bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Learning Assisted Localization of Polycystic Kidney on Contrast-Enhanced CT Images
Authors: Onthoni Djeane Debora , Sheng Ting-Wen , Sahoo Prasan Kumar , Wang Li-Jen , Gupta Pushpanjali
Published: December 2020

Total Kidney Volume (TKV) is essential for analyzing the progressive loss of renal function in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD). Conventionally, to measure TKV from medical images, a radiologist needs to localize and segment the kidneys by defining and delineating the kidney’s boundary slice by slice. However, kidney localization is a time-consuming and challenging task considering the unstructured medical images from big data such as Contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography (CCT). This study aimed to design an automatic localization model of ADPKD using Artificial Intelligence. A robust detection model using CCT images, image preprocessing, and Single Shot Detector (SSD) Inception V2 Deep Learning (DL) model is designed here. The model is trained and evaluated with 110 CCT images that comprise 10,078 slices. The experimental results showed that our derived detection model outperformed other DL detectors in terms of Average Precision (AP) and mean Average Precision (mAP). We achieved mAP = 94% for image-wise testing and mAP = 82% for subject-wise testing, when threshold on Intersection over Union (IoU) = 0.5. This study proves that our derived automatic detection model can assist radiologist in locating and classifying the ADPKD kidneys precisely and rapidly in order to improve the segmentation task and TKV calculation.
Left Atrial Strain Identifies Increased Atrial Ectopy in Patients with Beta-Thalassemia Major
Authors: Vlachou Maria , Kamperidis Vasileios , Vlachaki Efthymia , Tziatzios Georgios , Pantelidou Despoina , Boutou Afroditi , Apostolou Chrysa , Papadopoulou Despoina , Giannakoulas George , Karvounis Haralambos
Published: December 2020

Patients with beta-thalassemia major (β-ΤΜ) may develop cardiac arrhythmias through a multifactorial mechanism. The current study evaluated the association of cardiac structure and function on echocardiography with atrial ectopic burden on 24-hour tape recording in β-ΤΜ patients. This prospective study included consecutive β-ΤΜ patients. Demographic, laboratory, echocardiographic, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) T2* and 24-hour tape recording data were prospectively collected. The patients were classified according to the median value of premature atrial contractions (PACs) on 24-hour tape. In total, 50 β-TM patients (37.6 ± 9.1 years old, 50% male) were divided in 2 groups; PACs ≤ 24/day and > 24/day. Patients with PACs > 24/day were treated with blood transfusion for a longer period of time (39.0 ± 8.6 vs. 32.0 ± 8.9 years, p < 0.007), compared to their counterparts. Older age (OR: 1.121, 95% CI: 1.032–1.217, p = 0.007), longer duration of blood transfusion (OR:1.101, 95% CI:1.019–1.188, p = 0.014), larger LV end-diastolic diameter (OR: 4.522, 95% CI:1.009–20.280, p = 0.049), higher values of LA peak systolic strain (OR: 0.869, 95% CI: 0.783–0.964, p = 0.008), higher MV E/E′ average (OR: 1.407, 95% CI: 1.028–1.926, p = 0.033) and higher right ventricular systolic pressure (OR: 1.147, 95% CI: 1.039–1.266, p = 0.006) were univariably associated with PACs > 24/day. LA peak systolic strain remained significantly associated with PACs > 24/day after adjusting for the duration of blood transfusions or for CMR T2*. The multivariable model including blood transfusion duration and LA peak systolic strain was the most closely associated with PACs > 24/day. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified a left atrial peak systolic strain of 31.5%, as the best cut-off value (83% sensitivity, 68% specificity) for prediction of PACs > 24/day. In β-TM patients, LA peak systolic strain was associated with the atrial arrhythmia burden independently to the duration of blood transfusions and CMR T2*.
The Possible Relationship between the Abuse of Tobacco, Opioid, or Alcohol with COVID-19
Authors: Althobaiti Yusuf S. , Alzahrani Maram A. , Alsharif Norah A. , Alrobaie Nawal S. , Alsaab Hashem O. , Uddin Mohammad N.
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Substance use disorder has been frequently reported to increase the risk of infectious diseases, which might be owing to the sharing of contaminated inhalation, smoking, vaping, or injection equipment. Aim: This review analyzes the recent literature with the aim to put in light the possible relationship between the abuse of different substances (Tobacco, opioid, and Alcohol) with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Tobacco: Multiple studies confirmed that cigarette smoking affects the respiratory system by increasing the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptors, which have a significant association with COVID-19 infection rate and disease severity. Opioid: Studies conducted regarding the association of opioid use disorder (OUD) and COVID-19 infection severity are limited; however, opioids can lead to both respiratory depression and kidney injuries, causing poor prognosis for those with COVID-19 infections. Alcohol: People with alcohol use disorders are at risk of developing acute lung injury and severe COVID-19 infection. Alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic has two possible scenarios: either increased or decreased based on situations. Conclusion: SUD has been frequently reported to have a positive relationship with COVID-19 severity Further studies are needed to understand the effects of opioids and alcohol abuse on COVID-19.
Picture Fuzzy MCDM Approach for Risk Assessment of Railway Infrastructure
Authors: Simić Vladimir , Soušek Radovan , Jovčić Stefan
Published: December 2020

To increase the level of safety and prevent significant accidents, it is essential to prioritize risk factors and assess railway infrastructure. The key question is how to identify unsafe railway infrastructure so authorities can undertake safety improvement projects on time. The paper aims to introduce a picture fuzzy group multi-criteria decision-making approach for risk assessment of railway infrastructure. Firstly, picture fuzzy sets are employed for representing and handling risk-related information. Secondly, a picture fuzzy hybrid method based on the direct rating, and Tsallis–Havrda–Charvát entropy is provided to prioritize risk factors. Thirdly, a picture fuzzy measurement of alternatives and ranking according to compromise solution method is developed to rank railway infrastructures. Lastly, the formulated approach is implemented in the Czech Republic context. Two sensitivity analyses verified the high robustness of the formulated approach. The comparative analysis with five state-of-the-art picture fuzzy approaches approved its high reliability. Compared to the state-of-the-art picture fuzzy approaches, the provided three-parametric approach has superior flexibility.
Thermal Inactivation of Different Capripox Virus Isolates
Authors: Wolff Janika , Beer Martin , Hoffmann Bernd
Published: December 2020

Capripox viruses (CaPVs) cause a highly contagious poxvirus disease of livestock animals. Working with CaPVs requires laboratories with a high biosecurity level (BSL 3), and reliable inactivation of these viruses is therefore necessary for working in areas or laboratories with a lower biosecurity status. Heat treatment provides a simple and well-established tool for the inactivation due to its substantial advantages (e.g., easy to perform, fast, cheap, and robust). In our study, we determined the time–temperature profiles needed for a fail-safe inactivation procedure using four different CaPV isolates in aqueous solution with and without the addition of protective serum. All four tested CaPV isolates were completely inactivated after 30 min at 56 °C or 10 min at 60 °C. Since different thermal stabilities of other CaPV isolates could not be fully excluded, we recommend an inactivation procedure of 1 h at 56 °C for safe shipment or working in laboratories with lower biosecurity levels than BSL 3.
Ceftolozane-Tazobactam Treatment of Hypervirulent Multidrug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections in Neutropenic Patients
Authors: Coppola Paolo E. , Gaibani Paolo , Sartor Chiara , Ambretti Simone , Lewis Russell E. , Sassi Claudia , Pignatti Marco , Paolini Stefania , Curti Antonio , Castagnetti Fausto , Ursi Margherita , Cavo Michele , Stanzani Marta
Published: December 2020

The effectiveness of ceftolozane/tazobactam for the treatment of infections in neutropenic patients caused by hypervirulent multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa has not been previously reported. We identified seven cases of MDR P. aeruginosa infection in neutropenic patients over a four-month period within the same hematology ward. Four cases were associated with rapid progression despite piperacillin-tazobactam or meropenem therapy, and three patients developed sepsis or extensive skin/soft tissue necrosis. In three of the four cases, patients were empirically switched from meropenem to ceftolozane/avibactam before carbapenem susceptibility test results were available, and all four patients underwent extensive surgical debridement or amputation of affected tissues and survived. Further investigation revealed a common bathroom source of MDR P. aeruginosa clonal subtypes ST175 and ST235 that harbored genes for type III secretion system expression and elaboration of ExoU or ExoS exotoxin. We conclude that ceftolozane/tazobactam plus early source control was critical for control of rapidly progressing skin and soft infection in these neutropenic patients caused by highly virulent ST175 and ST235 clones of MDR P. aeruginosa.
Pantoea ananatis, A New Bacterial Pathogen Affecting Wheat Plants (Triticum L.) in Poland
Authors: Krawczyk Krzysztof , Wielkopolan Beata , Obrępalska-Stęplowska Aleksandra
Published: December 2020

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is one of the most economically important crops in the world. During the routine monitoring of wheat pest, the cereal leaf beetle (CLB, Oulema melanopus, Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae), in the Greater Poland region, it was observed that some leaves wounded by CLB also displayed brownish lesions with clear margins and yellow halo, disease symptoms resembling a bacterial infection. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate those symptoms to establish a causal agent of the disease. The identification based on the results of the Biolog’s Gen III system, 16S rRNA, and gyrB genes sequencing, revealed the presence of eight strains of Pantoea ananatis bacteria. Four strains were derived from wheat leaves (Ta024, Ta027, Ta030, Ta046), and four from the CLB’s oral secretion (OUC1, OUD2, OUF2, and OUG1). They shared the nucleotide identity ranging from 99 to 100% to P. ananatis strains deposited in the GenBank database. Additionally, the multi-locus sequence analysis (MLSA) of concatenated sequences of partial atpD, fusA, gyrB, rplB, and rpoB genes was performed. All P. ananatis strains isolated in Poland, grouped into one cluster supported with high bootstrap value. Pathogenicity tests performed on four varieties of wheat plants have identified P. ananatis strains as a causal agent of wheat disease. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. ananatis affecting wheat plants.
Epidemiology of Injuries in Ultimate (Frisbee): A Systematic Review
Authors: Fajardo Pulido Diana , Lystad Reidar P.
Published: December 2020

Ultimate is a high-intensity, non-contact team sport played with a flying disc (e.g., frisbee). Despite the growing popularity of ultimate worldwide, there is limited information about the epidemiology of injury in the sport. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview and synthesis of the literature on the epidemiology of injury in ultimate. A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted in five electronic databases (i.e., MEDLINE, Embase, AMED, SPORTDiscus, and AusportMed). All databases were searched from inception to 1 July 2020. A total of eleven studies were included and qualitatively synthesized. Injury incidence rate estimates ranged from 0.4 to 84.9 injuries per 1000 athlete-exposures. The lifetime prevalence of any injury and concussion were 100% and 26%, respectively. The most commonly injured body region was the lower limb, with the knee and thigh being the most frequently injured anatomical locations. The most frequent injury types were muscle injuries and superficial contusions. The most common injury situation was direct contact with another player. There is a substantial risk of injury in ultimate, in particular muscle strains and joint sprains to the knee and shoulder areas. Development and implementation of effective, sport-specific injury prevention initiatives, including improved injury risk management and sport safety culture, should be a priority to reduce the burden of injury in ultimate.
Protection against the New Equine Influenza Virus Florida Clade I Outbreak Strain Provided by a Whole Inactivated Virus Vaccine
Authors: Reemers Sylvia , van Bommel Sander , Cao Qi , Sutton David , van de Zande Saskia
Published: December 2020

Equine influenza virus (EIV) is a major cause of respiratory disease in horses. Vaccination is an effective tool for infection control. Although various EIV vaccines are widely available, major outbreaks occurred in Europe in 2018 involving a new EIV H3N8 FC1 strain. In France, it was reported that both unvaccinated and vaccinated horses were affected despite >80% vaccination coverage and most horses being vaccinated with a vaccine expressing FC1 antigen. This study assessed whether vaccine type, next to antigenic difference between vaccine and field strain, plays a role. Horses were vaccinated with an ISCOMatrix-adjuvanted, whole inactivated virus vaccine (Equilis Prequenza) and experimentally infected with the new FC1 outbreak strain. Serology (HI), clinical signs, and virus shedding were evaluated in vaccinated compared to unvaccinated horses. Results showed a significant reduction in clinical signs and a lack of virus shedding in vaccinated horses compared to unvaccinated controls. From these results, it can be concluded that Equilis Prequenza provides a high level of protection to challenge with the new FC1 outbreak strain. This suggests that, apart from antigenic differences between vaccine and field strain, other aspects of the vaccine may also play an important role in determining field efficacy.
Büyük Selçuklu Dönemi Saray Giyim Kuşamı
Authors: Meydan Cemal , Guliyeva Minara
Published: December 2020

Selçukluların XI. yüzyıldan itibaren İran, Arabistan ve Anadolu’ya yürüşü sonucunda oluşan sosyo-politik ilişkiler, bu halklar arasında kültürel etkileşime neden olmuştur. Bu kültürel unsurlar, özellikle Selçuklu hanedanlığı (sultan ve saray yetkilileri) giyim tarzını etkilemiş, aynı zamanda hace giyim tarzını oluşturmuştur. Gerek saray mensuplarının kullandığı ipek kumaşlar, gerekse kumaşlara yansıyan desen, motif ve desen unsurları, Türk giyim tarzının oryantal giyim tarzıyla sentezi bir şeklinde ortaya çıktığı görülmektedir. Bu da Selçuklu Türklerinin saray giyim kuşamının yeni biçim kazanmasına neden olmuştur. Bu giyim unsurları; dış giyim, başlık, ayakkabılara da yansımıştır. Bütün bunlara rağmen giyim geleneği anlamında Büyük Selçuklular, gelenksel giyim tarzından çok da uzaklaşmamış, özellikle Göktürklerin giysi biçimleriyle büyük benzerlikler gösteren tarzları sürdükleri görülmektedir. Orta Asya’dan getirdikleri Türk giyim geleneği, Selçuklu Türklerinin Orta Asya’ya olan bağının en güçlü göstergelerinden biri olduğunu göstermektedir.
Araştırmada XI.-XIII. yüzyıl Selçuklu dönemi saray giyim kuşamıyla ilgili bilgilere değinilmiş, Büyük Selçuklu ve Anadolu Selçuklu dönemi; çini, seramik, heykel ve minyatürlerde tasvir edilen giyim kuşam özellikleri incelenerek yorumlanmıştır. Döneme ait saray kıyafetleri incelenirken çeşitli malzemeler üzerindeki tasvirlerin yanı sıra tarihi kaynaklar da göz önünde bulundurulmuştur. Araştırma konusu iki başlık altında incelenmiştir: sultan - saray mensuplarının kıyafetleri ve hâce kıyafetleri.
The Mazar of the Seven Maidens: A Shrine That Once Lived but Still Stands in Pichan
Authors: Grose Timothy
Published: December 2020

Professor Rahilä Dawut is the world’s leading scholar on the study of Uyghur mazar. Her pioneering publications in Uyghur, Chinese, and English as well as her digital archiving projects on indigenous expressions of religious identity have set the standard for the ethnographic study and preservation of Uyghur culture. Her unlawful detention comes at a shock to her colleagues, friends, and family, and her absence marks an irreplaceable loss to the academic community. Written in celebration of Professor Dawut’s contributions to Uyghur studies and research on mazar more specifically, this essay translates Professor Dawut’s 2001 chapter on the Mazar of the Seven Maidens (Yättä Qizlirim Maziri) located in Pichan County. It then provides ethnographic description of a 2015 visit to the shrine. This section places its focus on the ritual elements that link pilgrims past and present, the land, local saints, and, ultimately, the Divine. The article concludes with a message of hope for Professor Dawut and Uyghurs persisting in their homeland.
Contribuições técnicas e socioculturais da prevenção quaternária para a atenção primária à saúde
Authors: Maciel Fernanda Beatriz Melo , Santos Hebert Luan Pereira Campos dos , Prado Nilia Maria de Brito Lima
Published: December 2020

Introdução: No contexto do Sistema Único de Saúde, o conceito da prevenção quaternária adentra timidamente os níveis de atenção à saúde, no entanto, sofre expansão significativa no âmbito da atenção primária à saúde. Objetivo: Identificar por meio da sistematização de evidências científicas, as contribuições técnicas e socioculturais da prevenção quaternária no âmbito da atenção primária à saúde no Brasil. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa de estudos presentes nas bases de dados científicas da Scientific Electronic Library Online, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, biblioteca virtual da Comissão de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal do Nível Superior e MEDLINE via PubMed com a utilização dos descritores “prevenção quaternária” e “atenção primária à saúde”, em inglês e português. Resultados: O corpus de análise foi composto por 22 artigos, sendo que a produção científica sobre o tema se deu de forma mais intensa a partir do ano de 2015 e, em sua maioria, possuíam como abordagem metodológica ensaios teóricos. Dentre as contribuições técnicas destacaram-se a introdução do ensino da prevenção quaternária de modo continuado aos graduandos e profissionais; a construção de protocolos e documentos de amparo profissional; a utilização de modelos explicativos dinâmicos na socialização do quadro clínico; a conduta profissional com os usuários e as contribuições socioculturais envolvendo mudanças na percepção profissional e comunitária sobre o fenômeno saúde-doença, assim como o incentivo a práticas de desmedicalização sociocultural em relação à dor, incapacidade, desconforto, envelhecimento, nascimento e morte. Conclusão: Apesar do reconhecimento das potencialidades da prevenção quaternária, faz-se necessário fortalecer estratégias que possibilitem o desenvolvimento de políticas públicas para fomentar e gerenciar alianças estratégicas com tomadores de decisão, profissionais de saúde e cidadãos, para fomentar a redução de diagnósticos e tratamentos excessivos, contribuindo com a qualidade do cuidado.
SUMOylation contributes to proteostasis of the chloroplast protein import receptor TOC159 during early development
Authors: Accossato Sonia , Kessler Felix , Shanmugabalaji Venkatasalam
Published: December 2020

Chloroplast biogenesis describes the transition of non-photosynthetic proplastids to photosynthetically active chloroplasts in the cells of germinating seeds. Chloroplast biogenesis requires the import of thousands of nuclear-encoded preproteins by essential import receptor TOC159. We demonstrate that the small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) pathway crosstalks with the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway to affect TOC159 stability during early plant development. We identified a SUMO3-interacting motif (SIM) in the TOC159 GTPase domain and a SUMO3 covalent SUMOylation site in the membrane domain. A single K to R substitution (K1370R) in the M-domain disables SUMOylation. Compared to wild-type TOC159, TOC159K1370R was destabilized under UPS-inducing stress conditions. However, TOC159K1370R recovered to same protein level as wild-type TOC159 in the presence of a proteasome inhibitor. Thus, SUMOylation partially stabilizes TOC159 against UPS-dependent degradation under stress conditions. Our data contribute to the evolving model of tightly controlled proteostasis of the TOC159 import receptor during proplastid to chloroplast transition.
Impaired adaptation of learning to contingency volatility in internalizing psychopathology
Authors: Gagne Christopher , Zika Ondrej , Dayan Peter , Bishop Sonia J
Published: December 2020

Using a contingency volatility manipulation, we tested the hypothesis that difficulty adapting probabilistic decision-making to second-order uncertainty might reflect a core deficit that cuts across anxiety and depression and holds regardless of whether outcomes are aversive or involve reward gain or loss. We used bifactor modeling of internalizing symptoms to separate symptom variance common to both anxiety and depression from that unique to each. Across two experiments, we modeled performance on a probabilistic decision-making under volatility task using a hierarchical Bayesian framework. Elevated scores on the common internalizing factor, with high loadings across anxiety and depression items, were linked to impoverished adjustment of learning to volatility regardless of whether outcomes involved reward gain, electrical stimulation, or reward loss. In particular, high common factor scores were linked to dampened learning following better-than-expected outcomes in volatile environments. No such relationships were observed for anxiety- or depression-specific symptom factors.
Phylogenomics of white-eyes, a ‘great speciator’, reveals Indonesian archipelago as the center of lineage diversity
Authors: Gwee Chyi Yin , Garg Kritika M , Chattopadhyay Balaji , Sadanandan Keren R , Prawiradilaga Dewi M , Irestedt Martin , Lei Fumin , Bloch Luke M , Lee Jessica GH , Irham Mohammad , Haryoko Tri , Soh Malcolm CK , Peh Kelvin S-H , Rowe Karen MC , Ferasyi Teuku Reza , Wu Shaoyuan , Wogan Guinevere OU , Bowie Rauri CK , Rheindt Frank E
Published: December 2020

Archipelagoes serve as important ‘natural laboratories’ which facilitate the study of island radiations and contribute to the understanding of evolutionary processes. The white-eye genus Zosterops is a classical example of a ‘great speciator’, comprising c. 100 species from across the Old World, most of them insular. We achieved an extensive geographic DNA sampling of Zosterops by using historical specimens and recently collected samples. Using over 700 genome-wide loci in conjunction with coalescent species tree methods and gene flow detection approaches, we untangled the reticulated evolutionary history of Zosterops, which comprises three main clades centered in Indo-Africa, Asia, and Australasia, respectively. Genetic introgression between species permeates the Zosterops phylogeny, regardless of how distantly related species are. Crucially, we identified the Indonesian archipelago, and specifically Borneo, as the major center of diversity and the only area where all three main clades overlap, attesting to the evolutionary importance of this region.
Expression of the neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptors,ntrk1andntrk2a, precedes expression of otherntrkgenes in embryonic zebrafish
Authors: Hahn Katie , Manuel Paul , Bouldin Cortney
Published: December 2020

Background

The neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor (Ntrk) gene family plays a critical role in the survival of somatosensory neurons. Most vertebrates have threeNtrkgenes each of which encode a Trk receptor: TrkA, TrkB, or TrkC. The function of the Trk receptors is modulated by the p75 neurotrophin receptors (NTRs). Fiventrkgenes and one p75 NTR gene (ngfrb) have been discovered in zebrafish. To date, the expression of these genes in the initial stages of neuron specification have not been investigated.

Purpose

The present work used whole mount in situ hybridization to analyze expression of the fiventrkgenes andngfrbin zebrafish at a timepoint when the first sensory neurons of the zebrafish body are being established (16.5 hpf). Because expression of multiple genes were not found at this time point, we also checked expression at 24 hpf to ensure the functionality of our six probes.

Results

At 16.5 hpf, we found tissue specific expression ofntrk1in cranial ganglia, and tissue specific expression ofntrk2ain cranial ganglia and in the spinal cord. Other genes analyzed at 16.5 hpf were either diffuse or not detected. At 24 hpf, we found expression of bothntrk1andntrk2ain the spinal cord as well as in multiple cranial ganglia, and we identifiedngfrbexpression in cranial ganglia at 24 hpf.ntrk2b,ntrk3aandntrk3bwere detected in the developing brain at 24 hpf.

Conclusion

These data are the first to demonstrate thatntrk1andntrk2aare the initial neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptors expressed in sensory neurons during the development of the zebrafish body, and the first to establish expression patterns ofngfrbduring early zebrafish development. Our data indicate co-expression ofntrk1,ntrk2aandngfrb, and we speculate that these overlapping patterns indicate relatedness of function.
Temperature effect on the physical and mechanical properties of parallel strand bamboo
Authors: Liu Yanyan , Huang Dongsheng , Zhu Yan
Published: December 2020

This study sets out to assess the temperature effect on the physical and mechanical properties of parallel strand bamboo (PSB). Seventeen temperature levels, in the range of 20°C to 290°C, were considered. Results indicated that a high temperature led to a reduction in compressive strength and modulus. The reduction is associated with the glass transition and thermal decomposition of the chemical compositions in bamboo. Due to the higher crystallinity of cellulose at high temperatures between 150°C and 190°C, a rising in the compressive modulus parallel‐to‐grain was observed. The temperature effect on the mechanical properties of PSB was further supported by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Statistical regression‐based models were developed for predicting the reduction of compressive strength and modulus of PSB with exposure temperature. The models provided a good fit to the experimental data. Comparison with that of bamboo scrimber and timber structures in literature was also presented in this study.
The effect of mushroom management style and perceived supervisor support on employee performance: ‘An application with university hospital employees’
Authors: Yorgancioglu Tarcan Gamze , Erigüç Gülsün , Kartal Nazan , Şeyma Koca Gülsüm , Karahan Ayça
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Mushroom management, which has entered the management literature using the metaphor of growing mushrooms, is a management style in which managers generally keep their power and knowledge in one centre and do not like to be questioned and criticized. This study conducted to determine the effect of the mushroom management style of administrative staff working in the healthcare sector and perceived supervisor support on job performance.

Methods

A total of 234 healthcare professionals included in the study. To achieve the purpose of the study, the ‘Mushroom Management Scale’, the ‘Perceived Supervisor Support Scale’ and the ‘Job Performance Scale’ were used. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to analyse.

Results

When the effect of mushroom management style on job performance was examined, it was found that inadequate information sharing, the anxiety of power loss, inadequate communication and lack of participatory management did not have a significant effect on job performance alone. According to the regression analysis, perceived supervisor supports have a significant effect on a job performance. This effect explains 0.045 of the total variance. The fact that employees received tangible support from their managers increased their performance levels positively (t = 2.945; p < 0.05). Finally, employee performance had a significant effect on perceived supervisor support. This effect explains 0.513 of the total variance.

Conclusions

As a result of this study, it was found that mushroom management style had no effect on job performance, but had a significant effect on perceived supervisor support.
Nonlinear radiation and cross‐diffusion effects on the micropolar nanoliquid flow past a stretching sheet with an exponential heat source
Authors: Mishra Satyaranjan , Mahanthesh Basavarajappa , Mackolil Joby , Pattnaik Pradyumna K.
Published: December 2020

Metallurgy, polymer and processing engineering, and petrochemical enterprises frequently encounter polar nanoliquid flows due to stretchable surfaces with radiative heat energy. Therefore, the radiative flow of a polar nanoliquid over a stretchable sheet is analyzed considering cross‐diffusion and magnetic heat flux effects. The heat transport phenomenon is explored, including the characteristics of nonlinear radiation and exponential space‐based heat generation. The highly nonlinear governing equations are converted to ordinary differential equations using apt transformations. These are, in turn, solved employing the finite difference method. The behavior of contributing parameters is presented using graphical visualizations. The interactive impacts of the pertinent constraints on the rate of heat transfer and skin friction are analyzed using three‐dimensional surface plots. The enhancement of the temperature profile is observed by incrementing the radiation and exponential heat generation parameters. The magnetic field can be used to regulate the fluid flow as it decreases the flow field. Also, the heat generation factor has a predominant decreasing effect on the Nusselt number.
Audiometric Profile of Cochlear Implant Recipients Demonstrates Need for Revising Insurance Coverage
Authors: Barnes Jason H. , Yin Linda X. , Marinelli John P. , Carlson Matthew L.
Published: December 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To describe the pre‐implant audiometric profile of adult cochlear implant (CI) recipients to investigate whether current binaural candidacy requirements prevent access to patients who could benefit from CI.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Retrospective review from 2016 to 2018 evaluating preoperative pure‐tone thresholds and speech perception scores in the ipsilateral and contralateral ear.

Results

A total of 252 adult CI recipients undergoing 270 implants were identified. Median age at time of implantation was 70.5 years (IQR 61.3–78.3) for those undergoing unilateral implantation and 59.0 (IQR 48.0–72.3) for those undergoing bilateral implantation (P < .01). For unilateral implantation, median pre‐implantation speech perception performance in the ear to be implanted was 8.0% (IQR 0%–26.0%) for CNC word scores, and 9.0% (IQR 0%–34.0%) for AzBio sentence scores in quiet. Median speech perception performance in the contralateral ear was 36.0% (IQR 14.0%–60.0%) on CNC word scores, and 48.5% (IQR 17.5%–76.0%) on AzBio sentence tests. Speech perception scores were significantly different between ears for word and sentence tests (P < .01). Patients older than age 65 were significantly less likely to undergo bilateral implantation (P = .03).

Conclusions

Adult CI recipients exhibit substantially poorer pre‐implant speech perception scores than the commonly utilized ipsilateral qualifying threshold of 50% on sentence testing. Yet, existing insurance paradigms limit patients by excessively stringent binaural best‐aided requirements. This limitation likely leads to worse device performance as patients often wait years for their binaural hearing to qualify while their ear to be implanted potentially experiences an unnecessarily extended duration of deafness. Older patients also experience a unique delay in referral for cochlear implantation.

Level of Evidence

3‐ Retrospective review Laryngoscope, 131:E2007–E2012, 2021
An analysis for Klein–Gordon equation using fractional derivative having Mittag–Leffler‐type kernel
Authors: Kumar Amit , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: December 2020

Within this paper, we present an analysis of the fractional model of the Klein–Gordon (K‐G) equation. K‐G equation is considered as one of the significant equations in mathematical physics that describe the interaction of soliton in a collision less plasma. In a novel aspect of this work, we have used the latest form of fractional derivative (FCs), which contains the Mittag–Leffler type of kernel. The homotopy analysis transform method (HATM) is being taken to solve the fractional model of the K‐G equation. A convergence study of HATM has been studied. The existence and uniqueness of the solution for the fractional K‐G equation are presented. For verifying the obtained numerical outcomes regarding accuracy and competency, we have given different graphical presentations. Figures are reflecting that a novel form of the technique is a good organization in respect of proficiency and accurateness to solve the mentioned fractional problem.
Yolk−Shell Nano ZnO@Co‐Doped NiO with Efficient Polarization Adsorption and Catalysis Performance for Superior Lithium−Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Xu Pingdi , Liu Handing , Zeng Qingwen , Li Xiao , Li Qing , Pei Ke , Zhang Yahui , Yu Xuefeng , Zhang Jie , Qian Xiang , Che Renchao
Published: December 2020

Achieving strong adsorption and catalytic ability toward polar lithium polysulfide species (LiPSs) of the sulfur host in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries is essential for their electrochemical cyclic stability. Herein, a strategy of “self‐termination of ion exchange” is put forward to synthesize the novel yolk‐shell sulfur host composed of ZnO nanoparticles confined in Co‐doped NiO (CDN) polyhedron (ZCCDN). After sulfur infiltration, the obtained S/ZCCDN cathode achieves excellent performance of 738.56 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 0.5 C with a very low capacity decay rate of only 0.048% per cycle. Even at 1 C, 501.05 mAh g−1 could be retained after 500 cycles, suggesting a capacity decay ratio of only 0.076% per cycle. The good cycle performance is attributed to the improved LiPSs’ conversion kinetics, which originates from ZCCDN's sturdy chemical affinity and strong catalytic ability to polar LiPSs. For the first time, by electron holography, the local interfacial polarization electric field is clarified to be existed in the material which is conducive to the capture of LiPSs and the migration of electrons and Li+ from the mesopores. This work provides a rational way for the use of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) and development of cathode materials for Li–S batteries.
Property without Rights
Authors: Albertus Michael
Published: December 2020

Major land reform programs have reallocated property in more than one-third of the world's countries in the last century and impacted over one billion people. But only rarely have these programs granted beneficiaries complete property rights. Why is this the case, and what are the consequences? This book draws on wide-ranging original data and charts new conceptual terrain to reveal the political origins of the property rights gap. It shows that land reform programs are most often implemented by authoritarian governments who deliberately withhold property rights from beneficiaries. In so doing, governments generate coercive leverage over rural populations and exert social control. This is politically advantageous to ruling governments but it has negative development consequences: it slows economic growth, productivity, and urbanization and it exacerbates inequality. The book also examines the conditions under which subsequent governments close property rights gaps, usually as a result of democratization or foreign pressure.
Investigating the evolution of water-soluble organic carbon in evaporating cloud water
Authors: Pratap Vikram , Christiansen Amy E. , Carlton Annmarie G. , Lance Sara , Casson Paul , Dukett Jed , Hassan Hesham , Schwab James J. , Hennigan Christopher J.
Published: December 2020

Cloud cycling plays a key role in the evolution of atmospheric particles and gases, producing secondary aerosol mass and transforming the optical properties and impacts of aerosols globally.
Decoupled amphoteric water electrolysis and its integration with Mn–Zn battery for flexible utilization of renewables
Authors: Huang Jianhang , Xie Yihua , Yan Lei , Wang Bingliang , Kong Taoyi , Dong Xiaoli , Wang Yonggang , Xia Yongyao
Published: December 2020

The flexible utilization of renewables for power-to-fuel and/or power-to-power is enabled by the decoupled amphoteric water electrolysis and Mn–Zn battery.
Understanding the self-ordering of amino acids into supramolecular architectures: co-assembly-based modulation of phenylalanine nanofibrils
Authors: Singh Prabhjot , Pandey Satish K. , Grover Aarzoo , Sharma Rohit K. , Wangoo Nishima
Published: December 2020

Amino acids have emerged as promising molecular frameworks for the generation of functional materials owing to the bio-compatibility and thermodynamic stability of their self-assembled architectures.
Organization of data transmission in the developed communication system for implementation in the agro-industrial complex
Authors: Cheremukhin Dmitry
Published: December 2020

This article is devoted to the discussion of the initial results of a research project devoted to the development of a magneto induction communication system, as well as the study of the main goal of the research at the moment: the search for profitable ways to build and transmit data. Based on the above goal, the physical meaning of the proposed method based on the electrohydraulic Yutkin effect was considered, which can be used to retransmit a signal under water between a network of antennas to increase the range of transmitted information. The creation of an experimental network of receiving and transmitting devices with a set of antennas will be the first step towards further research in the field of promising underwater wireless communications for use in the agro-industrial complex (AGP). The information presented in the text is recommended to a narrow circle of specialists, primarily in the field of information transmission, development of modern means of communication.
Betaine biosynthesis in a heterologous expression system based on the B12 producer Pseudomonas denitrificans
Authors: Shkryl Yuri , Degtyarenko Anton , Grigorchuk Valeria , Balabanova Larisa , Tekutyeva Lyudmila
Published: December 2020

Glycine betaine is an important donor of methyl groups in various metabolic processes of the cell and acts as an osmoprotector when exposed to various abiotic stresses in pro- and eukaryotic organisms. Moreover, exogenous application of betaine activates the production of vitamin B12 in industrial strains-producers. In this work, we have developed a new technology for microbiological betaine synthesis that can be used in biotechnology to activate B12 biosynthesis during large-scale fermentation of Pseudomonas denitrificans.
Problems of Developing Municipalities’ Financial Balances on the Example of the “General Government” Sector
Authors: Pasynkov Alexey
Published: December 2020

The article deals with the problems of developing financial balances at the municipal level, based on the principles of constructing the System of National Accounts. The problems of methodological nature and information content of financial balances are described, possible ways of their solution are proposed. The author’s methodology for determining the share of the “General Government” sector in the economy of municipalities has been developed. In the absence of data on value-added areas, proposed to use wage data by types of economic activity. On this basis, we calculated the contribution of local and state budgets in the expenditures of the “General Government” sector in the municipalities of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug - Yugra. On average, financing of wages in this sector is provided by federal and regional authorities at 60.86% in the region. The smallest value among municipalities is in the city of Pokachi (9.88%), the greatest dependence on the financing of the region and the federation is in the city of Khanty-Mansiysk (85.5%), Surgut (over 65%) and Yugorsk (slightly less than 64%).
Control of animal products contamination with nitroimidazole group antibiotics
Authors: Prosekov Alexandr , Podlegaeva Tatiana , Chaplygina Olga , Kozlova Oksana , Tulaeva Anna
Published: December 2020

Antibiotic contamination of water and food is a particularly important environmental worldwide problem. Antibiotics are found in water, soil, and food, which negatively affects both the environment and the health of the entire world’s population. Therefore, it is important to control the content of antimicrobials. To solve this problem, scientists are developing new and improving existing methods for these preparation determination. The paper considers the possibility of applying the technique of high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection for the determination of nitroimidazole group antibiotics in meat raw materials. The method was evaluated in terms of the main characteristics taken into account during validation: accuracy, reproducibility, linearity, and specificity. Studies conducted on pork muscle tissue samples showed the absence of antibiotics of this group in all samples, which meets the requirements of regulatory documents.
Professional income tax: types of activities, rates, application criteria
Authors: Zyryanova Tatyana , Manakova Elena , Zyryanov Sergey , Dyuzelbayeva Gulnara
Published: December 2020

In the context of rising unemployment due to the difficult economic situation that has arisen in connection with the coronavirus pandemic, citizens ’ interest in the tax for the self-employed has increased. The article shows the reasons for the growing interest of citizens in the professional income tax (hereinafter - the PIT). As of 1 January 2019, a new experimental tax regime was introduced in four regions of Russia, and from July 1, 2020 all regions of Russia can introduce this tax regime. The main criteria for applying the professional income tax are considered. Determination of the place of business, rates, as well as benefits provided for by current legislation. Tax risks and advantages of working with self-employed organizations. Conditions established by regulations for the application of PITs. Features of the transition to the new regime of individual entrepreneurs. An algorithm for checking risks by the internal controller when working with the self-employed is proposed.
Sustainable district energy integrating biomass peaking with geothermal baseload heating: A case study of decarbonizing Cornell's energy system
Authors: Kassem Nazih , Hockey James , Beyers Steve , Lopez Camilo , Goldfarb Jillian L. , Angenent Largus T. , Tester Jefferson W.
Published: December 2020

Many governments and institutions are advocating for higher renewable energy deployment to lower their carbon footprint and mitigate the effects of climate change. Cornell University instituted the “climate action plan” to achieve carbon neutrality, of which geothermal heat extracted from deep rocks (Earth source heat) is a critical component. This paper proposes coupling baseload geothermal heating with energy from waste biomass from Cornell's dairy farms to meet the campus' peak heating demand. The envisioned biomass peaking system, consisting of a hybrid anaerobic digestion/hydrothermal liquefaction/biomethanation process, produces renewable natural gas (RNG) for injection and storage into the natural gas (NG) distribution grid and uses NG withdrawals at times of peak heating demand. We show that 97% of the total annual peak heating demand (9661 MW h) can be met using continuous RNG production using manure from Cornell's 600 dairy cows, which provides 910 × 106 l of RNG/year. The overall RNG system requires $8.9 million of capital investment and, assuming favorable policies, could achieve an effective levelized cost of heat (LCOH) of $32/GJ (minimum RNG selling price) and a net present value of $7.5 million after a 30-year project lifetime. Favorable policies were quantified by examining a range of incentivized prices for RNG injection ($47/MJ) and assuming wholesale utilities costs (NG withdrawals and electric imports). Selling RNG at the New York commercial NG price ($7/GJ) with utilities imports at commercial rates produces an LCOH ($70/GJ) in excess of the RNG selling price, highlighting the importance of carbon credits for financial profitability.
Simple single-section diode frequency combs
Authors: Day Matthew W. , Dong Mark , Smith Bradley C. , Owen Rachel C. , Kerber Grace C. , Ma Taigao , Winful Herbert G. , Cundiff Steven T.
Published: December 2020

Frequency combs, broadband light sources whose spectra consist of coherent, discrete modes, have become essential in many fields. Miniaturizing frequency combs would be a significant advance in these fields, enabling the deployment of frequency-comb based devices for diverse measurement and spectroscopy applications. We demonstrate diode-laser based frequency comb generators. These laser diodes are simple, electrically pumped, inexpensive, and readily manufactured. Each chip contains several dozen diode-laser combs. We measure the time-domain output of a diode frequency comb to reveal the underlying frequency dynamics responsible for the comb spectrum, conduct dual comb spectroscopy of a molecular gas with two devices on the same chip, and demonstrate that these combs can be battery powered by showing the output spectrum of a battery-operated device.
Positive and negative rates of temperature changes at weather stations of Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Tartakovsky V A , Cheredko N N , Maximov V G
Published: December 2020

Temperature data from 1956 to 2016 at 927 weather stations of the Northern Hemisphere is studied focusing on the emergent properties of the climate system. We introduce a measure to estimate climate variability. The measure is calculated as the correlation coefficient of mean-positive and mean-negative temperature rates which, respectively, are connected with the influent and effluent energies averaged over the observation interval. It has been found that the mean-positive and mean-negative rates are balanced and have a high degree of association with each other. A hypothesis about the essence of geospheric balancing is proposed, and estimates for it are obtained. Changes in the measure are calculated in the period from 1999 to 2016. The thus discovered properties open a way for comparisons of the observed and emergent characteristics that may foster the development of ideas related to climate. This approach is aimed at monitoring climate variability and paving a promising path to this goal.
Development perspectives of channel processes in the Sylva River basin (the Kama basin) in the XXI century
Authors: Nazarov N N , Frolova I V
Published: December 2020

According to some well-established connections between air temperatures and atmospheric precipitation for the entire period of instrumental observations, it is concluded that the modern values of humidification in the Sylva River basin (the Kama basin) will be preserved until the end of the XXI century. When determining the trend in the development of channel processes, results of forecasts of relative changes in the annual runoff calculated for the East-European Plain with an ensemble of 7 CMIP3 models are used. The range of fluctuations is 0.9–1.1. The development of channel processes in the territory under study will not undergo significant changes in its orientation and activity until the end of the XXI century.