bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of gamma irradiation on instream leaf litter decomposition
Authors: Boyero Luz , López-Rojo Naiara , Pérez Javier , Tonin Alan M. , Correa-Araneda Francisco , Davis Aaron , Pearson Richard G.
Published: October 2021

Leaf litter decomposition is a key process in stream ecosystems, the rates of which can vary with changes in litter quality or its colonization by microorganisms. Decomposition in streams is increasingly used to compare ecosystem functioning globally, often requiring the distribution of litter across countries. It is important to understand whether litter sterilization, which is required by some countries, can alter the rates of decomposition and associated processes. We examined whether litter sterilization with gamma irradiation (25 kGy) influenced decomposition rates, litter stoichiometry, and colonization by invertebrates after weeks of instream incubation within coarse-mesh and fine-mesh litterbags. We used nine plant species from three families that varied widely in litter chemistry but found mostly consistent responses, with no differences in decomposition rates or numbers of invertebrates found at the end of the incubation period. However, litter stoichiometry differed between irradiated and control litter, with greater nutrient losses (mostly phosphorus) in the former. Therefore, the effects of irradiation on litter chemistry should be taken into account in studies focused on stoichiometry but not necessarily in those focused on decomposition rates, at least within the experimental timescale considered here.
Design of Classroom Discussions and the Role of the Expert in Fostering an Effective and Aware Use of Examples as a Means of Argumentation
Authors: Cusi Annalisa , Olsher Shai
Published: October 2021

Tasks that require students to construct examples that meet certain constraints are frequently used in mathematics education. Although examples do not serve as proofs for general statements, they have a supporting role in the preliminary stages of making sense of a certain mathematical phenomenon as well as in the development of argumentation. We hypothesize that examples of the limit-confirming type could also support the initiation of arguments for refuting an existential claim. Although students may be able to construct this type of example, they rarely use it effectively in their argumentation. In this qualitative study, we analyze how teachers could scaffold students’ awareness of the potential role of limit-confirming examples as tools for supporting argumentative processes and reflections on methods of construction of effective examples. We analyzed teacher’s actions to explain and generalize this process by identifying and categorizing key moments that could characterize an approach fostering students’ aware and effective use of examples to develop argumentations.
Pioneer teachers: How far can individual teachers achieve agency within curriculum development?
Authors: Kneen Judith , Breeze Thomas , Thayer Emma , John Vivienne , Davies-Barnes Sian
Published: October 2021

Education reform requires the commitment and investment of teachers if it is to succeed. Recognising the importance of teacher engagement, some countries have made teacher agency a feature of their curricula. Wales has embraced the notion of teacher agency within the building of its new curriculum by creating a body of Pioneer teachers to shape its new curriculum framework. This paper considers the nature of teacher agency experienced by a group of these Pioneers working on the expressive arts area of the curriculum. It does so through an exploration of the ecological nature of teacher agency, as theorised by Emirbayer and Mische (1998), and it considers agency through a framework of different levels: the micro-level focuses on the individuals and their personal contributions; the macro-level considers Pioneers’ work at national level, liaising with teachers from across the country and taking responsibilityfor creating the curriculum; the meso-level refers to where the two former levels come together, i.e. the Pioneers’ work within their own institution, trialling the new curriculum. The evidence indicates that teacher agency was easier to achieve at micro-level and macro-level, than at meso-level. This paper suggests, therefore, that achieving teacher agency at institutional level is more complex and challenging than is the case at the other levels. Greater understanding and attention are, therefore, needed about how to achieve teacher agency in teachers’ different spheres of work, particularly when working at institutional level.
Socio-Demographic Factors, Gambling Behaviour, and the Level of Gambling Expenditure: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Grönroos Tanja , Kouvonen Anne , Kontto Jukka , Salonen Anne H.
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between socio-demographic factors, gambling behaviour, and the level of gambling expenditure. The data were drawn from the population-based Gambling Harms Survey 2016 and 2017 conducted in Finland. The data were linked to register-based variables. Past-year gamblers were included (Wave 1; n = 5 805, both Waves; n = 2 165). The study showed that of the 4.2 % of gamblers that produced 50.0 % of the total GE in 2016, 33.1 % of the GE was produced by those with a gambling problem and 43.3 % by those with at-risk gambling pattern. Compared to gamblers in the lowest GE group, those in the highest GE group were more likely to be men, aged 25 or older, with upper secondary education, have a high income, be on disability pension or sickness allowance, be frequent gamblers, gambling at least six game types, and showing at-risk and problem gambling patterns. Cumulative weekly GE by income tertiles remained fairly stable between the years. The results suggest that GE is highly concentrated. Among the small group of high-intensity consumers, the majority of the revenue comes from at-risk and problem gambling. Participants in the low GE group differ from those in the intermediate and high GE groups in terms of socio-demographics and gambling behaviour.
Drying of fibrous roots strengthens the negative power relation between biomechanical properties and diameter
Authors: Ekeoma E. C. , Boldrin D. , Loades K. W. , Bengough A. G.
Published: October 2021

Aims

Test the effects of root drying on biomechanical properties of fibrous roots.

Methods

Tensile strength and Young’s modulus of Festuca arundinacea roots were tested after full hydration and during progressive drying. Root diameter, water loss, and water content were measured for all treatments.

Results

Hydrated roots showed weak relations between biomechanical properties and diameter. After only 30 min air-drying, both tensile strength and Young’s modulus increased significantly in thin roots (< 1 mm) and after 60 min drying, both strength and Young’s modulus showed a negative power relation with root diameter. The maximum strength and Young’s modulus values recorded after 60 min drying were respectively three- and four-times greater than in hydrated roots. Strength and Young’s modulus increased rapidly when water content dropped below 0.70 g g−1. These biomechanical changes were the result of root diameter shrinkage of up to 50% after 60 min drying, driven by water loss of up to 0.7 g g−1.

Conclusions

Strength and Young’s modulus largely increased with root drying. We suggest controlling root moisture and testing fully hydrated roots as standard protocol, given that slope instability is generally caused by heavy rainfall events and loss of matric suction.
Entwicklung und Evaluation der Anstrengungsskala Sport
Authors: Büsch Dirk , Utesch Till , Marschall Franz
Published: October 2021

Aufgrund ihrer Einfachheit und Nutzerfreundlichkeit wird für die Erfassung der subjektiven Beanspruchungswahrnehmung in Training und Wettkampf bevorzugt die Category Ratio Scale (CR10-Skala) oder eine daran angelehnte Ein-Item-Skala eingesetzt. Die CR10-Skala stellt eine nicht-lineare, leicht positiv beschleunigte Funktion bezogen auf die Beanspruchung dar, die in der autorisierten deutschen Fassung mit „Anstrengungsempfinden“ übersetzt wird. Allerdings ist festzuhalten, dass die existierenden Skalen keine vollständigen Stufenbezeichnungen beinhalten und/oder die Stufenbezeichnungen Überschneidungen mit verwandten Konstrukten, z. B. Ermüdung zulassen. Die Anstrengungsskala Sport (ASS) zeichnet sich demgegenüber durch vollständige Stufenbezeichnungen und begriffliche Klarheit mit der komparativen Deklination des Adjektivs anstrengend aus. Auf der Grundlage einer rationalen Konstruktionsstrategie sowie einer systematischen Item-Analyse kann gezeigt werden, dass die Voraussetzungen für die Verwendung der ASS als Verhältnisskala gegeben sind, die eine zuverlässige und inhaltlich eindeutige Messung der Anstrengung gestattet.
Perforation location optimization through 1-D mechanical earth model for high-pressure deep formations
Authors: Al-Ameri Nagham Jasim
Published: October 2021

Optimum perforation location selection is  an important study to improve well production and hence in the reservoir development process, especially for unconventional high-pressure formations such as the formations under study. Reservoir geomechanics is one of the key factors to find optimal perforation location. This study aims to detect optimum perforation location by investigating the changes in geomechanical properties and wellbore stress for high-pressure formations and studying the difference in different stress type behaviors between normal and abnormal formations. The calculations are achieved by building one-dimensional mechanical earth model using the data of four deep abnormal wells located in Southern Iraqi oil fields. The magnitude of different stress types and geomechanical properties was estimated from well-log data using the Techlog software. The directions of the horizontal stresses are determined in the current wells utilizing image-log formation micro-imager (FMI) and caliper logs. The results in terms of rock mechanical properties showed a reduction in Poisson’s ratio, Young modulus, and bulk modulus near the high-pressure zones as compared to normal pressure zones because of the presence of anhydrite, salt cycles, and shales. Low maximum and minimum horizontal stress values are also observed in high-pressure zones as compared to normal pressure zones indicating the effects of geomechanical properties on horizontal stress estimation. Around the wellbore of the studied wells, formation breakouts are the most expected situation according to the results of the wellbore stress state (effective vertical stress (σzz) > effective tangential stress (σθθ) > effective radial stress (σrr)).
On the power of P systems with active membranes using weak non-elementary membrane division
Authors: Gazdag Zsolt , Hajagos Károly , Iván Szabolcs
Published: October 2021

It is known that polarizationless P systems with active membranes can solve $$\mathrm {PSPACE}$$
PSPACE
-complete problems in polynomial time without using in-communication rules but using the classical (also called strong) non-elementary membrane division rules. In this paper, we show that this holds also when in-communication rules are allowed but strong non-elementary division rules are replaced with weak non-elementary division rules, a type of rule which is an extension of elementary membrane divisions to non-elementary membranes. Since it is known that without in-communication rules, these P systems can solve in polynomial time only problems in $$\mathrm {P}^{\text {NP}}$$

P

NP

, our result proves that these rules serve as a borderline between $$\mathrm {P}^{\text {NP}}$$

P

NP

and $$\mathrm {PSPACE}$$
PSPACE
concerning the computational power of these P systems.
Kongenitaler Hyperinsulinismus
Authors: Rami‑Merhar Birgit
Published: October 2021

Der kongenitale Hyperinsulinismus (KHI) ist die häufigste Ursache persistierender Hypoglykämien im Säuglings- und Kindesalter; darunter präsentiert sich eine heterogene Gruppe von klinisch, genetisch und histologisch unterschiedlichen Erkrankungen. Charakterisiert ist der KHI durch eine überschießende Ausschüttung von Insulin und das Auftreten von Hypoglykämien, die unbehandelt zu schweren irreversiblen neurokognitiven Defiziten führen, daher ist eine rasche Diagnose und Behandlung essenziell. In den letzten Jahren gab es viele neue Erkenntnisse im Bereich der Genetik, Diagnostik und Therapie.
Variable-Drift Diffusion Models of Pedestrian Road-Crossing Decisions
Authors: Pekkanen Jami , Giles Oscar Terence , Lee Yee Mun , Madigan Ruth , Daimon Tatsuru , Merat Natasha , Markkula Gustav
Published: October 2021

Human behavior and interaction in road traffic is highly complex, with many open scientific questions of high applied importance, not least in relation to recent development efforts toward automated vehicles. In parallel, recent decades have seen major advances in cognitive neuroscience models of human decision-making, but these models have mainly been applied to simplified laboratory tasks. Here, we demonstrate how variable-drift extensions of drift diffusion (or evidence accumulation) models of decision-making can be adapted to the mundane yet non-trivial scenario of a pedestrian deciding if and when to cross a road with oncoming vehicle traffic. Our variable-drift diffusion models provide a mechanistic account of pedestrian road-crossing decisions, and how these are impacted by a variety of sensory cues: time and distance gaps in oncoming vehicle traffic, vehicle deceleration implicitly signaling intent to yield, as well as explicit communication of such yielding intentions. We conclude that variable-drift diffusion models not only hold great promise as mechanistic models of complex real-world decisions, but that they can also serve as applied tools for improving road traffic safety and efficiency.
Zirconia-Intercalated Kaolinite: Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Metal-Ion Removal Activity
Authors: Abou-El-Sherbini Khaled S. , Wahba Mohammed A. , Drweesh Elsayed A. , Akarish Adel I. M. , Shaban Seham A. , Elzahany Eman A. M.
Published: October 2021

The intercalation of kaolinite through the insertion of ions or molecules amongst the structural aluminosilicate layers is a vital process in numerous clay-based applications and products. Layer neutrality and hydrogen bonding limits direct intercalation into kaolinite, other than for small molecules. Synthesizing zirconia-intercalated kaolinite is not a straightforward matter. To overcome this barrier, raw Egyptian kaolin (UnK) or its acid-activated product (HK) was sonicated and impregnated in aqueous ZrOCl2·8H2O solution followed by thermal treatment at various temperatures (100, 200, 300, and 500°C). The intercalation process was confirmed using various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. The direct intercalation of ZrO2 into the kaolinite layers was observed even through a mild thermal treatment (100, 200, and 300°C). The mechanism of intercalation was suggested to occur by binding ZrO2 to the Si/AlO groups with a preference for the acid-activated HK, causing variable enlargements of the basal spacing and producing very perturbed layers. Interestingly, the surface area increased by 250% as a result of zirconia intercalation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed a remarkable improvement in the stacking order of the kaolinite particles. The impact of ZrO2 intercalation into kaolinite also enhanced its adsorption efficiency for Pb2+, Cu2+, and Cd2+ ions. Preliminary investigations showed that the zirconia-intercalated HK demonstrated a removal efficiency, which is three times greater than that of pristine HK. The adsorption tendency toward Pb2+ ions was greater than those of Cu2+ and Cd2+ and followed the order: Pb2+ >> Cu2+ > Cd2+. The study suggests that the chemical modification of kaolin by zirconia via a direct intercalation technique, which greatly improves its functionality as demonstrated by the selective sorption of heavy metal ions, is worthy of further study.
Self-deployable tensegrity structures for adaptive morphing of helium-filled aerostats
Authors: Knap Lech , Świercz Andrzej , Graczykowski Cezary , Holnicki-Szulc Jan
Published: October 2021

In this paper, the authors propose, investigate, and discuss a concept of novel type of deployable helium-filled aerostat as a low-cost mean of transport. Internal construction of the aerostat is based on ultra-light tensegrity structure equipped with prestressed tensioned elements of controllable lengths. Such tensegrity structure allows for adaptive morphing of the aerostat understood as simultaneous controllable modifications of aerostat volume and shape during the flight. The controlled volume changes enable influencing buoyancy force and obtaining desired vertical motion during the ascending and descending process. In turn, external shape changes allow for lowering the aerodynamic drag and energy usage needed to uphold stable horizontal position or maintain the desired flight path. Moreover, such internal structure allows for convenient storage, transportation and deployment of the aerostat construction on the ground or in required point at the atmosphere. The article presents an analysis of the exemplary operational mission of the aerostat. The authors introduce the mechanical model capturing interaction of the internal tensegrity structure and aerostat envelope based on the finite-element method, as well as dynamic model allowing for simulation of the aerostat’s vertical and horizontal motion influenced by buoyancy and drag forces. Both these models are used to positively verify the feasibility of the proposed concept of deployable tensegrity-based aerostat with adaptive morphing and its efficiency in realization of the assumed flight mission.
Investigations of masonry churches seismic performance with numerical models: application to a case study
Authors: D’Amato Michele , Sulla Roselena
Published: October 2021

Recovering and preserving ancient churches is necessary to ensure the transmission of this cultural heritage to the future generations. To this scope, it is necessary to evaluate their performance in seismic prone areas, to design interventions capable of reducing their vulnerability ensuring also their safety use for the faithful. In this paper, investigations on seismic performance of masonry churches are illustrated by applying two different numerical methods on a case study, an existing brick masonry church. The seismic assessment is conducted by applying two simplified methods proposed by the current Italian Directive containing the Guidelines for assessment and reduction of cultural heritage seismic risk. Moreover, linear kinematic analysis is used also for investigating the influence of main parameters governing to the main façade simple overturning and narthex longitudinal response. The investigations performed highlight that the activation multiplier of macro-element response mechanism may significantly vary according to the assumptions made and that also, as narthex longitudinal response, a minimization procedure of the activation multiplier is required.
Challenging the financial inclusion-decent work nexus: evidence from Cambodia’s over-indebted internal migrants
Authors: Natarajan Nithya , Brickell Katherine , Guermond Vincent , Lawreniuk Sabina , Parsons Laurie
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we question the promotion of financial inclusion, and microfinance specifically, as a means to achieve ‘Decent Work’ (DW) under the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) programme. Drawing upon original research findings from two types of internal migrants in Cambodia, we make a twin contention: first, that excessive levels of microfinance borrowing by garment workers are part-outcome of the failings of the DW programme to engender ‘decent enough work’, and second, that microfinance borrowing is actually eroding rather than contributing to the prospect of decent work for debt-bonded brickmakers in the country. The data presented on two of the largest sectors contributing to Cambodia’s growth in recent decades, enable the paper to show how microfinance and labour precarity are intertwined through the over-indebtedness of workers in both cases. The paper ultimately looks to caution the ILO on its current promotion of financial inclusion and microfinance in particular, stressing the need for significant sectoral reforms before this form of credit can be considered to align with the core principles of the DW programme.
„Look down and see my plague sores which I spread before thee my saviour“: Abjektion und Gender im puritanischen Neuengland
Authors: Mueller Monika
Published: October 2021

Der Beitrag führt vor, wie puritanische Texte mit Julia Kristevas Theorie der Abjektion, die sie in Powers of Horror (1982) darlegt, analysiert werden können. Grenzüberschreitungen wie religiöser und ziviler Ungehorsam wurden von den Puritanern in Neuengland oft als Hinweis auf sexuelle Transgression und körperliche Abjektion verstanden. Puritanische Autoren, die oftmals auch Geistliche waren, brachten Grenzüberschreitungen gerne mit spiritueller Verderbtheit und Abjektion körperlicher Sekrete, Exkrete und Exkremente in Verbindung.

Die puritanischen Texte, die Gegenstand dieses Beitrags sind, befassen sich mit der Abjektion von Sperma und „monströsen“ fehlgebildeten Föten: John Winthrop und Thomas Weld verfassten drastische Schilderungen von Anne Hutchinsons und Mary Dyers „Monstergeburten“, da sie diese als Beweis für die spirituelle Verderbtheit der beiden Antinomierinnen, die es gewagt hatten, puritanische Doktrinen zu kritisieren, verstanden. Der puritanische Pfarrer Michael Wigglesworth hingegen vertraute seine eigenen abjekten, unreinen Gedanken und Handlungen, die sich auf seine männlichen Studierenden bezogen und laut seiner Beschreibung zu starken sexuellen Lustgefühlen und ungewollter Triebabfuhr führten, seinem Tagebuch in verschlüsselter Form an.

Als Repräsentant der puritanischen Obrigkeit war Wigglesworth imstande, seine spirituelle und sexuelle Überschreitung religiöser Grenzen unbemerkt auszuleben, da die Abjektion körperlicher Materie in seinen privaten Räumlichkeiten stattfand. Somit konnte er seine Abjektion erfolgreich vor der Öffentlichkeit verbergen. Hutchinson und Dyer hingegen, deren vermeintliche spirituelle Transgressionen durch abjekte „monströse“ Geburten zwangsweise öffentlich gemacht wurden, wurden von den puritanischen Geistlichen, die die symbolische Ordnung Neuenglands verkörperten, für ihre Verstöße gegen die religiös-staatliche Ordnung abgestraft und aus der Gemeinschaft verstoßen.
Hospital-acquired influenza in the United States, FluSurv-NET, 2011–2012 through 2018–2019
Authors: Cummings Charisse N. , O’Halloran Alissa C. , Azenkot Tali , Reingold Arthur , Alden Nisha B. , Meek James I. , Anderson Evan J. , Ryan Patricia A. , Kim Sue , McMahon Melissa , McMullen Chelsea , Spina Nancy L. , Bennett Nancy M. , Billing Laurie M. , Thomas Ann , Schaffner William , Talbot H. Keipp , George Andrea , Reed Carrie , Garg Shikha
Published: October 2021

Objective:

To estimate population-based rates and to describe clinical characteristics of hospital-acquired (HA) influenza.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

US Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network (FluSurv-NET) during 2011–2012 through 2018–2019 seasons.

Methods:

Patients were identified through provider-initiated or facility-based testing. HA influenza was defined as a positive influenza test date and respiratory symptom onset >3 days after admission. Patients with positive test date >3 days after admission but missing respiratory symptom onset date were classified as possible HA influenza.

Results:

Among 94,158 influenza-associated hospitalizations, 353 (0.4%) had HA influenza. The overall adjusted rate of HA influenza was 0.4 per 100,000 persons. Among HA influenza cases, 50.7% were 65 years of age or older, and 52.0% of children and 95.7% of adults had underlying conditions; 44.9% overall had received influenza vaccine prior to hospitalization. Overall, 34.5% of HA cases received ICU care during hospitalization, 19.8% required mechanical ventilation, and 6.7% died. After including possible HA cases, prevalence among all influenza-associated hospitalizations increased to 1.3% and the adjusted rate increased to 1.5 per 100,000 persons.

Conclusions:

Over 8 seasons, rates of HA influenza were low but were likely underestimated because testing was not systematic. A high proportion of patients with HA influenza were unvaccinated and had severe outcomes. Annual influenza vaccination and implementation of robust hospital infection control measures may help to prevent HA influenza and its impacts on patient outcomes and the healthcare system.
Representative Democracy and Social Equality
Authors: INGHAM SEAN
Published: October 2021

When are inequalities in political power undemocratic, and why? While some writers condemn any inequalities in political power as a deviation from the ideal of democracy, this view is vulnerable to the simple objection that representative democracies concentrate political power in the hands of elected officials rather than distributing it equally among citizens, but they are no less democratic for it. Building on recent literature that interprets democracy as part of a broader vision of social equality, I argue that concentrations of political power are incompatible with democracy, and with a commitment to social equality more generally, when they consist in some having greater arbitrary power to influence decisions according to their idiosyncratic preferences. A novel account of the relationship between power and social status clarifies the role of social equality in the justification of democracy, including a representative democracy in which public officials have more political power than ordinary citizens.
Prey preferences of invasive (Hemigrapsus sanguineus, H. takanoi) and native (Carcinus maenas) intertidal crabs in the European Wadden Sea
Authors: Bleile Nadine , Thieltges David W.
Published: October 2021

Invasive predators can have wide-ranging effects on invaded ecosystems and identifying the prey spectra and preferences of invaders are important steps in assessing their potential impacts on native biota. In this study, we investigated prey preferences of two invasive crab species (Hemigrapsus sanguineus and Hemigrapsus takanoi) that recently invaded Europe's shores and compared them with preferences of native shore crabs (Carcinus maenas) of similar size. In laboratory experiments, all three crab species preferred animal over algal prey. In general, sessile mussels (Mytilus edulis) were preferred over motile amphipods (Gammarus locusta) by all three crab species but amphipod predation was lower in the invasive compared with the native crabs. For the two invasive crab species, this pattern was the same in treatments where prey was offered separately (no-choice treatments) or simultaneously (choice treatments), while for the native crabs, mussel preference disappeared in choice treatments. The general preference of mussels by all three crab species suggests that local invasions of crabs most likely lead to increased competition among crabs. In addition, given that local densities of invasive crabs are often much higher than those of native crabs, predation pressure on native mussels can be expected to strongly increase at invaded sites. In contrast, local predation pressure on amphipods may be less affected by the crab invasions. Further field studies are needed to establish the magnitude of competition and predation pressure exerted by the invaders under natural conditions.
Chemotactic and temperature-dependent responses of the Strongyloidoidea superfamily of nematodes
Authors: Dulovic Alex , Norman Mat , Harbecke Dorothee , Streit Adrian
Published: October 2021

Host-seeking behaviour and how a parasite identifies the correct host to infect remains a poorly understood area of parasitology. What is currently known is that host sensation and seeking behaviour is formed from a complex mixture of chemo-, thermo- and mechanosensory behaviours, of which chemosensation is the best studied. Previous studies of olfaction in parasitic nematodes suggested that this behaviour appears to be more closely related to target host and infection mode than phylogeny. However, there has not yet been a study comparing the chemotactic and temperature-dependent behaviours of very closely related parasitic and non-parasitic nematodes. To this end, we examined the temperature-dependent and chemotactic responses of the Strongyloidoidea superfamily of nematodes. We found differences in temperature response between the different species and within infective larvae. Chemotactic responses were highly divergent, with different attraction profiles between all species studied. When examining direct stimulation with fur, we found that it was insufficient to cause an attractive response. Overall, our results support the notion that olfactory sensation is more closely related to lifestyle and host range than phylogeny, and that multiple cues are required to initiate host-seeking behaviour.
Communities of practice and what they can do for International Relations
Authors: Bicchi Federica
Published: October 2021

This article argues that communities of practice (CoPs) provide IR with a unique way to understand how a small group of committed people can make a difference to international politics. The point is addressed in three steps. First, the article advances our understanding of how CoPs work. While at its core a CoP is a group of people brought together by a practice they enjoy, a CoP also shares a sense of timing, placing, and humour. These aspects help the group anchor, refine, and innovate their practice in the face of challenges and uncertainty. Second, the article contrasts the analysis of CoPs with other IR approaches, especially institutional analysis, network analysis, and epistemic communities, to show how CoPs supplement them. Third, the article illustrates the argument with the example of the EU foreign policy towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It concludes by suggesting that a CoP's perspective not only helps IR better understand informal politics, but also opens up conversations across disciplines.
A network meta-analysis of secondary attack rates of COVID-19 in different contact environments
Authors: Zhao Xunying , Shen Ziqiong , Sun Litao , Cheng Long , Wang Mengyuan , Zhang Xiaofan , Xu Bin , Tian Lulu , Miao Yunqi , Wu Xueyao , Zou Kun , Li Jiayuan
Published: October 2021

As the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues around the world, understanding the transmission characteristics of COVID-19 is vital for prevention and control. We conducted the first study aiming to estimate and compare the relative risk of secondary attack rates (SARs) of COVID-19 in different contact environments. Until 26 July 2021, epidemiological studies and cluster epidemic reports of COVID-19 were retrieved from SCI, Embase, PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang and CBM in English and Chinese, respectively. Relative risks (RRs) were estimated in pairwise comparisons of SARs between different contact environments using the frequentist NMA framework, and the ranking of risks in these environments was calculated using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). Subgroup analysis was performed by regions. Thirty-two studies with 68 260 participants were identified. Compared with meal or gathering, transportation (RR 10.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43–77.85), medical care (RR 11.68, 95% CI 1.58–86.61) and work or study places (RR 10.15, 95% CI 1.40–73.38) had lower risk ratios for SARs. Overall, the SUCRA rankings from the highest to the lowest were household (95.3%), meal or gathering (81.4%), public places (58.9%), daily conversation (50.1%), transportation (30.8%), medical care (18.2%) and work or study places (15.3%). Household SARs were significantly higher than other environments in the subgroup of mainland China and sensitive analysis without small sample studies (<100). In light of the risks, stratified personal protection and public health measures need to be in place accordingly, so as close contacts categorising and management.
Stickler syndrome – lessons from a national cohort
Authors: Snead M. P. , Richards A. J. , McNinch A. M. , Alexander P. , Martin H. , Nixon T. R. W. , Bale P. , Shenker N. , Brown S. , Blackwell A. M. , Poulson A. V.
Published: October 2021

In 2011 NHS England commissioned a new national specialist MDT service for patients and families affected by Stickler syndrome. The Stickler syndromes form part of the spectrum of inherited vitreoretinopathies and are the most common cause of retinal detachment in childhood and the most common cause of familial retinal detachment. Now in its 10th year, the Stickler Highly Specialised Service (HSS) has assessed 1673 patients from 785 families. Using a combination of accurate phenotyping and molecular genetic analysis it is possible to identify the underlying genetic mutation in over 95% of cases including those with deep intronic mutations likely to be missed by conventional exome panel analysis and which require whole gene sequencing and supplementary functional analysis to confirm pathogenicity. The vast majority that presents to ophthalmologists will be from one of three autosomal dominant sub-groups with a high associated risk of retinal detachment but the diagnosis is often overlooked, especially in adults. In contrast to many other blinding retinal conditions, blindness through giant retinal tear detachment particularly in children is largely preventable provided these high-risk groups are identified and appropriate evidence-based prophylaxis offered. This article summarises ten selected briefcase histories from the national dataset with key learning points from each.
An apple (Malus domestica) AP2/ERF transcription factor modulates carotenoid accumulation
Authors: Dang Qingyuan , Sha Haiyun , Nie Jiyun , Wang Yongzhang , Yuan Yongbing , Jia Dongjie
Published: October 2021

Color is an important trait for horticultural crops. Carotenoids are one of the main pigments for coloration and have important implications for photosynthesis in plants and benefits for human health. Here, we identified an APETALA2 (AP2)/ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR (ERF) transcription factor named MdAP2-34 in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.). MdAP2-34 expression exhibited a close correlation with carotenoid content in ‘Benin Shogun’ and ‘Yanfu 3’ fruit flesh. MdAP2-34 promotes carotenoid accumulation in MdAP2-34-OVX transgenic apple calli and fruits by participating in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway. The major carotenoid contents of phytoene and β-carotene were much higher in overexpressing MdAP2-34 transgenic calli and fruit skin, yet the predominant compound of lutein showed no obvious difference, indicating that MdAP2-34 regulates phytoene and β-carotene accumulation but not lutein. MdPSY2-1 (phytoene synthase 2) is a major gene in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway in apple fruit, and the MdPSY2-1 gene is directly bound and transcriptionally activated by MdAP2-34. In addition, overexpressing MdPSY2-1 in apple calli mainly increases phytoene and total carotenoid contents. Our findings will advance and extend our understanding of the complex molecular mechanisms of carotenoid biosynthesis in apple, and this research is valuable for accelerating the apple breeding process.
Arm swing responsiveness to dopaminergic medication in Parkinson’s disease depends on task complexity
Authors: Warmerdam Elke , Romijnders Robbin , Hansen Clint , Elshehabi Morad , Zimmermann Milan , Metzger Florian G. , von Thaler Anna-Katharina , Berg Daniela , Schmidt Gerhard , Maetzler Walter
Published: October 2021

The evidence of the responsiveness of dopaminergic medication on gait in patients with Parkinson’s disease is contradicting. This could be due to differences in complexity of the context gait was in performed. This study analysed the effect of dopaminergic medication on arm swing, an important movement during walking, in different contexts. Forty-five patients with Parkinson’s disease were measured when walking at preferred speed, fast speed, and dual-tasking conditions in both OFF and ON medication states. At preferred, and even more at fast speed, arm swing improved with medication. However, during dual-tasking, there were only small or even negative effects of medication on arm swing. Assuming that dual-task walking most closely reflects real-life situations, the results suggest that the effect of dopaminergic medication on mobility-relevant movements, such as arm swing, might be small in everyday conditions. This should motivate further studies to look at medication effects on mobility in Parkinson’s disease, as it could have highly relevant implications for Parkinson’s disease treatment and counselling.
Exploring﻿ electroencephalography with a model inspired by quantum mechanics
Authors: Popiel Nicholas J. M. , Metrow Colin , Laforge Geoffrey , Owen Adrian M. , Stojanoski Bobby , Soddu Andrea
Published: October 2021

An outstanding issue in cognitive neuroscience concerns how the brain is organized across different conditions. For instance, during the resting-state condition, the brain can be clustered into reliable and reproducible networks (e.g., sensory, default, executive networks). Interestingly, the same networks emerge during active conditions in response to various tasks. If similar patterns of neural activity have been found across diverse conditions, and therefore, different underlying processes and experiences of the environment, is the brain organized by a fundamental organizational principle? To test this, we applied mathematical formalisms borrowed from quantum mechanisms to model electroencephalogram (EEG) data. We uncovered a tendency for EEG signals to be localized in anterior regions of the brain during “rest”, and more uniformly distributed while engaged in a task (i.e., watching a movie). Moreover, we found analogous values to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, suggesting a common underlying architecture of human brain activity in resting and task conditions. This underlying architecture manifests itself in the novel constant KBrain, which is extracted from the brain state with the least uncertainty. We would like to state that we are using the mathematics of quantum mechanics, but not claiming that the brain behaves as a quantum object.
Design of 3D printable prosthetic foot to implement nonlinear stiffness behavior of human toe joint based on finite element analysis
Authors: Um Hui-Jin , Kim Heon-Su , Hong Woolim , Kim Hak-Sung , Hur Pilwon
Published: October 2021

Toe joint is known as one of the critical factors in designing a prosthetic foot due to its nonlinear stiffness characteristic. This stiffness characteristic provides a general feeling of springiness in the toe-off and it also affects the ankle kinetics. In this study, the toe part of the prosthetic foot was designed to improve walking performance. The toe joint was implemented as a single part suitable for 3D printing. The various shape factors such as curved shape, bending space, auxetic structure, and bending zone were applied to mimic human foot characteristics. The finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted to simulate terminal stance (from heel-off to toe-off) using the designed prosthetic foot. To find the structure with characteristics similar to the human foot, the optimization was performed based on the toe joint geometries. As a result, the optimized foot showed good agreement with human foot behavior in the toe torque-angle curve. Finally, the simulation conditions were validated by comparing with human walking data and it was confirmed that the designed prosthetic foot structure can implement the human foot function.
Constraining the chronology and ecology of Late Acheulean and Middle Palaeolithic occupations at the margins of the monsoon
Authors: Blinkhorn James , Achyuthan Hema , Durcan Julie , Roberts Patrick , Ilgner Jana
Published: October 2021

South Asia hosts the world’s youngest Acheulean sites, with dated records typically restricted to sub-humid landscapes. The Thar Desert marks a major adaptive boundary between monsoonal Asia to the east and the Saharo-Arabian desert belt to the west, making it a key threshold to examine patterns of hominin ecological adaptation and its impacts on patterns of behaviour, demography and dispersal. Here, we investigate Palaeolithic occupations at the western margin of the South Asian monsoon at Singi Talav, undertaking new chronometric, sedimentological and palaeoecological studies of Acheulean and Middle Palaeolithic occupation horizons. We constrain occupations of the site between 248 and 65 thousand years ago. This presents the first direct palaeoecological evidence for landscapes occupied by South Asian Acheulean-producing populations, most notably in the main occupation horizon dating to 177 thousand years ago. Our results illustrate the potential role of the Thar Desert as an ecological, and demographic, frontier to Palaeolithic populations.
Personalized diet study of dietary advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) genotypes in obesity
Authors: Mahmoudinezhad Mahsa , Farhangi Mahdieh Abbasalizad , Kahroba Houman , Dehghan Parvin
Published: October 2021

Obesity prevalence have tripled in the past decades. It is logical to consider new approaches to halt its prevalence. In this concept, considering the effect of interaction between fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) gene variants and dietary advanced glycation end products (AGEs) on obesity-related characteristics seems to be challenging. The present cross-sectional study conducted among 347 obese individuals. A validated semi-quantitative 147-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to estimate dietary intakes and American multiethnic database was used to calculate AGEs content of food items which were not available in Iranian Food Composition Table (FCT). FADS2 gene variants were determined according to Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to evaluate the modifier effect of FADS2 gene-dietary AGEs on biochemical values. Based on our findings, no significant differences was reported in term of biochemical variables between AGEs tertiles. In contrast, percent of macronutrients (carbohydrate, protein and fat) of total calorie intake, amount of daily intake of fiber and meat groups showed a significant differences among AGEs tertiles. Furthermore, statistical assays clarified the modifier effects of FADS2 gene-AGEs on weight (Pinteraction = 0.04), fat mass (Pinteraction = 0.03), waist circumference (Pinteraction = 0.008) and cholesterol (Pinteraction = 0.04) level. Accordingly, higher consumption of protein or fat based foods constitute high amount of AGEs and heterozygote genotype for FADS2 tended to show lower level of AGEs content. These findings address further investigation to develop new approaches for nutritional interventions.
Impact of hybrid plasmonic nanoparticles on the charge carrier mobility of P3HT:PCBM polymer solar cells
Authors: Omrani MirKazem , Fallah Hamidreza , Choy Kwang-Leong , Abdi-Jalebi Mojtaba
Published: October 2021

The solution processable polymer solar cells have shown a great promise as a cost-effective photovoltaic technology. Here, the effect of carrier mobility changes has been comprehensively investigated on the performance of P3HT:PCBM polymer solar cells using electro-optical coupled simulation regimes, which may result from the embedding of SiO2@Ag@SiO2 plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) in the active layer. Firstly, the active layer thickness, stemmed from the low mobility of the charge carriers, is optimized. The device with 80 nm thick active layer provided maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.47%. Subsequently, the PCE has increased to 6.75% and 6.5%, respectively, along with the benefit of light scattering, near-fields and interparticle hotspots produced by embedded spherical and cubic nanoparticles. The PCE of the devices with incorporated plasmonic nanoparticles are remarkably enhanced up to 7.61% (for spherical NPs) and 7.35% (for cubic NPs) owing to the increase of the electron and hole mobilities to $${\upmu }_{e}=8\times {10}^{-7} \,{\text{m}}^{2}/\text{V}/\text{s}$$

μ
e

=
8
×

10

-
7

m

2

/
V
/
s

and $${\upmu }_{h}=4\times {10}^{-7} \,{\text{m}}^{2}/\text{V}/\text{s}$$

μ
h

=
4
×

10

-
7

m

2

/
V
/
s

, respectively (in the optimum case). Furthermore, SiO2@Ag@SiO2 NPs have been successfully synthesized by introducing and utilizing a simple and eco-friendly approach based on electroless pre-treatment deposition and Stober methods. Our findings represent a new facile approach in the fabrication of novel plasmonic NPs for efficient polymer solar cells.
Assessment of radiation sensitivity of unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in a series of patients submitted to radioembolization with yttrium-90 resin microspheres
Authors: Depalo Tommaso , Traino Antonio Claudio , Bargellini Irene , Lorenzoni Giulia , Bozzi Elena , Vivaldi Caterina , Lamastra Rocco , Masi Gianluca , Cioni Roberto , Boni Giuseppe , Volterrani Duccio
Published: October 2021

Radioembolization is a valuable therapeutic option in patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The essential implementation of the absorbed dose calculation methods should take into account also the specific tumor radiosensitivity, expressed by the α parameter. Purpose of this study was to retrospectively calculate it in a series of patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma submitted to radioembolization. Twenty-one therapeutic procedures in 15 patients were analysed. Tumor absorbed doses were calculated processing the post-therapeutic 90Y-PET/CT images and the pre-treatment contrast-enhanced CT scans. Tumor absorbed dose and pre- and post-treatment tumor volumes were used to calculate α and α3D parameters (dividing targeted liver in n voxels of the same volume with specific voxel absorbed dose). A tumor volume reduction was observed after treatment. The median of tumor average absorbed dose was 93 Gy (95% CI 81–119) and its correlation with the residual tumor mass was statistically significant. The median of α and α3D parameters was 0.005 Gy−1 (95% CI 0.004–0.008) and 0.007 Gy−1 (95% CI 0.005–0.015), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed tumor volume and tumor absorbed dose as significant predictors of the time to tumor progression. The knowledge of radiobiological parameters gives the possibility to decide the administered activity in order to improve the outcome of the treatment.