bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shrimp closed-loop supply chain network design
Authors: Mosallanezhad Behzad , Hajiaghaei-Keshteli Mostafa , Triki Chefi
Published: March 2021

Recent developments in food industries have attracted both academic and industrial practitioners. Shrimp as a well-known, rich, and sought-after seafood, is generally obtained from either marine environments or aquaculture. Central prominence of Shrimp Supply Chain (SSC) is brought about by numerous factors such as high demand, market price, and diverse fisheries or aquaculture locations. In this respect, this paper considers SSC as a set of distribution centers, wholesalers, shrimp processing factories, markets, shrimp waste powder factory, and shrimp waste powder market. Subsequently, a mathematical model is proposed for the SSC, whose aim is to minimize the total cost through the supply chain. The SSC model is NP-hardand is not able to solve large-size problems. Therefore, three well-known metaheuristics accompanied by two hybrid ones are exerted. Moreover, a real-world application with 15 test problems are established to validate the model. Finally, the results confirm that the SSC model and the solution methods are effective and useful to achieve cost savings.
Effect of PCSK9 inhibitors on pulse wave velocity and monocyte-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio in familial hypercholesterolemia subjects: results from a single-lipid-unit real-life setting
Authors: Scicali Roberto , Di Pino Antonino , Ferrara Viviana , Rabuazzo Agata Maria , Purrello Francesco , Piro Salvatore
Published: March 2021

Aims

Subjects with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) are characterized by an increased amount of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) that promotes a continuous inflammatory stimulus. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of PCSK9-i on inflammatory biomarkers, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR), and on early atherosclerosis damage analyzed by pulse wave velocity (PWV) in a cohort of FH subjects.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, we evaluated 56 FH subjects on high-intensity statins plus ezetimibe and with an off-target LDL-C. All subjects were placed on PCSK9-i therapy and obtained biochemical analysis as well as PWV evaluation at baseline and after six months of PCSK9-i therapy.

Results

After six months of add-on PCSK9-i therapy, only 42.9% of FH subjects attained LDL-C targets. As expected, a significant reduction of LDL-C (− 49.61%, p < 0.001) was observed after PCSK9-i therapy. Neutrophil count (NC) and MHR were reduced by PCSK9-i (-13.82% and -10.47%, respectively, p value for both < 0.05) and PWV significantly decreased after PCSK9-i therapy (− 20.4%, p < 0.05). Finally, simple regression analyses showed that ∆ PWV was significantly associated with ∆ LDL-C (p < 0.01), ∆ NC and ∆ MHR (p value for both < 0.05).

Conclusions

In conclusion, PCSK9-i therapy significantly improved lipid and inflammatory profiles and PWV values in FH subjects; our results support the positive effect of PCSK9-i in clinical practice.
Geographic distribution and genetic characterization of poxviruses from human infections in Georgia, 2009–2014
Authors: Khmaladze Ekaterine , Mauldin Matthew R. , Tsaguria Davit , Gavashelidze Mari , Sidamonidze Ketevan , Tevdoradze Tea , Li Yu , Reynolds Mary G. , Imnadze Paata , Nakazawa Yoshinori
Published: March 2021

Anthrax is endemic in Georgia, as are multiple zoonotic poxviruses. Poxvirus-associated infections share some clinical manifestations and exposure risks with anthrax, and so it is important to distinguish between the two. With this in mind, an archived collection of anthrax-negative DNA samples was retrospectively screened for poxviruses, and of the 148 human samples tested, 64 were positive. Sequence analysis confirmed the presence of orf virus, bovine papular stomatitis virus, and pseudocowpox virus. This study provides evidence of previously unrecognized poxvirus infections in Georgia and highlights the benefit of the timely identification of such infections by improving laboratory capacity.
On the scaling of fragmentation and energy dissipation in collisions of dust aggregates
Authors: Umstätter Philipp , Urbassek Herbert M.
Published: March 2021

Fragmentation of granular clusters may be studied by experiments and by granular mechanics simulation. When comparing results, it is often assumed that results can be compared when scaled to the same value of $$E/E_{\mathrm{sep}}$$

E
/

E
sep

, where E denotes the collision energy and $$E_{\mathrm{sep}}$$

E
sep

is the energy needed to break every contact in the granular clusters. The ratio $$E/E_{\mathrm{sep}}\propto v^2$$

E
/

E
sep

∝

v
2

depends on the collision velocity v but not on the number of grains per cluster, N. We test this hypothesis using granular-mechanics simulations on silica clusters containing a few thousand grains in the velocity range where fragmentation starts. We find that a good parameter to compare different systems is given by $$E/(N^{\alpha }E_{\mathrm{sep}})$$

E
/
(

N
α

E
sep

)

, where $$\alpha \sim 2/3$$

α
∼
2
/
3

. The occurrence of the extra factor $$N^{\alpha }$$

N
α

is caused by energy dissipation during the collision such that large clusters request a higher impact energy for reaching the same level of fragmentation than small clusters. Energy is dissipated during the collision mainly by normal and tangential (sliding) forces between grains. For large values of the viscoelastic friction parameter, we find smaller cluster fragmentation, since fragment velocities are smaller and allow for fragment recombination.

Graphic abstract
A cost-effectiveness analysis of pembrolizumab with or without chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with metastatic, non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer and high PD-L1 expression in Switzerland
Authors: Barbier Michaela Carla , Pardo Esther , Panje Cédric Michael , Gautschi Oliver , Lupatsch Judith Eva ,   for the Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK)
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Pembrolizumab monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy are two new treatment options for patients with metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and high (≥ 50%) programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis for Switzerland comparing these two options but also pembrolizumab to chemotherapy.

Methods

We constructed a 3-state Markov model with a time horizon of 10 years. Parametric functions were fitted to Kaplan–Meier overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) using 2-year follow-up data from the KN-024 and KN-189 registration trials. We included estimated costs for further treatment lines and costs for best supportive care. Costs were assessed from the Swiss healthcare payer perspective. We used published utility values.

Results

Combination therapy resulted in an expected gain of 0.17 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) per patient and incremental costs of Swiss Francs (CHF) 81,085 as compared to pembrolizumab. These estimates led to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of CHF 475,299/QALY. Pembrolizumab in comparison to chemotherapy was estimated to generate mean incremental QALYs of 0.83 and incremental costs of CHF 56,585, resulting in an ICER of CHF 68,580/QALY. Results were most sensitive to changes in costs of 1L pembrolizumab and combination therapy, together with changes in PFS. In the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, we estimated combination therapy was cost-effective in 4.9% of the simulations and pembrolizumab monotherapy in 82.9%, assuming a willingness-to-pay threshold of CHF 100,000 per QALY gained.

Conclusions

Pembrolizumab is likely to be cost-effective from the Swiss healthcare payer perspective, whereas pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy is not.
Forest inventory-based assessments of the invasion risk of Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco and Quercus rubra L. in Germany
Authors: Bindewald A. , Miocic S. , Wedler A. , Bauhus J.
Published: March 2021

In Europe, some non-native tree species (NNT) are classified as invasive because they have spread into semi-natural habitats. Yet, available risk assessment protocols are often based on a few limited case studies with unknown representativeness and uncertain data quality. This is particularly problematic when negative impacts of NNT are confined to particular ecosystems or processes, whilst providing valuable ecosystem services elsewhere. Here, we filled this knowledge gap and assessed invasion risks of two controversially discussed NNT in Germany (Quercus rubra L., Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) for broad forest types using large scale inventory data. For this purpose, establishment success of natural regeneration was quantified in terms of cover and height classes. The current extent of spread into protected forest habitats was investigated in south-west Germany using regional data. Establishment was most successful at sites where the NNT are abundant in the canopy and where sufficient light is available in the understory. Natural regeneration of both NNT was observed in 0.3% of the total area of protected habitats. In forest habitats with sufficient light in the understory and competitively inferior tree species, there is a risk that Douglas fir and red oak cause changes in species composition in the absence of management interventions. The installation of buffer zones and regular removal of unwanted regeneration could minimize such risks for protected areas. Our study showed that forest inventories can provide valuable data for comparing the establishment risk of NNT amongst ecosystem types, regions or jurisdictions. This information can be improved by recording the abundance and developmental stage of widespread NNT, particularly in semi-natural ecosystems.
A multidisciplinary investigation of deep-seated landslide reactivation triggered by an extreme rainfall event: a case study of the Monesi di Mendatica landslide, Ligurian Alps
Authors: Notti Davide , Wrzesniak Aleksandra , Dematteis Niccolò , Lollino Piernicola , Fazio Nunzio Luciano , Zucca Francesco , Giordan Daniele
Published: March 2021

In November 2016, an extreme rainfall event affected the Ligurian Alps (NW Italy). Consequently, several landslides and debris flows occurred in the upper Tanarello stream basin. In particular, the village of Monesi di Mendatica was severely damaged by two landslide phenomena: the activation of a rotational landslide, which caused the total collapse of two buildings and part of the main road, and the reactivation of a deep-seated planar massive and a complex landslide, which widely fractured most of the buildings in the village. The latter phenomenon was mostly unknown and had never been monitored prior to the 2016 event. Due to the extensive damage, the village of Monesi was completely evacuated, and the road connecting a ski resort area in the upper part of the valley was closed. Furthermore, a potentially dangerous situation related to the eventual progressive evolution of this landslide that could cause a temporary occlusion of the Tanarello stream still remains. For this reason, we defined the landslide behaviour, triggering conditions and chronological evolution leading to the 2016 event using a multidisciplinary approach. This approach consisted of field surveys, satellite DInSAR time series analyses, digital image correlation techniques, rainfall records analyses, postevent monitoring campaigns and subsurface investigation data analyses, and numerical modelling. This multidisciplinary approach enhanced our understanding of this landslide, which is fundamental to better comprehend its behaviour and possible evolution.
Angiodiversity and organotypic functions of sinusoidal endothelial cells
Authors: Koch Philipp-Sebastian , Lee Ki Hong , Goerdt Sergij , Augustin Hellmut G.
Published: March 2021

‘Angiodiversity’ refers to the structural and functional heterogeneity of endothelial cells (EC) along the segments of the vascular tree and especially within the microvascular beds of different organs. Organotypically differentiated EC ranging from continuous, barrier-forming endothelium to discontinuous, fenestrated endothelium perform organ-specific functions such as the maintenance of the tightly sealed blood–brain barrier or the clearance of macromolecular waste products from the peripheral blood by liver EC-expressed scavenger receptors. The microvascular bed of the liver, composed of discontinuous, fenestrated liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC), is a prime example of organ-specific angiodiversity. Anatomy and development of LSEC have been extensively studied by electron microscopy as well as linage-tracing experiments. Recent advances in cell isolation and bulk transcriptomics or single-cell RNA sequencing techniques allowed the identification of distinct LSEC molecular programs and have led to the identification of LSEC subpopulations. LSEC execute homeostatic functions such as fine tuning the vascular tone, clearing noxious substances from the circulation, and modulating immunoregulatory mechanisms. In recent years, the identification and functional analysis of LSEC-derived angiocrine signals, which control liver homeostasis and disease pathogenesis in an instructive manner, marks a major change of paradigm in the understanding of liver function in health and disease. This review summarizes recent advances in the understanding of liver vascular angiodiversity and the functional consequences resulting thereof.
Subcutaneous trastuzumab with pertuzumab and docetaxel in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer: Final analysis of MetaPHER, a phase IIIb single-arm safety study
Authors: Kuemmel Sherko , Tondini Carlo A. , Abraham Jacinta , Nowecki Zbigniew , Itrych Bartosz , Hitre Erika , Karaszewska Bogusława , Juárez-Ramiro Alejandro , Morales-Vásquez Flavia , Pérez-García Jose Manuel , Cardona-Huerta Servando , Monturus Estefania , Sequi Marco , Restuccia Eleonora , Benyunes Mark , Martín Miguel
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Intravenous trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and docetaxel are first-line standard of care for patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (mBC). MetaPHER is the first study assessing the safety and tolerability of subcutaneous trastuzumab plus intravenous pertuzumab and chemotherapy in a global patient population with HER2-positive mBC.

Methods

In this open-label, single-arm, multicenter, phase 3b study, eligible patients were ≥ 18 years old with histologically/cytologically confirmed previously untreated HER2-positive mBC. All received ≥ 1 subcutaneous trastuzumab 600 mg fixed dose plus intravenous pertuzumab (loading dose: 840 mg/kg; maintenance: 420 mg/kg) and docetaxel (≥ 6 cycles; initial dose 75 mg/m2) every 3 weeks. The primary objective was safety and tolerability; secondary objectives included efficacy.

Results

At clinical cutoff, 276 patients had completed the study; median duration of follow-up was 27 months. The most common any-grade adverse events were diarrhea, alopecia, and asthenia; the most common grade ≥ 3 events were neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and hypertension. There were no cardiac deaths and mean left ventricular ejection fraction was stable over time. Median investigator-assessed progression-free survival was 18.7 months; objective response rate was 75.6%.

Conclusions

Safety and efficacy with subcutaneous trastuzumab plus intravenous pertuzumab and docetaxel in mBC are consistent with historical evidence of intravenous trastuzumab with this combination. Findings further support subcutaneous administration not affecting safety/efficacy profiles of trastuzumab in HER2-positive BC with increased flexibility in patient care. A fixed-dose combination of pertuzumab and trastuzumab for subcutaneous injection has recently been approved for the treatment of HER2-positive early/mBC, further addressing the increasing relevance of and need for patient-centric treatment strategies.

Trial registration

NCT02402712
Breast cancer treatment and survival differences in women in remote and socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, as demonstrated by linked data from New South Wales (NSW), Australia
Authors: Buckley Elizabeth , Elder Elisabeth , McGill Sarah , Kargar Zahra Shahabi , Li Ming , Roder David , Currow David
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Reducing variations in cancer treatment and survival is a key aim of the NSW Cancer Plan. Variations in breast cancer treatment and survival in NSW by remoteness and socioeconomic status of residence were investigated to determine benchmarks. Reducing variations in cancer treatment and survival is a key aim of the NSW Cancer Plan. Variations in breast cancer treatment and survival in NSW by remoteness and socioeconomic status of residence were investigated to determine benchmarks.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study used linked data for invasive breast cancers, diagnosed in May 2002 to December 2015 from the NSW Cancer Registry, with corresponding inpatient, and medical and pharmaceutical insurance data. Associations between treatment modalities, area socioeconomic status and residential remoteness were explored using logistic regression. Predictors of breast cancer survival were investigated using Kaplan–Meier product-limit estimates and multivariate competing risk regression.

Results

Results indicated a high 5-year disease-specific survival in NSW of 90%. Crude survival was equivalent by residential remoteness and marginally lower in lower socioeconomic areas. Competing risk regression showed equivalent outcomes by area socioeconomic status, except for the least disadvantaged quintile, which showed a higher survival. Higher sub-hazard ratios for death occurred for women with breast cancer aged 70 + years, and more advanced stage. Adjusted analyses indicated more advanced stage in lower socioeconomic areas, with less breast reconstruction and radiotherapy, and marginally less hormone therapy for women from these areas. Conversely, among these women who had breast conserving surgery, there was higher use of chemotherapy. Remoteness of residence was associated in adjusted analyses with less radiotherapy and less immediate breast reconstruction. In these short term data, remoteness of residence was not associated with lower survival.

Conclusion

This study provides benchmarks for monitoring future variations in treatment and survival.
Spacing and Interleaving Effects Require Distinct Theoretical Bases: a Systematic Review Testing the Cognitive Load and Discriminative-Contrast Hypotheses
Authors: Chen Ouhao , Paas Fred , Sweller John
Published: March 2021

Spaced and interleaved practices have been identified as effective learning strategies which sometimes are conflated as a single strategy and at other times treated as distinct. Learning sessions in which studying information or practicing problems are spaced in time with rest-from-deliberate-learning periods between sessions generally result in better learning outcomes than massed practice without rest-from-deliberate-learning periods. Interleaved practice also consists of spaced sessions, but by interleaving topics rather than having rest-from-deliberate-learning periods. Interleaving is usually contrasted with blocking in which each learning topic is taught in a single block that provides an example of massed practice. The general finding that interleaved practice is more effective for learning than blocked practice is sometimes attributed to spacing. In the current paper, the presence of rest-from-deliberate-learning periods is used to distinguish between spaced and interleaved practice. We suggest that spaced practice is a cognitive load effect that can be explained by working memory resource depletion during cognitive effort with recovery during rest-from-deliberate-learning, while interleaved practice can be explained by the discriminative-contrast hypothesis positing that interleaving assists learners to discriminate between topic areas. A systematic review of the literature provides evidence for this suggestion.
On the Ontological Status of Mechanisms and Processes in the Social World
Authors: Delgado Henrique Estides
Published: March 2021

This paper gives a philosophical outline of the importance of plausible ontologies in the social sciences and argues how mechanisms and processes should be placed as the foundation in the social world. The argumentation is mainly based on a critical appraisal of the use of mechanisms and processes in the works of Norbert Elias, Charles Tilly, and Jon Elster. I start by elaborating on how inquiries of scientific interest evolve to shed light on cases, facts and the things that constitute such facts, whilst the actual explanation demands the description of mechanisms and processes. Basically, focusing on(co)variationanddifference makingis not sufficient to sustain claims of ontological plausibility and reasonableness. It is thus pointed out how the practices and proceedings of the social sciences can be ontologically enhanced by embracing the complementary roles ofmechanismsplusprocessestogether withdifference making,as is performed in a special science such as biology, as well as is informally but promisingly pursued in the works of the discussed social scientists. While discussing their work, it is also argued that we should differentiate between processes and mechanisms in order to formalize this approach, which highlights the role of technologies and institutions as prime building blocks for social explanation. I conclude by presenting a claim that in taking seriously that the purported relations between beings and entities need to make discursive sense and historical sense, the social sciences will increase our cognitive success about the things of the world.
The morphology of choroidal neovascularization in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy presenting with flat, irregular pigment epithelium detachment
Authors: Azzolini Claudio , Cattaneo Jennifer , Premoli Laura , Metrangolo Cristian , Chiaravalli Maurizio , Donati Simone
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To evaluate morphological characteristics of choroidal neovascularization in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) presenting with flat and irregular pigment epithelium detachment (FIPED) by means of innovative multimodal imaging.

Methods

In this observational cross-sectional study, we examined 10 consecutive patients affected by chronic CSC and FIPED using fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine-green angiography (ICGA) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). A qualitative analysis of the nature and characteristics of neovascular membrane was performed, combining available multimodal imaging and literature data.

Results

Multiple areas of retinal pigment epithelium alterations, macular hypo- and hyperpigmentation and atrophic areas were identified. Spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT) showed subretinal fluid in 80% of eyes and the ‘double layer sign’ in all patients. Late FA phases showed staining areas without leakage in all eyes; ICGA showed a hyperfluorescent plaque with surrounding hypofluorescence in 80% of patients. OCTA detected characteristic neovascular networks in the outer retina within the FIPEDs, classified as filamentous vessels with a pruned tree-like pattern in five eyes and a tangled pattern in three eyes. The choriocapillaris network showed dark areas in 80% of eyes and diffuse dark spots in all eyes.

Conclusion

Multimodal imaging completes clinical characterization of FIPEDs in chronic CSC. This study using OCTA technology describes the phenotype of hidden neovascular lesions in shape and morphology.
Transforming variables to central normality
Authors: Raymaekers Jakob , Rousseeuw Peter J.
Published: March 2021

Many real data sets contain numerical features (variables) whose distribution is far from normal (Gaussian). Instead, their distribution is often skewed. In order to handle such data it is customary to preprocess the variables to make them more normal. The Box–Cox and Yeo–Johnson transformations are well-known tools for this. However, the standard maximum likelihood estimator of their transformation parameter is highly sensitive to outliers, and will often try to move outliers inward at the expense of the normality of the central part of the data. We propose a modification of these transformations as well as an estimator of the transformation parameter that is robust to outliers, so the transformed data can be approximately normal in the center and a few outliers may deviate from it. It compares favorably to existing techniques in an extensive simulation study and on real data.
Mycochemicals in wild and cultivated mushrooms: nutrition and health
Authors: Cateni Francesca , Gargano Maria Letizia , Procida Giuseppe , Venturella Giuseppe , Cirlincione Fortunato , Ferraro Valeria
Published: March 2021

The mushrooms have contributed to the development of active ingredients of fundamental importance in the field of pharmaceutical chemistry as well as of important tools in human and animal health, nutrition, and functional food. This review considers studies on the beneficial effects of medicinal mushrooms on the nutrition and health of humans and farm animals. An overview of the chemical structure and composition of mycochemicals is presented in this review with particular reference to phenolic compounds, triterpenoids and sterols, fatty acids and lipids, polysaccharides, proteins, peptides, and lectins. The nutritional value and chemical composition of wild and cultivated mushrooms in Italy is also the subject of this review which also deals with mushrooms as nutraceuticals and the use of mushrooms in functional foods. The nutraceutical benefits of UV irradiation of cultivated species of basidiomycetes to generate high amounts of vitamin D2 is also highlighted and the ability of the muhsrooms to inhibit glycation is analyzed. Finally, attention is paid to studies on bioactivities of some Italian wild and cultivated mushrooms with particular reference to species belonging to the genus Pleurotus. The review highlights the potential of medicinal mushrooms in the production of mycochemicals that represent a source of drugs, nutraceutical, and functional food.

Graphic abstract
Shrub expansion in the Arctic may induce large‐scale carbon losses due to changes in plant‐soil interactions
Authors: Parker Thomas C. , Thurston Alana M. , Raundrup Katrine , Subke Jens-Arne , Wookey Philip A. , Hartley Iain P.
Published: March 2021

Background

Tall deciduous shrubs are increasing in range, size and cover across much of the Arctic, a process commonly assumed to increase carbon (C) storage. Major advances in remote sensing have increased our ability to monitor changes aboveground, improving quantification and understanding of arctic greening. However, the vast majority of C in the Arctic is stored in soils, where changes are more uncertain.

Scope

We present pilot data to argue that shrub expansion will cause changes in rhizosphere processes, including the development of new mycorrhizal associations that have the potential to promote soil C losses that substantially exceed C gains in plant biomass. However, current observations are limited in their spatial extent, and mechanistic understanding is still developing. Extending measurements across different regions and tundra types would greatly increase our ability to predict the biogeochemical consequences of arctic vegetation change, and we present a simple method that would allow such data to be collected.

Conclusions

Shrub expansion in the Arctic could promote substantial soil C losses that are unlikely to be offset by increases in plant biomass. However, confidence in this prediction is limited by a lack of information on how soil C stocks vary between contrasting Arctic vegetation communities; this needs to be addressed urgently.
Monty Hall three door ’anomaly’ revisited: a note on deferment in an extensive form game
Authors: Otto Philipp E.
Published: March 2021

The Monty Hall game is one of the most discussed decision problems, but where a convincing behavioral explanation of the systematic deviations from probability theory is still lacking. Most people not changing their initial choice, when this is beneficial under information updating, demands further explanation. Not only trust and the incentive of interestingly prolonging the game for the audience can explain this kind of behavior, but the strategic setting can be modeled more sophisticatedly. When aiming to increase the odds of winning, while Monty’s incentives are unknown, then not to switch doors can be considered as the most secure strategy and avoids a sure loss when Monty’s guiding aim is not to give away the prize. Understanding and modeling the Monty Hall game can be regarded as an ideal teaching example for fundamental statistic understandings.
Perspectives on Psychometrics Interviews with 20 Past Psychometric Society Presidents
Authors: Wijsen Lisa D. , Borsboom Denny
Published: March 2021

In this article, we present the findings of an oral history project on the past, present, and future of psychometrics, as obtained through structured interviews with twenty past Psychometric Society presidents. Perspectives on how psychometrics should be practiced vary strongly. Some presidents are psychology-oriented, whereas others have a more mathematical or statistical approach. The originally strong relationship between psychometrics and psychology has weakened, and contemporary psychometrics has become a diverse and multifaceted discipline. The presidents are confident psychometrics will continue to be relevant but believe psychometrics needs to become better at selling its strong points to relevant research areas. We recommend for psychometrics to cherish its plurality and make its goals and priorities explicit.
A Note on the Three Dimensional Dirac Operator with Zigzag Type Boundary Conditions
Authors: Holzmann Markus
Published: March 2021

In this note the three dimensional Dirac operator$$A_m$$Amwith boundary conditions, which are the analogue of the two dimensional zigzag boundary conditions, is investigated. It is shown that$$A_m$$Amis self-adjoint in$$L^2(\Omega ;{\mathbb {C}}^4)$$L2(Ω;C4)for any open set$$\Omega \subset {\mathbb {R}}^3$$Ω⊂R3and its spectrum is described explicitly in terms of the spectrum of the Dirichlet Laplacian in$$\Omega $$Ω. In particular, whenever the spectrum of the Dirichlet Laplacian is purely discrete, then also the spectrum of$$A_m$$Amconsists of discrete eigenvalues that accumulate at$$\pm \infty $$±∞and one additional eigenvalue of infinite multiplicity.
Diagnosis and Management of Cognitive Concerns in the Oldest-Old
Authors: Borders Candace , Sajjadi Seyed Ahmad
Published: March 2021

Purpose of review

The fastest-growing group of elderly individuals is the “oldest-old,” usually defined as those age 85 years and above. These individuals account for much of the rapid increase in cases of dementing illness throughout the world but remain underrepresented in the body of literature on this topic. The aim of this review is first to outline the unique contributing factors and complications that must be considered by clinicians in evaluating an oldest-old individual with cognitive complaints. Secondly, the evidence for management of these cognitive concerns is reviewed.

Recent findings

In addition to well-established associations between impaired cognition and physical disability, falls, and frailty, there is now evidence that exercise performed decades earlier confers a cognitive benefit in the oldest-old. Moreover, though aggressive blood pressure control is critical earlier in life for prevention of strokes, renal disease, and other comorbidities, hypertension started after age 80 is in fact associated with a decreased risk of clinical dementia, carrying significant implications for the medical management of oldest-old individuals. The oldest-old are more likely to reside in care facilities, where social isolation might be exacerbated by a consistently lower rate of internet-connected device use. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only highlighted the increased mortality rate among the oldest-old but has also brought the increased social isolation in this group to the forte.

Differing from the “younger-old” in a number of respects, the oldest-old is a unique population not just in their vulnerability to cognitive disorders but also in the diagnostic challenges they can pose. The oldest-old are more likely to be afflicted by sensory deficits, physical disability, poor nutrition, frailty, and depression, which must be accounted for in the assessment of cognitive complaints as they may confound or complicate the presentation. Social isolation and institutionalization are also associated with impaired cognition, perhaps as sequelae, precipitants, or both. Ante-mortem diagnostic tools remain particularly limited among the oldest-old, especially given the likelihood of these individuals to have multiple co-occurring types of neuropathology, and the presence of neuropathology in those who remain cognitively intact. In addition to the symptomatic treatments indicated for patients of all ages with dementia, management of cognitive impairment in the oldest-old may be further optimized by use of assistive devices, augmentation of dietary protein, and liberalization of medication regimens for risk factors such as hypertension.
Investigating the Effect of Different Drying Strategies on the Quality Parameters of Daucus carota L. Using Dynamic Process Control and Measurement Techniques
Authors: Raut Sharvari , Md Saleh Rosalizan , Kirchhofer Phil , Kulig Boris , Hensel Oliver , Sturm Barbara
Published: March 2021

The present work aims to improve the understanding of the effect of different drying strategies at varying temperatures on the dynamic drying behaviour and quality of organic products such as carrots using non-invasive measurement techniques. For this purpose, carrot slices of 3 mm thickness were dried under three different strategies namely air temperature controlled (A), product temperature controlled (P) and stepwise temperature controlled (S) at different temperatures (50 °C, 60 °C and 70 °C) to measure and analyse the changes in moisture content, colour, total carotenoid retention, water activity, rehydration ratio and specific energy consumption. From the investigation performed, it was incurred that the application of different drying strategies influences rather significantly both the product quality as well as the overall process efficiency. Modelling the drying curves deemed Page model to be a good fit for all the strategies with R2adj = 0.99 and RMSE = 0.01. The results also show that implementing strategy P not only led to shorter drying times but also led to higher total carotenoid retention within the samples (TCR = 0.59–0.73). Colour changes, however, were observed to be maximum with strategy P as compared to strategy A and strategy S. Furthermore, the use of a non-invasive measurement technique such as infrared camera proved to be reliable in order to detect the phase transition of the product during the drying process.
An Effective Method for Wetland Park Health Assessment: a Case Study of the Guangdong Xinhui National Wetland Park in the Pearl River Delta, China
Authors: Fang Xiao-Shan , Liu Shuang , Chen Wei-Zhi , Wu Ren-Zhi
Published: March 2021

The Guangdong Xinhui National Wetland Park (GXNWP) in the Pearl River Delta is an important stopover for migratory birds in China and East Asia. Due to high levels of interference, high sensitivity and fragile environmental constraints, an efficient method to assess the health status of wetland parks such as the GXNWP is urgently needed for sustainable development. In this study, we proposed a habitat-landscape-service (HLS) conceptual model that can be used at the site scale to evaluate health status in terms of habitats, landscapes and services by considering the complex ecosystem of wetland parks. This HLS model included 28 evaluation indicators, and the indicator weights and health-grade divisions were based on expert scores using both the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy comprehension evaluation (FCE) methods. The results showed that the health status of the GXNWP was at the “subhealthy” level, with a membership function of 0.4643. This study found that habitat indicators (0.5715) were the key factors affecting the GXNWP health status, followed by service indicators (0.2856) and landscape indicators (0.1429). The HLS-AHP-FCE method provides a holistic health evaluation indicator system and diagnostic approach for rapidly developing wetland parks in the Pearl River Delta, China.
Bounded resolutions for spaces $$C_{p}(X)$$ and a characterization in terms of X
Authors: Ferrando J. C. , Ka̧kol J. , Śliwa W.
Published: March 2021

An internal characterization of the Arkhangel’skiĭ-Calbrix main theorem from [4] is obtained by showing that the space $$C_{p}(X)$$

C
p

(
X
)

of continuous real-valued functions on a Tychonoff space X is K-analytic framed in $$\mathbb {R}^{X}$$

R

X

if and only if X admits a nice framing. This applies to show that a metrizable (or cosmic) space X is $$\sigma $$
σ
-compact if and only if X has a nice framing. We analyse a few concepts which are useful while studying nice framings. For example, a class of Tychonoff spaces X containing strictly Lindelöf Čech-complete spaces is introduced for which a variant of Arkhangel’skiĭ-Calbrix theorem for $$\sigma $$
σ
-boundedness of X is shown.
Finite time extinction for the 1D stochastic porous medium equation with transport noise
Authors: Hensel Sebastian
Published: March 2021

We establish finite time extinction with probability one for weak solutions of the Cauchy–Dirichlet problem for the 1D stochastic porous medium equation with Stratonovich transport noise and compactly supported smooth initial datum. Heuristically, this is expected to hold because Brownian motion has average spread rate $$\smash {O(t^\frac{1}{2})}$$

O
(

t

1
2

)

whereas the support of solutions to the deterministic PME grows only with rate $$\smash {O(t^{\frac{1}{m{+}1}})}$$

O
(

t

1

m
+
1

)

. The rigorous proof relies on a contraction principle up to time-dependent shift for Wong–Zakai type approximations, the transformation to a deterministic PME with two copies of a Brownian path as the lateral boundary, and techniques from the theory of viscosity solutions.
WeCareAdvisor, an Online Platform to Help Family Caregivers Manage Dementia-Related Behavioral Symptoms: an Efficacy Trial in the Time of COVID-19
Authors: Gitlin Laura N. , Bouranis Nicole , Kern Vince , Koeuth Sokha , Marx Katherine A. , McClure Leslie A. , Lyketsos Constantine G. , Kales Helen C.
Published: March 2021

Dementia-related behavioral and psychology symptoms (BPSD) are undertreated and have negative consequences. However, families do not have access to disease information, tailored problem-solving  and effective management strategies, and with COVID-19, are more socially isolated and distressed. To address this dementia care gap, we describe a Phase III efficacy trial testing an online platform, WeCareAdvisor, and design modifications necessitated by COVID-19. WeCareAdvisor provides caregivers with disease information, daily tips, and a systematic approach for describing behaviors, investigating underlying causes, creating tailored strategies, and evaluating their effectiveness (DICE). The trial will enroll 326 caregivers nationwide, randomly assign them to immediately receive WeCareAdvisor (treatment), or a 3-month waitlist (control) and evaluate short (1- and 3-month) and long-term (6-month) outcomes for caregiver distress with and confidence managing BPSD, and BPSD occurrences. We will also evaluate utilization patterns with different prompting conditions: high-intensity (telephone and email reminders), low-intensity (email reminders), or no reminders to use WeCareAdvisor. COVID-19 necessitated design modifications resulting in greater inclusivity of caregivers from diverse races, ethnicities, and geographic areas. Key modifications include shifting from in-home, in-person interviewing to telephone; adjusting tool functionality from operating on a grant-funded iPad to caregivers’ personal internet-capable devices; and expanding recruitment from one metropolitan area to nationwide. Study modifications necessitated by COVID-19 facilitate national outreach, easier tool adoption, and enable more diverse caregivers to participate. This study addresses a critical dementia care need, and design modifications may shorten timeline from efficacy testing to commercialization.
Gender self‐confidence, scholastic stress, life satisfaction, and perceived academic achievement for adolescent New Zealanders
Authors: Watson Penelope W. St J. , Sotardi Valerie A. , Park Joohyun (Justine) , Roy Deepika
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Confidence in one's gender self‐concept has been positively associated with subjective well‐being. Further, negative consequences for school life have occurred for adolescents with marginalised gender identities. As a central process variable of subjective well‐being, life satisfaction has been positively associated with educational outcomes and inversely associated with stress. Stress, life satisfaction, and academic achievement have been examined in terms of gender, but less is known about their relationship with gender self‐concept. Importantly, gender self‐concept has been rendered especially vulnerable in adolescence—a time when social self‐concept and life satisfaction are reportedly lower than in childhood.

Method

The current study was conducted with adolescents (N = 1601) from seven secondary schools comprising a range of socioeconomic backgrounds and ethnicities, in two major New Zealand metropolitan centres. Data were collected via self‐report survey. After checking the validity of each measurement model by using confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modelling was performed to explore associations between aspects of gender self‐concept, stress, life satisfaction (LS), and perceived academic achievement (PAA).

Results

Gender self‐definition (GSD; one's self‐definition of one's own gender identity) was associated positively with stress, and negatively with perceived academic achievement. Gender self‐acceptance (GSA; contentment with one's self‐defined gender identity) was negatively associated with stress, and positively associated with LS. Both gender self‐acceptance and LS were associated positively with PAA. Two stressors mediated the relationship between LS and both GSD and GSA.

Conclusion

Implications are suggested for fostering gender‐identity safe school environments for adolescents to ensure positive wellbeing and scholastic outcomes.
Voriconazole-induced severe hypokalemic rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Alawfi Abdulsalam , Algarni Abdullah , Donesa Jocelyn , Abuelreish Motasem
Published: March 2021

We report a child who presented with lower limb weakness and inability to walk, laboratory confirmed severe hypokalemia with typical electrocardiogram changes, and evidence of rhabdomyolysis while on voriconazole treatment for Pseudallescheria boydii soft tissue infection. Although voriconazole is a well- tolerated antifungal agent, hypokalemia is a well-known, yet uncommon side effect associated with its use. Furthermore, hypokalemic-rhabdomyolysis has not been reported with voriconazole use alone. Maintaining the clinical suspicion about the potential association between voriconazole and hypokalemic-rhabdomyolysis can lead to prompt recognition and intervention.
The Social Value of Zoos
Authors: Fraser John , Switzer Tawnya
Published: March 2021

Combining anecdotes with scientific data, this book is a journalistic inquiry into what is currently known about zoos and aquariums as sociocultural intersections of mission, public perception, and on-site meaning making. The authors draw on conservation psychology and other social science research to explore how zoos might develop and deliver more effective learning experiences to promote and nurture conservation values and collective action. While people use zoos with specific priorities and motivations in mind, these are social settings. Indeed, it is because they represent an important, vast, and trusted social enterprise that zoos have such powerful opportunities to change how diverse public audiences view, value, identify, and engage with animals and the broader biophysical environment.
Limited impact of climate forcing products on future glacier evolution in Scandinavia and Iceland
Authors: Compagno Loris , Zekollari Harry , Huss Matthias , Farinotti Daniel
Published: March 2021

Due to climate change, worldwide glaciers are rapidly declining. The trend will continue into the future, with consequences for sea level, water availability and tourism. Here, we assess the future evolution of all glaciers in Scandinavia and Iceland until 2100 using the coupled surface mass-balance ice-flow model GloGEMflow. The model is initialised with three distinct past climate data products (E-OBS, ERA-I, ERA-5), while future climate is prescribed by both global and regional climate models (GCMs and RCMs), in order to analyze their impact on glacier evolution. By 2100, we project Scandinavian glaciers to lose between 67 ± 18% and 90 ± 7% of their present-day (2018) volume under a low (RCP2.6) and a high (RCP8.5) emission scenario, respectively. Over the same period, losses for Icelandic glaciers are projected to be between 43 ± 11% (RCP2.6) and 85 ± 7% (RCP8.5). The projected evolution is only little impacted by both the choice of climate data products used in the past and the spatial resolution of the future climate projections, with differences in the ice volume remaining by 2100 of 7 and 5%, respectively. This small sensitivity is attributed to our model calibration strategy that relies on observed glacier-specific mass balances and thus compensates for differences between climate forcing products.
Efficacy of different hermetic bag storage technologies against insect pests and aflatoxin incidence in stored maize grain
Authors: Mutambuki Kimondo , Likhayo Paddy
Published: March 2021

The performance of six grain storage technologies for the control of insect pests in maize was evaluated over a 36-week (9-month) storage period. The six technologies used were: two ZeroFly® hermetic bag brands (laminated and non-laminated); Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bag; non-hermetic ZeroFly® bag; woven polypropylene (PP) bag containing maize grain treated with Actellic Gold® Dust (pirimiphos-methyl 1.6% + thiamethoxam 0.3%) and woven PP bag containing untreated grain. Each bag was filled with 50 kg maize grain and four replicates of each were set up. With the exception of the non-hermetic ZeroFly® bag, 50 live adults of the larger grain borer Prostephanus truncatus and of the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais, were introduced into all the bags. Insects were not introduced into the non-hermetic ZeroFly® bag to assess its effectiveness in repelling infestation from outside. Parameters recorded were gas composition (oxygen and carbon dioxide) levels inside the bags; weight of flour generated by insect feeding activities; grain moisture level; live adult insect counts; grain damage and weight loss; grain germination rate and aflatoxin level. At termination, the plastic liners of the hermetic bags were examined for perforations. Results show that oxygen depletion and carbon dioxide evolution were faster in ZeroFly® hermetic compared to PICS bags. Throughout the 36-week storage trial, grain damage remained below 4% and weight loss below 3% in all the treatments except in the untreated PP bags in which it increased to 81.1 and 25.5%, respectively. The hermetic PICS, ZeroFly® and Actellic Gold dust-treated PP bags maintained grain germination at 60%, which was lower than the initial 90%, while in untreated control, it reduced to 4.7%. The mean aflatoxin levels fluctuated between 0.39 and 3.56 parts per billion (ppb) during 24 weeks of storage in all the technologies tested, which is below the acceptable maximum level of 10 ppb in maize. Based on the evaluation results, it can be concluded that hermetic PICS and ZeroFly® bags and woven PP bag with Actellic Gold dust-treated grain effectively protected stored maize grain from insect attack and weight losses. Appropriate strategies and mechanisms for the effective and efficient adoption of hermetic storage bag technology at scale would contribute towards global food security.