bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave Photon-Number Amplification
Authors: Albert R. , Griesmar J. , Blanchet F. , Martel U. , Bourlet N. , Hofheinz M.
Published: February 2024

We experimentally demonstrate a microwave photon-multiplication scheme which combines the advantages of a single-photon detector and a power meter by multiplying the incoming photon number by an integer factor. Our first experimental implementation achieves an n=3-fold multiplication with 0.69 efficiency in a 116 MHz bandwidth up to an input photon rate of 400 MHz. It loses phase information but does not require any dead time or time binning. We expect an optimized device cascading such multipliers to achieve number-resolving measurement of itinerant photons with low dark count, which would offer new possibilities in a wide range of quantum-sensing and quantum-computing applications.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Does agricultural trade respond asymmetrically to oil price shocks? Evidence from New Zealand
Authors: Vatsa Puneet , Baek Jungho
Published: February 2024

Do rising oil prices affect agricultural trade differently from falling oil prices? We answer this question using data on New Zealand, a net importer of oil and a net exporter of agricultural commodities. We consider a disaggregated approach, analysing exports and imports of five key commodity classes; nonlinear autoregressive lag models are employed to conduct the analysis. We find considerable evidence suggesting asymmetries in the effects of oil price shocks on agricultural trade in the long and the short run. Furthermore, in the long run, agricultural exports and imports appear to be largely insensitive to foreign and domestic real income, respectively; there is limited evidence for imports and exports being associated with the real effective exchange rate. In the short run, however, income and exchange rates are associated with imports and exports.
Inferring the extinction risk of Data Deficient and Not Evaluated Australian squamates
Authors: Wotherspoon Lucy , de Oliveira Caetano Gabriel Henrique , Roll Uri , Meiri Shai , Pili Arman , Tingley Reid , Chapple David G.
Published: February 2024

The world is facing a biodiversity crisis, and species are in danger of slipping towards extinction before having their conservation status formally determined. Australian squamates (snakes and lizards) form a highly diverse (over 1000 species) fauna, with 12% being either Data Deficient or Not Evaluated. We examined attributes of Australian squamates categorized as Data Deficient or Not Evaluated and compared key traits that are linked with threatened categories via univariate and multivariate models. We further used the machine learning model of Caetano et al. (2022, PloS Biology, 20, e3001544) to predict the putative extinction risk categories for Data Deficient and Not Evaluated Australian squamate species based on an analysis of reptiles globally. We found that Data Deficient Australian squamates are often lacking information on their drivers of threat and distribution, but not intrinsic traits or uncertain taxonomy. Data Deficient, Not Evaluated and threatened species often possess similar traits, including having small range sizes, being insular endemics and recently described, indicating that they may require some similar conservation management. Meanwhile, Not Evaluated species exhibit certain unique traits relative to evaluated species. We predicted 21% of Data Deficient and Not Evaluated species are threatened which is three times greater than currently assessed species (7%). This may indicate that a larger proportion of poorly known squamate species are more likely to be threatened than previously thought. Overall, our findings provide an important resource for the conservation management of Australian squamates by highlighting key traits and missing data, as well as providing a list of Data Deficient and Not Evaluated species that should be prioritized for research.
Occupancy of urban roosts by spectacled flying‐foxes (Pteropus conspicillatus) is not affected by diurnal microclimate
Authors: Lopes Camila , Firth Cadhla , Laurance Susan G. W.
Published: February 2024

One of the most significant changes to Earth's climate in recent decades has been an increase in the frequency, intensity and duration of heatwaves. During heatwaves, animal's thermal window can be exceeded, and in extreme cases, mass mortality events have been observed. In 2018, a heatwave in north‐eastern Australia resulted in the death of approximately one‐third of the spectacled flying‐fox (Pteropus conspicillatus) population at urban roosts in Cairns. The species has now been listed as endangered with future heatwaves considered the greatest threat to its survival. In this study, we investigated long‐term climatic trends for Cairns, paying particular attention to the frequency of extreme heat events from 1943 to 2022. We then characterized the microclimate of urban flying‐fox roosts during the Austral summers of 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 across Cairns to assess the long‐term feasibility of urban spectacled flying‐fox roosts. From the long‐term climate records, we observed an overall increase in Cairns' average annual temperature of 1.3°C from 1943 to 2022 and an increase in the number of excessively hot days per decade, from 16 in the first decade (1943–1952) to 67 in the last (2013–2022). We regularly detected maximum roost temperatures of 30–35°C during our study, with excessively hot days (>35°C) recorded more frequently than expected compared to Cairns's maximum temperatures from the last decade (2013–2023). We detected only 1 day where roost temperatures exceeded 40°C and no period that replicated the 2018 heatwave conditions. Furthermore, we found a significant negative relationship between roost ambient temperature and humidity, where the hottest days also coincided with those with the lowest humidity. Importantly, we found no difference in microclimate between roosts that were occupied and unoccupied by flying‐foxes during our study, suggesting that other environmental or behavioural factors are more influential for roost selection than the roosting microclimate. Ensuring the long‐term conservation of spectacled flying‐foxes under a changing climate will require the management of urban roosts to increase their thermal resistance to heatwaves, and more research is needed to identify the variables modulating this aspect.
Microbotanical and chemical approach to grave goods content from Inca sacrifices (capacocha) at Llullaillaco Mountain, Salta, Argentina (ca. 1430–1520 ce)
Authors: Ogalde Juan P. , Recagno Gabriela , Zigarán Fernanda , Villanueva Fiorella , Arriaza Bernardo
Published: February 2024

Here, we report an archaeometrical study of seven grave goods from the Inca sacrifice at Lullallalico Mountain (ca. 1430–1520 ce) in search of microbotanical and chemical evidence of the content. Two queros (vessels), one aribalo (jar), one aisana (pot), and three textile bags were analyzed by optical microscopy and scanning electronic microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX). The results show significant chemical data and starches of Cucurbita, Oxalis, Fabaceae, Zea mays, Manihot esculenta, and Phaseolus. This archaeometrical evidence is discussed along with various perspectives on the capacocha ceremony to show that foreign and local identities were negotiated in this Andean mountain ritual.
Constructing tests for skill assessment with competence‐based test development
Authors: Anselmi Pasquale , Heller Jürgen , Stefanutti Luca , Robusto Egidio
Published: February 2024

Competence‐based test development is a recent and innovative method for the construction of tests that are as informative as possible about the competence state (the set of skills an individual has available) underlying the observed item responses. It finds application in different contexts, including the development of tests from scratch, and the improvement or shortening of existing tests. Given a fixed collection of competence states existing in a population of individuals and a fixed collection of competencies (each of which being the subset of skills that allow for solving an item), the competency deletion procedure results in tests that differ from each other in the competencies but are all equally informative about individuals' competence states. This work introduces a streamlined version of the competency deletion procedure that considers information necessary for test construction only, illustrates a straightforward way to incorporate test developer preferences about competencies into the test construction process, and evaluates the performance of the resulting tests in uncovering the competence states from the observed item responses.
Online food advertisements and the role of emotions in adolescents’ food choices
Authors: Vecchi Martina , Fan Linlin , Myruski Sarah , Yang Wei , Keller Kathleen L. , Nayga Rodolfo M.
Published: February 2024

Adolescence is a critical period for future health outcomes. Food habits and cognitive development are underway, and it is a period of heightened sensitivity to external influences and emotional shifts. We experimentally test the individual and combined influence of food advertisements and emotional primes (i.e., positive, negative, neutral) on adolescent food choices. Participants completed a food choice task selecting five snacks out of twenty healthy and unhealthy options in an online experiment. Prior to the food choice, we randomized whether adolescents were exposed to unhealthy food or non‐food online advertisements. To induce experimental variation in adolescents’ emotions, they were assigned to watch two, two‐minute film clips validated to elicit the targeted emotion. The online food advertisement did not significantly impact food choices, except that Black and Hispanic groups selected a higher share of calories from unhealthy foods. Participants in a negative emotional state selected more unhealthy sweet snacks. Finally, we find only weak evidence that a positive emotional state amplified the impact of food advertisements on the nutritional quality of food selection. Together, results suggest that while a negative emotional state drives food choices, this pattern occurs independently from food advertisement exposure.
LTA4H inhibitor LYS006: Clinical PK/PD and safety in a randomized phase I clinical trial
Authors: Loesche Christian , Picard Damien , Van Hoorick Benjamin , Schuhmann Imelda , Jäger Petra , Klein Kai , Schuhler Carole , Thoma Gebhard , Markert Christian , Poller Birk , Zamurovic Natasa , Weiss H. Markus , Otto Heike , Fink Martin , Röhn Till A.
Published: February 2024

LYS006 is a novel, highly potent and selective, new‐generation leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) inhibitor in clinical development for the treatment of neutrophil‐driven inflammatory diseases. We describe the complex pharmacokinetic to pharmacodynamic (PD) relationship in blood, plasma, and skin of LYS006‐treated nonclinical species and healthy human participants. In a randomized first in human study, participants were exposed to single ascending doses up to 100 mg and multiple ascending doses up to 80 mg b.i.d.. LYS006 showed rapid absorption, overall dose proportional plasma exposure and nonlinear blood to plasma distribution caused by saturable target binding. The compound efficiently inhibited LTB4 production in human blood and skin blister cells, leading to greater than 90% predose target inhibition from day 1 after treatment initiation at doses of 20 mg b.i.d. and above. Slow re‐distribution from target expressing cells resulted in a long terminal half‐life and a long‐lasting PD effect in ex vivo stimulated blood and skin cells despite low plasma exposures. LYS006 was well‐tolerated and demonstrated a favorable safety profile up to highest doses tested, without any dose‐limiting toxicity. This supported further clinical development in phase II studies in predominantly neutrophil‐driven inflammatory conditions, such as hidradenitis suppurativa, inflammatory acne, and ulcerative colitis.
Application of the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination in the developmental follow‐up of high‐risk infants
Authors: Tian Weiwei , Zhao Xiaoke , Xu Hong , Sun Yaojin , Zhu Min
Published: February 2024

Aim

To investigate the independent influences affecting the global score of the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) in the early life of high‐risk infants and to provide evidence for early effective screening and for evaluating interventions.

Method

We conducted a prospective cohort study of 258 high‐risk infants assessed by the HINE and Gesell Developmental Diagnosis Schedule at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months corrected age. A multiple linear regression model was developed to investigate independent influences on HINE global score at 3 months corrected age. The accuracy of the HINE global score was analysed by calculating the discriminant, concurrent, and predictive validities according to ages.

Results

There were nine independent influences affecting the HINE global score at 3 months corrected age in high‐risk infants. The discriminant, concurrent, and predictive validities of the HINE for gross motor developmental delays at 12 months corrected age were all statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Interpretation

Different neonatal clinical settings are related to the HINE global score of high‐risk infants early in life. The HINE can be used for longitudinal monitoring of neurological development in the first year of life in a typical Chinese clinical setting and the findings at all four ages tested relate to neuromotor outcomes at 12 months corrected age.
Anodal transcranial direct‐current stimulation and non‐verbal intelligence in autism spectrum disorder: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ratsapbhayakul Tinnaphat , Keeratitanont Keattichai , Chonprai Chanatiporn , Auvichayapat Narong , Suphakunpinyo Chanyut , Patjanasoontorn Niramol , Tiamkao Somsak , Tunkamnerdthai Orathai , Punjaruk Wiyada , Auvichayapat Paradee
Published: February 2024

Aim

To understand the impact of anodal transcranial direct‐current stimulation (tDCS) on non‐verbal intelligence in high‐functioning young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Method

Thirty individuals with ASD were randomly divided into three groups receiving 2 mA, 20 minutes daily anodal tDCS for 10 sessions. Group A received 10 sham tDCS sessions, group B five real followed by five sham sessions, and group C received 10 real tDCS sessions. The total score of non‐verbal intelligence was measured using the Test of Nonverbal Intelligence, Fourth Edition. The left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDLPFC) was targeted using the International 10–20 electroencephalography system, and concurrent cognitive training was avoided.

Results

Group C demonstrated a mean difference of 4.10 (95% confidence interval 1.41–6.79; p = 0.005) in Test of Nonverbal Intelligence scores compared with group A, with an effect size of 0.47. No significant differences were observed between groups A and B (p = 0.296), or between groups B and C (p = 0.140).

Interpretation

Ten sessions of anodal tDCS to the LDLPFC led to improved non‐verbal intelligence among individuals with ASD. These results emphasize the potential of tDCS as a discrete method for boosting cognitive abilities in the high‐functioning population with ASD. Future studies with larger groups of participants and extended observation periods are necessary to validate these findings.
Myxoma with rich blood supply in the left atrium
Authors: Yang Lei , Xiao Bin , Xiao Fei , Hu Pei , Zheng Shuang , Jing Hongxia
Published: February 2024

Cardiac myxoma is the most common primary benign cardiac tumors, mostly found in the left atrium. It was previously reported that the main component of myxoma was myxoid stroma riched in acid‐mucopolysaccharide, the blood vessels in which were sparsely distributed, being characterized as hypovascular tumor by contrast echocardiography (CE) and computed tomography angiography (CTA). There are few reports of myxoma with rich blood supply and we report one in the left atrium.
Direct interaction of Su(var)2‐10 via the SIM‐binding site of the Piwi protein is required for transposon silencing in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Bence Melinda , Jankovics Ferenc , Kristó Ildikó , Gyetvai Ákos , Vértessy Beáta G. , Erdélyi Miklós
Published: February 2024

Nuclear Piwi/Piwi‐interacting RNA complexes mediate co‐transcriptional silencing of transposable elements by inducing local heterochromatin formation. In Drosophila, sumoylation plays an essential role in the assembly of the silencing complex; however, the molecular mechanism by which the sumoylation machinery is recruited to the transposon loci is poorly understood. Here, we show that the Drosophila E3 SUMO‐ligase Su(var)2‐10 directly binds to the Piwi protein. This interaction is mediated by the SUMO‐interacting motif‐like (SIM‐like) structure in the C‐terminal domain of Su(var)2‐10. We demonstrated that the SIM‐like structure binds to a special region found in the MID domain of the Piwi protein, the structure of which is highly similar to the SIM‐binding pocket of SUMO proteins. Abrogation of the Su(var)2‐10‐binding surface of the Piwi protein resulted in transposon derepression in the ovary of adult flies. Based on our results, we propose a model in which the Piwi protein initiates local sumoylation in the silencing complex by recruiting Su(var)2‐10 to the transposon loci.
Impact of self‐esteem and self‐gifting on masstige purchase intentions
Authors: Khan Mumtaz Muhammad , Ishaq Muhammad Ishtiaq , Iqbal Muazma , Raza Ali
Published: February 2024

Consumers prefer brands that provide them with symbolic meaning, and they use them to enhance their self‐esteem and develop their status and personal images. Self‐esteem is an important psychological factor that contributes to an individual's purchase intentions and consumption behavior, but its role in shaping the consumption of masstige brands has not been thoroughly researched. Hence, this research aims: (1) to identify the masstige brands in the smartphone industry of Pakistan using the masstige mean index, and (2) to explore the role of self‐esteem in consumer consumption behavior grounded in terms of masstige, self‐gifting behavior, and brand personality. Moreover, this study uses self‐gifting behavior as the mediator and brand personality as the moderator in the relationship between self‐esteem and masstige purchase intention. The data from study 1 (n = 560) and study 2 (n = 329) were collected using a self‐administered questionnaire and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results indicate that masstige brand consumption is influenced by self‐esteem; this relationship is mediated by self‐gifting behavior, and brand personality moderates the association. Theoretically, this study contributes to the masstige theory by exploring the role of self‐esteem in masstige consumption in an emerging economy. Practically, this study provides a comprehensive guideline for brand managers to devise effective marketing strategies to build their brands as masstige brands.
Unfolding the role of metaverse in agri‐food supply chain security: current scenario and future perspectives
Authors: El Jaouhari Asmae , Arif Jabir , Jawab Fouad , Samadhiya Ashutosh , Kumar Anil
Published: February 2024

Since its inception, the metaverse has evolved drastically and opened up many opportunities for many stakeholders, including individuals and businesses. The agri‐food supply chain is currently starting to incorporate metaverse technology. Retailers and prominent companies use this technology to achieve particular goals, such as ensuring traceability or boosting sales and reputation. Concurrently, there is an opportunity for the metaverse to affect food chain performance more broadly. Even so, the literature provides little evidence for this effect and primarily focuses on specific indicators, leaving little knowledge about it. By exploring the rapidly evolving field of metaverse technologies and their potential impacts on the security of agri‐food supply chains, this study aims to fill this knowledge gap. The study aims to improve collaboration and communication throughout the agri‐food supply chain by providing a structured framework covering a variety of metaverse technologies, from the development of immersive virtual worlds to the deployment of blockchain for traceability. The findings offer valuable insights, particularly for researchers, decision makers, and industry partners who aim to better comprehend the potential benefits and challenges related to integrating metaverse solutions into the agri‐food industry. The study concludes with recommendations for future research directions and strategic factors that could assist in ensuring the effective adoption of metaverse technologies and the security and resilience of agri‐food supply chains.
Cognitive reserve proxies for individuals with intellectual developmental disability: A scoping review
Authors: Pucci Veronica , La Face Annalisa , Gasteiger‐Klicpera Barbara , Mondini Sara
Published: February 2024

Background

Cognitive reserve (CR) has not been studied in people with Intellectual Developmental Disability, a population with a high incidence of dementia. Commonly adopted CR proxies should be adapted to reflect more specifically the experiences of people with Intellectual Developmental Disability.

Method

This scoping review intended to identify CR proxies relevant to people with this condition.

Results

Some of these were the same already detected in a population without intellectual disabilities (education, occupation, physical activity, leisure, community and social activities); others were found to be specifically relevant for this population: type of schooling, parental educational level, environmental stimulation and living place.

Conclusions

These proxies need to be considered in studies on CR and Intellectual Developmental Disability and in clinical practice. Research on the protective effect of CR aims to encourage policies promoting lifestyle‐based educational and preventive interventions and overcome participation barriers for people with Intellectual Developmental Disability.
Evaluating the muscle attachment hypothesis for sagittal cresting in Gorilla and Pongo
Authors: Barel Hooge Hannah L. , Massey Jason S. , Balolia Katharine L.
Published: February 2024

Primate mandibular morphology is often associated with jaw functionality of the masticatory complex in the context of variation in diets. Recent research into the disparities between the diet and jaw functionality in male and female hominoids is inconclusive and suggests that sexual dimorphism in the mandible may be influenced by external factors such as temporalis and masseter muscle morphology, which in turn may be influenced by sexual selection. As the muscles associated with mastication (i.e., the type of chewing exhibited by primates and other mammals) encompass the mandible as well as the neurocranium, including the sagittal crest among some individuals, this study investigates sex‐specific associations between regions of the mandibular ramus and neurocranium associated with mastication in a dentally mature sample of Gorilla and Pongo. A total of four cranial and mandibular variables were measured in two Gorilla taxa (Gorilla gorilla gorilla and Gorilla beringei graueri) and one Pongo taxon (Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus) (n = 220). For all three taxa, we investigate (a) whether the degree of sexual dimorphism in cranial regions associated with sagittal cresting (sagittal crest size (SCS) and temporalis muscle attachment area (TMAA)) is proportional to the degree of mandibular ramus area (MRA) and coronoid process height (CPH) sexual dimorphism, (b) whether there are sex differences in scaling relationships between TMAA and MRA, and (c) whether there are sex differences in the strength of association between TMAA and CPH. We show that for G. g. gorilla, variables associated with sagittal cresting show higher sexual dimorphism values than our two mandibular ramus variables, which is not the case for G. b. graueri or for P. p. pygmaeus. All three taxa show similar sex‐specific scaling relationships between TMAA and MRA, where for males this relationship does not diverge from isometry, and for females there is a negative allometric relationship. Our findings also show intraspecific sex differences in allometric slopes between MRA and TMAA for all three taxa. Only G. g. gorilla shows a significant association between TMAA and CPH, which is observed in both sexes. Although there are some statistical associations between the cranial and mandibular regions associated with mastication, our results show that among male gorillas and orangutans, patterns of variation in the sagittal crest, TMAA, mandibular ramus and the coronoid process cannot be explained by the muscle attachment hypothesis alone. These findings have implications surrounding the associations between social behaviour and the morphology of the craniofacial complex.
The efficacy of vaginal treatment for non‐Lactobacillus dominant endometrial microbiota—A case–control study
Authors: Sakamoto Mito , Tanaka Hiroaki , Enomoto Sayako , Takeuchi Hiroki , Nishioka Mikiko , Tanaka Kayo , Takayama Erina , Maezawa Tadashi , Kondo Eiji , Ikeda Tomoaki
Published: February 2024

Aim

Reduced Lactobacillus occupancy in the uterine microflora has been associated with implantation failure. This study aimed to evaluate a treatment for improving the uterine microflora.

Methods

This study included patients diagnosed with repeated implantation failure—defined as failure to achieve pregnancy after two or more transfers of viable embryos—who were classified as non‐Lactobacillus dominant. Treatment A comprised oral administration of antibiotics for 1 week, followed by oral probiotic butyrate tablets (3 g/day) for approximately 30 days. Treatment B comprised a 1‐week course of oral (750 mg/day) and vaginal (250 mg/day) metronidazole, followed by a 1‐week intravaginal administration of probiotic capsules (1 capsule/day) and continued oral administration of probiotics (1 capsule/day). Both treatments were compared in terms of efficacy in improving vaginal flora. Improvement was defined as Lactobacillus occupancy >90% or an increase in Lactobacillus occupancy >20%.

Results

Seven (41.2%) of 17 patients in the Treatment A group improved in response to the treatment. Contrastingly, 9 (90.0%) of 10 patients improved in the Treatment B group (p = 0.0127). Following treatment, Lactobacillus occupancy in the Treatment B group (62.9% ± 12.7%) was significantly higher than that in the Treatment A group (5.7% ± 9.8%) (p = 0.0242).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining antibiotics and probiotics in vaginal formulations for treating abnormal uterine microflora. However, its potential impact on in vitro fertilization outcomes remains unclear and warrants further investigation through larger, more comprehensive studies.
A case series of live attenuated vaccine administration in dupilumab‐treated children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Siegfried Elaine C. , Wine Lee Lara , Spergel Jonathan M. , Prescilla Randy , Uppal Sumeet , Coleman Anna , Bansal Ashish , Cyr Sonya L. , Shumel Brad
Published: February 2024

Background and Objective

Current regulatory labeling recommends avoiding live vaccine use in dupilumab‐treated patients. Clinical data are not available to support more specific guidance for live or live attenuated vaccines administration in dupilumab‐treated patients.

Methods

Children (6 months–5 years old) with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis (AD) enrolled in a phase 2/3 clinical trial of dupilumab (LIBERTY AD PRESCHOOL Part A/B; NCT03346434) and subsequently participated in the LIBERTY AD PED‐OLE (NCT02612454). During these studies, protocol deviations occurred in nine children who received measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine with or without varicella vaccine; five with a ≤12‐week gap between dupilumab administration and vaccination and four with a >12‐week gap after discontinuing dupilumab.

Results

Nine children (1 female; 8 male) had severe AD at baseline (8–56 months old). Of the nine children, five had a ≤12‐week gap ranged 1–7 weeks between dupilumab administration and vaccination who received MMR vaccine (n = 2) or MMR and varicella vaccines (n = 3); among these, one resumed dupilumab treatment as early as 2 days and four resumed treatment 18–43 days after vaccination. No treatment‐emergent adverse events, including serious adverse events and infections, were reported within the 4‐week post‐vaccination period in any children.

Conclusions

In this case series of dupilumab‐treated children with severe AD who received MMR vaccine with or without varicella vaccine, no adverse effects (including vaccine‐related infection) were reported within 4 weeks after vaccination. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and immune response to live attenuated vaccines in dupilumab‐treated patients.
A Feminist and Decolonial Approach to Kinship: An Ambiguous and Ambivalent Account
Authors: Crapo Kim Ruthanne Soohee
Published: February 2024

This article briefly traces newer kinship studies at the edges of kinship formations and argues that a feminist, decolonial examination of kinship interrupts cultural relatedness as a capital set of social relations meant to satiate the ache to belong to or progenerate a group. Examining the coordinated relationship between kinning and de‐kinning, the author exposes the suffering the social contract fails to register but reinscribes. Central to this analysis is kinship's global colonizing matrix dominated by white‐heteronormative ableism that shapes and prices commodified belonging and generation. This global colonizing matrix is the focus of this inquiry, examined through a cursory consideration of the author's lived experience as a transnational and transracial adoptee and racial minority scholar who teaches majority BIPOC students. This account theorizes a specific experience of kinship to broaden the analysis for others to locate their narratives and ongoing contributions to the deformation and reformation of kinship studies.
How does vector diversity influence the transmission efficiency of yellow dwarf virus? Perspectives from a review
Authors: Leybourne Daniel J.
Published: February 2024

Cereals are some of the most important global crops that contribute directly and indirectly to the production of food for human consumption. Cereal aphids can cause significant damage to wheat, barley and oats, particularly via the transmission of plant viruses that cause devastating plant diseases, such as yellow dwarf disease. High levels of yellow dwarf disease can result in yield losses of around 20%, rising to 80% if infection is severe. Yellow dwarf disease is caused by multiple viruses, including viruses within the families Tombusviridae and Solemoviridae. These include yellow dwarf virus species within the genus Luteovirus (Barley yellow dwarf virus) and Polerovirus (Cereal yellow dwarf virus, Wheat yellow dwarf virus, Maize yellow dwarf virus). Some yellow dwarf virus species are primarily vectored by one aphid species whereas others can be transmitted by multiple vectors. Biological diversity within a given vector species (e.g., genotype, biotype) can influence virus transmission efficiency. However, it is unclear what biological factors drive this variation within a given vector species. Understanding how biological variation in vector populations influences virus transmission efficiency can help to identify biological traits that underpin successful transmission in competent vector populations. Here, the available literature on yellow dwarf virus transmission efficiency is synthesized and significant variation in yellow dwarf virus transmission efficiency is detected between different populations for several vector species. Three biological mechanisms that potentially underpin this variation are proposed.
The effect of alfalfa supplementation during the peripartum period on udder oedema and fertility in dairy sheep
Authors: Bozkurt Gokhan , Kaya Feyyaz , Tasal Ibrahim , Yildiz Ramazan
Published: February 2024

In recent years, there has been a trend towards hyperoestrogenic feeding methods in field conditions, particularly in dairy small ruminants. This study aimed to investigate the effect of alfalfa supplemented ration in the prepartum period on the occurrence of udder oedema in dairy ewes and its impact on fertility problems (dystocia, vaginal prolapse, uterine prolapse, retained placenta) and diseases (mastitis, udder dermatitis) occurring in the postpartum period. In addition, it aimed to follow up the data on maternal rejection behaviours and litter viability, which are believed to affect the future productivity and fertility of the herd. The ewes were divided into two groups: the oedema group (n = 20) and the control group (n = 23). For trial purposes in the oedema group, primiparous animals were provided with alfalfa supplementation. The control group consisted of ewes fed the same ration but without alfalfa supplementation. Ingredient analysis of the rations was performed in the groups. In biochemical analyses, the oedema group demonstrated significantly higher levels of serum urea (p < .05), Ca (p < .000) and Ca/P ratio (p < .01) compared to the control group. Clinical mastitis (0–7 days, p = .051) and (8–30 days, p = .149) were reported at a higher rate in the oedema group compared to the control group. Udder dermatitis cases were more common in the oedema group (p = .005). The mother's rejection of the lamb was higher in the oedema group. Dystocia was determined to be 30% in the oedema group (p = .023). In conclusion, applying hyperoestrogenic feeding strategies during the periparturient period firstly exacerbates physiological udder oedema in ewes, thus predisposing them to various herd fertility problems. This feeding strategy, frequently encountered in field conditions, seriously harms the physiological fertility process.
Consejo de Estado Sección Primera Radicación: 76-001-23-31-000-2008-846-01 Sentencia de Unificación de 29 de junio de 2023 Magistrado Ponente: Roberto Augusto Serrato Valdés
Authors: Tejeiro Carrillo David Augusto
Published: February 2024

En la Sentencia de 29 de junio de 2023, el Consejo de Estado unifica su jurisprudencia en torno a la configuración del siniestro y al cómputo de la prescripción en el seguro de cumplimiento de disposiciones legales. El Consejo de Estado determinó que, dependiendo de la disposición legal amparada, el siniestro podrá ser el incumplimiento de la obligación o el acto administrativo que impone la sanción. En el caso concreto, el Consejo de Estado decide anular los actos administrativos que ordenaron a la aseguradora demandante pagar la sanción porque tales decisiones fueron proferidas por fuera de la vigencia de la póliza y la entidad demandada ordenó el pago de una suma superior al límite asegurado.
¿Qué saben los médicos acerca de la atención de los pacientes al final de la vida?
Authors: González Cabrales Liliana , Moreno Ormaza Diana Carolina , Gempeler Fritz Eduardo
Published: February 2024

El Hospital Universitario San Ignacio y el Servicio de Ética Clínica han realizado una educación continua al personal del hospital frente al cuidado necesario para los pacientes al final de la vida. Se han hecho esfuerzos para capacitar al equipo de salud sobre la estrategia de plan de atención para el paciente en condición de fin de vida y el concepto de reorientación del esfuerzo terapéutico, con el fin de brindar los cuidados necesarios en esta etapa final. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar el conocimiento de los médicos acerca de estos conceptos y evaluar si su implementación era adecuada en la práctica clínica. Los resultados mostraron que, a pesar de que los trabajadores cuentan con el conocimiento, existen barreras externas que impiden su aplicación.
Morbilidad y mortalidad perioperatoria en pacientes llevados a cirugía electiva y de urgencia durante la pandemia por covid-19 en un hospital de cuarto nivel
Authors: Valderrama Beltrán Sandra Liliana , Grueso Angulo Reinaldo , Montealegre Diaz Juan Sebastian , Bernal Gutiérrez Marcela , Cataño Cataño Juan Guillermo , Galvis Navarrete Silvia Helena , Ramirez Schneider Edgar Arturo , Torres Ortiz Maria Paula , Portilla Rojas Esteban , Torregrosa Almonacid Lilian
Published: February 2024

Introducción: Durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 se describió un aumento en la morbimortalidad perioperatoria en el periodo previo a la vacunación. Objetivo: Determinar en pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente la incidencia acumulada de covid-19 y la mortalidad global a los 30 días del procedimiento. Metodología: Cohorte retrospectiva de 314 pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente entre el 6 de marzo de 2020 y el 30 de junio de 2021, seleccionados aleatoriamente. Se tomó prequirúrgicamente RT-PCR para SARS-CoV-2 en todos los pacientes y en el postoperatorio a los pacientes con aparición de síntomas. Resultados: A los 30 días de la intervención quirúrgica se encontró una incidencia acumulada de covid-19 del 0,97 %, y una mortalidad global del 2,2 %. De los pacientes con SARS-CoV-2 perioperatorio, 3 de 7 tenían importantes comorbilidades y fallecieron a los 30 días con una mortalidad asociada con covid-19. Conclusión: La incidencia acumulada de covid-19 fue similar a la reportada en otras cohortes. Se observó una mortalidad elevada a los 30 días entre los pacientes con covid-19 perioperatorio. Estos hallazgos deben reforzar la necesidad en las instituciones de salud de fortalecer las medidas de prevención perioperatorias, la búsqueda activa de pacientes infectados, así como la priorización de procedimientos quirúrgicos para el afrontamiento de futuras pandemias.
Terapia biológica en el adulto mayor con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: revisión narrativa
Authors: Guarín Navas Erika Geraldine , Zuluaga Serna Claudia Patricia
Published: February 2024

En los últimos años, la población que envejece con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) ha aumentado en incidencia. Se toma un punto de corte para la edad, en la que se define que aquellos ≥60 años se consideran adultos mayores en el contexto de la EII. Los aspectos por destacar y que contribuyen a diferencias significativas en el tratamiento del adulto mayor son la falta de evidencia en la literatura, la poca experiencia del uso de las terapias biológicas en este grupo etario, la extrapolación de la información disponible y la necesidad de incluir la valoración geriátrica integral con la subsecuente identificación y el manejo de los síndromes geriátricos dentro del tratamiento global de la EII. La terapia biológica en la EII del adulto mayor no tiene diferencias respecto al de la población en general en cuanto a indicación; no obstante, prevalece el perfil de seguridad y la eficacia que ofrecen los esquemas terapéuticos sobre el impacto en los dominios que lo acompañan (clínico, funcional, mental y el social).
Indirect Prediction of Spindle Rotation Error Through Vibration Signal Based on Supervised Local Mean Decomposition Filter Fusion and Bi-LSTM Classification Network
Authors: Liang Jianhong , Wang Liping , Yu Guang , Wu Jun , Wang Dong , Lin Song
Published: February 2024

Spindle rotation error directly correlates with the quality of mechanical processing. Currently, the error was mainly converted through measuring the distance information of standard component installed at the tool position, and it can't complete the normal machining because the tool is occupied. Therefore, a novel self-adaptive supervised learning method through easy-collected vibration signal that don't affect the machining to indirect predict the error. This method includes three steps: First, the original vibration signal is decomposed by local mean decompression (LMD) method to obtain two critical components; subsequently, the two components are fused as a signal by a weighted-average approach; finally, the fused signal and corresponding error are self-adaptive supervised trained by the setting termination condition to modify fusion coefficient and network parameters. The method is used to analyze the data-set of spindle platform, which has collected the experimental data at speeds 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 more than 170 groups, and the indirect prediction accuracy reached 94.12%, 92.35%, 97.68%, and 90.59%, respectively. Additionally, the experimental results were compared and demonstrated by three aspects with current different algorithms.
Conjugate Heat Transfer Approach to Gas Turbine Engine Modeling
Authors: Mulla Jaasim , Satpathy R. K. , Kaka Fiyanshu
Published: February 2024

There is an increasing pressure on the aviation industry to rein in its emissions in light of the global climate change. The sector is ripe for introducing innovations to power the next generation of aircrafts. The hot-gas-path components in gas turbine engines remain a key area for further innovations to drive up efficiency. Since the total work derived from the turbine is a function of the turbine entry temperature (TET), the past few decades have seen a steady growth in TETs. This has been possible by the use of single crystal blades, thermal barrier coatings (TBC) and improved cooling mechanisms. The present form of turbine blades is the result of decades of constant innovation. Modeling the flow of heat through this multi-material, multi-layered feat of engineering has usually been restricted to conductive and convective mode of heat transfer. However, with rising TETs, the fraction of heat transferred via radiation will increase exponentially. The present study is the result of an effort to develop a comprehensive conjugate heat transfer model incorporating the effects of conductive, convective, and radiative heat transfer. Thermal radiation, which has been largely ignored in past conjugate heat transfer approaches, will be a key element in the design of future turbine blades and other hot-gas-path components. The model evaluated the variation in thermal barrier coating thickness, conductivities, effectiveness of internal cooling mechanisms, etc., to build a robust map of the temperature distribution across the turbine blade at TETs as high as 2300 K. Results showed that the inclusion of radiation in the model has a large impact on the temperature distribution within the blade. The effects vary from the dominance of radiative heat transfer to the blade at elevated temperatures to radiative cooling from the emissive blade surface at lower operating temperatures. Moreover, the findings indicate the inability of current convective and conductive cooling mechanisms to counter higher TETs. Therefore, novel low-conductivity coatings and cooling mechanisms were modeled and have been found to outperform the state-of-the-art by as much as 200 K, for a comparable value of thickness. Therefore, approaches combining conduction, convection and radiation must be used to develop the next generation of blades, leading to more efficient, reliable and environment-friendly gas turbines.
Design and Multi-Perspective Investigations on Aeroacoustic Noise Reduction Technologies for Anti-Drone Propeller
Authors: Raja Vijayanandh , Jayakumar Shyam Sundar , Saravana Mohan Haribalan , Rajendran Parvathy , Stanislaus Arputharaj Beena , Madasamy Senthil Kumar
Published: February 2024

The increasing use of drones in military and defence applications require stealth technology to reduce noise generated by the propeller, which can compromise the drone’s mission. Noise reduction techniques have been developed to address this issue. In this regard, a unique forward speed based drone propeller has been designed. One approach is implementation of optimized sawtooth serrations can be used to reduce noise generated by propellers. The use of serrations on the trailing edge of propeller blades will reduce the noise generated by creating a series of miniature vortices along the trailing edge of the propeller blade, which decrease the intensity of the blade tip vortices and change the frequency of the blade noise. By adjusting the blade angle, the propeller can be optimized to operate at a lower tip speed, reducing noise generated by the blade passing through the air. Numerical simulations using CFD and experimental studies have shown that noise reduction methods in propeller blades can lead to significant reductions in noise, with noise reductions of up to reasonable decibels. According to the calculated model and methods, the most important details are that there are several techniques that can be used to reduce the noise generated by propellers used in defence drones. The combination of these techniques into the design, it is possible to build a stealth drone with a reduced acoustic signature, improved performance, and enhanced mission capabilities for the Anti-Drones to monitor the border areas and counter attack the enemy drones by stealth technology. Through ANSYS Workbench tool, the structural characteristics and aero-acoustics investigations are carried out on this propeller. Through multi-objective investigations, the fine-tuned propeller is shortlisted for hybrid UAV.
An Economic Evaluation of Post CO2 Capture Techniques for Natural Gas Combined Cycle Power Plants
Authors: Singh Surendra , Nandagopal Pugalenthi , Pichandi Muruganandam , Duerr Matthias
Published: February 2024

The Power Generation (PG) industry is focusing to reduce or eliminate their carbon emissions to address global warming and comply with the goals of the Paris agreement. However, the pandemic has disrupted their planned targets and has led to economic crises. With many countries still grappling with the pandemic, it is important for the industry to refocus and develop a plan to meet their emissions reduction targets.

The rapid conversion from natural gas (NG) to hydrogen (H2) or ammonia (NH3) is not currently a viable option due to the availability of fuel and existing technologies cost. Nonetheless, there are alternative technologies that have been developed to capture Carbon dioxide CO2 during both pre- and post-combustion stages in natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plant. Investment and operational cost are the deciding factors for the electricity providers to adopt carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies to implement pre-combustion or post-combustion on the existing plants.

In this study, the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) and other economic parameters will be evaluated for the implementation of CCUS technologies in post combustion stage of a NGCC power plant. The economic analysis will be performed using Siemens Energy’s proprietary PV tool to generate estimates and recommendations.

The study will use a NGCC power plant as a reference model and will calculate the cost and efficiency impacts, as well as other benefits against CO2 penalties while implementing suitable CCUS technologies at post combustion stage of the NGCC power plant. Specifically, the study will assume the monoethanolamine (MEA) process as CO2 capturing technology in the post-combustion stage. The report will examine multiple cases, including MEA process with and without utilization.

Overall, the study aims to provide a comprehensive economic analysis of CCUS technologies for NGCC power plants. The findings of this study could provide guidance & effective strategies for electricity providers in determining the best course of action for achieving their emissions reduction goals by examining the possibilities of implementing CCUS technologies on their power plants based on the case results and discussions. Ultimately, the study could serve as a valuable resource for the electricity industry as it seeks to address the challenges of climate change and transition to a more sustainable energy future.