive heterosis and SCA effects.
Evaluation on the Use of Plants and Equipment in Building Project Delivery in Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Felix Ikechukwu Uche
Published: October 2021

Modern construction is characterized with complex designs, new and innovative materials that are sensitive with high precision. In addressing the accompanying challenges, mechanization of construction process is said to be the guarantee especially in this era of crash programmes and advancement in technology to reduce poor workmanship and eliminate avoidable holdup in construction processes in the industry. Amidst this belief, attributes of construction industry in Imo state still reflect ineffectiveness in the use of plant and equipment. Hence, the study assesses the involvement of plants and equipment in building delivery for improved project performance. Field survey and work measurement methods were adopted to gather both non-parametric and parametric data respectively. The survey design targeted the sampled building professionals while work measurement focused on selected earth and concrete works in the area of the study. Inferential and descriptive statistical tools of Chi-square on likert scale and Comparative measurements on work activities respectively were used to analyze the respective non-parametric and parametric data. Findings show that selection of various plants are dependent on their rates of use for increased site work productivity; while the socio-economic and political issues as militating factors against effective use of plants are determined by their levels of acceptance. It was also discovered comparatively that mechanization of construction processes is more time and cost effective in building project than manual approach at work. The study therefore recommends that a systematic and holistic awareness be created by the stakeholders on the usefulness of mechanization of construction process in physical development. Besides, government should enforce construction methodology plan as a mandatory document for approval of any building plans; while frantic effort should be targeted at reviving the abandoned steel manufacturing industry at Ajeokuta, Ogun state to revolutionize the construction methodology of construction industry in Nigeria.
Formulation, Optimization and Pharmacodynamic Studies of Pioglitazone HCl Solid Lipid Nanoparticles
Authors: Muzib Y. Indira , Ramya E. , Ambedkar Y. R.
Published: October 2021

Pioglitazone HCl is an oral anti-diabetic agent used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type II. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the pharmacodynamic activity of solid lipid nanoparticles of pioglitazone HCL prepared by using solvent injection technique and to compare with the control and test group. Among all the formulations, F5 was found to possess highest in-vitro drug release within 24 hrs i.e., 95.02±1.26%. The in vivo studies were performed using male albino rats of wistar strain (150-200g). Rats were divided in to five groups (n=6), group-I normal, group-II diabetes control, group-III   placebo control, group-IV reference, group-V test group. Diabetes was induced by streptazocin (60 mg/kg) by intraperitonial route. The reference group was treated with marketed tablet of pioglitazone HCL, test groups were treated with SLNs suspended in 0.1% Tween 80 and given to animals through oral gavages. Blood samples were collected by retro-orbital puncture before treatment, and after treatment at time intervals 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 24h in anti-coagulated vials. Parameters like glucose, tri glycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and HDL-C were estimated by calorimetric method.  Diabetes induced rats showed elevated levels of glucose, TG, TC and reduced HDL. The oral administration of drug loaded SLNs in 0.1% Tween 80 solution showed reduced levels of glucose, TG and elevated levels of HDL-C and slightly reduced levels of TG in 24 h where as the marketed tablet showed reduced levels of glucose, TG and TC up-to 12 h and in 24thh  the glucose levels get elevated. Thus the optimized SLNs showed prolonged activity.
Effects of Iron Deficiency Anaemia on HbA1c Levels in Non-Diabetics and Diabetics
Authors: Singh Ayushi , Bhake Arvind , Agarwal Anil , Vagha Sunita
Published: October 2021

Background: Iron deficiency anaemia is one of the most common anaemia striking in our country. The level up to which blood sugar level is regulated is measured by HbA1c. HbA1c represents sugar level in the blood for 120 days. HbA1c could be dependent upon an assemblage of factors like variants of haemoglobinopathies, haemolytic anaemia, other deficiency anaemia, acute loss of blood, uraemia, and pregnancy. Thus, it is crucial to determine the role of HbA1c in iron deficiency anemia in diabetics and non-diabetics before treating the patients.

Methods: Total of 58 articles were collected and based on our study objective total of 19 articles were included in this study. Iron deficiency anaemia, HbA1c, diabetics and non-diabetics has been added in pub med advanced searches and Google scholar. Original articles which compare the correlation between these two were taken. All the information was gathered from original and review articles.  Articles which were qualified for review, their inclusion criteria, exclusion criteria, quality of assessment and data collections were taken into consideration. Structure of heme particle, basic mechanism of HbA1c formation in RBCs is elaborated. Review articles which were taken include RCT, retrospective analysis and observational studies. The results were all compared and concluded of each articles. Basic mechanism of formation of HbA1c in RBCs is shown. Also necessary conclusions were derived from each study.

Results: In a wide range of studies, HbA1c was found to be raised in IDA. After iron supplements, studies showed a decrease in HbA1c. Our study showed there is a need to correct anemia in diabetic patients before starting treatment.

Conclusions: Strict HbA1c control is not a prerequisite and prior anaemia correction should be done. Nevertheless, a study which will be conducted in representative population matching to the prevalence and incident of disease in our country also which should be interventional is required for the highest correction value of HbA1c in DM and NDM population.
Soil to Cassava Transfer Factors of Natural Radionuclides in Farms in Ini Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Akankpo Akaninyene , Essien Ime , Nyong Alice , Inyang Etido
Published: October 2021

Knowledge of activity concentration of radionuclides in soil of our farmlands and the consequent transfer factors of the radionuclide to plants are necessary to estimate the contamination level of the soil, plants and food. The activity concentration of 40K, 238U and 232Th in soils and cassava in Ini Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria were measured using gamma spectrometry. Activity concentrations of radionuclides in soils in the locations ranged from BDL (below detectable limit) to 298.76 ± 21.40 Bq/Kg for 40K; BDL to 7.95 ± 1.88 Bq/Kg for 238U and 2.59 ± 0.25 to 16.56 ± 1.61 Bq/Kg for 232Th. Activity concentration of the radionuclides in cassava in all locations ranged from 213.96 ± 15.38 Bq/kg to 520.58 ± 37.25 Bq//Kg for 40K; BDL to 33.02 ± 8.91  Bg/Kg for 238U and BDL to 16.34 ± 1.59 Bq/kg for 232Th. The activity concentrations of all the radionuclides were lower than the world standard.  Transfer factors obtained ranged between 3.21 to 4.18 for 40K; 0.93 to 12.64 for 238U and 0.75 to 1.01 for 232Th. Effective ingestion dose due to the consumption of cassava from the studied area obtained ranged between 1.31 to 1.74 mSv/yr and 3.52 to 4.69 mSv/yr for children and adult respectively. These values are above the 1.0 mSv/yr recommended dose limit for general public, therefore the consumption of this food stuff could pose a radiological health effect on humans. However the risk could be minimized when the cassava is cooked.
Gênero, sexualidades e teoria queer: diálogos com a educação
Authors: Xavier Filha Constantina , Caetano Marcio
Published: October 2021

Apresentação da Seção "Dossiê" do segundo número da Periódicus.
Outras falas sobre gênero e sexualidade na escola
Authors: Araújo Denise Bastos de
Published: October 2021

Esse artigo toma os pressupostos dos movimentos feministas e queer para refletir sobre algumas dificuldades de a escola abordar as questões de gênero e sexualidade na contemporaneidade. Essa preocupação vai justamente se confrontar com os processos de construção social da heterossexualidade compulsória, que tem como resultados a exclusão de estudantes que se encontram à margem da norma.
A contemporary review of therapeutic and regenerative management of intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Sadaf Humaira , Desai Virendra R. , Misra Vivek , Golanov Eugene , Hegde Muralidhar L. , Villapol Sonia , Karmonik Christof , Regnier‐Golanov Angelique , Sayenko Dimitri , Horner Philip J. , Krencik Robert , Weng Yi Lan , Vahidy Farhaan S. , Britz Gavin W.
Published: October 2021

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains a common and debilitating form of stroke. This neurological emergency must be diagnosed and treated rapidly yet effectively. In this article, we review the medical, surgical, repair, and regenerative treatment options for managing ICH. Topics of focus include the management of blood pressure, intracranial pressure, coagulopathy, and intraventricular hemorrhage, as well as the role of surgery, regeneration, rehabilitation, and secondary prevention. Results of various phase II and III trials are incorporated. In summary, ICH patients should undergo rapid evaluation with neuroimaging, and early interventions should include systolic blood pressure control in the range of 140 mmHg, correction of coagulopathy if indicated, and assessment for surgical intervention. ICH patients should be managed in dedicated neurosurgical intensive care or stroke units where continuous monitoring of neurological status and evaluation for neurological deterioration is rapidly possible. Extravasation of hematoma may be helpful in patients with intraventricular extension of ICH. The goal of care is to reduce mortality and enable multimodal rehabilitative therapy.
How does the temperature of polymer bead influence the kinetics of coalescence in additive manufacturing processes?
Authors: Le Boterff Julien , Charlon Sébastien , Soulestin Jérémie
Published: October 2021

The quality of a part made by fused filament fabrication substantially depends on the coalescence level achieved between the polymer beads. This paper describes an innovate approach quantifying the influence of the polymer temperature on the coalescence kinetics between two molten polymer beads. The models presented in the literature were modified to introduce two major thermo‐dependents intrinsic characteristics of the polymer, its surface tension and viscosity. The accuracy of the developed model was confirmed by the good correlation between calculated and experimental data. The influence of the polypropylene temperature has been found substantially different for different polymer grades. The results revealed that the change of viscosity influences the coalescence kinetics much more than the surface tension. The developed model is applicable to study the coalescence of any polymer beads in the range of temperatures between the crystallization and degradation temperatures.
Objective subtle cognitive decline and plasma phosphorylated tau181: Early markers of Alzheimer's disease‐related declines
Authors: Thomas Kelsey R. , Bangen Katherine J. , Edmonds Emily C. , Weigand Alexandra J. , Walker Kayla S. , Bondi Mark W. , Galasko Douglas R. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Objectively‐defined subtle cognitive decline (Obj‐SCD) and plasma phosphorylated‐tau181 (p‐tau181) are promising early Alzheimer's disease (AD) markers. However, associations between Obj‐SCD and p‐tau181, and their combined prognostic potential, are unknown.

Methods

Baseline and 4‐year longitudinal p‐tau181 changes were compared across cognitively unimpaired (CU; n = 402), Obj‐SCD (n = 199), and mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n = 346) groups. CU and Obj‐SCD participants were further classified as p‐tau181‐positive or negative.

Results

CU and Obj‐SCD has lower baseline p‐tau181 than MCI and did not differ from one another. Longitudinally, Obj‐SCD had the steepest p‐tau181 increase. Obj‐SCD/p‐tau181‐positive participants had the fastest rates of amyloid accumulation, cognitive decline, and functional decline.

Conclusions

Despite assumptions that cognitive changes invariably follow biomarker changes, early neuropsychological difficulties may emerge before/concurrently with plasma p‐tau181 changes. Combining Obj‐SCD and p‐tau181, two potentially accessible early markers, was associated with the faster declines in AD‐related outcomes.
Higher cerebrospinal fluid tau is associated with history of traumatic brain injury and reduced processing speed in Vietnam‐era veterans: A Department of Defense Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (DOD‐ADNI) study
Authors: Clark Alexandra L. , Weigand Alexandra J. , Bangen Katherine J. , Thomas Kelsey R. , Eglit Graham M.L. , Bondi Mark W. , Delano‐Wood Lisa ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2021

Introduction

 Our goal was to determine whether cognitive and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers of tau and amyloid beta 1‐42 (Aβ42) differ between Vietnam‐era veterans with and without history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and whether TBI moderates the association between CSF markers and neurocognitive functioning.

Methods

 A total of 102 male participants (52 TBI, 50 military controls [MCs]; mean age = 68) were included. Levels of CSF Aβ42, tau phosphorylated at the threonine 181 position (p‐tau), and total tau (t‐tau) were quantified. Group differences in CSF markers and cognition as well as the moderating effect of TBI on CSF and cognition associations were explored.

Results

 Relative to MCs, the TBI group showed significantly higher p‐tau (P = .01) and t‐tau (P = .02), but no differences in amyloid (P = .09). TBI history moderated the association between CSF tau and performance on a measure of processing speed (t‐tau: P  = .04; p‐tau: P  = .02).

Discussion

 Tau accumulation may represent a mechanism of dementia risk in older veterans with remote TBI.
Impact of aortic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis on organic and functional mitral regurgitation
Authors: Kato Nahoko , Thaden Jeremy J. , Miranda William R. , Scott Christopher G. , Sarano Maurice E. , Greason Kevin L. , Pellikka Patricia A.
Published: October 2021

Aims

Concurrent mitral regurgitation (MR) influences treatment considerations in patients with severe aortic stenosis (sAS). Limited information exists regarding haemodynamic effects of sAS on MR severity and outcome of these patients. We assessed the impact of aortic valve replacement (AVR) on MR according to mechanism in patients with sAS and MR.

Methods and results

In patients with sAS who received surgical or transcatheter AVR from 2008 to 2017, those with effective mitral regurgitant orifice area (ERO) ≥ 10 mm2 prior to AVR were evaluated. The change in MR after AVR was considered significant when there was at least one grade difference. We compared the all‐cause mortality of patients with and without improvement in MR. Of 234 patients with sAS and MR (age 80 ± 9 years, 52% male, ERO 19 ± 7 mm2), organic and functional MR were present in 166 (71%) and 68 (29%), respectively. MR improved in 136 (58%); improvement occurred with similar frequency in organic versus functional MR (59% and 57%, P = 0.88). Associated determinants were absence of atrial fibrillation in organic MR [odds ratio (OR) 2.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00–4.37; P = 0.049] and indexed aortic valve area (iAVA) ≤ 0.40 cm2 in functional MR (OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.13–9.47; P = 0.028). In the overall cohort, mitral annulus diameter < 3 cm (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.02–2.97; P = 0.041) and QRS duration < 115 ms (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.00–2.98; P = 0.049) were independently associated with improvement in MR. During median follow‐up of 3.5 years, lack of improvement in MR was not associated with higher mortality in the overall cohort of patients with ERO ≥ 20 mm2 [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.71, 95% CI 0.90–3.27; P = 0.10, adjusted for age, New York Heart Association III or IV, diabetes, and creatinine ≥ 2.0 mg/dL]. Lack of improvement in organic MR was associated with higher mortality (adjusted HR 3.36, 95% CI 1.40–8.05; P < 0.01). In patients with functional MR, change in MR was not associated with mortality (HR 1.24, 95% CI 0.44–3.47; P = 0.68).

Conclusions

In nearly 60% of patients with sAS and MR, MR improved after AVR, even in the majority of patients with organic MR. Absence of atrial fibrillation in organic MR, iAVA ≤ 0.40 cm2 in functional MR, and mitral annulus diameter < 3 cm and QRS duration < 115 ms in the overall population were associated with MR improvement. Post‐operative improvement in organic MR was associated with better survival.
Teaching a small foreign language vocabulary to children using tact and listener instruction with a prompt delay
Authors: Cortez Mariéle Diniz , da Silva Letícia F. , Cengher Mirela , Mazzoca Rafael H. , Miguel Caio F.
Published: October 2021

This study consisted of a systematic replication of previous research examining the effects of tact and listener instruction on the emergence of native‐to‐foreign (NF) and foreign‐to‐native (FN) intraverbals in children who had experienced difficulties learning to read and write. We assigned different sets of stimuli to tact and listener conditions, and taught 4 children to tact or respond as listeners in a foreign language using a progressive prompt delay with differential reinforcement. All participants mastered tacts and listener responses in the foreign language. For all participants, tact instruction yielded greater emergence of intraverbals compared to listener instruction. Tact instruction also produced all possible bidirectional (NF and FN) intraverbals relations for 3 of 4 participants, but listener instruction never resulted in the emergence of all possible relations. These results replicate previous findings suggesting that tact instruction is a more efficient way to teach a foreign language and extend them to progressive prompt‐delay procedures.
The study of routine laboratory factors in children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia: serum uric acid may have anti‐inflammatory effect
Authors: Pan Chenglin , Chen Yanjie , Wang Shaosheng , Li Ming , Qu Shen
Published: October 2021

Background

High uric acid levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular disorders, and metabolic diseases; however, the role of serum uric acid (sUA) during the mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) of children is poorly known. This study aimed to clarify the effects of sUA during the MPP of children.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of children with MPP from multi‐center inpatient departments from September 2019 to August 2020. Routine laboratory characteristics analyzed including ALT, AST, BUN, CREA, UA, LDH, CK‐MB, WBC, N%, PLT, and CRP. Subjects were divided into 3 groups: non‐MPP, mild MPP (MMPP), and severe MPP (SMPP).

Results

949 subjects were enrolled, including 207 in non‐MPP, 565 in MMPP, and 177 in SMPP. The optimal cutoff value for sUA is 239 μmmol/L in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis. Multivariate logistic regression showed that WBC and sUA had significance for protective effects between non‐MPP and SMPP, but CRP did not have significance between the two groups, N and PLT had significance for risk factors; WBC and sUA did not have significance for the protective effects between non‐MPP and MMPP, CRP had significance between the two groups, N and PLT had significance for the risk effects. Similarly, binary logistic regression showed UA, WBC, and CRP had significance for the protective effects between non‐MPP and MPP, but N and PLT had significance for the risk effects between the two groups.

Conclusion

Both multivariate and binary logistic regression demonstrated that sUA displayed a protective effect during the MPP of children, which meant sUA is anti‐inflammatory.
Application of a six sigma model to evaluate the analytical performance of urinary biochemical analytes and design a risk‐based statistical quality control strategy for these assays: A multicenter study
Authors: Liu Qian , Bian Guangrong , Chen Xinkuan , Han Jingjing , Chen Ying , Wang Menglin , Yang Fumeng
Published: October 2021

Background

The six sigma model has been widely used in clinical laboratory quality management. In this study, we first applied the six sigma model to (a) evaluate the analytical performance of urinary biochemical analytes across five laboratories, (b) design risk‐based statistical quality control (SQC) strategies, and (c) formulate improvement measures for each of the analytes when needed.

Methods

Internal quality control (IQC) and external quality assessment (EQA) data for urinary biochemical analytes were collected from five laboratories, and the sigma value of each analyte was calculated based on coefficients of variation, bias, and total allowable error (TEa). Normalized sigma method decision charts for these urinary biochemical analytes were then generated. Risk‐based SQC strategies and improvement measures were formulated for each laboratory according to the flowchart of Westgard sigma rules, including run sizes and the quality goal index (QGI).

Results

Sigma values of urinary biochemical analytes were significantly different at different quality control levels. Although identical detection platforms with matching reagents were used, differences in these analytes were also observed between laboratories. Risk‐based SQC strategies for urinary biochemical analytes were formulated based on the flowchart of Westgard sigma rules, including run size and analytical performance. Appropriate improvement measures were implemented for urinary biochemical analytes with analytical performance lower than six sigma according to the QGI calculation.

Conclusions

In multilocation laboratory systems, a six sigma model is an excellent quality management tool and can quantitatively evaluate analytical performance and guide risk‐based SQC strategy development and improvement measure implementation.
Nutrient uptake of catch crops under non‐limiting growth conditions
Authors: Selzer Tabea , Schubert Sven
Published: October 2021

Background

Catch crops enhance nutrient cycling of cropping systems. Considering possible limitations of catch crop studies in field and greenhouse experiments, a new approach was chosen to combine the advantages of both systems in quantifying the potential for nutrient retention by catch crops.

Aims

This study aimed at identifying N, P, and K uptake of different catch crop species grown in monoculture and as a mixture under non‐limiting growth conditions in terms of water and nutrient availability.

Methods

Catch crops were cultivated under semi‐controlled conditions in large containers (August to November 2020). Shoot N, P, and K uptake, leachate accumulation, and soil Nmin, CAL‐P, and CAL‐K (0–30 cm) were quantified after harvest. After washing, root parameters were quantified with a root scanner.

Results

Nutrient uptake of N, P, and K was highest for phacelia. The mixture of seven different catch crops performed equally well. Nutrient uptake was closely related to root length and root surface area.

Conclusions

Under non‐limiting growth conditions, phacelia has the highest potential to conserve N, P, and K for a succeeding crop; however, the low C : N ratio of the frost‐sensitive crop could promote nutrient losses during winter. We conclude that growing a single catch crop can be as effective in reducing the nutrient leaching potential as cultivating a mixture of catch crops when nutrients and water are no growth‐limiting factors.
Harmonic scalpels compared with electrocautery in reconstructive flap harvesting: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Jaehoon , Shin Youngmin , Jeong Woonhyeok
Published: October 2021

Background

Numerous studies have compared electrical devices used for flap surgery, but the results are inconsistent. This research was performed to evaluate the efficacy of two different types of electric devices: electrocautery and ultrasonic shears.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched systematically. A total of 505 cases were included in this study, including 209 electrocautery and 296 harmonic scalpel cases. The following information was retrieved from the included studies: the first author of the article, publication year, flap type, flap harvest time, drain volume, bleeding volume and postoperative complications. Hematoma, infection, flap necrosis and wound dehiscence were considered postoperative complications. The Q statistic for heterogeneity and the I2 index were calculated. If I2 < 50%, we used a fixed‐effects model; if I2 > 50%, we employed a random‐effects model in our meta‐analysis.

Results

A total of eight studies which met the inclusion criteria were included and reviewed systematically for a meta‐analysis. The harmonic scalpel yielded a statistically significantly more favorable flap harvest time and drain volume than did electrocautery. The Harmonic scalpel led to a shorter flap harvest time by 26.29 min (95% CI = −39.38 to −13.2; p < .00001) and smaller drain volume by 58.76 ml (95% CI = −105.27 to −12.25; p = .01) on average. However, there were no significant differences in the bleeding volume or incidence rates of infection, flap necrosis and wound dehiscence.

Conclusion

The Harmonic scalpel method yields better outcomes in terms of the flap harvest time and drain volume than does the conventional electrocautery method. Therefore, the Harmonic scalpel is a better option for cauterization and dissection in flap surgery.
Exponentially correlated Hylleraas‐configuration interaction studies of atomic systems. II. Non‐relativistic energies of the 1 through 6 states of the Li+ ion
Authors: Sims James S. , Padhy Bholanath , Ruiz María Belén
Published: October 2021

The exponentially correlated Hylleraas‐configuration interaction wave function (E‐Hy‐CI) is a generalization of the Hylleraas‐configuration interaction (Hy‐CI) in which the single of an Hy‐CI wave function is generalized to the generic type . This type of correlation has the right behavior both in the vicinity of the cusp and as goes to infinity; this work shows that wave functions containing both linear and exponential factors converge more rapidly than either one alone for low‐lying excited states of 1S symmetry. E‐Hy‐CI variational calculations with up to 8568 configurations lead to a nonrelativistic energy of −7.2799 1341 2669 3059 6491 6759 hartree for the 1 1S ground state of the Li+ ion.
Fabrication of Silica‐Supported Al‐Doped ZnO and Its Use in the Elimination of the Toxic Organic Ingredients from Industrial Effluents
Authors: Shahid Muhammad , Bashir Sheraz , Habib Amir , Jamil Akmal , Afzal Adeel , Iqbal Naseer
Published: October 2021

Herein, an easy co‐precipitation method was adopted to fabricate Al‐doped ZnO nanoflakes as a photocatalyst to remove noxious organic dye from industrial waste. The silica (SiO2) additive, owing to its network structure and excessive hydroxyl groups (Si‐OH), has a great potential to capture dye molecules in its porous network. Application studies have shown that the Al‐doped ZnO/SiO2 nanohybrid is more suitable for practical application because it eliminates almost 95 % of methylene blue (MB) dye after 120 minutes of exposure to solar light irradiation. The exceptional photodegradation efficiency of the Al‐doped ZnO/SiO2 nanohybrid can be accredited to its narrower optical band gap, distinctive texture, hybrid composition, and good dye holding ability. The Al‐doped ZnO nanoflakes exhibited a superior photocurrent response that was 4.60 times more than the bare ZnO response. Furthermore, EIS and Mott‐Schottky studies reveal that the Al‐doped ZnO catalyst facilitates the effective charge separation/transfer process and impedes electron‐hole pair recombination, resulting in enhanced photocatalytic activity .
A Water‐Stable Tb(III) Metal‐Organic Framework with Multiple Fluorescent Centers for Efficient Self‐Calibration Sensing Pesticides
Authors: Gao Guoxu , Liu Wei , Liu Gongchi , Zhu Mingchang , Zhang Ying , Wu Shuangyan , Gao Enjun
Published: October 2021

Traditional single‐fluorescence sensors have certain limitations in selectivity and sensitivity, and developing novel self‐calibration probes is highly required. Herein, a novel water‐stabilized lanthanide metal‐organic framework (MOF) sensor (Tb‐BDOA) was selected, and its multiple emission peaks were used to self‐calibrate sensing pesticide. Tb‐BDOA emits green fluorescence at 445 nm,488 nm,545 nm,587 nm and 621 nm under the excitation of 280 nm. Different pesticides will cause different changes in the emission peaks of Tb‐BDOA, so as to conveniently distinguish different pesticides and displays self‐ calibration fluorescent response to nicosulfuron (NSF) and thiamethoxam (TMT). Besides the unique combination of each pesticide and ligand→Tb(III) emission intensity ratio showed significant correlation, which realized specific two‐dimensional fingerprint recognition. At the same time, 3D code recognition is realized by drawing the changes of two ratios under different concentrations. As a result, the novel self‐calibration sensor demonstrates effective recognition of NSF and TMT with excellent sensitivity and selectivity as well as great recycling ability. This provides a promising strategy for the development of new self‐calibrating sensors.
Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed C−H Bond Functionalization of Arenes/Heteroarenes via Tandem C−H Activation and Subsequent Carbene Migratory Insertion Strategy
Authors: Jha Neha , Khot Nandkishor Prakash , Kapur Manmohan
Published: October 2021

The past decade has witnessed tremendous developments in transition‐metal‐catalyzed C−H bond activation and subsequent carbene migratory insertion reactions, thus assisting in the construction of diverse arene/heteroarene scaffolds. Various transition‐metal catalysts serve this purpose and provide efficient pathways for an easy access to substituted heterocycles. A brief introduction to metal‐carbenes has been provided along with key mechanistic pathways underlying the coupling reactions. The purpose of this review is to provide a concise knowledge about diverse directing group‐assisted coupling of varied arenes/heteroarenes and acceptor‐acceptor/donor‐acceptor diazo compounds. The review also highlights the synthesis of various carbocycles and fused heterocycles through diazo insertion pathways, via C−C, C−N and C−O bond forming reactions. The mechanism usually involves a C−H activation process, followed by diazo insertion leading to subsequent coupling.
A defense of the supervenience requirement on physicalism
Authors: Alter Torin ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2021

The supervenience requirement on physicalism says roughly that if physicalism is true then mental properties supervene on fundamental physical properties. After explaining the basis of the requirement, I defend it against objections presented by Lei Zhong (“Physicalism without supervenience,” Philosophical Studies 178 (5), 2021: 1529–44), Barbara Gail Montero (“Must physicalism imply supervenience of the mental on the physical?” Journal of Philosophy 110, 2013: 93–110), and Montero and Christopher Devlin Brown (“Making room for a this-worldly physicalism,” Topoi 37 (3), 2018: 523–32).
The effect of splash block on the need for analgesia in dogs subjected to video‐assisted ovariectomy
Authors: Cicirelli Vincenzo , Lacalandra Giovanni M , Aiudi Giulio G
Published: October 2021

Objectives

The present study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of splash block using lidocaine to provide additional analgesia during ovariectomy in bitches. To identify an acute intraoperative nociceptive response, three clinical parameters were used: increased blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate.

Material and Methods

Forty healthy bitches were randomly assigned to receive 2% lidocaine (L group) topical application (splash block) on both ovaries (2 mg/kg each), or an equal volume of NaCl 0.9% at the same sites (C group). A fentanyl bolus (2 µg/kg) was administered intraoperatively in response to an increase in blood pressure, heart rate or respiratory rate during surgery (> 30% compared with the pre‐incisional values).

Results

Local lidocaine administration significantly reduced the need for supplementary fentanyl. Dogs in the L group showed greater intraoperative hemodynamic stability and lower surgical pain than those in the C group. In addition to the routine anaesthetic protocol, the local anaesthesia used in the present study was safe and caused no cardiopulmonary suppression. In addition, it significantly reduced the need for mandatory systemic or rescue analgesia.

Clinical Significance

Ovariectomy is a common surgical procedure in bitches. Analgesia during this procedure is important because intraoperative pain can cause negative effects that prevent patient recovery. This study aimed to demonstrate the analgesic efficacy of lidocaine splash block in video‐assisted ovariectomy in dogs. The results showed that splash block improved surgical analgesia during canine laparoscopic ovariectomy. Considering its relative simplicity, low cost, and safety, splash block could be used in daily clinical practice.
Constraints on coloured scalars from global fits
Authors: Eberhardt Otto , Miralles Víctor , Pich Antonio
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We consider a simple extension of the electroweak theory, incorporating one SU(2)L doublet of colour-octet scalars with Yukawa couplings satisfying the principle of minimal flavour violation. Using the HEPfit package, we perform a global fit to the available data, including all relevant theoretical constraints, and extract the current bounds on the model parameters. Coloured scalars with masses below 1.05 TeV are already excluded, provided they are not fermiophobic. The mass splittings among the different (charged and CP-even and CP-odd neutral) scalars are restricted to be smaller than 20 GeV. Moreover, for scalar masses smaller than 1.5 TeV, the Yukawa coupling of the coloured scalar multiplet to the top quark cannot exceed the one of the SM Higgs doublet by more than 80%. These conclusions are quite generic and apply in more general frameworks (without fine tunings). The theoretical requirements of perturbative unitarity and vacuum stability enforce relevant constraints on the quartic scalar potential parameters that are not yet experimentally tested.
Lorentzian dynamics and factorization beyond rationality
Authors: Chang Chi-Ming , Lin Ying-Hsuan
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We investigate the emergence of topological defect lines in the conformal Regge limit of two-dimensional conformal field theory. We explain how a local operator can be factorized into a holomorphic and an anti-holomorphic defect operator connected through a topological defect line, and discuss implications on analyticity and Lorentzian dynamics including aspects of chaos. We derive a formula relating the infinite boost limit, which holographically encodes the “opacity” of bulk scattering, to the action of topological defect lines on local operators. Leveraging the unitary bound on the opacity and the positivity of fusion coefficients, we show that the spectral radii of a large class of topological defect lines are given by their loop expectation values. Factorization also gives a formula relating the local and defect operator algebras and fusion categorical data. We then review factorization in rational conformal field theory from a defect perspective, and examine irrational theories. On the orbifold branch of the c = 1 free boson theory, we find a unified description for the topological defect lines through which the twist fields are factorized; at irrational points, the twist fields factorize through “non-compact” topological defect lines which exhibit continuous defect operator spectra. Along the way, we initiate the development of a formalism to characterize non-compact topological defect lines.
Perturbative unitarity constraints on generic Yukawa interactions
Authors: Allwicher Lukas , Arnan Pere , Barducci Daniele , Nardecchia Marco
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We study perturbative unitarity constraints on generic Yukawa interactions where the involved fields have arbitrary quantum numbers under an ∏iSU(Ni) ⊗ U(1) group. We derive compact expressions for the bounds on the Yukawa couplings for the cases where the fields transform under the trivial, fundamental or adjoint representation of the various SU(N) factors. We apply our results to specific models formulated to explain the anomalous measurements of (g − 2)μ and of the charged- and neutral-current decays of the B mesons. We show that, while these models can generally still explain the observed experimental values, the required Yukawa couplings are pushed at the edge of the perturbative regime.
Lebenszeitprävalenz des Erlebens von Sex und sexueller Berührung gegen den eigenen Willen sowie Zusammenhänge mit gesundheitsbezogenen Faktoren
Authors: Brunner Franziska , Tozdan Safiye , Klein Verena , Dekker Arne , Briken Peer
Published: October 2021

Hintergrund

Die negativen Auswirkungen von sexueller Gewalt auf die Gesundheit sind im vergangenen Jahrzehnt weltweit erneut stark in den gesundheitspolitischen Fokus gerückt. Bislang fehlen für Deutschland bevölkerungsrepräsentative Daten, auf deren Basis die Lebenszeitprävalenz für unterschiedliche Altersgruppen sowie spezifische Zusammenhänge zu gesundheitsbezogenen Faktoren dargestellt werden können.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die Studie untersucht 1) die Lebenszeitprävalenz für Sex sowie sexuelle Berührung gegen den eigenen Willen im Kindesalter und über die Lebensspanne sowie 2) die Zusammenhänge mit gesundheitsbezogenen Faktoren.

Material und Methoden

4955 Personen im Alter von 18 bis 75 Jahren wurden in einer zweistufig geschichteten, randomisierten Einwohnermeldeamtsstichprobe im Rahmen des bundesweiten wissenschaftlichen Survey „Gesundheit und Sexualität in Deutschland“ (GeSiD) befragt. Die Zusammenhänge mit soziodemografischen und gesundheitsbezogenen Faktoren wurden (altersadjustiert und stratifiziert für Geschlecht) mittels logistischer Regression berechnet.

Ergebnisse

Für Frauen lag die Lebenszeitprävalenz für (versuchten/vollzogenen) Sex bei 14,9 % und für (versuchte/vollzogene) sexuelle Berührung gegen den Willen bei 40,8 %, für Männer bei 3,1 % respektive 13,2 %. Für erzwungenen Sex vor dem 14. Lebensjahr lag die Prävalenz bei 2,1 %, für sexuelle Berührung bei 7,5 %. Es zeigten sich höhere Prävalenzen bei Personen mit beeinträchtigter Lebensqualität, schlechtem Gesundheitszustand, chronischer Erkrankung oder Behinderung, einer Behandlung aufgrund von Depression oder einer anderen psychischen Störung im letzten Jahr.

Diskussion

Die Studie verdeutlicht Zusammenhänge von sexueller Gewalt mit psychischer und somatischer Gesundheit. Sie unterstreicht die Dringlichkeit, nach solchen Erfahrungen regelhaft in der ärztlichen Anamnese zu fragen.
Genetically determined blood lead is associated with reduced renal function amongst individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: insight from Mendelian Randomisation
Authors: Mazidi Mohsen , Kirwan Richard , Davies Ian G.
Published: October 2021

Some observational studies indicate a link between blood lead and kidney function although results remain controversial. In this study, Mendelian randomisation (MR) analysis was applied to obtain unconfounded estimates of the casual association of genetically determined blood lead with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Data from the largest genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on blood lead, eGFR and CKD, from predominantly ethnically European populations, were analysed in total, as well as separately in individuals with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus. Inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, weighted median (WM)-based method, MR-Egger, MR-Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (PRESSO) as well as the leave-one-out method were applied. In a general population, lifetime blood lead levels had no significant effect on risk of CKD (IVW: p = 0.652) and eGFR (IVW: p = 0.668). After grouping by type 2 diabetes status (no diabetes vs. diabetes), genetically higher levels of blood lead had a significant negative impact among subjects with type 2 diabetes (IVW = Beta: −0.03416, p = 0.0132) but not in subjects without (IVW: p = 0.823), with low likelihood of heterogeneity for any estimates (IVW p > 0.158). MR-PRESSO did not highlight any outliers. Pleiotropy test, with very negligible intercept and insignificant p-value, indicated a low likelihood of pleiotropy for all estimations. The leave-one-out method demonstrated that links were not driven by a single SNP. Our results show, for the first time, that among subjects with type 2 diabetes, higher blood lead levels are potentially related to less favourable renal function. Further studies are needed to confirm our results.

Key messages

What is already known about this subject?

Chronic kidney disease is associated with unfavourable lifestyle behaviours and conditions such as type 2 diabetes.

Observational studies have reported an association between blood lead and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate, but the relationship between lead exposure and renal function remains controversial.

What is the key question?

Using Mendelian randomisation with data from 5433 individuals from the UK and Australian populations, does genetically determined blood lead have a potentially causal effect on estimated glomerular filtration rate and the risk of chronic kidney disease?

What are the new findings?

Blood lead levels have a potentially causal effect on reduced renal function in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

In subjects without diabetes, no such causal relationship was identified.

How might this impact on clinical practice in the foreseeable future?

This highlights the risk of elevated blood lead, for example, due to environmental exposure, amongst those with type 2 diabetes, which may predispose them to impaired renal function.