bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degradation of Film and Rigid Bioplastics During the Thermophilic Phase and the Maturation Phase of Simulated Composting
Authors: Ruggero Federica , Onderwater Rob C. A. , Carretti Emiliano , Roosa Stéphanie , Benali Samira , Raquez Jean-Marie , Gori Riccardo , Lubello Claudio , Wattiez Ruddy
Published: March 2021

The recent regulations, which impose limits on single use plastics and packaging, are encouraging the development of bioplastics market. Some bioplastics are labelled as compostable with the organic waste according to a specific certification (EN 13432), however the conditions of industrial composting plants are generally less favourable than the standard test conditions. Aiming at studying the effective degradation of marketable bioplastic products under composting, the current research stresses novel elements which can strongly influence bioplastics degradation: the simulation of industrial composting conditions and the thickness of bioplastic products, ranging between 50 and 500 µm. The research approaches these critical aspects simulating a composting test of 20 days of thermophilic phase followed by 40 days of maturation phase, on starch-based polymer Mater-Bi® (MB), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polylactic acid (PLA) of different thickness. Conventional low density polyethylene (LDPE) was introduced as negative control. An overall study with Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR), ThermoGravimetric Analysis (TGA), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and visual inspections was applied. Results highlighted that MB film presented the highest degradation rate, 45 ± 4.7% in terms of weight loss. Both MB and PBAT were subjected to physico-chemical features change, while LDPE presented slight degradation signs. The most critical observations have been done for PLA, which is strongly influenced both by thickness and thermophilic phase duration, shorter than the EN 13432 conditions.
Philosophical empathy (in the Style of Merleau-Ponty)
Authors: Ratcliffe Matthew
Published: March 2021

Is there a sense in which we can be said to empathize with a philosophical position and, if so, what does empathy consist of here? Drawing on themes in the work of Maurice Merleau-Ponty, I sketch an account of the relationship between philosophical language and philosophical thought, according to which the task of understanding, evaluating, and building upon an explicit philosophical position can involve engaging with the experiential world of its author. If accepted, this account has broader implications for how we conceive of both empathy and philosophical thought.
The Grounding of Identities
Authors: Azzano Lorenzo , Carrara Massimiliano
Published: March 2021

A popular stance amongst philosophers is one according to which, in Lewis’ words, “identity is utterly simple and unproblematic”. Building from Lewis’ famous passage on the matter, we reconstruct, and then criticize, an argument to the conclusion that identities cannot be grounded. With the help of relatively uncontroversial assumption concerning identity facts, we show that not all identities are equi-fundamental, and, on the contrary, some appear to be provided potential grounding bases using two-level identity criteria. Further potential grounding bases for identities are presented. Identity might be utterly simple and unproblematic, but this is not sufficient to conclude that identities are ungrounded, or fundamental.
A Model to Investigate the Impact of Farm Practice on Antimicrobial Resistance in UK Dairy Farms
Authors: Lanyon Christopher W. , King John R. , Stekel Dov J. , Gomes Rachel L.
Published: March 2021

The ecological and human health impact of antibiotic use and the related antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animal husbandry is poorly understood. In many countries, there has been considerable pressure to reduce overall antibiotic use in agriculture or to cease or minimise use of human critical antibiotics. However, a more nuanced approach would consider the differential impact of use of different antibiotic classes; for example, it is not known whether reduced use of bacteriostatic or bacteriolytic classes of antibiotics would be of greater value. We have developed an ordinary differential equation model to investigate the effects of farm practice on the spread and persistence of AMR in the dairy slurry tank environment. We model the chemical fate of bacteriolytic and bacteriostatic antibiotics within the slurry and their effect on a population of bacteria, which are capable of resistance to both types of antibiotic. Through our analysis, we find that changing the rate at which a slurry tank is emptied may delay the proliferation of multidrug-resistant bacteria by up to five years depending on conditions. This finding has implications for farming practice and the policies that influence waste management practices. We also find that, within our model, the development of multidrug resistance is particularly sensitive to the use of bacteriolytic antibiotics, rather than bacteriostatic antibiotics, and this may be cause for controlling the usage of bacteriolytic antibiotics in agriculture.
MRI-based radiomic feature analysis of end-stage liver disease for severity stratification
Authors: Nitsch Jennifer , Sack Jordan , Halle Michael W. , Moltz Jan H. , Wall April , Rutherford Anna E. , Kikinis Ron , Meine Hans
Published: March 2021

Purpose

We aimed to develop a predictive model of disease severity for cirrhosis using MRI-derived radiomic features of the liver and spleen and compared it to the existing disease severity metrics of MELD score and clinical decompensation. The MELD score is compiled solely by blood parameters, and so far, it was not investigated if extracted image-based features have the potential to reflect severity to potentially complement the calculated score.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of eligible patients with cirrhosis ($$n=90$$

n
=
90

) who underwent a contrast-enhanced MR screening protocol for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening at a tertiary academic center from 2015 to 2018. Radiomic feature analyses were used to train four prediction models for assessing the patient’s condition at time of scan: MELD score, MELD score $$\ge $$
≥
9 (median score of the cohort), MELD score $$\ge $$
≥
15 (the inflection between the risk and benefit of transplant), and clinical decompensation. Liver and spleen segmentations were used for feature extraction, followed by cross-validated random forest classification.

Results

Radiomic features of the liver and spleen were most predictive of clinical decompensation (AUC 0.84), which the MELD score could predict with an AUC of 0.78. Using liver or spleen features alone had slightly lower discrimination ability (AUC of 0.82 for liver and AUC of 0.78 for spleen features only), although this was not statistically significant on our cohort. When radiomic prediction models were trained to predict continuous MELD scores, there was poor correlation. When stratifying risk by splitting our cohort at the median MELD 9 or at MELD 15, our models achieved AUCs of 0.78 or 0.66, respectively.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that MRI-based radiomic features of the liver and spleen have the potential to predict the severity of liver cirrhosis, using decompensation or MELD status as imperfect surrogate measures for disease severity.
A more efficient cutting planes approach for the green vehicle routing problem with capacitated alternative fuel stations
Authors: Bruglieri Maurizio , Mancini Simona , Pisacane Ornella
Published: March 2021

The Green Vehicle Routing Problem with Capacitated Alternative Fuel Stations assumes that, at each station, the number of vehicles simultaneously refueling cannot exceed the number of available pumps. The state-of-the-art solution method, based on the generation of all feasible non-dominated paths, performs well only with up to 2 pumps. In fact, it needs cloning the paths between every pair of pumps. To overcome this issue, in this paper, we propose new path-based MILP models without cloning paths, for both the scenario with private stations (i.e., owned by the fleet manager) and that with public stations. Then, a more efficient cutting plane approach is designed for addressing both the scenarios. Numerical results, obtained considering a set of benchmark instances ad hoc generated for this work, show both the efficiency and the effectiveness of this new cutting plane approach proposed. Finally, a sensitivity analysis, carried out by varying the number of customers to be served and their distribution, shows very good performances of the proposed approach.
Estimation of electrical resistivity using artificial neural networks: a case study from Lublin Basin, SE Poland
Authors: Ważny Jakub , Stefaniuk Michał , Cygal Adam
Published: March 2021

Artificial neural networks method (ANNs) is a common estimation tool used for geophysical applications. Considering borehole data, when the need arises to supplement a missing well log interval or whole logging—ANNs provide a reliable solution. Supervised training of the network on a reliable set of borehole data values with further application of this network on unknown wells allows creation of synthetic values of missing geophysical parameters, e.g., resistivity. The main assumptions for boreholes are: representation of similar geological conditions and the use of similar techniques of well data collection. In the analyzed case, a set of Multilayer Perceptrons were trained on five separate chronostratigraphic intervals of borehole, considered as training data. The task was to predict missing deep laterolog (LLD) logging in a borehole representing the same sequence of layers within the Lublin Basin area. Correlation between well logs data exceeded 0.8. Subsequently, magnetotelluric parametric soundings were modeled and inverted on both boreholes. Analysis showed that congenial Occam 1D models had better fitting of TM mode of MT data in each case. Ipso facto, synthetic LLD log could be considered as a basis for geophysical and geological interpretation. ANNs provided solution for supplementing datasets based on this analytical approach.
Enhancing synergies in nature’s contributions to people in socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes: lessons learnt from ten site-based projects in biodiversity hotspots
Authors: Takahashi Yasuo , Park Kylie J. , Natori Yoji , Dublin Devon , Dasgupta Rajarshi , Miwa Koji
Published: March 2021

Trade-offs in nature’s contributions to people (NCP), particularly in material NCP versus regulating and non-material NCP, continue to rise. Socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes (SEPLS) represent harmonious human–nature interactions resulting in positive outcomes for both biodiversity and human well-being, thus implying synergies among multiple NCP are possible. In case studies of ten projects selected from biodiversity hotspots under the GEF-Satoyama Project, we investigated whether and how synergies in NCP exist within SEPLS and explored management interventions that enhanced these synergies. Using the responses to an online survey completed by project managers from each project and drawing on project reports, we identified a wide array of NCP deriving from various ecosystems within the project SEPLS. Habitat and food provisions, both attributed to multiple ecosystem types, were key components of the NCP bundles present in the project SEPLS. Among the management options that enhanced NCP in SEPLS were food-centred approaches entailing organic agriculture, eco-labelling, branding and improved agricultural practices. Habitat-centred approaches included participatory biodiversity monitoring, ecosystem restoration, co-management and conservation agreements with landowners. Synergies in NCP were generated by integrating these interventions with enabling governance structures and through community empowerment. If combined with mapping and modelling techniques, identifying NCP bundles in SEPLS from local people’s perspectives as we outlined in this study, would help to better contextualise the analysis of NCP bundles. Such contextualised NCP bundle analyses will help field practitioners understand how to enhance synergies between multiple NCP and the broader conservation community could access untapped NCP knowledge.
Brainstem substructures and cognition in prodromal Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Dutt Shubir , Li Yanrong , Mather Mara , Nation Daniel A. ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: March 2021

Neuropathological research suggests the tau pathology of Alzheimer’s disease may originate in brainstem nuclei, yet it remains unknown whether tau-mediated degeneration of brainstem nuclei influences cognitive impairment in prodromal Alzheimer’s disease. The present study examined cognitive domains impacted in prodromal Alzheimer’s disease and brainstem substructure volume in cognitively normal older adults (n = 814) and those with mild cognitive impairment (n = 542). Subsamples of cognitively normal (n = 112) and mild cognitive impairment (n = 202) also had cerebrospinal fluid Alzheimer’s disease biomarker characterization. Region-of-interest and voxel-level analyses related whole brainstem, midbrain, pons, and locus coeruleus volumes to cognition with multiple linear regression models corrected for age, sex, education, apolipoprotein-ε4 carrier status, and MRI magnet strength. Within mild cognitive impairment participants, smaller midbrain and locus coeruleus volumes were significantly related to poorer performance on tests of attention and executive function, and the relationship between locus coeruleus volume and executive abilities remained significant in the mild cognitive impairment subsample with biomarker-confirmed Alzheimer’s disease. A brainstem-masked voxel-wise regression further demonstrated an association between locus coeruleus volume and executive abilities. Brainstem volumes were not significantly related to memory processes. Study findings implicate midbrain and locus coeruleus volume in attention and executive deficits in mild cognitive impairment. Together with prior neuropathological studies, our data suggest a link between Alzheimer’s disease-related degeneration of brainstem nuclei and cognitive deficits in prodromal Alzheimer’s disease.
Potential of small-scale and structurally diverse short-rotation coppice as habitat for large and medium-sized mammals
Authors: Zitzmann Felix , Reich Michael , Schaarschmidt Frank
Published: March 2021

We surveyed occurrence and activity of large and medium-sized mammals on three experimental short-rotation coppice (SRC) and three afforestations by camera trapping. Both habitat types were surveyed simultaneously in spring. Additional wintertime surveys were performed on the SRC to consider seasonal aspects of habitat utilisation. In spring, SRC and afforestations were predominantly used by the same species. European hare (Lepus europaeus) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) were the most active species across all sites. Additionally, the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) showed intense activity on one SRC site. Activity of carnivorous and omnivorous species was comparatively low in both habitat types, but even lower on the SRC. The only forest-associated species (European badgerMeles meles), detected on all afforestations, was absent from the SRC. In winter, the surveyed SRC were used by the same species as in spring. Most species showed similar activity on the SRC in both seasons. We conclude that small-scale and structurally diverse SRC provide suitable habitat, in different seasons, especially for herbivorous mammals associated with farmland and forest-ecotones rather than forest species. The extent to which our results can be generalised to large-scale commercial SRC is unclear. However, the results indicate that SRC can be managed in a manner compatible with wildlife and may then have a habitat function for mammals comparable to that of young afforestations. Creation of within-plantation heterogeneity can be a suitable measure to improve habitat quality and should, therefore, be considered in the design and management of SRC.
Effect of coastal dune restoration on the population of endangered Mongolian racerunner (Eremias argus) in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Chang Min Ho , Song Jae Young , Koo Kyo Soung
Published: March 2021

The endangered species Mongolian racerunner (Eremias Argus), with a limited distribution in South Korea, is found only in sand dunes near waterside and forests. Therefore, species trends in this particular habitat are directly affected by habitat contamination and destruction. In this study, we examined the effects of coastal sand dune restoration on the distribution and population of E. argus. We conducted a field survey in Baramarye special protection zone, called Baramarye Coast, a part of the Taeanhaean National Park, during April and June 2016. We searched and recorded the location of E. argus and tagged them using the toe clipping method. The size of the E. argus population was estimated using the Peterson method. After the restoration of coastal sand dunes in Baramarye Coast, the population size of E. argus increased by 126–137 (21.1–55.7%) compared with that in 2008. The home range of E. argus in coastal sand dunes was significantly expanded by 4.8-fold for 95% Kernel density (KD) and 3.6-fold for 50% KD compared with that in 2008. Moreover, we confirmed that the distribution of E. argus was expanded to the restored area. Our study showed that in situ conservation is effective for endangered E. argus, distributed in particular environments such as coastal region. This study provides one more reason why coastal region must be conserved.
Perfectionism and community-identity integration: the mediating role of shame, guilt and self-esteem
Authors: Piotrowski Konrad , Bojanowska Agnieszka , Nowicka Aleksandra , Janasek Bartosz
Published: March 2021

Recent years have been marked by a rise in perfectionism in developed countries. Studies have shown that dimensions of perfectionism are related to the way people handle identity crises, whose successful resolution leads to finding a place within the adult community. In the present study, we aimed to show that two dimensions of perfectionism – perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns – are related to the outcomes of identity formation and that these relationships are mediated by shame and guilt-proneness, and self-esteem. A path mediation model showed that shame and self-esteem fully mediate the relationship between two dimensions of perfectionism and community-identity. These findings have both theoretical and practical implications. Firstly, they show the mechanism by which perfectionism may be related to identity stage resolution. Secondly, our results support the distinction between perfectionistic strivings expressing drive towards excellence, and perfectionistic concerns expressing fear of failure and fear of being judged in identity studies. This in turn may contribute to more fitting and nuanced psychotherapeutic interventions, as it justifies the application of psychotherapeutic tools aimed at reducing perfectionistic concerns and enhancing perfectionistic strivings.
Neuronale Netze und Zeitreihenansätze zur Vorhersage des auslösenden Faktors in der privaten Krankenversicherung
Authors: Avdullai Fatlinda , Korn Ralf , Hoben Hans-Martin
Published: March 2021

Die Möglichkeit einer Prämienanpassung in der deutschen PKV ist vom Wert des sogenannten auslösenden Faktors abhängig, der mittels einer linearen Extrapolation der Schadenquotienten der vergangenen drei Jahre berechnet wird. Seine frühzeitige, verlässliche Vorhersage ist aus Sicht des Risikomanagements von großer Bedeutung. Wir untersuchen deshalb vielfältige Vorhersageansätze, die von klassischen Zeitreihenansätzen und Regression über neuronale Netze bis hin zu hybriden Modellen reichen. Während bei den klassischen Methoden Regression mit ARIMA-Fehlern am besten abschneidet, zeigt ein neuronales Netz, das mit Zeitreihenvorhersage kombiniert oder auf desaisonalisierten und trendbereinigten Daten trainiert wurde, das insgesamt beste Verhalten.
Impacts of Phosphorous Source on Organic Acid Production and Heterotrophic Bioleaching of Rare Earth Elements and Base Metals from Spent Nickel-Metal-Hydride Batteries
Authors: Rasoulnia Payam , Barthen Robert , Valtonen Kati , Lakaniemi Aino-Maija
Published: March 2021

This study investigated heterotrophic bioleaching of rare earth elements (REEs) and base metals from spent nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries. Furthermore, the impacts of phosphorous source [Ca3(PO4)2, KH2PO4 and K2HPO4] and its concentration on organic acid production by Gluconobacter oxydans and Streptomyces pilosus were evaluated. Phosphorous source affected microbial acid production and metal leaching. Among the studied phosphorous sources, use of K2HPO4 resulted in highest organic acid production by both bacteria. Increasing K2HPO4 concentration from 2.7 to 27 mM enhanced pyruvic acid production by S. pilosus from 2.2 to 10.7 mM. However, no metal was leached from the spent NiMH batteries with S. pilosus using either one-step, two-step or spent-medium bioleaching. With G. oxydans, highest gluconic acid concentration of 45.0 mM was produced at the lowest K2HPO4 concentration of 2.7 mM. When using two-step bioleaching with G. oxydans, higher leaching efficiencies were obtained for base metals (88.0% vs. 68.0% Fe, 41.5% vs. 35.5% Co, 18.5% vs 16.5% Ni), while more REEs were leached using spent-medium bioleaching (9.0% vs. 6.0% total REEs). With both bioleaching methods, base metals leaching was faster than that of REEs. Surplus of phosphorous should be avoided in bioleaching cultures as precipitation especially with REEs is possible.

Graphic Abstract
In vitro evaluation of nanoparticle drug-coated balloons: a pectin-RGDS-OC8H17-paclitaxel solution
Authors: Wang Peng , Gui Lin , Wang Yuji , Wang Sheng
Published: March 2021

Drug-coated balloons have proved to be an effective technology in percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in treating peripheral artery disease. Paclitaxel-based coating is mainly used. Solutions to such problems as drug loss and inefficient drug release during operations, however, have not been found yet. This study aims to explore the activity of a newly designed paclitaxel-coated balloon in vitro using pectin as the excipient (pectin-paclitaxel) compared with the commercially available shellac excipient balloon, and to characterize the novel nanoparticle paclitaxel-coated balloon with peptide (Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser, RGDS) derivative RGDS-OC8H17 (pectin-RGDS-OC8H17-paclitaxel). Two coating solutions, pectin-paclitaxel and pectin-RGDS-OC8H17-paclitaxel, were successively designed and prepared. The morphology of both coating solutions was first characterized compared with the control group, the commercially available paclitaxel-coated balloon. Then the in vitro experiments were conducted to determine the drug-releasing profiles of both pectin-paclitaxel and pectin-RGDS-OC8H17-paclitaxel coatings. The pectin-RGDS-OC8H17-paclitaxel-coated balloon was smoother and more homogeneous compared with the commercially available paclitaxel-coated balloon and the pectin-paclitaxel-coated balloon. This difference was more obvious when paclitaxel was at low concentration. During the in vitro trial, the drug-releasing curve of the pectin-RGDS-OC8H17-paclitaxel model showed an adjustable paclitaxel-releasing: more than 90% of the paclitaxel released in 2 h at 300 rpm and more than 99% released in 10 min at 1200 rpm. Compared to the performance of the current commercially available shellac excipient products and the pectin-paclitaxel coating, pectin-RGDS-OC8H17-paclitaxel coating provided higher drug-releasing speed. However, the clinical outcomes of this finding need to be further demonstrated. Paclitaxel-coated balloons as an effective therapeutic strategy currently in treating peripheral arterial disease need to be further improved in terms of its efficiency in anti-proliferative drug delivery and release. The pectin-RGDS-OC8H17-paclitaxel coating solution developed in this study exhibited excellent drug-releasing properties. Further experiments are still needed to demonstrate the performance of this novel drug-coated balloon in vivo and its clinical importance.
Impact of climate change on sensitive marine and extreme terrestrial ecosystems: Recent progresses and future challenges
Authors: Chen Deliang
Published: March 2021

Climate change is the greatest global threat to ecosystems on the Earth. Previous studies assessed the impacts of climate change on sensitive tropical coral reefs, extreme environments in European Alps and the Arctic with a focus on snow and permafrost. This article reflects on the past developments and future challenges for scientific research and policy response relating to these topics from a peer’s perspective. This leads to the identification of several warning signs for potentially dangerous developments in these sensitive system and extreme environments as well as opportunities for research and policy in the future. While urgent actions are required to limit global warming, science-based policy can provide needed guidance.
Direct Synthesis of Molybdenum Phosphide Nanorods on Silicon Using Graphene at the Heterointerface for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Reduction
Authors: Jun Sang Eon , Choi Seokhoon , Choi Shinyoung , Lee Tae Hyung , Kim Changyeon , Yang Jin Wook , Choe Woon-Oh , Im In-Hyuk , Kim Cheol-Joo , Jang Ho Won
Published: March 2021

Highlights

MoP nanorod-array catalysts were directly synthesized on graphene passivated silicon photocathodes without secondary phase.

Mo-O-C covalent bondings and energy band bending at heterointerfaces facilitate the electron transfer to the reaction sites.

Numerous catalytic sites and drastically enhanced anti-reflectance of MoP nanorods contribute to the high solar energy conversion efficiency.

Transition metal phosphides (TMPs) and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have been widely investigated as photoelectrochemical (PEC) catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Using high-temperature processes to get crystallized compounds with large-area uniformity, it is still challenging to directly synthesize these catalysts on silicon photocathodes due to chemical incompatibility at the heterointerface. Here, a graphene interlayer is applied between p-Si and MoP nanorods to enable fully engineered interfaces without forming a metallic secondary compound that absorbs a parasitic light and provides an inefficient electron path for hydrogen evolution. Furthermore, the graphene facilitates the photogenerated electrons to rapidly transfer by creating Mo-O-C covalent bondings and energetically favorable band bending. With a bridging role of graphene, numerous active sites and anti-reflectance of MoP nanorods lead to significantly improved PEC-HER performance with a high photocurrent density of 21.8 mA cm−2 at 0 V versus RHE and high stability. Besides, low dependence on pH and temperature is observed with MoP nanorods incorporated photocathodes, which is desirable for practical use as a part of PEC cells. These results indicate that the direct synthesis of TMPs and TMDs enabled by graphene interlayer is a new promising way to fabricate Si-based photocathodes with high-quality interfaces and superior HER performance.

Graphic Abstract
Roughness Measurements with Polychromatic Speckles on Tilted Surfaces
Authors: Stempin Johannes , Tausendfreund Andreas , Stöbener Dirk , Fischer Andreas
Published: March 2021

Surface light scattering enables contactless and fast measurements of surface roughness. A surface inclination alters the direction of the scattering beam and thus the measured surface roughness is calculated from the detected intensity distribution. Hence, an accurate sensor–surface alignment is necessary. In order to achieve tilt-independent roughness measurements, a model-based evaluation approach for polychromatic speckle patterns is presented. By evaluating the shape of the superposed speckles, which occur for polychromatic illumination, with regard to the distance to the scattering centre, surfaces with an Sa roughness value in the range of 0.8–3.2 μm are measurable. Experimental investigations demonstrate that the influence of a surface tilt up to ± 1.25° on the roughness measurement is reduced by 90%. As a result, the robustness of the polychromatic speckle roughness measurement is improved, which allows to speed up the adjustment of the measurement system or the surface sample, respectively.
Spatial variability and mapping of soil fertility status in a high-potential smallholder farming area under sub-humid conditions in Zimbabwe
Authors: Soropa Gabriel , Mbisva Olton M. , Nyamangara Justice , Nyakatawa Ermson Z. , Nyapwere Newton , Lark R. Murray
Published: March 2021

A study was conducted to examine spatial variability of soil properties related to fertility in maize fields across varying soil types in ward 10 of Hurungwe district, Zimbabwe; a smallholder farming area with sub-humid conditions and high yield potential. Purposively collected and geo-referenced soil samples were analyzed for texture, pH, soil organic carbon (OC), mineral N, bicarbonate P, and exchangeable K. Linear mixed model was used to analyze spatial variation of the data. The model allowed prediction of soil properties at unsampled sites by the empirical best linear unbiased predictor (EBLUP). Evidence for spatial dependence in the random component of the model was evaluated by calculating Akaike’s information criterion. Soil pH ranged from 4.0 to 6.9 and showed a strong spatial trend increasing from north to south, strong evidence for a difference between the home and outfields with homefields significantly higher and between soil textural classes with the sand clay loam fraction generally higher. Soil OC ranged from 0.2 to 2.02% and showed no spatial trend, but there was strong evidence for a difference between home and outfields, with mean soil OC in homefields significantly larger, and between soil textural classes, with soil OC largest in the sandy clay loams. Both soil pH and OC showed evidence for spatial dependence in the random effect, providing a basis for spatial prediction by the EBLUP, which was presented as a map. There were significant spatial trends in mineral N, available P and exchangeable K, all increasing from north to south; significant differences between homefields and outfields (larger concentrations in homefields), and differences between the soil textural classes with larger concentrations in the sandy clay loams. However, there was no evidence for spatial dependence in the random component, so no attempt was made to map these variables. These results show how management (home fields vs outfields), basic soil properties (texture) and other factors emerging as spatial trends influence key soil properties that determine soil fertility in these conditions. This implies that the best management practices may vary spatially, and that site-specific management is a desirable goal in conditions such as those which apply in Ward 10 of Hurungwe district in Zimbabwe.
Non-invasive Intrauterine Administration of Botulinum Toxin A Enhances Endometrial Angiogenesis and Improves the Rates of Embryo Implantation
Authors: Koo Hwa Seon , Yoon Min-Ji , Hong Seon-Hwa , Ahn Jungho , Cha Hwijae , Lee Danbi , Park Chan Woo , Kang Youn-Jung
Published: March 2021

Endometrial angiogenesis plays crucial roles in determining the endometrial receptivity. Defects in endometrial receptivity often cause repeated implantation failure, which is one of the major unmet needs for infertility and contributes a major barrier to the assisted reproductive technology. Despite the numerous extensive research work, there are currently no effective evidence-based treatments to prevent or cure this condition. As a non-invasive treatment strategy, botulinum toxin A (BoTA) was administered into one side of mouse uterine horns, and saline was infused into the other side of horns for the control. Impact of BoTA was assessed in the endometrium at 3 or 8 days after infusion. We demonstrated that BoTA administration enhances the capacity of endothelial cell tube formation and sprouting. The intrauterine BoTA administration significantly induced endometrial angiogenesis displaying increased numbers of vessel formation and expression levels of related marker genes. Moreover, BoTA intrauterine application promoted the endometrial receptivity, and the rates of embryo implantation were improved with BoTA treatment with no morphologically retarded embryos. Intrauterine BoTA treatment has a beneficial effect on vascular reconstruction of functional endometrium prior to embryo implantation by increasing endometrial blood flow near the uterine cavity suggesting BoTA treatment as a potential therapeutic strategy for patients who are suffering from repeated implantation failure with the problems with endometrial receptivity.
Relationship Between Sexual Function and Pelvic Floor and Hip Muscle Strength in Women With Stress Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Hwang U.J. , Lee M.S. , Jung S.H. , Ahn S.H. , Kwon O.Y.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The pelvic floor muscle (PFM) could affect female sexual functions. The hip muscles are morphologically and functionally linked to PFM and are important elements of female sexual attraction.

Aim

To determine the relationship between female sexual function and hip muscle strength and PFM functions in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

A total of 42 women with SUI were recruited in this study. Female sexual function was measured using the pelvic organ prolapse urinary incontinence sexual function questionnaire (PISQ). PFM functions were measured using a perineometer. Hip muscle strength was measured using a Smart KEMA tension sensor. The relationship between female sexual function and PFM function and hip muscle strength was assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression analyses with forward selection.

Main Outcome Measures

PISQ score, PFM functions (strength and endurance), and strength of hip extensor, abductor, and adductor were the main outcome measures.

Results

For the behavioral/emotive domain in the PISQ, hip extensor strength (r = 0.452), PFM strength (r = 0.441), PFM endurance (r = 0.362), and hip adductor strength (r = 0.324) were significantly correlated and hip extensor strength emerged in multiple regression. For the physical domain in the PISQ, hip abductor strength (r = 0.417), PFM endurance (r = 0.356), hip adductor strength (r = 0.332), and PFM strength (r = 0.322) were significantly correlated and hip abductor strength entered in multiple regression. For partner-related domain in the PISQ, hip adductor (r = 0.386) and abductor strength (r = 0.314) were significantly correlated and hip adductor strength appeared in multiple regression. For the PISQ total score, hip extensor strength (r = 0.484), PFM endurance (r = 0.470), hip adductor strength (r = 0.424), hip abductor strength (r = 0.393), and PFM strength (r = 0.387) were significantly correlated and hip extensor strength and PFM endurance emerged in multiple regression.

Conclusion

The female sexual function could be related to not only PFM functions but also hip muscle strength in women with SUI.
WTO Reform: A China Round?
Authors: Gao Henry
Published: March 2021

Since its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), China's exports have been growing exponentially. In 2009, China became the world's top goods exporter. Four years later, China unseated the United States as the top trading nation in the world. In contrast to the burgeoning Chinese economy, the United States and Europe have been suffering from economic decline since the global financial crisis in 2008. China regards its rise as a long overdue restoration of its rightful position, as it has been the largest economy in the world for most of its history, except the brief aberration over the past 150 years. The Western powers, however, view China's rapid development with suspicion, as they attribute China's success mostly to its state-led development model, with state-owned enterprises, massive subsidies, and heavy government intervention playing a major role.
Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights: Four Realms of Discussion: Summary of Remarks
Authors: Lee Jootaek
Published: March 2021

The term, Artificial Intelligence (AI), has changed since it was first coined by John MacCarthy in 1956. AI, believed to have been created with Kurt Gödel's unprovable computational statements in 1931, is now called deep learning or machine learning. AI is defined as a computer machine with the ability to make predictions about the future and solve complex tasks, using algorithms. The AI algorithms are enhanced and become effective with big data capturing the present and the past while still necessarily reflecting human biases into models and equations. AI is also capable of making choices like humans, mirroring human reasoning. AI can help robots to efficiently repeat the same labor intensive procedures in factories and can analyze historic and present data efficiently through deep learning, natural language processing, and anomaly detection. Thus, AI covers a spectrum of augmented intelligence relating to prediction, autonomous intelligence relating to decision making, automated intelligence for labor robots, and assisted intelligence for data analysis.
Remarks by Judit Rius Sanjuan
Authors: Sanjuan Judit Rius
Published: March 2021

I would like to thank the Vagts family and Professor Rochelle Dreyfuss for organizing this panel and for the opportunity to contribute to the discussion. I am a long admirer of Professor Dreyfuss's work and I was honored to receive her invitation. I want to clarify that my comments in this panel do not represent any organization that I have worked with or for which I am currently working.
Remarks by Charles C. Jalloh
Authors: Jalloh Charles C.
Published: March 2021

As a preliminary remark, our starting point must be to recognize that, up until now, international criminal law has relied on what M.C. Bassiouni called “direct enforcement” by international criminal courts and “indirect enforcement” by national courts. The middle ground between the two extremes has been the use of “hybrid” courts such as the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL). The SCSL married the domestic with the international, in an effort to combine the best of the international and national in order to advance accountability for serious international crimes.
The impact of natural disasters on migration: findings from Vietnam
Authors: Trinh Trong-Anh , Feeny Simon , Posso Alberto
Published: March 2021

Increasingly, studies are examining whether the incidence of natural disasters influences household migration. This paper examines whether the severity of natural disasters is important for migration decisions in Vietnam, rather than just examining their occurrence. Data for a sample of 1,003 farm households from the Vietnam Household Living Standard Survey are examined for the period 2006–2008. A residual generated regressor approach is adopted to isolate the direct impact of disasters on migration from the indirect impact they have on migration through reducing agricultural output and income. Findings suggest that more severe disasters are directly associated with a greater probability of migration. Furthermore, such outcomes are the same for poor householdsvis-à-vistheir non-poor counterparts.
A new method for identifying the role of marital preferences at shaping marriage patterns
Authors: Naszodi Anna , Mendonca Francisco
Published: March 2021

We develop a method which assumes that marital preferences are characterized either by the scalar-valued measure proposed by Liu and Lu, or by the matrix-valued generalized Liu–Lu measure. The new method transforms an observed contingency table into a counterfactual table while preserving its (generalized) Liu–Lu value. After exploring some analytical properties of the new method, we illustrate its application by decomposing changes in the prevalence of homogamy in the US between 1980 and 2010. We perform this decomposition with two alternative transformation methods as well where both methods capture preferences differently from Liu and Lu. Finally, we use survey evidence to support our claim that out of the three considered methods, the new transformation method is the most suitable for identifying the role of marital preferences at shaping marriage patterns. These data are also in favor of measuring assortativity in preferences à la Liu and Lu.
Market Privilege: The Place of Neoliberalism in American Political Development
Authors: Weaver Timothy P. R.
Published: March 2021

Since the 1970s, the neoliberal worldview has become reflected increasingly in the policy ideas and institutional innovations advanced by both major parties in the United States. This is most obvious in the realm of economic and social policy, but especially evident at the subnational level, particularly in the city. I argue that neoliberalism, as an ideology, a set of policy prescriptions, and institutional designs, is conceptually distinct from liberalism, especially in its “New Deal” form, social democracy, and from conservatism. Moreover, it is having a developmental effect—neoliberal ideas and institutions have proved durable. This article argues that an urban lens most strikingly reveals the presence of a neoliberal political order that has also made its mark on national political institutions, particularly in the American political economy.
The implicit taxonomy of the equality jurisprudence of the UN Human Rights Committee
Authors: Petersen Niels
Published: March 2021

The article analyses the individual communications of the UN Human Rights Committee (HRC) on how the latter conceptualizes equality under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). It finds an implicit taxonomy in the case law that is not reflected in the doctrinal formulae that the HRC applies. The argument proceeds in several steps: First, I argue that the concept of equality in human rights treaties depends heavily on its operationalization by courts and quasi-judicial bodies, like the HRC. Second, I analyse the doctrinal formulae that the HRC has developed in order to specify equality. I argue that the doctrine is rather inconsistent and does not give significant guidance for resolving actual cases. Third, I present the results of a systematic analysis of the case law of the HRC. The latter shows a rather stable pattern which is not reflected in the doctrinal formulae: The best predictor whether the HRC finds a violation of Article 26 ICCPR or another equality norm of the Convention is the existence of a suspect criterion on which the challenged distinction was based. There are only very few cases in which a violation is found in the absence of a suspect criterion. The majority of these cases arguably concern arbitrary state actions. At the same time, the HRC has only rarely held that a state has not violated an equality norm despite the existence of a suspect criterion.
Incorporating tone in the modelling of wordlikeness judgements
Authors: Do Youngah , Lai Ryan Ka Yau
Published: March 2021

Various phonotactic models have been proposed for the prediction of wordlikeness judgements, most of which have focused primarily on segments. This article aims to model wordlikeness judgements when tone is incorporated. We first show how the two major determinants of wordlikeness judgements, i.e. phonotactic probability and neighbourhood density, can be measured when tone is involved. To test the role of the two determinants of wordlikeness judgements in a tone language, judgement data were obtained from speakers of Cantonese. Bayesian modelling was then used to model the judgement data, showing that phonotactic probability, but not neighbourhood density, influences wordlikeness judgements. We also show that phonotactic probability affects the tendency to judge items as absolutely perfect or more or less wordlike, while it does not affect judgements that an item is absolutely not wordlike. Implications of these results for phonotactic modelling and processes involved in wordlikeness judgements are discussed.
Delivering cognitive therapy for adolescent social anxiety disorder in NHS CAMHS: a clinical and cost analysis
Authors: Leigh Eleanor , Creswell Cathy , Stallard Paul , Waite Polly , Violato Mara , Pearcey Samantha , Brooks Emma , Taylor Lucy , Warnock-Parkes Emma , Clark David M.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Cognitive therapy, based on the Clark and Wells (1995) model, is a first-line treatment for adults with social anxiety disorder (SAD), and findings from research settings suggest it has promise for use with adolescents (Cognitive Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder in Adolescents; CT-SAD-A). However, for the treatment to be suitable for delivery in routine clinical care, two questions need to be addressed.

Aims:

Can therapists be trained to achieve good outcomes in routine Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), and what are the costs associated with training and treatment?

Method:

CAMHS therapists working in two NHS trusts received training in CT-SAD-A. They delivered the treatment to adolescents with SAD during a period of supervised practice. We examined the clinical outcomes for the 12 patients treated during this period, and estimated costs associated with treatment and training.

Results:

Treatment produced significant improvements in social anxiety symptoms, general anxiety and depression symptoms, and reductions in putative process measures. Seventy-five per cent (9 out of 12) patients showed a reliable and clinically significant improvement in social anxiety symptoms, and 64% (7/11) lost their primary diagnosis of SAD. The total cost to the NHS of the CT-SAD-A treatment was £4047 (SD = £1003) per adolescent treated, of which £1861 (SD = £358) referred to the specific estimated cost of face-to-face delivery; the remaining cost was for training and supervising therapists who were not previously familiar with the treatment.

Conclusions:

This study provides preliminary evidence that clinicians can deliver good patient outcomes for adolescents with SAD in routine CAMHS during a period of supervised practice after receiving a 2-day training workshop. Furthermore, the cost of delivering CT-SAD-A with adolescents appeared to be no more than the cost of delivering CT-SAD with adults.
Rotating savings and credit associations as traditional mutual help networks in East Asia
Authors: Onda Morio
Published: March 2021

This paper presents micro finance as a traditional system of mutual help networks in East Asia. These are called “Rotating Savings and Credit Associations” (ROSCAS) and can also be seen in other areas. Micro finance means that invested money is small and managed by members. Mutual help actions are divided into three categories: reciprocal, redistributional, and unidirectional action. The content of redistribution is labor, goods, and money. ROSCAS are the distributional action of money. It has been called tanaomoshi or mujin in Japan. ROSCAS have different names: South Korean ke, Chinese kai (huì), and Taiwanese hyokai (biāo huì) can be compared with the already well-studied Japanese case through the results of an interview survey and fact-finding fieldwork study. The purpose of the paper is to show that ROSCAS are important not only economically but also socially in terms of friendship and bonds. The economy is embedded in social relations and institutions. Although ROSCAS have almost disappeared from modern life and some are interest-oriented, they contributed to sustainable communities and can still be identified in East Asia. The paper concludes that modern societies might do well to reconsider ROSCAS as mutual help networks in search of ways of reconstructing communities.