bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating plant morphological traits with remote-sensed multispectral imageries for accurate corn grain yield prediction
Authors: Jang Chunhwa , Namoi Nictor , Wolske Eric , Wasonga Daniel , Behnke Gevan , Bowman N. Dennis , Lee D. K.
Published: April 2024

Sustainable crop production requires adequate and efficient management practices to reduce the negative environmental impacts of excessive nitrogen (N) fertilization. Remote sensing has gained traction as a low-cost and time-efficient tool for monitoring and managing cropping systems. In this study, vegetation indices (VIs) obtained from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) were used to detect corn (Zea mays L.) response to varying N rates (ranging from 0 to 208 kg N ha-1) and fertilizer application methods (liquid urea ammonium nitrate (UAN), urea side-dressing and slow-release fertilizer). Four VIs were evaluated at three different growth stages of corn (V6, R3, and physiological maturity) along with morphological traits including plant height and leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD) to determine their predictive capability for corn yield. Our results show no differences in grain yield (average 13.2 Mg ha-1) between furrow-applied slow-release fertilizer at ≥156 kg N ha-1 and 208 kg N ha-1 side-dressed urea. Early season remote-sensed VIs and morphological data collected at V6 were least effective for grain yield prediction. Moreover, multivariate grain yield prediction was more accurate than univariate. Late-season measurements at the R3 and mature growth stages using a combination of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and green normalized difference vegetation index (GNDVI) in a multilinear regression model showed effective prediction for corn yield. Additionally, a combination of NDVI and normalized difference red edge index (NDRE) in a multi-exponential regression model also demonstrated good prediction capabilities.
Clinical and economic burden of acute otitis media caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in European children, after widespread use of PCVs–A systematic literature review of published evidence
Authors: Ricci Conesa Heloisa , Skröder Helena , Norton Nicholas , Bencina Goran , Tsoumani Eleana
Published: April 2024

Background

Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common childhood disease frequently caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV7, PCV10, PCV13) can reduce the risk of AOM but may also shift AOM etiology and serotype distribution. The aim of this study was to review estimates from published literature of the burden of AOM in Europe after widespread use of PCVs over the past 10 years, focusing on incidence, etiology, serotype distribution and antibiotic resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae, and economic burden.

Methods

This systematic review included published literature from 31 European countries, for children aged ≤5 years, published after 2011. Searches were conducted using PubMed, Embase, Google, and three disease conference websites. Risk of bias was assessed with ISPOR-AMCP-NPC, ECOBIAS or ROBIS, depending on the type of study.

Results

In total, 107 relevant records were identified, which revealed wide variation in study methodology and reporting, thus limiting comparisons across outcomes. No homogenous trends were identified in incidence rates across countries, or in detection of S. pneumoniae as a cause of AOM over time. There were indications of a reduction in hospitalization rates (decreases between 24.5–38.8% points, depending on country, PCV type and time since PCV introduction) and antibiotic resistance (decreases between 14–24%, depending on country), following the widespread use of PCVs over time. The last two trends imply a potential decrease in economic burden, though this was not possible to confirm with the identified cost data. There was also evidence of an increase in serotype distributions towards non-vaccine serotypes in all of the countries where non-PCV serotype data were available, as well as limited data of increased antibiotic resistance within non-vaccine serotypes.

Conclusions

Though some factors point to a reduction in AOM burden in Europe, the burden still remains high, residual burden from uncovered serotypes is present and it is difficult to provide comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date estimates of said burden from the published literature. This could be improved by standardised methodology, reporting and wider use of surveillance systems.
Effect of mental fatigue on hand force production capacities
Authors: Jacquet Thomas , Poulin-Charronnat Bénédicte , Bard Patrick , Lepers Romuald
Published: April 2024

Mental fatigue is common in society, but its effects on force production capacities remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of mental fatigue on maximal force production, rate of force development-scaling factor (RFD-SF), and force steadiness during handgrip contractions. Fourteen participants performed two randomized sessions, during which they either carried out a cognitively demanding task (i.e., a visual attention task) or a cognitively nondemanding task (i.e., documentary watching for 62 min). The mental fatigue was evaluated subjectively and objectively (performances and electroencephalography). Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force, RFD-SF, and force steadiness (i.e., force coefficient of variation at submaximal intensities; 25, 50, and 75% of MVC) were recorded before and after both tasks. The feeling of mental fatigue was much higher after completing the cognitively demanding task than after documentary watching (p < .001). During the cognitively demanding task, mental fatigue was evidenced by increased errors, missed trials, and decreased N100 amplitude over time. While no effect was reported on force steadiness, both tasks induced a decrease in MVC (p = .040), a force RFD-SF lower slope (p = .011), and a reduction in the coefficient of determination (p = .011). Nevertheless, these effects were not explicitly linked to mental fatigue since they appeared both after the mentally fatiguing task and after watching the documentary. The study highlights the importance of considering cognitive engagement and mental load when optimizing motor performance to mitigate adverse effects and improve force production capacities.
Understanding antibiotic use in the community setting in Thailand: Does communication matter?
Authors: Sunpuwan Malee , Punpuing Sureeporn , Jaruruengpaisan Wipaporn , Wertheim Heiman
Published: April 2024

Background

It is known that the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials leads to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Effective communication between dispensers and users is thus crucial in reducing inappropriate antibiotic use.

Objective

This study aims to gain a better understanding of communication around the use of antibiotics in the community and seeks potential implementation strategies to change dispenser and user practices in communication aspects.

Methods

Qualitative methods were employed, including in-depth interviews with 18 drug suppliers and 16 community members, and eight focus group discussions with key informants. Data were collected in the Kanchanaburi Demographic Health Surveillance System in urban and semi-urban communities in the western region of Thailand. The thematic analysis included communication quality, communication and imbalanced power, and misconceptions and instruction. The OpenCode qualitative software program was employed.

Results

The study revealed that the quality of communication was significantly influenced by the interaction of antibiotic dispensing with language and information. This interaction creates communication constraints between those dispensing antibiotics and the recipients, resulting in a less-than-optimal exchange of information. Consequently, users received limited information concerning the proper use of antibiotics. Furthermore, power imbalances and communication dynamics were perpetuated, mainly stemming from varying levels of access to and knowledge about antibiotics. This imbalance in power dynamics became evident between those dispensing antibiotics and the users. Users, as well as dispensers lacking proper qualifications, found themselves in a precarious position due to their inadequate knowledge of antibiotics. Moreover, it is noteworthy that misconceptions often conflicted with antibiotic instructions, leading to challenges in adhering to antibiotic regimens. These challenges primarily arose from misconceptions about antibiotics and concerns about potential side effects, particularly when users started to feel better.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the importance of enhancing communication between dispensers and users through future interventions. These interventions should aim to bolster user understanding of antibiotics and provide clear, trustworthy instructions for their proper usage. Investigating innovative communication methods, such as the use of QR codes, presents a promising avenue for consideration. By addressing these communication gaps, we can advocate for the appropriate utilization of antibiotics and mitigate the prevalence of AMR.
The neuroprotective effect of human primary astrocytes in multiple sclerosis: In vitro model
Authors: Imraish Amer , Abu Thiab Tuqa , Alsalem Mohammad , Dahbour Saeed , khleif Hiba , Abu-Irmaileh Basha’er , Qasem Raneen , El-Salem Khalid
Published: April 2024

Recent studies highlighted the role of astrocytes in neuroinflammatory diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis, interacting closely with other CNS components but also with the immune cells. However, due to the difficulty in obtaining human astrocytes, their role in these pathologies is still unclear. In this study we develop an astrocyte in vitro model to evaluate their role in multiple sclerosis after being treated with CSF isolated from both healthy and MS diagnosed patients. Gene expression and ELISA assays reveal that several pro-inflammatory markers IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6, were significantly downregulated in astrocytes treated with MS-CSF. In contrast, neurotrophic survival, and growth factors, and GFAP, BDNF, GDNF and VEGF, were markedly elevated upon the same treatment. In summary, this study supports the notion of the astrocyte involvement in MS. The results reveal the neuroprotective role of astrocyte in MS pathogenicity by suppressing excessive inflammation and increasing the expression of tropic factors.
Development and evaluation of the ARM algorithm: A novel approach to quantify musculoskeletal disorder risk factors in manual wheelchair users in the real world
Authors: Jahanian Omid , Van Straaten Meegan G. , Pinnock Branford Kathylee , Fortune Emma , Cain Stephen M. , Morrow Melissa M. B.
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to develop and evaluate the ARM (arm repetitive movement) algorithm using inertial measurement unit (IMU) data to assess repetitive arm motion in manual wheelchair (MWC) users in real-world settings. The algorithm was tested on community data from four MWC users with spinal cord injury and compared with video-based analysis. Additionally, the algorithm was applied to in-home and free-living environment data from two and sixteen MWC users, respectively, to assess its utility in quantifying differences across activities of daily living and between dominant and non-dominant arms. The ARM algorithm accurately estimated active and resting times (>98%) in the community and confirmed asymmetries between dominant and non-dominant arm usage in in-home and free-living environment data. Analysis of free-living environment data revealed that the total resting bout time was significantly longer (P = 0.049) and total active bout time was significantly shorter (P = 0.011) for the non-dominant arm. Analysis of active bouts longer than 10 seconds showed higher total time (P = 0.015), average duration (P = 0.026), and number of movement cycles per bout (P = 0.020) for the dominant side. These findings support the feasibility of using the IMU-based ARM algorithm to assess repetitive arm motion and monitor shoulder disorder risk factors in MWC users during daily activities.
RIO-kinase 2 is essential for hematopoiesis
Authors: Messling Jan-Erik , Peña-Rømer Isabel , Moroni Ann Sophie , Bruestl Sarah , Helin Kristian
Published: April 2024

Regulation of protein synthesis is a key factor in hematopoietic stem cell maintenance and differentiation. Rio-kinase 2 (RIOK2) is a ribosome biogenesis factor that has recently been described an important regulator of human blood cell development. Additionally, we have previously identified RIOK2 as a regulator of protein synthesis and a potential target for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, its functional relevance in several organ systems, including normal hematopoiesis, is not well understood. Here, we investigate the consequences of RIOK2 loss on normal hematopoiesis using two different conditional knockout mouse models. Using competitive and non-competitive bone marrow transplantations, we demonstrate that RIOK2 is essential for the differentiation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) as well as for the maintenance of fully differentiated blood cells in vivo as well as in vitro. Loss of RIOK2 leads to rapid death in full-body knockout mice as well as mice with RIOK2 loss specific to the hematopoietic system. Taken together, our results indicate that regulation of protein synthesis and ribosome biogenesis by RIOK2 is essential for the function of the hematopoietic system.
Partial differential equation models for invasive species spread in the presence of spatial heterogeneity
Authors: Hughes Elliott H. , Moyers-Gonzalez Miguel , Murray Rua , Wilson Phillip L.
Published: April 2024

Models of invasive species spread often assume that landscapes are spatially homogeneous; thus simplifying analysis but potentially reducing accuracy. We extend a recently developed partial differential equation model for invasive conifer spread to account for spatial heterogeneity in parameter values and introduce a method to obtain key outputs (e.g. spread rates) from computational simulations. Simulations produce patterns of spatial spread which appear qualitatively similar to observed patterns in grassland ecosystems invaded by exotic conifers, validating our spatially explicit strategy. We find that incorporating spatial variation in different parameters does not significantly affect the evolution of invasions (which are characterised by a long quiescent period followed by rapid evolution towards to a constant rate of invasion) but that distributional assumptions can have a significant impact on the spread rate of invasions. Our work demonstrates that spatial variation in site-suitability or other parameters can have a significant impact on invasions and must be considered when designing models of invasive species spread.
Exploring the stability of the gender gap in faculty perceptions of gender climate at a rural regional university
Authors: Bordieri Michael J. , Waddill Paula J. , Zhang Qiaofeng , McCarthy Maeve L. , Fuller Claire , Balthrop David
Published: April 2024

Increasing awareness of gender barriers and biases in academic institutions is an essential component of institutional change strategies to promote equity and inclusion. There is an established perception gap in recognizing gender inequities in the workplace, whereby men faculty under acknowledge the stressors, barriers, and biases faced by their women faculty colleagues. This study explored the gender gap in faculty perceptions of institutional diversity climate at a rural comprehensive regional university in the United States. In addition to gender, differences across academic discipline and time were explored using 2 (men and women) x 2 (STEM and other) x 2 (2017 and 2022) between-groups ANOVAs. Results revealed a gender gap that persisted across time and perceptions of stressors, diversity climate, student behavior, leadership, and fairness in promotion/tenure procedures, with marginalized (women) faculty consistently reporting greater barriers/concern for women faculty relative to the perceptions of their men faculty colleagues. These findings are largely consistent with the extant literature and are discussed both with regard to future research directions and recommendations for reducing the perception gap and addressing institutional barriers to gender equity.
Mineral patterns in hair: A decisive factor between reproducible and repeat breeder dairy cows
Authors: Lim Hyun-Joo , Lee Seunghoon , Park Woncheoul , Park Eungwoo , Yoo Jae Gyu
Published: April 2024

Reproduction, especially impregnation, is a critical aspect of dairy cow management that directly influences herd milk productivity. We conducted a noninvasive hair mineral assay to compare the mineral profiles of two dairy cow groups: reproducible and repeat breeder, by investigating the levels of 11 essential minerals (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Cr, Se, and P) and 6 toxic elements (Hg, Pb, Cd, Al, As, and Ni) in both groups. We also conducted principal component and correlation matrix analyses to compare hair mineral patterns between the groups. Compared to their reproducible counterparts, repeat breeder cows had lower levels of Na, K, and Se. However, Fe, Cd, Al, and As levels were higher in repeat breeders than in their reproducible counterparts. The correlation matrix showed notable correlation patterns for each group. Ca, K, and Na levels were positively correlated in reproducible cows, whereas repeat breeder cows showed positive correlations only between Ca and K levels. Se showed positive correlations with Zn only in the reproducible cow group. Negative correlations were not found in the reproducible group, whereas the repeat breeder group exhibited 7 negative correlations. Despite the limitations of hair mineral analysis, this study provided useful insights into the reproductive potential of dairy cows. These findings aid in easing the prediction of repeat breeder occurrences in herds and are expected to facilitate timely mineral supplementation and other interventions to improve overall herd reproduction in dairy farms.
Perceptions of drinking water: Understanding the role of individualized water quality data in Detroit, Michigan
Authors: Schubert Alyssa , Harrison Jacob , Kent-Buchanan Linda , Bonds Victor , Hughes Sara , McElmurry Shawn P. , Seeger Matthew , Love Nancy G.
Published: April 2024

Understanding water users’ perceptions of drinking water quality and the water service provider are important to understand for effective communication with users. Traditionally, the primary means through which water users receive information about drinking water is via the annual Consumer Confidence Report, which summarizes water quality information at the water system-scale and not at the point-of-use. In this study, we recruited 24 water users from different homes in Detroit, Michigan to assess the effect of access to individualized data on perceptions related to their drinking water quality and service provider. Each participant had a water quality sensor node, which measured five different water quality parameters, temporarily installed in their home for four weeks. Entry interviews were completed at the time of sensor node installation. After four weeks, water quality reports summarizing the individual water quality data collected by the sensor nodes were prepared and shared with participants, after which the exit interviews were completed. We found that access to individualized water quality data positively affected participants’ perceptions of drinking water quality and safety, for example, 92% of participants rated the safety of water at the faucet as at least ‘Somewhat Safe’ in the exit interview compared to 46% in the entry interview. However, participants’ perceptions of the water service provider did not change significantly in response to this information (p > 0.05). Half of the study participants expressed interest in more frequent monitoring and communication, including actionable data that allowed participants to make more informed decisions about how to better manage their water quality at home. We saw evidence of long-term changes in response to access to individualized information with 50% reporting changes in behavior related to drinking water use. We conclude that access to localized water quality data provides actionable information that Detroit, Michigan water users value.
Use of drone to aid in the evaluation of soybean trials: A mini-review
Authors: Ferreira Bruno Borges , Ferreria Eliomar Soares , Nuñez Daniel Noe Coaguila
Published: April 2024

Rural producers are increasingly investing in technologies that allow them to produce more in less time, without the need to increase the planting area or the amount of input used. To this end, the use of technology tools has guaranteed efficiency in productivity and improved time, labor and decision making. The development of technologies focusing on drones has contributed to land use analyzes in precision agriculture. The objective of this study is to discuss, through a literature review, the use of drones to help evaluate soybean trials. The results demonstrate that drones have been widely used in soybean cultivation with varied applications and excellent results. Drones have been used to improve production, environmental preservation, economic sustainability, savings in the acquisition of fertilizers and agricultural pesticides, for monitoring areas, among other contributions to rural areas, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in the production process and resulting in production economy. The importance of carrying out studies to demonstrate the advantage of using drones in soybean cultivation and disseminating knowledge in rural areas is highlighted, bringing knowledge to producers about the chain of agents involved, ranging from manufacturers to the final consumer.
Effect of plant spacing on pigeonpea grain yield in Northern Uganda
Authors: Kumakech Alfred , Opio Tonny , Turyagyenda Frank Laban
Published: April 2024

The aim of crop production is to achieve the highest possible yield per unit area. One way of increasing productivity per unit area is through plant spacing optimization. The effect of plant spacing (90 cm x 60 cm, 150 cm x 120 cm and 150 cm x 180 cm) on yield of three pigeonpea genotypes (KAT 60/8, ICEAP 00540 and ICEAP 00554) was investigated on-station in a small-plot field experiments in 2018. Significant differences were recorded in grain yield of all the three genotypes. The highest yield for all the three genotypes was recorded for row spacing of 90 cm and inter plant spacing of 60 cm, and the lowest for row spacing of 150 cm and inter plant spacing of 180 cm. Plant spacing effect on other yield parameters (number of pods per plant and 100 seed weight) were not significant. Similar effects were recorded for plant growth parameters (plant height and number of primary branches). Thus, it can be concluded that row spacing of 90 cm and interplant spacing of 60cm is appropriate for pigeonpea grain production in Uganda.
Transient 2:1 Atrioventricular Block with Peri-Conduction System Pacing After Leadless Pacemaker Implantation
Authors: Najjar Salim N. , Bruno Michael A. , Lam Wilson W.
Published: April 2024

This report discusses a case of transient 2:1 atrioventricular block with conduction system pacing 4 hours after leadless right ventricular pacemaker implantation in a 19-year-old patient with a history of cardioinhibitory syncope and asystole cardiac arrest but without preexisting atrioventricular block. The atrioventricular block was resolved spontaneously. Pacing morphology was suggestive of right bundle branch pacing. Neither 2:1 atrioventricular block nor conduction system pacing has previously been a reported outcome of right ventricular leadless pacemaker implantation. The report demonstrates that conduction system pacing with leadless devices is achievable. Further study of techniques, limitations, and complications related to intentional right ventricular leadless conduction system pacing is warranted.
Prospects of Carbon Neutrality in Russian Agriculture According to SSP Scenarios: Analysis at the National Level and in а Region
Authors:   Center for Agrifood Policy of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), Ryabov Ivan , Ponkina Elena ,   Department of Theoretical Cybernetics and Applied Mathematics, Institute of Mathematics and Information Technologies, Altai State University, Strokov Anton ,   Center for Agrifood Policy of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA)
Published: April 2024

Sustainable development and reduction of the carbon footprint is an important issue on the development agenda of the Russian national economy and, in particular, the agricultural sector. The study of long-term trajectories of development of the agricultural economy and the conditions for achieving carbon neutrality should take into account the expected climatic and socio-economic changes in the world, which are enshrined in a number of widely used scenarios – ‘Shared Socioeconomic Pathways’ (SSPs) and, as a rule, are based on the use of integral multi-sector models land use dynamics. The study is focused on obtaining projections of climate change and scenarios SSP1, SSP2 and SSP3 on the dynamics of crop production in Russia until 2050, with an emphasis on the development of a large agricultural region of Siberia – Altai Krai, in the context of analyzing the timing and conditions for achieving carbon neutrality. The GLOBIOM model, adapted for modeling at the level of Russian regions, was used as a toolkit. The results of scenario modeling made it possible to assess changes in the scale of production and cropland structure, greenhouse gas emissions in carbon units and the overall dynamics of the carbon footprint as well as expected consequences for Russian economy and harnessing the export potential of crops. It has been revealed that achieving carbon neutrality on the regional level (Altai Krai) is a challenge that requires a significant change in the structure of sown areas, the introduction of environmentally-oriented technologies and a significant increase in the productivity of agricultural land. The results contribute to deepening the understanding of regional economic management processes using the example of the Altai Kray and ways to achieve sustainable development goals, in particular achieving carbon neutrality in crop production. The practice of such research can be transferred to other regions of Russia
Amelioration of growth of maize (Zea mays L.) seedling using plant growth promoting bacteria
Authors: Kaneriya Jinesh P. , Pattani Vivek B. , Joshi Krishna , Gandhi Dhara , Sanghvi Gaurav
Published: April 2024

This research was aimed to screen plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) from soil and study its effect on maize plant growth. PGPB were isolated from Saurashtra coastal region soil and cultured in Nitrogen fixing Ashby’s medium to find potent of PGPBs, we conducted a thorough screening process, assessed their abilities in phosphate and zinc solubilization, siderophore production, hydrogen cyanide (HCN) release and the antifungal activity was performed against Fusarium oxysporum, a pathogenic fungus. These tests helped us identify bacteria with plant growth-promoting characteristics for plants. Bacterial isolates which provided better results were sequenced and sequences were submitted to NCBI. Bacterial isolates selected for application on maize in primary screening showed most treated seeds increased the seedling vigor of maize. In the latter stages of screening where bacterial consortia were developed from primary and secondary screening. In 30 days, the experiment in maize plant height, number of leaves, chlorophyll content and anatomy was analysed. All the bacterium consortiums displayed an increase in height (24.75%), number of leaves (47.77%) and total chlorophyll content (23.59%) as compared to the control maize plant. Additionally, microscopic examination of the treated plants showed improved growth, especially in the increased starch grain content in the leaves, stems and roots. Out of the eleven PGPB consortia, 3 specific PGPB consortia in this study have significantly substantiated the growth of maize plants as evidenced by the comprehensive analysis of anatomical features.
Critical fractional Schrödinger-Poisson systems with lower perturbations: the existence and concentration behavior of ground state solutions
Authors: Feng Shenghao , Chen Jianhua , Huang Xianjiu
Published: April 2024

In this article, we study the following fractional Schrödinger-Poisson system:

ε

2
s

(

−
Δ

)

s

u
+
V

(

x

)

u
+
ϕ
u
=
f

(

u

)

+

∣
u
∣

2

s

*

−
2

u
,

in

R

3

,

ε

2
t

(

−
Δ

)

t

ϕ
=

u

2

,

in

R

3

,

\left\{\begin{array}{ll}{\varepsilon }^{2s}{\left(-\Delta )}^{s}u+V\left(x)u+\phi u=f\left(u)+{| u| }^{{2}_{s}^{* }-2}u,\hspace{1.0em}& \hspace{0.1em}\text{in}\hspace{0.1em}\hspace{0.33em}{{\mathbb{R}}}^{3},\\ {\varepsilon }^{2t}{\left(-\Delta )}^{t}\phi ={u}^{2},\hspace{1.0em}& \hspace{0.1em}\text{in}\hspace{0.1em}\hspace{0.33em}{{\mathbb{R}}}^{3},\end{array}\right.

where

ε
>
0

\varepsilon \gt 0

is a small parameter,

0
<
s
,
t
<
1
,
2
s
+
2
t
>
3

0\lt s,t\lt 1,2s+2t\gt 3

, and

2

s

*

=

6

3
−
2
s

{2}_{s}^{* }=\frac{6}{3-2s}

is the critical Sobolev exponent in dimension 3. By assuming that

V

V

is weakly differentiable and

f
∈
C

(

R
,
R

)

f\in {\mathcal{C}}\left({\mathbb{R}},{\mathbb{R}})

satisfies some lower order perturbations, we show that there exists a constant

ε

0

>
0

{\varepsilon }_{0}\gt 0

such that for all

ε
∈

(

0
,

ε

0

]

\varepsilon \in (0,{\varepsilon }_{0}]

, the above system has a semiclassical Nehari-Pohozaev-type ground state solution

v

ˆ

ε

{\hat{v}}_{\varepsilon }

. Moreover, the decay estimate and asymptotic behavior of

{

v

ˆ

ε

}

\left\{{\hat{v}}_{\varepsilon }\right\}

are also investigated as

ε
→
0

\varepsilon \to 0

. Our results generalize and improve the ones in Liu and Zhang and Ambrosio, and some other relevant literatures.
On the large solutions to a class of k-Hessian problems
Authors: Wan Haitao
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we consider the k-Hessian problem S

k
(D
2
u) = b(x)f(u) in Ω, u = +∞ on ∂Ω, where Ω is a C
∞-smooth bounded strictly (k − 1)-convex domain in

R

N

${\mathbb{R}}^{N}$

with N ≥ 2, b ∈ C∞(Ω) is positive in Ω and may be singular or vanish on ∂Ω, f ∈ C[0, ∞) ∩ C
1(0, ∞) (or

f
∈

C

1

(

R

)

$f\in {C}^{1}\left(\mathbb{R}\right)$

) is a positive and increasing function. We establish the first expansions (equalities) of k-convex solutions to the above problem when f is borderline regularly varying and Γ-varying at infinity respectively. For the former, we reveal the exact influences of some indexes of f and principal curvatures of ∂Ω on the first expansion of solutions. For the latter, we find the principal curvatures of ∂Ω have no influences on the expansions. Our results and methods are quite different from the existing ones (including k = N). Moreover, we know the existence of k-convex solutions to the above problem (including k = N) is still an open problem when b possesses high singularity on ∂Ω and f satisfies Keller–Osserman type condition. For the radially symmetric case in the ball, we give a positive answer to this open problem, and then we further show the global estimates for all radial large solutions.
Sex Ratio and Terrorist Group Survival
Authors: Gahramanov Emin , Gaibulloev Khusrav , Younas Javed
Published: April 2024

Using data of 638 terrorist groups operating in 92 countries for the period 1970–2016, we examine the relationship between gender imbalance and a resident terrorist group survival. Our empirical design employs alternative models and controls for terrorist group characteristics, base-country influences, and unobservable regional fixed effects. An increase in male-to-female ratio is associated with lower probability of terrorist groups demise, suggesting that countries with a skewed male population are less able to combat terrorism.
IgG and kappa free light chain CSF/serum indices: evaluating intrathecal immunoglobulin production in HIV infection in comparison with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hagberg Lars , Rosenstein Igal , Lycke Jan , Zetterberg Henrik , Yilmaz Aylin , Edén Arvid , Gisslén Magnus
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To study intrathecal kappa free light chain (KFLC) synthesis in people living with HIV (PLWH) in comparison with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis including 56 untreated and 150 well treated PLWH, and compared with 58 controls, and 223 MS patients.

Results

Elevated serum/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IgG and KFLC indices were observed in untreated PLWH. Seventy percent of untreated PLWH had KFLC index above 6.1, a threshold associated with clinically isolated syndrome/MS diagnosis. No association was found between KFCL index and CSF markers of neuronal injury in either PLWH or MS patients.

Conclusions

HIV-related immune system dysfunction is often associated with an elevated KFLC index akin to those observed in MS. HIV infection should be considered as a differential diagnosis for patients presenting with neurological symptoms and increased intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis.
Evaluation of effects from hemoglobin variants on HbA1c measurements by different methods
Authors: Song Yichuan , Xu Anping , Wang Mo , Shi Jie , Fu Wenxuan , Ji Ling , Zhang Rui
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The impact of seven hemoglobin variants (Hb Q-Thailand, Hb G-Honolulu, Hb Ube-2, Hb New York, Hb J-Bangkok, Hb G-Coushatta, and Hb E) on the outcome of HbA1c was investigated for six methods by comparing with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) reference method.

Methods

Twenty-nine normal and 112 variant samples were measured by LC/MS/MS, Sebia Capillarys 3 TERA, Intelligene Biosystems QuanTOF, Premier Hb9210, Arkray HA-8190V, Bio-Rad D-100, and Tosoh G11, then evaluated for correlation, consistency, and mean relative bias among six methods. The lowest biological variation bias of ±2.8 % was an acceptable standard.

Results

All methods showed poor correlation and consistency with LC/MS/MS for Hb E. The unacceptable biases were observed for Capillarys 3 TERA (−14.4 to −3.7 % for Hb Q-Thailand, Hb Ube-2, Hb New York, Hb J-Bangkok and Hb E), QuanTOF (−8.3 to −2.9 % for Hb Ube-2, Hb New York and Hb G-Coushatta), Premier Hb9210 (−18.3 to −3.6 % for Hb Q-Thailand, Hb Ube-2, Hb New York, Hb J-Bangkok and Hb E), HA-8190V variant mode (−17.3 to 6.6 % for Hb G-Honolulu, Hb Ube-2, Hb New York, Hb G-Coushatta and Hb E). All variant samples showed larger biases than ±2.8 % comparing HA-8190V fast mode, D-100, and G11 with LC/MS/MS.

Conclusions

The accuracy of different HbA1c methods was influenced by some Hb variants, especially Hb Ube-2 and Hb New York. Thus, laboratories need to choose appropriate methods to measure HbA1c with different Hb variants.
Computational Methods in Applied Mathematics (CMAM 2022 Conference, Part 1)
Authors: Feischl Michael , Praetorius Dirk , Ruggeri Michele
Published: April 2024

This paper introduces the contents of the first of two special issues associated with the
9th International Conference on Computational Methods in Applied Mathematics,
which took place from August 29 to September 2, 2022 in Vienna.
It comments on the topics and highlights of all twelve papers of the special issue.
Reflections on the Historiography of Post-War Justice and the Holocaust in Lithuania
Authors: Malinauskaitė Gintarė
Published: April 2024

The article gives a brief overview of the historiography of post-war justice in Lithuania. It begins with an introduction to post-Holocaust justice, outlining the functioning of the post-war war crimes trials in Soviet Lithuania, including the institutional framework, the retribution law, the nature of legal proceedings, and the procedural changes that took place over time. The article then presents the historiographical approaches historians have used to investigate these trials and depicts the current developments in this field of study. It shows that following the fall of the Soviet Union, the first works on post-war justice lacked an in-depth analysis and instead concentrated on how the Soviet regime had utilized these legal proceedings for political purposes. The article presents not only the micro-historical studies that historians have conducted on selected court cases in recent years, but also explores the ways in which the relationship between the Holocaust and the Soviet war crimes trials, as well as the visual representation and mediation of these trials, have been investigated. It then briefly discusses the missing categories of analysis that need to be integrated into the study of post-war justice in the case of Lithuania. The article finishes by presenting the debates and controversies surrounding this historical topic. It shows that the Soviet campaign of post-war retribution is embedded in the “narratives of doubt.” The credibility and reliability of the legal records compiled by KGB officials are constantly questioned not only by the legal and political authorities, but also by historians.
Preparation and application research of composites with low vacuum outgassing and excellent electromagnetic sealing performance
Authors: Mao Hongda , Zou Hua , Liu Wei , Zhuang Xindi , Xing Baotong
Published: April 2024

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding rubber effectively fills gaps in electronic devices to prevent electromagnetic (EM) leakage. However, research on the potential application of EMI shielding rubber in the field of space is limited. This study explores the optimal amount of silver-coated aluminum powder (SCA) in SCA/ methyl vinyl silicone rubber (MVQ) composites to balance the electrical and mechanical properties of EMI shielding rubber. The EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of 41.8 vol% SCA/MVQ composite exceeded 90 dB in the frequency range between 100 and 1,200 MHz with a compression set of only 14%. To address the outgassing characteristics of silicone rubber in a vacuum environment, both pre-heating and post-heating treatments for reducing rubber volatility are explored, proving that silicone rubber followed by 4 h of post-heating treatment at 200°C, is an appropriate solution to reduce silicone rubber volatility, leading to the SCA/MVQ composite with a total mass loss of only 0.2%, and a collected volatile condensable material of only 0.02%. In addition, high reliability is crucial for EMI shielding materials. SCA/MVQ composite exhibits excellent adaptability to vacuum temperature cycles, with the EMI SE maintained at 90 dB after cycles. At room temperature, after 30 days of storage, the EMI SE of the composite remains at 90 dB. These findings indicate that SCA/MVQ composites exhibit broad potential applications in the field of EM sealing for aerospace electronic devices.
Renegotiating Jia Zhangke’s Contestious Auteurism on Douban
Authors: Lau Dorothy Wai Sim
Published: April 2024

This article focuses on sixth-generation mainland Chinese auteur Jia Zhangke and examines how his independent filmmaker’s profile is renegotiated and reevaluated on Douban, a China-based platform for cultural commentary. Whereas Douban allows viewers to rate a film, post a review of any length, and comment on other posts, it manifests a self-censoring tendency with sustained state control. Examining in Jia’s contentious auteurism through a “post-independent’ lens, this article recounts how Douban users approach and interpret Jia’s more recent titles such asAsh Is Purest White(2018) andSwimming Out till the Sea Turns Blue(2020) that pose a question of whether Jia’s auteurism is perpetuated. The account extends to the controversies surrounding Jia’s departure from and re-entry to the independently-run, government-supported Pingyao International Film Festival, which took place in 2020 and 2021 and have further perplexed his established brand. Contextualizing Jia’s Douban-represented authorial identity in China’s platform-based cultural production, this analysis unravels the intricate dynamics of market logic, state governance, and audience agency in the rise of the mass media-saturated intertextuality and crossover capitals.
“Propping up” the “I,” or the discursive constitution of subjectivity: a multimodal discourse analysis of informal talk in a kindergarten classroom
Authors: Ranker Jason
Published: April 2024

This article presents a multimodal discourse analysis of a discursive event involving three kindergarten children engaged in informal talk while writing and drawing in a classroom setting. My focus was to identify semiotic elements that indicated the children’s subjectivity as constituted in discourse. I thus characterize the focal students’ subjectivity not as an internal, pre-existing phenomenon that is brought to discourse, but, rather, as manifest in and realized as a discursive entity. From this perspective, subjectivity is thus understood as the possibility of becoming a subject of discourse: as a process of coming to create, participate in, and become affected by the unfolding discourse. Drawing upon theories of discourse developed by Émile Benveniste and Jacques Lacan, I mapped uses of the pronouns “I” and “you” as spoken signifiers that came into relation with discursive objects in the process of the multimodal constitution of subjectivity in discourse. This analysis adds to the conceptual development of the processes and significance of subjectivity in children’s multimodal discourse, as well as methodological approaches that suggest how multimodal discourse analysis can more explicitly incorporate subjectivity.
Organodiphosphines in cis-Pt(η2-PX
n
P)(Cl)2 (n = 1,2,3) derivatives: Structural aspects
Authors: Melník Milan , Mikuš Peter
Published: April 2024

This article covers almost 130 Pt(ii) complexes with an inner coordination sphere of cis-PtP2Cl2. The P-donor ligands are organodiphosphines that create four-, five-, and six-membered metallocyclic rings. There are two types of four-membered rings: PCP and PNCP, and four types of five-membered rings: PC–CP, PC═CP, PNNP, and PCOP. There are wide varieties of the six-membered metallocyclic rings: PC3P (most common), PCNCP, PCSCP, PCSiCP, PNCNP, PCCOP, PCCNP, POPNP, POSiOP, P(CNC)2P, and P(CNC)(CCC)P. The P–Pt–P bite angles open with the size of the metallocyclic rings in the order (total mean values 72.4° [PXP] < 86.4° [PXXP] < 94.0° [PXXNP]). There are complexes that are examples of distortion and ligand isomerism. The structural data are analyzed and discussed.
Modification of polyvinyl alcohol with 2-hydroxypropionic acid and cross-linking with glutaraldehyde for the preparation of biodegradable mulch paper and its properties
Authors: Wu Xunqian , Song Xiaoming , Cao Ziyi , Ma Yan , Sun Yanfeng , Chen Fushan , Gao Shanshan
Published: April 2024

The preparation of biodegradable mulch film with paper-based materials has become a significant focus in mulch film development due to the serious pollution caused by plastic mulch film. This study utilized the esterification cross-linking reaction of LA, PVA, and GA to coat the surface of paper as the substrate. FTIR, TGA, XRD, SEM, tensile testing, and oxygen, water vapor barrier performance tests were performed. The optimal conditions for film preparation were determined to be a 10 % PVA aqueous solution, 5 % GA content, and a PVA/LA/GA ratio of 1:2:1. The resulting film paper exhibited a dry strength of 6.52 kN/m, a wet strength of 0.23 kN/m, a tearing degree of 969.35 mN, a Cobb value of 12.04 g/m2, a water vapor transmission rate of 573.27 g m−2 24 h−1, and an oxygen transmission rate of 7.373 cm3 m−2 24 h−1. After a 6-week landfill degradation test, the film showed a degradation rate of 25.3 %, while still maintaining a tensile strength of 1.89 kN/m. Field application tests in greenhouses confirmed that the film paper facilitated the growth of strawberry, its mechanical and barrier properties suitable for a biodegradable paper mulch.
Chinese guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of Takayasu’s arteritis (2023)
Authors: Tian Xinping , Zeng Xiaofeng
Published: April 2024

Takayasu’s arteritis (TAK) is a chronic granulomatous inflammatory disease that involves aorta and its primary branches. It is characterized by wall thickening, stenosis/obliteration or aneurysm formation of the involved arteries. In order to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of TAK in China, a clinical practice guideline with an evidence-based approach is developed under the leadership of National Clinical Medical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID). Eleven recommendations for 11 clinical questions that are important to the diagnosis and treatment of TAK are developed based on the latest evidence and expert opinions combined with real clinical practice in China.
Zeitgeschichte als Aufgabe im 21. Jahrhundert
Authors: Schlemmer Thomas , Wirsching Andreas
Published: April 2024

Was Zeitgeschichte als Forschungsfeld und historische Teildisziplin ausmacht, ist Gegenstand des siebten Podiums Zeitgeschichte. Ausgehend von Hans Rothfels’ wegweisenden Überlegungen im ersten Aufsatz der Vierteljahrshefte für Zeitgeschichte setzt sich Julia Angster mit dem Thema „Zeitgeschichte zwischen nationaler und globaler Geschichte“ auseinander, während Kiran Klaus Patel die Frage „Zeitgeschichte Europas als supranationale Geschichte?“ erörtert. Eckart Conze befasst sich anschließend mit einem lange Zeit fast vergessenen Aspekt, nämlich „Krieg, Frieden und Sicherheit als Perspektiven zeithistorischer Forschung“. Martin Rempe dagegen diskutiert die Chancen einer zeitgeschichtlichen Globalisierungsforschung ebenso wie ihre Probleme, und Frank Bösch richtet den Fokus in seinem abschließenden Beitrag auf ein anderes, aber mit der Globalisierung eng verbundenes Themenfeld: die „Zeitgeschichte im digitalen Zeitalter“.
Numerical study on the temperature dependence of soot formation in acetylene pyrolysis blended with methane, formaldehyde, methanol, and dimethyl ether
Authors: Böhm Heidi , Braun-Unkhoff Marina , Jander Helga
Published: April 2024

This paper addresses the combined effects of varying C/H and C/O ratios as well as of the molecular structure of the fuels selected on the normalized soot volume fraction f
V. For the simulations, an already existing and validated reaction mechanism for the pyrolysis of C2H2 in argon, Aghsaee et al. (Combust. Flame 2014, 161, 2263–2269), was used in the current work. It was extended with PAH reactions from coronene (C24H12) up to ovalene (C32H14), whereas general principles for the rapid build-up of large PAHs were presented. Soot formation was modeled according to Appel et al. (Combust. Flame 2000, 121, 122–136) by applying the method of moments. A validation of the extended reaction model was carried out for shock-wave-induced O2/C2H2 mixtures from literature. In the following, the influence of blends of methane (CH4), formaldehyde (CH2O), methanol (CH3OH), and dimethyl ether (CH3)2O on soot formation during C2H2 pyrolysis diluted in Ar was studied. Special emphasis was laid on the inception chemistry of soot formation. The role of intermediates, such as the propargyl radical (C3H3), leading towards benzene and polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) formation and their interplay with hydrogen molecules (H2) to H atoms (H) ratio was examined. All blends increased the ratio of the concentrations of H2 and H leading thus to reduced soot inception and soot formation. However, soot suppressing effects were overrun by supporting ones when the additives provided suitable molecular groups, such as methyl radicals (CH3), in sufficient high concentrations for early aromatic ring formation. Thus, a prominent synergistic effect on soot formation was found for the CH4/C2H2 mixture only. Besides, species able to mirror characteristics of the soot formation process, such as the peak value of the normalized soot volume fraction, are presented. The findings of this work indicate the synergistic effect of H2/H and C/O ratios as well as of methyl radicals on the PAHs’ production of appropriate size able to initiate soot inception process in an aliphatic fuel.