bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping the Knowledge and Understanding of Menarche, Menstrual Hygiene and Menstrual Health Among Adolescent Girls in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Chandra-Mouli Venkatraman , Patel Sheila Vipul
Published: July 2020

This review aims to answer the following questions: (1) how knowledgeable are adolescent girls in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) about menstruation and how prepared are they for reaching menarche, (2) who are their sources of information regarding menstruation, (3) how well do the adults around them respond to their information needs, (4) what negative health and social effects do adolescents experience as a result of menstruation, and (5) how do adolescents respond when they experience these negative effects and what practices do they develop as a result? Using a structured search strategy, articles that investigate young girls’ preparedness for menarche, knowledge of menstruation, and practices surrounding menstrual hygiene in LMIC were identified. A total of 81 studies published in peer-reviewed journals between the years 2000 and 2015 that describe the experiences of adolescent girls from 25 different countries were included. Adolescent girls in LMIC are often uninformed and unprepared for menarche. Information is primarily obtained from mothers and other female family members who are not necessarily well equipped to fill gaps in girls’ knowledge. Exclusion and shame lead to misconceptions and unhygienic practices during menstruation. Rather than seek medical consultation, girls tend to miss school, self-medicate, and refrain from social interaction. Also problematic is that relatives and teachers are often not prepared to respond to the needs of girls. LMIC must recognize that lack of preparation, knowledge, and poor practices surrounding menstruation are key impediments not only to girls’ education, but also to self-confidence and personal development. In addition to investment in private latrines with clean water for girls in both schools and communities, countries must consider how to improve the provision of knowledge and understanding and how to better respond to the needs of adolescent girls.
Measuring Menstruation-Related Absenteeism Among Adolescents in Low-Income Countries
Authors: Benshaul-Tolonen Anja , Zulaika Garazi , Sommer Marni , Phillips-Howard Penelope A.
Published: July 2020

Benshaul-Tolonen et al. shine a light on two methodological issues impacting a research question that has received much attention recently: whether the provision of menstrual hygiene products reduces schoolgirls’ absenteeism in low-income countries. First, they identify bias in data sources, such as school records and recall data. Second, they show that limiting the focus to menstrual-related absenteeism obscures other threats that menstruation poses to educational attainment, health, and psychosocial well-being. To address these issues, the authors recommend the use of mixed methods, pre-analysis plans, and thoughtful consideration and validation of variables prior to study implementation. They also caution policymakers against overreliance on absenteeism as the sole outcome and overinterpreting results from existing studies that often lack scope and precision. They conclude with a call for more research on the links between menstruation and concentration, learning, self-esteem, and pain management.
To Widen the Cycle: Artists Engage the Menstrual Cycle and Reproductive Justice
Authors: Lewis Jen
Published: July 2020

Art holds powerful potential to break the social and cultural stigma around menstruating bodies by making the invisible visible and pushing the boundaries of what we know about the menstrual cycle. This chapter presents a selection of artwork and artists’ statements from Widening the Cycle, a historic exhibit curated by Jen Lewis and first shown at the 2015 Society for Menstrual Cycle Research conference in Boston, USA.
Introduction: Menstruation as Narrative
Authors: Kissling Elizabeth Arveda
Published: July 2020

Personal stories, urban legends, literature, media representations, and other kinds of narratives provide means of sharing information about menstruation, including what women and other menstruators should and should not do during their periods. For instance, no book has had more impact upon pubescent North American girls than Judy Blume’s 1970 Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Girls growing up in the 1970s and onward, in a cultural milieu where they were encouraged to silence their questions and hush their bodies, had a protagonist with whom to identify and empathize.
Normality, Freedom, and Distress: Listening to the Menopausal Experiences of Indian Women of Haryana
Authors: Singh Vanita , Sivakami M.
Published: July 2020

This chapter explores variations in the experience of menopause among 28 postmenopausal women belonging to lower socioeconomic strata from the Indian state of Haryana. Singh and Sivakami base their research on in-depth qualitative interviews with the women to gauge their perceptions and experiences of menopause. They analyze the interviews thematically and identify three dominant narratives: menopause as a normal biological process, an insignificant event that goes unnoticed in the chaos of life; menopause as distress in silence, the distress arising from the intersection of poverty, gender, and patriarchy; and menopause as freedom—freedom from societal restrictions and monthly distress. These narratives are distinct but often co-occur; for example, some women experience freedomaftergoing through distress. Additionally, the authors report that participants express the need for emotional and social support during menopause and the desire to be understood rather than to be treated.
Personal Narrative: Let Girls Be Girls—My Journey into Forced Womanhood
Authors: Sawo Musu Bakoto
Published: July 2020

Musu Bakoto Sawo takes readers through her personal journey as a former child bride. In demonstrating the relationship between menarche and child marriage, she explains how parents deny girls their right to education by sending them to their marital homes prematurely. Sawo explores the factors that contribute to the high prevalence of child marriage in The Gambia and identifies mechanisms that support curbing it. The chapter then moves to drawing attention to her activism and work in debunking social norms that prevent girls from reaching their potentials. Sawo concludes by sharing her optimism in the eradication of harmful traditional practices in The Gambia and her dream for Gambian women and girls: empowering, uplifting, and safe spaces.
Rare two-body decays of the top quark into a bottom meson plus an up or charm quark
Authors: d’Enterria David , Shao Hua-Sheng
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Rare two-body decays of the top quark into a neutral bottom-quark meson plus an up- or charm-quark: $$ t\to {\overline{B}}^0+u,\kern0.5em c;t\to {\overline{B}}_s^0+c,\kern0.5em u $$
t
→

B
¯

0

+
u
,

c
;
t
→

B
¯

s
0

+
c
,

u
; and t → ϒ(nS) + c, u, are studied for the first time. The corresponding partials widths are computed at leading order in the non-relativistic QCD framework. The sums of all two-body branching ratios amount to $$ \mathrm{\mathcal{B}}\left(t\to {\overline{B}}^0+\mathrm{jet}\right)\approx \mathrm{\mathcal{B}}\left(t\to {\overline{B}}_s^0+\mathrm{jet}\right)\approx 4.2\cdot {10}^{-5} $$
ℬ

t
→

B
¯

0

+
jet

≈
ℬ

t
→

B
¯

s
0

+
jet

≈
4.2
⋅

10

−
5

and ℬ(t → ϒ(nS) + jet) ≈ 2 ⋅ 10−9, respectively. The feasibility to observe the $$ t\to {\overline{B}}_{(s)}^0+ $$
t
→

B
¯

s

0

+
jet decay is estimated in top- pair events produced in proton-proton collisions at $$ \sqrt{s} $$

s

= 14, 100 TeV at the LHC and FCC, respectively. Combining many exclusive hadronic $$ {\overline{B}}_{(s)}^0 $$

B
¯

s

0

decays, with J/ψ or D0,± final states, about 50 (16 000) events are expected in 3 (20) ab−1 of integrated luminosity at the LHC (FCC), after typical selection criteria, acceptance, and efficiency losses. An observation of the two-body top-quark decay can also be achieved in the interesting t → b(jet) + c(jet) dijet final state, where the $$ {\overline{B}}_{(s)}^0 $$

B
¯

s

0

decay products are reconstructed as a jet, with 5 300 and 1.4 million signal events above backgrounds expected after selection criteria at the LHC and FCC, respectively. Such unique final states provide a new direct method to precisely measure the top-quark mass via simple 2-body invariant mass analyses.
Probing New Physics in b → d transitions
Authors: Rusov Aleksey V.
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Recent experimental data on several observables in semileptonic B-meson decays are found to be in tension with the corresponding Standard Model predictions. Most of these deviations are related to b → c and b → s flavour changing transitions. In this work, we estimate possible New Physics effects in b → dμ+μ− flavour changing neutral currents. We parametrize NP contributions in a model-independent way and determine the allowed ranges of corresponding Wilson coefficients from the data on the exclusive B±→ π±μ+μ− decays measured recently by the LHCb collaboration. Afterwards, we investigate the impact of these results on other b → d processes such as the leptonic B0→ μ+μ− decays and B0−$$ {\overline{B}}^0 $$

B
¯

0

mixing. As an example, we consider a simplified Z′ model that is found to be consistent with current b → d data in the certain regions of the NP parameter space. In addition, we estimate the correlations between the partial decay widths of B → πμ+μ− and B → K μ+μ− processes to be used for an independent determination of CKM matrix elements as well as for a combined New Physics analysis of both b → d and b → s transitions.
Cosmological bounds on sub-GeV dark vector bosons from electromagnetic energy injection
Authors: Coffey John , Forestell Lindsay , Morrissey David E. , White Graham
Published: July 2020

Abstract

New dark vector bosons that couple very feebly to regular matter can be created in the early universe and decay after the onset of big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) or the formation of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) at recombination. The energy injected by such decays can alter the light element abundances or modify the power and frequency spectra of the CMB. In this work we study the constraints implied by these effects on a range of sub-GeV dark vectors including the kinetically mixed dark photon, and the B − L, Le− Lμ, Le− Lτ , and Lμ− Lτ dark U(1) bosons. We focus on the effects of electromagnetic energy injection, and we update previous investigations of dark photon and other dark vector decays by taking into account non-universality in the photon cascade spectrum relevant for BBN and the energy dependence of the ionization efficiency after recombination in our treatment of modifications to the CMB.
Heating neutron stars with GeV dark matter
Authors: Keung Wai-Yee , Marfatia Danny , Tseng Po-Yan
Published: July 2020

Abstract

An old neutron star (NS) may capture halo dark matter (DM) and get heated up by the deposited kinetic energy, thus behaving like a thermal DM detector with sensitivity to a wide range of DM masses and a variety of DM-quark interactions. Near future infrared telescopes will measure NS temperatures down to a few thousand Kelvin and probe NS heating by DM capture. We focus on GeV-mass Dirac fermion DM (which is beyond the reach of current DM direct detection experiments) in scenarios in which the DM capture rate can saturate the geometric limit. For concreteness, we study (1) a model that invokes dark decays of the neutron to explain the neutron lifetime anomaly, and (2) a framework of DM coupled to quarks through a vector current portal. In the neutron dark decay model a NS can have a substantial DM population, so that the DM capture rate can reach the geometric limit through DM self-interactions even if the DM-neutron scattering cross section is tiny. We find NS heating to have greater sensitivity than multipion signatures in large underground detectors for the neutron dark decay model, and sub-GeV gamma-ray signatures for the quark vector portal model.
Differential Topological Aspects in Octonionic Monogenic Function Theory
Authors: Kraußhar Rolf Sören
Published: July 2020

In this paper we apply a homologous version of the Cauchy integral formula for octonionic monogenic functions to introduce for this class of functions the notion of multiplicity of zeroes anda-points in the sense of the topological mapping degree. As a big novelty we also address the case of zeroes lying on certain classes of compact zero varieties. This case has not even been studied in the associative Clifford analysis setting so far. We also prove an argument principle for octonionic monogenic functions for isolated zeroes and for non-isolated compact zero sets. In the isolated case we can use this tool to prove a generalized octonionic Rouché’s theorem by a homotopic argument. As an application we set up a generalized version of Hurwitz theorem which is also a novelty even for the Clifford analysis case.
Embeddedness of Timelike Maximal Surfaces in $$(1+2)$$-Minkowski Space
Authors: Paxton E. Adam
Published: July 2020

We prove that if$$\phi :\mathbb {R}^2 \rightarrow \mathbb {R}^{1+2}$$ϕ:R2→R1+2is a smooth, proper, timelike immersion with vanishing mean curvature, then necessarily$$\phi $$ϕis an embedding, and every compact subset of$$\phi (\mathbb {R}^2)$$ϕ(R2)is a smooth graph. It follows that if one evolves any smooth, self-intersecting spacelike curve (or any planar spacelike curve whose unit tangent vector spans a closed semi-circle) so as to trace a timelike surface of vanishing mean curvature in$$\mathbb {R}^{1+2}$$R1+2, then the evolving surface will either fail to remain timelike, or it will fail to remain smooth. We show that, even allowing for null points, such a Cauchy evolution will be$$C^2$$C2inextendible beyond some singular time. In addition we study the continuity of the unit tangent for the evolution of a self-intersecting curve in isothermal gauge, which defines a well-known evolution beyond singular time.
On the regularity of very weak solutions for linear elliptic equations in divergence form
Authors: La Manna Domenico Angelo , Leone Chiara , Schiattarella Roberta
Published: July 2020

In this paper we consider a linear elliptic equation in divergence form $$\begin{aligned} \sum _{i,j}D_j(a_{ij}(x)D_i u )=0 \quad \hbox {in } \Omega . \end{aligned}$$

∑

i
,
j

D
j

(

a

ij

(
x
)

D
i

u
)

=
0

in

Ω
.

Assuming the coefficients $$a_{ij}$$

a

ij

in $$W^{1,n}(\Omega )$$

W

1
,
n

(
Ω
)

with a modulus of continuity satisfying a certain Dini-type continuity condition, we prove that any very weak solution $$u\in L^{n'}_\mathrm{loc}(\Omega )$$

u
∈

L
loc

n
′

(
Ω
)

of (0.1) is actually a weak solution in $$W^{1,2}_\mathrm{loc}(\Omega )$$

W
loc

1
,
2

(
Ω
)

.
Monitoring von Immuntherapien
Authors: Schneider Hannah , Illert Anne-Lena , Bamberg Fabian , Eisenblätter Michel
Published: July 2020

Hintergrund

Immuntherapien spielen in der Behandlung fortgeschrittener onkologischer Erkrankungen eine zunehmende Rolle. Bei einigen Patienten birgt die radiologische Diagnostik durch atypische, immuntherapieinduziete Therapieverläufe neue Herausforderungen.

Ziel der Arbeit

Dieser Beitrag soll einen Überblick über die bildgebenden Methoden des Monitorings von Immuntherapien geben, die assoziierten Phänomene Pseudoprogress und Hyperprogress erörtern sowie die Evaluationskriterien iRECIST vorstellen, welche sich als Evaluationsstandard für klinische Studien anbieten. Zusätzlich werden die radiologisch wichtigsten Nebenwirkungen und ihre bildmorphologischen Charakteristika beschrieben.

Material und Methoden

Für diesen Übersichtsartikel wurden Studienergebnisse und Reviews seit 2009 ausgewertet. Die Literaturrecherche erfolgte mittels PubMed, die Suchbegriffe enthielten „immunotherapy“, „checkpoint inhibitor“, „pseudoprogression“, „iRECIST“ und „immune related adverse events“.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Mit einer Inzidenz von bis zu 10 % ist der Pseudoprogress insgesamt selten; aktuell ist die Differenzierung von einem echten Progress nur durch eine Beobachtung des zeitlichen Verlaufs möglich. Die 2017 erschienenen iRECIST-Kriterien enthalten daher die neuen Kategorien unbestätigter (immune unconfirmed progressive disease iUPD) und bestätigter Progress (immune confirmed progressive disease iCPD). Bisher konnte keine evidenzbasierte Empfehlung bezüglich des Zeitintervalls zwischen den Untersuchungen gegeben werden. Als radiologisch wichtigste Nebenwirkungen sind die Hypophysitis und die Pneumonitis zu nennen. Letztere kann sich in verschiedenen Mustern der interstitiellen Pneumonie präsentieren. Die Differenzierung zwischen Pneumonitis, Infektion und Tumorprogress kann diagnostische Schwierigkeiten mit sich bringen.
The spectrum of simplicial volume
Authors: Heuer Nicolaus , Löh Clara
Published: July 2020

New constructions in group homology allow us to manufacture high-dimensional manifolds with controlled simplicial volume. We prove that for every dimension bigger than 3 the set of simplicial volumes of orientable closed connected manifolds is dense in $$\mathbb {R}_{\ge 0}$$

R

≥
0

. In dimension 4 we prove that every non-negative rational number is the simplicial volume of some orientable closed connected 4-manifold. Our group theoretic results relate stable commutator length to the $$l^1$$

l
1

-semi-norm of certain singular homology classes in degree 2. The output of these results is translated into manifold constructions using cross-products and Thom realisation.
Magnetic resonance parkinsonism indices and interpeduncular angle in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus and progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Ugga Lorenzo , Cuocolo Renato , Cocozza Sirio , Pontillo Giuseppe , Elefante Andrea , Quarantelli Mario , Vicidomini Caterina , De Pandis Maria Francesca , De Michele Giovanna , D’Amico Alessandra , de Divitiis Oreste , Brunetti Arturo
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The clinical presentation of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) may overlap with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The Magnetic Resonance Parkinsonism Index (MRPI), MRPI 2.0, and the interpeduncular angle (IPA) have been investigated to differentiate PSP from healthy controls (HC) and other parkinsonisms. We aimed to assess equivalences and differences in MRPI, MRPI 2.0, and IPA in iNPH, PSP, and HC groups.

Methods

We retrospectively recruited 99 subjects (30 iNPH, 32 PSP, 37 HC) from two institutions. MRI exams, acquired on either 1.5 T or 3 T scanners, included 3D T1-weighted images to measure MRPI, MRPI 2.0, and IPA. Inter- and intra-rater reliability was investigated with the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), and the two one-sided t tests (TOST) procedure was used to assess these markers in iNPH, PSP, and HC.

Results

For all the three measures, intra-rater and inter-rater ICC were excellent (range = 0.91–0.93).

In the comparison of iNPH and PSP with HC, differences for MRPI and MRPI 2.0 (p < 0.01 in all cases) and no equivalence (p = 1.00 in all cases) were found at TOST. iNPH and PSP MRPI showed no difference (p = 0.06) and no equivalence (p = 0.08). MRPI 2.0 was not equivalent (p = 0.06) and not different (p = 0.09) in the same two populations. PSP and HC IPA proved equivalent (p < 0.01) while iNPH IPA was different (p < 0.01) and not equivalent (p = 0.96 and 0.82) from both PSP and HC.

Conclusion

MRPI and MRPI 2.0 significantly overlap in iNPH and PSP, with risk of misdiagnosis, and for this reason may not be helpful in the differential diagnosis.
Change in Dynamic Hyperinflation After Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction in Patients with Emphysema
Authors: van Dijk Marlies , Klooster Karin , Hartman Jorine E. , ten Hacken Nick H. T. , Slebos Dirk-Jan
Published: July 2020

Background and Purpose

In patients with severe emphysema, dynamic hyperinflation is superimposed on top of already existing static hyperinflation. Static hyperinflation reduces significantly after bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR). In this study, we investigated the effect of BLVR compared to standard of care (SoC) on dynamic hyperinflation.

Methods

Dynamic hyperinflation was induced by a manually paced tachypnea test (MPT) and was defined by change in inspiratory capacity (IC) measured before and after MPT. Static and dynamic hyperinflation measurements were performed both at baseline and 6 months after BLVR with endobronchial valves or coils (treatment group) or SoC (control group).

Results

Eighteen patients underwent BLVR (78% female, 57 (43–67) years, FEV1 25(18–37) %predicted, residual volume 231 (182–376) %predicted). Thirteen patients received SoC (100% female, 59 (44–74) years, FEV1 25 (19–37) %predicted, residual volume 225 (152–279) %predicted. The 6 months median change in dynamic hyperinflation in the treatment group was: + 225 ml (range − 113 to + 803) (p < 0.01) vs 0 ml (− 1067 to + 500) in the control group (p = 0.422). An increase in dynamic hyperinflation was significantly associated with a decrease in residual volume (r = − 0.439, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction increases the ability for dynamic hyperinflation in patients with severe emphysema. We propose this is a consequence of improved static hyperinflation.
Protective effect of the extremolytes ectoine and hydroxyectoine in a porcine organ culture
Authors: Tsai Teresa , Mueller-Buehl Ana M. , Satgunarajah Yathavan , Kuehn Sandra , Dick H. Burkhard , Joachim Stephanie C.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Hypoxic damage to the retina is a relevant component of neurodegenerative pathologies such as glaucoma or retinal ischemia. In porcine retina organ cultures, hypoxic damage can be induced by applying cobalt chloride (CoCl2). The aim of our study was to investigate possible neuroprotective effects of the extremolytes ectoine and hydroxyectoine in this hypoxia-damaged retina model.

Methods

To simulate hypoxia, porcine retina organ cultures were damaged with 300 μM CoCl2 for 48 h starting on day 1 (n = 8–9/group). In order to investigate the possible neuroprotective effects of ectoine and hydroxyectoine, 0.5 mM of each extremolyte was added to the culture at the same time as the stressor and for the same duration. On day 8, the retina organ cultures were taken for (immuno)-histochemical examinations. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), macroglia, and apoptotic and hypoxic cells were detected with appropriate markers followed by cell counts and group comparisons.

Results

Treatment with ectoine resulted in RGC protection (p < 0.05) and reduced rate of apoptosis (p < 0.001) in hypoxia-treated retina organ cultures. However, the macroglia area and the amount of hypoxic, HIF-1α+ cells were unaffected by the ectoine treatment (p = 0.99). Treatment with hydroxyectoine also protected RGCs (p < 0.01) by inhibiting apoptosis (p < 0.001). In addition, the number of hypoxic, HIF-1α+ cells could be significantly reduced by treatment with hydroxyectoine (p < 0.05). The macroglia area on the other hand was unchanged after CoCl2 and treatment with hydroxyectoine.

Conclusion

Both extremolytes had a protective effect on CoCl2-induced hypoxia in the porcine retina organ culture. Regarding the reduction of hypoxic stress, hydroxyectoine appears to be more effective. Thus, both extremolytes represent an interesting potential new therapeutic approach for patients with ocular diseases in which hypoxic processes play a significant role.
Further existence results for elliptic–parabolic and forward–backward parabolic equations
Authors: Paronetto Fabio
Published: July 2020

We give an existence result for first order evolution equation of the type $$\mathcal {R}u' + \mathcal {A}u = f$$

R

u
′

+
A
u
=
f

where $$\mathcal {R}$$
R
may be a function depending also on time assuming positive, null and negative sign, then the equation may be elliptic–parabolic, both forward and backward. The result is given in an abstract setting with Banach spaces depending on time (the functions u are defined in an interval [0, T] and $$u(t) \in X(t)$$

u
(
t
)
∈
X
(
t
)

for a.e. t) and $$\mathcal {R}$$
R
which is in fact a linear operator. We also extend a previous existence result for the equation $$(\mathcal {R}u)' + \mathcal {A}u = f$$

(
R
u
)

′

+
A
u
=
f

to the setting of moving Banach spaces. We also give a time regularity result in a particular case and give many examples of different possible choices of $$\mathcal {R}$$
R
.
Material characterization of polyamide 12 and related agents used in the multi-jet fusion process: complementary application of high-resolution mass spectrometry and other advanced instrumental techniques
Authors: Scherer Beate , Kottenstedde Ingo Leonard , Matysik Frank-Michael
Published: July 2020

The powder bed-based 3D printing process called multi-jet fusion from HP is used in various industries for different applications. A polymer powder, the so-called fusing and detailing agents, and an IR source are needed. These novel materials offer some challenges for analytical characterization. High-resolution mass spectrometry in combination with a data base search was used as a tool for comprehensive characterization of the agents, the methanol extract of new polyamide 12 powder, and the methanol extract of a grinded 3D printed part. In addition, thermogravimetric studies were carried out. Besides biocides and substances containing ethoxy units, 2-pyrrolidone and triethylene glycol were identified as organic solvents in the agents. The detailing agent contained 3.7% of 2-pyrrolidone and 11.1% of triethylene glycol. The fusing agent contained 18.7% of 2-pyrrolidone and 8.4% of triethylene glycol. Based on the agents’ different functionalities, the water content of the detailing agent was 18% higher as compared to the fusing agent. In addition, the fusing agent contained a carbon black amount of 5.2%. The methanol extract of new polyamide 12 powder contained remaining monomer and oligomer compounds, as well as the oxidation stabilizer Irganox 1098. In the methanol extract of the grinded 3D printed part the cyclic and linear monomer, oligomers, and oxidation stabilizer were found. Moreover, ingredients of the agents were detected. Residues of 2-pyrrolidone, triethylene glycol, 3-benzisothiazolinone, and substances containing ethoxy units were identified in the methanol extract of the grinded 3D printed part. In contrast, no 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one was observed.

Graphical abstract
Novel approach to determination of Fe(II) using a flow system with direct-injection detector
Authors: Paluch Justyna , Kościelniak Paweł , Molęda Iwona , Machowski Karol , Kalinowski Sławomir , Koronkiewicz Stanisława , Kozak Joanna
Published: July 2020

This paper presents a novel, automatic, simple approach to stop-flow photometric determination of Fe(II) in wastewater and wine samples using a multi-pumping flow system with a direct-injection detector. The basis for the determination was the reaction of Fe(II) with 1,10-phenanthroline, which was carried out in the reaction chamber of the direct-injection detector. The research included a selection of appropriate parameters of the proposed analytical procedure and method validation. Under optimized conditions, linear calibration curves were obtained in two concentration ranges of Fe(II) 0.07–1.00 and 1.00–7.00 mg/dm3, with the quantification limit of 0.07 mg/dm3. The procedure was validated by studying the accuracy (8.2%, RE) and precision (9.6 and 14.8%, RSD, for higher and lower concentration range, respectively). The proposed method was successfully employed in Fe(II) determination in spiked wastewater and wine samples with recovery of 95.8–104.5%. Using the procedure, time of a single analysis (for three independently measured signals) was about 300 s and sample and reagent consumptions were 240 and 60 mm3, respectively.

Graphic abstract
Poly-3-thienylboronic acid: a chemosensitive derivative of polythiophene
Authors: Efremenko Yulia , Mirsky Vladimir M.
Published: July 2020

Poly-3-thiopheneboronic acid was synthesized by electrochemical polymerization from 3-thienylboronic acid dissolved in the mixture of boron trifluoride diethyl etherate and acetonitrile. Cyclic voltammetry during electropolymerization shows oxidative and reductive peaks growing in each next cycle. An investigation by scanning electron microscopy displayed the polymer layer like a highly flexible film of 110 nm thick with grains of 60–120 nm in size. Strong negative solvatochromic effect was observed. Optical spectra of poly-3-thienylboronic acid at different potentials and pH were studied. Potential cycling leads to a well reversible electrochromic effect. At pH 7.4, the increase of potential leads to the decrease in the absorption band at 480 nm and to the rise in the absorption band at 810 nm with an isosbestic point at 585 nm. Spectroelectrochemical behavior of poly-3-thienylboronic acid and polythiophene was compared. Binding of sorbitol at fixed electrode potential leads to an increase in the absorbance in the shortwave band and to the decrease in the longwave band; the effect depends on the electrode potential and pH. Perspectives of application of poly-3-thienylboronic acid as new chemosensitive material are discussed.
Optimal Siting, Sizing, and Enforcement of Marine Protected Areas
Authors: Albers H. J. , Preonas L. , Capitán T. , Robinson E. J. Z. , Madrigal-Ballestero R.
Published: July 2020

The design of protected areas, whether marine or terrestrial, rarely considers how people respond to the imposition of no-take sites with complete or incomplete enforcement. Consequently, these protected areas may fail to achieve their intended goal. We present and solve a spatial bio-economic model in which a manager chooses the optimal location, size, and enforcement level of a marine protected area (MPA). This manager acts as a Stackelberg leader, and her choices consider villagers’ best response to the MPA in a spatial Nash equilibrium of fishing site and effort decisions. Relevant to lower income country settings but general to other settings, we incorporate limited enforcement budgets, distance costs of traveling to fishing sites, and labor allocation to onshore wage opportunities. The optimal MPA varies markedly across alternative manager goals and budget sizes, but always induce changes in villagers’ decisions as a function of distance, dispersal, and wage. We consider MPA managers with ecological conservation goals and with economic goals, and identify the shortcomings of several common manager decision rules, including those focused on: (1) fishery outcomes rather than broader economic goals, (2) fish stocks at MPA sites rather than across the full marinescape, (3) absolute levels rather than additional values, and (4) costless enforcement. Our results demonstrate that such naïve or overly narrow decision rules can lead to inefficient MPA designs that miss economic and conservation opportunities.
Telework in academia: associations with health and well-being among staff
Authors: Heiden Marina , Widar Linda , Wiitavaara Birgitta , Boman Eva
Published: July 2020

As the development of technical aids for telework has progressed, work has become more flexible in time and space. Among academics, the opportunity to telework has been embraced by most, but it is unclear how it relates to their health and well-being. The aim of this study was to determine how frequency and amount of telework is associated with perceived health, stress, recuperation, work-life balance, and intrinsic work motivation among teaching and research academics. An electronic questionnaire was sent to junior lecturers, senior lecturers, and professors at Swedish public universities. It included the General Health Questionnaire, Work Stress Questionnaire, items for assessing recuperation, the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction at Work scale, and parts of Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire, as well as questions about the frequency and amount of telework performed. In total, 392 academics responded to the survey. Multivariate analysis of variance showed significant differences between groups of academics with different telework frequency (p < 0.05). Univariate analyses of variance showed that ratings of stress related to indistinct organization and conflicts were higher among academics that telework several times per week or more than among academics that telework less than once per month. In regression analyses of associations between amount of telework (in hours per week) and the dependent variables, no significant effects were found. Although it cannot be concluded whether stress is a cause or an effect of frequent telework, the findings warrant further attention to academics who telework frequently.
Analytical Uncertainty Evaluation of Material Parameter Measurements at THz Frequencies
Authors: Kazemipour Alireza , Wollensack Michael , Hoffmann Johannes , Hudlička Martin , Yee See-Khee , Rüfenacht Jürg , Stalder Daniel , Gäumann Gregory , Zeier Markus
Published: July 2020

Material parameter extraction algorithms are studied and simplified both for transmission-reflection and transmission-only methods. The simplified relations, which are closed-form in some cases, are analyzed to establish the uncertainty sensitivity coefficients and therefore, to clarify the main uncertainty contributions and reduce the systematic and random errors. Simple closed-form expressions presented in this paper show the sensitivity of the extracted permittivity to each input parameter such as S21 (phase and amplitude), frequency, and the material thickness. Results are presented for several material slabs for three waveguide frequency ranges 75–110 GHz, 140–220 GHz, and 500–750 GHz using VNA-based free-space technique in the THz domain. Comparison of results (and the associated uncertainties) between different algorithms can help to choose the optimal one suitable for lossy or low-loss materials, and thin or thicker slabs. This can explain why the same set of S-parameters data usually gives different final results (permittivity and permeability) with different algorithms and verify the reliability of the calibration and extraction process.
The Potential of the Josephson Energy
Authors: Blamire M. G.
Published: July 2020

The concept of the Josephson energy emerges directly from the original predictions of Brian Josephson. Although it can be used to explain the behaviour of Josephson devices, the Josephson energy has no present applications. In this paper, we show that in the context of magnetic Josephson junctions, the Josephson energy offers a potential mechanism for controlling magnetic memory devices.
Sol–gel synthesis and structural characterization of band gap engineered ferroelectric perovskite oxide potassium sodium barium nickel niobate
Authors: Balanov Vasilii A. , Zhao Zhijun , Pan Mingjing , Feldhoff Armin , Bai Yang
Published: July 2020

Ferroelectric materials with engineered thus visible-range optical band gaps are increasingly researched in recent years, triggering potentially new applications in solar cells, opto-ferroelectric devices, multifunctional sensors, and multisource energy harvesters. To date, most band gap engineered ferroelectrics have been discovered in form of ceramics fabricated via the solid-state route. Like other functional counterparts further research of these materials into nanoscale developments, e.g., nanocomposites and thin films, demands nanofabrication methods to be investigated. An emerging band gap engineered ferroelectric composition, (K,Na,Ba)(Ni,Nb)O3−δ (KNBNNO), discovered with solid-state route has allured research for novel applications as mentioned above. However, its nanofabrication via wet chemical routes has rarely been reported. In this paper, sol–gel method is used to fabricate KNBNNO nanoparticles. The developed method can successfully form the target perovskite phases, and is able to reduce the particle size from 300 to 400 nm made via the solid-state reaction to about 100 nm. In addition, the distributed particle size in the synthesized solutions averages at 4–6 nm, making the method suitable for potential thin film fabrication. Therefore, this paper offers a nanofabrication option to the emerging KNBNNO for prospective nanoscale research.
A research-based ranking of public policy schools
Authors: Ash Elliott , Urquiola Miguel
Published: July 2020

This paper presents rankings of U.S. public policy schools based on their research publication output. In 2016 we collected the names of about 5000 faculty members at 44 such schools. We use bibliographic databases to gather measures of the quality and quantity of these individuals’ academic publications. These measures include the number of articles and books written, the quality of the journals the articles have appeared in, and the number of citations all have garnered. We aggregate these data to the school level to produce a set of rankings. The results differ significantly from existing rankings, and in addition display substantial across-field variation.
Combining lipidomics and machine learning to measure clinical lipids in dried blood spots
Authors: Snowden Stuart G. , Korosi Aniko , de Rooij Susanne R. , Koulman Albert
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Blood-based sample collection is a challenge, and dried blood spots (DBS) represent an attractive alternative. However, for DBSs to be an alternative to venous blood it is important that these samples are able to deliver comparable associations with clinical outcomes. To explore this we looked to see if lipid profile data could be used to predict the concentration of triglyceride, HDL, LDL and total cholesterol in DBSs using markers identified in plasma.

Objectives

To determine if DBSs can be used as an alternative to venous blood in both research and clinical settings, and to determine if machine learning could predict ‘clinical lipid’ concentration from lipid profile data.

Methods

Lipid profiles were generated from plasma (n = 777) and DBS (n = 835) samples. Random forest was applied to identify and validate panels of lipid markers in plasma, which were translated into the DBS cohort to provide robust measures of the four ‘clinical lipids’.

Results

In plasma samples panels of lipid markers were identified that could predict the concentration of the ‘clinical lipids’ with correlations between estimated and measured triglyceride, HDL, LDL and total cholesterol of 0.920, 0.743, 0.580 and 0.424 respectively. When translated into DBS samples, correlations of 0.836, 0.591, 0.561 and 0.569 were achieved for triglyceride, HDL, LDL and total cholesterol.

Conclusion

DBSs represent an alternative to venous blood, however further work is required to improve the combined lipidomics and machine learning approach to develop it for use in health monitoring.
Sustainable management of biological solids in small treatment plants: overview of strategies and reuse options for a solar drying facility in Poland
Authors: Boguniewicz-Zablocka Joanna , Klosok-Bazan Iwona , Capodaglio Andrea G.
Published: July 2020

The issue of sustainable management of biosolids (excess sludge) from wastewater treatment is an important issue in the entire developed world. Residual sludge disposal costs and environmental impact may be significant, and reducing such costs, as well as the energy consumption for dewatering and drying, is a key issue for safe and sustainable sludge disposal, considering the recent ban of some disposal options, such as landfilling, in many European countries. An alternative to thermal technologies is solar drying (not to be confused with bio-drying, very close to the concept of composting). Solar greenhouse drying technology is characterized by reduced land requirements compared with traditional outdoor drying beds, as well as by low-energy requirements compared with other thermal drying methods. Process operation is cost-efficient, with close to no maintenance, and observed specific evaporation rates up to threefold higher than conventional drying beds. Many applications of this technology exist in Poland, Germany and Austria: more than 10,000 t of wet sludge per year is treated in this way in Germany alone and almost as many (9000 t/year) in Poland. This paper examines current biosolids treatment technologies applicable to small wastewater treatment plants (2000–9999 population equivalents served) and opportunities for possible solids reuse in Poland in view of sustainable circular economy schemes. In particular, a purely solar-driven greenhouse facility for sewage sludge drying was investigated under different conditions (season, temperature, environmental humidity) and possible improvements for its efficiency evaluated. Sludge processed by solar drying could have different final disposal pathways, according to season, in accordance with the prescriptions of the new National Waste Management Plan of Poland.
Characterization of Silicon Crystals Grown from Melt in a Granulate Crucible
Authors: Dadzis K. , Menzel R. , Juda U. , Irmscher K. , Kranert C. , Müller M. , Ehrl M. , Weingärtner R. , Reimann C. , Abrosimov N. , Riemann H.
Published: July 2020

The growth of silicon crystals from a melt contained in a granulate crucible significantly differs from the classical growth techniques because of the granulate feedstock and the continuous growth process. We performed a systematic study of impurities and structural defects in several such crystals with diameters up to 60 mm. The possible origin of various defects is discussed and attributed to feedstock (concentration of transition metals), growth setup (carbon concentration), or growth process (dislocation density), showing the potential for further optimization. A distinct correlation between crystal defects and bulk carrier lifetime is observed. A bulk carrier lifetime with values up to 600 μs on passivated surfaces of dislocation-free parts of the crystal is currently achieved.
Modelling energy demand response using long short-term memory neural networks
Authors: Mesa Jiménez JoséJoaquìn , Stokes Lee , Moss Chris , Yang Qingping , Livina Valerie N.
Published: July 2020

We propose a method for detecting and forecasting events of high energy demand, which are managed at the national level in demand side response programmes, such as the UK Triads. The methodology consists of two stages: load forecasting with long short-term memory neural network and dynamic filtering of the potential highest electricity demand peaks by using the exponential moving average. The methodology is validated on real data of a UK building management system case study. We demonstrate successful forecasts of Triad events with RRMSE ≈ 2.2% and MAPE ≈ 1.6% and general applicability of the methodology for demand side response programme management, with reduction of energy consumption and indirect carbon emissions.
Invariant Translators of the Heisenberg Group
Authors: Pipoli Giuseppe
Published: July 2020

We classify all the translating solitons to the mean curvature flow in the three-dimensional Heisenberg group that are invariant under the action of some one-parameter group of isometries of the ambient manifold. We provide a complete classification for any canonical deformation of the standard Riemannian metric of the Heisenberg group. We highlight similarities and differences with the analogous Euclidean translators: we mention in particular that we describe the analogous of the tilted grim reaper cylinders, of the bowl solution and of translating catenoids, but some of them are not convex in contrast with a recent result of Spruck and Xiao (Complete translating solitons to the mean curvature flow in $${\mathbb {R}}^3$$

R

3

with non-negative mean curvature, arXiv:1703.01003v2, 2017) in the Euclidean space. Moreover we also prove some non-existence results. Finally we study the convergence of these surfaces as the ambient metric converges to the standard sub-Riemannian metric on the Heisenberg group.
The Challenge of Cleaning Woven Filter Cloth in the Beverage Industry—Wash Jets as an Appropriate Solution
Authors: Werner Roman Alejandro , Geier Dominik Ulrich , Becker Thomas
Published: July 2020

Beverage production requires many different and complex unit operations. One crucial procedural step is filtration. Typical filters are filter presses, candle filters, membrane filters, belt filters, and drum filters, which require considerable hygienic precaution and the application of appropriate cleaning concepts. In the last decades, the hygienic design has become a central design feature of equipment in the beverage and food industries. Today, also correspondent concepts regarding filter cloth increasingly come to the fore. However, filter cloth cleaning is rapidly facing limitations. Complex filter geometries originating from different gauzes and sensitive polymeric materials hinder efficient cleaning. Additionally, extensive biological residues adhering to the filter surface increase the challenge of cleaning. The goal of this paper is to outline the cleaning of woven filter cloths systematically with a particular focus on beverages and correspondent biophysical interactions between filter and residue. Based on these elemental cleaning limits of filter cloths, this paper focuses mainly on jet cleaning as one of the most appropriate cleaning methods. The flow-mechanical properties are discussed in detail since these are precisely the parameters that, on the one hand, describe the understanding of the cleaning process and, on the other hand, show how a wash jet can be adjusted precisely. In contrast to conventional cleaning techniques, such wash jets are expeditious to adapt and offer the best prerequisites to enable demand-oriented and optimized cleaning concepts. The latest research and approaches are enhancing jet efficiency and highlight their potentials for future process strategies.
First record of the Early Carboniferous ammonoid genus Goniatites from the Greater Karatau (Kazakhstan palaeocontinent)
Authors: Korn Dieter , Belka Zdzislaw , Skompski Stanislaw , Jakubowicz Michal , Mustapaeva Sezim , Baibatsha Adilkhan
Published: July 2020

The Late Viséan ammonoid genus Goniatites had a near-global distribution within the tropical seas but was rarely reported from Central Asia. New investigations of the Early Carboniferous sedimentary succession in the Greater Karatau of Kazakhstan revealed a species-poor new assemblage with Goniatites and assists in the biostratigraphic subdivision of the section. The new species Goniatites zhankurganensis and G. abaiensis are described; these species have a morphological position at both ends of the morphological spectrum of the genus.
Determining and managing maize yield gaps in Rwanda
Authors: Bucagu Charles , Ndoli Alain , Cyamweshi Athanase R. , Nabahungu Leon N. , Mukuralinda Athanase , Smethurst Philip
Published: July 2020

Smallholder maize growers are experiencing significant yield gaps due to sub-optimal agricultural practices. Adequate agricultural inputs, particularly nutrient amendments and best management practices, are essential to reverse this trend. There is a need to understand the cause of variations in maize yield, provide reliable early estimates of yields, and make necessary recommendations for fertilizer applications. Maize yield prediction and estimates of yield gaps using objective and spatial analytical tools could provide accurate and objective information that underpin decision support. A study was conducted in Rwanda at Nyakiliba sector and Gashora sector located in Birunga and Central Bugesera agro-ecological zones, with the objectives of (1) determining factors influencing maize yield, (2) predicting maize yield (using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) approach), and (3) assessing the maize yield gaps and the impact on food security. Maize grain yield was significantly higher at Nyakiliba (1.74 t ha−1) than at Gashora (0.6 t ha−1). NDVI values correlated positively with maize grain yield at both sites (R2 = 0.50 to 0.65) and soil fertility indicators (R2 = 0.55 to 0.70). Maize yield was highest at 40 kg P ha−1 and response to N fertilizer was adequately simulated at Nyakiliba (R2 = 0.85, maximum yield 3.3 t ha−1). Yield gap was 4.6 t ha−1 in Nyakiliba and 5.1 t ha−1 in Gashora. Soil variables were more important determinants of social class than family size. Knowledge that low nutrient inputs are a major cause of yield gaps in Rwanda should prioritize increasing the rate of fertilizer use in these agricultural systems.