bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Dyfodol llwyddiannus’ i bawb yng Nghymru? Yr heriau wrth ddiwygio cwricwla i ymdrin ag anghydraddoldeb addysgol
Authors: Power Sally , Taylor Chris , Newton Nigel
Published: May 2020

Mae’r papur hwn yn ymdrin â’r goblygiadau sydd yn y cwricwlwm trawsnewidiol myfyriwr‐ganolog sy’n cael ei ddatblygu yng Nghymru o ran delio ag anghydraddoldeb addysgol. Drwy roi sylw i ddadleuon sydd wedi parhau ers cyfnod hir ym maes cymdeithaseg addysg am y rhan sydd gan wybodaeth ysgol mewn atgynhyrchu cymdeithasol a diwylliannol, mae ein hymchwil yn amlinellu rhai o’r heriau sy’n wynebu’r rheini a fydd yn gweithredu’r Cwricwlwm i Gymru os yw i gynnig ‘dyfodol llwyddiannus’ i bawb. Gan wneud defnydd o ddata o gyfweliadau ac arolygon o’r ysgolion hynny sydd wedi ymgymryd â’r dasg o ddatblygu’r cwricwlwm newydd, a’r gwerthusiad o ddiwygio tebyg iawn ar y cwricwlwm ar gyfer addysg gynradd a’r blynyddoedd cynnar yng Nghymru, rydym yn amlinellu’r galwadau am adnoddau materol a dynol gan y cwricwlwm newydd a’r risgiau o gynyddu hyblygrwydd. Rydym yn dadlau y bydd angen buddsoddi sylweddol a rhyw fath o atebolrwydd allanol i sicrhau bod myfyrwyr dan anfantais yn cael profiad o’r cwricwlwm sy’n agor y ffordd at ‘wybodaeth bwerus’.
Tensiynau yn y broses bresennol o ddiwygio’r cwricwlwm a datblygu ymreolaeth broffesiynol athrawon
Authors: Hughes Sioned , Lewis Helen
Published: May 2020

Mae’r broses bresennol o ddiwygio’r cwricwlwm yng Nghymru yn cynnig cyfle i athrawon gael mwy o ryddid i ddatblygu dulliau addysgegol sy’n cwrdd ag anghenion eu disgyblion. Mae’r adroddiad Dyfodol Llwyddiannus yn argymell y dylai athrawon gael mwy o ymreolaeth wrth ddewis sut i ddarparu’r cwricwlwm, a sicrhau bod hynny’n cael ei wneud mewn ffordd sy’n ystyrlon a pherthnasol i’w disgyblion. Fodd bynnag, weithiau gall fod yn anodd cryfhau galluedd athrawon mewn perthynas ag addysgeg o ganlyniad, er enghraifft, i broblemau a welir mewn perthynas â llwyth gwaith ac atebolrwydd. Mae nifer o atebion parod ar gael i heriau a wynebir wrth ddiwygio’r cwricwlwm ac, mewn llawer achos, mae ysgolion yn ymateb i heriau o’r fath drwy ddefnyddio dulliau parod neu bwrpasol. Mae’r papur hwn yn edrych ar natur y tensiynau rhwng yr ymdrech i gryfhau cyfraniadau proffesiynol at ddiwygio’r cwricwlwm, ac i gynyddu ymreolaeth athrawon, a’r arferion proffesiynol presennol. Yn benodol, i ddangos enghraifft o’r tensiynau, mae’r papur yn ystyried sut a pham roedd un ysgol wedi dewis pecyn ymwybyddiaeth ofalgar fasnachol i gyfrannu i’r Maes Dysgu a Phrofiad Iechyd a Lles sydd newydd gael ei ddiffinio, a’r goblygiad o’r dewis hwn i ymreolaeth athrawon ac ymarfer addysgegol.
A fydd y Cwricwlwm i Gymru newydd yn gallu cyflawni ei ddibenion?
Authors: Gatley Jane
Published: May 2020

Mae’r Cwricwlwm i Gymru newydd yn ei osod ei hun ar wahân i’w ragflaenwyr drwy ddefnyddio nodau penodol; y rhain yw Pedwar Diben y Cwricwlwm i Gymru newydd. Ochr yn ochr â hyn, mae’n amlinellu chwe Maes Profiad a Dysgu sy’n cynnwys pynciau ysgol traddodiadol ac yn rhoi pwys ar ddarparu addysg eang a chytbwys. Yn y papur hwn, rwyf yn gofyn a ellir uno’r ddau edefyn hyn, y Pedwar Diben a’r chwe Maes Dysgu a Phrofiad, i wneud un cwricwlwm cydlynol. Yn ôl y ddadl rwyf yn ei chyflwyno, os bydd y cwricwlwm wedi’i seilio’n gyfan gwbl ar y Pedwar Diben, yna bydd llawer o’r cynnwys sy’n gysylltiedig â phynciau ysgol traddodiadol yn y Meysydd Dysgu a Phrofiad yn ddiangen. Yn groes i hynny, os bydd y Meysydd Dysgu a Phrofiad yn cael blaenoriaeth, yna mae’n annhebygol y bydd y Pedwar Diben yn cael eu cyflawni. Mewn ymateb, rwyf yn cynnig bod modd deall y cynnwys sy’n gysylltiedig â’r Meysydd Dysgu a Phrofiad drwy ei weld yn hanfodol i gyflawni’r Pedwar Diben, ond nad yw’r cynnwys yn ddigon ar ei ben ei hun. Mae hyn yn datrys rhywfaint o’r tyndra rhwng dau edefyn y cwricwlwm, ond mae’n golygu y bydd angen atodi gweithgareddau ychwanegol i’r Meysydd Dysgu a Phrofiad er mwyn i’r Cwricwlwm i Gymru newydd gyflawni ei ddibenion.
Cranial or postcranial—Dual origin of the pectoral appendage of vertebrates combining the fin‐fold and gill‐arch theories?
Authors: Diogo Rui
Published: May 2020

Two main theories have been used to explain the origin of pectoral and pelvic appendages. The “fin‐fold theory” proposes that they evolved from a trunk bilateral fin fold, while Gegenbaur's theory assumes they derived from the head branchial arches. However, none of these theories has been fully supported. The “fin‐fold” theory is mainly often accepted due to some existing developmental data, but recent developmental studies have revived Gegenbaur's theory by revealing common mechanisms underlying the patterning of branchial arches and paired appendages. Here I review developmental data and many others lines of evidence, which lead to a crucial question: might the apparent contradictions between the two theories be explained by a dual origin of the pectoral appendage, that is, the pectoral girdle and fin/limb being mainly related to the head and trunk, respectively? If this is so then (a) the pectoral and pelvic girdles would not be serial homologues; (b) the term “developmental serial homologues” could only potentially be applied to the pectoral and pelvic fins/limbs. Fascinatingly, in a way this would be similar to what Owen had already suggested, more than 170 years ago: that the pectoral and pelvic girdles are mainly related to the head and trunk, respectively.
Atomic Level Dispersed Metal–Nitrogen–Carbon Catalyst toward Oxygen Reduction Reaction: Synthesis Strategies and Chemical Environmental Regulation
Authors: Yin Hengbo , Xia Huicong , Zhao Shuyan , Li Kexie , Zhang Jianan , Mu Shichun
Published: May 2020

For development and application of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) energy transformation technology, the cost performance must be elevated for the catalyst. At present, compared with noble metal‐based catalysts, such as Pt‐based catalysts, atomically dispersed metal–nitrogen–carbon (M–N–C) catalysts are popularity and show great potential in maximizing active site density, high atom utilization and high activity, making them the first choice to replace Pt‐based catalysts. In the preparation of atomically dispersed metal–nitrogen–carbon catalyst, it is difficult to ensure that all active sites are uniformly dispersed, and the structure system of the active sites is not optimal. Based on this, we focus on various approaches for preparing M–N–C catalysts that are conducive to atomic dispersion, and the influence of the chemical environmental regulation of atoms on the catalytic sites in different catalysts. Therefore, we discuss the chemical environmental regulation of the catalytic sites by bimetals, atom clusters, and heteroatoms (B, S, and P). The active sites of M–N–C catalysts are explored in depth from the synthesis and characterization, reaction mechanisms, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Finally, the existing problems and development prospects of the current atomic dispersion M–N–C catalyst are proposed in detail.
Solutions to Increasing Energy Security of High‐Voltage Transformer Substations
Authors: Magie Andrew
Published: May 2020

The electricity grid in the United States is a complex web of generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure, constantly balancing load to ensure each household has access to reliable electricity service. As the electricity grid grew into the “largest machine in the world”—“comprising 5,800 power plants, 3,200 utilities, and over 2.7 million miles of power lines”—reliability measures have been imposed, forcing microgrids together to form the nation's current three‐grid system with vast transmission networks and vital interconnections.
Editor's Corner
Authors: Cartwright Echo D.
Published: May 2020

Welcome to Wiley's Natural Gas & Electricity! Life has changed for all of us in the past few months, as society is facing uncertain times while COVID‐19 sweeps across the world. On behalf of the journal, we hope this finds you and your loved ones safe and well, and our thoughts are with those who may have been impacted during this unprecedented global public health crisis.
Single‐session image‐guided robotic radiosurgery and quality of life for glomus jugulare tumors
Authors: Ehret Felix , Kufeld Markus , Fürweger Christoph , Haidenberger Alfred , Schichor Christian , Tonn Jörg‐Christian , Muacevic Alexander , Hempel John‐Martin
Published: May 2020

Background

Limited data are available on the efficacy and impact on the quality of life (Qol) of single‐session image‐guided robotic radiosurgery (RRS) for glomus jugulare tumors (GJTs). This study investigates the role of RRS in the management of GJTs and reviews the RRS literature.

Methods

We analyzed 53 GJT patients treated with RRS to evaluate the safety, local control, clinical outcome, and Qol assessed by the SF12v2.

Results

The local control was 98% at a median follow‐up of 38 months. The median tumor volume was 4.3 cc and tumors were treated with a median dose of 16.5 Gy. At the last follow‐up, 35 patients had recovered from their symptoms or experienced symptom improvement. Qol analyses showed no significant decline while bodily pain significantly decreased.

Conclusions

RRS is a safe and efficient tool for the treatment of GJTs. Qol of patients after treatment is stable and tends to improve over time.
Frequency‐ and state‐dependent effects of hippocampal neural disinhibition on hippocampal local field potential oscillations in anesthetized rats
Authors: Gwilt Miriam , Bauer Markus , Bast Tobias
Published: May 2020

Reduced inhibitory GABA function, so‐called neural disinhibition, has been implicated in cognitive disorders, including schizophrenia and age‐related cognitive decline. We previously showed in rats that hippocampal disinhibition by local microinfusion of the GABA‐A receptor antagonist picrotoxin disrupted memory and attention and enhanced hippocampal multi‐unit burst firing recorded around the infusion site under isoflurane anesthesia. Here, we analyzed the hippocampal local field potential (LFP) recorded alongside the multi‐unit data. We predicted frequency‐specific LFP changes, based on previous studies implicating GABA in hippocampal oscillations, with the weight of evidence suggesting that disinhibition would facilitate theta and disrupt gamma oscillations. Using a new semi‐automated method based on the kurtosis of the LFP peak‐amplitude distribution as well as on amplitude envelope thresholding, we separated three distinct hippocampal LFP states under isoflurane anesthesia: “burst” and “suppression” states—high‐amplitude LFP spike bursts and the interspersed low‐amplitudeperiods—and a medium‐amplitude “continuous” state. The burst state showed greater overall power than suppression and continuous states and higher relative delta/theta power, but lower relative beta/gamma power. The burst state also showed reduced functional connectivity across the hippocampal recording area, especially around theta and beta frequencies. Overall neuronal firing was higher in the burst than the other two states, whereas the proportion of burst firing was higher in burst and continuous states than the suppression state. Disinhibition caused state‐ and frequency‐dependent LFP changes, tending to increase power at lower frequencies (<20 Hz), but to decrease power and connectivity at higher frequencies (>20 Hz) in burst and suppression states. The disinhibition‐induced enhancement of multi‐unit bursting was also state‐dependent, tending to be more pronounced in burst and suppression states than the continuous state. Overall, we characterized three distinct hippocampal LFP states in isoflurane‐anesthetized rats. Disinhibition changed hippocampal LFP oscillations in a state‐ and frequency‐dependent way. Moreover, the disinhibition‐induced enhancement of multi‐unit bursting was also LFP state‐dependent.
Effect of CO2 adsorbents on the Ni‐based dual‐function materials for CO2 capturing and in situ methanation
Authors: Chai Kian Hoong , Leong Loong Kong , Wong David Shan‐Hill , Tsai De‐Hao , Sethupathi Sumathi
Published: May 2020

The present work studied the effect of different carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorbents on Ni‐based dual‐function materials (DFMs) for the development of carbon capture and on‐site utilization in a reactor at isothermal condition. The DFMs containing Ni functioning as a methanation catalyst with various CO2 adsorbents (i.e., CaO, MgO, K2CO3, or Na2CO3) were prepared on γ‐Al2O3 through sequential impregnation. The result indicated that Ni‐Na2CO3/γ‐Al2O3 had the highest methanation capacity (i.e., 0.1783 mmol/g) and efficiency (i.e., 71.09%) in the CO2 adsorption–methanation test. The CO2 uptake and the subsequent methanation capacity of the Ni‐Na2CO3/γ‐Al2O3 increased to more than 24 times and more than 17 times, respectively, compared to Ni/γ‐Al2O3. The high methanation capacity was correlated to its highest amount of weak basic sites, substantial CO2 capture capacity and capture/release efficiency, and reactivity to H2 at a lower temperature, supported by CO2‐TPD, TGA analyses for adsorption or adsorption–desorption at the isothermal condition, and H2‐TPRea, respectively. A continuous cyclic CO2 adsorption–methanation was performed by using the Ni‐Na2CO3/γ‐Al2O3 and Ni‐CaO/γ‐Al2O3, showing that the CO2 adsorption capacity was stabilized from third cycle onward, whereas the methanation capacity was stabilized at all cycles, indicating the high stability of the DFMs for both CO2 adsorption and subsequent methanation. This work demonstrated successful synthesis of the Ni‐based, low‐cost, and stable DFMs with the ability to produce methane via the direct capture of CO2.
Should Baseline Hemoglobin A1c or Dose of SGLT‐2i Guide Treatment With SGLT‐2i Versus DPP‐4i in People With Type 2 Diabetes? A Meta‐Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Uhrig Jarrod L. , Page Stephanie O. , Mishriky Basem M. , Patil Shivajirao P. , Powell James R. , Sewell Kerry , Mian Muna R. , Cummings Doyle M.
Published: May 2020

Our aim was to explore whether the baseline hemoglobin A1c or the dose of sodium glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitor (SGLT‐2i) chosen better predicted the efficacy of SGLT‐2i versus dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor (DPP‐4i) in type 2 diabetes. We searched for randomized trials that compared SGLT‐2i with DPP‐4i in type 2 diabetes and reported a change in hemoglobin A1c over time. We created 2 separate analyses (one based on baseline hemoglobin A1c and the other according to US Food and Drug Administration [FDA]‐approved SGLT‐2i dose). Thirteen trials were included. In the analysis according to baseline hemoglobin A1c, there was a significantly greater reduction in hemoglobin A1c when baseline hemoglobin A1c was ≥8.5%, favoring SGLT‐2i over DPP‐4i but not when baseline hemoglobin A1c was <8.5% (mean difference [95%CI], ‐0.36% [‐0.53% to ‐0.18%] and 0.04% [‐0.09% to 0.17%], respectively). On restricting the analysis to trials stratifying hemoglobin A1c to <8.0% or ≥8.0%, results did not change. In the analysis based on FDA‐approved SGLT‐2i doses, higher SGLT‐2i doses caused a significantly greater hemoglobin A1c reduction at ≤26 and ≥52 weeks compared with the highest DPP‐4i doses (mean difference [95%CI], ‐0.11% [‐0.18% to ‐0.04%] and ‐0.24% [‐0.34% to ‐0.15%], respectively). Lower SGLT‐2i doses caused a significantly greater hemoglobin A1c reduction at ≥52 weeks but not at ≤26 weeks compared with the highest DPP‐4i doses (mean difference [95%CI], ‐0.12% [‐0.23% to ‐0.02%] and 0.01% [‐0.05% to 0.07%], respectively). In people with type 2 diabetes and a baseline hemoglobin A1c ≥ 8.0%, SGLT‐2i produced significantly greater reductions in hemoglobin A1c compared with DPP‐4i and may be preferred. SGLT‐2i dose titration to a higher FDA‐approved dose is recommended in suitable patients.
A histological study of normal and pathological limb regeneration in the Mexican axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum
Authors: Bothe Vivien , Mahlow Kristin , Fröbisch Nadia B.
Published: May 2020

Salamanders show unparalleled capacities of tissue regeneration amongst tetrapods (four‐legged vertebrates), being able to repair and renew lost or damage body parts, such as tails, jaws, and limbs in a seemingly perfect fashion. Despite countless studies on axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) regeneration, only a few studies have thus far compared gross morphological and histological features of the original and regenerated limb skeleton. Therein, most studies have focused on nerves or muscles, while even fewer have provided detailed information about bones and cartilage. This study compares skeletal tissue structures of original and regenerated limbs with respect to tissue level histology. Histological serial sections of 55 axolotl larvae were generated, including 29 limbs that were severed by conspecifics, and 26 that were subject to targeted amputations. Amputations were executed in several larval stages (48, 52, and 53) and at different limb positions (humeral midshaft, above the mesopod). In addition, 3D reconstructions were prepared based on X‐ray microtomography scans. The results demonstrate that regenerated forelimbs show a diversity of limb and digit abnormalities as a result of imperfect regeneration. Furthermore, abnormalities were more severe and more frequent in regenerated forelimbs caused by natural bites as compared with regenerated forelimbs after amputation. The results indicate that abnormalities occur frequently after regeneration in larval axolotls contradicting the notion of regeneration generally resulting in perfect limbs.
Integrating oral PrEP delivery among African women in a large HIV endpoint‐driven clinical trial
Authors: Beesham Ivana , Welch Julia D , Heffron Renee , Pleaner Melanie , Kidoguchi Lara , Palanee‐Phillips Thesla , Ahmed Khatija , Baron Deborah , Bukusi Elizabeth A , Louw Cheryl , Mastro Timothy D , Smit Jennifer , Batting Joanne R , Malahleha Mookho , Bailey Veronique C , Beksinska Mags , Donnell Deborah , Baeten Jared M ,   the ECHO Trial Consortium
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Global guidelines emphasize the ethical obligation of investigators to help participants in HIV‐endpoint trials reduce HIV risk by offering an optimal HIV prevention package. Oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has increasingly become part of state‐of‐the‐art HIV prevention. Here we describe the process of integrating oral PrEP delivery into the HIV prevention package of the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) Trial.

Methods

ECHO was an open‐label randomized clinical trial that compared HIV incidence among women randomized to one of three effective contraceptives. In total, 7830 women aged 16 to 35 years from 12 sites in four African countries (Eswatini, Kenya, South Africa and Zambia) were enrolled and followed for 12 to 18 months, from 2015 to 2018. Part‐way through the course of the trial, oral PrEP was provided to study participants either off‐site via referral or on site via trained trial staff. PrEP uptake was compared between different contraceptive users using Chi‐squared tests or t‐tests. HIV seroincidence rates were compared between participants who never versus ever initiated PrEP using exact Poisson regression.

Results

PrEP access in ECHO began through public availability in Kenya in May 2017 and was available at all sites by June 2018. When PrEP became available, 3626 (46.3%) eligible women were still in follow‐up in the study, and of these, 622 (17.2%) initiated PrEP. Women initiating PrEP were slightly older; more likely to be unmarried, not living with their partner, having multiple partners; and less likely to be earning their own income and receiving financial support from partners (all p < 0.05). PrEP initiation did not differ across study randomized groups (p = 0.7). Two‐thirds of PrEP users were continuing PrEP at study exit.

Conclusions

There is a need for improved HIV prevention services in clinical trials with HIV endpoints, especially trials among African women. PrEP as a component of a comprehensive HIV prevention package provided to women in a large clinical trial is practical and feasible. Provision of PrEP within clinical trials with HIV outcomes should be standard of prevention.
Comparison of the Diagnostic Performances of Ultrasound, High‐Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in a Rabbit Carotid Vulnerable Plaque Atherosclerosis Model
Authors: Xu Lei , Wang Renjie , Liu Hongyu , Wang Jiaoqi , Liang Wenzhao , Mang Jing , Xu Zhongxin
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Our study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performances of 3 routine examination methods for cerebrovascular disease in a rabbit carotid artery atherosclerosis model.

Methods

A total of 12 New Zealand rabbits were included: 4 in a control group and 8 in an experimental group. A clinically relevant atherosclerosis rabbit model was induced by left common carotid artery ligation and a 12‐week high‐fat diet. Atherosclerosis was further confirmed by a histopathologic analysis. Then carotid ultrasound (US) imaging, high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI), and positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) were performed on this model to evaluate the diagnostic performances.

Results

Carotid US showed plaque formation in the left common carotid artery and little plaque in the right common carotid artery in the experimental group. In addition, HRMRI showed stenosis formation in the left common carotid artery in the experimental group. At the horizontal level, plaques were found in the left common carotid artery, and no plaques were found in the right common carotid artery in the experimental group. Also, PET/CT showed local hypermetabolism and vulnerable plaques in the left common carotid artery of the experimental group, whereas no hypermetabolism was found in the right common carotid artery of the experimental group. Moreover, the soft plaques detected by carotid US were different from the vulnerable plaques detected by PET/CT. The unstable plaques on HRMRI were the same as the hypermetabolic vulnerable plaques on PET/CT.

Conclusions

High‐resolution MRI is recommended for the evaluation of neck and intracranial vascular stenosis and plaque properties in patients with stroke.
Improved Tumor Control Related to Radiotherapy Technological Development for Hypopharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Susko Matthew S. , Lazar Ann A. , Dhar Shwena , Chan Jason W. , Shiao Stephen L. , Chapman Christopher H. , Johnson Julian , Quivey Jeanne M. , Ryan William R. , Heaton Chase M. , Ha Patrick K. , Yom Sue S.
Published: May 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx (SCCHP) is associated with worse survival compared to other head and neck subsites. This report quantifies the impact of technological improvements in radiotherapy (RT) on outcomes over 6 decades.

Methods

Patients with SCCHP receiving curative‐intent treatment between 1962 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Kaplan‐Meier analyses of freedom from local recurrence (FFLR), progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were compared across treatment eras and radiation techniques. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling was performed to specify the effect of RT technique.

Results

One hundred thirty‐four patients had a median follow‐up of 17 months (IQR = 9–38). There were no differences in staging or use of surgery over time, but use of chemotherapy concurrent with RT increased (P < .001) beginning in the 2000s. The 24‐month FFLR using two‐dimensional RT (2D‐RT), three‐dimensional conformal RT (3D‐CRT), and intensity‐modulated RT (IMRT) was 52%, 55%, and 80%, respectively; 24‐month PFS was 39%, 46%, and 73%, respectively; and 24‐month OS was 27%, 40%, and 68%, respectively. OS (P = .01), PFS (P = .03), and FFLR (P = 0.02) were improved with IMRT over 2D‐RT, and FFLR appeared to be improved over 3D‐CRT (P = .06). Controlling for chemotherapy use and other major variables, IMRT produced a strong influence over FFLR (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0‐1.2, P = .08) and a benefit in OS (adjusted HR = 0.1, 95% CI: 0.0‐0.4, P = .005).

Conclusions

Across 6 decades, patient and tumor characteristics remained similar whereas use of chemoradiation increased and IMRT was adopted. The introduction of IMRT was associated with improved FFLR, PFS, and OS, and a reduction in acute toxicity as compared to earlier radiation technologies.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E452–E458, 2021
Usage ofMODIS NDVIto evaluate the effect of soil and water conservation measures on vegetation in Burkina Faso
Authors: Nyamekye Clement , Schönbrodt‐Stitt Sarah , Amekudzi Leonard K. , Zoungrana Benewinde J.‐B. , Thiel Michael
Published: May 2020

The dramatic droughts in West Africa from the 1960s to the 1990s compelled Burkina Faso to implement soil and water conservation (SWC) measures in the late 1970s. The purpose was to combat land degradation (e.g., desertification) in areas that experienced a decrease in vegetation productivity. In this study, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) trends from 2002 to 2016 were analyzed using the Mann‐Kendall test to explore the spatio‐temporal variations of vegetation at SWC and non‐SWC sites in selected regions of Burkina Faso. On average, NDVI increased by 3.6% annually from 2002 to 2016. Approximately 81% of the SWC sites experienced increasing (greening) trends, whereas 78% of the non‐SWC sites showed negative (browning) trends. Typically, SWC measures in Burkina Faso, such aszai(traditional planting pits use to foster the retention of soil moisture and increase soil nutrients) and half‐moons, are considered to have significant impacts on vegetation changes as visible from the NDVI. The results demonstrate that the implementation of SWC measures distinctly influences the vegetation growth in Burkina Faso. Thus, these findings could support regional and local informed decision‐making in the context of sustainable land use planning and evaluation of ecosystem services.
On some new Hardy‐type inequalities
Authors: Benaissa Bouharket , Sarikaya Mehmet Zeki , Senouci Abdelkader
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we give some new types of the classical Hardy integral inequality by including a second parameter q and using weighted mean operators
and
defined by

with

where w is a weight function and g is a real continuous function on (0,+∞).
Adaptive optimal tracking control for multi‐joint manipulator on space robot
Authors: Xie Yaen , Yan Yuehui , Shi Zhen , Wu Xiande , Cui Hongtao , Zhang Zhidan
Published: May 2020

This paper aims to address the tracking control problem for the multi‐joint manipulator on a space robot subject to model uncertainties and external disturbances. A Gauss‐Newton interactive optimization algorithm is used to obtain the desired joint angle for each joint. In order to formulate the optimization problem, the Denaait‐Hartenberg (D‐H) method is employed to describe the model of the multi‐joint manipulator. Subsequently, an adaptive controller is developed to achieve tracking control, where controller parameters updated in real time are introduced to handle the nondeterminacy of the multi‐joint manipulator. Moreover, a fuzzy control strategy is composed such that our designed controller is robust against the complex environment as well. The controller design is performed by means of the Lyapunov techniques. Meanwhile, its effectiveness is verified through numerical simulations. Finally, some concluding remarks close the paper.
Preparation, characterization, and morphology of on/off detection indicator based on rhodamine 6G‐adamantanamine loaded onto nonwoven polyethylene terephthalate
Authors: Sun Wuliang , Fan Liyan , Zhao Yujia , Dong Tungalag , Jin Ye , Saldaña Marleny D.A. , Sun Wenxiu
Published: May 2020

Traditionally, food quality is evaluated by consumers through comparison of the production and expiration dates of the product. However, product shelf life cannot be the real and only parameter of food quality, especially within a variety of storage environments. Therefore, new indicators of food quality are needed to provide food safety to the consumer. In this work, we reported a detection indicator based on rhodamine 6G‐adamantanamine and β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) polyelectrolyte cross‐linked onto a nonwoven polyethylene terephthalate textile support, which can be used as the indication of food quality by means of the irreversible change of fluorescence. The relationship between the increase of fluorescence and pH variation was also reported. Considering food safety, a migration experiment was carried out using a food simulation system. When pH changed to 6.8, the evident fluorescence can be observed by naked eye at 650‐nm excitation wavelength. β‐CD can not only act as a good carrier of rhodamine 6G‐adamantanamine but also enhanced the fluorescence to indicate whether rhodamine 6G‐adamantanamine was loaded onto β‐CD polyelectrolyte or nonwoven polyethylene terephthalate. After 250 h of migration experiment at 25°C, it was found that the fluorescent substances slightly migrated, and the migration under acidic conditions was almost negligible. The fluorescence enhancement performance and migratory behavior indicated that the material had the potential as a fluorescent intelligent indicator for food packaging.
An integrated strategy for profiling the chemical components of Scutellariae Radix and their exogenous substances in rats by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Fengxiang , Li Ziting , Li Min , Yuan Yulinglan , Cui Shuangshuang , Chen Jiaxu , Li Ruiman
Published: May 2020

Rationale

Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) attract worldwide attention because of their effects in clinical application recorded in China historical ancient codes and in records, such as ‘Treatise on Febrile Diseases’. With the developments of drug analysis and research, evaluating the in vivo substances in TCMs has become of great importance. Scutellariae Radix (SR, named as huang‐qing in China), the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, has shown favorable clinical effects and safety in the treatment of infection diseases; however, its in vivo compounds are unclear and need detailed investigation.

Methods

An ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/QTOF MS) method coupled to an integrated strategy involving diagnostic ions, neutral losses and a prediction platform was used to explore the constituents of SR, and their exogenous substances in rats.

Results

A total of 118 chemical constituents mainly featuring five chemical structure types (flavone C‐glycosides, flavone O‐glycosides, free flavones, flavanones and phenylethanoid glycosides) were identified or tentatively characterized in SR, and 175 xenobiotics (68 prototypes and 107 metabolites) were profiled in rat plasma, urine, bile and feces after ingestion of SR. The metabolites were classified into four related chemical groups: flavone C‐glycosides, flavone O‐glycosides, flavanones and phenylethanoid glycosides. Phase II metabolism reactions, such as glucuronidation and sulfation, were the major metabolic reactions in addition to phase I reactions of hydrolysis and hydrogenation. The corresponding main metabolic features of SR in rats were also elucidated.

Conclusions

The metabolism of SR, as a whole, was systemically revealed for the first time, and our work also provided meaningful information for pharmacokinetics studies and pharmacological analysis of SR in future work.
Effect of geogrid reinforcement on the strains at compressive zone of concrete pavements
Authors: Al‐Hedad Abbas Sahib Abd‐Ali , Hadi Muhammad N. S.
Published: May 2020

The current study investigated the effect of geogrid reinforcement on the fatigue behavior of concrete beam specimens in terms of the development of strains at the compressive zone. The concrete beam specimens having the dimensions of 150 mm × 150 mm × 550 mm were either unreinforced, reinforced with one layer of triaxial geogrid or reinforced with two layers of triaxial geogrid. The strains at the compressive zone of specimens were measured using strain gauges (SGs) fixed at two locations. The SGs of the first location were placed at the top of the specimens. The SGs of the second location were placed at 13 mm from the top of the specimens. The concrete beam specimens were tested under cyclic four‐point bending loads with a frequency of 7 Hz. The cyclic four‐point bending loads were carried out under a load control with a sinusoidal waveform for several stress levels. Test results indicated that triaxial geogrid reduced the average strains at the compressive zone by about 16% of the concrete beam specimens reinforced with one layer of geogrid and by about 25% of the concrete beam specimens reinforced with two layers of geogrid in comparison with unreinforced concrete beam specimens. The average rate of strain development at the compressive zone of geogrid reinforced concrete beam specimens was significantly lower than that of the unreinforced concrete beam specimens. In addition, the strains at the compressive zone of the concrete beam specimens reduced with increasing the number of geogrid layers.
Reflexionsseismische Messungen in Fließgewässern und Stauräumen
Authors: Heine Erwin , Golja Marina , Habersack Helmut , Hauer Christoph
Published: May 2020

Informationen über den Internaufbau der oberen Sedimentschichten sind sowohl für aktuelle Monitoring-Maßnahmen als auch für prognostische Prozessmodellierungen des Sedimenttransports von großer Bedeutung. Seismische Verfahren bieten hier eine sehr gute Möglichkeit zur linienhaften Erfassung dieser Grundlagendaten. Ihre Anwendbarkeit ist jedoch eine Frage der vorliegenden Objekteigenschaften (Wassertiefe, Strömung etc.) und die Qualität der Ergebnisse, wie Eindringtiefe und Auflösung der Sedimentstrukturen, wird stark von systemspezifischen Parametern und Sedimentbeschaffenheit beeinflusst. Dieser Beitrag behandelt den Einsatz von zwei hochauflösenden und kompakten Seeseismik-Systemen zur Detektion des Sedimentaufbaus in Gewässern mit grundsätzlich unterschiedlichem Sohlaufbau. Mit den parametrischen Sub-Bottom-Profilern (SBP) der Firmen Innomar und Kongsberg Maritime wurden umfangreiche Sedimentecholotungen des Absetzbeckens von Rottau (Schluff) sowie an zwei Teilabschnitten der Donau (Kies) durchgeführt. Ein Vergleich von Sedimentkernauswertungen mit den resultierenden Echogrammen lässt auf das große Potenzial von SBP bei Feinsedimentböden schließen, Analysen zeigen allerdings auch Anwendungsgrenzen im Kiesbereich auf. Zumindest bei Böden mit geringer Kiesdeckschicht finden sich aber spezielle Anwendungsmöglichkeiten und so gibt die Summe der bisherigen Erkenntnisse Anlass für weiterführende Untersuchungen mit SBPs bzw. alternativen seismischen Methoden.
Sparse-Lagrangian PDF Modelling of Silica Synthesis from Silane Jets in Vitiated Co-flows with Varying Inflow Conditions
Authors: Neuber Gregor , Kronenburg Andreas , Stein Oliver T. , Garcia Carlos E. , Williams Benjamin A. O. , Beyrau Frank , Cleary Matthew J.
Published: May 2020

This paper presents a comparison of experimental and numerical results for a series of turbulent reacting jets where silica nanoparticles are formed and grow due to surface growth and agglomeration. We use large-eddy simulation coupled with a multiple mapping conditioning approach for the solution of the transport equation for the joint probability density function of scalar composition and particulate size distribution. The model considers inception based on finite-rate chemistry, volumetric surface growth and agglomeration. The sub-models adopted for these particulate processes are the standard ones used by the community. Validation follows the “paradigm shift” approach where elastic light scattering signals (that depend on particulate number and size), OH- and SiO-LIF signals are computed from the simulation results and compared with “raw signals” from laser diagnostics. The sensitivity towards variable boundary conditions such as co-flow temperature, Reynolds number and precursor doping of the jet is investigated. Agreement between simulation and experiments is very good for a reference case which is used to calibrate the signals. While keeping the model parameters constant, the sensitivity of the particulate size distribution on co-flow temperature is predicted satisfactorily upstream although quantitative differences with the data exist downstream for the lowest coflow temperature case that is considered. When the precursor concentration is varied, the model predicts the correct direction of the change in signal but notable qualitative and quantitative differences with the data are observed. In particular, the measured signals show a highly non-linear variation while the predictions exhibit a square dependence on precursor doping at best. So, while the results for the reference case appear to be very good, shortcomings in the standard submodels are revealed through variation of the boundary conditions. This demonstrates the importance of testing complex nanoparticle synthesis models on a flame series to ensure that the physical trends are correctly accounted for.
struc2gauss: Structural role preserving network embedding via Gaussian embedding
Authors: Pei Yulong , Du Xin , Zhang Jianpeng , Fletcher George , Pechenizkiy Mykola
Published: May 2020

Network embedding (NE) is playing a principal role in network mining, due to its ability to map nodes into efficient low-dimensional embedding vectors. However, two major limitations exist in state-of-the-art NE methods: role preservation and uncertainty modeling. Almost all previous methods represent a node into a point in space and focus on local structural information, i.e., neighborhood information. However, neighborhood information does not capture global structural information and point vector representation fails in modeling the uncertainty of node representations. In this paper, we propose a new NE framework, struc2gauss, which learns node representations in the space of Gaussian distributions and performs network embedding based on global structural information. struc2gauss first employs a given node similarity metric to measure the global structural information, then generates structural context for nodes and finally learns node representations via Gaussian embedding. Different structural similarity measures of networks and energy functions of Gaussian embedding are investigated. Experiments conducted on real-world networks demonstrate that struc2gauss effectively captures global structural information while state-of-the-art network embedding methods fail to, outperforms other methods on the structure-based clustering and classification task and provides more information on uncertainties of node representations.
Challenging the Adaptationist Paradigm: Morphogenesis, Constraints, and Constructions
Authors: Tamborini Marco
Published: May 2020

In this paper, I argue that the German morphological tradition made a major contribution to twentieth-century study of form. Several scientists paved the way for this research: paleontologist Adolf Seilacher (1925–2014), entomologist Hermann Weber (1899–1956), and biologist Johann-Gerhard Helmcke (1908–1993) together with architect Frei Otto (1925–2015). All of them sought to examine morphogenetic processes to illustrate their inherent structural properties, thus challenging the neo-Darwinian framework of evolutionary theory. I point out that the German theoretical challenge to adaptationist thinking was possible through an exchange and transfer of practices, data, technologies, and knowledge between biologically oriented students of form and architects, designers, and engineers. This exchange of practices and knowledge was facilitated by the establishment of two collaborative research centers at the beginning of the 1970s. Hence, by showing the richness of topics, methods, and technologies discussed in German-speaking morphology between 1950 and the 1970s, this paper paves the way to a much broader comprehension of the shifts that have shaped twentieth-century evolutionary biology.
Seismic study of soda straws exposed to nearby blasting vibrations
Authors: Bottelin P. , Baillet L. , Mathy A. , Garnier L. , Cadet H. , Brenguier O.
Published: May 2020

This research study has been developed to preserve a remarkable soda straw population from vibrations emitted by nearby rock blasting. The Choranche stalactite cave (Vercors, France) contains thousands of exceptionally long soda straws reaching a few meters in length for ~ 0.5 cm in diameter. These slender speleothems are very vulnerable to vibrations not only because of their structural fragility but also because of their dynamic amplification. We found that soda straws’ first natural frequencies lie within the frequency range emitted by nearby rock blasting works (ten to hundreds of Hz). We used in situ blast records, laboratory characterization, and a dynamic 2D finite element code to simulate the load experienced by the soda straw population. We show that induced loads may be increased by a factor 5 due to resonance. Consequently, short soda straws (0.1–1 m) were found more vulnerable to nearby blasting vibrations than longer speleothems (> 1 m), despite greater own weight and inertial forces for the latter. Simulations made on several blast tests yielded an admissible 2.4 mm/s peak particle velocity along the cave. Subsequent blasting works were carried out in compliance with this threshold with no harm done to the soda straw population. We also computed the dynamic response of soda straws exposed to a regional earthquake. In this case, longer speleothems (> 1 m) are primarily affected by resonance because of ground motion lower frequency content. We show that the omission of dynamic resonance or its simplification as made in previous studies may significantly underestimate the induced load in speleothems.
Prospective Associations between Popularity, Victimization, and Aggression in Early Adolescence
Authors: Malamut Sarah T. , Luo Tana , Schwartz David
Published: May 2020

Recent research has highlighted an understudied phenomenon in the peer victimization literature thus far: the overlap between high status (i.e., popularity) and victimization. However, the research on this phenomenon has primarily been cross-sectional. The current investigation uses a longitudinal design to address two questions related to high-status victims. First, the present study examined prospective associations between popularity and two forms of indirect victimization (reputational victimization and exclusion). Second, this study examined elevated aggression as a consequence of high-status youth’s victimization (using self- and peer- reports of victimization). Participants were 370 adolescents (Mage = 14.44, range = 14.00–16.00; 56.5% girls) who were followed for 1 year. Both high and low levels of popularity were prospectively associated with reputational victimization. Moreover, popularity moderated the association between self-reported indirect victimization (but not peer-reported indirect victimization) and aggression. The results help build toward a more comprehensive understanding of both victimization and aggression in adolescence. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for a cycle of aggression in youth and the lowered effectiveness of bullying interventions in adolescence.
A Large-Scale Replication of the Effectiveness of the KiVa Antibullying Program: a Randomized Controlled Trial in the Netherlands
Authors: Huitsing Gijs , Lodder Gerine M. A. , Browne Wiliam J. , Oldenburg Beau , Van der Ploeg Rozemarijn , Veenstra René
Published: May 2020

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the KiVa antibullying program in the Netherlands through a randomized controlled trial of students in grades 3–4 (Dutch grades 5–6). The sample involved 98 schools who volunteered to participate in the research, with 245 classes and 4383 students at the baseline (49% girls;Mage = 8.7 years), who participated in five measurement waves, collected in three consecutive school years. After the baseline, two-thirds of the schools were assigned to the intervention condition (KiVa or KiVa+, the latter included an additional intervention component of network feedback to teachers) and one-third to the control condition (waiting list, care as usual) with a stratified randomization procedure. The effects of the intervention on self-reported victimization and bullying were tested using cross-classified ordered multinomial models and binomial logistic regression models. These longitudinal models showed that self-reported victimization and bullying reduced more strongly in KiVa-schools compared with control schools, with stronger effects after two school years than after one school year of implementation. The results showed that for students in control schools, the odds of being a victim were 1.29–1.63 higher, and the odds of being a bully were 1.19–1.66 higher than for KiVa students. No significant differences between KiVa and KiVa+ emerged. Overall, the findings provide evidence of the effectiveness of the KiVa program in the Netherlands.
Concerns of Organic Contamination for Sample Return Space Missions
Authors: Chan Queenie Hoi Shan , Stroud Rhonda , Martins Zita , Yabuta Hikaru
Published: May 2020

Analysis of organic matter has been one of the major motivations behind solar system exploration missions. It addresses questions related to the organic inventory of our solar system and its implication for the origin of life on Earth. Sample return missions aim at returning scientifically valuable samples from target celestial bodies to Earth. By analysing the samples with the use of state-of-the-art analytical techniques in laboratories here on Earth, researchers can address extremely complicated aspects of extra-terrestrial organic matter. This level of detailed sample characterisation provides the range and depth in organic analysis that are restricted in spacecraft-based exploration missions, due to the limitations of the on-boardin-situinstrumentation capabilities. So far, there are four completed and in-process sample return missions with an explicit mandate to collect organic matter: Stardust and OSIRIS-REx missions of NASA, and Hayabusa and Hayabusa2 missions of JAXA. Regardless of the target body, all sample return missions dedicate to minimise terrestrial organic contamination of the returned samples, by applying various degrees or strategies of organic contamination mitigation methods. Despite the dedicated efforts in the design and execution of contamination control, it is impossible to completely eliminate sources of organic contamination. This paper aims at providing an overview of the successes and lessons learned with regards to the identification of indigenous organic matter of the returned samples vs terrestrial contamination.
Mathematical practice and epistemic virtue and vice
Authors: Tanswell Fenner Stanley , Kidd Ian James
Published: May 2020

What sorts of epistemic virtues are required for effective mathematical practice? Should these be virtues of individual or collective agents? What sorts of corresponding epistemic vices might interfere with mathematical practice? How do these virtues and vices of mathematics relate to the virtue-theoretic terminology used by philosophers? We engage in these foundational questions, and explore how the richness of mathematical practices is enhanced by thinking in terms of virtues and vices, and how the philosophical picture is challenged by the complexity of the case of mathematics. For example, within different social and interpersonal conditions, a trait often classified as a vice might be epistemically productive and vice versa. We illustrate that this occurs in mathematics by discussing Gerovitch’s historical study of the aggressive adversarialism of the Gelfand seminar in post-war Moscow. From this we conclude that virtue epistemologies of mathematics should avoid pre-emptive judgments about the sorts of epistemic character traits that ought to be promoted and criticised.