bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of various C/N ratio on lipid production of Mucor irregularis JR 1.1 using glucose as carbon source
Authors: Cahyangingrum N M , Ilmi M
Published: August 2024

The presence of limited nitrogen plays an important role in the lipid production process in oleaginous fungi, highlighting the significance of achieving an appropriate carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio to optimize biomass and lipid production. Mucor irregularis JR 1.1, an oleaginous fungi inoculated from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, shows the ability to accumulate lipids up to 43.46% of its total dry biomass. However, the optimum C/N ratio for lipid production of M. irregularis JR 1.1 has not yet been determined. This research aims to explore the effects of different C/N ratios on biomass and lipid production of M. irregularis JR 1.1, utilizing glucose as the primary carbon source. Various C/N ratio ranging from 15 to 75 was examined, alongside with incubation time of 144 hours at 29°C. The optimum C/N ratio was then utilized to construct a growth curve to evaluate the influence of varying incubation time on biomass and lipid production, as well as the lipid productivity of M. irregularis JR 1.1. Results revealed that the highest level of biomass and lipid production were achieved at C/N ratio 40. Additionally, variations in incubation time exhibited a consistent rise in both biomass and lipid production, with the highest lipid productivity achieved at 72 hours of incubation. This study suggests that variation in the C/N ratio and incubation time have discernible impact the biomass and lipid production of M. irregularis JR 1.1 while variations in incubation time did not affect the lipid productivity.
Adaptation test of rainfed rice fields highland in Jambi Indonesia
Authors: Hendri J , BS Busyra , Sitaresmi T
Published: August 2024

Increasing national rice productivity can be achieved by optimizing existing resources, including rainfed rice fields in highlands areas. Rainfed rice fields in Indonesia are quite diverse in agroecosystem conditions, ranging from lowlands to highlands. Indonesia has the potential for highlands that can be planted with rice to support national rice production. The high variety of biophysical, edaphic, and biotic conditions of the main agroecological areas of rice cultivation makes it difficult to obtain varieties that can grow well in all types of agroecosystems. The purpose of this study is to determine the potential yield and adaptability of rice hope strains to anaerobic germination conditions in rainfed land and highland rainfed rice strains. Ten rice strains and two reference varieties from The Indonesian Centre for Rice Research Sukamandi in West Java were tested in 2021, with four repetitions. The area of each plot of 4 x 5 m was carried out on rainfed rice fields in Kerinci regency with an altitude of 788.5 meters above sea level and a Sungai Penuh regency of 795 meters above sea level. Observations were made of vegetative, generative parameters of plants, as well as temperature and humidity. Results showed that the strains with the highest production and medium harvest age had good observational agronomic parameters, namely in strains B15617E-4-MR-3, BP29337-2-CRB-0-SKI-0-7-PWK-1-SKI-3-3, and BP19980-JK-2-IND-2-SKI-0-PWK-1-SKI-5-1.
Morphological diversity of local sorghum cultivars (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) from Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Muazam A , Kristamtini  , Widyayanti S , Daryono B S
Published: August 2024

Sorghum is potential to develop on marginal lands in Indonesia, including Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, despite very limited information on sorghum diversity in this area. This study aimed to describe morphological variation and assess the value of genetic diversity based on morphological characteristics of local sorghum cultivars in Gunungkidul compared with new superior varieties. Exploration and sampling were conducted in Wareng Village, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta. Observations of morphological characters were made based on sorghum descriptors. Similarity of morphological characters was analyzed using Simple Matching (SM) coefficient, and dendrograms were made using Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Average (UPGMA) method. Results showed three local sorghum accessions in Gunungkidul with variations in 44 morphological characters. Genotypes S1 (Bioguma) with S4 (Samurai) and S3 (Plonco) with S4 (Samurai) had highest SMC coefficient (0.82), indicating that both genotypes were similar in 82% of their attributes. Whereas, genotypes S6 and V3 had lowest SMC coefficient (0.36), indicating that both genotypes were similar in 36% of their attributes, while dendrogram results showed two major groupings based on vegetative and generative characters observed. This study provides the first complete information on sorghum diversity in Gunungkidul, useful to be basic information for future sorghum development in this area.
Searching of new gene donors for high Fe and Zn content from Indonesian rice varieties
Authors: Widyastuti Y , Santoso M , Aswidinnoor H , Suprayogi  , Oktaviani E , Dewi I S , Sobrizal  , Nasution K Y , Prasetyono J , Indrasari S D , Pratiwi G R , Apriyati E , Mahrup  , Yunani N , Suparman C , Mejaya I M J , Sinaga P H , Aryanti  , Larasati T R D , Mellawati J , Tasliah  , Efendi  , Wening R H , Rohaeni W R , Swamy B P M , Susanto U
Published: August 2024

High Fe and Zn content rice varieties are believed to be effective in reducing the high prevalence of deficiencies. Searching gene donors for high Fe and Zn content is required to further increase the Fe and Zn content of the existing varieties. This preliminary study that was conducted aiming to quantify the Fe and Zn content of rice genotypes of various local (set I) and released (set II) varieties in Indonesia. Set I experiment was conducted in 2014 in 328 Indonesian local variety measured using an ED XRF machine at the ICRR laboratory in Subang. Set II experiment was conducted in 32 rice genotypes using T XRF machine at BRIN laboratory in Bandung in 2022. The results showed the existence of variation of Fe and Zn content among local and improved varieties indicating the potential of breeding efforts to increase Fe/Zn content. Set I with more huge numbers of genotypes showed normal distribution for both Fe and Zn content but not for set II. Fe and Zn content were positively correlated in both sets. Further trial with replications at the same planting environment and uniform method is required to confirm these results.
Improvement of superior soybean variety, Biosoy-1 for aluminium tolerance character
Authors: Pardal S J , Slamet  , Prihaningsih A , Utari R , Sundasari R , Suharsono S
Published: August 2024

Indonesia has lot of sub-optimal land, especially outside Java, but generally the land is acidic, contains lots of heavy metals and is poor in nutrients, making it less suitable for agriculture, including soybean cultivation. Efforts to improve land conditions through the application of liming are quite helpful, but are inefficient because they are easily washed out by rainwater and require expensive labor and costs for large areas. The use of tolerant and adaptive varieties for acidic land are effective solutions. Biosoy-1 and Biosoy-2 are new superior soybean varieties released by Ministry of Agriculture which have high yield potential (more than 3 tons/ha) and big grain, but are less adaptive to sub-optimal land so that the planting area is still limited. Efforts to improve the Biosoy variety for aluminum stress tolerant have been carried out through the introgression of the MaMt2 gene from transgenic soybean lines into the Biosoy variety. Thirty of F1 soybean seeds have been produced and 24 plants of them were positive for carrying the MaMt2 gene. Furthermore, the F1-MaMt2 plants were backcrossed to Biosoy several times in order to obtain a soybean line with high yield and tolerance to aluminum stress. Currently, a total of 16 number of BC3F1 seeds are being planting in confined screen house for molecular analysis and following by backcrossing to Biosoy-1 variety to produce BC4F1 seeds.
Simultaneous selection of several tropical maize hybrids under acidic soil conditions
Authors: Zendrato Y M , Suwarno W B , Marwiyah S
Published: August 2024

Acidic soils present a major abiotic challenge for various crops, including maize. Such an environment may cause nutrient unavailability, leading to poor growth and yield. Selection using multiple traits enables breeders to select maize hybrids that appeal to preference. This research aimed to obtain information on the genetic variability and predict the selection response of tropical maize hybrids based on multiple traits. Fifty-two maize hybrids, including six checks, were evaluated under acidic soils using an augmented RCBD with three blocks for the check varieties. The results showed that the genotypes significantly affected several agronomic traits and yield. Moderate to high e heritability was found for most traits. The greatest positive direct effect on yield was demonstrated by ear diameter, stay-green, and shelling percentage. G13, G14, G49, G50, G35, G39, G09, and G51 were selected maize hybrids using the MGIDI method. Selection using multiple traits is expected to have selection precision while considering its strengths and weaknesses. The selected genotypes may be subjected to a multi-environment trial to understand the influence of genotype by environment interaction.
Yield and morphological characteristics of cloves from Semarang plantation, Indonesia
Authors: Susilowati M , Wahyuni S , Setiadi A , Bermawie N
Published: August 2024

Cloves, originating from Indonesia’s Moluccas Islands, have spread across various regions over time. Semarang, Central Java, is a notable clove production center, showcasing distinct advantages. Despite originating in the 1980s, Semarang’s clove production remains robust, boasting longevity and high yields. This study focuses on Semarang’s clove plantation, which belongs to the Samyo Rahayu Farmers Group in Gebugan Village, Bergas. The research aimed to evaluate clove yield and morphological traits. The methodology involved selecting high-yield blocks followed by the selection of mother trees. Morphological characteristics like canopy shape, stem dimensions, leaf attributes, and inflorescence traits were examined. Additionally, GC-MS analysis identified oil chemical components. Findings revealed an average plant height of 11.72 m and trunk circumference of 115.55 cm. Canopy shape primarily exhibited a cylindrical form with 1-3 main branches. Leaves displayed green, glossy, and smooth textures upon maturity, transitioning from reddish to bright red in their young shoots, with petiole length of 2.17cm, leaf length of 10.96 cm, and leaf width of 4.39 cm and ratio 2.5. Inflorescences followed a short type, with pink to red mature flower tubes, rounded or slightly pointed corollas, and distinctive red corollas – characteristics typical of the Zanzibar type. Inflorescences were characterized by short arrangements, with an average of 12-20 flower buds per inflorescence. There were tree-to-tree fresh flower yield fluctuations between 40 to 100 kg. Dried clove bud with water content 5.73-6.82 % contained oil 14.67 – 17.96 %. Essential oil compounds analysis indicated the presence of 15-20 chemical components, with eugenol constituting over 70%, signifying its primary compound. This population may be recommended as genetic material for breeding high-yielding cloves.
The use of auxin to regenerate embryogenic callus of Indonesian local garlic varieties
Authors: Fitrahtunnisa  , Supriati Y , Yufdy M P , Mastur  , Ahmad F , Wiguna G , Handayani T , Handayani T , Roostika I
Published: August 2024

Garlic is a national priority commodity with regards to reducing imports. One of the obstacles in its national production is the limitation of seed quality. This study aimed to investigate how auxin impacts the regeneration of embryogenic callus in three local garlic varieties. The experiment employed a two-factor Complete Randomized Design, involving varieties (Lumbu Putih, Geol, and Sangga Sembalun) and auxin types: A (IAA 1 ppm), B (IAA 3 ppm), C (IAA 5 ppm), D (IBA 1 ppm), E (IBA 3 ppm), and F (IBA 5 ppm). Each treatment was repeated three times so that the total treatment was 54 experimental units. Embryogenic calli, weighing about 0.2 g, were cultivated on the treatment medium. The observed variables were the diameter and texture of the callus, as well as the number of green spots on the callus. The results showed no significant interaction between variety and auxin treatment, but variety had a significant effect on callus diameter. The largest callus diameter was shown by the Sangga Sembalun variety under treatment C (2.75 mm) with a friable texture, yellowish color, and rooted structure, while the smallest callus diameter was produced by the Geol variety in treatment E (1.20 mm) with a non-friable texture and white color. The highest number of green spots was also produced from Sangga Sembalun in treatment D (7 green spots). It was concluded that auxin plays a role in the regeneration of somatic embryos in garlic, but its effectiveness depends on the genotype.
Trimer covers in the triangular grid: Twenty mostly open problems
Authors: Propp James
Published: August 2024

In the past three decades, the study of rhombus tilings and domino tilings of various plane regions has been a thriving subfield of enumerative combinatorics. Physicists classify such work as the study of dimer covers of finite graphs. In this article we move beyond dimer covers to trimer covers, introducing plane regions called benzels that play a role analogous to hexagons for rhombus tilings and Aztec diamonds for domino tilings, inasmuch as one finds many (so far mostly conjectural) exact formulas governing the number of tilings.
Some questions arising from the study of cohomology on flag varieties
Authors: Gao Zhao , Raicu Claudiu , VandeBogert Keller
Published: August 2024

A fundamental problem at the confluence of algebraic geometry and representation theory is to describe the cohomology of line bundles on flag varieties over a field of characteristic 

p
p

. When

p
=
0

p=0

, the solution is given by the celebrated Borel–Weil–Bott Theorem, while for

p
>
0

p>0

the problem is widely open. In this note we describe a collection of open questions that arise from the study of particular cases of the general theory, focusing on their combinatorial and commutative algebra aspects.
Combinatorics and braid varieties
Authors: Williams Nathan
Published: August 2024

I summarize a framework for finding and proving interesting combinatorial formulas using braid varieties. The combinatorics comes from the Deodhar decomposition of these braid varieties, while the enumeration uses traces in Hecke algebras to compute the number of points in these varieties over finite fields. I give several examples of the success of this framework, and also give many open problems.
Revising the Screenplay
Authors: Buchman Andrew
Published: August 2024

“Revising the Screenplay” explores the successive revisions made by co-directors Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen before and during production, accommodating late casting changes and informed by many rehearsals as well as shooting days. Later controversies over authorship of the screenplay receive a nuanced discussion. Archival documents demonstrate that many elements were still in flux while the film was in production, including the film’s opening credit sequence and its ending. In collaboration with screenplay authors Betty Comden and Adolph Green but also working more independently after the writers left Los Angeles to work on a new Broadway show, the directors integrated a series of newly devised musical numbers including inventive, complex montages smoothly into the story. Kelly and Donen’s cinematic, diegetic, and dialogic strategies ended up toning down or eliminating moments of biting satire and amplifying or adding in elements of nostalgia and romance.
Music and Sound
Authors: Buchman Andrew
Published: August 2024

Chapter 4 examines the genesis of the soundtrack, analyzes some of the musical materials, and traces Arthur Freed and Nacio Brown’s careers as successful songwriters from the 1920s. It describes the complex collaborative work of the music department at MGM. Conrad Salinger created most of the arrangements for the numbers featuring Kelly. Repetitive leaps of an octave help make Brown’s music memorable. The octave leaps in the melodies of “Singin’ in the Rain” and “You Are My Lucky Star,” are juxtaposed at the film’s outset, creating a motivic connection between the two songs. Martin’s swing band arrangement of “Moses” and Heglin’s lively arrangements of “Fit as a Fiddle” and “Good Morning” also receive attention. Careful adjustments such as almost imperceptible quick fade-ins, fade-outs, and subtle adjustments in volume in the music, dialogue, and sound effects overseen by Lela Simone are also important expressive components in the film’s soundtrack.
Reception History
Authors: Buchman Andrew
Published: August 2024

The chapter “Reception History” examines the advertising and promotion of Singin’ in the Rain at its premiere, competition from other entertainments, and subsequent reviews. Selections from seven decades of criticism and scholarship document the film’s rise to prominence. Takeoffs and remixes by contemporary artists display a range of responses to the work. Reinterpretations by Stanley Kubrick, Michael Jackson, BTS, and contemporary hip hop performers like Dreya Mac among others suggest that the film is becoming a referential resource for reinventions of the styles and forms of mediated musical dance and drama.
Postwar performances
Authors: Garrison Leonard
Published: August 2024

This chapter recounts Gaston Crunelle’s postwar performing activity. He left the Pasdeloup Orchestra in 1945 but continued as principal flutist of the Opéra-Comique until 1964. The Quintette instrumental de Paris was active with tours, broadcasts, recordings, and commissions of new works. Since the quintet disbanded in 1965, other ensembles have continued to perform and record the repertoire they created. Aside from his work in this ensemble, Crunelle made many significant recordings of music from the Baroque through Debussy. His combined income enabled him to reside in a luxurious apartment in the sixteenth arrondissement of Paris.
The Science of Biogeography
Authors: Lomolino Mark V. , Riddle Brett R. , Whittaker Robert J.
Published: August 2024

This chapter introduces the science of biogeography. It explains that biogeography is the branch of science that attempts to document and understand spatial patterns of biological diversity. Modern biogeography includes studies of all patterns of geographic variation in nature and elements of biological diversity that vary across geographic gradients. The chapter cites that biogeography is one of the foundational disciplines of the natural sciences, so biogeographic scholarship has fed into the science of conservation from the early days of conservation biology in the mid-1970s. It provides an overview of biography's integrative nature, philosophy, and basic principles before considering its relationships to other sciences.
Reconstructing the Evolutionary History of Lineages
Authors: Lomolino Mark V. , Riddle Brett R. , Whittaker Robert J.
Published: August 2024

This chapter presents the reconstruction of the evolutionary history of lineages. It provides an overview of the basic principles of phylogenetic systematics and the role of fossils in biogeography. Phylogeography refers to an approach that studies the geographic distributions of genealogical lineages within species and among closely related species. The chapter then details the extent of systematics, molecular systematics, fossil record, and molecular clocks estimating times of divergence. It highlights the growing potential of reconstructing biogeographic histories following the progress of available robust lineage histories.
Areography, Ecogeography, and Macroecology of Continental and Oceanic Biotas
Authors: Lomolino Mark V. , Riddle Brett R. , Whittaker Robert J.
Published: August 2024

This chapter examines the areography, ecogeography, and macroecology of continental and oceanic biotas. The ecological biogeography of continents and ocean basins gives rise to the idea of different species existing among geographic areas and geographic gradients. The chapter also considers geographic variation in the characteristics of individuals and populations of closely related species. The chapter highlights ecogeographic rules and shows how species richness represents the overlap of species distributions. It provides an overview of Johann Reinhold Forster's contribution to the foundation of biogeography. According to Forster, the diversity of tropical plants and animals may be attributed to the relatively benign conditions across the tropics compared to the environmentally harsh climates near the poles.
Biogeography of Humanity, Biological Diversity, and Conservation Biogeography
Authors: Lomolino Mark V. , Riddle Brett R. , Whittaker Robert J.
Published: August 2024

This chapter covers the biogeography of humanity, biological diversity, and conservation biogeography. It discusses the ecogeographic patterns of humans. This revolves around the evolutionary responses of the world's indigenous human populations to varying environmental conditions. Understanding the impacts of humanity on biological diversity provides insights and a geographic context in terms of effective plans to conserve the distributions and natural character of native biotas. The chapter then explores the dynamic biogeography, ecogeography and island biogeography of humanity, referencing how continental indigenous populations exhibit morphological patterns consistent with other ecogeographic patterns. It also provides an overview of the biodiversity crisis and conservation biogeography.
Deuterostome Ancestors and Chordate Origins
Authors: Swalla Billie J
Published: August 2024

Synopsis

The Deuterostomia are a monophyletic group, consisting of the Ambulacraria, with two phyla, Hemichordata and Echinodermata, and the phylum Chordata, containing the subphyla Cephalochordata (lancelets or Amphioxus), Tunicata (Urochordata), and Vertebrata. Hemichordates and echinoderms are sister groups and are critical for understanding the deuterostome ancestor and the origin and evolution of the chordates within the deuterostomes. Enteropneusta, worm-like hemichordates, share many chordate features as adults, including a post-anal tail, gill slits, and a central nervous system (CNS) that deploys similar developmental genetic regulatory networks (GRNs). Genomic comparisons show that cephalochordates share synteny and a vermiform body plan similar to vertebrates, but phylogenomic analyses place tunicates as the sister group of vertebrates. Tunicates have a U-shaped gut and a very different adult body plan than the rest of the chordates, and all tunicates have small genomes and many gene losses, although the GRNs underlying specific tissues, such as notochord and muscle, are conserved. Echinoderms and vertebrates have extensive fossil records, with fewer specimens found for tunicates and enteropneusts, or worm-like hemichordates. The data is mounting that the deuterostome ancestor was a complex benthic worm, with gill slits, a cartilaginous skeleton, and a CNS. Two extant groups, echinoderms and tunicates, have evolved highly derived body plans, remarkably different than the deuterostome ancestor. We review the current genomic and GRN data on the different groups of deuterostomes’ characters to re-evaluate different hypotheses of chordate origins. Notochord loss in echinoderms and hemichordates is as parsimonious as notochord gain in the chordates but has implications for the deuterostome ancestor. The chordate ancestor lost an ancestral nerve net, retained the CNS, and evolved neural crest cells.
Investigating fish reproduction phenology and essential habitats by identifying the main spatio-temporal patterns of fish distribution
Authors: Alglave Baptiste , Olmos Maxime , Casemajor Juliette , Etienne Marie-Pierre , Rivot Etienne , Woillez Mathieu , Vermard Youen
Published: August 2024

Fish spawning phenology is a major concern for conservation and fisheries management. New intensive data sources, such as GPS-based tracking data and high-resolution catch declaration data, are becoming increasingly available in the field of marine ecology. These data benefit from high spatiotemporal resolution and open new research avenues for investigating the interannual variability in fish phenology. In this paper, we demonstrate how an integrated species distribution model informed by commercial catch data combined with spatiotemporal dimension reduction methods known as empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) can be used to synthesize spatiotemporal signals in fish reproduction phenology. Specifically, we address the following questions: (1) Can we identify seasonal spatial patterns that can be interpreted in terms of reproductive phenology and essential habitats? (2) Can we identify changes in reproductive phenology over time? (3) Are these changes related to environmental drivers? The analysis illustrates the reproductive phenology of three key commercial species in the Bay of Biscay (sole, hake, and sea bass). The EOF analysis emphasized strong seasonal spatiotemporal patterns that correspond to reproduction patterns and feeding patterns. Based on this methodology, we identified seasonal variations in the timing of reproduction, and we related these variations to sea surface temperature, a key driver of fish reproduction.
Output feedback distributed economic model predictive control for parallel system in process networks
Authors: Zhang Shuzhan , Li Jia , Zhao Dongya , Spurgeon Sarah K
Published: August 2024

This paper proposes a distributed economic model predictive control algorithm for parallel systems which uses only output feedback. Such parallel systems are a fundamental system architecture frequently encountered in process networks where, in many cases, the state of the plant is not measurable. Economic performance is a key consideration in the operation of such industrial plants and it is of interest to develop theoretically rigorous approaches to tackle what is a practically very relevant scenario. The competitive couplings and competitive constraints inherent in parallel systems are explicitly addressed in the proposed controller design framework. Three measures are considered for optimization of such parallel systems including an economic stage cost function, energy efficiency and tracking accuracy. An economic cost function is optimized by the resulting distributed controller which can realize global control performance while also reducing the computational time for large-scale parallel systems. Stability of the system is formally proved using the principles of dissipativity. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical approach is verified by both numerical simulation and experimentation to demonstrate practical relevance.
Multichannel seismic attenuation compensation and interpolation with curvelet sparse constraint of frequency-wavenumber spectrum
Authors: Yin Ying , Mo Tongtong , Wang Benfeng
Published: August 2024

High-resolution exploration is hampered by seismic attenuation, caused by the viscosity and heterogeneity of underground media. Conventional single-channel attenuation compensation methods can increase the corresponding vertical resolution partially. However, the lateral continuity of compensated seismic data is always ignored and the noise resistance can be improved. Therefore, multichannel attenuation compensation methods were proposed, including the algorithm with sparse curvelet coefficient constraint of the time-space (t–x) data. However, nonstationary seismic data may be affected by irregular missing traces in field cases, which severely degrades its lateral continuity and negatively affects the performance of multichannel attenuation compensation. Therefore, we concentrate on simultaneous multichannel attenuation compensation and missing trace interpolation in a unified framework. Based on the inversion framework of sparsity promotion, we propose an approach for simultaneous multichannel compensation and interpolation, utilizing sparse curvelet coefficient constraint of the recovered principal frequency-wavenumber (f–k) spectrum. The size of the principal f–k spectrum is reduced by at least half compared with that of the corresponding t–x band-limited data. It significantly reduces the computational expense of curvelet transform-based processing. Synthetic and field data experiments validate the effectiveness of the proposed method in efficiency improvement with consistent performance when compared to the multichannel method with sparse curvelet coefficient constraint of the t–x data in improving the vertical resolution and lateral continuity. Furthermore, we have discussed a potential acceleration strategy based on random sampling in the normal compensation issue.
Multimarket firms and product liability: uniform versus variable rules
Authors: Chen Yongmin , Hua Xinyu
Published: August 2024

When a multimarket firm’s product causes harm to consumers, should the firm bear uniform or variable liability across markets? We analyze a model in which the firm faces the same standard liability in two markets under uniform liability, while its liability rises above and falls below the standard level in markets 1 and 2, respectively, under variable liability. Allowing variation in product liability across markets has broad implications for the firm’s incentive to invest in product safety, total output, and output allocation across markets, as well as for the optimal choice of standard liability in the first place. We show that welfare is higher under variable liability if demand elasticity is lower and demand curvature is weakly higher in market 2 than in market 1, but welfare can be higher under uniform liability otherwise.
Complexity and scalability of defeasible reasoning in many-valued weighted knowledge bases with typicality
Authors: Alviano Mario , Giordano Laura , Theseider Dupré Daniele
Published: August 2024

Weighted knowledge bases for description logics with typicality under a ‘concept-wise’ multi-preferential semantics provide a logical interpretation of MultiLayer Perceptrons. In this context, Answer Set Programming (ASP) has been shown to be suitable for addressing defeasible reasoning in the finitely many-valued case, providing a $\varPi ^{p}_{2}$ upper bound on the complexity of the problem, nonetheless leaving unknown the exact complexity and only providing a proof-of-concept implementation. This paper fulfills the lack by providing a ${P^{NP[log]}}$-completeness result and new ASP encodings that deal with both acyclic and cyclic weighted knowledge bases with large search spaces, as assessed empirically on synthetic test cases. The encodings are used to empower a reasoner for computing solutions and answering queries, possibly interacting with ASP Chef for obtaining an interactive visualization.
Reported snakebite mortality and state compensation payments in Madhya Pradesh, India, from 2020 to 2022
Authors: Kadam Priyanka , Patel Bhupeshwari , Gopalakrishnan Maya , Sirur Freston M , Bharti Omesh K , Agrawal Amit , Yunus Md , Majumdar Dayal B , Ainsworth Stuart
Published: August 2024

Background

India experiences the highest snakebite burden globally, with 58 000 predicted deaths annually. The central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh is thought to have a substantial snakebite burden and provides compensation to families who can demonstrate by postmortem and hospital treatment reports that their relatives have died due to snakebite. This study represents the first report on the frequency of distribution of compensation for snakebite deaths in Madhya Pradesh.

Methods

Statewide snakebite death compensation data from 2020–2021 and 2021–2022, provided by the Madhya Pradesh health authorities, were analysed alongside interviews with 15 families that described the events that ultimately led to their compensation claims.

Results

Compensation was paid to a total of 5728 families, with a total value equating to 22 912 Lakhs (approximately US${\$}$27.94 million). Families described commonly recognised snakebite risk factors and behaviours in the events that resulted in their relatives’ deaths.

Conclusions

The snakebite burden in Madhya Pradesh is significant, both in terms of mortality and economic expenditure of the state. Sustained investment in preventative interventions, as well as monitoring of the rate of compensation payouts due to snakebite death as a measure of intervention effectiveness, should be considered to substantially reduce snakebite incidence and mortality.
Development and Validation of a Sensitive Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Ceftolozane and Tazobactam in Human Plasma Microsamples
Authors: Conti Matteo , Giorgi Beatrice , Gatti Milo , Viale Pierluigi , Pea Federico
Published: August 2024

Background:

Ceftolozane/tazobactam (C-T) is a novel beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combination approved for the treatment of various infections caused by difficult-to-treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In critically ill patients, C-T may exhibit significant pharmacokinetic variability, both between individuals and within individuals, warranting therapeutic drug monitoring for clinical purposes. We aim to develop and validate a novel and sensitive analytical method for concurrently determining C and T in human plasma microsamples (3 μL).

Methods:

The method was developed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with positive electrospray ionization and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) detection modes, employing specific mass transitions for both drugs. Sample preparation was simple, and the chromatographic run lasted only 4 minutes. Validation was conducted according to European Medicines Agency (EMA) guidelines, encompassing specificity, sensitivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, matrix effect, extraction recovery, limit of quantification, and drug stability. The validated method was applied to measure C and T in 32 plasma samples collected from critically ill patients with multidrug-resistant, gram-negative, bacterial infections.

Results:

The method ensured accurate (BIAS% 2.1–9.6 for C and −2.2 to 15.2 for T) and precise intraday CV% for C: 6.7–5.5; for T: 1.3–8.9; interday CV% for C 6.0–10.8; for T 4.1–10.2) measurements of C-T over a wide concentration range (0.2–200.0 mg/L for C and 0.1–100.0 mg/L for T). Overall, the recovery at quality control concentration levels was high for both C and T (mean values: 90–91 for C and 89–92 for T). Analyte stability was satisfactory in both human plasma and extracts under various storage conditions. The clinical applicability of the assay was confirmed by the reliably quantifying C and T in clinical plasma samples.

Conclusions:

The developed and validated LC-MS/MS method is sensitive and suitable for monitoring C and T in human plasma microsamples.
An Update on the Independent Plastic Surgery Match (2019–2022): Trends, Predictors, and Program Leaders’ Perspectives
Authors: Amro Chris , Ryan Isabel A. , McGraw J. Reed , Broach Robyn B. , Kovach Stephen J. , Serletti Joseph M. , Butler Paris D. , Janis Jeffrey E. , Azoury Saïd C.
Published: August 2024

Background:

A previous study by the authors noted a decline in independent plastic surgery residency programs and rising applicant participation. This study provides updates on match trends and influential predictors, and gathers program leaders’ views on the future of the independent track.

Methods:

Match data (2019–2022) were obtained from the San Francisco match after American Council of Educators in Plastic Surgery approval. Variables influencing match success were analyzed, and program leaders were surveyed about desirable applicant traits and program trajectories.

Results:

From 2019 to 2022, 243 of 428 applicants matched. Programs and positions declined by 10% and 9.5%, respectively. Applicants rose to 42.3%, but match rates fell from 82% to 56%. Osteopathic graduates doubled, whereas international graduates increased to 53.8%. Successful matches were associated with US allopathic medical school graduates, university-affiliated general surgery residencies, eight or more interviews, United States Medical Licensing Examination scores greater than 230, and high post graduate year (PGY)1–3 American Board of Surgery In-service Training Examination scores (PGY1–64.7%, PGY2–61.2%, PGY3–60.7%; P < 0.05). Of surveyed programs, 55.6% aimed to continue running the independent track in the next year. Conversely, 7.4% planned to discontinue in the next year, 22.2% within 2–5 years, 7.4% within the next decade, and 7.4% were unsure.

Conclusions:

Although support for the independent plastic surgery track remains, program participation diminishes as applicant interest increases, intensifying match challenges. Increasing number of interviews improves match potential. Program leaders display varied commitments, with looming plans for some programs to discontinue offering this track. Applicant evaluation pivots on strong recommendations, research, and test scores.
Management of Perifoveal Exudative Vascular Anomalous Complex
Authors: Savastano Maria Cristina , Fossataro Claudia , Gravina Gianni , Coccimiglio Francesca , Rizzo Clara , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

To report a case of a patient with perifoveal exudative vascular anomalous complex (PEVAC) and to analyze morphological and vascular changes by OCT and OCTA before and after treatment.

Materials and Methods:

In this case we reported a case which received multiple treatment for unresponsive effect to Repeated Aflibercept intravitreal injections, subthreshold micropulse laser therapy (SMPL) duty cycle 5%. At last the focal fully dose yellow laser was performed.

Results:

A 57-year-old male patient presented with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/50 in his right eye (RE) The fundoscopic evaluation, structural optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) deposed for a diagnosis of PEVAC. The patient underwent three Aflibercept intravitreal injections in the RE. Since no changes were detected, we opted for multiple sessions of yellow subthreshold micropulse laser therapy (SMPL) duty cycle 5%, however no signs of regression were registered. Only after a fully dose yellow laser, signs of edema regression were observed. Stuctural OCT B-scan showed complete restitutio of retinal profile, in absence of any intraretinal or subretinal fluid and PEVAC lesion, while the OCTA showed a slight flow deficit at the previous lesion site.

Conclusions

and Importance: The PEVAC treatment is still unknown. In our experience, we reported a case of multiple treatments for unresponsive effect to: Aflibercept intravitreal injections, subthreshold micropulse laser therapy (SMPL) duty cycle 5%. At list the focal fully dose yellow laser was the only effective in our patient. We proposed our management to share the heterogeneous response at PEVAC entity.
Is personalization of psychological pain treatments necessary? Evidence from a Bayesian variance ratio meta-analysis
Authors: Scholten Saskia , Herzog Philipp , Glombiewski Julia Anna , Kaiser Tim
Published: August 2024

This is the first study to empirically determine the potential for data-driven personalization in the context of chronic primary pain (CPP). Effect sizes of psychological treatments for individuals with CPP are small to moderate on average. Aiming for better treatment outcomes for the individual patient, the call to personalize CPP treatment increased over time. However, empirical evidence that personalization of psychological treatments can optimize treatment outcomes in CPP is needed. This study seeks to estimate heterogeneity of treatment effect for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as the psychological treatment approach for CPP with the greatest evidence base. For this purpose, a Bayesian variance ratio meta-regression is conducted using updated data from 2 recently published meta-analyses with randomized controlled trials comparing CBT delivered face-to-face to treatment-as-usual or waiting list controls. Heterogeneity in patients with CPP would be reflected by a larger overall variance in the post-treatment score compared with the control group. We found first evidence for an individual treatment effect in CBT compared with the control group. The estimate for the intercept was 0.06, indicating a 6% higher variance of end point values in the intervention groups. However, this result warrants careful consideration. Further research is needed to shed light on the heterogeneity of psychological treatment studies and thus to uncover the full potential of data-driven personalized psychotherapy for patients with CPP.

A Bayesian variance ratio meta-regression indicates empirical evidence that data-driven personalized psychotherapy for patients with chronic primary pain could increase effects of cognitive behavioral therapy.
Surgical Treatment for Provoked Vulvodynia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Saçıntı Koray Görkem , Razeghian Hosna , Bornstein Jacob
Published: August 2024

Objective

Provoked vulvodynia (PV), characterized by vulvar pain upon touch or pressure, is the leading cause of pain during sexual intercourse. It causes a significant decline in overall quality of life, including sexual dysfunction and mental distress. Surgical interventions, such as perineoplasty and vestibulectomy, are considered a last resort for PV cases unresponsive to less invasive therapies. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of surgery for PV and suggests areas for future research.

Materials and Methods

The literature search encompassed PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, identifying relevant peer-reviewed studies up to August 21, 2023.

Results

Out of 1102 records retrieved, 29 met the eligibility criteria. Surgery was typically considered after failed conservative treatments. In 15 of the 29 studies defining surgical success as a significant reduction in dyspareunia, success rates ranged from 52% to 93%. Six studies using validated scales for pain assessment noted a significant reduction in vulvar pain following surgery (p < .001). Two studies reported enhancements in sexual function ranging from 57% to 87%, while 3 studies found 89%–97% of women regained the ability to engage in sexual intercourse after surgery. Patient satisfaction rates ranged from 79% to 93%. Bartholin cysts occurred in up to 9% of cases, the most common complication reported.

Conclusion

Surgery seems to be an effective and safe PV treatment option with success rates ranging from 52% to 97%, depending on the variation of outcome measures. Randomized clinical trials with established outcome measures are needed to determine the best surgical approach with minimal operative risk and optimal long-term outcomes.
Airway Anomalies in Pediatric Patients After Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease: Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study, Taiwan, 2017–2020*
Authors: Wu Jeng-Hung , Wu En-Ting , Chou Heng-Wen , Wang Ching-Chia , Lu Frank Leigh , Wang Yi-Chia , Huang Chi-Hisang , Chen Shyh-Jye , Chen Yih-Sharng , Huang Shu-Chien
Published: August 2024

OBJECTIVES:

Airway anomalies increase risk of morbidity and mortality in postoperative pediatric patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). We aimed to identify airway anomalies and the association with intermediate outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for CHD.

DESIGN:

Single-center, hospital-based retrospective study in Taiwan, 2017–2020.

SETTING:

A tertiary referral hospital in Taiwan.

PATIENTS:

All pediatric patients who underwent surgery for CHD and were admitted to the PICU and had data about airway evaluation by cardiopulmonary CT scan or bronchoscopy.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Among 820 CHD patients identified as having undergone airway evaluation in the PICU, 185 (22.6%) were diagnosed with airway anomalies, including structural lesions in 146 of 185 (78.9%), and dynamic problems were seen in 87 of 185 (47.0%). In this population, the explanatory factors associated with greater odds (odds ratio [OR]) of airway anomaly were premature birth (OR, 1.90; p = 0.002), genetic syndromes (OR, 2.60; p < 0.001), and in those with preoperative ventilator use (OR, 4.28; p < 0.001). In comparison to those without airway anomalies, the presence of airway anomalies was associated with higher hospital mortality (11.4% vs. 2.7%; p < 0.001), prolonged intubation days (8 d [1–27 d] vs. 1 d [1–5 d]; p < 0.001), longer PICU length of stay (23 d [8–81 d] vs. 7 d [4–18 d]; p < 0.001), and greater hazard of intermediate mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.60; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

In our single-center retrospective study, 2017–2020, between one-in-five and one-in-four of our postoperative CHD patients undergoing an airway evaluation had airway anomalies. Factors associated with greater odds of airway anomaly included, those with premature birth, or genetic syndromes, and preoperative ventilator use. Overall, in patients undergoing airway evaluation, the finding of an airway anomalies was associated with longer postoperative intubation duration and greater hazard of intermediate mortality.
When antimicrobial stewardship begins with microbiological test requests: the case of asymptomatic bacteriuria
Authors: Imlay Hannah , Thorpe Alistair , Vaughn Valerie M.
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review

We aim to review the rationale, methods, and experiences with diagnostic stewardship targeted at urinary tract infection (UTI) and related urinary syndromes.

Recent findings

In the last 18 months, several articles have demonstrated the impact of diagnostic stewardship interventions at limiting inappropriate diagnosis of UTIs or inappropriate antibiotic-prescribing, targeting the urinary tract. Antimicrobial stewardship programs may create and implement interventions at the point of urine test ordering, urine test resulting, or at the point of prescribing antibiotics after results have returned. Specific design and implementation of stewardship interventions depends on context. To maximize their impact, interventions should be accompanied by education and garner buy-in from providers.

Diagnostic stewardship can decrease unnecessary antibiotics and inappropriate diagnosis of UTI with multifaceted interventions most likely to be effective. Remaining questions include how to reduce ASB treatment in new populations, such as those with immune compromise, and persistent unknowns regarding UTI diagnosis and diagnostics.
The End of Race-Conscious Admissions
Authors: Nimmer Kaitlyn F. , Collins Reagan A. , Clarke Callisia N.
Published: August 2024

The end of race-conscious admissions poses a significant challenge to the recruitment of underrepresented in medicine surgical trainees and surgeons in the United States. These developing limitations underscore the importance of retention within the academic surgical pathway as we seek to diversify the physician workforce in order to best serve our patients.