bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A general, implicit, finite-strain FE$$^2$$ framework for the simulation of dynamic problems on two scales
Authors: Tamsen Erik , Balzani Daniel
Published: March 2021

In this paper we present a fully-coupled, two-scale homogenization method for dynamic loading in the spirit of FE$$^2$$2methods. The framework considers the balance of linear momentum including inertia at the microscale to capture possible dynamic effects arising from micro heterogeneities. A finite-strain formulation is adapted to account for geometrical nonlinearities enabling the study of e.g. plasticity or fiber pullout, which may be associated with large deformations. A consistent kinematic scale link is established as displacement constraint on the whole representative volume element. The consistent macroscopic material tangent moduli are derived including micro inertia in closed form. These can easily be calculated with a loop over all microscopic finite elements, only applying existing assembly and solving procedures. Thus, making it suitable for standard finite element program architectures. Numerical examples of a layered periodic material are presented and compared to direct numerical simulations to demonstrate the capability of the proposed framework. In addition, a simulation of a split Hopkinson tension test showcases the applicability of the framework to engineering problems.
Emotional profiles regarding maths among primary school children – A two-year longitudinal study
Authors: Mata Lourdes , Monteiro Vera , Peixoto Francisco , Santos Natalie Nóbrega , Sanches Cristina , Gomes Marta
Published: March 2021

Learning maths is challenging for many primary school students, and teachers must understand students’ learning and emotional processes specific to learning maths. The current research, grounded in control-value theory, focused on achievement emotions regarding maths. Primary school students (N = 71) were studied with the primary objective of examining the longitudinal trajectories of achievement emotions of third graders over two years. The Portuguese Achievement Emotions Questionnaire for Elementary Students was administered biannually to assess enjoyment, anxiety, and boredom regarding maths. The results indicate that enjoyment decreased and boredom increased over time, revealing three emotional profiles: positive, negative and moderate. The positive profile showed the highest scores in maths achievement. Profile membership was moderately stable and became increasingly stable and structured. In examining the complexity of students’ emotional profiles and processes, the importance of understanding them to enhance educational support, development, and learning was highlighted.
An iconic messenger of climate change? Predicting the range dynamics of the European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)
Authors: Stiels Darius , Bastian Hans-Valentin , Bastian Anita , Schidelko Kathrin , Engler Jan O.
Published: March 2021

When environmental conditions change, species usually face three options: adaptation, range shifts, or extinction. In the wake of climate change, it is generally believed that range shifts are the norm in mobile species such as birds, resulting in poleward range shifts. The European Bee-eater is a predominantly Mediterranean species which has expanded its range to higher latitudes over the last decades. Germany in particular has seen a surge in breeding pairs and foundation of new colonies. However, while many experts suggest climate warming as the main driver behind this range expansion, an explicit quantification remains open. Here, we use an ensemble modelling approach to study the recent climatic niche suitability of the European Bee-eater across Europe with a special focus on Germany and project its predicted Palaearctic breeding distribution onto the year 2050 using two global circulation models and two representative concentration pathways. Models were able to predict the current European range of the species with some underestimated areas in Central and Eastern Europe, depending on the selected model. We found a strong relationship between climatic suitable areas and estimated population sizes across European countries that is reflected in most algorithms. In particular, the German population size is in line with climate suitability in the country suggesting a strong climate–population relationship and a high degree of niche filling. Most future predictions point to an ongoing northward expansion of the species while areas in Southern Europe and the Maghreb area remain largely suitable. The strong climate–population relationship makes the European Bee-eater an appropriate indicator species for climate change. Yet the high variability of modelling algorithms also call for caution of using these techniques without careful inspection.
Streamlining leaf damage rating scales for the fall armyworm on maize
Authors: Toepfer Stefan , Fallet Patrick , Kajuga Joelle , Bazagwira Didace , Mukundwa Ishimwe Primitive , Szalai Mark , Turlings Ted C. J.
Published: March 2021

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), which is native to the Americas, has recently invaded Africa and Asia. There, it has become a major pest of maize (Zea mays). The variety of methods used to assess feeding damage caused by its caterpillars makes it difficult to compare studies. In this paper, we aim at determining which leaf damage rating scales for fall armyworm are most consistently used for which purposes, might provide most possibilities for statistical analyses, and would be an acceptable compromise between detail and workload. We first conducted a literature review and then validated the most common scales under field and laboratory conditions. Common leaf damage scales are the nominal “yes-no damage scale” that only assesses damage incidence, as well as difficult-to-analyse ordinal scales which combine incidence and severity information such as the “Simple 1 to 5 whole plant damage scale”, “Davis’ 0 to 9 whorl & furl damage scale”, or “Williams’ 0 to 9 whole plant damage scale”. These scales have been adapted many times, are sometimes used incorrectly, or were wrongly cited. We therefore propose simplifications of some of these scales as well as a novel “0.0 to 4.0 fall armyworm leaf damage index” which improves precision and possibilities for parametric data analyses. We argue that the choice of a scale to use should depend on the desired level of detail, type of data analyses envisioned, and manageable time investment.
Epiphysiodesis for the treatment of tall stature and leg length discrepancy
Authors: Willegger Madeleine , Schreiner Markus , Kolb Alexander , Windhager Reinhard , Chiari Catharina
Published: March 2021

Painful orthopedic conditions associated with extreme tall stature and leg length discrepancy (LLD) include back pain and adopting bad posture. After failure of conservative treatment options, blocking of the growth plates (epiphysiodesis) around the knee emerged as gold standard in patients with tall stature and LLD in the growing skeleton. Surgical planning includes growth prediction and evaluation of bone age. Since growth prediction is associated with a certain potential error, adequate planning and timing of epiphysiodesis are the key for success of the treatment. LLD corrections up to 5 cm can be achieved, and predicted extreme tall stature can be limited. Percutaneous epiphysiodesis techniques are minimally invasive, safe and efficient methods with low complication rates. In general, a multidisciplinary approach should be pursued when treating children and adolescents with tall stature.
Therapie von schwerbehandelbaren chronischen Wunden mit Hyaluronsäureester: Eine Fallbeschreibung über sechs Patient*innen
Authors: Maitz Emanuel , Binder Barbara
Published: March 2021

Die Behandlung von chronischen Wunden ist meist eine große Herausforderung für alle Beteiligten. Oft ist der Weg bis zur Heilung langwierig und frustran, sodass verschiedene Therapieversuche durchgeführt werden müssen, bis eine Heilung erzielt wird. In dieser retrospektiven Fallbeschreibung berichten wir über den Behandlungserfolg durch die Therapie mit einem Hyaluronsäureester-Flies, den wir bei 6 Patient*innen mit chronischen Wunden unterschiedlicher Genese erzielen konnten. Alle Patient*innen bekamen zusätzlich Kompressionsbandagen oder Kompressionsstrümpfe, zwei zusätzlich eine Druckentlastung und alle wurden, wenn nötig, debridiert. Die chronischen Wunden von 5 der 6 Patient*innen heilten vollständig oder nur mit einem minimalen Restdefekt ab, 1 Patient war weiterhin therapieresistent. Speziell bei Patient*innen mit Grunderkrankungen, welche eine erfolgreiche Therapie besonders erschweren, konnten wir feststellen, dass durch eine Behandlung mit Hyaluronsäureestern dennoch gute Erfolge erzielt werden können.
Loss of function of the carbon catabolite repressor CreA leads to low but inducer‐independent expression from the feruloyl esterase B promoter in Aspergillus niger
Authors: Reijngoud Jos , Arentshorst Mark , Ruijmbeek Claudine , Reid Ian , Alazi Ebru Demirci , Punt Peter J. , Tsang Adrian , Ram Arthur F. J.
Published: March 2021

Objective

With the aim to decipher the mechanisms involved in the transcriptional regulation of feruloyl esterase encoded byfaeB, a genetic screen was performed to isolateA. nigermutants displaying inducer-independent expression from thefaeBpromoter.

Result

PfaeB-amdSandPfaeB-luxdual reporter strains were constructed and used to isolate trans-acting mutants in which the expression of both reporters was increased, based on the ability to grow on acetamide plates and higher luciferase activity, respectively. The genetic screen on the non-inducing carbon source D-fructose yielded in total 111 trans-acting mutants. The genome of one of the mutants was sequenced and revealed several SNPs, including a point mutation in thecreAgene encoding a transcription factor known to be involved in carbon catabolite repression. Subsequently, all mutants were analyzed for defects in carbon catabolite repression by determining sensitivity towards allyl alcohol. All except four of the 111 mutants were sensitive to allyl alcohol, indicating that the vast majority of the mutants are defective in carbon catabolite repression. ThecreAgene of 32 allyl alcohol sensitive mutants was sequenced and 27 of them indeed contained a mutation in thecreAgene. Targeted deletion ofcreAin the reporter strain confirmed that the loss of CreA results in constitutive expression from thefaeBpromoter.

Conclusion

Loss of function of CreA leads to low but inducer-independent expression from thefaeBpromoter inA. niger.
Differing Time Courses of Reward-Related Attentional Processing: An EEG Source-Space Analysis
Authors: Lockhofen Denise E. L. , Hübner Nils , Hemdan Fatma , Sammer Gebhard , Henare Dion , Schubö Anna , Mulert Christoph
Published: March 2021

Since our environment typically contains more information than can be processed at any one time due to the limited capacity of our visual system, we are bound to differentiate between relevant and irrelevant information. This process, termed attentional selection, is usually categorized into bottom-up and top-down processes. However, recent research suggests reward might also be an important factor in guiding attention. Monetary reward can bias attentional selection in favor of task-relevant targets and reduce the efficiency of visual search when a reward-associated, but task-irrelevant distractor is present. This study is the first to investigate reward-related target and distractor processing in an additional singleton task using neurophysiological measures and source space analysis. Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that source space analysis would find enhanced neural activity in regions of the value-based attention network, such as the visual cortex and the anterior cingulate. Additionally, we went further and explored the time courses of the underlying attentional mechanisms. Our neurophysiological results showed that rewarding distractors led to a stronger attentional capture. In line with this, we found that reward-associated distractors (compared with reward-associated targets) enhanced activation in frontal regions, indicating the involvement of top-down control processes. As hypothesized, source space analysis demonstrated that reward-related targets and reward-related distractors elicited activation in regions of the value-based attention network. However, these activations showed time-dependent differences, indicating that the neural mechanisms underlying reward biasing might be different for task-relevant and task-irrelevant stimuli.
Analysis of left ventricular rotational deformation by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography: a feasibility study in athletes
Authors: Hofrichter Phillipp , Hagendorff Andreas , Laufs Ulrich , Fikenzer Sven , Hepp Pierre , Marshall Robert Percy , Tayal Bhupendar , Stöbe Stephan
Published: March 2021

2D speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) is established to analyse left ventricular (LV) longitudinal function. The analysis of LV rotational deformation is challenging and requires standardization of image acquisition as well as postprocessing analysis. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility to analyse LV rotational deformation using 2DSTE by introducing a novel algorithm for the detection of artefacts. The study was performed in 20 healthy subjects serving as a control group and in 53 competitive sportsmen. Circumferential, radial strain (CS, RS) and LV rotation were analysed by 2DSTE in parasternal short axis views. The stepwise algorithm to exclude potential artefacts starts with the visual estimation of the image quality with respect to complete visualization of all myocardial segments during the entire cardiac cycle followed by the exclusion of data sets in participants with conduction abnormalities. The next step is the optimization of tracking areas and a cross-check of implausible strain waveforms in multiple acquired comparable cineloops. The last step is the exclusion of strain curves with persisting implausible waveforms if standardization failures and incorrect LV wall tracking are fixed. Plausible physiological strain curves were observed in 89% (n = 65/73) of all subjects. In controls all implausible waveforms could be verified as artefacts. The algorithm was applied in 53 professional athletes to test and confirm its feasibility. Abnormal CS waveforms were documented in 25 athletes, verified as artefacts due to tracking failures in 22 athletes and due to incorrect image acquisition in 3 athletes. CS artefacts were mostly located in the basal posterior and lateral LV segments. (endocardial: 6%, n = 4/70; p < 0.05) and basal posterior (endocardial: 8%, n = 5/70; p < 0.05) segments were highly susceptible to artefacts. 2DSTE of parasternal short axis views to analyse circumferential and radial deformation as well as LV rotation is feasible in athletes. The proposed algorithm helps to avoid artefacts and might contribute to standardization of this technique. 2DSTE might provide an interesting diagnostic tool for the detection of viral myocarditis, e.g. in athletes.
Transient electroretinographic abnormalities that mimic those of KCNV2 retinopathy: a case report
Authors: Kaizuka Chihiro , Hayashi Takaaki , Mizobuchi Kei , Kubota Masaomi , Ueno Shinji , Nakano Tadashi
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this report was to describe the case of a 68-year-old male patient with stage IV colon cancer who exhibited electroretinographic abnormalities that are similar to those of KCNV2 retinopathy.

Methods

The patient presenting with photophobia, reduced visual acuity, and poor general conditions, the onset of which occurred ten days before presentation, was examined using fundoscopy, full-field electroretinography, blood tests, and abdominal computed tomography.

Results

The patient’s decimal best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.4 in each eye. Fundoscopy showed bull's eye-like maculopathy in both eyes. Electroretinographic findings were similar to the characteristic findings of KCNV2 retinopathy: Rod electroretinogram showed delayed and preserved b-wave amplitudes; bright-flash electroretinogram showed double troughs of a-waves; b/a ratios shown by bright-flash electroretinogram were higher than those shown by standard-flash electroretinogram; and both cone and 30-Hz flicker electroretinograms showed extinguished responses. His serum potassium level increased to 6.2 mmol/L (normal range 3.6–4.8 mmol/L) owing to hydronephrosis resulting from disseminated carcinoma. After performing an emergency surgery to treat this condition, the serum potassium level immediately decreased to a normal range. Eleven days after presentation, rod and standard/bright-flash electroretinography showed improvement in the implicit time of the rod b-waves and the a-waves. Unexpectedly, the responses recorded by cone and 30-Hz flicker electroretinography became normal. The symptoms and maculopathy disappeared, and his BCVA improved to 1.2.

Conclusions

The abnormal electroretinographic findings might be associated with the transient increase in serum potassium level.
Lay Beliefs About Romantic Relationships: A Mediator of the Effect of Family Dysfunction on Romantic Relationship Satisfaction
Authors: Zagefka Hanna , Clarke Zofia , Kabeli Gabriella , Lundy Chloe , Plumtree Alexandra , Smith Grace
Published: March 2021

This paper tested why people differ with regard to whether they believe it is possible to find enduring love. Variations were assumed to be due to differences in people’s experiences. Those who experienced dysfunction in their family of origin and who did not have positive relationships role-modelled to them were expected to be less likely to have positive lay beliefs about romantic relationships. Positive lay beliefs, in turn, were hypothesised to impact on dysfunction in own romantic relationships later on in life, which were in turn expected to affect relationship satisfaction. In other words, positive lay beliefs were tested as one potential mechanism through which family dysfunction whilst growing up impacts on relationship dysfunction in later adult life. This paper presents a pilot study (N = 176) which introduces a measure for ‘positive lay beliefs about romantic relationships’, and finds this measure to be associated, as expected, with dysfunction in the family of origin. The main study (N = 435) then tested the full hypothesised model (family-of-origin dysfunction → positive lay beliefs → romantic relationship dysfunction → relationship satisfaction) with structural equation modelling, and found that the model fitted the data very well, confirming the hypotheses. It was concluded that lay beliefs about whether or not it is possible to find enduring love are an important mediator of the effects of family-of-origin dysfunction on later romantic relationship satisfaction.
On the Social Shaping of Quantum Technologies: An Analysis of Emerging Expectations Through Grant Proposals from 2002–2020
Authors: Roberson Tara M.
Published: March 2021

The term ‘quantum technology’ was first popularised by an Australian physicist in the mid-1990s. These technologies make use of the properties of quantum physics and are being developed and invested across the world, yet this emerging technology is understudied in science and technology studies. This article investigates the emergence of the notion of ‘quantum technologies’ and examines the expectations shaping this field through an analysis of research grants funded by a national research funder, the Australian Research Council between 2002 and 2020. I examine how ‘quantum technology’ and ‘quantum computing’ have come to dominate claims and expectations surrounding research in quantum science. These expectations do more than inform the scientific goals of the field. They also provide an overarching, uniting rhetoric for individual projects and people and shape the uses imagined for quantum technologies. This analysis shows how claims for this emerging technology draw on ‘breakthrough’ metaphors to engage researchers and marshal investment and concludes by highlighting the need for increased clarity regarding expectations for quantum technologies.
Characteristics of the preschool home literacy environment which predict writing skills at school
Authors: Adams Anne-Marie , Soto-Calvo Elena , Francis Hannah N. , Patel Hannah , Hartley Courtney , Giofrè David , Simmons Fiona R.
Published: March 2021

Aspects of the preschool home learning environment which may foster reading development have been identified, although their relationships with spelling and writing remain unclear. The present study explored associations between the preschool home literacy environment (HLE), language and nonverbal abilities and children’s spelling and writing skills measured two years later. A parental questionnaire recorded the reported frequency of pre-schoolers’ code- and meaning-related home literacy experiences, alongside an index of book exposure. One hundred and twenty one children (60 female, Mage = 6:7, SD = 3.67 months) contributed data assessing their transcription skills, indexed by handwriting fluency and word spelling, and translation abilities, indexed by sentence generation and the ability to produce more extended text. Exploratory factor analyses confirmed distinct factors relating to the productivity and complexity of writing samples. Regression analyses revealed that the frequency of preschool code-related, letter-sound interactions explained significant variance in children’s transcription skills at school, independently of earlier language and nonverbal abilities. In contrast, experiences in the preschool HLE were not related to the higher level writing skills of translation and text production. The implications of the findings for our understanding of the cognitive and environmental factors associated with children’s early writing development are discussed.
Solar Irradiance Variability Due to Solar Flares Observed in Lyman-Alpha Emission
Authors: Milligan Ryan O.
Published: March 2021

As the Lyman-alpha (Ly$\upalpha $
α
) line of neutral hydrogen is the brightest emission line in the solar spectrum, detecting increases in irradiance due to solar flares at this wavelength can be challenging due to the very high background. Previous studies that have focused on the largest flares have shown that even these extreme cases generate enhancements in Ly$\upalpha $
α
of only a few percent above the background. In this study, a superposed-epoch analysis was performed on ≈8500 flares greater than B1 class to determine the contribution that they make to changes in the solar EUV irradiance. Using the peak of the 1 – 8 Å X-ray emission as a fiducial time, the corresponding time series of 3123 B- and 4972 C-class flares observed in Ly$\upalpha $
α
emission by the EUV Sensor on the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite 15 (GOES-15) were averaged to reduce background fluctuations and improve the flare signal. The summation of these weaker events showed that they produced a 0.1 – 0.3% enhancement to the solar Ly$\upalpha $
α
irradiance on average. For comparison, the same technique was applied to 453 M- and 31 X-class flares, which resulted in a 1 – 4% increase in Ly$\upalpha $
α
emission. Flares were also averaged with respect to their heliographic angle to investigate any potential center-to-limb variation. For each GOES class, the relative enhancement in Ly$\upalpha $
α
at the flare peak was found to diminish for flares that occurred closer to the solar limb due to the opacity of the line and/or foreshortening of the footpoints. One modest event included in the study, a C6.6 flare, exhibited an unusually high increase in Ly$\upalpha $
α
of 7% that may have been attributed to a failed filament eruption. Increases of this magnitude have hitherto only been associated with a small number of X-class flares.
An audit experiment to investigate the “war on cops”: a research note
Authors: Kirk David S. , Rovira Marti
Published: March 2021

Objectives

This study examines whether former police officers are stigmatized in the labor market, particularly following social unrest from lethal police violence.

Methods

We conduct an experimental audit study, both before and after heightened unrest from police violence. For service-related job openings, we compare the likelihood of getting an affirmative response from a prospective employer to a job application from a fictitious former police officer (the treatment condition) to the response to one of two control conditions: a former firefighter or a former code enforcement officer.

Results

We do not find evidence that former police officers are discriminated against in the labor market. This finding holds in periods characterized by relatively little social unrest due to police violence as well as periods of heightened protest activity.

Conclusions

At least with respect to the labor market for certain service-related professions, former police officers do not appear tainted by any stigma associated with their prior profession.
Tidal Asymmetry in Ocean-Boundary Flux and In-Estuary Trapping of Suspended Sediment Following Watershed Storms: San Francisco Estuary, California, USA
Authors: Downing-Kunz Maureen A. , Work Paul A. , Schoellhamer David H.
Published: March 2021

Suspended-sediment flux at the ocean boundary of the San Francisco Estuary—the Golden Gate—was measured over a tidal cycle following peak watershed runoff from storms to the estuary in two successive years to investigate sediment transport through the estuary. Observations were repeated during low-runoff conditions, for a total of three field campaigns. Boat-based measurements of velocity and acoustic backscatter were used to calculate water and suspended-sediment flux at a location 1 km landward of the Golden Gate. Suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) and salinity data from up-estuary sensors were used to track watershed-sourced sediment plumes through the estuary. Estimates of suspended-sediment load from the watershed and net suspended-sediment flux for one up-estuary subembayment were used to infer in-estuary trapping of sediment. For both post-storm field campaigns, observations at the ocean boundary were conducted on the receding limb of the watershed hydrograph. At the ocean boundary, peak instantaneous suspended-sediment flux was tidally asymmetric and was greater on flood tides than on ebb tides for all three field campaigns, due to higher average SSC in the cross-section on flood tides. Shear-induced sediment resuspension was greater on flood tides and suggests the presence of an erodible pool outside the estuary. The storms in 2016 led to less export of discharge and sediment from the watershed and greater sediment trapping within one up-estuary subembayment compared to that observed in 2017. Results suggest that substantial trapping of watershed sediments occurred during both storm events, likely due to the formation of estuarine turbidity maxima (ETM) at different locations in the estuary. ETM locations were forced nearer the ocean boundary in 2017. Additional measurements and modeling are required to quantify the long-term sediment flux at the Golden Gate.
DSD - Dynamic Stack Decider
Authors: Poppinga Martin , Bestmann Marc
Published: March 2021

We present the Dynamic Stack Decider (DSD), a lightweight open-source control architecture. It combines different well-known approaches and is inspired by behavior trees as well as hierarchical state machines. The DSD allows to design and structure complex behavior of robots as well as software agents while providing easy maintainability. Challenges that often occur in robotics, i.e., a dynamic environment and situation uncertainty, remain well-manageable. Furthermore, it allows fast modifications of the control flow, while providing the state-fullness of a state machine. The approach allows developing software using a simple Domain Specific Language (DSL) which defines the control flow and two types of elements that contain the programmed parts. The framework takes care of executing the demanded portions of the code and gives, due to its stack-like internal representation, the ability to verify preconditions while maintaining a clear structure. The presented software was used in different robotic scenarios and showed great performance in terms of flexibility and structuredness.
Mobility patterns in inland southwestern Sweden during the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age
Authors: Blank Malou , Sjögren Karl-Göran , Knipper Corina , Frei Karin M , Malmström Helena , Fraser Magdalena , Svensson Emma M. , Günther Torsten , Yngve Hannes , Jakobsson Mattias , Götherström Anders , Storå Jan
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we investigate population dynamics in the Scandinavian Neolithic and Early Bronze Age in southwestern Sweden. Human mobility patterns in Falbygden were studied by applying strontium isotope analysis combined with archaeological and bioarchaeological data, including mtDNA and sex assessment on a large dataset encompassing 141 individuals from 21 megalithic graves. In combination with other archaeological and anthropological records, we investigated the temporal and spatial scale of individual movement, mobility patterns of specific categories of people and possible social drivers behind them. Our results of strontium and biomolecular analyses suggest that mobility increased in the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age compared to the earlier parts of the Neolithic. The data indicate individuals moving both into and away from Falbygden. Mobility patterns and contact networks also shift over time.
The Foodborne Transmission of Hepatitis E Virus to Humans
Authors: Treagus Samantha , Wright Conal , Baker-Austin Craig , Longdon Ben , Lowther James
Published: March 2021

Globally, Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes over 20 million cases worldwide. HEV is an emerging and endemic pathogen within economically developed countries, chiefly resulting from infections with genotype 3 (G3) HEV. G3 HEV is known to be a zoonotic pathogen, with a broad host range. The primary source of HEV within more economically developed countries is considered to be pigs, and consumption of pork products is a significant risk factor and known transmission route for the virus to humans. However, other foods have also been implicated in the transmission of HEV to humans. This review consolidates the information available regarding transmission of HEV and looks to identify gaps where further research is required to better understand how HEV is transmitted to humans through food.
A combined oro-nasopharyngeal swab is more sensitive than mouthwash in detecting SARS-CoV-2 by a high-throughput PCR assay
Authors: Michel Wiebke , Färber Jacqueline , Dilas Milica , Heuft Hans-Gert , Tammer Ina , Baar Jannik , Kaasch Achim J.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The optimal diagnostic specimen to detect SARS-CoV-2 by PCR in the upper respiratory tract is unclear. Mouthwash fluid has been reported as an alternative to nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs. We compared mouthwash fluid with a combined oro-nasopharyngeal swab regarding test performance.

Methods

In a large refugee facility, we retested individuals with a previous positive test for SARS-CoV-2 and their quarantined close contacts. All individuals were asymptomatic at the time of testing. First, a mouthwash (gargling for at least 5 s) with sterile water was performed. Then, with a single flocked swab the back of the throat and subsequently the nasopharynx were sampled. Samples were inactivated and analysed on a Roche cobas 6800® system with the Roche SARS-CoV-2 test.

Results

Of 76 individuals, 39 (51%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by oro-nasopharyngeal swab. Mouthwash detected 13 of 76 (17%) infections, but did not detect any additional infection. Samples that were positive in both tests, had lower cycle threshold (Ct)-values for oro-nasopharyngeal samples, indicating a higher virus concentration, compared to samples only positive in oro-nasopharyngeal swabs.

Conclusion

Mouthwash is not as sensitive as combined oro-nasopharyngeal swab in detecting upper respiratory tract infection.
Initiating count down - gamification of academic integrity
Authors: Khan Zeenath Reza , Dyer Jarret , Bjelobaba Sonja , Gomes Sandra F. , Dlabolová Dita Henek , Sivasubramaniam Shivadas , Biju Soly Mathew , Hysaj Ajrina , Harish Priyanka
Published: March 2021

Any problem is a problem until a solution is designed and implemented. This paper reports on a workshop that highlights preliminary work done by the working group on Gamification in the scope of European Network for Academic Integrity (ENAI), which aims to explore the possibility of developing and testing a gamified learning module on academic integrity values. In this paper, the group aims to look at proposing steps we are currently using to develop storyboards of scenarios for the first phase of the project, which were presented at the 6th International Conference Plagiarism Across Europe and Beyond 2020 held virtually in Dubai as a workshop. The study also presents updated findings and scenarios drawn from the workshop conducted and audience feedback, in the following sections that pave the way for the future stages of the gamification process. This serves as a guide to academics and researchers in academic integrity who may wish to study gamification and apply it to develop their own modules for their learning modules.
A systematic framework of modelling epidemics on temporal networks
Authors: Humphries Rory , Mulchrone Kieran , Tratalos Jamie , More Simon J. , Hövel Philipp
Published: March 2021

We present a modelling framework for the spreading of epidemics on temporal networks from which both the individual-based and pair-based models can be recovered. The proposed temporal pair-based model that is systematically derived from this framework offers an improvement over existing pair-based models by moving away from edge-centric descriptions while keeping the description concise and relatively simple. For the contagion process, we consider the susceptible–infected–recovered (SIR) model, which is realized on a network with time-varying edges. We show that the shift in perspective from individual-based to pair-based quantities enables exact modelling of Markovian epidemic processes on temporal tree networks. On arbitrary networks, the proposed pair-based model provides a substantial increase in accuracy at a low computational and conceptual cost compared to the individual-based model. From the pair-based model, we analytically find the condition necessary for an epidemic to occur, otherwise known as the epidemic threshold. Due to the fact that the SIR model has only one stable fixed point, which is the global non-infected state, we identify an epidemic by looking at the initial stability of the model.
Adverse drug reactions in older adults: a narrative review of the literature
Authors: Zazzara Maria Beatrice , Palmer Katie , Vetrano Davide Liborio , Carfì Angelo , Onder Graziano
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) represent a common and potentially preventable cause of unplanned hospitalization, increasing morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. We aimed to review the classification and occurrence of ADRs in the older population, discuss the role of age as a risk factor, and identify interventions to prevent ADRs.

Methods

We performed a narrative scoping review of the literature to assess classification, occurrence, factors affecting ADRs, and possible strategies to identify and prevent ADRs.

Results

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are often classified as Type A and Type B reactions, based on dose and effect of the drugs and fatality of the reaction. More recently, other approaches have been proposed (i.e. Dose, Time and Susceptibility (DoTS) and EIDOS classifications). The frequency of ADRs varies depending on definitions, characteristics of the studied population, and settings. Their occurrence is often ascribed to commonly used drugs, including anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, digoxin, insulin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Age-related factors—changes in pharmacokinetics, multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and frailty—have been related to ADRs. Different approaches (i.e. medication review, software identifying potentially inappropriate prescription and drug interactions) have been suggested to prevent ADRs and proven to improve the quality of prescribing. However, consistent evidence on their effectiveness is still lacking. Few studies suggest that a comprehensive geriatric assessment, aimed at identifying individual risk factors, patients’ needs, treatment priorities, and strategies for therapy optimization, is key for reducing ADRs.

Conclusions

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a relevant health burden. The medical complexity that characterizes older patients requires a holistic approach to reduce the burden of ADRs in this population.
Family planning program under low fertility: where to go
Authors: Gu Baochang
Published: March 2021

This commentary is intended to take China as a case to discuss the mission of the family planning program under low fertility scenario. After a brief review of the initiation of family planning program in the 1970s, as well as the reorientation of family planning program since ICPD in 1994, it will focus on the new mission for the family planning program under low fertility scenario in the twenty-first century, in particular concerning the issue of induced abortion among the others. Given the enormous evidence of unmet needs in reproductive health as identified in the discussion, it is argued that family planning programmes are in fact even more needed than ever before under low-fertility scenario, and should not be abandoned but strengthened, which clearly has nothing to do to call back to the program for population control in the 1970s–1980s, and nor even go back to the program for “two reorientations” in the 1990s, but to aim to serving the people to fulfill their reproductive health and reproductive rights in light of ICPD and SDGs, and to become truly integral component of “Healthy China 2030” Strategy.
Adapting ant colony optimization of compliant structures using elements with linearly varying cross-sections
Authors: Diab Nadim , Jouni Farah
Published: March 2021

This work addresses the design of miniature compliant displacement amplifiers. The optimum design of the compliant mechanism is generated through topology optimization of two-node frame elements with linearly varying cross sections using the Ant Colony Optimization technique. First, stiffness matrices that account for the change in the cross-section dimensions are formulated. Then, each element is assigned 5 independent ants that represent its design variables defined as the width and thickness of each of the two peripheral cross-sections in addition to the material density. Three case studies with customized cost functions are furnished; the first maximizes the amplification ratio, the second maximizes the output displacement, while the third maximizes both amplification ratio and output displacement simultaneously. The resulting micro-compliant amplifiers are more compact in volume and surpass their constant cross-section counterparts in terms of amplification ratio and output displacement while keeping relatively low internal stresses. The performances of all optimized topologies are verified through ANSYS.
Porosity dependence of elastic moduli of snow and firn
Authors: Sayers Colin M.
Published: March 2021

Measurements of elastic wave velocities enable non-destructive estimation of the mechanical properties, elastic moduli and density of snow and firn. The variation of elastic moduli with porosity in dry snow and firn is modeled using a differential effective medium scheme modified to account for the critical porosity above which the bulk and shear moduli of the ice frame vanish. A comparison of predicted and measured elastic moduli indicates that the shear modulus of ice in snow is lower than that computed from single crystal elastic stiffnesses of ice. This may indicate that the bonds between snow particles are more deformable under shear than under compression. A partial alignment of ice crystals also may contribute. Good agreement between elastic stiffnesses of the ice frame obtained from elastic wave velocity measurements and the predictions of the theory is observed. The approach is simple and compact, and does not require the use of empirical fits to the data. Owing to its simplicity, this model may prove useful in a variety of potential applications such as construction on snow, interpretation of seismic measurements to monitor and locate avalanches and estimation of density within compacting snow deposited on glaciers and ice sheets.
The neglected nexus between competition law and human rights: standard of proof for pecuniary penalties
Authors: Yeung Joshua , Yeung Alex CH
Published: March 2021

This paper examines the standard of proof applicable in proceedings for imposing pecuniary penalties for violation of competition rules. Australia, New Zealand and the UK have chosen the civil standard. This unfortunately overlooks the safeguards required by the relevant human rights treaties in proceedings that involve the determination of a ‘criminal charge’. Conversely, Hong Kong has adopted the criminal standard, which may prove unworkable in these proceedings in which economic analysis is key. After analysing whether one may set this quagmire aside by asserting that these proceedings do not involve the determination of a criminal charge, it will be argued that the more plausible solution is to accept the criminal charge characterisation, limit the civil standard to the effects-based elements of the charge and apply the criminal standard to other elements. This will achieve a permissible proportionate derogation from the human rights safeguards. Similar bifurcated models have been adopted for charges such as public nuisance and harassment, and have successfully withstood human rights challenges.
Diffuse galaxy cluster emission at 168 MHz within the Murchison Widefield Array Epoch of Reionization 0-h field
Authors: Duchesne S. W. , Johnston-Hollitt M. , Offringa A. R. , Pratt G. W. , Zheng Q. , Dehghan S.
Published: March 2021

We detect and characterise extended, diffuse radio emission from galaxy clusters at 168 MHz within the Epoch of Reionization 0-h field: a$45^{\circ} \times 45^{\circ}$region of the southern sky centred on R. A.${}= 0^{\circ}$, decl.${}=-27^{\circ}$. We detect 29 sources of interest; a newly detected halo in Abell 0141; a newly detected relic in Abell 2751; 4 new halo candidates and a further 4 new relic candidates; and a new phoenix candidate in Abell 2556. Additionally, we find nine clusters with unclassifiable, diffuse steep-spectrum emission as well as a candidate double relic system associated with RXC J2351.0-1934. We present measured source properties such as their integrated flux densities, spectral indices ($\alpha$, where$S_\nu \propto \nu^\alpha$), and sizes where possible. We find several of the diffuse sources to have ultra-steep spectra including the halo in Abell 0141, if confirmed, showing$\alpha \leq -2.1 \pm 0.1$with the present data making it one of the steepest-spectrum haloes known. Finally, we compare our sample of haloes with previously detected haloes and revisit established scaling relations of the radio halo power ($P_{1.4}$) with the cluster X-ray luminosity ($L_{\textrm{X}}$) and mass ($M_{500}$). We find that the newly detected haloes and candidate haloes are consistent with the$P_{1.4}$–$L_{\textrm{X}}$and$P_{1.4}$–$M_{500}$relations and see an increase in scatter in the previously found relations with increasing sample size likely caused by inhomogeneous determination of$P_{1.4}$across the full halo sample. We show that the MWA is capable of detecting haloes and relics within most of the galaxy clusters within thePlanckcatalogue of Sunyaev–Zel’dovich sources depending on exact halo or relic properties.
Efficacy of Panax ginseng extract combined with cephalexin as a dry cow therapy
Authors: Beccaria Camila , Baravalle Celina , Silvestrini Paula , Renna María S. , Molineri Ana I. , Signorini Marcelo L. , Neder Verónica E. , Archilla Guillermo A. Suarez , Calvinho Luis F. , Dallard Bibiana E.
Published: March 2021

Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of intramammary administration, at drying-off, of a Panax ginseng extract (PGe) combined with cephalexin (Ceph) on the post-calving bacteriological cure rate of pre-existing intramammary infections (IMI) and on the occurrence of new IMI during the dry period. In addition, milk yield and somatic cell count (SCC) in the post-treatment lactation were evaluated. One hundred and eight late-lactation cows were randomly divided into two experimental groups and were treated at drying-off with Ceph alone or PGe combined with Ceph.Cure rates for IMI present at drying-off were similar for both treatments (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.33–2.74). Cure rates for Staphylococcus aureus were lower (OR = 15.4, 95% CI = 1.66–142.52) in quarters treated with PGe + Ceph than in those treated with Ceph alone. Intramammary infusion of PGe + Ceph at drying-off had no effect on preventing new dry period IMI (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.38–1.51), compared with infusion of Ceph alone. Milk production and SCC in the ensuing lactation were not affected by PGe + Ceph treatment. In conclusion, addition of PGe to dry cow therapy did not show any advantage over the use of dry cow therapy alone.
Echoes from the past: adjustment of aging former prisoners of war to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ginzburg Karni , Mikulincer Mario , Ohry Avi , Solomon Zahava
Published: March 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to examine whether exposure to previous traumatic events is a risk factor for stress reactions during this pandemic. Capitalizing on a 29-year longitudinal study of Israeli ex-prisoners of war (ex-POWs) and combat veterans, we examined whether captivity is a risk factor for fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and COVID-19-induced acute stress disorder (COVID-19 ASD) beyond the effects of combat exposure and other stressful life events. In addition, we examined the contribution of captivity experiences (severity of captivity, experience of solitary confinement, and suffering during captivity) and veterans' appraisal of the impact of their war-related experiences on adjustment to the current quarantine and isolation to fear of COVID-19 and COVID-19 ASD.

Methods

One-hundred-and-twenty Israeli ex-POWs from 1973 Yom Kippur War and 65 matched controls (combat veterans from the same war) filled out self-report questionnaires 18 (T1), 35 (T2), 42 (T3), and 47 (T4) years after the war.

Results

Findings revealed that although ex-POWs and controls did not differ in their level of exposure to COVID-19, ex-POWS reported higher levels of fear of COVID-19 and COVID-19 ASD than controls. Suffering during captivity, measured at 1991, and participants' appraisal of the extent to which their war-related experiences affected adjustment to COVID-19 were significantly associated with fear of COVID-19 and COVID-19 ASD.

Conclusions

The findings of the study demonstrate the long-term effects of exposure to traumatic experiences (captivity) during young adulthood on adjustment to an unrelated collective stress, such as COVID-19, 40 years later.