bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of tooth loss on functional impairment in elderly: A secondary data analysis of elderly cohort in the South Korea
Authors: Cho Han‐A , Shin Hosung 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionThis study aimed to assess the association of tooth loss with physical and cognitive impairments in the elderly aged over 65 years.MethodsThe Elderly Cohort database (2008–2013) of National Health Insurance Services in South Korea was used; 1485 individuals who underwent physical impairment evaluation and 1410 individuals who underwent cognitive impairment evaluation were analysed. The dependent variables were the standardized physical and cognitive function score. The generalized estimating equation method was used for repeated measures. The total number of teeth lost during the study period, sex, age, Charlson comorbidity index, income, medical aid, long‐term care facility residence, living alone, and long‐term care beneficiary was used as covariates.ResultsDifferences between the baseline and endpoint standardized function scores of the participants with impaired physical function and impaired cognitive function were 13.6 and 20.1, respectively. The magnitude of functional impairment due to tooth loss was greater for cognitive function than for physical function. The number of teeth lost was associated with approximately 1.4‐ and 1.7‐point decrease in physical and cognitive functions, respectively (both p < 0.001).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the oral health status is essential for maintaining physical and cognitive functions and that oral health services can be effective in delaying functional impairment among the elderly residing in coordinated long‐term care facilities.
Private and state‐led contract farming in Zimbabwe: Accumulation, social differentiation and rural politics
Authors: Shonhe Toendepi , Scoones Ian 
Published: December 2021

AbstractContract farming schemes often amplify existing patterns of socio‐economic differentiation. In Zimbabwe, processes of differentiation were underway before the current expansion of contract farming and they have deepened through the Fast Track Land Reform process. This article examines how pre‐existing dynamics of differentiation shape the forms of contract farming adopted, as well as which groups of farmers gain access and on what terms. Social differentiation partly explains the outcomes of contract farming, even if contract farming in turn results in further differentiation. This article contrasts private sector‐led contract farming of tobacco and state‐led financing of maize production (the ‘command agriculture’ programme) in two high‐potential sites and across different forms of land use. Unlike in many other settings, contract farming in Zimbabwe is highly influenced by the state, through the regulation of private sector arrangements and the establishment of a state‐led contracting programme. The state‐led programme boosted maize production amongst medium‐scale farmers and resulted in an embedding of patronage relations. Meanwhile, the private‐led contract farming has supported a widespread boom of tobacco production, mainly amongst smallholders. We find therefore that contract farming is highly dependent on the contingent, politically mediated processes of social differentiation.
Diagnosing onychomycosis: A step forward?
Authors: Gupta Aditya K. , Hall Deanna C. 
Published: December 2021

Background and aimsThere are a number of available methods for diagnosing onychomycosis, but more emerge as technology advances. This review briefly discusses the common diagnostic methods, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) as a diagnostic tool in dermatology as a whole, and then examines research on the use of AI for diagnosing onychomycosis. The studies discussed implemented convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to examine datasets of images of entire nails or histological images and then used the information learned from those datasets to make a diagnostic decision of onychomycosis or not.ResultsResults: It was found that, on average, AI were able to diagnose onychomycosis from the images provided at an equivalent level as human dermatologists. However, there are a number of clear limitations for using AI in this manner. The AI models implemented relied solely on images and therefore were limited by image quality. As only images were examined, other clinical data were not taken into consideration, which could be important to the diagnostic outcome.ConclusionConclusion: In conclusion, although AI can be a very helpful tool in the diagnostic process by increasing efficiency and reducing costs, it still requires the precision and expertise of professional dermatologists to be used optimally.
Comparative study between the efficacies of azathioprine and mesalazine in the treatment of severe alopecia areata
Authors: Mahgoob Randa Al Sayed , Elgamal Emad Eldin , Elshahat Osama Magdy , Almetwaly Samir Atef 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundVarious systemic agents have been assessed for treatment of alopecia areata; however, there is a paucity of comparative studies.AimTo compare the efficacy of azathioprine versus mesalazine in the treatment of severe alopecia areata.MethodsOur study was carried out in 30 patients with severe alopecia areata divided into two groups, group A: fifteen patients were treated by azathioprine in an oral dose of 1–2 mg/kg/day and group B: fifteen patients were treated by mesalazine in an oral dose of 15–30 mg/kg/day in two divided doses. The treatment was considered effective if percentage regrowth of hair was determined by change in SALT score >50 from base line after 6 months of treatment. The treatment was continued for 3–6 months after complete remission to minimize the risk of relapse. The dose was gradually tapered during this time.ResultsThe study found that there is statistically significant difference between mean SALT scores before treatment and after 6 months of treatment in both groups. In group A, SALT score at base line was 84.42 ± 17.41, after 6 months it was 35.95 ± 35.79 (p value 0.04). In group B, SALT score at base line was 73.06 ± 22.10, after 6 months it was 23.04± 12.27 (p value 0.037). Changes in SALT score after 6 months were −27.74 ± 20.66 in group A and −60.42±38.41 in group B (p value 0.055).ConclusionMesalazine may be considered as effective as azathioprine with lesser side effects. Azathioprine is also considered safe. However, a large group study should be performed to confirm these findings.
Mixed evidence for the small‐island effect in a replicated colonisation experiment
Authors: Kozlov Mikhail V. , Lanta Vojtěch , Zverev Vitali 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimPlant species richness increases with island/patch area, but the effect of spatial scale on the shape of the species‒area relationship remains debatable. We asked whether the small‐island effect (SIE; i.e. different relationship between island area and species richness on smaller compared to larger plots) occurs in plants naturally colonising extremely small de novo plots.LocationNorthern Europe.MethodsWe established 16 experimental plots with bare ground (two plots of each of eight sizes, from 2 to 0.01 m2) in each of four localities, and monitored colonisation of these plots by vascular plants from 2008 to 2010. We modelled species‒area relationships in these plots by linear and breakpoint regressions, and we analysed plant functional traits with respect to plot size.ResultsSmall‐seeded plants were over‐represented among the primary colonisers, and plant functional traits changed with plot size. On average, the number of plant species was six times greater in our largest (2 m2) than in our smallest (0.01 m2) plots. The SIE was observed in half of our analyses; the semi‐log models identified SIE more often than the log‐log models did (71.1% and 28.9% of all analyses respectively).ConclusionsThe evidence for the small‐island effect in boreal forest plants colonising patches of bare ground is mixed. Despite extremely small patch size and habitat uniformity, half of our data showed a “classic” species‒area relationship. Our findings hint that the probability of SIE occurrence increases with decreases in the species pool of primary colonisers and with decreases in the time from the beginning of colonisation. We suggest that the analysis of plant functional traits in study systems where SIE does occur be conducted to uncover the drivers of this interesting biogeographical phenomenon.
Population characteristics and potential factors influencing recruitment variability of blue catfish, channel catfish and flathead catfish in Thunderbird Reservoir, Oklahoma
Authors: Griffin Austin D. , Snow Richard A. , Porta Michael J. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBlue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus), channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) are popular sport fishes throughout North America, and are therefore intensively managed by some natural resource agencies. Although catfish fisheries rely on sufficient natural reproduction and recruitment to sustain these populations, few studies have evaluated the variables affecting catfish recruitment. Thus, the objectives of this study were to describe population characteristics (age, size structure, condition, growth, mortality and recruitment) of blue catfish, channel catfish and flathead catfish in Thunderbird Reservoir, Oklahoma, and evaluate the effects of hydrology, water quality and temperature on year‐class strength. During 2017 and 2018, 235 blue catfish, 194 channel catfish and 120 flathead catfish were collected and aged using otoliths. In general, these catfish species in Thunderbird Reservoir were slow growing, long‐lived, had low mortality rates and experienced variable recruitment. Blue catfish recruitment was lower in years with higher average January air temperatures. Channel catfish recruitment was higher in years with increased average annual and spring/summer exchange rate and increased spring/summer average reservoir water volume (ha‐m). Conversely, higher annual average total hardness (mg/L) resulted in decreased recruitment for channel catfish. Flathead catfish recruitment exhibited a minimal negative impact with increased annual reservoir volume (ha‐m). The present study is among the first to describe potential variables influencing year‐class formation of blue catfish, channel catfish and flathead catfish in reservoirs. Although the variables found to influence catfish recruitment are outside the control of fisheries managers, biologists should promote downstream angling opportunities for blue catfish that escape during reservoir water release events and stock channel catfish in systems with consistently high total water hardness in order to maximize fishing opportunities. Further, they can use the results of this study to manage angler expectations following periods of low recruitment.
Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) infestation cycle and interactions with nutrients and aquatic biota in Winam Gulf (Kenya), Lake Victoria
Authors: Otieno Dennis , Nyaboke Hilda , Nyamweya Chrisphine Sangara , Odoli Cyprian Ogombe , Aura Christopher Mulanda , Outa Nicholas Otieno 
Published: December 2021

AbstractLake Victoria, like many other lakes in Africa, is affected by water hyacinth that reside in several bays for the majority of the year. The weed affects several economic activities of the local communities and denies revenue to the government from blue economic activities related to the lake. The present study examined the interaction of water hyacinth with biotic and abiotic factors and the efficiency of introduced weevils to better control this invasive weed. Water quality samples were collected and compared from the time of water hyacinth re‐emergence and sinking within the Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria. The present study was divided into three phases with an interval of 2 months. Water hyacinth was collected, and the damages resulting from the weevils to the hyacinth, as well as the number of weevils, was recorded and analysed. Fish samples were collected with experimental gill nets. The collected water samples was analysed for the aquatic plant nutrient ammonium, soluble reactive phosphorus, nitrates and nitrites. Data were analysed using R package. The results of the present study indicated that the weevils inhibited nutrient uptake by hyacinth by 17% within the first 4 weeks. The hyacinth subsequently increased the nutrient levels in the gulf by threefold after their decay and sinking. Weevils also increased the sinking rate of water hyacinth through the destruction of their petioles and leaves. One hundred and ninety‐four more fish were observed in the experimental nets during the weed infestation, compared to periods when the weed was absent within the gulf. The major conclusions were that water hyacinth impacts both biotic and abiotic factors, and that the weevils alone are unable to eradicate the weed.
Variation in the endogenous intact waxes of odontocetes: There is more than one way to build an acoustic receiver
Authors: Michael Ana , Budge Suzanne M. , Westgate Andrew J. , Glandon Hillary L. , Koopman Heather N. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractOdontocetes possess specialized fat bodies in and around the mandibles for sound reception which have complex topographical distributions of unique endogenous lipids (triacylglycerols and wax esters [WE]). Although there is diversity across species in the fatty acid (FA) and fatty alcohol (FAlc) components of WE, little is understood about the composition and placement of the intact molecules, which will likely impact acoustic function. We aimed to determine the composition and distribution of intact waxes in the jaw fats from five species representative of three odontocete families: delphinids, kogiids, and ziphiids. Total lipid content was similar in all groups, but the WE content of that lipid (21.3%–53.3% of total lipid) and the identity of intact WE molecules showed a high degree of variation, especially in the short‐chain fatty acid components. In contrast, the FAlc elements were surprisingly well conserved. There were 26 intact WE that were common to all species but the delphinids had 12 additional WE with short‐chain fatty acids (i‐5:0 specifically) not found in the other animals examined here. Our study suggests that this highly specialized tissue has evolved several different biochemical pathways, and that there may be multiple strategies for building acoustic fat bodies.
Prenatal intervention program for Japanese first‐time fathers to adapt to the paternal role: A mixed methods study
Authors: Morita Akiko 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to develop a prenatal intervention program focused on the formation of paternal identity for adapting to the paternal role. The intervention program allowed participants to create a postpartum schedule using a uniquely developed paternity portfolio. Pre and postintervention effects were evaluated using a convergent design of mixed methods. This intervention effect was quantitatively evaluated between the two groups. To qualitatively examine the intervention's effects, participants were interviewed for effective prenatal education, and their paternal role behaviors were identified by the intervention. Details of actual postpartum paternal role behavior and effective prenatal education were collected. Obtained data were inductively analyzed and compared with those in the proposed prenatal intervention program. There were 10 pairs in the intervention group and 31 pairs in the control group. Intergroup comparison of evaluation data showed no significant difference. However, qualitative results clarified the effective nursing intervention, confirming the achievement of intervention goals by all participants. Intervention expressions were adjusted based on the results, and a revised prenatal intervention program was developed.
Arabidopsis PUB2 and PUB4 connect signaling components of pattern‐triggered immunity
Authors: Wang Yiping , Wu Yingying , Zhong Huan , Chen Shuai , Wong Kam‐Bo , Xia Yiji 
Published: December 2021

Summary

Plants use pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to detect pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and activate pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI). Precise regulation of information from PRRs to downstream signaling components is vital to mounting an appropriate immune response and requires dynamic interactions of these PTI components.

We used transcriptome profiling, phenotypic analysis, molecular genetics, and protein–protein interaction analysis to understand the roles of the Arabidopsis plant U‐box (PUB) proteins PUB2 and PUB4 in disease resistance and PTI signaling.

Loss of function of both PUB2 and PUB4 diminishes the PAMP‐triggered oxidative bursts and dampens mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling, resulting in a severe compromise in resistance to not only pathogenic but also nonpathogenic strains of Pseudomonas syringae. Within PUB4, the E3 ligase activity is dispensable, but the armadillo repeat region is essential and sufficient for its function in immunity. PUB2 and PUB4 interact with PTI signaling components, including FLS2, BIK1, PBL27, and RbohD, and enhance FLS2‐BIK1 and BIK1‐RbohD interactions.

Our study reveals that PUB2 and PUB4 are critical components of plant immunity and connect PTI components to positively regulate defense responses.
A Power Balance Simulator to Examine Business Continuity in Hospital Facilities Due to Power Outages in a Disaster
Authors: Uemichi Akane , Oikawa Ryo , Yamasaki Yudai , Kaneko Shigehiko 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In hospitals, the energy supply is the key to ensuring modern medical care even during power outages due to a disaster. This study qualitatively examined whether the supply–demand balance can be stabilized by the private generator prepared by the hospital building during stand-alone operations under disaster conditions. In the nanogrid of the hospital building, the power quality was examined based on the AC frequency, which characterizes the supply–demand balance. Gas engine generators, emergency diesel generators, photovoltaic panels, and storage batteries were presumed to be the private generators in the hospital building. The output reference values for the emergency diesel and gas engine generators were set using droop control, and the C/D controller-enabled synchronized operation. In addition, to keep the AC frequency fluctuation minor, the photovoltaic panels were designed to suppress the output fluctuation using storage batteries. As a result of case studies, the simulator predicts that the frequency fluctuation varies greatly depending on the weather conditions and the fluctuation suppression parameters, even for the same configuration with the same power generation capacity. Therefore, it is preferable to increase the moving average time of the output and reduce the feedback gain of the storage battery to suppress the output fluctuation from the photovoltaics. However, there is a trade-off between suppressing the output fluctuation and the minimum required storage capacity. Furthermore, since the photovoltaics’ output varies with the weather, other private generators’ capacity and control parameters significantly impact power quality. The simulator proposed in this study makes it possible to study each hospital's desirable private generator configuration.
Integral Design of a Turbocharger for Internal Engine Energy Saving: Centrifugal Compressor Design
Authors: Xu Cheng , Amano R. S. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Energy savings and emission reductions are essential for internal engines. Turbocharger is critical for engine system performance and emission. In this study, the engine simulation program was used to systematically optimize the engine turbocharger system performance. The velocity ratio concept was used in the engine simulation program to consider the performance impacts of the wheel diameter ratio between compressor and turbine. An integral consideration for both compressor and turbine was proposed to design the new turbocharger. An optimization process was used to design the compressor. The performance and mechanical integrity assessments for final designs by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) solvers were reported in this paper. The optimized compressor wheel has some distiguished features comparing with conventional designs. In this design, the splitter is not located at the middle between the two main blades; the compressor wheel exit diameter at shroud is larger than exit diamerer at the hub. The new compressor was tested on both gas stand and engine. The numerical results are fairly agreed with gas stand tests. The tests showed about 1.2% of the engine BSFC reduction without sacrificing the emission and cost. This study demonstrated that a systematic method in simulation and a compressor design optimization process could optimize the engine system and improve the engine performance.
Comparison of Random Forest and Neural Network in Modeling the Performance and Emissions of a Natural Gas Spark Ignition Engine
Authors: Liu Jinlong , Huang Qiao , Ulishney Christopher , Dumitrescu Cosmin E. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Machine learning (ML) models can accelerate the development of efficient internal combustion engines. This study assessed the feasibility of data-driven methods toward predicting the performance of a diesel engine modified to natural gas (NG) spark ignition (SI), based on a limited number of experiments. As the best ML technique cannot be chosen a priori, the applicability of different ML algorithms for such an engine application was evaluated. Specifically, the performance of two widely used ML algorithms, the random forest (RF) and the artificial neural network (ANN), in forecasting engine responses related to in-cylinder combustion phenomena was compared. The results indicated that both algorithms with spark timing (ST), mixture equivalence ratio, and engine speed as model inputs produced acceptable results with respect to predicting engine performance, combustion phasing, and engine-out emissions. Despite requiring more effort in hyperparameter optimization, the ANN model performed better than the RF model, especially for engine emissions, as evidenced by the larger R-squared, smaller root-mean-square errors (RMSEs), and more realistic predictions of the effects of key engine control variables on the engine performance. However, in applications where the combustion behavior knowledge is limited, it is recommended to use a RF model to quickly determine the appropriate number of model inputs. Consequently, using the RF model to define the model structure and then using the ANN model to improve the model’s predictive capability can help to rapidly build data-driven engine combustion models.
Study the Effect of Nitrogen Content on the Friction and Wear Properties of Zr-Cu-Ni-Al Bulk Metallic Glasses
Authors: Chen Yugan , Tao Pingjun , Zhang Weijian , Huang Zhenghua , Li Fuhai , Yang Yuanzheng 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The effects of nitrogen on friction and wear properties of Zr-based bulk metallic glasses were investigated experimentally. Bar like metallic glasses were prepared by copper mold suction casting method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to characterize the structure of samples, which proved their amorphous structure. The surface properties of the samples were studied with a microhardness tester and a friction and wear tester. The wear surfaces of the sample were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The results show that the introduction of nitrogen improves the hardness and wear resistance of Zr-based metallic glass. Compared with the non-N-doped Zr-based metallic glass, the N-doped Zr-based metallic glasses have higher hardness and lower wear-rate. In particular, the sample with 1.5% nitrogen doping has the largest hardness (578.58 hv) and the lowest wear-rate (1.04 × 10−3 mm3/N/m). The wear types of N-doped Zr-based amorphous on GCr15 are mainly abrasive wear and adhesive wear.