bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empirical assessment of case‐based methods for identification of drugs associated with acute liver injury in the French National Healthcare System database (SNDS)
Authors: Thurin Nicolas H. , Lassalle Régis , Schuemie Martijn , Pénichon Marine , Gagne Joshua J. , Rassen Jeremy A. , Benichou Jacques , Weill Alain , Blin Patrick , Moore Nicholas , Droz‐Perroteau Cécile
Published: October 2020

Purposes

Drug induced acute liver injury (ALI) is a frequent cause of liver failure. Case‐based designs were empirically assessed and calibrated in the French National claims database (SNDS), aiming to identify the optimum design for drug safety alert generation associated with ALI.

Methods

All cases of ALI were extracted from SNDS (2009‐2014) using specific and sensitive definitions. Positive and negative drug controls were used to compare 196 self‐controlled case series (SCCS), case‐control (CC), and case‐population (CP) design variants, using area under the receiver operating curve (AUC), mean square error (MSE) and coverage probability. Parameters that had major impacts on results were identified through logistic regression.

Results

Using a specific ALI definition, AUCs ranged from 0.78 to 0.94, 0.64 to 0.92 and 0.48 to 0.85, for SCCS, CC and CP, respectively. MSE ranged from 0.12 to 0.40, 0.22 to 0.39 and 1.03 to 5.29, respectively. Variants adjusting for multiple drug use had higher coverage probabilities. Univariate regressions showed that high AUCs were achieved with SCCS using exposed time as the risk window. The top SCCS variant yielded an AUC = 0.93 and MSE = 0.22 and coverage = 86%, with 1/7 negative and 13/18 positive controls presenting significant estimates.

Conclusions

SCCS adjusting for multiple drugs and using exposed time as the risk window performed best in generating ALI‐related drug safety alert and providing estimates of the magnitude of the risk. This approach may be useful for ad‐hoc pharmacoepidemiology studies to support regulatory actions.
Effect of Continuous Damage Accumulation on Ignition of HMX‐Based Polymer Bonded Explosives under Low‐Velocity Impact
Authors: Liu Rui , Chen Pengwan , Zhang Xiaotian
Published: October 2020

The ignition phenomena of polymer‐bonded explosives (PBXs) due to hotspot formation from grit/friction, shear band formation, and friction between microcrack surfaces have not yet been clarified. Microcracks are known to play a critical role in PBX ignition under low‐velocity impacts. Further, microcrack evolution determines whether or not a specimen ignites because of complex mechanical‐thermal‐chemical coupled processes. Although many studies have investigated the multiphysics processes of ignition under single impacts, few have investigated multiple‐impact scenarios that are more likely in reality. The present study focuses on the influence of continuous damage accumulation during multiple impacts on the safety assessment of octahydro‐1,3,5,7‐Tetranitro‐Tetrazocine (HMX)‐based PBXs. The Visco‐SCRAM model combined with restart technology is applied to conduct simulations with the standard confined Steven test. By controlling the first impact velocity, the damage accumulation could be designed. When the first impact velocity increases from 5 to 20 m/s, the second impact velocity threshold decreases from 34 to 22 m/s and specific mechanical energy decreases from 600 to 240 m2/s2. Multiple impacts change the temperature distribution and ignition position. Further, different projectile shapes influence multiple impacts differently. Owing to continuous damage accumulation, the second impact velocity threshold decreases for flat and pin projectiles. Dimensionless analysis reveals that the trends of critical dimensionless parameters for flat and pin projectiles are similar, whereas oval projectiles show a different response.
Nucleotide analogues as inhibitors of SARS‐CoV Polymerase
Authors: Ju Jingyue , Li Xiaoxu , Kumar Shiv , Jockusch Steffen , Chien Minchen , Tao Chuanjuan , Morozova Irina , Kalachikov Sergey , Kirchdoerfer Robert N. , Russo James J.
Published: October 2020

SARS‐CoV‐2, a member of the coronavirus family, has caused a global public health emergency. Based on our analysis of hepatitis C virus and coronavirus replication, and the molecular structures and activities of viral inhibitors, we previously reasoned that the FDA‐approved hepatitis C drug EPCLUSA (Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir) should inhibit coronaviruses, including SARS‐CoV‐2. Here, using model polymerase extension experiments, we demonstrate that the active triphosphate form of Sofosbuvir is incorporated by low‐fidelity polymerases and SARS‐CoV RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and blocks further incorporation by these polymerases; the active triphosphate form of Sofosbuvir is not incorporated by a host‐like high‐fidelity DNA polymerase. Using the same molecular insight, we selected 3’‐fluoro‐3’‐deoxythymidine triphosphate and 3’‐azido‐3’‐deoxythymidine triphosphate, which are the active forms of two other anti‐viral agents, Alovudine and AZT (an FDA‐approved HIV/AIDS drug) for evaluation as inhibitors of SARS‐CoV RdRp. We demonstrate the ability of two of these HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors to be incorporated by SARS‐CoV RdRp where they also terminate further polymerase extension. Given the 98% amino acid similarity of the SARS‐CoV and SARS‐CoV‐2 RdRps, we expect these nucleotide analogues would also inhibit the SARS‐CoV‐2 polymerase. These results offer guidance to further modify these nucleotide analogues to generate more potent broad‐spectrum anti‐coronavirus agents.
Antinociceptive and sedative activity of Vernonia patula and predictive interactions of its phenolic compounds with the cannabinoid type 1 receptor
Authors: Siraj Md Afjalus , Howlader Md Sariful Islam , Rahaman Md Sohanur , Shilpi Jamil A. , Seidel Veronique
Published: October 2020

When tested in the acetic acid‐induced writhing and formalin‐induced paw‐licking tests, the ethanol extract of Vernonia patula (VP) aerial parts showed significant antinociceptive activity. In neuropharmacological tests, it also significantly delayed the onset of sleep, increased the duration of sleeping time, and significantly reduced the locomotor activity and exploratory behaviour of mice. Five phenolic compounds, namely gallic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin and kaempferol, were detected in VP following HPLC‐DAD analysis. The presence of these phenolic compounds in VP provides some support for the observed antinociceptive and sedative effects. A computational study was performed to predict the binding affinity of gallic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin and kaempferol towards the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor. Caffeic and vanillic acid showed the highest probable ligand efficiency indices towards the CB1 target. Vanillic acid displayed the best blood–brain barrier penetration prediction score. These findings provide some evidence for the traditional use of VP to treat pain.
Is the division of labor limited by the extent of the market? Opportunity cost theory with evidence from the real estate brokerage industry
Authors: Giustiziero Gianluigi
Published: October 2020

Research Summary

The division of labor allows individuals to focus their time on a narrower band of activities and increase productivity through specialization, but this comes at a cost. When individuals divide labor, they divide value and split the “pie” they help create. In this article, I formally model this tradeoff and examine how it is affected by opportunity‐cost considerations due to market characteristics. I then test the empirical predictions of the model in the residential real estate brokerage industry in Southeast Michigan. Consistent with the predictions, I find that the division of labor is more likely for properties in the midrange of the price distribution and in larger markets, but less likely at the tails and in markets where property prices exhibit substantial heterogeneity.

Managerial Summary

Today, with the diffusion of digital labor markets and the emergence of the gig economy, the organization of economic activity relies on an ever‐finer division of labor. In this article, I examine how the division of labor is affected by the cost of dividing value, which emerges when middlemen take a cut of transaction revenues. Using data from real estate, I find the cost of dividing value can increase agents' incentives to cut out the middleman for high‐value and low‐value transactions, especially when the disparity between valuable transactions and the rest is large and when the availability of valuable transactions is limited. These findings shed light on the mechanisms aggregating individual endeavors into broader economic objectives, whether mediated by markets, online platforms, or organizations.
Mann–Whitney test for two‐phase stratified sampling
Authors: Saegusa Takumi
Published: October 2020

We consider the Mann–Whitney test for two‐phase stratified sampling. In this design, the independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) sample is obtained at the first phase and then stratified based on auxiliary variables. At the second phase, stratified subsamples are obtained without replacement to collect variables of interest. The resultant data are biased and dependent sample due to stratification and sampling without replacement. This setting is different from the one considered by the existing method called the van Elteren test that treats multiple i.i.d. samples from nonoverlapping subsets of the infinite population. We propose the inverse probability weighted Mann–Whitney statistic and study its asymptotic properties. The proposed test is shown to have a correct size and power 1 in the limit. Simulation study is presented to illustrate the finite sample performance of our test.
Nest‐Box Use by Wood Ducks and Black‐Bellied Whistling Ducks in Coastal South Carolina
Authors: Croft Gillie D. , Kaminski Richard M. , Wiggers Ernie P. , Gerard Patrick D. , Yarrow Greg K.
Published: October 2020

We surveyed nest‐structure use by sympatric nesting wood ducks (Aix sponsa) and black‐bellied whistling ducks (Dendrocygna autumnalis) across coastal South Carolina, USA, in 2016–2017. Of 718 nest boxes surveyed cumulatively in 2016 and 2017, 61% were used by wood ducks and 15% by black‐bellied whistling ducks. Lower nest‐box use by whistling ducks was related to recent arrivals and breeding by the species in South Carolina. Nest‐box use by wood ducks was 6% greater for every 1,000‐cm3 decrease from the mean internal box volume of all boxes monitored, whereas use by black‐bellied whistling ducks was 20% greater for every 1,000‐cm3 increase from the mean internal volume of all boxes. Box use was 15% and 11% greater by wood ducks and black‐bellied whistling ducks, respectively, for every 10% decrease from the mean percent canopy cover of all nest boxes. Nest‐box use by black‐bellied whistling ducks was 18% and 10% greater for every 10‐cm increase from the mean distance from the base of a box's entrance vertically to the ground or water and every 10‐m decrease from the mean distance to the nearest box for all boxes monitored, respectively. Our results suggested nest boxes with internal volumes of ~15,000–31,000 cm3 were most used by wood ducks, but the conventional nest box with an internal volume of 34,375 cm3 and internal dimensions of 25 × 25 × 55 cm accommodated wood ducks and black‐bellied whistling ducks, and can be deployed where the species are sympatric. However, where black‐bellied whistling ducks occur, the diameter of an entrance hole for nest boxes should be 13 cm to allow passage by the larger bodied species. We suggest a need for research to estimate recruitment rates for box‐nesting females and cost effectiveness of box programs based on female recruitment. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in Finland
Authors: Kalliomaa-Puha Laura
Published: October 2020

Finland has a universal and residence-based social protection system. As long as a migrant is considered a permanent resident, he/she is entitled to social welfare, health services and cash benefits on the same bases as national residents. Nationality is not a criterion. Eligibility for social benefits can also be gained through employment. The crucial point is thus to become a resident or a worker. Even though the eligibility rules for benefits and services are the same for everyone, nationals, EU citizens and third-country nationals have partly different rules for entering the country and for becoming permanent residents. Third-country nationals need, for example, a resident permit that allows them to work, whereas EU/EEA nationals can enter Finland freely to search for a job. Nationals can always enter the country without any resident permit. A certain period of residence is required to qualify for some of the benefits. However, these qualifying periods are required from all applicants, nationals included.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in Lithuania
Authors: Lazutka Romas , Navicke Jekaterina
Published: October 2020

This chapter aims to discuss the link between migration and welfare in Lithuania. We start with presentation of the main characteristics of the Lithuanian welfare system emphasizing the access to social benefits for resident nationals, non-national residents, and non-resident nationals. Later we examine key developments of population migration to and from Lithuania. Finally, we present a detailed analysis of five social policy schemes - unemployment, health care, family benefits, pensions, and guaranteed minimum resources – from the perspective of access to social benefits of these different groups.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in Romania
Authors: Burlacu Irina , Soare Sorina , Vintila Daniela
Published: October 2020

This chapter examines to what extent the Romanian welfare system covers resident citizens compared to foreigners residing in Romania and Romanians living abroad. In doing so, we analyse existing social policies aiming to ensure their coverage against a variety of risks at different life-cycle stages, including unemployment, poverty, sickness and old-age. The main conclusion is that the Romanian welfare state is open to all residents, regardless of their nationality, thus providing everyone equal grounds for accessing social benefits. The criterion of residence on the Romanian soil is, however, prevalent. This implies that relatively few social provisions are extended for non-resident Romanians, which represent an increasingly sizeable community given the intensity of migration outflows in recent years. Furthermore, the Romanian social protection system has had relatively little impact on reducing the risk of poverty and income inequality in the country, despite regular amendments during the last years.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in Spain
Authors: Moreno-Fuentes Francisco Javier
Published: October 2020

From traditional country of emigration, Spain became a country of immigration in a relatively short period, practically catching up with the rest of Western European countries in terms of percentage of population of foreign origin by 2010. The hybrid nature of its welfare regime, a combination of social insurance schemes and universalistic programs, determined the eligibility of foreign populations to each specific social protection scheme. In basic terms, foreigners can access Spanish social protection schemes through their participation in the labour market (for social insurance programs), and their residence in Spanish territory (for schemes based on a universalistic logic). The international agreements signed by Spain are a key aspect as well in determining welfare entitlements for foreigners, particularly in the case of nationals from other EU member states and Latin America. The strong reliance on contributory schemes, and the significant role played by the underground economy, leave economic migrants (particularly undocumented ones) without much social protection. The economic crisis initiated in 2008 implied an increase in immigrants’ vulnerability, but their actual welfare take-up decreased due to their more limited access to the formal labour market, and the restrictive conditions of targeted social assistance schemes.
Diaspora Policies, Consular Services and Social Protection for German Citizens Abroad
Authors: Klekowski von Koppenfels Amanda
Published: October 2020

This chapter presents an overview of German policies vis-à-vis German nationals living abroad. For the most part, the German Government does not reach out to or encourage engagement from or with German nationals living abroad. This is in contrast to a concerted cultural outreach to ethno-national German minorities in Central and Eastern Europe. Rights in Germany are largely residence-based, and access to rights is thus associated with (legal) residence in Germany, rather than with holding German citizenship. There are two clear exceptions: one is a robust system that enables voting from abroad for German citizens, and the other is facilitated access from abroad to pensions for years worked in Germany. With respect to other measures of social protections, no clear policy can be said to exist. Access to other forms of social protection is on the basis of exception, with consular officials exercising discretion in such cases.
Diaspora Policies, Consular Services and Social Protection for Greek Citizens Abroad
Authors: Moutselos Michalis , Mavrodi Georgia
Published: October 2020

The policies of the Greek state vis-à-vis Greek citizens residing abroad are better developed in some areas (pension, cultural/education policy), but very embryonic in others (social protection, family-related benefits). The institutions representing and aggregating the interests of the Greek diaspora, such as the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and the World Council of Hellenes abroad of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reflect earlier periods of Greek migration during the post-war period, but meet less adequately the needs of recent migrants, especially following the post-2010 Greek economic crisis. At the same time, political parties continue to play an active role in the relationship between diaspora and the homeland. The policies of the Greek state, especially when exercised informally or with regard to cultural and educational programs, are also characterized by an emphasis on blood, language and religious ties, and are offshoots of a long-standing history of migration to Western Europe, North America and Australia. Possible developments, such as the long-overdue implementation of the right to vote from abroad, an official registrar for Greek citizens residing abroad, new programs of social protection in Greece and new economic incentives for return might change the diaspora policies of the Greek state in the next decades.
Diaspora Policies, Consular Services and Social Protection for Portuguese Citizens Abroad
Authors: Marques José Carlos , Góis Pedro
Published: October 2020

Portugal is a traditional country of emigration with a multigenerational diaspora spread across a large number of countries. In the last 50 years, especially after the 1974 revolution, it developed a welfare state that responds to the needs of residents (including immigrants). Traditionally, this welfare state has been described as fragile in comparison with other welfare regimes in Europe. Nevertheless, it was built as a universal welfare system based on jus solis and deterritorialized jus sanguinis regime. The study of the extension of social protection to Portuguese citizens living abroad had not yet received sufficient attention, albeit recurrent news on measures and strategies that the state put in practice to assist Portuguese emigrants in need. This chapter will survey some of the recent policies to reach citizens abroad by showing the limits of the Portuguese welfare state in action. Through these policies and actions, Portugal projects an image of an always-present state that extents its national powers beyond the limits of its territorially confined borders.
Diaspora Policies, Consular Services and Social Protection for Romanian Citizens Abroad
Authors: Nica Felicia , Moraru Madalina
Published: October 2020

Romania is the EU Member State with the highest numbers of emigrants, according to Eurostat. The annual growth of the Romanian diaspora is one of the fastest in the world, and quite recent (over the past 20 years). In light of these developments, the institutional network for engagement with Romanians abroad, first established in the mid-1990s, has recently increased in an attempt to respond to the fast-growing Romanian diaspora. A Ministry entirely dedicated to maintaining the relations with the Romanian diaspora was formally institutionalized 10 years after Romania officially joined the EU in 2017, replacing scattered departments and institutional bodies. However, the role of the recently set up diaspora institutions still needs to be clarified and firmly determined. Policies were developed with the goal of ensuring the integration of Romanian citizens in their countries of residence, but also to encourage return to Romania. In particular, as few other European diaspora populations, the Romanian diaspora is represented in the Romanian Parliament by two Senators and four Deputies who represent the interests of three to five million Romanians abroad.
Diaspora Policies, Consular Services and Social Protection for Swedish Citizens Abroad
Authors: Nyhammar André Olsson , Olsson Erik
Published: October 2020

In this chapter we seek to highlight that much of the social protection granted to Swedish nationals within Sweden is not in any direct sense extended beyond its borders. The state policy towards the diaspora can be generally understood as a policy that tries to “integrate” its nationals abroad, rather than encouraging and “building” them as a diaspora. Neither is servicing the Swedish nationals abroad a major priority for any Swedish governmental body. The protection that exists for Swedish nationals abroad is mostly concerned with visitors and short-term issues. To some extent, such protection is downgrading the special requests from the diaspora. The chapter also discusses those few areas of social protection that receive greater support and integration as well as the changes that are potentially taking place. It is concluded that although Sweden could be conceived as a weak “emigration-state” (Gamlen, Polit Geogr 27: 840–856, 2008) that, to some extent, neglects its diaspora, the state is not entirely disengaging with its nationals abroad.
Diaspora Policies, Consular Services and Social Protection for Belgian Citizens Abroad
Authors: Mandin Jérémy
Published: October 2020

Belgium has a rich, but largely forgotten, emigration history. In July 2018, 471,401 Belgians were registered as living abroad. Yet, little academic attention has been given to this population and to the types of relations that the Belgium state maintains with it. This chapter aims to fill this gap by focusing on the policies developed in Belgium to provide forms of social protection to its citizens abroad. Based on the analyses of online and offline institutional documentation, applicable legislation, parliamentary documentation and specialized publications, the chapter describes the specificity of the Belgian involvement in the protection of its population living abroad. It is argued that the diaspora infrastructure of Belgium is largely characterized by a lack of specialized institutions at the federal level and by the relatively important role of Belgian subnational communities in organizing the relations with the Belgian population abroad. Regarding diaspora’s social protection, the chapter discusses the specificities of the Belgian policies and, in particular, the system of “Overseas Social Security” which takes its roots in the country’s colonial past.
Diaspora Policies, Consular Services and Social Protection for Bulgarian Citizens Abroad
Authors: Vankova Zvezda
Published: October 2020

This chapter demonstrates that the Bulgarian diaspora policy is characterized by inconsistent implementation and dissonant institutional context. It is intertwined with the country’s migration policy which is focused, among other priorities, on attracting historic kin communities and Bulgarian emigrants, in order to overcome its demographic decline. Against this backdrop, the country lacks overall social protection policies towards Bulgarians abroad and prioritizes providing information rather than financial support. Firstly, the chapter presents the general institutional framework by which home country authorities interact with nationals abroad, as well as the main engagement policies with this population outside of the area of social protection. Secondly, the chapter focuses on the policies, programmes and services offered by home country authorities in response to social protection needs of Bulgarian nationals abroad across five specific policy areas: unemployment, health care, pensions, family-related benefits and economic hardship.
Iterative Solvers for EMI Models
Authors: Kuchta Miroslav , Mardal Kent-André
Published: October 2020

This chapter deals with iterative solution algorithms for the four EMI formulations derived in (17, Chapter10.1007/978-3-030-61157-6_5). Order optimal monolithic solvers robust with respect to material parameters, the number of degrees of freedom of discretization as well as the time-stepping parameter are presented and compared in terms of computational cost. Domain decomposition solver for the single-dimensional primal formulation is discussed.
Regularity of area minimizing currents mod p
Authors: De Lellis Camillo , Hirsch Jonas , Marchese Andrea , Stuvard Salvatore
Published: October 2020

We establish a first general partial regularity theorem for area minimizing currents$${\mathrm{mod}}(p)$$mod(p), for everyp, in any dimension and codimension. More precisely, we prove that the Hausdorff dimension of the interior singular set of anm-dimensional area minimizing current$${\mathrm{mod}}(p)$$mod(p)cannot be larger than$$m-1$$m-1. Additionally, we show that, whenpis odd, the interior singular set is$$(m-1)$$(m-1)-rectifiable with locally finite$$(m-1)$$(m-1)-dimensional measure.
Implementation of a dedicated 1.5 T MR scanner for radiotherapy treatment planning featuring a novel high-channel coil setup for brain imaging in treatment position
Authors: Mengling Veit , Bert Christoph , Perrin Rosalind , Masitho Siti , Weissmann Thomas , Mansoorian Sina , Siavooshhaghighi Hadi , Janka Rolf , Doussin Sylvain , Habatsch Melanie , Fietkau Rainer , Putz Florian
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To share our experiences in implementing a dedicated magnetic resonance (MR) scanner for radiotherapy (RT) treatment planning using a novel coil setup for brain imaging in treatment position as well as to present developed core protocols with sequences specifically tuned for brain and prostate RT treatment planning.

Materials and methods

Our novel setup consists of two large 18-channel flexible coils and a specifically designed wooden mask holder mounted on a flat tabletop overlay, which allows patients to be measured in treatment position with mask immobilization. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of this setup was compared to the vendor-provided flexible coil RT setup and the standard setup for diagnostic radiology. The occurrence of motion artifacts was quantified. To develop magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols, we formulated site- and disease-specific clinical objectives.

Results

Our novel setup showed mean SNR of 163 ± 28 anteriorly, 104 ± 23 centrally, and 78 ± 14 posteriorly compared to 84 ± 8 and 102 ± 22 anteriorly, 68 ± 6 and 95 ± 20 centrally, and 56 ± 7 and 119 ± 23 posteriorly for the vendor-provided and diagnostic setup, respectively. All differences were significant (p > 0.05). Image quality of our novel setup was judged suitable for contouring by expert-based assessment. Motion artifacts were found in 8/60 patients in the diagnostic setup, whereas none were found for patients in the RT setup. Site-specific core protocols were designed to minimize distortions while optimizing tissue contrast and 3D resolution according to indication-specific objectives.

Conclusion

We present a novel setup for high-quality imaging in treatment position that allows use of several immobilization systems enabling MR-only workflows, which could reduce unnecessary dose and registration inaccuracies.
Spread Patterns of Antibiotic Resistance in Faecal Indicator Bacteria Contaminating an Urbanized Section of the Brda River
Authors: Kubera Łukasz
Published: October 2020

This paper presents the spatio-temporal distribution of faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) in the river section subject to anthropogenic stress and describes spread patterns of antibiotic resistance in the studied bacterial groups. The analysis involved 58 strains of Escherichia coli and 61 strains of enterococci. Antibiotic resistance profiles were prepared in accordance with the recommendations of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). The results indicated a correlation between the location of a sampling site and the concentration of faecal bacteria. The highest average concentrations were recorded at the site located in the city centre, where the river is used mainly for recreation. Antibiotic resistance profiles showed that Escherichia coli had 100% sensitivity to tigecycline, levofloxacin and imipenem. The highest percentaage of strains (17%) were resistant to piperacillin. Enterococci were 100% sensitive to levofloxacin. No strains were vancomycin-resistant (VRE). The highest percentage of strains was resistant to imipenem (23%), and the lowest, to ampicillin (2%). The spatio-temporal distribution of antibiotic-resistant strains (ARS) indicated a high concentration of drug-resistant Escherichia coli (47%) in the summer season at the sampling site located in the last part of the river. At the same time, drug resistance in enterococci increased along the river course and was considerably higher in spring. There were no significant relationships between physico-chemical parameters of water and the levels of faecal bacteria. On the other hand, strong relationships were observed between the percentage of strains showing resistance to the applied antibiotics and physico-chemical and biological parameters of water. The percentage of antibiotic resistant strains of Escherichia coli was negatively correlated with dissolved oxygen concentration (r = − 0.9; p < 0.001) and BOD5 (r = − 0.85; p < 0.05). The percentage of antibiotic resistant strains of enterococci was most strongly correlated with water pH (r = − 0.92; p < 0.001).
Single Ion Anisotropy of CrIII and FeIII in a Series of {Ti7M} Rings
Authors: Kostopoulos Andreas K. , Timco Grigore A. , Tuna Floriana , Vitórica-Yrezábal Iñigo J. , Whitehead George F. S. , Bamberger Heiko , van Slageren Joris , Collison David , McInnes Eric J. L. , Winpenny Richard E. P.
Published: October 2020

A series of heterometallic [TiIV7MIII] rings are reported which contain a single paramagnetic metal centre, either FeIII or CrIII. The structures contain an octagon of metals bridged by oxides within the ring and pivalate ligands outside the ring. The structures encapsulate a single cation, either a secondary ammonium cation or a cesium. Multi-frequency EPR spectroscopy was used to measure the zero-field splitting parameters for the paramagnetic metal sites. The FeIII sites have rhombic anisotropy, with D around − 0.18 cm−1 and λ (= D/E) approximately 0.25. The CrIII have a more axial anisotropy, with D around − 0.5 cm−1 and λ around 0.05. Attempts to find a magneto-structural correlation are vitiated by the difficulty of refining the challenging crystal structures.
Body size and weight change over adulthood and risk of breast cancer by menopausal and hormone receptor status: a pooled analysis of 20 prospective cohort studies
Authors: van den Brandt Piet A. , Ziegler Regina G. , Wang Molin , Hou Tao , Li Ruifeng , Adami Hans-Olov , Agnoli Claudia , Bernstein Leslie , Buring Julie E. , Chen Yu , Connor Avonne E. , Eliassen A. Heather , Genkinger Jeanine M. , Gierach Gretchen , Giles Graham G. , Goodman Gary G. , Håkansson Niclas , Krogh Vittorio , Le Marchand Loic , Lee I-Min , Liao Linda M. , Martinez M. Elena , Miller Anthony B. , Milne Roger L. , Neuhouser Marian L. , Patel Alpa V. , Prizment Anna , Robien Kim , Rohan Thomas E. , Sawada Norie , Schouten Leo J. , Sinha Rashmi , Stolzenberg-Solomon Rachael Z. , Teras Lauren R. , Tsugane Shoichiro , Visvanathan Kala , Weiderpass Elisabete , White Kami K. , Willett Walter C. , Wolk Alicja , Zeleniuch-Jacquotte Anne , Smith-Warner Stephanie A.
Published: October 2020

Associations between anthropometric factors and breast cancer (BC) risk have varied inconsistently by estrogen and/or progesterone receptor (ER/PR) status. Associations between prediagnostic anthropometric factors and risk of premenopausal and postmenopausal BC overall and ER/PR status subtypes were investigated in a pooled analysis of 20 prospective cohorts, including 36,297 BC cases among 1,061,915 women, using multivariable Cox regression analyses, controlling for reproductive factors, diet and other risk factors. We estimated dose–response relationships and tested for nonlinear associations using restricted cubic splines. Height showed positive, linear associations for premenopausal and postmenopausal BC risk (6–7% RR increase per 5 cm increment), with stronger associations for receptor-positive subtypes. Body mass index (BMI) at cohort baseline was strongly inversely associated with premenopausal BC risk, and strongly positively—and nonlinearly—associated with postmenopausal BC (especially among women who never used hormone replacement therapy). This was primarily observed for receptor-positive subtypes. Early adult BMI (at 18–20 years) showed inverse, linear associations for premenopausal and postmenopausal BC risk (21% and 11% RR decrease per 5 kg/m2, respectively) with stronger associations for receptor-negative subtypes. Adult weight gain since 18–20 years was positively associated with postmenopausal BC risk, stronger for receptor-positive subtypes, and among women who were leaner in early adulthood. Women heavier in early adulthood generally had reduced premenopausal BC risk, independent of later weight gain. Positive associations between height, baseline (adult) BMI, adult weight gain and postmenopausal BC risk were substantially stronger for hormone receptor-positive versus negative subtypes. Premenopausal BC risk was positively associated with height, but inversely with baseline BMI and weight gain (mostly in receptor-positive subtypes). Inverse associations with early adult BMI seemed stronger in receptor-negative subtypes of premenopausal and postmenopausal BC.
The Experiment Paradox in Physics
Authors: Eckstein Michał , Horodecki Paweł
Published: October 2020

Modern physics is founded on two mainstays: mathematical modelling and empirical verification. These two assumptions are prerequisite for the objectivity of scientific discourse. Here we show, however, that they are contradictory, leading to the ‘experiment paradox’. We reveal that any experiment performed on a physical system is—by necessity—invasive and thus establishes inevitable limits to the accuracy of any mathematical model. We track its manifestations in both classical and quantum physics and show how it is overcome ‘in practice’ via the concept of environment. We argue that the unravelled paradox induces a new type of ‘ontic’ underdetermination, which has deep consequences for the methodological foundations of physics.
Environmental Profile and Technological Validation of New High-Tg Unsaturated Polyesters from Fully Bio-Based Monomers and Reactive Diluents
Authors: Suriano Raffaella , Gonzalez Maria Nelly Garcia , Turri Stefano
Published: October 2020

This study was focused on the synthesis and characterization of a fully bio-based unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) with good thermal properties suitable for the commercial production of composite polymers. UPRs based on different ratios of bio-based furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA), itaconic acid, and diols were synthesized. The unsaturated polymers prepared were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry, gel permeation chromatography, FTIR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The results showed positive effects of FDCA on the glass transition temperature (Tg) of these fully bio-based polyesters, especially when FDCA was combined with 1,2-propanediol. Optimal values of Tg were obtained in the range of 30–32 °C for UPRs synthesized starting with a higher concentration of FDCA in the monomer feed. The possibility of substituting styrene, which usually acts as a reactive diluent, with a greener and safer alternative during the crosslinking of UPRs, was also explored. Two bio-based reactive diluents were considered: dimethyl itaconate (DMI) and butanediol dimethacrylate. After crosslinking, an average Tg of 75 °C and a good crosslinking efficiency indicated by a gel content of 90% were achieved for the fully bio-based polyester obtained under milder reaction conditions and dilution with DMI. Life cycle assessment was performed on selected UPRs, and comparison with a reference fossil-based resin in terms of the calculated category indicator results confirmed the lower environmental impact of the newly prepared bio-based polyesters.
The relationship between auditors’ human capital attributes and the assessment of the control environment
Authors: Lamboglia Rita , Mancini Daniela
Published: October 2020

The International Standards on Auditing (ISA) consider the understanding of the control environment as a basic phase of an auditor’s assessment of internal control. This comprehension influences the nature, timing, extent and, ultimately, the quality of the procedures managed by auditors. Several studies have investigated the determinants and implications of control environment assessment, internal control evaluation, and audit quality. However, very few studies have adopted a human capital perspective and matched the number and type of the control environment elements considered during control environment evaluation with auditors’ human capital attributes. Starting from these considerations, the paper examines the relationship between auditors’ human capital attributes and the assessment of the control environment. Based on a survey of 100 Italian external auditors, this study reveals that auditors perceive “Communication and enforcement of integrity and ethical values”as a relevant element in undertaking control environment assessments. Moreover, the findings indicate that the type of audit firm (Big Four), the regional context (Northern Italy), and the auditor’s degree specialization (accounting, finance and auditing) influence the control environment assessment. This study contributes to the literature by consolidating the use of human capital theory in the auditing domain and presenting new results that help clarify the relationship between human capital attributes and control environment evaluation. We have identified the human capital attributes of auditors that match a control environment evaluation based on all seven elements indicated by ISA 315.
Blok, Vincent: Heidegger’s concept of philosophical method: innovating philosophy in the age of global warming
Authors: Reijers Wessel
Published: October 2020

This review discusses Vincent Blok’s book Heidegger’s Concept of Philosophical Method. Blok’s daring and important argument is that Heidegger has been misunderstood by contemporary philosophers who dismiss his thinking as correlationism; but that at the same time there lies something at the core of Heidegger’s thinking that prevents it from unleashing its true innovative potential; namely a logic of unity. To move beyond this logic of unity, Blok aims to rediscover and redefine the potential of Heidegger’s philosophical method by characterising it along the lines of interrogative intention and creativity of world-interest. This move allows Blok to think about Earth in the age of global warming in a way that was not possible in Heidegger’s work, providing a positive concept of the Earth’s materiality as uncorrelated being that guides the way to a future environmental ethics. The review discusses the main contributions of the book, and also three criticisms, which concern the justification of choices for certain perspectives, the unfulfilled promise of moving from philosophical theory to more practically oriented guidance, and unclarities concerning the alternative that Blok puts forward as an answer to his criticism of Heidegger’s method.
Flood risk mapping and crop-water loss modeling using water footprint analysis in agricultural watershed, northern Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Maziar , Darabi Hamid , Mirchooli Fahimeh , Bakhshaee Alireza , Torabi Haghighi Ali
Published: October 2020

Spatial information on flood risk and flood-related crop losses is important in flood mitigation and risk management in agricultural watersheds. In this study, loss of water bound in agricultural products following damage by flooding was calculated using water footprint and agricultural statistics, using the Talar watershed, northern Iran, as a case. The main conditioning factors on flood risk (flow accumulation, slope, land use, rainfall intensity, geology, and elevation) were rated and combined in GIS, and a flood risk map classified into five risk classes (very low to very high) was created. Using average crop yield per hectare, the amount of rice and wheat products under flood risk was calculated for the watershed. Finally, the spatial relationships between agricultural land uses (rice and wheat) and flood risk areas were evaluated using geographically weighted regression (GWR) in terms of local R2 at sub-watershed scale. The results showed that elevation was the most critical factor for flood risk. GWR results indicated that local R2 between rice farms and flood risk decreased gradually from north to south in the watershed, while no pattern was detected for wheat farms. Potential production of rice and wheat in very high flood risk zones was estimated to be 7972 and 18,860 tons, on an area of 822 ha and 7218 ha, respectively. Loss of these crops to flooding meant that approximately 34.04 and 12.10 million m3 water used for production of wheat and rice, respectively, were lost. These findings can help managers, policymakers, and watershed stakeholders achieve better crop management and flood damage reduction.
Development and Evaluation of a Component Level Implementation Fidelity Rating System for the GenerationPMTO Intervention
Authors: Holtrop Kendal , Miller Debra L. , Durtschi Jared A. , Forgatch Marion S.
Published: October 2020

Empirically determining the components of evidence-based interventions contributing to positive change is a crucial, yet understudied area of research. In support of this aim, we describe the development and evaluation of an observational rating system for measuring fidelity to specific components of the evidence-based GenerationPMTO parenting intervention. A five-step process was employed to systematically develop the rating system, which included consultation with the intervention developer and input from additional GenerationPMTO experts. The rating system was then tested using 247 h of video data from 184 parenting group intervention sessions. Study findings support the psychometric properties of the new measure with regard to item performance, reliability (i.e., inter-rater reliability of items, dimensionality of components, internal consistency of component scales), and validity (i.e., content validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and predictive validity of the component scales) for seven of the eight scales evaluated. The seven components include clear directions, skill encouragement, emotion regulation, limit setting, effective communication, problem solving, and monitoring. Data did not support the psychometric properties of the positive involvement scale. Overall, the ability to assess component-specific fidelity allows for a more nuanced examination of change processes, with meaningful implications for research and practice.
The COVID-19 pandemic as disjuncture: Lifelong learning in a context of fear
Authors: Bjursell Cecilia
Published: October 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a number of fundamental changes in different societies, and can therefore be understood as creating “disjuncture” in our lives. Disjuncture is a concept proposed by adult educator Peter Jarvis to describe the phenomenon of what happens when an individual is confronted with an experience that conflicts with her/his previous understanding of the world. Faced with a situation that creates disjuncture, the person is compelled to find new knowledge and new ways of doing things; i.e., he/she must embark on a learning process. The recent introduction of social distancing as a measure aiming to reduce transmission of the COVID-19 virus has dramatically changed people’s behaviour, but this measure does not only have preventive and desirable effects. There is an associated risk for increased isolation among the older generations of the population, as well as a change in intergenerational relationships. Although the current pandemic (as disjuncture) may potentially initiate major learning processes in the human collective, we should remember that disjuncture is often theorised within neutral, or even positive, contexts. In a context of fear, however, learning may result in a narrowing of mindsets and a rejection of collective efforts and solidarity between generations. In terms of the types of learning triggered by the current pandemic (as disjuncture), one problem is non-reflective learning, which primarily occurs on a behavioural level. We need to recognise this and engage in reflective learning if we are to make the choices that will lead to a society that is worth living in for all generations. Our goal must be to learn to be a person in a post-pandemic society.
Causal necessitarianism and the monotonicity objection
Authors: Hirèche Salim
Published: October 2020

Do causes necessitate their effects? Causal necessitarianism (CN) is the view that they do. One major objection—the “monotonicity objection”—runs roughly as follows. For many particular causal relations, we can easily find a possible “blocker”—an additional causal factor that, had it also been there, would have prevented the cause from producing its effect. However—the objection goes on—, if the cause reallynecessitatedits effect in the first place, it would have produced itanyway—despite the blocker. Thus, CN must be false. Though different from Hume’s famous attacks against CN, the monotonicity objection is no less important. In one form or another, it has actually been invoked by various opponents to CN, past and present. And indeed, its intuitive appeal is quite powerful. Yet, this paper argues that, once carefully analysed, the objection can be resisted—and should be. First, I show how its success depends on three implicit assumptions concerning, respectively, the notion of cause, the composition of causal factors, and the relation of necessitation. Second, I present general motivations for rejecting at least one of those assumptions: appropriate variants of them threaten views that even opponents to CN would want to preserve—in particular, the popular thesis ofgroundingnecessitarianism. Finally, I argue that the assumption we should reject is the one concerning how causes should be understood: causes, I suggest, include an element of completeness that excludes blockers. In particular, I propose a way of understanding causal completeness that avoids common difficulties.