bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in Population Characteristics and Modeled Response to Harvest Regulations in Reestablished Appalachian Walleye Populations
Authors: Smith Dustin M. , Hilling Corbin D. , Welsh Stuart A. , Wellman David I.
Published: January 2022

Historically, the Monongahela, Tygart, and Cheat River watersheds in West Virginia were impaired by acidification from acid mine drainage and Walleye Sander vitreus were extirpated from these watersheds by the 1940s. Walleye were reestablished after water quality improvements following passage of environmental legislation and subsequent reintroduction efforts. We compared population characteristics, with emphasis on growth, of Walleye and used modeling to predict the potential effects of harvest regulations in the Monongahela River and two main-stem reservoirs in the Cheat River and Tygart River watersheds. Statistical comparisons of von Bertalanffy growth curves and relative growth indices indicated that Walleye growth significantly differed across all water bodies. Relative growth index results suggested that Walleye growth was above average in Cheat Lake, average in the Monongahela River, and below average in Tygart Lake relative to other North American populations. Growth was negatively correlated with Walleye relative abundance and positively correlated with estimates of productivity (total phosphorus, chlorophyll a). Walleye diets significantly differed across all water bodies, with diets dominated by Yellow Perch Perca flavescens and Gizzard Shad Dorosoma cepedianum in Cheat Lake, where growth was fastest. Population modeling suggested that effects of exploitation on yield, spawning potential, and size structure were similar under regulations of no length limit and a minimum length limit (381 mm). Models suggested that removing length limits in Tygart Lake could increase angler harvest opportunities and pose minimal threat to the fishery. Models suggested that a protected slot limit could provide increased protection to the spawning potential of Cheat Lake and the Monongahela River populations. Additionally, models predicted that a protected slot limit could increase the number of large (>630-mm) Walleye in these waters. Our findings demonstrate the different characteristics that Walleye populations can develop after reestablishment based on abiotic and biotic conditions and the need for watershed-specific management.
Functional variants in cytochrome b5 type A (CYB5A) are enriched in Southwest American Indian individuals and associate with obesity
Authors: Day Samantha E. , Traurig Michael , Kumar Pankaj , Piaggi Paolo , Koroglu Cigdem , Kobes Sayuko , Hanson Robert L. , Bogardus Clifton , Baier Leslie J.
Published: January 2022

Objective

This study aimed to identify genetic variants enriched in Southwest American Indian (SWAI) individuals that associate with BMI.

Methods

Whole genome sequencing data (n = 296) were used to identify potentially functional variants that are common in SWAI individuals (minor allele frequency ≥10%) but rare in other ethnic groups (minor allele frequency < 0.1%). Enriched variants were tested for association with BMI in 5,870 SWAI individuals. One variant was studied using a luciferase reporter, and haplotypes that included this variant were analyzed for association with various measures of obesity (n = 917‐5,870), 24‐hour energy expenditure (24‐h EE; n = 419), and skeletal muscle biopsy expression data (n = 207).

Results

A 5′ untranslated region variant in cytochrome b5 type A (CYB5A), rs548402150, met the enrichment criteria and associated with increased BMI (β = 2%, p = 0.004). Functionally, rs548402150 decreased luciferase expression by 30% (p = 0.003) and correlated with decreased skeletal muscle CYB5A expression (β = −0.5 SD, p = 0.0008). Combining rs548402150 with two splicing quantitative trait loci in CYB5A identified a haplotype carried almost exclusively in SWAI individuals that associated with increased BMI (β = 3%, p = 0.0003) and decreased CYB5A expression, whereas the most common haplotype in all ethnic groups associated with lower BMI and percentage of body fatness, increased 24‐h EE, and increased CYB5A expression.

Conclusions

Further studies on the effects of CYB5A on 24‐h EE and BMI may provide insights into obesity‐related physiology.
Bladder function after conservative surgery and high‐dose rate brachytherapy for bladder–prostate rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Lobo Sara , Gaze Mark N. , Slater Olga , Hoskin Peter , Sands Gordon , Sullivan Tracy , Cho Alexander , Eminowicz Gemma , Smeulders Naima
Published: January 2022

Background

Conservative surgery (CS) brachytherapy (BT) techniques for local therapy in bladder–prostate rhabdomyosarcoma (BP‐RMS) seek to retain organ function. We report bladder function after high‐dose rate (HDR) BT combined with targeted CS for any vesical component of BP‐RMS.

Procedure

Prospective cohort of all BP‐RMS patients between 2014 and 2019 receiving HDR‐BT (iridium‐192, 27.5 Gy in five fractions) with/without percutaneous endoscopic polypectomy (PEP) or partial cystectomy (PC). Functional assessment included frequency–volume chart, voided volumes, post‐void residual, flow studies, continence status and ultrasound scanning; abnormalities triggered video urodynamics.

Results

Thirteen patients (10 male), aged 9 months to 4 years (median 23 months), presented with localised fusion‐negative embryonal BP‐RMS measuring 23–140 mm (median 43 mm) in cranio‐caudal extent. After induction chemotherapy, local treatment consisted of PC+BT in three, PEP+BT in four and BT alone in six. At a median 3.5 years (range 21 months to 7 years) follow‐up, all were alive without relapse. At a median age of 6 years (4–9 years), the median bladder capacity was 86% (47%–144%) of that expected for age, including 75% (74%–114%) after PC. Radiation dose to the bladder was associated with urinary urgency, but not bladder capacity or nocturnal enuresis. Complications occurred in two: one urethral stricture and one vesical decompensation in a patient with pre‐existing high‐grade vesico‐ureteric reflux (VUR). The remaining patients were dry by day; five with anticholinergic medication for urinary urgency. Three patients are enuretic.

Conclusions

Day‐time dryness at a median 3.5 years after CS‐HDR‐BT was achieved in 92%, with 85% voiding urethrally, and 62% attaining day‐and‐night continence aged 4–9 years. We report reduced open surgery with minimally invasive percutaneous surgery, with HDR‐BT or BT alone being suitable for many.
Prenatal diagnosis of fetuses with Emanuel syndrome: Results of ultrasound examination and invasive genetic testing
Authors: Hao Xiulan , Wu Jianzhu , Fu Wenting , Zhang Rui , Zhong Shilin , Deng Yuqing , Zhu Yunxiao , Ye Yanchou , Fang Qun
Published: January 2022

Objective

To investigate prenatal manifestations of Emanuel syndrome (ES) by retrospectively analyzing the results of prenatal diagnosis.

Methods

Thirteen fetuses were collected from five hospitals, of which six were confirmed with 47,der(22)t(11;22; ES) by karyotype and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). Seven were diagnosed with 46,t(11;22) balanced translocations by karyotype, including one de novo mosaic 46,XX,t(11;22). In 3/7, CMA was performed but did not identify chromosomal imbalances. The results of prenatal diagnoses were reviewed, including ultrasound examinations and genetic testing.

Results

In ES fetuses, the derivative 22 was consistently inherited from the mother, while in the balanced translocation group, the t(11;22) chromosome was of paternal origin in 3/6 cases, All ES fetuses presented with multiple abnormalities by ultrasound examinations. Diaphragm hernia (3/6), Dandy‐Walker complex (3/6), and kidney aplasia (3/6), were the most common ultrasound findings. Sonographic soft markers such as increased nuchal translucency, increased nuchal fold thickness appeared in 3 cases and all of these were associated with other anomalies. However, none of the ultrasound findings differentiated ES from other genetic syndromes during fetal period.

Conclusions

In this series, in fetuses with a der(22), the derivative chromosome was consistently of maternal origin. In contrast, 46,t(11;22) balanced translocations were of maternal or paternal origin. The results contribute to the literature regarding the fetal phenotype of ES. Due to the absence of specific features distinguishing ES from other genetic syndromes, confirming the diagnosis through invasive genetic testing is necessary.
Erythropoietin for preventing bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Jing , Hao Qingfei , Chen Haoming , Cheng Xiuyong
Published: January 2022

Background

Recombinant erythropoietin (rEPO) has erythropoiesis and anti‐inflammatory properties that might help reduce lung injury in preterm infants.

Objective

To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the possible role of rEPO in altering the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of rEPO for the prevention of BPD in preterm infants.

Results

Fourteen studies (3199 infants) were included. Our results could not demonstrate a significant effect of rEPO on the incidence of BPD36 (risk ratio [RR]: 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87–1.09, p = 0.63, I2 = 0, 12 RCTs, high‐quality evidence), BPD28 (RR: 1.28, 95% CI: 0.91–1.79, p = 0.15, I2 = 17%, three RCTs, low‐quality evidence) and oxygen dependence days. The test for subgroup analysis by administration route of rEPO showed similar outcomes above. Some of the included trials reported a significant effect of intravenous rEPO on reduction of sepsis (RR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.70–0.96, p = 0.01, I2 = 0, high‐quality evidence) and any stage necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) (RR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.59–0.94, p = 0.01, I2 = 0, moderate‐quality evidence). The incidence of mortality and stage II or higher NEC was comparable in rEPO and control infants.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that rEPO does not affect the risk of developing BPD in preterm infants. Adequately powered RCTs are required to further confirm these findings.
Smartglass augmented reality‐assisted targeted prostate biopsy using cognitive point‐of‐care fusion technology
Authors: Sparwasser Peter , Haack Maximilian , Epple Stefan , Frey Lisa , Zeymer Steffen , Dotzauer Robert , Jungmann Florian , Böhm Katharina , Höfner Thomas , Tsaur Igor , Haferkamp Axel , Borgmann Hendrik
Published: January 2022

Introduction

MRI‐guided targeted biopsy has become standard of care for diagnosis of prostate cancer, with establishment of several biopsy techniques and platforms. Augmented reality smart glasses have emerged as novel technology to support image‐guided interventions. We aimed to investigate its usage while prostate biopsy.

Methods

MRI with PIRADS‐lesions ≥3 was uploaded to smart glasses (Vuzix BladeR) and augmented reality smart glasses‐assisted targeted biopsy (SMART‐TB) of the prostate was performed using cognitive fusion technology at the point of care. Detection rates were compared to systematic biopsy. Feasibility for SMART‐TB was assessed (10 domains from bad [1] to excellent [10]).

Results

SMART‐TB was performed for four patients. Prostate cancer detection was more likely for SMART‐TB (46%; 13/28) than for systematic biopsy (27%; 13/48). Feasibility scores were high [8–10] for practicality, multitasking, execution speed, comfort and device weight and low [1–4] for handling, battery and image quality. Median execution time: 28 min; Investment cost smart glass: 1017 USD.

Conclusion

First description of SMART‐TB demonstrated convenient feasibility. This novel technology might enhance diagnosis of prostate cancer in future.
Analysis of composite endpoints with component‐wise censoring in the presence of differential visit schedules
Authors: Eaton Anne A. , Zabor Emily C.
Published: January 2022

Composite endpoints are very common in clinical research, such as recurrence‐free survival in oncology research, defined as the earliest of either death or disease recurrence. Because of the way data are collected in such studies, component‐wise censoring is common, where, for example, recurrence is an interval‐censored event and death is a right‐censored event. However, a common way to analyze such component‐wise censored composite endpoints is to treat them as right‐censored, with the date at which the non‐fatal event was detected serving as the date the event occurred. This approach is known to introduce upward bias when the Kaplan‐Meier estimator is applied, but has more complex impact on semi‐parametric regression approaches. In this article we compare the performance of the Cox model estimators for right‐censored data and the Cox model estimators for interval‐censored data in the context of component‐wise censored data where the visit process differs across levels of a covariate of interest, a common scenario in observational data. We additionally examine estimators of the cause‐specific hazard when applied to the individual components of such component‐wise censored composite endpoints. We found that when visit schedules differed according to levels of a covariate of interest, the Cox model estimators for right‐censored data and the estimators for cause‐specific hazards were increasingly biased as the frequency of visits decreased. The Cox model estimator for interval‐censored data with censoring at the last disease‐free date is recommended for use in the presence of differential visit schedules.
Transition Metal‐Free Aerobic Oxidation of Aryl Secondary and Primary Alcohols to Carbonyl Compounds in Open Air
Authors: Wang Xuerong , Gao Yu , Chen Ying , Sun Huilin , Li Caicui , Pang Chaohai , Gao Yanan , Zhang Xiaolin , Cheng Ruijing , Xu Huanjun , Wang Jinhui
Published: January 2022

The ketones and benzoic acids are very useful chemicals as the precursors and intermediates in both laboratory and synthetic industrial applications, which are usually obtained by selective catalytic oxidation of alcohols using a amount of certain expensive oxidants or metal catalysts. Here, an efficient and practical oxidation the aryl secondary and primary alcohols to corresponding carbonyl compounds using NaOtBu in open air at room temperature has been developed. And utilizing NaOtBu/air/ toluene, a series of ketones or benzoic acids were obtained from secondary and primary alcohols in high yields, respectively. More importantly, most of the substrates with electron‐withdrawing or electron‐donating groups could be converted to the corresponding products in high to excellent yields. Furthermore, the practicality of the reaction was demonstrated through 1.0 gram‐scale reaction with excellent yield.
An Ab‐initio Study of the C18 nanocluster for Hazardous Gas Sensor Application
Authors: Vadalkar Shardul , Chodvadiya Darshil , Som Narayan N. , Vyas Keyur N. , Jha Prafulla K. , Chakraborty Brahmananda
Published: January 2022

Understanding the interaction mechanism of CO, NO, and NH3 gas molecules with cyclo[18]carbon (C18 nanocluster) is important in developing C18 nanocluster based sensors for hazardous gas detection. In this work, the adsorption performance of these gases with C18 nanocluster was investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculation. We have analyzed structural, electronic and sensing properties of C18 along with Raman spectra to understand the sensing behaviour. We observed that the CO and NO molecules show chemisorption whereas NH3 molecule shows physisorption towards C18 nanocluster. The decrement of HOMO‐LUMO gap after adsorption shows increment in conductivity, which is a good sign for sensor application. The fast recovery time of C18 nanocluster (nanosecond to femtosecond) for CO and NO adsorption makes it portable and its abundance in nature as low‐cost gas sensors. In a nutshell, the analysis of adsorption and electronic properties suggest that the C18 nanocluster can be used as the ultra‐fast hazardous gas sensor.
A Novel Synergetic Effect Between Ru and CeO2 Nanoparticles Leads to Highly Efficient Photothermocatalytic CO2 Reduction by CH4 with Excellent Coking Resistance
Authors: Zhou Zhiyuan , Li Yuanzhi , Hu Qianqian , Wu Jichun , Wu Shaowen , Xie Zhenghai
Published: January 2022

Highly efficient photothermocatalytic CO2 reduction by CH4 (CRM) on Ru/CeO2 is realized by merely using focused UV–vis–IR irradiation. It shows very high production rates of H2 and CO (57.37 and 65.79 mmol min−1 g−1), and a large light‐to‐fuel efficiency (30.6%), much higher than those of Ru/Al2O3. It also shows good catalytic durability and excellent coking resistance with an extremely low coke formation rate (rC), 30.6 times lower than that of Ru/Al2O3. This is attributed to a synergetic effect between Ru and CeO2 nanoparticles. The formation of a Ru/CeO2 interface promotes CH4 dissociation on Ru nanoparticles. The produced carbon species is not only oxidized by the oxygen produced by CO2 dissociation on Ru nanoparticles like Ru/Al2O3, but also by the active oxygen of CeO2. CO2 molecules strongly adsorb on the resultant oxygen vacancies of CeO2, forming a CO2 molecule fence around Ru nanoparticles, accelerate the oxidation of carbon species, thus improving catalytic activity and tremendously reducing rC. The photothermocatalytic CRM on Ru/CeO2 follows a light‐driven thermocatalysis mechanism. A novel photoactivation is found to enhance the catalytic activity due to both CH4 dissociation and the oxidation of carbon species being promoted upon light irradiation.
Analysis of Small RNA Sequencing Data in Plants
Authors: Garg Vanika , Varshney Rajeev K.
Published: January 2022

Over the past decades, next-generation sequencing (NGS) has been employed extensively for investigating the regulatory mechanisms of small RNAs. Several bioinformatics tools are available for aiding biologists to extract meaningful information from enormous amounts of data generated by NGS platforms. This chapter describes a detailed methodology for analyzing small RNA sequencing data using different open source tools. We elaborate on various steps involved in analysis, from processing the raw sequencing reads to identifying miRNAs, their targets, and differential expression studies.
Climate Change Risk and Adaptation
Authors: Tamura Makoto
Published: January 2022

Climate change is considered by many to be the most critical issue of our time, posing a threat to security and socio-economic prosperity at the global level (MFAJ 2017). Asia is very vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, as more than 60% (approximately 4.5 billion) of the world’s people live in the region, making it a growth center of the world (UNDESA 2017).
Sharing Interlocal Adaptation Lessons
Authors: Tamura Makoto , Ito Tetsuji
Published: January 2022

As seen in the previous chapters, Asia is one of the regions most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, as it represents more than 60% of the world’s population, making it the growth center of the world. The climate in East and Southeast Asia is incredibly diverse and includes many climate zones, from tropical to subarctic. The impacts of and adaptations to climate change is this region are also diverse. A variety of adaptation practices have already employed to minimize the risk of climate change among the countries in this area, and a number of similarities and ongoing challenges are apparent. Therefore, to adapt more effectively to climate change, it is essential for these countries to share their knowledge and experiences with each other.
The Southeast Asia Research-Based Network on Climate Change Adaptation Science (SARNCCAS) -Weaving the Wisdom of Climate Change Adaptation into Glocal Networks-
Authors: Ito Tetsuji , Kotera Akihiko
Published: January 2022

In the twenty-first century, the problems caused by climate change are becoming increasingly apparent, especially in developing countries such as those in Southeast Asia. As scientists, we have been hoping to strengthen our academic relationship on this thesis to cooperate and fight against such global problems. Nevertheless, the effects of climate change are not the same in any region of the world. Therefore, attention must be paid to each individual, and it is vital to connect them interlocally. If we could relativize the problems of each country and region, and analyze and examine them more objectively from different angles by networking such research bases, we would likely be able to produce significant results in regard to the sustainable development of this region.
Mixing Grey and Green Infrastructures for Coastal Adaptation in Vietnam
Authors: Tamura Makoto , Pham Oanh Thi
Published: January 2022

Vietnam has approximately 5600 km of coastline and is among the countries most vulnerable to future sea level rise (SLR). In terms of risk of inundation and affected population, Vietnam is one of the countries most at risk from climate change (MONRE 2016; Tamura et al. 2019). According to tide gauge readings, mean sea level increased 2.45 mm/year between 1960 and 2014; satellite data indicates a 3.50 ± 0.7 mm/year rise between 1993 and 2014 (MONRE 2016). As sea levels continue to rise, those living in and near coastal areas face a serious threat.
Climate Change Adaptation Practices Towards Sustainable Watershed Management: The Case of Abuan Watershed in Ilagan City, Philippines
Authors: Balderama Orlando F.
Published: January 2022

In the Philippines, it is the local government units (LGUs) who are at the forefront in implementing initiatives related to disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) and climate change adaptation (CCA) in their respective jurisdictions. The legal framework governing DRRM and CCA devolves to the LGUs the responsibility to prepare and integrate local CCA and DRRM into locally mandated plans, particularly into the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and Comprehensive Development Plans (CDP). The legal framework governing the country’s climate change and disaster risk reduction and management policies are as follows:
Climate Change Adaptation in Fisheries Livelihoods Associated with Mangrove Forests in Xuan Thuy National Park, Vietnam: A Case Study in Giao An Commune, Giao Thuy District, Nam Dinh Province
Authors: Nguyen Thu Hoai
Published: January 2022

As a commune leading in movements of implementing climate change adaptive fisheries livelihood models associated with mangroves such as improved extensive shrimp farming and community-based mangrove management, Giao An has obtained great achievements in all three areas of the economy, society, and environment. Compared with similar models carried out in other regions, the models have created linkages for the development of production activities. The following sharing is expected to contribute more useful information and recommendations for the livelihood development of the study site as well as to be a source of reference for areas with the same conditions.
Invariants for trees of non-archimedean polynomials and skeleta of superelliptic curves
Authors: Helminck Paul Alexander
Published: January 2022

In this paper we generalize the j-invariant criterion for the semistable reduction type of an elliptic curve to superelliptic curves X given by $$y^{n}=f(x)$$

y
n

=
f

(
x
)

. We first define a set of tropical invariants for f(x) using symmetrized Plücker coordinates and we show that these invariants determine the tree associated to f(x). This tree then completely determines the reduction type of X for n that are not divisible by the residue characteristic. The conditions on the tropical invariants that distinguish between the different types are given by half-spaces as in the elliptic curve case. These half-spaces arise naturally as the moduli spaces of certain Newton polygon configurations. We give a procedure to write down their equations and we illustrate this by giving the half-spaces for polynomials of degree $$d\le {5}$$

d
≤
5

.
Multi-point distribution of discrete time periodic TASEP
Authors: Liao Yuchen
Published: January 2022

We study the one-dimensional discrete time totally asymmetric simple exclusion process with parallel update rules on a spatially periodic domain. A multi-point space-time joint distribution formula is obtained for general initial conditions. The formula involves contour integrals of Fredholm determinants with kernels acting on certain discrete spaces. For a class of initial conditions satisfying certain technical assumptions, we are able to derive large-time, large-period limit of the joint distribution, under the relaxation time scale $$t=O(L^{3/2})$$

t
=
O
(

L

3
/
2

)

when the height fluctuations are critically affected by the finite geometry. The assumptions are verified for the step and flat initial conditions. As a corollary we obtain the multi-point distribution of discrete time TASEP on the whole integer lattice $${\mathbb {Z}}$$
Z
by taking the period L large enough so that the finite-time distribution is not affected by the boundary. The large time limit for the multi-time distribution of discrete time TASEP on $${\mathbb {Z}}$$
Z
is then obtained for the step initial condition.
Determination of rainy season onset and cessation based on a flexible driest period
Authors: Ferijal Teuku , Batelaan Okke , Shanafield Margaret , Alfahmi Furqon
Published: January 2022

A fixed climatological year is generally used to determine rainy season onset and cessation. However, due to changes in climate, the fixed climatological year might not be the right basis for the onset and cessation dates estimation. This study proposes the usage of the driest period in the year to establish a flexible climatological year to determine rainy season onset and cessation dates. The driest period of a climatological year is defined as the period of 14 consecutive days, which has the lowest accumulated precipitation. The flexible climatological year begins on the first day of the driest period and ends before the driest period of next year. The onset and cessation dates resulting using this new flexible climatological year are compared against those resulting from the traditional approach. Three onset estimation methods were selected for demonstration of the method: agronomy, anomalous accumulation, and a modified local method. The results showed that overall, the three methods produced similar onsets for both types of climatological years. However, the use of a flexible year showed clear advantages in the application of anomalous accumulation for large and heterogeneous climatic zones because it helped to set a start date and an average daily precipitation, which improved the onset and cessation date calculations.
Information Resilience: the nexus of responsible and agile approaches to information use
Authors: Sadiq Shazia , Aryani Amir , Demartini Gianluca , Hua Wen , Indulska Marta , Burton-Jones Andrew , Khosravi Hassan , Benavides-Prado Diana , Sellis Timos , Someh Ida , Vaithianathan Rhema , Wang Sen , Zhou Xiaofang
Published: January 2022

The appetite for effective use of information assets has been steadily rising in both public and private sector organisations. However, whether the information is used for social good or commercial gain, there is a growing recognition of the complex socio-technical challenges associated with balancing the diverse demands of regulatory compliance and data privacy, social expectations and ethical use, business process agility and value creation, and scarcity of data science talent. In this vision paper, we present a series of case studies that highlight these interconnected challenges, across a range of application areas. We use the insights from the case studies to introduce Information Resilience, as a scaffold within which the competing requirements of responsible and agile approaches to information use can be positioned. The aim of this paper is to develop and present a manifesto for Information Resilience that can serve as a reference for future research and development in relevant areas of responsible data management.
Bioclimatic habitat limitations for argan trees (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) in Northern Africa and Spain
Authors: Labarca-Rojas Yalbeiry , Hernández-Bermejo J. Esteban , Quero José L. , Herrera-Molina Francisca
Published: January 2022

Argania spinosa L. Skeels is an Algerian-Moroccan endemic tree. This species is part of various plant communities consisting of Mediterranean, Macaronesian and Saharan floristic elements. It has been introduced and perhaps sometimes naturalized in various regions of the Mediterranean basin. Due to its role in combating desertification, high socio-economic value, and traditional use as fodder and food, the southwestern Moroccan argan grove (Arganeraie) was declared Biosphere Reserve. It had already been subject to conservation and reforestation programs a century earlier. Its cultivation for oil production could be, besides an economic objective, an effective method to conserve its genetic diversity. Therefore, this study aims to estimate its potential distribution and establish efficient breeding programs by determining its ecological requirements, identifying its different habitats, and predicting habitat suitability models for Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Spain. Using 53 occurrence points, wind speed and direction data, and 29 bioclimatic variables, multivariate methods were applied to describe the ecological profiles and characterize the heterogeneity of its habitat to subsequently, train a Maxent model that establishes, besides Morocco and Algeria, suitable cultivation areas in Tunisia and Spain. The North African potential area is limited to the western Mediterranean coast of Algeria and flat and coastal areas of eastern Tunisia. The increased likelihood of suitability remains in the southeast Iberian Peninsula. A high probability of argan cultivation is also evident in the Canary Islands. These results provide possibilities for future expansion of argan crop and a window of opportunity to improve its genetic diversity and conservation.
Parametric pseudodifferential operators with point-singularity in the covariable
Authors: Seiler Jörg
Published: January 2022

Starting out from a new description of a class of parameter-dependent pseudodifferential operators with finite regularity number due to G. Grubb, we introduce a calculus of parameter-dependent, poly-homogeneous symbols whose homogeneous components have a particular type of point-singularity in the covariable-parameter space. Such symbols admit intrinsically a second kind of expansion which is closely related to the expansion in the Grubb–Seeley calculus and permits to recover the resolvent-trace expansion for elliptic pseudodifferential operators originally proved by Grubb–Seeley. Another application is the invertibility of parameter-dependent operators of Toeplitz type, i.e., operators acting in subspaces determined by zero-order pseudodifferential idempotents.
Exploring modes of engagement within reform-oriented primary mathematics textbooks in India
Authors: Nag Chowdhuri Meghna
Published: January 2022

In India, a curriculum reform inspired by critical perspectives has sought to transform primary mathematics teaching and learning. It is aimed at strengthening socio-cultural-political connections between school mathematics and students’ life experiences, thereby challenging traditional textbook culture. At the same time, this initiative has retained the textbook as a vehicle of reform while seeking to subvert many of its established conventions. Guided by Remillard’s idea of modes of engagement, this paper analyses the innovativeMath-Magictextbooks associated with the Indian National Curriculum Framework. It investigates how these textbooks represent and communicate the framework ideas, focusing on key curricular elements and on the teacher as reader. Analysing the ‘voice’ and ‘structure’ of the textbooks as well as the ‘contexts’ used, it is revealed that they use a radically unique voice to introduce school mathematics while also attempting to use authentic and socially relevant contexts within their tasks. However, they have limited structural support to communicate these ideas clearly to the teacher-reader. The paper has implications for studying reformed textbooks in primary school mathematics in the Global South, where they remain the main teaching resource for teachers. Further, by focusing on ‘context’, the notion of modes of engagement within textbooks is extended through socio-cultural perspectives.
Type of hormonal treatment administered to induce vitellogenesis in European eel influences biochemical composition of eggs and yolk-sac larvae
Authors: Benini E. , Politis S.N. , Nielsen A. , Sørensen S. R. , Tomkiewicz J. , Engrola S.
Published: January 2022

Egg biochemical composition is among the main factors affecting offspring quality and survival during the yolk-sac stage, when larvae depend exclusively on yolk nutrients. These nutrients are primarily embedded in the developing oocytes during vitellogenesis. In aquaculture, assisted reproduction procedures may be applied enabling gamete production. For the European eel (Anguilla anguilla), reproductive treatment involves administration of pituitary extracts from carp (CPE) or salmon (SPE) to induce and sustain vitellogenesis. In the present study, we compared the influence of CPE and SPE treatments on offspring quality and composition as well as nutrient utilization during the yolk-sac stage. Thus, dry weight, proximal composition (total lipid, total protein), free amino acids, and fatty acids were assessed in eggs and larvae throughout the yolk-sac stage, where body and oil-droplet area were measured to estimate growth rate, oil-droplet utilization, and oil-droplet utilization efficiency. The results showed that CPE females spawned eggs with higher lipid and free amino acid contents. However, SPE females produced more buoyant eggs with higher fertilization rate as well as larger larvae with more energy reserves (estimated as oil-droplet area). Overall, general patterns of nutrient utilization were detected, such as the amount of total lipid and monounsaturated fatty acids decreasing from the egg stage and throughout the yolk-sac larval stage. On the contrary, essential fatty acids and free amino acids were retained. Notably, towards the end of the yolk-sac stage, the proximal composition and biometry of surviving larvae, from both treatments, were similar.
Digital Resilience Through Training Protocols: Learning To Identify Fake News On Social Media
Authors: Soetekouw Lisa , Angelopoulos Spyros
Published: January 2022

We explore whether training protocols can enhance the ability of social media users to detect fake news, by conducting an online experiment (N = 417) to analyse the effect of such a training protocol, while considering the role of scepticism, age, and level of education. Our findings show a significant relationship between the training protocol and the ability of social media users to detect fake news, suggesting that the protocol can play a positive role in training social media users to recognize fake news. Moreover, we find a direct positive relationship between age and level of education on the one hand and ability to detect fake news on the other, which has implications for future research. We demonstrate the potential of training protocols in countering the effects of fake news, as a scalable solution that empowers users and addresses concerns about the time-consuming nature of fact-checking.
Optimized Degradation of Eosin Dye Through UV-ZnO NPs Catalyzed Reaction
Authors: Farouq Rania , Ismaeel Ehsan Kh. , Monazie Aliaa M.
Published: January 2022

The present study is set out to determine the photocatalytic degradation potential of ZnO nanoparticles for effective degradation of Eosin dye. The heterogeneous photocatalytic experiments were carried out by irradiating aqueous dye solutions with ultraviolet light. The influence of effective parameters like flow rate, pH, catalyst dose, and dye concentration was examined. The best degradation efficiency (66.82%) of ZnO Nanoparticles against Eosin dye was achieved within 90 min of reaction time. The Box–Behnken design under the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was chosen as a statistical tool to obtain the correlation of influential parameters. The optimum values were recorded as follows: 0.59 g, 15.75 ppm and 136.12 ml/min for amount of catalyst, dye concentration and flow rate, respectively. The maximum percent degradation achieved at these conditions was 71.44%.
Associations Among Violence Victimization and/or Exploitation of Minors and Later Young Adulthood Violence
Authors: Franchino-Olsen Hannabeth , Martin Sandra L. , Halpern Carolyn T. , Preisser John S. , Zimmer Catherine , Shanahan Meghan
Published: January 2022

Little is known about how minor sex exchange (MSE) may impact violence victimization during adulthood. This study investigates potential associations between MSE and forms of interpersonal violence victimization in young adulthood, while controlling for additional forms of violence experienced in childhood and adolescence. Data from The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (n = 11,500) were used in this analysis. Multivariable logistic regression estimated associations between adolescent victimizations and interpersonal violence in young adulthood, while controlling for demographic variables, adolescent risk behaviors, and child maltreatment. Although multivariable models found that MSE was not significantly associated with either form of interpersonal violence in young adulthood, adolescent IPV and community violence significantly increased the likelihood of IPV in young adulthood, and adolescent community violence significantly increased the likelihood of community violence in young adulthood. Adolescent risk behaviors, child maltreatment, and certain demographic characteristics were also associated with violence in young adulthood. Prevention, intervention, and screening efforts should consider how violence victimization across the life course—from childhood to young adulthood—impacts the experiences and needs of violence survivors.
Lonely in a Crowd: Cohort Size and Happiness in the United Kingdom
Authors: Ye Yiwan , Shu Xiaoling
Published: January 2022

Studies have shown that happiness level varies significantly across birth cohorts and baby boomers are the unhappiest of all birth cohorts. Yet, we don’t know if this is due to their large cohort size negatively affecting happiness. We question whether people born in high fertility times are unhappy because they suffer more from economic setbacks and/or social strains. Using 9 waves of data from the European Social Survey United Kingdom Subset 2002–2018 (N = 19,364) and hierarchical age-period-cohort cross-classified models, we analyze the effects of cohort size, socioeconomic status, marital status, and sociality on happiness. Cohort size, marital status, and sociality are the top three factors of cohort difference in happiness, but socioeconomic status is not. Cohort size is negatively associated with happiness. Income, education, or employment are not the source of unhappiness among the Boomers. Besides being members of a large cohort, the Boomers have two known factors against their odds: they are the most likely to separate and divorce and the least likely to socialize with friends despite having a large number of peers. Social disintegration and deprivation, not economic impoverishment, appears to be the culprit of unhappiness of the UK Baby Boomers.
Variation of uncertainty of drainage density in flood hazard mapping assessment with coupled 1D–2D hydrodynamics model
Authors: Yang Song-Yue , Chang Che-Hao , Hsu Chih-Tsung , Wu Shiang-Jen
Published: January 2022

Coupled 1D–2D hydrodynamic models are widely utilized in flood hazard mapping. Previous studies adopted conceptual hydrological models or 1D hydrodynamic models to evaluate the impact of drainage density on river flow. However, the drainage density affects not only river flow, but also the flooded area and location. Therefore, this work adopts the 1D–2D model SOBEK to investigate the impact of drainage density on river flow. The uncertainty of drainage density in flood hazard mapping is assessed by a designed case and a real case, Yanshuixi Drainage in Tainan, Taiwan. Analytical results indicate that under the same return period rainfall, reduction in tributary drainages in a model (indicating a lower drainage density) results in an underestimate of the flooded area in tributary drainages. This underestimate causes higher peak discharges and total volume of discharges in the drainages, leading to flooding in certain downstream reaches, thereby overestimating the flooded area. The uncertainty of drainage density decreases with increased rainfall. We suggest that modeling flood hazard mapping with low return period rainfalls requires tributary drainages. For extreme rainfall events, a lower drainage density could be selected, but the drainage density of local key areas should be raised.
Multiphysics Modelling and Simulation of Thrombolysis via Activated Platelet-Targeted Nanomedicine
Authors: Gu Boram , Huang Yu , Manchester Emily Louise , Hughes Alun D. , Thom Simon A. McG. , Chen Rongjun , Xu Xiao Yun
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study establishes a multiphysics simulation platform for both conventional and targeted thrombolysis using tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Based on our computational results, the effects of therapeutic parameters on the dynamics of thrombolysis and the risk of side effects are investigated.

Methods

The model extends our previously developed one-dimensional(1D) mathematical models for fibrinolysis by incorporating targeted thrombolysis. It consists of two parts: (i) a coupled mathematical model of systemic pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) and local PD in a 1D occluded artery, and (ii) a mechanistic model for a targeted thrombolytic system via activated platelet-targeted tPA-loaded nanovesicles (tPA-NV), with model parameters derived from our in vitro experiments. A total of 16 therapeutic scenarios are simulated by varying the clot location and composition as well as the dosing regimen with free tPA or tPA-NV.

Results

Our simulation results indicate that tPA-NV offers several advantages over free tPA for thrombolysis. It reduces systemic exposure of tPA, thereby minimising the risk of bleeding complications. Simulations with different tPA-NV doses reveal that tPA-NV at 10% of the recommended dose can be as effective as the standard regimen with the full recommended dose of free tPA, demonstrating the potential of our tPA-NV as a new thrombolytic strategy with a reduced tPA dose. Moreover, faster recanalisation can be achieved with tPA-NV, especially for platelet-rich(or fibrin-poor) clots.

Conclusions

Our simulation platform for thrombolysis with well-tuned model parameters can be used to evaluate and optimise treatment regimens of existing and new thrombolytic therapies via benefit/risk assessment under various therapeutic scenarios.
Integrated management of Striga gesnerioides in cowpea using resistant varieties, improved crop nutrition and rhizobium inoculants
Authors: Abdullahi Wajiha M. , Dianda Mahamadi , Boukar Ousmane , Dieng Ibnou , Mohammed Gaya S. , Belko Nouhoun , Togola Abou , Muhammad Hayat , Kanampiu Fred , Giller Ken E. , Vanlauwe Bernard
Published: January 2022

Background

Cowpea is a grain legume of major importance in sub-Saharan Africa where it is cultivated by smallholder farmers on poor soils and production is often constrained by the parasitic weed Striga gesnerioides.

Method

Experiments were conducted to assess the potential of rhizobium inoculation to mitigate Striga infection and increase cowpea productivity. We infested soils with S. gesnerioides and assessed the impact of treatments combining cowpea genotypes and bradyrhizobium inoculation on Striga dynamics and cowpea yield. In total, 20 cowpea genotypes were included, of which nine were resistant to Striga and 11 were susceptible. In the first experiment these were factorially combined with three inoculation options (two bradyrhizobium strains USDA3384 and IRJ2180A, and uninoculated control) in a screen-house using potted sterile soils. Second, the same trial was repeated in the field with basal phosphorus applied at sowing and a fourth treatment of fertilizer-N (urea) included testing whether N was limiting cowpea growth. The field trial also included a separate treatment with no input that served as a negative check.

Result

Significant genotype x treatment interactions were observed in nodule counts, Striga attachment, emergence, and cowpea shoot growth in the screen-house. There were few nodules across all cowpea lines. Striga counts were the lowest for resistant varieties with no emerged plants. Rhizobial inoculants depressed Striga counts with consistent differences across cowpea genotypes. Inoculation with IRJ2180A performed the best against Striga attachment in resistant genotypes, and against Striga emergence in susceptible genotypes. In the field trial, cowpea grown without inputs had the least number of nodules. The genotype x treatment interaction was significant: resistant cowpea genotypes were free of emerged Striga while there was much more Striga emergence without input addition with susceptible genotypes. A significant genotype x treatment interaction was observed on cowpea grain yield. Yield response to inoculation was clearest with resistant genotypes inoculated with the strain IRJ2180A.

Conclusion

The integrated use of Striga-resistant cowpea lines, basal phosphorus fertilizer and elite bradyrhizobium inoculants is a promising approach to mitigate Striga infection and increase cowpea productivity.
Higher-Order Optimality Conditions in Set-Valued Optimization with Respect to General Preference Mappings
Authors: Michalak Anna , Studniarski Marcin
Published: January 2022

We present higher order necessary conditions for a model of welfare economics, where the preference mapping has a star-shape property. We assume that the preferences can be satiable and can be described by an arbitrary preference set, without the use of utility functions. These conditions are formulated in terms of higher-order directional derivatives of multivalued mappings, and the variable domination structure is not given by cones.