bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Branch-and-Price Approaches for Real-Time Vehicle Routing with Picking, Loading, and Soft Time Windows
Authors: Wölck Martin , Meisel Stephan
Published: February 2022

We propose and evaluate branch-and-price approaches for vehicle routing problems with picking, loading, and soft time windows. This general type of vehicle routing problem is of particular relevance in the same-day delivery context, in which fast routing algorithms are required because of the commitment to real-time delivery in the presence of high customer order frequencies. To boost the performance of the branch-and-price algorithms, we introduce the new method of tree-compatible labeling with nondominance trees. This method represents cost functions by a fixed number of breakpoints and uses a specialized tree-based data structure to store Pareto-optimal labels. We prove the theoretical soundness of the new method and evaluate its performance numerically with respect to pricing, column generation, and branch-and-price. Our numerical results show that the method yields substantial performance gains. In particular, we show that, with the new method, branch-and-price is able to reliably generate within a few minutes close to optimal solutions for problem instances with 50 customers. By additional experiments with classic vehicle routing problems with hard time windows, we show that the performance gains of our method result from its ability to handle cost functions in the pricing step. Our approach is the first branch-and-price approach for vehicle routing with picking, loading, and soft time windows. As such, it represents an exact routing algorithm that is able to reliably satisfy the runtime requirements of real-time delivery services.

Summary of Contribution: In this paper, we propose the first branch-and-price approaches for a general class of vehicle routing problems with picking, loading, and soft time windows. This problem class is of particular importance for real-time delivery services, for which customers expect to be served within only a few hours after their order has been placed. We provide a problem formulation that takes into account that short runtimes of routing algorithms are required, that the upper bounds of the customers’ time windows may be violated at a certain cost, and that a significant part of the delivery time window is consumed by picking orders from a warehouse and loading orders into vehicles. Solving the problem with branch-and-price requires the use of cost functions as elements of the labels in the pricing step. We propose a method that approximates these cost functions and leverages the computational performance of nondominance tree data structures for solving the pricing problem. We prove the theoretical soundness of this new method for exact branch-and-price, and we show numerically that the method leads to a significant performance increase of branch-and-price. The paper lies at the intersection of computing and operations research, in particular because our algorithms are designed to leverage the computational performance of advanced data structures for solving a combinatorial optimization problem.
Non-ownership Business Models for Solar Energy
Authors: Agrawal Vishal V. , Toktay L. Beril , Yücel Şafak
Published: February 2022

Problem definition: Solar power companies have introduced innovative non-ownership business models—leasing and power purchase agreement (PPA)—in addition to sales. Under these models, the company installs solar panels for a customer, who purchases the electricity generated from the panels. Under leasing, a customer pays a fixed fee, whereas under PPA, a customer pays a per-unit price for the electricity generated. The adoption of solar panels is also promoted by investment and generation subsidies, which are received by customers under sales, but by the solar power company under non-ownership models. In addition, some states currently have restrictions on non-ownership model(s) to protect utility firms’ profits. Motivated by this context, we analyze the economic and environmental implications of such subsidies and restrictions. Academic/practical relevance: The share of non-ownership business models of the residential solar installations is approximately 40%, and we contribute to the operations management literature by being the first to endogenize a solar power company’s business model decisions to inform policymakers regarding the ongoing discussion on subsidies and restrictions. Methodology: We develop a sequential game between a profit-maximizing solar power company and utility-maximizing residential customers to characterize a solar power company’s optimal business model decisions. Results: We find that a higher investment subsidy makes it more attractive for the company to offer sales, whereas a higher generation subsidy makes it more attractive to offer non-ownership models. Contrary to conventional wisdom, we show that restricting the solar power company from offering leasing can actually lead to higher total adoption and generation of renewable energy. Managerial implications: We show that, although a higher generation subsidy leads to higher total adoption and generation of renewable energy, interestingly, a higher investment subsidy can backfire by leading to lower total adoption and generation. Consequently, a higher investment subsidy can actually lead to a higher profit for the utility firm. Finally, we find that restricting leasing can be detrimental for the utility firm and beneficial for the environment.
Pengembangan Bahan Literasi Bertema Teknologi Kelautan bagi Siswa SD dalam Membentuk Pribadi Cinta Laut Sejak Dini
Authors: Prastianto Rudi Walujo , Rosyid Daniel Mohammad , Rochani Imam , Sambodho Kriyo , Mulyadi Yeyes , Mustain Mahmud
Published: February 2022

Kejayaan nenek moyang bangsa Indonesia seperti kerajaan Majapahit dan Sriwijaya telah membuktikan eksistensinya sebagai bangsa maritim yang berhasil dalam mengelola laut dan memanfaatkan potensinya. Ironisnya saat ini, menurut seorang staf ahli menteri bidang Sosio-Antropologi Kemenko, tingkat ocean literacy sangatlah memprihatinkan yaitu hampir 0. Dari sudut pandang akademis, salah satu penyebabnya adalah kurangnya isu-isu kelautan di dalam kurikulum pendidikan yang diajarkan di sekolah-sekolah di Indonesia. Salah satu upaya mengembalikan marwah dan kejayaan bangsa Indonesia dalam dunia kelautan adalah harus diawali dengan membangun paradigma dan mindset bahari/maritim/kelautan pada jiwa generasi muda sejak usia dini. Untuk itu tujuan kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat (abmas) ini adalah untuk menyediakan bahan literasi berupa buku bertema bidang teknologi kelautan/maritim yang dapat dipakai dalam proses pembelajaran siswa kelas V dan VI di SD Yapita dan SD Luqman Al-Hakim, Kota Surabaya. Siswa sebanyak 205 anak disurvei dengan angket untuk mengetahui minat mereka saat ini pada bidang maritim. Hasil abmas berupa buku, makalah ilmiah dalam jurnal dan pemberitaan kegiatan di media masa. Dengan buku tersebut diharapkan pengetahuan dan minat siswa kelas V dan VI dari SD mitra terhadap bidang kelautan/maritim akan meningkat. Sehingga kita akan memiliki generasi penerus yang cinta laut sebagai warisan jiwa bahari nenek moyang, dan di masa depan siap membangun kelautan demi kemajuan dan kemakmuran bagi seluruh rakyat Indonesia.
La educación constitucional: caracterización general y recepción en el sistema constitucional español
Authors: García Costa Francisco Manuel
Published: February 2022

En el presente trabajo se analiza si el derecho fundamental a la educación del artículo 27.1 C.E. y los fines de la acción educativa de los poderes públicos recogidos en el artículo 27.2. C.E. exigirían o, al menos, posibilitarían la inserción en el sistema educativo español de la Educación Constitucional, es decir, la formación en la Constitución en los niveles obligatorios del sistema educativo. Para ello, examinamos en primer lugar, en clave de teoría general, algunas de las cuestiones fundamentales de la Educación Constitucional: la caracterización de este nuevo tipo de educación; su diferenciación de otras disciplinas similares cuyo objeto no es la exposición de la Constitución, sino la de la convivencia social; su fundamentación, como instrumento de una suerte de defensa paidética de la Constitución y del orden constitucional; y, por último, su condición, en tanto en cuanto la Educación Constitucional es una educación para los derechos humanos y para la igualdad de género, de instrumento para la realización de las metas del ODS nº4. A partir de estas cuestiones generales, concluimos que nuestra Constitución, a pesar de que no declara expresamente la obligatoriedad de su enseñanza en la Educación Primaria y Secundaria, la permite y que incluso cabría plantearse legítimamente la cuestión de la existencia implícita de esta obligatoriedad deducida de los mencionados artículos 27.1 C.E., 27.2 C.E. en relación con los artículos 27.5 C.E., 27.3 C.E. y 9.2 C.E.
A Systematic Review of Direct Assessments to Evaluate Psychotropic Medication Effects for Children With Disabilities
Authors: Torelli Jessica N. , Lloyd Blair P. , Pollack Marney S.
Published: February 2022

To evaluate effects of psychotropic medication for children with disabilities, direct assessments may offer a valuable supplement to caregiver reports. Relative to indirect assessment, direct measures of behavior can increase objectivity and sensitivity, and some have potential to isolate distinct behavioral and learning processes. We conducted a systematic, narrative literature review to identify and describe the types and qualities of direct assessment methods that have been used to evaluate effects of non-stimulant psychotropic medication for children with disabilities. We identified 50 studies and 78 direct assessments, which we organized and described using seven assessment categories. Only one study met all three direct assessment quality indicators. We use our descriptive results to highlight research trends and gaps that warrant further study.
3D surface reconstruction of transparent objects using laser scanning with a four-layers refinement process
Authors: He Kejing , Sui Congying , Huang Tianyu , Zhang Yiyun , Zhou Weiguo , Chen Xing , Liu Yun-Hui
Published: February 2022

Acquiring the 3D geometry of objects has been an active research topic, wherein the reconstruction of transparent objects poses a great challenge. In this paper, we present a fully automatic approach for reconstructing the exterior surface of a complex transparent scene. Through scanning a line laser by a galvo-mirror, images of the scene are captured from two viewing directions. Due to the light transmission inside the transparent object, the captured feature points and the calibrated laser plane can produce large number of 3D point candidates with large incorrect points through direct triangulation. Various situations of laser transmission inside the transparent object are analyzed and the reconstructed 3D laser point candidates are classified into two types: first-reflection points and non-first-reflection points. The first-reflection points means the first reflected laser points on the front surface of measured objects. Then, a novel four-layers refinement process is proposed to extract the first-reflection points step by step from the 3D point candidates through optical geometric constraints, including (1) Layer-1 : fake points removed by single camera, (2) Layer-2 : ambiguity points removed by the dual-camera joint constraint, (3) Layer-3 : retrieve the missing first-reflection exterior surface points by fusion and (4) Layer-4 : severe ambiguity points removed by contour-continuity. Besides, a novel calibration model about this imaging system is proposed for 3D point candidates reconstruction through triangulation. Compared with traditional laser scanning method, we pulled in the viewing angle information of the second camera and a novel four-layers refinement process is adopted for reconstruction of transparent objects. Various experiments on real objects demonstrate that proposed method can successfully extract the first-reflection points from the candidates and recover the complex shapes of transparent and semitransparent objects.
Self-referenced refractive index sensor based on double-dips method with bimetal-dielectric and double-groove grating
Authors: Zhao Maolin , Wang Junxian , Zhang Yizhuo , Ge Mengfan , Zhang Pengyu , Shen Jian , Li Chaoyang
Published: February 2022

Self-referenced refractive index sensors allow more accurate measurements and reduce the influence of extraneous factors. This work proposed a high-sensitivity, self-referenced surface plasmon resonance sensor with Na grating and Au-ZnS composite grating. When Transverse Magnetic-polarized light is incident into the prism, three surface plasmon resonances are excited at the interface of Na-MgF2 grating and Au-ZnS grating. The first one is treated as the reference angle, the second and third are forward and backward surface plasmon resonance, respectively. Using the angular modulation, the single-dip sensitivities are 329.41 deg/RIU and 788.24 deg/RIU in the range of 1.330-1.347. To further improve the performance of the sensor, the double-dips method is adopted, and the average sensitivity in the range of 1.330-1.347 is 1117.65 deg/RIU, while the maximum reaches 4390 deg/RIU. Due to high sensitivity, a good figure of merit can be obtained even with a larger full width at half maximum of 3.30°. This proposed sensor provides potential application in the research of biomolecular detection and chemical testing.
Internal dynamics in bound states of unequal solitons
Authors: Du Yueqing , He Zhiwen , Gao Qun , Zeng Chao , Mao Dong , Zhao Jianlin
Published: February 2022

The bound states (BSs) of solitons are found to have intriguing internal dynamics in ultrafast lasers. Here, we explore the binding mechanism and internal motions of asymmetric bound state (ABS) solitons constituted by unequal solitons at short-range with their tails directly overlapped. Experiments and simulations show that the periodic energy flux between two solitons, mediated by their overlapped tails, gives rise to a balanced separation and energy distribution across the ABS. The motion mechanisms of strong and weak solitons are discussed in detail. This work provides insights into the binding mechanism and internal dynamics of BSs.
Photonic synaptic system for MAC operations by interconnected vertical cavity surface emitting lasers
Authors: Robertson Joshua , Alanis Juan Arturo , Hejda Matěj , Hurtado Antonio
Published: February 2022

We report experimentally on high-speed, tuneable photonic synaptic architectures realized with vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) connected in series and in parallel configurations. These are able to perform the controlled weighting of fast (150 ps long) and low energy (µW peak power) optical pulses (or spikes), and permit high-speed (0.5 GHz) dynamic weight tunability, for the implementation of important spike processing functionalities. These include, for the in-series VCSEL synaptic architecture, the performance of accumulative weighting and, due to amplification, the compensation of losses in sequential neural network layers. Additionally, for the in-parallel VCSEL synaptic architecture, we show the system’s ability to perform key multiply and accumulate operations using fast, low-power optical spiking signals as inputs. Moreover, this work uses off-the-shelf VCSELs operating at key telecom wavelengths (1300 and 1550 nm) thus making our technique fully compatible with optical telecommunication networks and data centre technologies. These results therefore highlight the suitability of our approach for hardware-friendly, low power, high-speed and fast tuning VCSEL-based photonic synaptic architectures with excellent scalability prospects for use in future neuromorphic photonic computing systems.
Imaging lattice switching with Talbot effect in reconfigurable non-Hermitian photonic graphene
Authors: Zhang Zhaoyang , Feng Yuan , Ning Shaohuan , Malpuech G. , Solnyshkov D. D. , Xu Zhongfeng , Zhang Yanpeng , Xiao Min
Published: February 2022

By taking advantage of the optical induction method, a non-Hermitian photonic graphene lattice is efficiently established inside an atomic vapor cell under the condition of electromagnetically induced transparency. This non-Hermitian structure is accomplished by simultaneously modulating both the real and imaginary components of the refractive index into honeycomb profiles. The transmitted probe field can either exhibit a hexagonal or honeycomb intensity profile when the degree of non-Hermiticity is effectively controlled by the ratio between imaginary and real indices. The experimental realization of such an instantaneously tunable complex honeycomb potential sets a new platform for future experimental exploration of non-Hermitian topological photonics. Also, we demonstrate the Talbot effect of the transmitted probe patterns. Such a self-imaging effect based on a non-Hermitian structure provides a promising route to potentially improve the related applications, such as an all-optical-controllable Talbot–Lau interferometer.
Considerations for homology-based DNA repair in mosquitoes: Impact of sequence heterology and donor template source
Authors: Ang Joshua Xin De , Nevard Katherine , Ireland Rebekah , Purusothaman Deepak-Kumar , Verkuijl Sebald A. N. , Shackleford Lewis , Gonzalez Estela , Anderson Michelle A. E. , Alphey Luke
Published: February 2022

The increasing prevalence of insecticide resistance and the ongoing global burden of vector-borne diseases have encouraged new efforts in mosquito control. For Aedes aegypti, the most important arboviral vector, integration rates achieved in Cas9-based knock-ins so far have been rather low, highlighting the need to understand gene conversion patterns and other factors that influence homology-directed repair (HDR) events in this species. In this study, we report the effects of sequence mismatches or donor template forms on integration rates. We found that modest sequence differences between construct homology arms [DNA sequence in the donor template which resembles the region flanking the target cut] and genomic target comprising 1.2% nucleotide dissimilarity (heterology) significantly reduced integration rates. While most integrations (59–88%) from plasmid templates were the result of canonical [on target, perfect repair] HDR events, no canonical events were identified from other donor types (i.e. ssDNA, biotinylated ds/ssDNA). Sequencing of the transgene flanking region in 69 individuals with canonical integrations revealed 60% of conversion tracts to be unidirectional and extend up to 220 bp proximal to the break, though in three individuals bidirectional conversion of up to 725 bp was observed.
In rice splice variants that restore the reading frame after frameshifting indel introduction are common, often induced by the indels and sometimes lead to organism-level rescue
Authors: Jia Yanxiao , Qin Chao , Traw Milton Brian , Chen Xiaonan , He Ying , Kai Jing , Yang Sihai , Wang Long , Hurst Laurence D.
Published: February 2022

The introduction of frameshifting non-3n indels enables the identification of gene-trait associations. However, it has been hypothesised that recovery of the original reading frame owing to usage of non-canonical splice forms could cause rescue. To date there is very little evidence for organism-level rescue by such a mechanism and it is unknown how commonly indels induce, or are otherwise associated with, frame-restoring splice forms. We perform CRISPR/Cas9 editing of randomly selected loci in rice to investigate these issues. We find that the majority of loci have a frame-restoring isoform. Importantly, three quarters of these isoforms are not seen in the absence of the indels, consistent with indels commonly inducing novel isoforms. This is supported by analysis in the context of NMD knockdowns. We consider in detail the two top rescue candidates, in wax deficient anther 1 (wda1) and brittle culm (bc10), finding that organismal-level rescue in both cases is strong but owing to different splice modification routes. More generally, however, as frame-restoring isoforms are low abundance and possibly too disruptive, such rescue we suggest to be the rare exception, not the rule. Nonetheless, assuming that indels commonly induce frame-restoring isoforms, these results emphasize the need to examine RNA level effects of non-3n indels and suggest that multiple non-3n indels in any given gene are advisable to probe a gene’s trait associations.
Electromyographic measures of asymmetric muscle control of swallowing in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Diaz Kasandra , Stegemöller Elizabeth E. L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

During the early stages, Parkinson’s disease (PD) is well recognized as an asymmetric disease with unilateral onset of resting tremor with varying degrees of rigidity, and bradykinesia. However, it remains unknown if other impairments, such as swallowing impairment (i.e., dysphagia), also present asymmetrically.

Purpose

The primary aim of this study was to examine muscle activity associated with swallow on the most affected side (MAS) and least affected side (LAS) in persons with PD. A secondary aim was to explore the relationship between differences in muscle activity associated with swallow and subjective reports of swallowing impairment and disease severity.

Methods

Function of muscles associated with swallowing was assessed using surface electromyography placed over the right and left submental and laryngeal regions during three swallows for a THIN and THICK condition. The Swallowing Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL) questionnaire and the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) were collected as measures of subjective swallow impairment and disease severity, respectively.

Results

Thirty-five participants diagnosed with idiopathic PD and on a stable antiparkinsonian medication regimen completed this study. Results revealed no significant mean difference in muscle activity during swallow between the more and less affected side. For the laryngeal muscle region, a significant difference in coefficient of variation between the MAS and LAS was revealed for peak amplitude for the THIN swallow condition. For the laryngeal muscle region, a significant association was revealed between muscle activity and disease severity but not subjective reports of swallowing impairment.

Conclusion

Superficially it appears that swallowing impairment present symmetrical during the early stages of PD, however, our variability data indicates otherwise. These results will be used to inform future studies in specific types of swallowing impairment (i.e., oral dysphagia, pharyngeal dysphagia, and esophageal dysphagia), disease progression, and overall asymmetry.
Congenital malaria: Frequency and epidemiology in Colombia, 2009-2020
Authors: Cardona-Arias Jaiberth Antonio , Carmona-Fonseca Jaime
Published: February 2022

Congenital Malaria (CM) is an underestimated and under-researched problem in Colombia, despite its severe clinical, epidemiological, economic, and public health consequences. The objective was to determine the general frequency of CM, the specific frequency of CM by diagnostic test and plasmodial species, and identify its associated factors. A retrospective study was carried out using the records of 567 newborns. qPCR and Thick Blood Smear (TBS) were performed. The frequency of infection was determined with a 95% confidence interval. Associated factors were identified by non-parametric tests and odds ratios; the confusion was controlled with a logistic regression model. All cases corresponded to submicroscopic CM (negative with TBS and positive with PCR), and the frequency was 12.2% (95%CI = 9.4–14.9). The detection was statistically higher in the umbilical cord with 16,2% (95%CI = 12.4–19.9) versus peripheral blood of the newborn with 2.2% (95%CI = 0.7–4.9). CM was statistically higher in newborn whose mothers had malaria in the last year, gestational and placental malaria. The median birth weight in newborn infected with CM was lower compared to the one of healthy neonates. Because the control program in Colombia is based on TBS, it must be improved with the inclusion of other tests that allow the detection of submicroscopic CM. In addition, the program has other limitations such as do not have specific actions for pregnant women and have a passive surveillance system. These difficulties do not allow to show the magnitude of CM, its consequences on neonatal and infant health, constituting a serious problem of health injustice.
A population-based study of administrative data linkage to measure melanoma surgical and pathology quality
Authors: McKay Douglas R. , Nguyen Paul , Wang Ami , Hanna Timothy P.
Published: February 2022

Background

Continuous quality improvement is important for cancer systems. However, collecting and compiling quality indicator data can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Here we explore the utility and feasibility of linked routinely collected health data to capture key elements of quality of care for melanoma in a single-payer, universal health care setting.

Method

This pilot study utilized a retrospective population-based cohort from a previously developed linked administrative data set, with a 65% random sample of all invasive cutaneous melanoma cases diagnosed 2007–2012 in the province of Ontario. Data from the Ontario Cancer Registry was utilized, supplemented with linked pathology report data from Cancer Care Ontario, and other linked administrative data describing health care utilization. Quality indicators identified through provincial guidelines and international consensus were evaluated for potential collection with administrative data and measured where possible.

Results

A total of 7,654 cases of melanoma were evaluated. Ten of 25 (40%) candidate quality indicators were feasible to be collected with the available administrative data. Many indicators (8/25) could not be measured due to unavailable clinical information (e.g. width of clinical margins). Insufficient pathology information (6/25) or health structure information (1/25) were less common reasons. Reporting of recommended variables in pathology reports varied from 65.2% (satellitosis) to 99.6% (body location). For stage IB-II or T1b-T4a melanoma patients where SLNB should be discussed, approximately two-thirds met with a surgeon experienced in SLNB. Of patients undergoing full lymph node dissection, 76.2% had adequate evaluation of the basin.

Conclusions

We found that use of linked administrative data sources is feasible for measurement of melanoma quality in some cases. In those cases, findings suggest opportunities for quality improvement. Consultation with surgeons offering SLNB was limited, and pathology report completeness was sub-optimal, but was prior to routine synoptic reporting. However, to measure more quality indicators, text-based data sources will require alternative approaches to manual collection such as natural language processing or standardized collection. We recommend development of robust data platforms to support continuous re-evaluation of melanoma quality indicators, with the goal of optimizing quality of care for melanoma patients on an ongoing basis.
Predictors of HIV testing among youth aged 15–24 years in The Gambia
Authors: Sonko Ismaila , Chung Min-Huey , Hou Wen-Hsuan , Chen Wei-Ti , Chang Pi-Chen
Published: February 2022

Background

Worldwide, an estimated 38.0 million people lived with the human immunodeficiency virus in 2019, and 3.4 million young people aged 15~24 years were living with HIV. Sub-Saharan Africa carries a significant HIV burden with West and Central Africa most affected with HIV. Among the young people living with HIV in West and Central Africa, an estimated 810,000 were aged 15~24 years. This study aimed to assess predictors that influence the uptake of HIV testing among youth aged 15~24 years in The Gambia.

Methods

The 2013 Gambia Demographic and Health Survey data for youth aged 15~24 years was used. The Andersen behavioral model of health service use guided this study. A cross-sectional study design was used on 6194 subjects, among which 4730 were female. The analysis employed Chi-squared tests and hierarchical logistic regression.

Results

Less than one-quarter of the youth 1404 (22.6%) had ever been tested for HIV. Young people aged 20~24 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.98), who were females (aOR: 1.13), married youth (aOR: 3.89), with a primary (aOR: 1.23), secondary or higher education (aOR: 1.46), and who were from the Jola/Karoninka ethnic group (aOR: 1.81), had higher odds of having been tested for HIV. Those with adequate HIV knowledge and those who were sexually active and had aged at first sex ≥15 years (aOR: 3.99) and those <15 years (aOR: 3.96) were more likely to have been tested for HIV compared to those who never had sex.

Conclusion

This study underscores the low level of model testing on HIV testing among youth (15~24 years) in The Gambia. Using Anderson’s Model of Health Service Utilization, the predisposing factors (socio-demographic and HIV knowledge) and the need-for-care factors (sexual risk behaviors) predict healthcare utilization services (HIV testing) in our study; however, only socio-demographic model explained most of the variance in HIV testing. The low effect of model testing could be related to the limited number of major variables selected for HIV knowledge and sexual risk behavior models. Thus, consideration for more variables is required for future studies.
Effect of assimilating CO2 observations in the Korean Peninsula on the inverse modeling to estimate surface CO2 flux over Asia
Authors: Cho Minkwang , Kim Hyun Mee
Published: February 2022

To investigate the impact of two CO2 observation datasets obtained from the Korean Peninsula on the surface CO2 flux estimation over Asia, the two datasets are assimilated into the CarbonTracker (CT) inverse modeling system and the estimated surface CO2 fluxes are analyzed. Anmyeon-do (AMY) and Gosan (GSN) sites in the Korean Peninsula have observed surface CO2 mole fraction since the late 1990s. To investigate the effect of assimilating the additional Korean observations on the surface CO2 flux estimation over Asia, two experiments are conducted. The reference experiment (CNTL) only assimilates observations provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), while the other experiment (EXP1) assimilates both NOAA observations and two Korean observation datasets. The results are analyzed for 9 years from 2003 to 2011 in Asia region because both AMY and GSN datasets exist almost completely for this period. The annual average of estimated biosphere CO2 flux of EXP1 shows more flux absorption in summer and less flux emission from fall to spring compared to CNTL, mainly on Eurasia Temperate and Eurasia Boreal regions. When comparing model results to independent CO2 concentration data from surface stations and aircraft, the root mean square error is smaller for EXP1 than CNTL. The EXP1 yields more reduction on uncertainty of estimated biosphere CO2 flux over Asia, and the observation impact of AMY, GSN sites on flux estimation is approximately 11%, which is greater than other observation sites around the world. Therefore, the two CO2 observation sets in the Korean Peninsula are useful in reducing uncertainties for regional as well as global scale CO2 flux estimation.
Age-specific effectiveness of a tuberculosis screening intervention in children
Authors: Brooks Meredith B. , Dubois Melanie M. , Malik Amyn A. , Ahmed Junaid F. , Siddiqui Sara , Khan Salman , Brohi Manzoor , Das Valecha Teerath , Amanullah Farhana , Becerra Mercedes C. , Hussain Hamidah
Published: February 2022

Objective

To apply a cascade-of-care framework to evaluate the effectiveness—by age of the child—of an intensified tuberculosis patient-finding intervention.

Design

From a prospective screening program at four hospitals in Pakistan (2014–2016) we constructed a care cascade comprising six steps: screened, positive screen, evaluated, diagnosed, started treatment, and successful outcome. We evaluated the cascade by each year of age from 0 to 14 and report the age-specific mean proportion and standard deviation.

Results

On average across all ages, only 12.5% (standard deviation: 2.0%) of children with a positive screen were not evaluated. Among children who had a complete evaluation, the highest percentages of children diagnosed with tuberculosis were observed in children 0–4 (mean: 31.9%; standard deviation: 4.8%), followed by lower percentages in children 5–9 (mean: 22.4%; standard deviation: 2.2%), and 10–14 (mean: 26.0%; standard deviation:5.4%). Nearly all children diagnosed with tuberculosis initiated treatment, and an average of 93.3% (standard deviation: 3.3%) across all ages had successful treatment outcomes.

Conclusions

This intervention was highly effective across ages 0–14 years. Our study illustrates the utility of applying operational analyses of age-stratified cascades to identify age-specific gaps in pediatric tuberculosis care that can guide future, novel interventions to close these gaps.
p21 restricts influenza A virus by perturbing the viral polymerase complex and upregulating type I interferon signaling
Authors: Ma Chao , Li Yuhan , Zong Yanan , Velkov Tony , Wang Chenxi , Yang Xinyu , Zhang Ming , Jiang Zhimin , Sun Haoran , Tong Qi , Sun Honglei , Pu Juan , Iqbal Munir , Liu Jinhua , Dai Chongshan , Sun Yipeng
Published: February 2022

Many cellular genes and networks induced in human lung epithelial cells infected with the influenza virus remain uncharacterized. Here, we find that p21 levels are elevated in response to influenza A virus (IAV) infection, which is independent of p53. Silencing, pharmacological inhibition or deletion of p21 promotes virus replication in vitro and in vivo, indicating that p21 is an influenza restriction factor. Mechanistically, p21 binds to the C-terminus of IAV polymerase subunit PA and competes with PB1 to limit IAV polymerase activity. Besides, p21 promotes IRF3 activation by blocking K48-linked ubiquitination degradation of HO-1 to enhance type I interferons expression. Furthermore, a synthetic p21 peptide (amino acids 36 to 43) significantly inhibits IAV replication in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our findings reveal that p21 restricts IAV by perturbing the viral polymerase complex and activating the host innate immune response, which may aid the design of desperately needed new antiviral therapeutics.
Repensando los discursos del odio y sus receptores a través de la animalización y su poder discursivo estigmatizante
Authors: González Pérez Adrián
Published: February 2022

A lo largo de nuestra historia, diferentes grupos de individuos han sido duramente perseguidos y estigmatizados en virtud de imágenes animalizantes. No obstante, pese a que este desprecio cobra todo su sentido si atendemos al profundo rechazo, odio y asco, que acompaña a determinadas iconografías animales empleadas para mancillar a estos grupos de humanos, menores han sido los esfuerzos académicos por reconocer a los animales como auténticos receptores de los discursos y sus consecuencias. Tomar en consideración si verdaderamente estos pueden serlo y en qué términos, son los objetivos principales de esta investigación.
La presencia de Kafka en the origins of totalitarianism a través de su ausencia. El hombre Kafka ante el tribunal de la comprensión arendtiana
Authors: De Navascués Nicolás
Published: February 2022

A pesar de la importancia que Kafka tuvo para Hannah Arendt, y de su presencia en los textos arendtianos de los años 40, su ausencia en The Origins of Totalitarianism es flagrante. A lo largo de los cientos de páginas que tiene la obra, solo es referenciado en una ocasión. Sin embargo, la editora de Schocken Books, que tanto empeño puso en introducir a Kafka en Estados Unidos, debía tenerlo presente en muchas ocasiones. Este artículo trata de poner de manifiesto la presencia de Kafka a través de su ausencia, realizando una hermenéutica política de las huellas kafkianas en una de las grandes obras del pensamiento político del siglo XX.
Una relectura antihumanista del concepto de sujeto en Badiou y Žižek
Authors: Leon Eduardo Alberto
Published: February 2022

En este artículo se expondrá en primer lugar la crítica de Badiou sobre el sujeto humanista y su propio concepto de sujeto, un sujeto que está claramente inspirado en Lacan pero que va más allá de la subjetivación de la falta de este. Luego me dirigiré al colega de Badiou en el campo antihumanista, Slavoj Žižek, y su crítica lacaniana de Badiou. Se afirmará que es su interpretación diferente del Real lacaniano lo que explica la disputa subyacente entre ellos. Mientras que el sujeto de Žižek es infundado, por otro lado, la concepción de Badiou de forzar lo Real confiere al sujeto un grado de consistencia que facilita la articulación de proyectos políticos específicos.
Compromiso y destino en la obra ensayística de Ramón Gaya
Authors: Murcia Serrano Inmaculada
Published: February 2022

Mi interés en este trabajo consiste en explicar cómo se concilian el compromiso político y el artístico en el caso del poeta, pintor y ensayista Ramón Gaya, vinculado por generación y por ideología a la generación del 27. Gran defensora de la “deshumanización del arte”, aquella generación tuvo que adaptar sus planteamientos artísticos originales a una situación histórica determinada por la Guerra Civil, y cada representante encontró una solución al conflicto subsecuente entre el ámbito de la política y el del arte. El objetivo es también fundamentar con una amplia contextualización histórica el origen de la actitud concreta de Gaya ante tal contradicción.
A manifestação conflitiva da díke no inquérito de édipo
Authors: Oliveira Morais Ricardo Manoel
Published: February 2022

O objetivo é analisar a tensão entre duas formas díke na tragédia de Sófocles Édipo rei. Como as tragédias ocupavam um papel privilegiado na pólis, as encenações constituíam uma instituição política. Devido a isso, as tragédias representavam certos conflitos sociais e políticos entre uma tradição arcaica e uma nova ordem democrática, tensões estas que podem ser evidenciadas na investigação promovida por Édipo. Neste inquérito há um conflito entre duas formas de justiça, uma divina (tradicional) e outra humana (democrática e institucional). O artigo, primeiramente, descreve a relação entre tragédia e pólis; em seguida, assinala o conflito que se desenhava na pólis democrática e que se refletia, de certo modo, nas peças trágicas; por fim, examina, em Édipo rei, a articulação antagônica entre a díke tradicional e a humana.
A Prospective Randomized Clinical Study on Spinal Anaesthesia Using Isobaric Levobupivacaine Versus Hyperbaric Bupivacaine (with Fentanyl) in Elective Caesarean Sections
Authors: S. Kalyan , Kumar Ch. Anil
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND Bupivacaine being an amide is used in hyperbaric and isobaric forms as a spinal anaesthetic for surgeries requiring regional anaesthesia. Spinal anaesthesia is an accepted form of anaesthesia for elective and emergency caesarean sections. Bupivacaine used in spinal anaesthesia produces analgesia, anaesthesia, and motor block. Grading the effects of the anaesthetic is based on volume, concentration, and dose. The present study analysed the role of both types of bupivacaine supplemented by fentanyl. Here we wanted to study the anaesthetic effects of isobaric levobupivacaine versus hyperbaric bupivacaine where both were supplemented by fentanyl while being used as a spinal anaesthetic in patients operated for caesarean section. METHODS A prospective double-blind study was conducted on 104 women undergoing caesarean sections under spinal anaesthesia at Viswabharathi Medical College, RT Nagar, Penchikalapadu, Kurnool. Women with gestational age of above 37 weeks were included. Patients were classified into Group A: levobupivacaine 10 mg 0.5 % in 2 ml with fentanyl 25 μg in 0.5 ml used intrathecally; Group B: Hyperbaric bupivacaine 10 mg 0.5 % in 2 ml with fentanyl 25 μg in 0.5 ml used intrathecally. The time for maximum sensory block, time regression of sensory block to two dermatomes, the time taken to r for regression from maximum to T12 were recorded. A Bromage scale (modified) helped to assess the motor block. Time taken for onset of motor block, the time taken to reach Bromage 3 and the time of complete disappearance were recorded. RESULTS The onset of sensory block was late in group A compared to group B. The time taken to reach the T10 sensory block was shorter in group B compared to group A, the time taken to reach T4 was longer in group A and shorter in group B. The time for regression of two dermatomes was longer in group B when compared to group A. The total duration of sensory blockade was longer in group B than in group A. The time of onset of motor block in Group B was shorter than in Group A. CONCLUSIONS Both levobupivacaine and hyperbaric bupivacaine provided quick and desirable induction of surgical anaesthesia for caesarean operations in full-term pregnant women. They did not cause adverse effects on hemodynamic homeostasis and the neonates. KEY WORDS Spinal Anaesthesia, Local Anaesthetic, Fentanyl, Bupivacaine, Motor Block, Sensory Block.
Clinico-Demographic Profile of Vaccinated/Partially Vaccinated Versus Non-Vaccinated Covid-19 Cases in Second Wave of India
Authors: Arora Piyush , Gupta Neeraj , Rathee Deepti , Jimmy Jose K.
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND As of 20th November 2021, 29.1 % (40.1 crore) of the population has been completely vaccinated while 55.6 % (76.6 crore) of the population have received at least one dose of vaccine. Infection despite vaccination (vaccine breakthrough) has been reported, but characteristics of these infection regarding clinico demographic profile, severity of disease and mortality in the fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups are not well described; during the second Covid-19 wave in India from April to June 2021 when the highly transmissible delta variant predominated. METHODS This was an observational analysis of epidemiological features, clinical manifestations and outcome of Covid-19 positive patients during the second wave. Vaccination status, CT scoring, RT PCR reports, bio markers like CRP, d dimer, IL-6 were recorded. Statistical analysis was done using Epi Info version 7.2.1.0 statistical software. The study was approved by institutional research and ethical committee. RESULTS 182 Covid patients had received only one dose, 24 were fully vaccinated and 24 were unvaccinated. Unvaccinated patients were younger than vaccinated people (p < 0.001) CT severity scoring were relatively higher in unvaccinated patients as compared to vaccinated patients. (p = 0.003). 92.3 % of our vaccinated patients’ group were treated on OPD basis while in unvaccinated patients 41.7 % required hospitalisation. Biomarkers (CRP, D-DIMER and IL-6) were also deranged to a lesser severity among vaccinated and partially vaccinated study population as compared to unvaccinated individuals. Death occurred in 8.3% of unvaccinated patients and only 1.1 % of partially vaccinated patients, while no mortality occurred in fully vaccinated patients. CONCLUSIONS We can conclude that vaccines play a critical role in preventing serious Covid-19 illness and remain highly effective in preventing Covid-19 hospitalizations and the biomarkers (CRP, d dimer, IL-6) can be used in the risk stratification of Covid-19 infections. KEY WORDS Second Covid-19 Wave in India, Delta Variant, Vaccine Breakthrough Infections, Hospitalisations, Bio Markers, D Dimer, CRP, IL-6.
Ultrasonography Assisted Reduction Vs Blind Manipulation in Closed Reduction of Colles Fractures - A Comparative Study
Authors: Dasari Venkateswara Rao , Chinta Shyam Kumar , Kanaparthi Sudhakar , Joy Arun
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND Colles fracture is the most common wrist fracture in adults, predominantly affecting elderly women. Our study intends to reinforce the role of ultrasonography assisted reduction of Colles fractures as a suitable alternative to blind manipulation, as it can verify the adequacy of reduction in a single sitting in real time, and avoid multiple reduction sessions. METHODS 20 adult patients diagnosed with Colles fracture were enrolled in this case control study. Patients were divided into two groups of 10 each, study and control groups. The sample size was limited due to the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020. Study group was subjected to ultrasonography assisted reduction. Control group was subjected to blind manipulation and reduction. RESULTS Baseline characteristics between two groups were similar. The rate of repeat reduction was reduced in the ultrasound group (20 % VS 40 %; P =.329). The post reduction radiographic indices were similar between the two groups, although the ultrasound group had improved volar tilt (mean, 2.80 VS 1.60; P =.394). The operative rate was reduced in the ultrasound groups (10 % VS 30 %; P =.263). These results, though similar to existing studies into the topic, were not statistically significant, probably due to low sample size. CONCLUSIONS Despite the inability of our study to arrive at statistically significant results, we have positive findings for the parameters of volar tilt, number of multiple reduction attempts and number of cases proceeding to surgery. These findings are in line with other studies that were successful in establishing statistical significance for the above parameters. In view of this, a recommendation can be made to prefer ultrasonography assisted reduction over blind manipulation in initial management of Colles fractures, where the facility is available. KEY WORDS Colles Fractures, Ultrasonography, Blind Manipulation, Reduction, Volar Tilt, Operative Rate
A Study on P16 Expression in Surface Epithelial Tumours of Ovary
Authors: Prem Kalyani , Jacob Roshny
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer is the 6th most common cancer in women worldwide.1 According to Indian Cancer registries, ovaries are the third leading sites of cancer among women.2 2/3rd of all ovarian neoplasms are surface epithelial tumours and the majority of endometrioid and clear cell carcinomas and some serous tumours show a poor prognosis. p16, a protein encoded by the gene, CDKN2A, located in chromosome 9p21.3, plays a major role in cell cycle regulation by hindering its progression through phase G1 to S. Many studies have found a significant prognostic implication of p16 on surface epithelial tumours and thereby identify such tumours and initiate early therapy. Our study was conducted to find out any significant association of p16 expression in ovarian surface epithelial tumours. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study, done in the Department of Pathology, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram from March 2018 to March 2019. 118 cases were selected, IHC analysis was done and the data were analysed using statistical software SPSS version 20.0. RESULTS 118 cases of ovarian surface epithelial tumours were chosen for the study of which 60 cases were benign, 28 were malignant and 20 were borderline tumours. Strong p16 expression was found in 50 % of malignant tumours and 81.6 % of benign tumours had weak expression. This was found to be statistically significant (P=0.000). Also, a comparison of p16 expression among the various subtypes of surface epithelial tumours was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The present study found a positive correlation between p16 expression in tumour cells and histopathological grades of surface epithelial ovarian tumours, with the highest expression noted in malignant tumours. A significant relation was observed between p16 expression and the subtypes of surface epithelial tumours with endometrioid and clear cell carcinomas showing the highest expression. KEY WORDS Surface Epithelial Tumours, Immunohistochemistry, p16 Expression