bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of visualization on judgment and decision-making: a systematic literature review
Authors: Eberhard Karin
Published: August 2021

The visualization of information is a widely used tool to improve comprehension and, ultimately, decision-making in strategic management decisions as well as in a diverse array of other domains. Across social science research, many findings have supported this rationale. However, empirical results vary significantly in terms of the variables and mechanisms studied as well as their resulting conclusion. Despite the ubiquity of information visualization with modern software, there is little effort to create a comprehensive understanding of the powers and limitations of its use. The purpose of this article is therefore to review, systematize, and integrate extant research on the effects of information visualization on decision-making and to provide a future research agenda with a particular focus on the context of strategic management decisions. The study shows that information visualization can improve decision quality as well as speed, with more mixed effects on other variables, for instance, decision confidence. Several moderators such as user and task characteristics have been investigated as part of this interaction, along with cognitive aspects as mediating processes. The article presents integrative insights based on research spanning multiple domains across the social and information sciences and provides impulses for prospective applications in the realm of managerial decision-making.
Predisposing conditions for bacterial meningitis in children: what radiologists need to know
Authors: Masuoka Sota , Miyazaki Osamu , Takahashi Hiroaki , Tsutsumi Yoshiyuki , Hiyama Takashi , Kitamura Masayuki , Okamoto Reiko , Miyasaka Mikiko , Minami Manabu , Nosaka Shunsuke
Published: August 2021

A variety of underlying diseases can predispose infants and children to bacterial meningitis (BM). For the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of its recurrence, radiologists should be familiar with its predisposing conditions so that they can suggest the appropriate imaging approach. Predisposing conditions of BM can be broadly classified into two categories: infection spread from the adjacent tissue to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space and immunodeficiency. Diseases in the former category are further divided according to regardless of whether there is a structural defect between the CSF space and the adjacent tissue. When a structural defect is suspected in a patient with BM, computed tomography (CT) of the head and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are first-line imaging examinations. Radionuclide cisternography should be implemented as a second-line step to identify the CSF leak site. In patients with suspected parameningeal infection without any structural defect, such as sinusitis or otitis media/mastoiditis, CT or MR images can identify not only the disease itself but also the associated intracranial complications. The purpose of this article is to discuss the diagnostic approach and imaging findings associated with the variety of conditions predisposing patients to recurrent BM, focusing on the role of radiology in their management.
It’s the Weather: Quantifying the Impact of Weather on Retail Sales
Authors: Rose Natalie , Dolega Les
Published: August 2021

The weather is considered as an influential factor on consumer purchasing behaviours and plays a significant role in many aspects of retail sector decision making. As a result, better understanding of the magnitude and nature of the influence of variable UK weather conditions can be beneficial to many retailers and other stakeholders. This study addresses the dearth of research in this area by quantifying the relationship between different weather conditions and trading outcomes. By employing comprehensive daily sales data for a major high street retailer with over 2000 stores across England and adopting a random forest methodology, the study quantifies the influence of various weather conditions on daily retail sales. Results indicate that weather impact is greatest in the summer and spring months and that wind is consistently found to be the most influential weather condition. The top five most weather-dependent categories cover a range of different product types, with health foods emerging as the most susceptible to the weather. Also, sales from out-of-town stores show a far more complex relationship with the weather than those from traditional high street stores with the regions London and the South East experiencing the greatest levels of influence. Various implications of these findings for retail stakeholders are discussed and the scope for further research outlined.
Comparative analysis of allele variation using allele frequencies according to sample size in Korean population
Authors: Park Hyun-Chul , Ahn Eu-Ree , Shin Sang-Cheul
Published: August 2021

Background

Allele frequency using short tandem repeats (STRs) is used to calculate likelihood ratio for database match, to interpret DNA mixture and to estimate ethnic groups in forensic genetics. In Korea, three population studies for 23 STR loci have been conducted with different sample size for forensic purposes.

Objective

We performed comparative analysis to determine how the difference of sample size affects the allele frequency and allele variation within same ethnic population (i.e. Korean). Furthermore, this study was conducted to check how the sampling group and multiplex kit also affect allele variation such as rare alleles and population specific alleles.

Methods

To compare allele variation, we used allele frequencies of three population data published from three Korean forensic research groups. Allele frequencies were calculated using different sample sizes and multiplex kits: 526, 1000, and 2000 individuals, respectively.

Results

The results showed the different distribution of allele frequencies in some loci. There was also a difference in the number of rare alleles observed by the sample size and sampling bias. In particular, an allele of 9.1 in the D2S441 locus was not observed in population study with 526 individuals due to multiplex kits.

Conclusion

Because the allele frequencies play an important role in forensic genetics, even if the samples are derived from the same population, it is important to consider the effects of sample size, sampling bias, and selection of multiplex kits in population studies.
YKL-40 protein expression in human tumor samples and human tumor cell line xenografts: implications for its use in tumor models
Authors: Böckelmann Lukas Clemens , Felix Theresa , Calabrò Simona , Schumacher Udo
Published: August 2021

Background

YKL-40, also known as non-enzymatic chitinase-3 like-protein-1 (CHI3L1), is a glycoprotein expressed and secreted mainly by inflammatory cells and tumor cells. Accordingly, several studies demonstrated elevated YKL-40 serum levels in cancer patients and found YKL-40 to be correlated with a poor prognosis and disease severity in some tumor entities. YKL-40 was suggested to be involved in angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling. As yet, however, its precise biological function remains elusive.

Methods

As YKL-40 protein expression has only been investigated in few malignancies, we employed immunohistochemical detection in a large multi-tumor tissue microarray consisting of 2,310 samples from 72 different tumor entities. In addition, YKL-40 protein expression was determined in primary mouse xenograft tumors derived from human cancer cell lines.

Results

YKL-40 could be detected in almost all cancer entities and was differently expressed depending on tumor stage and subtype (e.g., thyroid cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer and ovarian cancer). While YKL-40 was absent in in vitro grown human cancer cell lines, YKL-40 expression was upregulated in xenograft tumor tissues in vivo.

Conclusions

These data provide new insights into YKL-40 expression at the protein level in various tumor entities and its regulation in tumor models. Our data suggest that upregulation of YKL-40 expression is a common feature in vivo and is finely regulated by tumor cell-microenvironment interactions.
Post-processing of biochars to enhance plant growth responses: a review and meta-analysis
Authors: Thomas Sean C.
Published: August 2021

A number of processes for post-production treatment of “raw” biochars, including leaching, aeration, grinding or sieving to reduce particle size, and chemical or steam activation, have been suggested as means to enhance biochar effectiveness in agriculture, forestry, and environmental restoration. Here, I review studies on post-production processing methods and their effects on biochar physio-chemical properties and present a meta-analysis of plant growth and yield responses to post-processed vs. “raw” biochars. Data from 23 studies provide a total of 112 comparisons of responses to processed vs. unprocessed biochars, and 103 comparisons allowing assessment of effects relative to biochar particle size; additional 8 published studies involving 32 comparisons provide data on effects of biochar leachates. Overall, post-processed biochars resulted in significantly increased average plant growth responses 14% above those observed with unprocessed biochar. This overall effect was driven by plant growth responses to reduced biochar particle size, and heating/aeration treatments. The assessment of biochar effects by particle size indicates a peak at a particle size of 0.5–1.0 mm. Biochar leachate treatments showed very high heterogeneity among studies and no average growth benefit. I conclude that physiochemical post-processing of biochar offers substantial additional agronomic benefits compared to the use of unprocessed biochar. Further research on post-production treatments effects will be important for biochar utilization to maximize benefits to carbon sequestration and system productivity in agriculture, forestry, and environmental restoration.
Tire abrasion particles negatively affect plant growth even at low concentrations and alter soil biogeochemical cycling
Authors: Leifheit Eva F. , Kissener Hanna L. , Faltin Erik , Ryo Masahiro , Rillig Matthias C.
Published: August 2021

Tire particles (TPs) are a major source of microplastic on land, and considering their chemical composition, they represent a potential hazard for the terrestrial environment. We studied the effects of TPs at environmentally relevant concentrations along a wide concentration gradient (0–160 mg g−1) and tested the effects on plant growth, soil pH and the key ecosystem process of litter decomposition and soil respiration. The addition of TPs negatively affected shoot and root growth already at low concentrations. Tea litter decomposition slightly increased with lower additions of TPs but decreased later on. Soil pH increased until a TP concentration of 80 mg g−1 and leveled off afterwards. Soil respiration clearly increased with increasing concentration of added TPs. Plant growth was likely reduced with starting contamination and stopped when contamination reached a certain level in the soil. The presence of TPs altered a number of biogeochemical soil parameters that can have further effects on plant performance. Considering the quantities of yearly produced TPs, their persistence, and toxic potential, we assume that these particles will eventually have a significant impact on terrestrial ecosystems.
The outcomes of sexting for children and adolescents: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Doyle Caoimhe , Douglas Ellen , O'Reilly Gary
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Given associated risks, sexting among children and adolescents has yielded significant interest in recent years. Several previous reviews have examined data on the prevalence, determinants, and correlates of sexting behaviour, however, in an ever‐changing digital media context, a comprehensive overview of findings regarding its outcomes is warranted. This novel review aimed to systematically identify and conduct a narrative synthesis of empirical evidence regarding the outcomes of sexting involvement for children and adolescents.

Methods

Four databases were searched for peer‐reviewed literature on sexting, and 54 articles were identified for inclusion in the review. The quality of included studies was appraised using Dixon‐Woods et al. (2006) five question prompts.

Results

Four ‘outcomes’ categories were derived, namely, psychological (victimisation; sexual abuse/victimisation; mental health and quality of life; and emotional outcomes), behavioural (sexual activity, risk behaviours, and perpetration of abuse and harassment), relational (personal connections with others & reputational outcomes), and systems‐level (distribution/public exposure of sexting content).

Conclusions

Findings indicate that the outcomes of sexting for children and adolescents (aged ≤19 years) are wide‐ranging, some positive and desirable, others negative and unwanted. Furthermore, identified outcomes were located along a continuum spanning benefits for adolescents’ well‐being and relationships, stigma and associated difficulties, and serious harm or trauma. Limitations (e.g., methodological constraints of studies) and implications (e.g., informing harm prevention/intervention initiatives; further large‐scale and replication studies) are discussed within.
Conservative management of acute appendicitis in the era of COVID 19: A multicenter prospective observational study at the United Arab Emirates
Authors: AL Hashmi Fatima Y. , Al Zuabi Abeer , Hachim Ibrahim Yaseen , Mannaerts Guido H.H. , Bekdache Omar
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT

Background & Aims:

Since its emergence in December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a profound impact on the health care system worldwide. We propose herein to evaluate the impact of implementing conservative management as an alternative approach to surgical appendectomy during COVID19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods:

Our study is a prospective multicenter study that includes a cohort of 158 patients admitted to the surgical departments in both Tawam Hospital and SSMC hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE, from February 2020 till July 2020.

Results:

Our results showed a significant decrease in length of hospital stay (LOS) (2.32 ± 0.83 days) among conservatively treated group compared to the surgically treated group (2.8 ± 1.47 days). Also, short term follow-up showed that 90% of those patients did not require further operative intervention or developed complications. Out of the 110 patients that were swapped for COVID19, nine (8.18%) were confirmed to be positive. Our protocol was to avoid surgical management for COVID19 positive patients unless indicated. This resulted in (8/9) of COVID19 positive patients to be treated conservatively.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, our results showed that the implementation of conservative management in treating patients with acute appendicitis who were COVID19 positive maybe essential in reducing viral transmission risks as well as avoiding operative risks on COVID19 positive patients.

Highlights
Long term follow-up of functional outcome after flexor tendon injury zone II repaired using unhas suture: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Saleh Ruksal M. , Yurianto Henry , Halim Kerwin , Fahmi Sufandi , Putra Luky Tandio
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT

Background:

One of the most common cases seen in hand injury is the flexor tendon injury. It may affect the activity of the patient's daily living especially in Zone 2 classified by Kleinert and Verdan. Flexor tendon injury management is challenging to give a good functional outcome after the tendon repair.

Method:

This cross-sectional study took place in Wahidin Sudirohusodo General Hospital, South Sulawesi, from January 2011 to January 2020. A total of 13 subjects and a total of 20 tendons were repaired using Unhas suture. The patients were assessed using Buck-Gramcko II score, Patient Evaluation Measurement Questionnaire, and Hand Grip Strength using a hand dynamometer.

Result:

A total of 20 tendons injured were followed up from 33 to 112 months after surgery (mean: 80.3 ± 8.2 months). According to Buck-Gramcko Score, four tendons classified as excellent, four tendons classified as very good, eight tendons classified as good, and four tendons classified as fair with a range of 8–16 (mean: 13.10 ± 2.38). None are classified as poor in this study. The 13 subjects were then asked to fill the Patient Evaluation Measurement Questionnaire, and a score of 71.43–91.84% was obtained (mean: 79.59 ± 4.84). The measurement using hand dynamometer had a mean of 72.2% of handgrip strength, with a handgrip deficit of 28%.

Conclusion:

Unhas suture may provide an excellent functional outcome according to Buck-Gramcko Score and Patient Evaluation Measure Questionnaire with a low complication rate in patients with flexor tendon injury zone II.

Highlights
Spinal anesthesia for a preeclamptic patient with HELLP syndrome in the resource-limited area: A case report
Authors: Hailu Seyoum , Milkias Mesay , Girma Timsel
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction and importance:

Thrombocytopenia is a known clinical presentation as many studies revealed around 1% of pregnant ladies were found to have a platelet count below 100 × 109/L. The cut-off value for the administration of neuraxial anesthesia in thrombocytopenic mothers is still unclear. This case report aims to explain the anesthetic management of a case with an indication for emergency hysterotomy.

Case presentation:

A 35 years old woman (94 kg, 150 cm Gravida1, Para 0) 25 weeks parturient was presented with headache and epigastric pain of 03 days duration. A decision to terminate the pregnancy was reached. The patient was obese (BMI = 41.7kg/m2) and all airway parameters indicate anticipated difficult airway, in addition to this she had a history of productive cough of 04 days duration and short NPO time, so considering all these risks we proceeded with spinal anesthesia.

Clinical discussion:

Update data about the anesthetic management of a mother with HELLP syndrome who planned for a cesarean section is not clear regarding the best approach. Clinicians must be aware of signs and symptoms of subarachnoid hematoma and be ready for intervention when spinal anesthesia is to be chosen.

Conclusion:

Fine-needle spinal anesthesia for a parturient that has HELLP syndrome has less incidence of subarachnoid hematoma, considering that ongoing postoperative follow-up should be there as we did in our case.

Highlights
When the oncology prosthesis is the solution? A case series from a single tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bobseit Abdulrahman H. , Khan Mahbub Ahmad , Alsaleh Nasser S. , Alhamdan Abdullah A.
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT

Background and aim:

The advancement of prosthesis technology in recent years has enabled surgeons to replace entire limbs. In recent years, surgeons have implanted mega-prosthesis in non-oncological conditions such as acute trauma with severe bone loss and poor bone quality; post-traumatic implant failures; significant bone loss during prosthesis revision; and periprosthetic fractures indicating implant revision. There is a paucity of literature on the treatment of traumatic bone defects or recurrent nonunion. The literature is more focused on patient and limb survival and complications than on postoperative functional outcome. The purpose of this study is to assess the functional outcome of oncology prostheses in non-oncology patients using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system.

Materials and methods:

This is a case series study of 21 patients who had megaprosthetic surgery at a single tertiary center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between 2015 and 2019. All non-oncology cases with oncology prostheses, such as post-traumatic, revision arthroplasty, and reconstructable joint, were included in the study. Oncology and arthrodesis cases were excluded from the study. 10 cases were included in the study because they met our criteria, 5 cases were lost to follow-up, 5 cases were excluded due to the criteria mentioned above, and 1 case expired. Our study used the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system to assess the functional outcome of such cases with a minimum follow-up of 1 year post-operatively and a second assessment on the 2 nd year post-operatively.

Results:

Our findings indicate that 70% of our patients are from the male group, with a mean age of 47.42 for the male group and 67.33 for the female group (P ≤ 0.05). Two years after the procedure, the use of MSTS scoring system resulted in a statistical significance (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion:

Our study showed that the mega-prosthesis has a legitimate role in cases where patients have remarkable functional outcomes after two years follow up.

Highlights
Challenges of Hospital Disaster Risk Management: A Systematic Review Study
Authors: Azarmi Somayeh , Pishgooie Amir Hosein , Sharififar Simintaj , Khankeh Hamid Reza , Hejrypour Seyyed Ziya
Published: August 2021

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the challenges of hospital disaster risk management so that it can take a step to provide strategies and interventions to remove these barriers and improve the hospital disaster risk management (HDRM) through identifying and introducing them to disaster experts.

Methods:

This is a systematic qualitative review study. Data sources included Persian and international databases, which were searched using the keywords of hospital, disaster, risk management, risk reduction, disaster and challenge, and the combination of them. The search period ranged from January 2010 to January 2020. Data were extracted by 2 independent examiners for qualitative thematic analysis.

Results:

A total of 762 articles and documents were recovered. Finally, 12 articles entered the study, including 7 studies from Asia, 2 articles from Europe, 2 articles from the United States, and 1 article about Africa. After thematic analysis, 17 sub-themes were achieved and were classified into 4 subjects of technical-physical barriers, organizational-managerial barriers, financial barriers, and human barriers. All articles have not discussed on all categories.

Conclusions:

The results of evaluating the challenges of hospital disaster risk management gained from this study can be beneficial in developing a roadmap to improve the status of HDRM.
From employee creativity to leader empowering behaviors: the roles of supervisor–subordinate guanxi and supervisor–subordinate similarity
Authors: Cai Wenjun , Song Jun , He Changqing , Wang Dongdong , Yang Xuanjin
Published: August 2021

Although employee creativity has been identified to promote organizational competitiveness, its effect on leader empowering behaviors remains underexplored. This study investigated the underlying mechanism and boundary condition under which employee creativity influences leader empowering behaviors. Drawn on social exchange theory and similarity-attraction theory, this study developed a moderated-mediation model in which supervisor–subordinate guanxi serves as the intervening mechanism and supervisor–subordinate similarity serves as a boundary condition influencing this relationship. Using three-wave, time-lagged survey data collected from 309 supervisor–subordinate dyads, this study found that supervisor–subordinate guanxi mediates the relationship between employee creativity and leader empowering behaviors, and that this relationship is stronger when supervisor–subordinate similarity is high rather than low. Finally, theoretical and practical implications were discussed.
WIGGLE-MATCH DATING OF A FLOATING OAK CHRONOLOGY FROM AN EARLY IRON AGE GRAVE CONSTRUCTION (ERESZTVÉNYI FOREST, FEHÉRVÁRCSURGÓ, HUNGARY)
Authors: Kern Z , Jungbert B , Morgós A , Molnár M , Horváth E
Published: August 2021

Archaeological excavations unearthed three burial mounds between 1983 and 1986 at Fehérvárcsurgó (Hungary). Based on the archaeological determination the site was dated to the Early Iron Age. A complex wooden architecture was observed in the largest tumulus containing inner and outer beam constructions separated by stone blocks. Dendrochronological and radiocarbon (14C) analyses were performed on conserved logs (n=5) to constrain the felling date of the timber, identified as oak, and the construction period of the tumuli. The four longest ringwidth series were synchronized providing a 153-yr-long floating chronology. Five blocks were removed from the cross sections and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) 14C analysis was performed on the separated α-cellulose. A wiggle-matching procedure was employed as the 14C ages were in agreement with their relative position in the tree-ring sequence and concurred with the expected archaeological period. The calibrated age range of the last extant ring is 747–707 cal BC (95.4%). The earliest possible felling date of the trees used in the construction was between 735 and 695 BC considering the missing sapwood. This is the first 14C dated tree-ring width chronology from the Early Iron Age in Hungary providing a valuable reference for dendroarchaeological studies along the eastern border of the Hallstatt Culture.
Biological responses of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) to sub-lethal concentrations of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Kheradmand Katayoon , Heidari Mahmoud , Sedaratian-Jahromi Amin , Talaei-Hassanloui Reza , Havasi Mohammadreza
Published: August 2021

Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) is one of the most important pests of agricultural crops with worldwide distribution causing considerable damage to different products. Application of chemical acaricides is one of the most important strategies used for the control of this pest. Entomopathogenic fungi, however, have been proposed as alternative control agents. In this study, sub-lethal effects (LC10 = 6.76 × 102, LC20 = 8.74 × 103, and LC30 = 55.38 × 103 conidia ml−1) of Beauveria bassiana strain TV on the life table parameters of T. urticae were evaluated under laboratory conditions. The results demonstrated that by increasing the concentration, a significant decline was observed in adult longevity of both male and female individuals. Total fecundity of T. urticae was calculated as 45.16, 36.28, 23.98, and 18.21 eggs in control, LC10, LC20, and LC30 treatments, respectively. Sub-lethal concentrations drastically affected the population parameters of this mite pest. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) ranged from 0.1983 to 0.1688 day−1 for the mites treated with distilled water and LC20 treatments, respectively. The net reproductive rate (R0) was affected by the sub-lethal concentrations (lower value at LC30 concentration: 11.19 offspring/individual). Considering the detrimental effects of B. bassiana on some biological parameters of T. urticae, it can be concluded that this product can be used to develop targeted interventions aimed at integrated pest management of this pest.
Bioefficacy, environmental safety and synergistic impacts of biorational formulations against whitefly, leafhopper and blister beetle in organic okra ecosystem
Authors: Singh Satyapriya , Yadav Gulab Singh , Das Anup , Das Biswajit , Devi Hidangmayum Lembisana , Raghuraman Mahadevan , Kumar Amit
Published: August 2021

Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius), leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida) and large yellow-banded blister beetle (Mylabris phalerata) cause considerable damage to okra, especially under organic farming. Thus, the present study was carried out to test the bioefficacy and environmental safety of six naturally derived components [indigenous water plant extracts, i.e. chilli (Capsicum annum), garlic (Allium sativum L.) and neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) along with cow urine in three different combinations, one commercial botanical (azadirachtin 0.15%), and two formulated entomopathogenic fungi (Verticillium lecanii and Beauveria bassiana)] on aforesaid pests for two consecutive years at field scale. In addition to this, the eco-toxicological effect of naturally derived components was also studied on natural enemies’ populations, viz. spiders and coccinellids. Quaternary mixture application of chilli, garlic, neem leaf and cow urine (CGNC) at 10% w/v was found effective in reducing leafhoppers (94.6%), whiteflies (95.2%) and blister beetle (94.6%) over control. Okra treated with CGNC produced a higher marketable fruit yield (18.44 mg/ha) than those of other treatments. It was also observed that the application of CGNC had no phytotoxic symptoms on okra plants. Application of CGNC was found safer to the natural enemy's population (spiders and coccinellids). Thus, the study suggests that CGNC can be considered as a potential source for managing the population of whitefly, leafhopper and blister beetle without affecting the ecology of natural enemies and it could be a viable eco-friendly option in organic okra production for ensuring food safety and healthy environment.
Epidemiology of Taenia solium infection in the Russian Federation in the last 20 years: a systematic review
Authors: Bobić B. , Ćirković V. , Klun I. , Štajner T. , Srbljanović J. , Bauman N. , Djurković-Djaković O.
Published: August 2021

Taenia solium is a zoonotic parasite that causes taeniasis and cysticercosis in humans (as final hosts) and cysticercosis in pigs (as intermediate hosts). The Russian Federation (RF) is traditionally considered as endemic for this zoonosis. However, the epidemiological data on T. solium infection have not been reviewed for the past 20 years, in which time dynamic economical and societal changes have occurred in the RF. The aim of this systematic review was to analyse the status of T. solium infection in RF in the 2000–2019 period. A literature search was conducted, which collected published articles, grey literature and official data on the epidemiology of T. solium taeniasis and cysticercosis in the RF published from 2000. From a total of 2021 articles and 24 official reports originally returned by the search, data were extracted from 12 full text articles and 11 official reports. Taenia solium taeniasis was continuously reported in the RF between 2000 and 2019, with a tenfold decrease in the incidence, from 0.2 per 100,000 population in 2000 to 0.023/100,000 in 2019. Also, the number of administrative units where taeniasis was detected continuously decreased. Cysticercosis in pigs had a declining trend after 2006. In conclusion, although decreasing, T. solium infection is still endemic in several regions and suspected to be endemic in most of the RF.
Treatment strategies for inverted papillomas with intracranial or intraorbital involvement
Authors: Spinos D , Kalamatianos T , Terzakis D , Piagkou M , Georgalas C
Published: August 2021

Objective

Sinonasal inverted papillomas are challenging benign tumours of the nasal cavity because of their high recurrence rates and the lifetime malignant transformation risk of 10 per cent as well as their locally aggressive behaviour. This study aimed to describe treatment strategies for inverted papillomas with intracranial or intraorbital involvement.

Method

This was a prospective case series study of 18 patients with inverted papilloma with intracranial or intraorbital involvement. Patient demographic data, imaging, pathology, surgical technique and recurrences were recorded prospectively over a period of seven years.

Results

A total of 83 per cent of the patients in this study had been previously operated on, consisting of 8 cases with intracranial involvement, 1 case with intraorbital involvement and 9 with both. During follow up with a medium of 37 months (range, 13–115 months) there were two recurrences.

Conclusion

It was postulated that intracranial or intraorbital involvement observed in this series was the result of multiple revisions. However, using accurate imaging protocols and the pedicle-oriented approach for tumour excision, complete tumour removal was achieved in most cases with minimal post-operative complications.
LeopardPanthera pardusdensity and survival in an ecosystem with depressed abundance of prey and dominant competitors
Authors: Vinks Milan A. , Creel Scott , Rosenblatt Elias , Becker Matthew S. , Schuette Paul , Goodheart Ben , Sanguinetti Carolyn , Banda Kambwiri , Chifunte Clive , Simukonda Chuma
Published: August 2021

The leopardPanthera pardusis in range-wide decline, and many populations are highly threatened. Prey depletion is a major cause of global carnivore declines, but the response of leopard survival and density to this threat is unclear: by reducing the density of a dominant competitor (the lionPanthera leo) prey depletion could create both costs and benefits for subordinate competitors. We used capture–recapture models fitted to data from a 7-year camera-trap study in Kafue National Park, Zambia, to obtain baseline estimates of leopard population density and sex-specific apparent survival rates. Kafue is affected by prey depletion, and densities of large herbivores preferred by lions have declined more than the densities of smaller herbivores preferred by leopards. Lion density is consequently low. Estimates of leopard density were comparable to ecosystems with more intensive protection and favourable prey densities. However, our study site is located in an area with good ecological conditions and high levels of protection relative to other portions of the ecosystem, so extrapolating our estimates across the Park or into adjacent Game Management Areas would not be valid. Our results show that leopard density and survival within north-central Kafue remain good despite prey depletion, perhaps because (1) prey depletion has had weaker effects on preferred leopard prey compared to larger prey preferred by lions, and (2) the density of dominant competitors is consequently low. Our results show that the effects of prey depletion can be more complex than uniform decline of all large carnivore species, and warrant further investigation.
LESS CARE, MORE STRESS: A RHYTHMIC POEM FROM THE ROMAN EMPIRE
Authors: Whitmarsh Tim
Published: August 2021

This article considers a short text that was widely circulated in the mid- Roman Empire, in both a four-line and a six-line version, usually on gemstones. The text is a poem of sorts, but of a quite distinctive type. Part of it can be scanned according to the rules of classical (quantitative) metre, but more striking is the consistent rhythmic (stressed) pattern. Stressed poetry is not otherwise attested so early; this text may point to a substrate, now largely hidden from view, of popular verse that preceded the metrical revolutions of late antiquity and the Byzantine world. The poem is also a piece of visual artistry, designed to be looked at (particularly in its gemstone format). This hybrid status, between high art and popular culture, can also be detected in the content of the poem, which gestures towards both the poetics of intellectual elitism (using intertextual allusion, and dismissing the views of the masses) and a level of sexually aggressive assertion of embodied selfhood. It is a valuable witness to a form of middling literature (and a middling demographic), caught between aspirations to elite-style individuality and the mimetic imperative of an empire-wide consumer culture.
Emotional Distraction by Constant Finger Tapping
Authors: Ozawa Sachiyo , Yoshimoto Hiromasa , Okanoya Kazuo , Hiraki Kazuo
Published: August 2021

Abstract. This study examined the effects of emotional distraction in the context of recalling stressful interpersonal events in daily life. Previous studies have revealed that distraction decreases unpleasant emotions. In this study, we examined whether distraction tasks decrease unpleasant task-related thoughts in addition to unpleasant emotions. Furthermore, to investigate the implicit effects of emotional changes, we examined changes in pupil size in relation to unpleasant emotions and task-unrelated thoughts (TUT). The behavioral tasks were administered to 21 university students ( Mage = 21.24 ± 2.93 years; range: 18–30 years). After excluding participants for poor data quality, 16 (21.31 ± 3.34 years; 18–30 years) were included for further pupil data analysis. As an emotion induction procedure, participants were asked to freely recall memories of stressful interpersonal events in their daily lives and were given a series of questions about their recalled memories, which were presented on the monitor. In the following distraction experiment, questions during the emotion induction procedure were represented as emotional stimulation; a distraction task (non-constant or constant finger tapping) or rest condition was then performed; subsequently, ratings were given for attentional state, thought types conceived during the tasks, and emotional state. Upon analysis, differences in the ratings for unpleasant emotion and TUT were non-significant between all conditions. Nevertheless, pupil dilation in the non-constant and constant conditions was associated with decreased unpleasant emotions ( p < .05; p < .05 to .01). More importantly, pupil dilation was associated with decreased unpleasant TUT ( p < .05) only in the constant condition. Although the observed effects were subtle, we found that constant finger tapping decreased unpleasant emotions and TUT. It is expected for a future emotion regulation study to further investigate the effects in the relationships among emotions, thoughts, and physiological states, which can help in coping with unpleasant emotions.
Invalid Polar Cap Indices: Erroneous Scaling Parameters
Authors: Stauning Peter
Published: August 2021

In the publication Troshichev et al. (2006) (https://doi.org/10.1029/2005JA011402) on the polar cap (PC) indices, PCN and PCS, an error was made by using components of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) in their geocentric solar ecliptic (GSE) representation instead of the prescribed geocentric solar magnetospheric (GSM) representation for calculations of index scaling parameters. The mistake has caused a trail of incorrect relations and wrong conclusions extending since 2006 up to now (2020) which should be discontinued, for instance, by issuing a corrigendum note from the authors. The present contribution explains the error and discusses in an extended example its consequences for one of the publications that have referred to the invalid scaling parameter set. Further investigations reported here of the PC index versions recommended by the International Association for Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA) indicate occurrences of similar problems in the present derivation of index scaling parameters.
Influence of Atmospheric Blocking on Storm Track Activity Over the North Pacific During Boreal Winter
Authors: Yang Minghao , Luo Dehai , Li Chongyin , Yao Yao , Li Xin , Chen Xiong
Published: August 2021

The observed interannual impact of the North Pacific atmospheric blocking (PB) on the North Pacific storm track (PST) during boreal winter is investigated. There is a significant out‐of‐phase relationship between the intensities of PB and PST. The strong PB is accompanied by prominent geopotential height anomalies exhibiting a meridional dipole. PB‐related anomalous easterlies south of the anticyclonic anomaly reduce the low‐level atmospheric baroclinicity by weakening the upper‐level zonal wind, which may be responsible for the attenuated PST. The situations are opposite when PB is weak but with relatively weak magnitudes. However, the intensified PST associated with weak PB may not be determined by the strengthened baroclinicity. Additionally, by diagnosing the energy budget, the contribution of energy conversion from background available potential energy to the altered eddy available potential energy (EAPE) can be elucidated. PB‐related anomalous baroclinic energy conversion from EAPE to eddy kinetic energy (EKE) largely explains the altered EKE.
Statistical Study of Whistler‐Mode Waves and Expected Pitch Angle Diffusion Rates During Dispersionless Electron Injections
Authors: Ghaffari R. , Cully C. M. , Gabrielse C.
Published: August 2021

Energetic electron injections can generate or amplify electromagnetic waves such as whistler‐mode waves. These waves can resonantly interact with available particles to affect their equatorial pitch angle. This process can be considered as a diffusion that scatters particles into the loss cone. This study investigates whistler‐mode wave generation in conjunction with electron injections using in situ wave measurements by the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms mission during 2011–2020. We characterize the whistler‐mode wave behavior associated with 733 selected dispersionless electron injections and dipolarizing flux bundles (DFBs). We observe intense wave activity and strong diffusion associated with only the top 5% and 10% of the selected injection events, respectively. We also study the wave activity when there is a sharp rise in the northward component of the magnetic field around the injection time (DFBs). In this case, the generated wave powers increase, and the power change is at least two times greater than non‐DFB injections.
New Insights Into Error Decomposition for Precipitation Products
Authors: Zhang Yuhang , Ye Aizhong , Nguyen Phu , Analui Bita , Sorooshian Soroosh , Hsu Kuolin
Published: August 2021

It is very important to quantify errors of precipitation estimation products. However, the existing methods do not describe all error components and are therefore not comprehensive enough. In this study, we propose a four‐component error decomposition method (4CED) that decomposes the total errors of precipitation products into four independent parts: hit positive bias, hit negative bias, false bias, and missed bias. And we use it to evaluate the performance of the three latest satellite precipitation products in the eastern monsoon region of China. Our study reveals 4CED has apparent improvements compared with the previous method. Results also provide new insights for tracking error sources and quantifying the error magnitudes of precipitation products. Moreover, the proposed 4CED can be extended to different spatial and temporal scales. Our new method will not only contribute to product upgrades, but also provide guidance for potential applications.
A Bird’s‐Eye View on Ambient Infrasonic Soundscapes
Authors: den Ouden Olivier F. C. , Smets Pieter S. M. , Assink Jelle D. , Evers Läslo G.
Published: August 2021

A method is introduced to reconstruct microbarom soundscapes in absolute values. The soundscapes are compared to remote infrasound recordings from infrasound array I23FR (Kerguelen Island) and in situ recordings by the INFRA‐EAR, a biologger deployed near the Crozet Islands. The reconstruction method accounts for all‐acoustic contributions, divided into evanescent microbaroms (detectable directly above the source) and propagating microbaroms (detectable over long ranges). It is computed by integrating acoustic intensities over the ocean surface, convolved with the transfer function quantifying the propagation losses and propagation time. The reconstructed soundscapes are found within 2.7 dB for of the measurements in the microbarom band of 0.1–0.3 Hz. Infrasonic soundscapes are essential for understanding the ambient infrasonic noise field and are a basic need for applications, such as atmospheric remote sensing, natural hazard monitoring, and verification of the Comprehensive Nuclear‐Test‐Ban Treaty.
Muon Tomography of Charged Structures in the Atmospheric Electric Field
Authors: Chilingarian A. , Hovsepyan G. , Zazyan M.
Published: August 2021

We compare simulations of muon traversal in the atmosphere and observation of the muon flux made on the Earth's surface to reveal the relation of the muon flux changes to the charge structure of the lower part of the thundercloud. The results show that the changes in the muon flux during large thunderstorm ground enhancements (TGEs) reveal the charge configurations of the cloud, namely a large negative electric field in the lower part of the cloud and an inverted dipole. Cosmic ray muons do not originate particle avalanches in the thunderclouds, like electrons. However, in the thundercloud, the positive and negative muons are decelerated or accelerated according to the sign of the intracloud electric field. Due to the charge asymmetry of the muon flux (excess of positive muons over negative), the total number of muons and muon charge ratio also changes.
Mind the Gap: New Precise 14C Data Indicate the Nature of Extreme Solar Particle Events
Authors: Usoskin Ilya G. , Kovaltsov Gennady A.
Published: August 2021

Extreme solar particle events of 775 CE, 994 CE, and 660 BCE are nearly two orders of magnitude stronger than those observed instrumentally. Because of the large observational gap between directly measured and historical events, it was unclear whether they can be produced by the Sun “normally” or from an unknown phenomenon. Recent works by Miyake et al. (2021, doi: https://doi.org/10.1029/2021GL093419) and Brehm et al. (2021, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-020-00674-0) start filling the gap with weaker yet extreme events approaching the detectability threshold. More such events are expected to be found in the future but the present result, if confirmed, would imply that the extreme solar events likely represent the high‐energy/low‐probability tail of the continuous distribution of solar eruptive events rather than a new unknown type of events. However, more statistic is needed for a solid conclusion. This would lead to better understanding of the processes producing such events that is important for their risk assessments for the modern technology.
Migration of the Northern Boundary of the East Asian Summer Monsoon Over the Last 21,000 years
Authors: Wu Beilei , Lang Xianmei , Jiang Dabang
Published: August 2021

Investigating the past evolution of the northern boundary of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) is important in understanding the East Asian climate of the past, present, and future. In this study, using a set of transient simulations from TraCE‐21ka, we investigate the migration of the EASM northern boundary over eastern China via three metrics and its responses to individual external forcings during the last 21,000 years. The northern boundary was located farther southeastward from 21 ka to 18 ka and more northwestward since 15 ka compared with the present boundary. For two key time slices, the boundary exhibited a southeastward migration ranging from 120 to 140 km in the last glacial maximum (LGM) and a 110–140 km northwestward shift in the mid‐Holocene relative to the present boundary. Temporally, the evolution of the boundary was characterized first by a poleward migration and then an equatorward shift from the LGM to the present, which was mainly driven by orbital insolation. This long‐term trend was punctuated by several millennial fluctuations in response to meltwater fluxes. The boundary migration during the LGM and the mid‐Holocene generally lies within the range of the multimodel results from the Paleoclimate Modeling Intercomparison Project Phase 4 (PMIP4). In terms of dynamic mechanisms, an orbitally induced increase of summer insolation led to an enhanced land‐sea thermal contrast between the East Asian continent and adjacent ocean and, in turn, intensified low‐level southerly winds, which facilitated the northwestward migration of the EASM northern boundary and more precipitation over eastern China. The boundary responses to the changing meltwater fluxes were similar but weak. Additionally, the EASM northern limit was closely linked to the forest‐steppe boundary. The reconstructed forest‐steppe boundary estimated from pollen records and the simulated EASM northern edge display spatially consistent positions, orientations, and change trends.