bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of Genetic Diversity and Relationship of 100 Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) Lines Based on Morphological Characters
Authors: Heryanto R , Syukur C
Published: May 2021

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is belong to family Zingiberaceae which the fruit is not rhizome. This plant is phenomenal in spice as called “queen of spices”. Cardamom is not only used as a food additive in cooking but also is used in traditional medicine. In Indonesia, cardamom has two types, namely Java cardamom (Amomum compactum) and small or true cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum). This study aims to determine genetic diversity and relationship between 100 cardamom lines based on their morphological characteristics. This experiment was carried out conducted at the Manoko Research Station from January 2019 to December 2019. The seeds used are 100 lines from cross-pollination of cardamom parents. Seeds are planted in a 30 cm x 30 polybag filled with soil and manure. Morphological traits parameters observed divided into two categories are a quantitative and qualitative character. Morphological quantitative traits include plant height, number of tillers, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf length, leaf width, and leaf thickness. Whereas qualitative morphological characteristics are leaf color, leaf shape, leaf base shape, and leaf tip shape. The value of genetic diversity, which a big show by the morphology characteristics is the number of tillers, number of leaves, stem diameter, and leaf thickness where shows the coefficient variety value more than 25%. Cluster analysis created three major groups.
Survey of Cassava Anthracnose Disease Occurrence in Various Local Cultivars of Cassava Cultivated in Regency of Gunungkidul, Special Region of Yogyakarta
Authors: Aisyah S N , Hasbiyallah M S , Huzaeni A , Trisnawati D W , Nurkomar I , Jamsari J
Published: May 2021

Cassava farmers in Regency of Gunungkidul prefer to cultivate local cultivars of cassava, hence allowing the region to have a high diversity of cassava germplasm. However, improper cultivation system applied by local farmers triggered the infection of several diseases, including cassava anthracnose disease (CAD) caused by Colletotrichum sp. This study was aimed to compare the disease occurrence of CAD infecting various local cultivars of cassava cultivated in Regency of Gunungkidul. This study was carried out through survey where samples were selected using purposive sampling method. Incidence of CAD was thoroughly observed from nine local cultivars (Gatotkaca, Adira, Jawa, Ketan Putih, Ketan Merah, Gambyong, Manalagi, Kirik and Bamban) cultivated in several sub districts in Regency of Gunungkidul. Each cultivars was represented by 18 plants. Cropping system applied in all cultivars was also observed. Statistical analysis was performed using a one-way analysis of variance and the significance among cultivars was further assessed using DNMRT with a p<0.05. Results showed high incidence and severity of CAD were recorded from bitter cassava cultivars (Gatot Kaca, Kirik, Jawa, Gambyong, Bamban) where Gatot Kaca cultivar was assumed to be the most susceptible one. CAD infection in these bitter cassava cultivars was predicted to be transmitted through planting materials. The use of shady-stored stake from the previous planting season might be associated with this pathogen transmission, thus resulting in higher CAD severity.
The paclobutrazol application and pinching technique on Lisianthus plants (Eustoma grandiflorum)
Authors: Widyastuti T
Published: May 2021

The research concerns on the paclobutrazol application and the pinching technique on Lisianthus plants (Eustoma grandiflorum). This research aimed to determine the appropriate time to apply the paclobutrazol and pinching technique suitable for Lisianthus potted plants. This study was carried out using factorial experiments consisting of two factors, arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design. The first factor was the time of application of paclobutrazol that consist of A0 (Without paclobutrazol application), A1 (Application of paclobutrazol 6 days after planting), A2 (Application of paclobutrazol 12 days after planting), A3 (Application of paclobutrazol 18 days after planting). The second factor of technique pinching was P0 (Without pinching), P1 (Single pinching technique), P2 (1½ pinching technique), P3 (Double pinching technique). The data were analyzed using analysis of variance at the 5% level and mean separations with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results showed that the application of paclobutrazol and pinching technique could shorten Lisianthus plants. The application of paclobutrazol decreased the number of flowers per plant and shortened the flower stalks. The pinching technique increases the number of branches, number of internodes, number of nodes, number of flowers per plant. The application of paclobutrazol 18 days after planting and double pinching techniques were able to shorten the height of lisianthus plants with dense branching and many flowers.
Comparative study of hot corrosion behavior of bare and plasma sprayed Al2O3-40%TiO2 coated T-91, A-1 boiler steel and Superfer800H superalloy in Na2SO4-60%V2O5 salt environment
Authors: Ansari Mohd Shadab , Bansal Amit , Chawla Vikas , Aggarwal Vivek
Published: May 2021

In the present study, the bi-layer NiCrAlY/Al2O3-40%TiO2 coating was deposited on the three substrates (A-1, T-91, & Superfer800H) by utilizing a plasma spray technique. NiCrAlY was used as a bond coat for ensuring a proper mechanical anchorage of the topcoat (Al2O3-40%TiO2) on to it. The hot corrosion behavior of the coated as well as uncoated substrate was evaluated in an aggressive environment of Na2SO4-60%V2O5 molten salt at 900 °C for 50 cycles (1 h of heating followed by 20 min of cooling at ambient temperature). Thermogravimetric analysis was done to establish the corrosion kinetics of the coated as well as the uncoated substrate. The surface morphology of the as-sprayed and corroded products was analyzed by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) system, and various phases formed were analyzed by utilizing an x-ray Diffraction (XRD) apparatus. Iron oxide (Fe2O3) is the principal phase formed in the tested uncoated substrate which is non-protective in nature; whereas the presence of Al, and Ti oxides along with some minor oxides of Ni, and Cr were observed in the oxide scale of the tested coated substrate, which are protective and remain stable even at harsh environment condition. The weight gain shown by the coated substrate is less as compared to the uncoated substrate, which indicates the usefulness of the coating.
Preparation of heat resistant boron-containing phenyl silicone oil and its initial degradation mechanism in air
Authors: Jiang Nianxin , Zhou Zhengfa , Xu Weibing , Ma Haihong , Ren Fengmei
Published: May 2021

Boron-containing phenyl silicone oil (BCPSO) with terminal boronic hydroxyl groups was synthesized by acid-catalyzed balance condensation polymerization using phenylboric acid, dimethyldichlorosilane and diphenyldichlorosilane as raw materials. The structure of BCPSO was characterized by 1H, 13C and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). The thermal degradation behavior of BCPSO was tested by thermogravimetry-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (TG-FTIR) analysis. The TG-FTIR results indicated that thermal decomposition of BCPSO had significant hysteresis over that of phenyl silicone oil. The empty electron orbital of boron atom could accept electron of peroxide free radical to generate conjugation effect at initial degradation stage of BCPSO, and this phenomenon was confirmed by 11B NMR, FTIR and Raman spectroscopies. As a result, temporarily stable intermediate was formed which increased the heat resistant of BCPSO.
Arc erosion resistance of CuCrMo films deposited via magnetron sputtering
Authors: Kai Li , Xiaojun Miao , Dan Qian , Li Yulou , Yu Meng , Yajuan Pang , Bo Yang , Yanhuai Li , Liucheng Hao , Yanyan Fan , Zhongxiao Song
Published: May 2021

Copper-chromium (CuCr) alloys are widely used as electrical contact materials, and their arc erosion resistance can be improved by reducing the sizes of the Cu and Cr phases or by adding Mo. In this study, supersaturation solid solutions of CuCr and CuCrMo films were prepared via magnetron sputtering. After annealing at 773 K, the CuCr and CuCrMo films are composed of a small Cu-rich face-centred cubic phase and a Cr-rich body-centred cubic phase. Meanwhile, the addition of Mo reduces the diffusion rate during annealing. The lattice distortion of the CuCrMo thin film exceeds that of the CuCr film, and the elastic modulus and hardness increase. Compared with those of the CuCr film, the erosion area of the CuCrMo film is larger, and the depth of the erosion pit is lower. The arc erosion experiment proved that CuCrMo films exhibit satisfactory arc erosion resistance.
Characterization of Resistive Hotspots induced in Superconducting NbTi thin film by an electrical current pulse
Authors: Harrabi K , Mekki A , Bahlouli H , Mathieu P
Published: May 2021

We report on the creation of resistive states in NbTi superconducting filament on polished crystalline Al2O3 using the current driven pulse technique. A current pulse larger than the depairing current (Ic) initiates a dissipation in a localized spot. The non-equilibrium state described by the two dissipative mechanism pinpointed as hotspot and phase slip center. A time dependent voltage response exposes the collapse of superconductivity that occurs after a certain delay time td. We found that hotspots occur at temperatures much lower than the transition temperature. This can be clearly seen in a current versus temperature diagram. The thermal cooling and heat escape times were extracted from fitting the experimental data of the delay time to Tinkham’s amended version of the Time-Dependent Ginzburg-Landau (TDGL). The temperatures reached at the core of hotspots were determined without any parameter adjustment.
Recent advances of single-atom electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Ma Zhixue , Niu Lijuan , Jiang Wenshuai , Dong Chenxi , Liu Guohua , Qu Dan , An Li , Sun Zaicheng
Published: May 2021

Sustainable, renewable and scalable production of highly pure hydrogen gas through hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in electrochemical water splitting requires efficient and stable electrocatalysts. Single atom catalysts (SACs) with significant merits such as the maximum atom-utilization efficiency, unique electronic structure and fascinating properties, are considered as promising candidates electrocatalysts for HER. Based on this, recent developments of effective synthetic methodology toward SACs are summarized. Subsequently, the synergistic coupling interaction between the catalytic activity and SACs including the perspective of coordination environment, local structural identification and metal-support interaction are highlighted. Finally, the current challenges and future opportunities are briefly addressed to improve the performance of single-atom electrocatalysts for HER, which might offer some insights for applications in hydrogen production.
Light by design: emerging frontiers in ultrafast photon sciences and light–matter interactions
Authors: Carbajo Sergio
Published: May 2021

Photon sciences and technologies establish the building blocks for myriad scientific and engineering frontiers in life and energy sciences. Because of their overarching functionality, the developmental roadmap and opportunities underpinned by photonics are often semiotically mediated by the delineation of subject areas of application. In this perspective article, we map current and emerging linkages between three intersecting areas of research stewarded by advanced photonics technologies, namely light by design, outlined as (a) quantum and structured photonics, (b) light–matter interactions in accelerators and accelerator-based light sources, and (c) ultrafast sciences and quantum molecular dynamics. In each section, we will concentrate on state-of-the-art achievements and present prospective applications in life sciences, biochemistry, quantum optics and information sciences, and environmental and chemical engineering, all founded on a broad range of photon sources and methodologies. We hope that this interconnected mapping of challenges and opportunities seeds new concepts, theory, and experiments in the advancement of ultrafast photon sciences and light–matter interactions. Through this mapping, we hope to inspire a critically interdisciplinary approach to the science and applications of light by design.
Lead-free halide perovskites, beyond solar cells and LEDs
Authors: Pareja-Rivera Carina , Morett Diego , Barreiro-Argüelles Denisse , Olalde-Velasco Paul , Solis-Ibarra Diego
Published: May 2021

In the last decade, halide perovskites have seen tremendous advancements, primarily in the field of solar cells and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). However, their remarkable optical and electronic properties are not only amenable for their use in solar cells and LEDs; as they can also be used for several other applications. While most research has focused on lead-based perovskites, their lead-free counterparts offer several potential advantages. Some of these advantages include reduced toxicity, improved stability, and a more diverse chemistry. Herein, we review some of the ‘other’ most notable applications of lead-free perovskites, including their use as photodetectors, photocatalysts, memristors, field-effect transistors, among others. We conclude by highlighting some of the pressing challenges and promising research avenues in the field.
Developing and evaluating a frailty index for older South Africans—findings from the HAALSI study
Authors: Barker Fred J , Davies Justine I , Gomez-Olive F Xavier , Kahn Kathleen , Matthews Fiona E , Payne Collin F , Salomon Joshua A , Tollman Stephen M , Wade Alisha N , Walker Richard W , Witham Miles D
Published: May 2021

Background

despite rapid population ageing, few studies have investigated frailty in older people in sub-Saharan Africa. We tested a cumulative deficit frailty index in a population of older people from rural South Africa.

Methods

analysis of cross-sectional data from the Health and Ageing in Africa: Longitudinal Studies of an INDEPTH Community (HAALSI) study. We used self-reported diagnoses, symptoms, activities of daily living, objective physiological indices and blood tests to calculate a 32-variable cumulative deficit frailty index. We fitted Cox proportional hazards models to test associations between frailty category and all-cause mortality. We tested the discriminant ability of the frailty index to predict one-year mortality alone and in addition to age and sex.

Results

in total 3,989 participants were included in the analysis, mean age 61 years (standard deviation 13); 2,175 (54.5%) were women. The median frailty index was 0.13 (interquartile range 0.09–0.19); Using population-specific cutoffs, 557 (14.0%) had moderate frailty and 263 (6.6%) had severe frailty. All-cause mortality risk was related to frailty severity independent of age and sex (hazard ratio per 0.01 increase in frailty index: 1.06 [95% confidence interval 1.04–1.07]). The frailty index alone showed moderate discrimination for one-year mortality: c-statistic 0.68–0.76; combining the frailty index with age and sex improved performance (c-statistic 0.77–0.81).

Conclusion

frailty measured by cumulative deficits is common and predicts mortality in a rural population of older South Africans. The number of measures needed may limit utility in resource-poor settings.
Global characterization of B cell receptor repertoire in COVID-19 patients by single-cell V(D)J sequencing
Authors: Jin Xiyun , Zhou Wenyang , Luo Meng , Wang Pingping , Xu Zhaochun , Ma Kexin , Cao Huimin , Xu Chang , Huang Yan , Cheng Rui , Xiao Lixing , Lin Xiaoyu , Pang Fenglan , Li Yiqun , Nie Huan , Jiang Qinghua
Published: May 2021

The world is facing a pandemic of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Adaptive immune responses are essential for SARS-CoV-2 virus clearance. Although a large body of studies have been conducted to investigate the immune mechanism in COVID-19 patients, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of the BCR repertoire in patients. In this study, we used the single-cell V(D)J sequencing to characterize the BCR repertoire across convalescent COVID-19 patients. We observed that the BCR diversity was significantly reduced in disease compared with healthy controls. And BCRs tend to skew toward different V gene segments in COVID-19 and healthy controls. The CDR3 sequences of heavy chain in clonal BCRs in patients were more convergent than that in healthy controls. In addition, we discovered increased IgG and IgA isotypes in the disease, including IgG1, IgG3 and IgA1. In all clonal BCRs, IgG isotypes had the most frequent class switch recombination events and the highest somatic hypermutation rate, especially IgG3. Moreover, we found that an IgG3 cluster from different clonal groups had the same IGHV, IGHJ and CDR3 sequences (IGHV4-4-CARLANTNQFYDSSSYLNAMDVW-IGHJ6). Overall, our study provides a comprehensive characterization of the BCR repertoire in COVID-19 patients, which contributes to the understanding of the mechanism for the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Disrupting Human Rights: A Social Work Response to the Lockdown of Social Housing Residents
Authors: Robinson Kim , Briskman Linda , Mayar Ring
Published: May 2021

The article probes the disproportionate impact on marginalised populations to reduce the spread of COVID-19 (COVID-19 is an acronym that stands for coronavirus disease of 2019).. It explores this problematic through research with refugees residing in social housing in Melbourne, Australia. The focus is on the specific pressures facing this cohort with the 2020 deployment, without notice, of armed police to enforce lockdown in the central Melbourne housing high rise tower estates. Our research methodology comprises narrating experiences of a community leader who had direct contact with residents and is a co-author of this article; accounts arising from an African community forum and a review of media sources that are attentive to voice. From a thematic analysis, we found consistency of narrative for a cohort whose voices had previously been excluded from the public domain. The themes were in three key areas: representation and employment of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse social workers and community workers; restoration of human rights to those experiencing state-sanctioned violence; and the application of critical multicultural social work practice. We apply theorising derived from Helen Taylor and Jacques Derrida, and argue that responses to crises should be led by the wisdom of affected communities, in keeping with critical social work theories and practices.
New Methodology to Study the Dispersive Component of the Surface Energy and Acid–Base Properties of Silica Particles by Inverse Gas Chromatography at Infinite Dilution
Authors: Hamieh Tayssir
Published: May 2021

A new methodology was proposed to determine the dispersive component of the surface energy ${\gamma}_s^d$ of a solid taking into account the effect of the temperature on the surface area of n-alkanes, methylene group (${a}_{- CH2-}$) and polar molecules, thus defeating the method used by Dorris–Gray Schultz et al. We determined the correct ${\gamma}_s^d$ of the surface energy, the specific free energy, enthalpy and entropy of adsorption of polar molecules as well as the acid base constants of silica particles with an excellent accuracy. We confirmed the dependence of the dispersive component of the surface energy on the variations of the surface areas of organic molecules used in IGC technique at infinite dilution. The specific properties of interactions of silica particles were determined. The new proposed model took into account this thermal effect. Obtained results proved that the other used IGC methods gave inaccurate values of the specific parameters of silica surface, except for the vapor pressure method that led to excellent results of the specific free energy, enthalpy and entropy of adsorption, and the acid–base constants of the silica particles.
Investigating the gill-oxygen limitation hypothesis in fishes: intraspecific scaling relationships of metabolic rate and gill surface area
Authors: Scheuffele Hanna , Jutfelt Fredrik , Clark Timothy D
Published: May 2021

Many ectotherms have shown a reduction in maximum body size in the past decades in parallel with climate warming. Indeed, some models forecast a maximum body size decline of 14%–24% by 2050 for numerous fish species. The gill-oxygen limitation (GOL) hypothesis is perhaps the most prominent concept regarding the physiological mechanisms underlying the observed trends, implicating oxygen uptake limitations in driving the decline in fish body size with warming. Current scientific debates, however, demonstrate a clear need for a synthesis of existing empirical evidence to test the fundamental assumptions of the GOL hypothesis. Here, we perform a systematic literature review of the intraspecific allometry of gill surface area (GSA) and metabolic rate. Additionally, we introduce a new parameter, the ratio S, which provides a measure of GSA in relation to the metabolic requirements for maintenance (SSMR) and maximum activity (SAMR). Support for the GOL hypothesis would be evidenced by a universal decline in S with increasing body mass within each species, such that gills become less equipped to supply metabolic requirements as fish grow. In contrast to the predictions of the GOL hypothesis, we show that the scaling exponents for SSMR and SAMR are consistently close to zero, with only a few exceptions where S either increased or decreased. These findings suggest that the GSA of each species is sufficient to meet its oxygen requirements throughout life, and that growth is not universally restricted by oxygen uptake limitations across the gills. We identify the need to investigate hypotheses other than the GOL hypothesis to help explain the observed declines in maximum fish body sizes concurrent with climate warming, in order to facilitate accurate predictions of fish community structure and manage fisheries in the face of climate change.
Ileocolic Resection for Crohn Disease: The Influence of Different Surgical Techniques on Perioperative Outcomes, Recurrence Rates, and Endoscopic Surveillance
Authors: Click Benjamin , Merchea Amit , Colibaseanu Dorin T , Regueiro Miguel , Farraye Francis A , Stocchi Luca
Published: May 2021

Ileocolic resection (ICR) is the most common surgical procedure in Crohn disease (CD). There are many surgical techniques for performing ICRs and subsequent anastomoses. Recurrence of CD after ICR is common, often clinically silent, and thus requires monitoring including periodic use of endoscopy to detect early active disease. There is emerging evidence that surgical approaches may influence CD recurrence. This review explores the various surgical considerations, the data behind each decision, and how these techniques influence subsequent endoscopic surveillance.
Bladder perforation: an unusual complication caused by rectus sheath haematoma
Authors: Phan Du Huynh Leo , Leslie Anthony Stephen
Published: May 2021

Rectus sheath haematoma (RSH) is an uncommon cause of abdominal pain. Despite being previously viewed as a benign, self-limiting condition, there is increasing evidence suggesting significant local and systemic complications with RSH. We present a case of an 82-year-old female who developed a large RSH following prescription of therapeutic anticoagulation for her new onset atrial fibrillation. She subsequently developed significant haemodynamic collapse, which necessitated emergency radiological intervention. We describe a novel approach to prevent recurrence of bleeding by inserting a covered endovascular stent across the origin of inferior epigastric artery. We also describe a rare finding of bladder perforation, presumed secondary to pressure necrosis from the haematoma. Our report contributes to the growing evidence which suggests RSH, particularly secondary to anticoagulation in the elderly, can result in catastrophic complications. In addition, bladder perforation is a rare but possible complication that needs to be considered.
GW190814: on the properties of the secondary component of the binary
Authors: Biswas Bhaskar , Nandi Rana , Char Prasanta , Bose Sukanta , Stergioulas Nikolaos
Published: May 2021

We show that the odds of the mass-gap (secondary) object in GW190814 being a neutron star (NS) improve if one allows for a stiff high-density equation of state (EoS) or a large spin. Since its mass is $\in (2.50,2.67) \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$, establishing its true nature will make it either the heaviest NS or the lightest black hole (BH), and can have far-reaching implications on NS EoS and compact object formation channels. When limiting oneself to the NS hypothesis, we deduce the secondary’s properties by using a Bayesian framework with a hybrid EoS formulation that employs a parabolic expansion-based nuclear empirical parametrization around the nuclear saturation density augmented by a generic 3-segment piecewise polytrope (PP) model at higher densities and combining a variety of astrophysical observations. For the slow-rotation scenario, GW190814 implies a very stiff EoS and a stringent constraint on the EoS specially in the high-density region. On the other hand assuming the secondary object is a rapidly rotating NS, we constrain its rotational frequency to be $f=1170^{+389}_{-495}$ Hz, within a 90 per cent confidence interval (CI). In this scenario, the secondary object in GW190814 would qualify as the fastest rotating NS ever observed. However, for this scenario to be viable, rotational instabilities would have to be suppressed both during formation and the subsequent evolution until merger, otherwise the secondary of GW190814 is more likely to be a BH.
Anti-PD-1 checkpoint blockade monotherapy in the orthotopic GL261 glioma model: the devil is in the detail
Authors: Tritz Zachariah P , Ayasoufi Katayoun , Johnson Aaron J
Published: May 2021

The GL261 cell line, syngeneic on the C57BL/6 background, has, since its establishment half a century ago in 1970, become the most commonly used immunocompetent murine model of glioblastoma. As immunotherapy has entered the mainstream of clinical discourse in the past decade, this model has proved its worth as a formidable opponent against various immunotherapeutic combinations. Although advances in surgical, radiological, and chemotherapeutic interventions have extended mean glioblastoma patient survival by several months, 5-year survival postdiagnosis remains below 5%. Immunotherapeutic interventions, such as the ones explored in the murine GL261 model, may prove beneficial for patients with glioblastoma. However, even common immunotherapeutic interventions in the GL261 model still have unclear efficacy, with wildly discrepant conclusions being made in the literature regarding this topic. Here, we focus on anti-PD-1 checkpoint blockade monotherapy as an example of this pattern. We contend that a fine-grained analysis of how biological variables (age, sex, tumor location, etc.) predict treatment responsiveness in this preclinical model will better enable researchers to identify glioblastoma patients most likely to benefit from checkpoint blockade immunotherapy moving forward.
Decision-Making in Psychological Assessment
Authors: Streiner David L.
Published: May 2021

This chapter describes a number of factors that may influence a clinician’s judgment and conclusions while conducting an assessment, and it discusses others that make interpretation of the results less than straightforward. It begins by discussing the effects of the prevalence, or base rate, of the disorder on the diagnostic accuracy of the findings. Even in the presence of seemingly unequivocal results pointing to a given diagnosis, the findings may lead to a false-positive conclusion if the prevalence is low and to a false-negative one if the prevalence is high. The chapter shows how using Bayes’ theorem can tell us the likelihood of a wrong diagnosis. It next discusses incremental validity—whether adding another test to the battery increases diagnostic accuracy. If the new test is correlated with ones already administered, then the amount of new information it provides is limited and may increase unwarranted confidence in the final diagnosis. Third, the chapter discusses various biases and heuristics that may affect diagnostic decision-making, such as anchoring, diagnostic momentum, premature closure, and the influence of patient and assessor characteristics. It concludes by presenting a number of steps that should be taken to minimize the effects of these biases.
Test Theory and Measurement in Assessment
Authors: Streiner David L.
Published: May 2021

This chapter discusses the two major theories underlying scale development: classical test theory, which has dominated the field for the past century, and item response theory, which is more recent. It begins by summarizing the history of measurement, first of physical and physiological parameters and later of intelligence. This is followed by the steps involved in developing a scale: creating the items, determining if they fully span the construct of interest while at the same time not including irrelevant content, and assessing the usability of the items (whether they are understood correctly, whether they are free of jargon, if they avoid negatively worded phrases, etc.). The chapter then describes how to establish the reliability and validity of the scale—what are called the psychometric properties of the scale. It concludes by discussing some of the shortcomings with classical test theory, how item response theory attempts to address them, and the degree to which it has been successful in this regard. This chapter should be useful for those who need to evaluate existing scales as well as for those wanting to develop new scales.
Musical Creativity and Well-Being
Authors: MacDonald Raymond , Wilson Graeme , Baker Felicity
Published: May 2021

Participating in musical activities involves an immersive spectrum of psychological and social engagement. Connections between musical participation and health have been discussed for centuries, and relationships between the processes of music making and well-being outcomes have garnered considerable research interest. This chapter reviews studies investigating such associations to identify how creative aspects of musical engagement in particular can be understood to enhance health. The chapter begins by offering some suggestions about why these processes may have beneficial effects. Three key contexts for beneficial musical engagement (music education, music therapy, and community music) are examined: an organization (Limelight) that delivers music activities for individuals from disadvantaged groups; group improvisation music therapy sessions for individuals with cancer; and songwriting sessions for individuals following spinal injury. The relative contributions of creative process and creative product are considered, and psychological concepts such as identity, flow, agency, and scaffolding are suggested as important. The discussion extrapolates wider implications of this work to include general music making beyond clinical, educational, and community contexts.
Creative Process as Labor
Authors: Menger Pierre-Michel
Published: May 2021

This chapter synthesizes a large body of sociological research dedicated to artistic creation as a labor-intensive activity. Questioning the nineteenth-century expressivist ideal of self-actualization, contemporary ontologies—whether defined by artists, scholars, or various professional assessors—function within two opposing regimes: elite egalitarianism and competing differentiation. Adopting a processual perspective, the chapter first turns to creation as a sequence of choices and tests realized under strict uncertainty of results, with an extreme discrepancy between accumulated efforts and reputational as well as monetary outcomes. Second, the chapter follows the downstream production of aesthetic value, turning to scores and performances and the reallocation of creative roles they rest upon. Third, the chapter sketches a genealogy of finishedness, from Romantic idealization to modern relativization, with a special focus on the completion of uncompleted works. Finally, the chapter outlines several caveats regarding the study of the creative process and their consequence for the sociology of labor, work, and innovation.
Contractualism, Interpersonal and Intergenerational
Authors: Kumar Rahul
Published: May 2021

Scanlon’s non-consequentialist account of reasoning about the obligations we owe to one another, contractualism, is one many find attractive as an approach to understanding the basis of the obligations living individuals owe to one another. There are good reasons for doubting, however, that it can be fruitfully extended into the context of reasoning about obligations to future generations. This chapter considers two reasons for skepticism. The first is that the non-identity problem implies that any choice we make that affects the interests of future generations will be justifiable to them, as long as they are left with lives worth living. The second says that though it makes sense to care about the justifiability of one’s conduct to those with whom one can potentially interact, there is no reason to be concerned about the justifiability of one’s choices or conduct to future generations that one cannot, in principle, ever meet. The author argues that both of these challenges rely for their force on setting aside central aspects of the contractualist framework.
The Graf–Kuenen–Wellhausen School
Authors: Smend Rudolf
Published: May 2021

Contemporary scholarly discussion of the composition of the Pentateuch can be traced back to the productive interchange of ideas and analyses among the trio of Karl-Wilhelm Graf, Abraham Kuenen, and Julius Wellhausen in the latter part of the nineteenth century. This essay provides the intellectual background for their work and a description of their fundamental contributions to how scholars to this day think about the formation of the Pentateuch.
Culturing the Paleolithic Body
Authors: Nowell April , Cooke Amanda
Published: May 2021

In this chapter, we present archaeological evidence for practices of adornment of the body by Paleolithic hominins, including painting with ochre, tattoos, personal ornaments, clothing, and hairstyles. These practices served to mark differences such as gender, status, and ethnicity amongst people, to attract or intimidate others, and have been interpreted as indices of a symbolically mediated self and personal identity. We then discuss the possible evolutionary context for the selection of these behaviors. By way of conclusion, we consider the state of the discipline in interpreting these practices to explore constructed identities in the Paleolithic.
On the Structure of Early Language
Authors: Kuteva Tania , Heine Bernd
Published: May 2021

Both linguistic and neuroanatomical evidence suggests that there are two modes of processing in linguistic discourse, namely an analytic mode and a holistic mode. Competent speakers of a language know many linguistic entities in two ways: holistically and analytically, and can move between the two. The analytic mode is concerned with propositional language processing based on the compositional format of sentences, clauses, and phrases and their hierarchical organization, while the holistic mode surfaces mainly in unanalyzable, formulaic expressions, for example, in speech act formulas such as interjections (wow, ouch), ideophones (bang, splish-splash), formulae of social exchange (hello, sorry, goodbye). Research on the reconstruction of earlier stages of language evolution has for the most part been restricted to the analytic mode, and grammaticalization theory played an important role in this research. The present chapter demonstrates that a complementary analysis of holistic ways of processing can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how human languages may have evolved.
Investigating longitudinal associations between parent reported sleep in early childhood and teacher reported executive functioning in school-aged children with autism
Authors: Tesfaye Rackeb , Wright Nicola , Zaidman-Zait Anat , Bedford Rachael , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Kerns Connor M , Duku Eric , Mirenda Pat , Bennett Teresa , Georgiades Stelios , Smith Isabel M , Vaillancourt Tracy , Pickles Andrew , Szatmari Peter , Elsabbagh Mayada
Published: May 2021

Up to 80% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience sleep disturbance. Poor sleep impairs executive functioning (EF), a lifelong difficulty in ASD. Evidence suggests EF difficulties in ASD are exacerbated by poor sleep. We examine whether early childhood sleep disturbances are associated with worsening EF trajectories in school-aged children with ASD. A subsample (n = 217) from the Pathways in ASD longitudinal study was analyzed. The Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire captured sleep duration, onset, and night awakenings before age 5 (mean = 3.5 years). Metacognition (MI) and Behavioral Regulation (BRI) indices, on the Teacher Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning, were used to measure cognitive and affective components of EF respectively at four time-points (7.8–11.8 years). We applied latent growth curve models to examine associations between sleep and EF, accounting for relevant covariates, including school-age sleep (mean = 6.7 years). Sleep traits had different age-related impacts on behavioral regulation, but not metacognition. Longer sleep onset at 3.5 years was associated with a worsening BRI difficulties slope (b = 2.07, p < 0.04), but conversely associated with lower BRI difficulties at 7.7 years (b = −4.14, p = 0.04). A longer sleep onset at 6.7 years was related to higher BRI difficulties at 7.7 years (b = 7.78, p < 0.01). Longer sleep duration at 6.7 years was associated with higher BRI difficulties at age 7.7 (b = 3.15, p = 0.01), but subscale analyses revealed shorter sleep duration at age 6.7 was linked to a worsening inhibition slope (b = −0.60, p = 0.01). Sleep onset is a robust early correlate of behavior regulation in children with ASD, whereas sleep duration is a later childhood correlate.
Changes in carbon and nitrogen metabolism during seawater-induced mortality of Picea sitchensis trees
Authors: Li Weibin , Zhang Hongxia , Wang Wenzhi , Zhang Peipei , Ward Nicholas D , Norwood Matt , Myers-Pigg Allison , Zhao Chuanyan , Leff Riley , Yabusaki Steve , Waichler Scott , Bailey Vanessa L , McDowell Nate G
Published: May 2021

Increasing seawater exposure is causing mortality of coastal forests, yet the physiological response associated with seawater-induced tree mortality, particularly in non-halophytes, is poorly understood. We investigated the shifts in carbon and nitrogen (N) metabolism of mature Sitka-spruce trees that were dying after an ecosystem-scale manipulation of tidal seawater exposure. Soil porewater salinity and foliar ion concentrations increased after seawater exposure and were strongly correlated with the percentage of live foliated crown (PLFC; e.g., crown ‘greenness’, a measure of progression to death). Co-occurring with decreasing PLFC was decreasing photosynthetic capacity, N-investment into photosynthesis, N-resorption efficiency and non-structural carbohydrate (soluble sugars and starch) concentrations, with the starch reserves depleted to near zero when PLFC dropped below 5%. Combined with declining PLFC, these changes subsequently decreased total carbon gain and thus exacerbated the carbon starvation process. This study suggests that an impairment in carbon and N metabolism during the mortality process after seawater exposure is associated with the process of carbon starvation, and provides critical knowledge necessary to predict sea-level rise impacts on coastal forests.
Working Conditions and Mortality Risks Among Those Over the Age of 65: Findings From Germany
Authors: Brussig Martin , Drescher Susanne
Published: May 2021

Despite the common worldwide trend of increasing life expectancy, socioeconomic differences and inequalities in mortality risks remain. This study focuses on the differences in mortality risks after the age of 65 due to working conditions during one’s working life. The study is based on data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (GSOEP), a representative longitudinal survey for Germany. Using occupations as a linkage variable, we match job exposure matrices that contain information about typical occupational working conditions from the German Working Conditions Survey. We estimate event analysis models to determine the effects of typical working conditions in occupations on mortality risks after retirement, while controlling for numerous individual characteristics. Working in occupations with strenuous conditions leads to higher mortality risks in later life. The effect is more pronounced for women than for men. Other factors, notably being male, having poor self-assessed health and the prevalence of an officially acknowledged disability, also increase mortality risks. According to our analysis—and in contrast to other studies—income position does not affect mortality risks after working conditions are introduced to the model. We conclude that reducing job strains may be an effective way of increasing life expectancy in later life. Further research should invest in a deeper understanding of the interplay between income and working conditions, consider the age and duration when strenuous working conditions occur and observe changes in working conditions within occupations.
Characterization of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum Races in Zambia and Evaluation of the CIAT Phaseolus Core Collection for Resistance to Anthracnose
Authors: Nalupya Zombe , Hamabwe Swivia , Mukuma Chikoti , Lungu Davis , Gepts Paul , Kamfwa Kelvin
Published: May 2021

Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, the causal pathogen of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) anthracnose, is highly variable. Therefore, understanding its race structure and identification of new sources of resistance is necessary for the development of varieties with durable resistance. The objectives of this study were (i) to characterize isolates of C. lindemuthianum collected from three major bean-growing regions in Zambia and (ii) evaluate the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) Phaseolus core collection for resistance to C. lindemuthianum races 37, 73, and 566 and a blend of 20 races. Isolates collected from three major bean-growing districts in Zambia, namely Mporokoso, Mpika, and Mbala, were characterized as races 37, 73, and 566, respectively. A subset of the CIAT core collection comprising 885 accessions of common bean, 13 accessions of scarlet runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus), and 11 accessions of year bean (Phaseolus dumosus) was evaluated for resistance to races 37, 73, and 566 and a blend of 20 races in a greenhouse at the University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia. Totals of 72, 66, 48, and 9% of P. vulgaris accessions evaluated were highly resistant to races 37, 73, and 566 and a blend of 20 races, respectively. Also, accessions of P. coccineus and P. dumosus highly resistant to races 37, 73, and 566 were identified. Only eight of the 331 P. vulgaris accessions were highly resistant to all three individual races (37, 73, and 566) and to a blend of 20 races. These eight accessions constitute a valuable breeding resource for developing varieties with durable resistance to C. lindemuthianum.
Can Cochlear Implantation in Older Adults Reverse Cognitive Decline Due to Hearing Loss?
Authors: Huber Maria , Roesch Sebastian , Pletzer Belinda , Lukaschyk Julia , Lesinski-Schiedat Anke , Illg Angelika
Published: May 2021

Introduction:

Older adults with late-onset hearing loss are at risk for cognitive decline. Our study addresses the question of whether cochlear implantation (CI) can counteract this potential influence. We investigated whether cognitive performance in older adults with severe and profound hearing loss improves 12 months after CI to a level comparable to controls with normal hearing, matched for age, sex, and education level.

Design:

This cohort study was performed at two tertiary referral centers. The study included 29 patients, of age between 60 and 80 years, with adult-onset, severe to profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and indication for CI (study group), as well as 29 volunteers with age-adjusted hearing abilities, according to the norm curves of ISO-702 9:2000-01, (control group). Before CI and 12 months after CI, participants completed a neurocognitive test battery including tests of global cognition, verbal and figural episodic memory, and executive functions (attentional control, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility).

Results:

Twelve months after CI, the performance of the study group improved significantly in global cognition, compared to the situation before CI. Differences in verbal episodic memory, figural episodic memory, and executive function were not significant. Moreover, the improvement of the study group was significantly larger only in global cognition compared to the control group. Noninferiority tests on the cognitive performances of the study group after CI revealed that comparable levels to normal hearing controls were reached only in global cognition, figural episodic memory (immediate recall), and attentional control. The improvement in global cognition was significantly associated with speech recognition 3 months after CI, but not with speech recognition 12 months after CI.

Conclusion:

One year after CI, cognitive deficits in older individuals with adult-onset hearing loss, compared to normal-hearing peers, could only improve some cognitive skills.
“Principles” Guiding Our Medical ICU
Authors: Chatterjee Souvik , Wright Scott M.
Published: May 2021

Caring for the critically ill is a humanistic endeavor that requires thoughtful collaboration by a multidisciplinary team. In recent times, patient care in ICUs has become more complex with technological advances in monitoring, diagnostic testing, and therapeutics; many of these advances have translated into improved patient outcomes. In this increasingly complicated system, local culture and goals for the unit can also be overwhelmed by the impersonal and overarching institutional objectives. Developing “ICU specific principles” is a structured approach to cultivate habits and encourage attitudes that are aligned with the values of the team; this can serve to optimize the work environment and prioritize excellent patient care.