bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimands in practice: Bridging the gap between study objectives and statistical analysis
Authors: Phillips Alan , Clark Tim
Published: September 2020

The International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guideline E9 Statistical Principles for Clinical Trials (1) was issued in 1998. In October 2014, an addendum to ICH E9 was proposed on statistical principles relating to estimands and sensitivity analyses. The final version of the addendum to ICH E9 (R1) (2) was issued in November 2019. This virtual edition of Pharmaceutical Statistics takes a closer look at some of the progress that has been made since 2018 when implementing the estimand framework within clinical research. The articles discussed in this virtual issue are not new, but a compilation from previous issues. This specific article will act as a refresher for those not familiar with the topic and discuss the ABCs of estimands and their proposed deployment for improving the quality of clinical research. An overview of the more recent Pharmaceutical Statistics articles on estimands will be provided, signifying areas where progress have been made. The articles should be considered as contributions to the ongoing discussions rather than the final word. Finally, a personal perspective on the estimand success story and remaining challenges with proposed solutions will be discussed.
A non‐spectral Helmholtz solver for numerical weather prediction models with a mass‐based vertical coordinate
Authors: Degrauwe Daan , Voitus Fabrice , Termonia Piet
Published: September 2020

Although semi‐implicit semi‐Lagrangian spectral atmospheric models have been very successful for decades, they are believed to face big challenges in the longer term. Foremost, the spectral method relies heavily on data‐rich global communications, which may become problematic on future massively parallel machines. This paper investigates how the Helmholtz problem, as it arises in the dynamical core of a semi‐implicit non‐hydrostatic numerical weather prediction model with a mass‐based vertical coordinate and a constant‐coefficient reference state, can be solved efficiently without relying on spectral transforms, by using a multigrid‐preconditioned iterative solver instead. In the particular case of a limited‐area geometry, the convergence rate of this iterative solver can be determined a priori, which allows us to predict the required number of iterations. This knowledge is especially valuable for an atmospheric model that is used for operational weather forecasting, because it guarantees that the model runtime stays constant from one forecast to another. The a priori knowledge of the convergence rate also allows us to choose the parameters of the multigrid preconditioner optimally. Weak scalability experiments show the superior scalability of this solver with respect to a spectral solver.
Continuous data assimilation for global numerical weather prediction
Authors: Lean P. , Hólm E. V. , Bonavita M. , Bormann N. , McNally A. P. , Järvinen H.
Published: September 2020

A new configuration of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) incremental 4D‐Var data assimilation (DA) system is introduced which builds upon the quasi‐continuous DA concept proposed in the mid‐1990s. Rather than working with a fixed set of observations, the new 4D‐Var configuration exploits the near‐continuous stream of incoming observations by introducing recently arrived observations at each outer loop iteration of the assimilation. This allows the analysis to benefit from more recent observations. Additionally, by decoupling the start time of the DA calculations from the observational data cut‐off time, real‐time forecasting applications can benefit from more expensive analysis configurations that previously could not have been considered. In this work we present results of a systematic comparison of the performance of a Continuous DA system against that of two more traditional baseline 4D‐Var configurations. We show that the quality of the analysis produced by the new, more continuous configuration is comparable to that of a conventional baseline that has access to all of the observations in each of the outer loops, which is a configuration not feasible in real‐time operational numerical weather prediction. For real‐time forecasting applications, the Continuous DA framework allows configurations which clearly outperform the best available affordable non‐continuous configuration. Continuous DA became operational at ECMWF in June 2019 and led to significant 2 to 3% reductions in medium‐range forecast root mean square errors, which is roughly equivalent to 2–3 hr of additional predictive skill.
Empyema thoracis complicated by anaemia as caused by occult bonelet aspiration
Authors: Shai Sen‐Ei , Lai Yi‐Ling , Tang Hsiao‐Wen , Hung Shih‐Chieh
Published: September 2020

A 62‐year‐old man was referred to our medical centre with productive cough and high fever over the span of one week, as well as the affiliated symptoms of chronic cough and dizziness for more than six months. Computed tomography (CT) of the thorax was performed and analysed revealing lobulated empyema with thick pleura and two foreign body (FB) retentions in the right lower lobe bronchus. The patient proceeded to thoracoscopic decortications and finalized through retrieval of two dark black stained bonelets with ignored aspiration. After surgery, the patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged in stable condition.
Variational Bayesian identification for bilinear state space models with Markov‐switching time delays
Authors: Fei Qiuling , Ma Junxia , Xiong Weili , Guo Fan
Published: September 2020

This article studies the parameter identification problem for bilinear state space models with time‐varying time delays. Considering the correlation of time delays, the Markov chain switching mechanism is adopted to model the delay sequence. Based on the observer canonical form, the bilinear state space model is transformed into a regressive form. A bilinear state observer is designed to estimate the state variables. Under the variational Bayesian scheme, the system parameters, discrete delays, and the Markov transition probabilities are identified by using the measurement data. A numerical example and a continuous stirred tank reactor simulation are employed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Exponential bipartite synchronization of random signed networks with Markovian switching via impulsive control
Authors: Wang Mengxin , Xie Yunshu , Li Wenxue
Published: September 2020

In this article, exponential bipartite synchronization inmth moment of random signed networks is studied. Different from previous work, both random disturbances and Markovian switching are considered into signed networks. It is worth emphasizing that the topological structure of signed networks depends on Markovian switching, and not all switching subnetworks are required to be strongly connected. In addition, an impulsive controller is designed to make random signed networks with Markovian switching achieve bipartite synchronization. Then, by using Lyapunov method and signed digraph theory, two synchronization criteria are obtained. These criteria have a close relationship with the topological structure of signed networks, the impulsive gain and the reverse average impulsive interval. Furthermore, our theoretical results are applied to studying exponential bipartite synchronization inmth moment of single‐link robot arms in engineering, and a synchronization criterion is given. Finally, some numerical simulations are shown to illustrate the effectiveness and feasibility of theoretical results.
The mitigating effects of economic complexity and renewable energy on carbon emissions in developed countries
Authors: Doğan Buhari , Driha Oana M. , Balsalobre Lorente Daniel , Shahzad Umer
Published: September 2020

Under the growing threats of climate change, innovation and pollution reduction have become driving forces for cleaner economic growth and the environment. This study endeavors to analyze the effect of economic complexity—understood as structural transformation toward more sophisticated and knowledge‐based production, economic progress, renewable energy consumption, and population growth over carbon emissions. Our study employs panel data for a sample of 28 OECD countries covering the period of 1990–2014. The main contribution to the energy economics literature is given by bringing together the concept of environmental degradation and economic complexity controlling via renewable energy consumption and economic and population growth. Based on the extensive empirical analysis (augmented mean group estimator, panel cointegration, and panel regression techniques), we conclude that economic complexity and renewable energy might help in mitigating the environmental degradation problems in OECD countries.
Public–private partnership as a tool for sustainable development – What literatures say?
Authors: Wang Nannan , Ma Minxun
Published: September 2020

Public–private partnership (PPP) has been proposed by the United Nations as a tool for Sustainable Development Goals. The perceptions and tendencies of literatures on this concept have, however, not yet been fully investigated. This research fills the perceived gap, by reviewing sustainability‐oriented PPP studies, to better understand the relationship between PPP and sustainable development. A bottom‐up approach is adopted, with the help of a purposely designed database. The concept and development stages of sustainability‐oriented PPP are examined. The research status of sustainability‐oriented PPP is analysed. The increasing popularity of sustainability‐oriented PPP studies is, to a degree, associated with policies of the key global players in PPP. Research gaps and future research trends are suggested. This research contributes to the body of knowledge of sustainability‐oriented PPP and can help researchers and practitioners in better understanding the status, gaps and direction of future efforts regarding sustainability‐oriented PPP.
Filigrane Sporthallenüberdachung mit futuristischer Kunststoff‐Gebäudehülle über der Dreifeld‐Sporthalle der Friedrich‐Ebert‐Schule in Pfungstadt
Authors: Engelsmann Stephan , Peters Stefan , Dengler Christoph
Published: September 2020

Der Neubau der Dreifeld‐Sporthalle der Friedrich‐Ebert‐Schule in Pfungstadt ist ein frei stehender Solitär in einem heterogen strukturierten Gewerbegebiet. Das mit einer futuristisch wirkenden, weißen Kunststoff‐Gebäudehülle verkleidete Stahl‐Chassis der Sporthallenüberdachung ist das gestalterisch prägende Element des kraftvollen Baukörpers. Der Beitrag beschreibt den Tragwerksentwurf für die Sporthallenüberdachung.
Evaluation of concrete cover depth for green concretes exposed to carbonation
Authors: Carević Vedran , Ignjatović Ivan
Published: September 2020

Carbonation resistance of fly ash concrete (FAC) and recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) has been extensively tested in the past decade, but there are still no recommendations for their application in codes of practice. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to determine the minimum concrete cover depth of RAC and FAC exposed to carbonation to satisfy the required service life. In this study, the relationship between concrete compressive strength at 28 days (fcm) and inverse effective carbonation resistance (R−1ACC) was established. The analysis was carried out on all data available in the literature in order to establish this relationship for FAC and RAC made with different replacement percentages. After establishing a relationship between R−1ACC and fcm, a prediction of the service life was made using the fib‐Bulletin 34 (2006, Model code for service life design (1st ed.). Lausanne: International Federation for Structural Concrete (fib)) prediction model for all exposure classes to carbonation. For same concrete class, it can be concluded that in the case of RAC there was no significant difference in the duration of the service life compared with natural aggregate concrete, even at 100% replacement of natural aggregate with recycled ones. For concrete up to 35% of fly ash in total cementitious materials, concrete cover for satisfying the required service life of 50 years was 40% higher compared with Portland cement concrete, and more than two times higher in case of concrete with 40–70% fly ash.
Intricate evolutionary history of Callitriche (Plantaginaceae) taxa elucidated by a combination of DNA sequencing and genome size
Authors: Prančl Jan , Fehrer Judith , Caklová Petra , Bambasová Veronika , Lučanová Magdalena , Kaplan Zdeněk
Published: September 2020

The widespread aquatic plant genus Callitriche is taxonomically very challenging, but noteworthy in many evolutionary aspects including a high overall diversity, extensive phenotypic plasticity, remarkable reproductive systems and a large variation in ploidy levels and chromosome numbers. We conducted a multi‐level systematic study on 346 individuals of 25 taxa from 21 mostly European countries. Flow cytometric estimation of genome size, chromosome counting and direct sequencing of ITS and trnT‐trnL DNA markers combined with RFLPs of the ITS region were applied in order to unravel the phylogenetic relationships among Callitriche taxa and to clarify the origin of polyploid species and hybrids. Additionally, ITS sequences from a recent worldwide phylogenetic study of the genus were included for comparison. We demonstrate that most of the traditionally recognized European Callitriche taxa are well defined by a combination of genome size and molecular markers. Several species showed remarkable intraspecific genetic variation; previously unknown cryptic taxa were revealed within C. stagnalis, C. truncata and North American C. heterophylla. The origin of selected polyploid taxa was investigated in detail. Diploid C. cophocarpa was confirmed to be the parental species of tetraploid C. platycarpa, but we did not find direct evidence for the putative allopolyploid origin of this species. The complex of C. brutia included three taxa; of these, C. hamulata is probably an allooctoploid derivative of C. brutia var. brutia and C. cophocarpa/C. platycarpa. The third member, C. brutia var. naftolskyi, was newly reclassified at the subspecies level; for the first time, chromosome numbers are provided for this poorly known taxon. For a single triploid sample, our results suggested an autopolyploid origin from C. stagnalis. Four Callitriche hybrids were revealed, two of which are newly described and validated here as C. ×nyrensis and C. brutia nothosubsp. neglecta. A tentative intrageneric concept of two sections (Callitriche, Pseudocallitriche) is adopted, with the need for a more detailed evaluation in the future.
Data consistency and classification model transferability across biomedical Raman spectroscopy systems
Authors: Picot Fabien , Daoust François , Sheehy Guillaume , Dallaire Frédérick , Chaikho Layal , Bégin Théophile , Kadoury Samuel , Leblond Frédéric
Published: September 2020

Surgical guidance applications using Raman spectroscopy are being developed at a rapid pace in oncology to ensure safe and complete tumor resection during surgery. Clinical translation of these approaches relies on the acquisition of large spectral and histopathological data sets to train classification models. Data calibration must ensure compatibility across Raman systems and predictive model transferability to allow multi‐centric studies to be conducted. This paper addresses issues relating to Raman measurement standardization by first comparing Raman spectral measurements made on an optical phantom and acquired with nine distinct point probe systems and one wide‐field imaging instrument. Data standardization method led to normalized root‐mean‐square deviations between instruments of 2%. A classification model discriminating between white and gray matter was trained with one point probe system. When used to classify independent data sets acquired with the other systems, model predictions led to >95% accuracy, preliminarily demonstrating model transferability across different biomedical Raman spectroscopy instruments.
Probabilistic solar irradiance forecasting via a deep learning‐based hybrid approach
Authors: He Hui , Lu Nanyan , Jie Yongjun , Chen Bo , Jiao Runhai
Published: September 2020

Probabilistic solar irradiance forecasting has received widespread attention in recent years, as it provides more uncertainty information for the future photovoltaic generation. In this study, a hybrid probabilistic solar irradiance prediction method is proposed, which combines a deep recurrent neural network and residual modeling. Specifically, the long short‐term memory‐based point prediction using historical records and related features is applied to obtain deterministic forecasts. Next, these deterministic forecasts are employed as inputs to estimate the residual distributions. Furthermore, maximum likelihood estimation is utilized to compute the parameters of the residual distribution. Finally, the point prediction and residual distribution jointly generate the final probabilistic forecasting results. Compared with other deterministic and probabilistic forecasting models, the proposed method yields promising results on a publicly available dataset. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Conway–Maxwell–Poissonregression models for dispersed count data
Authors: Sellers Kimberly F. , Premeaux Bailey
Published: September 2020

While Poisson regression serves as a standard tool for modeling the association between a count response variable and explanatory variables, it is well‐documented that this approach is limited by the Poisson model's assumption of data equi‐dispersion. The Conway–Maxwell–Poisson (COM‐Poisson) distribution has demonstrated itself as a viable alternative for real count data that express data over‐ or under‐dispersion, and thus the COM‐Poisson regression can flexibly model associations involving a discrete count response variable and covariates. This work overviews the ongoing developmental knowledge and advancement of COM‐Poisson regression, introducing the reader to the underlying model (and its considered reparametrizations) and related regression constructs, including zero‐inflated models, and longitudinal studies. This manuscript further introduces readers to associated computing tools available to perform COM‐Poisson and related regressions.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Models > Linear Models

Statistical Models > Generalized Linear Models
Preference of intake of different tree leaves preserved with drying and ensiling by nyala antelope (Tragelaphus angasii)
Authors: Przybyło Marcin , Kazek Sylwia , Kloska Alina , Pyś Jan B. , Górka Paweł
Published: September 2020

It is recommended that browse should be an important part of diets for browsing and intermediate feeding type ruminants. However, provision of browse in winter time is problematic for many zoos located in the temperate climate. Drying or freezing of branches are commonly practiced solutions to this problem, but ensiling of tree leaves could also be an attractive option. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of drying and ensiling of different tree leaves on preference of their intake by nyala antelope (Tragelaphus angasii), an intermediate feeding type ruminant. A study was conducted on five nyala fed a standard diet (meadow hay, dehydrated chopped lucerne and limited concentrates) before and during the study. Preference of intake of five feeds was tested: dried maple (A. platanoides), oak (Q. robur), willow (S. alba), and ensiled maple and lime (T. cordata) leaves. Each day two tested feeds were offered to each animal. After 4 h of presentation, feed refusals were weighed and preference ratio for each tested feed and animal was calculated. Then, preferences were ranked using a pairwise comparison chart. Dried maple and oak leaves were preferred more than other leaves whereas ensiled lime leaves were the least preferred. On the other hand, ensiled and dried maple leaves were equally preferred. Results of this study showed that palatability of ensiled tree leaves should not be a concern when feeding nyala, and likely also other browsing or intermediate feeding type ruminants, but palatability of silage may depend on the species of tree.
How to choose a fair delegation?
Authors: Can Burak , Csóka Péter , Ergin Emre
Published: September 2020

This paper analyzes how to choose a delegation, a committee to represent a society such as in a peace conference. We propose normative conditions and seek Pareto optimal, consistent, neutral, and non-manipulable ways to choose a delegation. We show that a class of threshold rules is characterized by these criteria. The rules do not choose a fixed number of delegates, but instead require different sizes of delegations, depending on the heterogeneity in society. Therefore the resulting delegations are very inclusive, and with t delegates the ratio of individuals whose opinions are not included is always below "Equation missing". For instance, a delegation of size two should have at least 75% support from the society and therefore only less than 25% of the opinion pool can be neglected.
Opening and closure of intraventricular neuroendoscopic procedures in infants under 1 year of age: institutional technique, case series and review of the literature
Authors: Cearns M. D. , Kommer M. , Amato-Watkins A. , Campbell E. , Beez T. , O’Kane R.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Intraventricular neuroendoscopic techniques, particularly third ventriculostomy, are employed increasingly in the management of infantile hydrocephalus. However, surgical access to the ventricular cavities is associated with a risk of post-operative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Here, we describe a structured, multi-layered approach to wound opening and closure which aims to maximise the natural tissue barriers against CSF leakage. We present a series of patients undergoing this technique and subsequently review the literature regarding opening and closure techniques in paediatric intraventricular neuroendoscopic procedures.

Methods

We performed a retrospective case series analysis of patients under 1 year of age who underwent intraventricular neuroendoscopic procedures in a single institution over a 5-year period. Patients were identified from an institutional operative database, and operation notes and clinical records were subsequently reviewed.

Results

28 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this study. The mean age at operation was 9 weeks. 27 patients underwent endoscopic third ventriculostomy whilst 1 underwent endoscopic septostomy, and all patients underwent our structured, multi-layered opening and closure technique. Follow-up ranged from 4 months to 5 years. There were no cases of post-operative CSF leak, infection or wound breakdown. 12 patients remained shunt-free at the last follow-up, with the remaining 16 requiring shunt insertion for progressive hydrocephalus at a mean of 24 days post-operatively.

Conclusion

Various methods aiming to prevent post-operative CSF leak have been reported in the literature. We propose that our institutional technique may be of benefit in minimising this risk in infants undergoing endoscopic third ventriculostomy and similar intraventricular neuroendoscopic procedures.
A framework to estimate cognitive load using physiological data
Authors: Ahmad Muneeb Imtiaz , Keller Ingo , Robb David A. , Lohan Katrin S.
Published: September 2020

Cognitive load has been widely studied to help understand human performance. It is desirable to monitor user cognitive load in applications such as automation, robotics, and aerospace to achieve operational safety and to improve user experience. This can allow efficient workload management and can help to avoid or to reduce human error. However, tracking cognitive load in real time with high accuracy remains a challenge. Hence, we propose a framework to detect cognitive load by non-intrusively measuring physiological data from the eyes and heart. We exemplify and evaluate the framework where participants engage in a task that induces different levels of cognitive load. The framework uses a set of classifiers to accurately predict low, medium and high levels of cognitive load. The classifiers achieve high predictive accuracy. In particular, Random Forest and Naive Bayes performed best with accuracies of 91.66% and 85.83% respectively. Furthermore, we found that, while mean pupil diameter change for both right and left eye were the most prominent features, blinking rate also made a moderately important contribution to this highly accurate prediction of low, medium and high cognitive load. The existing results on accuracy considerably outperform prior approaches and demonstrate the applicability of our framework to detect cognitive load.
Biosensor-enabled droplet microfluidic system for the rapid screening of 3-dehydroshikimic acid produced in Escherichia coli
Authors: Tu Ran , Li Liangpo , Yuan Huiling , He Ronglin , Wang Qinhong
Published: September 2020

Genetically encoded biosensors are powerful tools used to screen metabolite-producing microbial strains. Traditionally, biosensor-based screening approaches also use fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). However, these approaches are limited by the measurement of intracellular fluorescence signals in single cells, rather than the signals associated with populations comprising multiple cells. This characteristic reduces the accuracy of screening because of the variability in signal levels among individual cells. To overcome this limitation, we introduced an approach that combined biosensors with droplet microfluidics (i.e., fluorescence-activated droplet sorting, FADS) to detect labeled cells at a multi-copy level and in an independent droplet microenvironment. We used our previously reported genetically encoded biosensor, 3-dehydroshikimic acid (3-DHS), as a model with which to establish the biosensor-based FADS screening method. We then characterized and compared the effects of the sorting method on the biosensor-based screening system by subjecting the same mutant library to FACS and FADS. Notably, our developed biosensor-enabled, droplet microfluidics-based FADS screening system yielded an improved positive mutant enrichment rate and increased productivity by the best mutant, compared with the single-cell FACS system. In conclusion, the combination of a biosensor and droplet microfluidics yielded a more efficient screening method that could be applied to the biosensor-based high-throughput screening of other metabolites.
Interactive task learning via embodied corrective feedback
Authors: Appelgren Mattias , Lascarides Alex
Published: September 2020

This paper addresses a task in Interactive Task Learning (Laird et al. IEEE Intell Syst 32:6–21, 2017). The agent must learn to build towers which are constrained by rules, and whenever the agent performs an action which violates a rule the teacher provides verbal corrective feedback: e.g. “No, red blocks should be on blue blocks”. The agent must learn to build rule compliant towers from these corrections and the context in which they were given. The agent is not only ignorant of the rules at the start of the learning process, but it also has a deficient domain model, which lacks the concepts in which the rules are expressed. Therefore an agent that takes advantage of the linguistic evidence must learn the denotations of neologisms and adapt its conceptualisation of the planning domain to incorporate those denotations. We show that by incorporating constraints on interpretation that are imposed by discourse coherence into the models for learning (Hobbs in On the coherence and structure of discourse, Stanford University, Stanford, 1985; Asher et al. in Logics of conversation, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2003), an agent which utilizes linguistic evidence outperforms a strong baseline which does not.
Sequence analysis and spatiotemporal developmental distribution of the Cat-1-type transporter slc7a1a in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Ellingsen Ståle , Narawane Shailesh , Fjose Anders , Verri Tiziano , Rønnestad Ivar
Published: September 2020

Cationic amino acid transporter 1 (Cat-1 alias Slc7a1) is a Na+-independent carrier system involved in transport and absorption of the cationic amino acids lysine, arginine, histidine, and ornithine and has also been shown to be indispensable in a large variety of biological processes. Starting from isolated full-length zebrafish (Danio rerio) cDNA for slc7a1a, we performed comparative and phylogenetic sequence analysis, investigated the conservation of the gene during vertebrate evolution, and defined tissue expression during zebrafish development. Whole mount in situ hybridization first detected slc7a1a transcripts in somites, eyes, and brain at 14 h post-fertilization (hpf) with additional expression in the distal nephron at 24 hpf and in branchial arches at 3 days post-fertilization (dpf), with significant increase by 5 dpf. Taken together, the expression analysis of the zebrafish Cat-1 system gene slc7a1a suggests a functional role(s) during the early development of the central nervous system, muscle, gills, and kidney.
In situ and ex situ conservation gap analyses of crop wild relatives from Malawi
Authors: Khaki Mponya Nolipher , Chanyenga Tembo , Magos Brehm Joana , Maxted Nigel
Published: September 2020

The study analysed the conservation gaps of the priority crop wild relatives (CWR) taxa for Malawi in order to contribute to the development of a harmonized conservation strategy that helps secure the priority CWR under in situ and ex situ. We used taxa distribution modelling, complementarity analysis and ecogeographic land characterization map to analyse spatial diversity and distribution of 123 priority taxa across different adaptive scenarios. We identified areas of observed and predicted richness, the minimum number of protected areas (PAs) that conserve the broadest ecogeographic diversity in situ and the minimum number of grid cells that capture highest diversity outside PAs to recommend the establishment of genetic reserves. We then analysed the representativeness of the conserved ecogeographic diversity of target taxa in ex situ collections to identify ex situ conservation gaps and advise for priority areas for ex situ collections. For the 123 taxa, 70.7% of the total diversity occurs in 36 PAs with 66.8% of the diversity captured in only 10 complementary PAs. Outside PAs, the broadest diversity was conserved in three grid cells of size 5 × 5 km. Fifty-three of 123 taxa have ex situ collections with only three taxa having ex situ collections at the Malawi Plant Genetic Resources Centre. The findings of this study will guide formulation of conservation actions for the priority taxa as well as lobbying for active conservation of the same under in situ and ex situ.
Peacocke on magnitudes and numbers
Authors: Linnebo Øystein
Published: September 2020

Peacocke’s recent The Primacy of Metaphysics covers a wide range of topics. This critical discussion focuses on the book’s novel account of extensive magnitudes and numbers. First, I further develop and defend Peacocke’s argument against nominalistic approaches to magnitudes and numbers. Then, I argue that his view is more Aristotelian than Platonist because reified magnitudes and numbers are accounted for via corresponding properties and these properties’ application conditions, and because the mentioned objects have a “shallow nature” relative to the corresponding properties. The result is an asymmetric conception of abstraction, which contrasts with the neo-Fregeans’ but has important tenets in common with an approach that I have recently developed.
Closed sequential pattern mining for sitemap generation
Authors: Ceci Michelangelo , Lanotte Pasqua Fabiana
Published: September 2020

A sitemap represents an explicit specification of the design concept and knowledge organization of a website and is therefore considered as the website’s basic ontology. It not only presents the main usage flows for users, but also hierarchically organizes concepts of the website. Typically, sitemaps are defined by webmasters in the very early stages of the website design. However, during their life websites significantly change their structure, their content and their possible navigation paths. Even if this is not the case, webmasters can fail to either define sitemaps that reflect the actual website content or, vice versa, to define the actual organization of pages and links which do not reflect the intended organization of the content coded in the sitemaps. In this paper we propose an approach which automatically generates sitemaps. Contrary to other approaches proposed in the literature, which mainly generate sitemaps from the textual content of the pages, in this work sitemaps are generated by analyzing the Web graph of a website. This allows us to: i) automatically generate a sitemap on the basis of possible navigation paths, ii) compare the generated sitemaps with either the sitemap provided by the Web designer or with the intended sitemap of the website and, consequently, iii) plan possible website re-organization. The solution we propose is based on closed frequent sequence extraction and only concentrates on hyperlinks organized in “Web lists”, which are logical lists embedded in the pages. These “Web lists” are typically used for supporting users in Web site navigation and they include menus, navbars and content tables. Experiments performed on three real datasets show that the extracted sitemaps are much more similar to those defined by website curators than those obtained by competitor algorithms.
Railway timetabling: a maximum bottleneck path algorithm for finding an additional train path
Authors: Ljunggren Fredrik , Persson Kristian , Peterson Anders , Schmidt Christiane
Published: September 2020

We present an algorithm to insert a train path in an existing railway timetable close to operation, when we want to affect the existing (passenger) traffic as little as possible. Thus, we consider all other trains as fixed, and aim for a resulting train path that maximizes the bottleneck robustness, that is, a train path that maximizes the temporal distance to neighboring trains in the timetable. Our algorithm is based on a graph formulation of the problem and uses a variant of Dijkstra’s algorithm. We present an extensive experimental evaluation of our algorithm for the Swedish railway stretch from Malmö to Hallsberg. Moreover, we analyze the size of our constructed graph.
New data on agro-pastoral diets in southern Italy from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age
Authors: Arena Fabiola , Gualdi-Russo Emanuela , Olsen Jesper , Philippsen Bente , Mannino Marcello A.
Published: September 2020

The socio-cultural and economic developments that took place from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age are poorly understood, despite the fact that they were essential for the establishment of fully agro-pastoral economies in Europe. In this study, we aim to assess dietary changes in communities living in southern Italy during this period by examining stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios on human bone collagen. In particular, we investigated skeletal remains from seven sites in the southern Italian regions of Calabria (Grotta della Monaca, Grotta di Donna Marsilia and Grotta dell’Antenato), Basilicata (Murgia Timone, Grotta Funeraria and Toppo d’Aguzzo) and Apulia (Ipogeo dei Bronzi) to explore possible variations in diet between different geographic areas and periods. The results of the analysis on bone collagen extracts from 33 human and 12 faunal (sheep, dog, cattle and pigs) specimens attest that the diets of prehistoric southern Italians were mixed and based on the consumption of terrestrial resources, including generally moderate proportions of animal protein (e.g. meat and dairy products) and of C3plants (e.g. cereals and legumes). Minor differences in the proportion of consumed meat are mostly dependent on the nature of regional environments, with individuals from Basilicata relying more on animal protein than those from Calabria and Apulia. Our study provides insights into the dietary habits of southern Italian populations during the prehistoric period that witnessed an increase both in agriculture and in pastoralism.
Increasing LPG production by adding volatile hydrocarbons to reduce import gap in Egypt
Authors: Shahin Ahmed M. , Ghallab Ayat O. , Soliman Ahmed
Published: September 2020

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) becomes popular in the twentieth century as source of energy, since it is economically feasible to be produced, transported, sold and stored as a liquid fuel. LPG in Egypt is considered one of the most important domestic fuels. Egypt imports half of its LPG fuel demand. Many researches have been developed to increase the production of LPG in Egypt by increasing the productivity of the refineries. The objective of this study is to investigate the possibility of adding other relatively volatile hydrocarbons as ethane, n-pentane and pentanes’ isomers (iso-pentane and neo-pentane) and/or utilizing relatively volatile oxi-hydrocarbons [mainly dimethyl ether (DME) or dimethyl propane (DMP)] to increase LPG production without affecting its specifications, in order to reduce the import gap of LPG in Egypt. The new LPG mixture is adjusted to meet the Egyptian specifications of LPG (2020). Due to ethane critical properties, it is recommended not to add ethane to LPG since the behavior of ethane cannot be predicted at 50 °C and will be separated inside the LPG bottle. In addition, it will necessitate the increase in LPG butane content. In summer, it is recommended to add i-C5 or 2,2DMP or a mixture of both to LPG (depending on the cost). In winter, it is recommended to add 2,2DMP or a mixture of 2,2DMP with i-C5 to LPG (depending on the cost). Adding DME to LPG with any percentage will decrease the heating value below the Egyptian heating value specifications (2020). Adding neo-pentane to LPG is more preferable than DME, since the heating value of neo-pentane is higher than that of DME. Also, the production cost of the neo-pentane is lower than that of DME.
Influenza-associated in-hospital mortality during the 2017/2018 influenza season: a retrospective multicentre cohort study in central Germany
Authors: Rößler Steve , Ankert Juliane , Baier Michael , Pletz Mathias W. , Hagel Stefan
Published: September 2020

The aim of this retrospective cohort study at eight hospitals in Germany was to specify influenza-associated in-hospital mortality during the 2017/2018 flu season, which was the strongest in Germany in the past 30 years. A total of 1560 patients were included in the study. Overall, in-hospital mortality was 6.7% (n = 103), in patients treated in the intensive care unit (n = 161) mortality was 22.4%. The proportion of deceased patients per hospital was between 0% and 7.0%. Influenza was the immediate cause of death in 82.8% (n = 82) of the decedents.
CELLO: a longitudinal data analysis toolbox untangling cancer evolution
Authors: Jiang Biaobin , Song Dong , Mu Quanhua , Wang Jiguang
Published: September 2020

The complex pattern of cancer evolution poses a huge challenge to precision oncology. Longitudinal sequencing of tumor samples allows us to monitor the dynamics of mutations that occurred during this clonal evolution process. Here, we present a versatile toolbox, namely CELLO (Cancer EvoLution for LOngitudinal data), accompanied with a step‐by‐step tutorial, to exemplify how to profile, analyze and visualize the dynamic change of somatic mutational landscape using longitudinal genomic sequencing data. Moreover, we customize the hypermutation detection module in CELLO to adapt targeted‐DNA and whole‐transcriptome sequencing data, and verify the extensive applicability of CELLO in published longitudinal datasets from brain, bladder and breast cancers. The entire tutorial and reusable programs in MATLAB, R and docker versions are open access at https://github.com/WangLabHKUST/CELLO.
New strategy for reducing the EHL friction in steel contacts using additive-formed oleophobic boundary films
Authors: Kalin Mitjan , Kus Maja
Published: September 2020

In this study we present a mechanism for the elastohydrodynamic (EHD) friction reduction in steel/steel contacts, which occurs due to the formation of oleophobic surface boundary layers from common boundary-lubrication additives. Several simple organic additives (amine, alcohol, amide, and fatty acid) with different molecular structures were employed as the model additives. It was found that the stronger chemisorption at 100 °C, rather than the physisorption at 25 °C, is more effective in friction reduction, which reaches 22%. What is more, EHD friction reduction was obtained in steel/steel contacts without use of the diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings with their wetting or thermal effect, which was previously suggested as possible EHD friction reduction mechanism; yet about the same friction reduction of about 20% was obtained here—but with much simpler and less expensive technology, namely with the adsorbed oleophobic surface layers. A small variation in the additive’s molecular structure results in significant changes to the friction, indicating good potential in future EHD lubrication technology, where these additives could be designed and well optimised for notable reduction of the friction losses in the EHD regime.
Subcritical crack growth parameters in glass as a function of environmental conditions
Authors: Brokmann Christopher , Kolling Stefan , Schneider Jens
Published: September 2020

In the present work, subcritical crack growth in soda–lime silicate glass is investigated under different environmental conditions. Crack growth parameters as a function of temperature and humidity were determined by dynamic fatigue tests, which has been verified by using the in-situ method of filming crack growth during experiments. The specimens were pre-damaged for constant initial crack lengths in all specimens using the Vickers indentation test. The determined parameters were compared with those from literature in order to discuss existing deviations of sub-critical crack growth parameters in literature. These deviations may be caused by environmental conditions and different chemical compositions of the glass. Arrest lines were used to determine the ratio of crack width to crack depth in Vickers indented specimens. For the initial crack depth, images of fracture surfaces were taken using an scanning electron microscope. Furthermore, the influence of humidity and temperature on the failure stress of unindented specimens with a constant initial crack length was simulated.
Measurement and Modeling of Both Distant and Close Electric Fields of an M‐Component in Rocket‐Triggered Lightning
Authors: Li Quanxin , Rachidi Farhad , Rubinstein Marcos , Wang Jianguo , Cai Li , Azadifar Mohammad , Mostajabi Amirhossein , Zhou Mi , Fan Yadong
Published: September 2020

Simultaneous measurements of current and multiple‐station electric fields associated with a 5.4‐kA‐peak M‐component in rocket‐triggered lightning are presented in this study. A close‐range electric field measurement site was located northeast of the triggering site, 195° clockwise from South, at a distance of 78 m, while the distant multiple stations in this study were located southwest of the lightning triggering site (25–48°, clockwise from South) at a distance ranging from 69 to 126 km. Both the fast microsecond‐scale and slow millisecond‐scale pulses were observed at six distant stations. At the close station, the fast pulse was not noticeable. The magnitude and half‐peak width of the fast pulse were in the range of 0.91–1.93 V/m and 2.0–3.0 μs, respectively. The corresponding parameters for the slow pulse were, respectively, in the range of 0.59–1.29 V/m and 20.0–25.1 μs. The time lag between the onset of the channel‐base current and the far electric field of the M‐component was 18 μs. This time lag was used to deduce the ratio of the M‐component channel length and the wave speed. The classical guided wave M‐component model proposed by Rakov et al. (1995,https://doi.org/10.1029/95JD01924) to simulate the slow, millisecond‐scale field pulse assumes that neither the incident nor the reflected current wave undergoes attenuation even though the wave propagation occurs along a lossy channel. A modified guided wave M‐component model is proposed in this study in which the M‐component current wave attenuates with an exponential decay. Based on the best agreement achieved between the simulated fields using the modified two‐wave M‐component model and the observed near and far electric fields, the channel length, the M‐component wave speed, and the current attenuation constant were inferred, respectively, as 1.8 km, 1 × 108 m/s, and 3 km. It is shown that the modified guided wave M‐component model is able to reproduce reasonably well the electric fields both at close and far distance ranges.
The Effect of Fertilization on Biomass and Metabolism in North Carolina Salt Marshes: Modulated by Location‐Specific Factors
Authors: Czapla K. M. , Anderson I. C. , Currin C. A.
Published: September 2020

The resilience of salt marshes to sea level rise depends on vertical accretion through belowground biomass production and sediment deposition to maintain elevation above sea level. Increased nitrogen (N) availability from anthropogenic sources may stimulate aboveground biomass production and sediment deposition and, thus, accretion; however, increased N may also negatively impact marsh accretion by decreasing belowground biomass and increasing net CO2 emissions. A study was conducted in Spartina alterniflora‐dominated salt marshes in North Carolina, USA, to determine how responses to fertilization vary across locations with different physical and chemical characteristics. Pore water residence time, inundation time, and proximity to tidal creeks drove spatial differences in pore water sulfide, ammonium, and dissolved carbon concentrations. Although annual respiration and gross primary production were greater at the creek edge than interior marsh sites, net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) was nearly balanced at all the sites. Fertilization decreased belowground biomass in the interior sites but not on the creek edge. Aboveground biomass, respiration, gross primary production, and net CO2 emissions increased in response to fertilization, but responses were diminished in interior marsh locations with high pore water sulfide. Hourly NEE measured by chambers were similar to hourly NEE observed by a nearby eddy covariance tower, but correcting for inundation depth relative to plant height was critical for accurate extrapolation to annual fluxes. The impact of fertilization on biomass and NEE, and thus marsh resilience, varied across marsh locations depending upon location‐specific pore water sulfide concentrations.