bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The alpine rural landscape as a cultural reserve: the case study of Teglio in Valtellina
Authors: de Pasquale Giorgia , Spinelli Eugenia
Published: October 2021

This research examines a portion of the Italian alpine landscape in order to find a comprehension mode and a strategic proposal to safeguard this rural heritage. The area is located in Valtellina, in the municipality of Teglio (Sondrio, Italy), between 700 and 1200 m a.s.l. Typical characteristic of the local landscape conformation is fragmentation, which determines a rapidly changing chequerboard depending on the rotation of seasons and cultivation. The landscape alternates wooded and cultivated areas. Cultivations mainly concern rye, buckwheat, corn, barley, alpine wheat, chestnuts and small orchards and have a wide agrobiodiversity and especially a historical and cultural value. The cultivation of buckwheat, for example nustran arrived in the valley in the XVII century and Teglio is the place where it persists more. The genotypes present are in part already classified, in part under study. The vernine crop alternated to buckwheat is mainly rye, arrived in the valley since the XV century. The local varieties formed over time are a resource of genotypes adapted to high altitude agricultural environments, they have important nutraceutical properties and they are closely associated with the local culture. The aim was to verify the persistence of traditional crops in the area, together with the cultural value of the traditional rural system, in order to analyse the feasibility of a strategy for the preservation of biocultural diversity. The research has shown how, despite the dynamics of depopulation and abandonment of agricultural fields, there is still in the area a sufficient permanence of cultural practices and social uses that can be a solid starting point for a sustainable development of the territory that focuses on agricultural and cultural biodiversity.
Heavy metal load and effects on biochemical properties in urban soils of a medium-sized city, Ancona, Italy
Authors: Serrani Dominique , Ajmone-Marsan Franco , Corti Giuseppe , Cocco Stefania , Cardelli Valeria , Adamo Paola
Published: October 2021

Urban soils are often mixed with extraneous materials and show a high spatial variability that determine great differences from their agricultural or natural counterparts. The soils of 18 localities of a medium-sized city (Ancona, Italy) were analysed for their main physicochemical and biological properties, and for chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and mercury (Hg) total content, distribution among particle-size fractions, and extractability. Because of the absence of thresholds defining a hot spot for heavy metal pollution in urban soils, we defined a “threshold of attention” (ToA) for each heavy metal aiming to bring out hot spot soils where it is more impellent to intervene to mitigate or avoid potential environmental concerns. In several city locations, the soil displayed sub-alkaline pH, large contents of clay-size particles, and higher TOC, totalN, and availablePwith respect to the surrounding rural areas, joined with high contents of total heavy metals, but low availability. The C biomass, basal respiration, qCO2, and enzyme activities were compared to that detected in the near rural soils, and results suggested that heavy metals content has not substantially compromised the soil ecological services. We conclude that ToA can be considered as a valuable tool to highlight soil hot spots especially for cities with a long material history and, for a proper risk assessment in urban soils, we suggest considering the content of available heavy metals (rather than the total content) and soil functions.
What the presence of regulated chemical elements in beached lacustrine plastics can tell us: the case of Swiss lakes
Authors: Filella Montserrat , Rodríguez-Murillo Juan-Carlos , Turner Andrew
Published: October 2021

Plastics (n = 3880) have been sampled from 39 beaches of ten Swiss lakes of varying sizes, hydrodynamics, and catchments, with a selection (n = 598) analysed for potentially hazardous (and regulated) chemical elements (As, Ba, Br, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, Sb, Se) by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Plastic objects and fragments with identifiable or unidentifiable origins were present on all beaches surveyed, and were often most abundant in proximity to major riverine inputs. Chemical elements were detected in between two (Hg) and 340 (Ba) samples with maximum concentrations exceeding 2% by weight for Ba, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Sb. Inter-element relationships and characteristics of the samples suggest that elements are largely present as various additives, including pigments (e.g., Cd2SSe, PbCrO4), stabilizers (in polyvinyl chloride), and flame retardants (Br). Observations are similar to, and complement, those previously reported in Switzerland’s largest lake (Lake Geneva). Comparison of concentrations of targeted chemical elements in beached plastic with currently used plastics illustrate the interest of these types of measurements in providing an insight into the persistence of plastics in standing stocks and in lakes. This information could help to introduce management schemes that consider whether plastic pollution is new or old and act accordingly.
Restoring nutrient circularity in a nutrient-saturated area in Germany requires systemic change
Authors: van der Wiel Bernou Zoë , Weijma Jan , van Middelaar Corina Everarda , Kleinke Matthias , Buisman Cees Jan Nico , Wichern Florian
Published: October 2021

Regions with intensive agriculture often encounter environmental problems caused by nutrient excess of agro-food-waste systems that have become increasingly linear over previous decades. In this study, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and carbon (C) flows in the whole agro-food-waste system of district Cleves in Germany were quantified simultaneously using substance flow analysis. Moreover, nutrient use inefficiency hotspots were identified to establish options to improve nutrient self-sufficiency as a first step towards nutrient circularity. Data on mass flows and nutrient contents was acquired for the year 2016 from stakeholders, statistical databases, literature and modelling. Organic C was included for flows with potential as organic fertilizer. Results show that animal production drives the nutrient flows in the export-oriented district, with feed import, manure application and losses from housing and manure storage accounting for 40, 45 and 60% of all N, P and K flows, respectively. In particular agriculture is responsible for N losses, with 150 kg N lost ha−1 agricultural land. Crop production surplus and with that soil accumulation of P and K are 515 t and 4100 t respectively. Stoichiometry of N:P:K:C in the different organic materials does not allow direct application and meeting crop requirements without exceeding demand of especially P. Processing of biomass is therefore required. Based on mass, especially manure holds potential for processing into bio-based fertilizers. To improve nutrient cycling and soil C conservation, being an important element for a sustainable agricultural sector, local balances between crop and animal production need to be considered.
Impact of Nitellopsis obtusa (Desv.) J. Groves, a regionally alien and invasive charophyte, on macrophyte diversity in the species native range
Authors: Pełechaty Mariusz , Zhapparova Bazargul , Brzozowski Michał , Pukacz Andrzej
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to determine the relationships between the abundance of Nitellopsis obtusa, a controversial charophyte, locally red-listed in its native Eurasian range but invasive in North America, and the species diversity of macrophyte stands dominated by N. obtusa. Three lakes of different morphology, productivity and catchment were surveyed in the species native range. In each lake, the species composition and cover of three N. obtusa-dominated stands were determined monthly from spring to autumn and illustrated by the Shannon–Wiener diversity index. Water chemistry supplemented vegetation study. The species diversity turned out to be lake-specific and declined with the increasing share of N. obtusa, which developed mass occurrence in less mineralised and less fertile waters, leaving no space and limiting light and nutrient availability for large and branchy macrophytes. We postulate that this mechanism makes N. obtusa a superior competitor in less fertile waters and seems common to both native and invaded territories, as is the pool of macrophyte species most frequently co-occurring with N. obtusa.
Predicting diagnostic coding in hospitals: individual level effects of price incentives
Authors: Anthun Kjartan Sarheim
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this paper is to test if implicit price incentives influence the diagnostic coding of hospital discharges. We estimate if the probability of being coded as a complicated patient was related to a specific price incentive. This paper tests empirically if upcoding can be linked to shifts in patient composition through proxy measures such as age composition, length of stay, readmission rates, mortality- and morbidity of patients. Data about inpatient episodes in Norway in all specialized hospitals in the years 1999–2012 were collected, N = 11 065 330. We examined incentives present in part of the hospital funding system. First, we analyse trends in the proxy measures of diagnostic upcoding: can hospital behavioural changes be seen over time with regards to age composition, readmission rates, length of stay, comorbidity and mortality? Secondly, we examine specific patient groups to see if variations in the price incentive are related to probability of being coded as complicated. In the first years (1999–2003) there was an observed increase in the share of episodes coded as complicated, while the level has become more stable in the years 2004–2012. The analysis showed some indications of upcoding. However, we found no evidence of widespread upcoding fuelled by implicit price incentive, as other issues such as patient characteristics seem to be more important than the price differences. This study adds to previous research by testing individual level predictions. The added value of such analysis is to have better case mix control. We observe the presence of price effects even at individual level.
Elementary pre-service teachers’ conscious lack of knowledge about technical artefacts
Authors: Sanjosé Vicente , Otero José
Published: October 2021

This study aims at characterizing elementary pre-service teachers’ conscious lack of knowledge about familiar technical artefacts and its relation to their knowledge about these artefacts. The participants were asked to state what they knew and also what they did not know about a sample of familiartechnical artefacts such as a fan or a lock. The results showed a difference between the structure of the student teachers’ lack of knowledge of these artefacts and the structure of their actual knowledge. These differences were analyzed in relation to Kroes’ (Camb J Econ 34:51–62, 2010. https://doi.org/10.1093/cje/bep019) model of technical artefacts. Firstly, the student teachers’ conscious lack of knowledge was mainly focused on the artefacts’ behavior rather than on their components and materials. Secondly, the participants found the function features of the artefacts unproblematic. Thirdly, unknown features about the origin of the artefacts were more frequently cited than the corresponding knowledge features. Finally, non-perceptual properties of the artefacts and the causal relations in which they or their parts are involved were important components both of the students’ knowledge and of the students’ unknowns.
Performability of Actions
Authors: Czelakowski Janusz
Published: October 2021

Action theory may be regarded as a theoretical foundation of AI, because it provides in a logically coherent way the principles of performing actions by agents. But, more importantly, action theory offers a formal ontology mainly based on set-theoretic constructs. This ontology isolates various types of actions as structured entities: atomic, sequential, compound, ordered, situational actions etc., and it is a solid and non-removable foundation of any rational activity. The paper is mainly concerned with a bunch of issues centered around the notion of performability of actions. It seems that the problem of performability of actions, though of basic importance for purely practical applications, has not been investigated in the literature in a systematic way thus far. This work, being a companion to the book as reported (Czelakowski in Freedom and enforcement in action. Elements of formal action theory, Springer 2015), elaborates the theory of performability of actions based on relational models and formal constructs borrowed from formal lingusistics. The discussion of performability of actions is encapsulated in the form of a strict logical system "Equation missing". This system is semantically defined in terms of its intended models in which the role of actions of various types (atomic, sequential and compound ones) is accentuated. Since due to the nature of compound actions the system "Equation missing" is not finitary, other semantic variants of "Equation missing" are defined. The focus in on the system "Equation missing" of performability of finite compound actions. An adequate axiom system for "Equation missing" is defined. The strong completeness theorem is the central result. The role of the canonical model in the proof of the completeness theorem is highlighted. The relationship between performability of actions and dynamic logic is also discussed.
Biomarkers and focused ultrasound: the future of liquid biopsy for brain tumor patients
Authors: Rincon-Torroella Jordina , Khela Harmon , Bettegowda Anya , Bettegowda Chetan
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Despite advances in modern medicine, brain tumor patients are still monitored purely by clinical evaluation and imaging. Traditionally, invasive strategies such as open or stereotactic biopsies have been used to confirm the etiology of clinical and imaging changes. Liquid biopsies can enable physicians to noninvasively analyze the evolution of a tumor and a patient’s response to specific treatments. However, as a consequence of biology and the current limitations in detection methods, no blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) brain tumor-derived biomarkers are used in routine clinical practice. Enhancing the presence of tumor biomarkers in blood and CSF via brain-blood barrier (BBB) disruption with MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a very compelling strategy for future management of brain tumor patients.

Methods

A literature review on MRgFUS-enabled brain tumor liquid biopsy was performed using Medline/Pubmed databases and clinical trial registries.

Results

The therapeutic applications of MRgFUS to target brain tumors have been under intense investigation. At high-intensity, MRgFUS can ablate brain tumors and target tissues, which needs to be balanced with the increased risk for damage to surrounding normal structures. At lower-intensity and pulsed-frequency, MRgFUS may be able to disrupt the BBB transiently. Thus, while facilitating intratumoral or parenchymal access to standard or novel therapeutics, BBB disruption with MRgFUS has opened the possibility of enhanced detection of brain tumor-derived biomarkers.

Conclusions

In this review, we describe the concept of MRgFUS-enabled brain tumor liquid biopsy and present the available preclinical evidence, ongoing clinical trials, limitations, and future directions of this application.
Nonlinear flight physics of the Lie Bracket roll mechanism
Authors: Taha Haithem E. , Hassan Ahmed , Fouda Moatasem
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we review the concept of Lie brackets and how it can be exploited in generating motion in unactuated directions through nonlinear interactions between two or more control inputs. Applying this technique to the airplane flight dynamics near stall, a new rolling mechanism is discovered through nonlinear interactions between the elevator and the aileron control inputs. This mechanism, referred to as the Lie Bracket Roll Augmentation (LIBRA) mechanism, possesses a significantly higher roll control authority near stall compared to the conventional roll mechanism using ailerons only; it produces more than an order-of-magnitude stronger roll motion over the first second. The main contribution of this paper is to study the nonlinear flight physics that lead to this superior performance of the LIBRA mechanism. In fact, the LIBRA performance in free flight (six DOF) is double that in a confined environment of two-DOF roll-pitch dynamics. The natural feedback from the airplane motion (roll, yaw, and sideslip) into the LIBRA mechanism boosts its performance through interesting nonlinear interplay between roll and yaw, while exploiting some of the changes in the airplane characteristics near stall.
Topological concepts in partially ordered vector spaces
Authors: Hauser T.
Published: October 2021

In the context of partially ordered vector spaces one encounters different sorts of order convergence and order topologies. This article investigates these notions and their relations. In particular, we study and relate the order topology presented by Floyd, Vulikh and Dobbertin, the order bound topology studied by Namioka and the concept of order convergence given in the works of Abramovich, Sirotkin, Wolk and Vulikh. We prove that the considered topologies disagree for all infinite dimensional Archimedean vector lattices that contain order units. For reflexive Banach spaces equipped with ice cream cones we show that the order topology, the order bound topology and the norm topology agree and that order convergence is equivalent to norm convergence.
Feasibility of the EQ-5D in the elderly population: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Marten Ole , Brand Laura , Greiner Wolfgang
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The EQ-5D-3L and 5L are widely used generic preference-based instruments, which are psychometrically sound with the general population, but little is known about the instruments’ feasibility in the elderly. Therefore, this systematic review summarises the available literature with regard to the feasibility properties of the instruments in the elderly population.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, PsycInfo and EuroQol databases using pre-specified vocabulary and inclusion/exclusion criteria to identify publications until November 2020. Study characteristics and outcomes referring to the feasibility of the EQ-5D-3L and 5L in the elderly were extracted, if all study participants were at least 65+ years.

Results

We identified 17 studies reporting feasibility outcomes based on four criteria: missing values, completion rates, completion time and broad qualitative statements referring to the completion. Missing values per dimension ranged from 0 to 10.7%, although being mostly below 7%. The completion rate was around 90% or better, whereas the EQ VAS rating was missing from 2.3 to 25.3% of the respondents. Only two of the included studies examined the EQ-5D-5L; 15 studies reported on the EQ-5D-3L.

Conclusion

Comparing our findings against the general population from published literature, we find that feasibility outcomes in older age groups are just below that of younger populations. Furthermore, older respondents have a higher propensity of requiring assistance or even an interviewer-based approach. Nonetheless, the reviewed literature indicates that the EQ-5D-3L still has good feasibility properties and, hence, is highly applicable in older respondents. However, further research is needed to explore feasibility properties of the EQ-5D-5L in this population.
Entrepreneurship in the twenty-first century
Authors: Haltiwanger John
Published: October 2021

Employer business startups contribute disproportionately to job creation, innovation, and productivity growth. This contribution is dynamic and complex involving much trial and error. Most startups fail or do not grow but a small fraction grow rapidly contributing substantially to economic performance. In the USA, there has been a decline in startup rate and the share of activity accounted for by young firms over the last couple of decades. This decline has accelerated and become pervasive in the post-2000 period even in innovative-intensive sectors. The flip side of this change is an accompanying increase in the share of activity accounted for by mega (10,000 +) firms in the post-2000 period. While both benign and adverse factors may underlie these structural changes, the post-2000 period has also exhibited a decline in productivity growth along with indicators of business dynamism. The global pandemic has had a major adverse impact on health, morbidity, daily life, and economic activity. However, there has been a surge in new business applications that may signal a turning point in entrepreneurial activity.
Detection and identification of changes of hidden Markov chains: asymptotic theory
Authors: Dayanik Savas , Yamazaki Kazutoshi
Published: October 2021

This paper revisits a unified framework of sequential change-point detection and hypothesis testing modeled using hidden Markov chains and develops its asymptotic theory. Given a sequence of observations whose distributions are dependent on a hidden Markov chain, the objective is to quickly detect critical events, modeled by the first time the Markov chain leaves a specific set of states, and to accurately identify the class of states that the Markov chain enters. We propose computationally tractable sequential detection and identification strategies and obtain sufficient conditions for the asymptotic optimality in two Bayesian formulations. Numerical examples are provided to confirm the asymptotic optimality.
Assessment of dispersal and population structure of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) in a seaport setting
Authors: Gatto-Almeida Fernanda , de Araújo Soares Amanda , Degrandi Tiago Marafiga , Tiepolo Liliani Marilia , Pichlmueller Florian , Hass Iris
Published: October 2021

Seaports are introduction hotspots for invasive alien species (IAS). This is especially true for rodents, which have accompanied humans around the globe since the earliest days of ocean-going voyages. The rapid spread of IAS soon after arrival in a new environment is facilitated by further human-mediated transport or landscape features, like roads. By measuring genetic diversity and structure to investigate dispersal pathways, we gained insight into the transport, spread and establishment stages of a biological invasion, leveraging the most common rodent species (R. norvegicus) in this setting. We characterized the genetic structure of three Norway rat populations along a busy industrial road used by trucks to access the Port area in Paranaguá city (Brazil). A total of 71 rats were genotyped using 11 microsatellite markers. The results revealed a pattern of gene flow contrary to the expected stepping-stone model along the linear transect, with the two furthest apart populations being clustered together. We hypothesize that the observed outcome is explained by natural dispersal along the corridor being lower than human-mediated transport. The sampled area furthest from the port is a gas station frequented by trucks which are considered the most likely mode of transportation. In terms of management strategies, we suggest more emphasis should be put on cargo surveillance to lower the risk of Norway rat dispersal, not only for biosecurity, but also for sanitary reasons, as this port is a major grain trading point.
Climate change in rural Pakistan: evidence and experiences from a people-centered perspective
Authors: Ajani Amber , van der Geest Kees
Published: October 2021

Pakistan is home to a wide range of geographical landscapes, each of which faces different climate change impacts and challenges. This article presents findings from a National Geographic Society funded project, which employed a people-centered, narratives-based approach to study climate impacts and adaptation strategies of people in 19 rural study sites in four provinces of Pakistan (N = 108). The study looked at six climate-related stressors—changes in weather patterns, floods, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods, drought, heat waves, and sea-level rise—in the coastal areas of Sindh, the desert of Thar, the plains of Punjab, and the mountains of Hunza, Gilgit, and Chitral. Speaking to people at these frontlines of climate change revealed much about climate suffering and trauma. Not only is the suffering induced by losses and damages to property and livelihood, but climate impacts also take a heavy toll on people’s psycho-social wellbeing, particularly when they are displaced from their homes. The findings further demonstrate that people try to adapt in various ways, for instance by altering their agricultural practices, but they face severe barriers to effective adaptation action. Understanding people’s perceptions of climate change and incorporating their recommendations in adaptation planning can help policy-makers develop a more participatory, inclusive, and holistic climate resilience framework for the future.
Incidence rate of osteoporotic hip fracture in Qatar
Authors: Alsaed Omar Suhail , Abdulla Nabeel , Lutf Abdo , Abdulmomen Ibrahim , Alam Fiaz , Alemadi Samar A. Razaq
Published: October 2021

Summary

The incidence rate of osteoporotic hip fracture is essential to formulate a national fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX). In this epidemiological study, the incidence rate of osteoporotic hip fracture in Qatar was comparable to that in regional countries, and lower than that in North America and European countries.

Purpose

Estimate the annual incidence rate (IR) of osteoporotic hip fractures (OHF) in Qatar from January 2017 to December 2019.

Methods

Hamad Medical Corporation is a government-based tertiary medical institute. Hip fractures were captured by using the International Classification of Diseases-10 hip fracture codes. The patient records were reviewed retrospectively to identify fracture mechanisms. The observed census in 2017 and the estimated censuses of 2018 and 2019 were used to calculate the age-sex-specific annual IR of OHF in the population aged ≥ 40 years. The world population in 2010 was used to calculate the age-adjusted standardized IR in the population aged ≥ 50 years.

Results

In total, 458 hip fractures were identified; 75 (16.4%) were due to high-energy trauma, and 9 (2%) were pathological hip fractures. The total number of OHF was 374 (81.7%). OHF was slightly higher in men (215, 57.5%). The median age (IQR) of the patients was 69 years (56–78 years). In 2017, 2018, and 2019, the age-adjusted standardized IR of OHF per 100,000 with the corresponding 95% CI was 141.7 (141.1–142.2), 140.8 (140.2–141.3), and 162.7 (162.0–163.2) for the whole Qatar population; 154.2 (153.6–154.7), 105.2 (104.7–105.7), and 176.6 (175.9–177.1) for Qataris; and 134.8 (134.3–135.4), 183.9 (183.3–184.6), and 160.4 (159.8–161.0) for non-Qataris, respectively.

Conclusion

The annual age-adjusted standardized IR of OHF per 100,000 inhabitants aged ≥ 50 years in Qatar was comparable to that in regional countries, and lower than that in North America and European countries.
Insight into the environmental monitoring and source apportionment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in various functional areas
Authors: Wang Shuibing , Liu Guijian , Zhang Hong , Yi Mingjian , Liu Yuan , Hong Xingyuan , Bao Xiang
Published: October 2021

Atmospheric aerosol contamination has caused widespread concern about human and environmental health. However, research about VOCs as an important precursor of secondary aerosols in ambient air is still limited. In this study, VOCs at sites from three typical functional areas in Hefei, China, were monitored using GC–MS/FID. The VOCs in ambient air from different functional areas showed significantly different characteristics. The highest concentrations and the biggest diurnal difference of VOCs were found in the High-tech Zone (industrial area) with serried emission sources. Additionally, lower VOC concentration was observed in Changjiang West Road, the center area of studied city. The VOC concentration in this area is strongly related to other pollutants. The composition of VOCs at all sampling sites showed certain common characteristics, i.e., alkanes, OVOCs, and halogenated hydrocarbons account for more than 75% of the total VOCs’ quality. The High-tech Zone with the highest concentration of VOCs also has the highest proportion of alkanes. Besides, the positive matrix factorization analysis results revealed that vehicle exhaust, LPG volatilization sources, and chemical solvents were the most important VOC emission sources in Hefei. In terms of the contribution of VOC components to the OFP at the three sites, the olefins and alkynes at the Changjiang West Road site and the Science Island site contribute the most significant proportion. In contrast, the OVOCs at the High-tech Zone site contribute the largest proportion.
Mechanisms of Immunomodulation and Cytoprotection Conferred to Pancreatic Islet by Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells
Authors: Lebreton Fanny , Hanna Reine , Wassmer Charles H. , Bellofatto Kevin , Perez Lisa , Othenin-Girard Véronique , de Tejada Begoña Martinez , Cohen Marie , Berishvili Ekaterine
Published: October 2021

Inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine activity can reverse inflammation mediated dysfunction of islet grafts. Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) possess regenerative, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. We hypothesized that hAECs could protect islets from cellular damage induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines. To verify our hypothesis, hAEC monocultures, rat islets (RI), or RI-hAEC co-cultures where exposed to a pro-inflammatory cytokine cocktail (Interferon γ: IFN-γ, Tumor necrosis factor α: TNF-α and Interleukin-1β: IL-1β). The secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines and gene expression changes in hAECs and viability and function of RI were evaluated. The expression of non-classical Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecules by hAECs cultured with various IFN-γ concentrations were assessed. Exposure to the pro-inflammatory cocktail significantly increased the secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL6, IL10 and G-CSF by hAECs, which was confirmed by upregulation of IL6, and IL10 gene expression. HLA-G, HLA-E and PDL-1 gene expression was also increased. This correlated with an upregulation of STAT1, STAT3 and NF-κB1gene expression levels. RI co-cultured with hAECs maintained normal function after cytokine exposure compared to RI cultured alone, and showed significantly lower apoptosis rate. Our results show that exposure to pro-inflammatory cytokines stimulates secretion of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory factors by hAECs through the JAK1/2 – STAT1/3 and the NF-κB1 pathways, which in turn protects islets against inflammation-induced damages. Integrating hAECs in islet transplants appears as a valuable strategy to achieve to inhibit inflammation mediated islet damage, prolong islet survival, improve their engraftment and achieve local immune protection allowing reducing systemic immunosuppressive regimens.

Graphical Abstract

This study focuses on the cytoprotective effect of isolated hAECs on islets exposed to pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro. Exposure to pro-inflammatory cytokines stimulated secretion of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory factors by hAECs putatively through the JAK1/2 – STAT1/3 and the NF-κB1 pathways. This had protective effect on islets against inflammation-induced damages. Taken together our results indicate that incorporating hAECs in islet transplants could be a valuable strategy to inhibit inflammation mediated islet damage, prolong islet survival, improve their engraftment and achieve local immune protection allowing to reduce systemic immunosuppressive regimens.
Sleep and health: examining the relation of sleep to burnout and well-being using a consumer fitness tracker
Authors: Grossi Nina R. , Batinic Bernad , Moharitsch Sebastian
Published: October 2021

Sleep is an essential requirement for both physiological and psychological functioning and has an impact on various health parameters. The present study aimed to examine how quantity and quality of sleep predicts burnout and well-being by using both self-reported and objectively collected sleep data. The participants were 104 white-collar workers who wore a fitness tracker for 14 consecutive days and filled out a questionnaire about sleep, burnout, and well-being. The results showed that self-reported sleep quality predicts burnout and well-being, but neither did self-reported nor objective sleep duration. We concluded that although measuring sleep duration with a consumer fitness tracker still needs to be improved, it is a useful addition to self-reported sleep measures. The study did solidify results from previous self-reported measures and point out the prominent role of sleep quality rather than hours of sleep.
Family Mindfulness Training for Childhood ADHD: Short- and Long-Term Effects on Children, Fathers and Mothers
Authors: Bögels Susan M. , Oort Frans J. , Potharst Eva , van Roosmalen Ruud , Williams J. Mark G. , de Bruin Esther I.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

We evaluated the effects of the family mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) “MYmind” for children with ADHD and their parents, and examined child and parent predictors of child outcome.

Methods

Using a pragmatic quasi-experimental waitlist design, children aged 7–19 years (n = 167), clinically referred with a DSM-IV ADHD diagnosis, and both their parents completed waitlist (average waiting time was 8 weeks), pre-test, post-test, 8-week, and 1-year follow-up measurements. MYmind consisted of eight weekly 1.5-h mindfulness-based group sessions for children and parallel for parents, and a follow-up session. We assessed children’s and both parents’ ADHD symptoms and other psychopathology, child executive function, parental stress, parental overreactivity, and mindful parenting.

Results

Multilevel analyses revealed medium-to-large effect-sized reduced child ADHD symptoms between pre- and post-test, becoming stronger at follow-ups, while no waitlist effects occurred. Parents above the ADHD threshold improved on adult ADHD symptoms with similar sized effects. Children’s and parents’ other psychopathology, child executive function, parental overreactivity, and mindful parenting improved, whereas parental stress only improved at 1-year follow-up. Child age, child gender, ADHD medication, parental ADHD, and parent participation did not predict child outcome. Parent gender however interacted with parental ADHD to predict child outcome; children of fathers (but not mothers) above the ADHD threshold improved more than children of fathers below the ADHD threshold at post-test and at 8-week follow-up. Reduced paternal ADHD from pre- to post-test mediated this effect.

Conclusions

Family MBI (MYmind) may reduce childhood ADHD and improve parental functioning. Fathers with ADHD symptoms appear important in helping offspring with ADHD.
Acculturation and Sexual Attitudes: a Systematic Review
Authors: Blanc Andrea
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The culture plays an important role in sexuality. Although each ethnocultural group has its own sexual attitudes, in multicultural contexts, the acculturation process could modify the sexual attitudes of these groups. The aim of the study was to perform a systematic literature review of the studies that have examined the relationship between acculturation and sexual attitudes.

Method

The review was carried out in the ProQuest and Scopus databases. There was no time restriction in literature search.

Results

A total of 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. The year of publication of the studies ranged from 1982 to 2020. The studies were conducted in the USA and/or in Canada and included mainly Asians and Latinos/Hispanics. Proxy indicators, unidimensional, and bidimensional measures were used to measure acculturation. In general, results show that mainstream acculturation is positively related to liberal or positive sexual attitudes. Relevant interaction and mediation effects were also found: (1) mainstream dimension moderates the relationship between heritage dimension and sexual attitudes, (2) heritage dimension moderates the relationship between mainstream dimension and sexual attitudes, (3) acculturation moderates the relation between gender and sexual attitudes, (4) gender moderates the relation between acculturation and sexual attitudes, (5) the ethnocultural origin moderates the relationship between acculturation and sexual attitudes, and (6) sex guilt mediated the relationship between mainstream acculturation and sexual desire.

Conclusion

The acculturation process is related to sexual attitudes.

Policy Implications

Knowing the acculturation process could be important to achieve greater equity in sexual health among different groups.
Companies Committed to Responsible AI: From Principles towards Implementation and Regulation?
Authors: de Laat Paul B.
Published: October 2021

The term ‘responsible AI’ has been coined to denote AI that is fair and non-biased, transparent and explainable, secure and safe, privacy-proof, accountable, and to the benefit of mankind. Since 2016, a great many organizations have pledged allegiance to such principles. Amongst them are 24 AI companies that did so by posting a commitment of the kind on their website and/or by joining the ‘Partnership on AI’. By means of a comprehensive web search, two questions are addressed by this study: (1) Did the signatory companies actually try to implement these principles in practice, and if so, how? (2) What are their views on the role of other societal actors in steering AI towards the stated principles (the issue of regulation)? It is concluded that some three of the largest amongst them have carried out valuable steps towards implementation, in particular by developing and open sourcing new software tools. To them, charges of mere ‘ethics washing’ do not apply. Moreover, some 10 companies from both the USA and Europe have publicly endorsed the position that apart from self-regulation, AI is in urgent need of governmental regulation. They mostly advocate focussing regulation on high-risk applications of AI, a policy which to them represents the sensible middle course between laissez-faire on the one hand and outright bans on technologies on the other. The future shaping of standards, ethical codes, and laws as a result of these regulatory efforts remains, of course, to be determined.
Free boundary methods and non-scattering phenomena
Authors: Salo Mikko , Shahgholian Henrik
Published: October 2021

We study a question arising in inverse scattering theory: given a penetrable obstacle, does there exist an incident wave that does not scatter? We show that every penetrable obstacle with real-analytic boundary admits such an incident wave. At zero frequency, we use quadrature domains to show that there are also obstacles with inward cusps having this property. In the converse direction, under a nonvanishing condition for the incident wave, we show that there is a dichotomy for boundary points of any penetrable obstacle having this property: either the boundary is regular, or the complement of the obstacle has to be very thin near the point. These facts are proved by invoking results from the theory of free boundary problems.
Assessing Proof Reading Comprehension Using Summaries
Authors: Davies Ben , Jones Ian
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we explore the role of mathematical proof summaries as a tool for capturing students’ reading comprehension of a given proof. We present an interview study based on mathematicians’ pairwise evaluations of student-produced summaries of a proof demonstrating the uncountability of the open unit interval. We present a thematic analysis, exploring features of mathematicians’ pairwise decision-making and their priorities in evaluating summaries. We argue that the students’ proof summaries shared several properties with traditional modes of proof-writing and were frequently evaluated against similar conventions. We consider the consequences for research and practice with proof comprehension and conclude that proof summaries have the potential to form the basis of a new approach to assessment in this area.
Biochar alleviates metal toxicity and improves microbial community functions in a soil co-contaminated with cadmium and lead
Authors: Azadi Nahid , Raiesi Fayez
Published: October 2021

Soil amendment with biochar alleviates the toxic effects of heavy metals on microbial functions in single-metal contaminated soils. Yet, it is unclear how biochar application would improve microbial activity and enzymatic activity in soils co-polluted with toxic metals. The present research aimed at determining the response of microbial and biochemical attributes to addition of sugarcane bagasse biochar (SCB) in cadmium (Cd)-lead (Pb) co-contaminated soils. SCBs (400 and 600 °C) decreased the available concentrations of Cd and Pb, increased organic carbon (OC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) contents in soil. The decrease of metal availability was greater with 600 °C SCB than with 400 °C SCB, and metal immobilization was greater for Cd (16%) than for Pb (12%) in co-spiked soils amended with low-temperature SCB. Biochar application improved microbial activity and biomass, and enzymatic activity in the soils co-spiked with metals, but these positive impacts of SCB were less pronounced in the co-spiked soils than in the single-spiked soils. SCB decreased the adverse impacts of heavy metals on soil properties largely through the enhanced labile C for microbial assimilation and partly through the immobilization of metals. Redundancy analysis further confirmed that soil OC was overwhelmingly the dominant driver of changes in the properties and quality of contaminated soils amended with SCB. The promotion of soil microbial quality by the low-temperature SCB was greater than by high-temperature SCB, due to its higher labile C fraction. Our findings showed that SCB at lower temperatures could be applied to metal co-polluted soils to mitigate the combined effects of metal stresses on microbial and biochemical functions.
Improving deep learning performance by using Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) approaches
Authors: Bento Vitor , Kohler Manoela , Diaz Pedro , Mendoza Leonardo , Pacheco Marco Aurelio
Published: October 2021

In this work we propose a workflow to deal with overlaid images—images with superimposed text and company logos—, which is very common in underwater monitoring videos and surveillance camera footage. It is demonstrated that it is possible to use Explaining Artificial Intelligence to improve deep learning models performance for image classification tasks in general. A deep learning model trained to classify metal surface defect, which previously had a low performance, is then evaluated with Layer-wise relevance propagation—an Explaining Artificial Intelligence technique—to identify problems in a dataset that hinder the training of deep learning models in a wide range of applications. Thereafter, it is possible to remove this unwanted information from the dataset—using different approaches: from cutting part of the images to training a Generative Inpainting neural network model—and retrain the model with the new preprocessed images. This proposed methodology improved F1 score in 20% when compared to the original trained dataset, validating the proposed workflow.
Investigation of Hemodynamic Receptors of the Internal Carotid Artery Segments
Authors: Yener Mehmet Deniz , Colak Tuncay , Bamac Belgin , Ozturk Ahmet , Rencber Selenay Humeyra , Yazir Yusufhan
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Internal carotid artery (ICA), the main artery of the brain, passes through the cavernous sinus (CS) which forms one of these venous pools. During this transition, while there is arterial blood in the lumen of ICA, its outer surface is in contact with venous blood from the brain. Herein, we aimed to detect the receptor differences of ICA in this highly specialized anatomical region of the skull base.

Methods

We performed the study on 10 human cadavers and searched CGRPR, TRP12, ASIC3 and ACTHR receptors via immunostaining using laser scanning confocal microscopy.

Results

We determined TRP12 receptor positive in the tunica media and tunica adventitia layers of the cavernous segment of ICA. We did not detect similar positivity in the cervical part of the ICA. In the receptor scan we made in terms of CGRPR, while we detected positivity in the tunica media layer of the cavernous segment, we found positivity in the tunica intima layer of the cervicalis segment of the ICA. We did not detect any positivity for ASIC3 and ACTHR receptors in both parts of the ICA.

Conclusions

As a result, we observed various differences in receptors between ICA segments. While the outer surface of the ICA in the cervical region did not show any receptor positivity, we detected TRP12 receptor positivity along the tissue contour of vessel in the CS. We assume that it may provide a new perspective on pathologies of the CS/ICA and preservation of brain hemodynamics for clinicians.
Sorting through citizenship: A case study on using cognitive scaffolding to unpack adolescent civic identity formation
Authors: Smith Victoria Davis , Magill Kevin R. , Blevins Brooke , Scholten Nate
Published: October 2021

Civic engagement requires individuals to have both knowledge of democratic principles and the skills for enacting change. Acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary for a productive civic life can be difficult for students if they are not provided conceptual scaffolds and opportunities to practice citizenship. We implemented and studied an activity using Westheimer and Kahne's (2004) citizenship typology during a summer civics institute to help students grapple with their understandings of “good” citizenship. We found (1) students appropriated the language of Westheimer and Kahne's citizenship typology by using it to describe their expanding understandings of citizenship; and (2) students used the citizenship typology to name and make sense of their civic identity. We discuss these findings and reflect on our use of Westheimer and Kahne's citizenship typology as a cognitive scaffold.
L’effacement de la laïcité libérale en France. De la séparation du politique et du religieux vers la promotion du « vivre‑ensemble »
Authors: Valentin Vincent
Published: October 2021

Depuis plusieurs décennies, la laïcité subit en France une transformation profonde qui remet en cause sa dimension libérale. Le principe de séparation du politique et du religieux se dilue au profit de la promotion de la notion récente du « vivre‑ensemble », qui voudrait associer garantie de la liberté religieuse et défense des valeurs républicaines. Ce processus d’érosion s’appuie sur le développement d’une logique concordataire et sur l’émergence d’une conception « communautariste » de la laïcité.
MTW-OPAL: a technology development platform for ultra-intense optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification systems
Authors: Bromage J. , Bahk S.-W. , Bedzyk M. , Begishev I. A. , Bucht S. , Dorrer C. , Feng C. , Jeon C. , Mileham C. , Roides R. G. , Shaughnessy K. , Shoup M. J. , Spilatro M. , Webb B. , Weiner D. , Zuegel J. D.
Published: October 2021

Optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification implemented using multikilojoule Nd:glass pump lasers is a promising approach for producing ultra-intense pulses (>1023 W/cm2). We report on the MTW-OPAL Laser System, an optical parametric amplifier line (OPAL) pumped by the Nd:doped portion of the multi-terawatt (MTW) laser. This midscale prototype was designed to produce 0.5-PW pulses with technologies scalable to tens of petawatts. Technology choices made for MTW-OPAL were guided by the longer-term goal of two full-scale OPALs pumped by the OMEGA EP to produce 2 × 25-PW beams that would be co-located with kilojoule−nanosecond ultraviolet beams. Several MTW-OPAL campaigns that have been completed since “first light” in March 2020 show that the laser design is fundamentally sound, and optimization continues as we prepare for “first-focus” campaigns later this year.