bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benchmark Analysis on Loss-of-Flow-without-Scram Test of FFTF Using Refined SAC-3D Models
Authors: Lyu Siyu , Lu Daogang , Sui Danting
Published: November 2021

The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) is a liquid sodium-cooled nuclear reactor designed by the Westinghouse Electric Corporation for the U.S. Department of Energy. In July 1986, a series of unprotected transients were performed to demonstrate the passive safety of FFTF. Among these, a total of 13 loss-of-flow-without scram (LOFWOS) tests were conducted to confirm the liquid metal reactor safety margins, provide data for computer code validation, and demonstrate the inherent and passive safety benefits of specific design features. In our preliminary work, we have performed relatively coarse modeling of the FFTF. To better predict the transient behavior of FFTF LOFWOS test #13, we modeled it using a more refined thermal-hydraulics model. In this paper, we simulate FFTF LOFWOS test #13 with the system safety analysis code SAC-3D according to the benchmark specifications provided by Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). The simulation range includes the primary and secondary circuits. The reactor core was modeled by the built-in 3D neutronics calculation module and the parallel-channel thermal-hydraulics calculation module. To better predict the reactivity feedback introduced by coolant level variations within the GEMs, a real-time macro cross-section homogenization processing module was developed. The steady-state power distribution was calculated as the transient simulation initial boundary conditions. In general, both the steady-state calculation results and the whole-plant transient behavior predictions are in good agreement with the measured data. The relatively large deviations in transient simulation occur in the outlet temperature predictions of the PIOTA in row 6. It can be preliminarily explained by the reason for neglecting the heat transfer between channels in this model.
Histopathological Profiles of Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Induced with Streptozotocin and Treated with Aqueous Root Extracts of Ruellia tuberosa L.
Authors: Safitri Anna , Tirto Sari Dewi Ratih , Refsilangi Bigram , Roosdiana Anna , Fatchiyah Fatchiyah
Published: November 2021

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious worldwide health threat since the number of people with DM is forecasted to grow annually. Thus, effective and affordable treatment is urgently needed. Our previous studies used n-hexane and hydroethanolic root extracts of Ruellia tuberosa L. which significantly affected diabetic rats. In this study, aqueous R. tuberosa L. root extracts were used as treatments for the diabetic rat model and their effects were evaluated. Diabetes was generated by the administration of streptozotocin (STZ) at 20 mg/kg within 5 sequential days. Male Wistar rats were orally treated with the extracts and standard drug (metformin 200 mg/kg) and vehicle every day for 4 weeks. Hypoglycemic effects were assessed for normal, diabetic control, standard, and extract-treated groups. Histopathology was also carried out for the pancreatic, hepatic, and kidney tissues. The progression of diabetes was considerably diminished after extract treatment. In treated rats, the highest dose of extract induced a decline in blood glucose and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels at 25% and 35%, respectively. Furthermore, aqueous extract of R. tuberosa L. treatment decreased MDA levels in the pancreas by 12%. Histologic examination of the organ tissues of diabetic rats showed deteriorating alterations. After treatment, histopathological damages to the tissues and cells were reversed. The results of the experiments recommend that aqueous extract of R. tuberosa L. has antidiabetic effects on STZ-induced diabetic rats; nevertheless, a higher dose of the aqueous extracts is needed to achieve more significant results.
An Indoor Positioning and Prewarning System Based on Wireless Sensor Network Routing Algorithm
Authors: Gao Yanghua , Lou Weidong , Lu Hailiang
Published: November 2021

One of the most important means to position abnormal devices is to efficiently utilize the resources of wireless sensor network (WSN) and make proper analysis of the relevant data. Therefore, this paper constructs an indoor positioning and prewarning system that utilizes energy efficiently and achieves a long lifecycle. Firstly, the adjacent round iteration load balancing (ARILB) routing algorithm was proposed, which elects the cluster heads (CHs) by the adjacent round strategy. In this way, the random components were eliminated in CH election. Next, a short‐distance multifrequency routing strategy was constructed between CHs to transmit the information to the sink, and a positioning algorithm was designed called ARILB‐received signal strength (RSS). The ARILB‐RSS positioning algorithm traverses the triangles formed by anchor nodes, forming multiple sets of ranging points; then, the optimal anchor node is recorded, and the path loss factor is iterated to reduce the positioning error. Simulation shows that the network survives 54.5% longer using ARILB than using the distributed energy‐efficient clustering (DEEC) algorithm; the packet delivery rate using ARILB was about 139% higher than that of low energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) algorithm and 35% higher than that of uneven clustering routing algorithm based on chain‐cluster type (URCC) algorithm; ARILB‐RSS reduced the ranging error by 14.31% and then the positioning error by 26.79%.
A Review of Detection of Antibiotic Residues in Food by Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Liang Jun-Fa , Peng Cheng , Li Peiyu , Ye Qiu-Xiong , Wang Yu , Yi Yun-Ting , Yao Zi-Sheng , Chen Gui-Yun , Zhang Bin-Bin , Lin Jia-Jian , Luo Qizhi , Chen Xuncai
Published: November 2021

Antibiotics, as veterinary drugs, have made extremely important contributions to disease prevention and treatment in the animal breeding industry. However, the accumulation of antibiotics in animal food due to their overuse during animal feeding is a frequent occurrence, which in turn would cause serious harm to public health when they are consumed by humans. Antibiotic residues in food have become one of the central issues in global food safety. As a safety measure, rapid and effective analytical approaches for detecting these residues must be implemented to prevent contaminated products from reaching the consumers. Traditional analytical methods, such as liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, and capillary electrophoresis, involve time-consuming sample preparation and complicated operation and require expensive instrumentation. By comparison, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has excellent sensitivity and remarkably enhanced target recognition. Thus, SERS has become a promising alternative analytical method for detecting antibiotic residues, as it can provide an ultrasensitive fingerprint spectrum for the rapid and noninvasive detection of trace analytes. In this study, we comprehensively review the recent progress and advances that have been achieved in the use of SERS in antibiotic residue detection. We introduce and discuss the basic principles of SERS. We then present the prospects and challenges in the use of SERS in the detection of antibiotics in food. Finally, we summarize and discuss the current problems and future trends in the detection of antibiotics in food.
Content Service Platform for Providing User‐Centric Content in Smart Environments
Authors: Park Joonseok , Lee Dongwoo , Yeom Keunhyuk
Published: November 2021

Smart environments, such as smart cities and streets, contain various heterogeneous devices and content that provide information to users and interact with each other. In a smart environment, appropriate content should be provided based on the situations of users. Additionally, when a user is in motion, it is necessary to provide content in a seamless manner without interruption. A method for systematically controlling the delivery of such content is required. Therefore, we propose a content service platform to meet the needs discussed above. The content service platform supports the delivery of content and events between different devices, as well as the control of content. Context‐aware technology can also be applied to support customized content. In this paper, we present an architectural model, a contextual reasoning process, and case study on applying content service platform to a smart street environment. The proposed content service platform applied as a base model to support the provision of user‐specific content in smart environments.
Application to Engineering and Medical Data Using Three-Parameter Exponential Model
Authors: Almutiry Waleed , Abdullah Alahmadi Amani , Elbatal Ibrahim , Ragab Ibrahim E. , Samson Balogun Oluwafemi , Elgarhy Mohammed
Published: November 2021

This paper is devoted to a new lifetime distribution having three parameters by compound the exponential model and the transmuted Topp-Leone-G. The new proposed model is called the transmuted Topp-Leone exponential model; it is useful in lifetime data and reliability. The new model is very flexible; its pdf can be right skewness, unimodal, and decreasing shaped, but the hrf of the suggested model can be unimodal, constant, and decreasing. Numerous statistical characteristics of the new model, notably the quantile function, moments, incomplete moments, conditional moments, mean residual life, mean inactivity time, and entropy are produced and investigated. The system’s parameters are estimated using the maximum likelihood approach. All estimators should be theoretically convergent, which is supported by a simulation analysis. Finally, two real-world datasets from the engineering and medical disciplines explore the new model’s relevance and adaptability in comparison to the alternatives models such as the beta exponential, the Marshall–Olkin generalized exponential, the exponentiated Weibull, the modified Weibull, and the transmuted Burr type X models.
Sox9-Increased miR-322-5p Facilitates BMP2-Induced Chondrogenic Differentiation by Targeting Smad7 in Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Zeng Yongsheng , Du Chengcheng , Xiao Pengcheng , Lei Yiting , Zhao Piao , Zhu Zhenglin , Gao Shengqiang , Chen Bowen , Cheng Shengwen , Huang Wei , Zhao Chen
Published: November 2021

Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) induces effective chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by promoting Sox9 expression. However, BMP2 also induces chondrocyte hypertrophy and endochondral ossification by upregulating Smad7 expression, which leads to the disruption of chondrogenesis. In addition, Smad7 can be inhibited by Sox9. Therefore, the underlying mechanism is not clear. Currently, an increasing number of studies have shown that microRNAs play a pivotal role in chondrogenic and pathophysiological processes of cartilage. The purpose of this study was to determine which microRNA is increased by Sox9 and targets Smad7, thus assisting BMP2 in maintaining stable chondrogenesis. We found that miR-322-5p meets the requirement through next-generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatic analysis. The targeting relationship between miR-322-5p and Smad7 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assays, qPCR, and western blotting (WB). The in vitro study indicated that overexpression of miR-322-5p significantly inhibited Smad7 expression, thus causing increased chondrogenic differentiation and decreased hypertrophic differentiation, while silencing of miR-322-5p led to the opposite results. Flow cytometry (FCM) analysis indicated that overexpression of miR-322-5p significantly decreased the rate of early apoptosis in BMP2-stimulated MSCs, while silencing of miR-322-5p increased the rate. A mouse limb explant assay revealed that the expression of miR-322-5p was negatively correlated with the length of the BMP2-stimulated hypertrophic zone of the growth plate. An in vivo study also confirmed that miR-322-5p assisted BMP2 in chondrogenic differentiation. Taken together, our results suggested that Sox9-increased miR-322-5p expression can promote BMP2-induced chondrogenesis by targeting Smad7, which can be exploited for effective tissue engineering of cartilage.
Treatment-free Survival after Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy versus Targeted Therapy for Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: 42-Month Results of the CheckMate 214 Trial
Authors: Regan Meredith M. , Jegede Opeyemi A. , Mantia Charlene M. , Powles Thomas , Werner Lillian , Motzer Robert J. , Tannir Nizar M. , Lee Chung-Han , Tomita Yoshihiko , Voss Martin H. , Plimack Elizabeth R. , Choueiri Toni K. , Rini Brian I. , Hammers Hans J. , Escudier Bernard , Albiges Laurence , Huo Stephen , Del Tejo Viviana , Stwalley Brian , Atkins Michael B. , McDermott David F.
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

Patients discontinuing immuno-oncology regimens may experience periods of disease control without need for ongoing anticancer therapy, but toxicity may persist. We describe treatment-free survival (TFS), with and without toxicity.

Patients and Methods:

Data were analyzed from the randomized phase III CheckMate 214 trial of nivolumab plus ipilimumab (n = 550) versus sunitinib (n = 546) for treatment-naïve, advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC). TFS was estimated by the 42-month restricted mean times defined by the area between Kaplan–Meier curves for two time-to-event endpoints defined from randomization: time to protocol therapy cessation and time to subsequent systemic therapy initiation or death. TFS was subdivided as TFS with and without toxicity by counting days with ≥1 grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse event (TRAE).

Results:

At 42 months since randomization, 52% of nivolumab plus ipilimumab and 39% of sunitinib intermediate/poor-risk patients were alive; 18% and 5% surviving treatment-free, respectively. Among favorable-risk patients, 70% and 73% of nivolumab plus ipilimumab and sunitinib patients were alive; 20% and 9% treatment-free. Over the 42-month period, mean TFS was over twice as long after nivolumab plus ipilimumab than sunitinib for intermediate/poor-risk (6.9 vs. 3.1 months) and three times as long for favorable-risk patients (11.0 vs. 3.7 months). Mean TFS with grade ≥3 TRAEs was a small proportion of time for both treatments (0.6 vs. 0.3 months after nivolumab plus ipilimumab vs. sunitinib for intermediate/poor-risk, and 0.9 vs. 0.3 months for favorable-risk patients).

Conclusions:

Patients initiating first-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab for aRCC spent more survival time treatment-free without toxicity versus those on sunitinib, regardless of risk group.
Lower Cardiorespiratory Fitness Is Associated With Right Ventricular Geometry and Function – The Sedentary’s Heart: SHIP
Authors: Drzyzga Christine J. , Bahls Martin , Ittermann Till , Völzke Henry , Bülow Robin , Hammer Fabian , Ewert Ralf , Gläser Sven , Felix Stephan B. , Dörr Marcus , Markus Marcello R. P.
Published: November 2021

Background

Lower cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. However, very little information is available about the association between lower CRF and right ventricular (RV) remodeling. We investigated the relationship between CRF and RV structure and function in a large, aging, and largely sedentary adult population–based cohort.

Methods and Results

We used cross‐sectional data of 2844 subjects (1486 women; median age, 51 years; interquartile range, 40–62 years) from the population‐based cohort SHIP (Study of Health in Pomerania) with echocardiography, of which 941 also had cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. We analyzed the associations of peak oxygen uptake with RV parameters determined by both imaging techniques using multivariable‐adjusted linear regression models. In echocardiography, a 1 L/min lower peak oxygen uptake was associated with a 1.18 mm (95% CI, 0.66–1.71;
P
<0.001) smaller RV end‐diastolic diameter and a 1.41 mm (95% CI, 0.90–1.92;
P
<0.001) narrower RV end‐diastolic outflow tract diameter. Similarly, using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging measurements, a 1 L/min lower peak oxygen uptake was associated with a 23.5 mL (95% CI, 18.7–28.4;
P
<0.001) smaller RV end‐diastolic volume, a 13.0 mL (95% CI, 9.81–16.2;
P
<0.001) lower RV end‐systolic volume, and a 10.7 mL/beat (95% CI, 8.10–13.3;
P
<0.001) lower RV stroke volume.

Conclusions

Our results indicate a significant association between CRF and RV remodeling. Lower CRF was associated with smaller RV chamber and lower RV systolic function, stroke volume, and cardiac output.
Predictors of Coronary Artery Calcium and Long‐Term Risks of Death, Myocardial Infarction, and Stroke in Young Adults
Authors: Javaid Aamir , Mitchell Joshua D. , Villines Todd C.
Published: November 2021

Background

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) is well‐validated for cardiovascular disease risk stratification in middle to older–aged adults; however, the 2019 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines state that more data are needed regarding the performance of CAC in low‐risk younger adults.

Methods and Results

We measured CAC in 13 397 patients aged 30 to 49 years without known cardiovascular disease or malignancy between 1997 and 2009. Outcomes of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; MI, stroke, or cardiovascular death), and all‐cause mortality were assessed using Cox proportional hazard models, controlling for baseline risk factors (including atrial fibrillation for stroke and MACE) and the competing risk of death or noncardiac death as appropriate. The cohort (74% men, mean age 44 years, and 76% with ≤1 cardiovascular disease risk factor) had a 20.6% prevalence of any CAC. CAC was independently predicted by age, male sex, White race, and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Over a mean of 11 years of follow‐up, the relative adjusted subhazard ratio of CAC >0 was 2.9 for MI and 1.6 for MACE. CAC >100 was associated with significantly increased hazards of MI (adjusted subhazard ratio, 5.2), MACE (adjusted subhazard ratio, 3.1), stroke (adjusted subhazard ratio, 1.7), and all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio, 2.1). CAC significantly improved the prognostic accuracy of risk factors for MACE, MI, and all‐cause mortality by the likelihood ratio test (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions

CAC was prevalent in a large sample of low‐risk young adults. Those with any CAC had significantly higher long‐term hazards of MACE and MI, while severe CAC increased hazards for all outcomes including death. CAC may have utility for clinical decision‐making among select young adults.
Ubi suadebit placidos nox umida somnos (Ov. Fast. 2.635)
Authors: Coughlan Taylor S.
Published: November 2021

A study of a previously uncommented upon window reference of Vergil, Eclogues 1.55 through Aeneid 2.8-9 in Ovid, Fasti 2.635. The paper argues that the allusion to Ecl. 1.55 enriches our understanding of these lines on several levels. First, Ovid demonstrates his own appreciation of Vergilian intratextuality. Second, the allusion suggests a continuity between Tityrus’ pastoral locus amoenus, which Octavian was purported to have renewed, and the family cena that closes with a toast to Augustus as the pater of the Roman state. Lastly, the double reference to A. 2 and Ecl. 1 intertextually reinforces the calendrical turning away from the past and its dead to the living present initiated by the Caristia.
Des usages de l’espace urbain à l’histoire intellectuelle de l’économie politique. Un hommage à Jean-Claude Perrot
Authors: Hoock ( - ) Jochen
Published: November 2021

Une fois posé l’arrière-plan des transformations de la discipline historique pendant les années 1970 et 1980, cet article restitue l’itinéraire intellectuel de Jean-Claude Perrot depuis ses travaux d’histoire économique et sociale sur la formation de la ville de Caen au XVIIIe siècle jusqu’à ses études et propositions pour l’histoire intellectuelle. Il met en évidence le lien généalogique entre ces deux moments, l’affinité des procédés d’analyse qu’ils ont comportés et la rencontre de ces tentatives menées en France avec des renouvellements analogues intervenus au même moment en Allemagne.
Descartes on the Passions of the Soul and Internal Emotions: Two Challenges for Interoception Research in Emotions
Authors: De Preester Helena , Dorsch John
Published: November 2021

On the basis of Descartes’s account of the passions of the soul, we argue that current interoception-based theories of emotions cannot account for the hallmark of a passion of the soul, i.e., that its effects are felt as being in the soul itself. We also pay attention to the epistemic functions of the passions and to Descartes’s category of emotions that are caused and occur in the soul alone. Certain passions of the soul and certain internal (or intellectual) emotions are similar to what are today called ‘epistemic (or noetic) feelings’ and ‘epistemic emotions.’ Descartes’s work reflects another challenge for contemporary embodied cognition: how might epistemic affect be embodied? Since the signature of embodiment is increasingly understood as interoceptive, the challenge to interoceptive research is demonstrating the degree to which (epistemic) affect results from interoception. This challenge also implies that the locus of emotional experience is taken into account.
Vascular and Neurological Injury in Children With Posterior Traumatic Knee Dislocation
Authors: Parrado Raphael H. , Notrica David M.
Published: November 2021

Posterior knee dislocations (PKD) in children are uncommon but may be associated with vascular injury. The purpose of this study is to characterize the frequency of vascular injury in PKD as well as define patient characteristic, procedures, types of treating hospitals, and clinical outcomes. This study utilized the National Trauma Data Set (NTDS) from the American College of Surgeons on years 2015 and 2016. All demographic and clinical data on pediatric patients (≤18 years) with the ICD codes for PKD were obtained. 44 PKD were identified. The median age was 17 years [IQR 15,18], 70% male; 49% white. The mean body mass index was 29.6 [IQR 23-38]. We found that vascular injury was present in 16 patients (36%); 14 (30%) underwent repair (eight with saphenous vein graft) and fasciotomies in eight patients. Nerve injury was present in five patients (11%). Lower extremity amputation was performed in three patients (7%).
Diversity Ideology and School Leadership: Obscuring Inequities for Emergent Bilingual Students in Career and Technical Education
Authors: Emerick Mark R.
Published: November 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to examine the ways in which school leaders in career and technical education (CTE) conceptualized diversity and inclusion for emergent bilingual students (EBs) and how their beliefs about diversity manifested in institutional support (or lack thereof) for EBs. Research Method: This study draws on data collected during a year-and-a-half long qualitative case study at a large, nationally recognized CTE center. The primary sources of data were interviews with administrators, teachers, and students; local artifacts, student records, and state-level enrollment data were also used. Findings: CTE administrators adhered to diversity ideology when discussing issues of diversity and EBs' inclusion at their institution and believed that they cultivated an inclusive educational environment. This ideology resulted in superficial diversity and inclusion initiatives that did not ensure that EBs had equitable access to CTE program nor that teachers had a sufficient system of support to ensure EBs’ academic success, despite the administration's stated commitment to equal opportunity and inclusion. Implications: These findings suggest the need for administrators to critically examine their conceptualization of diversity and equity when considering how to support EBs in CTE programs.
Thermal cycling and ultraviolet radiation effects on fatigue performance of triaxial CFRP laminates for bridge applications
Authors: Mosallam Ayman , Xin Haohui , He Shaohua , Agwa Ashraf AK , Adanur Suleyman , Salama Mohamed A
Published: November 2021

Environmental processing such as thermal cycling and ultraviolet (UV) exposure contributes to degradation of polymer composites mechanical properties. This study focuses on assessing fatigue life of both unstressed and stressed triaxial carbon/epoxy composite laminates exposed to both thermal cycling and UV radiation. In this study, five test series were conducted to assess such effects on fatigue life of carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates exposed to tensile-compressive (T-C) fatigue loading. This included the following: (i) Pre-exposure (baseline) test group tests; (ii) unstressed thermal cyclic aging; (iii) stressed (tensioned) thermal cyclic test group; (iv) stressed (compressed) thermal cyclic test group; and (v) UV radiation exposure test group. Fatigue life with 95%, 97.7%, and 99% guarantee rates is calculated based on stochastic analysis. In terms of different guarantee rates, the material parameters of S-N curves are fitted after transforming the data to a log–log space. Experimental results indicated that the difference of parameter [Formula: see text] is relatively small for different guarantee rates, and that the coefficient m decreased with increasing probabilistic guarantee rate. Furthermore, the ratio [Formula: see text] decreases with larger guarantee rates and increases as the stress range increases. Results of this study indicated that UV radiation exposure has the largest effect on fatigue life stress range less than 500.0 MPa. Also, fatigue life of pre-compressed specimens exposed to thermal cyclic is most affected when exposed to stress levels larger than 500.0 MPa. For stress ranges less than 500.0 MPa, the effects on fatigue life of unstressed and pre-compressed thermal cycled specimens are relatively large as compared to baseline group.
Factor Associated With Teacher Satisfaction and Online Teaching Effectiveness Under Adversity Situations: A Case of Vietnamese Teachers During COVID-19
Authors: Pham Phuong-Tam , Thi Phan Thanh-Thao , Nguyen Yen-Chi , Hoang Anh-Duc
Published: November 2021

How teachers perform and react to the world-wide pandemic and how the epidemic affects an education system may also be used as new conditions to consider the way to enhance SDG4 in developing countries. Regarding that concern, this study investigated 294 teachers’ perspective on their teaching effectiveness and satisfaction during COVID-19. The findings underlined the significant roles of support from various stakeholders, school readiness toward digital transformation, and teachers’ anxiety over teacher satisfaction. Notably, teachers’ newly absorbed technological and pedagogical skills do elevate their teaching effectiveness but do not lead to higher satisfaction during the pandemic.
The distributions and geochemical implications of methylated 2-methyl-2-(4,8, 12-trimethyltridecyl)chromans in immature sediments
Authors: Wang Xin , Li Meijun , Fang Ronghui , Lai Hongfei , Lu Xiaolin , Liu Xiaoqiang
Published: November 2021

Methylated 2-methyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)chromans are salinity-sensitive biomarkers that have been detected in immature – early mature petroleum and sediments. In this study, the occurrence and distribution patterns of 2-methyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)chromans were investigated in a set of lacustrine sediments from Nördlinger Ries of southern Germany and marine sediments from the South China Sea. Among all of the 2-methyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)chroman isomers detected, 8-Me-2-methyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)chroman presented with high abundance in sediments deposited in hypersaline environments, while absent in samples from normal marine environments. In contrast, 5,7,8-triMe-2-methyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)chroman was more enriched in sediments from marine environments. This study also showed that the ratio of 5,7,8-triMe-/5,8-diMe-2-methyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)chroman can be applied as a potential salinity indicator on account of a positive correlation with other 2-methyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)chroman salinity indicators. This ratio can be an alternative indicator of paleosalinity when 8-Me-2-methyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)chroman is absent or present in quite low abundance. The content of 2-methyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)chroman isomers may be affected by freshwater supply and lithology. Molecular simulations showed that 5,8-diMe-2-methyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)chroman has a higher thermal dynamic stability than 7,8-diMe-2-methyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)chroman. Thus, the ratio of 5,8-diMe-2-methyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)chroman/7,8-diMe-2-methyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)chroman may be a potential maturity parameter for sediments at a low thermal mature stage.
Reappraisal of lung manifestations in the setting of Fontan circulation
Authors: Kanakis Meletios , Martens Thomas , Kostolny Martin , Petsios Konstantinos , Giannopoulos Nicholas , Muthialu Nagarajan
Published: November 2021

Fontan circulation is a well-established palliation in patients with functional single ventricles. Absence of a sub-pulmonary pumping chamber creates a unique physiology in which blood flow is mainly guided by negative intrathoracic and elevated central venous pressures. Various pulmonary anatomic or pathophysiologic changes can jeopardize optimal Fontan circulation. Long-term survival of patients who have undergone the contemporary total cavopulmonary connection is satisfactory. Thorough literature review in conjunction with accumulated clinical experience can lead clinicians to extract conclusions regarding Fontan and lung interactions indicating the purpose of this review.
Racial Discrimination and Nationality and Migration Exceptions: Reconciling CERD and the Race Equality Directive
Authors: Fennelly David , Murphy Clíodhna
Published: November 2021

The principles of equality and non-discrimination offer potentially valuable tools to challenge discriminatory practices employed by States against non-citizens. However, nationality and immigration-related exceptions are an established feature of non-discrimination laws. Such exceptions raise fundamental questions about the scope of the protection offered by anti-discrimination laws and have the potential to perpetuate, rather than eliminate, race discrimination. This article addresses this critical but often neglected issue, through a doctrinal analysis of two specific exceptions - Articles 1(2) and 1(3) of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and Article 3(2) of the EU's Race Equality Directive - and an examination of their impact in practice at the domestic level. We argue that nationality and migration status exceptions must be interpreted as narrowly as possible, in line with the core purpose of these instruments to eliminate race discrimination. Furthermore, we suggest that the interplay between these legal frameworks at the domestic level of implementation takes on particular importance in defining the scope and limits of nationality and migration-based exceptions.
A bio-inspired approach for boosting innovation in the separation technology sector
Authors: Bianciardi Alessandro , Cascini Gaetano
Published: November 2021

Because of its size, high segmentation within the global market and challenges driving its development, the separation technology sector could benefit from a bio-inspired approach to innovation to create more efficient and sustainable solutions. The potential for bio-inspired innovation is still largely untapped and Biologically-Inspired Design (BID) methods and tools are still largely underutilised, especially within the industry. A new BID method, called Guild-Based (GB) BID, is proposed to create a database of a large set of biological solutions – identified by a function – where biological information is structured to be more effective and usable within the industrial environment. A database for the separation technology sector has been set up and populated with 118 relevant biological solutions responding to the main function ‘to separate’. The database has been utilised to generate several clusters of solutions depending on the level of detail of the formulated problem. In particular, these include broad design principles of separation, taxonomies of biological solutions for specific separation problems and novel design concepts for two specific separation technologies (a desalination technology and an antibacterial surface). Furthermore, because of a large dataset of biological solutions, the possibility of determining the frequency of occurrence of specific separation strategies in nature can trigger reflections on the impact of existing separation technologies and taking decisions on future related R&D paths. More tests need to be conducted in the industrial environment; however, the results achieved so far indicate that the method proposed can indeed be instrumental to generating innovative ideas of interest to the separation technology sector.
Sir William Osler's fatal trip to Scotland: “Mrs M” and the University Grants Committee
Authors: Kyle Graham , Bryan Charles S
Published: November 2021

On 23 September 1919, Sir William Osler, after a telephone call from his friend Dyson Perrins, went to Glasgow where he saw a 40-year-old woman, Bethia Fulton Martin, in consultation with three local physicians. Osler called it “one of those remarkable Erythema cases (all sorts of skin lesions and three months on and off consolidation of both lower lobes).” Mrs Martin died 114 days later; her death certificate listed “angioneurotic oedema with chronic nephritis” and “tuberculous enlargement of the mediastinal lymph nodes.” Osler died 18 days before Mrs Martin of complications from a respiratory infection acquired on his way home from Scotland. We discuss factors that possibly prompted Osler to go to Scotland, including his role with the newly formed University Grants Committee, and the differential diagnosis of the case, which is mainly between systemic lupus erythematosus and Henoch-Schönlein purpura.
Advaita: Oneness as a Lived Reality—Examining Aspects of Profound and a Radical Psychology
Authors: Pandit Shilpa Ashok
Published: November 2021

It is all good to say, that the world is one! Are these idealistic/poetic ideas or could there be psychological pathways to experience oneness as a continuous realisation? This is not a question of philosophy or intellectual argumentation, but a question of living and being. There has been now interest in non-dual awareness in research as well ( Josipovic, 2014 ). The objective of this article is to introduce a radical worldview—advaita vedānta that leads to profound cognitive, affective and behavioural implications of well-being beyond the surface level ideas of happiness. Advaita—which means ‘not-two’ is the most profound and radical of psychological theories Indic civilization has experienced and accepted as the epitome—the crown jewel. The Vedāntic worldview and practice with the background throb of all Indic values—of inclusion, love and truth vests in Advaita—oneness. In popular imagination, it has been both esoteric-cised and yet has remained un-commodified. Contrary to popular ideas that look at advaita as a speculative philosophy, advaita is understood as a rich psychological theory with a basis in cognition, knowing, as well as a living in oneness. The students of modern psychology, especially, in India are left poorer, if they are unable to review advaita and yet study consciousness, which is a booming area of research in modern psychology. Advaita is a continuous living realisation—termed as Jīvanmukti, the Vedāntic ideal of being free, while living. Examining the primary Saṃskrit text—Jīvanmukti-viveka, I describe Jīvanmukti—of living in continuous realisation of oneness, till the body drops down, as stated by the great muni, whose above-mentioned abhyāsa grantha—the application manual, is used across Hindu spiritual frameworks and monastic orders, till today.
Understanding Suicidal Behavior Using a Comprehensive Approach
Authors: Chelmardi Ahmadreza Kiani , Rashid Sajjad , Dadfar Mahboubeh , Lester David
Published: November 2021

A comprehensive understanding of how suicidal risk factors interact with one another to increase the frequency of suicide ideation and attempted suicide is critical for improving theoretical models of suicide and prevention efforts. The aim of the present study was to explore the prediction of suicide ideation formation and its transition to suicide attempt through the interactions of the constructs suggested by the IPTS, IMV and 3ST theories, as well as other clinical factors. The core constructs of several theoretical models were assessed using a battery of scales administered to 909 Iranian college students. The results supported Klonsky's 3ST and O’Connor's IMV models and, in addition, the relevance of non-suicidal self-injury, the acquired capacity for self-harm, sexual abuse, and exposure to family self-harm for the transition from suicide ideation to a suicide attempt. Depression and PTSD were background factors rather than risk factors for suicide ideation or suicide attempt. Limitations were that the information provided by students may have been biased due to the stigma surrounding suicide in Iranian culture, and the proportion of female students was high.
The Reported Self-Care Practices of Music Educators
Authors: Kelley Jamey , Nussbaum Kelsey , Crawford Michael O. , Critchfield Jared B. , Flippin Sam H. , Grey Alyssa N. , Mahaffey Candace R.
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this quantitative descriptive study was to examine personal and professional self-care practices reported by K–12 music teachers while also exploring the relationships between self-care and age, gender, years of experience, and several other contextual variables. The research team designed an instrument, based on a previous measure created by psychologists, to examine self-care behaviors. A sample of 337 music educators completed the instrument. We found very few meaningful relationships between self-care and demographic or contextual variables, although some patterns in common self-care practices were identified. Across both personal and professional domains, teachers reported a high level of activity in maintaining interpersonal relationships. Within the professional domain, participants reported activities most often that pertained to professional development. The least reported behaviors within the personal domain pertained to promotive habits for physical well-being such as taking time off when ill, regularly exercising, or healthful eating.
Effect of rice bran protein concentrate as wall material adjunct on selected physicochemical and release properties of microencapsulated β-carotene
Authors: Magnaye Maria Jannell Feliz A , Mopera Lotis E , Flores Floirendo P
Published: November 2021

Rice bran protein is an emerging protein source from rice milling that possesses health benefits and emulsifying capacity suitable for hypoallergenic encapsulation applications, especially for lipophilic compounds such as β-carotene. The purpose of this study is to develop and characterize β-carotene encapsulates with maltodextrin and rice bran protein. Rice bran protein was prepared using conventional alkali extraction. β-carotene was added to the composite wall materials (50:50 of 4%, 8%, 12%, and 16% solids content) and spray-dried. Encapsulation efficiency (85–98%) and radical scavenging activity (11–43%) varied proportionally with rice bran protein. Across increasing maltodextrin and rice bran protein content of the feed, carbohydrate content of the microcapsules varied proportionally (50–66%) but protein content was uniform (10–13%). Scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data suggested successful encapsulation. Release profiles showed decreasing trend with increasing rice bran protein content; co-digestion with rice mitigated negative impacts of rice bran protein. Microcapsules with nutritive potential and health-promoting properties were developed as potential carotenoid delivery systems.
The AflibeRcept use in rEal life study for the treatment of diabetiC macular oedema In the French overseas territories: A 12 months follow-up Study - The RECIF Study
Authors: Morel Christophe , Conrath John , Morin Bruno , Parrat Eric , Zito Eleonora , Desoudain Catherine , Pernot Anne , Chauvet Guy , Hajjar Christian , Lemaitre Stephanie , Billiard Pascale , Blanquat Pierre Saint , Uzel Jean Louis , Bezeaud Dominique , Villeroy Frederic , N’Guyen Patrick , Devin François , Matonti Frederic
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The incidence and severity of diabetes is particularly high in the French overseas territories (FOT). The RECIF study evaluated real life management of diabetic macular oedema (DME) treated by aflibercept in FOT.

Methods

A prospective, noncomparative, multicentric, non-interventional, study that evaluated functional and anatomical results of patients treated by aflibercept. Twelve retina specialists working in French Polynesia, La Reunion, Guadeloupe and Martinique participated in the study.

Results

67 eyes of 57 patients were followed for 12 months. Average VA gain was 7.8 ETDRS letters. 29.9% of eyes gained at least 15 letters, 6% lost 15 letters or more. 67.2% of eyes achieved visual acuity of 70 letters or better. Average central retinal thickness decrease was 115.3 µm. The mean number of injections during the 1st year of treatment was 4.9. 69% of eyes had a loading dose of at least three-monthly injections. 3 eyes were switched to steroid injections during the follow-up for lack of efficacy.

Conclusion

This study confirmed the efficacy of intravitreal treatment of DME by aflibercept, in the French overseas territories. This evaluation of real-life management of DME underlines the importance of improvement of patient education and collaboration with referring physicians.
Thumbs up and down: The cultural technique of thumb-typing
Authors: Ramati Ido
Published: November 2021

This paper explores thumb-typing as a cultural technique stemming from the mutual development of typing interfaces and practices. Focusing on the work of the typing fingers, it examines how the assignment of thumbs to be the primary writing digits is an innovation that correlates—and in some respects causes—textual and social changes that are central to digital culture. It argues that thumb-typing embodies recursive relations between behavioral patterns, technological infrastructure, and textual creation. The analysis shows how the invention of the typewriter keyboard introduced the fingers to typing, and how developments of digital media refined the finger-work in interacting with the device, resulting in thumb-typing. The new functionality of the thumb as an executing rather than supporting finger, promotes a novel equivalency and interchangeability in finger employment to typing. This, I propose, problematizes traditional concepts of textuality, its performance, and authorship.
Understanding US PETE Faculty Stress in the Sociopolitical Environment of Higher Education
Authors: Richards K. Andrew R. , Ison Shelby E. , Graber Kim C. , Woods Amelia Mays , Walsh Chloe , Wilson Wesley J.
Published: November 2021

Teacher socialization theories have been extensively applied to understand the sociopolitical stressors faced by inservice physical education teachers. On the other hand, little is known as it relates to how physical education teacher education (PETE) faculty members experience and navigate stress in their jobs. Through the lens of occupational socialization theory, this study sought to understand US PETE faculty members’ experiences navigating the stress of their work in sociopolitical department and university environments. Participants included 36 US PETE faculty members (20 female, 16 male). Data were collected using in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Results highlighted the ways in which participants experienced and navigated the stress associated with their work environments. Specific themes included: (a) ambiguous, conflicting, and high expectations for performance contribute to role stress, (b) department cultures can challenge and marginalize physical education, (c) (development of) personal approaches and coping strategies to manage role stressors, and (d) networks of support are integral to faculty development and socialization. Results are discussed with implications for how various roles and the internalization of those roles impacted participants’ perceived stress while addressing the intra- and interpersonal strategies participants employ to navigate these stressors. Recommendations related to both doctoral education and continuous faculty development are provided and future directions for research are forwarded.
Gender assignment: Monolingual constraints contribute to a bilingual outcome
Authors: Trawick Sonya , Bero Trevor
Published: November 2021

Aims and objectives:

This study explores the well-researched topic of gender assignment to English nouns in Spanish discourse through a usage-based framework. The goal is to elucidate the relative impact of both previously studied and novel constraints on the variable application of feminine determiners.

Methodology:

A variationist analysis of English nouns surrounded by Spanish discourse in the spontaneous speech of bilinguals.

Data and analysis:

Data come from the New Mexico Spanish–English Bilingual Corpus. Tokens ( N = 707) were coded for independent variables and submitted to a logistic regression. The goodness of fit was determined via the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve method.

Findings:

All independent variables were selected as significant by the logistic regression model. Based on factor weight ranges, the hierarchy of constraints is the following, from the most to the least impactful: Analogical Gender, Phonological Shape, Syntactic Role, and Determiner Definiteness. These results suggest that bilinguals utilize a variety of constraints in gender assignment, as opposed to a single default strategy.

Originality:

While previous studies have tested and found similar results for constraints such as analogical gender and phonological shape, none have offered a unified analysis explaining findings from a usage-based approach. The originality and utility of this approach is most apparent in the discussions of prototypicality and schematicity.

Significance/implications:

A corpus-based approach and usage-based theory is shown to bring new insight to a topic of interest in many other linguistic sub-fields. The discussion reinterprets previous conclusions about gender assignment using a framework not proposed in previous research, despite similar overall results.
Microbiological Species and Antibiotic Resistance in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Lower Extremity Wounds: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: dos Santos Vanessa P. , de Andrade Barberino Maria G. M. , Alves Carlos A. S.
Published: November 2021

Severe lower extremity wounds have an increased risk of complications and limb loss. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the microbiological profile and antibiotic resistance of wounds in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. A cross-sectional comparative study was carried out at a public hospital including 111 patients with moderate to severe wound infections. Tissue samples were collected during a surgical procedure. One hundred and four patients (94%) had positive cultures and 88 (79%) had a Gram-negative microorganism. Among the 185 cultured microorganisms, 133 (72%) were Gram-negative species. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (23 cases) was the most isolated Gram-negative species, and Enterococcus faecalis (26 cases) was the most prevalent Gram-positive species. Among 185 isolated species, 45 (24%) were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producers, 23 (12%) were carbapenem-resistant, and 5 (3%) were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Findings revealed that there was no significant difference in the microbiological profile and antibiotic resistance among patients with lower extremity wounds whether they were diabetic or nondiabetic.