bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near Real Time Satellite Event Detection, Characterization, and Operational Assessment Via the Exploitation of Remote Photoacoustic Signatures
Authors: Spurbeck Justin , Jah Moriba K. , Kucharski Daniel , Bennett James C. S. , Webb James G.
Published: April 2021

Current active satellite maneuver detection techniques can resolve maneuvers as quickly as fifteen minutes post maneuver for large Δv when using angles-only optical tracking. Medium to small magnitude burn detection times range from 6 to 24 h or more. Small magnitude burns may be indistinguishable from natural perturbative effects if passive techniques are employed. Utilizing a photoacoustic signature detection scheme can allow for near real time maneuver detection and spacecraft parameter estimation. We define the acquisition of hypertemporal photometric data as photoacoustic sensing because the data can be played back as an acoustic signal. Studying the operational frequency spectra, profile, and aural perception of an active satellite event such as a thruster ignition or any subsystem operation can provide unique signature identifiers that support resident space object characterization efforts. A thruster ignition induces vibrations in a satellite body which can modulate reflected sunlight. If the reflected photon flux is sampled at a sufficient rate, the change in light intensity due to the propulsive event can be detected. Sensing vibrational mode changes allows for a direct timestamp of thruster ignition and shut-off events and thus makes possible the near real time estimation of spacecraft Δv and maneuver type if coupled with active observations immediately post maneuver. This research also investigates the estimation of other impulse related spacecraft parameters such as mass, specific impulse, exhaust velocity, and mass flow rate using impulse-momentum and work-energy methods. Experimental results to date have not yet demonstrated an operator-correlated detection of a propulsive event; however, the application of photoacoustic sensing has exhibited characteristics unique to hypertemporal photometry that are discussed alongside potential improvements to increase the probability of active satellite event detection. Simulations herein suggest that large, potentially destructive modal displacements are required for optical sensor detection and thus more comprehensive vibration modeling and signal-to-noise ratio improvements should be explored.
One year of SARS-CoV-2 and lung ultrasound: what has been learned and future perspectives
Authors: Boccatonda Andrea , Cocco Giulio , Ianniello Eugenia , Montanari Marco , D’Ardes Damiano , Borghi Claudio , Giostra Fabrizio , Copetti Roberto , Schiavone Cosima
Published: April 2021

A first screening by ultrasound can be relevant to set a specific diagnostic and therapeutic route for a patient with a COVID-19 infection. The finding of bilateral B-lines and white lung areas with patchy peripheral distribution and sparing areas is the most suggestive ultrasound picture of COVID-19 pneumonia. Failure to detect bilateral interstitial syndrome (A pattern) on ultrasound excludes COVID-19 pneumonia with good diagnostic accuracy, but does not exclude current infection. The use of shared semiotic and reporting schemes allows the comparison and monitoring of the COVID-19 pulmonary involvement over time. This review aims to summarise the main data on pulmonary ultrasound and COVID-19 to provide accurate and relevant information for clinical practice.
Human ACE2-Functionalized Gold “Virus-Trap” Nanostructures for Accurate Capture of SARS-CoV-2 and Single-Virus SERS Detection
Authors: Yang Yong , Peng Yusi , Lin Chenglong , Long Li , Hu Jingying , He Jun , Zeng Hui , Huang Zhengren , Li Zhi-Yuan , Tanemura Masaki , Shi Jianlin , Lombardi John R. , Luo Xiaoying
Published: April 2021

The current COVID-19 pandemic urges the extremely sensitive and prompt detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Here, we present a Human Angiotensin-converting-enzyme 2 (ACE2)-functionalized gold “virus traps” nanostructure as an extremely sensitive SERS biosensor, to selectively capture and rapidly detect S-protein expressed coronavirus, such as the current SARS-CoV-2 in the contaminated water, down to the single-virus level. Such a SERS sensor features extraordinary 106-fold virus enrichment originating from high-affinity of ACE2 with S protein as well as “virus-traps” composed of oblique gold nanoneedles, and 109-fold enhancement of Raman signals originating from multi-component SERS effects. Furthermore, the identification standard of virus signals is established by machine-learning and identification techniques, resulting in an especially low detection limit of 80 copies mL−1 for the simulated contaminated water by SARS-CoV-2 virus with complex circumstance as short as 5 min, which is of great significance for achieving real-time monitoring and early warning of coronavirus. Moreover, here-developed method can be used to establish the identification standard for future unknown coronavirus, and immediately enable extremely sensitive and rapid detection of novel virus.
Verschwörungstheorien als argumentative Narrative
Authors: Römer David
Published: April 2021

Der vorliegende Beitrag nimmt die Spezifik verschwörungstheoretischer Erzählungen in den Blick. Insbesondere in Auseinandersetzung mit den Begriffen ›Erzählung‹ und ›Topos‹ sowie im Anschluss an interdisziplinäre Forschungsansätze zu Verschwörungstheorien wird herausgearbeitet, dass Verschwörungstheorien grundsätzlich argumentativ aufgebaut sind. Am Beispiel des Videos »Gates kapert Deutschland!« von Ken Jebsen wird der Zusammenhang zwischen Erzählung und Argumentation in Verschwörungstheorien veranschaulicht.
Playing a Video Game and Learning to Think: What’s the Connection?
Authors: Wells Ashleigh , Mayer Richard E. , Plass Jan L. , Homer Bruce D.
Published: April 2021

The present study examines whether playing a video game can help improve cognitive skills needed for successful performance on cognitive tasks, such asupdating, which involves continuous monitoring of incoming information that results in rapid addition or deletion of information in working memory. For example, in the n-back task, the participant sees a series of rapidly presented letters on a screen and must press a key each time the current letter is the same as one presented n trials previously (e.g., 3 trials back). Young adults were randomly assigned to playCrushStations(a desktop game the authors designed to teach updating skill) orBookworm(a commercially available word search game used as a control) for 4 30-min sessions spread over 9 days. Consistent with specific transfer theory,CrushStationsplayers improved on performing the target skill in the game context across the four sessions (the highest level achieved). Consistent with specific transfer of general skill theory,CrushStationsplayers outscoredBookwormplayers on a posttest involving accurately performing the target skill in a non-game context (n-back task). In contrast to general transfer theory,CrushStationsplayers did not differ fromBookwormplayers on posttests measuring skills not directly targeted in the game (visuospatial memory task). These results show the benefits of designing educational games in line with the cognitive theory of game-based training (Parong et al., 2020).
Clayey soils from Boulgou (North Cameroon): geotechnical, mineralogical, chemical characteristics and properties of their fired products
Authors: Nzeukou Nzeugang A. , Tsozué D. , Kagonbé Pagna B. , Balo Madi A. , Fankam Deumeni A. , Ngos S. , Nkoumbou C. , Fagel N.
Published: April 2021

In this study, clayey soils are characterized as backfill and potential fusible raw materials for engineering. Geotechnical tests (particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, densities) and chemico-mineralogical analyses (X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared) were carried out on samples collected from field in the locality of Boulgou (North Cameroon) followed by the determination of mechanical properties of fired bricks (850–1200 °C). The excavations carried out have revealed a thick layer of clayey soils (~ 2 to 2.5 m) over a sandy layer. This clay formation presents some stratifications with limited influence variation in terms of mineralogy. Mean grain size distribution is dominated by sand (62–80%), clay (12–25%) and silt (6–9%). It corresponds to silty–clayey soils regarding their methylene blue values (3.3–5.6), with low plastic (13–22%) to high plastic (33%) characteristics. They are classified by USCS as clayey sand/silty clay, while one sample is a poorly graded sand (SP). Clay minerals observed are kaolinite (6–12%), montmorillonite (2–6%) and illite (8–10%). Those parameters associated with their fine nature and high compressibility make them suitable engineering applications for backfill material and barriers. From chemical analyses, relatively high contents in alkali and alkaline earth elements (~ 4 to 6%) to be used as potential fusible raw materials for fired bricks or gres ceramics were revealed. Bricks characteristics are varied: linear shrinkage (0.3 to 9%), bulk density (1.8 to 2.3 g/cm3), water absorption (19.7 to 1.3%) and flexural strength (0.3 to 17.4 MPa). Overall, the requirement for fired brick (< 20%) is met up by the water absorption values. As from 1050 °C, these soils are made suitable for brick-making with good characteristics (metallic sound, good cohesion and flexural strength).
Correction to: Conversion of geared DC motor into stepper motor using switching delay time signals
Authors: Dadi Venkatarao , Peravali Swapna , Busi Rambabu
Published: April 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-021-04542-3
Heavy metals assessment in water, soil, vegetables and their associated health risks via consumption of vegetables, District Kasur, Pakistan
Authors: Ashraf Imtiaz , Ahmad Faizan , Sharif Atif , Altaf Adnan Raza , Teng Haipeng
Published: April 2021

The consumption of contaminated vegetables has a great impact on human health. Due to this fact, we conduct the study to estimate the heavy metals in groundwater, soil, and vegetables by using the atomic adsorption spectroscopy (AAS) and find out the health risk using THQ and TCR caused by using these vegetables. The mean concentrations of As (0.015–0.40 mg/L), Cd (0.02–0.029 mg/L), Co (0.31–0.38 mg/L), Cr (1.02–1.09 mg/L), Cu (2.14–2.17 mg/L), and Hg (0.01–0.04 mg/L) are high in groundwater from threshold values given by WHO. The mean concentrations of As (22.17–23.14 mg/kg), Cd (4.21–4.54 mg/kg), Cu (21.24–24.36 mg/kg), and Pb (32.12–33.48 mg/kg) are high in soil samples from threshold values given by WHO. The mean concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Cr, Fe, Hg, and Mn values exceeded the recommended values with concentration ranges: 1.75–4.56, 0.41–0.67, 2.12–3.12, 1.44–4.56, 87.12–135.25, 2.09–2.64, and 33.41–129.32 mg/Kg, respectively. The vegetable sample’s average concentration of heavy metals was in decreasing order cabbage ˃ brinjal ˃ okra ˃ tomato. The EDI values for As, Co, and Hg calculated for both adults and children is high. The target hazard quotients (THQ) for As, Co, and Hg are greater than the threshold value by consuming vegetables, which indicated the health risk for both adults and children. Similarly, HI due to tomato, cabbage, okra, and brinjal’s consumption is ˃ 1, with HI values 8.1975, 15.3077, 8.7312, and 10.2306, respectively. This advised the possible health effect in this area by using these vegetables. Target Cancer risk (TCR) exposed the adverse cancer risk persuaded by As, Cr, and Hg as their values exceeded the normal range by USEPA by consumption of these vegetables. This study concluded that vegetables imply the total health risk on local people, and regular monitoring of heavy metals is strongly suggested in this region.
Suggestion and invention of recipes using bi-directional LSTMs-based frameworks
Authors: Gona Sai Nikhil Rao , Marellapudi Himamsu
Published: April 2021

Choosing which recipe to eat and which recipe to avoid isn’t that simple for anyone. It takes strenuous efforts and a lot of time for people to calculate the number of calories and P.H level of the dish. In this paper, we propose an ensemble neural network architecture that suggests recipes based on the taste of the person, P.H level and calorie content of the recipes. We also propose a bi-directional LSTMs-based variational autoencoder for generating new recipes. We have ensembled three bi-directional LSTM-based recurrent neural networks which can classify the recipes based on the taste of the person, P.H level of the recipe and calorie content of the recipe. The proposed model also predicts the taste ratings of the recipes for which we proposed a custom loss function which gave better results than the standard loss functions and the model also predicts the calorie content of the recipes. The bi-directional LSTMs-based variational autoencoder after being trained with the recipes which are fit for the person generates new recipes from the existing recipes. After training and testing the recurrent neural networks and the variational autoencoder, we have tested the model with 20 new recipes and got overwhelming results in the experimentation, the variational autoencoders generated a couple of new recipes, which are healthy to the specific person and will be liked by the specific person.
Lifetime of electrochromic optical transition cycling of ethyl viologen diperchlorate-based electrochromic devices
Authors: Kiefer Logan G. , Robert Christian J. , Sparks Taylor D.
Published: April 2021

Electrochromic materials and devices are enabling a variety of advanced technologies. Gel-based organic electrochromic molecules such as ethyl viologen diperchlorate are attractive options due to their simple device design and low cost processing options relative to the more expensive and complex transition metal oxide films. However, electrochromic devices are subject to extensive cycling in which failure and fatigue can eventually occur. This work presents the lifetime cycling performance of ethyl viologen diperchlorate-based electrochromic devices using two different anodic compounds, hydroquinone and ferrocene, which are cycled at different voltages, 3 V and 1.2 V, respectively. Multiple devices are cycled until failure with periodic device characterization via UV–Vis spectroscopy, electrical resistance and power measurement, and transition duration measurement. Devices with hydroquinone can transition quickly. Cycle times are $$\sim$$
∼
30 s in these samples, however, these samples also typically fail before 3000 cycles. On the other hand, devices using ferrocene transition more slowly (total cycle time $$\sim$$
∼
2 min), but have superior cycling performance with all samples surviving beyond 10,000 cycles while complying with ASTM E2141-14 standard.
Optimizing quantum heuristics with meta-learning
Authors: Wilson Max , Stromswold Rachel , Wudarski Filip , Hadfield Stuart , Tubman Norm M. , Rieffel Eleanor G.
Published: April 2021

Variational quantum algorithms, a class of quantum heuristics, are promising candidates for the demonstration of useful quantum computation. Finding the best way to amplify the performance of these methods on hardware is an important task. Here, we evaluate the optimization of quantum heuristics with an existing class of techniques called “meta-learners.” We compare the performance of a meta-learner to evolutionary strategies, L-BFGS-B and Nelder-Mead approaches, for two quantum heuristics (quantum alternating operator ansatz and variational quantum eigensolver), on three problems, in three simulation environments. We show that the meta-learner comes near to the global optima more frequently than all other optimizers we tested in a noisy parameter setting environment. We also find that the meta-learner is generally more resistant to noise, for example, seeing a smaller reduction in performance inNoisyandSamplingenvironments, and performs better on average by a “gain” metric than its closest comparable competitor L-BFGS-B. Finally, we present evidence that indicates the meta-learner trained on small problems will generalize to larger problems. These results are an important indication that meta-learning and associated machine learning methods will be integral to the useful application of noisy near-term quantum computers.
Contemporary Australian Corporate Law
Authors: Bottomley Stephen , Hall Kath , Spender Peta , Nosworthy Beth
Published: April 2021

Contemporary Australian Corporate Law is a highly-regarded introduction to corporate law in Australia that provides an authoritative, contextual and critical analysis of the law governing Australian corporations and financial markets. It explores the rules, principles, doctrines and policies that constitute corporate law in Australia within their legal, social, economic and political contexts. Clearly and precisely written, this edition has been thoroughly updated and refined to reflect current Australian corporate law, including recent case law, changes to the Corporations Act 2001 and the impact on the corporate sector of the Financial Services Royal Commission. Written by leading legal scholars, Contemporary Australian Corporate Law will assist students to develop a critically informed understanding of corporate law and the role of corporations in contemporary society.
Climate Change, Literature, and Environmental Justice
Authors: Fiskio Janet
Published: April 2021

Placing climate change within the long histories of enslavement, settler colonialism, and resistance, Climate Change, Literature, and Environmental Justice: Poetics of Dissent and Repair examines the connections between climate disruption and white supremacy. Drawing on decolonial and reparative theories, Janet Fiskio focuses on expressive cultures and practices, such as dance, protests, and cooking, in conversation with texts by Kazim Ali, Octavia Butler, Louise Erdrich, Winona LaDuke, Mark Nowak, Simon Ortiz, Jesmyn Ward, and Colson Whitehead. Through an exploration of speculative pasts and futures, practices of dissent and mourning, and everyday inhabitation and social care, Climate Change, Literature, and Environmental Justice illuminates the ways that frontline communities resist environmental racism while protecting and repairing the world.
Spanish National Identity, Colonial Power, and the Portrayal of Muslims and Jews during the Rif War (1909–27)
Authors: Bolorinos Allard Elisabeth
Published: April 2021

How were Moroccan Muslim and Jewish cultures depicted in Spanish literature, journalism, and photography during the Rif War (1909–27) and what did this portrayal reveal about conflicting visions of Spanish identity?
Nigeria's Digital Diaspora
Authors: Kperogi Farooq A.
Published: April 2021

In a disruptive media landscape characterized by the relentless death of legacy newspapers, Nigeria's Digital Diaspora shows that a country's transnational elite can shake its media ecosystem through distant online citizen journalism.
Human Agency in Medieval Society, 1100-1450
Authors: Epurescu-Pascovici Ionuț
Published: April 2021

Argues the case for the individual as autonomous moral agent in the later Middle Ages.
Islam in a Secular State
Authors: Abdullah Walid Jumblatt
Published: April 2021

The overtly secular state of Singapore has unapologetically maintained an authoritarian approach to governance in the realm of religion. Islam is particularly managed by the state. Muslim activists thus have to meticulously navigate these realities - in addition to being a minority community - in order to maximize their influence in the political system. Significantly, Muslim activists are not a monolith: there exists a multitude of political and theological differences amongst them. This study analyses the following categories of Muslim activists: Islamic religious scholars (ulama), liberal Muslims, and the more conservative-minded individuals. Due to constricting political realities, many activists attempt to align themselves with the state, and call upon the state to be an arbiter in their disagreements with other factions. Though there are activists who challenge the state, these are by far in the minority, and are typically unable to assert their influence in a sustained manner.
Vector field path following of a full-wing solar-powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) landing based on Dubins path: a lesson from multiple landing failures
Authors: Guo A. , Zhou Z. , Wang R. , Zhao X. , Zhu X.
Published: April 2021

The full-wing solar-powered UAV has a large aspect ratio, special configuration, and excellent aerodynamic performance. This UAV converts solar energy into electrical energy for level flight and storage to improve endurance performance. The UAV only uses a differential throttle for lateral control, and the insufficient control capability during crosswind landing results in a large lateral distance bias and leads to multiple landing failures. This paper analyzes 11 landing failures and finds that a large lateral distance bias at the beginning of the approach and the coupling of base and differential throttle control is the main reason for multiple landing failures. To improve the landing performance, a heading angle-based vector field (VF) method is applied to the straight-line and orbit paths following and two novel 3D Dubins landing paths are proposed to reduce the initial lateral control bias. The results show that the straight-line path simulation exhibits similar phenomenon with the practical failure; the single helical path has the highest lateral control accuracy; the left-arc to left-arc (L-L) path avoids the saturation of the differential throttle; and both paths effectively improve the probability of successful landing.
Corpus Callosum Remodeling in Glioma: Constancy of Fiber Density and Anisotropy in MRI
Authors: Pareek Vikas , Paul Subhadip , Roy Prasun K.
Published: April 2021

Corpus callosum (CC) is the primary fiber system bridging the cerebral hemispheres and is of critical importance for glioma migration which downgrades the prognosis. Here we present the specific pattern of CC restructuring in glioma patients. We probe that the magnetic resonance imaging-based fiber count decrease can be a ready noninvasive indicator of glioma aggressivity and prognosis. We find that to maintain the callosal neural transmission efficiency, the optimum architectural density of white matter fibers remains unchanged, even though there is gross fiber loss. This adaptation occurs by CC’s isotonic restructuration, a protective compensatory behavior for maintaining CC’s optimal functional efficiency despite malignant infiltration.
Hodge decomposition of string topology
Authors: Berest Yuri , Ramadoss Ajay C. , Zhang Yining
Published: April 2021

LetXbe a simply connected closed oriented manifold of rationally elliptic homotopy type. We prove that the string topology bracket on the$S^1$-equivariant homology$ {\overline {\text {H}}}_\ast ^{S^1}({\mathcal {L}} X,{\mathbb {Q}}) $of the free loop space ofXpreserves the Hodge decomposition of$ {\overline {\text {H}}}_\ast ^{S^1}({\mathcal {L}} X,{\mathbb {Q}}) $, making it a bigraded Lie algebra. We deduce this result from a general theorem on derived Poisson structures on the universal enveloping algebras of homologically nilpotent finite-dimensional DG Lie algebras. Our theorem settles a conjecture of [7].
Hydrographic shifts south of Australia over the last deglaciation and possible interhemispheric linkages
Authors: Moros Matthias , De Deckker Patrick , Perner Kerstin , Ninnemann Ulysses S. , Wacker Lukas , Telford Richard , Jansen Eystein , Blanz Thomas , Schneider Ralph
Published: April 2021

Northern and southern hemispheric influences—particularly changes in Southern Hemisphere westerly winds (SSW) and Southern Ocean ventilation—triggered the stepwise atmospheric CO2increase that accompanied the last deglaciation. One approach for gaining potential insights into past changes in SWW/CO2upwelling is to reconstruct the positions of the northern oceanic fronts associated with the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Using two deep-sea cores located ~600 km apart off the southern coast of Australia, we detail oceanic changes from ~23 to 6 ka using foraminifer faunal and biomarker alkenone records. Our results indicate a tight coupling between hydrographic and related frontal displacements offshore South Australia (and by analogy, possibly the entire Southern Ocean) and Northern Hemisphere (NH) climate that may help confirm previous hypotheses that the westerlies play a critical role in modulating CO2uptake and release from the Southern Ocean on millennial and potentially even centennial timescales. The intensity and extent of the northward displacements of the Subtropical Front following well-known NH cold events seem to decrease with progressing NH ice sheet deglaciation and parallel a weakening NH temperature response and amplitude of Intertropical Convergence Zone shifts. In addition, an exceptional poleward shift of Southern Hemisphere fronts occurs during the NH Heinrich Stadial 1. This event was likely facilitated by the NH ice maximum and acted as a coup-de-grâce for glacial ocean stratification and its high CO2capacitance. Thus, through its influence on the global atmosphere and on ocean mixing, “excessive” NH glaciation could have triggered its own demise by facilitating the destratification of the glacial ocean CO2state.
Syndepositional processes in the pigmentation of oceanic red beds: evidence from the Basque–Cantabrian Basin (northern Spain)
Authors: Elorza Javier , Gómez-Alday Juan José , Jiménez Berrocoso Álvaro
Published: April 2021

Oceanic red beds (ORBs) are present in Upper Cretaceous and Danian deep-marine deposits in the Basque–Cantabrian Basin of northern Spain. The presence and regularity of the succession of marl–limestone couplets is exceptional based on the macroscopic, microscopic and geochemical evidence collected. Five types of marl–limestone couplets are identified based on the colour, and a high maximum sedimentation rate (3.6 cm ka–1 ) is noted. The oxidizing activity of deep, cold-water masses is indicated by the oxygen isotope signal in the lower–upper Maastrichtian and Danian sections and the presence of the boreal inoceramidSpyridoceramus tegulatus.In theory, the variation in colour from grey to greenish-yellow, purple and pink up to red tones correlates with the Fe2+/(Fe2++Fe3+) ratio. It is interpreted as the possible palaeoenvironmental transit of particles that sediment out slowly in oxic environments when they circulate through cooler, oxidizing water masses. The colour is considered to be a depositional feature, and hematite, detected by X-ray diffraction, is the main staining agent, without discarding the possible redistribution of previous oxyhydroxides passing to hematite as a final product. The cell filling of the foraminifer shells does not incorporate appreciable amounts of Fe and Mg during diagenesis. Bacterial activity is detected using scanning electron microscopy images, both in the coccolith debris and in the detrital micas, although there is uncertainty as to its importance in the staining process.
Phrase-final intonation adjustment in Lebanese Arabic
Authors: Kelly Niamh E.
Published: April 2021

Intonation languages such as English and German have been described as having, among others, ‘realizational’ differences with regard to their intonation (Ladd 1996). One such difference is whether phrase-final pitch contours that lack sufficient segmental material to be realized naturally are subjected to truncation or compression. The current investigation examines this question in Lebanese Arabic. Stimuli were created with decreasing segmental material (disyllabic phrase-final, monosyllabic phrase-final) for both statements and questions. The contours produced by 16 speakers consisted of rises (questions) and rise-falls (statements). Results indicate that reducing the segmental material induces compression in rises and truncation in rise-falls, supporting the claim that languages cannot simply be divided into compressing versus truncating languages, and that the shape of the intonational contour plays a role in accommodation strategies. Speaker variation is also discussed.
Learning to deliver LGBT+ aged care: exploring and documenting best practices in professional and vocational education through the World Café method
Authors: Hafford-Letchfield Trish , Pezzella Alfonso , Connell Sandra , Urek Mojca , Jurček Anže , Higgins Agnes , Keogh Brian , Van de Vaart Nina , Rabelink Irma , Robotham George , Bus Elisa , Buitenkamp Charlotte , Lewis-Brooke Sarah
Published: April 2021

Substantial evidence on the adverse impact of ageing on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) populations through the lack of inclusive care services has highlighted the need for education and training of the health and social care workforce to enhance their skills, knowledge and capabilities in this area. We describe a cross-national collaboration across four European Union countries called BEING ME. This collaboration examined the current pedagogic environment within professional, vocational and community-based education to identify what is most valuable for addressing these needs. The World Café method enabled a process of structured learning and knowledge exchange between stakeholders resulting in: (a) identification of best practices in pedagogies, (b) generation of tailored co-produced educational resources, and (c) recommendations on how to improve the knowledge and capabilities of future care professionals in the area of LGBT+ affirmative practices. Combined with themes from the post-Café evaluation, our findings suggest that underpinning professional and vocational education with a person-in-environment perspective facilitates going some way to acknowledging the historical context of older LGBT+ people's lives. Addressing the unique needs of sub-populations within LGBT+ communities and setting these in the context of holistic and person-centred care may better enable the meeting of their unique diverse needs for ageing. Recommendations are made for learning and teaching strategies to support improved LGBT+ aged care.
“And they had a big, big, very long fight:” The development of evaluative language in preschoolers' oral fictional stories told in a peer-group context
Authors: NICOLOPOULOU Ageliki , ILGAZ Hande , SHIRO Marta , HSIN Lisa B.
Published: April 2021

This study examined the development of evaluative language in preschoolers’ oral fictional narratives using a storytelling/story-acting practice where children told stories to and for their friends. Evaluative language orients the audience to the teller's cognitive and emotional engagement with a story's events and characters, and we hypothesized that this STSA context might yield new information about the early development of this language, prior to elementary school. We analyzed 60 stories: the first and last story told by 10 children in each of three preschool classrooms (3-, 4-, and 5-year-old classes) that used STSA throughout the school year. Stories were coded for evaluative expressions and evidential expressions. Five-year-olds used significantly more evaluative language than did 3-year-olds, and children at all ages used significantly more evaluative language at the end than at the beginning of the year. The number of stories told throughout the year explained unique variance in children's evaluative language growth.
National Disaster Life Support Programs—A Model for Standardized, All-Hazards Disaster Medicine Training
Authors: Homer Jack A. , Coule Phillip L. , Schwartz Richard B.
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

The development of the [US] National Disaster Life Support (NDLS) programs (Advanced, Basic, and Core Disaster Life Support) began prior to 11 September 2001, but in its aftermath, the NDLS programs have become a leading all-hazards disaster medicine training program in the US. The NDLS programs are taught through a training center model. The curriculum is revised via the National Disaster Life Support Education Consortium (NDLSEC), a multi-disciplinary, multi-specialty consortium.

Methods:

The National Disaster Life Support Foundation (NDLSF) is a not-for-profit organization developed by the academic medical centers and partners that developed the NDLS programs. The founding institutions are the Medical College of Georgia, die University of Georgia, the University of Texas Southwestern, the University of Texas-Houston, and the American Medical Association. The NDLSF has die responsibility to oversee, certify, and monitor a network of training centers. The NDLSEC consist of individual members and 75 representative stakeholder organizations.

Results:

The training center network overseen by the NDLSF consists of 70 training centers in the US and 10 developing international training centers. The NDLSEC has >150 members with representatives from virtually every medical discipline and specialty. More than 70,000 individuals have been trained.

Conclusions:

The NDLS programs have employed a training center network model to deploy standardized, all-hazards disaster educational programs. The NDLS programs have been successful in bridging die gap in disaster medicine education programs in the US and may represent a useful model for other countries to provide disaster medicine education.
EMS Safety and Prehospital Emergency Care of Animals
Authors: Kryda Katharyn T. , Mitek Ashley , McMichael Maureen
Published: April 2021

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel frequently encounter animals in situations ranging from injured law enforcement canines (LEK9s) to pets with smoke inhalation injury. In recent years, several US states have enacted laws that legally allow EMS personnel to provide basic emergency care to certain animals. Currently, nine states allow some type of emergency medical treatment and/or ambulance transport of animals by EMS, and five states limit liability for vehicle damage resulting from rescuing animals trapped inside. Despite this expanding body of legislation encouraging EMS to assist animals, EMS personnel are not typically trained in the safe handling or medical treatment of animals. Interaction with veterinary patients can pose serious injury and infectious disease risks to untrained EMS personnel. Furthermore, relationships with veterinarians must be built and treatment and transport protocols must be developed for EMS agencies to appropriately care for these animals. This report serves as an initial framework from the veterinary perspective for EMS consideration regarding current legislation, safety concerns, transport protocols, and common life-saving treatments in the prehospital emergency care of animals. Increased collaboration between EMS personnel and veterinary professionals provides an opportunity to develop quality training programs for EMS and to improve disaster preparedness of the whole community.
Efficacy of various prescribed vitamin D supplementation regimens on 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels in long-term care
Authors: Robbins Ronna N , Serra Monica , Ranjit Nalini , Hoelscher Deanna M , Sweitzer Sara J , Briley Margaret E
Published: April 2021

Objective:

The aims of this study were to examine the efficacy among various vitamin D supplementation regimens on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations and determine the minimal dose rate required to achieve sufficient serum concentrations (≥75 nmol/l) among older adults in long-term care (LTC).

Design:

A 1-year medical history was abstracted from medical records, and a one-time blood draw to measure serum 25(OH)D concentrations was obtained. Individuals were stratified into vitamin D-supplemented and non-supplemented groups. The supplemented group was further categorised into four treatment forms: single-ingredient vitamin D2or3, multivitamin, Ca with vitamin D or combination of the three, and by daily prescribed doses: 0–9·9, 10–19·9, 20–49·9, 50–99·9 and >100 μg/d.

Setting:

Five LTC communities in Austin, Texas.

Participants:

One hundred seventy-three older (≥65 years) adults.

Results:

Of the participants, 62% received a vitamin D supplement and 55% had insufficient (≤75 nmol/l) 25(OH)D serum concentrations. Individuals receiving single-ingredient vitamin D2or3 supplementation received the highest daily vitamin D mean dose (72·5 μg/d), while combination of forms was the most frequent treatment (44%) with the highest mean serum concentration (108 nmol/l). All supplementation doses were successful at reaching sufficient serum concentrations, except those<20 μg/d. Using a prediction model, it was observed that 0·025 μg/d of vitamin D supplementation resulted in a 0·008 nmol/l increase in serum 25(OH)D concentrations.

Conclusions:

Based on the predictive equation, results suggest that supplementation of 37·5 μg/d of vitamin D2or3 or combination of vitamin D is most likely to achieve sufficient serum 25(OH)D concentrations in older adults in LTC.
Trends in Diurnal Cycle of Summertime Rainfall Over Coastal South China in the Past 135 Years: Characteristics and Possible Causes
Authors: Su Lin , Fung Jimmy C. H. , Li Junlu , Wong Wai Kin
Published: April 2021

The interdecadal changes in the diurnal cycle of summertime rainfall over coastal South China (CSC) were analyzed for the period of 1884–2018. The results revealed that rainfall intensity has increased with the decrease of occurrence frequency during both pre‐ and mid‐summer in the past 135 years. During the most recent 40 years, occurrence frequency and intensity of nocturnal rainfall, especially extreme rainfall, have substantially increased over CSC, whereas those of daytime extreme rainfall have decreased. Different increasing rates of near‐surface temperature over land and sea are the main contributors to the distinct trends of daytime and nocturnal extreme rainfall. During daytime, a higher increasing rate of near‐surface temperature over sea results in a smaller temperature gradient along the coast, leading to a less convective atmosphere. This negates the effect of increased air‐temperature over CSC in both pre‐ and mid‐summer. In contrast, during nighttime, a higher increasing rate of near‐surface temperature over sea results in a greater temperature gradient along the coast, leading to stronger low‐level offshore winds and more convective layers over coastal waters. During pre‐summer, the stronger nocturnal low‐level offshore winds meets the warm and moist monsoonal flows, substantially enhancing nocturnal extreme rainfall along the coast. In mid‐summer, more vigorous upward motions over coastal waters of CSC enhance convective activities during nighttime, which also lead to an intensification of nocturnal rainfall. The most significant increase and intensification of extreme rainfall is observed in western CSC during pre‐summer, where the land‐sea difference of near‐surface temperature is the greatest over CSC.
Electrical Resistivity of FeS at High Pressures and Temperatures: Implications of Thermal Transport in the Core of Ganymede
Authors: Littleton Joshua A. H. , Secco Richard A. , Yong Wenjun
Published: April 2021

Terrestrial‐type planetary cores are thought to be predominantly composed of Fe with varying amounts of lighter chemical species or impurities chosen from a narrow range of possible elements, which includes S. These impurity elements may contribute significant effects to the transport properties of these cores, which have direct influence over dynamo and thermal evolution of the planetary body. Recent experimental methods have partially eased the substantial challenges that arise in direct measurements of electrical transport properties at high pressures and temperatures. In this study we show how this methodology can be used to measure the electrical resistivity of a sample in powder form. The electrical resistivity of FeS was measured in both solid and molten states at pressures up to 5 GPa and the thermal conductivity was calculated using the Wiedemann–Franz Law from the electrical measurements. The results showed FeS is notably more electrically and thermally conductive when compared to previous studies in both the solid and molten states. The results were used to estimate the adiabatic conductive heat flow of a molten FeS core model of Ganymede, which showed that thermal convection is permissible as a dynamo power source.
Controls on Asymmetric Rift Dynamics: Numerical Modeling of Strain Localization and Fault Evolution in the Kenya Rift
Authors: Richter Maximilian J. E. A. , Brune Sascha , Riedl Simon , Glerum Anne , Neuharth Derek , Strecker Manfred R.
Published: April 2021

Complex, time‐dependent, and asymmetric rift geometries are observed throughout the East African Rift System (EARS) and are well documented, for instance, in the Kenya Rift. To unravel asymmetric rifting processes in this region, we conduct 2D geodynamic models. We use the finite element software ASPECT employing visco‐plastic rheologies, mesh‐refinement, distributed random noise seeding, and a free surface. In contrast to many previous numerical modeling studies that aimed at understanding final rifted margin symmetry, we explicitly focus on initial rifting stages to assess geodynamic controls on strain localization and fault evolution. We thereby link to geological and geophysical observations from the Southern and Central Kenya Rift. Our models suggest a three‐stage early rift evolution that dynamically bridges previously inferred fault‐configuration phases of the eastern EARS branch: (1) accommodation of initial strain localization by a single border fault and flexure of the hanging‐wall crust, (2) faulting in the hanging‐wall and increasing upper‐crustal faulting in the rift‐basin center, and (3) loss of pronounced early stage asymmetry prior to basinward localization of deformation. This evolution may provide a template for understanding early extensional faulting in other branches of the East African Rift and in asymmetric rifts worldwide. By modifying the initial random noise distribution that approximates small‐scale tectonic inheritance, we show that a spectrum of first‐order fault configurations with variable symmetry can be produced in models with an otherwise identical setup. This approach sheds new light on along‐strike rift variability controls in active asymmetric rifts and proximal rifted margins.
Migrant Workers Among the Most Vulnerable to Himalayan Disasters
Authors: Pardikar Rishika
Published: April 2021

Critics say companies are failing to develop adequate emergency procedures to protect construction workers on hydropower plants in the Himalayas.
Transforming growth factor-β1-induced N-cadherin drives cell–cell communication through connexin43 in osteoblast lineage
Authors: Yang Yueyi , Liu Wenjing , Wei JieYa , Cui Yujia , Zhang Demao , Xie Jing
Published: April 2021

Gap junction (GJ) has been indicated to have an intimate correlation with adhesion junction. However, the direct interaction between them partially remains elusive. In the current study, we aimed to elucidate the role of N-cadherin, one of the core components in adhesion junction, in mediating connexin 43, one of the functional constituents in gap junction, via transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) induction in osteoblasts. We first elucidated the expressions of N-cadherin induced by TGF-β1 and also confirmed the upregulation of Cx43, and the enhancement of functional gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) triggered by TGF-β1 in both primary osteoblasts and MC3T3 cell line. Colocalization analysis and Co-IP experimentation showed that N-cadherin interacts with Cx43 at the site of cell–cell contact. Knockdown of N-cadherin by siRNA interference decreased the Cx43 expression and abolished the promoting effect of TGF-β1 on Cx43. Functional GJICs in living primary osteoblasts and MC3T3 cell line were also reduced. TGF-β1-induced increase in N-cadherin and Cx43 was via Smad3 activation, whereas knockdown of Smad3 signaling by using siRNA decreased the expressions of both N-cadherin and Cx43. Overall, these data indicate the direct interactions between N-cadherin and Cx43, and reveal the intervention of adhesion junction in functional gap junction in living osteoblasts.
Characterization of respiratory microbial dysbiosis in hospitalized COVID-19 patients
Authors: Zhong Huanzi , Wang Yanqun , Shi Zhun , Zhang Lu , Ren Huahui , He Weiqun , Zhang Zhaoyong , Zhu Airu , Zhao Jingxian , Xiao Fei , Yang Fangming , Liang Tianzhu , Ye Feng , Zhong Bei , Ruan Shicong , Gan Mian , Zhu Jiahui , Li Fang , Li Fuqiang , Wang Daxi , Li Jiandong , Ren Peidi , Zhu Shida , Yang Huanming , Wang Jian , Kristiansen Karsten , Tun Hein Min , Chen Weijun , Zhong Nanshan , Xu Xun , Li Yi-min , Li Junhua , Zhao Jincun
Published: April 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the microbial composition of the respiratory tract and other infected tissues as well as their possible pathogenic contributions to varying degrees of disease severity in COVID-19 patients remain unclear. Between 27 January and 26 February 2020, serial clinical specimens (sputum, nasal and throat swab, anal swab and feces) were collected from a cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, including 8 mildly and 15 severely ill patients in Guangdong province, China. Total RNA was extracted and ultra-deep metatranscriptomic sequencing was performed in combination with laboratory diagnostic assays. We identified distinct signatures of microbial dysbiosis among severely ill COVID-19 patients on broad spectrum antimicrobial therapy. Co-detection of other human respiratory viruses (including human alphaherpesvirus 1, rhinovirus B, and human orthopneumovirus) was demonstrated in 30.8% (4/13) of the severely ill patients, but not in any of the mildly affected patients. Notably, the predominant respiratory microbial taxa of severely ill patients were Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC), Staphylococcus epidermidis, or Mycoplasma spp. (including M. hominis and M. orale). The presence of the former two bacterial taxa was also confirmed by clinical cultures of respiratory specimens (expectorated sputum or nasal secretions) in 23.1% (3/13) of the severe cases. Finally, a time-dependent, secondary infection of B. cenocepacia with expressions of multiple virulence genes was demonstrated in one severely ill patient, which might accelerate his disease deterioration and death occurring one month after ICU admission. Our findings point to SARS-CoV-2-related microbial dysbiosis and various antibiotic-resistant respiratory microbes/pathogens in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in relation to disease severity. Detection and tracking strategies are needed to prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistance, improve the treatment regimen and clinical outcomes of hospitalized, severely ill COVID-19 patients.