bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Proficient Poly Ionic Liquid Functionalized Mn(III) Schiff‐Base Catalyst for Green Synthesis of Chromene Derivatives
Authors: Mashhoori Mahboobeh‐Sadat , Sandaroos Reza , Zeraatkar Moghaddam Ali
Published: June 2020

In this study, an efficient synthesis of chromene derivatives has been described using a new organometallic catalyst including polymeric imidazolium ionic liquid functionalized Mn(III) Schiff base complex (PIL‐SB−Mn (III)). This polymeric catalyst has been prepared by a simple method and characterized completely by different techniques such as FT‐IR, H‐NMR, FE‐SEM, EDX, TGA, and ICP‐OES. The major advantages of this method are the reusability of the catalyst, use of water as an environmental friendly solvent and easy work up procedure. The reused catalyst has been characterized by FT‐IR and EDX analysis which heterogeneous nature of this catalyst has been confirmed successfully.
Synthesis and Characterization of a BiNbO4/Bi2S3 Nanocomposite with Improved Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Liu Suqin , Zhou Jinghui , Zhou Yang , Liu Yuanyuan , Dai Gaopeng
Published: June 2020

A novel BiNbO4/Bi2S3 nanocomposite was successfully synthesized by combining precipitation, heat‐treatment, and ion exchange technique. The corresponding crystal structure, morphology, chemical components, and adsorption isotherm were fully characterized. The visible‐light photocatalytic performance was investigated in the degradation reaction of Rhodamine B (RhB). Compared to the conversions obtained using BiNbO4 (47%) or Bi2S3 (52%) as the photocatalyst (80 min), BiNbO4/Bi2S3 composite demonstrated a much higher photocatalytic efficiency with conversion up to 87% and great durability. The best fitting of photodecomposition of RhB into a first‐order reaction gave an observed rate constant of kobs= 3.46 ± 0.33 × 10−2 min−1 (t1/2=20.0 min). Our active species trapping experiment confirms that photoexcited holes and •O2− radicals formed in situ under photoexcitation directly oxidize the dye molecules. The improved photocatalytic activity was likely due to the decrease of charge recombination rate resulted from possible interfacial charge transfers through the heterojunction.
A Model for the Prediction of the Redox Potentials in [FeFe]‐Clusters from the Electronic Properties of Isocyanide Ligands
Authors: Collado Alba , Torres Alejandro , Gómez‐Gallego Mar , Casarrubios Luis , Sierra Miguel A.
Published: June 2020

Using an experimental‐computational methodology, arylisocyanides (CNAr) have shown to be excellent probes to study the effect of electronic properties in the electrochemical behavior of [FeFe]‐complexes. The calculated LUMO distribution of p‐substituted [Fe2{(μ‐SCH2)2NtBu}(CO)5(CNAr)] complexes (2) show that, depending on the substituent, the first reduction event (Epc) may be metal centered or ligand centered. The electrochemical response of complexes 2 has been experimentally studied and correlated to the calculations performed. The Epc values were found to directly correlate to different spectroscopic properties such as IR and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopies. These findings could be used to predict the Epc values of new [FeFe]‐complexes.
Regioselective Dechloroacetylations Mediated by Ammonium Acetate: Practical Syntheses of 2,3,4,6‐Tetra‐O‐chloroacetyl‐glycopyranoses and Cinnamoyl Glucose Esters
Authors: Shu Penghua , Niu Haoying , Zhang Lingxiang , Xu Haichang , Yu Mengzhu , Li Junping , Yang Xue , Fei Yingying , Liu Hao , Ju Zhiyu , Xu Zhihong
Published: June 2020

2,3,4,6‐Tetra‐O‐chloroacetyl‐glycopyranoses are key precursors for the formation of glycosyl donors which are important building blocks in carbohydrate chemistry. Inexpensive ammonium acetate (NH4OAc) was found to be an effective reagent for anomeric dechloroacetylations in carbohydrates, giving 2,3,4,6‐tetra‐O‐chloroacetyl‐glycopyranoses in excellent yields. This strategy is convenient for operation and purification, and thus suitable for the large‐scale synthesis. Based on this methodology, two cinnamoyl glucose esters were successfully prepared.
Water‐Pillared Sodium Vanadium Bronze Nanowires for Enhanced Rechargeable Magnesium Ion Storage
Authors: Sun Ruimin , Ji Xiao , Luo Chao , Hou Singyuk , Hu Ping , Pu Xiangjun , Cao Longsheng , Mai Liqiang , Wang Chunsheng
Published: June 2020

Owing to the advantages of high safety, low cost, high theoretical volumetric capacities, and environmental friendliness, magnesium‐ion batteries (MIBs) have more feasibility for large‐scale energy storage compared to lithium‐ion batteries. However, lack of suitable cathode materials due to sluggish kinetics of magnesium ion is one of the biggest challenges. Herein, water‐pillared sodium vanadium bronze nanowires (Na2V6O16·1.63H2O) are reported as cathode material for MIBs, which display high performance in magnesium storage. The hydrated sodium ions provide excellent structural stability. The charge shielding effect of lattice water enables fast Mg2+ diffusion. It exhibits high specific capacity of 175 mAh g−1, long cycle life (450 cycles), and high coulombic efficiency (≈100%). At high current density of 200 mA g−1, the capacity retention is up to 71% even after 450 cycles (compared to the highest capacity), demonstrating excellent long‐term cycling performance. The nature of charge storage kinetics is explored. Furthermore, a highly reversible structure change during the electrochemical process is proved by comprehensive electrochemical analysis. The remarkable electrochemical performance makes Na2V6O16·1.63H2O a promising cathode material for low‐cost and safe MIBs.
De‐motivators for the adoption of agile methodologies for large‐scale software development teams: An SLR from management perspective
Authors: Faisal Abrar Muhammad , Sohail M. , Ali Sikandar , Faran Majeed Muhammad , Ali Shah Ibrar , Rashid Nasir , Ullah Naimat
Published: June 2020

Most of the software development projects have traditionally been faced with severe problems in terms of quality, cost, and time. Researchers and practitioners have focused on agile software development methods (ASDMs) as an alternative to overcome these problems. Agile methods employ iterative development cycles, interspersed by user feedback. Agile methods were basically developed for small development teams. Scaling agile methods is a big issue from different perspectives. De‐motivators play a key role in project management as it allows early identification and prompt management of threats that may arise during project execution. The objective of this paper is to identify the de‐motivators while scaling agile at large, from management perspectives. We have adapted SLR and applied contrived search criteria derived from the research questions, followed by selecting the required research papers, data extraction, and data synthesis, which resulted in 15 de‐motivators from 58 relevant papers. Some of the identified de‐motivators are ‘traditional organizational culture’, ‘lack of agile experts’, ‘reluctance to adopt’, and ‘lack of management and commitment support’. The identified factors have been compared from various perspectives, such as continents, digital libraries, organization size, and so forth.
Small run size design for model identification in 3m factorial experiments
Authors: Labbaf Fariba Z. , Talebi Hooshang
Published: June 2020

An active interaction in a main effect plan may cause biased estimation of the parameters in an analysis of variance (ANOVA) model. A fractional factorial design (FFD) with higher order resolution can resolve the alias problem, however, with a considerable number of runs. Alternatively, a search design (SD), the so‐called main effect plus k plan (MEP.k), with much less number of runs than FFD, is able to search for k possible active interactions and estimate them in addition to estimating the main effects. However, the existing MEP.k's for 3m factorial experiments are either proposed for a large m (e.g. m≥13) or have a large number of runs. In this paper, we proposed an irregular design for 3m factorial experiments, which is able to identify the active two‐factor interactions and estimate them along with estimating the general mean and main effects for 3≤m≤14. The obtained design has fewer runs than the previous designs; meanwhile, it is also comparable and competitive in the discrimination and estimation performances with them. By simulation studies, it is shown that the proposed design does well in model identification and variable selection.
Genome‐wide association study identifies five new cadmium uptake loci in wheat
Authors: Safdar Luqman Bin , Almas Fakhrah , Sarfraz Sidra , Ejaz Muhammad , Ali Zeshan , Mahmood Zahid , Yang Li , Tehseen Muhammad Massub , Ikram Muhammad , Liu Shengyi , Quraishi Umar Masood
Published: June 2020

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity is a serious threat to future food security and health safety. To identify genetic factors contributing to Cd uptake in wheat, we conducted a genome‐wide association study with genotyping from 90K SNP array. A spring wheat diversity panel was planted under normal conditions and Cd stress (50 mg Cd/kg soil). The impact of Cd stress on agronomic traits ranged from a reduction of 16% in plant height to 93% in grain iron content. Individual genotypes showed a considerable variation for Cd uptake and translocation subdividing the panel into three groups: (1) hyper‐accumulators (i.e. high Leaf_Cd and low Seed_Cd), (2) hyper‐translocators (i.e. low Leaf_Cd and high Seed_Cd), and (3) moderate lines (i.e. low Leaf_Cd and low Seed_Cd). Two lines (SKD‐1 and TD‐1) maintained an optimum grain yield under Cd stress and were therefore considered as Cd resistant lines. Genome‐wide association identified 179 SNP‐trait associations for various traits including 16 for Cd uptake at a significance level of P < .001. However, only five SNPs were significant after applying multiple testing correction. These loci were associated with seed‐cadmium, grain‐iron, and grain‐zinc: qSCd‐1A, qSCd‐1D, qZn‐2B1, qZn‐2B2, and qFe‐6D. These five loci had not been identified in the previously reported studies for Cd uptake in wheat. These loci and the underlying genes should be further investigated using molecular biology techniques to identify Cd resistant genes in wheat.
Degradation of polyurethane coating containing graphene oxide under effect of UV radiation
Authors: Duong Nguyen Thuy , An Tran Boi , Oanh Vu Ke , Vu Pham Gia , Thao Phan Thanh , Hang To Thi Xuan
Published: June 2020

This study investigates the durability of polyurethane coating containing graphene oxide under UV radiation. In this work, graphene oxide (GO), as an UV absorber, was fabricated by Hummer's method. The structure and morphology of GO were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Ultraviolet‐vision spectroscopy (UV‐Vis). The results showed that GO with layered structure was successfully synthesized. GO was incorporated into polyurethane coating at a concentration of 0.1 wt.%. Gloss measurement, colorimetric measurement and electrochemical techniques were used to evaluate the degradation of polyurethane coating containing GO after exposure to QUV test. The results indicated that presence of GO enhanced the UV durability of polyurethane coating.
Stilbenes from Macaranga tanarius (Euphorbiaceae) growing in Vietnam
Authors: Huong Doan Thi Mai , Linh Nguyen Thuy , Van Trinh Thi Thanh , Litaudon Marc , Roussi Fanny , Van Nam Vu , Van Cuong Pham
Published: June 2020

Macaranga tanarius is a medium‐sized tree that is widespread in the Southeast Asian and western Pacific regions. The ethyl acetate extract of this species was showed cytotoxic activity against KB cancer cell line. In this article, we report the isolation and structural elucidation of four known stilbenes from fruit glandular trichomes of M. tanarius including vedelianin (1), schweinfurthins E‐G (2‐4). The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated from their mass and NMR spectral data. Cytotoxic activity of the isolated compounds (1‐4) against KB cell line was also discussed.
Antimicrobacterial xanthones from Garcinia mackeaniana leaves
Authors: Ha Nguyen Thi Thu , Van Cuong Pham , Anh Le Thi Tu , Tra Nguyen Thanh , Cham Ba Thi , Son Ninh The
Published: June 2020

A phytochemical study of the EtOAc extract of Garcinia mackeaniana leaves has resulted in the isolation and determination of five xanthones, consisting of norathyriol (1), mangiferin (2), allanxanthone C (3), garcinone E (4), and bannanxanthone E (5). The structures of these xanthones have been determined by NMR‐spectra and MS spectroscopic data. These isolated compounds were separated from G. mackeaniana species for the first time. In the antimicrobacterial assay against the growth of bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, compounds 3‐4 showed the significant IC50 values of 5.41, and 4.29 μM/mL, respectively.
Enhancing Navigation in Difficult Environments with Low-Cost, Dual-Frequency GNSS PPP and MEMS IMU
Authors: Vana Sudha , Bisnath Sunil
Published: June 2020

The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Precise Point Positioning (PPP) technology benefits from not needing local ground infrastructure such as reference stations and accuracy attained is at the decimetre-level, which approaches real-time kinematic (RTK) performance. However, due to its long position solution initialization period and complete dependence on the receiver measurements, PPP finds limited utility. The emergence of low-cost, micro-electro-mechanical sensor (MEMS) inertial measurement units (IMUs) has prompted research in integrated navigation solutions with the PPP processing technique. This sensor fusion aids to achieve continuous positioning and navigation solution availability when there are insufficient numbers of navigation satellites visible. In the past, research has been conducted to integrate high-end (geodetic) GNSS receivers with PPP processing and MEMS IMUs, or low-cost, single-frequency GNSS receivers with point positioning processing and MEMS IMUs. The objective of this research is to investigate and analyze position solution availability and continuity by integrating low-cost, dual-frequency GNSS receivers using PPP processing with the latest low-cost, MEMS IMUs to offer a complete, low-cost navigation solution that will enable continuously available positioning and navigation solutions, even in obstructed environments. The horizontal accuracy of the developed low-cost, dual-frequency GNSS PPP with MEMS IMU integrated algorithm is approximately 20 cm. During half a minute of simulated GNSS signal outage, the integrated solution offers 40 cm horizontal accuracy. A low-cost, dual-frequency GNSS receiver PPP solution integrated with a MEMS IMU forms a unique combination of a total low-cost solution, that will open a significant new market window for modern-day applications such as autonomous vehicles, drones and augmented reality.
On the ARCH model with stationary liquidity
Authors: Voutilainen Marko , Ilmonen Pauliina , Torres Soledad , Tudor Ciprian , Viitasaari Lauri
Published: June 2020

The classical ARCH model together with its extensions have been widely applied in the modeling of financial time series. We study a variant of the ARCH model that takes account of liquidity given by a positive stationary process. We provide minimal assumptions that ensure the existence and uniqueness of the stationary solution for this model. Moreover, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of the autocovariance function. After that, we derive an AR(1) characterization for the stationary solution yielding Yule–Walker type quadratic equations for the model parameters. In order to define a proper estimation method for the model, we first show that the autocovariance estimators of the stationary solution are consistent under relatively mild assumptions. Consequently, we prove that the natural estimators arising out of the quadratic equations inherit consistency from the autocovariance estimators. Finally, we illustrate our results with several examples and a simulation study.
The Dilemma After an Unforeseen Positive Sentinel Node in Primary Breast Cancer: Is Completion Axillary Dissection Necessary?
Authors: van Bekkum S. , Kraima A. C. , Westenend P. J. , Plaisier P. W. , Menke‐Pluijmers M. B. E.
Published: June 2020

Background

In the majority of cases, the sentinel node is the only positive node in the axilla and completion ALND (cALND) is a futile procedure. However, refraining from cALND will lead to less accurate staging and, possibly, undertreatment. To help resolve this dilemma, we examined the clinical value of cALND in staging and determining adjuvant treatment.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort, all consecutive patients over a five‐year period with primary breast cancer who received ALND were identified and grouped based on timing of ALND. Total nodal yield and positive lymph nodes were defined and factors with possible impact identified. In the case of cALND, N‐status upstaging and possible impact on adjuvant treatment were studied in detail.

Results

A total of 280 patients were selected of whom 204 underwent primary ALND (pALND) and 76 cALND. pALND resulted in a significantly higher total nodal yield and more positive nodes when compared to cALND (p = 0.003, and p < 0.001, respectively). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) had no effect on total nodal yield (p = 0.413), but resulted in fewer positive nodes (p < 0.001). Due to the results of cALND, only 11 patients (14%) had upstaging of N‐status. All these patients were advised more extensive adjuvant radiotherapy.

Conclusion

In the majority of patients, cALND does not lead to upstaging. cALND should be performed only after a careful discussion with the patient about the pros and cons of this procedure, and most probably only in the presence of multiple risk factors for axillary disease in the absence of systemic therapy.
Information filtering by coincidence detection of synchronous population output: analytical approaches to the coherence function of a two-stage neural system
Authors: Bostner Žiga , Knoll Gregory , Lindner Benjamin
Published: June 2020

Information about time-dependent sensory stimuli is encoded in the activity of neural populations; distinct aspects of the stimulus are read out by different types of neurons: while overall information is perceived by integrator cells, so-called coincidence detector cells are driven mainly by the synchronous activity in the population that encodes predominantly high-frequency content of the input signal (high-pass information filtering). Previously, an analytically accessible statistic called the partial synchronous output was introduced as a proxy for the coincidence detector cell’s output in order to approximate its information transmission. In the first part of the current paper, we compare the information filtering properties (specifically, the coherence function) of this proxy to those of a simple coincidence detector neuron. We show that the latter’s coherence function can indeed be well-approximated by the partial synchronous output with a time scale and threshold criterion that are related approximately linearly to the membrane time constant and firing threshold of the coincidence detector cell. In the second part of the paper, we propose an alternative theory for the spectral measures (including the coherence) of the coincidence detector cell that combines linear-response theory for shot-noise driven integrate-and-fire neurons with a novel perturbation ansatz for the spectra of spike-trains driven by colored noise. We demonstrate how the variability of the synaptic weights for connections from the population to the coincidence detector can shape the information transmission of the entire two-stage system.
Given that the detailed original criteria for deliberate practice have not changed, could the understanding of this complex concept have improved over time? A response to Macnamara and Hambrick (2020)
Authors: Ericsson K. Anders
Published: June 2020

In their commentary, Macnamara and Hambrick (Psychol Res, 2017) accused my colleagues and me of systematically changing the definition of the concept of deliberate practice. Deliberate practice was the result of a search for characteristics of effective practice in the laboratory that was shown to improve expert professional performance in domains, such as music. In this reply, I will first describe five different criteria that defined the original concept of deliberate practice and each of them is presented with directly supporting quotes from Ericsson, Krampe, and Tesch-Römer (Psychol Rev 100:396–406, 10.1037/0033-295X.87.3.215, 1993) paper. Unfortunately, Macnamara, Hambrick, and Oswald (Psychol Sci 25:1608–1618, 10.1177/0956797614535810, 2014) misinterpreted our concept of deliberate practice, and defined it much more broadly: “as engagement in structured activities created specifically to improve performance in a domain” (p. 914). This definition led them to include activities, such as attending lectures, studying alone by students, and group activities led by a coach, where each activity does not meet one or more of our criteria for deliberate practice. In this commentary, I will argue that Macnamara and Hambrick (2020) became aware of some of the original criteria for deliberate practice, such as the role of individualized training by a teacher, and these discoveries misled them to assume that we had changed our definition. The intended meaning of sentences that Macnamara and Hambrick (2020) had carefully selected is shown to have an appropriate interpretation in Standard English that is consistent with our original definition of deliberate practice. In conclusion, I will give a proposal for how the different perspectives can be reconciled.
Paradoxical response of intracranial pressure to shunt valve setting adjustments
Authors: D’Antona Linda , Craven Claudia Louise , Merchan Melida Andrea Jaime , Thompson Simon David , Bremner Fion , Thorne Lewis , Matharu Manjit Singh , Watkins Laurence Dale , Toma Ahmed Kassem
Published: June 2020

Background

The hydrodynamics of cerebrospinal fluid shunts have been described in vitro; however, knowledge on the response of intracranial pressure (ICP) to valve settings adjustments in vivo is limited. This study describes the effect of adjusting the shunt valve setting on ICP in a cohort of patients with complex symptom management.

Method

Single-centre retrospective observational study. Patients who underwent ICP-guided valve setting adjustments during 24-h continuous ICP monitoring, between 2014 and 2019, were included. Patients with suspected shunt malfunction were excluded. Median night ICP before and after the valve adjustments were compared (Δ night ICP). The responses of ICP to valve adjustment were divided into 3 different groups as follows: expected, paradoxical and no response. The frequency of the paradoxical response and its potential predicting factors were investigated.

Results

Fifty-one patients (37 females, 14 males, mean age 38 years) receiving 94 valve setting adjustments met the study inclusion criteria. Patients’ underlying conditions were most commonly hydrocephalus (47%) or idiopathic intracranial hypertension (43%). The response of ICP to valve setting adjustments was classified as ‘expected’ in 54 cases (57%), ‘paradoxical’ in 17 cases (18%) and ‘no effect’ (Δ night ICP < 1 mmHg) in 23 cases (24%). There was a significant correlation between the Δ night ICP and the magnitude of valve setting change in both the investigated valves (Miethke ProGAV, p = 0.01 and Medtronic Strata, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Paradoxical ICP changes can occur after shunt valve setting adjustments. This observation should be taken into account when performing ICP-guided valve adjustments and is highly relevant for the future development of “smart” shunt systems.
Correction to: A two‑layer elasto‑visco‑plastic rheological model for the material parameter identification of bone tissue
Authors: Reisinger Andreas G. , Frank Martin , Thurner Philipp J. , Pahr Dieter H.
Published: June 2020

In the original publication of the article.
Phosphorus-Based Ionic Liquid as Dual Function Promoter Oriented Synthesis of Efficient VPO Catalyst for Selective Oxidation of n-butane
Authors: Dai Fei , Shi Yanan , Zhang Ting , Faizan Muhammad , Li Zihang , Zhang Ruirui , Liu Ruixia , Zhang Suojiang
Published: June 2020

Vanadium phosphorus oxide (VPO) catalysts promoted by phosphorus-based ionic liquids (ILs) as structure directing agent and promoters have been innovatively synthesized and investigated for selective oxidation of n-butane to maleic anhydride (MA). The catalytic performances showed that the IL addition notably improved the n-butane conversion and MA selectivity, during which the optimized 3%IL-VPO catalyst exhibited the maximum MA yield of 59.2% that is much better than that of blank VPO with 49.4% MA yield under the same reaction conditions. XRD, FI-IR, Raman, SEM, TG, BET, XPS and H2-TPR techniques were utilized combinatorically to elaborate the synergistic effect of cations and anions of ILs. Results demonstrated that IL-cations oriented synthesis of VPO precursor showing a vertically intercrossed slice structure morphology having smaller lamellar thickness. Correspondingly, it notably enhanced the specific surface area of the VPO catalysts and exposed the more active surface of (VO)2P2O7 after activation. Meanwhile, IL-anions as promoters largely modulated the P/V ratio, valence state of V and oxygen species amounts on the surface of VPO catalyst, etc. All of these influence factors were subsequently discussed in detail and correlated to the catalytic performance of VPO catalysts.

Graphic Abstract
A cautionary note on “exothermic events” upon contact of carbodiimide coupling agents and the cellulose solvent N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide
Authors: Jusner Paul , Aoki Masaaki , Potthast Antje , Rosenau Thomas
Published: June 2020

The cellulose solvent N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide monohydrate (NMMO) reacts violently with carbodiimide coupling agents, such as the widely used DCC (dicyclohexylcarbodiimide) and EDC (1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide), which can cause explosions, heavy smoke generation and complete charring of the reaction mixtures. For this reason it is clear that cellulose or other carbohydrates dissolved in NMMO (“Lyocell conditions”) cannot be safely esterified or amidified under DCC/EDC conditions. It is important to note that cellulosic material regenerated from NMMO solutions also poses a risk if it contains residual NMMO, which can then come into contact with DCC-type coupling agents in non-aqueous media, as recent accidents have unfortunately shown. Similarly, EDC/DCC traces in cellulose can have detrimental effects when trying to dissolve the material in NMMO. Working in aqueous systems generally reduces the risk of uncontrolled reactions, while alcohols or aprotic solvents are not very effective in this regard. Washing for NMMO removal or EDC/DCC removal should therefore always be carried out by aqueous media, if any possible, if there is a potential risk that the reagents might come into contact later. This warning describes the potential hazards of the reagent combination, highlights the underlying degradation mechanism and explains the precautions to be taken to avoid any “exothermic events”.

Graphic abstract
Anthropogenic and natural size-related selection act in concert during brown trout (Salmo trutta) smolt river descent
Authors: Haraldstad Tormod , Höglund Erik , Kroglund Frode , Olsen Esben M. , Hawley Kate L. , Haugen Thrond O.
Published: June 2020

By hindering migration and inducing direct turbine mortality during downstream migration, hydropower is regarded as one of the most serious threats to anadromous salmonids. Yet, little attention has been paid to long-term turbine-induced selection mechanisms effecting fish populations. This work evaluates turbine and post-turbine survival of PIT-tagged wild brown trout smolts. By estimating individual river and sea survival rates, we were able to compare survival rates of smolts that had migrated through the turbine with smolts that had bypassed the turbine, as well as investigate both natural and anthropogenic size-selective mechanisms operative on the population. Total river-descent survival probability was 0.20 for turbine migrants and 0.44 for bypass migrants. The surviving turbine migrants were significantly smaller than their bypass counterparts and more exposed to predation from Northern pike. The estimated mean-adjusted selection gradient was − 0.76 for turbine migrants and + 1.85 for the bypass migrants. The resulting disruptive selection may ultimately lead to increased phenotypic smolt size variation provided sufficient additive genetic variance associated with smolt size. Mitigation measures at hydropower plants are thus essential for preserving sustainable populations of anadromous fish and maintaining population genetic variation.
Bayesian estimation and likelihood-based comparison of agent-based volatility models
Authors: Bertschinger Nils , Mozzhorin Iurii
Published: June 2020

The statistical description and modeling of volatility plays a prominent role in econometrics, risk management and finance. GARCH and stochastic volatility models have been extensively studied and are routinely fitted to market data, albeit providing a phenomenological description only. In contrast, agent-based modeling starts from the premise that modern economies consist of a vast number of individual actors with heterogeneous expectations and incentives. Observed market statistics then emerge from the collective dynamics of many actors following heterogeneous, yet simple rules. On the one hand, such models generate volatility dynamics, qualitatively matching several stylized facts. On the other hand, they illustrate the possible role of different mechanisms, such as chartist trading and herding behavior. Yet, rigorous and quantitative statistical fits are still mostly lacking. Here, we propose Hamiltonian Monte Carlo, an efficient and scalable Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm, as a general method for Bayesian inference of agent-based models. In particular, we implement several models by Vikram and Sinha, Franke and Westerhoff and Alfarano, Lux and Wagner in Stan, an accessible probabilistic programming language for Bayesian modeling. We also compare the performance of these models with standard econometric models of the GARCH and stochastic volatility families. We find that the best agent-based models are on par with stochastic volatility models in terms of predictive likelihood, yet exhibit challenging posterior geometries requiring care in model comparison and sophisticated sampling algorithms.
Occupation-Based Measures—An Overview and Discussion
Authors: Christoph Bernhard , Matthes Britta , Ebner Christian
Published: June 2020

Occupational information is among the most versatile categories of information about a person available in quantitative data. The goal of this paper is to provide an overview of occupation-based measures in different topic areas. These include not only measures for analyzing social stratification, such as prestige scales, socioeconomic indices and class schemes but also measures of workplace tasks, occupation-specific health risks, gender segregation, and occupational closure.

Moreover, as the quality of such data depends on the quality of the underlying occupational information, we also provide an overview of how to collect occupational information in surveys, how to code this information, and how occupational classifications are commonly used. By doing so, we hope to increase researchers’ awareness of the potential of occupation-based analyses, as well as their knowledge of how to properly handle such measures in empirical analyses.
The development and validation of the Romanian version of Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count 2015 (Ro-LIWC2015)
Authors: Dudău Diana Paula , Sava Florin Alin
Published: June 2020

Today, performing automatic language analysis to extract meaning from natural language is one of the top-notch directions in social science research, but it can be challenging. Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count 2015 (LIWC2015; Pennebaker et al. 2015) is one of the most versatile, yet easy to master instruments to transform any text into data, meeting the needs of psychologists who are not usually proficient in data science. Moreover, LIWC2015 is already available in multiple languages, which opens the door to exciting intercultural quests. The current article introduces the first Romanian version of LIWC2015, Ro-LIWC2015, and thus, contributes to the line of research concerning multilingual analysis. Throughout the paper, we describe the challenges of creating the Romanian dictionary and discuss other linguistics aspects, which could be useful for new adaptations of LIWC2015. Also, we present the results of two studies for assessing the criterion validity of Ro-LIWC2015. The first study focuses on the consistency between the Romanian and the English dictionaries in analyzing a corpus of books. The second study tests whether Ro-LIWC2015 can acquire linguistic differences in contrasting corpora. For this purpose, we analyzed posts from help-seeking forums for anxiety, depression, and health issues, and leveraged supervised learning to address several classification problems. The selected algorithm allows feature ranking, which facilitates more thorough interpretations. The linguistic markers extracted with Ro-LIWC2015 mirrored a number of disorder-specific features of depression and anxiety. Given the obtained results, this research encourages the use of Ro-LIWC2015 for hypothesis testing.
Measuring Housing Stability With Consumer Reference Data
Authors: Phillips David C.
Published: June 2020

Housing instability for low-income renters has drawn greater attention recently, but measurement has limited research on policies to stabilize housing. Address histories from consumer reference data can be used to increase the quantity and quality of research on low-income renters. Consumer data track housing moves throughout the entire United States for most of the adult population. In this article, I show that such data can measure housing stability for groups with very low income and extreme instability. For example, the data can track housing moves during natural disasters, at demolition of public housing, for households at high risk of homelessness, and during gentrification. Consumer data can track housing instability outcomes that are more common than shelter entry and less expensive to collect than surveys. Relative to existing administrative address histories, consumer data allow researchers to track housing moves to exact addresses and across jurisdictions.
Physical properties and sinterability of pure and iron-doped bismuth sodium titanate ceramics
Authors: Muhammed Khalid Rmaydh , Scrimshire Alex , Sterianou Iasmi , Bell Anthony M. T. , Bingham Paul A.
Published: June 2020

Pure (BNT) and iron-doped bismuth sodium titanate (Fe-BNT) ceramics were produced according to the formula Bi0.5Na0.5Ti1−xFexO3−0.5x, where x = 0 to 0.1. The addition of Fe2O3 enables decreasing the sintering temperature to 900 °C in comparison with 1075 °C for pure BNT, whilst also achieving lower porosities and greater densities. This is attributed to oxygen vacancy generation arising from substitution of Fe3+ onto the Ti4+ site of the BNT perovskite structure, and the resulting increase in mass transport that this enables during sintering. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of Fe-BNT samples shows single-phase BNT with no secondary phases for all studied Fe contents, confirming complete solid solution of Fe. Rietveld refinement of XRD data revealed a pseudocubic perovskite symmetry (Pm-3m), and unit cell lengths increased with increasing Fe content. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that average grain size increases with increasing Fe content from an average grain size of ~ 0.5 μm in (x = 0) pure BNT to ~ 5 μm in (x = 0.1) Fe-doped BNT. Increasing Fe content also led to decreasing porosity, with relative density increasing to a maximum > 97% of its theoretical value at x = 0.07 to 0.1. The addition of Fe to BNT ceramics significantly affects electrical properties, reducing the remnant polarization, coercive field, strain and desirable ferroelectric properties compared with those of pure densified BNT. At room temperature, a high relative permittivity (ɛ′) of 1050 (x = 0.07) at an applied frequency of 1 kHz and a lower loss factor (tanδ) of 0.006 (x = 0.1) at an applied frequency of 300 kHz were observed by comparison with pure BNT ceramics.
Comparative study of salicylic acid contents in young wheat and rice plants and their anticancer activities in HepG2 and Caco-2 cells
Authors: Pál Magda , Szalai Gabriella , Lantos Erika , Nagyéri György , Janda Tibor
Published: June 2020

Some recent results reported that aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) had a positive effect on the treatment of certain types of cancer. However, the results cannot be generalized and it is not always clear whether it is a direct anticancer effect or a general health effect. Since plants produce different amounts of salicylic acid, we have sought a relationship between the salicylic acid content of some plant extracts and their anticancer activity. Growing of wheat and rice plants were carried out under controlled conditions. The salicylic acid content was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The viability and cell cycle assays were performed on HepG2 and Caco-2 cell lines. Despite the high content of salicylic acid, the extracts from rice plants did not show significant anticancer activity. In spite of the low salicylic acid content, the positive effect of wheat germ was confirmed in both tests. There is no direct relationship between the salicylic acid content of the plant extracts and their anticancer activity. However, it has been proven that young wheat germ is more effective than mature leaf.
Effectiveness of intravenous dexamethasone on fascia iliaca compartment block with bupivacaine as part of postoperative multimodal analgesia for an open reduction and internal fixation surgery of femoral fracture in Hawassa Comprehensive Referral Hospital, Ethiopia, 2019: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Alemnew Efrem Fenta , Lemma Diriba Teshome , Abate Semagn Mekonnen , Regassa Bacha Aberra
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT

Background:

Fascia iliaca compartment nerve block is used for open reduction and internal fixation surgery of femoral fracture. Though dexamethasone is added to peripheral nerve block to increase analgesia efficacy but its effect on fascia iliaca is not known.

Method:

A randomized control trial conducted in Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital by recruiting 60 patients. Mann Whitney U test was used for distribution free data and independent t-test was used for normally distributed numeric data respectively. Categorical variable between two groups were analyzed using chi-square or fisher exact test. Data was expressed in terms of mean ± standard deviation for normally distributed data or median (inter quartile range) for skewed data. p -value <0.05 is considered statically significant.

Results:

There were statistically significant differences between the groups in time to first analgesia request p-value of = 0.003, tramadol, diclofenac and morphine consumption with p-value of, 0.017, 0.036 and 0.046 respectively. Regarding pain severity score a statistical significant differences were found at 6 and 12 h with p-values of 0.039 and 0.024 respectively while there was no statically significant difference in incidence of postoperative nausea vomiting (p = 0.448).

Conclusion:

Administration of 8 mg intravenous dexamethasone to fascia iliaca compartment block increases time to first analgesic request, decrease total 24 h analgesic consumption.

Trial registration number:

PACTR201910904223565.

Highlights:
A novelty in laparoscopic total colectomy with natural orifice specimen extraction using a plastic cover
Authors: Alemrajabi Mahdi , Bananzadeh Alimohammad , Moradi Mohammad , Alemrajabi Fateme , Vahdani Masoud , Miri Seyed Rouhollah
Published: June 2020

Introduction Minimally invasive colectomy has been performed for some years for many patients worldwide without much complications compared to the open approach. In this study we explained our experience regarding a modification in laparoscopic total colectomy and removing the specimen with Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction (NOSE) through rectum using a plastic cover for the first time.

Methods and material This was an experimental study on a new technique of total colectomy with a small modification. Total colectomy was performed based on 7 port laparoscopic approach. Rectum was sparred. Colon was then taken out through the anal canal using a plastic cover.

Results Thirteen patients underwent laparoscopic total colectomy by removal of the specimen through rectum. Mean age of patients was 42.23 ± 8.15 years. Mean duration of operation was 130 ± 32.4 min. All patients had an uneventful postoperative hospitalization.

Discussion Laparoscopic total colectomy has been proven to have superior benefits than the open approach. In NOSE technique, colon is removed from the anal canal without any complication or consuming much time. This technique might have less pain and removes the complications associated with an incision on the skin to remove the specimen. Also, due to low price of a usual plastic cover, it can be used instead of other techniques to remove the specimen through the rectum.
Rotorcraft systems for urban air mobility: A reality check
Authors: Filippone A. , Barakos G.N.
Published: June 2020

“Urban air vehicles” have been hailed as the next revolution in aviation. Prototypes of various sizes have been flown to demonstrate basic flight (hover and climb), but in most cases there is no demonstration of full flight capability, for example conversion from vertical to level flight (conversion corridor). There are proposals for vehicles in a wide range of scales: from drones specifically designed to deliver goods, to full size vehicles for manned transportation. Most of the concepts proposed include full electric propulsion, multiple (often convertible) rotors (ducted or un-ducted, counter-rotating), and widespread use of composite materials. Start-up companies are seeking funding with high-profile demonstrations in front of the media, but many unresolved technical problems are not been solved. Large aerospace companies have joined the fray. These initiatives are fuelling expectations that achieving the next milestone is within easy reach. This paper aims to fill some gaps in understanding and curb optimism. It takes a holistic view in order to establish a scientific basis for design, manufacturing, operations.
Finite-element modelling of NiTi shape-memory wires for morphing aerofoils
Authors: Wan A. Hamid W.L.H. , Iannucci L. , Robinson P.
Published: June 2020

This paper presents the development and implementation of a user-defined material (UMAT) model for NiTi Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) wires for use in LS-DYNA commercial explicit finite-element analysis software. The UMAT focusses on the Shape-Memory Effect (SME), which could be used for actuation of aerostructural components. The actuation of a fundamental structure consisting of an SMA wire connected in series with a linear spring was studied first. The SMA thermomechanical behaviour obtained from the finite-element simulation was compared with that obtained from the analytical solution in MATLAB. A further comparison is presented for an SMA-actuated cantilever beam, showing excellent agreement in terms of the SMA stress and strain as well as the tip deflection of the cantilever beam. A mesh sensitivity study on the SMA wire indicated that one beam element was adequate to accurately predict the SMA thermomechanical behaviour. An analysis of several key parameters showed that, to achieve a high recovery strain, the stiffness of the actuated structure should be minimised while the cross-sectional area of the SMA wire should be maximised. The actuation of an SMA wire under a constant stress/load was also analysed. The SMA material model was finally applied to the design of morphing aluminium and composite aerofoils consisting of corrugated sections, resulting in the prediction of reasonably large trailing-edge deflections (7.8–65.9 mm).
Public-Private-People Partnerships (4P) for Improving the Response to COVID-19 in Iran
Authors: Seddighi Hamed , Seddighi Sadegh , Salmani Ibrahim , Sharifi Sedeh Mehrab
Published: June 2020

The Public–Private–People partnership (4P) is a significant element in disaster response. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as a pandemic has been the worst disaster in the last decades in Iran in terms of exposure and magnitude. In order to respond effectively, the Iranian Government needs an extra capacity, which may be provided by the private sector and people. This study aims to collect evidences of 4P pertaining to the COVID-19 response in Iran from February to April 2020. Partnership case studies are classified into 3 categories: (1) Public–private partnerships; (2) public–people partnerships; and (3) private–people partnerships. It was found that the Iranian Government has removed or diminished some of the barriers to cooperation. There was also more cooperation between the people, the private sector, and the public sector than during normal times (vs disasters). People participated in the response procedure through some associations or groups, such as religious and ethnic communities, as well as through non-governmental organizations. It has been shown that 4P is vital in disaster response and, in particular, to epidemics. The government can be more active in partnerships with the private sector and people in emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Enhancing social capital, institutionalization, and developing required infrastructures by the government will improve public–private partnerships.
How Much Do Young Italians Know About COVID-19 and What Are Their Attitudes Toward SARS-CoV-2? Results of a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: La Torre Giuseppe , Lia Lorenza , Dorelli Barbara , Marte Mattia , Chiappetta Marta , Faticoni Augusto , Lucaccini Paoli Lorenzo , Grassucci Daniele , Gelardini Marcello , Ardizzone Carla
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

At the end of 2019, an outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia, called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoV-2), was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. It subsequently spread throughout China and elsewhere, becoming a global health emergency. In February 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the disease coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The objective of this study was to investigate the degree of knowledge of young Italians about COVID-19 and their current attitudes toward the SARS-CoV-2 and to determine if there were prejudices emerging toward Chinese.

Methods:

An online survey was conducted on February 3, 4, 5, 2020, with the collaboration of Italian website “Skuola.net”. Young people had the opportunity to participate by answering an ad hoc questionnaire created to investigate knowledge and attitudes about the new coronavirus, using a link published on the homepage.

Results:

A total of 5234 responses were received, of which 3262 were females and 1972 were males. Most of the participants showed generally moderate knowledge about COVID-19. Male students, middle school students, and those who do not attend school, should increase awareness of the disease; less than half of responders say that their attitudes toward the Chinese population has worsened in the last period.

Conclusions:

Global awareness of this emerging infection should be increased, due to its virulence, the significant risk of mortality, and the ability of the virus to spread very quickly within the community.