bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Qualitative Exploration into Experiences and Attitudes Regarding Psychosocial Challenges, Self-compassion, and Mindfulness in a Population of Adults with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Kauser S. , Keyte R. , Mantzios M. , Egan H.
Published: February 2022

To investigate the current psychosocial challenges faced by adults with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), while exploring attitudes and experiences of mindfulness and self-compassion. Mindfulness and self-compassion are important resources for supporting psychological and physical well-being, yet there is limited research exploring these positive psychology concepts in CF literature. Twenty UK domiciled adults with a diagnosis of CF, took part in a semi-structured interview. Using a thematic analysis approach, four themes were developed: (a) “I didn’t expect to be here”: Surpassing the CF life expectancy, (b) “Am I psychologically bringing this upon myself?”: Psychological complexities of CF, (c) “I’ve had to really learn to be kind to myself”: The importance of compassion and being self-compassionate, (d) “I think it’s a great tool”: The benefits of practising mindfulness. This research demonstrates a robust need for increased integration of accessible psychological practices into routine CF-care and self-care for adults with CF. Particularly, practises and interventions that draw on the concepts of mindfulness and self-compassion, which may benefit patient’s health and wellbeing profoundly.
Rapamycin attenuated podocyte apoptosis via upregulation of nestin in Ang II-induced podocyte injury
Authors: Shi Huimin , Zhao Yajie , He Tiantian , Wen Xianli , Qu Gaoting , Li Shanwen , Gan Weihua , Zhang Aiqing
Published: February 2022

Background

Angiotensin II (Ang II) contributes to the progression of glomerulosclerosis, mainly by inducing podocyte injury. Convincing evidence indicates that the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin could play a fundamental role in protection against podocyte injury. Nestin, a major cytoskeletal protein, is stably expressed in podocytes and correlates with podocyte damage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of rapamycin on podocyte injury induced by Ang II and to clarify the role and mechanism of nestin in the protective effect of rapamycin of podocyte injury.

Methods and results

We established an Ang II perfusion animal model, and the effects of rapamycin treatment on podocytes were investigated in vivo. In vitro, podocytes were stimulated with Ang II and rapamycin to observe podocyte injury, and nestin-siRNA was transfected to investigate the underlying mechanisms. We observed that Ang II induced podocyte injury both in vivo and in vitro, whereas rapamycin treatment relieved Ang II-induced podocyte injury. We further found that nestin co-localized with p-mTOR in glomeruli, and the protective effect of rapamycin was reduced by nestin-siRNA in podocytes. Moreover, co-IP indicated the interaction between nestin and p-mTOR, and nestin could affect podocyte injury via the mTOR/P70S6K signaling pathway.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that rapamycin attenuated podocyte apoptosis via upregulation of nestin expression through the mTOR/P70S6K signaling pathway in an Ang II-induced podocyte injury.
Disaster preparedness and resilience at household level in Yangon, Myanmar
Authors: Heinkel Sophie-Bo , Thiebes Benni , Zin Mar Than  , Toe Aung  , Tin Tin Kyi  , Win Lei Mar  , Saw Sandar Oo  , Miller Christian , Willkomm Marlene , Win Maung  , Zin Nwe Myint  , Khin Khin Soe  , Spohner Regine , Kraas Frauke
Published: February 2022

Resilience has become important in disaster preparedness and response. Unfortunately, little is known about resilience at the household level. This study presents the results of a survey into individual and household level preparedness to disaster events in Yangon, Myanmar, which is prone to natural disasters such as tropical cyclones, flooding, and earthquakes. The study aimed to understand societal resilience and to provide information that could be used to develop a holistic framework. In four different Yangon townships, 440 households were interviewed. The results of the survey indicate how risk preparedness could be improved by specific measures related to the following five factors: (1) increasing the general public’s knowledge of first aid and its role in preparedness; (2) improving mobile phone infrastructure and capacity building in its usage so that it can be used for communication during disasters, along with building up a redundant communication structure; (3) better use and organisation of volunteer potential; (4) more specific involvement of religious and public buildings for disaster response; and (5) developing specific measures for improving preparedness in urban areas, where the population often has reduced capacities for coping with food supply insufficiencies due to the high and immediate availability of food, shops and goods in regular times. The findings of this survey have led to specific recommendations for Yangon. The identified measures represent a first step in developing a more general framework. Future research could investigate the transferability of these measures to other areas and thus their suitability as a basis for a framework.
Prognostic value of preoperative low bone mineral density in patients with digestive cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Watanabe Jun , Saitsu Akihiro , Miki Atsushi , Kotani Kazuhiko , Sata Naohiro
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Osteopenia typically presents low bone mineral density (BMD) and has recently been reported as a prognostic factor in various cancers. However, the prognostic value of osteopenia in digestive tract cancers remains to be defined. We aimed to review the prognostic value of preoperative osteopenia in patients with digestive cancers.

Methods

Cohort studies evaluating the prognostic value of preoperative osteopenia in digestive cancers (colorectal, esophageal, hepatic, bile duct, and pancreatic cancer) were searched using electronic databases and trial registries. The exposure was defined as low BMD estimated by computed tomography at 11th thoracic vertebra, while comparator was normal BMD. The primary outcomes were overall survival and recurrence-free survival for osteopenia. Random effect meta-analyses were performed. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach was used to assess the certainty of evidence.

Results

A total of 11 studies (2230 patients) were included. Osteopenia was an independent risk factor for overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.47 to 2.78; I2 = 74%), along with sarcopenia. Osteopenia also predicted poor recurrence-free survival (HR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.36 to 2.81; I2 = 85%). In subgroup analyses, osteopenia predicted prognosis in colorectal, esophageal, hepatic, and bile duct cancers, but not in pancreatic cancer. The certainty of the evidence was low due to inconsistency and publication bias.

Conclusion

Osteopenia may be independently associated with poor prognosis in patients with digestive tract cancer. Further studies are needed to establish the relevance of osteopenia in the operative prognosis of these patients.
Co-encapsulation of vitamin D and rutin in chitosan-zein microparticles
Authors: Tchuenbou-Magaia Fideline Laure , Tolve Roberta , Anyadike Uchechukwu , Giarola Marco , Favati Fabio
Published: February 2022

There is a growing interest in co-encapsulating multiple species to harness potential synergy between them, enhance their stability and efficacy in various products. The aim of this work was to co-encapsulate vitamin D3 and rutin inside chitosan-zein microparticles using a simple and easily scalable process for food fortification. This was achieved via anti-solvent precipitation coupled with spray-drying. Free-flowing powders of spherical microparticles with wrinkled surface and particle size < 10 μm were obtained. The encapsulation efficiency was 75% for vitamin D3 and 44% for rutin and this could be attributed to their different molecular size and affinity to the aqueous phase. The physicochemical properties were characterized by X-Ray powder diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The two crystalline bioactive compounds were present in the microparticles in amorphous form, which would allow for better bioavailability when compared to non-encapsulated crystalline solid. Therefore, the obtained microparticles would be suitable for use as food ingredient for vitamin D3 fortification, with the co-encapsulated rutin acting as stability and activity enhancer.
Mitochondria as Therapeutic Targets in Heart Failure
Authors: Schwemmlein Julia , Maack Christoph , Bertero Edoardo
Published: February 2022

Purpose of Review

We review therapeutic approaches aimed at restoring function of the failing heart by targeting mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), ion handling, and substrate utilization for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production.

Recent Findings

Mitochondria-targeted therapies have been tested in animal models of and humans with heart failure (HF). Cardiac benefits of sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors might be partly explained by their effects on ion handling and metabolism of cardiac myocytes.

The large energy requirements of the heart are met by oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria, which is tightly regulated by the turnover of ATP that fuels cardiac contraction and relaxation. In heart failure (HF), this mechano-energetic coupling is disrupted, leading to bioenergetic mismatch and production of ROS that drive the progression of cardiac dysfunction. Furthermore, HF is accompanied by changes in substrate uptake and oxidation that are considered detrimental for mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and negatively affect cardiac efficiency. Mitochondria lie at the crossroads of metabolic and energetic dysfunction in HF and represent ideal therapeutic targets.
Modeling radial groundwater flow in fractured media using fracture continuum approach
Authors: El-Kharakany Mohamed M. , Abd-Elmegeed Mohamed A. , Hassan Ahmed E.
Published: February 2022

Two modeling approaches are commonly utilized for simulating flow in fractured formations: the discrete fracture network (DFN) approach and the stochastic continuum (SC) approach. Although the DFN approach is the most accurate, it has computational and memory constraints. The SC approach ensures fast processing but results in system over-homogenization. The fracture continuum (FC) approach arises as an integrated technique that incorporates the merits of both approaches. The main objective of this research is to develop a computationally efficient technique based on the FC approach to simulate the radial groundwater flow towards wells through two-dimensional fractured media under both steady and transient conditions. A stochastic generation of the DFN is performed in a Monte Carlo framework taking into account wells positioning. The DFN flow system is solved by applying the mass balance equation at fracture intersections. Fracture segments are mapped onto grids of 1 × 1 m and 5 × 5 m resolution as conductivity and specific storage cells. The grid flow problem is solved via MODFLOW. Flow and head discrepancies between the proposed technique and the DFN approach (reference solution) are assessed in steady and transient conditions. A grid-conductivity correction is needed to preserve the DFN flow in the presence of wells. A porosity estimation is proposed to identify the grid-pressure transient response. Promising flow and head results are observed for fine and coarse grid models. Some of the studied cases show large discrepancies in the maximum drawdown obtained on the coarse grid model. Accordingly, a new technique is proposed to handle such discrepancies and is found efficient in transient simulations (e.g., 11% and 26.12% discrepancies are minimized to − 0.93% and − 1.03% for two studied cases). The adopted mapping technique is found efficient when the interest is to estimate the average drawdown over an aquifer as correlation coefficients of 0.89 and 0.97 are found for the coarse and fine grid models, respectively when compared to the DFN model. However, the technique has limitations in estimating the drawdown at locations of wells.
Medieval fish remains on the Newport ship identified by ZooMS collagen peptide mass fingerprinting
Authors: Buckley Michael , Harvey Virginia L. , Petiffer David , Russ Hannah , Wouters Wim , Van Neer Wim
Published: February 2022

Fish represent a key economic, social and ecological group of species that humans have exploited for tens of thousands of years. However, as many fish stocks are going into decline and with little known about the anthropogenic impacts on the health of the marine ecosystem pre-Industrial Revolution, understanding historical and archaeological exploitation of fish species is key to accurately modelling these changes. Here, we explore the potential of collagen peptide mass fingerprinting (also known as Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry, or ZooMS) for identifying fish remains from the Medieval (fifteenth century) Newport ship wreck (Wales, UK), and in doing so we establish a set of biomarkers we consider useful in discriminating between European fish taxa through the inclusion of over 50 reference taxa. The archaeological results identified nine distinct taxonomic groups, dominated by ling (> 40%), and a substantial amount of cod (> 20%) and hake (~ 20%). The vast majority of samples (> 70%) were identified to species level, and the inability to identify the remaining taxonomic groups with confidence using ZooMS was due to the fact that the reference collection, despite being relatively large in comparison to those presented in mammalian studies, reflects only a small proportion of fish biodiversity from this region. Although the results clearly demonstrate the potential for ZooMS as a means of fish bone identification, the sheer number of different fish species that potentially make up ichthyoarchaeological assemblages leads to obvious requirements for the analysis on much greater numbers of modern reference specimens, or the acquisition of collagen sequences.
Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membrane fabrication with an ionic liquid via non-solvent thermally induced phase separation (N-TIPs)
Authors: He Ting , Li Xiaogang , Wang Qian , Zhou Yue , Wang Xiaozu , Wang Zhaohui , Tavajohi Naser , Cui Zhaoliang
Published: February 2022

In this paper, ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate was the first time successfully utilized as single solvent in preparing the PVDF membrane with a good performance by N-TIPs method. The effects of quenching temperature and hydrophilic additive content on the morphology, permeability, and strength of the membranes were studied. All the prepared PVDF membranes were proved to be a pure β phase by FTIR and XRD, possessing a narrow pore size distribution. By adjusting quenching temperature and additive content, membranes with a flux of 383.2 L/m2 h and concentrated pore diameter of 26 nm obtained.
Blend of natural coagulants as a sustainable solution for challenges of pollution from aquaculture wastewater
Authors: Karnena Manoj Kumar , Konni Madhavi , Dwarapureddi Bhavya Kavitha , Saritha Vara
Published: February 2022

Dependency on sea food has increased owing to its nutrition as well as being complete food. As the production of seafood is enhanced through aquaculture, wastewater release has also improved. The composition of wastewater from aquaculture production has been a concern as it has oil and grease, organic content, etc., which makes its treatment challenging. The present study aims at treating aquaculture wastewater using two natural coagulants—chitin and seeds of Moringa oleifera. The efficiency of the natural coagulants was compared against inorganic chemical coagulant ferric chloride. A blended coagulant with two natural coagulants seeds of Moringa oleifera and chitin was also tested. Jar test apparatus was used in the current experiments, and four coagulant doses were tested against 3 pH ranges, from 6 to 8. The study results showed that the coagulants showed a 30–50% reduction in various physicochemical parameters. Further, the most promising result was obtained with the blended coagulants (di-blend) with 70–81% removal of total nitrogen and total phosphorus and the highest reduction of chloride with 95%. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed functionalized groups responsible for coagulation, and X-ray powder diffraction analysis of the blended coagulant indicated the crystallinity and amorphous nature of the compounds. Scanning electron microscope analysis presented a firm and dense structure indicating adsorption of impurities onto the coagulant. Thus, it is evident that natural coagulants can be the solution for the challenges of aquaculture wastewater and specifically the di-blend used in the present is ascertained to be a promising solution.
GIS-based approach qualitative features of sub-surface water from coastal district in Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Karnena Manoj Kumar , Konni Madhavi , Dwarapureddi Bhavya Kavitha , Satyanarayana Yalakala , Saritha Vara
Published: February 2022

Quality of water, along Mandal headquarters of a coastal district of Andhra Pradesh, India, was assessed prior to and past rainfall season to determine water's acceptability for consumption using water quality index (WQI). The present work involved collecting groundwater samples from Mandal headquarters' locations present in the entire district. All the samples were analysed in a comprehensive way for ten physicochemical parameters, including pH, magnesium, calcium, chloride, sulphate, nitrates, total dissolved solids, fluoride, potassium, and sodium. The geographical information system was used for mapping sampling sites. The coordinates of sample collection areas were recorded employing GPS. Correlation matrices for cation–anion were illustrated and from the qualitative results of the samples. Results indicate that WQI prior and past-rainfall seasons ranged from 37.53 to 312.46; 42.04 to 211.89 in 2016, while for 2017, these were in the range of 25.01 to 137.06; 30.06 to 228.83. The present study's WQI values indicate that the water samples possess poor quality, and no fluoride contaminations were observed. The analysis suggests appropriate treatment of sub-surface water from the study site before consumption.
Assessment of groundwater potential zone for sustainable water resource management in south-western part of Birbhum District, West Bengal
Authors: Chatterjee Soumen , Dutta Shyamal
Published: February 2022

Water is an indispensable natural resource for survival of any species in the globe. For centuries, civilization has flourished on the bank of river based on the easy availability of water. Groundwater is one of the prime sources of freshwater supply, but, its occurrence and spatial distribution are highly uneven and affected by several surface and subsurface features. Development of several geospatial tool based on the remote sensing and GIS in recent time helps immensely for delineation and management of this precious resource. The present study has been undertaken in south-western part of Birbhum district, West Bengal with an objective to delineate groundwater potential zone using multiple criteria decision analysis and GIS. Seven thematic layers concerning with geology, geomorphology, hydrology, land use land cover and edhaphic factor have been employed in this study with proper weightage depending on their role in groundwater formation to identify the groundwater potential zone. By using analytical hierarchy process, whole study area has been classified into four zones ranging from excellent to poor. Primary field data and secondary data about depth of groundwater have been compared with the result to make it authentic. The result shows that the southern part composed of alluvial plain has the excellent potential compared to the northern lateritic and pediment part where groundwater potential is moderate. Eventually, few recommendation and suggestion have been framed for sustainable water resource management that will help the researchers, planners and other decision-makers for judicious exploration and management of the groundwater resource in the study area.
Improved quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) for drinking water sources in developing countries
Authors: Amatobi D. A. , Agunwamba J. C.
Published: February 2022

This study seeks to improve the QMRA of drinking water sources in the context of developing countries. Existing QMRA dose–response models were modified to use data generated from the developing country environment and scenarios. The modified model assessed drinking water borehole supplies in Afikpo North Local Government Area, Nigeria. Water samples were taken every three days from July 2019 to December 2019. They were assessed for concentrations of E. coli, Salmonella spp, Shigella spp, Campylobacter, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum. Other input parameters to the modified model were obtained in the study environment through survey instruments; they include per capita water consumption per day, % exposed population, % vulnerable population and pathogen strike rate. The daily mean risk of infection was determined to be 0.236, standard deviation, 0.056, while the daily mean risk of diarrhea was 0.039, standard deviation, 0.016. The predicted mean diarrhea risk values showed a positive correlations (C = 0.74) with the observed diarrhea disease prevalence rate among the study communities. Mean values of diarrhea risk obtained using the modified model were compared with those obtained using formulations adopted by some recent studies that used existing QMRA models in the developing countries. The mean risk values were further compared with values obtained by using other existing QMRA dose–response models/parameters. The study found no statistical significant difference in the predicted risk of diarrhea of the two types of models. The modification is intended to facilitate a better interest on and the acceptability of QMRA in the developing countries.
Seasonal quality of water sources indicated by Escherichia coli: a case of Elobied, North Kordofan state, Sudan
Authors: Edam Wesal , Abdelgalil Eltigani E.
Published: February 2022

Sudan is rich of water resources; however, the seasonal quality of water sources is largely unknown particularly in North Kordofan region. This study was designed to test the seasonal (winter, summer and autumn) quality of water sources in El Obied, North Kordofan State, Sudan. A number of 261 water samples (87 samples per season) were collected from Hafirs (excavated either by hand or machine and used for storage of surface water), Gerab (big water containers made from plastic and used to store water at homes), hand pumps, distribution network, households’ containers and elevated water tanks in 2014/2015. Membrane filtration technique was used to investigate water samples. Escherichia coli or E. coli count was performed according to WHO and Sudanese Standards and Measurement Operation. The results illustrated that all samples collected showed positive results of E. coli which indicate poor water quality in the region. Proportion of contamination was highest in Hafirs, Gerabs and household containers across seasons. Hafirs samples were 100% contaminated across seasons. In autumn, Gerab and household containers samples showed 60% and 58% contaminated samples. In the summer season, the results showed 54% of Gerab, and 50% of the households’ containers were contaminated. In winter season, prevalence of E. coli revealed that 67% of households’ containers and 58% of Gerabs samples were contaminated. Greater contamination (60%) of the water sources was indicated in autumn followed by (55%) in winter and (51%) in summer season. Results showed significant contamination of water sources across seasons. Results indicated that elevated water tanks and hand pumps (groundwater sources) were safe compared with surface water source. The study recommended regular test to water sources across seasons to protect human and animal life.
Why AI Ethics Is a Critical Theory
Authors: Waelen Rosalie
Published: February 2022

The ethics of artificial intelligence (AI) is an upcoming field of research that deals with the ethical assessment of emerging AI applications and addresses the new kinds of moral questions that the advent of AI raises. The argument presented in this article is that, even though there exist different approaches and subfields within the ethics of AI, the field resembles a critical theory. Just like a critical theory, the ethics of AI aims to diagnose as well as change society and is fundamentally concerned with human emancipation and empowerment. This is shown through a power analysis that defines the most commonly addressed ethical principles and topics within the field of AI ethics as either to do with relational power or with dispositional power. Moreover, it is concluded that recognizing AI ethics as a critical theory and borrowing insights from the tradition of critical theory can help the field forward.
Carter and Gaschütz theories beyond soluble groups
Authors: Arroyo-Jordá Milagros , Arroyo-Jordá Paz , Dark Rex , Feldman Arnold D. , Pérez-Ramos María Dolores
Published: February 2022

Classical results from the theory of finite soluble groups state that Carter subgroups, i.e. self-normalizing nilpotent subgroups, coincide with nilpotent projectors and with nilpotent covering subgroups, and they form a non-empty conjugacy class of subgroups, in soluble groups. This paper presents an extension of these facts to $$\pi $$
π
-separable groups, for sets of primes $$\pi $$
π
, by proving the existence of a conjugacy class of subgroups in $$\pi $$
π
-separable groups, which specialize to Carter subgroups within the universe of soluble groups. The approach runs parallel to the extension of Hall theory from soluble to $$\pi $$
π
-separable groups by Čunihin, regarding existence and properties of Hall subgroups.
Optimization of the subcritical water treatment from sunflower by-product for producing protein and sugar extracts
Authors: Náthia-Neves Grazielle , Alonso Esther
Published: February 2022

This study proposes the valorization of sunflower by-product (SbP) using subcritical water treatment. For this purpose, a response surface methodology in a 3 × 3 Box–Behnken design was employed to study the effect of temperature (100–150 °C), extraction time (5–25 min), and solvent-to-feed ratio (10–20 g bidistilled water/g SbP) on the water-soluble compounds. The highest amount of glucose (5.7-mg/g raw material) and xylose (13.5-mg/g raw material) was obtained at 150 °C and solvent-to-feed ratio of 15 after 25 min of extraction. The highest amount of protein (133.5-mg/g raw material) was obtained at 150 °C and solvent-to-feed ratio of 20 after 15 min of extraction. The selected temperature conditions did not promote the formation of final degradation products such as furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). The extracts obtained in this study showed simultaneous recovery of free monomeric sugars that could be used for bioenergy or biochemical, proteins that could be used for food and pharmaceutical industries and phenolic compounds that could be used for food and nutraceutical applications.
Lifestyle impact on migraine during home confinement
Authors: Granato Antonio , Furlanis Giovanni , D’Acunto Laura , Olivo Sasha , Buoite Stella Alex , Manganotti Paolo
Published: February 2022

Background

The COVID-19 lockdown has influenced people lifestyle, behaviour, physical activity (PA), and working habits as well as, possibly, migraine. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of lockdown on the burden of migraine attacks during COVID-19 lockdown.

Methods

Patients were interviewed, and data about demographics, PA, daily behaviour, working habits, disability (HIT-6) and characteristics of migraine and drugs consumption were compared between the first month of the lockdown in Italy (March 2020), and a reference month prior the lockdown (January 2020).

Results

37 patients were analysed, classified as migraine without aura (MwoA) (n = 26) and migraine with aura (MwA) plus migraine with and without aura (MwA/MwoA) (n = 11). During the lockdown, a greater proportion of patients with insufficient PA (65% vs 31%; p = 0.012) were found. Reduced mean headache duration [3 h, (2–12) vs 2 h (1–8); p = 0.041] and HIT score [59 (51–63) vs 50 (44–57); p = 0.001] were found in MwoA patients during the lockdown, while no changes found in patients with MwA + MwA/MwoA.

Conclusions

Lockdown induced significant changes in PA and working habits of people with migraine and was found to be associated with improved migraine-related symptoms which might depend by different lifestyle habits.
Dual-surfactant templated hydrothermal synthesis of CoSe2 hierarchical microclews for dielectric microwave absorption
Authors: Cao Qi , Zhang Jie , Zhang Huibin , Xu Junzhou , Che Renchao
Published: February 2022

Cobalt diselenide (CoSe2) hierarchical clew-like structure is synthesized via a dual-surfactant templated hydrothermal process, and for the first time, its microwave absorption capability has been established. Specifically, the as-synthesized hierarchical interconnected structure is assembled by numerous dense nanobelts. Meticulous tuning of the synthetic conditions which could influence the hierarchical architecture indicates that, in this system, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) plays a dominate role of “balling” while protonated diethylenetriamine (DETA) plays the role of “stringing”. As a novel absorbent, the microwave absorption performance of CoSe2 microstructure is evaluated in 2–18 GHz band. Particularly, 3D hierarchical CoSe2 microclews exhibit superior minimum reflection loss of −26.93 dB at 7.28 GHz and effective absorption bandwidth of 3.72 GHz, which are ∼120% and ∼104% higher than those of simple CoSe2 nanosheets, respectively. Such drastic enhancement could be attributed to the large specific surface area, and more dissipation channels and scattering sites enabled by the unique clew-like microstructure. The versatile dual-surfactant templated assembly of hierarchical CoSe2 microstructure, along with its appreciable dielectric microwave absorption performance, provides new inspirations in developing novel microwave absorbents for mitigation of electromagnetic pollution.
SFM Interim Practice Recommendations for Zika Virus Infection in Pregnancy
Authors: Sharma K. Aparna , Sahani Bimal , Praveen T. L. N. , Rana Anubhuti , Seneesh K. V. , Gambhir Supriya , Krishnan Vivek , Vidyalekshmy Vidyalekshmy , Batra Meenu , Balakrishnan Bijoy , Khurana Ashok
Published: February 2022

Zika virus (ZIKV) belongs to the family of flaviviruses and is transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes (A. aegypti and A. albopictus). ZIKV infection in pregnancy can have serious implications on the fetus and the neonate. Vertical transmission to the fetus can occur irrespective of symptomatic or asymptomatic infection in the pregnant woman and the risk can persist throughout pregnancy. The exact frequency of maternal-to-fetal transmission of Zika virus is difficult to determine accurately. The greatest risk of serious fetal sequelae is seen if the infection occurs within the first and second trimester. However, they can also be seen with infections in the third trimester. This document describes the presentation, feto-maternal manifestations, role of prenatal Ultrasound in diagnosis of infection, testing methods and the management in pregnancy and screening in the neonatal period. In the absence of robust evidence as to the definite effects, this document is aimed at providing practice recommendations for the management of this infection.
Risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Bellinato F. , Gisondi P. , Mantovani A. , Girolomoni G. , Targher G.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Chronic plaque psoriasis is associated with the presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but the magnitude of this association remains currently uncertain. We aimed to investigate the magnitude of the association between psoriasis and the risk of prevalent and incident NAFLD, and to assess whether psoriasis severity and/or psoriatic arthritis are associated with a greater risk of NAFLD.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies evaluating the association between psoriasis and NAFLD, as diagnosed by imaging or International Classification of Diseases codes was performed. Literature search on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science on May 3, 2021 was undertaken. Studies using liver biopsy were not available. For the meta-analysis, the random-effects modelling was adopted.

Results

We identified 15 observational (case–control and cross-sectional) studies for a total of 249,933 patients with psoriasis (49% with NAFLD) and 1,491,402 controls (36% with NAFLD). Psoriasis was associated with prevalent NAFLD (n = 11 studies; pooled random-effects odds ratio [OR] 1.96, 95% CI 1.70–2.26; I2 = 97%, p < 0.01). Psoriatic patients with NAFLD had a higher mean psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) than their counterparts without NAFLD (n = 8 studies, pooled weighted mean difference: 3.93, 95% CI 2.01–5.84; I2 = 88%, p < 0.01). The risk of NAFLD was marginally higher in patients with psoriatic arthritis than in those with psoriasis alone (n = 5 studies, pooled random-effects OR 1.83, 95% CI 0.98–3.43; I2 = 64%, p = 0.03). Sensitivity analyses did not alter these findings. Funnel plot did not show any significant publication bias. A major limitation of the study was the high degree of heterogeneity across studies.

Conclusion

Psoriasis is associated with prevalent NAFLD and this risk parallels the severity of psoriasis.
Decision-making of IoT device operation based on intelligent-task offloading for improving environmental optimization
Authors: Jin Wenquan , Lim Sunhwan , Woo Sungpil , Park Chanwon , Kim Dohyeun
Published: February 2022

Computation offloading enables intensive computational tasks to be separated into multiple computing resources for overcoming hardware limitations. Leveraging cloud computing, edge computing can be enabled to apply not only large-scale and personalized data but also intelligent algorithms based on offloading the intelligent models to high-performance servers for working with huge volumes of data in the cloud. In this paper, we propose a getaway-centric Internet of Things (IoT) system to enable the intelligent and autonomous operation of IoT devices in edge computing. In the proposed edge computing, IoT devices are operated by a decision-making model that selects an optimal control factor from multiple intelligent services and applies it to the device. The intelligent services are provided based on offloading multiple intelligent and optimization approaches to the intelligent service engine in the cloud. Therefore, the decision-making model in the gateway is enabled to select the best solution from the candidates. Also, the proposed IoT system provides monitoring and visualization to users through device management based on resource virtualization using the gateway. Furthermore, the gateway interprets scenario profiles to interact with intelligent services dynamically and apply the optimal control factor to the actual device through the virtual resource. For implementing the improved energy optimization using the proposed IoT system, we propose two intelligent models to learn parameters of a user’s residential environment using deep learning and derive the inference models to deploy in the intelligent service engine. The inference models are used for predicting a heater energy consumption that is applied to the heater. The heater updates the environment parameters to reach the user-desired values. Moreover, based on two energy consumption values, the decision-making model brings a smaller value to operate the heater to enable reducing the energy consumption as well as providing a user-desired environment.
Quantum kinetic theory of plasmas
Authors: Brodin Gert , Zamanian Jens
Published: February 2022

As is well known, for plasmas of high density and modest temperature, the classical kinetic theory needs to be extended. Such extensions can be based on the Schrödinger Hamiltonian, applying a Wigner transform of the density matrix, in which case the Vlasov equation is replaced by the celebrated Wigner–Moyal equation. Extending the treatment to more complicated models, we investigate aspects such as spin dynamics (based on the Pauli Hamiltonian), exchange effects (using the Hartree–Fock approximation), Landau quantization, and quantum relativistic theory. In the relativistic theory, we first study cases where the field strength is well-beyond Schwinger critical field. Both weakly relativistic theory (gamma factors close to unity) and strongly relativistic theory are investigated, using assumptions that allow for a separation of electron and positron states. Finally, we study the so-called Dirac–Heisenberg–Wigner (DHW) formalism, which is a fully quantum relativistic theory, allowing for field strengths of the order of the Schwinger critical field or even larger. As a result, the quantum kinetic theory is extended to cover phenomena such as Zitterbewegung and electron–positron pair creation. While the focus of this review is on the quantum kinetic models, we illustrate the theories with various applications throughout the manuscript.
Double the Trouble?: An Investigation of How Social Stressors and Time Pressure Simultaneously and Interdependently Predict Sleep Quality in Social Workers
Authors: Eggli Andrea , Pereira Diana , Gygax Fabienne , Igic Ivana , Galliker Sibylle , Elfering Achim
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Social service employees often fulfill their mandate under tight time schedules, and deal with social stressors. This can result in significant health impairments. By means of one cross-sectional and two intensive longitudinal studies, the present paper aimed to understand how time pressure and social stressors might impact sleep quality. It was also tested whether social stressors amplified the negative association between time pressure and sleep impairments in social workers.

Methods

Study 1 was a cross-sectional questionnaire study on 52 social service employees, while study 2 included a 7-day diary study design (N = 62 social workers) with up to 138 daily measurements. Study 3 applied a 2-week diary and actigraphy assessment, involving a complete social service unit sample (N = 9).

Results

Concerning the moderating role of social stressors, study 1 found social stressors to amplify the effects of time pressure on sleep latency. Multilevel regression analyses of studies 2 and 3 revealed daily time pressure to be a significant predictor of sleep fragmentation the upcoming night. Study 3 further uncovered daily social stressors to positively predicted sleep fragmentation and negatively sleep duration. Study 2 again showed the amplifying interaction effect between daily social stressors and time pressure on sleep fragmentation, but study 3 did not show that interaction.

Conclusion

The findings show how job stressors might disturb the sleep quality of social workers also with amplifying risk. Accordingly, social work needs work design prevention efforts that consider the complex inter-play between occupational stressors, as only then recovery processes can be protected.
Räumliche Lärmanalyse anhand von erweiterten Floating-Car-Daten (xFCD)
Authors: Vogt Matthias , Krisp Jukka M.
Published: February 2022

Erweiterte Floating-Car-Daten (xFCD) bieten die Möglichkeit, Fahrzeuglärm aus den Daten zur Position, Geschwindigkeit und der Drehzahl des Motors eines Fahrzeugs zu ermitteln und die Ergebnisse u. a. visuell auszuwerten. Dazu werden in einer exemplarischen Fallstudie im Raum Mönchengladbach Daten des enviroCar-Projekts verwendet. Die Lärmkalkulation enthält die separate Berechnung von Rollgeräuschen und Antriebsgeräuschen der Fahrzeuge sowie deren energetische Addition zum Gesamtgeräusch. Zusätzlich sind das anzunehmende Alter der Straßen, die Temperatur und eventuell gefallener Niederschlag berücksichtigt. Die Resultate der räumlichen Lärmanalyse aus diesen xFCD werden mit „klassischen“ Lärmkarten verglichen. Häufig lassen sich die gleichen Lärmschwerpunkte wie z. B. größere Straßen oder Kreuzungen erkennen, auch wenn die Herangehensweisen zur Erstellung der Lärmkarten andere sind. Zudem zeigen wir exemplarisch Möglichkeiten, theoretisch vollständig elektrifizierten Verkehr mit Verkehr durch Verbrennerfahrzeuge hinsichtlich der Lärmemissionen zu vergleichen. Diese Studie zeigt, dass xFCD für die Analyse von Verkehrslärm erfolgreich genutzt werden können.
Eco-Travel
Authors: Cronin Michael
Published: February 2022

Human encounters with the natural world are inseparable from the history of travel. Nature, as fearsome obstacle, a wonder to behold or a source of therapeutic refuge, is bound up with the story of human mobility. Stories of this mobility give readers a sense of the diversity of the natural world, how they might interpret and respond to it and how human preoccupations are a help or a hindrance in maintaining bio-cultural diversity. Travel writing has constantly shaped how humans view the environment from foreign adventures to flight-shaming. If much of modern travel writing has been based on ready access to environmentally damaging forms of transport how do travel writers deal with a practice that is destroying the world they claim to cherish? This Element explores human travel encounters with the environment over the centuries and asks, what is the future for travel writing in the age of the Anthropocene?
Reading Catullus 113 as the Vilification of Pompey's Ex-Wife Mucia
Authors: Hillard Tom
Published: February 2022

Written in 55 BCE,carmen113 seemingly uses the first two consulships of Pompey to measure a decline in moral standards, with one unfortunate woman as the yardstick of sexual profligacy. It closes with a focus on marital infidelity. The epigram should be read as a savage attack upon Mucia, the one-time wife of Pompey. This paper affirms her identity by postulating a punning wordplay on Mucia and C(a)ecilia that made this identification clear to the poet's readership. No textual emendation is required. It is also proposed that the observation regarding adultery, no mere aphorism, queried the legitimacy of one or more of Pompey's children.
Conquering Ida: An Ecofeminist Reading of Catullus’ Poem 63
Authors: O'Hearn Leah
Published: February 2022

Many have recognised poem 63 as a study in contrasts – light versus darkness, masculine versus feminine, rationality versus madness, animal versus human, culture versus nature. Caught between these polarities is the figure of Attis, removed from everything bright, male, sane, human, and civilised by one impassioned act. The poem suggests that it is partly the nature of the place, its quasi-Hippocratic airs, waters, and places, that emasculates Attis, making him like anotha mulier, iuvenca, andfamula.This article will use ecofeminist theory – in particular, Val Plumwood'sFeminism and the Mastery of Nature– to investigate the logic of domination running between the poem's polarities and to show how a foreign ‘Eastern’ wilderness effeminises Greek Attis. Moreover, it will be shown that the characterisation of Attis and thegallias aduxand hiscomitesassociates the story with the Roman imperial endeavour, suggesting that we can read the poem alongside others that portray conquest (11, 29) and the experience of young men abroad on provincial cohorts (10, 28, 47). In this way, Catullus implies that the imperial project is also made weak and feminine by its very contact with foreign places.
Impact of a Clinical and Translational Science Awards hub on faculty research grant productivity
Authors: O’Shea Kelly , Soo Jackie , Johnson Timothy P.
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

Applications for and receipt of external research grants are important indicators of scientific productivity, and ones that the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program is intended to support.

Methods:

We investigate the association between the receipt of support services from one CTSA-supported hub and investigator productivity as measured by individual investigator grant submissions and grant awards at a Research I public university over an 8-year period. Negative binomial regression models are used to evaluate associations between individual grant productivity (in 2017, 2018, and 2019) and receipt of support services during the preceding 2 years.

Results:

Controlling for prior levels of productivity, service receipt is found to be predictive of both grants submitted and grants awarded to investigators in each model examined. Analyses also found some evidence of faculty rank and race/ethnic differences in the effects of Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) service use on subsequent grant productivity.

Conclusions:

Further work is needed to understand the relationship between clinical and translational services and other measures of productivity.
Seek the Joints! Avoid the Gruesome! Fidelity as an Epistemic Value
Authors: Finocchiaro Peter
Published: February 2022

A belief is valuable when it “gets it right”. This “getting it right” is often understood solely as a matter of truth. But there is a second sense of “getting it right” worth exploring. According to this second sense, a belief “gets it right” when its concepts accurately match the way the world is objectively organized – that is, when its concepts are joint-carving, or have fidelity. In this paper, I explore the relationship between fidelity and epistemic value. While many philosophers (especially metaphysicians) acknowledge fidelity's value, they overlook just how much it might disrupt our understanding of epistemic value. To tease out this disruption, I draw on the Jamesian balance between seeking the truth and avoiding the false. A similar balance must be struck both within the pursuit of fidelity itself (“seeking the joints” and “avoiding the gruesome”) as well as between the pursuit of fidelity and the pursuit of truth. I then give an argument against the claim that truth is the higher epistemic good.
Problems with Publishing Philosophical Claims We Don't Believe
Authors: Sarıhan Işık
Published: February 2022

Plakias has recently argued that there is nothing wrong with publishing defences of philosophical claims which we don't believe and also nothing wrong with concealing our lack of belief, because an author's lack of belief is irrelevant to the merit of a published work. Fleisher has refined this account by limiting the permissibility of publishing without belief to what he calls ‘advocacy role cases’. I argue that such lack of belief is irrelevant only if it is the result of an inexplicable incredulity or the result of a metaphilosophical or epistemic stance that is unrelated to the specific claim. However, in many real-life cases, including Fleisher's advocacy role cases, our doubts regarding the claims we defend arise from reasons that have something to do with the insufficiency of the philosophical evidence supporting the claim, and publishing an unconditional defence of a claim without revealing our doubts is impermissible as it involves withholding philosophically relevant reasons. Plakias has also argued that discouraging philosophers from publishing claims they don't believe would be unfair to junior philosophers with unsettled views. I propose that we should change our academic practices that pressure philosophers to publish articles that pretend to be defences of settled views.