bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Supersplining to the Mesozoic and Paleozoic Geologic Time Scales
Authors: Gradstein F. M. , Agterberg F. P.
Published: August 2022

Methods to determine the ages of period and stage boundaries of the geologic time scale (GTS) have a long history and continue to be steadily improved. Stage boundary age estimates are now accompanied by error bars showing stratigraphic uncertainty. Most GTS2004, GTS2012 and GTS2020 results involved cubic spline-curve fitting, and in this study, Ordovician through Cretaceous smoothing splines of GTS2020 are spliced together to construct a Paleozoic–Mesozoic superspline. This methodology, its advantages and its results are outlined.
Temperature effects on root exudation in mature beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests along an elevational gradient
Authors: Leuschner Christoph , Tückmantel Timo , Meier Ina C.
Published: August 2022

Aims

Root exudation may have a large impact on soil biological activity and nutrient cycling. Recent advances in in situ-measurement techniques have enabled deeper insights into the impact of tree root exudation on rhizosphere processes, but the abiotic and biotic controls of exudation rate remain poorly understood. We explored the temperature dependence of root exudation in mature beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) trees.

Methods

We measured fine root exudation in seven beech forests along an elevational gradient (310–800 m a.s.l.) and related carbon (C)-flux rates to mean daily temperature, actual precipitation, mean summer temperature (MST) and precipitation (MAP), soil moisture (SWC), and stand structure.

Results

Average mass-specific exudation (averaged over all sampling dates) ranged from 12.2 µg C g−1 h−1 to 21.6 µg C g−1 h−1 with lowest rates measured at highest elevations and peak rates at mid-elevation (490 m). Regression analyses showed a highly significant positive effect of site-specific daily air and soil temperature on exudation rates (p < 0.01) with an average increase by 2 µg C g−1 h−1 per 1 °C-temperature increase, while the relation to mean summer or annual temperature and mean temperature of the measuring year was less tight. Exudation decreased with increases in mean annual precipitation and soil moisture, but increased with increasing stem density.

Conclusions

The root exudation rate of beech trees roughly triples between 10 °C and 20 °C mean daily temperature, evidencing a large temperature influence on root-borne C flux to the soil.
Is it possible to attract private vehicle users towards public transport? Understanding the key role of service quality, satisfaction and involvement on behavioral intentions
Authors: de Oña Juan , de Oña Rocío
Published: August 2022

This paper contributes to the public transport literature by ascertaining the role of involvement upon the service quality-satisfaction-behavioral intentions paradigm from the point of view of private vehicle users. This is the first study that provides a comprehensive understanding of this framework based on the private vehicle users’ perspective. The added value of this research is that, by using a structural equation modeling approach, it provides a comparison of alternative models and uses data from different samples collected in five large metropolitan areas (Berlin, Lisbon, London, Madrid and Rome) for modeling validation. In addition, a SEM-MIMIC approach was applied for controlling the heterogeneity of data due to specific characteristics of the interviewee (territorial setting, place of residence, demographic and socio-economic characteristics and travel related variables). The findings show that involvement is a full mediator between satisfaction and behavioral intentions, and that satisfaction is a full mediator between service quality and involvement. Furthermore, the SEM-MIMIC results revealed that the four latent factors investigated (service quality, satisfaction, involvement and behavioral intentions) dealt with highly heterogenous data. However, the most important finding is that private vehicle users’ involvement is the factor that contributes most to their behavioral intentions towards public transport. Hence, public transport managers might benefit from these outcomes when establishing detailed policies and specific guidelines for public transport systems to engage private vehicle users in a higher degree of usage of public transport services.
E-bikes in rural areas: current and potential users in the Netherlands
Authors: Plazier Paul , Weitkamp Gerd , van den Berg Agnes
Published: August 2022

This study considers how socio-demographic characteristics, mobility situation and attitudes explain current and potential e-bike use in rural areas. Due to longer distances between travel destinations, rural areas in most western societies are characterized by a high car dependence and low use of active modes like walking and cycling. Developing e-bike mobility in these areas can support more healthy and sustainable rural mobility. A large-scale mobility survey conducted among rural residents in the northern parts of the Netherlands provides insight in the determinants of current and potential e-bike use in rural areas. The participant characteristics show that in rural areas also, the e-bike is already used among a broad population of varied ages and backgrounds and for different purposes. Among respondents who did not own an e-bike, especially those with lower socioeconomic status and a household with children showed more willingness to use an e-bike in the future. No evidence was found for current or potential substitution of public transport use. Current e-bike users less likely use a car or regular bicycle as their primary mode of transport. Those who are willing to use an e-bike are less likely to currently use a regular bicycle as their main mode of transport. These findings suggest that the e-bike can substitute both car and bicycle use to some extent. However, bicycle users seem more reluctant towards owning or adopting an e-bike than car users, suggesting greater potential for a shift away from car travel. Furthermore, current and potential e-bike users hold more positive attitudes toward different aspects of e-bike travel than non-users. This provides impetus for future actions to further encourage e-bike use.
The impact of online food delivery service on eating-out behavior: a case of Multi-Service Transport Platforms (MSTPs) in Indonesia
Authors: Safira Maya , Chikaraishi Makoto
Published: August 2022

Online food delivery services, provided under the multi-service transport platforms such as Grab and Gojek, could significantly change people’s eating-out behavior, which could also change the spatial distribution of restaurants in the long run. This study attempts to empirically identify factors affecting people’s preference on the use of online food delivery services using stated preference (SP) survey data collected with a multi-day smartphone-based travel diary survey in Jakarta, Indonesia. In the survey, we randomly chose observed eating-out trips (i.e., revealed preference (RP)) from a travel diary and asked whether the respondents would like to shift to an online food delivery service in a hypothetical situation in which the delivery cost, delivery time, food cost, and available food types vary across questions. This RP–SP combination allows us to elicit respondents’ preference under the real time–space constraints they had (e.g., he or she must start to work again from 13:00). Our empirical analysis confirms that delivery time and delivery cost are important factors affecting people’s preference. We also discuss the long-term impact of the behavioral changes on the spatial distribution of online food merchants and its policy implications.
Early yield prediction in different grapevine varieties using computer vision and machine learning
Authors: Palacios Fernando , Diago Maria P. , Melo-Pinto Pedro , Tardaguila Javier
Published: August 2022

Yield assessment is a highly relevant task for the wine industry. The goal of this work was to develop a new algorithm for early yield prediction in different grapevine varieties using computer vision and machine learning. Vines from six grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) varieties were photographed using a mobile platform in a commercial vineyard at pea-size berry stage. A SegNet architecture was employed to detect the visible berries and canopy features. All features were used to train support vector regression (SVR) models for predicting number of actual berries and yield. Regarding the berries’ detection step, a F1-score average of 0.72 and coefficients of determination (R2) above 0.92 were achieved for all varieties between the number of estimated and the number of actual visible berries. The method yielded average values for root mean squared error (RMSE) of 195 berries, normalized RMSE (NRMSE) of 23.83% and R2 of 0.79 between the number of estimated and the number of actual berries per vine using the leave-one-out cross validation method. In terms of yield forecast, the correlation between the actual yield and its estimated value yielded R2 between 0.54 and 0.87 among different varieties and NRMSE between 16.47% and 39.17% while the global model (including all varieties) had a R2 equal to 0.83 and NRMSE of 29.77%. The number of actual berries and yield per vine can be predicted up to 60 days prior to harvest in several grapevine varieties using the new algorithm.
Global temporal typing patterns in foreign language writing: exploring language proficiency through recurrence quantification analysis (RQA)
Authors: Haake Lisa , Wallot Sebastian , Tschense Monika , Grabowski Joachim
Published: August 2022

Recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) is a time-series analysis method that uses autocorrelation properties of typing data to detect regularities within the writing process. The following paper first gives a detailed introduction to RQA and its application to time series data. We then apply RQA to keystroke logging data of first and foreign language writing to illustrate how outcome measures of RQA can be understood as skill-driven constraints on keyboard typing performance. Forty native German students performed two prompted writing assignments, one in German and one in English, a standardized copy task, and a standardized English placement test. We assumed more fluent and skilled writing to reveal more structured typing time series patterns. Accordingly, we expected writing in a well-mastered first language to coincide with higher values in relevant RQA measures as compared to writing in a foreign language. Results of mixed model ANOVAs confirmed our hypothesis. We further observed that RQA measures tend to be higher, thus indicating more structured data, whenever parameters of pause, burst, and revision analyses indicate more fluent writing. Multiple regression analyses revealed that, in addition to typing skills, language proficiency significantly predicts outcomes of RQA. Thus, the present data emphasize RQA being a valuable resource for studying time series data that yields meaningful information about the effort a writer must exert during text production.
Single step track dilatation for percutaneous nephrolithotomy in children
Authors: Fahmy Ahmed , Mahfouz Wally , Elbadry Mohamed , Moussa Ahmed
Published: August 2022

Introduction and objectives

Data on the use of single step dilatation technique during pediatric percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the literature is sparse. In this prospective randomized study, we aimed to compare the safety, efficacy, and perioperative complications of single step versus serial tract dilatation using Alken metal telescopic dilators during pediatric PCNL.

Methods

Patients undergoing PCNL were randomized into two groups according to the dilatation technique used. In group A, Alken telescopic serial metal dilatation was utilized, and in group B, single step dilatation was performed. Inclusion criteria included children < 18 years with stone burden from 2 to 4 cm, located in the renal pelvis ± one calyx, who were candidates for PCNL.

The primary outcomes were access time and complications’ rate. The secondary outcomes were dilatation fluoroscopy time, operative duration, stone free rate, postoperative hospital stay, hemoglobin deficit, and need for blood transfusion. Both outcomes were evaluated and compared between both treatment groups.

Results

A total of 70 patients were randomized into group A (35 patients) and group B (35 patients). Access was successfully obtained in all procedures. All the procedures were performed through a single tract.

Access time and dilatation fluoroscopy time were shorter in group B (statistically significant). Patients in group A had higher rate of complications (statistically significant). Intraoperative bleeding requiring blood transfusion was less in single track dilatation than serial metal track dilatation.

Conclusions

Compared to serial metal track dilatation, single step dilatation showed comparable operative time and stone free rate, with significantly reduced access time and dilatation fluoroscopy time.
The investment development path literature: a review and research agenda
Authors: Sawitri Kadek Ade , Brennan Louis
Published: August 2022

This study is the first systematic literature review of the Investment Development Path (IDP) that applies a thematic analysis approach, encompassing 51 journal articles published in CABS-ranked journals from 1981 to 2021. This study differs from previous studies on IDP in terms of the methodology deployed and the research focus. The deployment of IDP literature is quite extensive, covering many aspects of the IDP concept. The analysis reveals that four themes arise from the IDP literature: the assessment of a country’s development in relation to the IDP concept, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) phenomena in the IDP concept, the internal and external factors that influence a country’s position in the IDP stages, and further development of the IDP concept. These findings lead to the generation of a novel framework that represents the interrelationship between FDI performance and the economic development of a country relative to its position on the IDP stages. They also lead to the identification of five approaches to the classification of IDP stages based on economic development, FDI performance, locational advantages, the strategies of Multinational Companies (MNCs), and the role of government. These approaches can assist researchers, policymakers, and firms in classifying a country on the IDP stages.
The circadian regulation of extracellular ATP
Authors: Wang Xin , Dong Yu-Ting , Hu Xiu-Ming , Zhang Ji-Zhou , Shi Nan-Rui , Zuo Yan-Qin , Wang Xu
Published: August 2022

Extracellular ATP is a potent signaling molecule released from various cells throughout the body and is intimately involved in the pathophysiological functions of the nervous system and immune system by activating P2 purinergic receptors. Recent increasingly studies showed that extracellular ATP exhibits circadian oscillation with an approximately 24-h periodicity, which participates in regulatory pathways of central oscillator suprachiasmatic nucleus and peripheral oscillator bladder, respectively. Oscillators modulate the protein expression of ATP release channels and ectonucleotidase activity through clock genes; indeed, real-time alterations of ATP release and degradation determine outcomes of temporal character on extracellular ATP rhythm. The regulatory pathways on extracellular ATP rhythm are different in central and peripheral systems. In this review, we summarize the circadian rhythm of extracellular ATP and discuss several circadian regulatory pathways in different organs via ATP release and degradation, to provide a new understanding for purinergic signaling in the regulatory mechanism of circadian rhythm and a potential target to research the circadian regulation of extracellular ATP in other circadian oscillators.
Phase Equilibria in the Fe-Al-Nb(-B) System at 700 °C
Authors: Gedsun A. , Stein F. , Palm M.
Published: August 2022

Within a composition range that is of interest for future alloy developments and at a possible application temperature of 700 °C, phase equilibria between Fe3Al and the Nb(Fe,Al)2 Laves phase have been determined. It was found that the solid solubility for Nb in Fe-Al increases by five times, when the Al content increases from about 25 to 35 at.% Al. Besides, the compositions of the co-existing phases, their lattice constants, Curie temperatures, transition temperatures and the solidus and liquidus temperatures of the Fe-Al-Nb alloys, some additionally doped with boron, have been determined.
Perspectives on mathematics competitions and their relationship with mathematics education
Authors: de Losada María Falk , Taylor Peter James
Published: August 2022

The nature of the area of mathematical competitions as a design science is considered, historical roots of mathematical problem-solving competitions are traced, the complementary aspects of mathematics as theory building and as problem solving are touched upon in relation to the practice of competitions. Two historical figures, Euler and Erdős, emerge, and the appropriateness of many of Euler’s mathematical ventures are seen as role models for competition mathematics as first put into practice in mathematical competitions towards the end of the nineteenth century. Distinctions and definitions are made, a venture into identifying competition syllabi and the principal types of reasoning employed in solving competition problems is explored, and a description of the many different types of competitions is considered. Interaction between the field of mathematics itself and problem-solving competitions is briefly explored, as are the possibilities that open when competitions and their access to huge amounts of data, both national and international, are taken into account in research belonging to mathematics education. Finally, the range of topics addressed in this special issue of ZDM is covered, along with some possible conclusions relating to the components of the overview.
Books Versus Screens: A Study of Australian Children’s Media Use During the COVID Pandemic
Authors: Nolan Sybil , Day Katherine , Shin Wonsun , Wang Wilfred Yang
Published: August 2022

As children’s use of screens increased during the COVID pandemic, their reading of traditional books was affected, a national survey of Australian parents shows. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Melbourne to compare young people’s use of screens and books in the pandemic. Their online survey of 513 primary caregivers of children aged seven to thirteen around Australia showed that tablet use flourished during the pandemic and that COVID lockdowns influenced book buying and library borrowing in consequential ways for publishing and literature. Many parents believed their children’s use of screens had come at the expense of book reading.
Educational Mobility and Attitudes Towards Migration from an International Comparative Perspective
Authors: Creighton Mathew J. , Capistrano Daniel , da Silva Pedroso Monika
Published: August 2022

This work considers the role of intergenerational educational mobility in shaping attitudes towards immigration. Two substantive questions drive this work. First, does the experience of stagnant or downward educational mobility result in negative attitudes towards immigration? Second, are perceptions of immigration shaped by the relative importance of parental (i.e. origin) and one’s own (i.e. destination) level of education? We deploy six waves of the European Social Survey (ESS) to assess how upward, downward and stagnant intergenerational educational mobility shape attitudes towards immigration across 31 countries. Results show that upward educational mobility can moderate antipathy towards immigration, but this is more applicable in country-contexts where parental education is less relevant. In other words, education matters for our understanding of how immigration is viewed, but its role must be framed in a way that takes into account multiple generations.
A mixed-methods study of problematic social media use, attention dysregulation, and social media use motives
Authors: Arness David Caelum , Ollis Theodora
Published: August 2022

Problematic social media use (PSMU) refers to excessive uncontrolled use of social media which impacts upon daily functioning (Blackwell et al., 2017). Self-regulation is central to the development and experience of PSMU, and conceptually interrelates with individual usage motivations (Reinecke et al., 2022). While there is a growing body of research on social media use motivations, how usage motivations and self-regulation combined influence PSMU is not well understood. There are also persistent questions around the effectiveness of addiction-based measures of PSMU. The quantitative component of this nested mixed-methods study (N = 607) employed hierarchical regression and structural equation modelling, principally identifying that impulsive social media usage mediates the pathway between perceived executive/attentional functioning and the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS, Andreassen et al., 2012, 2016), a popular tool used to measure PSMU. In contrast, social-engagement motivations had a negative influence on the BSMAS. The qualitative component, comprising interview/open-ended questionnaire, explored individual experiences self-regulating social media use. Participants (N = 24) were recruited from the survey study, based on meeting screening criteria for executive dysfunction (Adult Self-Report ADHD Scale, Kessler et al., 2005), with sub-groups defined by top and bottom quartile BSMAS scores (evenly grouped). Thematic analysis found that most individuals with attention dysregulation, regardless of their BSMAS category, perceive self-regulation of social media use as highly challenging and effortful, describing broadly problematic relationship with social media. They also described rich combination of motivations and context of using social media, and strategies for managing use. This research questions the effectiveness of the BSMAS as a measure of general PSMU (lacking a formed self-regulation component), especially in individuals with attentional dysregulation. Future research investigating self-regulation strategies and focusing on characteristics of positive social media use is needed.
Markets, merit and the dignity of labour
Authors: Sugden Robert
Published: August 2022

In The Tyranny of Merit, Sandel recasts the discontent expressed in populism as a rejection of market morality and as an inarticulate plea for the restoration of civic virtue. He argues that a ‘market-based globalisation project’ has fostered meritocratic ideas which humiliate the victims of that project and undermine the dignity of labour. I question Sandel’s claim that meritocracy is a market value and the dignity of labour is not. I argue that his account of a moral alternative to normal market institutions—an economy in which individuals’ rewards are somehow aligned with their true merits—is deeply incoherent.
Conversion of oil palm waste into value-added products through pyrolysis: a sensitivity and techno-economic investigation
Authors: Parthasarathy Prakash , Alherbawi Mohammad , Shahbaz Muhammad , Mackey Hamish R. , McKay Gordon , Al-Ansari Tareq
Published: August 2022

In this study, an empirical model for the pyrolysis of major oil palm wastes (OPW) such as palm kernel shell (PKS), empty fruit bunches (EFB), and oil palm frond (OPF), and their blends is developed. Moreover, the techno-economic feasibility of the wastes is investigated to determine the type of waste that would be suitable for the commercialization of different types of products. According to the model results, the bio-oil dominates the pyrolysis process’ product output, accounting for 59.21, 50.51, 56.60, and 55.65% of PKS, EFB, OPF, and their blend, respectively. Whereas biochar yield is 23.21, 23.1, 22.95, and 23.08%, gas yield is 17.57, 26.38, 20.44, and 21.27%. The findings demonstrate that the feedstocks under consideration are mostly suitable for producing bio-oil. According to the economic analysis, PKS-based pyrolysis has the highest capital expenses (CAPEX), while EFB-based pyrolysis has the lowest CAPEX of all tested feedstocks. Furthermore, PKS has the highest operating expenses (OPEX) due to its relatively higher market price as well as higher moisture content, which necessitates more energy input during the drying stage. Among the feedstocks, OPF has delivered the highest profit of USD 17 M/year, with a 22% return on investment (ROI). In terms of investment capital payback period, all OPW feedstocks demonstrated a reasonable period of 4–6 years. Bio-oil is the most valuable pyrolysis product, with the highest market value when compared to biochar and syngas. The established prediction model can be utilized as a solid reference for biomass pyrolysis modelling studies. Furthermore, the predicted values are reasonable enough to be used in industrial process design.
Influence of Microstructure on Static and Cyclic Fracture Toughness of EN-GJS-600-3 Nodular Cast Iron
Authors: Hübner S. , Trubitz P. , Henschel S. , Krüger L.
Published: August 2022

In this paper, the effect of microstructure of a thick-walled rotor shaft for wind turbines on fracture toughness properties has been investigated. The relevant nodular cast iron grade EN-GJS-600-3 was processed using chill casting technology. Due to different solidification conditions over the wall thickness, heterogeneous microstructures were formed. To illustrate the influence of the microstructure gradient caused by chill casting technology, specimens were taken from different sample positions in the cross section of the casting component. A detailed metallographic analysis revealed essential differences in microstructure. The crack growth resistance under quasi-static loading conditions and the fatigue crack propagation under cyclic loading conditions were measured. The results of the static fracture mechanics investigations revealed that fracture toughness is strongly influenced by the microstructure of this pearlitic ductile iron grade. On the other hand, cyclic fracture mechanics analysis showed that the complex formation of the microstructure has only a minor effect on the fatigue threshold value, but microstructure has a significant effect on the stable crack growth. For the assumed load cases, it was shown that microstructure can be a dominant factor on the mechanical and fracture toughness properties.
‘It’s All About Context’: Building School Capacity to Implement a Whole-School Approach to Bullying
Authors: Pearce Natasha , Monks Helen , Alderman Narelle , Hearn Lydia , Burns Sharyn , Runions Kevin , Francis Jacinta , Cross Donna
Published: August 2022

Student bullying behaviours are a significant social issue in schools worldwide. Whilst school staff have access to quality bullying prevention interventions, schools can face significant challenges implementing the whole-school approach required to address the complexity of these behaviours. This study aimed to understand how schools’ capacity to implement whole-school bullying prevention interventions could be strengthened to promote sustainability and improve student outcomes. Qualitative methods were used to observe schools over time to gain insight into their implementation capacity to improve student social and emotional wellbeing and prevent and ameliorate harm from bullying. A four-year longitudinal, multi-site case study intensively followed eight schools’ implementation of Friendly Schools, an Australian evidenced-based whole-school bullying prevention intervention. Regular in-depth interviews with school leaders and implementation teams over four years led to the refinement of a staged-implementation process and capacity building tools and revealed four common drivers of implementation quality: (1) strong, committed leadership; (2) organisational structures, processes and resources; (3) staff competencies and commitment; and (4) translating evidence into local school policy and practice. This paper considers the strengths of qualitative data in understanding how and why bullying prevention interventions work as well as actions schools can take to enhance their implementation and sustainability of complex social interventions.
Aberrant DNA methylation in t(8;21) acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: He Shujiao , Zhou Jingfeng , Yu Li
Published: August 2022

Aberrant DNA methylation is a hallmark of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Various studies showed that t(8;21) AML presented a distinct DNA methylation profile and could be categorized into a separate cluster according to DNA methylation sequencing. Yet, there is still a lack of understanding regarding the causes and mechanisms of this phenomenon. Knowing how the DNA methylation is regulated in t(8;21) AML would enhance our understanding of leukemogenesis and may assist clinical decision-making regarding DNA methylation-targeted therapy. Herein, we summarized our current knowledge concerning DNA methylation regulation in t(8;21) AML and discussed their potential clinical significance in this article.
Why Should Educators Receive Training in Childhood Trauma?
Authors: Garay Beatriz , Lasarte Gema , Corres-Medrano Irune , Santamaría-Goicuria Imanol
Published: August 2022

The principal objective of this article is to analyse the importance of the teacher in early childhood adversity (Felitti et al., American Journal of Preventive Medicine,14, 245–258, 1998) and attachment disorders (Barudy & Dantagan, 2005). The paradigms “trauma-aware” and “trauma-informed” are proposed as a tools for change in the educational approach in order to help children who have suffered adverse experiences. We focus on the Anglo-Saxon context, where there are educational experiences that have been studied from this perspective for more than two decades, in contrast to the Spanish educational reality in this respect. A systematic literature review was carried out from 2015 to 2021 in nine scientific databases, taking into account the guidelines of the PRISMA Declaration (Urrútia & Bonfill, Médica Clínica,135(11), 507–511, 2010). Next, the content was analysed with the help of the NVivo 12 program. It was found that, despite the existence of abundant theoretical literature on this subject in Spain, there are no references of practical experiences, and those that may exist are isolated and personal and are not included in the databases. Therefore, teachers in training lack practical references to deal with childhood trauma in daily educational practice. There is a need for the dissemination of trauma-aware Anglo-Saxon teaching practices.
MedDRA Labeling Groupings to Improve Safety Communication in Product Labels
Authors: Große-Michaelis Ilona , Proestel Scott , Rao Radhika M. , Dillman Brian S. , Bader-Weder Silvia , Macdonald Lynn , Gregory William
Published: August 2022

The granularity and structure of the International Council for Harmonisation’s (ICH) Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) are useful for precise coding of adverse events (AEs) for data analysis. In product labeling for healthcare practitioners, however, the granularity of MedDRA Preferred Terms (PTs) can obscure the communication of adverse reactions (ARs). Driven by a focus on patient safety, business needs, and regulatory guidance, many sponsors and regulators have begun to develop institution-specific approaches to clustering similar AR terms in medical product prescribing information on a product-by-product basis. However, there are no agreed upon conventions that describe which AR terms may be appropriate to group together. In order to improve safety communication to patients and healthcare providers, there is an urgent need for a harmonized international approach to the creation and use of groups of MedDRA PTs which we refer to as “MedDRA Labeling Groupings (MLGs)” in medical product prescribing information. Given its long-standing contributions towards the design of Standardised MedDRA Queries (SMQs), the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS) convened an Expert Working Group (EWG) with involvement of multiple major stakeholders to produce a consensus document on principles and points to consider in the development of MLGs. The CIOMS MLG EWG identified variations in grouping of MedDRA PTs in product labels, and in the current document, proposes a strategy for improving the communication of drug safety labeling. It is envisaged that the use of these consensus recommendations would be voluntary and applied to product labels in a manner that is consistent with existing regulatory frameworks.
Palmatine Alleviates Acute Myocardial Infarction Through Activating pAMPK/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Mouse Model
Authors: Hao Mingxiu , Jiao Kunli
Published: August 2022

Acute myocardial infarction is one of the major leading causes for heart failure, which can lead to the irreversible loss of cardiomyocytes and impaired cardiac function. Hence, the efficient therapeutic agents are still urgent. Our study aimed to explore the role of a natural isoquinoline alkaloid, palmatine, in an acute myocardial infarction mouse model. In this study, intragastric administrated palmatine significantly enhanced left ventricle ejection fraction and left ventricle end-systolic of infarcted mice heart. Meanwhile, palmatine administration partially recovered myocardial structure and attenuated the cardiac fibrosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells. In addition, the usage of palmatine further enhanced the increased transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 level, reduced the elevated tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-1beta level in the myocardium of acute myocardial infarction–induced mice, as well as elevated the reduced superoxide dismutase production and inhibited the increased malondialdehyde secretion in infarcted myocardium of mice. Meanwhile, acute myocardial infarction led the significant upregulation of Bcl-2-associated X and downregulation of B-cell lymphoma-2 in the myocardium, and palmatine administration statistically enabled to recover the expression changes of these two apoptosis-related proteins. Moreover, palmatine administration obviously elevated the expression levels of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 in the myocardium of acute myocardial infarction–induced mice. In a word, our study indicated that palmatine could protect infarcted myocardium of mice from apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Our results suggested that palmatine might be a novel therapeutic agent for acute myocardial infarction.

Graphical Abstract
On Performance of a Simple Multi-objective Evolutionary Algorithm on the Constrained Minimum Spanning Tree Problem
Authors: Lai Xinsheng
Published: August 2022

The constrained optimization problems can be transformed into multi-objective optimization problems, and thus can be optimized by multi-objective evolutionary algorithms. This method has been successfully used to solve the constrained optimization problems. However, little theoretical work has been done on the performance of multi-objective evolutionary algorithms for the constrained optimization problems. In this paper, we theoretically analyze the performance of a multi-objective evolutionary algorithms on the constrained minimum spanning tree problem. First, we theoretically prove that the multi-objective evolutionary algorithm is capable of finding a (2,1)-approximation solution for the constrained minimum spanning tree problem in a pseudopolynomial runtime. Then, this simple multi-objective evolutionary algorithm is shown to be efficient on a constructed instance of the problem.
Human utilization of mega-deltas: the importance of tidally modulated ground surface elevation
Authors: Gao Shu
Published: August 2022

Human development of mega-deltas is influenced by the elevation of delta ground surface. The elevation, modulated by the largest tidal range, influences the inundation pattern during storm surges, or the degree of risk in the presence of a sea dyke. However, the tidal modulation may be interrupted by nature or human induced subsidence or sediment starvation. Thus, the dynamics of the elevation should be studied in order to optimize the techniques to maintain the tidally modulated elevation. Furthermore, appropriate engineering schemes may be adopted to improve the deltaic geomorphological condition.
The Dilemma of Diasporic Africans: Adger Emerson Player and Anti-Americanism in Kwame Nkrumah’s Ghana
Authors: Amoh Emmanuella
Published: August 2022

Postcolonial Ghana faced many challenges, which led to a hunt for saboteurs of Black liberation epitomized in anti-Americanism. In 1964, Adger Emerson Player, an African American, rescued the United States flag from a Ghanaian anti-American demonstration. The differing interpretations of Player’s deed by Ghanaians and Americans reveal the contestation between racial and national identities, which is also a facet of the broader diasporic African identity dilemmas. Amoh examines this incident within the context of post-independence Ghana and the U.S. Civil Rights struggle to highlight the complexity of diasporic Africans’ relations with Africa and ongoing debates on the substance of pan-Africanism and global Blackness.
Do nudges increase consumer search and switching? Evidence from financial markets
Authors: Vasas Zita
Published: August 2022

As nudge interventions have become more popular, academic research is developing that assesses to what extent these interventions are effective. My paper contributes to this stream of research: collating and synthesising evidence on the effectiveness of nudge interventions that aim to increase consumer search and switching in retail financial markets. Following a systematic search strategy, I identify 35 relevant papers, including qualitative studies, laboratory experiments, field experiments and ex post analyses, covering a range of retail financial products and different types of nudges. The review results in two main contributions. First, it demonstrates that different study designs serve different purposes in evidence accumulation. Second, based on over 400 estimates extracted from these papers, it establishes that the currently available evidence shows that nudges increase consumer search and switching in retail financial markets by 2–3 percentage points on average. Structural nudges that change the choice architecture more profoundly have a higher impact on search and switching than nudges that provide, simplify or highlight information. While nudge interventions may be efficient on a cost–benefit basis and can lead to a large increase in relative terms (e.g. doubling switching rates from 1% to 2%), regulators cannot expect them to significantly alter consumer behaviour.
Impact of wind farm wakes on flow structures in and around downstream wind farms
Authors: Stieren Anja , Stevens Richard J.A.M.
Published: August 2022

We performed large-eddy simulations in a neutral atmospheric boundary layer to study the interaction between two identical wind farms with 72 turbines each. We demonstrate that the wind farm wake created by the upstream farm affects the entire flow in and around the downstream farm. The vertical entrainment fluxes above the downstream wind farm are strengthened, resulting in a faster wind farm wake recovery behind the downstream farm. These findings illustrate that interaction between extended wind farms affects flow structures beyond the wind farm scale. Furthermore, we demonstrate that wind farm wakes can reduce the power production of turbines throughout the downstream wind farms. We additionally observe that a staggered wind farm extracts more energy from the flow and thus creates a stronger wind farm wake than an aligned wind farm.
Pediatric infectious disease physician perceptions of antimicrobial stewardship programs
Authors: Lake Jason G. , Durkin Michael J. , Polgreen Philip M. , Beekmann Susan E. , Hersh Adam L. , Newland Jason G.
Published: August 2022

Pediatric antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) improve antibiotic use for hospitalized children. Prescriber surveys indicate acceptance of ASPs, but data on infectious diseases (ID) physician opinions of ASPs are lacking. We conducted a survey of pediatric ID physicians, ASP and non-ASP, and their perceptions of ASP practices and outcomes.
Evaluation of hospital blood culture utilization rates to identify opportunities for diagnostic stewardship
Authors: Warren Bobby G. , Yarrington Michael E. , Polage Christopher R. , Anderson Deverick J. , Moehring Rebekah W.
Published: August 2022

Objectives:

To evaluate the pattern of blood-culture utilization among a cohort of 6 hospitals to identify potential opportunities for diagnostic stewardship.

Methods:

We completed a retrospective analysis of blood-culture utilization during adult inpatient or emergency department (ED) encounters in 6 hospitals from May 2019 to April 2020. We investigated 2 measures of blood-culture utilization rates (BCURs): the total number of blood cultures, defined as a unique accession number per 1,000 patient days (BCX) and a new metric of blood-culture events per 1,000 patient days to account for paired culture practices. We defined a blood-culture event as an initial blood culture and all subsequent samples for culture drawn within 12 hours for patients with an inpatient or ED encounter. Cultures were evaluated by unit type, positivity and contamination rates, and other markers evaluating the quality of blood-culture collection.

Results:

In total, 111,520 blood cultures, 52,550 blood culture events, 165,456 inpatient admissions, and 568,928 patient days were analyzed. Overall, the mean BCUR was 196 blood cultures per 1,000 patient days, with 92 blood culture events per 1,000 patient days (range, 64–155 among hospitals). Furthermore, 7% of blood-culture events were single culture events, 55% began in the ED, and 77% occurred in the first 3 hospital days. Among all blood cultures, 7.7% grew a likely pathogen, 2.1% were contaminated, and 5.9% of first blood cultures were collected after the initiation of antibiotics.

Conclusions:

Blood-culture utilization varied by hospital and was heavily influenced by ED culture volumes. Hospital comparisons of blood-culture metrics can assist in identifying opportunities to optimize blood-culture collection practices.
The decay of stably stratified grid turbulence in a viscosity-affected stratified flow regime
Authors: Watanabe Tomoaki , Zheng Yulin , Nagata Koji
Published: August 2022

The decay of stably stratified turbulence generated by a towed rake of vertical plates is investigated by direct numerical simulations (DNS) of temporally evolving grid turbulence in a linearly stratified fluid. The Reynolds number

$Re_M=U_0M/\nu$

is 5000 or 10 000 while the Froude number

$Fr_M=U_0/MN$

is between 0.1 and 6 (

$U_0$

: towing speed;

$M$

: mesh size;

$\nu$

: kinematic viscosity;

$N$

: Brunt–Väisälä frequency). The DNS results are compared with the theory of stably stratified axisymmetric Saffman turbulence. Here, the theory is extended to a viscosity-affected stratified flow regime with low buoyancy Reynolds number

$Re_b$

, and power laws are derived for the temporal variations of the horizontal velocity scale (

$U_H$

) and the horizontal and vertical integral length scales (

$L_H$

and

$L_V$

). Temporal grid turbulence initialized with the mean velocity deficit of wakes exhibits a

$k^{2}$

energy spectrum at a low-wavenumber range and invariance of

$U_H^2L_H^2L_V$

, which are the signatures of axisymmetric Saffman turbulence. The decay of various quantities follows the power laws predicted for low-

$Re_b$

Saffman turbulence when

$Fr_M$

is sufficiently small. However, the decay of

$U_H^2$

at

$Fr_M=6$

is no longer expressed by a power law with a constant exponent. This behaviour is related to the scaling of kinetic energy dissipation rate

$\varepsilon$

, for which

$\alpha =\varepsilon /(U_H^3/L_H)$

is constant during the decay for

$Fr_M\leq 1$

while it varies with time for

$Fr_M=6$

. We also examine the experimental data of towed-grid experiments by Praud et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 522, 2005, pp. 1–33), which is shown to agree with the theory of low-

$Re_b$

Saffman turbulence.
Comparison of MODIS surface temperatures to in situ measurements on the Greenland Ice Sheet from 2014 to 2017
Authors: Zikan Karina H. , Adolph Alden C. , Brown Wesley P. , Fausto Robert S.
Published: August 2022

Remotely sensed land surface temperature (LST) data, such as the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) LST thermal infrared products, are useful for monitoring surface processes on the Greenland Ice Sheet in remote areas but must be validated to ensure accuracy. Using data from the Programme for Monitoring the Greenland Ice Sheet (PROMICE), we conducted a MODIS LST validation (MOD/MYD11 C6 swath level product) using radiometric in-situ skin temperature records from 2014 to 2017 over 17 PROMICE sites mostly in the ice sheet's ablation zone. There is a significant cold bias in MODIS LST when compared to PROMICE skin temperature, particularly when PROMICE records temperatures below 0°C (mean bias: 2.4 ± 0.01°C mean ± standard error, RMSE = 3.2°C). Multiple linear regression analysis reveals the difference between MODIS LST and PROMICE skin temperature is larger at lower temperatures, lower latent heat fluxes and higher specific humidity. Our results confirm the presence of a progressive cold bias in the MODIS LST that should be considered in use of this product, and we identify and corroborate areas for ongoing algorithm development.
A CHARACTERISATION OF MATRIX RINGS
Authors: GOYAL DIMPLE RANI , KHURANA DINESH
Published: August 2022

We prove that a ring R is an
$n \times n$
matrix ring (that is,
$R \cong \mathbb {M}_n(S)$
for some ring S) if and only if there exists a (von Neumann) regular element x in R such that
$l_R(x) = R{x^{n-1}}$
. As applications, we prove some new results, strengthen some known results and provide easier proofs of other results. For instance, we prove that if a ring R has elements x and y such that
$x^n = 0$
,
$Rx+Ry = R$
and
$Ry \cap l_{R}(x^{n-1}) = 0$
, then R is an
$n \times n$
matrix ring. This improves a result of Fuchs [‘A characterisation result for matrix rings’, Bull. Aust. Math. Soc.43 (1991), 265–267] where it is proved assuming further that the element y is nilpotent of index two and
$x+y$
is a unit. For an ideal I of a ring R, we prove that the ring
$(\begin {smallmatrix} R & I \\ R & R \end {smallmatrix})$
is a
$2 \times 2$
matrix ring if and only if
$R/I$
is so.