bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atomic‐Scale Mechanism of Spontaneous Polarity Inversion in AlN on Nonpolar Sapphire Substrate Grown by MOCVD
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Liu Bingyao , Ren Fang , Yin Yue , Zhang Shuo , Liang Meng , Dou Zhipeng , Liu Zhetong , Yang Shenyuan , Yan Jianchang , Wei Tongbo , Yi Xiaoyan , Wu Chaoxing , Guo Tailiang , Wang Junxi , Zhang Yong , Li Jinmin , Gao Peng
Published: February 2022

The performance of nitride devices is strongly affected by their polarity. Understanding the polarity determination and evolution mechanism of polar wurtzite nitrides on nonpolar substrates is therefore critically important. This work confirms that the polarity of AlN on sapphire prepared by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition is not inherited from the nitrides/sapphire interface as widely accepted, instead, experiences a spontaneous polarity inversion during the growth. It is found that at the initial growth stage, the interface favors the nitrogen‐polarity, rather than the widely accepted metal‐polarity or randomly coexisting. However, the polarity subsequently converts into the metal‐polar situation, at first locally then expanding into the whole area, driven by the anisotropy of surface energies, which results in universally existing inherent inverse grain boundaries. Furthermore, vertical two‐dimensional electron accumulation originating from the lattice symmetry breaking at the inverse grain boundary is first revealed. This work identifies another cause of high‐density defects in nitride epilayers, besides lattice mismatch induced dislocations. These findings also offer new insights into atomic structure and determination mechanism of polarity in nitrides, providing clues for its manipulation toward the novel hetero‐polarity devices.
Confinement Assembly in Polymeric Micelles Enables Nanoparticle Superstructures with Tunable Molecular‐Like Geometries
Authors: Zhang Zhebin , Xia Yan , Wan Siyu , Yang Dong , Dong Angang
Published: February 2022

The self‐assembly of a small number of nanoparticles into superstructures that mimic the geometry of molecules provides an unprecedented route for creating materials with precisely defined structures and potentially programmable functionalities. Such nanoparticle clusters (NPCs), also known as colloidal molecules, have a wide range of applications due to the decisive ensemble effect. Here, a universal and straightforward strategy is developed to construct NPCs with tunable molecular‐like geometries by confining the self‐assembly of hydrophobic nanoparticles within micelles formed by amphiphilic copolymers. It is found that confinement assembly of both spherical and anisotropic nanoparticles can lead to NPCs, the molecular‐like conformation of which is widely tunable by adjusting the ratio between copolymers and nanoparticles. Mechanistic studies reveal the formation of large‐vesicle intermediates along the path toward forming NPCs. This work establishes a facile and general strategy of assembling finite nanoparticles with precisely tunable geometries without introducing any directional interactions, which can accelerate the exploration of clustered superstructures toward broad applications.
Does telemedicine save lives? Evidence on the effect of telemedicine parity laws on mortality rates
Authors: Chen Jiajia , Dills Angela K.
Published: February 2022

Between 1995 and 2018, just over half of U.S. states enacted laws requiring private insurance plans cover medical care provided remotely. These telemedicine parity laws likely increase health care access, particularly in areas with few providers, by granting patients access to specialists or primary care providers located elsewhere. We estimate the effect of telemedicine parity laws on mortality rates of all causes and for causes of death due to conditions more frequently treated with telemedicine. Mortality rates decline postparity laws, driven by decreases in ischemic heart disease deaths. Ischemic heart disease mortality rates decline by about 6% in the difference‐in‐differences specification and 9% in the event study estimation. These effects are concentrated in counties located in the fringes of metropolitan areas. We also estimate declines in hospital admissions postparity law, consistent with improved health outcomes. Our results suggest that relaxing current telemedicine regulations would reduce mortality rates.
Effect of Catalyst and Cross‐Linker Concentrations on the Functional and Chemical Properties of Sago Starch
Authors: Sondari Dewi , Restu Witta Kartika , Septevani Athanasia Amanda , Suryaningrum Riska , Burhani Dian , Widyaningrum Bernadeta Ayu , Putri Rahmawati
Published: February 2022

This study aims to analyze the chemical characteristics of sago starch cross‐linked with sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) and sodium chloride as a catalyst. The modified sago is applied as a functional material, such as for a drug delivery matrix. The study investigates the effects of cross‐linker agents and catalysts (starch/STMP/catalyst) on swelling factor, solubility, and freeze‐thaw stability. The functional and chemical properties of commercial and modified sago starch are comparatively studied. Modified sago starch samples are produced by adding various amounts of sodium trimetaphosphate (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g) and the catalyst of sodium chloride (2.0 and 4.0 g) into the reactor in a water bath hotplate at 70 °C and 300 rpm for an hour. The spectra of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) demonstrate new bands related to phosphorylation. The intensity of the vibration peak of –P = O bending at 1150–1414 cm–1 and P–O–C stretching at 995–1050 cm–1 appears in the spectra of the samples. The spectra from FTIR spectroscopy confirm that the commercial sago starch is successfully modified.
Extraction, Bioactive Composition, and Antioxidant Activity of Polysaccharides from the Mushroom Rugiboletus extremiorientalis
Authors: Guo Xiao‐Ying , Guo Hong‐Bo , Wu Shuang‐Yan , Yu Xiao‐Dan
Published: February 2022

The wild, edible mushroom Rugiboletus extremiorientalis has an excellent taste and also medicinal effects, and is very popular in China. In this study, hot water extraction is used to isolate polysaccharides from R. extremiorientalis fruiting bodies, and response surface methodology is used to optimize the extraction conditions in terms of temperature, liquid–solid ratio, and time. The crude extract (REP) is purified in turn by DEAE‐52 chromatography and Sephadex G‐100 chromatography, resulting in three fractions (REP‐1, REP‐2, and REP‐3) with recovery rates of 16.7%, 57.65%, and 6.63%, respectively. In vitro antioxidant activity is highest for REP‐2, and the subsequent research is therefore focused on that fraction. High‐performance liquid chromatography reveals that REP‐2 is comprised of fucose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, xylose, and mannose. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy of REP‐2 indicates the presence of functional groups typical for polysaccharides. High‐performance gel filtration chromatography indicates the REP‐2 has a molecular weight of 342.4 kDa. The results of this study provide a foundation for future research concerning the antioxidant activity of polysaccharides in R. extremiorientalis.
The Work of Story Mediators
Authors: Cleland Silva Tricia , de Tarso Fonseca Silva Paulo
Published: February 2022

In this chapter, we describe how we work as Story Mediators to facilitate authenticstory exchange for making sense of social identities and embodied realities at work. Starting with our own personal and professional stories, we discuss how we enter the workplace with our own embodied lived experiences. In addition, we share how our defined values help us keep accountable to other storytellers and ourselves.
Introduction
Authors: Stępka Maciej
Published: February 2022

This chapter provides foundational information for the discussion conducted in further parts of the book. The Introduction includes a review of the existing literature and contemporary perspectives on migration and security, focusing on different modes and practices of securitisation. It outlines the aims and methods of the book, arguing for a more inclusive, interpretative and framing-centred reading of securitisation theory. In doing so, the chapter also clarifies the interpretative characteristics and scope of the research presented in the book. The introduction ends with an outline of the book, discussing its structure and the aims of each chapter.
Anomalies for anomalous symmetries
Authors: Karasik Avner
Published: February 2022

Abstract

4d gauge theories with massless fermions typically have axial U(1) transformations that suffer from the ABJ anomaly. One can modify the theory of interest by adding more fields in a way that restores the axial symmetry, and use it to derive rigorous ’t Hooft anomaly matching conditions. These conditions are not valid for the original theory of interest, but for the modified theory. We show that the modification can be done in a specific way that allows us to relate the dynamics of the modified theory to the dynamics of the original theory. In this way, the anomaly matching conditions of the modified theory can be used to learn new things on the original theory even though they involve axial transformations which are not a symmetry of the original theory. We describe this method and discuss some applications to various examples.
Dark Matter interpretation of the neutron decay anomaly
Authors: Strumia Alessandro
Published: February 2022

Abstract

We add to the Standard Model a new fermion χ with minimal baryon number 1/3. Neutron decay n → χχχ into non-relativistic χ can account for the neutron decay anomaly, compatibly with bounds from neutron stars. χ can be Dark Matter, and its cosmological abundance can be generated by freeze-in dominated at T ∼ mn. The associated processes n → χχχγ, hydrogen decay H → χχχν(γ) and DM-induced neutron disappearance $$ \overline{\chi} $$

χ
¯

n → χχ(γ) have rates below experimental bounds and can be of interest for future experiments.
Competitive Cooperation
Authors: Osganian Vanessa
Published: February 2022

This paper examines the institutional and social dimensions of cooperation in the Alliance of Science Organisations, the central corporatist stakeholder in German science policy, in the 1970s and 1980s, which were a crucial period for this committee. In doing so, this essay mainly focuses on the way science organizations interact with each other, as well as with national politics. The Federal Ministry of Research invited the Alliance to regular meetings and thereby fostered its involvement into political decision-making processes. Consequently, the question of who belonged to the Alliance came into the focus of different players. Although the members of the Alliance themselves decided on the composition of their committee, they were not able to completely insulate themselves from external demands. Including new members into the Alliance had a destabilizing effect on the carefully balanced distribution of power within this committee, as will be shown through the case study on the admission of the Association of the Major Research Centers (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Großforschungseinrichtungen, AGF) in 1976. In order to restabilize the situation, the members of the Alliance tried to exclude the AGF from certain issues. At the same time, the AGF itself was keen on being regarded as an equal partner and thus strove for its inclusion. This complex interplay of cooperative and competitive actions finally resulted in the institutionalization of the Alliance.
Early DNA methylation changes in children developing beta cell autoimmunity at a young age
Authors: Starskaia Inna , Laajala Essi , Grönroos Toni , Härkönen Taina , Junttila Sini , Kattelus Roosa , Kallionpää Henna , Laiho Asta , Suni Veronika , Tillmann Vallo , Lund Riikka , Elo Laura L. , Lähdesmäki Harri , Knip Mikael , Kalim Ubaid Ullah , Lahesmaa Riitta
Published: February 2022

Aims/hypothesis

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease of complex aetiology, including a potential role for epigenetic regulation. Previous epigenomic studies focused mainly on clinically diagnosed individuals. The aim of the study was to assess early DNA methylation changes associated with type 1 diabetes already before the diagnosis or even before the appearance of autoantibodies.

Methods

Reduced representation bisulphite sequencing (RRBS) was applied to study DNA methylation in purified CD4+ T cell, CD8+ T cell and CD4−CD8− cell fractions of 226 peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples longitudinally collected from seven type 1 diabetes-specific autoantibody-positive individuals and control individuals matched for age, sex, HLA risk and place of birth. We also explored correlations between DNA methylation and gene expression using RNA sequencing data from the same samples. Technical validation of RRBS results was performed using pyrosequencing.

Results

We identified 79, 56 and 45 differentially methylated regions in CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and CD4−CD8− cell fractions, respectively, between type 1 diabetes-specific autoantibody-positive individuals and control participants. The analysis of pre-seroconversion samples identified DNA methylation signatures at the very early stage of disease, including differential methylation at the promoter of IRF5 in CD4+ T cells. Further, we validated RRBS results using pyrosequencing at the following CpG sites: chr19:18118304 in the promoter of ARRDC2; chr21:47307815 in the intron of PCBP3; and chr14:81128398 in the intergenic region near TRAF3 in CD4+ T cells.

Conclusions/interpretation

These preliminary results provide novel insights into cell type-specific differential epigenetic regulation of genes, which may contribute to type 1 diabetes pathogenesis at the very early stage of disease development. Should these findings be validated, they may serve as a potential signature useful for disease prediction and management.

Graphical abstract
Quality appraisal of clinical guidelines for recurrent urinary tract infections using AGREE II: a systematic review
Authors: Pat Jorik J. , Witte Lambertus P. W. , Steffens Martijn G. , Vernooij Robin W. M. , Marcelissen Tom A. T. , Fuentes Paulina , Garcia-Perdomo Herney A. , Pardo-Hernandez Hector , Blanker Marco H.
Published: February 2022

Introduction and hypothesis

Recommendations for preventing and diagnosing recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) tend to vary between clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) because of low-quality scientific evidence, potentially leading to practice variation and suboptimal care. We assessed the quality of existing CPGs for recurrent UTI.

Methods

A systematic search was performed from January 2000 to June 2021 in PubMed and EMBASE for CPGs on recurrent UTI prevention or hospital diagnostics in Dutch, English, and Spanish. Each CPG was assessed by four appraisers in a multidisciplinary review team, using the Appraisal of Guidelines, Research, and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument.

Results

We identified and assessed eight CPGs published between 2013 and 2021. The scope and purpose (mean and standard deviation: 67.3 ± 21.8) and clarity of presentation (74.8 ± 17.6) domains scored highly. However, issues with methods, patient participation, conflict of interests, and facilitators and barriers were common and resulted in lower scores for the rigour of development (56.9 ± 25.9), applicability (19.6 ± 23.4), stakeholder involvement (50.4 ± 24.6), and editorial independence (62.1 ± 23.1) domains. Overall, two CPGs were recommended, three were recommended with modifications, and three were not recommended.

Conclusions

Significant room for improvement exists in the quality of CPGs for recurrent UTI, with most displaying serious limitations in the stakeholder involvement, rigour of development, and applicability domains. These aspects must be improved to decrease diagnostic and therapeutic uncertainty. Developers could benefit from using checklists and following guidelines when developing de novo CPGs.
Dynamics of transcendental Hénon maps-II
Authors: Arosio Leandro , Benini Anna Miriam , Fornæss John Erik , Peters Han
Published: February 2022

Transcendental Hénon maps are the natural extensions of the well investigated complex polynomial Hénon maps to the much larger class of holomorphic automorphisms. We prove here that transcendental Hénon maps always have non-trivial dynamical behavior, namely that they always admit both periodic and escaping orbits, and that their Julia sets are non-empty and perfect.
CT measures of femoral and tibial version and rotational position of femoral and tibial components of knee replacements: limitations in reliability and suitability for routine clinical practice
Authors: Toms Andoni P. , Rifai Tamam , Whitehouse Celia , McNamara Iain
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Rotational malalignment of knee replacements as measured on CT is understood to be associated with poor outcomes. The aim of this study is to measure the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of measures of femoral and tibial version in the native arthritic knee and postoperative TKR component position using CT.

Methods

Eighty patients underwent CT of the knee before and after total knee replacement. Preoperative femoral and tibial version and component rotation were independently measured by two musculoskeletal radiologists.

Results

Mean differences between and within raters were small (< 1.6°). Maximum 95% limits of agreement for inter-rater and intra-rater comparisons were 8.1° and 7.6° for preoperative femoral version, 9.0° and 7.9° for postoperative femoral rotation, 26.0° and 20.5° for preoperative tibial version, and 24.9° and 23.6° for postoperative tibial rotation respectively. Postoperative ICCs varied from 0.68 to 0.81 (lower 95% CI:0.55–0.72) for both intra- and inter-rater comparisons. Preoperative ICCs were lower: 0.55–0.75 (lower 95% CI:0.40–0.65).

Conclusion

The lower 95% confidence level for ICC of version and rotational measurements using the Berger protocol of TKRs on CT are all less than 0.73 and that the normal range of differences between observers is up to 9° for the femoral component and 26° for the tibial component. This suggests that CT measurements derived from the Berger protocol may not be consistent enough for clinical practice.

Key Points

• CT is commonly used to measure the rotational profile of knee replacements in symptomatic patients using the Berger protocol.

• The limits of agreement for both femoral and tibial component rotation are wide even for experienced observers.

• CT measurements of the rotation of knee arthroplasty are not reliable enough for routine clinical use.
Protein tau concentration in blood increases after SCUBA diving: an observational study
Authors: Rosén Anders , Gennser Mikael , Oscarsson Nicklas , Kvarnström Andreas , Sandström Göran , Seeman-Lodding Helen , Simrén Joel , Zetterberg Henrik
Published: February 2022

Purpose

It is speculated that diving might be harmful to the nervous system. The aim of this study was to determine if established markers of neuronal injury were increased in the blood after diving.

Methods

Thirty-two divers performed two identical dives, 48 h apart, in a water-filled hyperbaric chamber pressurized to an equivalent of 42 m of sea water for 10 min. After one of the two dives, normobaric oxygen was breathed for 30 min, with air breathed after the other. Blood samples were obtained before and at 30–45 and 120 min after diving. Concentrations of glial fibrillary acidic, neurofilament light, and tau proteins were measured using single molecule array technology. Doppler ultrasound was used to detect venous gas emboli.

Results

Tau was significantly increased at 30–45 min after the second dive (p < 0.0098) and at 120 min after both dives (p < 0.0008/p < 0.0041). Comparison of matching samples showed that oxygen breathing after diving did not influence tau results. There was no correlation between tau concentrations and the presence of venous gas emboli. Glial fibrillary acidic protein was decreased 30–45 min after the first dive but at no other point. Neurofilament light concentrations did not change.

Conclusions

Tau seems to be a promising marker of dive-related neuronal stress, which is independent of the presence of venous gas emboli. Future studies could validate these results and determine if there is a quantitative relationship between dive exposure and change in tau blood concentration.
Patterns and roles of lignan and terpenoid accumulation in the reaction zone compartmentalizing pathogen-infected heartwood of Norway spruce
Authors: Nagy Nina Elisabeth , Norli Hans Ragnar , Fongen Monica , Østby Runa Berg , Heldal Inger M. , Davik Jahn , Hietala Ari M.
Published: February 2022

Main conclusion

Lignan impregnation of the reaction zone wood protects against oxidative degradation by fungi. Traumatic resin canals may play roles in the underlying signal transduction, synthesis, and translocation of defense compounds.

Tree defense against xylem pathogens involves both constitutive and induced phenylpropanoids and terpenoids. The induced defenses include compartmentalization of compromised wood with a reaction zone (RZ) characterized by polyphenol deposition, whereas the role of terpenoids has remained poorly understood. To further elucidate the tree–pathogen interaction, we profiled spatial patterns in lignan (low-molecular-weight polyphenols) and terpenoid content in Norway spruce (Picea abies) trees showing heartwood colonization by the pathogenic white-rot fungus Heterobasidion parviporum. There was pronounced variation in the amount and composition of lignans between different xylem tissue zones of diseased and healthy trees. Intact RZ at basal stem regions, where colonization is the oldest, showed the highest level and diversity of these compounds. The antioxidant properties of lignans obviously hinder oxidative degradation of wood: RZ with lignans removed by extraction showed significantly higher mass loss than unextracted RZ when subjected to Fenton degradation. The reduced diversity and amount of lignans in pathogen-compromised RZ and decaying heartwood in comparison to intact RZ and healthy heartwood suggest that α-conindendrin isomer is an intermediate metabolite in lignan decomposition by H. parviporum. Diterpenes and diterpene alcohols constituted above 90% of the terpenes detected in sapwood of healthy and diseased trees. A significant finding was that traumatic resin canals, predominated by monoterpenes, were commonly associated with RZ. The findings clarify the roles and fate of lignan during wood decay and raise questions about the potential roles of terpenoids in signal transduction, synthesis, and translocation of defense compounds upon wood compartmentalization against decay fungi.
Pretreatment patient-reported cognitive function in patients with diffuse glioma
Authors: Schei Stine , Solheim Ole , Salvesen Øyvind , Hjermstad Marianne Jensen , Bouget David , Sagberg Lisa Millgård
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Cognitive function is frequently assessed with objective neuropsychological tests, but patient-reported cognitive function is less explored. We aimed to investigate the preoperative prevalence of patient-reported cognitive impairment in patients with diffuse glioma compared to a matched reference group and explore associated factors.

Methods

We included 237 patients with diffuse glioma and 474 age- and gender-matched controls from the general population. Patient-reported cognitive function was measured using the cognitive function subscale in the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 questionnaire. The transformed scale score (0–100) was dichotomized, with a score of ≤ 75 indicating clinically important patient-reported cognitive impairment. Factors associated with preoperative patient-reported cognitive impairment were explored in a multivariable regression analysis.

Results

Cognitive impairment was reported by 49.8% of the diffuse glioma patients and by 23.4% in the age- and gender-matched reference group (p < 0.001). Patients with diffuse glioma had 3.2 times higher odds (95% CI 2.29, 4.58, p < 0.001) for patient-reported cognitive impairment compared to the matched reference group. In the multivariable analysis, large tumor volume, left tumor lateralization, and low Karnofsky Performance Status score were found to be independent predictors for preoperative patient-reported cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that patient-reported cognitive impairment is a common symptom in patients with diffuse glioma pretreatment, especially in patients with large tumor volumes, left tumor lateralization, and low functional levels. Patient-reported cognitive function may provide important information about patients’ subjective cognitive health and disease status and may serve as a complement to or as a screening variable for subsequent objective testing.
When AI meets store layout design: a review
Authors: Nguyen Kien , Le Minh , Martin Brett , Cil Ibrahim , Fookes Clinton
Published: February 2022

An efficient store layout presents merchandise to attract customer attention and encourages customers to walk down more aisles which exposes them to more merchandise, which has been shown to be positively correlated with the sales. It is one of the most effective in-store marketing tactics which can directly influence customer decisions to boost store sales and profitability. The recent development of Artificial Intelligence techniques, especially with its sub-fields in Computer Vision and Deep Learning, has enabled retail stores to take advantage of existing CCTV infrastructure to extract in-store customer and business insights. This research aims to conduct a comprehensive review on existing approaches in store layout design and modern AI techniques that can be utilized in the layout design task. Based on this review, we propose an AI-powered store layout design framework. This framework applies advanced AI and data analysis techniques on top of existing CCTV video surveillance infrastructure to understand, predict and suggest a better store layout.
Anti-HER2 therapy in metastatic breast cancer: many choices and future directions
Authors: Wynn Carrie S. , Tang Shou-Ching
Published: February 2022

Metastatic HER2 + breast cancer is an expanding area of drug development and research, with three new drugs approved in 2020 alone. While first-line therapy is well-established for metastatic HER2 + breast cancer, the standard of care for second-line therapy will likely be changing soon based on the results of the DESTINY-Breast03 trial. In the third-line setting, many options are available. Considerations in choosing between regimens in the third-line include resistance to trastuzumab, the presence of brain metastases, and tolerability. High rates of resistance exist in this setting particularly due to expression of p95, a truncated form of HER2 that constitutively activates downstream signaling pathways. We suggest a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-based regimen because of the activity of TKIs in brain metastases and in p95-expressing tumors. Attempts to overcome resistance to anti-HER2 therapies with PI3K inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and CDK 4/6 inhibitors are an active area of research. In the future, biomarkers are needed to help predict which therapies patients may benefit from the most. We review the many new drugs in development, including those with novel mechanisms of action.
Optimization of nickel and cobalt biosorption by native Serratia marcescens strains isolated from serpentine deposits using response surface methodology
Authors: Díaz A. , Marrero J. , Cabrera G. , Coto O. , Gómez J. M.
Published: February 2022

The treatment of metal-polluted wastes is a challenging issue of environmental concern. Metals can be removed using microbial biomass, and this is an interesting approach towards the design of eco-friendly technologies for liquid waste treatment. The study reported here aimed to optimize nickel and cobalt biosorption from aqueous solutions using three native metal–resistant Serratia marcescens strains. Ni(II) and Co(II) biosorption by S. marcescens strains was found to fit better to Langmuir’s model, with maximum uptake capacities of 13.5 mg g−1 for Ni(II) ions and 19.9 mg g−1 for Co(II) ions. Different experimental conditions of initial metal concentration, pH, initial biomass, and temperature were optimized using the Plackett–Burman method, and, finally, biomass and metal concentration were studied using the response surface methodology (RSM) to improve biosorption. The optimum uptake capacities for Co(II) ions by the three biosorbents used were obtained for initial metal concentrations of 35–40 mg L−1 and an initial biomass of 6 mg. For Ni(II) ions, the optimum uptake capacity was achieved with 1 mg of initial biomass for S. marcescens C-1 and C-19, and with 7 mg for S. marcescens C-16, with initial concentrations of 20–50 mg L−1. The results obtained demonstrate the viability of native S. marcescens strains as biosorbents for Ni(II) and Co(II) removal. This study also contributes to our understanding of the potential uses of serpentine microbial populations for the design of environmental cleanup technologies.
Influence of the catchment area use on the water quality in the Utrata River
Authors: Dębska Katarzyna , Rutkowska Beata , Szulc Wiesław
Published: February 2022

The present paper discusses the impact of land use and seasons on the concentration of nutrients in the waters of the Utrata River (Pruszków Poviat, Mazowieckie Voivodeship) from April 2018 to March 2019. The pollution of rivers by nutrients is a major problem for society. Surface water is a source of drinking water, water used for industrial and agricultural purposes. With the increasing pollution of rivers, the purification process for these purposes becomes more expensive and more challenging. To assist in carrying out activities aimed at reducing the inflow of biogenic substances into large river systems and then down to the Baltic Sea, we analyzed the spatial and temporal dynamics of loads from the entire Utrata River catchment area. We divided the entire catchment area into three impact zones: grasslands and wastelands, urbanized areas, and agricultural land and examined changes in nutrient concentrations (total phosphorus, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen) in each of the zones. The results were statistically processed using the 1-factor ANOVA method with the p-value of significance below 0.05. Research indicates an increase in the concentration of total phosphorus and nitrogen forms down the course of the river in urban and agricultural areas with persistently low concentrations of these biogenic substances in grasslands.
Stability Charts for Closely Spaced Strip Footings on Hoek–Brown Rock Mass
Authors: Keawsawasvong Suraparb , Shiau Jim , Limpanawannakul Khemmapa , Panomchaivath Suttikarn
Published: February 2022

Footings are constructed closely to each other in mountainous rock areas and the determination of closely spaced bearing capacity footings on rock masses has become an important topic of recent research. The primary aim of this paper is to determine an efficiency factor, just like in the design of a pile group, that can be used to evaluate the bearing capacity of closely spaced footings on Hoek–Brown mass. The advanced finite element limit analysis of upper and lower bound theorems is used to study the stability of two and multiple interfering footings using the Hoek–Brown parameters such as GSI (geological strength index) and mi (Hoek–Brown yield parameter). This study found that the efficiency factor is influenced by three dimensionless parameters including GSI, mi, and S/B. Failure mechanisms of the problems are also investigated, and stability charts and tables produced for practical uses. Overall, these results broadly support the common understanding of the two key parameters GSI and mi in the HB failure criterion. As a result of these investigations, suggestions were identified for future research.
How Does Confucianism Influence Health Behaviors, Health Outcomes and Medical Decisions? A Scoping Review
Authors: Badanta Barbara , González-Cano-Caballero María , Suárez-Reina Paola , Lucchetti Giancarlo , de Diego-Cordero Rocío
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study is to analyze the influence of Confucianism on health behaviors, health outcomes and medical decisions. The research was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, CINHAL, PsycINFO and Web of Science, without restrictions of language and year of publication. The search process identified 833 publications matching the search criteria, and after the review process, 40 articles were included. Family is a central aspect of Confucianism, and it seems to affect participation in medical decisions, taking care of relatives, ethical dilemmas and mental health problems. Although most Confucianist influence seems to be positive, some ways of thinking could increase suffering, burnout and a delay in healthcare seeking. Understanding these values could help health professionals to deal with the growing contingent of patients with different cultures and religious beliefs.
Facilitation of Entrepreneurial Discovery Processes by Policymakers: an Actionable Definition of Roles and Challenges
Authors: Estensoro Miren , Larrea Miren
Published: February 2022

The objective of this paper is to contribute to the academic literature with an actionable framework of the roles of policy makers in entrepreneurial discovery processes (EDP) in the context of smart specialisation strategies (S3). The methodology used to define such roles is action research and, consequently, they are the result of learning and negotiation between policy makers and other territorial stakeholders facilitated by action researchers. The case study is based in the Bilbao Next Lab project (Bilbao, Basque region, Spain) where this methodology was chosen because policy makers wanted to explore EDP through collaborative governance. The key findings have been integrated in a framework named as the six roles of facilitative policymakers in EDPs. Its actionability is visible in the connection of the framework with the dilemmas, difficulties, and problems faced by policy makers when facilitating EDP processes. The framework is presented together with a discussion on the relevance of including tailored capacity development processes for policymakers as part of the EDP. The paper concludes with a final reflection on how the need for a facilitative role of policymakers also requires a transformation of research methodologies by social researchers.
A Logical Foundation for Potentialist Set Theory
Authors: Berry Sharon
Published: February 2022

In many ways set theory lies at the heart of modern mathematics, and it does powerful work both philosophical and mathematical – as a foundation for the subject. However, certain philosophical problems raise serious doubts about our acceptance of the axioms of set theory. In a detailed and original reassessment of these axioms, Sharon Berry uses a potentialist (as opposed to actualist) approach to develop a unified determinate conception of set-theoretic truth that vindicates many of our intuitive expectations regarding set theory. Berry further defends her approach against a number of possible objections, and she shows how a notion of logical possibility that is useful in formulating Potentialist set theory connects in important ways with philosophy of language, metametaphysics and philosophy of science. Her book will appeal to readers with interests in the philosophy of set theory, modal logic, and the role of mathematics in the sciences.
On Foster–Lyapunov criteria for exponential ergodicity of regime-switching jump diffusion processes with countable regimes
Authors: Kunwai Khwanchai
Published: February 2022

This paper is devoted to the study of regime-switching jump diffusion processes with countable regimes. It aims to establish Foster–Lyapunov-type criteria for exponential ergodicity of such processes. After recalling results concerning the petiteness of compact sets, this paper presents sufficient conditions for the existence of a Foster–Lyapunov function; this, in turn, helps to establish sufficient conditions for the desired exponential ergodicity for regime-switching jump diffusion processes. Finally, an application to feedback control problems is presented.
Abduction and Composition
Authors: Aizawa Kenneth , Headley Drew B.
Published: February 2022

Some New Mechanists have proposed that claims of compositional relations are justified by combining the results of top-down and bottom-up interlevel interventions. But what do scientists do when they can perform, say, a cellular intervention, but not a subcellular detection? In such cases, paired interlevel interventions are unavailable. We propose that scientists use abduction and we illustrate its use through a case study of the ionic theory of resting and action potentials.
Severity and Trustworthy Evidence: Foundational Problems versus Misuses of Frequentist Testing
Authors: Spanos Aris
Published: February 2022

For model-based frequentist statistics, based on a parametric statistical model${{\cal M}_\theta }({\bf{x}})$, the trustworthiness of the ensuing evidence depends crucially on (i) the validity of the probabilistic assumptions comprising${{\cal M}_\theta }({\bf{x}})$, (ii) the optimality of the inference procedures employed, and (iii) the adequateness of the sample size (n) to learn from data by securing (i)–(ii). It is argued that the criticism of the postdata severity evaluation of testing results based on a smallnby Rochefort-Maranda (2020) is meritless because it conflates [a] misuses of testing with [b] genuine foundational problems. Interrogating this criticism reveals several misconceptions about trustworthy evidence and estimation-based effect sizes, which are uncritically embraced by the replication crisis literature.
Ethnography, Archaeology, and the Late Pleistocene
Authors: Sterelny Kim
Published: February 2022

The use of ethnography to understand archaeology is both prevalent and controversial. This paper develops an alternative approach, using ethnography to build and test a general theory of forager behaviors, and their variations in different conditions, one which can then be applied even to prehistoric sites differing from contemporary experience. Human behavioral ecology is chosen as the framework theory, and forager social learning as a case study. The argument is then applied to social learning in the late Pleistocene, and hence to a famous archaeological puzzle: the late Pleistocene acceleration of technical innovation and regional differentiation.
Acrylic bone cement with Tutopatch for frontal sinus obliteration
Authors: Demir B
Published: February 2022

Objective

To evaluate the use of acrylic bone cement with a Tutopatch collagen implant for frontal sinus obliteration after mucocele excision using a subjective assessment of patient satisfaction.

Methods

Patients with a recurrent frontal sinus mucocele with posterior table erosion, for whom an endoscopic approach was not feasible, and who underwent osteoplastic frontal sinus obliteration, were included. The post-operative outcomes were evaluated using a non-standardised questionnaire, comparing pre- and post-operative scores.

Results

All patients expressed post-operative satisfaction. Except for hyposmia, significant improvements were observed in all symptom scores. No major complications were observed during the post-operative course.

Conclusion

Acrylic bone cement with Tutopatch can be effectively used in frontal sinus reconstruction in cases where an endoscopic approach is not feasible.
Random effects won't solve the problem of generalizability
Authors: Bear Adam , Phillips Jonathan
Published: February 2022

Yarkoni argues that researchers making broad inferences often use impoverished statistical models that fail to include important sources of variation as random effects. We argue, however, that for many common study designs, random effects are inappropriate and insufficient to draw general inferences, as the source of variation is not random, but systematic.
Generalizability in mixed models: Lessons from corpus linguistics
Authors: Van de Velde Freek , De Pascale Stefano , Speelman Dirk
Published: February 2022

Part of the generalizability issues that haunt controlled lab experiment designs in psychology, and more particularly in psycholinguistics, can be alleviated by adopting corpus linguistic methods. These work with natural data. This advantage comes at a cost: in corpus studies, lexemes and language users can show different kinds of skew. We discuss a number of solutions to bolster the control.
A crisis of generalizability or a crisis of constructs?
Authors: King Kevin M. , Wright Aidan G.C.
Published: February 2022

Psychologists wish to identify and study the mechanisms and implications of nomothetic constructs that reveal truths about human nature and span across operationalizations. To achieve this goal, psychologists should spend more time carefully describing and measuring constructs across a wide range of methods and measures, and less time rushing to explain and predict.
Impact on the legal system of the generalizability crisis in psychology
Authors: Brewin Chris R.
Published: February 2022

Overgeneralizations by psychologists of the research evidence on memory and eyewitness testimony, such as “memory decays with time” or “memories are fluid and malleable,” are beginning to appear in legal judgements and guidance documents, accompanied by unwarranted disparagement of lay beliefs about memory. These overgeneralizations could have significant adverse consequences for the conduct of civil and criminal law.
From description to generalization, or there and back again
Authors: West Kelsey L. , Soska Kasey C. , Cole Whitney G. , Han Danyang , Hoch Justine E. , Hospodar Christina M. , Kaplan Brianna E.
Published: February 2022

In his target article, Yarkoni prescribes descriptive research as a potential antidote for the generalizability crisis. In our commentary, we offer four guiding principles for conducting descriptive research that is generalizable and enduring: (1) prioritize context over control; (2) let naturalistic observations contextualize structured tasks; (3) operationalize the target phenomena rigorously and transparently; and (4) attend to individual data.
Replies to commentaries on the generalizability crisis
Authors: Yarkoni Tal
Published: February 2022

The 38 commentaries on the target article span a broad range of disciplines and perspectives. I have organized my response to the commentaries around three broad questions: First, how serious are the problems discussed in the target article? Second, are there are other, potentially more productive, ways to think about the issues that the target article framed in terms of generalizability? And third, what, if anything, should we collectively do about these problems?
Tradition and invention: The bifocal stance theory of cultural evolution
Authors: Jagiello Robert , Heyes Cecilia , Whitehouse Harvey
Published: February 2022

Cultural evolution depends on both innovation (the creation of new cultural variants by accident or design) and high-fidelity transmission (which preserves our accumulated knowledge and allows the storage of normative conventions). What is required is an overarching theory encompassing both dimensions, specifying the psychological motivations and mechanisms involved. The bifocal stance theory (BST) of cultural evolution proposes that the co-existence of innovative change and stable tradition results from our ability to adopt different motivational stances flexibly during social learning and transmission. We argue that the ways in which instrumental and ritual stances are adopted in cultural transmission influence the nature and degree of copying fidelity and thus also patterns of cultural spread and stability at a population level over time. BST creates a unifying framework for interpreting the findings of otherwise seemingly disparate areas of enquiry, including social learning, cumulative culture, overimitation, and ritual performance. We discuss the implications of BST for competing by-product accounts which assume that faithful copying is merely a side-effect of instrumental learning and action parsing. We also set out a novel “cultural action framework” bringing to light aspects of social learning that have been relatively neglected by behavioural ecologists and evolutionary psychologists and establishing a roadmap for future research on this topic. The BST framework sheds new light on the cognitive underpinnings of cumulative cultural change, selection, and spread within an encompassing evolutionary framework.
Differential responses of Kashmir Himalayan threatened medicinal plants to anticipated climate change
Authors: Dad Javaid M , Rashid Irfan
Published: February 2022

As natural and anthropogenic forcings impel anticipated climate change, their effects on biodiversity and environmental sustainability are evident. A fundamental question that is often overlooked is: which changes in climate will cause the redistribution or extinction of threatened species? Here, we mapped and modelled the current and future geographical distributions of the four threatened medicinal plants –Aconitum heterophyllumWall. ex Royle,Fritillaria cirrhosaD.Don,Meconopsis aculeataRoyle andRheum webbianumRoyle–in Kashmir Himalaya using maximum entropy (MaxEnt) modelling. Species occurrence records were collated from detailed field studies carried out between the years 2010 and 2020. Four general circulation models for Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and RCP8.5 climate change scenarios were chosen for future range changes over periods around 2050 (average for 2041–2060) and 2070 (average of 2061–2080). Notable differences existed between species in their responses to predictive environmental variables of temperature and precipitation. Increase in the most suitable habitat, except forA. heterophyllumandR. webbianum, were evident across Himalayan Mountain regions, while the Pir Panjal mountain region exhibited a decrease for all four species under future climate change scenarios. This study exemplifies the idiosyncratic response of narrow-range plants to expected future climate change and highlights conservation implications.
Experiences and views of nurses about unmet needs of older cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: A qualitative study
Authors: Ayvat İrem , Atli Ozbas Azize
Published: February 2022

Objective

The aim is to understand the experiences and views of oncology nurses about the unmet care needs of older cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Nurses play the key role in evaluating and determining the needs of this special group.

Method

A phenomenological descriptive qualitative study with convenience sampling was used. Participants were referred by the Turkish Oncology Nursing Society. The study participants were 12 nurses aged 34–53 years, with oncology experience between 5 and 27 years. The data were collected using semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim with concurrent analyses and data collection. Thematic content analysis was used to determine common domains.

Results

The study data were categorized into 3 contexts, 12 themes, and 37 subthemes. The first context, “unmet needs”, includes physical care, psychological care, and social care themes. The second context, “barriers to meeting those needs”, comprises the theme of patient characteristics, attitude of family, attitude of the nurses/healthcare team, health system, and culture. The last context is “suggestions for meeting needs”. Nurses play an important role in identifying and meeting unmet psychosocial needs.

Significance of results

The study indicated that older cancer patients had problems in identifying, expressing, and making demands for their needs and that their culture contributed to this situation. Nurses serving in the outpatient chemotherapy units should conduct a holistic assessment of older cancer patients, be aware that these patients may not be able to express their needs, be more sensitive toward them, and ensure that the voice of the older patients is heard.