bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning with error‐based key agreement and authentication scheme for satellite communication
Authors: Kumar Uddeshaya , Garg Manish
Published: July 2021

Satellite communication is one of the essential communication mechanisms that can be used for significant distance and under circumstances where the other communication mechanisms cannot work. Therefore, the security of this communication method is highly needed. Because in this era where information plays an important role, information security becomes the first priority for everyone. When we talk about information security, the key exchange and authentication are two key factors of information security. Whitfield Diffie and Martin Hellman1 proposed the first key exchange protocol. In the last two or three decades, various authentication schemes have been proposed to create a secure network that mainly depends on classical number–theoretical hard assumptions (factorization or discrete logarithm), but due to the Shor's2 algorithm, above‐mentioned scheme is no longer secure because any discrete logarithm or factorization problems can be solved by Shor's algorithm in polynomial time if the quantum computer becomes the reality soon. As far as our knowledge goes, there is no authentication protocol for satellite communication, which is secure against quantum computer attacks. Therefore, in this paper, we first proposed authentication protocol for satellite communication based on ring learning with error which is secure against quantum attacks.
Construction of rGO‐Encapsulated Co3O4‐CoFe2O4 Composites with a Double‐Buffer Structure for High‐Performance Lithium Storage
Authors: Xu Keqiang , Shen Xiaoping , Song Chunsen , Chen Huaiyang , Chen Yao , Ji Zhenyuan , Yuan Aihua , Yang Xiuli , Kong Lirong
Published: July 2021

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) are promising anode materials for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Nevertheless, their poor electronic and ionic conductivity as well as huge volume change leads to low capacity release and rapid capacity decay. Herein, a reduced graphene oxide (rGO)‐encapsulated TMOs strategy is developed to address the above problems. The Co3O4‐CoFe2O4@rGO composites with rGO sheets‐encapsulated Co3O4‐CoFe2O4 microcubes are successfully constructed through a simple metal‐organic frameworks precursor route, in which Co[Fe(CN)5NO] microcubes are in situ coated by graphene oxide sheets, followed by a two‐step calcination process. As anode material of LIBs, Co3O4‐CoFe2O4@rGO exhibits remarkable reversible capacity (1393 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 300 cycles), outstanding long‐term cycling stability (701 mAh g−1 at 2.0 A g−1 after 500 cycles), and excellent rate capability (420 mAh g−1 at 4.0 A g−1). The superior lithium storage performance can be attributed to the unique double‐buffer structure, in which the outer flexible rGO shells can prevent the structure collapse of the electrode and improve its conductivity, while the hierarchical porous cores of Co3O4‐CoFe2O4 microcubes can buffer the volume expansion. This work provides a general and straightforward strategy for the construction of novel rGO‐encapsulated bimetal oxides for energy storage and conversion application.
Ultrasound‐Assisted Extraction of Lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) Seed Starch: Physicochemical and Functional Properties
Authors: Morales‐Trejo Fredy , Trujillo‐Ramírez Daniel , Aguirre‐Mandujano Eleazar , Lobato‐Calleros Consuelo , Vernon‐Carter E. Jaime , Alvarez‐Ramirez Jose
Published: July 2021

High‐power ultrasound (HPU) is a non‐thermal processing method that has been researched and used in the last years. The application of ultrasound can modify and improve some technologically important compounds such as starch. This research aimed to examine the effect of ultrasound treatment on yield, physicochemical, and functional properties of lychee seed starch (LS). HPU experimental conditions used were sonication time (5 and 20 min) and amplitude (40% and 70% ). Starch yield significantly increased with increasing ultrasound amplitude and time. The ultrasound did not change the morphology and shape of the granules but caused cracks in their surface. Surface damage induced an increase in amylose content, relative crystallinity, enthalpy of gelatinization, swelling power, solubility index, and acid hydrolysis of the starch. These results indicate that ultrasound mainly affected the amorphous starch region. The morphology, size, color, rheological and thermal characteristics, crystal structure, and structural order features of the untreated and ultrasound‐treated LSs were compared. A principal component analysis was carried out to assess the effect of the ultrasound treatment on LS characteristics.
Deciphering the typification of the Neotropical genus Tanaecium (Bignonieae, Bignoniaceae)
Authors: Frazão Annelise , Lohmann Lúcia G.
Published: July 2021

Tanaecium is a genus of Neotropical lianas that includes many species with long white corollas pollinated by hawkmoths. The type of the genus is T. jaroba. Even though records of T. jaroba from Jamaica and Brazil were cited in the protologue, no corresponding specimens have been found. An illustration of T. jaroba constitutes the only original material located and has been designated as its lectotype. However, the plate of T. jaroba does not include sufficient characters to properly identify this species. We present a historical overview on the nomenclature and taxonomic history of Tanaecium and designate an epitype for T. jaroba, allowing for the accurate identification of this species. We also designate a lectotype for T. praelongum, a synonym of T. jaroba.
Granulomatous mural folliculitis in a dog treated with ciclosporin
Authors: Bancroft Sara , Heinrich Nicole
Published: July 2021

An 8‐year‐old, neutered, male Golden Retriever presented for progressive alopecia and pruritus along the dorsum. Histopathology revealed granulomatous mural folliculitis, which is a rare inflammatory skin condition in dogs. Treatment with Atopica resulted in hair regrowth and good control of pruritus. However, switching to generic modified cyclosporine resulted in relapse of alopecia and pruritus, which resolved within 2 months after returning to the Food and Drug Administration approved veterinary product.
Framing “nature‐based” solutions to climate change
Authors: Osaka Shannon , Bellamy Rob , Castree Noel
Published: July 2021

In recent years, there has been a growth in scholarship on “nature‐based solutions” and “natural climate solutions” to climate change. A variety of actors have argued that these natural solutions—variously involving the protection, conservation, restoration, management, enhancement, or imitation of natural ecosystems—can play a crucial role in both mitigating and adapting to climate change. What is more, by virtue of their label, natural solutions promise to be particularly attractive to the public and policymakers and have received significant media and scholarly attention. But what is natural is also social: people, acting in various social groups, can selectively emphasize or deemphasize certain characteristics of climate solutions to make them seem more or less natural. The framing of particular solutions as “natural” or “unnatural” has far‐reaching implications for climate policy, but has thus far been overlooked. Here, we undertake a critical review of the ways in which natural solutions to climate change have been framed and examine the normative and practical implications of this framing. We review what counts (and what does not count) as a natural solution, and find that those labeled natural are routinely framed under technical and social appraisal criteria as being more beneficial, cost effective, mature, and democratic than ostensibly artificial counterparts. And yet we show that, under greater scrutiny, the natural framing obscures the reality that natural solutions can be just as risky, expensive, immature, and technocratic. We conclude by reflecting on the dangers of narrowing the range of solutions considered natural and indeed, of selecting solutions through recourse to “nature” at all. Rather, climate solutions must be evaluated in terms of their specific qualities, against a far broader range of framings.

This article is categorized under:

Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Knowledge and Practice
Annex
Authors: Michoud Bruno , Hafner Manfred
Published: July 2021

This annex includes the following tables discussed in previous chapters of the book: (i) definition of the Tiers of the Multi-Tier Framework (MTF) initiative; (ii) population with access to electricity and clean cooking in African countries; (iii) risks associated with investment opportunities and stakeholders; (iv) the de-risking matrix; (v) carbon tax and emission trading systems; (vi) MSCI market classification framework and requirements.
Public Policies and Initiatives in the Energy Sector
Authors: Michoud Bruno , Hafner Manfred
Published: July 2021

This chapter focuses on the public sector and the tools at its disposal to decrease the risk perception in the clean energy sector in sub-Saharan Africa, encompassing policies, regulations and specific initiatives. It particularly targets policy-makers across the region, as well as development institutions supporting government agencies.
Einleitung
Authors: Czupalla Kai
Published: July 2021

Um im Wettbewerb langfristig zu bestehen, müssen Unternehmen schnell und flexible auf veränderte Rahmenbedingungen reagieren. Einerseits können aufgrund technischer Fortschritte neue Geschäftsbereiche mit innovativen Produkten und Dienstleistungen aufgebaut werden, andererseits können veränderte Kundenwünsche die Aufgabe von bereits bestehenden Geschäftsbereichen erzwingen. Diese aufgegebenen Geschäftsbereiche stehen für die zukünftige Wertschöpfung nicht mehr zur Verfügung.
Schlussbetrachtung der empirischen Untersuchung
Authors: Czupalla Kai
Published: July 2021

Im vorliegenden Kapitel werden für die empirischen Erkenntnisse aus den vorherigen Kapiteln Robustheitstests und ergänzende Analysen durchgeführt, die Grenzen der Untersuchung aufgezeigt, deren Ergebnisse kritisch gewürdigt, die Forschungsfragen beantwortet, der weitere Forschungsbedarf umrissen sowie die Arbeit zusammengefasst.
Hypothesen zur Existenz von abschlusspolitischen Ergebnisspaltungen mit aufgegebenen Geschäftsbereichen
Authors: Czupalla Kai
Published: July 2021

Im vorliegenden Kapitel werden aus der Transaktionskostentheorie, der Prinzipal-Agenten-Theorie und der Prospect Theory Motive für abschlusspolitische Ergebnisspaltungen abgeleitet. Konkret wird untersucht, ob aus theoretischer Sicht abschlusspolitische Ergebnisspaltungen zum Erhöhen der Ergebnisse aus den fortgeführten Geschäftsbereichen, zum Verschleiern von ineffizienten Unternehmensgrößen, zum Erreichen von Referenzwerten, für Cookie Jars oder für Big Baths zu vermuten sind. Am Ende der Abschnitte warden mittels Alternativhypothesen Vermutungen für die Existenz von abschlusspolitischen Ergebnisspaltungen postuliert.
Hypothesen zur Prävention von abschlusspolitischen Ergebnisspaltungen mit aufgegebenen Geschäftsbereichen durch interne Corporate-Governance-Mechanismen
Authors: Czupalla Kai
Published: July 2021

Im vorliegenden Kapitel werden aus der Prinzipal-Agenten-Theorie Präventivmaßnahmen für abschlusspolitische Ergebnisspaltungen abgeleitet. Konkret wird untersucht, ob aus theoretischer Sicht die Prävention von abschlusspolitischen Ergebnisspaltungen durch interne Corporate-Governance-Mechanismen in Form von Aufsichtsräten, Vergütungssystemen für Vorstände und Eigentümeroder Kapitalstrukturen zu vermuten ist. Am Ende der Abschnitte wird mittels einer Alternativhypothese eine Vermutung für die Prävention von abschlusspolitischen Ergebnisspaltungen postuliert.
Vorbereitung der Tests
Authors: Czupalla Kai
Published: July 2021

Die vorliegende Arbeit verfolgt das Ziel, empirisch zu untersuchen, ob Vorstände von in Deutschland börsennotierten Technologieunternehmen abschlusspolitische Ergebnisspaltungen vornehmen und ob sich diese ggf. verhindern lassen. Um die empirische Untersuchung zu strukturieren, wird sie in drei Kapitel untergliedert. Im vorliegenden Kapitel werden die Testverfahren vorbereitet.
A closer look at the extraction of |Vub| from B → πℓν
Authors: Biswas Aritra , Nandi Soumitra , Patra Sunando Kumar , Ray Ipsita
Published: July 2021

Abstract

To extract the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix element |Vub|, we have re-analyzed all the available inputs (data and theory) on the B → πℓν decays including the newly available inputs on the form-factors from light cone sum rule (LCSR) approach. We have reproduced and compared the results with the procedure taken up by the Heavy Flavor Averaging Group (HFLAV), while commenting on the effect of outliers on the fits. After removing the outliers and creating a comparable group of data-sets, we mention a few scenarios in the extraction of |Vub|. In all those scenarios, the extracted values of |Vub| are higher than that obtained by HFLAV. Our best results for |Vub|exc. are (3.94 ± 0.14) × 10−3 and $$ \left({3.93}_{-0.15}^{+0.14}\right) $$

3.93

−
0.15

+
0.14

× 10−3 in frequentist and Bayesian approaches, respectively, which are consistent with that extracted from inclusive decays |Vub|inc. within 1 σ confidence interval.
Spectral shapes and parameters from three different wave sensors
Authors: Magnusson Anne Karin , Jensen Robert , Swail Val
Published: July 2021

The quality of wave measurements is of primary importance for the validation of wave forecasting models, satellite wave calibration and validation, wave physics, offshore operations and design and climate monitoring. Validation of global wave forecasts revealed significant regional differences, which were linked to the different wave buoy systems used by different countries. To fully understand the differences between the wave measurement systems, it is necessary to go beyond investigations of the integral wave parameters height, period and direction, into the frequency spectra and the four directional Fourier parameters that are used to estimate the directional distribution. We here analyse wave data measured from three different sensors (non-directional Datawell Waverider buoy, WaveRadar Rex, Optech laser) operating at the Ekofisk oil production platform located in the central North Sea over a period of several months, with significant wave height ranging from 1 to 10 m. In general, all three sensors provide similar measurements of the integral wave properties and frequency spectra, although there are some significant differences which could impact design and operations, forecast verification and climate monitoring. For example, the radar underestimates energy in frequency bands higher than 8 s by 3–5%, swell (12.5–16 s) by 5–13%, while the laser has 1–2% more energy than the Waverider in the most energetic bands. Lee effects of structures are also estimated. Lower energy at the frequency tail with the radar has an effect on wave periods (they are higher); wave steepness is seen to be reduced by 10% in the wind seas. Goda peakedness and the unidirectional Benjamin-Feir index are also examined for the three sensors.
Associations between use of self-regulatory strategies and daily eating patterns: An experience sampling study in college-aged women
Authors: Lopez Richard B. , Cosme Danielle , Werner Kaitlyn M. , Saunders Blair , Hofmann Wilhelm
Published: July 2021

Previous theorizing suggests there are multiple means by which people regulate their emotions and impulses, but that these strategies vary in the degree to which they support goal attainment. Some have proposed that proactive strategies (e.g. situation selection, distraction) may be particularly effective, while interventive strategies (e.g. suppression) are less effective. Despite these diverging predictions, researchers have yet to examine spontaneous use of these strategies and their respective and combined efficacy when applied to momentary food desires experienced in daily life. In the present study, we assessed eating patterns for one week via ecological momentary assessment in college-aged women (N = 106). Results from pre-registered analyses indicated that using a variety of strategies, including preventative strategies such as situation selection and distraction, was associated with greater self-control success, as indexed by weaker desires, higher resistance, lower likelihood of enacting desires, and less food consumed. A similar pattern was observed when participants implemented additional strategies during desire episodes, which they were more likely to do when their desires conflicted with other self-regulatory goals. All associations were observed while controlling for momentary hunger levels, dieting status, age, and body mass index. These findings are consistent with a growing body of work assessing people’s spontaneous use of emotion regulation strategies in everyday contexts, suggesting potential meta-motivational tendencies marked by flexible and adaptive use of self-regulatory strategies.
Molecular Diversity and Genetic Relatedness of Candida albicans Isolates from Birds in Hungary
Authors: Domán M. , Makrai L. , Lengyel Gy. , Kovács R. , Majoros L. , Bányai K.
Published: July 2021

The molecular epidemiology of Candida albicans infections in animals has been rarely studied. In this study, multilocus sequence typing was used to characterise the genetic diversity and population structure of 24 avian origin C. albicans isolates collected from different birds with candidiasis and compared to human isolates. Fourteen diploid sequence types (DSTs) including six new DSTs were determined. Cluster analysis revealed that isolates grouped into 8 clades. Bird isolates mainly belonged to minor clades and Clade 15 with DST 172 was the most common (11 isolates; 45.8%). The remaining isolates were clustered into Clade 7 (5 isolates; 20.8%), Clade 10 (4 isolates; 16.6%), Clade 8 (2 isolates; 8.3%), Clade 4 (1 isolate; 4.2%) and Clade 16 (1 isolate; 4.2%). Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) and eBURST analyses showed that the genetic construction of avian origin C. albicans population is fairly diverse. Although species-specific lineages were not found, some degree of separation in the evolution of bird and human strains could be observed.
Healthcare Utilization and Impact of Antifungal Stewardships Within Respiratory Care Settings: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Aldossary Salma , Shah Anand
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Fungal infection and sensitization are common in chronic respiratory patient populations such as bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis (CF) and are often associated with prolonged antifungal therapy (Hohmann et al. in Clin Infect Dis 15:939–940, 2010; Vissichelli et al. in Infect Prev Pract 1:100029, 2019), morbidity, and mortality. Although the use of antifungal stewardship (AFS) is increasing within an invasive fungal disease setting, its use and impact within a chronic respiratory setting have not been defined.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines to evaluate the use of antifungal stewardship within a chronic respiratory care setting. Three databases have been searched, Medline via Ovid, Embase and GlobalHealth, for papers published between 1949 and 2020.

Results

The initial search identified 987 papers from Medline, 1761 papers from Embase, and 481 papers from GlobalHealth. Only 28 papers met the criteria for inclusion in this systematic literature review. The included studies were subjected to CASP and GRADE assessments to rank their quality and applicability. Only two studies were focussed on Aspergillus species infection.

Conclusion

Although antifungal stewardship is increasing, its applications are still limited in chronic respiratory care settings despite the prolonged requirement for antifungal therapy and high antimicrobial resistance.
Cyclic Deformation of Microcantilevers Using In-Situ Micromanipulation
Authors: Iyer A. H. S. , Colliander M. H.
Published: July 2021

Background

The trend in miniaturisation of structural components and continuous development of more advanced crystal plasticity models point towards the need for understanding cyclic properties of engineering materials at the microscale. Though the technology of focused ion beam milling enables the preparation of micron-sized samples for mechanical testing using nanoindenters, much of the focus has been on monotonic testing since the limited 1D motion of nanoindenters imposes restrictions on both sample preparation and cyclic testing.

Objective/Methods

In this work, we present an approach for cyclic microcantilever bending using a micromanipulator setup having three degrees of freedom, thereby offering more flexibility.

Results

The method has been demonstrated and validated by cyclic bending of Alloy 718plus microcantilevers prepared on a bulk specimen. The experiments reveal that this method is reliable and produces results that are comparable to a nanoindenter setup.

Conclusions

Due to the flexibility of the method, it offers straightforward testing of cantilevers manufactured at arbitrary position on bulk samples with fully reversed plastic deformation. Specific microstructural features, e.g., selected orientations, grain boundaries, phase boundaries etc., can therefore be easily targeted.
The identification and pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum causing acacia seedling wilt disease
Authors: Soleha Soleha , Muslim Ahmad , Suwandi Suwandi , Kadir Sabaruddin , Pratama Rahmat
Published: July 2021

Wilt disease with unknown etiology causes mass mortality in commercialAcacia mangiumnurseries in South Sumatra. This pathogen induces symptoms of chlorosis in the lower leaves and develops into the shoots; subsequently, the plants wither and die. This research identifies the pathogenic species causing this wilt disease and to assess its pathogenicity or virulence. Fifteen isolates ofFusarium oxysporumwith varying colony sizes and color pigments were recovered from symptomaticA. mangiumseedlings. The pathogenicity test showed that all isolates could infect plants with wilt severity reaching 80%, and the pathogen was verified as causing vascular disease. Koch’s postulate was verified by re-isolating theF. oxysporumisolates. The pathogen was confirmed by observing the morphological characters and elongation factor 1-α(tef1-α)gene sequences asF. oxysporum.
Irinotecan eluting beads-transarterial chemoembolization using Callispheres® microspheres is an effective and safe approach in treating unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases
Authors: Zhao Guangsheng , Liu Song , Zhang Yuewei , Zhao Tong , Wang Ruoyu , Bian Jie , Wu Jianlin , Zhou Jun
Published: July 2021

Background

Callispheres® microspheres (CSM) are the first drug-eluting bead (DEB) product developed in China; meanwhile, DEB-transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with CSM is effective and safe in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. However, the data regarding the role of irinotecan-eluting beads-TACE (DEBIRI-TACE) using CSM for colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM) treatment is limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of DEBIRI-TACE using CSM in the patients with unresectable CRLM.

Methods

Totally, 42 unresectable CRLM patients treated with DEBIRI-TACE using CSM were continuously enrolled in this study. Postoperative treatment response (including complete response rate (CR), objective response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR)), survival data (overall survival (OS)), liver function, and adverse events were documented during the follow-up.

Results

CR, ORR, and DCR were 19.0%, 92.9%, and 100.0%, respectively, at month (M) 1; were 23.8%, 92.9%, and 97.6%, respectively, at M3; then were 14.3%, 78.6%, and 90.5%, respectively at M6. Regarding survival profiles, 1-year OS was 81.0%; 2-year OS was 58.5%; median OS was 25.0 months (95%CI: 19.3–30.7 months). Additionally, ALT and AST experienced an obviously increased trend at 4 days, but a declined trend at 7 days, while ALB and TBIL had no obvious change. No grade 3 or grade 4 adverse event was observed, and main adverse events included fever (95.3%), pain (57.1%), fatigue (50.0%), and nausea/vomiting (42.8%).

Conclusion

DEBIRI-TACE with CSM achieves high treatment response, acceptable survival benefits, and good toleration in unresectable CRLM treatment.
We, the Robots?
Authors: Chesterman Simon
Published: July 2021

Should we regulate artificial intelligence? Can we? From self-driving cars and high-speed trading to algorithmic decision-making, the way we live, work, and play is increasingly dependent on AI systems that operate with diminishing human intervention. These fast, autonomous, and opaque machines offer great benefits – and pose significant risks. This book examines how our laws are dealing with AI, as well as what additional rules and institutions are needed – including the role that AI might play in regulating itself. Drawing on diverse technologies and examples from around the world, the book offers lessons on how to manage risk, draw red lines, and preserve the legitimacy of public authority. Though the prospect of AI pushing beyond the limits of the law may seem remote, these measures are useful now – and will be essential if it ever does.
The Evolution of Smoking and Intoxicant Plant Use in Ancient Northwestern North America
Authors: Damitio William J. , Tushingham Shannon , Brownstein Korey J. , Matson R. G. , Gang David R.
Published: July 2021

Smoking pipes discovered in archaeological contexts demonstrate that Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest of North America have practiced smoking for over 4,500 years. Archaeometry and ancient residue metabolomics provide evidence for the association of particular plants with these artifacts. In this article, we synthesize recent research on ancient smoking and present current knowledge on the spatiotemporal distribution of smoking in the past. The presence of stone smoking pipes in the archaeological record is paired with our understanding of past plant use based on chemical residue analyses to create a picture of precontact smoking practices. Archaeological pipe data demonstrate that smoking was a widely distributed practice in the inland Northwest over the past several thousand years, but not on the coast. Distributional data—including positive and negative evidence from chemical residue studies—show that tobacco was an important smoke plant in the region as early as around 1,410 years ago and as far north as the mid-Columbia region. Ancient residue metabolomics contributes to a richer understanding of past use of specific plants through the identification of tobacco species and other indigenous plants, includingRhus glabra,Cornus sericia, andSalviasp., as contributing to the chemical residues in ancient pipes.
Business student attitudes toward corporate social responsibility: a Vietnamese study
Authors: Do Hauthikim , Sum Chee Chuong
Published: July 2021

Globally, organizations are increasingly embracing corporate social responsibility (CSR) to strengthen competitive advantage. Although CSR is recognized to be context-sensitive, the literature is still lacking studies that examine CSR in different contexts, particularly non-western ones. Our study adds to a deeper understanding of CSR in Vietnam by identifying the predictors of CSR attitudes of business students. Vietnam has rich cultural, social, and economic characteristics that offer new theoretical perspectives and insights on the contextual nature of CSR. Our findings showed that CSR attitudes related positively to idealism and student seniority, and negatively to materialism and male students. A positive CSR–relativism relationship was uncovered. Spirituality related positively to the importance of CSR to business sustainability and negatively to CSR's importance to short-term competitiveness. The findings have theoretical and practical implications on the understanding and practice of CSR that would benefit CSR researchers, business organizations, and education institutions.
Ongoing decline of suitable habitat for the Critically Endangered Gurney's pitta Hydrornis gurneyi
Authors: Savini Tommaso , Shwe Nay Myo , Sukumal Niti
Published: July 2021

From 1999 onwards, level, lowland forests (altitude < 150 m, slopes < 10°) in the Tanintharyi Region of southern Myanmar have been cleared on a large scale and replaced by oil palm plantations. This has resulted in a drastic decline in suitable habitat for several species, including Gurney's pitta Hydrornis gurneyi (Passeriformes, Pittidae). The habitat for this species has decreased by > 80%, leading to its categorization as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List in 2019. As threats in the region have continued, we updated information on the status of the species’ habitat in January 2020, and examined forest loss in the three strongholds where the species still persists in the wild. Since the previous estimate in 2017, suitable habitat in these locations has decreased by 8% (from 656 to 603 km2), with > 10% of the remaining area now in fragments of < 1 km2, which are unsuitable for the mid- to long-term survival of the species. Forest degradation and edge effects from increased fragmentation have led to further loss of suitable habitat in these strongholds. Projections indicate that unless conservation action is taken, all suitable habitat will disappear by 2080. The main threat to the long-term survival of Gurney's pitta is the lack of legal protection of primary lowland forests, resulting in uncontrolled clearance for small- and large-scale agriculture and industrial development. We provide recommendations to reduce the rate of loss of the remaining suitable habitat for the species.
English in Azerbaijan: Developments and Perspectives
Authors: Mammadov Azad , Mammadova Arzu
Published: July 2021

To understand the role of a global language in different societies, one needs to distinguish between imperial or colonial and post-imperial or post-colonial societies. As a rule, imperial societies strongly resist any kind of linguistic globalization which they consider to be an imminent threat to their language and culture. Post-imperial societies, such as Azerbaijan, tend to have a more open attitude to the realities of a global language since they feel more secure in their cultural identities. Therefore, the spread of global English creates an excellent opportunity for building multilingualism and plurilingualism in post-imperial societies.
Seed dormancy of Lolium perenne L. related to the maternal environment during seed filling
Authors: Fernández Rodrigo , Chantre Guillermo R. , Renzi Juan P.
Published: July 2021

Lolium perenne L. (perennial ryegrass) shows variable levels of seed physiological dormancy (PD), which depends on the genotype and environmental condition during seed development. To analyse the effect of field temperature and precipitation during seed filling on the PD, two cultivars were sown on five dates in 2014 and 2015. After harvest, the level of seed PD was 4–28%. High-temperature stress (>29°C) in the field during seed development, measured as heat stress units (HSUs), reduced seed PD (increased germination) at harvest. After 9 months of dry afterripening under laboratory conditions, mean dormant seed values were reduced from 15 ± 8 to 8 ± 7%. An increment in the seed PD level reduced seedling emergence in the field. Seed with 20% PD produced only 50% of field emergence, under optimal environmental conditions. Different vigour tests were conducted and each was compared with field emergence. The speed of germination, through the first count at 5 d of the standard germination test, and the shoot length at 10 d were better associated with the seedling establishment in the field. The HSU could be useful to establish a possible PD range in the seed of perennial ryegrass after the growing season. The development of models considering the HSU and other climatic parameters could motivate future studies.
Novel Respiratory Viruses in the Context of Mass-Gathering Events: A Systematic Review to Inform Event Planning from a Health Perspective
Authors: Ranse Jamie , Beckwith Deborah , Khan Anas , Yezli Saber , Hertelendy Attila J. , Hutton Alison , Zimmerman Peta-Anne
Published: July 2021

Background:

Mass-gathering events (MGEs) occur regularly throughout the world. As people congregate at MGEs, there is an increased risk of transmission of communicable diseases. Novel respiratory viruses, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-1 (SARS-CoV-1), Influenza A Virus Subtype H1N1 Strain 2009 (H1N1pdm09), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), or Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), may require specific infection prevention and control strategies to minimize the risk of transmission when planning MGEs. This literature review aimed to identify and analyze papers relating to novel respiratory viruses with pandemic potential and to inform MGE planning.

Method:

This paper used a systematic literature review method. Various health care databases were searched using keywords relating to MGEs and novel respiratory viruses. Information was extracted from identified papers into various tables for analysis. The analysis identified infection prevention and control strategies used at MGEs to inform planning before, during, and following events.

Results:

In total, 27 papers met the criteria for inclusion. No papers were identified regarding SARS-CoV-1, while the remainder reported on H1N1pdm09 (n = 9), MERS-CoV (n = 15), and SARS-CoV-2 (n = 3). Various before, during, and after event mitigation strategies were identified that can be implemented for future events.

Conclusions:

This literature review provided an overview of the novel respiratory virus epidemiology at MGEs alongside related public health mitigation strategies that have been implemented at these events. This paper also discusses the health security of event participants and host communities in the context of cancelling, postponing, and modifying events due to a novel respiratory virus. In particular, ways to recommence events incorporating various mitigation strategies are outlined.
The Alerting and Orienting Systems of Attention Are Modified by Cannabis Dependence
Authors: Ortega-Mora Ivett E. , Caballero-Sánchez Ulises , Román-López Talía V. , Rosas-Escobar Cintia B. , Méndez-Díaz Mónica , Prospéro-García Oscar E. , Ruiz-Contreras Alejandra E.
Published: July 2021

Attention allows us to select relevant information from the background. Although several studies have described that cannabis use induces deleterious effects on attention, it remains unclear if cannabis dependence affects the attention network systems differently.

Objectives:

To evaluate whether customary consumption of cannabis or cannabis dependence impacts the alerting, orienting, and executive control systems in young adults; to find out whether it is related to tobacco or alcohol dependence and if cannabis use characteristics are associated with the attention network systems.

Method:

One-hundred and fifty-four healthy adults and 102 cannabis users performed the Attention Network Test (ANT) to evaluate the alerting, orienting, and executive control systems.

Results:

Cannabis use enhanced the alerting system but decreased the orienting system. Moreover, those effects seem to be associated with cannabis dependence. Out of all the cannabis-using variables, only the age of onset of cannabis use significantly predicted the efficiency of the orienting and executive control systems.

Conclusion:

Cannabis dependence favors tonic alertness but reduces selective attention ability; earlier use of cannabis worsens the efficiency of selective attention and resolution of conflicts.
Differential Cognitive Performance in Females and Males with Regular Cannabis Use
Authors: Schnakenberg Martin Ashley M. , D’Souza Deepak Cyril , Newman Sharlene D. , Hetrick William P. , O’Donnell Brian F.
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that males and females may be differentially affected by cannabis use. This study evaluated the interaction of cannabis use and biological sex on cognition, and the association between observed cognitive deficits and features of cannabis use.

Methods:

Cognitive measures were assessed in those with regular, ongoing, cannabis use (N = 40; 22 female) and non-using peers (N = 40; 23 female). Intelligence, psychomotor speed, and verbal working memory were measured with the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence, Digit Symbol Test, and Digit Span and Hopkins Verbal Learning Test, respectively. Associations between cognitive measures and cannabis use features (e.g., lifetime cannabis use, age of initiation, time since last use of cannabis, recent high-concentration tetrahydrocannabinoid exposure) were also evaluated.

Results:

No main effects of group were observed across measures. Significant interactions between group and biological sex were observed on measures of intelligence, psychomotor speed, and verbal learning, with greatest group differences observed between males with and without regular cannabis use. Psychomotor performance was negatively correlated with lifetime cannabis exposure. Female and male cannabis use groups did not differ in features of cannabis use.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest that biological sex influences the relationship between cannabis and cognition, with males potentially being more vulnerable to the neurocognitive deficits related to cannabis use.
Disparities and spatial variations of high salt intake in Iran: a subnational study of districts based on the small area estimation method
Authors: Azadnajafabad Sina , Ebrahimi Narges , Mohammadi Esmaeil , Ghasemi Erfan , Saeedi Moghaddam Sahar , Aminorroaya Arya , Rezaei Negar , Ghanbari Ali , Masinaei Masoud , Mohammadi Fateh Sahar , Haghshenas Rosa , Gorgani Fateme , Kazemi Ameneh , Dilmaghani-Marand Arezou , Farzadfar Farshad
Published: July 2021

Objective:

High salt intake is one of the leading diet-related risk factors for several non-communicable diseases. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of high salt intake in Iran.

Design:

A modelling study by the small area estimation method, based on a nationwide cross-sectional survey, Iran STEPwise approach to risk factor Surveillance (STEPS) 2016. The modelling estimated the prevalence of high salt intake, defined as a daily salt intake ≥ 5 g in all districts of Iran based on data from available districts. The modelling results were provided in different geographical and socio-economic scales to make the comparison possible across the country.

Setting:

429 districts of all provinces of Iran, 2016.

Participants:

18 635 salt intake measurements from individuals 25 years old and above who participated in the Iran STEPS 2016 survey.

Results:

All districts in Iran had a high prevalence of high salt intake. The estimated prevalence of high salt intake among females of all districts ranged between 72·68 % (95 % UI 58·48, 84·81) and 95·04 % (95 % UI 87·10, 100). Estimated prevalence for males ranged between 88·44 % (95 % UI 80·29, 96·15) and 98·64 % (95 % UI 94·97, 100). In all categorisations, males had a significantly higher prevalence of high salt intake. Among females, the population with the lower economic status had a higher salt consumption than the participants with higher economic status by investigating the concentration index.

Conclusions:

Findings of this study highlight the high salt intake as a prominent risk factor in all Iran regions, despite some variations in different scales. More suitable population-wide policies are warranted to handle this public health issue in Iran.
Nut intake and hyperuricemia risk in young adults
Authors: Wang Chong , Guo Xiao-Fei , Yang Ting , Zhao Ting , Li Duo
Published: July 2021

Objective:

The relationship between dietary nut intake and hyperuricemia risk remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between different nut intake and hyperuricemia risk with a cross-sectional study.

Design:

A semi-quantitative FFQ was adopted to collect dietary information. Biochemical and anthropometric parameters were measured by standard methods. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression models were implemented to analyse the relationship between individual nut intake and hyperuricemia risk.

Setting:

Qingdao University in Shandong Province, China.

Participants:

During 2018–2019, a total of 14 056 undergraduates (6862 males and 7194 females) aged 15–25 years participated in the study.

Results:

After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, compared with the lowest quartile, the highest quartile intakes of pine nut (95 % CI (0·51, 0·98)) was significantly associated with 29 % reduction in hyperuricemia risk, the highest quartile intake of walnut (OR = 0·78; 95 % CI (0·58, 1·05)) was marginally negatively associated with hyperuricemia risk.

Conclusions:

The present study showed that the relationships between intakes of different nuts and hyperuricemia risk were different. Increased dietary intakes of walnut and pine nut are negatively associated with the hyperuricemia.
Climate “Psychopathology”
Authors: Thompson Harriet E.
Published: July 2021

Abstract. Climate change is now widely recognized as the greatest threat faced by humanity for thousands of years and is known to affect the social and environmental determinants of health; including access to clean air, safe drinking water, sufficient food, and secure shelter ( WHO, 2018 ). Anthropogenic climate change has already resulted in warming and precipitation trends that claim 150,000 lives annually, and a recent report from the WHO forecasts that between 2030 and 2050 climate change will cause an additional 250,000 additional deaths per year ( WHO, 2018 ). The interaction between climate change, mental health, and physical health is not yet well understood. This review addresses the question of how climate change is affecting mental health and will demonstrate that climate psychopathologies really matter in the face of the climate emergency.
Period‐Lengthening of the Mindanao Current Variability From the Long‐Term Tide Gauge Sea Level Measurements
Authors: Chen Xiao , Qiu Bo , Chen Shuiming , Qi Yiquan
Published: July 2021

Long‐term tide gauge sea level data from 1969 to 2014 at Davao (7.08°N, 125.63°E) and Malakal (7. 33°N, 134.46°E) are analyzed to examine the decadal frequency modulations embedded in the Mindanao Current (MC) variability. The MC variability inferred from the Davao–Malakal sea level was predominantly biennial in the 1970s. This prevailing period switched to interannual in the 1980s and lengthened to decadal during the last two decades. With the aid of the basin‐scale sea level information from satellite altimeter measurements, it is found that the sea level‐inferred MC variability represents the coherent changes of the wind‐driven tropical gyre in the western North Pacific. An investigation into the long‐term wind stress curl data reveals that its prevailing period underwent similar biennial→interannual→decadal transitions in the western tropical Pacific, implying the forced nature of the period‐lengthening of the MC variability during the past half‐a‐century. While the sign of the MC variability is largely determined by the Malakal sea level signals on the interannual and decadal time scales, the Davao sea level change becomes important when the time scale extends to multi‐decades.
Warm Modified Circumpolar Deep Water Intrusions Drive Ice Shelf Melt and Inhibit Dense Shelf Water Formation in Vincennes Bay, East Antarctica
Authors: Ribeiro N. , Herraiz‐Borreguero L. , Rintoul S. R. , McMahon C. R. , Hindell M. , Harcourt R. , Williams G.
Published: July 2021

Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) production supplies the deep limb of the global overturning circulation and ventilates the deep ocean. While the Weddell and Ross Seas are recognized as key sites for AABW production, additional sources have been discovered in coastal polynya regions around East Antarctica, most recently at Vincennes Bay. Vincennes Bay, despite encompassing two distinct polynya regions, is considered the weakest source, producing Dense Shelf Water (DSW) only just dense enough to contribute to the lighter density classes of AABW found offshore. Here we provide the first detailed oceanographic observations of the continental shelf in Vincennes Bay (104‐111°E), using CTD data from instrumented elephant seals spanning from February to November of 2012. We find that Vincennes Bay has East Antarctica’s warmest recorded intrusions of modified Circumpolar Deep Water (mCDW) and that warm mCDW drives basal melt under Vanderford and Underwood ice shelves. Our study also provides the first direct observational evidence for the inflow of meltwater to this region, which increases stratification and hinders DSW formation, and thus AABW production. The Vincennes Bay glaciers, together with the Totten Glacier, drain part of the Aurora Basin, which holds up to 7 m of sea level rise equivalent. Our results highlight the vulnerability of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet to intrusions of mCDW.
A Comparative Study of Conceptual Model Complexity to Describe Water Flow and Nitrate Transport in Deep Unsaturated Loess
Authors: Turkeltaub Tuvia , Jia Xiaoxu , Zhu Yuanjun , Shao Ming‐An , Binley Andrew
Published: July 2021

Understanding nitrate migration through the deep vadose zone is essential for aquifer vulnerability assessments. The effect of variability of physical properties of the deep vadose zone on nitrate transport has been scarcely explored. Recently, deep nitrate storage profiles were determined in the vadose zone of the Loess Plateau of China. Using these observations along with measured soil properties, this study investigates the effect of loess vertical heterogeneity on water movement and nitrate transport through the deep vadose zone. Models of different complexity were established and calibrated. First, a simple piston flow and nitrate mass balance approach was calibrated to the observed nitrate storage. The results indicate that the total nitrate storage is estimated well, while the estimation of the distribution of nitrate is relatively poor. Subsequently, Richards' equation and the Advection‐Dispersion equation were evaluated. Three different conceptualizations of the numerical models were calibrated against deep vadose zone nitrate and water content observations: (1) one‐layer model assuming homogenous loess vadose zone; (2) a model that considers a hydraulic conductivity (Ks) decay function and (3) a model where the Miller‐Miller scaling factors are prescribed to account for changes of the hydraulic functions with depth. Accounting for the vertical Ks decay in the numerical models improved water flow performances. The study reveals the adequacy of implementing water flow and nitrate transport numerical models together with a simple representation of the vertical loess variability, for simulating nitrate migration in loess deep vadose zone environments.
Seismic Evidence for Thermal and Chemical Heterogeneities in D″ Region Beneath Central America From Grid Search Modeling
Authors: Li Yuwei , Miller Meghan S.
Published: July 2021

Large lateral variations in the depth, sharpness, and magnitude of the D″ discontinuity are observed beneath Central America and the Caribbean using a new innovative grid search modeling method. The strong correlation between the D″ topography and the underlying seismic velocities suggests a large lateral gradient in the thermal condition in the lowermost mantle. Low‐velocity patches were identified among the high‐velocity areas, coinciding with regions showing a disruption in the D″ discontinuity. The low‐velocity zones may be attributed to the heat trapped in the middle of the Farallon slab remnant while those farther to the west are likely to be associated with the upwelling generated at the edge of the ancient slab. A broad range in the sharpness of the D″ discontinuity was also observed, suggesting the existence of different chemical components in the region, as a result of a disparate mixture of basalt, harzburgite, and pyrolite.