bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of Non‐Operative Management of Uncomplicated Acute Appendicitis Compared to Appendectomy: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses
Authors: Emile Sameh Hany , Sakr Ahmad , Shalaby Mostafa , Elfeki Hossam
Published: January 2022

Background

Non‐operative management (NOM) of uncomplicated acute appendicitis (AA) has been introduced as an alternative to appendectomy. This umbrella review aimed to provide an overview of the efficacy and safety of NOM of uncomplicated AA in the published systematic reviews.

Methods

This umbrella review has been reported in line with the PRISMA guidelines and umbrella review approach. Systematic reviews with and without meta‐analyses on the efficacy of NOM of AA were analyzed. The quality of the reviews was assessed with the AMSTAR 2 tool. The main outcomes measures were the treatment failure and complication rates of NOM and hospital stay as compared to appendectomy.

Results

Eighteen systematic reviews were included to this umbrella review. Eight reviews documented higher odds of failure with NOM, whereas two reviews revealed similar odds of failure. Six reviews reported lower odds of complications with NOM, six reported similar odds, and one reported lower odds of complications with surgery. Eight reviews reported similar hospital stay between NOM and appendectomy, one reported longer stay with NOM and another reported shorter stay with NOM. Pooled analyses showed that NOM was associated with higher treatment failure overall, in children‐only, adults only, and RCTs‐only meta‐analyses. NOM was associated with lower complications overall, yet children‐only and RCTs‐only analyses revealed similar complications to surgery. NOM was associated with shorter stay in the overall and adult‐only analysis, but not in the children‐only analysis.

Conclusions

NOM of AA is associated with higher treatment failure, marginally lower rate of complications and shorter stay than appendectomy.
Bridge closure in the road network of Lombardy: a spatio-temporal analysis of the socio-economic impacts
Authors: Torti Agostino , Arena Marika , Azzone Giovanni , Secchi Piercesare , Vantini Simone
Published: January 2022

This paper introduces a methodology to evaluate the socio-economic impacts of closure for maintenance of one or more infrastructures of a large and complex road network. Motivated by a collaboration with Regione Lombardia, we focus on a subset of bridges in the region, although we aim at developing a method scalable to all road infrastructures of the regional network, consisting of more than 10,000 tunnels, bridges and overpasses. The final aim of the endeavor is to help decision-makers in prioritizing their interventions for maintaining and repairing infrastructure segments. We develop two different levels of impact assessment, both providing a unique global score for each bridge closure and investigating its spatio-temporal effects on mobility. We take advantage of a functional data analysis approach enhanced by a complex network theory perspective, thus modelling the roads of Lombardy as a network in which weights attributed to the edges are functional data. Results reveal the most critical bridges of Lombardy; moreover, for each bridge closure, the most impactful hours of the day and the most impacted municipalities of the region are identified. The proposed approach develops a flexible and scalable method for monitoring infrastructures of large and complex road networks.
Non-parametric deconvolution using Bézier curves for quantification of cerebral perfusion in dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI
Authors: Chakwizira Arthur , Ahlgren André , Knutsson Linda , Wirestam Ronnie
Published: January 2022

Objective

Deconvolution is an ill-posed inverse problem that tends to yield non-physiological residue functions R(t) in dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging (DSC-MRI). In this study, the use of Bézier curves is proposed for obtaining physiologically reasonable residue functions in perfusion MRI.

Materials and methods

Cubic Bézier curves were employed, ensuring R(0) = 1, bounded-input, bounded-output stability and a non-negative monotonically decreasing solution, resulting in 5 parameters to be optimized. Bézier deconvolution (BzD), implemented in a Bayesian framework, was tested by simulation under realistic conditions, including effects of arterial delay and dispersion. BzD was also applied to DSC-MRI data from a healthy volunteer.

Results

Bézier deconvolution showed robustness to different underlying residue function shapes. Accurate perfusion estimates were observed, except for boxcar residue functions at low signal-to-noise ratio. BzD involving corrections for delay, dispersion, and delay with dispersion generally returned accurate results, except for some degree of cerebral blood flow (CBF) overestimation at low levels of each effect. Maps of mean transit time and delay were markedly different between BzD and block-circulant singular value decomposition (oSVD) deconvolution.

Discussion

A novel DSC-MRI deconvolution method based on Bézier curves was implemented and evaluated. BzD produced physiologically plausible impulse response, without spurious oscillations, with generally less CBF underestimation than oSVD.
Online teaching research in universities based on blockchain
Authors: Min Li , Bin Ge
Published: January 2022

This study explores the use of blockchain in the course design and evaluation in Chinese universities, and explores the value of teachers’ views and experiences on blockchain in the course design. Previous studies have shown that blockchain has a positive effect on the improvement of online teaching management and evaluation quality. Most of the current research focuses on the management of online teaching by using blockchain, and this qualitative case study investigates the design and evaluation of online course based on blockchain by five teachers of different specialties. Semi-structured interviews and course materials were collected from five teachers for a TPACK framework analysis. The result of the survey emphasizes that the redesign of online courses based on blockchain can improve the matching between blockchain and courses, the quality of teaching and the trust of various parties in online education. The block chain-based the online course of both theory and practice design and evaluation, which is oriented by the index method of capability evaluation, is an appropriate idea and has achieved good results. The experimental course focuses on the integration of blockchain and experimental platform. The immersive and interactive course presentation and the personalized examination based on machine learning are effective. But follow-up should pay attention to the different requirements of course design of different disciplines, using a variety of data sources for analysis, to take measures to enhance the enthusiasm of teachers to adopt new technologies.
Colectomy and desmoid tumours in familial adenomatous polyposis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Aelvoet Arthur S. , Struik Daphne , Bastiaansen Barbara A. J. , Bemelman Willem A. , Hompes Roel , Bossuyt Patrick M. M. , Dekker Evelien
Published: January 2022

Desmoid tumours (DT) are one of the main causes of death in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Surgical trauma is a risk factor for DT, yet a colectomy is inevitable in FAP to prevent colorectal cancer. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the available evidence on DT risk related to type, approach and timing of colectomy. A search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. Studies were considered eligible when DT incidence was reported after different types, approaches and timing of colectomy. Twenty studies including 6452 FAP patients were selected, all observational. No significant difference in DT incidence was observed after IRA versus IPAA (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.69–1.42) and after open versus laparoscopic colectomy (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.42–1.86). Conflicting DT incidences were seen after early versus late colectomy and when analysing open versus laparoscopic colectomy according to colectomy type. Three studies reported a (non-significantly) higher DT incidence after laparoscopic IPAA compared to laparoscopic IRA, with OR varying between 1.77 and 4.09. A significantly higher DT incidence was observed in patients with a history of abdominal surgery (OR 3.40, 95% CI 1.64–7.03, p = 0.001). Current literature does not allow to state firmly whether type, approach, or timing of colectomy affects DT risk in FAP patients. Fewer DT were observed after laparoscopic IRA compared to laparoscopic IPAA, suggesting laparoscopic IRA as the preferred choice if appropriate considering rectal polyp burden.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020161424.
Transnational Co-production of Knowledge: The Standardisation of Typhoon Warning Codes in the Far East, 1900–1939
Authors: Anduaga Aitor
Published: January 2022

Thewhyand thehowof knowledge production are examined in the case of the transnational cooperation between the directors of observatories in the Far East who drew up unified typhoon-warning codes in the period 1900–1939. Thewhyis prompted by the socioeconomic interests of the local chambers of commerce and international telegraphic companies, although this urge has the favourable wind of Far Eastern meteorologists’ ideology of voluntarist internationalism. Thehowentails the persistent pursuit of consensus (on ends rather than means) in international meetings where non-binding resolutions on codes and procedures are adopted. The outcome is the co-production of standardised knowledge, that is, the development of a series of processes and practices that co-produce both knowledge and ideas about the social order in a force field characterised by negotiations and power struggles.
Impact of decision-making system in social navigation
Authors: Ginés Clavero Jonatan , Martín Rico Francisco , Rodríguez-Lera Francisco J. , Guerrero Hernandéz José Miguel , Matellán Olivera Vicente
Published: January 2022

Facing human activity-aware navigation with a cognitive architecture raises several difficulties integrating the components and orchestrating behaviors and skills to perform social tasks. In a real-world scenario, the navigation system should not only consider individuals like obstacles. It is necessary to offer particular and dynamic people representation to enhance the HRI experience. The robot’s behaviors must be modified by humans, directly or indirectly. In this paper, we integrate our human representation framework in a cognitive architecture to allow that people who interact with the robot could modify its behavior, not only with the interaction but also with their culture or the social context. The human representation framework represents and distributes the proxemic zones’ information in a standard way, through a cost map. We have evaluated the influence of the decision-making system in human-aware navigation and how a local planner may be decisive in this navigation. The material developed during this research can be found in a public repository (https://github.com/IntelligentRoboticsLabs/social_navigation2_WAF) and instructions to facilitate the reproducibility of the results.
Diagnostic value of 18F-FDG PET-CT in detecting malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors among adult and pediatric neurofibromatosis type 1 patients
Authors: Geitenbeek Ritch T. J. , Martin Enrico , Graven Laura H. , Broen Martijn P. G. , Anten Monique H. M. E. , van der Pol Jochem A. J. , Verhoef Cornelis , Taal Walter
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Detecting malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) remains difficult. 18F-FDG PET-CT has been shown helpful, but ideal threshold values of semi-quantitative markers remain unclear, partially because of variation among scanners. Using EU-certified scanners diagnostic accuracy of ideal and commonly used 18F-FDG PET-CT thresholds were investigated and differences between adult and pediatric lesions were evaluated.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed including patients from two hospitals with a clinical or radiological suspicion of MPNST between 2013 and 2019. Several markers were studied for ideal threshold values and differences among adults and children. A diagnostic algorithm was subsequently developed.

Results

Sixty patients were included (10 MPNSTs). Ideal threshold values were 5.8 for SUVmax (sensitivity 0.70, specificity 0.92), 5.0 for SUVpeak (sensitivity 0.70, specificity 0.97), 1.7 for TLmax (sensitivity 0.90, specificity 0.86), and 2.3 for TLmean (sensitivity 0.90, specificity 0.79). The standard TLmean threshold value of 2.0 yielded a sensitivity of 0.90 and specificity of 0.74, while the standard SUVmax threshold value of 3.5 yielded a sensitivity of 0.80 and specificity of 0.63. SUVmax and adjusted SUV for lean body mass (SUL) were lower in children, but tumor-to-liver ratios were similar in adult and pediatric lesions. Using TLmean > 2.0 or TLmean < 2.0 and SUVmax > 3.5, a sensitivity and specificity of 1.00 and 0.63 can be achieved.

Conclusion

18F-FDG PET-CT offers adequate accuracy to detect MPNSTs. SUV values in pediatric MPNSTs may be lower, but tumor-to-liver ratios are not. By combining TLmean and SUVmax values, a 100% sensitivity can be achieved with acceptable specificity.
Comparison of MINLP formulations for global superstructure optimization
Authors: Burre Jannik , Bongartz Dominik , Mitsos Alexander
Published: January 2022

Superstructure optimization is a powerful but computationally demanding task that can be used to select the optimal structure among many alternatives within a single optimization. In chemical engineering, such problems naturally arise in process design, where different process alternatives need to be considered simultaneously to minimize a specific objective function (e.g., production costs or global warming impact). Conventionally, superstructure optimization problems are either formulated with the Big-M or the Convex Hull reformulation approach. However, for problems containing nonconvex functions, it is not clear whether these yield the most computationally efficient formulations. We therefore compare the conventional problem formulations with less common ones (using equilibrium constraints, step functions, or multiplications of binary and continuous variables to model disjunctions) using three case studies. First, a minimalist superstructure optimization problem is used to derive conjectures about their computational performance. These conjectures are then further investigated by two more complex literature benchmarks. Our analysis shows that the less common approaches tend to result in a smaller problem size, while keeping relaxations comparably tight—despite the introduction of additional nonconvexities. For the considered case studies, we demonstrate that all reformulation approaches can further benefit from eliminating optimization variables by a reduced-space formulation. For superstructure optimization problems containing nonconvex functions, we therefore encourage to also consider problem formulations that introduce additional nonconvexities but reduce the number of optimization variables.
A psychological perspective towards understanding the objective and subjective gray zones in predatory publishing
Authors: Yamada Yuki , Teixeira da Silva Jaime A.
Published: January 2022

A continued lack of clarity persists because academics, policymakers, and other interested parties are unable to clearly define what is a “predatory” journal or publisher, and a potentially wide gray zone exists there. In this perspective, we argue that journals should be evaluated on a continuum, and not just in two shades, black and white. Since evaluations about what might constitute “predatory” are made by humans, the psychological decision-making system that determines them may induce biases. Considering such human psychological characteristics might shed light on the deterministic criteria that have been used, and continue to be used, to classify a journal or publisher as “predatory”, and perhaps, bring additional clarity to this discussion. Better methods of journal evaluation can be obtained when the factors that polarize journal evaluations are identified. As one example, we need to move away from simply using whitelists and blacklists and educate individual researchers about how to evaluate journals. This paper serves as an educational tool by providing more clarity about the “gray” publishing zone, and argues that currently available qualitative and quantitative systems should be fused to deterministically appreciate the zonation of white, gray and black journals, so as to possibly reduce or eliminate the influence of cognitive or “perception” bias from the “predatory” publishing debate.
Strategies of German Bundesliga and English Premier League clubs for the COVID-19 crisis: the case of international broadcasting fans
Authors: Navarro-Picado José F. , Torres-Moraga Eduardo , Alonso Dos Santos Manuel , Mastromartino Brandon , Zhang James J.
Published: January 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic that paused sports worldwide, the German Bundesliga League (GBL) and English Premier League (EPL) took two different strategic approaches to agree with their players on returning to play. To become better informed and prepared for future crisis management, this study examines consumer responses to these opposing strategies. We also identify how perceived organizational legitimacy, trustworthiness, reliance, and justifiability have an impact on consumer multimedia consumption of the games. A sample of 503 participants responded to an online questionnaire regarding the contrasting decisions taken by the GBL and the EPL during the global health crisis. SEM with multi-group analysis was conducted to test the research hypotheses. When comparing the two selected sport leagues, the league that reached an agreement with their players experienced higher levels of perceived legitimacy while needing fewer perceptions of trustworthiness, reliance, and justifiability to obtain higher multimedia consumption intention from consumers.
PET Tracers for Imaging Cardiac Function in Cardio-oncology
Authors: Kelly James M. , Babich John W.
Published: January 2022

Purpose of Review

Successful treatment of cancer can be hampered by the attendant risk of cardiotoxicity, manifesting as cardiomyopathy, left ventricle systolic dysfunction and, in some cases, heart failure. This risk can be mitigated if the injury to the heart is detected before the onset to irreversible cardiac impairment. The gold standard for cardiac imaging in cardio-oncology is echocardiography. Despite improvements in the application of this modality, it is not typically sensitive to sub-clinical or early-stage dysfunction. We identify in this review some emerging tracers for detecting incipient cardiotoxicity by positron emission tomography (PET).

Recent Findings

Vectors labeled with positron-emitting radionuclides (e.g., carbon-11, fluorine-18, gallium-68) are now available to study cardiac function, metabolism, and tissue repair in preclinical models. Many of these probes are highly sensitive to early damage, thereby potentially addressing the limitations of current imaging approaches, and show promise in preliminary clinical evaluations.

The overlapping pathophysiology between cardiotoxicity and heart failure significantly expands the number of imaging tools available to cardio-oncology. This is highlighted by the emergence of radiolabeled probes targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP) for sensitive detection of dysregulated healing process that underpins adverse cardiac remodeling. The growth of PET scanner technology also creates an opportunity for a renaissance in metabolic imaging in cardio-oncology research.
The Meaning of Home in Male Migration: Listening to Men’s Experiences
Authors: Cardinali Paola , Ferrari Joseph R. , Romoli Vittoria , Camilleri Andrew , Migliorini Laura
Published: January 2022

We assessed the sense of psychological home among adult men (n = 17; M age = 29.7 years old) who had experienced migration to Italy, focusing on the relationship between psychological home and the process of integration into the new country. Psychological home is a dynamic process in which people sense a safe and secure environment that ranges beyond the confines of a structured dwelling, a process which is reflective and which communicates one’s self-identity. Participants engaged in a semistructured interview with the aim of establishing a generic concept of psychological home and identifying the issues that arise at the intersection of psychological home and migration. The results highlighted certain themes about the meaning that psychological home assumes in the lives of migrants and about the way in which the migration experience acts to support or hinder the process of building this sense of home. Of special interest is the idea that individuals might develop multiple psychological homes related to the different places and relationships that they experience. In this sense, establishment of a psychological home might be considered the ideal affective state for psychological adaptation to a new country.
Effect of Microwave-Assisted Aqueous Two-Phase Extraction of α-Solanine from S. retroflexum and Analysis on UHPLC-qTOF-MS
Authors: Mokgehle Tebogo Mphatlalala , Madala Ntakadzeni , Gitari Wilson Mugera , Tavengwa Nikita Tawanda
Published: January 2022

A new, fast and efficient method, hyphenated microwave-assisted aqueous two-phase extraction (MA-ATPE) was applied in the extraction of α-solanine from Solanum retroflexum. This environmentally friendly extraction method applied water and ethanol as extraction solvents. Central composite design (CCD) was performed which included numerical parameters such as time, mass of plant powder and microwave power. The categorical factors included the chaotrope — NaCl or the kosmotrope — Na2CO3. Fitting the central composite design response surface model to the data generated a quadratic model with a good fit (R2 = 0.920). The statistically significant (p < 0.05) parameters such as time and mass of plant powder were influential in the extraction of α-solanine. Quantification of α-solanine was achieved using a robust and sensitive feature of the ultra-high performance quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometer (UHPLC-qTOF-MS), multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The optimized condition for the extraction of α-solanine in the presence of NaCl and Na2CO3 was a period of 1 min at a mass of 1.2 g using a microwave power of 40%. Maximal extraction of α-solanine was 93.50 mg kg−1 and 72.16 mg kg−1 for Na2CO3 and NaCl, respectively. The synergistic effect of salting-out and microwave extraction was influential in extraction of α-solanine. Furthermore, the higher negative charge density of the kosmotrope (Na2CO3) was responsible for its greater extraction of α-solanine than chaotrope (NaCl). The shorter optimal extraction times of MA-ATPE make it a potential technique that could meet market demand as it is a quick, green and efficient method for removal of toxic metabolites in nutraceuticals.
Phage therapy of wound-associated infections
Authors: Zyman Anna , Górski Andrzej , Międzybrodzki Ryszard
Published: January 2022

Phages are viruses which can specifically infect bacteria, resulting in their destruction. Bacterial infections are a common complication of wound healing, and experimental evidence from animal models demonstrates promising potential for phage-dependent eradication of wound-associated infections. The studies discussed suggest that phage therapy may be an effective treatment, with important advantages over some current antibacterial treatments. Phage cocktails, as well as co-administration of phages and antibiotics, have been reported to minimise bacterial resistance. Further, phage-antibiotic synergism has been reported in some studies. The ideal dose of phages is still subject to debate, with evidence for both high and low doses to yield therapeutic effects. Novel delivery methods, such as hydrogels, are being explored for their advantages in topical wound healing. There are more and more Good Manufacturing Practice facilities dedicated to manufacturing phage products and phage therapy units across the world, showing the changing perception of phages which is occurring. However, further research is needed to secure the place of phages in modern medicine, with some scientists calling upon the World Health Organisation to help promote phage therapy.
Söders Ökofeuerwerk und die Grünfärbung der CSU: Diskursnetzwerke im bayrischen Themenwettbewerb
Authors: Westenberger Gina-Julia , Schneider Volker
Published: January 2022

Umwelt- und Klimapolitik ist in den letzten Jahren zu einem äußerst relevanten Themenfeld des Parteienwettbewerbs in Deutschland avanciert, an welchem sich gut beobachten lässt, welche bedeutende Rolle spezifische Themen und Probleme im Wettbewerb um Wählerstimmen spielen. In diesem Artikel demonstrieren wir erstmalig, wie die Methode der Diskursnetzwerkanalyse zur Analyse solcher Themenwettbewerbe eingesetzt werden kann. Diskursnetzwerkanalysen verbinden die qualitative Inhaltsanalyse von Medienberichten mit Methoden der Sozialen Netzwerkanalyse und erlauben es so, über exakte Zeitfenster hinweg die Dynamik eines Themenwettbewerbs und die Interaktion von Parteien detailliert zu verfolgen und zu vergleichen. Dieses Potenzial demonstrieren wir am Beispiel des Issue-Wettbewerbs in der bayrischen Umweltpolitik in den Jahren 2018 und 2019. Ein besonderer Fokus liegt dabei auf der staatstragenden CSU, die im Landtagswahlkampf 2018 noch versuchte, mit ausgeprägten migrationspolitischen Forderungen Wähler der AfD abzuwerben. Ein Jahr später zündete Ministerpräsident und Parteichef Markus Söder hingegen ein ganzes „Feuerwerk“ an umwelt- und klimapolitischen Vorschlägen. Wie kam es zu dieser Neuausrichtung des Diskurses? Anhand von Zeitungsartikeln aus der Süddeutschen Zeitung und im Vergleich dreier Diskursperioden zeigen wir, wie sich die Salienz der Umweltpolitik im Diskursverlauf veränderte. Eine entscheidende Rolle spielte dabei vor allem das überaus erfolgreiche Volksbegehren „Rettet die Bienen“, infolgedessen sich der umweltpolitische Diskurs deutlich intensivierte und diversifizierte. Unsere Analyse zeigt, dass sich die CSU bedingt durch diese Dynamik und die Bedrohung durch die elektoralen Erfolge der Grünen, daraufhin gezwungen sah mit diesen in einen Wettkampf um die Issue-Ownership grüner Themen einzutreten.
Urban water supply infrastructure in Grudziądz (northern Poland): from the Middle Ages to the pre-modern times
Authors: Kulczykowski Wacław
Published: January 2022

This article presents the history of the water supply system in Grudziądz (Poland) over the centuries, from the Middle Ages to the end of the nineteenth century. The location of Grudziądz on the high escarpment of the Vistula River made it difficult to supply water to the town. The innovative technical facilities, such as a water-work and water supply tower had to be constructed because the gravitational waterworks could not be applied. The basis for the research was the analysis of historical sources. In this study, non-invasive methods were used (aerial prospection, LiDAR scanning and geophysical surveys with Ground Penetrating Radar), since the hydrotechnical objects are located in a functioning urban space and no excavations could be carried out. The research included: (i) the measurements, exploration and preparation of photo-documentation of the water tower, (ii) providing a digital model of the tower, (iii) finding the tunnel inside the tower, and (iv) attempting to locate the tunnel's course outside the tower.
Biomarkers geochemistry of the Alpagut oil shale sequence: an evaluation of dispositional environments and source rock potential from Dodurga-Çorum basin (N-Turkey)
Authors: Korkmaz S. , Kara-Gülbay R. , Khoitiyn T. , Erdoğan M. S.
Published: January 2022

The Cenozoic Çankırı-Çorum basin, with sedimentary facies of varying thickness and distribution, contains raw matters such as coal deposits, oil shales and evaporate. Source rock and sedimentary environment characteristics of the oil shale sequence have been evaluated. The studied oil shales have high organic matter content (from 2.97 to 15.14%) and show excellent source rock characteristics. Oil shales are represented by very high hydrogen index (532–892 mg HC/g TOC) and low oxygen index (8–44 mgCO2/g TOC) values. Pyrolysis data indicate that oil shales contain predominantly Type I and little Type II kerogen. The biomarker data reveal the presence of algal, bacterial organic matter and terrestrial organic matter with high lipid content. These findings show that organic matters in the oil shales can generate hydrocarbon, especially oil. High C26/C25, C24/C23 and low C22/C21 tricyclic terpane, C31R/C30 hopane and DBT/P ratios indicate that the studied oil shales were deposited in a lacustrine environment, and very low Pr/Ph ratio is indicative of anoxic character for the depositional environment. Tmax values from the pyrolysis analysis are in the range of 418–443 °C, and production index ranges from 0.01 to 0.08. On the gas chromatography, high Pr/nC17 and Ph/nC18 ratios and CPI values significantly exceeding 1 were determined. Very low 22S/(22S + 22R) homohopane, 20S/(20S + 20R) sterane, diasterane/sterane and Ts/(Ts + Tm) ratios were calculated from the biomarker data. Results of all these analyses indicate that Alpagut oil shales have not yet matured and have not entered the oil generation window.
Population genetic structure and conservation management of hill pigeons (Columba rupestris) recently endangered in South Korea
Authors: Kim Jin-Yong , Eo Soo Hyung , Kang Seung-Gu , Hwang Jung Eun , Yeo Yonggu , Yoon Jongmin
Published: January 2022

Background

Hill pigeons (Columba rupestris) are close to local extinction (ca. less than 100 individuals) in South Korea where a variety of conservation management procedures are urgently required.

Objective

This study was aimed at determining the conservation direction of captive propagation and reintroduction of hill pigeons using genetic information based on mitochondrial DNA. We also evaluated the extent of hybridization between hill pigeons and cohabiting domestic pigeons.

Methods

We used 51 blood samples of hill pigeons from Goheung (GH), Gurye (GR), and Uiryeong (UR), and domestic pigeons cohabiting with hill pigeon populations. Genetic diversity, pairwise Fst, analysis of molecular variance, and haplotype network analysis were used to examine the genetic structure of hill pigeons.

Results

Hill pigeons that inhabited South Korea were not genetically distinct from Mongolian and Russian populations and showed relatively low genetic diversity compared with other endangered species in Columbidae. The GR population that exhibited the largest population size showed lower genetic diversity, compared to the other populations, although the pairwise Fst values of the three populations indicated low genetic differentiation. The GH and GR populations were confirmed to lack hybridization, relatively, whereas the UR population was found to exhibit some degrees of hybridization.

Conclusion

To conserve hill pigeons with low genetic diversity and differentiation in South Korea, the conservation process of captive propagation and reintroduction may require artificial gene flows among genetically verified populations in captivity and wildness. The introduction of foreign individuals from surrounding countries is also considered an alternative strategy for maintaining genetic diversity.
Tree vegetative and generative properties and their inter-correlations for prospective apple cultivars under two training systems for young trees
Authors: Csihon Ádám , Gonda István , Szabó Szilárd , Holb Imre J.
Published: January 2022

Little information is available on vegetative and generative performance of apple cultivars during the early growth of trees in orchards. The aim of this five-year study was to evaluate 2 vegetative (trunk cross sectional area (TCSA) and tree height (TH)) and 7 generative parameters (tree yield (TY), fruit number per tree (FNT), crop load (CL), fruit diameter (FD), shape index (SI), fruit surface color (FSC) and fruit color intensity (FCI)) and their inter-correlations (Pearson correlation, regression analyses and PCA) for young apple trees, on 9 apple cultivars (‘Jugala’, ‘Galaval’, ‘Gala Venus Fengal’, ‘Gala Decarli-Fendeca’, ‘Gala Schnitzer (S) Schniga’, ‘Fuji September Wonder’, ‘Crimson Crisp (Co-op 39)’, ‘Jeromine’, and ‘Red Idared’) in a slender spindle training system (2597 trees ha−1) and on 4 apple cultivars (‘Wilton’s Red Jonaprince’, ‘Red Cap Valtod (S)’, ‘Early Red One’, and ‘Red Topaz’) in a super spindle training system (5194 trees ha−1) in Eastern Hungary. The strongest vegetative growth was observed in ‘Red Idared’, while the weakest was in ‘Early Red One’. Most ‘Gala’ mutants showed high yields in all years, except for ‘Galaval’. On the 6 year-old trees, the lowest tree yield was found in ‘Fuji September Wonder’ (8.2 kg tree−1), while the highest was found in ‘Gala Venus Fengal’ (35.8 kg tree−1). The lowest fruit number per tree (15 fruit tree−1) was found in ‘Jeromine’, while the highest (222 fruit tree−1) was in ‘Gala Venus Fengal’. The highest crop load was found in ‘Gala Venus Fengal’ (12.72 fruit per cm2TCSA), while the lowest was in ‘Jeromine’ (2.13 fruit per cm2TCSA). The smallest fruit diameter (66.3 mm) was recorded in ‘Gala Schnitzer (S) Schniga’, while highest (93.6 mm) was in ‘Red Idared’. The lowest shape index (0.73) was found in ‘Red Topaz’, while the highest (0.92) was in ‘Red Idared’. The majority of the cultivars reached very good fruit surface color (80–100%). The lowest fruit surface color (40%) was observed in ‘Gala Schnitzer (S) Schniga’, while the highest (100%) was in ‘Jeromine’ and ‘Early Red One’. The highest fruit color intensity was observed in most cultivars with the exception of ‘Jeromine’, ‘Gala Schnitzer (S) Schniga’ and’Fuji September Wonder’. In addition, correlation and regression analyses revealed strong and significant (p = 0.05) relationships between THvsTCSA, TYvsTCSA, THvsTY, TYvsFNT, and FCIvsFSC. PCA explained 87% of the total variance and PC1, PC2, PC3, and PC4 accounted for 33, 21, 20, and 13% of the variance, respectively, and correlated with TSCA, TH, TY and FNT; with FNT, CL and FS; with FSC and FCI; and with TH and SI, respectively. In conclusion, our study provides useful tree property data on prospective mutants/cultivars for growers/advisors in order to select the most suitable cultivars for establishing new orchards under climate conditions similar to central Europe.
Ethnic disparities in mortality among overweight or obese adults with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Iyen B. , Vinogradova Y. , Akyea R. K. , Weng S. , Qureshi N. , Kai J.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Ethnic variation in risk of type 2 diabetes is well established, but its impact on mortality is less well understood. This study investigated the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality associated with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes in White, Asian and Black adults who were overweight or obese.

Methods

This population-based cohort study used primary care records from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink, linked with secondary care and death registry records. A total of 193,528 obese or overweight adults (BMI of 25 or greater), with ethnicity records and no pre-existing type 2 diabetes were identified between 01 January 1995 and 20 April 2018. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression estimated hazards ratios (HR) for incident type 2 diabetes in different ethnic groups. Adjusted hazards ratios for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were determined in individuals with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

Results

During follow-up (median 9.8 years), the overall incidence rate of type 2 diabetes (per 1,000 person-years) was 20.10 (95% CI 19.90–20.30). Compared to Whites, type 2 diabetes risk was 2.2-fold higher in Asians (HR 2.19 (2.07–2.32)) and 30% higher in Blacks (HR 1.34 (1.23–1.46)). In individuals with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, the rates (per 1,000 person-years) of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality were 24.34 (23.73–24.92) and 4.78 (4.51–5.06), respectively. Adjusted hazards ratios for mortality were significantly lower in Asians (HR 0.70 (0.55–0.90)) and Blacks (HR 0.71 (0.51–0.98)) compared to Whites, and these differences in mortality risk were not explained by differences in severity of hyperglycaemia.

Conclusions/Interpretation

Type 2 diabetes risk in overweight and obese adults is greater in Asian and Black compared to White ethnic populations, but mortality is significantly higher in the latter. Greater attention to optimising screening, disease and risk management appropriate to all communities with type 2 diabetes is needed.
Long-term benefits of targeted micronutrition with the holoBLG lozenge in house dust mite allergic patients
Authors: Bergmann Karl-Christian , Raab Jennifer , Krause Linda , Becker Sylvia , Kugler Sebastian , Zuberbier Torsten , Roth-Walter Franziska , Jensen-Jarolim Erika , Kramer Matthias F. , Graessel Anke
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The long-term effects of targeted micronutrition with the holoBLG lozenge in house dust mite (HDM) allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) patients were evaluated at a follow-up visit in an allergen exposure chamber (AEC).

Methods

Patients who were supplemented for 3‑months with the holoBLG lozenge in a previous study with two controlled HDM-AEC challenges [visits: V1, V3] were recruited for a third AEC challenge (V5) 7–8 months after cessation of supplementation. Symptoms (nose, conjunctival, bronchial, others), well-being, and lung function parameters were recorded exactly as in the previous study. Primary endpoint was change in median Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) at V5 compared to V1. Secondary endpoints included e.g. change in median Total Symptom Score (TSS) and the exploratory analysis of temporal evolution of symptom scores using linear mixed effects models.

Results

Of the 32 patients included in the original study, 27 could be recruited for the follow-up visit with a third AEC challenge. An improvement of 20% (p = 0.15) in the primary endpoint TNSS [V1: 2.5 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1–4), V5: 2.0 (IQR: 1–3)] was observed; 40% (p = 0.04) improvement was seen for the TSS [V1: 5.0 (IQR: 3–9), V5: 3.0 (IQR: 2–5.5)]. Analysis of temporal evolution of all symptom scores, and the personal well-being revealed sustained, clinically meaningful improvement at V5 compared to V1. No relevant lung function parameter differences were observed.

Conclusions

Sustained long-term reduction of TNSS (primary endpoint) and sustained long-term improvement of secondary endpoints (temporal evolution of all symptom scores and well-being) were demonstrated 7–8 months after cessation of holoBLG supplementation, indicative of a long-lasting nature of immune resilience induced by holoBLG.

Trial registration

The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04872868).
Polynomials of Least Deviation from Zero in Sobolev p-Norm
Authors: Díaz-González Abel , Pijeira-Cabrera Héctor , Quintero-Roba Javier
Published: January 2022

The first part of this paper complements previous results on characterization of polynomials of least deviation from zero in Sobolev p-norm ($$1<p<\infty $$

1
<
p
<
∞

) for the case $$p=1$$

p
=
1

. Some relevant examples are indicated. The second part deals with the location of zeros of polynomials of least deviation in discrete Sobolev p-norm. The asymptotic distribution of zeros is established on general conditions. Under some order restriction in the discrete part, we prove that the n-th polynomial of least deviation has at least $$n-\mathbf {d}^*$$

n
-

d

∗

zeros on the convex hull of the support of the measure, where $$\mathbf {d}^*$$

d

∗

denotes the number of terms in the discrete part.
Genome Assembly of Alfalfa Cultivar Zhongmu-4 and Identification of SNPs Associated with Agronomic Traits
Authors: Long Ruicai , Zhang Fan , Zhang Zhiwu , Li Mingna , Chen Lin , Wang Xue , Liu Wenwen , Zhang Tiejun , Yu Long-Xi , He Fei , Jiang Xueqian , Yang Xijiang , Yang Changfu , Wang Zhen , Kang Junmei , Yang Qingchuan
Published: January 2022

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is the most important legume forage crop worldwide with high nutritional value and yield. For a long time, the breeding of alfalfa was hampered by lacking reliable information on the autotetraploid genome and molecular markers linked to important agronomic traits. We herein reported the de novo assembly of the allele-aware chromosome-level genome of Zhongmu-4, a cultivar widely cultivated in China, and a comprehensive database of genomic variations based on resequencing of 220 germplasms. Approximate 2.74 Gb contigs (N50 of 2.06 Mb), accounting for 88.39% of the estimated genome, were assembled, and 2.56 Gb contigs were anchored to 32 pseudo-chromosomes. A total of 34,922 allelic genes were identified from the allele-aware genome. We observed the expansion of gene families, especially those related to the nitrogen metabolism, and the increase of repetitive elements including transposable elements, which probably resulted in the increase of Zhongmu-4 genome compared with Medicago truncatula. Population structure analysis revealed that the accessions from Asia and South America had relatively lower genetic diversity than those from Europe, suggesting that geography may influence alfalfa genetic divergence during local adaption. Genome-wide association studies identified 101 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with 27 agronomic traits. Two candidate genes were predicted to be correlated with fall dormancy and salt response. We believe that the allele-aware chromosome-level genome sequence of Zhongmu-4 combined with the resequencing data of the diverse alfalfa germplasms will facilitate genetic research and genomics-assisted breeding in variety improvement of alfalfa.
Foot-Launched Flying Sport Fatalities in the Canton of Berne, Switzerland
Authors: Soldati Fabio O. , Jackowski Christian , Schön Corinna A.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Foot-launched flying sports such as paragliding, hang gliding, and speedflying are popular recreational activities that all pose a significant risk of accidents resulting in injuries or fatalities. We describe the epidemiology, incident circumstances, and findings of forensic examinations of fatalities in these sports.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, we analyzed different parameters of paragliding, hang gliding, and speedflying fatalities in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, between 2000 and 2018. The data sources were police reports, forensic medical reports, the Swiss Hang Gliding Association, and the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention.

Results

In the given period, 40 incidents resulting in 42 fatalities were recorded (2 incidents involved 2-seaters). Three of the 40 incidents did not fulfill the inclusion criteria and were excluded. The deadliest phase was midflight. Collapse of the glider (n=9; 36%) was the leading cause of accidents among paraglider pilots. Multiple trauma (n=21; 54%) was the most frequent cause of death. In the forensic examination, all deaths (n=39) were assessed as accidents.

Conclusions

The different categories of foot-launched flying sports varied in the causes of accidents and deaths. Fatalities in speedflying involved young pilots exposing themselves to high-risk situations. Fatalities may be prevented by enhancing education and training and promoting a cautious attitude among pilots.
Roadblock Politics
Authors: Schouten Peer
Published: January 2022

There are so many roadblocks in Central Africa that it is hard to find a road that does not have one. Based on research in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Central African Republic (CAR), Peer Schouten maps more than a thousand of these roadblocks to show how communities, rebels and state security forces forge resistance and power out of control over these narrow points of passage. Schouten reveals the connections between these roadblocks in Central Africa and global supply chains, tracking the flow of multinational corporations and UN agencies alike through them, to show how they encapsulate a form of power, which thrives under conditions of supply chain capitalism. In doing so, he develops a new lens through which to understand what drives state formation and conflict in the region, offering a radical alternative to explanations that foreground control over minerals, territory or population as key drivers of Central Africa's violent history.
Should You Believe Wikipedia?
Authors: Bruckman Amy S.
Published: January 2022

As we interact online we are creating new kinds of knowledge and community. How are these communities formed? How do we know whether to trust them as sources of information? In other words, Should we believe Wikipedia? This book explores what community is, what knowledge is, how the internet facilitates new kinds of community, and how knowledge is shaped through online collaboration and conversation. Along the way the author tackles issues such as how we represent ourselves online and how this shapes how we interact, why there is so much bad behavior online and what we can do about it. And the most important question of all: What can we as internet users and designers do to help the internet to bring out the best in us all?
GATT Dispute Settlement Reports
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: January 2022

GATT Dispute Settlement Reports compiles all dispute settlement reports issued under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT 1947), including its Tokyo Round plurilateral codes, from 1948 to 1995. This compilation includes both adopted and unadopted reports.The GATT documents containing the reports are reproduced in English in their original form and without any modifications. They are presented in chronological order based on the initiation date of the dispute, with each case identified by a unique GATT dispute (GD) number. A cover page for each dispute provides the report's adoption status, the date it was issued and any GATT or WTO disputes directly related to the dispute in question. At the end of each volume, there is a list of all GATT dispute settlement reports contained within the series, with references to the relevant volume and page numbers.
Slaveries of the First Millennium
Authors: Rotman Youval
Published: January 2022

In a world where princesses found themselves enslaved, kidnapped boys became army generals, and biblical Joseph was a role model, this book narrates the formation of the Middle Ages from the point of view of slavery, and outlines a new approach to enhance our understanding of modern forms of enslavement. Offering an analysis of recent scholarship and an array of sources, never before studied together, from distinct societies and cultures of the first millennium, it challenges the traditional dichotomy between ancient and medieval slaveries. Revealing the dynamic, versatile, and adaptable character of slavery it presents an innovative definition of slavery as a historical process.