bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of postoperative CT- and preoperative MRI-based breast tumor bed contours in prone position for radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery
Authors: Dong Yinping , Liu Yang , Chen Jinhu , Li Wanhu , Li Yongqing , Zhao Qian , Chen Yiru , Huang Wei
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To compare the target volume of tumor bed defined by postoperative computed tomography (post-CT) in prone position registered with or without preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (pre-MRI).

Methods

A total of 22 patients were included with early-stage breast invasive ductal cancer, who have undergone breast-conservative surgery and received the pre-MRI and post-CT in prone position. The MRI sequences (T1W, T2W, T2W-SPAIR, DWI, dyn-eTHRIVE, sdyn-eTHRIVE) were delineated and manually registered to CT, respectively. The clinical target volumes (CTVs) and planning target volumes (PTVs) were contoured on CT and different MRI sequences, respectively. Differences were measured in terms of consistence index (CI), dice coefficient (DC), geographical miss index (GMI), and normal tissue index (NTI).

Results

The differences of delineation volumes among CT and MRIs were significant, both in the CTVs (p = 0.035) and PTVs (p < 0.001). The values of CI and DC for sdyn-eTHRIVE registration to CT were the largest among all MRI sequences, but GMI and NTI were the smallest. No obvious linear correlation (p > 0.05) between the CI derived from the registration of CT and sdyn-eTHRIVE of CTV with the breast volume, the cavity visualization score (CVS) of CT, time interval from surgery to CT simulation, the maximum diameter of the intraoperative mass, and the number of titanium clips, respectively.

Conclusions

The CTVs and PTVs in MRI sequences were all smaller than those in CT. The pre-MRI, especially the sdyn-eTHRIVE, could be used to optimize the post-CT-based target delineation of breast cancer.

Key Points

• Registered pre-MRI to post-CT in order to improve the accuracy of target volume delineation of breast cancer.

• The CTVs and PTVs in MRI sequences were all smaller than those in CT.

• The sdyn-eTHRIVE of pre-MRIs may be a better choice to improve the delineation of CT-based CTV and PTV.
Association of butterflyfishes and stony coral tissue loss disease in the Florida Keys
Authors: Noonan Kara R. , Childress Michael J.
Published: August 2020

Since 2014, stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) has rapidly spread throughout the Florida reef tract infecting and killing dozens of coral species. Previous studies have found that corallivorous fishes, such as butterflyfishes, are positively correlated with coral disease prevalence at both local and regional scales. This study investigates the association of SCTLD infection and butterflyfish abundance and behaviors on ten reefs in the middle Florida Keys. Divers conducted video surveys of reef fish abundance and disease prevalence in June 2017, 2018, and 2019; before, during, and after the outbreak of SCTLD infections. SCTLD prevalence increased from 3.2% in 2017 to 36.9% in 2018 and back to 2.7% in 2019. Butterflyfish abundances also showed a similar pattern with a twofold increase in abundance in 2018 over abundances in 2017 and 2019. To better understand the association of individual species of butterflyfishes and diseased corals, 60 coral colonies (20 healthy, 20 diseased, 20 recently dead) were tagged and monitored for butterflyfish activity using both diver-based AGGRA fish counts and 1-h time-lapse videophotography collected in the summers of 2018 and 2019. All reef fishes were more abundant on corals with larger surface areas of live tissue, but only the foureye butterflyfish preferred corals with larger surface areas of diseased tissues. Estimates of association indicate that foureye butterflyfish were found significantly more on diseased corals than either healthy or recently dead corals when compared with the other species of butterflyfishes. Foureye butterflyfish were observed to feed directly on the SCTLD line of infection, while other butterflyfish were not. Furthermore, association of foureye butterflyfish with particular diseased corals decreased from 2018 to 2019 as the SCTLD infections disappeared. Our findings suggest that foureye butterflyfish recruit to and feed on SCTLD-infected corals which may influence the progression and/or transmission of this insidious coral disease.
Birth experience from the perspective of the fathers
Authors: Vischer Lena C. , Heun Xenia , Steetskamp Joscha , Hasenburg Annette , Skala Christine
Published: August 2020

Purpose

As men nowadays often attend the delivery of their own child, they also have to go through the labor period. In this study, the condition of the expectant fathers attending labor was evaluated.

Methods

In 2016, fathers who went through labor with their partners in the University medical center of Mainz were interviewed within the first days after delivery and 6 months later. They received a “Fathers questionnaire” concerning their motivation, the valuation of their attendance, their emotions during labor, and concerning the service in the labor ward. Six months later, they also received the validated Impact of Event Scale questionnaire (IES-R). In total, 318 participants answered the “Fathers’ Questionnaire”, 226 the IES-R.

Results

Father’s attendance during labor was considered to be beneficial for fathers themselves (254, 79.8%), for the mother (272, 85.5%), for the newborn child (187, 58.8%), for the relationship (234, 73.6%). Only four could not see a purpose in their attendance. 73 men (23%) felt helpless, 47 (14.8%) were overwhelmed by the situation, 116 (36.5%) felt fear, 299 (94%) were happy to be present at birth, 27 (8.5%) felt traumatized by experiencing their partners in labor. According to the IES-R, none of the 226 men surveyed showed all symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Conclusion

Childbirth is related to positive and negative emotions. Positive emotions are predominant, but come along with negative feelings. In this survey, posttraumatic stress disorder did not occur among men after delivery. Nevertheless, fathers’ needs should be kept in view.
3D ultrasound as a surgical quality control of conization in patients with severe dysplasia: a prospective study
Authors: Dückelmann Anna M. , Wordell Julia , Richter Rolf , Sehouli Jalid
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To compare the techniques for cone measurement with ultrasound to determine the size of the resected tissue and to evaluate parameters which may be relevant for stratifying women at risk who need surveillance when pregnant.

Methods

The present study included women with a pathological cervical biopsy. Cervical length and volume were determined by transvaginal ultrasound prior to conization. The pathologist measured the volume of the removed tissue by the fluid displacement technique and using a ruler. A repeat transvaginal ultrasound was performed during a follow-up visit. Factors affecting cone volume as well as the correlation between measurement techniques were analyzed.

Results

A total of 28 patients underwent cervical excision treatment. The mean cervical volumes measured sonographically before and after the operation were 17.72 ± 7.34 and 13.21 ± 5.43 cm3, respectively. The proportion of volume excised was 25.50 ± 17.43%. A significant correlation was found between the cone depth and the cone volume measured by the fluid displacement technique, and histopathologically and sonographically measured difference in cervical volume. The interobserver reliability coefficient was > 0.9. Analyzing influential parameters, only age affected the extent of cone volume and the correlation between the three measurement techniques.

Conclusion

Commonly applied techniques of cervical and cone measurement are equivalent and interchangeable. Our ultrasound data show variety in the volume and length of the cervix, and in the proportion of the volume excised at conization. Ultrasound measurements may help the surgeon to estimate not only the dimension of the remaining cervix but also its function.
Differential responses of macroinvertebrate ionomes across experimental N:P gradients in detritus-based headwater streams
Authors: Prater Clay , Bumpers Phillip M. , Demi Lee M. , Rosemond Amy D. , Jeyasingh Punidan D.
Published: August 2020

Diverse global change processes are reshaping the biogeochemistry of stream ecosystems. Nutrient enrichment is a common stressor that can modify flows of biologically important elements such as carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) through stream foodwebs by altering the stoichiometric composition of stream organisms. However, enrichment effects on concentrations of other important essential and trace elements in stream taxa are less understood. We investigated shifts in macroinvertebrate ionomes in response to changes in coarse benthic organic matter (CBOM) stoichiometry following N and P enrichment of five detritus-based headwater streams. Concentrations of most elements (17/19) differed among three insect genera (Maccaffertium sp.,Pycnopsyche spp., andTallaperla spp.) prior to enrichment. Genus-specific changes in the body content of: P, magnesium, and sodium (Na) inTallaperla; P, Na, and cadmium inPycnopsyche;and P inMaccaffertiumwere also found across CBOM N:P gradients. These elements increased inTallaperlabut decreased in the other two taxa due to growth dilution at larger body sizes. Multivariate elemental differences were found across all taxa, and ionome-wide shifts with dietary N and P enrichment were also observed inTallaperlaandPycnopsyche. Our results show that macroinvertebrates exhibit distinct differences in elemental composition beyond C, N, and P and that the ionomic composition of common stream taxa can vary with body size and N and P enrichment. Thus, bottom-up changes in N and P supplies could potentially influence the cycling of lesser studied biologically essential elements in aquatic environments by altering their relative proportions in animal tissues.
Electroanalysis based on stand-alone matrices and electrode-modifying films with silica sol-gel frameworks: a review
Authors: Miecznikowski Krzysztof , Cox James A.
Published: August 2020

Silica sol-gel matrices and its organically modified analogues that contain aqueous electrolytes, ionic liquids, or other ionic conductors constitute stand-alone solid-state electrochemical cells when hosting electrodes or serve as modifying films on working electrodes in conventional cells. These materials facilitate a wide variety of analytical applications and are employed in various designs of power sources. In this review, analytical applications are the focus. Solid-state cells that serve as gas sensors, including in chromatographic detectors of gas-phase analytes, are described. Sol-gel films that modify working electrodes to perform functions such as hosting electrochemical catalysts and acting as size-exclusion moieties that protect the electrode from passivation by adsorption of macromolecules are discussed with emphasis on pore size, structure, and orientation. Silica sol-gel chemistry has been studied extensively; thus, factors that control its general properties as frameworks for solid-state cells and for thin films on the working electrode are well characterized. Here, recent advances such as the use of dendrimers and of nanoscale beads in conjunction with electrochemically assisted deposition of silica to template pore size and distribution are emphasized. Related topics include replacing aqueous solutions as the internal electrolyte with room-temperature ionic liquids, using the sol-gel as an anchor for functional groups and modifying electrodes with silica-based composites.
Contact force network evolution in active earth pressure state of granular materials: photo-elastic tests and DEM
Authors: Leśniewska D. , Nitka M. , Tejchman J. , Pietrzak M.
Published: August 2020

The paper deals with a quasi-static behaviour of cohesion-less granular material in active earth pressure state. Photo-elastic model tests on a rigid wall, translating out of the granular material, are analyzed. Grain crushing tests are used to estimate the range of contact forces during the model tests. Substitute granular material (low optical sensitivity glass granules) is employed. The focus is on the evolution of contact force network with deformation of granular material. The model tests are simulated using the discrete element method (DEM) to compare physical and numerical full-field force network structure and the maximum/minimum stress level. The same model geometry, loading scheme and grain size distribution, as in the model tests, are accepted in DEM simulations, although only a single layer of grains is modelled. DEM model correctly predicts the overall structure of the force network and its characteristic features, including localization. It also gives the stress level close to the experimental one and properly identifies the areas of phase transitions.

Graphical Abstract
Tuberculosis and viral hepatitis in patients treated with certolizumab pegol in Asia-Pacific countries and worldwide: real-world and clinical trial data
Authors: Lau Chak Sing , Chen Yi-Hsing , Lim Keith , de Longueville Marc , Arendt Catherine , Winthrop Kevin
Published: August 2020

Introduction/objectives

To evaluate the incidence rate (IR) of tuberculosis (TB) and viral hepatitis B and C (HBV/HCV) during certolizumab pegol (CZP) treatment, worldwide and in Asia-Pacific countries, across clinical trials and post-marketing reports (non-interventional studies and real-world practice).

Method

CZP safety data were pooled across 49 clinical trials from 1998 to June 2017. Post-marketing reports were from initial commercialization until March 2015 (TB)/February 2017 (HBV/HCV). All suspected TB and HBV/HCV cases underwent centralized retrospective review by external experts. Incidence rates (IRs) were calculated per 100 patient-years (PY) of CZP exposure.

Results

Among 11,317 clinical trial patients (21,695 PY), 62 TB cases were confirmed (IR 0.29/100 PY) including 2 in Japan (0.10/100 PY) and 3 in other Asia-Pacific countries (0.58/100 PY). From > 238,000 PY estimated post-marketing CZP exposure, there were 31 confirmed TB cases (0.01/100 PY): 5 in Japan (0.05/100 PY), 1 in other Asia-Pacific countries (0.03/100 PY). Reported regional TB IRs were highest in eastern Europe (0.17/100 PY), central Europe (0.09/100 PY), and Mexico (0.16/100 PY). Across clinical trials, there was 1 confirmed HBV reactivation and no HCV cases. From > 420,000 PY estimated post-marketing CZP exposure, 5 HBV/HCV cases were confirmed (0.001/100 PY): 2 HCV reactivations; 1 new HCV; plus 2 HBV reactivations in Japan (0.008/100 PY).

Conclusions

CZP TB risk is aligned with nationwide TB rates, being slightly higher in Asia-Pacific countries excluding Japan. Overall, TB and HBV/HCV risk with CZP treatment is currently relatively low, as risk can be minimized with patient/physician education, screening, and vigilant treatment, according to international guidelines.

Key Points:• TB rates were highest in eastern/central Europe, Mexico, and Asia-Pacific regions.• With the implementation of stricter TB screening and risk evaluations in 2007, especially in high TB incidence countries, there was a notable reduction TB occurrence.• Safety profile of biologics in real-world settings complements controlled studies.• TB and hepatitis (HBV/HCV) risk with certolizumab pegol (CZP) treatment is low.
Mechanical Manipulation of Electrical Behaviors of Piezoelectric Semiconductor Nanofibers by Time-Dependent Stresses
Authors: Huang Haoyu , Qian Zhenghua , Yang Jiashi
Published: August 2020

We study electric currents in a piezoelectric semiconductor fiber under a constant voltage and time-dependent axial stresses applied locally. From a nonlinear numerical analysis based on a one-dimensional phenomenological model using the commercial software COMSOL, it is found that pulse electric currents can be produced by periodic or time-harmonic stresses. The pulse currents can be tuned by the amplitude and frequency of the applied stress. The result obtained provides a new approach for the mechanical control of electric currents in piezoelectric semiconductor fibers and has potential applications in piezotronics.
Trump’s Trade Policy, BREXIT, Corona Dynamics, EU Crisis and Declining Multilateralism
Authors: Welfens Paul J. J.
Published: August 2020

Since 1991 there has been a reinforcement of the World Market Economy, not least since China and the, then new Russian Federation have joined the World Trade Organization and because of EU Eastern enlargement and ASEAN integration deepening, while the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations seemed to indicate stronger regional integration dynamics. With the Trump Administration, the situation has changed dramatically as President Trump is supportive of neither multilateralism in general nor of the EU, which is weakened through BREXIT, in particular. Trump’s focus on the US merchandise trade balance deficit is ill-placed and import tariffs imposed on China seem to be excessive as the optimum tariff rate is miscalculated on the basis of the traditional formula – while a new adequate formula would include the role of sectoral US outward FDI stocks. Asia, the EU and the US could define fighting the Corona World Recession as a global public good, but the United States is weakened in the corona pandemic crisis; the EU is facing serious problems in avoiding a Euro Crisis 2 problem and the €750 billion EU loan package could undermine the Eurozone’s stability while being inadequate to minimize the risk of a Euro Crisis 2. At the same time, the prospects for EU cooperation are declining due to political disappointment concerning the national corona pandemic policy in some member countries. An effective anti-corona pandemic policy would mean to organize a consistent EU-ASEAN cooperation or a G20 cooperation with a later extension to UN Organizations, including the IMF, the World Bank and the WHO. Post-corona, global governance could change strongly because of the long-term political scarring effects of the pandemic shock which could undermine EU and Western stability. Networked international leadership in support of multilateralism is an innovative – but difficult - option for EU-ASEAN-Mercosur.
A three-year longitudinal study of healthy lifestyle behaviors and adherence to pharmacological treatments in newly diagnosed patients with acute coronary syndrome: hierarchical linear modeling analyses
Authors: Greco Andrea , Brugnera Agostino , D’Addario Marco , Compare Angelo , Franzelli Cristina , Maloberti Alessandro , Giannattasio Cristina , Fattirolli Francesco , Steca Patrizia
Published: August 2020

Aim

Healthy lifestyle behaviors and a good adherence to pharmacological treatments are important predictors of lower recurrence rates and better overall outcomes among patients with an established acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The present study sought to investigate the longitudinal trajectories of these behaviors years after the onset of an ACS.

Subject and methods

We recruited a sample of 275 newly diagnosed consecutive patients at their first ACS event (mean age: 57.1 ± 7.87 years; 84% males) admitted to a cardiac rehabilitation program from three large public hospitals in Northern Italy. Patients completed a battery of sociodemographic questionnaires, which evaluated healthy lifestyles (smoking status, alcohol intake, diet, and physical activity) and adherence to pharmacological treatments, at five time-points (pre-event, 6-, 12-, 24-, and 36-month follow-ups). Longitudinal trajectories were examined through hierarchical (generalized) linear models, controlling for several demographic and clinical variables.

Results

We found significant changes in all healthy lifestyles from pre-event to the 6-month follow-up, suggesting the adoption of healthier behaviors soon after the cardiac event. However, from the 6-month up to the 3-year follow-up, patients experienced small but significant declines in their self-reported levels of healthy dietary behaviors and physical activity. Further, we found that the odds of being at medium risk of non-adherence to the pharmacological treatments significantly increased over the course of 3 years.

Conclusion

Given the negative long-term trajectories in specific lifestyles and adherence to pharmacological treatments, cardiac rehabilitation programs are suggested to provide repeated psychological interventions aimed at fostering patients’ capabilities to self-regulate their habitual behaviors.
Statistic estimation of cell compressibility based on acoustophoretic separation data
Authors: Garofalo Fabio , Lenshof Andreas , Urbansky Anke , Olm Franziska , Bonestroo Alexander C. , Ekblad Lars , Scheding Stefan , Laurell Thomas
Published: August 2020

We present a new experimental method that measures the compressibility of phenotype-specific cell populations. This is done by performing statistical analysis of the cell counts from the outlets of an acoustophoresis chip as a function of the increasing actuator voltage (i.e. acoustic energy density) during acoustophoretic separation. The theoretical separation performance curve, henceforth, Side-Stream Recovery ($$\mathrm {SSR}$$
SSR
), vs the piezo-actuator voltage (V) is derived by moment analysis of a one-dimensional model of acoustophoresis separation, accounting for distributions of the cell or microparticle properties and the system parameters (hydrodynamics, radiation force, drag enhancement, and acoustic streaming). The acoustophoretic device is calibrated with polymer microbeads of known properties by fitting the experimental $$\mathrm {SSR}$$
SSR
with the theoretical $$\mathrm {SSR}$$
SSR
, in which the acoustic energy density is considered proportional to the squared voltage, i.e. $$E_\mathrm {ac}^{}=\alpha \,V^2_{}$$

E

ac

=
α

V

2

. The fitting parameter $$\alpha$$
α
for the calibration procedure is the device effectivity, reflecting the efficiency in performing acoustophoretic microparticle displacement. Once calibrated, the compressibility of unknown cells is estimated by fitting experimental $$\mathrm {SSR}$$
SSR
cell data points with the theoretical $$\mathrm {SSR}$$
SSR
curve. In this procedure, the microparticle compressibility is the fitting parameter. The method is applied to estimate the compressibility of a variety of cell populations showing its utility in terms of rapid analysis and need for minute sample amounts.
Surgical outcomes in patients with optic disc pit maculopathy: does peeling the ILM lead to better outcomes?
Authors: Wagner Helena , Pielen Amelie , Agostini Hansjürgen , Böhringer Daniel , Lagrèze Wolf Alexander , Biermann Julia
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Optic disc pits (ODPs) are rare congenital anomalies. Several patients develop optic disc pit maculopathy (ODP-M): visual impairment caused by intra- and/or subretinal fluid. Treatment mode remains controversial. This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and gas tamponade with or without internal limiting membrane (ILM)-peeling in improving visual acuity and reducing subretinal fluid in ODP-M patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 16 patients who underwent surgery for ODP-M from 2002–2015. Six patients underwent PPV with gas tamponade (group 1); ten patients additionally received ILM-peeling (group 2). Pre- and postoperative visual acuity and central retinal thickness (CRT) were compared between groups, as well as retinal morphology and the number of secondary vitrectomies and complications.

Results

Median visual acuity improved by 2 ETDRS lines in both groups (p = 0.713, Mann–Whitney U test). Median CRT decreased by 426.5 µm and 460 µm (p = 0.931). One patient in group 1 underwent repeat vitrectomy for persistent retinoschisis. Three patients in group 2 required repeat vitrectomy: two to treat a macular hole, one for peripheral retinal holes with retinal detachment.

Conclusion

In our cohort, PPV with gas tamponade proved to be an effective first-line treatment for ODP-M. Additional ILM-peeling did not give a significant benefit in this study.
Comparison of the therapeutic effect of Meibomian Thermal Pulsation LipiFlow® on obstructive and hyposecretory meibomian gland dysfunction patients
Authors: Li Bowen , Fu Hongxue , Liu Tingting , Xu Mei
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To explore the effect of Meibomian Thermal Pulsation LipiFlow® on obstructive and hyposecretory meibomian gland dysfunction.

Methods

Twenty-five subjects diagnosed with obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction (OMGD) and another 25 hyposecretory meibomian gland dysfunction (HMGD) patients were collected receiving the unilateral treatment with LipiFlow®. We evaluated the parameters variables including Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Schirmer I test (SIT), noninvasive keratographic breakup time (NIKBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), and lipid layer thickness (LLT), partial blink rate (PBR), meibomian gland loss, meibomian gland morphology with LipiView®. Meibomian gland expressibility and secretion quality were evaluated for OMGD subjects. All the results were recorded pre-therapy and 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks post-therapy.

Results

SPEED, OSDI, and PB decreased, meanwhile, NIKBUT, TMH, SIT, and LLT increased compared with baseline in both groups after treatment (P < 0.001), whereas the magnitude of the improvement in the OMGD group was greater than that in the HMGD group (P < 0.001). There was no significant posttreatment structural meibomian gland change in both groups. The meibomian gland expressibility and secretion quality score increased after treatment in the OMGD group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The Meibomian Thermal Pulsation LipiFlow® is effective for both obstructive and hyposecretory meibomian gland dysfunction and the therapeutic effect on obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction is greater than that on hyposecretory meibomian gland dysfunction.
Stable and Metastable Phases for the Curie–Weiss–Potts Model in Vector-Valued Fields via Singularity Theory
Authors: Külske Christof , Meißner Daniel
Published: August 2020

We study the metastable minima of the Curie–Weiss Potts model with three states, as a function of the inverse temperature, and for arbitrary vector-valued external fields. Extending the classic work of Ellis and Wang (Stoch Process Appl 35(1):59–79, 1990) and Wang (Stoch Process Appl 50(2):245–252, 1994) we use singularity theory to provide the global structure of metastable (or local) minima. In particular, we show that the free energy has up to four local minimizers (some of which may at the same time be global) and describe the bifurcation geometry of their transitions under variation of the parameters.
Technology transfer in the construction industry
Authors: Uusitalo Petri , Lavikka Rita
Published: August 2020

The demand for affordable, high-quality homes and premises has increased as society has evolved. Construction companies have shown that an industrialised housebuilding (IHB) platform strategy is an effective way of meeting exacting customer requirements. We decided to apply a managerial perspective and consider the IHB platform as a technological solution when investigating technology transfer (TT) in a construction context. Drawing on a meta-analysis of the literature and a qualitative case study at an IHB company, this work examines how two construction companies participate in TT. The results show that the IHB platform strategy can help a company overcome uncertainties associated with the TT process. Furthermore, the platform strategy supports the transferability of IHB to different markets, which, in turn, provides unique opportunities for companies from other contexts to enter the construction market. Our findings also revealed that CEOs from three construction companies were not only interested in TT due to potential profit improvements, but also considered how the process could benefit their employees and the community. This may be a result that is specific to Nordic culture or insight into a unique characteristic of the broad construction industry. This study contributes knowledge to the scarce research field of TT in a construction context. It provides evidence for how further cases of TT may disrupt the construction industry in terms of new business models or companies from the diverse field entering the market.
Accountability and Control Over Autonomous Weapon Systems: A Framework for Comprehensive Human Oversight
Authors: Verdiesen Ilse , Santoni de Sio Filippo , Dignum Virginia
Published: August 2020

Accountability and responsibility are key concepts in the academic and societal debate on Autonomous Weapon Systems, but these notions are often used as high-level overarching constructs and are not operationalised to be useful in practice. “Meaningful Human Control” is often mentioned as a requirement for the deployment of Autonomous Weapon Systems, but a common definition of what this notion means in practice, and a clear understanding of its relation with responsibility and accountability is also lacking. In this paper, we present a definition of these concepts and describe the relations between accountability, responsibility, control and oversight in order to show how these notions are distinct but also connected. We focus on accountability as a particular form of responsibility—the obligation to explain one’s action to a forum—and we present three ways in which the introduction of Autonomous Weapon Systems may create “accountability gaps”. We propose a Framework for Comprehensive Human Oversight based on an engineering, socio-technical and governance perspective on control. Our main claim is that combining the control mechanisms at technical, socio-technical and governance levels will lead to comprehensive human oversight over Autonomous Weapon Systems which may ensure solid controllability and accountability for the behaviour of Autonomous Weapon Systems. Finally, we give an overview of the military control instruments that are currently used in the Netherlands and show the applicability of the comprehensive human oversight Framework to Autonomous Weapon Systems. Our analysis reveals two main gaps in the current control mechanisms as applied to Autonomous Weapon Systems. We have identified three first options as future work for the design of a control mechanism, one in the technological layer, one in the socio-technical layer and one the governance layer, in order to achieve comprehensive human oversight and ensure accountability over Autonomous Weapon Systems.
Imaging plant responses to water deficit using electrical resistivity tomography
Authors: Rao Sathyanarayan , Lesparre Nolwenn , Flores-Orozco Adrián , Wagner Florian , Kemna Andreas , Javaux Mathieu
Published: August 2020

Background and aims

Monitoring root water uptake dynamics under water deficit (WD) conditions in fields are crucial to assess plant drought tolerance. In this study, we investigate the ability of Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) to capture specific soil water depletion induced by root water uptake.

Methods

A combination of surface and depth electrodes with a high spatial resolution (10 cm) was used to map 2-D changes of bulk soil electrical conductivity (EC) in an agronomic trial with different herbaceous species. A synthetic experiment was performed with a mechanistic model to assess the ability of the electrode configuration to discriminate abstraction patterns due to roots. The impact of root segments was incorporated in the forward electrical model using the power-law mixing model.

Results

The time-lapse analysis of the synthetic ERT experiment shows that different root water uptake patterns can be delineated for measurements collected under WD conditions but not under wet conditions. Three indices were found (depletion amount, maximum depth, and spread), which allow capturing plant-specific water signatures based moisture profile changes derived from EC profiles. When root electrical properties were incorporated in the synthetic experiments, it led to the wrong estimation of the amount of water depletion, but a correct ranking of plants depletion depth. When applied to the filed data, our indices showed that Cocksfoot and Ryegrass had shallower soil water depletion zones than white clover and white clover combined with Ryegrass. However, in terms of water depletion amount, Cocksfoot consumed the largest amount of water, followed by White Clover, Ryegrass+White Clover mixture, and Ryegrass.

Conclusion

ERT is a well-suited method for phenotyping root water uptake ability in field trials under WD conditions.
Does the availability of orthography support L2 word learning?
Authors: Krepel Alexander , de Bree Elise H. , de Jong Peter F.
Published: August 2020

Availability of orthography during word learning has been found to facilitate learning the word’s spelling and pronunciation and has been proposed to facilitate learning its meaning. This has not been studied in second language (L2) learning yet, in which word learning often corresponds to translation learning. Therefore, an L2 word learning experiment was carried out. Grade 6 Dutch students (n = 92) were taught English words, with orthography available or absent. Words were divided into those that are spelled entirely like they sound (consistent, e.g., lilt) and those that are not (inconsistent, e.g., budgie). Students learned the words using forward translation (Dutch to English) or backward translation (English to Dutch). At post-test spelling, reading and forward as well as backward translation were measured. Results indicate that availability of orthography mainly facilitated word spelling and reading. There was a trend for orthography to affect learning the translation. Learning consistent words benefited most from orthography, especially when the post-test demanded forward translation. As forward translation requires retrieval of the word’s pronunciation, it is likely that students used orthographic mapping to better remember the pronunciations of the English words. Forward translation was easier if words were learned in the same direction, but backward translation was not affected by learning direction. Together, these results imply that orthography supports translation learning, although this is likely caused by learning the word’s pronunciation and not by establishing a direct link between orthography and word meaning.
The ecological rationality of decision criteria
Authors: Galeazzi Paolo , Galeazzi Alessandro
Published: August 2020

Standard evolutionary game theory investigates the evolutionary fitness of alternative behaviors in a fixed and single decision problem. This paper instead focuses on decision criteria, rather than on simple behaviors, as the general behavioral rules under selection in the population: the evolutionary fitness of classic decision criteria for rational choice is analyzed through Monte Carlo simulations over various classes of decision problems. Overall, quantifying the uncertainty in a probabilistic way and maximizing expected utility turns out to be evolutionarily beneficial in general. Minimizing regret also finds some evolutionary justifications in our results, while maximin seems to be always disadvantaged by differential selection.
Toward neuroadaptive support technologies for improving digital reading: a passive BCI-based assessment of mental workload imposed by text difficulty and presentation speed during reading
Authors: Andreessen Lena M. , Gerjets Peter , Meurers Detmar , Zander Thorsten O.
Published: August 2020

We investigated whether a passive brain–computer interface that was trained to distinguish low and high mental workload in the electroencephalogram (EEG) can be used to identify (1) texts of different readability difficulties and (2) texts read at different presentation speeds. For twelve subjects we calibrated a subject-dependent, but task-independent predictive model classifying mental workload. We then recorded EEG data from each subject, while twelve texts in blocks of three were presented to them word by word. Half of the texts were easy, and the other half were difficult texts according to classic reading formulas. From each text category three texts were read at a self-adjusted comfortable presentation speed and the other three at an increased speed. For each subject we applied the predictive model to EEG data of each word of the twelve texts. We found that the resulting predictive values for mental workload were higher for difficult texts than for easy texts. Predictive values from texts presented at an increased speed were also higher than for those presented at a normal self-adjusted speed. The results suggest that the task-independent predictive model can be used on single-subject level to build a highly predictive user model of the reader over time. Such a model could be employed in a system which continuously monitors brain activity related to mental workload and adapts to specific reader’s abilities and characteristics by adjusting the difficulty of text materials and the way it is presented to the reader in real time. A neuroadaptive system like this could foster efficient reading and text-based learning by keeping readers’ mental workload levels at an individually optimal level.
The impact of particulate matter 2.5 on the risk of preeclampsia: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Hongbiao , Yin Yangxue , Zhang Jiashuo , Zhou Rong
Published: August 2020

There is increasing and inconsistent evidence of a linkage between maternal exposure to particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and preeclampsia. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate this relationship. Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify articles published from inception to March 23, 2020, which showed a correlation between PM2.5 and preeclampsia. Finally, 9 of 523 initial studies were deemed eligible for inclusion. A random effect model was adopted to calculate the standardized odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Based on potential effect modification, subgroup analyses were further performed. Meta-analysis showed that maternal exposure to PM2.5 (per 10 μg/m3 increment) elevated the risk of preeclampsia (OR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.58%). Compared with other pregnancy trimesters, the third trimester of pregnancy seems to be the period in which women are more susceptible to PM2.5. Significant effect modification of the correlation between PM2.5 exposure and preeclampsia according to multiple pregnancies, pregnancy stage, maternal-related disease history, and sample size was not observed. The results demonstrated that maternal exposure to PM2.5 may predispose pregnant women to develop preeclampsia, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, more efforts should be made to improve air quality to maintain the health of pregnant women.
Sediment distribution on the continental shelf in relation to stream inputs and contamination: hydrodynamic, chemical, mineralogical, and sedimentological characteristics (Ligurian Sea, Italy)
Authors: Cutroneo Laura , Carbone Cristina , Consani Sirio , Capello Marco
Published: August 2020

River estuaries, continental shelf, and sediment contamination are closely linked from the point of view of sediment transport and diffusion that is governed by different factors such as sea waves and currents, river flows and floods, and sediment characteristics. Taking these factors into consideration, we have examined marine environmental and marine bottom sediments off the mouth of a stream to highlight the main ways of sediment and contaminant transport and diffusion on the continental shelf. For this purpose, we followed a multidisciplinary approach, studying circulation of water masses, hydrological characteristics of water column, distribution and main characteristics of sediment grain size, sediment mineralogical composition, and metal concentrations of bottom sediments. Our results allowed identifying the presence of preferential ways of sediment deposition and areas of sediment spread for the Entella Stream, as well as the origin of some metals.
Mechanical Behavior of Fresh and Tempered Martensite in a CrMoV-Alloyed Steel Explained by Microstructural Evolution and Strength Modeling
Authors: Zhou Tao , Lu Jun , Hedström Peter
Published: August 2020

The mechanical behavior of a wear-resistant CrMoV-alloyed martensitic steel in quenched and tempered conditions has been investigated and correlated with the microstructure. The steel has a combination of ultra-high tensile strength of 2065 MPa and total elongation of 7.4 pct in the as-quenched condition. The strength and ductility of the steel change initially during tempering and thereafter remain quite stable during tempering at either 450 °C or 550 °C. A good combination of yield strength and total elongation is achieved after tempering at 550 °C for 2 to 8 hours (about 1300 MPa and 14 pct). The evolution of the mechanical properties can be mainly related to an initial condition with high density of dislocations (in the order of 1015) and carbon in solid solution, while quite early during tempering, dislocations will start to annihilate and carbide precipitates form. On the other hand, there is a negligible evolution of the effective grain size during tempering. Modeling of the individual strengthening mechanisms and the overall yield strength is in good agreement with the tensile test results, in particular for the tempered samples. Finally, the relatively low yield strength of the fresh martensite, significantly lower than for the tempered conditions, is discussed in relation to the two available theories.
Neurobiological effects of perceived stress are different between adolescents and middle-aged adults
Authors: Wu Jingsong , Tong Horace , Liu Zhongwan , Tao Jing , Chen Lidian , Chan Chetwyn C. H. , Lee Tatia M. C.
Published: August 2020

Stress is an inevitable element of everyday living. Developmental studies suggested that adolescents are more vulnerable and sensitive to the effect of stress due to their developing brains, especially in areas related to stress perception and processing. This voxel-based morphometry study examined the association between various neurobiological markers and the level of perceived stress experienced by adolescents (n = 26) and middle-aged adults (n = 26). Our findings indicated that differences existed in the relationships between perceived stress and the structural volume of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) extending to the insula and amygdala. Specifically, the levels of perceived stress and the grey matter volume of the orbitofrontal cortex, the insula, and the amygdala were positively related in adolescents but negatively related for adults. Furthermore, a significant negative correlation between perceived stress and cortisol levels was observed in adults, whereas the relationship between perceived stress and cortisol levels was not significant for adolescents. Perceived stress measurement may be better than cortisol levels in terms of reflecting the emotional states of adolescents. In sum, the relationships between perceived stress and neurobiological markers were different between adolescents and middle-aged adults and thus appeared to be age dependent.
Cumulative financial stress as a potential risk factor for cancer-related fatigue among prostate cancer survivors
Authors: Lu Liya , Gavin Anna , Drummond Frances J. , Sharp Linda
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most commonly reported treatment-related side effect of prostate cancer (PCa). Recognition of financial hardship among cancer survivors is growing. We investigated, for the first time, associations between levels of financial stress and CRF among PCa survivors.

Methods

We used data from PCa survivors who had been identified through two population-based cancer registries covering the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and had completed a postal questionnaire. CRF was measured by the fatigue subscale of the EORTC QLQ-C30. Financial stress was assessed as household ability to make ends meet (i) pre-diagnosis and (ii) at questionnaire completion (post-diagnosis). Multivariable logistic regression was used to relate financial stress to clinically important CRF (fatigue subscale score ≥ 39 of a possible 100).

Results

Two thousand four hundred fifty-eight PCa survivors were included. Of these, 268 (10.9%) reported pre-diagnosis financial stress only, 317 (12.9%) post-diagnosis stress only and 270 (11.0%) both pre- and post-diagnosis stress (cumulative stress); 470 (19.1%) reported clinically important CRF. After controlling for confounders, survivors with cumulative financial stress exposure were significantly more likely to have CRF (OR = 4.58, 95% CI 3.30–6.35, p < 0.001), compared with those without financial stress. There was a suggestion of a dose-response relationship (OR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.27–2.65, p = 0.001 for pre-diagnosis financial stress only; and OR = 4.11, 95% CI 3.01–5.61, p < 0.001 for post-diagnosis financial stress only).

Conclusions

Financial stress may be an independent risk factor for CRF.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

There may be benefits in targeting interventions for reducing CRF towards survivors with financial stress, or developing strategies to reduce financial stress.
Agency and capacity in the planning and design phase of building renovations
Authors: Reindl Katharina
Published: August 2020

The building sector is a large energy consumer and is responsible for high CO2 emissions; hence, improving the energy performance of buildings is vital. Building renovations open opportunities to improve their energy performance.

Building professionals and other actors in the early phase of renovations decide what energy efficiency and saving measures will be implemented. Their role is studied here from a middle-out perspective (MOP), investigating the different actors’ agency and capacity. Agency refers here to an interest in and a willingness to implement energy efficiency and saving measures, and capacity refers to the ability to implement such measures. Higher agency and capacity are said to increase the realisation of the planned energy efficiency and saving measures.

The data was gathered during three planning and design phases of renovation projects of a municipal housing company in a middle-sized Swedish town. A case study was conducted which is based on semi-structured interviews with actors from the planning and design phase of the renovations, as well as participant observations and a document analysis.

The levels of agency and capacity of professionals in the middle of a project’s planning and design phase are investigated thoroughly, but the here defined top and bottom levels are also in focus. The analysis shows that a mismatch in agency and capacity on the different levels hindered the uptake of energy efficiency and saving measures in the planning and design of the renovation projects.
Sub-Riemannian Currents and Slicing of Currents in the Heisenberg Group $$\pmb {\mathbb {H}}^n$$
Authors: Canarecci Giovanni
Published: August 2020

This paper aims to define and study currents and slices of currents in the Heisenberg group $${\mathbb {H}}^n$$

H

n

. Currents, depending on their integration properties and on those of their boundaries, can be classified into subspaces and, assuming their support to be compact, we can work with currents of finite mass, define the notion of slices of Heisenberg currents and show some important properties for them. While some such properties are similarly true in Riemannian settings, others carry deep consequences because they do not include the slices of the middle dimension n, which opens new challenges and scenarios for the possibility of developing a compactness theorem. Furthermore, this suggests that the study of currents on the first Heisenberg group $${\mathbb {H}}^1$$

H

1

diverges from the other cases, because that is the only situation in which the dimension of the slice of a hypersurface, $$2n-1$$

2
n
-
1

, coincides with the middle dimension n, which triggers a change in the associated differential operator in the Rumin complex.