bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Utility of D-Dimer for Rule-Out or Rule-In of Venous Thromboembolism in Syncope
Authors: Badertscher Patrick , du Fay de Lavallaz Jeanne , Hammerer-Lercher Angelika , Mueller Christian ,   for the BASEL IX Investigators, Zimmermann Tobias , Lopez-Ayala Pedro , Nestelberger Thomas , Gualandro Danielle M. , Miró Òscar , Keller Dagmar I. , Martin-Sanchez F. Javier , Bürgler Franz , Than Martin , Widmer Velina , Christ Michael , Cullen Louise , Di Somma Salvatore , Peacock W. Frank , Geigy Nicolas , Kühne Michael , Freese Michael , Salgado Emilio , Martinez-Nadal Gemma , Inostroza Carolina Isabel Fuenzalida , Costabel Juan Pablo , Mandrión José Bustamante , Poepping Imke , Rentsch Katharina , von Eckardstein Arnold , Buser Andreas , Greenslade Jaimi , Lohrmann Jens
Published: August 2022

Graphical abstract

Fig. 1 Diagnostic performance of D-dimer using two different assays in patients presenting with syncope. A Left: Receiver-operating characteristic curves quantifying the diagnostic performance of Innovance® D-dimer (blue) and hs-Loci-Innovance® D-dimer (red) for the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Right: Clinical application of D-dimer using the 2-level Wells-score with age-adjusted1 or fixed cutoffs versus the YEARS-algorithm with probability-adjusted cut offs2. B Left: Specificity for different cufoffs of Innovance® D-dimer (blue) and hs-Loci-Innovance® D-dimer (red) for the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Right: Percentage of patients ruled-in and correctly identified VTE patients for different cutoffs of Innovance® D-dimer (blue) and hs-Loci-Innovance® D-dimer (red). 1In patients 50 years or younger, D-dimer concentration < 0.5 mg/l was considered negative. For patients older than 50 years, we used the formula: age in years divided by 100. 2YEARS-algorithm: assessment of only three items from the Wells-score (clinical signs of deep vein thrombosis, hemoptysis, pulmonary embolism the most likely diagnosis) and using a D-dimer test threshold of 0.5 mg/l in presence, and 1.0 mg/l in absence of one of the YEARS-items
Synergistic influence of tetraethyl orthosilicate crosslinker on mixed matrix hydrogels
Authors: Sagar Sadia , Alturki Abdulaziz , Farhan Muhammad , Bahadar Ali , Hossain Nazia
Published: August 2022

Hydrogel is a 3D framework of hydrophilic polymeric material that quickly absorbs and retains a huge amount of water (or other fluid) and offers versatile functionality. A series of unique carboxymethyl cellulose/Xanthan gum/polyvinyl alcohol (CXP) blended hydrogels, containing both the natural and synthetic polymers, were prepared by following the blending and casting approach. The polymers were incorporated through chemical crosslinking by tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). The fabricated hydrogels showed all required features: non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and improved mechanical strength. The addition and variation in TEOS (crosslinker) significantly impacted the key characteristics of CXP hydrogel. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed the porous structure and indicated that the pore's size and intensity were reduced with the surge in TEOS content. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results confirmed the successful incorporation of various polymeric strands through crosslinking by TEOS. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) highlighted the greater stability of all the hydrogels over high temperatures. The crosslinked hydrogel displayed higher thermal resilience than the uncross-linked one. The differential thermal analysis (DTA) also confirmed that the addition of TEOS content drastically enhanced the thermal endurance of crosslinked hydrogels in comparison with the neat hydrogel. All the specimens exhibited good swelling ability in distilled water during the swelling studies. This study also reflected that the addition of crosslinker in a limited amount (50 µL) has significantly enhanced the swelling but further increase in concentration hindered the water uptake. The swelling response of blends towards pH revealed low swelling of films in acidic and basic pH, but maximal swelling in neutral media. This unique pH response of hydrogels at neutral pH along with the biocompatibility made them suitable for injectable managed drug carrier.
Socially Disruptive Technologies, Contextual Integrity, and Conservatism About Moral Change
Authors: van de Poel Ibo
Published: August 2022

This commentary is a response to Contextual Integrity as a General Conceptual Tool for Evaluating Technological Change by Elizabeth O’Neill (Philosophy & Technology (2022)). It argues that while contextual integrity (CI) might be an useful addition to the toolkit of approaches for ethical technology assessment, a CI approach might not be able to uncover all morally relevant impacts of technological change. Moreover, the inherent conservatism of a CI approach might be problematic in cases in which we encounter new kinds of morally problematic situations, such as climate change, or when technology reinforces historically grown injustices.
“I miss seeing the kids!”: Australian teachers’ changing roles, preferences, and positive and negative experiences of remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Van Bergen Penny , Daniel Emily
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant upheaval in schools in Australia and internationally. The aim of this study was to map Australian teachers’ positive and negative experiences during remote and online learning. Our study took place during the first COVID-19 wave, in the early stages of lockdown. Using an online instrument, we asked 210 primary and secondary teachers about changes in their teaching roles due to COVID-19. Responses were coded for positive and negative themes using inductive thematic analysis. The majority of teachers reported negative themes (88.6%), while half also reported positive themes (44.8%). Participants reported missing their students and struggling with excessive workload demands. They also experienced difficulties tracking student progress and felt worried for student wellbeing. Interestingly, concerns about technology were less common. Indeed, 19.1% enjoyed learning new online skills and integrating IT in new ways. Implications for student–teacher relationships, mental health, and future teaching are discussed.
A taxonomy of clinical reasoning for pre-service teachers on professional experience
Authors: Loughland Tony , Bostwick Keiko
Published: August 2022

Clinical reflection with a focus on student impact is now a mandated attribute for graduate teachers across Australia via the capstone teacher performance assessment task. This policy move is forcing teacher educators to examine their programs to find space for activities that help pre-service teachers to develop the skills and dispositions required for the teacher performance assessment. Some of the best opportunities for clinical reflection occur after pre-service teachers teach lessons during their professional experience in schools. The data for this study were generated during the trial of a lesson feedback and reflection form for pre-service teachers in NSW, Australia. This study examined 13 pre-service teachers’ responses in 134 lesson feedback and reflection forms. A phenomenographic analysis was conducted on the responses to produce an inclusive and hierarchical four-level taxonomy of clinical reflection. These data showed that although all levels of the taxonomy were present in post lesson feedback and reflection forms, clinical reflection was less frequent than other categories of reflective practice such as causal. These findings have clear implications for the precision of the learning protocols deployed in professional experience experiences in teacher education for the purpose of fostering clinical reflection.
Improvement of osseointegration efficacy of titanium implant through plasma surface treatment
Authors: Lee Hyungyu , Jeon Hyun Jeong , Jung Ara , Kim Jinwoo , Kim Jun Young , Lee Seung Hun , Kim Hosu , Yeom Moon Seop , Choe Wonho , Gweon Bomi , Lim Youbong
Published: August 2022

A novel plasma treatment source for generating cylindrical plasma on the surface of titanium dental implants is developed herein. Using the titanium implant as an electrode and the packaging wall as a dielectric barrier, a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma was generated, allowing the implant to remain sterile. Numerical and experimental investigations were conducted to determine the optimal discharge conditions for eliminating hydrocarbon impurities, which are known to degrade the bioactivity of the implant. XPS measurement confirmed that plasma treatment reduced the amount of carbon impurities on the implant surface by approximately 60%. Additionally, in vitro experiments demonstrated that the surface treatment significantly improved cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Collectively, we proposed a plasma treatment source for dental implants that successfully removes carbon impurities and facilitate the osseointegration of SLA implants.
Market women’s skills, constraints, and agency in supplying affordable, safe, and high-quality fish in Ghana
Authors: Overå Ragnhild , Atter Amy , Amponsah Samuel , Kjellevold Marian
Published: August 2022

In Ghana, the role of female informal traders (“market women”) in making low-cost smoked and dried fish available in urban and rural marketplaces is the key to explaining the high consumption of fish in the country. However, market women’s contribution to food security and nutrition (FSN), as well as to fish quality and safety is underrated and poorly understood. Fish marketing requires proficient distribution and preservation skills, economic and sociocultural competence, and a high degree of mobility. Fish traders face numerous constraints related to fish supplies, credit access, hygiene, storage facilities, transport, and market governance, all of which affect their incomes and may affect the quality and safety of fish. The article, which is based on semi-structured interviews with fish traders and fish consumers in coastal and inland markets in Ghana, documents how traders operate and exhibit agency to deal with constraints by activating a range of skills in their profit-making and their fish quality and safety enhancement strategies. The authors argue that policies grounded in knowledge about fish traders’ activities, skills, and working conditions, with budgets that prioritize investment in public infrastructure that caters for market women’s professional and personal needs, can further enhance their ability to supply affordable, safe, and high-quality fish to Ghana’s population.
An experimental study on the effects of friction modifiers on wheel–rail dynamic interactions with various angles of attack
Authors: Yang Zhen , Zhang Pan , Moraal Jan , Li Zili
Published: August 2022

By modifying friction to the desired level, the application of friction modifiers (FMs) has been considered as a promising emerging tool in the railway engineering for increasing braking/traction force in poor adhesion conditions and mitigating wheel/rail interface deterioration, energy consumption, vibration and noise. Understanding the effectiveness of FMs in wheel–rail dynamic interactions is crucial to their proper applications in practice, which has, however, not been well explained. This study experimentally investigates the effects of two types of top-of-rail FM, i.e. FM-A and FM-B, and their application dosages on wheel–rail dynamic interactions with a range of angles of attack (AoAs) using an innovative well-controlled V-track test rig. The tested FMs have been used to provide intermediate friction for wear and noise reduction. The effectiveness of the FMs is assessed in terms of the wheel–rail adhesion characteristics and friction rolling induced axle box acceleration (ABA). This study provides the following new insights into the study of FM: the applications of the tested FMs can both reduce the wheel–rail adhesion level and change the negative friction characteristic to positive; stick–slip can be generated in the V-Track and eliminated by FM-A but intensified by FM-B, depending on the dosage of the FMs applied; the negative friction characteristic is not a must for stick–slip; the increase in ABA with AoA is insignificant until stick–slip occurs and the ABA can thus be influenced by the applications of FM.
Follow the cloud! The impact of ICT on Italian provinces’ trade
Authors: Boccia Marinella , Ferragina Anna Maria , Iandolo Stefano
Published: August 2022

This study investigates the role of digital capacities in the internationalisation processes of Italian provinces using a panel dataset built upon the territorial statistical database of ISTAT (Italian National Institute of Statistics) for the period 2014–2017. The purpose is to explore the link between three internationalisation indicators (export value, export intensity and export in most dynamics sectors) and two ICT drivers (use of e-business digital technologies, such as cloud computing, and use of social media) expected to enable firms to share information along the supply chain and to ease firms’ communication and fixed cost investment. To purge the analysis from unobserved determinants of export performance and ICT adoption reverse causation problems, the identification relies on an instrumental variables approach that addresses the endogeneity of our two variables of interest related to ICT. The results show a significant relationship between the ICT capacities related to cloud adoption and our export indicators confirming the role of e-business digital technologies in explaining the export performance of Italian provinces. The use of social media also appears weakly able to impact on the export performances indicators. These results are robust to our endogeneity checks.
Integral points on punctured abelian varieties
Authors: Siksek Samir
Published: August 2022

Let $$A/{\mathbb {Q}}$$

A
/
Q

be an abelian variety such that $$A({\mathbb {Q}}) =\{0_A\}$$

A

(
Q
)

=

{

0
A

}

. Let $$\ell $$
ℓ
and p be rational primes, such that A has good reduction at p, and satisfying $$\ell \equiv 1 \,(\mathrm{mod} \,p)$$

ℓ
≡
1

(
mod

p
)

and $$\ell \not \mid \# \,A({\mathbb {F}}_p)$$

ℓ
∤
#

A
(

F
p

)

. Let S be a finite set of rational primes. We show that $$(A \setminus \{0_A\})({\mathscr {O}}_{L,S}) =\varnothing $$

(
A
\

{

0
A

}

)

(

O

L
,
S

)

=
∅

for 100% of cyclic degree $$\ell $$
ℓ
fields $$L/{\mathbb {Q}}$$

L
/
Q

, when ordered by conductor, or by absolute discriminant.
The french (non-)compliance with the european energy policy
Authors: Engels Florian
Published: August 2022

In the early years of the common European Energy policy, France has been labelled a black sheep or a bad pupil when it came to applying European and international energy, climate and energy market frameworks. As the country is currently engaged, in its own energy transition process (la transition énergétique) the question arises if these attributions are still valid. This article argues that several points of conflict between Paris and Brussels in the field of energy policy can still be identified today, especially in the areas of market liberalisation, the non-ETS sector and the promotion of renewable energy. Following the EU-compliance theory, the reasons for Paris’ deviations can be identified as both intentional and unintentional. On the one hand France is still politically reluctant to fully commit to Brussels energy policy objectives as they clash with the country’s view on the energy sector as a public welfare task. On the other hand, France faces systemic constraints due to its strong nuclear fleet, that dominates the country’s energy sector and therefore reduces Paris’ manoeuvrability within the European Energy framework. Because of this, France should be seen as an involuntary black sheep today, when it comes to non-compliance in EU-energy policy. Based on recent policy developments as well as energy production, consumption and GHG-emission data this article describes the current state of French and European energy and climate policies before analysing Paris’ performance towards the European framework goals as well as political reasons and structural constraints that inhibit further progress.
Psoriasis care in Germany: do patients who receive better care travel longer?
Authors: Mohr Nicole , Langenbruch Anna , Augustin Jobst , Kirsten Natalia , Augustin Matthias , Andrees Valerie
Published: August 2022

Background

Large variations in the quality of psoriasis care lead to patients being willing to bypass the nearest physician to receive higher quality of care. However, it remains unknown whether actual travel time is associated with quality of care. This study aimed to identify perceived quality of care determinants for travel time to the physician among patients with psoriasis in Germany. Furthermore, differences in access and perceived quality of care between urban and rural areas in Germany were analyzed.

Methods

This cross-sectional observational study based on patient-level healthcare data. Perceived quality of care and treatment satisfaction were assessed from the patients’ perspective. Travel time was estimated by the patients. Multiple regression analysis with the predictors patient characteristics, system-related variables, urbanity, and patient satisfaction with treatment, was applied to identify determinants of travel time with subgroup analyses for rural and urban areas.

Results

We included 497 patients from 29 dermatological practices in Germany. There were significant differences in psoriasis care between urban and rural areas. Longer travel time was associated with lower age, higher income, higher number of consulted dermatologists since diagnosis, rural residence, more waiting time for the first appointment, lower dermatologist density, and higher patient reported treatment satisfaction.

Discussion

The results indicate an association between actual travel time and treatment satisfaction. Patients with higher perceived quality of care travel longer for their dermatological treatment. The results are also relevant to needs related planning.
PIFs- and COP1-HY5-mediated temperature signaling in higher plants
Authors: Bian Yeting , Chu Li , Lin Huan , Qi Yaoyao , Fang Zheng , Xu Dongqing
Published: August 2022

Plants have to cope with the surrounding changing environmental stimuli to optimize their physiological and developmental response throughout their entire life cycle. Light and temperature are two critical environmental cues that fluctuate greatly during day-night cycles and seasonal changes. These two external signals coordinately control the plant growth and development. Distinct spectrum of light signals are perceived by a group of wavelength-specific photoreceptors in plants. PIFs and COP1-HY5 are two predominant signaling hubs that control the expression of a large number of light-responsive genes and subsequent light-mediated development in plants. In parallel, plants also transmit low or warm temperature signals to these two regulatory modules that precisely modulate the responsiveness of low or warm temperatures. The core component of circadian clock ELF3 integrates signals from light and warm temperatures to regulate physiological and developmental processes in plants. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent advances and progresses on PIFs-, COP1-HY5- and ELF3-mediated light, low or warm temperature signaling, and highlight emerging insights regarding the interactions between light and low or warm temperature signal transduction pathways in the control of plant growth.
Attitudes and Practice of Health Care Providers Toward Cancer Screening: A Cross-sectional Multicenter Study, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ahmed Gasmelseed Y. , Al Mutair Abbas , Bashir Shahinaz , Acunin Rommel , Al Aljabr Nora , Alnumari Rasha , Alarab Ghina , Hussein Siddig Mohamed , Saha Chandni , Al-Jamea Lamiaa H. , Woodman Alexander , Almusalami Eman
Published: August 2022

Background

Screening is a cancer prevention measure for groups who are asymptomatic, and diagnosis is a medical test for groups who are symptomatic. The occupational privilege of health care providers (HCPs) is expected to play a positive role in cancer screening practices. Therefore, this study aimed to assess perceptions and personal attitudes of HCPs regarding their decision to screen for cancer in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Design

A cross-sectional multicenter survey study was conducted. A well-designed and validated questionnaire was distributed to the HCPs at three tertiary hospitals in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Results

Out of 900 health care providers who received the questionnaire, 372 completed it. Two-thirds, 247 (66.4%) of them were nurses and the rest were physicians and the mean age was 34.1 ± 7.1 years. Regardless of gender, profession, or age, the overall rate of belief in the importance of regular cancer screening was high; 91.4%. The number of participants who did not screen for colonoscopy was significantly higher than those who screened. The number of females in the age group of between 45 and 54 years who screened with mammography was significantly higher than non-screened. In a similar way, male HCPs above 54 years who got themselves screened for Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) were significantly higher than those who did not.

Conclusions

Findings of the current research and existing evidence specifically for the Saudi community indicated a need to raise awareness, emphasizing the role of HCPs in motivating themselves, their families, and their patients to implement various cancer screening programs.
The Thinning Cash Cattle Market: Evaluating Sample Size, Policy Prescriptions, and Pricing Proxies
Authors: Brester Gary W. , Swanser Kole , Crosby Brett
Published: August 2022

Many cattle producers and producer organizations are concerned that the live cattle negotiated market has become too thin. The percentage of live cattle procured through direct negotiations has declined below 20%, while the percentage procured through formulas has increased to more than 60%. Most formulas are based on directly negotiated cattle prices. Proposed legislation mandating that a larger percentage of live cattle be procured through negotiations represents a market intervention. We show that live cattle futures prices are good proxies for negotiated cash prices, while being less restrictive for meeting proposed cash cattle procurement percentage requirements.
Cost and healthcare utilization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia estimated from linked antimicrobial resistance surveillance and hospital claims data in Japan
Authors: Shoji Tomokazu , Muto Ryusei , Fukuda Haruhisa , Muraki Yuichi , Kawata Keishi , Akazawa Manabu
Published: August 2022

Objective:

To compare the incremental costs and healthcare utilization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia with those of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) bacteremia.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study using data from April 2014 to March 2015.

Setting:

Antimicrobial resistance surveillance and hospital claims data from 16 Japanese hospitals.

Patients:

The study included 73 patients with S. aureus bacteremia: 23 with MRSA and 50 with MSSA.

Methods:

MRSA bacteremia was identified using blood cultures and drug-susceptibility tests. MRSA- and MSSA-related medical practices were evaluated. The costs were calculated and compared. All the medical costs were classified into empirical and definitive therapy periods and expressed in Japanese yen (JPY, 1 USD = 106 JPY). Additionally, costs at aggressive and passive bacterial test-performing facilities were compared.

Results:

No significant differences existed in MRSA-related resource use per patient episode between MRSA and MSSA bacteremia during empirical therapy. However, during definitive therapy, in MRSA bacteremia compared with MSSA bacteremia, this difference was higher. The average MRSA-related costs of empirical therapy for MRSA and MSSA were 13,380 and 9,140 JPY (126 and 86 USD) per patient, and for definitive therapy, they were 69,810 and 29,510 JPY (659 and 278 USD) per patient, respectively. No significant differences were noted. Conversely, the average examination costs during definitive therapy differed significantly: 9,740 vs 3,850 JPY (92 vs 36 USD), respectively (P = .0294). Furthermore, the incremental costs in aggressive facilities were lower for the definitive therapy period than those in passive facilities.

Conclusions:

In the definitive therapy period, MRSA bacteremia had higher incremental costs and greater use of healthcare resources. In addition, the incremental costs in aggressive facilities were lower than those in passive facilities.
Internet Scamming and the Techniques of Neutralization: Parents’ Excuses and Justifications for Children’s Involvement in Online Dating Fraud in Nigeria
Authors: Aborisade Richard Abayomi
Published: August 2022

Techniques of neutralization have largely been used to explain the triadic relationship between cybercrimes, offenders and victims, while the possible involvement of the offenders’ social networks as accomplices has been ignored. Interviewing parents, a qualitative study of their children’s romance scam involvement was conducted in Nigeria, exploring the parents’ disposition towards their children’s delinquent behaviour. In all, 52 interviews were conducted, and a thematic analysis of the narratives was carried out. Findings indicated that parents’ initial opposition to cybercrimes and support for enforcing laws against perpetrators changed towards accepting their children’s involvement in romance fraud. Parents adopted their children’s neutralization techniques in accepting their deviance. These findings have important implications in understanding the depth of Internet scams and parents’ social expectations in controlling their children’s behaviours.
In-work poverty in Montenegro
Authors: Golubovic Vojin , Mirkovic Milika , Kaludjerovic Jadranka
Published: August 2022

Montenegro has the highest in-work poverty (IWP) rates among all ex-Yugoslav countries. Although the IWP rate in Montenegro is significantly below the average poverty rate for the entire population, it has increased substantially since 2013. Despite that, IWP is rarely discussed as an important topic in the media or by policymakers, although some policies do target the working population at risk. This article starts with the identification of factors that affect IWP and differences in IWP of specific population groups between Montenegro and selected ex-Yugoslav countries (Slovenia and Serbia). As low earnings and low wages from employment are the main causes of IWP, the article focuses on the analysis of policies that influence income: minimum wage policy, family policy and tax policy and their influence on IWP of specific population groups. We use SILC data to map trends of IWP, while further analysis is based on desk review and expert interviews. We conclude that the approach to IWP in Montenegro requires more integrated policies that should target population groups most exposed to IWP.
Low-order moments of the velocity gradient in homogeneous compressible turbulence
Authors: Yang P.-F. , Fang J. , Fang L. , Pumir A. , Xu H.
Published: August 2022

We derive from first principles analytic relations for the second- and third-order moments of

$\boldsymbol{\mathsf{m}}$

, the spatial gradient of fluid velocity

$\boldsymbol{u}$

,

$\boldsymbol{\mathsf{m}} = \nabla \boldsymbol{u}$

, in compressible turbulence, which generalize known relations in incompressible flows. These relations, although derived for homogeneous flows, hold approximately for a mixing layer. We also discuss how to apply these relations to determine all the second- and third-order moments of the velocity gradient experimentally for isotropic compressible turbulence.
Three-dimensional density field of a screeching under-expanded jet in helical mode using multi-view digital holographic interferometry
Authors: Léon O. , Donjat D. , Olchewsky F. , Desse J.-M. , Nicolas F. , Champagnat F.
Published: August 2022

A synchronised multi-axis digital holographic interferometry set-up is presented for the study of 3-D flow fields with large density gradients. This optical configuration provides instantaneous interferograms with fine spatial resolution in six directions of projection. A regularised tomographic approach taking into account the presence of possible shock waves is furthermore considered to reconstruct 3-D density fields. Applied to a screeching under-expanded supersonic jet with helical dynamics, this set-up is used to provide dense optical phase measurements in the initial region of the jet. The jet mean density field is shown to be satisfactorily estimated with sharply resolved density gradients. In addition, an approach based on azimuthal Fourier transform and snapshot proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) applied to the instantaneous flow observations is proposed to study the main coherent dynamics of the jet. Relying on a cluster analysis of the azimuthal POD mode coefficients, a reduced dynamical model in the POD mode phase space is used as an approximation of the two observed limit cycles. A clear 3-D representation of the density field of a helical instability associated with screech mode C is then evidenced, with two equally probable directions of rotation. Switching between the two directions is reported, highlighting intermittency in the feedback loop. This helical structure is particularly seen to extend to the jet core, driving its internal dynamics and inducing out-of-phase density fluctuations between the outer and inner shear layers. These out-of-phase motions are related to the non-uniform radial distribution of fluctuation phase associated with the outer-layer Kelvin–Helmholtz instability wave.
Prediction of successful reanalysis based on eye-blink rate and reading times in sentences with local ambiguity
Authors: Karsenti Lola , Meltzer-Asscher Aya
Published: August 2022

The present study focuses on individual differences in the ability to recover from an initial misinterpretation during the processing of garden path (GP) sentences with local syntactic ambiguity. The performance of reanalysis in GP sentences is a cognitive task that requires efficient use of executive functions and allocation of working memory resources. In this study, we explored the possible role of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which has long been implicated in cognitive control processes, in the successful performance of reanalysis. We examined whether participants’ ability to successfully reanalyze a sentence with local ambiguity can be predicted based on (1) their tonic dopamine levels, as reflected by their resting state spontaneous eye-blink rate, measured prior to the experiment; and (2) their reading time patterns in the critical region of the sentence. We ran a self-paced reading experiment in Hebrew, assessing reanalysis performance via a paraphrasing task. We observed a linear and polynomial effect of eye-blink rate on reanalysis performance, with medium rates, corresponding to medium dopamine levels, associated with best performance. We also observed an effect of reading times, with longer reading times in the critical region predicting better reanalysis performance.
Techniques for blocking the propagation of two simultaneous contagions over networks using a graph dynamical systems framework
Authors: Carscadden Henry L. , Kuhlman Chris J. , Marathe Madhav V. , Ravi S. S. , Rosenkrantz Daniel J.
Published: August 2022

We consider the simultaneous propagation of two contagions over a social network. We assume a threshold model for the propagation of the two contagions and use the formal framework of discrete dynamical systems. In particular, we study an optimization problem where the goal is to minimize the total number of new infections subject to a budget constraint on the total number of available vaccinations for the contagions. While this problem has been considered in the literature for a single contagion, our work considers the simultaneous propagation of two contagions. This optimization problem is NP-hard. We present two main solution approaches for the problem, namely an integer linear programming (ILP) formulation to obtain optimal solutions and a heuristic based on a generalization of the set cover problem. We carry out a comprehensive experimental evaluation of our solution approaches using many real-world networks. The experimental results show that our heuristic algorithm produces solutions that are close to the optimal solution and runs several orders of magnitude faster than the ILP-based approach for obtaining optimal solutions. We also carry out sensitivity studies of our heuristic algorithm.
REMARKS ON HILBERT’S TENTH PROBLEM AND THE IWASAWA THEORY OF ELLIPTIC CURVES
Authors: RAY ANWESH
Published: August 2022

Let E be an elliptic curve with positive rank over a number field K and let p be an odd prime number. Let
$K_{\operatorname {cyc}}$
be the cyclotomic
$\mathbb {Z}_p$
-extension of K and
$K_n$
its nth layer. The Mordell–Weil rank of E is said to be constant in the cyclotomic tower of K if for all n, the rank of
$E(K_n)$
is equal to the rank of
$E(K)$
. We apply techniques in Iwasawa theory to obtain explicit conditions for the rank of an elliptic curve to be constant in this sense. We then indicate the potential applications to Hilbert’s tenth problem for number rings.
A Sovereign and Virtuous Body: The Competent Muslim Woman’s Guide to Health in Thanawi’s Bihishtī Zēwar (1905)
Authors: Metcalf Barbara D.
Published: August 2022

Maulana Ashraf `Ali Thanawi, a reformist Islamic scholar, was very much part of his times in his urgent concern with women’s potential role in individual and societal “improvement,” the goal of the enormously successful encyclopedic work that included the chapter considered here. Thanawi’s teachings included generic elite male “best practices” on health and ethics, undergirded by Greco-Arabic humoral medicine in its Indian form. His text caught a historical moment when medical treatments were more craft than industrial, and when the professionalization of discrete Muslim and Hindu “systems” of Unani Tibb and Ayurveda, with Ayurveda increasingly incorporated into majoritarian Hindu nationalism, was only incipient. Health maintenance in Thanawi’s hands was a matter of empowering women to both spiritual and practical competence and responsibility, freeing them from resort to (as he saw it) quacks, ignorant midwives, and untrained women, along with dubious healers and holy men, Muslim or Hindu or any other. In its description of challenges, strategies, and resources related to health, his text offers a window into women’s everyday world. But it also raises comparative questions about the history of medicine, the history of emotions, ethnicity in a colonial context, and the potentially empowering implications of Islamic socio-religious reform for women.
Antimicrobial (ESBL) resistance genes in faecal E. coli of calves fed waste milk with antimicrobial residues
Authors: Cardoso Manuel , Prata Inês , Rebelo Inês , Nunes Telmo , Pires Ana , Carneiro Carla , Bexiga Ricardo
Published: August 2022

This research paper aimed to evaluate the association between feeding waste milk to calves and the occurrence of antimicrobial multi-resistance by extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) enzymes through determining their production by E. coli isolates from 32 dairy farms. Among β-lactamase enzymes, ESBL provide resistance to a wide variety of β-lactam antimicrobials including penicillin and 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins. Feeding waste milk to calves has been observed to lead to increased antimicrobial resistance in faecal isolates of calves. In each farm included in this study, faecal samples were collected from the rectum of five healthy calves in the first month of life and pooled into a single container. Five isolates from each pool were selected and confirmed to be E. coli by amplification of the 16S rRNA gene. ESBL production was confirmed phenotypically on 148 isolates from 31 farms by use of the double-disk synergy test. Genotypic confirmation of ESBL production was performed by PCR for the genes blaCTX-M-1, −2, −8, −9 and blaCMY-2. A questionnaire was also performed and a mixed logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors for the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance. A negative binomial regression model was also used, in order to assess whether there was any association between certain farm management practices and the number of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates from each farm. Phenotypic confirmation of ESBL production was obtained on 40 E. coli isolates from 15 farms (48.4%), whereas genotypic confirmation was obtained on 55 isolates from 20 farms (64.5%). The use of three or more different intramammary antimicrobials to treat mastitis within the previous year significantly impacted the number of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates; on farms that did so, there were more isolates in which ESBL-producing E. coli was present, when compared to farms that had used less formulations within the same time span.
Associating changes in the bacterial community of rumen and faeces and milk fatty acid profiles in dairy cows fed high-starch or starch and oil-supplemented diets
Authors: Popova Milka , Ferlay Anne , Bougouin Adeline , Eugène Maguy , Martin Cécile , Morgavi Diego P.
Published: August 2022

The experiment reported in this research paper aimed to evaluate the effects of high-starch or starch and oil-supplemented diets on rumen and faecal bacteria, and explore links between the structure of bacterial communities and milk fatty acid (FA) profiles. We used four Holstein dairy cows in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Cows were fed a diet rich in cereals (high-starch diet with 23% starch content on dry matter (DM) basis), a diet supplemented with saturated FA from Ca salts of palm oil + 18% DM starch, a diet with high content of monounsaturated FA (from extruded rapeseeds) + 18% DM starch or a diet rich in polyunsaturated FA (from extruded sunflower seeds) + 17% DM starch. At the end of each experimental period, cows were sampled for rumen and faecal contents, which were used for DNA extraction and amplicon sequencing. Partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis highlighted diet-related changes in both rumen and faecal bacterial structures. Sparse PLS discriminant analysis was further employed to identify biologically relevant operational taxonomical units (OTUs) driving these differences. Our results show that Butyrivibrio discriminated the high-starch diet and linked positively with higher concentrations of milk odd- and branched-chain FA. YS2-related OTUs were key taxa distinguishing diets supplemented with Ca salts of palm oil or sunflower seeds and correlated positively with linoleic acid in milk. Similarly, diets modulated faecal bacterial composition. However, correlations between changes in faecal and rumen bacteria were poor. With this work, we demonstrated that high-starch or lipid-supplemented diets affect rumen and faecal bacterial community structure, and these changes could have a knock-on effect on milk FA profiles.
The teat cup detachment level affects milking performance in an automatic milking system with teat cleaning and milking in the same teat cup
Authors: Lüdi Irene , Bruckmaier Rupert M.
Published: August 2022

The goal of the present study was to determine the best quarter milk flow for teat cup detachment depending on lactational stage and milking interval to optimize the milking process in automatic milking systems (AMS). Milking characteristics and post-milking teat condition were recorded in an AMS with all actions from teat cleaning to post-milking teat dipping occurring in the same teat cup and liner (GEA DairyRobot R9500). In 24 dairy cows, 12 in early (<80 DIM) and 12 in late lactation (>180 DIM), 294 milkings were recorded during 12 consecutive days. Teat cup detachment was set at a quarter milk flow of 50, 87.5 or 125 g/min. Voluntary milking intervals varied similarly in cows in early (6.1–14.8 h) and late lactation (6.3–15.7 h). Total milk yield, milk production per h and average milk flow were higher in early than in late lactation cows. Total milk yield per milking did not differ between detachment levels. The mean milking time was reduced by up to 1.5 min at the highest compared to the lowest detachment level mainly in early lactation cows (P < 0.05). However, no significant effect of the detachment level on milking time was observed at milking intervals >10 h. Average milk flow was higher at milking intervals >10 h than ≤10 h (P < 0.05). In the early lactation cows (only) the average milk flow increased with higher detachment levels (P < 0.05). Teat condition did not differ among detachment settings or milking intervals. In conclusion, teat cup detachment up to 125 g/min reduces milking time in both early and late lactation without a loss of milk yield or affecting the teat condition. Combined with a higher average milk flow through avoiding too short milking intervals, the total milking time and hence stall occupancy can be optimized by early teat cup detachment.
Nitrogen source: an effective component for the growth and viability of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus
Authors: Ayivi Raphael D. , Ibrahim Salam A. , Krastanov Albert , Somani Abishek , Siddiqui Shahida A.
Published: August 2022

In this study, we developed and optimized a growth media by evaluating various nitrogen sources for the cultivation of Lactobacillus bulgaricus, a probiotic and an important dairy starter culture. We modified the composition of deMan, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) culture media and substituted the nitrogen content with alternative nitrogen sources X-Seed KAT, X-Seed Carbo Max and X-Seed Nucleo Max in various blends of 5 g/l and 10 g/l respectively. Results showed that bacterial growth was significantly higher when the nitrogen source blend KCMax (10/10) was used. The optical density (OD610 nm) of the Lactobacillus bulgaricus strains were higher (1.34 and 1.79) in the KCMax (10/10) medium than in the MRS medium (0.89 and 1.42) (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the bacterial counts for both the MRS medium and the KCMax (10/10) medium, and all bacterial counts were estimated at 8 log CFU/ml. The buffering capacity of KCMax (10/10) was also tested and supplemented with l-histidine and was significantly different (P < 0.05) than that of the MRS control medium. Calcium supplemented in the KCMax (10/10) also served as a cryoprotectant for the cells during freezing and freeze-drying. Bacterial counts of the recovered calcium-treated freeze-dried cells were statistically significant (P < 0.05). We hypothesized that alternative nitrogen sources such as selected yeast extracts from the X-Seed brand of complex nitrogen sources could efficiently support the viability of Lb. bulgaricus. Our results thus suggested the growth of Lb. bulgaricus was efficiently supported by the X-Seed KAT, X-Seed Nucleo Max and X-Seed Carbo Max nitrogen sources. Consequently, these alternative nitrogen sources could potentially be recommended for dairy starter culture fermentations.
Genetic evidence for cryptic species in the vulnerable spiny butterfly ray Gymnura altavela (Rajiformes: Gymnuridae)
Authors: Vilasboa Anderson , Lamarca Felipe , Solé-Cava Antônio M. , Vianna Marcelo
Published: August 2022

The spiny butterfly ray Gymnura altavela (Linnaeus 1758) is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Nature Conservation (IUCN) and considered Critically Endangered in the Mediterranean Sea and South-west Atlantic. Despite its status, few studies on the population biology and genetics for the species are available, undermining conservation efforts. In the present study, we evaluated the taxonomic status of Gymnura altavela along both sides of the Atlantic using COI sequences. Our genetic data support the existence of two genetically differentiated G. altavela lineages (West and East Atlantic) and further studies are required to evaluate the hypothesis that these lineages could, in fact, be cryptic species within this endangered batoid's genus.
Food habits of fishes in a subtropical seagrass bed in Nagura Bay, Ishigaki Island, southern Japan
Authors: Shimizu Masashi , Nanjo Kusuto , Tanita Iwao , Kon Koetsu , Yamada Hideaki
Published: August 2022

Recent losses of seagrass beds have resulted in a decrease in seagrass-associated fishes, highlighting the need for the improved management of such habitats and resources. Analyses of feeding patterns of fish associated with seagrass habitats are useful for understanding their habitat dependence, which contributes to achieving their effective conservation. The gut contents of 61 fish species were examined to clarify the food habits of subtropical seagrass fishes in Nagura Bay, Ishigaki Island, southern Japan. A cluster analysis based on dietary overlaps showed that the seagrass fish assemblage comprised six trophic groups (small crustacean, large crustacean, detritus, plant, fish and zooplankton feeders). Small and large crustacean feeders were the most abundant, followed by detritus, plant and fish feeders. Zooplankton feeders were represented by only two species. Ontogenetic changes in food preference were recognized in four species, including Lutjanus fulviflamma, Ostorhinchus ishigakiensis, Gerres oyena and Siganus fuscescens. Small individuals of the four species generally fed on small crustaceans or detritus, subsequently switching to other larger prey items with growth (e.g. crabs, shrimps and seagrass fronds). The most important food items for the assemblage comprised harpacticoid copepods, shrimps, crabs and detritus, representing high cumulative gut volumes for all fishes. Some species showed diets remarkably different from those determined for fishes in other seagrass beds off a nearby neighbouring island, evidence of the food-use patterns of seagrass fishes varying on a small spatial scale. Such dietary flexibility may increase the adaptability of fishes to seagrass beds characterized by significant variations in available food resources.
Exploring the need for fortified foods, supplements, and extra protein in the diet of free-living healthy older adults in Ireland
Authors: McAteer C.B. , McGovern G.M. , Curtis-Davis O.A. , Lyons O.C. , Flynn M.A.T.
Published: August 2022

This abstract was awarded the student prize for best oral presentation.
Design and single-parameter adaptive fuzzy control of pneumatic lower limb exoskeleton with full state constraints
Authors: Chen Cheng , Huang Jian , Tu Xikai
Published: August 2022

With the excellent characteristic of intrinsic compliance, pneumatic artificial muscle can improve the interaction comfort of wearable robotic devices. This paper resolves the safety tracking control problem of a pneumatically actuated lower limb exoskeleton system. A single-parameter adaptive fuzzy control strategy is proposed with high control precision and full state constraints for the safe gait training tasks. Based on the barrier Lyapunov function, all signals in the closed-loop system can be bounded in finite time, which guarantees the deviation of the exoskeleton’s moving trajectory within a bounded range. Furthermore, with the proposed single-parameter adaptive law, the computational burden and the complexity of the control are reduced significantly. Finally, numerical simulations, no-load tracking experiments, and passive and active gait training experiments with healthy subjects validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.