bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peroral Cholangioscopy-Guided Targeted Biopsy versus Conventional Endoscopic Transpapillary Forceps Biopsy for Biliary Stricture with Suspected Bile Duct Cancer
Authors: Sekine Katsunori , Yasuda Ichiro , Doi Shinpei , Kuniyoshi Noriyuki , Tsujikawa Takayuki , Takano Yuichi , Mabuchi Masatoshi , Takahashi Kosuke , Kawamoto Masashi , Takahashi Mikiko , Aso Tatsuya , Miyazaki Tatsuhiko , Iwashita Takuji
Published: January 2022

Background: The recent improvement of peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) maneuverability has enabled the precise, targeted biopsy of bile duct lesions under direct cholangioscopic vision. However, as only small-cup biopsy forceps can pass through the scope channel, the resulting small sample size may limit the pathological diagnosis of biopsy specimens. This study compared the diagnostic abilities of POCS-guided biopsy and conventional fluoroscopy-guided biopsy for bile duct cancer. Method: This multicenter, retrospective cohort study included patients exhibiting bile duct stricture with suspected cholangiocarcinoma in whom POCS-guided and fluoroscopy-guided biopsies were performed in the same session. The primary endpoint was the diagnostic sensitivity for malignancy. The size and quality of the biopsy specimens were also compared. Result: A total of 59 patients were enrolled. The sensitivity of POCS-guided biopsy was similar to that of fluoroscopy-guided biopsy (54.0% and 64.0%, respectively). However, when the modalities were combined, the sensitivity increased to 80.0%. The mean specimen size from POCS-guided biopsy was significantly smaller than that from fluoroscopy-guided biopsy. The specimen quality using fluoroscopy-guided biopsy was also better than that using POCS-guided biopsy. Conclusions: The diagnostic sensitivity of POCS-guided biopsy is still insufficient, mainly because of the limited specimen quantity and quality. Therefore, conventional fluoroscopy-guided biopsy would be helpful to improve diagnostic sensitivity.
A Review on Synthesis Methods of Phyllosilicate- and Graphene-Filled Composite Hydrogels
Authors: Ganguly Sayan , Margel Shlomo
Published: January 2022

This review discusses, in brief, the various synthetic methods of two widely-used nanofillers; phyllosilicate and graphene. Both are 2D fillers introduced into hydrogel matrices to achieve mechanical robustness and water uptake behavior. Both the fillers are inserted by physical and chemical gelation methods where most of the chemical gelation, i.e., covalent approaches, results in better physical properties compared to their physical gels. Physical gels occur due to supramolecular assembly, van der Waals interactions, electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic associations, and H-bonding. For chemical gelation, in situ radical triggered gelation mostly occurs.
A Cost Model for 3D Woven Preforms
Authors: Clarke James , McIlhagger Alistair , Dixon Dorian , Archer Edward , Stewart Glenda , Brelsford Roy , Summerscales John
Published: January 2022

Lack of cost information is a barrier to acceptance of 3D woven preforms as reinforcements for composite materials, compared with 2D preforms. A parametric, resource-based technical cost model (TCM) was developed for 3D woven preforms based on a novel relationship equating manufacturing time and 3D preform complexity. Manufacturing time, and therefore cost, was found to scale with complexity for seventeen bespoke manufactured 3D preforms. Two sub-models were derived for a Weavebird loom and a Jacquard loom. For each loom, there was a strong correlation between preform complexity and manufacturing time. For a large, highly complex preform, the Jacquard loom is more efficient, so preform cost will be much lower than for the Weavebird. Provided production is continuous, learning, either by human agency or an autonomous loom control algorithm, can reduce preform cost for one or both looms to a commercially acceptable level. The TCM cost model framework could incorporate appropriate learning curves with digital twin/multi-variate analysis so that cost per preform of bespoke 3D woven fabrics for customised products with low production rates may be predicted with greater accuracy. A more accurate model could highlight resources such as tooling, labour and material for targeted cost reduction.
Lithium, Oxygen and Magnesium Isotope Systematics of Volcanic Rocks in the Okinawa Trough: Implications for Plate Subduction Studies
Authors: Zeng Zhigang , Li Xiaohui , Zhang Yuxiang , Qi Haiyan
Published: January 2022

Determining the influence of subduction input on back-arc basin magmatism is important for understanding material transfer and circulation in subduction zones. Although the mantle source of Okinawa Trough (OT) magmas is widely accepted to be modified by subducted components, the role of slab-derived fluids is poorly defined. Here, major element, trace element, and Li, O and Mg isotopic compositions of volcanic lavas from the middle OT (MOT) and southern OT (SOT) were analyzed. Compared with the MOT volcanic lavas, the T9-1 basaltic andesite from the SOT exhibited positive Pb anomalies, significantly lower Nd/Pb and Ce/Pb ratios, and higher Ba/La ratios, indicating that subducted sedimentary components affected SOT magma compositions. The δ7Li, δ18O, and δ26Mg values of the SOT basaltic andesite (−5.05‰ to 4.98‰, 4.83‰ to 5.80‰ and −0.16‰ to −0.09‰, respectively) differed from those of MOT volcanic lavas. Hence, the effect of the Philippine Sea Plate subduction component, (low δ7Li and δ18O and high δ26Mg) on magmas in the SOT was clearer than that in the MOT. This contrast likely appears because the amounts of fluids and/or melts derived from altered oceanic crust (AOC, lower δ18O) and/or subducted sediment (lower δ7Li, higher δ18O and δ26Mg) injected into magmas in the SOT are larger than those in the MOT and because the injection ratio between subducted AOC and sediment is always >1 in the OT. The distance between the subducting slab and overlying magma may play a significant role in controlling the differences in subduction components injected into magmas between the MOT and SOT.
Possibilities of Ammonia as Both Fuel and NOx Reductant in Marine Engines: A Numerical Study
Authors: Rodríguez Carlos Gervasio , Lamas María Isabel , Rodríguez Juan de Dios , Abbas Amr
Published: January 2022

Nowadays, the environmental impact of shipping constitutes an important challenge. In order to achieve climate neutrality as soon as possible, an important priority consists of progressing on the decarbonization of marine fuels. Free-carbon fuels, used as single fuel or in a dual-fuel mode, are gaining special interest for marine engines. A dual fuel ammonia-diesel operation is proposed in which ammonia is introduced with the intake air. According to this, the present work analyzes the possibilities of ammonia in marine diesel engines. Several ammonia-diesel proportions were analyzed, and it was found that when the proportion of ammonia is increased, important reductions of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and unburnt hydrocarbons are obtained, but at the expense of increments of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), which are only low when too small or too large proportions of ammonia are employed. In order to reduce NOx too, a second ammonia injection along the expansion stroke is proposed. This measure leads to important NOx reductions.
Generation of Gravity-Capillary Wind Waves by Instability of a Coupled Shear-Flow
Authors: Abid Malek , Kharif Christian , Hsu Hung-Chu , Chen Yang-Yih
Published: January 2022

The theory of surface wave generation, in viscous flows, is modified by replacing the linear-logarithmic shear velocity profile, in the air, with a model which links smoothly the linear and logarithmic layers through the buffer layer. This profile includes the effects of air flow turbulence using a damped mixing-length model. In the water, an exponential shear velocity profile is used. It is shown that this modified and coupled shear-velocity profile gives a better agreement with experimental data than the coupled linear-logarithmic, non smooth profile, (in the air)–exponential profile (in the water), widely used in the literature. We also give new insights on retrograde modes that are Doppler shifted by the surface velocity at the air-sea interface, namely on the threshold value of the surface current for the occurrence of a second unstable mode.
Occurrence and Seasonal Variation of Microplastics in the Effluent from Wastewater Treatment Plants in Qingdao, China
Authors: Jiang Fenghua , Wang Menghui , Ding Jinfeng , Cao Wei , Sun Chengjun
Published: January 2022

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are considered as one of the important sources of microplastics (MPs) in the marine environment. In this paper, the characteristics of MPs in the effluent discharged from five WWTPs in Qingdao, China, in winter and summer were analyzed. The results showed that only fibers and fragments were observed, with fibers as a dominant part. Rayon was the most domain polymer type, followed by Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE). The average sizes of fiber MPs were 1010 ± 924 µm and 610 ± 691 µm in winter and summer, respectively. The contents of rayon were higher in summer than in winter. More small and transparent MPs were observed in summer. Rayon abundances ranged from 4.1 to 19.9 items/L and 33.3 to 116.7 items/L, with 12.3 ± 5.6 items/L and 67.6 ± 30.6 items/L as the average value in winter and in summer, respectively. The abundances of other polymer type MPs were 7.23~19.65 items/L with average value of 12.7 ± 4.7 items/L in winter and 12.0~20.0 items/L with 16.8 ± 4.7 items/L in summer. The daily emissions were estimated as 8.38 × 109~4.25 × 1010 items (9.2~27.8 kg) for rayon and 8.0 × 109~1.2 × 1010 items (7.6~5.3 kg) discharged for the other polymer type MPs from the five WWTPs. The results indicated that the seasonal variation of characteristics and emission of MPs in the effluent from WWTPs was mainly caused by increasing discharge of rayon, which may relate to people’s living habits and tourism activities.
Fisheries Reference Point and Stock Status of Croaker Fishery (Sciaenidae) Exploited from the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh
Authors: Barman Partho Protim , Shamsuzzaman Md. Mostafa , Schneider Petra , Mozumder Mohammad Mojibul Hoque , Liu Qun
Published: January 2022

This research evaluated fisheries reference points and stock status to assess the sustainability of the croaker fishery (Sciaenidae) from the Bay of Bengal (BoB), Bangladesh. Sixteen years (2001–2016) of catch-effort data were analyzed using two surplus production models (Schaefer and Fox), the Monte Carlo method (CMSY) and the Bayesian state-space Schaefer surplus production model (BSM) method. This research applies a Stock–Production Model Incorporating Covariates (ASPIC) software package to run the Schaefer and Fox model. The maximum sustainable yield (MSY) produced by all models ranged from 33,900 to 35,900 metric tons (mt), which is very close to last year’s catch (33,768 mt in 2016). The estimated B > BMSY and F < FMSY indicated the safe biomass and fishing status. The calculated F/FMSY was 0.89, 0.87, and 0.81, and B/BMSY was 1.05, 1.07, and 1.14 for Fox, Schaefer, and BSM, respectively, indicating the fully exploited status of croaker stock in the BoB, Bangladesh. The representation of the Kobe phase plot suggested that the exploitation of croaker stock started from the yellow (unsustainable) quadrant in 2001 and gradually moved to the green (sustainable) quadrant in 2016 because of the reduction in fishing efforts and safe fishing pressure after 2012. Thus, this research suggests that the current fishing pressure needs to be maintained so that the yearly catch does not exceed the MSY limit of croaker. Additionally, specific management measures should implement to guarantee croaker and other fisheries from the BoB.
Screening and Identification of Indigenous Entomopathogenic Fungal Isolates from Agricultural Farmland Soils in Nile Delta, Egypt
Authors: Alfiky Alsayed
Published: January 2022

The compound negative impact of insect pests attacking agricultural ecosystems includes (i) direct yield losses from damaged crops, (ii) the economic cost of the attempt to prevent these losses and (iii) the negative short- and long-term hazard effects of chemical pesticides on human and environmental health. Entomopathogenic fungi (EMPF) are a group of microorganisms that represent the natural enemies of a number of crop pests, presenting an opportunity to harness their evolutionary fine-tuned relationship with their insect hosts as biocontrol agents in integrated pest management programs. The aim of this study was to establish an indigenous EMPF collection via the Galleria mellonella (greater wax moth) entrapment method from the soils of Nile Delta, Egypt. Obtained insect associated fungal isolates were bio-assayed for pathogenicity against the serious pest Spodoptera litura and Tenebrio molitor, and the seven outperforming isolates were selected for molecular identification and thermotolerance assay. Based on ITS sequence analysis and phylogeny, selected isolates were identified as Beauveria bassiana (four isolates), Metarhizium anisopliae (two isolates) and one isolate of Cordyceps javanica. The obtained results demonstrated (i) the efficacy of using insect baiting coupled with molecular identification and pathogenicity screening to isolate EMPF to control insect pests, and (ii) the availability of indigenous virulent EMPF in Nile Delta’s soil, which can be exploited for the development of sustainable crop protection strategies.
Phenotyping Type 2 Diabetes in Terms of Myocardial Insulin Resistance and Its Potential Cardiovascular Consequences: A New Strategy Based on 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Herance José Raul , Simó Rafael , Velasquez Mayra Alejandra , Paun Bruno , García-Leon Daniel , Aparicio Carolina , Marés Roso , Simó-Servat Olga , Castell-Conesa Joan , Hernández Cristina , Aguadé-Bruix Santiago
Published: January 2022

Background: Systemic insulin resistance is generally postulated as an independent risk factor of cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the role of myocardial insulin resistance (mIR) remains to be clarified. Methods: Two 18F-FDG PET/CT scans were performed on forty-three T2D patients at baseline and after hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamp (HEC). Myocardial insulin sensitivity (mIS) was determined by measuring the increment in myocardial 18F-FDG uptake after HEC. Coronary artery calcium scoring (CACs) and myocardial radiodensity (mRD) were assessed by CT. Results: After HEC, seventeen patients exhibited a strikingly enhancement of myocardial 18F-FDG uptake and twenty-six a marginal increase, thus revealing mIS and mIR, respectively. Patients with mIR showed higher mRD (HU: 38.95 [33.81–44.06] vs. 30.82 [21.48–38.02]; p = 0.03) and CACs > 400 (AU: 52% vs. 29%; p = 0.002) than patients with mIS. In addition, HOMA-IR and mIS only showed a correlation in those patients with mIR. Conclusions: 18F-FDG PET combined with HEC is a reliable method for identifying patients with mIR. This subgroup of patients was found to be specifically at high risk of developing cardiovascular events and showed myocardial structural changes. Moreover, the gold-standard HOMA-IR index was only associated with mIR in this subgroup of patients. Our results open up a new avenue for stratifying patients with cardiovascular risk in T2D.
Random Forest Model in the Diagnosis of Dementia Patients with Normal Mini-Mental State Examination Scores
Authors: Wang Jie , Wang Zhuo , Liu Ning , Liu Caiyan , Mao Chenhui , Dong Liling , Li Jie , Huang Xinying , Lei Dan , Chu Shanshan , Wang Jianyong , Gao Jing
Published: January 2022

Background: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is the most widely used tool in cognitive screening. Some individuals with normal MMSE scores have extensive cognitive impairment. Systematic neuropsychological assessment should be performed in these patients. This study aimed to optimize the systematic neuropsychological test battery (NTB) by machine learning and develop new classification models for distinguishing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia among individuals with MMSE ≥ 26. Methods: 375 participants with MMSE ≥ 26 were assigned a diagnosis of cognitively unimpaired (CU) (n = 67), MCI (n = 174), or dementia (n = 134). We compared the performance of five machine learning algorithms, including logistic regression, decision tree, SVM, XGBoost, and random forest (RF), in identifying MCI and dementia. Results: RF performed best in identifying MCI and dementia. Six neuropsychological subtests with high-importance features were selected to form a simplified NTB, and the test time was cut in half. The AUC of the RF model was 0.89 for distinguishing MCI from CU, and 0.84 for distinguishing dementia from nondementia. Conclusions: This simplified cognitive assessment model can be useful for the diagnosis of MCI and dementia in patients with normal MMSE. It not only optimizes the content of cognitive evaluation, but also improves diagnosis and reduces missed diagnosis.
Evolution of Echocardiographic Abnormalities Identified in Previously Healthy Individuals Recovering from COVID-19
Authors: Tudoran Cristina , Tudoran Mariana , Cut Talida Georgiana , Lazureanu Voichita Elena , Oancea Cristian , Marinescu Adelina Raluca , Pescariu Silvius Alexandru , Pop Gheorghe Nicusor , Bende Felix
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: Although the infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus affects primarily the lungs, it is well known that associated cardiovascular (CV) complications are important contributors to the increased morbidity and mortality of COVID-19. Thus, in some situations, their diagnosis is overlooked, and during recovery, some patients continue to have symptoms enclosed now in the post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. (2) Methods: In 102 patients, under 55 years old, and without a history of CV diseases, all diagnosed with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, we assessed by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) four patterns of abnormalities frequently overlapping each other. Their evolution was followed at 3 and 6 months. (3) Results: In 35 subjects, we assessed impaired left ventricular function (LVF), in 51 increased systolic pulmonary artery pressure, in 66 diastolic dysfunction (DD) with normal LVF, and in 23 pericardial effusion/thickening. All TTE alterations alleviated during the follow-up, the best evolution being observed in patients with pericarditis, and a considerably worse one in those with DD, thus with a reduction in severity (4) Conclusions: In patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, several cardiac abnormalities may be assessed by TTE, most of them alleviating in time. Some of them, especially DD, may persist, raising the presumption of chronic alterations.
Personalized Target Heart Rate for Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Yumita Yusuke , Nagatomo Yuji , Takei Makoto , Saji Mike , Goda Ayumi , Kohno Takashi , Nakano Shintaro , Nishihata Yosuke , Ikegami Yukinori , Shiraishi Yasuyuki , Kohsaka Shun , Adachi Takeshi , Yoshikawa Tsutomu
Published: January 2022

The optimal heart rate (HR) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) has been ill-defined. Recently, a formula was proposed for estimating the target heart rate (THR), which eliminates the overlap between the E and A wave (E-A overlap). We aim to validate its prognostic significance in the multicenter WET-HF registry. This study used data from 647 patients with HFrEF hospitalized for acute decompensated HF (ADHF). The patients were divided into the 2 groups by THR. The primary endpoint was defined as the composite of all-cause death and ADHF readmission. The THR successfully discriminated the incidence of the primary endpoint, whereas no significant difference was observed in the primary endpoint when dividing the patients by uniform cutoff 70 bpm. HR at discharge ≤ THR was inversely associated with the primary endpoint. Restricted cubic spline analysis demonstrated the difference between HR at discharge, and THR (ΔHR) from −10 to ±0 was associated with a lower risk of primary endpoint and ΔHR from ±0 to +15 was associated with a higher risk. THR discriminated long-term outcomes in patients with HFrEF more efficiently than the uniform cutoff, suggesting that it may aid in tailored HR reduction strategies.
Bibliometric Analysis of the Informal Caregiver’s Scientific Production
Authors: Ferreira Bruno , Diz Ana , Silva Paulo , Sousa Luís , Pinho Lara , Fonseca César , Lopes Manuel
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: Due to the increase in care needs, especially in the elderly, the concept of caregiver has emerged. This concept has undergone changes over the years due to new approaches and new research in the area. It is in this context that the concept of informal caregiver emerged. (2) Objectives: To analyse the evolution of the caregiver concept. (3) Methods: Bibliometric analysis, data collection (Web of Science Core Collection) and analysis (Excel; CiteSpace; VOSviewer). (4) Results: Obtained 22,326 articles. The concept emerged in 1990, being subjected to changes, mostly using the term “informal caregiver” since 2016, frequently related to the areas of Gerontology and Nursing. The following research boundaries emerged from the analysis: “Alzheimer’s Disease”, “Elderly” and “Institutionalization”. (5) Conclusions: The informal caregiver emerges as a useful care partner, being increasingly studied by the scientific community, particularly in the last 5 years. Registration number from Open Science Framework: osf.io/84e5v.
The Economics of a Bed Shortage: Certificate-of-Need Regulation and Hospital Bed Utilization during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mitchell Matthew , Stratmann Thomas
Published: January 2022

Certificate-of-need (CON) laws are intended to restrain health care spending by limiting the acquisition of duplicative capital and the initiation of unnecessary services. Critics contend that need is difficult to objectively assess, especially considering the risks and uncertainty inherent in health care. We compare statewide bed utilization rates and hospital-level bed utilization rates in bed CON and non-bed CON states during the COVID-19 pandemic. Controlling for other possibly confounding factors, we find that states with bed CONs had 12 percent higher bed utilization rates and 58 percent more days in which more than 70 percent of their beds were used. Individual hospitals in bed CON states were 27 percent more likely to utilize all of their beds. States that relaxed CON requirements to make it easier for hospitals to meet the surge in demand did not experience any statistically significant decreases in bed utilization or number of days above 70 percent of capacity. Nor were hospitals in states that relaxed their CON requirements any less likely to use all their beds. Certificate-of-need laws seem to have exacerbated the risk of running out of beds during the COVID-19 pandemic. State efforts to relax these rules had little immediate effect on reducing this risk.
Hierarchical Time-Varying Estimation of Asset Pricing Models
Authors: Baillie Richard T. , Calonaci Fabio , Kapetanios George
Published: January 2022

This paper presents a new hierarchical methodology for estimating multi factor dynamic asset pricing models. The approach is loosely based on the sequential Fama–MacBeth approach and developed in a kernel regression framework. However, the methodology uses a very flexible bandwidth selection method which is able to emphasize recent data and information to derive the most appropriate estimates of risk premia and factor loadings at each point in time. The choice of bandwidths and weighting schemes are achieved by a cross-validation procedure; this leads to consistent estimators of the risk premia and factor loadings. Additionally, an out-of-sample forecasting exercise indicates that the hierarchical method leads to a statistically significant improvement in forecast loss function measures, independently of the type of factor considered.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Opioid Prescription in Swiss Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Hennebel Clémence , Vilmont Valérie , Cherpillod Anne , Fumeaux David , Fakhouri Fadi , Livio Françoise , Burnier Michel , Pruijm Menno
Published: January 2022

Pain is a common symptom in patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD) but the prevalence of opioid prescriptions in this population has been poorly studied outside the United States. This study assesses the prevalence of opioid prescription in two Swiss dialysis centers. Prescriptions and clinical characteristics were retrospectively retrieved from the medical records of patients on HD for at least six months, treated at Lausanne University Hospital (academic center, AC), and the private center Clinique Cecil (PC) for the study. A total of 117 patients were included; 29.1% received at least one opioid prescription during the study period. Significantly more patients received an opioid prescription in the AC (39.1%) than in the PC (14.6%, p = 0.004). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that center (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.76; Confidence Interval (CI) 1.48–9.6; p = 0.006), neuropathic pain (OR 2.99; CI 1.28–6.98; p = 0.011), benzodiazepine prescription (OR 2.72; CI 1.14–6.46; p = 0.024), polyneuropathy (OR 2.71; CI 1.14–6.46; p = 0.024) and amputation (OR 4.23; CI 1.1–16.1; p = 0.034) were associated with opioid prescription. The center was the only independent predictive factor in the multivariate analysis. Our results show that opioids are regularly prescribed to Swiss dialysis patients, although important differences exist between centers. The latter finding might suggest that opioid prescribing is more related to the prescriber than to the patient’s condition, but larger-scale studies are necessary to confirm this.
Crowdsourced Knowledge in Organizational Decision Making
Authors: Dorton Stephen L. , Harper Samantha B. , Maryeski LeeAnn R. , Asiala Lillian K. E.
Published: January 2022

Inefficiencies naturally form as organizations grow in size and complexity. The knowledge required to address these inefficiencies is often stove-piped across different organizational silos, geographic locations, and professional disciplines. Crowdsourcing provides a way to tap into the knowledge and experiences of diverse groups of people to rapidly identify and more effectively solve inefficiencies. We developed a prototype crowdsourcing system based on design thinking practices to allow employees to build a shared mental model and work collaboratively to identify, characterize, and rank inefficiencies, as well as to develop possible solutions. We conducted a study to assess how presenting crowdsourced knowledge (votes/preferences, supporting argumentation, etc.) from employees affected organizational Decision Makers (DMs). In spite of predictions that crowdsourced knowledge would influence their decisions, presenting this knowledge to DMs had no significant effect on their voting for various solutions. We found significant differences in the mental models of employees and DMs. We offer various explanations for this behavior based on rhetorical analysis and other survey responses from DMs and contributors. We further discuss different theoretical explanations, including the effects of various biases and decision inertia, and potential issues with the types of knowledge elicited and presented to DMs.
Contribution of Small-Scale Agroforestry to Local Economic Development and Livelihood Resilience: Evidence from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (KPK), Pakistan
Authors: Zada Muhammad , Zada Shagufta , Ali Mudassar , Zhang Yongjun , Begum Abida , Han Heesup , Ariza-Montes Antonio , Araya-Castillo Luis
Published: January 2022

Agroforestry plays a vital role in enhancing environmental sustainability, improving local economies, and reducing poverty through livelihood resilience. Several researchers have studied the importance of agroforestry, but little attention has been paid to livelihood resilience and local economic development in developing countries. This study aims to find the role of small-scale agroforestry in local economic development in the Shangla and Swat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Province, Pakistan. In this study, a total of 350 quantitative household surveys, 12 qualitative household case studies, and interviews of experts are used. The ordinary least squares (OLS), linear regression model, household income, wealth index, and five capitals of sustainable livelihood approach (SLA) were used to measure livelihood resilience. Results show several significant findings which may apply on a larger scale and in other cities of Pakistan or other countries. First, it directly shows the association between agroforestry, resilience-building, and local economic development. Second, financial capital can be improved through agroforestry, which can improve other capital assets. Third, small-scale agroforestry brings non-financial benefits such as environmental sustainability, improved living standards, reduced soil erosion, and provided shade. Fourth, irrigation plays a vital role in building livelihood resilience and promoting agroforestry. Lastly, on-farm diversity can be improved through agroforestry. This research discusses several practical implications along with recommendations for future research.
Water Erosion Monitoring and Prediction in Response to the Effects of Climate Change Using RUSLE and SWAT Equations: Case of R’Dom Watershed in Morocco
Authors: Alitane Abdennabi , Essahlaoui Ali , El Hafyani Mohammed , El Hmaidi Abdellah , El Ouali Anas , Kassou Amina , El Yousfi Yassine , van Griensven Ann , Chawanda Celray James , Van Rompaey Anton
Published: January 2022

Soil erosion is an increasingly issue worldwide, due to several factors including climate variations and humans’ activities, especially in Mediterranean ecosystems. Therefore, the aim of this paper is: (i) to quantify and to predict soil erosion rate for the baseline period (2000–2013) and a future period (2014–2027), using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model in the R’Dom watershed in Morocco, based on the opportunities of Remote Sensing (RS) techniques and Geographical Information System (GIS) geospatial tools. (ii) we based on classical statistical downscaling model (SDSM) for rainfall prediction. Due to the lack of field data, the model results are validated by expert knowledge. As a result of this study, it is found that both agricultural lands and bare lands are most affected by soil erosion. Moreover, it is showed that soil erosion in the watershed was dominated by very low and low erosion. Although the area of very low erosion and low erosion continued to decrease. Hence, we hereby envisage that our contribution will provide a more complete understanding of the soil degradation in this study area and the results of this research could be a crucial reference in soil erosion studies and also may serve as a valuable guidance for watershed management strategies.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) versus Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) to Detect Flap Failure in Reconstructive Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lindelauf Anouk A. M. A. , Saelmans Alexander G. , van Kuijk Sander M. J. , van der Hulst René R. W. J. , Schols Rutger M.
Published: January 2022

Rapid identification of possible vascular compromise in free flap reconstruction to minimize time to reoperation improves achieving free flap salvage. Subjective clinical assessment, often complemented with handheld Doppler, is the golden standard for flap monitoring; but this lacks consistency and may be variable. Non-invasive optical methods such as near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and hyperspectral imaging (HSI) could facilitate objective flap monitoring. A systematic review was conducted to compare NIRS with HSI in detecting vascular compromise in reconstructive flap surgery as compared to standard monitoring. A literature search was performed using PubMed and Embase scientific database in August 2021. Studies were selected by two independent reviewers. Sixteen NIRS and five HSI studies were included. In total, 3662 flap procedures were carried out in 1970 patients using NIRS. Simultaneously; 90 flaps were performed in 90 patients using HSI. HSI and NIRS flap survival were 92.5% (95% CI: 83.3–96.8) and 99.2% (95% CI: 97.8–99.7). Statistically significant differences were observed in flap survival (p = 0.02); flaps returned to OR (p = 0.04); salvage rate (p < 0.01) and partial flap loss rate (p < 0.01). However, no statistically significant difference was observed concerning flaps with vascular crisis (p = 0.39). NIRS and HSI have proven to be reliable; accurate and user-friendly monitoring methods. However, based on the currently available literature, no firm conclusions can be drawn concerning non-invasive monitoring technique superiority
Comparison of Chicken Immune Responses to Immunization with Vaccine La Sota or ZG1999HDS Strain of Newcastle Disease Virus
Authors: Nedeljković Gordana , Mazija Hrvoje , Cvetić Željko , Jergović Mladen , Bendelja Krešo , Gottstein Željko
Published: January 2022

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious avian disease. Global control of ND is mainly based on vaccination of poultry; however, reported outbreaks of ND in vaccinated flocks indicate a constant need to re-evaluate the existing vaccines and a development of the new ones. In this study, 4-week-old male chickens of the layer commercial hybrid were immunized oculonasally with a commercial NDV live La Sota vaccine (LS group), a suspension of lyophilized NDV strain ZG1999HDS (ZG group), or saline (Control (K) group). Antibody response was determined by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) was characterized by immunophenotyping of leukocyte’s and T-lymphocyte’s subpopulations (flow cytometry). Applied NDV strains did not cause any adverse reaction in treated chickens. Both strains induced the significantly higher HI antibody response in comparison to the control group, and overall antibody titer was higher in ZG group than in LS group. CMI, manifested as a higher proliferation of B- and T-helper cells, yielded better results in the ZG groups than in the LS group. Based on the obtained results, we conclude that the strain ZG1999HDS is immunogenic and is a suitable candidate for further research and development of poultry vaccines.
Use of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles as Anticoccidial Agents in Broiler Chickens along with Its Impact on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Status and Hematobiochemical Profile
Authors: El-Maddawy Zeynab , El-sawy Abd , Ashoura Neveen , Aboelenin Salama , Soliman Mohamed , Ellakany Hany , Elbestawy Ahmed , El-Shall Nahed
Published: January 2022

The impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on the pathogenesis of coccidiosis in broiler chickens was tested. A total of 160 1-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated into 4 groups (n = 40). Group 1: unchallenged, unmedicated; Group 2: challenged, unmedicated; Group 3: challenged, supplemented with diclazuril (1 ppm); Group 4: challenged, supplemented with ZnO-NPs (20 ppm). Mixed Eimeria species (E. maxima, E. acervulina, E. mivati, and E. tenella) of a commercial coccidial vaccine (FORTEGRA®) were used to perform the coccidial challenge by 15× of its vaccinal dose on the 14th day of age. Diclazuril and ZnO-NPs supplementation in Group 3 and 4, respectively, reduced the mortality rate due to coccidial challenge to 5.8% compared to 11.9% in Group 2. The growth performance was improved by ZnO-NPs in coccidiosis-infected group (p ≤ 0.05) compared to Group 2 and was comparable to that of Group 3 (p ≥ 0.05). The average oocyst count was lower in Groups 3 and 4 (7.8 × 103 and 14.3 × 103, respectively) than in Group 2 (67 × 103 oocysts). Group 3 had a decreased gross lesion score in duodenum and caecum (p ≤ 0.05) as well as jujenum and ileum (p ≥ 0.05) compared to Group 2; while the average lesion scores of all intestinal parts in Group 4 were significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.05). However, diclazuril was superior to ZnO-NPs in reducing caecal lesion score (p ≤ 0.05). Plasma carotenoids levels were increased by diclazuril (p ≥ 0.05) and ZnO-NPs (p ≤ 0.05) supplementation compared to Group 2. Oxidative stress appeared on the fourth week post-challenge (pc) in Group 2 (p ≤ 0.05) compared to Group 1, while the dietary supplementation with either diclazuril or ZnO-NPs numerically decreased Malondialdhyde (p ≥ 0.05) and statistically increased antioxidant activity (p ≤ 0.05). Both medications significantly improved the PCV%, Hb% and RBCs count on the 6th-day and 4th-week pc (p ≤ 0.05) compared to Group 2, though this improvement was higher significantly in Group 4 than Group 3 on the 6th day pc (p ≤ 0.05). Neither coccidial challenge nor medications had an impact on the total WBCs count as well as organ index, except Bursa of fabricious index that significantly improved by ZnO-NPs on the 4th-week pc compared to Group 2. Coccidial challenge reduced total protein and globulin levels and increased the serum alanine aminotransferase, serum cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels (p ≤ 0.05) compared to Group 1, while those of both medicated groups (Group 3 and 4) were comparable to Group 1 (p ≥ 0.05). In conclusion, ZnO-NPs were found to be as effective as diclazuril against coccidiosis. However, further research is needed to fully comprehend its anticoccidial mechanisms.
Pathophysiology of Cardiac Injury in COVID-19 Patients with Acute Ischaemic Stroke: What Do We Know So Far?—A Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Schoene Daniela , Schnekenberg Luiz G. , Pallesen Lars-Peder , Barlinn Jessica , Puetz Volker , Barlinn Kristian , Siepmann Timo
Published: January 2022

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it became apparent that, in addition to pulmonary infection, extrapulmonary manifestations such as cardiac injury and acute cerebrovascular events are frequent in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, worsening clinical outcome. We reviewed the current literature on the pathophysiology of cardiac injury and its association with acute ischaemic stroke. Several hypotheses on heart and brain axis pathology in the context of stroke related to COVID-19 were identified. Taken together, a combination of disease-related coagulopathy and systemic inflammation might cause endothelial damage and microvascular thrombosis, which in turn leads to structural myocardial damage. Cardiac complications of this damage such as tachyarrhythmia, myocardial infarction or cardiomyopathy, together with changes in hemodynamics and the coagulation system, may play a causal role in the increased stroke risk observed in COVID-19 patients. These hypotheses are supported by a growing body of evidence, but further research is necessary to fully understand the underlying pathophysiology and allow for the design of cardioprotective and neuroprotective strategies in this at risk population.
COVID-19—A Trigger Factor for Severe Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia in Active Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Bobircă Anca , Bobircă Florin , Ancuța Ioan , Florescu Anca , Bojincă Mihai , Muscă Alice , Florescu Dan Nicolae , Florescu Lucian Mihai , Sima Romina Marina , Florescu Alesandra , Mușetescu Anca Emanuela
Published: January 2022

Thrombocytopenia is defined as a platelet count below 150,000/mm3 for adults. There is still controversy about whether individuals with platelet counts of 100,000/mm3 to 150,000/mm3 should be classified as having genuine thrombocytopenia or borderline thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia is considered mild when the platelet count is between 70,000 and 150,000/mm3 and severe if the count is less than 20,000/mm3. Thrombocytopenia in rheumatoid arthritis is a rare complication, with an incidence estimated between 3 and 10%. The main etiological aspects include drug-induced thrombocytopenia and immune thrombocytopenic purpura. The most common hematological abnormalities in SARS-CoV-2 infection are lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia. It has been observed that the severity of thrombocytopenia correlates with the severity of the infection, being a poor prognosis indicator and a risk factor for mortality. COVID-19 can stimulate the immune system to destroy platelets by increasing the production of autoantibodies and immune complexes. Autoimmunity induced by viral infections can be related to molecular mimicry, cryptic antigen expression and also spreading of the epitope. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is of great importance to include the SARS-CoV-2 infection in differential diagnoses, due to the increased variability in forms of presentation of this pathology. In this review, our aim is to present one of the most recently discovered causes of thrombocytopenia, which is the SARS-CoV-2 infection and the therapeutic challenges it poses in association with an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis.
The Investigation of Viscometric Properties of the Most Reputable Types of Viscosity Index Improvers in Different Lubricant Base Oils: API Groups I, II, and III
Authors: Khalafvandi Seyed Ali , Pazokian Muhammad Ali , Fathollahi Ehsan
Published: January 2022

Four commercial viscosity index improvers (VII) have been used to investigate the behavioral differences of these compounds in three types of universally applicable base oils. The used VIIs are structurally three types of co-polymer: ethylene-propylene, star isoprene, and two di-block styrene-isoprene. After dissolving of different amounts of VIIs in different base oils, the kinematic viscosities at two standard temperatures were determined and the intrinsic viscosities were calculated according to Huggins method, then the effects of changes in base oil and polymer type were investigated. Intrinsic viscosities as criteria for polymer molecules sizes were found to be higher at lower temperature than at higher temperature. Dependence of intrinsic viscosity on the polymer molecular weight was observed. In the previous works, one or two types of VIIs were studied in only one type of base oil and/or solvent, not different base oils. Furthermore, different ranges of temperatures and concentrations not necessarily applied ranges were selected, but in this work, common base oils and most commercial VIIs were used and the viscometric properties were compared at two temperatures. Viscosities at these temperatures are used for determining VI and definition of lubricant’s viscosity grades. VI improvement is the main cause of VII usage.
The Art of Positronics in Contemporary Nanomaterials Science: A Case Study of Sub-Nanometer Scaled Glassy Arsenoselenides
Authors: Shpotyuk Oleh , Ingram Adam , Boussard-Pledel Catherine , Bureau Bruno , Lukáčová Bujňáková Zdenka , Baláž Peter , Mahlovanyi Bohdan , Shpotyuk Yaroslav
Published: January 2022

The possibilities surrounding positronics, a versatile noninvasive tool employing annihilating positrons to probe atomic-deficient sub-nanometric imperfections in a condensed matter, are analyzed in application to glassy arsenoselenides g-AsxSe100−x (0 < x < 65), subjected to dry and wet (in 0.5% PVP water solution) nanomilling. A preliminary analysis was performed within a modified two-state simple trapping model (STM), assuming slight contributions from bound positron–electron (Ps, positronium) states. Positron trapping in g-AsxSe100−x/PVP nanocomposites was modified by an enriched population of Ps-decay sites in PVP. This was proven within a three-state STM, assuming two additive inputs in an overall trapping arising from distinct positron and Ps-related states. Formalism of x3-x2-CDA (coupling decomposition algorithm), describing the conversion of Ps-decay sites into positron traps, was applied to identify volumetric nanostructurization in wet-milled g-As-Se, with respect to dry-milled ones. Under wet nanomilling, the Ps-decay sites stabilized in inter-particle triple junctions filled with PVP replaced positron traps in dry-milled substances, the latter corresponding to multi-atomic vacancies in mostly negative environments of Se atoms. With increased Se content, these traps were agglomerated due to an abundant amount of Se-Se bonds. Three-component lifetime spectra with nanostructurally- and compositionally-tuned Ps-decay inputs and average lifetimes serve as a basis to correctly understand the specific “rainbow” effects observed in the row from pelletized PVP to wet-milled, dry-milled, and unmilled samples.
Delivery of DNA into Human Cells by Functionalized Lignin Nanoparticles
Authors: Riley Michael K. , Vermerris Wilfred
Published: January 2022

Lignin is an aromatic plant cell wall polymer that is generated in large quantities as a low-value by-product by the pulp and paper industry and by biorefineries that produce renewable fuels and chemicals from plant biomass. Lignin structure varies among plant species and as a function of the method used for its extraction from plant biomass. We first explored the impact of this variation on the physico-chemical properties of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) produced via a solvent exchange procedure and then examined whether LNPs produced from industrial sources of lignin could be used as delivery vehicles for DNA. Spherical LNPs were formed from birch and wheat BioLignin™ and from poplar thioglycolic acid lignin after dissolving the lignin in tetrahydrofuran (THF) and dialyzing it against water. Dynamic light scattering indicated that the diameter of these LNPs was dependent on the initial concentration of the lignin, while electrophoretic light scattering indicated that the LNPs had a negative zeta potential, which became less negative as the diameter increased. The dynamics of LNP formation as a function of the initial lignin concentration varied as a function of the source of the lignin, as did the absolute value of the zeta potential. After coating the LNPs with cationic poly-l-lysine, an electrophoretic mobility shift assay indicated that DNA could adsorb to LNPs. Upon transfection of human A549 lung carcinoma basal epithelial cells with functionalized LNPs carrying plasmid DNA encoding the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP), green foci were observed under the microscope, and the presence of eGFP in the transfected cells was confirmed by ELISA. The low cytotoxicity of these LNPs and the ability to tailor diameter and zeta potential make these LNPs of interest for future gene therapy applications.
Novel Four-Cell Lenticular Honeycomb Deployable Boom with Enhanced Stiffness
Authors: Yang Hui , Fan Shuoshuo , Wang Yan , Shi Chuang
Published: January 2022

Composite thin-walled booms can easily be folded and self-deployed by releasing stored strain energy. Thus, such booms can be used to deploy antennas, solar sails, and optical telescopes. In the present work, a new four-cell lenticular honeycomb deployable (FLHD) boom is proposed, and the relevant parameters are optimized. Coiling dynamics analysis of the FLHD boom under a pure bending load is performed using nonlinear explicit dynamics analysis, and the coiling simulation is divided into three consecutive steps, namely, the flattening step, the holding step, and the hub coiling step. An optimal design method for the coiling of the FLHD boom is developed based on a back propagation neural network (BPNN). A full factorial design of the experimental method is applied to create 36 sample points, and surrogate models of the coiling peak moment (Mpeak) and maximum principal stress (Smax) are established using the BPNN. Fatigue cracks caused by stress concentration are avoided by setting Smax to a specific constraint and the wrapping Mpeak and mass of the FLHD boom as objectives. Non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II is used for optimization via ISIGHT software.
Autonomous Design of Photoferroic Ruddlesden-Popper Perovskites for Water Splitting Devices
Authors: Ludvigsen Alexandra Craft , Lan Zhenyun , Castelli Ivano E.
Published: January 2022

The use of ferroelectric materials for light-harvesting applications is a possible solution for increasing the efficiency of solar cells and photoelectrocatalytic devices. In this work, we establish a fully autonomous computational workflow to identify light-harvesting materials for water splitting devices based on properties such as stability, size of the band gap, position of the band edges, and ferroelectricity. We have applied this workflow to investigate the Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite class and have identified four new compositions, which show a theoretical efficiency above 5%.