bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why and how we should join the shift from significance testing to estimation
Authors: Berner Daniel , Amrhein Valentin
Published: May 2022

A paradigm shift away from null hypothesis significance testing seems in progress. Based on simulations, we illustrate some of the underlying motivations. First, p‐values vary strongly from study to study, hence dichotomous inference using significance thresholds is usually unjustified. Second, ‘statistically significant’ results have overestimated effect sizes, a bias declining with increasing statistical power. Third, ‘statistically non‐significant’ results have underestimated effect sizes, and this bias gets stronger with higher statistical power. Fourth, the tested statistical hypotheses usually lack biological justification and are often uninformative. Despite these problems, a screen of 48 papers from the 2020 volume of the Journal of Evolutionary Biology exemplifies that significance testing is still used almost universally in evolutionary biology. All screened studies tested default null hypotheses of zero effect with the default significance threshold of p = 0.05, none presented a pre‐specified alternative hypothesis, pre‐study power calculation and the probability of ‘false negatives’ (beta error rate). The results sections of the papers presented 49 significance tests on average (median 23, range 0–390). Of 41 studies that contained verbal descriptions of a ‘statistically non‐significant’ result, 26 (63%) falsely claimed the absence of an effect. We conclude that studies in ecology and evolutionary biology are mostly exploratory and descriptive. We should thus shift from claiming to ‘test’ specific hypotheses statistically to describing and discussing many hypotheses (possible true effect sizes) that are most compatible with our data, given our statistical model. We already have the means for doing so, because we routinely present compatibility (‘confidence’) intervals covering these hypotheses.
Fernando Ortiz's Transculturation: Applied Anthropology, Acculturation, and Mestizaje
Authors: Arnedo‐Gómez Miguel
Published: May 2022

Fernando Ortiz's proposal to replace the word acculturation with transculturation in Contrapunteo cubano del tabaco y el azúcar (1940) has become an iconic statement affirming the distinctiveness of Latin American anthropology. This narrative includes a deeper thread that involves Bronisław Malinowski, who praised the neologism for its counterhegemonic implications in his introduction to Contrapunteo. According to this thread of the narrative, though, Malinowski sought to suppress Ortiz's theorization by subsuming it into his school of functionalism. This article approaches the genesis of transculturation as a more complex and reciprocal process of negotiations that also included Melville Herskovits and acculturation studies. The theoretical positions of each of these anthropologists—Ortiz, Malinowski, and Herskovits—stemmed from geopolitical circumstances linked to the different colonial and postcolonial contexts in which they worked. I argue that despite their different agendas and mutual misrepresentations, transculturation became more counterhegemonic through their interactions, and suggest that this has implications for how we might think about the development of anthropological theory as arising from reflexive anthropological collaborations.
Revisiting “empowered rural women” in postwar Japan
Authors: Iwashima Fumi , Sato Chizu
Published: May 2022

In Japan, both rural studies and government policies commonly represent rural women in the same way: as oppressed within their feudalistic family farm system before the Second World War and as successfully empowered by rural democratization policies after the war. This study revisits the often unproblematized representations of the postwar success story of empowered rural women on which these accounts are frequently based. We examined rarely analysed source material of a project that is frequently referred to, the Rural Life Improvement Extension Service (RLIES). This source material consists of essays written by rural women who participated in this project, which was implemented by the US occupational forces and the Japanese state in the 1950s and 1960s, for representations of empowered rural women through the lens of a feminist reading of Foucault's biopower. Our analysis identified three subjective typifications of rural women in the essays: the New Rural Woman, the Rural Professional Housewife, and the Farm Mother. By illuminating these typifications, we show how—even in the source material of unproblematic celebratory accounts—rural women exercised unexpected agency by engaging in the changing power relations that surrounded them. The example provided by our feminine subjectivity study encourages researchers to be more careful with respect to simple celebratory narratives of empowered rural women.
Impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on obstetrics and gynecology residency training program in India: A national online survey
Authors: Gothwal Meenakshi , Singh Pratibha , Sharma Charu , Yadav Garima , Gupta Manoj K.
Published: May 2022

Objective

The goal of this study was to analyze how the COVID‐19 pandemic affected the Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBG) residency program in India.

Study Design

This was a cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based online survey aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on the residency training program in Obstetrics and Gynecology. The questionnaire consisted of five sections: demographic details, information regarding COVID‐19 status, clinical work load, teaching and research, and psychological impact.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 280 OBG trainees from different medical colleges from India. Training activity in general was reduced considerably during the pandemic, according to 79.6% (n = 223) respondents. According to 13.21% (n = 37) and 5% (n = 14) respondents, reduction in training activity were due to cancelation of elective operations and reduced patient foot fall respectively. In 74.3% (n = 208) of cases, trainees reported worry about meeting the goals of their specialty training. Logistic regression showed that the extent of training reduction was not significantly associated with residents' age (p = 0.806), gender (p = 0.982), marital status (p = 0.363), and status of their duty in COVID‐19 dedicated hospitals (p = 0.110). However, year of residency was a significant predictor of the perception about degree of training reduction.

Conclusion

The pandemic imposed a significant impact on OBG residency training in India. During the pandemic, exposure to learning opportunities, surgeries, and teaching were reduced, which may result in a decline in the quality of care offered to women in the future if training deficit is not overcome. At the same time, pandemic also gave birth to newer insights of learning and interaction by online mode.
Randomized clinical trial: Direct‐acting antivirals as treatment for hepatitis C in people who inject drugs: Delivered in needle and syringe programs via directly observed therapy versus fortnightly collection
Authors: Beer Lewis , Inglis Sarah , Malaguti Amy , Byrne Christopher , Sharkey Christian , Robinson Emma , Gillings Kirsty , Radley Andrew , Hapca Adrian , Stephens Brian , Dillon John
Published: May 2022

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment in people who inject drugs (PWID) is delivered within settings frequented by PWID, such as needle and syringe programs (NSP). The optimal direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) dispensing regimen among NSP clients is unknown. This study compared cures (Sustained virologic response 12 weeks post‐treatment, [SVR12]) across three dispensing schedules to establish non‐inferiority of fortnightly dispensing versus directly observed therapy. The ADVANCE HCV study was a randomized, unblinded trial, recruiting PWID attending NSP in Tayside, Scotland, between January 2018 and November 2019. HCV‐positive participants were randomized to receive DAAs via directly observed therapy, fortnightly provision or fortnightly provision with psychological intervention. A modified intention to treat analysis was used to identify differences in cures between the three treatment regimes. The study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov; NCT03236506. A total of 110 participants completed the study. 33 participants received directly observed therapy, with 90.91% SVR12; 37 received fortnightly provision, with 86.49% SVR12 and 40 received fortnightly provision and psychological intervention at treatment initiation, with 92.50% SVR12. Analysis showed no significant difference in SVR12 (p = 0.67). This study did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in cure rate between groups. This provides evidence of the non‐inferiority of fortnightly dispensing of direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) compared to directly observed therapy among PWID. It suggests that tight control of adherence through directly observed therapy dispensing of DAAs among this population offers no therapeutic advantage. Therefore, less restrictive dispensing patterns can be used, tailored to patient convenience.
MicroRNA‐206 inhibits HCV proliferation through depressing ACC1 lipid synthesis signalling pathway
Authors: Zheng Kexi , Xia Tian , Liu Ni , Xia Xueshan , Song Yuzhu , Zhang A‐Mei
Published: May 2022

MicroRNAs are considered to play important roles in cell biological and pathological progress. microRNA‐206 (miR‐206) was reported to participate in lipogenesis, and lipid droplets were necessary for the life cycle of HCV proliferation. Whether miR‐206 was associated with HCV proliferation and the potential mechanism are not clear. In this study, we firstly identified that miR‐206 could inhibit HCV proliferation at the RNA and protein level. Bioinformatical prediction of target genes binding to miR‐206 was performed to investigate whether inhibiting function was due to a lipogenesis pathway. Then, the acetyl‐CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1) gene was selected as target gene of miR‐206. The dual‐luciferase reporter assay results showed that luciferase significantly decreased in cells transfected with 3′‐UTR of the ACC1 gene and miR‐206. The RNA and protein levels of the ACC1 gene and its pathway genes were significantly lower in cells transfected with miR‐206 than in controls. Furthermore, the lipid droplet numbers also significantly decreased in cells transfected with miR‐206. In conclusion, miR‐206 could inhibit HCV proliferation through depressing ACC1 lipogenesis pathway and decreasing the lipid droplet numbers. miR‐206 might be used as anti‐HCV biochemical drug in the future.
HBV pgRNA profiles in Chinese HIV/HBV coinfected patients under pre‐ and posttreatment: a multicentre observational cohort study
Authors: Xu Ling , Li Xiaodi , Lu Lianfeng , Liu Xiaosheng , Song Xiaojing , Li Yanling , Han Yang , Zhu Ting , Cao Wei , Li Taisheng
Published: May 2022

Data on hepatitis B virus (HBV) pregenomic (pgRNA) levels in HIV/HBV coinfected patients pre‐ and post‐combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the distribution of HBV pgRNA levels in treatment‐naive coinfected patients and explore the changes that occur after the initiation of cART by examining patients from multicentre cohort studies performed in China. We included HIV/HBV coinfected subjects from the China AIDS Clinical Trial cohorts established from 2008 to 2014. Clinical and serological markers of HIV and HBV infection and biochemical data were acquired at baseline and after 96 and 240–480 weeks of cART. The correlations between HBV pgRNA and HBV DNA levels as well as HBsAg levels were calculated using Spearman's bivariate correlation analysis, and multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with undetectable HBV pgRNA levels before cART and HBeAg loss after cART. A total of 132 HIV/HBV coinfected patients were enrolled, and 100 individuals were HBeAg‐negative. A total of 34.4% (32/93) of patients were positive for HBV pgRNA, and the median HBV pgRNA level was 4.92 (IQR: 4.21–6.12) log10 copies/mL before cART. The median HBV pgRNA level was significantly lower in HBeAg‐negative individuals than in HBeAg‐positive individuals (4.22 (IQR: 2.70–4.84) log10 copies/mL vs. 5.77 (IQR: 4.63–6.55) log10 copies/mL, p = 0.002). HBV pgRNA was moderately correlated with HBsAg (r = 0.594, p = 0.001), and positively associated with HBV DNA (r = 0.445, p = 0.011). The factors independently associated with undetectable HBV pgRNA level before cART were HBV DNA (OR: 5.61, 95% CI: 1.50–20.96, p = 0.01) and HBeAg status (OR: 5.95, 95% CI: 1.52–23.25, p = 0.01). A total of 87.5% (28/32) of patients were followed for a median duration of 138 (IQR: 54–240) weeks, and the HBV pgRNA levels became undetectable in seven patients. The 132 patients were observed for 695.5 person‐years, and no HBsAg loss occurred. Thirteen individuals achieved HBeAg loss, four patients had undetectable levels of HBV pgRNA pre‐cART, and the level of six individuals became undetectable during the 48‐week (IQR: 48–264) follow‐up period. HBeAg status was significantly associated with HBV pgRNA level in HIV/HBV coinfected patients pre‐ and post‐cART. Additionally, undetectable HBV pgRNA level may be associated with HBeAg loss after cART.
Retreatment for hepatitis C virus direct‐acting antiviral therapy virological failure in primary and tertiary settings: The REACH‐C cohort
Authors: Carson Joanne M. , Hajarizadeh Behzad , Hanson Josh , O'Beirne James , Iser David , Read Phillip , Balcomb Anne , Davies Jane , Doyle Joseph S. , Yee Jasmine , Martinello Marianne , Marks Philippa , Matthews Gail V. , Dore Gregory J. ,   for the REACH‐C Study Group
Published: May 2022

Virological failure occurs in a small proportion of people treated for hepatitis C virus (HCV) with direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapies. This study assessed retreatment for virological failure in a large real‐world cohort. REACH‐C is an Australian observational study (n = 10,843) evaluating treatment outcomes of sequential DAA initiations across 33 health services between March 2016 to June 2019. Virological failure retreatment data were collected until October 2020. Of 408 people with virological failure (81% male; median age 53; 38% cirrhosis; 56% genotype 3), 213 (54%) were retreated once; 15 were retreated twice. A range of genotype specific and pangenotypic DAAs were used to retreat virological failure in primary (n = 56) and tertiary (n = 157) settings. Following sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir availability in 2019, the proportion retreated in primary care increased from 21% to 40% and median time to retreatment initiation declined from 294 to 152 days. Per protocol (PP) sustained virological response (SVR12) was similar for people retreated in primary and tertiary settings (80% vs 81%; p = 1.000). In regression analysis, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir (vs. other regimens) significantly decreased likelihood of second virological failure (PP SVR12 88% vs. 77%; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.29; 95%CI 0.11–0.81); cirrhosis increased likelihood (PP SVR12 69% vs. 91%; AOR 4.26; 95%CI 1.64–11.09). Indigenous Australians had lower likelihood of retreatment initiation (AOR 0.36; 95%CI 0.15–0.81). Treatment setting and prescriber type were not associated with retreatment initiation or outcome. Virological failure can be effectively retreated in primary care. Expanded access to simplified retreatment regimens through decentralized models may increase retreatment uptake and reduce HCV‐related mortality.
Tight junction proteins occludin and ZO‐1 as regulators of epithelial proliferation and survival
Authors: Kuo Wei‐Ting , Odenwald Matthew A. , Turner Jerrold R. , Zuo Li
Published: May 2022

Epithelial cells are the first line of mucosal defense. In the intestine, a single layer of epithelial cells must establish a selectively permeable barrier that supports nutrient absorption and waste secretion while preventing the leakage of potentially harmful luminal materials. Key to this is the tight junction, which seals the paracellular space and prevents unrestricted leakage. The tight junction is a protein complex established by interactions between members of the claudin, zonula occludens, and tight junction‐associated MARVEL protein (TAMP) families. Claudins form the characteristic tight junction strands seen by freeze‐fracture microscopy and create paracellular channels, but the functions of ZO‐1 and occludin, founding members of the zonula occludens and TAMP families, respectively, are less well defined. Recent studies have revealed that these proteins have essential noncanonical (nonbarrier) functions that allow them to regulate epithelial apoptosis and proliferation, facilitate viral entry, and organize specialized epithelial structures. Surprisingly, neither is required for intestinal barrier function or overall health in the absence of exogenous stressors. Here, we provide a brief overview of ZO‐1 and occludin canonical (barrier‐related) functions, and a more detailed examination of their noncanonical functions.
The effect of pharmacological treatment and lifestyle modification in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: An umbrella review of meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Cho Kyuyeon , Park Seoyeon , Koyanagi Ai , Jacob Louis , Yon Dong Keon , Lee Seung Won , Kim Min Seo , Kim Seung Up , Kim Beom Kyung , Shin Jae Il , Smith Lee
Published: May 2022

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a liver disease that affects approximately 25% of the world's population, and various treatments have been applied for NAFLD patients. We compared the effectiveness of each intervention conducted to treat NAFLD by evaluating meta‐analyses of pharmacological interventions and lifestyle modification including diet and exercise. We searched Pubmed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library and included meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of pharmacological intervention and lifestyle modification on NAFLD. The quality of included meta‐analyses was evaluated by AMSTAR‐2. If the effect size was expressed as mean difference, it was converted to standardized mean difference based on the random‐effects model. A total of 1694 meta‐analyses were identified, and 27 meta‐analyses were eventually included in the review. Regarding pharmacological interventions, there was a high strength of evidence for the ALT reduction effect of silymarin on inactive controls (SMD = 0.88, p < 0.01, seven trials, 518 participants). Meanwhile, it was confirmed that appropriate diet and exercise were important in reducing liver fat (SMD = 1.51, p < 0.01, 12 trials, 765 participants). This umbrella review assessed the effects of pharmacological interventions and lifestyle modifications in the treatment of NAFLD. The results of this review can be utilized for clinical decisions when treating NAFLD patients.
Surgical Management for Chronic Destructive Septic Hip Arthritis: Debridement, Antibiotics, and Single‐Stage Replacement is as Effective as Two‐Stage Arthroplasty
Authors: Zhang Chao‐fan , Fang Xin‐yu , Huang Zi‐da , Bai Guo‐chang , Zhang Ze‐yu , Yang Ye , Zhang Zi‐jie , Li Wen‐bo , Zhang Wen‐ming
Published: May 2022

Objective

To compare the surgical outcomes of debridement, antibiotics, and single‐stage total hip replacement (DASR) vs two‐stage arthroplasty (two‐stage arthroplasty) for chronic destructive septic hip arthritis (SHA).

Methods

Cases of chronic destructive SHA treated by DASR or two‐stage arthroplasty in our department from January 2008 to October 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographic information, perioperative inflammation markers, intraoperative blood loss, microbial culture, and metagenomic new generation sequencing results were recorded. The perioperative complications, hospital stay, hospitalization cost, infection recurrence rate, and Harris Hip Score (HHS) at the last follow‐up were compared between the two groups.

Results

A total of 28 patients were included in the study, including 11 patients who received DASR and 17 patients who received two‐stage arthroplasty. There was no significant difference in demographic information, preoperative serum inflammatory markers, synovial fluid white blood cell count, or percentage of polymorphonuclear leukocytes between the two groups. The DASR group demonstrated significantly lower intraoperative blood loss [(368.2 ± 253.3) mL vs (638.2 ± 170.0) mL, p = 0.002], hospital stay [(22.6 ± 8.1) days vs (43.5 ± 13.2) days, p < 0.0001], and hospitalization expenses [(81,269 ± 11,496) RMB vs (137,524 ± 25,516) RMB, p < 0.0001] than the two‐stage arthroplasty group. In the DASR group, one patient had dislocation as a complication. There were no cases with recurrence of infection. In the two‐stage arthroplasty group, there was one case complicated with spacer fracture, one case with spacer dislocation, and one case with deep vein thrombosis of the lower limbs. There were no cases with recurrence of infection. There were no significant differences in the readmission rate, complication rate, or HHS at the last follow‐up between the two groups.

Conclusions

Both DASR and two‐stage arthroplasty achieved a satisfactory infection cure rate and functional recovery for chronic destructive SHA, and DASR demonstrated significantly lower intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and hospitalization costs than two‐stage arthroplasty. For appropriately indicated patients, if microbial data are available and a standardized debridement protocol is strictly followed, DASR can be a treatment option.
Maternal social risk, gestational age at delivery, and cognitive outcomes among adolescents born extremely preterm
Authors: Joseph Robert M. , Hooper Stephen R. , Heeren Tim , Santos Hudson P. , Frazier Jean A. , Venuti Lauren , Foley Ann , Rollins Caitlin K. , Kuban Karl C. K. , Fry Rebecca C. , O’Shea Thomas M. ,   for the ELGAN Study Investigators
Published: May 2022

Background

Children born extremely preterm (EP) are at increased risk of cognitive deficits that persist into adulthood. Few large cohort studies have examined differential impairment of cognitive function in EP‐born adolescents in relation to early life risk factors, including maternal social disadvantage, gestational age at delivery, and neonatal morbidities prevalent among EP neonates.

Objectives

To assess cognitive abilities in relation to early life risk factors in an EP‐born cohort at 15 years of age.

Methods

681 of 1198 surviving participants (57%) enrolled from 2002 to 2004 in the Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborn Study returned at age 15 years for an assessment of cognitive abilities with the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence‐II and the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NTCB) verbal cognition and fluid processing composites, the latter of which measured executive functions and processing speed. Three cognitive outcomes, WASI‐II IQ, NTCB verbal cognition, and NTCB fluid processing, were analysed for associations with maternal social disadvantage and gestational age. Mediation of maternal social disadvantage by gestational age and mediation of gestational age by neonatal morbidities were also examined.

Results

Test scores were lower for NTCB fluid processing relative to IQ and NTCB verbal abilities. Social disadvantage and gestational age were associated with all three cognitive outcomes. Mediation analyses indicated partial mediation of gestational age associations with all three outcomes by neonatal morbidities but did not support mediation by gestational age of social risk associations with cognitive outcomes.

Conclusions

Greater maternal social disadvantage and lower gestational age are associated with less favourable cognitive outcomes among EP‐born adolescents at 15 years of age. Neonatal morbidities partially mediate associations between lower gestational age and cognitive outcomes. These findings highlight the need for improved medical and remedial interventions to mitigate the risk of poor cognitive outcomes among EP‐born adolescents.
Interrogating hegemonic embraces: Representative bureaucracy, methodological Whiteness, and non‐West exclusions
Authors: Moloney Kim , Sanabria‐Pulido Pablo , Demircioglu Mehmet Akif
Published: May 2022

The United States' racial history infrequently defines the representativeness of bureaucracies outside of the United States. This article explores how selective historical memories and insufficiently critical concept importations limit disciplinary understandings. We articulate how policy transfer assumptions, narrow administrative histories, methodological Whiteness, and incomplete considerations of non‐West administration alter our understanding of what is or is not representative bureaucracy. We encourage scholars to recall how concepts like representative bureaucracy may lack exact comparability outside the West and to be open to its potential alteration by contextual circumstances. The implications for further exploration of the representative bureaucracy concept and the challenges for pedagogy are also discussed.

Evidence for Practice

West‐derived hegemonic understandings of the public administration discipline limit the development of public administration practice and scholarship outside the West.

Insufficient historical and comparative circumspection is a frequent output of West‐based scholars seeking to implement their concepts in non‐West administrations.

The discipline and practice of public administration may increase its global dialogues by conversing with non‐West actors and recognizing the limitations of Western data and theories.

Like many administrative concepts, the representative bureaucracy concept as developed in the West may not operate similarly in other contexts.
Can politicians jeopardize public–private partnerships? The case of the Mottarone cable car crash
Authors: Delfino Gianluca F.
Published: May 2022

This study discusses the possible effects of the intervention of politicians—actors that operate above organizations—in the monitoring and execution of public–private partnerships (PPPs). Using the recent case of the Mottarone cable car crash, this research offers evidence that, pressured by private organizations, political actors had both weakened the public sector's ability to effectively monitor the private sector in the execution of PPPs and facilitated private firms in deviating from their contractual obligations. These findings suggest that the interference of the government in PPPs likely has increased the challenges of establishing accountability, and this is also source of ethical issues.
Tobacco harvest phase is critical to runoff and soil loss in conventional tillage system
Authors: Antoneli Valdemir , Bednarz João Anésio , Thomaz Edivaldo Lopes
Published: May 2022

Soil erosion in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) cultivation has been reported in recent years around the world. Moreover, studies also demonstrated total soil loss during cultivation. In this study, we proposed an assessment of loss of water and soil during the phases of tobacco cultivation. The tobacco cultivation cycle is approximately 180 days in Southern Brazil. We divided this period into 6 phases from planting (September) to the end of the harvest. During the phases, there were variations in soil management, which may indicate different rates of water and soil loss. Gerlach gutters were used to mediate soil and water loss. At each phase of cultivation, we also measured the surface roughness of the soil, water retention, soil exposure, trampling, soil resistance and soil bulk. Our results show that during cultivation the water and soil loss were 10.2% and 62.7 Mg ha−1, respectively. However, the variation of activities during tobacco cultivation indicates different rates of water and soil loss. In the first three phases (90 days after planting), the surface roughness remained high (~19.2%) due to the soil turning, thus reducing the loss of water and soil despite little ground surface coverage. The soil tillage is stopped when the harvest of tobacco begins 120 days after planting. During the harvest, there was an increase in daily activities in the tobacco field, as the leaves were harvested every week, thus reducing soil roughness (~6.8%) and increasing soil density and strength. These conditions increased the rate of soil erosion during harvest. Therefore, the harvest phase is critical to runoff and soil loss.
Preservation of basement architecture in zircon Hf isotope maps
Authors: Hartnady Michael I. H. , Kirkland Christopher L.
Published: May 2022

Zircon Hf isotopic mapping has been proposed to image large‐scale lithospheric architecture. Here we present zircon Hf isotope maps of the Proterozoic Albany–Fraser Orogen (AFO) in Western Australia, which records a protracted geological history in both extensional and compressional tectonic regimes. The spatial variation in Hf isotope composition of AFO granites is nearly orthogonal to the dominant crustal fabric. Although the 176Hf/177Hf compositions are too juvenile to represent direct melts of the Archaean basement, the variability in 176Hf/177Hf in these AFO magmatic rocks closely mimics the structure of the adjoining Yilgarn Craton. This orogen‐parallel heterogeneity is best illustrated during earliest Palaeoproterozoic magmatic events, which are characterised by low Sr/Y ratios, consistent with tectonic models involving relatively uniform extension along the craton margin during the Palaeoproterozoic. These results demonstrate that regional‐scale zircon Hf variability does not always image coeval lithospheric architecture, but may help illuminate deep basement structure in regions with complex deformation histories.
Importance of antimicrobial stewardship in solid organ transplant recipients: An ESCMID perspective
Authors: Ioannou Petros , Karakonstantis Stamatis , Schouten Jeroen , Kostyanev Tomislav , Charani Esmita , Vlahovic‐Palcevski Vera , Kofteridis Diamantis P. ,   Supported by the ESCMID Study Group for Antimicrobial Stewardship – ESGAP
Published: May 2022

Background

In the last decades, solid organ transplantation (SOT) has emerged as an important method in the management of chronic kidney, liver, heart, and lung failure. Antimicrobial use has led to a significant reduction of morbidity and mortality due to infectious complications among patients with SOT; however, it can lead to adverse events and drive the development of antimicrobial resistance; thus, antimicrobial stewardship is of extreme importance. Even though there are ongoing efforts of transplant societies to implement principles of antimicrobial stewardship in everyday practice in SOT, there is still a lack of guidelines in this patient population.

Aim

The aim of this study was to review the status of antimicrobial stewardship in patients with SOT, highlight its importance from the perspective of an ongoing vivid dialogue among ESCMID experts in the field of antimicrobial stewardship, and depict opportunities for future study in the field.

Review

Antimicrobial stewardship programs are important in order to allow appropriate initiation and termination of antimicrobials in SOT recipients, and also aid in the most appropriate dosing and choosing of the route of administration of antimicrobials. Application of already known antimicrobial stewardship principles and application of currently used biomarkers and newly developed molecular rapid diagnostic testing tools can aid to the rationalization of antimicrobial prescribing and to a more targeted treatment of infections. Finally, physicians caring for SOT recipients should be actively involved in antimicrobial stewardship in order to assure optimization of antimicrobial prescribing and become familiar with the principles of antimicrobial stewardship.
Tecnología, salud y coproducción. Uniendo estrategias para combatir la crisis de la salud pública de la COVID-19
Authors: Merlo Sandra , Moretto Neto Luís , Baldin Zatt Wilson , Lopes Sudati Thays
Published: May 2022

Este artículo expone el caso de una plataforma de Telemedicina que integró tecnología, salud y coproducción al servicio de la población. Lauduz fue la primera plataforma de telemedicina creada en una ciudad de Brasil para responder a la emergencia sanitaria de la COVID-19. El objetivo de la investigación es mostrar cómo las interfaces entre tecnología y salud junto con la coproducción de bienes y servicios públicos contribuyeron a enfrentar la crisis de salud pública generada por la pandemia. Se realizó un análisis cualitativo y se aplicó un cuestionario al CEO de Lauduz, lo que permitió constatar que la coproducción fue fundamental para el éxito de las acciones realizadas; pues precisamente se contó con una gran colaboración para brindar cuidados de salud en línea a los pacientes con síntomas de gripe para prevenir la mayor propagación del virus SARS-CoV-2, todo lo cual representó una innovación en el área de la salud pública.
Automated Crack Detection With Image Analysis for the Blades of Steam Turbine
Authors: Liu Jun , Wang Huiwen , Jiang Anyao
Published: May 2022

Blades are a critical part of steam turbines. Since they usually work under extremely harsh conditions, it is necessary to detect cracks that are generated during operation in time and prevent them from developing into larger ones. Crack detection is crucial to maintaining the structural health and operational safety of steam turbines. Today, one of the most common detection methods is to perform magnetic particle flaw detection manually, but it is subject to the subjective judgment of inspectors, with a low level of automation. This paper presents an automated crack detection device, which can perform magnetic particle inspection on the blades and transfer images to a host computer for further image analysis. After comparing the performance of different object detection models, yolov4 (you only look once—version 4), which is a fast and accurate real-time object detection algorithm, is chosen in this paper to extract subimages containing cracks on the host computer. Furthermore, an intelligent crack detection model is established from image processing techniques, which can be divided into four steps: image preprocessing, edge detection, crack extraction and crack length calculation. In the step of image preprocessing, a new image pyramid method is proposed to blur the background and eliminate the texture of the metal surface while keeping the cracks' information to the utmost extent. An experimental study shows a reliable performance of the proposed crack detection model.
Nonlinear Normal Modes of a Three Degrees-of-Freedom Cyclically Symmetric Piecewise Linear System
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Sarkar Abhijit
Published: May 2022

This article investigates the nonlinear normal modes (NNMs) of a three degrees-of-freedom cyclically symmetric system with bilinear contact springs. Further, two different cases of zero and nonzero clearance are assumed for the contact model. These systems are found to exhibit qualitatively different characteristics. Interestingly, the former system admits positive-scaling of solutions, which is reminiscent of linear systems. Four classes of NNMs are found for both zero and nonzero clearance. The NNM solutions are calculated using analytical or numerical techniques. The analytical solution involves solving the equations of motion using appropriate ansatzes, while the numerical solution uses a shooting-based continuation scheme. The NNMs' features and their variations with contact spring stiffness and system energy are also studied. This study highlights certain simplifications applicable to cyclically symmetric structures with contact. These simplifications will be of practical interest for designing real-life structures.
Extended State Observer-Based Discrete-Time Sliding-Mode Control With Mismatched Disturbances Attenuation
Authors: Guo Peng , Zhu Limin , Huang Weiwei , Zhang Long , Huang Nuodi , Zhang Yang
Published: May 2022

This paper proposed an extended state observer (ESO)-based discrete-time sliding-mode controller (DSMCer) to improve the steady-state output tracking accuracy of the systems with unmeasurable states and unknown mismatched disturbances. First, an ESO is designed based on disturbance decomposition, which decomposes the lumped disturbances into the matched part and the mismatched part. Instead of regarding all the elements of the lumped disturbance as new states, the proposed ESO regards the first several elements, i.e., the nonzero elements, of the mismatched part of the disturbances as new states. This will result in a smaller dimension and make it easier to guarantee the existence of the ESO. Then, based on the states of the proposed ESO, a new sliding surface is constructed, a new reaching law is designed, and subsequently, a desirable DSMCer is organized, which can solve the problems of unmeasurable states and unknown disturbances and can effectively attenuate the effect of the mismatched part of the disturbances on the output tracking performance. The system stability is analyzed, and the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through numerical simulations.
A Methodology for the Efficient Quantification of Parameter and Model Uncertainty
Authors: Feldmann R. , Gehb C. M. , Schaeffner M. , Melz T.
Published: May 2022

Complex structural systems often entail computationally intensive models that require efficient methods for statistical model calibration due to the high number of required model evaluations. In this paper, we present a Bayesian inference-based methodology for efficient statistical model calibration that builds upon the combination of the speed in the computation of a low-fidelity model with the accuracy of the computationally intensive high-fidelity model. The proposed two-stage method incorporates the adaptive Metropolis algorithm and a Gaussian process (GP)-based adaptive surrogate model as a low-fidelity model. In order to account for model uncertainty, we incorporate a GP-based discrepancy function into the model calibration. By calibrating the hyperparameters of the discrepancy function alongside the model parameters, we prevent the results of the model calibration to be biased. The methodology is illustrated by the statistical model calibration of a damping parameter in the modular active spring-damper system, a structural system developed within the collaborative research center SFB 805 at the Technical University of Darmstadt. The reduction of parameter and model uncertainty achieved by the application of our methodology is quantified and illustrated by assessing the predictive capability of the mathematical model of the modular active spring-damper system.
OBurnett Equations: Thermodynamically Consistent Continuum Theory Beyond the Navier–Stokes Regime
Authors: Jadhav Ravi Sudam , Yadav Upendra , Agrawal Amit
Published: May 2022

Rarefied gas flows are highly nonequilibrium flows whose flow physics cannot be discerned accurately within the framework of the Navier–Stokes equations. The Burnett equations and the Grad moment equations, which form a super-set of the Navier–Stokes equations, have been proposed in the literature to model such flows but not much success has been achieved because of some inherent limitations of these equations. In this review article, we mainly focus on the recently proposed Onsager-Burnett equations (Singh et al., 2017, “Derivation of stable Burnett equations for rarefied gas flows,” Phys. Rev. E 96, p. 013106) for rarefied gas flows, and the progress achieved so far by solving these equations for some benchmark flow problems. Like Burnett and Grad equations, the OBurnett equations form a super-set of the Navier–Stokes equations and belong to the class of higher order continuum transport equations. However, there are two fundamental aspects where the significance of the OBurnett equations is clearly visible. First, the OBurnett equations are unconditionally stable as well as thermodynamically consistent unlike the conventional Burnett and Grad moment equations. Second, the OBurnett constitutive relations for the stress tensor and the heat flux vector do not have any higher order derivatives of velocity, pressure, or temperature. This is quite significant since now the equations need the same number of boundary conditions as that of the Navier–Stokes equations. As such, the OBurnett equations form a complete theory, which cannot be said for the conventional Burnett equations. These two important aspects help to set the OBurnett equations apart from the rest of the higher order continuum theories. The results of the OBurnett equations are compiled for two benchmark rarefied flow problems: force-driven compressible Poiseuille flow and the normal shock wave flow problem. For force-driven compressible Poiseuille flow, the OBurnett equations successfully capture the nonequilibrium effects such as nonuniform pressure profile and presence of normal stresses and tangential heat flux in the flow. The accurate description of highly nonequilibrium internal structure of normal shocks has always been the stringent test for the higher order continuum theories. The results of the OBurnett equations for normal shocks show that there is no theoretical upper Mach number limit for the equations. Further, the equations predict smooth shock structures at all Mach numbers, existence of heteroclinic trajectory, positive entropy generation throughout the shock, and significant improvement over the results of the Navier–Stokes equations. Finally, the recently proposed Grad's second problem, which has the potential to become a benchmark problem, is discussed. The solution of Grad's second problem for different interaction potentials (Maxwell and hard-sphere molecules) within the Burnett hydrodynamics is also presented at length and some important remarks are made in this context.
Heat Transfer Due to Annular Jets Impinging on a Moving Surface
Authors: Dutta Prasun , Chattopadhyay Himadri
Published: May 2022

This work investigates flow and heat transfer under an array of annular jets impinging on a heated moving surface. Numerical solutions of the full Navier–Stokes equation were attempted with a highly refined mesh. This study reports results for Reynolds numbers up to 500. In the surface movement direction, a periodic element from a jet-bank configuration was chosen, and the nondimensional surface velocity was considered from zero (i.e., a stationary plate) to two times the jet velocity. The impact of annular jet impingement over a moving surface on flow and heat transfer characteristics, including the development of the flow field, velocity profiles, skin friction coefficient and topology of skin friction lines, and local as well as surface averaged Nusselt number distribution are presented. It is observed that both the flow field and thermal performance are strongly affected by the surface motion. Heat transfer from the surface initially increases with the increasing surface motion, and after attainment of the highest value, heat transfer reduces with a further increase in surface velocity. However, higher surface velocity leads to higher uniformity in heat transfer, which may be beneficial for situations demanding uniformity in heat transfer.
Modeling and Simulation Study of Dry Ultrasonic Vibration-Assisted Grinding of Tool Steel With Single Alumina Abrasive Grit
Authors: Chaudhari Abhimanyu , Sharma Ashwani , Awale Akash Subhash , Khan Yusufzai Mohd Zaheer , Vashista Meghanshu
Published: May 2022

In the precision fabrication industries, ultrasonic vibration-assisted grinding is widely utilized for the finishing of “difficult-to-cut” materials due to its intermittent cutting mechanism and brittle-to-ductile mode machining. In this study, a two-dimensional finite element model (FEM) of single grit ultrasonic vibration-assisted dry grinding (UVADG) and conventional dry grinding (CDG) of AISI D2 steel has been developed, which taken into account the influence of longitudinal ultrasonic vibration on the workpiece with variable downfeed. The effects of ultrasonic vibration and downfeed on the chip formation mechanism, temperature field, grinding force, and equivalent stress and strain were evaluated by analytical and simulation methods. The results show that the formation of the grinding chips under UVADG is much shorter and straighter than CDG mode at all respective downfeed. The validation experiment compared the simulated and experimental grinding force in both grinding modes to verify the reliability of the FEM results. The validation results demonstrate that the FEM model can accurately describe the single grit UVADG and CDG grinding. At each downfeed, the CDG mode has generated a larger equivalent plastic strain than the UVADG mode, resulting in a higher thermomechanical load on the workpiece. According to the findings, UVADG mode has the least plastic damage on the ground surface, which may improve the surface integrity of the ground component.
A Survey of Wheeled Mobile Manipulation: A Decision-Making Perspective
Authors: Thakar Shantanu , Srinivasan Srivatsan , Al-Hussaini Sarah , Bhatt Prahar M. , Rajendran Pradeep , Jung Yoon Yeo , Dhanaraj Neel , Malhan Rishi K. , Schmid Matthias , Krovi Venkat N. , Gupta Satyandra K.
Published: May 2022

Mobile manipulators that combine base mobility with the dexterity of an articulated manipulator have gained popularity in numerous applications ranging from manufacturing and infrastructure inspection to domestic service. Deployments span a range of interaction tasks with the operational environment comprising minimal interaction tasks such as inspection and complex interaction tasks such as logistics resupply and assembly. This flexibility, offered by the redundancy, needs to be carefully orchestrated to realize enhanced performance. Thus, advanced decision-support methodologies and frameworks are crucial for successful mobile manipulation in (semi-) autonomous and teleoperation contexts. Given the enormous scope of the literature, we restrict our attention to decision-support frameworks specifically in the context of wheeled mobile manipulation. Hence, here, we present a classification of wheeled mobile manipulation literature while accounting for its diversity. The intertwining of the deployment tasks, application arenas, and decision-making methodologies are discussed with an eye for future avenues for research.
Effect of the Streamwise Orientation of a Pair of Vortex Generator on the Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics in a Plain Channel
Authors: Mehra B. , Simo Tala J. V. , Habchi C. , Russeil S. , Bougeard D.
Published: May 2022

For a rectangular channel flow, a variant of delta winglet vortex generator (VG) in common flow up (CFU) orientation is presented to enhance the thermal performance factor by decreasing the friction losses. The new vortex generator is a simple reversal of a standard CFU orientation such that the leading edge and suction side of the conventional CFU orientation of the winglet become the trailing edge and pressure side for the reverse common flow up (RCFU) orientation of the winglet, respectively. Numerical simulations were carried out for a three-dimensional, steady, laminar, and incompressible rectangular channel flow with and without the two VG configurations. Performance analysis was done for global Nusselt number and friction factor for different inter-winglet spacings of the VG pair at a Reynolds number of 1478. An increase of 2.3% in the thermal enhancement factor was achieved in RCFU compared to CFU orientation at an inter-winglet spacing equal to 0.02 times the channel height. At the highest inter-winglet spacing equal to 0.6 times the channel height, the CFU orientation exhibited a gain of 3.2% in the enhancement factor over the RCFU orientation. Heat transfer downstream of the vortex generator was shown to be impacted in the reverse configuration (RCFU) due to stronger vortex formation compared to a standard CFU configuration at the least inter-winglet spacing.