bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AAC Delhi field pea
Authors: Bing Deng-Jin , Beauchesne Don
Published: August 2021

AAC Delhi is a semi-leafless, large-seeded yellow field pea (Pisum sativum L.) variety developed at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lacombe Research and Development Centre, Lacombe, AB, Canada. It has high yielding potential, medium maturity and good lodging resistance. AAC Delhi has the maturity of 95 d, and one-thousand-seed weight of 288 g. AAC Delhi is resistant to powdery mildew (caused by Erysiphe pisi Syd.) and is moderately susceptible to mycosphaerella blight (caused by Mycosphaerella pinodes) and fusarium wilt (caused by Fusarium oxysporum). AAC Delhi is adapted to all field growing regions in western Canada.
Connectivity Properties of Generalized K4-Hypercubes
Authors: Brudnak Joshua , Lipták László
Published: August 2021

We consider the class of generalized hypercubes constructed recursively from the graph [Formula: see text] by repeatedly taking two copies of such a graph with a perfect matching added in between. We show that all graphs obtained this way have very good connectivity properties. They are all maximally connected, and even when linearly many vertices are deleted, the remaining graph will have a large connected component with only a few vertices in other components. We also show examples that we can delete more vertices in certain graphs in this class to get the second largest component to have certain sizes, including the case when we get two components of equal size. We conjecture that these examples are best possible.
Modular quantum computing and quantum-like devices
Authors: Mendes R. Vilela
Published: August 2021

The two essential ideas in this paper are, on the one hand, that a considerable amount of the power of quantum computation may be obtained by adding to a classical computer a few specialized quantum modules and on the other hand, that such modules may be constructed out of classical systems obeying quantum-like equations where a space coordinate is the evolution parameter (thus playing the role of time in the quantum algorithms).
On impulsive semidynamical systems: Relation between topological entropy and various types of expansivity
Authors: Moghaddam Faride Ghorbani , Bahabadi Alireza Zamani , Honary Bahman
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we generalize the notion of expansivity, C-W expansivity and N-expansivity for impulsive dynamical systems and we prove C-W expansivity implies positive [Formula: see text]-topological entropy. Also, we define new version of topological entropy for impulsive semiflows and we can bound this topological entropy of expansive impulsive semiflows from lower by the exponential growth rate of periodic orbits.
Report on SEBD 2020
Authors: Agosti Maristella , Atzori Maurizio , Ciaccia Paolo , Tanca Letizia
Published: August 2021

This paper reports on the
28th Italian Symposium on Advanced Database Systems
(SEBD 2020), held online as a virtual conference from the 21st to the 24th of June 2020. The topics that were addressed in this edition of the conference were organized in the sessions: ontologies and data integration, anomaly detection and dependencies, text analysis and search, deep learning, noSQL data, trajectories and diffusion, health and medicine, context and ranking, social and knowledge graphs, multimedia content analysis, security issues, and data mining.
Women and disparities in leadership and wages
Authors: Goharian Nazli , Ma Xin , Verberne Suzan
Published: August 2021

The SIGIR'20 Women in IR event, co-organized by SIGIR WIR co-chairs, Nazli Goharian and Suzan Verberne, and local co-chair of SIGIR'20 WIR, Xin Ma, took place on July 27-29 and was attended by ~150 participants from different parts of the earth. Due to Covid-19, SIGIR'20 was held online. To accommodate all the time zones, we organized two sessions (A and B) on the same topics of discussion with two disjoint sets of panelists
1
, each group covering one of two sessions, totaling 19 panelists (17 female and 2 male) from academia and industry. This year we raised two questions for our panellists to discuss, followed by Q&A by the audience. First we discussed the women's status as to holding key leadership roles both in the academia and industry. The second topic was gender inequity in pay, which we had already raised for the first time in our community in SIGIR'19 and was summarized in the WIR at SIGIR'19 Forum
2
.
Report on the ISMIR 2020 special session
Authors: Bauer Christine
Published: August 2021

The 21st edition of the Annual Conference of the International Society for Music Information Retrieval (ISMIR) introduced so-called "special sessions," giving room for discussion on various topics related to music information retrieval (MIR). I report on the activities related to this special session No. 7 with the title "How do we---in MIR research---help artists? Do we?", and summarize the insights gained from the discussion. Being well-aware that the MIR community has come up with contributions that had a positive impact on artists, we particularly discussed the challenges that hinder MIR contributions from being adopted in the field and the problems when MIR innovations with presumably good intentions turn out to have a bad impact. Besides the many challenges, we also came up with ideas how we could move forward and better address artists' needs.
SIGCSE 2021 technical symposium recap
Authors: Sherriff Mark , Merkle Larry , Cutter Pam , Monge Alvaro , Sheard Judy
Published: August 2021

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the community for everything that you did to support the 52nd SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, our first (and hopefully only) fully-online Technical Symposium! From presenting papers and posters, to being session chairs, to simply participating, everyone engaged with the Symposium with a desire to make it work. And because of you - it did!
As a CS educator, how do you think we can address inequity issues that exist in the field?
Authors: Miller Jeffrey , Wallace Charles
Published: August 2021

We have been inviting CS education researchers to offer brief remarks to spark discussion and provide ideas for actions we can all take to address inequity issues.
A Genetic Perspective on Cetacean Evolution
Authors: Cabrera Andrea A. , Bérubé Martine , Lopes Xênia M. , Louis Marie , Oosting Tom , Rey-Iglesia Alba , Rivera-León Vania E. , Székely Dóra , Lorenzen Eline D. , Palsbøll Per J.
Published: August 2021

Studies of cetacean evolution using genetics and other biomolecules have come a long way—from the use of allozymes and short sequences of mitochondrial or nuclear DNA to the assembly of full nuclear genomes and characterization of proteins and lipids. Cetacean research has also advanced from using only contemporary samples to analyzing samples dating back thousands of years, and to retrieving data from indirect environmental sources, including water or sediments. Combined, these studies have profoundly deepened our understanding of the origin of cetaceans; their adaptation and speciation processes; and of the past population change, migration, and admixture events that gave rise to the diversity of cetaceans found today.
Multispecies Coalescent: Theory and Applications in Phylogenetics
Authors: Mirarab Siavash , Nakhleh Luay , Warnow Tandy
Published: August 2021

Species tree estimation is a basic part of many biological research projects, ranging from answering basic evolutionary questions (e.g., how did a group of species adapt to their environments?) to addressing questions in functional biology. Yet, species tree estimation is very challenging, due to processes such as incomplete lineage sorting, gene duplication and loss, horizontal gene transfer, and hybridization, which can make gene trees differ from each other and from the overall evolutionary history of the species. Over the last 10–20 years, there has been tremendous growth in methods and mathematical theory for estimating species trees and phylogenetic networks, and some of these methods are now in wide use. In this survey, we provide an overview of the current state of the art, identify the limitations of existing methods and theory, and propose additional research problems and directions.
Banks and Negative Interest Rates
Authors: Heider Florian , Saidi Farzad , Schepens Glenn
Published: August 2021

In this article, we review the nascent literature on the transmission of negative policy rates. We discuss the theory of how the transmission depends on bank balance sheets, and how this changes once policy rates become negative. We review the growing evidence that negative policy rates are special because the pass-through to banks’ retail deposit rates is hindered by a zero lower bound. We summarize existing research on the impact of negative rates on banks’ lending and securities portfolios as well as their consequences for the real economy. Finally, we discuss the role of different initial conditions when the policy rate becomes negative, and potential interactions between negative policy rates and other unconventional monetary policies.
Ecological Leverage Points: Species Interactions Amplify the Physiological Effects of Global Environmental Change in the Ocean
Authors: Kroeker Kristy J. , Sanford Eric
Published: August 2021

Marine ecosystems are increasingly impacted by global environmental changes, including warming temperatures, deoxygenation, and ocean acidification. Marine scientists recognize intuitively that these environmental changes are translated into community changes via organismal physiology. However, physiology remains a black box in many ecological studies, and coexisting species in a community are often assumed to respond similarly to environmental stressors. Here, we emphasize how greater attention to physiology can improve our ability to predict the emergent effects of ocean change. In particular, understanding shifts in the intensity and outcome of species interactions such as competition and predation requires a sharpened focus on physiological variation among community members and the energetic demands and trophic mismatches generated by environmental changes. Our review also highlights how key species interactions that are sensitive to environmental change can operate as ecological leverage points through which small changes in abiotic conditions are amplified into large changes in marine ecosystems.
Research on Pseudorandom Number Generator Based on Several New Types of Piecewise Chaotic Maps
Authors: Zang Hongyan , Yuan Yue , Wei Xinyuan
Published: August 2021

This paper proposes three types of one-dimensional piecewise chaotic maps and two types of symmetrical piecewise chaotic maps and presents five theorems. Furthermore, some examples that satisfy the theorems are constructed, and an analysis and model of the dynamic properties are discussed. The construction methods proposed in this paper have a certain generality and provide a theoretical basis for constructing a new discrete chaotic system. In addition, this paper designs a pseudorandom number generator based on piecewise chaotic map and studies its application in cryptography. Performance evaluation shows that the generator can generate high quality random sequences efficiently.
Study of HIV Disease and Its Association with Immune Cells under Nonsingular and Nonlocal Fractal‐Fractional Operator
Authors: Ahmad Shabir , Ullah Aman , Akgül Ali , De la Sen Manuel
Published: August 2021

HIV, like many other infections, is a severe and lethal infection. Fractal‐fractional operators are frequently used in modeling numerous physical processes in the current decade. These operators provide better dynamics of a mathematical model because these are the generalization of integer and fractional‐order operators. This paper aims to study the dynamics of the HIV model during primary infection by fractal‐fractional Atangana–Baleanu (AB) operators. The sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of the solution of the proposed model under the AB operator are derived via fixed point theory. The numerical scheme is presented by using the Adams–Bashforth method. Numerical results are demonstrated for different fractal and fractional orders to see the effect of fractional order and fractal dimension on the dynamics of HIV and CD4+ T‐cells during primary infection.
Kinematic Evaluation via Inertial Measurement Unit Associated with Upper Extremity Motor Function in Subacute Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Chen Ze-Jian , He Chang , Gu Ming-Hui , Xu Jiang , Huang Xiao-Lin
Published: August 2021

Kinematic evaluation via portable sensor system has been increasingly applied in neurological sciences and clinical practice. However, conventional kinematic evaluation rarely extends the context beyond the motor impairment level. In addition, kinematic tasks with numerous items could be complex and time consuming that pose a burden to test applications and data processing. The study aimed to explore the correlation of finger-to-nose task (FNT) kinematics via Inertial Measurement Unit with upper limb motor function in subacute stroke. In this study, six FNT kinematic variables were used to measure movement time, smoothness, and velocity in 37 participants with subacute stroke. Upper limb motor function was evaluated with the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and modified Barthel Index (MBI). As a result, mean velocity, peak velocity, and the number of movement units were associated with the clinical assessments. The multivariable linear regression models could estimate 55%, 51%, and 32% of variance in FMA-UE, ARAT, and MBI, respectively. In addition, age, gender, type of stroke, and paretic side had no significant effects on these associations. Results show that FNT kinematic variables measured via Inertial Measurement Unit are associated with upper extremity motor function in individuals with subacute stroke. The objective kinematic evaluation may be suitable for predicting clinical measures of motor impairment and capacity to understand upper extremity motor recovery and clinical decision making after stroke. This trial is registered with ChiCTR1900026656.
The Combination of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy with Virtual Reality for the Treatment of Postnatal Depression in a Brief Intervention Context: A Single-Case Study Trial
Authors: Stamou George , Garcia-Palacios Azucena , Woodford Brendon J. , Suso-Ribera Carlos , Botella Cristina
Published: August 2021

Postnatal depression (PND) is a mood disorder with potentially devastating effects to the individual on many levels. It can affect cognitive functioning, motivation, and self-esteem. The person can socially withdraw from their immediate familial or social circle. It can affect bonding and quality time between the mother and baby. There are many effective therapeutic treatments used for the treatment of PND such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). This study using a single-case study trial with 15 participants investigates the clinical usefulness of combining CBT with virtual reality (VR). Results show that the combination of CBT with VR is an effective treatment for PND. In addition, VR can enhance awareness, decision-making, and self-appreciation within the individual and can also have real-life applications. This study also shows that the combination of VR and CBT is feasible, while the use of such a technology is well accepted.
Roles of the Immune/Methylation/Autophagy Landscape on Single‐Cell Genotypes and Stroke Risk in Breast Cancer Microenvironment
Authors: Wu Jun-yi , Qin Jun , Li Lei , Zhang Kun-dong , Chen Yi-sheng , Li Yang , Jin Tao , Xu Jun-ming
Published: August 2021

This study sought to perform integrative analysis of the immune/methylation/autophagy landscape on breast cancer prognosis and single‐cell genotypes. Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk Score (BCRRS) and Breast Cancer Prognostic Risk Score (BCPRS) were determined based on 6 prognostic IMAAGs obtained from the TCGA‐BRCA cohort. BCRRS and BCPRS, respectively, were used to construct a risk prediction model of overall survival and progression‐free survival. Predictive capacity of the model was evaluated using clinical data. Analysis showed that BCRRS is associated with a high risk of stroke. In addition, PPI and drug‐ceRNA networks based on differences in BCPRS were constructed. Single cells were genotyped through integrated scRNA‐seq of the TNBC samples based on clustering results of BCPRS‐related genes. The findings of this study show the potential regulatory effects of IMAAGs on breast cancer tumor microenvironment. High AUCs of 0.856 and 0.842 were obtained for the OS and PFS prognostic models, respectively. scRNA‐seq analysis showed high expression levels of adipocytes and adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) in high BCPRS clusters. Moreover, analysis of ligand‐receptor interactions and potential regulatory mechanisms were performed. The LINC00276&MALAT1/miR‐206/FZD4‐Wnt7b pathway was also identified which may be useful in future research on targets against breast cancer metastasis and recurrence. Neural network‐based deep learning models using BCPRS‐related genes showed that these genes can be used to map the tumor microenvironment. In summary, analysis of IMAAGs, BCPRS, and BCRRS provides information on the breast cancer microenvironment at both the macro‐ and microlevels and provides a basis for development of personalized treatment therapy.
Outcomes of Living Kidney Donor Candidates and Living Kidney Recipient Candidates with JC Polyomavirus and BK Polyomavirus Viruria
Authors: Querido Sara , Ormonde Carolina , Adragão Teresa , Costa Inês , Pessanha Maria Ana , Gomes Perpétua , Weigert André
Published: August 2021

Introduction. Recent data have emerged about a protective association between JCV viruria and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Material and Methods. Single-center retrospective cohort study; 230 living kidney donors (LKD) candidates and 59 potential living kidney receptors (LKR) were enrolled. Plasma and urinary JCV and BKV viral loads were measured in all LKD candidates and in nonanuric LKR candidates. Twenty-six living kidney transplant surgeries were performed. LKR were followed in order to evaluate BKV and JCV viremia and urinary viral shedding after KT. Results. In LKD candidates, JCV viruria was negatively associated with proteinuria of >200 mg/24 hours (JC viruric LKD: 12.5% vs JCV nonviruric LKD: 26.7%,

p
=
0.021

, OR:0.393; 95% CI: 0.181–0.854). In a multivariate analysis, LKD candidates with JCV viruria had a lower risk of proteinuria of >200 mg/24 hours (

p
=
0.009

, OR: 0.342, 95% CI: 0.153–0.764), in a model adjusted for age, gender, presence of hypertension, and eGFR <80 mL/min. Prevalence of JCV viruria was higher in LKD candidates when compared with LKR candidates (40.0% vs 1.7%,

p
<
0.001

). Among the 26 LKR, 14 (53.8%) KT patients evolved with JCV viruria; 71.4% received a graft from a JCV viruric donor. Conclusion. Our data corroborate the recent findings of an eventual protective association between JCV viruria and kidney disease, and we extrapolated this concept to a South European population.
Forecast of Thunderstorm Cloud Trend Based on Monitoring Data of Thunder Mobile Positioning System
Authors: Wu Mingfa , Yang Chongjing , Liu Xiangke
Published: August 2021

As a natural phenomenon, thunder and lightning have a major impact on human production and life. As an important part of lightning protection technology, the main task of the lightning mobile positioning system is to detect and determine the location of lightning and, at the same time, provide more accurate lightning discharge parameters for lightning research. It is a new technology that serves the entire society and is in urgent need of development. This paper aims to study the trend prediction of thunderstorm cloud based on the monitoring data of the thunder and lightning mobile positioning system. In this thesis, the inverse distance-weighted interpolation method can be used to determine the lightning area and the principle of lightning monitoring and positioning, and the classification of lightning and the practical significance of lightning mobile positioning system monitoring are also studied. Finally, the Hurst index of this paper can reveal the trend elements in the time series well through the experiment, so as to judge the lightning strikes. At the same time, it also introduces everyone’s satisfaction survey on the lightning mobile positioning system. The results of this paper show that the lightning mobile positioning system has been widely used in our country’s meteorological monitoring stations, and it plays a very important role in our national defense lightning strikes and effectively realizes the lightning strike prediction in the monitoring process, which can better enable the competent department to take timely and accurate measures to prevent lightning strikes. Experimental analysis shows that the accuracy of the lightning mobile positioning system has reached 92%, and the practicability has reached 88%.
An Improved Method for Stochastic Nonlinear System’s Identification Using Fuzzy‐Type Output‐Error Autoregressive Hammerstein–Wiener Model Based on Gradient Algorithm, Multi‐Innovation, and Data Filtering Techniques
Authors: Ben Halima Abid Donia , Abouda Saif Eddine , Medhaffar Hanane , Chtourou Mohamed
Published: August 2021

This paper proposes an innovative identification approach of nonlinear stochastic systems using Hammerstein–Wiener (HW) model with output‐error autoregressive (OEA) noise. Two fuzzy systems are suggested for the identification of the input and output nonlinear blocks of a proposed model from given input‐output data measurements. In this work, the need for the commonly used assumptions including well‐known structure of input and/or output nonlinearities and/or reversible nonlinear output is eliminated by replacing the intermediate variables and noise with their estimates. Four parametric estimation algorithms to identify the proposed fuzzy‐type stochastic output‐error autoregressive HW (FSOEAHW) model are derived based on backpropagation algorithm and multi‐innovation and data filtering identification techniques. The proposed algorithms are improved backpropagation gradient (IBPG) algorithm, multi‐innovation IBPG (MIIBPG) algorithm, a data filtering IBPG (FIBPG) algorithm, and a multi‐innovation‐based FIBPG (MIFIBPG) algorithm. The convergence of the parameter estimation algorithms is studied. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithms is shown by a given simulation example.
Weight Loss Interventions for Hispanic Women in the United States: A Systematic Review
Authors: Morrill Kristin E. , Lopez-Pentecost Melissa , Molina Lupita , Pfander Jeanne L. , Hingle Melanie D. , Klimentidis Yann C. , Thomson Cynthia A. , Garcia David O.
Published: August 2021

Background. Obesity rates in Hispanic women residing in the United States (U.S.) are disproportionately high, increasing the risk of obesity-related disease and mortality. The effectiveness of interventions targeting weight loss in this population remains largely unknown. Purpose. The purpose of this review was to systematically evaluate the evidence related to the effectiveness of weight loss interventions conducted among U.S. Hispanic women and provide guidance for future research. Methods. Bibliographic databases (n = 10, from each database’s inception to July 2, 2019) were searched using the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies with weight change outcomes were included. Results were described in a narrative synthesis. Results. 5,423 articles were assessed for eligibility based on inclusion criteria; 15 studies were included in the final review. Nine trials were RCTs and six were quasi-experimental studies; all but six were pilot studies. Most studies recruited overweight or obese women with no existing medical conditions and did not follow participants beyond the intervention. All trials were delivered in-person. Intervention strategies and content and weight change outcomes were highly variable. Conclusions. RCTs with statistically powered sample sizes are needed to robustly test the effects of weight loss interventions in this population.
Design Method for Specific Charge in Deep Mining considering Influence of In Situ Stress
Authors: Zhang Fengpeng , Hao Qiqi , Wang Xiulong , Qiu Zhaoguo
Published: August 2021

In situ stress has a large influence on blasts in deep mines and should be considered in blasting design. In this study, explosion crater tests were conducted to investigate the variation of specific charges under different stress loading conditions. It was revealed that rock blasting under high stress is different from that under low stress. A correction coefficient for specific charge was defined to consider the influence of in situ stress on blasting. A quantitative relation between the correction coefficient, stress‐to‐strength ratio, and lateral stress coefficient was presented. Based on the explosion‐crater test results, a design method for specific charges was proposed with the consideration of in situ stress. Finally, the design method was applied to a field blasting test at Hongtoushan Copper Mine. The test results indicate that the proposed design method can effectively use the high in situ stress at depth for rock fragmentation. Compared with the original blasting design, the specific charge is reduced by 19.8% and the average block rate is reduced from 6.8% to 2.84%. At the same time, the blasting boundary is well controlled and the ore loss and dilution rates are reduced. This research has important guiding significance to deep mine blasting design.
Secrecy‐Capacity‐Optimization‐Artificial‐Noise in Large‐Scale MIMO: Ergodic Lower Bound on Secrecy Capacity and Optimal Power Allocation
Authors: Gu Yebo , Wu Zhilu , Yin Zhendong
Published: August 2021

The security of wireless information transmission in large‐scale multi‐input and multioutput (MIMO) is the focus of research in wireless communication. Recently, a new artificial noise—SCO‐AN which shows no orthogonality to the channel, is proposed to overcome the shortcomings of traditional artificial noise. In the previous research, the optimization function of SCO‐AN is not convex, and its extremum cannot be obtained. Usually, nonconvex optimization algorithms or iterative relaxation algorithms are used to get the maximum value of the optimization objective function. Nonconvex optimization algorithms or iterative relaxation algorithms are greatly affected by the initial value, and the extremum cannot be obtained by a nonconvex optimization algorithm or iterative relaxation algorithm. In this paper, we creatively apply the strong law of large numbers to obtain the optimal value of the optimization function of SCO‐AN under the condition of large‐scale MIMO: the strong law of large numbers is applied to obtain the ergodic lower bound (ELB) expression of SC for SCO‐AN. The power allocation (PA) problem of the SCO‐AN system is discussed. We use a statistical method to get the formula for calculating the optimal power distribution coefficient of the SCO‐AN system. The transmitter can use the optimal power ratio of PA to distribute the transmitted power without using the PA algorithm. The effect of imperfect channel state information is discussed. Through simulation, we found that more power should be generated for SCO‐AN if the channel estimation is imperfect and the proposed method can achieve better security performance in the large‐scale MIMO system.
Comparing the Effect of Age, Gender, and Desired Speed on Car-Following Behavior by Using Driving Simulator
Authors: Ramezani-Khansari Ehsan , Tabibi Masoud , Moghadas Nejad Fereidoon , Mesbah Mahmoud
Published: August 2021

In this study, the effect of age, gender, and desired speed (DS) factors on General Motors car-following (CF) behavior was investigated. DS was defined as the speed selected by the driver in free driving situation. A low-level driving simulator was used to collect data. The CF model for each driver was calibrated by genetic algorithm. Gender and DS were effective in CF behavior, while the age factor was not. The drivers’ sensitivity to the variables of speed and distance in the CF model increased with increasing the DS. The gender factor affected only the magnitude of deceleration which was higher in women. For further investigation, the effect of the desired speed on the time headway in the steady-state CF was also examined. DS factor was effective in steady-state CF behavior. As the DS increased, the time headway decreased. Examining CF threshold demonstrated that women maintained larger distance than men. Finally, it can be said that DS and gender would be more important than age to be considered in CF models.
The Role of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tsampasian Vasiliki , Baral Ranu , Chattopadhyay Rahul , Debski Maciej , Joshi Shruti S , Reinhold Johannes , Dweck Marc R , Garg Pankaj , Vassiliou Vassilios S
Published: August 2021

Aims. Recent randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have shown a significant prognostic benefit of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in the cardiovascular (CV) profile of patients with diabetes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to provide a concise evaluation of all the available evidence for the use of these agents in patients with heart failure (HF) regardless of their baseline diabetes status. Methods and Results. PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched from inception until November 20th 2020. Eight studies consisting of 13,275 patients were included in the meta-analysis. For the total population, SGLT2 inhibitors reduced the risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.75–0.91; I2 0%), hospitalisation for HF (HR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.61–0.75; I2: 0%), CV death (HR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.74–0.92; I2: 0%), and hospitalisation for HF or CV death (HR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.66–0.78; I2: 0%). Subgroup analyses of the total population according to the diabetes status showed that SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduced the risk of hospitalisation for HF (HR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.61, 0.75; I2: 0%), as well as the risk of hospitalisation for HF or CV death (HR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.66, 078; I2: 0%) and CV death (HR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.74, 0.91; I2: 0%). Conclusions. The results of this meta-analysis confirm the growing evidence in the literature of the favourable profile of SGLT2 inhibitors in cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in patients with heart failure regardless of the baseline diabetes status. This systematic review has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021224777).
Application of Characteristic Model-Based Principal Component Analysis in Optimization of Flowmeter Parameters
Authors: Jiang Wenping , Jiang Zhencun , Wang Lingyang , Min Jun , Zhu Yi , Wang Zhonghui , Tang Lizhuang , Sun Limin
Published: August 2021

In complex industrial processes, it is necessary to perform modeling analysis on some industrial systems and find and optimize the factors that have the greatest impact on the results, in order to achieve the optimization of the industrial systems. However, due to the high-level nature or complex working mechanism of complex industrial systems, traditional principal component analysis methods are difficult to apply. Therefore, this paper proposes a characteristic model-based principal component analysis (CMPCA) to perform principal component analysis on complex industrial systems. The differential pressure flowmeter is taken as an example to verify the effectiveness of the method. Flowmeter is an indispensable instrument in measurement, and its accuracy depends on its own structural parameters. However, the measurement accuracy of some flow meters is not high, and the measurement error is large, which affects the normal industrial production process. This method is used to analyze the influence of the structural parameters of the flowmeter on its measurement accuracy, and the four most important structural parameters are found and optimized. The measurement error of the Bitoba flowmeter is reduced from 1% to 0.2%, and the measurement repeatability is reduced from 0.3 to 0.06, which proves the effectiveness of the method.
Use of Liraglutide 3.0 mg for Weight Management in a Real-World Setting in Switzerland
Authors: Haase Christiane Lundegaard , Serratore Achenbach Maria Giovanna , Lucrezi Gianluca , Jeswani Nikita , Maurer Susanne , Egermann Ulrich
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Data from randomized controlled trials show that liraglutide 3.0 mg, in combination with diet and exercise, is associated with greater weight loss than diet and exercise alone in patients with obesity. In practice, the utilization of weight loss drugs is influenced by various factors, including the cost of treatment. We conducted a retrospective, observational study to assess the effectiveness of liraglutide 3.0 mg and patients’ persistence on treatment, in a real-world setting. Methods: Data were extracted from de-identified electronic medical records from an obesity management clinic in Switzerland. Changes in body weight and blood pressure were evaluated in the full cohort (N = 277, 19% of whom had undergone bariatric surgery) and subgroups who were persistent on liraglutide 3.0 mg for at least 4 months (n = 236), 7 months (n = 159), or 12 months (n = 71). Results: Median persistence on liraglutide was 6.8 months. Median maximum dose received was 1.5 mg, and 13.7% of patients reached the maintenance dose of 3.0 mg. Mean 7-month weight change from baseline in the full cohort was −4.1 kg (95% confidence interval: −5.0, −3.2; p < 0.001; −4.2%). Weight change was −4.4 kg (−4.7%) in the ≥4-month persistence subgroup at 4 months, −5.1 kg (−5.3%) in the ≥7-month persistence subgroup at 7 months, and −7.5 kg (−7.1%) in the ≥12-month persistence subgroup at 12 months (all p < 0.001). In the full cohort, 40% and 14% of patients lost ≥5% and >10% of body weight at 7 months, respectively. Weight loss did not differ significantly according to history of bariatric surgery (p = 0.94). Diastolic blood pressure decreased (from 87.0 to 83.9 mm Hg at 7 months; p = 0.018), with no significant changes in systolic blood pressure. Approximately two-thirds of patients did not have health insurance that could cover the cost of liraglutide. Conclusion: In a real-world setting with low insurance coverage and with most patients not reaching the recommended maintenance dose of 3.0 mg, the use of liraglutide, in combination with diet and exercise, was associated with clinically meaningful weight loss.
Ranking of hydropower projects based on sustainability criteria in India using multicriteria decision making methods
Authors: Shaktawat Anuja , Vadhera Shelly
Published: August 2021

Assessment of hydropower projects with respect to sustainability criteria is a multidimensional and a complex issue that decision makers usually face during planning process. In hydropower projects, it is important to consider technical, environmental and social parameters instead of purely economic ones for sustainability assessment and decision making. Multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods offer a practical approach to a problem having conflicting criteria. The flexibility to consider several criteria and objectives simultaneously made MCDM methods well accepted in the field of energy planning. This paper aims for applicability of MCDM methods which will facilitate the decision makers to select the most sustainable hydropower projects by making real and logical choices based on various sustainability criteria. For comprehensively rank hydropower projects of Indian region based on sustainability criteria four MCDM methods are applied i.e., analytic hierarchy process (AHP), technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluations (PROMETHEE II) and elimination and choice translating reality (ELECTRE III). To ensure better decision making the eight criteria selected are compatible to the sustainable development of hydropower projects.
Small Endogeneous Peptide Mitigates Myocardial Remodeling in a Mouse Model of Cardioselective Galectin-3 Overexpression
Authors: Sonkawade Swati D. , Pokharel Saraswati , Karthikeyan Badri , Kim Minhyung , Xu Shirley , KC Kristi , Sexton Sandra , Catalfamo Kayla , Spernyak Joseph A. , Sharma Umesh C.
Published: August 2021

Background:

Myocardial Gal3 (galectin-3) expression is associated with cardiac inflammation and fibrosis. Increased Gal3 portends susceptibility to heart failure and death. There are no data reporting the causative role of Gal3 to mediate cardiac fibro-inflammatory response and heart failure.

Methods:

We developed a cardioselective Gal3 gain-of-function mouse (
Gal3+/+
) using α-myosin heavy chain promotor. We confirmed Gal3-transgene expression with real-time polymerase chain reaction and quantified cardiac/circulating Gal3 with Western blot and immunoassays. We used echocardiogram and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to measure cardiac volumes, function, and myocardial velocities. Ex vivo, we studied myocardial inflammation/fibrosis and downstream TGF (transforming growth factor) β1-mRNA expression. We examined the effects of acute myocardial ischemia in presence of excess Gal3 by inducing acute myocardial infarction in mice. Two subsets of mice including mice treated with N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (a Gal3-inhibitor) and mice with genetic Gal3 loss-of-function (
Gal3
−/−) were studied for comparative analysis of Gal3 function.

Results:

Gal3+/+
mice had increased cardiac/circulating Gal3.
Gal3+/+
mice showed excess pericardial fat pad, dilated ventricles and cardiac dysfunction, which was partly normalized by N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed reduced myocardial contractile velocities in
Gal3+/+
. The majority of
Gal3+/+
mice did not survive acute myocardial infarction, and the survivors had profound cardiac dysfunction. Myocardial histology of
Gal3+/+
mice showed macrophage/mast-cell infiltration, fibrosis and higher TGFβ1-mRNA expression, which were mitigated by both Gal3 gene deletion and N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline administration.

Conclusions:

Our study shows that cardioselective Gal3 overexpression leads to multiple cardiac phenotypic defects including ventricular dilation and cardiac dysfunction. Pharmacological Gal3 inhibition conferred protective effects with reduction of inflammation and fibrosis. Our study highlights the importance of translational studies to counteract Gal3 function and prevent cardiac dysfunction.
Genetic Testing for Heritable Cardiovascular Diseases in Pediatric Patients: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Landstrom Andrew P. , Kim Jeffrey J. , Gelb Bruce D. , Helm Benjamin M. , Kannankeril Prince J. , Semsarian Christopher , Sturm Amy C. , Tristani-Firouzi Martin , Ware Stephanie M. ,   on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Genomic and Precision Medicine; Council on Lifelong Congenital Heart Disease and Heart Health in the Young; Council on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology; and Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health
Published: August 2021

Genetic diseases that affect the cardiovascular system are relatively common and include cardiac channelopathies, cardiomyopathies, aortopathies, hypercholesterolemias, and structural diseases of the heart and great vessels. The rapidly expanding availability of clinical genetic testing leverages decades of research into the genetic origins of these diseases, helping inform diagnosis, clinical management, and prognosis. Although a number of guidelines and statements detail best practices for cardiovascular genetic testing, there is a paucity of pediatric-focused statements addressing the unique challenges in testing in this vulnerable population. In this scientific statement, we seek to coalesce the existing literature around the use of genetic testing for cardiovascular disease in infants, children, and adolescents.
Horoscopes of the Moon: Weather Prediction as Astrology in Ptolemy’s Tetrabiblos
Authors: Hall Claire
Published: August 2021

Ptolemy’s Tetrabiblos is not usually considered as a meteorological text. I examine the sections of the Tetrabiblos that deal with weather prediction and argue that Ptolemy considers it part of astrology. I show that the way Ptolemy categorises weather prediction differs significantly from other Greco-Roman writers, including Cicero (On Divination) and Sextus Empiricus (Against the Astrologers). I argue for these conclusions: first, that Ptolemy considers weather prediction to be part of astrology – i.e., a scientific practice which includes giving an account of the causes of phenomena with reference to the stars; to give such an account for the weather requires a practitioner to go beyond the observation and cataloguing of weather signs. Secondly, I argue that understanding weather prediction as astrology means that the distinction between horoscopic and general astrology is more fluid than is sometimes thought. Finally, I will show that Ptolemy’s views on weather prediction provide a case study for his view of astral causation.
The Matrix of Understanding: Moses Zacuto’s Em la-Binah and Kabbalistic Works of Reference
Authors: Necker Gerold
Published: August 2021

The systematization of knowledge for educational practice entered a new era in the wake of Ramism. Innovative encyclopedic approaches and textbooks also surfaced in the field of Kabbalah. This article discusses Moses Zacuto’s approach to the kabbalistic genre of reference books and the impact of Lurianic Kabbalah. Against the backdrop of the reception of Ramist ideas and building upon the interaction between Kabbalah and logic in Abraham Cohen de Herrera’s Spanish books, two works in particular, which Zacuto left in an apparently unfinished state in manuscript form, are analyzed in this context: Em la-Binah and Remez ha-Romez. Both works differ from traditional reference books, and Em la-Binah in particular will be examined in order to answer the question of how Zacuto’s strategy for commonplace learning worked in a Lurianic textbook in progress.
First reports of the sexual morphs of Diaporthe forlicesenica nom. nov. and Diaporthe goulteri (Diaporthaceae, Diaporthales) revealed by molecular phylogenetics
Authors: BUNDHUN DIGVIJAYINI , SENANAYAKE INDUNIL C. , JAYAWARDENA RUVISHIKA S. , CAMPORESI ERIO , HUANG YINGHUA , DONG ZHANGYONG , HYDE KEVIN D. , TO-ANUN CHAIWAT , CHEEWANGKOON RATCHADAWAN
Published: August 2021

Diaporthe forlicesenica nom. nov. is proposed for D. dorycnii Dissan., Camporesi & K.D. Hyde, a later homonym of D. dorycnii (Mont.) Sacc. Diaporthe forlicesenica as well as the species D. goulteri have so far only been described in their asexual morphs. In this study, the sexual morphs for these species are recovered for the first time, from the dead branches of Cytisus sp. in Italy and from an unknown host in Thailand. The asexual-sexual morph connections of the species are confirmed by DNA sequence based phylogenetic analyses including the ITS, tef1, tub2 and his loci, supported by morphology. Detailed descriptions, illustrations and molecular data for the taxa are provided.
Synopsis of the genus Bothriochloa (Poaceae: Andropogoneae) in India
Authors: LANDGE SHAHID NAWAZ , SHINDE RAJENDRA D.
Published: August 2021

During the taxonomic study of the genus Bothriochloa from India, B. ewartiana was reported for the first time in Asia from India. Earlier, it was known only from Australia, Lesser Sunda Island (Sumbawa, Timor), Philippines (Luzon), and Papua New Guinea (Madang). We have discussed about its amphitropical disjunct distribution over a vast continental gap with respect to some variability reported in the morphological attributes. A hypothesis behind its seclusion from Far East is also discussed. The images of the habitat and habit of B. ewartiana along with its detailed comparison with a close species B. woodrovii are provided. The taxonomic limits of each Indian species of Bothriochloa along with their ranges of morphological variations and distribution have been discussed in a detail. The Indian endemic B. parameswaranii (synonym nova) has been relegated, based on the morphological study, as a new taxonomic synonym of B. insculpta. Moreover, keys to identify closely allied genera and the species of Bothriochloa in India are provided. At the end, identification, taxonomic notes and the range of variations of Dichanthium foulkesii, D. jainii & D. concanense have been discussed in a detail.
An update on the distribution and affinities of Cyathea ruttenbergii (Cyatheaceae, Polypodiopsida)
Authors: TEJEDOR ADRIAN , ARECES-BERAZAIN FABIOLA
Published: August 2021

N/A
Affectionate remittances: Materialism and care in Filipino transnational families in Japan
Authors: McCallum Derrace Garfield
Published: August 2021

In this article, the author interrogates how Filipino transnational families in Japan circulate love and care through material exchanges and economic transactions. Specifically, the author explains how and why the Filipino traditions of gift-giving and the sending of balikbayan boxes are closely linked to the creation, embodiment and maintenance of familial ties and belonging, despite geographical dispersion. Also, the article shows how the parenting of children is not a dichotomous process between parents and children, but rather, is a wider process of care circulation undertaken by the entire family unit. The rich narratives presented are drawn from a larger multi-sited ethnographic study that was conducted in Japan and the Philippines with migrants and their family members.
Examining the Factor Structure of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 in a Turkish Sample: The Factor Structure of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3
Authors: Yılmaz Koğar Esin
Published: August 2021

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the factor structure of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3) in a Turkey sample and to determine measurement invariance of the ASI-3 across gender and age groups. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed on four different models to determine the best fit model for the structure. After the best structure was determined, different models were tested for measurement invariance across gender and age groups. To determine the reliability of the ASI-3, the hierarchical omega coefficient and correlations between the scores obtained from different scales for convergent validity were calculated. It has been determined that the bifactor model is the model that best fits the data, and this model shows invariance across gender and age groups. Besides, evidence regarding the reliability and convergent validity of the ASI-3 was also provided in the study. Current findings show that anxiety sensitivity consists of a general factor (anxiety sensitivity) and three independent specific factors (physical, cognitive, and social concerns). It was concluded that the general factor of anxiety sensitivity constitutes a dominant factor and special factors have a relatively low effect on explaining the structure. Considering the dominance of the general factor, it is recommended to use the ASI-3 total score as a measure of general anxiety sensitivity.
Pott’s Puffy Tumor
Authors: Tibesar Robert J. , Azhdam Ariel M. , Borrelli Michela
Published: August 2021

Pott’s puffy tumor is a potential complication of acute frontal sinusitis, characterized by subperiosteal abscess and osteomyelitis of the frontal bone. It can be managed with a combination of open and endoscopic sinus surgery and intravenous antibiotic therapy. In the current report, a 15-year-old male presented with a classic case of Pott’s puffy tumor which was managed with bilateral ethmoidectomies, frontal sinusotomies, and frontal sinus trephination, resulting in discharge on intravenous antibiotic therapy and subsequent complete resolution of symptoms.