bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parental experiences of uncertainty following an abnormal fetal anomaly scan: Insights using Han’s taxonomy of uncertainty
Authors: Hammond Jennifer , Klapwijk Jasmijn E. , Hill Melissa , Lou Stina , Ormond Kelly E. , Diderich Karin E.M. , Riedijk Sam , Lewis Celine
Published: July 2020

For a number of prospective parents, uncertainty during pregnancy starts when an anomaly is found during a routine fetal anomaly scan. This may be followed by numerous tests to determine the etiology and nature of the anomaly. In this study, we aimed to understand how prospective parents perceive and manage uncertainty after being confronted with a structural anomaly during their routine ultrasound. Han's taxonomy of uncertainty was used as a framework to identify and understand the different types of uncertainty experienced. Interviews were held in the UK (n = 8 women and n = 1 male partner) and in the Netherlands (n = 7 women) with participants who had experienced uncertainty in their pregnancy after a fetal scan. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, and the uncertainties experienced by parents were mapped against the dimensions of the Han taxonomy (sources, issues, and locus). Participants' experience of uncertainty was relevant to all dimensions and subcategories of the Han taxonomy, showing its applicability in the prenatal setting. Sources of uncertainty included receiving probabilistic or ambiguous information about the anomaly, or information that was complex and challenging to understand. Issues of uncertainty included were those that were scientific—such as a probable diagnosis with no further information, personal—such as the emotional impact of uncertainty, and practical—such as limited information about medical procedures and practical aspects of care. Additionally, participants described what helped them to manage uncertainty. This included active coping strategies such as searching for information on the Internet, external coping resources such as seeking social support, and internal coping resources such as using positivity and hope. Several recommendations for the healthcare professional to minimize uncertainty and help the patient deal with uncertainty have been proposed based on these findings.
Organocatalyzed Kabbe condensation reaction for mild and expeditious synthesis of 2,2‐dialkyl and 2‐spiro‐4‐chromanones
Authors: Kapuriya Naval P. , Bhalodia Jasmin J. , Ambasana Mrunal A. , Patel Rashmi B. , Bapodra Atul H.
Published: July 2020

An expeditious Kabbe condensation reaction for the synthesis of 2,2‐dialkyl and 2‐spiro‐chroman‐4(1H)‐ones has been developed using pyrrolidine‐butanoic acid in DMSO as bifunctional organocatalyst. Unlike existing methods, this reaction proceeds at room temperature with high yields, rendering it an attractive method to synthesize a vast variety of privileged 4‐chromones.
Trends in CD4 and viral load testing 2005 to 2018: multi‐cohort study of people living with HIV in Southern Africa
Authors: Zaniewski Elizabeth , Dao Ostinelli Cam H , Chammartin Frédérique , Maxwell Nicola , Davies Mary‐Ann , Euvrard Jonathan , van Dijk Janneke , Bosomprah Samuel , Phiri Sam , Tanser Frank , Sipambo Nosisa , Muhairwe Josephine , Fatti Geoffrey , Prozesky Hans , Wood Robin , Ford Nathan , Fox Matthew P , Egger Matthias
Published: July 2020

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a CD4 cell count before starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) to detect advanced HIV disease, and routine viral load (VL) testing following ART initiation to detect treatment failure. Donor support for CD4 testing has declined to prioritize access to VL monitoring. We examined trends in CD4 and VL testing among adults (≥15 years of age) starting ART in Southern Africa.

Methods

We analysed data from 14 HIV treatment programmes in Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe in 2005 to 2018. We examined the frequency of CD4 and VL testing, the percentage of adults with CD4 or VL tests, and among those having a test, the percentage starting ART with advanced HIV disease (CD4 count <200 cells/mm3) or failing to suppress viral replication (>1000 HIV‐RNA copies/mL) after ART initiation. We used mixed effect logistic regression to assess time trends adjusted for age and sex.

Results

Among 502,456 adults, the percentage with CD4 testing at ART initiation decreased from a high of 78.1% in 2008 to a low of 38.0% in 2017; the probability declined by 14% each year (odds ratio (OR) 0.86; 95% CI 0.86 to 0.86). Frequency of CD4 testing also declined. The percentage starting ART with advanced HIV disease declined from 83.3% in 2005 to 23.5% in 2018; each year the probability declined by 20% (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.80 to 0.81). VL testing after starting ART varied; 61.0% of adults in South Africa and 10.7% in Malawi were tested, but fewer than 2% were tested in the other four countries. The probability of VL testing after ART start increased only modestly each year (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.06). The percentage with unsuppressed VL was 8.6%. There was no evidence of a decrease in unsuppressed VL over time (OR 1.00; 95% CI 0.99 to 1.01).

Conclusions

CD4 cell counting declined over time, including testing at the start of ART, despite the fact that many patients still initiated ART with advanced HIV disease. Without CD4 testing and expanded VL testing many patients with advanced HIV disease and treatment failure may go undetected, threatening the effectiveness of ART in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Interdecadal variability of South–Southeast Asian rainfall and cross‐equatorial flows during April–May
Authors: Tu Jien‐Yi , Chen Jau‐Ming , Lo Min‐Hui , Lan Chia‐Wei , Shiu Shui‐De , Lai Tzu‐Ling
Published: July 2020

From April to May, South–Southeast Asian rainfall (SSEAR) and cross‐equatorial flows (CEFs) off the East African coast have exhibited interdecadal variability over the past four decades. Both SSEAR and CEF strengthened based on comparative analysis for the periods 1979–1998 and 1999–2016. Associated modulating processes feature warm sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the tropical western North Pacific (WNP) and cold SST anomalies in the tropical eastern Pacific. These features lead to a low‐level clockwise circulation anomaly across the North and South Indian Ocean. This intensifies CEFs via anomalous southerly flows along the circulation's western section and transports moisture via anomalous westerly flows on its northern side that enhances SSEAR. After 1998, SSEAR and CEFs vary coherently from 1999 to 2005, but incoherently from 2006 to 2016. For coherent cases (1999–2005), warm SST anomalies in the tropical WNP invoke a clockwise circulation anomaly over the tropical Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, cold anomalies in the tropical Indian Ocean and strong warm anomalies over Asian landmasses cause a meridional temperature difference (MTD) forming a strong cyclonic anomaly in the north that constrains the clockwise circulation anomaly south of 15°N. The circulation's western section enhances CEFs, while anomalous westerly flows on its northern side enhance moisture supply over southern parts of the Asian landmasses thereby increasing SSEAR. For incoherent cases (2006–2016), SST anomalies are warm in both the tropical WNP and Indian Ocean, while anomalous warming over Asian landmasses is more moderate. A weakened MTD yields an isolated weakened cyclonic anomaly in the north allowing for the development of a northward‐displacing clockwise circulation anomaly with anomalous westerly flows north of 20°N. Rainfall increases a little in northern parts of South–Southeast Asia but decreases noticeably in southern parts. Intensified CEFs thus occur concurrently with decreased SSEAR.
A modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method with hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvent as extractant and analyte protectant for analyzing pyrethroid residues in tomatoes
Authors: Ye Xuemin , Ye Beibei , Xu Jiahui , Fang Mei , Dong Danqi , Wu Congcong , Lin Xupin , Hu Yehui , Cao Xiaoji , Mo Weimin
Published: July 2020

In this work, a novel quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe technique with hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvent as both extractant and analyte protectant was developed and combined with gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry to analyze pyrethroid residues in tomatoes. Eight hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvents were first evaluated as analyte protectants and those with decanoic acid or lactic acid as hydrogen bond donor were demonstrated to be effective in compensating for the matrix effects of pyrethroids in the gas chromatography system. Hence, they were added to solvent standards for correcting the quantitation errors instead of matrix‐matched calibration standards. Then the abilities of these acid‐based deep eutectic solvents to extract pyrethriods from tomatoes were evaluated. Results showed the recoveries of all pyrethroids reached to over 80% with only 5 mL menthol:decanoic acid (1:1) used, and good phase separation was easily achieved without the addition of inorganic salt in the extraction step, indicating hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvent could be a green substitute for acetonitrile in the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe extraction. Compared with the conventional method, the proposed protocol improved the recoveries, reduced the matrix effects, and simplified the extraction step, demonstrating to be an effective, fast, and green method.
Does trade facilitation promote the efficiency of inbound tourism?—The empirical test based on Japan
Authors: Tang Rui
Published: July 2020

This study explores the intrinsic correlation between trade facilitation and the efficiency of inbound tourism in Japan based on the data from 2011 to 2017. Findings suggest that Japan's inbound tourism is strongly dependent on the Asian market. The number and rate of growth of sightseeing tourists is higher than those of other types. China has become the biggest source of inbound tourism for Japan. The stochastic frontier gravity and fixed‐effect regression show that the increase in the level of trade facilitation of different inbound tourist source countries (regions) has promoted the efficiency of inbound tourism in Japan. Furthermore, trade facilitation has played a significant role in improving the efficiency of the inbound business tourism market. The increase in Japan's international tourism income and air transport capacity has strengthened its comprehensive supply capacity for the tourism industry. Lastly, visa‐free policies have also boosted inbound tourism efficiency.
Pharmacotranscriptomics of peptide drugs with neuroprotective properties
Authors: Dergunova Lyudmila V. , Filippenkov Ivan B. , Limborska Svetlana A. , Myasoedov Nikolai F.
Published: July 2020

Here we present a review of studies on the effects of peptides with neuroprotective properties on gene transcription in nerve cells. The few published works in this area clearly demonstrate massive changes in cell transcriptomes induced by peptides under normal conditions and under conditions of experimental brain ischemia. These changes significantly affect signaling and metabolic pathways, affecting various body systems and confirming the multiple target actions of peptides. The importance of noncoding RNAs in the regulation of these processes is shown, and we discuss the prospects of research for determining the main mechanisms of peptide regulation, which is necessary for the further development of drugs with targeted neuroprotective effects.
Convolutional neural network‐based pelvic floor structure segmentation using magnetic resonance imaging in pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Feng Fei , Ashton‐Miller James A. , DeLancey John O. L. , Luo Jiajia
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Automated segmentation could improve the efficiency of modeling‐based pelvic organ prolapse (POP) evaluations. However, segmentation performance is limited by the blurry soft tissue boundaries. In this study, we aimed to present a hybrid solution for uterus, rectum, bladder, and levator ani muscle segmentation by combining a convolutional neural network (CNN) and a level set method.

Methods

We used 24 sagittal pelvic floor magnetic resonance (MR) series from six anterior vaginal prolapse and six posterior vaginal prolapse subjects (a total 528 MR images). The stress MR images were performed both at rest and at maximal Valsalva. We assigned 264 images for training, 132 images for validation, and 132 images for testing. A CNN was designed by introducing a multi‐resolution features pyramid module (MRFP) into an encoder‐decoder model. Depth separable convolution and pretraining were used to improve model convergence. Multiclass cross entropy loss and multiclass Dice loss were used for model training. The dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and average surface distance (ASD) were used for evaluating the segmentation results. To prove the effectiveness of our model, we compared it with advanced segmentation methods including Deeplabv3+, U‐Net, and FCN‐8s. The ablation study was designed to quantify the contributions of MRFP, the encoder network, and pretraining. Besides, we investigated the working mechanism of MRFP in the segmentation network by comparing our model with three of its variants. Finally, the level set method was used to improve the CNN model further.

Results

Dice loss showed better segmentation performance than multiclass cross entropy loss. MRFP was efficacious for different encoder networks. With MRFP, U‐Net and U‐Net‐X (X represents Xception encoder network) have improved the DSC, on average by 6.8 and 5.3 points. Compared with different CNN models, our model achieved the highest average DSC of 65.6 points and the lowest average ASD of 2.9 mm. With the level set method, the DSC of our model improved to 69.4 points.

Conclusions

MRFP proved to be effective in addressing the blurry soft tissue boundary problem on pelvic floor MR images. A hybrid solution based on CNN and level set method was presented for pelvic organ segmentation both at rest and at maximal Valsalva; with this method, we achieved state‐of‐the‐art results.
Parallel transmission medical implant safety testbed: Real‐time mitigation of RF induced tip heating using time‐domain E‐field sensors
Authors: Winter Lukas , Silemek Berk , Petzold Johannes , Pfeiffer Harald , Hoffmann Werner , Seifert Frank , Ittermann Bernd
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To implement a modular, flexible, open‐source hardware configuration for parallel transmission (pTx) experiments on medical implant safety and to demonstrate real‐time mitigation strategies for radio frequency (RF) induced implant heating based on sensor measurements.

Methods

The hardware comprises a home‐built 8‐channel pTx system (scalable to 32‐channels), wideband power amplifiers and a positioning system with submillimeter precision. The orthogonal projection (OP) method is used to mitigate RF induced tip heating and to maintain sufficient

for imaging. Experiments are performed at 297MHz and inside a clinical 3T MRI using 8‐channel pTx RF coils, a guidewire substitute inside a phantom with attached thermistor and time‐domain E‐field probes.

Results

Repeatability and precision are ~3% for E‐field measurements including guidewire repositioning, ~3% for temperature slopes and an ~6% root‐mean‐square deviation between

measurements and simulations. Real‐time pTx mitigation with the OP mode reduces the E‐fields everywhere within the investigated area with a maximum reduction factor of 26 compared to the circularly polarized mode. Tip heating was measured with ~100 μK resolution and ~14 Hz sampling frequency and showed substantial reduction for the OP vs CP mode.

Conclusion

The pTx medical implant safety testbed presents a much‐needed flexible and modular hardware configuration for the in‐vitro assessment of implant safety, covering all field strengths from 0.5‐7 T. Sensor based real‐time mitigation strategies utilizing pTx and the OP method allow to substantially reduce RF induced implant heating while maintaining sufficient image quality without the need for a priori knowledge based on simulations or in‐vitro testing.
Comparisons of pregnancy outcomes between twin pregnancies with and without second‐trimester amniocentesis
Authors: Dechnunthapiphat Rangsan , Sekararithi Ratanaporn , Tongsong Theera , Wanapirak Chanane , Piyamongkol Wirawit , Sirichotiyakul Supatra , Tongprasert Fuanglada , Srisupundit Kasemsri , Luewan Suchaya , Jatavan Phudit , Traisrisilp Kuntharee
Published: July 2020

Objective

To assess the amniocentesis‐related pregnancy loss rate and preterm birth rate among twin pregnancies undergoing amniocentesis.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary center. The study group included twin pregnancies undergoing amniocentesis during 16 to 22 weeks of gestation. The control group was those not undergoing amniocentesis. All amniocenteses were performed by the MFM specialists. The main outcomes were the rate of pregnancy loss (before 24 weeks) and preterm birth.

Results

A total of 332 cases in the study group and 1188 controls were analyzed. The percentages of maternal age ≥35 years, high parity, and cases complicated with medical diseases were significantly higher in the study group. The pregnancy loss rate after the procedure tended to be higher, but not significant, in the study group (3.0% vs 2.2% P = .383). Likewise, the rate of preterm birth in the study group was higher, but not significant (70.5% vs 66.0% P = .130). Logistic regression analysis to adjust confounding factors showed no significance of amniocentesis on pregnancy loss and preterm birth.

Conclusion

Though amniocentesis in twin pregnancies has theoretical risk of pregnancy loss, it is relatively safe when performed by maternal–fetal medicine specialists. This information is useful for counseling, especially when performed by experienced hands.
Cracking energy density for rubber materials: Computation and implementation in multiaxial fatigue design
Authors: Belkhiria Salma , Hamdi Adel , Fathallah Raouf
Published: July 2020

This article proposes a heuristic model to predict the fatigue life of rubber parts. The developed model is mainly based on the Cracking Energy Density (CED), originally developed by Mars, for the study of rubber parts fatigue. The main contribution consists in the integration of the theoretical framework of the critical plane analysis proposed by Mars with Saintier's experimental research carried out in tension and torsion modes. The CED parameter, derived from the Strain Energy Density (SED), can predict the occurrence of the first crack and its possible orientation depending on the type of loading path. In this context, an analytical analysis of this parameter is carried out for typical loading cases. Furthermore, the variation of CED by SED ratio (WC/W), as a function of the probable crack angle θ and the principal stretch λ1 is investigated. A finite element (FE) model is, then, developed to measure the performance and efficiency for some basic criteria used to investigate rubber fatigue life in literature. The pertinence of such criteria is evaluated in terms of a determination coefficient. The CED parameter can be considered as the most effective criterion for describing the multiaxial fatigue life of rubbers.
Asphaltenes as a tackifier for hot‐melt adhesives based on the styrene‐isoprene‐styrene block copolymer
Authors: Ignatenko Viktoria Y. , Kostyuk Anna V. , Smirnova Nina M. , Antonov Sergey V. , Ilyin Sergey O.
Published: July 2020

The use of heavy crude oil asphaltenes and resins (termed asphaltenes) as the components of hot‐melt adhesives based on the styrene‐isoprene triblock copolymer was considered. The rheological, thermophysical, strength, and adhesive characteristics of the mixtures containing from 10 to 40 wt% of asphaltenes were studied. The addition of 10 to 20 wt% of asphaltenes enhanced the strength and adhesive properties of the mixtures and only slightly changed their rheology. The higher concentrations of asphaltenes reduced the viscosity of the mixtures but did not lead to improved characteristics of the adhesives. The ambiguous effect of asphaltenes is probably due to their uneven distribution between the microphases of the block copolymer as well as their ability to act both plasticizers and reinforcing particles depending on temperature. A comparison of asphaltenes and conventional tackifiers based on hydrocarbon resins revealed their comparable effect on the properties of the block copolymer.
Flame retardancy and thermal properties of poly(butylene succinate)/ nano‐boehmite composites prepared via in situ polymerization
Authors: Kahkesh Saman , Rafizadeh Mehdi
Published: July 2020

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and its nanocomposites with nanoboehmite (nBhm) were synthesized via direct esterification between succinic acid and butylene glycol (BG). Boehmite (Bhm) nanoparticles, up to 2%, were added in the polycondensation step. Repeatability of runs was observed by the amount of the gathered water. Temperature trajectory was considered as an indication of the polycondensation start. Mixing torque was measured and its rapid increase, up to 0.6 Nm, was deliberated as the end of the process. Polycondensation time decreases with an increase in amount of nBhm due to the catalytic role of aluminum in Bhm. The chemical structure of PBS was proved through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. XRD spectrum and scanning electron microscope images show a good distribution of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. Differential scanning calorimetric results determine that Tg increases with the nanoparticle content. Improved Avrami equation was fitted to study the kinetics of the crystallization of samples. As a result, spherulite crystal growth was determined based on the Avrami index. Thermal gravimetric analysis trends are the same, however, nanocomposites show more residual ash. Atomic force microscopy images show that nanocomposites have a rough surface. It was observed that the flame advancement decreases up to 60% and limiting oxygen index increases up to 8%.
Overexpression of three P450 genes is responsible for resistance to novel pyrimidine amines in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Zhang Can , Meng Dehao , Wang Weizhen , Dai Tan , Wang Junfeng , Guan Aiying , Liu Changling , Liu Xili
Published: July 2020

Background

A series of pyrimidine amine derivatives has been synthesized by modifying the pyrimidine ring group of diflumetorim—a mitochondrial complex I inhibiting fungicide. One derivative, code number SYP‐34773, is investigated in this study involving Magnaporthe oryzae, the causal agent of rice blast, which is the most devastating disease in rice. The response, resistance profile and mechanism of M. oryzae to SYP‐34773 were investigated, which provides or provide?? important data for the registration and rational use of pyrimidine amines.

Results

SYP‐34773 showed greater control efficacy than fungicide isoprothiolane in the field. The baseline sensitivity was established at a mean 50% effective concentration (EC50) of 0.08 μg ml−1. Four stable SYP‐34773‐resistant isolates with reduced sensitivity were generated from one (S118) of ten sensitive isolates with a resistance factor of EC50 ranging from 7.00 to 15.00. Conidia production and pathogenicity were similar to that of S118, although there was a significant decrease in mycelial growth and conidial germination in resistant isolates. Positive cross‐resistance was observed between SYP‐34773 and diflumetorim; and the SYP‐34773‐resistant isolates were still sensitive to isoprothiolane, carbendazim, fluazinam, azoxystrobin, or prochloraz. RNA‐Seq analyses revealed three cytochrome P450 genes were upregulated in the resistant isolate under the treatment with SYP‐34773, as confirmed by quantitative real‐time PCR. The SYP‐34773 content was significantly reduced in the resistant isolate when compared with the parental isolate.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that SYP‐34773 exhibits high activity against M. oryzae. Overexpression of three cytochrome P450 genes has an important role in the resistance of M. oryzae to novel pyrimidine amines. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A Kullback‐Leibler information control chart for linear profiles monitoring
Authors: Chang Yu‐Ching , Chen Chang‐Ming
Published: July 2020

Profile monitoring is referred to as monitoring the functional relationship between the response and explanatory variables. Traditionally, process control charts monitor the mean and/or the variance of a univariate quality characteristic. For several correlated quality characteristics, multivariate process control charts monitor the mean vector and/or the covariance matrix. However, monitoring the functional relationship between variables is sometimes more beneficial. One example is the power output of a Diesel engine and the amount of fuel injected should be related. In this paper, we propose a Kullback‐Leibler information (KLI) control chart for linear profiles monitoring in Phase II. The plotted statistics of the KLI chart are calculated based on a backward procedure. The functional relationship is described by linear regression. The performance of the proposed KLI control chart is compared with those of other existing control charts, especially the Generalized Likelihood Ratio (GLR) chart for both KLI and GLR charts do not require design parameters. The results show that (1) the KLI control chart is better than the GLR control chart in detecting the shift of variance in terms of Average Time to Signal, and (2) if the shift of the regression coefficient is small, the GLR chart outperforms the KLI chart, but if the size of shift is large, the KLI chart outperforms the GLR chart. The plotted statistics of KLI are compared to that of GLR. Their similarity is discussed.
Sequential extraction of the phosphate and collagen fractions of small bone samples for analysis of multiple isotope systems (δ18OPO4, δ13C, δ15N)
Authors: Sahlstedt Elina , Arppe Laura
Published: July 2020

Rationale

Stable isotope analyses are used on precious archeological and paleontological materials despite their destructive nature, because the information gained by these methods on, for example, feeding habits, migration and health of individuals cannot otherwise be obtained. We approached this issue by devising a new sequential extraction scheme aimed at producing multiple (O, C, N) isotope proxies from small amounts of sample.

Methods

The new extraction scheme includes dissolution of the bone in dilute HNO3 followed by separate treatments of the collagenous and phosphate fractions. The collagen fraction is treated further adopting the methods presented in the literature for collagen extraction, modified to accommodate small sample sizes. The phosphate‐containing fraction is purified from organic contaminants by H2O2 and the phosphate is precipitated as Ag3PO4 following methods presented in the literature. The use of HF as demineralization agent is also tested.

Results

A starting amount of ca 2 mg produced enough material for meaurement by isotope ratio mass spectrometry of the collagen C and N isotope compositions and bone phosphate O isotope composition. We show that the isotopic data obtained from the sequential extraction scheme are comparable with the isotopic composition measured following conventional methodologies that are usually based on 100–500 mg sample sizes.

Conclusions

The new sequential extraction scheme combines the preparation for stable isotope analysis of bone mineral and organic phases, thus minimizing the amounts of sample needed and damage caused on a sample piece. The method may allow analysis of skeletal samples previously excluded from isotope analysis due to material limitations.
A fuzzy analytical hierarchy process to prioritize the success factors of requirement change management in global software development
Authors: Akbar Muhammad Azeem , Shameem Mohammad , Khan Arif Ali , Nadeem Mohammad , Alsanad Ahmed , Gumaei Abdu
Published: July 2020

Planning and managing of requirement change management (RCM) process in global software development (GSD) are a complicated task, but the RCM plays a significant role in developing the quality software within time and budget. The key aim of this study is to prioritize the factors that could positively influence the RCM program in GSD context. To achieve the study objective, the questionnaire survey study was conducted to get the feedback of the practitioners concerning the success factors of RCM in GSD context. Moreover, the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) was applied. The application of FAHP is novel in this research domain as it has been effectively applied previously in various other research areas, for example, supplier selection, electronics and electrical, personnel selection, and agile software development. The results of this study will provide the prioritization‐based taxonomy of RCM success factors and also contribute by introducing the novel FAHP approach in the research domain of RCM in GSD. The FAHP approach assists the practitioners to reduce the uncertainty and vague opinions of RCM experts.
A framework for data security, privacy, and trust in “consumer internet of things” assemblages in South Africa
Authors: Ngwenya Mfanasibili , Ngoepe Mpho
Published: July 2020

The Internet of Things (IoT) brings opportunities and challenges to humankind. IoT technology makes it possible to connect all of a person's devices to create a smart ecosystem. However, IoT has also raised issues of data security, privacy, and trust to the consumer. In a world where cybercriminals have enormously increased, people need to be aware of the advantages, and the risks that come with these technological advances. This study conducted a literature review to develop a framework to address the issues of data security, privacy, and trust in consumer IoT (CIoT). The study suggested an integrated and holistic framework that promotes safer adoption of CIoT. The researchers concluded that for CIoT to thrive, safety is crucial, and all the stakeholders in the IoT assemblage need to ensure the protection of consumers. The suggested framework may assist in the protection of consumers of IoT, data trust, as well as trust in the CIoT assemblage. It covers the concerns, experiences, and adaptations of consumers of IoT regarding data security, privacy, and trust concerning technology and privacy legislation in South Africa.
Targeting dementias through cancer kinases inhibition
Authors: Fagiani Francesca , Lanni Cristina , Racchi Marco , Govoni Stefano
Published: July 2020

The failures in Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapy strongly suggest the importance of reconsidering the research strategies analyzing other mechanisms that may take place in AD as well as, in general, in other neurodegenerative dementias. Taking into account that in AD a variety of defects result in neurotransmitter activity and signaling efficiency imbalance, neuronal cell degeneration and defects in damage/repair systems, aberrant and abortive cell cycle, glial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation, a target may be represented by the intracellular signaling machinery provided by the kinome. In particular, based on the observations of a relationship between cancer and AD, we focused on cancer kinases for targeting neurodegeneration, highlighting the importance of targeting the intracellular pathways at the intersection between cell metabolism control/duplication, the inhibition of which may stop a progression in neurodegeneration.
Enhancing sludge dewaterability and phosphate removal through a novel chemical dosing strategy using ferric chloride and hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Ghodsi Vahid , Sarathy Siva R. , Walton John R. , Watson Ian , Elbeshbishy Elsayed , Santoro Domenico
Published: July 2020

In this study, we replicated full‐scale centrifuge dewatering utilized in water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) by using the Higgins modified centrifuge technique and demonstrated that analogous cake solid content and centrate suspended solids were attainable while applying a lower polymer dosage. Furthermore, we demonstrated a dramatic reduction in the concentration of phosphate (P) in anaerobically digested sludge (ADS) under various reaction conditions. H2O2 was employed to convert embedded iron in ADS, in the form of FeS, to Fe (II) and Fe (III), which subsequently reacted to precipitate phosphate compounds, dropping the in situ P concentration by nearly 50%. Adding ferric chloride (220 mg/L) in ADS enhanced the P‐removal to more than 80%. Finally, simultaneous dosing of Fe and H2O2 boosted P‐removal efficiency to higher than 90%. The role of Fe in strengthening the flocs and increasing the dewaterability was also substantiated by demonstrating a 2% growth in the cake solid content when ADS was conditioned with Fe + H2O2 preceding polymer treatment. The outcome of this work confirms that a deeper understanding of centrifuge operational parameters and physico‐chemical properties of wastewater sludge would result in improved performance of municipal WRRFs.

Practitioner points

Dosing hydrogen peroxide effectively converted iron embedded in sludge from Fe (II) to Fe (III).

Simultaneous dosing of iron and hydrogen peroxide boosted P removal efficiency.

The role of iron in strengthening flocs and enhancing dewaterability was observed, as it increased cake solid content in centrifuged sludge.

An advanced bench‐scale test protocol was employed to optimize polymer dose, simultaneously reducing polymer consumption while maximizing cake solid content and centrate quality.
A method for efficient quantitative analysis of genomic subtelomere Y′ element abundance in yeasts
Authors: Liu Jun , Liu Jun‐Ping
Published: July 2020

Subtelomere Y′ elements get amplified by homologous recombination in sustaining the survival and division of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, current method for measurement of the subtelomere structures uses Southern blotting with labelled specific probes, which is laborious and time‐consuming. By multiple sequence alignment analysis of all 19 subtelomere Y′ elements across the 13 chromosomes of the sequenced S288C strain deposited in the yeast genome SGD database, we identified 12 consensus and relative longer fragments and 14 pairs of unique primers for real‐time quantitative PCR analysis. With a PAC2 or ACT1 located near the centromere of chromosome V and VI as internal controls, these primers were applied to real‐time quantitative PCR analysis, so the relative Y′ element intensity normalised to that of wild type (WT) cells was calculated for subtelomere Y′ element copy numbers across all different chromosomes using the formula: 2^[−((CTmutant Y′ − CTmutant control) − (CTWT Y′ − CTWT control))]. This novel quantitative subtelomere amplification assay across chromosomes by real‐time PCR proves to be a much simpler and more sensitive way than the traditional Southern blotting method to analyse the Y′ element recombination events in survivors derived from telomerase deficiency or recruitment failure.
Preserving physically important variables in optimal event selections: a case study in Higgs physics
Authors: Windischhofer Philipp , Zgubič Miha , Bortoletto Daniela
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Analyses of collider data, often assisted by modern Machine Learning methods, condense a number of observables into a few powerful discriminants for the separation of the targeted signal process from the contributing backgrounds. These discriminants are highly correlated with important physical observables; using them in the event selection thus leads to the distortion of physically relevant distributions. We present a novel method based on a differentiable estimate of mutual information, a measure of non-linear dependency between variables, to construct a discriminant that is statistically independent of a number of selected observables, and so manages to preserve their distributions in the event selection. Our strategy is evaluated in a realistic setting, the analysis of the Standard Model Higgs boson decaying into a pair of bottom quarks. Using the distribution of the invariant mass of the di-b-jet system to extract the Higgs boson signal strength, our method achieves state-of-the-art performance compared to other decorrelation techniques, while significantly improving the sensitivity of a similar, cut-based, analysis published by ATLAS.
QCD axion from a spontaneously broken B − L gauge symmetry
Authors: Choi Gongjun , Suzuki Motoo , Yanagida Tsutomu T.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we show that the Peccei-Quinn (PQ) symmetry with a good quality can be realized in a simple B −L extension of the minimal supersymmetric standard model. The PQ symmetry is a remnant of the B − L gauge symmetry at the renormalizable level. Besides, the sufficient quality of the PQ symmetry is preserved by a non anomalous discrete gauged R-symmetry and a small gravitino mass m3/2 ≪ 100 GeV. A viable mass range is $$ {m}_{3/2}=\mathcal{O}(1) $$

m

3
/
2

=
O

1

eV which allows a high reheating temperature and many baryogenesis scenarios typified by the thermal leptogenesis without any astrophysical and cosmological problems. Such a light gravitino may be tested in the future 21cm line observations.
Phase transitions in a holographic multi-Weyl semimetal
Authors: Juričić Vladimir , Landea Ignacio Salazar , Soto-Garrido Rodrigo
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Topological phases of matter have recently attracted a rather notable attention in the community dealing with the holographic methods applied to strongly interacting condensed matter systems. In particular, holographic models for gapless Weyl and multi-Weyl semimetals, characterized on a lattice by the monopole-antimonopole defects of the Berry curvature in momentum space, were recently formulated. In this paper, motivated by the quest for finding topological holographic phases, we show that holographic model for multi-Weyl semimetals features a rather rich landscape of phases. In particular, it includes a novel phase which we dub xy nematic condensate, stable at strong coupling, as we explicitly show by the free energy and the quasi-normal mode analyses. Furthermore, we provide its characterization through the anomalous transport coefficients. We hope that our findings will motivate future works exploring the holographic realizations of the topological phases.
Matter couplings and equivalence principles for soft scalars
Authors: Bonifacio James , Hinterbichler Kurt , Johnson Laura A. , Joyce Austin , Rosen Rachel A.
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Scalar effective field theories with enhanced soft limits behave in many ways like gauge theories and gravity. In particular, symmetries fix the structure of interactions and the tree-level S-matrix in both types of theories. We explore how this analogy persists in the presence of matter by considering theories with additional fields coupled to the Dirac-Born-Infeld (DBI) scalar or the special galileon in a way that is consistent with their symmetries. Using purely on-shell arguments, we show that these theories obey analogues of the S-matrix equivalence principle whereby all matter fields must couple to the DBI scalar or the special galileon through a particular quartic vertex with a universal coupling. These equivalence principles imply the universality of the leading double soft theorems in these theories, which are scalar analogues of Weinberg’s gravitational soft theorem, and can be used to rule out interactions with massless higher-spin fields when combined with analogues of the generalized Weinberg-Witten theorem. We verify in several examples that amplitudes with external matter fields nontrivially exhibit enhanced single soft limits and we show that such amplitudes can be constructed using soft recursion relations when they have sufficiently many external DBI or special galileon legs, including amplitudes with massive higher-spin fields. As part of our analysis we construct a recently conjectured special galileon-vector effective field theory.
Optimizing energetic light dark matter searches in dark matter and neutrino experiments
Authors: Kim Doojin , Machado Pedro A.N. , Park Jong-Chul , Shin Seodong
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Neutrino and dark matter experiments with large-volume ($$ \underset{\sim }{>} $$

>
~

,2 1 ton) detectors can provide excellent sensitivity to signals induced by energetic light dark matter coming from the present universe. Taking boosted dark matter as a concrete example of energetic light dark matter, we scrutinize two representative search channels, electron scattering and proton scattering including deep inelastic scattering processes, in the context of elastic and inelastic boosted dark matter, in a completely detector-independent manner. In this work, a dark gauge boson is adopted as the particle to mediate the interactions between the Standard Model particles and boosted dark matter. We find that the signal sensitivity of the two channels highly depends on the (mass-)parameter region to probe, so search strategies and channels should be designed sensibly especially at the earlier stage of experiments. In particular, the contribution from the boosted-dark-matter-initiated deep inelastic scattering can be subleading (important) compared to the quasi-elastic proton scattering, if the mass of the mediator is below (above) $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(GeV). We demonstrate how to practically perform searches and relevant analyses, employing example detectors such as DarkSide-20k, DUNE, Hyper-Kamiokande, and DeepCore, with their respective detector specifications taken into consideration. For other potential detectors we provide a summary table, collecting relevant information, from which similar studies can be fulfilled readily.
Nachhaltige StadtGesundheit: konzeptionelle Grundlagen und aktuelle Initiativen
Authors: Trojan Alf , Fehr Rainer
Published: July 2020

Die Wechselwirkungen zwischen Stadt und Gesundheit werden schon seit der Antike thematisiert. Seit Ende der 1970er-Jahre wird die Bedeutung außermedizinischer Determinanten der Gesundheit wieder verstärkt in den Blick genommen. Ziel des Beitrags ist es, die Entstehung wichtiger neuer Konzepte der letzten 40 Jahre nachzuzeichnen, ihr Verhältnis zueinander zu klären und darauf aufbauend das Konzept der „Nachhaltigen StadtGesundheit“ (Sustainable Urban Health) darzustellen. Dazu erfolgten eine Sekundäranalyse und die Interpretation relevanter Dokumente und einschlägiger Literatur.

Nach einer Einführung mit illustrativen Beispielen der Behandlung des Themas „Stadt und Gesundheit“ wird gezeigt, dass die Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) seit den 1970er-Jahren mit den Konzepten „multi- bzw. intersektorale Aktionen“, „gesundheitsfördernde Gesamtpolitik“ und „Gesundheit in allen Politikbereichen“ maßgeblich den neuen Public-Health-Diskurs unterfüttert hat. „Nachhaltige StadtGesundheit“ steht in dieser Tradition und wird hier als Programm der Blickfelderweiterung und des Brückenbaus zwischen Disziplinen und Sektoren charakterisiert. Folgend wird es durch eine Hamburger Initiative exemplarisch illustriert.

Die WHO-Konzepte stellen eher unterschiedliche Akzentuierungen dar, als dass sie sich substanziell unterscheiden. Health in All Policies (HiAP) liegt auf der Linie der Menschrechtsdeklaration und der Nachhaltigkeitsziele der Vereinten Nationen; es hat den Eingang sowohl in die WHO- als auch in die Politik der Europäischen Gemeinschaft geschafft. Für das Ziel von „Nachhaltiger StadtGesundheit“, synchron Gesundheit und Nachhaltigkeit in der Stadtgesellschaft zu fördern, ist weitere Entwicklungsarbeit zu leisten.
Stellenwert der Elektrokonvulsionstherapie (EKT) in der forensischen Psychiatrie
Authors: Besse Matthias , Schomburg Anna-K. , Simon Alfred , Hesse Dirk , Müller Jürgen , Zilles-Wegner David
Published: July 2020

Hintergrund und Ziel der Arbeit

Für die Elektrokonvulsionstherapie (EKT) liegen Leitlinienempfehlungen zur Behandlung schwerer affektiver und psychotischer Erkrankungen vor, wie sie auch bei Patienten im Maßregelvollzug (MRV) vorkommen. Über die Anwendung der EKT in der forensischen Psychiatrie existieren jedoch keinerlei systematisch erhobene Daten. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist eine Erhebung des Ist-Zustands sowie des geschätzten Bedarfs an EKT im MRV.

Material und Methoden

Es wurde ein Fragebogen zur Erhebung der aktuellen Anwendung sowie der Einschätzung des Bedarfs an EKT in dieser Population entwickelt. Dieser wurde elektronisch und bei Bedarf postalisch an die forensischen Kliniken in Deutschland versendet.

Ergebnisse

Wir erhielten Antwort von 52 Kliniken (66 %). 29 der Kliniken gaben an, Patienten mit EKT behandeln zu können. Eine Behandlungsindikation wurde klinikübergreifend für 3,4 % der untergebrachten Patienten gesehen. In einem Jahr (2018) wurden insgesamt 32 EKT-Behandlungen an 12 Kliniken des Maßregelvollzugs mit durchschnittlich guter Wirksamkeit (Ø CGI‑I 2,32) durchgeführt. Häufigste Begründung für die fehlende Anwendung der EKT waren mangelnde strukturelle Voraussetzungen. Jeweils etwa ein Drittel der Kliniken sehen einen mittleren bzw. hohen Bedarf an EKT im MRV.

Diskussion

Die EKT kommt im MRV in Deutschland aktuell nur sehr begrenzt zum Einsatz. Auffällig ist, dass die Anzahl der durchgeführten Behandlungen etwa um den Faktor 8 hinter der Indikationshäufigkeit zurücksteht. Ungeachtet dessen sehen zwei Drittel der Kliniken einen mittleren bis hohen Bedarf, womit eine Unterversorgung mit EKT im MRV zu bestehen scheint.
Multiple Stressors in Aquatic Ecosystems: Sublethal Effects of Temperature, Dissolved Organic Matter, Light and a Neonicotinoid Insecticide on Gammarids
Authors: Bundschuh Mirco , Zubrod Jochen P. , Petschick Lara L. , Schulz Ralf
Published: July 2020

Whether and to which extent the effects of chemicals in the environment interact with other factors remains a scientific challenge. Here we assess the combined effects of temperature (16 vs. 20°C), light conditions (darkness vs. 400 lx), dissolved organic matter (DOM; 0 vs. 6 mg/L) and the model insecticide thiacloprid (0 vs. 3 µg/L) in a full-factorial experiment on molting and leaf consumption of Gammarus fossarum. Thiacloprid was the only factor significantly affecting gammarids’ molting. While DOM had low effects on leaf consumption, temperature, light and thiacloprid significantly affected this response variable. The various interactions among these factors were not significant suggesting additivity. Only the interaction of the factors temperature and thiacloprid suggested a tendency for antagonism. As most stressors interacted additively, their joint effects may be predictable with available models. However, synergistic interactions are difficult to capture while being central for securing ecosystem integrity.