bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The early acquisition of symbiotic algae benefits larval survival and juvenile growth in the coral Acropora tenuis
Authors: Hazraty‐Kari Sanaz , Masaya Morita , Kawachi Masanobu , Harii Saki
Published: March 2022

Larval dispersal and postsettlement survival of corals play significant roles in the maintenance of coral populations. Most corals acquire their symbiotic algae (Symbiodiniaceae) from the environment in each generation (horizontal transmission). For horizontal transmitters, the quick establishment of symbiosis is important for their survival, since the photosynthetic activity of symbiotic algae provides energy. However, recent studies have indicated that oxidative stress resulting from photosynthesis might also harm coral larvae. Therefore, it remains unclear whether symbionts contribute energy sources along with intrinsic lipids from eggs and assist in settlement/metamorphosis in early life stages. In the present study, we show that symbiotic algae contribute supplemental energy and are also associated with settlement. Furthermore, although juveniles acquired symbiotic algae after settlement, the acquisition of symbiotic algae in the larval stages caused higher growth (number of polyps and size) and low mortality in the juvenile stage. Our data suggest that symbiotic larvae potentially have longer dispersal periods due to their lower lipid consumption rates, which make them better able to retain buoyancy and motility, increasing the ability of symbiotic larvae to settle in favored locations compared with aposymbiotic larvae. Moreover, postsettlement juveniles may continue to benefit from symbiotic relationships formed during the larval stage. Overall, these findings reveal that the effects of symbiotic algae on Acropora tenuis coral larvae are beneficial, particularly under normal seawater temperature conditions.
Incidence of non‐benign arrhythmia in neonatal intensive care unit: 18 years experience from a single center
Authors: Doi Yuji , Ueda Kazutoshi , Ogino Kayo , Hayashi Tomohiro , Takahashi Akihito , Waki Kenji , Arakaki Yoshio
Published: March 2022

Background

Non‐benign arrhythmias, which require urgent recognition and care in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) settings, are rare but can severely impact neonates. We aimed to clarify the epidemiology and characteristics of non‐benign arrhythmias and their influence on neonates.

Methods

This single‐center retrospective study included patients admitted to the NICU at Kurashiki Central Hospital between January 2001 and December 2019. Only patients with structurally normal hearts were included. The use of direct cardioversion (DC), antiarrhythmic agents, and the presence of risk factors was reviewed from medical records.

Results

Of the 8082 admissions, 2919 patients (36.1%) were low birth weight infants (LBWI) weighing less than 1500 g. There were 23 patients with arrhythmias (nine of them were LBWIs) with an incidence of 0.28%. There were 16 patients with tachyarrhythmia (eight supraventricular tachycardia [SVT] cases, three atrial flutters [AFL] cases, three ventricular tachycardia cases, two junctional ectopic tachycardia cases), and seven with bradyarrhythmia (all with complete atrioventricular [AV] block). For tachyarrhythmia cases, seven patients required DC, and eight were on antiarrhythmic agents at the time of discharge. Two patients (28.5%) with complete AV block required pacemaker implantation before discharge. The treatment strategy was dependent on the type of arrhythmia. All patients were discharged without significant morbidities.

Conclusions

The incidence of non‐benign arrhythmias was as low as 0.28%. Arrhythmias can be managed successfully in neonates, yet risk factors related to mortality warrant further study.
Production of Plant Proteases and New Biotechnological Applications: An Updated Review
Authors: David Troncoso Franco , Alberto Sánchez Daniel , Luján Ferreira María
Published: March 2022

An updated review of emerging plant proteases with potential biotechnological application is presented. Plant proteases show comparable or even greater performance than animal or microbial proteases for by‐product valorization through hydrolysis for, for example, cheese whey, bird feathers, collagen, keratinous materials, gelatin, fish protein, and soy protein. Active biopeptides can be obtained as high added value products, which have shown numerous beneficial effects on human health. Plant proteases can also be used for wastewater treatment. The production of new plant proteases is encouraged for the following advantages: low cost of isolation using simple procedures, remarkable stability over a wide range of operating conditions (temperature, pH, salinity, and organic solvents), substantial affinity to a broad variety of substrates, and possibility of immobilization. Vegetable proteases have enormous application potential for the valorization of industrial waste and its conversion into products with high added value through low‐cost processes.
Valproate utilisation trends among women of childbearing potential in Ireland between 2014 and 2019: A drug utilisation study using interrupted time series
Authors: Hughes John E. , Buckley Niamh , Looney Yvonne , Curran Sinead , Mullooly Maeve , Bennett Kathleen
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to examine trends in valproate use among women of childbearing potential (WCBP) aged 16–44 years in Ireland following two European‐directed regulatory interventions in December 2014 and April 2018.

Methods

This was a repeated cross‐sectional study using monthly national pharmacy claims data, to examine trend changes in the prevalence of valproate use among WCBP pre and post two separate regulatory events in December 2014 and April 2018. Annual population estimates from the Central Statistics Office were used to calculate the prevalence rate per 1000 eligible women. Segmented regression analysis of interrupted time series with negative binomial regression was used to examine rates for WCBP aged 16–44 years, and by 10‐year age groups. Prevalence ratios (PR) are presented with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Among WCBP aged 16–44 years, there was no statistically significant change in the month‐to‐month prevalence ratio in the post‐ compared to pre‐December 2014 intervention period. A significant decline was, however, observed in the post‐, compared to pre‐April 2018 intervention period (PR = 0.998, [95% CIs: 0.996, 1.000]; p = 0.029). Among those aged 16–24 years, a significant decreasing trend in the month‐to‐month prevalence ratio was found in the post‐ compared to pre‐December 2014 intervention period (PR = 0.991, [95% CIs: 0.984, 0.998];p <0.01). A marginal effect was observed in the post‐ compared to pre‐April 2018 intervention period for those aged 25–34 years (PR = 0.996, [95% CIs: 0.992, 1.000]; p = 0.048).

Conclusion

Although no evidence of change was observed following the December 2014 intervention period, a significant decline in the prevalence ratio of valproate use was observed after the 2018 intervention, which may reflect the introduction of the most recent contraindication measures.
Adaptive neural network decentralized control for nonlinear interconnected systems with time‐varying constraints
Authors: Liu Siqi , Jiang Xiaoli
Published: March 2022

This paper focuses on a decentralized adaptive scheme for a class of nonlinear time‐varying interconnected systems based on neural networks for output tracking. By introducing constraint estimation method and two smooth functions, the barrier of unknown interaction in the system is avoided. By means of incorporating the back‐stepping technique and the capability of neural networks, we aim to approximate the unknown nonlinear parts and establish a novel decentralized scheme with prescribed performance. Furthermore, according to Lyapunov stability theorem, it can be inferred that all variables of the controlled system are bounded, while the expected tracking converges to a compact set with a small error range. In addition, the simulation results verify that the proposed scheme can obtain a rapid learning effect.
Calibration and validation of soil water reflectometers
Authors: Patrignani Andres , Ochsner Tyson E. , Feng Lei , Dyer Don , Rossini Pedro R.
Published: March 2022

In this study, we tested soil water reflectometers represented by the CS65x series soil water reflectometers. The objectives were to (a) quantify the sensing volume of the CS65x sensors, (b) evaluate common univariate and multivariate calibration models, and (c) assess the implications of using uncalibrated sensors. The support volume was determined by analyzing the response of the bulk dielectric permittivity to a changing amount of surrounding media in the radial and axial directions of the sensor. Calibration models were tested using a dataset of ∼300 soil samples spanning nine soil textural classes. A time series of rootzone soil water storage recorded in two contrasting soils and two intensive (n ∼300) spatial surveys of near‐surface soil moisture were used to quantify the implications of using uncalibrated sensors. The electromagnetic signal of CS655 was concentrated within a ∼3.5‐cm radius around the center of the sensor rods. Univariate and multivariate calibration equations reduced the mean absolute error (MAE) in soil moisture observations by ∼40% compared with factory default equations. Uncalibrated sensors did not change the pattern of soil moisture temporal dynamics but resulted in a strong bias in soil water storage in a silty clay loam soil and altered the soil moisture spatial patterns obtained in moderate to wet field conditions in a silty clay soil. The CS655 sensor with the Kargas and Soulis calibration equation (MAE = 0.026 cm3 cm−3) appears to be an acceptable candidate for deployment in soil moisture monitoring networks seeking to avoid site‐specific sensor calibrations.
Sicherheit und Effizienz der en bloc vs. konventionellen transurethralen Resektion von Blasentumoren: eine Metaanalyse und systematic Review
Authors: Oswald D. , Pallauf P. , Deininger S. , Herrmann T. R. W. , Netsch C. , Becker B. , Fiedler M. , Haecker A. , Homberg R. , Klein J. T. , Lehrich K. , Miernik A. , Olbert P. , Schöb D. S. , Sievert K. D. , Gross A. J. , Westphal J. , Lusuardi L.
Published: March 2022

Hintergrund

Die transurethrale En-bloc-Resektion von Blasentumoren (ERBT) ist eine Alternative zur konventionellen transurethralen Resektion von Blasentumoren (TURB). Sie könnte dazu beitragen bekannte Probleme der Standardmethode wie fehlenden Detrusormuskel im Präparat, hohe Nachresektions- sowie Rezidivraten zu verbessern.

Ziel

Die Analyse der aktuellen Datenlage zur ERBT in Bezug auf Effektivität und Sicherheit im Vergleicht zur TURB. Datenquelle: PubMed.

Methode

Zwei unabhängige Autoren identifizierten Studien basierend auf den Einschlusskriterien sowie den Schlüsselwörtern. Ein dritter Autor wurde bei Unstimmigkeiten zur Entscheidungsfindung involviert. Screening Keywords: ERBT, en bloc transurethral resection of bladder tumor, en bloc TURBT. Eine Metaanalyse von 13 Studien wurde durchgeführt. Effektgrößen wurden mittels Odds Ratios und mittleren Differenzen samt den zugehörigen zweiseitigen 95 %-Konfidenzintervallen geschätzt.

Ergebnisse

Die behandelten Studien untersuchten ein homogenes Kollektiv in Bezug auf Tumorgröße, Multiplizität und Stadium. Die Operationszeit zeigte sich nicht signifikant verschieden zwischen den Methoden. Signifikante Unterschiede bestanden in Hospitalisierungs- und Kathetereinliegedauer zugunsten der ERBT. Die Daten in Bezug auf Komplikationsraten zeigen keine sicheren Unterschiede auf. In der ERBT-Gruppe konnte signifikant mehr Detrusormuskel im Präparat nachgewiesen werden. Keine Unterschiede ergaben sich in der Rezidivrate bei einem Follow-up bis 2 Jahre.

Schlussfolgerung

Die ERBT ist eine sichere Alternative zur konventionellen TURB mit vielversprechenden Möglichkeiten bezüglich der effektiven Resektion von Detrusormuskulatur. Mehr Daten aus randomisierten kontrollierten Studien zu Rezidivraten, unterschiedlichen Energiequellen und Resektionstechniken sowie freien Resektionsrändern sind notwendig um den Stellenwert der Methode klar einzuordnen.
Aesthetic Enhancement of the Brow using Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Minelli Lennert , Richa Jacqueline , Mendelson Bryan C.
Published: March 2022

Background

An aesthetically pleasing appearance of the ‘eyes’ usually includes good projection of the outer brow. Weak bony projection of the superolateral periorbital region tends to be not only less attractive, but also predisposes to hooding over the temporal part of the upper lid. Congenital lack of skeletal volume is exacerbated by ageing due to lipoatrophy and soft tissue laxity. The rationale and technique for performing skeletal augmentation of the superolateral orbital rim is described, along with long-term results from a series of cases.

Material and Methods

A series of patients having augmentation of the superolateral orbital rim, using the technique described, were evaluated. A forehead crease incision was used, then a precise subperiosteal pocket developed in the lateral brow region between the supraorbital foramen and the superior temporal septum. The hydroxyapatite granule mixture was incrementally placed using modified syringes. The patients were followed to assess the long-term results.

Results

Two hundred and fifty patients, 80% women, mean age = 53 years [range 23–78] underwent supraorbital rim augmentation using subperiosteal hydroxyapatite granules, during a 12-year period, commencing in 2007. The mean follow-up was 41 months (range 1–12 years). The mean volume used for augmentation was 1.0 mL per side (range 0.4–2.3 mL). Projection of the upper lateral periorbital prominence was effectively increased, resulting in enhancement of the brow position and shape. Twenty-seven patients (11%) had an undercorrection, requiring additional volume augmentation, all during the first three years of the experience. Twelve patients (5%)
required correction of contour irregularities. There were no infections and no long-term complications. Resorption of the hydroxyapatite volume over time was not noted.

Conclusion

The aesthetic significance of superolateral orbital rim projection is introduced. Patients who have a degree of skeletal deficiency of the zygomatic process of the frontal bone should be considered for hydroxyapatite augmentation of the bone as a complement to upper lid blepharoplasty and brow elevation. This procedure should be considered in the spectrum of upper periorbital aesthetic procedures.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Chronic isoprenaline/phenylephrine vs. exclusive isoprenaline stimulation in mice: critical contribution of alpha1-adrenoceptors to early cardiac stress responses
Authors: Dewenter Matthias , Pan Jianyuan , Knödler Laura , Tzschöckel Niklas , Henrich Julian , Cordero Julio , Dobreva Gergana , Lutz Susanne , Backs Johannes , Wieland Thomas , Vettel Christiane
Published: March 2022

Hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system is a major driver of cardiac remodeling, exerting its effects through both α-, and β-adrenoceptors (α-, β-ARs). As the relative contribution of subtype α1-AR to cardiac stress responses remains poorly investigated, we subjected mice to either subcutaneous perfusion with the β-AR agonist isoprenaline (ISO, 30 mg/kg × day) or to a combination of ISO and the stable α1-AR agonist phenylephrine (ISO/PE, 30 mg/kg × day each). Telemetry analysis revealed similar hemodynamic responses under both ISO and ISO/PE treatment i.e., permanently increased heart rates and only transient decreases in mean blood pressure during the first 24 h. Echocardiography and single cell analysis after 1 week of exposure showed that ISO/PE-, but not ISO-treated animals established α1-AR-mediated inotropic responsiveness to acute adrenergic stimulation. Morphologically, additional PE perfusion limited concentric cardiomyocyte growth and enhanced cardiac collagen deposition during 7 days of treatment. Time-course analysis demonstrated a diverging development in transcriptional patterns at day 4 of treatment i.e., increased expression of selected marker genes Xirp2, Nppa, Tgfb1, Col1a1, Postn under chronic ISO/PE treatment which was either less pronounced or absent in the ISO group. Transcriptome analyses at day 4 via RNA sequencing demonstrated that additional PE treatment caused a marked upregulation of genes allocated to extracellular matrix and fiber organization along with a more pronounced downregulation of genes involved in metabolic processes, muscle adaptation and cardiac electrophysiology. Consistently, transcriptome changes under ISO/PE challenge more effectively recapitulated early transcriptional alterations in pressure overload-induced experimental heart failure and in human hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Estimating intrinsic growth rates of arthropods from partial life tables using predatory mites as examples
Authors: Janssen Arne , Fonseca Morgana Maria , Marcossi Italo , Kalile Milena Oliveira , Cardoso Andre Costa , Walerius Adriana Helena , Hanel Aldo , Marques Vinicius , Ferla Júlia Jantsch , Farias Vanessa , Carbajal Paola A. F. , Pallini Angelo , Nachman Gösta
Published: March 2022

The intrinsic rate of natural increase of a population (rm) has been in focus as a key parameter in entomology and acarology. It is considered especially important in studies of predators that are potential biological control agents of fast-growing pests such as mites, whiteflies and thrips. Life-table experiments under controlled laboratory conditions are standard procedures to estimaterm. However, such experiments are often time consuming and may critically depend on the precise assessment of the developmental time and the fecundity rate early in the reproductive phase. Using selected studies of predatory mites with suitable life-table data, we investigated whether and how measurements of growth rates can be simplified. We propose a new method for estimatingrmfrom partial life tables, in which the researcher can choose a level of precision based on a stand-in measure of relative error. Based on this choice, the procedure helps the researcher to decide when a life-table experiment can be terminated. Depending on the chosen precision, significant amounts of experimental time can be saved without seriously compromising the reliability of the estimated growth parameter.
Ontogenetic shift in diet of a large elapid snake is facilitated by allometric change in skull morphology
Authors: Patterson M. , Wolfe A. K. , Fleming P. A. , Bateman P. W. , Martin M. L. , Sherratt E. , Warburton N. M.
Published: March 2022

As snakes are limbless, gape-limited predators, their skull is the main feeding structure involved in prey handling, manipulation and feeding. Ontogenetic changes in prey type and size are likely to be associated with distinct morphological changes in the skull during growth. We investigated ontogenetic variation in diet from stomach contents of 161 Dugite specimens (Pseudonaja affinis, Elapidae) representing the full range of body size for the species, and skull morphology of 46 specimens (range 0.25–1.64 m snout-vent-length; SVL). We hypothesised that changes in prey type throughout postnatal ontogeny would coincide with distinct changes in skull shape. Dugites demonstrate a distinct size-related shift in diet: the smallest individuals ate autotomised reptile tails and reptiles, medium-sized individuals predominantly ate mammals, and the largest individuals had the most diverse diet, including large reptiles. Morphometric analysis revealed that ~40% of the variation in skull shape was associated with body size (SVL). Through ontogeny, skulls changed from a smooth, bulbous cranium with relatively small trophic bones (upper and lower jaws and their attachments), to more rugose bones (as a likely reflection of muscle attachment) and relatively longer trophic bones that would extend gape. Individual shape variation in trophic bone dimensions was greater in larger adults and this likely reflects natural plasticity of individuals feeding on different prey sizes/types. Rather than a distinct morphological shift with diet, the ontogenetic changes were gradual, but positive allometry of individual trophic bones resulted in disproportionate growth of the skull, reflected in increased gape size and mobility of jaw bones in adults to aid the ingestion of larger prey and improve manipulation and processing ability. These results indicate that allometric scaling is an important mechanism by which snakes can change their dietary niche.
School Influences on Adolescent Depression: A 6-Year Longitudinal Study Amongst Catholic, Government and Independent Schools, in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Rowland Bosco C. , Mohebbi Mohammadreza , Kelly Adrian B. , Benstead Michelle L. , Herde Jess A. , Clancy Elizabeth M. , Bailey Jennifer A. , Hallam Bill , Sharkey Paul , Horner Robyn , Toumbourou John W.
Published: March 2022

This study examined associations between school sector (Government, Catholic or Independent) and depressive symptomology over the secondary school years. Six waves of data collected annually from a representative Australian sample were examined. Multilevel piecewise linear and logistic regression controlling for a variety of demographic variables and protective factors was undertaken. In all sectors, depressive symptomology decreased between 10 and 13 years of age, but significantly increased for girls at age 13. Adolescents in Catholic schools reported significantly fewer symptoms of depression compared to those in Government and Independent schools. Adolescents in Catholic schools were less likely to report clinical levels of depressed mood compared to adolescents in Government schools.
A pilot study on the effect of desferrioxamine B on uranium VI precipitation and dissolution in pH 11.5, 0.1 M NaCl solutions
Authors: Kirby Matthew , Weiss Dominik J
Published: March 2022

A pilot study investigating the possible role of desferrioxamine B (DFOB) to prevent UVI precipitation in alkaline NaCl solutions was carried out. Desferrioxamine B is a hydroxamate siderophore occurring naturally in the environment. The siderophore can possibly mobilize UVI from a wide range of sources such as mine tailings, contaminated land and radioactive waste storage and disposal facilities. The results from a series of batch experiments covering a wide range of naturally occurring concentrations over relevant time scales (3 days and 2 months) show that DFOB can quantitatively prevent UVI precipitation as ≥ 0.2 μm precipitates when 130 µM and 420 µM of the DFOB is present in solution. The impact is minimized as its concentration decrease to below 10 µM, suggesting these ligands will have a less mobilizing effect on uranium from a geological disposal facility if present in its VI oxidation state.
A critique of the crowd psychological heritage in early sociology, classic phenomenology and recent social psychology
Authors: Thonhauser Gerhard
Published: March 2022

The paper critically reconstructs the crowd psychological heritage in phenomenological and social science emotion research. It shows how the founding figures of phenomenology and sociology uncritically adopted Le Bon’s crowd psychological imagery as well as what I suggest calling the disease model of emotion transfer. Against this background, it can be examined how Le Bon’s understanding of emotional contagion as an automatic, involuntary, and uncontrollable mechanism has remained a dominant force in emotion research until today. However, a closer look at phenomenological descriptions and empirical investigations of how emotion’s spread shows that there is little evidence supporting Le Bon’s crowd psychological framework. Thus, I suggest that the disease model should be dismissed in favor of more plausible approaches to interpersonal emotion dynamics.
Mapping stressed wheat plants by soil aluminum effect using C-band SAR images: implications for plant growth and grain quality
Authors: Hernández Mercedes , Borges Andrés A. , Francisco-Bethencourt Desiderio
Published: March 2022

Under toxic aluminum (Al) levels in the soil, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) suffers stress and plant growth is affected. A method for diagnosis of plants is proposed that includes the following as a strategy: to analyze total Al in the soil, employ satellite radar imagery and calculate a vegetation index. The objective of this research, conducted at the field scale, was to explore how radar backscattering coefficients from a winter wheat canopy, combined with the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and geographic information system (GIS) technology, can be used as a mapping tool for the variability of Al-stressed canopies. As a result, an analysis of covariance showed significant differences, and the lowest plant height was obtained at a high level of soil Al, as well as the minimum grain weight and magnesium content. It was found that a simple model could be used to estimate plant height from the backscattering coefficient of vertical transmit-vertical receive polarization (σ°VV), with a strong correlation (r − 0.84). In turn, a third-order polynomial regression model (R2 0.70) was proposed to estimate the NDVI from σ°VV. This model provided a good estimate of the NDVI at the stem elongation stage of growth (50 days after sowing). Detected NDVI patterns were associated with variation in canopy stress depending on polarimetric information, which, in turn, was related to soil Al levels. Thus, the maps derived from the model can monitor spatial variability, where NDVI values < 0.68 indicate stressed areas. This study provides guidance for in-season stress spatial variability caused by Al.
Deindustrialization, social disintegration, and health: a neoclassical sociological approach
Authors: Scheiring Gábor , King Lawrence
Published: March 2022

Deindustrialization is a major burden on workers’ health in many countries, calling for theoretically informed sociological analysis. Here, we present a novel neoclassical sociological synthesis of the lived experience of deindustrialization. We conceptualize industry as a social institution whose disintegration has widespread implications for the social fabric. Combining Durkheimian and Marxian categories, we show that deindustrialization generates ruptures in economic production, which entail job and income loss, increased exploitation, social inequality, and the disruption of services. These ruptures spill over to the field of social reproduction, generating material deprivation, job strain, fatalism, increased domestic workload, anomie, community disintegration, and alienation. These ruptures in social reproduction are sources of psychosocial stress, through which deindustrialization gets embodied as ill health and dysfunctional health behavior. We substantiate this framework through the extensive qualitative thematic analysis of 82 life history interviews in Hungary’s rust belt.
Who Received Informal Social Support During the First COVID-19 Lockdown in Germany, and Who Did Not? The Role of Social Networks, Life Course and Pandemic-Specific Risks
Authors: Bertogg Ariane , Koos Sebastian
Published: March 2022

In this article, we study the receipt of informal support during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. The containment measures have had various, far-reaching consequences for the wellbeing of people, creating demands for economic, practical, and emotional support—even among individuals who hitherto were not in need of support. Existing research has shown substantial levels of informal support during the pandemic, often based on individuals’ existing social networks, but has predominantly taken the perspective of donors. In this article, we focus on the “demand” or recipient “side” of informal support, and ask: (1) Who receives which type of informal social support during the pandemic? (2) Who reports unmet need? (3) Which factors explain support receipt, unmet need and the type of support received? To explain patterns of receiving social support, we identify “classic” life course and “new” pandemic-specific risks and complement this perspective with individuals’ support potentials from their social networks. Empirically, we use data from an online survey, collected among a quota sample of the German population (n = 4,496) at the end of the first lockdown in late spring 2020. Our analysis shows that one in six respondents received social support, while only 3% report unmet need. Practical and emotional support are most widespread. Using logistic and multinomial logistic regression models our results show that social support in general and the type of support received can be explained by life course and pandemic risks, while unmet need is mainly a consequence of social network structure.
Meaning change and changing meaning
Authors: Koslow Allison
Published: March 2022

Is conceptual engineering feasible? Answering that question requires a theory of semantic change, which is sometimes thought elusive. Fortunately, much is known about semantic change as it occurs in the wild. While usage is chaotic and complex, changes in a word’s use can produce changes in its meaning. There are several under-appreciated empirical constraints on how meanings change that stem from the following observation: word use finely reflects equilibrium between various communicative pressures (just as, say, product sales do between various market pressures). Much of the relevant work in linguistics has employed the methods of empirical pragmatics and diachronic semantics. In this way, the study of meaning change can be brought to bear on the conceptual engineer’s normative project. The picture that emerges tells against the sorts of engineering projects most likely to appeal to philosophers. Some may stand to succeed, but they have significantly different contours than the typical ones.
Echinocephalus caniculus n. sp. (Nematoda: Gnathostomatidae Railliet, 1895) from the lesser spotted dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula (L.) (Elasmobranchii: Scyliorhinidae Gill, 1862) off Tunisia, with a key to species of the genus Echinocephalus
Authors: Saad Chiraz Ben , Suthar Jaydipbhai , Theisen Stefan , Palm Harry W. , Gargouri Lamia
Published: March 2022

Echinocephalus caniculusn. sp.(Nematoda, Gnathostomatidae Railliet, 1895) was isolated from the spiral valve of the lesser spotted dogfishScyliorhinus canicula(L.) from the waters off Kalaat El Andalous, North East Tunisia. This new species is mainly characterized by a cephalic bulb armed with 31–39 transverse rows of uncinated hooks, a comparatively long oesophagus, short spicules and the presence of a gubernaculum. The new species differs from its congeners by having four cervical sacs of almost equal length, a higher oesophagus/body length ratio, the arrangement of the caudal papillae, the absence of a medioventral preanal organ and numerous scattered `pores´ limited to the lateral side of the posterior part of the body. This is the first report of a member of the genusEchinocephalusMolin, 1858 from the Tunisian coast, and a new host and locality record for the Gnathostomatidae. A key to the species ofEchinocephalusis provided.
Conservation of the Geological Heritage of Volcanic Fields: La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, Spain
Authors: Planagumà-Guàrdia Llorenç , Martí-Molist Joan , Vila-Subirós Josep
Published: March 2022

This article evaluates the strategy approved in 2000 for managing the geological heritage of La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park (PNZVG). The conservation of geodiversity and geological heritage provides a foundation for the conservation of other types of heritage, for example, in the fields of forestry, agriculture, industry, and urban development. The human imprint on this natural Park is significant, and most of the land it contains is privately owned and is commercially productive. Consequently, the management of its volcanic strata is a highly complex affair as preservation must be compatible with the types of land use that dominate in this protected area. The PNZVG’s strategy for managing its geological heritage stems from the need to promote the efficient conservation of its values based on knowledge and greater awareness of this volcanic field. Quaternary volcanic fields such as this one—which may have experienced volcanic activity in the Holocene—are characterised by their excellent state of conservation, which ensures that their volcanic morphologies and the geological processes that have created them are fully visible. In 2000, the natural Park became one of the first protected areas in the world to put into practice a strategy for preserving the geological heritage of its volcanoes. Twenty years later, an accurate evaluation of this process will help other volcanic zones design their own strategies for preserving their geological heritage. To sum up, both challenges and objectives are necessary for ensuring good management of a protected area such as this.
Stochastic Optimisation for the Design of Energy-Efficient Controllers for Cooperative Truck Platoons
Authors: Wasserburger Alexander , Schirrer Alexander , Hametner Christoph
Published: March 2022

Cooperative adaptive cruise control systems have the potential to improve fuel efficiency and safety. However, due to the large amount of uncertainties, which are encountered in platooning applications, typical controller calibrations are often not reliable. Therefore, in order to ensure a satisfying performance in the presence of various information topologies and relevant uncertainties such as errors in data transmission or extreme manoeuvres of the lead vehicle, a risk-averse stochastic optimisation approach for controller calibration is suggested and demonstrated for a pre-existing control scheme. Realistic vehicle dynamics simulation experiments with a prescribed set of uncertainties, such as transmission delays and different vehicle parameters, are performed. The results show that the collision probability and energy consumption are reduced by the risk-averse calibration of the controller and its spacing policy compared with classical calibration which assumes perfect communication.
A Regional Economy’s Resistance to the COVID-19 Shock: Sales Revenues of Micro-, Small-, and Medium-Sized Enterprises in South Korea
Authors: Lee Seong-Jin , Park Joong-Hoo , Cha Seung-Min , Kim Donghyun
Published: March 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic that has heavily impacted not only the health sector, but also the economic sector in general. Many countries have projected a negative economic impact, and the effect on micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) is predicted to be significantly large. This study estimated the regional resistance of MSME sales revenues and identified the regional economic factors that affect resistance by analyzing South Korea, a country with one of the lowest economic impact projections from COVID-19. Resistance was estimated by comparing sales revenues and changes in resistance observed during the early COVID-19 period to those recorded in the same weeks (weeks 6 to 9) of 2019. The factors that affect regional resistance were determined by conducting robust regression and spatial regression analyses. The results show that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, a direct risk factor, is negatively related to regional resilience, while diversity is positively related to regional resistance. To improve the regional resistance against uncertain events, this study recommends increased diversity among regional industrial structures to reduce the duration of the early shock of an unexpected adverse event.
Comparison of experiences and preferences following non-invasive cardiovascular risk procedures: a cross-sectional survey in participants with and without diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lal Anchal , Dave Neha , Kazi Samia , Mitchell Paul , Thiagalingam Aravinda
Published: March 2022

Aims

Endothelial dysfunction is an early risk marker of cardiovascular disease in diabetes mellitus. Timely screening is important in reducing cardiovascular disease-associated morbidity and mortality. This cross-sectional study investigates the acceptability and preferability of non-invasive cardiovascular risk procedures (EndoPAT2000 system and the ECG-gated fundoscope) in participants with diabetes mellitus compared to controls.

Methods

A self-administered Likert scale-based questionnaire was completed by 106 controls and 117 participants with diabetes mellitus, identified through stratified random sampling, upon conclusion of an Australian Heart Eye sub-study conducted at Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia from 2012 to 2014. Pearson’sχ2test, independent-samples t-test and regression analysis were performed.

Results

Study participants who responded to the questionnaire had no preference for procedures (controls: 2.4 ± 1.1 vs diabetes mellitus: 2.5 ± 0.9,p = 0.38) but had an overall more negative experience with most aspects of the ECG-gated fundoscope than the EndoPAT2000 system. Of those with diabetes mellitus, participants who provided poorer self-rated health expressed discomfort with the mydriatic drops (ß 0.27, 95%CI 0.001 - 0.54,p = 0.049) and the fundoscope’s green light filter (ß 0.27, 95%CI 0.07 - 0.47,p = 0.009), as well as maintaining still (ß 0.40, 95%CI 0.08 - 0.72,p = 0.02) and not blinking (ß 0.38, 95%CI 0.07 - 0.70,p = 0.02) during photo acquisition. These participants were also less willing to repeat the ECG-gated fundoscope procedure (ß 0.29, 95%CI 0.07 - 0.52,p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Participants with diabetes mellitus, especially with poorer self-rated health, had a more negative experience with the ECG-gated fundoscope than the EndoPAT2000 system. Difficulties experienced under examination by the ECG-gated fundoscope appear related to the procedural design, which requires amendments improving patient comfort and compliance.
Precipitation Extremes and Water Vapor
Authors: Neelin J. David , Martinez-Villalobos Cristian , Stechmann Samuel N. , Ahmed Fiaz , Chen Gang , Norris Jesse M. , Kuo Yi-Hung , Lenderink Geert
Published: March 2022

Purpose of Review:

Review our current understanding of how precipitation is related to its thermodynamic environment, i.e., the water vapor and temperature in the surroundings, and implications for changes in extremes in a warmer climate.

Recent Findings:

Multiple research threads have i) sought empirical relationships that govern onset of strong convective precipitation, or that might identify how precipitation extremes scale with changes in temperature; ii) examined how such extremes change with water vapor in global and regional climate models under warming scenarios; iii) identified fundamental processes that set the characteristic shapes of precipitation distributions.

While water vapor increases tend to be governed by the Clausius-Clapeyron relationship to temperature, precipitation extreme changes are more complex and can increase more rapidly, particularly in the tropics. Progress may be aided by bringing separate research threads together and by casting theory in terms of a full explanation of the precipitation probability distribution.
Sustainable development goals: conceptualization, communication and achievement synergies in a complex network framework
Authors: Bellantuono Loredana , Monaco Alfonso , Amoroso Nicola , Aquaro Vincenzo , Lombardi Angela , Tangaro Sabina , Bellotti Roberto
Published: March 2022

In this work we use a network-based approach to investigate the complex system of interactions among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), that constitute the structure of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for a sustainable future. We construct a three-layer multiplex, in which SDGs represent nodes, and their connections in each layer are determined by similarity definitions based on conceptualization, communication, and achievement, respectively. In each layer of the multiplex, we investigate the presence of nodes with high centrality, corresponding to strategic SDGs. We then compare the networks to establish whether and to which extent similar patterns emerge. Interestingly, we observe a significant relation between the SDG similarity patterns determined by their achievement and their communication and perception, revealed by social network data. The proposed framework represents an instrument to unveil new and nontrivial aspects of sustainability, laying the foundation of a decision support system to define and implement SDG achievement strategies.
The dynamical evolution of Sudden Stratospheric Warmings of the Arctic winters in the past decade 2011–2021
Authors: Roy R. , Kuttippurath J.
Published: March 2022

In this study, we analyse the dynamical evolution, and identify the major warming (MW) and minor warming events of the past 11 Arctic winters (2010/11–2020/21). During the period, MW is found in 4 winters and is in January for 2012/13, 2018/19 and 2020/21 and in February for 2017/18. A major final warming is observed in the year 2015/16. The most severe MW occurred in the 2012/13 winter, for which a rise in temperature of about 30 K is found at 60° N. The investigation of tropospheric wave forcings for the period reveals that the MW in 2012/13 and 2017/18 is forced by the combined activity of waves 1 and 2, whereas the MW in 2018/19 and 2020/21 is driven by wave 1. Studies have shown that the frequency of Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) in the Arctic has been increasing since 1957/58, which is about 1.1 MWs/winter during 1998/99–2009/10. However, this frequency decreases to 0.36 MWs/winter in the period 2010/11–2020/21 and 0.74 MWs/winter in 1998/99–2020/21. An inverse relationship is observed between the period of occurrence of SSWs and total column ozone (TCO) in the Arctic for the past 11 winters (2010/11–2020/21). For instance, the temperature in the lower stratosphere in January, in which most warmings occur, shows a statistically significant high positive correlation (0.79) with the average TCO in January–March. Therefore, this study assists in understanding the relationship between inter-annual variability of ozone and the occurrence of SSWs.
Mechanism of underexcavation and practical design method for building rectification
Authors: Xiao Junhua , Sun Jianping , Zhang Xin , Yue Qingxia
Published: March 2022

This study presents the mechanism of underexcavation and practical design method for building rectification. Underexcavation is widely used to restore for not only historic monuments but also modern steel–concrete buildings that undergo large differential settlement. Due to the lack of systematic theoretical research and design specifications, the rectification process mainly depends on real-time monitoring. To meet the urgent need to address building tilt whether caused by design errors or by environmental changes, a plane strain numerical simulation is introduced to probe the mechanism of underexcavation for building rectification. The whole process of soil failure and deformation during underexcavation have been analysed with a series of numerical models, and a simplified analysis method has been proposed for predicting key parameters for the design of a building rectification. The simulation results of a single-hole excavation demonstrate the features of soil stress redistribution, the character of the displacement field, the modes of soil failure and the expansion characteristics of the failure zone. The results of simulations of multi-hole underexcavation show the relationship between plastic failure around the holes and global failure of the shallow foundation and indicate that hole closure is the main source of deformation during rectification. Based on the numerical simulation results combined with engineering experience, two key parameters of optimum spacing and hole diameter are obtained.
Counterfactuals of Ontological Dependence
Authors: BARON SAM
Published: March 2022

A great deal has been written about ‘would’ counterfactuals of causal dependence. Comparatively little has been said regarding ‘would’ counterfactuals of ontological dependence. The standard Lewis-Stalnaker semantics is inadequate for handling such counterfactuals. That is because some of these counterfactuals are counterpossibles, and the standard Lewis-Stalnaker semantics trivializes for counterpossibles. Fortunately, there is a straightforward extension of the Lewis-Stalnaker semantics available that handles counterpossibles: simply take Lewis's closeness relation that orders possible worlds and unleash it across impossible worlds. To apply the extended semantics, an account of the closeness relation for counterpossibles is needed. In this article, I offer a strategy for evaluating ‘would’ counterfactuals of ontological dependence that understands closeness between worlds in terms of the metaphysical concept of grounding.
Moral Rightness Comes in Degrees
Authors: PETERSON MARTIN
Published: March 2022

This article questions the traditional view that moral rightness and wrongness are discrete predicates with sharp boundaries. I contend that moral rightness and wrongness come in degrees: Some acts are somewhat rightandsomewhat wrong. My argument is based on the assumption that meaning tracks use. If an overwhelming majority of competent language users frequently say that some acts are a bit right and a bit wrong, this indicates that rightness and wrongnessaregradable concepts. To support the empirical part of the argument I use the tools of experimental philosophy. Results from three surveys (n= 715, 578, and 182) indicate that respondents userightandwrongas gradable terms to approximately the same extent as color terms, meaning that rightness and wrongness come in degrees roughly as much as colors do. In the largest study, only 4 percent persistently usedrightandwrongas non-gradable terms.
Longitudinal survey of antibiotic stewardship practices in Wisconsin nursing homes, before and after a policy change
Authors: Balke Alissa E. , Griffin Victoria L. , Dohm Diane , Ryther Brenda J. , McKinley Linda L. , Podzorski Raymond P. , Marciniak Anna M. , Crnich Christopher J. , Taylor Lindsay N.
Published: March 2022

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid mandated that nursing homes implement antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs) by November 2017. We conducted surveys of Wisconsin nursing-home stewardship practices before and after this mandate. Our comparison of these surveys shows an overall increase in ASP implementation efforts, but it also highlights areas for further improvement.
The Focus of Love
Authors: Krishek Sharon
Published: March 2022

It is widely agreed that the focus of love is ‘the beloved herself’—but what does this actually mean? Implicit in J. David Velleman’s view of love is the intriguing suggestion that to have ‘the beloved herself’ as the focus of love is to respond to her essence. However, Velleman understands the beloved’s essence to amount to the universal quality of personhood, with the result that the beloved’s particularity becomes marginalized in his account. I therefore suggest an alternative. Based on Søren Kierkegaard’s analysis of the self, I demonstrate that the beloved being ‘herself’ is determined by a quality—selfhood—that is both essential and particular to her. To have as the focus of love ‘the beloved herself,’ I claim, is to respond to this quality, which is to respond to her individual essence.