bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolomic changes in Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) challenged Holstein–Friesian cattle highlight the role of serum amino acids as indicators of immune system activation
Authors: Taylor Emma N. , Beckmann Manfred , Markey Bryan K. , Gordon Stephen V. , Hewinson Glyn , Rooke David , Mur Luis A. J.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Paratuberculosis, commonly known as Johne’s disease, is a chronic granulomatous infection of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). Clinical signs, including reduced milk yields, weight loss and diarrhoea, are typically absent until 2 to 6 years post exposure.

Objectives

To identify metabolomic changes profiles of MAP challenged Holstein–Friesian (HF) cattle and correlate identified metabolites to haematological and immunological parameters.

Methods

At approximately 6 weeks of age, calves (n = 9) were challenged with 3.8 × 109 cells of MAP (clinical isolate CIT003) on 2 consecutive days. Additional unchallenged calves (n = 9) formed the control group. The study used biobanked serum from cattle sampled periodically from 3- to 33-months post challenge. The assessment of sera using flow infusion electrospray high resolution mass spectrometry (FIE-HRMS) for high throughput, sensitive, non-targeted metabolite fingerprinting highlighted differences in metabolite levels between the two groups.

Results

In total, 25 metabolites which were differentially accumulated in MAP challenged cattle were identified, including 20 which displayed correlation to haematology parameters, particularly monocyte levels.

Conclusion

The targeted metabolites suggest shifts in amino acid metabolism that could reflect immune system activation linked to MAP and as well as differences in phosphocholine levels which could reflect activation of the Th1 (tending towards pro-inflammatory) immune response. If verified by future work, selected metabolites could be used as biomarkers to diagnose and manage MAP infected cattle.
Exploring the pattern of use and accessibility of urban green spaces: evidence from a coastal desert megacity in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Addas Abdullah
Published: March 2022

Urban green spaces (UGSs) provide various ecosystem services (ESs) that directly and indirectly enhance people’s well-being. However, in the Saudi context, the assessment role of UGSs (such as urban parks and gardens) and their use and accessibility has remained unexplored. This study aims to assess the use and accessibility of five urban parks in the Jeddah megacity of Saudi Arabia from diversified perspectives. Data were collected through a primary survey and questionnaire method using a social preference approach (SPA). Correlation analysis and factor analysis were performed to assess the relationship between activities and services (benefits) provided by urban parks and to examine their most significant benefits. A Kruskal–Wallis (K–S test) test was performed to determine significant differences in the perceived valuations of park benefits. A benefit dominancy index (BDI) was also developed to determine which urban parks provide the most benefit. The findings of the study showed that (i) the urban parks were mostly used for spending time with relatives (partners) and friends, followed by mental refreshment and relaxation, physical activity, and spending time with children; (ii) there are substantial seasonal variations in park visits in the Jeddah megacity; (iii) socio-demographic attributes largely affect the use of urban parks; and (iv) there are also substantial discrepancies between importance and performance related to urban management strategies. Thus, the findings of this study show that city planners and policy makers must focus on the enhancement of UGSs for the well-being of urban citizens.
Assessing overfishing based on the distance-to-target approach
Authors: Bach Vanessa , Hélias Arnaud , Muhl Marco , Wojciechowski Aurélie , Bosch Henk , Binder Michael , Finkbeiner Matthias
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Overfishing has been a global challenge for several decades with severe impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Several approaches for assessing overfishing in life cycle impact assessment exist, but do not consider scarcity in line with current policy and science-based targets. Furthermore, comparisons of results with other impact categories, e.g., climate change, are not possible with existing methods. Therefore, five approaches to assess overfishing based on the distance-to-target approach are introduced.

Method

Three global species-specific approaches (stock in the sea, target pressure, and fish manager) and two regional midpoint approaches were developed. For the stock in the sea, the weighting factor was derived as the relation of available biomass of the considered species to biomass at sustainable limits. Within the target pressure, the current pressure on fish stocks is set to the maximal sustainable pressure. For the fish manager, the catch is set in relation to the maximum sustainable yield. The catch is used for normalization in all three approaches. The two regional midpoint approaches consider production and consumption based catch of fish stocks in relation to the fully fished share. The overfishing indicator based on pressure on fish stocks serves as the characterization factor. Normalization occurs with the characterized catch.

Results and discussion

To demonstrate the applicability of the approaches, a three-level case study was derived: (i) determining ecofactors for ten specific fish species in specific oceans; (ii) deriving ecopoints for production of fish meal and oil in Europe; (iii) comparison of fish oil with rapeseed oil for the categories overfishing, climate change, land use, and marine eutrophication. The highest ecofactors for the global approaches are characterized by high normalization and weighting factors. For the regional approaches, high overfishing characterization factors determine the result. The species contribution increases with rising amounts. Main challenges are data collection and interpretation which limit the overall applicability. The sensitivity analysis shows that the overall results vary significantly depending on the composition of the fish oil and meal.

Conclusions

It was shown that four of the five approaches are able to account for overfishing. However, only the production-based regional midpoint approach allows for comparison with other impact categories and is therefore most suitable for integration into life cycle assessment. The developed approaches can be used for a more comprehensive assessment of environmental impacts of different diets as well as aquaculture feed solutions.
Surface Morphology and Structural Evolution of Magnetite-Based Iron Ore Fines During the Oxidation
Authors: Zheng Heng , Schenk Johannes , Xu Runsheng , Daghagheleh Oday , Spreitzer Daniel , Wolfinger Thomas , Yang Daiwei , Kapelyushin Yury
Published: March 2022

The use of magnetite-based iron ore fines by means of fluidized bed technology has become a promising route to produce direct reduced iron. The significant influence of a prior oxidation treatment, which occurs in the preheating stage, on the subsequent fluidization and reduction behavior was observed in our previous study. As a result, it is important to investigate the oxidation of magnetite-based iron ore fines for an optimization of the proposed route. Three magnetite-based iron ore brands were analyzed. The oxidation characteristics are investigated based on thermogravimetric analysis. The surface morphology, structural evolution, and phase transformation were studied with a scanning electron microscope, an optical light microscope, and a high-temperature-X-ray diffraction (HT-XRD), respectively. The three samples showed different oxidation capacity indexes (OCIs) but similar TG-DTG curves. The oxidation rate peaks at around 330 °C and 550 °C indicated the formation of γ-Fe2O3 and α-Fe2O3. The hematite phase shows a particular growth habit. The oxidation first occurs at the surface, forming gridlike hematite structures, and then extends to the inside, resulting in hematite needles. The specific surface area and pore volume decrease significantly due to the sintering effect during oxidation.
A Chemometric Approach to Assess the Rheological Properties of Durum Wheat Dough by Indirect FTIR Measurements
Authors: Fanari Fabio , Carboni Gianluca , Desogus Francesco , Grosso Massimiliano , Wilhelm Manfred
Published: March 2022

Rheological measurements and FTIR spectroscopy were used to characterize different doughs, obtained by commercial and monovarietal durum wheat flours (Cappelli and Karalis). Rheological frequency sweep tests were carried out, and the Weak Gel model, whose parameters may be related to gluten network extension and strength, was applied. IR analysis mainly focused on the Amide III band, revealing significant variations in the gluten network. Compared to the other varieties, Karalis semolina showed a higher amount of α-helices and a lower amount of β-sheets and random structures. Spectroscopic and rheological data were then correlated using Partial Least Squares regression (PLS) coupled with the Variable Importance in Projection (VIP) technique. The combined use of the techniques provided useful insights into the interplay among protein structures, gluten network features, and rheological properties. In detail, β-sheets and α-helices protein conformations were shown to significantly affect the gluten network's mechanical strength.
Entrapment within an ottoman storage bed: an unusual accidental asphyxial death
Authors: Cinquetti Alessandro , Franchetti Giorgia , Fichera Giulia , Giraudo Chiara , Viel Guido , Cecchetto Giovanni
Published: March 2022

Herein, we present an uncommon forensic case of death by asphyxia. The victim was a woman whose body at death scene investigation (DSI) was discovered beside an ottoman storage bed. According to the rescue team, who had moved the body before our arrival, the body was originally found in the prone position and stuck with the neck, thorax and arms within the bed. Examination of the body showed hypostasis that was mainly distributed to the face and the lower chest while sparing the neck and the upper chest. The face was markedly swollen, and the eyes were congested with blood. Dissection and histology revealed pulmonary oedema and emphysema of both lungs. Integrating circumstantial, radiology and autopsy data, it was established that the victim, while trapped between the mattress and the edge of the ottoman storage bed, died by mechanical asphyxia due to cervical-thoracic compression and postural asphyxia acting simultaneously.
Protective Effect of Food Against Inactivation of Human Coronavirus OC43 by Gastrointestinal Fluids
Authors: Harlow Jennifer , Dallner Matthew , Nasheri Neda
Published: March 2022

The involvement of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been reported in multiple studies. Since it has been demonstrated that human intestinal epithelial cells support productive viral replication and that a substantial portion of infected individuals shed the virus in feces, the possibility of fecal–oral and fecal-respiratory modes of transmission have been proposed for SARS-CoV-2. In order to establish viral replication in the intestine, enteric viruses need to retain their infectivity in often low pH gastric fluids, and in intestinal fluids, which contain digestive enzymes and bile salts. In this study, we examined whether human coronaviruses OC43 (HCoV-OC43) can remain infectious in simulated GI fluids that models human fasting-state and fed-state, in the presence or absence of food. We demonstrated that except for fasting-state gastric fluid (pH 1.6), the virus can remain infectious in all other gastrointestinal fluids for 1 h. Furthermore, we demonstrated that presence of food could significantly improve viral survival in gastric fluids. Therefore, this study provides evidence that ingestion with food could protect the virus against inactivation by the GI fluids.
Sequential treatment of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy with intravenous immunoglobulins and pembrolizumab
Authors: Boesl Fabian , Allers Kristina , Herm Juliane , Scheider Thomas , Franke Christiana
Published: March 2022

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare demyelinating disease of the CNS caused by the human polyomavirus 2 (JCV). PML predominantly occurs in immunocompromised patients. To date, no specific antiviral treatment exists, leaving only restoration of the immune system as possible treatment. In 2019, the monoclonal antibody pembrolizumab was reported as a potential treatment option in PML in a case series. Following case reports could not thoroughly confirm a positive outcome. Pembrolizumab targets the inhibitory programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) receptor on lymphocytes and is associated with beneficial expansion of pre-existing virus-specific T cells. Here we describe a patient with PML who benefited from combined treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins, maraviroc, and pembrolizumab.
Insulino-resistenza e fertilità nella donna con attenzione a sindrome dell’ovaio policistico (PCOS) e malattia epatica non alcoolica (NAFLD)
Authors: Di Stasi Vincenza , Cipriani Sarah , Maseroli Elisa , Scavello Irene , Vignozzi Linda
Published: March 2022

Sommario

Il fattore femminile costituisce un’alta percentuale delle cause d’infertilità di coppia. Tra le cause più frequenti d’infertilità femminile vi sono quelle correlate a un inadeguato stile di vita e alla presenza di sindrome metabolica. L’insulino-resistenza (IR) è uno dei punti cardine della sindrome metabolica ed è coinvolta anche nell’eziopatogenesi della sindrome dell’ovaio policistico (PCOS), frequente causa d’infertilità anovulatoria. Inoltre, l’IR è alla base di alcune delle complicanze della PCOS, come la malattia epatica non alcolica (NAFLD), a sua volta indirettamente correlata a problematiche di fertilità. In questa rassegna proveremo dunque a fornire al lettore degli spunti di riflessione sul complesso e affascinante ruolo dell’IR e delle disfunzioni a essa correlate, nel campo della fertilità femminile.
Characterization of three plant or fungal feeding nematodes (Nematoda, Rhabditida, Tylenchomorpha) from coastal dunes in Spain including the SEM study of these species
Authors: Ruiz-Cuenca Alba N. , Abolafia Joaquín
Published: March 2022

Three known species, Aphelenchus avenae, Ditylenchus myceliophagus and Tylenchorhynchus aduncus (Rhabditida, Tylenchomorpha), are described from sand coastal dunes in Spain associated to the rhizosphere of xerophilic plants. A. avenae is characterized by having stylet with 16–22 µm long, pharyngeal dorsal gland overlapping the intestine, postvulval uterine sac about 2.5 times the body diameter, female tail short conoid with rounded tip bearing the phasmid and male bursa well developed. D. myceliophagus is characterized by having lateral field with four incisures, stylet 7–8 µm long, basal bulb irregularly pyriform, tail of both sexes similar with rounded tip and bursa of the male reaching about three-quarters of tail length. T. aduncus is characterized by its lateral field with six incisures, stylet 15–18 μm long, spicules with bifurcate tip and distal ventral crest, and gubernaculum with hook-like manubrium. New morphological, including SEM study, and morphometrical data are included for the three species. Also, phylogenetic analysis based on 18S and 28S rDNA is included for two of the species studied. Additionally, two species belonging to the superfamily Aphelenchoidea are transferred to other genera: Aphelenchus assamensis to the genus Aphelenchoides and Aphelenchoides dhanachandi to the genus Potensaphelenchus.
Dynamical universality for random matrices
Authors: Kawamoto Yosuke , Osada Hirofumi
Published: March 2022

We establish an invariance principle corresponding to the universality of random matrices. More precisely, we prove the dynamical universality of random matrices in the sense that, if the random point fields$$ \mu ^N $$μNofN-particle systems describing the eigenvalues of random matrices or log-gases with general self-interaction potentialsVconverge to some random point field$$ \mu $$μ, then the associated natural$$ \mu ^N $$μN-reversible diffusions represented by solutions of stochastic differential equations (SDEs) converge to some$$ \mu $$μ-reversible diffusion given by the solution of an infinite-dimensional SDE (ISDE). Our results are general theorems that can be applied to various random point fields related to random matrices such as sine, Airy, Bessel, and Ginibre random point fields. In general, the representations of finite-dimensional SDEs describingN-particle systems are very complicated. Nevertheless, the limit ISDE has a simple and universal representation that depends on a class of random matrices appearing in the bulk, and at the soft- and at hard-edge positions. Thus, we prove that ISDEs such as the infinite-dimensional Dyson model and the Airy, Bessel, and Ginibre interacting Brownian motions are universal dynamical objects.
Inspection of the Production Lot Using Two Successive Occasions Sampling Under Neutrosophy
Authors: Azam Muhammad , Arshad Asma , Aslam Muhammad
Published: March 2022

The efficiency of the measuring tools and operators is a significant part of lot sentencing decisions. These tools have to pass some pre-specified quality levels to avoid problems during the quality assessment scenarios. These measurements have a serious risk to be encountered with any extent of ambiguity, doubt, or indeterminacy due to any of the factors like variation among the operating regimes, warming effects in the hot climatic conditions, the operators’ casual attitude, and so on. These factors as the most significant sources of extraneous variations can deeply affect the efficacy of lot sentencing decisions. Hence, the decision when based on the measurement through the operating tools and these tools have to pass which have fulfilled some adequate standards only then lot sentencing may avoid or save from the rejection of a good lot. The authors have put their focus on dealing with the factors that arise by measuring variability among the measured or determined values despite having the normal population distribution. In this study, the auxiliary information is used to estimate the variable of interest over the two successive occasions under the neutrosophic interval numbers and proved helpful to overcome this issue. The presented approach has discussed that in blurred, doubted, uncertain and undetermined datasets partially or completely, the efficacy of the decision for the whole lot cannot be decided on the single point crisped value. But the range of values around such a single crisp point in the form of neutrosophic theory is proved far better. In this context, the neutrosophic interval number successive sampling-based sampling plan is proposed which is the major contribution to the existing literature. It is explained in terms of operating characteristic function and the plan parameters are determined through the neutrosophic non-linear optimization approach. The comparative analysis is presented with the existing sampling plans and found efficient. Moreover, a real-life industrial dataset is used as an application of the concept.
Conceptualization and Inventory of the Sexual and Psychological Burden of Women With Pelvic Floor Complaints; A Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Brand Alma M. , Rosas Scott , Waterink Wim , Stoyanov Slavi , van Lankveld Jacques J.D.M.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Despite the fact that the literature reports various restrictions and types of distress in women with pelvic floor complaints, a comprehensive overview of women's sexual and psychological burden emerging from these complaints is lacking, which compromises our ability to assess and grasp the impact to women.

Aim

This study was performed to conceptualize women's sexual and psychological burden and create a more comprehensive overview on this topic from both women's and health care providers’ perspectives. Furthermore, this research intended to identify items to populate a to-be-developed instrument to assess sexual and psychological burden.

Methods

In Group Concept Mapping, 125 statements were used about restrictions and distress that women with pelvic floor complaints experienced. Women with, and health care providers with and without pelvic floor complaints (13 women and 3 men) sorted the statements into comprehensive self-labeled clusters and rated their nature and severity. Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analyses were performed to identify a conceptual model of coherent clusters of statements. Item-total correlations of severity scores were calculated to identify statements that can be used in future research to represent women's sexual and psychological burden.

Main Outcome Measure

A conceptual model emerged, and outcomes of item-total correlations were then examined again using the conceptual model.

Results

Seven distress clusters were identified, namely, loss of control, sexual distress, feeling insecure, feeling wronged, feeling helpless, feeling angry, and feeling disappointed. Feeling insecure appeared more pervasive than other distresses. Furthermore, 33 statements were identified that can be used in future research to develop an instrument to assess sexual and psychological burden representing both women's and health care providers’ perspectives.

Conclusion

The conceptual model and list of statements may concisely represent the sexual and psychological burden of women with pelvic floor complaints from both women's and health care providers’ perspectives on this topic.
Dwelling on the Green Line
Authors: Schwake Gabriel
Published: March 2022

Concealed within the walls of settlements along the Green-Line, the border between Israel and the occupied West-Bank, is a complex history of territoriality, privatisation and multifaceted class dynamics. Since the late 1970s, the state aimed to expand the heavily populated coastal area eastwards into the occupied Palestinian territories, granting favoured groups of individuals, developers and entrepreneurs the ability to influence the formation of built space as a means to continuously develop and settle national frontiers. As these settlements developed, they became a physical manifestation of the relationship between the political interest to control space and the ability to form it. Telling a socio-political and economic story from an architectural and urban history perspective, Gabriel Schwake demonstrates how this production of space can be seen not only a cultural phenomenon, but also as one that is deeply entangled with geopolitical agendas.
The End of Satellite Treaty Law as We Know It? The German Federal Constitutional Court, European Integration by International Law and Treaties “Supplementing or Being Otherwise Closely Tied to the EU”
Authors: von Luckner Johannes Graf
Published: March 2022

Amidst the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic, the German Federal Constitutional Court rendered a little-noticed, but potentially far-reaching decision regarding European integration. When it declared the law ratifying the Unitary Patent Court Agreement unconstitutional, it did so because it is a treaty “supplementing or being otherwise closely tied to the EU”, in other words, a satellite treaty, inter-se agreement, or more generally: an international law agreement furthering European integration outside the EU law framework. This commonly used integration technique is therefore going to be a lot more difficult in future whenever Germany is involved. At the same time, the court order gives all German citizens a far-reaching right to have laws ratifying such treaties checked before the Constitutional Court, which is a significant extension compared to its earlier case-law. In future cases of disagreement, EU Member States may have to find different ways to proceed than resorting to international law, such as using the enhanced cooperation mechanism.
Prevention of common mental disorders among women in the perinatal period: a critical mixed-methods review and meta-analysis
Authors: Waqas Ahmed , Zafar Syeda Wajeeha , Meraj Hafsa , Tariq Mahjabeen , Naveed Sadiq , Fatima Batool , Chowdhary Neerja , Dua Tarun , Rahman Atif
Published: March 2022

Perinatal depression and anxiety account for a high burden of perinatal morbidity and poor psychosocial functioning. There is a growing interest among mental health professionals, to devise interventions to prevent this condition. This review synthesizes evidence for the effectiveness of psychological and psychosocial interventions aimed at the prevention of perinatal depression and anxiety. We also explore qualitative evidence to understand the acceptability and feasibility of these interventions. Using a mixed-methods approach, data from a total of 21 studies were collated to inform the evidence for preventive interventions for perinatal depression and anxiety. Based on their theoretical orientations, these interventions were described by authors as cognitive-behavioral (n = 7); psychoeducational (n = 6); mindfulness (n = 2); and interpersonal psychotherapy (n = 2). These also included psychosocial approaches such as social support (n = 1) and multicomponent interventions (n = 3). For depressive symptoms, these interventions yielded moderate to strong effect sizes in favor of the intervention group [standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.95 to −0.23]. For anxiety symptoms, a strong effect size was estimated in favor of the intervention group (SMD = −1.43, 95% CI −2.22 to −0.65). Preventive interventions significantly reduce the severity of perinatal depressive and anxiety symptoms. These interventions are also acceptable and feasible in many settings.
Contrasting definitions and incidence of healthcare-associated respiratory viral infections in a pediatric hospital
Authors: Most Zachary M. , Jackson Patricia , Sebert Michael , Perl Trish M.
Published: March 2022

Objective:

To determine the difference in the incidence of healthcare-associated respiratory viral infection (HARVI) in a pediatric hospital depending on the definition used.

Design:

Descriptive historical cohort study.

Setting and participants:

Patients aged 0–21 years old who were admitted between July 2013 and June 2018 to a 490-bed primary to quaternary-care pediatric hospital serving northern Texas.

Methods:

HARVI was defined using microbiologic confirmation, development of new symptoms while hospitalized, and exposure time greater than the minimum incubation period for each specific virus. Events that occurred following the maximum incubation period for that virus were classified as definite, otherwise they were classified as possible. This definition was compared to definitions using alternate timing of onset and symptomatology requirements. Data pertaining to demographics, diagnoses, and illness severity were collected.

Results:

In total, 498 HARVIs (320 definite and 178 possible) were identified, with an incidence rate of 0.98 per 1,000 patient days (0.63 and 0.35, respectively). Rhinovirus or enterovirus and respiratory syncytial virus were the most identified viruses (58% and 10%, respectively). The median time from admission until HARVI was 10.5 days (interquartile range [IQR], 5–30 days). When alternate definitions were employed, the incidence of HARVI ranged from 0.96 to 2.00 per 1,000 admitted patient days.

Conclusions:

HARVI remain a common nosocomial infection in pediatric hospitals and the measured incidence is dependent on the definition used. Because of the endemic and pandemic potential of respiratory viruses, standardized definitions are needed to facilitate intra- and interhospital comparisons.
Mindfulness older workers and relational leadership
Authors: Roche Maree , Shang Sudong , Bentley Tim , Catley Bevan , Blackwood Kate , Teo Stephen , Sutton Anna
Published: March 2022

There is scant research examining both the psychological (individual) and leadership (environmental) influences on older workers. We firstly examine the influence of older workers' mindfulness on their job engagement, job satisfaction and turnover intentions. Secondly, we address effective leadership approaches for older workers, comparing two positive relational leadership styles, leader member exchange and leader autonomy support (LAS). We survey 1,237 participants from 28 organisations in New Zealand and employ structural equation modelling to test our hypotheses using AMOS 24.0. We find that mindful older workers enjoy greater wellbeing and are discerning of the leadership styles that most benefit their engagement, satisfaction and intentions to stay within the organisation. We find that mindfulness has direct importance and LAS has indirect importance on advancing the wellbeing of older workers. Mindful older workers exhibit greater work wellbeing than non-mindful workers, but they also demonstrate greater expectations and discernment of the leadership styles they encounter.
External observers' reactions to abusive supervision in the workplace: the impact of racial differences
Authors: Gligor David M. , Bozkurt Siddik , Gligor Nichole M.
Published: March 2022

This research examines external observers' reactions to abusive supervision in the workplace while accounting for the impact of the abusive supervisor's race and the abused employee's race. We conducted four different studies to examine differences in external observers' protective behavior across the four possible abusive supervisor–abused employee racial combinations. The focus of these studies is on the two largest racial groups in the US: White Americans and African Americans. Our findings reveal that external observers' willingness to protect an abused employee depends significantly on the abused employee's race and the abusive supervisor's race.
Lake ice deformation on Khovsgol Lake from Sentinel data before, during and after the 2021 Mw 6.7 earthquake in Turt, Mongolia
Authors: He Ping , Wen Yangmao
Published: March 2022

Khovsgol Lake, a seasonal ice-covered lake located in boreal Siberia, plays important economic, transportation and agricultural roles for local residents. On 11 January 2021, an Mw 6.7 earthquake struck the center of this lake, providing a unique opportunity to better understand lake ice movement, ridge distribution, and hydraulic and hydrodynamic processes, as a result of the mainshock. We use a pixel-tracking method on both Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar and Sentinel-2 optical remote-sensing data covering this lake before, during and after the mainshock to obtain lake-ice displacement. Combining these measurements with different viewing geometries, we determine the locations of pressure ridges in each period and derive their relative 3D displacement maps with a precision of <2.2 m. Our results indicate a large E-W displacement of up to 10.3 m and a vertical displacement of up to 4.6 m during the coseismic period, which has a distinctly different magnitude and pattern of displacement compared to the pre- and post-event periods. Given the ice motion pattern and magnitude, we speculate that the unique ice displacement of Khovsgol Lake may have been caused by a rare seismic seiche after the mainshock.
Dietary intake of branched-chain amino acids and pancreatic cancer risk in a case–control study from Italy
Authors: Rossi Marta , Turati Federica , Strikoudi Panagiota , Ferraroni Monica , Parpinel Maria , Serraino Diego , Negri Eva , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: March 2022

Circulating branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), a subgroup of the nine essential amino acids, has been associated with pancreatic cancer risk. The aim of this study is to estimate the relation between BCAA intake from diet and pancreatic cancer risk. We analysed data from a multicentric Italian case–control study, including 326 pancreatic cancer cases and 652 controls, matched to cases by study centre, sex and age. A validated FFQ was used to collect the participants’ usual diet before cancer diagnosis (or hospital admission for controls) and to compute dietary intakes of various nutrients, including BCAA. OR and the corresponding CI were computed through logistic regression models conditioned on the matching variables and adjusted for major confounding factors, including total energy intake. We found a positive association between BCAA intake and pancreatic cancer risk (OR for the third quartile = 1·88, 95 % CI = 1·08, 3·26; OR for the fourth quartile = 2·17, 95 % CI = 1·17, 4·06), with a significant trend in risk. The association persisted after excluding subjects with diabetes and family history of pancreatic cancer and across strata of selected covariates. These data support and quantify the association between dietary BCAA and pancreatic cancer, previously suggested by studies on circulating BCAA.
THE RIGHT TO LIFE AND THEJUS AD BELLUM: BELLIGERENT EQUALITY AND THE DUTY TO PROSECUTE ACTS OF AGGRESSION
Authors: Jackson Miles , Akande Dapo
Published: March 2022

General Comment 36 of the Human Rights Committee, adopted in 2018, asserts that ‘States parties engaged in acts of aggression as defined in international law, resulting in deprivation of life, violate ipso facto article 6 of the Covenant.’ One question about this claim is whether it reduces incentives for compliance with international humanitarian law for States and their agents—incentives provided through the principles of belligerent equality and combatant immunity. It is argued that it does not do so—such a worry about incentives is not a reason to reject the claim in General Comment 36. In the process, it can also be shown that, if accepted, this claim is interesting in another way: it entails, in effect, a duty on States to prosecute acts of aggression insofar as they entail killing, as they often will. This itself is doctrinally innovative. As to who is to be prosecuted, it is the political and military leadership of the State. It is their decision to wage war unlawfully that renders the killings arbitrary.
Can probiotic gargles reduce post-tonsillectomy morbidity in adult patients? A pilot, triple-blind, randomised, controlled trial and feasibility study
Authors: Nasserallah M V , de Silva N M , Tobin V , Rozen W M , Hunter-Smith D J
Published: March 2022

Objective

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of probiotic gargles compared with placebo gargles on reducing post-tonsillectomy morbidity in adults.

Method

This was a triple-blind, randomised, controlled trial and feasibility study. Thirty adults underwent elective tonsillectomy and were randomly assigned to receive either probiotic or placebo gargles for 14 days after surgery. Daily pain scores and requirement of analgesia were measured for 14 days post-operatively. Secondary outcomes assessed probiotic safety and tolerability and the feasibility of the trial.

Results

The probiotic group experienced less pain at rest on day 2. However, the amount of oxycodone (5 mg) tablets used was greater in the probiotic group compared with placebo. There were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of adverse effects between both groups. This trial was feasible.

Conclusion

This pilot study suggested that probiotic gargles do not reduce post-tonsillectomy pain or bleeding, highlighting the importance of pilot and feasibility studies in clinical research.
The proper basicality of belief in God and the evil-god challenge
Authors: Hendricks Perry
Published: March 2022

The evil-god challenge is a challenge for theists to show that belief in God is more reasonable than belief in evil-god. In this article, I show that whether or not evil-god exists, belief in evil-god is unjustified. But this isn't the case for belief in God: belief in God is probably justified if theism is true. And hence belief in God is (significantly) more reasonable than belief in evil-god, and the evil-god challenge has been answered.
Consciousness, complexity, and evolution
Authors: Veit Walter
Published: March 2022

The idea that consciousness and complexity are closely related has been a major driver of the popularity of integrated information theory (IIT) of consciousness, despite its major formal, phenomenological, and neuroscientific shortcomings. Here, I argue that we can recover this intuition by replacing its biologically neutral notion of complexity with an evolutionary one that I shall dub “pathological complexity.”
Why evolve consciousness? Neural credit and blame allocation as a core function of consciousness
Authors: Fitch W. Tecumseh
Published: March 2022

I concur with Merker and colleague's critiques, suggesting that hypotheses about the evolutionary function of consciousness can help address them. Brains are parallel systems that function to compute possible actions and predict outcomes. I hypothesize that a core function of consciousness per se is the global feedback of information about those actions actually executed, supporting local learning via neuronal updating.
Depoliticizing China's Grassroots NGOs: State and Civil Society as an Institutional Field of Power
Authors: Tian Fengrui , Chuang Julia
Published: March 2022

This article employs ethnographic fieldwork and interviews to examine two distinct processes of depoliticization by non-governmental organizations advocating rights for sex workers in China. Drawing upon Bourdieu and institutional theory, we argue that the consolidation of state repression of civil society under the Xi regime created an institutional field of power to which two NGOs responded differently. While one of them relied on government procurement as its major funding source, thus diluting the original mission, the other internalized state rhetoric as it sought political legitimacy through state certification, thus sanitizing its political mission. These distinct responses were then institutionalized into organizational practices, norms and culture. Rather than portraying NGOs in China as either capable political actors or pawns of an authoritarian state, this article illustrates how NGOs are subtly depoliticized by being inculcated in a state-produced, hierarchical social order in which compliance with state norms becomes synonymous with organizational competence.
Convolution and concurrency
Authors: Cranch James , Doherty Simon , Struth Georg
Published: March 2022

We show how concurrent quantales and concurrent Kleene algebras arise as convolution algebras of functions from relational structures with two ternary relations that satisfy relational interchange laws into concurrent quantales or Kleene algebras, among others. The elements of the quantales can be understood as weights; the case where weights are drawn from the booleans corresponds to languages. We develop a correspondence theory between properties of the relational structures and algebraic properties in the weight and convolution algebras in the sense of modal and substructural logics, or boolean algebras with operators. The resulting correspondence triangles yield in particular general construction principles for models of concurrent quantales and Kleene algebras as convolution algebras from much simpler relational structures, including weighted ones for quantitative applications. As examples, we construct the concurrent quantales and Kleene algebras of weighted words, digraphs, posets, isomorphism classes of finite digraphs and pomsets.
Best practices for CBT treatment of taboo and unacceptable thoughts in OCD
Authors: Williams Monnica T. , Whittal Maureen L. , La Torre Joseph
Published: March 2022

Although general cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help alleviate distress associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), strategies tailored to targeting specific cognitions, feelings, and behaviours associated with OCD such as exposure and ritual prevention (Ex/RP) and cognitive therapy (CT) have been shown to be a significantly more effective form of treatment. Treatment of individuals with unacceptable/taboo obsessions requires its own specific guidelines due to the stigmatizing and often misunderstood nature of accompanying thoughts and behaviours. In this article, OCD expert practitioners describe best practices surrounding two of the longest standing evidence-based treatment paradigms for OCD, CT and Ex/RP, tailored specifically to unacceptable and taboo obsessions, so that clients may experience the best possible outcomes that are sustained once treatment ends. In addition, CT specifically targets obsessions while Ex/RP addresses compulsions, allowing the two to be highly effective when combined together. A wide range of clinical recommendations on clinical competencies is offered, including essential knowledge, psychoeducation, designing fear hierarchies and exposures, instructing the client through behavioural experiments, and relapse prevention skills.

Key learning aims

(1)

To learn about the theoretical underpinnings of specialized approaches to treating taboo/unacceptable thoughts subtype of OCD with gold-standard CBT treatments, cognitive therapy (CT) and exposure and ritual prevention (Ex/RP).

(2)

To learn about recognizing and identifying commonly missed covert cognitive symptoms in OCD such as rumination and mental compulsions.

(3)

To learn how to assess commonly unrecognized behavioural symptoms in OCD such as concealment, reassurance seeking, searching on online forums, etc.

(4)

To gain a nuanced understanding of the phenomenology of the taboo/unacceptable thoughts OCD subtype and the cycles that maintain symptoms and impairment.

(5)

To learn about in-session techniques such as thought experiments, worksheets, fear hierarchies, and different types of exposures.
Classification of scattering parameters of body-embedded wideband textile antennas for early diagnosis and monitoring of breast cancer
Authors: Das Nirmalya , Basu Banani , Dutta Sagar , Nandi Arnab
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we propose a machine-based classification technique using the scattering parameters obtained using a wearable wideband textile antenna to diagnose breast tumors. The breast phantom is formed following the dielectric properties of the human breast tissues and characterized to ensure the resemblance with a actual tissue model for the range of frequencies from 3 to 10 GHz. A biocompatible textile antenna is fabricated and embedded on an artificial breast phantom model to capture the variation of the reflection coefficient S11 and the transmission coefficient S21 for frequencies 3–10 GHz for different locations and sizes of tumors within the phantom model. Support vector machine is used to classify the healthy tissues from the malignant tumors based on the variation of the scattering parameters owing to the variation of the dielectric characteristics of the breast phantom model. The proposed method offers 84% and 89% accuracy while using S11 and S21 parameters alone for the analysis. However, the results further improve up to 93% as a combination of S11 and S21 signals is considered.
Restricting Democratic Choice in Thailand's 2019 Election: “Retrograde” and “Sophisticated” Authoritarianism
Authors: Sripokangkul Siwach , Crumpton Charles David , Draper John
Published: March 2022

Since the end of its absolute monarchy in 1932, Thailand has been variously described as a “hybrid regime,” “flawed democracy,” and “failed democracy.” Furthermore, its governance system has been identified as “electoral authoritarianism,” ‘hybrid authoritarianism,” “military domination,” and “Thai-style democracy.” Regardless of the analytic lens applied, the history of Thai politics has involved a continuing struggle for control of government between both authoritarian and democratic forces. Following the 2014 military coup d’état, the first election held in 2019 saw the 2014 military coup leader, General Prayuth Chan-o-cha, elected as prime minister. This article assesses the conduct and results of the 2019 election in terms of the general discourse on electoral authoritarianism and as an emerging framing of authoritarian regimes particularly applicable to Southeast Asia—the rise of “sophisticated authoritarianism.” This approach distills and integrates the discourse on electoral authoritarianism to produce a typology that is useful for considering the empirical characteristics of Southeast Asia. The 2019 election offers an opportunity to consider Thailand within this framing and to determine to what extent the military-dominated regime and its holistic manipulation of electoral institutions and processes can be assessed as “sophisticated authoritarianism.” This study demonstrates that Prayuth's election partially demonstrates “sophisticated authoritarianism”; nonetheless, his attempt to depoliticise Thailand and reduce it to a non-political state has met substantial resistance that will likely persist while he remains in power.
Specifics of and training needs in the inter-professional home care ofpeople with dementia
Authors: Wilfling Denise , Flägel Kristina , Steinhäuser Jost , Balzer Katrin
Published: March 2022

Abstract: Introduction: Successful home care for people living with dementia (PLwD) allows them to live in their own home environment for as long as possible. Current findings indicate a need for further development of medical and nursing knowledge and skills in evidence-based collaborative care for these patients. Aim: To identify specifics of inter-professional care for PLwD and training needs of home care nurses and general practitioners involved in care. Method: A multi-perspective qualitative study was conducted, comprising focus groups as well as individual interviews. Focus groups and interviews followed a semi-structured topic guide. Interview data was digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim, followed by a thematic framework analysis. Results: The sample consisted of nine nurses, one medical assistant, three general practitioners and nine family caregivers of PLwD. Five themes related to inter-professional home care were inductively developed: challenges in outpatient dementia care, challenges in collaboration, insufficient healthcare infrastructure, competencies needed in dementia care, and training requirements. Challenges were a lacking flow of information as well as continuity and organization of care. Home care nurses and family caregivers complained about missing communication skills in health professionals involved in the care of PLwD. Conclusions: The interviews revealed heterogeneous training needs of home care nursing staff and general practitioners that can be addressed by an inter-professional training course.
Vertical Wind Speed Variation in a Metropolitan City in South China
Authors: Wu Yueyuan , Li Qinglan , Li Guangxin , He Bing , Dong Lin , Lan Haining , Zhang Lijie , Chen Shenpeng , Tang Xiaoxin
Published: March 2022

Severe wind with high altitudes may threaten the safety of the metropolitan city. This study investigates the relationship between the variation of vertical wind speeds (including 10 min average wind speed (avg‐wind) and 3 s average wind speed (gust wind)) and the height changes in Shenzhen, based on the hourly wind speeds observed on the Shenzhen Meteorological Gradient Tower, Ping An Building, and in the Central Park. The samples are grouped according to the wind speeds. The power law and least square fitting methods are used to obtain the Hellman coefficient value for each group. We find that the fitted Hellman coefficients for both gust wind and avg‐wind are subject to the exponential decay function. When the winds reach their corresponding high percentile level, that is, around 80% of the wind record, the Hellman coefficients almost keep constant. The Hellman coefficient is generally higher over the urban area than that over the rural area. Over the urban area, the Hellman coefficient is with the range of 0.49 ∼ 0.169 for gust wind and 0.64 ∼ 0.327 for the avg‐wind; while over the rural area, the Hellman coefficient is with the range of 0.33 ∼ 0.077 for gust wind and 0.49 ∼ 0.153 for the avg‐wind. There is an apparent diurnal variation of the Hellman coefficient, which is lower during the daytime and higher during nighttime. The monthly variation of the Hellman coefficient over the urban area is not evident, mainly due to the city's climate condition and urban heat island.