bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A hierarchical dependent double‐observer method for estimating waterfowl breeding pairs abundance from helicopters
Authors: Roy Christian , Gilliland Scott G. , Reed Eric T.
Published: December 2021

We applied a dependent double‐observer method for helicopter surveys and developed a hierarchical Bayesian model as a means to adjust counts of waterfowl for incomplete detection. We conducted our study using 52 plots in Labrador, Canada. A designated pair of primary observers reported counts and location of all waterfowl flocks that they detected to a pair of secondary observers, including details regarding the species, age and sex of observed birds. Secondary observers then reported any additional flocks observed by them but missed by the primary observers. The pairs of observers alternated between primary and secondary roles during the course of the survey, as well as position (front or back) within the helicopter. We used hierarchical Bayesian models to estimate detection probabilities of waterfowl flocks, as well as derive species‐specific detection‐corrected abundance and sex composition estimates of flocks. The hierarchical model output allowed us to derive estimates of indicated breeding pairs for each species in the survey area corrected for incomplete detection. Observers seated in the back of the helicopter had higher detection probabilities (0.89; 90% Bayesian credible intervals [BCI] = 0.82–0.95) than those in the front (0.74; 90% BCI = 0.66–0.83), and observer experience had a limited effect on detection. Total crew detection probabilities ranged between 0.99 (90% BCI = 0.97–1.00) and 0.97(90% BCI = 0.94–0.99), depending on the individual observers' position and role in the helicopter. Detection probabilities were higher for sea ducks and diving ducks and lower for dabbling ducks. Observers generally missed less than 5% of the total indicated pairs for all species. We recommend that detection in helicopter surveys be measured to control for observer turnover, observer experience and aircraft‐related differences in visibility.
Introduction
Authors: Silvast Antti , Foulds Chris
Published: December 2021

This chapter provides background context on the calls for doing (more) interdisciplinarity and explains our own positioning as to what interdisciplinarity actually is, as well as what we believe this book contributes to the study of said interdisciplinarity. Specifically, we discuss mainstream arguments for why interdisciplinary research is deemed to be a worthwhile endeavour by many researchers, policymakers, funders, and so on. We build on this by arguing that there is a unique—and currently under-fulfilled—role to be played by Science and Technology Studies (STS) in exploring the sociological dimensions of how large-scale (energy) research projects are actually carried out. Alongside these wider landscape discussions, we explain what this book contributes to the study of interdisciplinarity and to energy research, through our empirics and STS-inspired ideas. We also make clear how we define interdisciplinarity and disciplines and explain how we focus on problem-focused research that may (or may not) involve external stakeholders.
Whole Systems Thinking and Modelling in the UK
Authors: Silvast Antti , Foulds Chris
Published: December 2021

UK academic researchers have been vying for a ‘whole’ systems perspective on energy issues for more than a decade. This research programme has exposed challenges in complex systems thinking and in the dialogue between academic disciplines and epistemic cultures that is needed to mediate the social, technological, and environmental impacts of energy systems. This chapter examines these efforts starting from existing studies that include detailed reports on experiences of interdisciplinary research. By extending these findings via interviews and ethnographic research, this chapter pays particular attention to the role of interdisciplinary computer modelling that was expected to represent complex energy transitions and energy infrastructures of the future. In doing so, this chapter demonstrates how interdisciplinarity has actually worked in three exemplary areas: the diversity of computer models that seek to represent everyday energy demand and how they simplify both demand and other disciplines in so doing; the need for collaborative, cross-cutting research in foresight of future energy scenarios; and how modelling scholars strongly envision their models should become ‘useful’ for imagined policy and planning stakeholders.
Animal Welfare: Beyond Human Happiness
Authors: Ng Yew-Kwang
Published: December 2021

For animals capable of affective feelings (enjoyment and suffering), we should also be concerned with their welfare. Welfare biology studies at least three basic questions: Which (species are capable of welfare)? Whether (their welfare is positive)? How (to increase their welfare? As affective feelings entail energy costs, species not capable of making flexible choices are not capable of affective feelings. The fact that members of most species either starve to death or are eaten before successful mating, their net welfare is likely negative. We could decrease animal suffering by banning pointless cruelty and making the living conditions of our farmed animals better (like increasing cage sizes of chicken farming). However, the widespread reduction of extensive animal suffering including wild animals will largely have to be left after our significant scientific/technological, economic, and moral advances. Excessively strict guidelines on animal experimentation that inhibit scientific/technological advances may thus be counter-productive in animal salvation in the long run.
Happiness or Life Satisfaction?
Authors: Ng Yew-Kwang
Published: December 2021

Life satisfaction is likely to be more (than happiness) liable to be affected by shifts in the aspiration level, reducing the comparability of the resulting indices. Life satisfaction and/or preference may differ from happiness due to a positive valuation on the contribution to or a concern for the happiness of others. In the presence of such a divergence, levels of life satisfaction may be misleading.
Happiness as the Only Intrinsic Value
Authors: Ng Yew-Kwang
Published: December 2021

As happiness is directly experienced by the individual as valuable, its normative value needs no additional justification. Things like institutions and moral principles may be used to promote happiness directly and indirectly. In time, they may be mistakenly valued for their own sake, while ultimately their values should be based on their contribution to happiness. We are born, brought up, and socially influenced to have certain preferences which are largely consistent with our own happiness. Where they diverge, then apart from the effects on the happiness in the future and of others (hence really no divergence in the longer/wider perspective of happiness), ultimately it is happiness that is really consistent with rationality. Arguments for happiness as the only intrinsic value are made and defended against objections or opposite arguments (including ‘Rather be unhappy Socrates than a happy pig’, Kant's categorical imperatives, Rawls’ maximin, etc.). The apparent acceptability of these opposing positions is due either to our imperfect rationality and/or inadequate account on the effects in the future and on others.
Hepatitis E virus cross-contamination on the surface of porcine livers after storage in Euro meat containers in a German pig abattoir
Authors: Dzierzon Janine , Oswaldi Verena , Merle Roswitha , Langkabel Nina , Meemken Diana
Published: December 2021

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a foodborne zoonotic pathogen and known as the causative agent of hepatitis E in humans. The specific role of porcine liver as a vehicle for human HEV infections has been highlighted in different studies. Nevertheless, gaps of knowledge still exist regarding possible HEV cross-contamination both at consumer and production level. Furthermore, people working in the food production industry, e.g. veterinarians and abattoir employees, are exposed to an increased risk of HEV infection. The aim of the present study was to investigate HEV cross-contamination on the surface of porcine liver in a German abattoir. The sample set included 250 samples of porcine liver parenchyma and the corresponding 250 superficial layer samples of the same livers, which were analyzed for the presence of HEV ribonucleic acid (RNA). Afterwards, the initial status of the tested liver parenchyma was compared with the occurrence of HEV RNA in the corresponding superficial layer. HEV RNA was detectable in 34% (85/250) of superficial layer samples, with 58% (49/85) of the samples originated from initially HEV negative livers. To our knowledge, this is the first study that provides an insight in the potential of HEV cross-contamination at abattoir level in Germany. Furthermore, it could be identified that the joint storage of livers in Euro meat containers has a significant impact on the presence of HEV RNA on the surface of porcine liver.
Der klinische Versorgungspfad zur multiprofessionellen Versorgung seltener Erkrankungen in der Pädiatrie – Ergebnisse aus dem Projekt TRANSLATE-NAMSE
Authors: Choukair Daniela , Lee-Kirsch Min Ae , Berner Reinhard , Grasemann Corinna , Hiort Olaf , Hauck Fabian , Klein Christoph , Druschke Diana , Hoffmann Georg F. , Burgard Peter
Published: December 2021

Hintergrund

Seltene Erkrankungen (SE) manifestieren sich ganz überwiegend im Kindes- und Jugendalter, sind heterogen, multisystemisch, haben meist einen chronischen Verlauf und stellen eine große Herausforderung für alle Beteiligten dar. Finanziert durch den Innovationsfonds des G‑BA hatte das Versorgungsprojekt TRANSLATE-NAMSE das Ziel, Vorschläge zur besseren Versorgung von Menschen mit SE zu entwickeln und zu erproben.

Fragestellung

Für Patienten aller Altersgruppen mit einer Verdachtsdiagnose aus einer von 5 Gruppen definierter Indikatorerkrankungen (seltene Anämien, Endokrinopathien, Autoinflammationserkrankungen, primäre Immundefekte und Stoffwechselerkrankungen) sollte ein generischer Versorgungspfad entwickelt werden, der den Weg von der Konfirmationsdiagnostik bis hin zur Langzeitbetreuung dieser Patienten abbildet.

Methodik

Der Versorgungspfad wurde als allgemeines Ablaufschema dargelegt; die Prozessschritte wurden in eine Checkliste übertragen, inhaltlich ausformuliert und an 6 universitären Standorten an 587 Personen mit der Verdachtsdiagnose einer Indikatorerkrankungen erprobt.

Ergebnisse

Für 369 (62,9 %) Fälle mit der Verdachtsdiagnose einer Indikatorerkrankung konnte eine Diagnose gestellt werden, davon in 25,2 % mit innovativer genetischer Diagnostik; 104 (17,7 %) Verdachtsdiagnosen erwiesen sich als falsch-positiv; 114 (19,4 %) Fälle blieben ungeklärt. An Fallkonferenzen zur multiprofessionellen Versorgung nahmen im Median 4 Spezialisten teil. Die Versorgung (Diagnoseeröffnung, Schulung, Beratung, Information) begann im Median am Tag des Diagnostikergebnisses. In einer externen Evaluation erwies sich die Zufriedenheit der Sorgeberechtigten mit dem Versorgungspfad als hoch.

Schlussfolgerungen

Im bisher in Deutschland einzigartigen TRANSLATE-NAMSE-Projekt wurde ein Versorgungspfad für SE in der Pädiatrie entwickelt und erfolgreich erprobt. Zur Verstetigung dieser Versorgungsform ist eine auskömmliche Finanzierung in der Regelversorgung anzustreben.
Entrepreneurship and geography—some thoughts about a complex relationship
Authors: Sternberg Rolf
Published: December 2021

This review article sheds a light on the complex and hitherto under-researched relationship between geography and entrepreneurship. This relationship is considered to be interdependent. Both directions are discussed. The paper also describes the perspectives of both academic disciplines involved in regional entrepreneurship research, namely (geographically sensitive) economics and management studies on the one hand, and economic geography on the other. Based on a comprehensive overview of the theoretical and empirical literature on regional entrepreneurship, several research gaps are identified that could be helpful for designing future research. Some have strong relevance for government policy, which has recently paid much more attention to entrepreneurship than in the past (e.g. related to the entrepreneurial ecosystem approach), but which rather rarely has been considered in academic evaluations so far. This paper ends with a suggestion for an agenda for future regional entrepreneurship research. Digital transformation with its potential for a disruptive transformation of economies and societies will provide an excellent and, of course, a currently not well-understood research field for regional entrepreneurship research.
Unexpected spotlight on two unusual substances
Authors: Zwirner Johann , Dreßler Jan , Gradistanac Tanja , Möbius Dustin , Edler Carolin , Ondruschka Benjamin
Published: December 2021

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare and unexpected condition, which is commonly related to drug ingestion and viral infections. Here, two ALF fatalities are presented, which showed a rapid progression between the onset of symptoms and death. Both cases gained attention as unusual substances were suspected to be the reason for the fatal ALF, namely the prescription-free natural remedy Iberogast® (Bayer Vital GmbH, Leverkusen, Germany) and freely available energy drinks. Autopsy findings revealed that the fatal ALFs were unrelated to the ingestion of these two substances.
Tensor Hierarchy Algebra Extensions of Over-Extended Kac–Moody Algebras
Authors: Cederwall Martin , Palmkvist Jakob
Published: December 2021

Tensor hierarchy algebras are infinite-dimensional generalisations of Cartan-type Lie superalgebras. They are not contragredient, exhibiting an asymmetry between positive and negative levels. These superalgebras have been a focus of attention due to the fundamental rôle they play for extended geometry. In the present paper, we examine tensor hierarchy algebras which are super-extensions of over-extended (often, hyperbolic) Kac–Moody algebras. They contain novel algebraic structures. Of particular interest is the extension of a over-extended algebra by its fundamental module, an extension that contains and generalises the extension of an affine Kac–Moody algebra by a Virasoro derivation $$L_1$$

L
1

. A conjecture about the complete superalgebra is formulated, relating it to the corresponding Borcherds superalgebra.
Effects of acids, pepsin, bile acids, and trypsin on laryngopharyngeal reflux diseases: physiopathology and therapeutic targets
Authors: Li Yading , Xu Gaofan , Zhou Bingduo , Tang Yishuang , Liu Xiaowen , Wu Yue , Wang Yi , Kong Jing , Xu Tingting , He Cong , Zhu Shengliang , Wang Xiaosu , Zhang Jianning
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) is a general term for the reflux of gastroduodenal contents into the laryngopharynx, oropharynx and even the nasopharynx, causing a series of symptoms and signs. Currently, little is known regarding the physiopathology of LPRD, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the drugs of choice for treatment. Although acid reflux plays a critical role in LPRD, PPIs fail to relieve symptoms in up to 40% of patients with LPRD. The influence of other reflux substances on LPRD, including pepsin, bile acid, and trypsin, has received increasing attention. Clarification of the substances involved in LPRD is the basis for LPRD treatment.

Methods

A review of the effects of acids, pepsin, bile acids, and trypsin on laryngopharyngeal reflux diseases was conducted in PubMed.

Results

Different reflux substances have different effects on LPRD, which will cause various symptoms, inflammatory diseases and neoplastic diseases of the laryngopharynx. For LPRD caused by different reflux substances, 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance combined with pH-metry (MII-pH), salivary pepsin, bile acid and other tests should be established so that different drugs and treatment courses can be used to provide patients with more personalized treatment plans.

Conclusion

This article summarizes the research progress of different reflux substances on the pathogenesis, detection index and treatment of LPRD and lays a theoretical foundation to develop target drugs and clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Detection of Epstein-Barr virus in gastric adenocarcinoma: qPCR and FISH comparison
Authors: Brasil-Costa Igor , de Souza Carolina Rosal Teixeira , Costa Iran Barros , dos Santos Liann Filiphe Pereira , Paixão Luana César Ferraz , Polaro Alessandra Alves , Monteiro Talita Antonia Furtado , Burbano Rommel Mario Rodríguez
Published: December 2021

EBV-associated gastric cancer accounts for about 10% of all gastric carcinomas worldwide. We aimed to verify the prevalence of EBV in gastric adenocarcinoma samples using FISH and qPCR and comparing the results obtained by both techniques. Gastric cancer samples from 191 cases were analyzed. The FISH assay was performed to detect small EBV RNAs (EBER1) and qPCR was performed to detect the EBV-EBNA-1 gene region. Cohen’s kappa index and the chi-square test were used to compare the methodologies and investigate correlations with the clinical-pathological data of the gastric adenocarcinoma patients. Most of the patients were men, and the average age was 60 years. The intestinal subtype cancer presented more aggressive stages with 90% of patients having a reactive FISH for EBV (EBV+), although the virus infection frequency in epithelial gastric tissue was only 1%. No positive association with clinicopathological features and EBV+ was found by FISH. Using qPCR analysis, the percentage of positive samples was lower (52.4%), and a positive association was found in samples from older patients (> 60 years). Interestingly, 71 qPCR-negative cases were detected by FISH in the presence of non-epithelial cells and in 10 qPCR-positive cases with no evidence of EBV according to FISH. The concordance between the two techniques was low, with only 57.6%. FISH is more informative for associating the gastric carcinoma with EBV positivity in tumor/epithelial cells; however, qPCR can provide relevant information regarding the progression and characteristics of neoplasia.
Probing the multimodal fungiform papilla: complex peripheral nerve endings of chorda tympani taste and mechanosensitive fibers before and after Hedgehog pathway inhibition
Authors: Donnelly Christopher R. , Kumari Archana , Li Libo , Vesela Iva , Bradley Robert M. , Mistretta Charlotte M. , Pierchala Brian A.
Published: December 2021

The fungiform papilla (FP) is a gustatory and somatosensory structure incorporating chorda tympani (CT) nerve fibers that innervate taste buds (TB) and also contain somatosensory endings for touch and temperature. Hedgehog (HH) pathway inhibition eliminates TB, but CT innervation remains in the FP. Importantly, after HH inhibition, CT neurophysiological responses to taste stimuli are eliminated, but tactile responses remain. To examine CT fibers that respond to tactile stimuli in the absence of TB, we used Phox2b-Cre; Rosa26LSL−TdTomato reporter mice to selectively label CT fibers with TdTomato. Normally CT fibers project in a compact bundle directly into TB, but after HH pathway inhibition, CT fibers reorganize and expand just under the FP epithelium where TB were. This widened expanse of CT fibers coexpresses Synapsin-1, β-tubulin, S100, and neurofilaments. Further, GAP43 expression in these fibers suggests they are actively remodeling. Interestingly, CT fibers have complex terminals within the apical FP epithelium and in perigemmal locations in the FP apex. These extragemmal fibers remain after HH pathway inhibition. To identify tactile end organs in FP, we used a K20 antibody to label Merkel cells. In control mice, K20 was expressed in TB cells and at the base of epithelial ridges outside of FP. After HH pathway inhibition, K20 + cells remained in epithelial ridges but were eliminated in the apical FP without TB. These data suggest that the complex, extragemmal nerve endings within and disbursed under the apical FP are the mechanosensitive nerve endings of the CT that remain after HH pathway inhibition.
A mixed u–p edge-based smoothed particle finite element formulation for viscous flow simulations
Authors: Reinold Janis , Meschke Günther
Published: December 2021

A mixed u–p edge-based smoothed particle finite element formulation is proposed for computational simulations of viscous flow. In order to improve the accuracy of the standard particle finite element method, edge-based and face-based smoothing operations on the displacement gradient are proposed for 2D and 3D analyses, respectively. Consequently, spatial integration involving the smoothing operator is performed on smoothing domains. The constitutive model is based on an elasto-viscoplastic formulation allowing for simulations of viscous fluid or fluid-like solid materials. The viscous response is modeled using an overstress function. The performance of the proposed edge-based smoothed particle finite element method (ES-PFEM) is demonstrated by several numerical benchmark studies, showing an excellent agreement with analytical and reference solutions and an improved accuracy and computational efficiency in comparison with results from the standard PFEM model. Finally, a numerical application of the ES-PFEM to the computational simulation of the extrusion process during 3D-concrete-printing is discussed.
Hydro-mechanical Response to Gas Transfer of Deep Argillaceous Host Rocks for Radioactive Waste Disposal
Authors: Gonzalez-Blanco Laura , Romero Enrique , Marschall Paul , Levasseur Séverine
Published: December 2021

During recent decades, argillaceous sedimentary formations have been studied as potential host formations for the geological disposal of long-living and heat-emitting radioactive waste—Boom Clay in Belgium and Opalinus Clay and Brown Dogger in Switzerland. A significant issue in the long-term performance of these potential host rocks concerns the generation and transport of gases. The pressure resulting from the generation of gas in an almost impermeable geological medium in the near field of a repository will increase. Under high gas pressures, the mechanical and hydraulic properties of the host rock are expected to change significantly. Preferential gas pathways may develop which exploit material heterogeneity, anisotropy (bedding planes), rock discontinuities, or interfaces between the different components of the repository, and may eventually lead to the release of the produced gases. Gas flow through these clayey rocks is investigated on the basis of laboratory work. Priority has been given to studying the volume change response of these initially water-saturated materials through relatively fast and controlled volume-rate gas injections. The effect of the gas injection rate, the confining pressure and the bedding orientation on the gas transport properties have been studied with particular attention paid to the coupling with strain behaviour. The results have shown features common to the three formations concerning the gas transfer process through preferential pathways, despite their initially differential properties.
The consecutive disparity of precipitation in conterminous Spain
Authors: Martin-Vide Javier , Lopez-Bustins Joan-Albert , Lemus Marc , Moreno-Garcia M. Carmen , Balagué Xavier , Gonzalez-Hidalgo José Carlos , Beguería Santiago , Peña-Angulo Dhais , Trullenque Víctor
Published: December 2021

Precipitation irregularity constitutes a constraint for natural systems and socio-economic activities, particularly in water-scarce environments. Standard variability statistics such as the standard deviation, variance, and coefficient of variation do not consider the chronological order of these values. In Climatology, however, the temporal order of meteorological events is a relevant factor that can affect natural and socio-economic systems. In order to evaluate the disparity between consecutive values in precipitation series, we applied the Consecutive Disparity Index (D) to the monthly grid with the highest spatial resolution (10×10 km) existing in Peninsular Spain for the period December 1915–November 2015. Monthly, seasonal, and annual D values show an increase from north to southwest, especially in July and August. The D values for the month-to-month correlative series and for monthly mean precipitation reveal a relatively similar pattern. In the latter case, however, the low values are recorded towards southern Spain, following some mountain ranges in the Centre-East of the territory. Monthly, seasonal, and annual precipitation values are also negatively correlated with the corresponding D values.
Identification of heterogenous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) and serine- and arginine-rich (SR) proteins that induce human papillomavirus type 16 late gene expression and alter L1 mRNA splicing
Authors: Hao Chengyu , Gong Lijing , Cui Xiaoxu , Jönsson Johanna , Zheng Yunji , Wu Chengjun , Kajitani Naoko , Schwartz Stefan
Published: December 2021

We have determined the effect of seven serine- and arginine-rich (SR) proteins and 15 heterogenous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) on human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) late gene expression. Of the seven SR proteins analyzed here, SRSF1, SRSF3, and SRSF9 induced HPV16 late gene expression, and five of the SR proteins affected HPV16 L1 mRNA splicing. Of the 15 hnRNP proteins analyzed here, hnRNP A2, hnRNP F, and hnRNP H efficiently induced HPV16 late gene expression, and all of the hnRNPs affected HPV16 L1 mRNA levels or mRNA splicing. Thus, the majority of SR proteins and hnRNPs have the potential to regulate HPV16 L1 mRNA splicing. Strict control of the expression of the immunogenic L1 and L2 capsid proteins may contribute to the ability of HPV16 to cause persistence.
Variability of sleep bruxism—findings from consecutive nights of monitoring
Authors: Ohlmann Brigitte , Bömicke Wolfgang , Behnisch Rouven , Rammelsberg Peter , Schmitter Marc
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To determine sleep bruxism (SB) behavior during five consecutive nights and to identify correlations between SB episodes per hour (SB index) and sleep-time masseter-muscle activity (sMMA).

Material and methods

Thirty-one participants were included in the study. Of these, 10 were classified as sleep bruxers (group SB-1) and nine as non-sleep bruxers (group non-SB). The bruxism status of these 19 patients was identified by means of questionnaires, an assessment of clinical symptoms, and electromyographic/electrocardiographic data (Bruxoff® device). The remaining 12 participants were also identified as bruxers, but based exclusively on data from the Bruxoff device (group SB-2). Data analysis included descriptive statistics and Spearman’s correlation to assess the relationship between the SB index and sMMA.

Results

Participants in group SB-1 showed an overall mean SB index of 3.1 ± 1.6 and a mean total sMMA per night of 62.9 ± 38.3. Participants in group SB-2 had an overall mean SB index of 2.7 ± 1.5 and a mean total sMMA of 56.0 ± 29.3. In the non-SB group, participants showed an overall mean SB index of 0.8 ± 0.5 and a mean total sMMA of 56.8 ± 30.3. Spearman’s correlation yielded values of − 0.27 to 0.71 for the correlation between sMMA and SB index.

Conclusions

The data revealed variable SB activity and the absence of a reliable correlation between sMMA and the SB index.

Clinical relevance

The high variation in SB activity and lack of correlation between sMMA and the SB index should be considered when diagnosing SB.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials [NIH], clinical trial no. NCT03039985.
Research priority setting in obesity: a systematic review
Authors: Iqbal Halima , McEachan Rosemary R. C. , West Jane , Haith-Cooper Melanie
Published: December 2021

Aim

Obesity research priority setting, if conducted to a high standard, can help promote policy-relevant and efficient research. Therefore, there is a need to identify existing research priority setting studies conducted in the topic area of obesity and to determine the extent to which they followed good practice principles for research priority setting.

Method

Studies examining research priority setting in obesity were identified through searching the MEDLINE, PBSC, CINAHL, PsycINFO databases and the grey literature. The nine common themes of good practice in research priority setting were used as a methodological framework to evaluate the processes of the included studies. These were context, use of a comprehensive approach, inclusiveness, information gathering, planning for implementation, criteria, methods for deciding on priorities, evaluation and transparency.

Results

Thirteen articles reporting research prioritisation exercises conducted in different areas of obesity research were included. All studies reported engaging with various stakeholders such as policy makers, researchers and healthcare professionals. Public involvement was included in six studies. Methods of research prioritisation commonly included both Delphi and nominal group techniques and surveys. None of the 13 studies fulfilled all nine of the good practice criteria for research priority setting, with the most common limitations including not using a comprehensive approach and lack of inclusivity and evaluating on their processes.

Conclusion

There is a need for research priority setting studies in obesity to involve the public and to evaluate their exercises to ensure they are of high quality.
Conversos, Moriscos, and the Eucharist in Early Modern Spain: Some Reflections on Jewish Exceptionalism
Authors: Glazer-Eytan Yonatan
Published: December 2021

Sacrilegious attitudes toward the Eucharistic host are one of the most commonplace accusations leveled against Jews in premodern Europe. Usually treated in Jewish historiography as an expression of anti-Judaism or antisemitism, they are considered a hallmark of Jewish powerlessness and persecution. In medieval and early modern Spain, however, Jews and conversos (Jewish converts to Christianity and their descendants) were not the only proclaimed enemies of the Eucharist. Reports about avoidance, rejection, criticism, and even ridicule and profanation of the consecrated host were similarly leveled against Muslims and moriscos (Muslim converts to Christianity). This essay seeks to assess the parallels and connections between the two groups through a comparative examination of accusations of sacrilegious behavior towards the host. The first part of the essay analyzes religious art, legal compendia, and inquisitorial trials records from the tribunals of Toledo and Cuenca in order to show some evident homologies between the two groups. The second part of the essay focuses on the analysis of the works of Jaime Bleda and Pedro Aznar y Cardona, two apologists of the expulsion of the moriscos, and draws direct connections between Jewish and morisco sacrilege. By exploring the similarities and differences between accusations against conversos and moriscos, this essay aims to offer a broader reflection on Jewish exceptionalism.
Investigation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soils and sewage sludges by fluorine K-edge XANES spectroscopy and combustion ion chromatography
Authors: Roesch Philipp , Vogel Christian , Huthwelker Thomas , Wittwer Philipp , Simon Franz-Georg
Published: December 2021

For the first time, fluorine K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy was applied to detect per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various soil and sewage sludge samples. The method can be used to determine the speciation of inorganic and organic fluorides, without pre-treatment of solid samples. Therefore, XANES spectra of several inorganic fluorides as well as selected fluorinated organic compounds were recorded. While inorganic fluorides partially exhibit a variety of sharp spectral features in the XANES spectrum, almost all inspected organofluorine compounds show two distinct broad features at 688.5 and 692.0 eV. Moreover, the peak intensity ratio 688.5 eV/692.0 eV in the PFAS XANES spectrum can be inversely correlated to the chain length of the perfluoro sulfonic acid group. The detection of targeted PFAS by bulk-XANES spectroscopy in combination with linear combination fitting in soils and sewage sludges was not applicable due to the low organic fluorine to total fluorine ratio of the samples (0.01–1.84%). Nonetheless, direct analysis of pure PFAS revealed that analysis of organofluorine species might be achieved in higher concentrated samples. Furthermore, quantitative measurements by combustion ion chromatography (CIC) evaluated as sum parameters extractable organically bound fluorine (EOF) and total fluorine (TF) emphasize that besides soils, sewage sludges are a significant source of organic fluorine in agriculture (154–7209 µg/kg).
Correlation of plasma and urine Wnt5A with the disease activity and cutaneous lesion severity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Chi Shuhong , Xue Jing , Chen Xiaodong , Liu Xiaoming , Ji Yanhong
Published: December 2021

Reliable noninvasive biomarkers are needed to accurately assess disease activity and prognosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical relevance of Wnt5A with disease activity and severity with cutaneous involvement in particular in SLE patients; its concentrations in plasma and urine were examined and analyzed. In the cross-sectional study, the clinical relevance of Wnt5A protein was evaluated in both plasma and urine of SLE patients and healthy cohorts using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Significantly, more abundances of Wnt5A protein were determined in both of plasmas and urines of SLE patients compared to healthy cohorts (p < 0.0001), which were even higher in active disease (AD) SLE patients relative to low disease activity (LDA) SLE patients (p < 0.0001). Meanwhile, the ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the plasma and urine Wnt5A were potential candidate biomarkers for identifying the disease activity and severity in SLE patients. The discriminant function analysis further revealed that the plasma and urine Wnt5A were separated and distinct for AD SLE patients and healthy controls. In consistence, the disease severity was correlated with the plasma and urine Wnt5A as ascertained by CLASI activity score and the prevalence of serositis in SLE patients. These results suggest that Wnt5A, as a summary measure for different inflammatory processes, could be a potential biomarker for accessing the disease activity, and a noninvasive biomarker for evaluating the disease severity in terms of cutaneous involvement in SLE patients.
Archetypes of Digital Twins
Authors: van der Valk Hendrik , Haße Hendrik , Möller Frederik , Otto Boris
Published: December 2021

Currently, Digital Twins receive considerable attention from practitioners and in research. A Digital Twin describes a concept that connects physical and virtual objects through a data linkage. However, Digital Twins are highly dependent on their individual use case, which leads to a plethora of Digital Twin configurations. Based on a thorough literature analysis and two interview series with experts from various electrical and mechanical engineering companies, this paper proposes a set of archetypes of Digital Twins for individual use cases. It delimits the Digital Twins from related concepts, e.g., Digital Threads. The paper delivers profound insights into the domain of Digital Twins and, thus, helps the reader to identify the different archetypical patterns.
Influence of socioeconomic variables on physical activity and screen time of children and adolescents during the COVID‑19 lockdown in Germany: the MoMo study
Authors: Schmidt Steffen C. E. , Burchartz Alexander , Kolb Simon , Niessner Claudia , Oriwol Doris , Woll Alexander
Published: December 2021

The COVID‑19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic created a multitude of natural experiments about the change of human behavior in a widely unfamiliar situation. Besides physical and mental health, physical activity (PA) and people’s movement behaviors were of particular interest to researchers all over the world. In a recent study, we found that among youth in Germany, sports activity declined, whereas recreational screen time and habitual activity increased during the first COVID‑19 lockdown. In the present study, we analyze the influence of the socioeconomic status and the housing situation on the changes in PA behavior and recreational screen-time before and during the first COVID‑19 lockdown among children and adolescents living in Germany. We found an alignment of PA behavior among youth from families with different socioeconomic backgrounds during the first lockdown and identified the housing situation to be a meaningful predictor of the increase in habitual activity. We conclude that restriction policies, communities, and in the last instance parents need to enable access to nonorganized PA to all children and adolescents every day and especially during potential future lockdowns.
RSM based expert system development for cutting force prediction during machining of Ti–6Al–4V under minimum quantity lubrication
Authors: Shetty R. , Kumar C. R. Sanjeev , Ravindra M. R.
Published: December 2021

In recent days the manufacturing process have become more precise and cost efficient due to advancement in the field of computer technology. Information technology has been integrated with manufacturing practice and has resulted in time reduction from concept of a product to marketing of the product. Cutting force generated is the main manufacturing issue raised among industries as it clearly affects quality and cost of the final product. Hence using extensive literature and data base knowledge optimum cutting parameters are selected. Therefore, this paper focuses on a response surface methodology (RSM) based expert system that has been developed using JAVA programming with the help of response surface second order model to automatically generate values of cutting force during machining of Ti–6Al–4V alloy under minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) for different process input parameters. From RSM it has been observed that calculated value of F (20.36) was greater than the F-table value (3.02) and hence the model developed can be effectively used for machining of Ti–6Al–4V alloy. Further the developed RSM based expert system model can be successfully used to predict the force generated during cutting process while machining Ti–6Al–4V alloy under MQL conditions.
Intelligent user identity authentication in vehicle security system based on wireless signals
Authors: Zhang Jie , Wang Zhongmin , Yan QingLi
Published: December 2021

Intelligent identity authentication in vehicle security systems, as a vital component in anti-theft system and safety driving assist system, has received wide attention. Current vehicle security systems, however, focus the car security on the car keys security, ignore the owner of car keys. Anyone who owns the car keys can operate the car. This paper introduces an intelligent identity authentication method for vehicle security system based on wireless signals. Unlike past work, our approach combines car security with car owners and car keys. The intuition underlying our design is that when a user walks towards the car, the user’s gait information can be leveraged to identify the user. We capture the user’s gait information using wireless devices which can be deployed in the car, and then extract features from the received wireless signals using convolution kernel and apply artificial neural network to identify the user. We built a prototype and experimental results show that our approach can achieve high accuracy and strong robustness.
Combining Rainwater Harvesting and Grass Reseeding to Revegetate Denuded African Semi-arid Landscapes
Authors: Mganga Kevin Z. , Bosma Luwieke , Amollo Kevin O. , Kioko Theophilus , Kadenyi Nancy , Ndathi Aphaxard J. N. , Wambua Stephen M. , Kaindi Eric M. , Musyoki Gilbert K. , Musimba Nashon K. R. , van Steenbergen Frank
Published: December 2021

In African drylands, perennial grasses preferred by grazing livestock are disappearing at an alarming rate. This has led to recurrent livestock feed shortages threatening pastoralist’s livelihoods. Combining native grass reseeding and rainwater harvesting offers a viable and innovative solution to reverse this trend. However, studies to determine how biomass yields are affected by soil moisture availability attributed to in situ rainwater harvesting in African drylands are limited. We investigated how biomass yields of three grasses native to Africa, i.e., Enteropogon macrostachyus (Bush rye grass), Cenchrus ciliaris (African foxtail grass), and Eragrostis superba (Maasai love grass), are affected by soil moisture content in a typical semi-arid landscape. Rainwater harvesting structures included trenches, micro-catchments and furrows. Additionally, rain runoff was diverted from an adjacent road used as a catchment area. Soil moisture was measured between November 2018 and August 2019 using PlantCare Mini-Logger sensors installed at 40 and 50 cm depths and 0, 1, 5 and 15 m away from the trench. Quadrat method was used to determine biomass yields in August 2019. Peaks in soil moisture were observed after rainfall events. Soil moisture content gradually decreased after the rainy season, but was higher closer to the trench. This is attributed to the prolonged rainwater retention in the trenches. Biomass yields were in the order Eragrostis superba > Cenchrus ciliaris > Enteropogon macrostachyus. Biomass production was higher near the trenches for all the studied species. Sensitivity to soil moisture demonstrated by the magnitude to yield reduction during the growing season was in the order Eragrostis superba > Cenchrus ciliaris > Enteropogon macrostachyus. These results suggest that Eragrostis superba is more sensitive to drought stress than Enteropogon macrostachyus that is adapted to a wide range of soil moisture conditions. We demonstrated that in situ rainwater harvesting structures enhanced soil moisture availability and displayed great potential for revegetating denuded natural rangelands in semi-arid African landscapes. Thus, combining rainwater harvesting and reseeding techniques can produce measurable improvements in pastoral livelihoods and should be incorporated in dryland development policies in the region. Ultimately, incorporating such innovative strategies can strengthen the effectiveness of ecological restoration in African drylands to meet the objectives of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Graphical abstract
Time
Authors: Dyke Heather
Published: December 2021

Philosophical thinking about time is characterised by tensions between competing conceptions. Different sources of evidence yield different conclusions about it. Common sense suggests there is an objective present, and that time is dynamic. Science recognises neither feature. This Element examines McTaggart's argument for the unreality of time, which epitomises this tension, showing how it gave rise to the A-theory/B-theory debate. Each theory is in tension with either ordinary or scientific thinking, so must accommodate the competing conception. Reconciling the A-theory with science does not look promising. Prospects look better for the B-theory's attempt to accommodate ordinary thinking about time.
A COLLECTIVE RESERVING MODEL WITH CLAIM OPENNESS
Authors: Lindholm Mathias , Zakrisson Henning
Published: December 2021

The present paper introduces a simple aggregated reserving model based on claim count and payment dynamics, which allows for claim closings and re-openings. The modelling starts off from individual Poisson process claim dynamics in discrete time, keeping track of accident year, reporting year and payment delay. This modelling approach is closely related to the one underpinning the so-called double chain-ladder model, and it allows for producing separate reported but not settled and incurred but not reported reserves. Even though the introduction of claim closings and re-openings will produce new types of dependencies, it is possible to use flexible parametrisations in terms of, for example, generalised linear models (GLM) whose parameters can be estimated based on aggregated data using quasi-likelihood theory. Moreover, it is possible to obtain interpretable and explicit moment calculations, as well as having consistency of normalised reserves when the number of contracts tend to infinity. Further, by having access to simple analytic expressions for moments, it is computationally cheap to bootstrap the mean squared error of prediction for reserves. The performance of the model is illustrated using a flexible GLM parametrisation evaluated on non-trivial simulated claims data. This numerical illustration indicates a clear improvement compared with models not taking claim closings and re-openings into account. The results are also seen to be of comparable quality with machine learning models for aggregated data not taking claim openness into account.
Evaluation of antibiotic escalation in response to nurse-driven inpatient sepsis screen
Authors: Furukawa Daisuke , Dieringer Thomas D. , Wong Mitchell D. , Tong Julia T. , Cader Isa A. , Wisk Lauren E. , Han Maria A. , Gupta Summer M. , Kerbel Russell B. , Uslan Daniel Z. , Graber Christopher J.
Published: December 2021

Objective:

To determine the frequency and predictors of antibiotic escalation in response to the inpatient sepsis screen at our institution.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Two affiliated academic medical centers in Los Angeles, California.

Patients:

Hospitalized patients aged 18 years and older who had their first positive sepsis screen between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019, on acute-care wards.

Methods:

We described the rate and etiology of antibiotic escalation, and we conducted multivariable regression analyses of predictors of antibiotic escalation.

Results:

Of the 576 cases with a positive sepsis screen, antibiotic escalation occurred in 131 cases (22.7%). New infection was the most documented etiology of escalation, with 76 cases (13.2%), followed by known pre-existing infection, with 26 cases (4.5%). Antibiotics were continued past 3 days in 17 cases (3.0%) in which new or existing infection was not apparent. Abnormal temperature (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.91–4.70) and abnormal lactate (aOR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.28–3.27) were significant predictors of antibiotic escalation. The patient already being on antibiotics (aOR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.34–0.89) and the positive screen occurred during a nursing shift change (aOR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.22–0.57) were negative predictors. Pneumonia was the most documented new infection, but only 19 (50%) of 38 pneumonia cases met full clinical diagnostic criteria.

Conclusions:

Inpatient sepsis screening led to a new infectious diagnosis in 13.2% of all positive sepsis screens, and the risk of prolonged antibiotic exposure without a clear infectious source was low. Pneumonia diagnostics and lactate testing are potential targets for future stewardship efforts.