bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Nigella sativa oil extract on cardiometabolic risk factors in type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Hadi Saeid , Daryabeygi‐Khotbehsara Reza , Mirmiran Parvin , McVicar Jenna , Hadi Vahid , Soleimani Davood , Askari Gholamreza
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Nigella sativa oil extract on cardiometabolic risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). A randomized, controlled, clinical trial was conducted on 43 patients with T2D (23 women and 20 men; aged 53.5 ± 7.4 years). The intervention group (N = 23) received two 500‐mg per day soft gel capsules containing Nigella sativa oil extract and the control group (N = 20) received two identical placebo soft gel capsules containing sunflower oil per day for the same period, 8 weeks. Pre‐ and post‐intervention cardiometabolic risk factors were measured. Compared with the placebo, the N. sativa oil significantly decreased FBS (p = .03(, HbA1c (p = .001), total cholesterol (p = .04), TG (p = .003), LDL‐c (p = .001), BMI (p < .001), waist circumference (p < .001), SBP (p = .001), and DBP (p = .002). HOMA‐IR (p = .51) and HDL‐c (p = .91) did not change significantly following Nigella sativa supplementation. Nigella sativa oil exerted beneficial effects on glycemic control, serum lipid profile, blood pressure, and body weight among people with T2D. Further long‐term trials in the future may help confirm the current therapeutic benefits of Nigella sativa in T2D.
Solvent‐dependent mechanistic aspects for the redox reaction of paraquat in basic solution
Authors: Hou Hua , Wang Baoshan
Published: June 2021

Detailed mechanisms for the redox cycling of paraquat in basic solutions have been revealed computationally. The reduction of paraquat dication (PQ2+) undergoes via the successive additions with two hydroxide (OH−) anions to form the neutralized intermediates, which can decompose to generate the cation radical (PQ+) by releasing either OH or the hydrated O−radical.PQ+is neutralized by one OH−, converting molecular oxygen into superoxide (O2−) anion to regeneratePQ2+. The reduction ofPQ2+by OH−is an energy‐directive process whereas the oxidation ofPQ+prefers an entropy‐driving path in which OH−acts as a catalyst. It is found that the Gibbs free‐energy reaction paths are strongly solvent dependent. The redox cycle is energetically preferable in the solvents with low dielectric constants. The yellow‐blue‐transparent color‐changing sequence in the clock reaction of paraquat has been understood by means of the electronic absorption spectra of the cations and the neutral intermediates. Atomic radical anion O−is predicted besides the known OH and O2−radicals to stimulate experimental studies on the redox chemistry of paraquat.
Graham Colin Milligan
Authors: Fishwick John
Published: June 2021

A popular, successful and highly innovative colleague.
Encoding the atomic structure for machine learning in materials science
Authors: Li Shunning , Liu Yuanji , Chen Dong , Jiang Yi , Nie Zhiwei , Pan Feng
Published: June 2021

In recent years, we have witnessed a widespread application of machine learning techniques in the field of materials science, owing to the increased availability of research data and sophisticated algorithms. At the core of this technology lies the ability to encode material structures into descriptors that are understandable for a computer. Although significant advances have been made in this area, there is a continued need to explore efficient structure‐encoding strategies so as to maximize the predictive power of the machine learning models. Here we present a revision of the exciting progress in four representative structural features that are capable of describing the structures of diverse materials: structure graph, Coulomb matrix, topological descriptor, and diffraction fingerprint. Particular attention is given to the studies of crystalline solids, which appear more challenging to be encoded than molecules. By summarizing previous works and presenting critical appraisals of these descriptors, this review could offer some guideline for the selection of structural features and stimulate inspiration for the design of powerful descriptors suited towards different tasks.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science

Data Science > Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
Introduction
Authors: Rosa Paolo , Terzi Sergio , Kopacek Bernd
Published: June 2021

This chapter aims at clarifying the main research contents and presenting the main objective of the FENIX project. we briefly describe some fundamental concepts, like Circular Economy (CE), Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and Product-Service Systems (PSSs). All these contents are strictly connected in FENIX, since the project aims at demonstrating the benefits coming from the adoption of CE-related practices through a set of PSS-based business models supported by I4.0-based technologies.
Circular Business Models Identification
Authors: Rosa Paolo , Sassanelli Claudio , Terzi Sergio
Published: June 2021

The main objective of FENIX is demonstrating the benefits coming from the adoption of CE practices through a set of circular business models adequately configured within the project. These CBMs have been selected basing on the three use cases requirements pertaining to different industrial streams (metal powders, 3D-printed jewels and advanced filaments for 3D printing applications). The chapter starts with a literature assessment of both current CBMs and current CBM classification methods. Subsequently, existing CBMs have been mapped basing on the most common classification method (i.e. the ReSOLVE framework), evidencing the most suitable CBMs to be adopted in FENIX. In parallel, a literature assessment of industrial benefits expected from the adoption of CE practices have been implemented. Subsequently, FENIX industrial partners have been interviewed in order to select the most relevant benefits expected from the project. A final comparison of available CBMs and expected benefits allowed to select the most suitable CBMs to be demonstrated in FENIX.
Unpolarized quark and gluon TMD PDFs and FFs at N3LO
Authors: Luo Ming-xing , Yang Tong-Zhi , Zhu Hua Xing , Zhu Yu Jiao
Published: June 2021

Abstract

In this paper we calculate analytically the perturbative matching coefficients for unpolarized quark and gluon Transverse-Momentum-Dependent (TMD) Parton Distribution Functions (PDFs) and Fragmentation Functions (FFs) through Next-to-Next-to-Next-to-Leading Order (N3LO) in QCD. The N3LO TMD PDFs are calculated by solving a system of differential equation of Feynman and phase space integrals. The TMD FFs are obtained by analytic continuation from space-like quantities to time-like quantities, taking into account the probability interpretation of TMD PDFs and FFs properly. The coefficient functions for TMD FFs exhibit double logarithmic enhancement at small momentum fraction z. We resum such logarithmic terms to the third order in the expansion of αs. Our results constitute important ingredients for precision determination of TMD PDFs and FFs in current and future experiments.
Entwicklung der Zahn- und Mundgesundheit in Deutschland von 1997 bis 2014
Authors: Kocher Thomas , Holtfreter Birte , Pitchika Vinay , Kuhr Kathrin , Jordan Rainer A.
Published: June 2021

Hintergrund

Zur Veränderung der oralen Krankheitslast in der deutschen Allgemeinbevölkerung über die letzten 20 Jahre gibt es bisher keine umfassende Darstellung.

Fragestellung

Wie haben sich die Prävalenzen der Karies, der Parodontitis und des Zahnverlustes und deren Determinanten von 1997 bis 2014 in Deutschland verändert?

Material und Methoden

Ausgewertet wurden Daten von 35- bis 44- und 65- bis 74-Jährigen der Deutschen Mundgesundheitsstudien (DMS) III, IV und V sowie von 25- bis 74-Jährigen der Studies of Health in Pomerania (SHIP‑0 und SHIP-Trend-0). Der Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth Index (DMFT), die Anzahl füllungsfreier Zähne, der Community Periodontal Index (CPI) als auch Daten zur Zahnzahl und Zahnlosigkeit wurden herangezogen.

Ergebnisse

In beiden Studien waren bzgl. der Determinanten eine Zunahme der Probanden mit hoher Schulbildung, eine geringfügige Abnahme der Raucher sowie eine Verbesserung der Mundhygiene zu beobachten. Bei den 35- bis 44-Jährigen stieg die Anzahl gesunder Zähne von 11,9 in DMS III auf 16,8 in DMS V, während bei den Senioren die Anzahl gesunder Zähne um 5,9 anstieg. In SHIP wurde ein ähnlicher Trend beobachtet. Die Prävalenz des höchsten CPI-Grades 4 fiel in den DMS bei den 35- bis 44-Jährigen von 9,3 % auf 3,5 %; bei den Senioren lag der Wert 2014 wieder auf dem Niveau von 1997 (10,5 % und 9,8 %). Parallel dazu hat sich der Anteil der zahnlosen Senioren in beiden Studien halbiert. Die Zahnzahl nahm über alle Altersklassen hinweg zu.

Diskussion

DMS und SHIP zeigten über die Jahre konsistent eine Zunahme gesunder, füllungsfreier Zähne, eine geringfügige Reduktion der Probanden mit CPI-Grad 4 sowie mehr Zahnerhalt und weniger Zahnlosigkeit. Bedingt durch den höheren Zahnerhalt und die Alterung der Gesellschaft ist in Zukunft mit einer erhöhten parodontalen Behandlungslast zu rechnen.
Cognitive and motor task performance under single- and dual-task conditions: effects of consecutive versus concurrent practice
Authors: Beurskens Rainer , Brueckner Dennis , Voigt Hagen , Muehlbauer Thomas
Published: June 2021

The concurrent execution of two or more tasks simultaneously results in performance decrements in one or both conducted tasks. The practice of dual-task (DT) situations has been shown to decrease performance decrements. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of consecutive versus concurrent practice on cognitive and motor task performance under single-task (ST) and DT conditions. Forty-five young adults (21 females, 24 males) were randomly assigned to either a consecutive practice (INT consecutive) group, a concurrent practice (INT concurrent) group or a control (CON) group (i.e., no practice). Both INT groups performed 2 days of acquisition, i.e., practicing a cognitive and a motor task either consecutively or concurrently. The cognitive task required participants to perform an auditory stroop task and the number of correct responses was used as outcome measure. In the motor task, participants were asked to stand on a stabilometer and to keep the platform as close to horizontal as possible. The time in balance was calculated for further analysis. Pre- and post-practice testing included performance assessment under ST (i.e., cognitive task only, motor task only) and DT (i.e., cognitive and motor task simultaneously) test conditions. Pre-practice testing revealed no significant group differences under ST and DT test conditions neither for the cognitive nor the motor task measure. During acquisition, both INT groups improved their cognitive and motor task performance. The post-practice testing showed significantly better cognitive and motor task values under ST and DT test conditions for the two INT groups compared to the CON group. Further comparisons between the two INT groups revealed better motor but not cognitive task values in favor of the INT consecutive practice group (ST: p = 0.022; DT: p = 0.002). We conclude that consecutive and concurrent practice resulted in better cognitive (ST condition) and motor (ST and DT test conditions) task performance than no practice. In addition, consecutive practice resulted in superior motor task performance (ST and DT test conditions) compared to concurrent practice and is, therefore, recommended when executing DT practice schedules.
Paradoxical changes in mood-related behaviors on continuous social isolation after weaning
Authors: Matsumoto Hiyori , Omata Naoto , Kiyono Yasushi , Mizuno Tomoyuki , Mita Kayo , Kosaka Hirotaka
Published: June 2021

Continuous social isolation (SI) from an early developmental stage may have different effects in youth and adulthood. Moreover, SI is reported to impair neuronal plasticity. In this study, we used post-weaning rats to compare the impact of continuous SI on depressive-like, anxiety-related, and fear-related behaviors and neuronal plasticity in puberty and adulthood. Furthermore, we assessed the effect of lithium on behavioral changes and neuronal plasticity. Continuous SI after weaning induced depressive-like behaviors in puberty; however, in adulthood, depressive-like and anxiety-related behaviors did not increase, but—paradoxically—decreased in comparison with the controls. The decreased expression of neuronal plasticity-related proteins in the hippocampus in puberty was more prominent in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in adulthood. In contrast, SI after weaning tended to decrease fear-related behaviors in puberty, a decrease which was more prominent in adulthood with increased neuronal plasticity-related protein expression in the amygdala. Lithium administration over the last 14 days of the SI-induced period removed the behavioral and expression changes of neuronal plasticity-related proteins observed in puberty and adulthood. Our findings suggest that the extension of the duration of SI from an early developmental stage does not simply worsen depressive-like behaviors; rather, it induces a behavior linked to neuronal plasticity damage. Lithium may improve behavioral changes in puberty and adulthood by reversing damage to neuronal plasticity. The mechanisms underlying the depressive-like and anxiety-related behaviors may differ from those underlying fear-related behaviors.
Reporting errors in plain radiographs for lower limb trauma—a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: York Thomas , Franklin Christopher , Reynolds Kate , Munro Greg , Jenney Heloise , Harland William , Leong Darren
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Plain radiographs are a globally ubiquitous means of investigation for injuries to the musculoskeletal system. Despite this, initial interpretation remains a challenge and inaccuracies give rise to adverse sequelae for patients and healthcare providers alike. This study sought to address the limited, existing meta-analytic research on the initial reporting of radiographs for skeletal trauma, with specific regard to diagnostic accuracy of the most commonly injured region of the appendicular skeleton, the lower limb.

Method

A prospectively registered, systematic review and meta-analysis was performed using published research from the major clinical-science databases. Studies identified as appropriate for inclusion underwent methodological quality and risk of bias analysis. Meta-analysis was then performed to establish summary rates for specificity and sensitivity of diagnostic accuracy, including covariates by anatomical site, using HSROC and bivariate models.

Results

A total of 3887 articles were screened, with 10 identified as suitable for analysis based on the eligibility criteria. Sensitivity and specificity across the studies were 93.5% and 89.7% respectively. Compared with other anatomical subdivisions, interpretation of ankle radiographs yielded the highest sensitivity and specificity, with values of 98.1% and 94.6% respectively, and a diagnostic odds ratio of 929.97.

Conclusion

Interpretation of lower limb skeletal radiographs operates at a reasonably high degree of sensitivity and specificity. However, one in twenty true positives is missed on initial radiographic interpretation and safety netting systems need to be established to address this. Virtual fracture clinic reviews and teleradiology services in conjunction with novel technology will likely be crucial in these circumstances.
Double-Unit Superomedio-Central (DUS) Pedicle Inverted-T Reduction Mammaplasty in Gigantomastia: A 7-year Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Wolter A. , Fertsch S. , Munder B. , Stambera P. , Schulz T. , Hagouan M. , Janku D. , Staemmler K. , Grueter L. , Abu-Abdallah N. , Becker K. , Aufmesser B. , Kornetka J. , Andree C.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Reduction mammaplasty in patients with gigantomastia is challenging. The Double-Unit technique with a Superomedio-Central pedicle and inverted-T incision is the standard technique for reduction mammaplasty in our clinic. The aim of this study was to review our approach in cases with gigantomastia in comparison with the current literature.

Patients and Methods

From 01/2011 to 12/2017, we performed 831 reduction mammaplasties in 630 patients. The Double-Unit  Superomedio-Central  (DUS) pedicle and inverted-T incision was implemented as a standard procedure for gigantomastia. Patient demographics and the outcome parameters complication rate, patient satisfaction with the aesthetic result, nipple sensibility, and surgical revision rate were obtained and retrospectively analyzed.

Results

In 37 patients, 55 reduction mammaplasties were performed with more than 1000 g per breast. Mean resection weight was 1311 g on right side and 1289 g on left side. Mean age was 52.5 years, mean body mass index was 32.8 kg/m2, mean sternal-notch-to-nipple distance was 38.3 cm. A free NAC graft was necessary in four breasts. Overall complication rate was 14.5%; secondary surgical revision rate was 12.7%. 91% of the patients were “very satisfied” and “satisfied” with the aesthetic result. Nipple sensibility was rated “high” and “medium” in 83%.

Conclusion

The Double-Unit technique with a Superomedio-Central pedicle and inverted-T incision is very effective to achieve volume reduction and aesthetically pleasing reproducible results with a low complication rate in cases with gigantomastia.

Level of Evidence

Level of Evidence This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Contrasting lightning projection using the lightning potential index adapted in a convection-permitting regional climate model
Authors: Brisson Erwan , Blahak Ulrich , Lucas-Picher Philippe , Purr Christopher , Ahrens Bodo
Published: June 2021

Lightning climate change projections show large uncertainties caused by limited empirical knowledge and strong assumptions inherent to coarse-grid climate modeling. This study addresses the latter issue by implementing and applying the lightning potential index parameterization (LPI) into a fine-grid convection-permitting regional climate model (CPM). This setup takes advantage of the explicit representation of deep convection in CPMs and allows for process-oriented LPI inputs such as vertical velocity within convective cells and coexistence of microphysical hydrometeor types, which are known to contribute to charge separation mechanisms. The LPI output is compared to output from a simpler flash rate parameterization, namely the CAPE $$\times$$
×
PREC parameterization, applied in a non-CPM on a coarser grid. The LPI’s implementation into the regional climate model COSMO-CLM successfully reproduces the observed lightning climatology, including its latitudinal gradient, its daily and hourly probability distributions, and its diurnal and annual cycles. Besides, the simulated temperature dependence of lightning reflects the observed dependency. The LPI outperforms the CAPE $$\times$$
×
PREC parameterization in all applied diagnostics. Based on this satisfactory evaluation, we used the LPI to a climate change projection under the RCP8.5 scenario. For the domain under investigation centered over Germany, the LPI projects a decrease of $$4.8\%$$

4.8
%

in flash rate by the end of the century, in opposition to a projected increase of $$17.4\%$$

17.4
%

as projected using the CAPE $$\times$$
×
PREC parameterization. The future decrease of LPI occurs mostly during the summer afternoons and is related to (i) a change in convection occurrence and (ii) changes in the microphysical mixing. The two parameterizations differ because of different convection occurrences in the CPM and non-CPM and because of changes in the microphysical mixing, which is only represented in the LPI lightning parameterization.
A retrospective analysis of the therapeutic effects of 0.01% atropine on axial length growth in children in a real-life clinical setting
Authors: Kaymak Hakan , Graff Birte , Schaeffel Frank , Langenbucher Achim , Seitz Berthold , Schwahn Hartmut
Published: June 2021

Background

Several randomized controlled studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of 0.01% atropine eye drops on myopia progression in children. However, treatment effects may be different in a routine clinical setting. We performed a retrospective analysis of our clinical data from children to investigate the effect of 0.01% atropine eye drops on myopia progression in a routine clinical setting.

Methods

Atropine-treated children were asked to instill one drop of 0.01% atropine in each eye every evening at 5 days a week. Myopic children who did not undergo atropine treatment served as controls. Objective refraction and ocular biometry of 80 atropine-treated and 103 untreated children at initial visit and 1 year later were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Myopic refractions in the treated and untreated children at initial visit ranged from −0.625 to −15.25 D (−4.21 ± 2.90 D) and from −0.125 to −9.375 D (−2.92 ± 1.77 D), respectively. Ages at initial visit ranged from 3.2 to 15.5 years (10.1 ± 2.7 years) in the treated and from 3.4 to 15.5 years (11.2 ± 3.0 years) in untreated children. Two-factor ANOVA for age and atropine effects on axial length growth confirmed that axial length growth rates declined with age (p<0.0001) and revealed a significant inhibitory effect of atropine on axial length growth (p<0.0015). The atropine effect on axial length growth averaged to 0.08 mm (28%) inhibition per year. Effects on refraction were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The observed atropine effects were not very distinctive: Statistical analysis confirmed that atropine reduced axial length growth, but to an extent of minor clinical relevance. It was also shown that beneficial effects of 0.01% atropine may not be obvious in each single case, which should be communicated with parents and resident ophthalmologists.
The ramp and all-out exercise test to determine critical power: validity and robustness to manipulations in body position
Authors: Goulding Richie P. , Roche Denise M. , Marwood Simon
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether a contiguous ramp and all-out exercise test could accurately determine critical power (CP) in a single laboratory visit during both upright and supine cycle exercise.

Methods

Healthy males completed maximal ramp-incremental exercise on a cycle ergometer in the upright (n = 15) and supine positions (n = 8), with task failure immediately followed by a 3-min all-out phase for determination of end-test power (EP). On separate days, participants undertook four constant-power tests in either the upright or supine positions with the limit of tolerance ranging from ~ 2 to 15 min for determination of CP.

Results

During upright exercise, EP was highly correlated with (R2 = 0.93, P < 0.001) and not different from CP (CP = 221 ± 40 W vs. EP = 226 ± 46 W, P = 0.085, 95% limits of agreement − 30, 19 W). During supine exercise, EP was also highly correlated with (R2 = 0.94, P < 0.001) and not different from CP (CP = 140 ± 42 W vs. EP = 136 ± 40 W, P = 0.293, 95% limits of agreement − 16, 24 W).

Conclusion

The present data suggest that EP derived from a contiguous ramp all-out exercise test is not different from the gold-standard method of CP determination during both upright and supine cycle exercise when assessed at the group level. However, the wide limits of agreement observed within the present study suggest that EP and CP should not be used interchangeably.
Dynamic traffic forecasting and fuzzy-based optimized admission control in federated 5G-open RAN networks
Authors: Perveen Abida , Abozariba Raouf , Patwary Mohammad , Aneiba Adel
Published: June 2021

Providing connectivity to high-density traffic demand is one of the key promises of future wireless networks. The open radio access network (O-RAN) is one of the critical drivers ensuring such connectivity in heterogeneous networks. Despite intense interest from researchers in this domain, key challenges remain to ensure efficient network resource allocation and utilization. This paper proposes a dynamic traffic forecasting scheme to predict future traffic demand in federated O-RAN. Utilizing information on user demand and network capacity, we propose a fully reconfigurable admission control framework via fuzzy-logic optimization. We also perform detailed analysis on several parameters (user satisfaction level, utilization gain, and fairness) over benchmarks from various papers. The results show that the proposed forecasting and fuzzy-logic-based admission control framework significantly enhances fairness and provides guaranteed quality of experience without sacrificing resource utilization. Moreover, we have proven that the proposed framework can accommodate a large number of devices connected simultaneously in the federated O-RAN.
Factors influencing the presence of Candida dubliniensis and other non-albicans species in patients with oral lichen planus: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Molkenthin Florian , Hertel Moritz , Neumann Konrad , Schmidt-Westhausen Andrea Maria
Published: June 2021

Objectives

The epidemiologic distribution of non-albicans species in the oral cavity of oral lichen planus (OLP) patients remains uncertain. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the presence of C. dubliniensis and other non-albicans species. Furthermore, independent risk factors for Candida superinfection in OLP should be identified.

Material and methods

Epidemiologic data and microbiological findings from 268 symptomatic OLP patients who underwent continuous oral swab culture over a 5-year period (2015–2019) were retrospectively reviewed. Candida species identification and semi-quantification were obtained by culture on CHROMagar Candida, followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS).

Results

C. albicans was the most frequently isolated species (72.3%), followed by C. glabrata (7.3%), C. dubliniensis (5.8%), C. krusei and C. parapsilosis (both 2.6%). The presence of C. dubliniensis was significantly associated with tobacco smoking. Other non-albicans spp. were significantly more often detected in patients using removable dentures. Increasing age and the intake of psychotropic drugs were identified as independent risk factors of Candida superinfection in OLP.

Conclusion

In OLP patients, certain local and systemic factors increase the risk of carrying potentially drug-resistant Candida species and the development of Candida superinfection of OLP lesions.

Clinical relevance

Due to the frequent detection of non-albicans species in OLP, resistance or at least reduced sensitivity to azole antifungals should be expected, especially in smokers and patients using removable dentures. In the case of oral complaints, a superinfection with Candida should be considered, whereby older patients and patients taking psychotropic drugs have an increased risk for oral infection with Candida.
TOOLympics II: competitions on formal methods
Authors: Beyer Dirk , Huisman Marieke , Kordon Fabrice , Steffen Bernhard
Published: June 2021

This is the second issue in the new “Competitions and Challenges” (CoCha) theme of the International Journal on Software Tools for Technology Transfer. The new theme was established to support competitions and challenges with an appropriate publication venue. The first issue presented the competition on software testing Test-Comp 2019, which was part of the TOOLympics 2019 event. In this second issue for TOOLympics, we present selected competition reports. The TOOLympics event took place as part of the 25-years celebration of the conference TACAS. The goal of the event was to provide an overview of competitions and challenges in the area of formal methods.
Impacts of urbanization on mangrove forests and brachyuran crabs in Penang, Malaysia
Authors: Stiepani Johann , Gillis Lucy Gwen , Chee Su Yin , Pfeiffer Martin , Nordhaus Inga
Published: June 2021

Urban development is driving the loss and subsequent fragmentation of mangrove forests in Penang, Malaysia. However, little research has focused on the implications of urbanization onto the biodiversity within mangrove forests. This study investigates and compares both vegetation and crab assemblages between urban and rural mangrove forests. Collectively, 5853 trees were recorded including 15 species from six families: Acanthaceae, Arecaceae, Lythraceae, Malvaceae, Meliaceae, and Rhizophoraceae. Avicennia marina accounted for 88.6% of all trees in the study and held the highest species importance (IV). Although the total number of mangrove tree species varied significantly between urban (14) and rural (7) mangrove forests, the mangrove forest structure based on IV did not vary significantly. In total, 633 crabs were recorded comprising 13 different species from three superfamilies: Grapsoidea, Ocypodoidea, and Paguroidea. Crab species richness did not vary between urban and rural sites, but the biomasses of five and the densities of four crab species varied significantly. Redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that land use, salinity, and abundance of Avicennia officinalis can best describe the distribution of crab species (r2 =32.7). This study indicates that smaller fragmented urban mangroves at the east coast of Penang have a relatively high tree and crab diversity and are worth protecting, in addition to the larger mangrove forests on the west coast. The preservation of small yet interconnected mangrove sites could be critical to the recruitment of their flora and fauna and should be considered in decision-making processes.
Individual decisions drive the changes in movement patterns of ground beetles between forestry management types
Authors: Elek Zoltán , Růžičková Jana , Ódor Péter
Published: June 2021

Moving from one habitat to another, the dispersal of individuals has consequences for their conditions, population dynamics and gene flow. Our major motivation was to explore the effects of different forestry treatments, such as preparation (partial) cuts and clear cuts, on the selected population of the forest ground beetle, Carabus coriaceus (Coleoptera: Carabidae). We tagged six individuals (three males and three females) with small radio-transmitters and each was released in the treatment habitat core, at the edges and in the core of control forests respectively. The recorded trajectories were divided into two major movement phases: a random walk and a directional movement using hidden Markov models. Our results revealed that in the core zone of preparation cuts, the random walk and the directional movement were equally distributed in the trajectory. A clear directional movement was observed in the clear cuts suggesting the beetles moved directly toward the adjacent (control) forest interior. The trajectories at the edges of both treatments were dominated by the random walk and so for the controls. These results suggest that forest ground beetles can avoid the forestry treatments especially clear cuts, however edge habitats and (the studied) preparation cuts can mitigate the migration constraints due to their more favorable environmental conditions compared to clear cuts.
Demi-linear analysis II —demi-distributions
Authors: Li Rong-lu , Zhong Shu-hui , Kim Do-han , Wu Jun-de
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we develop the theory of demi-distributions which generalizes the usual distribution theory. In particular, we show that many results on differentiations, Fourier transforms, and convolutions can be generalized to demi-distributions theory.
Statistik im Sozialismus
Authors: Krämer Walter , Leciejewski Klaus
Published: June 2021

Dieser Beitrag dokumentiert eine Tendenz totalitärer Gesellschaftssysteme, die Statistik und insbesondere Daten der Amtsstatistik als Stütze von Ideologien zu missbrauchen. Dieser Missbrauch wird oft durch westliche Medien unterstützt, die allzu blauäugig auf dergleichen Lügen hereinfallen. Hier versprechen das Internet und die leichte Verfügbarkeit von Massendaten aller Art, ein mögliches Gegengewicht zu werden.
Glut 1, S-100, and Nerve Bundle Study in Vascular Anomalies
Authors: Khanna Ajay K. , Kumar Akhilesh , Khanna Soumya , Kar Amrita , Kumar Puneet , Tiwary S. K.
Published: June 2021

Vascular anomalies grouped into vascular tumors (hemangioma) (HI) and vascular malformation (VM) are benign vascular lesions that are difficult to distinguish from one another clinically and often confused with each other at histopathology. This confusing terminology leads to improper diagnosis, illogical treatment, and misdirected research. This study aimed to study GLUT 1, S-100, and nerve bundle to differentiate hemangioma and vascular malformation. Thirty two cases of vascular lesions (26 vascular malformations and 6 hemangiomas) were taken into the study. For histological evaluation and immunohistochemistry (IHC), samples of vascular lesions were collected in formalin. All the hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides were evaluated under light microscope for histology and nerve bundles. Immunohistochemical staining was performed by streptavidin–biotin method for GLUT 1 and S-100. GLUT 1 was positive in all 6 cases of hemangiomas (100%) and only in 1 case of vascular malformation. Nerve bundle was present in 24 cases of vascular malformation (92.3%) out of 26 cases but not in any cases of hemangioma and S-100 was found positive in all vascular malformation cases (100%) but not in hemangioma. So GLUT 1 expression, S-100, and presence of nerve bundle in vascular lesions can help to differentiate hemangioma and vascular malformation.
Corrosion Behavior of LENS Deposited CoCrMo Alloy Using Bayesian Regularization-Based Artificial Neural Network (BRANN)
Authors: Shaik Nagoor Basha , Mantrala Kedar Mallik , Bakthavatchalam Balaji , Gillani Qandeel Fatima , Rehman M. Faisal , Behera Ajit , Rajak Dipen Kumar , Pruncu Catalin I.
Published: June 2021

The well-known fact of metallurgy is that the lifetime of a metal structure depends on the material's corrosion rate. Therefore, applying an appropriate prediction of corrosion process for the manufactured metals or alloys trigger an extended life of the product. At present, the current prediction models for additive manufactured alloys are either complicated or built on a restricted basis towards corrosion depletion. This paper presents a novel approach to estimate the corrosion rate and corrosion potential prediction by considering significant major parameters such as solution time, aging time, aging temperature, and corrosion test time. The Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS), which is an additive manufacturing process used in the manufacturing of health care equipment, was investigated in the present research. All the accumulated information used to manufacture the LENS-based Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloy was considered from previous literature. They enabled to create a robust Bayesian Regularization (BR)-based Artificial Neural Network (ANN) in order to predict with accuracy the material best corrosion properties. The achieved data were validated by investigating its experimental behavior. It was found a very good agreement between the predicted values generated with the BRANN model and experimental values. The robustness of the proposed approach allows to implement the manufactured materials successfully in the biomedical implants.
Long-term changes in rainfed olive production, rainfall and farmer’s income in Bailén (Jaén, Spain)
Authors: Rodrigo-Comino Jesús , Senciales-González José María , Yu Yang , Salvati Luca , Giménez-Morera Antonio , Cerdà Artemi
Published: June 2021

Economic, social, and climatic conditions affect agricultural production. Those changes are relevant to the rainfed agricultural areas of the Mediterranean Belt, including Spain—the largest producer of olive oil in the world. However, little is known about the effect of the climate on olive production and farmer income. In this study, the correlation between changes in rainfall and total olive production was examined using a long-term dataset (28 years) on conventional rainfed production and tillage soil management. The dataset focused on different olive groves in the municipality of Bailén (Jaén, Andalusia) that have been owned by the same farmer since 1966. The province of Jaén is the region of Spain with the highest production of olive oil and the largest area of olive groves. The data included annual rainfall, production per plot and the price of olives. After calculating missing data to complete the rainfall series, pairwise correlation analysis with nonparametric Spearman's rank coefficients and principal component analysis were used to process the data. The results showed that higher production coincided with increased rainfall during August and December. Therefore, we concluded that the impact of rainfall on olive production is variable and depends on drought intensity and the monthly rainfall distribution. An economic study showed that farmer income was highly dependent on the seasonal distribution of the rainfall among other factors such as the price of olives. Farmer income was low during drought periods, indicating that rainfed agriculture is perceived by farmers as unsustainable due to the resulting highly variable income. This study could help to prevent risks to food security in the future. We recognise that other key factors have also been important influences on the fluctuations in olive production over the years, such as soil properties and plant status. However, cultivating olives without irrigation—depending only on the total rainfall amount and rainfall intensity to supply all of the water consumed by the plants—is very risky too. This research demonstrates that the subsistence of Mediterranean rainfed olive farmers can be highly dependent on the rainfall conditions.
The Modal Future
Authors: Cariani Fabrizio
Published: June 2021

It is commonly assumed that we conceive of the past and the future as symmetrical. In this book, Fabrizio Cariani develops a new theory of future-directed discourse and thought that shows that our linguistic and philosophical conceptions of the past and future are, in fact, fundamentally different. Future thought and talk, Cariani suggests, are best understood in terms of a systematic analogy with counterfactual thought and talk, and are not just mirror images of the past. Cariani makes this case by developing detailed formal semantic theories as well as by advancing less technical views about the nature of future-directed judgment and prediction. His book addresses in a thought-provoking way several important debates in contemporary philosophy, and his synthesis of parallel threads of research will benefit scholars in the philosophy of language, metaphysics, epistemology, linguistics and cognitive science.
Ovid and the Liberty of Speech in Shakespeare's England
Authors: James Heather
Published: June 2021

The range of poetic invention that occurred in Renaissance English literature was vast, from the lyric eroticism of the late sixteenth century to the rise of libertinism in the late seventeenth century. Heather James argues that Ovid, as the poet-philosopher of literary innovation and free speech, was the galvanizing force behind this extraordinary level of poetic creativity. Moving beyond mere topicality, she identifies the ingenuity, novelty and audacity of the period's poetry as the political inverse of censorship culture. Considering Spenser, Marlowe, Shakespeare, Jonson, Milton and Wharton among many others, the book explains how free speech was extended into the growing domain of English letters, and thereby presents a new model of the relationship between early modern poetry and political philosophy.
Conciliarism, Humanism and Law
Authors: Canning Joseph
Published: June 2021

How was power justified in late medieval Europe? What justifications did people find convincing, and why? Based around the two key intellectual movements of the fifteenth century, conciliarism in the church and humanism, this study explores the justifications for the distribution of power and authority in fifteenth- and early sixteenth-century Europe. By examining the arguments that convinced people in this period, Joseph Canning demonstrates that it was almost universally assumed that power had to be justified but that there were fundamentally different kinds of justification employed. Against the background of juristic thought, Canning presents a new interpretative approach to the justifications of power through the lenses of conciliarism, humanism and law, throwing fresh light on our understanding of both conciliarists' ideas and the contribution of Italian Renaissance humanists.
Indebted Societies
Authors: Wiedemann Andreas
Published: June 2021

In many rich democracies, access to financial markets is now a prerequisite for fully participating in labor and housing markets and pursuing educational opportunities. Indebted Societies introduces a new social policy theory of everyday borrowing to examine how the rise of credit as a private alternative to the welfare state creates a new kind of social and economic citizenship. Andreas Wiedemann provides a rich study of income volatility and rising household indebtedness across OECD countries. Weaker social policies and a flexible knowledge economy have increased costs for housing, education, and raising a family - forcing many people into debt. By highlighting how credit markets interact with welfare states, the book helps explain why similar groups of people are more indebted in some countries than others. Moreover, it addresses the fundamental question of whether individuals, states, or markets should be responsible for addressing socio-economic risks and providing social opportunities.
Costly Calculations
Authors: Gartner Scott Sigmund , Segura Gary M.
Published: June 2021

Gartner and Segura consider the costs of war – both human and political – by examining the consequences of foreign combat, on domestic politics. The personal costs of war – the military war dead and injured – are the most salient measure of war costs generally and the primary instrument through which war affects domestic politics. The authors posit a general framework for understanding war initiation, war policy and war termination in democratic polities, and the role that citizens and their deaths through conflict play in those policy choices. Employing a variety of empirical methods, they examine multiple wars from the last 100 years, conducting analyses of tens of thousands of individuals across a wide variety of historical and hypothetical conditions, whilst also addressing policy implications. This study will be of interest to students and scholars in American foreign policy, international politics, public opinion, national security, American politics, communication studies, and military history.
Spirituality for the Godless
Authors: McGhee Michael
Published: June 2021

Many people describe themselves as secular rather than religious, but they often qualify this statement by claiming an interest in spirituality. But what kind of spirituality is possible in the absence of religion? In this book, Michael McGhee shows how religious traditions and secular humanism function as 'schools of wisdom' whose aim is to expose and overcome the forces that obstruct justice. He examines the ancient conception of philosophy as a form of ethical self-inquiry and spiritual practice conducted by a community, showing how it helps us to reconceive the philosophy of religion in terms of philosophy as a way of life. McGhee discusses the idea of a dialogue between religion and atheism in terms of Buddhist practice and demonstrates how a non-theistic Buddhism can address itself to theistic traditions as well as to secular humanism. His book also explores how to shift the centre of gravity from religious belief towards states of mind and conduct.
Drawing Parallels Among Past Public Health Crises and COVID-19
Authors: Contreras George W. , Burcescu Brigitte , Dang Tiffany , Freeman Jeanette , Gilbreth Nathan , Jacobson Juliet , Jayaseelan Keerthana , Markenson David S.
Published: June 2021

In the early stages of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there were shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and health-care personnel across severely affected regions. Along with a lack of testing, these shortages delayed surveillance, and possible containment of the virus. The pandemic also took unprecedented tolls on the mental health of many health-care workers who treated and witnessed the deaths of critically ill patients. To address these effects and prepare for a potential second wave, a literature review was performed on the response of health-care systems during the influenza pandemics of 1918, 1957, 2009, and the epidemics of Ebola, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). We can use lessons identified to develop a competent and effective response to the current and future pandemics. The public must continue to engage in proper health mitigation strategies, including use of face coverings, physical distancing, and hand washing. The impact the pandemic has had on the mental health of frontline health-care workers cannot be disregarded as it is essential in ensuring effective patient care and mitigating psychological comorbidities. The lessons identified from past public health crises can help contain and limit morbidity and mortality with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Risk Stratification of Nursing Homes to Plan COVID-19 Responses: A Case Study of Victoria, Australia
Authors: Ibrahim Joseph E. , Li Yingtong , Brown Charlotte , McKee Grace , Eren Hagar , Pham Tony
Published: June 2021

Objective:

Emergency management responses to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in nursing homes lacked preparation and nuance; moving forward, responses must recognize nursing homes are not generic organizations or services, and individually appreciate each’s unique nature, strengths, and limitations. The objective of this study was to describe an approach to stratifying nursing homes according to risk for COVID-19 outbreak.

Methods:

Population-based cross-sectional study of all accredited nursing homes in Victoria (n = 766), accommodating 48,824 permanent residents. We examined each home’s facility structure, governance history, socio-economic status, proximity to high-risk industry, and proximity and size of local acute public hospital, stratified by location, size, and organizational structure.

Results:

Privately owned nursing homes tend to be larger and metropolitan-based, and publicly owned homes regionally based and smaller in size. The details reveal additional nuance, eg, privately owned metropolitan-based medium- to large-sized facilities tended to have more regulatory noncompliance, no board of governance, and fewer Chief Executive Officers with clinical background. In contrast, the smaller, publicly owned, remote facilities perform better on those same metrics.

Conclusions:

Nursing homes should not be regarded as generic entities, and there is significant underlying heterogeneity. Stratification of nursing homes according to risk level is a viable approach to informing more nuanced policy direction and resource allocation for emergency management responses.