bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The production of a geopolitical imaginary in the East Asian Cold War: The case of the Five West Sea Islands of South Korea
Authors: Chun Wonken , Lee Seung‐Ook , Hwang Jin‐Tae
Published: December 2021

Like other islands of the Cold War frontier in East Asia, such as Okinawa, Jinmen, and Matsu, the Five West Sea Islands (FWI) of South Korea have been a highly contested frontier of both domestic and inter‐Korean politics. This study views the FWI as a geopolitical imaginary that was constructed during the Cold War and has been sustained throughout the post‐Cold War era. Specifically, we focus on how the South Korean government has constructed the islands in the Yellow Sea into a powerful geopolitical imaginary and linked them with the inter‐Korean border conflicts around the Northern Limit Line (NLL), from the mid‐1970s onwards. We hope that this study will deepen our understanding of how particular geopolitical imaginaries are produced and consolidated. Furthermore, it should help us better grasp how the Cold War order has been sustained, both discursively and materially, in inter‐Korean and East Asian geopolitics.
Can matrix structure affect animal navigation between fragments? A dispersal experiment using release platforms
Authors: Sanches Vitor Quadros Altomare , Menezes Jorge Fernando Saraiva , Prevedello Jayme Augusto , Almeida‐Gomes Mauricio , Oliveira‐Santos Luiz Gustavo Rodrigues
Published: December 2021

The persistence of species in fragmented landscapes relies on landscape connectivity and individuals’ ability in dispersing among habitat patches. Accordingly, matrix structure can affect the orientation of dispersing individuals across the landscape. In this study, we measured the impact of matrix structure on the dispersal performance of the white‐eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris). We released individuals in three types of matrix: bare field, corn crops, and soybean crops, with distances of 30, 50, and 100 m to the nearest habitat patch. To test if the release height would affect the individuals’ dispersal performance, we released animals from the ground and from 2‐m‐high platforms. We released and tracked 14 individuals in bare field on the ground; 30 in corn crops, 22 on the ground, and 8 on platforms; 17 on soybeans crop, 12 on the ground, and 5 on platforms. The type of matrix influenced the perceptual range. Perceptual range was 100 m in bare field, 50 m in corn field, and <30 m in soybean field. The platforms only increased the perceptual range of individuals in the corn field from 50 to 100 m. Visual and olfactory cues would cause this effect. We conclude that matrix structure affects dispersal performance, and that vertical elements of the matrix, such as scattered trees, may increase orientation in crop fields during inter‐patch dispersal.
NLRP4 negatively regulates type I interferon response and influences the outcome in anti‐programmed cell death protein (PD)‐1/PD‐ligand 1 therapy
Authors: Wang Hui , Xia Liliang , Yao Cheng‐cheng , Dong Hui , Yang Yi , Li Chong , Ji Wen‐xiang , Sun Rui‐ming , Duan Huang‐qi , Mengzhou Wenli , Xia Wei‐min , Wang Shu‐jun , Ji Ping , Li Ziming , Jiao Lei , Wang Ying , Lu Shun
Published: December 2021

The challenge to improve the clinical efficacy and enlarge the population that benefits from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is significant. Based on whole‐exosome sequencing analysis of biopsies from NSCLC patients before anti‐programmed cell death protein‐2 (PD‐1) treatment, we identified NLRP4 mutations in the responders with a longer progression‐free survival (PFS). Knockdown of NLRP4 in mouse Lewis lung cancer cell line enhanced interferon (IFN)‐α/β production through the cGAS‐STING‐IRF3/IRF7 axis and promoted the accumulation of intratumoral CD8+ T cells, leading to tumor growth retardation in vivo and a synergistic effect with anti‐PD‐ligand 1 therapy. This was consistent with clinical observations that more tumor‐infiltrating CD8+ T cells and elevated peripheral IFN‐α before receiving nivolumab treatment were associated with a longer PFS in NSCLC patients. Our study highlights the roles of tumor‐intrinsic NLRP4 in remodeling the immune contextures in the tumor microenvironment, making regional type I IFN beneficial for ICI treatment.
Toward a new framework for restoring lost wildlife migrations
Authors: Barker Kristin J. , Xu Wenjing , Van Scoyoc Amy , Serota Mitchell W. , Moravek Jessie A. , Shawler Avery L. , Ryan Rachael E. , Middleton Arthur D.
Published: December 2021

Global declines in wildlife migrations have prompted new initiatives to conserve remaining migratory behaviors. However, many migrations have already been lost. Important attempts have been made to recover extirpated migrations, and our understanding of restoration remains narrowly confined to these particular species and landscapes. Here, we examine diverse restoration efforts through the unifying lens of behavioral ecology to draw broader inferences regarding the feasibility and effectiveness of restoring lost migrations. First, we synthesize recent research advances that illuminate key roles of exploration, learning, and adaptation in migratory behavior. Then, we review case studies to identify common themes of restoration success across four major vertebrate groups: fish, birds, mammals, and herpetofauna. We describe three broad strategies to effectively restore lost migrations: reestablishing migratory populations, recovering migratory habitats, and reviving migratory behavior itself. To guide conservation and research efforts, we link these strategies with specific management techniques, and we explore the biological mechanisms underpinning the success of each. Our work reveals a previously underappreciated potential for restoring lost migrations in terrestrial and freshwater vertebrates, and it provides guidance on whether and how conservation practitioners, researchers, and policymakers can work to restore the valuable migrations we have lost.
Declining prevalence of cerebral palsy in children born at term in Denmark
Authors: Larsen Mads L. , Rackauskaite Gija , Greisen Gorm , Laursen Bjarne , Uldall Peter , Krebs Lone , Hoei‐Hansen Christina E.
Published: December 2021

Aim

To investigate reasons for the declining prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) in children born at term in Denmark by evaluating obstetric and neonatal factors associated with CP, and their changes over time.

Method

In this cohort study, we included 987 495 children (504 600 [51.1%] males and 482 895 [48.9%] females) born after 37 completed gestational weeks during birth years 1997 to 2013. Risk ratios of CP for each factor were calculated with log‐binominal regression analyses. Significant factors were evaluated concerning their development in prevalence over time.

Results

In the antenatal period, there were significant associations with an increased risk of CP and high maternal body mass index (BMI), smoking during pregnancy, nulliparity, male sex, gestational age, and low birthweight. In the study period, fewer females smoked during pregnancy and fewer children were born post‐term, dropping from 22.6% to 11.4% and 9.4% to 2.5% respectively. Conversely, the proportion of females with high BMI increased. Most significant risk factors were found in the neonatal period, with an increase in children with diagnosed birth defects and children admitted to neonatal care.

Interpretation

Reasons for the declining prevalence of CP appear to be multifactorial and likely include the decline in maternal smoking and children born post‐term along with centralization and advances in neonatal treatment.
Conservation of freshwater eels in food‐web studies: Non‐lethal stable isotope analyses substitute fin for muscle tissue with lipid correction
Authors: Hicks Brendan J. , Smith Dylan R. , Pingram Michael A. , Kelly David J. , Fraley Kevin M.
Published: December 2021

Aquatic food‐web studies involving fish and using stable isotope analysis typically sample fish white muscle, which generally requires the fish to be euthanised. Alternatively, fin tissue can be sampled non‐lethally, avoiding the need to euthanise an animal to obtain what is usually a relatively small tissue sample. We set out to develop equations for converting δ13C and δ15N values from derived non‐lethally sampled fin tissue to equivalent white muscle tissue, for use in food‐web studies. We explored δ13C and δ15N values of paired fin‐clips and white muscle from two species of anguillid fishes, the endemic longfin eel (Anguilla dieffenbachii), and the Australasian shortfin eel (A. australis), sourced from multiple studies spread throughout New Zealand. We also examined the effect of lipid extraction on δ13C and δ15N, which reduced variability of δ13C when compared to untreated samples. We were also able to estimate δ13C values of equivalent lipid‐extracted muscle samples directly from untreated fin. For δ15N, paired untreated fin and muscle values were not statistically different so fin δ15N can be used as a direct estimate of muscle δ15N. Solvent lipid extraction with a methanol–chloroform mixture, however, altered δ15N values and increased variability, so should be avoided. We present equations to estimate lipid‐corrected δ13C values of muscle tissue for use in stable isotope studies of freshwater anguillids, avoiding euthanasia. Our results demonstrate that δ13C and δ15N values can be accurately derived from non‐lethally obtained fin clips, reducing unnecessary mortality in fish species of conservation concern.
The visual abstract: A social media fad or the future of dissemination
Authors: Castellanos Angela , Wray Charlie M.
Published: December 2021

This editorial discusses the emergence of visual abstracts within journals to disseminate findings. Published alongside Aggarwal's retrospective study reporting that visual abstracts do not increase impact scores more than conventional abstracts of clinical research, it is suggested that visual abstracts may have a greater impact for smaller, specialty journals.
Isolation and agricultural potential of penicillic acid against citrus canker
Authors: Vieira Gabrielle , Khalil Zeinab G. , Capon Robert J. , Sette Lara D. , Ferreira Henrique , Sass Daiane C.
Published: December 2021

Aims

The control of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (X. citri), causal agent of citrus canker, relies heavily on integrated agricultural practices involving the use of copper-based chemicals. Considering the need for alternatives to control this disease and the potential of fungi from extreme environments as producers of bioactive metabolites, we isolated and identified a bioactive compound from Penicillium sp. CRM 1540 isolated from Antarctica marine sediment.

Methods and Results

The potential of compound as an antibacterial agent against X. citri was assessed through in vitro and greenhouse experiments. Molecular taxonomy indicates that this fungus is a possible new species of Penicillium. Results revealed 90% bacterial inhibition in vitro at 25 µg ml–1 and a decrease in 75.37% of citrus canker symptoms emergency in vivo in treated leaves of Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck considering the number of lesions per cm2 (p < 0.05) in comparison with the control. The structure of the active agent was identified as penicillic acid based on a detailed spectroscopic analysis.

Conclusion

Penicillic acid can be an alternative against citrus canker.

Significance and Impact of Study

Research into extremophile micro-organisms can identify molecules with biotechnological potential and alternatives to current agricultural practices.
Regional Technological Capabilities and the Access to H2020 Funds
Authors: Archibugi Daniele , Evangelista Rinaldo , Vezzani Antonio
Published: December 2021

This contribution provides fresh evidence on the factors facilitating the access to H2020 funds by EU regions focusing on the role played by pre‐existing technological endowments. The empirical analysis aims at assessing if, and the extent to which, the regional distribution of such resources strictly reflects the technological capabilities of regions (with the risk of a perpetuation or even a deepening of pre‐existing technological gaps) or, alternatively, whether a rebalancing allocation mechanism (able to mitigate technological asymmetries) is at work. We show that an overall rebalancing effect of H2020 seems to dominate thanks to the ‘collaborative‐inclusive logic’ of the Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and the Innovation Actions (IA). The latter have been able to more than compensate the ‘elitarian’ nature of the other two pillars of H2020, namely the European Research Council (ERC) and the Marie Skłodowska‐Curie Actions.
Estimated energy and nutrient intake for infants following baby‐led and traditional weaning approaches
Authors: Rowan Hannah , Lee Michelle , Brown Amy
Published: December 2021

Background

Baby‐led weaning (BLW), where infants self‐feed without the use of spoon‐feeding by a caregiver, continues to be a popular approach for starting solids. However, concerns remain amongst health professionals that infants using this method may not consume sufficient energy or nutrients from solid foods. Little research has examined how different weaning approaches shape dietary intake. The present study aimed to use a 3‐day weighed diet diary to measure estimated energy and nutrient intake in infants aged 6–12 months.

Methods

Diet diaries were completed by 71 parents and analysed to compare estimated infant intake from milk and solid foods for those either following a BLW or traditional spoon‐feeding approach (TW). Intake was analysed for each weaning group in two age groups: 26–39 and 40–52 weeks, to account for different eating patterns at the start and end of the weaning process.

Results

For the younger infants, significant differences in estimated energy intake were found, with TW infants consuming 285 kcal from solid foods compared with 120 kcal for BLW infants. Conversely, BLW infants consumed more calories and nutrients from breast or formula milk, consistent with a slower transition to solid foods. No differences were found in estimated intake amongst older infants, suggesting that BLW infants had ‘caught up’ with their spoon‐fed peers.

Conclusions

Overall, few infants regardless of weaning group met recommended intake guidelines for energy (either over or under consuming) with many deficient in iron and zinc intake. The findings are important for those supporting parents through the transition to solid foods.
Musculotendinous system of mesopelagic fishes: Stomiiformes (Teleostei)
Authors: Schnell Nalani K. , Kriwet Jürgen , López‐Romero Faviel A. , Lecointre Guillaume , Pfaff Cathrin
Published: December 2021

Every night the greatest migration on Earth starts in the deep pelagic oceans where organisms move up to the meso‐ and epipelagic to find food and return to the deeper zones during the day. One of the dominant fish taxa undertaking vertical migrations are the dragonfishes (Stomiiformes). However, the functional aspects of locomotion and the architecture of the musculotendinous system (MTS) in these fishes have never been examined. In general, the MTS is organized in segmented blocks of specific three‐dimensional ‘W‐shaped’ foldings, the myomeres, separated by thin sheets of connective tissue, the myosepta. Within a myoseptum characteristic intermuscular bones or tendons may be developed. Together with the fins, the MTS forms the functional unit for locomotion in fishes. For this study, microdissections of cleared and double stained specimens of seven stomiiform species (Astronesthes sp., Chauliodus sloani, Malacosteus australis, Eustomias simplex, Polymetme sp., Sigmops elongatus, Argyropelecus affinis) were conducted to investigate their MTS. Soft tissue was investigated non‐invasively in E. schmidti using a micro‐CT scan of one specimen stained with iodine. Additionally, classical histological serial sections were consulted. The investigated stomiiforms are characterized by the absence of anterior cones in the anteriormost myosepta. These cones are developed in myosepta at the level of the dorsal fin and elongate gradually in more posterior myosepta. In all but one investigated stomiiform taxon the horizontal septum is reduced. The amount of connective tissue in the myosepta is very low anteriorly, but increases gradually with body length. Red musculature overlies laterally the white musculature and exhibits strong tendons in each myomere within the muscle bundles dorsal and ventral to the horizontal midline. The amount of red musculature increases immensely towards the caudal fin. The elongated lateral tendons of the posterior body segments attach in a highly complex pattern on the caudal‐fin rays, which indicates that the posterior most myosepta are equipped for a multisegmental force transmission towards the caudal fin. This unique anatomical condition might be essential for steady swimming during diel vertical migrations, when prey is rarely available.
Spatial and land‐use determinants of bat species richness, functional diversity, and site uniqueness throughout the largest Tropical country, Brazil
Authors: Bogoni Juliano A. , Carvalho‐Rocha Vítor , da Silva Pedro Giovâni
Published: December 2021

Bats are one of the most species‐rich mammal groups in the Tropics. This highly radiated group embodies many distinct ecomorphological traits, prompting their functional diversity. Furthermore, bat assemblages typically have high beta‐diversity due to distinctive compositions across geographic gradients.

We aimed to understand the distribution of multifaceted bat diversity metrics (i.e. species richness, functional richness, Rao’s quadratic entropy, and local contribution to beta‐diversity) as a function of land‐cover variables, environmental productivity and complexity, and anthropogenic features in the largest Tropical country worldwide: Brazil.

We gathered data on bat distribution based on empirical published datasets and embodied the assemblages at the metacommunity scale, based on 10‐km radial clusters. We obtained spatial data on land cover, gross primary production, vegetation height, and human population density for the same radial clusters. We analysed the data via diversity metrics, descriptive statistics, and generalised additive models.

Our results showed that two main metaregions (central‐western Amazon and the Atlantic coast) embrace the largest richness of bat species. The major positive predictor of bat diversity metrics was vegetation height. Bat diversity metrics throughout Brazil were also significantly influenced by agriculture (negatively) and urban cover (partially positively).

We can conclude that bat diversity is more predictable from vegetation height and landscape features – especially agriculture and urban cover – at the metacommunity scale, whereas functional and local contributions to beta‐diversity metrics are more predictable from spatial autocorrelations, with some biome‐induced constrained effects. For the conservation of Brazilian bats and the many ecosystem services they provide, it is absolutely essential to prevent the further collapse of Brazilian biomes that is currently ongoing and fuelled by landscape changes, expansion of agribusiness frontiers, deforestation, and fires.
Proficiency and Preference Organization in Second Language Mandarin Chinese Refusals
Authors: WU JINGXUAN , ROEVER CARSTEN
Published: December 2021

This study investigates second language (L2) interactional competence in Mandarin Chinese, with a specific focus on dispreference organization in refusals. Twenty‐eight L2 Chinese learners at 3 proficiency levels (A2, B1, and B2) and 10 native speakers each participated in 3 role plays. We found that learners at different levels clearly differed in their ability to organize refusals as dispreferred and to fine tune their refusal to the initiating action. Lower intermediate (A2) learners either fronted negative responses or adopted a single dispreference marker (e.g., apologies, pauses, prefatory particles, etc.), whereas upper intermediate (B1) learners overwhelming delayed their refusals and never produced straightforward negations, also showing different organizations of refusals depending on the initiating action. Advanced learners combined sequential tools and linguistic devices to demonstrate a strong orientation toward affiliation, and clearly oriented to scenarios differentially. However, they lagged behind native speakers, who had more diversified interactional tools and systematically oriented to features of the initiating actions. We attribute the differences partially to L2 proficiency, though proficiency‐independent increase in contextual sensitivity can be observed.
A heuristic underlies the search for relief inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Meda Nicola , Menti Giulio Maria , Megighian Aram , Zordan Mauro Agostino
Published: December 2021

Humans rely on multiple types of sensory information to make decisions, and strategies that shorten decision‐making time by taking into account fewer but essential elements of information are preferred to strategies that require complex analyses. Such shortcuts to decision making are known as heuristics. The identification of heuristic principles in species phylogenetically distant to humans would shed light on the evolutionary origin of speed–accuracy trade‐offs and offer the possibility for investigating the brain representations of such trade‐offs, urgency and uncertainty. By performing experiments on spatial learning in the invertebrateDrosophila melanogaster, we show that the fly's search strategies conform to a spatial heuristic—the nearest neighbor rule—to avoid bitter taste (a negative stimulation). That is,Drosophilavisits a salient location closest to its current position to stop the negative stimulation; only if this strategy proves unsuccessful does the fly use other learned associations to avoid bitter taste. Characterizing a heuristic inD. melanogastersupports the view that invertebrates can, when making choices, operate on economic principles, as well as the conclusion that heuristic decision making dates to at least 600 million years ago.
Revisiting the theory of revenue diversification: Insights from an empirical analysis of municipal budgetary solvency
Authors: Jimenez Benedict S. , Afonso Whitney B.
Published: December 2021

How does revenue diversification shape the budgetary solvency of city governments? Previous studies informed by the public choice/fiscal illusion perspective suggest that diversification leads to unsustainable government expansion and budgetary imbalance. In contrast, the organizational adaptation/modern portfolio theory suggests that diversification enables government to prepare for external fiscal shocks. We use different measures of revenue diversification and rely on audited financial information to develop general fund‐based and government‐wide budgetary solvency measures for more than 500 midsized and large cities in the United States from 2006 to 2012. Addressing omitted variable bias, the results of the econometric analyses indicate that the type of diversification matters. Specifically, diversifying to non‐tax sources improves budgetary solvency as indicated by higher government‐wide operating ratio and reserves, whereas diversifying within the tax structure produces the opposite effects. The contradictory results point to the need to rethink current theories of diversification, which do not recognize the different ways that revenue structures can be broadened, and how these produce distinct effects on fiscal performance. We lay out the critical first step in clarifying and further developing a more nuanced theory by proposing three causal mechanisms outlining the pathways through which the types of diversification can influence budget outcomes.
Eosinophils and melanoma: Implications for immunotherapy
Authors: Robinson India , Santa Lucia Gabriella , Li Andraia , Oberholtzer Nathaniel , Plante John , Quinn Kristen M. , Reuben Daniel , Mehrotra Shikhar , Valdebran Manuel
Published: December 2021

New therapies such as immune checkpoint blockers (ICB) have offered extended survival to patients affected by advanced melanoma. However, ICBs have demonstrated debilitating side effects on the joints, liver, lungs, skin, and gut. Several biomarkers have been identified for their role in predicting which patients better tolerate ICBs. Still, these biomarkers are limited by immunologic and genetic heterogeneity and the complexity of translation into clinical practice. Recent observational studies have suggested eosinophil counts, and serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein are significantly associated with prolonged survival in advanced‐stage melanoma. It is likely that eosinophils thereby modulate treatment response through mechanisms yet to be explored. Here, we review the functionality of eosinophils, their oncogenic role in melanoma and discuss how these mechanisms may influence patient response to ICBs and their implications in clinical practice.
Deficits in facial emotional valence processing in older people with subjective memory complaints: Behavioral and electrophysiological evidence
Authors: Perez Vanesa , Garrido‐Chaves Ruth , Zapater‐Fajarí Mariola , Pulopulos Matias M. , Barbosa Fernando , Hidalgo Vanesa , Salvador Alicia
Published: December 2021

Subjective memory complaints (SMCs), which occur in the absence of clinical memory deficits, may precede mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Some studies have reported a deficit in facial emotion processing in people with MCI or AD. However, it is unclear whether this deficit is also present in older people with SMCs. The present study used behavioral measurements and event‐related potentials (ERPs) to investigate the facial emotion processing of 41 older people with SMCs and 38 without SMCs. The task contained 204 images displaying facial emotions (positive, negative, and neutral). In terms of behavior, our results showed that participants with SMCs were slower and less accurate than controls. In terms of ERPs, the N170 latency was longer in men with SMCs than in controls, whereas no differences were observed between groups in the P300 and late positive potential (LPP) latencies or amplitudes. Moreover, in participants with SMCs, higher P300 and LPP amplitudes were related to better performance on working memory, psychomotor speed, and attention. Additionally, women were faster and more accurate than men on the facial emotion‐processing task. In sum, these results suggest that older people with SMCs may have deficits in the processing of facial expressions of emotion. However, this deficit seems to affect the structural encoding of faces, rather than the late stages of processing.
What is algorithmic governance?
Authors: Issar Shiv , Aneesh Aneesh
Published: December 2021

This article contributes a coherent framework to the rich literature emerging in the field of algorithmic governance while also resolving conflicting understandings. Tracing the history of algorithmic governance to the broad architecture of the universal Turing Machine, the article identifies a common thread of critical concern in the literature on algorithmic governance: the growing institutional capabilities to move contestable issues to a space of reduced negotiability, raising questions of social asymmetry, inequity, and inequality. Within the social context of algorithmic governance, the article highlights three general areas of concern where the social negotiability of processes is threatened: the problem of power (surveillance), discrimination (social bias), and identification (system identity).
Racial and gender disparities in elementary mathematics
Authors: Boda Phillip A. , James Katherine , Sotelo Jose , McGee Steven , Uttal David
Published: December 2021

Disparities in Mathematics performance have been shown across race and gender for decades, although little research has reported the race by gender nexus in terms of disparity. In turn, research done to ameliorate these disparities have assumed that these differences are primarily among student populations who need remedial learning improvement. In this research, we test these assumptions by using multinomial regression analyses and adjusted mean comparisons with bias‐corrected effect sizes from a data set of ~20,000 2nd grade students in Chicago. Further, we contribute to previous elementary Mathematics research by illuminating the powerful impacts that spatial reasoning integrations into Mathematics curriculum and pedagogy can have for all students' learning. Our findings provide empirical support that even after accounting for the effects of school composition, racial disparities exist in the beginning and persist throughout the year, among 2nd grade students. However, upon disaggregating students by race, gender, and median split, such disparities are greatest among students that are above the median. Our results encourage quantitative research analyses that explore ways to reduce Mathematics disparities to sharpen their approaches to be more sensitive to the achievement levels of students among such equity inquiries.
THE EFFECT OF SEA WATER IMMERSION ON BUTON ASPHALT (AS-BUTON) MIXTURE
Authors: Sugiyanto Gito , Widarini Wahyu , Indriyati Eva Wahyu
Published: December 2021

One of the causes of flexible pavement damage is being submerged in water with a high acidity, such as seawater. To overcome this condition, a study on the use of buton asphalt (as-buton) was conducted. The advantages of as-buton are that it has higher adhesion and is more resistant to temperature changes. As-buton modification by mixing Lawele as-buton Southeast Sulawesi with oil asphalt pen 60/70. This study focuses on determining the effect of the addition of as-buton to the modified asphalt mixture and the effect of seawater immersion on as-buton mixture based on the Marshall characteristic test. The percentage by weight of as-buton used is 5%, 7.5%, and 10%. The immersion was carried out in freshwater and seawater immersion for up to 24 hours at a temperature of 30°C. The result of this study show that the addition of as-buton increase the value of stability, void in mixture, Marshall quotient (MQ), and void in mineral aggregate, but reduce the flow, void filled with asphalt, and density. The increase of stability and MQ value in seawater-immersion due to the addition of as-buton was higher than that in freshwater. The stability value of the 10% modified as-buton mixture in freshwater-immersion increased by 169.338 kg (14.61%) and in seawater-immersion increased by 1261.669 kg (55.65%). The flow value in freshwater-immersion decreased by 1.9 mm (25.33%) while in seawater-immersion decreased by 1 mm (14.08%). For further research, variations in the addition of as-buton will be carried out to produces a modified asphalt mixture.
THE EFFECT OF UTILIZING SILICA FUME AND EGGSHELL ASH ON THE GEOTECHNICAL PROPERTIES OF SOFT KAOLIN CLAY
Authors: Zaini Muhammad Syamsul Imran , Hasan Muzamir , Sin Yie Ling , Masri Khairil Azman , Putra Jaya Ramadhansyah , Hyodo Masayuki , Winter Michael James
Published: December 2021

The application of chemical stabilizer in soil stabilization can effectively reduce the negative environmental impact in the construction industry. However, the stabilization of soft clay remains a challenge due to the costly and non-eco-friendly materials such as cement and lime. This research demonstrates the combination of SF and ESA in stabilizing the kaolin soils, based on the basic engineering properties and undrained shear strength (USS). Its effect was studied via the inclusion as cement replacement material in kaolin soil at 2, 4 and 6% (by weight of dry soft kaolin clay soil) of SF and ESA substitutions of 3, 6 and 9% (by weight of dry soft kaolin clay and SF content). The result shows a considerably lower specific gravity (4.9% reduction), reduced plasticity index (PI)(48.4% reduction), decreased maximum dry density (MDD) (5.5% reduction), increased optimum moisture content (OMC)(8.7% increment), and higher USS (68.8%). In conclusion, the combinations of SF and ESA as soil stabilization agents successfully enhance the soil strength of the kaolin opening a route to the low cost and eco-friendly materials in soil stabilization.
Phase Portrait Trajectory of a Three Degree-of-Freedom Vehicular Dynamic Model
Authors: Zhu An-Ding , He Guan-Nan , Duan Shun-Chang , Li Wei-Han , Bai Xian-Xu ‘Frank’
Published: December 2021

This article formulates a front-wheel-drive three degree-of-freedom (3DOF) four-wheel planar vehicle model with the Magic Formula tire model. The state variables' evolutions of the model, i.e., trajectories of the model under acceleration and deacceleration conditions, are analyzed. The process of evolution is divided into desirable and undesirable phases based on the response characteristics of the vehicle to the driver input during the process. The trajectories are categorized as unsaturated trajectories and saturated trajectories by the existence of saturated tires during these phases. The response of state variables to driver input under acceleration conditions during undesirable phases are zero or even opposite, while the response of undesirable phases under the deacceleration condition is partially positive. Besides, the existing yaw rate safety envelope is recalibrated by using a longitudinal and lateral tire force coupling model. A more accurate yaw rate safety envelope is obtained from the given driver input. Furthermore, a longitudinal speed safety envelope is proposed according to the relationships among slip angle, yaw rate, and longitudinal speed. These safety envelopes are determined by driver input, tire properties, and grip condition. After overlaying yaw rate and longitudinal speed safety envelopes in the state space, the feasibility of using the safety envelope as trajectory classification criteria is discussed.
Pump Technology Interchange—As Embraced by Dr. S. Gopalakrishnan, Vice President, Technology of Flowserve Pump Division
Authors: Cooper Paul
Published: December 2021

Himself a major technical team player in a for-profit corporation, the stance adopted by Dr. S. Gopalakrishnan vis à vis the wider engineering community is examined and found to be instructive for technology leadership in general. First, in the context of his particular experience, are highlighted the mutual benefits of a corporation maintaining relationships with universities. Then come the similar advantages of his participation in professional societies and symposia and the attendant contributions to the open literature, including the competitive drive for doing so. Such activity fortuitously led him to the more direct relationships with competitors that characterize a research consortium of manufacturers in the same industry.
Numerical Investigation of Negative Flow Characteristics in a Centrifugal Compressor With Vaned Diffuser and Internal Volute
Authors: Qiao Bing , Ju Yaping , Zhang Chuhua
Published: December 2021

Negative flow from the outlet through the volute, diffuser, and impeller to the inlet of the centrifugal compressor can occur continuously as a result of system accidents. A physical comprehension of negative flow dynamics is crucial in evaluating the compressor characteristics under abnormal working conditions and is also important in exploring the compressor aerodynamics over the entire flow range. However, limited research on the negative flow dynamics in centrifugal compressors, particularly with the consideration of vaned diffusers and volutes, can be found. This study aims to determine the compressor characteristics, including the negative flow rates of a centrifugal compressor, and to clarify the negative flow mechanism under the interaction of the volute, diffuser, and impeller. The last stage of a four-stage centrifugal compressor, including an internal volute, a vaned diffuser, and a closed impeller, was simulated under both positive and negative flow conditions using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. The results show that the pressure ratio–negative flow characteristic is almost matched with a parabolic curve. At negative flow rates, the backflow generated on the hub and shroud sides in the impeller expands upstream and causes flow separation in the diffuser. The negative flow enters the impeller at a large incidence angle and results in jet-wall impingement on the pressure surface, flow spillage over the trailing edge, and flow separation near the suction surface. The impeller partially acts as a turbine impeller and performs negative work on the fluid. This work is of scientific significance to enrich the compressor aerodynamics in accident scenarios and of engineering value to improve the advanced design of compressor protection systems.
Dimensional Effects of Polymer Piezoelectric Films for Wind Energy Harvesting
Authors: Scott Phillip C. , Jackson Nathan , Poroseva Svetlana V.
Published: December 2021

Arrays of flexible polymer piezoelectric film cantilevers that mimic grass or leaves is a prospective idea for harvesting wind energy in urban areas, where the use of traditional technologies is problematic due to low wind velocities. Conversion of this idea into an economically attractive technology depends on various factors including the shape and dimensions of individual films to maximize generated power and to minimize associated costs of production, operation, and maintenance. The latter requirement can be satisfied with rectangular films undergoing flutter in ambient air. Flexible piezoelectric films that displace due to low forces and can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy are ideal for this application. The goal of the presented study is to determine the key dimensions of the piezoelectric film to enhance generated power within the wind range characteristic for urban areas from 1.3 to 7.6 m/s. For this purpose, experiments were conducted in a wind tunnel using piezoelectric polymer films of polyvinylidine fluoride with the length, width, and thickness varying in the ranges of 32–150, 16–22, and 40–64 μm, respectively. Voltage and power outputs for individual samples were measured at wind speeds ranging from 0.5 to 16.5 m/s. Results demonstrated that a single film could produce up to 0.74 nW and that the optimal film dimensions are 63 mm × 22 mm × 40 μm (from considered samples) for the wind energy harvesting in urban areas. Further improvement in power production can be expected when using films with reduced thickness, low elastic modulus, and increased length, and by assembling films in arrays.
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 into and within immigrant households: nationwide registry study from Norway
Authors: Methi Fredrik , Hart Rannveig Kaldager , Godøy Anna Aasen , Jørgensen Silje Bakken , Kacelnik Oliver , Telle Kjetil Elias
Published: December 2021

Background

Minority groups and immigrants have been hit disproportionally hard by COVID-19 in many developed countries, including Norway.

Methods

Using individual-level registry data of all Norwegian residents, we compared infections across all multiperson households. A household with at least one member born abroad was defined as an immigrant household. In households where at least one person tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 from 1 August 2020 to 1 May 2021, we calculated secondary attack rates (SARs) as the per cent of other household members testing positive within 14 days. Logistic regression was used to adjust for sex, age, household composition and geography.

Results

Among all multiperson households in Norway (n=1 422 411), at least one member had been infected in 3.7% of the 343 017 immigrant households and 1.4% in the 1 079 394 households with only Norwegian-born members. SARs were higher in immigrant (32%) than Norwegian-born households (20%). SARs differed considerably by region, and were particularly high in households from West Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa and East Asia, also after adjustment for sex and age of the secondary case, household composition and geography.

Conclusion

SARS-CoV-2 is more frequently introduced into multiperson immigrant households than into households with only Norwegian-born members, and transmission within the household occurs more frequently in immigrant households. The results are likely related to living conditions, family composition or differences in social interaction, emphasising the need to prevent introduction of SARS-CoV-2 into these vulnerable households.
Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Chunmei , Yin Yue , Wang Le , Guo Xiaozhong , Liu Lu , Qi Xingshun
Published: December 2021

Background

Helicobacter pylori infection and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) negatively affect the quality of life. Some previous studies found that H. pylori infection should be positively associated with the risk of IBS, but others did not. The present study aims to clarify this association, and to further analyse whether H. pylori treatment can improve IBS symptoms.

Materials and methods

The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal and Wanfang databases were searched. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effect model. The pooled odds ratios (ORs)/risk ratios (RRs) and their 95% CIs were calculated. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the Cochran’s Q test and I2 statistics. Meta-regression analysis was used to explore the sources of heterogeneity.

Results

Thirty-one studies with 21 867 individuals were included. Meta-analysis of 27 studies found that patients with IBS had a significantly higher risk of H. pylori infection than those without (OR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.18; p < 0.001). The heterogeneity was statistically significant (I² = 85%; p < 0.001). Meta-regression analyses indicated that study design and diagnostic criteria of IBS might be the potential sources of heterogeneity. Meta-analysis of eight studies demonstrated that H. pylori eradication treatment had a higher improvement rate of IBS symptoms (RR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.39; p < 0.001). The heterogeneity was not significant (I² = 32%; p = 0.170). Meta-analysis of four studies also demonstrated that successful H. pylori eradication had a higher improvement rate of IBS symptoms (RR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.53; p = 0.040). The heterogeneity was not significant (I² = 1%; p = 0.390).

Conclusion

H. pylori infection is associated with an increased risk of IBS. H. pylori eradication treatment can improve IBS symptoms.
High Specific Energy Li7La3Zr2O12 Solid Electrolyte Based Thermal Battery
Authors: Yang Min , Fu Licai , Luo Zeshunji , Zhu Jiajun , Yang Wulin , Zhou Lingping
Published: December 2021

Garnet-type Ta-doped Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZTO) solid electrolyte has been widely investigated for secondary Li ionic or metal batteries at ambient temperature. Because of the increasing ionic conductivity of LLZTO with temperature, we applied the LLZTO solid electrolyte to thermal battery working at 550 °C. The LLZTO presents ultrahigh specific energy as the discharge specific energy and specific power is 605 W h kg−1 and 2.74 kW kg−1 at 100 mA cm−2 with a cut-off voltage of 1.8 V, respectively. This is larger than the LiF–LiCl-LiBr electrolyte which is commonly used in thermal battery with a specific energy of 514 W h kg−1. The internal resistance of the single cell reaches 0.65 Ω, but the specific energy remains at about 400 W h kg−1 as the current density increases to 400 mA cm−2. We report the application of LLZTO in thermal battery with high specific energy, large current, and high voltage discharge for the first time, broadening the application range of solid electrolytes.
PEM Single Cells under Differential Conditions: Full Factorial Parameterization of the ORR and HOR Kinetics and Loss Analysis
Authors: Gerling Christophe , Hanauer Matthias , Berner Ulrich , Andreas Friedrich K.
Published: December 2021

The anode and cathode kinetics are parameterized based on differential cell measurements. Systematic parameter variations are evaluated to disentangle the dependencies of the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) signatures in H2/H2 mode. We introduce a new CO recovery protocol for both electrodes that enables to accurately characterize the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) kinetics. Then, we demonstrate that a compact Tafel kinetics law captures the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics for a full factorial grid of conditions, covering a wide range of relative humidities (rH), temperatures, oxygen partial pressures and current densities. This yields the characteristic activation energy and effective reaction order, and we reconcile models that make different assumptions regarding the rH dependency. Moreover, we analyze O2 transport contributions by steady-state and transient limiting current techniques and heliox measurements. Although the rising uncertainty of loss corrections at high current densities makes it impossible to unambiguously identify an intrinsic potential-dependent change of the Tafel slope, our data support that such effect needs not be considered for steady-state cathodic half-cell potentials above 0.8 V.
Considerations and challenges of islet transplantation and future therapies on the horizon
Authors: Walker Sophie , Appari Mahesh , Forbes Shareen
Published: December 2021

Islet transplantation is a treatment for selected adults with type 1 diabetes and severe hypoglycemia. Islets from two or more donor pancreases, a scarce resource, are usually required to impact glycemic control, but the treatment falls short of a cure. Islets are avascular when transplanted into the hypoxic liver environment and subjected to inflammatory insults, immune attack, and toxicity from systemic immunosuppression. The Collaborative Islet Transplant Registry, with outcome data on over 1,000 islet transplant recipients, has demonstrated that larger islet numbers transplanted and older age of recipients are associated with better outcomes. Induction with T-cell depleting agents and the TNF-α inhibitor etanercept and maintenance systemic immunosuppression with mTOR inhibitors in combination with calcineurin inhibitors also appear advantageous, but concerns remain over immunosuppressive toxicity. We discuss strategies and therapeutics that address specific challenges of islet transplantation, many of which are at the preclinical stage of development. On the horizon are adjuvant cell therapies with mesenchymal stromal cells and regulatory T cells that have been used in preclinical models and in humans in other contexts; such a strategy may enable reductions in immunosuppression in the early peri-transplant period when the islets are vulnerable to apoptosis. Human embryonic stem cell-derived islets are in early-phase clinical trials and hold the promise of an inexhaustible supply of insulin-producing cells; effective encapsulation of such cells or, silencing of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex would eliminate the need for immunosuppression, enabling this therapy to be used in all those with type 1 diabetes.
Method for Predicting Failure Rate of Airborne Equipment Based on Optimal Combination Model
Authors: Li WenQiang , Hou Ning , Sun XiangKun
Published: December 2021

Accurate prediction of airborne equipment failure rate can provide correct repair and maintenance decisions and effectively establish a health management mechanism. This plays an important role in ensuring the safe use of the aircraft and flight safety. This paper proposes an optimal combination forecasting model, which mixes five single models (Multiple Linear Regression model (MLR), Gray model GM (1, N), Partial Least Squares model (PLS), Artificial Neural Network model (BP), and Support Vector Machine model (SVM)). The combined model and its single model are compared with the other three algorithms. Seven classic comparison functions are used for predictive performance evaluation indicators. The research results show that the combined model is superior to other models in terms of prediction accuracy. This paper provides a practical and effective method for predicting the airborne equipment failure rate.