bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subjective Age and Late-Life Functional Status: Mediating and Moderating Effects
Authors: Petashnick Joel R , Shrira Amit , Hoffman Yaakov , Palgi Yuval , Kavé Gitit , Shmotkin Dov
Published: September 2021

Objectives

This study examined the longitudinal relationships between subjective age (SA) and future functional status in later life, via depressive symptoms. Additionally, we assessed the role of subjective nearness to death (SNtD) as a potential moderator within these pathways.

Methods

Older adults (average age 81.14 years at T1) were interviewed once a year for 3 consecutive years (N = 224 at T1, N = 178 at T2, and N = 164 at T3). Participants reported their SA, SNtD, depressive symptoms, and functional status. Additionally, grip strength was employed as an objective measure of functional status.

Results

Data analysis revealed distinct pathways leading from T1 SA to T3 functional status through T2 depressive symptoms. Moreover, T1 SNtD was found to significantly moderate most of these indirect pathways, so that the mediation model of T1 SA–T2 depressive symptoms–T3 functional status was mostly significant among those who felt closer to death.

Discussion

The findings contribute to our understanding of the underlying mechanism through which SA predicts long-term functioning sequelae by underscoring the indirect effect of depressive symptoms. They further indicate the importance of gauging the effects of SNtD on these longitudinal relationships. Present results may further contribute to establishing an integrative model for predicting long-term functional outcomes based on older adults’ earlier subjective views of aging.
Social Work Care in Traumatic Brain Injury and Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Capacity-Building Model
Authors: Coxe Kathryn A. , Pence Erica K. , Kagotho Njeri
Published: September 2021

Co-occurring traumatic brain injury (TBI) and substance use disorders (SUD) are a major public health concern, yet TBI is often underrecognized within SUD treatment organizations. Social workers in these organizations are well positioned to deliver tailored treatment, but little is known about what social workers are doing to address the needs of these clients. The purpose of this study was to examine current social work practices in providing care to clients with co-occurring TBI and SUD. Using grounded theory methodology, authors conducted semistructured interviews with 17 licensed social workers employed in various SUD treatment settings. Transcript coding was conducted through an iterative process and data were analyzed using NVivo (version 12.0). Results demonstrated that social workers lack basic knowledge on the relationship between TBI and SUD. Additional barriers to providing care included lack of skills to identify history of TBI, lack of community resources, poor agency collaboration, and access-to-care restrictions. Social workers identified their primary roles as advocacy, care coordination, and serving on multidisciplinary teams. These results informed development of a capacity-building model, with recommendations for social work situated in each level of the socioecological framework. This study has important implications for building workforce capacity and collaborative care systems to improve client outcomes.
New insights into biodiversity, biogeography, ecology, and evolution of marine zooplankton based on molecular approaches
Authors: Bucklin Ann , Peijnenburg Katja T C A , Kosobokova Ksenia , Machida Ryuji J
Published: September 2021

Marine zooplankton are key players in pelagic food webs, central links in ecosystem function, useful indicators of water masses, and rapid responders to environmental variation and climate change. Characterization of biodiversity of the marine zooplankton assemblage is complicated by many factors, including systematic complexity of the assemblage, with numerous rare and cryptic species, and high local-to-global ratios of species diversity. The papers in this themed article set document important advances in molecular protocols and procedures, integration with morphological taxonomic identifications, and quantitative analyses (abundance and biomass). The studies highlight several overarching conclusions and recommendations. A primary issue is the continuing need for morphological taxonomic experts, who can identify species and provide voucher specimens for reference sequence databases, which are essential for biodiversity analyses based on molecular approaches. The power of metabarcoding using multi-gene markers, including both DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) and RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)templates, is demonstrated. An essential goal is the accurate identification of species across all taxonomic groups of marine zooplankton, with particular concern for detection of rare, cryptic, and invasive species. Applications of molecular approaches include analysis of trophic relationships by metabarcoding of gut contents, as well as investigation of the underlying ecological and evolutionary forces driving zooplankton diversity and structure.
Indoor air quality test and air distribution CFD simulation in hospital consulting room
Authors: Yao Jiali , Zhong Jiachen , Yang Ning
Published: September 2021

Reasonable air distribution is crucial to improve the air quality in hospital consulting room. Different air distribution schemes have certain effects on indoor temperature field, air flow field and particle concentration field. Based on a large general hospital project, this paper makes a subjective questionnaire survey and field test on indoor air quality of hospital buildings. Field test parameters include temperature, indoor air velocity, humidity, carbon dioxide and total volatile organic compound concentration. The results of the questionnaire survey show that a small number of people are not satisfied with the air quality in the hospital consulting room, and the concentration of carbon dioxide in some areas is high, which affects human health. The geometric model is established according to the test data, and the numerical simulation is carried out by CFD software to study the effects of three different air distribution. The research results show that the air distribution form of up-supply and side-return is more suitable for hospital consulting room and the air quality is better.
Functional Characterization of Two Antenna-Enriched Odorant-Binding Proteins FromBactrocera minax(Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Chen Jian , Yang Ling , Tian Xiao-Li , Gui Lian-You , Wang Fu-Lian , Zhang Guo-Hui
Published: September 2021

Olfaction is of great significance for insect mate-seeking and host-locating behaviors. Insect odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), especially those antenna-enriched OBPs, are thought to discriminate, capture and transport odorant molecules to olfactory receptors, but this has not been fully clarified in Bactrocera minax (Enderlein), an economically important pest of citrus crops. Our previous studies showed that seven OBP genes (BminOBP1-7) were identified from B. minax adults via a head transcriptome analysis, of which only BminOBP3 and 6 were highly expressed in antennae, suggesting an olfactory role. To confirm their functions, here, BminOBP3 and 6 were cloned, expressed in Escherichia coli cells. Binding properties of the recombinant BminOBPs with 13 volatiles, most of which can elicit a significant behavioral response from B. minax adults, were determined by fluorescent competitive binding assays. The results showed that Both BminOBP3 and 6 exhibited a remarkable selectivity towards the 13 ligands tested. BminOBP3 displayed strong binding affinity only with undecanol. BminOBP6 demonstrated strong binding affinity with undecanol and limonene among 13 ligands tested. Undecanol is believed to be main sex pheromone component of B. minax. Limonene is an important volatile compound enriched in citrus fruits. Taken together, we concluded that BminOBP3 and 6 may play a prominent role in the process of B. minax mate-seeking and host-locating behaviors through recognizing and transporting these volatiles. It is conceivable that this study will increase our molecular understanding of B. minax olfaction, facilitating the development of OBP-based behavioral interference that is potentially useful for the integrated management of B. minax.
A Brief Review ofResseliella citrifrugis(Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), a Lesser-Known Destructive Citrus Fruit Pest
Authors: Xia Yulu , Ouyang Ge-Cheng , Takeuchi Yu
Published: September 2021

The gall midge, Resselielia citrifrugis Jiang (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is a major citrus pest in China. The pest occurs widely in regions with tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates. Larvae feed inside the fruit, leading to premature fruit drop or damaged fruits. An infested fruit can have hundreds of larvae in it. The extent of losses varies, usually between 10 and 100%, depending on the grove management level. Resselielia citrifrugis hosts include common citrus varieties. China has no area-wide management program against the pest. Field pest management measures include grove sanitation, fruit bagging, and pesticide applications. This review identifies three scientific and technological gaps that need to be filled to protect the U.S. citrus industry from this pest. First, the taxonomical and systematic status of R. citrifrugis needs to be clarified and validated before the pest can be effectively regulated. Second, traps and/or lures for early detection of the pest need to be developed before the pest arrival. Third, pest risk mitigation measures against the pest need to be evaluated and strengthened.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (TB-LAMP) for Tuberculosis in Children
Authors: Promsena Pathariya , Jantarabenjakul Watsamon , Suntarattiwong Piyarat , Sudjaritruk Tavitiya , Anugulruengkitt Suvaporn , Rotcheewaphan Suwatchareeporn , Petsong Suthidee , Sawangsinth Panadda , Sophonphan Jiratchaya , Tawan Monta , Moonwong Juthamanee , Puthanakit Thanyawee
Published: September 2021

Background

Diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) in children is challenging due to its paucibacillary nature. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (TB-LAMP) is a simple, rapid, and specific point-of-care molecular diagnostic test. However, evaluation of its performance remains limited in children. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of Eiken TB-LAMP among children with presumed tuberculosis disease.

Methods

Pulmonary and extrapulmonary specimens were collected from children under 18 years with presumed TB. Each specimen was tested by using TB-LAMP, acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear microscopy, and one of the two molecular assays (polymerase chain reaction [PCR] or Xpert MTB/RIF). Sensitivity and specificity were estimated compared to mycobacterial culture as reference standard.

Results

From January 2020 to January 2021, 75 participants with presumed TB were enrolled with median age of 7 years (IQR 2-12). Seventeen specimens from 16 (21.3%) children had bacteriologically confirmed TB: 10 pulmonary and 7 extrapulmonary specimens. Overall sensitivity and specificity of TB-LAMP was 76.5% (95% CI 50.1%-93.2%) and 100% (95% CI 94.3%-100%), respectively. It had significantly higher sensitivity than AFB (52.9%, 95% CI 27.8%-77.0%) and similar to other molecular assays; PCR 82.4% (95% CI 56.6%-96.2%), Xpert MTB/RIF 70.0% (95% CI 34.8%-93.3%). Sensitivity of TB-LAMP for pulmonary, lymph node tissue, and extrapulmonary fluid was 80% (95% CI 44.4%-97.5%), 100% (95% CI 39.8-100), and 33.3% (95% CI 0.8-90.6), respectively. TB-LAMP detected all smear-positive (N = 9) and 50% of smear-negative (N = 8) specimens.

Conclusions

TB-LAMP had higher sensitivity than AFB microscopy and accuracy similar to other molecular assays in both pulmonary and extrapulmonary specimens. These findings support using TB-LAMP as a point-of-care test in children.
An usually early presentation of peripheral arterial disease in a 30-year-old woman
Authors: Oye Herbert , Aslam Arham
Published: September 2021

Peripheral vascular disease is commonly thought to be a disease of elderly patients. However, with certain environmental factors and predetermined genetics, it can present much earlier in life. This case report demonstrates a case of severe peripheral vascular disease in a 30-year-old woman with an 11-year history of smoking. We report the case of a 30-year-old woman who presented to our clinic with a 9-year history of peripheral vascular disease. She complained of worsening claudication in both lower extremities and intermittent pain at rest. A CT arteriogram was conducted and showed significant stenosis of both left and right iliac arteries, as well as stenosis of the distal aorta. In the setting of certain genetic and environmental factors, the presentation of peripheral vascular disease can occur significantly earlier in life.
A case report of ductal carcinoma of the breast metastasizing to the bowel
Authors: Jansen van Rensburg Anzel , Riddell Andrew
Published: September 2021

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. Frequent metastatic sites include liver, lungs and bone. Gastrointestinal metastases are a rare entity. We report a case of ductal carcinoma metastasizing to the sigmoid colon.

A 74-year female was found to have a mass at her sigmoid colon on surveillance colonoscopy. The initial histology showed poorly differentiated carcinoma. Further immunohistochemical staining revealed poorly differentiated metastatic ductal breast carcinoma 27 years after her primary breast cancer. She proceeded to resection and had an uneventful recovery. She remains alive with stable retroperitoneal lymph node and tail of pancreas metastatic disease.
Revisiting the Hebrew Definite Article: A Reference Hierarchy Model
Authors: Ross Jillian , Kim Jaeshil
Published: September 2021

The presence of the article ha on Hebrew noun phrases has long been considered the signal for marking definiteness. Scholars have traditionally explained exceptional cases either within the category of definiteness or by genericity. Applying the cross-linguistically conceived ‘reference hierarchy model’ to ha-marked noun phrases in the Book of Judges has revealed that the article ha can also mark specificity, a referential category often associated with indefiniteness in the literature of Biblical Hebrew. In fact, many of Biblical Hebrew’s exceptions fall within this category. These exceptions display a pattern: the ha- marking for specificity is not determined by features within the noun phrase but rather outside of it. They are licensed by a small set of verb types, preposition and sentential moods.
On the Presence of the Andalusian Ḥayyūj’s Grammatical Theory in Abū al-Faraj Hārūn’s al-Kitāb al-Muštamil in the “East”
Authors: Basal Nasir
Published: September 2021

The purpose of the present paper is to show that the prominent grammarian Abū al-Faraj Hārūn (AFH), head of the Karaite Majlis in Jerusalem (first half of the eleventh century CE) was acquainted with the grammatical theory of the important Andalusian grammarian Yehudah Ḥayyūj (d. c. 1010 CE in Cordoba), whose writings had reached the Arabic-speaking east at an early stage, not long after his death. AFH described the grammar of Biblical Hebrew according to the accepted Karaite method and the classical Arabic grammatical theory, but also mentioned Ḥayyūj explicitly by name, and mentioned the latter’s grammatical method in explanations of words in the Bible. In his al-Muštamil, especially in the chapters on the letters, AFH provided explanations using Ḥayyūj’s method; he did not copy Ḥayyūj’s words but described phonological and morphological phenomena in his own words, based on Ḥayyūj’s theory. In other words, we will show that AFH was the first in the Arabic-speaking east to have used Ḥayyūj’s grammatical terminology and concepts, examples and explanations.
Novel Internal Medicine Residency Ultrasound Curriculum Led by Critical Care and Emergency Medicine Staff
Authors: Geis Robert N , Kavanaugh Michael J , Palma James , Speicher Matthew , Kyle Adrianna , Croft James
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an integral aspect of critical care and emergency medicine curriculums throughout the country, but it has been slow to integrate into internal medicine residency programs. POCUS has many benefits for internal medicine providers, guiding diagnostic decisions and aiding in procedures. Additionally, POCUS is a convenient and portable resource specifically for internal medicine providers in the military when practicing in deployed or critical care settings. Critical care and emergency medicine clinicians are excellent resources to lead these courses. We sought to develop a new POCUS curriculum for internal medicine residents within the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Internal Medicine Residency program with the support of emergency medicine and critical care medicine staff to lead and oversee the training. The project’s aim was to increase internal medicine resident confidence with POCUS by 20% and proficiency with POCUS as evidenced by pretest and posttest analysis by 10%.

Materials and Methods

The program consisted of a 2-day, 9-hour, introductory course, combining lecture with hands-on scanning taught by emergency medicine physicians who had completed emergency ultrasound fellowship-level training. This was followed by a longitudinal component of hands-on scanning throughout the academic year built into the residents’ schedules. Emergency and critical care medicine ultrasound staff reviewed all studies for quality assurance (QA). The residents were given both precourse and post-course knowledge tests and confidence surveys, which utilized a 5-point Likert scale. The knowledge assessments were analyzed with a paired t-test, and the Likert scale data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Institutional Review Board deemed this project nonhuman subjects’ research.

Results

Twenty participants were enrolled, with 10 (50%) of those enrolled completing all course requirements. The average precourse knowledge assessment score was 76.60%, and postcourse assessment score was 80.95% (+4.35%, P = .33). The confidence survey scores were initially 73.33% and improved to 77.67% (+4.34%, P = .74).

Conclusions

A curriculum comprised of a 9-hour workshop followed by a longitudinal hands-on experience can provide improvement in internal medicine resident POCUS knowledge and confidence. This model emphasizes the benefit of emergency and critical care cooperation for ultrasound training and provides an emphasis on medicine-relevant scans and longitudinal training.
Military Orthopedic Surgeons Are Not Just Traumatologists
Authors: Choufani Camille , Barbier Olivier , Mathieu Laurent , de L’Escalopier Nicolas
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Each French military orthopedic surgeon is both an orthopedic surgeon and a trauma surgeon. Their mission is to support the armed forces in France and on deployment. The aim of this study was to describe the type of orthopedic surgery performed for the armed forces in France. Our hypothesis was that scheduled surgery was more common than trauma surgery.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective descriptive analysis of the surgical activity for military patients in the orthopedic surgery departments of the four French military platform hospitals. All surgical procedures performed during 2020 were collected. We divided the procedures into the following categories: heavy and light trauma, posttraumatic reconstruction surgery, sports surgery, degenerative surgery, and specialized surgery. Our primary endpoint was the number of procedures performed per category.

Results

A total of 827 individuals underwent surgery, 91 of whom (11%) were medical returnees from deployment. The surgeries performed for the remaining 736 soldiers present in metropolitan France (89%) consisted of 181 (24.6%) trauma procedures (of which 86.7% were light trauma) and 555 (75.4%) scheduled surgery procedures (of which 60.8% were sports surgery). Among the medical returnees, there were 71 traumatology procedures (78%, of which 87.3% were light traumatology) and 20 procedures corresponding to surgery usually carried out on a scheduled basis (22%, of which 95% were sports surgery).

Conclusion

Military orthopedic surgeons are not just traumatologists; their activity for the armed forces is varied and mainly consists of so-called programmed interventions.
Beyond Limb Salvage: Limb Restoration Efforts Following Remote Combat-Related Extremity Injuries Optimize Outcomes and Support Sustained Surgical Readiness
Authors: Wade Sean M , Harrington Colin J , Hoyt Benjamin W , Melendez-Munoz Angelica M , Potter Benjamin K , Souza Jason M
Published: September 2021

Introduction

As the combat operational tempo of the military conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan has declined over the last decade, there has been a decrease in the number of patients requiring acute limb salvage. In their place, a growing population of patients with persistent functional deficits, pain, and inadequate soft tissue coverage stemming from prior limb salvage strategies have returned to our institution seeking revision surgery. Herein, we examine our institution’s evolving surgical approach to extremity reconstruction from 2011 through 2019, culminating in the development of our limb restoration concept. We also discuss the impact of this orthoplastic approach on the acute management of complex extremity trauma and its role in providing sustained surgical readiness during interwar years.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all limb reconstructive procedures performed at our tertiary care military treatment facility between September 1, 2011 to December 31, 2019 to characterize the trends in extremity reconstruction procedures performed at our institution. Cases were identified as limb restoration procedures if they involved secondary/revision reconstructive procedures designed to optimize function, treat pain, or improve the durability of the injured extremity following initial reconstruction efforts.

Results

Nearly 500 limb restoration procedures were performed during the study period. These procedures steadily increased since 2011, reaching a maximum of 120 in 2018. Orthoplastic procedures such as osseointegration, targeted muscle reinnervation, regenerative peripheral nerve interface, agonist–antagonist myoneural interface, and soft tissue resurfacing flap reconstruction accounted for the rise in secondary/revision reconstruction performed during this time period.

Conclusion

Limb restoration is a collaborative orthoplastic approach that utilizes state-of-the-art surgical techniques for treating complex extremity trauma. Although limb restoration originally developed in response to managing the long-term sequelae of combat extremity trauma, the concept can be adapted to the acute management setting. Moreover, limb restoration provides military surgeons with a means for maintaining critical war-time surgical skills during the current low casualty rate era.

Level of Evidence: V, therapeutic.
The EGFRvIII transcriptome in glioblastoma: A meta-omics analysis
Authors: Hoogstrate Youri , Ghisai Santoesha A , de Wit Maurice , de Heer Iris , Draaisma Kaspar , van Riet Job , van de Werken Harmen J G , Bours Vincent , Buter Jan , Vanden Bempt Isabelle , Eoli Marica , Franceschi Enrico , Frenel Jean-Sebastien , Gorlia Thierry , Hanse Monique C , Hoeben Ann , Kerkhof Melissa , Kros Johan M , Leenstra Sieger , Lombardi Giuseppe , Lukacova Slávka , Robe Pierre A , Sepulveda Juan M , Taal Walter , Taphoorn Martin , Vernhout René M , Walenkamp Annemiek M E , Watts Colin , Weller Michael , de Vos Filip Y F , Jenster Guido W , van den Bent Martin , French Pim J
Published: September 2021

Background

EGFR is among the genes most frequently altered in glioblastoma, with exons 2-7 deletions (EGFRvIII) being among its most common genomic mutations. There are conflicting reports about its prognostic role and it remains unclear whether and how it differs in signaling compared with wildtype EGFR.

Methods

To better understand the oncogenic role of EGFRvIII, we leveraged 4 large datasets into 1 large glioblastoma transcriptome dataset (n = 741) alongside 81 whole-genome samples from 2 datasets.

Results

The EGFRvIII/EGFR expression ratios differ strongly between tumors and range from 1% to 95%. Interestingly, the slope of relative EGFRvIII expression is near-linear, which argues against a more positive selection pressure than EGFR wildtype. An absence of selection pressure is also suggested by the similar survival between EGFRvIII-positive and -negative glioblastoma patients. EGFRvIII levels are inversely correlated with pan-EGFR (all wildtype and mutant variants) expression, which indicates that EGFRvIII has a higher potency in downstream pathway activation. EGFRvIII-positive glioblastomas have a lower CDK4 or MDM2 amplification incidence than EGFRvIII-negative (P = .007), which may point toward crosstalk between these pathways. EGFRvIII-expressing tumors have an upregulation of “classical” subtype genes compared to those with EGFR-amplification only (P = 3.873e−6). Genomic breakpoints of the EGFRvIII deletions have a preference toward the 3′-end of the large intron-1. These preferred breakpoints preserve a cryptic exon resulting in a novel EGFRvIII variant and preserve an intronic enhancer.

Conclusions

These data provide deeper insights into the complex EGFRvIII biology and provide new insights for targeting EGFRvIII mutated tumors.
Study of the standard model with weak decays of charmed hadrons at BESIII
Authors: Li Hai-Bo , Lyu Xiao-Rui
Published: September 2021

A comprehensive review of weak decays of charmed hadrons (D0/ +, $D^+_s$ and $\Lambda ^+_c$) based on analyses of the threshold data from e+e− annihilation in the BESIII experiment is presented. Current experimental challenges and successes in understanding decays of the charmed hadrons are discussed. Precise calibrations of quantum chromodynamics and tests of the standard model are provided by measurements of purely leptonic and semi-leptonic decays of charmed hadrons, and lepton universality is probed in purely leptonic decays of charmed mesons to three generations of leptons. Quantum correlations in threshold data samples provide access to strong phases in the neutral D meson decays and probe the decay dynamics of the charmed Λc baryon. Charm physics studies with near-threshold production of charmed particle pairs are unique to BESIII, and provide many important opportunities and challenges.
The New Nicotine Pouch Category: A Tobacco Harm Reduction Tool?
Authors: Patwardhan Sudhanshu , Fagerström Karl
Published: September 2021

Nicotine pouches to be put under the upper lip are a new category of products that are being rapidly developed and marketed as consumer goods with little research or regulatory oversight. We have identified research gaps in assessing their harm and benefit potential, and possible regulatory science approaches to inform the policies that can allow a maximization of the category’s public health potential while minimizing unintended consequences.

Implications: This commentary presents a potential blueprint for a comprehensive assessment of the nicotine pouches category. Data from the proposed research areas can better inform the regulatory policy decisions around the category, with the aim to maximize the category’s tobacco harm reduction potential while minimizing unintended harms.
Rethinking Defection: An Analysis of Anti-defection Laws in India
Authors: Guruvayurappan Darsan
Published: September 2021

Are anti-defection laws efficient? Many parliamentary democracies have enacted anti-defection laws to prevent frequent government collapses and political instability. Using the anti-defection law in India as a reference, I argue that the party-based anti-defection laws enacted in many Westminster-style Parliamentary democracies do not achieve their goals, yet drastically impact representative decision-making. I show how the entitlements and protections granted by anti-defection laws to political parties and legislators do not achieve the purpose of maintaining government stability and suggest two options to improve it.
Investigating the relationship of schools reopening to increases in COVID-19 infections using event study methodology: The case of the Delta variant
Authors: Valentine Randall , Valentine Dawn , Valentine Jimmie L
Published: September 2021

Background

Hypothesis: School reopening had a significant impact on COVID-19 infection rates across USA states.

Methods

Eight states with fully reopened public schools were studied. States who did not previously have stay-at-home orders for a minimum of 30 days were excluded from the study so that increases in infection rates would be solely due to the economies of reopening. This study used event study methodology with a 30-day estimation window. This allowed us to determine if increases in COVID-19 infection rates were significant following schools reopening.

Results

Eight states were analyzed, and seven of the states had positive and significant COVID-19 infection increases. The other state’s increase was negative and significant.

Conclusions

This study found that reopening of schools had an initial 5-day increase in COVID-19 infections in seven of eight states whose data were examined. With schools being re-opened nationwide in Fall 2021, this indicates that with the Delta variant there is an expected significant increase in infections.
Assessment of toxicological consequences upon acute inhalation exposure to chemically improvised nonlethal riot control combinational formulation (NCF) containing oleoresin capsicum and skatole
Authors: Das Sanghita , Saha Achintya , Patowary Pompy , Niri Pakter , Goyary Danswrang , Karmakar Sanjeev , Chattopadhyay Pronobesh
Published: September 2021

Sensory irritation is an acute adverse effect leading to temporary disability posed by riot control agents in various deployable forms are utilized by defense personal in violent mob attacks but their irreversible toxic effects and risk assessment have been a matter of concern. These intimidating risks of available riot control agents have led to exploring the pulmonary toxicity profile of the oil in water emulsion formulation developed for vicious crowd controls containing an irritant oleoresin capsicum, a malodorant (skatole), and a commercial dye, followed by characterization using standard methods. Nonlethal riot control combinational formulation (NCF) has been aimed to be the best possible low-lethal alternative for riot control measures. In this study, 30 min of acute inhalation exposure of NCF was given to Wistar rats and various respiratory parameters like lung dynamics, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytological assays, pro-inflammatory cytokines estimation, antioxidant activity, collagen accumulation, cytotoxicity, in vivo lung imaging, western blot, histology of lung tissue, etc. were investigated to validate its potentiality and rate of irritation reversibility as nonlethal agents. An exaggerated physiological change like sensory irritation, changes in lung functional variables, increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, etc. were noticed initially without airway obstruction as the expression of nociceptive TRPV1 protein did not alter the physiological regulation of protective proteins like Nrf2 and HO-1 and also no abnormality was found in lung tissue architecture. In conclusion, it can be stated that this formulation can be explored as a nonlethal riot control agent intending to generate discomfort but with early reversibility of sensory irritation and no recurrence of toxicity.
The use of nanobodies in a sensitive ELISA test for SARS-CoV-2 Spike 1 protein
Authors: Girt Georgina C. , Lakshminarayanan Abirami , Huo Jiandong , Dormon Joshua , Norman Chelsea , Afrough Babak , Harding Adam , James William , Owens Raymond J. , Naismith James H.
Published: September 2021

Detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigens in the fluid has important uses in biotechnology, and is integral to many point-of-care SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics. Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are a sensitive, well-established method of measuring antigens in solutions. They use one ligand to capture and the other ligand to detect the target analyte. Detection is commonly achieved using colorimetric readout obtained upon the reaction of a substrate with HRP-conjugated secondary ligand. Nanobodies, the VHH domain of camelid antibodies, have expanded the repertoire of molecules used in antigen detection. Nanobodies' high affinity for target antigens, their compact structure, their high stability and ease of production has driven research into their use as diagnostic reagents. Guided by a structural understanding of epitopes on the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, we investigated various combinations of engineered nanobodies in a sandwich ELISA to detect the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. We have identified an optimal combination of nanobodies. These were selectively functionalized to further improve antigen capture, enabling the measurement of sub-picomolar amounts of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein in solution. With this combination, the routine detection limit in samples inactivated by heat and detergent corresponded to less than seven focus-forming units of infectious SARS-CoV-2.
Pedobacter riviphilus sp. nov., isolated from stream sediment
Authors: Im Hong Sik , Joung Yochan , Lee Sang-Seob
Published: September 2021

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile by gliding, rod-shaped and pink-coloured bacterium, designated strain SW-16T, was isolated from the sediment of small stream in the Republic of Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain SW-16T formed a lineage within the genus

Pedobacter

of the family

Sphingobacteriaceae

. Phylogenetic analysis also showed that strain SW-16T was most closely related to

Pedobacter soli

15-51T (98.0% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity),

Pedobacter humicola

R135T (97.5%),

Pedobacter suwonensis

15-52T (97.4%),

Pedobacter sandarakinus

DS-27T (97.0%) and

Pedobacter kyungheensis

THG-T17T (97.0%). Growth was observed at 10–37 °C (optimum at 30 °C), pH 6–8 (optimum at pH 7) and with 0–2.0 % NaCl (optimum at 0%). The major fatty acids of the bacterial strain were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1
 ω7c). The predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone-7 and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified amino lipids, one unidentified phospholipid and three unidentified lipids. The genome size of strain SW-16T was 5.8 Mbp and the G+C content was 38.5 mol%. Based on the results of phenotypic, genomic and phylogenetic analyses, strain SW-16T represents a novel species of the genus

Pedobacter

, for which the name Pedobacter riviphilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SW-16T (=KEMB 1602–396T=KCTC 82079T=JCM 34181T).
Seasonal land use land cover change and the drivers in Kafta-Sheraro National Park, Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Temesgen Fitsum , Warkineh Bikila , Hailemicael Alemayehu
Published: September 2021

Kafta-sheraro national park (KSNP) is one of the homes of the African elephant has experienced extensive destruction of woodland following regular land use & land cover change in the past three decades, however, up to date, data and documentation detailing for these changes are not addressed. This study aims to evaluate the land use land cover change and drivers of change that occurred between 1988 and 2018. Landsat 5(TM), Landsat7 (ETM+), and Landsat 8 (OLI/TIRs) imagery sensors, field observation, and socio-economic survey data were used. The temporal and spatial Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was calculated and tested the correlation between NDVI and precipitation/temperature. The study computed a kappa coefficient of the dry season (0.90) and wet season (0.845). Continuous decline of woodland (29.38%) and riparian vegetation (47.11%) whereas an increasing trend of shrub-bushland (35.28%), grassland (43.47%), bareland (27.52%), and cultivated land (118.36 km2) were showed over thirty years. More results showed bare land was expanded from wet to drier months, while, cultivated land and grazing land increased from dry to wet months. Based on the NDVI result high-moderate vegetation was decreased by 21.47% while sparse & non-vegetation was expanded by 19.8% & 1.7% (36.5 km2) respectively. Settlement & agricultural expansion, human-induced fire, firewood collection, gold mining, and charcoal production were the major proximate drivers that negatively affected the park resources. Around KSNP, the local community livelihood depends on farming, expansion of agricultural land is the main driver for woodland dynamics/depletion and this leads to increase resources competition and challenges for the survival of wildlife. Therefore, urgent sustainable conservation of park biodiversity via encouraging community participation in conservation practices and preparing awareness creation programs should be mandatory.
(3E)-4-[(Naphthalen-1-yl)amino]pent-3-en-2-one hemihydrate
Authors: Diop Aboubacar , Diop Tidiane , Diop Cheikh Abdou Khadre , Tumanov Nikolay , Ennio Zangrando , Sidibé Mamadou
Published: September 2021

The title compound, C15H15NO·0.5H2O, was prepared from α-naphthylamine and 2,4-pentanedione in a 1:1 ratio. An intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond in the N-naphthylpent-3-en-2-one molecule involving the amine and carbonyl groups strengthens the structure. The water molecule interacts with two symmetry-related N-naphthylpent-3-en-2-one molecules viaby O—H...O hydrogen bonds.
Carbon footprint evaluation of local dwellings in Bangladesh towards low carbon society
Authors: Islam Rezuana , Chowdhury Sajal , Jannat Nusrat , Paul Pranjib
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Local dwellings of Bangladesh have specific environmental characteristics. These dwellings extensively use locally available materials and construction techniques. Therefore, carbon footprint (CF), as a prominent environmental parameter, is greatly affected by construction materials and techniques. Nonetheless, scientific justification is limited to evaluate CF of these dwellings in Bangladesh according to different local construction materials. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate different rural dwellings’ CF for both construction and operational phases toward the development of low carbon society in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

For evaluating CF, literature review and field studies were conducted to specify and categorize cases. An intensive field monitoring and occupant's survey were performed during summer. A widely recognized compliant database and assessment tool “Ecoinvent v3” was used based on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14040 and 14044. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected to evaluate constructional and operational stages of carbon emission using hybrid methods formed by process-based and economic input–output life cycle analysis (EIO-LCA) approaches.

Findings

The study indicates that different building materials significantly impact on dwelling's amount of carbon emission according to construction techniques. Brick dwelling's construction stage carbon emission was nearly 3.86 times higher than timber, whereas, 6.75 times higher than mud dwelling. In terms of operational stage, local brick dwelling emits higher carbon compared to others relating to occupants’ lifestyle and activities.

Originality/value

This study will contribute to helping professionals and policy-makers to interpret and evaluate architectural design and construction processes for improving low-carbon dwellings in Bangladesh.
Intention to continue using mobile learning: the effects of perceived values and role of locus of control
Authors: Magsayo Roche Tumlad
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The study aims to determine the factor of perceived machine learning adoption (MLA) values that affect learners' intention to continue using (ICU), the extent of their relationships in the learners' ICU and the role of locus of control (LOC) in their relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a rigorous literature review of MLA studies that lead to a multidimensional value-based theoretical model. This model combined the theory of consumption and altruistic values. Simple descriptive statistics provide the frequency and percentage of the demographic profile. An orthogonalized approach was used to assess for investigating moderating effects. The data and model analysis used a convenience sample of 419 undergraduate perceptions of MLA value from rural higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines.

Findings

The findings indicate that three perceived values (functional value (FUV), social value (SOV) and spiritual value (SPV)) of MLA significantly affect learners' ICU. Interestingly, the study found that LOC strengthens the positive relationship of FUV on learners' ICU.

Originality/value

The study is one of the few to provide evidence on using a multidimensional value-based adoption model in MLA. The study successfully integrates SPV to the concept of perceived value ignored in the theory of consumption value (TCV) and the role of LOC on FUV relationship to learners' ICU.
Energy and historic buildings: toward evidence-based policy reform
Authors: Avrami Erica , Most Jennifer L. , Gasha Anna , Ghoshal Shreya M.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This research informs the intersection of climate and heritage policy development by examining the history of US energy policy as it relates to historic buildings, emerging policy tools to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the implications of a changing legislative landscape on historic buildings through the case of New York City.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a multi-method approach, including a review of US energy codes; discourse analysis of government records, energy studies, and reports related to historic buildings and energy; select research into energy-related heritage policy at the municipal level; and geospatial and statistical methods to analyze policy implications in the case study of New York City.

Findings

Historic buildings have long been afforded exemptions from energy code compliance in the US, and these waivers are widespread. Contemporary operating energy and greenhouse gas data, as well as energy justice findings about whom these waivers privilege, challenge these exemptions and signal a need for significant policy reform in light of climate change.

Originality/value

This study questions longstanding rhetoric about historic buildings being inherently green and supports the need for more evidence-based research to undergird heritage policy reform that is equitable and climate-responsive.
An in-process multi-feature data fusion nondestructive testing approach for wire arc additive manufacturing
Authors: Chen Xi , Fu Youheng , Kong Fanrong , Li Runsheng , Xiao Yu , Hu Jiannan , Zhang Haiou
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The major problem that limits the widespread use of WAAM technology is the forming quality. However, most of the current research focuses on post-process detections that are time-consuming, expensive and destructive. This paper aims to achieve the on-line detection and classification of the common defects, including hump, deposition collapse, deviation, internal pore and surface slag inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes an in-process multi-feature data fusion nondestructive testing method based on the temperature field of the WAAM process. A thermal imager is used to collect the temperature data of the deposition layer in real-time. Efficient processing methods are proposed in this paper, such as the temperature stack algorithm, width extraction algorithm and a classification model based on a residual neural network. Some features closely related to the forming quality were extracted, containing the profile image and width curve of the deposition layer and abnormal temperature features in longitudinal and cross-sections. These features are used to achieve the detection and classification of defects.

Findings

Thermal non-destructive testing is a potentially superior technology for in-process detection in the industrial field. Based on the temperature field, extracting the most relevant features of the defect information is crucial. This paper pushes current infrared (IR) monitoring methods toward real-time detection and proposes an in-process multi-feature data fusion non-destructive testing method based on the temperature field of the WAAM process.

Originality/value

In this paper, the single-layer and multi-layer WAAM samples are preset with various defects, such as hump, deposition collapse, deviation, pore and slag inclusion. A multi-feature nondestructive testing methodology is proposed to realize the in-process detection and classification of the defects. A temperature stack algorithm is proposed, which improves the detection accuracy of profile change and solves the problem of uneven temperature from arc striking to arc extinguishing. The combination of residual neural network greatly improves the accuracy and efficiency of detection.
Public–private partnerships for sustainable infrastructure development in Ghana: a systematic review and recommendations
Authors: Akomea-Frimpong Isaac , Jin Xiaohua , Osei-Kyei Robert , Kukah Augustine Senanu
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The contribution of the public–private partnership (PPP) model towards the achievement of the United Nation (UN)'s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been widely acknowledged. However, limited studies have shed light on the connection between PPPs and the achievement of these coveted goals in Ghana. In this study, the authors aimed at analysing and synthesising the existing literature on the use of PPP to achieve sustainability in infrastructure projects in the country.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-step approach was used to retrieve and review 60 selected articles aided by content analysis.

Findings

The analysis showed that all existing relevant publications on the application of the PPP model to attain UN’s SDGs in the country are organised around dominant themes, such as poverty alleviation, urban development, waste management and risk management. However, the review revealed little studies exist on pertinent issues relating to PPPs and sustainable development goals, such as climate action, critical resilience, sustainable finance and clean energy.

Research limitations/implications

Although the study is limited to 60 articles in Ghana, the results reveal pertinent gaps for further research studies to achieve sustainable infrastructural development in Ghana and other countries.

Practical implications

Holistically, the outcome of this study will serve as a guide to project managers to understand essential issues on attaining sustainability on public projects.

Originality/value

This article contributes to the literature and practice on the significance of PPP in mainstreaming UN's SDGs in public infrastructure projects.