bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Drivers of Forest Conservation in Simancuang Village Forest, West Sumatra
Authors: Chandra Adelina , Fauzi Dimas , Khatimah Fadhilla Husnul , Wicaksono Satrio Adi
Published: October 2021

This study empirically assessed Social Forestry program implementation in Simancuang Village Forest or locally known asHutan Nagari(HN) Simancuang in West Sumatra, Indonesia. We performed two analyses using primary and secondary data, namely propensity score matching to estimate the effects of the enactment of HN Simancuang in 2012 on forest cover loss and ordinal logistic regression (OLR) to predict the determinants of conservation awareness. The results of the forest cover analysis showed that forest cover loss in HN Simancuang between 2012 and 2019 was 0.038 percentage point lower than the adjacent protection forest. The relatively small impact was meaningful because although HN Simancuang is located much closer to settlements which increases the pressure on the forest, it could still maintain lower tree cover losses than the adjacent protection forest. This result indicated a certain degree of conservation awareness among HN Simancuang members, which prompted us to conduct a survey to 111 individuals from different households. To do this, we used the Ecosystem Services framework to conceptualise conservation awareness in HN Simancuang. Our OLR results showed that regulating and provisioning services of forests are the strong determinants of conservation awareness among the individuals in our sample. Our study indicates the need to implement social forestry program monitoring and evaluation, improve access to facilitation, and enhance agroforestry practice as the means to increase conservation awareness among forest-dwelling communities.
Gender Differences in Kidney Stone Disease (KSD): Findings from a Systematic Review
Authors: Gillams Kathryn , Juliebø-Jones Patrick , Juliebø Siri Øvereng , Somani Bhaskar K.
Published: October 2021

Purpose of Review

The prevalence of kidney stones is rising and historically carries a preponderance for males. However, recent evidence has questioned whether this gender gap is closing. The aim of this systematic review was to examine this further as well as evaluate possible underlying causes.

Recent Findings

Recent evidence confirms the disparity in kidney stone disease between genders is closing. In the modern era, the rise in prevalence among females has been greater, especially in adolescence. Quality of life is also more adversely affected by kidney stone events among females who are also more likely to develop sepsis after endourological surgery. Males, however, are more likely to present with stone events during periods of high ambient temperatures

Recent literature demonstrates a temporal change in the disease burden of KSD among men and women. The latter, especially adolescent females, are more likely to develop KSD in their lifetime compared to previous eras. Determining causation is complex and continued research is warranted.
Towards Dialogic Metaphors of Learning – from Socialization to Authoring
Authors: Kullenberg Tina , Säljö Roger
Published: October 2021

The background of the article is an interest in theories of learning and the metaphors of learning they build on and propagate. The basic argument is that the discursive construction of learning plays a central role in theoretical perspectives in research but also in discussions of societal issues in a wider sense. An initial observation is that current metaphors of learning oscillate between emphasizing socializing/reproductive dimensions and perspectives which foreground new-thinking transformations of existing collective knowledge; the culturally given. Hence, our aim is to explore conceptions of learning underpinning dominant theoretical perspectives as behaviorism, cognitivism, pragmatism, and various sociocultural traditions, in the light of this theoretical tension. Our conclusion is that the views of communication and learning inherent to the radical dialogic perspective on communication that stresses the unfinalizable nature of knowing, offered by Bakhtin, add to our understanding of how learning may be conceptualized in contemporary society. Such a dialogic perspective, emphasizing open-ended agency, plurality of voices, and performative potentials of creatively expressing opinions when learning from each other, offers a perspective on learning worth considering in times of diversity, unpredictable risks, and the need for critical self-reflexivity.
Advertisement-financed credit ratings
Authors: Hoppe-Wewetzer Heidrun , Siemering Christian
Published: October 2021

This paper investigates the incentives of a credit rating agency (CRA) to generate accurate ratings under an advertisement-based business model. To this end, we study a two-period endogenous reputation model in which a CRA can increase the precision of its ratings by exerting effort. The CRA receives a revenue not from rating fees, as is standard in the literature, but through online advertising. We show that the advertisement-based business model provides sufficient incentives for the CRA to improve the precision of signals at intermediate levels of reputation. Furthermore, we identify conditions under which truthful reporting is incentive compatible.
Detecting Negative Response Bias Within the Trauma Symptom Inventory–2 (TSI-2): a Review of the Literature
Authors: Ales Francesca , Erdodi Laszlo
Published: October 2021

This systematic review was performed to summarize existing research on the symptom validity scales within the Trauma Symptom Inventory–Second Edition (TSI-2), a relatively new self-report measure designed to assess the psychological sequelae of trauma. The TSI-2 has built-in symptom validity scales to monitor response bias and alert the assessor of non-credible symptom profiles. The Atypical Response scale (ATR) was designed to identify symptom exaggeration or fabrication. Proposed cutoffs on the ATR vary from ≥ 7 to ≥ 15, depending on the assessment context. The limited evidence available suggests that ATR has the potential to serve as measure of symptom validity, although its classification accuracy is generally inferior compared to well-established scales. While the ATR seems sufficiently sensitive to symptom over-reporting, significant concerns about its specificity persist. Therefore, it is proposed that the TSI-2 should not be used in isolation to determine the validity of the symptom presentation. More research is needed for development of evidence-based guidelines about the interpretation of ATR scores.
Comparison of non-coplanar optimization of static beams and arc trajectories for intensity-modulated treatments of meningioma cases
Authors: Ventura Tiago , Rocha Humberto , da Costa Ferreira Brigida , Dias Joana , do Carmo Lopes Maria
Published: October 2021

Two methods for non-coplanar beam direction optimization, one for static beams and another for arc trajectories, were proposed for intracranial tumours. The results of the beam angle optimizations were compared with the beam directions used in the clinical plans. Ten meningioma cases already treated were selected for this retrospective planning study. Algorithms for non-coplanar beam angle optimization (BAO) and arc trajectory optimization (ATO) were used to generate the corresponding plans. A plan quality score, calculated by a graphical method for plan assessment and comparison, was used to guide the beam angle optimization process. For each patient, the clinical plans (CLIN), created with the static beam orientations used for treatment, and coplanar VMAT approximated plans (VMAT) were also generated. To make fair plan comparisons, all plan optimizations were performed in an automated multicriteria calculation engine and the dosimetric plan quality was assessed. BAO and ATO plans presented, on average, moderate global plan score improvements over VMAT and CLIN plans. Nevertheless, while BAO and CLIN plans assured a more efficient OARs sparing, the ATO and VMAT plans presented a higher coverage and conformity of the PTV. Globally, all plans presented high-quality dose distributions. No statistically significant quality differences were found, on average, between BAO, ATO and CLIN plans. However, automated plan solution optimizations (BAO or ATO) may improve plan generation efficiency and standardization. In some individual patients, plan quality improvements were achieved with ATO plans, demonstrating the possible benefits of this automated optimized delivery technique.
A Psychosocial Approach to Erectile Dysfunction: Position Statements from the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM)
Authors: Dewitte Marieke , Bettocchi Carlo , Carvalho Joanna , Corona Giovanni , Flink Ida , Limoncin Erika , Pascoal Patricia , Reisman Yacov , Van Lankveld Jacques
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Although erectile dysfunction (ED) involves an interaction between physiological and psychological pathways, the psychosocial aspects of ED have received considerably less attention so far.

Aim

To review the available evidence on the psychosocial aspects of ED in order to develop a position statement and clinical practice recommendations on behalf of the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM).

Method

A comprehensive, narrative review of the literature was performed.

Main outcome measures

Specific statements and recommendations according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence criteria were provided.

Results

A multidisciplinary treatment, in which medical treatment is combined with a psychological approach, is preferred over unimodal treatment. There is increasing evidence that psychological treatments of ED can improve medical treatments, the patient's adherence to treatment, and the quality of the sexual relationship. The main components of psychological treatment of ED involve cognitive and behavioral techniques aimed at reducing anxiety, challenging dysfunctional beliefs, increasing sexual stimulation, disrupting sexual avoidance, and increasing intimacy and communication skills in a relational context. When applicable and possible, it is strongly recommended to include the partner in the assessment and treatment of ED and to actively work on interpartner agreement and shared decision-making regarding possible treatment options. To ensure a better integration of the biopsychosocial model into clinical practice, developing concrete treatment protocols and training programs are desirable.

Conclusion

Because the psychosocial approach to ED has been underexposed so far, this position statement provides valuable information for clinicians treating ED. Psychological interventions on ED are based on existing theoretical models that are grounded in empirical evidence. However, the quality of available studies is low, which calls for further research. The sexual medicine field would benefit from pursuing more diversity, inclusivity, and integration when setting up treatments and evaluating their effect.
The Medieval Life of Language
Authors: Amsler Mark
Published: October 2021

The Medieval Life of Language: Grammar and Pragmatics from Bacon to Kempe explores the complex history of medieval pragmatic theory and ideas and metapragmatic awareness across social discourses. Pragmatic thinking about language and communication are revealed in grammar, semiotics, philosophy, and literature. Part historical reconstruction, part social history, part language theory, Amsler supplements the usual materials for the history of medieval linguistics and discusses the pragmatic implications of grammatical treatises on the interjection, Bacon's sign theory, logic texts, Chaucer's poetry, inquisitors' accounts of heretic speech, and life writing by William Thorpe and Margery Kempe. Medieval and contemporary pragmatic theory are contrasted in terms of their philosophical and linguistic orientations. Aspects of medieval pragmatic theory and practice, especially polysemy, equivocation, affective speech, and recontextualization, show how pragmatic discourse informed social controversies and attitudes toward sincere, vague, and heretical speech. Relying on Bakhtinian dialogism, critical discourse analysis, and conversation analysis, Amsler situates a key period in the history of linguistics within broader social and discursive fields of practice.
Policing Terrorism in the Chinese Community: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Li Enshen
Published: October 2021

After the 9/11 incidents, global counter-terrorism efforts have focused increasingly on community policing as a proactive and preventive approach to thwarting terrorism. This article explores the developments, tensions, and prospects of counter-terrorism community policing (“CTCP”) in China. By applying the concepts of police legitimacy and social capital to the normative and operational framework of CTCP, I argue that this vital counter-terrorism endeavour is fraught with problems, for both Chinese police to procure effective civic co-operation and the local community to develop its capacity as a self-reliant player in preventing terrorism. More specifically, community co-operation in China’s CTCP is largely an obligatory process in the form of forced mobilization by local bureaucracies that does not necessarily entail trust and support from citizens based on their legitimacy judgement. My analysis on social capital building in Chinese communities further suggests that both police and citizens are unable to form deep and meaningful partnerships for counter-terrorism. While an authoritarian regime like China is reluctant to cede substantial power and authority to people in most of all aspects of policing, the public has become apathetic towards and alienated from voluntary collaboration with police in formal community affairs—a dichotomy lies between reality and ideal in China’s CTCP.
How Has the Legal Consciousness of Chinese Enterprise Managers Transformed since 1949? A Study of Chinese Enterprises under Socialism
Authors: Hung Alvin Hoi-Chun
Published: October 2021

This paper analyses how the legal consciousness of Chinese enterprise managers has transformed in the face of drastic changes brought along by major events in socialist China. During the past 70 years, there have been in place a series of radical and pervasive changes in the legal framework constituted by a communist system frequented by mass political campaigns, trailed by a massive liberalized move towards a market economy. By building upon the thesis of legal-consciousness narratives suggested by Ewick and Silbey, this paper discusses how Chinese managers have evolved through various states of “With the Law,” “Against the Law,” and “Under the Law” legal consciousness. It is suggested that, in the coming era of globalization under socialist China, Chinese enterprise managers may start to embrace a new narrative of legal consciousness—“In the Law”—by participating more actively in the socialist system with Chinese characteristics.
Yaglom limit for stochastic fluid models
Authors: Bean Nigel G. , O’Reilly Małgorzata M. , Palmowski Zbigniew
Published: October 2021

In this paper we analyse the limiting conditional distribution (Yaglom limit) for stochastic fluid models (SFMs), a key class of models in the theory of matrix-analytic methods. So far, only transient and stationary analyses of SFMs have been considered in the literature. The limiting conditional distribution gives useful insights into what happens when the process has been evolving for a long time, given that its busy period has not ended yet. We derive expressions for the Yaglom limit in terms of the singularity˜$s^*$ such that the key matrix of the SFM, ${\boldsymbol{\Psi}}(s)$, is finite (exists) for all $s\geq s^*$ and infinite for $s<s^*$. We show the uniqueness of the Yaglom limit and illustrate the application of the theory with simple examples.
Variational inference for Markovian queueing networks
Authors: Perez Iker , Casale Giuliano
Published: October 2021

Queueing networks are stochastic systems formed by interconnected resources routing and serving jobs. They induce jump processes with distinctive properties, and find widespread use in inferential tasks. Here, service rates for jobs and potential bottlenecks in the routing mechanism must be estimated from a reduced set of observations. However, this calls for the derivation of complex conditional density representations, over both the stochastic network trajectories and the rates, which is considered an intractable problem. Numerical simulation procedures designed for this purpose do not scale, because of high computational costs; furthermore, variational approaches relying on approximating measures and full independence assumptions are unsuitable. In this paper, we offer a probabilistic interpretation of variational methods applied to inference tasks with queueing networks, and show that approximating measure choices routinely used with jump processes yield ill-defined optimization problems. Yet we demonstrate that it is still possible to enable a variational inferential task, by considering a novel space expansion treatment over an analogous counting process for job transitions. We present and compare exemplary use cases with practical queueing networks, showing that our framework offers an efficient and improved alternative where existing variational or numerically intensive solutions fail.
Detailed balance, local detailed balance, and global potential for stochastic chemical reaction networks
Authors: Jia Chen , Jiang Da-Quan , Li Youming
Published: October 2021

Detailed balance of a chemical reaction network can be defined in several different ways. Here we investigate the relationship among four types of detailed balance conditions: deterministic, stochastic, local, and zero-order local detailed balance. We show that the four types of detailed balance are equivalent when different reactions lead to different species changes and are not equivalent when some different reactions lead to the same species change. Under the condition of local detailed balance, we further show that the system has a global potential defined over the whole space, which plays a central role in the large deviation theory and the Freidlin–Wentzell-type metastability theory of chemical reaction networks. Finally, we provide a new sufficient condition for stochastic detailed balance, which is applied to construct a class of high-dimensional chemical reaction networks that both satisfies stochastic detailed balance and displays multistability.
Our Culture, Our Heritage, Our Values: Whose Culture, Whose Heritage, Whose Values?
Authors: Beaman Lori G.
Published: October 2021

This article reflects on the question of how culture and religion enter legal cases and public debates about the place of majoritarian religious symbols in diverse societies that have some democratic will to inclusion. In the context of the new diversity, the article considers how the articulation of “our culture and heritage” as a strategy for preserving “formerly” religious symbols and practices in public spaces excludes particular groups from the narrative of who “we” are as a nation. The reader is invited to consider how challenges to such symbols and practices might be articulated as a challenge to privilege and power and that a refusal to acknowledge those power relations puts the reputation of democracy and human rights at risk.
Developing a Concept of Operations Template to Guide Collaborative Disaster Research Response Between Academic Public Health and Public Health Agencies
Authors: Khan Amber S. , Wittenauer Rachel , Patel Resham , Baseman Janet , Miller Aubrey , Errett Nicole A.
Published: October 2021

Research conducted in the context of a disaster or public health emergency is essential to improve knowledge about its short- and long-term health consequences, as well as the implementation and effectiveness of response and recovery strategies. Integrated approaches to conducting Disaster Research Response (DR2) can answer scientific questions, while also providing attendant value for operational response and recovery. Here, we propose a Concept of Operations (CONOPS) template to guide the collaborative development and implementation of DR2 among academic public health and public health agencies, informed by previous literature, semi-structured interviews with disaster researchers from academic public health across the United States, and discussion groups with public health practitioners. The proposed CONOPS outlines actionable strategies to address DR2 issues before, during, and after disasters for public health scholars and practitioners who seek to operationalize or enhance their DR2 programs. Additional financial and human resources will be necessary to promote widespread implementation of collaborative DR2 programs.
The sensitivity of Cook Glacier, East Antarctica, to changes in ice-shelf extent and grounding-line position
Authors: Jordan James R. , Gudmundsson G. Hilmar , Jenkins Adrian , Stokes Chris R. , Miles Bertie W. J. , Jamieson Stewart S. R.
Published: October 2021

The Wilkes Subglacial Basin in East Antarctica contains ice equivalent to 3–4 m of global mean sea level rise and is primarily drained by Cook Glacier. Of concern is that recent observations (since the 1970s) show an acceleration in ice speed over the grounding line of both the Eastern and Western portions of Cook Glacier. Here, we use a numerical ice-flow model (Úa) to simulate the instantaneous effects of observed changes at the terminus of Cook Glacier in order to understand the link between these changes and recently observed ice acceleration. Simulations suggest that the acceleration of Cook West was caused by a retreat in calving-front position in the 1970s, potentially enhanced by grounding-line retreat, while acceleration of Cook East was likely caused by ice-shelf thinning and grounding-line retreat in the mid-1990s. Moreover, we show that the instantaneous ice discharge at Cook East would increase by up to 85% if the whole ice shelf is removed and it ungrounds from a pinning point; and that the discharge at Cook West could increase by ~300% if its grounding line retreated by 10 km.
LOCALLY O-MINIMAL STRUCTURES WITH TAME TOPOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: FUJITA MASATO
Published: October 2021

We consider locally o-minimal structures possessing tame topological properties shared by models of DCTC and uniformly locally o-minimal expansions of the second kind of densely linearly ordered abelian groups. We derive basic properties of dimension of a set definable in the structures including the addition property, which is the dimension equality for definable maps whose fibers are equi-dimensional. A decomposition theorem into quasi-special submanifolds is also demonstrated.
Sociological and Grounded, but Everyday?
Authors: Knott Eleanor
Published: October 2021

Grounded Nationalisms, as its name suggests, provides a rich historical and sociological account concerning the paradoxical persistence of nationalism. What motivates Malešević to write this book is precisely such a paradox, presenting nationalism as an ideologically bereft, anomalous, and exceptional political and social force, and evidence that suggests the contrary. As Malešević argues, “rather than being a historical abnormality and a temporary irritation,” nationalism has continued as “the dominant form of modern subjectivity” because it is a cross-cutting “social practice embedded in the everyday life of modern societies” (2019, 3–4). In other words, Malešević’s rich historical and sociological perspective provides the evidentiary and analytical flesh to see nationalism as “a super-thick ideology, a meta-ideological doctrine, which penetrates daily interactions of human beings and as such also shapes how modern individuals see and act in their social world” (4).
Immunosuppressive influence of parasitoid wasp Pimpla turionellae calyx fluid on host Galleria mellonella cell-mediated immune response and hemocyte viability
Authors: Kaya Serhat , Uçkan Fevzi , Er Aylin
Published: October 2021

Endoparasitoid species devoid of symbiotic viruses inject secretions derived from their reproductive glands into their hosts during parasitism in order to avoid various immune responses of their hosts. Pimpla turionellae L. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) is an endoparasitoid that lacks polydnaviruses, and its venom has previously been shown to paralyze the host Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and suppress its immune reactions to ensure the egg survival. The present study demonstrates that another female-injected factor calyx fluid extracted from the P. turionellae ovary is also responsible for the suppression of G. mellonella immunity. The total hemocyte counts of G. mellonella decrease after treatment with calyx fluid in a concentration-dependent manner. Significant reductions in cell viability are also observed at all calyx fluid doses both in vivo and in vitro. The analyses of the beads injected into the insects as encapsulation targets revealed that the number of encapsulated beads reduced significantly compared to controls post-calyx fluid injection. The injection of the highest calyx fluid dose (1 female equivalent calyx) is sufficient to completely inhibit the strong encapsulation and melanization reactions of the last instar larvae 24 h post-injection. These results demonstrate that P. turionellae calyx fluid is required to regulate host immunity for successful parasitization.
The effect of fascia and free skin graft on the healing of mastoid cavity after canal wall down mastoidectomy
Authors: Bongale K R , Bhat V K , Shetty A M
Published: October 2021

Objective

Post-mastoidectomy delayed cavity healing is a challenge to manage. This study aimed to cut down healing time with a simple technique (fascia with a skin graft) and compared it with controls without this technique.

Method

The current study was a prospective non-randomised controlled study, conducted in a tertiary referral hospital. Thirty cases and 30 controls with squamosal type chronic otitis media were studied.

Results

By the end of first month, 23.3 per cent of cases had healed compared with 3.3 per cent of controls. At the third month follow up, 83.3 per cent of cases and 53.3 per cent of controls had healed. At the sixth month follow up, 93.3 per cent of cases and 86 per cent of controls had healed.

Conclusion

Healing of the mastoid cavity, as evidenced by epithelialisation and formation of a dry cavity, was faster in cases that received the graft when compared with controls without the graft.
The impact of sex, age at onset, recurrence, mode of ascertainment and medical complications on the family genetic risk score profiles for alcohol use disorder
Authors: Kendler Kenneth S. , Ohlsson Henrik , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina
Published: October 2021

Background

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is clinically heterogeneous. We examine its potential genetic heterogeneity as a function of sex, age, clinical features and mode of ascertainment.

Methods

In the Swedish population born 1932–1995 (n = 5 829 952), we examined the genetic risk profiles for AUD, major depression (MD), anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, drug use disorder (DUD), attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and criminal behavior (CB) in 361 124 cases of AUD subdivided by sex, age at onset (AAO), recurrence, mode of ascertainment and medical complications. Family genetic risk scores (FGRS), calculated from 1st to 5th-degree relatives controlling of cohabitation, assesses genetic risk from phenotypes in the family, not from DNA variants.

Results

FGRS profiles differed modestly across sex with all scores higher in females. Differences were more pronounced for AAO and recurrence with the FGRS for AUD, DUD, ADHD and CB substantially higher in cases with early AAO or high recurrence rates. Genetic profiles differed considerably by mode of ascertainment, with higher FGRS for AUD and most other disorders in patients seen in hospital v. primary care settings. Cases of AUD with medical complications had higher FGRS for AUD. AUD cases comorbid with MD and DUD had higher FGRS risk for AUD, but this genetic may be less specific given increases in FGRS for multiple other disorders.

Conclusions

From a genetic perspective, AUD differs substantially as a function of AAO, recurrence, mode of ascertainment and patterns of comorbidity, suggesting caution in cross-sample comparisons of AUD cohorts that differ in these features.
Causal pathways to social and occupational functioning in the first episode of schizophrenia: uncovering unmet treatment needs
Authors: Miley Kathleen , Meyer-Kalos Piper , Ma Sisi , Bond David J. , Kummerfeld Erich , Vinogradov Sophia
Published: October 2021

Background

We aimed to identify unmet treatment needs for improving social and occupational functioning in early schizophrenia using a data-driven causal discovery analysis.

Methods

Demographic, clinical, and psychosocial measures were obtained for 276 participants from the Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode Early Treatment Program (RAISE-ETP) trial at baseline and 6-months, along with measures of social and occupational functioning from the Quality of Life Scale. The Greedy Fast Causal Inference algorithm was used to learn a partial ancestral graph modeling causal relationships across baseline variables and 6-month functioning. Effect sizes were estimated using a structural equation model. Results were validated in an independent dataset (N = 187).

Results

In the data-generated model, greater baseline socio-affective capacity was a cause of greater baseline motivation [Effect size (ES) = 0.77], and motivation was a cause of greater baseline social and occupational functioning (ES = 1.5 and 0.96, respectively), which in turn were causes of their own 6-month outcomes. Six-month motivation was also identified as a cause of occupational functioning (ES = 0.92). Cognitive impairment and duration of untreated psychosis were not direct causes of functioning at either timepoint. The graph for the validation dataset was less determinate, but otherwise supported the findings.

Conclusions

In our data-generated model, baseline socio-affective capacity and motivation are the most direct causes of occupational and social functioning 6 months after entering treatment in early schizophrenia. These findings indicate that socio-affective abilities and motivation are specific high-impact treatment needs that must be addressed in order to promote optimal social and occupational recovery.
Kinetostatic backflip strategy for self-recovery of quadruped robots with the selected rotation axis
Authors: Wang Shengjie , Wang Kun , Zhang Chunsong , Dai Jian S
Published: October 2021

A kinetostatic approach applied to the design of a backflip strategy for quadruped robots is proposed in this paper. Inspired by legged animals and taking the advantage of the leg workspace, this strategy provides an optimal design idea for the low-cost quadruped robots to achieve self-recovery after overturning. Through kinetostatic and energy analysis, a four-stepped backflip strategy based on the selected rotation axis with minimum energy is proposed, with a process of selection, lifting, rotating, and protection. The kinematic factors that affect the backflip are investigated, along with the relationship between the design parameters of the leg and trunk being analyzed. At the end of this paper, the strategy is validated by a simulation and experiments with a prototype called DRbot, demonstrating that the strategy endows the robot a strong self-recovery ability in various terrains.
IDENTIFICATION OF REGRESSION MODELS WITH A MISCLASSIFIED AND ENDOGENOUS BINARY REGRESSOR
Authors: Kasahara Hiroyuki , Shimotsu Katsumi
Published: October 2021

We study identification in nonparametric regression models with a misclassified and endogenous binary regressor when an instrument is correlated with misclassification error. We show that the regression function is nonparametrically identified if one binary instrument variable and one binary covariate satisfy the following conditions. The instrumental variable corrects endogeneity; the instrumental variable must be correlated with the unobserved true underlying binary variable, must be uncorrelated with the error term in the outcome equation, but is allowed to be correlated with the misclassification error. The covariate corrects misclassification; this variable can be one of the regressors in the outcome equation, must be correlated with the unobserved true underlying binary variable, and must be uncorrelated with the misclassification error. We also propose a mixture-based framework for modeling unobserved heterogeneous treatment effects with a misclassified and endogenous binary regressor and show that treatment effects can be identified if the true treatment effect is related to an observed regressor and another observable variable.
Antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella from poultry meat in Brazil: results of a nationwide survey
Authors: Rau Renata Batista , Ribeiro Aldemir Reginato , dos Santos Amaury , Barth Afonso Luís
Published: October 2021

The use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals can lead to increased bacterial resistance. Important information to address this problem can be provided by monitoring antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in foodborne pathogens. As part of preliminary activities for the implementation of AMR surveillance in Brazil, a nationwide survey on AMR in Salmonella enterica isolates from poultry meat was conducted. The survey evaluated 146 Salmonella isolates from poultry meat in 2014, and 163 isolates obtained in 2017. Minimal inhibitory concentrations of 13 antimicrobials were determined by broth microdilution, and isolates were assigned to serotypes by automated ribotyping. High resistance rates were found in 2014 and 2017, in particular to nalidixic acid (84/146, 57.5% and 141/163, 86.5%, respectively), ampicillin (82/146, 56.2% and 125/163, 76.7%), cefotaxime (76/146, 52.1% and 124/163, 76.1%), ceftazidime (73/146, 50.0% and 124/163, 76.1%), ciprofloxacin (83/146, 56.9% and 145/163, 89.0%) and tetracycline (88/146, 60.3% and 135/163, 82.8%). There was a significant increase in resistance to these antibiotics in the second survey period. Salmonella ser. Heidelberg and Salmonella ser. Minnesota were the main serotypes expressing resistance to these antimicrobials. Multidrug resistance was found in 50.7% (74/146) of the isolates from 2014, and in 77.3% (126/163) of isolates from 2017 (P < 0.05). None of the isolates was resistant to azithromycin or meropenem. These findings indicate high and increasing rates of resistance among Salmonella from poultry meat in Brazil, mainly associated with Salmonella ser. Heidelberg and Salmonella ser. Minnesota, stressing the importance of continuous monitoring of AMR in the poultry chain.
REHABILITATING BECÁN
Authors: Webster David , Ball Joseph W.
Published: October 2021

Research in 1970 vaulted Becán to prominence on the landscape of great Maya centers. Mapping, excavation, and ceramic stratigraphy revealed that its enigmatic earthwork, first recorded archaeologically in 1934, was a fortification built at the end of the Preclassic period. Large-scale warfare thus unexpectedly turned out to have very deep roots in the Maya lowlands. The site's wider implications remained obscure, however, in the absence of dates and other inscriptions. The ever-increasing dependence on historical and iconographic information in our narratives, along with the invisibility of its Preclassic buildings and plazas, unfortunately marginalized Becán. Some colleagues even claimed that we have misinterpreted both the nature of the earthworks (not fortifications) and their dating (not Preclassic). We rehabilitate Becán by dispelling these claims and by showing that standard archaeological evidence, contextualized in what we know today, has much to say about Becán's role in lowland culture history. We identify intervals of crisis when the earthwork remained useful long after it was originally built, especially during the great hegemonic struggles of the Snake and Tikal dynasties, and introduce new ceramic and lithic data about Becán's settlement history and political entanglements. Our most important message is that inscriptions and iconography, for all their dramatic chronological detail and historical agency, must always be complemented by standard fieldwork.
Alternate Care Sites for COVID-19 Patients: Experience from the H144 Hospital of the Health Service of the Principality of Asturias, Spain
Authors: Castro Delgado Rafael , Pérez Quesada Paloma , Pintado García Eduardo , Marañón Zabalza Iñigo , Vallina-Victorero Vázquez Manuel , Escribano Balín Rodrigo
Published: October 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) temporary hospitals, also called “alternate care sites” (ACS), as support to the health network have had uneven use. The World Health Organization (WHO) has published different recommendations in this regard. World-wide, many health services have improved their surge capacity with the implementation of new temporary hospital structures, but there have been few experiences of use over time despite representing an important element as support to the hospital network in the management of COVID-19 patients. In this article, the experiences are explained in the design, execution, and use of the temporary COVID-19 Hospital H144 of the Health Service of the Principality of Asturias (Sespa), with 144 beds, which was in operation from April 1 through July 1, 2020 (without admitting patients) and from November 12, 2020 through March 5, 2121, admitting a total of 334 COVID-19 patients (66% women; 34% men) and generating 3,149 hospital stays. Maximum occupancy was 74 patients. Mean stay was 9.42 days (MD = 3.99; [1-34]). At discharge, 126 patients (38%) went to a nursing home, 112 (33%) to their home, 40 (12%) were transferred to another hospital, and 56 (17%) died. The mean age of the admitted patients was 82.79 years (MD = 8.68; [29-104]) and was higher in women (85.09; MD = 7.57; P = .000) than in men (78.28; MD = 9.22). Some aspects to consider for future experiences of use have been: teamwork from different fields of knowledge (ie, architecture, engineering, medicine, and nursing) is essential for success; integration in the health system must be fully developed from different perspectives (ie, information system, logistics, medical records, or clinical procedures, among others); clear procedures for patient admission from different structures (ie, home, hospitals, nursing homes, or primary health care network) must combine with flexibility of use to adapt to new and unknown circumstances; and they must not compromise specialized staff availability in other health facilities.
Characteristics of Emergency Medical Service Missions in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest and Death Cases in the Periods of Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hasani-Sharamin Parisa , Saberian Peyman , Sadeghi Mostafa , Mireskandari Seyed Mohammad , Baratloo Alireza
Published: October 2021

Background:

Some studies in countries affected by the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have shown that the missions of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rate of death and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has been increased due to the direct and indirect effects of COVID-19.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the process of EMS missions, death, and OHCA.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was performed in Tehran, Iran. All conducted missions in the first six months of the three consecutive solar years of March 21 until September 22 of 2018-2020, which were registered in the registry bank of the Tehran EMS center, were assessed and compared. Based on the opinion of experts, the technician’s on-scene diagnoses were categorized into 14 groups, and then death and OHCA cases were compared.

Results:

In this study, the data of 1,050,376 missions performed in three study periods were analyzed. In general, the number of missions in 2020 was 17.83% fewer than that of 2019 (P < .001); however, the number of missions in 2019 was 30.33% more than that of 2018. On the other hand, the missions of respiratory problems, cardiopulmonary arrest, infectious diseases, and poisoning were increased in 2020 compared to that of 2019. The raw number of OHCA and death cases respectively in 2018, 2019, and 2020 were 25.0, 22.7, and 28.6 cases per 1,000 missions. Of all patients who died in 2020, 4.9% were probable/confirmed COVID-19 cases. The history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory disease in patients in 2020 was more frequent than that of the other two years.

Conclusion:

This study showed that the number of missions in the Tehran EMS in 2020 were decreased compared to that of 2019, however the number of missions in 2019 was more than that of 2018. Respiratory problems, infectious diseases, poisoning, death, and OHCA were increased compared to the previous two years and cardiovascular complaints, neurological problems, and motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) in 2020 were fewer than that of the other two years
Development of a protein energy malnutrition screening tool for older Thais in public residential homes
Authors: Phodhichai Thitima , Satheannoppakao Warapone , Tipayamongkholgul Mathuros , Hutchinson Carol , Sasat Siriphan
Published: October 2021

Objective:

This study aimed to develop and validate protein energy malnutrition (PEM) screening tool for older adults in public residential homes, and to test its practicality.

Design:

This cross-sectional study consisted of two phases: tool development/validation and tool practicality evaluation. In Phase 1, the questionnaire was developed based on literature review and tested for content validity. Older residents were interviewed using this questionnaire to identify potential PEM risk factors. A 24-h recall was used to collect dietary data, and body composition and serum albumin were measured. In Phase 2, practicality of new PEM screening tool was evaluated by intended users. Data were analysed byχ2test, Fisher’s exact test,t-test, Mann–WhitneyUtest and multiple logistic regression. Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was used to estimate the best fit model.

Setting:

Four public residential homes in central region, Thailand.

Participants:

249 older residents residing in public residential homes and eight intended users.

Results:

26·9 % had PEM (serum albumin <3·5 g/dl). According to multiple logistic regression and AIC values, PEM predictors were having pressure ulcer, experiencing significant weight loss and taking ≥ 9 types of medicine daily. These predictors were included in PEM screening tool. Regarding the tool performance test, area under the ROC curve was 0·8 (P< 0·001) with sensitivity and specificity of 83·9 and 45·5 %, respectively. For its practicality, eight intended users reported that it was useful and easy to use.

Conclusions:

New screening tool may be capable of identifying PEM in older residents, and further testing is required before being recommended for use.
INTERSECTION COHOMOLOGY OF RANK 2 CHARACTER VARIETIES OF SURFACE GROUPS
Authors: Mauri Mirko
Published: October 2021

For
$G = \mathrm {GL}_2, \mathrm {SL}_2, \mathrm {PGL}_2$
we compute the intersection E-polynomials and the intersection Poincaré polynomials of the G-character variety of a compact Riemann surface C and of the moduli space of G-Higgs bundles on C of degree zero. We derive several results concerning the P=W conjectures for these singular moduli spaces.
Destructive trends in contemporary armed conflicts and the overlooked aspect of intangible cultural heritage: A critical comparison of the protection of cultural heritage under IHL and the Islamic law of armed conflict
Authors: Arnal Victoria
Published: October 2021

The destruction of cultural heritage in armed conflicts has gained increasing political momentum and visibility over the last two decades. Syria, Iraq and Mali, among others, have witnessed the intentional destruction of their cultural heritage by non-State armed groups (NSAGs) that have invoked Islamic law and principles to legitimize their actions. The response of the international community has predominantly focused on the material aspect, to the detriment of the significant impact on the associated intangible manifestation of cultural heritage in local communities. This article argues that several Islamic legal rules and principles may, more adequately than international humanitarian law, safeguard the intangible dimension of cultural heritage in certain contemporary armed conflicts in Muslim contexts. It aims to demonstrate the importance of drawing from multiple legal traditions in order to enhance the protection of intangible cultural heritage in armed conflicts and to strengthen engagement with the relevant NSAGs.
If-Then Planning in Sports
Authors: Bieleke Maik , Wolff Wanja , Englert Chris , Gollwitzer Peter M.
Published: October 2021

Abstract. If-then planning (implementation intentions) describes a self-regulatory strategy that helps people to attain their goals across a variety of domains, such as achieving physical activity goals. Based on such beneficial effects, if-then plans are anecdotally discussed as a strategy to enhance sports-related performance as well. However, this discussion currently lacks an empirical basis. We therefore conducted a scoping review to identify experimental research on the effects of if-then planning on sports-related performance, potential moderators of these effects, the methodological approaches used, and the suitability of the available evidence for assessing the effectiveness of if-then planning in sports. Based on a search of four online databases, we identified a set of 11 studies that investigated if-then planning in experimental research with sports-related performance as an outcome measure. Six of these studies focused on if-then planning in endurance tasks, whereas the remaining studies investigated sports performance in domains that do not revolve primarily around endurance (e. g., tennis, golf, darts). The samples were often small and comprised university students; the conclusions drawn regarding the effectiveness of if-then planning for improving sports-related performance were rather heterogeneous. Still, most studies did shed light on tentative mechanisms (e. g., perceptions of effort and pain, arousal) and moderators (e. g., athletes’ beliefs about their performance limits, the feasibility of the behavior) of if-then planning in sports, guiding future research regarding the question of when and for whom if-then planning might be a beneficial strategy. Based on these findings, we identify the potentials and pitfalls of using if-then plans to enhance sports-related performance, discuss promising routes for future research, and derive practical implications for athletes and coaches.
Drift Resonance Between Particles and Compressional Toroidal ULF Waves in Dipole Magnetic Field
Authors: Li Li , Zhou Xu‐Zhi , Omura Yoshiharu , Zong Qiu‐Gang , Rankin Robert , Chen Xing‐Ran , Liu Ying , Yue Chao , Fu Sui‐Yan
Published: October 2021

We examine the drift‐resonant particle dynamics for toroidal ultralow frequency (ULF) waves in a pure dipole background geomagnetic field. We confirm that the resonant condition originally believed to apply only for poloidal ULF waves, , also applies for compressional toroidal waves. The predicted phase relationships have been confirmed from Van Allen Probes observations. Their good agreement provides the first observational evidence for the drift resonance condition controlled by the compressional toroidal ULF wave. Moreover, we extend the drift resonance theory into a nonlinear regime. The resulting particle motion can be described by a modified pendulum equation with solutions depending on the wave number . For high‐ toroidal waves, the resonant islands become asymmetric to perturb the particle trajectories within each potential well and consequently increase the trapping widths in both energy and L‐shell. We further carry out test‐particle simulations to show the evolution of electron distribution functions when they interact with either toroidal or poloidal waves. These findings demonstrate that toroidal ULF waves, like their poloidal counterparts, play an important role in magnetospheric particle dynamics.