bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the nonlinear Hadamard-type integro-differential equation
Authors: Li Chenkuan
Published: March 2021

This paper studies uniqueness of solutions for a nonlinear Hadamard-type integro-differential equation in the Banach space of absolutely continuous functions based on Babenko’s approach and Banach’s contraction principle. We also include two illustrative examples to demonstrate the use of main theorems.
The waveform inversion of mainshock and aftershock data of the 2006 M6.3 Yogyakarta earthquake
Authors: Saputra Hijrah , Wahyudi Wahyudi , Suardi Iman , Anggraini Ade , Suryanto Wiwit
Published: March 2021

This study comprehensively investigates the source mechanisms associated with the mainshock and aftershocks of the Mw = 6.3 Yogyakarta earthquake which occurred on May 27, 2006. The process involved using moment tensor inversion to determine the fault plane parameters and joint inversion which were further applied to understand the spatial and temporal slip distributions during the earthquake. Moreover, coseismal slip distribution was overlaid with the relocated aftershock distribution to determine the stress field variations around the tectonic area. Meanwhile, the moment tensor inversion made use of near-field data and its Green’s function was calculated using the extended reflectivity method while the joint inversion used near-field and teleseismic body wave data which were computed using the Kikuchi and Kanamori methods. These data were filtered through a trial-and-error method using a bandpass filter with frequency pairs and velocity models from several previous studies. Furthermore, the Akaike Bayesian Information Criterion (ABIC) method was applied to obtain more stable inversion results and different fault types were discovered. Strike–slip and dip-normal were recorded for the mainshock and similar types were recorded for the 8th aftershock while the 9th and 16th June were strike slips. However, the fault slip distribution from the joint inversion showed two asperities. The maximum slip was 0.78 m with the first asperity observed at 10 km south/north of the mainshock hypocenter. The source parameters discovered include total seismic moment M0 = 0.4311E + 19 (Nm) or Mw = 6.4 with a depth of 12 km and a duration of 28 s. The slip distribution overlaid with the aftershock distribution showed the tendency of the aftershock to occur around the asperities zone while a normal oblique focus mechanism was found using the joint inversion.
Correction to: Synthetic analysis of the efficacy of the S-net system in tsunami forecasting
Authors: Mulia Iyan E. , Satake Kenji
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Investigations on the general properties of biomass-based aldehyde tanned sheep fur for its selective post-tanning processing
Authors: Ding Wei , Wang Ya-nan , Zhou Jianfei , Liu Haiteng , Pang Xiaoyan , Shi Bi
Published: March 2021

Dialdehyde sodium alginate (DSA) is an alternative chrome-free tanning material for fur production. To obtain satisfactory resultant fur and provide suggestions for the usage of DSA in fur making, the general properties of DSA tanned sheep fur were systematically investigated. The tanning mechanism of DSA was analyzed and it was verified that DSA was mainly combined with collagen fiber by forming Schiff base covalent bonds while supplemented by a small number of hydrogen bonds and ionic bonds. Due to the acid sensitivity of Schiff base structure, DSA tanned fur had poor resistance to acid rinsing but had excellent resistance to washing and good fatliquoring performance. Also, it had good resistances to yellowing and reductant. After being retanned by chrome tanning agent, the fur was capable of enduring a high-temperature dyeing process (68 °C for 8 h). Overall, DSA tanned sheep fur had favorable properties under appropriate post-tanning processing conditions to manufacture light-colored or dark-colored fur products with desirable physical properties.

Graphical abstract
Breast Cancer Research to Support Evidence-Based Medicine in Nigeria: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Fatiregun Omolara A. , Oluokun Temiloluwa , Lasebikan Nwamaka N. , Nwachukwu Emmanuella , Ibraheem Abiola A. , Olopade Olufunmilayo
Published: March 2021

PURPOSE

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide. In Nigeria, it accounts for 22.7% of all new cancer cases among women. Evidence-based medicine (EBM) entails using the results from healthcare research to enhance the clinical decision-making process and develop evidence-based treatment guidelines. Level 1 and 2 studies, such as randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials, yield more robust types of evidence. This study reviewed the levels of evidence of breast cancer publications in Nigeria.

METHODS

We conducted an electronic literature search of all studies published on breast cancer in Nigeria from January 1961 to August 2019. We reviewed all the articles found under the search term “Breast Cancer in Nigeria” on medical databases.

RESULTS

Our search identified 2,242 publications. One thousand two hundred fifty duplicates were removed, and 520 were excluded. A total of 472 articles were considered eligible for this review. Most of these articles were case series or reports (30.7%), qualitative studies (15.7%), followed by cross-sectional studies (13.3%), laboratory studies (12.9%), case-control studies (6.1%), case reports (7%), and cohort (5.7%).

CONCLUSION

Breast cancer research in Nigeria is yet to produce much evidence of the types considered to best support EBM. The scarcity of data hampers the implementation of EBM in Nigeria. Currently, most treatment guidelines are adapted from those developed in other countries, despite genetic differences among populations and different environmental influencing factors.
Prenatal Exposure to Butyl Paraben Is Associated With Fat Percentage in 7-Year-Old Boys
Authors: Højsager Frederik Damsgaard , Kyhl Henriette Boye , Frederiksen Hanne , Juul Anders , Andersson Anna-Maria , Andersen Marianne Skovsager , Grøntved Anders , Jensen Tina Kold
Published: March 2021

Context

Parabens are used as preservatives in consumer products but are suspected of having endocrine-disrupting properties. A recent study reported an association between in utero exposure to butyl paraben and overweight in childhood, with a stronger trend in girls.

Objective

We therefore studied the association between parabens in maternal urine in third trimester and fat percentage in children aged 7 years.

Design, Setting, and Participants

We used data from the Odense Child Cohort, a mother-child cohort with enrollment from 2010 to 2012, in which the children are followed. Paraben concentration was assessed in maternal urine at median gestational week 28.7 and body composition measured as total, gynoid, and android fat percentages assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry in their children at age 7 years.

Main Outcome Measurements

Total, gynoid, and android fat percentages and z-score for body mass index.

Interventions

None.

Results

Paraben exposure was low. In multivariate linear regressions, detection of butylparaben in maternal urine was associated with an increase of 17% [95% confidence intervals (CI) 3.0%, 32%] in total body fat percentage and an increase of 23% (95% CI 5.1%, 43%) in android fat percentage in boys, compared to boys whose mother had no detectable butylparaben in urine. No significant associations between in utero exposure to methyl-, ethyl- or propyl parabens and body composition were found, and no significant associations were seen in girls.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that parabens, which are believed to have low toxicity, may affect obesity development at vulnerable time periods during development.
From Guerrilla Girls to Zainabs
Authors: Gordon Arielle
Published: March 2021

Scholars have long accounted for representations of women in the Iranian Revolution by categorically classifying them as “devout mothers” or “heroic sisters,” embodied respectively in the Shiʾi archetypes of Fatima and Zainab. However, a closer look at images of militant women finds them residing within the traditions of their time, as part and parcel of an era of liberation movements in which the idiom of the female fighter featured prominently. This article takes a transnational look at tropes of women’s militancy and traces how they filtered into Iranian revolutionary culture. Finally, it contends that only with the consolidation of Khomeini’s power and the start of the Iran-Iraq War is this figure renamed Zainab and sustained as a central icon of the Islamic Republic.
Documenting the Dead
Authors: Nault Curran
Published: March 2021

Call Her Ganda (dir. PJ Raval, 2018) chronicles the murder of transpinay Jennifer Laude by a US marine, and the subsequent court case. This essay draws from theories of necropolitics and hauntology, as well as the author's experience as a documentary producer of Call Her Ganda to raise critical questions about the representation of trans death, and to reflect on the possibilities and limitations of documentary as a trans activist tool. In doing so, the author lays out a looping logic as a parallel proposition to the vortical violences of colonization and transmisogny. This loop begins with the film's apparitional aesthetics, which rouse contemplation of the trans activisms that survive in the wake of trans death, and it continues with the film's activating address and impact campaign. I posit that such efforts can feed back into the communities from which a documentary has been extricated, working through/against the othering and exploitation endemic to documentary practice.
Mammalian primordial germ cell specification
Authors: Hancock Grace V. , Wamaitha Sissy E. , Peretz Lior , Clark Amander T.
Published: March 2021

The peri-implantation window of mammalian development is the crucial window for primordial germ cell (PGC) specification. Whereas pre-implantation dynamics are relatively conserved between species, the implantation window marks a stage of developmental divergence between key model organisms, and thus potential variance in the cell and molecular mechanisms for PGC specification. In humans, PGC specification is very difficult to study in vivo. To address this, the combined use of human and nonhuman primate embryos, and stem cell-based embryo models are essential for determining the origin of PGCs, as are comparative analyses to the equivalent stages of mouse development. Understanding the origin of PGCs in the peri-implantation embryo is crucial not only for accurate modeling of this essential process using stem cells, but also in determining the role of global epigenetic reprogramming upon which sex-specific differentiation into gametes relies.
The S.P.A.C.E Hypothesis: Physical Activity as Medium — Not Medicine — for Public Health Impact
Authors: Bustamante Eduardo Esteban , Ramer Jared Donald , Santiago-Rodríguez María Enid , Mehta Tara Gisela , Bustamante Andres Sebastian , Marquez David X. , Frazier Stacy Lynn
Published: March 2021

Most scientifically tested physical activity interventions end when research funding ends; interventions that last struggle to sustain benefits. We hypothesize that long-term public health impact will benefit from a shift in how interventionists conceptualize physical activity — from a form of medicine, of value for its innate health benefits, to a malleable medium, of value for the dynamic contexts it creates.
Arts-based interventions for people living with dementia: Measuring ‘in the moment’ wellbeing with the Canterbury Wellbeing Scales
Authors: Strohmaier Sarah , Homans Karl M. , Hulbert Sabina , Crutch Sebastian J. , Brotherhood Emilie V. , Harding Emma , Camic Paul M.
Published: March 2021

Background: There is growing acknowledgement for the need to move beyond exclusive biomedical understandings of dementia and also focus on how to improve the lives and wellbeing of people living with dementia. A mounting body of research advocates for the benefits of arts-based interventions for this population. The purpose of this study was to explore the links between multiple components of arts-based interventions and subjective wellbeing in order to help assess if these activities might contribute to meaningful community-based dementia care initiatives.

Methods: Using previously collected data across different intervention sites, a within- and between- participants design was used that assessed wellbeing through the Canterbury Wellbeing Scales (CWS) in people with mild-to-moderate dementias (N = 201) who participated in various community arts-based interventions (ABI). Data were analysed using non-parametric statistical analyses and bootstrapped moderation models.

Results: Increases in subjective wellbeing were associated with all forms of ABI. Co-creative sessions significantly strengthened the relationship between number of sessions attended and overall wellbeing as well as optimism. No significant moderating effect was observed between number of sessions attended and carer presence.

Conclusions: In the largest study of its kind to date to assess wellbeing using arts activities in a community-based dementia sample, findings support the use and acceptability of the CWS as a measurement tool for people with early-to-middle stages of dementia and suggest that the CWS can reliably measure wellbeing in this population. In addition, the positive effect of arts-based interactions on specific aspects of wellbeing were found, which provide a better understanding of the conditions under which these effects can be prolonged and sustained. Further research is needed to better understand the environmental, social, and psychological mechanisms through which these improvements operate.
FORMATION OF THE INTONATIVE SIDE OF SPEECH IN YOUNGER PUPILS WITH GENERAL SPEECH LIFE IN THE STRUCTURE OF CORRECTION OF TYPOLOGICAL WRITING DISTURBANCES
Authors: Larina E.A.
Published: March 2021

В представленной монографии на основе обширного теоретического материала обсуждается проблема изучения суперсегментного уровня языка; анализируется влияние несформированности интонационной стороны речи на усвоение письма у детей младшего школьного возраста с общим недоразвитием речи (ОНР); раскрывается логопедическая технология формирования интонационной выразительности речи как эффективного педагогического средства коррекции типологических ошибок письма у школьников с общим недоразвитием речи. Теоретические проблемы рассмотрены автором с позиции собственного научно-практического опыта работы. Данная книга предназначена для специалистов в области патологии речи, студентов высших учебных заведений, обучаю-щихся по специальности «Логопедия».
Lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual functioning in patients with depression
Authors: Przydacz Mikolaj , Golabek Tomasz , Skalski Michal , Sobanski Jerzy , Choragwicki Dominik , Klasa Katarzyna , Pyrkosz Pawel , Dudek Dominika , Chlosta Piotr
Published: March 2021

Cel pracy

W literaturze wykazano związek między depresją a funkcjonowaniem seksualnym. Nadal jednak nie wiadomo, czy u osób z depresją, objawy dolnych dróg moczowych (ang. Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, LUTS) współistnieją z zaburzeniami seksualnymi (ang. Sexual Dysfunction, SD) oraz czy z nimi korelują. Pacjenci z depresją stanowią wyjątkową populację ze względu na możliwy dwukierunkowy związek między SD a depresją, a także LUTS i depresją. Zatem celem tego eksperymentu było zbadanie u pacjentów z depresją zależności między stopniem nasilenia depresji, SD i LUTS.

Metoda

W tym przekrojowym badaniu przeanalizowano dane dotyczące depresji, funkcjonowania seksualnego oraz LUTS u pacjentów leczonych w oddziale psychiatrii dorosłych naszego szpitala. Zastosowano skalę oceny depresji Hamiltona, międzynarodowy wskaźnik funkcji erekcyjnej (IIEF), wskaźnik funkcjonowania seksualnego kobiet (FSFI) i międzynarodowy wskaźnik objawów towarzyszących chorobom prostaty (IPSS).

Wyniki

Stu dwóch pacjentów ze zdiagnozowaną i leczoną depresją zostało włączonych do badania. Stwierdzono wysoką częstość występowania SD (60,8%), a SD korelowało ze stopniem nasilenia depresji. LUTS były również bardzo rozpowszechnione, a 86% uczestników zgłaszało co najmniej łagodne nasilenie LUTS. Pomimo tego, że LUTS i SD współistniały u wielu pacjentów, w naszej kohorcie nie znaleźliśmy istotnej statystycznie różnic między LUTS i SD.

Wnioski

W naszej grupie pacjentów, u których zdiagnozowano i leczono depresję, nasilenie depresji miało negatywny wpływ na funkcjonowanie seksualne. Chociaż pomiędzy LUTS i SD nie było istotnych statystycznie różnic, współistniały one u wielu pacjentów. Dlatego LUTS i SD powinny być nadal wspólnie oceniane u pacjentów z depresją.
Graph Signal Processing Techniques for Analyzing Aviation Disruptions
Authors: Li Max Z. , Gopalakrishnan Karthik , Pantoja Kristyn , Balakrishnan Hamsa
Published: March 2021

Understanding the characteristics of air-traffic delays and disruptions is critical for developing ways to mitigate their significant economic and environmental impacts. Conventional delay-performance metrics reflect only the magnitude of incurred flight delays at airports; in this work, we show that it is also important to characterize the spatial distribution of delays across a network of airports. We analyze graph-supported signals, leveraging techniques from spectral theory and graph-signal processing to compute analytical and simulation-driven bounds for identifying outliers in spatial distribution. We then apply these methods to the case of airport-delay networks and demonstrate the applicability of our methods by analyzing U.S. airport delays from 2008 through 2017. We also perform an airline-specific analysis, deriving insights into the delay dynamics of individual airline subnetworks. Through our analysis, we highlight key differences in delay dynamics between different types of disruptions, ranging from nor’easters and hurricanes to airport outages. We also examine delay interactions between airline subnetworks and the system-wide network and compile an inventory of outlier days that could guide future aviation operations and research. In doing so, we demonstrate how our approach can provide operational insights in an air-transportation setting. Our analysis provides a complementary metric to conventional aviation-delay benchmarks and aids airlines, traffic-flow managers, and transportation-system planners in quantifying off-nominal system performance.
The Formation of the Ability to Combine Various Technological Methods of Laboratory Research of Future Laboratory Assistants
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Stepanenko Viacheslav
Published: March 2021

The article defines the main components of the formation of the ability to combine various technological methods of laboratory research as a special competence that has to be mastered by students of the speciality “Technologies of Medical Diagnostics and Treatment” in the process of training. The combination is presented as the implementation of an action or a series of actions aimed at transforming the existing set of objects into a system that meets the requirements of the task. Its scientific and theoretical, and practical blocks are revealed. It is noted that the scientific and theoretical block of combination consists of scientific approaches and principles, complex combined research methods, and the practical block embraces various methods, techniques and laboratory research technologies. Attention is drawn to the fact that in the process of training of future laboratory assistants it is important to form their understanding that when diagnosing certain diseases of the body one cannot be limited to only one method, but it is necessary to combine various methods and research techniques. The role of synchronous and asynchronous forms of organization of training in the formation of the ability of students of the speciality “Technologies of Medical Diagnostics and Treatment” to combine various laboratory research technological methods is indicated. Examples of combining various technological methods of laboratory research are given.
Adult Education in Foreign Languages: Interactive Settings, Models, Practice
Authors:   National Transport University, Sura Nataliya
Published: March 2021

The article dwells upon modern English as a Second Language (ESL) educational settings which are based on innovative technologies modernizing the gist of adult education in a foreign language and containing organizational models of the learning process, founded on the dialectical commonality of ESL methodologies. Program models for ESL education that can be realized at university departments under certain conditions are presented. It has been identified that ESL learning via mobile devices and apps, modern tech and computer-based technologies facilitates the individualistic approach of teaching, encourages mental activity and improves the effectiveness of the learning process. Some elaborations have been made to the statements regarding adult ESL education in the context of computer didactics as an innovative learning system in which the theoretical approaches and practical achievements of such an interdisciplinary branch of knowledge as Artificial Intelligence are realized. The article emphasizes the deep connection between the development of ideas through Artificial Intelligence and the disciplines which presuppose understanding, decision-making, learning i.e. Psychology, Logic, Linguistics. The comparative analysis has been done in order to identify empirical data of questionnaires regarding prioritizing the use of mobile devices, apps, and digital media in the ESL learning process. The analysis serves as a detailed breakdown and evidence of the on-hand teaching experience at universities.
Social and Legal Aspects of Domestic Violence Against Women
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Nesterchuk Viktoriia
Published: March 2021

The article focuses on the problem of domestic violence against women. The main views of scientists on understanding the essence of domestic violence against women are determined. Special attention is paid to the characterization of domestic violence against women in the normative legal documents of the international and state level. Types of domestic violence against women, the main causes and factors of the phenomenon under study are presented. Special features of women who are victims of domestic violence are considered. The main manifestations of domestic violence are characterized. The research highlights the consequences of domestic violence for women and emphasizes the reasons why women conceal the facts of domestic violence. A number of international normative legal documents has been proposed that guarantee the protection of the rights and freedoms of women, and an analysis of the main international standards on the prevention of domestic violence against women has been carried out. The legal documents of Ukraine aimed at preventing and combating domestic violence against women are presented and analysed. The content of articles of normative legal documents protecting the rights of women from domestic violence is highlighted. Much attention is paid to social work aimed at implementing general social and special measures to prevent violence against women. The list of special institutions providing assistance to female victims of domestic violence has been determined. The tasks for improving social and legal activities in order to overcome the problem of domestic violence against women are indicated.
Post COVID-19 mental health: please do not forget severe mental health problems
Authors: Gournay Kevin
Published: March 2021

Kevin Gournay discusses the impact of COVID-19 and those living with severe mental health problems.
Factors relating to working hours restriction that have impacted the professional identity of trainees in the last decade
Authors: Mukherjee Soumya , Meacock James , Kissane Eleanor , Pal Debasish
Published: March 2021

Ever-developing changes to the working hours of junior doctors by the European Working Time Directive, the junior doctor contract of 2019 and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the professional identity of doctors. There has been little investigation into its influence on the multifaceted aspects of postgraduate medical training, which feeds into how trainees consider themselves professionally and the concept of professional identity or ‘being a doctor’. A review of the medical, socio-political and educational literature reveals that the impact on the professional identity development of trainees is influenced by several perspectives from the trainee, trainer and the public. Gross reduction in working hours has no doubt decreased the raw volume of clinical experiences. However, to counteract this, smarter learning processes have evolved, including narrative reflection, supervised learning events, and a greater awareness of coaching and training among trainers.
Research Fields and Challenges to implement Cyber-Physical Production Systems in SMEs: A Literature Review
Authors: Rojas Rafael , Rauch Erwin , Matt Dominik T.
Published: March 2021

Cyber-Physical Production Systems (CPPS) consists of the orchestration
of single intelligent and connected cyber-physical systems (CPS) in order to
perform what we call smart manufacturing. CPS collaborate in an intelligent way
in order to obtain and maintain the optimum of the manufacturing process, handle
disturbances and adapt to changing conditions. It might not be easy for small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to implement such production system
architectures in their shop floor. In this paper, we want to investigate existing
scientific literature through a systematic literature review in order to identify the
main research fields for implementing CPPS in smart SME factories. As a result,
the identified research fields are critically discussed, highlighting those fields that
can be identified as the most difficult challenges for SMEs in the near future and
giving directions for future research activities.
The Effects of Pasteurization Conditions and Storage Time on Microbial Safety, Quality and Antioxidant Properties of Cider from Rose Apple (Syzygium agueum Alston cv. Taaptimjan)
Authors: Techakanon Chukwan , Venkatachalam Karthikeyan
Published: March 2021

The aims of this study were to produce rose apple cider and to compare the quality of cider following different pasteurization conditions. Rose apple (Syzygium agueum Alston cv. Taaptimjan), which is rich in bioactive compounds, was used to produce cider. Cider pasteurization was carried out at 63 ºC for 15 s, or at 71 ºC for 6 s after fermentation. Cider from each pasteurization condition was stored at room temperature (27±1 ºC). Physicochemical, microbial and sensory properties were monitored for three months in the study. The obtained cider (when not pasteurized) had initially 6% alcohol, with soluble solids in the range 4.2-4.3 ºBrix, pH 4.6, and 4.2 g/L titratable acidity. Pasteurization was effective in prolonging shelf life of the cider from 6 to 12 weeks; however, the treatment significantly decreased contents of vitamin C and antioxidants. In the sensory profile of cider pasteurized at 71 ºC, trained panelists perceived it as more sweet, less sour, with less flavor and same intensity of aftertaste, when compared to the control sample. The pasteurization conditions 71 ºC for 6 s gave desirable sensory quality and met microbiology standards for up to three months of storage in ambient conditions.
‘Never more needed’ yet never more stretched: reflections on the role of the voluntary sector during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Thiery Harriet , Cook Joanne , Burchell Jon , Ballantyne Erica , Walkley Fiona , McNeill Jennifer
Published: March 2021

This research note presents the preliminary findings from a study into the mobilisation of volunteers during the coronavirus pandemic. Data gathered from 49 semi-structured interviews with representatives from local authorities (LAs), voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations and mutual aid coordinators offer important insights into the state of the sector at this critical juncture, as we find ourselves in a third national lockdown. The role of the VCS in both strategic responses and on-the-ground community action has accorded it renewed respect and credibility. At the same time, the funding landscape for voluntary organisations is uncertain, demand for services is overwhelming, and staff and volunteers are suffering from fatigue. Our findings highlight the imperative of embedding the lessons of the first national lockdown in 2020 by valuing the sector’s contribution to the emergency effort and retaining its seat at the table, ensuring its role in economic and social recovery.
Simulations of mode-selective photonic lanterns for efficient coupling of starlight into the single-mode regime
Authors: Diab Momen , Tripathi Aashana , Davenport John , Dinkelaker Aline N. , Madhav Kalaga , Roth Martin M.
Published: March 2021

In ground-based astronomy, starlight distorted by the atmosphere couples poorly into single-mode waveguides, but a correction by adaptive optics, even if only partial, can boost coupling into the few-mode regime, allowing the use of photonic lanterns to convert into multiple single-mode beams. Corrected wavefronts result in focal patterns that couple mostly with circularly symmetric waveguide modes. A mode-selective photonic lantern is hence proposed to convert multimode light into a subset of single-mode waveguides of the standard photonic lantern, thereby reducing the required number of outputs. We ran simulations to show that only two out of the six waveguides of a1×6photonic lantern carry>95%of the coupled light to the outputs atD/r0<10if the wavefront is partially corrected and the photonic lantern is made mode selective.
Comparison of diagnostic performances of ten different immunoassays detecting anti-CCHFV IgM and IgG antibodies from acute to subsided phases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever
Authors: Emmerich Petra , von Possel Ronald , Deschermeier Christina , Ahmeti Salih , Berisha Lindita , Halili Bahrije , Jakupi Xhevat , Sherifi Kurtesh , Messing Claudia , Borchardt-Lohölter Viola
Published: March 2021

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) is a geographically widespread tick-borne arbovirus that has been recognized by the WHO as an emerging pathogen needing urgent attention to ensure preparedness for potential outbreaks. Therefore, availability of accurate diagnostic tools for identification of acute cases is necessary.

A panel comprising 121 sequential serum samples collected during acute, convalescent and subsided phase of PCR-proven CCHFV infection from 16 Kosovar patients was used to assess sensitivity. Serum samples from 60 healthy Kosovar blood donors were used to assess specificity. All samples were tested with two IgM/IgG immunofluorescence assays (IFA) from BNITM, the CCHFV Mosaic 2 IgG and IgM indirect immunofluorescence tests (IIFT) from EUROIMMUN, two BlackBox ELISAs for the detection of CCHFV-specific IgM and IgG antibodies (BNITM), two Anti-CCHFV ELISAs IgM and IgG from EUROIMMUN using recombinant structural proteins of CCHFV antigens, and two ELISAs from Vector-Best (IgM: μ-capture ELISA, IgG: indirect ELISA using immobilized CCHFV antigen). Diagnostic performances were compared between methods using sensitivity, specificity, concordance and degree of agreement with particular focus on the phase of the infection.

In early and convalescent phases of infection, the sensitivities for detecting specific IgG antibodies differed for the ELISA test. The BlackBox IgG ELISA yielded the highest, followed by the EUROIMMUN IgG ELISA and finally the VectorBest IgG ELISA with the lowest sensitivities. In the subsided phase, the VectorBest IgM ELISA detected a high rate of samples that were positive for anti-CCHFV IgM antibodies. Both test systems based on immunofluorescence showed an identical sensitivity for detection of anti-CCHFV IgM antibodies in acute and convalescent phases of infection.

Available serological test systems detect anti-CCHFV IgM and IgG antibodies accurately, but their diagnostic performances vary with respect to the phase of the infection.
Performance for rotor system of hybrid electromagnetic bearing and elastic foil gas bearing with dynamic characteristics analysis under deep learning
Authors: Du Xiangxi , Sun Yanhua
Published: March 2021

The bearing-rotor system is prone to faults during operation, so it is necessary to analyze the dynamic characteristics of the bearing-rotor system to discuss the optimal structure of the convolutional neural network (CNN) in system fault detection and classification. The turbo expander is undertaken as the research object. Firstly, the hybrid magnetic bearing-rotor system is modeled into the form of four stiffness coefficients and four damping coefficients, so as to analyze and explain the dynamic characteristics of the system. Secondly, the ambient pressure is introduced to analyze the dynamic characteristics of the elastic foil gas bearing-rotor system based on the changes in the dynamic stiffness and dynamic damping of the gas bearing. Finally, the CNN is introduced to be applied in the detection of faults of bearing-rotor system through determining the parameters of the constructed CNN. The results show that the displacement of the rotor increases and the stiffness decreases with the acceleration of the speed of the electromagnetic bearing. The maximum displacement of the rotor can reach 135μm, and the maximum stiffness can be reduced to 35×105N/m. Increase of ambient pressure causes enhancement of main stiffness of the gas bearing, and the main damping decreases accordingly. Analysis of the classification accuracy and loss function based on the CNN model shows that the convolution kernel size of 7*1 and the batch size of 128 can realize the best performance of CNN in fault classification. This provides a data support and reference for studying the dynamic characteristics of the bearing-rotor system and for the optimization of CNN structure in fault classification and detection.
Analysis of small and large subunit rDNA introns from several ectomycorrhizal fungi species
Authors: Chen Li-hong , Yan Wei , Wang Ting , Wang Yu , Liu Jian , Yu Zhuo
Published: March 2021

The small (18S) and large (28S) nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) introns have been researched and sequenced in a variety of ectomycorrhizal fungal taxa in this study, it is found that both 18S and 28S rDNA would contain introns and display some degree variation in size, nucleotide sequences and insertion positions within the same fungi species (Meliniomyces). Under investigations among the tested isolates, 18S rDNA has four sites for intron insertions, 28S rDNA has two sites for intron insertions. Both 18S and 28S rDNA introns among the tested isolates belong to group I introns with a set of secondary structure elements designated P1-P10 helics and loops. We found a 12 nt nucleotide sequences TACCACAGGGAT at site 2 in the 3’-end of 28S rDNA, site 2 introns just insert the upstream or the downstream of the12 nt nucleotide sequences. Afters sequence analysis of all 18S and 28S rDNA introns from tested isolates, three high conserved regions around 30 nt nucleotides (conserved 1, conserved 2, conserved 3) and identical nucleotides can be found. Conserved 1, conserved 2 and conserved 3 regions have high GC content, GC percentage is almost more than 60%. From our results, it seems that the more convenient host sites, intron sequences and secondary structures, or isolates for 18S and 28S rDNA intron insertion and deletion, the more popular they are. No matter 18S rDNA introns or 18S rDNA introns among tested isolates, complementary base pairing at the splicing sites in P1-IGS-P10 tertiary helix around 5’-end introns and exons were weak.
Research on grain production efficiency in China’s main grain producing areas from the perspective of financial support
Authors: Zhang Dehua , Wang Haiqing , Lou Sha , Zhong Shen
Published: March 2021

Grain production is vital to the national economy and people’s livelihood, and improving grain production efficiency is of great significance to the sustainable development of China’s economy and society. From the perspective of financial support, using the DEA global Malmquist productivity index model and based on the data of 13 main grain producing areas in China from 2001 to 2017, this paper discusses the evolution characteristics and regional distribution differences of the total factor productivity index of grain production in China’s main grain producing areas. The results show that from 2001 to 2017, the total factor productivity index of grain production in China’s main grain producing areas showed an overall fluctuation trend of gradual decline, with an average annual decline of 7.3%. From the perspective of spatial analysis, the grain production efficiency in China’s main grain producing areas is characterized by uneven spatial development, which is generally manifested as the decreasing trend from the central region to the eastern and western regions. Meanwhile, it can be seen from the decomposition index that the change of total factor productivity of grain production in China’s main grain producing areas mainly depends on the change of technical efficiency.
A combined molecular and morphological phylogeny of the Loricariinae (Siluriformes: Loricariidae), with emphasis on the Harttiini and Farlowellini
Authors: Londoño-Burbano Alejandro , Reis Roberto E.
Published: March 2021

We present a combined molecular and morphological phylogenetic analysis of the Loricariinae, with emphasis on the Harttiini (Cteniloricaria,Harttia, andHarttiella) and Farlowellini (Aposturisoma,Farlowella,Lamontichthys,Pterosturisoma,Sturisoma, andSturisomatichthys). Character sampling comprised seven molecular markers (the mitochondrial Cytb, nd2, 12S and 16S, and the nuclear MyH6, RAG1 and RAG2) and 196 morphological characters. A total of 1,059 specimens, and 159 tissue samples were analized, representing 100 species. A Bayesian Inference analysis was performed using the concatenated data matrix, which is comprised of 6,819 characters. The Loricariinae were found to comprise the tribes (Hartiini (Loricariini, Farlowellini)), the latter two elevated from subtribes. A Maximum Parsimony analysis was also performed using the same data matrix in order to reveal phenotypical synapomorphies to diagnose each clade. Two MP trees were found with a length of 14,704 steps, consistency index of 0.29 and retention index of 0.61, which were summarized in a strict consensus tree. Harttiini includes (Harttiella(Cteniloricaria,Harttia), and Farlowellini includes (Lamontichthys(Pterosturisoma(Sturisoma(Sturisomatichthys,Farlowella)))).Aposturisomawas recovered nested withinFarlowellaand is synonymyzed to the latter.Sturisomawas corroborated as strictly cis-Andean, whileSturisomatichthysencompasses, besides the valid species already included in the genus, the trans-Andean species once belonging toSturisoma sensu lato. Identification keys and phylogenetic diagnoses of family-group taxa and genera of both the Harttiini and the Farlowellini are provided.
Cardiovascular dysautonomia in Achalasia Patients: Blood pressure and heart rate variability alterations
Authors: Rivera Ana Leonor , Estañol Bruno , Macias-Gallardo Julio J. , Delgado-Garcia Guillermo , Fossion Ruben , Frank Alejandro , Torres-Villalobos Gonzalo M.
Published: March 2021

Achalasia is a disease characterized by the inability to relax the esophageal sphincter due to a degeneration of the parasympathetic ganglion cells located in the wall of the thoracic esophagus. Achalasia has been associated with extraesophageal dysmotility, suggesting alterations of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that extend beyond the esophagus. The purpose of the present contribution is to investigate whether achalasia may be interpreted as the esophageal manifestation of a more generalized disturbance of the ANS which includes alterations of heart rate and/or blood pressure. Therefore simultaneous non-invasive records of the heart inter-beat intervals (IBI) and beat-to-beat systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 14 patients (9 female, 5 male) with achalasia were compared with the records of 34 rigorously screened healthy control subjects (17 female, 17 male) in three different conditions: supine, standing up, and controlled breathing at 0.1 Hz, using a variety of measures in the time and spectral domains. Significant differences in heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure variability (BPV) were observed which seem to be due to cardiovagal damage to the heart, i.e., a failure of the ANS, as expected according to our hypothesis. This non-invasive methodology can be employed as an auxiliary clinical protocol to study etiology and evolution of achalasia, and other pathologies that damage ANS.
Reliability of dried blood spot (DBS) cards in antibody measurement: A systematic review
Authors: Amini Fahimah , Auma Erick , Hsia Yingfen , Bilton Sam , Hall Tom , Ramkhelawon Laxmee , Heath Paul T. , Le Doare Kirsty
Published: March 2021

Background

Increasingly, vaccine efficacy studies are being recommended in low-and-middle-income countries (LMIC), yet often facilities are unavailable to take and store infant blood samples correctly. Dried blood spots (DBS), are useful for collecting blood from infants for diagnostic purposes, especially in low-income settings, as the amount of blood required is miniscule and no refrigeration is required. Little is known about their utility for antibody studies in children. This systematic review aims to investigate the correlation of antibody concentrations against infectious diseases in DBS in comparison to serum or plasma samples that might inform their use in vaccine clinical trials.

Methods and findings

We searched MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane library for relevant studies between January 1990 to October 2020 with no language restriction, using PRISMA guidelines, investigating the correlation between antibody concentrations in DBS and serum or plasma samples, and the effect of storage temperature on DBS diagnostic performance.

We included 40 studies in this systematic review. The antibody concentration in DBS and serum/plasma samples reported a good pooled correlation, (r2= 0.86 (ranged 0.43 to 1.00)). Ten studies described a decline of antibody after 28 days at room temperature compared to optimal storage at -20°C, where antibodies were stable for up to 200 days. There were only five studies of anti-bacterial antibodies.

Conclusions

There is a good correlation between antibody concentrations in DBS and serum/plasma samples, supporting the wider use of DBS in vaccine and sero-epidemiological studies, but there is limited data on anti-bacterial antibodies. The correct storage of DBS is critical and may be a consideration for longer term storage.
A Rasch analysis of emerging adults’ health motivation questionnaire in higher education context
Authors: An Min , Yu Xiaofei
Published: March 2021

Objective

The College Students’ Health Motivation Questionnaire (CSHM-Q) is used to measure motivation for a healthy lifestyle among emerging adults. This study sought to validate the CSHM-Q using the Rasch measurement model.

Methods

322 participants were recruited based on a convenience sampling method. The Rasch analysis was carried out using the RUMM2030 software.

Results

Local item dependency was accommodated using the ‘super item’ approach. Disordered thresholds were resolved by collapsing some response options. After modification, each component of the CSHM-Q showed acceptable overall fit, item and person fit, internal consistency, and targeting. Unidimensionality was supported at the subscale level. Items did not exhibit disordered threshold, local item dependency, or differential item functioning. Transforming tables were also created to help convert the raw score into an interval scale.

Conclusions

Results of the Rasch analysis supported the interval scale measurement properties of the CSHM-Q and offered health education researchers an instrument to measure emerging adults’ health motivation in the higher education context.
Application of xCELLigence real-time cell analysis to the microplate assay for pertussis toxin induced clustering in CHO cells
Authors: Bernardo Lidice , Corallo Lucas , Caterini Judy , Su Jin , Gisonni-Lex Lucy , Gajewska Beata
Published: March 2021

The microplate assay with Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells is currently used as a safety test to monitor the residual pertussis toxin (PT) amount in acellular pertussis antigens prior to vaccine formulation. The assay is based on the findings that the exposure of CHO cells to PT results in a concentration-dependent clustering response which can be used to estimate the amount of PT in a sample preparation. A major challenge with the current CHO cell assay methodology is that scoring of PT-induced clustering is dependent on subjective operator visual assessment using light microscopy. In this work, we have explored the feasibility of replacing the microscopy readout for the CHO cell assay with the xCELLigence Real-Time Cell Analysis system (ACEA BioSciences, a part of Agilent). The xCELLigence equipment is designed to monitor cell adhesion and growth. The electrical impedance generated from cell attachment and proliferation is quantified via gold electrodes at the bottom of the cell culture plate wells, which is then translated into a unitless readout called cell index. Results showed significant decrease in the cell index readouts of CHO cells exposed to PT compared to the cell index of unexposed CHO cells. Similar endpoint concentrations were obtained when the PT reference standard was titrated with either xCELLigence or microscopy. Testing genetically detoxified pertussis samples unspiked or spiked with PT further supported the sensitivity and reproducibility of the xCELLigence assay in comparison with the conventional microscopy assay. In conclusion, the xCELLigence RTCA system offers an alternative automated and higher throughput method for evaluating PT-induced clustering in CHO cells.
Empathic responses to social targets: The influence of warmth and competence perceptions, situational valence, and social identification
Authors: Aue Tatjana , Bührer Stephanie , Mayer Boris , Dricu Mihai
Published: March 2021

Accounts of empathy distinguish between cognitive (attribution of mental states to a social target) and emotional (sharing of emotions with a social target) empathy. To date, however, little is known about whether and how (interactions between) person perceptions, situational characteristics, and the observer-target relationship affect these constructs. The current study hence investigated (a) how the perceived warmth and competence of different social targets relate to both types of empathy, (b) whether there are differences in empathic responding to positive vs. negative scenarios, and (c) the impact of identification with the social targets. Eighty-nine participants rated cognitive and emotional empathy regarding four stereotypical target characters (student, elderly person, businessperson, alcoholic person) facing diverse positive and negative events. They also rated how warm and competent these characters appeared to them and how strongly they identified with the social targets. Results for cognitive and emotional empathy were partly overlapping, but demonstrated several significant differences, thereby demonstrating the need to investigate the two concepts separately. Notably, stereotypes of warmth predicted both cognitive and emotional empathic responses more strongly in desirable than in undesirable scenarios, which may relate to greater freedom of response to positive (rather than negative) social outcomes permitted by society. Our data show that scenario valence mattered even more for cognitive (than for emotional) empathy because it additionally moderated the effects of perceived competence and social identification. Finally, both cognitive and emotional empathy increased as a positive function of social identification, and social identification moderated effects exerted by perceived warmth and competence (yet differently for the two types of empathy investigated). Together, these findings speak to empathic responses arising from a complex interplay between perceptions (i.e., warmth and competence), scenario valence, and social identification.