bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the inducibility problem for random Cayley graphs of abelian groups with a few deleted vertices
Authors: Fox Jacob , Sauermann Lisa , Wei Fan
Published: April 2021

Given a k‐vertex graph H and an integer n, what are the n‐vertex graphs with the maximum number of induced copies of H? This question is closely related to the inducibility problem introduced by Pippenger and Golumbic in 1975, which asks for the maximum possible fraction of k‐vertex subsets of an n‐vertex graph that induce a copy of H. Huang, Lee, and the first author proved that for a random k‐vertex graph H, almost surely the n‐vertex graphs maximizing the number of induced copies of H are the balanced iterated blow‐ups of H. In this article, we consider the case where the graph H is obtained by deleting a small number of vertices from a random Cayley graph of an abelian group. We prove that in this case, almost surely all n‐vertex graphs maximizing the number of induced copies of H are balanced iterated blow‐ups of .
Dependent convenience: Migration, agrarian change, and socioecological sustainability in Dakshinkali, Nepal
Authors: Wong Pearly
Published: April 2021

Rural transformation in Nepal is characterized by accelerating out‐migration, along with shifting aspirations for becoming “developed” or “modern,” which are associated with urban and foreign infrastructure and consumption. In this context, I examine how convenience practices and technologies interact with the social processes of migration and how they together impact people's life choices and produce socioenvironmental and health consequences. Using the term dependent convenience, I argue that “dependency” and “convenience” are two sides of the same coin. Dependent convenience operates by (a) shifting tastes and norms across generations, (b) perpetuating reliance on labor out‐migration and undermining subsistence production, and (c) producing new environmental and health consequences, the resolution of which is in turn dependent on a range of other yet‐to‐be‐developed supporting infrastructure. The study shows that the development of market economy and convenience technologies drives entangled, path‐dependent processes that ultimately undermine socioenvironmental sustainability. A focus on convenience offers a new perspective to illustrate the entanglement of social, economic, technological, and ecological processes in rural Nepal. The study aims to validate or reaffirm the necessity of grassroots interventions for reorienting development toward meaningfully addressing local needs and sustainability.
Sacubitril‐Based Urea and Thiourea Derivatives as Novel Inhibitors for Anti‐Tubercular against Dormant Tuberculosis
Authors: Konduri Srihari , Pogaku Vinay , Prashanth Jyothi , Siva Krishna Vagolu , Sriram Dharmarajan , Basavoju Srinivas , Behera J. N. , Prabhakara Rao Koya
Published: April 2021

In the present study, we have attempted to identify Sacubitril derivatives as lead compounds for dormant tuberculosis. A total of twenty‐one compounds belongs to a series of the Sacubitril derivatives 5(a–u) were synthesized using (2R,4S)‐5‐([1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐yl)‐4‐(amino)‐2‐methylpentanoic acid ethyl ester hydrochloride with different isocyanates and isothiocyanates. All the compounds structures were determined by 1H & 13C NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and CHN analysis. Compound, 5 r, the structure confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis (SXRD). The newly synthesized compounds were screened for their in vitro antituberculosis activity (anti‐TB) against dormant Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (ATCC27294). Among the twenty‐one compounds, 5 p and 5 q were exhibited good potent anti‐TB activity compared to the standard drug Ethambutol. Further, the anti‐TB activities of the compounds (5 p and 5 q) were evaluated against M. tuberculosis (Mtb) using the nutrient starvation model (NSM). Moreover, these two compounds, 5 p and 5 q have shown significant inhibition of growth of Mtb as compared to the control. To determine the toxicity nature, the potent anti‐TB active compounds were evaluated against RAW 264.7 cells. Further, the anti‐TB activities of all these compounds have shown a good correlation to their in‐silico molecular docking analysis by exhibiting strong interactions with the inhibitor Mur‐B.
Study on the Adsorption of Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide by Zeolitic Imidazole Framework
Authors: Tang Qingqing , Duan Ming , Cen Chi , Jiao Yanjun , Xiong Yan , Fang Shenwen
Published: April 2021

Three types of Zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8 s), i. e. ZIF‐8(MeOH), ZIF‐8(H2O), and ZIF‐8(NH3.H2O), were synthesized by using different solvents. Influences of the ZIF‐8 type, hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) property, and salinity of the solution on their adsorption performance were discussed. The results indicated that ZIF‐8(NH3 ⋅ H2O) showed larger adsorption capacity compared to other counterparts. An increase in the hydrolysis degree of HPAM had a positive influence on the adsorption capacity of ZIF‐8(NH3 ⋅ H2O). With the increase of NaCl concentration in the solution, the adsorption capacity of ZIF‐8(NH3 ⋅ H2O) first increased and then decreased. Adsorption thermodynamics and kinetic investigation showed that the adsorption of HPAM by ZIF‐8 is a spontaneous endothermic chemisorption process. The influences of injection rate, temperature, ZIF‐8 mass and HPAM initial concentration on the dynamic adsorption were investigated. The processing volume per unit mass of ZIF‐8 increased with the increasing temperature, ZIF‐8 mass and HPAM initial concentration, while decreased with the increasing injection rate. Lastly, the adsorption mechanism was analyzed. The results of IR and XPS confirmed that the HPAM adsorption on ZIF‐8 was caused by three interactions, including the electrostatic attraction between ZIF‐8 and HPAM, the coordination interaction between Zn2+ and NH+ with COO−, and the hydrogen bonding between nitrogen and amide group.
Green Conversion of N‐Acetylglucosamine into Valuable Platform Compound 3‐Acetamido‐5‐acetylfuran Using Ethanolamine Ionic Liquids as Recyclable Catalyst
Authors: Zang Hongjun , Li Huanxin , Jiao Shuolei , Lou Jing , Du Yannan , Huang Nalan
Published: April 2021

N‐acetylglucosamine (NAG) is the monomer of chitin which is the most abundant nitrogen‐containing biomass. Thus, NAG is a potential nitrogen‐rich feedstock for the production of renewable organonitrogen chemicals. In this work, ethanolamine ionic liquids were synthesized easily from inexpensive raw materials and subsequently used as catalysts for NAG conversion to produce 3‐acetamido‐5‐acetylfuran (3A5AF). Using triethanolamine hydrochloride ([TEA]Cl) ionic liquid as the catalyst, a high 3A5AF yield of 62.0 % was obtained at the optimum reaction conditions of 170 °C and 20 min. Moreover, this ionic liquid exhibited good reusability and still had good catalytic activity after recycling five times. High‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS) analysis provided the relevant basis for rationalizing the reaction mechanism. Therefore, our study presents an intriguing and sustainable protocol for the direct conversion of NAG.
DFT Insight into the Kinetics and Mechanism of the OH.‐Initiated Atmospheric Oxidation of Catechol: OH. Addition and Hydrogen Abstraction Pathways
Authors: Rahbar Ali , Zahedi Ehsan , Aghaie Hossein , Giahi Masoud , Zare Karim
Published: April 2021

Gas phase oxidation of catechol with hydroxyl radical is expected as dominant atmospheric removal process. The mechanism and kinetics of OH.‐initiated atmospheric oxidation of catechol was investigated theoretically by employing of M06‐2X/aug‐cc‐pVTZ level of theory at 300 K and 760 Torr by considering of OH. addition and H‐atom abstraction reactions. Oxidation of catechol begins with reversible formation of pre‐reactive molecular complex and its conversion to products in unimolecular manner. Fall‐off pressure expression indicated that canonical transition state theory breaks down to estimate rate constant at 760 Torr. RRKM unimolecular rates were corrected for basis set superposition error and quantum tunneling effects. RRKM bimolecular rates for OH. addition and H‐atom abstraction pathways at 300 K and 760 Torr were about 10−12 cm3 molecule−1 s−1. The RRKM bimolecular rate for oxidation of catechol triggered by OH. at 300 K and 760 Torr was 9.45×10−12 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 and its temperature dependence over 200–400 K can be expressed by the lnk=(2929.8/T)+(5.82×10−16), indicating that reaction rate is negatively dependent on the temperature. H‐atom abstraction from the hydroxy group at the C2 position and addition of OH. onto the C2 atom are the most favorable processes. Evolution of branching ratios demonstrate that the OH.‐initiated oxidation of catechol is not essentially selective process.
Exceptional Catalytic Activity of Cu−Zn/ZrO2 Mixed Metal Oxide towards the Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Bankar Balasaheb D. , Advani Jacky H. , Biradar Ankush V.
Published: April 2021

Herein, we report the catalytic activity of the copper and zinc doped ZrO2‐based mixed metal oxide system towards the oxidation reaction. To study this attribute, different weight % loadings of copper and zinc supported on zirconia catalysts were synthesized by co‐precipitation followed by the hydrothermal method. The synthesized catalysts were characterized by various physicochemical methods. X‐ray analysis revealed that mainly cubic zirconia (111) planes were formed, and up to 0 to 25 wt.% Cu and Zn were doped in the zirconia lattice. Also, elemental mapping revealed uniform dispersion of Cu, Zn, Zr, and O elements. The catalytic activity of the synthesized catalyst was studied for olefin epoxidation and alcohol oxidation reactions using aqueous tert‐butyl hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant. Among all the synthesized catalysts, 2 wt.% doping of 1 : 1 Cu: Zn on ZrO2 gave almost complete olefin conversion with the best selectivity towards epoxides under optimized reaction conditions. Furthermore, the selected catalyst showed excellent substrate scope for different olefins and alcohol oxidation. Also, the catalyst was successfully recycled up to five cycles without affecting the conversion and selectivity.
Preparation and Characterization of Composite Phase Change Materials Based on Lauric‐Myristic Acid and Expanded Vermiculite with Carbon Layer
Authors: Liu Mingyong , Xu Yunfei , Zhang Xiaoguang , Qiao Jiaxin , Mi Ruiyu , Huang Zhaohui , Min Xin
Published: April 2021

The low thermal conductivity and poor shape stability of phase change materials (PCMs) limit their application in the field of energy‐saving buildings. Lauric‐myristic acid (LA‐MA)/modified expanded vermiculite (MEV) composites as form‐stable phase change materials (FS‐PCMs) were prepared in this study. To improve their heat transfer properties, expanded vermiculite (EV) was impregnated with sucrose, starch and glucose solutions and then carbonized at a high temperature to attain MEVs, which act as a matrix in the PCMs. LA‐MA was adsorbed into the MEVs to obtain the LA‐MA/MEV FS‐PCMs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows that both EV and MEV have highly porous structures and can be used as PCMs carriers. The composite PCMs impregnated with starch obtain the best heat transfer properties in comparison with the other two samples. The melting temperature of the composite PCMs is 34.2 °C and the melting latent heat value is 141.9 J/g. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that the composite PCMs present good thermal stability. Overall, LA‐MA/MEV FS‐PCMs are promising energy efficient materials that can be used as building materials.
High‐Performance Flexible Self‐Powered Photodetectors Utilizing Spontaneous Electron and Hole Separation in Quasi‐2D Halide Perovskites
Authors: Lai Zhengxun , Meng You , Zhu Qi , Wang Fei , Bu Xiuming , Li Fangzhou , Wang Wei , Liu Chuntai , Wang Feng , Ho Johnny C.
Published: April 2021

Although there are recent advances in many areas of quasi‐2D halide perovskites, photodetectors based on these materials still cannot achieve satisfactory performance for practical applications where high responsivity, fast response, self‐powered nature, and excellent mechanical flexibility are urgently desired. Herein, utilizing one‐step spin‐coating method, self‐assemble quasi‐2D perovskite films with graded phase distribution in the order of increasing number of metal halide octahedral layers are successfully prepared. Gradient type‐II band alignments along the out‐of‐plane direction of perovskites with spontaneous separation of photo‐generated electrons and holes are obtained and then employed to construct self‐powered vertical‐structure photodetectors for the first time. Without any driving voltage, the device exhibits impressive performance with the responsivity up to 444 mA W−1 and ultrashort response time down to 52 µs. With a bias voltage of 1.5 V, the device responsivity becomes 3463 mA W−1 with the response speed as fast as 24 µs. Importantly, the device's mechanical flexibility is greatly enhanced since the photocurrent prefers flowing through the metal halide octahedral layers between the top and bottom contact electrodes in the vertical device structure, being more tolerant to film damage. These results evidently indicate the potential of graded quasi‐2D perovskite phases for next‐generation optoelectronic devices.
Emerging Organic/Hybrid Photovoltaic Cells for Indoor Applications: Recent Advances and Perspectives
Authors: Zheng Hao , Li Deli , Ran Chenxin , Zhong Qi , Song Lin , Chen Yonghua , Müller-Buschbaum Peter , Huang Wei
Published: April 2021

Due to the continuous development and advances in the Internet of Things, wireless sensors, actuators for human−interactive machines, and indoor low‐power devices require a continuous supply of energy. Photovoltaic cells working under indoor light are suitable candidates for charging these devices because of their high voltages (up to 5 V), low costs, and environmental friendliness. Herein, the research on organic photovoltaic, dye‐sensitized, and perovskite cells in indoor photovoltaic applications with respect to the active layer, modified layer, and preparation process is summarized. The performance enhancement of indoor photovoltaic cells is outlined, including photoactive material selection, bandgap optimization, modification layer function, and device structure design, followed by the prospects and challenges of future developments in indoor photovoltaic cells. With this review an important perspective for the advancement of indoor photovoltaics is offered.
Ion‐Conducting, Electron‐Blocking Layer for High‐Performance Solid Electrolytes
Authors: Hitz Emily M. , Xie Hua , Lin Yi , Connell John W. , Rubloff Gary W. , Lin Chuan-Fu , Hu Liangbing
Published: April 2021

Lithium metal batteries bring greater promise for energy density, often relying on solid‐state electrolytes to meet critical benchmarks. However, Li dendrite formation is a prevailing problem that limits the cycle life and Coulombic efficiency of solid‐state Li metal batteries. For the first time, a thin (<100 nm) layer of electronically insulating, ionically conducting lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON) is applied using atomic layer deposition between a Li anode and garnet Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO). The performance of a conformal LiPON layer as an electron barrier in symmetric Li‐LLZO cells is observed through potential step chronoamperometry, galvanostatic cycling, electron microscopy, and various spectroscopic techniques. The LiPON‐coated LLZO achieves 100 times lower electronic conductance than LLZO alone. Cycling carried out at 0.1 mA cm−2 for 100 cycles demonstrates that suppression of electron pathways into the bulk solid electrolyte improves the cycle life of a lithium metal cell. These findings suggest an electronic conductivity effect in solid‐state electrolytes. A strategy is demonstrated to design thin‐film (LiPON)‐modulated bulk solid‐state electrolytes (LLZO) capable of maintaining high ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability while reducing the effective electronic conductivity, which results in significantly decreased dendrite formation, improved cycle life, and greater interfacial integrity between the electrolyte and a Li anode.
Post‐Oligocene diversification in Australia: Phylogeography, systematics and new species of Gonocarpus (Haloragaceae)
Authors: Moody Michael L. , Garcia Michelle
Published: April 2021

The angiosperm genus Gonocarpus (Haloragaceae) is an enigmatic group of herbs and shrubs that occurs primarily in Australia (36/41 spp.) with four species ranging into New Zealand and/or Asia. Much of Gonocarpus diversity is found in the Southwest Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR), an international biodiversity hotspot, where several species are endemic and recognized as rare or of priority concern. The diversification of Gonocarpus throughout Australia started in the early Miocene, which makes it a strong candidate for examining phylogenetic patterns related to post‐Oligocene aridity events. The most recent taxonomic treatment for the genus was based on morphology alone and included relatively few specimens from some taxa, as collections were limited. This genus is modest in floral displays, but its striking intricate floral and fruit morphology have been critical to help define the species. Here, we use a molecular phylogenetic approach with DNA sequence data collected from the nrDNA ITS and cpDNA regions to construct phylogenetic hypotheses to examine species limits, determine times of divergence, and reconstruct ancestral distribution. Most of the SWAFR diversity originates from a most recent common ancestor (MRCA) ≈8 Ma with most diversification occurring over the late Miocene. There were two other diversification events into Southwest Australia from a geographically widespread clade in the genus also from a MRCA ≈8 Ma. Diversification in the southeast temperate region occurred during the Pliocene/Pleistocene. Late Miocene aridification is likely important for most of the patterns of historical biogeography found in the genus, rather than extreme climate fluctuation of the Pleistocene. Two new species are described for the genus.
Psychotherapie auf Distanz in Österreich während COVID‑19. Zusammenfassung der bisher publizierten Ergebnisse von drei Onlinebefragungen
Authors: Probst Thomas , Haid Barbara , Schimböck Wolfgang , Stippl Peter , Humer Elke
Published: April 2021

Die Donau-Universität Krems untersuchte in Kooperation mit dem Österreichischen Bundesverband für Psychotherapie mit drei Onlinebefragungen Psychotherapie auf Distanz in Österreich während der COVID-19-Pandemie. Dieser Artikel fasst die bisherigen bereits publizierten Ergebnisse dieser Befragungen zusammen. An der ersten Onlinebefragung, welche in den ersten Wochen des ersten coronabedingten Lockdowns in Österreich stattfand, beteiligten sich insgesamt 1547 Psychotherapeut*innen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Psychotherapeut*innen während des Lockdowns Psychotherapie im persönlichen Kontakt verstärkt durch Psychotherapie auf Distanz (Telefon oder Internet) ersetzten. Ein erhöhtes Stresserleben sowie jobbezogene Ängste waren v. a. bei Psychotherapeut*innen vorhanden, bei denen Psychotherapie die einzige Einnahmequelle darstellte. Die Erfahrungen mit Psychotherapie auf Distanz wurden als insgesamt positiver beschrieben als sie erwartet wurden. Nichtsdestotrotz wurde Psychotherapie auf Distanz als nicht vollständig vergleichbar mit Psychotherapie im persönlichen Kontakt angesehen. An einer zweiten Onlinebefragung nach dem ersten Lockdown (Sommer 2020) beteiligten sich 222 Psychotherapeut*innen aus Österreich. Ziel dieser Befragung war es den Wechsel des Behandlungsformats (persönlich zu digital oder digital zu persönlich) im Hinblick auf die Anwendung spezifischer therapeutischer Interventionen genauer zu untersuchen. Unter digital wurden verschiede Medien wie z. B. Sprachtelefonie, Videokonferenz, Chats und E‑Mail subsumiert. Zeitgleich mit der zweiten Befragung wurde eine dritte Onlinebefragung durchgeführt, an der 139 Patient*innen der 222 österreichischen Psychotherapeut*innen teilnahmen, um auch die Patient*innen-Perspektive beim Wechsel des Behandlungsformats zu untersuchen. Erste Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Psychotherapeut*innen und Patient*innen beim Wechsel des Behandlungsformats einen Unterschied hinsichtlich der angewandten therapeutischen Interventionen erlebten. So wurden die untersuchten therapeutischen Interventionen als typischer für die Therapie im direkten persönlichen Kontakt als für die Psychotherapie auf Distanz bewertet. Zudem veränderte sich die subjektive Bedeutung verschiedener Bereiche des Lebens während der Corona-Pandemie. Die bisherigen Auswertungen zeigen, dass die COVID-19 Pandemie einen deutlichen Impact auf die Psychotherapiepraxis in Österreich hat. Weitere quantitative und qualitative Auswertungen der Daten werden noch tiefergehende Erkenntnisse liefern.
Design of a force-measuring setup for colorectal compression anastomosis and first ex-vivo results
Authors: Steger Jana , Patzke Isabella , Berlet Maximilian , Ficht Stefanie , Eblenkamp Markus , Mela Petra , Wilhelm Dirk
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The introduction of novel endoscopic instruments is essential to reduce trauma in visceral surgery. However, endoscopic device development is hampered by challenges in respecting the dimensional restrictions, due to the narrow access route, and by achieving adequate force transmission. As the overall goal of our research is the development of a patient adaptable, endoscopic anastomosis manipulator, biomechanical and size-related characterization of gastrointestinal organs are needed to determine technical requirements and thresholds to define functional design and load-compatible dimensioning of devices.

Methods

We built an experimental setup to measure colon tissue compression piercing forces. We tested 54 parameter sets, including variations of three tissue fixation configurations, three piercing body configurations (four, eight, twelve spikes) and insertion trajectories of constant velocities (5 mms−1, 10 mms−1,15 mms−1) and constant accelerations (5 mms−2, 10 mms−2, 15 mms−2) each in 5 samples. Furthermore, anatomical parameters (lumen diameter, tissue thickness) were recorded.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in insertion forces neither between the trajectory groups, nor for variation of tissue fixation configurations. However, we observed a statistically significant increase in insertion forces for increasing number of spikes. The maximum mean peak forces for four, eight and twelve spikes were 6.4 ± 1.5 N, 13.6 ± 1.4 N and 21.7 ± 5.8 N, respectively. The 5th percentile of specimen lumen diameters and pierced tissue thickness were 24.1 mm and 2.8 mm, and the 95th percentiles 40.1 mm and 4.8 mm, respectively.

Conclusion

The setup enabled reliable biomechanical characterization of colon material, on the base of which design specifications for an endoscopic anastomosis device were derived. The axial implant closure unit must enable axial force transmission of at least 28 N (22 ± 6 N). Implant and applicator diameters must cover a range between 24 and 40 mm, and the implant gap, compressing anastomosed tissue, between 2 and 5 mm.
Compassion in Early Modern Literature and Culture
Authors: Ibbett Katherine
Published: April 2021

This collection is an enquiry into compassion as an early modern emotional phenomenon, situating it within the complexity of European economic, social, cultural and religious tensions. Drawing on recent work in the history of emotions, leading scholars consider the particularities of early modern compassion, demonstrating its entanglements with diverse genres and geographies. Chapters on canonical and less familiar works explore tragedy, comedy, sermons, philosophy, treatises on consolation, medical writing, and dramatic theory, showing how early modern compassion shaped attitudes and social structures that remain central to the way we imagine our response to suffering today, and how such investigations can ultimately provoke new ways of thinking about community in contemporary Europe.
The Politics of Intolerant Laws against Adherents of Indigenous Beliefs or Aliran Kepercayaan in Indonesia
Authors: Nalle Victor Imanuel W.
Published: April 2021

Earlier studies have examined the discriminatory effects of laws and policies against the adherents of indigenous beliefs—Aliran Kepercayaan—in Indonesia. However, those studies do not show how the politics of law were developed through the prior sociopolitical processes in Indonesia’s legislative history. This study analyzes how and why the government initiated and later put an end to discrimination against adherents of Aliran Kepercayaan—at least in the realm of population administration. Under the New Order era, political battles gave birth to the politics of law discriminating against the Aliran Kepercayaan adherents. Weakening political resistance in the Reformasi era as well as judicial review before the Constitutional Court forced the government to partially relax its discriminatory laws and policies. Nonetheless, progressive initiatives from secular nationalist parties have yet to be taken in order to further ensure equality for all minority—religious—groups within Indonesian society before the law.
Francisco de Vitoria on the Right to Free Trade and Justice
Authors: Sison Alejo José G. , Redín Dulce M.
Published: April 2021

In 1538–39 Francisco de Vitoria delivered two relections:De IndisandDe iure belli.This article distills from these writings the topic of free trade as a “human right” in accordance withius gentiumor the “law of peoples.” The right to free trade is rooted in a more fundamental right to communication and association. The rights to travel, to dwell, and to migrate precede the right to trade, which is also closely connected to the rights to preach, to protect converts, and to constitute Christian princes. This has significant repercussions on the field of business ethics: the right to free trade is ultimately founded directly on natural law and indirectly on divine law; trade is not independent of ethics; and trade is presented as an opportunity to develop the virtues of justice and friendship, among other repercussions. Vitoria is portrayed as a defender of private initiative and free markets.
Mid-IR cosmological spectrophotometric surveys from space: Measuring AGN and star formation at the cosmic noon with a SPICA-like mission
Authors: Spinoglio Luigi , Mordini Sabrina , Fernández-Ontiveros Juan Antonio , Alonso-Herrero Almudena , Armus Lee , Bisigello Laura , Calura Francesco , Carrera Francisco J. , Cooray Asantha , Dannerbauer Helmut , Decarli Roberto , Egami Eiichi , Elbaz David , Franceschini Alberto , González Alfonso Eduardo , Graziani Luca , Gruppioni Carlotta , Hatziminaoglou Evanthia , Kaneda Hidehiro , Kohno Kotaro , Labiano Álvaro , Magdis Georgios , Malkan Matthew A. , Matsuhara Hideo , Nagao Tohru , Naylor David , Pereira-Santaella Miguel , Pozzi Francesca , Rodighiero Giulia , Roelfsema Peter , Serjeant Stephen , Vignali Cristian , Wang Lingyu , Yamada Toru
Published: April 2021

We use the SPace Infrared telescope for Cosmology and Astrophysics (SPICA) project as a template to demonstrate how deep spectrophotometric surveys covering large cosmological volumes over extended fields (1–$15\, \rm{deg^2}$) with a mid-IR imaging spectrometer (17–$36\, \rm{\rm{\upmu m}}$) in conjunction with deep$70\, \rm{\rm{\upmu m}}$photometry with a far-IR camera, at wavelengths which are not affected by dust extinction can answer the most crucial questions in current galaxy evolution studies. A SPICA-like mission will be able for the first time to provide an unobscured three-dimensional (3D, i.e.x,y, and redshiftz) view of galaxy evolution back to an age of the universe of less than$\sim$2 Gyrs, in the mid-IR rest frame. This survey strategy will produce a full census of the Star Formation Rate (SFR) in the universe, using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) bands and fine-structure ionic lines, reaching the characteristic knee of the galaxy luminosity function, where the bulk of the population is distributed, at any redshift up to$z \sim 3.5$. Deep follow-up pointed spectroscopic observations with grating spectrometers onboard the satellite, across the full IR spectral range (17–$210\, \rm{\rm{\upmu m}}$), would simultaneously measure Black Hole Accretion Rate (BHAR), from high-ionisation fine-structure lines, and SFR, from PAH and low- to mid-ionisation lines in thousands of galaxies from solar to low metallicities, down to the knee of their luminosity functions. The analysis of the resulting atlas of IR spectra will reveal the physical processes at play in evolving galaxies across cosmic time, especially its heavily dust-embedded phase during theactivity peakat the cosmic noon ($z \sim 1$–3), through IR emission lines and features that are insensitive to the dust obscuration.
Lampedusa: Migrant Tragedy
Authors: Kerrigan John
Published: April 2021

Tragedies about the suffering of migrants are not a new phenomenon. So this article quickly turns to texts from classical antiquity by Aeschylus and Euripides. It focuses, however, on poetry written over the last decade. Following the routes taken by asylum seekers from Africa and Asia through such transit points as Lampedusa and across Europe to Calais, it looks at depictions of the suffering associated with travel, disaster, and problematic arrival, and at the interaction in tragic writing between old motifs and conventions (tragedy as understood by Aristotle or Hegel) and current issues and resources. Fresh insights are offered into the work of poets from migrant backgrounds (Warsan Shire, Ribkha Sibhatu) and into a range of modes from lyric (James Byrne) through experiments with translation and performance (Caroline Bergvall) into the late modernism of Geraldine Monk, J. H. Prynne, and Jeff Hilson.
The South African Redistribution Imperative: Incongruities in Theory and Practice
Authors: Viljoen Sue-Mari
Published: April 2021

It has partly been assumed that the constitutional obligation to pay compensation for expropriations is to blame for the slow pace at which land has been redistributed in South Africa. However, this assumption requires careful analysis and reflection, with reference to the imperfections of the policies and laws that set out to address landlessness, as well as the underlying theoretical approach to economic justice. This article questions the purpose for which land reform beneficiaries acquire land, with reference to the role that property should ideally fulfil for the landless. The article makes a number of observations to cast light on why the redistribution of land has been alarmingly slow, where inconsistencies and loopholes exist in the programme, and whether expropriations for nil compensation will make any difference in remedying existing failures in the redistribution programme.
Epidemiological analysis of 3,219 COVID-19 outbreaks in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
Authors: Dressler Aparna , Finci Iris , Wagner-Wiening Christiane , Eichner Martin , Brockmann Stefan O
Published: April 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has emerged as an unprecedented global crisis challenging health systems. This paper aims to assess and characterise SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg to identify groups at greatest risk, to establish early measures to curb transmission. We analysed all mandatory notified (i.e. laboratory-confirmed) coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreaks with more than two cases in Baden-Wuerttemberg from calendar weeks 18–49 (from 27 April to 6 December 2020). We used the following classification for settings: asylum and refugee accommodation, care homes, care facilities, day care child centres, hobby-related, hospitality, hospitals, households, other, residence halls, schools, supported housing, training schools, transportation, treatment facilities and workplace (occupational). We used R program version 3.6.3 for analysis. In our analysis, 3219 outbreaks with 22 238 individuals were included. About 48% were in household and hobby-related settings. Care homes accounted for 9.5% of outbreaks and 21.6% of cases. The median age across all settings was 43 (interquartile range (IQR) 24–63). The median age of cases in care homes was 81 (IQR 56–88). Of all reported cases in care homes, 72.1% were women. Over 30% (466/1511) of hospitalisations were among cases in care homes compared to 17.7% (268/1511) in households. Overall, 70% (500/715) of all deceased persons in outbreaks in the study period were in care homes compared to 4.2% in household settings (30/715). We observed an exponential increase in the number of notified outbreaks starting around the 41st week with N = 291 outbreaks reported in week 49. The median number of cases in outbreaks in care homes and care facilities after the 40th week was 14 (IQR 5–29) and 11 (IQR 5–20), respectively, compared to 3 (IQR 3–5) in households. We observed an increase in hospitalisations, and mortality associated with COVID-19 outbreaks in care homes after the 40th week. We found the care home demographic to be at greatest risk after the 40th week, based on the exponential increase in outbreaks, the number of cases, hospitalisations and mortality trends. Our analysis highlights the necessity of targeted, setting-specific approaches to control transmission in this vulnerable population. Regular screening of staff members and visitors' using rapid antigen point-of-care-tests could be a game-changer in curbing transmission in this setting.
Behavioural intention of receiving COVID-19 vaccination, social media exposures and peer discussions in China
Authors: Luo Sitong , Xin Meiqi , Wang Suhua , Zhao Junfeng , Zhang Guohua , Li Lijuan , Li Liping , Tak-fai Lau Joseph
Published: April 2021

The study aimed to investigate behavioural intentions to receive free and self-paid COVID-19 vaccinations (BICV-F and BICV-SP) among Chinese university students if the vaccine was 80% effective with rare mild side effects, to examine their associations with social media exposures and peer discussions regarding COVID-19 vaccination, and to explore the mediational role of perceived information sufficiency about COVID-19 vaccination. An online anonymous survey (N = 6922) was conducted in November 2020 in five Chinese provinces. Logistic regression and path analysis were adopted. The prevalence of BICV-F and BICV-SP were 78.1% and 57.7%. BICV-F was positively associated with the frequencies of passive social media exposure (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.32, P < 0.001), active social media interaction (AOR = 1.13, P < 0.001) and peer discussions (AOR = 1.17, P < 0.001). Indirect effects of the three factors on BICV-F via perceived information sufficiency were all significant (P < 0.001). The direct effect of active social media interaction on BICV-F was significantly negative (P < 0.001). Similar associations/mediations were observed for BICV-SP. The COVID-19 vaccination intention of Chinese university students needs improvement. Boosting social media exposures and peer discussions may raise students' perceived information sufficiency and subsequently increase their vaccination intention. Considering the potential negative effect of active social media interaction, caution is needed when using social media to promote COVID-19 vaccination.
Severe scoliosis and percutaneous atrial septal defect closure, a word of caution
Authors: Castaldi Biagio , Sirico Domenico , Di Salvo Giovanni
Published: April 2021

In the presence of complex septal morphology or extra-cardiac factors like severe scoliosis or diaphragm paralysis, the procedure may become more challenging, and pre-formed sheaths and devices thought to facilitate the implantation might turn into a problem to address. Similarly to Herron and Kobayashi, we have experienced a similar issue during atrial septal defect closure with Gore Cardioform atrial septal defect device® in a 12-year-old female patient with severe scoliosis. After the conformation of the locking loop and the removal of the safety cord, the Gore Cardioform atrial septal defect device prolapsed in the right atrium.
Behavioral measures of impulsivity and compulsivity in adolescents with nonsuicidal self-injury
Authors: Lutz Nina M. , Chamberlain Samuel R. , Goodyer Ian M. , Bhardwaj Anupam , Sahakian Barbara J. , Jones Peter B. , Wilkinson Paul O.
Published: April 2021

Background

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is prevalent among adolescents and research is needed to clarify the mechanisms which contribute to the behavior. Here, the authors relate behavioral neurocognitive measures of impulsivity and compulsivity to repetitive and sporadic NSSI in a community sample of adolescents.

Methods

Computerized laboratory tasks (Affective Go/No-Go, Cambridge Gambling Task, and Probabilistic Reversal Task) were used to evaluate cognitive performance. Participants were adolescents aged 15 to 17 with (n = 50) and without (n = 190) NSSI history, sampled from the ROOTS project which recruited adolescents from secondary schools in Cambridgeshire, UK. NSSI was categorized as sporadic (1-3 instances per year) or repetitive (4 or more instances per year). Analyses were carried out in a series of linear and negative binomial regressions, controlling for age, gender, intelligence, and recent depressive symptoms.

Results

Adolescents with lifetime NSSI, and repetitive NSSI specifically, made significantly more perseverative errors on the Probabilistic Reversal Task and exhibited significantly lower quality of decision making on the Cambridge Gambling Task compared to no-NSSI controls. Those with sporadic NSSI did not significantly differ from no-NSSI controls on task performance. NSSI was not associated with behavioral measures of impulsivity.

Conclusions

Repetitive NSSI is associated with increased behavioral compulsivity and disadvantageous decision making, but not with behavioral impulsivity. Future research should continue to investigate how neurocognitive phenotypes contribute to the onset and maintenance of NSSI, and determine whether compulsivity and addictive features of NSSI are potential targets for treatment.
Lower neck organs at risk sparing in nasopharyngeal carcinoma using hybrid volumetric-modulated arc therapy (hybrid-VMAT): a case report
Authors: Yuen Adams Hei Long , Li Alex Kai Leung , Mak Philip Chung Yin
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a prevalent disease in Southern China. Radiation therapy remains the primary treatment modality for NPC due to its high radiation sensitivity. Conventional volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) can achieve excellent target volume coverage and superior conformal dose distributions while sparing organs at risk (OARs). However, VMAT may also produce substantial volume of low-dose region in the surrounding normal tissue. Our oncology centre has incorporated the concept of anterior cervical field with VMAT in clinical practice of NPC treatment planning. The purpose of this treatment-comparison case study is to demonstrate the lower neck OARs sparing ability of hybrid volumetric-modulated arc therapy (hybrid-VMAT) over conventional VMAT for NPC.

Methods:

Four patients diagnosed with NPC of different clinical lymph node staging (N staging) were enrolled for this treatment-comparison case study. Planning target volumes and OARs were delineated with reference to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 0225/0615. Additional OARs from lower neck region, including thyroid, trachea, cervical spine and pharyngeal constrictor muscles (PCMs), were also delineated. Two treatment techniques, hybrid-VMAT and VMAT, were created for each patient’s dataset.

Results and findings:

Both treatment techniques produced adequate target coverage and reduced radiation dose to the OARs as suggested in RTOG 0225/0615. Hybrid-VMAT plans achieved superior dose reduction in larynx, oesophagus, middle PCM, inferior PCM, cervical spine and trachea comparing with VMAT plans. Hence, the clinical usability and functional outcome of hybrid-VMAT should be further investigated for NPC radiation therapy.
A lifespan approach to understanding family caregiver experiences of a blood cancer diagnosis
Authors: Kastrinos Amanda L. , Fisher Carla L. , Mullis Michaela D. , Wollney Easton , Sae-Hau Maria , Weiss Elisa S. , Bylund Carma L.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

The study examined the diagnosis experience of midlife family caregivers of a patient with a blood cancer, exploring similarities and differences between parent caregivers and adult-child caregivers.

Methods

Participants were between 30 and 65 years old and were family caregivers of a living patient with acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or lymphoma. We conducted semi-structured interviews with parent caregivers (n = 20) and adult-child caregivers (n = 19) and a thematic analysis of the interview data.

Results

Both types of caregivers report the patient experiencing (1) mis- and missed diagnosis (facing delayed diagnosis or treatment and having symptoms dismissed or overlooked) and (2) emotional distress (being in shock and survival mode, struggling with uncertainty, and confronting mortality). Adult-child caregivers also experienced relational shifts in assuming control of their parent's care, sometimes despite geographic distance, and struggled to distribute the care burden among family members.

Significance of results

Differences between the caregivers’ experiences emerged based on the relational role and the patient's place in the lifespan. Findings can be used to inform the development of support resources to address the needs of each group.
Exhuming theNahualli:Shapeshifting, Idolatry, and Orthodoxy in Colonial Mexico
Authors: Hagler Anderson
Published: April 2021

This article examines the relationship between ritual specialists,nanahualtinornahualistas(pl.) andnahualliornahual(sing.), and healing practices, adding context to the social roles they fulfilled and the range of feats they performed. The cases examined here reveal that nanahualtin operated as intellectuals in their communities because of their ability to control animals, prognosticate, and heal or harm individuals at will. Some nanahualtin shapeshifted from humans to animals while others possessed animal companions. The elevated status of nanahualtin led commoners to seek their advice, which conflicted with the established orthodoxy of the Catholic Church. Because clergymen championed the sacraments as the best way to access the divine, non-orthodox rituals performed in mountains, rivers, and caves were derided as idolatrous devil worship.

The 11 criminal and Mexican Inquisition cases examined here range from 1599 to 1801. Two seventeenth-century cases (1678 and 1685) and one eighteenth-century case (1701) contain Nahuatl phrases and testimonies from Chiapas and Tlaxcala, respectively. The cases from Chiapas demonstrate the use of Nahuatl as a vehicular language outside the central valley of Mexico. This article examines the gender of the animals into which ritual specialists transformed as an emergent category from trial records, which provides insight into Catholic officials’ understanding of the nahualli. Last, this study notes social divisions between rural and urban clergy regarding the power of nanahualtin and the efficacy of their magic.
Digitization and health inequality and equity in nursing
Authors: Hochmuth Alexander , Wrona Kamil J. , Exner Anne-Kathrin , Dockweiler Christoph
Published: April 2021

Abstract. Background: The use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in health care is increasing attention. To describe health inequalities and equity with regard to the use of digital health technologies in a care context and to understand interrelationships, it is of particular importance for the field of care research to use models and theories that explain health inequalities and equity in the use of digital technologies. Aims: This article aims to identify models and theories from the field of nursing and health research that explain the phenomenon of health inequalities and the influence of digital health technologies on the emergence of inequalities. Methods: Relevant articles were searched in electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL & SocINDEX) between July and August 2019 in German and English, within the methodological framework of a scoping review. The systematic literature search and data extraction were performed by 2 reviewers. The description of data refers to standard criteria by 8-1Christiansen and Baum (1997). Results: From a total of 25 relevant articles, 2 were identified for inclusion in the current overview. One model is focusing on ICT for health and the other model focuses on eHealth. No nursing theory could be identified in the context of describing the phenomenon of digital inequality. Conclusions: In both models, there is a lack of discussion about the impact of nursing aspects on the use and acceptance of eHealth technologies. One point should also be the development of models and theories that consider the user perspective of vulnerable groups.
Validation of the Suicide Counseling Skills Inventory
Authors: Coohey Carol , Neblett Keri , Knox Sara
Published: April 2021

Abstract. Background: The self-report measures used in evaluations of the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) program have tended not to detect an improvement in a broad range of suicide counseling skills from pre- to posttraining or among trainees with better skills at pretraining. Aims: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate the Suicide Counseling Skills Inventory (SCSI), which included ten brief counselor–client scenarios and three counselor responses to each scenario. Method: Data were collected from several samples to develop and evaluate the SCSI. Trainee scores were subtracted from criterion expert scores to create discrepancy scores. Results: The SCSI detected an improvement in skills from pre- to posttraining across samples, including among trainees with better skills at pretraining. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were good. Limitations: The results may not generalize across different training models. Conclusion: Trainee scores were more like expert scores at posttraining. The SCSI may be useful in evaluating suicide counseling competency.
Ice Age‐Holocene Similarity of Foraminifera‐Bound Nitrogen Isotope Ratios in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific
Authors: Studer Anja S. , Mekik Figen , Ren Haojia , Hain Mathis P. , Oleynik Sergey , Martínez‐García Alfredo , Haug Gerald H. , Sigman Daniel M.
Published: April 2021

Bulk sediment δ15N records from the eastern tropical Pacific (ETP) extending back to the last ice age most often show low glacial δ15N, then a deglacial δ15N maximum, followed by a gradual decline to a late Holocene δ15N that is typically higher than that of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The lower δ15N of the LGM has been interpreted to reflect an ice age reduction in water column denitrification. We report foraminifera shell‐bound nitrogen isotope (FB‐δ15N) measurements for the two species Neogloboquadrina dutertrei and Neogloboquadrina incompta over the last 35 ka in two sediment cores from the eastern equatorial Pacific (EEP), both of which have the typical LGM‐to‐Holocene increase in bulk sediment δ15N. FB‐δ15N contrasts with bulk sediment δ15N by not indicating a lower δ15N during the LGM. Instead, the FB‐δ15N records are dominated by a deglacial δ15N maximum, with comparable LGM and Holocene values. The lower LGM δ15N of the bulk sediment records may be an artifact, possibly related to greater exogenous N inputs and/or weaker sedimentary diagenesis during the LGM. The new data raise the possibility that the previously inferred glacial reduction in ETP water column denitrification was incorrect. A review of reconstructed ice age conditions and geochemical box model output provides mechanistic support for this possibility. However, equatorial ocean circulation and nitrate‐rich surface water overlying both core sites allow for other possible interpretations, calling for replication at non‐equatorial ETP sites.