bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organic certification as assemblage: The case of Cuban honey
Authors: Kurtz Hilda E. , Dittmer Jason , Trauger Amy , Blue Sarah
Published: October 2020

Through the lens of assemblage theory, we conceptualise organic certification for agricultural products in Cuba as a “dispositif‐assemblage,” through which we trace a multiple and conflicted “will to govern” the production and valuing of food qualities. We juxtapose the hierarchical third‐party certification system for Cuban organic honey for export with a proposed horizontal participatory guarantee system for organic products to be consumed in Cuba. The analysis highlights that there are multiple ways in which commodities take on value and meaning within assemblages, some of which are extra‐economic in nature.
Innovative approach for purification of wastewater effluent via soil filtration
Authors: Ahmed Abdelkader T.
Published: October 2020

This study examined the feasibility of tertiary treatment for the effluent of the wastewater treatment plants through filtration into soil layers and pumping it for reuse. The research adopted experimental measurements and modelling works to simulate treating wastewater effluents by surrounding soil layers. The modelling work investigated the suitable distances for wastewater purifications into different types of soil. The work also studied a novel method by adding treating artificial layers around the extracting well such as active carbon, sawdust and fine sand layers to increase treatment efficiency. The results of simulation model exhibited that the most of pollutant concentrations can be removed by soil filtration after a short horizontal distance about 20 m away from the pollution source. The model portrayed also very well the importance of the proposed approach of using artificial materials around the extracting well as the approach results showed high removal efficiency reached 100%. The results showed generally that using this treatment technique generated relatively high‐quality water suitable for many applications such as irrigation.
Hierarchical Validation Prevents Over-Fitting of the Neck Material Model for an Anthropomorphic Test Device Used in Underbody Blast Scenarios
Authors: Alexander Max Baker , Hostetler Zach , Vavalle Nicholas , Armiger Robert , Coates Randolph , Gayzik Francis
Published: October 2020

Injury due to underbody loading is increasingly relevant to the safety of the modern warfighter. To accurately evaluate injury risk in this loading modality, a biofidelic anthropomorphic test device (e.g., dummy) is required. Finite element model counterparts to the physical dummies are also useful tools in the evaluation of injury risk, but require validated constitutive material models used in the dummy. However, material model fitting can result in models that are over-fit: they match well with the data they were trained on, but do not extrapolate well to new loading scenarios. In this study, we used a hierarchical approach. Material models created from coupon-level tests were evaluated at the component level, and then verified using blinded component and whole body (WB) tests to establish a material model of the anthropomorphic test device (ATD) neck that was not over-fit. Additionally, a combined metric is introduced that incorporates the well-known correlation analysis (CORA) score with peak characteristics to holistically evaluate the material model performance. A Bergstrom Boyce material model fit to one loop of combined compression and tension experimental data performed the best within the training datasets. Its combined metric scores were 2.51 and 2.18 (max score of 3) in a constrained neck and head neck setup, respectively. In the blinded evaluation including flexed, extended, and WB simulations, similar combined scores were observed with 2.44, 2.26, and 2.60, respectively. The agreement between the combined scores in the training and validation dataset indicated that model was not over-fit and can be extrapolated into untested, but similar loading scenarios.
Evaluation of Annulus Pressure Buildup During Injection Operations
Authors: Mohamed I. M. , Panchal Y. , Mounir N. , Woolsey G. , Abou-Sayed O. A. , Abou-Sayed A. S.
Published: October 2020

More than 300 million barrels of saltwater is produced everyday from oil and gas production wells. Most of this volume is injected through either saltwater disposal wells or used for water flooding and enhanced recovery purposes. Usually, the regulations require the injection to be conducted through the injector well tubing that is isolated from the well annulus to protect the underground source of drinking water (USDW) by preventing any possible leak through the well casing. Monitoring of the annulus pressure during injection ensures the well integrity. The annulus pressure changes can occur by one of the following mechanisms: thermal expansion of the annulus fluid; ballooning of the injection tubing; communication between the tubing and the annulus; or fluid migration behind the casing. Determining the communication mechanism can be a complex process and a need may arise to run several testing procedures and inspect all the wellbore components. Successful evaluation of the annulus pressure values and trends can directly identify the root cause of the annulus pressure buildup and simultaneously save time and reduce the cost associated with the workover operations. The seven case studies presented in this paper focus on the details pertaining to the annulus pressure buildup under different well conditions and purposes the interpretation technique for each case.
Tribological Property of Biocarbon-Based Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide Nanocomposite as Lubricant Additive at Different Concentrations of Additive and Dispersant
Authors: Gao Rongqin , Liu Wenbo , Chang Qiuying , Zhang Hao , Liu Yang
Published: October 2020

The tribological performance of biocarbon-based magnesium silicate hydroxide nanocomposite was examined as a lubricant additive by using a four-ball friction and wear tester. The effect of different concentrations of additives and dispersants was evaluated. The results show the nanocomposite exhibits excellent anti-wear performance and the optimal value is proposed when the content of additive and dispersant is 0.7 wt% and 3 wt% respectively. Through analyzing the friction surfaces by scanning electron microscope and Raman, we proposed the additives acted by a combination of “bearing,” “third body,” and sliding effect to achieve outstanding tribological properties.
Measurement of Real Contact Area for Rough Metal Surfaces and the Distinction of Contribution From Elasticity and Plasticity
Authors: Li Lei-Tao , Liang Xuan-Ming , Xing Yu-Zhe , Yan Duo , Wang Gang-Feng
Published: October 2020

The measurement of the real contact area between rough surfaces is one of the most challenging problems in contact mechanics and is of importance to understand some physical mechanisms in tribology. Based on the frustrated total internal reflection, a new apparatus is designed to measure the real contact area. For metallic samples with various surface topographies, the relation between normal load and the real contact area is measured. The unloading process is first considered to distinguish the contribution of elasticity and plasticity in contact with rough surfaces. It is found that both elasticity and plasticity are involved throughout the continuous loading process, different from some present understanding and assumptions that they play at different loading stages. A quantitative parameter is proposed to indicate the contribution of plasticity. The present work not only provides an experimental method to measure the real contact area but figures out how elastic and plastic deformation works in contact with rough surfaces.
Comparative Evaluation of Algorithms for Achieving Ultrapacked Thermal Greases: Microstructural Models and Effective Behavior
Authors: Achar P. L Sukshitha , Liao Huanyu , Subbarayan Ganesh
Published: October 2020

In this work, we develop and evaluate algorithms for generating ultrapacked microstructures of particles. Simulated microstructures reported in the literature rarely contain particle volume fractions greater than 60%. However, commercially available thermal greases appear to achieve volume fractions in the range of 60–80%. Therefore, to analyze the effectiveness of commercially available particle-filled thermal interface materials (TIM), there is a need to develop algorithms capable of generating ultrapacked microstructures. The particle packing problem is initially posed as a nonlinear programming problem, and formal optimization algorithms are applied to generate microstructures that are maximally packed. The packing efficiency in the simulated microstructure is dependent on the number of particles in the simulation cell; however, as the number of particles increases, the packing simulation is computationally expensive. Here, the computational time to generate microstructures with large number of particles is systematically evaluated first using optimization algorithms. The algorithms include the penalty function methods, best-in-class sequential quadratic programming method, matrix-less conjugate gradient method as well as the augmented Lagrangian method. Heuristic algorithms are next evaluated to achieve computationally efficient packing. The evaluated heuristic algorithms are mainly based on the drop-fall-shake (DFS) method, but modified to more effectively simulate the mixing process in commercial planetary mixers. With the developed procedures, representative volume elements (RVE) with volume fraction as high as 74% are demonstrated. The simulated microstructures are analyzed using our previously developed random network model to estimate the effective thermal and mechanical behavior given a particle arrangement.
Ultrasound-Guided Attenuation Parameter (UGAP) for the quantification of liver steatosis using the Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) as the reference method
Authors: Bende Felix , Sporea Ioan , Șirli Roxana , Bâldea Victor , Lazăr Alin , Lupușoru Raluca , Fofiu Renata , Popescu Alina
Published: October 2020

Aim: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is increasing in frequency in daily practice and evaluation of liver steatosis, fibrosis and inflammation severity are essential for prognosis assessment. The aim was to evaluate the usefulnessof a new liver steatosis quantification system - Ultrasound-Guided Attenuation Parameter (UGAP) from General Electric Healthcare, using Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) as the reference method.Material and method: 179 consecutive subjects, in whom liver steatosis was assessed in the same session using UGAP, implemented on LOGIQ E10 system (GE Healthcare), and CAP (FibroScan, EchoSens). To discriminate between steatosis stages by CAP, we used the cut-offs recommended by the manufacturer: S1 (mild) – 230 dB/m, S2 (moderate) – 275 dB/m, S3 (severe) – 300 dB/m.Results: We classified our cohort by means of CAP into the following groups: S0 (no steatosis): 48/176 (27.2%), S1 (mild): 56/176 (31.6%), S2 (moderate): 14/176 (7.3%) and S3 (severe): 59/176 (33.9%). The mean UGAP values increased with the steatosis grade and for each group were the following: S0: 198.3±25.7 dB/m, S1: 216.86±26.3 dB/m, S2: 237.79±26.3 dB/m, and S3: 270.8±31.62 dB/m respectively (p<0.001). A very good positive correlation was found between UGAP and CAP values (r=0.73, p<0.0001). The best cut-off values for predicting different grades of liver steatosis using CAP as the reference were: S1 - 192.5 dB/m (AUC 0.83); S2 – 231 dB/m (AUC 0.90) and S3 – 248 dB/m (AUC 0.91).Conclusion: UGAP seems to be a good method for liver steatosis quantification and correlates strongly with CAP values.
Approximate diffraction modeling for real-time sound propagation simulation
Authors: Pisha Louis , Atre Siddharth , Burnett John , Yadegari Shahrokh
Published: October 2020

Convincing simulation of diffraction around obstacles is critical in modeling sound propagation in virtual environments. Due to the computational complexity of large-scale wavefield simulations, ray-based models of diffraction are used in real-time interactive multimedia applications. Among popular diffraction models, the Biot-Tolstoy-Medwin (BTM) edge diffraction model is the most accurate, but it suffers from high computational complexity and hence is difficult to apply in real time. This paper introduces an alternative ray-based approach to approximating diffraction, called Volumetric Diffraction and Transmission (VDaT). VDaT is a volumetric diffraction model, meaning it performs spatial sampling of paths along which sound can traverse the scene around obstacles. VDaT uses the spatial sampling results to estimate the BTM edge-diffraction amplitude response and path length, with a much lower computational cost than computing BTM directly. On average, VDaT matches BTM results within 1–3 dB over a wide range of size scales and frequencies in basic cases, and VDaT can handle small objects and gaps better than comparable state-of-the-art real-time diffraction implementations. A GPU-parallelized implementation of VDaT is shown to be capable of simulating diffraction on thousands of direct and specular reflection path segments in small-to-medium-size scenes, within strict real-time constraints and without any precomputed scene information.
Ambush Marketing Via Social Media: The Case of the Three Most Recent Olympic Games
Authors: Abeza Gashaw , Braunstein-Minkove Jessica R. , Séguin Benoit , O’Reilly Norm , Kim Ari , Abdourazakou Yann
Published: October 2020

This study explored the practices and strategies of ambush marketing via social media (SM) during the 2014 Sochi, 2016 Rio, and 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Games. An observational netnography method was adopted to investigate direct industry competitors’ (of the Olympic sponsors) use of SM for the purpose of ambush marketing during the 2014, 2016, and 2018 Games. Data were gathered from the official Twitter accounts of 15 direct industry competitors over the three most recent Games. Despite a series of SM guidelines released by IOC for the 2014, 2016, and 2018 Games, the findings showed that the practice of ambush marketing via SM was evident during each of the Games. Direct industry competitors were found employing four specific ambush strategies, namely, associative, values, coattail, and property infringement. Theoretical and practical implications, as well as an impetus for future research, are suggested.
The Effect of Plantar Massage on Static Postural Control in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Helly Katherine L. , Bain Katherine A. , Gribble Phillip A. , Hoch Matthew C.
Published: October 2020

Clinical Scenario: Patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) demonstrate deficits in both sensory and motor function, which can be objectively evaluated through static postural control testing. One intervention that has been suggested to improve somatosensation and, in turn, static postural control is plantar massage. Clinical Question: Does plantar massage improve static postural control during single-limb stance in patients with CAI relative to baseline? Summary of Key Findings: A search was performed for articles exploring the effect of plantar massage on static postural control in individuals with CAI. Three articles were included in this critically appraised topic including 1 randomized controlled trial and 2 crossover studies. All studies supported the use of plantar massage to improve static postural control in patients with CAI. Clinical Bottom Line: There is currently good-quality and consistent evidence that supports the use of plantar massage as an intervention that targets the somatosensory system to improve static postural control in patients with CAI. Future research should focus on incorporating plantar massage as a treatment intervention during long-term rehabilitation protocols for individuals with CAI. Strength of Recommendation: In agreement with the Center of Evidence-Based Medicine, the consistent results from 2 crossover studies and 1 randomized controlled trial designate that there is level B evidence due to consistent, moderate- to high-quality evidence.
Dry Needling for Hamstring Flexibility: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Alaei Parisa , Nakhostin Ansari Noureddin , Naghdi Soofia , Fakhari Zahra , Komesh Shiva , Dommerholt Jan
Published: October 2020

Context: Hamstring muscle tightness is one of the most common problems in athletic and healthy people. Dry needling (DN) was found to be an effective approach for improving muscle flexibility, but there is no study to compare this approach with static stretching (SS) as a common technique for the increase of muscle length. Objective: To compare the immediate effects of DN and SS on hamstring flexibility in healthy subjects with hamstring tightness. Study Design: A single-blind randomized controlled trial. Setting: A musculoskeletal physiotherapy clinic at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Subjects: Forty healthy subjects (female: 32, age range: 18–40 y) with hamstring tightness were randomly assigned into 2 groups of DN and SS. Intervention: The DN group received a single session of DN on 3 points of the hamstring muscles, each for 1 minute. The SS group received a single session of SS of the hamstrings, consisting of 3 sets of 30-second SS with a 10-second rest between sets in the active knee extension test (AKET) position. Main Outcome Measures: The AKET, muscle compliance, passive peak torque, and stretch tolerance were measured at the baseline, immediately, and 15 minutes after the interventions. Results: Improvements in all outcomes was better for the DN group than for the SS group. DN increased muscle compliance significantly 15 minutes after the intervention, but it did not improve in the SS group. Conclusion: DN is effective in improving hamstring flexibility compared with SS. One session of DN can be an effective treatment for hamstring tightness and increase hamstring flexibility. The improvements suggest that DN is a novel treatment for hamstring flexibility.
Candida glabrata Yap6 Recruits Med2 To Alter Glycerophospholipid Composition and Develop Acid pH Stress Resistance
Authors: Zhou Pei , Yuan Xiaoke , Liu Hui , Qi Yanli , Chen Xiulai , Liu Liming
Published: October 2020

This study investigated the function of the Mediator tail subunit
Cg
Med2 in
C. glabrata
under low-pH stress. The protein kinase
Cg
Yak1 activates
Cg
Yap6 for the recruitment of
Cg
Med2, which in turn increases glycerophospholipid content and membrane integrity to confer low-pH stress tolerance. This study establishes a new link between the Mediator tail subunit and transcription factors. Overall, these findings indicate that
Cg
Med2 is a novel target to induce the low-pH stress response in
C. glabrata
.
Failure of CD4 T Cell-Deficient Hosts To Control Chronic NontyphoidalSalmonellaInfection Leads to Exacerbated Inflammation, Chronic Anemia, and Altered Myelopoiesis
Authors: Loomis Wendy P. , Delaney Martha A. , Johnson Matthew L. , Cookson Brad T.
Published: October 2020

Immunocompromised patients are more susceptible to recurrent nontyphoidalSalmonella(NTS) bacteremia. A key manifestation of HIV infection is the loss of CD4 T cells, which are crucial for immunity toSalmonellainfection. We characterized the consequences of CD4 T cell depletion in mice where virulentSalmonellaestablish chronic infection, similar to chronic NTS disease in humans.Salmonella-infected, CD4-depleted 129X1/SvJ mice remained chronically colonized for at least 5 weeks, displaying increased splenomegaly and more severe splenitis than infected mice with CD4 T cells.
Severe hypophosphataemia following oral bisphosphonate treatment in a patient with osteoporosis
Authors: Bagger Louise Wulff , Hansen Per Kim Dyhr , Schwarz Peter , Nielsen Barbara Rubek
Published: October 2020

A 76-year-old woman was treated with oral bisphosphonate, alendronate, for osteoporosis in an outpatient clinic. Routine blood tests 4 months after alendronate prescription surprisingly revealed severe hypophosphataemia. The patient was hospitalised and treated with intravenous and oral phosphate supplements. Alendronate was later reintroduced as treatment for osteoporosis and the patient once again presented with severe hypophosphataemia in subsequent routine blood tests. The patient had only presented with lower extremity pain, muscle weakness and difficulty walking. Blood tests in the emergency department both times reconfirmed severe hypophosphataemia. Plasma (p-)ionised calcium levels were normal or slightly elevated and p-parathyroid hormone levels were normal or slightly suppressed. The p-25-hydroxyvitamin-D and p-creatine were in the normal range. Critical illness, malabsorption, nutritional issues and genetics were reviewed as potential causes but considered unlikely. Phosphate levels were quickly restored each time on replacement therapy and the case was interpreted as bisphosphonate-induced severe hypophosphataemia.
Eye clinic attendance at the olympic and paralympic games Rio 2016 and its correlation to the WHO indicators on eye health
Authors: Fernandes Arthur Gustavo , Bastawrous Andrew , Ferraz Nívea Nunes , Hennig Benjamin , Lima Vagner Loduca , Viana Rodrigo Galvao , Campos Mauro , Furtado João Marcello
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To evaluate athletes’ frequency of attendance at the eye clinic during the Olympic and Paralympic Games Rio 2016 and to correlate it to WHO core indicators on progress in ophthalmology care in a country.

Methods

Frequencies of athletes’ attendance at the eye clinic were calculated for each country. Countries were classified according to the World Bank income levels in high, upper-middle, low-middle or low-income country. Data on ophthalmology care for each country were derived from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness atlas. Data were analysed in view of WHO indicators for each country: visual impairment prevalence considering presenting visual acuity <6/18 to ≥3/60 in the better vision eye; number of ophthalmologists per million people and the cataract surgical rate per year, per million population.

Results

The athletes’ overall frequency of attendance in the eye clinic was 6.47%. Frequencies of attendance for high, upper-middle, low-middle or low-income country were 1.97%, 9.66%, 16.54% and 22.43%, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between the athletes’ attendance frequency of a country and its visual impairment prevalence (r=0.2290, p=0.0017). A negative correlation was observed between the athletes’ attendance frequency of a country and its eye health workforce (r=−0.2152, p=0.0026).

Conclusion

Countries with highest athletes’ frequencies of attendance were those that face barriers to eye care provision. These results reinforce the importance of the eye clinic service during the Olympic and Paralympic Games proving access to specialised care to athletes and members of delegation.
Trends and inequalities in the nutritional status of adolescent girls and adult women in sub-Saharan Africa since 2000: a cross-sectional series study
Authors: Jiwani Safia S , Gatica-Domínguez Giovanna , Crochemore-Silva Inacio , Maïga Abdoulaye , Walton Shelley , Hazel Elizabeth , Baille Barbara , Bose Sujata , Bosu William K , Busia Kofi , CA Tome , Coulibaly-Zerbo Ferima , Faye Cheikh Mbacké , Kumapley Richard , Mehra Vrinda , Somda Serge M A , Verstraeten Roosmarijn , Amouzou Agbessi
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Evidence on the rate at which the double burden of malnutrition unfolds is limited. We quantified trends and inequalities in the nutritional status of adolescent girls and adult women in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

We analysed 102 Demographic and Health Surveys between 1993 and 2017 from 35 countries. We assessed regional trends through cross-sectional series analyses and ran multilevel linear regression models to estimate the average annual rate of change (AARC) in the prevalence of underweight, anaemia, anaemia during pregnancy, overweight and obesity among women by their age, residence, wealth and education levels. We quantified current absolute inequalities in these indicators and wealth-inequality trends.

Results

There was a modest decline in underweight prevalence (AARC=−0.14 percentage points (pp), 95% CI −0.17 to -0.11). Anaemia declined fastest among adult women and the richest pregnant women with an AARC of −0.67 pp (95% CI −1.06 to -0.28) and −0.97 pp (95% CI −1.60 to -0.34), respectively, although it affects all women with no marked disparities. Overweight is increasing rapidly among adult women and women with no education. Capital city residents had a threefold more rapid rise in obesity (AARC=0.47 pp, 95% CI 0.39, 0.55), compared with their rural counterparts. Absolute inequalities suggest that Ethiopia and South Africa have the largest gap in underweight (15.4 pp) and obesity (28.5 pp) respectively, between adult and adolescent women. Regional wealth inequalities in obesity are widening by 0.34 pp annually.

Conclusion

Underweight persists, while overweight and obesity are rising among adult women, the rich and capital city residents. Adolescent girls do not present adverse nutritional outcomes except anaemia, remaining high among all women. Multifaceted responses with an equity lens are needed to ensure no woman is left behind.
Comparative analyses of enteric methane emissions, dry matter intake, and milk somatic cell count in different residual feed intake categories of dairy cows
Authors: Hailemariam Dagnachew , Manafiazar Ghader , Basarab John , Stothard Paul , Miglior Filippo , Plastow Graham , Wang Zhiquan
Published: October 2020

This study compared the different residual feed intake (RFI) categories of lactating Holsteins with respect to methane (CH4) emissions, dry matter intake (DMI, kg), milk somatic cell count (SCC, 103∙mL−1), and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB, mmol∙L−1). The RFI was calculated in 131 lactating Holstein cows that were then categorized into −RFI (RFI < 0) vs. +RFI (RFI > 0) and low- [RFI < −0.5 standard deviation (SD)] vs. high-RFI (RFI > 0.5 SD) groups. Milk traits were recorded in 131 cows, whereas CH4 and carbon dioxide were measured in 83. Comparisons of −RFI vs. +RFI and low- vs. high-RFI showed 7.9% (22.3 ± 0.40 vs. 24.2 ± 0.39) and 12.8% (21.1 ± 0.40 vs. 24.2 ± 0.45) decrease (P < 0.05) in DMI of −RFI and low-RFI groups, respectively. Similarly, −RFI and low-RFI cows had lower (P < 0.05) CH4 (g∙d−1) by 9.7% (343.5 ± 11.1 vs. 380.4 ± 10.9) and 15.5% (332.5 ± 12.9 vs. 393.5 ± 12.6), respectively. Milk yield was not different (P > 0.05) in −RFI vs. +RFI and low vs. high comparisons. The −RFI and low-RFI cows had lower (P < 0.05) SCC in −RFI vs. +RFI and low-RFI vs. high-RFI comparisons. The BHB was lower (P < 0.05) in low-RFI compared with the high-RFI group. Low-RFI dairy cows consumed less feed, emitted less CH4 (g∙d−1), and had lower milk SCC and BHB without differing in milk yield.
A simple and efficient metal free, additive, or base free dehydrogenation of tetrahydroisoquinolines using oxygen as a clean oxidant
Authors: Ramu Shanmugam , Baskar Baburaj
Published: October 2020

Metal free dehydrogenation of various substituted tetrahydroisoquinolines via a simple and convenient metal free, atom economical route for the synthesis of corresponding isoquinolines under oxygen atmosphere in N-methyl-2-pyrollidone (NMP) is described. Metal free dehydrogenation was carried out without the use of additive or base. A scope of the methodology was demonstrated for a number of aryl and heteroaryl substitutions present at C1 position and ester moiety at C3 position and was found to be good substrates. Substituted isoquinolines (3a–3h) and their esters (3i–3m) were synthesized in very good to excellent yields.
A framework for assessing the ability to detect macroscale effects on fish growth
Authors: Massie Danielle L. , Li Yan , Wagner Tyler
Published: October 2020

Various abiotic and biotic factors affect fish and their habitats at macroscales. For example, changes in global temperatures will likely alter demographic rates, including growth. However, to date, there is no statistical framework for assessing the ability to detect macroscale effects on fish growth under different sampling scenarios. We provide a generalized framework for calculating the frequentist and Bayesian power of detecting macroscale effects on fish growth. We illustrate this framework for a range of sampling scenarios that varied in the number of fish sampled per lake, the number of lakes sampled, and the magnitude of the temperature effect on growth for two case study species. However, the framework can be adapted to investigate other species, sampling scenarios, and environmental drivers. The ability to detect macroscale effects was more affected by the number of lakes sampled rather than the number of fish sampled from each lake. Confidently detecting macroscale effects likely requires sampling hundreds of lakes. This was true for both case study species, despite different life histories and extents of spatial variability in growth.
Layouts for fixed-target experiments and dipole moment measurements of short-lived baryons using bent crystals at the LHC
Authors: Mirarchi D. , Fomin A. S. , Redaelli S. , Scandale W.
Published: October 2020

Several studies are on-going at CERN in the framework of the Physics Beyond Collider study group, with main aim of broadening the physics research spectrum using the available accelerator complex and infrastructure. The possibility to design a layout that allows fixed-target experiments in the primary vacuum of the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC), without the need of a dedicated extraction line, is part of these studies. The principle of the layouts presented in this paper is to deflect beam halo protons on a fixed-target placed in the LHC primary vacuum, by means of the channeling process in bent crystals. Moreover, the presence of a second bent crystal adjacent to the target opens a unique opportunity for the first direct measurement of electric and magnetic dipole moments of short-lived baryons. Two possible layouts are reported, together with a thorough evaluation on their expected performance and impact on LHC operations.
Note on scalar–graviton and scalar–photon–graviton amplitudes
Authors: Zhou Kang , Zhou Guo-Jun
Published: October 2020

In this short note, we propose an algorithm based on the expansions of amplitudes, the dimensional reduction technique and the approach by differential operators, to calculate the tree level scalar–graviton amplitudes with two massive scalars and the tree level scalar–photon–graviton amplitudes with two massive scalars and one photon. While applying the unitarity method, these amplitudes are necessary inputs for the calculation of post-Newtonian and post-Minkowskian expansions in general relativity for two massive charged objects interacting with gravity and the electromagnetic field.
Immediate effect of foam roller on pain and ankle range of motion in patients with plantar fasciitis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ranbhor Aishwarya R. , Prabhakar Ashish J. , Eapen Charu
Published: October 2020

Background: Stretching has been proven to be effective on pain and range of motion (ROM) in patients with plantar fasciitis. Despite recent gain in popularity and the proposed theories of effectiveness of foam roller, there is a lack of literature on the effect of foam rolling on plantar fasciitis.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effects of foam rolling and stretching on pain and ankle ROM in patients with plantar fasciitis.

Methods: A total of 50 participants were included and randomly allocated to the stretching and foam roller groups. Visual analog scale (VAS), pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) for gastrocnemius, soleus and plantar fascia and weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT) measurements were recorded at baseline and immediately after treatment.

Results: Within-group analysis has shown there is a statistically significant difference ([Formula: see text]) in all the outcome measures in both foam roller and self-stretching groups. The between-groups analysis showed no statistical significance difference in VAS, plantar fascia PPT and WBLT parameters (with [Formula: see text]-values of 0.171, 0.372 and 0.861, respectively); however, significant differences were found in gastrocnemius PPT ([Formula: see text]) and soleus PPT ([Formula: see text]).

Conclusion: It was seen that both stretching and foam rolling techniques helped in reducing pain and increasing the ROM. However, the effectiveness of foam roller was superior to stretching in terms of increase in PPTs at gastrocnemius and soleus.

Clinical Trial Registration No: CTRI/2018/01/011398.

Name of registry: The Clinical Trials Registry — India (CTRI); https://ctri.nic.in.
What Turns the Taxman on? Tax Aggressiveness, Financial Statement Audits, and Tax Return Adjustments in Small Private Companies
Authors: Ojala Hannu , Kinnunen Juha , Niemi Lasse , Troberg Pontus , Collis Jill
Published: October 2020

This study examines the effect of tax aggressiveness and voluntary audit of financial statements on the likelihood of tax adjustments in small private companies. We provide evidence that (a) tax aggressiveness increases the likelihood of the tax authority not accepting taxable income as reported, whereas (b) voluntary audit decreases it. To derive our hypotheses, we built a theoretical stochastic model explaining tax authority’s reactions to bias and noise in tax returns and how these two relate to tax aggressiveness and voluntary audit. In our empirical tests of the hypotheses, we used a large proprietary data set comprising internal records of the Finnish Tax Administration for the fiscal year 2010 combined with data on the taxable income reported by approximately 19,500 small, private companies. Our results show that while the findings on tax aggressiveness are significant when measured with the book-tax difference using proprietary tax return data from the Tax Administration, they are insignificant when based on the conventional tax aggressiveness measure of book-tax difference derived from publicly available financial statement data. Our paper contributes to the literature by being the first to document the effects of tax aggressiveness and voluntary audit on tax return adjustments of small private companies.
Finite Element Method and Von Mises Investigation on Bone Response to Dynamic Stress with a Novel Conical Dental Implant Connection
Authors: Fiorillo Luca , Cicciù Marco , D’Amico Cesare , Mauceri Rodolfo , Oteri Giacomo , Cervino Gabriele
Published: October 2020

The bioengineering and medical and biomedical fields are ever closer, and they manage to obtain surprising results for the development of new devices. The field of simulations and studies in silica has undergone considerable development in recent years, favoring the advancement of medicine. In this manuscript, a study was carried out to evaluate the force distribution on the implant components (In‐Kone® Universal) and on the peri‐implant tissues subjected to loading. With the finite element analysis and the Von Mises method, it was possible to evaluate this distribution of forces both at 0 degrees (occlusal force) and at 30 degrees; the applied force was 800 N. The obtained results on this new type of connection and on all the implant components are satisfactory; the distribution of forces appears optimal even on the peri‐implant tissues. Surely, studies like this help to obtain ever more performing devices, improving both the clinic and the predictability of rehabilitations.
Risk Factors for Sarcopenia in the Elderly with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and the Effect of Metformin
Authors: Chen Fenqin , Xu Shuai , Wang Yingfang , Chen Feng , Cao Lu , Liu Tingting , Huang Ting , Wei Qian , Ma Guojing , Zhao Yuhong , Wang Difei
Published: October 2020

Aims. Sarcopenia is a common condition in older individuals, especially in the elderly with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of the present study was to examine the risk factors for sarcopenia in elderly individuals with T2DM and the effects of metformin. Methods. A total of 1732 elderly with T2DM were recruited to this cross-sectional observational study, and we analyzed the data using logistic regression analyses. Skeletal muscle mass, grip strength, and usual gait speed were measured to diagnose sarcopenia according to the criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia, combined with expert consensus on sarcopenia in China. Results. The overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 10.37% of the participants. In the multivariate analysis, sex, age, educational level, and BMI were risk factors for sarcopenia, with women more likely to develop sarcopenia relative to men (

OR
=
2.539

, 95%

CI
=
1.475

–4.371;

P
<
0.05

). We observed that sarcopenia increased with age and decreased with increasing BMI and educational level (

P
<
0.05

). Participants who took metformin alone or combined with other drugs exhibited a lower risk for sarcopenia than those who took no medication (

OR
=
0.510

, 95%

CI
=
0.288

–0.904 and

OR
=
0.398

, 95%

CI
=
0.225

–0.702, respectively;

P
<
0.05

). Conclusions. We showed that being female and at an older age, lower educational level, and lower BMI were risk factors for sarcopenia in elderly T2DM and that metformin acted as a protective agent against sarcopenia in these patients.
Evaluation of Urban Spatial Equality Based on Accessibility to Economic Activities: Beijing as a Case Study
Authors: Yang Xinyu , Niu Fangqu , Sun Dongqi
Published: October 2020

Urban space is the spatial projection of various social and economic activities. Given the complexity of urban functions and the ongoing expansion of urban areas, the spatial differentiation of various economic activities within cities tends to become more and more clear; moreover, there tends to be spatial inequalities in resource allocation. Taking Beijing as an example, this study develops a spatial accessibility model at the town (jiedao) level by integrating the spatial distribution of economic activities with the transport system and evaluating the accessibility (at the spatial level) to various economic activities. The equality of the residents’ economic-related travel activity is also evaluated in line with the population distribution. The results show that the accessibility to economic activities generally decreases in going from the urban center to the peripheral suburbs, and this “core to edge” difference is readily apparent. In general, residents tend to choose areas to settle in which have a high degree of accessibility, however, the attractiveness of accessibility is constrained within certain limits, as evidenced by a reduction of population in the center of Beijing. Additionally, there are inequalities with respect to traveling experiences. For instance, 27.8% of residents experience very convenient travel conditions, mostly in the Xicheng, Dongcheng, and Haidian districts, and this equates to a high level of accessibility; about half of the residents in Beijing live in areas ranked as being of medium accessibility and where the distribution of economic activities and transportation facilities are insufficient. Residents living in the outlying Changping, Mentougou, Shunyi, and Fangshan districts have relatively poor access to transportation indicating a low level of accessibility. Overall, the evaluation method for spatial equality considers comprehensively the distribution of economic activities, transportation, and population distribution and can provide a reference framework for optimization of the urban spatial structure to improve urban spatial equality.
Testing Two Student Nurse Stress Instruments in Chinese Nursing Students: A Comparative Study Using Exploratory Factor Analysis
Authors: Zhu Yiru , Liu Yanjin , Guo Lina , Jones Martyn C. , Guo Yuanli , Yv Suyuan , Guo Yvru , Namassevayam Genoosha , Wei Miao
Published: October 2020

Background. The development and transformation of nursing within professional tertiary education have exerted a great pressure and challenge upon nursing students. Stress experienced by nursing students is a common precursor of psychological distress and attrition. However, no scale is specifically used to evaluate the sources of stress experienced by nursing students in Mainland China. Aims and Objective. This study is aimed at testing and comparing the reliability and validity including sensitivity and specificity of two nursing students’ stress instruments, the Chinese version of Student Nurse Stress Index Scale (SNSI‐CHI), and the Stressors in Student Nursing Scale (SINS‐CN) in Chinese nursing students, and describing the stress status of nursing students in China. Methods. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in two nursing schools in Henan Province from August 2017 to January 2018. Data were collected by using a questionnaire comprising the Chinese version of SNSI (SNSI‐CHI), the Chinese version of SINS (SINS‐CN), and the Chinese Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS). Homogeneity and stability, content, construct and concurrent validity, and sensitivity and specificity were assessed. Results. The Cronbach’s alpha (α) of SNSI‐CHI was 0.90, and the item‐to‐total correlations ranged from 0.35 to 0.66. The Cronbach’s α of SINS‐CN was 0.93, and the item‐to‐total correlations ranged from 0.19 to 0.61. The findings of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) confirmed a good construct validity of SNSI‐CHI and SINS‐CN. The Pearson’s rank correlation coefficients, between total scores of SNSI‐CHI and CPSS and SINS‐CN and CPSS, were assessed to 0.38 (P < 0.01) and 0.39 (P < 0.01), respectively. Regarding the CPSS, as the criterion, the cut‐points of SNSI‐CHI and SINS‐CN for the area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve were 0.77and 0.66, respectively. Conclusion. Both scales are valid and reliable for evaluating the source of stress of student nurses in China. Each has its own characteristics, but the SNSI‐CHI demonstrated marginal advantage over the SINS‐CN. The SNSI‐CHI is short, is easily understood, and with clear dimension for the nursing students, and the SNSI‐CHI is more acceptable for the users in China.
Pilot Acute Safety Evaluation of Innocell™ Cancer Immunotherapy in Canine Subjects
Authors: Goodrich Raymond P. , Weston Jon , Hartson Lindsay , Griffin Lynn , Guth Amanda
Published: October 2020

Background. We are developing cancer immunotherapy based on the use of autologous tumor tissue that has been rendered replication-incompetent but maintains phenotype and metabolic activity post-preparation. Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate safety and tolerance to injection of the inactivated tumor cell and adjuvant preparation (Innocell™) within 24 hours of administration in a pilot study in canine patients with solid organ tumors. Methodology. Three canine patients demonstrating accessible solid organ tumors of various types were assessed in this study. The local site injection was monitored post-treatment. Clinical signs of adverse reactions were monitored for 24 hours post-treatment. Blood samples were taken pre-treatment and at 8 and 24 hours post-treatment for all subjects. One subject provided samples at 7 days post-treatment. All blood samples were analyzed for cytokine content for both immune system-associated and tumor-associated cytokines. Results. No signs of adverse reactions at the site of injection or systemically were observed in the study period. A slight fever and lethargy were reported in one subject by the owner post-vaccination. Immune system-associated cytokine levels in two of the three animals were elevated post-treatment. Tumor-associated cytokine levels in all three subjects declined post-treatment from baseline levels with the effect most prominent in the subject with a non-excised tumor. Conclusion. Subcutaneous injection of the inactivated tumor cells and adjuvant was well tolerated in this pilot study. Cytokine responses observed were in line with the intended use of the treatment in stimulating immune response without adverse clinical observations. Additional evaluation is warranted.
Reference Interval of Hemoglobin A1c and Influence of Hematological Parameters on Its Serum Concentration in Dogs
Authors: Neumann Stephan
Published: October 2020

HbA1c could be an alternative to fructosamine as a marker for glucose levels over a longer period. In this study, we calculated a reference interval for HbA1c in dogs and investigated the correlation of HbA1c with hemoglobin and different hematological parameters. In total, 110 blood samples from dogs were investigated. Significant negative correlations were found between HbA1c and erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, as well as hematocrit. There was a tendency in the red cell distribution width. No significant correlation was found in the reticulocyte number and the erythrocyte indices. In conclusion, there is an association of different blood parameters with the HbA1c concentration, which have to be considered for the interpretation of HbA1c.
Similarity Criterion of Freezing Model Test considering Nonlinear Variation of Thermal Parameters with Temperature
Authors: Pan Lin , Cheng Xuelei , Xia Jinhong
Published: October 2020

The significant differences in specific heat and thermal conductivity of ice and water lead to the changes of specific heat and thermal conductivity of soil during the freezing process. This makes it hard for the temperature field similarity criterion based on constant thermal parameters to accurately reflect the temperature field evolution of soil mass caused by nonlinearity of thermal parameters in the process. Based on heat conduction differential equation considering nonlinear changes of thermal parameters, this paper uses similarity transformation method to derive the similarity criterion of the temperature field in the frozen soil model test and arrives at the conclusion that the prototype soil and model soil should meet when the original soil is used for the model test. At the same time, given the impact of the third boundary condition on the similarity criterion, the thermal physical similarity conditions for the model soil are derived. On this basis, ABAQUS finite element software is used to numerically simulate the linear and nonlinear prototype and model temperature fields. The third boundary condition considered the temperature evolution of the characteristic points during the freezing process is analyzed. The calculation results indicate that the nonlinear thermal conductivity similarity criterion established herein can correctly reflect the evolution process of the prototype frozen soil temperature field. It is also suggested that the model soil thermal parameters are reasonably calculated. At the same time, it shows that the nonlinear freezing similarity criterion of the soil, when the third boundary condition is satisfied, has clear physical meaning and higher practical value. The research results provide a practical and reasonable parameter calculation method for the model soil preparation in the frozen soil model test and a theoretical basis and technical support for the design and implementation of the water-heat-force coupling model test on frozen soil.