bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RNA localization in prokaryotes: Where, when, how, and why
Authors: Irastortza‐Olaziregi Mikel , Amster‐Choder Orna
Published: August 2020

Only recently has it been recognized that the transcriptome of bacteria and archaea can be spatiotemporally regulated. All types of prokaryotic transcripts—rRNAs, tRNAs, mRNAs, and regulatory RNAs—may acquire specific localization and these patterns can be temporally regulated. In some cases bacterial RNAs reside in the vicinity of the transcription site, but in many others, transcripts show distinct localizations to the cytoplasm, the inner membrane, or the pole of rod‐shaped species. This localization, which often overlaps with that of the encoded proteins, can be achieved either in a translation‐dependent or translation‐independent fashion. The latter implies that RNAs carry sequence‐level features that determine their final localization with the aid of RNA‐targeting factors. Localization of transcripts regulates their posttranscriptional fate by affecting their degradation and processing, translation efficiency, sRNA‐mediated regulation, and/or propensity to undergo RNA modifications. By facilitating complex assembly and liquid–liquid phase separation, RNA localization is not only a consequence but also a driver of subcellular spatiotemporal complexity. We foresee that in the coming years the study of RNA localization in prokaryotes will produce important novel insights regarding the fundamental understanding of membrane‐less subcellular organization and lead to practical outputs with biotechnological and therapeutic implications.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein‐RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
Introduction: Fighting Against Illicit Tobacco Trade in the Era of Fast Change
Authors: Nowak Celina
Published: August 2020

This chapter outlines the framework of the research presented in this volume. It starts with a notion that national criminal policies on illicit tobacco trade are a part of the national tobacco control policy, and at the same time a part of a general national criminal policy and points to the need for an in-depth research of national criminal laws in this regard. It presents the scope of the research, which consists in a comparative analysis about the illicit tobacco trade and about efforts to counteract that trade in six EU Member States—four post-communist states (Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Romania), on the Eastern border of the Union and two “old” EU Member States (Germany, Italy).
International Legal Framework on the Fight Against Illicit Tobacco Trade: An Overview
Authors: Nowak Celina
Published: August 2020

This chapter addresses binding legal provisions referring to combating illicit tobacco trade in international law and EU law. Analysis covers first the relevant provisions of the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. More detailed provisions in this regard are provided for in the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products to the Convention. EU legal instruments as well as other relevant international instruments are also examined, even though they do have a penal character.
The Italian National Legal Framework Related to Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products
Authors: Negri Daniele
Published: August 2020

The chapter firstly examines the Italian legal background in the field of illicit trade of tobacco products, both in a substantive and procedural criminal law perspective, highlighting the complexity of the normative scenario and trying to identify the main existing best practices. Empirical data referred to the level of asset recovery in the fight against illicit trade of tobacco are also provided, as well as with regard to the main criminological aspects of smuggling cases investigated and prosecuted in Italy.

Finally, the author presents his conclusion by highlighting the theoretical adequacy of the national legal framework in ensuring effective instruments for contrasting the illegal trade of tobacco products, but also underlining the lack of stable communicative channels for the exchange of information between the public authorities involved.
Legal and Practical Challenges of Combating Illicit Trade of Tobacco in Poland
Authors: Buczkowski Konrad , Dziekański Paweł
Published: August 2020

This chapter focuses on the analysis of four main criminal aspects of smuggling in Poland. The first part presents criminal law regulations including regulations on fiscal offences. It was necessary to show criminal reacquisition measures as a result of this kind of crimes. Next, the issues procedural rules with very important matter like international cooperation between authorities to combat global illicit trade. The last part allow to understand the phenomenon of illicit trade of tobacco products, modus operandi and provide basic data on smuggling in Poland.
A Complex Legal Framework for a Lack of Legal Certainty: Case Study of Romania
Authors: Bogdan Sergiu
Published: August 2020

The chapter deals with Romanian legal framework related to illicit trade in tobacco products, both in criminal and administrative law. Criminological data as well as preventive measures on illicit trade in tobacco products in Romania are also presented. In addition, various aspects of cooperation matters concerning control and prevention of the illicit trade of tobacco products in Romania, which due to its geographical location deals with significant flows of illegal cigarettes from non-EU Member States.
Prevention and Repression of Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products: Experience of Slovakia
Authors: Klimek Libor
Published: August 2020

Illegal smuggling with tobacco products as well as trafficking in drugs are crucial problems of modern society, including the Slovak Republic. The chapter deals with the theoretical and applicable issues of the Illegal smuggling with tobacco products in the Slovak Republic. It is divided into three sections. The first section is focused on national legal framework related to illicit trade in tobacco products. While the second section is focused on criminological data, the last third section is focused on preventive measures.
More on effective potentials for revolving D-branes
Authors: Iso Satoshi , Kitazawa Noriaki , Ohta Hikaru , Suyama Takao
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We continue to investigate the effective potential between a pair of Dp-branes revolving around each other by using the technique ofpartial modular transformationdeveloped in our previous work. We determine the shape of the potential for generalpfor a wide range of regions interpolating smaller and larger distances than the string scalels. We also discuss the backreaction of the D-brane system to the space-time metric and the validity of our calculations.
Flavor broken QCD3 at large N
Authors: Baumgartner Andrew
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We examine the vacuum structure of QCD3 with flavor group U (f)×U (Nf−f) in the limit N → ∞ with g2N =fixed. We find that, generically, the resolution of critical points into a series of first order pahse transitions persists at special locations in the phase diagram. In particular, the number of Grassmannians that one traverses and their locations in the phase diagram is a function of f.
Neue Wege in der Hörrehabilitation nach Cochleaimplantation
Authors: Völter C. , Schirmer C. , Röber M. , Hinsen D. , Dazert S. , Bilda K.
Published: August 2020

Einleitung

Nach einer Cochleaimplantation (CI) ist i.d.R. ein Hör- und Sprachtraining erforderlich, das bislang entweder ambulant oder stationär im direkten Kontakt mit einem Therapeuten erfolgt. Bedingt durch technische Weiterentwicklungen, aber vor allem durch die zunehmende Nutzung digitaler Medien und dem Wunsch nach Mobilität und Selbständigkeit steigt der Bedarf an digitalen Trainingsprogrammen auch im Rahmen der Hörrehabilitation.

Material und Methoden

In einem ersten Schritt wurden entsprechend den gängigen Hör- und Sprachverarbeitungsmodellen die wichtigsten Elemente eines Hörtrainings definiert und die Kernbausteine für eine computerbasierte teletherapeutische Hörplattform bestimmt. Dabei wurden lerntherapeutisch orientierte Elemente der Motivationsförderung sowie Mechanismen der Adaptivität, wie sie im Rahmen der logopädischen Therapie eingesetzt werden, berücksichtigt. In einem zweiten Schritt erfolgte die Entwicklung eines ersten Prototyps der teletherapeutischen Hörplattform „train2hear“ im Rahmen eines interdisziplinären Forschungsprojektes.

Ergebnisse

Kernbaustein des vorgestellten „train2hear“ Hörtrainings ist eine an die „International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health“ (ICF) angelehnte Eingangsanalyse, aufgrund derer ein individueller Trainingsplan erstellt wird. Verschiedene Adaptivitätsmechanismen dienen dazu, den Schwierigkeitsgrad kontinuierlich an den individuellen Lernfortschritt des Nutzers anzupassen. Ein teletherapeutisches Videotool ermöglicht den Austausch mit dem Therapeuten vor Ort.

Diskussion/Fazit

Die vorgestellte Plattform „train2hear“ stellt einen ersten deutschsprachigen Prototyp einer computerbasierten Hörrehabilitation dar. Dieser muss nun im Rahmen einer klinischen Studie im Hinblick auf die Anwendbarkeit und Effektivität evaluiert und weiterentwickelt werden.
A Last Resort When There is No Blood: Experiences and Perceptions of Intraoperative Autotransfusion Among Medical Doctors Deployed to Resource‐Limited Settings
Authors: Sjöholm Annie , Älgå Andreas , von Schreeb Johan
Published: August 2020

Background

Four and a half million people die globally every year due to traumatic injuries. One major cause of preventable death is bleeding. Blood for transfusion is often unavailable in resource‐limited settings, where a majority of trauma deaths occur. Intraoperative autotransfusion (IAT) has been proposed as a safe and feasible lifesaving alternative to allogeneic blood transfusion. However, there is limited knowledge regarding its use among doctors working for international non‐governmental organisations (INGOs) in resource‐limited settings. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of IAT among INGO‐affiliated medical doctors with clinical experience in resource‐limited settings.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured interviews via telephone or Skype with 12 purposefully sampled surgeons and anaesthesiologists. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using content analysis.

Results

We identified three main themes relating to IAT and bottlenecks preventing the scale‐up of its use: variation in techniques and systems, contextual factors, and individual medical doctor factors. The participants gave detailed reports of missed opportunities for usage of IAT in resource‐limited settings. Bottlenecks included the lack of simple and cost‐effective products, limited availability of protocols in the field, and insufficient knowledge and experience of IAT.

Conclusions

The participants found that simple IAT is under‐utilised in resource‐limited settings. Missed opportunities to use IAT were mainly associated with armed conflict settings and obstetrical emergencies. In order to meet the need for IAT in resource‐limited settings, we suggest further consideration of the identified bottlenecks.
Breast arterial calcifications as a biomarker of cardiovascular risk: radiologists’ awareness, reporting, and action. A survey among the EUSOBI members
Authors: Trimboli Rubina Manuela , Capra Davide , Codari Marina , Cozzi Andrea , Di Leo Giovanni , Sardanelli Francesco
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To investigate the knowledge of radiologists on breast arterial calcifications (BAC) and attitude about BAC reporting, communication to women, and subsequent action.

Methods

An online survey was offered to EUSOBI members, with 17 questions focused on demographics, level of experience, clinical setting, awareness of BAC association with cardiovascular risk, mammographic reporting, modality of BAC assessment, and action habits. Descriptive statistics were used.

Results

Among 1084 EUSOBI members, 378 (34.9%) responded to the survey, 361/378 (95.5%) radiologists, 263 females (69.6%), 112 males (29.6%), and 3 (0.8%) who did not specify their gender. Of 378 respondents, 305 (80.7%) declared to be aware of BAC meaning in terms of cardiovascular risk and 234 (61.9%) to routinely include BAC in mammogram reports, when detected. Excluding one inconsistent answer, simple annotation of BAC presence was declared by 151/233 (64.8%), distinction between low versus extensive BAC burden by 59/233 (25.3%), and usage of an ordinal scale by 22/233 (9.5%) and of a cardinal scale by 1/233 (0.4%). Among these 233 radiologists reporting BAC, 106 (45.5%) declared to orally inform the woman and, in case of severe BAC burden, 103 (44.2%) to investigate cardiovascular history, and 92 (39.5%) to refer the woman to a cardiologist.

Conclusion

Among EUSOBI respondents, over 80% declared to be aware of BAC cardiovascular meaning and over 60% to include BAC in the report. Qualitative BAC assessment predominates. About 40% of respondents who report on BAC, in the case of severe BAC burden, investigate cardiovascular history and/or refer the woman to a cardiologist.

Key Points

• Of 1084 EUSOBI members, 378 (35%) participated: 81% of respondents are aware of breast arterial calcification (BAC) cardiovascular meaning and 62% include BAC in the mammogram report.

• Of those reporting BAC, description of presence was declared by 65%, low versus extensive burden distinction by 25%, usage of an ordinal scale by 10%, and of a cardinal scale by 0.4%; 46% inform the woman and, in case of severe BAC burden, 44% examine cardiovascular history, and 40% refer her to a cardiologist.

• European breast radiologists may be ready for large-scale studies to ascertain the role of BAC assessment in the comprehensive framework of female cardiovascular disease prevention.
Automated age- and sex-specific volumetric estimation of regional brain atrophy: workflow and feasibility
Authors: Caspers Julian , Heeger Adrian , Turowski Bernd , Rubbert Christian
Published: August 2020

Objectives

An automated workflow for age- and sex-specific estimation of regional brain volume changes from structural MRI relative to a standard population is presented and evaluated for feasibility.

Methods

T1w MRI scans are preprocessed in a standardized way comprising gray matter (GM) segmentation, normalization, modulation, and spatial smoothing. Resulting GM images are then compared to precomputed age- and sex-specific GM templates derived from the population-based Nathan Kline Institute Rockland Sample, and voxel-wise z-maps are compiled. z-maps are color-coded and fused with the subject’s T1w images. The rate of technical success of the proposed workflow was evaluated in 1330 subjects of the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Furthermore, medial temporal atrophy (MTA) was assessed using the color-coded maps and with the MTA visual rating scale in these subjects. Sensitivities and specificity of color-coded maps and MTA scale were compared using McNemar’s test.

Results

One test dataset was excluded due to severe motion artifacts. Out of the remaining 1329 datasets, atrophy map generation was successful in 1323 ADNI subjects (99.5%). Sensitivity for AD diagnosis (71.4 % vs. 53.3%, p < 0.0001 for left; 70.4% vs. 55.3%, p < 0.0001 for right hemisphere) and for MCI (45.4% vs. 17.4, p < 0.0001 for left; 43.5% vs. 14.6%, p < 0.0001 for right hemisphere) based on medial temporal atrophy assessment in color-coded maps was significantly higher than for MTA visual rating scale, while specificity was lower (78.4% vs. 93.8%, p < 0.0001 for left; 79.4% vs. 95.8%, p < 0.0001 for right hemisphere). The workflow is named veganbagel and is published as open-source software with an integrated PACS interface.

Conclusions

Automated brain volume change estimation with the proposed workflow is feasible and technically dependable. It provides high potential for radiologic assessment of brain volume changes and neurodegenerative diseases.

Key Points

• A workflow combining techniques from voxel-based morphometry and population-based neuroimaging data is feasible and technically highly dependable.

• The workflow is provided as open-source software, named veganbagel.

• Sensitivity of medial temporal atrophy assessment in atrophy maps from veganbagel exceeds the sensitivity of MTA visual rating scale for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Measuring health promotion: translating science into policy
Authors: Griffiths James C. , De Vries Jan , McBurney Michael I. , Wopereis Suzan , Serttas Samet , Marsman Daniel S.
Published: August 2020

Commonly, it is the end of life when our health is deteriorating, that many will make drastic lifestyle changes to improve their quality of life. However, it is increasingly recognized that bringing good health-promoting behaviors into practice as early in life as possible has the most significant impact across the maximal healthspan. The WHO has brought clarity to health promotion over the last fifteen years, always centering on language relating to a process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve, their physical, mental and social health. A good healthspan is not just freedom from morbidity and mortality, it is that joie de vivre (“joy of living”) that should accompany every day of our lifespan. Therefore, health promotion includes not only the health sector, but also needs individual commitment to achieve that target of a healthspan aligned with the lifespan. This paper explores health promotion and health literacy, and how to design appropriate nutritional studies to characterize contributors to a positive health outcome, the role the human microbiome plays in promoting health and addressing and alleviating morbidity and diseases, and finally how to characterize phenotypic flexibility and a physiologic resilience that we must maintain as our structural and functional systems are bombarded with the insults and perturbations of life.
Lean-seafood intake increases urinary iodine concentrations and plasma selenium levels: a randomized controlled trial with crossover design
Authors: Øyen Jannike , Aadland Eli Kristin , Liaset Bjørn , Fjære Even , Dahl Lisbeth , Madsen Lise
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Iodine deficiency due to insufficient nutritional intake is a public health challenge in several European countries, including Norway. Lean-seafood has a high iodine and arsenic (As) content and is a good source of selenium (Se). Evidence of a direct effect of increased intake of lean-seafood on iodine status is limited. The main aims were to determine the iodine status at baseline and to investigate possible dietary effects on urinary iodine concentration (UIC) after intervention with lean-seafood versus non-seafood. Plasma Se, and plasma and urinary As concentrations were also measured.

Methods

A randomized controlled crossover study comprising two 4 weeks experimental periods with two balanced diets varied in main proteins (60% of total dietary proteins) of lean-seafood and non-seafood, separated by a 5 week washout period.

Results

Twenty participants (7 males, 13 females) were included and the mean ± SD age was 50.6 ± 15.3 years for all participants. Fasting UIC was median (25th, 75th percentile) 70 (38, 110) and 79 (49, 94) µg/L in the lean-seafood and non-seafood intervention at baseline, respectively. UIC increased after 4 weeks of the lean-seafood intervention to 135 (110, 278) µg/L, but not after the non-seafood intervention [58 (33, 91) µg/L] (P diet-effect < 0.001). Fasting plasma Se increased in the lean-seafood intervention and decreased in the non-seafood intervention (P diet-effect = 0.001). Fasting urinary and plasma As increased in the lean-seafood intervention and was unchanged in the non-seafood intervention (P diet-effect < 0.001).

Conclusion

The participant’s UIC was below the recommended median (100 µg/L) at baseline, but increased sufficiently after a 4 week intervention with lean-seafood.
Learning curve for endoscopic tympanoplasty type I: comparison of endoscopic-native and microscopically-trained surgeons
Authors: Monteiro Eduardo Machado Rossi , Beckmann Sven , Pedrosa Maísa Mendes , Siggemann Till , Morato Sarah Maciel Augusta , Anschuetz Lukas
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Type I tympanoplasty is one of the first operations to be performed by ear surgeons in training and is increasingly performed using the endoscopic technique. The aim of the present study is to assess and compare the learning curve for type I tympanoplasties between a microscopically trained and endoscopic native ear surgeon. We hypothesize comparable learning curves between the two surgeons regardless of previous microscopic experience.

Methods

Retrospective analysis and comparison of the 25 first consecutive cases of type I tympanoplasty performed by a microscopically trained ear surgeon (MTES) and a native endoscopic ear surgeon (NEES).

Results

Mean duration of surgery in MTES and NEES groups was 54 ± 12.3 min and 55.6 ± 17.5 min, respectively. Both surgeons achieved a reduction of the surgery duration over time with statistically significant reduction from the first five cases to the last five cases in both groups. Graft intake rate was 92% after 3 months. Preoperative and postoperative PTA revealed a mean improvement of air bone gap (ABG) of 11.5 ± 7.1 dB HL in MTES group versus 9.3 ± 8.5 dB HL in NEES group, whereby the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Endoscopic type I tympanoplasty shows comparable results and learning curves in two beginning endoscopic ear surgeons independent of the previous microscopic experience. We recommend if available the parallel learning of both techniques.
Radiographic scoliosis angle estimation: spline-based measurement reveals superior reliability compared to traditional COBB method
Authors: Bernstein Peter , Metzler Johannes , Weinzierl Marlene , Seifert Carl , Kisel Wadim , Wacker Markus
Published: August 2020

Introduction and objective

Although being standard for scoliosis curve size estimation, COBB angle measurement is well known to be inaccurate, due to a high interobserver variance in end vertebra selection and end plate contour delineation. We propose a stepwise improvement by using a spline constructed from vertebra centroids to resemble spinal curve characteristics more closely. To enhance precision even further, a neural net was trained to detect the centroids automatically.

Materials & Methods

Vertebra centroids in AP spinal X-ray images of varying quality from 551 scoliosis patients were manually labeled by 4 investigators. With these inputs, splines were generated and the computed curve sizes were compared to the manually measured COBB angles and to the curve estimation obtained from the neural net.

Results

Splines achieved a higher interobserver correlation of 0.92–0.95 compared to manual COBB measurements (0.83–0.92) and showed 1.5–2 times less variance, depending on the anatomic region. This translates into an average of 1° of interobserver measurement deviation for spline-based curve estimation compared to 3°–8° for COBB measurements. The neural net was even more precise and achieved mean deviations below 0.5°.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our data suggest an advantage of spline-based automated measuring systems, so further investigations are warranted to abandon manual COBB measurements.
The interhemispheric fissure—surgical outcome of interhemispheric approaches
Authors: Aftahy A. Kaywan , Barz Melanie , Wagner Arthur , Liesche-Starnecker Friederike , Negwer Chiara , Meyer Bernhard , Gempt Jens
Published: August 2020

Exposure of the anterior skull base is challenging due to strategic structures. The interhemispheric approach (IHA) has turned out to be a feasible technique. We report our experience with IHAs in patients with extraaxial lesions (EAL). We performed a retrospective chart review at a tertiary neurosurgical center between April 2009 and March 2020. We included patients with resection of EAL through IHAs concentrating on surgical technique, complete resection rate, postoperative outcome, and complications. Seventy-four patients resected by an IHA were included: 49 (66.2%) frontal (FIA), nine (12.1%) parietooccipital (PIA), and 16 (21.6%) frontobasal IHAs (FBIAs). Median age at time of surgery was 59 years (range 16–88 years), 47 (63.5%) female and 27 (36.5%) male. Complete resection rate was 83.8% (FIA 89.8%, PIA 55.6%, FBIA 81.3%). Rate of new minor deficits was 17.6%, rate of major deficits 5.4%, total rate 23.0%. 51 (68.9%) WHO°I meningiomas, ten (13.5%) WHO°II meningiomas, two (2.7%) WHO°III meningiomas, nine (12.2%) metastases, one (1.4%) sarcoma, and one (1.4%) local adenocarcinoma were resected. Total complication rate was 27.0%. Rate of major complications requiring intervention was 9.6%. Mean follow-up was 34.2 (± 33.2) months. In patients with lesions of the interhemispheric fissure, overall morbidity and complications are comparatively high. Extensions of IHAs with potential even higher morbidity are not necessary though; we support the use of standardized IHAs. Our findings suggest regular usage of relatively feasible IHAs for a satisfying outcome. Invasive, complicated, or contralateral trajectories were not needed.
Southern Canada’s crisis ecoregions: identifying the most significant and threatened places for biodiversity conservation
Authors: Kraus Daniel , Hebb Andrea
Published: August 2020

Identifying and protecting key areas for biodiversity is a cornerstone of effective nature conservation. This conservation assessment analyzes 77 ecoregions across the southern, settled part of Canada to identify priorities for conservation action. Our analysis included 34 measures of biodiversity, threat and conservation response. We categorized all ecoregions based on their overall biodiversity and threat scores. This categorization identified nine “crisis ecoregions.” These ecoregions have higher biodiversity and threat scores compared to other ecoregions in the study area. These ecoregions represent less than 5% of Canadian lands and inland waters but provide habitat for over 60% of Canada’s species at risk. Twenty-one ecoregions have higher biodiversity but lower threat scores. Primarily distributed in the more intact portions of the study area, these ecoregions generally have lower biodiversity scores for species diversity, but score very high for intactness, habitat diversity and congregatory species. This assessment can help to contextualize existing and proposed conservation actions by highlighting key biodiversity, threat and conservation attributes of ecoregions across southern Canada. Our assessment can be used to focus efforts on new protected areas, species at risk recovery, capacity building and ecological monitoring. The results of the conservation assessment can be applied to set and track progress toward national, regional and organizational conservation goals, including post-2020 biodiversity targets. Regular reanalysis of the ecoregions to track their trends in biodiversity, threat and conservation responses will support monitoring the effectiveness of conservation programs and highlight ecoregions where continued focus is most needed to conserve Canada’s biodiversity.
Ignition and Burning of Fibreboard Exposed to Transient Irradiation
Authors: Vermesi Izabella , Richter Franz , Chaos Marcos , Rein Guillermo
Published: August 2020

Natural materials like wood are increasingly used in the construction industry, making the understanding of their ignition and burning behaviour in fires crucial. The state of the art of wood flammability is based mostly on studies at constant heating. However, accidental fires are better represented by transient heating. Here, we study the piloted ignition and burning of medium density fibreboard (MDF) under transient irradiation. Experiments are conducted in a Fire Propagation Apparatus under parabolic heat flux pulses with peak irradiation ranging from 30 to 40 kW/m2 and time-to-peak irradiation from 160 to 480 s. The experimental results reveal that the critical conditions for ignition of fibreboard vary over wide ranges: mass flux between 4.9 to 7.4 g/m2-s, surface temperature between 276 to 298°C, and heat flux between 29 to 40 kW/m2. Flameout conditions are studied as well, with observations of when it leads either to extinction or to smouldering combustion. We explored the experiments further with a one-dimensional pyrolysis model in Gpyro and show that predictions are accurate. Assuming a non-uniform density profile (a realistic assumption) improves the predictions in comparison to a uniform density profile by increasing the mass loss rate by 12%, decreasing the temperatures by 45%, and increasing the ignition time by 20 s. These results further support previous findings that a single critical condition for igntion or flameout established under constant irradiation does not hold under transient irradiation which indicates that ignition and extinction theories need improvements.
The Association Between Autistic Traits and Disordered Eating is Moderated by Sex/Gender and Independent of Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Barnett Alana , Edwards Katie , Harper Rebecca , Evans Elizabeth , Alexander Derina , Choudhary Mohini , Richards Gareth
Published: August 2020

Previous studies have reported positive correlations between autistic traits and disordered eating, though it is unclear whether the association is moderated by sex/gender or whether it is independent of anxiety or depression. We present the findings of an online survey of 691 participants who completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26). Following a pre-registered analysis plan, we observed positive correlations between AQ and EAT-26 in males and females, with the association being significantly stronger in females. AQ also remained a significant predictor of EAT-26 when anxiety and depression were controlled for statistically. These findings may be relevant when considering therapeutic interventions in disordered eating populations that exhibit autistic traits.
Identification of fatty acids in fractionated lipid extracts from Palmaria palmata, Alaria esculenta and Saccharina latissima by off-line SPE GC-MS
Authors: Foseid Lena , Natvik Ingeborg , Devle Hanne , Ekeberg Dag
Published: August 2020

The fatty acid profiles of the three lipid fractions, neutral lipids (NL), free fatty acids and polar lipids (PL), from the macroalgaePalmaria palmata(wild),Alaria esculenta(cultivated) andSaccharina latissima(cultivated) were studied in light of dietary important fatty acids. Blade and stipe from the macroalgae were collected at the end of the growth season (May/June) at Frøya (Trøndelag, Norway). A total of 51 fatty acids were identified in the algae, including several fatty acids novel to one or more of the algae. The NL and PL fractions ofP. palmatawere the most promising from a health perspective, due to a high content of eicosapentaenoic acid (10.1 ± 0.5% and 6.6 ± 0.1%, respectively) and notrans-fatty acids. In addition, these fractions had very low omega-6/omega-3 ratios (< 0.1) and can therefore be beneficial for balancing the omega-6/omega-3 ratio in the diet. The NL fraction ofA. esculentahad the highest content of monounsaturated- and polyunsaturated fatty acids (20.9 ± 1.4 and 21.8 ± 1.9% of alga, respectively), as well as the highest content of the two essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (5.3 ± 0.4% of alga) and alpha-linolenic acid (2.4 ± 0.2% of alga). Indices related to risk factors for coronary heart disease were most favourable in the NL fraction ofS. latissimaand the NL and PL fractions ofA. esculenta.
Population assessment and foraging ecology of nest aggregations of the rare solitary bee, Eucera longicornis at Gatwick Airport, and implications for their management
Authors: Hennessy Georgia , Goulson Dave , Ratnieks Francis L. W.
Published: August 2020

Eucera longicornis is a rare solitary bee that is in decline throughout its range in Britain and other European countries. Two nest aggregations that had been previously discovered in 2014 on land owned and managed by Gatwick Airport, Southern England, were studied in 2017, 2018 and 2019 to obtain information relevant to their conservation. Population estimates using mark recapture showed that the larger aggregation had a maximum population estimate of 659 individuals in 2018, with the smaller aggregation reaching a maximum population estimate of 221 in 2019. In terms of foraging requirements, microscopic analysis of pollen samples from females returning from their nests identified a total of 12 plant taxa across all years and both aggregations. Fabaceae pollen was present in 100% of samples and on average comprised 90% of each sample, indicating that the species is oligolectic. Both nest aggregations were on sloping banks of exposed soil arising from land management by the airport in 1999. Floral surveys of the landscape indicate that within 100 m of both aggregations Fabaceae species are the most abundant due to the presence of a legume rich wildflower meadow alongside the adjacent river Mole, which was sown by Gatwick Airport. Eucera longicornis at Gatwick Airport are an example of how if managed appropriately, industrial areas can provide valuable refuges for rare wildlife. Although there is no imminent risk of the populations going extinct, management and monitoring suggestions are provided to ensure these populations persist.
Linear woody landscape elements may help to mitigate leaf surface loss caused by the cereal leaf beetle
Authors: Lajos Károly , Császár Orsolya , Sárospataki Miklós , Samu Ferenc , Tóth Ferenc
Published: August 2020

Context

Woody semi-natural habitats serve as permanent habitats and hibernation sites for natural enemies and, through spillover processes, they play an important role in the biological control of insect pests. However, this service is also dependent on the amount and configuration of the dominating woody habitat types: linear landscape elements (hedgerows, shelterbelts), and more evenly extended plantations. Relating natural enemy action to the landscape context can help to identify the effect of woody habitats on biological control effectiveness.

Objectives

In the Central European agricultural landscapes such as in the Hungarian lowlands, where our study took place, woody linear elements are characterised by high, while woody areal elements, mostly plantations, by low biological and structural diversity. In this study, we aimed to determine which composition and configuration of woody linear and areal habitats in the landscape may enhance the effect of natural enemy action on plant damage caused by the cereal leaf beetle (CLB, Oulema melanopus).

Methods

Herbivory suppression by natural enemies was assessed from the leaf damage difference between caged and open treatments. These exclusion experiments were carried out in 34 wheat fields on plants with controlled CLB infections. The results were related to landscape structure, quantified by different landscape metrics of both woody linear and areal habitats inside buffers between 150 and 500 m radii, surrounding the wheat fields.

Results

The exclusion of natural enemies increased the leaf surface loss caused by CLBs in all fields. Shelterbelts and hedgerows in 150–200 m vicinity of the wheat fields had a strong suppressing effect on CLB damage, while the presence of plantations at 250 m and further rather impeded natural enemy action.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that shelterbelts and hedgerows may provide a strong spillover of natural enemies, thus contribute to an enhanced biological control of CLBs.
Gait recognition for person re-identification
Authors: Elharrouss Omar , Almaadeed Noor , Al-Maadeed Somaya , Bouridane Ahmed
Published: August 2020

Person re-identification across multiple cameras is an essential task in computer vision applications, particularly tracking the same person in different scenes. Gait recognition, which is the recognition based on the walking style, is mostly used for this purpose due to that human gait has unique characteristics that allow recognizing a person from a distance. However, human recognition via gait technique could be limited with the position of captured images or videos. Hence, this paper proposes a gait recognition approach for person re-identification. The proposed approach starts with estimating the angle of the gait first, and this is then followed with the recognition process, which is performed using convolutional neural networks. Herein, multitask convolutional neural network models and extracted gait energy images (GEIs) are used to estimate the angle and recognize the gait. GEIs are extracted by first detecting the moving objects, using background subtraction techniques. Training and testing phases are applied to the following three recognized datasets: CASIA-(B), OU-ISIR, and OU-MVLP. The proposed method is evaluated for background modeling using the Scene Background Modeling and Initialization (SBI) dataset. The proposed gait recognition method showed an accuracy of more than 98% for almost all datasets. Results of the proposed approach showed higher accuracy compared to obtained results of other methods result for CASIA-(B) and OU-MVLP and form the best results for the OU-ISIR dataset.
A Dyadic IRT Model
Authors: Gin Brian , Sim Nicholas , Skrondal Anders , Rabe-Hesketh Sophia
Published: August 2020

We propose a dyadic Item Response Theory (dIRT) model for measuring interactions of pairs of individuals when the responses to items represent the actions (or behaviors, perceptions, etc.) of each individual (actor) made within the context of a dyad formed with another individual (partner). Examples of its use include the assessment of collaborative problem solving or the evaluation of intra-team dynamics. The dIRT model generalizes both Item Response Theory models for measurement and the Social Relations Model for dyadic data. The responses of an actor when paired with a partner are modeled as a function of not only the actor’s inclination to act and the partner’s tendency to elicit that action, but also the unique relationship of the pair, represented by two directional, possibly correlated, interaction latent variables. Generalizations are discussed, such as accommodating triads or larger groups. Estimation is performed using Markov-chain Monte Carlo implemented in Stan, making it straightforward to extend the dIRT model in various ways. Specifically, we show how the basic dIRT model can be extended to accommodate latent regressions, multilevel settings with cluster-level random effects, as well as joint modeling of dyadic data and a distal outcome. A simulation study demonstrates that estimation performs well. We apply our proposed approach to speed-dating data and find new evidence of pairwise interactions between participants, describing a mutual attraction that is inadequately characterized by individual properties alone.
Surface Properties and Corrosion Behavior of Turn-Assisted Deep-Cold-Rolled AISI 4140 Steel
Authors: Prabhu P. R. , Prabhu Deepa , Sharma Sathyashankara , Kulkarni S. M.
Published: August 2020

In this research, the effect of various turn-assisted deep-cold-rolling process parameters on the residual stress, microstructure, surface hardness, surface finish, and corrosion behavior of AISI 4140 steel has been investigated. The examination of the surface morphology of the turned and processed samples was performed by using a scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Response surface methodology and desirability function approach were used for reducing the number of experiments and finding local optimized conditions for parameters under the study. The results from the residual stress measurements indicate that the rolling force has the highest effect by generating a deeper layer of residual compressive stress. The outcomes of surface hardness and surface finish emphasize that rolling force and number of tool passes are the most significant parameters affecting the responses. Surface studies confirmed the corrosion and its intensity onto the metal surface, and according to atomic force microscopy studies, the surface had become remarkably rough after exposure to the corrosive medium. Improvements in surface microhardness from 225 to 305.8 HV, the surface finish from 4.84 down to 0.261 μm, and corrosion rate from 6.672 down to 3.516 mpy are observed for a specific set of parameters by turn-assisted deep-cold-rolling process. The multiresponse optimization for surface finish and corrosion rate together shows that a ball diameter of 10 mm, a rolling force of 325.75 N, initial roughness of 4.84 µm, and number of tool passes of 3 give better values for the two responses under consideration with composite desirability of 0.9939. Based on the experimental work at the optimum parameter setting, the absolute average error between the experimental and predicted values for the corrosion rate is calculated as 3.2%.
Non-local to local transition for ground states of fractional Schrödinger equations on $$\mathbb {R}^N$$
Authors: Bieganowski Bartosz , Secchi Simone
Published: August 2020

We consider the nonlinear fractional problem $$\begin{aligned} (-\Delta )^{s} u + V(x) u = f(x,u)&\quad \hbox {in } \mathbb {R}^N \end{aligned}$$

(
-
Δ
)

s

u
+
V

(
x
)

u
=
f

(
x
,
u
)

in

R

N

We show that ground state solutions converge (along a subsequence) in $$L^2_{\mathrm {loc}} (\mathbb {R}^N)$$

L
loc
2

(

R

N

)

, under suitable conditions on f and V, to a ground state solution of the local problem as $$s \rightarrow 1^-$$

s
→

1
-

.
Incidence, Severity and Responses to Reportable Student Self-Harm and Suicidal Behaviours in Schools: A One-Year Population-Based Study
Authors: Crowe Ruby , Townsend Michelle L. , Miller Caitlin E. , Grenyer Brin F. S.
Published: August 2020

School staff have a unique opportunity to detect and respond to mental health issues including self-harm and suicidal behaviour in adolescents. There is limited knowledge about how these incidents are managed in schools. This study aims to understand the incidence rates, perceived severity and management of self-harm and suicidal behaviour incidents by schools. A total of 1525 school incidents were analysed for rate, severity and response. Pearson’s χ2 test was used to understand incident rates of self-harm and suicidal behaviours compared to all other incidents, and if incident category was related to emergency service involvement. A Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA analysed differences in severity ratings for incidents, and relative risk ratios determined the probability that first responder services will be engaged in self-harm and suicidal behaviour incidents. Self-harm and suicidal behaviour incidents (n = 77) accounted for 5.05% of all incidents and were more likely to be rated highly severe compared to other incidents. Incidents of self-harm and suicidal behaviours were 1.43 times more likely to have police involvement and 8.37 times more likely to have ambulance involvement compared to other incidents that caused harm to students, staff or property including welfare and violence incidents. The findings highlight the severity of reportable self-harm and suicidal behaviour incidents as they required an emergency response. We discuss the potential missed opportunity for early intervention by school staff and services, which may hinder future disclosure or help-seeking by at-risk young people. Training of school staff may provide knowledge and confidence to respond appropriately to self-harm and suicidal behaviour incidents and prevent escalation requiring emergency intervention.
Analysis of the Behaviour of Very Slender Piles: Focus on the Ultimate Load
Authors: Gatto Michele Placido Antonio , Montrasio Lorella
Published: August 2020

The paper aims to analyse the influence of slenderness on the ultimate behaviour of piles with a very small diameter (less than 10 cm) that are often employed in soil reinforcement and for which the slenderness can significatively influence the failure behaviour, reducing the ultimate load. The aim is reached by means of numerical analyses on small-diameter piles of different geometries, embedded in clayey soil. The critical load is evaluated numerically in undrained conditions and then compared to the bearing capacity estimated by the classical approaches based on limit equilibrium method. The numerical model is first calibrated on the basis of the results of experimental laboratory tests on bored piles of a small diameter in a cohesive soft soil (average undrained shear strength cu = 15 kPa). The comparison between the critical load and the bearing capacity shows that their ratio becomes less than 1 for critical slenderness LCR that decreases, nonlinearly, with the decreasing of the pile diameter. The results of the analysis show that varying the diameter of the pile from 0.06 to 0.18 m, LCR varies from 65 to 200. The aforementioned evidence suggests that the evaluation of the ultimate load of piles of very small diameter has to follow the considerations on the critical load of the pile, especially if it is embedded in soft soil; on the contrary for piles of greater diameters (bigger than 20 cm) the buckling is not meaningful because LCR is so big that the common slenderness does not exceed it.
The psychological, relational and social impact in adult offspring of
parents with hoarding disorder
Authors: Neziroglu Fugen , Upston Michael , Khemlani-Patel Sony
Published: August 2020

Hoarding disorder (HD) is a psychiatric condition that negatively
impacts individual sufferers, their families and the larger community. The
disorder goes beyond problems with excessive clutter; it also presents with
deficits in executive functioning, attachment and affect regulation
deficits. This paper focusses on the needs of adult children of parents with
HD, who directly experience the consequences of the disorder throughout
their life cycle. We explore the existing research on the psychological,
relational and social impact of parental hoarding on adult offspring. We
discuss the clinical implications of these findings and offer possible
psychological interventions that may be of help in this vulnerable
population.
The impact of a bundle to prevent hospital-acquired pneumonia in a cohort of nonventilated patients on enteral nutrition
Authors: de Assis Michelli Cristina Silva , Macedo Andreia Barcellos Teixeira , Martins Célia Mariana Barbosa de Souza , Konkewicz Loriane Rita , Viana Luciana Verçoza , Tavares Juliana Petri , Mancuso Aline Castello Branco , da Rosa Ninon Girardon , Santos Rodrigo Pires dos
Published: August 2020

We conducted a quasi-experimental study to evaluate a bundle to prevent nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) in patients on enteral tube feeding. After the intervention, there was an increase in bundle compliance from 55.9% to 70.5% (P < .01) and a significant decrease (34%) in overall NV-HAP rates from 5.71 to 3.77 of 1,000 admissions.
The failure of mainstream parties and the impact of new challenger parties in France, Italy and Spain
Authors: Ignazi Piero
Published: August 2020

Political parties share a very bad reputation in most European countries. This paper provides an interpretation of this sentiment, reconstructing the downfall of the esteem in which parties were held and their fall since the post-war years up to present. In particular, the paper focuses on the abandonment of the parties' founding ‘logic of appropriateness’ based, on the one hand, on the ethics for collective engagement in collective environments for collective aims and, on the other hand, on the full commitment of party officials. The abandonment of these two aspects has led to a crisis of legitimacy that mainstream parties have tried to counteract in ways that have proven ineffective, as membership still declines and confidence still languishes. Finally, the paper investigates whether the new challenger parties in France, Italy and Spain have introduced organizational and behavioural changes that could eventually reverse disaffection with the political partyper se.