bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of grazing control on ecosystem recovery, biological productivity gains, and soil carbon sequestration in long‐term degraded loess farmlands in the Northern Negev, Israel
Authors: Leu Stefan , Ben‐Eli Michael , Mor‐Mussery Amir
Published: February 2021

High rainfall variability in drylands complicates comparison in time of productivity and soil fertility, and their changes due to altered management. In order to determine the extent, kinetics, and mechanisms of soil and ecosystem recovery achievable in degraded loess plots in southern Israel, aboveground net primary production (ANPP) and soil quality in three fenced plots were analyzed between 2011 and 2017 for experimental confirmation of previously formulated hypotheses on the ecosystem recovery potential in this area. A degraded control plot [<20% biological productivity, marginal plant biodiversity, 50% reduced soil organic matter (SOM)] was analyzed in the same way to normalize annual growth rates in the protected plots. An abandoned ruminants' enclosure was chosen as a reference plot for maximum achievable values to estimate the duration to full ecosystem recovery. The protected loess areas displayed rapid full recovery of soil moisture measured at the end of the rainy season after 3 years already. Annual normalized ANPP increased 5‐fold within 6 years of protection to 3 Mg dry matter per hectare and year, or 60% of the locally achievable maximum ANPP. Herbaceous species numbers increased about 10‐fold in the protected plots as compared to the degraded control plot. Normalized soil carbon sequestration rates of ~5 Mg CO2eq ha−1 yr−1 were deduced from yearly normalized SOM changes. This methodology can be applied universally to determine the true biological production potentials of areas of unknown land degradation/rehabilitation state, and for assessing gains in ecosystem services achievable by restoration of degraded dry agroecosystems such as biodiversity, fodder production, and carbon sequestration.
Does consumer ethnocentrism impact international shopping? A theory of social class divide
Authors: Aljukhadar Muhammad , Boeuf Benjamin , Senecal Sylvain
Published: February 2021

Research on international shopping has the potential of elucidating collective issues such as the eminence of protectionist discourse. Concomitantly, the authors propose a Theory of Social Class Divide (SCD) that explains how the judgments of a consumer segment diverge from classical predictions. The theory received support in an international shopping context, showing that the behavior of lower‐class shoppers diverges from the prediction of consumer ethnocentrism theory. In the two studies, which comprised different methods (cross‐sectional and experimental), measures of social class (objective and subjective), and samples (US and Canadian), lower‐class consumers were notably less affected by their ethnocentrism than upper‐class consumers. Lower‐class consumers generally showed, regardless of their ethnocentrism, low attitudes, and shopping intentions toward foreign retailers. The results underline the ramifications of a widening divide in social class on international marketing, and have potential implications in germane fields such as political science.
Unshielded bent folded‐end dipole 9.4 T human head transceiver array decoupled using modified passive dipoles
Authors: Avdievich Nikolai I. , Solomakha Georgiy , Ruhm Loreen , Henning Anke , Scheffler Klaus
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To develop an unshielded dipole transceiver array for human head imaging at 9.4 Tesla and to improve decoupling of adjacent dipole elements, a novel array design with modified passive dipole antennas was developed, evaluated, and tested.

Methods

The new array consisted of 8 bent folded‐end dipole elements placed in a single row and surrounding the head. Adjacent elements of RF transceiver arrays are usually decoupled by introducing circuits electrically connected to elements. These methods are difficult to use for dipole arrays because of the distant location of the adjacent antennas. A recently developed decoupling technique using passive dipoles is simple and does not require any electrical connection. However, common parallel passive dipoles can produce destructive interference with the RF field of the array itself. To minimize this interference, we placed the passive dipoles perpendicularly to the active dipoles and positioned them at the ends of the array. We also evaluated the effect of different passive dipoles on the array transmit performance. Finally, we optimized the array transmit performance by varying the length of the dipole folded portion.

Results

By rotating the passive dipoles 90º and moving them toward the ends of the array, we minimized the destructive interference to an acceptable level without compromising decoupling and the transmit efficiency.

Conclusion

While keeping the benefits of the passive dipole decoupling method, the new modified dipoles produce substantially less destructive interference with the RF field of the array than the common design. The constructed transceiver array demonstrated good decoupling and whole‐brain coverage.
3D graphene/hexagonal boron nitride composite nanomaterials synergistically reduce the friction and wear of Steel‐DLC contacts
Authors: Qi Shunshun , Wei Xubing , Chen Lin , Geng Zhongrong , Luo Jinqiong , Lu Zhibin , Zhang Guangan
Published: February 2021

Green tribology is an engineering field, which is dedicated to reducing friction, wear and pollution to the environment. Diamond‐like carbon (DLC) films as coating is a very effective green friction material, but its friction of coefficient in the atmospheric environment still needs to be further reduced. Here, a common method for improving the tribological performance of DLC films in ambient atmosphere by adding 3D graphene/hexagonal boron nitride(h‐BN) composite nanomaterials as lubricant additive is proposed. By comparing with DLC film and other single additives, we can see that the 3D graphene/h‐BN composite nanomaterial as a lubricating additive reduce the friction coefficient and wear rate remarkably. By studying the tribological properties of the surface of the steel ball and DLC film, it is found that the friction protective film containing carbon, nitrogen and boron elements are formed on the surface. The presence of the friction layer can reduce friction efficiently, not only prevent the surface of the steel ball from being excessively worn, but also protect the DLC film from being damaged. The important thing is that it does not contain harmful elements and provides a new reference for the development of the next generation of oil‐free lubrication tribology. Accordingly, it is considered an environmentally friendly additive.
Extrapolation and Ce‐based implicit integration of anisotropic constitutive behavior
Authors: Areias Pedro , Rabczuk Timon , Ambrósio Jorge
Published: February 2021

For finite strain plasticity with both anisotropic yield functions and anisotropic hyperelasticity, we use the Kröner‐Lee decomposition of the deformation gradient to obtain a differential‐algebraic system (DAE) in the semi‐implicit form and solve it by an implicit Richardson‐extrapolated method based on intermediate substeps. The source is here the right Cauchy‐Green tensor and the consistent Jacobian of the second Piola‐Kirchhoff stress is determined with respect to this source. The system is composed by a smooth nonlinear first‐order differential equation and a non‐smooth algebraic equation. The development of a Richardson‐extrapolated implicit integrator for any hyperelastic case and any yield function is the goal of this work. The integration makes use of a backward‐Euler method for the flow law complemented by the solution of a yield constraint. The resulting system is solved by the Newton‐Raphson method to obtain the plastic multiplier and the elastic right Cauchy‐Green tensor . To ensure power consistency, we make use of the elastic Mandel stress construction. Iso‐error maps for three yield functions and three numerical examples are presented.
Pharmacokinetics and safety of ticagrelor in infants and toddlers with sickle cell disease aged <24 months
Authors: Duniva Inusa Baba Psalm , Inati Adlette , Maes Philip , Githanga Jessie , Ogutu Bernhards , Abboud Miguel R. , Miano Maurizio , Cela Elena , Nduba Videlis , Niazi Mohammad , Åstrand Magnus , Persson Kevin , Berggren Anders , Carlson Glenn
Published: February 2021

Inhibition of platelet activation may reduce vaso‐occlusion rates in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). In the HESTIA4 (NCT03492931) study, 21 children with SCD received a single oral dose of the antiplatelet agent ticagrelor (0.1 mg/kg <6 months; 0.2 mg/kg ≥6 to <24 months). All patients had measurable ticagrelor plasma concentrations. Ticagrelor and active metabolite (AR‐C124910XX) exposure were comparable across all groups (<6 months, ≥6 to <12 months and ≥12 to <24 months). Ticagrelor was well tolerated. Palatability was generally acceptable. These data will be used to enable dose selection for further investigations of ticagrelor efficacy and safety in children with SCD.
COVID‐19 under 19: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Toba Nagham , Gupta Shreya , Ali Abdulrahman Y. , ElSaban Mariam , Khamis Amar H. , Ho Samuel B. , Popatia Rizwana
Published: February 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic continues to cause global havoc posing uncertainty to educational institutions worldwide. Understanding the clinical characteristics of COVID‐19 in children is important because of the potential impact on clinical management and public health decisions.

Methods

A meta‐analysis was conducted for pediatric COVID‐19 studies using PubMed and Scopus. It reviewed demographics, co‐morbidities, clinical manifestations, laboratory investigations, radiological investigations, treatment, and outcomes. The 95% confidence interval (CI) was utilized.

Results

Out of 3927 articles, 31 articles comprising of 1816 patients were selected from December 2019 to early October 2020 and were defined by 77 variables. Of these studies 58% originated from China and the remainder from North America, Europe and the Middle East. This meta‐analysis revealed that 19.2% (CI 13.6%–26.4%) of patients were asymptomatic. Fever (57%, CI 49.7%–64%) and cough (44.1%, CI 38.3%–50.2%) were the most common symptoms. The most frequently encountered white blood count abnormalities were lymphopenia 13.5% (CI 8.2%–21.4%) and leukopenia 12.6% (CI 8.5%–18.3%). Ground glass opacities were the most common radiological finding of children with COVID‐19 (35.5%, CI 28.9%–42.7%). Hospitalization rate was 96.3% (CI 92.4%–98.2%) of which 10.8% (CI 4.2%–25.3%) were ICU admissions, and 2.4% (CI 1.7%–3.4%) died.

Conclusion

The majority of pediatric patients with COVID‐19 were asymptomatic or had mild manifestations. Among hospitalized patients there remains a significant number that require intensive care unit care. Overall across the literature, a considerable level of understanding of COVID‐19 in children was reached, yet emerging data related to multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children should be explored.
Hereditary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis as collateral damage from a large chromosomal deletion
Authors: Schmidt Anne , Kenia Priti , Morgan Cliff , Bush Andrew
Published: February 2021

A girl with a known chromosomal deletion at Xp22.33, learning difficulties and short stature presented with dyspnea and dry cough and an abnormal chest X‐ray. Computed tomography was typical for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP), and the diagnosis was confirmed invasively. More detailed genetic analysis detected a homozygous deletion of the colony‐stimulating factor‐2‐receptor alpha subunit (CSF2RA) gene. In this patient, the Xp22.33 deletion affected 8 genes, including CSF2RA, leading to GM‐CSF receptor dysfunction and hereditary PAP. This is the first report of childhood interstitial lung disease (chILD) as collateral damage from a large chromosomal deletion.
Macrophage polarization by phytotherapy in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Saeedifar Amir Mohammad , Mosayebi Ghasem , Ghazavi Ali , Bushehri Rouhollah Hemmati , Ganji Ali
Published: February 2021

Several signaling pathways were involved in M1 (classic) and M2 (alternative) macrophage polarization. Disruption of M2‐related signaling pathways and improvement of M1‐related signaling pathways can be identified as one of the cancer therapeutic approaches. Prevention of macrophage differentiation into M2 by different herbal agents with antitumor properties can be considered as a promising therapeutic target for cancer patients. In the present review study, we investigated the effect of herbal compounds on M1 and M2 related signaling pathways to reduce M2 and increase M1 macrophage polarization for the treatment of different types of cancer.
Chest wall fistula in a patient with pyothorax‐associated lymphoma
Authors: Takahashi Saeko , Omura Kenshiro , Nakamura Morio
Published: February 2021

Key message

Fistula formation is an uncommon but serious therapeutic complication of pyothorax‐associated lymphoma (PAL) because it decreases the quality of life in patients. Furthermore, a collapsed lung may predispose to pneumonia. In PAL, the lesions might invade the skin and optimal irradiation dose, region, and timing should be carefully determined.
SnS Homojunction Solar Cell with n‐Type Single Crystal and p‐Type Thin Film
Authors: Kawanishi Sakiko , Suzuki Issei , Bauers Sage R. , Zakutayev Andriy , Shibata Hiroyuki , Yanagi Hiroshi , Omata Takahisa
Published: February 2021

Herein, a pn homojunction SnS solar cell is fabricated for the first time by the deposition of p‐type SnS polycrystalline thin films on the recently reported large n‐type SnS single crystals. The p‐type thin films consist of columnar grains that grow along the <100> direction, which is the same orientation as the n‐type single crystal. In addition, the interface of the pn homojunctions is void‐free and compositionally sharp. The SnS homojunction solar cell achieves an open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of 360 mV, which is as large as the highest VOC of previously reported SnS‐based heterojunction solar cells. The built‐in potential of the homojunction cell is 0.92 eV, which is close to the bandgap energy of SnS (≈1.1 eV), and larger than reported for heterojunctions (≈0.7 eV). The resulting 1.4% conversion efficiency (η) of the homojunction solar cell is smaller than the record 4–5% in heterojunctions, mainly due to the low short‐circuit current density (JSC) of 7.5 mA cm−2. Once the device structure of the homojunction cell is optimized to efficiently collect the photogenerated carriers and achieve a comparable JSC as the conventional heterojunction cells (≈25 mA cm−2), high η exceeding 4–5% will be realized with improving the VOC.
Investigating the Effect of Radiative Cooling on the Operating Temperature of Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Li Zhenpeng , Ahmed Salman , Ma Tao
Published: February 2021

Due to the linear decrease in power conversion efficiency with temperature, effective methods for the thermal management of silicon photovoltaics (PV) are urgently needed. Recently, the emergence of radiative cooling technologies has breathed new life into this topic. Some previous studies claimed the value of an additional radiative cooling coating on silicon solar cells, whereas quantitative analysis based on comprehensive experiments and modeling is still not available in literature to give an explicit conclusion. After developing the coupling electrical–thermal model for simulating various cases and conducting field experimental tests, herein, it is aimed to clarify the effect of radiative cooling on the temperature of normally installed PV modules and influence of factors such as thermal convection and thermal emissivity. Results show that the increased thermal emissivity results in only an average temperature drop of less than 1.0 °C, whereas the ventilation conditions have an impact of over 10 °C. The simulation study also demonstrates that a limit of around 2.0 °C in temperature reduction is all the value of an additional radiative cooling coating on PV modules. To make an additional radiative cooling coating on existing PV panels cost effective, the work suggests developing multifunctional coatings in the future.
Concurrent Enhancement of Ductility and Efficiency for Annealing High‐Speed Steel via Tuning Cooling Rates
Authors: Zhou Xuefeng , Xia Sheng , Liu Zilin , Tu Yiyou , Fang Feng , Jiang Jianqing
Published: February 2021

High‐speed steel usually uses very slow cooling rates for complete annealing to guarantee good ductility at the expense of sacrificing the production efficiency. Herein, the aim is to probe the full potential of elevating cooling rates in simultaneous enhancement of ductility and efficiency. The results show that higher cooling rates produce finer ferrite grains and larger‐fractioned eutectoid carbides, which evolve from granular M6C to rod‐shaped M23C6. The precipitate evolution originates from a transition of eutectoid transformation mechanism from a divorced mode to a lamellar manner due to upgraded undercoolings. Granular carbides display an excellent strain‐hardening ability compared with the rod‐shaped counterparts. Highly dispersive granular precipitates and fine ferrite grains formed under appropriate cooling conditions may contribute to larger work hardening rates and higher ductility. For the investigated M42 steel, cooling rates in the range of 2–5 °C min−1 can enhance the annealing efficiency while promising good ductility.
Mode merging for the finite mixture of t‐distributions
Authors: Kim Nam‐Hwui , Browne Ryan P.
Published: February 2021

Finite mixture models can be interpreted as a model representing heterogeneous subpopulations within the whole population. However, more care is needed when associating a mixture component with a cluster, because a mixture model may fit more components than the number of clusters. Modal merging via the mean shift algorithm can help identify such multicomponent clusters. So far, most of the related works are focused on the Gaussian finite mixture. As the non‐Gaussian finite mixture models are gaining attention, the need to address the component‐cluster correspondence issue in these mixture models grows. Thus, we introduce a mode merging method via the mean shift for the finite mixture of t‐distributions and its parsimonious variants. It can be framed as an expectation–maximization algorithm and enjoys similar theoretical properties as the mean shift for the Gaussian finite mixture. The performance of our method is demonstrated via simulated and real data experiments, where it shows a competitive performance against some of the existing methods.
Effects of the Flow State on Nasal Skin Temperature during Occupational Tasks
Authors: Kasho Ryo , Nagumo Kent , Oiwa Kosuke , Nozawa Akio
Published: February 2021

The flow state is an ideal state of work performance. A previous study concluded that the flow state might, in fact, be accompanied by increased parasympathetic modulation of sympathetic activity. However, there is little knowledge about the relationship between the flow state and thermal physiological indices. Nasal skin temperature is a remotely measurable index of autonomic nervous system activity marked by emotional stress. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between the flow state and nasal skin temperature. As a result, it was found that there is a relationship between the deep flow state by psychological evaluation and nasal skin temperature variability. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Early detection of marine non-indigenous species on Svalbard by DNA metabarcoding of sediment
Authors: van den Heuvel-Greve Martine J. , van den Brink Anneke M. , Glorius Sander T. , de Groot G. Arjen , Laros Ivo , Renaud Paul E. , Pettersen Ragnhild , Węsławski Jan Marcin , Kuklinski Piotr , Murk Albertinka J.
Published: February 2021

Non-indigenous species (NIS) in the Arctic have an increased likelihood of arrival from ship traffic in the region, while the survival potential of the species becomes more likely in a warming environment. Monitoring is essential to detect the rate and magnitude of the establishment of NIS. In this study, a list of 123 potential marine NIS for Svalbard was drafted and the presence of marine NIS in soft sediment of Kongsfjorden in Svalbard was assessed using molecular metabarcoding techniques. For 37 species, including eight potential Arctic NIS, we generated new 18S and/or COI barcode sequences to improve the available online reference databases. In total, 299 species were identified in the sediment samples, including seven potential NIS. Three of these potential NIS have not been reported before in Svalbard: the harpacticoid copepod Euterpina acutifrons, and the ascidians Botrylloides violaceus and Molgula manhattensis. Another novel observation for Svalbard was the polychaete Chone mollis. Additional studies are needed to assess whether the NIS have been established on Svalbard and what their potential impact on the local system may be. Metabarcoding proved to be an effective monitoring tool to detect the presence of new species in Svalbard marine waters. We advise its use to set up a baseline record for the presence of NIS at points of entry, especially harbours. This approach is also valuable for biodiversity monitoring, in particular the detection of small organisms and life stages that are hard to identify using current visual techniques.
Reduction of CT artifacts from cardiac implantable electronic devices using a combination of virtual monoenergetic images and post-processing algorithms
Authors: Pennig Lenhard , Zopfs David , Gertz Roman , Bremm Johannes , Zaeske Charlotte , Große Hokamp Nils , Celik Erkan , Goertz Lukas , Langenbach Marcel , Persigehl Thorsten , Gupta Amit , Borggrefe Jan , Lennartz Simon , Laukamp Kai Roman
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the reduction of artifacts from cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) by virtual monoenergetic images (VMI), metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithms, and their combination (VMIMAR) derived from spectral detector CT (SDCT) of the chest compared to conventional CT images (CI).

Methods

In this retrospective study, we included 34 patients (mean age 74.6 ± 8.6 years), who underwent a SDCT of the chest and had a CIED in place. CI, MAR, VMI, and VMIMAR (10 keV increment, range: 100–200 keV) were reconstructed. Mean and standard deviation of attenuation (HU) among hypo- and hyperdense artifacts adjacent to CIED generator and leads were determined using ROIs. Two radiologists qualitatively evaluated artifact reduction and diagnostic assessment of adjacent tissue.

Results

Compared to CI, MAR and VMIMAR ≥ 100 keV significantly increased attenuation in hypodense and significantly decreased attenuation in hyperdense artifacts at CIED generator and leads (p < 0.05). VMI ≥ 100 keV alone only significantly decreased hyperdense artifacts at the generator (p < 0.05). Qualitatively, VMI ≥ 100 keV, MAR, and VMIMAR ≥ 100 keV provided significant reduction of hyper- and hypodense artifacts resulting from the generator and improved diagnostic assessment of surrounding structures (p < 0.05). Diagnostic assessment of structures adjoining to the leads was only improved by MAR and VMIMAR 100 keV (p < 0.05), whereas keV values ≥ 140 with and without MAR significantly worsened diagnostic assessment (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The combination of VMI and MAR as well as MAR as a standalone approach provides effective reduction of artifacts from CIEDs. Still, higher keV values should be applied with caution due to a loss of soft tissue and vessel contrast along the leads.

Key Points

• The combination of VMI and MAR as well as MAR as a standalone approach enables effective reduction of artifacts from CIEDs.

• Higher keV values of both VMI and VMIMARat CIED leads should be applied with caution since diagnostic assessment can be hampered by a loss of soft tissue and vessel contrast.

• Recommended keV values for CIED generators are between 140 and 200 keV and for leads around 100 keV.
The Breede River estuary (Cape Province, South Africa): A historical perspective on hydrology, geomorphology, and sedimentology
Authors: Flemming Burg , Martin Keith
Published: February 2021

A hitherto unpublished historical dataset of the Breede River estuary, Western Cape, South Africa, that was collected in the summer season of 1983 is presented. Bathymetric, physiographic, and sedimentological data were collected at 1–1.5-km intervals between the mouth and the Malgas ferry crossing at km 35. The remaining estuary up to km 52 was not surveyed. Sedimentologically, the estuary could be divided into a lower marine sand reach (mouth to km 5), a mixed sand/mud reach (km 5–18.5), and a fluvial sand reach upstream of km 18.5. Hydrological data were collected at three midstream anchor stations (mouth, km 14.5, and km 24) which were occupied for complete tidal cycles. Five parameters were recorded: tidal elevation, current velocity, salinity, temperature, and light transmittance. Pronounced velocity asymmetries of the tides were revealed by phase delays between the times of low (high) water and corresponding slack water (turn of the tide), as well as considerable up-estuary delays in the occurrence of high and low tides. The mode of tidal wave propagation was synchronic (constant height) up to a distance of ~23 km at spring high tide and ~13 km at neap high tide, from where it proceeded in hyposynchronic mode (progressive decrease in height). Peak surface velocities reached 1.5 m/s at Station 1 (mouth), 0.6 m/s at Station 2 (km 14), and 0.45 m/s at Station 3 (km 24). The marine sand reach and parts of the mixed sand/mud and fluvial sand reaches were distinctly flood dominated as revealed by the orientation of bedforms. Salt water intrusion reached up to km 25, where river background levels were reached. Suspended sediment concentrations (turbidity) varied from 55–85 mg/l at the mouth, 65–200 mg/l in the mixed sand/mud reach, and 55–85 mg/l in the fluvial sand reach. At the time of observation, the Breede River estuary was in a well-mixed hydrological state. The fluvial sand reach displayed numerous, up to 18-m-deep scour pools. Grain-size distributions revealed distinct differences between the individual estuary sections, the sand/mud, and marine sand reaches, in particular, being characterized by up to four, mostly mixed hydraulic populations. Offshore seismic profiles suggest that the Duiwenhoks River, located 14 km to the east of the Breede mouth, was a tributary of the latter during Pleistocene sea-level lowstands. From a global perspective, the Breede River estuary conforms physically to typical small estuaries that are only marginally impacted by human interferences.
Surgical management of complex ileocolonic Crohn’s disease: a survey of IBD colorectal surgeons to assess variability in operative strategy
Authors: Garofalo E , Selvaggi F , Spinelli A , Pellino G , Flashman K , Frasson M , Carvello M , de’Angelis N , Garcia-Granero A , Harper M , Warusavitarne J , Coleman M , Espin E , Celentano V
Published: February 2021

Introduction

To explore the reported variability in the surgical management of ileocolonic Crohn’ s disease and identify areas of standard practice, we present this study which aims to assess how different colorectal surgeons with a subspecialty interest in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) surgery may act in different clinical scenarios of ileocolonic Crohn’s disease.

Methods

Anonymous videos demonstrating the small bowel walkthrough and anonymised patients’ clinical data, imaging and pathological findings were distributed to the surgeons using an electronic tool. Surgeons answered on operative strategy, bowel resections, management of small bowel mesentery, type of anastomosis and use of stomas.

Results

Eight small bowel walkthrough videos were registered and 12 assessors completed the survey with a questionnaire completion rate of 87.5%. There was 87.7% agreement in the need to perform an ileocolonic resection. However, the agreement for the need to perform associated surgical procedures such as strictureplasties or further bowel resections was only 57.4%. When an anastomosis was fashioned, the side to side configuration was the most commonly used. The preferred management of the mesentery was dissection close to the bowel.

Conclusions

The decision on the main procedure to be performed had a high agreement amongst the different assessors, but the treatment of multifocal disease was highly controversial, with low agreement on the need for associated procedures to treat internal fistulae and the use of strictureplasties. At the same time, there was significant heterogeneity in the decision on when to anastomose and when to fashion an ileostomy.
Validation of AQoL-8D: a health-related quality of life questionnaire for adult patients referred for otolaryngology
Authors: Obrycka Anita , Padilla Jose-Luis , Lorens Artur , Skarzynski Piotr Henryk , Skarzynski Henryk
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to validate the AQoL-8D questionnaire in the adult population of patients referred to an otolaryngology clinic.

Methods

AQoL-8D was translated into Polish. 463 patients (age18–80 years) with otolaryngological conditions were assessed with the AQoL-8D, SF-6D, and SWLS questionnaires. We investigated the item content-relevance, factor structure by means of Confirmatory Factor Analysis, corrected item-total correlations, Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson correlation of the AQoL-8D scores with results from SF-6D and from the SWLS questionnaires. Finally, ANOVA was used to test the AQoL-8D ability to group the HRQoL of patients in terms of their otolaryngological management type.

Results

The median score of item content-relevance was 5.0 for all AQoL-8D items. Confirmatory Factor Analysis revealed the following fit indices: Comparative Fit Index = 0.81; Tucker–Lewis Index = 0.80; and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.07. Cronbach's alpha for AQoL-8D dimensions ranged from 0.48 to 0.79. Mean item-total correlations over all dimensions, super dimensions, and the instrument overall were higher than 0.3. There was a significant Pearson correlation between the results obtained with AQoL-8D and SF-6D (r = 0.68), and with AQoL-8D and SWLS (r = 0.43). A one-way ANOVA showed a significant effect of management type on HRQoL as measured by AQoL-8D [F(4,458) = 6.12, p < 0.001]

Conclusion

AQoL-8D provides valid and reliable measures of HRQoL in patients undergoing otolaryngological treatment. Because it is a generic questionnaire, it is possible to make general comparisons of otolaryngology outcomes with those from other subspecialties.
The association between clinical and biochemical characteristics of late-onset sepsis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants
Authors: Ebrahimi Melania E. , Romijn Michelle , Vliegenthart Roos J. S. , Visser Douwe H. , van Kaam Anton H. , Onland Wes
Published: February 2021

Studies in preterm infants have shown an association between late-onset sepsis (LOS) and the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). It is unknown whether clinical or biochemical characteristics during sepsis modulate the risk for BPD. This single-center retrospective cohort study included all patients with a gestational age < 30 weeks, born between 2009 and 2015, in whom empiric antimicrobial treatment was initiated > 72 h after birth and continued for at least 5 days, independent on microbiological results. The association between clinical and biochemical characteristics of LOS and the development of BPD in survivors were assessed with multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for early-onset sepsis, small for gestational age, and gestational age. Of the 756 admitted infants, 256 infants (mean GA: 27.0 weeks; birthweight: 924 grams) had at least one LOS episode, of whom 79 (30.9%) developed BPD. Analyses showed that only the need for and duration of mechanical ventilation during LOS were independently associated with an increased risk for BPD (adjusted OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.38, 4.96, p value 0.003, and OR 1.004, 95% CI 1.00, 1.007, p value 0.045, respectively).

Conclusion: During a LOS, the need for and duration of mechanical ventilation are independently associated with the risk of developing BPD in preterm infants.

What is Known:• Premature infants diagnosed with a late-onset sepsis are at higher risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia• This association is mainly shown in infants with a positive blood culture

What is New:• This study investigates the clinical and biochemical characteristics of late-onset sepsis and the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia• The need for mechanical ventilation and duration of mechanical ventilation during late-onset sepsis are associated with an increased risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Climate implications on forest above- and belowground carbon allocation patterns along a tropical elevation gradient on Mt. Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
Authors: Sierra Cornejo Natalia , Leuschner Christoph , Becker Joscha N. , Hemp Andreas , Schellenberger Costa David , Hertel Dietrich
Published: February 2021

Tropical forests represent the largest store of terrestrial biomass carbon (C) on earth and contribute over-proportionally to global terrestrial net primary productivity (NPP). How climate change is affecting NPP and C allocation to tree components in forests is not well understood. This is true for tropical forests, but particularly for African tropical forests. Studying forest ecosystems along elevation and related temperature and moisture gradients is one possible approach to address this question. However, the inclusion of belowground productivity data in such studies is scarce. On Mt. Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), we studied aboveground (wood increment, litter fall) and belowground (fine and coarse root) NPP along three elevation transects (c. 1800–3900 m a.s.l.) across four tropical montane forest types to derive C allocation to the major tree components. Total NPP declined continuously with elevation from 8.5 to 2.8 Mg C ha−1 year−1 due to significant decline in aboveground NPP, while fine root productivity (sequential coring approach) remained unvaried with around 2 Mg C ha−1 year−1, indicating a marked shift in C allocation to belowground components with elevation. The C and N fluxes to the soil via root litter were far more important than leaf litter inputs in the subalpine Erica forest. Thus, the shift of C allocation to belowground organs with elevation at Mt. Kilimanjaro and other tropical forests suggests increasing nitrogen limitation of aboveground tree growth at higher elevations. Our results show that studying fine root productivity is crucial to understand climate effects on the carbon cycle in tropical forests.
A qualitative systematic review of the social eating and drinking experiences of patients following treatment for head and neck cancer
Authors: Dornan Mark , Semple Cherith , Moorhead Anne , McCaughan Eilís
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Patients living with and beyond head and neck cancer (HNC) often have long-term, functional challenges as a result of treatment. A key functional challenge relates to eating and drinking; often associated with physical, emotional, and social difficulties. Eating and drinking with family members and friends can become a struggle, increasing the risk of social isolation and loneliness. This systematic review aims to identify and synthesise the literature on the experiences of social eating and drinking for patients following treatment for HNC.

Methods

Six electronic databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsychINFO, and Scopus) were systematically searched using subject headings and free-text word searches in February 2020. Citation chaining and Google Scholar were used to identify grey literature. PRISMA procedures were followed.

Results

Of 6910 records identified, 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. Synthesis of the research findings results in two major themes: (1) the experience of loss associated with social eating and drinking, and (2) adjusting and support to promote social eating and drinking.

Conclusion

Losses associated with social eating affect a patient’s psychological and emotional well-being and impact on close relationships. To promote positive participation in social eating, patients were more likely to seek and receive support from someone within their close social network, rather than a healthcare professional. Family and friends are an essential source of support and are integral in facilitating engagement with social eating following treatment for HNC. Future interventions should promote family orientated resources, incorporating self-management strategies.
Long-term safety and efficacy of opicapone in Japanese Parkinson’s patients with motor fluctuations
Authors: Takeda Atsushi , Takahashi Ryosuke , Tsuboi Yoshio , Nomoto Masahiro , Maeda Tetsuya , Nishimura Akihisa , Yoshida Kazuo , Hattori Nobutaka
Published: February 2021

The double-blind part of the COMFORT-PD (COMt-inhibitor Findings from Opicapone Repeated Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease) study in Japanese levodopa-treated patients with Parkinson’s disease and motor fluctuations found that both opicapone 25 and 50 mg were significantly more effective than placebo. This 52-week open-label extension study evaluated the long-term safety and efficacy of opicapone 50 mg tablets in patients who completed the double-blind part of the COMFORT-PD study. Safety was monitored via adverse events, laboratory testing, and physical, cardiovascular and neurological examinations. Efficacy was primarily assessed by change in OFF-time. Secondary efficacy measures included: ON-time, percentage of OFF/ON-time responders, other outcomes from the double-blind part. 391/437 patients were transferred to the open-label extension period and included in the safety analysis set (full analysis set, n = 387; open-label completers, n = 316). Adverse events were frequently reported (n = 338, 86.4%), but < 50% were considered drug-related (39.9%) and few were considered serious (2.6%) or led to discontinuation (2.8%). Decreased OFF-time was consistently observed over the open-label period regardless of initial randomization. Change [LSM (SE)] in OFF-time from the open-label baseline to the last visit showed a persistent effect in patients initially randomized to opicapone 25 mg [− 0.37 (0.20) h, P = 0.0689] and opicapone 50 mg [− 0.07 (0.21) h, P = 0.6913] whereas opicapone 50 mg led to a statistically significant reduction in the previous placebo group [− 1.26 (0.19) h, P < 0.05]. Once-daily opicapone 50 mg was generally well tolerated and consistently reduced OFF-time over 52 weeks in Japanese levodopa-treated patients with motor fluctuations.

Trial registration JapicCTI-153112; date of registration: December 25, 2015.
Impact of Ocean Acidification on Ecosystem Functioning and Services in Habitat-Forming Species and Marine Ecosystems
Authors: Zunino Serena , Libralato Simone , Melaku Canu Donata , Prato Giulia , Solidoro Cosimo
Published: February 2021

Ocean acidification (OA) is expected to impact habitat-forming species (HFS), with cascading effects on the whole marine ecosystem and related services that are seldom quantified. Here, the changes in HFSs biomass due to OA are modeled using a food web ecosystem model, and the trophic and non-trophic cascading effects on the marine community are investigated. The food web model represents a well-studied coastal marine protected area in the NW Mediterranean Sea where coralligenous reefs and Posidonia oceanica meadows constitute important HFS. The model is used to implement 5 scenarios of habitat degradation, that is, reduction of HFS biomass, induced by increasing OA and to quantify the potential changes in ecosystem properties and indicators of ecosystem services over the next 100 years. The changes in ecosystem indicators highlight a decrease in the size of the system and a reorganization of energy flows suggesting a high degree of ecosystem development. All the proxies for ecosystem services show significant decreases in their values. Although representing only a portion of the possible impacts of OA, the findings are consistent with the idea that ecological systems can react to OA effects to maintain the level of ecosystem development, but the new organization might not be optimal from an anthropocentric viewpoint.
“Educate, Agitate, Organize”: Inequality and Ethics in the Writings of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
Authors: Kumar Arun , Bapuji Hari , Mir Raza
Published: February 2021

Scholars of business and management studies have recently turned their attention to inequality, a key issue for business ethics given the role of private firms in transmitting—and potentially challenging—inequalities. However, this research is yet to examine inequality from a subaltern perspective. In this paper, we discuss the alleviation of inequalities in organizational and institutional contexts by drawing on the ideas of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, a jurist, political leader and economist, and one of the unsung social theorists of the twentieth century. Specifically, we focus on Ambedkar’s critique of the Indian caste system, his outline of comprehensive reform, and prescription of representational politics to achieve equality. We contend that an Ambedkarite ethical manifesto of persuasion—focussed on state-led institutional reforms driven by the subaltern—can help management researchers reimagine issues of inequality and extend business ethics beyond organizational boundaries.
New pharmacotherapy options for noninfectious posterior uveitis
Authors: Pleyer Uwe , Neri Piergiorgio , Deuter Christoph
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Noninfectious inflammation of the posterior eye segment represents an important cause of visual impairment. It often affects relatively young people and causes a significant personal and social impact. Although steroids and nonbiologic-

Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (nbDMARDs) are effective both in acute and long- lasting diseases, however they are increasingly being replaced by biologic (DMARDs). bDMARD. This article therefore aims to identify recent advances in the therapy of noninfectious posterior segment uveitis.

Methods

A Medline-search was conducted using the terms: nbDMARD, bDMARD, posterior uveitis, intermediate uveitis, treatment, corticosteroid. In addition, clinical studies were included as registered at ClinicalTrials.gov.

Results

Currently two major lines of treatments can be identified: (1) the intraocular application of anti-inflammatory agents and (2) the introduction of new agents, e.g., (bDMARDs) and small-molecule-inhibitors. Whereas intravitreal treatments have the advantage to avoid systemic side effects, new systemic agents are progressively earning credit on the basis of their therapeutic effects.

Conclusion

Even when current treatment strategies are still hampered by the limited number of randomized controlled trials, promising progress and continuous efforts are seen.
DNA fingerprinting reveals varietal composition of Vietnamese cassava germplasm (Manihot esculenta Crantz) from farmers’ field and genebank collections
Authors: Ocampo John , Ovalle Tatiana , Labarta Ricardo , Le Dung Phuong , de Haan Stefan , Vu Nguyen Anh , Kha Le Quy , Becerra Lopez-Lavalle Luis A.
Published: February 2021

Key message

A molecular analysis using informative SNP markers in 1570 clones of cassava from Vietnam reveals varietal composition from farmers’ field and genebank collections

Cassava is the most important smallholder cash crops in Southeast Asia and is especially used in industrial products. Yet, systematic genetic studies on molecular markers from Vietnamese germplasm have not been considered for breeding and conservation programs. We conducted a molecular analysis of 1570 clones of cassava germplasm from farms across six agro-ecological zones using informative SNP markers. We unraveled the genetic diversity and population structure and provided insights into the value of breeding and conservation programs. Duplicated genotypes comprised 98% of the total sample of the Central Highlands region. Ninety-six SNPs were amplified Central Highlands and South East provinces had the highest allelic richness, covering up to 83% of alleles. The average observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.43) was slightly higher than expected (He = 0.40) across SNP markers, suggesting an excess of heterozygotes plants. Diversity indexes indicated that cassava populations from North West and Eastern Vietnam are genetically diverse (meanHe = 0.40). Genetic parentage tests identified 85 unique genetic groups within the varieties KM94, KM419, BRA1305, KM101, KM140, PER262, KM60, KM57 and two unidentified varieties, which accounted for 82% of the frequency distribution. KM94 is the most dominant variety in Vietnamese farms surveyed (38%), reflecting its superior quality and productivity. Discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) revealed four main subgroups, which were partially corroborated by neighbor joining (NJ) analyses. After removing duplicates, 31 unique genotypes were distributed across five of the agro-ecological zones. These were well distributed in the subgroups revealed via DAPC and NJ analyses. The genetic groups identified herein could be used to select unique accessions that should ideally conform with ex situ germplasm collections and identify areas where on-farm conservation programs should be targeted. Newly identified genotypes may also contribute as genetic breeding resources that could be used to adapt cassava to future changes and farmers’ needs.
Evaluation of publications by the part-set method
Authors: Vinkler Péter
Published: February 2021

Several scientists publish journal papers on more than only a single scientific field or subfield. However, in evaluating the impact of publications of individuals their all scientific publications are taken into account, in general. In this paper a new method, namely thepart-set methodis introduced for assessing papers according to the respective fields and forming acumulative impactindex. In assessing publications of scientists,elite setindicators (e.g.h-index,g-index, top percentage indices,π-index) are preferably used recently. For obtaining elite sets, we may applyinsidestandards, i.e. values derived from the number of papers and citations in the set analysed, orfield(outside) standards taking into account the same factors referring to all papers on the corresponding field. For model calculations some scientometricians are selected who publish papers not only on scientometrics but also on other (e.g. physics, chemistry, medicine, etc.) fields. Consequently, their papers formcomplexsets of whichpart-sets may show different bibliometric features. In this publication, the number of papers in the elite set of the scientometric part-set and their citations are presented using both inside and outside standards. No significant correlation was found between the number ofpapersin the elite sets obtained by inside and that calculated by field standards. The number ofcitationsin the different elite sets calculated by both inside and outside standards however, significantly correlates with each other. The presented model indicates that the sum ofh-index of two part-sets derived from a common complex (total) set can beequal toorhigherthan theh-index of the corresponding complex set. In contrast, the sum ofπ-index of two part-sets can behigherorlower thanorequal totheπ-index of the parent complex set. The model reveals that themaximumvalue of the sum ofh-index of two part-sets belonging to the same complex set can be two times theh-index of the corresponding complex set. In evaluatingtotalscientific impact (e.g. life-work) of publications of scientists who are active in several fields, the application ofsum(or weighted sum) of the pertinent impact indices (e.g.horπ-index) obtained for the individual fieldsseparatelymay be recommended instead of calculating the impact of the total set.