bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agricultural contribution to the nutritional status of children: A comparative study of annual crop, agroforestry, and mixed‐farming type in Buol, Indonesia
Authors: Purwestri Ratna Chrismiari , Lusiana Betha , Wirawan Nia Novita , Fahmi Ilmia , Habibie Intan Yusuf , Sane Mathy , Hochmalová Miroslava , Fetriyuna Fetriyuna , Hájek Miroslav , Handayani Dian
Published: November 2021

This study investigated the agriculture contribution to the nutritional status of children from farming families by comparing situation of the annual crop with agroforestry and mixed farming systems. A survey was conducted from December 2015 to January 2016 in Buol, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Household socioeconomic and agricultural data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The dietary intake information of the oldest under‐five children was gathered using a 24‐hour recall of food intake, and the results were converted into food groups and nutrient contents. Focus group discussions among male and female farmers were performed to complement the survey's results. The prevalence of respiratory infection and diarrhea in children in the last 2 weeks was assessed. Furthermore, the weight and height of the children were measured. In total, 200 female/male farmers and their under‐five children from annual food crop (n = 79), agroforestry (n = 53), and mixed (n = 68) farming systems were recruited. A very high prevalence of stunted children (above 30%) was recorded in all the groups, whereas the proportion of wasted children was above 5%. The children's nutritional status indicated that an immediate intervention was needed to prevent further deterioration. The results of the binary logistic regression revealed that yearly food expenditure per capita was negatively and significantly correlated with the risk of being stunted (p = 0.047), whereas nonbreastfed children had a 2.9‐fold higher risk of wasting at the time of the survey (p = 0.014). Of all the farmer groups, mixed farming farmers tended to benefit the most from having high cash revenue and food production, leading to a slightly better nutritional status compared to farmers managing annual crop production or agroforestry systems only. Notably, actions need to be undertaken to improve the resilience of all smallholders as well as promote the provision and spending on nutrient‐dense food for children in all the farmer groups.
Novel amino acid Schiff base Zn(II) complexes as new therapeutic approaches in diabetes and Alzheimer's disease: Synthesis, characterization, biological evaluation, and molecular docking studies
Authors: Şenocak Ayşegül , Taş Nilay A. , Taslimi Parham , Tüzün Burak , Aydin Ali , Karadağ Ahmet
Published: November 2021

Schiff bases are compounds that have gained importance in the paint industry due to their colorful nature and in the field of chemistry and biochemistry due to their biological activities. Various biological applications of Schiff bases, such as antitumor, antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, antituberculosis, and anthelmintic, have been widely studied. Within the scope of the study, 5‐bromo‐2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde and amino acid methyl esters (isoleucine, phenylalanine, and methionine) and amino acid Schiff bases were synthesized first. The synthesis of the new Zn(II) complexes of these Schiff bases was carried out by the reaction of synthesized Schiff bases and Zn(OAc)2·2H2O. The structures of the synthesized complexes were elucidated using elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, UV‐visible, and thermal analysis spectroscopy techniques. These synthesized salts were found to be effective inhibitor compounds for the α‐glycosidase, and acetylcholinesterase enzyme with Ki values in the range of 30.50 ± 3.82–38.17 ± 6.26 µM for α‐glycosidase, 3.68 ± 0.54–10.27 ± 1.68 µM for butyrylcholinesterase, and 6.26 ± 0.83–15.73 ± 4.73 µM for acetylcholinesterase, respectively.
Holistic irreducibility: Humanistic practice as the gateway to phenomenal mind
Authors: Wilkinson Brett D.
Published: November 2021

While scholarly references to “holism” are abundant in the literature, the term is often applied as a synonym for multidimensionality. Humanistic counseling is committed to genuinely holistic practices guided by the principle of irreducibility. From a phenomenological stance, what makes humanistic counseling unique is the guiding assumption that pre‐reflective subjectivity is not only real rather than epiphenomenal, but the basic source of therapeutic change. By examining philosophical distinctions between psychological mind and phenomenal mind, it becomes clear that humanistic therapies facilitate intrapsychic contact with pre‐reflective experience under the presumption that such experiential self‐contact is a precondition for post hoc psychological interpretations of experience. Although humanistic strategies can be applied in non‐humanistic practice, its guiding philosophical position and purposefulness in practice makes it otherwise ungeneralizable. The concept of holistic irreducibility is defined at two conceptual levels and differences between psychological and phenomenal mind are explored through person‐centered and existential therapies.
Significance of preoperative blood tests in the prognosis of colorectal cancer: A prospective, multicenter study from Hungary
Authors: Biró Adrienn , Kolozsi Péter , Nagy Attila , Varga Zsolt , Káposztás Zsolt , Tóth Dezső
Published: November 2021

Background

The focus of this study was to analyze the prognostic value of different combinations of inflammatory and coagulation factors using preoperative blood and to appraise the clinical importance of these biomarkers in colorectal cancer patients.

Methods

A prospective, multicenter study included patients undergoing radical colorectal surgery in three county hospitals. Inflammatory and coagulation markers were analyzed preoperatively.

Results

Two hundred and one patients were included. We examined patients based on their tumor localization. Colon cancer group involved patients with the tumor localized in the colon (n = 105, 52.24%) and rectal cancer group the patients with the tumor in the rectum (n = 96, 47.76%). Examining coagulation factors, univariate Cox analysis of colon cancer patients showed that activated partial thromboplastin time (p = 0.020) was significantly associated with overall survival, but we could not prove it in multivariate analysis. In colon cancer patients, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR, p < 0.001) was positively correlated with tumor size and had significant association (χ2 = 5.48, p = 0.019, df = 1) with perineural invasion. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis of colon cancer patients showed that NLR (p = 0.011 and p = 0.048) was significantly associated with disease‐free survival (DFS).

Conclusion

NLR was proved to be an independent prognostic factor for DFS in patients with non‐metastatic colon cancer. NLR might help to recognize the high‐risk patients between patients with the same tumor‐node‐metastasis stage and could help with the decision on adjuvant chemotherapy. Since the biomarkers in preoperative blood tests are habitually evaluated, NLR could be an inexpensive prognostic marker that can be easily assessed in clinical practice.
Comparative effectiveness of immune system stimulators in calves’ vaccination
Authors: Andreeva Alfia , Nikolaeva Oksana , Altynbekov Oleg , Arslanova Yulia
Published: November 2021

The work aimed to study the comparative effectiveness of the immunostimulants "Roncoleukin" and propolis milk for increasing the nonspecific and specific resistance and immunological reactivity of calves during vaccination against salmonellosis. A study of the “Roncoleukin” effect combined with propolis milk on the biochemical, immunological, and serological parameters of calves during vaccination against salmonellosis was carried out. The objects of research were calves from birth to 2 months of age of the Simmental breed. According to the principle of analogs, they were divided into four groups (control and three experimental), six heads each. All animals at 10 days of age were vaccinated against salmonellosis. The animals of the first experimental group were injected subcutaneously with “Roncoleukin” at birth. Then “Roncoleukin” was injected during vaccination against salmonellosis. The calves of the second experimental group were drunk with propolis milk before feeding. The animals of the third experimental group were drunk with propolis milk before feeding; “Roncoleukin” was injected during vaccination. The use of “Roncoleukin” and propolis milk contributes to correcting immunological parameters and the protein spectrum of the blood during vaccination. The most pronounced changes are observed in calves of the first and third experimental groups. “Roncoleukin” and propolis milk contribute to forming an active specific immune response in calves during vaccination against salmonellosis, which is expressed in an increase in the titer of anti‐salmonella antibodies. The maximum antibody titer level was established in calves of the first and third experimental groups, three times higher than the control value.
Multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and mortality in older patients with pacemakers
Authors: Goto Toshihiko , Mori Kento , Nakayama Takafumi , Yamamoto Junki , Shintani Yasuhiro , Wakami Kazuaki , Fukuta Hidekatsu , Seo Yoshihiro , Ohte Nobuyuki
Published: November 2021

Background

The prevalence of multimorbidity and polypharmacy and its association with all‐cause mortality in older patients with pacemakers are largely unknown. We aimed to clarify the prevalence of multimorbidity and polypharmacy, and its association with all‐cause mortality in patients ≥75 years of age with pacemakers.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated 256 patients aged ≥75 years (mean age 84.0 ± 5.3 years; 45.7% male) with newly implanted pacemakers. The study endpoint was all‐cause mortality (“with events”). Multimorbidity was defined as a Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥3. Polypharmacy was defined as the use of ≥5 medications.

Results

During the follow‐up period (median, 3.1 years), 60 all‐cause deaths were reported. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (2.9 ± 1.9 vs. 1.7 ± 1.7, p < .001) and prevalence of multimorbidity (56.7% vs. 26.0%, p < .001) were significantly higher in deceased patients than in survivors. The number of drugs (6.9 ± 3.0 vs. 5.9 ± 3.3, p = .03) and the prevalence of polypharmacy (78.3% vs. 63.8%, p = .04) were significantly higher in patients with events than in those without events. The event‐free survival rate was significantly higher among patients without multimorbidity than in those with multimorbidity (log‐rank, p < .001), and was also significantly higher among patients without polypharmacy than in those with polypharmacy (log‐rank, p < .001). Multimorbidity (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.21; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.85–5.58; p < .001) and polypharmacy (HR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.03–3.77; p = .04) were independent predictors of all‐cause mortality.

Conclusions

Multimorbidity and its associated polypharmacy, which are common in the older population, are prevalent in patients with pacemakers and are independent predictors of poor prognosis.
Light intensity distribution in images from rigid endoscopes used in minimal access sinus surgery
Authors: Abel Eric W. , Fotiadis Nikolaos , White Paul S.
Published: November 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To investigate the pattern of intensity levels in images generated by the two most commonly used rigid endoscopes angulations in sinus surgery: 0° and 30°.

Methods

An enclosed light box containing an optical square grid, under endoscope illumination set just below saturation level, was used for measuring light distribution levels across test images. Endoscopes with 0° and 30° angulations were tested at 10 mm from the grid, typical for sinus surgery. The grid was set perpendicular to the axis of the shaft of the endoscope. The grayscale light intensity (GLI) levels (0 = black, 255 = white) in each of the grid squares were quantified from the digitized images.

Results

Light intensity was highly non‐uniform for both endoscopes. The brightest area of the field of view was at the center for the 0° endoscope and at about 20% of the image diameter proximally from the center for the 30° endoscope. For the 0° endoscope with a maximum value of about 230 GLI (90% of white saturation) at the center the minimum value was about 100 GLI at the periphery. The 30° endoscope with a similar maximum GLI value of 226 had a minimum of under 50 GLI at the most distant periphery, too dark for clear grid line definition.

Conclusion

There are wide variations in light intensity across the image circle and much reduced illumination of the field edge. Surgeons should be aware of this fact so that accommodation can be made when surgical manipulation is performed away from the center of the endoscope field. This is especially relevant in angled cavities such as the frontal sinus recess, where the degree of angulation necessitates “edge of field” surgery.
Finite volume method with the Soner boundary condition for computing the signed distance function on polyhedral meshes
Authors: Hahn Jooyoung , Mikula Karol , Frolkovič Peter , Basara Branislav
Published: November 2021

A cell‐centered finite volume method with the Soner boundary condition is proposed to compute the signed distance function from a given surface in general three‐dimensional (3D) computational domains discretized by polyhedral cells. The governing equation is the bidirectional time‐relaxed eikonal equation and the proposed numerical method is based on the semi‐implicit inflow‐implicit and outflow‐explicit scheme. Numerical experiments confirm the second order accuracy in and ‐norms for chosen examples with smooth solutions. The inclusion of the Soner boundary condition has proven necessary for numerical solutions to reach the viscosity solution of the eikonal equation starting from various initial conditions in general 3D domains.
Higher order weak Galerkin methods for the Navier–Stokes equations with large Reynolds number
Authors: Zhao Wenju
Published: November 2021

In this article, we provide a class of numerical schemes to solve the steady state and non‐steady state Navier–Stokes equations with large Reynolds number. The high order weak Galerkin methods are numerically proposed and tested. We numerically find that the stabilizing term has a great impact on the robustness of the Jacobian matrices associated with the Newton's method in the procedure of solving the discrete nonlinear systems generated by weak Galerkin discretizations, especially for the case with large Reynolds number. The numerical investigations of several benchmarks are then carried out to demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of our proposed numerical methods. The errors for the Taylor–Green vortex flow are computed and compared with different weak Galerkin techniques. The lid driven flow and the flow around a cylinder are further numerically investigated and compared with existing references. The Navier–Stokes equations with large Reynolds number can be efficiently solved by the high order weak Galerkin methods with proper stabilizers.
ALADIN‐—An open‐source MATLAB toolbox for distributed non‐convex optimization
Authors: Engelmann Alexander , Jiang Yuning , Benner Henrieke , Ou Ruchuan , Houska Boris , Faulwasser Timm
Published: November 2021

This article introduces an open‐source software for distributed and decentralized non‐convex optimization named ALADIN‐. ALADIN‐ is a MATLAB implementation of tailored variants of the Augmented Lagrangian Alternating Direction Inexact Newton (ALADIN) algorithm. It is user interface is convenient for rapid prototyping of non‐convex distributed optimization algorithms. An improved version of the recently proposed bi‐level variant of ALADIN is included enabling decentralized non‐convex optimization with reduced information exchange. A collection of examples from different applications fields including chemical engineering, robotics, and power systems underpins the potential of ALADIN‐.
Observer‐based control with enlarged domain of attraction for one‐sided Lipschitz systems subject to input saturation
Authors: Shahbazzadeh Majid , Salehifar Homa , Jalil Sadati Seyed
Published: November 2021

This article deals with the problem of observer‐based controller (OBC) design for a class of nonlinear systems in the presence of input saturation. The nonlinearities are assumed to satisfy the one‐sided Lipschitz and the quadratically inner‐bounded conditions. Sufficient conditions for the existence of OBC are derived by Lyapunov stability theory. The designed OBC not only ensures the asymptotic stability of the overall closed‐loop system with a domain of attraction as large as possible, but also guarantees the actuator saturation avoidance. This problem is converted into a linear matrix inequality optimization problem by judicious use of Young's relation for straightforward computation of the OBC gains. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed design method is demonstrated by simulation results.
Dissection of physiological, transcriptional, and metabolic traits in two tall fescue genotypes with contrasting drought tolerance
Authors: Kang Yun , Talukder Shyamal , An Zewei , Torres‐Jerez Ivone , Krom Nick , Huhman David , Udvardi Michael , Saha Malay C.
Published: November 2021

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is an important cool‐season perennial forage grass that forms mutualistic symbioses with fungal endophytes. Physiological, biochemical and transcriptional comparisons were made between two tall fescue genotypes with contrasting drought tolerance (tolerant, T400, and sensitive, S279), either with or without endophyte (Epichloë coenophiala). Drought stress was applied by withholding watering until plants reached mild, moderate and severe stresses. Physiological characterization showed that T400 had narrower, thicker leaves, and lower leaf conductance under well‐watered conditions, compared to S279. After severe drought and recovery, endophytic T400 had greater shoot and root biomass than other plant types. Under drought, leaf osmotic pressure increased much more in T400 than S279, consistent with accumulation of metabolites/osmolytes, especially proline. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis indicated that T400 had more active organic acid metabolism than S279 under drought, and implicated the role of endophyte in stimulating protein metabolism in both genotypes. Overall T400 and S279 responded to endophyte differently in aspects of physiology, gene transcription and metabolites, indicating plant genotype‐specific reactions to endophyte infection.
Selenious acid‐doped polyaniline synthesis and characterization by chemical oxidative solid‐state polymerization of aniline with SeO2 as an oxidizing agent
Authors: Perumal Manimegalai , Jesuraj Dominic , Konda Kannan Satheesh Kumar
Published: November 2021

The current study describes a novel one‐step chemical oxidative solid‐state polymerization of aniline at room temperature using selenium dioxide. Selenium dioxide works as both oxidizing agent and dopant for the polymerization of aniline in solid‐state synthesis. The optimum polymerization conditions, such as reaction time and oxidant‐to‐monomer ratio, were investigated to synthesize selenious acid‐doped polyaniline (PANI‐SA) with high yield and conductivity. Various techniques were used to characterize the prepared PANI‐SA. The X‐ray diffraction pattern of PANI‐SA reveals that the polymer has an amorphous structure. The four‐probe method was used to measure conductivity. The conductivity increases as the oxidant mole ratio increases, but the conductivity decreases as the oxidant mole ratio increases further. Our results demonstrate that for a 24 h reaction time, an oxidant‐to‐monomer mole ratio of 1:1.5 leads to the highest conductivity of 0.488 S cm−1. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Evaluation of key parameters for developing a Metarhizium rileyi‐based biopesticide against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in maize: laboratory, greenhouse, and field trials
Authors: Faria Marcos , Souza Daniela Aguiar , Sanches Marcio Martinello , Schmidt Francisco Guilherme Vergolino , Oliveira Charles Martins , Benito Norton Polo , Lopes Rogerio Biaggioni
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

The entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium rileyi is known to cause natural infections in some caterpillars. In this multiyear study, we carried out laboratory, greenhouse and three field trials with the aim of developing a sustainable option for control of the fall armyworm (FAW) in maize. Association of M. rileyi with Spodoptera frugiperda baculovirus (SfMNPV) and delivery strategies were also investigated.

RESULTS

The selected isolate (CG381) was effective in the laboratory at a low concentration (~ 4 × 103 conidia cm−2), killing >95% of FAW larvae within 8 days. In the greenhouse assay, applications of conidia suspended in water or as dry powder in maize whorls (~ 6.3 × 106 conidia per plant) produced similar larval mortalities (88%–96%). In the field trials, conventional spraying of unformulated conidia (0.6 and 1.2 × 1012 conidia ha−1) caused low larval mortalities (27–31%). Simultaneous application of either unformulated or oil‐based formulations of M. rileyi conidia and S. frugiperda baculovirus (SfMNPV) to plant rows caused larval mortalities comparable with each of the pathogens applied alone. However, when a formulation containing both pathogens was sprayed directly into the whorls, the overall mortality of S. frugiperda larvae due to pathogens (mostly to M. rileyi infections) reached ~ 59%, twofold higher than the other treatments with conventional spraying, whereas in the control, the overall mortality was only 1%.

CONCLUSION

Optimizing exposure of S. frugiperda larvae to an inoculum of virulent entomopathogens through directed applications to maize whorls is critical to produce satisfactory mortality levels and is promising for integrated pest management.
Assessing the predictive performance of population pharmacokinetic models for intravenous polymyxin B in critically ill patients
Authors: Hanafin Patrick O. , Nation Roger L. , Scheetz Marc H. , Zavascki Alexandre P. , Sandri Ana M. , Kwa Andrea L. , Cherng Benjamin P. Z. , Kubin Christine J. , Yin Michael T. , Wang Jiping , Li Jian , Kaye Keith S. , Rao Gauri G.
Published: November 2021

Polymyxin B (PMB) has reemerged as a last‐line therapy for infections caused by multidrug‐resistant gram‐negative pathogens, but dosing is challenging because of its narrow therapeutic window and pharmacokinetic (PK) variability. Population PK (POPPK) models based on suitably powered clinical studies with appropriate sampling strategies that take variability into consideration can inform PMB dosing to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity and resistance. Here we reviewed published PMB POPPK models and evaluated them using an external validation data set (EVD) of patients who are critically ill and enrolled in an ongoing clinical study to assess their utility. Seven published POPPK models were employed using the reported model equations, parameter values, covariate relationships, interpatient variability, parameter covariance, and unexplained residual variability in NONMEM (Version 7.4.3). The predictive ability of the models was assessed using prediction‐based and simulation‐based diagnostics. Patient characteristics and treatment information were comparable across studies and with the EVD (n = 40), but the sampling strategy was a main source of PK variability across studies. All models visually and statistically underpredicted EVD plasma concentrations, but the two‐compartment models more accurately described the external data set. As current POPPK models were inadequately predictive of the EVD, creation of a new POPPK model based on an appropriately powered clinical study with an informed PK sampling strategy would be expected to improve characterization of PMB PK and identify covariates to explain interpatient variability. Such a model would support model‐informed precision dosing frameworks, which are urgently needed to improve PMB treatment efficacy, limit resistance, and reduce toxicity in patients who are critically ill.
Generalized exponential‐dispersion process model for degradation analysis under nonlinear condition
Authors: Duan Fengjun , Wang Guanjun
Published: November 2021

The regular exponential‐dispersion (ED) process with a nonlinear path can be used to model degradation processes of many products, while it has the shortage that the degradation increment is only age‐dependent, which limits its application in some circumstances. To overcome this shortage, two extensions of the ED process are suggested. For many degradation phenomena with self‐modulating mechanisms, the degradation increment during the next time interval may depend on the current degradation state. To describe this degradation phenomenon, an improved ED process model with state‐dependent degradation increment and a nonlinear path is proposed. Further, as an extension of the regular ED process and the improved ED process models, the generalized improved ED process is introduced, in which the degradation increment during an interval is both age‐ and state‐dependent. For the three discussed models, the MLE method is applied to estimate the model parameters. The numerical integration and Monte Carlo (MC) simulation methods are used to evaluate the reliability. Finally, two sets of fatigue crack size data are used to illustrate the proposed models and methods.
Triple Product Overall Water Splitting – An Environment Friendly and New Direction Water Splitting in Sea‐Water Mimicking Electrolyte
Authors: Samo Imran Ahmed , Mughal Waqas , Shakeel Muhammad , Samo Kamran Ahmed , Chen Congtian
Published: November 2021

Hydrogen production is highly desirable which is well‐organized water‐electrolysis system using sea‐water, but it is a big challenge to manage it by the use of conventional catalysts. The present study demonstrates the efficient triple‐product water‐electrolysis system, which operates for >100 h in highly chloride containing alkaline electrolyte (6 M NaOH with saturated NaCl). While sea‐water exhibits salinity of ∼3.5 %, where Cl− followed by Na+ is predominant specie. The water electrolysis system with nafion membrane also produces triple product. The water‐electrolysis system produces environmentally friendly triple product using NiMo as cathode and NiFe LDH as anode such as H2, O2, and crystalline NaCl.
An Fe‐MIL100 Based Drug Delivery System for pH and Glutathione Dual‐Responsive Drug Release
Authors: Qi Xiuyu , Li Shanshan , Song Xue‐Zhi , Gong Yishu , Guo Zhaoming , Cui Changhao , Wang Xiaofeng , Tan Zhenquan
Published: November 2021

Fe‐MIL100 with high Fe(II) content is synthesized at room temperature via a green synthesis process and used to form drug delivery system DOX@PEG‐MIL100 by loading doxorubicin (DOX) and coating with polyethyleneglycol (PEG). This drug delivery system shows pH and glutathione (GSH) dual‐responsive drug release behavior in response to tumor microenvironment and a high cytotoxicity in tumor cell line.
Contribution of the mutation rs8193069 in TLR4 to mastitis resistance and performance in Holstein cows in southern China
Authors: Chen Hongbo , Liu Chenhui , Xiang Min , Yu Jie , Xia Yu , Hu Xiuzhong , Wang Dingfa , Tao Bifei , Zhang Yongjin , Cheng Lei
Published: November 2021

Bovine mastitis has become increasingly important issues for farmers and consumers, leading to large economic losses in the dairy industry worldwide. Because treatment of mastitis is difficult and costly, improved mastitis resistance through selective breeding would be advantageous. The toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) is an important player in recognising pathogens and activating immune responses. However, its roles in mastitis occurrence and the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. In this study, a single nucleotide polymorphism, rs8193069 (T → C) in TLR4 gene was detected in a Holstein cow resource population in southern China. Association analysis with 5‐year production traits, haematology, and biochemistry parameters revealed that individuals with genotype CC had significantly lower somatic cell counts (SCC), lower fat percentage, but higher 305‐day milk (p < 0.05) and total milk yield (p < 0.01). Both genotypes CC and CT had lower lymphocyte counts (#LYMPH) (p < 0.01) and basophil counts (#BASO) (p < 0.05) than TT. Genotype CC had a less level of triglyceride (p < 0.01) and creatine kinase (p < 0.05) than CT. Further analysis based on the production data revealed significant positive correlations between SCC and #LYMPH. Analysis of TLR4 protein structure and properties suggested that the missense mutation on the 674th amino acid from Thr to Ile reduced the flexibility and hydrophilicity of TIR domain, implying a weakened binding ability of TLR4 to its adaptors. In conclusion, allele C of rs8193069 was the major allele in Holstein cows that indicated a greater genetic potential to mastitis resistance and milk yields, probably via the LPS‐TLR4 inflammatory signalling. This study offers a marker to improve mastitis resistance in the dairy cow population in southern China.
Our Digital Mirror
Authors: Prem Erich
Published: November 2021

The digital world has a strong tendency to let everything in its realm appear as resources. This includes digital public discourse and its main creators, humans. In the digital realm, humans constitute the economic end and at the same time provide the means to fulfill that end. A good example is the case of online public discourse. It exemplifies a range of challenges from user abuse to amassment of power, difficulties in regulation, and algorithmic decision-making. At its root lies the untamed perception of humans as economic and information resources. In this way, digital technology provides us with a mirror that shows a side of what we are as humans. It also provides a starting point to discuss such questions as who would we like to be – including digitally, which purpose should we pursue, and how can we live the digital good life?
Modelling of Non-Newtonian Starved Thermal-elastohydrodynamic Lubrication of Heterogeneous Materials in Impact Motion
Authors: Bai Xueyu , Dong Qingbing , Zheng Han , Zhou Kun
Published: November 2021

This study presents a numerical model for the thermal-elastohydrodynamic lubrication of heterogeneous materials in impact motion, in which a rigid ball bounces on a starved non-Newtonian oil-covered plane surface of an elastic semi-infinite heterogeneous solid with inhomogeneous inclusions. The impact–rebound process and the microscopic response of the subsurface inhomogeneous inclusions are investigated. The inclusions are homogenized according to Eshelby’s equivalent inclusion method. The Elrod algorithm is adopted to determine the lubrication starvation based on the solutions of pressure and film thickness, while the lubricant velocity and shear rate of the non-Newtonian lubricant are derived by using the separation flow method. The dynamic response of the cases subjected to constant impact mass, momentum, and energy is discussed to reveal the influence of the initial drop height on the impact–rebound process. The results imply that the inclusion disturbs the subsurface stress field and affects the dynamic response of the contact system when the surface pressure is high. The impact energy is the decisive factor for the stress peak, maximum hydrodynamic force, and restitution coefficient, while the dynamic response during the early approaching process is controlled by the drop height.
The microbial metabolic activity on carbohydrates and polymers impact the biodegradability of landfilled solid waste
Authors: Brandstaetter Christian , Fricko Nora , Rahimi Mohammad J. , Fellner Johann , Ecker-Lala Wolfgang , Druzhinina Irina S.
Published: November 2021

Biological waste degradation is the main driving factor for landfill emissions. In a 2-year laboratory experiment simulating different landfill in-situ aeration scenarios, the microbial degradation of solid waste under different oxygen conditions (treatments) was investigated. Nine landfill simulation reactors were operated in triplicates under three distinct treatments. Three were kept anaerobic, three were aerated for 706 days after an initial anaerobic phase and three were aerated for 244 days in between two anaerobic phases. In total, 36 solid and 36 leachate samples were taken. Biolog® EcoPlates™ were used to assess the functional diversity of the microbial community. It was possible to directly relate the functional diversity to the biodegradability of MSW (municipal solid waste), measured as RI4 (respiration index after 4 days). The differences between the treatments in RI4 as well as in carbon and polymer degradation potential were small. Initially, a RI4 of about 6.5 to 8 mg O2 kg−1 DW was reduced to less than 1 mg O2 kg−1 DW within 114 days of treatment. After the termination of aeration, an increase 3 mg O2 kg−1 DW was observed. By calculating the integral of the Gompertz equation based on spline interpolation of the Biolog® EcoPlates™ results after 96 h two substrate groups mainly contributing to the biodegradability were identified: carbohydrates and polymers. The microbial activity of the respective microbial consortium could thus be related to the biodegradability with a multilinear regression model.
Tax competition and tax base equalization in the presence of multiple tax instruments
Authors: Matsumoto Mutsumi
Published: November 2021

The literature on tax competition has argued that tax base equalization, which reduces regional disparities in tax bases, can serve as a means of internalizing horizontal and vertical fiscal externalities. This argument assumes that each government relies on a single tax base (a regional tax on mobile capital and a federal tax on savings). This paper considers the case in which a distortionary labor tax is also available. Internalizing fiscal externalities requires that while the regional capital tax base is fully equalized, a region’s equalization entitlement for the labor tax is positive when its tax base is “larger” than the average tax base of all regions. This efficient tax base equalization system is incompatible with the primary objective of fiscal equalization.
Risk aversion over finite domains
Authors: Baccelli Jean , Schollmeyer Georg , Jansen Christoph
Published: November 2021

We investigate risk attitudes when the underlying domain of payoffs is finite and the payoffs are, in general, not numerical. In such cases, the traditional notions of absolute risk attitudes, that are designed for convex domains of numerical payoffs, are not applicable. We introduce comparative notions of weak and strong risk attitudes that remain applicable. We examine how they are characterized within the rank-dependent utility model, thus including expected utility as a special case. In particular, we characterize strong comparative risk aversion under rank-dependent utility. This is our main result. From this and other findings, we draw two novel conclusions. First, under expected utility, weak and strong comparative risk aversion are characterized by the same condition over finite domains. By contrast, such is not the case under non-expected utility. Second, under expected utility, weak (respectively: strong) comparative risk aversion is characterized by the same condition when the utility functions have finite range and when they have convex range (alternatively, when the payoffs are numerical and their domain is finite or convex, respectively). By contrast, such is not the case under non-expected utility. Thus, considering comparative risk aversion over finite domains leads to a better understanding of the divide between expected and non-expected utility, more generally, the structural properties of the main models of decision-making under risk.
The Influence of Annealing Temperature on the Structure and Magnetic Properties of Nanocrystalline BiFeO3 Prepared by Sol–Gel Method
Authors: Pikula T. , Szumiata T. , Siedliska K. , Mitsiuk V. I. , Panek R. , Kowalczyk M. , Jartych E.
Published: November 2021

In this work, BiFeO3 powders were synthesized by a sol–gel method. The influence of annealing temperature on the structure and magnetic properties of the samples has been discussed. X-ray diffraction studies showed that the purest phase was formed in the temperature range of 400 °C to 550 °C and the samples annealed at a temperature below 550 °C were of nanocrystalline character. Mössbauer spectroscopy and magnetization measurements were used as complementary methods to investigate the magnetic state of the samples. In particular, the appearance of weak ferromagnetic properties, significant growth of magnetization, and spin-glass-like behavior were observed along with the drop of average grain size. Mössbauer spectra were fitted by the model assuming cycloidal modulation of spins arrangement and properties of the spin cycloid were determined and analyzed. Most importantly, it was proved that the spin cycloid does not disappear even in the case of the samples with a particle size well below the cycloid modulation period λ = 62 nm. Furthermore, the cycloid becomes more anharmonic as the grain size decreases. The possible origination of weak ferromagnetism of the nanocrystalline samples has also been discussed.
Feed autonomy in organic cattle farming systems: a necessary but not sufficient lever to be activated for economic efficiency
Authors: Faux Anne-Michelle , Decruyenaere Virginie , Guillaume Mary , Stilmant Didier
Published: November 2021

Increasing the level of feed autonomy is usually considered as a prerequisite for conversion of cattle farms to organic management. This study is aimed at generating references for organic dairy and beef production through a technical and economic assessment of feed autonomy in commercial farms. Data were collected in 2014 and 2015 on 11 farms located in distinct agricultural regions of Wallonia, Belgium. Dry matter (DM) production, animal performance and all cash in- and outflows were recorded. Economic efficiency (EE) was computed as the share of the feed margin, i.e., the gross product minus the total feed and processing costs, in the gross product. The mean level of mass feed autonomy (FAm) was 94 ± 6%. Feed production costs (p < 0.05) and feed purchase costs (p < 0.001) were negatively correlated with FAm so that the total feed cost decreased with FAm (p < 0.001). All farms with EE > 65% had a level of FAm ≥ 90%; however, one farm with FAm ≥ 90% had a mean EE of 55% over both study years. This observation suggested that a 90% level of FAm is necessary, but not sufficient, to be economically efficient in organic cattle farming. Four production systems with EE > 65% and thus FAm ≥ 90% were finally characterized based on the observed crop rotations, overall DM yields, stocking rates and animal performances.
Study on gelation, temperature resistance and micromorphology of modified nano-ZrO2 crosslinked hydroxypropyl guar gum
Authors: Yang Yang , Qi Chen , Chao Zhu , Xiaolong Wu , Zhe Ji , Zhuoran Gu , Liang Chen
Published: November 2021

In order to improve the temperature and shear resistance of fracturing fluid, a kind of nano-zirconium-boron crosslinker, which is different from the traditional zicral-boron crosslinker, is prepared using 4wt% borax, 50 v/v% glycerol, 8 v/v% triethanolamine and 40 v/v % acetylacetone as raw materials, and its chemical structure is characterized of by infrared spectroscopy and its performance, such as viscoelasticity, temperature and shear resistance and gel breaking property, have also been evaluated. The results show that firstly the elastic modulus of the fracturing system is much larger than the viscous modulus at frequency of 0.1–10 Hz, indicating that the fluid is a typical structural fluid. Secondly the fracture fluid crosslinked by nano-zirconium-boron crosslinker is sheared at 180 °C, 170 s−1 for 2 h, and the viscosity is maintained above 60 mPa.s. Finally viscoelasticity, gel breaking property and damage evaluation also meet the requirements of national standard code for Chinese. Analysis of the temperature resistance mechanism of the HPG fracturing fluid crosslinked by nano-zirconium-boron crosslinker shows that its connecting lines are thicker and stronger to make the fracturing fluid have better temperature and shear resistance.
Model-based safety assessment for conceptual aircraft systems design
Authors: Gradel Simon , Aigner Benedikt , Stumpf Eike
Published: November 2021

Traditional system technology modeling in conceptual aircraft design mainly relies on empirical knowledge and methods derived from conventional systems, for which valid system architecture designs are known. Since these systems have been proven valid especially from a safety perspective, detailed system safety analyses are usually not necessary. For unconventional systems and innovative technologies, on contrary, new architectures have to be designed and system safety has, therefore, to be taken into account. Therefore, the application of model-based safety assessment (MBSA) for designing system architectures in conceptual aircraft design studies is proposed. A MBSA approach based on a Simulink architecture model is presented which is tailored for use in conceptual design studies. It is applied to the cryocooling system of a hybrid-electric powertrain architecture from an already-published study. The original architecture as well as possible architecture alternatives are investigated. As a result, a safer architecture version with lower number of components can be proposed. The application example indicates that using MBSA in conceptual design benefits the latter by providing insights into safety properties of the system and by pointing out architecture safety weaknesses. This could result in safer, thus more realistic system architectures.
Das Spiel mit dem Feuer: Religiosität, Okkultismus, Esoterik, Spiritualität und der Bezug zu nationalsozialistischen/faschistischen Ideologien im rechtsoffenen Musik-Underground
Authors: Heinze Carsten , Stiglegger Marcus
Published: November 2021

Der Artikel setzt sich mit dem Zusammenhang von Jugend‑/Subkulturen, Religion und Rechtsextremismus auseinander. Es wird die Frage aufgeworfen, inwiefern religiöse Haltungen, spirituelle Bezugsrahmen sowie Rechtsextremismus in verschiedenen historischen Jugend‑/Subkulturen zu finden sind und auf welche Weise beides miteinander bis heute verknüpft wird. Damit geht die Frage einher, wie sich in den betrachteten historischen Szenen des Gothic-Rock, Neofolk oder Black Metal das Inhaltliche mit dem Ästhetischen verbindet und welche Konsequenzen sich daraus für die Einordnung und Interpretation von diesen Szenen ergeben. Berücksichtigt werden dabei die politischen Bezugsfelder, auf die sich die Szenen inhaltlich wie ästhetisch eklektizistisch berufen.
Welterschließende Affekte und das explanative Potenzial eines psychoanalytischen Konzepts für die Kulturpsychologie: Abjektion
Authors: Straub Jürgen
Published: November 2021

Nach einer Empfehlung, Gefühle (Affekte, Emotionen) als eigenständige, welterzeugende und -erschließende Phänomene zu analysieren, wird auf Abjektivierungen und Abjektionen fokussiert. Das von Julia Kristeva eingeführte psychoanalytische Konzept wird als ein für die Kulturpsychologie heuristisch wertvoller Begriff vorgestellt. Damit lassen sich die in verletzten Selbstgefühlen, gefährdeter Selbstachtung und „seelischer Selbstvergiftung“ (Max Scheler) begründeten Abwertungen und radikalen Entwertungen von Anderen, kulturell Fremden zumal, verstehend erklären. Abjektivierungen und Abjektionen dienen der Bewahrung eigener psychischer, sozialer, kultureller und politischer Ordnungen. Sie zeitigen dabei jedoch polemogene, destruktive Effekte, die das einvernehmliche Zusammenleben von Menschen und den für jede differenzsensible, pluralistische und tolerante Gesellschaft notwendigen Zusammenhalt untergraben und massiv gefährden. Der Beitrag endet mit einem Plädoyer für eine psychologische Aufklärung, die Gefühlsarbeit – eine mühsame Verwandlung affektiver Abjektivierungen und Abjektionen – nach sich ziehen muss.
Examining a new prosocial risk‐taking scale in a longitudinal sample of ethnically diverse adolescents
Authors: Armstrong‐Carter Emma , Do Kathy T. , Guassi Moreira João F. , Prinstein Mitchell J. , Telzer Eva H.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

This longitudinal study designed and tested the validity of a new measure of prosocial risk taking — risks that individuals take in order to help others.

Methods

The sample was racially and ethnically diverse adolescents in the rural Southeastern United States (N = 867; Mage = 12.82 years, 10–14 years at Wave 1; 50% Girls, 33% White non‐Latinx, 27% Latinx, 20% Black, 20% Mixed/Other race/ethnicity). Adolescents completed self‐report measures of the new prosocial risk‐taking scale at baseline and one‐ and two‐year follow‐ups.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated excellent model fit with a 6‐item single factor score. Further, the scale demonstrated good test‐retest reliability at one and two‐year follow ups. The scale also demonstrated convergent validity, such that prosocial risk taking was positively correlated with prosocial tendencies, empathy, and sensation seeking, and negatively correlated with negative risk‐taking behavior and risk tolerance. Finally, we found significant differences by race/ethnicity (but not by gender) in prosocial risk taking, which were not attributable to measurement invariance, and should be interpreted in the context of ongoing societal inequalities between youth.

Conclusions

The new Prosocial Risk‐Taking Scale yielded reliable scores in our sample. It may be used in future research to investigate individual differences in adolescents' prosocial risk taking, developmental change in prosocial risk taking, and the significance of prosocial risk taking for adolescents' emotional and social adaptation.
Embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes; rare pediatric CNS tumor. A case report and review of literature
Authors: Meliti Abdelrazak , Gasim Wedad , Al-Maghrabi Haneen , Mokhtar Ghadeer
Published: November 2021

Embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes (ETMR), C19MC-altered is a newly designated entity of the embryonal tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) according to the 2016 WHO classification system of CNS. Characteristically, these tumors are newly defined based on their specific molecular genetic amplification in chromosome 19q13.42 found at locus C19MC. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first reported case of ETMR in Saudi Arabian pediatric population. A 2-year-old boy presented to the hospital with generalized tonic-colonic seizure, vomiting, irritability, and inability to walk. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed a large left thalamic supratentorial brain tumor. The tumor measured 6.1 × 5.6 × 5.6 cm and was characterized by cystic changes, prominent vasculature, and calcifications. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry examination, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis confirmed the diagnosis of ETMR. In addition to reporting this rare case, we provide a brief literature review, treatment options, patient outcome, and disease prognosis.
The Guile and The Guise: Apropos of Comparative Law as We Know It
Authors: Legrand Pierre
Published: November 2021

The field of comparative law prioritizes the ascertainment of universals or commonalities across laws, two chimerical pursuits. In the process, comparative research abides significant distortion of information, not always in good faith, and a correlative loss of intellectual warrant. This article urges acknowledgment of such serious epistemic deficit, of its detrimental impact on comparative law, and of the need to restore intellectual integrity to comparative research in law through a radically different approach to foreignness.