bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depositional trends and reservoir geometries of the Early Cretaceous Lower Goru Formation in Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan: evidence from sequence stratigraphy
Authors: Ahmad Shakeel , Ghazi Shahid
Published: April 2022

Lower Goru sand intervals of Early Cretaceous age are proven reservoirs in the Lower Indus Platform area. The delineation of reservoir geometries is of utmost importance while searching for stratigraphic and combination traps in clastic reservoirs. The data of ten wells and two 2D seismic lines from the northern part of the Lower Indus Basin are incorporated in this study. These reservoir intervals of the Lower Goru Formation are correlated in a third-order sequence stratigraphic framework to understand the depositional architecture and reservoir geometries. The Lower Goru Formation was deposited in westerly prograding river-dominated deltas developed by river system drained through the Indian Shield from east and south-east during Cretaceous time. Due to auto-cyclic switching of river distributaries, different lobes might have formed which if identified can point out the possible locations and configurations of stratigraphic and combination traps in this highly prospective area of Lower Indus Basin. The Lower Goru Formation (Barremian to Cenomanian) consists of one full second-order sequence of 20 Ma duration, having all the three fundamental system tracts in which eleven sequences of the third order, i.e. LG-1 to LG-11, were interpreted. Proven reservoir intervals of the Lower Goru Formation are concentrated in various third-order lowstand system tracts. The net sand and porosity maps of lowstand system tracts, gross depositional map and depositional cross section of the Lower Goru Formation point out the potential sites of good sandstone reservoirs and hint at the possible sand-body geometries.
Material and particle size sensitivity analysis on coefficient of restitution in low-velocity normal impacts
Authors: Meyer Niklas , Wagemann Eric L. , Jackstadt Alexander , Seifried Robert
Published: April 2022

In many granular processes, impacts play a crucial role. These impacts are often described by the coefficient of restitution (COR). This COR does not only depend on impact velocity but also on the material pairing, the shape of impacting bodies, number of impacts, etc. This paper analyzes and compares the sensitivity of the COR for often seen material pairings metal–metal and metal–polymer. For experimental investigations, a steel sphere impacts different planar material probes in a defined manner, e.g., a sphere–wall contact is reproduced. While the metal–metal impacts show a significant dependency on impact velocity, the metal–polymer impacts show only little influence of the impact velocity. Also, repeated impacts onto the same spot have a significant influence on metal–metal impacts, while metal–polymer impacts are not affected. To gain insights not only about the macroscopic behavior of impacts but also about the microscopic behavior, finite element simulations are performed using an efficient 2D axisymmetric model and viscoelastic and elastic–viscoplastic material models. A good agreement between experiments and FEM simulations are achieved for the utilized material pairings. Then, the influence of the sphere’s size is studied. Afterward, a deeper look into the energy dissipation process during contact is investigated. Finally, the contact duration and normal force in the contact zone are studied experimentally.
Next-Generation Intelligent MXene-Based Electrochemical Aptasensors for Point-of-Care Cancer Diagnostics
Authors: Parihar Arpana , Singhal Ayushi , Kumar Neeraj , Khan Raju , Khan Mohd. Akram , Srivastava Avanish K.
Published: April 2022

Delayed diagnosis of cancer using conventional diagnostic modalities needs to be addressed to reduce the mortality rate of cancer. Recently, 2D nanomaterial-enabled advanced biosensors have shown potential towards the early diagnosis of cancer. The high surface area, surface functional groups availability, and excellent electrical conductivity of MXene make it the 2D material of choice for the fabrication of advanced electrochemical biosensors for disease diagnostics. MXene-enabled electrochemical aptasensors have shown great promise for the detection of cancer biomarkers with a femtomolar limit of detection. Additionally, the stability, ease of synthesis, good reproducibility, and high specificity offered by MXene-enabled aptasensors hold promise to be the mainstream diagnostic approach. In this review, the design and fabrication of MXene-based electrochemical aptasensors for the detection of cancer biomarkers have been discussed. Besides, various synthetic processes and useful properties of MXenes which can be tuned and optimized easily and efficiently to fabricate sensitive biosensors have been elucidated. Further, futuristic sensing applications along with challenges will be deliberated herein.
Practical randomly selected question exam design to address replicated and sequential questions in online examinations
Authors: Elkhatat Ahmed M.
Published: April 2022

Examinations form part of the assessment processes that constitute the basis for benchmarking individual educational progress, and must consequently fulfill credibility, reliability, and transparency standards in order to promote learning outcomes and ensure academic integrity. A randomly selected question examination (RSQE) is considered to be an effective solution to mitigate sharing of questions between students by addressing replicated inter-examination questions that compromise examination integrity and sequential intra- examination questions that compromise examination comprehensivity. In this study, a Monte Carlo approach was used to design six examination schemes for the purpose of generating and evaluating 600 RSQEs in order to investigate the effects of RSQE design on replicated inter-examination and sequential and intra-examination questions. Results revealed that the number of randomly selected questions from the pool and the number of sub-pools inversely affected the replication and sequencing of the examination questions. Thus, by designing the RSQE in many sub-pools, in equivalence to the number of examination questions and selecting only one question from each sub-pool, and updating the sub-pools after each examination, the passing of information can be prevented, ensuring the integrity of the examinations.
Generation of micro/nano hybrid surface structures on copper by femtosecond pulsed laser irradiation
Authors: Nakajima Ayumi , Omiya Masaki , Yan Jiwang
Published: April 2022

The delamination of copper lead frames from epoxy molding compounds (EMC) is a severe problem for microelectronic devices, as it leads to reduced heat dissipation or circuit breakage. The micro/nanoscale surface structuring of copper is a promising method to improve the copper–EMC interfacial adhesion. In this study, the generation of micro/nano hybrid structures on copper surfaces through femtosecond pulsed laser irradiation is proposed to improve interfacial adhesion. The micro/nano hybrid structures were realized by generating nanoscale laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) on microscale parallel grooves. Several types of hybrid surface structures were generated by changing the laser polarization direction, fluence, and scanning speed. At a specific aspect ratio of microgrooves, a latticed structure was generated on the sides of microgrooves by combining LIPSS formation and direct laser interference patterning. This study provides an efficient method for the micro/nanoscale hybrid surface structure formation for interfacial adhesion improvement between copper and EMC.
The assessment of sarcopenia and the frailty phenotype in the outpatient care of older people: implementation and typical values obtained from the Newcastle SarcScreen project
Authors: Dodds R. M. , Heslop P. , Jaffar J. , Davies K. , Noble J. M. , Shaw F. E. , Witham M. D. , Sayer A. A.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Sarcopenia and the frailty phenotype both indicate older adults at risk of adverse health outcomes and yet are not widely assessed in practice. We developed the Newcastle SarcScreen to enable assessment of these two ageing syndromes during clinical care. In the setting of our Older People’s Medicine Day Unit, our aims were to describe the implementation of the SarcScreen and to examine the typical values obtained.

Methods

The SarcScreen comprised height, weight, questions (three on the Fried frailty phenotype and five on the SARC-F questionnaire), grip strength and gait speed. We analysed data from 552 patients completing the SarcScreen. We expressed grip strength as Z-scores (number of standard deviations above the mean expected for a patient’s age and sex).

Results

It was possible to implement the SarcScreen. In 552 patients (65.9% females) with mean age 80.1 (7.7) years, grip strength was feasible in 98.2% and gait speed in 82.1%. Gait speed was typically not assessed due to mobility impairment. Most patients had weak grip strength (present in 83.8%), slow gait speed (88.8%) and the frailty phenotype (66.2%). We found a high prevalence of probable sarcopenia and the frailty phenotype across all age groups studied. This was reflected by low grip strength Z-scores, especially at younger ages: those aged 60–69 had grip strength 2.7 standard deviations (95% CI 2.5–2.9) below that expected.

Conclusion

It is possible to implement an assessment of sarcopenia and the frailty phenotype as part of the routine outpatient care of older people.
Making an invisible care workforce visible: a survey of domestic workers in three cities in China
Authors: Sa Zhihong , Liu Jing
Published: April 2022

Domestic workers are a fast-growing segment of the labor force in China, but their work remains invisible. Using a respondent-driven sampling survey data collected in Beijing, Jinan, and Changsha during 2019 and 2020 (N = 2,20), this study provides socio-demographic and work profiles of domestic workers in these cities. Most domestic workers are rural women with junior-high-school or lower education. They are predominantly informal workers with no labor contract and have no access to labor rights protections and social security. A majority of domestic workers have done overtime work that is often underpaid or unpaid. Live-in domestic workers work excessive hours and earn significantly less per hour than their live-out counterparts. While the hourly wages of child and elder care workers are significantly lower than those of other domestic workers, the hourly pay of elder care workers is the lowest. Despite the working conditions, domestic workers have high levels of job satisfaction probably partly due to their low perceived value of paid domestic work. Policy implications of this study include the formulation of specialized laws to protect domestic workers’ labor rights and regulate family employers’ behaviors, improving informal domestic workers’ access to social security, change the social norms that devalue care work mainly performed by women, and collecting systematic statistics of paid domestic work.
Exploring machine learning: a scientometrics approach using bibliometrix and VOSviewer
Authors: Oyewola David Opeoluwa , Dada Emmanuel Gbenga
Published: April 2022

Machine Learning has found application in solving complex problems in different fields of human endeavors such as intelligent gaming, automated transportation, cyborg technology, environmental protection, enhanced health care, innovation in banking and home security, and smart homes. This research is motivated by the need to explore the global structure of machine learning to ascertain the level of bibliographic coupling, collaboration among research institutions, co-authorship network of countries, and sources coupling in publications on machine learning techniques. The Hierarchical Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (HDBSCAN) was applied to clustering prediction of authors dominance ranking in this paper. Publications related to machine learning were retrieved and extracted from the Dimensions database with no language restrictions. Bibliometrix was employed in computation and visualization to extract bibliographic information and perform a descriptive analysis. VOSviewer (version 1.6.16) tool was used to construct and visualize structure map of source coupling networks of researchers and co-authorship. About 10,814 research papers on machine learning published from 2010 to 2020 were retrieved for the research. Experimental results showed that the highest degree of betweenness centrality was obtained from cluster 3 with 153.86 from the University of California and Harvard University with 24.70. In cluster 1, the national university of Singapore has the highest degree betweenness of 91.72. Also, in cluster 5, the University of Cambridge (52.24) and imperial college London (4.52) having the highest betweenness centrality manifesting that he could control the collaborative relationship and that they possessed and controlled a large number of research resources. Findings revealed that this work has the potential to provide valuable guidance for new perspectives and future research work in the rapidly developing field of machine learning.
Removal of toxic elements from aqueous environments using nano zero-valent iron- and iron oxide-modified biochar: a review
Authors: Shaheen Sabry M. , Mosa Ahmed , Natasha  , Abdelrahman Hamada , Niazi Nabeel Khan , Antoniadis Vasileios , Shahid Muhammad , Song Hocheol , Kwon Eilhann E. , Rinklebe Jörg
Published: April 2022

Biochar (BC) has gained attention for removal of toxic elements (TEs) from aqueous media; however, pristine biochar often exhibits low adsorption capability. Thus, various modification strategies in BC have been developed to improve its removal capability against TEs. Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) and iron oxides (FeOx) have been used as sorbents for TE removal. However, these materials are prone to agglomeration and also expensive, which make their usage limited for large-scale applications. The nZVI technical demerits could be resolved by the development of BC-based composite sorbents through the loading of nZVI or FeOx onto BC surface. Nano zero-valent iron modified BC (nZVIBC), FeOx-modified BC (FeOxBC) have attracted attention for their capability in removing pollutants from the aqueous phases. Nonetheless, a potential use of nZVIBC and FeOxBC for TE removal from aqueous environments has not been well-realized or reviewed. As such, this article reviews: (i) the preparation and characterization of nZVIBC and FeOxBC; (ii) the capacity of nZVIBC and FeOxBC for TE retention in line with their physicochemical properties, and (iii) TE removal mechanisms by nZVIBC and FeOxBC. Adopting nZVI and FeOx in BC increases its sporptive capability of TEs due to surface modifications in morphology, functional groups, and elemental composition. The combined effects of BC and nZVI, FeOx or Fe salts on the sorption of TEs are complex because they are very specific to TEs. This review identified significant opportunities for research and technology advancement of nZVIBC and FeOxBC as novel and effective sorbents for the remediation of TEs contaminated water.
Two-Sided Matching Decision-Making in an Incomplete and Heterogeneous Context: A Optimization-Based Method
Authors: Qin Junchang , Fan Sha , Liang Haiming , Li Cong-Cong , Dong Yucheng
Published: April 2022

Driven by the development of platform economy, two-sided matching decision-making (TSDM) has become one of the most important applications in the field of intelligent computation system. Many recommendation systems based on TSDM have facilitated our life. However, in the existing studies on TSDM, it is usually assumed that all the individuals provide their preference orderings accurately, and have the same stable demand. In this paper, we develop an optimization method to solve the TSDM problem with incomplete weak preference ordering and heterogeneous fuzzy stable demand (i.e., TSDM-IH method). First, based on the incomplete weak preference ordering by the individuals in the two-sided matching party, we calculate the expectation ordinal values for each individual. Then, we calculate the perceived difference matrices and the perceived value matrices for the individuals in the two-sided matching party. Next, we analyze the fuzzy expression on the fuzzy stable demand for each individual, and obtain the constraint for obtaining the stable alternatives. Furthermore, we develop an optimization model which maximizes the perceived values of individuals in the two-sided matching party. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the feasibility of the TSDM-IH method.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies in Sexual Medicine: A Primer
Authors: Mills-Finnerty Colleen , Frangos Eleni , Allen Kachina , Komisaruk Barry , Wise Nan
Published: April 2022

Background

Over the past 30 years, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has emerged as a powerful tool to non-invasively study the activity and function of the human brain. But along with the potential of fMRI to shed light on neurological, psychiatric, and psychological processes, there are methodological challenges and criticisms.

Aim

We herein provide an fMRI primer designed for a diverse audience, from the neuroimaging novice to the experienced user.

Methods

This primer is structured as follows: Part 1: Overview: “What is fMRI and what can it tell us?.” Part 2: Basic fMRI principles: MR physics, the BOLD signal, and components of a typical scan session. Part 3: Basic fMRI experimental design: why timing is critical, and common sources of noise in the signal. Part 4: Basic fMRI analysis methods: software, the 3 stages of data analysis (preprocessing, individual, and group level), and a survey of advanced topics and methods including connectivity, machine learning, and assessing statistical significance. Part 5: Criticism, crises, and opportunities related to power of studies, computing requirements, logistical, and interpretational challenges, and methodological debate (assessing causality, circular correlations, and open science best practices).

Outcomes n/a Clinical Translation

fMRI has primarily been used in clinical research to elucidate the brain correlates of sexual behavior. The translational potential of the method into clinical practice has not yet been realizedfMRI has primarily been used in clinical research to elucidate the brain correlates of sexual behavior. The translational potential of the method into clinical practice has not yet been realized

Strengths and Limitations

fMRI is a useful and powerful tool for understanding the brain basis of human sexuality. However, it is also expensive, requires extensive methods expertise, and lacks the precision needed to be immediately translatable to clinical practice. The recency of the method, need for basic research, technical limitations, as well as inherent variability in individuals brain activity also impact the pace at which fMRI for sexual medicine can move from the scanner to the clinic.

Conclusion

This primer provides the novice an understanding of the appropriate uses and limitations of fMRI, and for the experienced user, a concise update on current issues and methodological advances.
Actuator fault modeling and fault-tolerant tracking control of multi-vectored propeller aerostat
Authors: Chen L. , Dong Q. , Yan Z.R. , Liu J.G.
Published: April 2022

For a multi-vectored propeller aerostat with actuator faults, this study presents a fault-tolerant tracking control strategy, which includes fault modeling, observer, force estimation and tracking controller. Fault modeling considers the four types of faults of vectored propellers, namely, thrust offset, thrust efficiency loss, vectored angle offset and vectored angle stuck. Actuator faults can be determined from the fault observer, which identifies the thrust offset from the acceleration difference of the faulty aerostat with the ideal model. For tracking positions, a traditional PID controller is constructed with virtual control, compensated with the estimated fault force. The control allocation scheme is proposed to redistribute the available actuators in case faults occur. Simulation results of position tracking prove the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
What are Paradoxes?
Authors: COWIE CHRISTOPHER
Published: April 2022

According to a standard view, paradoxes are arguments with plausible premises that entail an implausible conclusion. This is false. In many paradoxes the premises are not plausibleprecisely becausethey entail an implausible conclusion. Obvious responses to this problem—including that the premises are individually plausible and that they are plausible setting aside the fact that they entail an implausible conclusion—are shown to be inadequate. A very different view of paradox is then introduced. This is a functionalist view according to which paradoxes are the kinds of things that puzzle people in characteristic ways. It is claimed that this view, too, fails and for the very same reason. The result is a new puzzle about the nature of paradoxes.
TARGET VOLATILITY STRATEGIES FOR GROUP SELF-ANNUITY PORTFOLIOS
Authors: Olivieri Annamaria , Thirurajah Samuel , Ziveyi Jonathan
Published: April 2022

While the current pandemic is causing mortality shocks globally, the management of longevity risk remains a major challenge for both individuals and institutions. It is high time there be private market solutions designed for efficient longevity risk transfer among various stakeholders such as individuals, pension funds and annuity providers. From individuals’ point of view, appealing features of post-retirement solutions include stable and satisfactory benefit levels, flexibility, meeting bequest preferences and low fees. This paper proposes a dynamic target volatility strategy for group self-annuitization (GSA) schemes aimed at enhancing living benefits for pool participants. More specifically, we suggest investing GSA funds in a portfolio consisting of equity and cash, continuously rebalanced to maintain a target volatility level. The performance of a dynamic target volatility strategy is assessed against the static case which does not involve portfolio rebalancing. Benefit profiles are assessed by analysing quantiles and alternative strategies involving varying equity compositions. The case of death benefits is included, and the fund dynamics analysed by assessing resulting investment returns and the mortality credits. Overall, higher living benefit profiles are obtained under a dynamic target volatility strategy. From the analysis performed, a trade-off between the equity proportion and the impact on the lower quantile of the living benefit amount emerges, suggesting an optimal proportion of equity composition.
Opportunities for penicillin allergy evaluation in dental clinics
Authors: Vivo Amanda , Durkin Michael J. , Kale Ibuola , Boyer Taylor , Fitzpatrick Margaret A. , Evans Charlesnika T. , Jurasic M. Marianne , Gibson Gretchen , Suda Katie J.
Published: April 2022

Objective:

To evaluate opportunities for assessing penicillin allergies among patients presenting to dental clinics.

Design:

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting:

VA dental clinics.

Patients:

Adult patients with a documented penicillin allergy who received an antibiotic from a dentist between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2018, were included.

Methods:

Chart reviews were completed on random samples of 100 patients who received a noncephalosporin antibiotic and 200 patients who received a cephalosporin. Each allergy was categorized by severity. These categories were used to determine patient eligibility for 3 testing groups based on peer-reviewed algorithms: (1) no testing, (2) skin testing, and (3) oral test-dose challenge. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were used to compare facility and patient demographics first between true penicillin allergy, pseudo penicillin allergy, and missing allergy documentation, and between those who received a cephalosporin and those who did not at the dental visit.

Results:

Overall, 19% lacked documentation of the nature of allergic reaction, 53% were eligible for skin testing, 27% were eligible for an oral test-dose challenge, and 1% were contraindicated from testing. Male patients and African American patients were less likely to receive a cephalosporin.

Conclusions:

Most penicillin-allergic patients in the VA receiving an antibiotic from a dentist are eligible for penicillin skin testing or an oral penicillin challenge. Further research is needed to understand the role of dentists and dental clinics in assessing penicillin allergies.
Taste and mining culture in early modern Spanish worlds
Authors: Vélez-Posada Andrés , Saldarriaga Gregorio
Published: April 2022

In this article we examine the intertwined relationship between taste and mining culture in early modern Spanish worlds, highlighting descriptions of metals and minerals through which taste appears as an epistemic marker with symbolic dimensions. Drawing on different documents regarding mining practices, mineral vocabulary and metal appreciation in Spain, New Spain, Peru and the New Kingdom of Granada (c.1550–1640), our article contends that knowing minerals through taste in the Spanish worlds was part of a practice engaged with the senses, the body politic and its cosmological order.
Recanalization and Functional Outcome in Patients with Cervico-cephalic Arterial Dissections
Authors: Wadhwa Ankur , Almekhlafi Mohammed , Menon Bijoy K. , Demchuk Andrew M. , Bal Simerpreet
Published: April 2022

Background:

Cervico-cephalic arterial dissections (CeAD) are an important cause of stroke in young patients. This study aimed to determine the frequency and predictors of recanalization in spontaneous CeAD and to study the effect of recanalization on functional outcomes.

Methods:

We identified patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke secondary to CeAD from the CT angiography (CTA) database of the Calgary Stroke Program. Dissections were diagnosed based on standard clinical and imaging findings. At the discretion of treating stroke Neurologists, the patients were either treated with single antiplatelet or dual antiplatelet or triple therapy. Follow-up imaging with CTA, magnetic resonance imaging, and DSA was completed, and a Modified Rankin scale (mRS) was performed to determine the outcome.

Results:

Fifty-six patients with CeAdD were studied. Thirty-four patients (18 VAD; vertebral artery dissection and 16 CAD; carotid artery dissection) were followed up for recanalization. Complete recanalization was observed in 27 subjects; 13 patients with VAD recanalized in comparison to 14 with CAD (p = 0.40). All non-recanalized patients had hypertension. A good clinical outcome (mRS ≤ 2) was observed in 47 patients. Interestingly, the likelihood of a good neurological outcome was not influenced by recanalization status. There was no difference in clinical outcome for different sites in VAD, whereas patients with intracranial CAD had severe strokes (NIHSS > 21).

Conclusions:

CeAD has good recanalization rates and neurological outcomes, with recanalization seen even in vessels with initial complete occlusion. The presence of hypertension may influence recanalization. The efficacy of dual antiplatelets and heparin for early recanalization needs to be assessed in future clinical trials.
Civilian Population Victimization: A Systematic Review Comparing Humanitarian and Health Outcomes in Conventional and Hybrid Warfare
Authors: Khorram-Manesh Amir , Burkle Frederick M
Published: April 2022

Objective:

The main objective of this study was to summarize the Hybrid War’s core characteristics and humanitarian and medical impacts.

Method:

A Systematic Literature Review according to PRISMA guidelines, using the following keywords, ‘Hybrid War,’ ‘Humanitarian Law,’ ‘Human Rights,’ ‘Lawfare,’ and search engines PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Gothenburg University’s database to collect literature from 2000 to 2022 in English was conducted. The eligibility of qualified articles was assessed, an inductive qualitative thematic analysis was applied, and the scientific evidence of each selected piece was evaluated.

Results:

The objectives of a Hybrid War are to achieve the tactical and strategic goals in a battle rather than to save civilian lives. It involves networks of state and non-state actors with various means of military and militia influences and strategies, creating difficulties in implementing, controlling, and evaluating the International Humanitarian Law’s “A State responsibility” principle, to gain insight into an armed conflict. It targets populated civilian areas and raises ethical and moral concerns by using Lawfare.

Conclusions:

Hybrid War’s multi-domain action should be met with multi-dimensional approaches and a doctrine of ‘acceptable losses.’ Its characteristics and consequences should be learned and taught. Several measures need to be implemented to counteract its impacts, and a flexible surge capacity should be designed, planned, and executed.
Cultural variation in running techniques among non-industrial societies
Authors: Wallace Ian J. , Kraft Thomas S. , Venkataraman Vivek V. , Davis Helen E. , Holowka Nicholas B. , Harris Alexandra R. , Lieberman Daniel E. , Gurven Michael
Published: April 2022

Research among non-industrial societies suggests that body kinematics adopted during running vary between groups according to the cultural importance of running. Among groups in which running is common and an important part of cultural identity, runners tend to adopt what exercise scientists and coaches consider to be good technique for avoiding injury and maximising performance. In contrast, among groups in which running is not particularly culturally important, people tend to adopt suboptimal technique. This paper begins by describing key elements of good running technique, including landing with a forefoot or midfoot strike pattern and leg oriented roughly vertically. Next, we review evidence from non-industrial societies that cultural attitudes about running associate with variation in running techniques. Then, we present new data from Tsimane forager–horticulturalists in Bolivia. Our findings suggest that running is neither a common activity among the Tsimane nor is it considered an important part of cultural identity. We also demonstrate that when Tsimane do run, they tend to use suboptimal technique, specifically landing with a rearfoot strike pattern and leg protracted ahead of the knee (called overstriding). Finally, we discuss processes by which culture might influence variation in running techniques among non-industrial societies, including self-optimisation and social learning.
Tumour-associated macrophages heterogeneity drives resistance to clinical therapy
Authors: Guo Shuangshuang , Chen Xiaojing , Guo Chuhong , Wang Wei
Published: April 2022

Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) constitute a plastic and heterogeneous cell population of the tumour microenvironment (TME) that can account for up to 50% of solid tumours. TAMs heterogeneous are associated with different cancer types and stages, different stimulation of bioactive molecules and different TME, which are crucial drivers of tumour progression, metastasis and resistance to therapy. In this context, understanding the sources and regulatory mechanisms of TAM heterogeneity and searching for novel therapies targeting TAM subpopulations are essential for future studies. In this review, we discuss emerging evidence highlighting the redefinition of TAM heterogeneity from three different directions: origins, phenotypes and functions. We notably focus on the causes and consequences of TAM heterogeneity which have implications for the evolution of therapeutic strategies that targeted the subpopulations of TAMs.
Impact of alcohol-based hand-rub disinfection on bacterial bioburden on stethoscopes in a real-world clinical setting
Authors: Johnson Alexandra A. , Warren Bobby G. , Anderson Deverick J. , Johnson Melissa D. , Gamez Isabella , Smith Becky A.
Published: April 2022

In this randomized study, use of alcohol-based hand-rub disinfection significantly reduced bacterial bioburden of stethoscopes in routine clinical use. Prior cleaning of stethoscopes on the study day did not affect baseline contamination rates, which suggests that the efficacy of alcohol disinfection is short-lived and may need to be repeated between patients.
Theory of nonlinear acoustic forces acting on inhomogeneous fluids
Authors: Rajendran Varun Kumar , Jayakumar Sujith , Azharudeen Mohammed , Subramani Karthick
Published: April 2022

Recently, the phenomena of streaming suppression and relocation of inhomogeneous miscible fluids under acoustic fields were explained using the hypothesis on mean Eulerian pressure. In this work, we derive the expression for the acoustic body force without relying on any prior assumptions regarding the second-order Eulerian pressure. We present a theory of nonlinear acoustics for inhomogeneous fluids from first principles, which explains streaming suppression and acoustic relocation in both miscible and immiscible inhomogeneous fluids inside a microchannel. This theory predicts the relocation of higher impedance fluids to pressure nodes of the standing wave, which agrees with recent experiments.
Revisiting glacier mass-balance sensitivity to surface air temperature using a data-driven regionalization
Authors: Fernández Alfonso , Somos-Valenzuela Marcelo
Published: April 2022

This study involves examination of glaciological mass-balance time series, glacier and climatic descriptors, the application of machine learning methods for glaciological clustering, and computation of mass-balance time series based upon the clustering and statistical analyses relative to gridded air temperature datasets. Our analysis revealed an increasingly coherent mass-balance trend but a latitudinal bias of monitoring programs. The glacier classification scheme delivered three clusters, suggesting these correspond to climate-based first-order regimes, as glacier morphometric characteristics weighed little in our multivariate analysis. We combined all available surface mass-balance data from in situ monitoring programs to study temperature sensitivity for each cluster. These aggregated mass-balance time series delivered spatially different statistical relationships to temperature. Results also showed that surface mass balance tends to have a temporal self-correlation of ~20 years. Using this temporal window to analyze sensitivity since ~ 1950, we found that in all cases temperature sensitivity, while generally negative, tended to fluctuate through time, with the largest absolute magnitudes occurring in the 1980s and becoming less negative in recent years, revealing that glacier sensitivity is non-stationary. These findings point to a scenario of a coherent signal of change no matter the glacier regime. This work provides new insights into glacier–climate relationships that can guide observational and analytical strategies.
Analytic partial-integrability of a symmetric Hopf-zero degeneracy
Authors: Algaba Antonio , García Cristóbal , Reyes Manuel
Published: April 2022

We deal with analytic three-dimensional symmetric systems whose origin is a Hopf-zero singularity. Once it is not completely analytically integrable, we provide criteria on the existence of at least one functionally independent analytic first integral. In the generic case, we characterize the analytic partially integrable systems by using orbitally equivalent normal forms. We also solve the problem through the existence of a class of formal inverse Jacobi multiplier of the system.
A prospective cohort study of racial/ethnic variation in the association between change in cystatin C and dietary quality in older Americans
Authors: Bishop Nicholas J. , Zhu Jie
Published: April 2022

Using a sample of US adults aged 65 years and older, we examined the role of dietary quality in cystatin C change over 4 years and whether this association varied by race/ethnicity. The Health and Retirement Study provided observations with biomarkers collected in 2012 and 2016, participant attributes measured in 2012, and dietary intake assessed in 2013. The sample was restricted to respondents who were non-Hispanic/Latino White (n 789), non-Hispanic/Latino Black (n 108) or Hispanic/Latino (n 61). Serum cystatin C was constructed to be equivalent to the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) scale. Dietary intake was assessed by a semi-quantitative FFQ with diet quality measured using an energy-adjusted form of the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010). Statistical analyses were conducted using autoregressive linear modelling adjusting for covariates and complex sampling design. Cystatin C slightly increased from 1·2 mg/l to 1·3 mg/l over the observational period. Greater energy-adjusted AHEI-2010 scores were associated with slower increase in cystatin C from 2012 to 2016. Among respondents reporting moderately low to low dietary quality, Hispanic/Latinos had significantly slower increases in cystatin C than their non-Hispanic/Latino White counterparts. Our results speak to the importance of considering racial/ethnic determinants of dietary intake and subsequent changes in health in ageing populations. Further work is needed to address measurement issues including further validation of dietary intake questionnaires in diverse samples of older adults.
Ordovician matground and mixground ecosystems in shoreface–offshore and barrier-island environments from Central Iran, northern Gondwana
Authors: Bayet-Goll Aram
Published: April 2022

The shift of matground ecosystems to bioturbator-free settings was investigated in the Ordovician wave-dominated marine strata of the Shirgesht Formation in Central Iran. Ten ichnofabrics are recognized in shoreface–offshore and barrier-island sedimentary facies, representing a proximal-to-distal depositional trend along the studied profile. In the offshore settings, intensive burrowing on several tiers and bioirrigation, referred to theThalassinoides(Th),Cruziana–Skolithos–Rosselia(CrSkRo), crowdedTrichophycus(CT) andCruziana–Helminthopsis(CrHe) ichnofabrics, prevented the development of matgrounds. As a result of the Ordovician radiation, progressive ecospace utilization by suspension-, deposit- and detritus-feeders, as represented by theSkolithos(Sk),Rosselia–Skolithos(RoSk), crowdedRosselia(CR) andConichnus–Skolithos(CoSk) ichnofabrics, is regarded as a key factor for sediment mixing and reworking and thus disruption of the matgrounds in shoreface settings. However, the restriction on microbial growth was reduced in lower-offshore / shelf or tidal-flat and back-barrier settings, whereChondrites–Planolites(ChPl) andPlanolites(Pl) ichnofabrics dominate. This restricted microbial growth resulted from physico-chemical stresses on infaunal communities, as shown by the low ichnodiversity, scattered burrowing, absence of complex tiering, and prevalence of simple feeding strategies. This study suggests that following the early Palaeozoic evolutionary radiations, a considerable increase in abundance of detritus-feeders, deposit-feeders, suspension-feeders, predators, vagile bilaterian metazoans and grazers in shallow-water benthic communities caused mat-building microorganisms to migrate into lower-offshore / shelf, tidal-flat and back-barrier settings, where colonization by burrowing organisms was delayed.
How sensitive are intraplate inherited structures? Insight from the Cévennes Fault System (Languedoc, SE France)
Authors: Parizot Oriane , Missenard Yves , Barbarand Jocelyn , Blaise Thomas , Benedicto Antonio , Haurine Frederic , Sarda Philippe
Published: April 2022

Deformation in intraplate domains is usually considered as a consequence of tectonic events at plate boundaries. Nevertheless, the occurrence of intraplate earthquakes such as the recent Le Teil event in the south of France along the Cévennes Fault System (CFS), on 11 November 2019, Mw = 4.9, questions whether this far-field deformation only occurs during tectonic pulses at plate boundaries, or if it corresponds to low-intensity but regional continuous deformation through time. To address this question, we have coupled U–Pb geochronology of fault-related calcites with structural analysis along a major fault system (the CFS) in the South-East Basin, France. We evidence (1) an Albian activity of the CFS and (2) a continuous compressional activity of the CFS and satellite structures during the whole Eocene and probably during the Late Cretaceous – Palaeocene, including periods (e.g. Lutetian) usually considered as phases of tectonic quiescence. We thus demonstrate that the tectonic reactivation of this intraplate fault system is not restricted to periods of high rates of deformation at plate boundaries.
Accumulation of essential mineral and toxic trace elements in crops and soils of vegetable cropping systems in central highlands of Sri Lanka
Authors: Suriyagoda L. D. B. , Dissanayake O. , Kodithuwakku V. , Maduwanthi I. , Dissanayaka N. , Chandrajith R.
Published: April 2022

Vegetables are widely cultivated in high rainfall and mountainous regions in Sri Lanka with poor soil conservation practices. Accumulation of essential mineral and toxic trace elements in the soils and widely cultivated vegetables of this region are poorly understood. One hundred soil and vegetable (i.e. cabbage, carrot and potato) samples were collected at the time of harvest and analysed for element concentrations. Soils contained high concentrations of essential mineral (N, P, K, Cu, Zn and Mn) and toxic trace elements (As, Cd and Pb). When comparing edible parts, cabbage contained the highest concentrations of mineral and toxic trace elements, and potato contained the lowest. Irrespective of the crop, edible parts contained high concentrations of N, P, K (14–35, 2–6, 15–24 g/kg, respectively), and Cu, Zn, Mn (2.5–6.7, 11–30, 8–147 mg/kg, respectively). Vegetables also contained As, Cd and Pb (0.04–1, 0.02–0.15, 0.02–0.26 mg/kg, respectively), but did not exceed the maximum permissible limits. Irrespective of the crop, 36–64 kg N, 6–11 kg P and 35–45 kg K per ha were removed with the harvest. According to the current rate of vegetable consumption by Sri Lankans (i.e. 240 g fresh weight (FW) per day), per capita consumption of 0.05–0.2 mg Cu, 0.45–0.65 mg Zn and 0.5–2 mg Mn per day through these vegetables was observed, i.e. 5–23% Cu, 7.5–11% Zn and 22–87% Mn of the recommended daily intake. Vegetables grown in the region served as a key source of essential mineral elements. However, agronomic mitigation strategies are needed to improve soil health and sustainability of these cropping systems.
The China Syndrome Affects Banks: The Credit Supply Channel of Foreign Import Competition
Authors: Mayordomo Sergio , Rachedi Omar
Published: April 2022

Did the rise of Chinese import competition in the early 2000s affect banks’ credit supply policies? Using bank-firm-level data on the universe of Spanish corporate loans, we find that banks rebalanced their loan portfolios away from firms facing Chinese import competition and toward profitable firms in nonexposed sectors. Banks supplied more credit also to the construction sector, albeit independently of firms’ profitability. This was not due to banks’ exposure to the housing boom. Rather, the geographical concentration of the manufacturing industries competing with China left local banks with few alternatives other than local construction firms to rebalance their loan portfolios.
Fragmentation and Strategic Market-Making
Authors: Daures-Lescourret Laurence , Moinas Sophie
Published: April 2022

How does trading in one venue affect the quoting strategies of market makers in other venues? We develop a two-venue imperfect competition model in which market makers face quadratic costs when absorbing shocks. Nonconstant marginal costs imply that absorbing a shock in one venue simultaneously changes marginal costs in all other venues. Moreover, market makers strategically choose which shock(s) to absorb. These two forces may intensify competition, leading to enhanced liquidity. Using Euronext proprietary data, we track individual best bid and ask quotes of intermediaries in each venue. We uncover evidence of strategic cross-venue market-making behavior which is uniquely predicted by our model.
A new genus of caryophyllidean tapeworms (Cestoda) from Mystus catfishes (Bagridae) in India: cleaning up taxonomic chaos
Authors: Scholz T. , Biswas R. , Patra B.K. , Ash A.
Published: April 2022

A new genus, Mystocestus, is proposed to accommodate a new species, Mystocestus anindoi n. g., n. sp. from Mystus vittatus (Bloch) (type host) in West Bengal and Mystus cavasius (Hamilton) (Siluriformes: Bagridae) in Maharashtra, India. The new genus is most similar to Lucknowia Gupta, 1961 in the shape of the body, which is elongate, slightly tapering towards the anterior end, and scolex, which is digitiform, but differs in the shape of the ovary, which is H-shaped (vs. inverted A-shaped in Lucknowia), the absence of a seminal receptacle (present in Lucknowia) and exclusively cortical vitelline follicles (vs. some follicles in the medulla in the latter genus). Molecular data support the erection of the new genus and place it close to Bovienia Fuhrmann, 1931, species of which can be easily distinguished by exclusively lateral vitelline follicles (lateral and median in the new genus), the presence of a seminal receptacle (absent in Mystocestus) and scolex shape (digitiform, with blunt or slightly concave anterior edge in the new genus vs. small, unspecialized or spatulate in Bovienia). The convoluted taxonomy of tapeworms placed in Mystoides Mathur, 1992 is critically reviewed to clean up taxonomic chaos in Indo-Malayan caryophyllideans. Mystoides was erected in an unpublished PhD thesis and thus its generic name becomes unavailable and also, its type species is conspecific with Lucknowia fossilisi Gupta, 1961 from the stinging catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). Other species of this genus are also conspecific with L. fossilisi. In addition, specific names of most of these taxa are unavailable because they were described in unpublished theses or conference abstracts. Based on recent revisions of Indo-Malayan caryophyllideans, the following nine genera with 15 species are considered valid (numbers of species of individual genera are provided in parentheses): Bovienia (3), Djombangia (1), Lucknowia (2), Lytocestus (2), Mystocestus (1), Pseudocaryophyllaeus (2) (all family Lytocestidae); Adenoscolex (1), Lobulovarium (2), Paracaryophyllaeus (1) (all family Caryophyllaeidae).
The role of word recognition factors and lexical stress in the distribution of consonants in Spanish, English and Dutch
Authors: VAN SOEREN D.P.
Published: April 2022

The distribution of labials and coronals within Spanish CVCVCV words and English and Dutch CVCVC words has been studied from a functional perspective and in fine detail. We argue that word recognition is key in the explanation of the results; as a word is pronounced, an increasing number of word candidates is eliminated, and consequently the beginning of the word has a higher communicative load than the more predictable end. We argue that this explains the favouring of labials at the beginning of the word and (some) coronals at the end. A novel finding in this study is that lexical stress is a relevant factor in the distribution of the studied consonants. A possible explanation is that stress plays a role in the elimination word candidates. In Spanish, English, and Dutch discourse, the majority of words begins with a stressed syllable and, therefore, an unstressed initial syllable eliminates more word candidates and the communicative load is reduced more, which affects the distribution of labials and (some) coronals.