bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Respecting Older Adults: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Voinea Cristina , Wangmo Tenzin , Vică Constantin
Published: January 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many social problems and put the already vulnerable, such as racial minorities, low-income communities, and older individuals, at an even greater risk than before. In this paper we focus on older adults’ well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic and show that the risk-mitigation measures presumed to protect them, alongside the generalization of an ageist public discourse, exacerbated the pre-existing marginalization of older adults, disproportionately affecting their well-being. This paper shows that states have duties to adopt and put into practice redress measures to compensate for the negative consequences of COVID-19 public health policies on older adults’ overall well-being. These duties flow from the minimal ethical requirement of respect for persons. We show that respect is a morally basic attitude that presupposes taking the others’ interests into account, with the aim of advancing their well-being. This duty is not limited to kinship, relatives, and friends but it extends to states and the rest of the civil society. In the conclusion, we draw lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and sketch some redress measures that could compensate for the decrease in older adults’ well-being as a result of the adoption of measures to contain the spread of the virus.
Efficacy and safety of drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) plus apatinib versus DEB-TACE alone in treating huge hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Li Ningjie , Chen Jiao
Published: January 2022

Background

Apatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, inhibits angiogenesis under the tumor hypoxic environment induced by drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE), which is hypothesized to have synergic effect with DEB-TACE in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DEB-TACE plus apatinib in treating huge HCC patients.

Methods

Totally, 73 huge HCC patients (tumor size > 10 cm) were screened and divided into DEB-TACE plus apatinib group (N = 34) or DEB-TACE group (N = 39) based on the treatment they received. Their clinical response and adverse events were retrieved. The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated.

Results

DEB-TACE plus apatinib achieved a trend of higher objective response rate (64.7% vs. 43.6%, P = 0.071), but similar disease control rate (88.2% vs. 79.5%, P = 0.314) than DEB-TACE alone. Moreover, DEB-TACE plus apatinib reached an improved PFS (median (95%CI): 19.0 months (15.5–22.5) vs. 10.9 months (8.0–13.8), P = 0.025) and OS (median (95%CI): 25.1 months (20.3–29.9) vs. 13.7 months (9.8–17.6), P = 0.042) than DEB-TACE alone. After adjustment by multivariate Cox’s regression analyses, DEB-TACE plus apatinib (vs. DEB-TACE alone) was independently correlated with better PFS (HR: 0.420, P = 0.004) and OS (HR: 0.477, P = 0.022). Regarding safety, adverse events were mostly mild and manageable; also, they were of no difference between DEB-TACE plus apatinib and DEB-TACE alone (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

DEB-TACE plus apatinib achieves prolonged PFS and OS, while similar adverse events occurrence compared to DEB-TACE alone in huge HCC treatment.
Rectal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Why Is There a Global Variation?
Authors: Cope Jack , Srirajaskanthan Raj
Published: January 2022

Purpose of Review

This review examines the variation in incidence of rectal neuroendocrine tumours across the globe. Rectal neuroendocrine tumours are a common type of gastrointestinal NET with an increasing incidence reported over the last 30 years.

Recent Findings

There have been a number of publications examining the epidemiology of neuroendocrine tumours across the world. These have utilized a variety of different methodologies to examine both incidence of prevalence of NETs. We review the data published and describe any causative factors and findings regarding the epidemiology of rectal NETs.

Rectal NETs account for 1–2% of all rectal cancers and are commonly diagnosed between 50–60 years of age. Most lesions are identified by chance at colonoscopy, commonly during colon cancer screening procedures, which is reflected in part in the age at diagnosis. Most lesions are small in size, < 10 mm and can be managed with endoscopic resection rather than requiring surgery. The highest incidence is reported in people of Asian ethnicity, with a tenfold increased incidence reported in some series compared with white population. There is also an increased incidence in Black and Hispanic population as identified through the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Endoscopic assessment of lesions is variable globally. Future work to better understand the cause of ethnic variation and development of comprehensive cancer registries would be helpful.
The Societal Readiness Thinking Tool: A Practical Resource for Maturing the Societal Readiness of Research Projects
Authors: Bernstein Michael J. , Nielsen Mathias Wullum , Alnor Emil , Brasil André , Birkving Astrid Lykke , Chan Tung Tung , Griessler Erich , de Jong Stefan , van de Klippe Wouter , Meijer Ingeborg , Yaghmaei Emad , Nicolaisen Peter Busch , Nieminen Mika , Novitzky Peter , Mejlgaard Niels
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we introduce the Societal Readiness (SR) Thinking Tool to aid researchers and innovators in developing research projects with greater responsiveness to societal values, needs, and expectations. The need for societally-focused approaches to research and innovation—complementary to Technology Readiness (TR) frameworks—is presented. Insights from responsible research and innovation (RRI) concepts and practice, organized across critical stages of project-life cycles are discussed with reference to the development of the SR Thinking Tool. The tool is designed to complement not only shortfalls in TR approaches, but also improve upon other efforts to integrate RRI, sustainability, and design thinking in research and innovation cycles. Operationalization and early-stage user tests of the Tool are reported, along with discussion of potential future iterations and applications.
Spanish criminal procedure examined: successes, opportunities and failures in the adaptation to EU requirements
Authors: Villamarín López María Luisa
Published: January 2022

This paper examines at what stage of the process of adaptation to European requirements the system of criminal justice in Spain finds itself. First, it focuses on its major achievements regarding the rights of suspects and accused (in particular, the reinforcement of the following guarantees: the right to information, the right to interpretation and translation, the right to legal assistance, the right to legal aid and personal data protection rules) as well as the protection of victims, as reinforced by the promotion of restorative justice. Secondly, the author reflects on areas requiring improvement on which the Spanish legislator might focus its attention in the short term: the protection of children who are accused in criminal proceedings, the legal treatment of internal complaints (and whistleblowers) and, finally, the presumption of innocence. Thirdly, it highlights some failures in the Spanish process of adaptation to European requirements: namely, delays, non-compliance with EU obligations and the lack of resources needed to implement required changes.
The associations of use of social network sites with perceived social support and loneliness
Authors: Caba Machado Vanessa , Mcilroy David , Padilla Adamuz Francisca M. , Murphy Rebecca , Palmer-Conn Susan
Published: January 2022

Research shows that use of social network sites is associated with loneliness and this may be amplified in tertiary students by their transition from home life, especially if they struggle to integrate with peers. The buffering effects of social support may offer a solution and the online dimension may offer a suitable outlet for lonely and isolated students. In this study, N = 111 university students, aged 18-40, completed a frequency assessment of Instagram and WhatsApp, the Spanish version of the UCLA loneliness scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Social Support in an online survey. The statistical analysis was completed by Structural Equation Modeling using AMOS 25.0. The construct validity of social network sites was established by good factor loadings for WhatsApp and Instagram, but Facebook was excluded as it did not load adequately on to the latent measurement model, in keeping with the diminishing trend for Facebook use in young students. Loneliness emerged as pivotal in a mediation model, and online social support from friends/significant others, emerged as salient in the predictive model in contrast to family. However, these associations may not have the same advantageous weight for mature students given the observed negative associations with age. Results may have implications for policy and planning through highlighting the psychological variables that are operative in the dynamics of integration, retention, and adjustment to tertiary level experience.
Fast and Sensitive Radiochemical Method for Sr-90 Determination in Food and Feed by Chromatographic Extraction and Liquid Scintillation Counting
Authors: Marchesani Giuliana , Trotta Gabriele , De Felice Pierino , Bortone Nicola , Damiano Rita , Nicolini Michele , Accettulli Rosario , Chiaravalle Antonio Eugenio , Iammarino Marco
Published: January 2022

Strontium-90 (Sr-90) contamination in food is a major public health issue. Several radiochemical methods are available for the determination of Sr-90. However, the application of these procedures is not focused on solid foods, but only on liquid (milk, water, etc.) and environmental matrices, and they were not fully validated. The aims of this work were to establish and validate a fast, sensitive method for the determination of Sr-90 in solid food matrices such as meat and dairy products, seafood, vegetables, and animal feed, using a specific resin for extraction and ultra-low-level liquid scintillation counting for detection. The method was optimised and validated according to relevant legislation. Good analytical performance was obtained, including high specificity and linearity together with low measurement uncertainty (13.1%). The minimal detectable activity was 11 mBq kg−1, and the mean repeatability (CV%) and recovery values were 10.7% and 100.1%, respectively. These parameters assured method applicability for official food safety controls. The method was applied to reference materials and submitted to proficiency test round to confirm its reliability for Sr-90 quantification in solid foodstuffs and feed. The newly established method may be broadly applicable to complex matrices.
3D photogrammetry as a tool for studying erosive processes at a Roman coastal site: the case of the Roman fish-salting plant at Sobreira (Vigo, Spain)
Authors: Fernández Adolfo Fernández , Abad Patricia Valle , Nóvoa Alba Antía Rodríguez
Published: January 2022

Rising sea levels, along with other biological and human factors, have increased erosion rates at a number of important sites located along the Atlantic coastline. Project GaltFish implemented a series of contingency measures to record some of these sites before they degraded further or totally disappeared. This process involved detailed photogrammetric recording of some of the sites under threat over a set period of time. One of the sites selected for this project was Sobreira (Vigo, Galicia): a Roman fish-salting factory which was partially destroyed by building activity in the 1980s and the remains of which are under threat from marine erosion and human action. In order to study the site, two photogrammetric models were created to examine the effect of erosive processes across the course of one year. The results illustrate that photogrammetry is an efficient tool for recording and analysing the issue of erosion. The data compiled helped in designing additional action in the factory, which was subject to a rescue excavation to record and help protect the site from further damage. This paper presents the results of this project, as well as the methodology used to produce the models, the data generated and their analysis. It is argued that the methodology can be used to collect and analyse data from other sites, and that this data could inform the political/administrative decision-making processes which concern the future management and preservation of archaeological sites under threat.
The Challenges of Eating Well for People Living with Cystic Fibrosis: an Interview Study Exploring the Use of Mindful Eating Approaches and Behaviours to Support Optimal Nutritional Status
Authors: Egan Helen , Keyte Rebecca , Mantzios Michail
Published: January 2022

Background

Nutritional status and weight are closely linked to lung function and health status in cystic fibrosis (CF). The investigation of eating behaviours has shown mindfulness practices to be useful in modifying eating behaviours, particularly with obesity; to date, no research specifically explores how these concepts may be utilised within a CF population who face specific challenges in eating behaviours.

Method

Adult patients (n = 20,M = 8, age range 21–62 years) were recruited from a UK CF regional centre to take part in qualitative semi-structured interviews. Experiences of eating behaviours focusing on the use of mindful (or mindless) eating as barriers and enablers to achieving and maintaining optimal nutritional status were explored. Data were analysed using thematic analysis with a contextualist approach to understand how participants experienced eating behaviours within the context of health and weight status.

Results

Participants engaged readily in discussions of eating behaviour describing active self-regulation of food eaten and calorie intake. Participants who struggled to maintain weight employed strategies to increase calorie intake such as distraction and multitasking while eating. Most participants reported no pleasure in food, describing eating as another treatment to endure. Confusion existed around how to eat healthily for CF alongside co-morbid health conditions including diabetes, cholesterol and heart disease.

Conclusion

Participants were highly aware of their eating behaviours, engaging in intentional and deliberate preparations, which could be described as mindful, for making eating a more automatic or mindless activity. Modifications to usual mindful eating interventions are needed to support people with CF.
Composition of volatile compounds in male and female Tenebrio molitor and Leptinotarsa decemlineata before and after the application of insecticides
Authors: Wojciechowska Marta , Stepnowski Piotr , Gołębiowski Marek
Published: January 2022

Some insects can be used as food, while others can affect the destruction of crops and the reduction of food reserves. The studies described in this article showed quantitative and qualitative changes in the composition of volatile compounds contained in adult Tenebrio molitor and Leptinotarsa decemlineata insects after applying insecticides. The samples were prepared by SPME and the final determinations were carried out by GC/MS. The volatile compounds that were present only in the insects after the application of insecticides (or in a larger quantities) could be due to the insecticides, as an insect defense response to these insecticides. For example, in adult T. molitor insects, the percentage of alkanes ranged from 38.63 to 59.05% (male), and from 38.89% to 60.20 (female), depending on the insecticide used and the time elapsed since its application. In contrast, in L. decemlineata, the percentage of alkanes ranged from 43.84 to 61.85% (female), and from 42.41 to 60.11% (male). The results of the present study can be useful in understanding the i defense strategies of insects against insecticides.
Pesticide-free agriculture as a new paradigm for research
Authors: Jacquet Florence , Jeuffroy Marie-Hélène , Jouan Julia , Le Cadre Edith , Litrico Isabelle , Malausa Thibaut , Reboud Xavier , Huyghe Christian
Published: January 2022

Reducing pesticide use has become a goal shared by several European countries and a major issue in public policies due to the negative impacts of pesticides on the environment and on human health. However, since most of the agri-food sector relies on pesticides in these countries, substantially reducing pesticide use is a complex issue. To overcome this situation, we argue that agricultural research has a major role to play and must adopt a pesticide-free paradigm to expect a deep impact on pesticide use. In this article, we explain why this new paradigm is needed and outline research fronts that it will help address. These research fronts are related to five strategies: (1) redesigning cropping systems to enhance prophylaxis, (2) diversifying biocontrol strategies and associated business models, (3) broadening the scope of plant breeding to include functional biodiversity and evolutionary ecology concepts, (4) setting new goals for agricultural machinery and digital technologies, and (5) supporting development of public policies and private initiatives for the transition toward pesticide-free agri-food systems. The corresponding research activities must be managed conjointly to develop systemic and coupled innovations, which are essential for reducing pesticide use significantly. We therefore provide examples of cross-cutting objectives that combine these fronts while also highlighting the need for interdisciplinary research projects. By doing so, we provide an overall orientation for research to achieve sustainable agriculture.
Putting “Heavy” into Heavy Slow Resistance
Authors: Morrison Scot , Cook Jill
Published: January 2022

The body of literature on tendinopathy management has come a long way in the last few decades and a variety of changes in the clinical approach have emerged from this research. One particular approach that shows promise has been called “heavy slow resistance” (HSR), and this has been the subject of investigation in a number of randomized controlled trials. While the premise for this approach is defensible, a critical examination of the implementation of these HSR protocols results in some concerns when compared to basic exercise science principles. This article lays out some considerations that will help future investigators to improve their exercise prescription approaches in this area.
Russian Innovation in the Era of Patent Globalization
Authors: Lebedenko Svitlana
Published: January 2022

The launch of the Russian Sputnik vaccine in 2020 echoed the launch of the Soviet Sputnik satellite in 1957 and reminded the world once again that Russia is a sophisticated technological power. Most inventions in the Soviet Union were managed by the system of inventor’s certificates which ensured open flows of knowledge among the scientific networks behind Russia’s industrial development. Inventions in today’s Russia are managed by the globalized institution of patents which can create high barriers to entry in innovation markets. This article argues that the globalized institution of patents has been compromised in Russia because the barriers to entry that patents create are not justified in the absence of well-functioning markets. The danger of the institutional mismatch is lost opportunities for Russia to grow knowledge and to diversify its economy. Western property rights in innovation in the hands of crony capitalists can magnify the social harms of the patent system leading to high concentration of ownership of knowledge.
Applications of Unsupervised Machine Learning in Autism Spectrum Disorder Research: a Review
Authors: Parlett-Pelleriti Chelsea M. , Stevens Elizabeth , Dixon Dennis , Linstead Erik J.
Published: January 2022

Large amounts of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) data is created through hospitals, therapy centers, and mobile applications; however, much of this rich data does not have pre-existing classes or labels. Large amounts of data—both genetic and behavioral—that are collected as part of scientific studies or a part of treatment can provide a deeper, more nuanced insight into both diagnosis and treatment of ASD. This paper reviews 43 papers using unsupervised machine learning in ASD, including k-means clustering, hierarchical clustering, model-based clustering, and self-organizing maps. The aim of this review is to provide a survey of the current uses of unsupervised machine learning in ASD research and provide insight into the types of questions being answered with these methods.
Longitudinal white matter hyperintensity changes and cognitive decline in patients with minor stroke
Authors: Jiang Jingwen , Yao Kanmin , Huang Xiaojun , Zhang Yu , Shen Fanxia , Weng Suiqing
Published: January 2022

Background and objective

As reported, both minor stroke and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. The underlying factors for dynamic changes in WMH volume and cognitive performances in patients with minor stroke remain poorly understood. A 2-year longitudinal study was designed to investigate the factors associated with the changes in white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume on brain MRI and cognitive decline in patients with minor stroke.

Methods

A group of eligible patients with minor ischemic stroke was recruited in a row. At the initial and 2-year follow-up visits, all the participants underwent routine examinations, multimodal MRI, and cognitive assessment. Using a lesion prediction algorithm tool, we were able to automate the measurement of the change in WMH volume. During the 2-year follow-up, cognitive function was evaluated using Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-Modified (TICS-m). Participants’ demographic, clinical, and therapeutic data were collected and statistically analyzed. Regression analyses were used to test the relationships between risk factors and changes in WMH volume and cognitive decline.

Results

Finally, we followed up with 225/261 participants for 2 years, with a mean age of 65.67 ± 10.73 years (65.6% men). WMH volume was observed to be increased in 113 patients, decreased in 74 patients, and remained stable in 58 patients. Patients with WMH progression were more often had a history of hypertension (p = 0.006) and a higher CSVD burden both at baseline and follow-up visit (p < 0.05). Longitudinally, the proportion of patients taking antihypertension medications on a regular basis in the regression group was higher than in the stable group (p = 0.01). When compared to the stable group, the presence of lacunes (OR 9.931, 95% CI 1.597–61.77, p = 0.014) was a stronger predictor of progression in WMH volume. 87 subjects (38.6%) displayed incident cognitive impairment. The progression of WMH volume was a significant risk factor for cognitive decline (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The longitudinal change of WMH is dynamic. The regressive WMH volume was associated with the use of antihypertensive medications on a regular basis. The presence of lacunes at the initial visit of the study was a stronger predictor of WMH progression. The progression of WMH volume could be useful in predicting cognitive decline in patients with minor stroke.
Recycled materials in railroad substructure: an energy perspective
Authors: Indraratna Buddhima , Qi Yujie , Malisetty Rakesh Sai , Navaratnarajah Sinniah K. , Mehmood Fatima , Tawk Miriam
Published: January 2022

Given that the current ballasted tracks in Australia may not be able to support faster and significantly heavier freight trains as planned for the future, the imminent need for innovative and sustainable ballasted tracks for transport infrastructure is crucial. Over the past two decades, a number of studies have been conducted by the researchers of Transport Research Centre (TRC) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) to investigate the ability of recycled rubber mats, as well as waste tyre cells and granulated rubber to improve the stability of track substructure including ballast and subballast layers. This paper reviews four applications of these novel methods, including using recycled rubber products such as CWRC mixtures (i.e., mixtures of coal wash (CW) and rubber crumbs (RC)) and SEAL mixtures (i.e., mixtures of steel furnace slag, CW and RC) to replace subballast/capping materials, tyre cells reinforcements for subballast/capping layer and under ballast mats; and investigates the energy dissipation capacity for each application based on small-scale cyclic triaxial tests and large-scale track model tests. It has been found that the inclusion of these rubber products increases the energy dissipation effect of the track, hence reducing the ballast degradation efficiently and increasing the track stability. Moreover, a rheological model is also proposed to investigate the effect of different rubber inclusions on their efficiency to reduce the transient motion of rail track under dynamic loading. The outcomes elucidated in this paper will lead to a better understanding of the performance of ballast tracks upgraded with resilient rubber products, while promoting environmentally sustainable and more affordable ballasted tracks for greater passenger comfort and increased safety.
Restoration of enamel anti-wear properties via remineralization: Role of occlusal loading
Authors: Peng Jiapin , Lei Lei , Xiao Heng , Yang Dan , Zheng Jing , Zhou Zhongrong
Published: January 2022

In this in vitro study, the restoration of acid-eroded enamel surface morphology and anti-wear properties under two conditions, mono-remineralization (treated with remineralization alone) and impact-remineralization (treated with cyclic impact followed by remineralization), are characterized to determine the effect of occlusal loading on enamel remineralization. Compared with the mono-remineralized surface, the impact-remineralized surface demonstrates better anti-wear performance, as manifested by a higher hardness and elastic modulus, as well as a lower friction coefficient and wear volume. Loading on the eroded enamel surface induces the fragmentation of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, which aids crystal deposition and fusion during subsequent remineralization. In summary, owing to the enamel microstructure, occlusal loading can promote the restoration of enamel anti-wear properties by enhancing remineralization. Remineralization enhancement through occlusal-loading-induced nanoparticle fragmentation plays a significant role in preventing human teeth from excessive wear.
Humoral immunogenicity and tolerability of heterologous ChAd/BNT compared with homologous BNT/BNT and ChAd/ChAd SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Haase Michael , Lesny Paul , Anderson Mark , Cloherty Gavin , Stec Michael , Haase-Fielitz Anja , Haarhaus Mathias , Santos-Araújo Carla , Veiga Pedro Mota , Macario Fernando
Published: January 2022

Background

After the reports of severe adverse reactions to the AstraZeneca ChAdOx1-S-nCoV-19 vaccine, patients who had received one dose of ChAdOx1-S-nCoV-19 vaccine were recommended a second dose of Pfizer’s BNT162b2 vaccine. In hemodialysis patients, we compared the humoral immunogenicity and tolerability of homologous vaccination with ChAdOx1-nCoV-19/ChAdOx1-nCoV-19 (ChAd/ChAd) and BNT162b2/BNT162b2 (BNT/BNT) with heterologous vaccination of first dose of ChAdOx1-nCoV-19 and a second dose with BNT162b2 (ChAd/BNT).

Methods

In a multicenter prospective observational study, SARS-CoV-2 spike-IgG antibody levels, Nucleocapsid-protein-IgG-antibodies, and vaccine tolerability were assessed 6 weeks after second SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in 137 hemodialysis patients and 24 immunocompetent medical personnel.

Results

In COVID-19-naïve hemodialysis patients, significantly higher median SARS-CoV-2-spike IgG levels were found after ChAd/BNT (N = 16) compared to BNT/BNT (N = 100) or ChAd/ChAd (N = 10) (1744 [25th–75th percentile 276–2840] BAU/mL versus 361 [25th–75th percentile 120–936] BAU/mL; p = 0.009; 1744 [25th–75th percentile 276–2840] BAU/mL versus 100 [25th–75th percentile 41–346] BAU/mL; p = 0.017, respectively). Vaccinated, COVID-19-naïve medical personnel had median SARS-CoV-2 spike-IgG levels of 650 (25th–75th percentile 217–1402) BAU/mL and vaccinated hemodialysis patients with prior COVID-19 7047 (25th–75th percentile 685–10,794) BAU/mL (N = 11). In multivariable regression analysis, heterologous vaccination (ChAd/BNT) of COVID-19-naïve hemodialysis patients was independently associated with SARS-CoV-2 spike-IgG levels. The first dose of ChAd and the second dose of BNT after the first vaccination with ChAd (heterologous vaccination, ChAd/BNT) were associated with more frequent but manageable side effects compared with homologous BNT.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, heterologous vaccination with ChAd/BNT appears to induce stronger humoral immunity and more frequent but manageable side effects than homologous vaccination with BNT/BNT or with ChAd/ChAd in COVID-19-naïve hemodialysis patients.

Graphical abstract
High-Efficiency Electromagnetic Interference Shielding of rGO@FeNi/Epoxy Composites with Regular Honeycomb Structures
Authors: Song Ping , Ma Zhonglei , Qiu Hua , Ru Yifan , Gu Junwei
Published: January 2022

With the rapid development of fifth-generation mobile communication technology and wearable electronic devices, electromagnetic interference and radiation pollution caused by electromagnetic waves have attracted worldwide attention. Therefore, the design and development of highly efficient EMI shielding materials are of great importance. In this work, the three-dimensional graphene oxide (GO) with regular honeycomb structure (GH) is firstly constructed by sacrificial template and freeze-drying methods. Then, the amino functionalized FeNi alloy particles (f-FeNi) are loaded on the GH skeleton followed by in-situ reduction to prepare rGH@FeNi aerogel. Finally, the rGH@FeNi/epoxy EMI shielding composites with regular honeycomb structure is obtained by vacuum-assisted impregnation of epoxy resin. Benefitting from the construction of regular honeycomb structure and electromagnetic synergistic effect, the rGH@FeNi/epoxy composites with a low rGH@FeNi mass fraction of 2.1 wt% (rGH and f-FeNi are 1.2 and 0.9 wt%, respectively) exhibit a high EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of 46 dB, which is 5.8 times of that (8 dB) for rGO/FeNi/epoxy composites with the same rGO/FeNi mass fraction. At the same time, the rGH@FeNi/epoxy composites also possess excellent thermal stability (heat-resistance index and temperature at the maximum decomposition rate are 179.1 and 389.0 °C respectively) and mechanical properties (storage modulus is 8296.2 MPa).
Measuring Time Preferences Using Stated Credit Repayment Choices
Authors: Li Hanjin , Campbell Danny , Erdem Seda
Published: January 2022

This paper explores consumers’ repayment decisions and their time preferences. We do this through a hypothetical study using a stated-preference approach. In our experiment, participants are asked to make repayment decisions over time, under different loan sizes. We report five choice trajectories: minimum delay, monotonically decreasing, trajectory with one contradicting choice, trajectory with more than one contradicting choice, and maximum delay. These choice trajectories are taken into account in our modelling approach. Our analysis uses choice models that jointly estimate the discount rate and the probability of choice trajectories. Observed heterogeneity in repayment behaviour is further analysed using sociodemographic factors, and tested for the two loan sizes. We report heterogeneity in consumer repayment decisions, and what happens in the decision-making process for participants in different sociodemographic groups, for different loan sizes. These findings suggest that decision-makers can tailor their strategy for mitigating consumer debts by targeting different groups in the population demonstrating different choice behaviour and decision-making.
PID controls: the forgotten bioprocess parameters
Authors: Harcum Sarah W. , Elliott Kathryn S. , Skelton Bradley A. , Klaubert Stephanie R. , Dahodwala Hussain , Lee Kelvin H.
Published: January 2022

The ambr250 high-throughput bioreactor platform was adopted to provide a highly-controlled environment for a project investigating genome instability in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, where genome instability leads to lower protein productivity. Development of the baseline (control) and stressed process conditions highlighted the need to control critical process parameters, including the proportional, integral, and derivative (PID) control loops. Process parameters that are often considered scale-independent, include dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH; however, these parameters were observed to be sensitive to PID settings. For many bioreactors, control loops are cascaded such that the manipulated variables are adjusted concurrently. Conversely, for the ambr250 bioreactor system, the control levels are segmented and implemented sequentially. Consequently, each control level must be tuned independently, as the PID settings are independent by control level. For the CHO cell studies, it was observed that initial PID settings did not resulted in a robust process, which was observed as elevated lactate levels; which was caused by the pH being above the setpoint most of the experiment. After several PID tuning iterations, new PID settings were found that could respond appropriately to routine feed and antifoam additions. Furthermore, these new PID settings resulted in more robust cell growth and increased protein productivity. This work highlights the need to describe PID gains and manipulated variable ranges, as profoundly different outcomes can result from the same feeding protocol. Additionally, improved process models are needed to allow process simulations and tuning. Thus, these tuning experiments support the idea that PID settings should be fully described in bioreactor publications to allow for better reproducibility of results.
Proto Kranz-like leaf traits and cellular ionic regulation are associated with salinity tolerance in a halophytic wild rice
Authors: Yong Miing-Tiem , Solis Celymar Angela , Amatoury Samuel , Sellamuthu Gothandapani , Rajakani Raja , Mak Michelle , Venkataraman Gayatri , Shabala Lana , Zhou Meixue , Ghannoum Oula , Holford Paul , Huda Samsul , Shabala Sergey , Chen Zhong-Hua
Published: January 2022

Species of wild rice (Oryza spp.) possess a wide range of stress tolerance traits that can be potentially utilized in breeding climate-resilient cultivated rice cultivars (Oryza sativa) thereby aiding global food security. In this study, we conducted a greenhouse trial to evaluate the salinity tolerance of six wild rice species, one cultivated rice cultivar (IR64) and one landrace (Pokkali) using a range of electrophysiological, imaging, and whole-plant physiological techniques. Three wild species (O. latifolia, O. officinalis and O. coarctata) were found to possess superior salinity stress tolerance. The underlying mechanisms, however, were strikingly different. Na+ accumulation in leaves of O. latifolia, O. officinalis and O. coarctata were significantly higher than the tolerant landrace, Pokkali. Na+ accumulation in mesophyll cells was only observed in O. coarctata, suggesting that O. officinalis and O. latifolia avoid Na+ accumulation in mesophyll by allocating Na+ to other parts of the leaf. The finding also suggests that O. coarctata might be able to employ Na+ as osmolyte without affecting its growth. Further study of Na+ allocation in leaves will be helpful to understand the mechanisms of Na+ accumulation in these species. In addition, O. coarctata showed Proto Kranz-like leaf anatomy (enlarged bundle sheath cells and lower numbers of mesophyll cells), and higher expression of C4-related genes (e.g., NADPME, PPDK) and was a clear outlier with respect to salinity tolerance among the studied wild and cultivated Oryza species. The unique phylogenetic relationship of O. coarctata with C4 grasses suggests the potential of this species for breeding rice with high photosynthetic rate under salinity stress in the future.
Analyzing energy consumption of nature-inspired optimization algorithms
Authors: Jamil Mohammad Newaj , Kor Ah-Lian
Published: January 2022

Nature-Inspired Optimization (NIO) algorithms have become prevalent to address a variety of optimization problems in real-world applications because of their simplicity, flexibility, and effectiveness. Some application areas of NIO algorithms are telecommunications, image processing, engineering design, vehicle routing, etc. This study presents a critical analysis of energy consumption and their corresponding carbon footprint for four popular NIO algorithms. Microsoft Joulemeter is employed for measuring the energy consumption during the runtime of each algorithm, while the corresponding carbon footprint of each algorithm is calculated based on the UK DEFRA guide. The results of this study evidence that each algorithm demonstrates different energy consumption behaviors to achieve the same goal. In addition, a one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test is conducted, which shows that the average energy consumption of each algorithm is significantly different from each other. This study will help guide software engineers and practitioners in their selection of an energy-efficient NIO algorithm. As for future work, more NIO algorithms and their variants can be considered for energy consumption analysis to identify the greenest NIO algorithms amongst them all. In addition, future work can also be considered to ascertain possible relationships between NIO algorithms and the energy usage of hardware resources of different CPU architectures.
Ship-Shaped Offshore Installations
Authors: Paik Jeom Kee
Published: January 2022

Extensively updated for the second edition, this handy guide covers the safety engineering of ship-shaped offshore installations at every stage of design, construction, operation, lifetime healthcare and decommissioning. New sections cover additional types of offshore structures, including offshore power plants, as well as cutting-edge technologies and all the latest advances in the field. The text focuses on minimising accidents and the effects of extreme conditions, with new chapters covering earthquakes, hurricanes and terrorist attacks, as well as traditional types of accidental events such as hull girder collapse, collisions, fires and explosions. This is an invaluable resource for students who will be approaching the subject for the first time as well as practising engineers and researchers.
Survivors
Authors: Biskupska Jadwiga
Published: January 2022

Survivors tells the harrowing story of life in Warsaw under Nazi occupation. As the epicentre of Polish resistance, Warsaw was subjected to violent persecution, the ghettoization of the city's Jewish community, the suppression of multiple uprisings, and an avalanche of restrictions that killed hundreds of thousands and destroyed countless lives. In this study into the unique brutality of wartime Warsaw, Jadwiga Biskupska traces how Nazi Germany set out to dismantle the Polish nation and state for long-term occupation by targeting its intelligentsia. She explores how myriad resistance projects emerged within the intelligentsia who were bent on maintaining national traditions and rebuilding a Polish state. In contrast to other studies on the Holocaust and World War II, this book focuses on Polish behavior and explains who was in a position to contest the occupation and collaborate with it, while answering lingering questions and addressing controversies about Nazi empire and the Holocaust in Eastern Europe.
The Malayan Emergency
Authors: Hack Karl
Published: January 2022

The Malayan Emergency of 1948–1960 has been scrutinised for 'lessons' about how to win counterinsurgencies from the Vietnam War to twenty-first century Afghanistan. This book brings our understanding of the conflict up to date by interweaving government and insurgent accounts and looking at how they played out at local level. Drawing on oral history, recent memoirs and declassified archival material from the UK and Asia, Karl Hack offers a comprehensive, multi-perspective account of the Malayan Emergency and its impact on Malaysia. He sheds new light on questions about terror and violence against civilians, how insurgency and decolonisation interacted and how revolution was defeated. He considers how government policies such as pressurising villagers, resettlement and winning 'hearts and minds' can be judged from the perspective of insurgents and civilians. This timely book is the first truly multi-perspective and in-depth study of anti-colonial resistance and counterinsurgency in the Malayan Emergency.
The Unity of Dependence
Authors: CASEY JACK
Published: January 2022

Most philosophers treat ontological dependence and metaphysical dependence as distinct relations. A number of key differences between the two relations are usually cited in support of this claim: ontological dependence's unique connection to existence, differing respective connections to metaphysical necessitation, and a divergence in their formal features. Alongside reshaping some of the examples used to maintain the distinction between the two, I argue that the additional resources offered by the increased attention the notion of grounding has received in recent years potentially offer us a way to unite the two relations, promising the attendant benefits parsimony offers, as a result.
Parameterization of mixing in stratified open channel flow
Authors: Issaev Vassili , Williamson N. , Armfield S.W. , Norris S.E.
Published: January 2022

The dynamics and parameterization of mixing in temporally evolving turbulent open-channel flow is investigated through direct numerical simulations as the flow transitions from an initially neutral state to stable stratification. We observe three distinctly different mixing regimes separated by transitional values of turbulent Froude number

$Fr$

: a weakly stratified regime for

$Fr >1$

; an intermediate regime for

$0.3< Fr<1$

; and a saturated regime for

$Fr<0.3$

. The mixing coefficient

$\varGamma =B/\epsilon _K$

, (where

$B$

is the buoyancy flux and

$\epsilon _K$

is the dissipation rate of kinetic energy), is well predicted by the parameterization schemes of Maffioli et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 794, 2016) and Garanaik & Venayagamoorthy (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 867, 2019, pp. 323–333) across all three regimes through instantaneous measurements of

$Fr$

and the ratio

$L_E/L_O$

, where

$L_E$

and

$L_O$

are the Ellison and Ozmidov length scales, respectively. The flux Richardson number

$R_f = B/(B+\epsilon _K)$

shows linear dependence on the gradient Richardson number

$Ri_g$

up to a transitional value of

$Ri_g =0.25$

, past which it saturates again to a constant value independent of

$Fr$

or

$Ri_g$

. By examining the flow as a balance of inertial, shear and buoyancy forces, we derive physically based scaling relationships to demonstrate that

$Ri_g \sim Fr^{-2}$

and

$Ri_g \sim Fr^{-1}$

in the weakly and moderately stratified regimes and that

$Ri_g$

becomes independent of

$Fr$

in the saturated regime. Our results suggest that the

$L_E/L_O \sim Fr^{-1}$

scaling of Garanaik & Venayagamoorthy (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 867, 2019, pp. 323–333) in the intermediate regime manifests due to the influence of mean shear. The differences in the relationships between

$Fr$

and

$L_E/L_O$

for non-sheared flows within this regime are discussed.
THE NUMBER OF SET ORBITS OF PERMUTATION GROUPS AND THE GROUP ORDER
Authors: GINTZ MICHAEL , KELLER THOMAS M. , KORTJE MATTHEW , WANG ZILI , YANG YONG
Published: January 2022

If G is permutation group acting on a finite set
$\Omega $
, then this action induces a natural action of G on the power set
$\mathscr{P}(\Omega )$
. The number
$s(G)$
of orbits in this action is an important parameter that has been used in bounding numbers of conjugacy classes in finite groups. In this context,
$\inf ({\log _2 s(G)}/{\log _2 |G|})$
plays a role, but the precise value of this constant was unknown. We determine it where G runs over all permutation groups not containing any
${{\textrm {A}}}_l, l> 4$
, as a composition factor.
Peri-operative complications of sphenopalatine artery ligation: a 10-year series from two secondary care centres
Authors: Yip H M , Khosla S , Ashman A , Hettige R , Van Wyk F , Hern J
Published: January 2022

Background

There is currently limited evidence regarding the potential complications of sphenopalatine artery ligation. The post-operative outcomes at two secondary care centres over a 10-year period were reviewed.

Methods

A retrospective review was undertaken of patients undergoing emergency and elective sphenopalatine artery ligation between January 2011 and January 2021. Their demographics, peri-operative care and post-operative outcomes were recorded. The median follow-up time was 54 days (range, 0–2657 days).

Results

Ninety-one patients were included. Four patients (4.4 per cent) had a septal perforation at post-operative review. Nineteen patients (20.9 per cent) had post-operative bleeding that extended their in-patient stay, with five patients (5.5 per cent) requiring revision surgery. Pre-operative non-dissolvable nasal packing was used a median of 1 time (range, 0–8 times).

Conclusion

Further research on outcomes of sphenopalatine artery ligation is needed. Pre-operative non-dissolvable nasal packing, concurrent septal surgical procedures, surgical techniques, and co-morbidities such as hypertension represent potential confounding factors that could not be further assessed in this small, retrospective study.
It's not late entry: human capital, welfare states and the pension penalty experienced by post-war migrants who retired in the European Economic Area
Authors: Bridgen Paul , Meyer Traute , Davison Lisa
Published: January 2022

Since the 2000s, migration within and into the European Economic Area (EEA) has increased significantly. Some migrants will retire in their destination countries. This makes questions about their retirement protection increasingly relevant for social policy. To address this, we examine past experience. Using the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), we compared the pensions of post-1945 migrants, who settled in their host country, with non-migrants. We considered migrants who moved into and within the EEA, from poorer and richer countries. Where pensions were lower we sought to explain this in relation to the migration literature. As expected, we found some evidence that migrants’ pensions were lower, although significant variations were observed between EEA migrants and non-EEA migrants. However, surprisingly there were few indications that migrant pensions were lower because migrants as a whole were disadvantaged through late labour market entry or employment discrimination. Instead educational disadvantage mattered most, particularly for the highly educated: all highly educated migrants received lower rewards for their human capital than comparable non-migrants. Migrants who settled in countries with less-protective pension systems were also disadvantaged. Making retirement outcomes for migrants more equal would, thus, mean improving career opportunities for highly educated migrants and steps towards more-inclusive pension systems everywhere.