bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nano‐Thermodynamics of Chemically Induced Graphene–Diamond Transformation
Authors: Erohin Sergey V. , Ruan Qiyuan , Sorokin Pavel B. , Yakobson Boris I.
Published: October 2020

Nearly 2D diamond, or diamane, is coveted as an ultrathin sp3‐carbon film with unique mechanics and electro‐optics. The very thinness (≈h) makes it possible for the surface chemistry, for example, adsorbed atoms, to shift the bulk phase thermodynamics in favor of diamond, from multilayer graphene. Thermodynamic theory coupled with atomistic first principles computations predicts not only the reduction of required pressure (p/p∞ > 1 − h0/h) but also the nucleation barriers, definitive for the kinetic feasibility of diamane formation. Moreover, the optimal adsorbent chair‐pattern on a bilayer graphene results in a cubic diamond lattice, while for thicker precursors the adsorbent boat‐structure tends to produce hexagonal diamond (lonsdaleite), if graphene is in AA′ stacking to start with. As adsorbents, H and F are conducive to diamond formation, while Cl appears sterically hindered.
Production and Optimization of Ultrafine Fiber from Yam Starch by Electrospinning Method Using Multivariate Analysis
Authors: de Souza Estefania Julia Dierings , dos Santos Felipe Nardo , Pires Juliani Buchveitz , Kringel Dianini Hüttner , da Silva Wyller Max Ferreira , Meinhart Adriana Dillenburg , Dias Alvaro Renato Guerra , Zavareze Elessandra da Rosa
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study is to produce ultrafine fibers based on native yam starch as a polymeric material using the electrospinning technique. For this purpose, a 2³ multivariate design is used, with central and axial points in order to optimize the electrospinning operating conditions (source voltage, distance between the needle and the collector, and flow of the polymeric solution). The morphology and diameter of the ultrafine fibers are evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The investigated responses are the average diameter of the fibers, the standard deviation of the average diameter, and the number of beads. The optimum condition for the production of ultrafine fibers is: voltage of 20 kV, distance between the needle and the collector of 20.5 cm, and flow of 1 mL h−1. With these conditions, it is possible to form fibers with an average diameter of 134.1 ± 16.71 nm, with homogeneous morphology, and without beads.
Surveillance assessment for veterinary biocidal products in Korea: A laboratory investigation
Authors: Kang JeongWoo , Hossain Md Akil , Park Hae‐chul , Song Jae‐Young , Kim Yong‐Sang , Jeong Mi young , Chung Gab‐Soo , Lee Hye‐Sook , Yoon Hyeong‐Jun , Park Sung‐won , Lee Kwang‐jick
Published: October 2020

Veterinary biocides used in animal husbandry have the potential to cause human health concerns. Biocidal products for veterinary use, which contain pesticides approved in Korea, comprise 49 active ingredients within 234 products. Within 17 of these products there are 3 ingredients which are highly hazardous pesticides: coumaphos, dichlorvos and methomyl. In this study, the content of the active ingredients of 160 products sold domestically was investigated. Samples were collected for 119 biocidal products for veterinary use. These were analysed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC). Seventeen products were noncompliant (insufficient or excess quantity of active ingredients). The ingredients that were below the stated concentrations were amitraz, chlorpyrifos‐methyl, cypermethrin, cyromazine, dichlorvos, fipronil, muscamone and trichlorfon. The ingredients that exceeded the stated concentrations were abamectin, fluvalinate and pyriproxyfen. The noncompliance rate in biocidal products for veterinary use was 9.19%. The results of this study show that three highly hazardous pesticides (coumaphos, dichlorvos and methomyl) and 10 active ingredients (abamectin, amitraz, chlorpyrifos‐methyl, cypermethrin, cyromazine, fipronil, fluvalinate, muscamone, pyriproxyfen and trichlorfon) deviated from the stated concentrations. Thus, management plans should be established to ensure compliant veterinary drugs by post‐distribution quality control, such as planning for regular inspection.
Phosphorus recovery from wastewater using pyridine‐based ion‐exchange resins: Role of impregnated iron oxide nanoparticles and preloaded Lewis acid (Cu2+)
Authors: Beaudry Jeffrey W. , Sengupta Sukalyan
Published: October 2020

Inputs of P into receiving water bodies are attracting increasing attention due to the negative effects of eutrophication. Presently available P treatment technologies are unable to achieve strict P discharge limits from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) that may be as low as 10 µg/L as P. Moreover, P is a nonrenewable resource and needs to be recycled in a closed‐loop process for environmental sustainability. This article provides details of a process where a pyridine‐based polymeric ion exchanger is modified with a combination of impregnated hydrated ferric oxide (HFO) nanoparticles and a preloaded Lewis acid (Cu2+) to effectuate selective P removal from wastewater and its recovery as a solid‐phase fertilizer. Three such ion exchangers were studied: DOW‐HFO, DOW‐Cu, and DOW‐HFO‐Cu. Each of these materials displays selective phosphate affinity over competing anions chloride and sulfate, and also has the ability to be regenerated upon exhaustion to strip off the P in a concentrated solution. The P in concentrated regenerant can be recovered as struvite, MgNH4PO4, a slow‐release fertilizer, after addition of MgCl2 and NH4Cl. Results of equilibrium and kinetic studies and column experiments with synthetic solutions and a real WWTP effluent are discussed.

Practitioner points

Fixed‐bed columns with DOW‐HFO, DOW‐Cu, or DOW‐HFO‐Cu—can selectively remove phosphorus over competing anions.

Fixed‐bed columns of above‐listed ion exchangers can produce an effluent P < 6 μg/L.

DOW‐Cu fixed‐bed column ran for ≈500 Bed Volumes before breakthrough when fed Dartmouth WWTP secondary effluent.

Regeneration of the exhausted DOW‐Cu column resulted in ≈90% recovery of the phosphorus.

Regenerant solution was used to generate high‐purity crystals of magnesium ammonium phosphate, MgNH4PO4 (struvite), a slow‐release fertilizer.
Fixed-order and merged parton-shower predictions for WW and WWj production at the LHC including NLO QCD and EW corrections
Authors: Bräuer Stephan , Denner Ansgar , Pellen Mathieu , Schönherr Marek , Schumann Steffen
Published: October 2020

Abstract

First, we present a combined analysis of pp $$ \to {\mu}^{+}{v}_{\mu }{\mathrm{e}}^{-}{\overline{v}}_{\mathrm{e}} $$
→

μ
+

v
μ

e
−

v
¯

e

and pp $$ \to {\mu}^{+}{v}_{\mu }{\mathrm{e}}^{-}{\overline{v}}_{\mathrm{e}}\mathrm{j} $$
→

μ
+

v
μ

e
−

v
¯

e

j
at next-to-leading order, including both QCD and electroweak corrections. Second, we provide all-order predictions for pp $$ \to {\mu}^{+}{v}_{\mu }{\mathrm{e}}^{-}{\overline{v}}_{\mathrm{e}}+ $$
→

μ
+

v
μ

e
−

v
¯

e

+
jets using merged parton-shower simulations that also include approximate EW effects. A fully inclusive sample for WW production is compared to the fixed-order computations for exclusive zero- and one-jet selections. The various higher-order effects are studied in detail at the level of cross sections and differential distributions for realistic experimental set-ups. Our study confirms that merged predictions are significantly more stable than the fixed-order ones in particular regarding ratios between the two processes.
Aggregating multiple ordinal rankings in engineering design: the best model according to the Kendall’s coefficient of concordance
Authors: Franceschini Fiorenzo , Maisano Domenico
Published: October 2020

Aggregating the preferences of a group of experts is a recurring problem in several fields, including engineering design; in a nutshell, each expert formulates an ordinal ranking of a set of alternatives and the resulting rankings should be aggregated into a collective one. Many aggregation models have been proposed in the literature, showing strengths and weaknesses, in line with the implications of Arrow's impossibility theorem. Furthermore, the coherence of the collective ranking with respect to the expert rankings may change depending on: (i) the expert rankings themselves and (ii) the aggregation model adopted. This paper assesses this coherence for a variety of aggregation models, through a recent test based on the Kendall's coefficient of concordance (W), and studies the characteristics of those models that are most likely to achieve higher coherence. Interestingly, the so-called Borda count model often provides best coherence, with some exceptions in the case of collective rankings with ties. The description is supported by practical examples.
The moment problem on curves with bumps
Authors: Kimsey David P. , Putinar Mihai
Published: October 2020

The power moments of a positive measure on the real line or the circle are characterized by the non-negativity of an infinite matrix, Hankel, respectively Toeplitz, attached to the data. Except some fortunate configurations, in higher dimensions there are no non-negativity criteria for the power moments of a measure to be supported by a prescribed closed set. We combine two well studied fortunate situations, specifically a class of curves in two dimensions classified by Scheiderer and Plaumann, and compact, basic semi-algebraic sets, with the aim at enlarging the realm of geometric shapes on which the power moment problem is accessible and solvable by non-negativity certificates.
Hypoglycaemic, antioxidative and phytochemical evaluation of Cornus mas varieties
Authors: Szczepaniak Oskar , Cielecka-Piontek Judyta , Kobus-Cisowska Joanna
Published: October 2020

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) is a plant growing in Central and Eastern Europe. Its fruits are a rich source of anthocyanins, flavonoids and iridoids. Among the iridoids, loganic acid is the most prevalent. The study aimed to examine the relation between loganic acid content, antioxidant capacity and hypoglycaemic effect in vivo for three Polish cultivars of C. mas. All tested cultivars strongly inhibited α-glucosidase and had similar amounts of highly bioabsorbable loganic acid. The loganic acid content was similar for each cultivar tested, while the cultivars differed in content of flavonoids and anthocyanins. The highest antioxidant potential was observed in the fruits of cv. Szafer, and the highest α-glucosidase inhibitor was cv. P5. A statistical analysis has shown that hypoglycaemic properties are prevalently driven by anthocyanin content and the antioxidant capacity, especially ferric-reducing ability partially based on loganic acid.
Effect of lurbinectedin on the QTc interval in patients with advanced solid tumors: an exposure–response analysis
Authors: Fudio Salvador , Tabernero Josep , Subbiah Vivek , Chawla Sant P. , Moreno Victor , Longo Federico , Lopez Rafael , Anton Antonio , Trigo Jose Manuel , Shapiro Geoffrey , Jeong Woondong , Villalobos Victor Manuel , Lubomirov Rubin , Fernandez-Teruel Carlos , Alfaro Vicente , Boni Valentina
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study assessed the effect of lurbinectedin, a highly selective inhibitor of oncogenic transcription, on the change from baseline in Fridericia’s corrected QT interval (∆QTcF) and electrocardiography (ECG) morphological patterns, and lurbinectedin concentration–∆QTcF (C-∆QTcF) relationship, in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Methods

Patients with QTcF ≤ 500 ms, QRS < 110 ms, PR < 200 ms, and normal cardiac conduction and function received lurbinectedin 3.2 mg/m2as a 1-h intravenous infusion every 3 weeks. ECGs were collected in triplicate via 12-lead digital recorder in treatment cycle 1 and 2 and analyzed centrally. ECG collection time-matched blood samples were drawn to measure lurbinectedin plasma concentration. No effect on QTc interval was concluded if the upper bound (UB) of the least square (LS) mean two-sided 90% confidence intervals (CI) for ΔQTcF at each time point was < 20 ms. C-∆QTcF was explored using linear mixed-effects analysis.

Results

A total of 1707 ECGs were collected from 39 patients (females, 22; median age, 56 years). The largest UB of the 90% CI of ΔQTcF was 9.6 ms, thus lower than the more conservative 10 ms threshold established at the ICH E14 guideline for QT studies in healthy volunteers. C-∆QTcF was better fit by an effect compartment model, and the 90% CI of predicted ΔQTcF at Cmaxwas 7.81 ms, also below the 10 ms threshold of clinical concern.

Conclusions

ECG parameters and C-ΔQTcF modelling in this prospective study indicate that lurbinectedin was not associated with a clinically relevant effect on cardiac repolarization.
Mechanism of skillful seasonal surface chlorophyll prediction over the southern Pacific using a global earth system model
Authors: Ham Yoo-Geun , Joo Young-Sik , Park Jong-Yeon
Published: October 2020

This study investigates the physical mechanism involved in an Earth system model (ESM)-based global marine biogeochemical prediction system providing successful forecasts of surface chlorophyll concentrations over the southern Pacific. The significant correlation skill of the surface chlorophyll concentration over the south-central Pacific (SP region, 160°–110° W, 10°–5° S) appears up to a 15-month lead. In contrast to the previously known role of the vertical nutrient supply on the predictive chlorophyll concentration forecasts, the NO3 budget analysis indicates that this prediction skill over the SP region is mostly controlled by the meridional advection of nutrients. Further analysis indicates that the controlling mechanisms involved in chlorophyll variability over the SP region can be explained by atmospheric and oceanic dynamics during the ENSO events. During La Nina, equatorial NO3 anomalies are increased due to enhanced equatorial upwelling, and the climatological southward current then advects nutrient-rich waters from the equator to the SP region $$\left( {{\text{i.e.,\,positive}}\, - \overline{v}\frac{{\partial {\text{NO}}_{{3}}^{\prime } }}{\partial y}} \right)$$

i.e.,\,positive

-

v
¯

∂

NO

3

′

∂
y

. In addition, anomalous easterly surface winds blow over the SP region as a circulation response to atmospheric diabatic heating anomalies during La Nina, which leads to southward current anomalies over the surface-layer ocean. This advects high climatological NO3 over the tropics to the subtropical south Pacific, which increases the NO3 anomalies $$\left( {{\text{i.e.,\, positive}} - v^{\prime}\frac{{\partial \overline{{{\text{NO}}_{3} }} }}{\partial y}} \right)$$

i.e.,\, positive

-

v
′

∂

NO
3

¯

∂
y

. This positive NO3 advection over the SP region is realistically simulated only at lead times shorter than 9 month, and the multi-season persistency of the nutrients contributes to the surface chlorophyll bloom at lead times longer than 1 year.
Better quality of life and less caregiver strain in young-onset Parkinson’s disease: a multicentre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Te Groen Maarten , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Wu Samuel S. , Post Bart ,   The Parkinson’s Foundation Quality Improvement Initiative investigators
Published: October 2020

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is typically considered as a disease of the elderly. However, there is a sizeable subgroup of patients where PD starts at a younger age, known as young-onset PD (YOPD). We evaluated the differences in quality of life and caregiver strain between YOPD and later onset PD (LOPD) patients in a large cohort.

Methods

In collaboration with the Parkinson Foundation Quality Improvement Initiative (PF-QII), we conducted a retrospective three-year analysis on 962 PD patients of the QII database (starting date May 2016). Of these, 272 patients had YOPD, and 690 had LOPD. The Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39) total score served as primary outcome measure. Furthermore, we analysed group differences in modified caregiver strain index (MCSI) total score, three cognition functions, and number of falls. A regression analysis adjusting for covariates was used to assess the association of age at onset with PDQ-39 and MCSI.

Results

PDQ scores were better in YOPD patients, MCSI scores on social constraint were lower in YOPD patients, but scores on financial constraint were higher in this group. After adjusting for covariates, YOPD patients had better quality of life and less caregiver strain at all follow-up moments, but not at baseline. Decline over time for all outcomes was lower in the YOPD group compared to the LOPD group. Cognitive functioning and number of falls progressed slower in the YOPD group compared to the LOPD group.

Conclusion

Compared to LOPD patients, YOPD patients had a better quality of life, less caregiver strain, fewer falls and better cognitive functioning after their first follow-up visit, and also a slower decline over time.
Contamination of surgical mask during aerosol-producing dental treatments
Authors: Gund Madline , Isack Jonas , Hannig Matthias , Thieme-Ruffing Sigrid , Gärtner Barbara , Boros Gabor , Rupf Stefan
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Surgical masks are usually contaminated during dental treatment. So far it has not been investigated whether a surgical mask itself can be a source of microbial transmission. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the microbiological contamination of surgical masks during dental treatment and the transfer of microorganisms from the mask to the hands.

Materials and methods

Five dental treatment modalities were studied: carious cavity preparation (P-caries, n = 10), tooth substance preparation (P-tooth, n = 10), trepanation and root canal treatment (P-endo, n = 10), supragingival ultrasonic application (US-supra, n = 10), and subgingival periodontal ultrasonic instrumentation (US-sub, n = 10). Bacterial contamination of mask and gloves worn during treatment was tested by imprinting on agar plates. Additionally, before masks were tested, their outer surface was touched with a new sterile glove. This glove was also imprinted on agar. Bacteria were identified by MALDI TOF mass spectrometry. Colony-forming units (CFU) were scored: score 0: 0 CFU, score 1: < 102 CFU, score 2: > 102 CFU, score 3: dense microbial growth.

Results

All masks and all gloves used during treatment displayed bacterial contamination (sample scores 0/1/2/3: masks 0/46/3/1 and gloves 0/31/10/9). After touching the masks with new sterile gloves, microorganisms were recovered with the following contamination scores: P-caries: 4/6/0/0, P-tooth: 2/8/0/0: P-endo: 7/3/0/0, US-supra: 0/9/1/0, US-sub: 2/8/0/0. No statistically significant differences were detected between the treatment modalities. Streptococci spp. and Staphylococci spp. representing the oral and cutaneous flora dominated.

Conclusions

Surgical masks are contaminated after aerosol-producing dental treatment procedures. Used masks have a potential to be a source of bacterial contamination of the hands.

Clinical relevance

Dental staff should avoid touching the outer surface of masks with their hands to prevent transmission of pathogens. It is recommendable to change the mask after each treated patient followed by hand disinfection.
Simulative Optimierung der Steuerungsparameter eines Materialflusslayouts mit Bandförderern
Authors: Kienzlen A. , Weißen J. , Verl A. , Göttlich S.
Published: October 2020

Moderne Fertigungssysteme sind komplexe, umfangreiche Systeme. Eine sorgfältige Planung des gesamten Fertigungssystems ist erforderlich, um langfristig effektiv zu produzieren und Gewinne zu erzielen. Bei der Layoutplanung dieser Systeme muss berücksichtigt werden, dass der Materialfluss zwischen einzelnen Stationen zuverlässig und reibungslos funktioniert. Die virtuelle Inbetriebnahme (VIBN) ermöglicht es, das Zusammenspiel von Anlagenlayout und Steuerungssystem, welches das optimale Design der Anlage wesentlich beeinflusst, frühzeitig zu testen. Konzeptionsfehler und Engpässe, die die Performance beeinflussen, können im Voraus erkannt und behoben werden. Für die VIBN wird die reale Anlage durch ein Simulationsmodell ersetzt, um im Zusammenspiel mit dem realen Steuerungssystem Tests durchführen zu können.

In dieser Arbeit wird ein Vorgehensmodell entworfen, anhand dessen die Leistungsfähigkeit von Maschinen und Anlagen mit besonders hohem Materialflussaufkommen analysiert und das Layout bewertet werden kann. Wichtige Leistungskenngrößen wie die Taktzeit und Auslastung einzelner Bestandteile des Fertigungssystem können hinsichtlich ihrer Realisierbarkeit überprüft werden. Durch Testläufe an einem Simulationsmodell des Materialflusses werden Fehler und Engpässe, welche die Performance der Anlage negativ beeinflussen, frühzeitig erkannt. Zur Verbesserung des Layouts wird dabei ein Flussmodell basierend auf einer Erhaltungsgleichung eingesetzt. Das neue Simulationsmodell ermöglicht insbesondere die Simulation großer Mengen an Materialien bei gleichzeitig geringer Berechnungsdauer. Für die Validierung der Ergebnisse werden Parameter festgelegt, die als Indikator für die Leistung von Materialflusssystemen dienen und in einer ingenieurstechnischen Simulation gemessen werden können. Das enge Zusammenspiel verschiedener Simulationen ermöglicht die Validierung und effiziente Verbesserung des Layouts.
A review of optimal evaluation and treatment of suspected esophageal food impaction
Authors: Lake MeNore , Smoot David , O’Halloran Peter , Shortsleeve Michael
Published: October 2020

Fluoroscopy-guided esophageal disimpaction of ingested food is a safe, effective, and cost-efficient alternative to endoscopically guided disimpaction. Patients with suspected esophageal impaction usually require fluoroscopy to confirm the diagnosis and determine the level of obstruction, which guides further management. Proximal esophageal food impactions at or near the cricopharyngeus muscle require an ENT intervention. Food impactions from the cervical esophagus to the aortic arch require a GI intervention. Obstructions distal to the aortic arch can usually be managed by the radiologist with a fluoroscopy-guided disimpaction. The use of intravenous glucagon to relax the mid and distal esophageal smooth muscle, combined with an effervescent agent, and water comprises this “combination” therapy to relieve an acute esophageal food impaction. This paper reviews the indications, contraindications, technique, and 32 years of experience with fluoroscopy-guided esophageal disimpaction at our institution. A retrospective chart review of our experience includes 252 patients with a 56% success rate that obviated more expensive and invasive procedures. Only one complication of a minor mucosal tear of no clinical consequence was encountered. Radiologists should be familiar with the presentation and management of this common diagnosis.
The effect of signaling in dependence on the extraneous cognitive load in learning environments
Authors: Beege Maik , Nebel Steve , Schneider Sascha , Rey Günter Daniel
Published: October 2020

Text-based learning media are often used in primary, secondary and university education. Therefore, text designers can support the learner by highlighting the most relevant information by using visual cues. Despite this signaling effect’s broad empirical basis, the extent to which the effectiveness of educational signals is dependent on moderator variables, like the design and layout of the text has not been investigated to date. In the current experiment, 138 university students learned about the formation of tsunamis from an instructional text. The text was manipulated in terms ofsignaling(color cues vs. no color cues) andinduced learning-irrelevant extraneous cognitive load(fluent text font vs. disfluent text font). The results revealed that learners who had received the signaled text outperformed those who received the non-signaled text in terms of transfer performance. These results are explained by cognitive load, which was reduced in the signaling condition. The text font had no influence on the learning outcomes. Extraneous load induction further led to higher metacognitive accuracy and invested effort, while cognitive load and frustration were also increased. Interaction effects only occurred in terms of testing time, ease of learning and navigation. Results indicate that signaling is beneficial for transfer performance, independent of the font design of text.
Numerical investigations of retrogressive failure in sensitive clays: revisiting 1994 Sainte-Monique slide, Quebec
Authors: Shan Zhigang , Zhang Wangcheng , Wang Dong , Wang Lizhong
Published: October 2020

Retrogressive slope failure is ubiquitous in regions of abundant sensitive clays with its mechanism yet to be understood comprehensively. This study gives numerical investigations of retrogressive slope failure with a focus on the 1994 Sainte-Monique slide, Quebec, using a large deformation finite element method. Failure mechanisms and post-failure behaviours including the global kinematics and retrogression distance are highlighted with controlling factors discussed in parametric studies. Key features of post-failure behaviours of the 1994 Sainte-Monique slide are reproduced with the configuration of sliding mass deposits comparable to the site investigations. Post-failure kinematics and retrogression distance are sensitive to sensitivity, brittleness and viscosity of soils and riverbed geometry. Parametric studies may contribute to assess potential retrogression recurrence in the region and its retrogression distance upon current set of in situ parameters.
Cardiovascular health care and health literacy among immigrants in Europe: a review of challenges and opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Wernly Bernhard , Wernly Sarah , Magnano Anthony , Paul Elizabeth
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Europe is a destination for many migrants, a group whose proportion of the overall population will increase over the next decades. The cardiovascular (CV) risk distribution and outcomes, as well as health literacy, are likely to differ from the host population. Challenges related to migrant health status, cardiovascular risk distribution and health literacy are compounded by the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019) crisis.

Methods

We performed a narrative review of available evidence on migrant CV and health literacy in Europe.

Results

Health literacy is lower in migrants but can be improved through targeted interventions. In some subgroups of migrants, rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, most importantly hypertension and diabetes, are higher. On the other hand, there is strong evidence for a so-called healthy migrant effect, describing lower rates of CV risk distribution and mortality in a different subset of migrants. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CV risk factors, as well as health literacy, are key elements in optimally managing public health responses in the ongoing pandemic.

Conclusions

Migrants are both an opportunity and a challenge for public health in Europe. Research aimed at better understanding the healthy migrant effect is necessary. Implementing the beneficial behaviors of migrants could improve outcomes in the whole population. Specific interventions to screen for risk factors, manage chronic disease and increase health literacy could improve health care for migrants. This pandemic is a challenge for the whole population, but active inclusion of immigrants in established health care systems could help improve the long-term health outcomes of migrants in Europe.
Harm Reduction and Moral Desert in the Context of Drug Policy
Authors: Porter Lindsey Brooke
Published: October 2020

The target of my discussion is intuitions lay people have about justice in the context of drug policy—intuitions that take on a more or less moral-desert-based shape. I argue that even if we think desert is the right measure of how we ought to treat people, we ought still be in favour of Harm Reduction measures for people who use drugs. Harm Reduction measures are controversial with members of the public, and much of the opposition seems to come from something like an appeal to a desert conception of justice—the notion that a just state of affairs is one in which everybody gets what they deserve, no more, no less. A recent study, for example, found that ‘moral outrage’ predicts a preference for prevalence reduction (criminal sanction, etc.) over Harm Reduction. The thinking seems to be that, since drug use is wrong, letting people who use drugs suffer and/or die as a consequence of their use is just. Aiding their health and safety, while perhaps compassionate, is unjust. I argue that there is a bad desert fit between using drugs and suffering avoidable harm even if using drugs is morally wrong. Many of the possible harms of drug use are socially/policy driven, and much problematic drug use is context dependent, not cleanly attributable to the decisions of the person who uses drugs. This means that even if drug use is wrong, people who use drugs deserve Harm Reduction policies, at minimum.
Time Use, Unemployment, and Well-Being: An Empirical Analysis Using British Time-Use Data
Authors: Hoang Thi Truong An , Knabe Andreas
Published: October 2020

We use nationally representative data from the UK Time-Use Survey 2014/2015 to investigate how a person’s employment status is related to time use and cognitive and affective dimensions of subjective well-being. We do not find clear indications that employed and unemployed persons experience different average levels of emotional well-being when they engage in the same kinds of activities. For the employed, working belongs to one of the least enjoyable activities of their day. They also spend a large share of their time at work and on work-related activities. The unemployed, instead, spend more time on leisure and more enjoyable activities. When looking at duration-weighted average affective well-being over the entire waking time of the day, the unemployed experience, on average, more enjoyment than the employed. For the employed, the more hours they have to work on a specific day, the lower the average enjoyment they experience on that day. Differentiating the analyses by weekdays and weekends supports the finding that being able to freely allocate one’s non-work time is associated with higher levels of affective well-being. In line with previous studies on cognitive well-being, we find that the unemployed report substantially lower levels of life satisfaction than the employed.
On the High-Temperature Oxidation Behavior of a Ta-Containing Quaternary Co-Base Model Alloy System with γ/γ′-Microstructure - Influence of γ′-Volume Fraction, Surface State, and Heating Condition on Alumina Growth
Authors: Hagen S. P. , Weiser M. , Kubacka D. , Spiecker E. , Virtanen S.
Published: October 2020

The improvement of the high-temperature oxidation resistance remains an ambitious goal for the design of new γ/γ′-strengthened Co-base superalloys, since their oxidation resistance beyond 800 °C still ranks behind their Ni-base counterparts. To better understand the origin of the poor oxidation resistance at higher temperatures, this study focuses on early stages of oxidation of four quaternary (Co-Al-W-Ta system) Co-base model alloys with a two-phase γ/γ′-microstructure and varying γ′-volume fraction at 800 °C, 850 °C and 900 °C. Based on time-resolved isothermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) in synthetic air and detailed electron microscopic analysis, the role of the γ-channel width (or γ′-volume fraction), the surface preparation prior to exposure (polishing versus shot-peening), and the heating conditions (synthetic air versus argon) on protective alumina growth is elucidated. Firstly, for alloys of increased γ′-volume fractions slower oxidation kinetics prevailed. Secondly, the two-phase microstructure was found to decisively affect the propagation of the internal oxidation front at the early stages of oxidation. Thirdly, shot-peening prior to exposure together with a lack of oxygen availability during heating was identified to foster protective alumina growth, accompanied by TCP-phase formation in the substrate. The critical role of a high Al availability in the alloy for a rapid growth of protective alumina and the relating challenges in alloy development regarding, for example, phase stability in this relatively novel Co-base alloy class are discussed in detail.
Goodman and Kruskal’s Gamma Coefficient for Ordinalized Bivariate Normal Distributions
Authors: Barbiero Alessandro , Hitaj Asmerilda
Published: October 2020

We consider a bivariate normal distribution with linear correlation ρ whose random components are discretized according to two assigned sets of thresholds. On the resulting bivariate ordinal random variable, one can compute Goodman and Kruskal’s gamma coefficient,γ which is a common measure of ordinal association. Given the known analytical monotonic relationship between Pearson’s ρ and Kendall’s rank correlation τ for the bivariate normal distribution, and since in the continuous case, Kendall’s τ coincides with Goodman and Kruskal’s γ, the change of this association measure before and after discretization is worth studying. We consider several experimental settings obtained by varying the two sets of thresholds, or, equivalently, the marginal distributions of the final ordinal variables. This study, confirming previous findings, shows how the gamma coefficient is always larger in absolute value than Kendall’s rank correlation; this discrepancy lessens when the number of categories increases or, given the same number of categories, when using equally probable categories. Based on these results, a proposal is suggested to build a bivariate ordinal variable with assigned margins and Goodman and Kruskal’s γ by ordinalizing a bivariate normal distribution. Illustrative examples employing artificial and real data are provided.
Scaling Beyond Early Adopters: a Content Analysis of Literature and Key Informant Perspectives
Authors: Miake-Lye Isomi , Mak Selene , Lam Christine A. , Lambert-Kerzner Anne C. , Delevan Deborah , Olmos-Ochoa Tanya , Shekelle Paul
Published: October 2020

Background

Innovations and improvements in care delivery are often not spread across all settings that would benefit from their uptake. Scale-up and spread efforts are deliberate efforts to increase the impact of innovations successfully tested in pilot projects so as to benefit more people. The final stages of scale-up and spread initiatives must contend with reaching hard-to-engage sites.

Objective

To describe the process of scale-up and spread initiatives, with a focus on hard-to-engage sites and strategies to approach them.

Design

Qualitative content analysis of systematically identified literature and key informant interviews.

Participants

Leads from large magnitude scale-up and spread projects.

Approach

We conducted a systematic literature search on large magnitude scale-up and spread and interviews with eight project leads, who shared their perspectives on strategies to scale-up and spread clinical and administrative practices across healthcare systems, focusing on hard-to-engage sites. We synthesized these data using content analysis.

Key Results

Searches identified 1919 titles, of which 52 articles were included. Thirty-four discussed general scale-up and spread strategies, 11 described hard-to-engage sites, and 7 discussed strategies for hard-to-engage sites. These included publications were combined with interview findings to describe a fourth phase of the national scale-up and spread process, common challenges for spreading to hard-to-engage sites, and potential benefits of working with hard-to-engage sites, as well as useful strategies for working with hard-to-engage sites.

Conclusions

We identified scant published evidence that describes strategies for reaching hard-to-engage sites. The sparse data we identified aligned with key informant accounts. Future work could focus on better documentation of the later stages of spread efforts, including specific tailoring of approaches and strategies used with hard-to-engage sites. Spread efforts should include a “flexible, tailored approach” for this highly variable group, especially as implementation science is looking to expand its impact in routine care settings.
How Society Changes: Sociological Enlightenment and a Theory of Social Evolution for Freedom
Authors: Tada Mitsuhiro
Published: October 2020

This article clarifies the relationship between individual freedom and social order by relying on Niklas Luhmann’s social systems theory and thereby defines sociology’s contribution to social evolution as sociological enlightenment, which seeks otherwiseness in living experience and action. For this purpose, Luhmann’s theory will specifically be compared with Emile Durkheim’s and Alfred Schutz’s sociological theories. Durkheim, a “child of the Enlightenment,” considered freedom a collective ideal of moral individualism and conceived that the rational state realizes freedom by spreading the civil-religious human ideal for modern social order. In contrast, Schutz, following Henri Bergson, who criticized rationality for spatially fixing inner time, regarded freedom as a given in the individual’s underlying duration, not as a shared ideal. Yet, unlike Bergson, he continued relying on rationalism, and he thought that the sociological observer observes how something appears to people with the epoché of natural attitude, not what it objectively is. Inheriting this phenomenological subjectivism, Luhmann showed that the self-referentiality of consciousness also applies to society: A social system, which path-dependently emerges itself from a double contingency, observes the world in its own way based on its self-referentially constituted eigen-time. On account of this system closure, and contrary to Durkheim’s illuminist belief, there is no controlling entity in a highly evolved society, where freedom results from the enlarged, diversified possibilities of living experience and action (contingency). Thus, sociological enlightenment doubts self-evidence so that society brackets the taken-for-granted social order or social reality and amplifies individuals’ deviations to evolve toward freedom.
Precision micro-milling process: state of the art
Authors: O’Toole Lorcan , Kang Cheng-Wei , Fang Feng-Zhou
Published: October 2020

Micro-milling is a precision manufacturing process with broad applications across the biomedical, electronics, aerospace, and aeronautical industries owing to its versatility, capability, economy, and efficiency in a wide range of materials. In particular, the micro-milling process is highly suitable for very precise and accurate machining of mold prototypes with high aspect ratios in the microdomain, as well as for rapid micro-texturing and micro-patterning, which will have great importance in the near future in bio-implant manufacturing. This is particularly true for machining of typical difficult-to-machine materials commonly found in both the mold and orthopedic implant industries. However, inherent physical process constraints of machining arise as macro-milling is scaled down to the microdomain. This leads to some physical phenomena during micro-milling such as chip formation, size effect, and process instabilities. These dynamic physical process phenomena are introduced and discussed in detail. It is important to remember that these phenomena have multifactor effects during micro-milling, which must be taken into consideration to maximize the performance of the process. The most recent research on the micro-milling process inputs is discussed in detail from a process output perspective to determine how the process as a whole can be improved. Additionally, newly developed processes that combine conventional micro-milling with other technologies, which have great prospects in reducing the issues related to the physical process phenomena, are also introduced. Finally, the major applications of this versatile precision machining process are discussed with important insights into how the application range may be further broadened.
Nanoparticle-Loaded Polarized-Macrophages for Enhanced Tumor Targeting and Cell-Chemotherapy
Authors: Hou Teng , Wang Tianqi , Mu Weiwei , Yang Rui , Liang Shuang , Zhang Zipeng , Fu Shunli , Gao Tong , Liu Yongjun , Zhang Na
Published: October 2020

Cell therapy is a promising strategy for cancer therapy. However, its therapeutic efficiency remains limited due to the complex and immunosuppressive nature of tumor microenvironments. In this study, the “cell-chemotherapy” strategy was presented to enhance antitumor efficacy. M1-type macrophages, which are therapeutic immune cells with both of immunotherapeutic ability and targeting ability, carried sorafenib (SF)-loaded lipid nanoparticles (M1/SLNPs) were developed. M1-type macrophages were used both as therapeutic tool to provide immunotherapy and as delivery vessel to target deliver SF to tumor tissues for chemotherapy simultaneously. M1-type macrophages were obtained by polarizing macrophages using lipopolysaccharide, and M1/SLNPs were obtained by incubating M1-type macrophages with SLNP. Tumor accumulation of M1/SLNP was increased compared with SLNP (p < 0.01), which proved M1/SLNP could enhance tumor targeting of SF. An increased ratio of M1-type macrophages to M2-type macrophages, and the CD3+CD4+ T cells and CD3+CD8+ T cell quantities in tumor tissues after treatment with M1/SLNP indicated M1/SLNP could relieve the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments. The tumor volumes in the M1/SLNP group were significantly smaller than those in the SLNP group (p < 0.01), indicating M1/SLNP exhibited enhanced antitumor efficacy. Consequently, M1/SLNP showed great potential as a novel cell-chemotherapeutic strategy combining both cell therapy and targeting chemotherapy.
3D Carbon Frameworks for Ultrafast Charge/Discharge Rate Supercapacitors with High Energy-Power Density
Authors: Leng Changyu , Zhao Zongbin , Song Yinzhou , Sun Lulu , Fan Zhuangjun , Yang Yongzhen , Liu Xuguang , Wang Xuzhen , Qiu Jieshan
Published: October 2020

Carbon-based electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs) hold tremendous potentials due to their high-power performance and excellent cycle stability. However, the practical use of EDLCs is limited by the low energy density in aqueous electrolyte and sluggish diffusion kinetics in organic or/and ionic liquids electrolyte. Herein, 3D carbon frameworks (3DCFs) constructed by interconnected nanocages (10–20 nm) with an ultrathin wall of ca. 2 nm have been fabricated, which possess high specific surface area, hierarchical porosity and good conductive network. After deoxidization, the deoxidized 3DCF (3DCF-DO) exhibits a record low IR drop of 0.064 V at 100 A g−1 and ultrafast charge/discharge rate up to 10 V s−1. The related device can be charged up to 77.4% of its maximum capacitance in 0.65 s at 100 A g−1 in 6 M KOH. It has been found that the 3DCF-DO has a great affinity to EMIMBF4, resulting in a high specific capacitance of 174 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, and a high energy density of 34 Wh kg−1 at an ultrahigh power density of 150 kW kg−1 at 4 V after a fast charge in 1.11 s. This work provides a facile fabrication of novel 3D carbon frameworks for supercapacitors with ultrafast charge/discharge rate and high energy-power density.
Single-Atom Cobalt-Based Electrochemical Biomimetic Uric Acid Sensor with Wide Linear Range and Ultralow Detection Limit
Authors: Hu Fang Xin , Hu Tao , Chen Shihong , Wang Dongping , Rao Qianghai , Liu Yuhang , Dai Fangyin , Guo Chunxian , Yang Hong Bin , Li Chang Ming
Published: October 2020

Uric acid (UA) detection is essential in diagnosis of arthritis, preeclampsia, renal disorder, and cardiovascular diseases, but it is very challenging to realize the required wide detection range and low detection limit. We present here a single-atom catalyst consisting of Co(II) atoms coordinated by an average of 3.4 N atoms on an N-doped graphene matrix (A–Co–NG) to build an electrochemical biomimetic sensor for UA detection. The A–Co–NG sensor achieves a wide detection range over 0.4–41,950 μM and an extremely low detection limit of 33.3 ± 0.024 nM, which are much better than previously reported sensors based on various nanostructured materials. Besides, the A–Co–NG sensor also demonstrates its accurate serum diagnosis for UA for its practical application. Combination of experimental and theoretical calculation discovers that the catalytic process of the A–Co–NG toward UA starts from the oxidation of Co species to form a Co3+–OH–UA*, followed by the generation of Co3+–OH + *UA_H, eventually leading to N–H bond dissociation for the formation of oxidized UA molecule and reduction of oxidized Co3+ to Co2+ for the regenerated A–Co–NG. This work provides a promising material to realize UA detection with wide detection range and low detection limit to meet the practical diagnosis requirements, and the proposed sensing mechanism sheds light on fundamental insights for guiding exploration of other biosensing processes.
Soziale Probleme, diskursive Praxis und das Problem mit der Kriminologie
Authors: Menzel Birgit , Wehrheim Jan
Published: October 2020

Der Aufsatz befasst sich mit Gemeinsamkeiten zwischen der Soziologie sozialer Probleme und der Kriminologie, insbesondere mit der Kontroverse um ätiologische und konstruktivistische Perspektiven auf soziale Probleme und abweichendes Verhalten. Am Beispiel aktueller Debatten über sexualisierte Gewalt werden die Defizite ätiologischer Analysen aufgezeigt. Der Beitrag kommt zu dem Schluss, dass die Soziologie sozialer Probleme ebenso wie die Kriminologie in einer Soziologie sozialer Problematisierungen und sozialer Kontrolle aufgeht.
Quantitative Benefit–Risk Assessment: State of the Practice Within Industry
Authors: Smith Meredith Y. , van Til Janine , DiSantostefano Rachael L. , Hauber A. Brett , Marsh Kevin
Published: October 2020

Background

Benefit–risk assessments for medicinal products and devices have advanced significantly over the past decade. The purpose of this study was to characterize the extent to which the life sciences industry is utilizing quantitative benefit–risk assessment (qBRA) methods.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of industry professionals working in drug and/or medical device benefit–risk assessments (n = 20). Questions focused on the use, timing, and impact of qBRA; implementation challenges; and future plans. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded for thematic analysis.

Results

While most surveyed companies had applied qBRA, application was limited to a small number of assets—primarily to support internal decision-making and regulatory submissions. Positive impacts associated with use included improved team decision-making and communication. Multi-criteria decision analysis and discrete choice experiment were the most frequently utilized qBRA methods. A key challenge of qBRA use was the lack of clarity regarding its value proposition. Championing by senior company leadership and receptivity of regulators to such analyses were cited as important catalysts for successful adoption of qBRA. Investment in qBRA methods, via capability building and pilot studies, was also under way in some instances.

Conclusion

qBRA application within this sample of life sciences companies was widespread, but concentrated in a small fraction of assets. Its use was primarily for internal decision-making or regulatory submissions. While some companies had plans to build further capacity in this area, others were waiting for further regulatory guidance before doing so.