bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Context-Dependent Mutation Dynamics, Not Selection, Explains the Codon Usage Bias of Most Angiosperm Chloroplast Genes
Authors: Morton Brian R.
Published: December 2021

Two competing proposals about the degree to which selection affects codon usage of angiosperm chloroplast genes are examined. The first, based on observations that codon usage does not match expectations under the naïve assumption that base composition will be identical at all neutral sites, is that selection plays a significant role. The second is that codon usage is determined almost solely by mutation bias and drift, with selection influencing only one or two highly expressed genes, in particular psbA. First it is shown that, as a result of an influence of neighboring base composition on mutation dynamics, compositional biases are expected to be widely divergent at different sites in the absence of selection. The observed mutation properties are then used to predict expected neutral codon usage biases and to show that observed deviations from the naïve expectations are in fact expected given the context-dependent mutational dynamics. It is also shown that there is a match between the observed and expected codon usage when context effects are taken into consideration, with psbA being a notable exception. Overall, the data support the model that selection is not a widespread factor affecting the codon usage of angiosperm chloroplast genes and highlight the need to have an accurate model of mutational dynamics.
Diverging life cycle patterns of two Diamesa species (Diptera, Chironomidae) in High Arctic streams, Svalbard
Authors: Schütz Stefan Andreas , Brittain John E. , Füreder Leopold
Published: December 2021

The fauna of streams in the High Arctic, dominated by chironomids, is shaped by extreme environmental conditions that represent the physiological limits for benthic invertebrates. Despite their ecological importance, little is known of chironomid life histories, development strategies and the key abiotic drivers limiting larval growth in High Arctic streams. We investigated the larval development and growth in three High Arctic rivers with contrasting water sources, thermal regimes and nutrient characteristics. Populations of the larvae ofDiamesa bohemani(Goetghebuer 1932) andDiamesa aberrata(Lundbeck 1898) from two sampling occasions in July and August 2016 were morphometrically analysed to determine life history patterns and instream productivity. Water temperature differences lead to diverging development patterns on local spatial scales. The lowest larval growth was in a groundwater/snowmelt fed stream with low food concentration and quality, suggesting that stream productivity is not primarily water source dependant, but is dependent on the nutrient supply. Glacially influenced streams are clearly more productive than previously assumed, resulting in comparable secondary production to groundwater/snowmelt-fed streams.
Reproducibility and its confounders of CMR feature tracking myocardial strain analysis in patients with suspected myocarditis
Authors: Fischer Kady , Linder Olivier L. , Erne Sophie A. , Stark Anselm W. , Obrist Sarah J. , Bernhard Benedikt , Guensch Dominik P. , Huber Adrian T. , Kwong Raymond Y. , Gräni Christoph
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) is an emerging technique for assessing myocardial strain with valuable diagnostic and prognostic potential. However, the reproducibility of biventricular CMR-FT analysis in a large cardiovascular population has not been assessed. Also, evidence of confounders impacting reader reproducibility for CMR-FT in patients is unknown and currently limits the clinical implementation of this technique.

Methods

From a dual-center database of patients referred to CMR for suspected myocarditis, 125 patients were randomly selected to undergo biventricular CMR-FT analysis for 2-dimensional systolic and diastolic measures, with additional 3-dimensional analysis for the left ventricle. All image analysis was replicated by a single reader and by a second reader for intra- and inter-reader analysis (Circle Cardiovascular Imaging). Reliability was tested with intraclass correlation (ICC) tests, and the impact of imaging confounders on agreement was assessed through multivariable analysis.

Results

Left and right ventricular ejection fractions were reduced in 34% and 37% of the patients, respectively. Good to excellent reliability was shown for 2D (all ICC > 0.85) and 3D (all ICC > 0.70) peak strain and early diastolic strain rate for both ventricles in longitudinal orientation as well as circumferential orientations for the left ventricle. An increased slice number improved agreement while the presence of pericardial effusion compromised diastolic strain rate agreement, and arrhythmia compromised right ventricular agreement.

Conclusion

In a large clinical cohort, we could show CMR-FT yields excellent inter-reader and intra-reader reproducibility. Multi-parametric CMR-FT of the right and left ventricles appears to be a robust tool in cardiovascular patients referred to CMR.

Clinical trial registration.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03470571, NCT04774549.

Key Points

• Cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) is an emerging technique to measure myocardial strain in cardiovascular patients referred for CMR; however, the evaluation of its reproducibility in a large cohort has not yet been performed.

• In a large clinical cohort, CMR-FT yields excellent inter-reader and intra-reader reproducibility for both left and right ventricular systolic and diastolic parameters.

• Arrhythmia and pericardial effusion compromise agreement of select FT parameters, but poor ejection fraction does not.
Manifestations of intraocular inflammation over time in patients on brolucizumab for neovascular AMD
Authors: Khoramnia Ramin , Figueroa Marta S. , Hattenbach Lars-Olof , Pavesio Carlos E. , Anderesi Majid , Schmouder Robert , Chen Yu , de Smet Marc D.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To describe the adverse events associated with brolucizumab, in particular the sequence of intraocular inflammation (IOI), retinal vasculitis (RV), and/or retinal vascular occlusion (RO).

Methods

This was an unmasked post hoc analysis of the randomized HAWK/HARRIER clinical trials. Patients with neovascular AMD in the brolucizumab arms of the trials were included. IOI-related adverse events reported by study investigators were analyzed to determine early signs and the time course of IOI-related adverse events, using a subgroup of patients with definite/probable IOI cases identified in an independent unmasked post hoc review by an external safety review committee. A limited literature review on IOI following anti-VEGF therapy was also conducted.

Results

Among 50 patients with definite/probable IOI cases identified by the safety review committee, 12 had RV or RO adverse events reported by the investigators. For 6 of 12, IOI (other than RV) was reported before RV or RO. The duration from the first IOI adverse event to the first RV or RO adverse event ranged from 16 to 171 days for 5 patients and was 553 days for 1 patient. Four of the 6 patients received ≥ 1 brolucizumab injection on or after the date of the first IOI adverse event and before the first RV or RO adverse event.

Conclusions

IOI may precede RV or RO in some patients treated with brolucizumab.
Strengthening local volcano observatories through global collaborations
Authors: Lowenstern Jacob B. , Ewert John W. , Lockhart Andrew B.
Published: December 2021

We consider the future of volcano observatories in a world where new satellite technologies and global data initiatives have greatly expanded over the last two decades. Observatories remain the critical tie between the decision-making authorities and monitoring data. In the coming decade, the global scientific community needs to continue to collaborate in a manner that will strengthen volcano observatories while building those databases and scientific models that allow us to improve forecasts of eruptions and mitigate their impacts. Observatories in turn need to contribute data to allow these international collaborations to prosper.
Warum kein Anspruch auf Suizidassistenz?
Authors: Birnbacher Dieter
Published: December 2021

Auch unter Befürwortern der Zulässigkeit einer Suizidassistenz durch Ärzte unter bestimmten Bedingungen besteht weitgehendes Einverständnis darüber, dass kein Arzt zu einer Suizidassistenz rechtlich oder berufsrechtlich verpflichtet sein sollte. Auch das Bundesverfassungsgericht hat in seinem Urteil vom Februar 2020 Suizidwilligen unter bestimmten Bedingungen nicht mehr als ein ungerichtetes in rem-Recht auf Suizidhilfe zugesprochen, das keinen Anspruch gegen einen einzelnen Arzt begründet. Mit dem letzten Satz seines Urteils hat es vielmehr die Freiheit jedes einzelnen Arztes – wie auch jedes anderen potenziellen Helfers –, Nein zu sagen, nachdrücklich bekräftigt. Auf dem Hintergrund einer empirischen Untersuchung der Gründe, die in der Schweiz für die Ablehnung entsprechender Patientenanfragen gegeben werden, untersucht und gewichtet der Beitrag die Gründe, die für diese Freiheit sprechen, unter ethischen Gesichtspunkten und verteidigt ein bedingtes Recht auf Ablehnung gegen dessen jüngste Kritiker. In Fällen, in denen die Bedingungen erfüllt sind, durch die das Bundesverwaltungsgericht in seinem Urteil vom März 2017 „extreme Notlagen“ definiert hat, sollte jedoch zumindest eine moralische Pflicht anerkannt werden, den Patienten an einen Arzt zu verweisen, der zu einer Unterstützung bereit ist.
The neurochemical pathology of schizophrenia: post-mortem studies from dopamine to parvalbumin
Authors: Reynolds Gavin P.
Published: December 2021

Research in Peter Riederer’s lab in Vienna in the late 1970’s came from a strong tradition in post-mortem neurochemical studies, at that time a relatively niche approach in neuroscience research. He was also early to recognise the value of post-mortem brain tissue in elucidating pharmacological mechanisms of neuropsychiatric treatments. I was fortunate to have Peter Riederer as a mentor in my early post-doctoral career; his generous support and the opportunities to use post-mortem brain tissue provided an invaluable grounding on which much of my future research was based. In this paper, I shall provide a brief overview of one trajectory of my research into the neurobiology of schizophrenia that started in the Riederer lab in Vienna investigating dopamine and the D2 receptor. Subsequent research to understand findings of increased dopamine resulted in the identification of reduced GABAergic innervation, culminating in the finding of a deficit in the parvalbumin-containing subtype of GABAergic neurons. Most recent work has been studying how changes in DNA methylation of the parvalbumin gene may relate to these findings in psychotic illness and its animal models.
Comparison of two resilient attachment systems for implant-/mucosa-supported overdentures with a PEKK framework: a clinical pilot study
Authors: Dörsam Istabrak , Hombach Anastasia , Bourauel Christoph , Stark Helmut
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The aim of the study was to determine differences between Locator and CM LOC attachment systems regarding patient satisfaction and wear of the abutments and their inserts. Plaque accumulation onto the polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) framework and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) was investigated for the implant-supported overdentures.

Methods

Seventeen edentulous patients were randomised to receive either Locator or CM LOC system for the first year. The total number of implants was 53. After the randomisation, 25 implants received Locator system, and 28 implants received CM LOC system in the first year. After a period of 12 months, the attachment system was exchanged from either Locator to CM LOC or vice versa. Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaires were used to evaluate patient satisfaction, chewing comfort, and pressure lesions. Prosthesis hygiene on the PMMA and PEKK surfaces was evaluated by using Stark plaque index. After the exchange of the abutments, they were stored until the end of the 24 months, and the surface wear of the abutments was analysed using a scanning electron microscope.

Results

Three patients (10 implants) died shortly before the end of the first year. Two patients (7 implants) received only Locator system since CM LOC was not indictable for their implant system. Patient’s satisfaction was increased when the attachment system was changed from Locator to CM LOC after 12 months of wearing time. Chewing ability and comfort were increased when the attachment system was changed from CM LOC to Locator after 12-month wearing time. There was no influence of the change of the attachment system on pressure lesions. The observed plaque accumulation was higher on the PMMA than on the PEKK surface. For the 8 investigated Locator abutments, the wear was within low and middle level. For the 28 investigated CM LOC abutments, the wear was within middle and high level for the terminal implants and between low and middle for the central implants (for patients who received 4 implants).

Conclusions

Patient’s satisfaction and wearing comfort can be improved with implant-supported overdentures with CM LOC abutments in comparison to Locator. There was no clear difference between both attachment systems concerning the chewing ability of the patients. Plaque accumulation was observed on both attachment systems in different areas. Plaque accumulation on PEKK surface was less than on PMMA surface.

Clinical relevance

The CM LOC attachment system offers stable and comfortable wearing conditions for implant-supported overdentures. The use of PEKK as a framework material could reduce the incidence of pressure lesions.
Mid-term functional and quality of life outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy: multicenter comparative matched-pair analyses
Authors: Laitakari K. E. , Mäkelä-Kaikkonen J. K. , Kössi J. , Kairaluoma M. , Koivurova S. , Pollari L. , Ohtonen P. , Rautio T. T.
Published: December 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to compare patients’ mid-term functional and quality of life (QoL) outcomes following robotic ventral mesh rectopexy (RVMR) and laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR).

Methods

The data of consecutive female patients who underwent minimally invasive ventral mesh rectopexy for external or symptomatic internal rectal prolapse at 3 hospitals in Finland between January 2011 and December 2016 were retrospectively collected. Patients were matched by age and diagnosis at a 1:1 ratio. A disease-related symptom questionnaire was sent to all living patients at follow-up in July 2018.

Results

After a total of 401 patients (RVMR, n = 187; LVMR, n = 214) were matched, 152 patients in each group were included in the final analyses. The median follow-up times were 3.3 (range 1.6–7.4) years and 3.0 (range 1.6–7.6) years for the RVMR and LVMR groups, respectively. The postoperative QoL measures did not differ between the groups. Compared with the LVMR group, the RVMR group had lower postoperative Wexner Incontinence Score (median 5 vs. median 8; p < 0.001), experienced significant ongoing incontinence symptoms less often (30.6% vs. 49.0%; p < 0.001) and reported less postoperative faecal incontinence discomfort evaluated with the visual analogue scale (median 11 vs. median 39; p = 0.005). RVMR patients had a shorter hospital stay (2.2 days vs. 3.8 days; p < 0.001) but experienced more frequent de novo pelvic pain (31.8% vs. 11.8%; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

RVMR and LVMR patients had equal functional and QoL outcomes. Those who underwent RVMR had lower mid-term anal incontinence symptom scores but suffered more frequent de novo pelvic pain.
Right out of the gate: the genomics of Lessepsian invaders in the vicinity of the Suez Canal
Authors: Azzurro Ernesto , Nourigat Mathilde , Cohn Francesca , Ben Souissi Jamila , Bernardi Giacomo
Published: December 2021

Marine organisms that enter the Mediterranean from the Red Sea via the Suez Canal are known as Lessepsian bioinvaders. In general, genetic studies of Lessepsian fishes have shown little structure between Red Sea and Mediterranean populations. Yet notable exceptions suggest the importance of life-history factors that may influence patterns of spatial genetic variation. In this study, by sampling two invasive fishes with different life histories (the rabbitfish Siganus rivulatus and the filefish Stephanolepis diaspros), we looked at evidence of population structure and selection at the boundary between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean (the Suez Canal), using thousands of molecular markers. Results illustrate two divergent patterns of genetic patterns, with little genetic structure in S. rivulatus and strong population structure in S. diaspros, even at such small spatial scale. We discuss differences in ecological characteristics between the two species to account for such differences. In addition, we report that in the face of both high (S. rivulatus) and low (S. diaspros) gene flow, loci under selection were uncovered, and some protein coding genes were identified as being involved with osmoregulation, which seems to be an important feature of individuals crossing the salinity-variable Suez Canal. The presence of genes under selection in populations near the Suez Canal supports the idea that selection may be active and essential for successful invasions right out of the gate.
Fast quantification of extracellular vesicles levels in early breast cancer patients by Single Molecule Detection Array (SiMoA)
Authors: Morasso Carlo , Ricciardi Alessandra , Sproviero Daisy , Truffi Marta , Albasini Sara , Piccotti Francesca , Sottotetti Federico , Mollica Ludovica , Cereda Cristina , Sorrentino Luca , Corsi Fabio
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Preliminary reports suggest that extracellular vesicles (EVs) might be a promising biomarker for breast cancer (BC). However, the quantification of plasmatic levels of EVs is a complex task. To overcome these limitations, we developed a new, fast, and easy to use assay for the quantification of EVs directly in plasma based on the use of Single-Molecule Array (SiMoA).

Methods

By using SiMoA to identify CD9+/CD63+ EVs, we analyzed plasma samples of 181 subjects (95 BC and 86 healthy controls, HC). A calibration curve, made of a serial dilution of lyophilized standards from human plasma, was used in each run to ensure the obtainment of quantitative results from the assay. In a subgroup of patients, EVs concentrations were estimated in plasma before and after 30 days from cancer surgery. Additional information on the size of EVs were also acquired using a Nanosight system to obtain a clearer understanding of the mechanism underlying the releases of EVs associated with the presence of cancer.

Results

The measured levels of EVs resulted significantly higher in BC patients (median values 1179.1 ng/µl vs 613.0 ng/µl, p < 0.0001). ROC curve was used to define the optimal cut-off level of the test at 1034.5 ng/µl with an AUC of 0.75 [95% CI 0.68–0.82]. EVs plasmatic concentrations significantly decreased after cancer surgery compared to baseline values (p = 0.014). No correlation was found between EVs concentration and clinical features of BC.

Conclusion

SiMoA assay allows plasmatic EVs levels detection directly without any prior processing. EVs levels are significantly higher in BC patients and significantly decreases after cancer surgery.
Exploring Interactions in the Sickness Insurance System in Terms of Power and Trust
Authors: Karlsson Elin A. , Sandqvist Jan L. , Seing Ida , Ståhl Christian
Published: December 2021

Purpose Activation policies and efforts to reduce sick leave rates has influenced sickness insurance systems in Western countries, which has led to social security being more connected with work and attempts to expose malingering among the sickness absent. The aim of this study was to explore how power and trust are expressed by clients and stakeholders within the Swedish sickness insurance system. Methods This was a longitudinal qualitative study based on semi structured interviews and case files from 31 clients on sick leave in Sweden. Data was analyzed using a thematic analysis. Results The main theme ‘Acts of power and distrust’ illustrates how stakeholders’ express suspicions towards each other, and how clients need to demonstrate desire and efforts to return to work which other stakeholders verified. Conclusions The clients desire to prove themselves able to contribute to society was prominent in this study and power relations need to be acknowledged, in particular between client and the SIA. Further, to preserve citizens trust in the system, the system needs to demonstrate trust also in the clients.
ROmodel: modeling robust optimization problems in Pyomo
Authors: Wiebe Johannes , Misener Ruth
Published: December 2021

This paper introduces ROmodel, an open source Python package extending the modeling capabilities of the algebraic modeling language Pyomo to robust optimization problems. ROmodel helps practitioners transition from deterministic to robust optimization through modeling objects which allow formulating robust models in close analogy to their mathematical formulation. ROmodel contains a library of commonly used uncertainty sets which can be generated using their matrix representations, but it also allows users to define custom uncertainty sets using Pyomo constraints. ROmodel supports adjustable variables via linear decision rules. The resulting models can be solved using ROmodels solvers which implement both the robust reformulation and cutting plane approach. ROmodel is a platform to implement and compare custom uncertainty sets and reformulations. We demonstrate ROmodel’s capabilities by applying it to six case studies. We implement custom uncertainty sets based on (warped) Gaussian processes to show how ROmodel can integrate data-driven models with optimization.
Genetic diversity of oral streptococci in the guinea pig as assessed by sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA and groEL genes
Authors: Król Jarosław , Nowakiewicz Aneta , Błaszków Alicja , Brodala Maria , Domagała Adrianna , Prassol Anna-Nicole , Sławska Dominika , Wojtynia Julita
Published: December 2021

The aim of the present study was to characterize bacteria of the genus Streptococcus isolated from the oral cavity of the guinea pig as well as to assess the significance of these microorganisms as potential veterinary and human pathogens. Sixty-two streptococcal isolates recovered from 27 clinically healthy guinea pigs were examined genotypically by sequencing the 16S rRNA and groEL genes. Among these isolates, only 13 could be assigned to a species described previously (mainly Streptococcus parasanguinis, S. mitis and S. suis), and the majority of the remaining ones differed considerably from the streptococcal species known to date (16S rRNA and groEL sequence similarities were < 97% and < 87%, respectively). Based on 16S rRNA sequences, these unidentified isolates were divided into seven groups (clades), of which clades I through III comprised most of the isolates examined and had also the widest distribution among guinea pig colonies. Upon groEL gene sequence analysis, however, members of the three clades grouped together without forming such distinct clusters. The remaining clades distinguished by 16S rRNA sequencing could also be discerned by the second gene, and they contained only a few isolates often restricted to one or a few animal colonies. The present work reveals that the guinea pig mouth is inhabited by a vast number of phylogenetically diverse, so far unrecognized populations of streptococci, most of them being apparently host-specific genomospecies. On the contrary, S. parasanguinis and S. mitis are also common human commensals and S. suis is a well-recognized zoonotic pathogen.
Epigenetic Copper Mineralization in Raipur-Mokhampura Area, Mangalwar Complex, Bhilwara District, Rajasthan
Authors: Puspalak Binamra , Panda Lopamudra , Mukhopadhyay Shubhabrata
Published: December 2021

Rocks of the Mangalwar and Sandmata Complex of the Bhilwara Supergroup of Archaean age host copper mineralization in the form of chalcopyrite-bornite in Raipur-Mokhampura and Rajaji ka Karera areas of Bhilwara district, Rajasthan. The area forms a part of the dismembered granite-greenstone sequence of the Bhilwara Supergroup. Chalcopyrite and bornite form the dominant copper sulphides along with pyrite, digenite, chalcocite and some accessory Bi-telluride and Bi-Cu sulphide phases. These sulphides occur along the S2 foliation planes, veins and fractures within the amphibolites and calc-gneiss. Presence of Bi indicates hydrothermal epigenetic nature of the mineralization developed under highly acidic reducing condition and high sulphur fugacity.
Coralline Algae from the Late Pleistocene Miliolite Formation of Kachchh, Western India
Authors: Mude Shyam N. , Kundal Pradeep , Raut Shashikant D.
Published: December 2021

Coralline algae of the Late Pleistocene Miliolite Formation of Kachchh region, Gujarat, western India are studied in terms of taxonomy and their paleoenvironmental implications. The Quaternary bio-clastic sediments belonging to the Late Pleistocene Miliolite Formation are well exposed in Kachchh, western India and these sediments consist of sandy limestones and calcareous sandstones. The present paper deals with the study of coralline algae from the sediments of the Late Pleistocene Miliolite Formation. Twenty two species of coralline algae are being recorded for the first time from these sediments. Out of twenty two species, eight belong to non-geniculate coralline algae and fourteen belong to geniculate coralline algae. The geniculate coralline algal species are: Lithophyllum incrustans Philippi, Lithophyllum sp.1, Lithopyllum sp.2, Lithoporella melobesioides Foslie, Lithothamnion sp.1, Lithothamnion sp.2, Lithothamnion sp.3 and Lithothamnion sp.4 and geniculate coralline algal species are: Amphiroa anchiverricosa Johnson and Ferris, A. fortis Johnson , A. rigida Lamouroux; Arthrocardia cretacica Raineri, A. indica Kundal and Humane, A. konitaensis Ishijima; Calliarthron antiquum Johnson; Corallina grandis Rao, C. prisca Johnson, C. typica Ishijima; Jania guamensis Johnson, J. mengaudi Lemoine, J. sripadaraoi Kundal and Humane; J. vetus Johnson. The present coralline algal assemblage suggests that the sediments containing algae from the Miliolite Formation were deposited in the shallow water marine/ beach environment.
Application of Microseismic Monitoring in Analysing the Stability of Underground Cavern
Authors: Kumar Vikalp , Jha Prakash Chandra , Singh Nagendra Pratap , Cherukuri Sivakumar
Published: December 2021

Long term stability of an underground cavern is significant for construction engineers. For structures constructed in the geologically active regions of the Himalayas, continuous monitoring is required to ward off the sustained threats due to seismic activities and associated local geological hazards. Underground powerhouse of Tapovan Vishnugad Hydropower Power Project (TVHPP), Chamoli, Uttarakhand is one such powerhouse that encountered various types of rockmass failures both during and post construction. The project area is located about 2.0 km north of the Main Central Thrust (MCT) and the rockmass cavern has numerous joints, shear and seam zones and fractures. This pose threat to the long term stability of this underground powerhouse cavern. To analyse the rockmass stability of the powerhouse, real time microseismic monitoring system was installed in this underground cavern. Spatio-temporal variation of the recorded seismic events has been analysed for microseismic events distribution in terms of seismic energy, displacement, cumulative apparent volume and various other contours led to the identification of potentially hazardous zones in the underground rockmass structure.
Suitability of Groundwater Quality with Precipitation in the Western Part of Indo-Gangetic Plain, Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Singh Daya Shankar , Mishra Ajai
Published: December 2021

In this study, the study area has been classified into two parts as the city area and the critical area on the basis of different uses and demands. About two decades groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for the drinking and irrigation water quality parameters such as water quality index (WQI) and sodium absorption ratio (SAR) respectively. A graph has been plotted amongst water quality index, SAR values, and precipitation. It shows that WQI of critical area and city area is directly proportional to SAR values while the precipitation has a reverse correlation with the SAR and WQI for both the areas at a certain range. The response of precipitation and parameters is not the same for both the areas because the availability of open area is high in critical areas while very low in the city area. Each groundwater sample was also analyzed for both the parameters and also compared with the standards of World Health Organization, 2017, and Bureau of Indian Standards, 2012. Therefore it can be suggested that a proper drainage network and water harvesting structures should be constructed for the heavy rain period and lean period respectively for the sustainable groundwater resources.
An Integrated Approach for Delineating and Characterizing Groundwater Depletion Hotspots in a Coastal State of India
Authors: Basak Amiya , Das Jayanta , Rahman A.T.M. Sakiur , Pham Quoc Bao
Published: December 2021

Visualization of present state of aquifers and identification of groundwater depletion hotspots are important tools in preparing an effective groundwater management plan. Therefore, this study developed an integrated framework by bridging a number of relevant factors to characterize and visualize groundwater depletion hotspots in Andhra Pradesh, India. Firstly, the groundwater status was assessed by detecting spatio-temporal trends in groundwater levels of 429 dug well sites from 2004 to 2018 using Mann-Kendall (MK)/modified Mann-Kendal (mMK), Spearman’s Rho test, and the magnitude of the slope was determined by Sen’s slope estimator. Subsequently, multiple decision factors were considered in the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method for producing the groundwater stress zone map. A multicollinearity test was performed prior to the incorporation of these factors in order to improve the decision-making power of the AHP method. The results of the groundwater stress zoning map showed that 19.99%, 16.93%, 24.63%, 18.86% and 19.59 % of areas were classified as low, moderate, high and very high stress zones, respectively. Results also identified the south-western parts as groundwater depletion hotspots. Furthermore, validation results using Sen’s slope map, evaluation metrics of ROC (receiver operating characteristics) and AUC (area under curve) showed that AHP method had exhibited a reliable performance with an accuracy of 76.7%. Thus, the applied integrated approach can be used to explicitly characterize groundwater status by integrating different factors. The findings of our study also would be helpful for water resources managers and planners who need to design proper and sustainable management of groundwater resources.
Alarming Realities of Groundwater Dynamics in Basaltic Region through RS, GIS-Based Retrieval of Historical Data
Authors: Chaware Snehalata , Patil Nitin , Patil Adwait
Published: December 2021

A concept of retrieving and monitoring groundwater dynamics was introduced via metrics derived using Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the basaltic region, namely the Euclidian distance between neighbouring irrigation wells, area irrigated per well, well density and cluster analysis. In a representative Nagjhari watershed (14823 ha) located in Maharashtra state, India, temporal Google Earth images were interpreted visually to retrieve the periodic (2007, 2013, 2017), historical dugout well related data. During the decade, the number of wells increased by 429 (64%) with a 7% decrease in irrigated area, implying a greater number of competing users, tapping the same aquifer leading to the increased cost of irrigation. In 2007, functional wells (368) outnumbered defunct wells (303). By 2017, the reversal was far greater with 698 defunct wells compared to 399 functional wells. Clusters of 5-10, 10-15, and >15 number of wells respectively with 500 m proximity showed a common trend of a rising number of defunct wells (303 to 698), a decline in the total irrigated area in the watershed (from 517 to 479 ha), and irrigated area per unit well (from 1.41 to 1.23 ha) accompanied by a decrease in inter-well distance from 250 to 110 m. The well density increased from 0.035 to 0.25 units per ha. Neural clustering proved effective in discovering and delineating an aquifer located between 310-330 m contour classes. Three ‘hot spots’ of high well density, lower inter-well distance, and irrigated area per well were mapped. Observation wells monitored by the Central Ground Water Board were located within 460 m from the functional wells raising concerns about their representative character. An alarming trend of the rising number of competing groundwater users, increasing demand but actual use limited by aquifer yield potential was noted with negative influence on well density, and investment of about INR 34.55 million wasted over a decade.
Finding a New Coal Seam in Chandra Area, Surguja District, Chattisgarh, India
Authors: Patel D R , Alexander P O , Dutta N K , Chauhan G R
Published: December 2021

A new coal seam is being reported in Chandra area (23°03′00″ to 23°10′00″ N, and 83°10′00″ to 83°20′00″ E), located southeast of Ambikapur, the district headquarter of Surguja district, Chhattisgarh, falling in Survey of India, Toposheet 64 M/8. This area is located to the southeast of well known Bisrampur and east of Lakhanpur coalfields in south Rewa Gondwana Masterbasin.

Lithostratigraphic sequence of the Chandra area comprises granite-gneisses, phyllite belonging to the Palaeo to Mesoproterozoic forming the western extension of Chhotanagpur Gneissic complex, and the Lower Gondwana Group comprising the Talchir Formation mainly represented by boulder beds (tilloid) and green shale overlain by the Barakar Formation comprising mainly sandstone (fluvial sequence). Barakar sandstone overlaps onto the granite gneiss (basement) at some places. Barakar Formation. Exposed in northeast of Chandra village contains coal seam of around 1.50 m thick is exposed in a nala section. Analysis results show that coal present in the area contains high volatile matters (21.65% to 31.10 %) and high ash yield which varies from 12.12 % to 51.90 % and grade of G2, G8 and G14, with useful heat value ranging between 6525 to1326 K Cal/kg. With the development of the Bisrampur coalfield and the railway line connecting Ambikapur with Annuppur (on South Eastern Railway) it is possible to develop mines in Chandra area.
Market-shaping phases—a qualitative meta-analysis and conceptual framework
Authors: Flaig Alexander , Kindström Daniel , Ottosson Mikael
Published: December 2021

This study explores the potential existence of reoccurring patterns in market-shaping processes by employing a qualitative meta-analysis to analyze 79 case studies on market-shaping. Through the evidence-based synthesis of qualitative data, we extract 20 generalized market-shaping activities that inform and form the foundation of a three-phased market-shaping process. This conceptual framework divides the market-shaping process into the phases of infusion, formation and retention. By applying our conceptual framework to the qualitative dataset, we explore the presence of market-shaping phases and provide further insights into the interdependences and dynamics between multiple, simultaneously occurring, market-shaping processes. By providing a structured market-shaping process, we attempt to reduce the overall complexity of the market-shaping phenomenon and facilitate the operationalization of the phenomenon for further market-shaping research. Additionally, our conceptualization provides practitioners with a framework to analyze the market-shaping efforts of other market actors and support the design of their own market-shaping strategies.
Health risk assessment of nitrate and fluoride toxicity in groundwater contamination in the semi-arid area of Medchal, South India
Authors: Duvva Laxman Kumar , Panga Kiran Kumar , Dhakate Ratnakar , Himabindu Vurimindi
Published: December 2021

Hydrogeochemical controlling variables for the high rate of groundwater contamination in a shallow hard rock aquifer of the semi-arid region of Medchal District, Telangana State, South India, and its associated health risk to children and adults were studied in detail. A total of 56 groundwater samples were analysed for major ion chemistry in pre- and post-monsoon seasons in 2019 year. Spatial distribution, hydrochemical facies, water–rock interaction, health risk assessment, carcinogenic risk, and principal component analyses were carried out to assess the water quality. Spatial distribution of nitrate and fluoride concentrations, high values were observed in the northern, southern, central, and south-western parts of the region. In terms of NO3−, about 88% and 63% and for F− 45% and 32% of the groundwater samples are non-acceptable limits of nitrate 45 mg/l and fluoride 1.5 mg/l during pre- and post-monsoon seasons, respectively. Modified Gibb’s plot showed the majority of the area is dominated by rock dominance and evaporation mechanisms. Statistical analysis reveals that water chemistry is governed by weathering of feldspar minerals and the cation exchange reaction mechanism. The petro-graphical studies revealed the dominance of plagioclase, orthoclase, quartz, biotite, apatite, and hornblende minerals in the host rock. The factor analysis results reveal that the geogenic and anthropogenic activities contribute to groundwater chemistry. Health risk assessment was carried out by calculating the hazard quotient (HQ) on the basis of intake exposure of groundwater, as per the USEPA. Results were obtained for total hazard index value greater than 1 for adults and children, which causes non-cancerous health effects.
Design eines praxisorientierten und wissensbasierten Cyber-Physischen Systems für industrielle Rüstvorgänge
Authors: Abele Nils Darwin , Hoffmann Sven , de Carvalho Aparecido Fabiano Pinatti , Schweitzer Marcus , Wulf Volker , Kluth Karsten
Published: December 2021

Industrielle Rüstvorgänge sind durch ihren zentralen und zeitkritischen Charakter innerhalb eines Produktionsprozesses elementar. Optimierungsbestrebungen dieser Prozesse erfolgen insbesondere hinsichtlich des Zeitaufwandes und der Ressourcenschonung. In diesem Zusammenhang findet die Unterstützung des Menschen durch digitale Technologien in Form von Cyber-Physischen Systemen (CPS) weniger Beachtung. Der vorliegende Beitrag greift diese Thematik auf und trägt zur Weiterentwicklung von CPS bei. Auf Grundlage einer umfassenden ethnographischen Studie wurden Praktiken von Maschineneinrichtern im Zuge von Rüstvorgängen an Biegemaschinen identifiziert. Die Erkenntnisse dieser Studie münden in ein übergreifendes Wissenstransfermodell, das die Ableitung von Gestaltungs- bzw. Designimplikationen für CPS im Rüstkontext erleichtert und optimiert. Auf Grundlage eines Vergleichs von technischen Möglichkeiten mit den im Modell erfassten praxisrelevanten Anforderungen an den Wissens- und Erfahrungstransfer konnte ein neuer auf Augmented Reality (AR) und Sensortechnologie beruhender methodischer Ansatz zur Erfassung und Weitergabe von propositionalem und prozessualem Wissen, eingebettet in verkörperten Handlungen, realisiert werden.

Praktische Relevanz: Die Forschungsarbeiten bringen den Stand der Technik bei der Gestaltung digitaler Technologien bzw. CPS zur Unterstützung von Menschen voran, die mit Umrüstprozessen industrieller Produktionsmaschinen betraut sind. Es konnten für den Austausch von Fachwissen insbesondere hinsichtlich der Kontextualität und Kommunikation unter Berücksichtigung kollaborativer Arbeit und sozialer Rahmenbedingungen Fortschritte erzielt werden, die gleichzeitig neue Forschungsrichtungen zu diesem Thema eröffnen.
Material removal predictions in the robot glass polishing process using machine learning
Authors: Schneckenburger Max , Höfler Sven , Garcia Luis , Almeida Rui , Börret Rainer
Published: December 2021

Robot polishing is increasingly being used in the production of high-end glass workpieces such as astronomy mirrors, lithography lenses, laser gyroscopes or high-precision coordinate measuring machines. The quality of optical components such as lenses or mirrors can be described by shape errors and surface roughness. Whilst the trend towards sub nanometre level surfaces finishes and features progresses, matching both form and finish coherently in complex parts remains a major challenge. With increasing optic sizes, the stability of the polishing process becomes more and more important. If not empirically known, the optical surface must be measured after each polishing step. One approach is to mount sensors on the polishing head in order to measure process-relevant quantities. On the basis of these data, machine learning algorithms can be applied for surface value prediction. Due to the modification of the polishing head by the installation of sensors and the resulting process influences, the first machine learning model could only make removal predictions with insufficient accuracy. The aim of this work is to show a polishing head optimised for the sensors, which is coupled with a machine learning model in order to predict the material removal and failure of the polishing head during robot polishing. The artificial neural network is developed in the Python programming language using the Keras deep learning library. It starts with a simple network architecture and common training parameters. The model will then be optimised step-by-step using different methods and optimised in different steps. The data collected by a design of experiments with the sensor-integrated glass polishing head are used to train the machine learning model and to validate the results. The neural network achieves a prediction accuracy of the material removal of 99.22%.

Article highlights

First machine learning model application for robot polishing of optical glass ceramics

The polishing process is influenced by a large number of different process parameters. Machine learning can be used to adjust any process parameter and predict the change in material removal with a certain probability. For a trained model,empirical experiments are no longer necessary

Equipping a polishing head with sensors, which provides the possibility for 100% control
A case study on severe damage at a tunnel in serpentinite rock mass
Authors: Fujii Y. , Ikeda N. , Onoe Y. , Kanai Y. , Hayakawa T. , Awaji D. , Kodama J. , Fukuda D. , Alam A. K. M. B. , Dassanayake A. B. N.
Published: December 2021

Face squeezing, floor heave, and buckling of invert were found after a 10-day holiday in 2014 around the serpentinite face of a tunnel in Hokkaido, Japan. The damage continued for over 2 months, extending 400 m toward the entrance causing a massive roof fall. The tunnel was excavated again with a circular section and extra-thick shotcrete, and the face had crossed the damaged part 6 years after the damage occurred. Uniaxial and triaxial compression tests were carried out to obtain the mechanical properties of the serpentinite to clarify the severe damage mechanism at the tunnel. The main experimental findings are as follows. The uniaxial compressive strength of the serpentinite samples was very low, and the ratio of the strength to the estimated overburden pressure was extremely low. The parameter n indicated that the time-dependent deformation of the serpentinite was not large but the same as ordinary rocks. All specimens showed strain-hardening in the triaxial compression test, and the friction angle was very low by the brucite content. Only primary creep was observed in the multistage triaxial creep test. The pressure on the shotcrete from rock mass for the damaged tunnel was enough to cause creep deformation and failure of shotcrete. From the above findings, designing the concrete lining that can support the earth and water pressure is recommended for tunnel excavation in such a weak serpentinite rock mass, particularly with a very low friction angle by brucite.

Highlights

Face squeezing, floor heave, and buckling of invert were found after a 10-day holiday around the serpentinite face in Hokkaido, Japan.

The time-dependent deformation of the serpentinite was not large but the same as ordinary rocks.

All specimens showed strain-hardening in the triaxial compression test, and the friction angle was very low by the brucite content.

Only primary creep was observed in the multistage triaxial creep test.

The severe damage to the tunnel was not a brittle creep failure of the serpentinite rock mass itself but the shotcrete lining.
Effective Medium Theory of Metamaterials and Metasurfaces
Authors: Jiang Wei Xiang , Mei Zhong Lei , Cui Tie Jun
Published: December 2021

Metamaterials, including their two-dimensional counterparts, are composed of subwavelength-scale artificial particles. These materials have novel electromagnetic properties, and can be artificially tailored for various applications. Based on metamaterials and metasurfaces, many abnormal physical phenomena have been realized, such as negative refraction, invisible cloaking, abnormal reflection and focusing, and many new functions and devices have been developed. The effective medium theory lays the foundation for design and application of metamaterials and metasurfaces, connecting metamaterials with real world applications. In this Element, the authors combine these essential ingredients, and aim to make this Element an access point to this field. To this end, they review classical theories for dielectric functions, effective medium theory, and effective parameter extraction of metamaterials, also introducing front edge technologies like metasurfaces with theories, methods, and potential applications. Energy densities are also included.
Learning Morality with Siblings: The Untold Tale of a Mid-Twentieth Century Taiwanese Family
Authors: Xu Jing
Published: December 2021

This article uses a new theoretical and methodological framework to reconstruct a story of two children from fieldnotes collected by anthropologists Arthur and Margery Wolf in rural Taiwan (1958 to 1960). Through the case of a brother–sister dyad, it examines the moral life of young children and provides a rare glimpse into sibling relationship in peer and family contexts. First, combining social network analysis and NLP text-analytics, this article introduces a general picture of these siblings’ life in the peer community. Moreover, drawing from naturalistic observations and projective tests, it offers an ethnographic analysis of how children support each other and assert themselves. It emphasizes the role of child-to-child ties in moral learning, in contrast to the predominant focus of parent–child ties in the study of Chinese families. It challenges assumptions of the Chinese “child training” model and invites us to take children's moral psychology seriously and re-discover their agency.