bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-evaluative Scientific Modeling in an Outreach Gene Technology Laboratory
Authors: Roth Tamara , Scharfenberg Franz-Josef , Mierdel Julia , Bogner Franz X.
Published: August 2020

The integration of scientific modeling into science teaching is key to the development of students’ understanding of complex scientific phenomena, such as genetics. With this in mind, we conducted an introductory hands-on module during an outreach gene technology laboratory on the structure of DNA. Our module examined the influence of two model evaluation variants on cognitive achievement: Evaluation 1, based on students’ hand-drawn sketches of DNA models and two open questions, and evaluation 2, based on students’ own evaluations of their models in comparison to a commercially available DNA model. We subsequently subdivided our sample (N = 296) into modellers-1 (n = 151) and modellers-2 (n = 145). Analyses of cognitive achievement revealed that modellers-2 achieved higher scores than modellers-1. In both cases, low achievers, in particular, benefitted from participation. Assessment of modellers-2 self-evaluation sheets revealed differences between self-evaluation and independent reassessment, as non-existent model features were tagged as correct whereas existent features were not identified. Correlation analyses between the models’ assessment scores and cognitive achievement revealed small-to-medium correlations. Consequently, our evaluation-2 phase impacted students’ performance in overall and model-related cognitive achievement, attesting to the value of our module as a means to integrate real scientific practices into science teaching. Although it may increase the workload for science teachers, we find that the potential scientific modeling holds as an inquiry-based learning strategy is worth the effort.
Generating Valid Linear Inequalities for Nonlinear Programs via Sums of Squares
Authors: Behrends Sönke , Schöbel Anita
Published: August 2020

Valid linear inequalities are substantial in linear and convex mixed-integer programming. This article deals with the computation of valid linear inequalities for nonlinear programs. Given a point in the feasible set, we consider the task of computing a tight valid inequality. We reformulate this geometrically as the problem of finding a hyperplane which minimizes the distance to the given point. A characterization of the existence of optimal solutions is given. If the constraints are given by polynomial functions, we show that it is possible to approximate the minimal distance by solving a hierarchy of sum of squares programs. Furthermore, using a result from real algebraic geometry, we show that the hierarchy converges if the relaxed feasible set is bounded. We have implemented our approach, showing that our ideas work in practice.
Atmospheric pollutants and their association with olive and grass aeroallergen concentrations in Córdoba (Spain)
Authors: Plaza Maria Pilar , Alcázar Purificación , Oteros José , Galán Carmen
Published: August 2020

Cumulative data indicate that pollen grains and air pollution reciprocally interact. Climate changes seem also to influence pollen allergenicity. Depending on the plant species and on the pollutant type and concentration, this interaction may modify the features and metabolism of the pollen grain. Previous results revealed a significant positive correlation between pollen and aeroallergen, even using two different samplers. However, some discrepancy days have been also detected with low pollen but high aeroallergen concentrations. The main aim of the present paper is to find how the environmental factors, and specially pollutants, could affect the amount of allergens from olive and grass airborne pollen. Pollen grains were collected by a Hirst-type volumetric spore trap. Aeroallergen was simultaneously sampled by a low-volume Cyclone Burkard sampler. Phl p 5 and Ole e 1 aeroallergen were quantified by double-sandwich ELISA test. The data related to air pollutants, pollen grains, and aeroallergens were analyzed with descriptive statistic. Spearman’s correlation test was used to identify potential correlations between these variables. There is a significant positive correlation between aeroallergens and airborne pollen concentrations, in both studied pollen types, so allergen concentrations could be explained with the pollen concentration. The days with unlinked events coincide between olive and grass allergens. Nevertheless, concerning to our results, pollutants do not affect the amount of allergens per pollen. Even if diverse pollutants show an unclear relationship with the allergen concentration, this association seems to be a casual effect of the leading role of some meteorological parameters.
A simple hypoplastic model for overconsolidated clays
Authors: Wang Shun , Wu Wei
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a simple hypoplastic constitutive model for overconsolidated clays. The model needs five independent parameters and is as simple as the modified Cam Clay model but with better performance. A structure tensor is introduced to account for the history dependence. Simulations of various elementary tests show that the model is capable of capturing the salient behavior of overconsolidated clays.
Sorrel (Rumex acetosa L.): Not Only a Weed but a Promising Vegetable and Medicinal Plant
Authors: Korpelainen Helena , Pietiläinen Maria
Published: August 2020

Sorrel (Rumex acetosaL.) is a perennial, dioecious herb occupying a variety of habitats. Sorrel has been utilized as a wild gathered plant for thousands of years and as a cultivated plant for centuries. Primarily roots but also other tissues have been used in folk remedies since ancient times. In recent investigations, different phytochemical and pharmacological activities ofRumexhave been analyzed, and many bioactive compounds have been detected. Sorrel is also a tasty plant and its leaves are a good source of macronutrients and micronutrients. However, the presence of high levels of oxalic acid reduces the bioavailability of some minerals, especially calcium, when using uncooked plant parts. Further investigations on different sorrel compounds are needed to show their true effect. It is beneficial that sorrel is easily propagated and there are no serious insect or disease problems. A few types ofR. acetosaseeds are presently available commercially, including wild types and a few cultivars.
Improving Nocturnal Hypoxemic Burden with Transvenous Phrenic Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Central Sleep Apnea
Authors: Oldenburg Olaf , Costanzo Maria Rosa , Germany Robin , McKane Scott , Meyer Timothy E. , Fox Henrik
Published: August 2020

Nocturnal hypoxemic burden is established as a robust prognostic metric of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) to predict mortality and treating hypoxemic burden may improve prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate improvements in nocturnal hypoxemic burden using transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation (TPNS) to treat patients with central sleep apnea (CSA). The remedē System Pivotal Trial population was examined for nocturnal hypoxemic burden. The minutes of sleep with oxygen saturation < 90% significantly improved in Treatment compared with control (p < .001), with the median improving from 33 min at baseline to 14 min at 6 months. Statistically significant improvements were also observed for average oxygen saturation and lowest oxygen saturation. Hypoxemic burden has been demonstrated to be more predictive for mortality than apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) and should be considered a key metric for therapies used to treat CSA. Transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation is capable of delivering meaningful improvements in nocturnal hypoxemic burden. There is increasing interest in endpoints other than apnea–hypopnea index in sleep-disordered breathing. Nocturnal hypoxemia burden may be more predictive for mortality than apnea–hypopnea index in patients with poor cardiac function. Transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation is capable of improving nocturnal hypoxemic burden.
Development of nuclear SNP markers for Mahogany (Swietenia spp.)
Authors: Pakull Birte , Schindler Lasse , Mader Malte , Kersten Birgit , Blanc-Jolivet Celine , Paulini Maike , Lemes Maristerra R. , Ward Sheila E. , Navarro Carlos M. , Cavers Stephen , Sebbenn Alexandre M. , di Dio Omar , Guichoux Erwan , Degen Bernd
Published: August 2020

Swietenia species are the most valuable American tropical timbers and have been heavily overexploited for decades. The three species are listed as either vulnerable or endangered by IUCN and are included on Appendix II of CITES, yet illegal exploitation continues. Here, we used restriction associated DNA sequencing to develop a new set of 120 SNP markers for Swietenia sp., suitable for MassARRAY®iPLEX™ genotyping. These markers can be used for population genetic studies and timber tracking purposes.
Considerations for using race and ethnicity as quantitative variables in medical education research
Authors: Ross Paula T. , Hart-Johnson Tamera , Santen Sally A. , Zaidi Nikki L. Bibler
Published: August 2020

Throughout history, race and ethnicity have been used as key descriptors to categorize and label individuals. The use of these concepts as variables can impact resources, policy, and perceptions in medical education. Despite the pervasive use of race and ethnicity as quantitative variables, it is unclear whether researchers use them in their proper context. In this Eye Opener, we present the following seven considerations with corresponding recommendations, for using race and ethnicity as variables in medical education research: 1) Ensure race and ethnicity variables are used to address questions directly related to these concepts. 2) Use race and ethnicity to represent social experiences, not biological facts, to explain the phenomenon under study. 3) Allow study participants to define their preferred racial and ethnic identity. 4) Collect complete and accurate race and ethnicity data that maximizes data richness and minimizes opportunities for researchers’ assumptions about participants’ identity. 5) Follow evidence-based practices to describe and collapse individual-level race and ethnicity data into broader categories. 6) Align statistical analyses with the study’s conceptualization and operationalization of race and ethnicity. 7) Provide thorough interpretation of results beyond simple reporting of statistical significance. By following these recommendations, medical education researchers can avoid major pitfalls associated with the use of race and ethnicity and make informed decisions around some of the most challenging race and ethnicity topics in medical education.
Simulating Code-switching Using a Neural Network Model of Bilingual Sentence Production
Authors: Tsoukala Chara , Broersma Mirjam , van den Bosch Antal , Frank Stefan L.
Published: August 2020

Code-switching is the alternation from one language to the other during bilingual speech. We present a novel method of researching this phenomenon using computational cognitive modeling. We trained a neural network of bilingual sentence production to simulate early balanced Spanish–English bilinguals, late speakers of English who have Spanish as a dominant native language, and late speakers of Spanish who have English as a dominant native language. The model produced code-switches even though it was not exposed to code-switched input. The simulations predicted how code-switching patterns differ between early balanced and late non-balanced bilinguals; the balanced bilingual simulation code-switches considerably more frequently, which is in line with what has been observed in human speech production. Additionally, we compared the patterns produced by the simulations with two corpora of spontaneous bilingual speech and identified noticeable commonalities and differences. To our knowledge, this is the first computational cognitive model simulating the code-switched production of non-balanced bilinguals and comparing the simulated production of balanced and non-balanced bilinguals with that of human bilinguals.
Gnawing Away at the City: Narratives of Domestic Precarity in a Congolese Mining Town
Authors: Geenen Kristien
Published: August 2020

The relationship between urbanization and mining is a precarious one; the latter often expands at the expense of the former. The incautious urban planning of a mining city in southeastern DR Congo, however, has opened up opportunities for residents with artisanal mining skills. Since the city is constructed on top of mineral deposits, the residents are able to dig ore in their own backyards to draw their subsistence. Based upon archival and ethnographic research, Geenen argues that, by self-generating the livelihoods they expected their resource-rich soil to bring forth, these artisanal diggers take advantage of the urbanized mineral deposits and write their own narrative of capitalism.
A Specialized Clinical Laboratory Center for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Wuhan Leishenshan Hospital During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Xie Yaofei , Wu Wenwen , Xie Wen , Jin Yi , Tan Xiaodong
Published: August 2020

Responding to the extreme scarcity of medical resources during the early outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China, an emergency specialist hospital of Leishenshan started to construct on January 26, 2020, and accommodate patients on February 6, 2020. The clinical laboratory center of Leishenshan Hospital (CLCLH) was constructed at the same time within 11 days to support the treatment of inpatients in Leishenshan Hospital and the testing of suspected patients from different fever clinics in Wuhan. The CLCLH could perform a total of 320 clinic, 299 biochemistry, 31 microorganism, and 47 infection and immunity examinations per day. It could also complete an average of 239 nucleic acid tests and 118 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody examinations per day. No suspected cases were documented among the health care workers during the operation of the CLCLH. The construction and operation experiences of the CLCLH is provided in this study and might be used by other countries as reference. The content of this study is divided into 4 parts: (1) the establishment of the CLCLH, including its layout and medical resource allocation; (2) the major testing items; (3) the specific procedure of COVID-19 indicator examination; and (4) the standardized personal protection measures.
Establishing a 130-Bed Field Intensive Care Unit to Prepare for COVID-19 in 7 Days in Bahrain Military Hospital
Authors: Louri Nayef A. , Alkhan Jalal Abdulla , Isa Hayyan Hamad , Asad Yaser , Alsharooqi Abdulla , Alomari Khalifa Ahmed , Hasan Nahed Kamal , Al Khalifa Fahad Bin Khalifa , Ahmed Ghaida Fareed , Alasmi Muna Yaqoob , Al-Khalifa Dana Khalifa , Al Khalifa Khalid Bin Ali
Published: August 2020

This article reports the establishment of an isolated, fully functional field intensive care unit (FICU) unit equipped with all necessary critical care facilities as a part of the national pre-emptive preparedness to treat an unexpected surge outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in Bahrain. One floor of an existing car parking structure was converted into a 130-bed FICU set-up by the in-house project implementation team comprised of multidisciplinary departments. The setting was a military hospital in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the car park was on the hospital premises. The FICU contained a 112-bed fully equipped ICU and an 18-bed step-down ICU, and was built in 7 d to cater to the intensive care of COVID-19 patients in Bahrain.
Public Health Lessons Learned From Biases in Coronavirus Mortality Overestimation
Authors: Brown Ronald B.
Published: August 2020

In testimony before US Congress on March 11, 2020, members of the House Oversight and Reform Committee were informed that estimated mortality for the novel coronavirus was 10-times higher than for seasonal influenza. Additional evidence, however, suggests the validity of this estimation could benefit from vetting for biases and miscalculations. The main objective of this article is to critically appraise the coronavirus mortality estimation presented to Congress. Informational texts from the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are compared with coronavirus mortality calculations in Congressional testimony. Results of this critical appraisal reveal information bias and selection bias in coronavirus mortality overestimation, most likely caused by misclassifying an influenza infection fatality rate as a case fatality rate. Public health lessons learned for future infectious disease pandemics include: safeguarding against research biases that may underestimate or overestimate an associated risk of disease and mortality; reassessing the ethics of fear-based public health campaigns; and providing full public disclosure of adverse effects from severe mitigation measures to contain viral transmission.
Internet Public Opinion Evolution in the COVID-19 Event and Coping Strategies
Authors: Zhong Zufeng
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

In this study, we carried out a text analysis on the information disseminated and discussed among netizens on the Baidu Post Bar (the world’s largest Chinese forum) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic, to create a policy basis for health administrative departments.

Methods:

We used Python tools to search for the relevant data on the Baidu Post Bar. Next, a text analysis was performed on the posts’ contents using a combination of latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA), sentiment analysis, and correlation analysis.

Results:

According to the LDA analysis, the public was highly interested in topics such as COVID-19 prevention, infection symptoms, infection and coping measures, sources of transmission and treatments, community management, and work resumption. The majority of the public had negative emotional values, yet a portion of the public held positive emotional values. We also performed a correlation analysis of the influencing factors was established.

Conclusions:

Netizens’ degree of concern shown in their posts was greatly associated with the spread of COVID-19. With the rise, diffusion, outbreak, and mitigation of COVID-19 in China, netizens have successively created a large number of posts, and the topics of discussion varied over time. Therefore, the media and the government have the responsibility to distribute positive information, to correctly guide the public’s emotions to bring some sort of reassurance to the public.
Does the Prosperity of a Country Play a Role in COVID-19 Outcomes?
Authors: Khorram-Manesh Amir , Carlström Eric , Hertelendy Attila J. , Goniewicz Krzysztof , Casady Carter B. , Burkle Frederick M.
Published: August 2020

Objective:

This study aims to clarify the association between prosperity and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outcomes and its impact on the future management of pandemics.

Methods:

This is an observational study using information from 2 online registries. The numbers of infected individuals and deaths and the prosperity rank of each country were obtained from worldometer.info and the Legatum Institute’s Prosperity Index, respectively.

Results:

There is a combination of countries with high and low prosperity on the list of COVID-19-infected countries. The risk of the virus pandemic seems to be more extensive in countries with high prosperity. A Spearman’s rho test confirmed a significant correlation between prosperity, the number of COVID-19 cases, and the number of deaths at the 99% level.

Conclusion:

New emerging pandemics affect all nations. In order to increase the likelihood of successfully managing future events, it is important to consider preexisting health security, valid population-based management approaches, medical decision-making, communication, continuous assessment, triage, treatment, early and complete physical distancing strategies, and logistics. These elements cannot be taught on-site and on occasion. There is a need for innovative and regular educational activities for all stakeholders committed to safeguarding our future defense systems concerning diagnostic, protection, treatment, and rehabilitation in pandemics, as well as other emergencies.
The impact of intuitive eating v. pinned eating on behavioural markers: a preliminary investigation
Authors: Ogden Jane , Pavlova Elina , Fouracre Hollie , Lammyman Frances
Published: August 2020

Two promising strategies to manage eating behaviour are intuitive eating (IE; following hunger) and pinned eating (PE; ignoring hunger/eating at specific times of the day). This study compared IE and PE on behavioural markers. Participants (n 56) were randomly assigned to IE (n 28) or PE (n 28) and given instructions to follow for 1 week. Drive to eat, behaviour, behavioural intentions and self-efficacy were measured at baseline and follow-up. Participants also evaluated their specific intervention. Comparable changes over time were found for both conditions for many measures. Significant conditions by time interactions were found for healthy snacking, total self-efficacy and self-efficacy for weight loss: those following IE showed an increase in each of these outcomes compared to those following PE who showed no change. The IE group found their intervention more useful than those following PE. Further research is needed to build on these preliminary findings.
Does the understanding of complex dynamic events at 10 months predict vocabulary development?
Authors: DURRANT SAMANTHA , JESSOP ANDREW , CHANG FRANKLIN , BIDGOOD AMY , PETER MICHELLE S. , PINE JULIAN M. , ROWLAND CAROLINE F.
Published: August 2020

abstract

By the end of their first year, infants can interpret many different types of complex dynamic visual events, such as caused-motion, chasing, and goal-directed action. Infants of this age are also in the early stages of vocabulary development, producing their first words at around 12 months. The present work examined whether there are meaningful individual differences in infants’ ability to represent dynamic causal events in visual scenes, and whether these differences influence vocabulary development. As part of the longitudinal Language 0–5 Project, 78 10-month-old infants were tested on their ability to interpret three dynamic motion events, involving (a) caused-motion, (b) chasing behaviour, and (c) goal-directed movement. Planned analyses found that infants showed evidence of understanding the first two event types, but not the third. Looking behaviour in each task was not meaningfully related to vocabulary development, nor were there any correlations between the tasks. The results of additional exploratory analyses and simulations suggested that the infants’ understanding of each event may not be predictive of their vocabulary development, and that looking times in these tasks may not be reliably capturing any meaningful individual differences in their knowledge. This raises questions about how to convert experimental group designs to individual differences measures, and how to interpret infant looking time behaviour.
Stability of periodic waves for the fractional KdV and NLS equations
Authors: Hakkaev Sevdzhan , Stefanov Atanas G.
Published: August 2020

We consider the focussing fractional periodic Korteweg–deVries (fKdV) and fractional periodic non-linear Schrödinger equations (fNLS) equations, withL2sub-critical dispersion. In particular, this covers the case of the periodic KdV and Benjamin-Ono models. We construct two parameter family of bell-shaped travelling waves for KdV (standing waves for NLS), which are constrained minimizers of the Hamiltonian. We show in particular that for each$\lambda > 0$, there is a travelling wave solution to fKdV and fNLS$\phi : \|\phi \|_{L^2[-T,T]}^2=\lambda $, which is non-degenerate. We also show that the waves are spectrally stable and orbitally stable, provided the Cauchy problem is locally well-posed inHα/2[ −T,T] and a natural technical condition. This is done rigorously, without anya prioriassumptions on the smoothness of the waves or the Lagrange multipliers.
Nest-departure behaviour of gynes and drones in the invasive yellowjacket Vespula germanica (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: Martínez Andrés S. , Rousselot Natalia , Corley Juan C. , Masciocchi Maité
Published: August 2020

Inbreeding costs can be high in haplodiploid hymenopterans due to their particular mechanism of sex determination (i.e., single-locus complementary sex-determination system, sl-CSD), as it can lead to the production of sterile males. Therefore, mechanisms contributing to reduced inbred matings can be beneficial. In this sense, asynchronous nest departure of sibling drones and gynes could reduce kin encounters in social hymenopterans. Using six observation colonies, we determined under field conditions the nest departure behaviour of sibling reproductives of the social wasp Vespula germanica (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). We determined that sexuals leave the nests definitively and detected asynchronous departure not fixed to a particular caste at a seasonal scale in some colonies, as gynes or drones delayed their departure as a function of the departure of the opposite sex, depending on the colony. At a higher temporal resolution (i.e., within a day), we discovered that drones consistently began to leave nests 1 h before gynes and this difference was driven by those individuals that left on the same day as did the opposite-sex kin. Even though other mechanisms such as polyandry and differential dispersal could also be important at reducing inbred matings in the species, the observed departure patterns (i.e., in some colonies actually leave together with the opposite caste, while in others temporal segregation seems to occur) from nests could be complementary to the former and be important at reducing the negative effects of inbreeding in this invasive species.
Democracy, Donald Trump and the Canada-US Security Community
Authors: Greaves Wilfrid
Published: August 2020

This article examines Canada-US relations through their shared membership in a pluralistic security community (PSC). While the bilateral relationship has been turbulent for decades, the Trump presidency has damaged the Canada-US PSC by (1) exacerbating a decades-long trend of weakened shared identity and mutual trust between Canadians and Americans, and (2) undermining the democratic norms and institutions that uphold American domestic stability and Canadians’ expectations of peaceful change. Assessing the combined implications of the decline in shared identity, mutual trust and democratic stability, I argue that the Canada-US PSC cannot endure if the United States does not also consider Canada's national and security interests or if the United States itself poses a threat to those interests. Given current trends, the future absence of war in North America may reflect American domination over a weaker and dependent Canada rather than their continued membership in a bilateral PSC.
Smell and taste recovery in coronavirus disease 2019 patients: a 60-day objective and prospective study
Authors: Vaira L A , Hopkins C , Petrocelli M , Lechien J R , Chiesa-Estomba C M , Salzano G , Cucurullo M , Salzano F A , Saussez S , Boscolo-Rizzo P , Biglioli F , De Riu G
Published: August 2020

Background

The long-term recovery rate of chemosensitive functions in coronavirus disease 2019 patients has not yet been determined.

Method

A multicentre prospective study on 138 coronavirus disease 2019 patients was conducted. Olfactory and gustatory functions were prospectively evaluated for 60 days.

Results

Within the first 4 days of coronavirus disease 2019, 84.8 per cent of patients had chemosensitive dysfunction that gradually improved over the observation period. The most significant increase in chemosensitive scores occurred in the first 10 days for taste and between 10 and 20 days for smell. At the end of the observation period (60 days after symptom onset), 7.2 per cent of the patients still had severe dysfunctions. The risk of developing a long-lasting disorder becomes significant at 10 days for taste (odds ratio = 40.2, 95 per cent confidence interval = 2.204–733.2,p= 0.013) and 20 days for smell (odds ratio = 58.5, 95 per cent confidence interval = 3.278–1043.5,p= 0.005).

Conclusion

Chemosensitive disturbances persisted in 7.2 per cent of patients 60 days after clinical onset. Specific therapies should be initiated in patients with severe olfactory and gustatory disturbances 20 days after disease onset.
Ageing in place together: older parents and ageing offspring with intellectual disability
Authors: Chou Yueh-Ching , Kröger Teppo
Published: August 2020

Limited research has been conducted about ageing in place among older parents who co-habit with their ageing offspring with intellectual disability (ID). This study aims to explore which older parents would choose ageing in place together with their ageing offspring with ID instead of moving and what factors are associated with this choice. A face-to-face interview was conducted using the ‘housing pathways’ framework with older parents (⩾60 years) co-habiting with their ageing offspring with ID (⩾40 years) from two local authorities in Taiwan. In total, 237 families completed our census survey between June and September 2015. The results showed that 61.6 per cent of the participants would choose ageing in place with their ageing offspring with ID, while 38.4 per cent of the participants would stay in their previous place without their disabled children, move in with their other children or move to a nursing home. Logistic regression analyses revealed that parents who preferred ageing in place together with their offspring with ID were more likely to own a house (‘personal control’), have higher levels of life satisfaction (‘self-esteem’) and satisfaction with their current community (‘self-identity’), and have a lower level of social support than parents who chose another option. To meet the needs of older parents and their ageing offspring with ID, care and housing transitions should be considered as part of long-term care policy.
La nécessité des approches interdisciplinaires et collaboratives pour évaluer l’impact de la COVID-19 sur les personnes âgées et le vieillissement: déclaration conjointe de l’ACG / CAG et de la RCV / CJA
Authors: Meisner Brad A. , Boscart Veronique , Gaudreau Pierrette , Stolee Paul , Ebert Patricia , Heyer Michelle , Kadowaki Laura , Kelly Christine , Levasseur Mélanie , Massie Ariane S. , Menec Verena , Middleton Laura , Taucar Linda Sheiban , Thornton Wendy Loken , Tong Catherine , van den Hoonaard Deborah K. , Wilson Kimberley
Published: August 2020

La pandémie de la COVID-19 et l’état d’urgence publique qui en a découlé ont eu des répercussions significatives sur les personnes âgées au Canada et à travers le monde. Il est impératif que le domaine de la gérontologie réponde efficacement à cette situation. Dans la présente déclaration, les membres du conseil d’administration de l’Association canadienne de gérontologie/Canadian Association on Gerontology (ACG/CAG) et ceux du comité de rédaction deLa Revue canadienne du vieillissement/Canadian Journal on Aging(RCV/CJA) reconnaissent la contribution des membres de l’ACG/CAG et des lecteurs de laRCV/CJA.Les auteurs exposent les voies complexes par lesquelles la COVID-19 affecte les personnes âgées, allant du niveau individuel au niveau populationnel. Ils préconisent une approche impliquant des équipes collaboratives pluridisciplinaires, regroupant divers champs de compétences, et différentes perspectives et méthodes d’évaluation de l’impact de la COVID-19.
J. S. Mill on Artistic Freedom and Censorship
Authors: Cejudo Rafael
Published: August 2020

This article aims to reconstruct a Millian argument for protecting a broad artistic freedom, as well as to delineate the exceptional cases in which censorship of works of art might be justified. Mill'sOn Libertyoffers two lines of reasoning that might be used to defend the widest possible artistic freedom. The first is Mill's defense of freedom of speech in chapter 2, although this would apparently still allow for censoring art that serves to instigate harm. The second is his defense of “experiments in living” in chapter 3, but this might allow for censoring the exhibition or publication of artworks that constitute “offences against decency.” While this Millian doctrine on artistic freedom provides guidelines for coping with difficult cases in arts management, its limitations highlight the peculiarities of the arts and literature in relation to freedom and censorship.
Eremomastax speciosapotentializes the PMSG-inducing effect on some physiological and biochemical parameters in PMSG-primed immature rats
Authors: Mbemya Gildas Tetaping , Chekem Marie Stéphanie Goka , Lienou Landry Lienou , Sylvain Njina Nguedia , Donfack Jiatsa Nathalie , Guerreiro Denise Damasceno , Njimou Jacques Romain , Rodrigues Ana Paula Ribeiro , Telefo Phélix Bruno
Published: August 2020

The present study evaluated the effect of the aqueous extract from leaves ofE.speciosaon some physiological and biochemical parameters of reproduction and the onset of puberty in pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG)-primed immature female rats. High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify the phenolic compounds in the methanol/methylene chloride (1:1) extract, the ethanolic and ethyl acetate fractions and the aqueous residue ofE.speciosa.E.speciosa(0, 8, 32 or 64 mg/kg) were administered for 15 days to 24 non-PMSG-primed and 24 primed rats with 0.01 IU of PMSG. At the end of the treatment period, animal were sacrificed and their body, ovarian, uterine weight, ovarian protein or cholesterol level, as well as data on puberty onset were recorded. Of the 16 polyphenolic compounds quantitatively revealed in the extracts and fractions ofE.speciosaafter HPLC analysis, quercetin, rutin, apigenin and eugenol were the most abundant. Non-primed rats showed a significant increase (P< 0.05) in the uterine relative weight at the dose of 8 mg/kg when compared with the other treatments. The uterine proteins and the ovarian cholesterol (P< 0.05), respectively, showed a reduction at doses of 64 mg/kg and 32 mg/kg in non-primed rats. However in PMSG-primed rats, a significant decrease (P< 0.05) was observed in ovarian cholesterol at 64 mg/kg. In conclusion,E.speciosapotentializes the PMSG-inducing effect on folliculogenesis in PMSG-primed rats.
Energy-dense, nutrient-poor food and beverage sales in Australia: where and when products are sold, and how sales are changing over time
Authors: Gearon Emma , Riesenberg Devorah , Backholer Kathryn , Cameron Adrian J , Sacks Gary , Ni Mhurchu Cliona , Peeters Anna
Published: August 2020

Objective:

To quantify sales trends for key energy-dense, nutrient-poor (EDNP) foods and beverages over 5 years in Australia.

Design:

The Euromonitor Global Market Information Database and linear regression models were used to estimate average annual change in sales per capita of thirteen EDNP food categories and two EDNP beverage categories (defined using Australian Dietary Guidelines) over 5 years (2012–2017 for foods and 2011–2016 for beverages). The average annual change in sales was divided by the observed sales in 2012 (foods) or 2011 (beverages) to estimate the average percentage-change in sales per capita per annum.

Setting:

All major retail outlets in Australia.

Participants:

Euromonitor Global Market Information Database sales data.

Results:

Between 2012 and 2017, sales per capita per annum of frozen pizza (6 %), pastries (5 %), potato chips (crisps) (5 %), tortilla chips (3 %), chocolate confectionery (2 %), frozen processed potatoes (2 %), ice cream (2 %) and sugar confectionery (0·2 %) increased. There were no changes in sales of sweet biscuits, chocolate spreads and cakes, and sales of savoury biscuits and processed meat decreased (–2 and –1 %, respectively). Between 2011 and 2016, sales per capita per annum of sports and energy drinks increased (4 %), sales of regular (sugar-sweetened) cola (–6 %) and all non-cola soft drinks (–1 %) decreased and sales of diet cola did not change.

Conclusions:

Sales of EDNP foods and beverages generally increased or remained stable relative to population growth. Our results demonstrate the need for public health policies to reduce sales of EDNP foods and beverages.
Die Konzeption von Persönlichkeitsstörungen in der ICD-11
Authors: Schmeck Klaus , Birkhölzer Marc
Published: August 2020

Zusammenfassung. Die Klassifikation von Persönlichkeitsstörungen (PS) als voneinander unterscheidbare Kategorien wird in der ICD-11 ersetzt durch eine dimensionale Einordnung mit Schweregradabstufungen. Ob eine PS vorliegt oder nicht, wird über Beeinträchtigungen von selbstbezogenen und interpersonellen Persönlichkeitsfunktionen definiert. Alle PS-Diagnosen, mit Ausnahme der Borderline-PS wurden aufgehoben, sodass es in der ICD-11 nur noch die Kategorie „Persönlichkeitsstörung“ (ICD-11 Code 6D10) gibt, die bei Vorliegen der Kriterien einer Borderline-PS durch einen sogenannten „Trait-Qualifier“ ergänzt werden kann. Alle anderen Formen von PS werden durch spezifische Profile von fünf pathologischen Persönlichkeits-Traits charakterisiert. Die zentralste Veränderung aus Sicht der Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie besteht darin, dass die Altersgrenze für die Diagnose einer PS aufgehoben wurde, sodass die Störung und ihre Entwicklung nun vergleichbar zu anderen psychiatrischen Störungen in einer Perspektive über die Lebensspanne hinweg gesehen wird.
Structural Complexity and Mechanics of a Shallow Crustal Seismogenic Source (Vado di Corno Fault Zone, Italy)
Authors: Fondriest M. , Balsamo F. , Bistacchi A. , Clemenzi L. , Demurtas M. , Storti F. , Di Toro G.
Published: August 2020

The mechanics and seismogenic behavior of fault zones are strongly influenced by their internal structure. In this perspective, the internal structure of the extensional seismically active Vado di Corno Fault Zone (VCFZ, Central Apennines, Italy) was quantified by combining high‐resolution structural mapping with 3‐D fault network analysis over ∼2 km along fault strike. The fault zone was exhumed from ∼2 km depth in carbonate rocks, accommodated 1.5–2 km of extensional throw since Early Pleistocene, and cuts through the Pliocene Omo Morto Thrust Zone (OMTZ) with partial reactivation in extension. The exceptional exposure of the footwall block allowed us to reconstruct in detail the geometry of the OMTZ and quantify the spatial arrangement of master/subsidiary faults and fault zone rocks within the extensional VCFZ. The combination of the structural map and the 3‐D fault network with kinematic and topological analyses pointed out the crucial role of the older thrust geometry (i.e., lateral ramps) in controlling the along‐strike segmentation and slip distribution of the VCFZ. These observations were discussed in the framework of regional extension through a slip tendency analysis and a simplified mechanical model, which suggest the activation of oblique inherited structures during the lateral propagation of the VCFZ segments. The interaction of the VCFZ with the OMTZ generated along strike and possibly downdip mechanical asperities. Considering the exhumed VCFZ as an analog for the shallow structure of other seismic sources in the Central Apennines, similar settings could play first‐order control on the spatio‐temporal evolution and rupture heterogeneity of earthquakes in the region.
An Improved Cyclogenesis Potential and Storm Evolution Parameter for North Indian Ocean
Authors: Saranya Ganesh S. , Sahai A. K. , Abhilash S. , Joseph S. , Kaur Manpreet , Phani R.
Published: August 2020

Flawless subseasonal prediction of tropical cyclogenesis and evolution over the narrow basin of North Indian Ocean (NIO) demands accurate rendition of the crucial parameters that influence the development of cyclonic storms. While many genesis potential indices are used for climatological monitoring and prediction of cyclogenesis globally, their skill in subseasonal prediction of individual storm development, especially near coastlines are limited. Thus, an improved genesis potential parameter (IGPP) is introduced in this study which can capture both cyclogenesis and daily evolution of cyclonic systems over NIO. The IGPP is a revised version of Kotal‐Genesis Potential Parameter (KGPP) implemented by India Meteorological Department (IMD) for short‐range operational cyclogenesis prediction over NIO. Daily averaged ERA‐5 and ERA‐Interim data sets are used for analysis and comparison of selected cyclonic storms over NIO for the period 1989–2018. Results reveal that false alarms and overestimation of values present in KGPP are remarkably reduced by using IGPP for all the analyzed storms. Moreover, IGPP outperforms KGPP in distinguishing between developing and nondeveloping storms by accurately representing the storm genesis, evolution, rapid intensification and intensity variations. Thus IGPP can be implemented operationally for improving the real‐time prediction of cyclogenesis and storm evolution over NIO.
Birds Are Getting Caged In at Brazil’s Savanna
Authors: Rodrigues Meghie
Published: August 2020

Deforestation and climate change threaten life in the Cerrado. A new study shows how few places there are left to go.
Ocean Gyres Driven by Surface Buoyancy Forcing
Authors: Hogg Andrew McC. , Gayen Bishakhdatta
Published: August 2020

Midlatitude gyres in the ocean are large‐scale horizontal circulations that are intensified on the western boundary of the ocean, giving rise to currents such as the Gulf Stream. The physical mechanism underlying gyres is widely recognized to involve the curl of the wind stress, which injects potential vorticity into the upper ocean. However, model results have highlighted the role of surface buoyancy fluxes (principally heating and cooling of the ocean surface) in driving circulation and enhancing gyre variability. Here we present two numerical simulations—one in the fully turbulent regime and the second an eddy‐permitting ocean model—which show that gyre‐like circulation can be driven by surface buoyancy fluxes alone. We explore this phenomenon through a combination of modeling and linear theory to highlight that the transport of ocean gyres depends upon surface buoyancy fluxes as well as wind stress.
Oceanic Processes in Ocean Temperature Products Key to a Realistic Presentation of Positive Indian Ocean Dipole Nonlinearity
Authors: Yang Kai , Cai Wenju , Huang Gang , Wang Guojian , Ng Benjamin , Li Shujun
Published: August 2020

A positive Indian Ocean Dipole (pIOD) refers to a sea surface temperature anomaly pattern with cold anomalies in the equatorial eastern Indian Ocean and warm anomalies in the west, leading to floods in the eastern African countries and droughts and bushfires in Indonesia and Australia. The pIOD displays strong inter‐event differences, ranging from an extreme event dominated by westward‐extended strong cold anomalies along the equator, to a moderate event with weakened cooling confined to region off Sumatra‐Java. Representation of the extreme pIOD varies vastly across ocean temperature products. Here we show that products generated in a system explicitly involving subsurface oceanic processes capture the nonlinear dynamics of the extreme pIOD, i.e., the equatorial nonlinear zonal and vertical advection, and systematically produce a more realistic extreme pIOD. Thus, our study identifies ocean temperature products that are more suitable for studying extreme pIOD and its climatic impacts.
Ionospheric Planetary Wave Activity and Its Role in Equatorial Spread F Day‐to‐Day Variability
Authors: Manju G. , Aswathy R. P.
Published: August 2020

A comprehensive analysis on the ionospheric planetary wave activity is undertaken using 8 years of ionosonde data at Trivandrum (8.5°N, 77°E), a dip equatorial station. The study reveals that the dominant planetary wave is of 16‐day type and its strength is maximum in winter solstice/autumnal equinox and minimum in summer solstice in high solar activity conditions. In low solar activity years planetary wave activity strength is more or less comparable in vernal equinox, autumnal equinox, and winter solstice, while it is observed to be least in summer solstice. Further, the planetary wave activity shows direct correlation with solar activity for the different seasons. Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) satellite observations of off‐equatorial E‐region zonal winds confirm the fact that they are strong westward in high solar activity years compared to low solar activity years. The strong westward winds aid the upward propagation of westward propagating planetary waves in high solar activity years. Planetary waves reaching the off‐equatorial E‐region modulate the equatorial F‐region via the coupling along the magnetic field lines. The role of planetary waves in modulating the pre‐reversal enhancement, equatorial spread F duration, and its spread range on a day‐to‐day basis is brought out quantitatively for both high and low solar activity conditions. The study emphasizes the importance of ionospheric planetary wave studies for the prediction of equatorial spread F characteristics.
Dynamics of Energetic Electrons in the Slot Region During Geomagnetically Quiet Times: Losses Due to Wave‐Particle Interactions Versus a Source From Cosmic Ray Albedo Neutron Decay (CRAND)
Authors: Xiang Zheng , Li Xinlin , Ni Binbin , Temerin M. A. , Zhao Hong , Zhang Kun , Khoo Leng Ying
Published: August 2020

Earth's slot region, lying between the outer and inner radiation belts, has been identified as due to a balance between inward radial diffusion and pitch angle (PA) scattering induced by waves. However, recent satellite observations and modeling studies indicate that cosmic ray albedo neutron decay (CRAND) may also play a significant role in energetic electron dynamics in the slot region. In this study, using a drift‐diffusion‐source model, we investigate the relative contribution of all significant waves and CRAND to the dynamics of energetic electrons in the slot region during July 2014, an extended period of quiet geomagnetic activity. The bounce‐averaged PA diffusion coefficients from three types of waves (hiss, lightning‐generated whistlers [LGW], and very low frequency [VLF] transmitters) are calculated based on quasi‐linear theory, while the CRAND source follows the results in Xiang et al. (2019, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018GL081730). The simulation results indicate that both LGW and VLF transmitter waves can enhance loss and weaken the top hat PA distribution induced by hiss waves. For 470 keV electrons at L = 2.5, simulation results without CRAND show a much quicker decrease than observations from the Van Allen Probes. After including CRAND, simulated electron flux variations reproduce satellite observations, suggesting that CRAND is an important source for hundreds of keV electrons in the slot region during quiet times. The balance between the CRAND source and loss due to wave‐particle interactions provides a lower limit to relativistic electron fluxes in the slot region, which can act as an important reference point for instrument calibration when a true background level is warranted.