bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GLIM criteria as a valid tool for nutrition assessment and mortality prediction in treatment‐naïve patients with cancer
Authors: Balcı Cafer , Tufan Gülnihal , Özdemir Nuriye , Aksoy Sercan , Öksüzoğlu Ömür Berna , Zengin Nurullah , Kars Ayşe , Halil Meltem
Published: February 2023

Background

Clinical care of patients with cancer mostly focuses on medical management with less attention on disease‐related malnutrition. The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) released new criteria for diagnosing malnutrition, but the validation of these criteria in treatment‐naïve patients with cancer is not well documented. This study aimed to investigate the application of the GLIM criteria in nutrition assessment and mortality prediction in treatment‐naïve patients with cancer.

Methods

A total of 267 patients newly diagnosed with different types of cancer were enrolled. Nutrition status was assessed with the Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG‐SGA) at outpatient clinic admission during the data collection period. Furthermore, after the GLIM criteria publication, nutrition status was assessed retrospectively using the GLIM criteria in the same cohort to assess validity. The agreement between the tools was calculated using kappa statistics, and the association of malnutrition according to each tool and mortality was analyzed using logistic regression analysis.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 58.06 ± 12.6 years, and 42.7% were women. The prevalence of malnutrition was 60.3% with GLIM criteria and 53.6% with PG‐SGA. Agreement between tools was moderate (κ = 0.483, P < 0.001). During a median follow‐up period of 23.6 months, 99 deaths occurred. Both GLIM‐defined and PG‐SGA–defined malnutrition was independently associated with 2‐year mortality after adjusting for age, sex, presence of comorbidities, and stage of cancer.

Conclusions

Our findings support the validation of GLIM in diagnosing malnutrition and predicting 2‐year mortality among treatment‐naïve patients with cancer.
Nano‐mechanical approach to study the behavior of annealed nanodiamond reinforced epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Singh Baljit , Mohanty Akash
Published: February 2023

Nanodiamonds (NDs) are potential fillers that provide excellent mechanical and multifunctional capabilities. The growing interest in using NDs in a variety of fields has prompted researchers to use NDs to prepare various structural composites. In this work, ND surface modification was performed by a physical process as a systematic approach to remove the sp2 carbon content and noncarboneous particles from pristine NDs. The nanohardness and viscoelastic response of modified NDs incorporated with the epoxy matrix were further investigated. The surface morphology and crystalline nature of NDs/epoxy nanocomposites were investigated by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, and x‐ray diffraction. Nanoindentation and nano‐dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) tests were conducted on different composites with 0–0.5 wt% filler variations. The nanohardness and nano‐DMA of various composites were performed at two different loads (5 and 10 mN) in a frequency range of 10–250 Hz. The maximum improvement in the young's modulus was 79% and 52% with the 5 and 10 mN loads, respectively, corresponding to 0.3 wt% filler loading. The storage modulus and loss modulus values increased with the ND concentration in epoxy composites for 10 mN loads compared to 5 mN loads. From the nano‐DMA study, a higher phase lag of the tan δ curve was obtained for 5 and 10 mN loads, with larger tan δ values for NDs nanofiller‐loaded composites compared to neat epoxy. When compared to the 5 mN load, the tan δ value for the 10 mN load increased by 0.3 wt%. Thus, these composites can be used for automobiles and aerospace applications.
Developmental origins of health and disease: Impact of paternal nutrition and lifestyle
Authors: Shi Qiaoyu , Qi Kemin
Published: February 2023

Most epidemiological and experimental studies have focused on maternal influences on offspring's health. The impact of maternal undernutrition, overnutrition, hypoxia, and stress is linked to adverse offspring outcomes across a range of systems including cardiometabolic, respiratory, endocrine, and reproduction among others. During the past decade, it has become evident that paternal environmental factors are also linked to the development of diseases in offspring. In this article, we aim to outline the current understanding of the impact of male health and environmental exposure on offspring development, health, and disease and explore the mechanisms underlying the paternal programming of offspring health. The available evidence suggests that poor paternal pre‐conceptional nutrition and lifestyle, and advanced age can increase the risk of negative outcomes in offspring, via both direct (genetic/epigenetic) and indirect (maternal uterine environment) effects. Beginning at preconception, and during utero and the early life after birth, cells acquire an epigenetic memory of the early exposure which can be influential across the entire lifespan and program a child's health. Potentially not only mothers but also fathers should be advised that maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is important to improve offspring health as well as the parental health status. However, the evidence is mostly based on animal studies, and well‐designed human studies are urgently needed to verify findings from animal data.
Assessing the impact of poverty alleviation programs on poverty reduction in Nigeria: Selected programs
Authors: Gidigbi Matthew O.
Published: February 2023

The menace of poverty can seem unavoidable in a developing country like Nigeria, with well over half the population under the poverty threshold despite several poverty alleviation programs implemented over four decades. Therefore, this paper investigates the impact of selected poverty alleviation programs on poverty reduction in Nigeria, covering the period from 1981 to 2015. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin and CBN Annual Reports constituted the main sources of data used in this study. Autoregressive distributed lagged models were used in estimating the relationship. Two categories of social intervention programs—“income and wealth redistribution programs” (a proxy for “longevity” in the Multidimensional Poverty Index [MPI] [Category 1]) and “access and empowerment programs” (a proxy for “education attainment” in the MPI [Category 2])—were used, and both were found to reduce the poverty rate. Thus, a percentage point increment in access and empowerment programs reduces the poverty rate by 1.33%. The Category 1 relationship, however, was found to be statistically insignificant. In conclusion, the provision of credit facilities, social capital, and a congenial business environment should be encouraged by both public and private bodies in the poverty alleviation agenda.
Disparity in income poverty and multidimensional poverty estimates: The Indian scenario with special reference to Salboni and Binpur‐I blocks
Authors: Roy Amrita , Chakraborti Chandrima
Published: February 2023

There is no consensus among studies about how to define or measure poverty. Two widely used criteria to estimate poverty are the minimum expenditure criteria (income or monetary poverty) and the extent of deprivation regarding different dimensions representing quality of living of individuals (multidimensional poverty). This study compares income poverty and multidimensional poverty estimates across Indian states in recent years. Although both the poverty estimates indicate significant reduction in poverty, income and multidimensional poverty estimates differ significantly. Then the critical question is whether both measures identify the same set of households as poor or not. If alternate definitions of poverty identify different households as poor then we should be cautious about choosing the correct method to estimate poverty. In this context, we have studied the cases of two blocks, Salboni and Binpur I from Paschim Medinipur district in West Bengal. Using our own data from these two blocks, we find that poverty incidence calculated using two different measures for Salboni and Binpur I blocks give significantly different estimates. Even though most of the multidimensional poor households were also identified as income poor, not all income poor households were identified as multidimensionally poor.
Recent Asymmetric Phase‐Transfer Catalysis with Chiral Binaphthyl‐Modified and Related Phase‐Transfer Catalysts over the Last 10 Years
Authors: Lee Hyo‐Jun , Maruoka Keiji
Published: February 2023

In this personal account, we describe our recent advances in the three types of phase‐transfer catalysis for various transformations including asymmetric induction: Firstly, asymmetric phase‐transfer catalysis with Maruoka‐type C2‐symmetric chiral biaryl‐modified tetraalkylammonium salts and phosphonium salts; Secondly, asymmetric phase‐transfer catalysis under base‐free and neutral conditions; Thirdly, hydrogen‐bonding catalysis using tetraalkylammonium and trialkylsulfonium salts. These three different strategies are illustrated by using various phase‐transfer catalyzed transformations.
Effect of storage time on the antimicrobial properties of chitosan
Authors: Balasubramanian Srimathy , Selvaraj Senthil Kumar , Santhanam Sakthivel , Boominathan Senthil Kumar
Published: February 2023

Chitosan (CS) is well known as one of the natural polymers. It is one of the familiar antibacterial materials owing to its safety, non‐toxicity and biocompatibility. However, its prolonged capability to act as an antibacterial agent is not yet investigated in detail. i.e., as to how much time it can withstand its ability as an antibacterial agent is very significant for practical purposes. Hence, in the present study, CS solution and thin films in different ratios were prepared and were stored up to 24 months. Later observations were carried on different samples after storage time to assess its potential toward antimicrobial activity. It was noted that CS thin films had superior properties even after storage time of 24 months when compared to solution and powder forms. In addition to the above, morphology of the nanofilms and the presence of functional groups were also studied in detail.
Introduction: Honing Local Techniques in a Globalized World
Authors: Hård Mikael
Published: February 2023

In their daily lives, people around the world use tools and material objects, also known as technologies. Despite the notion that high-tech equipment now rule the world, local tools and techniques endure. Global histories of technology must reflect this reality—and historians must resist reproducing grandiose, one-sided narratives of globalization and modernization. By presenting microhistories from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, this book sheds light on the rich and varied technological history of these regions. In Chap. 1, the author argues that we better understand “technology” by redefining it in terms of “material culture,” a concept applicable to every region of the world, including Europe and North America. For the historian of technology, the material-culture approach entails treating heavily industrialized as well as less industrialized regions equally.
Building Missionary Stations in Southeast Asia: Nias Islanders Deploy Adzes
Authors: Hård Mikael
Published: February 2023

In their determination to proselytize, Christian missionaries from Europe and North America built outposts in many parts of the world. Based on sources from the islands of Nias and Sumatra in today’s Indonesia, Chap. 2 demonstrates that the construction of missionary stations in the decades around 1900 relied on locally available expertise, labor, and building materials, just as daily life at the stations relied on a locally available labor force and locally produced foodstuff. Although missionaries brought with them to the islands drawing and tools (e.g., saws), indigenous carpenters often preferred their own tools (e.g., adzes); they used architectural solutions indigenous to the islands and incorporated local style elements in their structures. During construction, missionaries and local artisans exchanged technical knowledge and skills, turning the missionary station into a low-tech “trading zone.”
Withstanding Globalization in Northern India: Farmers Make Sugar for Local Consumption
Authors: Hård Mikael
Published: February 2023

According to standard global histories of sugar, the plantation model invades the world, and slavery becomes the norm. The microhistory of sugarcane in India under British rule is different, however. Traditional sugarcane varieties proved well-matched to local conditions; production remained small-scale; and most consumers continued to favor muscovado and other varieties of brown sugar over highly refined, white sugar. Chapter 4 shows how the history of sugar in Northern India diverged from the standard narrative. Indeed, the traditional production system aligned with the concept of “appropriate technology”: both sugarcane cultivation and sugar manufacturing required minimal investment; they were based on locally accessible knowledge and skills; maintenance and repair of the system could be achieved locally; and the methods used were well-suited to the physical environment and social milieu.
Accessing Electricity in East Africa: Dar es Salaam Dwellers Pursue Power
Authors: Hård Mikael
Published: February 2023

In colonial Dar es Salaam, electricity was meant to signal social status—and to differentiate high-income and low-income neighborhoods. Only wealthy colonizers and merchants had full access to electric power. Whereas the majority of people in European cities were provided electricity in their homes, most people deemed “African” in Dar es Salaam were denied access to the grid. Despite the electricity providers’ purported role as “public utilities,” they did not serve the majority of the population. Chapter 5 argues that electricity provision in the capital of German East Africa and British Tanganyika was a biased process in which power was dispensed according to class and perceived race. Exercising their political power, the city authorities prioritized lighting public spaces such as downtown streets, large thoroughfares, and the streets of upper-class neighborhoods.
Doing It Yourself in Central Asia: Uzbeks Build Adobe Houses
Authors: Hård Mikael
Published: February 2023

The history of construction practices and daily life in Central Asia challenges the narrative of the Soviet Union as a centralized, monolithic society—and of Soviet cities rife with modernist buildings made of reinforced concrete. Drawing on oral histories, Chap. 9 offers a counternarrative that emphasizes local initiatives and self-organization. The chapter illustrates how, during Soviet rule, people mobilized the age-old Muslim tradition of carrying out collective work (hashar) to renovate communal infrastructure and individual homes. In Samarkand, Uzbekistan, as well as other cities in Central Asia, people collaborated to maintain, repair, and expand the structures in their neighborhoods (mahallas). People also came together to work on private, traditional courtyard houses, most of which were built with adobe: locally manufactured mud bricks.
Soziale Arbeit und marginalisierte Quartiere – eine Einleitung mit einem Impuls zu GWA und lokaler Demokratie
Authors: Oehler Patrick , Janett Sandra
Published: February 2023

Der Beitrag führt in die Thematik des Bandes – Soziale Arbeit und marginalisierte Quartiere – ein und verbindet dies mit Überlegungen Martin Kronauers zu „Stadt und (neue) soziale Frage“. Davon ausgehend werden in einem nächsten Schritt marginalisierte Quartiere als Orte lokaler Demokratie beleuchtet und daran anknüpfend auf den Zusammenhang von Gemeiwesenarbeit und lokaler Demokratie eingegangen. Damit soll aufgezeigt werden, dass Soziale Arbeit in Form von Gemeinwesenarbeit, aber auch anderen Zugängen, ganz unterschiedliche Beiträge zur Quartiers- und Stadtentwicklung, aber eben auch zu Demokratieentwicklung und -förderung beitragen kann und diese beiden Aspekte – in einer Demokratie – letztlich aufeinander verwiesen sind.
Postmigrantische Nachbarschaften – zwischen Marginalisierung und Widerspruch
Authors: Althaus Eveline
Published: February 2023

In Großwohnsiedlungen aus den 1960er und 1970er Jahren gehört Diversität zum Wohnalltag – gerade auch vor dem Hintergrund der postmigrantischen Nachbarschaften, die sich hier im Laufe der Jahre herausgebildet haben. Eine Studie am ETH Wohnforum hat sich vertieft mit solchen Nachbarschaftskonfigurationen auseinandergesetzt (Althaus, Eveline. 2018. Sozialraum Hochhaus. Nachbarschaft und Wohnalltag in Schweizer Großwohnbauten. Bielefeld: transcript.). Dieser Beitrag fasst einige wesentliche Erkenntnisse daraus zusammen und diskutiert, was zur Marginalisierung wie auch zur Resilienz dieser sozialräumlichen Settings beiträgt, wie Differenzen (re-)produziert und hinterfragt werden, aber auch, wie wir in Fachdiskursen den postmigrantischen Realitäten vor Ort gerechter werden können.
Testing Seed for Quality
Authors: Rajendra Prasad S.
Published: February 2023

The value of seed depends on its quality. Hence, evaluation of seed quality is of critical value in any seed production system. It is, therefore, desired that seed quality is tested for all essential parameters, following the standard procedures and performing the tests in such a manner that the results are consistent and are reproducible, within the permissible limits of tolerance. As the submitted sample is only a minute fraction of the whole seed lot, reproducibility and reliability of results will greatly depend on the precision of sampling. Hence, the accuracy in sampling and precision in testing the vital parameters of seed quality form the essential components of quality assurance process. Though the seed testing procedures are essentially based on the ISTA Rules, each country may modify these to suit its requirement, crop- and variety-specific characteristics, and the available resources without compromising on the accuracy in seed quality evaluation. The essential components of seed quality and standard procedures to evaluate the same are discussed.
Seed Health: Testing and Management
Authors: Vishunavat Karuna , Prabakar Kuppusami , Anand Theerthagiri
Published: February 2023

Healthy seeds play an important role in growing a healthy crop. Seed health testing is performed by detecting the presence or absence of insect infestation and seed-borne diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses. The most detrimental effect of seed-borne pathogens is the contamination of previously disease-free areas and the spread of new diseases. Sowing contaminated or infected seeds not only spreads pathogens but can also reduce yields significantly by 15–90%. Some of the major seed-borne diseases affecting yield in cereals, oilseeds, legumes, and vegetables, particularly in the warm and humid conditions prevailing in the tropical and sub-tropical regions, are blast and brown spot of rice, white tip nematode and ear-cockle in wheat, bacterial leaf blight of rice, downy mildews, smuts, head mould, seedling rots, anthracnose, halo blight, and a number of viral diseases. Hence, detection of seed-borne pathogens, such as fungi (anthracnose, bunt, smut, galls, fungal blights), bacteria (bacterial blights, fruit rots, cankers), viruses (crinkle, mottle, mosaic), and nematodes (galls and white tip), which transmit through infected seed to the main crop, is an important step in the management strategies for seed-borne diseases. Thus, seed health testing forms an essential part of seed certification, phytosanitary certification, and quarantine programmes at national and international levels. Detection of seed-borne/transmitted pathogens is also vital in ensuring the health of the basic stock used for seed production and in maintaining the plant germplasm for future research and product development. Besides the precise and reproducible testing methods, appropriate practices during seed production and post-harvest handling, including seed treatment and storage, are important components of seed health management and sustainable crop protection.
Seed Quality Enhancement
Authors: Weissmann Elmar A. , Raja K. , Gupta Arnab , Patel Manish , Buehler Alexander
Published: February 2023

With the expansion of precision and intensive agriculture, seed quality, which alone could contribute up to 15–20 per cent in terms of crop productivity, has assumed greater importance. Every care is taken not only to produce high-quality seeds and maintain the same through various stages of production, from growing conditions of the seed crop to pre-harvest, harvest, processing and storage activities, but also to adopt certain technologies to further improve the performance of seeds upon sowing of the crop under a wide range of environments. These technologies, collectively known as ‘enhancement’, cover a variety of methods applicable to different crop species and aimed at meeting specific requirements, such as unfavourable growing conditions of hard/acidic/sodic soil, high or low temperature, excess or deficient rainfall, etc., as well as the stress imposed by the presence of pests and diseases that affect crop performance, particularly during the early vegetative stage resulting in poor seed emergence, crop establishment and vegetative growth. Selection of the appropriate and cost-effective technologies is important in accruing the best results from seed enhancement.
Seed Vigour and Invigoration
Authors: Basu Sudipta , Groot Steven P. C.
Published: February 2023

Seed vigour is an important aspect of seed quality. It is a quantitative trait which is responsible for overall seed performance in terms of rate and uniformity of seed germination, seedling growth, emergence ability under unfavourable environments and post storage performance. Seed vigour is controlled by genetic factors, initial seed quality, production environments, harvesting and storage conditions. Seed vigour tests provide a more sensitive index of seed performance per se than the germination test. Efforts have been focused on developing novel or improving existing methods of vigour estimation in different crops. The vigour tests are tools routinely used for in-house seed quality control programs, especially for field and vegetable crops. Some treatments can improve seed vigour, although the treatment effects are more evident under sub-optimum than optimum growing conditions. This chapter deals with different aspects of seed vigour and its effects on plant growth and discusses physiological and biochemical parameters to understand underlying mechanisms.
Seed Longevity and Deterioration
Authors: Ranganathan Umarani , Groot Steven P. C.
Published: February 2023

The fundamental deteriorative processes that lead to loss of seed viability contrastingly vary between desiccation insensitive (orthodox) and desiccation sensitive seeds (recalcitrant). Orthodox seeds which undergo maturation drying are bestowed with protective mechanisms which guard the seeds against deterioration. They include the accumulation of antioxidants, non-reducing sugars, protective proteins such as late embryogenesis abundant proteins, heat-shock proteins, lipocalins, hormones and chemical protectants (raffinose family oligosaccharides, flavonoids, lignins, vitamin E). The nuclear DNA is packed denser and chlorophyll is degraded. Besides, the cytoplasm is capable of transitioning between liquid and glassy state depending on the moisture content of the seeds aiding in the maintenance of seed viability potential. In the dry seeds, the glassy state of the cytoplasm ensures the stabilization of cellular components by arresting cell metabolism. However, even with low moisture content and a glassy state of cytoplasm, reactive oxygen species generated due to the presence of oxygen in the storage atmosphere may cause the ageing of seed. As the seed moisture content increases, mitochondrial respiration gets activated, also leading to increased production of reactive oxygen species, owing to inefficient mitochondrial activity. The reactive oxygen species lead to the oxidation of essential molecules such as DNA, RNA, proteins and lipids. Further, mitochondrial membranes also get oxidized, leading to reduced aerobic respiration potential. When the damage is not substantial, orthodox seeds are capable of repairing the molecular damages that accumulate during storage, enabling the seeds to partially overcome the damages and extend their longevity. This includes activation of repair of cell membranes, DNA, RNA, proteins and mitochondria as the seeds imbibe water.

Unlike the orthodox seeds, the recalcitrant seeds are largely devoid of protective mechanisms which guard the seeds against rapid deterioration. The recalcitrant seeds are shed from the mother tree at high moisture content while they are metabolically active. After dispersal, the seeds undergo deteriorative changes during drying due to the damage to the cytoskeleton (physical damage), besides reactive oxygen species-induced damage due to lack of antioxidant activity (metabolism-induced damage). Even when maintained under high moisture content, seeds exhibit dysfunction of the cell organelles and extensive vacuolization predisposing the seeds to deterioration. Thus, recalcitrant seeds are prone to deterioration either under low or high moisture content.
Hybrid Seed Production Technology
Authors: Chakrabarty Shyamal K. , Basu Sudipta , Schipprach W.
Published: February 2023

Hybrid technology, harnessing the advantage of heterosis between two diverse genotypes to achieve maximum hybrid vigour, is widely recognized and commercially used for crop variety improvement both in field and vegetable crops. Hybrids can be developed using appropriate technology, irrespective of the mating and pollination system in the plant species. Production of hybrid seed depends on plant, pollinator and environmental factors, which influence it individually or in interactive ways. Hence, an understanding of these components is important to undertake hybrid seed production of a given crop species. The basic requirements for hybrid seed production at a commercial scale are (a) a unisexual flower or a bisexual flower with sterile pollen in anther or self-incompatible flower/plant; or pistillateness; or large conspicuous bisexual flowers for easy emasculation of flowers in plants to be used as the female parent and (b) abundant pollen production, dispersal and its easy transfer from the male parent to the female parent for satisfactory seed setting. These are dependent on floral biology, flower features, mode of pollination and reproduction of the crop species. Agronomic crop management with scientific insights is equally important for successful hybrid seed production. These are discussed in this chapter with appropriate examples.
Expedited surrogate-based quantification of engineering tolerances using a modified polynomial regression
Authors: Parnianifard Amir , Chaudhary Sushank , Mumtaz Shahid , Wuttisittikulkij Lunchakorn , Imran Muhammad Ali
Published: February 2023

Statistical analysis is frequently used to determine how manufacturing tolerances or operating condition uncertainties affect system performance. Surrogate is one of the accelerating ways in engineering tolerance quantification to analyze uncertainty with an acceptable computational burden rather than costly traditional methods such as Monte Carlo simulation. Compared with more complicated surrogates such as the Gaussian process, or Radial Basis Function (RBF), the Polynomial Regression (PR) provides simpler formulations yet acceptable outcomes. However, PR with the common least-squares method needs to be more accurate and flexible for approximating nonlinear and nonconvex models. In this study, a new approach is proposed to enhance the accuracy and approximation power of PR in dealing with uncertainty quantification in engineering tolerances. For this purpose, first, by computing the differences between training sample points and a reference point (e.g., nominal design), we employ certain linear and exponential basis functions to transform an original variable design into new transformed variables. A second adjustment is made to calculate the bias between the true simulation model and the surrogate’s approximated response. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed PR approach, we provide comparison results between conventional and proposed surrogates employing four practical problems with geometric fabrication tolerances such as three-bar truss design, welded beam design, and trajectory planning of two-link and three-link (two and three degrees of freedom) robot manipulator. The obtained results prove the preference of the proposed approach over conventional PR by improving the approximation accuracy of the model with significantly lower prediction errors.
Estimation and bootstrap for stochastically monotone Markov processes
Authors: Neumann Michael H.
Published: February 2023

The Markov property is shared by several popular models for time series such as autoregressive or integer-valued autoregressive processes as well as integer-valued ARCH processes. A natural assumption which is fulfilled by corresponding parametric versions of these models is that the random variable at time t gets stochastically greater conditioned on the past, as the value of the random variable at time $$t-1$$

t
-
1

increases. Then the associated family of conditional distribution functions has a certain monotonicity property which allows us to employ a nonparametric antitonic estimator. This estimator does not involve any tuning parameter which controls the degree of smoothing and is therefore easy to apply. Nevertheless, it is shown that it attains a rate of convergence which is known to be optimal in similar cases. This estimator forms the basis for a new method of bootstrapping Markov chains which inherits the properties of simplicity and consistency from the underlying estimator of the conditional distribution function.
Experimentally simulating the beam shaping capabilities of piston-type deformable mirrors using a liquid crystal spatial light modulator
Authors: Scholes Stirling , Mohapi Lehloa , Leach Jonathan , Forbes Andrew , Dudley Angela
Published: February 2023

The number of mirror segments, mirror geometry and orientation are essential parameters when assessing the beam-shaping capabilities of deformable mirrors. Here, we use a Liquid Crystal on Silicon Spatial Light Modulator (LCoS-SLM) to mimic the mechanical design of a deformable mirror and quantitatively analyse the effect of the number of mirror segments and their geometrical structure on resulting structured modes. Our approach can be used as a test bed prior to designing a deformable mirror for high power beam shaping.
Sodium as a subsidy in the spring: evidence for a phenology of sodium limitation
Authors: Clay Natalie A. , Herrmann Maggie C. , Evans-White Michelle A. , Entrekin Sally A. , West Colton
Published: February 2023

Understanding the factors that mediate carbon (C) cycling is increasingly important as anthropogenic activities and climate change alter ecosystems. Decomposition rates mediate C cycling and are in part regulated by sodium (Na) where Na is limiting up to some threshold after which Na becomes stressful and reduces decomposition rates (i.e., the Sodium Subsidy-Stress hypothesis). An overlooked pathway by which decomposers encounter increased salts like NaCl is through plants, which often take up Na in proportion to soil concentrations. Here we tested the hypothesis that Na addition through litter (detritus) and water and their interaction would impact detrital processing and leachate chemistry. Laboratory riparian soil mesocosms received either artificial litter (100% cellulose sponges) soaked in 0.05% NaCl (NaClL) or just H2O (H2OL: control) and half of each litter treatment received weekly additions of 150 ml of either 0.05% NaCl water (NaClW) or just H2O (H2OW: control). After 8 weeks decomposition was higher in NaCl addition treatments (both NaClLand NaClWand their combo) than controls (H2OL + H2OW) but reflected a unimodal relationship where the saltiest treatment (NaClL + NaClW) was only marginally higher than controls indicating a subsidy-stress response. Previous studies in this system found that Na addition in either water or litter decreased decomposition. However, differences may reflect a phenology of Na demand where Na-limitation increases in the spring (this study). These results indicate that our understanding of how Na impacts detrital processes, C cycling, and aquatic-terrestrial linkages necessitates incorporation of temporal dynamics.
Nomogram for pre-procedural prediction of non-curative endoscopic resection in patients with early gastric cancer
Authors: Han So Young , Yoon Hong Jin , Kim Jie-Hyun , Lee Hye Sun , Chun Jaeyoung , Youn Young Hoon , Park Hyojin
Published: February 2023

Background

Non-curative resection (non-CR) after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) requires additional surgery due to the possibility of lymph node metastasis (LNM). Therefore, it is important to accurately predict the risk of non-CR to avoid unnecessary preoperative procedures. Thus, we aimed to develop and verify a nomogram to predict the risk of non-CR prior to ESD.

Methods

Patients who underwent ESD for early gastric cancer (EGC) were divided into CR and non-CR groups based on the present ESD criteria. The pre-procedural factors, such as endoscopic features, radiologic findings, and pathology of the lesion, were compared between the groups to identify the risk factors associated with non-CR. A nomogram was developed using multivariate analysis, and its predictive value was assessed using an external validation group.

Results

Among 824 patients, 682 were curative (82.7%) and 142 were non-curative (17.3%). By comparing two groups, endoscopic features including redness, whitish mucosal change, fold convergence, and large lesion size; histologic features such as moderately or poorly differentiated or signet ring cell carcinoma; and abnormal CT findings including non-specific lymph node enlargement and fold thickening were identified as significant predictors of non-CR. The nomogram was developed based on these predictors and showed good predictive performance in the external validation, with an area under the curve of 0.87.

Conclusions

We developed a nomogram to predict the risk of non-CR prior to ESD. These predictive factors in addition to the existing ESD criteria can help provide the best treatment option for patients with EGC.
A Hu–Washizu variational approach to self-stabilized virtual elements: 2D linear elastostatics
Authors: Lamperti Andrea , Cremonesi Massimiliano , Perego Umberto , Russo Alessandro , Lovadina Carlo
Published: February 2023

An original, variational formulation of the Virtual Element Method (VEM) is proposed, based on a Hu–Washizu mixed variational statement for 2D linear elastostatics. The proposed variational framework appears to be ideal for the formulation of VEs, whereby compatibility is enforced in a weak sense and the strain model can be prescribed a priori, independently of the unknown displacement model. It is shown how the ensuing freedom in the definition of the strain model can be conveniently exploited for the formulation of self-stabilized and possibly locking-free low order VEs. The superior performances of the VEs formulated within this framework has been verified by application to several numerical tests.
„Mit Bluetooth ein Signal der Solidarität senden“? – Eine medizinethische Analyse der öffentlichen Debatte über die Corona-Warn-App
Authors: Ellerich-Groppe Niklas
Published: February 2023

In der öffentlichen Debatte über die Corona-Warn-App kann der Solidaritätsbegriff als wichtiger, aber inhaltlich umstrittener normativer Bezugspunkt gelten. So stehen hier unterschiedliche Solidaritätsrekurse mit heterogenen Voraussetzungen, normativen Implikationen und praktischen Konsequenzen nebeneinander, die einer medizinethischen Untersuchung bedürfen. Vor diesem Hintergrund ist es Ziel des Beitrags, erstens die Bandbreite der Verwendungsweisen des Solidaritätsbegriffs in der öffentlichen Debatte zur Corona-Warn-App anschaulich zu machen sowie zweitens die Voraussetzungen und normativen Implikationen dieser Verwendungsweisen herauszuarbeiten und einer ethischen Bewertung zu unterziehen.

Dazu stelle ich nach einer kurzen Einführung in die Corona-Warn-App und einer Vergegenwärtigung der Grundzüge des Solidaritätskonzepts vier Beispiele aus der öffentlichen Debatte zur Corona-Warn-App dar, die mit Blick auf die zugrundeliegende Identifikation, die Solidaritätsgruppe, den solidarischen Beitrag sowie das normative Ziel erhebliche Unterschiede aufweisen. Sie unterstreichen die Notwendigkeit weiterführender Maßstäbe, um ihre Legitimität zu bewerten. Dazu greife ich auf vier normative Kriterien einer kontextsensitiven, moralisch gehaltvollen Solidaritätskonzeption zurück (Solidaritätsoffenheit, gestaltbare Inklusivität, Angemessenheit des solidarischen Beitrags, normative Abhängigkeit) und evaluiere auf dieser Grundlage die vorgestellten Solidaritätsrekurse ethisch.

Für alle dargestellten Solidaritätsrekurse lassen sich in der Folge kritische Rückfragen formulieren. Dabei werden einerseits die Potenziale und Limitationen von Solidaritätsrekursen in öffentlichen Debatten deutlich. Andererseits werden Schlussfolgerungen möglich, wann eine Tracing-App tatsächlich als solidarische Technologie zur Pandemiebekämpfung verstanden werden kann.
The FACE test: a new neuropsychological task to assess the recognition of complex mental states from faces
Authors: Terruzzi Stefano , Funghi Giulia , Meli Claudia , Barozzi Nicole , Zappini Francesca , Papagno Costanza , Dodich Alessandra
Published: February 2023

Background

Social cognition deficits are reported in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the availability of tasks for the clinical assessment is still limited, preventing the full characterization of socio-cognitive dysfunctions in neurological patients. This study aims to present a new task to assess the recognition of complex mental states from faces (FACE test), reporting normative data for the Italian population and an example of its clinical application to 40 PD patients.

Methods

Two-hundred twenty-nine Italian participants with at least 5 years of education were enrolled. Data were analyzed according to the method of equivalent scores; test-retest reliability and convergent validity were assessed. Two short versions of the FACE test were defined for clinical and research purposes. The prevalence of deficits in the FACE test was computed in the PD sample, as well as correlations with cognitive performance and diagnostic accuracy.

Results

Regression analyses revealed significant effects of demographic variables on FACE performance, with younger and more educated individuals showing higher scores. Twenty-eight percent of PD patients showed borderline/pathological performance, which was correlated with emotion recognition/attribution abilities, and attentive-executive functions. The FACE test was accurate (80%) in distinguishing PD patients with socio-cognitive dysfunctions from both controls and PD patients without emotion recognition/attribution difficulties.

Conclusion

The FACE test represents a new tool assessing the ability to recognize complex mental states from facial expressions. Overall, these results support its use in both clinical and research settings, as well as the presence of affective processing deficits in a subsample of PD patients.
The demographic consequences of fertility reduction in rats and voles
Authors: Shuster Stephen M. , Pyzyna Brandy , Ray Courtney , Mayer Loretta P.
Published: February 2023

Rodent population control is a global problem, complicated by evolved non-responsiveness to rodenticide treatment. Contraceptives could help mitigate this challenge, but questions remain about their efficacy, especially for rodenticide-resistant populations. We used an age-dependent demographic model to generate two hypotheses: Fertility reduction applied early in female lifetimes (1) is more effective in controlling rodent populations than when applied later in female lifetimes, and (2) is effective in controlling rodent populations that are expanding. Compared to controls, fertility reduction applied early, in mid-life, and late in female lifetimes, decreased, matched, and accelerated, respectively, the rates of population growth. Fertility reduction was effective in reducing population size only when sustained over multiple generations and was ineffective when application was episodic. Substituting classic Rattus norvegicus and Microtus agrestis life history data into our simulation framework confirmed that early fertility reduction was effective in controlling population growth, including expanding populations in both species. These simulations generated two additional hypotheses for field applications of fertility control: Over treatment durations, (3) the fraction of the population consisting of juveniles, and (4) the overall population size, will both decrease. We tested these predictions using a 12-month contraceptive bait application on rats in two urban US locations (Washington, DC) where rodenticides were already deployed. Consistent with our predictions, these populations showed marked decreases in the proportion of juvenile to adult rats, and in the total number of rats observed in camera traps over the study period. Our results support fertility control as an effective method for managing rodent populations.
The use of a scriptwriting task as a window into how prospective teachers envision teacher moves for supporting student reasoning
Authors: Shure Victoria , Liljedahl Peter
Published: February 2023

The development of mathematical reasoning skills has increasingly been of focus for the teaching and learning of mathematics. This research utilizes a teaching simulation using the methodology of scriptwriting, in which prospective teachers are asked to complete a script of a dialogue from a classroom simulation involving fraction multiplication and division with justification, assisting fictional students to work through their difficulties and helping them to justify their reasoning. Such tasks allow for the examination of the prospective teacher moves to support student reasoning through their imagined action and choice of words. Scripts from forty-one prospective primary teachers were examined for the study, and five clusters based on the type of teacher move for supporting student reasoning were found. Overall, the prospective teachers emphasized the elicitation and facilitation of students’ ideas. The cluster analysis, however, provided a nuanced examination of the cohort’s teacher moves. While cluster one saw the highest incident of eliciting teacher moves, albeit only in the low potential category, clusters two and three mostly used facilitating teacher moves, but varied in their use of high and low potential moves. Cluster four concentrated moves on facilitating, eliciting, and responding to student reasoning. Cluster five employed teacher moves from all main categories, with some instances of high potential moves in all categories except extending student reasoning, which can better support reasoning. The prospective mathematics teachers’ scripts and the five clusters that were found during analysis are discussed with implications for future teacher education and the support of building mathematical reasoning.
Entropy and heat transfer investigation of Casson–Maxwell, Casson–Jeffrey, and Casson–Oldroyd-B binary nanofluids in a parabolic trough solar collector: a comparative study
Authors: Raafat Philopatir B. , Ibrahim Fayez N.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we compared copper-engine oil Casson–Maxwell, Casson–Jeffrey, and Casson–Oldroyd-B binary nanofluids in a parabolic trough solar collector. Using appropriate similarity variables, the partial differential equations governing nanofluid flow were converted into ordinary differential equations. The resulting nonlinear systems were solved using the shooting method. The numerical results were presented in graphical and tabular forms. We investigated the effects of different parameters controlling the flow on the velocity, temperature, entropy generation, skin friction, and local Nusselt number of the nanofluids. Overall, the Casson–Maxwell and Casson–Jeffrey nanofluid models had better efficiency than the Casson–Oldroyd-B nanofluid model.
Application of point cloud data to assess edge effects on rainforest structural characteristics in tropical Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh , Ehbrecht Martin , Camarretta Nicolò
Published: February 2023

Context

In forestry, edge zones created by forest degradation and fragmentation are more susceptible to disturbances and extreme weather events. The increase in light regime near the edge can greatly alter forest microclimate and forest structure in the long term. In this context, understanding edge effects and their impact on forest structure could help to identify risks, facilitate forest management decisions or prioritise areas for conservation.

Objective

In this paper, we focus on the application of airborne laser scanning (ALS) data to assess the impact of edge effects on forest structural metrics in degraded rainforests in Sumatra, Indonesia. Changes in structural heterogeneity with respect to distance from an edge were also quantified.

Methods

We used 22 ALS structural metrics extracted from 105 plots in secondary forests adjacent to oil palm plantations and analysed the change in canopy structure across edge-to-interior transects. In addition, 91 plots taken from less disturbed areas were used as reference for comparison with the near-to-edge plots.

Results

Our analysis found strong evidence of degradation in the secondary forests studied, with multiple edge interactions resulting in a non-diminishing effect even at long distances from the forest edge. On average, we observed a large decrease of about 40% in all metrics of canopy height and about 25% in some metrics of canopy structure across all distances from an edge when compared to the interior forest conditions. Thus, in our forests, canopy height and structure were more susceptible to edge effects than metrics related to canopy gaps. Finally, the degraded forest in our study exhibited lower structural complexity, both at patch and landscape levels, suggesting that disturbances can greatly alter structural complexity in tropical rainforests.

Conclusion

Our study confirms the potential of ALS-derived vegetation metrics to study and understand the effects of forest edges and the associated changes in structural complexity over large areas in tropical rainforests. The approach followed here is transferrable to similarly fragmented landscapes in the tropics.