bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can older workers be retrained? Canadian evidence from worker-firm linked data
Authors: Fang Tony , Gunderson Morley , Lee Byron
Published: November 2021

Our empirical analysis is based on Statistics Canada’s worker-firm matched data set, the 2003 Workplace and Employee Survey (WES). The sample size is substantial: about 4,000 workers over the age of 50 and 12,000 between the ages of 25 and 49. Training was a focus of the survey, which offers a wealth of worker-related and firm-related training variables.

We found that the mean probability of receiving training was 9.3 percentage points higher for younger workers than for older ones. Almost half of the gap is explained by older workers having fewer training-associated characteristics (personal, employment, workplace, human resource practices and occupation/industry/region), and slightly more than half by them having a lower propensity to receive training, this being the gap that remained after we controlled for differences in training-associated characteristics. Their lower propensity to receive training likely reflects the higher opportunity cost of lost wages during the time spent in training, possible higher psychological costs and lower expected benefits due to their shorter remaining work-life and lower productivity gains from training, as discussed in the literature.

The lower propensity of older workers to receive training tended to prevail across 54 different training measures, with notable exceptions discussed in detail. We found that older workers can be trained, but their training should be redesigned in several ways: by making instruction slower and self-paced; by assigning hands-on practical exercises; by providing modular training components to be taken in stages; by familiarizing the trainees with new equipment; and by minimizing required reading and amount of material covered. The concept of “one-size-fits- all” does not apply to the design and implementation of training programs for older workers.
Personnels navigants : un collectif de travail à l’épreuve du changement
Authors: Nogues Sarah , Tremblay Diane-Gabrielle , Mansour Sari
Published: November 2021

Notre article porte sur les intensités et la fragilisation des collectifs de travail et offre une synthèse de la littérature concernant le travail et ses intensités, en particulier dans le milieu aérien. Prenant le cas du personnel navigant commercial (PNC) dans le milieu aérien, nous nous appuyons sur la théorie des demandes-ressources du travail et de l’organisation capacitante pour analyser les perceptions de ces travailleurs concernant les demandes physiques, psychosociales et organisationnelles du travail, ainsi que les ressources de même type, notamment à la suite de l’autorisation d’une réduction d’effectif par le ministère des Transports sur bon nombre de porteurs canadiens en juillet 2015. Nous portons une attention particulière aux demandes du travail constituant une contrainte, ce qui est rarement pris en compte dans les études sur l’intensification du travail. À l’aide du construit de caravanes de ressources et d’organisation capacitante, nous nous demandons si les collectifs de travail PNC sont en mesure d’accomplir leur mission collective de maintien de la sécurité et de service auprès du public. Nous avons pour cela mené 41 entrevues semi-dirigées auprès d’agents de bord et de directeurs de vol volontaires provenant de deux compagnies aériennes canadiennes. Nous avons procédé à une analyse de contenu qualitative faisant émerger les thèmes principaux de manière inductive et analysant les demandes et les ressources physiques, psychosociales et organisationnelles du travail. Nos résultats documentent de façon originale comment une augmentation notable des intensités contraignantes du travail perturbe les collectifs de travail, en particulier le rôle pivot du directeur de vol, contribuant à la recherche émergente au sujet de la fragilisation des processus de travail. De nombreux aspects demeurent à améliorer pour qualifier les compagnies aériennes étudiées d’organisations capacitantes.

Précis

De plus en plus complexes, les organisations modernes sont le lieu de diverses sources d’intensité pour les travailleurs, requérant de ces derniers des efforts selon des logiques et des injonctions plurielles, parfois contradictoires. Dans le milieu aérien, les compagnies recourent à divers modes de gestion impliquant beaucoup de changements rapides pour les employés, exigeant de ceux-ci une flexibilité et une adaptabilité croissantes. Cela dit, toutes les intensités du travail ne mènent pas nécessairement à la perception d’intensification du travail chez les employés. Nous nous intéressons au cas du personnel navigant commercial, un collectif faisant face à de nombreuses intensités du travail. Les agents de bord et les directeurs de vol canadiens ont-ils les moyens d’assurer leur mission collective de sécurité et de service auprès du public ?
O exame de admissão ao ensino superior como indicador de qualidade entre os estudantes
Authors: Collinson Ivan , Barbosa Adérito Gomes , Ribáuè Albertina
Published: November 2021

O uso de avaliações, testes e exames remonta a vários séculos antes da nossa era, sendo um mecanismo ou instrumento com diversas aplicações, quer no contexto educacional, quer no contexto mais amplo da vida em sociedade. Especificamente, no que se refere ao ensino superior, a importância atribuída aos exames, em especial de admissão ao ensino superior, é enquadrada no contexto das funções desempenhadas pelos exames, de forma geral, mas em particular, pela percepção de qualidade que daí advém. A literatura disponível e consultada para o efeito, bem como os resultados de um inquérito realizado a uma amostra de estudantes do ensino superior, em específico da Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, em Moçambique, ilustra que os estudantes têm uma percepção de qualidade do ensino superior, resultante do mecanismo de ingresso usado, neste caso o exame de admissão à que foram sujeitos. Com efeito, conclue-se também que a validade do instrumento, proveniente da concepção correcta dos exames, é um indicador de qualidade do futuro graduado.
Prevalência e intensidade de infecção por Ascaridia sp. em papagaios-verdadeiros
Authors: Jordano Brito Roberta Cristine , Kagohara Andressa , Alonso Luciano Da Silva , Roberto Luiz Ricaro de Oliveira , Azevedo Thaís Ribeiro Correia , Baqueiro Lauren De Freitas , Balthazar Daniel De Almeida
Published: November 2021

Amazona aestiva é uma espécie com grande representatividade no Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres do Rio de Janeiro (CETAS- RJ). Infecções parasitárias ainda são um dos principais problemas de saúde das aves silvestres mantidas em cativeiro. Objetivou-se neste estudo descrever a prevalência e intensidade de infecção por Ascaridia sp. em carcaças de papagaios–verdadeiros (Amazona aestiva Linnaeus, 1758) oriundos do CETAS-RJ. Dos animais submetidos à necropsia, 48% (12/25) estavam infectados. No intestino de um indivíduo foram encontrados 172 parasitos. Os parasitas encontrados foram identificados pelo setor de parasitologia da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ). Todos os animais afetados (12/12) albergavam endoparasitas do gênero Ascaridia sp. em intestino e em uma das carcaças (1/12) também foram observados dois indivíduos do mesmo parasita no inglúvio. De acordo com resultados obtidos, conclui-se que as carcaças de Amazona aestiva analisadas estavam com alta infecção parasitária. Limpeza do local, quarentena das aves novas no plantel e medicação às aves positivas são medidas de controle que devem ser instituídas, visando quebrar o ciclo de transmissão.
Demarcação de terras indígenas, conhecimentos tradicionais e biodiversidade no Brasil
Authors: Gonçalves Douglas Oliveira Diniz , Espinoza Fran , Duarte Júnior Dimas Pereira
Published: November 2021

Desde o processo de colonização do Brasil, os povos indígenas e a natureza são explorados, destruídos e apropriados à serventia de um modelo econômico baseado na acumulação de produtos e recursos naturais. São essas realidades destruídas e sujeitos subalternizados que insurgem, diante da crise ambiental contemporânea, como fontes potenciais de práticas de proteção e de recuperação da natureza e da biodiversidade. Seguindo essa premissa, o objetivo do presente estudo é verificar o potencial da demarcação de Terras Indígenas para a proteção da biodiversidade no Brasil. Para tanto, sustenta-se a hipótese de que a efetivação do direito à terra dos povos indígenas pode propiciar tanto a conservação quanto a recuperação da biodiversidade. Nesse estudo, o método qualitativo foi aplicado assumindo uma abordagem interdisciplinar com ênfase no direito e na sociologia. Por fim, a partir de todo o arcabouço argumentativo exposto, alcança-se a conclusão de que o direito à terra, quando efetivado através da demarcação de Terras Indígenas, influi diretamente e indiretamente na conservação da biodiversidade.
No evidence of effects or interaction between the widely used herbicide, glyphosate, and a common parasite in bumble bees
Authors: Straw Edward A. , Brown Mark J.F.
Published: November 2021

Background

Glyphosate is the world’s most used pesticide and it is used without the mitigation measures that could reduce the exposure of pollinators to it. However, studies are starting to suggest negative impacts of this pesticide on bees, an essential group of pollinators. Accordingly, whether glyphosate, alone or alongside other stressors, is detrimental to bee health is a vital question. Bees are suffering declines across the globe, and pesticides, including glyphosate, have been suggested as being factors in these declines.

Methods

Here we test, across a range of experimental paradigms, whether glyphosate impacts a wild bumble bee species,Bombus terrestris. In addition, we build upon existing work with honey bees testing glyphosate-parasite interactions by conducting fully crossed experiments with glyphosate and a common bumble bee trypanosome gut parasite,Crithidia bombi. We utilised regulatory acute toxicity testing protocols, modified to allow for exposure to multiple stressors. These protocols are expanded upon to test for effects on long term survival (20 days). Microcolony testing, using unmated workers, was employed to measure the impacts of either stressor on a proxy of reproductive success. This microcolony testing was conducted with both acute and chronic exposure to cover a range of exposure scenarios.

Results

We found no effects of acute or chronic exposure to glyphosate, over a range of timespans post-exposure, on mortality or a range of sublethal metrics. We also found no interaction between glyphosate andCrithidia bombiin any metric, although there was conflicting evidence of increased parasite intensity after an acute exposure to glyphosate. In contrast to published literature, we found no direct impacts of this parasite on bee health. Our testing focussed on mortality and worker reproduction, so impacts of either or both of these stressors on other sublethal metrics could still exist.

Conclusions

Our results expand the current knowledge on glyphosate by testing a previously untested species,Bombus terrestris, using acute exposure, and by incorporating a parasite never before tested alongside glyphosate. In conclusion our results find that glyphosate, as an active ingredient, is unlikely to be harmful to bumble bees either alone, or alongsideCrithidia bombi.
Eventos de movimiento en pima bajo
Authors:   Universidad de Sonora (México), Estrada Fernández Zarina , Anduaga Coello Abigail Dariana ,   Universidad de Sonora (México)
Published: November 2021

El presente estudio representa un primer acercamiento a las construcciones que expresan eventos de movimiento en pima bajo, lengua yuto-azteca hablada en el noroeste de México. La investigación explora, desde una perspectiva basada en el uso, las estrategias que tiene esta lengua para la expresión de eventos de movimiento y cómo se codifican. El análisis permite proponer que en esta lengua las nociones de movimiento y trayectoria se encuentran lexicalizadas como Marco-Verbal, pero, además, se consigue constatar eventos con Marco- Satelital, Equipolente y un Sistema Paralelo, lo cual impide que la lengua sea caracterizada tipológicamente como un todo; en su lugar, es conveniente hablar de tipos de construcciones. El estudio alude a lo observado en otras dos lenguas yuto-aztecas: tepehuano del sur y yaqui.
La trasmisión de palabras de origen uchinaguchi mediante las principales características culturales okinawenses y su recepción en la comunidad nikkei de Lima, 2018
Authors:   Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Segura Alejandra , Carrasco Jhonattan ,   Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas
Published: November 2021

La mayor parte de la comunidad nikkei de Lima se compone de descendientes de okinawenses. Como consecuencia, el arte, la gastronomía y los ritos propios de Okinawa son características culturales que forman parte de la vida de los miembros de la comunidad. Pese a que la lengua originaria de Okinawa (uchinaguchi) se encuentra en peligro de extinción, la presente investigación demuestra que la práctica de estas características culturales, tanto en los hogares de los participantes como en eventos y talleres comunitarios, genera la trasmisión y recepción de palabras uchinaguchi (“uchinaguismos”) en la comunidad nikkei de Lima.
Test de nivel de comprensión pragmática para estudiantes sinohablantes de español como lengua extranjera
Authors:   Universitat Rovira i Virgili (España), Gibert-Escofet Isabel , Gutiérrez-Colón Mar ,   Universitat Rovira i Virgili (España), Medina García Pedro-Manuel ,   Departament de Justicia de la Generalitat de Catalunya (España)
Published: November 2021

El objetivo principal de este trabajo es presentar un test de nivel de comprensión pragmática para estudiantes sinohablantes de español como lengua extranjera. Este artículo de investigación describe de una manera sucinta la creación y desarrollo del test y lo presenta íntegramente en el anexo al final del mismo para que pueda ser utilizado por profesores e investigadores de lengua española. Para la creación de este test se realizaron dos estudios empíricos: un estudio preliminar y un estudio principal. El estudio preliminar es un estudio etnográfico que parte del método de generación ejemplar y cuyo objetivo final es conocer la percepción de dificultad que tienen los estudiantes chinos ante diferentes situaciones comunicativas de la vida cotidiana en un entorno universitario en España. Así, este primer estudio sirve de punto de partida para el diseño del estudio principal cuya finalidad es la elaboración de un test de nivel de comprensión pragmática para estudiantes sinohablantes de ELE. Para el diseño del test de comprensión pragmática se emplea una metodología correlacional o psicométrica, mediante la cual se describen variables y se analizan sus relaciones a partir de una muestra representativa de sujetos. El producto final de este trabajo es un test estandarizado que cumple con los requisitos de utilidad (autenticidad, interactividad, impacto, practicabilidad y valoración, y puntuación) propuestos por Bachman y Palmer (1996) para las pruebas de lengua, así como los requisitos estadísticos psicométricos de fiabilidad y validez. Este test de pragmática se publica en su totalidad y en exclusiva en esta revista para que esté al alcance de profesores de ELE e investigadores, con la finalidad de mejorar la docencia y la investigación en la adquisición de la pragmática del español como lengua extranjera.
P2X2 receptors supply extracellular choline as a substrate for acetylcholine synthesis
Authors: Maruyama Takuma , Mano Asuka , Ishii Toshiyuki , Kakinuma Yoshihiko , Kaneda Makoto
Published: November 2021

Acetylcholine (ACh), an excitatory neurotransmitter, is biosynthesized from choline in cholinergic neurons. Import from the extracellular space to the intracellular environment through the high‐affinity choline transporter is currently regarded to be the only source of choline for ACh synthesis. We recently demonstrated that the P2X2 receptor, through which large cations permeate, functions as an alternative pathway for choline transport in the mouse retina. In the present study, we investigated whether choline entering cells through P2X2 receptors is used for ACh synthesis using a recombinant system. When P2X2 receptors expressed on HEK293 cell lines were stimulated with ATP, intracellular ACh concentrations increased. These results suggest that P2X2 receptors function in a novel pathway that supplies choline for ACh synthesis.
Biomimetic Scaffolds for Spinal Cord Applications Exhibit Stiffness‐Dependent Immunomodulatory and Neurotrophic Characteristics
Authors: Woods Ian , O'Connor Cian , Frugoli Lisa , Kerr Seán , Gutierrez Gonzalez Javier , Stasiewicz Martyna , McGuire Tara , Cavanagh Brenton , Hibbitts Alan , Dervan Adrian , O'Brien Fergal J.
Published: November 2021

After spinal cord injury (SCI), tissue engineering scaffolds offer a potential bridge for regeneration across the lesion and support repair through proregenerative signaling. Ideal biomaterial scaffolds that mimic the physicochemical properties of native tissue have the potential to provide innate trophic signaling while also minimizing damaging inflammation. To address this challenge, taking cues from the spinal cord's structure, the proregenerative signaling capabilities of native cord components are compared in vitro. A synergistic mix of collagen‐IV and fibronectin (Coll‐IV/Fn) is found to optimally enhance axonal extension from neuronal cell lines (SHSY‐5Y and NSC‐34) and induce morphological features typical of quiescent astrocytes. This optimal composition is incorporated into hyaluronic acid scaffolds with aligned pore architectures but varying stiffnesses (0.8–3 kPa). Scaffolds with biomimetic mechanical properties (<1 kPa), functionalized with Coll‐IV/Fn, not only modulate primary astrocyte behavior but also stimulate the production of anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 in a stiffness‐dependent manner. Seeded SHSY‐5Y neurons generate distributed neuronal networks, while softer biomimetic scaffolds promote axonal outgrowth in an ex vivo model of axonal regrowth. These results indicate that the interaction of stiffness and biomaterial composition plays an essential role in vitro in generating repair‐critical cellular responses and demonstrates the potential of biomimetic scaffold design.
Atomic Fe–N4/C in Flexible Carbon Fiber Membrane as Binder‐Free Air Cathode for Zn–Air Batteries with Stable Cycling over 1000 h
Authors: Yang Leping , Zhang Xu , Yu Lingxiao , Hou Jianhua , Zhou Zhen , Lv Ruitao
Published: November 2021

Noble‐metal‐free, durable, and high‐efficiency electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction and evolution reaction (ORR/OER) are vital for rechargeable Zn–air batteries (ZABs). Herein, a flexible and free‐standing carbon fiber membrane immobilized with atomically dispersed Fe–N4/C catalysts (Fe/SNCFs‐NH3) is synthesized and used as air cathode for ZABs. The intertwined fibers with hierarchical nanopores facilitate the gas transportation, electrolyte infiltration and electron transfer. The large specific surface area exposes a high concentration of Fe–N4/C sites embedded in the carbon matrix. Modulation of local atomic configurations by sulfur doping in Fe/SNCFs‐NH3 catalyst leads to excellent ORR and enhanced OER activities. The as‐synthesized Fe/SNCFs‐NH3 catalyst demonstrates a positive half‐wave potential of 0.89 V and a small Tafel slope of 70.82 mV dec–1, outperforming the commercial Pt/C (0.86 V/94.74 mV dec–1) and most reported M–Nx/C (M = Fe, Co, Ni) catalysts. Experimental characterizations and theoretical calculations uncover the crucial role of S doping in regulating ORR and OER activities. The liquid‐state ZABs with Fe/SNCFs‐NH3 catalyst as air cathode deliver a large peak power density of 255.84 mW cm–2 and long‐term cycle durability over 1000 h. Solid‐state ZAB shows stable cycling at various flat/bent/flat states, demonstrating great prospects in flexible electronic device applications.
Hypothesis: Modulation of microglial phenotype in Alzheimer's disease drives neurodegeneration
Authors: Murchison Andrew G.
Published: November 2021

The pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains to be elucidated. The amyloid hypothesis holds explanatory power but has limitations. This article suggests that amyloid deposition and increased permeability of the blood–brain barrier are independent early events in the disease process, which together fashion a distinct microglial activation phenotype. Downstream events including, phagocytosis of synapses and persistent glutamate signaling through N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors drive neurodegeneration and tau pathology. This hypothesis draws on several strands of evidence and aims to illuminate several of the unexplained temporal and spatial features of AD.
Geographic concordance of genetic barriers in New Zealand coastal marine species
Authors: Arranz Vanessa , Fewster Rachel M. , Lavery Shane D.
Published: November 2021

Comparative phylogeography is recognized as a powerful tool to discern common patterns of connectivity across species, information that can be crucial in assisting the design of protected area networks.

Previously, qualitative analyses have been undertaken in New Zealand waters in order to find concordance in marine dispersal barriers. This study presents the first attempt to quantitatively measure the congruence in genetic divergence breaks among 21 New Zealand marine coastal invertebrates, while accounting for the effects of variable sampling scale, life history traits and marker type.

Previously recognized phylogeographic barriers to dispersal were found to be significant across species, such as the North–South Island differentiation and a northern genetic break at Cape Reinga. Low‐dispersal species exhibited additional locations of common significant divergence. Some of the differences in genetic barriers observed among species may be more related to the habitat type of the species (intertidal zone or subtidal) and the marker type used in the study (mitochondrial DNA or microsatellites), than to the dispersal traits of the species (high or low dispersal).

Despite some limitations, the approach implemented here has significant advantages and permits the use of data from a wide variety of studies. This study provides the first quantitative insight into community‐wide genetic barriers within New Zealand's coastal marine ecosystem and provides directions for future investigations of this type in other regions.
Ophthalmic drugs: in vitro paraoxonase 1 inhibition and molecular docking studies
Authors: Çalışkan Büşra , Demir Yeliz , Türkeş Cüneyt
Published: November 2021

Glaucoma is a neuropathy disorder and is generally treated by drugs. Allergic conjunctivitis is a common ophthalmologic disease. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is an organophosphate hydrolyzer and antiatherogenic enzyme. PON1 is known for preventing atherosclerosis through lipid‐modifying features, as well as which has decisive actions of antiapoptosis, anti‐inflammatory, antithrombosis, and antiadhesion antioxidant activity properties. Thus, reducing the enzyme levels in hyperthyroidism, chronic renal failure, glaucoma, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases is a significant risk. This study was tested some ophthalmic drugs used to treat the diseases, such as glaucoma and allergic conjunctivitis, mentioned above, travoprost, latanoprost, ketotifen, emedastine, and olopatadine, for their inhibition activities against PON1. These drugs displayed the potent inhibition effect with IC50 values ranging between 14.95 ± 0.15 and 299.60 ± 4.07 μM and KI constants ranging from 9.71 ± 2.63 to 261.50 ± 59.98 μM. Besides, the molecular docking analyses of the competitive inhibitors, travoprost, emedastine, and olopatadine, were performed to understand the binding interactions on the enzyme's binding site. According to both in vitro and in silico analysis results, travoprost had the most potent effect on PON1 enzyme activity.
A review of the syntheses of flavanones, thioflavanones, and azaflavanones from 2'‐substituted chalcones
Authors: In Lee Jae
Published: November 2021

Flavanones have been prepared by the cyclization of 2'‐hydroxychalcones using acidic reagents, such as H2SO4, HX, CF3COOH, CH3SO3H, KF‐celite, or SiO2. Treatment of 2'‐hydroxychalcones with bases, such as LiOH, KOH, NaOAc, K2CO3, pyridine, Et3N, or N‐methylimidazole afforded flavanones. The conversion of 2'‐hydroxychalcones to flavanones has been conducted using Co(salpr), K3Fe(CN)6, CuO, or Ni(Tfacac)2. Thioflavanones have been prepared by deprotecting and cyclizing S‐protected chalcones using AgNO3, HBr, CF3COOH, or NaOH and by adding NaSH or KCS2OEt to 2'‐halochalcones and subsequent substitution. Azaflavanones have been prepared by cyclizing 2'‐aminochalcones using acidic reagents, such as H3PO4, HCl, silica chloride, or K‐10 clay. Furthermore, treatment of 2'‐aminochalcones with Lewis acids, such as ZnCl2, SbCl3, Yb(OTf)3, InCl3, TaBr5, or CeCl3 afforded azaflavanones, and chiral azaflavanones were prepared by cyclizing 2'‐aminochalcones in the presence of per‐6‐ABCD, chiral amine, BINOL‐phosphoric acid, or thiourea catalyst.
Clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters and outcomes of COVID‐19 in cancer and non‐cancer patients from a tertiary Cancer Centre in India
Authors: Mirgh Sumeet P. , Gokarn Anant , Rajendra Akhil , More Ashwini , Kamtalwar Sujit , Katti Kritika S. , Singh Anuj , Goli Vasu Babu , Ravind Rahul , Madala Ravikrishna , Kakoti Sangeeta , Maitre Priyamvada , Punatar Sachin , Chichra Akanksha , Patil Amar , Trivedi Bhakti , Joshi Amit , Patkar Nikhil , Tembhare Prashant , Khanka Twinkle , Rajpal Sweta , Chatterjee Gaurav , Kannan Sadhana , Subramanian P.G. , Murthy Vedang , Shetty Nitin , Chavan Preeti , Bhat Vivek , Nair Sudhir , Khattry Navin , Gupta Sudeep
Published: November 2021

Background

There is paucity of data regarding clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters and outcomes of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) in cancer versus non‐cancer patients, particularly from India.

Materials and Methods

This was an observational, single‐centre, retrospective analysis of patients with laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 hospitalised in our institution between 22 May 2020 and 1 December 2020. We compared baseline clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters and outcomes of COVID‐19 (overall mortality, time to discharge) between cancer and non‐cancer patients.

Results

A total of 200 COVID‐19 infection episodes were analysed of which 109 (54.5%) were patients with cancer and 91 (45.5%) were patients without cancer. The median age was 43 (interquartile range [IQR]:32–57), 51 (IQR: 33–62) and 38 (IQR: 31.5–49.3) years; of whole cohort, cancer and non‐cancer patients, respectively. Comparison of outcomes showed that oxygen requirement (31.2% [95% CI: 22.6–40.7] vs. 17.6% [95% CI: 10.4–26.9]; p = 0.03), median time to discharge (11 days [IQR: 6.75–16] vs. 6 days [IQR: 3–9.75]; p < 0.001) and mortality (10.0% [95% CI: 5.2–17.3] vs. 1.1% [95% CI: 0.03–5.9]; p = 0.017) were significantly higher in patients with cancer. In univariable analysis, factors associated with higher mortality in the whole cohort included diagnosis of cancer (10.1% vs. 1.1%; p = 0.027; odds ratio [OR]: 7.04), age ≥60 (17.4% vs. 2.6%; p = 0.001; OR: 7.38), oxygen requirement (22% vs. 0.6%; p < 0.001; OR: 29.01), chest infiltrates (19.2% vs. 1.4%; p < 0.001; OR: 22.65), baseline absolute lymphocyte count <1 × 109/L (10.8% vs. 1.9%; p = 0.023; OR:5.1), C‐reactive protein >1 mg% (12.8% vs. 0%; p = 0.027; OR: 24.69), serum procalcitonin >0.05 ng/ml (22.65% vs. 0%; p = 0.004; OR: 4.49) and interleukin‐6 >6 pg/ml (10.8% vs. 1.3%; p = 0.036; OR: 3.08). In multivariable logistic regression, factors significantly associated with mortality were oxygen requirement (p = 0.005; OR: 13.11) and high baseline procalcitonin level (p = 0.014; OR: 37.6).

Conclusion

Cancer patients with COVID‐19 have higher mortality and require longer hospital stay. High procalcitonin levels and oxygen requirement during admission are other factors that affect outcomes adversely.
Effect of targeted therapy and immunotherapy on advanced nonsmall‐cell lung cancer outcomes in the real world
Authors: Shokoohi Aria , Al‐Hashami Zamzam , Moore Sara , Pender Alexandra , Wong Selina K. , Wang Ying , Leung Bonnie , Wu Jonn , Ho Cheryl
Published: November 2021

The evolution of diagnosis and treatment of advanced nonsmall‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has led to increasing the use of targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. The study goal was to assess the effect of molecular testing and the introduction of new therapies on overall survival (OS). All patients with stage IV NSCLC referred to BC Cancer were included in the study. Four 1‐year time cohorts were created based on molecular testing implementation and funded drug availability: C1 baseline (2009), C2 EGFR TKI access (2011), C3 ALK inhibitor access (2015), C4 immunotherapy availability (2017). Baseline demographics, disease characteristics, and systemic therapy details were collected retrospectively. OS was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log‐rank test. There were 3421 patients identified with stage IV NSCLC and 1319 (39%) received systemic therapy. In the four 1‐year time cohorts C1/C2/C3/C4: driver mutation‐targeted treatment increased 1/17/27/34% (of total systemic therapy), as did treatment with any line immunotherapy <1/1/9/38%. Median OS with best supportive care (BSC) was 3.4/3.1/3.2/2.9 m (p = 0.16) and with systemic treatment 9.9/10.9/13.9/15.0 m (p < 0.001). Median OS by treatment exposure was BSC 3.1 m, chemotherapy only 7.3 m, targeted therapy 17.5 m, and immunotherapy 20.7 m. In our real‐world study, following the introduction of targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors, there was a significant improvement in OS in each successive time cohort concordant with advancements in therapeutic options.
The effect of base value neglect on consumer evaluations of cost‐justified price increases
Authors: Rikala Veli‐Matti
Published: November 2021

Cost‐justified price increases are an important method for raising prices. However, little attention has been paid to how numeric framing affects their perceived fairness and thus purchase intentions. Building on research on price fairness and percentage processing, this article proposes that (i) a dual‐percentage frame, where both the price increase and the cost increase are presented as percentages, typically generates higher perceived fairness than alternative numeric frames as long as the percentage of the price increase does not exceed the percentage of the cost increase; and that (ii) this fairness advantage arises because a large proportion of consumers neglect the base values associated with the two percentages of a dual‐percentage frame when evaluating whether the price increase improves the firm's absolute profit. Evidence from a series of experiments supports both propositions. The article concludes with a discussion of the theoretical and managerial implications of the findings.
Chemical Constituents of the Essential oil fromCuminum cyminumL. and Its Antifungal Activity againstPanax notoginsengPathogens
Authors: Huo Ying‐Ying , Li Tian‐Tian , Yang Jing , Huang Heng‐Yu , Chen Chuan‐Jiao , Xu Fu‐Rong , Dong Xian
Published: November 2021

Cuminum cyminumL. (Cumin) is a flavoring agent that is commonly used worldwide, and is rich in essential oil. Essential oils (Eos) have been intensively investigated in regard to their potential for disease control in plants, which is provided a chance for the blossom of green pesticides. The chemical components of Cumin essential oil (CEO) were revealed by GC/MS, such as cuminaldehyde (44.53 %),p‐cymene (12.14 %), (−)‐β‐pinene (10.47 %) andγ‐terpinene (8.40 %), and found they can inhibit the growth ofP. notoginseng‐associated pathogenic fungi in vitro and the inhibitory effect of cuminaldehyde was similar to that of hymexazol. SEM and TEM images demonstrated that cuminaldehyde and CEO increased cell permeability and disrupted membrane integrity. The expression of disease‐related genes ofFusarium oxysporumshowed that CEO induced the expression of most genes, which disrupted biosynthesis, metabolism and signaling pathways. These studies verified the potential of CEO as a plant fungicide that is environmentally friendly and provided ideas for developing new products for controlling root diseases that affectP. notoginseng.
Insights into the Role of Graphene/Graphene‐hybrid Nanocomposites in Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Wu Xinyun , Manickam Sivakumar , Wu Tao , Pang Cheng Heng
Published: November 2021

The recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic outbreak has affected the lives of people globally on many different levels. Whilst a few antiviral drugs have been recommended for COVID‐19, there are no dedicated drugs available for this disease, yet. A virus pandemic could potentially induce severe public health threats, as well as economic and social consequences. Therefore, the discovery of effective, safe, and inexpensive antiviral agents is of great importance. Graphene has extraordinary properties. A series of successful biomedical applications involving graphene/graphene‐hybrid nanocomposites (G/GHNs) have been reported in recent years, including graphene‐based biosensor and related drug delivery system. This review is focused on the properties, synthesis routes, and applications of G/GHNs in antiviral therapy aiming to understand and highlight the unique properties of graphene and its derivatives, particularly for antiviral therapy, to evaluate and discuss the quality of graphene prepared via various preparation methods, to present the recent development of G/GHNs and their antiviral activities in prevention, detection and treatment, to offer perspective outlooks on the role of G/GHNs in antiviral therapy.
Chemie des Abgasskandals
Authors: Geue Niklas , Bandemer Jan , Rossa Jan , Wunsch Jonas F.
Published: November 2021

Die folgende Aufgabe befasst sich mit den Hintergründen zum Abgasskandal, der der Öffentlichkeit vor mehr als sechs Jahren bekannt wurde. Dabei wird zunächst die Funktionsweise des Drei‐Wege‐Katalysators im klassischen Benziner diskutiert, bevor auf die Besonderheiten in Dieselfahrzeugen und dem damit verbundenen Abgasbetrug eingegangen wird. Am Ende wird die Aufgabe durch eine kurze Rechnung zur Reichweite eines korrekt funktionierenden Diesel‐Katalysatorsystems abgerundet.
It's hard to extinguish hope
Authors: Corn Benjamin W. , Feldman David B.
Published: November 2021

Although there is widespread worry among physicians that discussion of existential issues will diminish patient hope, data supporting this concern are lacking. Moreover, it may be possible to enhance hopefulness even as patients deal with their mortality.
An effective image compression technique based on burrows wheeler transform with set partitioning in hierarchical trees
Authors: Arunpandian Sekar , Dhenakaran Subbaiah S.
Published: November 2021

In this article, the efficient image compression which consists of Burrows–Wheeler transform (BWT) with set partitioning in hierarchical trees (SPIHT). The main phases of the proposed system are: partitioning, compression of non‐ROI areas, Fusion and compression of ROI areas. To enhance the propose of the proposed methodology, the morphological functions are updated by dividing two types of images with the consideration of dilation and erosion control. After that, the convolution and correlation in the deformation provide good accuracy of the segmentation at the fastest speed. In this proposed methodology, SPIHT encryption is a lossy compression technique aimed at understanding the non‐ROI area, while the BWT is a lossless compression technique performed to achieve a summary of the ROI area. Finally, separating these two parts of the image merges the image and reconstructs it to the desired quality. The test sends a variety of images and analyzes the performance of the proposed system using compression ratio and PSNR measurements.
Pricklier with the proper predator? Predator‐induced small‐scale changes of spinescence in Daphnia
Authors: Diel Patricia , Rabus Max , Laforsch Christian
Published: November 2021

Phenotypic plasticity in defensive traits is a common response of prey organisms to variable and unpredictable predation regimes and risks. Cladocerans of the genus Daphnia are keystone species in the food web of lentic freshwater bodies and are well known for their ability to express a large variety of inducible morphological defenses in response to invertebrate and vertebrate predator kairomones. The developed defenses render the daphnids less susceptible to predation. So far, primarily large‐scale morphological defenses, like helmets, crests, and tail‐spines, have been documented. However, less is known on whether the tiny spinules, rather inconspicuous traits which cover many Daphnia’s dorsal and ventral carapace margins, respond to predator kairomones, as well. For this reason, we investigated two Daphnia species (D. magna and D. longicephala) concerning their predator kairomone‐induced changes in dorsal and ventral spinules. Since these small, inconspicuous traits may only act as a defense against predatory invertebrates, with fine‐structured catching apparatuses, and not against vertebrate predators, we exposed them to both, an invertebrate (Triops cancriformis or Notontecta maculata) and a vertebrate predator (Leucaspius delineatus). Our results show that the length of these spinules as well as spinules‐covered areas vary, likely depending on the predator the prey is exposed to. We further present first indications of a Daphnia species‐specific elongation of the spinules and an increase of the spinules‐bearing areas. Although we cannot exclude that spinescence is altered because it is developmentally connected to changes in body shape in general, our results suggest that the inducible alterations to the spinule length and spinules‐covered areas disclose another level of predator‐induced changes in two common Daphnia species. The predator‐induced changes on this level together with the large‐scale and ultrastructural defensive traits may act as the overall morphological defense, adjusted to specific predator regimes in nature.
Using genomics to guide seed‐sourcing at the right taxonomical level for ecological restoration projects: The complex case of Carex bigelowii s.lat. in Norway
Authors: Westergaard Kristine Bakke , Kyrkjeeide Magni Olsen , Brandrud Marie Kristine
Published: November 2021

There is a growing demand for ecological restoration using suitable seeds following international standards or national legal demands for local seed‐sourcing. However, before selecting the appropriate geographic origin of seeds, it is vital to explore taxonomic complexity related to the focal taxa. We used ddRAD‐seq to screen genomic diversity within Carex bigelowii s.lat. focussing on Norway. This species complex is considered a candidate for seeding, but presents considerable morphological, ecological, and genetic variation. The genetic structure of 132 individuals of C. bigelowii s.lat., including Carex nigra as an outgroup, was explored using ordinations, clustering analyses, and a genetic barrier algorithm. Two highly divergent clusters were evident, supporting the recognition of two taxonomic units “C. dacica” and C. bigelowii “subsp. bigelowii”. Previously defined seed‐sourcing regions for C. bigelowii s.lat. did not consider the known taxonomic complexity, and therefore interpreted the overall genetic structure as seed‐sourcing regions, not taxa. We estimated genetic neighborhood sizes within each taxon to be 100–150 km and 300 km, respectively, indicating species‐specific delimitations of local seed‐sourcing regions. Frequent hybrids, local genetic distinctiveness, and suggested ecotypes add complexity to the discussed seed‐sourcing regions. Our results show how genomic screening of diversity and structure in a species complex can alleviate the taxonomic impediment, inform practical questions, and legal requirements related to seed‐sourcing, and together with traditional taxonomic work provide necessary information for a sound management of biodiversity.
Effects of Microbial Polysaccharides on the Oil Absorption and Quality Characteristics of a Deep‐Fried Snack Namkeen
Authors: Nivedita V. , Srisowmeya G. , Chakravarthy M. , Antony Usha , Nandhini Devi G.
Published: November 2021

This study investigates the potential of microbial polysaccharides (MP) gellan gum and pullulan to reduce oil uptake in a deep‐fried snack (Namkeen). The concentration of MP in refined wheat flour varied between 1–10% (w/w) and the frying time and temperature are optimized. The results reveal that MP added namkeens showed a maximum relative oil reduction of 33.87% with gellan gum and 26.93% with pullulan at 10% (w/w). Gellan gum and pullulan result in oil reduction of 23.19% and 15.97% with 5% (w/w). The results reveal that gellan gum added namkeens exhibited 1.45 times lower oil uptake than pullulan added namkeen indicating potential oil reduction capabilities. The hardness of namkeen is observed to increase with an increase in MP concentration. Sensorial and textural characteristics of control and MP incorporated fried samples are comparable up to 5% (w/w) with MP concentration. The results for the control samples and MP incorporated samples are statistically significant. Furthermore, overall sensorial acceptability of pullulan added namkeens (7.74 ± 0.53) is slightly higher than that of gellan gum added namkeens (7.64 ± 0.36).

Practical Application: Low‐fat diet and functional foods are expected to help in managing the conditions of hyperlipidaemia. This study focuses on the potential of MP in reducing the oil content of deep‐fried snacks. The efficacy of MP gellan gum and pullulan as functional ingredients for oil reduction in fried snacks demonstrates its aid in formulating low‐fat foods thereby retaining sensorial characteristics.
A comprehensive survey on secure software‐defined network for the Internet of Things
Authors: Babiker Mohamed Monzir , Matthew Alofe Olasunkanmi , Ajmal Azad Muhammad , Singh Lallie Harjinder , Fatema Kaniz , Sharif Tahir
Published: November 2021

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of smart devices, sensors, and machines that continuously monitored the surrounding environment and execute meaningful decisions on the data or information it receives. The Internet‐enabled devices could facilitate computer‐mediated strategies for various tasks, for example, smart health care, managing the cities or smart factories, smart manufacturing, automating the home and business, etc. IoT commonly uses Internet technology for establishing communication among devices, thus inherits all the security threats that are currently affecting Internet users along with other security threats that are specific to IoTs due to resources constrained nature of the smart devices and sensors. The greater footprint, the distributed nature of the network and the existence of a huge number of IoT devices has also attracted criminals, fraudsters, and attackers to utilize this medium for spreading malicious content or making devices unavailable for legitimate use. It is imperative to ensure that the Confidentiality, Integrity, Security, and Privacy of information and users should remain intact while using these devices and thus they require an effective security system. Software‐defined Networks (SDN) and Network Function are the way to control and configure devices from a centralized location and have been proven to offer scalability and versatility to their deployed ecosystems. In this paper, we systematically review the adoption of SDN and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) for securing the IoT network from emerging threats. To this extent, we provide a comprehensive survey on security solutions based on SDN, Blockchain, NFV, and SDN/NFV proposed for the security of the IoT network. We have also identified open challenges in this domain which includes lack of standardization, low cost, and effective machine learning systems for identifying malicious traffic and handling great attack surface and different attack vectors. The deployed technologies exhibit positive strides in their usage for the provision of security in IoT environments offering security enhancements, scalability, and versatility.
Clinical spectrum, risk factors, and outcomes of children with laboratory‐confirmed influenza infection managed in a single tertiary hospital: A 6‐year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Al Ali Alya , Al Kuwaiti Najla , Al Kaabi Eiman , Al Kaabi Salwa , Al Kaabi Aysha , Narchi Hassib
Published: November 2021

Background

Influenza is a highly contagious disease that causes severe illness each year. Data in the United Arab Emirates are scarce.

Objectives

To study the seasonality, morbidity, mortality rate, and comorbidities associated with confirmed influenza infection in a tertiary hospital in Al‐Ain city, UAE.

Methods

Retrospective study, from 2012 to 2017, of the electronic medical records in Tawam hospital, of children up to 15 years of age with laboratory‐confirmed influenza infection.

Results

There were 1392 children, with the highest number in 2017 (n = 461, 33%). The incidence peaked between October and March. The infection was more common between 1 and 11 years of age (n = 948, 68%). The overall prevalence of influenza A (n = 1144, 82%) was higher than influenza B (n = 276, 19.8%). One‐third of the patients required admission. The commonest underlying comorbidity was asthma (n = 170, 12%). The two commonest complications were pneumonia (n = 165, 12%) and acute otitis media (n = 82, 6%).

Conclusion

Our findings serve as a benchmark for comparison with reports from other countries and need to be considered when reviewing the national vaccination program.
Using local weather stations to generate growing degree‐day data to predict the flowering pattern of an annual bluegrass fairway in Michigan
Authors: Calhoun Ronald N. , Frank Kevin W. , Hathaway Aaron D.
Published: November 2021

Six 1‐yr observational studies were conducted from 2001 to 2006 at the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center in East Lansing, MI to characterize the timing, duration, and amplitude of annual bluegrass (AB) (Poa annua L.) seedhead emergence in a 10‐ to 15‐yr‐old AB fairway. The objective of this research was to collect data that could be used in the development of a growing degree‐day (GDD) model to predict AB seedhead emergence at other locations by using readily available weather station data. New GDD models were compared with previously published models. Plots were established on two adjacent perennial stands of AB maintained at 1.5 cm, receiving 0.5 to 0.6 cm of automatic daily irrigation throughout the growing season and 120 kg N ha–1 yr–1 from 2001 to 2006. The soil type is a Marlette sandy loam (fine‐loamy, mixed, semiactive, mesic Oxyaquic Glossudalf). Line intersects and visual estimations of seedhead cover were evaluated multiple times throughout the spring seedhead emergence period. A base temperature of –5 °C most accurately predicted the onset, peak duration, and completion of the AB seedhead emergence period for all 5 yr. The final model flowering rate = (–3.331599 × 10–6 × gdd2) + (6.968782 × 10–3 × gdd) + –2.841894, accurately predicted (R2 = .64) flowering stages of an AB fairway turf over 6 yr in Michigan.