bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Farmland biodiversity: wildflower-sown islands within arable fields and grassy field margins both promote spider diversity
Authors: Rischen Tamara , Geisbüsch Katharina , Ruppert Daniel , Fischer Klaus 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAgricultural intensification and the concomitant landscape homogenization is leading to a worldwide decline in farmland biodiversity. Non-crop habitats in agroecosystems may counteract the loss of arthropods such as spiders and thus contribute to sustainable agriculture. However, the effectiveness of field margins and set-aside wildflower-sown patches in maintaining spider diversity is not well understood. Here, we investigated the effects of three different non-crop habitats, namely field margins, set-aside wildflower-sown patches under power poles (‘power pole islands’), and grassland fallows on spider diversity as compared to wheat fields in an agricultural landscape in western Germany. Using pitfall trapping and suction sampling, we show that species richness and overall conservation value were higher in non-crop habitats than in wheat fields. Interestingly, field margins and power pole islands differed from long-term grassland fallows only in conservation value, which was significantly higher in grassland fallows. Species assemblages differed considerably between grassland fallows, field margins and power pole islands, and wheat fields, documenting the added value of using different conservation strategies.Implications for insect conservationSmall-scale non-crop habitats adjacent to wheat fields were surprisingly effective in promoting spider diversity in an agricultural landscape, with field margins and power pole islands being equally effective. To maximize overall diversity in agricultural landscapes, we propose a combination of larger long-term fallows and smaller non-crop habitats such as field margins or set-aside wildflower-sown patches.
Thermovision assessment of temperature changes in selected body areas after short-wave diathermy treatment
Authors: Kaźmierska Bożena , Sobiech Krzysztof Andrzej , Demczuk - Włodarczyk Ewa , Chwałczyńska Agnieszka 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study is to provide the thermal imaging assessment of local and general surface temperature changes after short-wave diathermy treatment. The study group consisted of 26 women aged 19–24. The correct functioning of the thermoregulation system was determined by means of cold pressor and orthostatic tests. The subjects underwent short-wave diathermy treatment in the area of the right knee joint, and the body’s response was determined by thermovision using a ThermaCAM P640 thermal imaging camera manufactured by FLIR. Curves were recorded in a digital form (images with a resolution of 640 × 480 pixels) and analyzed with ThermaCAM ReporterTM software. In people with a properly functioning thermoregulation system, the short-wave diathermy treatment statistically significantly increased the body surface temperature on the posterior surface of the knee joint. On the front side, the surface temperature decreased. There were no changes in surface temperature in the other areas of the body studied. The results of thermal imaging studies confirmed the local nature of the action of short-wave diathermy. The recommendation to use a physical procedure should be preceded by an assessment of the body’s thermoregulation system level of function. Reactions to the prescribed physical treatment may be different in people with a disturbed autonomic system.
Growth and productivity assessments of peanut under different irrigation water management practices using CSM-CROPGRO-Peanut model in Eastern Mediterranean of Turkey
Authors: Sezen Semih Metin , Ahmad Ishfaq , Habib-ur-Rahman Muhammad , Amiri Ebrahim , Tekin Servet , Oz Kadir Can , Maambo Clever Mwika 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIrrigation water scheduling is crucial to make the most efficient use of ever-decreasing water. As excessive irrigation decreases yield, while imprecise application also causes various environmental issues. Therefore, efficient management of irrigation frequency and irrigation level is necessary to sustain productivity under limited water conditions. The objective of the current study is to assess the water productivity at various irrigation regimes during peanut crop growing seasons (2014 and 2015) in Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey. The field experiments were conducted with treatments consisting of three irrigation frequencies (IF) (IF1: 25 mm; IF2: 50 mm; and IF3: 75 mm of cumulative pan evaporation (CPE)), and four irrigation water levels (WL1 = 0.50, WL2 = 0.75, WL3 = 1.0, and WL4 = 1.25). WL1, WL2, WL3, and WL4treatments received 50, 75, 100, and 125 of cumulative pan evaporation. The CSM-CROPGRO-Peanut model was calibrated with experimental data in 2014 and evaluated with second-year experimental data (2015). The model simulated seed yield and final biomass (dry matter) reasonably well with low normalized root mean square error (RMSEn) in various irrigation intervals. The model simulated reasonably well for days to anthesis (RMSE = 2.53,d-stat = 0.96, andr2 = 0.90), days to physiological maturity (RMSE = 2.55), seed yield (RMSE = 1504), and tops biomass dry weight at maturity (RMSE = 3716). Simulation results indicated good agreement between measured and simulated soil water content (SWC) with low RMSEnvalues (4.0 to 16.8% in 2014 and 4.3 to 18.2% in 2015). Further results showed that IF2I125irrigation regime produced the highest seed yield. Generally, model evaluation performed reasonably well for all studied parameters with both years’ experimental data. Results also showed that the crop model would be a precision agriculture tool for the extrapolation of the allocation of irrigation water resources and decision management under current and future climate.
Multiple Indicators of Wastewater Contamination to Shellfish Farms Near a Tidal River
Authors: Frith Ashley , Henseler Julian , Badri Shahrzad , Calci Kevin R. , Stenson Alexandra , Carmichael Ruth H. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWastewater contamination threatens the shellfish aquaculture industry by posing risks to public health. Multiple indicators of wastewater contamination, including fecal coliforms (fc), male-specific coliphage (MSC), dissolved nutrients, stable isotope ratios, and artificial sweeteners were analyzed to determine possible sources of wastewater to local shellfish farms. Samples were collected at a wastewater treatment plant outfall (WTPO), nonpoint residential, and agricultural areas of a tidal river, and tidal creek inflows adjacent to farms. To capture seasonal variation, we sampled under warm and cold, and wet and dry conditions. Fc ranged < 5–5250 CFU 100 mL−1, NH4+ concentrations ranged up to 9.58 μM, and δ15N ranged 1.4–7.8‰ across all sites and time periods. Fc and NH4+ were higher, and δ15N was lower in the cold wet period and near residential and agricultural areas. Acesulfame and sucralose concentrations ranged 0.004–0.05 μg L−1 and up to > 0.8 μg L−1, respectively, and did not correlate with other indicators but tended to be higher in residential areas and at the WTPO, supporting their value in differentiating human sewage from other sources. Shoreline disturbance during septic system upgrades may have inadvertently contributed bacterial indicators to shellfish farms. Overall, indicator source dominance depended on environmental conditions, with WTPO and residential sources conveying human-specific indicators to farms year-round, while agricultural and industrial sites contributed additional fc during cold wet periods. The use of multiple indicators will aid managers to detect and define wastewater sources, identify targets for monitoring or remediation, and manage shellfish areas in estuaries with a mosaic of land-derived wastewater sources.
Characterization and geostatistical modeling of reservoirs in ‘Falad’ field, Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Falade Ayodele O. , Amigun John O. , Makeen Yousif M. , Kafisanwo Olatunbosun O. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis research aims at characterizing and modeling delineated reservoirs in ‘Falad’ Field, Niger Delta, Nigeria, to mitigate the challenge caused by the heterogeneous nature of the reservoirs. Seismic and well log data were integrated, and geostatistics was applied to describe the reservoir properties of the interwell spaces within the study area. Four reservoirs, namely RES 1, RES 2, RES 3 and RES 4, were delineated and correlated across four wells. The reservoir properties {lithology, net to gross, porosity, permeability, water saturation} of all the delineated reservoirs mapped were determined, and two reservoirs with the best quality were picked for further analysis (surface generation and modeling) after ranking the reservoirs based on their quality. Structural interpretation of the field was carried, nine faults were mapped (F1—F9), and the fault polygon was generated. The structural model showed the area is structurally controlled with two of the major faults mapped (F1 and F3) oriented in the SW–NE direction while the other one (F4) is oriented in the NW–SE direction. A 3D grid was constructed using the surfaces of the delineated reservoirs and the reservoir properties were distributed stochastically using simple krigging method with sequential Gaussian simulation, sequential indicator simulation and Gaussian random function simulation algorithms. Geostatistical modeling used in this study has been able to give subsurface information in the areas deficient of well data as the estimated reservoir properties gotten from existing wells have been spatially distributed in the study area and will thus aid future field development while also they are used in identifying new prospect by combining property models with structural maps of the area.
Dual-solver hybrid computational approaches for design and analysis of vertical lift vehicles
Authors: Smith M.J. , Moushegian A. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe cost of Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes simulations can be restrictive to implement in aeromechanics design and analysis of vertical lift configurations given the cost to resolve the flow on a mesh sufficient to provide accurate aerodynamic and structural loads. Dual-solver hybrid methods have been developed that resolve the configuration and the near field with the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes solvers, while the wake is resolved with vorticity-preserving methods that are more cost-effective. These dual-solver approaches can be integrated into an organisation’s workflow to bridge the gap between lower-fidelity methods and the expensive Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes when there are complex physics present. This paper provides an overview of different dual-solver hybrid methods, coupling approaches, and future efforts to expand their capabilities in the areas of novel configurations and operations in constrained and turbulent environments.
Developing a national database for higher education student counselling services: the importance of collaborations
Authors: Howard Emma , Tayer Farahani Zahra , Rashleigh Chuck , Dooley Barbara 
Published: December 2021

AbstractStudent counselling services are at the forefront of providing mental health support to Irish Higher Education students. Since 1996, the Psychological Counsellors in Higher Education in Ireland (PCHEI) association, through their annual survey collection, has collected aggregate data for the sector. However, to identify national trends and effective interventions, a standardised non-aggregate sectoral approach to data collection is required. The Higher Education Authority funded project, 3SET, builds on the PCHEI survey through the development of a national database. In this paper, we outline the steps followed in developing the database, identify the parties involved at each stage and contrast the approach taken to the development of similar databases. Important factors shaping the development have been the autonomy of counselling services, compliance with General Data Protection Regulation, and the involvement of practitioners. This is an ongoing project with the long-term sustainability of the database being a primary objective.
Between Independence and Autonomy: The Changing Landscape of Ethno-nationalist Movements in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Rafiullah 
Published: December 2021

AbstractSince its inception, Pakistan has faced challenges of ethnic-nationalism from her ethnicities. State efforts to mold these diverse identities into one communal Muslim identity have been continually resisted by the different nationalities comprising Pakistan. The demands of ethno-national movements have fluctuated between independence and autonomy, depending upon the relation between the state and the respective ethnic group. Sometimes the demand for autonomy has expanded into a desire for independence, as was the case with Bengali ethnic nationalism. At other times, the desire for independence has shrunk to a demand for autonomy, as manifested by Pashtun nationalism. This shift is explicated through the relationship between the state and ethnic groups. The author analyzes this shift through the prism of Paul Brass’s instrumental theory of elite competition. The factors that contributed to the success of Bengali nationalism in achieving statehood and the failure of Baloch nationalism to do so are viewed through Ted Gurr’s concept of relative deprivation. The integration of Sindhi and Pashtun ethnic groups into the state structure is explained via Andreas Wimmer’s notion of ownership of the state.
TOUGHNESS, ISOLATED TOUGHNESS AND PATH FACTORS IN GRAPHS
Authors: ZHOU SIZHONG , WU JIANCHENG , XU YANG 
Published: December 2021

AbstractA graph G is called a
$(P_{\geq n},k)$
-factor-critical covered graph if for any
$Q\subseteq V(G)$
with
$|Q|=k$
and any
$e\in E(G-Q)$
,
$G-Q$
has a
$P_{\geq n}$
-factor covering e. We demonstrate that (i) a
$(k+1)$
-connected graph G with at least
$k+3$
vertices is a
$(P_{\geq 3},k)$
-factor-critical covered graph if its toughness
$t(G)>{(2+k)}/{3}$
; (ii) a
$(k+2)$
-connected graph G is a
$(P_{\geq 3},k)$
-factor-critical covered graph if its isolated toughness
$I(G)>{(5+k)}/{3}$
. Furthermore, we show that the conditions on
$t(G)$
and
$I(G)$
are sharp.
A new bionic hydraulic actuator system for legged robots with impact buffering, impact energy absorption, impact energy storage, and force burst
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Cong Dacheng , Yang Yu , Yang Zhidong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIt is a big challenge for bionic legged robots to realize desired jumping heights and forward-running speeds, let alone achieve springbok-style jump-running. A key limitation is that there is no actuator system that can mimic the springbok’s muscle system to drive leg–foot system movements. In this paper, we analyze the movement process of springboks and summarize some key characteristics of actuator systems. Some key concepts are then identified based on these key characteristics. Next, we propose a new bionic hydraulic joint actuator system with impact buffering, impact energy absorption, impact energy storage, and force burst, which can be applied to various legged robots to achieve higher running speeds, higher jumping heights, longer endurance, heavier loads, and lighter mass.
OP188 Post-Launch Evidence Generation Studies For Medical Devices In Spain: Integrating Real World Evidence Into Decision-Making
Authors: Imaz-Iglesia Inaki , Serrano Pedro , Orejas Eugenia , Moreno Anai , Puñal-Ruibóo Janet , Palma Matilde , Rivero Amado , Vicente-Sáiz M. Luisa , Reviriego Eva , Alcalde Enrique , González Himar , Gutiérrez-Ibarluzea Iñaki , González-Enríquez Jesús , Asua José , Gutiérrez Asunción , Galnares Lorea 
Published: December 2021

IntroductionA national act (Order SSI/1356/2015) regulating Post-Launch Evidence Generation (PLEG) studies was set in Spain in 2015. These PLEG studies are to inform decisions about technologies already included in the Benefit Portfolio of the Spanish National Health System (SNHS) in order to confirm/exclude/modify their terms of use. Once a PLEG is established the selected hospitals provide the technology according to a common protocol and register outcomes until the required sample size is reached.MethodsThe PLEG studies are prospective, observational and single arm studies on safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a technology in real practice. The technology is selected because of the identification of an evidence gap, usually through a health technology assessment (HTA) report made by an agency of the Spanish Network of HTA Agencies (RedETS). The execution of a PLEG is assigned to one of the RedETS Agencies, which is responsible of delivering annual reports and a final report when the objectives are reached.ResultsThe following six PLEG studies, all of them on medical devices, have been launched in Spain so far, i) Endobronchial valve for patients with persistent air leak; ii) Biodegradable esophageal stent; iii) Percutaneous mitral valve repair system by clip; iv) Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device; v) Sensor-based glucose monitoring systems for children with type 1 diabetes mellitus; vi) Left ventricular assist devices for destination therapy. Five studies will finish their data collection by the end of 2020 or during 2021.ConclusionsA new national procedure using PLEG has been made available in Spain facilitating the use of real-world evidence to inform national decision-making on the financing of selected technologies due to uncertainties about their effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness and organizational impact. The studies are requiring a high amount of coordination tasks, as they are involving an average of 21 hospitals each. The usefulness and suitability of this procedure to achieve its objectives must be evaluated once their results are available.
OP208 Did Health Technology Assessments Make the Wrong Call? Quantitative Bias Analysis: Alectinib versus Ceritinib in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wilkinson Samantha , Gupta Alind , Mackay Eric , Arora Paul , Thorlund Kristian , Wasiak Radek , Ray Joshua , Ramagopalan Sreeram 
Published: December 2021

IntroductionThe German health technology assessment (HTA) rejected additional benefit of alectinib for second line (2L) ALK+ NSCLC, citing possible biases from missing ECOG performance status data and unmeasured confounding in real-world evidence (RWE) for 2L ceritinib that was submitted as a comparator to the single arm alectinib trial. Alectinib was approved in the US and therefore US post-launch RWE can be used to evaluate this HTA decision.MethodsWe compared the real-world effectiveness of alectinib with ceritinib in 2L post-crizotinib ALK+ NSCLC using the nationwide Flatiron Health electronic health record (EHR)-derived de-identified database. Using quantitative bias analysis (QBA), we estimated the strength of (i) unmeasured confounding and (ii) deviation from missing-at-random (MAR) assumptions needed to nullify any overall survival (OS) benefit.ResultsAlectinib had significantly longer median OS than ceritinib in complete case analysis. The estimated effect size (Hazard Ratio: 0.55) was robust to risk ratios of unmeasured confounder-outcome and confounder-exposure associations of <2.4.Based on tipping point analysis, missing baseline ECOG performance status for ceritinib-treated patients (49% missing) would need to be more than 3.4-times worse than expected under MAR to nullify the OS benefit observed for alectinib.ConclusionsOnly implausible levels of bias reversed our conclusions. These methods could provide a framework to explore uncertainty and aid decision-making for HTAs to enable patient access to innovative therapies.
OP310 Challenges Raised By The Economic Evaluation Of CAR-T-cell therapies: The Review By The French National Authority For Health
Authors: Raimond Véronique , Kaltenbach Emmanuelle , Adam Christophe , Lazzarotto Sébastien , Galès Catherine Le , Perrier Lionel , Wittwer Jérôme 
Published: December 2021

IntroductionSince 2013, the coverage of innovative and expensive drugs by the French National Health Insurance considers cost-effectiveness and budget impact, as assessed by the National Authority for Health (HAS) on the basis of an evaluation submitted by the firm. First CAR-T cell therapies were subject to economic evaluation in 2019 in France. We aim at describing the process and results of the economic evaluation of tisagenlecleucel and axicabtagene ciloleucel and the challenges these evaluations raised.MethodsPrimary evaluations were submitted by the firms to be reviewed by HAS. The final analyses were submitted to the Committee of Economic Evaluation and Public Health (CEESP), composed of independent economists, clinicians and patients’ representatives. The CEESP issued Opinions related to i) the methodological quality of economic evidence and ii) the cost-effectiveness and budget impact of the drugs under review.ResultsThe estimated incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) of tisagenlecleucel were rejected, being based on insufficient clinical evidence to estimate and extrapolate the long-term progression and to compare tisagenlecleucel with alternatives. Thus, the CEESP concluded that tisagenlecleucel was not proved cost-effective. The estimated ICUR of axicabtagene ciloleucel at 114,509EUR/QALY vs. chemotherapies was associated with an acceptable level of evidence despite being based on a frail indirect comparison and limited data on quality of life. In a context where France has no official cost-effectiveness threshold, the CEESP considered axicabtagene ciloleucel ICUR to be “very high” and questioned the collective acceptability of the claimed price.The CEESP stressed that the main source of uncertainty surrounding the ICUR estimates of both drugs was related to the lack of hindsight on effectiveness, especially in terms of overall survival and safety.ConclusionsThe economic evaluation of CAR-T cell therapies highlights the sources of uncertainty underlying the decision and the risk of inefficient resource allocation driven by limited clinical data. It calls for payment schemes accounting for the uncertainty, and effective collection of relevant post-marketing data.