bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reuse of Electric Arc Furnace Slag as Filler for Nitrile Butadiene Rubber
Authors: Gobetti Anna , Cornacchia Giovanna , Ramorino Giorgio
Published: January 2022

Abstract

This work shows an innovative application for electric arc furnace (EAF) slag: its use as a filler for nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). Composites with various EAF slag contents were tested. It was found that the polymer matrix significantly reduces the leaching of slag (determined according to the standard CEN-EN 12457-2) incorporated in the NBR. The processability characteristics determined by the rheometric curves highlight that the EAF slag accelerates the crosslinking kinetics, reducing the production cycle time. Mechanical characterization demonstrated that EAF slag increases hardness and compression modulus. The ability to recover an imposed deformation quantified by the compression set is reduced as the EAF slag amount increases but remains below an acceptable value. It can be stated that in sealing systems, the EAF slag as a filler for NBR positively affects the compound properties. Moreover, NBR filled with EAF slag also has magnetic properties compared with standard rubber.
Uric Acid, Hypertensive Phenotypes, and Organ Damage: Data from the Pamela Study
Authors: Grassi Guido , Vanoli Jennifer , Facchetti Rita , Mancia Giuseppe
Published: January 2022

Purpose of Review

To examine published and unpublished data collected in the context of the Pressioni Arteriose Monitorate E Loro Associazioni (PAMELA) study on the relationships between serum uric acid (SUA), office and out-of-office blood pressure (BP), and organ damage.

Recent Findings

SUA values were directly and significantly related to a large number of covariates that participate at cardiovascular risk determination, such as blood glucose, total serum cholesterol, serum triglycerides, body mass index, and serum creatinine. Additional variables included echocardiographically-determined left ventricular mass index and BP values, the latter not just when measured in the office but also when evaluated at home or over the 24-h period. White-coat hypertension and masked hypertension were characterized, as sustained hypertension, by a significant increase in SUA levels, which were also directly related to different indices of 24-h BP variability. No substantial difference in SUA levels was found when data were analyzed according to the dipping or non-dipping nocturnal BP profile.

Data collected in the frame of the PAMELA study document the presence of a close relationship between SUA levels and BP values independently on the hypertensive phenotype patterns of BP increase (office, 24 h, or both) and nighttime BP profile. They also document the increase in SUA as a potential factor favoring the occurrence of new hypertension and new left ventricular hypertrophy.
End-of-Life Care in Patients with Cancer 16–24 Years of Age
Authors: Emerson Natacha D. , Tabuenca Krista , Bursch Brenda
Published: January 2022

Purpose of Review

To present new findings in order to aid in the provision of high-quality symptom management and psychosocial care for adolescents and young adults with advanced cancer at the end of life.

Recent Findings

Behavioral health providers support patients by teaching them symptom control skills, building legacies, and making meaning of their lives. Integration of cultural values is essential for comprehensive assessment and decision-making. Effective management of physiological symptoms and psychological distress begins with accurate communication about prognosis and goals of care that focus on patient preferences and priorities. Oncology teams promote quality of life and the successful management of fatigue, pain, decreased mobility, poor appetite, and dyspnea with the early inclusion of palliative care.

While provision of end-of-life care in a young person with cancer presents challenges, multidisciplinary teams can effectively accompany patients in this journey by prioritizing patient and family preferences to promote quality of life.
Palmitic Acid and Oleic Acid Differently Modulate TLR2-Mediated Inflammatory Responses in Microglia and Macrophages
Authors: Howe Anne-Marie , Burke Sinéad , O’Reilly Marcella E. , McGillicuddy Fiona C. , Costello Derek A.
Published: January 2022

The relationship between systemic immunity and neuroinflammation is widely recognised. Infiltration of peripheral immune cells to the CNS during certain chronic inflammatory states contributes significantly to neuropathology. Obesity and its co-morbidities are primary risk factors for neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Dietary fats are among the most proinflammatory components of the obesogenic diet and play a prominent role in the low-grade systemic inflammation associated with the obese state. Saturated fatty acid (SFA) is largely implicated in the negative consequences of obesity, while the health benefits of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) are widely acknowledged. The current study sought to explore whether SFA and MUFA differently modulate inflammatory responses in the brain, compared with peripheral immune cells. Moreover, we assessed the neuroinflammatory impact of high-fat-induced obesity and hypothesised that a MUFA-rich diet might mitigate inflammation despite obesogenic conditions. Toll-like receptor (TLR)2 mediates the inflammation associated with both obesity and AD. Using the TLR2 agonist lipoteichoic acid (LTA), we report that pre-exposure to either palmitic acid (PA) or oleic acid (OA) attenuated cytokine secretion from microglia, but heightened sensitivity to nitric oxide (NO) production. The reduction in cytokine secretion was mirrored in LTA-stimulated macrophages following exposure to PA only, while effects on NO were restricted to OA, highlighting important cell-specific differences. An obesogenic diet over 12 weeks did not induce prominent inflammatory changes in either cortex or hippocampus, irrespective of fat composition. However, we reveal a clear disparity in the effects of MUFA under obesogenic and non-obesogenic conditions.
Reconstructing curves from their Hodge classes
Authors: Cifani Maria Gioia , Pirola Gian Pietro , Schlesinger Enrico
Published: January 2022

Let S be a smooth algebraic surface in $${\mathbb {P}}^3({\mathbb {C}})$$

P

3

(
C
)

. Movasati and Sertöz (Rend. Circ. Mat. Palermo 2:1–17, 2020) associate an ideal $$I_{\alpha (C)}$$

I

α
(
C
)

to the primitive cohomology class $$\alpha (C)$$

α
(
C
)

of C in S. We show that the equations of C can be determined by $$I_{\alpha (C)}$$

I

α
(
C
)

under numerical conditions. We apply this result to reconstruct rational curves and arithmetically Cohen-Macaulay curves from their cohomology classes. On the other hand, we show that the class $$\alpha (C)$$

α
(
C
)

of a rational quartic curve C on a smooth quartic surface S is not even perfect, that is, that $$I_{\alpha (C)}$$

I

α
(
C
)

is bigger than the sum of the Jacobian ideal of S and of the homogeneous ideals of curves D in S for which $$I_{\alpha (D)}=I_{\alpha (C)}$$

I

α
(
D
)

=

I

α
(
C
)

.
Effect of high nitrate contamination of groundwater on human health and water quality index in semi-arid region, South India
Authors: Ramalingam Saravanan , Panneerselvam Balamurugan , Kaliappan Shunmuga Priya
Published: January 2022

The specific objective of the present is to evaluate the human health issue due to the continuous consumption of nitrate-contaminated groundwater among the various age groups of people. In the study, 40 groundwater samples were collected during the post-monsoon season, and the major ions were analysed in a laboratory. Chadha plot revealed that weathering of parent rocks, ion exchange process and leaching of salts from the rocks are primary sources of groundwater contamination. Nitrate concentration varied from 24 to 78 mg/L with a mean of 46.45 mg/L. Nitrogen pollution index (NPI) value divulged that 40% and 17.5% of sample locations are moderately and significantly polluted due to elevated nitrate concentration in groundwater. The human health risk assessment model revealed that health issues are among the various age groups which are infants > kids > children > aged peoples > adults. The nitrate’s identified sources are leaching of salts from the rocks, using synthetic fertilizers, uncovered septic tanks and improper disposal of household waste from the residential area. Therefore, periodic inspection of water supply, health check-up and inspection of underground pipelines are the remedial measures that should be taken to reduce the severe effects of nitrate-contaminated drinking water in the study area.
A joint climate and nature cure: A transformative change perspective
Authors: Rusch Graciela M. , Bartlett Jesamine , Kyrkjeeide Magni Olsen , Lein Ulrika , Nordén Jenni , Sandvik Hanno , Stokland Håkon
Published: January 2022

Climate change has considerably dominated science-policy dialogue, public debate, and subsequently environmental policies since the three “Rio Conventions” were born. This has led to practically independent courses of action of climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation actions, neglecting potential conflicts among outcomes and with missed opportunities for synergistic measures. Transformative governance principles have been proposed to overcome these limitations. Using a transformative governance lens, we use the case of the Norwegian "Climate Cure 2030" for the Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector to, first, illustrate the mechanisms that have led to the choice of climate mitigation measures; second, to analyze the potential consequences of these measures on biodiversity and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; and, third, to evaluate alternative measures with potential positive outcomes for biodiversity and GHG emissions/removals. We point to some mechanisms that could support the implementation of these positive actions.
Spectral Characteristics of GEO Satellite Arcing – 300 To 350 MHz
Authors: Ferguson Dale C. , Perillat Phil , Vayner Boris
Published: January 2022

In a series of previous papers, the detection of arcing on GPS, Van Allen Probe, and GEO satellites with the Arecibo Observatory Wm. E. Gordon 305 m radiotelescope has been reported and elaborated. In this paper, characteristics of the radiofrequency spectra of two true GEO satellites are reported as they were measured with the Arecibo Mock spectrometer every 9.6 microseconds, and are contrasted with spectra of impulsive RFI (RadioFrequency Interference) events. It is shown that the arc spectra in the 300–350 MHz range are not continuous, but consist of a number of narrow spectral lines. These lines are consistent within the duration of single arcs, but change between arcs, so that when averaged over many arcs, the appearance of a continuous spectrum is approximated. This behavior is replicated in the laboratory within charging-induced vacuum arcing on small solar array samples. In contrast, the spectrum of impulsive RFI (including, but not limited to lightning strokes) is essentially random from one 9.6 microsecond sampling interval to the next. Since the spectrum of a true arc changes little throughout many samples, it cannot be due to the risetime of the arc current, which is much less than one sampling interval. Furthermore, in laboratory experiments done at very high time resolution (< 1 ns), there is little correlation between the arc current spectra and the arcing RFI spectra, indicating that even arc current fluctuations within each arc can have little to do with the UHF spectra observed.
Application and benchmark of SPH for modeling the impact in thermal spraying
Authors: Jeske Stefan Rhys , Bender Jan , Bobzin Kirsten , Heinemann Hendrik , Jasutyn Kevin , Simon Marek , Mokrov Oleg , Sharma Rahul , Reisgen Uwe
Published: January 2022

The properties of a thermally sprayed coating, such as its durability or thermal conductivity depend on its microstructure, which is in turn directly related to the particle impact process. To simulate this process, we present a 3D smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) model, which represents the molten droplet as an incompressible fluid, while a semi-implicit Enthalpy-Porosity method is applied for modeling the phase change during solidification. In addition, we present an implicit correction for SPH simulations, based on well-known approaches, from which we can observe improved performance and simulation stability. We apply our SPH method to the impact and solidification of Al$$_2$$

2

O$$_3$$

3

droplets onto a substrate and perform a comprehensive quantitative comparison of our method with the commercial software Ansys Fluent using the volume of fluid (VOF) approach, while taking identical physical effects into consideration. The results are evaluated in depth, and we discuss the applicability of either method for the simulation of thermal spray deposition. We also evaluate the droplet spread factor given varying initial droplet diameters and compare these results with an analytic expression from the previous literature. We show that SPH is an excellent method for solving this free surface problem accurately and efficiently.
Capacity Analysis of a Passenger Rail Hub Using Integrated Railway and Pedestrian Simulation
Authors: Pu Y. S. , Srikukenthiran S. , Morrow E. , Shalaby A. , Klumpenhouwer W.
Published: January 2022

As the level of passenger demand in rail transit systems increases, major railway stations in urban centres face serious capacity issues. Both analytical and simulation methods have been used to analyse complex station areas; however, prior efforts have only focused on either train or pedestrian movements with over-simplified assumptions that do not properly capture the impact of their interaction on capacity. This study applies an integrated crowd and transit simulation platform “Nexus” to simultaneously study the impact of pedestrian and train movements on the system performance of a complex railway station. Unlike other methods such as sequential simulation methods, the integrated simulation platform permits linkage between commercial-grade simulators. Instead of treating each simulator separately, this integrated method enables detailed modelling of how the train and crowd dynamic interact at station platforms. Such integration aims to explore the interactive effect on both types of movement and enable performance analysis possible only through this combination. To validate the model, a case study is performed on Toronto’s Union Station. Extensive data were collected, processed and input into railway and pedestrian models constructed using OpenTrack and MassMotion, respectively, and integrated via Nexus. Examining scenarios of increased levels of train and passenger volumes, a 9% drop in on-time performance of train operation is observed, while the level of service experienced by passengers on the platform deteriorates significantly due to crowding. Both length and variation in dwell time due to pedestrian movement are recognized as the main factors of performance deterioration, especially when the system approaches capacity limit. The simulation model produces estimates of the practical track-side capacity of the station and associated platform crowding levels, and helps identify locations where passengers experience severe overcrowding, which are not easily obtainable from mathematical models.
CRISPR/SpCas9-mediated KO of epigenetically active MORC proteins increases barley resistance to Bipolaris spot blotch and Fusarium root rot
Authors: Galli Matteo , Hochstein Selina , Iqbal Danish , Claar Martina , Imani Jafargholi , Kogel Karl-Heinz
Published: January 2022

Microrchidia (MORC) proteins are fundamental regulators of genome stabilization, chromatin remodeling and gene expression in both mammals and plants. In Arabidopsis, their activity is linked to the RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway, which utilizes small RNAs (sRNAs) to influence the rate of DNA methylation and chromatin compaction and thus gene expression. In barley, there are a total of seven members of the MORC family, and recent advances showed that HvMORC1 and HvMORC6a also interact with components of the RdDM pathway. CRISPR/SpCas9-mediated single and double knock-out mutants showed de-repression of transposable elements (TEs) and pathogenesis-related (PR) genes and interestingly increased resistance to both biotrophic and necrotrophic plant pathogenic fungi. In this study, we further demonstrate the requirement of MORC proteins in the resistance against two devastating cereal diseases, Bipolaris spot blotch, caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana and Fusarium root rot, caused by Fusarium graminearum.
Studies of the radiation environment on the Mars surface using the Geant4 toolkit
Authors: Chen Jun-Liang , Yun Su-Jun , Dong Tie-Kuang , Ren Zhong-Zhou , Zhang Xiao-Ping
Published: January 2022

The radiation environment on the surface of Mars is a potential threat for future manned exploration missions to this planet. In this study, a simple geometrical model was built for simulating the radiation environment on the Mars surface caused by galactic cosmic rays; the model was built and studied using the Geant4 toolkit. The simulation results were compared with the data reported by a radiation assessment detector (RAD). The simulated spectra of neutrons, photons, protons, $$\alpha$$
α
particles, and particle groups $$Z=3$$

Z
=
3

–5, $$Z=6$$

Z
=
6

–8, $$Z=9$$

Z
=
9

–13, and $$Z=14$$

Z
=
14

–24 were in a reasonable agreement with the RAD data. However, for deuterons, tritons, and $$\,^{3}{\mathrm{He}}$$

3

He

, the simulations yielded much smaller values than for the corresponding RAD data. In addition, the particles’ spectra within the $$90^{\circ }$$

90
∘

zenith angle were also obtained. Based on these spectra, we calculated the radiation dose that would have been received by an average human body on Mars. The distribution of the dose throughout the human body was not uniform. The absorbed and equivalent doses for the brain were the highest among all of the organs, reaching 62.0 ± 1.7 mGy/y and 234.1 ± 8.0 mSv/y, respectively. The average absorbed and equivalent doses for the entire body were approximately 44 mGy/y and 153 mSv/y, respectively. Further analysis revealed that most of the radiation dose was owing to $$\alpha$$
α
particles, protons, and heavy ions. We then studied the shielding effect of the Mars soil with respect to the radiation. The body dose decreased significantly with increasing soil depth. At the depth of 1.5 m, the effective dose for the entire body was 17.9 ± 2.4 mSv/y, lower than the dose limit for occupational exposure. At the depth of 3 m, the effective dose to the body was 2.7 ± 1.0 mSv/y, still higher than the accepted dose limit.
Online capability-based resource allocation for on-site construction operations utilizing digital twin models
Authors: Münker Sören , Wildemann Peter R. , Göppert Amon , Brell-Cokcan Sigrid , Schmitt Robert H.
Published: January 2022

Planning and controlling on-site construction operations are complex and dynamic procedures, mainly manually executed without algorithmic decision support. An initial challenge is to allocate available resources to construction processes based on required and available capabilities. Due to the dynamic nature of construction projects (e.g., redesigns, resource failure, unpredictable restrictions), there is a demand for frequent reallocation of resources. In recent years, researchers studied capability-based resource allocation approaches by defining ontologies to describe the capabilities of resources. However, since most of the existing approaches focus on ontologies for resources in production environments (e.g., industrial robots), the modeling and application of the models for online allocation in dynamic construction environments remain unsolved. In this study, an ontology-based Digital Twin model, adopted from a production engineering background, is used to enable online capability-based resource allocations for construction-specific approaches. The Digital Twin model can be updated by a lightweight, publish-subscribe network, triggering an update of capability-based feasibility checks for resource allocations. The resulting framework is tested on a demo construction project from the research project “Internet of Construction (IoC)”. The results contribute to the automation of planning and controlling resource allocations for dynamic on-site construction operations. Using machine-readable ontologies, the transition from manually performed activities to robotically supported tasks is enabled.
Screening Linear and Circular RNA Transcripts from Stress Granules
Authors: Chen Shuai , Zhang Jinyang , Zhao Fangqing
Published: January 2022

Stress granules (SGs) are cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein assemblies formed under stress conditions and are related to various biological processes and human diseases. Previous studies have reported the regulatory role of some proteins and linear RNAs in SG assembly. However, the relationship between circular RNAs (circRNAs) and SGs has not been discovered. Here, we screened both linear RNAs and circRNAs in SGs using improved total RNA sequencing of purified SG cores in mammalian cells and identified circular transcripts specifically localized in SGs. circRNAs with higher SG-related RNA-binding protein (RBP) binding abilities are more likely to be enriched in SGs. Furthermore, some SG-enriched circRNAs are differentially expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and adjacent tissues. These results suggest the regulatory role of circRNAs in SG formation and provide insights into the biological function of circRNAs and SGs in HCC.
Palliative Care’s Role in Austere Medicine
Authors: Woods Justin D. , Woods Betsy N.
Published: January 2022

The integration of palliative care across multiple domains has increased in recent years, particularly in austere medical settings such as humanitarian crises and low- and middle-income countries. Providing relief from suffering through a multifaceted approach for patients in austere environments is both an ethical imperative and perfectly suited to palliative care’s ethos. Practical resources have been developed that can guide many levels of medical practitioners in the administration of palliative care techniques in these settings. Further education and advocacy continue to be needed both for the promotion of primary palliative care and for access to certain classes of medications by which to deliver this care.
Disrupting Corruption using Education: A “Prisoner’s Dilemma” Approach
Authors: Rubasundram Geetha A.
Published: January 2022

Corruption is an age-old issue. Although various mitigation measures have been developed over time, it persistently exists and transforms with the dynamic business environment. The development of corruption is linked to the skills of criminals to cover their tracks. Control mechanisms and other lines of defense are insignificant when persons of power override, bully or collaborate to carry out corruption. Since humans are perceived to be rational, educating individuals on the evils of corruption with its apparent negative connotations would have been a logical approach to disrupting corruption. However, the growing trend of corruption reflects otherwise. Human behavior is subjective and based on a person–situation complexity, relationships and associations around human life. This pilot study assesses the decisions of individuals based on various corruption scenarios, using 20 questions modeled around Corruption Dimensions and Prisoner’s Dilemma. Of the respondents, 92% had formal exposure to anti-corruption-related studies. Most respondents responded negatively to corruption-related scenarios in the Corruption Dimensions, with noted bias in their criticism when it involved a politician as compared with a businessman. Similarly, the Prisoner’s Dilemma questions also reflected selective reasoning when comparing those with personal relationships as compared with acquaintances. The strength of the evidence, the independence of the judiciary, the ability to escape, the reluctance to self-incriminate and the personal benefits affect the judgment of the respondents. However, in situations involving environmental issues, respondents selected to confess regardless of the situation stating that it was the right thing to do. Education creates awareness on individual rights, options and, to a certain extent, the moral and legal obligations. However, the subjectivity of the person’s associations and lifelong experience also plays a major role in the decision-making process.
Social Reintegration of Released Prisoners: An Empirical Analysis from Two Indian States
Authors: Santhosh R. , Mathew Emil
Published: January 2022

This paper presents the empirical analysis from two Indian States to understand factors influencing the social reintegration of released prisoners. Samples of the study comprise 100 released prisoners who are currently under the probation system. The article identified stability in income, maintaining good relationships with the family and community, and membership in informal groups as four outcome variables of reintegration. The paper also identified seven factors – four factors concerning the stay at the prison and three factors concerning life after release – as capable of influencing the extent of reintegration. A reintegration index has been constructed to examine the relationship between reintegration and seven supporting factors that influence reintegration. The article also used a correlation matrix to analyse the relationship between the reintegration index and the contributing factors of reintegration. The paper suggests that factors such as visits by family members and probation officers and availing parole have a significant positive relationship, but that years of stay have a significant negative relationship with the reintegration of released prisoners.
Instrumentalization of “China” in Southeast Asia's Global Entrepôt: Ayutthaya in the Times of the Ming and the Early Qing Dynasties
Authors: Chabrowski Igor Iwo
Published: January 2022

This article analyzes the instrumentalization of “China” in contacts between the Ming and Qing dynasties and Siam-Ayutthaya. It focuses both on the state-to-state relations and those between various members of the Siamese and the imperial societies. “China” and “Chinese-ness” stood for forms of ascribed identity within the Sinocentric world, for a form of social distinction, and for one of many identities assumed in the games of political loyalty. For the Ming and Qing empires, inclusion of a foreign land within “China” was conducted through the ritual and administrative fictions that situated Ayutthaya within a hierarchy vis-à-vis the imperial capital. Beyond the state's discourses, participation in a vaguely defined Chinese culture were means of building social networks within the merchant and official communities in Ayutthaya. For the junkmen that connected Ayutthaya and South China, multiple Chinese identities were instrumentalized and inflected according to the needs and necessities of the moment.
Propagation speed of turbulent fronts in pipe flow at high Reynolds numbers
Authors: Chen Kaiwen , Xu Duo , Song Baofang
Published: January 2022

We investigated the propagation of turbulent fronts in pipe flow at high Reynolds numbers by direct numerical simulation. We used a technique combining a moving frame of reference and an artificial damping to isolate the fronts in short periodic pipes, which enabled us to explore the bulk Reynolds number up to

$Re=10^5$

with affordable computation power. We measured the propagation speed of the downstream front and observed that a fit of

$1.971-(Re/1925)^{-0.825}$

(in unit of bulk speed) captures this speed above

$Re\simeq 5000$

very well. The speed increases monotonically as

$Re$

increases, in stark contrast to the decreasing trend above

$Re\simeq 10\,000$

reported by Wygnanski & Champagne (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 59, 1973, pp. 281–335). The speed of the upstream front overall agrees with the former studies and

$0.024+(Re/1936)^{-0.528}$

fits our data well, and those from the literature. Based on our analysis of the front dynamics, we proposed that both front speeds would keep their respective monotonic trends as the Reynolds number increases further. We show that, at high Reynolds numbers, the local transition at the upstream front tip is via high-azimuthal-wavenumber structures in the high-shear region near the pipe wall, whereas at the downstream front tip is via low-azimuthal-wavenumber structures in the low-shear region near the pipe centre. This difference is possibly responsible for the asymmetric speed scalings between the upstream and downstream fronts.
A NOTE ON ÉTALE REPRESENTATIONS FROM NILPOTENT ORBITS
Authors: DIETRICH HEIKO , GLOBKE WOLFGANG , ORIGLIA MARCOS
Published: January 2022

A linear étale representation of a complex algebraic group G is given by a complex algebraic G-module V such that G has a Zariski-open orbit in V and
$\dim G=\dim V$
. A current line of research investigates which reductive algebraic groups admit such étale representations, with a focus on understanding common features of étale representations. One source of new examples arises from the classification theory of nilpotent orbits in semisimple Lie algebras. We survey what is known about reductive algebraic groups with étale representations and then discuss two classical constructions for nilpotent orbit classifications due to Vinberg and to Bala and Carter. We determine which reductive groups and étale representations arise in these constructions and we work out in detail the relation between these two constructions.
The effects of cow introductions on milk production and behaviour of the herd measured with sensors
Authors: Scheurwater Josje , Jorritsma Ruurd , Nielen Mirjam , Heesterbeek Hans , van den Broek Jan , Aardema Hilde
Published: January 2022

This research paper addresses the hypothesis that cow introductions in dairy herds affect milk production and behaviour of animals already in the herd. In dairy farms, cows are commonly regrouped or moved. Negative effects of regroupings on the introduced animals are reported in other studies. However, little is known about the effects on lactating cows in the herd. In this research a herd of 53 lactating dairy cows was divided into two groups in a cross-over design study. 25 cows were selected as focal cows for which continuous sensor data were collected. The treatment period consisted of replacing non-focal cows three times a week. Many potentially influencing factors were taken into account in the analysis. Replacement of cows in the treatment period indeed affected the focal animals. During the treatment period these cows showed increased walking and reduced rumination activity and produced less milk compared to the control period. Milk production per milking decreased in the treatment period up to 0.4 kg per milking on certain weekdays. Lying and standing behaviour were similar between the control and the treatment period. The current study suggests that cow introductions affect welfare and milk production of the cows already in the herd.
The use of cone beam computed tomography of paranasal sinuses in the investigation and management of rhinosinusitis: a national survey and our ‘one-stop’ rhinology clinic experience
Authors: Munnings A , Sood S , Gupta D
Published: January 2022

Objective

Cone beam computed tomography is an imaging technique that can be used for the paranasal sinuses. This study assessed how widely it is used and the impact it has on chronic rhinosinusitis management in the ENT department of one hospital.

Method

A nationwide survey was conducted to assess the use of cone beam computed tomography throughout ENT UK members. A retrospective analysis of four-year rhinology clinic data for patients presenting with chronic rhinosinusitis symptoms was subsequently performed to assess how many scans were achieved the same day and the subsequent patient management.

Results

The survey results indicated that a majority of staff do not use cone beam computed tomography to image sinuses (86.5 per cent), and this was largely because of lack of access (92 per cent). This study assessed 355 cone beam computed tomography requests. Overall, 306 cases had a cone beam computed tomography scan on the same day as their clinic appointment with the majority seen back in clinic during the same hospital attendance for the results. Overall, 97 patients were discharged on the same day.

Conclusion

This study suggested a lack of awareness and understanding of cone beam computed tomography in managing rhinosinusitis. The ‘one-stop’ rhinology clinic model offers benefits including reduced patient hospital attendance.
Punctuated equilibrium and progressive friction in socialist autocracy, democracy and hybrid regimes
Authors: Sebők Miklós , M. Balázs Ágnes , Molnár Csaba
Published: January 2022

The analysis of public policy agendas in comparative politics has been somewhat limited in terms of geography, time frame and political system, with studies on full-blown autocracies and hybrid regimes few and far between. This article addresses this gap by comparing policy dynamics in three Hungarian regimes over 73 years. Besides our theoretical contribution related to policy-making in Socialist autocracy and illiberal democracy, we also test hypotheses related to non-democratic regimes. We find that – similarly to developed democracies – policy agendas in autocracies are mostly stable with occasional but large-scale “punctuations”. Our data also confirms that these punctuations are more pronounced in non-democratic polities. However, based on our results, illiberal political systems, such as the hybrid regime of Viktor Orbán, are difficult to pin down on such a clear-cut continuum between democracy and autocracy as the level of punctuation differs by policy agendas from parliamentary debates to budgets.
Spatial epidemiological characteristics and exponential smoothing model application of tuberculosis in Qinghai Plateau, China
Authors: Shang Y. , Zhang T. T. , Wang Z. F. , Ma B. Z. , Yang N. , Qiu Y. T. , Li B. , Zhang Q. , Huang Q. L. , Liu K. Y.
Published: January 2022

The epidemic of tuberculosis has posed a serious burden in Qinghai province, it is necessary to clarify the epidemiological characteristics and spatial-temporal distribution of TB for future prevention and control measures. We used descriptive epidemiological methods and spatial statistical analysis including spatial correlation and spatial-temporal analysis in this study. Furthermore, we applied an exponential smoothing model for TB epidemiological trend forecasting. Of 43 859 TB cases, the sex ratio was 1.27:1 (M:F), and the average annual TB registered incidence was 70.00/100 000 of 2009–2019. More cases were reported in March and April, and the worst TB stricken regions were the prefectures of Golog and Yushu. High TB registered incidences were seen in males, farmers and herdsmen, Tibetans, or elderly people. 7132 cases were intractable, which were recurrent, drug resistant, or co-infected with other infections. Three likely cases clusters with significant high risk were found by spatial-temporal scan on data of 2009–2019. The exponential smoothing winters' additive model was selected as the best-fitting model to forecast monthly TB cases in the future. This research indicated that TB in Qinghai is still a serious threaten to the local residents' health. Multi-departmental collaboration and funds special for TB treatments and control are still needed, and the exponential smoothing model is promising which could be applied for forecasting of TB epidemic trend in this high-altitude province.
Impact of dimensions of early adversity on adult health and functioning: A 2-decade, longitudinal study
Authors: McGinnis Ellen W. , Sheridan Margaret , Copeland William E.
Published: January 2022

Recent neurodevelopmental and evolutionary theories offer strong theoretical rationales and some empirical evidence to support the importance of specific dimensions of early adversity. However, studies have often been limited by omission of other adversity dimensions, singular outcomes, and short follow up durations. 1,420 participants in the community, Great Smoky Mountains Study, were assessed up to eight times between age 9 and 16 for four dimensions of early adversity: Threat, Material Deprivation, Unpredictability, and Loss (as well as a Cumulative Adversity measure). Participants were followed up to four times in adulthood (ages 19, 21, 25, and 30) to measure psychiatric disorders, substance disorder, and “real-world” functioning. Every childhood adversity dimension was associated with multiple adult psychiatric, substance, or functional outcomes when tested simultaneously in a multivariable analysis that accounted for other childhood adversities. There was evidence of differential impact of dimensions of adversity exposure on proximal outcomes (e.g., material deprivation and IQ) and even on distal outcomes (e.g., threat and emotional functioning). There were similar levels of prediction between the best set of individual adversity scales and a single cumulative adversity measure when considering distal outcomes. All dimensions of childhood adversity have lasting, pleiotropic effects, on adult health and functioning, but these dimensions may act via distinct proximal pathways.
Preconception maternal posttraumatic stress and child negative affectivity: Prospectively evaluating the intergenerational impact of trauma
Authors: Swales Danielle A. , Davis Elysia Poggi , Mahrer Nicole E. , Guardino Christine M. , Shalowitz Madeleine U. , Ramey Sharon L. , Dunkel Schetter Chris
Published: January 2022

The developmental origins of psychopathology begin before birth and perhaps even prior to conception. Understanding the intergenerational transmission of psychopathological risk is critical to identify sensitive windows for prevention and early intervention. Prior research demonstrates that maternal trauma history, typically assessed retrospectively, has adverse consequences for child socioemotional development. However, very few prospective studies of preconception trauma exist, and the role of preconception symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains unknown. The current study prospectively evaluates whether maternal preconception PTSD symptoms predict early childhood negative affectivity, a key dimension of temperament and predictor of later psychopathology. One hundred and eighteen women were recruited following a birth and prior to conception of the study child and were followed until the study child was 3–5 years old. Higher maternal PTSD symptoms prior to conception predicted greater child negative affectivity, adjusting for concurrent maternal depressive symptoms and sociodemographic covariates. In exploratory analyses, we found that neither maternal prenatal nor postpartum depressive symptoms or perceived stress mediated this association. These findings add to a limited prospective literature, highlighting the importance of assessing the mental health of women prior to conception and providing interventions that can disrupt the intergenerational sequelae of trauma.
Exploring everyday state attachment dynamics in middle childhood
Authors: Verhees Martine W. F. T. , Ceulemans Eva , Finet Chloë , van IJzendoorn Marinus H. , Bakermans-Kranenburg Marian J. , Bosmans Guy
Published: January 2022

The current study explored dynamics of secure state attachment expectations in everyday life in middle childhood, specifically state attachment carry-over and reactivity to experiences of caregiver support in the context of stress. In two independent samples (one community sample, N = 123; one adoption sample, N = 69), children (8–12 years) daily reported on their state attachment for respectively 14 and 7 consecutive days. Additionally, they reported daily on their experiences of distress and subsequent experiences of caregiver support. Results in both samples indicated that secure state attachment on a day-to-day basis is characterized by a significant positive carry-over effect, suggesting that state attachment fluctuations are (partially) self-predictive. In Study 1, experiencing no support following distress significantly related to intraindividual decreases in secure state attachment; in Study 2, experiencing effective support during distress related to intra-individual increases in secure state attachment. Taken together, the current studies provide novel and important insights into how state attachment temporally evolves on a day-to-day basis in middle childhood.
Isolated left common carotid artery: multidisciplinary management is the key to success
Authors: Sachdeva Sakshi , Gupta Saurabh Kumar , Rajashekar Palleti , Jagia Priya , Devarajan Sebastian Leve Joseph
Published: January 2022

An isolated carotid artery is a rare aortic arch anomaly. Instead of connecting to the aorta, the isolated carotid artery connects anomalously to the pulmonary artery. Chronically altered cerebral circulation poses the risk of cerebral hyperaemia following surgical reimplantation. We describe successful reimplantation of the isolated left common carotid artery in a child, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for good clinical and neurological outcomes. We also briefly discuss the embryologic basis of this rare arch anomaly.
Aberration Correction to Optimize the Performance of Two-Photon Fluorescence Microscopy Using the Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Yan Wei , Huang Yangrui , Wang Luwei , Guo Yong , Li Jin , Zhu Yinru , Yang Zhigang , Qu Junle
Published: January 2022

Due to less light scattering and a better signal-to-noise ratio in deep imaging, two-photon fluorescence microscopy (TPFM) has been widely used in biomedical photonics since its advent. However, optical aberrations degrade the performance of TPFM in terms of the signal intensity and the imaging depth and therefore restrict its application. Here, we introduce adaptive optics based on the genetic algorithm to detect the distorted wavefront of the excitation laser beam and then perform aberration correction to optimize the performance of TPFM. By using a spatial light modulator as the wavefront controller, the correction phase is obtained through a signal feedback loop and a process of natural selection. The experimental results show that the signal intensity and imaging depth of TPFM are improved after aberration correction. Finally, the method was applied to two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging, which helps to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and the accuracy of lifetime analysis. Furthermore, the method can also be implemented in other experiments, such as three-photon microscopy, light-sheet microscopy, and super-resolution microscopy.
Control programs for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) in European countries: an overview
Authors: Iscaro Carmen , Cambiotti Valentina , Petrini Stefano , Feliziani Francesco
Published: January 2022

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), caused by Bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1), is a disease of cattle responsible for significant economic losses worldwide. IBR is under certain communitarian regulations. Every member state can approve its own national IBR control program for the entire territory – or part of it – and can demand additional guarantees for bovids destined to its territory; therefore, every member state can be officially declared as entirely or partly IBR-free. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of IBR control and eradication programs in European countries. BoHV-1 control schemes were first introduced in the late 1970s, mainly in Northern and Central Europe. Depending on the seroprevalence rate, control strategies rely on identification and removal of seropositive animals or the use of glycoprotein E (gE)-deleted marker vaccines in infected herds. The implementation of a novel law for disease eradication at the EU level and of a European IBR data flow could make the goal of IBR eradication in all European countries easier to achieve.
The ‘Indian Question’ in the Bolivian Amazon: The School Centers of Casarabe and Moré
Authors: Mombiola Anna Guiteras
Published: January 2022

Education was an essential ingredient of the state strategy to address the so-called ‘Indian question’ in the Americas throughout the first half of the twentieth century. In the 1930s, Bolivian intellectuals promoted a new educational policy inspired by indigenismo, a trend of thought that sought to solve the problems faced by indigenous people concerning welfare, hygiene, agricultural techniques, and land issues; it also sought, to some extent, to teach them to value their own culture. The educational experience, originally conducted in the village of Warisata and then spread across the Andes, has merited special attention from historiography. However, very little is known about Warisata's replication in the country's lowlands. This paper explores the originality, scope, and limitations of the first project of socialization of ‘non-subjected’ societies of the Amazon Basin. That project was inspired by the postulates of the innovative Warisateño model, which aimed to give birth to a “new Indian” who would contribute actively and voluntarily to the progress of the nation. The categories adopted in that project, and the practices carried out, were inscribed in the positivists’ thought, based on their view of the alleged “wild nature” and “savagery” of the groups with whom educators would interact. This study aims to contribute to the debate on the ‘Indian question’ in the Americas by highlighting the contradictions faced by intellectuals when designing projects for the “integration” of otherness into the nation.
Human Genetics Society of Australasia Position Statement: Use of Human Genetic and Genomic Information in Healthcare Settings
Authors: Ayres Samantha , Boyle Jackie , Newson Ainsley J. , Savard Jacqueline , Mansour Julia
Published: January 2022

Human genetic and genomic information (HGI) is being generated, utilized and accessed across a wide range of healthcare settings. While traditionally clinical genetics services have maintained guardianship and enforced rigid protections of human genetic information, this is no longer practical or feasible as genetic knowledge continues to evolve, expand and inform various aspects of healthcare. Today, many healthcare professionals of varied backgrounds and areas of expertise are looking to genetic and genomic information to screen and/or diagnose genetic conditions and to guide medical management and treatment options. This position statement provides guidance for all healthcare professionals who may be handling human genetic and/or genomic information as part of their practice and outlines considerations relevant to protection, storage, access and sharing of HGI in Australasia. Illustrative cases are used to highlight various sensitivities of genetic and genomic information and challenges these may pose in modern healthcare settings. In essence, this position statement seeks to highlight and advocate for both individual interests as well as the interests of the broader family network.
Mysteries of Monozygosity: Theories and Breakthroughs/Twin Research: Rare Case of Lost Twins; Developing a National Twin Registry; Twins’ Language and Gesture Delays; DNA Testing for Vanishing Twins/Media Reports: Identical Twins Discordant for COVID Vaccination; World’s Oldest Identical Twins; Olympic Athlete Stand-in; Fraternal Twin Football Players
Authors: Segal Nancy L.
Published: January 2022

The processes that give rise to monozygotic (MZ) twins remain elusive. This article describes various theories of MZ twinning that have been examined over the years, although they continue to be speculative. It has also been impossible to know if a singleton began life as an MZ twin; however, a critical technological breakthrough can now reveal this important birth history information with a high degree of certainty. The section that follows presents reviews of current research regarding rare twin loss, development of a twin registry, twins’ communicative delays and DNA testing for vanishing twins. The article concludes with a survey of newsworthy twins, namely identical twins discordant for COVID vaccination, the world’s oldest identical twins, an Olympic athletic stand-in and fraternal twin football players.