bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using functional groups to predict the spatial distribution of large herbivores on the Palaeo‐Agulhas Plain, South Africa, during the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Brooke Christopher F. , Marean Curtis W. , Wren Colin D. , Fritz Hervé , Venter Jan A.
Published: April 2022

Throughout much of the Quaternary, lower sea levels in the southern Cape of South Africa exposed a different landscape to what we see today, the Palaeo‐Agulhas Plain (PAP). The PAP was dominated by large‐bodied and gregarious grazing species contrasting with the small‐bodied predominantly solitary species we find in the region today. The distribution of these herbivores would likely have been driven by similar drivers we see in contemporary herbivore ecology. Importantly, the occurrence of early humans and their associated technology would have also influenced the probability of herbivores occurring in an area. Here we create a predictive model for large herbivores using probability of occurrence of functional grouping in relation to environmental drivers and humans. We show how early humans influenced the distribution of large herbivores on the PAP alongside other environmental drivers. In the fynbos biome, probability of occurrence was highest for the medium‐sized social mixed feeders’ functional group in the thicket for small non‐social browsers, large browsers, and non‐ruminants and in grasslands for water‐dependent grazers. In our models, human influence affected functional groups to varying degrees but had the strongest effect on medium‐sized social mixed feeders.
Effects of early sub‐therapeutic antibiotic administration on body tissue deposition, gut microbiota and metabolite profiles of weaned piglets
Authors: Hou Lei , Cao Shuting , Qiu Yueqin , Xiong YunXia , Xiao Hao , Wen Xiaolu , Yang Xuefen , Gao Kaiguo , Wang Li , Jiang Zongyong
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sub‐therapeutic antibiotic (STA) administration and its subsequent withdrawal on the body tissue deposition, gut microbiota, and metabolite profiles of piglets. The piglets in the experimental group were fed with STA (30 mg kg−1 bacitracin methylene disalicylate, 75 mg kg−1 chlortetracycline, 300 mg kg−1 calcium oxytetracycline) for 14 days and the target bodyweight of the withdrawal period was 25 kg.

RESULTS

The experiment was divided into two periods: the administration period and the withdrawal period. The results showed that STA did not improve piglets' growth performance during the two periods. Piglets treated with STA had lower body water deposition during the withdrawal period and tended to increase body lipid deposition during the withdrawal period and the whole period in comparison with the piglets in the control group. It was found that STA markedly altered the colonic microbiota and their metabolites in the piglets. Sub‐therapeutic antibiotics were initially effective in decreasing the abundance of pathogenic bacteria during the administration period; however, STA could not continue the effect during the withdrawal period, leading to a rebound of pathogenic bacteria such as Alloprevotella and the increased abundance of other pathogenic bacteria like Oscillibacter. Remarkably, STA treatment decreased Blautia abundance. This bacterium plays a potential protective role against obesity. Metabolomic analysis indicated that STA mainly altered amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism during the two periods. Spearman's correlation analysis showed that the gut microbiota was highly correlated with microbial metabolite changes.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that early STA administration may alter body tissue deposition later in life by reshaping the gut microbiota and their metabolite profiles. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Representing and evaluating the travel motivations of Pacific islanders
Authors: Trupp Alexander , Pratt Stephen , Stephenson Marcus L. , Matatolu Ilisapeci , Gibson Dawn
Published: April 2022

The mobility patterns and travel motivations of Pacific Islanders have largely been neglected by discourses and discussions on Asia‐Pacific tourism. To examine the travel preferences and travel motivations of Pacific Islanders, we administered surveys (n = 1100) across the five Pacific Island States and Territories of Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa and Solomon Islands. The research offers a comparative analysis across national boundaries by highlighting commonalities and differences among the five groups. Family, kinship and religious dimensions stand out as shared and crucial factors influencing travel preferences and travel motivations across the region. Nonetheless, the research identified differences between the Pacific communities which can be explained with each country's level of socioeconomic development, political structure, geography, cultural context and globalisation. The study advances knowledge on the mobilities and travel motivations of non‐Western tourists by conceptualising the Pacific Islands from the perspective of a tourism‐generating region.
Inspiring desirability or ensuring feasibility: Destination image and psychological distance
Authors: Wang Fei , Feng Yu , Wang Zuo‐Jun
Published: April 2022

Destination image plays a pivotal role in shaping the judgment of tourists. However, limited information is available on how tourists respond to various destination images. By using single‐factor between‐subject design, study 1 confirmed that cognitive image causes tourists to judge the destination in near‐psychological distance and that affective image causes them to judge the destination in far psychological distance. By using single‐factor and two‐factor between‐subject design separately, studies 2 and 3 further confirmed that a match between destination image and psychological distance of the tourists has a positive effect on the attractiveness and persuasiveness judgment toward the destination advertisement.
Optimal control results for Sobolev‐type fractional mixed Volterra–Fredholm type integrodifferential equations of order 1 < r < 2 with sectorial operators
Authors: Mohan Raja Marimuthu , Vijayakumar Velusamy
Published: April 2022

The goal of this research is to investigate the issue of existence and optimal control results for fractional mixed Volterra–Fredholm type integrodifferential systems of order with sectorial operators. Initially, we use fractional derivatives, semigroup theory, mild solutions, Sobolev‐type, and Schauder's fixed point theorem to examine the existence of results. Then, we will move on to the systems with optimal control results. Finally, we show a theoretical application to establish the validity of the findings.
Role of body mass index in outcomes of patients hospitalized with COVID‐19 illness
Authors: Zahid Maleeha , Leung Vivien , Nayudu Suresh Kumar , Galiveeti Sneha , Mantri Nikhitha , Sun Haozhe , Gongati Sudharsan , Perugu Vijaya , Chilimuri Sridhar
Published: April 2022

Background

Since the start of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, several studies have linked obesity with severity of illness as well as mortality in patients with COVID‐19. Outcomes of patients with overweight or obesity, who develop critical illness, have been studied extensively over the past decade where the studies have shown conflicting results. In this study, we aimed to assess the association between the body mass index (BMI) classes and outcomes among hospitalized patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of all adults admitted to our hospital with COVID‐19 illness between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020. Patients were divided into four groups based on their BMI range as follows: patients with underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), patients with normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2), patients with overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2), and patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2).

Results

1274 patients were admitted during the study period. There were 24 (1.9%) patients with underweight, 268 (21%) patients with normal weight, 445 (34.9%) patients with overweight, and 537 (42.2%) patients with obesity. Patients with obesity were younger (p < 0.001) and there were more females among patients with underweight and patients with obesity (54% and 48% respectively, p < 0.001). There were no differences in subgroup with regards to presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and dyslipidemia. In a multivariate logistic regression model, patients with overweight and patients with obesity had higher odds of requiring mechanical ventilation. BMI class was not associated with difference in survival time in a multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

In our large single‐center study of hospitalized patients with COVID‐19, patients with overweight and obesity had higher need for mechanical ventilation but had similar mortality when compared to patients with normal weight and underweight.
Beyond the snapshot: optimizing prognostication and prediction by moving from fixed to functional multidimensional cancer pathology
Authors: Kramer CJH , Vreeswijk MPG , Thijssen B , Bosse T , Wesseling J
Published: April 2022

The role of pathology in patient management has evolved over time from the retrospective review of cells, tissue, and disease (‘what happened’) to a prospective outlook (‘what will happen’). Examination of a static, two‐dimensional hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained tissue slide has traditionally been the pathologist's primary task, but novel ancillary techniques enabled by technological breakthroughs have supported pathologists in their increasing ability to predict disease status and behaviour. Nevertheless, the informational limits of 2D, fixed tissue are now being reached and technological innovation is urgently needed to ensure that our understanding of disease entities continues to support improved individualized treatment options. Here we review pioneering work currently underway in the field of cancer pathology that has the potential to capture information beyond the current basic snapshot. A selection of exciting new technologies is discussed that promise to facilitate integration of the functional and multidimensional (space and time) information needed to optimize the prognostic and predictive value of cancer pathology. Learning how to analyse, interpret, and apply the wealth of data acquired by these new approaches will challenge the knowledge and skills of the pathology community. © 2022 The Authors.The Journal of Pathologypublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Ultrafast lasers today
Authors: Mottay Eric
Published: April 2022

Ultrafast lasers have seen a tremendous increase in average power over the past ten years, with industrial lasers now reaching the kW level. We are at a turning point in femtosecond technology, which will enable new fields of use and new methods of production. High laser power and the associated beam engineering enable significant improvements in industrial productivity and open access to large new markets, such as aeronautics, energy, and mobility.
Polarization‐controlled VCSEL characterization
Authors: Münchow Frank , Iyer Karthik
Published: April 2022

Most VCSELs are not designed to emit in a single polarization state and often there is no control over the polarization angle. A novel one‐shot method measures the spatial polarization of each single emitter and allows to correct the polarization dependency of the setup. This process minimizes the error budget of the VCSEL testing system and measures accurate values for laser eye safety calculations.
Laser weld quality: it's in the process!
Authors: Helzle Charlotte
Published: April 2022

Laser‐welded seams are state‐of‐the‐art in car body construction, where the strength of a weld seam is the most important criterion – but hardly detectable from the outside. The latest technology for inline process monitoring enables reliable and effective quality monitoring. It combines robot‐assisted welding and inline quality control.
Dual purpose: Predatory hoverflies pollinate strawberry crops and protect them against the strawberry aphid, Chaetospihon fragaefolii
Authors: Van Oystaeyen Annette , Tuyttens Ella , Boonen Sten , De Smedt Lien , Bellinkx Stijn , Wäckers Felix , Pekas Apostolos
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Predatory syrphids are an important functional group due to their potential for providing multiple ecosystem services. Adults feed on nectar and pollen, and can be effective pollinators, while larvae are voracious predators that can reduce aphid pressure. Still, little research has addressed their potential dual function in agroecosystems. In this study, we assessed the potential of two predatory hoverflies, Eupeodes corollae and Sphaerophoria rueppellii, for delivering concurrent pollination and biological control of Chaetospihon fragaefolii in greenhouse strawberries.

RESULTS

Both hoverfly species effectively pollinated strawberry flowers of two different varieties (‘Elsanta’ and ‘Sonsation’), resulting in an increase in high‐quality marketable fruits, a reduction of fruit deformities, and higher number of seeds per fruit compared to pollinator‐excluded fruits. S. ruepellii had a significantly longer flower handling time than E. corollae, which translated to a more efficient pollination expressed as higher seed numbers per fruit after a single flower visit. By contrast, flowers that were open to multiple visits were more effectively pollinated by E. corollae, suggesting that E. corollae is potentially a better cross‐pollinator than S. rueppellii. In addition, both hoverfly species suppressed aphid populations in strawberry (var. ‘Sonata’), with S. rueppellii and E. corollae reducing aphid populations by 49% and 62%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Predatory syrphids can concurrently contribute to pollination and biological control in strawberry in a greenhouse setting. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pharmacophore identification, virtual screening and activity verification of pedunsaponin A on target proteins PcAdv and PcnWAS of Pomacea canaliculata
Authors: Chen Huabao , Ma Yuqing , Zhou Yue , Yue Guizhou , Yang Chunping , Zhang Min , Jiang Chunxian , Qiu Xiaoyan , Luo Liya , Chang Xiaoli
Published: April 2022

Target‐protein‐based pesticide screening has attracted wide‐ranging attention on pesticide science. Pedunsaponin A (PA) is a compound isolated from the root of Pueraria peduncularis, and it has a strong toxic effect on Pomacea canaliculata. Previous studies found that Advlin (PcAdv) and neural Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome isoform X1(PcnWAS) are target proteins of PA when interacted with P. canaliculata. In this study, we modeled the two target proteins through I‐Tasser and identified the pharmacophore of PA binding to the two target proteins by molecular docking. Furthermore, through virtual screening, potassium alginate was found to strongly bind to the target proteins in theory. In vivo bioassay showed that, similar to PA treatment, potassium alginate was able to induce typical poisoning symptoms on P. canaliculata, which were characterized by abnormal increase of excreta, weakening of climbing capacity, loss of gill cilia and decrease in hemocyanin content, and even cause death of P. canaliculata with a 13.33% mortality rate under 100 mg L−1 concentration. Furthermore, the treatment of potassium alginate also decreased the gene expression level of PcAdv and PcnWAS. These findings indicate that potassium alginate can affect the living state of P. canaliculata, and that it is feasible to develop new molluscicides based on PcAdv and PcnWAS by virtual screening. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Biotinylated peptides substituted with D‐amino acids with high stability as anti‐anaphylactic agents targeting platelet‐activating factor
Authors: Sato Akira , Fukase Takahiro , Ebina Keiichi
Published: April 2022

Platelet‐activating factor (PAF) is an important lipid mediator of anaphylaxis and therefore can be an anti‐anaphylactic agent target. Recently, we reported that several synthetic biotinylated peptides containing a Tyr‐Lys‐Asp‐Gly sequence markedly inhibited the bioactivities of PAF in vitro and in vivo; it also inhibited anaphylactic reactions such as hypothermia, hypotension, and vascular permeability in vivo. Here, we report the anti‐anaphylactic effects of three biotinylated heptapeptides (peptide 1: H‐Lys(biotinyl)‐Trp‐Tyr‐Lys‐Asp‐Gly‐Asp‐OH, peptide 2: H‐D‐Lys(biotinyl)‐Trp‐Tyr‐Lys‐Asp‐Gly‐Asp‐OH, and peptide 3: H‐D‐Lys(biotinyl)‐Trp‐Tyr‐Lys‐Asp‐Gly‐D‐Asp‐OH). The experiment using tryptophan fluorescence spectroscopy showed that the interaction of peptides 2 and 3 with PAF was larger than that of peptide 1. Experiments using a rat model of hind paw edema showed that peptides 1, 3, and 2 inhibited PAF‐induced edema by 67.9%, 69.3%, and 79.3%, respectively. In a mouse model of anaphylaxis, both peptides 2 and 3 showed inhibitory effects on anaphylactic hypothermia, whereas peptide 1 did not. Furthermore, experiments involving in vitro rat plasma stability of peptides showed that both peptides 3 and 2 were more stable in plasma compared to peptide 1 (84.0%, 51.8%, and 0%, remained after 6 h, respectively). Our results suggest that both peptides 2 and 3 may show systemic and local inhibitory effects as anti‐anaphylactic agents targeting PAF.
Numerical optimization‐based extremum seeking control of a class of constrained nonlinear systems via finite‐time state transition
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Fabiani Filippo , Baldi Simone
Published: April 2022

This article studies the extremum seeking control (ESC) problem for a class of constrained nonlinear systems. Specifically, we focus on a family of constraints that allows to reformulate the original nonlinear system in the so‐called input–output normal form. To steer the system to optimize a performance function without knowing its explicit form, we propose a novel numerical optimization‐based extremum seeking control (NOESC) design consisting of a constrained numerical optimization method and an inversion‐based feedforward controller. In particular, a projected gradient descent algorithm is exploited to produce the state sequence to optimize the performance function, whereas a suitable boundary value problem accommodates the finite‐time state transition between each two consecutive points of the state sequence. Compared to available NOESC methods, the proposed approach (i) can explicitly deal with output constraints; (ii) can consider a direct dependence on the states of the internal dynamics in the performance function; (iii) the internal dynamics do not have to be necessarily stable. The effectiveness of the proposed ESC scheme is shown through extensive numerical simulations and design of antilock braking systems.
Predictive maintenance of actuators in linear systems: A receding horizon set‐theoretic approach
Authors: Tedesco Francesco , Akram Waseem , Forouzanfar Mehdi , Casavola Alessandro , Famularo Domenico
Published: April 2022

This work is focused on a model predictive control (MPC) based approach for the regulation of systems whose actuators are subject to loss of effectiveness. Such a degradation process, whose evolution is assumed to be measurable and predictable, can lead to actuators breakdown whenever certain thresholds are exceeded. Within this context, if the control problem is defined with ad hoc operational constraints and/or running costs, the intrinsic MPC capability of mitigating faulty events arises. To this end, the proposed control scheme consists of two modules: the former is in charge of performing a prognostic activity on actuators' health, while the second one reconfigures the control law on the basis of actuators' degradation information. The core of the proposed method relies on modeling healthy and faulty plant configurations via a switching systems paradigm that is instrumental to offline determine sequences of precomputed inner approximations of one‐step ahead controllable sets. Such regions are online selected by a switching logic in order to determine a control signal properly weighted on the basis of the measured actuators degradation level.
A survey of inequality techniques for stability analysis of time‐delay systems
Authors: Chen Jun , Park Ju H. , Xu Shengyuan , Zhang Baoyong
Published: April 2022

During the past decades, much attention has been paid to the stability problem of linear time‐delay systems. In order to obtain tractable stability conditions shown in the linear matrix inequality form, a great number of remarkable results have been reported in the literature. This article first gives a survey of inequality techniques recently developed to estimate integral quadratic terms and reciprocally convex combination terms arising in the estimation of the time derivative of a Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional candidate. Emphases are specially placed on the evolution of various integral and matrix inequalities and the relationships among them. Second, several stability conditions are obtained and carefully compared to illustrate the effectiveness of different inequality techniques on reducing the conservatism. Finally, the quadratic negative‐definiteness lemmas are insightfully reviewed and meanwhile, a simple method to calculate matrix coefficients of a quadratic matrix‐valued function is presented.
On the minimax spherical designs
Authors: Fu Weibo , Wang Guanyang , Yan Jun
Published: April 2022

Distributing points on a (possibly high‐dimensional) sphere with minimal energy is a long‐standing problem in and outside the field of mathematics. This paper considers a novel energy function that arises naturally from statistics and combinatorial optimization, and studies its theoretical properties. Our result solves both the exact optimal spherical point configurations in certain cases and the minimal energy asymptotics under general assumptions. Connections between our results and the L1‐principal component analysis and quasi‐Monte Carlo methods are also discussed.
Building a unified sustainable development goal database: Why does sustainable development goal data selection matter?
Authors: Warchold Anne , Pradhan Prajal , Thapa Pratibha , Putra Muhammad Panji Islam Fajar , Kropp Jürgen P.
Published: April 2022

The 2020s are an essential decade for achieving the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For this, SDG research needs to provide evidence that can be translated into concrete actions. However, studies use different SDG data, resulting in incomparable findings. Researchers primarily use SDG databases provided by the United Nations (UN), the World Bank Group (WBG), and the Bertelsmann Stiftung & Sustainable Development Solutions Network (BE‐SDSN). We compile these databases into one unified SDG database and examine the effects of the data selection on our understanding of SDG interactions. Among the databases, we observed more different than similar SDG interactions. Differences in synergies and trade‐offs mainly occur for SDGs that are environmentally oriented. Due to the increased data availability, the unified SDG database offers a more nuanced and reliable view of SDG interactions. Thus, the SDG data selection may lead to diverse findings, fostering actions that might neglect or exacerbate trade‐offs.
The Importance of Illness Severity and Multimorbidity in the Association Between Mental Health and Body Weight in Psoriasis: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Pavlova Neli T. , Moss-Morris Rona , Smith Catherine , Carr Ewan , Rayner Lauren , Picariello Federica
Published: April 2022

Background

High body weight is common in psoriasis and is associated with depression and anxiety. Past studies are mostly cross-sectional and may underestimate the role of demographic and illness-related factors in the association between mental health and body weight in psoriasis.

Objectives

This study explored the association between depression and anxiety with waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) cross-sectionally and at 12 months follow-up, adjusting for demographic and illness-related factors in people with psoriasis.

Method

Routine psoriasis care data were combined with data on depression and anxiety from a large specialist psoriasis centre. The analytical samples consisted of patients with complete data on either waist circumference (N = 326 at time 1; N = 191 at follow-up) or BMI (N = 399 at time 1; N = 233 at follow-up) and corresponding mental health, demographic, and illness-related information. Associations between weight-related outcomes and mental health variables were assessed at time one and at 12 months follow-up, after adjusting for demographic and illness-related factors.

Results

We found no evidence of associations between mental health and waist circumference or BMI, after adjusting for age, gender and illness-related factors. Higher age, male gender and illness-related factors, specifically multimorbidity and psoriasis severity, were positively associated with waist circumference and BMI at both time points.

Conclusion

This study revealed the important role of factors related to illness severity in body weight in psoriasis. The contribution of depression and anxiety to weight was not observed here likely due to the sample and methodology used. Future work should explore other psychosocial factors such as weight-related attitudes and emotional eating in the context of weight in psoriasis, to help inform the development of successful weight-management treatments.
A reconfigurable integrated level shifted carrier based PWM method for modular multilevel converters
Authors: Muthavarapu Aswini Kumar , K. G. Anjana , Biswas Jayanta , Barai Mukti
Published: April 2022

This article presents a reconfigurable integrated level shifted carrier‐based pulse width modulation (ILSC‐PWM) method for modular multilevel converters (MMCs). The principles of basic level shifted carrier‐based PWM (LSC‐PWM) methods such as phase disposition PWM (PD‐PWM), phase opposition disposition PWM (POD‐PWM) and alternate phase opposition disposition PWM (APOD‐PWM) methods are combined to develop the concept of reconfigurable ILSC‐PWM method. The main objectives of the proposed reconfigurable ILSC‐PWM method is to develop the pulse width modulated output voltage with both half‐wave and quarter‐wave symmetries and to reduce the total harmonic distortion (THD). A simplified mathematical approach is developed to formulate reconfigurable single ILSC wave for MMC with N number of submodules (SMs) per arm. The functionality and performance of the reconfigurable ILSC‐PWM method are carried out on three‐phase five‐level MMC in MATLAB/Simulink. A hardware prototype of single‐phase five‐level MMC is designed for experimental validation. The proposed ILSC‐PWM method is implemented on an Altera/Cyclone I series (EP1C12Q240C8N) field programmable gate array (FPGA). Computer Simulations and laboratory experimental results are presented. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Inhibition of Gas6 promotes crystalline silica‐induced inflammatory response of macrophages via blocking autophagy flux
Authors: Xie Yujia , Ma Jixuan , Xie Li , Li Wei , Yang Meng , Gu Pei , Zhang Yingdie , Fan Lieyang , Wang Dongming , Chen Weihong
Published: April 2022

Inhalation of crystalline silica (CS) can cause silicosis, which is one of the most serious interstitial lung diseases worldwide. Autophagy dysfunction is an essential step in silicosis progression. In this study, we aim to identify the effect of growth arrest‐specific protein 6 (Gas6) during autophagy induction and macrophage inflammatory response caused by CS. After RAW 264.7 macrophages exposed to CS, the levels of Gas6 and autophagy markers (p62, Beclin1, and LC3‐II/LC3‐I) were increased, accompanied with enhanced inflammatory cytokines secretion. Using autophagy activator (rapamycin) repressed, whereas autophagy inhibitor (3‐methyladenine) promoted inflammatory cytokines release. Besides, inhibition of Gas6 aggravated CS‐induced inflammatory response, and autophagy inhibition facilitated the promoted effect of Gas6 silencing, resulting in elevated expression of inflammatory cytokines. These findings reveal the protective effects of Gas6 and autophagy in macrophages in response to CS exposure, and highlight the autophagy regulated by Gas6 may be a potential prevention target for CS‐induced lung inflammatory response.
The formation of aerobic granular sludge for the treatment of real landfill leachate using a granular sequencing batch reactor at a constant volume
Authors: Seid‐Mohammadi Abdolmotaleb , Asgari Ghorban , Rafiee Mohammad , Samadi Mohammad Taghi , Nouri Fatemeh , Pirsaheb Meghdad , Asadi Fateme
Published: April 2022

Leachate generated in a landfill may not be treated by conventional biological treatment due to its nature and complexity. The process of forming aerobic granules in batch sequencing reactors having features such as; reducing the settling process time and saving energy consumption and high decomposition rate have been noticed by researchers. In the present study, the structure of sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) was evaluated for the formation of granules, which were subsequently utilized for the treatment of landfill leachate. The experiment was initiated by using the GSBR, containing 1200 ml with different apparatuses, to develop granular sludge, and synthetic wastewater was added to reinforcement. The selected parameters for the operational hydraulic retention time (HRT) of the wastewater (6‐h cycles) included feeding, idle, aeration, settling, and discharge. Furthermore, the controlled conditions were the dissolved oxygen (DO) range of 2–2.2 mg/L, temperature range of 20–23℃, and pH of 7.5–8.3. The chemical oxygen demand (COD), mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS), and sludge volume index (SVI) daily were measured at the influent and effluent of GSBR reactor. The main properties of aerobic granular sludge were identified during the research procedures, and the remarkable settling and potent, high‐density microbial structure of the granules were confirmed. The mean size of the formulated granules was estimated at 7.46 ± 1.8 mm, and the volume of the biomass also increased from approximately 1607 to 4137 mg/L through the granulation process. Moreover, 98% of the influent chemical oxygen demand (COD) could be removed by the formulated granular sludge, and the final‐stage organic loading rate was estimated at 5.65 COD/m3/day. According to the results, GSBRs could be employed for the formulation of aerobic granular sludge for the treatment of landfill leachate.
Diagnosis and management of arrhythmias in dogs: A cross‐sectional online survey among Flemish veterinary practitioners
Authors: Hellemans Arnaut , Schittekatte Mark , Covents Marc , Smets Pascale
Published: April 2022

Background

Diagnosis as well as management of arrhythmias in dogs can be challenging for veterinary practitioners. The aim was to describe ECG availability and use, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic experiences and preferences of Flemish veterinarians regarding cardiac arrhythmias in dogs.

Methods

Cross‐sectional online survey among veterinarians in Flanders (Belgium).

Results

An ECG device was available for 55 out of 102 respondents (54%) and 41 (43%) claimed to use it in case of arrhythmia suspicion. Insufficient knowledge about ECG interpretation and immediate patient referral upon detection of an abnormal heart rhythm were the most important reasons for not having, or not using, an ECG. About half of the respondents (56%) had never used anti‐arrhythmic drugs in dogs, although only a few reported having had a negative experience. Frequently provided reasons for not using anti‐arrhythmic drugs included insufficient knowledge and a low number of dogs with arrhythmias.

Conclusion

Most veterinarians reported having little or no expertise with arrhythmias in dogs. Electrocardiogram availability and use among respondents was moderate and too often restricted by insufficient ECG interpretation skills. Continued efforts are needed to increase the confidence and knowledge of veterinarians about arrhythmias in dogs.
Neurologisch-psychiatrische Begutachtung des Post-COVID-Syndroms
Authors: Tegenthoff M. , Drechsel-Schlund C. , Widder B.
Published: April 2022

Infektionen mit dem „severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2“ (SARS-CoV-2) können zu einer Multiorganerkrankung und in der Folge zu sehr unterschiedlichen klinischen Manifestationen der „coronavirus disease 2019“ (COVID-19) führen. Neben akuten Symptomen kommt den Langzeitbeschwerden im Kontext der Infektion vermehrte Aufmerksamkeit zu, man spricht vom Long- oder Post-COVID-Syndrom. Mit Blick auf die Sozialversicherungssysteme werden gutachterliche Beurteilungen solcher Gesundheitsprobleme zunehmend an Bedeutung gewinnen, wobei neurologische und psychiatrische Symptome die häufigsten Beschwerden sind. Neben rechtlichen Grundlagen der medikolegalen Begutachtung mit Schwerpunkt auf der gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung werden in der vorliegenden Übersicht grundlegende Aspekte der Begutachtung diskutiert und Orientierungshilfen für die Begutachtung der häufigsten neurologischen und psychiatrischen Symptome des Post-COVID-Syndroms geboten.
Patterns of value creation in policy-driven cluster initiatives: evidence from the croatian competitiveness clusters
Authors: Anić Ivan-Damir , Corrocher Nicoletta
Published: April 2022

This paper investigates the value creation process in policy-driven cluster initiatives that are important policy tools for implementing Smart specialisation strategies. It aims at studying the evolution of the Croatian Competitiveness Clusters (CCC) to understand the role of sectoral specificities in affecting value creation within cluster initiatives. In this context, it looks at what services cluster initiatives should deliver to meet the expectations of members and generate value and what modes of cluster management and governance are the most conducive to value creation across different industries. The analysis relies on a survey of 250 CCC members. The results show that members’ preferences for support to the business activities are associated with different levels of perceived value creation. High-value CCC members are interested in innovation, infrastructure development, market analysis and training, while low-value CCC members are interested in lobbying and networking. Regardless of the sector, CCC with a higher share of private, small, and high-growth firms are more likely to generate public value by pursuing long-term activities with the emphasis on innovation, knowledge transfer, infrastructure, and market development, as compared to CCC with a high share of declining firms that see CCC as a platform for lobbying and networking and as such generate more private value, failing to achieve their ultimate goal. A high level of value is also created if members reach a consensus on the vision and activities of the CCC and work together to share knowledge, information and learning processes.
Analysis of a Mathematical Model Arising in Plant Disease Epidemiology
Authors: Bazarra Noelia , Colturato Michele , Fernández José R. , Naso Maria Grazia , Simonetto Anna , Gilioli Gianni
Published: April 2022

In this work we study from the mathematical and numerical point of view a problem arising in vector-borne plant diseases. The model is written as a nonlinear system composed of a parabolic partial differential equation for the vector abundance function and a first-order ordinary differential equation for the plant health function. An existence and uniqueness result is proved using backward finite differences, uniform estimates and passing to the limit. The regularity of the solution is also obtained. Then, using the finite element method and the implicit Euler scheme, fully discrete approximations are introduced. A discrete stability property and a main a priori error estimates result are proved using a discrete version of Gronwall’s lemma and some estimates on the different approaches. Finally, some numerical results, in one and two dimensions, are presented to demonstrate the accuracy of the approximation and the behaviour of the solution.
Probabilistic assessment of footbridge response to single walkers
Authors: Picozzi V. , Avossa A. M. , Ricciardelli F.
Published: April 2022

Among the load scenarios considered for the serviceability assessment of human-induced footbridge vibration, is that of the transient action of a single pedestrian or a small group of pedestrians. Although such action is stochastic due to the variability of gait parameters, available Codes and Guidelines all assume it is deterministic and equal to that coming from the “worst pedestrian ever” for the given footbridge. This approach is sound from an engineering point of view but does not allow control of the probability of failure. The present work deals with a reliability-based procedure for the serviceability assessment of the footbridge peak characteristic accelerations due to pedestrian induced actions. Based on the results obtained incorporating the effects of the inter-subject variability of gait parameters and of the uncertainties in footbridge dynamic properties, a design response spectrum is proposed for both vertical and lateral vibrations. The proposed procedure lends itself for immediate Code implementation.
Renal blood flow and oxygenation
Authors: Edwards Aurelie , Kurtcuoglu Vartan
Published: April 2022

Our kidneys receive about one-fifth of the cardiac output at rest and have a low oxygen extraction ratio, but may sustain, under some conditions, hypoxic injuries that might lead to chronic kidney disease. This is due to large regional variations in renal blood flow and oxygenation, which are the prerequisite for some and the consequence of other kidney functions. The concurrent operation of these functions is reliant on a multitude of neuro-hormonal signaling cascades and feedback loops that also include the regulation of renal blood flow and tissue oxygenation. Starting with open questions on regulatory processes and disease mechanisms, we review herein the literature on renal blood flow and oxygenation. We assess the current understanding of renal blood flow regulation, reasons for disparities in oxygen delivery and consumption, and the consequences of disbalance between O2 delivery, consumption, and removal. We further consider methods for measuring and computing blood velocity, flow rate, oxygen partial pressure, and related parameters and point out how limitations of these methods constitute important hurdles in this area of research. We conclude that to obtain an integrated understanding of the relation between renal function and renal blood flow and oxygenation, combined experimental and computational modeling studies will be needed.
Implication in finite posets with pseudocomplemented sections
Authors: Chajda Ivan , Länger Helmut
Published: April 2022

It is well-known that relatively pseudocomplemented lattices can serve as an algebraic semantics of intuitionistic logic. To extend the concept of relative pseudocomplementation to non-distributive lattices, the first author introduced so-called sectionally pseudocomplemented lattices, i.e. lattices with top element 1 where for every elementythe interval [y, 1], the so called section, is pseudocomplemented. We extend this concept to posets with top element. Our goal is to show that such a poset can be considered as an algebraic semantics for a certain kind of more general intuitionistic logic provided an implication is introduced as shown in the paper. We prove some properties of such an implication. This implication is “unsharp” in the sense that the value for given entries need not be a unique element, but may be a subset of the poset in question. Using this implication we show that we can even recover the order of the original poset. Further, a new “unsharp” operator$$\odot $$⊙of conjunction can be introduced which is adjoint to “unsharp” implication and hence we obtain an “unsharp” residuated poset.
Energiepreiskrise und Kriegssanktionen — die Energieversorgung von morgen
Authors:   Ueberblick
Published: April 2022

Die Gas- und Rohölpreise sind in den vergangenen Monaten kontinuierlich gestiegen. Außerdem erhöht der Krieg in der Ukraine die Unsicherheit auf den Energiemärkten. Die von der EU und verbündeten Staaten gegen Russland verhängten Sanktionen könnten mittelbar auch Folgen auf die Versorgungssicherheit in Deutschland haben. Hier scheint insbesondere unsicher, ob oder in welchem Umfang weiterhin Gas aus Russland importiert werden kann. Vor welchen Herausforderungen steht die deutsche Politik jetzt und welche Maßnahmen sollte sie ergreifen, um Versorgungssicherheit, Preisstabilität und Energiewende nicht zu gefährden? Gibt es sinnvolle Substitute für russisches Gas? Welche Energieträger sollten in dieser Situation ausgebaut werden?
Wie man die Auswirkungen eines Gasembargos berechnen könnte
Authors: Krebs Tom
Published: April 2022

In this essay, I outline a method to compute the economic impact of a sudden stop of natural gas imports from Russia. First, I estimate the reduction in the short-run supply of natural gas for the economy and the industry sector. Second, I use model simulations to analyse the effect of a sudden import stop on the industry sectors using natural gas and the whole economy. The model should take into account the limited short-run substitution possibilities of the industry sectors using natural gas (chemical industry) and the value chain linkages of these sectors with all other sectors of the economy. The recent analysis by Bachmann et al. (2022) does not satisfy these two methodological conditions and the results should be interpreted accordingly.
Coronapandemie: Auswirkungen auf den Einzelhandel in den Innenstädten
Authors: Goecke Henry , Rusche Christian
Published: April 2022

Die Auswirkungen der Pandemie sind in allen Wirtschaftsbereichen spürbar. Ein Bereich, der am stärksten durch Schließungen, Einschränkungen und ein verändertes Verbraucher:innenverhalten betroffen war und bleibt, ist der innerstädtische Einzelhandel. Tatsächlich wird an der Passantenfrequenz in ausgewählten Städten der zum Teil dramatische Rückgang an potenziellen Kund:innen deutlich. In den statistischen Umsatzzahlen zum gesamten Einzelhandel wird dies nicht adäquat abgebildet. Eine nähere Betrachtung innerstädtischer Einzelhandelsbereiche offenbart, dass trotz erhöhter Nutzung von E-Commerce-Kanälen der Umsatz noch unter dem Vor-Corona-Niveau liegt. Zudem profitieren einzelne Bereiche stark, während andere dramatisch eingebüßt haben. Durch somit ausgelöste Geschäftsaufgaben kann jedoch die Attraktivität der Innenstadt als Ganzes sinken, weshalb auch Bereiche, welche die Krise bisher meistern konnten, am Ende mit sinkenden Umsätzen konfrontiert sein könnten.
Das Problem des subjektiven Werturteils
Authors: Hüther Michael
Published: April 2022

In der politischen Debatte um die richtige Reaktion des Westens auf den russischen Angriffskrieg auf die Ukraine steht neben den bereits beschlossenen Sanktionen ein sofortiges Gasembargo als Mittel im Raum, um den wirtschaftspolitischen Druck auf Russland zu erhöhen. Hier ist insbesondere ökonomische Expertise nötig, um die Politik in dieser Entscheidung zu beraten und die möglichen Kosten und Risiken für Deutschland transparent zu machen. Dabei sind die unvermeidlich zu setzenden subjektiven Werturteile offenzulegen. Auch muss differenziert über die Grenzen makroökonomischer Modelle gesprochen werden.
Handelsrestriktionen gegen Russland belasten sektoral und regional unterschiedlich stark
Authors: Jung Mario
Published: April 2022

Die militärische Eskalation in der Ukraine sowie die aufgrund der Sanktionen einsetzenden Bremseffekte für die Kapital- und Handelsströme werden die deutsche Wirtschaft auf makroökonomischer Ebene belasten. In diesem Beitrag soll ein Überblick über die direkten Handelsrisiken gegeben werden: Welche Sektoren und Bundesländer sind besonders durch die starken Belastungen im Warenhandel zwischen Deutschland und Russland betroffen?
Betriebliche Belastungen durch Ukrainekrieg
Authors: Grömling Michael , Bardt Hubertus
Published: April 2022

Der Krieg in der Ukraine bringt erhebliche Belastungen für die deutsche Wirtschaft mit sich. Auf Basis der Konjunkturumfrage des Instituts der deutschen Wirtschaft können die verschiedenen Übertragungswege und Auswirkungen eingeschätzt werden. Fast 80% der Unternehmen sehen sich derzeit durch hohe Energiepreise belastet. Über 40% erwarten, dass sie kurzfristig in ihren Geschäftsabläufen durch ausfallende Lieferungen von Vorleistungen beeinträchtigt werden; ebenso hoch ist die erwartete Belastung durch drohende Engpässe in der Energieversorgung. Seit der ersten Befragung in der ersten Märzhälfte 2022 haben sich die Sorgen tendenziell erhöht. Für die mittlere Frist werden weiter ansteigende Belastungen durch den Krieg für die Unternehmen erwartet.
Device therapy with interatrial shunt devices for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Nanayakkara Shane , Kaye David M.
Published: April 2022

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is responsible for half of all heart failure and confers substantial morbidity and mortality, and yet to date, there have been no effective pharmacologic interventions. Although the pathophysiology is complex, the primary aetiology of exercise intolerance is due to an elevated left atrial pressure, particularly with exercise. In this context, device-based therapy has become a focus. Several companies have developed techniques to percutaneously create an iatrogenic left to right shunt at the atrial level, thereby reducing left atrial pressure and reducing transmitted pressures to the pulmonary circulation and reducing pulmonary congestion. In this review, we explore the pathophysiology, evidence base, benefits, and considerations of these devices and their place in the therapeutic landscape of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
Marking Versus Overmarking: Spatial and Behavioral Patterns of Scent Marking in Wild Diademed Sifaka (Propithecus diadema)
Authors: Miaretsoa Longondraza , Cascella Andrea , Vadàla Luigi , Valente Daria , De Gregorio Chiara , Torti Valeria , Norscia Ivan , Ratsimbazafy Jonah , Friard Olivier , Giacoma Cristina , Gamba Marco
Published: April 2022

In mammals, olfactory communication plays an essential role in territorial and mating dynamics. Scent depositions in various species, including lemurs, can be placed via marking or overmarking (marking over previous depositions). We focused on the role that marking and overmarking play in territorial defence and intrasexual competition. We investigated these aspects in diademed sifaka (Propithecus diadema) in the primary rainforest of Maromizaha (eastern Madagascar). We collected scent marking data for five groups from April to November 2018 and from May to December 2019. We aimed to understand whether the lemurs deposited scent marks homogeneously across the home range and whether sex, rank, and occurrence of intergroup encounters affected the lemur’s deposition rate. We also asked whether males overmarked adult females more often than other depositions, and the marking and overmarking rates changed between the migration and non-migration seasons. We found that scent marking was performed higher in peripheral and overlapping areas than in the home range central areas. In addition, males had higher scent marking rates, but intergroup encounters did not affect deposition rates. Males showed higher rates of overmarking and primarily targeted dominant females’ depositions, particularly during the “migration” season (including premating and mating seasons). Our findings suggest a border-marking strategy in Propithecus diadema. More frequent scent marking in the “migration” season suggests intrasexual competition in males. Our results suggest that marking is associated with territorial and resource defence, suggesting that it plays a role in monopolizing females using a mate-guarding strategy and may also serve for males’ self-advertisement to females and subordinate depositors.