bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sulforaphane: A review of its therapeutic potentials, advances in its nanodelivery, recent patents, and clinical trials
Authors: Mangla Bharti , Javed Shamama , Sultan Muhammad Hadi , Kumar Pankaj , Kohli Kanchan , Najmi Asim , Alhazmi Hassan A. , Al Bratty Mohammed , Ahsan Waquar
Published: June 2021

Traditionally, herbal supplements have shown an exceptional potential of desirability for the prevention of diseases and their treatment. Sulforaphane (SFN), an organosulfur compound belongs to the isothiocyanate (ITC) group and is mainly found naturally in cruciferous vegetables. Several studies have now revealed that SFN possesses broad spectrum of activities and has shown extraordinary potential as antioxidant, antitumor, anti‐angiogenic, and anti‐inflammatory agent. In addition, SFN is proven to be less toxic, non‐oxidizable, and its administration to individuals is well tolerated, making it an effective natural dietary supplement for clinical trials. SFN has shown its ability to be a promising future drug molecule for the management of various diseases mainly due to its potent antioxidant properties. In recent times, several newer drug delivery systems were designed and developed for this potential molecule in order to enhance its bioavailability, stability, and to reduce its side effects. This review focuses to cover numerous data supporting the wide range of pharmacological activities of SFN, its drug‐related issues, and approaches to improve its physicochemical and biological properties, including solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Recent patents and the ongoing clinical trials on SFN are also summarized.
The influence of cations on the dipole moments of neighboring polar molecules
Authors: Bakó Imre , Csókás Dániel , Mayer István , Pothoczki Szilvia , Pusztai László
Published: June 2021

In this article we show how the dipole moment of a single molecule in a cluster can be calculated and used for describing the polarization effect. Additionally, we review the accuracy of the calculation of the dipole moment of several simple protic and aprotic molecules. It is shown that the dipole moment of polar (water, methanol, formamide, acetone and acetonitrile) molecules in the neighborhood of a cation is increased primarily by polarization from the bare electrostatic charge of the cation, although the effective value of the latter is somewhat reduced by “back donation” of electrons from neighboring polar molecules. In other words, the classical picture may be viewed as if a point charge slightly smaller than the nominal charge of the cation would be placed at the cation site. It was found that the geometrical arrangement of the polar molecules in the first solvation shell is such that their mutual polarization reduces the dipole moments of individual molecules, so that in some cases they become smaller than the dipole moment of the free protic or aprotic molecule. We conjecture, for the first time, that this behavior, namely the about 10%–20% decrease of the dipole moment of water in the first shell of cations, with the cation itself removed, is essentially a manifestation of the Le Chatelier–Braun principle. We also remark that if the cation‐molecule bond order is too large then the calculated dipole moment for these complexes can be questionable, due to the questionable definition of a single molecule within the “supermolecule”‐like cluster.
Spin Pumping and Inverse Spin Hall Effect in Iridium Oxide
Authors: Sahoo Biswajit , Roy Koustuv , Gupta Pushpendra , Mishra Abhisek , Satpati Biswarup , Singh Braj Bhusan , Bedanta Subhankar
Published: June 2021

Large spin‐to‐charge conversion (spin Hall angle) and spin Hall conductivity are prerequisites for development of next generation power efficient spintronic devices. In this context, heavy metals (e.g., Pt, W, etc.), topological insulators, and antiferromagnets are usually considered because they exhibit high spin–orbit coupling (SOC). In addition to the above materials, 5d transition metal oxide, for example, iridium oxide (IrO2) is a potential candidate which exhibits high SOC strength. Here a study of spin pumping and inverse spin Hall effect (ISHE), via ferromagnetic resonance (FMR), in IrO2/CoFeB system is reported. By investigating the in‐plane angular dependence of the ISHE voltage, the individual contribution of spin pumping and other spin rectification effects in the magnetic layer is identified. The authors' analysis shows significant contribution of spin pumping effect to the ISHE signal. It is shown that polycrystalline IrO2 thin film exhibits high spin Hall conductivity and spin Hall angle which are comparable to the values of Pt.
Primary pulmonary marginal zone lymphoma: an unusual cause of pulmonary infiltrates
Authors: Smyth Robert , Sloan John Mark , Burks Eric , Hawkins Finn
Published: June 2021

Primary pulmonary extra‐nodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma), also known as bronchus‐associated lymphoid tissue (BALT lymphoma), is the most common primary pulmonary lymphoma but is rare (<1%) among all non‐Hodgkin lymphomas and among pulmonary neoplasms in general. We herein report the case of a 59‐year‐old male who presented with stable exertional dyspnoea and persistent lung infiltrates who was referred to our hospital for further assessment. A computed tomography (CT)‐guided core biopsy was performed showing a dense lymphoid infiltrate, with further testing revealing the diagnosis of pulmonary MALT lymphoma. This uncommon lung tumour is usually seen in older adults and typically associated with a relatively indolent course. Rituximab, an anti‐CD20 antibody, has been shown to be effective in up to 70% of cases.
Exercise intolerance due to chronotropic incompetence uncovered by cardiopulmonary exercise test: an often overlooked manifestation of ischaemic heart disease
Authors: Ho Sharlene , Qi Danqing , Tan Geak Poh
Published: June 2021

A 60‐year‐old delivery man was referred for evaluation of unexplained exertional dyspnoea despite initial non‐diagnostic investigations, including pulmonary function tests and dobutamine stress echocardiography. A symptom‐limited cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) revealed chronotropic incompetence (CI), reduced oxygen uptake (VO2)/work slope at moderate–high workload, and ST‐segment depression on recovery electrocardiogram. Coronary angiogram confirmed severe stenosis in right coronary artery and left anterior descending artery, for which he underwent percutaneous coronary stenting and cardiac rehabilitation. An interval CPET showed improvement in heart rate (HR) response and aerobic capacity. CI is characterized by an attenuated HR response to incremental exercise or an increased HR reserve despite maximal effort. Clinically, it is an independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular events and mortality. CI is frequently overlooked, highlighting the importance of CPET in the diagnostic workup of unexplained dyspnoea.
Estimating value‐at‐risk models for non‐conventional equity market index
Authors: Baig Ahmed S. , Butt Hassan A. , Khalid Rizwan
Published: June 2021

In this study, we evaluate Value‐at‐Risk (VaR) forecasts for non‐conventional (i.e., Islamic) equity markets using various time‐varying volatility models. Recent evidence suggests that volatility shifts in returns cause non‐normality by significantly increasing kurtosis. Consequently, we endogenously detect significant shifts in the volatility of our Islamic equity market index returns and incorporate this information into selected models to estimate the downside risk. Our results show that the best forecast is generated by the dynamic quantile regression (DQR) model that does not make any specific assumptions about the underlying returns distribution. We also show the economic implications of our findings by calculating daily capital charges under Basel II Accord.
Atomically Structural Regulations of Carbon‐Based Single‐Atom Catalysts for Electrochemical CO2Reduction
Authors: Han Shu‐Guo , Ma Dong‐Dong , Zhu Qi‐Long
Published: June 2021

The electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) converting CO2into value‐added chemicals and fuels to realize carbon recycling is a solution to the problem of renewable energy shortage and environmental pollution. Among all the catalysts, the carbon‐based single‐atom catalysts (SACs) with isolated metal atoms immobilized on conductive carbon substrates have shown significant potential toward CO2RR, which intrigues researchers to explore high‐performance SACs for fuel and chemical production by CO2RR. Especially, regulating the coordination structures of the metal centers and the microenvironments of the substrates in carbon‐based SACs has emerged as an effective strategy for the tailoring of their CO2RR catalytic performance. In this review, the current in situ/operando study techniques and the fundamental parameters for CO2RR performance are first briefly presented. Furthermore, the recent advances in synthetic strategies which regulate the atomic structures of the carbon‐based SACs, including heteroatom coordination, coordination numbers, diatomic metal centers, and the microenvironments of substrates are summarized. In particular, the structure‐performance relationship of the SACs toward CO2RR is highlighted. Finally, the inevitable challenges for SACs are outlined and further research directions toward CO2RR are presented from the perspectives.
A revision of Vernicomacanthus Miles with comments on the characters of stem‐group chondrichthyans
Authors: Dearden Richard P. , den Blaauwen Jan L. , Sansom Ivan J. , Burrow Carole J. , Davidson Robert G. , Newman Michael J. , Ko Andy , Brazeau Martin D.
Published: June 2021

The ‘acanthodian’ fishes provide key anatomical insights into the deepest branches of the chondrichthyan stem group. We review the anatomy of the acanthodian Vernicomacanthus uncinatus from the Lochkovian (Lower Devonian, 419.2–410.8 Ma) of Scotland based on eight articulated fossils, one of which is newly described. Broadly, the anatomy of V. uncinatus fits with that of contemporaneous acanthodians such as Climatius and Parexus, with a head covered by robust tesserae, an enlarged postorbital scale, an armoured shoulder girdle, and many pairs of ventrolateral spines. However, it departs from this anatomy in key respects. Its pectoral fin spines are obliquely ridged and posteriorly denticulated, similarly to Carboniferous gyracanth stem‐group chondrichthyans. Its scales consist of multiple anteroposteriorly aligned odontodes, similarly to many Palaeozoic ‘sharks’. And its endoskeletal shoulder girdle may have a posterolateral angle, previously observed only in shark‐like chondrichthyans. We propose that the differences between V. uncinatus and its congeneric, V. waynensis, which include potentially phylogenetically significant characters of the shoulder girdle and spines, are sufficient to erect a new genus for V. waynensis: Dobunnacanthus gen. nov. The scales of Vernicomacanthus are identical to those of the ‘shark’ scale genus Altholepis, suggesting that some such scales may instead belong to taxa with acanthodian‐like gross anatomies. Based on these scales we highlight potential patterns in chondrichthyan scale evolution, in particular the axial addition of odontodes. Anatomical similarities between Vernicomacanthus and gyracanths, highlighted by previous authors, may indicate the existence of a grade including these and similar acanthodian‐grade taxa placed relatively crownwards in the chondrichthyan stem‐group.
Überprüfung der Relevanz von Spurenstoffen bei der Trinkwasseraufbereitung am Beispiel der Ozonungsprodukte von Oxipurinol
Authors: Flörs M. , Schulz W. , Betz L. , Seitz W. , Winzenbacher R.
Published: June 2021

Durch den Einsatz von Chemikalien in Haushalt, Industrie und Landwirtschaft gelangt eine Vielzahl an Spurenstoffen in Trinkwasserressourcen [1]. Oft findet nur ein teilweiser Abbau der Spurenstoffe oder eine Transformation in Metaboliten durch verschiedene, in Böden und Klärwerken ablaufende Prozesse statt. Um ein toxikologisch und hygienisch einwandfreies Trinkwasser sicherzustellen, müssen dann aufwendigere Aufbereitungsschritte wie die Ozonung oder die Aktivkohlefiltration eingesetzt werden.
Judgement and assessment of high resolution mass spectrometry investigations of DOM – Examples for identification of biogeochemical processes in waters
Authors: Herzsprung P. , Kamjunke N. , von Tümpling W. , Wilske C. , Reemtsma T. , Lechtenfeld O. J.
Published: June 2021

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) consists of various complex structures, thousands or even millions of different molecules. The identification of the isomeric structure of each molecule is still far from any instrumental analytical realization [1]. The highest analytical resolution of DOM, which is the elemental composition of components, can be achieved by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR‐MS) [2–5]. Nevertheless with the high resolution attempts it can be possible to identify aquatic biogeochemical processes by investigating water samples as function of time and/or space. In the case of water body monitoring as function of depth and season or time rather small abundance variations can be expected due to mixing effects of the water body.
Europe, the Euro and German Demographic Renewal
Authors: von Weizsäcker Carl Christian , Krämer Hagen M.
Published: June 2021

Access to the domestic market is nowadays the trump card of trade diplomacy. The larger the domestic market, the more effective it is. The euro is thus the decisive pillar of the European single market. The German debt brake is incompatible with the long-term stability of the euro. For as long as it applies, full employment can never be achieved in the eurozone as a whole. Under currentfiscal policy, full employment would require unrealistically high export surpluses. A euro doomed to underemployment will collapse. Hence, the international fiscal order must also be applied among the nation states in the euroarea. Germany’s resulting obligations offer an opportunity for a German demographic renewal by aggressively encouraging the immigration of skilled workers.
Land
Authors: von Weizsäcker Carl Christian , Krämer Hagen M.
Published: June 2021

Private wealth is comprised in part of capitalized future land rents. The Golden Rule of Accumulation is preserved even if we introduce land into our meta-model. Urban land is far more valuable than agricultural land. The risk tied to land leads to a reduction in its value in the form of a “risk premium” α > 0. Land rents can be taxed without any possibility of the tax being passed on to tenants and without loss of efficiency. If the tax is offset by a reduction in income tax, their taxation can even give rise to efficiency gains and positive distributive effects. The possibility of government intervention in the residential rental market represents a further risk for landowners. The sensitivity of the value of land to changes in the interest rate and hence the risk premium α rise with falling interest rates. In light of these many different risks, land as investment can only to a limited extent be a substitute for government bonds and hence for increasing private wealth by way of public debt. We calculate the value of land as asset category in the OECD plus China region. To this end, we primarily rely on data from statistical offices that provide figures for land in their national balance sheets. Our calculations show that the value of land in the countries of the OECD plus China region is about twice annual consumption in the region.
Monetary Stability and the Stability of the Open Society
Authors: von Weizsäcker Carl Christian , Krämer Hagen M.
Published: June 2021

Historical experience shows that the welfare state is what holds democracy and the market economy together. Neither a welfare state that is too small nor one that is too large can fulfill this connective function. A “stability pact” between citizens and the state is needed: 1. A welfare state to provide citizens security even in their old age. 2. In order to preserve appropriate incentives, the retirement system has to be a form of “saving” (forced saving) for old age. 3. In addition, most citizens also undertake voluntary saving. 4. The state provides for monetary stability. 5. The state uses itsfiscal policy to promote high employment. A modern understanding of personal freedom includes the security provided by a welfare state of appropriate dimensions. It follows that in the twenty-first century, a large part of the wealth of citizens consists of net claims on the state.
Die intrazerebrale Gentherapie des Aromatischen-L-Aminosäure-Decarboxylase-Mangels mit Eladocagene exuparvovec
Authors: Opladen Thomas , Brennenstuhl Heiko , Kuseyri Hübschmann Oya , Call Debora , Green Kim , Schara Ulrike , Rascher Wolfgang , Hövel Annegret , Assmann Birgit , Kölker Stefan , Westhoff Jens H. , Walter Magdalena , Ziegler Andreas , Hoffmann Georg F. , Kiening Karl
Published: June 2021

Hintergrund

Der autosomal-rezessiv vererbte Defekt der aromatischen L‑Aminosäure-Decarboxylase (AADC) führt zu einem ausgeprägten, kombinierten Mangel an Dopamin, Serotonin und Katecholaminen. Das klinische Bild ist charakterisiert durch eine rumpfbetonte, muskuläre Hypotonie, verzögertes oder fehlendes Erreichen der motorischen Meilensteine und okulogyre Krisen ab dem Säuglingsalter. Der Erfolg der konventionellen, medikamentösen Behandlung ist besonders bei schweren Verläufen sehr limitiert. Mit der intrazerebralen Applikation von Eladocagene exuparvovec (Upstaza®), einer AAV2-basierten Gentherapie, deren Zulassung für Mitte 2021 erwartet wird, steht erstmals ein kausaler Therapieansatz zur Verfügung.

Ziel

In Zusammenarbeit mit der Gesellschaft für Neuropädiatrie (GNP), der Arbeitsgemeinschaft pädiatrischer Stoffwechselstörungen (APS), der Gesellschaft für Neurochirurgie (DGNC) und der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin (DGKJ) wurden die Strukturvoraussetzungen und die praktischen Aspekte in der Vorbereitung, Durchführung und Nachsorge der Therapie mit Eladocagene exuparvovec erarbeitet.

Diskussion

Die vorliegende Stellungnahme stellt die notwendigen Rahmenbedingungen für eine qualitätsgesicherte Anwendung von Eladocagene exuparvovec zusammen. Die Behandlung erfordert eine prästationäre, stationäre und poststationäre Betreuung durch ein multiprofessionelles Team in einem spezialisierten und qualifizierten Therapiezentrum. Die Nachsorge der Patienten soll zu einer wissensgenerierenden Versorgung beitragen. Aufgrund von fehlenden Daten zur therapeutischen (Langzeit‑)Wirkung sowie zu Vor- und Nachteilen der verschiedenen stereotaktischen Prozeduren sind ein strukturierter Nachsorgeplan und die Erfassung in einem geeigneten, industrieunabhängigen Register notwendig.
Social networks and type 2 diabetes: a narrative review
Authors: Schram Miranda T. , Assendelft Willem J. J. , van Tilburg Theo G. , Dukers-Muijrers Nicole H. T. M.
Published: June 2021

It has been known for decades that social networks are causally related to disease and mortality risk. However, this field of research and its potential for implementation into diabetes care is still in its infancy. In this narrative review, we aim to address the state-of-the-art of social network research in type 2 diabetes prevention and care. Despite the diverse nature and heterogeneity of social network assessments, we can draw valuable lessons from the available studies. First, the structural network variable ‘living alone’ and the functional network variable ‘lack of social support’ have been associated with increased type 2 diabetes risk. The latter association may be modified by lifestyle risk factors, such as obesity, low level of physical activity and unhealthy diet. Second, smaller network size and less social support is associated with increased risk of diabetes complications, particularly chronic kidney disease and CHD. Third, current evidence shows a beneficial impact of social support on diabetes self-management. In addition, social support interventions were found to have a small, favourable effect on HbA1c values in the short-term. However, harmonisation and more detailed assessment of social network measurements are needed to utilise social network characteristics for more effective prevention and disease management in type 2 diabetes.

Graphical abstract
A VR-based approach in conducting MTM for manual workplaces
Authors: Gorobets Valentina , Holzwarth Valentin , Hirt Christian , Jufer Noëlle , Kunz Andreas
Published: June 2021

Due to current trends in the manufacturing industry, such as mass customization, manual operations contribute drastically to the overall costs of a product. Methods-Time-Measurement (MTM) identifies the optimization potential of manual workplaces, which significantly influences a worker’s productivity. However, traditional MTM requires great efforts to observe and transcribe manual assembly processes. Yet, various digital approaches exist that facilitate MTM analyses. While most of these approaches require the existence of real workplaces or cardboard mock-ups, it would be beneficial to conduct a virtual MTM in earlier phases of production planning. However, the quality of virtual MTM analyses compared to traditional MTM conducted in reality has not been assessed yet. This paper is addressing it by conducting a comparative user study with 21 participants completing the same task both at a real and virtual workplace, which they access via virtual reality technology. Our results show that participants’ MTM-2 values achieved at the VR workplace are comparable to those at the real workplace. However, time study data reveals that participants moved considerably slower in VR and thus needed more time to accomplish the task. Consequently, for the measurement of manual work in VR, it is even necessary to utilize predetermined times, such as MTM-2 since time study data is insufficient. This paper also serves as a proof of concept for future studies, investigating automated transcription systems that would further decrease the efforts conducting MTM analyses.
How molecular imaging will enable robotic precision surgery
Authors: Wendler Thomas , van Leeuwen Fijs W. B. , Navab Nassir , van Oosterom Matthias N.
Published: June 2021

Molecular imaging is one of the pillars of precision surgery. Its applications range from early diagnostics to therapy planning, execution, and the accurate assessment of outcomes. In particular, molecular imaging solutions are in high demand in minimally invasive surgical strategies, such as the substantially increasing field of robotic surgery. This review aims at connecting the molecular imaging and nuclear medicine community to the rapidly expanding armory of surgical medical devices. Such devices entail technologies ranging from artificial intelligence and computer-aided visualization technologies (software) to innovative molecular imaging modalities and surgical navigation (hardware). We discuss technologies based on their role at different steps of the surgical workflow, i.e., from surgical decision and planning, over to target localization and excision guidance, all the way to (back table) surgical verification. This provides a glimpse of how innovations from the technology fields can realize an exciting future for the molecular imaging and surgery communities.
TROPHY registry — status report
Authors: Thomale U. W. , Auer C. , Spennato P. , Schaumann A. , Behrens P. , Gorelyshev S. , Bogoslovskaia E. , Shulaev A. , Kabanian A. , Seliverstov A. , Alexeev A. , Ozgural O. , Kahilogullari G. , Schuhmann M. , Jimenez-Guerra R. , Wittayanakorn N. , Sukharev A. , Marquez-Rivas J. , Linsler S. , Damaty A. El , Vacek P. , Lovha M. , Guzman R. , Stricker S. , Beez T. , Wiegand C. , Azab M. , Buis D. , Sáez M. , Fleck S. , Dziugan C. , Ferreira A. , Radovnicky T. , Bührer C. , Lam S. , Sgouros S. , Roth J. , Constantini S. , Cavalheiro S. , Cinalli G. , Kulkarni A. V. , Bock H. C.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The TROPHY registry has been established to conduct an international multicenter prospective data collection on the surgical management of neonatal intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH)-related hydrocephalus to possibly contribute to future guidelines. The registry allows comparing the techniques established to treat hydrocephalus, such as external ventricular drainage (EVD), ventricular access device (VAD), ventricular subgaleal shunt (VSGS), and neuroendoscopic lavage (NEL). This first status report of the registry presents the results of the standard of care survey of participating centers assessed upon online registration.

Methods

On the standard of treatment forms, each center indicated the institutional protocol of interventions performed for neonatal post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (nPHH) for a time period of 2 years (Y1 and Y2) before starting the active participation in the registry. In addition, the amount of patients enrolled so far and allocated to a treatment approach are reported.

Results

According to the standard of treatment forms completed by 56 registered centers, fewer EVDs (Y1 55% Y2 46%) were used while more centers have implemented NEL (Y1 39%; Y2 52%) to treat nPHH. VAD (Y1 66%; Y2 66%) and VSGS (Y1 42%; Y2 41%) were used at a consistent rate during the 2 years. The majority of the centers used at least two different techniques to treat nPHH (43%), while 27% used only one technique, 21% used three, and 7% used even four different techniques. Patient data of 110 infants treated surgically between 9/2018 and 2/2021 (13% EVD, 15% VAD, 30% VSGS, and 43% NEL) were contributed by 29 centers.

Conclusions

Our results emphasize the varying strategies used for the treatment of nPHH. The international TROPHY registry has entered into a phase of growing patient recruitment. Further evaluation will be performed and published according to the registry protocol.
Correlation analysis of resected breast tissue and implant volume after mastectomy and its association with breast density
Authors: Malter Wolfram , Bachmann Bo Jan , Krug Barbara , Hellmich Martin , Zinser Max , Mallmann Peter , Eichler Christian , Puppe Julian
Published: June 2021

Background

The current methods for calculating the ideal implant volume for breast reconstruction are based on pre- or intraoperative volume measurements of the existing breast volume and do not take into account the individual breast density of the woman. This study aims is to identify objective parameters that can help to improve the optimal implant selection.

Materials and methods

This retrospective analysis includes 198 breast cancer patients who underwent mastectomy. Breast densities (ACR) measured in mammography and MRI were compared with the removed breast tissue weight and volume of the implants used. In addition, the resected weight was compared directly with the implant volume to calculate a mathematical function.

Results

There was no significant correlation between the ACR values and the resected weights [correlation coefficient: mammography:− 0.117 (p = 0.176), MRI − 0.033 (p = 0.756)]. A negative correlation between the implant volumes and both imaging methods could be demonstrated [correlation coefficient: mammography − 0.268; p = 0.002; MRI was − 0.200 (p = 0.055)]. A highly significant correlation between the resected weights and the implant volumes (correlation coefficient 0.744; p < 0.001) was observed. This correlation corresponds to a power function (y = 34.71 x0.39), in which any resected weight can be used for the variable x to calculate the implant volume.

Conclusion

We were able to show that there is a significant correlation between the resected breast tissue and the implant volume. With our novel potency function, the appropriate implant volume can be calculated for any resected weight making it easier for the surgeon to choose a fitting implant in a simple and more objective manner.
The role of action effects in motor sequence planning and execution: exploring the influence of temporal and spatial effect anticipation
Authors: Brown Rachel M. , Friedgen Erik , Koch Iring
Published: June 2021

Actions we perform every day generate perceivable outcomes with both spatial and temporal features. According to the ideomotor principle, we plan our actions by anticipating the outcomes, but this principle does not directly address how sequential movements are influenced by different outcomes. We examined how sequential action planning is influenced by the anticipation of temporal and spatial features of action outcomes. We further explored the influence of action sequence switching. Participants performed cued sequences of button presses that generated visual effects which were either spatially compatible or incompatible with the sequences, and the spatial effects appeared after a short or long delay. The sequence cues switched or repeated across trials, and the predictability of action sequence switches was varied across groups. The results showed a delay-anticipation effect for sequential action, whereby a shorter anticipated delay between action sequences and their outcomes speeded initiation and execution of the cued action sequences. Delay anticipation was increased by predictable action switching, but it was not strongly modified by the spatial compatibility of the action outcomes. The results extend previous demonstrations of delay anticipation to the context of sequential action. The temporal delay between actions and their outcomes appears to be retrieved for sequential planning and influences both the initiation and the execution of actions.
Dual variational methods for a nonlinear Helmholtz equation with sign-changing nonlinearity
Authors: Mandel Rainer , Scheider Dominic , Yeşil Tolga
Published: June 2021

We prove new existence results for a nonlinear Helmholtz equation with sign-changing nonlinearity of the form $$\begin{aligned} - \Delta u - k^{2}u = Q(x)|u|^{p-2}u, \quad u \in W^{2,p}\left( {\mathbb {R}}^{N}\right) \end{aligned}$$

-
Δ
u
-

k
2

u
=
Q

(
x
)

|
u
|

p
-
2

u
,

u
∈

W

2
,
p

R

N

with $$k>0,$$

k
>
0
,

$$N \ge 3$$

N
≥
3

, $$p \in \left[ \left. \frac{2(N+1)}{N-1},\frac{2N}{N-2}\right) \right. $$

p
∈

2
(
N
+
1
)

N
-
1

,

2
N

N
-
2

and $$Q \in L^{\infty }({\mathbb {R}}^{N})$$

Q
∈

L
∞

(

R

N

)

. Due to the sign-changes of Q, our solutions have infinite Morse-Index in the corresponding dual variational formulation.
On the Flame Shape in a Premixed Swirl Stabilised Burner and its Dependence on the Laminar Flame Speed
Authors: Papafilippou Nikolaos , Chishty Muhammad Aqib , Gebart Rikard
Published: June 2021

Gas turbines for power generation are optimised to run with fossil fuels but as a response to tighter pollutant regulations and to enable the use of renewable fuels there is a great interest in improving fuel flexibility. One interesting renewable fuel is syngas from biomass gasification but its properties vary depending on the feedstock and gasification principle, and are significantly different from conventional fuels. This paper aims to give an overview of the differences in combustion behaviour by comparing numerical solutions with methane and several different synthesis gas compositions. The TECFLAM swirl burner geometry, which is designed to be representative of common gas turbine burners, was selected for comparison. The advantage with this geometry is that detailed experimental measurements with methane are publicly available. A two-stage approach was employed with development and validation of an advanced CFD model against experimental data for methane combustion followed by simulations with four syngas mixtures. The validated model was used to compare the flame shape and other characteristics of the flow between methane, 40% hydrogen enriched methane and four typical syngas compositions. It was found that the syngas cases experience lower swirl intensity due to high axial velocities that weakens the inner recirculation zone. Moreover, the higher laminar flame speed of the syngas cases has a strong effect on the flame front shape by bending it away from the axial direction, by making it shorter and by increasing the curvature of the flame front. A hypothesis that the flame shape and position is primarily governed by the laminar flame speed is supported by the almost identical flame shapes for bark powder syngas and 40% hydrogen enriched methane. These gas mixtures have almost identical laminar flame speeds for the relevant equivalence ratios but the heating value of the syngas is more than a factor of 3 smaller than that of the hydrogen enriched methane. The syngas compositions used are representative of practical gasification processes and biomass feedstocks. The demonstrated strong correlation between laminar flame speed and flame shape could be used as a rule of thumb to quickly judge whether the flame might come in contact with the structure or in other ways be detrimental to the function of the combustion system.
Displacement-based design of precast hinged portal frames with additional dissipating devices at beam-to-column joints
Authors: Belleri Andrea , Labò Simone
Published: June 2021

The seismic performance of precast portal frames typical of the industrial and commercial sector could be generally improved by providing additional mechanical devices at the beam-to-column joint. Such devices could provide an additional degree of fixity and energy dissipation in a joint generally characterized by a dry hinged connection, adopted to speed-up the construction phase. Another advantage of placing additional devices at the beam-to-column joint is the possibility to act as a fuse, concentrating the seismic damage on few sacrificial and replaceable elements. A procedure to design precast portal frames adopting additional devices is provided herein. The procedure moves from the Displacement-Based Design methodology proposed by M.J.N. Priestley, and it is applicable for both the design of new structures and the retrofit of existing ones. After the derivation of the required analytical formulations, the procedure is applied to select the additional devices for a new and an existing structural system. The validation through non-linear time history analyses allows to highlight the advantages and drawbacks of the considered devices and to prove the effectiveness of the proposed design procedure.
Delayed improvement local search
Authors: Amaral Heber F. , Urrutia Sebastián , Hvattum Lars M.
Published: June 2021

Local search is a fundamental tool in the development of heuristic algorithms. A neighborhood operator takes a current solution and returns a set of similar solutions, denoted as neighbors. In best improvement local search, the best of the neighboring solutions replaces the current solution in each iteration. On the other hand, in first improvement local search, the neighborhood is only explored until any improving solution is found, which then replaces the current solution. In this work we propose a new strategy for local search that attempts to avoid low-quality local optima by selecting in each iteration the improving neighbor that has the fewest possible attributes in common with local optima. To this end, it uses inequalities previously used as optimality cuts in the context of integer linear programming. The novel method, referred to as delayed improvement local search, is implemented and evaluated using the travelling salesman problem with the 2-opt neighborhood and the max-cut problem with the 1-flip neighborhood as test cases. Computational results show that the new strategy, while slower, obtains better local optima compared to the traditional local search strategies. The comparison is favourable to the new strategy in experiments with fixed computation time or with a fixed target.
Inscriptions and Images in Secular Buildings: Examples from Renaissance Scania, Sweden, ca. 1450–1658
Authors: Hansson Martin
Published: June 2021

This paper examines how agents inscribed their persona in buildings during the Renaissance in Scania in present-day Sweden. Through an analysis of stone tablets and timber beams with inscriptions, images, and dates, questions of identity and individuality are highlighted. The objects were often placed above doors in noble country residences or in buildings belonging to the urban elite. The paper discusses who was able to see and understand the messages communicated by the buildings, and when, how, and why the tradition of putting up this type of object on buildings emerged in a Scandinavian context.
Power struggles in policy feedback processes: incremental steps towards a circular economy within Dutch wastewater policy
Authors: Ampe Kasper , Paredis Erik , Asveld Lotte , Osseweijer Patricia , Block Thomas
Published: June 2021

Environmental problems are usually not tackled with path-departing policies but rather with incrementally adjusted or unchanged policies. One way to address incremental change is the policy feedback approach, which initially focussed on self-reinforcing feedback and path-dependency. Today, self-undermining feedback is also increasingly being studied, centring on agency and change. However, it is unclear precisely how actors use power in policy feedback processes. Therefore, this study applied a power perspective and the policy arrangement approach to a case study of the reorientation towards a circular economy in Dutch wastewater policy between 2008 and 2018, which resulted in incremental instead of fundamental policy change. Here it was observed that self-undermining feedback was generated from 2008 onwards but the balance quickly shifted back to self-reinforcing feedback, indicating that the analysed power struggles led to incremental change. These dynamics resemble a shift from the so-called paths and forks (i.e. fork in the road) towards the boomerang pattern (i.e. returning to its original position) of policy change. The patterns are explained by focussing on powerful actors that resist change through the use of incremental reforms, the ongoing struggles of these actors in facilitating self-reinforcing feedback and the role of interpretation in using feedback as a resource. Overall, this study provides a nuanced understanding of incremental change by directing attention to the power struggles of actors in policy feedback processes. For practitioners, the study emphasises the importance of power struggles in enabling a circular economy.
A Guide for Sparse PCA: Model Comparison and Applications
Authors: Guerra-Urzola Rosember , Van Deun Katrijn , Vera Juan C. , Sijtsma Klaas
Published: June 2021

PCA is a popular tool for exploring and summarizing multivariate data, especially those consisting of many variables. PCA, however, is often not simple to interpret, as the components are a linear combination of the variables. To address this issue, numerous methods have been proposed to sparsify the nonzero coefficients in the components, including rotation-thresholding methods and, more recently, PCA methods subject to sparsity inducing penalties or constraints. Here, we offer guidelines on how to choose among the different sparse PCA methods. Current literature misses clear guidance on the properties and performance of the different sparse PCA methods, often relying on the misconception that the equivalence of the formulations for ordinary PCA also holds for sparse PCA. To guide potential users of sparse PCA methods, we first discuss several popular sparse PCA methods in terms of where the sparseness is imposed on the loadings or on the weights, assumed model, and optimization criterion used to impose sparseness. Second, using an extensive simulation study, we assess each of these methods by means of performance measures such as squared relative error, misidentification rate, and percentage of explained variance for several data generating models and conditions for the population model. Finally, two examples using empirical data are considered.
Potential application and beneficial effects of a marine microalgal biomass produced in a high-rate algal pond (HRAP) in diets of European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax
Authors: Pascon Giulia , Messina Maria , Petit Lisa , Valente Luisa Maria Pinheiro , Oliveira Beatriz , Przybyla Cyrille , Dutto Gilbert , Tulli Francesca
Published: June 2021

Microalgae have been used as live food in aquatic species. In recent years, the interest in microalgae has considerably increased, thanks to the evolution of production techniques that have identified them as an ecologically attractive aquafeed ingredient. The present study provides the first data about the effects of dietary inclusion of a microalgae consortium grown in a high-rate algal pond system on zootechnical performance, morphometric indices, and dietary nutrient digestibility as well as morphology and functionality of the digestive system of European sea bass,Dicentrarchus labrax. A dietary treatment including a commercial mono-cultured microalgae (Nannochloropsissp.) biomass was used for comparison. Six hundred and thirty-six European sea bass juveniles (18 ± 0.28 g) were randomly allotted into 12 experimental groups and fed 4 different diets for 10 weeks: a control diet based on fish meal, fish oil, and plant protein sources; a diet including 10% ofNannochloropsisspp. biomass (100 g/kg diet); and two diets including two levels (10% and 20%) of the microalgal consortium (100 and 200 g/kg diet).Even at the highest dietary inclusion level, the microalgal consortium (200 g/kg diet) did not affect feed palatability and fish growth performance. A significant decrease in the apparent digestibility of dry matter, protein, and energy was observed in diets including 10 and 20% of the microalgal consortium, but all fish exhibited a well-preserved intestinal histomorphology. Moreover, dietary inclusion with the microalgal consortium significantly increased the enzymatic activity of maltase, sucrase-isomaltase, and ɤ-glutamil transpeptidase in the distal intestine of the treated European sea bass. Algal consortium grown using fish farm effluents represents an attempt to enhance the utilization of natural biomasses in aquafeeds when used at 10 % as substitute of vegetable ingredients in diet for European sea bass.
Particle shape does not affect ingestion and egestion of microplastics by the freshwater shrimp Neocaridina palmata
Authors: Klein Kristina , Heß Sebastian , Nungeß Sandra , Schulte-Oehlmann Ulrike , Oehlmann Jörg
Published: June 2021

The ingestion of microplastics (MPs) is well documented for various animals and spherical MPs (beads) in many studies. However, the retention time and egestion of MPs have been examined less, especially for irregular MPs (fragments) which are predominantly found in the environment. Furthermore, the accumulation of such particles in the gastrointestinal tract is likely to determine whether adverse effects are induced. To address this, we investigated if the ingestion and egestion of beads are different to those of fragments in the freshwater shrimp Neocaridina palmata. Therefore, organisms were exposed to 20–20,000 particles L−1 of either polyethylene (PE) beads (41 μm and 87 μm) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fragments (<63 μm). Moreover, shrimps were exposed to 20,000 particles L−1 of either 41 μm PE and 11 μm polystyrene (PS) beads or the PVC fragments for 24 h, followed by a post-exposure period of 4 h to analyze the excretion of particles. To simulate natural conditions, an additional fragment ingestion study was performed in the presence of food. After each treatment, the shrimps were analyzed for retained or excreted particles. Our results demonstrate that the ingestion of beads and fragments were concentration-dependent. Shrimps egested 59% of beads and 18% of fragments within 4 h. Particle shape did not significantly affect MP ingestion or egestion, but size was a relevant factor. Medium- and small-sized beads were frequently ingested. Furthermore, fragment uptake decreased slightly when co-exposed to food, but was not significantly different to the treatments without food. Finally, the investigations highlight that the assessment of ingestion and egestion rates can help to clarify whether MPs remain in specific organisms and, thereby, become a potential health threat.
If One Can’t Lose Such a Right in These Circumstances, One Never Had It in the First Place
Authors: Otsuka Michael
Published: June 2021

In this article, I press a line of objection to Jonathan Quong's moral status account of liability to defensive harm. The claim on which I rest my critique is captured by the article's title: if one can’t lose such a right in these circumstances, one never had it in the first place.
Organisation und Algorithmus
Authors: Büchner Stefanie , Dosdall Henrik
Published: June 2021

Der vorliegende Beitrag analysiert, wie Organisationen Algorithmen, die wir als digitale Beobachtungsformate verstehen, mit Handlungsfähigkeit ausstatten und damitactionablemachen. Das zentrale Argument lautet, dass die soziale Relevanz digitaler Beobachtungsformate sich daraus ergibt, dass und wie sie in organisationale Entscheidungsarchitekturen eingebettet sind. Diesen Zusammenhang illustrieren wir am Beispiel des österreichischen Arbeitsmarktservice (AMS), der 2018 einen Algorithmus einführte, um die Integrationschancen arbeitsuchender Personen zu bewerten. Der AMS steht dabei stellvertretend für aktuelle Bestrebungen vieler Organisationen, algorithmische Systeme einzusetzen, um knappe öffentliche Ressourcen vermeintlich effizienter zu distribuieren. Um zu rekonstruieren, wie dies geschieht, zeigen wir, welche Operationen des Kategorisierens, Vergleichens und Bewertens das algorithmische Modell vollzieht. Darauf aufbauend demonstrieren wir, wie das algorithmische Modell in die organisationale Entscheidungsarchitektur eingebunden ist. Erst durch diese Einbindung – die Möglichkeit, Unterschiede für andere, relativ stabil erzeugte Entscheidungen zu machen – entfaltet das digitale Beobachtungsformat soziale Relevanz. Abschließend argumentieren wir, dass algorithmische Modelle, wie sie am Fall des AMS beobachtet werden können, dazu tendieren, sich in Organisationen zu stabilisieren. Dies begründen wir damit, dass die organisationalen Lernchancen im Umgang mit dem Algorithmus dadurch reduziert sind, dass dieser in einem Bereich zum Einsatz kommt, der durch Technologiedefizit und koproduktive Leistungserstellung geprägt ist.
Complexity of near-optimal robust versions of multilevel optimization problems
Authors: Besançon Mathieu , Anjos Miguel F. , Brotcorne Luce
Published: June 2021

Near-optimality robustness extends multilevel optimization with a limited deviation of a lower level from its optimal solution, anticipated by higher levels. We analyze the complexity of near-optimal robust multilevel problems, where near-optimal robustness is modelled through additional adversarial decision-makers. Near-optimal robust versions of multilevel problems are shown to remain in the same complexity class as the problem without near-optimality robustness under general conditions.