bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of meta‐analyses in freshwater ecology: A systematic review
Authors: Lodi Sara , Godoy Bruno S. , Ortega Jean C. G. , Bini Luis M.
Published: March 2021

Given the increasing use of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses in ecology, their protocols should be closely followed to ensure quality. Several checklists are available to guide researchers towards a high‐quality meta‐analytic study. Freshwater ecology studies have a tradition of using experimental studies, which provide the ideal data to test hypotheses using meta‐analysis.

Here, we evaluated the quality of 114 meta‐analyses in freshwater ecology and 86 meta‐analyses in ecology and evolution for comparative purposes.

We found that many studies are still using the term meta‐analysis incorrectly and that this error persisted over time. The quality of the studies that did conduct a formal meta‐analysis has improved. Thus, we speculate that available guidelines are being effective in improving the quality of meta‐analytic studies. Quality was not associated with the impact factor of the journal where the meta‐analyses were published or with the average number of citations.

In addition to the incorrect use of the term, we found that many studies failed to: report heterogeneity statistics, evaluate temporal changes in effect size, conduct publication bias analyses, address the collinearity among moderators, and provide the data. In general, meta‐analyses in ecology and evolution have only a slightly better average score than meta‐analyses in freshwater ecology.

Although the quality of meta‐analyses in freshwater ecology has improved over time, there is much room for improvement. Authors should not label their studies as meta‐analyses if these methods were not used. Compliance with checklists should be widely fostered as meta‐analyses are increasingly being used to summarise findings in different areas of ecology. Authors, reviewers, and editors should use checklists to improve the quality of meta‐analyses in freshwater ecology.
Integrating end‐user preferences into breeding programmes for roots, tubers and bananas
Authors: Dufour Dominique , Hershey Clair , Hamaker Bruce R. , Lorenzen Jim
Published: March 2021

“Consumers have their say: assessing preferred quality traits of roots, tubers and cooking bananas, and implications for breeding” special issue, brings together new knowledge about quality traits required for roots, tubers and bananas (RTB) varieties to successfully meet diverse user preferences and expectations, along the variety development and RTB value chains (production, processing, marketing, food preparation, consumption). Key RTB crops in sub‐Saharan Africa are cassava, yams, sweetpotatoes, potatoes and bananas/plantains. They are mainly consumed directly as boiled pieces or pounded in the form of smooth, not sticky, and stretchable dough. They are also stewed, steamed or fried. Cassava, the most widely grown RTB, is generally boiled, stewed or steamed in Eastern and Southern Africa, and in West and Central Africa is usually processed directly into derivative products, e.g. whole root fermentation through retting or heap fermentation; fermentation/dewatering of the mash. Biophysical and social knowledge presented in this issue help elaborate goals for both the processing unit operations (food scientist control) and variety traits (breeder control).
The network of US airports and its effects on employment
Authors: Sheard Nicholas
Published: March 2021

This paper estimates the effects of airport infrastructure on employment and the distribution of the labor force in US metropolitan areas. The analysis is based on models for the air network and for its effects on employment, which are estimated using US data. Air traffic is found to have a positive effect on the population of the local area, with an elasticity of 0.010, so airport improvements induce a reallocation of workers between regions. Air traffic is also found to have a positive effect on employment in the local area with an elasticity of 0.036 and a weakly positive effect on the employment rate in other places within 400 miles. Simulations suggest that for each job created in the local area by an airport expansion, two and a half jobs are created elsewhere in the United States due to the changes in the air network and the distribution of employment. Expanding the average airport adds one job in the United States for roughly each $78,000 invested. The results further suggest that the US air network is less centralized than would be optimal.
WeChat‐assisted pre‐operative health education improves the quality of life of parents of children with ventricular septal defects: A prospective randomised controlled study
Authors: Zhang Qi‐Liang , Xu Ning , Huang Shu‐Ting , Cao Hua , Chen Qiang
Published: March 2021

Aim

This study aimed to explore the effect of implementing pre‐operative WeChat‐assisted health education for parents of children with restrictive ventricular septal defects to improve their quality of life.

Methods

A prospective randomised controlled study was conducted in a provincial hospital in China. Participants were randomly divided into the intervention group (WeChat group,n = 35) and the control group (leaflet group,n = 35). The quality of life of parents of children with restricted ventricular septal defects was studied.

Results

Compared with the leaflet group, the WeChat group had a significantly lower score for the pre‐operative Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) (P < 0.05). The pre‐operative SAS score in the WeChat group was significantly lower than that at the first visit (P < 0.05). However, the SAS score in the leaflet group was similar at the time of preoperation and the first visit (P > 0.05). The pre‐operative scores of the World Health Organization Quality of Life‐BREF (WHOQOL‐BREF) scale in the physiological, psychological, social, and environmental fields and the total life quality score in the WeChat group were significantly higher than those of the leaflet group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Implementing pre‐operative WeChat‐assisted health education for parents of children with restrictive ventricular septal defects can effectively relieve their anxiety and improve their quality of life.
Relationship between a plant‐based ‘vegan’ pet food and clinical manifestation of multiple nutrient deficiencies in two cats
Authors: Fantinati Marco , Dufayet Romane , Rouch‐Buck Petra , Priymenko Nathalie
Published: March 2021

A topical subject in human nutrition is the steadily growing number of people choosing to limit or completely avoid all animal‐derived food products either for moral dilemma, health concerns or both. To meet people's will of applying their dietary choices to their domestic animals, the pet food industry answered by launching on the market some plant‐based diets. This leads to concerns about whether these diets are adequately formulated to satisfy the target species nutritional requirements, especially for cats which are still considered strict carnivores. This case report follows a 2‐year‐old male neutered Main Coon and a 1‐year‐old female spayed Domestic Shorthair cat, presented to the nutrition service of the University of Toulouse, France. Reason for consultation was lethargy with in anamnesis a recent dietary transition to a plant‐based pet food. Dysorexia, lethargy and muscle waste were present at first consultation. Progressive weight loss developed during follow‐ups. A macrocytic, non‐regenerative anaemia with serum folates below reference were the main clinical features. Analysis of pet food showed multiple nutrients below minimum recommendation at the average daily intake of both cats. Folic acid supplementation improved dysorexia, and subsequent reintroduction of animal‐derived ingredients in the diet restored appetite, weight and a normal mentation in both cases.
Role of immunoproteasomes and thymoproteasomes in health and disease
Authors: Kasahara Masanori
Published: March 2021

The proteasome is a multisubunit protease that degrades intracellular proteins into small peptides. Besides playing a pivotal role in many cellular processes indispensable for survival, it is involved in the production of peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex class I molecules. In addition to the standard proteasome shared in all eukaryotes, jawed vertebrates have two specialized forms of proteasome known as immunoproteasomes and thymoproteasomes. The immunoproteasome, which contains cytokine‐inducible catalytic subunits with distinct cleavage specificities, produces peptides presented by class I molecules more efficiently than the standard proteasome. The thymoproteasome, which contains a unique catalytic subunit β5t, is a tissue‐specific proteasome expressed exclusively in cortical thymic epithelial cells. It plays a critical role in CD8+ cytotoxic T cell development via positive selection. This review provides a brief overview on the structure and function of these specialized forms of proteasome and their involvement in human disease.
Entre el Clasicismo y la modernidad
Authors: Aoiz Orduna Javier
Published: March 2021

Desde los orígenes de la cultura occidental, el blanco se ha identificado con la luz como fenómenos afines y, por ello, con el conocimiento, con Dios, con el fulgor primigenio, y con el primer acto de creación que asimilaba la blancura al orden y la medida frente a la oscuridad del caos. Se reflexionará sobre la persistencia del concepto de blancura como una construcción de Occidente, fundamentado en el prejuicio perceptivo que considera el disegno lo esencial frente al cromatismo, hunde su raíz en el Clasicismo y ha llegado casi intacto hasta hoy. Se analiza la perdurabilidad de esta concepción estética occidental para concluir que, a pesar de los intentos de tabula rasa de la modernidad y del arte contemporáneo, nada ha cambiado y sigue siendo una construcción vigente. Para ello, se han utilizado, desde una perspectiva analítica, referencias documentales, fundamentalmente escritas, pero también filmográficas y artísticas.
Equiareal Pattern of Stress Trajectories in Plane Plastic Strain
Authors: Sadowsky Michael A.
Published: March 2021

In theoretical plasticity, all work so far done has made use of slip lines as a frame of reference. In the present paper, stress trajectories are used instead, and results of theoretical interest and practical applicability are obtained. The equiareal property of stress trajectories as derived in the present paper can be readily used to evaluate photographs of slip lines in plasticity with a higher degree of accuracy and reliability than hitherto. The analytical method can be applied to the equiareal pattern formed by stress trajectories and formulas for stresses are obtained. An example referring to radial flow adequately illustrates the general equiareal property.
The Technical Cohesive Strength of Metals
Authors: McAdam D. J.
Published: March 2021

In a recent survey of the literature, the author has found evidence incompatible with prevalent views regarding the technical cohesive strength of metals. In this paper, some of the evidence has been assembled for discussion, with special reference to the criteria of fracture, and the variation of the technical cohesive strength with plastic deformation.
Two Problems of Thermal Stress in the Infinite Solid
Authors: Myklestad N. O.
Published: March 2021

The equations for thermal stress were first developed about 100 years ago by Duhamel (1), who treated the cases of a sphere and a circular cylinder with radial variation of temperature only. As the problem of the cylinder can be considered one of plane strain, it appears that the problem of the sphere (2) is the only three-dimensional one for which a complete solution is available. Borchardt (3) has treated the thermal-stress problem of the sphere for a non-symmetrical distribution of temperature. Recent developments of the theory (4) have made it possible to complete further solutions. In this paper results are obtained for an infinite solid in which a small internal region, in the form of an ellipsoid of revolution, or a long narrow region, in the form of a semi-infinite circular cylinder, is hotter than the surrounding material. In a finite solid the cylinder may alternately be considered as a blind hole filled with an oversize plug, or a similar shrink fit. The problem of the ellipsoid has some bearing upon the question of the effects of slag inclusion in metals. A discussion by B. P. Haigh (5) deals with the spherical inclusion, whereas, the results of this paper give some indication of the effect of shape variations. The shape of the ellipsoid varies from a flat pancake shape to a thin needle shape, and it is seen that both the pancake-shaped and the needle-shaped inclusions give rise to a higher stress than does the spherical one, for the same temperature variation.
Temperature Relations in Journal-Bearing Systems
Authors: Muskat M. , Morgan F.
Published: March 2021

The physical principles underlying the theoretical calculation of film and bearing temperatures have long been known, but few experimental studies have been made for the purpose of correlating the theoretical relationships. The results of such an investigation on a bearing system, operating at elevated temperatures, are given in this paper. Further research on heat conditions in bearings is urgently needed.
A Numerical Procedure for the Calculation of the Moments in Edge Reinforcements of Cutouts in Monocoques
Authors: Hoff N. J.
Published: March 2021

A numerical procedure is developed for calculating the moments in a space-curved ring reinforcing the edge of a cutout in a monocoque structure. The procedure is presented by means of a numerical example of a ring reinforcing a doubly symmetrical cutout in a fuselage which is under the action of bending moments. Limitations and extensions of the procedure are discussed. The Appendix contains tables showing the arrangement of numerical calculations.
Oscillations in Closed Surge Tanks
Authors: Binnie A. M.
Published: March 2021

The existing methods of predicting the oscillations in a closed surge tank are very lengthy unless drastic simplifications are made. In this paper a new and quick procedure is explained for calculating the maximum pressure and expansion of the air, which result from a sudden shutdown of the plant. Friction is taken into account, both in the pipe and also in any arrangement placed between the pipe and the tank to damp the oscillations, but the compression and expansion of the air must be assumed isothermal. Small-scale experiments confirmed the expectation that the observed maximum pressures would be greater than the theoretical. The shutdown of a big plant is, however, not instantaneous, and the theory may be expected to yield results sufficiently accurate for the purpose in view.
Discrete-Direct Model Calibration and Uncertainty Propagation Method Confirmed on Multi-Parameter Plasticity Model Calibrated to Sparse Random Field Data
Authors: Romero Vicente J. , Winokur Justin G. , Orient George E. , Dempsey James F.
Published: March 2021

A discrete direct (DD) model calibration and uncertainty propagation approach is explained and demonstrated on a 4-parameter Johnson-Cook (J-C) strain-rate dependent material strength model for an aluminum alloy. The methodology's performance is characterized in many trials involving four random realizations of strain-rate dependent material-test data curves per trial, drawn from a large synthetic population. The J-C model is calibrated to particular combinations of the data curves to obtain calibration parameter sets which are then propagated to “Can Crush” structural model predictions to produce samples of predicted response variability. These are processed with appropriate sparse-sample uncertainty quantification (UQ) methods to estimate various statistics of response with an appropriate level of conservatism. This is tested on 16 output quantities (von Mises stresses and equivalent plastic strains) and it is shown that important statistics of the true variabilities of the 16 quantities are bounded with a high success rate that is reasonably predictable and controllable. The DD approach has several advantages over other calibration-UQ approaches like Bayesian inference for capturing and utilizing the information obtained from typically small numbers of replicate experiments in model calibration situations—especially when sparse replicate functional data are involved like force–displacement curves from material tests. The DD methodology is straightforward and efficient for calibration and propagation problems involving aleatory and epistemic uncertainties in calibration experiments, models, and procedures.
Determination of recombination coefficients for hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen gasses via in situ radical probe system
Authors: Qerimi Dren , Panici Gianluca , Jain Arihant , Jacobson Daniel , Ruzic David N.
Published: March 2021

The determination of the recombination coefficients of gases on solid surfaces depends on the plasma processing environment including factors such as temperature, surface morphology, impurities, and chamber geometry that play a role in energy transfer mechanisms of association, dissociation, and collisional nature of gases in low pressure plasmas. To determine those recombination coefficients, a zero-dimensional plasma model was created to predict radical and ion densities of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen using experimental data, with electron temperatures and densities as inputs. The model inputs (electron density, electron temperature, and plasma gas temperature) were experimentally obtained by a Langmuir probe and a thermocouple. Each radical density measurement requires two radical probes with different catalytic coatings, which yield different temperatures due to different recombination coefficients of the coatings. The measurements are compared with the radical density obtained from a plasma model in order to determine the value of recombination coefficient. Recombination coefficient of hydrogen radicals on the gold surface is found to be 0.115 ± 0.018. Recombination coefficients of oxygen and nitrogen on copper are found to be 0.31 ± 0.063 and 0.18 ± 0.034, respectively. Ion densities vary from 109 to 1011 cm−3 s, over 10–100 mTorr pressure range and power range between 300 and 900 W. Radical densities are in the order of 1013 cm−3 to 1015 cm−3. Simultaneously with this article, a parallel study is published explaining in situ measurements of the radical probe system for single and mixed gases.
Acoustic trapping based on surface displacement of resonance modes
Authors: Hammarström Björn , Skov Nils R. , Olofsson Karl , Bruus Henrik , Wiklund Martin
Published: March 2021

Acoustic trapping is a promising technique for aligning particles in two-dimensional arrays, as well as for dynamic manipulation of particles individually or in groups. The actuating principles used in current systems rely on either cavity modes in enclosures or complex arrangements for phase control. Therefore, available systems either require high power inputs and costly peripheral equipment or sacrifice flexibility. This work presents a different concept for acoustic trapping of particles and cells that enables dynamically defined trapping patterns inside a simple and inexpensive setup. Here, dynamic operation and dexterous trapping are realized through the use of a modified piezoelectric transducer in direct contact with the liquid sample. Physical modeling shows how the transducer induces an acoustic force potential where the conventional trapping in the axial direction is supplemented by surface displacement dependent lateral trapping. The lateral field is a horizontal array of pronounced potential minima with frequency-dependent locations. The resulting system enables dynamic arraying of levitated trapping sites at low power and can be manufactured at ultra-low cost, operated using low-cost electronics, and assembled in less than 5 min. We demonstrate dynamic patterning of particles and biological cells and exemplify potential uses of the technique for cell-based sample preparation and cell culture.
Impact of Bicarbonate on PBP2a Production, Maturation, and Functionality in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Ersoy Selvi C. , Chambers Henry F. , Proctor Richard A. , Rosato Adriana E. , Mishra Nagendra N. , Xiong Yan Q. , Bayer Arnold S.
Published: March 2021

Certain methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) strains exhibit β-lactam susceptibility
in vitro
,
ex vivo
, and
in vivo
in the presence of NaHCO
3
(NaHCO
3
-responsive MRSA). Here, we investigate the impact of NaHCO
3
on factors required for PBP2a functionality.
Virion Structure and
In Vitro
Genome Release Mechanism of Dicistrovirus Kashmir Bee Virus
Authors: Mukhamedova Liya , Füzik Tibor , Nováček Jiří , Hrebík Dominik , Přidal Antonín , Marti Gerardo A. , Guérin Diego M. A. , Plevka Pavel
Published: March 2021

The western honeybee (
Apis mellifera
) is indispensable for maintaining agricultural productivity as well as the abundance and diversity of wild flowering plants. However, bees suffer from environmental pollution, parasites, and pathogens, including viruses.
Treatment effects in randomised trials using routinely collected data for outcome assessment versus traditional trials: meta-research study
Authors: Mc Cord Kimberly A , Ewald Hannah , Agarwal Arnav , Glinz Dominik , Aghlmandi Soheila , Ioannidis John P A , Hemkens Lars G
Published: March 2021

Objective

To compare effect estimates of randomised clinical trials that use routinely collected data (RCD-RCT) for outcome ascertainment with traditional trials not using routinely collected data.

Design

Meta-research study.

Data source

Studies included in the same meta-analysis in a Cochrane review.

Eligibility criteria for study selection

Randomised clinical trials using any type of routinely collected data for outcome ascertainment, including from registries, electronic health records, and administrative databases, that were included in a meta-analysis of a Cochrane review on any clinical question and any health outcome together with traditional trials not using routinely collected data for outcome measurement.

Review methods

Effect estimates from trials using or not using routinely collected data were summarised in random effects meta-analyses. Agreement of (summary) treatment effect estimates from trials using routinely collected data and those not using such data was expressed as the ratio of odds ratios. Subgroup analyses explored effects in trials based on different types of routinely collected data. Two investigators independently assessed the quality of each data source.

Results

84 RCD-RCTs and 463 traditional trials on 22 clinical questions were included. Trials using routinely collected data for outcome ascertainment showed 20% less favourable treatment effect estimates than traditional trials (ratio of odds ratios 0.80, 95% confidence interval 0.70 to 0.91, I
2
=14%). Results were similar across various types of outcomes (mortality outcomes: 0.92, 0.74 to 1.15, I
2
=12%; non-mortality outcomes: 0.71, 0.60 to 0.84, I
2
=8%), data sources (electronic health records: 0.81, 0.59 to 1.11, I
2
=28%; registries: 0.86, 0.75 to 0.99, I
2
=20%; administrative data: 0.84, 0.72 to 0.99, I
2
=0%), and data quality (high data quality: 0.82, 0.72 to 0.93, I
2
=0%).

Conclusions

Randomised clinical trials using routinely collected data for outcome ascertainment show smaller treatment benefits than traditional trials not using routinely collected data. These differences could have implications for healthcare decision making and the application of real world evidence.
Cost-effectiveness of community health systems strengthening: quality improvement interventions at community level to realise maternal and child health gains in Kenya
Authors: Kumar Meghan Bruce , Madan Jason J , Auguste Peter , Taegtmeyer Miriam , Otiso Lilian , Ochieng Christian B , Muturi Nelly , Mgamb Elizabeth , Barasa Edwine
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Improvements in maternal and infant health outcomes are policy priorities in Kenya. Achieving these outcomes depends on early identification of pregnancy and quality of primary healthcare. Quality improvement interventions have been shown to contribute to increases in identification, referral and follow-up of pregnant women by community health workers. In this study, we evaluate the cost-effectiveness of using quality improvement at community level to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Kenya.

Methods

We estimated the cost-effectiveness of quality improvement compared with standard of care treatment for antenatal and delivering mothers using a decision tree model and taking a health system perspective. We used both process (antenatal initiation in first trimester and skilled delivery) and health outcomes (maternal and infant deaths averted, as well as disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)) as our effectiveness measures and actual implementation costs, discounting costs only. We conducted deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

Results

We found that the community quality improvement intervention was more cost-effective compared with standard community healthcare, with incremental cost per DALY averted of $249 under the deterministic analysis and 76% likelihood of cost-effectiveness under the probabilistic sensitivity analysis using a standard threshold. The deterministic estimate of incremental cost per additional skilled delivery was US$10, per additional early antenatal care presentation US$155, per maternal death averted US$5654 and per infant death averted US$37 536 (2017 dollars).

Conclusions

This analysis shows that the community quality improvement intervention was cost-effective compared with the standard community healthcare in Kenya due to improvements in antenatal care uptake and skilled delivery. It is likely that quality improvement interventions are a good investment and may also yield benefits in other health areas.
Early life antibiotics and childhood gastrointestinal disorders: a systematic review
Authors: Kamphorst Kim , Van Daele Emmy , Vlieger Arine M , Daams Joost G , Knol Jan , van Elburg Ruurd M
Published: March 2021

Background

In adults, there is increasing evidence for an association between antibiotic use and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders but in children, the evidence is scarce.

Objective

Assess the association between exposure to antibiotics in the first 2 years of life in term born children and the presence of chronic GI disorders later in childhood.

Design

For this systematic review the MEDLINE, Embase, WHO trial register and Web of Science were systematically searched from inception to 8 June 2020. Title and abstract screening (n=12 219), full-text screening (n=132) as well as the quality assessment with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were independently performed by two researchers.

Main outcome measures

The association between antibiotics and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (n=6), eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) (n=5), coeliac disease (CeD) (n=6), infantile colics (n=3), functional constipation (n=2), recurrent abdominal pain, regurgitation, functional diarrhoea and infant dyschezia were examined.

Results

Twenty-two studies were included, 11 cohort and 11 case–control studies. A best evidence synthesis showed strong evidence for an association between antibiotic exposure in the first 2 years of life and the presence of IBD, and CeD during childhood. Moderate evidence was found for an association with EoE and no association with functional constipation in the first year of life. There was insufficient evidence for the other studied disorders.

Conclusions

The use of antibiotics in early life may increase the risk of GI disorders later in life. Further studies are necessary to unravel the underlying mechanisms and determine potential preventive measures. Meanwhile judicious use of antibiotics in early childhood is highly warranted.

PROSPERO registration number

PROSPERO CRD42019132631.
Paramedic occupational violence mitigation: a comprehensive systematic review of emergency service worker prevention strategies and experiences for use in prehospital care
Authors: Drew Peter , Tippett Vivienne , Devenish Scott
Published: March 2021

Occupational violence is a significant issue within the context of prehospital healthcare with the majority of paramedics reporting some form of abuse, intimidation, physical or sexual assault during their career. Though the paramedic literature acknowledges the severity of this issue, there is limited literature examining occupational violence mitigation strategies. Despite this, the operational and environmental similarities that exist between paramedics and other emergency service workers such as the police and firefighters, provide an opportunity to review relatable occupational violence mitigation strategies and experiences.

This review used Joanna Briggs Institute guidance for systematic reviews of both qualitative evidence and effectiveness. Studies included in this review incorporated those published in English from 1990 to January 2020.

Two qualitative studies met the criteria for review. From these, a total of 22 findings were extracted and combined to form four categories from which two syntheses were developed. Twenty-four quantitative studies, encompassing six unique fields, met the criteria for review.

Mitigation strategies for emergency service worker occupational violence are not easily defined. They are dynamic, multilayered and encompass a variety of complex social, medical and psychological influences. In spite of this, there are clear benefits to their application in regard to the approaches and training of violence mitigation. The paramedic environment would benefit from strategies that are flexible to the ongoing needs of the workers and the specific cultural, environmental and social factors that encompass the paramedic organisation.
Diffractive deeply inelastic scattering in future electron-ion colliders
Authors: Bendova D. , Cepila J. , Contreras J. G. , Gonçalves V. P. , Matas M.
Published: March 2021

The impact of nonlinear effects in the diffractive observables that will be measured in future electron-ion collisions is investigated. We present, for the first time, the predictions for the diffractive structure function and reduced cross sections derived using the solution to the Balitsky–Kovchegov equation with the collinearly-improved kernel and including the impact-parameter dependence. We demonstrate that the contribution of the diffractive events is enhanced in nuclear collisions and that the study of the ratio between the nuclear and proton predictions will be useful to discriminate among different models of the dipole-target scattering amplitude and, consequently, will allow us to constrain the description of QCD dynamics in parton densities.
Refactoring Legacy Software for Layer Separation
Authors: Khalilipour Alireza , Challenger Moharram , Onat Mehmet , Gezgen Hale , Kardas Geylani
Published: March 2021

One of the main aims in the layered software architecture is to divide the code into different layers so that each layer contains related modules and serves its upper layers. Although layered software architecture is matured now; many legacy information systems do not benefit from the advantages of this architecture and their code for the process/business and data access are mostly in a single layer. In many legacy systems, due to the integration of the code in one layer, changes to the software and its maintenance are mostly difficult. In addition, the big size of a single layer causes the load concentration and turns the server into a bottleneck where all requests must be executed on it. In order to eliminate these deficiencies, this paper presents a refactoring mechanism for the automatic separation of the business and data access layers by detecting the data access code based on a series of patterns in the input code and transferring it to a new layer. For this purpose, we introduce a code scanner which detects the target points based on these patterns and hence automatically makes the changes required for the layered architecture. According to the experimental evaluation results, the performance of the system is increased for the layer separated software using the proposed approach. Furthermore, it is examined that the application of the proposed approach provides additional benefits considering the qualitative criteria such as loosely coupling and tightly coherency.
Information Overload and Interaction Overload as Two Separate Attributes of Information Overload Syndrome
Authors: He Tingting
Published: March 2021

Information overload syndrome has been recognized as a widespread problem in enterprises. Despite the profound research on information overload syndrome, there has rarely been research that empirically and separately identifies two important attributes of information overload syndrome, information overload and interaction overload. In this paper, the empirical research with survey data identifies information overload and interaction overload separately and measures some other factors that may correlate to them differently. The research results indicate that information overload and interaction overload may be identified separately, and there are factors that may correlate to them differently. Such results will help the entrepreneurs for better management practice, especially to alleviate information overload syndrome in an enterprise in different ways corresponding to whether the syndrome is from information overload or interaction overload.
Effective ℒ5 Lagrangian and masses of Majorana neutrinos
Authors: Akinto Olakanmi F. , Tahir Farida
Published: March 2021

Using the fact that neutrinos only participate in weak and gravitational interactions, we explore the possibility of having their masses emerged at the intersection between extended electroweak theory and theory of gravity. We describe how these two seemingly incompatible theories could be embedded in a lepton-number violating 5-dimensional Lagrangian [Formula: see text]. A peculiar feature of this approach is its ability to generate effective Majorana neutrino masses via the spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB) of Grand Unified Theory (GUT), [Formula: see text] and 4[Formula: see text] symmetric matrix of gravitational couplings. Within the purview of this theoretical framework, we obtain values for the effective Majorana mass [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]meV, and the Majorana neutrino masses [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]meV, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]meV, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]meV, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]meV and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]eV. Our results are in good agreement with both experimental and cosmological data.
ECONOMETRICS OF CLIMATE CHANGE VARIABLES ON THE NET INCOME OF AGRIBUSINESSES IN THE NIGER DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA
Authors: IKEHI M. E. , IFEANYIEZE F. O. , ONU F. M.
Published: March 2021

The study focused on economic influence of climate change variables on net income of agribusinesses, particularly on crop production in Niger Delta region of Nigeria. It estimated and projected economic impacts of rainfall and temperature on the net income of crop farmers. Then it was guided by two research questions and two hypotheses. This study relied on secondary data from 129 previous studies sampled purposively. Data were collected using structured document review guide. Data were analysed using Least square multiple regression and ANOVA statistic to test the tasted null hypotheses. Findings of the study revealed that 69% of the variations in net income of crop production in Niger Delta is as a result of the alterations in rainfall and temperature, as a decrease in rainfall by 1[Formula: see text]mm resulted in decrease in net income by [Formula: see text]4.39[Formula: see text]k while an increase in temperature by 1∘C resulted in decrease in net income by [Formula: see text]6206.40[Formula: see text]k. The expected net income of crop production in Niger Delta is projected to continually decrease, from [Formula: see text]4062.14[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]5986.25[Formula: see text]k in the year 2025 to [Formula: see text]631.09[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]5986.25[Formula: see text]k in the year 2050, based on future values of rainfall and temperature. The null hypotheses tested showed that variability in rainfall and temperature is directly proportional ([Formula: see text]) to the changes in net income of crop production for both estimation and projection in the econometric analysis. Based on the findings and implications of the study, it was recommended among others that climate change impact assessment committees should be set up at rural, state and federal levels to evaluate the impacts, and propose indigenous policies for addressing present and future losses in agribusinesses.
Making digital financial services more trustworthy for women
Authors: Bailur Savita , Smertnik Hélène
Published: March 2021

This is a forum for perspectives on designing for marginalized communities worldwide. Articles will discuss design methods, theoretical/conceptual contributions, and participatory interventions with underserved communities.
--- Nithya Sambasivan, Editor
Synthesis of Zn-Zr and Zn-Zr-Mg Alloys from Mixed ZnO-ZrO2 and ZnO-ZrO2-MgO in CaCl2-NaCl Molten Salt at 873 K
Authors: Xiong Wenjuan , Chen Zeng , Li Na , Liu Meiyue , Zhang Putao , Chen Yiming , Li Shengjun , Zhang Weifeng
Published: March 2021

Zinc alloys are promising for wide uses thanks to their moderate biodegradability, good mechanical properties, and relevant biocompatibility. In this study, Zn-Zr and Zn-Zr-Mg alloys were prepared through the electro-deoxidation of ZnO-ZrO2 and ZnO-ZrO2-MgO mixtures in CaCl2-NaCl molten salt at 873 K. The electrochemical reduction mechanisms of ZnO, ZrO2, ZnO-MgO, and ZrO2-MgO composites were studied by cyclic voltammetry using metal cavity electrodes. The electrolysis parameters, such as the molar ratio of raw oxides and electrolysis time were also investigated. The results revealed promoted the reduction of ZrO2 and MgO through the formation of Zn and Ca-Zn alloys. Meanwhile, high melting point Zr and Zn-Zr alloys were found important in collecting more Zn and Zn-Mg alloys. A complete reduction of ZnO-ZrO2 and ZnO-ZrO2-MgO mixtures was achieved at ZnO contents above 2/3 of the total mass. Also, Zn, Zr, and Mg elements were homogeneously dispersed in the electrolyzed samples. In sum, the proposed method looks promising for the preparation of novel zinc-based alloys.
Sex omission and male bias are still widespread in cell experiments
Authors: Kim Jun Yeob , Min Kyoungmi , Paik Hee Young , Lee Suk Kyeong
Published: March 2021

Integrating sex as an important biological variable is imperative to enhance the accuracy and reproducibility of cell-based studies, which provide basic information for subsequent preclinical and clinical study designs. Recently, international funding agencies and renowned journals have been attempting to integrate sex as a variable in every research step. To understand what progress has been made in reporting of cell sex in the articles published in AJP-Cell Physiology since the analysis in 2013, we examined the sex notation of the cells in relevant articles published in the same journal in 2018. Of the 107 articles reporting cell experiments, 53 reported the sex of the cells, 18 used both male and female cells, 23 used male cells only, and 12 used female cells only. Sex omission was more frequent when cell lines were used than when primary cells were used. In the articles describing experiments performed using rodent primary cells, more than half of the studies used only male cells. Our results showed an overall improvement in sex reporting for cells in AJP-Cell Physiology articles from 2013 (25%) to 2018 (50%). However, sex omission and male bias were often found still. Furthermore, the obtained results were rarely analyzed by sex even when both male and female cells were used in the experiments. To boost sex-considerate research implementation in basic biomedical studies, cooperative efforts of the research community, funders, and publishers are urged.
Impact of hypoxia and AMPK on CFTR-mediated bicarbonate secretion in human cholangiocyte organoids
Authors: Roos Floris J. M. , Bijvelds Marcel J. C. , Verstegen Monique M. A. , Roest Henk P. , Metselaar Herold J. , Polak Wojciech G. , Jonge Hugo R. de , IJzermans Jan N. M. , Laan Luc J. W van der
Published: March 2021

The previously described liver-derived organoids resemble primary cholangiocytes and should be properly named intrahepatic cholangiocyte organoids (ICOs). ICOs have functional cholangiocyte ion channels (CFTR and ANO1). CFTR might be able to secrete bicarbonate directly into the bile duct lumen. Hypoxia inhibits CFTR and ANO1 functionality in ICOs, which can partially be restored by addition of an AMP kinase inhibitor. Hypoxia impairs cholangiocyte resistance against cytotoxic effects of bile, resulting in increased cell death.
PAR-2-activated secretion by airway gland serous cells: role for CFTR and inhibition byPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: McMahon Derek B. , Carey Ryan M. , Kohanski Michael A. , Adappa Nithin D. , Palmer James N. , Lee Robert J.
Published: March 2021

Airway submucosal gland serous cells are important sites of fluid secretion in conducting airways. Serous cells also express the cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) is a G protein-coupled receptor that activates secretion from intact airway glands. We tested if and how human nasal serous cells secrete fluid in response to PAR-2 stimulation using Ca2+imaging and simultaneous differential interference contrast imaging to track isosmotic cell shrinking and swelling reflecting activation of solute efflux and influx pathways, respectively. During stimulation of PAR-2, serous cells exhibited dose-dependent increases in intracellular Ca2+. At stimulation levels >EC50for Ca2+, serous cells simultaneously shrank ∼20% over ∼90 s due to KCl efflux reflecting Ca2+-activated Cl−channel (CaCC, likely TMEM16A)-dependent secretion. At lower levels of PAR-2 stimulation (<EC50for Ca2+), shrinkage was not evident due to failure to activate CaCC. Low levels of cAMP-elevating VIP receptor (VIPR) stimulation, also insufficient to activate secretion alone, synergized with low-level PAR-2 stimulation to elicit fluid secretion dependent on both cAMP and Ca2+to activate CFTR and K+channels, respectively. Polarized cultures of primary serous cells also exhibited synergistic fluid secretion. Pre-exposure to Pseudomonas aeruginosa conditioned media inhibited PAR-2 activation by proteases but not peptide agonists in primary nasal serous cells, Calu-3 bronchial cells, and primary nasal ciliated cells. Disruption of synergistic CFTR-dependent PAR-2/VIPR secretion may contribute to reduced airway surface liquid in CF. Further disruption of the CFTR-independent component of PAR-2-activated secretion by P. aeruginosa may also be important to CF pathophysiology.
Pulmonary fibrosis in Fra-2 transgenic mice is associated with decreased numbers of alveolar macrophages and increased susceptibility to pneumococcal pneumonia
Authors: Tabeling Christoph , Wienhold Sandra-Maria , Birnhuber Anna , Brack Markus C. , Nouailles Geraldine , Kershaw Olivia , Firsching Theresa C. , Gruber Achim D. , Lienau Jasmin , Marsh Leigh M. , Olschewski Andrea , Kwapiszewska Grazyna , Witzenrath Martin
Published: March 2021

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a deadly condition characterized by progressive respiratory dysfunction. Exacerbations due to airway infections are believed to promote disease progression, and presence of Streptococcus in the lung microbiome has been associated with the progression of IPF and mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of lung fibrosis on susceptibility to pneumococcal pneumonia and bacteremia. The effects of subclinical (low dose) infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae were studied in a well characterized fos-related antigen-2 (Fra-2) transgenic (TG) mouse model of spontaneous, progressive pulmonary fibrosis. Forty-eight hours after transnasal infection with S. pneumoniae, bacterial load was assessed in lung tissue, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), blood, and spleen. Leukocyte subsets and cytokine levels were analyzed in BAL and blood. Lung compliance and arterial blood gases were assessed. In contrast to wildtype mice, low dose lung infection with S. pneumoniae in Fra-2 TG mice resulted in substantial pneumonia including weight loss, increased lung bacterial load, and bacteremia. BAL alveolar macrophages were reduced in Fra-2 TG mice compared to the corresponding WT mice. Proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and CXCL1) were elevated upon infection in BAL supernatant and plasma of Fra-2 TG mice. Lung compliance was decreased in Fra-2 TG mice following low dose infection with S. pneumoniae. Pulmonary fibrosis increases susceptibility to pneumococcal pneumonia and bacteremia possibly via impaired alveolar bacterial clearance.
Standardization of methods for sampling the distal airspace in mechanically ventilated patients using heat moisture exchange filter fluid
Authors: Bastarache Julie A. , McNeil J. Brennan , Plosa Erin J. , Sucre Jennifer S. , Kerchberger V. Eric , Habegger Luke E. , Weddle Elizabeth , Sullivan Briana , Meegan Jamie E. , Wickersham Nancy E. , Shaver Ciara M. , Ware Lorraine B.
Published: March 2021

Noninvasive sampling of the distal airspace in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has long eluded clinical and translational researchers. We recently reported that fluid collected from heat moisture exchange (HME) filters closely mirrors fluid directly aspirated from the distal airspace. In the current study, we sought to determine fluid yield from different HME types, optimal HME circuit dwell time, and reliability of HME fluid in reflecting the distal airspace. We studied fluid yield from four different filter types by loading increasing volumes of saline and measuring volumes of fluid recovered. We collected filters after 1, 2, and 4 h of dwell time for measurement of fluid volume and total protein from 13 subjects. After identifying 4 h as the optimal dwell time, we measured total protein and IgM in HME fluid from 42 subjects with ARDS and nine with hydrostatic pulmonary edema (HYDRO). We found that the fluid yield varies greatly by filter type. With timed sample collection, fluid recovery increased with increasing circuit dwell time with a median volume of 2.0 mL [interquartile range (IQR) 1.2–2.7] after 4 h. Total protein was higher in the 42 subjects with ARDS compared with nine with HYDRO [median 708 µg/mL (IQR 244–2017) vs. 364 µg/mL (IQR 136–578), P = 0.047], confirming that total protein concentration in HME is higher in ARDS compared with hydrostatic edema. These studies establish a standardized HME fluid collection protocol and confirm that HME fluid analysis is a novel noninvasive tool for the study of the distal airspace in ARDS.
Changes in pairwise correlations during running reshape global network state in the main olfactory bulb
Authors: Chockanathan Udaysankar , Crosier Emily J. W. , Waddle Spencer , Lyman Edward , Gerkin Richard C. , Padmanabhan Krishnan
Published: March 2021

The organization and structure of spontaneous population activity in the olfactory system places constraints of how odor information is represented. Using high-density electrophysiological recordings of mitral and tufted cells, we found that running increases the dimensionality of spontaneous activity, implicating higher order interactions among neurons during locomotion. Behavior, thus, flexibly alters neuronal activity at the earliest stages of sensory processing.