bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of cardiac pathology and relation to mortality in a multiethnic population hospitalised with COVID-19
Authors: Bioh Gabriel , Botrous Christina , Howard Emma , Patel Ashish , Hampson Reinette , Senior Roxy
Published: November 2021

Objective

To determine the prevalence of cardiac abnormalities and their relationship to markers of myocardial injury and mortality in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19.

Methods

A retrospective and prospective observational study of inpatients referred for transthoracic echocardiography for suspected cardiac pathology due to COVID-19 within a London NHS Trust. Echocardiograms were performed to assess left ventricular (LV), right ventricular (RV) and pulmonary variables along with collection of patient demographics, comorbid conditions, blood biomarkers and outcomes.

Result

In the predominant non-white (72%) population, RV dysfunction was the primary cardiac abnormality noted in 50% of patients, with RV fractional area change <35% being the most common marker of this RV dysfunction. By comparison, LV systolic dysfunction occurred in 18% of patients. RV dysfunction was associated with LV systolic dysfunction and the presence of a D-shaped LV throughout the cardiac cycle (marker of significant pulmonary artery hypertension). LV systolic dysfunction (p=0.002, HR 3.82, 95% CI 1.624 to 8.982), pulmonary valve acceleration time (p=0.024, HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.964 to 0.997)—marker of increased pulmonary vascular resistance, age (p=0.047, HR 1.027, 95% CI 1.000 to 1.055) and an episode of tachycardia measured from admission to time of echo (p=0.004, HR 6.183, 95% CI 1.772 to 21.575) were independently associated with mortality.

Conclusions

In this predominantly non-white population hospitalised with COVID-19, the most common cardiac pathology was RV dysfunction which is associated with both LV systolic dysfunction and elevated pulmonary artery pressure. The latter two, not RV dysfunction, were associated with mortality.
A case study of PavMD a new tool to identify good performing pavements in New Zealand
Authors: van der Walt Jacobus Daniel , Scheepbouwer Eric , Pidwerbesky Bryan , Guo Brian , Ferguson Max , Paulin Scott
Published: November 2021

With the advancement of digital technology, the collection of pavement performance data has become commonplace. The improvement of tools to extract useful information from pavement databases has become a priority to justify expenditures. This paper presents a case study of PaveMD, a tool that integrates multi-dimensional data structures with a data-driven fuzzy approach to identify good performing pavement sections. Combining this tool with an innovative paradigm where the focus is on repeating success can bring additional value to existing pavement databases. The case study shows that PaveMD can identify pavement sections that are performing well by comparing performance measures for the New Zealand context. In this paper, PaveMD’s development is described, and its implementation is showcased using data from the New Zealand Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) database. It is recommended that this approach be further developed and extended to other infrastructure databases internationally.
Machine Learning to Design an Auto-tuning System for the Best Compressed Format Detection for Parallel Sparse Computations
Authors: Hamdi-Larbi Olfa , Mehrez Ichrak , Dufaud Thomas
Published: November 2021

Many applications in scientific computing process very large sparse matrices on parallel architectures. The presented work in this paper is a part of a project where our general aim is to develop an auto-tuner system for the selection of the best matrix compression format in the context of high-performance computing. The target smart system can automatically select the best compression format for a given sparse matrix, a numerical method processing this matrix, a parallel programming model and a target architecture. Hence, this paper describes the design and implementation of the proposed concept. We consider a case study consisting of a numerical method reduced to the sparse matrix vector product (SpMV), some compression formats, the data parallel as a programming model and, a distributed multi-core platform as a target architecture. This study allows extracting a set of important novel metrics and parameters which are relative to the considered programming model. Our metrics are used as input to a machine-learning algorithm to predict the best matrix compression format. An experimental study targeting a distributed multi-core platform and processing random and real-world matrices shows that our system can improve in average up to 7% the accuracy of the machine learning.
Synthesis and magnetic character of Fe–N/BN nanocomposite
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Wang Changchun , Song Lele , Liu Li
Published: November 2021

In this work, Fe2N magnetic nanocomposite was synthesized via an in-situ reaction method of ball milling. In this method, Fe and h-BN were used as iron source and nitrogen source, respectively. We found that ball milling could increase the surface energy and make the sample to be amorphous, which is the key factor in synthesizing Fe2N nanocomposite. The as-synthesized nano-sized Fe–N could disperse in the BN matrix uniformly. It is worth noting that we can obtain Fe2N with different grain sizes by controlling the experimental conditions. The saturation magnetization of Fe2N was measured and the value is about 0.03 emu/g. The excellent properties of Fe2N magnetic nanocomposite suggest that Fe2N magnetic nanocomposite could be widely used in industrial application.
Modeling and simulation of the “IL-36 cytokine” and CAR-T cells interplay in cancer onset
Authors: Al-Utaibi Khaled A. , Nutini Alessandro , Sohail Ayesha , Arif Robia , Tunc Sümeyye , Sait Sadiq M.
Published: November 2021

Background: CAR-T cells are chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells; they are target-specific engineered cells on tumor cells and produce T cell-mediated antitumor responses. CAR-T cell therapy is the “first-line” therapy in immunotherapy for the treatment of highly clonal neoplasms such as lymphoma and leukemia. This adoptive therapy is currently being studied and tested even in the case of solid tumors such as osteosarcoma since, precisely for this type of tumor, the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors remained disappointing. Although CAR-T is a promising therapeutic technique, there are therapeutic limits linked to the persistence of these cells and to the tumor’s immune escape. CAR-T cell engineering techniques are allowed to express interleukin IL-36, and seem to be much more efficient in antitumoral action. IL-36 is involved in the long-term antitumor action, allowing CAR-T cells to be more efficient in their antitumor action due to a “cross-talk” action between the “IL-36/dendritic cells” axis and the adaptive immunity. Methods: This analysis makes the model useful for evaluating cell dynamics in the case of tumor relapses or specific understanding of the action of CAR-T cells in certain types of tumor. The model proposed here seeks to quantify the action and interaction between the three fundamental elements of this antitumor activity induced by this type of adoptive immunotherapy: IL-36, “armored” CAR-T cells (i.e., engineered to produce IL-36) and the tumor cell population, focusing exclusively on the action of this interleukin and on the antitumor consequences of the so modified CAR-T cells. Mathematical model was developed and numerical simulations were carried out during this research. The development of the model with stability analysis by conditions of Routh–Hurwitz shows how IL-36 makes CAR-T cells more efficient and persistent over time and more effective in the antitumoral treatment, making therapy more effective against the “solid tumor”. Findings: Primary malignant bone tumors are quite rare (about 3% of all tumors) and the vast majority consist of osteosarcomas and Ewing’s sarcoma and, approximately, the 20% of patients undergo metastasis situations that is the most likely cause of death. Interpretation: In bone tumor like osteosarcoma, there is a variation of the cellular mechanical characteristics that can influence the efficacy of chemotherapy and increase the metastatic capacity; an approach related to adoptive immunotherapy with CAR-T cells may be a possible solution because this type of therapy is not influenced by the biomechanics of cancer cells which show peculiar characteristics.
Chip Measuring Contest
Authors: Frazelle Jessie
Published: November 2021

Alan Kay once said, "People who are really serious about software should make their own hardware." We are now seeing product companies genuinely live up to this value. It is exciting when the incumbents known as the chip vendors are being outdone, in the very technology that is their bread and butter, by their previous customers. Let's dive into some of the interesting bits of these purpose-built chips: the benefits of economics, user experience, and performance for the companies building them.
The Psychology of Pandemics
Authors: Taylor Steven
Published: November 2021

This article reviews the current state of knowledge and promising new directions concerning the psychology of pandemics. Pandemics are disease outbreaks that spread globally. Historically, psychological factors have been neglected by researchers and health authorities despite evidence that pandemics are, to a large extent, psychological phenomena whereby beliefs and behaviors influence the spreading versus containment of infection. Psychological factors are important in determining ( a) adherence to pandemic mitigation methods (e.g., adherence to social distancing), ( b) pandemic-related social disruption (e.g., panic buying, racism, antilockdown protests), and ( c) pandemic-related distress and related problems (e.g., anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, prolonged grief disorder). The psychology of pandemics has emerged as an important field of research and practice during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As a scholarly discipline, the psychology of pandemics is fragmented and diverse, encompassing various psychological subspecialties and allied disciplines, but is vital for shaping clinical practice and public health guidelines for COVID-19 and future pandemics.
Improvements in FOMs and Thermal Effects of a III-V Compound Material Based Short-Channel Thin Film Junctionless Double Gate MOSFETs
Authors: Rout Soumendra Prasad , Dutta Pradipta
Published: November 2021

Better figure of merits (FOMs) have been achieved by using III-V compound material based junctionless double gate metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (JL DG-MOSFETs), and a thorough analysis of the device’s performance over temperature has been performed using a highly N-doped GaAs-based JL DG-MOSFET using III-V compound material GaSb. GaSb, a compound material, is employed as the source material, which is well known for its greater mobility and injection velocity property with GaAs as the channel and drain materials, to obtain more output current and less leakage current due to the development of hetero structure (GaSb-GaAs) at the source-channel interface. The dielectric material HfO2 with a high k value is utilized to reduce the gate tunneling effects of electrons and enhance the control of the gate at the 20 nm channel length. Primary and auxiliary gates are taken to include ipact ionization on drain side for reducing the Subthreshold-swing. Numerous characteristics of a DG JLMOSFET, such as Id, SS, gm, TGF, Ion/Ioff, Cgs, and fT, GFP, TFP, GTFP are explored and compared with a silicon based material. The proposed structure shows an improved results comparing to the earlier model with Id of 117 mA, SS of 15.08 mV decade−1, gm of 0.62 A V−1, TGF of 38.8 V−1, Ion/Ioff ratio of 1.89 × 10 13, Cgs of 5.86 × 10 −16 F, fT of 2.05 × 10 15 Hz, GTFP of 1.81 × 10 17 Hz/V for the improvement of FOM in RF and DC analysis.
Al Composition Dependence of Band Offsets for SiO2 on α-(AlxGa1−x)2O3
Authors: Xia Xinyi , Fares Chaker , Ren Fan , Hassa Anna , von Wenckstern Holger , Grundmann Marius , Pearton S. J.
Published: November 2021

Valence band offsets for SiO2 deposited by Atomic Layer Deposition on α-(AlxGa1-x)2O3 alloys with x = 0.26–0.74 were measured by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. The samples were grown with a continuous composition spread to enable investigations of the band alignment as a function of the alloy composition. From measurement of the core levels in the alloys, the bandgaps were determined to range from 5.8 eV (x = 0.26) to 7 eV (x = 0.74). These are consistent with previous measurements by transmission spectroscopy. The valence band offsets of SiO2 with these alloys of different composition were, respectively, were −1.2 eV for x = 0.26, −0.2 eV for x = 0.42, 0.2 eV for x = 0.58 and 0.4 eV for x = 0.74. All of these band offsets are too low for most device applications. Given the bandgap of the SiO2 was 8.7 eV, this led to conduction band offsets of 4.1 eV (x = 0.26) to 1.3 eV (x = 0.74). The band alignments were of the desired nested configuration for x > 0.5, but at lower Al contents the conduction band offsets were negative, with a staggered band alignment. This shows the challenge of finding appropriate dielectrics for this ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor system.
DNA Methylation Modification Regulator-Mediated Molecular Clusters and Tumor Metabolic Characterization in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Zhang Yanlong , Liang Xuezhi , Zhang Liyun , Wang Dongwen
Published: November 2021

Background. An increasing number of studies have indicated a close link between DNA methylation and tumor metabolism. However, the overall influence of DNA methylation on tumor metabolic characteristics in prostate cancer (PCa) remains unclear. Methods. We first explored the subtypes of DNA methylation modification regulators and tumor metabolic features of 1,205 PCa samples using clustering analysis and gene set variation analysis based on the mRNA levels of DNA methylation modification regulators. A DNA methylation-related score (DMS) was calculated using principal component analysis and the DNA methylation modification-related gene signatures to quantify DNA methylation characteristics. We then performed a meta-analysis to identify the hazard ratio of DMS in the six cohorts. In addition, a nomogram was drawn using univariate and multivariate Cox analyses based on the DMS and clinical variables. Finally, a drug sensitivity analysis of the DMS was performed based on the genomics of drug sensitivity in cancer datasets. Results. Three PCa clusters showing different DNA methylation modification patterns and tumor metabolic features were identified. A DMS system was established to quantify the characteristics of DNA methylation modification. PCa samples showed a differential metabolic landscape between the high and low DMS groups. The prognostic value of the DMS and nomogram was independently validated in multiple cohorts. A high DMS was associated with increases in the tumor mutation burden, copy number variation, and microsatellite instability; high tumor heterogeneity; and poor prognosis. Finally, DMS was closely related to different types of antitumor treatment. Conclusion. Improving the understanding of tumor metabolism by characterizing DNA methylation modification patterns and using the DMS may help clinicians predict prognosis and aid in more personalized antitumor therapy strategies for PCa.
A New Reference Plasmid “pGMT27” Provides an Efficient Transgenic Detection Method for Flue-Cured Tobacco
Authors: Yu Jing , Zhang Xiaolian , Adil Muhammad Faheem , Lei Bo , Jia Mengao , Zhao Huina , Yu Shizhou , Liu Jiemin , Guo Yushuang , Shamsi Imran Haider
Published: November 2021

Owing to the economic value of its foliage, tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) is cultivated all across the world. For the detection of genetically modified (GM) tobacco, there is a lack of universal standard material which ultimately limits the detection methods because the accuracy and comparability of the results cannot be ensured. Here, we prepared a reference plasmid “pGMT27” for the detection of GM tobacco, which was 18,296 bp in length harboring two of the tobacco endogenous and seven exogenous genes. By using qualitative PCR test for the nine genes, 10 copies were used for plasmid sensitivity. In the quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assays with pGMT27 as a calibrator, the reaction efficiencies for P-35S and NR were 101.427% and 98.036%, respectively, whereas the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 5 copies and 10 copies per reaction. For standard deviation (SD) and relative standard deviation (RSD) of the Ct values, the repeatability values were from 0.04 to 0.42 and from 0.18% to 1.29%, respectively; and the reproducibility values were from 0.04 to 0.39 and from 0.18% to 1.14%, respectively. For the unknown sample test, the average conversion factor (Cf) was 0.39, and the accuracy bias was from −15.55% to 1.93%; for precision, the SD values ranged from 0.02 to 0.62, while RSD values were from 1.34% to 10.6%. We concluded that using the pGMT27 plasmid as a calibrator provided a highly efficient transgenic detection method for flue-cured tobacco.
LIMITED JOINT MOBILITY IN A CHILD WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS.
Authors: Al-Qahtani Mohammad H. , AlQahtani Fai A.
Published: November 2021

Chronic uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus (type 1DM) is a very major risk for chronic systemic complications; specifically, the microvascular and macrovascular ones. Limited joint mobility (LJM) is a rare disease that complicates all types of diabetes and might indicate the high-risk odd for the diabetic patients to develop microvascular complications. We are reporting a 13-year-old female child with chronic uncontrolled type 1DM presenting with full blown clinical picture of bilateral hand LJM associated with significant growth failure yet has no clinical or biochemical evidence of microvascular complications. Literature research studies have emphasized the rarity of this manifestation in pediatric type 1 diabetic patients; however, it is an important clue and warning sign for microvascular complication occurrence in these patients.
Theoretical Calculation Method for the Hugoniot Elastic Limit of Hard Rock Based on Ideal Elastoplastic Model
Authors: Cheng Yihao , Song Chunming , Tan Yizhong , Yue Songlin , Li Gan , Qiu Yanyu , Xu Tianhan , Liu Yong , Gao Fei , Yu Qian
Published: November 2021

To study the theoretical calculation method of the HEL for hard rock, the major factors determining the strength of rock under dynamic loadings are firstly discussed. Secondly, the calculation method of the HEL of hard rock is suggested based on the Lundborg strength criterion, and the parameters influencing the HEL are analyzed and discussed. Thirdly, the HEL obtained by theoretical calculation, numerical modeling, and experiments are compared. Fourthly, the abnormal decreasing or increasing of the HEL in plate impact experiments of hard rock is explained. This research shows that the HEL increases with Poisson’s ratio, the shear strength at zero pressure, the coefficient of internal friction and the plastic limit, and Poisson’s ratio and the plastic limit could be the most important factors. The simplified model of this work can give a rational and practical prediction of the HEL of hard rock in theory, and the complicated interaction between the “damage front” and the diffuse elastic precursor is assumed to explain two special effects of the HEL in plate impact experiments of hard rock, where Poisson’s ratio related to damage levels seems to be the dominant factor.
Output Reachable Set Analysis for Periodic Positive Systems
Authors: Sitli Ilyas , Lahmidi Fouad , Namir Abdelwahed , Naim Mouhcine
Published: November 2021

In this study, we use the union of the bounding hyperpyramids to estimate the output reachable set for periodic positive systems under two classes of exogenous disturbances. Optimization algorithms are used to obtain the smallest bounding hyperpyramids possible. Finally, numerical examples are given to verify the theoretical results.
Yin and Yang of Biofilm Formation and Cyclic di-GMP Signaling of the Gastrointestinal Pathogen Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Lamprokostopoulou Agaristi , Römling Ute
Published: November 2021

Within the last 60 years, microbiological research has challenged many dogmas such as bacteria being unicellular microorganisms directed by nutrient sources; these investigations produced new dogmas such as cyclic diguanylate monophosphate (cyclic di-GMP) second messenger signaling as a ubiquitous regulator of the fundamental sessility/motility lifestyle switch on the single-cell level. Successive investigations have not yet challenged this view; however, the complexity of cyclic di-GMP as an intracellular bacterial signal, and, less explored, as an extracellular signaling molecule in combination with the conformational flexibility of the molecule, provides endless opportunities for cross-kingdom interactions. Cyclic di-GMP-directed microbial biofilms commonly stimulate the immune system on a lower level, whereas host-sensed cyclic di-GMP broadly stimulates the innate and adaptive immune responses. Furthermore, while the intracellular second messenger cyclic di-GMP signaling promotes bacterial biofilm formation and chronic infections, oppositely, Salmonella Typhimurium cellulose biofilm inside immune cells is not endorsed. These observations only touch on the complexity of the interaction of biofilm microbial cells with its host. In this review, we describe the Yin and Yang interactive concepts of biofilm formation and cyclic di-GMP signaling using S. Typhimurium as an example.
Sistema de protección social colombiano: un análisis de la integración entre políticas públicas intersectoriales
Authors: Rodríguez Olaya Cristian Camilo
Published: November 2021

El presente artículo tiene como propósito establecer la intensidad de la intersectorialidad entre tres políticas públicas (Familias en Acción, Red Unidos y De Cero a Siempre) que se desarrollan en el marco del sistema de protección social . En el trabajo se analizan las transformaciones institucionales de las políticas señaladcolombianoas y del sistema de protección social de Colombia en el periodo 2000-2020, con particular énfasis en la segunda década (2010-2020). Metodológicamente se hace uso de técnicas de recolección de información y análisis cualitativos como entrevistas, revisión documental y categorización. El artículo determina que la intensidad de la intersectorialidad entre Familias en Acción, De Cero a Siempre y Red Unidos es media-baja, lo que permite, a su vez, concluir que las políticas públicas intersectoriales constituyen un proceso que es tanto técnico como político.
Ruy Fausto, remando contra a maré
Authors: Araujo Cicero
Published: November 2021

O artigo faz alguns apontamentos sobre o percurso de Ruy Fausto como intelectual público e suas relações com a esquerda. Destacam-se seu reexame da crítica de Marx ao capitalismo, a análise dos totalitarismos do século XX, assim como da social-democracia europeia, e a crítica da esquerda brasileira e dos governos do PT. O texto sugere uma camada adicional de interpretação do pensamento filosófico de Ruy Fausto, indicando como as matérias políticas ocuparam o centro de sua visão do mundo.
O socialismo democrático, segundo Ruy Fausto
Authors: Nascimento Rodnei
Published: November 2021

O artigo propõe-se a analisar o significado do projeto de um socialismo democrático tal como formulado por Ruy Fausto, em um novo ciclo de publicações posteriores a 2007. A partir de um balanço crítico e rigoroso da política de Marx, ele rejeita tanto o adesismo à ordem neoliberal quanto as soluções revolucionárias tradicionais. O núcleo da sua proposta consiste numa combinação da forma política democrática com o compartilhamento do controle da produção com os trabalhadores. A despeito da sua radicalidade, este projeto parece-nos refém de uma concepção convencional de democracia, que bloqueia a sua realização. Seria preciso não negar a democracia, mas alargar o seu sentido para que ela esteja à altura do seu poder de transformação.
O posto e o pressuposto: Ruy Fausto e a ideia de crítica imanente em Marx
Authors: Repa Luiz
Published: November 2021

O artigo pretende desenvolver a ideia de crítica imanente em Marx recorrendo aos estudos de Ruy Fausto sobre a lógica das noções de posição e pressuposição. Pretendo mostrar, em primeiro lugar, que o jogo entre posição e pressuposição se desenha em Ruy Fausto em dois sentidos interligados, um lógico-ontológico e um especificamente político, o que permite discernir como a crítica opera em um sentido normativo não descolado da efetividade. Em um segundo momento, procuro esboçar como as figuras da posição e da pressuposição se entrelaçam, mais especificamente como a posição cria um campo de pressuposições objetivas que sustentam sua significação, de modo que a crítica não se atém apenas à imanência do posto mas também do pressuposto.
Assessment of Impact of Patient Recruitment Volume on Risk Profile, Outcomes, and Treatment Effect in a Randomized Trial of Ticagrelor Versus Prasugrel in Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Ndrepepa Gjin , Neumann Franz‐Josef , Menichelli Maurizio , Bernlochner Isabell , Richardt Gert , Wöhrle Jochen , Witzenbichler Bernhard , Mayer Katharina , Cassese Salvatore , Gewalt Senta , Xhepa Erion , Kufner Sebastian , Sager Hendrik B. , Joner Michael , Ibrahim Tareq , Laugwitz Karl‐Ludwig , Schunkert Heribert , Schüpke Stefanie , Kastrati Adnan
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Whether there are differences in the risk profile and treatment effect in patients recruited in a low recruitment center (LRC) versus patients recruited in a high recruitment center (HRC) in a randomized multicenter trial remains unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study included 4018 patients with acute coronary syndrome recruited in the ISAR‐REACT 5 (Intracoronary Stenting and Antithrombotic Regimen: Rapid Early Action for Coronary Treatment 5) trial. The primary end point was a composite of all‐cause death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Overall, 3011 patients (75%) were recruited in the HRCs (7 centers recruiting 258 to 628 patients; median, 413 patients) and 1007 patients (25%) were recruited in the LRCs (16 centers recruiting 5 to 201 patients; median, 52 patients). Patients recruited in the LRCs had more favorable cardiovascular risk profiles than patients recruited in the HRCs. The primary end point occurred in 72 patients in the LRCs and 249 patients in the HRCs (cumulative incidence, 7.3% and 8.4%;
P
=0.267). All‐cause mortality was lower among patients recruited in the LRCs (n=29) than among patients recruited in the HRCs (n=134; cumulative incidence 2.9% versus 4.5%;
P
=0.031). There was no significant interaction between the treatment effect of ticagrelor versus prasugrel and patient recruitment category (LRC versus HRC) regarding the primary efficacy end point (LRC: hazard ratio [HR], 1.42 [95% CI, 0.89–2.28]; HRC: HR, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.04−1.72];
P
for interaction=0.800).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with acute coronary syndrome recruited in a LRC appear to have more favorable cardiovascular risk profiles and lower 1‐year mortality rates compared with patients recruited in a HRC. The recruitment volume did not interact with the treatment effect of ticagrelor versus prasugrel.

REGISTRATION

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01944800.
Five new species of the sisorid catfish genus Glyptothorax from Iran (Teleostei: Sisoridae)
Authors: MOUSAVI-SABET HAMED , EAGDERI SOHEIL , VATANDOUST SABER , FREYHOF JÖRG
Published: November 2021

Five new species of Glyptothorax are described from Iran. Glyptothorax alidaeii, new species, from the Seimare in the Karkheh drainage, G. galaxias, new species, from the upper Karun drainage, G. hosseinpanahii, new species, from the Zohreh drainage, G. pallens, new species, from the Sirvan drainage, and G. shapuri, new species, from Shapur in the Helleh drainage. Glyptothorax silviae from the Jarrahi drainage is re-diagnosed. All six species are morphologically distinguishable by the structure of the thoracic adhesive apparatus, as well as morphometric characters and details in the colour pattern. They form distinct mitochondrial clades between 1.2% and 4.1% minimum K2P distance based on the mitochondrial DNA barcode region.
Contribution to knowledge of the Trichoptera of northwestern Algeria: New species records for the Algerian fauna and taxonomic remarks for the Maghreb fauna
Authors: BEMMOUSSAT-DEKKAK SOUMYA , ABDELLAOUI-HASSAINE KARIMA , SARTORI MICHEL , ZAMORA-MUÑOZ CARMEN
Published: November 2021

The caddisfly fauna of Algeria is far from complete. In this study, we present data from Trichoptera sampling in northwestern Algeria (Tafna and Ghazouana River basins) during 2014–2019, enhancing knowledge of this group in the country. We were able to identify 30 species and 17 genera in the study area. Among the listed taxa, five species (Hydroptila fortunata, Ecnomus deceptor, Tinodes waeneri, Limnephilus lunatus, Setodes argentipunctellus,) are new records for Algeria. An updated species checklist of Algerian Trichoptera includes 63 species. We also provide an update of the Maghreb checklist with comments on species distributions. The Maghrebian caddisfly checklist, which includes 44 Maghrebian endemic species, is still very poor in relation to that of neighboring Mediterranean geographical areas and countries, such as the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), France, or Italy.
A review of the genus Spilomena Shuckard (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) with the description of six new species from India
Authors: RAJAN TESSY , KUMAR P. GIRISH , SURESHAN P. M. , BINOY C.
Published: November 2021

The Indian species of Spilomena Shuckard are reviewed resulting in the description of six new species viz., S. attenboroughi Tessy, Sureshan et Binoy, S. fulvopleuris Tessy, Sureshan et Binoy, S. reticularis Tessy, Sureshan et Binoy, S. sahyadriensis Tessy, Sureshan et Girish Kumar, S. tsunekii Tessy, Sureshan et Girish Kumar, and S. tuberculata Tessy, Sureshan et Girish Kumar, all from Southern India. A key to Indian species of Spilomena is provided.
MSWX: Global 3-Hourly 0.1° Bias-Corrected Meteorological Data Including Near-Real-Time Updates and Forecast Ensembles
Authors: Beck Hylke E. , van Dijk Albert I. J. M. , Larraondo Pablo R. , McVicar Tim R. , Pan Ming , Dutra Emanuel , Miralles Diego G.
Published: November 2021

We present Multi-Source Weather (MSWX), a seamless global gridded near-surface meteorological product featuring a high 3-hourly 0.1° resolution, near-real-time updates (∼3-h latency), and bias-corrected medium-range (up to 10 days) and long-range (up to 7 months) forecast ensembles. The product includes 10 meteorological variables: precipitation, air temperature, daily minimum and maximum air temperature, surface pressure, relative and specific humidity, wind speed, and downward shortwave and longwave radiation. The historical part of the record starts 1 January 1979 and is based on ERA5 data bias corrected and downscaled using high-resolution reference climatologies. The data extension to within ∼3 h of real time is based on analysis data from GDAS. The 30-member medium-range forecast ensemble is based on GEFS and updated daily. Finally, the 51-member long-range forecast ensemble is based on SEAS5 and updated monthly. The near-real-time and forecast data are statistically harmonized using running-mean and cumulative distribution function-matching approaches to obtain a seamless record covering 1 January 1979 to 7 months from now. MSWX presents new and unique opportunities for hydrological modeling, climate analysis, impact studies, and monitoring and forecasting of droughts, floods, and heatwaves (within the bounds of the caveats and limitations discussed herein). The product is available at www.gloh2o.org/mswx.
Cost Utility Analysis of Costal Cartilage Autografts and Human Cadaveric Allografts in Rhinoplasty
Authors: Starr Nicole C. , Creel Liza , Harryman Christopher , Gupta Nikita
Published: November 2021

Background:

Human cadaveric allograft (HCA) and costal cartilage autograft (CCA) have been described for reconstruction during rhinoplasty. Neither are ideal due to infection, resorption, and donor site morbidity. The clear superiority of 1 graft over the other has not yet been demonstrated. This study assesses comparative costs associated with current grafting materials to better explore the cost ceiling for a theoretical tissue engineered implant.

Materials and methods:

A cost utility analysis was performed. Initial procedure costs include physician fees (CPT 30420), hospital outpatient prospective payments, ambulatory surgical center payments, and fees for the following: rib graft (CPT 20910), hospital observation, and DRG (155) for inpatient admission. Additional costs for revision procedure, included the following fees: physician (CPT 30345), rib graft, hospital outpatient prospective payment, and ambulatory surgical center payments. Total costs under each scenario were calculated with and without the revision procedure. Comparison of total costs for each potential outcome to the estimated health utility value allowed for comparison across rhinoplasty subgroups.

Results:

The mean cost of primary outpatient rhinoplasty using HCA and CCA were $8075 and $8342 respectively. Revision outpatient rhinoplasty averaged $7447 and increased to $8228 if costal cartilage harvest was required. Hospital admission increased the cost of primary rhinoplasty with CCA to $8609 for observational admission and to $13653 for 1 day inpatient admission. Revision CCA rhinoplasty with an inpatient admission complicated by pneumothorax increased costs to $21 099.

Conclusion:

Cost of rhinoplasty without hospitalization was similar between HCA and CCA and this cost represents the lower limit of a practical cost for an engineered graft. Considering complications such as need for revision or for admission after CCA due to surgical morbidity, the upper limit of cost for an engineered implant would approximately double.
Free market capitalism and societal inequities: Assessing the effects of economic freedom on income inequality and the equity of access to opportunity, 1990–2017
Authors: de Soysa Indra , Vadlamannati Krishna Chaitanya
Published: November 2021

Some blame free-market capitalism for increasing income inequality, arguing that richer classes could block access to others for maintaining their privileges. By manipulating the degree of political rights and resources available to others, the rich could reduce opportunities for others. Others argue that growth-promoting free markets raise all incomes, increasing aggregate welfare. We argue that governments more dependent on free markets are likely to focus on increasing access to human capital, thereby narrowing the gap between the rich and poor by increasing opportunities, even if income inequality rises with high growth. We assess the issue by examining the effects of an Index of Economic Freedom on income inequality measured by the standardized GINI and measures of the equity of access to quality schooling, health, and justice covering 128 developing countries during the 1990–2017 period. Our results show that, even if economic freedom is associated with higher income inequality, it also associates robustly with access to opportunity. Our results are robust to alternative models, sample size, and testing methods, including instrumental variables analyzes addressing potential endogeneity bias. Our results, taken together, do not suggest that growth-promoting economic freedoms hamper future progress by raising inequalities—on the contrary, economic freedoms promote equity of access to opportunities—findings inconsistent with the view that governments under free-market conditions are easily captured by the wealthy, who then block equitable access to public goods.
Disrupted dynamic pattern of regional neural activity in early-stage cognitively normal Parkinson's disease
Authors: Zhang Yi , Wang Xiulan , Li Yuan
Published: November 2021

Background

Neuroimaging studies on Parkinson's disease (PD) mainly focus on static neural activity. However, the dynamic pattern of regional brain activity in early-stage cognitively normal PD has rarely been elucidated.

Purpose

To identify altered dynamic amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (dALFF) in PD before the onset of cognitive impairment and verify its differentiating ability between patients with PD and healthy controls (HC).

Material and Methods

dALFF and static ALFF (sALFF) derived from functional magnetic resonance imaging data of 51 patients with PD and 50 matched HCs were analyzed. The correlations between aberrant regions and clinical performance were investigated using Spearman correlation analysis. Multivariate pattern analysis was conducted to detect the differentiating ability of both ALFF features.

Results

Compared with HCs, patients with PD demonstrated reduced dALFF variance in bilateral lingual gyrus, left middle occipital gyrus, left postcentral gyrus (PcG), and right supplementary motor area (SMA); and increased dALFF variability in bilateral parahippocampal gyrus. Besides overlapping with these distributions of altered dALFF, the aberrant regions of sALFF were more extensive with decreased sALFF in the right middle temporal gyrus and right PcG, and increased sALFF in the left inferior temporal gyrus and left thalamus were observed in patients with PD. dALFF values in right SMA and left PcG were correlated with UPDRS-III scores ( ρ =  −0.29, P = 0.041; ρ =  −0.33, P = 0.018, respectively).

Conclusion

This study provides novel insights into the neural basis underlying PD as well as the potential role of dynamic neural activity in the diagnosis and prediction of the disease.
The Effects of Using Tranexamic Acid in Tumescent Solution During Rhytidectomy Surgery
Authors: Fathimani Kayvan , Perenack Jon , Christensen Brian J.
Published: November 2021

Introduction:

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a common adjunct to assist in hemostasis in a wide variety of applications. Although TXA has gained more popularity in facial cosmetic surgery, there are limited studies evaluating the effects of TXA in rhytidectomy patients, especially when used in tumescent solution.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of TXA on surgical time, postoperative ecchymosis, and need for aspiration when used in tumescent solution during cervicofacial rhytidectomy procedures.

Materials and Methods:

The authors designed a retrospective cohort study from an eligible population of all patients treated with cervicofacial rhytidectomy using tumescent solution at Williamson Cosmetic Center in Baton Rouge, LA, from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019. The outcome variables were surgical time, need for postoperative aspiration, and the duration of bruising postoperatively. The primary predictor variable was the use of TXA in the tumescent solution. Statistical analysis was performed using t tests and chi-square analyses.

Results:

Overall, 70 patients were included in the study with a mean age of 61.4 ± 7.2 years and 90% were female. Forty-five patients were in the TXA group and 25 in the non-TXA group. The use of TXA in tumescent solution was statistically significant for reducing ecchymosis ( p < .001). The majority of patients in the TXA group (60%) had bruising cleared by day 7, whereas the majority of patients in the non-TXA group (52%) had bruising cleared by day 28. There was a statically significant reduction in frequency of postoperative aspiration in the TXA group (8.9% in TXA group vs 40.0% in the non-TXA group, P = .002). The study did not demonstrate a significant difference in surgical time between the two groups.

Discussion:

Although there is a lack of recognition of the potential benefits of TXA, there has been an increased off-label use by numerous surgical specialties. Routes of administration include topical, oral, intravenous, local infiltrative, and by tumescent anesthesia. Improvements in intraoperative hemostasis and postoperative ecchymosis are some of the main benefits of TXA.

Conclusions:

Utilizing TXA in tumescent solution in patients undergoing cervicofacial rhytidectomy procedures is associated with an improvement in postoperative ecchymosis duration and a decreased need for postoperative aspiration compared with the non-TXA group.
“Innovations” During COVID-19: Microfinance in Bangladesh
Authors: Murshid Nadine Shaanta , Murshid Navine
Published: November 2021

In this study of microfinance institutions (MFIs) and their participants, we show how certain innovations made by MFIs during the COVID-19 pandemic enable further consolidation of NGOs in Bangladeshi society. The study is based on interviews conducted in 2020 with key personnel from three major NGOs in Bangladesh: Grameen, Sajida Foundation, and Brac (which is also the largest NGO in the world), as well as 20 interviews conducted in 2018 (before the pandemic) with microcredit recipients who use financial services. We observed that MFIs scaled up by taking on the function of relief provision, financial services became more entrenched, and NGO governance was bolstered as MFIs served as intermediaries between the state and people, even though, as the 2018 interviews reveal, microfinance participants were reticent about technology uptake.
Mistuning parameter identification and vibration localization analysis of the integration rotor
Authors: Sun Hongyun , Yuan Huiqun
Published: November 2021

This paper deals with the coupling vibration characteristic of the disk-blade-shaft integration rotor. First, a reduced-order model (ROM) based on an improved hybrid interface component mode synthesis method (IHISCMSM) is carried out, which takes the prestress effect into account. The frequency of the disk-blade-shaft integration rotor at different rotating speeds are calculated and the influence of selecting different mode truncation numbers is investigated. In order to quantitatively evaluate the coupling degree of blade and disk, the coupling factor is defined from the perspective of strain energy, and the influence of prestress on system’s dynamic is discussed. Then, an experimental modal analysis is performed on blades to identify the mistuning parameters, and the mode localization of the disk-blade-shaft integration rotor is analyzed with and without blade mistuning. The results indicate that there are several types of coupling modes among blade, disk and shaft of the integration rotor. After considering the prestress, the frequency increases, and the axial coupling vibration degree and radial coupling vibration degree of the integration rotor change. The mode localization of mistuned rotor is more likely to occur in the modes dominated by mistuning stage blades. There also exists a subtle mode localization phenomenon for tuned integration rotor.
An Analysis of Growth of MSMEs in India
Authors: Veena
Published: November 2021

Growth of every economy in the world depends on the performance of the industrial sector. Micro, small and medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a significant role in the growth of each economy. There is a huge unorganised sector of MSMEs in India, which comes from those industries that are not registered under the MSME platform. Data related to MSMEs are required to check the growth and analyse the performance of MSMEs and collect the data related to growth, while it is necessary that all the MSMEs must be registered on a common platform. Thus, the Indian government forces industries to register on the MSME portal to get the benefit of government schemes. The study on the growth and future prospectus of MSME units registered under Entrepreneurs Memorandum (EM-II) and Udyog Aadhar Memorandum (UAM) is hardly available. Therefore, this research exclusively emphasises on the growth and future prospects of registered units of MSMEs in India. Data involving registered units of MSMEs are analysed for the period from 2007–2008 to 2020–2021. Data are obtained from MSME online portal and annual reports of this sector. Future projection of registered units of MSMEs is figured out by applying projected technique.
Advancing Female Corporate Leadership: A Comparative Analysis of Female Versus Male Leadership Behaviour in India
Authors: Jacob Nina , Chandrasekhar Subramaniam
Published: November 2021

This article investigates whether women managers possess any specific leadership attributes which will enable them to be promoted to leadership positions on merit grounds. It also examines whether women encounter barriers, which impede their progress to the top. Data for our study were collected from a sample of 372 managers in leadership positions across India, half of whom were women and the other half were men. The survey was done through the administration of a 21-item questionnaire developed by the authors. Through the application of decision tree analysis, logistic regression analysis and discriminant analysis, we arrived at findings that have reasonable predictive accuracy. Our results suggest that women managers in leadership positions are significantly more likely to get reticent team members to participate at meetings than their male counterparts. This is our principal finding. This is significant, given that contemporary leadership emphasizes inclusivity and distributed leadership. This is because, as our data shows, while women managers are as good as men, they additionally possess an attribute which makes them better suited than men as leaders. Another finding is that many women leaders differ from men in that they often struggle with work–life balance challenges. The suggestion is that companies could offer more options to women to achieve work–life balance. The third finding is that women leaders are perceived as more empathetic than men. The implication is that all of these constitute business arguments favouring organizational support for competent women managers advancing to leadership positions. Data are from India, focussing on Indian managerial leadership.
A Systematic Review of Dependent Group Contingencies (1970–2019)
Authors: Page Scott V. , Zimmerman Dylan M. , Pinkelman Sarah E.
Published: November 2021

Dependent group contingencies offer an efficient way to improve the behavior of an entire group of students, as the performance of only one or a few students needs to be monitored at a time. Prior literature reviews outlined the use of group contingency interventions with children in educational settings; however, these reviews did not exclusively examine dependent group contingencies or the varied conditions under which this intervention has been implemented. The purpose of this review was to classify the settings, populations, outcome measures, intervention components, and procedural parameters of dependent group contingencies across the research literature. We completed electronic database searches between 1970 and 2019 for experimental studies in APA PsycINFO, ERIC, CINAHL, CINHAL Complete, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Education Source, Academic Search Ultimate, and ProQuest and ancestral searches for the exact terms “dependent group contingenc*” OR “dependent group-oriented contingenc*” in the title, abstract, or author-defined keywords. The results of our review are summarized and discussed in terms of directions for future research and implications for practice.