bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of 1.2765 DIN steel billet and crack analysis during the forging process using DEFORM 3D software
Authors: Mohan Kumar A. , Parameshwaran R. , Rajasekar R.
Published: March 2021

The plastic deformation behavior of 1.2765 DIN steel during forging process and the feasibility of simulation in the forging of 1.2765 DIN steel at four different temperatures has investigated by using professional plastic distorting software DEFORM 3D v11.0. Additionally, the total load, effective stress, effective strain, and total velocity at four different points of the billet material has been simulated during the upsetting process. The main finding of this study are as follows: 1) during the forging process, the coefficient of friction between the die and the specimen has been influenced more on the flow stress of the material. 2) Effective strain at side edges of the specimen has reduced due to lower recrystallization temperature. 3) Velocity of the particle at side edges has been more due to the unrestricted movement of particles during the forging process. It has also concluded that the particles located at side edges, faces, and near to the top head of the specimen were exceeding stress value compared to allowable stress.
Enhanced performance of microbial electrolysis cells using microstructured electrodes
Authors: Keil T.M. , Windisch D. , Joukov V. , Niedermeier J. , Schulz W. , Albrecht J.
Published: March 2021

A microbial electrolysis cell is set up with the purpose to realize an efficient power‐to‐gas process. Both hydrogen production by electrolysis and biomethanization proceed in the same reactor cell. In particular, the formation of hydrogen bubbles is strongly governed by the surface properties of the used stainless steel electrodes. Here, we introduce surface topography modifications on the micron‐scale to enhance the electrical transport in the cell and support charge conversion into hydrogen. Furthermore, it is analyzed if hydrogen bubble detachment can be supported to form smaller bubbles that can be efficiently converted into methane. A positive influence on the electrical transport is found and explained by a surface‐controlled suppression of bio‐film passivation.
The Effect of Partly Replacing Vegetable Fat with Bovine Milk Fat in Infant Formula on Postprandial Lipid and Energy Metabolism: A Proof‐of‐principle Study in Healthy Young Male Adults
Authors: Hageman Jeske H.J. , Erdõs Balázs , Keijer Jaap , Adriaens Michiel , de Wit Britt , Stañková Barbora , Tvrzická Eva , Arts Ilja C.W. , Nieuwenhuizen Arie G.
Published: March 2021

Scope

Infant formula (IF) uses besides vegetable fats also bovine milk fat, which differs in triacylglycerol (TAG) structure. Furthermore, it differs in fatty acid (FA) composition. Whether changing fat source in IF affects postprandial energy metabolism, lipemic response, and blood lipid profile is unknown.

Methods and Results

A proof‐of‐principle study, with a randomized controlled double‐blind cross‐over design, is conducted. Twenty healthy male adults consumed drinks with either 100% vegetable fat (VEG) or 67% bovine milk fat and 33% vegetable fat (BOV), on 2 separate days. For a detailed insight in the postprandial responses, indirect calorimetry is performed continuously, and venous blood samples are taken every 30 min, until 5 h postprandially. No differences in postprandial energy metabolism, serum lipids, lipoprotein, or chylomicron concentrations are observed between drinks. After consumption of VEG‐drink, C18:2n‐6 in serum increased. Observed differences in chylomicron FA profile reflect differences in initial FA profile of test drinks. Serum ketone bodies concentrations increase following consumption of BOV‐drink.

Conclusions

The use of bovine milk fat in IF does neither affect postprandial energy metabolism nor lipemic response in healthy adults, but alters postprandial FA profiles and ketone metabolism. Whether the exact same effects occur in infants requires experimental verification.
The Families Improving Health Together (FIT) Program: Initial evaluation of retention and research in a multispecialty clinic for children with obesity
Authors: Rosenbaum Michael , Garofano Robert , Liimatta Kalle , McArthur Kerry , Paul Erin , Starc Thomas , Sopher Aviva B. , Thaker Vidhu , Woo Baidal Jennifer
Published: March 2021

Background

Obesity affects ∼17% of US children, with parallel increases in multiple comorbidities, especially among African‐, Asian‐, Hispanic‐, and Native‐Americans. Barriers to patient retention in pediatric obesity programs include lack of centralized care, and frequent subspecialty MD visits which conflict with patient school attendance and parental work attendance as well as with support service utilization. Lack of integration of multispecialty clinical care with interdisciplinary research is a major barrier to fuller exploration of the treatment, prevention, and understanding of obesity in childhood.

Objective

To test the hypothesis, a novel multispecialty/interdisciplinary clinical and research infrastructure with strong emphasis on a primary obesity care physician for children with early‐onset (<9 years) obesity (Families Improving health Together [FIT]) could promote lower patient attrition (primary goal) and foster productive research in pediatric obesity (secondary goal).

Results

Data support the hypotheses. Over 15 months, FIT reported a >90% participant retention (p < 0.001 vs. expected rate based on other studies of similar programs). Though 90% of children had at least one adiposity‐related comorbidity and 70% had at least two, there was no need for additional subspecialist visits with cardiologists, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, or molecular geneticists. Three abstracts were presented at national meetings, and two manuscripts were published all with junior faculty as primary authors.

Conclusion

This pilot study suggests that an integrated multispecialty/interdisciplinary approach to children with obesity improves patient retention and can be integrated successfully with research.
Proton therapy: A therapeutic opportunity for aggressive pediatric meningioma
Authors: Rombi Barbara , Ruggi Alessandro , Sardi Iacopo , Zucchelli Mino , Scagnet Mirko , Toni Francesco , Cammelli Silvia , Giulietti Giulia , Fabbri Viscardo Paolo , Gianno Francesca , Amichetti Maurizio , Yock Torunn Ingrid , Morganti Alessio Giuseppe , Pession Andrea , Melchionda Fraia
Published: March 2021

Meningiomas are an extremely rare histology among pediatric brain tumors, and there is a shortage of literature on their management. Proton therapy is currently used safely and effectively for many types of both pediatric and adult cancer, and its main advantage is the sparing of healthy tissues from radiation, which could translate in the reduction of late side effects. We review the literature on radiotherapy and proton therapy for pediatric meningiomas and report clinical outcomes for two aggressive pediatric meningiomas we treated with protons. Proton therapy might be a safe and effective therapeutic option for this rare subgroup of tumors.
Preparation and characterization of activated carbon/ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene composites
Authors: Wang Ran , Meng Taotao , Zhang Bowen , Chen Chuchu , Li Dagang
Published: March 2021

This research uses physical mixing and twin‐screw extrusion process to prepare biomass activated carbon (BAC)/ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composite materials. The mechanical properties, micro‐morphology, and thermodynamic properties of the composite materials were explored. The experimental results show that the tensile strength of 65% activated carbon added to the composite material has changed from 22.93 to 97.65 MPa, which is an increase of 325.86%. According to the Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image, a schematic diagram of the internal combination of the composite material is made, the concept of a three‐dimensional network interpenetrating three‐dimensional structure is proposed, and the mechanism of tensile properties enhancement is explained. Obviously, as the carbon content increases, the storage modulus (E′) also increases, and the loss factor (tan δ) and glass transition temperature (Tg) also change. The ability of composite materials to resist pyrolysis has also been enhanced. The above results indicate that BAC as a filler of composite materials can improve various performances.
Improved die assembly for gas‐assisted sheet extrusion using different up and down gas layer thicknesses
Authors: Jiang Shiyu , Liu Hesheng , Huang Xingyuan , Yu Zhong , Wang Ruizhe , Shangguan Yuanshuo
Published: March 2021

Gas‐assisted sheet extrusion is a promising and environment‐friendly method used in polymer processing. Insufficient gas intake due to the adherence of the polymer melt to the inlet gap is a disadvantage of the method. Therefore, in this study an improved die assembly with parallel gas intake was designed. As the melt is prone to falling at the die exit during the horizontal extrusion process, different thickness settings are used for the up and down gas layers (0.25 and 0.75 mm, respectively) to avoid this. For the improved die assembly, the gas inlet pressure may be varied systematically to study the mechanism of stable sheet extrusion. When the gas inlet pressure is 0.1 MPa, the melt can be extruded smoothly, and the extruded sheet surface is transparent and flat. However, when the optimum pressure is exceeded, the extruded sheet becomes twisted or even broken.
Carbon Dots and Stability of Their Optical Properties
Authors: Javed Nasir , O'Carroll Deirdre M.
Published: March 2021

Carbon dots (CDs) are a new class of materials which have been extensively studied due to their unique optical properties, low toxicity, and abundance of raw materials to synthesize them. In this minireview, it is highlighted that the stability of the optical properties of CDs is an important aspect that has received very little attention. While CDs are usually considered to be photostable, several recent reports show they are prone to photobleaching. Studies of blinking, photobleaching, and photoswitching of CDs are reviewed here. It is noted that there is a lack of systematic studies about the photostability of CDs, and efforts are needed to further study this aspect. Furthermore, it is observed that the stability of CDs is somewhat related to their photoluminescence quantum yield, excitation dependence of PL emission, precursor, and synthesis method used to produce CDs.
Antibiotic resistance lessons for the herbicide resistance crisis
Authors: Haywood Joel , Vadlamani Grishma , Stubbs Keith A , Mylne Joshua S
Published: March 2021

The challenges of resistance to antibiotics and resistance to herbicides have much in common. Antibiotic resistance became a risk in the 1950s, but a concerted global effort to manage it did not begin until after 2000. Widespread herbicide use began during the 1950s and was soon followed by an unabated rise in resistance. Here, we examine what lessons for combatting herbicide resistance could be learnt from the global, coordinated efforts of all stakeholders to avert the antibiotic resistance crisis. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Realizations of Isostatic Material Frameworks
Authors: Sadjadi Mahdi , Hagh Varda F. , Kang Mingyu , Sitharam Meera , Connelly Robert , Gortler Steven J. , Theran Louis , Holmes-Cerfon Miranda , Thorpe Michael F.
Published: March 2021

This article studies the set of equivalent realizations of isostatic frameworks and algorithms for finding all such realizations. It is shown that an isostatic framework has an even number of equivalent realizations that preserve edge lengths and connectivity. The complete set of equivalent realizations for a toy framework with pinned boundary in two dimensions is enumerated and the impact of boundary length on the emergence of these realizations is studied. To ameliorate the computational complexity of finding a solution to a large multivariate quadratic system corresponding to the constraints, alternative methods—based on constraint reduction and distance‐based covering map or Cayley parameterization of the search space—are presented. The application of these methods is studied on atomic clusters, a model of 2D glasses and jamming.
Multiple infected lung bullae associated with Mycobacterium intracellulare in a Japanese man
Authors: Kodama Tatsuya , Kurokawa Atsushi , Kokuto Hiroyuki
Published: March 2021

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC)‐infected lung bulla was a rare type of pulmonary non‐tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection. A 29‐year‐old man with a history of tetralogy of Fallot was admitted to our hospital because of a high fever and left chest pain. Chest computed tomography showed two bullae with intrabullous fluid in both the lower lobes and centrilobular small nodular shadow in the right upper lobe and the left lower lobe. Culture of bronchoscopic washing specimen from the right upper lobe bronchus and left lower lobe one and purulent fluid drained from the bulla in the left lower lobe revealed Mycobacterium intracellulare. Percutaneous drainage from the left bulla and anti‐NTM treatment were performed. Afterwards, symptoms improved and two intrabullous fluid disappeared. Therefore, a diagnosis of multiple infected lung bullae associated with M. intracellulare was made. This is the first documented case of multiple infected lung bullae associated with MAC.
K2S2O8‐Mediated Oxysulfonylation of Vinyl Azides with Sodium Sulfinates to Access β‐Keto Sulfones in Water
Authors: Luo Mengqiang , Ren Xiaorong , Shen Runpu , Qi Chenze , Zhang Yaohong , Wang Hai
Published: March 2021

With water as solvent, K2S2O8 mediated facile and efficient synthesis of β‐keto sulfones through oxysulfonylation of vinyl azides with sodium sulfinates is described. The novel procedure has the advantages of being environmentally benign, mild reaction conditions, short reaction time, easy and simple operation, wide tolerance of functional groups, which establish the practical application of this methodology.
Preparation of Activated Carbon Fibers‐α‐FeOOH as a High‐performance Heterogeneous Fenton‐like Catalyst for Efficient Removal of Hydrotropic Lignin Model Compound
Authors: An Junjian , Hu Chenyan , Wang Yin , Jin Yi , Zhang Jian , Yuan Shiju , Wang Peng
Published: March 2021

ACF‐α‐FeOOH composite material was prepared by ultrasound‐assisted hydrothermal in‐situ synthesis method and evaluated as a highly efficient heterogeneous Fenton‐like catalyst. The ACF‐α‐FeOOH composite exhibited much stronger adsorption ability to hydrotropic lignin model pollutant (syringic acid) than that of α‐FeOOH, which may be due to the higher specific surface area (ACF‐α‐FeOOH: 133.15 m2 g−1>α‐FeOOH: 18.77 m2 g−1). The composite exhibited excellent heterogeneous Fenton‐like catalysis activity, being influenced by the solution pH value and the proportions of α‐FeOOH and ACF. Under optimal conditions, the ACF‐α‐FeOOH composite yielded fast degradation of syringic acid with an apparent rate constant of 0.151 min−1, which were 3.97 and 33.56 folds of that achieved by using α‐FeOOH and the mixture of α‐FeOOH and ACF, respectively. And syringic acid was finally degraded to small molecules in the above reactive system due to the strong catalytic ability of the composite. The significantly enhanced heterogeneous Fenton‐like catalytic properties of the ACF‐α‐FeOOH composite in comparison with that of α‐FeOOH was attributed to smaller catalyst particle size, much increased adsorption capacity and the mass transfer of radical species between the catalyst and pollutants.
Driving Climate and Health Solutions by Building a Collective Impact Culture
Authors: Patel Surili Sutaria
Published: March 2021

The inextricable links between climate change and public health are everywhere. The climate crisis is a set of complex conditions that call for urgent action. A collective impact model offers opportunities to achieve new ways of thinking about multi‐pronged climate solutions that benefit health outcomes. There lies an untapped potential to make a collective and lasting impact on climate change and equity health impact. There are five conditions that, when combined, can offer a recipe for collective success: (i) shared vision for social justice change; (ii) mutual trust and reliability through open communications between groups; (iii) coordinated activities across sectors and group types that strive to advance common goals; (iv) efforts to ensure consistent data collection and reporting on activities, as well as accountability; and (v) a separate entity designated to ensure the success of the collective. Ultimately, the process becomes the solution to future climate challenges.
Nanocarrier‐delivered small interfering RNA for chemoresistant ovarian cancer therapy
Authors: Zou Mingyuan , Du Yue , Liu Ruizhen , Zheng Zeliang , Xu Jian
Published: March 2021

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer‐related death in women in the United States. Because success in early screening is limited, and most patients with advanced disease develop resistance to multiple treatment modalities, the overall prognosis of ovarian cancer is poor. Despite the revolutionary role of surgery and chemotherapy in curing ovarian cancer, recurrence remains a major challenge in treatment. Thus, improving our understanding of the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer is essential for developing more effective treatments. In this review, we analyze the underlying molecular mechanisms leading to chemotherapy resistance. We discuss the clinical benefits and potential challenges of using nanocarrier‐delivered small interfering RNA to treat chemotherapy‐resistant ovarian cancer. We aim to elicit collaborative studies on nanocarrier‐delivered small interfering RNA to improve the long‐term survival rate and quality of life of patients with ovarian cancer.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Methods > RNA Nanotechnology

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > RNAi: Mechanisms of Action
Two‐grid method for miscible displacement problem with dispersion by finite element method of characteristics
Authors: Chen Yanping , Hu Hanzhang
Published: March 2021

A combined method consisting of the mixed finite element method for the pressure equation and finite element method with characteristics for the concentration equation is proposed to solve the coupled system of incompressible two‐phase flow in porous media. Two‐grid algorithm based on the Newton iteration method is developed and analyzed for the nonlinear coupled system. It is shown, both theoretically and numerically, that our schemes are efficient and achieve asymptotically optimal accuracy as long as the mesh sizes satisfy .
Smart Proxy Modeling of a Fractured Reservoir Model for Production Optimization: Implementation of Metaheuristic Algorithm and Probabilistic Application
Authors: Ng Cuthbert Shang Wui , Jahanbani Ghahfarokhi Ashkan , Nait Amar Menad , Torsæter Ole
Published: March 2021

Numerical reservoir simulation has been recognized as one of the most frequently used aids in reservoir management. Despite having high calculability performance, it presents an acute shortcoming, namely the long computational time induced by the complexities of reservoir models. This situation applies aptly in the modeling of fractured reservoirs because these reservoirs are strongly heterogeneous. Therefore, the domains of artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML) were used to alleviate this computational challenge by creating a new class of reservoir modeling, namely smart proxy modeling (SPM). SPM is a ML approach that requires a spatio-temporal database extracted from the numerical simulation to be built. In this study, we demonstrate the procedures of SPM based on a synthetic fractured reservoir model, which is a representation of dual-porosity dual-permeability model. The applied ML technique for SPM is artificial neural network. We then present the application of the smart proxies in production optimization to illustrate its practicality. Apart from applying the backpropagation algorithms, we implemented particle swarm optimization (PSO), which is one of the metaheuristic algorithms, to build the SPM. We also propose an additional procedure in SPM by integrating the probabilistic application to examine the overall performance of the smart proxies. In this work, we inferred that the PSO had a higher chance to improve the reliability of smart proxies with excellent training results and predictive performance compared with the considered backpropagation approaches.
A Case Report of Chondrosarcoma of Temporomandibular Joint
Authors: Ampu Hage , Singh Tanya , Kumar Sunil , Singh H. P. , Bhalla Shalini
Published: March 2021

In this case report we describe a rare case of chondrosarcoma of the Temporomandibular joint in a 70 years old female who presented with a right preauricular swelling, trismus and neuralgic pain. On examination, firm and tender swelling was noted in the right preauricular region. CT Scan revealed 3.48 × 3.0 cm size mass lesion in the region of mandibular condyle and extending into the right temporomandibular joint space. The cytopathological report was suggestive of chondroid malignancy. The tumor was excised and histopathological examination showed large sheets of atypical tumor cells with cartilaginous matrix and diagnosis of a well differentiated Chondrosarcoma was confirmed. Post-surgical resection, patient remains disease free at 15 months follow up.
Optimization Strategies for Selective CO2 Electroreduction to Fuels
Authors: Ling Yangfang , Ma Qinglang , Yu Yifu , Zhang Bin
Published: March 2021

Capturing CO2from the atmosphere and converting it into fuels are an efficient strategy to stop the deteriorating greenhouse effect and alleviate the energy crisis. Among various CO2conversion approaches, electrocatalytic CO2reduction reaction (CO2RR) has received extensive attention because of its mild operating conditions. However, the high onset potential, low selectivity toward multi-carbon products and poor cruising ability of CO2RR impede its development. To regulate product distribution, previous studies performed electrocatalyst modification using several universal methods, including composition manipulation, morphology control, surface modification, and defect engineering. Recent studies have revealed that the cathode and electrolytes influence the selectivity of CO2RR via pH changes and ionic effects, or by directly participating in the reduction pathway as cocatalysts. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art optimization strategies to efficiently enhance CO2RR selectivity from two main aspects, namely the cathode electrocatalyst and the electrolyte.
Geochemical evaluation of the carbonaceous shale of the upper cretaceous Anambra Basin for potential gas generation, Nigeria
Authors: Akintola George Oluwole , Ikhane Phillips Reuben , Amponsah-Dacosta Francis , Adeagbo Ayoade Festus , Mhlongo Sphiwe Emmanuel , Edokpayi Joshua Nosa , Oladipo Vincent Olajide , Jegede Ademola Oluborode , Akintola Akintunde Isaac , Adebisi Niyiola Olaonipekun
Published: March 2021

The rise in demand for natural gas has spurred the need to investigate the inland sedimentary basin for more potential sources. In response, the petrophysical parameters of the carbonaceous shale samples from two deep boreholes of Anambra Basin were evaluated. The gas-prone nature of Nkporo shale showed a thermal evolution of a Type III kerogen with initial HI value between 650 and 800 mgHC/gTOC, S2/S3 < 1, a maximum Tmax value of 488°C and have a low hydrocarbon generation potential ranging from 0.07 to 0.15. However, the average TOC content (2.21 wt%) indicated a good source rocks for hydrocarbon since it exceeds threshold limit of 0.5%. The plot of HI against Tmax shows that the organic matter belongs to the Type-III kerogen which reflects the capability of the Npkoro Formation to generate more natural gas than oil compared to Type-II kerogen. The high values (>3) of pristane/phytane ratio in both wells indicated that the organic matter belongs to terrigenous source deposited under anoxic condition which is typical of non-marine shale. The presence of Oleanane content in the Cretaceous shale sediments indicated the contribution of cell wall and woody plant tissues from the terrestrial higher plant. The low concentrations of extractable organic matter (EOM) present in form of isoprenoid and aliphatic hydrocarbon indicated little or no bitumen extract from the studied shale. Considering the high carbon preference indices (CPI) value greater than 1, the preponderance of vitrinite organic macerals and other favourable aforementioned petrophysical parameters, the non-marine Npkoro Shale Basin has significant potential to generate and expel natural gas apart from the current marine basins.
Anti-inflammatory effects of diet and caloric restriction in metabolic syndrome
Authors: Montefusco L. , D’Addio F. , Loretelli C. , Ben Nasr M. , Garziano M. , Rossi A. , Pastore I. , Plebani L. , Lunati M. E. , Bolla A. M. , Porta M. D. , Piuri G. , Rocchio F. , Abdelsalam A. , Assi E. , Barichella M. , Maestroni A. , Usuelli V. , Loreggian L. , Muzio F. , Zuccotti G. V. , Cazzola R. , Fiorina P.
Published: March 2021

Background

Weight loss in patients with metabolic syndrome has positive effects on cardiovascular and type 2 diabetes risks, but its effects on peripheral cytokines and lipid profiles in patients are still unclear.

Aim

To determine the effects of diet-induced weight loss on metabolic parameters, lipids and cytokine profiles.

Methods

Eighteen adult males with metabolic syndrome (defined according to IDF 2009) and Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 and 35 kg/m2were subjected to a balanced hypocaloric diet for 6 months to reach at least a 5% body weight loss.

Results

After weight loss, a significant improvement in BMI, waist circumference, insulin, fasting blood glucose and HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) was observed. The analysis of LDL (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) lipoproteins showed a change in their composition with a massive transfer of triacylglycerols from HDL to LDL. This was associated with a significant reduction in peripheral pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8 and MIP-1β, leading to an overall decreased inflammatory score. An interesting positive correlation was also observed among peripheral cytokines levels after diet and peripheral levels of CETP (cholesteryl ester transfer protein), an enzyme with a key role in lipid change.

Conclusion

Weight loss through caloric restriction is associated with an improvement in peripheral lipid and cytokine profiles that may play a major role in improving cardiovascular risk.

Graphic abstract
Product-harm crisis intelligent warning system design based on fine-grained sentiment analysis of automobile complaints
Authors: Hu Haiju , Wei Yonghui , Zhou Yu
Published: March 2021

Due to the huge losses caused by product-harm crises and subsequent recalls in the automobile industry, companies must urgently design a product-harm crisis warning system. However, the designs of existing warning systems use the recurrent neural network algorithm, which suffers from gradient disappearance and gradient explosion issues. To compensate for these defects, this study uses a long and short-term memory algorithm to achieve a final prediction accuracy of 90%. This study contributes to the research and design of automatic crisis warning systems by considering sentiment and improving the accuracy of automobile product-harm crisis prediction.
Handbook of Trait-Based Ecology
Authors: de Bello Francesco , Carmona Carlos P. , Dias André T. C. , Götzenberger Lars , Moretti Marco , Berg Matty P.
Published: March 2021

Functional ecology is the branch of ecology that focuses on various functions that species play in the community or ecosystem in which they occur. This accessible guide offers the main concepts and tools in trait-based ecology, and their tricks, covering different trophic levels and organism types. It is designed for students, researchers and practitioners who wish to get a handy synthesis of existing concepts, tools and trends in trait-based ecology, and wish to apply it to their own field of interest. Where relevant, exercises specifically designed to be run in R are included, along with accompanying on-line resources including solutions for exercises and R functions, and updates reflecting current developments in this fast-changing field. Based on more than a decade of teaching experience, the authors developed and improved the way theoretical aspects and analytical tools of trait-based ecology are introduced and explained to readers.
Nationalizing Nature
Authors: Freitas Frederico
Published: March 2021

Today, one-quarter of all the land in Latin America is set apart for nature protection. In Nationalizing Nature, Frederico Freitas uncovers the crucial role played by conservation in the region's territorial development by exploring how Brazil and Argentina used national parks to nationalize borderlands. In the 1930s, Brazil and Argentina created some of their first national parks around the massive Iguazu Falls, shared by the two countries. The parks were designed as tools to attract migrants from their densely populated Atlantic seaboards to a sparsely inhabited borderland. In the 1970s, a change in paradigm led the military regimes in Brazil and Argentina to violently evict settlers from their national parks, highlighting the complicated relationship between authoritarianism and conservation in the Southern Cone. By tracking almost one hundred years of national park history in Latin America's largest countries, Nationalizing Nature shows how conservation policy promoted national programs of frontier development and border control.
The King’s Chinese Spittoon: Global Commodities, Court Culture, and Vodun in the Kingdoms of Hueda and Dahomey (Seventeenth to Nineteenth Centuries)
Authors: Zaugg Roberto
Published: March 2021

As key players in the transatlantic slave trade, the monarchies of Hueda and Dahomey (in modern-day southern Benin) connected themselves to global commodity flows. From the seventeenth to the nineteenth century, imported merchandise fueled practices of conspicuous consumption and ritualized largesse, the performance of which was pivotal in consolidating their rulers’ power. Focusing on specific items (tobacco, porcelain) and behavioral practices (smoking, spitting), this article examines how these goods were materially and symbolically integrated into courtly culture and associated with the religious beliefs and ritual practices of Vodun. In order to track recurring aspects of courtly scenography, to compare the signification of bodily practices in different parts of the world, and to identify material links engendered by global trade, it combines microhistorical investigation based on written records with archaeological findings, anthropological observations, and the analysis of visual sources and sculptural artifacts. The essay argues that royal palaces constituted crucial laboratories of aesthetic change and new cultures of elite consumption. In this process, exogenous elements not only enriched the material culture of the palaces, celebrating the monarchs’ global splendor; they were also charged with new meanings that inscribed foreign goods and related practices into specifically regional cultural codes.
Writing Labor History Today: A Critical Note on The Case of the Roman Empire
Authors: Freu Christel
Published: March 2021

Three recently published books raise the question of labor in the Roman Empire. The present article aims to investigate the sources privileged by historians, the scale of observation on which their analysis is situated, and the theoretical assumptions that guide them. These reflections show that there are multiple ways of writing labor history, currently divided into different subfields which do not always communicate with one another. Thanks to new readings of ancient literature and epigraphy, and the contribution of papyri and archaeology, the traditional history of work and trades has been widely renewed. An important line of questioning examines the reasons for the high degree of trade specialization in the Roman Empire, as well as the existence of a true division of labor. Archaeology helps us understand the technologies and processes of production, making it possible to establish a typology of the socioprofessional identities, from employers to employees, that existed in the shops and workshops of the Roman world. A quite different approach investigates the organization of labor from a macroeconomic perspective, seeing it as a force mobilized by employers: comparisons between the productivity of slaves and that of free workers have been replaced by analyses of the transaction costs of free hired labor versus servile manpower. Finally, debate continues between historians who consider that the labor market of the Roman Empire was limited by clientelist networks and servile labor, and those who describe a free-market economy where labor had become a commodity.
Psychiatrists and homicidal threats: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Elzain Musaab , Bashir Ahmed , Moloney Noreen , Dunne Colum P. , Kelly Brendan D. , Gulati Gautam
Published: March 2021

Objectives:

To investigate the frequency, characteristics and impact of death threats by patients towards psychiatrists.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey of psychiatrists (n = 60) was undertaken to investigate the frequency, characteristics and impact of death threats by patients in one Irish healthcare region serving a mixed urban–rural population of 470,000.

Results:

Forty-nine responses (82%) were received. Thirty-one per cent of respondents experienced death threats by patients during their careers. Victims were more likely to be male and in a consultant role. Patients making the threats were more likely to be males aged 30–60 with a history of violence and diagnosis of personality disorder and/or substance misuse. A majority of threats occurred in outpatient settings and identified a specific method of killing, usually by stabbing. Prosecution of the perpetrator was uncommon. Of the victimised psychiatrists, 53% reported that such threats affected their personal lives, and 67% believed their professional lives were impacted. In half of the incidents, there were adverse incidents subsequent to the threats, involving either the patient or the clinician.

Conclusions:

Death threats by patients have significant psychological and professional impacts on psychiatrists. Early liaison with employers and police and transferring the care of the patient to another clinician may be useful measures.
RADIOCARBON DATES FROM THE MONASTERY ON KOM H IN OLD DONGOLA (SUDAN) AND THE CHRONOLOGY OF MEDIEVAL NUBIAN POTTERY
Authors: Dzierzbicka Dorota , Danys Katarzyna
Published: March 2021

The paper presents and discusses a series of radiocarbon (14C) dates from a medieval Nubian monastery found on Kom H of Old Dongola, the capital of the kingdom of Makuria located in modern-day Sudan. The monastery was founded in the 6th–7th century AD and although it probably ceased to function in the 14th century, the site remained occupied until the beginning of the 15th century. The investigated courtyard of the monastery was in use from the 11th to the 14th century, as indicated by the ceramics and 14C analysis results presented here. The dates under consideration are the first published series of 14C dates from this site, which is of crucial importance for historical research on medieval Nubian Christianity and monasticism. They permit to begin building an absolute chronological framework for research on the archaeological finds from the site and region. A group of finds in particular need of such a framework are ceramics, and the implications of the 14C dates for pottery assemblages found in the dated contexts are discussed. The conclusions summarize the significance of the datings for the history of the site.
The effects of density inhomogeneities on the radio wave emission in electron beam plasmas
Authors: Yao Xin , Muñoz Patricio A. , Büchner Jörg , Zhou Xiaowei , Liu Siming
Published: March 2021

Type III radio bursts are radio emissions associated with solar flares. They are considered to be caused by electron beams travelling from the solar corona to the solar wind. Magnetic reconnection is a possible accelerator of electron beams in the course of solar flares since it causes unstable distribution functions and density inhomogeneities (cavities). The properties of radio emission by electron beams in an inhomogeneous environment are still poorly understood. We capture the nonlinear kinetic plasma processes of the generation of beam-related radio emissions in inhomogeneous plasmas by utilizing fully kinetic particle-in-cell code numerical simulations. Our model takes into account initial electron velocity distribution functions (EVDFs) as they are supposed to be created by magnetic reconnection. We focus our analysis on low-density regions with strong magnetic fields. The assumed EVDFs allow two distinct mechanisms of radio wave emissions: plasma emission due to wave–wave interactions and so-called electron cyclotron maser emission (ECME) due to direct wave–particle interactions. We investigate the effects of density inhomogeneities on the conversion of free energy from the electron beams into the energy of electrostatic and electromagnetic waves via plasma emission and ECME, as well as the frequency shift of electron resonances caused by perpendicular gradients in the beam EVDFs. Our most important finding is that the number of harmonics of Langmuir waves increases due to the presence of density inhomogeneities. The additional harmonics of Langmuir waves are generated by a coalescence of beam-generated Langmuir waves and their harmonics.
Modelling the temporal interplay between stress and affective disturbances in pathways to psychosis: an experience sampling study
Authors: Klippel Annelie , Schick Anita , Myin-Germeys Inez , Rauschenberg Christian , Vaessen Thomas , Reininghaus Ulrich
Published: March 2021

Background

One putative psychological mechanism through which momentary stress impacts on psychosis in individuals with increased liability to the disorder is via affective disturbance. However, to date, this has not been systematically tested. We aimed to investigate whether (i) cross-sectional and temporal effects of momentary stress on psychotic experiences via affective disturbance, and (ii) the reverse pathway of psychotic experiences on stress via affective disturbance were modified by familial liability to psychosis.

Methods

The Experience Sampling Method was used in a pooled data set of six studies with three groups of 245 individuals with psychotic disorder, 165 unaffected first-degree relatives, and 244 healthy control individuals to index familial liability. Multilevel moderated mediation models were fitted to investigate indirect effects across groups cross-sectionally and multilevel cross-lagged panel models to investigate temporal effects in the proposed pathways across two measurement occasions.

Results

Evidence on indirect effects from cross-sectional models indicated that, in all three groups, effects of stress on psychotic experiences were mediated by negative affect and, vice versa, effects of psychotic experiences on stress were mediated by negative affect, with all indirect effects being weakest in relatives. Longitudinal modelling of data provided no evidence of temporal priority of stress in exerting its indirect effects on psychotic experiences via affective disturbance or, vice versa.

Conclusions

Our findings tentatively suggest a rapid vicious cycle of stress impacting psychotic experiences via affective disturbances, which does, however, not seem to be consistently modified by familial liability to psychosis.
The methodology of the research on language aptitude: A systematic review
Authors: Li Shaofeng , Zhao Huijun
Published: March 2021

This article provides a comprehensive and critical synthesis of the methods utilized in studies investigating the role of language aptitude in second language acquisition (SLA). The synthesis is informed by sixty-five studies generated by a thorough search of the literature, three meta-analyses (Li, 2015, 2016, 2017), and a thematic issue ofStudies in Second Language Acquisition(Li & DeKeyser, in press). The synthesis starts by identifying three categories of research investigating the role of aptitude in naturalistic learning, aptitude's associations with instructed learning, and the nature of aptitude pertaining to whether it increases with age and learning experience and how it is connected to other individual difference variables. The synthesis then presents an overview and critique of major measures of aptitude and discusses the construct validity of aptitude measures based on the principles of psychometric assessments. Specifically, the measures are scrutinized along the dimensions of reliability, content validity, divergent/convergent validity, and predictive validity. The content and measurement of implicit aptitude—a newly emerged construct in SLA—are highlighted. The synthesis proceeds to summarize and vet the measures of the outcome variable of aptitude research—L2 proficiency. Throughout the synthesis, methodological features are summarized, issues are identified, and remedies are proposed.
Successful surgical management of cyanotic congenital heart disease complicated by pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Goto Takeru , Takeda Atsuhito , Tachibana Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2021

Pulmonary aspergillosis associated with cyanotic congenital heart disease is a rare condition, which is known to have a poor prognosis. We report a case of a 21-year-old woman with truncus arteriosus and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries who underwent primary Rastelli procedure after thoracoscopic lobectomy for the management of progressive pulmonary aspergillosis.
Disaster Management in Rural and Remote Primary Health Care: A Scoping Review
Authors: Willson Katie A. , FitzGerald Gerard J. , Lim David
Published: March 2021

Objective:

This scoping review aims to map the roles of rural and remote primary health care professionals (PHCPs) during disasters.

Introduction:

Disasters can have catastrophic impacts on society and are broadly classified into natural events, man-made incidents, or a mixture of both. The PHCPs working in rural and remote communities face additional challenges when dealing with disasters and have significant roles during the Prevention, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery (PPRR) stages of disaster management.

Methods:

A Johanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review methodology was utilized, and the search was conducted over seven electronic databases according to a priori protocol.

Results:

Forty-one papers were included and sixty-one roles were identified across the four stages of disaster management. The majority of disasters described within the literature were natural events and pandemics. Before a disaster occurs, PHCPs can build individual resilience through education. As recognized and respected leaders within their community, PHCPs are invaluable in assisting with disaster preparedness through being involved in organizations’ planning policies and contributing to natural disaster and pandemic surveillance. Key roles during the response stage include accommodating patient surge, triage, maintaining the health of the remaining population, instituting infection control, and ensuring a team-based approach to mental health care during the disaster. In the aftermath and recovery stage, rural and remote PHCPs provide long-term follow up, assisting patients in accessing post-disaster support including delivery of mental health care.

Conclusion:

Rural and remote PHCPs play significant roles within their community throughout the continuum of disaster management. As a consequence of their flexible scope of practice, PHCPs are well-placed to be involved during all stages of disaster, from building of community resilience and contributing to early alert of pandemics, to participating in the direct response when a disaster occurs and leading the way to recovery.
Patient Outcomes Following Ketamine Administration for Acute Agitation with a Decreased Dosing Protocol in the Prehospital Setting
Authors: Cunningham Cassidy , Gross Karen , Broach John P. , O’Connor Laurel
Published: March 2021

Background:

Agitated behaviors are frequently encountered in the prehospital setting and require emergent treatment to prevent harm to patients and prehospital personnel. Chemical sedation with ketamine works faster than traditional pharmacologic agents, though it has a higher incidence of adverse events, including intubation. Outcomes following varying initial doses of prehospital intramuscular (IM) ketamine use have been incompletely described.

Objective:

To determine whether using a lower dose IM ketamine protocol for agitation is associated with more favorable outcomes.

Methods:

This study was a pre-/post-intervention retrospective chart review of prehospital care reports (PCRs). Adult patients who received chemical sedation in the form of IM ketamine for agitated behaviors were included. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on the standard IM ketamine dose of 4mg/kg and the lower IM dose of 3mg/kg with the option for an additional 1mg/kg if required. Primary outcomes included intubation and hospital admission. Secondary outcomes included emergency department (ED) length of stay, additional chemical or physical restraints, assaults on prehospital or ED employees, and documented adverse events.

Results:

The standard dose cohort consisted of 211 patients. The lower dose cohort consisted of 81 patients, 17 of whom received supplemental ketamine administration. Demographics did not significantly differ between the cohorts (mean age 35.14 versus 35.65 years; P = .484; and 67.8% versus 65.4% male; P = .89). Lower dose subjects were administered a lower ketamine dose (mean 3.24mg/kg) compared to the standard dose cohort (mean 3.51mg/kg). There was no statistically significant difference between the cohorts in intubation rate (14.2% versus 18.5%; P = .455), ED length of stay (14.31 versus 14.88 hours; P = .118), need for additional restraint and sedation (P = .787), or admission rate (26.1% versus 25.9%; P = .677). In the lower dose cohort, 41.2% (7/17) of patients who received supplemental ketamine doses were intubated, a higher rate than the patients in this cohort who did not receive supplemental ketamine (8/64, 12.5%; P <.01).

Conclusion:

Access to effective, fast-acting chemical sedation is paramount for prehospital providers. No significant outcomes differences existed when a lower dose IM ketamine protocol was implemented for prehospital chemical sedation. Patients who received a second dose of ketamine had a significant increase in intubation rate. A lower dose protocol may be considered for an agitation protocol to limit the amount of medication administered to a population of high-risk patients.
Land rental market and rural household efficiency in China
Authors: Chavas Jean Paul , Shi Guanming , Meng Xiangyi
Published: March 2021

Well-functioning factor markets play an important role in improving the performance of the agricultural sector. Our paper examines both technical and allocative efficiencies at the household level, with an application to a cross-section sample of rural households in three provinces of China in 2009. In a first step, we use nonparametric methods to estimate household efficiency. In a second step, we examine econometrically the role of land rental market and its linkages with household-level efficiencies. We find that participation in the land rental market does not affect technical efficiency but has large positive effects on allocative efficiency. This stresses the need to distinguish between technical efficiency and allocative efficiency in the analysis of land tenure issues. The improvements in allocative efficiency from land-leasing contribute to significant increases in household income in rural China.