bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Waviness Evaluation of Two Different Types of Material of a Multi-Purpose Hall Using Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS)
Authors: Neza I , Mohamed M I , Syafuan W M
Published: March 2022

The construction industry is rapidly integrating current technology and new construction techniques to increase productivity and efficiency in construction operations. Quality control and progress tracking are labour-intensive and time-consuming operations. Several surface waviness assessment methods have been created to alleviate the drawbacks of one assessment method over the other, focusing on measuring the quality of concrete slabs. Current methods of assessing waviness using one-dimensional (1D) survey lines produce inaccurate results and are prone to mistake. It does not reflect the actual condition of the entire floor concerning waviness. Two objectives of this study are to 1) evaluate the feasibility of using Terrestrial Laser Scanner for surface waviness assessment using slope analysis of different types of material and 2) propose a valuate pattern and image for different slope surface analyses. Leica RTC 360 laser scanner was used to scan the floor of the Multi-purpose Hall. The plan image of the floor slab and one of the 3D point clouds were recorded. Slope analysis shows a consistent pattern of slope distribution for floors with tiles. This is because the tile used concrete screed during installation to have a smooth surface during construction. The distribution of slope analysis of tile surface mostly between 0 to 0.0625% while the slope analysis slope variation of laminated floor between 0% - 0.5%. The distribution shows that floor variation with the laminated wood surface is high, especially between 0 to 0.5%. From the result obtained, this method has the benefit of combining rich 3D data from TLS for fast and reliable surface waviness assessment during construction. This technology has massive potential in the construction sector because of its capacity to record as-built conditions consistently, fast, and accurately.
A study on monitoring the hydration process of glasscrete using electromechanical impedance technique
Authors: Choi M H M , Tang Z S , Vasquez Padilla R , Lim Y Y , Mostafa A
Published: March 2022

Glass has been suggested as a viable material to replace aggregates in concrete to maintain sustainable development for the future. However, a concern is raised about the cementitious reaction with glass that could cause concrete spalling and loss of strength. Therefore, monitoring the concrete hydration process and the structural health throughout its service life is essential. In this study, the hydration process of lab-scale glasscrete prisms is monitored using the electromechanical impedance (EMI) technique. This technique employs one piezoelectric-based transducer that encases a material called Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) to operate as an actuator and senor. The experimental result shows that the embedded transducer is an effective means to monitor the glasscrete hydration process. The acquired admittance signature was able to capture the strength development during the glasscrete hydration period via interpreting the PZT and structural resonance peaks
The implementation of inclusive design for public buildings in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Authors: Julius J , Gungat L , Tukiman I
Published: March 2022

Inclusive design is a main aspect in designing public buildings. Lack of accessibilities (ramp entrance, task lighting, lever door handles and etc.) as part of inclusive design methodology in public buildings used by the people for any purpose, such as, education, entertainment, worship or assembly has decreased a quality of international standard building design which directly has effected end user’s lifestyle, time and money. As the demand to equip our public building with inclusive design facilities has increased due to rapid population growth. Hence, this research paper presents the inclusive design implementation in the existing public buildings in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah which includes identification of design barriers and challenges for persons with disabilities (PWDs), children, elders and caretakers. In summary, this study identified the lack of inclusive design elements for buildings built in the 1980s, where the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 was only enforced on July 7, 2008. Therefore, these buildings improvement will keep people’s diversity and uniqueness by experts proper planning based on experience and feedback which can be found in buildings built in the 2009 and later.
The efficiency of sewage treatment plant: A case study at the main campus of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)
Authors: Bolong N. , Sabli M. Q. N. , Saad I. , Ali A. N. A.
Published: March 2022

The aquatic nature, including streams, rivers, marine, and groundwater, becomes susceptible to most contaminants’ effects through various pathways known as point and non-point sources. Point source pollution from inefficient sewage treatment plants (STP) will likely produce effluents that could deteriorate the environment. Therefore, this study assesses the efficiency of STP at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) based on the Malaysian Sewerage Industry Guidelines (MSIG). The design parameters of the STP and its influent and effluent physicochemical parameters are evaluated and compared between usage peak time (lecture-week) and non-peak (semester-break) conditions. The measurement was based on the Standard Methods of Examination of Water and Wastewater. The permissible limits of influent and effluent from Malaysia Sewerage Industry Guidelines (MSIG) are referred. In contrast, the efficiency of the STP is calculated as the percentage reduction of pollutants. The findings revealed that the current STP’s design parameters complied with the MSIG standard. The suspended solids (TSS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), oil and grease (O&G) at influent during peak time is typically higher than during the non-peak time, albeit a timely sudden increase can be observed. The effluent quality is inconsistent but is still within permissible limits, except for O&G, which occasionally exceeds the allowable value. As for the BOD, a consistent 80% removal efficiency is observed. Hence the effluent reuse for agricultural purposed and landscape irrigation is proposed due to the environmental quality potential and reduction to direct released toward the receiving water streams.
Quantification and Characterisation of Microplastics in Fish and Surface Water at Melayu River, Johor
Authors: Primus A , Azman S
Published: March 2022

Microplastics are plastic particles (< 5 mm) found in the environment that can be ingested by animals and transferred up in the trophic level. The study was conducted through sample collection, digestion of gastrointestinal (GI) tracts of fish, density separation using NaCl, filtration, microscopy, and ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy. The amount of ingested microplastics by Melayu River fish samples was: Gray Eel-Catfish (3.92 ± 4.17 particles/individual) > Sagor Catfish (2.00 ± 1.41 particles/individual) > Spotted Sicklefish (2.00 ± 0.00 particles/individual). The trend of microplastics by month in water samples was Mar-20 (2.89 ± 1.36 particles/L) > Feb-20 (1.33 ± 1.00 particle/L) and Jan-20 (1.00 ± 0.87 particle/L). Microplastics were mostly in the class size 0 µm – 0.50 µm. In the fish samples, fibres were found to be dominant. In water samples, films were dominant. Ingestion of microplastics by colour was ranked as blue > black > red > yellow in fish samples whereas microplastics’ colour in water samples was ranked as blue > red > black > translucent > green. Therefore, it is concluded that the abundance of blue microplastics in fish samples was due to the common blue plastics used by the locals. The identified microplastics were of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethene (PE) origins.
Research on the influence of laser molten pool flow and evaporation on the bump texture forming of aluminum plate surface
Authors: Yang Xiping , Kuang Xin , Ji Jinghu , Fu Yonghong
Published: March 2022

At present, the research of laser texture mainly focuses on the machining quality and its properties, but the forming mechanism of laser bump texture surfaces is relatively less studied. In this paper, a long pulse laser ablation model was established based on the laser molten pool flow and evaporation phenomena by numerical simulation. And the evolution mechanism of bump texture morphology on metal surface during laser irradiation time was studied. The results show that the bump texture morphology shows edge protrusions and central depressions, and in the cooling stage, under the action of surface tension, the concave and convex height will show a rebound phenomenon. At the same time, the influence of laser parameters on the morphology of laser bump texture was studied by experiments. By comparing the numerical simulation with the experimental results, it can be found that when the laser irradiation time is equal to 0.5 ms, the morphology obtained by numerical simulation is close to the experimental results. In addition, the differences of pressure field and velocity of vaporized metal gas at different time and under different laser power are compared. Finally, the plasma on the surface of aluminum during laser machining captured by a high-speed camera indirectly indicates that the evaporated metal gas ionizes and forms a stable plasma layer floating above the target material.
Surface oxidation of cobalt carbonate and oxide nanowires by electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline solution
Authors: Kim Kyung-Hwan , Choi Yun-Hyuk
Published: March 2022

The electrocatalytic water electrolysis is the most eco-friendly technique for hydrogen generation, which is governed by the electrode reaction kinetics involving cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in common alkaline electrolytes. Cobalt oxide (Co3O4) and related compounds are the most efficient OER catalysts, replacing the noble metals. In this work, the surface oxidations of the cobalt carbonate (Co(CO3)0.5OH·0.11H2O) and Co3O4 nanowires during the OER are carefully investigated by contrasting the polarization curves, Tafel plots, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra, before and after the 1000th cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycling in 1 M KOH alkaline solution. The overpotentials required to reach a current density (j) of 20 mA cm−2 (η
20) are estimated to be 313 mV for the 300 °C-calcined Co3O4, 350 mV for the 400 °C-calcined Co3O4, 365 mV for the 500 °C-calcined Co3O4, and 373 mV for the cobalt carbonate (Co(CO3)0.5OH·0.11H2O). The Tafel slope of cobalt carbonate (Co(CO3)0.5OH·0.11H2O) nanowires is the highest at 93 mV dec−1, while it is measured to be 57 mV dec−1 for the 300 °C-calcined Co3O4, 47 mV dec−1 for the 400 °C-calcined Co3O4, and 79 mV dec−1 for the 500 °C-calcined Co3O4. As a result, the oxidation from Co2+ to Co3+ within Co3O4 during the OER is detected, which improves the OER activity. On the other hand, the formation of cobalt hydoxide is found on the surface of the Co3O4 nanowires during the OER in alkaline solution, which decreases the OER activity. For the surface oxidation of the cobalt carbonate (Co(CO3)0.5OH·0.11H2O) nanowires, the increase in the amounts of Co3+ and oxygen vacancy and the formation of O-C-O and carbonates are found, which highly enhance the OER activity. These findings indicate that the surface redox kinetics during the electrocatalytic reactions should be considered important in order to enhance the electrocatalytic activity, and furthermore can provide insight into future challenges in designing advanced electrocatalysts.
Dirac cones and valley topological states of classical spin waves in artificial magnonic crystals with two-dimensional honeycomb lattice
Authors: Liang Yu , Lin Jizhe , Yun Guohong , Bai Narsu , Cao Yongjun
Published: March 2022

A model of artificial magnonic crystals (AMCs) with a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice of cylindrical ferromagnetic rods embedded in another ferromagnetic material is proposed. Topological properties including Dirac cones, Dirac-like point and valley states of classical spin waves in the above AMCs are theoretically investigated by numerically solving the Landau-Lifshitz equation. It is shown that Dirac cones and valley states at the boundary of the first Brillouin zone can be generated in the dispersion relation. Furthermore, Dirac-like point can also be obtained at the center of the first Brillouin zone due to the accidental degeneracy of the magnonic bands. These discoveries of Dirac cones, Dirac-like point and valley topological states in artificial magnonic crystals not only open a new field in topological condensed matter, but also provide a novel platform for fabricating topological classical spin-wave devices.
A deterministic single ion fountain
Authors: Stopp Felix , Lehec Henri , Schmidt-Kaler Ferdinand
Published: March 2022

We present an alternative approach for interconnecting trapped ion processor nodes by deterministic single ion transfer. In our experiments, we demonstrate the single ion extraction out of a linear Paul trap, into a free space trajectory, followed by recapture in the trapping potential. We recapture in the same trap, coined the ion fountain operation after a free-space travel of distance 110 mm and a time of flight of 7 μs. Our experimental realization yields a success probability of 95.1%, namely 715 out of 752 extracted ions are retrapped, cooled and observed. Based on such high success rate, we discuss the future perspective for an application towards scalable ion trap quantum computing and advanced quantum sensing.
The fabrication, characterization and functionalization in molecular electronics
Authors: Zhao Yi , Liu Wenqing , Zhao Jiaoyang , Wang Yasi , Zheng Jueting , Liu Junyang , Hong Wenjing , Tian Zhong-Qun
Published: March 2022

Developments in advanced manufacturing have promoted the miniaturization of semiconductor electronic devices to a near-atomic scale, which continuously follows the ‘top-down’ construction method. However, huge challenges have been encountered with the exponentially increased cost and inevitably prominent quantum effects. Molecular electronics is a highly interdisciplinary subject that studies the quantum behavior of electrons tunneling in molecules. It aims to assemble electronic devices in a ‘bottom-up’ manner on this scale through a single molecule, thereby shedding light on the future design of logic circuits with new operating principles. The core technologies in this field are based on the rapid development of precise fabrication at a molecular scale, regulation at a quantum scale, and related applications of the basic electronic component of the ‘electrode–molecule–electrode junction’. Therefore, the quantum charge transport properties of the molecule can be controlled to pave the way for the bottom-up construction of single-molecule devices. The review firstly focuses on the collection and classification of the construction methods for molecular junctions. Thereafter, various characterization and regulation methods for molecular junctions are discussed, followed by the properties based on tunneling theory at the quantum scale of the corresponding molecular electronic devices. Finally, a summary and perspective are given to discuss further challenges and opportunities for the future design of electronic devices.
The mean-field limit of the Cucker-Smale model on complete Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Ahn Hyunjin , Ha Seung-Yeal , Kim Doheon , Schlöder Franz , Shim Woojoo
Published: March 2022

We study the mean-field limit of the Cucker-Smale (C-S) model for flocking on complete smooth Riemannian manifolds. For this, we first formally derive the kinetic manifold C-S model on manifolds using the BBGKY hierarchy and derive several a priori estimates on emergent dynamics. Then, we present a rigorous mean-field limit from the particle model to the corresponding kinetic model by using the generalized particle-in-cell method. As a byproduct of our rigorous mean-field limit estimate, we also establish a global existence of a measure-valued solution for the derived kinetic model. Compared to the corresponding results on

R

d

\mathbb {R}^d

, our procedure requires additional assumption on holonomy and proper a priori bound on the derivative of parallel transports. As a concrete example, we verify that hyperbolic space

H

d

\mathbb {H}^d

satisfies our proposed standing assumptions.
MDICC: novel method for multi-omics data integration and cancer subtype identification
Authors: Yang Ying , Tian Sha , Qiu Yushan , Zhao Pu , Zou Quan
Published: March 2022

Each type of cancer usually has several subtypes with distinct clinical implications, and therefore the discovery of cancer subtypes is an important and urgent task in disease diagnosis and therapy. Using single-omics data to predict cancer subtypes is difficult because genomes are dysregulated and complicated by multiple molecular mechanisms, and therefore linking cancer genomes to cancer phenotypes is not an easy task. Using multi-omics data to effectively predict cancer subtypes is an area of much interest; however, integrating multi-omics data is challenging. Here, we propose a novel method of multi-omics data integration for clustering to identify cancer subtypes (MDICC) that integrates new affinity matrix and network fusion methods. Our experimental results show the effectiveness and generalization of the proposed MDICC model in identifying cancer subtypes, and its performance was better than those of currently available state-of-the-art clustering methods. Furthermore, the survival analysis demonstrates that MDICC delivered comparable or even better results than many typical integrative methods.
“Come On, Put Viber, We Can Drink Coffee Together”: Performing (Im)mobile Intimacy in Turbulent Times Among Aging Migrants
Authors: Cabalquinto Earvin Charles B
Published: March 2022

This paper critically examines how elderly people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse(CALD) backgrounds in Victoria, Australia use visual-based platforms in navigating the lockdown in Melbourne, Australia. Based on conducting remote interviews among 15 participants in 2020, the findings show digital practices as integral to forge and maintain cultural identities and social connectedness. Using the mobilities perspective to interrogate digital behaviours, I coin the term ‘(im)mobile intimacy’ to articulate a sense of closeness enabled, felt and negotiated through modes of movements and stasis in and with online platforms. I contend that differential mediated mobilities and immobilities are informed by social, contextual, and technological factors, revealing the textures of affective and relational dimensions of enacting mobile intimacy. In sum, by locating both movements and stasis in digital environments, this paper sheds light on the (re)production of exclusion during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deep neural networks reveal novel sex-specific electrocardiographic features relevant for mortality risk
Authors: Siegersma Klaske R , van de Leur Rutger R , Onland-Moret N Charlotte , Leon David A , Diez-Benavente Ernest , Rozendaal Liesbeth , Bots Michiel L , Coronel Ruben , Appelman Yolande , Hofstra Leonard , van der Harst Pim , Doevendans Pieter A , Hassink Rutger J , den Ruijter Hester M , van Es René
Published: March 2022

Aims

Incorporation of sex in study design can lead to discoveries in medical research. Deep neural networks (DNNs) accurately predict sex based on the electrocardiogram (ECG) and we hypothesized that misclassification of sex is an important predictor for mortality. Therefore, we first developed and validated a DNN that classified sex based on the ECG and investigated the outcome. Second, we studied ECG drivers of DNN-classified sex and mortality.

Methods and results

A DNN was trained to classify sex based on 131 673 normal ECGs. The algorithm was validated on internal (68 500 ECGs) and external data sets (3303 and 4457 ECGs). The survival of sex (mis)classified groups was investigated using time-to-event analysis and sex-stratified mediation analysis of ECG features. The DNN successfully distinguished female from male ECGs {internal validation: area under the curve (AUC) 0.96 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.96, 0.97]; external validations: AUC 0.89 (95% CI: 0.88, 0.90), 0.94 (95% CI: 0.93, 0.94)}. Sex-misclassified individuals (11%) had a 1.4 times higher mortality risk compared with correctly classified peers. The ventricular rate was the strongest mediating ECG variable (41%, 95% CI: 31%, 56%) in males, while the maximum amplitude of the ST segment was strongest in females (18%, 95% CI: 11%, 39%). Short QRS duration was associated with higher mortality risk.

Conclusion

Deep neural networks accurately classify sex based on ECGs. While the proportion of ECG-based sex misclassifications is low, it is an interesting biomarker. Investigation of the causal pathway between misclassification and mortality uncovered new ECG features that might be associated with mortality. Increased emphasis on sex as a biological variable in artificial intelligence is warranted.
Enemy or ally: a genomic approach to elucidate the lifestyle of Phyllosticta citrichinaensis
Authors: Buijs Valerie A , Groenewald Johannes Z , Haridas Sajeet , LaButti Kurt M , Lipzen Anna , Martin Francis M , Barry Kerrie , Grigoriev Igor V , Crous Pedro W , Seidl Michael F
Published: March 2022

Members of the fungal genus Phyllosticta can colonize a variety of plant hosts, including several Citrus species such as Citrus sinensis (orange), Citrus limon (lemon), and Citrus maxima (pomelo). Some Phyllosticta species have the capacity to cause disease, such as Citrus Black Spot, while others have only been observed as endophytes. Thus far, genomic differences underlying lifestyle adaptations of Phyllosticta species have not yet been studied. Furthermore, the lifestyle of Phyllosticta citrichinaensis is ambiguous, as it has been described as a weak pathogen but Koch’s postulates may not have been established and the presence of this species was never reported to cause any crop or economic losses. Here, we examined the genomic differences between pathogenic and endophytic Phyllosticta spp. colonizing Citrus and specifically aimed to elucidate the lifestyle of Phyllosticta citrichinaensis. We found several genomic differences between species of different lifestyles, including groups of genes that were only present in pathogens or endophytes. We also observed that species, based on their carbohydrate active enzymes, group independent of their phylogenetic association, and this clustering correlated with trophy prediction. Phyllosticta citrichinaensis shows an intermediate lifestyle, sharing genomic and phenotypic attributes of both pathogens and endophytes. We thus present the first genomic comparison of multiple citrus-colonizing pathogens and endophytes of the genus Phyllosticta, and therefore provide the basis for further comparative studies into the lifestyle adaptations within this genus.
Mutation, selection, and the prevalence of the Caenorhabditis elegans heat-sensitive mortal germline phenotype
Authors: Saber Sayran , Snyder Michael , Rajaei Moein , Baer Charles F
Published: March 2022

Caenorhabditis elegans strains with the heat-sensitive mortal germline phenotype become progressively sterile over the course of a few tens of generations when maintained at temperatures near the upper range of C. elegans’ tolerance. Mortal germline is transgenerationally heritable, and proximately under epigenetic control. Previous studies have suggested that mortal germline presents a relatively large mutational target and that mortal germline is not uncommon in natural populations of C. elegans. The mortal germline phenotype is not monolithic. Some strains exhibit a strong mortal germline phenotype, in which individuals invariably become sterile over a few generations, whereas other strains show a weaker (less penetrant) phenotype in which the onset of sterility is slower and more stochastic. We present results in which we (1) quantify the rate of mutation to the mortal germline phenotype and (2) quantify the frequency of mortal germline in a collection of 95 wild isolates. Over the course of ∼16,000 meioses, we detected one mutation to a strong mortal germline phenotype, resulting in a point estimate of the mutation rate UMrt≈ 6×10−5/genome/generation. We detected no mutations to a weak mortal germline phenotype. Six out of 95 wild isolates have a strong mortal germline phenotype, and although quantification of the weak mortal germline phenotype is inexact, the weak mortal germline phenotype is not rare in nature. We estimate a strength of selection against mutations conferring the strong mortal germline phenotype s¯≈0.1%, similar to selection against mutations affecting competitive fitness. The appreciable frequency of weak mortal germline variants in nature combined with the low mutation rate suggests that mortal germline may be maintained by balancing selection.
Simulated distributions from negative experiments highlight the importance of the body mass index distribution in explaining depression–body mass index genetic risk score interactions
Authors: Casanova Francesco , O’Loughlin Jessica , Lewis Cathryn , Frayling Timothy M , Wood Andrew R , Tyrrell Jessica
Published: March 2022

Background

Depression and obesity are complex global health problems. Recent studies suggest that a genetic predisposition to obesity might be accentuated in people with depression, but these analyses are prone to bias. Here, we tested the hypothesis that depression accentuates genetic susceptibility to obesity and applied negative control experiments to test whether any observed interactions were real or driven by confounding and statistical biases.

Methods

We used data from up to 378 000 Europeans in UK Biobank, a 73 variant body mass index (BMI) genetic risk score, two depression measures [depression symptoms (DS), major depression (MD)] and an antidepressant usage variable available. We tested whether (i) depression and (ii) antidepressant treatment accentuated genetic susceptibility to obesity. Finally, we performed negative control experiments by sampling individuals at random so that they had BMI distributions identical to depression cases and controls.

Results

Depression was associated with an accentuation of an individual’s genetic risk of obesity with evidence of interactions for both DS and MD (Pinteraction = 7 × 10–4 and 7 × 10–5 respectively). Antidepressant usage within DS cases accentuated genetic obesity risk (Pinteraction = 9 × 10–4), but not for MD (Pinteraction = 0.13). Negative control experiments suggested that the observed interactions for MD (empirical-P = 0.067) may be driven by statistical biases or confounding factors but were not possible with the larger DS groups. Antidepressant usage interaction also appears to be driven by statistical artefacts (empirical-P = 0.510 using MD and 0.162 using DS).

Conclusion

We have highlighted the importance of running negative experiments to confirm putative interactions in gene–environment studies. We provide some tentative evidence that depression accentuates an individual’s genetic susceptibility to higher BMI but demonstrated that the BMI distributions within cases and controls might drive these interactions.
Spatial–temporal characteristics and scenario simulation of carbon emissions from energy consumption based on multiscale in the affected areas of the lower Yellow River
Authors: Liu Zhenyue , Yang Dan , Zhang Pengyan , Jiang Ling , Li Yanyan , Rong Tianqi , Song Meiling
Published: March 2022

The future development of the world is threatened due to global warming and climate change mainly driven by carbon emissions. Conducting an extensive study on the influencing factors of regional energy consumption and prediction through scenario simulation is of great significance for China in order to meet its aim of achieving carbon peak by 2030. The affected areas of the lower Yellow River are one of the main grain-producing areas in China, and it is facing a strong demand for urbanization and rapid economic development. Based on the night light data, this study demonstrates that the carbon emissions from energy consumption in the study area showed an upward trend from 2000 to 2018 with obvious spatial distribution differences. Economic development had a significant positive effect on the increase in carbon emissions from energy consumption; energy consumption intensity showed a significant negative effect. The study area achieves the carbon peak target in 2027 only under the low-carbon scenario. This study is helpful to realize ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin and also has reference significance for other developing countries.
Supporting the pandemic response and timely access to COVID-19 vaccines: a case for stronger priority setting and health system governance in Nigeria
Authors: Chukwu Otuto Amarauche , Kapiriri Lydia , Essue Beverley
Published: March 2022

Priority setting and health system governance are critical for optimising healthcare interventions and determining how best to allocate limited resources. The COVID-19 pandemic has buttressed the need for these especially now that vaccines are available to curb the spread of the disease. In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), vaccine coverage remains low, due in large part to sub-optimal priority setting and health system governance which has led to inequities in access and has fuelled vaccine hesitancy. An analysis of the situation in Nigeria identified key issues that have affected the health system response to COVID-19 and impeded timely access to the vaccine. These include weak vaccine procurement strategies, limited evidence on strategies for prioritising recipients and approaches for rolling out mass vaccination programmes for the entire population, lack of a communication strategy to reduce the incidence of vaccine hesitancy and failures to proactively address vaccine hesitancy through the implementation of vaccination programmes. Nigeria and other many other LMICs are still facing the prospect of subsequent and potentially worsening waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Without effective priority setting, there is a risk that the country will not accelerate vaccine rollout quickly enough to achieve high coverage rates that will ensure herd immunity. In the context of existing weaknesses in health system governance, there is an urgent need to strengthen priority settings in Nigeria and identify and implement context-specific solutions that can improve vaccine coverage for the population.
Enhancing Meningococcal Genomic Surveillance in the Meningitis Belt Using High-Resolution Culture-Free Whole-Genome Sequencing
Authors: Itsko Mark , Topaz Nadav , Ousmane-Traoré Sani , Popoola Micheal , Ouedraogo Rasmata , Gamougam Kadidja , Sadji Adodo Yao , Abdul-Karim Abass , Lascols Christine , Wang Xin
Published: March 2022

Rollout of meningococcal serogroup A conjugate vaccine in Africa started in 2010, aiming to eliminate meningitis outbreaks, in meningitis belt countries. Since then, studies have been conducted, primarily using isolates, to assess the vaccine impact on the distribution of meningococcal strains in the region. Here, we implemented an innovative, culture-free whole-genome sequencing approach on almost 400 clinical specimens collected between 2017 and 2019 from meningococcal meningitis cases in 6 African countries. About 50% of specimens provided high-quality whole-genome sequence data for comprehensive molecular profiling of the meningococcal pathogen. Three major clonal complexes were identified: CC11 associated with serogroup W, CC181 associated with serogroup X, and CC10217 associated with serogroup C, which continues to rise as a predominant clonal complex in the region. Genomic surveillance for meningococcal meningitis can be significantly improved using culture-free methods to increase data representativeness and monitor changes in epidemiological landscape, especially for countries with low culture rate.
Development of a professional competency framework for Australian sonographers—perspectives for developing competencies using a Delphi methodology
Authors: Childs Jessie , Thoirs Kerry , Quinton Ann , Osborne Brooke , Edwards Christopher , Stoodley Paul , Lombardo Paul , Mcdonald Sandra , Slade Debbie , Chandler Amanda , Taylor Lucy , Long Jodie , Pollard Karen , Halligan Toni
Published: March 2022

Background

Professional competencies are important for enhancing alignment between the needs of education, industry and health consumers, whilst describing public expectations around health professionals. The development of competency standards for the sonography profession defines the behaviours, skills and knowledge sonographers should demonstrate for each learning and experience level.

Objective

The objective of this project was to develop a set of professional competency standards for the sonography profession which described in depth the behaviours, skills and knowledge sonographers should demonstrate across multiple learning and experience levels.

Methods

Representatives of three Australian ultrasound professional associations and seven tertiary institutions involved in entry-level sonographer education in Australia formed a research team (RT). The RT recruited an expert panel that responded to six survey rounds. Using a Delphi methodology, the results and free-text comments from each previous round were fed back to participants in the subsequent survey rounds to achieve a consensus.

Results

The project developed a professional competency framework for sonographers, which included four major domains: detailed competency standards, sonographer knowledge, sonographer attitudes and a holistic competency matrix [https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.17148035.v2.]

Conclusion

The Delphi methodology is an effective way to develop professional competency standards. This paper describes the methods and challenges in developing such standards for sonographers which could be translated to other health professionals.
Comparison of Aminoglycoside Antibiotics and Cobalt Chloride for Ablation of the Lateral Line System in Giant Danios
Authors: Mekdara P J , Tirmizi S , Schwalbe M A B , Tytell E D
Published: March 2022

Synopsis

The mechanoreceptive lateral line system in fish is composed of neuromasts containing hair cells, which can be temporarily ablated by aminoglycoside antibiotics and heavy metal ions. These chemicals have been used for some time in studies exploring the functional role of the lateral line system in many fish species. However, little information on the relative effectiveness and rate of action of these chemicals for ablation is available. In particular, aminoglycoside antibiotics are thought to affect canal neuromasts, which sit in bony or trunk canals, differently from superficial neuromasts, which sit directly on the skin. This assumed ablation pattern has not been fully quantified for commonly used lateral line ablation agents. This study provides a detailed characterization of the effects of two aminoglycoside antibiotics, streptomycin sulfate and neomycin sulfate, and a heavy metal salt, cobalt (II) chloride hexahydrate (CoCl2), on the ablation of hair cells in canal and superficial neuromasts in the giant danio (Devario aequipinnatus) lateral line system, as a model for adult teleost fishes. We also quantified the regeneration of hair cells after ablation using CoCl2 and gentamycin sulfate to verify the time course to full recovery, and whether the ablation method affects the recovery time. Using a fluorescence stain, 4-Di-2-ASP, we verified the effectiveness of each chemical by counting the number of fluorescing canal and superficial neuromasts present throughout the time course of ablation and regeneration of hair cells. We found that streptomycin and neomycin were comparably effective at ablating all neuromasts in less than 12 h using a 250 μM dosage and in less than 8 h using a 500 μM dosage. The 500 μM dosage of either streptomycin or neomycin can ablate hair cells in superficial neuromasts within 2–4 h, while leaving those in canal neuromasts mostly intact. CoCl2 (0.1 mM) worked the fastest, ablating all of the hair cells in less than 6 h. Complete regeneration of the neuromasts in the lateral line system took 7 days regardless of chemicals used to ablate the hair cells. This study adds to the growing knowledge in hearing research about how effective specific chemicals are at ablating hair cells in the acoustic system of vertebrates.
Odd-chain fatty acids as an alternative method to predict ruminal microbial nitrogen flow of feedlot Nellore steers fed grain-based diets supplemented with different nitrogen sources
Authors: Campos Letícia M , Souza Vinícius C , Granja-Salcedo Yury T , Messana Juliana D , Prestegaard-Wilson Jacquelyn M , Ganga Maria Júlia G , Dias Ana Veronica L , Costa Vladimir E , Berchielli Telma T
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the use of total odd-chain fatty acids (OCFA) as a marker to estimate microbial nitrogen flow (MicN) and calculate the efficiency of microbial nitrogen synthesis (EMNS) in Nellore steers fed high-concentrate diets supplemented with different nitrogen supplements (NS). Ruminally and duodenally cannulated Nellore steers (n = 6; 354 ± 12 kg) were used in a 6 × 6 repeated switchback design balanced for residual effects. Treatments were arranged in a 3 × 3 factorial of three nitrogen (N) supplements (urea plus soybean meal; corn gluten meal; dried distillers’ grains plus solubles) and three microbial markers (OCFA; double-labeled urea, 15N; microbial nucleic acid bases, MNAB). The total mixed ration was composed of fresh chopped sugarcane as the forage source in an 83:17 concentrate: forage ratio (dry matter basis). Linear regression was used to develop predictions of MicN from OCFA using 15N and MNAB as response variables. Microbial N flow was underestimated by the MNAB marker compared to 15N. Neither NS nor their respective interactions with the marker methods (MM) affected MicN or EMNS (P > 0.05). However, MicN was different for 15N and MNAB (P > 0.001 for both treatments). Marker methods affected EMNS in all energetic bases (total digestible carbohydrates P < 0.001; rumen-fermentable carbohydrates P < 0.001; organic matter truly degradable in the rumen P < 0.001). Equations that utilized OCFA as a regressor to predict MicN under different MM resulted in good fits of the data as observed by the coefficient of determination (R2; 15N = 0.78; MNAB = 0.69). Microbial N flow estimated from OCFA was overpredicted (15N by 7.46%; MNAB by 4.30%) compared with observed values. The OCFA model presented a small slope bias when methodological validation was applied (15N = 0.96%; MNAB = 3.90%), ensuring reliability of the proposed alternative method. Based on the conditions of this experiment, OCFA may be a suitable alternative to other methods that quantify MicN under different dietary conditions.
A supraclavicular cystic lymphangioma in adult: a rare entity
Authors: Rasmont Céline , Deleuze Catherine , Ivanov Todor , Ferdin Fabian , Lemaitre Jean
Published: March 2022

Cystic lymphangioma is a benign congenital disease that is more seen in head and neck regions. We report a case of a 54-year-old man with a growing supraclavicular mass. The ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging suggested a cystic lymphangioma. The mass was surgically totally removed without any recurrence. Histology examination confirmed the diagnosis. Cystic lymphangioma in adults is a rare entity and the literature on the subject is poor with no global recommendations.
Removing interlopers from intensity mapping probes of primordial non-Gaussianity
Authors: Chen Chang , Pullen Anthony R
Published: March 2022

Line intensity mapping (LIM) has the potential to produce highly precise measurements of scale-dependence bias from primordial non-Gaussianity (PNG) due to its ability to map much larger volumes than are available from galaxy surveys. However, LIM experiences contamination from foreground emission, including interloping emission lines from other redshifts that alter the power spectra of the maps at these scales, potentially biasing measurements of fNL. Here, we model the effect of line interlopers on upcoming LIM probes of PNG from inflation. As an example, we consider the $[\rm C\,{{\small II}}]$ line at target redshift zt = 3.6 to probe PNG, with the important systematic concern being foreground contamination from CO lines residing at redshifts different from the target redshift. We find interloper lines can lead to a significant bias if we neglect the interlopers in the parameter estimation. Including the interlopers in the parameter estimation would cause an increase in errors for our PNG constraints, leading to a false positive for non-standard inflation models. We model how well the cross-correlation technique could reduce this interloper contamination using $[\rm C\,{\small II}]$ and CO(4–3) at the same redshift and find the uncertainty of fNL reduces by factors of 2 and 6 for local and orthogonal shape PNG, respectively, and by a factor of 5 for local shape if we consider seven interloper lines. This shows that when jointly fitting the auto- and cross-spectrum in the presence of interlopers, the errors are comparable to those from fitting without interlopers, almost eliminating the effect of interlopers when measuring non-Gaussianity.
Resilience of sloshing cold fronts against subsequent minor mergers
Authors: Vaezzadeh Iraj , Roediger Elke , Cashmore Claire , Hunt Matthew , ZuHone John , Forman William , Jones Christine , Kraft Ralph , Nulsen Paul , Su Yuanyuan , Churazov Eugene
Published: March 2022

Minor mergers are common in galaxy clusters. They have the potential to create sloshing cold fronts (SCFs) in the intracluster medium of the cluster. However, the resilience of SCFs to subsequent minor mergers is unknown. Here we investigate the extent to which SCFs established by an off-axis minor merger are disrupted by a subsequent minor merger. We perform a suite of 13 hydrodynamic + N-body simulations of idealized triple cluster mergers in which we vary the approach direction and impact parameter of the tertiary cluster. Except for ∼1 Gyr after the first core passage of the tertiary cluster, clear SCFs are present in all merger configurations. Subsequent head-on minor mergers reduce the number of SCFs significantly, while subsequent off-axis minor mergers only moderately reduce the number of SCFs. In particular, outer ($\gtrapprox 500\,$kpc) SCFs are resilient. The results of this work indicate that SCFs are easily formed in the course of a minor merger and are long-lived even if a further minor merger takes place. SCFs thus should be ubiquitous, but deriving the merger history of a given cluster based on its observed SCFs might be more complex than previously thought.
Hypermassive quark cores
Authors: Lopes Luiz L , Biesdorf Carline , Menezes Debora P
Published: March 2022

Using a quantum hadrodynamics (QHD) and MIT-based models, we construct hybrid stars within the Maxwell criteria of hadron-quark phase transition. We are able to produce a hybrid star with maximum mass of 2.15 M⊙. Furthermore, a 2.03-M⊙ star with a quark core corresponding to more than $80{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of both, its total mass and radius, is also possible.
De Novo Assembly of 20 Chicken Genomes Reveals the Undetectable Phenomenon for Thousands of Core Genes on Microchromosomes and Subtelomeric Regions
Authors: Li Ming , Sun Congjiao , Xu Naiyi , Bian Peipei , Tian Xiaomeng , Wang Xihong , Wang Yuzhe , Jia Xinzheng , Heller Rasmus , Wang Mingshan , Wang Fei , Dai Xuelei , Luo Rongsong , Guo Yingwei , Wang Xiangnan , Yang Peng , Hu Dexiang , Liu Zhenyu , Fu Weiwei , Zhang Shunjin , Li Xiaochang , Wen Chaoliang , Lan Fangren , Siddiki Amam Zonaed , Suwannapoom Chatmongkon , Zhao Xin , Nie Qinghua , Hu Xiaoxiang , Jiang Yu , Yang Ning
Published: March 2022

The gene numbers and evolutionary rates of birds were assumed to be much lower than those of mammals, which is in sharp contrast to the huge species number and morphological diversity of birds. It is, therefore, necessary to construct a complete avian genome and analyze its evolution. We constructed a chicken pan-genome from 20 de novo assembled genomes with high sequencing depth, and identified 1,335 protein-coding genes and 3,011 long noncoding RNAs not found in GRCg6a. The majority of these novel genes were detected across most individuals of the examined transcriptomes but were seldomly measured in each of the DNA sequencing data regardless of Illumina or PacBio technology. Furthermore, different from previous pan-genome models, most of these novel genes were overrepresented on chromosomal subtelomeric regions and microchromosomes, surrounded by extremely high proportions of tandem repeats, which strongly blocks DNA sequencing. These hidden genes were proved to be shared by all chicken genomes, included many housekeeping genes, and enriched in immune pathways. Comparative genomics revealed the novel genes had 3-fold elevated substitution rates than known ones, updating the knowledge about evolutionary rates in birds. Our study provides a framework for constructing a better chicken genome, which will contribute toward the understanding of avian evolution and the improvement of poultry breeding.
Long promoter sequences form higher-order G-quadruplexes: an integrative structural biology study of c-Myc, k-Ras and c-Kit promoter sequences
Authors: Monsen Robert C , DeLeeuw Lynn W , Dean William L , Gray Robert D , Chakravarthy Srinivas , Hopkins Jesse B , Chaires Jonathan B , Trent John O
Published: March 2022

We report on higher-order G-quadruplex structures adopted by long promoter sequences obtained by an iterative integrated structural biology approach. Our approach uses quantitative biophysical tools (analytical ultracentrifugation, small-angle X-ray scattering, and circular dichroism spectroscopy) combined with modeling and molecular dynamics simulations, to derive self-consistent structural models. The formal resolution of our approach is 18 angstroms, but in some cases structural features of only a few nucleotides can be discerned. We report here five structures of long (34–70 nt) wild-type sequences selected from three cancer-related promoters: c-Myc, c-Kit and k-Ras. Each sequence studied has a unique structure. Three sequences form structures with two contiguous, stacked, G-quadruplex units. One longer sequence from c-Myc forms a structure with three contiguous stacked quadruplexes. A longer c-Kit sequence forms a quadruplex-hairpin structure. Each structure exhibits interfacial regions between stacked quadruplexes or novel loop geometries that are possible druggable targets. We also report methodological advances in our integrated structural biology approach, which now includes quantitative CD for counting stacked G-tetrads, DNaseI cleavage for hairpin detection and SAXS model refinement. Our results suggest that higher-order quadruplex assemblies may be a common feature within the genome, rather than simple single quadruplex structures.