bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genotype by Environment Interaction Effects on Nutraceutical Lipid Compounds of Pigmented Rice (Oryza sativa L. ssp. indica)
Authors: Harakotr Bhornchai , Prompoh Kasidid , Suriharn Khundej , Lertrat Kamol
Published: February 2021

To identify a rice genotype with a wider or specific adaptability, the magnitude and patterns of genotype interaction with the environment are valuable clues. However, such information on the nutraceutical lipid compound in rice is limited. In this study, concentrations of five pigmented rice genotypes with different lipid compound levels were evaluated for α-tocopherol, γ-oryzanol, phytosterols, octacosanol, and squalene contents. The research was conducted in eight environments (four locations and two years). Combined analysis of variance showed that levels of α-tocopherol, γ-oryzanol, octacosanol, and squalene were mainly affected by genotype, accounting for more than 42.57% of the total variance. This suggests that improvement of these traits may be achieved by using conventional rice breeding methods. A large proportion of the variation in campesterol and β-sitosterol contents was contributed by the environment. The effect of genotype by environment was significant for all observed traits, especially for γ-oryzanol, β-sitosterol, and squalene. This complicates identification of superior genotypes for these compounds across all environments. Stability parameters showed rice genotypes with high levels of nutraceutical lipid compounds to be sensitive to changes in environmental conditions; thus, specific adaptation is suitable. Our findings suggest that rice breeders and producers should be testing and selecting rice genotypes possessing high added-value lipid concentrations in specific growing conditions or regions.
Future Trends for Human‐AI Collaboration: A Comprehensive Taxonomy of AI/AGI Using Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles
Authors: Cichocki Andrzej , Kuleshov Alexander P.
Published: February 2021

This article discusses some trends and concepts in developing a new generation of future Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) systems which relate to complex facets and different types of human intelligence, especially social, emotional, attentional, and ethical intelligence. We describe various aspects of multiple human intelligences and learning styles, which may affect a variety of AI problem domains. Using the concept of “multiple intelligences” rather than a single type of intelligence, we categorize and provide working definitions of various AGIs depending on their cognitive skills or capacities. Future AI systems will be able not only to communicate with human users and each other but also to efficiently exchange knowledge and wisdom with abilities of cooperation, collaboration, and even cocreating something new and valuable and have metalearning capacities. Multiagent systems such as these can be used to solve problems that would be difficult to solve by any individual intelligent agent.
Phase I Assessment of Safety and Therapeutic Activity of BAY1436032 in Patients with IDH1-Mutant Solid Tumors
Authors: Wick Antje , Bähr Oliver , Schuler Martin , Rohrberg Kristoffer , Chawla Sant P. , Janku Filip , Schiff David , Heinemann Volker , Narita Yoshitaka , Lenz Heinz-Josef , Ikeda Masafumi , Ando Yuichi , Wick Wolfgang , Steinbach Joachim P. , Burger Michael C. , Wenger Katharina , Lassen Ulrik , Sankhala Kamalesh K. , Roggia Cristiana , Genvresse Isabelle , Munhoz Catya , Rentzsch Christine , Reschke Susanne , Langer Simon , Wagner Markus , Kaulfuss Stefan , Cai Charles , Lagkadinou Eleni , Jeffers Michael , Peña Carol , Tabatabai Ghazaleh
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

BAY1436032, an inhibitor of mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (mIDH1), was active against multiple IDH1-R132X solid tumors in preclinical models. This first-in-human study was designed to determine the safety and pharmacokinetics of BAY1436032, and to evaluate its potential pharmacodynamics and antitumor effects.

Patients and Methods:

The study comprised of dose escalation and dose expansion cohorts. BAY1436032 tablets were orally administered twice daily on a continuous basis in subjects with mIDH1 solid tumors.

Results:

In dose escalation, 29 subjects with various tumor types were administered BAY1436032 across five doses (150–1,500 mg twice daily). BAY1432032 exhibited a relatively short half-life. Most evaluable subjects experienced target inhibition as indicated by a median maximal reduction of plasma R-2-hydroxyglutarate levels of 76%. BAY1436032 was well tolerated and an MTD was not identified. A dose of 1,500 mg twice daily was selected for dose expansion, where 52 subjects were treated in cohorts representing four different tumor types [lower grade glioma (LGG), glioblastoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and a basket cohort of other tumor types]. The best clinical outcomes were in subjects with LGG (n = 35), with an objective response rate of 11% (one complete response and three partial responses) and stable disease in 43%. As of August 2020, four of these subjects were in treatment for >2 years and still ongoing. Objective responses were observed only in LGG.

Conclusions:

BAY1436032 was well tolerated and showed evidence of target inhibition and durable objective responses in a small subset of subjects with LGG.
An energy efficient optimized cluster establishment methodology for sensor nodes in WSN
Authors: Biradar Shivshanker , Vishwanath T. S.
Published: February 2021

The compatibility of WSN is with various applications such as; healthcare and environmental monitoring. Whereas nodes present in that network have limited ‘battery-life’ that cause difficulty to replace and recharge those batteries after deployment. Energy efficiency is a major problem in the present situation. In present, many algorithms based on energy efficiency have been introduced to improvise the conservation of energy in WSN. The LEACH algorithm improvises the network lifetime in comparison to direct transmission and multi-hop, but it has several limitations. The selection of CHs can be randomly done that doesn’t confirm the optimal solution, proper distribution and it lacks during complete network management. The centralized EE optimized cluster establishment approach (OCEA) for sensor nodes is proposed to decrease the average energy dissipation and provide significant improvement. The proposed EE WSN model with the sensor nodes is examined under a real-time scenario and it is compared with state-of-art techniques where it balances the energy consumption of the network and decreasing the cluster head number.
Remote sensing data driven bathing water quality assessment using sentinel-3
Authors: Senta Antonia , Šerić Ljiljana
Published: February 2021

In this paper we are investigating the possibility of usage of remote sensing satellite data, more precisely sentinel-3 OLCI and SLSTR data, for assessment of bathing water quality. In this research we used data driven approach and analysis of data in order to pinpoint aspects of remote sensing data that can be useful for bathing water quality assessment. For this purpose we collected satellite images for period from start of June till end of September of 2019 and results of in-situ measurement for the same period. Results of in-situ measurement were correlated with satellite images bands and analyzed. We propose a simple method for rapid assessment of possible deterioration of bathing water quality to be used by public health authorities for better planning of in situ measurements. Results of implementation of predictive models based on k-nearest neighbour (KNN) and decision tree (DT) are described.
Extending the three-tier constructivist learning model for alternative delivery: ahead the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria
Authors: Adimabua Ojugo Arnold , Elizabeth Yoro Rume
Published: February 2021

Constructivist theory defines a learning process whereby a learner denotes meaning for him/herself as he/she learns. Its challenges inform us that focus and intervention needs to be given to our curricular and instructional material, so that we may have something to offer students in the next century in terms of scientific development, drawing us into technological isolation. Study seeks to ascertain readability of some textbooks used in the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in tertiary institutions in Delta State. We chose 72 institutions using quota sampling. To uphold the virtues of internationalization, results show we must devise strategies against de-territorializing of knowledge. And thus, redefine educational goals to meet globalization as a means of network and unification. Thus, constructivism yields and apt description of both individual, group and organizational adoption patterns of technology for teaching and learning across disciplines at the various schools and educational levels. It images exemplary practices for teaching, learning and research, highlighting evidences that links technology integration, readability and quality students learning.
Enhancement in data security and integrity using minhash technique
Authors: Abed Sa'ed , Waleed Lamis , Aldamkhi Ghadeer , Hadi Khaled
Published: February 2021

Data encryption process and key generation techniques protect sensitive data against any various attacks. This paper focuses on generating secured cipher keys to raise the level of security and the speed of the data integrity checking by using the MinHash function. The methodology is based on applying the cryptographic algorithms rivest-shamir-adleman (RSA) and advanced encryption standard (AES) to generate the cipher keys. These keys are used in the encryption/decryption process by utilizing the Pearson Hash and the MinHash techniques. The data is divided into shingles that are used in the Hash function to generate integers and in the MinHash function to generate the public and the private keys. MinHash technique is used to check the data integrity by comparing the sender’s and the receiver’s encrypted digest. The experimental results show that the RSA and AES algorithms based on the MinHash function have less encryption time compared to the normal hash functions by 17.35% and 43.93%, respectively. The data integrity between two large sets is improved by 100% against the original algorithm in terms of completion time, and 77% for small/medium data and 100% for large set data in terms of memory utilization.
Reliability-based routing metric for UAVs networks
Authors: Jasim Musaab Mohammed , AL-Qaysi Hayder Khaleel , Allbadi Yousif
Published: February 2021

As a result of technological advances in robotic systems, electronic sensors, and communication techniques, the production of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems has become possible. Their easy installation and flexibility led these UAV systems to be used widely in both military and civilian applications. Note that the capability of one UAV is however limited. Nowadays, a multi-UAV system is of special interest due to the ability of its associate UAV members either to coordinate simultaneous coverage of large areas or to cooperate to achieve common goals/targets. This kind of cooperation/coordination requires a reliable communication network with a proper network model to ensure the exchange of both control and data packets among UAVs. Such network models should provide all-time connectivity to avoid dangerous failures or unintended consequences. Thus, the multi-UAV system relies on communication to operate. Flying ad hoc network (FANET) is moreover considered as a sophisticated type of wireless ad hoc network among UAVs which solved the communication problems into other network models. Along with the FANET’s unique features, challenges and open issues are also discussed especially in the routing protocols approach. We will try to present the expected transmission account metric with a new algorithm for reliability. In addition to this new algorithm mechanism, the metric takes into account the relative speed between UAVs, and thus the increase of the fluctuations in links between UAVs has been detected. Accordingly, the results show that the function of the AODV routing protocol with this metric becomes effective in high mobility environments.
The Impact of Home Gardening amidst Climate Change
Authors: Mobo Froilan D.
Published: February 2021

Today’s climate is unpredictable there are so many natural calamities which took place in our country which is the Philippines, two weeks ago because of the sudden changes of the weather in the Province of Zambales, the Philippines a strong tornado hits the town of Castillejos, Zambales which some of the electrical wirings were severely damaged because of the sudden change of the climate. The researcher is thinking of implementing a home gardening to each Municipality in our Province. By doing this it can help lessen the pollution in the air and it will help heal our Ozone Layer faster. The empirical evidence for the benefits of gardening and the advocate of the development and testing of socio-ecological models of community resilience through the impact of community gardens, especially in urban areas is highly effective(Okvat & Zautra, 2011). As lessening the air pollution will have a greater impact on our Ozone Layer no to deplete but it will heal the would faster. The present study revealed that local experiences in the face of climate change adaptation have merits that need special consideration(Anik & Khan, 2012). Also, the Researcher will implement this project in the Municipality of Subic, Zambales.
A new species of Neopsis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Tartessinae), with new distribution records from Paraná State, Brazil
Authors: Domahovski Alexandre Cruz
Published: February 2021

Neopsis campestris sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on male and female specimens collected on native grassland at the Guartelá State Park, Paraná State, Southern Brazil. New distribution records are presented for three previously known species, Neopsis aurea Takiya & Dietrich, 2017, Neopsis myrceugeniae Takiya & Dietrich, 2017 and Neopsis robusta Linnavuori, 1965, representing the first known records of the subfamily Tartessinae for Paraná State. A distribution map is also provided to illustrate the locality data of specimens studied herein.
Gender Differences in Publication Authorship During COVID‐19: A Bibliometric Analysis of High‐Impact Cardiology Journals
Authors: DeFilippis Ersilia M. , Sinnenberg Lauren , Mahmud Nadim , Wood Malissa J. , Hayes Sharonne N. , Michos Erin D. , Reza Nosheen
Published: February 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine gender differences in authorship of manuscripts in select high‐impact cardiology journals during the early coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.

Methods and Results

All manuscripts published between March 1, 2019 to June 1, 2019 and March 1, 2020 to June 1, 2020 in 4 high‐impact cardiology journals (
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
,
Circulation
,
JAMA Cardiology
, and
European Heart Journal
) were identified using bibliometric data. Authors' genders were determined by matching first name with predicted gender using a validated multinational database (Genderize.io) and manual adjudication. Proportions of women and men first, co‐first, senior, and co‐senior authors, manuscript types, and whether the manuscript was COVID‐19 related were recorded. In 2019, women were first authors of 176 (22.3%) manuscripts and senior authors of 99 (15.0%) manuscripts. In 2020, women first authored 230 (27.4%) manuscripts and senior authored 138 (19.3%) manuscripts. Proportions of woman first and senior authors were significantly higher in 2020 compared with 2019. Women were more likely to be first authors if the manuscript's senior author was a woman (33.8% for woman first/woman senior versus 23.4% for woman first/man senior;
P
<0.001). Women were less likely to be first authors of COVID‐19‐related original research manuscripts (
P
=0.04).

Conclusions

Representation of women as key authors of manuscripts published in major cardiovascular journals increased during the early COVID‐19 pandemic compared with similar months in 2019. However, women were significantly less likely to be first authors of COVID‐19‐related original research manuscripts. Future investigation into the gender‐disparate impacts of COVID‐19 on academic careers is critical.
YABANCI YATIRIMCILARIN PAYI İLE HİSSE SENEDİ GETİRİLERİ ARASINDAKİ İLİŞKİ
Authors: UNAL Serkan
Published: February 2021

Yabancı yatırımcılar, yerli yatırımcılara kıyasla, daha büyük yatırım fonlarını yönetmekte, araştırma ve firmalardan bilgi toplamak için daha fazla kaynak ayırabilmektedirler. Bu faktörler nedeniyle yabancı yatırımcılar lehine oluşan bilgi asimetrisi, piyasaların ne kadar etkin çalıştığı konusunda soru işareti oluşturmaktadır. Bu çalışmada BIST100 endeksine dahil olan şirketlerde, yabancı yatırımcıların payı ile hisse senedi getirileri arasındaki ilişki incelenmiştir. 2015-2019 yılları arasındaki panel veri analizinin kullanıldığı çalışmada, (1) fiyat / kar ve satışların büyümesi gibi temel değerlendirme kriterleri ya da momentum stratejileri ile yabancı yatırımcıların yatırım kararları arasında ilişki olmadığı, (2) yabancı yatırımcıların yatırım yaptıkları dönemlerde hisse senedi fiyatlarında harekete yol açtığı, (3) yabancı payındaki değişimi takip eden üç aylık dönemde hisse senedi getirilerinde anormal bir durumun olmadığı tespit edilmiştir. Yabancı yatırımcıların bilgi asimetrisi nedeniyle BIST100 endeksine kıyasla ilave kazanç elde ettiklerine dair bulgu elde edilmemiştir.
Detecting Scene-Plausible Perceptible Backdoors in Trained DNNs Without Access to the Training Set
Authors: Xiang Zhen , Miller David J. , Wang Hang , Kesidis George
Published: February 2021

Backdoor data poisoning attacks add mislabeled examples to the training set, with an embedded backdoor pattern, so that the classifier learns to classify to a target class whenever the backdoor pattern is present in a test sample. Here, we address posttraining detection of scene-plausible perceptible backdoors, a type of backdoor attack that can be relatively easily fashioned, particularly against DNN image classifiers. A post-training defender does not have access to the potentially poisoned training set, only to the trained classifier, as well as some unpoisoned examples that need not be training samples. Without the poisoned training set, the only information about a backdoor pattern is encoded in the DNN's trained weights. This detection scenario is of great import considering legacy and proprietary systems, cell phone apps, as well as training outsourcing, where the user of the classifier will not have access to the entire training set. We identify two important properties of scene-plausible perceptible backdoor patterns, spatial invariance and robustness, based on which we propose a novel detector using the maximum achievable misclassification fraction (MAMF) statistic. We detect whether the trained DNN has been backdoor-attacked and infer the source and target classes. Our detector outperforms existing detectors and, coupled with an imperceptible backdoor detector, helps achieve posttraining detection of most evasive backdoors of interest.
Two Types of Mid-High-Latitude Low-Frequency Intraseasonal Oscillations near the Ural Mountains during Boreal Summer
Authors: Zhu Tao , Yang Jing
Published: February 2021

Two types of mid-high-latitude low-frequency intraseasonal oscillations (LF-ISOs), featuring eastward and westward propagation, have been identified over the Eurasian continent in the past 37 summers (1982–2018). The eastward and westward propagating modes commonly have a dominant periodicity of 30–50 days near the Ural Mountains (UM) but have different origins and evolutions. The eastward propagating LF-ISO initiates over eastern North America, migrates northeastward across northeastern North America–western North Atlantic, central North Atlantic, western Europe, and the UM, then propagates southeastward to northwestern and eastern China, which is the Atlantic-Eurasian continental mode. In contrast, the westward propagating mode is quasi-circumpolar, initiating over the East Siberian Sea and moving southwestward across the UM and northern Europe and eventually reaching Greenland and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. These two mid-high-latitude LF-ISOs are accompanied by significant tropical intraseasonal variations with evident tropical–extratropical interactions. Meanwhile, these two LF-ISOs have different decadal preferences before and after 2000, which are ascribed to the decadal change of both intraseasonal efficient kinetic energy obtained from the mean flow over their genesis region and their background flow associated with the North Atlantic Oscillation/Arctic Oscillation decadal change. This study deepens the understanding of subseasonal variations for mid-high latitudes and subseasonal prediction sources for low-latitude regions.
Resonance Raman Spectra for the In Situ Identification of Bacteria Strains and Their Inactivation Mechanism
Authors: Dhankhar Dinesh , Nagpal Anushka , Li Runze , Chen Jie , Cesario Thomas C. , Rentzepis Peter M.
Published: February 2021

The resonance Raman spectra of bacterial carotenoids have been employed to identify bacterial strains and their intensity changes as a function of ultraviolet (UV) radiation dose have been used to differentiate between live and dead bacteria. In addition, the resonance-enhanced Raman spectra enabled us to detect bacteria in water at much lower concentrations (∼108 cells/mL) than normally detected spectroscopically. A handheld spectrometer capable of recording resonance Raman spectra in situ was designed, constructed, and was used to record the spectra. In addition to bacteria, the method presented in this paper may also be used to identify fungi, viruses, and plants, in situ, and detect infections within a very short period of time.
Application of Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy on Plastics in Cultural Heritage Collections: A Comparative Assessment of Two Portable Mid-Fourier Transform Infrared Reflection Devices
Authors: Angelin Eva Mariasole , de Sá Susana França , Soares Inês , Callapez Maria Elvira , Ferreira Joana Lia , Melo Maria João , Bacci Mauro , Picollo Marcello
Published: February 2021

Plastics have been increasingly used to create modern and contemporary art and design, and nowadays, museum collections hold numerous objects completely or partially made of plastics. However, the preservation of these materials is still a challenging task in heritage conservation, especially because some plastics show signs of degradation shortly after their production. In addition, different degradation mechanisms can often take place depending on the plastic composition and appropriate environmental and packaging conditions should be adopted. Therefore, methods for in situ and rapid characterization of plastic artifacts’ composition are greatly needed to outline proper conservation strategies. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, such as attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR), is a well-established method for polymeric material analysis. However, ATR FT-IR requires an intimate contact with the object, which makes its application less appropriate for the in situ investigation of fragile or brittle degraded plastic objects. Mid-FT-IR reflectance spectroscopy may represent a valid alternative as it allows in situ measurements with minimum or even no contact, and IR data can be acquired rapidly. On the other hand, spectral interpretation of reflectance spectra is usually difficult as IR bands may appear distorted with significant changes in band maximum, shape, and relative intensity, depending on the optical properties and surface texture of the material analyzed. Presently, mid-FT-IR reflection devices working in external reflection (ER FT-IR) and diffuse reflection infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) modes have been used in cultural heritage research studies. As the collected vibrational information depends on the optical layout of the measuring system, differences between ER FT-IR and DRIFT spectra are thus expected when the same polymer is analyzed. So far, ER FT-IR and DRIFT spectroscopy have been individually explored for the identification of plastic objects, but comparative studies between the application of two reflectance FT-IR modes have not been presented yet. In this work, the use of two portable FT-IR spectrometers equipped with ER FT-IR and DRIFTS modes were compared for plastics identification purposes for the first time. Both references of polymeric materials and historical plastic objects (from a Portuguese private collection) were studied and the differences between ER FT-IR and DRIFT spectra were discussed. The spectra features were examined considering the two different optical geometries and analytes’ properties. This new insight can support a better understanding of both vibrational information acquired and practical aspects in the application of the ER FT-IR and DRIFTS in plastic analysis.
A Piecewise Model for In Situ Raman Measurement of the Chlorinity of Deep-Sea High-Temperature Hydrothermal Fluids
Authors: Ge Meng , Li Lianfu , Zhang Xin , Luan Zhendong , Du Zengfeng , Xi Shichuan , Yan Jun
Published: February 2021

The chlorinity of deep-sea hydrothermal fluids, representing one of the crucial deep-sea hydrothermal indicators, indicates the degree of deep phase separation of hydrothermal fluids and water/rock reactions. However, accurately measuring the chlorinity of high-temperature hydrothermal fluids is still a significant challenge. In this paper, a piecewise chlorinity model to measure the chlorinity of high-temperature hydrothermal fluids was developed based on the OH stretching band of water, exhibiting an accuracy of 96.20%. The peak position, peak area ratio, and F value were selected to establish the chlorinity piecewise calibration model within the temperature ranges of 0–50 ℃, 50–200 ℃, and 200–300 ℃. Compared with that of the chlorinity calibration model built based on a single parameter, the accuracy of this piecewise model increased by approximately 4.83–12.33%. This chlorinity calibration model was applied to determine the concentrations of Cl for high-temperature hydrothermal fluids in the Okinawa Trough hydrothermal field.
Soft-tissue thickness values using cone beam computed tomography: A literature review
Authors: Mele Federica , Santoro Valeria , Lauretti Chiara , Favia Matteo , Angrisani Carmelinda , Introna Francesco , De Donno Antonio
Published: February 2021

When human remains are found, with no evidence of identity, facial approximation can be a useful technique to employ. The reconstruction of the ante-mortem appearance can reproduce the likely features of the face, starting from the skull, based on the overlying soft-tissue thickness. Over the years, many techniques have been developed to achieve soft-tissue thickness measurements, one of which is based on the use of cone beam computed tomography. This study aimed to review the status of this technique and to evaluate heterogeneity among studies undertaken in this field, with particular regard to determination of landmarks, sex and body mass index.
What Drives Racial Attitudes in Elementary School Children: Skin Tone, Facial Physiognomy, or Both?
Authors: Stepanova Elena V. , Dunham Yarrow , Rex Maya , Hagiwara Nao
Published: February 2021

This work examines whether racial attitudes—when measured by both explicit and implicit measures— are driven primarily by skin tone, facial physiognomy, or both in 5 to 12-year-old children. Participants evaluated faces varying in skin tone (from dark to light) and facial physiognomy (from Afrocentric to Eurocentric). In an explicit task, children rated how much they liked each face. In an implicit task, participants completed a child-friendly version of the Affect Misattribution Procedure, where they rated a Chinese character as “good” or “bad” following a racial prime. Results suggest that pro-White attitudes (especially those measured by the explicit task) are driven by both factors, vary by perceivers’ race, and are present in both White and non-White children, though skin tone exerts a larger influence than other features, at least in explicit evaluations. Our results also raise the possibility that pro-White biases might be more internalized by non-White children in the American South.
Synthesis of red fluorescent dye with acid gas sensitive optical properties and fabrication of a washable and wearable textile sensor
Authors: Lee Junheon , Jun Heejung , Kubota Yasuhiro , Kim Taekyeong
Published: February 2021

Two halochromic red fluorescent dyes, whose chromophores are the same as Nile red, were synthesized by introducing dibutyl- and dihexyl-substituents for improving their affinity toward chemically resistant and hydrophobic fibers made of high molecular weight polyethylene. The optical properties of the two synthesized dyes (Dibutyl NR, Dihexyl NR) compared with Ethyl NR (Nile red), such as the maximum absorption, Stokes shift, molar absorption coefficient, and quantum yield, were almost the same. However, the most hydrophobic Dihexyl NR exhibited the best washability of the three dyes. It was shown that the change of both the color and the fluorescence emission properties can be achieved not only in a hydrochloric acid solution but also inside the polyethylenic fiber on exposure to the gaseous phase of hydrogen chloride even at very low concentrations. The sensing performance was maintained even after several repeats. The highly sensitive and visible fluorescent acid gas sensing textile sensor having washability and reusability was fabricated.
Telepsychology and the COVID-19 pandemic: the experiences of psychologists in South Africa
Authors: Goldschmidt Lynne , Langa Malose , Masilela Bafana , Ndhlovu Lesego M , Mncina Buyisile , Maubane Boikhutso , Bujela Khanyisile
Published: February 2021

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn renewed attention to telepsychology. This study reports on the experiences of psychologists in response to the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic pertaining to the provision, application, and accessibility of telepsychology services in the South African context. The findings highlight the direct and indirect implications of the pandemic and its impact on both practitioners and clients. The core themes comprise an increase in mental health care needs, challenges pertaining to therapeutic modalities in response to crises, as well as contextual considerations. The latter include barriers to telepsychology, such as the costs of data, as well as limitations to confidentiality and privacy.
On Semiperiphery Life: Autoethnography of Being Academics Middleman
Authors: Szwabowski Oskar
Published: February 2021

It is a middle text about being a middle-man. I am a middle-man from the periphery. So, this is my voice. About a life that has no matter. About what I am being taught when I try to speak within the international scientific/autoethnographic community.
A Critical Review of Morphologic Findings and Data From 14 Toxicological Studies Involving Fish Exposures to Diclofenac
Authors: Wolf Jeffrey C.
Published: February 2021

A number of studies have investigated the potential toxicity of the analgesic agent diclofenac (DCF) in various fish species under a diverse array of experimental conditions. Reported evidence of toxicity in these investigations is often strongly reliant on morphologic end points such as histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy. However, it may be challenging for scientists who perform environmental hazard or risk determination to fully appreciate the intricacies of these specialized endpoints. Therefore, the purpose of the current review was to critically assess the quality of morphologic data in 14 papers that described the experimental exposure of fish to DCF. Areas of focus during this review included study design, diagnostic accuracy, magnitude of reported changes, data interpretation and presentation, and the credibility of individual reported findings. Positive attributes of some studies included robust experimental designs, accurate diagnoses, and straightforward and transparent data reporting. Issues identified in certain articles included diagnostic errors, failure to account for sampling and/or observer bias, failure to evaluate findings according to sex, exaggeration of lesion severity, interstudy inconsistencies, unexplained phenomena, and incomplete or ambiguous data presentation. It is hoped that the outcome of this review will be of value for personnel involved in regulatory decision-making.
Intranasal oxytocin may help maintain romantic bonds by decreasing jealousy evoked by either imagined or real partner infidelity
Authors: Zheng Xiaoxiao , Xu Xiaolei , Xu Lei , Kou Juan , Luo Lizhu , Ma Xiaole , Kendrick Keith M
Published: February 2021

Background:

While romantic jealousy may help to maintain relationships, following partner infidelity and an irretrievable loss of trust it can also promote break-ups. The neuropeptide oxytocin can enhance the maintenance of social bonds and reduce couple conflict, although its influence on jealousy evoked by imagined or real infidelity is unclear.

Aims:

This study aimed to investigate the effects of intranasal oxytocin (24 IU) on romantic jealousy in both males and females in imagined and real contexts.

Methods:

Seventy heterosexual couples participated in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, between-subject design study. Jealousy was firstly quantified in the context of subjects imagining partner infidelity and secondly in a Cyberball game where their partner interacted preferentially with an opposite-sexed rival stranger to simulate partner exclusion, or rejected a neutral stranger but not the partner.

Results:

Oxytocin primarily decreased jealousy and arousal ratings towards imagined emotional and sexual infidelity by a partner in both sexes. During the Cyberball game, while male and female subjects in both groups subsequently threw the ball least often to the rival stranger, under oxytocin they showed reduced romantic jealousy and arousal ratings for stranger players, particularly the rival one, and reported reduced negative and increased positive feelings while playing the game.

Conclusions:

Together, our results suggest that oxytocin can reduce the negative emotional impact of jealousy in established romantic partners evoked by imagined or real infidelity or exclusive social interactions with others. This provides further support for oxytocin promoting maintenance of relationships.
Incentives to Reduce Salt Intake Resulting From Women’s Experiences: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Soltani Tahere , Mazloomy Mahmoodabad Seyed Saeed , Vaezi Ali Akbar , Nadjarzadeh Azadeh , Namayandeh Seyedeh Mahdieh , Soltani Mohammad Hossein , Fallahzadeh Hossien
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Over consumption of salt adversely affects health and is associated with some diseases. Salt over consumption has been reported to be higher in Asian countries including Iran. This research aimed to identify the facilitative factors of reduced salt consumption among 20–65 year-old women to develop effective educational interventions. Methods: This research used qualitative content analysis. We included 42 (31 women aged 20–65 years residing in Hamidia, Yazd and 11 healthcare providers) using Purposeful sampling method. Data were collected through focal group discussions (three groups of 6) and in-depth semi-structured individual interviews with 24 Participants. Data analysis was done using Graneheim and Lundman’s approach. Results: Motivators and facilitators were extracted. The former consisted of sub-categories: physical fitness and healthcare, obtaining others’ approval, family cooperation and support, internal motivators, contextual motivators and healthcare staff support. Sub-categories of the latter were gaining more information from different instructions, willingness to acquire self-protection skills and nutritional advice. These factors affected to reduce the salt intake among women. Conclusion: In the light of the qualitative results of motivating and facilitating factors, it is essential to enhance internal motivators and increase access to information via different communicative channels in community including schools, medical care providers and public associations. It is also necessary to pave the way for more family and medical staff support, provide appropriate educational and advertising programs, raise women’s awareness and change their attitude and behavior with this concern.
Scaling Up Delivery of Biofortified Staple Food Crops Globally: Paths to Nourishing Millions
Authors: Foley Jennifer K. , Michaux Kristina D. , Mudyahoto Bho , Kyazike Laira , Cherian Binu , Kalejaiye Olatundun , Ifeoma Okonkwo , Ilona Paul , Reinberg Chelsea , Mavindidze Donald , Boy Erick
Published: February 2021

Background:

Micronutrient deficiencies affect over one quarter of the world’s population. Biofortification is an evidence-based nutrition strategy that addresses some of the most common and preventable global micronutrient gaps and can help improve the health of millions of people. Since 2013, HarvestPlus and a consortium of collaborators have made impressive progress in the enrichment of staple crops with essential micronutrients through conventional plant breeding.

Objective:

To review and highlight lessons learned from multiple large-scale delivery strategies used by HarvestPlus to scale up biofortification across different country and crop contexts.

Results:

India has strong public and private sector pearl millet breeding programs and a robust commercial seed sector. To scale-up pearl millet, HarvestPlus established partnerships with public and private seed companies, which facilitated the rapid commercialization of products and engagement of farmers in delivery activities. In Nigeria, HarvestPlus stimulated the initial acceptance and popularization of vitamin A cassava using a host of creative approaches, including “crowding in” delivery partners, innovative promotional programs, and development of intermediate raw material for industry and novel food products. In Uganda, orange sweet potato (OSP) is a traditional subsistence crop. Due to this, and the lack of formal seed systems and markets, HarvestPlus established a network of partnerships with community-based nongovernmental organizations and vine multipliers to popularize and scale-up delivery of OSP.

Conclusions:

Impact of biofortification ultimately depends on the development of sustainable markets for biofortified seeds and products. Results illustrate the need for context-specific, innovative solutions to promote widespread adoption.
Scholastic fallacies? Questioning the Anthropocene
Authors: Neckel Sighard
Published: February 2021

The view that we live in the Anthropocene is increasingly gaining currency across scientific disciplines. Especially in sociology this is said to require a paradigm shift in analysis and theory formation. This article argues that such a conclusion is premature. Owing to a scholastic fallacy – the uncritical transposition of the concept from the natural to the social sciences – Anthropocene lacks analytic clarity and explanatory power evidenced by: a normative overreach that erroneously imagines an idealised world citizenry with collective action capacities; an obfuscation of the unequal distribution of ecological pathologies caused by capitalism; a normative indeterminacy concerning modes of redress; and an abstract ecological universalism offered as moral panacea. The article suggests that sociology needs to address the Anthropocene’s heterogeneity marked by contradictory regional interests and inequalities that neither appeals to social justice or ‘one humanity’ nor an escape into a dissolution of ontological differences between actors and artefacts can redeem. To that end, sociologists are asked to undertake a critical reconstruction of the concept.
Application of artificial neural networks for predicting the physical composition of municipal solid waste: An assessment of the impact of seasonal variation
Authors: Adeleke Oluwatobi , Akinlabi Stephen A , Jen Tien-Chien , Dunmade Israel
Published: February 2021

Sustainable planning of waste management is contingent on reliable data on waste characteristics and their variation across the seasons owing to the consequential environmental impact of such variation. Traditional waste characterization techniques in most developing countries are time-consuming and expensive; hence the need to address the issue from a modelling approach arises. In modelling the complexity within the system, a paradigm shift from the classical models to the intelligent models has been observed. The application of artificial intelligence models in waste management is gaining traction; however its application in predicting the physical composition of waste is still lacking. This study aims at investigating the optimal combinations of network architecture, training algorithm and activation functions that accurately predict the fraction of physical waste streams from meteorological parameters using artificial neural networks. The city of Johannesburg was used as a case study. Maximum temperature, minimum temperature, wind speed and humidity were used as input variables to predict the percentage composition of organic, paper, plastics and textile waste streams. Several sub-models were stimulated with combination of nine training algorithms and four activation functions in each single hidden layer topology with a range of 1–15 neurons. Performance metrics used to evaluate the accuracy of the system are, root mean square error, mean absolute deviation, mean absolute percentage error and correlation coefficient (R). Optimal architectures in the order of input layer-number of neurons in the hidden layer-output layer for predicting organic, paper, plastics and textile waste were 4-10-1, 4-14-1, 4-5-1 and 4-8-1 with R-values of 0.916, 0.862, 0.834 and 0.826, respectively at the testing phase. The result of the study verifies that waste composition prediction can be done in a single hidden-layer satisfactorily.
Facilitators and Barriers to Nurse Practitioners Prescribing Methadone for Opioid Use Disorder in Nova Scotia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Bates Aaron E. , Martin-Misener Ruth
Published: February 2021

Background

Opioid use has escalated dramatically resulting in an increase in deaths. Access to treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) is poor. The addition of nurse practitioners (NPs) as prescribers of methadone for OUD offers potential for improving access. Little is known about what support NPs will require as they prescribe methadone.

Purpose

This paper identifies facilitators and barriers to NPs prescribing methadone.

Methods

In this qualitative study, in-person and phone semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 participants. Participants included NPs (n=5), physicians (n=5), and stakeholders including members of professional regulatory bodies and government, academics and other clinicians (n=8). Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis and software (NVivo 12.4.0) for data management.

Results

Four themes emerged: 1) Pervasive Barrier of Stigma; 2) Perceived Complexity of Patients Living with OUD; 3) NP Education and Practice Supports and; 4) Health Care Context and NP Role Implementation.

Conclusions

Barriers and facilitators to NP prescribing are similar to those encountered by physicians. Factors unique to NPs include the identification of role clarity as a facilitator and navigation of physician networks as a barrier. Research conducted with current NP methadone prescribers is required to evaluate implementation of this service.
What About Men? The Marginalization of Men Who Engage in Domestic Violence
Authors: Kuskoff Ella , Clarke Andrew , Parsell Cameron
Published: February 2021

In an international policy context that is increasingly recognizing the gendered nature of domestic violence, governments are becoming more attuned to the importance of improving policy responses for women who have domestic violence enacted against them. This has not, in general, been accompanied by a similar focus on improving policy responses to men who engage in domestic violence, despite a burgeoning body of scholarship suggesting that improved responses to such men are required to more effectively prevent domestic violence from occurring. Importantly, current scholarship also highlights the significant and complex tensions that may arise when policy informed by gendered understandings of domestic violence increases its focus on the men who enact it. Drawing on a critical discourse analysis methodology, we analyze how these tensions are negotiated in domestic violence policy in the Australian state of Queensland. Findings from this analysis demonstrate that the way government policy discursively constructs men who engage in domestic violence has important implications for how such policy targets and engages with members of this group. The article demonstrates that when such men are constructed as outsiders to the community, they may be viewed as undeserving of inclusion and support. This can result in governments failing to prioritize interventions targeted at men who engage in domestic violence, and prevent the active inclusion of such men in the development of policy and interventions. These findings provide important lessons for international governments seeking to implement or strengthen policy responses to end domestic violence against women.
Perpetuating Inequalities: The Role of Political Distraction in Education Policy
Authors: Farley Amy N. , Leonardi Bethy , Donnor Jamel K.
Published: February 2021

The 2021 Politics of Education Yearbook brings together scholars from diverse theoretical orientations—including policy studies, critical trans politics, and Critical Race Theory—to explore the politics of distraction within education policymaking. This introductory article previews the work included in the Yearbook and presents a grounding framework for policy distraction, which we define as a persistent focus on a narrowly defined set of policy solutions that diverts attention from root causes, structural forces, and historical/contextual circumstances (Bell, 2003; Giroux, 2013, 2017; Spade, 2011, 2013, 2015). We articulate five elements of policy distraction. They (a) rely on narrow policy frames to address educational problems of practice; (b) name phenomena in ways that affect our understanding; and (c) largely ignore inequalities and structural conditions. In doing so, they may (d) reinforce the status quo; and (e) reify ideas of what counts as normal or, alternatively, as deviant (Spade, 2011).
Barriers to and constraints of acute peritoneal dialysis in acute kidney injury: A nationwide survey
Authors: Treamtrakanpon Worapot , Kanjanabuch Talerngsak , Nopsopon Tanawin , Chuengsaman Piyatida , Dandecha Phongsak , Boongird Sarinya , Khositrangsikun Kamol , Wongluechai Laddaporn , Tatiyanupanwong Sajja , Puapatanakul Pongpratch , Srisawat Nattachai , Eiam-Ong Somchai , Johnson David W , Sritippayawan Suchai , Kantachuvesiri Surasak
Published: February 2021

This national survey of barriers to and constraints of acute peritoneal dialysis (aPD) in acute kidney injury (AKI) was performed by distributing an online questionnaire to all medical directors of public dialysis units registered with the Nephrology Society of Thailand during September–November 2019. One hundred and thirteen adult facilities responded to the survey covering 75 from 76 provinces (99%) of Thailand. aPD was performed in 66 centres (58%). In facilities where aPD practice was available, the utilization rate was relatively low (<10 cases/year) and limited to specific conditions, including HIV seropositive patients, previous receiving dialysis education and plan and difficult vascular access creation. Only 9% of facilities performed aPD routinely, but interestingly all such units permitted bedside catheter insertion by the nephrologists or internists. The major constraints placed on aPD practice were PD catheter insertion competency, timely catheter insertion support and the medical supporting team’s knowledge/competency deficits. aPD for AKI is underutilized in Thailand and limited by the inability to undertake timely PD catheter insertion and knowledge and competency deficits.