bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Mesoscopic Damage Evolution Characteristics of Single Joint Sandstone Based on Micro‐CT Image and Fractal Theory
Authors: Liu Hao , Zheng Lulin , Zuo Yujun , Wu Zhonghu , Sun Wenjibin , Zheng Lujing , Pan Chao , Lin Jianyun , Zhu Zehua , Hao Zhibin
Published: October 2021

The different directions of joints in rock will lead to great differences in damage evolution characteristics. This study utilizes DIP (digital image processing) technology for characterizing the mesostructure of sandstone and combines DIP technology with RFPA2D. The mesoscale fracture mechanics behavior of 7 groups of jointed sandstones with various dip angles was numerically studied, and its reliability was verified through theoretical analysis. According to digital image storage principle and box dimension theory, the box dimension algorithm of rock mesoscale fracture is written in MATLAB, the calculation method of fractal dimension of mesoscale fracture was proposed, and the corresponding relationship between mesoscale fractal dimension and fracture damage degree was established. Studies have shown that compressive strength as well as elastic modulus of sandstone leads to a U‐shaped change when joint dip increases. There are a total of six final failure modes of joint samples with different inclination angles. Failure mode and damage degree can be quantified by D (fractal dimension) and ω (mesoscale fracture damage degree), respectively. The larger the ω, the more serious the damage, and the greater the D, the more complex the failure mode. Accumulative AE energy increases exponentially with the increase of loading step, and the growth process can be divided into gentle period, acceleration period, and surge period. The mesoscale fracture damage calculation based on the fractal dimension can be utilized for quantitatively evaluating the spatial distribution characteristics of mesoscale fracture, which provides a new way to study the law of rock damage evolution.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae Seroprevalence and Total IgE Levels in Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Poddighe Dimitri , Abdukhakimova Diyora , Dossybayeva Kuanysh , Mukusheva Zaure , Assylbekova Maykesh , Rakhimzhanova Marzhan , Ibrayeva Aigul , Mukash Gaukhar , Tuleutayev Yernas
Published: October 2021

Background. Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is implicated in several immune-mediated extrapulmonary manifestations, including reactive arthritis. Recently, increased total serum IgE were reported in children developing M. pneumoniae-related extrapulmonary diseases (MpEPDs). Here, we aimed at analyzing these aspects in children affected with rheumatic disorders and, in detail, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Methods. M. pneumoniae serology (IgG and IgM) and total serum IgE were concomitantly analyzed in 139 pediatric patients diagnosed with: JIA (Group 1,n=85), or any rheumatic disease other than JIA (Group 2,n=27), or non-inflammatory endocrinological disorders (Group 3,n=27). Results. Overall, 19.4% M. pneumoniae seroprevalence was observed in this hospitalized pediatric population, without signicant differences among the three groups. No significant differences in total serum IgE levels were noted among these groups; however, a second analysis excluding children with very high (and clearly abnormal) IgE levels suggested that JIA patients and, in detail, those with oligopolyarticular forms may have higher serum IgE concentrations. This relative difference among groups in serum IgE level seems to be more pronounced in M. pneumoniae seropositive children. Conclusions. M. pneumoniae infection should be actively sought in children developing immune-mediated diseases, including patients affected with JIA and, especially, in oligopolyarticular forms. There is some evidence that total serum IgE levels may tend to be increased in patients with oligopolyarticular JIA subtype and especially in those resulting as M. pneumoniae seropositive. However, further and focused research is needed to confirm these preliminary results and to clarify the relation between M. pneumoniae infection, atopic status, and immune-mediated arthritis.
[Retracted] Design and Implementation of SOC‐Based Noncontact‐Type Level Sensing for Conductive and Nonconductive Liquids
Authors: Iqbal J. L. Mazher , Kishore Munagapati Siva , Arulkumaran Ganeshan  , Narayan G.
Published: October 2021

In contrast to the existing electromechanical systems, the noncontact‐type capacitive measurement allows for a chemically and mechanically isolated, continuous, and inherently wear‐free measurement. Integration of the sensor directly into the container’s wall offers considerable savings potential because of miniaturization and installation efforts. This paper presents the implementation of noncontact (NC)‐type level sensing techniques utilizing the Programmable System on Chip (PSoC). The hardware system developed based on the PSoC microcontroller is interfaced with capacitive‐based printed circuit board (PCB) strip. The designer has the choice of placing the sensors directly on the container or close to it. This sensor technology can measure both the conductive and nonconductive liquids with equal accuracy.
Fog-Driven Secure Authentication and Key Exchange Scheme for Wearable Health Monitoring System
Authors: Wu Tsu-Yang , Yang Lei , Meng Qian , Guo Xinglan , Chen Chien-Ming
Published: October 2021

Smart wearable devices, as a popular mobile device, have a broad market. Smart wearable medical devices implemented in wearable health monitoring systems can monitor the data pertaining to a patient’s body and let the patient know their own physical condition. In addition, these data can be stored, analyzed, and processed in the cloud to effectively prevent diseases. As an Internet-of-things technology, fog computing can process, store, and control data around devices in real time. However, the distributed attributes of fog nodes make the monitored body data and medical reports at risk of privacy disclosure. In this paper, we propose a fog-driven secure authentication and key exchange scheme for wearable health monitoring systems. Furthermore, we conduct a formal analysis using the Real-Oracle-Random model, Burrows–Abadi–Needham logic, and ProVerif tools and an informal analysis to perform security verification. Finally, a performance comparison with other related schemes shows that the proposed scheme has the best advantages in terms of security, computing overhead, and communication cost.
Diversity and Some Biological Aspects of Fishes in Lake Maybahr, Albuko Woreda, Ethiopia
Authors: Deng Gatriay Tut
Published: October 2021

Because fishes live in less-accessible habitats, their remarkable diversity is rarely appreciated. The fishery sector is growing rapidly worldwide with the intention of improving the livelihood in developing nations. Therefore, conservation and management of aquatic resources become eminent. Morphometric measurements of fishes are important tools in fish biology and fisheries assessment and conservation. Ethiopia is one of the developing countries with rich water resources. Although there are plenty of water bodies in the country, they are less explored for their ichthyofaunal documentation. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the diversity and some biological aspects of fishes in Lake Maybahr. The fish sample was collected from selected sampling sites using gill nets with varying mesh sizes. Fish identification was done in the field using relevant taxonomic keys. After identification, the total length (TL) and total weight (TW) of the specimens were measured to the nearest 0.1 cm and 0.1 g, respectively. After measurement, the samples were labeled and preserved in a 10% formalin solution. Two fish species were documented in the study area. The length-weight relationships indicated that both species (C. carpio and O. niloticus) exhibited allometric growth during the wet season. But C. carpio demonstrated an isometric growth in the dry season. The diversity index (H’ = 0.69) revealed that fish diversity in the current study is far less than the result reported in the other studies. The evenness index (J’ = 0.99) showed that each species is fairly represented by a number of individuals. The correlation coefficient value of length and weight parameters is statistically significant at a 1% significance level (s, R2 = 0.85). The mean FCF revealed that both fish species are in good health. Further study on local people’s perception, initiating fishing activities, and organizing and providing training to youth is recommended.
Estimates of Classes of Generalized Special Functions and Their Application in the Fractional

k
,
s

-Calculus Theory
Authors: Chandak S. , Suthar D. L. , AL-Omari S. , Gulyaz-Ozyurt S.
Published: October 2021

In this article, we aim to develop new

k
,
s

-fractional integral and differential operators containing

S

-functions as kernels in a form of generalized

k

-Mittag-Leffer functions. We also set up various properties of such operators. Furthermore, we consider a variety of implications of the major outcomes that will be very useful in the implementation of scientific, engineering, and technical problems.
Deep Learning-Based CT Images in Pulmonary Function Assessment of Patients Who Underwent Laparoscopic Surgery under Guidance of Electrical Impedance Tomography
Authors: Zhu Chen , Wang Bin , Li Lei , Li Tianzuo
Published: October 2021

This research aimed to study the application of CT images based on deep learning in pulmonary function assessment of patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery under the guidance of electrical impedance tomography (EIT). Sixty patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery were taken as the research subjects, who were randomly labelled as control group and experimental group. Based on deep learning, the empty convolution-combined fully convolutional neural network optimization algorithm (ECFCNN) was proposed, which was adopted to evaluate the pulmonary function of 60 patients and was compared with convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm. The clarity of the edge contour of the image segmented by ECFCNN was better than that segmented by CNN. Average arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded before induction (T1), 10 min before pneumoperitoneum (T2), 10 min after pneumoperitoneum (T3), 10 min before extubation (T4), and 10 min after extubation (T5), respectively. Oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2), alveolary-arterial partial pressure of oxygen (A-ADO2), and respiratory index (RI) were recorded. The sharpness of the segmentation image edge contour of the algorithm model in this study was higher than that of the convolutional neural network. Compared with T1, T2-T4 MAP in 2 groups was decreased (

P
<
0.05

). Compared with T1, T2-T5 HR was significantly decreased (

P
<
0.05

). Compared with T2, T5 PaO2/FiO2 in control group was significantly decreased (

P
<
0.05

). Compared with the control group, T5 A-aDO2 was decreased (

P
<
0.05

). To sum up, EIT-guided lung protective ventilation can assess the pulmonary function of patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery, reduce the incidence of atelectasis, and improve postoperative lung oxygenation.
Mot Hazkená (A Morte da Velha) – Conto de Yaacov Steinberg
Authors: Steinberg Gabriel
Published: October 2021

Este texto apresenta a tradução do conto Mot Hazkená (A Morte da Velha), do escritor em língua hebraica Yaacov Steinberg. Steinberg foi um dos mais destacados escritores do período do renascimento do hebraico vernacular na Terra de Israel, país ao qual chegou em 1914, no final da segunda onda imigratória rumo à terra ancestral. O conto aqui apresentado descreve o fim de uma idosa, cuja vida de esvai de forma lenta e gradual.
Breve fonologia contrastiva: hebraico e português
Authors: Araújo Reginaldo Gomes de
Published: October 2021

Este artigo apresenta um estudo, de forma concisa, sobre a fonologia contrastiva entre o hebraico e o português falado no Brasil, fazendo um levantamento de seus respectivos fonemas pelo critério de comutação.
Dose of Cardiac Rehabilitation to Reduce Mortality and Morbidity: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Medina‐Inojosa Jose R. , Grace Sherry L. , Supervia Marta , Stokin Gorazd , Bonikowske Amanda R. , Thomas Randal , Lopez‐Jimenez Francisco
Published: October 2021

Background

There is wide variability in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) dose (ie, number of sessions) delivered, and no evidence‐based recommendations regarding what dose to prescribe. We aimed to test what CR dose impacts major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs).

Methods and Results

This is an historical cohort study of all patients who had coronary artery disease and who initiated supervised CR between 2002 and 2012 from a single major CR center. CR dose was defined as number of visits including exercise and patient education. Follow‐up was performed using record linkage from the Rochester Epidemiology Project. MACEs included acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, ventricular arrhythmias, stroke, revascularization, or all‐cause mortality. Dose was analyzed in several ways, including tertiles, categories, and as a continuous variable. Cox models were adjusted for factors associated with dose and MACE. The cohort consisted of 2345 patients, who attended a mean of 12.5±11.1 of 36 prescribed sessions. After a mean follow‐up of 6 years, 695 (29.65%) patients had a MACE, including 231 who died. CR dose was inversely associated with MACE (hazard ratio, 0.66 [95% CI]; 0.55–0.91) in those completing ≥20 sessions, when compared with those not exposed to formal exercise sessions (≤1 session; log‐rank
P
=0.007). We did not find evidence of nonlinearity (
P
≥0.050), suggesting no minimal threshold nor ceiling. Each additional session was associated with a lower rate of MACE (fully adjusted hazard ratio, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.97–0.99]). Greater session frequency was also associated with lower MACE risk (fully adjusted hazard ratio, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.58–0.94]).

Conclusions

CR reduces MACEs, but the benefit appears to be linear, with greater risk reduction with higher doses, and no upper threshold.
Validation of the 4‐Item PRECISE‐DAPT Score: A SWEDEHEART Study
Authors: Wester Axel , Mohammad Moman A. , Olivecrona Göran , Holmqvist Jasminka , Yndigegn Troels , Koul Sasha
Published: October 2021

Background

The Predicting Bleeding Complications in Patients Undergoing Stent Implantation and Subsequent Dual Antiplatelet Therapy (PRECISE‐DAPT) score has been shown to predict out‐of‐hospital major bleeding after myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). However, large validation studies have been scarce and the discriminative ability for patients with a preexisting bleeding risk factor (elderly, underweight, women, anemia, kidney dysfunction, or cancer) in a real‐world setting is unknown.

Methods and Results

Patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for myocardial infarction between 2008 and 2017 were included from the SWEDEHEART (Swedish Web System for Enhancement of Evidence‐Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies) registry (n=66 295). The predictive value of the PRECISE‐DAPT score for rehospitalization with major bleeding during dual antiplatelet therapy was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analyses. A high PRECISE‐DAPT score (≥25; n=13 894) was associated with increased risk of major bleeding (3.9% versus 1.8%; hazard ratio [HR], 2.2; 95% CI, 2.0–2.5;
P
<0.001) compared with a non‐high score (<25; n=52 401). The score demonstrated a c‐statistic of 0.64 (95% CI, 0.63–0.66). The discriminative ability of the score to further stratify bleeding risk in patients with preexisting bleeding risk factors was poor, especially in patients who are elderly (c‐statistic=0.57; 95% CI, 0.55–0.60) or underweight (c‐statistic=0.56; 95% CI, 0.51–0.61), for whom a non‐high PRECISE‐DAPT score was associated with similar bleeding risk as a high PRECISE‐DAPT score in the general myocardial infarction population.

Conclusions

In this nationwide population‐based study, the PRECISE‐DAPT score performed moderately in the general myocardial infarction population and poorly in patients with preexisting bleeding risk factors, where its usefulness seems limited.
No Racial Disparity in Outcome Measures After Endovascular Treatment for Stroke in the Elderly
Authors: Mohammaden Mahmoud H. , Haussen Diogo C. , Pisani Leonardo , Al-Bayati Alhamza R. , Bianchi Nicolas , Liberato Bernardo , Bhatt Nirav , Frankel Michael R. , Nogueira Raul G.
Published: October 2021

Background and Purpose:

Despite the lower rates of good outcomes and higher mortality in elderly patients, age does not modify the treatment effect of mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion strokes. We aimed to study whether racial background influences the outcome after mechanical thrombectomy in the elderly population.

Methods:

We reviewed a prospectively maintained database of patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy from October 2010 through June 2020 to identify all consecutive patients with age ≥80 years and anterior circulation large vessel occlusion strokes. The patients were categorized according to their race as Black and White. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to define the predictors of 90-day modified Rankin Scale and mortality in the overall population and in each race separately.

Results:

Among 2241 mechanical thrombectomy, a total of 344 patients (median [interquartile range]; age 85 [82–88] years, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 19 [15–23], Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score 9 [7–9], 69.5% females) were eligible for the analysis. White patients (n=251; 73%) had significantly lower median body mass index (25.37 versus 26.89,
P
=0.04) and less frequent hypertension (78.9% versus 90.3%,
P
=0.01) but more atrial fibrillation (64.5% versus 44.1%,
P
=0.001) compared with African Americans (n=93; 27%). Other clinical, imaging, and procedural characteristics were comparable between groups. The rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, 90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2, and mortality were comparable among both groups. On multivariable analysis, race was neither a predictor of 90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2 (White race: odds ratio, 0.899 [95% CI, 0.409–1.974],
P
=0.79) nor 90-day mortality (White race: odds ratio, 1.368; [95% CI, 0.715–2.618],
P
=0.34).

Conclusions:

In elderly patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke, there was no racial difference in terms of outcome.
Host suitability of summer cover crops to Meloidogyne arenaria, M. enterolobii, M. incognita and M. javanica
Authors: Bui Hung X. , Desaeger Johan A.
Published: October 2021

Cover crops can be a useful tool for managing plant-parasitic nematodes provided they are poor or non-hosts for the target nematode species. A glasshouse experiment was done to determine the host status of four common cover crops in Florida, sunn hemp, cowpea, sorghum sudangrass and sunflower, to pure populations of four common tropical root-knot nematode (RKN) species Meloidogyne javanica (Mj), M. incognita (Mi), M. enterolobii (Me) and M. arenaria (Ma). Tomato was included as a susceptible control. Eight weeks after nematode inoculation (WAI), tomato showed the highest root gall damage for all tested RKN species, with gall indices (GI) between 7 (Ma) and 8.5 (Me) and reproduction factor (RF) ranging from 20 (Ma) to 50 (Mj). No visible root galls were observed for any of the RKN species on sunn hemp and sorghum sudangrass at 8 WAI. However, Mj and Mi were able to reproduce slightly on sorghum sudangrass (RF = 0.02 and 0.79, respectively). Sunflower and cowpea were infected by all four tested RKN species, but host suitability varied. Sunflower root galling ranged from 1.1 (Me) to 4.5 (Mj) and RF = 3.2 (Me) to 28.7 (Mj), while cowpea root galling ranged from 0.6 (Mi) to 5.1 (Me) and RF = 0.8 (Mi) to 67.3 (Mj). Sunn hemp and, to a lesser extent, sorghum sudangrass were poor hosts to all four tested RKN species. Sunflower was a good host to all RKN species, but root gall damage and RF were lowest for Me. Cowpea was a good host to Mj, Me and Ma, but a poor host to Mi. Our results confirm and stress the importance of RKN species identification when selecting cover crops as an RKN management strategy.
Identification of entomopathogenic nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria in national parks of Thailand, and mosquitocidal activity of Xenorhabdus griffiniae against Aedes aegypti larvae
Authors: Thanwisai Aunchalee , Muangpat Paramaporn , Dumidae Abdulhakam , Subkrasae Chanakan , Ardpairin Jiranun , Tandhavanant Sarunporn , Vitta Apichat
Published: October 2021

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) Steinernema and Heterorhabditis with symbionts with Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus bacteria, respectively, are reported as biocontrol agents for insect control. The objectives of this study were to identify EPN and their symbiotic bacteria in national parks of Phitsanulok Province, Thailand, and to test how Xenorhabdus isolates attack Aedes aegypti larvae. We collected 810 soil samples from four national parks. The juvenile stage of EPN was isolated from soil samples using a baiting technique with Galleria mellonella followed by a White trap. Partial regions of 28S rDNA and internal transcript spacer were sequenced to identify EPN, and recA sequencing was used to discriminate between Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus. We found that 74 of the 810 soil samples (9.1%) were positive for the EPN. The EPN were molecularly identified as S. surkhetense, S. longicaudum, H. indica and Heterorhabditis sp. SGmg3, and their symbiotic bacteria were identified as X. stockiae, X. griffiniae, X. indica, X. vietnamensis, P. luminescens subsp. akhurstii, and P. temperata subsp. temperata. Xenorhabdus griffiniae showed potential larvicidal activity against A. aegypti (91% mortality at 72 and 96 h after exposure). This study demonstrates the diversity of EPN and symbiotic bacteria in national parks of Thailand and the potential to use X. griffiniae as a biocontrol agent to kill A. aegypti larvae.
Devibursaphelenchus alienae n. sp. isolated from the bark of dead Quercus aliena in Japan
Authors: Kanzaki Natsumi , Hamaguchi Keiko , Takeuchi-Kaneko Yuko
Published: October 2021

A new Devibursaphelenchus species isolated from the bark of a dead Quercus aliena, which had been infected and killed by Japanese oak wilt, was collected in Shiga, Japan. The new species is characterised by the relatively large body in males (661-768 μm) and females (893-1071 μm), conspicuous male bursal flap, male spicule with long condylus and wide blade, female post-vulval uterine sac (PUS) 39-54 μm or 1.6-2.3 times the vulval body diam. long, vestigial female anus, and female tail forming a strongly ventrally recurved elongate conoid with bluntly pointed or narrowly rounded terminus. The new species is typologically similar to D. lini, sharing a large body, conspicuous bursal flap, long PUS, and spicule shape, but can be distinguished from it by the absence of variation in the female tail shape, i.e., the tail of the new species is always long and strongly ventrally curved, while the tail shape varies more in D. lini. A previous molecular phylogenetic analysis suggested that the new species is fairly close to D. lini, but can be distinguished from it by the 1.0% (16 bp) difference within 1.6 kb of the 18S and 3.7% (26 bps) difference within 0.7 kb of the D2-D3 LSU ribosomal RNA genes. The newly found nematode is described and illustrated herein as D. alienae n. sp.
Ottolenchus sinipersici n. sp. (Rhabditida: Tylenchidae) from the Persian Gulf mangrove forests, Iran
Authors: Hosseinvand Manouchehr , Eskandari Ali , Abolafia Joaquín , Karegar Akbar , Ghaderi Reza , Majd Taheri Zahra , Hajializadeh Parima
Published: October 2021

A new species of Tylenchidae from the rhizosphere of mangrove trees in Hormozgan and Khuzestan provinces, Iran, is described based on morphological and molecular data. Ottolenchus sinipersici n. sp., is characterised by a slightly fusiform body 560-665 μm long, lateral field in the form of a narrow band with two faint incisures that are not visible in fatter females, indistinct transverse annuli under the light microscope, cephalic region continuous with the body contour, smooth and flattened dorsoventrally, longitudinal and narrow sigmoid amphidial slits, stylet delicate, 10.1-11.2 μm long, with small rounded to slightly posteriorly sloping knobs, well-developed median bulb, offset and pyriform pharyngeal basal bulb, vulva located at 66.9-69.6% of body length, offset spermatheca, short post-vulval uterine sac, spicules 18.5-20.5 μm long with highly curved blades, and a 113-135 μm long filiform tail with a hook-like or coiled terminus. In Bayesian inference phylogenetic trees based on the partial small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) and D2-D3 expansion segment of large subunit ribosomal DNA (D2-D3 LSU rDNA) genes, the new species clustered together with O. facultativus (KJ869310) in SSU, and forms a clade with three isolates of O. discrepans in LSU phylogeny. Ottolenchus fungivorus n. comb. (= Filenchus fungivorus) is proposed.
Description of four new species of Anelaphus Linsley (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae, Elaphidiini), correction of the spelling of species-group names, and description of the female of Anelaphus pilosus Chemsak and Noguera
Authors: SANTOS-SILVA ANTONIO
Published: October 2021

Eight species-group names of longhorned woodboring beetles in the genus Anelaphus are corrected. Four new species of Anelaphus Linsley, 1936 are described: A. steveni Santos-Silva, sp. nov., from Mexico (Chiapas); A. erici Santos-Silva, sp. nov., from Nicaragua (Granada); A. izabalensis Santos-Silva, sp. nov., from Guatemala (Izabal); and A. zacapensis Santos-Silva, sp. nov., from Guatemala (Zacapa). New Mexican state records for Anelaphus undulatus (Bates, 1880) are provided. The female of Anelaphus pilosus Chemsak and Noguera, 2003 is described for the first time, and the species is newly recorded from Guatemala. The inclusion of Anelaphus nitidipennis Chemsak and Linsley, 1968 in this genus is questioned.
A new genus and species of Laelapidae Canestrini from Sri Lanka (Acari: Mesostigmata)
Authors: JOHARCHI OMID , HALLIDAY BRUCE
Published: October 2021

We describe a new monotypic genus in the mite family Laelapidae, Hyposternus gen. nov., to accommodate a new species, H. ceylonicus sp. nov., on the basis of female, male and protonymph specimens collected from soil-litter in Sri Lanka. The female of the new genus differs from other genera of Laelapidae by having a strongly desclerotised sternal shield, essentially represented by a narrow anterior and lateral sclerotised ridges. Other distinctive features of the new species include the absence of dorsal shield seta z3, an epistome projecting anteriorly, movable digit of the chelicera tapered apically, an elongate anal shield, thorn-like opisthogastric setae, an anteriorly widened hypostomal groove, and long dorsal macrosetae ad1 on femora II–IV.
New species and taxonomic notes of scaly crickets (Orthoptera: Mogoplistidae: Mogoplistinae) from Borneo
Authors: TAN MING KAI , JAPIR RAZY , CHUNG ARTHUR Y. C. , WAHAB RODZAY BIN HAJI ABDUL
Published: October 2021

Recent orthopteran surveys in the hyper-diverse Borneo, i.e., Brunei Darussalam and Sandakan in Sabah, allow us to review the scaly crickets from the subfamily Mogoplistinae there. We discover and describe the male, as well as formally naming Cycloptiloides bimaculata Tan, Japir & Chung, sp. nov. from Sandakan. This species was previously described as sp. 1 in a comprehensive revision by Ingrisch (2006) but only the females were known. We also describe Ectatoderus nigrofasciatus Tan & Wahab, sp. nov. from Brunei Darussalam. New locality records are reported for Apterornebius kinabalu Ingrisch, 2006 in Sandakan (Sabah) and Ornebius pullus Ingrisch, 2006 in Belait District (Brunei).
Next Steps for the Relative Education Hypothesis
Authors: Horowitz Jonathan
Published: October 2021

The relative education hypothesis states that in contexts where university degrees are scarce, workers with bachelor’s degrees are sought after and enter cognitively skilled occupations; but as education expands across birth cohorts, some workers with bachelor’s degrees are unable to maintain their position in the labor market. In an earlier ASR article (Horowitz 2018), I found support for this argument; however, Furey (2021) shows model instability in estimates of the education–skill relationship. We should treat the results from these two studies as a range of possible estimates, and carefully consider interpretation of the findings in the context of the selected reference categories. Future revisions of the relative education hypothesis should consider that absolute and relative education effects might not shift concurrently, and also that labor market experiences may vary considerably by field of study and occupation.
CSSR: Historical Reflections
Authors: Gareau Paul L
Published: October 2021

As part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Canadian Corporation for Studies in Religion (CCSR), this article provides a reflection on the past, present, and future of the Canadian Society for the Study of Religion (CSSR). CSSR members were given the space to outline their thoughts and experiences of over 50 years of Religious Studies in Canada. This collaborative article tracks the development of the discipline through the 1970s from theology to comparative religion, to the transformation of the 1980 -90s with an interdisciplinary and critical engagement, to the new millennium infusion of socio-political research, critical self-reflexivity, and lived religion work. We also focus on the role of the CSSR in shaping and promoting Religious Studies in Canada through its various academic activities as well as observing the fragmentation and decline of Religious Studies programs in Canadian universities. And finally, we look to the future questioning how the CSSR and Religious Studies can remain relevant against a backdrop of institutional changes due to funding austerity and the COVID global pandemic to supporting Religious Studies inside and outside of academia. This article is not intended as a detailed history of the CSSR, but an opportunity to see a representation of our experiences and hopes for Religious Studies in Canada.
SCT: Theology today in Quebec: A time of transition
Authors: Roussel Jean-François
Published: October 2021

In 2015, three Quebec theological institutions undertook an institutional transformational process to address a long-term decline. The profile of Quebec theology was thus reassessed, both institutionally and in its understanding of its status, plan and future. This is true not only for the three institutions involved, but also for the entire community of university-level theologians and institutions. In this article, I will begin by connecting these transformations to the founding period of Quebec theology. I will then describe the restructuring that took place from 2015 to 2017 and explain its immediate impact. Comparing Quebec these institutional shifts to a debate about the situation theologians’ liberty with respect to Church magisterium in Austria (2011), I will emphasize the end of a fundamental tension between theologians and Church leadership in Quebec’s context, and the new problem that has replaced it in the context of the secular Academy. I will conclude by presenting some outcomes of the new configuration in three Quebec universities.
An Informational Theory of Genocide and Politicide During Civil War
Authors: Uzonyi Gary
Published: October 2021

Why do some governments engage in genocide or politicide against their civilian population during civil war? Scholarship on this important question views such brutality as a strategic tool the government can use to maintain power through military victory. Returning to the logic of conflict bargaining, I re-conceptualize genocide and politicide as a means to extract information about one’s opponent. I argue that a government is more likely to employ these atrocities during conflict when it is more uncertain about its probability of victory to reveal better information more quickly from the battlefield. I test this argument on all civil wars since 1945 and find support for this claim. These dynamics are more pronounced when the rebels rely on the civilian population to mobilize fighters. My argument helps bridge significant works in the genocide and conflict-bargaining literatures.
Cooking app engages kids as well as moms: Inviting secondary users into health outreach
Authors: Clarke Peter , Neffa-Creech Deborah , Evans Susan H
Published: October 2021

Objective:

Health apps for smartphones have largely overlooked one means of expanding effectiveness: namely, inviting access by secondary app users who can contribute positively to primary users’ lives. We report on outcomes from field testing a cooking app where dissemination included both mothers who were household cooks (primary users) and their children (secondary users).

Setting and Method:

The app, VeggieBook, aimed to increase the use of vegetables in meals and snacks by household cooks. Clients at 15 community pantries were randomly assigned to receive or not receive the app. The same vegetables were supplied to all participants. In each family in the experimental group, the mothers and a 9- to 14-year-old child were each given their own portal into the app. Interviews before, during and after the project and electronic capture of app use measured key variables. The app’s impact on children was gauged by whether or not they became involved in helping prepare family dinners.

Results:

Availability of VeggieBook increased children’s collaboration with their mothers, even though the app contained scant content urging this. Collaboration occurred most often in families where electronic media (television, phones, earbud devices) did not intrude on socialising during meals, and there were opportunities to acknowledge children’s kitchen contributions.

Conclusion:

Implications are identified for the creation of other health apps intended for disease prevention and management. Secondary users (spouses, home caregivers, children and friends) could also be targeted to use apps meant for primary users (people at-risk for illness or patients), thereby building collective action towards improving health.
The Middle East in Canadian foreign policy and national identity formation
Authors: Wildeman Jeremy
Published: October 2021

While often overlooked, the Middle East has been a pivotal geographical and discursive space in Canadian foreign policy and national identity formation. The region was the birthplace of Canada’s liberal internationalist foreign policy identity, Pearsonianism, and the national myths associated with it. The Middle East also appears to be where Pearsonianism was later superseded by a more realist foreign policy approach, centred on key bilateral relationships with Western countries and a shared sense of Western civilisation. For reasons tied to identity formation and how Canadians perceive their place in the world, the Middle East is therefore a deeply contested space in the domestic arena and a site of deep divisions today. With the support of three contemporary case studies—Israel and Palestine, Saudi Arabia, and Iran—this paper explores how Canada’s ties to the Middle East have shaped and continue to shape Canada’s foreign policy, national identity, and place in the world.
Indigenous Media and Social Media Convergence: Adaptation of Storytelling on Twitter, SoundCloud and YouTube in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mpofu Phillip
Published: October 2021

Storytelling is ordinarily trivialised as an antiquated oramedia genre, and of less significance in Zimbabwean mainstream media and communication studies, hence it is understudied. Recent studies largely take a literary gaze on storytelling, and do not theorise it from an indigenous media viewpoint or appreciate its convergence with social media. Drawing on concepts of media convergence and the digital public sphere, this netnographic study examines the adaptation of storytelling on Twitter, SoundCloud and YouTube, focusing on patterns of production, delivery, participation, language forms, reception and audiences. The article shows inventive re-embodiment and adaptation of storytelling on online spaces, that is, the endurance and remaking of indigenous media in the context of new media and communication technologies. The manifestation of the folktale narrative style on social media exhibits the rise of a secondary form of orality recreated, reproduced and applied in the digital form and on social media. While digital and social media are perceived as threatening the continued existence of indigenous media, this article attests social media as breathing spaces for indigenous media.
Periodontitis and Accelerated Biological Aging: A Geroscience Approach
Authors: Baima G. , Romandini M. , Citterio F. , Romano F. , Aimetti M.
Published: October 2021

As the whole world is epidemically aging, the burden of periodontitis and tooth loss is becoming a major health concern. Growing meta-epidemiological data implicate chronic systemic inflammation/infection due to periodontitis as an independent risk factor for aging-related diseases and mortality. However, because people age differently, chronological age is not a reliable marker of an individual’s functional status. Recent advances in geroscience have shown that various biomarker signatures of biological aging are longitudinally associated with declined physical function, morbidity, and mortality due to major age-related diseases, including periodontitis. Here, we emphasize novel research developments bidirectionally linking periodontitis to accelerated biological aging. Using a composite biomarker age estimator, a striking increase in periodontitis and tooth loss was observed in subjects whose biological age at baseline was higher than their chronological age. Moreover, significantly shortened telomeres were encountered in populations affected by severe periodontitis. Second, we elucidate the cellular and molecular pillars of the aging process at the periodontal level. Accumulating evidence suggests that cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, and immunoaging are hallmarks of biological aging implicated in the impairment of periodontal homeostasis and the pathophysiology of periodontitis. Indeed, persistent bacteria-derived lipopolysaccharide stimulation influences cellular senescence in osteocytes, driving alveolar bone resorption. Moreover, inflammaging status induced by chronic hyperglycemia elevates the burden of senescent cells in gingival tissues, impairing their barrier function. Lastly, we reviewed a recent breakthrough in senotherapy to directly target the mechanisms of aging at the periodontal level. Physical exercise and intermittent fasting, together with natural compounds, senolytic drugs, and cell therapy, are increasingly being evaluated to rejuvenate the oral cavity. Following these innovations in geroscience, further advancements could provide oral clinicians the chance to intercept biological aging when still “subclinical” and set interventions for halting or delaying the trajectory toward aging-related diseases while patients are still chronologically young.
Making the Paris Agreement: Historical Processes and the Drivers of Institutional Design
Authors: Allan Jen Iris , Roger Charles B , Hale Thomas N , Bernstein Steven , Tiberghien Yves , Balme Richard
Published: October 2021

After a decade-long search, countries finally agreed on a new climate treaty in 2015. The Paris Agreement has attracted attention both for overcoming years of gridlock and for its novel features. Here, we build on accounts explaining why states reached agreement, arguing that a deeper understanding requires a focus on institutional design. Ultimately, it was this agreement, with its specific provisions, that proved acceptable to states rather than other possible outcomes. Our account is multi-causal and draws methodological inspiration from the public policy and causes of war literatures. Specifically, we distinguish between background, intermediate, and proximate conditions and identify how they relate to one another, jointly producing the ultimate outcome we observe. Our analysis focuses especially on the role of scientific knowledge, non-state actor mobilization, institutional legacies, bargaining, and coalition-building in the final push for agreement. This case-based approach helps to understand the origins of Paris, but also offers a unique, historically grounded way to examine questions of institutional design.
Modeling cycling performance: Effects of saddle position and cadence on cycle pedaling efficiency
Authors: Lee JongRok , Park Kiwon
Published: October 2021

The modeling method is an effective means of estimating causality as well as examining cycle pedaling efficiency. Pedaling efficiency can also be examined by an experimental method, but the experimental method can lead to contradictory results due to perturbation of the measured output parameters. Experimental studies generally yield realistic results, but it is difficult to control for all the variables of interest and to determine the causal relationships between them. The objective of this study is to investigate the pedaling efficiency and causality with considering saddle position and pedaling cadence as variables. Based on the mathematical pedaling modeling, the internal work calculation method was used to calculate the consumed mechanical energy and energy conservation percentage ([Formula: see text]). The optimal saddle position with the lowest mechanical energy and the highest energy conservation percentage could be changed by the cadence. At the low cadence, the higher saddle position, and the shorter horizontal distance between the saddle and crankshaft led to higher pedaling efficiency ( h: 0.95 m, d: 0.16 m, and knee angle: [Formula: see text]). However, the highest pedaling efficiency was achieved at the high cadence with a saddle height ( h) of 0.9 m and a horizontal distance between the saddle and the crankshaft ( d) of 0.06 m (knee angle: [Formula: see text]). The lowest cadence is the optimal cadence in terms of the consumed energy, but the optimal cadence was 90 r/min in terms of the energy conservation percentage. Compared to the energy consumption, the energy conservation percentage was demonstrated to influence the fatigue of a cycle rider more critically. The energy conservation percentage was highest at 90 r/min, and 90 r/min was close to the preferred cadence by the cyclist.
On quasi-irresolute characterization of topological loops
Authors: Alolaiyan Hanan , Maqbool Kashif , Yousaf Awais , Razaq Abdul
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we investigate and explore the properties of quasi-topological loops with respect to irresoluteness. Moreover, we construct an example of a quasi-irresolute topological inverse property-loop by using a zero-dimensional additive metrizable perfect topological inverse property-loop [Formula: see text] with relative topology [Formula: see text].
Impact of size and shape for textile surface electromyography electrodes: a study of the biceps brachii muscle
Authors: Barrera Carolina Solorzano , Piña-Martínez Eduardo , Roberts Ricardo , Rodriguez-Leal Ernesto
Published: October 2021

Electromyography is a technique to record and analyze signals from muscle tissue. Commonly, gel-based (Ag/AgCl) electrodes are used to detect muscle action potentials. Current gel-based electrode designs, however, do not perform well under constant movement and therefore are less suitable to monitor muscle behavior under everyday activities. Textile electrodes do well under movement and extended use, but produce weaker signals than their gel-based counterparts. This work points towards a reduction of this performance gap when the textile electrodes are designed to fit the target muscle. Four textile electrodes of different sizes and shapes are tested on the biceps brachii of 13 subjects. Signal parameters such as the signal-to-noise ratio and voltage root-mean-square are used to determine the quality of the myoelectric signals generated by these electrodes. Results with statistically significant differences show that the electrode area and alignment to the muscle fibers affect signal quality and strength. These results indicate that target muscle characteristics should dictate the electrode dimensional parameters to optimize surface electromyography signal acquisition.
Mordant-free dyeing of nylon fabric with mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) seed pods: A cleaner approach of synthetic fabric coloration
Authors: Mamun Abdullah Al , Mahbubul Bashar M , Khan Sumaiya , Roy Manindra N , Hossain Mohammad M , Khan Mubarak A
Published: October 2021

The extraction and consequent application of natural colorants obtained from mahogany ( Swietenia mahagoni) seed pod powder is described here. The colored solution was extracted by facile boiling in an acidic medium. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that the mahogany seed pod extract contained lignocellulosic substances. The typical strong broad band for -OH stretching vibration appeared at around the 3400 cm−1 region in the spectra indicating the presence of alcoholic groups in the substance. The acidic boiling of the mahogany seed pod extract showed the color bearing character at λmax 400–480 nm in the visible range of the ultra-violet spectrum. Subsequently, commercial single jersey-knitted nylon fabric was dyed with the mahogany seed pod extract. The effects of temperature, pH, and time were investigated meticulously for the above dyeing. The optimum conditions for nylon fabric dyeing with the mahogany seed pod extract were selected as the temperature of 100°C, dyeing time of 60 min, and dyebath pH 4.5. The results were interpreted in terms of color strength and fastness properties. The color fastness to wash and perspiration of nylon fabric dyed with mahogany seed pod extract was found to be moderate to good in the grey scale rating 3–4 to 4 grade in the case of optimum dyeing condition whereas color fastness to light was observed to be poor in the blue wool scale rating 2 grade. It was observed that dyeing time, temperature, and pH had profound influences on the color strength of the dyed material. The color strength was increased with the increase of dyeing period and dyebath temperature. The acidic dye liquor produced the darker hues while the alkaline condition had no effect on color yielding. The fabric was dyed uniformly, confirming the evenness of dyeing which is very important for successful commercial dyeing.
Faith Communities Today:
Authors: Roozen David
Published: October 2021

The Cooperative Congregational Studies Partnership is the sponsor of the Faith Communities Today series of national surveys of American congregations. It started out as a conversation about “church” member surveys at the 1995 annual meeting of the Religious Research Association and by 2000 had grown into a multi-faith coalition of 27 denominations and faith traditions that, assisted with matching funds from the Lilly Endowment, conducted the largest national survey of American congregations ever undertaken, as a research-based resource for congregational development. In 2003 the partnership became a self-sustaining program of the Hartford Institute for Religion Research, and established a regular cycle of decadal and mid-decadal such surveys, with an occasional qualitative study sprinkled in, which has continued to this day. This article tells the history of how this unique experience of practical ecclesiology came to be, how it evolved, and what it has produced.