bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase‐field modeling of rock fractures with roughness
Authors: Fei Fan , Choo Jinhyun , Liu Chong , White Joshua A.
Published: January 2022

Phase‐field modeling—a continuous approach to discontinuities—is gaining popularity for simulating rock fractures due to its ability to handle complex, discontinuous geometry without an explicit surface tracking algorithm. None of the existing phase‐field models, however, incorporates the impact of surface roughness on the mechanical response of fractures—such as elastic deformability and shear‐induced dilation—despite the importance of this behavior for subsurface systems. To fill this gap, here we introduce the first framework for phase‐field modeling of rough rock fractures. The framework transforms a displacement‐jump‐based discrete constitutive model for discontinuities into a strain‐based continuous model, without any additional parameter, and then casts it into a phase‐field formulation for frictional interfaces. We illustrate the framework by constructing a particular phase‐field form employing a rock joint model originally formulated for discrete modeling. The results obtained by the new formulation show excellent agreement with those of a well‐established discrete method for a variety of problems ranging from shearing of a single discontinuity to compression of fractured rocks. It is further demonstrated that the phase‐field formulation can well simulate complex crack growth from rough discontinuities. Consequently, our phase‐field framework provides an unprecedented bridge between a discrete constitutive model for rough discontinuities—common in rock mechanics—and the continuous finite element method—standard in computational mechanics—without any algorithm to explicitly represent discontinuity geometry.
Perceived stigma and its correlates among Asian patients with advanced cancer: A multi‐country APPROACH study
Authors: Teo Irene , Bhaskar Adithya , Ozdemir Semra , Malhotra Chetna , Hapuarachchi Thushari , Joad Anjum Khan , Manalo Maria Fidelis , Mariam Lubna , Ning Xiaohong , Palat Gayatri , Rahman Rubayat , Tuong Pham Nguyen , Finkelstein Eric A. ,   the APPROACH study group
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Perceived cancer‐related stigma can affect mental health and potentially treatment choices for patients with cancer. Nevertheless, perceived stigma is not very well understood in Asia. This study investigated across six developing Asian countries: (1) the prevalence of perceived stigma among advanced cancer patients, (2) its risk factors, and (3) its association with patient treatment preferences.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study recruited patients receiving oncology care across major hospitals in Bangladesh, China, India, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Participants (N = 1358) were adults diagnosed with stage IV metastatic solid cancer who completed self‐reported surveys. Multi‐variable logistic regression and ordered logit models examined the associations with perceived stigma and variables of interest.

Results

Across the countries, 35%, 95% CI [32%, 38%] of patients reported experiencing at least one facet of cancer‐related stigma often or always, while 60% [57%, 63%] reported it occurring occasionally. Top‐endorsed facets of perceived stigma across the Asian countries suggest a distinct pattern. Having knowingly engaged in health‐risk behaviours (OR = 2.03–2.24, 95% CI [1.14–1.19, 3.43–4.41]), unemployment (2.64 [1.67, 4.19]) and body image change (1.57 [1.00, 2.45]) were associated with higher odds of perceived stigma, while time mitigated perceived stigma (0.49–0.65 [0.30–0.45, 0.76–0.92]). Perceived stigma was associated with lower odds of preference for life‐extending treatments, although the associations did not hold up in the adjusted model.

Conclusions

Perceived stigma is unique among Asian advanced cancer patients. Stigma is important to assess and address, taking into consideration the various sociodemographic, clinical and psychological factors of cancer patients.
Preconditioning techniques for the coupled Stokes–Darcy problem: spectral and field-of-values analysis
Authors: Beik Fatemeh Panjeh Ali , Benzi Michele
Published: January 2022

We study the performance of some preconditioning techniques for a class of block three-by-three linear systems of equations arising from finite element discretizations of the coupled Stokes–Darcy flow problem. In particular, we investigate preconditioning techniques including block preconditioners, constraint preconditioners, and augmented Lagrangian-based ones. Spectral and field-of-value analyses are established for the exact versions of these preconditioners. The result of numerical experiments are reported to illustrate the performance of inexact variants of the various preconditioners used with flexible GMRES in the solution of a 3D test problem with large jumps in the permeability.
Array comparative genomic hybridisation results of non-syndromic children with the conotruncal heart anomaly
Authors: Mermer Serdar , Şahin Derya Aydın
Published: January 2022

The study aimed to show the chromosomal copy number variations responsible for the aetiology in patients with isolated conotruncal heart anomaly by array comparative genomic hybridisation and identify candidate genes causing conotruncal heart disease. A total of 37 patients, 17 male, and 20 female, with isolated conotruncal heart anomalies, were included in the study. No findings indicated any syndrome in terms of dysmorphology in the patients.

Results:

Copy number variations were detected in the array comparative genomic hybridisation analysis of five (13.5%) of 37 patients included in the study. Three candidate genes (PRDM16, HIST1H1E, GJA5) found in these deletion and duplication regions may be associated with the conotruncal cardiac anomaly.

Conclusion:

CHDs can be encountered as the first and sometimes the single finding of many genetic disorders in children. It is thought that genetic tests, especially array comparative genomic hybridisation, may be beneficial for children with CHD since the diagnosis of genetic diseases in these patients as early as possible will help to prevent or reduce complications that may develop in the future. Also, it would be possible to detect candidate genes responsible for conotruncal cardiac anomalies with array comparative genomic hybridisation.
Read, Mark, Learn and Inwardly Digest: The Prayer Book and Private Devotion in Prayer Book Commentaries from Sparrow to Mant
Authors: Crosby Benjamin
Published: January 2022

Between the Restoration and the rise of the Oxford Movement, a burgeoning literature of commentaries upon the Book of Common Prayer were produced and circulated in England. This article traces the emergence and development of this little-studied commentary tradition in order to explore the role of the Book of Common Prayer in private devotion. It groups the literature into three primary categories based on genre and function: descriptive, historical and biblical commentaries; devotional commentaries; annotated Books of Common Prayer. I argue that this literature sought not only to defend the prayer book from criticism or inform users of its history and function but to encourage devotional engagement with the prayer book itself. Exploring the devotional strategies that this literary tradition teaches and models deepens our understanding of how the leaders of the Church of England during the long eighteenth century sought to encourage private engagement with the Book of Common Prayer.
Deformation in Western Guatemala Associated With the NAFCA (North America‐Central American Forearc‐Caribbean) Triple Junction: Neotectonic Strain Localization Into the Guatemala City Graben
Authors: Garnier Bridget , Tikoff Basil , Flores Omar , Jicha Brian , DeMets Charles , Cosenza‐Muralles Beatriz , Hernandez Walter , Greene David
Published: January 2022

Recent structural and geodetic data define the Guatemala City graben region as the continental triple junction between the North American plate, Caribbean plate, and the Central American Forearc sliver. We present minor fault analysis, geochronological and geochemical analyses, and newly updated GPS velocities in western Guatemala, west of the Guatemala City graben, to characterize the magnitude and timing of extensional deformation in this poorly understood area. Elongations estimated from fault data are parallel (∼east‐west) and perpendicular to the Polochic‐Motagua fault system to the north, similar to geodetically measured active deformation observed east of the Guatemala City graben. Four new 40Ar/39Ar dates and correlation of tephra deposits suggest that faulting was active during the Pliocene, but ceased eastward toward the Guatemala City graben over time. From west to east, fault cessation occurred before the deposition of the Los Chocoyos ash (75 ka) and E tephra (51 ka). Faulting just west of the Guatemala City graben appears to be active, where a major fault cuts the most recent Amatitlán tephras. Based on this data, we propose a time‐progressive strain model for deformation related to North America‐Caribbean plate interactions, whereby distributed elongation of the westernmost Caribbean plate occurred during the Pliocene but localized mostly within the Guatemala City graben and nearby faults during the Pleistocene. Our model supports that: (a) The Guatemala City graben is effectively the western limit of the Caribbean plate; and (b) Western Guatemala, which was the trailing edge of the Caribbean plate, has been transferred to the forearc region.
Impact of geology and climate change on wetlands: Case of Lake Aguelmam Azegza (Middle Atlas, Morocco)
Authors: Boutsougame Abdelaziz , El Youssfi Lahcen , Aassine Hlima , Khuili Soufiane , Cherkaoui Sidi Imad , Ouazzani Hassane , Alaoui Mustapha
Published: January 2022

The AguelmamAzegza lake is located in the Middle Atlas mountain range, this region consists of carbonate rocks of Lias. It is the best-watered and richest region in Morocco in terms of wetlands, especially natural lakes, rivers and fresh springs. The lake’s water supply is ensured by the inflows of water in the form of underwater sources fed by precipitation (rain and snow) following tectonics and the genesis of karstic formations by the dissolution of carbonate rocks. The declining trend in lake levels in recent years results from the decrease in precipitation which decreases during these years.
Coagulation-flocculation technique for domestic wastewater treatment in the city of Ain Aouda, Rabat, Morocco
Authors: Al-Jadabi Naif , Laaouan Mohamed , Benbouzid Maria , Mabrouki Jamal , El Hajjaji Souad
Published: January 2022

The goal of this study was to investigate the performance of coagulation-flocculation, and sedimentation tests to reduce contaminant concentrations in domestic wastewater to ecologically acceptable levels. The tests were performed at the (ONEE) laboratory using a jar test apparatus (GPB FLCDidatec, France) for enhancing the primary treatment of domestic wastewater effluent from the wastewater plant of Ain Aouda City, Rabat, Morocco. Aluminum sulphate Al2(SO4)3.18H2O (termed alum) was employed as a coagulant in the study. The impact of coagulant doses and pH at optimum dosage on the process of coagulation was studied and conditions were optimized to obtain the best removal of studied pollutants. The evolution of physico-chemical parameters pre-and post-treatment was monitored to determine the efficacy of the process. The turbidity and total suspended solids (TSS) were the best indicators of the treatment’s efficacy of coagulant concentration (150mg/L) within the pH optimum of 7. Laboratory tests have shown 98.4% of turbidity, and 97% total suspended solids removal at initial concentrations of 121 NTU, 220 mg/L respectively. Also, it has shown good removal efficiency for COD, BOD5 of the order 83%, 77% at initial concentrations of 340 mg/L, 150 mg/L respectively. Following the coagulation tests, the examination of the main parameters studied revealed that the degree of contamination had decreased. This is confirmed that Aluminium sulphate as a coagulant has proven its effectiveness in the treatment of domestic wastewater in this study.
Effect of quince (Cydonia oblonga Miller) fruit extract against oxalocalcic crystallization
Authors: Elhadri Ibtissam , Baddade Latifa , El mouftari Moulouda , Berkani Mohamed
Published: January 2022

Kidney stone or Urolithiasis is a solid particle that forms in the urinary tract. In Morocco, as in many countries, most patients use medicinal plants as an alternative therapy for many diseases, including lithiasis. The fruit of Cydonia oblonga Miller. is traditionally used for the prevention and treatment of several diseases. The present study aims to explore the effects of aqueous extracts of pulp and peel quince on oxalocalcic crystallization. These results show that the aqueous extracts of C. oblonga M can inhibit calcium oxalate crystallization.
The Significance of Soil Micromorphology Research in Land Reclamation
Authors: Cao Tingting , Wang Jian , Zhang Haiou
Published: January 2022

Soil micromorphology is an emerging branch of soil science that aims to study the formation and structure of soils at a microscopic level. The study of soil micromorphology can be used for the analysis of soil genesis and evolution, the development of land remediation techniques, the analysis of the causes of geological hazards, the mechanisms of soil quality degradation, the process of soil formation and material changes in “anthropogenic soils” and many other aspects. With the gradual development of instrumentation, scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy and scanning CT have been widely used in the study of soil micromorphology. This paper presents a detailed analysis of the current state of development of soil micromorphology techniques and the possible problems that may exist in the future.
An Economic-technical Method of Calculating Power Grid Reliability Improvement Scheme
Authors: Lia Jiefu , Xin Peng , Kan Zhongfeng , Li Zhenxin , Li Donglin , Jiang Bo , Zheng Xuerui
Published: January 2022

A program to enhance the economic & technical grid reliability is proposed in the light of improving grid reliability, The economic model of power grid upgrade program is built up. The solutions to optimize efficiency are presented step by step based on the estimated investment program & minimum portfolio optimization program. Taking the real data of certain power supply company as example, the proposed method is proved to have certain practical value.
Predictors of Fecal Microbiota Transplant Failure in Clostridioides difficile Infection
Authors: Beran Azizullah , Sharma Sachit , Ghazaleh Sami , Lee-Smith Wade , Aziz Muhammad , Kamal Faisal , Acharya Ashu , Adler Douglas G.
Published: January 2022

Introduction and Aim:

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an effective treatment for recurrent/refractory Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) with a 10% to 20% risk of recurrence after a single FMT. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the predictors of FMT failure.

Methods:

A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases through July 2021 was performed. All studies that evaluated risk factors associated with FMT failure in a multivariate model were included. We calculated pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for risk factors reported in ≥3 studies using a random-effects model.

Results:

Twenty studies involving 4327 patients (63.6% females) with recurrent/refractory CDI who underwent FMT were included. FMT failed in 705 patients (16.3%) with 2 to 3 months of follow-up in most studies. A total of 12 different risk factors were reported in a multivariate model in ≥3 studies. Meta-analysis showed that advanced age, severe CDI, inflammatory bowel disease, peri-FMT use of non-CDI antibiotics, prior CDI-related hospitalizations, inpatient status, and poor quality of bowel preparation were significant predictors of FMT failure. Charlson Comorbidity Index, female gender, immunosuppressed status, patient-directed donor, and number of CDI recurrences were not associated with FMT failure.

Conclusions:

Adequate bowel preparation at the time of FMT and optimizing antibiotic stewardship practices in the peri-FMT period can improve the success of FMT. Patients with nonmodifiable risk factors should be counseled about the risk of FMT failure. Our results may help develop a risk stratification model to predict FMT failure in CDI patients.
First Case Report of a Uterine Angiolipoleiomyoma With KRAS and KIT Mutations
Authors: Verocq Camille , Noël Jean-Christophe , Ouertani Salah , D’Haene Nicky , Catteau Xavier
Published: January 2022

Angiolipoleiomyoma is a very rare lesion of the uterus. To the best of our knowledge, only 20 cases have been described in the literature. It is an insufficiently defined entity, which is not included in the WHO classification. This lesion may be therefore underdiagnosed and underestimated. We describe here a case of a 58-yr-old woman who underwent routine gynecological examination. Ultrasonography revealed a heterogeneous myometrial mass, while magnetic resonance imaging showed a voluminous corporeal and fundic myometrial mass protruding into the uterine cavity. A total hysterectomy was performed. The macroscopic examination revealed an intramural solitary round mass with a heterogeneous cut-surface. Microscopically, the lesion consisted of an admixture of smooth muscle, adipose tissue, and blood vessels. Desmin was positive, while HMB45 was negative in the tumor. Molecular tests were performed and revealed, for the first time to our knowledge, a case of an angiolipoleiomyoma harboring KRAS and KIT mutations.
The Life Span of the Great Black Wasp Sphex pensylvanicus Linnaeus, 1763 (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) and Other Observations from a Nesting Aggregation in Sioux City, Iowa, USA. 2003-2017
Authors: Lechner G.K.
Published: January 2022

In a fifteen year period, the observed life span of both male and female Sphex pensylvanicus was documented in an aggregation of these wasps behind a retaining wall on a residential lot in Sioux City, Iowa, USA. In addition, early season emergence of the males before the females (protandry) and instances of male territorial behavior were also confirmed. Half or more of the wasps disappeared; possible out-migration?
Inflammation in the COVID-19 airway is due to inhibition of CFTR signaling by the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein
Authors: Caohuy Hung , Eidelman Ofer , Chen Tinghua , Yang Qingfeng , Pollard Bette S. , Walton Nathan I. , Pollard Harvey B.
Published: January 2022

Background

SARS-CoV-2-contributes to sickness and death in COVID-19 patients partly by inducing a hyper-proinflammatory immune response in the host airway. This hyper- proinflammatory state involves activation of signaling by NFκB and ENaC, and expression of high levels of cytokines and chemokines. Post-infection inflammation may contribute to “Long COVID”, and there are long term consequences for acute severe COVID-19, which double or triple the chances of dying from any cause within a year. Enhanced signaling by NFκB and ENaC also marks the airway of patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, a lethal proinflammatory genetic disease due to inactivating mutations in the CFTR gene. We therefore hypothesized that inflammation in the COVID-19 airway might be due to inhibition of CFTR signaling by SARS- CoV-2 Spike protein.

Methods

This hypothesis was tested using the hTERT-transformed BCi-NS1.1 basal stem cell, previously derived from small airway epithelia, which were differentiated into a model of small airway epithelia on an air-liquid-interface (ALI). CyclicAMP-activated CFTR chloride channel activity was measured using an Ussing Chamber. Cell surface-CFTR was labeled with the impermeant biotin method.

Results

Exposure of differentiated airway epithelia to SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein resulted in loss of CFTR protein expression. As hypothesized, TNFα/NFκB signaling was activated, based on increased protein expression of TNFR1, the TNFα receptor; TRADD, the first intracellular adaptor for the TNFα/TNFR1 complex; phosphorylated IκBα, and the chemokine IL8. ENaC activity was also activated, based on specific changes in molecular weights for α and γ ENaC. Exposure of the epithelia to viral Spike protein suppressed cAMP-activated CFTR chloride channel activity. However, 30 nM concentrations of cardiac glycoside drugs ouabain, digitoxin and digoxin, prevented loss of channel activity. ACE2 and CFTR were found to co- immunoprecipitate (co-IP) in both basal cells and epithelia, suggesting that the mechanism for Spike-dependent CFTR loss might involve ACE2 as a bridge between Spike and CFTR. In addition, Spike exposure to the epithelia resulted in failure of endosomal recycling to return CFTR to the plasma membrane, suggesting that failure of CFTR recovery from endosomal recycling might be a mechanism for spike-dependent loss of CFTR.

Conclusion

Based on experiments with this model of small airway epithelia, we predict that inflammation in the COVID-19 airway may be mediated by inhibition of CFTR signaling by SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, thus inducing a CFTR-null, cystic fibrosis-like clinical phenotype.
Missing links: safeguarding and disability hate crime responses
Authors: Healy Jane C. , Dray Rosslyn
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to consider the relationship between disability hate crime and safeguarding adults. It critically considers whether safeguarding responses to disability hate crime have changed following the implementation of the Care Act 2014. Historically, protectionist responses to disabled people may have masked the scale of hate crime and prevented them from seeking legal recourse through the criminal justice system (CJS). This paper investigates whether agencies are working together effectively to tackle hate crime.

Design/methodology/approach

The research presented draws on semi-structured interviews with key informants who work with disabled people and organisations as part of a wider study on disability hate crime.

Findings

Prior to the Care Act, safeguarding practice often failed to prioritise criminal justice interventions when responding to reports of disability hate crimes. Improving engagement within multi-agency safeguarding hubs and boards has the potential to increase hate crime awareness and reporting.

Research limitations/implications

This research was limited in scope to 15 participants who worked in England within safeguarding teams or with victims of hate crime.

Practical implications

Raising the profile of disability hate crime within safeguarding teams could lead to achieving more effective outcomes for adults at risk: improving confidence in reporting, identifying perpetrators of hate crimes, enabling the CJS to intervene and reducing the risk of further targeted abuse on the victim or wider community.

Originality/value

This paper is original in its contribution in this field as there is a dearth of research on the relationship between safeguarding and disability hate crime.
An enhanced framework for reliably managing private participation in infrastructure ICT projects in developing countries
Authors: Ayat Muhammad , Qureshi Sheheryar Mohsin , Kang Changwook
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose an improved framework for managing Private Participation in Infrastructure ICT (PPI-ICT) projects in the context of developing countries as the requirements to manage them are different in several aspects.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework has been proposed based on an exhaustive literature review and statistical analysis of the PPI-ICT projects’ data set using logistic regression, F-test and student’s t-test. The proposed framework was also applied to the PPI-ICT projects.

Findings

The framework is an extension to NTCP (novelty, technology, complexity and pace) approach by including extrinsic factors such as income of the country, climate risk, religious diversity, political stability, regularity quality and control of corruption. The proposed framework was used to analyze project characteristics and their external conditions in the context of developing countries. Based on the analyses, the authors have presented a detailed set of recommendations for project managers, practitioners and governments to improve the success rate of these projects.

Originality/value

The major contribution of this study is the framework, which encompasses the NTCP model as well as extrinsic characteristics of PPI-ICT projects. The proposed framework is meant to assist the project managers to comprehend the project characteristics and its external environment to identify an adequate approach for managing projects successfully.
Fred Reichheld: Customer centricity and the strategic power of embracing the “Golden Rule” in business
Authors: Leavy Brian
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Few have done more to advance the cause of a customer-first approach over the last two decades than Fred Reichheld, pioneer in the area of the customer loyalty economics. He is interviewed by S&L Contributing editor Brian Leavy.

Design/methodology/approach

Reichheld’s new book, Winning on Purpose, argues that there is one (and only one) purpose that generates long-term prosperity for a business and that is to enrich the lives of customers.

Findings

Reichheld’s book shows how customer capitalism can promise not only economic advance but also help to further humanize and elevate the world of business.

Practical implications

Putting customers first is what enables firms to serve all stakeholders well.

Originality/value

An important read for leaders, Reichheld’s significant advice to them is: Decisions and priorities must be explained in terms of values, principles and purpose, not simply profits.
Role of PG0192 and PG0193 in the modulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in macrophages in response to Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Wang Hongyan , Peng Wenying , Zhang Guangyu , Jiang Muzhou , Zhao Jian , Zhao Xue , Pan Yaping , Lin Li
Published: January 2022

Porphyromonas gingivalis is the main pathogen of chronic periodontitis. However, the specific mechanisms through which P. gingivalis induces immune and inflammatory responses in periodontitis have not been completely elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effects of the P. gingivalis outer membrane protein OmpH (encoded by PG0192 and PG0193) on interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) expression in macrophages to assess the pro‐inflammatory cytokine responses. A PG0192‐PG0193 deletion mutant strain and a com△PG0192‐0193 strain were constructed. Furthermore, rOmpH‐1 and rOmpH‐2 encoded by PG0192 and PG0193, respectively, were cloned, expressed, and purified for subsequent experiments. Notably, the expression of IL‐6 and TNF‐α at mRNA and protein levels was downregulated upon treatment of macrophages with the PG0192‐PG0193 deletion mutant strain, whereas treatment of macrophages with P. gingivalis W83 co‐incubated with rOmpH‐1 or rOmpH‐2 upregulated IL‐6 and TNF‐α mRNA levels. The addition of C5aR antagonist blocked this induction. Overall, our findings provided important insights into the roles of PG0192 and PG0193 for promoting IL‐6 and TNF‐α expression in macrophages exposed to P. gingivalis and revealed the involvement of C5aR in the pro‐inflammatory response.
Study on diverse pathological characteristics of heart failure in different stages based on proteomics
Authors: Liu Jinying , Lian Hongjian , Yu Jiang , Wu Jie , Chen Xiangyang , wang Peng , tian Lei , Yang Yunfei , Yang Jiaqi , Li Dong , Guo Shuzhen
Published: January 2022

Heart failure is a process characterized by significant disturbance of protein turnover. To elucidate the alterations in cardiac protein expression during the various phases of heart failure and to understand the nature of the processes involved, we analysed the proteome in an established heart failure model at different time points to monitor thousands of different proteins simultaneously. Here, heart failure was induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in KM mice. At 2, 4 and 12 weeks after operation, protein expression profiles were determined in sham‐operated (controls) and TAC mice, using label‐free quantitative proteomics, leading to identification and quantification of almost 4000 proteins. The results of the KEGG pathway enrichment analysis and GO function annotation revealed critical pathways associated with the transition from cardiac hypertrophy to heart failure, such as energy pathways and matrix reorganization. Our study suggests that in the pathophysiology of heart failure, alterations of protein groups related to cardiac energy substrate metabolism and cytoskeleton remodelling could play the more dominant roles for the signalling that eventually results in contractile dysfunction and heart failure.
Death anxiety, self‐esteem, and health‐related quality of life among geriatric caregivers during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Zhao Xia , Zhang Weihua , Su Yonggang , Song Yanping , Si Huaxin , Zhu Lifeng
Published: January 2022

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has influenced all social spaces and older adults are susceptible to COVID‐19. Geriatric caregivers in nursing homes might experience death anxiety when faced with infected older adults and a closed working environment. Death anxiety is a negative and formidable affective state. Yet, little is currently known about the relationships among death anxiety, self‐esteem, and health‐related quality of life among geriatric caregivers during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine whether self‐esteem could moderate the association between death anxiety and health‐related quality of life during the pandemic.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in Jinan and Heze cities, Shandong Province, from November 2020 to January 2021. Participants comprised a convenience sample of 236 geriatric caregivers in nursing homes. Data on sociodemographic variables, death anxiety, self‐esteem, and health‐related quality of life were collected. Descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation, and moderated analysis were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Self‐esteem moderated the association between death anxiety and health‐related quality of life (death anxiety × self‐esteem: B = −0.113, 95% CI: −0.143, −0.018).

Conclusion

This study revealed that self‐esteem played a moderating role between death anxiety and health‐related quality of life during the pandemic, which implies that mental health should be given more attention, and that interventions for improving self‐esteem need to be carried out.
A new tribe Obuloidini Beard, Ueckermann & Seeman (Acari: Tenuipalpidae): a review of the genera Krugeria and Obuloides, with descriptions of two new genera and nine new species
Authors: Beard Jennifer J. , Ueckermann Edward A. , Seeman Owen D.
Published: January 2022

A new tribe, Obuloidini tr. nov. Beard, Ueckermann & Seeman, is proposed to include the genera Krugeria Meyer, Obuloides Baker & Tuttle and two new genera, Bauchania gen. nov. Beard & Seeman and Krobuloides gen. nov. Ueckermann. The genus Krugeria is revised, with the redescription of the type species Kru. ramosa Meyer (based on type material) and the addition of four new species, Kru. neseri sp. nov. Beard & Seeman, Kru. tshipise sp. nov. Beard & Seeman, and Kru. esseleeae Ueckermann from South Africa, and Kru. ueckermanni Beard & Seeman from Australia (new generic record). A new genus from South Africa, Krobuloides gen. nov. Ueckermann, is described based on three new species, Kro. aydeni sp. nov. Ueckermann, Kro. eduani sp. nov. Ueckermann and Kro. waldoi sp. nov. Ueckermann. The genus Obuloides is revised with redescriptions of the following species, all based on type material: the type species O. rajamohani Baker & Tuttle from India; O. rimando Corpuz-Raros from The Philippines; and O. crinitus Maake & Ueckermann, O. flavae Ueckermann, Theron & Tiedt, O. inquilinus Ueckermann et al., O. namibiensis Ueckermann et al., O. occidentalis Ueckermann et al., and O. ruginosus Ueckermann et al. from South Africa. A new genus, Bauchania gen. nov. Beard & Seeman, is described from Australia, based on two new species, B. dampiera sp. nov. Beard & Seeman and B. goodenia sp. nov. Beard & Seeman. A discussion of the character states shared by these four genera is presented, with a key to separate them.
Retrospective and new records of hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) on wild animals from Paraná State, southern of Brazil
Authors: Valente Jessica Damiana Marinho , Kakimori Monica Tiemi Aline , Silva Patricia Weckerlin , Arzua Márcia , Barros-Battesti Darci Moraes , Saldanha André , Martini Rafaella , Lange Rogério Ribas , Martins Thiago Fernandes , Vieira Thállitha Samih Wischral Jayme , Labruna Marcelo Bahia , Vieira Rafael Felipe Costa
Published: January 2022

Ticks are distributed worldwide, and in South America, Brazil possesses the largest diversity of them. They are responsible for transmitting a wide range of pathogens to animals and accidentally to humans. The available data on tick species parasitizing wild animals in Paraná State are limited to few reports. Accordingly, the aims of this study were to describe and map the distribution of ticks parasitizing wild animals in Paraná State, southern Brazil, based on unpublished data from records of ticks deposited in two scientific collections, and tick records from previously published studies. Overall, we obtained 976 records of parasitism by ticks from 173 different species of free-ranging wild animals: 2/173 (1.2%) amphibians, 2/173 (1.2%) reptiles, 119/173 (68.8%) birds, 3/173 (1.7%) canids, 2/173 (1.2%) deer, 6/173 (3.5%) felids, 7/173 (4.0%) marsupials, 3/173 (1.7%) mustelid, 2/173 (1.2%) non-human primates, 2/173 (1.2%) procionid, 19/173 (11.0%) rodents, 2/173 (1.2%) Suine, 1/173 (0.6%) tapir, and 3/173 (1.7%) Xenarthra. A total of 6,794 ticks (1,163 males, 749 females, 428 adults of non-defined sex, 1,824 nymphs, 2,370 larvae, and 260 not identified stages) were recorded. The following tick species were recorded: Amblyomma aureolatum, Amblyomma brasiliense, Amblyomma calcaratum, Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma dissimile, Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma fuscum, Amblyomma geayi, Amblyomma incisum, Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma nodosum, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma parkeri (some published as A. geayi), Amblyomma parvum, Amblyomma pseudoconcolor, Amblyomma rotundatum, Amblyomma sculptum (some published as Amblyomma cajennense senso lato), Amblyomma tigrinum, Amblyomma triste, Amblyomma sp., Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, Haemaphysalis sp., Ixodes auritulus, Ixodes fuscipes (some published as Ixodes aragaoi), Ixodes loricatus, Ixodes paranaensis, Ixodes schulzei, Ixodes sp., and Rhipicephalus microplus. Amblyomma aureolatum and A. longirostre were highly prevalent on wild hosts. Ring-tailed coati (Nasua nasua) was the host species with the highest tick richness in Paraná State, Brazil. Also, we provide the first record of the tick-host association A. fuscum on felid (Leopardus guttulus), and R. microplus on rodent (Sphiggurus villosus).
One cell, many fates
Authors: Kunze Colin , Khalil Ahmad S.
Published: January 2022

A synthetic gene circuit enables programming of many stable states in mammalian cells
Thirteen Nearly Complete Genome Sequences of Human Bocavirus 1 Isolated from Pediatric Inpatients in Fukushima, Japan
Authors: Kakizaki Masatoshi , Kume Yohei , Suwa Reiko , Kawase Miyuki , Ono Takashi , Chishiki Mina , Norito Sakurako , Sato Masatoki , Sakuma Hiroko , Suzuki Shigeo , Hosoya Mitsuaki , Takeda Makoto , Hashimoto Koichi , Shirato Kazuya
Published: January 2022

We report 13 genomic sequences of human bocavirus 1 isolated from pediatric inpatients in Fukushima, Japan, using an air-liquid interface culture of human bronchial tracheal epithelial cells. This work suggests the endemic circulation of a human bocavirus variant with a unique amino acid signature in Fukushima.
Supplemental Material: Reassessment of ocean paleotemperatures during the Late Ordovician
Authors: Barney Bryce B. , Grossman Ethan L
Published: January 2022

Methods, data (Tables S1 and S2), Figures S1–S6, and Python Code.
Supplemental Material: A Mississippi Valley–type Zn-Pb mineralizing system in South China constrained by in situ U-Pb dating of carbonates and barite and in situ S-Sr-Pb isotopes
Authors: Xiong Suo-Fei , Jiang Shao-Yong , al. et
Published: January 2022

Table S1: U and Pb concentrations (ppm) in carbonate and barite samples from the Jiulingzi Zn-Pb deposit by LA-ICP-MS. Table S2: U-Pb data for carbonates and barite from the Jiulingzi Zn-Pb deposit. Table S3: In situ LA-MC-ICP-MS sulfur isotope data for sulfides and sulfate from the Jiulingzi Zn-Pb deposit. Table S4: In situ Sr isotopic compositions for carbonate and barite from the Jiulingzi Zn-Pb deposit. Table S5: Pb isotopic composition of sulfides from the Zn-Pb deposits in the Mayuan district.
Supplemental Material: The late Holocene Nealtican lava-flow field, Popocatépetl volcano, central Mexico: Emplacement dynamics and future hazards
Authors: Ramírez-Uribe Israel , al. et
Published: January 2022

Tables S1–S5 and methods for geothermobarometric and hygrometric calculations, and methods for estimating rheological properties of lava flow and their emplacement times.
Hafnian point processes and quasi-free states on the CCR algebra
Authors: Alshehri Maryam Gharamah Ali , Lytvynov Eugene
Published: January 2022

Let [Formula: see text] be a locally compact Polish space and [Formula: see text] a nonatomic reference measure on [Formula: see text] (typically [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is the Lebesgue measure). Let [Formula: see text] be a [Formula: see text]-matrix-valued kernel that satisfies [Formula: see text]. We say that a point process [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] is hafnian with correlation kernel [Formula: see text] if, for each [Formula: see text], the [Formula: see text]th correlation function of [Formula: see text] (with respect to [Formula: see text]) exists and is given by [Formula: see text]. Here [Formula: see text] denotes the hafnian of a symmetric matrix [Formula: see text]. Hafnian point processes include permanental and 2-permanental point processes as special cases. A Cox process [Formula: see text] is a Poisson point process in [Formula: see text] with random intensity [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be a complex Gaussian field on [Formula: see text] satisfying [Formula: see text] for each compact [Formula: see text]. Then the Cox process [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] is a hafnian point process. The main result of the paper is that each such process [Formula: see text] is the joint spectral measure of a rigorously defined particle density of a representation of the canonical commutation relations (CCRs), in a symmetric Fock space, for which the corresponding vacuum state on the CCR algebra is quasi-free.
Learning-Augmented Energy-Aware Scheduling of Precedence-Constrained Tasks
Authors: Su Yu , Yu Jannie , Anand Vivek , Wierman Adam
Published: January 2022

We study the scheduling problem of precedence-constrained tasks to balance between performance and energy consumption. To this point, scheduling to balance performance and energy has been limited to settings without dependencies between jobs. In this extended abstract, we consider a system with multiple servers capable of speed scaling and seek to schedule precedence constrained jobs to minimize a linear combination of performance and energy consumption. Inspired by the single server setting, we propose the concept of pseudo-size for individual tasks, which is a measure of the importance of a task in the precedence graph that is learned from workload data. We then propose a two-stage learningaugmented list scheduling algorithm which uses the learned pseudo-size approximation and achieves a provable approximation bound on the linear combination of performance and energy consumption, where the quality of the bound depends on that of the approximation of task pseudo-sizes, for both makespan and total weighted completion time.
When Does the Gittins Policy Have Asymptotically Optimal Response Time Tail?
Authors: Scully Ziv , van Kreveld Lucas
Published: January 2022

We consider scheduling in the M/G/1 queue with unknown job sizes. It is known that the Gittins policy minimizes mean response time in this setting. However, the behavior of the tail of response time under Gittins is poorly understood, even in the large-response-time limit. Characterizing Gittins's asymptotic tail behavior is important because if Gittins has optimal tail asymptotics, then it simultaneously provides optimal mean response time and good tail performance.

In this work, we give the first comprehensive account of Gittins's asymptotic tail behavior. For heavy-tailed job sizes, we find that Gittins always has asymptotically optimal tail. The story for light-tailed job sizes is less clear-cut: Gittins's tail can be optimal, pessimal, or in between. To remedy this, we show that a modification of Gittins avoids pessimal tail behavior while achieving near-optimal mean response time.
Special Issue on the Workshop about Reinforcement Learning in Networks and Queues (RLNQ 2021)
Authors: Gast Nicolas , Walton Neil
Published: January 2022

The workshop aims to revisit the development and the application of reinforcement learning techniques in the various application areas covered by the SIGMETRICS conference. Topics include but are not limited to queueing networks (scheduling, resource allocations), cloud computing, cyberphysical systems (including the smart grid), computer and communication networks, etc. This workshop aims to bring together researchers working on the theoretical aspects and the application of reinforcement learning techniques. It is intended to provide a focus on reinforcement learning techniques at SIGMETRICS conferences for talks on early research on the subject. We aim to gather talks based on recent research results (including work in progress or work that have been submitted to a journal) as well as recently published results in other conferences or journals. Thus, part of the goal is to complement and supplement the SIGMETRICS Conference program with such talks without removing any theoretical contributions from the main technical program.
Auto-SDA
Authors: Ghasemi Mahshid
Published: January 2022

Social distancing can reduce infection rates in respiratory pandemics such as COVID-19, especially in dense urban areas. To assess pedestrians' compliance with social distancing policies, we use the pilot site of the PAWR COSMOS wireless edge-cloud testbed in New York City to design and evaluate an Automated video-based Social Distancing Analyzer (Auto-SDA) pipeline (shown in Fig. 1). This pipeline measures the distance between unaffiliated pedestrians (i.e., the pedestrians who do not walk together as a social group) and assesses if they maintain 6 ft distance.
presença de Michel Foucault na produção científica nacional da Biblioteconomia e Ciência da informação
Authors: Tanus Gabrielle Francinne de S. C. , Silva Daniela Cândido da , Silva Amanda Ingrid Silva de
Published: January 2022

Michel Foucault é um dos mais importantes autores das Ciências Sociais e Humanas (CSH), responsável por uma diversidade de publicações. A Biblioteconomia e a Ciência da Informação inserem-se no rol das CSH, apropriando-se das correntes de pensamento produzidos pelas ciências, consolidando o diálogo. Deste modo, a partir de um estudo bibliométrico o objetivo desta pesquisa é mapear a presença de Michel Foucault na produção científica nacional da Biblioteconomia e Ciência da Informação. Para tanto, foi selecionada a Base de Dados de Periódicos em Ciência da Informação (BRAPCI), que indexa os artigos de periódicos nacionais impressos e eletrônicos da área. A coleta de dados foi empreendida em janeiro de 2020, de modo que a cobertura da pesquisa fosse de 1972 a 2019, sendo realizada a partir da consulta dos termos “Foucault” e “Michel Foucault”. Foi observado a partir da sistematização dos 128 artigos selecionados: ano de publicação, autoria, periódico, palavras-chaves, temáticas dos artigos e análise das citações. Foram citadas 362 obras de Michel Foucault, entre livros, capítulos de livros e artigos. Percebemos que Foucault é um referencial teórico-metodológico para a Biblioteconomia e Ciência da Informação, estando presente desde a década de 1990 no cenário nacional, sobretudo com a “Arqueologia do saber”. Os resultados apontaram também uma concentração das citações em artigos associados aos “Estudos Históricos e Epistemológicos da Ciência da Informação”, “Informação, Educação e Trabalho” e “Organização e Representação do conhecimento”
Um estudo sobre o termo rûaḥ na Bíblia Hebraica
Authors: Hubner Manu Marcus
Published: January 2022

O termo rûaḥ está repleto de significados na Bíblia Hebraica. Esse artigo é um estudo sintético das ocorrências e dos possíveis significados deste termo.
Two new species of ground crickets (Orthoptera: Trigonidiidae; Nemobiinae) from China
Authors: HE ZHIXIN , WANG NING , HUANG HUATENG , MA LIBIN
Published: January 2022

Here we describe two new species of ground crickets from Yunnan Province, China (Homonemobius brevipennis sp. nov. and Pteronemobius osuviridis sp. nov.). Descriptions, illustrations, and distributions of these new species are provided.
Effect of ply position switching in quasi-isotropic glass fibre reinforced polymer composite subjected to low velocity impact
Authors: Singh KK , Mahesh
Published: January 2022

This paper reports the influence of woven (0°/90°) and (±45°) lamina position interchanging about the midplane in an eight-layered quasi-isotropic glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite under low velocity impact (LVI). In order to fabricate GFRP composite, two lamina orientations as (0°/90°) (referred as ‘a’) and (±45°) (referred as ‘c’) arranged in different stacking sequences. Three number of sample groups as (i) sandwiched ([aacc]S and [ccaa]S) (ii) intercalated ([acca]S and [caac]S) and (iii) alternate ([acac]S and [caca]S) resulted in six number of stacking sequences. The drop weight impact tests are performed at two incident velocities as 1.5 and 4 m/s. The corresponding impact energies generated are 11.39 and 81.05 J, respectively. The impact velocity 1.5 m/s created the barely visible impact damage (BVID) in the GFRP composite, while the impact velocity 4 m/s perforated the GFRP composite. The experimental results showed that the intercalated laminate design with four mismatching interfaces (i.e., [acca]S), offered better impact resistance than two other designs with two and six angle mismatching interfaces. It is also perceived that the impact response (maximum peak load, maximum impact energy and minimum impactor displacement) was independent of the number of angles of mismatching interfaces. Moreover, low velocity impact response of a quasi-isotropic GFRP composite depends on the balanced lamina position about the midplane in the laminate. Experimental results for maximum peak load, maximum energy absorption and laminate displacement proved the significance of conventional designing methodology. Further, the impactor displacement value at maximum peak load and the landing displacement value of the descending portion of the force-displacement curve after reaching the maximum peak load proved to be a practical approach along with the use of determinant of the bending stiffness matrix in determining the better performing stacking sequences for a quasi-isotropic GFRP composite made of (0°/90°) and (±45°) plies under LVI.