bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple anthropogenic pressures challenge the effectiveness of protected areas in western Tanzania
Authors: Giliba Richard A. , Fust Pascal , Kiffner Christian , Loos Jacqueline
Published: March 2022

Despite being key conservation instruments, the ecological effectiveness of protected areas (PAs) is contested. To assess the ecological effectiveness of PAs in the Katavi‐Rukwa Ecosystem (KRE) in western Tanzania, we investigated temporal changes in land‐use and population densities of six large mammal target species (elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, topi, and hartebeest) across areas with different conservation category, ranging from unprotected to strictly protected. During six survey periods between 1991 and 2018, we analyzed data from remote sensing and aerial wildlife surveys to derive (i) spatiotemporal patterns of cropland cover in relation to protection category; (ii) population densities of the six‐target species; and (iii) distribution of these species across protection category, land‐use and environmental variables. During the surveyed period, cropland increased from 3.4 % to 9.6 % on unprotected land and from ≤0.05 % to <1 % on protected land. Wildlife densities of most, but not all target species declined across the entire landscape, yet the onset of the observed wildlife declines occurred several years before the onset of cropland expansion. Logistic regression models indicated that target species preferred the national park over less strictly PAs and areas distant to cropland. As our data do not support a direct link between land‐use change and wildlife densities, additional factors may explain the apparent ecosystem‐wide decline in wildlife. To bolster wildlife conservation in the KRE, we recommended proactive strategies to reduce direct threats to wildlife and cropland expansion toward wildlife dispersal areas and migratory corridors.
Military Conscription, Sexist Attitudes and Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Amelia Gibbons M. , Rossi Martín A.
Published: March 2022

We provide empirical evidence on the long‐term causal impact of military conscription on sexist attitudes and intimate partner violence. To address potential endogeneity, we exploit the conscription draft lottery in Argentina. We combine the draft administrative data with self‐reported survey data. We find that conscription causes men to adopt more sexist attitudes in dimensions such as justification of sexism and violence, sexual machismo, negative attitude towards homosexuality, old‐fashioned sexism, and hostile sexism. Conscription also causes more engagement in intimate partner violence, as measured by self‐reported non‐physical abuse and physical violence.
Shorter periconception maternal telomere length and the risk of congenital cardiac outflow defects in the offspring
Authors: Aoulad Fares Damiat , Wiegel Rosalieke E. , Eggink Alex J. , Willemsen Sten P. , van Meurs Joyce B. J. , Steegers‐Theunissen Régine P. M.
Published: March 2022

Background

Congenital cardiac outflow defects (COD) are the largest group of congenital heart defects, with ventricular septal defect (VSD) as the most prevalent phenotype. Increased maternal age, excessive oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in the pathophysiology of COD and enhance telomere length (TL) shortening. We investigated the association between periconception maternal TL and the risk of having a child with COD.

Methods

From a multicentre case‐control trial, 306 case mothers of a child with COD and 424 control mothers of a child without a congenital malformation were selected. Relative TL was measured by qPCR. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compute crude and adjusted odds ratios, per standard deviation decrease, between maternal T/S ratio and COD and VSD risk. Adjustments were made for maternal age. Additional adjustments were made in a second model.

Results

Shorter maternal relative TL was significantly associated with an OR of 1.29 (95% CI 1.04–1.61), p = .02, for the risk of VSD in offspring, which remained significant after an adjustment for maternal age (adjOR 1.25(95% CI 1.01–1.55), p = .04). No association between maternal TL and the risk of overall COD in offspring was observed.

Conclusion

Shorter maternal relative TL is associated with an approximately 1.3‐OR for the risk, per SD in relative TL shortening, of VSD in the offspring. These findings need further confirmation in other studies on the predictive value of maternal TL.
On Productivity Holism
Authors: Brudney Daniel
Published: March 2022

NPR runs a program about entrepreneurs called, “How I Built This.” By contrast, the song “Solidarity Forever” says, “It is we who plowed the prairies; built the cities where they trade/Dug the mines and built the workshops, endless miles of railroad laid.” In this article, I examine two ways to conceptualize the production of goods and services: individualistically or holistically. At issue is whose activity has significant social value. Following a thought from Elizabeth Anderson, I develop and defend a holist view of productivity. I argue that the central issue is normative: how is it best to regard the social phenomenon of extensive joint production and provision of goods and services? I begin by distinguishing different cases of joint productivity in order to focus on large scale activities. I then argue that the concept of marginal contribution does not provide a basis for viewing productivity individualistically. Overall, non‐normative arguments underdetermine the best way to regard our productive activities. I go on to present normative arguments in favor of regarding our joint productive activities holistically. I end by distinguishing four species of productivity holism and by noting issues for further research.
Utility of p63 and PTEN staining in distinguishing cervical microglandular hyperplasia from endometrial endometrioid carcinoma with microglandular/mucinous features
Authors: Aoun Batoul A. , Skala Stephanie L.
Published: March 2022

Aims

Distinction between well‐differentiated endometrial carcinoma (EMCA) with microglandular/mucinous features and benign endocervical microglandular hyperplasia (MGH) can be a diagnostic challenge, especially when tissue is limited. The immunostains used to distinguish endocervical and endometrial carcinoma are less useful when the differential diagnosis is MGH. Here, we investigate the utility of p63 and phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) to aid accurate classification.

Methods and results

Cases obtained from our pathology archives included 25 EMCA with mucinous/microglandular features, 26 MGH and nine atypical microglandular proliferations. Cases were assessed for glandular architecture, presence of mucinous and/or eosinophilic luminal secretions, subnuclear vacuoles, foamy histiocytes, inflammation, squamous metaplasia, cytological atypia and mitotic activity. The presence and pattern of immunohistochemical staining for p63 and PTEN was recorded. Microglandular proliferations with cytological atypia, mitotic activity, foamy histiocytes and complex glandular architecture were more commonly seen in EMCA, while small glands, bland nuclei and subnuclear vacuoles were enriched in MGH. All MGH cases displayed p63‐positive subcolumnar reserve cells and retained PTEN expression. Four EMCA cases showed non‐specific focal p63 staining either at the surface of the tumour or in areas of squamous differentiation. p63 and PTEN immunostains accurately predicted the final diagnosis for 3 atypical microglandular proliferation cases with follow‐up.

Conclusions

While there are morphological characteristics that differentiate EMCA and MGH, there is frequent overlap between these entities. Nonetheless, the pattern and extent of p63 and PTEN can aid accurate classification. Consistent p63‐positive subcolumnar reserve cells were seen only in MGH.
Living with suicidal feelings: Japanese non‐profit organizations for suicide prevention amid the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Yamada Yoko
Published: March 2022

The number of suicides in Japan increased for the first time in 11 years during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This trend is particularly high among employed women and students. The Japanese government expanded its budget for providing telephone and social network service (SNS) counseling by prefectures and non‐profit organizations (NPOs). On the basis of interviews with the chairman as well as counselors of an NPO in Osaka (Japan) that has provided telephone counseling services on suicide for over 40 years, this study examines suicide and suicide prevention amid the COVID‐19 pandemic with a particular focus on how suicidal feelings are accepted. The results clarify that people do not wish to die just because of financial troubles or health problems; rather, they have lost the meaning in their life in the conflicts between social conditions and their personal life histories. Additionally, as volunteer counselors often experience the suicide of close relatives, their empathy for a caller may be based on their experiences of being overwhelmed by the realization of the otherness of others. They do not regard the acceptance of suicidal feelings as a “job,” but act as “friends.” Although modern society conceals death and suicide cases, the key to achieving a society where no one is driven into committing suicide is to place human life and human rights first as well as to talk about suicide and suicidal feelings without making the subject taboo or an aberration.
Favela Studies: Disrupting Higher Education and Research on Brazil's Urban Periphery
Authors: Scott Jason Bartholomew
Published: March 2022

Brazilian favelas have been referred to as the most studied urban margins in the world. Noteworthy “favela studies” describe a porous urban entity that contests official definitions and popular prejudice. However, research about the favela consistently omits the work of local scholars and reflects an academic model akin to intellectual extraction. This article explores the potentials to center the favela through a critical reflection on the author's long‐term research carried out in the presence of university‐educated resident‐researchers who sought to build a university in the favela. Rather than simply adding to the number of “favela studies,” this article hopes to provoke greater support for a favela that studies both itself and a broader world.
Comparative accuracy of two veterinary‐calibrated point‐of‐care glucometers for measurement of blood glucose concentration in dogs
Authors: Wolfenden G. , James F. E. , Hung L. H. T. , Bruce M. , Thompson M.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To investigate and compare the accuracy of two veterinary portable blood glucose meters (AccuTell; AccubioTech; and AlphaTrak2; Abbott Laboratories).

Materials and Methods

One hundred twenty venous blood samples were obtained for immediate whole blood glucose concentration measurement using two portable blood glucose meters designed for use in dogs. Plasma glucose concentration was measured by a laboratory analyser using a hexokinase reaction method. Packed cell volume was measured for each sample. Linear regression analysis was performed and Bland–Altman plots constructed with International Standards Organisation 15197:2013 standards applied to assess relationship and agreement between results of portable blood glucose meters and laboratory analyser methods, respectively. Clarke's error grid analysis was used to assess clinical accuracy and usefulness.

Results

The AccuTell and the AlphaTrak2 had mean differences of −0.69 ± 0.70 mmol/L (bias ± sd) and −1.09 ± 1.22 mmol/L (bias ± sd) with the reference analyser, respectively. Eighty‐eight of 120 (73.3%) samples for the AccuTell, and 73 of 120 (60.8%) samples for the AlphaTrak2 were plotted in the zone of the error grid analysis that indicated less clinical risk of misdiagnosis of glucose status. Neither device fulfilled the International Standards Organisation 15197:2013 standards for system accuracy. A statistically significant effect of packed cell volume was identified on the difference between blood glucose concentration obtained by the AlphaTrak2 and the hexokinase reaction method, but not for the AccuTell.

Clinical Significance

Both devices do not meet International Standards Organisation 15197:2013 standards. Users should expect 95% of the samples measured with the AccuTell to be between −0.7 and +2.1 mmol/L higher than actual values, and 95% of the samples measured with the AlphaTrak2 to be between −1.3 and +3.5 mmol/L higher than actual values.
Knowledge, Trust or Perspectives? A Causal Mediation Analysis of How a Citizens’ Jury Affected Voting Intentions in the General Public
Authors: Christensen Henrik Serup , Leino Mikko , Setälä Maija , Strandberg Kim
Published: March 2022

Previous studies suggest that information from deliberative mini‐publics helps voters make informed and reflected judgements and act accordingly. Despite a growing body of literature, the causal mechanisms remain unclear. This study examines three causal mechanisms for affecting voting intentions in a referendum: 1) factual knowledge, 2) trusted information proxy, or 3) perspective‐taking of the opinions of others. The data come from a referendum on a municipal merger in Korsholm, Finland. In a field experiment, a statement from a citizens' jury on the merger was released to a treatment group and differences in opinions and voting intentions were compared with a control group that did not receive the statement. Causal mediation analysis examines which of the three causal mechanisms best explains how the jury's statement affected intended voting behaviour. We find that reading the statement increased factual knowledge, trust, and perspective‐taking, but only increased factual knowledge affected voting intentions.
Ultrasonography and CT of the vas deferens in a neutered male dog with chronic exogenous estrogen exposure
Authors: Harris Olivia S. , Eitzer Andrew D. , Saver Alexander , Sample Susannah J. , Loeber Samantha J.
Published: March 2022

A 2‐year‐old male neutered Rat Terrier was presented for alopecia, recurrent urinary tract infections, and urinary incontinence. Abdominal ultrasound and CT identified a thin, tubular, paired structure arising from the craniodorsal aspect of an enlarged, cystic prostate. An atypical uterus masculinus was initially suspected, however it was then identified that the patient had chronic exogenous estrogen exposure, and surgical resection and histopathology was consistent with an enlarged and inflamed vas deferens. Vas deferens enlargement and vasitis secondary to chronic hyperestrogenism should be considered for a tubular, paired structure arising from the craniodorsal prostate in a male dog.
Transducer design for low-frequency circular close-packed array and its mutual radiation analysis
Authors: Wang Qiumu , Fan Jun , Lan Yu , Zhou Tianfang
Published: March 2022

Conventional flextensional transducers possess advantages of low frequency, small dimension, and high power [K. D. Rolt, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 87, 1340 (1990)]. The low-frequency circular array composed of flextensional transducers has a strong mutual radiation effect due to the large vibration amplitude of the radiation surface located inside the circular array and the close distance between array elements [Z. Y. He et al., AIP Conf. Proc. 1272, 345 (2010)]. Here, a single-sided radiation flextensional transducer (SSR FT) is designed for a low-frequency circular close-packed array to diminish the mutual radiation effect. On the basis of the vibration principle of SSR FT, effects of structural parameters on electroacoustic, vibration, and radiation performance are studied for the final design of the transducer. Subsequently, the mutual radiation effect of circular close-packed arrays composed of SSR FTs and their counterparts is qualitatively analyzed on the basis of resonant mass, equivalent circuit, and numerical simulations. Finally, fabricated and tested circular arrays lead to a conclusion that the circular array composed of SSR FTs has a weaker mutual radiation effect and smaller dimensions than its counterpart composed of class IV FTs [K. P. B. Moosad, G. Chandrashekar, M. J. Joseph, and R. John, Appl. Acoust. 72, 127–131 (2011)]. The results confirm that the circular close-packed array provides flexibility in the application of low-frequency and small-dimension underwater acoustic sources.
Sound focusing by a broadband acoustic Luneburg lens
Authors: Yuan Baoguo , Liu Jiyu , Long Houyou , Cheng Ying , Liu Xiaojun
Published: March 2022

The high-performance and aberration-free broadband acoustic lens holds promise for extensive applications, yet remains challenged. In this work, a scheme is proposed, and the experimental demonstration of a planar acoustic Luneburg lens capable of focusing broadband sound ranging from 1 to 3 kHz (relative bandwidth approaching to 100%) in an aberration-free manner is presented. Concretely, plane sound within the frequency range incident from one side can be concentrated on a same point on the opposite edge of the Luneburg lens. The demanded refractive indexes of the lens are obtained from the component space coil acoustic metamaterials, which can easily manipulate the refractive index by adjusting a structural parameter. The prototype of the proposed Luneburg lens is fabricated by three-dimensional printing technology and experimentally characterized in a two-dimensional acoustic measuring platform. The measured results are consistently in good agreement with those from the numerical simulations. Finally, the proposed Luneburg lens is employed to construct a wide-angle acoustic reflector, which can produce a strong echo propagating in the direction exactly opposite to the incident wave. These results facilitate potential possibilities for developing more acoustic functional devices capable of manipulating broadband sound.
Multi-Chord Beam Diagnostics of Plasma at the GOL-NB Device
Authors: Nikishin A. V. , Ivanov I. A. , Batkin V. I. , Burdakov A. V. , Kuklin K. N. , Mekler K. I. , Postupaev V. V. , Rovenskikh A. F.
Published: March 2022

Abstract—A multi-chord beam diagnostic system for an open multiple-mirror trap GOL-NB is described. The system is based on a 10 keV ribbon beam of fast neutral hydrogen atoms generated by a wide-aperture ion injector with an arc plasma source. The plasma linear density profile is calculated from the attenuation of the beam after passing through the plasma. This paper discusses the design of the diagnostics and its capabilities, and also presents the measured profiles of the linear plasma density in the experiment on filling the trap with the starting plasma. The modernized version of diagnostics and the expected increase in its resolution are described. The prospects of using the Charge eXchange Recombination Spectroscopy (CXRS) method on the existing element base are evaluated.
T-cell prolymphocytic leukaemia associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (pembrolizumab)
Authors: Avelino Alzira R , Elmanaseer Oday , Wrzesinski Stephen , Raval Mihir
Published: March 2022

We describe the case of a man in his 60s with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung with brain metastasis treated with pembrolizumab who subsequently developed T-cell prolymphocytic leukaemia. He was transferred to our hospital with worsening dyspnoea, suspected hyperviscosity syndrome and tumour lysis syndrome. He was intubated and admitted to our critical care unit. Emergent leucapheresis was started due to worsening renal function in the setting of tumour lysis and hyperviscosity syndromes. He continued to deteriorate and required continuous renal replacement therapy. Unfortunately, he eventually died from haemodynamic decompensation. There are only a few anecdotal cases pointing at a possible association between the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors and the progression or exacerbation of secondary haematological malignancies. The poor prognosis of these haematological malignancies warrants further investigation to determine if checkpoint inhibitors increase the risk of developing or propagating these potentially fatal diseases.
Coronary sinus thrombosis as a complication of myocardial infarction-associated ventricular wall rupture: an unusual cause of collapse
Authors: Salehi Mahan , Ochieng Lorraine , Gosling Rebecca , Morgan Kenneth
Published: March 2022

Coronary sinus thrombosis is a rare phenomenon, most commonly occurring following invasive cardiac procedures. Spontaneous thrombosis is extremely rare and little is known about the natural history or optimal management. We present a case of coronary sinus thrombosis occurring in the context of myocardial infarction with concealed ventricular wall rupture.
Evaluating the incidence of spinal cord injury after spinal cord stimulator implant: an updated retrospective review
Authors: Hussain Nasir , Gill Jatinder , Speer Jarod , Abdel-Rasoul Mahmoud , Abd-Elsayed Alaa , Khan Safdar , Nguyen Anthony , Simopoulos Thomas , Weaver Tristan
Published: March 2022

Introduction

While spinal cord stimulator implant is an increasingly safe procedure, one of the most feared complications is spinal cord injury. Still, literature regarding its incidence remains highly variable. This retrospective analysis aims to evaluate the incidence of spinal cord injury after spinal cord stimulator implant using a large-scale claims database.

Methods

The PearlDiver-Mariner database of national all payer claims was used to identify patients who underwent spinal cord stimulator implant (percutaneous or paddle) and developed subsequent spinal cord injury within 45 days. The primary outcome was to determine the overall incidence of spinal cord injury after spinal cord stimulator implant. Secondary outcomes included an evaluation of potential factors associated with developing spinal cord injury using univariable and multivariable regression analysis.

Results

A total of 71,172 patients who underwent a spinal cord stimulator implant were included in the analysis, of which 52,070 underwent percutaneous and 19,102 underwent paddle spinal cord stimulator lead implant. The overall incidence of spinal cord injury after spinal cord stimulator implant (any lead type) was found to be 0.42% (302 patients). The incidence of spinal cord injury after percutaneous and paddle lead implants did not differ at 0.45% (233 patients) and 0.36% (69 patients)(p=0.12), respectively. Overall, variables associated with a significantly increased OR (95% confidence interval) of developing spinal cord injury included male gender by 1.31 times (1.04 to 1.65)(p=0.02); having a claim for low molecular weight heparin within 30 days by 3.99 times (1.47 to 10.82)(p<0.01); a diagnosis for osteoporosis within 1 year by 1.75 times (1.15 to 2.66)(p<0.01); and a diagnosis of cervical or thoracic spinal canal stenosis within 1 year by 1.99 (1.37 to 2.90)(p<0.001) and 4.00 (2.63 to 6.09)(p<0.0001) times, respectively.

Conclusions

Overall, our results support the notion that spinal cord stimulator implant continues to be a safe procedure for chronic pain patients. However, risk factor mitigation strategies for the prevention of spinal cord injury after spinal cord stimulator implant should be undertaken prior to performing the procedure.
EMPIRICAL STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE FACTORS ON SOVEREIGN FUNDING COSTS
Authors: LIU LIAN , NEMOTO NAOKO
Published: March 2022

Currently, a growing number of investors are taking environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into account when making investment decisions. Against this background, this paper aims to empirically examine the effect of ESG performance on sovereign funding costs with a focus on the Asia-pacific region. Based on system GMM and OLS estimation, we discover that better ESG performance is associated with lower funding costs. Regarding the effects of each component of ESG, we note that both environmental and governance factors are found significant among the Asia-pacific region, while governance factor is more pronounced among OECD countries.
Consensus Game: An Extension of Battle of the Sexes Game
Authors: Wang Chunlin , Bhadury Joyendu
Published: March 2022

This paper introduces “Consensus Game” as a multiplayer extension of the well-known “Battle of the Sexes” game to model situations where multiple parties (e.g., buyers–sellers) need to come to an agreement on a common issue in order for all players to be better off. We develop closed-form analytical expressions for the mixed-strategy Nash Equilibrium of a Consensus Game and thereafter, under a mildly restrictive assumption of completely mixed strategies, demonstrate the uniqueness of this equilibrium. We also show that in the constant-sum version of the Consensus Game, this unique Nash Equilibrium guarantees equal payoffs to all players. This result pertaining to equal payoffs as the only Nash Equilibrium suggests that in applications where multiple parties need to arrive at a consensus in order to share a common and fixed pool of a resource, an equal-utility distribution of the pool is the only stable solution that does not provide any party a unilateral incentive to deviate.
iSpray
Authors: Cheng Yun , Zhou Zimu , Thiele Lothar
Published: March 2022

Despite regulations and policies to improve city-level air quality in the long run, there lack precise control measures to protect critical urban spots from heavy air pollution. In this work, we propose iSpray, the first-of-its-kind data analytics engine for fine-grained PM2.5 and PM10 control at key urban areas via cost-effective water spraying. iSpray combines domain knowledge with machine learning to profile and model how water spraying affects PM25 and PM10 concentrations in time and space. It also utilizes predictions of pollution propagation paths to schedule a minimal number of sprayers to keep the pollution concentrations at key spots under control. In-field evaluations show that compared with scheduling based on real-time pollution concentrations, iSpray reduces the total sprayer switch-on time by 32%, equivalent to 1, 782 m3 water and 18, 262 kWh electricity in our deployment, while decreasing the days of poor air quality at key spots by up to 16%.
New-Onset Henoch–Schonlein Purpura after COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Asiri Ashwag , Alzahrani Faris , Alshehri Salem , Hassan AbdelQadir Yossef
Published: March 2022

Extrapulmonary manifestations of COVID-19 infection include a wide spectrum of cutaneous, endocrine, and cardiovascular complications. We report three cases of new-onset Henoch–Schonlein purpura (HSP) in COVID-19 infected children that were diagnosed and treated in Abha Maternity and Children Hospital, Saudi Arabia, between 28th July 2020 and 10th August 2020. All three cases were males younger than 5 years of age that presented with Henoch–Schonlein purpura characteristic rash and arthralgia without a recent history of any infection, especially respiratory infections. They all tested positive for COVID-19. At the time of the admission, pediatric COVID-19 cases were managed conservatively and we ruled out any other diagnosis before establishing the diagnosis of Henoch–Schonlein purpura according to the clinical picture. The three boys responded significantly to prednisolone and achieved a rapid recovery. We present the clinical scenario and laboratory tests of these children along with pictures of the lesions detected in each case.
Two-Level Supply Chain Network Construction in Big Data Environment
Authors: Lei Yu , Ma Ruiyuan , Ye Hongshu , Chen Deng
Published: March 2022

Supply chain management has become a critical problem for any company looking to meet targets in terms of economic competitiveness, time, and quality of service especially in an economic context marked by the globalization of trade and the speed of industrial cycles. Selecting the right suppliers and establishing proper ordering and shipping systems are important to reduce unnecessary resource loss and improve the core competitiveness of enterprises. However, most scenarios for supplier selection, order allocation, and transportation solution selection remain largely unknown, particularly in the context of big data. To overcome this problem, this study presents a two-level supply chain network. The ranking and selection of suppliers are achieved by constructing a supplier importance measurement index system and establishing an evaluation model with principal component analysis, while combining the greed idea to establish constraint equations for multiple indicators, order allocation to selected suppliers, and finally, the allocation of transportation solutions considering the loss rate of operators. Finally, a real-world example is employed to demonstrate the efficacy of the algorithm.
Improve the Design Intelligence through Wireless Networks to Increase Agricultural Production in Provincial Countries
Authors: Dai Shuai
Published: March 2022

The agricultural field requires hard work and enough human resources to complete any agriculture tasks. Apart from these requirements, maintenance costs and services of the agricultural equipment have also to be considered. Therefore, according to the agricultural work essentials, the workforce has to be increased, and productivity can also be improved. However, it is not easy to find a human resource under certain rash circumstances. By then, the productivity of agriculture may get affected; to overcome this issue, specific intelligent systems can be introduced to manage the productivity of the provincial states of the country. According to the requirement of agricultural productivity, intelligent sensors can be fixed in the agricultural land to monitor the status of the land and crops to take precautionary actions. To implement this intelligent technology in this research, wireless sensors are fixed to collect data and perform analysis with the aid of intelligent decision support systems. The study results proved that the provincial countries have obtained increased agricultural production from 2014 to 2020.
Simultaneous Dual-Task Interventions That Improve Cognition in Older Adults: A Scoping Review of Implementation-Relevant Details
Authors: Versi Natasha , Murphy Kylie , Robinson Caroline , Franklin Mitchell
Published: March 2022

Cognitive change occurs as a person ages and may result in decreased cognitive functioning in older adults (60 years and older). Simultaneous dual-task (SDT) interventions—activities that require the person to engage physically and cognitively at the same time—are effective in improving cognition in this group. This scoping review analysed published implementation-relevant details about effective SDT interventions, to assist the translation of the available evidence into various practice needs and contexts. A total of 23 databases were searched for relevant studies published between 2009 and 2020 inclusively. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that revealed statistically significant improvement in one or more aspects of cognitive function were appraised for methodological quality, using the Joanna Briggs Institute RCT checklist. The 14 RCTs scoring over 50% on the checklist were further analysed. Implementation-relevant data—for example, intervention nature, session length and frequency, equipment and space requirements, target group, and outcomes—were extracted, collated, and synthesised. The effective SDT interventions varied considerably in their nature and outcomes, meaning that suitable SDT interventions exist for a range of contexts. However, the resources required to implement some of the interventions either were not reported and/or may be prohibitive in some real-world practice contexts. Whilst “challenge” and “group interaction” were common features of effective SDT interventions, most studies failed to report on key implementation details required to facilitate translation into practice. It also remains unclear for how long the cognitive benefits are sustained following an effective SDT intervention. In future, more consistent publication of information about how to implement effective SDT interventions, for whom these interventions are engaging/enjoyable, and why would help to translate the available research into improved cognitive outcomes for older adults.
A Case of Rapidly Progressing Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Administration of JAK Inhibitors to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Migita Rioko , Kimoto Yasutaka , Hiura Junki , Okumura Yuta , Horiuchi Takahiko
Published: March 2022

We report a case of rapidly progressing hepatocellular carcinoma after administration of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors to treat rheumatoid arthritis. A 76-year-old man was referred to our Department for pain in multiple joints and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Blood tests revealed elevated hepatobiliary enzymes, but various tests revealed no signs suggestive of malignancy. He took baricitinib for 2 months followed by tofacitinib for 4 months. After that, he was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma based on imaging findings and elevated tumor markers. This case showed the possibility of a causal relationship between JAK inhibitors and malignancy.
Study on Deformation Mechanism and Control Measures of Tanziyan Landslide
Authors: Tao Hai-chuan , Zhang Yuan , Dong Jia-xing , Zhou Zhi-qiang , Gong Xin-yue , Zhang Sheng-wei
Published: March 2022

Studying the deformation and failure mechanism of the Tanziyan landslide in Yesanguan Town, Badong County, and designing the controlling measures are of great significance to ensure the sustainable development of urban planning and construction. In this paper, stability of Tanziyan landslide is analyzed using the calculation method of complex plane slip surface. After consideration of the essential characteristics of the disaster body,the deformation and failure mechanism of the landslide is studied, and the corresponding landslide treatment measures are presented. Results show stability state of the landslide is understable to unstable as a whole, and the development process can be roughly divided into three stages: sliding, bending and the cracks are connected. Finally, it is proposed to cut and reshape the slope from the crack groove on the slope top to the national highway, and thenlattice beams and anchor cables are presented to protect the reshaped slope surface. Ecological bags are used to stack and regreen between the lattice structures. A retaining wall is built on the inner side of the national highway at the bottom of the slope cutting area, an active protective net is laid on the east side of the crack groove, and monitoring works are set for potential deformation areas. In short, experiences of engineering practice in this landslidecan provide reference for similar projects.
Opicapone Use in Clinical Practice across Germany: A Sub-Analysis of the OPTIPARK Study in Parkinson’s Disease Patients with Motor Fluctuations
Authors: Reichmann Heinz , Eggert Karla , Oehlwein Christian , Warnecke Tobias , Lees Andrew J. , Kemmer Michael , Soares-da-Silva Patrício
Published: March 2022

Introduction: The OPTIPARK study confirmed the effectiveness and safety of opicapone as adjunct therapy to levodopa in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and motor fluctuations under real-world conditions. The aim of this sub-analysis was to evaluate opicapone in the German patient cohort of OPTIPARK in order to provide country-specific data. Methods: OPTIPARK was an open-label, single-arm study conducted in routine clinical practice across Germany and the UK. Patients with PD and motor fluctuations received once-daily opicapone 50 mg for 3 months in addition to levodopa. The primary endpoint was Clinicians’ Global Impression of Change (CGI-C). Secondary assessments included Patients’ Global Impressions of Change (PGI-C), Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) I–IV, Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-8), and Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS). This sub-analysis reports outcomes from the German patients only. Results: Overall, 363 (97.6%) of the 372 patients included in the German cohort received ≥1 dose of opicapone and 291 (80.2%) completed the study. Improvements on CGI-C and PGI-C were reported by 70.8% and 76.3% of patients, respectively. UPDRS scores improved for activities of daily living during OFF time by −3.3 ± 4.5 points and motor scores during ON time by −5.3 ± 7.9 points. PDQ-8 and NMSS scores also demonstrated improvements. Treatment emergent adverse events considered at least possibly related to opicapone occurred in 37.7% of patients, with most being of mild or moderate intensity. Conclusion: Opicapone added to levodopa in patients with PD and motor fluctuations was effective and generally well tolerated in routine clinical practice across Germany.
Medical Pluralism in East and West Europe: A Comparison of People Visiting Healthcare Practitioners Specializing in Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Authors: Souček Ivan , Hofreiter Roman
Published: March 2022

Background: Interest in various forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) (e.g., naturopathy, homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, osteopathy, and chiropractic) is continuing to grow throughout Europe. Very little is known as to whether the prevalence and patterns of CAM usage are another cross-cutting phenomenon, dividing Europe, or whether they indicate homogenous healthcare settings throughout the continent. By examining data from the general population, the main objective of the study is to conduct a cross-country comparison of medical pluralism in Eastern and Western European countries. Methods: The cross-country comparison was conducted using data obtained through the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP). Data addressing healthcare issues were last collected for the ISSP in 2011. By analysing existing similarities and/or differences in the prevalence of sociodemographic and socioeconomic determinants, which could encourage visits to complementary and alternative practitioners, data from 21 European societies only were included. In addition, the aim was to investigate whether individuals’ scarcity of trust in physicians, as well as a lack of confidence in healthcare systems, may explain visits to CAM practitioners across Europe. Results: While in Eastern countries, a total of 531 (5.5%) respondents reported a visit to/by a CAM healthcare practitioner during the preceding 12 months, in Western Europe, a visit to/by a CAM healthcare practitioner was reported by 11.6% of individuals. In Western Europe, the use of CAM is most prevalent among younger generations of women, those of a lower socioeconomic position and/or with a low level of trust in conventional doctors. In Eastern Europe, CAM practitioners are mainly visited by older generations, city dwellers of a higher socioeconomic position and with a relatively high level of trust in physicians. Conclusion: After collating data from 21 societies, the study concludes that more than three decades after the collapse of the socialist experiment in Eastern Europe, there is evidence that the European continent remains divided in relation to the alternative healthcare sector. The field of non-conventional healthcare represents an indicator supporting the existence of a dividing line between Eastern and Western Europe.
Welche Behandlungsoptionen wurden von COVID-19-infizierten Yogaübenden als hilfreich empfunden? Ergebnisse einer Querschnittsanalyse
Authors: Büssing Arndt
Published: March 2022

Einführung: Die meisten COVID-19 Infizierten machen die Infektion im häuslichen Umfeld durch und werden vermutliche Maßnahmen zur Symptomlinderung anwenden, die aus dem Bereich der Selbstverordnung kommen. Von Interesse ist daher, welche Maßnahmen von COVID-19-Infizierten genutzt werden. Methoden: Anonyme Querschnittsanalyse, bei der die eigenen Behandlungsoptionen in Bezug zu acht Haupt­symptomen mit Hilfe von Freitextfeldern erfasst und kategorisiert werden. Einbezogen wurden Datensätze von Yoga­übenden als spezifische Zielgruppe, die sich in den Zeiträumen der drei dominanten Virus-Varianten infiziert hatten (n = 208: 89% Frauen; Altersmittel 49 ± 11). Die Aussagen wurden deskriptiv dargestellt und die Inhalte der Freitextfelder nach inhaltsanalytischen Gesichtspunkten kategorisiert und den jeweiligen Hauptsymptomen einer COVID-19-Infektion zugeordnet. Ergebnisse: In Bezug auf die acht Symptomgruppen ergab sich ein differenziertes Bild der als hilfreich empfundenen Behandlungsoptionen. Die meisten Nennungen hatte die Kategorie Zeit/Ruhe/Schlaf, insbesondere bei Schwäche/Erschöpfung und Rumpf-/Gliederschmerzen, gefolgt von Atemübungen (Pranayama), die insbesondere bei Atemnot/Kurzatmigkeit und Husten zur Anwendung kamen. Yogaübungen wurden insbesondere bei Rumpf-/Gliederschmerzen sowie Schwäche/Erschöpfung genutzt. Die konventionelle Schmerzmedikation stand bei Kopfschmerzen sowie Rumpf-/Gliederschmerzen im Vordergrund. Bewegung an der frischen Luft und Spaziergänge zur Regeneration waren relevant bei Schwäche/Erschöpfung, Atemnot/Kurzatmigkeit sowie Husten. Phytotherapeutische Anwendungen waren insbesondere bei Husten bedeutsam. Ätherische Öle und Riechtraining hatten ihren Schwerpunkt bei Geruchs-/Geschmacksstörungen und Husten. Schlussfolgerungen: In Bezug auf das angewendete Spektrum der unterstützenden Therapieoptionen im Sinne des Selbstmanagements wurden einige sehr häufig und differenziert angewendet. Hier könnte man eine subjektiv empfundene „Nützlichkeit“ annehmen. In der Literatur lassen sich für einige dieser Optionen auch Hinweise für eine mögliche Wirksamkeit finden, für andere nicht ohne weiteres. Diese unterstützenden Therapieoptionen könnten außerdem eine Möglichkeit sein, um einer abwar­tenden Hilflosigkeit proaktiv entgegenzuwirken.
My Formative Years
Authors: Damisch Hubert
Published: March 2022

A pretty perilous and challenging exercise, especially for someone like me who indulges in thinking of himself, in a somewhat defensive and questionable way, I confess, as having no specific field or period of competence and evading any precise definition or classification in academic terms. As a matter of fact, I have been lucky enough to spend most of my life in an institution, the EHESS [École des hautes études en sciences sociales], which, in those days, having become an independent school, was open to people who refused to defer to the academic division of labor and which, under the rule of great personalities like Fernand Braudel and my friend Jacques Le Goff, would welcome young people with non-conformist backgrounds in order for them to develop their formation according to their own lines. To develop it—I wouldn't say to achieve it, for as far as I am concerned there seems to be no end to it: hence the challenge, which consists in having to look back at one's own intellectual past through the viewer and the lens of the present. Part of the picture, which happened to be of great consequence to me, was, and still is, a great freedom and encouragement to travel, lecture, teach, and study abroad, in my case especially in the States, where, for a long time, I felt much more at ease with authentic art historians and critics than I did in France, and developed some deep and enduring friendships with great individuals like Meyer Schapiro, Rosalind Krauss, Tony Vidler, Tim Clark, and Hank Millon, not to mention several artists and architects I will refer to later.

Travelling: I don't claim any originality when saying that I owe to my urge to travel a large part of my formation as an art historian. I remember with emotion looking with Meyer Schapiro through his travel notebooks. I keep boxes filled with my own.
NOVELTIES IN BRAZILIAN BEGONIACEAE V: a new species from southern São Paulo state
Authors: KOLLMANN LUDOVIC JEAN CHARLES
Published: March 2022

Begonia castrosouzae, a new species from southern São Paulo state, Brazil is described. Begonia castrosouzae is morphologically similar to Begonia magdalenensis, with which it is compared. The new species grows in hygrophilous Atlantic Forest in  São Paulo. Description, comparisons with morphologically similar species, etymology, taxonomic comments, illustrations, a map and the conservation status of the new species are provided.
A taxonomic revision of the genus Parahyparrhenia (Poaceae: Andropogoneae) in India and review of African and Thai species
Authors: LANDGE SHAHID NAWAZ , SHINDE RAJENDRA D.
Published: March 2022

We present a revision of the genus Parahyparrhenia for India including detailed description of the two endemic species i.e. P. bellariensis and P. khannae, with photo plates. Epitypification of P. bellariensis is done to facilitate correct identification. The present circumscription of the genus is also discussed with respect to irregular morphological characters of certain taxa, and its description is updated. Moreover, keys are provided to identify allied genera and all seven species of Parahyparrhenia that are currently globally accepted. Furthermore, each species is discussed in terms of its unique features and the relative taxonomic significance of these features in delimiting species. The genus has been globally reviewed. The African and Thai species have been discussed with a primary emphasis on their unique features and their utility in taxonomy.
Statistical inference for a quasi birth–death model of RNA transcription
Authors: de Gunst Mathisca , Mandjes Michel , Sollie Birgit
Published: March 2022

Background

A birth–death process of which the births follow a hypoexponential distribution with L phases and are controlled by an on/off mechanism, is a population process which we call the on/off-seq-L process. It is a suitable model for the dynamics of a population of RNA molecules in a single living cell. Motivated by this biological application, our aim is to develop a statistical method to estimate the model parameters of the on/off-seq-L process, based on observations of the population size at discrete time points, and to apply this method to real RNA data.

Methods

It is shown that the on/off-seq-L process can be seen as a quasi birth–death process, and an Erlangization technique can be used to approximate the corresponding likelihood function. An extensive simulation-based numerical study is carried out to investigate the performance of the resulting estimation method.

Results and conclusion

A statistical method is presented to find maximum likelihood estimates of the model parameters for the on/off-seq-L process. Numerical complications related to the likelihood maximization are identified and analyzed, and solutions are presented. The proposed estimation method is a highly accurate method to find the parameter estimates. Based on real RNA data, the on/off-seq-3 process emerges as the best model to describe RNA transcription.