bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Joint effects of voluntary participation and group selection on the evolution of altruistic punishment
Authors: Shin Hoon C. , Vallury Sechindra , Janssen Marco A. , Yu David J.
Published: May 2022

It is puzzling how altruistic punishment of defectors can evolve in large groups of nonrelatives, since punishers should voluntarily bear individual costs of punishing to benefit those who do not pay the costs. Although two distinct mechanisms have been proposed to explain the puzzle, namely voluntary participation and group-level competition and selection, insights into their joint effects have been less clear. Here we investigated what could be combined effects of these two mechanisms on the evolution of altruistic punishment and how these effects can vary with nonparticipants’ individual payoff and group size. We modelled altruistic punishers as those who contribute to a public good and impose a fine on each defector, i.e., they are neither pure punishers nor excluders. Our simulation results show that voluntary participation has negative effects on the evolution of cooperation in small groups regardless of nonparticipants’ payoffs, while in large groups it has positive effects within only a limited range of nonparticipants’ payoff. We discuss that such asymmetric effects could be explained by evolutionary forces emerging from voluntary participation. Lastly, we suggest that insights from social science disciplines studying the exit option could enrich voluntary participation models.
Effects of breastfeeding on postpartum weight change in Japanese women: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS)
Authors: Yamamoto Masafumi , Takami Mio , Misumi Toshihiro , Kawakami Chihiro , Miyagi Etsuko , Ito Shuichi , Aoki Shigeru ,   Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) Group
Published: May 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between breastfeeding and postpartum maternal weight change.

Method

This study used data from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS), an ongoing nationwide birth cohort study. Participants were categorized into two groups: full breastfeeding (FB) and non-full breastfeeding (NFB) groups. Postpartum weight changes between the FB (n = 26,340) and NFB (n = 38,129) groups were compared.

Results

At 6 months postpartum, mean weight retention was significantly lower in the FB group than in the NFB group (0.2 vs 0.8 kg, respectively, p<0.001). Weight retention differed by pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), with postpartum weights of overweight (pre-pregnancy BMI 25.0–29.9) and obese (pre-pregnancy BMI ≥30.0) participants being lower than pre-pregnancy weight; this trend was more pronounced in the FB group than in the NFB group (overweight: −2.2 vs −0.7 kg, respectively; obese: −4.8 vs −3.4 kg, respectively). Factors affecting weight retention at 6 months postpartum were weight gain during pregnancy (β = 0.43; p<0.001), pre-pregnancy BMI (β = −0.147; p<0.001) and feeding method. FB resulted in lower weight retention than NFB (β = −0.107; p<0.001).

Conclusion

Breastfeeding reduced maternal weight retention, which was greater in mothers who were obese before pregnancy. For obese women, active breastfeeding may improve their health.
Effects of low-light stress on aquacultural water quality and disease resistance in Nile tilapia
Authors: Qu Bingliang , Zhao Hui , Chen Ying , Yu Xiangyong
Published: May 2022

Light intensity has an important environmental influence on the quality and yield of aquatic products. It is essential to understand the effects of light intensity on water quality and fish metabolism before large-scale aquaculture is implemented. In this study, two low-intensity light levels, 0 lx and 100 lx, were used to stress Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), with a natural light level (500 lx) used as control. The pH, dissolved oxygen and ammonia contents were significantly lower in the water used in the 0 lx and 100 lx groups than in controls, while the levels of nitrite and total phosphorus were apparently higher. Moreover, the numbers of heterotrophic bacteria, Vibrio and total coliforms in aquaculture water were 157.1%, 314.2% and 502.4% higher, respectively, after 0 lx light stress for 15 days. The survival rate of Nile tilapia decreased significantly to 90.6% under 0 lx light on the 15th day. Of the immune-related genes, the expressions of IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-4 were 390.3%, 757.8% and 387.5% higher under 0 lx light and 303.3%, 471.2% and 289.7% higher under 100 lx light, respectively. These results indicate that low-intensity light changes the physicochemical parameters of aquaculture water and increases the number of bacteria it hosts while decreasing the survival rate and increasing the disease resistance of Nile tilapia.
The potential epidemiologic, clinical, and economic impact of requiring schools to offer Physical Education (PE) classes in Mexico City
Authors: Ferguson Marie C. , Bartsch Sarah M. , O’Shea Kelly J. , Thomas Diana M. , Moran Timothy H. , Solano Gonzales Mario , Wedlock Patrick T. , Nyathi Sindiso , Morgan Matthew , Chin Kevin L. , Scannell Sheryl A. , Hertenstein Daniel L. , Domino Molly , Ranganath Kushi , Adam Atif , Tomaino Fraser Katherine , Fraser Adam , Lee Bruce Y.
Published: May 2022

Background

Many schools have been cutting physical education (PE) classes due to budget constraints, which raises the question of whether policymakers should require schools to offer PE classes. Evidence suggests that PE classes can help address rising physical inactivity and obesity prevalence. However, it would be helpful to determine if requiring PE is cost-effective.

Methods

We developed an agent-based model of youth in Mexico City and the impact of all schools offering PE classes on changes in weight, weight-associated health conditions and the corresponding direct and indirect costs over their lifetime.

Results

If schools offer PE without meeting guidelines and instead followed currently observed class length and time active during class, overweight and obesity prevalence decreased by 1.3% (95% CI: 1.0%-1.6%) and was cost-effective from the third-party payer and societal perspectives ($5,058 per disability-adjusted life year [DALY] averted and $5,786/DALY averted, respectively, assuming PE cost $50.3 million). When all schools offered PE classes meeting international guidelines for PE classes, overweight and obesity prevalence decreased by 3.9% (95% CI: 3.7%-4.3%) in the cohort at the end of five years compared to no PE. Long-term, this averted 3,183 and 1,081 obesity-related health conditions and deaths, respectively and averted ≥$31.5 million in direct medical costs and ≥$39.7 million in societal costs, assuming PE classes cost ≤$50.3 million over the five-year period. PE classes could cost up to $185.5 million and $89.9 million over the course of five years and still remain cost-effective and cost saving respectively, from the societal perspective.

Conclusion

Requiring PE in all schools could be cost-effective when PE class costs, on average, up to $10,340 per school annually. Further, the amount of time students are active during class is a driver of PE classes’ value (e.g., it is cost saving when PE classes meet international guidelines) suggesting the need for specific recommendations.
Corona was scary, lockdown was worse: A mixed-methods study of community perceptions on COVID-19 from urban informal settlements of Mumbai
Authors: Ramani Sudha , Bahuguna Manjula , Tiwari Apurva , Shende Sushma , Waingankar Anagha , Sridhar Rama , Shaikh Nikhat , Das Sushmita , Pantvaidya Shanti , Fernandez Armida , Jayaraman Anuja
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the multiple vulnerabilities of people living in urban informal settlements globally. To bring community voices from such settlements to the center of COVID-19 response strategies, we undertook a study in the urban informal settlements of Dharavi, Mumbai, from September 2020-April 2021. In this study, we have examined the awareness, attitudes, reported practices, and some broader experiences of the community in Dharavi with respect to COVID-19. We have used a mixed-methods approach, that included a cross-sectional survey of 468 people, and in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 49 people living in this area. Data was collected via a mix of phone and face-to-face interviews. We have presented here the descriptive statistics from the survey and the key themes that emerged from our qualitative data. People reported high levels of knowledge about COVID-19, with television (90%), family and friends (56%), and social media (47%) being the main sources of information. The knowledge people had, however, was not free of misconceptions and fear; people were scared of being forcefully quarantined and dying alone during the early days of COVID-19. These fears had negative repercussions in the form of patient-related stigma and hesitancy in seeking healthcare. A year into the pandemic, however, people reported a shift in attitudes from ‘extreme fear to low fear’ (67% reported perceiving low/no COVID risk in October 2020), contributing to a general laxity in following COVID-appropriate behaviors. Currently, the community is immensely concerned about the revival of livelihoods, that have been adversely impacted due to the lockdown in 2020 as well as the continued ‘othering’ of Dharavi for being a COVID hotspot. These findings suggest that urban informal settlements like Dharavi need community-level messaging that counters misinformation and denial of the outbreak; local reinforcement of COVID-appropriate behaviours; and long-term social protection measures.
Drivers of long-lasting insecticide-treated net utilisation and parasitaemia among under-five children in 13 States with high malaria burden in Nigeria
Authors: Uhomoibhi Perpetua , Okoronkwo Chukwu , Ajayi IkeOluwapo O. , Mokuolu Olugbenga , Maikore Ibrahim , Fagbamigbe Adeniyi , Akinyemi Joshua O. , Okoh Festus , Ademu Cyril , Kawu Issa , Kalambo Jo-Angeline , Ssekitooleko James
Published: May 2022

Background

Although Nigeria has made some progress in malaria control, there are variations across States. We investigated the factors associated with utilisation of long-lasting insecticide-treated net (LLIN) and parasitaemia among under-five children in 13 States with high malaria burden.

Method

Data from the 2015 Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey and 2018 Demographic and Health Survey were obtained and analysed. The 2015 and 2018 data were compared to identify States with increase or reduction in parasitaemia. Analysis was done for all the 13 study States; four States with increased parasitaemia and nine States with reduction. Random-effects logit models were fitted to identify independent predictors of LLIN utilisation and parasitaemia.

Results

LLIN was used by 53.4% of 2844 children, while parasitaemia prevalence was 26.4% in 2018. Grandchildren (AOR = 5.35, CI: 1.09–26.19) were more likely to use LLIN while other relatives (AOR = 0.33, CI: 0.11–0.94) were less likely compared to children of household-heads. LLIN use was more common in children whose mother opined that only weak children could die from malaria (AOR = 1.83, CI: 1.10–3.10). Children whose mothers obtained net from antenatal or immunisation clinics (AOR = 5.30, CI: 2.32–12.14) and campaigns (AOR = 1.77, CI: 1.03–3.04) were also more likely to use LLIN. In contrast, LLIN utilisation was less likely among children in female-headed households (AOR = 0.51, CI: 0.27–0.99) and those in poor-quality houses (AOR = 0.25, CI: 0.09–0.72).

Children aged 24–59 months compared to 0–11 months (AOR = 1.78, CI: 1.28–2.48), those in whom fever was reported (AOR = 1.31, CI: 1.06–1.63) and children of uneducated women (AOR = 1.89, CI: 1.32–2.70) were more likely to have parasitaemia. The likelihood of parasitaemia was higher among children from poor households compared to the rich (AOR = 2.06, CI: 1.24–3.42). The odds of parasitaemia were 98% higher among rural children (AOR = 1.98, CI: 1.37–2.87).

Conclusion

The key drivers of LLIN utilisation were source of net and socioeconomic characteristics. The latter was also a key factor associated with parasitaemia. These should be targeted as part of integrated malaria elimination efforts.
Assessing reactive violence using Immersive Virtual Reality
Authors: Terbeck Sylvia , Case Chloe , Turner Joshua , Spencer Victoria , Bacon Alison , Howard Charles , Howard Ian S.
Published: May 2022

Assessing levels of aggression–specifically reactive violence–has been a challenge in the past, since individuals might be reluctant to self-report aggressive tendencies. Furthermore, experimental studies often lack ecological validity. Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) offers a reliable, ethically safe environment, and is the most realistic virtual simulation method currently available. It allows researchers to test participants’ aggressive responses to realistic provocations from virtual humans. In the current study, 116 participants completed our IVR aggression task, in which they encountered avatars who would either approach them in a friendly or provocative fashion. Participants had the option either to shake hands or hit the virtual human, in congruent and incongruent trials. In congruent trials, the response required of the participant matched the approach with the avatar (e.g., hitting the avatar after provocation). In incongruent trials there was a mismatch between the avatars approach and the participants required response. Congruent trials were designed to measure the immediate reaction towards the virtual human, and incongruent trials to assess response inhibition. Additionally, participants also completed traditional questionnaire-based measures of aggression, as well as reporting their past violent behaviour. We found that the immediate aggressive responses in the IVR task correlated with the established questionnaire measures (convergent validity), and we found that the IVR task was a stronger predictor of past violent behaviour than traditional measures (discriminant validity). This suggests that IVR might be an effective way to assess aggressive behaviour in a more indirect, but realistic manner, than current questionnaire assessment.
Sex differences in post-stroke cognitive decline: A population-based longitudinal study of nationally representative data
Authors: Bako Abdulaziz T. , Potter Thomas , Tannous Jonika , Pan Alan P. , Johnson Carnayla , Baig Eman , Downer Brian , Vahidy Farhaan S.
Published: May 2022

Background

Sex differences in post-stroke cognitive decline have not been systematically evaluated in a nationally representative cohort. We use a quasi-experimental design to investigate sex differences in rate of post-stroke cognitive decline.

Methods

Utilizing the event study design, we use the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data (1996–2016) to evaluate the differences (percentage points [95% Confidence interval]) in the rate of change in cognitive function, measured using the modified version of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-m) score, before and after incident stroke, and among patients with and without incident stroke. We estimated this event study model for the overall study population and separately fit the same model for male and female participants.

Results

Of 25,872 HRS participants included in our study, 14,459 (55.9%) were females with an overall mean age (SD) of 61.2 (9.3) years. Overall, 2,911 (11.3%) participants reported experiencing incident stroke. Participants with incident stroke (vs. no stroke) had lower baseline TICS-m score (15.6 vs. 16.1). Among participants with incident stroke, the mean pre-stroke TICS-m score was higher than the mean post-stroke TICS-m score (14.9 vs. 12.7). Event study revealed a significant short-term acceleration of cognitive decline for the overall population (4.2 [1.7–6.6] percentage points, p value = 0.001) and among female participants (5.0 [1.7–8.3] percentage points, p value = 0.003). We, however, found no evidence of long-term acceleration of cognitive decline after stroke. Moreover, among males, incident stroke was not associated with significant changes in rate of post-stroke cognitive decline.

Conclusion

Females, in contrast to males, experience post-stroke cognitive deficits, particularly during early post-stroke period. Identifying the sex-specific stroke characteristics contributing to differences in post stroke cognitive decline may inform future strategies for reducing the burden of post-stroke cognitive impairment and dementia.
Technology-assisted close listening to sound poetry vocal practices for creative musical collaboration
Authors: Eisner-Sagüés Federico
Published: May 2022

As part of a sustained increase in interest in voice studies from all kinds of fields of knowledge and from a post-humanistic comprehension of voice as an assemblage, this investigation understands vocal practices as the pivot of artistic collaboration between music and sound poetry. It presents a method for analysing vocal practices in sound poetry in a creative context of artistic research in collaboration with electroacoustic music. The method involves a mixture of close listening, audio information retrieval, phonetics and morphology. It is based on a standard voice analysis of a sound poet (i.e. prepared samples) and a case-specific vocal practice (i.e. actual sound poem) with a creative rather than comparativist aim. After discussing the principle of differentiation between analysing and creating, the text offers two concrete artistic outputs of electroacoustic interventions over the vocal practice of the Uruguayan sound poet Luis Bravo’s sound poem ‘Descubrimiento del Fuego’. Finally, a set of compositive ideas based on this method are classified as either mimetic or metaphoric, according to their relationship with the obtained data. Both the concrete examples and the compositive ideas provoke unavoidable questions about current electroacoustic and vocal practices and point to discussions on voice studies about issues such as presence, virtuality, identification and materiality.
Positive solutions to three classes of non-local fourth-order problems with derivative-dependent nonlinearities
Authors: Zhang Guowei
Published: May 2022

In the article, we investigate three classes of fourth-order boundary value problems with dependence on all derivatives in nonlinearities under the boundary conditions involving Stieltjes integrals. A Gronwall-type inequality is employed to get an a priori bound on the third-order derivative term, and the theory of fixed-point index is used on suitable open sets to obtain the existence of positive solutions. The nonlinearities have quadratic growth in the third-order derivative term. Previous results in the literature are not applicable in our case, as shown by our examples.
A Case of Metastatic Gastric Leiomyosarcoma With Bilateral Adrenal Involvement and Complications
Authors: Yashar David , Govindarajan Ameish , Samara Yazeed , Lee Jennifer
Published: May 2022

Gastric leiomyosarcoma is a rare entity with only a handful of cases reported in the literature. Although this entity has been known to metastasize, there are currently no reported cases of metastatic leiomyosarcoma to the bilateral adrenal glands. We report a case of a 58-year-old woman with primary gastric leiomyosarcoma with bilateral metastasis to the adrenal gland. This case illustrates a presentation of gastric leiomyosarcoma with bilateral adrenal involvement, the challenges in its diagnosis, treatment, as well as a rare complication of primary adrenal insufficiency and adrenal crisis.
Effect of pigments on bond strength between coloured concrete and steel reinforcement
Authors: Assaad Joseph J. , Mata Matthew , Saade Jad
Published: May 2022

The effect of pigments on mechanical properties of coloured concrete intended for structural applications, including the bond stress-slip behaviour to embedded steel bars, is not well understood. Series of concrete mixtures containing different types and  oncentrations of iron oxide (red and grey colour), carbon black, and titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigments are investigated in this study. Regardless of the colour, mixtures incorporating increased pigment additions exhibited higher compressive and splitting tensile strengths. This was attributed to the micro-filler effect that enhances the packing density of the cementitious matrix and leads to a denser microstructure. Also, the bond to steel bars increased with the pigment additions, revealing their beneficial role for improving the development of bond stresses in reinforced concrete members. The highest increase in bond strength was recorded for mixtures containing TiO2, which was ascribed to formation of nucleus sites that promote hydration reactions and strengthen the interfacial concrete-steel transition zone. The experimental data were compared to design bond strengths proposed by ACI 318-19, European Code EC2, and CEB-FIP Model Code.
Los señores de las finanzas. Los cuatro hombres que arruinaron el mundo
Authors: Vidal Ortega Antonino
Published: May 2022

Reseña del libro "Los señores de las finanzas. Los cuatro hombres que arruinaron el mundo" escrito por Liaquat Ahamed.
La colonia alemana barranquillera Primeras décadas de siglo XX
Authors: Daccarett Enrique  Yidi
Published: May 2022

Migranges alemanes en Barranquilla.
Caracterización de la velocidad de caminata. Caso de estudio puente peatonal
Authors: Villamarín Monroy Jonatan Jair , Guío Burgos Fredy Alberto , Dueñas Ruiz Domingo Ernesto
Published: May 2022

Contexto: La variable macroscópica más importante del flujo peatonal es la velocidad de caminata, ya que permite analizar el comportamiento y las condiciones en que está operando una infraestructura. En el presente estudio se determinó si existe una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre velocidades medias temporales para tres tipos de infraestructuras y dos tipologías de usuarios.
Metodología: Se tomaron los tiempos que duraba un peatón en recorrer una distancia preestablecida en cada una de las tres infraestructuras contempladas: escaleras y plataforma de un puente peatonal, y una acera con pendiente del 0 %, localizadas en la ciudad de Tunja, Colombia, clasificando a los usuarios según sexo y sentido de circulación.
Resultados: La velocidad media temporal en las escaleras, para las mujeres, es de 0,81 m/s en ascenso y de 0,72 m/s en descenso. En cuanto a los hombres, la velocidad media temporal fue de 0,81 m/s en los dos sentidos de circulación. En relación con la plataforma y la acera, se obtuvo que la velocidad media temporal de las mujeres es inferior a la de los hombres.
Conclusiones: En el sentido de circulación ascenso se determinó que no hay una diferencia estadísticamente significativa, caso contrario a lo establecido para el sentido de circulación en descenso. Confrontando la velocidad media temporal determinada para las dos secciones del puente peatonal, con la velocidad media temporal de la acera, se estableció que hay una diferencia estadísticamente significativa, razón por la cual, es necesario caracterizar los comportamientos por separado en cada sección al momento de diseñar o de intervenir una infraestructura peatonal.
Método para evaluación de una estrategia de control realimentado en la funcionalidad de agarre de poder con una prótesis de mano robótica
Authors: Perdomo Fernández Pablo Alejandro , Gaviria López Carlos Alberto
Published: May 2022

Objetivo: En el diseño de una prótesis de mano robótica surgen variedad de problemáticas para las cuales existen múltiples soluciones propuestas en la literatura. Una de las problemáticas es la selección de una estrategia para el control automático del movimiento de la mano. Entre las funcionalidades de una prótesis, la de agarre de poder es una de las más importantes. Dada la gran cantidad de propuestas en cuanto técnicas de control para el agarre de poder, el diseñador se enfrenta al dilema de cuál de ellas es la más adecuada para su diseño particular. Aunque hay métricas para cuantificar la calidad del agarre, las que se han propuesto abordan diversos aspectos de manera independiente, lo cual no permite tomar una decisión acerca de la mejor opción para el caso particular. En este trabajo se propone un método para calcular un indicador compuesto que permite la evaluación del desempeño de técnicas de control en el agarre de poder, con base en las siguientes métricas individuales que evalúan diferentes aspectos en la ejecución del agarre de poder: la fuerza del dedo, la fuerza del agarre, la eficiencia del agarre, el tiempo de ciclo de agarre, la resistencia al deslizamiento, el error de seguimiento y el sobreimpulso de la respuesta transitoria. Gracias al método propuesto en este trabajo, se da respuesta a la pregunta: “De varias opciones de control a probar, ¿cuál ofrece un mejor desempeño funcional?”.
Metodología: Se adoptó un conjunto de métricas con las cuales obtener datos cuantitativos relacionadas con la calidad del agarre de poder y con el desempeño del objetivo de control para gobernar la prótesis. Posteriormente, se calcularon métricas individuales seleccionadas para cada una de las técnicas de control de agarre a evaluar, sobre un entorno virtual, constituido por una mano robótica y un objeto a agarrar. Luego se construyeron dos indicadores compuestos para obtener una valoración cuantitativa de la calidad del agarre a partir de un análisis estadístico, y se contrastaron los resultados contra las métricas individuales utilizadas.
Resultados: Se planteó un método para la construcción de un indicador compuesto que permitiera la evaluación del desempeño de técnicas de control, en agarres de poder en manos robóticas. Al implementar dicho método, se encontraron los mejores valores de desempeño en controladores híbridos.
Conclusiones: En este trabajo se sugiere una alternativa tendiente a facilitar la toma de decisiones del diseñador en cuanto a la técnica de control más adecuada, entre varias disponibles, para el logro del agarre de poder con una prótesis específica. El método busca construir un indicador compuesto que agrupa variadas métricas para evaluar funcionalidad particular de agarre, y también para cuantificar el logro de seguimiento de consignas, facilitando la toma de decisiones acerca de la incidencia de la técnica de control en el logro del objetivo final.
Monitoring system for electrical variables implementing blockchain and python
Authors: Giral Ramírez Diego Armando , Muñoz Romero Javier Andres , Ramírez Vanegas Carlos Alberto
Published: May 2022

Objective: This article presents one of the Blockchain applications in power systems employing the electrical variables monitoring delivered by a simulated relay.
Methodology: The electrical variables are verified, compared, and uploaded to a blockchain network created by a network of servers; these are responsible for uploading, validating, and exporting information to the system. This study is carried out through the Python programming language.
Results: An algorithm capable of integrating these variables from a simulated relay is created, 4 servers are created that are in charge of taking the relay signals every minute, validating that they are unique in the blockchain and uploading them, the first node that completes this task uploads its identification and the information of the relay, the processing times of the information once obtained are approximately 10 seconds
Conclusions: It is concluded that the algorithm is capable of decentralizing the information collected by the servers in times equal to or greater than one minute, which can be very useful when saving information, in applications such as control by the network operator it falls short by having times greater than or equal to one minute, it should be taken into account that, for the development of a blockchain with a greater number of equipment, it is advisable to use machines with high levels of processing, much higher RAM memories, these characteristics allow the algorithm to run smoothly and in the shortest possible time.
Financing: Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas
The Single Narrative for Handling Covid-19 in Indonesia and Implementing of the Strategic Public Communication
Authors: Nugraha Aat Ruchiat , Novianti Evi , Sjoraida Diah Fatma
Published: May 2022

The study aims to determine the phenomenon on the implementation of public communication regarding the dissemination of a single narrative on the accelerated handling of Covid-19 carried out by the Public Relations of West Java Provincial Government. This is qualitative and explanative research with data obtained through interviews, observations, and literature studies. The researcher used purposive sampling method to determine the informants (resources) who were taken with a specific purpose, namely because the researcher considered that someone had the information needed for research as many as 4 informants. The subjects of this research are the actors and implementers of public information and communication service activities of the Covid-19 Handling Task Force of West Java Province, Indonesia. While the research object of this research is the process of spreading a single narrative around Covid-19 carried out by local governments as part of implementing public communication during a pandemic. The results showed that a single narrative containing creative messages on Covid-19 handling in West Java was carried out in the form of socialization, information dissemination, education, and advocacy. Synergy, collaboration, and intensive communication on digital media is key to the successful implementation of a single narrative of handling Covid-19 in West Java, which is transparent, alert, reliable, and trusted.
Development and validation of microsatellite markers for Sargassum fusiforme based on transcriptomic data
Authors: Jia Rujie , Lu Xiaoping , Wang Wenjun , Liang Zhourui , Yao Haiqin , Li Baoxian
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to develop stable microsatellite markers and evaluate the genetic background of cultivated Sargassum fusiforme. Based on the transcriptome data obtained by high-throughput sequencing, eleven polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed using four S. fusiforme populations from China. One cultivated population was from Dongtou (DT) and three wild populations were from Muye Island (MY), Pingyu Island (PY) and Nanji Island (NJ). The cultivated S. fusiforme had the highest genetic diversity, with 90.91% polymorphic loci and Shannon’s information index (I) of 0.606, which were much higher than those of the wild populations (I = 0.425). The four populations were divided into two groups through a structure analysis. DT, PY and NJ were clustered into a group, and MY was an almost completely separate group. Both the structure and principal coordinates analysis showed that DT and PY had the lowest genetic differentiation, suggesting that the parents of the breeding population in Dongtou partly come from Pingyu Island. The observed heterozygosity of NJ was much higher than expected, indicating that the NJ wild resource was greatly affected by the environment. These eleven microsatellite markers could provide additional markers for germplasm resource evaluations and facilitate genetic analyses of the S. fusiforme population.
On the 𝜎-nilpotent hypercenter of finite groups
Authors: Murashka Viachaslau I. , Vasil’ev Alexander F.
Published: May 2022

Let 𝜎 be a partition of the set of all primes, and let 𝔉 denote a hereditary formation.
We describe all formations 𝔉 for which the 𝔉-hypercenter and the intersection of weak 𝐾-𝔉-subnormalizers of all Sylow subgroups coincide in every finite group.
In particular, the formation of all 𝜎-nilpotent groups has this property.
With the help of our results, we solve a particular case of Shemetkov’s problem about the intersection of 𝔉-maximal subgroups and the 𝔉-hypercenter.
As a corollary, we obtain Hall’s classical result about the hypercenter.
We prove that the non-𝜎-nilpotent graph of a group is connected and its diameter is at most 3.
Puma concolor potential distribution and connectivity in the Colombian Llanos
Authors: González-Maya José F. , Rojano Cesar , Ávila Renzo , Gómez-Junco Ginna P. , Moreno-Díaz Catalina , Hurtado-Moreno Angela P. , Paredes-Casas Camilo A. , Lemus-Mejía Leonardo , Zárrate-Charry Diego A.
Published: May 2022

Understanding species distribution to target biodiversity conservation actions in countries with high biodiversity, scarce data availability and low study sites accessibility is very challenging. These issues limit management and conservation actions even on charismatic and potentially conflictive species like large carnivores. We developed a geographic assessment of the potential distribution, core patches and connectivity areas for Puma concolor in the Colombian Llanos (Orinoco region). To create this geographic representation, we used methodological approaches that work with scarce information and still provide a spatially-explicit distribution that could be used by stakeholders. Our results show the importance that the Llanos region has for the conservation of the species and the potential role that can have to ensure a resident long-term population. Based on our approach, more than 50,000 km2 (near to 30% of the study area) can be still considered as core habitats for the species, and most of them are still connected, with spatial gaps lower than the estimated dispersal distance of the species and several remaining steppingstones. Further research is required to validate our analysis and we expect our results can target research and conservation priorities within the region.
Advancement in hemp fibre polymer composites: a comprehensive review
Authors: Deshmukh Gauri S.
Published: May 2022

Natural fibres as reinforcement for composite materials have witnessed a resurgence of interest in the past few years, largely due to ecological concerns, legislative directives and technological advancements. Hemp is one of the most popular natural fibres used as reinforcement in polymers owing to its superior mechanical properties. At present, hemp fibres have attracted the global interest of design engineers for developing composites having extensive applications in automobiles, electrical, construction and packaging industries. Although several literatures explore different aspects of hemp fibre reinforced composites, there is no proper literature that summarizes the surface treatment, processing techniques, mechanical performance and hybridization of hemp fibre composites. This review is envisioned to put forth a comprehensive summary of the research work published in the field of hemp fibre reinforced composites with special reference to the structure of hemp fibres, different methods for surface modification and processing techniques to fabricate the composites based on thermoplastic, thermoset and biopolymers. The paper also focuses on the effects of surface treatment on the mechanical performance of the composites.
Spectra of neutron wave functions in Earth’s gravitational field
Authors: Suda Martin , Faber Manfried , Bosina Joachim , Jenke Tobias , Käding Christian , Micko Jakob , Pitschmann Mario , Abele Hartmut
Published: May 2022

The time evolution of a quantum wave packet in the linear gravity potential is known as Quantum Bouncing Ball. The qBounce collaboration recently observed such a system by dropping wave packets of ultracold neutrons by a height of roughly 30 microns. In this article, space and momentum spectra as well as Wigner functions of the neutron wave functions in the gravitational field of the Earth are analyzed. We investigate the quantum states in the “preparation region”, into which they transition after exiting a narrow double-mirror system and where we would expect to observe free fall and bounces in classical physics. For this, we start from the stationary solutions and eigenvalues of the Schrödinger equation in terms of Airy functions and their zeros. Subsequently, we examine space and momentum distributions as well as Wigner functions in phase space for pure and mixed quantum states. The possible influence of Yukawa-like forces for small distances of several micrometers from the mirror is included through first order perturbation calculations. Those allow us to study the resulting modifications of space and momentum distributions, and phase space functions.
Gustatory Cortex Is Involved in Evidence Accumulation during Food Choice
Authors: Ataei Ali , Amini Arash , Ghazizadeh Ali
Published: May 2022

Food choice is one of the most fundamental and most frequent value-based decisions for all animals including humans. However, the neural circuitry involved in food-based decisions is only recently being addressed. Given the relatively fast dynamics of decision formation, electroencephalography (EEG)-informed fMRI analysis is highly beneficial for localizing this circuitry in humans. Here, by using the EEG correlates of evidence accumulation in a simultaneously recorded EEG-fMRI dataset, we found a significant role for the right temporal-parietal operculum (PO) and medial insula including gustatory cortex (GC) in binary choice between food items. These activations were uncovered by using the “EEG energy” (power 2 of EEG) as the BOLD regressor and were missed if conventional analysis with the EEG signal itself were to be used, in agreement with theoretical predictions for EEG and BOLD relations. No significant positive correlations were found with higher powers of EEG (powers 3 or 4) pointing to specificity and sufficiency of EEG energy as the main correlate of the BOLD response. This finding extends the role of cortical areas traditionally involved in palatability processing to value-based decision-making and offers the “EEG energy” as a key regressor of BOLD response in simultaneous EEG-fMRI designs.
Inhibition of Crmp1 Phosphorylation at Ser522 Ameliorates Motor Function and Neuronal Pathology in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Model Mice
Authors: Asano Tetsuya , Nakamura Haruko , Kawamoto Yuko , Tada Mikiko , Kimura Yayoi , Takano Hiroshi , Yao Ryoji , Saito Hiroya , Ikeda Takuya , Komiya Hiroyasu , Kubota Shun , Hashiguchi Shunta , Takahashi Keita , Kunii Misako , Tanaka Kenichi , Goshima Yoshio , Nakamura Fumio , Takeuchi Hideyuki , Doi Hiroshi , Tanaka Fumiaki
Published: May 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder that affects upper and lower motor neurons; however, its pathomechanism has not been fully elucidated. Using a comprehensive phosphoproteomic approach, we have identified elevated phosphorylation of Collapsin response mediator protein 1 (Crmp1) at serine 522 in the lumbar spinal cord of ALS model mice overexpressing a human superoxide dismutase mutant (SOD1G93A). We investigated the effects of Crmp1 phosphorylation and depletion inSOD1G93Amice using Crmp1S522A(Ser522→Ala) knock-in (Crmp1ki/ki) mice in which the S522 phosphorylation site was abolished andCrmp1knock-out (Crmp1−/−) mice, respectively.Crmp1ki/ki/SOD1G93Amice showed longer latency to fall in a rotarod test whileCrmp1−/−/SOD1G93Amice showed shorter latency compared withSOD1G93Amice. Survival was prolonged inCrmp1ki/ki/SOD1G93Amice but not inCrmp1−/−/SOD1G93Amice. In agreement with these phenotypic findings, residual motor neurons and innervated neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) were comparatively well-preserved inCrmp1ki/ki/SOD1G93Amice without affecting microglial and astroglial pathology. Pathway analysis of proteome alterations showed that the sirtuin signaling pathway had opposite effects inCrmp1ki/ki/SOD1G93AandCrmp1−/−/SOD1G93Amice. Our study indicates that modifying CRMP1 phosphorylation is a potential therapeutic strategy for ALS.
Serum levels of ghrelin and LEAP2 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: correlation with circulating glucose and lipids
Authors: Li Jiaxi , Huang Pu , Xiong Jing , Liang Xinyue , Li Mei , Ke Hao , Chen Chunli , Han Yang , Huang Yanhong , Zhou Yan , Luo Ziqiang , Feng Dandan , Chen Chen
Published: May 2022

Objective

Ghrelin regulates body weight, food intake, and blood glucose. It also regulates insulin secretion from pancreatic islet cells. LEAP2 is a newly discovered endogenous ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue’s receptor (GHSR). It not only antagonizes the stimulation of GHSR by ghrelin but also inhibits the constitutive activation of GHSR as an inverse agonist. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients have endocrine disorders with metabolic imbalance. Plasma levels of ghrelin and LEAP2 may be changed in obese and T2D patients. However, there is no report yet on circulating LEAP2 levels or ghrelin/LEAP2 ratio in T2D patients. In this study, fasting serum ghrelin and LEAP2 levels in healthy adults and T2D patients were assessed to clarify the association of two hormones with different clinical anthropometric and metabolic parameters.

Design

A total of 16 females and 40 males, ages 23–68 years old normal (n  = 27), and T2D patients (n  = 29) were enrolled as a cross-sectional cohort.

Results

Serum levels of ghrelin were lower but serum levels of LEAP2 were higher in T2D patients. Ghrelin levels were positively correlated with fasting serum insulin levels and HOMA-IR in healthy adults. LEAP2 levels were positively correlated with age and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in all tested samples. Ghrelin/LEAP2 ratio was negatively correlated with age, fasting blood glucose, and HbA1c.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated a decrease in serum ghrelin levels and an increase in serum LEAP2 levels in T2D patients. LEAP2 levels were positively correlated with HbA1c, suggesting that LEAP2 was associated with T2D development. The ghrelin/LEAP2 ratio was closely associated with glycemic control in T2D patients showing a negative correlation with glucose and HbA1c.
Dynamic follow-up of the effects of programmed death 1 inhibitor treatment on thyroid function and sonographic features in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Xiaoya , Xiao Heng , Long Jian , Wei Qiang , Liu Liping , Zan Liping , Ren Wei
Published: May 2022

Objective

Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitors are widely used for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thyroid dysfunction is common in patients treated with this therapy, although the dynamic changes in thyroid function and sonographic features remain unclear.

Methods

We analyzed 38 patients with HCC who received anti-PD-1 therapy at our hospital. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound data were extracted from electronic medical records. The grading of thyroid nodules was based on the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System classification. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 5.0.

Results

Fifteen patients (40%) had hypothyroidism, among which six had hypothyroidism at baseline, three had overt hypothyroidism, and six had subclinical hypothyroidism after anti-PD1 therapy. The proportion of patients with euthyroid function and thyroid antibody positivity was significantly lower than that of patients with thyroid dysfunction (10% vs 39%, P  < 0.05). Nine patients (24%) had irregular echo patterns on sonographic imaging, six of whom had irregular echo patterns present during the treatment, but only one had them persist until the end of treatment. At baseline, the classification of most thyroid nodules was grade 3, with a significant increase in grade 4A and 4B classifications during treatment, though most nodules remained grade 3 at the end of treatment. There were no significant differences in survival rates between the euthyroid and thyroid dysfunction groups.

Conclusion

Anti-PD-1 therapy-induced thyroid dysfunction was accompanied by changes in thyroid function, antibodies, and ultrasonography. Therefore, in patients receiving anti-PD-1 therapy, close, dynamic monitoring of thyroid function, antibodies, and ultrasonographic characteristics is necessary.
Efficacy and safety of anticoagulation in thyrotoxic atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tng Eng-Loon , Tiong Yee Sian , Aung Aye Thida , Chong Nicole Ya Yuan , Wang Zhemin
Published: May 2022

Background

Evidence on the efficacy and safety of anticoagulation in preventing stroke and thromboembolic events in people with thyrotoxic atrial fibrillation is scarce.

Objective

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of anticoagulation in people with thyrotoxic atrial fibrillation.

Methods

Our study protocol was published in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration no. CRD42020222782). Four databases and two systematic review registers were searched through 25 November 2020 for interventional and observational studies comparing anticoagulation therapy with active comparators, placebo, or no treatment in people with thyrotoxic atrial fibrillation. Random-effects meta-analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed. Quality of evidence was described using the GRADE framework.

Results

In the study, 23,145 records were retrieved. One randomized controlled trial and eight cohort studies were ultimately included. Effect estimates on the efficacy and safety of anticoagulation were extracted. Meta-analysis using the inverse variance and random-effects methods was conducted on four cohort studies with 3443 participants and 277 events. Anticoagulation in people with thyrotoxic atrial fibrillation reduced the risk of ischemic stroke and systemic thromboembolism by 3% (95% CI: 1–6%). Warfarin may prevent ischemic stroke in people with thyrotoxic atrial fibrillation if the CHA2DS2-VASc score exceeds 1 and when atrial fibrillation persists beyond 7 days. Direct oral anticoagulants may be associated with fewer bleeding events than warfarin.

Conclusions

Anticoagulation prevents ischemic stroke and systemic thromboembolism in people with thyrotoxic atrial fibrillation. Direct oral anticoagulants may be associated with fewer bleeding events.
Convergence between germline and somatic mutations in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Ling Chao , Hong Xiafei , Xu Mengyue , Wang Yutong , Ma Xiaosen , Cui Yunying , Jiang Rui , Cao Dingyan , Wu Huanwen , Tong Anli , Zhao Yupei , Wu Wenming
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) are a group of clinically heterogeneous neoplasms. Although previous studies illustrated the somatic mutation pattern for PanNETs, the germline mutation pattern is still unclear. Here, we comprehensively screened the underlying germline mutations in a cohort of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1)-related and sporadic PanNETs to reveal the characteristics of germline mutation in PanNET patients.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with PanNETs by biopsy or surgical pathology were enrolled in this study. Peripheral blood samples were used for genomic DNA purification and subsequent sequencing. The following sequencing techniques were used and compared for validation: (1) targeted gene capture with a customized panel; (2) whole exome sequencing data from previous study.

Results

A total of 184 PanNET patients were enrolled, including 20 MEN1-related and 164 sporadic cases. In this study, MEN1 mutation rate in MEN1-related PanNETs was 60% (12/20), of which 50% were novel mutation sites. For sporadic PanNETs, the overall germline mutation rate was very low. Besides the rare MEN1 mutation, previously unreported germline variant in DAXX was found in one non-functional PanNET.

Conclusions

This study revealed distinctive germline mutation rates between MEN1-related and sporadic PanNETs. The novel MEN1 mutations contribute to revealing the spectrum of MEN1 mutations in PanNETs. The newly discovered germline variant of DAXX in sporadic PanNET implies a tendency of convergence between germline and somatic mutation genes.