bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the impact of Apivar treatment on a Varroa mite population and the influence of resistance
Authors: Almecija Gabrielle , Poirot Benjamin , Ventelon Marie , Suppo Christelle
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Varroa destructor is a parasite of honeybees. It causes biological damage leading to the colony collapse in the absence of treatment. In recent years, acaricide resistance has emerged in Varroa mites, leading to a decrease in treatment efficacy. We modelled the action of Apivar (amitraz) treatment, using three input parameters: treatment duration, treatment period, and daily mortality due to the treatment. The output parameters were cumulative mite mortality during treatment, the residual number of Varroa mites, and treatment efficacy, expressed as a percentage.

RESULTS

The model was validated by monitoring efficacy in the field, in 36 treated hives. According to the model, treatment in the absence of brood is optimal. For a long period without egg laying during the winter, an initial infestation of 100 mites and a start date for treatment of August 7, a minimal treatment efficacy of 98.8% is required for stabilization of the mite population for year to year. More effective treatment is associated with lower cumulative numbers of dead Varroa mites over the entire treatment period. Thus, the total number of dead mites observed during the monitoring of field efficacy provides information about more than just the initial level of colony infestation. The proportion of resistant mites can be modelized by a decrease of daily mortality rate influencing treatment efficacy. Management of the initial Varroa mite infestation of the colony by the beekeeper can compensate for the decrease in treatment efficacy for resistance thresholds of up to 40% of resistant mites.

CONCLUSION

Treatment efficacy depends on several parameters, including initial level of infestation, treatment period and the presence of acaricide resistance. Amitraz resistance may lead to treatment failure, even if the beekeeper is able to keep initial infestation rates low. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
An innovation active set strategy reliability optimization method for cushioning design based on dynamic stress–strain curve
Authors: An Xue , Shi Dongyan
Published: November 2021

The uncertainty of cushioning volume in the process of manufacturing is the main cause of products damaged during transport. Many methods have been presented in protecting the products from damage. However, the uncertainty factors are still difficult to overcome in practical engineering. In order to handle those issues, an innovation active set strategy (IASS) reliability method with probabilistic constraints is proposed. This proposed method is tested through a packaging uncertainty problem, and the results obtained are compared with the modified reliability index approach (MRIA) by evaluating the probability constraints to demonstrate the cost‐effectiveness and efficiency. The results obtained have been indicated that the IASS not only solves the uncertainty problems in packaging engineering but also an efficient and faster reliability analysis method in the reliability‐based design optimization (RBDO) process without sacrificing numerical accuracy and stability. Furthermore, the proposed IASS provides a new design method for cushioning packaging design based on the dynamic stress–strain curve of cushioning material with minimum materials cost. In addition, the application of the RBDO methods to handle the uncertainty problems in packaging engineering has not been studied so far.
Multi‐scale affinities with missing data: Estimation and applications
Authors: Zhang Min , Mishne Gal , Chi Eric C.
Published: November 2021

Many machine learning algorithms depend on weights that quantify row and column similarities of a data matrix. The choice of weights can dramatically impact the effectiveness of the algorithm. Nonetheless, the problem of choosing weights has arguably not been given enough study. When a data matrix is completely observed, Gaussian kernel affinities can be used to quantify the local similarity between pairs of rows and pairs of columns. Computing weights in the presence of missing data, however, becomes challenging. In this paper, we propose a new method to construct row and column affinities even when data are missing by building off a co‐clustering technique. This method takes advantage of solving the optimization problem for multiple pairs of cost parameters and filling in the missing values with increasingly smooth estimates. It exploits the coupled similarity structure among both the rows and columns of a data matrix. We show these affinities can be used to perform tasks such as data imputation, clustering, and matrix completion on graphs.
Growth of 1D Nanorod Perovskite for Surface Passivation in FAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Jin , Liu Le , Chen Siqi , Qi Lu , Zhao Min , Zhao Chengjie , Tang Jin , Cai Xu , Lu Fushen , Jiu Tonggang
Published: November 2021

The regulation of perovskite crystallization and nanostructure have revolutionized the development of high‐performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs) in recent years. Yet the problem of stably passivating perovskite surface defects remains perplexing. The 1D perovskites possess superior physical properties compared with bulk crystals, such as excellent moisture stability, self‐healing property, and surface defects passivation. Here, 4‐chlorobenzamidine hydrochloride (CBAH) is developed as spacer to form orientationally crystallized nanorod‐like 1D perovskite on the top surface of 3D perovskite for surface passivation of FAPbI3 perovskite. Further structure characterizations indicate the coexistence of 1D–3D hybrid perovskite lattices in nanorod‐like perovskite passivation layer, which regulates the crystallization and morphology effectively and assists in promoting charge extraction, and suppressing charge recombination. As a result, the CBAH treated FAPbI3‐based PSCs exhibit a boosted power conversion efficiency of 21.95%. More importantly, the resultant unencapsulated devices display improved thermal, moisture, and illumination stability, and high reproducibility in terms of device performance. These results indicate the potential of organic halide salts for regulation of perovskite crystallization, offering a promising route of utilizing 1D perovskites nanorods in photovoltaic fields.
Soft‐Contact Acoustic Microgripper Based on a Controllable Gas–Liquid Interface for Biomicromanipulations
Authors: Zhou Yidi , Liu Jixiao , Yan Junjia , Guo Shijie , Li Tiejun
Published: November 2021

The manipulation of microscale bioentities is desired in many biological and biomedical applications. However, the potential unobservable damage to bioparticles due to rigid contact has always been a source of concern. Herein, a soft‐contact acoustic microgripper to handle microparticles to improve the interaction safety is introduced. The system takes advantage of the acoustic‐enhanced adhesion of flexible gas‐liquid interfaces to capture‐release, transport, and rotate the target, such as microbeads (20–65 µm) and zebrafish embryos (from 950 µm to 1.4 mm). The gas‐liquid interface generated at the tip of a microcapillary can be precisely controlled by a pneumatic pressure source. The gas‐liquid interface oscillation excited by acoustic energy imposes coupled radiation force and drag force on the microparticles, enabling multidimensional movements. Experiments with the microbeads are conducted to evaluate the claimed function and quantify the key parameters that influence the manipulation result. Additionally, 250 zebrafish embryos are captured, transported, and rotated. The hatching rate of the 250 manipulated embryos is approximately 98% similar to that of the nonmanipulated group, which proves the noninvasiveness of the method. The derived theories and experimental data indicate that the developed soft‐contact microgripper is functional and beneficial for biological and medical applications.
MOF Structure Engineering to Synthesize CoNC Catalyst with Richer Accessible Active Sites for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Gao Jiaojiao , Hu Yixuan , Wang Yu , Lin Xiaorong , Hu Kailong , Lin Xi , Xie Guoqiang , Liu Xingjun , Reddy Kolan Madhav , Yuan Qunhui , Qiu Hua‐Jun
Published: November 2021

Single‐atom cobalt‐based CoNC are promising low‐cost electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, further increasing the single cobalt‐based active sites and the ORR activity remain a major challenge. Herein, an acetate (OAc) assisted metal–organic framework (MOF) structure‐engineering strategy is developed to synthesize hierarchical accordion‐like MOF with higher loading amount and better spatial isolation of Co and much higher yield when compared with widely reported polyhedron MOF. After pyrolysis, the accordion‐structured CoNC (CoNC (A)) is loaded with denser CoN4 active sites (Co: 2.88 wt%), approximately twice that of Co in the CoNC reported. The presence of OAc in MOF also induces the generation of big pores (5–50 nm) for improving the accessibility of active sites and mass transfer during catalytic reactions. Consequently, the CoNC (A) catalyst shows an admirable ORR activity with a E1/2 of 0.89 V (40 mV better than Pt/C) in alkaline electrolytes, outstanding durability, and absolute tolerance to methanol in both alkaline and acidic media. The CoNC‐based Zn‐air battery exhibits a high specific capacity (976 mAh g−1Zn), power density (158 mW cm−2), rate capability, and long‐term stability. This work demonstrates a reliable approach to construct single atom doped carbon catalysts with denser accessible active sites through MOF structure engineering.
Growth and Degradation Kinetics of Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite Films Determined by In Situ Grazing‐Incidence X‐Ray Scattering Techniques
Authors: Wang Jian , Wang Weijia , Chen Yonghua , Song Lin , Huang Wei
Published: November 2021

Organic–inorganic halide perovskite (OIHP) solar cells hold a great promise for commercial breakthrough since their power conversion efficiency has been pushed beyond the mark of 25%, making them capable of competing with traditional crystalline silicon solar cells. The key to achieve efficient and stable perovskite solar cells is inherently related to the film morphology. The understanding of the kinetic processes of film formation and degradation opens up possibilities to tailor the film morphology via the regulation of precursor and processing parameters. In situ grazing‐incidence X‐ray scattering (GIXS) techniques allow for tracking the morphology evolution of thin films at different length scales and with high temporal resolution. In this review, the selected examples for application of in situ grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering and grazing‐incidence small‐angle X‐ray scattering techniques to the growth and stability of OIHPs are summarized after a brief introduction to both techniques, highlighting particularly the morphological evolution of perovskite films over time. Then the correlated mathematical models are reviewed to give a toolbox for analyzing the mechanisms of film formation and degradation. Thus, an overview on the in situ GIXS methods is linked to the research of OIHP kinetics.
Sclerite assembly, articulation and protective system of Lower Devonian machaeridians
Authors: Jacquet Sarah M. , Selly Tara , Schiffbauer James D. , Brock Glenn A.
Published: November 2021

Machaeridians are a unique group of Palaeozoic annelids that secreted a calcitic armour consisting of dorsally interlocking sclerites running along the entire length of the animal. Preserved remains are most commonly found as disarticulated sclerites, although rare articulated specimens have also been preserved as moulds, recrystallized calcite and even pyrite replacement. These preservational modes unfortunately have obscured direct observation of the dorsal interlocking hinge, thus impeding our understanding of the functional protection offered by this biological armour. Herein, we document and describe articulated silicified lepidocoleids (Lepidocoleus caliburnus sp. nov., Lepidocoleus shurikenus sp. nov. and Lepidocoleus sp.) in association with isolated sclerites of Lepidocoleus cf. kuangguoduni from the Lower Devonian (Pragian) Garra Formation of New South Wales, Australia. Articulated specimens include straight and enrolled scleritome configurations possessing opposing and alternate dorsal hinge articulation, respectively. Silicified scleritomes were analysed using x‐ray microtomography to investigate the three‐dimensional morphology, cross‐sectional geometry and dorsal hinge articulation and configuration of individual sclerites in the armour assembly. Virtual dissection of articulated specimens alongside reconstructions of isolated sclerites reveal distinctions in sclerite morphology across opposing and alternate articulation mechanisms, including a novel system not previously observed in lepidocoleids. The combination of heterogeneous sclerite cross‐sectional geometry with sclerite overlap also serves to maintain a uniform thickness of the armour assembly and presumably improve resistance to predatory attack.
Resveratrol reduces DRP1‐mediated mitochondrial dysfunction via the SIRT1‐PGC1α signaling pathway in manganese‐induced nerve damage in mice
Authors: Lei Meng‐Yu , Cong Lin , Liu Zhi‐Qi , Liu Zhuo‐Fan , Ma Zhuo , Liu Kuan , Li Jing , Deng Yu , Liu Wei , Xu Bin
Published: November 2021

Excessive manganese (Mn) exposure can cause nerve damage and mitochondrial dysfunction, which may involve defects in mitochondrial dynamics. Resveratrol (RSV) exerts a wide range of beneficial effects via activation of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and thus may positively impact Mn‐induced mitochondrial damage through the regulation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma coactivator 1‐alpha (PGC‐1α) by SIRT1. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which RSV alleviates the nerve injury and mitochondrial fragmentation caused by Mn in C57 BL/6 mice. Our results demonstrated that RSV activated the deacetylase activity of SIRT1 and protected against the surge of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and the attenuation of ATP caused by Mn. RSV, therefore, inhibits mitochondrial fragmentation and safeguards neural cells. Increased deacetylase activity led to a reduction in the acetylation of PGC‐1α, which directly regulates DRP1 expression by binding to the DRP1 promoter. The resultant attenuation of DRP1‐mediated mitochondrial fragmentation in RSV‐pretreated mice was abolished by the addition of the SIRT1 inhibitor EX527. Taken together, these findings indicate that RSV alleviates Mn‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction mediated by DRP1 by modulating the SIRT1/PGC‐1α signaling pathway.
Cross-fertilising extra gauge boson searches at the LHC
Authors: Araz Jack Y. , Frank Mariana , Fuks Benjamin , Moretti Stefano , Özdal Özer
Published: November 2021

Abstract

For the purpose of cross-fertilising currently separate experimental approaches, we connect results of LHC analyses attempting to access the properties of additional W′ and Z′ bosons from Drell-Yan processes. Under theoretical assumptions linking the two new gauge bosons, we take into account that such possible states of nature are wide enough (in relation to the leptonic mass resolution) for the corresponding signals be significantly affected by interference effects with the background from the Standard Model. The shape of the differential cross section may then no longer be a standard Breit-Wigner distribution, and asymmetry observables would become useful for characterisation (and, possibly, discovery) purposes. Under such conditions we concentrate our analysis on specific widely-studied models: the Sequential Standard Model, a model with an additional SU(2)L gauge symmetry, as well as standard and alternative realisations of the Left-Right Symmetric Model. We show how information gathered in Z′ boson searches in terms of cross section and/or asymmetry distributions can be used to improve W′ boson searches in terms of the LHC sensitivity, and vice versa.
Sparse SYK and traversable wormholes
Authors: Cáceres Elena , Misobuchi Anderson , Pimentel Rafael
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We investigate two sparse Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (SYK) systems coupled by a bilinear term as a holographic quantum mechanical description of an eternal traversable wormhole in the low temperature limit. Each SYK system consists of N Majorana fermions coupled by random q-body interactions. The degree of sparseness is captured by a regular hypergraph in such a way that the Hamiltonian contains exactly k N independent terms. We improve on the theoretical understanding of the sparseness property by using known measures of hypergraph expansion. We show that the sparse version of the two coupled SYK model is gapped with a ground state close to a thermofield double state. Using Krylov subspace and parallelization techniques, we simulate the system for q = 4 and q = 8. The sparsity of the model allows us to explore larger values of N than the ones existing in the literature for the all-to-all SYK. We analyze in detail the two-point functions and the transmission amplitude of signals between the two systems. We identify a range of parameters where revivals obey the scaling predicted by holography and signals can be interpreted as traversing the wormhole.
Understanding Micropolar Theory in the Earth Sciences II: The Seismic Moment Tensor
Authors: Abreu Rafael , Durand Stephanie
Published: November 2021

Seismic events produced by block rotations about vertical axis occur in many geodynamic contexts. In this study, we show that these rotations can be accounted for using the proper theory, namely micropolar theory, and a new asymmetric moment tensor can be derived. We then apply this new theory to the Kaikōura earthquake (2016/11/14), Mw 7.8, one of the most complex earthquakes ever recorded with modern instrumental techniques. Using advanced numerical techniques, we compute synthetic seismograms including a full asymmetric moment tensor and we show that it induces measurable differences in the waveforms proving that seismic data can record the effects of the block rotations observed in the field. Therefore, the theory developed in this work provides a full framework for future dynamic source inversions of asymmetric moment tensors.
Discrete coalescent trees
Authors: Collienne Lena , Elmes Kieran , Fischer Mareike , Bryant David , Gavryushkin Alex
Published: November 2021

In many phylogenetic applications, such as cancer and virus evolution, time trees, evolutionary histories where speciation events are timed, are inferred. Of particular interest are clock-like trees, where all leaves are sampled at the same time and have equal distance to the root. One popular approach to model clock-like trees is coalescent theory, which is used in various tree inference software packages. Methodologically, phylogenetic inference methods require a tree space over which the inference is performed, and the geometry of this space plays an important role in statistical and computational aspects of tree inference algorithms. It has recently been shown that coalescent tree spaces possess a unique geometry, different from that of classical phylogenetic tree spaces. Here we introduce and study a space of discrete coalescent trees. They assume that time is discrete, which is natural in many computational applications. This tree space is a generalisation of the previously studied ranked nearest neighbour interchange space, and is built upon tree-rearrangement operations. We generalise existing results about ranked trees, including an algorithm for computing distances in polynomial time, and in particular provide new results for both the space of discrete coalescent trees and the space of ranked trees. We establish several geometrical properties of these spaces and show how these properties impact various algorithms used in phylogenetic analyses. Our tree space is a discretisation of a previously introduced time tree space, calledt-space, and hence our results can be used to approximate solutions to various open problems int-space.
Biological macromolecule chitosan grafted co-polymeric composite: bio-adsorption probe on cationic dyes
Authors: Khairkar Shyam R. , Pansare Shubham V. , Shedge Amol A. , Chhatre Shraddha , Kulal Dnyaneshwar K. , Patil Vishwanath R. , Pansare Amol V.
Published: November 2021

Chitosan biological macromolecule is a versatile polymer; chemical modification has been carried out that lead to the formation of chitosan grafted polymers composites (Chito-g-PC). We proposed synthesis of six various Chito-g-PC as sorbents for toxic dyes. A novel graft copolymerization method based on radical polymerization with vinyl monomer like acrylic acid, acrylamide, N-isopropylacrylamide, methacrylic acid and polyacrylonitrile were utilized in order to address the large amount of swelling at four different pH buffers solution. The effect of initiator and monomer concentration, time and temperature on % grafting and % grafting efficiency were performed. Comparative characterization of Chito and Chito-g-PC were evaluated by SEM, XRD and FTIR, as well as solubility characteristics of the composites were determined by various pH buffer solution. Cationic toxic dyes Malachite green (MG) and Methylene blue (MB) were selected as the sorbet, and Chito-g-PC were used as biosorbents. Thermodynamic analysis showed that the sorption process was spontaneous and endothermic with an increased randomness. The sorption experiments were realized with six different Chito-g-PC for MG and MB at various pH.
Shallow magmatic processes revealed by cryptic microantecrysts: a case study from the Taupo Volcanic Zone
Authors: Lormand Charline , Zellmer Georg Florian , Sakamoto Naoya , Ubide Teresa , Kilgour Geoff , Yurimoto Hisayoshi , Palmer Alan , Németh Karoly , Iizuka Yoshiyuki , Moebis Anja
Published: November 2021

Arc magmas typically contain phenocrysts with complex zoning and diverse growth histories. Microlites highlight the same level of intracrystalline variations but require nanoscale resolution which is globally less available. The southern Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ), New Zealand, has produced a wide range of explosive eruptions yielding glassy microlite-bearing tephras. Major oxide analyses and textural information reveal that microlite rims are commonly out of equilibrium with the surrounding glass. We mapped microlites and microcrysts at submicron resolution for major and trace element distributions and observed three plagioclase textural patterns: (1) resorption and overgrowth, (2) oscillatory zoning, and (3) normal (sharp) zoning. Pyroxene textures are diverse: (1) resorption and overgrowth, (2) calcium-rich bands, (3) hollow textures, (4) oscillatory zoning, (5) sector zoning, (6) normal zoning and (7) reverse zoning. Microlite chemistry and textures inform processes operating during pre-eruptive magma ascent. They indicate a plumbing system periodically intruded by short-lived sub-aphyric dykes that entrain microantecrysts grown under diverse physico-chemical conditions and stored in rapidly cooled, previously intruded dykes. Changes in temperature gradients between the intrusion and the host rock throughout ascent and repeated magma injections lead to fluctuations in cooling rates and generate local heterogeneities illustrated by the microlite textures and rim compositions. Late-stage degassing occurs at water saturation, forming thin calcic microcryst rims through local partitioning effects. This detailed investigation of textures cryptic to conventional imaging shows that a significant proportion of the micrometre-sized crystal cargo of the TVZ is of antecrystic origin and may not be attributed to late-stage nucleation and growth at the onset of volcanic eruptions, as typically presumed.
Development of the Swiss Database for dosing medicinal products in pediatrics
Authors: Tilen Romy , Panis Dalibor , Aeschbacher Samuel , Sabine Thomas , Meyer zu Schwabedissen Henriette E. , Berger Christoph
Published: November 2021

In daily paediatrics, drugs are commonly used off-label, as they are not approved for children. Approval is lacking because the required clinical studies were limited to adults in the past. Without clinical studies, evidence-based recommendations for drug use in children are limited. Information on off-label drug dosing in children can be found in different handbooks, databases and scientific publications but the dosing recommendations can differ considerably. To improve safety and efficacy of drugs prescribed to children and to assist the prescribers, stakeholders in Swiss paediatrics started a pilot project, supported by the Federal Office of Public Health, with the aim to create a database, providing healthcare professionals with so called “harmonised” dosage recommendations based on the latest available scientific evidence and best clinical practice. A standardised process for dosage harmonisation between paediatric experts was defined, guided and documented in an electronic tool, developed for this purpose. As proof of principle, a total of 102 dosage recommendations for 30 different drugs have been nationally harmonised in the pilot phase considering the current scientific literature and the approval of the most experienced national experts in the field.

Conclusion: This approach paved the way for unified national dosage recommendations for children. Reaching the project’s milestones fulfilled the prerequisites for funding and starting regular operation of SwissPedDose in 2018. Since then, the database was extended with recommendations for 100 additional drugs.What is Known:• Prescribing off-label is a common practice among paediatricians, as many drugs are still not authorised for use in children.• Some countries developed national drug formularies providing off-label dosage recommendations.What is New:• Comparison of published dosage recommendations in known drug handbooks and online databases show substantial differences and heterogeneity, revealing the need for harmonisation.• The design of a tool for standardised harmonisation of dosage recommendations, based on information collected on currently applied dosages, latest scientific evidence and the approval of experts.
An Investigation of the Translational Asset: A Proposed Classification
Authors: Strazzullo Gennaro , Ion William J. , MacBryde Jillian
Published: November 2021

Translational assets (TAs) are considered one of the actors that play a critical role within the national innovation system (NIS) of every country that embraces university, government, and industry collaboration. Moreover, these organisations have been established to support industries, companies, and particularly SMEs, filling the university-industry gap. Although the establishment of translational assets creates many benefits, this organisational ecosystem has been a controversial topic. It is hampered by a lack of consensus on how to define and classify translational assets. The problem arises because of their heterogeneity. This study identifies the critical factors for presenting a general classification from the analysis of academic papers and technical reports. The proposed classification is built, showing the factors of organisational structure, resources, and motivation for collaboration on a bidirectional continuum. Therefore, this paper’s findings provide a proposed classification of three main types of TAs, which are as follows: exploratory, plug, and developer/solver. This is a heuristic classification that provides enrichment to the literature and a better understanding for practitioners of these organisations' behaviour.
The Hows and whys of philosophy of science teaching: a comparative analysis
Authors: de Regt Henk W. , Koster Edwin
Published: November 2021

What makes teaching philosophy of science to non-philosophy students different from teaching it to philosophy students, and how should lecturers in philosophy adapt to an audience of practitioners of a field of study that they are reflecting on? In this paper we address this question by analyzing the differences between these student groups, and based on this analysis we make suggestions as to how philosophy of science can be taught to non-philosophy students in an effective and attractive way. Starting-point is the observation that not only the background knowledge and interests of these students but also the aims of the respective courses will differ. We present a comparative analysis of the demands and conditions for teaching philosophy of science to the different types of students, focusing on learning objectives and didactic approaches. Next, we apply our analysis to a concrete example, the role of values in science, and discuss how this may be taught to either philosophy students or non-philosophy students. Finally, we discuss an alternative format for teaching philosophy to non-philosophy students.
Opportunities and challenges for implementing managed aquifer recharge models in drought-prone Barind tract, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md. Iquebal , Bari Md. Niamul , Miah Md. Shafi Uddin
Published: November 2021

This study focuses on the Barind tract, a drought prone area situated in the north-west region of Bangladesh where inadequate rainfall and limited surface water have created high dependence on groundwater for irrigation and other purposes, leading to significant declines in groundwater level. Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) offers a potential solution to restore groundwater levels. This study sets out to identify the opportunities and challenges for implementing MAR in the Barind tract. To accomplish this aim, different data sets including bore log lithology, rainfall, groundwater levels, information about re-excavated ponds, dighis, kharies, beels, check dams, rubber dams, dug wells and other necessary information were collected from the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) and other sources and analyzed. Major opportunities for MAR are identified for about 2000 km of re-excavated kharies (canals) containing about 750 check dams, more than 3000 re-excavated ponds, a number of beels (comparatively large marshes) and other water bodies which are used to conserve runoff storm water for supplementary irrigation. The conserved water can be used for groundwater recharge and subsequently abstracted for irrigation. Furthermore, roof-top rain water from buildings can also be used for groundwater recharge purposes. In contrast, the major challenges include the high turbidity of storm water runoff leading to clogging of MAR structures, inadequacy of conventional direct surface methods of recharge due to the presence of a 15 m or more thick upper clay layer with limited percolation capacity, and lack of practical knowledge on MAR. Therefore, overcoming the challenges for MAR application is a prerequisite to maximize the opportunities from MAR that can support the sustainable use of groundwater resources.
Does corporate social responsibility affect Generation Z purchase intention in the food industry
Authors: WONG Man Chung
Published: November 2021

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) becomes more and more prevalent in the business world and is considered as one of the factors to make purchase intentions by customers. Thus, corporations are obliged to implement CSR initiatives to attract their customers. Generation Z is born in the world with the internet and social media. They are more able to handle technology and reply on the internet or social media to receive or search for information. They are more concerned with social issues or environmental problems. Therefore, CSR is one of the considerations when they make purchase decisions. This study is to explore whether CSR affects Generation Z purchase intentions in the food industry and which CSR categories have impacts on the purchase intention of Generation Z. A survey was used to collect the data from the youngsters at a post-secondary education institution. The findings showed that Generation Z will consider the CSR performance of the corporations in the food industry when they made purchase decisions. Most of the CSR initiatives, except shareholder related initiatives, had impacts on purchase intention. This may be due to the characteristics of Generation Z.
Occurrence and molecular identification of an invasive rice strain of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from Sindh, Pakistan, using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene sequences
Authors: Yousaf Sumaira , Rehman Abdul , Masood Mariyam , Ali Kazam , Suleman Nazia
Published: November 2021

The fall armyworm (FAW), an invasive pest of maize, is an emerging threat in Southern Asia after America and Europe. Recently, this notorious pest has also been found in different areas of Pakistan. To assess its presence in Pakistan, a survey was carried out in the provinces of Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during May–October 2019. We observed the highest incidence of FAW in Sindh with maximum impact in districts Tando-Allahyar and Hyderabad. These samples were identified as Spodoptera frugiperda on the morphological and taxonomical bases. However, morphological identification of this pest is very difficult at early larval instars. Here, we use the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene region for the precise identification of larva of this invasive pest at species level. Two different regions of COI gene (COI-5′ and COI-3′) were used as molecular markers for the identification of this species. DNA sequence similarity searches of the obtained COI gene sequences (NCBI GenBank Accession Nos. MW241537, MW241538, MW349515, MW349516, MW349493 and MW349494) revealed that genetically it is more than 99% identical to S. frugiperda. The phylogenetic analysis indicated it as the rice-strain (R-strain). Both 3′- and 5′-fragment tree topologies showed that the collected samples of the FAW species belong to the R-strain. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report providing molecular evidence for the existence of R-strain of S. frugiperda that was found feeding on maize crop in Sindh, Pakistan, using COI gene sequences as a marker.
The Impact of Beta-Blocker Use at the Time of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation on the Development of Acute and Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Authors: Patel Arjun , Murthy Guru Subramanian Guru , Hamadani Mehdi , Szabo Aniko , Knight Jennifer M.
Published: November 2021

Sympathetic nervous system activation plays a role in the development of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The primary objective was to compare the cause-specific hazard of grade II-IV and III-IV acute GVHD (aGVHD) and chronic GVHD (cGVHD) in the context of β- blocker use and type (selective vs. non-selective). Secondary objectives included overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and cumulative incidence of relapse, non-relapse mortality (NRM), and grade II-IV and III-IV aGVHD and cGVHD. The current study included 151 patients ages 18 and older diagnosed with hematological malignancies who underwent reduced intensity conditioning allogeneic HCT from HLA matched related or unrelated donors between January 2014 and 2017. 31 patients were on a β-blocker of which 71% were on a selective β-blocker. The incidence of aGVHD was not different among groups. Results show a non-significant trend in the association between β-blocker use and reduction in the risk of developing cGVHD (cause-specific hazard ratio 0.49, p = 0.060), with no negative impact on survival or relapse. The current data are supportive of a potential β-adrenergic influence on the pathogenesis of GVHD, consistent with the inflammatory etiology of GVHD and the anti-inflammatory effects of β-adrenergic antagonists.
Psychological Wellbeing and Perceived Social Acceptance in Gender Diverse Individuals
Authors: Romani Alessia , Mazzoli Francesca , Ristori Jiska , Cocchetti Carlotta , Cassioli Emanuele , Castellini Giovanni , Mosconi Maddalena , Meriggiola Maria Cristina , Gualdi Sara , Giovanardi Guido , Lingiardi Vittorio , Vignozzi Linda , Maggi Mario , Fisher Alessandra D.
Published: November 2021

Background

Over the last few years, the gender binary has been questioned, highlighting the existence of gender diverse people, who identify as neither (exclusively) male nor female.

Aim

The present study evaluated the possible differences in terms of psychological wellbeing between binary and gender diverse individuals, as well as the role of perceived social acceptance and religious fundamentalism as possible mediators of psychopathology in gender diverse people. Furthermore, the diversity of gender-affirming hormonal treatment requests according to gender identification was investigated.

Methods

A sample of 563 transgender people aged 18–70 was enrolled (n = 264 assigned female at birth, AFAB and n = 299 assigned male at birth, AMAB), all individuals referring to several Italian gender clinics. A subdivision of the study population based on the gender identity visual analog scale (GI-VAS) median was performed, in order to distinguish between gender diverse and binary transgender individuals. Moreover, a linear regression analysis was performed entering logarithmically transformed GI-VAS (Log GI-VAS) into the models with psychometric scales.

Outcomes

Psychometric and sociodemographic data, as well as information regarding requests for gender-affirming treatments, were extrapolated from the clinical interviews conducted during the first referral.

RESULTS

Gender diverse individuals showed significantly less intense gender dysphoria and higher levels of depression and anxiety compared to binary ones; accordingly, a less binary gender identity correlated with higher levels of depression and anxiety and lower levels of gender dysphoria. The depressive symptomatology in gender diverse people was partially mediated by perceived discrimination and humiliation. Moreover, gender diverse AMAB people sought a non-standard hormonal treatment more often than their binary counterpart.

Clinical Implications

The present study highlights the importance for transgender health professionals, when planning gender-affirming hormonal treatments, to offer flexible interventions, tailored on the patient’s needs and goals.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths included exploring whether and how perceived discrimination may affect mental health in gender diverse people. Limitations included the enrolled sample of people referring to different gender clinics, which is not fully representative of the transgender population.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the importance of evaluating each individual’s unique health care needs, exploring each single request and its underlying reasons.
An Ideal Design by Negotiation: The Construction of Philip the Good’s Palais Rihour at Lille
Authors: Hurx Merlijn
Published: November 2021

Between 1459 and 1474, the duke of Burgundy ordered the construction of an entirely new residence in Lille, known as Palais Rihour. It was Philip the Good’s most ambitious architectural project, which set new standards for the display of princely magnificence. Among the new architectural features were a regular plan, a long gallery, a square stair tower with straight flights, and brick-and-stone masonry. The design had a significant impact on the development of court architecture in fifteenth- and sixteenth-century Spain and northern Europe. Despite its importance, Rihour has received little scholarly attention, the major work by Max Bruchet being almost a century old. The study of Philip’s residence is hampered by the loss of most of the structure. Following damage by two major fires in the eighteenth century, the entire complex was demolished in the mid-nineteenth century and today only the chapel and the relocated monumental stair tower survive. However, extensive archival research allows for a detailed reconstruction of Rihour’s phases of construction. The exceptionally numerous surviving letters offer a rare insight into the planning process and reveal the close involvement of Philip (1396–1467), and later his son Charles the Bold (1433–77), in the construction. Both Valois princes were concerned with minute details, and their frequent changes of mind caused despair among the building’s administrators, the auditors of the Chambre des Comptes of Flanders. The administrators advocated a more pragmatic approach, proposing cheaper alternative solutions to balance cost with the speed of construction. The innovative design was thus also the product of compromise.
Modernism and Cultural Politics in Inter-war Austria: The Case of Clemens Holzmeister
Authors: Rampley Matthew
Published: November 2021

This article examines the work of the Austrian architect Clemens Holzmeister. A leading representative of Austrian architecture between the wars, and a significant figure in the 1950s and 1960s as teacher of the new generation of Austrian architects including Hans Hollein and Gustav Peichl, Holzmeister presents a perplexing image. In the 1920s, he played an important role in the early architectural projects of Red Vienna, but in the following decade he endorsed the Austrofascist regime of Engelbert Dollfuß and Kurt Schuschnigg of 1934–38. This article argues that his work presents other interpretative challenges too, for he was a prolific designer of churches, which have seldom been integrated into wider narratives of modern architecture. However his work is viewed, it was an important barometer of wider cultural and political currents in inter-war Austria, in particular the country’s attempt to construct a meaningful identity after the collapse of the Habsburg empire. The aim of the article is not to rehabilitate or recover Holzmeister, but to consider the light his work casts on inter-war cultural politics in Austria, as well as the broader questions over the implicit value judgements that inform histories of modern architecture.
William Allen and the ‘scientific Outlook’ in Architectural Education, 1936–66
Authors: Zamarian Patrick
Published: November 2021

Modern architects in the inter-war period were enthused by the potential of science and technology to inform their work. The educational dimension of this changing mindset was first recognised and explored at the Bauhaus in Germany, the experiments of which were to inspire the teaching of architecture in schools across Europe and the United States, particularly after the end of the second world war. In the United Kingdom, the quest for a more science-based approach to architectural education had an equally important source in the work of the government’s Building Research Station (BRS). From the early 1930s, the BRS initiated steps to familiarise architectural students with its methodologies, and in the postwar years such concerns were channelled into a comprehensive pedagogical reform agenda that culminated in the landmark Oxford Conference on Architectural Education of 1958. This article argues that it was William Allen (1914–98), rather than better-known figures such as Leslie Martin and Richard Llewelyn-Davies, who was the driving force behind this agenda. As chief architect to the BRS, Allen took up a pivotal position at the intersection of building science and professional practice. The article shows how, over the course of two decades, Allen used the institutional machinery of both the BRS and the Royal Institute of British Architects to inject a scientific outlook into the training of architects. His success in doing so positions Allen as a major figure in British post-war architecture, even though his own attempt to implement his vision as principal of the Architectural Association (1961–65) ended in failure.
JOINT MODEL PREDICTION AND APPLICATION TO INDIVIDUAL-LEVEL LOSS RESERVING
Authors: Okine A. Nii-Armah , Frees Edward W. , Shi Peng
Published: November 2021

Innon-life insurance, the payment history can be predictive of the timing of a settlement for individual claims. Ignoring the association between the payment process and the settlement process could bias the prediction of outstanding payments. To address this issue, we introduce into the literature of micro-level loss reserving a joint modeling framework that incorporates longitudinal payments of a claim into the intensity process of claim settlement. We discuss statistical inference and focus on the prediction aspects of the model. We demonstrate applications of the proposed model in the reserving practice with a detailed empirical analysis using data from a property insurance provider. The prediction results from an out-of-sample validation show that the joint model framework outperforms existing reserving models that ignore the payment–settlement association.
Comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge and HIV testing among men in sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel modelling
Authors: Tetteh Justice Kanor , Frimpong James Boadu , Budu Eugene , Adu Collins , Mohammed Aliu , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Seidu Abdul-Aziz
Published: November 2021

This study investigated the association between comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge and HIV testing among men in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Data were taken from the most recent (2010–2019) Demographic and Health Survey men’s recode files of 29 countries in SSA. A total of 104,398 men who had complete information on all the variables of interest were included in the study. The outcome variable was HIV testing. A multilevel logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the association between comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge and HIV testing. The results of the fixed effects model were presented as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The average prevalences of HIV testing and comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge among men in SSA were 53.5% and 50.8% respectively. Rwanda and Niger recorded the highest (93.6%) and lowest prevalences (9.8%) respectively. The prevalence of comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge among men in the 29 countries was 50.8%, with the highest in Rwanda (76.4%) and the lowest in Benin (31.1%). Men who had no comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge were less likely to test for HIV compared with those who had comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge (AOR=0.59, CI: 0.57–0.60). Men who were older than 20 years, married or cohabiting, with at least secondary education, in the richest wealth quintile, exposed to mass media, used condoms and with multiple sexual partners were more likely to test for HIV. To improve HIV testing among men in SSA, this study recommends that policymakers and stakeholders step up comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge sensitization and education using effective tools such as mass media.
Prevalence and molecular characterization of Sarcoptes scabiei from vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna) from Southern Peruvian Andes
Authors: Gomez-Puerta Luis A. , Pacheco Joel I. , Angulo-Tisoc José M. , García Wilber , Castillo Hugo , Lopez-Urbina Maria T. , Gonzalez Armando E.
Published: November 2021

Sarcoptic mange is a disease caused by an infectious parasite in the vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna) from South America. Although molecular studies have provided much information about the epidemiology of this disease, this information is still unknown in vicuñas. This study determined the prevalence and molecular characterization of Sarcoptes scabiei from vicuñas from Southern Peruvian Andes. During the 2018 shearing season, 181 vicuñas were clinically evaluated for lesions compatible with mange. Sarcoptes scabiei was detected in 35 (19.3%) vicuñas, and 50 mites from 25 vicuñas were selected for molecular analyses of the mitochondrial (cox1) and nuclear (ITS2) genetic markers. Molecular analyses of the cox1 and ITS2 sequences showed an identity of 94–99% and 99.8–100% with previous S. scabiei sequences registered in the GenBank, respectively. Sequence polymorphisms were more evident in the ITS2 than in the cox1, but only the cox1 had an association with the host. Phylogenetic analysis of S. scabiei cox1 sequences from vicuñas showed a cluster with S. scabiei cox1 sequences from canids, suggesting that the origin of S. scabiei from vicuña is associated with canid mites. This research is the first molecular analysis of S. scabiei from vicuñas. Future molecular studies will be necessary to determine the species variety, geographic segregation and host–parasite adaptation for this vicuña's mite.