bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of Aphid and Whitefly on Chilli and their Management using Biorational and New Generation Insecticides
Authors: Hasan Md. Hasibul , Das Gopal
Published: June 2021

An experiment was conducted at Entomology field laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the rabi season of 2019-2020 to investigate the incidence of aphid and whitefly on chilli and effect of some biorational and new generation insecticides for controlling those insects. The presence of aphids was first identified on 2nd week of January at the vegetative stage of the chilli plant with the density of 2.34 per leaf. Then a gradual increase and a subsequent decrease were observed in the aphid population. The population density was reached to the peak level by first week of February with the mean number of 16.69/leaf. Thereafter, the population decreased in a gradual manner and reached to the minimum level by the end of 3rd week of March. In case of whitefly, similar trend of incidence but comparatively lower incidence was recorded from seedling to fruiting stage. On the other hand, five biorational and new generation insecticides were evaluated against these insects in field condition. All tested insecticides were found very effective except Shurter 505 EC (Cypermethrin + Chlorpyriphos) regarding reduction of aphids and whitefly populations, curled leaf development and increases of yield of green chillies. Among rest of the four insecticides, the Imixam 70WDG @ 0.30 g/L water (Imidacloprid + Thiamethoxam) was found most effective that was significantly followed by 0.20 g/L. This findings was closely followed by Gain 20 SL (Imidacloprid), Lumectin 10WDG (Lufenuron + Emamectin Benzoate) and Biotrin 0.5% (Matrine) respectively considering all the parameters studied.
Advisory and Extension Services Related to the Supply of Agricultural Inputs in Cameroon: The Case of the Mifi and Menoua Divisions
Authors: Kuissu Faylone Gaelle Mademguia , Fouepe Guillaume Hensel Fongang , Bikomo René Mbonomo
Published: June 2021

Aims: The liberalization of the agricultural sector has facilitated the advent of multitude stakeholders with varied profiles involved in the provision of numerous services to agriculture. This study analyzes the advisory and extension services that support the provision of agricultural inputs in two Divisions of the Western Region of Cameroon (Mifi and Menoua).

Study Design and Methodology: These areas are home to about 60% of the private agricultural input distributors involved in the provision of agricultural advisory and extension services within the region Data collected by questionnaire and interview guide were carried out with 62 agricultural inputs sellers with input shops on the one hand, and 7 managers of a number of organizations involved in the provision of agricultural services on the other hand.

 

Results: private agricultural input providers use several agricultural advisory and extension approaches: 42% among them use agricultural extension approach, while 32% use advice to the family farm approach, 21% use organizational capacity building advice and 5%, demand driven approaches. The terms for providing these agricultural extension and advisory services depend on the rationalities of each of these providers. Some agricultural extension and advisory services providers (NGOs, CIGs) promote agroecology through the diffusion of organic inputs, while others promote conventional agriculture through the popularization of synthetic chemical inputs. Access to services by beneficiaries are either paid-offerings or free-offerings. Findings also reveal that in some cases, the actions of some of these providers in the field are intertwined and lead to a collaborative relationship, while in other cases providers work completely compartmentalized leading to negative effects and low performance of the local agricultural extension and advisory system.

Conclusion: The advent of private providers has increased the number of actors with various profiles leading to potential advantages (e.g., includes access to agricultural information). Yet these potentials have not yet been fully valorized in the provision of agricultural advisory and extension services to farmers. And the needs of farmers have only been partially met. It would be equally crucial to factor climate risks as integral part of extension and advisory services.
Effects of Process Parameters on the Activities of Enzymes by Different Species of Aspergillus in Crude Polluted Soil Sites
Authors: Madu J. M. , Ogbonna A. I. , Ogbonna C. I. C.
Published: June 2021

The effects of temperature, pH and incubation time on amylase, protease and cellulase activity by different species of Aspergillus in crude oil polluted soil sites in Nigeria were studied. Incubation period, Optimal pH values and temperatures for the enzymes produced by the different micro‐organisms were determined. The production of amylase by A. fumigatus and A. niger isolated from crude oil polluted sites showed that both fungi had their peaks on the first day of incubation for amylase, protease and cellulase. A. niger showed higher stability across a range of pH (3-6) and temperature (25-70oC) changes in all the enzyme activities. Further experiments are recommended to purify the secreted enzymes and stability studies will be performed to enhance the application of enzyme to commercial level.
Mitigating the Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 in Southern Nigeria; Public Awareness of Routine Exercises and Preventive Measures
Authors: Asogwa Eucharia Ijego , Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi , Abonyi Okechukwu S. , Elom Chinyere Ori , Udeoji Dioma U , Egbumike Chukwuenyegom Joseph , Agunwah Elizabeth Ukamaka , Eze Clementina Nkiru , Akamike Ifeyinwa Chizoba , Esimai Bessie Nonyeleum
Published: June 2021

Psychological impacts of COVID-19 outbreak include anxiety and depression. These effects of the pandemic could be avoided by awareness of preventive measures to control the spread of the disease, and to prophylactic measure (routine exercise) to mitigate the psychological impacts of the pandemic. This study aimed at investigating the level of public awareness to the preventive and prophylactic measures against the psychological impacts of COVID-19 outbreak in southern Nigeria. A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted with 1200 community-dwelling working-class individuals were purposefully recruited from three states in the southern Nigeria. Data collected was analysed and presented in descriptive (Frequencies and percentages) and inferential (Chi-square) statistics. P-value was 0.05. Result showed that few respondents (34%) were aware of the preventive measures against psychological impacts due to COVID-19 widespread, through information got majorly from mass and social media. Majority (63%) of the respondents were aware of the efficacy of the prophylactic measure, routine exercises, to mitigating anxiety and depression due to COVID-19 pandemic. There was less public awareness of the effects of the preventive and prophylactic measures on the psychological impact of the pandemic in southern Nigeria. Thus, there is need for policy makers to broaden and strengthen awareness strategies on both measures to improve psychosocial wellbeing especially in the faces of endemic and pandemic.
Transcriptomic signature of painful human neurofibromatosis type 2 schwannomas
Authors: Kukutla Phanidhar , Ahmed Sherif G. , DuBreuil Daniel M. , Abdelnabi Ahmed , Cetinbas Murat , Fulci Giulia , Aldikacti Berent , Stemmer‐Rachamimov Anat , Plotkin Scott R. , Wainger Brian , Sadreyev Ruslan I. , Brenner Gary J.
Published: May 2021

Schwannomas are benign neoplasms that can cause gain‐ and loss‐of‐function neurological phenotypes, including severe, intractable pain. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying schwannoma‐associated pain we compared the RNA sequencing profile of painful and non‐painful schwannomas from NF2 patients. Distinct segregation of painful and non‐painful tumors by gene expression patterns was observed. Differential expression analysis showed the upregulation of fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7) in painful schwannomas. Behavioral support for this finding was observed using a xenograft human NF2‐schwannoma model in nude mice. In this model, over‐expression of FGF7 in intra‐sciatically implanted NF2 tumor cells generated pain behavior compared with controls.
Use and effectiveness of a two‐level initiation strategy for fixed‐dose prothrombin complex concentrate according to the initial international normalized ratio in an emergency department in Japan
Authors: Suzuki Kei , Ikejiri Kaoru , Ishikura Ken , Imai Hiroshi
Published: June 2021

Aim

Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) was recently approved for patients on warfarin therapy with international normalized ratios (INRs) exceeding 2 in Japan. However, rapid normalization of INR is necessary even in patients who do not meet the aforementioned criteria. We previously found that a fixed PCC dose of 500 IU is insufficient in some patients with INR elevation but is effective in patients with INR less than 2.5. On the basis of the results, we revised the protocol to administer a PCC dose of 500 IU to patients with INR less than 2.5 or 1,000 IU to patients with higher INRs. This study aimed to validate this revised protocol at an emergency department (ED) in Japan.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data for all patients who received PCC in accordance with the revised protocol at our ED between October 2014 and December 2017 (period B) and compared the findings with those in the previous period (January 2013 to September 2014, period A).

Results

In total, 15 and 11 patients received PCC without complications during periods A and B, respectively. All but one patient obeyed the protocol during period B. The average INRs at baseline and within 120 min after PCC infusion were 2.58 and 1.39, respectively, in period A (n = 9), versus 2.54 and 1.28, respectively, in period B (n = 8). Significantly more patients exhibited optimal responses (INR < 1.35) during period B (7/8) than during period A (3/9, P = 0.049).

Conclusion

Our revised protocol effectively normalized INR.
Application of seed oils and its bioactive compounds in sunscreen formulations
Authors: Chu Chee Chin , Nyam Kar Lin
Published: May 2021

The photoprotective skincare products are in high demand to meet the consumer market with concern on skin health. Seed oils are commonly used as ingredients in many cosmetic products due to their natural antioxidants and now being increasingly recognized for their effects on skin health and photoprotection. This article briefly reviews the application of seed oils in sunscreen development focusing on the antioxidants that contribute to photoprotection, thus preventing UV‐induced erythema and photoaging. The addition of seed oils that contain specific natural bioactive compounds was discussed in the review. Besides that, seed oils acting in molecular pathways that benefit photoprotection were also summarized. Seed oils (pomegranate seed oil, castor oil, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, grapeseed oil, kenaf seed oil, and pumpkin seed oil) utilization have high potential to act as natural UV filters and at the same time help in skin repairing. The seed oils contributed beneficial properties to the sunscreen formulation due to their synergistic effect with antioxidants, antiaging properties, anti‐inflammatory effect, and potential hormetic effect. The finding of specific bioactive compound from seed oils provides a better understanding of the contribution of seed oils in sunscreen formulation.
Performant barcode decoding for herbarium specimen images using vector‐assisted region proposals (VARP)
Authors: Powell Caleb , Shaw Joey
Published: June 2021

Premise

The scale and associated costs of herbarium digitization make process automation appealing. One such process for many workflows is the association of specimen image files with barcode values stored with the specimen. Here, an innovation is presented that improves the speed and accuracy of decoding barcodes from specimen images.

Methods and Results

Geometric features common in barcodes are used to identify the regions of specimen images that are likely to contain a barcode. The proposed regions are then combined into a significantly reduced composite image that is decoded using traditional barcode reading libraries. Tested against existing solutions, this method demonstrated the highest success rate (96.5%) and the second fastest processing time (617 ms).

Conclusions

This method was developed to support a larger effort to automate specimen image post‐processing in real‐time, highlighting the importance of execution time. Although initially designed for herbarium digitization, this method may be useful for other high‐resolution applications.
Preferred white balance for applications using virtual backgrounds
Authors: Anku Anku , Farnand Susan P.
Published: May 2021

Under the current COVID‐19 global pandemic, most of the world is operating online, which has increased the importance of better understanding the perceived color quality of video conference calls. We performed two experiments to evaluate the white balance appearance preference for images simulating a scene from a video conference call where a person is using a virtual background. Due to the dissimilarities of the light sources used for the subject and the background scene, the overall picture may look aesthetically unappealing. The first experiment was designed to assess the preference of white balance for images containing a foreground subject, with three different skin tones: light, medium, and dark, and a background scene, with five different color temperature appearances, cool to warm. The background scenes include famous attractions in the United States, water bodies, foliage, and a few less common scenes like a sculpture at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and a ColorChecker. Observers were presented with a pair of images of the same subject with same background scene, but with different white balance appearance. These comparisons were performed for each foreground subject with all background scenes. Both experiments were performed by naïve observers, who were from around the globe with no knowledge of color science and observers from the Munsell Color Science Lab (MCSL) at the RIT. The results show that observers' preference increases as we go from cooler to warmer appearance for the Canyon, RIT, Snow, Flower, and Autumn backgrounds, and vice versa for the Lake background. The Golden Gate background results are the most scattered among all scenes with very small differences in their scale values. MCSL observers show a strong agreement in preference to warmer appearance for light and dark skin tones for the RIT scene, and neutral and warmer appearance for medium skin tone for the RIT and Golden Gate scenes, respectively. To understand the relation between the background scene and foreground subject's white balance appearance, a second experiment was performed. The subjects had three different appearances: cool, neutral, and warm. Based on the results of the first experiment, five scenes with two white balance appearances, the most preferred rendition and the neutral rendition (original appearance at the time of the scene was captured), were used for the second paired comparison study. The results indicated that preference varied based on the foreground subject skin tone and background scene. However, the background preferences follow similar trends to the first experiment. There were variations in the degree of agreement, some showed very strong agreement, like dark skin tone with the RIT background, whereas for others, like autumn background with light skin tone, preferences were more scattered. Overall, the differences in the scale values were smaller as compared to the first experiment, which indicates that, as we present the observers with more options, the decision became harder.
Maternal mindfulness during pregnancy predicts newborn neurobehavior
Authors: Ostlund Brendan D. , Olavson Kristen , Brown Mindy A. , Shakiba Nila , Saenz Celine , Crowell Sheila E. , Conradt Elisabeth
Published: May 2021

Newborn neurobehavioral competencies portend a young child's abilities to modulate their arousal and attention in response to dynamic environmental cues. Although evidence suggests prenatal contributions to newborn neurobehavioral differences, no study to date has examined wellness‐promoting traits, such as a pregnant woman's mindfulness, in this association. We examined whether a mother's mindfulness while pregnant related to neurobehavioral outcomes in her neonate, as well as whether maternal mindfulness moderated the link between prenatal maternal emotion dysregulation and newborn neurobehavior. Mothers (N = 162) reported on their mindfulness and emotion dysregulation while pregnant. Newborn arousal and attention were assessed at least 24 h after birth (M = 3.8 days, SD = 8.3) using the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS). Highly mindful pregnant women reported lower levels of emotion dysregulation. Newborns of highly mindful mothers exhibited higher levels of arousal (e.g., excitability, motor activity) but did not differ in regards to attention at birth. Maternal emotion dysregulation while pregnant was associated with blunted newborn attention, but only among mothers who were less mindful. Our findings suggest that a mother's mindfulness while pregnant may influence her fetus’ neurobehavioral development in ways that are evident at birth.
Neonatal resource scarcity alters maternal care and impacts offspring core temperature and growth in rats
Authors: Shupe Elizabeth A. , Clinton Sarah M.
Published: May 2021

Stressful experiences during childhood, including poverty and inconsistent parental care, can enhance vulnerability for worsened physical and mental health outcomes in adulthood. Using Sprague Dawley rats, the present study explored the impact of limited resource availability on maternal behavior and physiological and emotional behavior outcomes in the offspring. Early life adversity was induced by incorporating aspects of the limited bedding and nesting and scarcity models, wherein limited resource availability has previously been shown to provoke unpredictable or adverse maternal care respectively. In our hands, neonatal limited bedding (NLB) stress during postnatal days (P)2–9 altered maternal care, augmenting pup‐directed behaviors and reducing self‐directed behaviors, and modestly increased the frequency of transitions between discrete behaviors across consecutive timed observations. NLB‐exposed pups had lower core body temperatures immediately following the stressful manipulation and exhibited decreased body weight gain across development. However, NLB exposure did not impact adult offspring's social or emotional behavior outcomes in the three‐chamber social interaction, novelty‐suppressed feeding, splash, or forced swim tests. These findings add to the literature demonstrating that early life adversity impacts maternal care in rodents and can disrupt certain metabolic and thermoregulatory outcomes in the offspring.
Obesity, venous capacitance, and venous compliance in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Sorimachi Hidemi , Burkhoff Daniel , Verbrugge Frederik H. , Omote Kazunori , Obokata Masaru , Reddy Yogesh N.V. , Takahashi Naoki , Sunagawa Kenji , Borlaug Barry A.
Published: May 2021

Aims

Circulating blood volume is functionally divided between the unstressed volume, which fills the vascular space, and stressed blood volume (SBV), which generates vascular wall tension and intravascular pressure. With decreases in venous capacitance, blood functionally shifts to the SBV, increasing central venous pressure and pulmonary venous pressures. Obesity is associated with both elevated venous pressure and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). To explore the mechanisms underlying this association, we evaluated relationships between blood volume distribution, venous compliance, and body mass in patients with and without HFpEF.

Methods and results

Subjects with HFpEF (n = 62) and non‐cardiac dyspnoea (NCD) (n = 79) underwent invasive haemodynamic exercise testing with echocardiography. SBV was estimated (eSBV) from measured haemodynamic variables fit to a comprehensive cardiovascular model. Compared to NCD, patients with HFpEF displayed a leftward‐shifted central venous pressure–dimension relationship, indicating reduced venous compliance. eSBV was 81% higher at rest and 69% higher during exercise in HFpEF than NCD (both P < 0.0001), indicating reduced venous capacitance. Despite greater augmented eSBV with exercise, the increase in cardiac output was reduced in HFpEF, suggesting operation on the plateau of the Starling curve. Exercise eSBV was directly correlated with higher body mass index (r = 0.77, P < 0.0001) and inversely correlated with right ventricular–pulmonary arterial coupling (r = −0.57, all P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Patients with HFpEF display reductions in systemic venous compliance and increased eSBV related to reduced venous capacitance, abnormalities in right ventricular–pulmonary artery interaction, and increased body fat. These data provide new evidence supporting an important role of venous dysfunction in obesity‐related HFpEF and suggest that therapies that improve venous function may hold promise to improve clinical status in this cohort.
Hydrological modelling for assessing spatio‐temporal groundwater recharge variations in the water‐stressed Amathole Water Supply System, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Nolte Annika , Eley Malte , Schöniger Matthias , Gwapedza David , Tanner Jane , Mantel Sukhmani Kaur , Scheihing Konstantin
Published: June 2021

To increase the resilience of regional water supply systems in South Africa in the face of anticipated climatic changes and a constant increase in water demand, water supply sources require diversification. Many water‐stressed metropolitan regions in South Africa depend largely on surface water to cover their water demand. While climatic and river discharge data is widely available in these regions, information on groundwater resources – which could support supply source diversification – is scarce. Groundwater recharge is a key parameter that is used to estimate groundwater amounts that can be sustainably exploited at a sub‐watershed level. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a reliable hydrological modelling routine that enables the assessment of regional spatio‐temporal variations of groundwater recharge to discern the most promising areas for groundwater development. Accordingly, we present a semi‐distributed hydrological modelling approach that incorporates water balance routines coupled with baseflow modelling techniques to yield spatio‐temporal variations of groundwater recharge on a regional level. The approach is demonstrated for the actively managed catchment areas of the Amathole Water Supply System situated in a semi‐arid part of the Eastern Cape of South Africa. In the investigated study area, annual groundwater recharge exhibits a high spatio‐temporal heterogeneity and is estimated to vary between ~0.5% and 8% of annual rainfall. Despite some uncertainties induced by limited data availability, calibration and validation of the model were found to be satisfactory and yielded model results similar to (point) data of annual groundwater recharge reported in earlier studies. Our approach is therefore found to derive crucial information for efficiently targeting more detailed groundwater exploration studies and could work as a blueprint for orientating groundwater potential exploration in similar environments.
Cover Image, Volume 96, Issue 7
Authors: Naga Naofumi , Hiratani Tomoyuki , Kotake Fumiya , Otsuka Osamu , Yamashita Mitsuo
Published: June 2021

The cover image is based on the Research Article Purification and recycling of selenium in wastewater using polyacrylamide capsule containing selenate‐reducing bacterium by Naofumi Naga et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/jctb.6730.

image
The catalytic decomposition of carbon dioxide on zinc‐exchanged Y‐zeolite at low temperatures
Authors: Bajaj Nardev Kumar , Periasamy Selvakannan , Singh Ranjeet , Tachibana Yasuhiro , Daeneke Torben , Chiang Ken
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

We report our recent study on the use of a zinc‐modified NaY zeolite to decompose CO2 at a temperature range between 300 and 550 °C.

RESULTS

At a reaction temperature of 450 °C, we observed that 70% of CO2 was converted with an insignificant quantity of CO produced. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis of the neat and spent catalysts confirmed the presence of carbon nanostructures after the reaction. In addition to this, CHN analysis supports these results by providing weight percent (0.73 wt%) of carbon after reaction. Stability of the catalyst was further confirmed with slight/no change in X‐ray diffraction technique.

CONCLUSION

This route potentially offers a facile strategy to achieve CO2 decomposition and an explanation of the formation of carbon on zinc‐modified zeolite catalysts. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
The reported formation of 5H‐dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin‐11(10H)‐ones in the noncatalyzed, base‐promoted double arylation of anthranilamide revisited. Correction of some product structures
Authors: Wróbel Zbigniew , Wilk Bogdan , Cmoch Piotr , Kwast Andrzej
Published: May 2021

The base‐promoted reaction of 2‐halonitro‐ or 1,2‐dihalobenzenes with anthranilamide reported by Cao, Ma et al. (Synthesis 2013, 45, 111) was reinvestigated. Some of the products reported, which have been identified as dibenzodiazepinones, are actually benzoxazole derivatives. In this paper, the correct structures of these products were established and confirmed by independent synthesis. For four other products, the supposed structures were found to be incompatible with the dibenzodiazepinones that were synthesized by the reliable method used in this work.
Evaluation of Weighted Diffusion Subtraction for Detection of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sato Toshiyuki , Isoda Hiroyoshi , Fujimoto Koji , Furuta Akihiro , Fujimoto Masakazu , Ito Katsuhiro , Kobayashi Takashi , Nakamoto Yuji
Published: June 2021

Background

Diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) is an important method for clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) diagnosis; however, the Prostate Imaging‐Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) requires the subjective assessment of “markedly hypointense or not” on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map. We hypothesize that weighted diffusion subtraction (WDS) images, created by weighted subtraction of high and low b‐value DWIs, might better show areas of ADC values below a set threshold, thus decreasing the subjectivity of the assessment.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic ability of WDS for csPCa by comparing scores based on WDS images (DWI/WDS) with those based on PI‐RADS DWI (DWI/ADC).

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Eighty‐six PCa patients.

Field Strength/Sequences

3.0 T; DWI.

Assessment

Four readers assessed the probability of csPCa in lesions (overall, in the peripheral zone [PZ] and transitional zone [TZ]) using 5‐point DWI/ADC and DWI/WDS scores. Prostatectomy specimens were the reference standard. ADC values and contrast between csPCa and normal prostate tissue on ADC maps and WDS images were calculated with reference to the pathological map.

Statistical Tests

Diagnostic ability was evaluated by Jackknife alternative free‐response receiver‐operating characteristic curve. Figure of merit (FOM), sensitivity, and positive predictive value (PPV) between the DWI/ADC and DWI/WDS scores were compared using paired t‐test. Inter‐reader agreement was analyzed using κ statistics, and the significance probability was calculated using the Z statistic. Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used to compare contrast between csPCa and normal prostate tissue on ADC maps and WDS images. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

FOM and sensitivity of the DWI/WDS scores were significantly better than those of the DWI/ADC scores overall, in the PZ and TZ (FOM: overall, 0.715 vs. 0.783; PZ, 0.756 vs. 0.815; TZ, 0.653 vs. 0.738. Sensitivity: overall, 0.512 vs. 0.607; PZ, 0.485 vs. 0.573; TZ, 0.636 vs. 0.761). For PPV, a statistically significant difference was observed overall (0.727 vs. 0.777). The κ value of DWI/WDS score was significantly higher than that of DWI/ADC score overall and in the PZ (overall, 0.614 vs. 0.792; PZ, 0.609 vs. 0.797). Contrast was significantly higher overall in the PZ and TZ in WDS images (median, 1.26, 1.19, and 1.61) than in ADC maps (0.46, 0.47, and 0.41).

Data Conclusion

WDS images performed better than ADC maps in the diagnosis of csPCa and in inter‐reader agreement of the diagnosis.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy Stage: 2
Economic burden of periodontitis in the United States and Europe: An updated estimation
Authors: Botelho João , Machado Vanessa , Leira Yago , Proença Luís , Chambrone Leandro , Mendes José João
Published: May 2021

Background

The aim of this study is to estimate the direct and indirect economic burdens of periodontal disease in the US and in Europe.

Methods

We used the most recent data available for the US and for Europe (32 European countries) to estimate the cost of periodontal disease. Global health, dental and periodontal expenditures were estimated. We tried to estimate the direct and the indirect costs of periodontitis. Indirect costs, those related to productivity losses, are a consequence of periodontal disease proper, plus edentulism and caries because of periodontal disease.

Results

In 2018, the aggregate cost in the US was estimated at $3.49B and €2.52B in Europe. Indirect costs because of periodontal disease amounted to $150.57B (95% confidence interval [CI]: 103.32‐189.87) in the US countries and €156.12B (95% CI: 123.72‐221.86) in Europe. The majority of the projected indirect costs were because of edentulism related to periodontal disease and periodontal disease. Indirect costs were the majority of the estimated economic impact with an average of 0.73% (95% CI: 0.50%‐0.93%) of annual gross domestic product in the US and 0.99% (95% CI: 0.78%‐1.40%) in Europe.

Conclusions

Periodontal disease caused an estimated loss of $154.06B in the US and €158.64B in Europe, in 2018. These results show that the economic burden of periodontal disease is significant and its indirect costs are impactful.
Improved CsPbBr3 visible light photodetectors via decoration of sputtered au nanoparticles with synergistic benefits
Authors: Yuan Youwen , Chen Mingming , Yang Shuaiheng , Shen Xuemin , Liu Yuan , Cao Dawei , Xing Guichuan , Tang Zikang
Published: May 2021

Owing to the intense carrier recombination and limited optical absorption, the as‐fabricated CsPbBr3 visible light photodetectors (PDs) are far from practical application. In this work, we have demonstrated performance‐improved metal‐semiconductor‐metal (MSM) structured CsPbBr3 visible light PDs realized by the decoration of sputtered Au nanoparticles (NPs). It showed that the Au NPs on the CsPbBr3 exhibited synergistic benefits including improving the photogenerated charge carriers’ lifetime and enhancing the optical absorption of the CsPbBr3, both of which are fundamental factors for the performance‐improved PDs. Electrical characterizations showed that localized Schottky junctions formed at the Au NPs/CsPbBr3 interface. In addition, optical investigations showed that effective resonant coupling occurred between the localized surface plasmon resonance effects of Au NPs and excitons in the CsPbBr3. As a result, the on‐off switching of the Au‐decorated CsPbBr3 photodetector increased by 13 times compared with that of the pristine one. Meanwhile, the peak photo sensitivity of the CsPbBr3 photodetector was increased from 0.088 to 0.61 A W‐1 after the decoration of Au NPs. It is believed that the results shown in this work will provide pathways for fabricating high‐performance CsPbBr3 PDs and other similar devices in the future.
Retracted:Running‐related injuries in middle school cross‐country runners: Prevalence and characteristics of common injuries
Authors: Wu Alexander C. , Rauh Mitchell J. , DeLuca Stephanie , Lewis Margo , Ackerman Kathryn E. , Barrack Michelle T. , Heiderscheit Bryan , Krabak Brian J. , Roberts William O. , Tenforde Adam S.
Published: May 2021

Background

Understanding the prevalence and factors associated with running‐related injuries in middle school runners may guide injury prevention.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of running‐related injuries and describe factors related to a history of injury.

Design

Retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Survey distributed online to middle school runners.

Methods

Participants completed a web‐based survey regarding prior running‐related injuries, training, sleep, diet, and sport participation.

Main Outcome Measurements

Prevalence and characteristics differentiating girls and boys with and without running‐related injury history adjusted for age.

Participants

Youth runners (total: 2113, average age,  13.2 years; boys:n = 1255, girls:n = 858).

Results

Running‐related injuries were more prevalent in girls (56% vs. 50%,p = .01). Ankle sprain was the most common injury (girls: 22.5%, boys: 21.6%), followed by patellofemoral pain (20.4% vs. 7.8%) and shin splints (13.6% vs. 5.9%); both were more prevalent in girls (p < .001). Boys more frequently reported plantar fasciitis (5.6% vs. 3.3%,p = .01), iliotibial band syndrome (4.1% vs. 1.4%,p = .001) and Osgood‐Schlatter disease (3.8% vs. 1.2%,p = .001). Runners with history of running‐related injuries were older, ran greater average weekly mileage, ran faster, had fewer average hours of sleep on weekends, skipped more meals, missed breakfast, and consumed less milk (allp < .05). Girls with history of running‐related injuries reported higher dietary restraint scores, later age of menarche, more menstrual cycle disturbances, and higher likelihood of following vegetarian diets and an eating disorder diagnosis (allp < .05). Runners with no history of running‐related injuries were more likely to have participated in ≥2 years of soccer or basketball (p < .001).

Conclusions

Most middle school runners reported a history of running‐related injuries and certain injuries differing by gender. Modifiable factors with the greatest association with running‐related injuries included training volume, dietary restraint, skipping meals, and less sleep. Sport sampling, including participation in ball sports, may reduce running‐related injury risk in this population.
Relationship between hydraulic properties and material features in a heterogeneous vadose zone of a vulnerable limestone aquifer
Authors: Aldana Carlos , Isch Arnaud , Bruand Ary , Azaroual Mohamed , Coquet Yves
Published: May 2021

Limestone aquifers constitute important drinking water resources but are vulnerable to groundwater contaminations. They are also known to be often heterogeneous. However, the hydraulic properties of their entire vadose zone and the relationship of these hydraulic properties with their mineralogical and geochemical characteristics remain rarely studied. The hydraulic properties of soft (soil, powdery limestone, and calcareous sand) and hard (limestone rock) materials sampled throughout the entire vadose zone profile of the Beauce limestone aquifer (France) were determined with the multistep outflow method applied using a triaxial system. Physical, mineralogical, and geochemical analysis brought valuable information about factors contributing to the heterogeneity of the hydraulic properties and helped understanding water flow pathways within the vadose zone. The hydraulic properties of the soft materials were strongly related to their physical properties but also to the proportion and the nature of clay minerals. The massive rock presented a few thin microfissures where calcite was replaced by phyllosilicates, thus increasing its water retention capacity. The low hydraulic conductivity of the massive rock could explain the occurrence of perched water tables in the vadose zone. The weathered rock displayed fissures and vugs and was also characterized by the presence of phyllosilicates. The development of a secondary porosity and footprints of water–rock interactions and mass transfers highlighted the transformation of the limestone rock into a more permeable material. This study also pointed out the need to characterize the impact of natural fractures observed at the core scale on the preferential water flow at the field scale.
Towards new soil water flow equations using physics‐constrained machine learning
Authors: Ghorbani Asghar , Sadeghi Morteza , Jones Scott B.
Published: May 2021

The Richardson–Richards equation (RRE) is a widely used partial differential equation (PDE) for modeling moisture dynamics in unsaturated soil. However, field soil moisture observations do not always satisfy RRE. In this paper, we introduce a new physically constrained machine learning (PCML) approach to derive governing soil water flow PDE directly from moisture observations. This paper is viewed as a feasibility study and reports results of our first attempt in developing the PCML approach. Here, we rely on noisy synthetic soil moisture data obtained from the linear RRE subject to real flux boundary conditions. The linear RRE was used as a reference PDE to check the PCML‐derived PDEs, where the PCML performance was shown to be highly dependent upon the sample size in time and space. Results presented here confirm the feasibility of deriving soil water flow governing PDEs directly from soil moisture observations using PCML.
Deferred defect‐correction finite element method for the Darcy‐Brinkman model
Authors: Zeng Yunhua , Huang Pengzhan , He Yinnian
Published: May 2021

This paper proposes a deferred defect‐correction method for the time‐dependent nonlinear Darcy‐Brinkman model based on the mixed finite element method. The presented method combines the deferred correction strategy with the defect‐correction method and involves two steps. In the first step, a defect Darcy‐Brinkman model is solved. Then in the second step, a correction Darcy‐Brinkman model based on the deferred correction approach is solved. Moreover, unconditional stability and convergence of the presented method are deduced. Finally, several numerical examples are given to support the theoretical analysis.
An Erdős–Kac law for local solubility in families of varieties
Authors: Loughran D. , Sofos E.
Published: June 2021

We study probability distributions arising from local obstructions to the existence of p-adic points in families of varieties. In certain cases we show that an Erdős–Kac type normal distribution law holds.
Insights into Lewy body disease from rare neurometabolic disorders
Authors: Erskine Daniel , Attems Johannes
Published: May 2021

Professor Kurt Jellinger is well known for his seminal work on the neuropathology of age-associated neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Lewy body diseases. However, it is less well known that he also contributed important insights into the neuropathological features of several paediatric neurometabolic diseases, including Alpers–Huttenlocher syndrome, a syndrome of mitochondrial disease caused by POLG mutations, and infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy, a phenotype resulting from PLA2G6 mutations. Despite these rare diseases occurring in early life, they share many important pathological overlaps with age-associated Lewy body disease, particularly dysregulation of α-synuclein. In this review, we describe several neurometabolic diseases linked to Lewy body disease mechanisms, and discuss the wider context to pathological overlaps between neurometabolic and Lewy body diseases. In particular, we will focus on how understanding disease mechanisms in neurometabolic disorders with dysregulated α-synuclein may generate insights into predisposing factors for α-synuclein aggregation in idiopathic Lewy body diseases.
Correction to: Verification of randomized consensus algorithms under round-rigid adversaries
Authors: Bertrand Nathalie , Konnov Igor , Lazić Marijana , Widder Josef
Published: May 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10009-021-00612-4
Financial Stability Is Easier to Green Than Monetary Policy
Authors: Pfister Christian , Valla Natacha
Published: June 2021

In the face of mounting evidence of global warming, which is an irreversible process, central banks, as other policymakers, have to play their part. They need to consider climate risks not only in their internal management, but also when they devise their strategies, conduct their policies and implement their decisions. This article examines the possible impacts of climate risks on the two main variables of interest for monetary policy, economic growth and inflationary pressures. On that basis, it infers the potential consequences for the objective of monetary policy, its conduct and its implementation.
Cs-smooth isogeometric spline spaces over planar bilinear multi-patch parameterizations
Authors: Kapl Mario , Vitrih Vito
Published: May 2021

The design of globallyCs-smooth (s≥ 1) isogeometric spline spaces over multi-patch geometries with possibly extraordinary vertices, i.e. vertices with valencies different from four, is a current and challenging topic of research in the framework of isogeometric analysis. In this work, we extend the recent methods Kapl et al. Comput. Aided Geom. Des.52–53:75–89, 2017, Kapl et al. Comput. Aided Geom. Des.69:55–75, 2019 and Kapl and Vitrih J. Comput. Appl. Math.335:289–311, 2018, Kapl and Vitrih J. Comput. Appl. Math.358:385–404, 2019 and Kapl and Vitrih Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Engrg.360:112684, 2020 for the construction ofC1-smooth andC2-smooth isogeometric spline spaces over particular planar multi-patch geometries to the case ofCs-smooth isogeometric multi-patch spline spaces of degreep, inner regularityrand of a smoothnesss≥ 1, withp≥ 2s+ 1 ands≤r≤p−s− 1. More precisely, we study fors≥ 1 the space ofCs-smooth isogeometric spline functions defined on planar, bilinearly parameterized multi-patch domains, and generate a particularCs-smooth subspace of the entireCs-smooth isogeometric multi-patch spline space. We further present the construction of a basis for thisCs-smooth subspace, which consists of simple and locally supported functions. Moreover, we use theCs-smooth spline functions to performL2approximation on bilinearly parameterized multi-patch domains, where the obtained numerical results indicate an optimal approximation power of the constructedCs-smooth subspace.
Integrating beef cattle on cropland affects net global warming potential
Authors: Liebig M. A. , Faust D. R. , Archer D. W. , Christensen R. G. , Kronberg S. L. , Hendrickson J. R. , Lee J. H. , Tanaka D. L.
Published: May 2021

Recent interest in integrated crop-livestock (ICL) systems has prompted numerous investigations to quantify ecosystem service tradeoffs associated with management. However, few investigations have quantified ICL management effects on net global warming potential (GWP), particularly in semiarid regions. Therefore, we determined net GWP for grazed and ungrazed cropland in a long-term ICL study near Mandan, ND USA. Factors evaluated for their contribution to net GWP included carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with production inputs and field operations, methane (CH4) emissions from enteric fermentation by beef cattle, change in soil carbon stocks, and soil-atmosphere CH4 and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes. Net GWP was significantly greater for grazed cropland (946 kg CO2equiv. ha-1 yr-1) compared to ungrazed cropland (200 kg CO2equiv. ha-1 yr-1) (P=0.0331). The difference in net GWP between treatments was largely driven by emissions from enteric fermentation (602 kg CO2equiv. ha-1 yr-1). Among other contributing factors, CO2 emissions associated with seed production and field operations were lower under ungrazed cropland (P = 0.0015 and 0.0135, respectively), while soil CH4 uptake was greater under grazed cropland (P = 0.0102). Soil-atmosphere N2O flux from each system negated nearly all the CO2equiv. sink capacity accrued from soil carbon stock change. As both production systems resulted in net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the atmosphere, novel practices that constrain GHG sources and boost GHG sinks under semiarid conditions are recommended.
The Law Challenged and the Critique of Identity with Emmanuel Levinas
Authors: Petrilli Susan
Published: May 2021

Identity as traditionally conceived in mainstream Western thought is focused on theory, representation, knowledge, subjectivity and is centrally important in the works of Emmanuel Levinas. His critique of Western culture and corresponding notion of identity at its foundations typically raises the question of the other. Alterity in Levinas indicates existence of something on its own account, in itself independently of the subject’s will or consciousness. The objectivity of alterity tells of the impossible evasion of signs from their destiny, which is the other. The implications involved in reading the signs of the other have contributed to reorienting semiotics in the direction of semioethics. In Levinas, the I-other relation is not reducible to abstract cognitive terms, to intellectual synthesis, to the subject-object relation, but rather tells of involvement among singularities whose distinctive feature is alterity, absolute alterity. Humanism of the other is a pivotal concept in Levinas overturning the sense of Western reason. It asserts human duties over human rights. Humanism of alterity privileges encounter with the other, responsibility for the other, over tendencies of the centripetal and egocentric orders that instead exclude the other. Responsibility allows for neither rest nor peace. The “properly human” is given in the capacity for absolute otherness, unlimited responsibility, dialogical intercorporeity among differences non-indifferent to each other, it tells of the condition of vulnerability before the other, exposition to the other. The State and its laws limit responsibility for the other. Levinas signals an essential contradiction between the primordial ethical orientation and the legal order. Justice involves comparing incomparables, comparison among singularities outside identity. Consequently, justice places limitations on responsibility, on unlimited responsibility which at the same time it presupposes as its very condition of possibility. The present essay is structured around the following themes: (1) Premiss; (2) Justice, uniqueness, and love; (3) Sign and language; (4) Dialogue and alterity; (5) Semiotic materiality; (6) Globalization and the trap of identity; (7) Human rights and rights of the other: for a new humanism; (8) Ethics; (9) The World; (10) Outside the subject; (11) Responsibility and Substitution; (12) The face; (13) Fear of the other; (14) Alterity and justice; (15) Justice and proximity; (16) Literary writing; (17) Unjust justice; (18) Caring for the other.
Three Ways of Being Non-Material
Authors: Crupi Vincenzo , Iacona Andrea
Published: May 2021

This paper develops a probabilistic analysis of conditionals which hinges on a quantitative measure of evidential support. In order to spell out the interpretation of ‘if’ suggested, we will compare it with two more familiar interpretations, the suppositional interpretation and the strict interpretation, within a formal framework which rests on fairly uncontroversial assumptions. As it will emerge, each of the three interpretations considered exhibits specific logical features that deserve separate consideration.