bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular basis and evolutionary cost of a novel phenotype of macrolides/lincosamides resistance in Staphylococcus haemolyticus
Authors: Xu Ruilin , Song Tianqiang , Du Hong , Wang Qiang , Zhang Haifang
Published: May 2021

Staphylococcus haemolyticus (S. haemolyticus) is a coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and has become one of the primary pathogens of nosocomial infections. After a long period using the antibiotics against the infections caused by S. haemolyticus, S. haemolyticus developed several resistance phenotypes of macrolides and lincosamides. Here, we acquired four S. haemolyticus clinical isolates, of which three isolates demonstrated antibiotic resistance as reported previously, while one was resistant to both erythromycin and clindamycin without erythromycin induction. Such novel phenotype, known as constitutive Macrolides-Lincosamides-Streptogramins (MLS) resistance, was reported in other bacteria, but it was found for the first time in S. haemolyticus. To further investigate such behavior, we confirmed that the deletion of the methyltransferase ErmC upstream leader peptide was critical to cause constitutive MLS resistance based on the analysis of potential antibiotic resistance genes via whole-genome sequencing and experimental verification. In addition, we discovered that the continuous expression of ErmC may inhibit the growth of S. haemolyticus, which turned out to be the cost with no MLS pressure. Taken together, this study firstly reported the constitutive MLS resistance in S. haemolyticus, and provided new ideas for using macrolides and lincosamides in clinical treatment.
BL-02: a versatile X-ray scattering and diffraction beamline for engineering applications at Indus-2 synchrotron source
Authors: Gupta Pooja , Rao P. N. , Swami M. K. , Bhakar A. , Lal Sohan , Garg S. R. , Garg C. K. , Gauttam P. K. , Kane S. R. , Raghuwanshi V. K. , Rai S. K.
Published: May 2021

A hard X-ray engineering applications beamline (BL-02) was commissioned recently and started operation in March 2019 at the Indian synchrotron source, Indus-2. This bending-magnet-based beamline is capable of operating in various beam modes, viz. white, pink and monochromatic beam. The beamline utilizes the X-ray diffraction technique in energy-dispersive and angle-dispersive modes to carry out experiments mainly focused on engineering problems, viz. stress measurement, texture measurement and determination of elastic constants in a variety of bulk as well as thin-film samples. An open-cradle six-circle diffractometer with ∼12 kg load capacity allows accommodation of a wide variety of engineering samples and qualifies the beamline as a unique facility at Indus-2. The high-resolution mode of this beamline is suitably designed so as to carry out line profile analysis for characterization of micro- and nano-structures. In the present article the beamline is described starting from the beamline design, layout, optics involved, various operational modes and experimental stations. Experiments executed to validate the beamline design parameters and to demonstrate the capabilities of the beamline are also described. The future facilities to be incorporated to enhance the capabilities of the beamline are also discussed.
An EKF-based multiple data fusion for mobile robot indoor localization
Authors: Zhou Guangbing , Luo Jing , Xu Shugong , Zhang Shunqing , Meng Shige , Xiang Kui
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Indoor localization is a key tool for robot navigation in indoor environments. Traditionally, robot navigation depends on one sensor to perform autonomous localization. This paper aims to enhance the navigation performance of mobile robots, a multiple data fusion (MDF) method is proposed for indoor environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Here, multiple sensor data i.e. collected information of inertial measurement unit, odometer and laser radar, are used. Then, an extended Kalman filter (EKF) is used to incorporate these multiple data and the mobile robot can perform autonomous localization according to the proposed EKF-based MDF method in complex indoor environments.

Findings

The proposed method has experimentally been verified in the different indoor environments, i.e. office, passageway and exhibition hall. Experimental results show that the EKF-based MDF method can achieve the best localization performance and robustness in the process of navigation.

Originality/value

Indoor localization precision is mostly related to the collected data from multiple sensors. The proposed method can incorporate these collected data reasonably and can guide the mobile robot to perform autonomous navigation (AN) in indoor environments. Therefore, the output of this paper would be used for AN in complex and unknown indoor environments.
The team leader coaching programme (TLCP) – a programme to implement team coaching in rehabilitation clinics – a feasibility study
Authors: Küllenberg Janna Katharina , Becker Sonja , Körner Mirjam
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Team coaching is a promising way to advance a shift from the classical leader to a coach who leads his/her interprofessional colleagues. It is acknowledged as an effective instrument to reinforce leaders’ roles but is rarely used in the health-care sector. This paper aims to present the team leader coaching programme (TLCP), designed to strengthen team leaders by implementing coaching tools into their work routine.

Design/methodology/approach

The TLCP was designed based on the evaluated intervention on patient-centred team development, an expert workshop and a literature search. It addresses leadership styles, self-reflection, role clarity, attitude, moderation techniques and coaching tools with a focus on systemic questions. It was implemented as a train-the-trainer concept, in two training groups including 27 participants from 12 clinics (“multi-clinic” group) and another in-house training group (“single-clinic” group) including 15 participants from one clinic.

Findings

There were differences in the evaluation of the training between the group that received an inhouse training (“single-clinic” group) and the group that received a workshop in a group of professions from different clinics (“multi-clinic” group) with a tendency for a more positive evaluation by the “multi-clinic” group.

Originality/value

The TLCP is a promising programme to potentially improve teamwork in rehabilitation clinics, as it provides team leaders with coaching tools they can use in their work routine without being dependent on external coaches. It is characterized by a reflective stance, which seems to be highly necessary to optimally fulfil the role of a team leader.
Employee loyalty and counter-productive work behaviour among employees in the Indian hospitality sector
Authors: Rishipal
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics of employee loyalty and counter-productive work behaviour (CWB) among employees working in the Indian hospitality sector. The study also compared the status of employee loyalty among managers, who exhibit either very high and or very low traits of CWB. The study also examined the factors responsible for the high tendency of employee loyalty and for that of CWB.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected by using questionnaire and interview methods from employees and managers working in hotels situated in the National Capital Region (NCR), Delhi, India. A sample of total 220 junior and middle level managers and other employees was taken and a selected sample was tested for tendencies of employee loyalty and CWB and analyzed to interpret the findings.

Findings

The findings reveal that the tendency of employee loyalty among managers in the hospitality sector was high, whereas the status of CWB was low. Results also predicted that the tendency of employee loyalty was high among the managers with low traits of counter-productive behaviour and very low among managers with a higher tendency of CWB. Factors such as compensation and benefits, job security and growth and satisfaction were found to be responsible for high tendency of employee loyalty; the controlling of factors such as ignoring or arguing with others, physically damaging organizational property, stealing organizational or employee’s property, intentionally working slowly, doing work incorrectly, neglecting to follow procedures, taking longer breaks than allowed, coming late and leaving early was responsible for a high degree of CWB.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted by involving lower and middle level hospitality sector managers in the NCR Delhi region only. To generalize the findings effectively, a more comprehensive study should be conducted that also involves senior level managers.

Originality/value

There are relatively few prior studies of the factors addressed in this study which has sought to explore an under-research aspect of workplace behaviour.
A Multiyear Assessment of Irrigation Cooling Capacity in Agricultural and Urban Settings of Central Arizona
Authors: Wang Zhaocheng , Vivoni Enrique R. , Bohn Theodore J. , Wang Zhi‐Hua
Published: May 2021

Irrigation water use associated with agricultural activities and urban green spaces provides substantial cooling effects and ameliorates heat in central Arizona. In this arid and semiarid area, evaluating the effect of irrigation on land surface temperature (LST) for different types of land use can improve decision making related to water resources management. In this work, we improved the simulation of urban and agricultural irrigation in the Variable Infiltration Capacity model through remotely sensed vegetation and irrigation parameters applied at high spatiotemporal resolution. We then conducted a multiyear (2004–2013) assessment of simulated LST with respect to ground observations and remotely sensed products finding overall good agreement. Overall, results show that irrigation of about 2 mm/day is required to reduce average daily LST by 1°C across the region. Numerical experiments with the validated model also reveal that irrigation leads to LST reductions of higher magnitude and greater spatial variability in croplands than in urban areas. Furthermore, we found that the role of interannual variations in cropping practices is more critical than year‐to‐year differences in climatic conditions for the evaluation of irrigation cooling capacity. Thus, remotely sensed vegetation products can serve a valuable purpose in quantifying LST reductions and irrigation requirements to achieve a target of heat amelioration.
The de Winter electrocardiographic pattern evolves to ST elevation in acute total left main occlusion: A case series
Authors: Liu Chun‐Wei , Zhang Jing‐Xia , Hu Yue‐Cheng , Wang Le , Zhang Ying‐Yi , Cong Hong‐Liang
Published: May 2021

The de Winter electrocardiographic (ECG) pattern was characterized by upsloping ST‐segment depressions, tall and positive symmetrical T waves in precordial leads. This rare ECG pattern was recognized as an indication of proximal left anterior descending artery occlusion. Less commonly, this ECG pattern was reported in association with occlusion of other coronary artery segments. We present three cases of the de Winter pattern associated with acute total left main occlusion. This pattern may evolve to ST elevation within hours of presentation. Widespread upsloping ST‐segment depressions from V2–V6, centered on V5 were observed in these patients.
Re‐evaluation of medical findings in alleged shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma in Norwegian courts fails to support abuse diagnoses
Authors: Wester Knut , Stridbeck Ulf , Syse Aslak , Wikström Johan
Published: May 2021

Aim

The criteria for diagnosing abusive head trauma (AHT) are not well defined and this condition might be diagnosed on failing premises. Our aim was to review criminal AHT cases in Norwegian courts by scrutinising the underlying medical documentation.

Methods

Cases were identified in the data registry for Norwegian courts from 2004 to 2015. Documentation was obtained from relevant health institutions. The medical co‐authors first made independent evaluations of the documentation for each child, followed by a consensus evaluation.

Results

A total of 17 children (11 boys) were identified, all diagnosed as AHT by court appointed experts, 15 were infants (mean age 2.6 months). A high proportion (41.2%) was born to immigrant parents and 31.3% were premature. The medical findings could be explained by alternative diagnoses in 16 of the 17 children; 8 boys (7 infants – mean age 2.9 months) had clinical and radiological characteristics compatible with external hydrocephalus complicated by chronic subdural haematoma. Six children (five infants with mean age 2.1 months) had a female preponderance and findings compatible with hypoxic ischaemic insults.

Conclusion

The medical condition in most children had not necessarily been caused by shaking or direct impact, as was originally concluded by the court experts.
Effects of low‐crude protein diets supplemented with rumen‐protected lysine and methionine on fattening performance and nitrogen excretion of Holstein steers
Authors: Kamiya Mitsuru , Yamada Tomoya , Higuchi Mikito
Published: May 2021

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of low‐crude protein (CP) diets supplemented with rumen‐protected lysine and methionine on growth performance, nitrogen excretion, and carcass traits in Holstein steers. Steers consumed the following diets: (1) 17.2% CP on a dry‐matter basis during the early period (from 7 to 10 months of age) and 14.5% CP during the late period (from 10 to 18 months of age; CON, n = 4, initial body weight [BW] 238 kg), and (2) 14.4% CP during the early period and 11.4% CP during the late period (AA, n = 4, initial BW 243 kg). The AA diet contains rumen‐protected lysine and methionine. Except for CP intake, feed intake and body weight gain were not affected by dietary CP content. Total nitrogen excretion per metabolic BW tended to be lower (p < .10) in the early period and significantly lower (p < .05) in the late period with decreasing the feed CP content. Plasma urea nitrogen concentrations were lower in AA than CON. Carcass traits and total free amino acid contents of the longissimus thoracis muscle were not affected by dietary CP content. Adding rumen‐protected lysine and methionine to a low‐CP diet would reduce nitrogen excretion in fattening Holstein steers without affecting productivity.
Performance evaluation of scoring systems for predicting post‐operative hypertension cure in primary aldosteronism
Authors: O’Toole Samuel Matthew , Hornby Catherine , Sze Wing‐Chiu Candy , Hannon Mark John , Akker Scott Alexander , Druce Maralyn Rose , Waterhouse Mona , Dawnay Anne , Sahdev Anju , Matson Matthew , Parvanta Laila , Drake William Martyn
Published: May 2021

Objective

Hypertension cure following adrenalectomy in unilateral primary aldosteronism is not guaranteed. Its likelihood is associated with pre‐operative parameters, which have been variably combined in six different predictive scoring systems. The relative performance of these systems is currently unknown. The objective of this work was to identify the best performing scoring system for predicting hypertension cure following adrenalectomy for primary aldosteronism.

Design

Retrospective analysis in a single tertiary referral centre.

Patients

Eighty‐seven adult patients with unilateral primary aldosteronism who had undergone adrenalectomy between 2004 and 2018 for whom complete data sets were available to calculate all scoring systems.

Measurements

Prediction of hypertension cure by each of the six scoring systems.

Results

Hypertension cure was achieved in 36/87 (41.4%) patients within the first post‐operative year, which fell to 18/71 (25.4%) patients at final follow‐up (median 53 months, P = .002). Analysis of receiver operating characteristic area under the curves for the different scoring systems identified a difference in performance at early, but not late, follow‐up. For all systems, the area under the curve was lower at early compared with late follow‐up and compared to performance in the cohorts in which they were originally defined.

Conclusions

No single scoring system performed significantly better than all others when applied in our cohort, although two did display particular advantages. It remains to be determined how best such scoring systems can be incorporated into the routine clinical care of patients with PA.
Predictors of and reasons for early discharge from inpatient withdrawal management settings: A scoping review
Authors: Ling Sara , Davies Julia , Sproule Beth , Puts Martine , Cleverley Kristin
Published: May 2021

Issues

Early discharges, also known as ‘against medical advice’ discharges, frequently occur in inpatient withdrawal management settings and can result in negative outcomes for patients. The purpose of this scoping review is to identify what is known about predictors of and reasons for the early discharge among adults accessing inpatient withdrawal management settings.

Approach

MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ASSIA and EMBASE were searched, resulting in 2587 articles for screening. Title and abstract screening and full‐text review were completed by two independent reviewers. Results were synthesised in quantitative and qualitative formats.

Key Findings

Sixty‐two studies were included in this scoping review. All studies focused on predictors of early discharge, except one which only described reasons for the early discharge. Forty‐eight percent of studies involved retrospective review of health records data. The most frequently examined variables were demographics. Variables related to the treatment setting, such as referral source and treatment received, were examined less frequently but were more consistently associated with early discharge compared to demographics. Only six studies described patient reasons for the early discharge, which were retrieved via clinical documentation. The most common reasons for early discharge were dissatisfaction with treatment and family issues.

Implications and Conclusions

Most demographic variables do not consistently predict early discharge, and reasons for early discharge are not well understood. Future studies should focus on the predictive value of non‐patient‐level variables, or conduct analyses to account for predictors of early discharge among different subgroups of people (e.g. by gender or ethnicity). Qualitative research exploring patient perspectives is needed.
Evolutionary mechanisms underpinning fitness response to multiple stressors in Daphnia
Authors: Cuenca‐Cambronero Maria , Pantel Jelena H. , Marshall Hollie , Nguyen Tien T. T. , Tomero‐Sanz Henar , Orsini Luisa
Published: May 2021

Multiple stressors linked to anthropogenic activities can influence how organisms adapt and evolve. So far, a consensus on how multiple stressors drive adaptive trajectories in natural populations has not been reached. Some meta‐analysis reports show predominance of additive effects of stressors on ecological endpoints (e.g., fecundity, mortality), whereas others show synergistic effects more frequently. Moreover, it is unclear what mechanisms of adaptation underpin responses to complex environments. Here, we use populations of Daphnia magna resurrected from different times in the past to investigate mechanisms of adaptation to multiple stressors and to understand how historical exposure to environmental stress shapes adaptive responses of modern populations. Using common garden experiments on resurrected modern and historical populations, we investigate (1) whether exposure to one stress results in higher tolerance to a second stressor; (2) the mechanisms of adaptation underpinning long‐term evolution to multistress (genetic evolution, plasticity, evolution of plasticity); and (3) the interaction effects of multiple stressors on fitness (synergism, antagonism, additivity). We measure the combined impact of different levels of resource availability (algae) and biocides on fitness‐linked life‐history traits and interpret these results in light of historical environmental exposures. We show that exposure to one stressor can alter tolerance to second stressors and that the interaction effect depends on the severity of either stressor. We also show that mechanisms of adaptation underpinning phenotypic evolution significantly differ in single‐stress and multistress scenarios. These adaptive responses are driven largely by synergistic effects on fecundity and size at maturity, and additive effects on age at maturity. Exposure to multiple stressors shifts the trade‐offs among fitness‐linked life‐history traits, with a stronger effect on Daphnia populations when low‐resource availability and high biocide levels are experienced. Our study indicates that mitigation interventions based on single‐stress analysis may not capture realistic threats.
Unknown/enigmatic functions of extracellular ASC
Authors: de Souza Jean Gabriel , Starobinas Nancy , Ibañez Olga Celia Martinez
Published: May 2021

Apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a caspase recruit domain (ASC), encoded by PYCARD gene, is a 22 kDa small molecule, which aggregates into ASC specks during inflammasome activation. ASC protein is an adaptor protein present in several inflammasome complexes that performs several intra‐ and extracellular functions, in monomeric form or as ASC specks, during physiological and pathological processes related to inflammation and adaptive immunity. Extracellular ASC specks (eASC specks) released during cell death by pyroptosis can contribute as a danger signal to the propagation of inflammation via phagocytosis and activation of surrounding cells. ASC specks are found in the circulation of patients with chronic inflammatory diseases and have been considered as relevant blood biomarkers of inflammation. eASC amplifies the inflammatory signal, may induce the production of autoantibodies, transports molecules that bind to this complex, contributing to the generation of antibodies, and can induce the maturation of cytokines promoting the modelling of the adaptive immunity. Although several advances have been registered in the last 21 years, there are numerous unknown or enigmatic gaps in the understanding of the role of eASC specks in the organism. Here, we provide an overview about the ASC protein focusing on the probable roles of eASC specks in several diseases, up to the most recent studies concerning COVID‐19.
Infants' identification of gender in biological motion displays
Authors: Johnson Scott P. , Dong Mingfei , Ogren Marissa , Senturk Damla
Published: May 2021

Infants' knowledge of social categories, including gender‐typed characteristics, is a vital aspect of social cognitive development. In the current study, we examined 9‐ to 12‐month‐old infants' understanding of the categories “male” and “female” by testing for gender matching in voices or faces with biological motion depicted in point light displays (PLDs). Infants did not show voice–PLD gender matching spontaneously (Experiment 1) or after “training” with gender‐matching voice–PLD pairs (Experiment 2). In Experiment 3, however, infants were trained with gender‐matching face–PLD pairs and we found that patterns of visual attention to top regions of PLD stimuli during training predicted gender matching of female faces and PLDs. Prior to the end of the first postnatal year, therefore, infants may begin to identify gender in human walk motions, and perhaps form social categories from biological motion.
Efficacy of the stand‐alone Cox‐Maze IV procedure in patients with longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: McGilvray Martha M.O. , Bakir Nadia H. , Kelly Meghan O. , Perez Samuel C. , Sinn Laurie A. , Schuessler Richard B. , Zemlin Christian W. , Maniar Hersh S. , Melby Spencer J. , Damiano Ralph J.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, and results in significant morbidity and mortality. The Cox‐Maze IV procedure (CMP‐IV) has been shown to have excellent efficacy in returning patients to sinus rhythm, but there have been few reports of late follow‐up in sizable cohorts of patients with longstanding persistent AF, the most difficult type of AF to treat.

Methods and Results

Between May 2003 and March 2020, 174 consecutive patients underwent a stand‐alone CMP‐IV for longstanding persistent AF. Rhythm outcome was assessed postoperatively for up to 10 years, primarily via prolonged monitoring (Holter monitor, pacemaker interrogation, or implantable loop recorder). Fine‐Gray regression was used to investigate factors associated with atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) recurrence, with death as a competing risk. Median duration of preoperative AF was 7.8 years (interquartile range: 4.0–12.0 years), with 71% (124/174) having failed at least one prior catheter‐based ablation. There were no 30‐day mortalities. Freedom from ATAs was 94% (120/128), 83% (53/64), and 88% (35/40) at 1, 5, and 7 years, respectively. On regression analysis, preoperative AF duration and early postoperative ATAs were associated with late ATAs recurrence.

Conclusion

Despite the majority of patients having a long‐duration of preoperative AF and having failed at least one catheter‐based ablation, the stand‐alone CMP‐IV had excellent late efficacy in patients with longstanding persistent AF, with low morbidity and no mortality. We recommend consideration of stand‐alone CMP‐IV for patients with longstanding persistent AF who have failed or are poor candidates for catheter ablation.
Optimizing conditions of electronic nose for rapid detection of flavor substances in Ningxiang Pork
Authors: Yang Fang , Gao Hu , Zhang Yuebo , Liao Yinchang , Zeng Qinghua , He Xinglong , Xu Kang , He Jun
Published: May 2021

The present study aims to explore rapid method for the detection of flavor substances in Ningxiang pork. Collect the longissimus dorsi samples of Ningxiang pigs with a left carcass weight 25–30 kg. After pretreatment, five factors affecting the volatile flavors of Ningxiang pork were detected: heat treatment time, the amount of saturated NaCl solution added, sample weight, equilibrium time and equilibrium temperature. The results showed that among the five factors, the heat treatment time had the greatest influence on the volatile flavors of Ningxiang pork and the equilibrium time had the least influence. The volatile substances of Ningxiang pork showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing with the heat treatment time going on, the addition of saturated NaCl solution and the change of the sample weight. The overall flavor of Ningxiang pork increased with the increase of equilibrium temperature, and after equilibrating for 15 min, the overall flavor of Ningxiang pork was basically not affected by the equilibrium time. The optimal combination of conditions for rapid detection of Ningxiang pork flavor substances using electronic nose is sample weight 3 g, saturated NaCl solution 0.5 mL/g, heat treatment time 3 min and equilibrium time 15 min at 55°C.

Practical Applications

To establish an experimental method for the rapid detection of volatile flavor compounds in Ningxiang pork using an electronic nose, and to initially construct a fingerprint of Ningxiang pork flavor, with a view to providing more efficient and accurate ideas and methods for evaluating the quality and authenticity of Ningxiang pork.
Audit of enuresis referrals on the waiting list for a tertiary hospital outpatient clinic
Authors: Eiselen Carl , Trajanovska Misel , Griffith Andrew , Phan Tracey , Goldfeld Sharon , Gibb Susan , King Sebastian K
Published: May 2021

Aim

Enuresis, defined as intermittent incontinence occurring exclusively during sleep, affects 4–19% of children, but can be effectively treated using education and alarm‐bell therapies. However, delays in treatment are likely to impact upon the quality of life of the child, parents and carers. Poor quality and incomplete referrals are thought to be a major driver of inefficiencies. The aim of this study was to explore characteristics of enuresis referrals on the waiting list for a general medicine clinic at a tertiary paediatric hospital.

Methods

An audit was conducted to examine all enuresis referrals on the general medicine outpatient clinic waiting list in February 2019 at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. Enuresis referrals with an organic cause and those for children less than 5 years of age were excluded.

Results

Of the 2613 referrals on the general medicine waiting list, 486 of 2613 (19%) were related to enuresis. The median age of patients on the waiting list was 8 years and 65% (315/486) were male. Sufficient detail was provided to determine temporal and disease stratification in 45% (218/486) of referrals; primary versus secondary enuresis, and monosymptomatic versus non‐monosymptomatic enuresis. The mean number of days on the waiting list calculated at the time of data extraction (13 February 2019) was 226 (±179) days.

Conclusions

The findings from this study suggest that there are long waiting times for enuresis services and referrals often do not contain complete information.
The status of Florida pompano, Trachinotus carolinus, as a commercially ready species for U.S. marine aquaculture
Authors: Weirich Charles R. , Riley Kenneth L. , Riche Marty , Main Kevan L. , Wills Paul S. , Illán Gonzalo , Cerino David S. , Pfeiffer Timothy J.
Published: May 2021

Owing to their high value, in the 1950s researchers and commercial ventures began investigating the potential of Florida pompano, Trachinotus carolinus, for aquaculture; however, initial efforts did not result in commercialization. In the early 2000s, a renewed interest in pompano as a candidate for aquaculture occurred, and over the last two decades, protocols have been developed that have allowed commercialization of pompano aquaculture. Florida pompano broodstock can be readily conditioned to spawn (26–28°C) to produce large numbers of fertilized eggs year‐round via hormonally induced volitional tank spawning. Larval rearing is straight forward using a standard feeding regime of rotifers, then Artemia, followed by co‐feeding and weaning to microparticulate diets with metamorphosis occurring at approximately 18–25 days post hatch. Pompano readily consume formulated diets and growout of juveniles to produce marketable fish for consumption is fairly rapid (<12 months) and has been achieved mainly via recirculating aquaculture system technologies and ocean net pens. To expand industry development, there is an ongoing need for research directed towards topics including broodstock domestication, selective breeding, and genetic improvement; delayed maturation; diet development and refinement; disease management; economics and business planning; and marketing strategies.
LAZY2 controls rice tiller angle through regulating starch biosynthesis in gravity‐sensing cells
Authors: Huang Linzhou , Wang Wenguang , Zhang Ning , Cai Yueyue , Liang Yan , Meng Xiangbing , Yuan Yundong , Li Jiayang , Wu Dianxing , Wang Yonghong
Published: May 2021

Rice (Oryza sativa) tiller angle is a key component for achieving ideal plant architecture and higher grain yield. However, the molecular mechanism underlying rice tiller angle remains elusive.

We characterized a novel rice tiller angle mutant lazy2 (la2) and isolated the causative gene LA2 through map‐based cloning. Biochemical, molecular and genetic studies were conducted to elucidate the LA2‐involved tiller angle regulatory mechanism.

The la2 mutant shows large tiller angle with impaired shoot gravitropism and defective asymmetric distribution of auxin. We found that starch granules in amyloplasts are completely lost in the gravity‐sensing leaf sheath base cells of la2, whereas the seed development is not affected. LA2 encodes a novel chloroplastic protein that can interact with the starch biosynthetic enzyme Oryza sativa plastidic phosphoglucomutase (OspPGM) to regulate starch biosynthesis in rice shoot gravity‐sensing cells. Genetic analysis showed that LA2 regulates shoot gravitropism and tiller angle by acting upstream of LA1 to mediate lateral auxin transport.

Our studies revealed that LA2 acts as a novel regulator of rice tiller angle by specifically regulating starch biosynthesis in gravity‐sensing cells, and established the framework of the starch‐statolith‐dependent rice tiller angle regulatory pathway, providing new insights into the rice tiller angle regulatory network.
Effects of woody debris and cover soil types on soil properties and vegetation 4–5 years after oil sands reclamation
Authors: Forsch Katryna B. C. , Dhar Amalesh , Naeth M. Anne
Published: May 2021

Woody debris is a critical component of natural forests, with an important function in land reclamation to control erosion and enhance diversity and function of newly developing ecosystems. Combined with cover soils, woody debris can play a significant role in plant community development, as cover soil is a source of inexpensive and ecologically adapted propagules. As we develop woody debris application as a land reclamation tool, its impacts on cover soils over time need to be documented. This study assessed how woody debris volume, types (Picea mariana, Populus tremuloides), and size influenced soil properties, and vegetation structure and composition in forest floor‐mineral mix (FFM) and peat‐mineral mix (PMM) cover soil types 4–5 years after oil sands reclamation. Soil chemical and physical properties were significantly affected by cover soil types, whereas no woody debris effects were evident. FFM cover soil was associated with greater vegetation cover, plant species richness, composition, and woody plant density than PMM. Nonmetric multi‐dimensional scaling and multi‐response permutation procedures revealed plant community compositional differences only for cover soil types. Presence of early‐to‐late and mid‐to‐late seral species 4–5 years after reclamation in FFM and PMM indicated community development trajectories were following typical early successional processes of boreal forests of the region. Woody debris type, size, and volume application had small or no impact on vegetation development. Although FFM cover soil was more effective than PMM, further long‐term research to evaluate impacts of woody debris on vegetation development would be important to affirm its use for reclamation.
Direct and indirect effects of a massive piped water expansion on child‐related outcomes
Authors: Chong Alberto , Galdo Virgilio
Published: May 2021

We explore the effects of a massive water supply and sanitation expansion on child mortality, schooling, and child labor in Ecuador. We combine census data with project administrative information to identify treated dwellings. A matching differences‐in‐differences estimator is used to identify treatment effects. We find a child mortality reduction of about 8.1%, an increase in children formal schooling of 1.3%, and a reduction in child labor of 13.7%, all attributable to the intervention. We also find heterogeneous treatment effects suggesting that those in the poorest quartiles benefit the least from the intervention. However, even in the latter case, if a woman had at least primary education, the household may still enjoy benefits.
A SIMPLE SHAKING TABLE TEST TO MEASURE LIQUEFACTION POTENTIAL OF PRAMBANAN AREA, YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA
Authors: Mase Lindung Zalbuin , Fathani Teuku Faisal , Adi Agus Darmawan
Published: May 2021

This paper presents the experimental study of liquefaction potential for sandy soil in Prambanan Area, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, which underwent liquefaction due to the Mw 6.3 Jogja Earthquake on May 27, 2006. Shaking table tests considering the variation of acceleration and shaking duration were performed to investigate the liquefaction potential of sand. The liquefaction time stages including time to start liquefaction, time to start pore pressure dissipation, and liquefaction duration were observed. The percentage of liquefaction duration increase, the excess pore water pressure ratio and the required time to generate liquefaction, and the effect of applied acceleration to cyclic stress ratio, were also presented. The results showed that the sand could undergo liquefaction under the variation of dynamic load. The variation of dynamic load significantly influenced the time stages of liquefaction, the increase of liquefaction duration percentage and cyclic stress ratio. The results also exhibited that the larger applied acceleration and the longer shaking duration means the longer liquefaction duration and the larger liquefaction potential. In general, the result could bring the recommendation to the liquefaction countermeasure for Prambanan Area.
MODELING OF SYSTEMS UNDER CLOUD ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Muhammad Sharafadeen , Dahiru Ibrahim Kabiru , Abubakar Ahmad , Ibrahim Muhammad Sanusi
Published: May 2021

The emergence of large amount of data requires an efficient means of processing and storage facilities. Cloud computing provides an effective solution; MapReduce programming paradigm has the ability to handle such data by implementing Hadoop, but came up with some conflicting challenges in terms of Service Level Agreement (SLA) between major stakeholders. This paper focuses on coming up with a MapReduce model through system identification in order to address the requirement of the service time to meet-up the SLA within the limit of defined threshold in the presence of uncertainties in the system. A second order nonlinear model was obtained, which shows a good representation of the real system and could be used to develop control laws on the real system.
ASSESSMENT OF THE BEST PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTION METHOD IN RAINFALL FREQUENCY ANALYSIS FOR A TROPICAL REGION
Authors: Yong Stephen Luo Sheng , Ng Jing Lin , Huang Yuk Feng , Ang Chun Kit
Published: May 2021

The Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) curve defines the relationship between rainfall intensities at certain durations and with the frequencies. The IDF Curve is extensively used in many applications such as flood modelling and peak discharge estimation. Over the years, the frequent occurrence of flood has become a great challenge in Kelantan river basin. Herein, IDF curves using frequency analyses based on different distributions were developed and compared. The historical rainfall data at eight rainfall stations for the period of 1985-2019 were selected for the assessment purpose. The Gumbel, Normal and Log Pearson Type III distributions were fitted into the annual maximum rainfall series for durations varying from 30 minutes to 24 hours. The goodness of fit tests were then used to evaluate the performances of each frequency distribution. It was found that the Gumbel distribution gave the highest passing rate followed by the Log Pearson Type III and then the Normal distributions. The Gumbel distribution resulted in respective 86% and 75% passing rate since most of the p-values generated by both the K-S and the Mann-Whitney test were greater than 5% of significance level leading to the acceptance of the null hypothesis. Thus, the Gumbel distribution is suggested for the frequency analyses in this study.
Poverty Eradication and Entrepreneurship Development through Productive Welfare in Malaysia / Pembasmian Kemiskinan dan Pembangunan Keusahawanan Melalui Kebajikan Produktif di Malaysia
Authors: Jamaluddin Zakiyah , Mohd Ali Hanafiah Norzalinda
Published: May 2021

Productive Welfare and 2 Years Exit Policy (2YEP) approach was established by the Department of Social Welfare Malaysia (JKMM) aim to help clients towards independent living and able to continue their life without relying on financial assistance given by JKMM. The aim of this study is to identify the factors of client engagement and problems faced within implementing entrepreneurship program through “Geran Pelancaran” provided by JKM. Survey methods using questionnaires has been used in this study. A total of 234 respondents were involved in this study through purposive sampling, including 107 respondents from the Northern Zone, and 127 respondents from the Eastern Zone, out of 17 Social Welfare District Offices (PKMD) in both zones. Results showed that the majority of respondents engaged in their own business (85%), especially in food and beverage types business (58.1%). For engagement factors in entrepreneurship, the high mean value is shown by family-bearing items (4.45), deep interest (4.34), and a desire to be independent (4.33). Overall, the mean for respondents' involvement factors are at a moderate to high level. Respondents also faced some problems before and within doing business especially financial problems, lack of revolving capital, and products that remain unsold. The productive welfare approach and 2 Years Exit Policy (2YEP) program supposed to help increasing revenue and reduce clients' dependency on JKM's assistance. However, this study found that 84% of the respondents still has income below the poverty line. Thus, reviewing of the program and continuous monitoring can help clients increase their motivation and thus eradicate poverty among the clients.
Assessment of Intravertebral Mechanical Strains and Cancellous Bone Texture Under Load Using a Clinically Available Digital Tomosynthesis Modality
Authors: Oravec Daniel , Drost Joshua , Zauel Roger , Flynn Michael J. , Yeni Yener N.
Published: May 2021

Vertebral fractures are the most common osteoporotic fractures, but clinical means for assessment of vertebral bone integrity are limited in accuracy, as they typically use surrogate measures that are indirectly related to mechanics. The objective of this study was to examine the extent to which intravertebral strain distributions and changes in cancellous bone texture generated by a load of physiological magnitude can be characterized using a clinically available imaging modality. We hypothesized that digital tomosynthesis-based digital volume correlation (DTS-DVC) and image texture-based metrics of cancellous bone microstructure can detect development of mechanical strains under load. Isolated cadaveric T11 vertebrae and L2–L4 vertebral segments were DTS imaged in a nonloaded state and under physiological load levels. Axial strain, maximum principal strain, maximum compressive and tensile principal strains, and von Mises equivalent strain were calculated using the DVC technique. The change in textural parameters (line fraction deviation, anisotropy, and fractal parameters) under load was calculated within the cancellous centrum. The effect of load on measured strains and texture variables was tested using mixed model analysis of variance, and relationships of strain and texture variables with donor age, bone density parameters, and bone size were examined using regression models. Magnitudes and heterogeneity of intravertebral strain measures correlated with applied loading and were significantly different from background noise. Image texture parameters were found to change with applied loading, but these changes were not observed in the second experiment testing L2–L4 segments. DTS-DVC-derived strains correlated with age more strongly than did bone mineral density (BMD) for T11.
An In Vitro Study to Investigate Biomechanical Responses of Peripheral Nerves in Hypoxic Neonatal Piglets
Authors: Singh Anita , Magee Rachel , Balasubramanian Sriram
Published: May 2021

Despite occurrence of neonatal hypoxia and peripheral nerve injuries in complicated birthing scenarios, the effect of hypoxia on the biomechanical responses of neonatal peripheral nerves is not studied. In this study, neonatal brachial plexus (BP) and tibial nerves, obtained from eight normal and eight hypoxic 3–5-day-old piglets, were tested in uniaxial tension until failure at a rate of 0.01 mm/s or 10 mm/s. Failure load, stress, and modulus of elasticity were reported to be significantly lower in hypoxic neonatal BP and tibial nerves than respective normal tissue at both 0.01 and 10 mm/s rates. Failure strain was significantly lower in the hypoxic neonatal BP nerves only at 10 mm/s rate when compared to normal BP nerve. This is the first available data that indicate weaker mechanical behavior of hypoxic neonatal peripheral nerves as compared to normal tissue and offer an understanding of the biomechanical responses of peripheral nerves of hypoxic neonatal piglets.
A new pressure sensor array for normal stress measurement in complex fluids
Authors: Gauthier Anaïs , Pruvost Mickaël , Gamache Olivier , Colin Annie
Published: May 2021

A new pressure sensor array, positioned on the bottom plate of a standard torsional rheometer, is presented. It is built from a unique piezo-capacitive polymeric foam and consists of 25 capacitive pressure sensors (of surface 4.5×4.5mm2 each) built together in a 5×5 regular array. The sensor array is used to obtain a mapping of the normal stresses in complex fluids, which dramatically extends the capability of the rheometer. We demonstrate this with three examples. First, a pressure profile is reconstructed in a polymer solution, which enables the simultaneous measurement of the first and the second normal stress differences N1 and N2, with a precision of 2 Pa. In a second part, we show that negative pressures can also be measured. Finally, we focus on the normal stress fluctuations that extend both spatially and temporally in a shear-thickening suspension of cornstarch particles. We evidence the presence of a unique heterogeneity rotating very regularly. In addition to their low cost and high versatility, the sensors show here their potential to finely characterize the normal stresses in viscosimetric flows.
The Effects of an Acute “Train-Low” Nutritional Protocol on Markers of Recovery Optimization in Endurance-Trained Male Athletes
Authors: Russo Isabella , Della Gatta Paul A. , Garnham Andrew , Porter Judi , Burke Louise M. , Costa Ricardo J.S.
Published: May 2021

Purpose:This study aimed to determine the effects of an acute “train-low” nutritional protocol on markers of recovery optimization compared to standard recovery nutrition protocol.Methods:After completing a 2-hour high-intensity interval running protocol, 8 male endurance athletes consumed a standard dairy milk recovery beverage (CHO; 1.2 g/kg body mass [BM] of carbohydrate and 0.4 g/kg BM of protein) and a low-carbohydrate (L-CHO; isovolumetric with 0.35 g/kg BM of carbohydrate and 0.5 g/kg BM of protein) dairy milk beverage in a double-blind randomized crossover design. Venous blood and breath samples, nude BM, body water, and gastrointestinal symptom measurements were collected preexercise and during recovery. Muscle biopsy was performed at 0 hour and 2 hours of recovery. Participants returned to the laboratory the following morning to measure energy substrate oxidation and perform a 1-hour distance test.Results:The exercise protocol resulted in depletion of muscle glycogen stores (250 mmol/kg dry weight) and mild body-water losses (BM loss = 1.8%). Neither recovery beverage replenished muscle glycogen stores (279 mmol/kg dry weight) or prevented a decrease in bacterially stimulated neutrophil function (−21%). Both recovery beverages increased phosphorylation of mTORSer2448(main effect of time = P < .001) and returned hydration status to baseline. A greater fold increase in p-GSK-3βSer9/total-GSK-3β occurred on CHO (P = .012). Blood glucose (P = .005) and insulin (P = .012) responses were significantly greater on CHO (618 mmol/L per 2 h and 3507 μIU/mL per 2 h, respectively) compared to L-CHO (559 mmol/L per 2 h and 1147 μIU/mL per 2 h, respectively). Rates of total fat oxidation were greater on CHO, but performance was not affected.Conclusion:A lower-carbohydrate recovery beverage consumed after exercise in a “train-low” nutritional protocol does not negatively impact recovery optimization outcomes.
Zinc aims to beat lithium batteries at storing energy
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: May 2021

Rechargeable batteries based on zinc promise to be cheaper and safer for grid storage.