bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the applicability of viscosity-based capillary bundle concepts to predict the penetration behaviour of polymer solutions into sand
Authors: Verst Rowena , Lieske Wolfgang , Baille Wiebke , Pulsfort Matthias , Wichtmann Torsten
Published: June 2021

The increasing use of polymer solutions as support fluids in pile drilling, diaphragm walling or tunnelling applications demands a more detailed discussion of their penetration behaviour and prediction thereof. In this context, the capillary bundle approach can be a useful tool. However, while it is widely discussed in the oil and gas application, the subject is currently addressed only scarcely with regard to support fluid penetration targeting stagnation, where small flow velocities and non-cohesive soil environments are of relevance. In these boundary conditions, the applicability of capillary bundle approaches is not yet sufficiently confirmed and substantiated. The current paper thus reviews current capillary bundle models based on Hagen–Poiseuille in combination with a power-law rheological model and discusses their applicability with respect to support fluid application in the context of experimental soil permeation tests for small gradients ($$i\le 10$$

i
≤
10

). Two granular materials of similar grain size, but different angularity (glass beads and sand), and four polymer solutions varying in polymer chain length and concentration are investigated, and the impact of model assumptions and bulk material input variables is systematically discussed. The experimental results show that the theoretical models are generally able to predict the filter velocity qualitatively for values above $${\bar{v}}=5\times 10^{-7}$$

v

¯

=
5
×

10

-
7

m/s and also quantitatively, when an empirical shift factor $$\alpha ^*$$

α
∗

is introduced and water permeability values are determined experimentally. With respect to the influence of soil parameters, it was found that the soil particle roughness decreases the flow velocity of the polymer solution despite similar hydraulic conductivity in water. Polymer chain length and concentration were observed to control the degree of possible dilution ($$\alpha ^*<1$$

α
∗

<
1

) in the porous system compared to bulk rheological characteristics. It can therefore be concluded that capillary bundle models can indeed be applied in the targeted fields even though they are unable to predict a complete stagnation for $$i>0$$

i
>
0

. However, rather than specific model assumptions for tortuosity, taking into account the specific soil-polymer interaction has shown to be of primary importance to ensure no under- or over-prediction of penetration velocities solely based on bulk rheology.
Die Wirkung der Authentizität von Lernort und Laborgeräten auf das situationale Interesse und die Relevanzwahrnehmung beim Besuch eines naturwissenschaftlichen Schülerlabors
Authors: Schüttler Tobias , Watzka Bianca , Girwidz Raimund , Ertl Bernhard
Published: June 2021

Als besonderes Merkmal von Schülerlaboren, die u. a. das Interesse an Naturwissenschaften fördern sollen, wird häufig die Authentizität der Lernumgebung genannt. Allerdings besteht Klärungsbedarf, welche Gestaltungsaspekte von authentischen Lernsettings interesseförderlich wirken. Die Faktoren Authentizität des Lernorts und Echtheit der Laborgeräte standen daher bei der hier beschriebenen quasi-experimentellen Interventionsstudie im 2 × 2-faktoriellen Design im Vordergrund. Untersucht wurde die Wirkung dieser Faktoren auf das situationale Interesse sowie auf die subjektiv wahrgenommene inhaltliche Relevanz und die wahrgenommene Authentizität der Laborgeräte beim Besuch eines forschungsnahen, naturwissenschaftlichen Schülerlabors. Dazu wurde ein Workshop zur Infrarotfernerkundung entwickelt und mit insgesamt 166 Schüler*innen der zehnten Klasse an unterschiedlich authentischen Lernorten (Schülerlabor vs. Schule) durchgeführt. Kontrastierend kamen an beiden Orten echte High-End-Laborgeräte, die im Allgemeinen nur Forschungseinrichtungen zur Verfügung stehen, bzw. vereinfachte, für Schulen verfügbare, weniger authentische Low-Cost-Geräte zum Einsatz. Die Arbeit mit den echten Laborgeräten führte unabhängig vom Lernort zu einer stärkeren Authentizitätswahrnehmung. Die Wahrnehmung inhaltlicher Relevanz hingegen war unabhängig von den Laborgeräten und wurde am authentischen Lernort signifikant höher bewertet als in der Schule. Das situationale epistemische Interesse war in der Gruppe am größten ausgeprägt, die am authentischen Lernort mit echten Laborgeräten arbeiten konnte.
Socio-economic impacts and challenges associated with the electrification of a remote area in rural Tanzania through a mini-grid system
Authors: Falk Joern , Angelmahr Martin , Schade Wolfgang , Schenk-Mathes Heike
Published: June 2021

Electricity is an indispensable building block for sustainable development. As national and international electrification measures in rural areas of Tanzania are progressing slowly, a solar-powered mini-grid system with second-life battery storage was commissioned on an island in Lake Victoria in 2019 to support local development. This article evaluates the socio-economic impacts associated with electrification through this system. On average, 42.31 kWh of electricity could be provided per day. The daily demand of the main infrastructure (hospital and school) was 18.75 kWh on average. The remaining capacity thus offers enough potential to supply private households and possible economic activities. In order to evaluate the impact of electrification, a qualitative survey was conducted on site 12 months after commissioning, with 7% of the people living there being interviewed. Language barriers as well as intercultural hurdles made the survey difficult and required an adaptation of the on-site implementation. The focus of the survey was on the areas of health, education and economics. The study revealed that the availability of electricity has enormous potential to improve people's living conditions. Initial successes could be seen, especially in the areas of health care and the economic sector. So far, electrification has had no influence on the area of education. While the connections for the main infrastructure have been institutionally supported, the system-related electricity price of €1.30/kWh has proven to be a major obstacle for private households. This is far too high for widespread use compared to incomes. The article thus focuses on the observation that full socio-economic development through electrification can only succeed if local people can afford it. Possibilities to solve this problem are analysed. Since the energy is generated on the basis of renewable resources, the analysis focuses on the use of mechanisms of the emissions trading system (ETS). The aim is to generate revenue through the sale of certified emission reductions (CERs) for the saved CO2emissions and thus reduce the electricity price. A reference scenario of conventional energy production forms the basis for discussion of the effectiveness of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and the Carbon Initiative for Development (Ci-Dev). In addition, the approach of a monthly free quota of electricity, the free basic electricity initiative (FBE), is included in the evaluation.

Graphical abstract
Spatial and temporal variations of faecal indicator bacteria in Lake Bunyonyi, South-Western Uganda
Authors: Saturday Alex , Lyimo Thomas J. , Machiwa John , Pamba Siajali
Published: June 2021

Background Microbial water quality serves to indicate health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated water. Nevertheless, little is known about the microbiological characteristics of water in Lake Bunyonyi. This study was therefore undertaken to examine the spatial and temporal variations of faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) in relation to physicochemical parameters in Lake Bunyonyi. Result The FIB concentration was consistently measured during sampling months and correlated with each other showing the presumed human faecal pollution in the lake. The highest concentration values for E. coli (64.7 ± 47.3 CFU/100 mL) and enterococci (24.6 ± 32.4 CFU/100 mL were obtained in the station close to the Mugyera trading centre. On a temporal basis, the maximum values were recorded during the rainy season in October 2019 (70.7 ± 56.5 CFU/100 mL for E. coli and 38.44 ± 31.8 CFU/100 mL for enterococci. FIB did not differ significantly among the study stations (p > 0.05) but showed significant temporal variations among the months (p < 0.05) with concentrations being significantly high in wet season than dry season (U = 794, p < 0.0001 for E. coli; U = 993.5, p = 0.008 for enterococci). Spearman’s rank correlation revealed that FIB concentrations were significantly positively correlated with turbidity and DO concentration levels (p < 0.05). Approximately 97.2% of the water samples had E. coli and enterococci concentrations levels below USEPA threshold for recreational waters. Likewise, 98.1 and 90.7% of samples recorded E. coli and enterococci counts exceeding the UNBS, APHA, WHO and EU threshold values for drinking water. Conclusion The FIB counts show that the Lake Bunyonyi water is bacteriologically unsuitable for drinking unless it is treated since the FIB pose health risks to consumers. Besides, the water can be used for recreational purposes.
Priapism in Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Authors: Ali Elrazi A. , Sardar Sundus , Yassin Mohamed A.
Published: June 2021

Priapism is defined as a persistent penile erection lasting more than 4 h. We searched the literature for reviews, case reports, and series for patients with lymphoproliferative disorders who developed priapism. The search involved all the lymphoproliferative disorders included in the revised 2016 World Health Organization classification of lymphoid neoplasms including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, and lymphomas. A total of 16 articles were found. The search included cases up to 4th January 2021. Priapism was seen most commonly as the first manifestation of lymphoproliferative disorders, rarely seen after treatment or after diagnosis.
In-orbit results from the attitude determination and control system of ALSAT-2B
Authors: Benzeniar H.
Published: June 2021

The Algerian Space Agency has been active in the field of microsatellite engineering for more than 15 years and has successfully developed microsatellites under several know-how transfer technology programs, six to date. This paper presents the flight results and lessons learned from the attitude determination and control system (ADCS) flown on the ALSAT-2B satellite, an Earth observation microsatellite, by analysing the behaviour of the satellite from the initial attitude acquisition through the coarse pointing mode then the nominal mode, where the payload is first tested, and finally the orbit control mode. The spacecraft was launched on 26 September 2016 and placed into a 670km Sun-synchronous orbit with a solar local time at an ascending node of 22:15. The ADCS performance presented here mainly focuses on the launch and early operation results. ALSAT-2B includes four reaction wheels in a pyramidal configuration, three gyros, three Sun sensors, three magneto-torquers, one magnetometer, and one star tracker for agile and accurate attitude control. In addition, a propulsion system based on four 1N hydrazine thrusters is also used on board the microsatellite. The main new development in this platform compared with previous ones of the same type is the fusion of the star tracker and measurements by the three gyroscopes into one gyrostellar estimator that was implemented for the first time on ALSAT-2B, and the pyramidal configuration of the wheels, aiming to increase the angular momentum. The results obtained from the early launch operations for different ADCS modes are very encouraging and fulfil all the requirements set during design and testing. Currently, the satellite has accomplished its fourth year in orbit and is still operational and producing high-quality images.
An Investigation Into the Influence of Positive Peer Feedback on Self-Relevant Cognitions in Social Anxiety
Authors: Miers Anne C.
Published: June 2021

This study investigated whether positive feedback from same-age peers can modify self-relevant cognitive processes of high socially anxious youth in a positive direction. Thirty-three high socially anxious and 32 non-socially anxious undergraduate students (17–22 years) gave an impromptu speech and received either positive or neutral feedback post-speech. Anticipatory processing (AP) was rated prior to the speech via self-report. One week later participants returned to the laboratory and completed questionnaires assessing post-event processing (PEP) thoughts related to the impromptu speech and AP about a future speech. For high socially anxious youth receiving positive feedback, AP about their speech performance significantly improved over time. In addition, high socially anxious participants who received positive feedback reported a higher frequency of positive PEP thoughts about their speech in the intervening week. These improvements did not occur in the neutral peer feedback condition. Non-socially anxious participants’ AP improved in both feedback conditions, whereas their frequency of PEP was unaffected by feedback. These findings suggest that, in high socially anxious youth, positive feedback from same-age peers can modify self-relevant cognitive processes in a positive direction. We discuss how methodological improvements could more thoroughly investigate the potential of positive peer feedback for changing cognitions.
Local-Level Democratic Backsliding? The Consolidation of Aspiring Dominant-Party Regimes in Hungary and Poland
Authors: O'Dwyer Conor , Stenberg Matthew
Published: June 2021

Aspiring dominant-party regimes often institute major institutional and political reforms at the national level to ensure they retain control. However, subnational politics is an important, under-studied, component of regime consolidation. This study uses mayoral races in Hungary and Poland from 2006 to 2018 to examine two factors that may inhibit dominant-party regime consolidation in local politics: the use of two-round, i.e. runoff, electoral systems and strategic coordination among opposition parties. While we find little evidence that strategic coordination can lead to widespread opposition success in single-round systems, we do find that increasing the number of candidates decreases the likelihood of the nationally dominant party winning in the first round while not affecting the second round. As such, two-round mayoral elections may be an important buffer to dominant-party regime consolidation and may provide a training ground for the future opposition.
Relationship between generic and occupation-specific job demands and resources, negative work−home interference and burnout among GPs
Authors: Verhoef N.C. , De Ruiter M. , Blomme R.J. , Curfs E.C.
Published: June 2021

Scholars often examine the effect of generic job demands and resources on burnout, yet to increase ecological validity, it is important to examine the effects of occupation-specific characteristics. An extended version of the job demands-resources model with work−home interference as a mediator is examined among a cross-sectional sample of 178 general practitioners (GPs). Interviews with GPs were used to develop questions on occupation-specific work characteristics. Hypotheses were tested in MEDIATE. Both generic and occupation-specific job demands positively affected emotional exhaustion, while only occupation-specific job demands affected depersonalization. Only strain-based work−family interference mediated the relationship between generic and occupation-specific job demands, emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. This study offers an important extension of the job demands-resources model by including occupation-specific job characteristics. This broader perspective can aid in more targeted job design to reduce burnout among GPs.
Epistemic constructions in L2 Norwegian: a usage-based longitudinal study of formulaic and productive patterns
Authors: HORBOWICZ PAULINA , NORDANGER MARTE
Published: June 2021

This paper addresses the development of epistemic verb–argument constructions in L2 Norwegian in four learners from a usage-based perspective. Usage-based theories hold that language learning is a gradual process of schematization. Recent research has pointed out that adult L2 learning may start out from both lexically specific and productive patterns, but also that formulaic language and semi-fixed patterns can persist for a long time in an L2. The aim of the present study is to trace how the schematization process unfolds in dense longitudinal data collected from learners in their second semester of intense Norwegian language studies, and to explore the interaction between formulaic and productive patterns in this period of language learning. The analyses show that the learners in general employ a limited repertoire of epistemic verbs, mainlytro‘think’ andvite‘know’. The level of productivity oftroandviteconstructions varies across the learners: while one learner shows increasingly productive use of constructions with both verbs, other learners rely on semi-fixed construction patterns. A general conclusion is thus that formulaic and semi-fixed patterns are not restricted to initial phases of L2 learning and should be an object of attention at all levels of L2 competence.
The evolution and consequences of digital rights management in relation to online music streaming
Authors: Scharf Nick
Published: June 2021

Streaming services now provide the dominant way in which music is distributed and consumed online. Digital rights management (DRM) lies at the heart of this trend and has evolved alongside a movement from copy-based to streaming-based consumption. This shift poses a number of new and unique issues. Music streaming services have changed the nature of the product offered, with musical content becoming de-bundled and reduced to a series of permissions covered by DRM and associated licences, leaving users trapped in a permission-based system. This may create tension with copyright law principles regarding personal ownership and exhaustion of rights in relation to secondary markets, but through analysing relevant US and European case law it can be demonstrated that there is little, if any, legal opportunity for digital secondary markets to emerge. There are also further specific consequences which may affect artists relating to musical diversity and the composition of popular music and, also, consequences regarding the changing nature of the Internet itself. In this context copyright remains centrally important, but only in establishing the initial proprietary rights that enable subsequent DRM and licence-based online exploitation, indicative of a re-establishment of record industry power that is now allied to streaming platforms.
Spectroscopic and photometric analysis of 21 chromospherically active variables: Activity cycles and differential rotation
Authors: Özdarcan O.
Published: June 2021

We investigate magnetic activity properties of 21 stars via medium resolution optical spectra and long-term photometry. Applying synthetic spectrum fitting method, we find that all targets are cool giant or sub-giant stars possessing overall [M/H] abundances between 0 and$-0.5$. We find that six of these targets exhibit only linear trend in mean brightness, while eight of them clearly shows cyclic mean brightness variation. Remaining seven target appear to exhibit cyclic mean brightness variation, but this cannot be confirmed due to the long timescales of the predicted cycle compared to the current time range of the photometric data. We further determine seasonal photometric periods and compute average photometric period of each target. Analysed sample in this study provides a quantitative representation of a positive linear correlation between the inverse of the rotation period and the cycle period normalised to the rotation period, on the log-log scale. We also observe no correlation between the activity cycle length and the relative surface shear, indicating that the activity cycle must be driven by a parameter rather than the differential rotation. Our analyses show that the relative surface shear is positively correlated with the rotation period and there is a noticeable separation between main sequence stars and our sample. Compared to our sample, the relative surface shear of a main sequence star is larger for a given rotation period. However, dependence of the relative surface shear on the rotation period appears stronger for our sample. Analysis of the current photometric data indicates that the photometric properties of the observed activity cycles in eight targets seem dissimilar to the sunspot cycle.
A STYLISH EXIT: MARCUS TERENTIUS’ SWANSONG (TACITUS,ANNALS6.8), CURTIUS RUFUS AND VIRGIL
Authors: Ash Rhiannon
Published: June 2021

Within the narrative fora.d.32, Tacitus recreates a spirited speech delivered before the Senate by theequesMarcus Terentius (Ann. 6.8), defending himself retrospectively for having been a ‘friend’ of Sejanus. This speech, the only extended speech inoratio rectato feature inAnnalsBook 6, is historiographically rich and suggestive.

This article first analyses the speech as a compelling piece of oratory in its own right. It then explores the provocative mirroring of another important speech in Curtius Rufus (7.1.19–40). This is where the general Amyntas, defending himself before Alexander the Great against charges of participation in an alleged conspiracy, refuses to deny his friendship with the conspirator Philotas (now dead). Scholars have rightly acknowledged the significant intertextuality of these two speeches in Curtius Rufus and Tacitus. Yet the interest in this mirroring between Amyntas and Terentius has overshadowed another important intertext. This article demonstrates how Tacitus also engages with a programmatic moment from the opening of Virgil'sAeneidwhen Aeolus is cajoled by Juno to unleash a devastating storm. Terentius wittily casts Tiberius as a powerful divinity whose whims had to be obeyed and himself as a helpless Aeolus doing his will.

This article demonstrates that the two passages from Virgil and Curtius Rufus underpinning Terentius’ speech work together powerfully, challenging Tacitus’ readers to reflect on the difficulties of ‘speaking to power’ and on the compromises involved for men like Terentius in negotiating the complex political realities of the imperial system.
Power, Prerogative, and the Politics of Sir Thomas Wentworth in Early Stuart England and Ireland
Authors: Empey Mark
Published: June 2021

Investigations into the career of Sir Thomas Wentworth, first earl of Strafford, essentially consider three core aspects. First, his parliamentary career and whether his concern for upholding the ancient rights of the subject conflicted with his alleged apostacy when the prospect of office seemed achievable. Second, his deputyship in Ireland, specifically the manner in which he governed the kingdom and the wider implications that this entailed. Finally, his trial and execution, and the validity (or otherwise) of the charges laid against him. As a consequence, these assessments are generally limited to, or confined within, national perspectives, resulting in an assessment of Wentworth's career being too compartmentalized and lacking in overview. This article examines the merits of comparing his political style as the king's representative in northern England and Ireland. It demonstrates how Wentworth's presidency of the north was crucial in establishing prerogative rule, which he later applied with notable effect in Ireland. The parallels are important. In the course of governing two distinct jurisdictions he both encountered and confronted similar obstacles impeding what he called ‘good government’. Viewed from this perspective, Wentworth's accomplishments in the early years of his deputyship were drawn from past experiences where he successfully consolidated royal authority.
Contested Colonial Metrological Sovereignty: The daching riot and the regulation of weights and measures in British Malaya
Authors: HONG POR HEONG , ING TAN MIAU
Published: June 2021

Drawing on materials from the National Archives of Malaysia, newspapers, literature on historical metrology, and the colonial history of Malaya, this article weaves a social history of Malaya's colonial metrological reform by taking into account the roles of both European and Asian historical actors. Prior to the 1894 reform, people in Malaya used customary scales and weight units, which varied across districts, for commercial transactions. Initiated by colonial administrators, the reform was both welcomed and resisted. In 1897, a riot against the Sanitary Board broke out in Kuala Lumpur for its attempt to mandate that previously exempted traders use only government-verified and -stamped scales. The colonial government managed to maintain order and restore its authority at the end of the riot, but four types of merchants—goldsmiths, silversmiths, opium dealers, and drug sellers—managed to remain exempted. Metrological reform continued to be contested in the following century, but the central concerns of the regulation moved from easing taxation, facilitating cross-district trade, and taming Chinese traders to protecting consumers. More emphasis was placed on educating the public to be able to read scales, in addition to using police force to raid businesses. The enforcement was, however, compromised due to inadequate funds. The reality on the ground contradicts the image of an omnipresent colonial authority and reveals the fragility of colonial administration.
Regulating the Tyrell Corporation: the Emergence of Novel Beings
Authors: Lawrence David R , Morley Sarah
Published: June 2021

Emerging biotechnologies and advances in computer science promise the arrival of novel beings possessed of some degree of moral status, even potentially sentient or sapient life. Such a manifestation will constitute an epochal change, and perhaps threaten Homo sapiens’ status as the only being generally considered worthy of personhood and its contingent protections; as well as being the root of any number of social and legal issues. The law as it stands is not likely to be capable of managing or adapting to this challenge. This paper highlights the likely societal ramifications of novel beings and the gaps in the legislation which is likely to be relied upon to respond to these. In so doing, the authors make a case for the development of new regulatory structures to manage the moral issues surrounding this new technological upheaval.
Moral Status for Malware! The Difficulty of Defining Advanced Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Mowbray Miranda
Published: June 2021

The suggestion has been made that future advanced artificial intelligence (AI) that passes some consciousness-related criteria should be treated as having moral status, and therefore, humans would have an ethical obligation to consider its well-being. In this paper, the author discusses the extent to which software and robots already pass proposed criteria for consciousness; and argues against the moral status for AI on the grounds that human malware authors may design malware to fake consciousness. In fact, the article warns that malware authors have stronger incentives than do authors of legitimate software to create code that passes some of the criteria. Thus, code that appears to be benign, but is in fact malware, might become the most common form of software to be treated as having moral status.
DEPENDENCE STRUCTURE BETWEEN MONEY AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITY: A MARKOV-SWITCHING COPULA VEC APPROACH
Authors: Serletis Apostolos , Xu Libo
Published: June 2021

This paper examines correlation and dependence structures between money and the level of economic activity in the USA in the context of a Markov-switching copula vector error correction model. We use the error correction model to focus on the short-run dynamics between money and output while accounting for their long-run equilibrium relationship. We use the Markov regime-switching model to account for instabilities in the relationship between money and output, and also consider different copula models with different dependence structures to investigate (upper and lower) tail dependence.
Early Upper Aerodigestive Tract Cancer Detection Using Electron Microscopy to Reveal Chromatin Packing Alterations in Buccal Mucosa Cells
Authors: Bugter Oisín , Li Yue , Wolters Anouk H.G. , Agrawal Vasundhara , Dravid Amil , Chang Andrew , Hardillo Jose , Giepmans Ben N.G. , Baatenburg de Jong Robert J. , Amelink Arjen , Backman Vadim , Robinson Dominic J.
Published: June 2021

A profound characteristic of field cancerization is alterations in chromatin packing. This study aimed to quantify these alterations using electron microscopy image analysis of buccal mucosa cells of laryngeal, esophageal, and lung cancer patients. Analysis was done on normal-appearing mucosa, believed to be within the cancerization field, and not tumor itself. Large-scale electron microscopy (nanotomy) images were acquired of cancer patients and controls. Within the nuclei, the chromatin packing of euchromatin and heterochromatin was characterized. Furthermore, the chromatin organization was quantified through chromatin packing density scaling. A significant difference was found between the cancer and control groups in the chromatin packing density scaling parameter for length scales below the optical diffraction limit (200 nm) in both the euchromatin (p = 0.002) and the heterochromatin (p = 0.006). The chromatin packing scaling analysis also indicated that the chromatin organization of cancer patients deviated significantly from the control group. They might allow for novel strategies for cancer risk stratification and diagnosis with high sensitivity. This could aid clinicians in personalizing screening strategies for high-risk patients and follow-up strategies for treated cancer patients.
‘It looks like a breadbox’: a pilot study investigating implementation of the Pepi-Pod® program with Aboriginal families in metropolitan South Australia
Authors: Grant Julian , Sivertsen Nina , Deverix Janiene , Steeb Alice
Published: June 2021

Aims:

To collaboratively explore the cultural acceptance of the Pepi-Pod® program as an alternate safe sleep space and to explore the process of implementing the Pepi-Pod® program in a mainstream health service for Aboriginal families living in urban South Australia.

Background:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants continue to die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) at rates three to four times greater than other infants born in Australia despite Council of Australian Governments commitment to halve the gap in the Indigenous infant mortality rate by 2018. The Pepi-Pod® program is evidenced in New Zealand and Queensland to provide a culturally appropriate safe sleep alternative that contributes to the reduction of SIDS and SUDI. We have no evidence of acceptability or feasibility when offered through mainstream services in metropolitan South Australia.

Methods:

With a focus on decolonizing the research process through a two-way process for mutual learning between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal team members and community, a novel qualitative design was employed including photo elicited yarning sessions (n= 7), focus groups (n= 2), and field notes (n= 15).

Results:

Four themes emerged: ‘you don’t have to worry’; ‘a way of sharing knowledge’; ‘it looks like a bread box?’and ‘need for consistent safe sleep messages’. The findings suggest that participants believe the Pepi-Pod® program may enrich Aboriginal families’ lives evoking feelings of comfort and safety; however, the design could be improved to make them more culturally appropriate. There was confusion around safe sleep processes and education with a call for streamlining safe sleep messaging.
Indicators, security and sovereignty during COVID-19 in the Global South
Authors: Harrington John
Published: June 2021

The spread of COVID-19 has seen a contest over health governance and sovereignty in Global South states, with a focus on two radically distinct modes: (1) indicators and metrics and (2) securitisation. Indicators have been a vehicle for the government of states through the external imposition and internal self-application of standards and benchmarks. Securitisation refers to the calling-into-being of emergencies in the face of existential threats to the nation. This paper contextualises both historically with reference to the trajectory of Global South states in the decades after decolonisation, which saw the rise and decline of Third-World solidarity and its replacement by neoliberalism and global governance mechanisms in health, as in other sectors. The interaction between these modes and their relative prominence during COVID-19 is studied through a brief case-study of developments in Kenya during the early months of the pandemic. The paper closes with suggestions for further research and a reflection on parallel trends within Global North states.
CME-Sonografie 99: Veränderungen der Nierenechogenität
Authors: Tuma Jan
Published: June 2021

Zusammenfassung. Normale Nieren haben eine glatte Kontur, Nierenlänge 9–12 cm, Volumen 90–180 ml/1,73 m2 Körperoberfläche, Parenchymbreite 13–18 mm sowie eine Echogenität der Rinde, die im Vergleich zu Leber und Milz echoärmer ist, sowie Markpyramiden, die gegenüber der Rinde erneut echoärmer sind. Digitale Ultraschallbilder ermöglichen eine Messung der Echogenität (Luminanz) zwischen 0 (schwarz) und 255 (weiss). Ein normaler Quotient zwischen der Echogenität der Leber und der Nierenrinde beträgt 1,0–1,4. Ein normaler Quotient zwischen Milz und Nierenrinde ist >1,0. Zwischen Nierenrinde und Nierenmark ist der normale Quotient >1,0. Bei diffusen Nierenparenchymerkrankungen werden Veränderungen der Echogenität beobachtet. Es gibt Nieren mit erhöhter Echogenität der Rinde und einem Quotienten gegenüber Leber und Milz von <1,0 sowie Nieren mit echoreichem Nierenmark und dem Quotienten zwischen Nierenrinde und Nierenmark <1,0.
Bauchschmerzen bei viralem Infekt sind nicht immer trivial
Authors: Minotti Bruno , Bergamin Irina , Ow Dieter von
Published: June 2021

Zusammenfassung. Wir berichten über einen 28-jährigen, bisher gesunden Patienten mit initial erhöhter Temperatur und Husten, im Verlauf heftigsten Schmerzen epigastrisch und Peritonismus im rechten Oberbauch. Eine «bedside» durchgeführte Sonografie ergab eine Pfortaderthrombose, die CT zusätzlich Teilthrombosierungen der V. lienalis, V. mesenterica superior. Im Verlauf konnte der V.a. SARS-CoV-2-Infektion (IgM, IgG) bestätigt werden. Aktuell (Pandemie), muss auch an extrapulmonale Thromboembolien gedacht werden. Dazu ist die Sonografie die geeignete «Suchmethode» – sie ist von «Kopf bis Fuss», unmittelbar und «bedside» einsetzbar.
Atmospheric Rivers, Warm Air Intrusions, and Surface Radiation Balance in the Amundsen Sea Embayment
Authors: Djoumna G. , Holland D. M.
Published: June 2021

Over recent decades the primary climatic forcing on the ice shelves in the Amundsen Sea Embayment (ASE) has been the influx of warm water into sub‐ice‐shelf ocean cavities. By contrast, the contribution of a globally warming atmosphere has been negligible but may play a more significant role in the future. Warm, moist air intrusions from the ocean onto the ice sheet surface play an essential role in the surface energy budget and constitute the primary driver for surface melting in West Antarctica. This study employs observations from automatic weather stations deployed on the Pine Island Glacier and numerical model outputs from the Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System to investigate warm air intrusion (WAI) events and examine their impacts on surface glacier melt in the ASE. A deep low‐pressure center over the Amundsen/Ross Seas and a blocking ridge over the southeast Pacific created favorable conditions for developing an atmospheric river that directs warm and moist air toward the ASE. An analysis of meteorological observations through 2013–2014 shows that 2013 received two times higher frequency WAI events than 2014. 2013 year coincides with more substantial pressure gradients in the western Ross Sea and the eastern Amundsen Sea. The February and March 2013 WAI events induce about 3 days of surface melting over the Pine Island Glacier and the Thurston Island area. A continued increase in the large‐scale advection of warm air from the midlatitudes toward the ASE could lead to an increased surface melting frequency with implications for ice shelves in the study area.
Enhanced Arctic Stratification in a Warming Scenario: Evidence From the Mid Pliocene Warm Period
Authors: Behera Padmasini , Tiwari Manish , Knies Jochen
Published: June 2021

Global warming is most pronounced in the Arctic as evident from the massive sea ice loss during the past few decades. The Mid‐Pliocene Warm Period (MPWP), 3.264 – 3.025 million years ago with similar CO2levels, is the nearest analogue for understanding the impacts of future global warming. High‐resolution studies of relative nutrient utilization and productivity from the Atlantic‐Arctic Gateway (AAG) can provide insight into the nutrient availability governed by stratification strength during past warm climates. Here, we present relative nutrient utilization and productivity variability during the MPWP using sediments collected during the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg 151 from Fram Strait, AAG. We find that the relative nutrient utilization was high (low) implying stronger (weaker) stratification during warm (cold) periods during the MPWP. Stronger stratification inhibits the nutrient influx from intermediate water depths into the surface leading to higher utilization of available nutrients. It existed during warm periods likely due to enhanced summer sea ice melt and river discharge from the hinterland. As a consequence, the freshened surface layer could have stored more heat and accelerated the sea ice melt further implying that in the present‐day warm scenario, stronger stratification and upper layer freshening may lead to more sea ice melt in the Arctic Ocean.
Bayesian Geophysical Inversion Using Invertible Neural Networks
Authors: Zhang Xin , Curtis Andrew
Published: June 2021

Constraining geophysical models with observed data usually involves solving nonlinear and nonunique inverse problems. Neural mixture density networks (MDNs) provide an efficient way to estimate Bayesian posterior marginal probability density functions (pdf's) that represent the nonunique solution. However, it is difficult to infer correlations between parameters using MDNs, and in turn to draw samples from the posterior pdf. We introduce an alternative to resolve these issues: invertible neural networks (INNs). These are simultaneously trained to represent uncertain forward functions and to solve Bayesian inverse problems. In its usual form, the method does not account for uncertainty caused by data noise and becomes less effective in high dimensionality. To overcome these issues, in this study, we include data uncertainties as additional model parameters, and train the network by maximizing the likelihood of the data used for training. We apply the method to two types of imaging problems: One‐dimensional surface wave dispersion inversion and two‐dimensional travel time tomography, and we compare the results to those obtained using Monte Carlo and MDNs. Results show that INNs provide comparable posterior pdfs to those obtained using Monte Carlo, including correlations between parameters, and provide more accurate marginal distributions than MDNs. After training, INNs estimate posterior pdfs in seconds on a typical desktop computer. Hence they can be used to provide efficient solutions for repeated inverse problems using different data sets. Also even accounting for training time, our results show that INNs can be more efficient than Monte Carlo methods for solving inverse problems only once.
On the Properties of and Ionospheric Conditions Associated With a Mid‐Latitude Scintillation Event Observed Over Southern United States
Authors: Rodrigues F. S. , Socola J. G. , Moraes A. O. , Martinis C. , Hickey D. A.
Published: June 2021

While low and high‐latitude ionospheric scintillation have been extensively reported, significantly less information is available about the properties of and conditions leading to mid‐latitude scintillations. Here, we report and discuss scintillation observations made in the Southern United States (UT Dallas, 32.99°N, 96.76°W, 43.2°N dip latitude) on June 1st, 2013. The measurements were made by a specialized dual‐frequency GPS‐based scintillation monitor which allowed us to determine main properties of this mid‐latitude scintillation event. Additionally, simultaneous airglow observations and ionospheric total electron content (TEC) maps provided insight on the conditions leading to observed scintillations. Moderate amplitude scintillations (S4>∼0.4) occurred in both L1 and L2C signals, and severe (S4 > ∼0.8) events occurred in L2C signals at low (<30°) elevation angles. Phase scintillation accompanied amplitude fadings, with maximum σϕ values exceeding 0.5 radians in L2C. We also show that the observed phase scintillation magnitudes increased with amplitude scintillation severity. Decorrelation times were mostly between 0.25 and 1.25 s, with mean value around 0.65 s for both L1 and L2C. Frequency scaling of S4 matched fairly well the predictions of weak scattering theory but held for observations of moderate and strong amplitude scintillation as well. Scintillation occurred during the main phase of a modest magnetic storm that, nevertheless, prompted an extreme equatorward movement of the mid‐latitude trough and large background TEC enhancements over the US. Scintillations, however, occurred within TEC and airglow depletions observed over Texas. Finally, scintillation properties including severity and rapidity, and associated TEC signatures are comparable to those associated with equatorial spread F.
Ethical Challenges in Providing Psychological Care to a Pregnant Adolescent With Cancer
Authors: Schneider Nicole M. , Karfunkle Benjamin L.
Published: June 2021

Objective: There are numerous psychosocial and ethical complexities in the medical and psychological care of an adolescent with cancer and a concurrent pregnancy. The article aims to discuss specific ethical dilemmas in a case, proposed frameworks for managing these complexities, and a summary of how the psychologist navigated these difficulties. It is notable that many states in the United States allow minors to legally consent for care related to their pregnancy but not their own psychological or oncological care. Methods: This article discusses a unique and complex case encountered by a pediatric psychologist specializing in psycho-oncology, including a discussion of the numerous challenges faced. Relevant cultural considerations are also discussed. Results: The case is further complicated when the patient experiences a spontaneous abortion and disagreements arise between the parents and the psychologist about how to acknowledge the loss. In addition, there is a lack of legal and ethical clarity related to an adolescent’s ability to consent to therapy addressing a pregnancy-related loss. Specific ethical issues that arose in this case pertain to beneficence, nonmaleficence, and respect for rights and dignity for both the patient and for her parents. Considerations for resolving ethical dilemmas are presented, including the use of an ethical framework. Conclusions: There is limited research and discussion in the literature about how to manage psychological goals of care disagreements. It would be beneficial to have additional research, case reports, and clearer laws and ethical guidelines related to the parameters of adolescent pregnancy consent.

Implications for Impact Statement

This article discusses complex legal and ethical ambiguities that arise when providing psychological care to a pregnant teenager receiving cancer treatment. The case demonstrates the importance of a pediatric psychologist being able to evaluate and attempt to resolve complex ethical dilemmas, particularly in the context of a family’s culture and values.
HGK promotes metastatic dissemination in prostate cancer
Authors: Garcia-Garcia Sara , Rodrigo-Faus Maria , Fonseca Noelia , Manzano Sara , Győrffy Balázs , Ocaña Alberto , Bragado Paloma , Porras Almudena , Gutierrez-Uzquiza Alvaro
Published: June 2021

Metastasis is the process of cancer cell dissemination from primary tumors to different organs being the bone the preferred site for metastatic homing of prostate cancer (PCa) cells. Prostate tumorigenesis is a multi-stage process that ultimately tends to advance to become metastatic PCa. Once PCa patients develop skeletal metastases, they eventually succumb to the disease. Therefore, it is imperative to identify essential molecular drivers of this process to develop new therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of this devastating disease. Here, we have identified MAP4K4 as a relevant gene for metastasis in PCa. Our work shows that genetic deletion of MAP4K4 or pharmacological inhibition of its encoded kinase, HGK, inhibits metastatic PCa cells migration and clonogenic properties. Hence, MAP4K4 might promote metastasis and tumor growth. Mechanistically, our results indicate that HGK depleted cells exhibit profound differences in F-actin organization, increasing cell spreading and focal adhesion stability. Additionally, HGK depleted cells fails to respond to TNF-α stimulation and chemoattractant action. Moreover, here we show that HGK upregulation in PCa samples from TCGA and other databases correlates with a poor prognosis of the disease. Hence, we suggest that it could be used as prognostic biomarker to predict the appearance of an aggressive phenotype of PCa tumors and ultimately, the appearance of metastasis. In summary, our results highlight an essential role for HGK in the dissemination of PCa cells and its potential use as prognostic biomarker.
Mangrove selective logging sustains biomass carbon recovery, soil carbon, and sediment
Authors: Murdiyarso Daniel , Sasmito Sigit D. , Sillanpää Mériadec , MacKenzie Richard , Gaveau David
Published: June 2021

West Papua’s Bintuni Bay is Indonesia’s largest contiguous mangrove block, only second to the world’s largest mangrove in the Sundarbans, Bangladesh. As almost 40% of these mangroves are designated production forest, we assessed the effects of commercial logging on forest structure, biomass recovery, and soil carbon stocks and burial in five-year intervals, up to 25 years post-harvest. Through remote sensing and field surveys, we found that canopy structure and species diversity were gradually enhanced following biomass recovery. Carbon pools preserved in soil were supported by similar rates of carbon burial before and after logging. Our results show that mangrove forest management maintained between 70 and 75% of the total ecosystem carbon stocks, and 15–20% returned to the ecosystem after 15–25 years. This analysis suggests that mangroves managed through selective logging provide an opportunity for coastal nature-based climate solutions, while provisioning other ecosystem services, including wood and wood products.