bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypothesis Testing for Hierarchical Structures in Cognitive Diagnosis Models
Authors: Ma Chenchen , Xu Gongjun
Published: October 2021

Cognitive Diagnosis Models (CDMs) are a special family of discrete latent variable models widely used in educational, psychological and social sciences. In many applications of CDMs, certain hierarchical structures among the latent attributes are assumed by researchers to characterize their dependence structure. Specifically, a directed acyclic graph is used to specify hierarchical constraints on the allowable configurations of the discrete latent attributes. In this paper, we consider the important yet unaddressed problem of testing the existence of latent hierarchical structures in CDMs. We first introduce the concept of testability of hierarchical structures in CDMs and present sufficient conditions. Then we study the asymptotic behaviors of the likelihood ratio test (LRT) statistic, which is widely used for testing nested models. Due to the irregularity of the problem, the asymptotic distribution of LRT becomes nonstandard and tends to provide unsatisfactory finite sample performance under practical conditions. We provide statistical insights on such failures, and propose to use parametric bootstrap to perform the testing. We also demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of parametric bootstrap for testing the latent hierarchies over non-parametric bootstrap and the naïve Chi-squared test through comprehensive simulations and an educational assessment dataset.
Dairy goat welfare in semi-intensive production systems and drought conditions
Authors: Larrondo C , Leiva J , de la Cruz-Cruz L
Published: October 2021

The region of Coquimbo has the highest percentage of goats (Capra hircus) in Chile and is severely affected by droughts. This can lead to environmental challenges such as limited water and forage availability when goats are kept in natural grasslands. The objective of this study was to assess the welfare of dairy goats in semi-intensive production systems under drought conditions. The study was carried out in La Serena city, region of Coquimbo, Chile and 22 semi-intensive dairy goat farms were assessed using the Animal Welfare Indicators protocol. In each evaluation, the following indicators and information were gathered: physical and behavioural indicators of animal welfare, farmers’ sociodemographic information, farm facilities, husbandry practices and management of the farm, and farmers’ perception of animal welfare. Of the goats evaluated (n = 446), the vast majority had a body condition score (BCS) considered normal (n = 349; 78.25%). The main welfare problems were poor hair condition, faecal soiling, overgrown claws and improper disbudding or dehorning. The majority of farmers (96%) considered it ‘rather important’ or ‘very important’ to handle their goats in a gentle manner, expressing concern about the welfare of their animals and considering pain as a negative experience for goats. A lower than expected percentage of very thin animals (low BCS) were seen, considering the drought conditions and the forage shortage that affects the region, and no animals were observed with signs of thermal stress. The semi-intensive production systems could be an alternative to pasture-based systems to overcome environmental challenges.
Contribution of adult sex ratio to trauma and reproductive output in large breeding groups of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Crast J , Bloomsmith MA , Remillard CM , Meeker T
Published: October 2021

Maintaining stable breeding groups of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) can be challenging due to the complex social dynamics and despotic nature of the species. Trauma from aggression is a common problem in rhesus colonies and can cause social disruption, strain veterinary and animal management resources, and potentially affect reproduction. Previous research has shown that increasing the number of non-natal adult males in a breeding group can improve group stability, reduce trauma, and increase reproduction. Here, we used mixed-effects regression models to examine the effects of sex ratio and other factors on trauma and reproduction at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center using a historical dataset made up of four large rhesus groups over an eleven-year period (2003-2013). As expected, sex ratio was a significant predictor for both trauma and reproduction. However, group age since formation was a stronger predictor of trauma frequency and the amount of space available was a slightly better predictor of reproduction than sex ratio or trauma. These results indicate that improving sex ratios can be a viable management strategy to reduce trauma and improve reproduction, particularly when it is difficult to manipulate the group compositions and/or their housing situations. Reducing trauma is a primary goal for rhesus breeding colonies, as it directly impacts the monkeys’ health and psychological well-being. Such improvements are necessary for the ethical treatment and care of the animals themselves, but also to reduce financial burdens and maintain a healthy colony for research purposes.
LE TRAUMA COMPLEXE : UN REGARD INTERDISCIPLINAIRE SUR LES DIFFICULTÉS DES ENFANTS ET DES ADOLESCENTS
Authors: Milot1 Tristan , Bruneau-Bhérer Rosée , Collin-Vézina Delphine , Godbout Natacha
Published: October 2021

Dans cet article, nous proposons de discuter la manière dont le trauma complexe peut offrir un cadre conceptuel guidant l’intervention auprès des enfants et adolescents ayant de multiples besoins. L’article débute par une présentation du trauma complexe, de même que des liens entre le trauma complexe, la santé mentale et le fonctionnement psychologique. L’apport du travail interdisciplinaire dans le contexte de l’intervention en trauma complexe est ensuite exploré. Finalement, les approches d’intervention sensibles aux traumas sont abordées, en soulignant les aspects interdisciplinaires qui les caractérisent. Nos propos sont illustrés à travers la situation d’une adolescente hébergée dans un centre de réadaptation.
RECENSION EXPLORATOIRE DES TRAITEMENTS UTILISÉS POUR LES TROUBLES DES CONDUITES ALIMENTAIRES ET DES FACTEURS ASSOCIÉS AU CHANGEMENT
Authors: Aimé1 Annie , Gagnon Cynthia , Gagnon-Girouard Marie-Pierre , Bégin Catherine , Poirier Rose , Meilleur Dominique
Published: October 2021

L’étude actuelle vise à répertorier les traitements psychologiques les plus souvent offerts aux personnes adultes atteintes de troubles des conduites alimentaires (TCA). Elle s’intéresse aussi aux interventions prometteuses et aux facteurs clés pouvant influencer la réponse au traitement. Une recension exploratoire a été réalisée à partir de cinq bases de données. Il ressort que la thérapie cognitive-comportementale est la plus documentée pour le traitement des TCA et qu’elle conduit à une rémission de la symptomatologie dans 50 % des cas. Des considérations cliniques sont proposées afin d’améliorer l’accessibilité et la qualité des services psychologiques offerts aux personnes atteintes de TCA.
Visita de Deus na cidade de Jerusalém: juízo e salvação
Authors: Artuso Vicente , Zaganin Camilo Rosa Patricia
Published: October 2021

As visitas de Deus ao seu povo são constatadas nas Sagradas Escrituras como eventos em que Deus se manifesta para trazer benefícios ou também juízo e punição. O objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar o verbo visitar, no hebraico (פָּקַ֥ד), no Antigo Testamento e o seu correspondente grego (ἐπισκέπτομαι)no Novo Testamento. São verbos que os autores empregaram para registrar as intervenções divinas em Jerusalém. Pretende-se mostrar os contrastes na vivência religiosa do povo, ora fiel ora infiel, o que determina a revelação de Deus como juiz que visita seu povo para socorrer e salvar ou para punir e castigar. Partimos de textos proféticos de Juízo sobre Jerusalém, para destacar no Novo Testamento a salvação pela visita de Deus em Jesus. Muitos reconhecem a presença de Deus nas ações benéficas que ele realiza. Porém Jesus se tornou também sinal de contradição para os que o rejeitam atraindo o juízo. Assim o artigo mostra os conflitos e resistências diante da visita salvadora de Jesus. Finalmente o estudo conclui com a hermenêutica pastoral da cidade.
Cristianismo primitivo na cidade: conflitos e resistências
Authors: Perondi Ildo , Artuso Vicente , Souza Waldir
Published: October 2021

O tema desse dossiê destaca as características do movimento de Jesus, com novas configurações, na passagem do contexto rural da Galileia para os grandes centros urbanos. Encontramos informações a partir dos documentos mais antigos: Cartas do apóstolo Paulo, Evangelhos, Atos dos Apóstolos e outros escritos do Novo Testamento. Se a origem do cristianismo teve lugar na sinagoga como um prolongamento do judaísmo da diáspora, seu desenvolvimento e lenta institucionalização não ocorreu sem conflitos internos e com o “status quo” do Império. Com efeito, ao considerar-se uma extensão do judaísmo, os seguidores e seguidoras de Jesus obtinham certa legitimidade e cidadania. Porém, ao desligar-se das sinagogas o novo grupo passou a ser descrito como reacionário e considerado, por autores antigos, uma “seita perniciosa”.Não faltaram os conflitos e divisões entre grupos, por motivos culturais, religiosos, doutrinários de tendências diversas, representadas por diferentes grupos, de Paulo, Cefas, Apolo (1Cor 1,12). O esforço em buscar a unidade já no início aparece na parênese paulina adotada de um antigo credo batismal: “Todos vós que fostes batizados em Cristo, vos revestistes de Cristo. Não há judeu nem grego, nem escravo nem livre, nem homem nem mulher. Todos vós sois um só em Cristo Jesus” (Gl 3,27-28). Paulo reforça a unidade em Cristo. Tornar-se filhos de Deus em Cristo significava romper as barreiras sociais e étnicas em vista da unidade (cf. CORSANI, 1990, p. 243).
Paulo e o discurso no areópago: desafios e superações do Cristianismo urbano. Um estudo de At 17,22-34
Authors: Mazzarolo Isidoro
Published: October 2021

O discurso de Paulo no Areópago de Atenas estabelece um paradigma muito claro no que concerne à prática evangelizadora e aos desafios dos cristãos nas primeiras décadas. Os pagãos estavam muito abertos a novidades religiosas; não só filósofos estoicos e epicureus, mas de outras correntes de pensamento sempre estavam atentos para novas teorias e realidades. Paulo aproveita o espírito de religiosidade dos pagãos para fazer a sua proposta de identificação do Deus desconhecido.
Cristianismo, sociedade brasileira e violência doméstica: faces desfiguradas e gritos de socorro na atualidade
Authors: Xavier Donizete José , Delfino Claudio Antônio , Reis Jerusa Lisboa Pacheco Reis Pacheco
Published: October 2021

É notório em nossos dias o sofrimento do povo brasileiro, juntamente de toda a humanidade. Neste momento da história, todos são assolados com os dramas da Pandemia do novo Coronavírus. O silêncio angustiante e vazio rompido pelo choro e pelas lágrimas de poucos familiares sepultando seus mortos, milhares de famílias enlutadas pela morte de seus entes queridos, o sistema de saúde que nem sempre consegue atender às necessidades, principalmente as dos mais vulneráveis, a necessidade do isolamento social, e ainda, as consequências destes tempos pandêmicos que vão se aflorando, tais como o desemprego, a fome, a perda da esperança em dias melhores, são algumas marcas do sofrimento de muitos de nossos irmãos Brasil afora. Não bastasse isso, vai crescendo de maneira grave e vertiginosa, em meio a esse triste cenário, a violência doméstica. Tal fenômeno tem desfigurado o rosto de muitas crianças, adolescentes e mulheres, provocando gritos de socorro, provenientes de muitos lares anônimos, gritos que não podem cair no esquecimento nem na indiferença, quer seja do Cristianismo ou de qualquer outra Confissão Religiosa que tenham como pilares o amor a Deus e ao próximo. Toda pessoa de boa vontade da Sociedade Brasileira deve estar atenta aos pedidos de socorro oriundos desses gritos abafados. Diante disso, objetivou-se nesta reflexão verificar quais seriam os desafios atuais, especificamente para o Cristianismo e para a Sociedade Brasileira no combate à violência doméstica e como tornarem-se próximos dos que já são acometidos por tão grandes sofrimentos e tomar atitudes que previnam futuros horrores. Ao menos duas questões preliminares se fizeram necessárias: é legítima a prática de um modelo religioso cristão, tendo Jesus Cristo como fundamento, que se baseie na premissa, segundo a qual, se está bem para mim a situação, não importa como está a do outro? Seria razoável para qualquer pessoa de boa vontade e para uma sociedade inteira negligenciarem-se diante da desfiguração dos rostos e dos gritos de sofrimento de milhares de crianças, adolescentes e mulheres?
Adaptive Genetic Algorithm for Hydro-thermal Unit Commitment Considering the Security Constraints
Authors: Postolov Borce , Iliev Atanas
Published: October 2021

This paper proposes a new approach with two efficient metaheuristic algorithms, in combination with quadratic programming, to solve the nonlinear optimization problem Unit Commitment in a complex hydro-thermal power system i.e. Hydrothermal Unit Commitment (HTUC). The main goal is to minimize the total costs (which are a very non-linear and non-convex problem), while satisfying the many hydro-thermal constraints. Such constraints, together with the nonlinear non-convex and mixed-integer objective function, make the search space extremely complex. To solve such a complicated system, the paper proposes a hybridization of a developed binary-coded genetic algorithm (in which quadratic programming is integrated), with a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. PSO is applied to the final economic load dispatch (ELD), based on the optimal binary combination obtained from the genetic algorithm. A new approach has been proposed through the application of a repair mechanism, which is based on a priority list, in order to maintain the diversity of the population and prevent premature convergence. The entire algorithm was developed and tested in MATLAB and then applied to the IEEE 30 BUS test system. The experimental results show better performance of the proposed algorithm compared to the recently published algorithms, in terms of convergence, constraint handling, as well as better solution quality.
Depot Location Analysis for Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem: A Case Study of Solid Waste Management
Authors: Salawudeen Ahmed T. , Akut Emmanuel K. , Momoh Izuagbe S. , Ibrahim Abdullahi A. , Zion Mayo T. , Yusuf Shehu M.
Published: October 2021

This paper presents an optimized solution to locate a depot on multiobjective instances of Capacitated Vehicle Pouting Problem (CVRP) using firefly algorithm (FA). The main objective of a depot location routing problem (LRP) is to obtain the optimal position to locate a depot in other to serve a set of customers ensuring the minimum possible total travelled distance across a search space. In this paper, the instances of solid waste management were created to simulate a real-life scenario of CVRP. This was formulated into a multiobjective optimization problem considering various depot positioning. Firefly Algorithm (FA) which is a metaheuristic technique was employed to navigate the travel path towards an optimal depot placement for solving the LRP model. Various depot positions which includes random, optimized, centered and eccentric were evaluated. Results showed that the optimized depot positioning approach obtained the best depot position as against the other possible positions. Results when compared with two metaheuristics approach Unified Hybrid Genetic Search (UHGS) and Iterated Local Search with Set Partitioning (ILS-SP) presented in literature also showed that, optimized depot positioning obtained the best results and FA can compete effectively with other metaheuristics approaches.
Motion and Dance as a Type of Therapy With Working With Children/People With Developmental Difficulties
Authors: Gračanin Andrea
Published: October 2021

Besides the standard treatments that are nowadays used with working with children/people with developmental difficulties and the obligatory aspect of schooling, active free time is also very important for maintaining and improving psychological, motoric and social abilities of children/people with developmental difficulties. Active free time contributes to developing of creativity, satisfaction of one’s own life, personality development, and therefore it improves the quality of life itself. The main aim of this research is observation and assessment of motoric abilities of children/people with developmental difficulties, before and after conducting continuous activities in the form of traditional dance i.e. play games as well as the influence on the quality of life. The evaluation of motoric abilities has been done by defectologists before performing an adjusted work program and after completion, in which, using quantitative and qualitative analysis, the progress has been established in segments such as motoric body control, motion coordination of upper extremities, motion coordination of upper and lower extremities and motion coordination of upper and lower extremities by rhythm. Active participation and cooperation between participants, influenced improvement of social skills and the easier overcoming of problems in the group, creative and active free time and improvement of life quality. Based on obtained result, one should strive to adopt new creative ways of working with children/people with developmental difficulties in order to gain comprehensive holistic and rehabilitation approach.
High-throughput computation on relationship between composition and magnetic phase transition temperature of LaFe11.5Si1.5-based magnetic refrigeration materials
Authors: Su Wen-Xia , Lu Hai-Ming , Zeng Zi-Rui , Zhang Yi-Fei , Liu Jian , Xu Kun , Wang Dun-Hui , Du You-Wei ,   National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for Nanotechnology, School of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China,   College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China,   Ningbo Institute of Materials Technolgy & Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201, China,   Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China
Published: October 2021

La(Fe, Si)13-based alloys have attracted more and more attention, for they exhibit giant magnetocaloric effects. In order to broaden their magnetic refrigeration temperatureranges, achieving a series of La(Fe, Si)13-based alloys with different magnetic phase transition temperatures is of great significance. Unlike the traditional research method, in this paper, a high-throughput first-principles computation is performed to estimate the magnetic phase transition temperature of the LaFe11.5Si1.5-based alloy by employing AMS-BAND software and the mean field theory. We investigate the effects of doping Mn, Co, Ni, Al atoms and Fe-vacancies on the magnetic phase transition temperature of LaFe11.5Si1.5-based alloy, and give the phase diagrams between the composition and magnetic phase transition temperature. The calculated results demonstrate that the magnetic phase transition temperature of the LaFe11.5Si1.5-based alloy increases with the increase of Co and Ni content. However, it shows an opposite result when Mn atom is doped. As for the LaFe11.5Si1.5-based alloy with the Fe-vacancies, the research results indicate that the absence of Fe atoms will reduce the magnetic phase transition temperature. Furthermore, when Mn, Co, Ni and Al atoms are doped in the alloys with Fe-vacancies, the variation tendency of the magnetic phase transition temperature with the change of the doping content is similar to that without the Fe-vacancies. Some estimated results are compared with the experimental or reported results, showing that they are in good agreement with each other. The PDOS and the magnetic moments of Fe atoms in the Mn, Co, Ni, Al-doped LaFe11.5Si1.5-based alloys are calculated, in which only the doping of Mn atoms can increase the magnetic moments of Fe atoms. Using the method of high-throughput first-principles calculation can effectively reduce the research cost and improve the working efficiency. In addition, it can provide technical support for the experimental selection of magnetocaloric materials with appropriate magnetic phase transition temperatures.
An open-source, high-performance tool for automated sleep staging
Authors: Vallat Raphael , Walker Matthew P
Published: October 2021

The clinical and societal measurement of human sleep has increased exponentially in recent years. However, unlike other fields of medical analysis that have become highly automated, basic and clinical sleep research still relies on human visual scoring. Such human-based evaluations are time-consuming, tedious, and can be prone to subjective bias. Here, we describe a novel algorithm trained and validated on +30,000 hr of polysomnographic sleep recordings across heterogeneous populations around the world. This tool offers high sleep-staging accuracy that matches human scoring accuracy and interscorer agreement no matter the population kind. The software is designed to be especially easy to use, computationally low-demanding, open source, and free. Our hope is that this software facilitates the broad adoption of an industry-standard automated sleep staging software package.
A Study on Factors Influencing Purchase Intention of Natural Perfumes: Framework for Designing Promotional Strategies
Authors: Sahana R. , Hemalatha S. , Rohini A. , Rani S. Padma
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this research is to identify the factors influencing purchase intention of natural perfumes and also aims at designing promotional strategies for natural perfumes. This study was examined through an online survey administered to the perfume buyers. Multiple regression was used to analyze the data. Results show that the demographic variables (education and annual family income), scheme characteristics, perceived quality, subjective norms and habit of using perfumes significantly influence and had an impact on purchase intention of natural perfumes. The purchase intention and its relationship with the buying behavior or purchase decision could be examined in the future research.
A Study on the Transcriptional Profile of NOS2 and IFN-γ Genes in River Buffalo with Endometritis
Authors: Othman Othman E. , M. Osman Noha , A. Abo El-Maaty Nadia , R. Mahfouz Eman
Published: October 2021

Background and Aim: Uterine lumen contamination with bacteria is ubiquitous in buffalo after parturition. Nearly one-third of these infected animals develop endometritis which leads to reduced fertility. The present study aimed to evaluate the expressions of IFN-γ and NOS2 genes in uterine tissue of buffaloes with endometritis and comparing them with those in healthy animals using RT-qPCR

Materials and Methods: Uterine samples were collected from 50 apparently healthy and 50 clinically infected buffaloes. RNA was extracted from the collected buffalo's uteri and cDNA was synthesized from extracted RNA. Quantitative Real Time PCR technique was performed using this synthesized cDNA.

Results: Apparent up-regulation of both genes mRNA expression was recorded in endometritis-infected animals with 8.3-folds for IFN-γ and 9.99-folds for NOS2 (P<0.001).

Conclusion: The upregulation of IFN-γ and NOS2 expression in the uterine tissue of endometritis-infected buffaloes can be used as a scale for measuring the efficiency of drugs used for endometritis treatment.
Catalytic Decomposition of Methane to Hydrogen over Al2O3 Supported Mono- and Bimetallic Catalysts
Authors: Ergazieva Gaukhar E. , Makayeva Nursaya , Shaimerden Zhanna , Soloviev Sergiy O. , Telbayeva Мoldir , Akkazin Еrzhan , Ahmetova Fariza
Published: October 2021

This article discusses the decomposition of methane in the temperature range 550–800 °C on low-percentage   monometallic (Ni/g-Al2O3, Co/g-Al2O3) and bimetallic (Ni-Co/g-Al2O3) catalysts. It is shown that the bimetallic catalyst is more active in the decomposition of methane to hydrogen than monometallic ones. At a reaction temperature of 600 °C, the highest methane conversion is 81%, and the highest hydrogen yield of 51% is formed on Ni-Co/g-Al2O3. A complex of physicochemical methods (Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Temperature Programmed Reduction (TPR-H2), etc.) established that the addition of cobalt oxide to the composition of Ni/g-Al2O3 leads to the formation of surface bimetallic Ni-Co alloys, while the dispersion of particles increases and the reducibility of the catalyst is facilitated, which provides an increase in the concentration of metal particles - active centers, which can be the reason for an increase in the catalytic properties of a bimetallic catalyst in comparison with monometallic ones. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License  (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Precursor Engineering of the Electron Transport Layer for Application in High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Lin Zhichao , Zhang Wenqi , Cai Qingbin , Xu Xiangning , Dong Hongye , Mu Cheng , Zhang Jian‐Ping
Published: October 2021

The electron transport layer (ETL) is a key component of regular perovskite solar cells to promote the overall charge extraction efficiency and tune the crystallinity of the perovskite layer for better device performance. The authors present a novel protocol of ETL engineering by incorporating a composition of the perovskite precursor, methylammonium chloride (MACl), or formamidine chloride (FACl), into SnO2 layers, which are then converted into the crystal nuclei of perovskites by reaction with PbI2. The SnO2‐embedded nuclei remarkably improve the morphology and crystallinity of the optically active perovskite layers. The improved ETL‐to‐perovskite electrical contact and dense packing of large‐grained perovskites enhance the carrier mobility and suppress charge recombination. The power conversion efficiency increases from 20.12% (blank device) to 21.87% (21.72%) for devices with MACl (FACl) as an ETL dopant. Moreover, all the precursor‐engineered cells exhibit a record‐high fill factor (82%).
Functioning and well‐being in older children and adolescents with achondroplasia: A qualitative study
Authors: Pfeiffer Kathryn M. , Brod Meryl , Smith Alden , Viuff Dorthe , Ota Sho , Charlton R. Will
Published: October 2021

The study aimed to explore how having achondroplasia affects older children and adolescents' day‐to‐day functioning and well‐being. Individual/focus group interviews were conducted with older children/adolescents between the ages of 9 to <18 years and diagnosed with achondroplasia to elicit key concepts. An adapted grounded theory approach informed the qualitative analysis of interview data. Thirty‐two children and adolescents completed interviews. Study results revealed five impact domains, including physical health, functioning, school impacts, emotional well‐being, and social well‐being. Frequently reported impacts on physical health included low stamina/tiring easily (81%) and back pain (69%). Key impacts in the functioning domain were difficulty with reaching objects or high places (84%) and walking long distances (75%). Emotional impacts included feeling different (63%), worried/scared (47%), and embarrassed/self‐conscious (47%). Impacts on social well‐being included difficulty with sports or physical play (81%) and others treating child as younger than their actual age (75%). The most frequent school impact was trouble participating in physical education (81%). A preliminary theoretical model depicting the experiences of older children/adolescents with achondroplasia was constructed based on the analysis. The preliminary theoretical model of older children and adolescents' experiences of living with achondroplasia may be used to inform future research and clinical practice.
Techno‐economic assessment of bio‐refinery model based on co‐pyrolysis of cotton boll crop‐residue and plastic waste
Authors: Patel Himanshu , Maiti Pratyush , Maiti Subarna
Published: October 2021

This study evaluated the techno‐economic aspects of empty cotton boll valorization to liquid fuel (moisture free bio‐oil), potash fertilizer, and activated carbon. Three different plant capacities, in terms of feedstock handling capacities were considered: 50, 100, and 200 t day−1. For each plant capacity, three plant variants were considered: only fuel, fuel + potash fertilizer, and fuel + potash fertilizer + activated carbon. The net present value ranged from 7.73 M$ for a 50 t day−1 plant to 47.38 M$ for a 200 t day−1 plant, producing liquid fuel along with fertilizer and activated carbon. The overall profitability of the plant was improved by higher plant capacity. For a 200 t day−1 plant, equipment purchase cost related to the synthesis of fuel, potash fertilizer and activated carbon contributed 32.87, 25.77, and 41.36%, respectively to the total purchase equipment cost of the entire plant. Among the three products, activated carbon contributed 81.03% to the total revenue generated by the entire plant. The sensitivity of plant economics towards feedstock price, selling price of activated carbon, potassium hydroxide recovery, annual interest rates, and total capital investment was examined. The economic competitiveness for this kind of thermo‐chemical conversion was assessed in comparison with the solar gasification route. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Comparison of nucleoside and nucleotide analogs in the recurrence of hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma after surgical resection: A multicenter study
Authors: Qi Weili , Shen Junyi , Dai Junlong , Wu Youwei , Zhang Yu , Leng Shusheng , Gao Fengwei , Ran Shun , Peng Wei , Zhang Xiaoyun , Wen Tianfu , Li Chuan
Published: October 2021

Background

Antiviral therapy should reduce the recurrence of hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV‐related HCC) after surgical resection. However, there is little research on whether various antiviral drugs have different prognostic effects in patients with HBV‐related HCC after curative liver resection. The present study compared the effects of nucleotide analog (NtA) and nucleoside analog (NsA) antiviral therapies after surgical resection on the prognosis of HBV‐related HCC.

Methods

A total of 1303 patients with HBV‐related HCC who received curative hepatectomy at five institutes between April 2014 and April 2019 were retrospectively enrolled and analyzed. Propensity matching analysis was used to compare the outcomes of HCC patients given NsA versus NtA therapy. Subgroup analysis of patients treated with entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) was also performed.

Results

Among 1303 patients, 759 (58.2%) patients developed recurrence, and 460 (35.3%) patients died. Multivariable analyses revealed that NtA therapy significantly decreased the risk of HCC recurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51–0.80; p < 0.001) and HCC‐related death (HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.36–0.76; p = 0.001) compared to that with NsA therapy. Subgroup analysis showed that TDF treatment was associated with significantly lower rates of HCC recurrence (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.49–0.83; p = 0.001) and death (HR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.20–0.50; p < 0.001) than ETV treatment.

Conclusions

Nucleotide analog treatment, but not NsA treatment, significantly reduced the risk of HCC recurrence in patients with HBV‐related HCC and improved overall survival after curative hepatic resection.
Central retinal artery occlusion in optic disk melanocytoma
Authors: Khadka Simanta , Byanju Raghunandan , Pradhan Sangita
Published: October 2021

Optic disk melanocytoma (ODM) is a rare benign tumor of the optic disk. We report a rare occurrence of profound visual loss due to central retinal artery occlusion associated with ODM in a 78‐year‐old female with no significant medical history. The clinical findings were supplemented by ancillary investigations.
Prediction of Gas‐Phase Acidities of Strong Brønsted Acids by ONIOM Method
Authors: Fukaya Haruhiko , Ono Taizo , Sonoda Takaaki , Mishima Masaaki
Published: October 2021

The gas‐phase acidities of very strong neutral Brønsted acids are estimated based on Gaussian theory and two‐layer ONIOM calculations. Although the calculated gas‐phase acidities using Gaussian theory are in excellent agreement with the experimental values, these high‐level calculations are limited to small molecules because of their high computational cost. ONIOM calculation with the smallest model system, where only the acid center is placed in the high layer, gives relatively poor results. In contrast, ONIOM calculation with a model system expanded to neighbor atoms or the next neighbor atoms of the acid center gives estimates of gas‐phase acidities with practically useful accuracy.
ScaleReactor: A graceful performance isolation agent with interference detection and investigation for container‐based scale‐out workloads
Authors: Zhu Jianyong , Hu Chunming , Wo Tianyu , Yu Xiaoqiang
Published: October 2021

Striking a balance between improved cluster utilization and guaranteed application QoS is a long‐standing research problem in multi‐tenants shared cluster. The typical solution is to detect performance degradation and investigate the root cause to conduct performance isolation. Existing efforts rely on lots of prior knowledge of applications and the assumption of interference‐free workload placement is possible. Performance interference is usually mitigated through application‐level approaches such as centralized rescheduling, which is usually an hindsight and a waste of resources. In this article, we present ScaleReactor, a graceful runtime agent on a per node basis that decouples the performance isolation from centralized resource management, and migrates the performance interference of scale‐out workloads in container‐based cluster using a lightweight black‐box approach. ScaleReactor analyzes the degree of contention for multi‐dimensional resources among co‐located workloads to detect the performance degradation without additional prior information, and uses correlation analysis to locate the cause of contention, while isolating resources in a graceful manner to reduce system overhead and the performance degradation of intrusive workloads. Experiments have demonstrated that ScaleReactor effectively reduces the job completion time of scale‐out applications in shared clusters, with the maximum value up to 36% and low system overhead against the existing isolation mechanism.
Sensitive detection of testosterone and testosterone prohormone administrations based on urinary concentrations and carbon isotope ratios of androsterone and etiocholanolone
Authors: Piper Thomas , Haenelt Nadine , Fusshöller Gregor , Geyer Hans , Thevis Mario
Published: October 2021

The testing strategy for the detection of testosterone (T) or T‐prohormones is based on the longitudinal evaluation of urinary steroid concentrations accompanied by subsequent isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS)‐based confirmation of samples showing atypical concentrations or concentration ratios. In recent years, the IRMS methodology focussed more and more on T itself and on the metabolites of T, 5α‐ and 5β‐androstanediol. These target analytes showed the best sensitivity and retrospectivity, but their use has occasionally been challenging due to their comparably low urinary concentrations. Conversely, the carbon isotope ratios (CIR) of the main urinary metabolites of T, androsterone (A) and etiocholanolone (EITO), can readily be measured even from low urine volumes; those however, commonly offer a lower sensitivity and shorter retrospectivity in uncovering T misuse. Within this study, the CIRs of A and ETIO were combined with their urinary concentrations, resulting in a single parameter referred to as ‘difference from weighted mean’ (DWM). Both glucuronidated and sulfated steroids were investigated, encompassing a reference population (n = 110), longitudinal studies on three individuals, influence of ethanol in two individuals, and re‐analysis of several administration studies including T, dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione, epiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and T‐gel. Especially DWM calculated for the sulfoconjugated steroids significantly prolonged the detection time of steroid hormone administrations when individual reference ranges were applied. Administration studies employing T encompassing CIR common for Europe (−23.8‰ and −24.4‰) were investigated and, even though for a significantly shorter time period and less pronounced, DWM could demonstrate the exogenous source of T metabolites.
Identification of chromatin states during zebrafish gastrulation using CUT&RUN and CUT&Tag
Authors: Akdogan‐Ozdilek Bagdeser , Duval Katherine L. , Meng Fanju W. , Murphy Patrick J. , Goll Mary G.
Published: October 2021

Background

Cell fate decisions are governed by interactions between sequence‐specific transcription factors and a dynamic chromatin landscape. Zebrafish offer a powerful system for probing the mechanisms that drive these cell fate choices, especially in the context of early embryogenesis. However, technical challenges associated with conventional methods for chromatin profiling have slowed progress toward understanding the exact relationships between chromatin changes, transcription factor binding, and cellular differentiation during zebrafish embryogenesis.

Results

To overcome these challenges, we adapted the chromatin profiling methods Cleavage Under Targets and Release Using Nuclease (CUT&RUN) and CUT&Tag for use in zebrafish and applied these methods to generate high‐resolution enrichment maps for H3K4me3, H3K27me3, H3K9me3, RNA polymerase II, and the histone variant H2A.Z using tissue isolated from whole, mid‐gastrula stage embryos. Using this data, we identify a subset of genes that may be bivalently regulated during both zebrafish and mouse gastrulation, provide evidence for an evolving H2A.Z landscape during embryo development, and demonstrate the effectiveness of CUT&RUN for detecting H3K9me3 enrichment at repetitive sequences.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the power of combining CUT&RUN and CUT&Tag methods with the strengths of the zebrafish system to define emerging chromatin landscapes in the context of vertebrate embryogenesis.
“Why don't behavior analysts do something?”1 Behavior analysts' historical, present, and potential future actions on sexual and gender minority issues
Authors: Capriotti Matthew R. , Donaldson Jeanne M.
Published: October 2021

For thousands of years, societies actively practiced the oppression, persecution, and dehumanization of sexual and gender minority (SGM) people (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals). Rekers and Lovaas' (1974) study is part of that history within behavior analysis. Following requests for retraction, the Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior and LeBlanc (2020) issued a formal Expression of Concern about the work. Continued conversation and debate have followed. First, we contextualize debate around retraction of Rekers and Lovaas and the history of behavior analysts' work on SGM issues. Second, we propose 5 steps that leaders in behavior analysis can take with relative immediacy, and we describe 5 research areas that individual behavior analysts could pursue. We conclude that behavior analysts can contribute much toward the liberation of SGM individuals if we begin to bring our science to bear on pressing, socially significant issues facing SGM communities.
Reporting of Cochrane systematic review protocols with network meta‐analyses—A scoping review
Authors: Wang Rui , Dwan Kerry , Showell Marian G. , van Wely Madelon , Mol Ben W. , Askie Lisa , Seidler Anna Lene
Published: October 2021

Publishing systematic review protocols is a fundamental part of systematic reviews to ensure transparency and reproducibility. In this scoping review, we aimed to evaluate reporting of Cochrane systematic review protocols with network meta‐analyses (NMA). We searched all Cochrane NMA protocols published in 2018 and 2019, and assessed the characteristics and reporting of methodologies relevant to NMA. We reported frequencies for each reporting item. Forty‐five protocols were assessed, including two for overviews and 43 for intervention reviews. Thirty‐three (73%) were labelled as NMA protocols in the title. Forty‐two (95%) justified the need of an NMA and 40 (89%) used appropriate search strategies to identify potential eligible studies. About half (24, 53%) considered the transitivity assumption when reporting inclusion criteria and 35 (78%) specified potential effect modifiers. Forty‐three (96%) reported statistical software for NMA, 25 (56%) reported NMA model choice, 32 (71%) reported framework choice and 32 (71%) reported assumption about heterogeneity variances. Protocols varied in whether they reported methods for relative ranking (35, 78%), statistical inconsistency (40, 89%), reporting bias (44, 98%) and sources of heterogeneity (39, 87%). In conclusion, Cochrane NMA protocols reported multiple NMA‐specific items well, but could be further improved, especially regarding transitivity assumptions. Our recommendations for NMA protocol reporting based on this scoping review could assist authors, reviewers, and editors to improve NMA protocols.
The Brezis–Nirenberg problem for fractional systems with Hardy potentials
Authors: Shen Yansheng
Published: October 2021

In this work, we study the existence of positive solutions to the following fractional elliptic systems with Hardy‐type singular potentials and coupled by critical homogeneous nonlinearities

where (− Δ)s denotes the fractional Laplace operator,
is a smooth bounded domain such that 0 ∈ Ω,  μ1, μ2 ∈ [0, ΛN, s) with ΛN, s the sharp constant of the fractional Hardy inequality, and
is the fractional critical Sobolev exponent. In order to prove the main result, we study the related fractional Hardy–Sobolev type inequalities and then establish the existence of positive solutions to the systems through variational methods.
Absorption to and emission from the excited electronic state 11Bu in long linear all‐trans‐polyenes: The case of ttbP9 and ttbP11
Authors: Catalán Javier , Hopf Henning , Klein Dagmar , Kilickiran Pinar
Published: October 2021

A 1:1‐mixture of decalin and methylcyclohexane (v/v), generates a solvent mixture that allows measurements at temperatures as low as 77 K of the emission and absorption spectra of long‐chain linear polyenes. This solvent mixture, on lowering the temperature also generates interesting increases in polarizability and viscosity that undoubtedly facilitate the study of these important compounds. In this study, we show that the two polyenes studied, ttbP9 and ttbP11, generate photophysical behavior that can be explained by the presence of their excited 11Bu state, as the first excited electronic state. Consequently, the solvatochromism of the absorption and the emission of these two polyenes are equally sensitive to the polarizability of the solvent used. We must also point out that the absorption and emission spectra of ttbP9 and ttbP11, whose molecular structures have a long polyene chain, do not show Stokes shift. This is especially relevant when it is commonly accepted that polyene compounds have a Stokes shift that increases with the length of their polyene chain.
Application of zero‐phase digital filtering for effective denoising of field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry signal
Authors: Li Junhui , Gao Wenqing , Wu Huanming , Shi Shoudong , Yu Jiancheng , Tang Keqi
Published: October 2021

Rationale

Field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) has a great potential to become a portable technology for rapid detection of chemical and biological agents. However, the ion current signals, measured at the exit of the planar FAIMS directly, may contain different types of noises. The peak information in the FAIMS spectrum, such as the compensation voltage (CV) value at the maximum peak intensity (CVP) and the peak width at half maximum (Wh), could not be accurately determined under the weak signal condition, which significantly limits the achievable instrument sensitivity, and there are no existing solutions to the problem.

Methods

This study analyzed the noise type of FAIMS signal in detail, and three different signal processing algorithms, such as median filtering (MF), discrete wavelet transform (DWT), and zero‐phase digital filtering (ZDF), were evaluated for their performance in denoising the FAIMS signal.

Results

The results show that the standard deviation of CVp obtained from the signal denoised using ZDF algorithm is at least 31.82% smaller as compared to using MF and DWT algorithms. The standard deviation of Wh is at least 45.45% smaller using ZDF algorithm. Moreover, only ZDF algorithm can keep the percentage error for the CV value of the denoised signal to be within 0.50 ± 0.47% of the true CV value, implying the effectiveness of ZDF algorithm in denoising while retaining the integrity of the signal.

Conclusions

The ZDF algorithm greatly reduces the analyte peak extraction error and improves the limit of detection in FAIMS measurements.
Robust integral of sign of error‐based distributed flocking control of double‐integrator multi‐agent systems with a varying virtual leader
Authors: Wang Ximing , Sun Jinsheng , Wu Zixing , Li Zhitao
Published: October 2021

This article investigates the flocking control problem of double‐integrator multi‐agent systems with a virtual leader subject to unknown external disturbances. A robust integral of sign of error (RISE) based control method is leveraged to design a distributed flocking controller with advantages of zero initial input value and continuous control input. By means of a new second‐order differential virtual potential field function, and the navigational feedback from a virtual leader, the proposed flocking controller assures agents of velocity consensus with the virtual leader and a quasi‐lattice formation within a circular neighborhood centered on the virtual leader. Moreover, this algorithm guarantees collision avoidance and connectivity preservation of a proximity‐induced communication topology. Numerical simulations of the algorithm are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed flocking algorithm.
Microbial biomass in forest soils under altered moisture conditions: A review
Authors: Ni Xiangyin , Liao Shu , Wu Fuzhong , Groffman Peter M.
Published: October 2021

Microbial biomass is known to decrease with soil drying and to increase after rewetting due to physiological assimilation and substrate limitation under fluctuating moisture conditions, but how the effects of changing moisture conditions vary between dry and wet environments is unclear. Here, we conducted a meta‐analysis to assess the effects of elevated and reduced soil moisture on microbial biomass C (MBC) and microbial biomass N (MBN) across a broad range of forest sites between dry and wet regions. We found that the influence of both elevated and reduced soil moisture on MBC and MBN concentrations in forest soils was greater in dry than in wet regions. The influence of altered soil moisture on MBC and MBN concentrations increased significantly with the manipulation intensity but decreased with the length of experimental period, with a dramatic increase observed under a very short‐term precipitation pulse. Moisture effect did not differ between coarse‐textured and fine‐textured soils. Precipitation intensity, experimental duration, and site standardized precipitation index (dry or wet climate) were more important than edaphic factors (i.e., initial water content, bulk density, and clay content) in determining microbial biomass in response to altered moisture in forest soils. Different responses of microbial biomass in forest soils between dry and wet regions should be incorporated into models to evaluate how changes in the amount, timing, and intensity of precipitation affect soil biogeochemical processes.