bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imperial entomology: Boris P. Uvarov and locusts, c.1920–c.1950
Authors: Worboys Michael
Published: January 2022

In this article, I explore how the twin forces of imperial and entomological power allowed Britain to shape locust research and control across Africa, the Middle East and South Asia from the 1920s to the early 1950s. Imperial power came from the size of the formal and informal empire, and alliances with other colonial powers to tackle a common threat to agriculture and trade. Entomological authority came primarily from the work of Boris Uvarov and his small team of museum and fieldworkers based at the Imperial Bureau of Entomology (IBE), later the Imperial Institute of Entomology (IIE). I begin by discussing how Uvarov's phase theory of the origin of swarming changed the prospects for the control of locust plagues. The imperial gaze and networks of the IBE and IIE were suited to a problem that was transnational and transcontinental. In the 1930s, Britain was drawn into plans for international cooperation on locust organizations that met the needs of science, to give better sharing of knowledge, and the needs for science, to secure the resources for research and control. However, such organizations were only created during the Second World War, when new plagues threatened military operations, as I show in relation to the measures taken to control the red locust and desert locust. In the final section, I follow the fate of the wartime cooperation in initiatives to establish permanent control organizations. It is a story of the decline of British political power in locust affairs as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and regional agencies took over. My account of British locust research and control reveals a neglected aspect of histories of entomology and imperial/colonial science, especially their international relations and the continuing importance of metropolitan research centres.
The ‘theory of the unity of all classes and races against foreign capital’ in Malaya: Socialism, communalism, and uneven development in the thought of James Puthucheary
Authors: Brophy Charles
Published: January 2022

Based on the writings of James Puthucheary in the late 1950s and early 1960s, this article seeks to highlight Puthucheary's contribution to debates within the Malayan Left on the national question. It will highlight Puthucheary's situating of the Malayan Left within a wider transnational flow of nationalist, anti-imperialist, and socialist thought, as well as his attempt—through his own Marxist-influenced assessment of the Malayan situation—to answer the political problem of the relationship between socialist politics and nationalism in Malaya. In doing so the article will highlight the way in which Puthucheary's own position on questions of education and language policy placed him in opposition to dominant trends within the Malayan Communist Party and the left-wing of the People's Action Party, provided a theorizing of the need for nation-building within Malayan socialism, and contributed towards a socialist politics which placed emphasis upon economic development and cultural nation-building from the perspective of the Malay peasantry. The article finally goes on to explore Puthucheary's subsequent disengagement from politics in the early 1960s and the growing limitations of a socialist politics of nation-building in Malaya, which led Puthucheary and others on the Left to contribute towards a programme of nation-building within existing institutions and parties in the 1960s and 1970s.
Sunlight and free markets: an urban political ecological perspective on social housing in Victorian London (1850–1914)
Authors: Grant Anna Christine , Njeru Jeremia
Published: January 2022

Urban political ecology (UPE) provides an appropriate framework to consider the ways in which natural elements and concepts of nature have been incorporated into built environments, because of its emphasis on and elaboration of the concept of socio-natures and its focus on how the costs and benefits of these natural elements are apportioned between people of different classes in cities. This article considers how reformers’ ideas about nature shaped the kinds of social housing they developed in nineteenth- and early twentieth-century London.
Who Does the Caring? Gender Disparities in COVID-19 Attitudes and Behaviors
Authors: Carreras Miguel , Vera Sofia , Visconti Giancarlo
Published: January 2022

Do men and women exhibit different attitudes and behaviors toward COVID-19 public health measures? Is there a gender gap in support for and compliance with government recommendations during a public health crisis? While the disproportionate effect of the pandemic on women suggests that they would oppose burdensome quarantine measures, theories of gender differences in prosocial and communion attitudes indicate that women should be more likely to conform with public health measures designed to protect the most vulnerable. We test hypotheses about a gender gap in attitudes toward public health recommendations through an original, nationally representative survey implemented in Peru, one of the countries hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic, and the construction of a representative matched sample that allows us to make comparisons between women and men. We find that women are more likely than men to endorse lockdown measures and to support the continuation of a nationwide quarantine. We also find evidence of a gender gap in compliance with public health recommendations about avoiding crowded areas and social gatherings. Our findings have important policy implications. The results suggest that public health recommendations to fight COVID-19 should be framed in a way that maximizes compliance by both men and women.
High‐Speed Video Observations of Needles in a Positive Cloud‐to‐Ground Lightning Flash
Authors: Wu Bin , Lyu Weitao , Qi Qi , Ma Ying , Chen Lyuwen , Rakov Vladimir A. , Lyu Fanchao , Zhang Yang , Liu Hengyi
Published: January 2022

High‐speed video data were used to analyze the initiation and propagation of 36 needles and their associated 306 flickering events observed in a single‐stroke positive cloud‐to‐ground (+CG) flash. The needles occurred during the return‐stroke later stage and the continuing current, within approximate 10 ms after the onset of the +CG return stroke. They initiated near the lateral surface of the predominantly horizontal channel and extended almost perpendicular to that channel. Flickering events are recoil type streamers (or leaders) that retrace the channels created by needles. Flickering events can be repetitive and are classified into four categories based on different scenarios of their occurrence. Needles are caused by the radial motion of negative charge from the hot core of the positive‐leader channel into the positive corona sheath surrounding the core, when the core is rapidly recharged (its radial electric field reversed) by the return‐stroke process and during the following continuing current.
Azimuthal Anisotropy Tomography of the Southeast Asia Subduction System
Authors: Hua Yuanyuan , Zhao Dapeng , Xu Yi‐Gang
Published: January 2022

A detailed 3‐D model of P wave isotropic velocity and azimuthal anisotropy beneath SE Asia is obtained by jointly inverting local earthquake arrival times and teleseismic relative travel‐time residuals. Our results show that the high‐velocity (high‐V) subducting Australian slab has penetrated through the mantle transition zone (MTZ) and reached a depth of ∼1,200 km beneath Sumatra, whereas the high‐V slab has subducted toward the north and trapped within the MTZ beneath Java. The Hainan mantle plume is revealed clearly as a significant low‐velocity anomaly beneath the MTZ, which extends down to the bottom of our model (∼1,600‐km depth). The upwelling of the Hainan plume is resisted by the stagnant slab in the MTZ, resulting in divergent fast‐velocity directions of azimuthal anisotropy beneath the stagnant slab. The detailed results of seismic tomography and azimuthal anisotropy provide important new information on the complex mantle structure and dynamics of the SE Asian region, in particular, the subducting slabs and the Hainan plume, as well as their interactions.
Simulating Lagrangian Subgrid‐Scale Dispersion on Neutral Surfaces in the Ocean
Authors: Reijnders Daan , Deleersnijder Eric , van Sebille Erik
Published: January 2022

To capture the effects of mesoscale turbulent eddies, coarse‐resolution Eulerian ocean models resort to tracer diffusion parameterizations. Likewise, the effect of eddy dispersion needs to be parameterized when computing Lagrangian pathways using coarse flow fields. Dispersion in Lagrangian simulations is traditionally parameterized by random walks, equivalent to diffusion in Eulerian models. Beyond random walks, there is a hierarchy of stochastic parameterizations, where stochastic perturbations are added to Lagrangian particle velocities, accelerations, or hyper‐accelerations. These parameterizations are referred to as the first, second and third order “Markov models” (Markov‐N), respectively. Most previous studies investigate these parameterizations in two‐dimensional setups, often restricted to the ocean surface. On the other hand, the few studies that investigated Lagrangian dispersion parameterizations in three dimensions, where dispersion is largely restricted to neutrally buoyant surfaces, have focused only on random walk (Markov‐0) dispersion. Here, we present a three‐dimensional isoneutral formulation of the Markov‐1 model. We also implement an anisotropic, shear‐dependent formulation of random walk dispersion, originally formulated as a Eulerian diffusion parameterization. Random walk dispersion and Markov‐1 are compared using an idealized setup as well as more realistic coarse and coarsened (50 km) ocean model output. While random walk dispersion and Markov‐1 produce similar particle distributions over time when using our ocean model output, Markov‐1 yields Lagrangian trajectories that better resemble trajectories from eddy‐resolving simulations. Markov‐1 also yields a smaller spurious dianeutral flux.
Inflection in size-dependence of thermally enhanced up-conversion luminescence of UCNPs
Authors: Xu Jie , Cheng Yao , Xu Ju , Lin Hang , Wang Yuansheng
Published: January 2022

The investigation on the size-dependence of UCL thermal behavior of UCNPs with the size down to 3 nm reveals an inflection in the size-dependence of the thermo-enhanced luminescence of UCNPs.
Behavioural pattern in changes to diets and food availability during broodstock conditioning of captive clam Ruditapes decussates
Authors: Ouagajjou Yassine , Aghzar Adil , Ahensal Meriem , Berday Nadia , Idhalla Mohamed
Published: January 2022

In terms of the nutritional needs, the choice of the appropriate phytoplankton strain is the main criterion during bivalves breeding improvement in captivity. Seven nutritional diets based on tree microalgae species (Chaetoceros calcitrans, Tetraselmis suecica and Pavlova lutheri), and seven feeding rations (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5% and 6%) were used to assess the nutritional pattern of Ruditapes decussatus during conditioning practices. All regimes have shown the highest ingestion rate at low food availability (1% to 3%) with a leaning to diets based on C. Calcitrans followed by T. suecica and P. lutheri respectively.A significant influence of diets quality on absorption efficiency of phytoplankton was observed for both monospecific and bispecific diets (F = 21.78, p =3.2 10-7 *** and F = 250.09, p= 2.2 10-16 ***respectively). Whereas, low influence of food availability on absorption efficiency among all used rations has been revealed by clams reared under mono, bi and trispecific diets respectively (F = 11,19, p= 1.9 10-7 ***; F = 16,63, p= 1.03 10-9 *** and F = 2.78, p=0.0534ns). Consequently, this study could be handled as a standard protocol for conditioning process in furtherance of yield maximizing and cost minimizing during spat production of bivalves in hatcheries.
Phenotypic polymorphism, pomological and chemical characteristics of some local varieties of fig trees (Ficus carica L.) grown in Eastern Morocco
Authors: Tikent Aziz , Marhri Ahmed , Mihamou Atika , Sahib Nargis , Serghini-Caid Hana , Elamrani Ahmed , Abid Malika , Addi Mohamed
Published: January 2022

The fig tree (Ficus carica L.) is one of the earliest fruit trees cultivated in Morocco, especially in the north-eastern region; which is growing inextricably linked to our social and cultural heritage. This study concerns morpho-pomological and chemical parameters of five local fig varieties, namely: Aounk Hmam “AH”, Chetoui “CH”, Bounacer “BN”, Ghoudane “GH”, and Malha “MA”. Significant differences were observed among the studied fig cultivars for some of the parameters investigated. In particular, the average fruit weight that ranged from 29.72 g to 58g for MA and AH respectively. At the ripening stage, fruits “MA” show the best skin cracks, while fruits “AH” are distinguished by their ease of peeling.In terms of titratable acidity, “AH” has the lowest value, while “CH” has the highest level. For the sweetest and tastiest variety of figs, Brix readings (expressed as total soluble solids content) registred range between 27 - 35% respectively for the MA and GH . According to the results of the parameters evaluated, particularly the acidity and the Brix index, the best varieties worthy of consideration from an agricultural and industrial point of view are “AH” and “CH” cultivars.
CNTs modified ZnO and TiO2 thin films: The effect of loading rate on band offset at metal / semiconductor interfaces
Authors: Ziat Younes , Hammi Maryama , Belkhanchi Hamza , Ifguis Ousama , Rzaoudi Saloua , Laghlimi Charaf , Moutcine Abdelaziz , Lazrak Charaf
Published: January 2022

ZnO and TiO2 are direct wide band gap semiconductors with intriguing properties. A wide range of applications makes it one of the most studied materials in the past decade, particularly when elaborated as nanostructures. In this work, we focus on synthesis of CNTs modified ZnO and TiO2 thin films using sol-gel method. The morphological and optical characterizations of the based ZnO and TiO2 films were carried out using scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), XRD and UV spectroscopy. Electrical properties of the deposited ZnO/CNTs and CNTs /TiO2 were studied using I-V measurements at room temperature in metal/semiconductor/metal configuration, by the use of an array of metallic micro-electrodes deposited on the surface of the elaborated thin films. This allows determining qualitatively the electrical conductivity of thin films and the different parameters of the Schottky junction between the composites nano-films and the substrate. This study is necessary for future applications in solar cell.
Isolation and characterization of bacteria producing hydrolase enzymes from two moroccan hypersaline environments
Authors: El berkaoui Abdessamad , Ait alla Aicha , Moukrim Abdellatif , El filali Faissal , Hanoune Said , Boum’handi Naima
Published: January 2022

Halophilic bacteria are a group of microorganisms living in saline environments and in some cases need the salinity to survive. Furthermore,these bacteria species have the potential for interesting and promising applications. In fact, this is due not only to their ability to adapt to extreme physico-chemical conditions but also because many of them they produce interesting substances for the industry such as extracellular hydrolytic enzymes.The present study aims to isolate and characterize halophilic bacteria producing hydrolase enzymes from twosalinesin Sidi Moussa-Oualidia complex (Morocco) and to screen their potential to produce hydrolase enzymes. In this study, 15 halophilic bacteria were identified and analyzed for their ability to produce extracellular enzymes. The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequencing indicated that the 15 isolated strains belong to the generaBacillus, Oceanobacillus andVirgibacillus. The study of enzymatic activity revealed that all isolates studied were capable of producing at least one extracellular hydrolytic enzyme of which 9 produced amylase, 6 cellulase, 13 DNase, 11 lipase, and 8 protease. In addition to their ability to produce extracellular hydrolytic enzymes, our isolates have demonstrated their potential adaption to extreme Physico-chemical conditions. These properties could allow them to be used for many industrial applications.
Effect of long-term fertilization on bacterial community in a sandy loam soil and its relation to organic carbon accumulation
Authors: Zhang Huanjun , Wang Xixi , Li Yi , Ding Weixin
Published: January 2022

Fertilization can affect the transformation of soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil microbial community composition. However, thus far, how SOC accumulation in association with bacterial community is still unclear. We collected arable soils (aquic inceptisol) from a long-term fertilization experiment (20 years) including compost (CM), inorganic nitrogen + phosphorus + potassium (NPK), half compost N plus half inorganic fertilizer N (HCM), NP, NK, PK, and untreated (Control). We investigated the relationship between the SOC accumulation rate and bacterial community composition measured by high-throughput sequencing. The highest SOC accumulation rate was observed in the compost treatments. Furthermore, compost and balanced NPK treatments increased soil carbohydrate content significantly (P < 0.05), while no such enhancement was observed following NK and PK application. Compared with the Control, fertilization substantially reduced the effective diffusion coefficient of oxygen in soil. Meanwhile, fertilization lowered the relative abundance (RA) of Bacteroidetes but increased the RA of Proteobacteria. Compost application increased the RA of Firmicutes, while inorganic fertilizers reduced it. The RA of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were significantly and positively correlated with the SOC and carbohydrate content and the SOC accumulation rate (P < 0.05). SOC accumulation was also accompanied with the reduction in the effective diffusion coefficient of oxygen in soil. Our results indicated that poor aeration may induce a shift in the microbial community composition and a transition from aerobic to anaerobic degradation of SOC, thereby favoring SOC accumulation.
Fast prediction method of tight gas production based on segmented decline
Authors: Fan Zhiqiang , Wen Kaifeng , Zhang Tao , Jiang Tingting , Gong Xiaoke , Jing Min
Published: January 2022

The physical properties of tight gas reservoirs are poor. During the stable production period of gas wells, most of the recoverable reserves are produced in the declining stage. It is of great significance to accurately study the declining law of tight gas. However, tight gas production declines rapidly in the early stage and slower in the middle and late stages, and the single model fitting and prediction results have large errors. In view of the above problems, according to the production change characteristics of tight gas wells, the decline stage is divided into three stages, and a segmented production decline law analysis method is established. The research results show that the early production decline of tight gas wells is exponential decline, the relatively slow middle-term production decline belongs to depletion decline, and the late production decline belongs to linear decline. Based on the study of the law of production decline, a gas reservoir production prediction software was compiled, and the production variation characteristics of single wells and gas reservoirs under certain stable production requirements were studied.
Optimization of hot-press process and structural characterization of PF Camellia oleifera cake adhesive
Authors: Hu Xiao , Zeng Rui , Li Yuyuan , Zhou Jinghua , Li Xi , Wang Yong , Li Xiang , Wang Dong
Published: January 2022

In this paper, the result based on the techniques of indoor wood adhesive of Camellia oleifera cake and manufacturing of manmade board suggests that the most appropriate condition of preparation this adhesive is that the solid content is 50%, the reaction temperature is 50 °C, the reaction time is 40min, the dosage of PF resin prepolymer accounts for 50 percent. The pH of the reaction medium is 10 and the dosage of SDBS is 1%. The proper conditions hot pressing process of PF Camellia oleifera cake adhesive for bonding plywood are the hot pressing temperature is 120 ℃, and the hot pressing time is 0.7min/mm (42 s / mm), the gluing amount is 120g/m2, and the hot pressing pressure is 1.1MPa. The average water-resistant bonding strength of the plywood prepared under this condition is 0.79mpa, which meets the requirements of class II plate in the national standard GB / T 9846.3-2004. The emission of formaldehyde is 0.38 mg / L, which meets the requirements of class E0 plate in the national standard GB 18580-2001. What’s more, the cost is the lowest among all the techniques.
Uso de denosumab en quiste óseo aneurismático: Revisión de la literatura
Authors: Baima Filho Francisco de Assis Serra
Published: January 2022

Introducción Los quistes óseos aneurismáticos (QOAs) son tumores benignos, localmente agresivos, y con importante potencial de recidiva, que representan aproximadamente el 1% de todos los tumores óseos. Se describen múltiples tratamientos, como: escisión intralesional, embolización arterial selectiva, inyección de agentes esclerosantes, y radiación. Estos tratamientos tienen una tasa variable de eficacia, ya que la recurrencia puede llegar al 20% y puede estar asociada a comorbidades graves como la pérda funcional de la extremidad.

Objetivo Realizar una revisión integradora de la literatura sobre el uso de denosumab para el tratamiento de QOAs, describiendo el perfil epidemiológico, la dosis utilizada, y las complicaciones.

Método Se recopilaron artículos publicados en los últimos cinco años en la base de datos PubMed. La información recogida de los casos reportados fue la edad, el sexo, la ubicación del tumor, la realización de cirugía antes y/o después del tratamiento con denosumab, la dosis utilizada, las complicaciones, y la recurrencia.

Resultados Se analizaron 7 artículos, 4 reportes de casos y 3 series de casos, escritos en inglés, y publicados de 2014 a 2019. La mayoría de los pacientes eran del sexo femenino, con una edad promedio de 14 años, y el tumor localizado en la columna.

Conclusión El uso de denosumab en el tratamiento de QOAs ha tenido una buena respuesta, ya que tiene bajas tasas de recurrencia y complicaciones; sin embargo, hacen falta más estudios para definir el protocolo de tratamiento.
Cassava pulp can be nutritionally improved by yeast and various crude protein levels fed to cattle
Authors: Norrapoke Thitima , Pongjongmit Tanitpan , Polyorach Sineenart
Published: January 2022

Context Dietary supplementation especially feed residues improve by yeast affected rumen fermentation. Aims The aim of the present experiment was to determine the nutritive value, fermentation efficiency and rumen ecology of yeast-fermented cassava pulp, under the use of two levels of protein in concentrate mixtures, in beef cattle. Methods Four beef cattle, 2–3 years of age, were randomly assigned to the following treatments according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design: cassava pulp fermented either with baker’s yeast or LDD 6 (Factor A), with 16% or 18% CP in concentrate (Factor B). Key results CP digestibility and blood urea nitrogen were higher in animals fed both baker’s yeast-fermented and LDD 6-fermented cassava pulp with 18% CP than in those fed baker’s yeast-fermented cassava pulp with 16% CP and LDD 6-fermented cassava pulp with 16% CP. The highest total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) and butyrate (C4) concentrations were in animals fed baker’s yeast-fermented cassava pulp with 16% CP. Moreover, CH4 production was at its lowest when animals were fed with baker’s yeast-fermented cassava pulp together with a concentrate with 16% CP. Animal’s fed baker’s yeast-fermented and LDD 6-fermented cassava pulp with 18% CP had higher concentrations of purine derivatives, higher microbial nitrogen supply and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis than did those fed either baker’s yeast-fermented or LDD 6-fermented cassava pulp with 16% CP. In addition, protozoa population in animals fed baker’s yeast-fermented cassava pulp was lower than in those fed LDD 6-fermented cassava pulp, and baker’s yeast-fermented cassava pulp with 16% CP had the lowest protozoa population. However, F. succinogenes was the highest in animals fed yeast-fermented and LDD 6-fermented cassava pulp with 18% CP. Conclusions It is concluded that yeast-fermented cassava pulp can be nutritionally improved, especially when used in combination with a concentrate of 16% CP to achieve the highest level of TVFA and C3 and to reduce rumen protozoal population and CH4 production. Implications The present study suggests that feeding animals with yeast-fermented cassava pulp with a concentrate of 16% CP could improve feed quality and, hence, beef animal performance in Thailand.
No link between population isolation and speciation rate in squamate reptiles
Authors: Singhal Sonal , Colli Guarino R. , Grundler Maggie R. , Costa Gabriel C. , Prates Ivan , Rabosky Daniel L.
Published: January 2022

Significance

Speciation rate measures how quickly a species gives rise to new species, and this rate varies up to 50-fold across vertebrate groups. In this study, we explore one hypothesis that explains this variation: Species that form geographically isolated populations more readily should also form new species more readily and thus should have higher speciation rates. This hypothesis links microevolutionary studies of speciation with macroevolutionary studies of biodiversity. We test this hypothesis using a diverse set of lizard and snake species found in the South America savannahs. We find no effect of geographic population isolation on speciation rates. Our results suggest that other stages in the speciation process are more important controls on speciation rate variation.
Do metaphors make opinions?
Authors: Mohnke Margaux , Christmann Ursula , Roos Yannick , Thomale Chris
Published: January 2022

Introduction:A frame makes specific information about a topic more salient. Metaphors can be used as frames to influence people’s opinions on controversial political topics as well as on health-related topics. This study aims to determine the influence of metaphorical frames on the opinion towards surrogacy and examines whether specific aspects of surrogacy are more prone to the influence than others.

Method:236 participants were assigned to one of three groups with different metaphorical frames for surrogacy and thereafter completed the Attitude Towards Surrogacy Questionnaire. To investigate if participants’ opinions on surrogacy were influenced by the frame used for surrogacy, three ANOVAS were conducted.

Result:The main effect of the ANOVAS revealed that opinion towards payment of the surrogate mothers, but not the attitude towards surrogacy in general, was influenced by the metaphorical frame used for surrogacy.

Discussion:The results support the idea that a metaphorical frame can evoke reactance regarding the payment of surrogate mothers. Participants might resist the frame of the metaphorical term for surrogacy as an unemotional business act, by favouring less monetary compensation of the surrogate mother, when the metaphorical frame implies that surrogates only help intended parents for the monetary compensation.
Exploring the Case Tourism and Local Community Engagement in Costa Rica
Authors: Ward-Perkins David , Seabolt Katie
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The case study is an example of what community-focused, sustainable tourism can look like. Costa Rica is known around the globe for its commitment to sustainable practices, and companies like Unique Adventures are a visible part of this larger sustainable model.

In this case study, students can find practices and principles that relate to ecotourism, community-based tourism (CBT) and slow tourism. These correspond to the expectations and attitudes of an increasing proportion of tourists. Consequently, there is an ever-larger number of specialist agencies and operators that cater to this market.

As introductory exercises, to become familiar with the subject, students can:

Consult the websites of small businesses (in addition to Unique Adventures) and of specialized agencies, tour operators and guides. What are they promising and proposing?

Through this online research, explore the different forms and formats of such tourism – including ecotourism, CBT and slow tourism. How can one define each? What do they have in common?
Predicting programmed death-ligand 1 expression level in non-small cell lung cancer using a combination of peritumoral and intratumoral radiomic features on computed tomography
Authors: Shiinoki Takehiro , Fujimoto Koya , Kawazoe Yusuke , Yuasa Yuki , Kajima Miki , Manabe Yuki , Ono Taiki , Hirano Tsunahiko , Matsunaga Kazuto , Tanaka Hidekazu
Published: January 2022

In this study, we investigated the possibility of predicting expression levels of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) using radiomic features of intratumoral and peritumoral tumors on computed tomography (CT) images. We retrospectively analyzed 161 patients with non-small cell lung cancer. We extracted radiomic features for intratumoral and peritumoral regions on CT images. The null importance, least absolute shrinkage, and selection operator model were used to select the optimized feature subset to build the prediction models for the PD-L1 expression level. LightGBM with five-fold cross-validation was used to construct the prediction model and evaluate the receiver operating characteristics. The corresponding area under the curve (AUC) was calculated for the training and testing cohorts. The proportion of ambiguously clustered pairs was calculated based on consensus clustering to evaluate the validity of the selected features. In addition, Radscore was calculated for the training and test cohorts. For expression level of PD-L1 above 1%, prediction models that included radiomic features from the intratumoral region and a combination of radiomic features from intratumoral and peritumoral regions yielded an AUC of 0.83 and 0.87 and 0.64 and 0.74 in the training and test cohorts, respectively. In contrast, the models above 50% prediction yielded an AUC of 0.80, 0.97, and 0.74, 0.83, respectively. The selected features were divided into two subgroups based on PD-L1 expression levels≥50% or≥1%. Radscore was statistically higher for subgroup one than subgroup two when radiomic features for intratumoral and peritumoral regions were combined. We constructed a predictive model for PD-L1 expression level using CT images. The model using a combination of intratumoral and peritumoral radiomic features had a higher accuracy than the model with only intratumoral radiomic features.
2D or Synthetic 2D? A Reader Study of Visualization of Amorphous Calcifications
Authors: Renaldo Andrew , Miller Matthew , Caley Matthew , Ganti Ramapriya , Patrie James , Rochman Carrie , Nguyen Jonathan V
Published: January 2022

Objective

Some vendors have created algorithms that generate synthetic 2D (s2D) images from a digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) dataset to reduce the radiation from obtaining a separate 2D digital mammography (DM). This study evaluated the visibility of amorphous calcifications on 2D DM versus s2D on screening mammography.

Methods

This IRB-approved, retrospective, reader study included screening mammograms from 36 women who received screening DBT exams where both 2D DM and s2D images were obtained: 28 screening mammograms that were eventually given BI-RADS category 4 or 5 for amorphous calcifications and 8 BI-RADS category 1 or 2 screening exams. Two rounds of interpretation were conducted with a six-week washout period. Cases were randomized to display either the 2D DM or s2D images, which were then alternated in the second round. Four fellowship-trained breast radiologists determined whether a study merited recall for calcifications. If so, they rated calcification visibility on a scale of 1 to 5. McNemar chi-square tests were conducted to assess differences in recall rates and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to examine shifts in visibility.

Results

There was no difference in detection rates of amorphous calcifications between 2D DM and s2D, which were 75.9% and 75.0%, respectively (P = 1.000). Collectively, amorphous calcifications were more visible on s2D than 2D DM, with mean visibility scores of 3.4 versus 3.0, respectively (P = 0.005).

Conclusion

Synthetic 2D did not change identification of amorphous calcifications compared to 2D DM, and readers considered them more visible on average.
Chronic Wound Telemedicine Models Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kim Patrick Jinhyung , Homsi Haya A. , Sachdeva Muskaan , Mufti Asfandyar , Sibbald R. Gary
Published: January 2022

GENERAL PURPOSE

To present the results of a scoping review exploring chronic wound care telemedicine before and during the pandemic, including the characteristics of the models implemented.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES

After participating in this educational activity, the participant will:

1. Identify the characteristics of the studies the authors examined for their scoping review of chronic wound care telemedicine.

2. Choose the electronic methods commonly used for wound care telemedicine in the studies the authors examined.

3. Recognize the implications for the patients who participated in chronic wound care telemedicine in the studies the authors examined.

OBJECTIVE

To explore different chronic wound telemedicine models and identify current research on this topic.

METHODS

The authors searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases on August 10, 2021 and identified 58 articles included in the analysis.

RESULTS

Included studies were published between 1999 and 2021, with more than half of the studies published between 2015 to 2019 (25.9%, n = 15/58) and 2020 to 2021 (25.9%, n = 15/58). There were 57 models identified, of which 87.7% (n = 50/57) used a blended model of care. Image assessment was the most common element in blended care (66.0%, n = 33/50), followed by video consultation (46.0%, n = 23/50), text (44.0%, n = 22/50), and telephone consultation (22.0%, n = 11/50). Purely virtual care was used in 12.3% (n = 7/57) of models, 85.7% (n = 6/7) of which were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most studies conducted a quantitative analysis (62.1%, n = 36/58); 20.7% (n = 12/58) conducted a qualitative analysis, and 17.2% (n = 10/58) conducted both. The most frequently assessed results were wound outcomes (53.4%, n = 31/58) and patient opinions (25.9%, n = 15/58).

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic wound care-related telemedicine has common elements: image assessment, video and telephone consultation, and text-based information that can be combined in a variety of ways with unique implementation barriers. Blended care models are more common than purely virtual alternatives. Heterogeneity among outcomes and reporting methods make the results difficult to synthesize.
Olive mill wastewater extract as a potential mosquito larvicide
Authors: Halabi Maram , Silberbush Alon , Azaizeh Hassan , Shahar Ben , Kurzbaum Eyal
Published: January 2022

The larvicidal potential of olive mill waste water (OMWW) extract against mosquito larvae was evaluated. We exposed 2nd and 4th instar Culex laticinctus (Edwards) larvae to increasing OMWW concentrations. In addition, the effects of sublethal OMWW concentrations on larval development time and adult size were tested as well. The larvicidal activity of OMWW extract showed LC50 values of 10.08 and 50.07 parts per thousand (ppt) against the 2nd and 4th instars respectively. Larvae that developed in 1 ppt OMWW solution showed sex-specific responses. Males prolonged time to pupation, while females exhibited size reduction in comparison to controls. These results show that OMWW, which is known as agricultural byproduct waste, may be reused as a biopesticide.
Estimates of turbulence modeling uncertainties in NACA65 cascade flow predictions by Bayesian model-scenario averaging
Authors: de Zordo-Banliat Maximilien , Merle Xavier , Dergham Gregory , Cinnella Paola
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations represent the computational workhorse for engineering design, despite their numerous flaws. Improving and quantifying the uncertainties associated with RANS models is particularly critical in view of the analysis and optimization of complex turbomachinery flows.

Design/methodology/approach

First, an efficient strategy is introduced for calibrating turbulence model coefficients from high-fidelity data. The results are highly sensitive to the flow configuration (called a calibration scenario) used to inform the coefficients. Second, the bias introduced by the choice of a specific turbulence model is reduced by constructing a mixture model by means of Bayesian model-scenario averaging (BMSA). The BMSA model makes predictions of flows not included in the calibration scenarios as a probability-weighted average of a set of competing turbulence models, each supplemented with multiple sets of closure coefficients inferred from alternative calibration scenarios.

Findings

Different choices for the scenario probabilities are assessed for the prediction of the NACA65 V103 cascade at off-design conditions. In all cases, BMSA improves the solution accuracy with respect to the baseline turbulence models, and the estimated uncertainty intervals encompass reasonably well the reference data. The BMSA results were found to be little sensitive to the user-defined scenario-weighting criterion, both in terms of average prediction and of estimated confidence intervals.

Originality/value

A delicate step in the BMSA is the selection of suitable scenario-weighting criteria, i.e. suitable prior probability mass functions (PMFs) for the calibration scenarios. The role of such PMFs is to assign higher probability to calibration scenarios more likely to provide an accurate estimate of model coefficients for the new flow. In this paper, three mixture models are constructed, based on alternative choices of the scenario probabilities. The authors then compare the capabilities of three different criteria.
Empirical comparison of Shariah-compliant vs conventional mutual fund performance
Authors: Al Rahahleh Naseem , Bhatti M. Ishaq
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper investigates the performance of locally focused equity mutual funds (LFEFs) in Saudi Arabia as compared with the performance of benchmark funds. More specifically, the focal question pertains to whether Shariah-compliant mutual funds (SMFs) and conventional mutual funds (CMFs) outperform their respective benchmarks. Undertaken in the context of Saudi Arabia's economic planning under Vision 2030, the study offers a foundation for determining whether and the extent to which Shariah-compliant investment strategies are competitive—a matter of considerable importance across 57 Muslim countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The Carhart four-factor model is applied to a sample of 39 Saudi Arabian mutual funds (MFs) using the monthly net asset value (NAV) per share. The sample period, April 2007 to October 2016, is considered in its entirety and as three sub-periods, i.e. low-, medium- and high-volatility.

Findings

The results show that the locally focused equity mutual funds (LFEFs) significantly outperformed their benchmark, i.e. the Tadawul All Share Index (TASI), during the full sample period and the low-volatility period. According to the empirical comparison, the CMFs also outperformed their TASI benchmark for the full sample period and the low-volatility period. However, the SMFs neither outperformed nor underperformed their S&P Saudi Arabia Domestic Shariah Index benchmark. That is, for each of the SMFs included in the sample, the Jensen's alpha was insignificant for both the full sample and all three volatility sub-periods.

Research limitations/implications

In this paper, the four-factor model is used in the context of a single country. The results, therefore, may not be generalizable to the multi-country level in the Gulf Council Cooperation (GCC) region given differences between the member countries in terms of financial structure and economic focus.

Practical implications

The results reported constitute a useful guide for policymakers and faith-based-sensitive investors concerned about the Shariah compliancy of their portfolios given that there is very little difference between how CMFs and SMFs performed in the focal period. This research can be extended to include other Islamic countries in the GCC region as a basis for identifying optimal investment vehicles, i.e. those most likely to produce high returns at low risk.

Originality/value

The work reported in this paper is original and constitutes a valuable asset for ethnoreligious-sensitive investors. The research has not been published in any capacity and is not under consideration for publication elsewhere.
Becoming first-generation
Authors: Vega Blanca Elizabeth
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how I – and many other students – became first-generation college students (FGCSs) by exploring the rise and retraction of TRIO. Originally, TRIO was a set of three college access and retention programs created in the 1960s to address the needs of a population designated as academically and economically disadvantaged. The author uses the term “becoming” as a process of how a person is constructed socially, in this case, as a FGCS and faculty member. The author uses. social construction of targeted populations theory to explore my testimonio as a beneficiary of opportunity programs.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore how FGCS experience policy changes affecting TRIO, I use my testimonio to build on the historical literature that covers 1968–2001. I begin my testimonio by first reviewing my background as a second generation Ecuadorian American. I then review how I encountered opportunity programs and why I continued to be a participant in these programs, specifically, TRIO. I end my testimonio by countering criticism of TRIO programs using research on and lived experiences with TRIO.

Findings

During an era when TRIO budgets remain under constant attack, testimonios shed light on participants’ experiences with policy changes. Specifically, I reveal how economic budget cuts create policy changes to terms such as “academically and economically disadvantaged” and shapes perceptions and knowledge about who are FGCS.

Research limitations/implications

Research limitations include application of social construction of targeted group theory to one testimonio. Implications include more studies on how policy changes, specifically budget allocations could affect characterizations and images of targeted populations such as FGCS.

Practical implications

Understanding the role of policy changes to TRIO program funding benefits students from misperceptions by educational administrators and other stakeholders.

Originality/value

My testimonio also builds on work regarding the impacts of CARPS on FGCS like me. Most importantly, my testimonio contributes to the efforts necessary to ensure these programs continue to exist and succeed. I use my testimonio side by side with research literature on TRIO to become both the subject of inquiry and the inquirer, simultaneously a beneficiary and an informant of how these programs have influenced my persistence through the postsecondary education system and shaped my understanding of FGCS.
Functional dyspepsia leads to more healthcare utilization in secondary care compared with other functional gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Chuah Kee Huat , Cheong Suh Yu , Lim Sze Zee , Mahadeva Sanjiv
Published: January 2022

Objective

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are known to have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life and lead to a greater healthcare burden. In this study we aimed to investigate whether this healthcare burden differs among various types of FGIDs in secondary care.

Methods

A retrospective study of consecutive adults with luminal gastrointestinal (GI) diseases in a secondary healthcare gastroenterology clinic was conducted. The frequency of FGIDs and differences in healthcare utilization among different types of FGIDs were explored.

Results

Among 1206 patients with luminal GI disease, 442 (36.7%) had FGIDs. FGIDs patients were older (67 y vs 62 y, P < 0.001) with a higher proportion of women (61.8% vs 50.4%, P < 0.001) than those without FGIDs. Functional dyspepsia (FD) was the most common FGIDs (36.9%), followed by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (30.3%). A high healthcare burden (defined as over one GI endoscopy or imaging examination over 5 years, or  one or more unscheduled visit to general practitioner or emergency department or hospitalization annually) was observed among 53.8% of the FGIDs patients. FD was associated with a high healthcare burden (high vs low burden: 43.7% vs 28.9%, P = 0.001) while IBS was associated with lower healthcare burden (high vs low burden: 25.2% vs 36.3%, P = 0.012). On multivariate analysis, only FD was significantly associated with high healthcare burden (adjusted odds ratio 1.996, 95% confidence interval 1.117‐3.567, P = 0.020).

Conclusion

Compared with other FGIDs, FD was the most common condition in secondary care, and it was associated with the greatest healthcare burden.
Muscle mitochondrial energetics predicts mobility decline in well‐functioning older adults: The baltimore longitudinal study of aging
Authors: Tian Qu , Mitchell Brendan A. , Zampino Marta , Fishbein Kenneth W. , Spencer Richard G. , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: January 2022

Background

Muscle mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with poor mobility in aging. Whether mitochondrial dysfunction predicts subsequent mobility decline is unknown.

Methods

We examined 380 cognitively normal participants aged 60 and older (53%women, 22%Black) who were well‐functioning (gait speed ≥ 1.0 m/s) and free of Parkinson's disease and stroke at baseline and had data on baseline skeletal muscle oxidative capacity and one or more mobility assessments during an average 2.5 years. Muscle oxidative capacity was measured by phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy as the post‐exercise recovery rate of phosphocreatine (kPCr). Mobility was measured by four walking tests. Associations of baseline kPCr with mobility changes were examined using linear mixed‐effects models, adjusted for covariates. In a subset, we examined whether changes in muscle strength and mass affected these associations by adjusting for longitudinal muscle strength, lean mass, and fat mass.

Results

Lower baseline kPCr was associated with greater decline in all four mobility measures (β, p‐value: (0.036, 0.020) 6‐m usual gait speed; (0.029, 0.038) 2.5‐min usual gait speed; (0.034, 0.011) 6‐m rapid gait speed; (−0.042, <0.001) 400‐m time). In the subset, further adjustment for longitudinal muscle strength, lean mass, and fat mass attenuated longitudinal associations with changes in mobility (Δβ reduced 26–63%).

Conclusion

Among initially well‐functioning older adults, worse muscle mitochondrial function predicts mobility decline, and part of this longitudinal association is explained by decline in muscle strength and mass. Our findings suggest that worse mitochondrial function contributes to mobility decline with aging. These findings need to be verified in studies correlating longitudinal changes in mitochondrial function, muscle, and mobility performance.