bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental thermal levels affect the phenological relationships between the chestnut gall wasp and its parasitoids
Authors: Bonsignore Carmelo P. , Vono Gregorio , Bernardo Umberto
Published: February 2019

Studies of thermal level‐related asynchrony in a host–parasitoid relationship are necessary to understand the effects of climate change on new host–parasitoid interactions. In the Asian chestnut gall wasp Dryocosmus kuriphilus (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) and its Chalcidoidea parasitoids, phenological synchrony is assumed to be weather‐dependent in a new area of expansion. To evaluate the effects of environmental thermal regimes on the host, a phenology model for different cynipid stages (larvae, pupae, adults, and adult emergence) and a host–parasitoid phenological estimator are developed in three chestnut fields during two successive growth seasons and subsequently validated in areas with chestnut fields at two different altitudes. Comparisons of the timings of the juvenile and adult stages with those of the parasitoid complex demonstrate that the shortest period of occurrence for cynipids within galls has negative effects on the host–parasitoid relationships at higher temperature levels, thereby increasing phenological asynchrony for some parasitoids species. Reducing the development time of pupae and adults decreases the likelihood of success for some parasitoid species at higher temperature levels. We also record the extension of the gall wasp development time (approximately 15 days) at higher altitudes (linked to a lower mean temperature of approximately 1.5 °C). These results highlight how parasitization on the new hosts is dependent on the host phenology and, in the present study, is limited by the short duration of the presence of the host in galls, which could explain the considerable differences in cynipid gall wasp parasitization recorded at different altimeters.
Constraining sediment provenance for tsunami deposits using distributions of grain size and foraminifera from the Kujukuri coastline and shelf, Japan
Authors: Pilarczyk Jessica E. , Sawai Yuki , Matsumoto Dan , Namegaya Yuichi , Nishida Naohisa , Ikehara Ken , Fujiwara Osamu , Gouramanis Chris , Dura Tina , Horton Benjamin P.
Published: February 2019

Tsunami deposits preserved in the geological record provide a more comprehensive understanding of their patterns of frequency and intensity over longer timescales; but recognizing tsunami deposits can prove challenging due to post‐depositional changes, lack of contrast between the deposits and surrounding sedimentary layers, and differentiating between tsunami and storm deposition. Modern baseline studies address these challenges by providing insight into modern spatial distributions that can be compared with palaeotsunami deposits. This study documents the spatial fingerprint of grain size and foraminifera from Hasunuma Beach and the Kujukuri shelf to provide a basis from which tsunami deposits can be interpreted. At Hasunuma Beach, approximately 50 km east of Tokyo, the spatial distribution of three common proxies (foraminiferal taxonomy, foraminiferal taphonomy and sediment grain size) for tsunami identification were mapped and clustered using Partitioning Around Medoids cluster analysis. Partitioning Around Medoids cluster analysis objectively discriminated two coastal zones corresponding to onshore and offshore sample locations. Results show that onshore samples are characterized by coarser grain sizes (medium to coarse sand) and higher abundances of Pararotalia nipponica (27 to 63%) than offshore samples, which are characterized by finer grain sizes (fine to medium sand), lower abundances of Pararotalia nipponica (2 to 19%) and Ammonia parkinsoniana (0 to 10%), higher abundances of planktonics (15 to 58%) and species with fragile tests including Uvigerinella glabra. When compared to grain‐size and foraminiferal taxonomy, foraminiferal taphonomy; i.e. surface condition of foraminifera, a proxy not commonly used to identify tsunami deposits, was most effective in discriminating modern coastal zones (identified supratidal, intertidal and offshore environments) and determining sediment provenance for tsunami deposits at Kujukuri. This modern baseline study assists the interpretation of tsunami deposits in the geological record because it provides a basis for sediment provenance to be determined.
The effects of exercise interventions on health and fitness of firefighters: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Andrews Katie L. , Gallagher Stephen , Herring Matthew P.
Published: February 2019

Objective

The present review synthesized the available empirical evidence to provide support of the effectiveness and feasibility of exercise interventions for improving health and fitness of firefighters.

Methods

Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before May 2018 were located using Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science. RCTs involved 462 (18 Females) active‐duty firefighters, an exercise intervention, and reported changes in health and/or fitness. Hedges’ d effect sizes quantified the magnitude of the effects of exercise compared to control conditions. Aggregated mean effects for differential modes of exercise (aerobic exercise training (AET), resistance exercise training (RET), or combined (AET + RET)) were also calculated. Random effects models were used for all analyses.

Results

Exercise significantly improved body fat percentage (Δ = 0.52, [95% CI: 0.16‐0.88] z = 2.81, P = 0.005, k = 4), aerobic capacity (Δ = 1.20, [0.52‐1.87] z = 3.48, P = 0.000, k = 8), endurance (Δ = 1.74, [0.94‐2.53] z = 4.03, P = 0.000, k = 10), strength (Δ = 1.27, [0.42‐2.11] z = 2.93, P = 0.003, k = 9), and power (Δ = 1.02, [0.52‐1.52] z = 4.00, P = 0.000, k = 2). Specifically, RET improved body fat percentage (Δ = 0.87, [0.38‐1.36] z = 3.47, P = 0.000, k = 2), aerobic capacity (Δ = 3.06, [2.37‐3.75] z = 8.65, P = 0.000, k = 2), endurance (Δ = 2.79, [1.48‐4.09] z = 4.19, P = 0.000, k = 6), strength (Δ = 1.44, [0.49‐2.39] z = 2.97, P = 0.002, k = 8), and power (Δ = 1.02, [0.52‐1.52] z = 3.99, P = 0.000, k = 2), while AET improved aerobic capacity (Δ = 0.69, [0.24‐1.15] z = 3.01, P = 0.000, k = 3), and AET + RET improved aerobic capacity (Δ = 0.52, [0.15‐0.89] z = 2.78, P = 0.005, k = 3) and endurance (Δ = 0.44, [0.19‐0.70] z = 3.41, P = 0.000, k = 3).

Conclusions

The present results provide evidence of the positive effects of exercise interventions, particularly RET, to improve outcomes of health and fitness associated with superior job performance and reduced risk of injury and CVD.
Emerging research on intergroup prosociality: Group members' charitable giving, positive contact, allyship, and solidarity with others
Authors: Louis Winnifred R. , Thomas Emma , Chapman Cassandra M. , Achia Tulsi , Wibisono Susilo , Mirnajafi Zahra , Droogendyk Lisa
Published: February 2019

This paper describes an emerging body of work on intergroup prosociality, drawing together parallel literatures and highlighting some of the themes of the recent research. A broad distinction between benevolence and activism serves as the foundation to explore forms of intergroup prosociality, such as charitable giving, displays of empathy and affirmation (positive and supportive contact), allyship, and solidarity. Gaps and implications for future research are discussed. For example, we propose that it may be useful to distinguish allyship, defined as advocacy for others motivated by the values and norms of the ingroup for its own ends, from solidarity, defined as advocacy on behalf of others from the perspective of a shared, inclusive group. We propose that articulating the similarities between these various forms of intergroup prosociality, and testing the differences, will be a useful direction of future research.
Personally affected, politically disaffected? How experiences with public employment services impact young people's political efficacy
Authors: Shore Jennifer , Tosun Jale
Published: February 2019

Unemployment experiences can have consequences for how people think about democracy and where they stand vis‐à‐vis the state. We investigate how young people's experiences with public employment services can shape levels of external political efficacy—the feeling that decision‐makers are responsive to citizen needs. The personal and direct experiences one gathers at this pivotal time in life can also leave their mark on political attitudes. We analyze an original dataset on German youth to test how encounters with such agencies affect young people's political efficacy, finding that perceptions of helpfulness and being treated fairly and with respect increase the likelihood of being politically efficacious. The findings highlight the importance of personal experiences and bureaucratic interactions for vulnerable young people's democratic attitudes.
MIND UPLOADING AND EMBODIED COGNITION: A THEOLOGICAL RESPONSE
Authors: Lorrimar Victoria
Published: February 2019

One of the more radical transhumanist proposals for future human being envisions the uploading of our minds to a digital substrate, trading our dependence on frail, degenerating “meat” bodies for the immortality of software existence. Yet metaphor studies indicate that our use of metaphor operates in our bodily inhabiting of the world, and a phenomenological approach emphasizes a “hybridity” to human being that resists traditional mind/body dichotomies. Future scenarios envisioning mind uploading and disembodied artificial intelligence (AI) share an apocalyptic category with more traditional religious eschatologies, though they differ markedly in content; therefore, the insights of embodied cognition and their uptake in technological innovation are considered as they apply to theological concerns. Theology often functions in debates over the technological future to critique or to caution. However, theologians may learn from their technological dialogue partners when it comes to the future of embodiment and its implications for the construction and practice of theology.
THE COEVOLUTION OF HUMAN ORIGINS, HUMAN VARIATION, AND THEIR MEANING IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY
Authors: Marks Jonathan
Published: February 2019

Ideas about biology, race, and theology were bound up together in nineteenth‐century scholarship, although they are rarely, if ever, considered together today. Nevertheless, the new genealogical way of thinking about the history of life arose alongside a new way of thinking about the Bible, and a new way of thinking about people. They connected with one another in subtle ways, and modern scholarly boundaries do not map well on to nineteenth‐century scholarship.
THE DEVIL IN TECHNOLOGIES: RUSSIAN ORTHODOX NEOCONSERVATISM VERSUS SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS
Authors: Skladanowski Marcin
Published: February 2019

One of the interesting aspects of Russian self‐definition in opposition to the West is its attitude toward Western science. Russian distrust of scientific and technological progress in the West is an important force shaping contemporary Russian identity. This article touches on these issues in four parts. The first section characterizes two main conservative circles that are active in today's disputes over the significance of scientific development for Russian identity. The second demonstrates certain Russian contemporary concerns related to scientific and technological progress, which will enable us to explain the position of the Russian Orthodox Church. The third section presents the political, religious, and identity context for the suspicion toward science expressed by Russian conservatives. The final section, on the other hand, discusses the way in which Russian Orthodox neoconservatism uses Orthodox anthropology to raise suspicion toward scientific and technological achievements.
IN WHAT SENSE EXACTLY DID CHRISTIANITY GIVE US RACIAL SCIENCE?
Authors: Fehige Yiftach
Published: February 2019

In my contribution to the interdisciplinary discussion of Terence Keel's study on the Christian roots of modern racial science, I focus on its philosophical assumptions and implications. My primary concern is to relate the findings of this study to recent appraisals of the philosophical notion of a secularized Western modernity. I raise a twofold question: in what sense can one say that traditional Christianity links intimately to modern racial science, and which historiographical decisions inform the substantiation of such links?
EXISTENTIAL HOPE AND EXISTENTIAL DESPAIR IN AI APOCALYPTICISM AND TRANSHUMANISM
Authors: Singler Beth
Published: February 2019

Drawing on observations from on‐ and offline fieldwork among transhumanists and artificial superintelligence/singularity‐focused groups, this article will explore an anthropology of anxiety around the hoped for, or feared, posthuman future. It will lay out some of the varieties of existential hope and existential despair found in these discussions about predicted events such as the “end of the world” and place them within an anthropological theoretical framework. Two examples will be considered. First, the optimism observed at a transhumanist event will be examined to emphasize the positive affective aspects of certain apocalypse scenarios, especially those with an implicit eschatological direction. Second, an online location where examples of existential despair can be noted will be explored further to demonstrate the kinds of negative responses to certain superintelligence/singularity ideas. These examples of existential hope and despair will demonstrate the intrinsic role of anxiety in ideas about a future artificial intelligence apocalypse.
RACIAL SCIENCE AND “ABSOLUTE QUESTIONS”: REOCCUPATIONS AND REPOSITIONS
Authors: Neswald Elizabeth
Published: February 2019

In Divine Variations, Terence Keel cites Hans Blumenberg's concept of “reoccupation” as way to approach the relationship between science and religion in racial science. This article explores the potential of a Blumenbergian framework for interpreting the changing forms of this science – religion nexus. It pays particular attention to the shift to quantitative methods, measurement, and descriptive statistics in physical anthropology and the social sciences in the late nineteenth century, which seem to be emphatically secular. Asking whether they too, have a place in the Blumenbergian framework, it proposes that Blumenberg's “reoccupation of the answer position” has as its counterpart a “repositioning of the question.”
RESPONSE TO MY CRITICS: THE LIFE OF CHRISTIAN RACIAL FORMS IN MODERN SCIENCE
Authors: Keel Terence D.
Published: February 2019

In what follows, I first deal with some of the major philosophical objections raised against my claim that Christian thought has given us racial science. Then, I take on points of dispute surrounding my use of Hans Blumenberg's notion of reoccupation to explain the recurrence of Christian forms within modern scientific thinking. Finally, I address some historiographic issues surrounding my assessment of Johann Blumenbach and the origins of racial science.
COLLAGEN EXTRACTION FROM YELLOWFIN TUNA (Thunnus albacares) SKIN AND ITS ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY
Authors: Nurilmala Mala , Fauzi Shita , Mayasari Dian , Batubara Irmanida
Published: February 2019

Tuna skin, a byproduct of the fish processing industry, is used as an alternative collagen source to replace bovine and porcine products. This study aimed to extract collagen from tuna skin with acetic acid, and investigated the antioxidant activity. Collagen extraction was carried out through a pretreatment process, defatted with butyl alcohol, and soaking in acetic acid to extract the Acid Soluble Collagen (ASC). The effect of concentration of sodium hydroxide and soaking time on the non-collagenous protein removed were measured, and evaluated. The yield and antioxidant activity of each sample were evaluated and the best result was determined by ANOVA. The highest yield of collagen was 3.18% based on dry weight reached at the treatment with sodium hydroxide 0.2 M and acetic acid 1 M. The different treatments did not result in any significant differences in the spectrum of amide A, B, I, II and III which are the characteristics spectra of collagen. Based on the electrophoretic pattern, tuna skin collagen has two  chains (1 and 2), and one β chain. Therefore, it is classified as type I collagen. The main amino acids were glycine and proline. In addition, the strongest antioxidant activity was found in the sample treated with sodium hydroxide 0.05 M and acetic acid 1 M treatment with IC50 value of 0.45 mg/mL. This study is the first to report on antioxidant activity from fish collagen (not hydrolysate or peptide products).
ANTICANCER EFFECTS OF RETINOIC ACID IN CERVICAL CANCER CELLS
Authors: Chinapayan Sugania Malar , Prabhakaran Praseetha
Published: February 2019

Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death in women, and it is known to have a poor prognosis. This is because, patients develop progressive or recurrent tumours after primary treatment, and the major reason for tumour recurrence is the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). It is known that retinoic acid (RA) has potential therapeutic effects on cervical cancer. However, the possible mode of action of RA in cervical cancer cells, and its relation to CSCs remains elusive. The aim of this research was to determine the anticancer effect of RA in cervical cancer cells (HeLa). HeLa cells were treated by various concentrations of RA ranging from 5-50µM to determine the effect of RA on cell viability, and cell proliferation. Both experiments were carried out using Celltiter-glo 2.0 assay and CyQuant NF assay, respectively. Apoptosis activity was determined using Caspase-Glo 3/7 assay. Immunofluorescent staining was conducted to detect the expression of differentiation marker (pan-keratin), and stem cell markers (CD133 and SSEA4) on untreated and treated HeLa cells with 10µM of RA. The findings showed that RA reduced cell viability and proliferation in a dose-dependent manner by 12-83% and 22-86%, respectively. However, a change in caspase3/7 activity between untreated, and 10µM RA-treated Hela cells were not detected indicating absence of apoptotic activity. The study also revealed that expression of differentiation marker (pan-keratin) was up-regulated, while expressions of stem cell markers (CD133 and SSEA4) were down-regulated. In addition, morphology of HeLa cells displayed a more differentiated phenotype that is less proliferative upon RA treatment. These findings suggest that RA showed its anticancer effect on cervical cancer cells by exhibiting cytotoxicity, inhibiting proliferation capacity, and inducing differentiation of cervical cancer cells. This finding shows that retinoic acid may potentially serve as a potent targeted therapy for cervical cancer and other cancers possessing CSCs within its tumors.
THE EFFECT OF ZNO NANOPARTICLES ON THE PHYSICAL, MECHANICAL, AND ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES OF CHITOSAN/GELATIN HYDROGEL FILMS
Authors: Ahmad Yusof Nurul Amira , Mat Zain Norashikin
Published: February 2019

Apart from biocompatibility, hydrogel films with good physical, morphology, swelling, and antibacterial properties are required for biomedical applications. In this study, the effects of nanofiller (i.e., zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles) on physical, morphology, swelling, and antibacterial properties of hydrogel film were investigated. The new chitosan/gelatin/ZnO hydrogel films were synthesized using solution casting method by blending the chitosan and gelatin solutions with ZnO nanoparticles. The use of glycerol (plasticizing agent) could enhance the durability and flexibility of the hydrogel film. From the FTIR results, it was found that chemical reactions occurred of gelatin was between 1500 cm-1 to 800 cm-1. On the other hand, the SEM results showed that the pore size distribution within the hydrogel film varied from 20µm to 700µm. The antibacterial properties ZnO hydrogel film against bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were evaluated using the zone of inhibition method. The antibacterial activity (against the S. aureus bacteria) of the new ZnO hydrogel film was more promising than that of the nanoparticle-free hydrogel film. The current findings showed that the new chitosan/gelatin/ZnO hydrogel film could be used in biomedical application.
ASSESSMENT ON BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND THE EFFECT OF MICROWAVE ON PITAYA PEEL
Authors: Mat Zain Norashikin , Nazeri Muhd Azlan , Azman Nurul Aini
Published: February 2019

Over the years, a wide variety of natural colour sources have been identified. One source, the pitaya fruit is known to impart colours to products, such as food and drink. However, there have been limited studies done to determine phenolic compounds and antibacterial activity of the pitaya peel (H.polyrhizus) via Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE) method. Both this information can escalate the potential role of pitaya fruit as a natural colour source. This study aimed to identify the types of bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds) and antibacterial activity of pitaya peel. To achieve this objective, MAE was used to extract bioactive compounds from the pitaya peel as it maintained the integrity of the compound. Based on the results, 13 types of phenolic compounds were identified from the pitaya peel extract via qualitative research using library database matching which include quinic acid, cinnamic acid, quinic acid isomer, 3,4-dihydroxyvinylbenzene, isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside, myricetin rhamno-hexoside, 3,30-di-O-methyl ellagic acid, isorhamnetin aglycone monomer, apigenin, jasmonic acid, oxooctadecanoic acid, 2 (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-7-hydroxy-5-benzene propanoic acid and protocatechuic hexoside conjugate.  The pitaya peel extract was also found to have small antibacterial effect on the Gram-positive, Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) and Gram- negative, Escherichia coli (E.coli). The SEM demonstrated that cell wall disruption of pitaya peel caused by microwave radiation from MAE appeared to be the main reason for rapid extraction of bioactive compounds. In conclusion, the study established that pitaya peel extract is a natural colour source with an abundance of phenolic compounds and minimal antibacterial activity, which could be used in the food and cosmetic industries.
The Meaning of the Ark of the Covenant through the Logos Heuristics
Authors: Cassella Antonio
Published: February 2019

By placing the Ark of the Covenant in the first Jewish Temple in the 10th century before the Common Era (BCE), King Solomon relieved Levite priests from carrying the Ark. Three centuries later, King Josiah of Judah asked the Levites to return that container to the Temple, implying that it was no longer there. The gold-plated Ark enclosed more than an unvarying law in the Decalogue and in the ‘obedience-classical-computing’ of the crystal Thummim sewed into the Ephod worn by Aaron, the first high priest. Aaron’s vest also contained the crystal Urim, or flexible variations between obedience and disobedience, in the quantum computing epitomized by the ‘tree-of-the-knowledge-of-good-and-evil’ (Genesis 2). Together, the Thummim and Urim crystals embody the Wisdom ascribed to nature’s Nature and to the Tree-of-Life. Solomon shared this Wisdom with the visiting Queen of Sheba. Although the Ark may have never followed Sheba’s return into Ethiopia, her mariners could have shared Solomon’s Wisdom with Greek, Hindu, Chinese, and Olmec sages. This hypothesis addresses the simultaneous rise in the 6th century BCE of the Logos posited by Heraclitus in Greek-Ionia; of Dharma in Hinduism, of the Buddhist-Sanskrit name “Tathāgatha”; of Social Intelligence in the meeting of Laozi with Kong-Fuzi in China; and, among the Mesoamerican Olmecs, of the legend about the bird-serpent that the Aztecs called later “Quetzal-coatl.” The power of the returning Quetzalcoatl to save humans and nonhuman species from obliteration matches the will of readers eager to catch the esoteric meaning of the vanished Ark.
Feedback Game-Based Shared Control Scheme Design for Emergency Collision Avoidance: A Fuzzy-Linear Quadratic Regulator Approach
Authors: Ji Xuewu , Yang Kaiming , Na Xiaoxiang , Lv Chen , Liu Yulong , Liu Yahui
Published: February 2019

Driver-machine shared control scheme opens up a new frontier for the design of driver assistance system, especially for improving active safety in emergency scenario. However, the driver's stress response to steering assistance and strong tire nonlinearity are main challenges suffered by controller designing for collision avoidance. These unfavorable factors are particularly pronounced during emergency steering maneuvers and sharply degrade shared control performance. This paper proposes a fuzzy-linear quadratic regulator (LQR) game-based control scheme to simultaneously enhance vehicle stability while compensating driver's inappropriate steering reaction in emergency avoidance. A piecewise linear-based Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy structure is presented to mimic driver's knowledge about vehicle lateral nonlinearity, and the control authority is shared between driver and emergency steering assistance (ESA) system through steer-by-wire (SBW) assembly. An identical piecewise internal model is chosen for ESA and the shared lane-keeping problem is modeled as a fuzzy linear quadratic (LQ) problem, where the symmetrical fuzzy structure further enhances vehicle's ability to handle extreme driving conditions. In particular, the feedback Stackelberg equilibrium solutions of the fuzzy-LQ problem are derived to describe the interactive steering behavior of both agents, which enables the ESA to compensate driver's irrational steering reaction. Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) experiment demonstrates the ESA's capability in compensating driver's aggressive steering behavior, as well as the copiloting system's excellent tracking and stabilizing performance in emergency collision avoidance.
Computationally Optimizing the Compliance of Multilayered Biomimetic Tissue Engineered Vascular Grafts
Authors: Tamimi Ehab A. , Ardila Diana Catalina , Ensley Burt D. , Kellar Robert S. , Vande Geest Jonathan P.
Published: February 2019

Coronary artery bypass grafts used to treat coronary artery disease (CAD) often fail due to compliance mismatch. In this study, we have developed an experimental/computational approach to fabricate an acellular biomimetic hybrid tissue engineered vascular graft (TEVG) composed of alternating layers of electrospun porcine gelatin/polycaprolactone (PCL) and human tropoelastin/PCL blends with the goal of compliance-matching to rat abdominal aorta, while maintaining specific geometrical constraints. Polymeric blends at three different gelatin:PCL (G:PCL) and tropoelastin:PCL (T:PCL) ratios (80:20, 50:50, and 20:80) were mechanically characterized. The stress–strain data were used to develop predictive models, which were used as part of an optimization scheme that was implemented to determine the ratios of G:PCL and T:PCL and the thickness of the individual layers within a TEVG that would compliance match a target compliance value. The hypocompliant, isocompliant, and hypercompliant grafts had target compliance values of 0.000256, 0.000568, and 0.000880 mmHg−1, respectively. Experimental validation of the optimization demonstrated that the hypercompliant and isocompliant grafts were not statistically significant from their respective target compliance values (p-value = 0.37 and 0.89, respectively). The experimental compliance values of the hypocompliant graft were statistically significant than their target compliance value (p-value = 0.047). We have successfully demonstrated a design optimization scheme that can be used to fabricate multilayered and biomimetic vascular grafts with targeted geometry and compliance.
Technical Communication During Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies With the Tools to Support International Assessment and Prognosis
Authors: Tzivaki Margarita , Waller Edward J.
Published: February 2019

The International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Incident and Emergency Centre (IEC) has custom designed software tools to support assessment and prognosis of nuclear and radiological emergency scenarios, aimed at ensuring consistent and concise technical reports for emergency assessments. In this paper the functionality, updating and structural development of emergency communications tools is presented, that lead the user through a series of questions with the aid of instructions that will collect relevant technical details and organize them into standardized reports. These reports can be exported for use in internal communication or communication with external stakeholders. This paper discusses enhancements in the suite of tools, specifically the reactor assessment tool (RAT), which was updated, the emergency response action, and the radiological source assessment tools, which were expanded and finally the development of two dose assessment tools (DAT) for internal and external exposure to radioactive substances.
On the Influence of the Corrosion Defect Size in the Welding Bead, Heat-Affected Zone, and Base Metal in Pipeline Failure Pressure Estimation: A Finite Element Analysis Study
Authors: Terán G. , Capula-Colindres S. , Velázquez J. C. , Angeles-Herrera D. , Torres-Santillán E.
Published: February 2019

In this study, failure pressure prediction was conducted in a pipeline with localized corrosion in base metal (BM), heat-affected zone (HAZ), and welding bead (WB) by finite element (FE) analysis. In the gas pipeline industry, there are methods (B31G, RESTRENGH, Shell, DNV, PCORR, and Fitnet FFS) and authors' approaches (Choi and Cronin) to determine the failure pressure. However, one disadvantage of these methods is that their equations do not consider damage corrosion at the HAZ or WB. They consider corrosion only in the BM. The corrosion shape is rectangular with a radius at the edges. In this study, the corrosion defect depth (d) was varied. The corrosion defect length (L) and the corrosion defect width (W) were equal. A type of rectangular corrosion defect with a radius at the edges in the longitudinal and circumferential directions was proposed. True stress–strain curves for BM, HAZ, and WB of an API 5 L X52 were introduced in the FE program. The results show that the pressure decreases as d, L, and W increase. This is because the damage corrosion is more severe as it grows, which causes the failure pressure to decrease.
Spectroscopy of neon for the advanced undergraduate laboratory
Authors: Busch H. C. , Cooper M. B. , Sukenik C. I.
Published: February 2019

We describe a spectroscopy experiment, suitable for upper-division laboratory courses, that investigates saturated absorption spectroscopy and polarization spectroscopy in a neon discharge. Both experiments use nearly identical components, allowing students to explore both techniques in a single apparatus. Furthermore, because the wavelength of the laser is in the visible part of the spectrum (640 nm), the experiment is well-suited for students with limited experience in optical alignment. The labs nicely complement a course in atomic or plasma physics, provide students with the opportunity to gain important technical skills in the area of optics and lasers, and can provide an introduction to radio-frequency electronics.
The King’s Brief Interstitial Lung Disease (KBILD) questionnaire: an updated minimal clinically important difference
Authors: Sinha Aish , Patel Amit Suresh , Siegert Richard J , Bajwah Sabrina , Maher Toby M , Renzoni Elizabeth A , Wells Athol U , Higginson Irene J , Birring Surinder S
Published: February 2019

Introduction

The King’s Brief Interstitial Lung Disease (KBILD) is a 15-item validated health-related quality of life (HRQOL) questionnaire. The method of scoring the KBILD has recently changed to incorporate a logit-scale transformation from one that used raw item responses, as this is potentially a more linear scale. The aim of this study was to re-evaluate the KBILD minimal clinically important difference (MCID) using the new logit -transformed scoring.

Methods

57 patients with interstitial lung disease (17 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, IPF) were asked to complete the KBILD questionnaire on two occasions in outpatient clinics. At the second visit, patients also completed a 15-item global rating of change of health status questionnaire (GRCQ). The MCID was calculated as the mean of four different methods: the change in KBILD for patients indicating a small change in GRCQ, patients with a 7%–12% change in FVC, 1 SE of measurement of baseline KBILD and effect size (ES) of 0.3.

Results

The mean (SD) KBILD total score for all patients was 55.3 (15.6). 16 patients underwent a therapeutic intervention. 36 patients reported a change in their condition on the GRCQ; 22 deteriorated, 14 improved and 21 were unchanged. There was a significant change in KBILD total score in patients reporting a change in GRCQ; mean (SD) 57.0 (13.6) versus 50.0 (9.7); mean difference 7.0; 95% CI of difference 3.0 to 11.0; p<0.01. The change in KBILD total score correlated with the GRCQ scale; r=−0.49, p<0.01. The mean KBILD total score MCID was 5. The MCID of KBILD domains were 6 for Psychological, 7 for Breathlessness and Activities, and 11 for Chest Symptoms.

Conclusion

The KBILD is a responsive tool for longitudinal assessment of HRQOL in patients with ILD. The MCID of the KBILD total score is a 5-unit change.
Income inequality and firearm homicide in the US: a county-level cohort study
Authors: Rowhani-Rahbar Ali , Quistberg Duane Alexander , Morgan Erin R , Hajat Anjum , Rivara Frederick P
Published: February 2019

Objective

Income inequality has been rising in the US and thought to be associated with violence especially homicide. About 75% of homicides involve firearms. We quantified the association between county-level income inequality and all-race/ethnicity and race/ethnicity-specific firearm homicide rates among individuals aged 14–39 years.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study of US counties to examine the association of Gini Index (ranging from 0 [perfect income equality] to 1.0 [perfect income inequality]) separately measured in 1990 and 2000 with all-race/ethnicity and race/ethnicity-specific firearm homicide rates in 2005–2015. Generalised linear mixed models with Poisson distribution including a random intercept for state provided IRRs and 95% CIs. Bayesian Poisson-lognormal hierarchical modelling with integrated nested Laplace approximations was used in exploratory spatial analyses. Models accounted for county-level age, sex and race/ethnicity composition, crime rate, deprivation, social capital, urbanicity, and firearm ownership.

Findings

The Gini Index was associated with firearm homicide rates among all races/ethnicities. After accounting for contextual determinants of firearm homicide, the association persisted among African–Americans. In this group, a 1 SD greater Gini Index in 1990 (IRR=1.09; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.16) and 2000 (IRR=1.09; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.17) was associated with greater firearm homicide rates in 2005–2015. Exploratory spatial analyses did not materially change the results.

Conclusion

Policies addressing the gap between the rich and the poor deserve further considerations for reducing firearm homicide rates. Incorporating income inequality to refine measures of socioeconomic position may advance public health and clinical research and practice for firearm violence prevention.
Change in the distribution of body mass index in Brazil: analysing the interindividual inequality between 1974 and 2013
Authors: Wagner Katia Jakovljevic Pudla , Boing Antonio Fernando , Cembranel Francieli , Boing Alexandra Crispim da Silva , Subramanian S V
Published: February 2019

Background

Brazil is among the 10 countries with the highest prevalence of overweight in the world. The aim was to analyse the changes in the dispersion of body mass index (BMI) in the Brazilian population from the 1970s to 2013 in specific population groups.

Methods

Data were extracted from five national household surveys between 1974–1975 and 2013, including adults aged 20 to 64. We calculated SD, median, fifth and 95th percentiles of BMI for each sociodemographic category (sex, age, schooling) and survey year in order to explore whether changes in mean BMI are followed by changes in dispersion.

Results

During the period the mean BMI ranged from 22.7 kg/m2to 26.6 kg/m2, with a much higher variation in the 95th percentile (+6.1 kg/m2) when compared with the fifth percentile (+1.8 kg/m2). The within-group differences increased over time. The SD increased in all categories analysed and was higher among women, lower schooling groups and the oldest group. An increase of 1.0 kg/m2in the BMI mean was associated with an increase of 0.32 kg/m2in the SD, 0.45 kg/m2in the fifth percentile and 1.50 kg/m2in the 95th percentile of BMI.

Conclusions

Population changes occurred in BMI are more complex than the simple increase of its average. Concomitant to the increase in BMI, there was an increase in the within-group differences, showing that growing inequalities are not driven solely by sociodemographic factors.
Time course of recovery is similar for the back squat, bench press, and deadlift in well-trained males
Authors: Belcher Daniel J. , Sousa Colby A. , Carzoli Joseph P. , Johnson Trevor K. , Helms Eric R. , Visavadiya Nishant P. , Zoeller Robert F. , Whitehurst Michael , Zourdos Michael C.
Published: February 2019

This study examined the time course of recovery following resistance exercise sessions in the back squat, bench press, and deadlift. Twelve well-trained males (age: 24.5 ± 3.8 years, body mass: 84.01 ± 15.44 kg, training age: 7.1 ± 4.2 years) performed 4 sets to failure at 80% of a 1-repetition maximum (1RM) on the squat, bench press, and deadlift in successive weeks. The bench press was always performed in week 2 with the squat and deadlift order counterbalanced between weeks 1 and 3. Indirect muscle damage and performance fatigue was assessed immediately before and after exercise and at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h postexercise. Outcome measures included limb swelling, joint range of motion, delayed onset muscle soreness, average concentric velocity (ACV) at 70% of 1RM, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and cell-free DNA (cfDNA). Most measures demonstrated a main time effect (p < 0.05) within conditions; however, no between condition (p > 0.05) differences existed. ACV decreased in the squat condition for up to 72 h (p = 0.02, –8.61%) and in the bench press (p < 0.01, –26.69%) immediately postexercise but did not decline during the deadlift condition (p > 0.05). There was a main time effect for increased cfDNA in the squat (p < 0.01) and bench press (p < 0.05), but not the deadlift (p = 0.153). Further, immediately postexercise increases in cfDNA were directly related (p < 0.05) to changes in ACV in all 3 conditions. These results suggest that the deadlift does not result in greater muscle damage and recovery time than the squat and bench press following volume-type training in well-trained men. Further, acute changes in cfDNA may predict performance during the recovery period.
Short-term effects of grassland set-asides on soil properties in the Fraser River delta of British Columbia
Authors: Lussier Jason M. , Krzic Maja , Smukler Sean M. , Bomke Art A. , Bondar Drew
Published: February 2019

Grassland set-asides (GLSA) in the Fraser River delta are fields that are taken out of crop production and seeded with a mixture of grasses and legumes for 1–4 yr. During this time, the farmer is compensated with a cost-share payment to recover a portion of the financial returns that could have been earned from cash crops. The objectives of this study were to (i) evaluate the effects of GLSA on soil properties during the initial two seasons of enrollment, (ii) determine how GLSA effects differ between fields that were considered productive and unproductive, and (iii) identify soil baseline indicators and preliminary soil thresholds for predicting GLSA vegetation responses. Out of eight fields entering the program, two were considered to be unproductive and exchangeable sodium had the strongest negative relationship to GLSA aboveground biomass (r = −0.61, P = 0.0002). During the second season of GLSA establishment, the mean weight diameter of water-stable soil aggregates was consistently higher in productive GLSAs than paired annual crop rotation (ACR) fields, being 21% higher in April, 14% in July, and 19% in September after crop harvest. After two seasons of GLSA enrollment, both aeration porosity and bulk density were improved by GLSA relative to ACR fields with aeration porosity being 24% greater and bulk density 7% lower in GLSA. The results suggest that GLSA rotations in productive agricultural fields within the Fraser River delta provide an alternative to continued ACR that can improve soil structure and reduce compaction after only two seasons of establishment.
PIXE analysis of stream water following the Mt. Hakone eruption on 30 June 2015 — temporal changes in elemental concentrations over two years
Authors: Sakai M. , Sera K. , Goto S.
Published: February 2019

After the 2011 Off the Pacific Coast of Tohoku Earthquake on 11 March, 2011, volcanic activity in Japan was observed to increase. In this study, we use the PIXE method to analyze elemental concentrations in stream water flowing directly from the fumarolic area on Mount Hakone, which erupted on 30 June 2015. Throughout a two-year monitoring period following the eruption, concentrations of 12 dissolved elements were measured. We found that the stream water was strongly acidic. For one year after the eruption, the concentrations of magma-derived elements (S, Cl) and rock-derived elements (Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, and Na), except for Si, showed a clear decreasing trend. These measurements suggest that magmatic activity and fumarolic activity reduced gradually over one year. After this year-long period, elemental concentrations stopped decreasing and instead showed broadly flat levels with sporadic increases and decreases. However, throughout the year immediately following the eruption, the number of volcanic earthquakes was consistently at zero or close to zero. These different indications of volcanic activity suggest that the elemental concentrations in stream water may be more sensitive indicators of small changes in subterranean behavior than of the number of volcanic earthquakes.
Charmed baryon decay to a strange baryon plus a pion using QCD sum rules
Authors: Kisslinger Leonard S. , Singha Bijit
Published: February 2019

This is an extension of the prediction of strange baryon decays to the decays of charmed baryons using QCD sum rules. Using QCD sum rules, we estimate the decay [Formula: see text]. Although some weak decays of the [Formula: see text] have been measured, since it is difficult to measure [Formula: see text] our estimates should be useful for future experiments.
Holographic superconductor with nonlinear Born–Infeld-type electrodynamics
Authors: Kruglov S. I.
Published: February 2019

Holographic s-wave superconductors in the framework of nonlinear Born–Infeld-type electrodynamics are investigated in the background of Schwarzschild anti-de Sitter black holes. As particular cases, at some model parameters, we obtain results for Born–Infeld and exponential electrodynamics. We explore the analytical Sturm–Liouville eigenvalue problem in the probe limit where the scalar and electromagnetic fields do not affect the background metric. The critical temperatures of phase transitions and the order parameter are calculated which depend on the model parameters. We show that the critical exponent near the critical temperature is 1/2. Making use of the matching method, we derive analytical expressions for the condensation values and the critical temperature. The conductivity by the analytical method is calculated.
Quantum, noncommutative and MOND corrections to the entropic law of gravitation
Authors: Bagchi Bijan , Fring Andreas
Published: February 2019

Quantum and noncommutative corrections to the Newtonian law of inertia are considered in the general setting of Verlinde’s entropic force postulate. We demonstrate that the form for the modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND) emerges in a classical setting by seeking appropriate corrections in the entropy. We estimate the correction term by using concrete coherent states in the standard and generalized versions of Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle. Using Jackiw’s direct and analytic method, we compute the explicit wavefunctions for these states, producing minimal length as well as minimal products. Subsequently, we derive a further selection criterium restricting the free parameters in the model in providing a canonical formulation of the quantum corrected Newtonian law by setting up the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian for the system.
Transcendental linking polynomials of virtual string links
Authors: Cheng Zhiyun , Gao Hongzhu , Xu Mengjian
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we define transcendental polynomial invariants for two-component virtual string links. One of these invariants is a strictly refinement of the linking polynomial in [M. Xu and H. Gao, Linking polynomials of virtual string links, Sci. China Math. 61(7) (2018) 1287–1302]. It is a homotopy invariant and can distinguish some virtual string links from their mirror images. We also define a transcendental polynomial invariant for two-component flat virtual string links. These invariants can be used to study the periodicity and linking crossing number of virtual string links.
Algebraic Gordian distance
Authors: Chen Jie
Published: February 2019

Using Blanchfield pairings, we show that two Alexander polynomials cannot be realized by a pair of matrices with algebraic Gordian distance one if a corresponding quadratic equation does not have an integer solution. We also give an example of how our results help in calculating the Gordian distances, algebraic Gordian distances and polynomial distances.
Influence of the deformation and orientation on the interaction potential of the 28Si+28Si system and its fusion process
Authors: Seif W. M. , Ismail M. , Abdul-Magead I. A. M. , Fareed F. A.
Published: February 2019

We investigated the orientation behavior of the interaction potential between highly-deformed oblate [Formula: see text]Si nuclei and its influences on the fusion process. The deformed–deformed potential is calculated using the double-folding model based on the realistic M3Y-Reid nucleon–nucleon interaction. We found that the Coulomb barrier parameters and the sub-barrier fusion data strongly depend on the polar orientation angles of the involved deformed nuclei, with a rather less dependence on the azimuthal angles. For interacting oblate nuclei, the elongated configuration corresponding to the lowest Coulomb barrier is obtained at orthogonal polar orientations, while the hexadecapole deformation determines the compact configuration obtained at nonzero polar orientations. The orientation behavior of the Coulomb barrier radius (height and curvature) consistently follow (inversely reflex) the orientation variation of the sum of the half-density radii of the two deformed nuclei, along their centers-of-mass separation vector. The deformations of the colliding nuclei increase their fusion cross-section at sub- and around-barrier energies. The calculations based on the parabolic barrier approximation overestimate the sub-barrier cross-section. The coupled channels calculations with couplings up to the 2[Formula: see text] and 4[Formula: see text] excitation states of [Formula: see text]Si nuclei are needed to reproduce the [Formula: see text] fusion cross-section, and the corresponding logarithmic slope and barrier distribution, over the full energy region.
A VARIATIONAL FORMULATION FOR ANISOTROPIC WAVE TRAVELING IN A POROUS MEDIUM
Authors: WANG YAN , AN JIANYE , WANG XIAOQIAN
Published: February 2019

An anisotropic wave in a porous medium is a hot topic in the coastal protection. A fractal derivative model is established, and a variational principle is established for the anisotropic wave traveling. The variational principle reveals an energy conservation law during the traveling process.