bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of the application of hydraulic technology in wind turbine
Authors: Chen Wenting , Wang Xiaoyun , Zhang Fusen , Liu Hongwei , Lin Yonggang
Published: April 2020

With the development of large‐scale wind power generation and offshore wind energy, reducing the nacelle weight and the gear failure rate is increasingly important. Hydraulic transmission is characterized by its flexible layout and transmits large energy with small volume and weight, which suits the demands of wind power generation. In this paper, a thorough review of hydraulic technology application in wind energy is carried out, in the aspect of pitch, brake, yaw, transmission, new applications, and the potential problems.
Treatment of municipal wastewater in AnMBRs with powdered activated carbon addition under psychrophilic temperatures
Authors: Li Linda , Parker Wayne
Published: April 2020

The performance of anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs) at psychrophilic temperatures commonly observed in temperate climates (10–24°C) was assessed. A unique aspect of the research was operation at controlled SRT with regular membrane cleaning. COD removal and permeate VFA concentrations were similar at 15 and 24°C and deteriorated at 10°C. As temperature decreased, the COD mass flow to methane decreased and COD mass flows in the permeate and waste sludge increased. At 24°C, rapid membrane TMP increases were not observed while at 15 and 10°C rapid increases occurred at 11.7 ± 0.46 and 7.6 ± 0.45 days, respectively, indicating a greater fouling propensity of the mixed liquor at lower temperatures. When the temperature was reduced from 15°C to 10°C in a transient test, CH4 production was reduced and VFA concentrations increased. A 2–3 SRT lag in the responses suggested that the delayed response was due to long‐term changes in microbial population. The permeate VFA content in a PAC‐dosed reactor was lower than that without PAC dosing, and PAC addition increased the time to rapid TMP development to 11.3 ± 0.46 days from 7.4 ± 0.49 days. The primary benefit of PAC addition at low temperatures is enhanced membrane performance.

Practitioner points

AnMBRs can produce high‐quality effluents at temperatures of 15°C

Membrane fouling increases as temperature decreases

Bioreactor performance was sustained for 2–3 SRTs after temperature decrease

PAC addition reduced the permeate VFA concentrations

Membrane fouling at 10°C was reduced through PAC addition
Advances in engineering local drug delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Abdou Peter , Wang Zejun , Chen Qian , Chan Amanda , Zhou Daojia R. , Gunadhi Vivienne , Gu Zhen
Published: April 2020

Cancer immunotherapy aims to leverage the immune system to suppress the growth of tumors and to inhibit metastasis. The recent promising clinical outcomes associated with cancer immunotherapy have prompted research and development efforts towards enhancing the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade, cancer vaccines, cytokine therapy, and adoptive T cell therapy. Advancements in biomaterials, nanomedicine, and micro‐/nano‐technology have facilitated the development of enhanced local delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy, which can enhance treatment efficacy while minimizing toxicity. Furthermore, locally administered cancer therapies that combine immunotherapy with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or phototherapy have the potential to achieve synergistic antitumor effects. Herein, the latest studies on local delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy are surveyed, with an emphasis on the therapeutic benefits associated with the design of biomaterials and nanomedicines.

This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
The Extension of the Concept of Security
Authors: Hirsch Ballin Ernst , Dijstelbloem Huub , de Goede Peter
Published: April 2020

The classical view of security as relating to nation states and the protection of their territory still lies at the heart of thinking about national and international security. Defence in the sense of national defence is a key task of the nation state and for centuries the sovereignty of states has formed the basis of the international legal order. Today, however, security encompasses more than protecting the state’s territory against military aggression by another state, as is illustrated in Fig. 2.1.
Human Security and Flow Security in Dutch Security Policy
Authors: Hirsch Ballin Ernst , Dijstelbloem Huub , de Goede Peter
Published: April 2020

The expansion of the concept of security has also had an impact on security policy in the Netherlands, where security now encompasses far more than the military defence of the country’s own territory against hostile armies. The concern for human security in fragile situations elsewhere in the world and the economic relevance of flow security are relatively new focus areas in Dutch security policy. Accordingly, this chapter provides a further analysis of the integrated approach to security and development on the one hand, and security and the economy on the other, with an emphasis on the relevant policy efforts of the Netherlands.
The Netherlands and the Extended Concept of Security: The Rise of Security Strategies
Authors: Hirsch Ballin Ernst , Dijstelbloem Huub , de Goede Peter
Published: April 2020

With the extension of the concept of security that has occurred over the last few decades, formulating security policy is inherently problematic. Even if one takes a narrow state-centric view of security as military security behind a territorial line of defence, threats are already enormously difficult to assess. After all, states do not readily provide information about their military capacity and gauging their intentions is a problem in itself. Moreover, those intentions are not static, but can change over time. States can also mislead one another with regard to their capabilities and intentions. The history of international relations is replete with examples of threats being underestimated, exaggerated or incorrectly interpreted and of political failure to respond to accurate estimates and pinpoint strategic analyses. Furthermore, states also have to estimate how other states will react to their own actions and omissions. History is therefore also filled with examples of unintended consequences.
Defence Policy in a Changed Security Environment
Authors: Hirsch Ballin Ernst , Dijstelbloem Huub , de Goede Peter
Published: April 2020

In the preceding Chapters (2, 3 and 4) we have discussed the changing nature of security and the expansion of the concept of security and explored their consequences for the formulation of strategy. In this and the following chapters, the consequences for defence policy and the armed forces are analysed.
Observation of reactor antineutrino disappearance using delayed neutron capture on hydrogen at RENO
Authors:   The RENO collaboration, Shin C. D. , Atif Z. , Bak G. , Choi J. H. , Jang H. I. , Jang J. S. , Jeon S. H. , Joo K. K. , Ju K. , Jung D. E. , Kim J. G. , Kim J. Y. , Kim S. B. , Kim S. Y. , Kim W. , Kwon E. , Lee D. H. , Lee H. G. , Lee Y. C. , Lim I. T. , Moon D. H. , Pac M. Y. , Rott C. , Seo H. , Seo J. H. , Seo J. W. , Seo S. H. , Yang B. S. , Yang J. Y. , Yoo J. , Yu I.
Published: April 2020

Abstract

The Reactor Experiment for Neutrino Oscillation (RENO) experiment has been taking data using two identical liquid scintillator detectors since August 2011. The experiment has observed the disappearance of reactor neutrinos in their interactions with free protons, followed by neutron capture on hydrogen (n-H). Based on 1500 live days of data taken with 16.8 GW
th
reactors at the Hanbit Nuclear Power Plant in Korea, the near (far) detector observes 567690 (90747) electron antineutrino candidate events with the n-H data. This provides an independent measurement of neutrino mixing angle θ
13 and a consistency check on the validity of the result obtained from the data with neutron capture on Gadolinium (n-Gd). Furthermore, it provides an important cross-check on the systematic uncertainties of the n-Gd measurement. Based on a rate-only analysis, we obtain sin2 2θ
13 = 0.086 ± 0.008(stat.) ± 0.014(syst.). The combination of this result with that of n-Gd is also reported.
Low-diffusion Xe-He gas mixtures for rare-event detection: electroluminescence yield
Authors:   The NEXT collaboration, Fernandes A. F. M. , Henriques C. A. O. , Mano R. D. P. , González-Díaz D. , Azevedo C. D. R , Silva P. A. O. C. , Gómez-Cadenas J. J. , Freitas E. D. C. , Fernandes L. M. P. , Monteiro C. M. B. , Adams C. , Álvarez V. , Arazi L. , Arnquist I. J. , Bailey K. , Ballester F. , Benlloch-Rodríguez J. M. , Borges F. I. G. M. , Byrnes N. , Cárcel S. , Carrión J. V. , Cebrián S. , Church E. , Conde C. A. N. , Contreras T. , Díaz G. , Díaz J. , Diesburg M. , Escada J. , Esteve R. , Felkai R. , Ferrario P. , Ferreira A. L. , Generowicz J. , Ghosh S. , Goldschmidt A. , Guenette R. , Gutiérrez R. M. , Haefner J. , Hafidi K. , Hauptman J. , Hernando Morata J. A. , Herrero P. , Herrero V. , Ifergan Y. , Johnston S. , Jones B. J. P. , Kekic M. , Labarga L. , Laing A. , Lebrun P. , López-March N. , Losada M. , Martín-Albo J. , Martínez A. , Martínez-Lema G. , McDonald A. D. , Monrabal F. , Mora F. J. , Muñoz Vidal J. , Novella P. , Nygren D. R. , Palmeiro B. , Para A. , Pérez J. , Psihas F. , Querol M. , Renner J. , Repond J. , Riordan S. , Ripoll L. , Rodríguez García Y. , Rodríguez J. , Rogers L. , Romeo B. , Romo-Luque C. , Santos F. P. , dos Santos J. M. F. , Simón A. , Sofka C. , Sorel M. , Stiegler T. , Toledo J. F. , Torrent J. , Usón A. , Veloso J. F. C. A. , Webb R. , Weiss-Babai R. , White J. T. , Woodruff K. , Yahlali N.
Published: April 2020

Abstract

High pressure xenon Time Projection Chambers (TPC) based on secondary scintillation (electroluminescence) signal amplification are being proposed for rare event detection such as directional dark matter, double electron capture and double beta decay detection. The discrimination of the rare event through the topological signature of primary ionisation trails is a major asset for this type of TPC when compared to single liquid or double-phase TPCs, limited mainly by the high electron diffusion in pure xenon. Helium admixtures with xenon can be an attractive solution to reduce the electron diffu- sion significantly, improving the discrimination efficiency of these optical TPCs. We have measured the electroluminescence (EL) yield of Xe–He mixtures, in the range of 0 to 30% He and demonstrated the small impact on the EL yield of the addition of helium to pure xenon. For a typical reduced electric field of 2.5 kV/cm/bar in the EL region, the EL yield is lowered by ∼ 2%, 3%, 6% and 10% for 10%, 15%, 20% and 30% of helium concentration, respectively. This decrease is less than what has been obtained from the most recent simulation framework in the literature. The impact of the addition of helium on EL statistical fluctuations is negligible, within the experimental uncertainties. The present results are an important benchmark for the simulation tools to be applied to future optical TPCs based on Xe-He mixtures.
G2 holonomy, Taubes’ construction of Seiberg-Witten invariants and superconducting vortices
Authors: Cecotti Sergio , Gerig Chris , Vafa Cumrun
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Using a reformulation of topological

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 QFT’s in M-theory setup, where QFT is realized via M5 branes wrapping co-associative cycles in a G
2 manifold constructed from the space of self-dual 2-forms over a four-fold X, we show that superconducting vortices are mapped to M2 branes stretched between M5 branes. This setup provides a physical explanation of Taubes’ construction of the Seiberg-Witten invariants when X is symplectic and the superconducting vortices are realized as pseudo-holomorphic curves. This setup is general enough to realize topological QFT’s arising from

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 QFT’s from all Gaiotto theories on arbitrary 4-manifolds.
BPS states in the Minahan-Nemeschansky E7 theory
Authors: Hao Qianyu , Hollands Lotte , Neitzke Andrew
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We use the method of spectral networks to calculate BPS degeneracies in the Minahan-Nemeschansky E
7 theory, as representations of the E
7 flavor symmetry. Our results provide another example of a pattern noticed earlier in the Minahan-Nemeschansky E
6 theory: when the electromagnetic charge is n times a primitive charge, the BPS index is a positive integer multiple of (−1)
n+1
n. We also calculate BPS degeneracies in the Minahan-Nemeschansky E
6 theory for larger charges than were previously computed.
Top-quark partial compositeness beyond the effective field theory paradigm
Authors: Franzosi Diogo Buarque , Tonero Alberto
Published: April 2020

Abstract

In theories of Partial Compositeness the top quark is a mixture of a composite and an elementary state, and as a consequence its interactions with gauge bosons are expected to deviate from those of a point-like object. At sufficiently large energies, such deviations cannot be parametrized by the leading effective field theory operators and form factors (i.e. energy dependent interactions) must be introduced. In this work, we argue that such effects might appear at relatively low energies with interesting phenomenological consequences. In analogy to the proton electromagnetic interactions, we devise a simplified phenomenological model that parametrizes the top-quark interactions with gluons in terms of two form factors. We study the implications of these interactions in top-quark and heavy top-partner pair production at a hadron collider.
Retrospective Analysis of Outcomes Following Percutaneous Cholecystostomy for Acute Cholecystitis
Authors: Kuan L. L. , Oyebola T. , Mavilakandy A. , Dennison A. R. , Garcea G.
Published: April 2020

Background

Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) is often performed for patients with acute cholecystitis who are too high risk for cholecystectomy. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcomes of this cohort of patients over a 5‐year period.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all patients treated with PC for acute cholecystitis in a tertiary centre teaching hospital was conducted. The study period ranged from January 2010 to December 2015. Clinical data were extracted from the hospitals′ electronic database system, as well as reviewing clinical notes and imaging reports. The aims of this study were to detect the reason PC was undertaken as opposed to surgery, the subsequent definitive management of patients initially treated with PC, the incidence of common bile duct stones (CBDS), the complications from PC, and the 30‐day mortality.

Results

A total of 96 patients were identified. The total number of patients with CBDS was 27 (28.1%). Fourteen (14.6%) patients were shown to have CBDS on initial imaging. CBDS was detected in 12 patients (12.5%) at cholangiogram during their PC procedure. One patient had CBDS detected during a check cholangiogram at 6 weeks, which was not seen on initial imaging. Twenty‐eight patients (29.2%) underwent an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), during their index admission. The main reasons for PC were a high American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score (49%), sepsis requiring organ support (19.8%), empyema of the gallbladder (29.1%), failed external biliary drainage for biliary obstruction (2.1%), and concomitant palliative malignancy (5.2%). Interval cholecystectomy was performed in 24 patients (25%). The total 30‐day in‐hospital mortality was 16.7%.

Conclusion

PC is an effective and safe alternative as salvage therapy in high‐risk elderly patients who have multiple comorbidities. It is valuable as a temporising measure before definitive treatment in high‐risk patients. A high index of suspicion for CBDS (and further imaging with MRCP or a check cholangiogram) is warranted to detect missed CBDS. This is particularly relevant in this vulnerable group of patients where CBDS may represent a future source of recurrent sepsis.
Interhospital transfer vs. direct presentation of patients with a large vessel occlusion not eligible for IV thrombolysis
Authors:   the MR CLEAN Registry Investigators, van Meenen Laura C. C. , Groot Adrien E. , Venema Esmee , Emmer Bart J. , Smeekes Martin D. , Kommer Geert Jan , Majoie Charles B. L. M. , Roos Yvo B. W. E. M. , Schonewille Wouter J. , Roozenbeek Bob , Coutinho Jonathan M.
Published: April 2020

Background and purpose

Direct presentation of patients with acute ischemic stroke to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) reduces time to endovascular treatment (EVT), but may increase time to treatment for intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). This dilemma, however, is not applicable to patients who have a contraindication for IVT. We examined the effect of direct presentation to a CSC on outcomes after EVT in patients not eligible for IVT.

Methods

We used data from the MR CLEAN Registry (2014–2017). We included patients who were not treated with IVT and compared patients directly presented to a CSC to patients transferred from a primary stroke center. Outcomes included treatment times and 90-day modified Rankin Scale scores (mRS) adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

Of the 3637 patients, 680 (19%) did not receive IVT and were included in the analyses. Of these, 389 (57%) were directly presented to a CSC. The most common contraindications for IVT were anticoagulation use (49%) and presentation > 4.5 h after onset (26%). Directly presented patients had lower baseline NIHSS scores (median 16 vs. 17, p = 0.015), higher onset-to-first-door times (median 105 vs. 66 min, p < 0.001), lower first-door-to-groin times (median 93 vs. 150 min; adjusted β = − 51.6, 95% CI: − 64.0 to − 39.2) and lower onset-to-groin times (median 220 vs. 230 min; adjusted β = − 44.0, 95% CI: − 65.5 to − 22.4). The 90-day mRS score did not differ between groups (adjusted OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.73–2.08).

Conclusions

In patients who were not eligible for IVT, treatment times for EVT were better for patients directly presented to a CSC, but without a statistically significant effect on clinical outcome.
Pre-stage perfusion and ultra-high seeding cell density in CHO fed-batch culture: a case study for process intensification guided by systems biotechnology
Authors: Stepper Lisa , Filser Florian Alois , Fischer Simon , Schaub Jochen , Gorr Ingo , Voges Raphael
Published: April 2020

Process intensification strategies are needed in the field of therapeutic protein production for higher productivities, lower cost of goods and improved facility utilization. This work describes an intensification approach, which connects a tangential-flow-filtration (TFF) based pre-stage perfusion process with a concentrated fed-batch production culture inoculated with an ultra-high seeding density (uHSD). This strategy shifted biomass production towards the pre-stage, reaching up to 45 × 106 cells/mL in perfusion mode. Subsequently, production in the intensified fed-batch started immediately and the product titer was almost doubled (1.9-fold) in an equivalent runtime and with comparable product quality compared to low-seeded cultures. Driven by mechanistic modelling and next-generation sequencing (NGS) the process had been optimized by selecting the media composition in a way that minimized cellular adaptation between perfusion and production culture. As a main feature, lactate feeding was applied in the intensified approach to promote cell culture performance and process scalability was proven via transfer to pilot-scale i.e., 20 L pre-stage perfusion and 80 L production reactor. Moreover, an earlier shift from a growth associated to a production stage associated gene expression pattern was identified for uHSD cultures compared to the reference. Overall, we showed that the described intensification strategy yielded in a higher volumetric productivity and is applicable for existing or already approved molecules in common, commercial fed-batch facilities. This work provides an in-depth molecular understanding of cellular processes that are detrimental during process intensification.
Nature’s endless wonder: unexpected motherhood after pediatric allogeneic stem cell transplantation and severe late effects
Authors: Bauer Dorothea , Tüchler Raffaela , Dörfler Daniela , Lawitschka Anita
Published: April 2020

Infertility and endocrine late effects (LE) are common sequelae after pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) after myeloablative conditioning. Nevertheless, the individual risk for these LE is not always easy to predict and therefore these issues are of ongoing interest to the clinical research community dealing with HSCT aftercare. This article describes the case of a young woman who received polychemotherapy and total body irradiation (TBI) containing conditioning for HSCT for a relapsed anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). She developed severe sclerotic chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) with irreversible joint contractures and multiorgan involvement, requiring long-term multimodal immunosuppressive treatment. Subsequently showing a considerable number of LE including hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, she accepted that infertility would be quite likely. Her courageous personal life planning included part-time working and a partnership but not motherhood. This article reports the unexpected and spontaneous pregnancy and the extreme preterm birth of a surprisingly adequately developing child.
Association between eosinophilia and renal prognosis in patients with pathologically proven cholesterol crystal embolism
Authors: Mochida Yasuhiro , Ohtake Takayasu , Ishioka Kunihiro , Oka Machiko , Maesato Kyoko , Moriya Hidekazu , Hidaka Sumi , Kobayashi Shuzo
Published: April 2020

Background

Approximately, 20–70% of patients with cholesterol crystal embolism (CCE) have eosinophilia. However, it remains unknown how eosinophilia influences renal prognosis in patients with CCE. In this study, we investigated the association between eosinophil count (Eo) and renal prognosis in CCE patients on steroid therapy.

Methods

The present study is a single-centered retrospective cohort study in patients with renal dysfunction and CCE from April 2007 to May 2018. This study included the patients who were treated with neither maintenance dialysis nor steroid before CCE diagnosis, and followed-up for kidney function until November 2019. We assessed whether eosinophilia at the time of CCE diagnosis was related to renal death after treating with steroid therapy.

Results

Thirty patients with pathologically diagnosed CCE were enrolled and followed-up for 11.0 (5.2–43.4) months. There were significant differences in the white blood cell count (p = 0.01), hemoglobin (p = 0.009), serum creatinine levels (p = 0.008), phosphate (p = 0.049), and Eo (p = 0.008) between the renal survival and renal death groups. Using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis with Youden index, Eo of 810/µL showed 100% sensitivity and 69.6% specificity for detecting renal death (area under the curve: 0.839). Comparing the outcomes in patients having Eo ≥ and < 810/µL using the log-rank test, there is a significantly higher renal death rate in CCE patients with Eo ≥ 810/µL (p = 0.0016).

Conclusion

Higher eosinophilia was a prognostic risk factor for renal death in the patients with CCE.
2015 Nepal earthquake: seismic performance and post-earthquake reconstruction of stone in mud mortar masonry buildings
Authors: Adhikari Rohit Kumar , D’Ayala Dina
Published: April 2020

The residential building typology of Stone in Mud Mortar (SMM) masonry contributed significantly to the seismic losses caused by the 2015 Nepalese seismic sequence, also known as the 2015 Gorkha earthquake. SMM masonry is the most common construction type in Nepal, and notwithstanding the extensive damage, this has persisted in the post-earthquake reconstruction. This paper provides first an overview of the extent of damage and typical failure modes suffered by this typology. Some pressing issues in the ongoing post-earthquake reconstruction, such as building usability, construction quality are then discussed. The results of seismic analyses on both the pre-earthquake (PRE-SMM) and post-earthquake built (POST-SMM) typologies, using the applied element method employing a modelling strategy that accounts for the random shape of stone units, are then presented and discussed in terms of capacity curves and failure mechanisms. As per the seismic design code of Nepal, seismic performance assessment is conducted to understand the seismic design levels of these constructions. Finally, seismic fragility and vulnerability functions for both the PRE-SMM and POST-SMM typologies, considering the uncertainty in ground motions and material quality, are presented and discussed. Considering the seismic hazard in Nepal, the PRE-SMM typology is found to be highly vulnerable and seismic strengthening of these buildings is urgent. On the other hand, the POST-SMM typology has adequate seismic capacity and performs within the serviceability limit, given the quality of both the construction materials and workmanship are not compromised.
A Nation of Bastards? Registered Cohabitation, Childbearing, and First-Marriage Formation in Iceland, 1994–2013
Authors: Jónsson Ari Klængur
Published: April 2020

Nowhere in Europe is extramarital childbearing more pervasive than in Iceland. Roughly, 70% of children born in 2018 were conceived outside of marriage, thereof 83% of firstborn, which, on the surface, puts Iceland at the vanguard of a development often associated with a second demographic transition. In this study, we investigate the union formation behaviour of Icelandic women during a period of 20 years (1994–2013) with the objectives of gaining insight into the interplay of childbearing, registered cohabitation, and marriage and to enhance our understanding of the function of registered cohabitation in the family-building process. We use administrative population register data, covering the childbearing and marital history of the total female population born in Iceland during 1962–1997. The data are analysed by means of event history techniques and presented as annual indices of first-registered cohabitation and first-marriage formation, respectively. We find indications of forceful postponement of registering cohabitation over time, but a stable portion of around 80% of women registered cohabitation before any first marriage or age 46. Around 70% of women married before age 46, and the standardized marriage rates remained relatively stable during most of our study period. Our findings suggest that within a context such as the Icelandic one, most people tend to marry, regardless of the prevalence of cohabitation. We propose that registered cohabitation should be seen as providing a semi-regulated union status for prospective parents in relation to childbearing. Marriage on the other hand could be seen as providing an elevated union status to couples.
Supporting Newly Identified or Diagnosed Autistic Adults: An Initial Evaluation of an Autistic-Led Programme
Authors: Crane Laura , Hearst Caroline , Ashworth Maria , Davies Jade , Hill Elisabeth L.
Published: April 2020

Sixteen adults (diagnosed or self-identified as autistic) participated in one of two iterations of a ten-week autistic-led programme, aimed at helping autistic adults learn more about autism within a peer group context. Motivations for taking part in the programme included a desire for: (1) exploration of autism; (2) empowerment; and (3) the development of practical strategies and coping mechanisms. Interviews were conducted upon completion of the programme and again 6 months later. Using thematic analysis, three themes were identified: (1) appreciation of the autistic-led nature of the programme; (2) unity in diversity; and (3) developing a positive, practical outlook on autism. These promising initial results highlight the value of autistic-led peer support for those recently diagnosed/identified as autistic.
Using a System Dynamics Model for Investigating Potential Levels of Antibiotics Pollution in the Volga River
Authors: Sverdrup Harald Ulrik , Frolova Liudmila L. , Sverdrup Anthoniy Elias
Published: April 2020

We have modelled the possible antibiotics concentrations at different nodes along the Volga River using a system dynamics model developed for the purpose. The antibiotics concentrations in the river estimated using the model are far above the proposed no effect concentrations (PNEC) limits suggested by the WHO and EU European Environmental Agency at 0.1 μg/l total antibiotics water content. Concentrations in the range of 0.1 to more than 4 μg/l have been simulated with the model. A part of this comes from use in the agricultural sector. The simulations were done with a system dynamics model built for the purpose. The Volga model simulations are uncertain because of lack of measurements in the river and lack of accurate estimates of antibiotics loads from medical and agricultural use. The picture is consistent with observations in earlier international studies from various rivers in the world. To comply with the suggested PNEC limit, the medical pollution to Volga needs to be reduced by 90%.
Enabling Virtual Radio Functions on Software Defined Radio for Future Wireless Networks
Authors: Liu Wei , Santos Joao F. , de Belt Jonathan van , Jiao Xianjun , Moerman Ingrid , Marquez-Barja Johann , DaSilva Luiz , Pollin Sofie
Published: April 2020

Today’s wired networks have become highly flexible, thanks to the fact that an increasing number of functionalities are realized by software rather than dedicated hardware. This trend is still in its early stages for wireless networks, but it has the potential to improve the network’s flexibility and resource utilization regarding both the abundant computational resources and the scarce radio spectrum resources. In this work we provide an overview of the enabling technologies for network reconfiguration, such as Network Function Virtualization, Software Defined Networking, and Software Defined Radio. We review frequently used terminology such as softwarization, virtualization, and orchestration, and how these concepts apply to wireless networks. We introduce the concept of Virtual Radio Function, and illustrate how softwarized/virtualized radio functions can be placed and initialized at runtime, allowing radio access technologies and spectrum allocation schemes to be formed dynamically. Finally we focus on embedded Software-Defined Radio as an end device, and illustrate how to realize the placement, initialization and configuration of virtual radio functions on such kind of devices.
Effect of Pre-hydrolysis on Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation of Native Rye Starch
Authors: Strąk-Graczyk Ewelina , Balcerek Maria
Published: April 2020

The rising population and increasing demand for food place added pressure on the agricultural sector to maintain high process efficiency while implementing environmentally friendly methods. In this study, we investigate the effect of pre-hydrolysis of native rye starch and its influence on the yield of ethanol obtained by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) from high gravity rye mashes with 25% and 28% w w−1 dry matter content. Fermentation was carried out in a 3-day system at a temperature of 35 ± 1 °C using the dry distillery yeast Ethanol Red (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The characteristics of the tested raw material and changes in the native rye starch during enzymatic hydrolysis were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The SEM images revealed characteristic changes on the surface of the starch, which was found to have a layered structure, as well as interesting behavior by the yeast during SSF when the glucose concentration in the environment was lowered. Both in the mashes with 25% and 28% w w−1 dry matter, starch pre-hydrolysis did not significantly increase either the initial amounts of sugars available to the yeast or the fermentation efficiency and ethanol yield in comparison to the mashes without this pre-treatment.
The Process of Science: A Critical Evaluation of more than 15 Years of Research on Self-Compassion with the Self-Compassion Scale
Authors: Muris Peter , Otgaar Henry
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Falsification is regarded as a cornerstone of science. Anomalous data—even when highly credible—do not always lead to an adjustment of theory. In this paper, we discuss reasons for why current theories are not modified despite a corpus of work falsifying (parts of) the theory, using the case of self-compassion as an example. During more than 15 years, this psychological construct has been heralded as a protective factor against stress and emotional adversity.

Methods

A search in the Web of Science database using [SELF-COMPASSION in title] as the search term was conducted and found empirical papers were critically evaluated.

Results

Good evidence abounds indicating that the theoretical definition of self-compassion is limited and that as a consequence its proper assessment with the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) is obscured as the measure is contaminated by psychopathological characteristics. Surprisingly, few researchers take these critical notes into account when conducting and reporting new studies on this topic. We argue that this might be due to all kinds of (conscious and unconscious) tendencies and cognitive biases of researchers and clinicians.

Conclusion

Research lines are not always guided by solid data but strongly determined by social factors. We close by providing a recommendation for researchers regarding the assessment of self-compassion including the continued use of the SCS.
Effects of calcination temperature and time on the Ca3Co4O9 purity when synthesized using starch-assisted sol-gel combustion method
Authors: Mohammed M. A. , Uday M. B. , Izman S.
Published: April 2020

Ca3Co4O9 is a p-type semiconducting material that is well-known for its thermoelectric (TE), magnetic, electronic, and electro-optic properties. In this study, sol-gel autoignition was used to prepare Ca3Co4O9 at different calcination temperatures (773, 873, 973, and 1073 K) and time (4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 h) using starch as a fuel. The phase and microstructure of the prepared Ca3Co4O9 powder were investigated. Thermogravimetry.differential thermal analysis (TGA) confirms that the final weight loss occurred at 1073 K to form Ca3Co4O9 stable powder. The variable-pressure scanning electron microscopy (VP-SEM) images show that the size of powder particles increases from 1.15 to 1.47 μm as calcination time increases from 4 to 12 h, and the size remains almost constant thereafter. A similar pattern is also observed on the increment of the crystallite size and percentage of crystallinity with X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The highest crystallinity is found about 92.9% when the powder was calcinated at 1073 K for 12 and 14 h with 458 and 460 Å crystallite size, respectively. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis demonstrates that the calcinated powder has a high intensity of Ca, Co, and O with uniform distribution. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images prove that there is no distinct lattice distortion defect on the crystal structure.
Resolved and unresolved bioethical authenticity problems
Authors: Ahlin Marceta Jesper
Published: April 2020

Respect for autonomy is a central moral principle in bioethics. It is sometimes argued that authenticity, i.e., being “real,” “genuine,” “true to oneself,” or similar, is crucial to a person’s autonomy. Patients sometimes make what appears to be inauthentic decisions, such as when (decision-competent) anorexia nervosa patients refuse treatment to avoid gaining weight, despite that the risk of harm is very high. If such decisions are inauthentic, and therefore non-autonomous, it may be the case they should be overridden for paternalist reasons. However, it is not clear what justifies the judgment that someone or something is inauthentic. This article discusses one recent theory of what justifies judgments of inauthenticity. It is argued that the theory is seriously limited, as it only provides guidance in three out of nine identified cases. There are at least six authenticity-related problems to be solved, and autonomy theorists thus have reason to engage with the topic of authenticity in practical biomedicine.
Tropical diagrams of probability spaces
Authors: Matveev R. , Portegies J. W.
Published: April 2020

After endowing the space of diagrams of probability spaces with an entropy distance, we study its large-scale geometry by identifying the asymptotic cone as a closed convex cone in a Banach space. We call this cone the tropical cone, and its elements tropical diagrams of probability spaces. Given that the tropical cone has a rich structure, while tropical diagrams are rather flexible objects, we expect the theory of tropical diagrams to be useful for information optimization problems in information theory and artificial intelligence. In a companion article, we give a first application to derive a statement about the entropic cone.
Natural Feature-based Visual Servoing for Grasping Target with an Aerial Manipulator
Authors: Luo Bin , Chen Haoyao , Quan Fengyu , Zhang Shiwu , Liu Yunhui
Published: April 2020

Aerial transportation and manipulation have attracted increasing attention in the unmanned aerial vehicle field, and visual servoing methodology is widely used to achieve the autonomous aerial grasping of a target object. However, the existing marker-based solutions pose a challenge to the practical application of target grasping owing to the difficulty in attaching markers on targets. To address this problem, this study proposes a novel image-based visual servoing controller based on natural features instead of artificial markers. The natural features are extracted from the target images and further processed to provide servoing feature points. A six degree-of-freedom (6-DoF) aerial manipulator system is proposed with differential kinematics deduced to achieve aerial grasping. Furthermore, a controller is designed when the target object is outside a manipulator’s workspace by utilizing both the degrees-of-freedom of unmanned aerial vehicle and manipulator joints. Thereafter, a weight matrix is used as basis to develop a multi-tasking visual servoing framework to integrate the controllers inside and outside the manipulator’s workspace. Lastly, experimental results are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Incidental finding of a needle in the root of the mesentery of an 11- month-old boy
Authors: Kalagi Dana , AlFakhria Lama , AlTahhana Mays , AlKhamisyb Ayman , Habibb Zakaria , AlDekhail Wajeeh
Published: April 2020

Foreign body (FB) ingestion is very common in the pediatric population. Children will have different presentations based on their age, size, type, and site of the ingested FB. Some children can present with serious complications, others can be completely asymptomatic.

An eleven-month-old male child, previously healthy, was following up with the family medicine department for a routine visit. A pelvic x-ray was done to rule out developmental dysplasia of the hip, and a needle was found incidentally in the small bowel loops. The child was completely asymptomatic. Daily radiographs were taken three days in a row and showed that the needle was still in place. The patient was then referred to the pediatric surgery department for laparoscopic exploration and removal of the needle before complications occur. During exploration, the needle was found at the root of the mesentery. The needle was taken out uneventfully without the evidence of perforation.

It is unusual to find a sharp FB located at the root of the mesentery in a completely asymptomatic infant as an incidental finding. Serial radiographic images after the initial presentation of foreign body ingestion is important to guide us through surgical intervention.
Les « lexiques médiévaux de la pensée économique »: Une histoire des mots du marché comme processus de domination et d’exclusion
Authors: Lenoble Clément , Toneatto Valentina
Published: April 2020

Résumés

Cet article présente l’œuvre de Giacomo Todeschini, historien des « lexiques médiévaux de la pensée économique ». Les travaux de ce médiéviste italien portent sur la formation et la transmission des langages, des façons de parler et des expressions qui ont façonné le vocabulaire de l’économie et des sciences sociales, depuis l’Antiquité tardive jusqu’au début de l’époque moderne. Todeschini propose une nouvelle lecture des écrits scolastiques traitant de faits économiques. Son œuvre propose de reconsidérer le sens de ces textes, leurs rapports aux transformations économiques médiévales ainsi que leur place dans l’histoire de la pensée économique. L’histoire écrite par Todeschini n’est ni celle des origines du capitalisme et de la société de marché ni celle des rapports entre christianisme et économie. Il ne s’agit pas non plus d’une histoire de la pensée économique. Son analyse de la matérialité des lexiques transmis par le Moyen Âge à la science économique moderne permet, en revanche, de mieux saisir le sens de ceux-ci et de restituer les contextes dans lesquels ils se sont formés. Sa réflexion débouche à la fois sur une histoire du gouvernement et sur une histoire des discours justifiant les inégalités sociales et la domination, économique et politique, des grands marchands dans les cités italiennes. C’est pourquoi il est utile de lire aujourd’hui Todeschini à la lumière des discussions entre les historiens, les sociologues, les théologiens, les économistes et les philosophes qui ont élaboré, dans le cadre des débats autour des origines du capitalisme et des rapports entre économie et religion, les principales thèses auxquelles il s’oppose.
Aux origines des politiques compassionnelles: Émergence de la sensibilité envers les victimes de catastrophes à la fin du Moyen Âge
Authors: Labbé Thomas
Published: April 2020

Résumés

À partir d’une approche socio-anthropologique qui considère la mise en discours et la réaction aux événements extrêmes comme des constructions sociales largement déterminées par les affects partagés et valorisés au sein des sociétés touchées, cet article s’intéresse aux émotions suscitées par les catastrophes naturelles entre lexiiieet lexvie siècle. Alors que l’historiographie a plutôt analysé les discours de raison émis à l’encontre des catastrophes en soulignant la rupture constituée autour du tremblement de terre de Lisbonne (1755) par la sécularisation des interprétations, l’approche par les affects permet de mettre en évidence un autre tournant majeur dans la sensibilité occidentale. Les textes étudiés témoignent en effet de l’émergence d’une sensibilité à l’aspect « humanitaire » des catastrophes à partir de la moitié duxve siècle et surtout pendant lexvie siècle. Dans le cadre interprétatif qui reste celui de la rétribution des péchés, cette émergence traduit néanmoins un net changement de regard face à la souffrance sociale. Il s’illustre, d’une part, à travers l’expression de nouvelles émotions pour représenter la catastrophe. Au couple peur/émerveillement qui constitue la structure de narration médiévale, se substitue auxvie siècle le couple terreur/pitié. Les « désastres », terme nouveau qui accompagne cette évolution, sont dorénavant ressentis comme des tragédies. D’autre part, la théorie politique et les dispositifs de gouvernement s’adaptent à cette nouvelle construction affective, en intégrant dans leurs champs la prise en charge d’urgence des victimes de catastrophe. À un niveau plus général, l’article montre la construction d’une économie morale qui tend à valoriser la figure de la victime dans la perception de la réalité auxxveetxvie siècles et propose de voir dans cette rupture une racine des politiques compassionnelles modernes.
Applying the Haddon Matrix to Hospital Earthquake Preparedness and Response
Authors: Cole Gai , Rosenblum Andrew J. , Boston Megan , Barnett Daniel J.
Published: April 2020

Since its 1960s origins, the Haddon matrix has served as a tool to understand and prevent diverse mechanisms of injuries and promote safety. Potential remains for broadened application and innovation of the matrix for disaster preparedness. Hospital functionality and efficiency are particularly important components of community vulnerability in developed and developing nations alike. Given the Haddon matrixʼs user-friendly approach to integrating current engineering concepts, behavioral sciences, and policy dimensions, we seek to apply it in the context of hospital earthquake preparedness and response. The matrixʼs framework lends itself to interdisciplinary planning and collaboration between social and physical sciences, paving the way for a systems-oriented reduction in vulnerabilities. Here, using an associative approach to integrate seemingly disparate social and physical science disciplines yields innovative insights about hospital disaster preparedness for earthquakes. We illustrate detailed examples of pre-event, event, and post-event engineering, behavioral science, and policy factors that hospital planners should evaluate given the complex nature, rapid onset, and broad variation in impact and outcomes of earthquakes. This novel contextual examination of the Haddon matrix can enhance critical infrastructure disaster preparedness across the epidemiologic triad, by integrating essential principles of behavioral sciences, policy, law, and engineering to earthquake preparedness.
Understanding antibiotic prophylaxis prescribing in pediatric surgical specialties
Authors: Malone Sara M. , Seigel Natalie S. , Newland Jason G. , Saito Jacqueline M. , McKay Virginia R.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Overuse of antibiotics has caused secondary poor outcomes and has led to a current rate of antibiotic resistant infections that constitutes a public health crisis. In pediatric surgical specialties, children continue to receive unnecessary antibiotics.

Objective:

To understand the factors that contribute to pediatric surgeons’ decisions regarding the use of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis.

Methods:

Focus groups included pediatric proceduralists/surgeons from the following specialties: interventional cardiology, otolaryngology, orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and general surgery.

Results:

A total of 23 surgeons with a median of 9 years of experience (range, 0.5–29 years) participated in the focus groups that lasted 30–90 minutes each. Five themes emerged influencing beliefs about antibiotic prescribing practices: (1) reliance on previous experience and early education, (2) balancing antibiotic use with risk of infection, (3) uncertainty about the state of the scientific evidence, (4) understanding importance of communication and team collaboration, and (5) a prevalence of hospital-level concerns.

Conclusions:

Surgeons describe a complex set of factors that impact their antibiotic prescribing in pediatric surgical cases. They reported initial, but not ongoing, training and a use of individual weight of risk and benefit as a major dictator of prescribing practices. Antimicrobial stewardship programs should work with surgeons to develop acceptable implementation strategies to optimize antibiotic prescribing.