bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multivariate drought analysis for the temperature homogeneous regions of India: Lessons from the Gomati River basin
Authors: Bhatt Diva , Mall R. K. , Raju K. N. Prudhvi , Suryavanshi Shakti
Published: March 2022

Droughts inflict significant loss on agricultural economies. Gomati River basin, the area of the present study, is located within the Ganga River floodplains, which approximately coincide with the north central temperature homogeneous region (NCTHR) of India. Gomati basin is a non‐perennial one supporting water intensive agricultural crops. To ascertain the occurrence of droughts (if any) from 1986 to 2015 within Gomati River basin, in terms of inter‐dependencies of drought causing variables through study of multivariate drought indices, is the main objective of the present study. Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used in combination with the Copula approach to construct multivariate standardized drought indices (MSDIs) for drought onset detection through simulation in the face of data scarcity. Although MSDI based assessment of the basin as a whole did not detect any droughts, in the upper basin, MSDIs indicated the possibilities of impending agricultural droughts marked by their consistent variability aroundnear‐normalconditions. This methodology can be used to detect drought situations in data scarce non‐perennial river basins within the Ganga River floodplains including the NCTHR of India.
Reliability modeling and analysis of mixture of exponential distributions using artificial neural network
Authors: Shafiq Anum , Çolak Andaç Batur , Lone Showkat Ahmad , Sindhu Tabassum Naz , Muhammad Taseer
Published: March 2022

In recent years, statisticians have become more and more interested in the study of mixture models, especially in the last decade, without adequately considering the difficulty of modeling the reliability measures of mixture models using artificial neural networks. In this study, in which artificial neural networks and mixed model reliability criteria are analyzed, various reliability parameters are calculated considering different scenarios. In order to estimate the obtained numerical reliability parameters, a multilayer artificial neural network model has been developed. Seven different reliability parameter values have been obtained from the artificial neural network model designed with four input parameters. The prediction values obtained from the artificial neural network model developed with five neurons in the hidden layer have been compared with numerical data, and the performance of the model has been analyzed comprehensively. The mean squared error (MSE) value for the network model has been calculated as 1.98E‐08 and the R value as 0.99991. The results clearly revealed that the artificial neural network model developed using data from the appropriate statistical model is an excellent tool that can be used to estimate reliability measures.
Phragmén–Lindelöf alternative results in time‐dependent double‐diffusive Darcy plane flow
Authors: Li Yuanfei , Chen Xuejiao
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates the spatial behavior of the solutions of the double‐diffusive Darcy plane flow in a semi‐infinite channel. Using the energy estimate method and the differential inequality technology, a differential inequality about the solutions is derived. By solving this differential inequality, it is proved that the solutions grow polynomially or decay exponentially with spatial variable. In the case of decay, we obtain the upper bound for the total energy. We also give some remarks to generalize the results of this paper.
Analytic study of pine wilt disease model with Caputo–Fabrizio fractional derivative
Authors: Massoun Youssouf
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we construct an analytical study of the epidemic pine wilt disease model in a Caputo–Fabrizio type fractional order; the basic properties of the fractional differential equation and the model are presented; we give the basic properties of the model. Applying the homotopy analysis transform method to obtain numerical solutions to the model, the numerical result represented in graphs is presented.
Utilization of discarded Cymbopogon flexuosus root waste as a novel lignocellulosic fiber for lightweight polymer composite application
Authors: Somasundaram Raja , Rajamoni Rajesh , Suyambulingam Indran , Divakaran Divya , Mavinkere Rangappa Sanjay , Siengchin Suchart
Published: March 2022

The viability of using cellulosic Cymbopogon flexuosus root (CFR) fiber waste from the industry as a reinforcing material in a polyester‐reinforced composite was investigated. Initially, CFR anatomy, mechanical, thermal, physio‐chemical, morphological, and spectroscopy behaviors were investigated. Spectroscopy and chemical analysis were evidence for the richness of cellulose content (74.33%) in the fiber which reflected in increased tensile strength of 315.22 ± 61.72 MPa and thermal stability 272.31°C. Fiber reinforcement was varied from 0 to 50 wt% at random orientation and mechanical, and water absorption properties were correlated with the glass fiber reinforced composite of the same weight percentage. The composite with a 40% fiber combination has an enhancement in mechanical, morphological, and thermal characterization. This comprehensive study confirms the usage of this bio‐material in replacing harmful synthetic material in structural, marine and mechanical industrial applications.
Identification of antidiabetic components in Uncariae Rammulus Cum Uncis based on phytochemical isolation and spectrum–effect relationship analysis
Authors: Liu Jie , Wang Fang‐Fang , Jiang Zheng‐Meng , Liu E‐Hu
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Uncariae Rammulus Cum Uncis (URCU) is a commonly used herbal medicine to treat diabetes. This work is aimed to discover and identify the antidiabetic components from URCU extract.

Methods

Column chromatography and recrystallisation were used to separate individual compounds from URCU extract, and the obtained individual compounds were used for determination of α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity. Molecular docking was applied to predict the molecular interactions. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for fingerprint analysis of 12 batches of URCU. HPLC fingerprints were assessed by the similarity analysis (SA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). The spectrum–effect relationship analysis of URCU was assessed by orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) and bivariate correlation analysis (BCA).

Results

A total of 10 potential bioactive compounds were isolated and six of them showed potent α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 4.21–166.10 μM). The molecular docking results revealed that the binding energy was consistent with the results of α‐glucosidase inhibition activity analysis (−8.55 to −4.84 kcal/mol). The ethanol extracts of the 12 batches of URCU showed inhibitory effect on α‐glucosidase in a dose‐dependent manner, and the IC50 values ranged from 0.94 μg/mL to 12.57 μg/mL. The spectrum–effect relationship analysis results indicated that 13 peaks might be potential antidiabetic compounds in URCU, including 18 (hyperoside) and 19 (rutin).

Conclusion

A comprehensive connection between URCU chemical components and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity was established for the first time by using a spectrum–effect relationship model, which might be applicable to the quality control of URCU.
Inequality and growth in Portugal: A reappraisal for the period 1986–2017
Authors: Fernandes Miguel , Andrade João S. , Duarte Adelaide , Simões Marta
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates the inequality‐growth nexus for Portugal over the period 1986–2017. Portugal is a country that has recorded a decelerating growth trajectory together with high levels of inequality, coupled with relatively low levels of human capital and productivity. We compute different measures of earnings inequality using microdata from the Quadros de Pessoal database and use them to estimate VAR and SVAR A‐B models with four variables (human capital, inequality, investment, and output) to empirically assess the sign of the relationship between inequality and growth, as well as the underlying mechanisms of transmission. The results from the impulse response analysis indicate that a shock to inequality has a negative impact on growth and on human capital availability, as well as an initial negative impact on investment which eventually becomes positive. The evidence found highlights the human capital, savings, and domestic demand channels as good candidates to explain the relationship between inequality and growth in Portugal.
The benefits of informed management of sunlight in production greenhouses and polytunnels
Authors: Robson T. Matthew , Pieristè Marta , Durand Maxime , Kotilainen Titta K. , Aphalo Pedro J.
Published: March 2022

Societal Impact Statement

The effective management of light is beneficial for growers of plants in greenhouses, polytunnels and under cloches. The materials and structures used to construct these environments often create light‐limited conditions for crops and change the spectral composition of sunlight they receive. Combining practical measures, drawn from knowledge of plant photobiology, allows growers to monitor, forecast and optimise conditions in their growing environment according to its geographical location and the crop grown. Improved management of light through these measures could be expected to improve food quality and yield, and potentially reduce use of energy, water and pesticides.

Horticultural production in greenhouses and in polytunnels expands the viable geographic range of many crop species and extends their productive growing season. These semi‐controlled growing environments buffer natural fluctuations in heat, cold and light and hold potential to improve food security with a low environmental footprint. Over the last decade, technological advances in cladding materials, smart filters, photo‐electric cells for energy production and LED lighting have created opportunities to improve the light environment within these structures. In parallel, there have been large advances in plant photobiology, underpinned by progress in identifying the mechanisms of photomorphogenesis and photoprotection, mediated by plant photoreceptors and their interactions, across regions of the spectrum. However, there remains unexploited potential to synthesise and transfer knowledge from these fields to horticulture, particularly with respect to tailoring the use of sunlight to specific locations and production systems. Here, we systematically explain (1) the value of modelling and monitoring patterns of sunlight to allow for informed design of the growth environment; (2) the means of optimising light conditions through selection of materials and structures; (3) the requirements of different crop plants in terms of the amount and spectral composition of light that will benefit yield and food quality; (4) the potential to combine this knowledge for effective management of the sunlight; and, finally, (5) the additional benefits these actions may bring to growers and society at large, beyond the crops themselves, in terms of water use and energy efficiency.
Colorimetric oxygen indicator films based on β‐cyclodextrin grafted chitosan/montmorillonite with redox system for intelligent food packaging
Authors: Jarupatnadech Thanatcha , Chalitangkoon Jongjit , Monvisade Pathavuth
Published: March 2022

Oxygen is an important factor in food deterioration; thus, packaging, with an in‐built oxygen indicator, has been widely developed. Here, a safer, natural product‐based, colorimetric oxygen indicator film based on β‐cyclodextrin grafted chitosan/montmorillonite with methylene blue/glucose system was fabricated. Methylene blue in the activated films was reduced to leuco‐form (colourless) by glucose and reverted to blue with oxygen exposure. Glucose, as well as the reducing agent for methylene blue, crosslinked the chitosan. In addition, the grafting of β‐cyclodextrin onto chitosan and the addition of montmorillonite as well as humidity led to the faster colour changes of the films. The colour recovery of films could delay by covering them with a poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film. The activated films showed good storage stability at low temperature which is suitable for the package of refrigerated food products. The films had the potential to be used as natural‐based colorimetric oxygen indicators for food packaging.
Progress of proteomics‐driven precision medicine: From a glycosylation view
Authors: Liang Yuying , Fu Bin , Zhang Ying , Lu Haojie
Published: March 2022

Currently, cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, partially owing to the lack of early diagnosis methods and effective therapies. With the rapid development of various omics, the precision medicine strategy becomes a promising way to increase the survival rates by considering individual differences. Glycosylation is one of the most essential protein post‐translational modifications and plays important roles in a variety of biological processes. Therefore, it is highly possible to acquire understanding of the molecular mechanisms as well as discover novel potential markers for diagnosis and prognosis based on glycoproteomics research. This review summarizes the recent glycoproteomics studies about N‐glycosylation of several cancer types, mainly in the past 5 years. We also highlight corresponding mass spectrometry–based analytical methods to give a brief overview on the main techniques applied in glycoproteomics.
Risedronate or exercise for lean mass preservation during menopause: secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Flores Laura E. , Kupzyk Kevin , Waltman Nancy , Beavers Kristen M. , Bilek Laura
Published: March 2022

Background

The menopause transition is marked by hormonal shifts leading to body composition changes, such as fat mass gain and lean mass loss. Weight‐bearing and resistance exercise can help maintain lean mass during the menopause transition; however, uptake is low. Preclinical research points to bisphosphonates as also being effective in preventing loss of lean mass. Thus, we sought to investigate whether bisphosphonate therapy can mitigate loss of lean mass and outperform weight‐bearing exercise in the years immediately following menopause.

Methods

Data come from the Heartland Osteoporosis Prevention Study (NCT02186600), where osteopenic, postmenopausal women were randomized to bisphosphonate (n = 91), weight‐bearing/resistance exercise (n = 92), or control (n = 93) conditions over a 1 year period. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry‐derived body composition measures (including total lean mass, total fat mass, lean mass index, and lean‐to‐fat mass ratio) were ascertained at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Adherence to risedronate and weight‐bearing exercise was defined as the percentage of dosages taken and exercise sessions attended. Intent‐to‐treat analysis using linear modelling was used to generate treatment effects on body composition. Secondary analysis utilized per‐protocol analysis and included adjustment for weight change.

Results

A total of 276 women (age: 54.5 years; 83.3% Caucasian; body mass index: 25.7 kg/m2) were included in the analyses; 12 month adherence to the risedronate and exercise interventions was 89% and 64%, respectively. Group‐by‐time interactions were observed for lean mass, revealing that exercise (0.43 ± 1.49 kg) and risedronate groups (0.31 ± 1.68 kg) gained significantly more lean mass than control group (−0.15 ± 1.27 kg) over 12 months. However, after controlling for weight change in secondary analysis, the difference in lean mass change between control and risedronate became non‐significant (P = 0.059).

Conclusions

Results suggest that both 12 months of oral risedronate and 12 months of weight‐bearing exercise may diminish lean mass loss experienced during the menopause transition as compared with control. The lean mass‐sparing effect for risedronate may be driven by overall weight change.
Stability analysis of delayed Markovian jump systems with delay switching and state signals and applications
Authors: Wang Guoliang , Ren Yunshuai
Published: March 2022

This article addresses the asymptotical mean square stability problem of continuous‐time delayed Markovian jump systems (MJSs). Different from the existing delayed MJS models, time‐varying delays are contained in not only system state but also switching signal and could lead to great difficulties. An auxiliary system approach is developed to handle the difficulties, in which the traditionally delayed state and a new delayed exponential matrix are both involved. Based on the established model, sufficient stability conditions with solvable forms are given by using a Lyapunov function approach and some novel techniques. More extensions about an MJS under sampled switching and state signals are further considered, and so does the stabilization problem. A numerical example is offered to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the methods proposed in this study.
Shallow coastal water turbidity monitoring using Planet Dove satellites
Authors: Li Jiwei , Carlson Rachel R. , Knapp David E. , Asner Gregory P.
Published: March 2022

Turbidity monitoring in shallow coastal waters is fundamental to marine ecosystem research, management and protection. Satellite‐based water turbidity monitoring can be conducted at a greater spatial extent and higher temporal frequency than field measurements. The new Planet Dove satellite constellation has a daily revisit frequency and higher spatial resolution than Sentinel or Landsat satellites, allowing Planet Dove to track water turbidity dynamics in greater detail when suitable atmospheric correction is provided. We developed a new shallow coastal water turbidity estimation algorithm for Planet Dove and similar multi‐spectral satellites. Our algorithm accounts for bottom reflectance in total water‐leaving radiance to derive turbidity values in shallow coastal waters. We tested the algorithm with data from 235 Dove satellite images at five sites with different water conditions (Pelekane Bay, Big Island, Hawai‘i; Hilo Bay, Big Island, Hawai‘i; Kilo Nalu and Ala Wai, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i; Fagatele Bay, American Samoa; Vieques Island, Puerto Rico). We then validated satellite‐derived turbidity results (RMSE = 0.79–1.12 FNU [Formazin Nephelometric Unit]) using 75 days of field‐measured data, ranging in turbidity from 0.1 to 11.6 FNU in the five sites. Results show that our algorithm accurately detects turbidity in critical nearshore environments. In Hawai‘i, we used ~6700 Dove images to support a weekly turbidity monitoring study at a large geographic scale. We found this new, shallow‐water algorithm can be effectively applied to Dove satellite data to monitor water turbidity at high temporal resolution.
Efficient and Selective CO2 Reduction to Formate on Pd‐Doped Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2: Dynamic Catalyst Reconstruction and Accelerated CO2 Protonation
Authors: Huang Wenjing , Wang Yijin , Liu Jiawei , Wang Yu , Liu Daobin , Dong Jingfeng , Jia Ning , Yang Lan , Liu Chuntai , Liu Zheng , Liu Bin , Yan Qingyu
Published: March 2022

Exploring catalyst reconstruction under the electrochemical condition is critical to understanding the catalyst structure–activity relationship as well as to design effective electrocatalysts. Herein, a PbF2 nanocluster is synthesized and its self‐reconstruction under the CO2 reduction condition is investigated. F− leaching, CO2‐saturated environment, and application of a cathodic potential induce self‐reconstruction of PbF2 to Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2, which effectively catalyze the CO2 reduction to formate. The in situ formed Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2 discloses >80% formate Faradaic efficiencies (FEs) across a broad range of potentials and achieves a maximum formate FE of ≈90.1% at −1.2 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Kinetic studies show that the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) on the Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2 is rate‐limited at the CO2 protonation step, in which proton is supplied by bicarbonate (HCO3−) in the electrolyte. To improve the CO2RR kinetics, the Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2 is further doped with Pd (4 wt%) to enhance its HCO3− adsorption, which leads to accelerated protonation of CO2. Therefore, the Pd‐Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2 (4 wt%) reveals higher formate FEs of >90% from −0.8 to −1.2 V versus RHE and reaches a maximum formate FE of 96.5% at −1.2 V versus RHE with a current density of ≈13 mA cm−2.
Core‐Shell Nanostructured Ru@Ir–O Electrocatalysts for Superb Oxygen Evolution in Acid
Authors: Zhang Jiahao , Fu Xianbiao , Xia Fanjie , Zhang Wenqing , Ma Dongsheng , Zhou Yu , Peng Hong , Wu Jinsong , Gong Xueqing , Wang Dong , Yue Qin
Published: March 2022

The design of highly active and durable catalysts for the sluggish anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acid remains an urgent yet challenging goal in water electrolysis. Herein, a core‐shell nanostructured Ru@Ir–O catalyst with tensile strains and incorporated oxygens is introduced in the Ir shell that holds an extremely low OER overpotential of 238 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in acid. The material also shows a remarkable 78‐fold higher mass activity than the conventional IrO2 at 1.55 V in 0.5 M H2SO4. Structural characterization and theoretical calculations reveal that the core–shell interaction and tensile strain cause band position shift and charge redistribution. These electronic factors furthermore optimize the bonding strength of O* and HOO* intermediates on the surface, yielding significantly boosted OER activity relative to the conventional IrO2.
LLAMA: The low‐level abstraction for memory access
Authors: Gruber Bernhard Manfred , Amadio Guilherme , Blomer Jakob , Matthes Alexander , Widera René , Bussmann Michael
Published: March 2022

The performance gap between CPU and memory widens continuously. Choosing the best memory layout for each hardware architecture is increasingly important as more and more programs become memory bound. For portable codes that run across heterogeneous hardware architectures, the choice of the memory layout for data structures is ideally decoupled from the rest of a program. This can be accomplished via a zero‐runtime‐overhead abstraction layer, underneath which memory layouts can be freely exchanged. We present the low‐level abstraction of memory access (LLAMA), a C++ library that provides such a data structure abstraction layer with example implementations for multidimensional arrays of nested, structured data. LLAMA provides fully C++ compliant methods for defining and switching custom memory layouts for user‐defined data types. The library is extensible with third‐party allocators. Providing two close‐to‐life examples, we show that the LLAMA‐generated array of structs and struct of arrays layouts produce identical code with the same performance characteristics as manually written data structures. Integrations into the SPEC CPU® lbm benchmark and the particle‐in‐cell simulation PIConGPU demonstrate LLAMA's abilities in real‐world applications. LLAMA's layout‐aware copy routines can significantly speed up transfer and reshuffling of data between layouts compared with naive element‐wise copying. LLAMA provides a novel tool for the development of high‐performance C++ applications in a heterogeneous environment.
Eccentric punching tests on column bases ‐ Influence of column geometry
Authors: Ungermann Jan , Schmidt Philipp , Christou Georgios , Hegger Josef
Published: March 2022

Experimental investigations on centrically loaded column bases provide the basis for current punching shear design provisions. However, this symmetric loading condition represents an exception in daily engineering practice since usually load eccentricities occur leading to uneven shear stress distributions along the control perimeter. To account for this effect, design approaches define different factors to either increase the acting shear force or to decrease the punching shear resistance in design. New punching test results of 14 eccentrically loaded and four centrically loaded column bases now allow the evaluation of design approaches depending on different geometric boundary conditions. In this new test series, the load eccentricities were systematically graded to analyze their influence on the punching behavior. Strain measurements in the multiaxial compression zone of the concrete in the column‐footing connection reveal new insights on the punching failure of column bases. As a result, a correlation between tangential concrete strains and the reduction of punching shear strength can be recognized for increasing load eccentricities. The comparison of experimentally determined load increase factors with the design results according to Eurocode 2, Model Code 2010 and the stable version of the next generation of Eurocode 2 reveals optimization potential for deriving more advanced design provisions in the future.
Recent advances in highly integrated energy conversion and storage system
Authors: Shao Changxiang , Zhao Yang , Qu Liangti
Published: March 2022

The vigorous development in the field of energy conversion and storage devices directly contributes to the full utilization and convenient use of clean energy. However, some drawbacks of independent energy conversion and storage devices, including unstable, insufficient energy output and dependence on external power supply, are difficult to overcome by self‐optimization, thus, hindering their further development and direct application. Coincidentally, the combination of above two devices can solve these problems, which conforms to their intrinsic needs for development. At the same time, the pursuit of portability and miniaturization also promotes the development of the power system toward a highly integrated direction. Therefore, we introduce several integration modes of energy conversion and storage systems, with emphasis on all‐in‐one power system, possessing the highest integration in this review. From the aspect of device configuration, working mechanisms and their performances, the all‐in‐one power systems based on different energy sources (e.g., mechanical, solar, thermal, and chemical energy) are discussed and analyzed. Finally, the design strategies are summarized and the potential development directions in the future are proposed. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of highly integrated energy conversion and storage system, and seeks to point out the opportunities and orientations of future research in this field.
Transnational TESOL Practitioners’ Identity Tensions: A Collaborative Autoethnography
Authors: Yazan Bedrettin , Pentón Herrera Luis Javier , Rashed Doaa
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we, as three transnational TESOL practitioners (TTP), engage in a collaborative autoethnography (CAE) to examine our professional identity tensions. Theoretically, we follow the premise that the tensions we experience in our professional life can be productive experiences for identity‐oriented reflection and, as we work toward resolving these tensions, we can explore and negotiate new dimensions of our identities. Methodologically, we explore the affordances of CAE in combining internal and community dialogues to make sense of our identities, which are situated at the nexus of the personal and the cultural. Each one of us describes and analyzes one major tension that has been part of our professional identity negotiation as TESOL practitioners in the US. Addressing our research question, we conceptually argued that tensions are inevitable in our identity work and found that border‐crossing and in‐betweenness predominantly characterized our identities as TTPs. We cross borders and carve out in‐between spaces, identities, and voices for ourselves in our professional lives.
Clinical, imaging and histopathological features of concurrent malignancies in a dog: Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin and a malignant parotid gland carcinoma
Authors: Prümmer Julia Katrin , Moioli Melania , Richard Olivia Kristina , Maiolini Arianna
Published: March 2022

Parotid gland tumours are rare in dogs. In this report, a 7‐year‐old, female, spayed bearded collie was presented for a subacute onset of neurological signs. A meningoencephalitis of unknown origin affecting the cerebellum diagnosed 10 months before had successfully been treated with prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil. Head CT and MRI showed a right‐sided retropharyngeal mass invading the caudal fossa and compressing the cerebellum and brainstem, adjacent to a second lesion involving the right parotid gland. Postmortem examination revealed a malignant parotid gland carcinoma with intracranial extension, occipital bone infiltration and metastasis to the lungs and the right medial retropharyngeal lymph node. The cerebellum was unremarkable. This is the first report describing detailed imaging features of a malignant parotid gland carcinoma developed in a dog previously diagnosed with a meningoencephalitis of unknown origin.
Ciclosporin‐induced psoriasiform‐lichenoid dermatosis, footpad hyperkeratosis and gingival hyperplasia in a West Highland white terrier dog
Authors: Makri Nikoleta , Philbey Adrian W. , Gow Deborah J
Published: March 2022

A 6‐year‐old, male neutered, West Highland white terrier presented with gingival hyperplasia and footpad hyperkeratosis 5 months after starting 5 mg/kg ciclosporin once daily. Following cessation of this therapy, the footpad lesions were resolved, while the gingival hyperplasia remained. Two weeks following the re‐introduction of ciclosporin, multiple raised, focal crusted papules and plaques along the dorsum, flanks and lateral aspect of all limbs were evident. The dog also developed footpad hyperkeratosis. Punch biopsies of the skin from these lesions confirmed psoriasiform‐lichenoid dermatosis. Cessation of the ciclosporin therapy allowed resolution of the nodules within 4 weeks. Haematological and biochemical analyses to assess for systemic disease and to investigate liver function were normal. Gingival hyperplasia was still present 4 weeks after stopping therapy. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of a dog presented with multiple rare ciclosporin‐induced adverse effects: psoriasiform‐lichenoid dermatosis, footpad hyperkeratosis and gingival hyperplasia.
Expansion and evaluation of two coupled root–shoot models in simulating CO2 and H2O fluxes and growth of maize
Authors: Nguyen Thuy Huu , Langensiepen Matthias , Hueging Hubert , Gaiser Thomas , Seidel Sabine J. , Ewert Frank
Published: March 2022

Leaf water pressure head (Ψleaf) and more specifically its critical thresholds (Ψthreshold) characterize stomatal control of transpiration, particularly for C4 plants, but this physiological process has rarely been integrated into dynamic crop models at the field scale. We further extended two coupled models with Feddes root water uptake (RWU) and Couvreur RWU models by adding the C4 photosynthesis model in order to be applicable to a maize (Zea mays L.) crop growing under field conditions. The Feddes RWU model relates RWU and plant stress directly to the root zone water hydraulic potential, whereas the Couvreur model explicitly represents hydraulic signals between soil and stomata. Model performance was evaluated with a comprehensive dataset including stomatal conductance, Ψleaf, sap flow, gross assimilation rate (GAR), soil water content (SWC), dry biomass, and leaf area index (LAI) from a two‐season maize experiment under contrasting environments and water regimes. For the Couvreur model, the RWU and dry biomass were more sensitive to the root hydraulic conductance parameters than to Ψthreshold and root growth parameters. The agreement index (I) for the Couvreur model after calibration was 0.91, 0.80, 0.81, and 0.69 for biomass, LAI, RWU, and GAR, respectively. The Feddes model performed similarly for the same metrics. The Feddes model simulated accurately the plant water stress in the first 45 d of the growing season, whereas the Couvreur model inaccurately predicted water stress, which resulted in lower agreement with observations (i.e., RMSEs of biomass simulated by Feddes and Couvreur model averaged from four validated plots were 0.171 and 0.214 kg m–2, respectively). The Feddes model showed the potential to be used for maize under water stress whereas the Couvreur model needs to be further evaluated and improved with an adequate estimation of root hydraulic conductance. A dynamic parameterization of normalized root system conductance and/or more accurate assimilate allocation to the roots, especially under drought stress, should be considered in order to apply this model in future studies to maize.
One Tricks, Hero Picks, and Player Politics: Highlighting the Casual-Competitive Divide in the Overwatch Forums
Authors: Blamey Courtney
Published: March 2022

In this chapter I investigate the developer’s moderation of Overwatch by analyzing the game’s official Blizzard forum discussions (2016–2019). The moderation put in place by Blizzard allows players to address, for instance, toxicity by reporting or avoiding players, while also rewarding positive play experiences. By analyzing the player discourse around these moderation systems, the data gathered yields a rift between casual and competitive players, resulting in conflicts in what players might expect and want from their play experiences. I conclude that varying expectations and standards of play feed into a community’s conflicts alongside the failure of moderation in curtailing unwanted behaviors.
The Player’s Interpretative Agency and the Developer’s Disruptive Powers: How Blizzard Enforces Authorial Intention in Overwatch
Authors: Blom Joleen
Published: March 2022

Due to constant internet connection many games nowadays require developers of games such as Overwatch to alter the structure of their video games directly and frequently. This chapter argues that, because of such modern technologies, Blizzard is able to change the meaning of the game content whenever it wants so that players are constantly forced to follow the changing authorial intention if they wish to continue playing the game. An illustrative example of game content to which authorial intention is applied are the Overwatch’s heroes, where the players’ interpretations of the characters as game pieces and fictional beings are systematically outplayed by the developer. This chapter thus demands to critically re-evaluate our perception of the author’s influence over the interpretation of a cultural product.
“KKona where’s your sense of patriotism?”: Positioning Nationality in the Spectatorship of Competitive Overwatch Play
Authors: Siitonen Marko , Ruotsalainen Maria
Published: March 2022

This chapter analyzes the discursive construction of nationality and ethnicity in the context of the Overwatch World Cup 2019 and especially among the discussions of the world cup’s spectators on the live-streaming platform Twitch. Drawing on the positioning theory and the concept of banal nationalism, our study demonstrates how esports fans are active negotiators and co-creators of the esports discourse. The analysis illustrates what kind of role nationality and ethnicity take in this environment, in other words what they come to mean for those participating in the discourses defining them.
Albanian Context
Authors: Danaj Ermira
Published: March 2022

This chapter aims to present the migration framework and the situation of women in Albania. The first section briefly reviews the socio-economic conditions of Albania during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, which I separate into two main periods: before and after 1991. I take the year 1991 as the official end of the mono-party political system, also known as the communist era or regime, as it is also the year when the country’s first multiparty elections happened. I explain how, in this context, migration became one of the leading forces transforming Albanian society. The second section of this chapter focuses on the history of migration in Albania, limited to the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Here, I also discuss the research site, the city of Tirana. The third section presents the situation of women in Albania, focusing on some central matters that support the analysis in this research.
Education as a Platform for Migration – Young Women Migrating to the ‘Big City’ on Their Own
Authors: Danaj Ermira
Published: March 2022

This chapter analyses the experiences of young women from various villages and cities across Albania who migrated to Tirana to study. Here, ‘on their own’ refers to single women who moved to and lived in Tirana by themselves while their parents and siblings stayed in their city or village of origin. Upon their graduation, which had happened within at least three years at the time of the research in 2012, they did not return to their native communities. Below, I introduce briefly the eight young women who migrated to Tirana to study.
Surface charges in Chern-Simons gravity with $$ T\overline{T} $$ deformation
Authors: He Miao , He Song , Gao Yi-hong
Published: March 2022

Abstract

The $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

deformed 2D CFTs correspond to AdS3 gravity with Dirichlet boundary condition at finite cutoff or equivalently a mixed boundary condition at spatial infinity. In this work, we use the latter perspective and Chern-Simons formalism of AdS3 gravity to construct the surface charges and associated algebra in $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

deformed theories. Starting from the Bañados geometry, we obtain the Chern-Simons gauge fields for the $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

deformed geometry, which are parametrized by two independent charges. With help of the mixed boundary condition, the residual gauge symmetries of the deformed gauge fields and the associated surface charges were obtained respectively. The charge algebra turns out to be a non-linear deformed Virasoro algebra, which was obtained in different way by applying the cutoff perspective. Finally, we propose a way to construct the time-independent charges from these surface charges and they satisfy the field-dependent Virasoro algebra.
Probing Lorentz Invariance Violation with atmospheric neutrinos at INO-ICAL
Authors: Sahoo Sadashiv , Kumar Anil , Agarwalla Sanjib Kumar
Published: March 2022

Abstract

The possibility of Lorentz Invariance Violation (LIV) may appear in unified theories, such as string theory, which allow the existence of a new space-time structure at the Planck scale (Mp∼ 1019GeV). This effect can be observed at low energies with a strength of ∼ 1/Mpusing the perturbative approach. In the minimal Standard Model extension (SME) framework, the neutrino mass-induced flavor oscillation gets modified in the presence of LIV. The Iron Calorimeter (ICAL) detector at the proposed India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) offers a unique window to probe these LIV parameters by observing atmospheric neutrinos and antineutrinos separately over a wide range of baselines in the multi-GeV energy range. In this paper, for the first time, we study in detail how the CPT-violating LIV parameters (aμτ, aeμ, aeτ) can alter muon survival probabilities and expectedμ−andμ+event rates at ICAL. Using 500 kt·yr exposure of ICAL, we place stringent bounds on these CPT-violating LIV parameters at 95% C.L., which are slightly better than the present Super-Kamiokande limits. We demonstrate the advantage of incorporating hadron energy information and charge identification capability at ICAL while constraining these LIV parameters. Further, the impact of the marginalization over the oscillation parameters and choice of true values of sin2θ23on LIV constraints is described. We also study the impact of these LIV parameters on mass ordering determination and precision measurement of atmospheric oscillation parameters.
Orders of vanishing and U(1) charges in F-theory
Authors: Raghuram Nikhil , Turner Andrew P.
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Many interesting questions about F-theory models, including several concerning the F-theory swampland, involve massless matter charged under U(1) gauge symmetries. It is therefore important to better understand the geometric properties of F-theory models realizing various U(1) charges. We propose that, for F-theory models described by elliptic fibrations in Weierstrass form, the U(1) charge of light matter is encoded in the orders of vanishing of the section components corresponding to the U(1) gauge symmetry. We give specific equations relating the U(1) charges to the orders of vanishing that seem to hold for both U(1)-charged singlets and for matter additionally charged under a simply-laced nonabelian gauge algebra. Our formulas correctly describe properties of F-theory models in the prior literature, and we give an argument that they should describe the orders of vanishing for arbitrarily high U(1) charges. They also resemble formulas for the p-adic valuations of elliptic divisibility sequences developed by Stange [1]. These proposals could serve as a U(1) analogue of the Katz-Vafa method, allowing one to determine U(1) charges without resolution. Additionally, they predict geometric information about F-theory models with general U(1) charges, which may be useful for exploring the F-theory landscape and swampland.
Identifying Spatial Patterns and Ecosystem Service Delivery of Nature-Based Solutions
Authors: Guerrero Paulina , Haase Dagmar , Albert Christian
Published: March 2022

Compared to technical infrastructure, nature-based solutions, NBS, strive to work with nature and to move beyond business-as-usual practices in order to address societal challenges such as flood risks. This research aims to spatially identify possible NBS areas and evaluate the areas capacity to provide selected ecosystem services, ES, for the Lahn river landscape in Germany. The research follows the functional landscape approach using hydromorphological landscape units, HLU, based on specific biophysical spatial criteria, such as slope, to then identify locations which may be considered suitable for NBS. The current ES delivery of these possible NBS areas is then evaluated. The three ES assessed are carbon storage, nutrient retention and recreation. We then undertake a geospatial comparison analysis to show the spatial relationships and patterns that emerge in regards to the ES configuration of the distinct NBS apt areas. Results show the HLU method serves to delineate and identify areas where NBS may exist or be implemented. The data depicts a distinct spatial pattern for each possible NBS space and complementary ES delivery. This explorative method is a useful spatial approach that can support NBS implementation and serve to investigate the multiple benefits NBS provide. The use of ecosystem services to compare and understand NBS is a viable prospect that must, however, be cautiously, locally and scientifically approached. Noticeable limitations regarding ES assessment remain, as available methods are often insufficiently inclusive of natural ecosystem processes and functions. Further research should assess a broader spectrum of NBS and their delivery of ES.
Selective effects of focusing on spatial details in episodic future thinking for self-relevant positive events
Authors: Hallford D. J. , Cheung S. , Baothman G. , Weel J.
Published: March 2022

Mental simulations of positive future events increase their detail/vividness and plausibility, with effects on cognitive-affective processes such as anticipated and anticipatory pleasure. More recently, spatial details have been distinguished as important in increasing detail and elaborating mental scene construction. Building on this research, this study (N = 54; M age = 26.9) compared simulations of positive, self-relevant future events spatial details (i.e. people, objects, sequences of actions) with simulations focused on content details. Cross-sectionally at baseline, spatial details uniquely predicted phenomenological characteristics of future events, including anticipatory pleasure. The guided simulations increased detail and vividness, mental imagery, and pre-experiencing in both conditions. The content simulation condition did not increase content details relative to the spatial simulation condition, however, the inverse was true. Relatedly, overall detail and vividness were higher in the spatial condition, as was perceived control. The findings are discussed in relation to future thinking and mental health.
Sexual function in male cancer survivors is not correlated to sperm quality
Authors: Reiser Elisabeth , Zippl Anna Lena , Vomstein Kilian , Strassgschwandter Elena , Hofer-Tollinger Susanne , Pinggera Germar Michael , Toth Bettina
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Both infertility and erectile dysfunction (ED) are known long-term consequences of cancer treatment in young male cancer survivors. In the present study, we aimed to assess whether sperm quality and sexual function in male cancer survivors are associated.

Methods

In this prospective study, n = 244 patients male cancer survivors who underwent sperm analysis and cryopreservation between 2008 and 2018 prior to the initiation of gonadotoxic treatment were invited. In total n = 50 had a follow-up sperm analysis and completed two questionnaires, the Aging Males’ Symptom Scale (AMS) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF). Differences between the individual parameters were analyzed using the Wilcoxon or Mann Whitney test.

Results

Azoospermia was present in n = 16/50 (32.0%) patients at time of follow-up. ED occurred in n = 9/43 (20.9%) patients and was observed more frequently in patients with oligo- or azoospermia than in those with normospermia, even though this association was not statistically significant. Sperm parameters (total sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive motility) did not differ between time of cryopreservation and time of follow-up. Mean total, somatic, psychological, and sexual AMS score was 23.6, 9.9, 6.6, and 6.8, respectively. Mean total IIEF-EF score was 27.3, indicating mainly mild ED.

Conclusions

More than one-third of cancer patients suffered from azoospermia, and ED was primarily present in this subgroup. We recommend implementing the screening of sexual dysfunction in the annual sperm testing that should be offered to all men after gonadotoxic treatment. Our study highlights the importance of counseling young cancer patients on both aspects—future infertility and sexual function—prior to treatment and at follow-up visits.
Correction to: Improvement of similarity–diversity trade-off in recommender systems based on a facility location model
Authors: Panteli Antiopi , Boutsinas Basilis
Published: March 2022

There is a growing interest in the offering of novel alternative choices to users of recommender systems.
Integrating online differential titrimetry and dynamic modelling as innovative energy saving strategy in a large industrial WWTP
Authors: Polizzi Cecilia , Falcioni Serena , Mannucci Alberto , Mori Gualtiero , Nardi Arianna , Spennati Francesco , Munz Giulio
Published: March 2022

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are required to meet increasingly stringent effluent quality standards as well as to improve process sustainability in terms of energy efficiency, in line with the call for a paradigm shift towards the more sustainable concept of wastewater resource recovery facility (WRRF). In this context, optimised Instrumentation, Control and Automation (ICA) systems as well as process and plant-wide modelling have become key tools for optimising economic and environmental costs. The present work reports on the successfull integration of an innovative on-line continuous titrimeter and plant-wide modelling as a support tool for the optimisation of the nitritification unit in a large-scale industrial WWTP. The information gathered from the on-line titrimeter allowed for real-time estimation of the Ammonia Oxidation Rate of the activated sludge and, ultimately, of the nitrification residual capacity of the plant. Results on the titrimeter long-term operation and historical data modelling supported plant managing decisions, such as lowering the dissolved oxygen (DO) set-point of the oxidation unit, straightforwardly resulting in energy saving.

Graphical abstract