bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of graphene‐based adsorbents in the treatment of dye‐contaminated wastewater; kinetic and isotherm studies
Authors: Mindivan Ferda , Gül Ülküye Dudu , Göktaş Meryem
Published: March 2021

The adsorption of methylene blue (MB) on graphene‐based adsorbents was tested through the batch experimental method. Two types of graphene‐based adsorbents as graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) were compared to investigate the best adsorbent for MB removal. So that optimizing the MB removal for the selected type of graphene‐based adsorbent, the diverse experimental factors, as pH (2–10), contact time (0–1440 min), adsorbent dosage (0.5–2 g/L), and initial MB concentration (25–400 mg/L) were analyzed. The conclusions indicated that the MB removal rised with an increase in the initial concentration of the MB and so rises in the amount of adsorbent used and initial pH. Maximum dye removal was calculated as 99.11% at optimal conditions after 240 min. Adsorption data were compiled by the Langmuir isotherm (R2: 0.999) and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic models (R2: 0.999). The Langmuir isotherm model accepted that the homogeneous surface of the GO adsorbent covering with a single layer. And the adsorption energy was calculated as 9.38 kJ mol−1 according to the D‐R model indicating the chemical adsorption occurred. The results show that GO could be utilized for the treatment of dye‐contaminated aqueous solutions effectively.
Novel insight on temporary frequency support of variable speed wind energy conversion system
Authors: Lao Huanjing , Zhang Li , Zhao Tong , Zou Liang
Published: March 2021

In the recent decade, temporary frequency support derived from variable speed wind turbine generator has been drawing increasing attention in the electronic‐growing power system. Frequency nadir and rate of change of frequency are two key indicators temporary frequency support strives to improve. This paper proposes a novel insight on frequency regulation of wind power. Note that considerable part of load is shared by synchronous generators and wind turbine generator and the system frequency still will be dominated by the former for a period of time. Simultaneously taking the frequency regulation characteristic of synchronous and power balance into account, a novel frequency regulation scheme aiming at improving system's frequency regulation performance is proposed and tested in a 7‐machine power system with an aggregated wind farm on MATLAB/Simulink to investigate what inherently determines the performance of frequency regulation. Results show that with differential cooperation of synchronous generator and doubly fed induction generator, frequency nadir and rate of change of frequency can be partially improved. Particularly, regarding to handling the issue of control delay, an appropriately slower action upon detecting a frequency event may not screw up it but contribute to a higher frequency nadir, which benefits from the spontaneous cooperation of synchronous generator and wind power with constraint of power balance.
General Overview of Organic Cation Transporters in Brain
Authors: Koepsell Hermann
Published: March 2021

Inhibitors of Na+/Cl−dependent high affinity transporters for norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-HT), and/or dopamine (DA) represent frequently used drugs for treatment of psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and addiction. These transporters remove NE, 5-HT, and/or DA after neuronal excitation from the interstitial space close to the synapses. Thereby they terminate transmission and modulate neuronal behavioral circuits. Therapeutic failure and undesired central nervous system side effects of these drugs have been partially assigned to neurotransmitter removal by low affinity transport. Cloning and functional characterization of the polyspecific organic cation transporters OCT1 (SLC22A1), OCT2 (SLC22A2), OCT3 (SLC22A3) and the plasma membrane monoamine transporter PMAT (SLC29A4) revealed that every single transporter mediates low affinity uptake of NE, 5-HT, and DA. Whereas the organic transporters are all located in the blood brain barrier, OCT2, OCT3, and PMAT are expressed in neurons or in neurons and astrocytes within brain areas that are involved in behavioral regulation. Areas of expression include the dorsal raphe, medullary motoric nuclei, hypothalamic nuclei, and/or the nucleus accumbens. Current knowledge of the transport of monoamine neurotransmitters by the organic cation transporters, their interactions with psychotropic drugs, and their locations in the brain is reported in detail. In addition, animal experiments including behavior tests in wildtype and knockout animals are reported in which the impact of OCT2, OCT3, and/or PMAT on regulation of salt intake, depression, mood control, locomotion, and/or stress effect on addiction is suggested.
Growing Income Inequality and Socioeconomic Segregation in the Chicago Region
Authors: Smith Janet L. , Sonmez Zafer , Zettel Nicholas
Published: March 2021

Income inequality in the United States has been growing since the 1980s and is particularly noticeable in large urban areas like the Chicago metro region. While not as high as New York or Los Angeles, the Gini Coefficient for the Chicago metro area (.48) was the same as the United States in 2015 but rising at a faster rate, suggesting it will surpass the US national level in 2020. This chapter examines the Chicago region’s growing income inequality since 1980 using US Census data collected in 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2015, focusing on where people live based on occupation as well as income. When mapped out, the data shows a city and region that is becoming more segregated by occupation and income as it becomes both richer and poorer. A result is a shrinking number of middle-class and mixed neighbourhoods. The resulting patterns of socioeconomic spatial segregation also align with patterns of racial/ethnic segregation attributed to historical housing development and market segmentation, as well as recent efforts to advance Chicago as a global city through tourism and real estate development.
Residential Segregation Between Income Groups in International Perspective
Authors: Comandon Andre , Veneri Paolo
Published: March 2021

This chapter analyzes income data from 194 cities in 14 countries to provide an overview of residential segregation patterns in a comparative perspective. We use the dissimilarity index to measure segregation between lower income households and middle-income and higher income households. The results expand results consistent with existing research to a larger number of countries. Higher income households segregation from lower income households is significantly higher than for middle-income households. High-inequality cities are more segregated, on average, than low-inequality ones. It is in the deviation from these patterns, however, that the analysis contributes to a comparative research agenda. It highlights cities and countries that do not fit general trends and raises questions about the relative role of national and local factors in influencing levels of segregation, questions the case studies delve into in the rest of the volume.
Socio-Economic Residential Segregation in Greater Buenos Aires: Evidence of Persistent Territorial Fragmentation Processes
Authors: Molinatti Florencia
Published: March 2021

Socio-economic residential segregation is a common feature of almost all Argentinean cities, neatly divided into poor, middle-class, and affluent neighborhoods. At the end of the 1980s, and especially over the 1990s, the process of suburbanization for affluent and upper middle-class groups was consolidated as a generalized model. This study concentrates on the trends and the patterns of socio-economic segregation in Buenos Aires and focuses on two major dimensions of segregation: the spatial concentration patterns of a given social group in specific areas and the degree of social homogeneity within such areas. Socio-economic segregation is described using the highest level of education that a householder has completed as a proxy for socio-economic status. The indices of segregation and dissimilarity are used as the main measure to compare the level and changes of residential segregation but other metrics—such as location quotient index—are also used to estimate the degree of homogeneity or heterogeneity in neighboring areas. This study uses population and household census data from 1991, 2001, and 2010 provided by the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INDEC), and the data are presented at the spatial disaggregation level of block groups called ‘radios censales’.
Social Inequality and Spatial Segregation in Cape Town
Authors: Turok Ivan , Visagie Justin , Scheba Andreas
Published: March 2021

Cape Town is widely considered to be South Africa’s most segregated city. The chapter outlines the history of social stratification and spatial segregation, including the coercion of colonial and apartheid governments to divide the population by race. Since 1994, the democratic government has lacked the same resolve and capacity to reverse this legacy and integrate the city. The chapter also analyses the changing socio-economic and residential patterns between 2001 and 2011 in more detail. It shows that the extent of segregation diminished between 2001 and 2011, contrary to expectations. It appears that affluent neighbourhoods became slightly more mixed and people in high-status occupations spread into surrounding areas. Some low-income neighbourhoods also became slightly more mixed by accommodating middle class residents. Further research is required to verify and explain these findings.
Income Inequality and Socio-economic Segregation in the City of Johannesburg
Authors: Ballard Richard , Hamann Christian
Published: March 2021

This chapter analyses income inequality and socio-economic segregation in South Africa’s most populous city, Johannesburg. The end of apartheid’s segregation in 1991 has been followed by both continuity and change of urban spatial patterns. There is a considerable literature on the transformation of inner-city areas from white to black, and of the steady diffusion of black middle-class residents into once ‘white’ suburbs. There has been less analysis on the nature and pace of socio-economic mixing. Four key findings from this chapter are as follows. First, dissimilarity indices show that bottom occupation categories and the unemployed are highly segregated from top occupation categories, but that the degree of segregation has decreased slightly between the censuses of 2001 and 2011. Second, the data quantifies the way in which Johannesburg’s large population of unemployed people are more segregated from top occupations than any of the other employment categories, although unemployed people are less segregated from bottom occupations. Third, over the same period, residents employed in bottom occupations are less likely to be represented in affluent former white suburbs. This seemingly paradoxical finding is likely to have resulted from fewer affluent households accommodating their domestic workers on their properties. Fourth, although most post-apartheid public housing projects have not disrupted patterns of socio-economic segregation, some important exceptions do show the enormous capacity of public housing to transform the spatial structure of the city.
Introduction: Napoleonic Governance and the Integration of Europe
Authors: van der Burg Martijn
Published: March 2021

This study is concerned with the ways in which the present-day Netherlands and Northwest Germany were integrated into the Napoleonic Empire, by replacing local institutions and traditional governing practices with French ones. This process of running the Empire is referred to as Napoleonic governance. Traditionally, little attention was given to the dynamics of French rule in conquered Europe. Nationalistic tendencies long obstructed a neutral view of Napoleon’s treatment of conquered Europe, certainly when it came to the Dutch and Northwest German regions. It was assumed French reforms were accepted unconditionally by local populations. Recent research shows that in newly acquired lands, officials often had to proceed differently. However, the northern periphery of the Napoleonic Empire is not yet fully explored. The premise of this study is that a (trans)regional perspective can lead to new interpretations. Napoleonic governance is analyzed by distinguishing between the phases of conquest, incorporation, and integration. In a broader sense, the study aims to gain a better understanding of the difficulties that have been inherent to workings of the Napoleonic Empire.
Mitochondrial quality control: from molecule to organelle
Authors: Roca-Portoles Alba , Tait Stephen W. G.
Published: March 2021

Mitochondria are organelles central to myriad cellular processes. To maintain mitochondrial health, various processes co-operate at both the molecular and organelle level. At the molecular level, mitochondria can sense imbalances in their homeostasis and adapt to these by signaling to the nucleus. This mito-nuclear communication leads to the expression of nuclear stress response genes. Upon external stimuli, mitochondria can also alter their morphology accordingly, by inducing fission or fusion. In an extreme situation, mitochondria are degraded by mitophagy. Adequate function and regulation of these mitochondrial quality control pathways are crucial for cellular homeostasis. As we discuss, alterations in these processes have been linked to several pathologies including neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.
Interventions to increase migrants’ care-seeking behaviour for stigmatised conditions: a scoping review
Authors: Place Vanessa , Nabb Benjamin , Viksten Assel Karima , Bäärnhielm Sofie , Dalman Christina , Hollander Anna-Clara
Published: March 2021

Background

Despite availability of effective treatments, migrants in high-income countries seek care for conditions associated with stigma to a lower extent than the rest of the population. We conducted a scoping review to map the literature on interventions to increase migrants’ care-seeking behaviour in high-income countries for stigmatised conditions.

Main body of the abstract: We searched 15 electronic databases and journals, hand-searched references and citations, to identify studies on interventions to increase migrants’ care-seeking in high-income countries for stigmatised conditions. We applied language restrictions for English and Swedish, and searched the full time period up to 5 July 2019. Our primary outcome of interest was care utilisation.

Results

5447 records were identified in the literature searches. We identified 16 eligible studies, all from North America, that reported interventions to increase migrants’ care-seeking behaviour for hepatitis B (n = 1) and mental health (n = 15). Three approaches were identified: health communication (n = 10), support groups (n = 2), and primary care-based approaches (n = 4). There was a general trend towards community-based interventions tailored to individual migrant groups. Significant gaps were identified in the literature, including studies conducted in Europe and studies including men or children. Furthermore, the choice of study designs introduced significant bias that prevented accurate conclusions on intervention effectiveness.

Conclusion

The available evidence on interventions to increase migrants’ in high-income countries care-seeking behaviour for stigmatised conditions is limited in scope and quality. Future research, using reliable study designs, is needed to fill the remaining gaps and to boost the scope and reliability of the evidence.
Experience of child welfare services and long-term adult mental health outcomes: a scoping review
Authors: McKenna Sarah , Donnelly Michael , Onyeka Ifeoma N. , O’Reilly Dermot , Maguire Aideen
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This is the first comprehensive review of empirical research that investigated the association between receipt of child welfare services and adult mental health outcomes. The review summarised the results of studies about mental health outcomes of adults with a history of child welfare involvement.

Methods

A scoping review methodology was used to search five electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, IBSS, Social Policy and Practice). Studies were included if they examined any child welfare exposure (including receipt of services while remaining at home/being placed in care) and adult mental health status.

Results

In total 4591 records were retrieved, of which 55 met the eligibility criteria. Overall, receipt of child welfare services was associated with an increased risk of adult mental ill-health, suicide attempt and completed suicide. Results regarding potential moderating factors, such as gender and care-related experiences, were mixed. Relatively few studies investigated the reasons for requiring child welfare services, the experience of abuse or neglect or the adult outcomes of child welfare service users who remained in their own homes. Mental ill-health was defined and measured heterogeneously and details about the nature and type of welfare service utilisation were lacking.

Conclusion

There is a need for detailed, longitudinal studies to better understand the relative contribution of pre-existing adversity versus experiences during and after exposure to child welfare services on adult mental health outcomes. More standardised measures of mental ill-health and greater detail from authors on specific care exposure are also needed.
Surface finishing of hard-to-machine cladding alloys for highly stressed components
Authors: Schroepfer Dirk , Treutler Kai , Boerner Andreas , Gustus Rene , Kannengiesser Thomas , Wesling Volker , Maus-Friedrichs Wolfgang
Published: March 2021

The supply and processing of materials for highly stressed components are usually cost-intensive. Efforts to achieve cost and resource efficiency lead to more complex structures and contours. Additive manufacturing steps for component repair and production offer significant economic advantages. Machining needs to be coordinated with additive manufacturing steps in a complementary way to produce functional surfaces suitable for the demands. Regarding inhomogeneity and anisotropy of the microstructure and properties as well as production-related stresses, a great deal of knowledge is still required for efficient use by small- and medium-size enterprises, especially for the interactions of subsequent machining of these difficult-to-machine materials. Therefore, investigations on these influences and interactions were carried out using a highly innovative cost-intensive NiCrMo alloy (IN725). These alloys are applied for claddings as well as for additive component manufacturing and repair welding using gas metal arc welding processes. For the welded specimens, the adequate solidification morphology, microstructure and property profile were investigated. The machinability in terms of finishing milling of the welded surfaces and comparative analyses for ultrasonic-assisted milling processes was examined focussing on surface integrity. It was shown that appropriate cutting parameters and superimposed oscillating of the milling tool in the direction of the tool rotation significantly reduce the mechanical loads for tool and workpiece surface. This contributes to ensure a high surface integrity, especially when cutting has to be carried out without cooling lubricants.
Ionic gold demonstrates antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains due to cellular ultrastructure damage
Authors: Torres Miguel Reyes , Slate Anthony J. , Ryder Steven F. , Akram Maliha , Iruzubieta Conrado Javier Carrascosa , Whitehead Kathryn A.
Published: March 2021

Due to the ever-increasing rise of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria, the development of alternative antimicrobial agents is a global priority. The antimicrobial activity of ionic gold was explored against four Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains with different AMR profiles in order to determine the antimicrobial activity of ionic gold and elucidate the mechanisms of action. Disc diffusion assays (zone of inhibition: ZoI) coupled with minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentrations (MIC/MBC) were conducted to determine the antimicrobial efficacy of ionic gold. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to visualise morphological changes to the bacterial cell ultrastructure. Strains with increased AMR were slower to grow which is likely a fitness cost due to the enhanced AMR activity. Although greater concentrations of ionic gold were required to promote antimicrobial activity, ionic gold demonstrated similar antimicrobial values against all strains tested. Lowry assay results indicated that protein leakage was apparent following incubation with ionic gold, whilst SEM revealed cellular ultrastructure damage. This study suggests that the application of ionic gold as an alternative antimicrobial is promising, particularly against AMR P. aeruginosa. The antimicrobial activity of ionic gold against P. aeruginosa could potentially be utilised as an alternative therapeutic option in wound management, an approach that could benefit healthcare systems worldwide.
Curvature of quaternionic Kähler manifolds with $$S^1$$-symmetry
Authors: Cortés V. , Saha A. , Thung D.
Published: March 2021

We study the behavior of connections and curvature under the HK/QK correspondence, proving simple formulae expressing the Levi-Civita connection and Riemann curvature tensor on the quaternionic Kähler side in terms of the initial hyper-Kähler data. Our curvature formula refines a well-known decomposition theorem due to Alekseevsky. As an application, we compute the norm of the curvature tensor for a series of complete quaternionic Kähler manifolds arising from flat hyper-Kähler manifolds. We use this to deduce that these manifolds are of cohomogeneity one.
Structure, gating and interactions of the voltage-dependent anion channel
Authors: Najbauer Eszter E. , Becker Stefan , Giller Karin , Zweckstetter Markus , Lange Adam , Steinem Claudia , de Groot Bert L. , Griesinger Christian , Andreas Loren B.
Published: March 2021

The voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) is one of the most highly abundant proteins found in the outer mitochondrial membrane, and was one of the earliest discovered. Here we review progress in understanding VDAC function with a focus on its structure, discussing various models proposed for voltage gating as well as potential drug targets to modulate the channel’s function. In addition, we explore the sensitivity of VDAC structure to variations in the membrane environment, comparing DMPC-only, DMPC with cholesterol, and near-native lipid compositions, and use magic-angle spinning NMR spectroscopy to locate cholesterol on the outside of the β-barrel. We find that the VDAC protein structure remains unchanged in different membrane compositions, including conditions with cholesterol.
C-reactive protein/albumin ratio is a prognostic indicator for predicting surgical intervention and mortality in neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Mohd Amin Amir T. , Zaki Rafdzah A. , Friedmacher Florian , Sharif Shazia P.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The role of hypoalbuminemia and raised C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in predicting critical prognosis has been described extensively in adult literature. However, there are limited studies in pediatrics, particularly neonates. The CRP/albumin (CRP/ALB) ratio is often associated with higher mortality, organ failure and prolonged hospital stay. We hypothesized that the serum CRP/ALB ratio has a prognostic value in predicting surgery and mortality in neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

Methods

Retrospective review of all neonates with clinical and radiological evidence of non-perforated NEC that were treated in a tertiary-level referral hospital between 2009 and 2018. General patient demographics, laboratory parameters and outcomes were recorded. Receiver operating characteristics analysis was performed to evaluated optimal cut-offs and area under the curve (AUC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

A total of 191 neonates were identified. Of these, 103 (53.9%) were born at ≤ 28 weeks of gestation and 101 (52.9%) had a birth weight of ≤ 1000 g. Eighty-four (44.0%) patients underwent surgical intervention for NEC. The overall survival rate was 161/191 (84.3%). A CRP/ALB ratio of ≥ 3 on day 2 of NEC diagnosis was associated with a statistically significant higher likelihood for surgery [AUC 0.71 (95% CI 0.63–0.79); p < 0.0001] and mortality [AUC 0.66 (95% CI 0.54–0.77); p = 0.0150], respectively.

Conclusions

A CRP/ALB ratio of ≥ 3 on day 2 is indicative of a critical pathway in neonates with radiologically confirmed, non-perforated NEC. This could be used as an additional criterion to guide parental counselling in NEC for surgical intervention and mortality.
Timing return-to-competition: a prospective registration of 45 different types of severe injuries in Germany’s highest football league
Authors: Krutsch Werner , Memmel Clemens , Alt Volker , Krutsch Volker , Tröß Tobias , aus der Fünten Karen , Meyer Tim
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Many professional football players sustain at least one severe injury over the course of their career. Because detailed epidemiological data on different severe injuries in professional football have been missing so far, this study describes the frequency and return-to-competition (RTC) periods of different types of severe football injuries.

Material and methods

This epidemiological investigation is a prospective standardised injury analysis based on national media longitudinal registration. Injuries were classified according to the consensus statement by Fuller et al. (2006). The analysis includes injuries sustained by players of the first German football league during the seasons 2014–2015 to 2017–2018. Level of evidence: II.

Results

Overall, 660 severe injuries were registered during the four seasons (mean 165 per season; 9.2 per season per team; incidence in 1000 h: 0.77). The body region most frequently affected by severe injury was the knee (30.0%; 49.5 injuries per season/SD 13.2) followed by the thigh (26.4%; 43.5 injuries/SD 4.2) and the ankle (16.7%; 27.5 injuries/SD 5.0). The distribution of injuries over the course of a season showed a trend for ACL ruptures to mainly occur at the beginning of a season (45.8%), overuse syndromes such as achillodynia (40.9%) and irritation of the knee (44.4%) during the winter months and severe muscle and ankle injuries at the end of a season. ACL ruptures showed the longest RTC durations (median 222 days).

Conclusion

This study presents detailed epidemiological data on severe injuries in professional football. The body region most frequently affected by severe injuries was the knee. Several types of severe injuries showed a seasonal injury pattern. The appropriate timing of RTC after an injury is one of the most important and complex decisions to be made. This study provides information on the typical time loss due to specific severe football injuries, which may serve as a guideline.
Asthma and high-intensity interval training have no effect on clustered cardiometabolic risk or arterial stiffness in adolescents
Authors: McNarry M. A. , Lester L. , Ellins E. A. , Halcox J. P. , Davies G. , Winn C. O. N. , Mackintosh K. A.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Cardiometabolic risk, including arterial stiffness, is increasing in youth. Those with asthma are suggested to be particularly at risk of cardiovascular disease. Efficient and effective strategies are required to prevent the atherosclerotic process in youth. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 6 months high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cardiometabolic risk in youth with and without asthma.

Methods

65 adolescents (31 mild asthma; 34 non-asthma) were recruited, 32 (16 asthma) of whom were randomly allocated to receive HIIT three times per week for 6 months. At baseline, mid-intervention, post-intervention and at a 3-month follow-up, anthropometric, metabolic and vascular determinants of cardiometabolic risk were assessed. Following principal component analysis (PCA), linear mixed models were used to assess the influence of asthma, HIIT and their interaction.

Results

Seven factors were identified which explained 88% of the common variance shared among the parameters. Those with asthma demonstrated lower arterial stiffness factor scores mid-intervention (P = 0.047) and lower cholesterol factor scores post-intervention (P = 0.022) but there was no effect of the intervention, or interaction effects, on any PCA-identified factor, at any time-point. HIIT was associated with a lower low-density lipoprotein and diastolic blood pressure at mid-intervention.

Discussion

Neither arterial stiffness nor clustered cardiometabolic risk are influenced by HIIT in adolescents with or without asthma, despite important changes in blood lipid and pressure profiles. Blood pressure, augmentation and pulse wave velocity should be considered physiologically distinct constructs and as potential markers of cardiovascular health.
Obsidian pyroclasts in the Yellowstone-Snake River Plain ignimbrites are dominantly juvenile in origin
Authors: Monnereau L. R. , Ellis B. S. , Szymanowski D. , Bachmann O. , Guillong M.
Published: March 2021

Dense, glassy pyroclasts found in products of explosive eruptions are commonly employed to investigate volcanic conduit processes through measurement of their volatile inventories. This approach rests upon the tacit assumption that the obsidian clasts are juvenile, that is, genetically related to the erupting magma. Pyroclastic deposits within the Yellowstone-Snake River Plain province almost without exception contain dense, glassy clasts, previously interpreted as hyaloclastite, while other lithologies, including crystallised rhyolite, are extremely rare. We investigate the origin of these dense, glassy clasts from a coupled geochemical and textural perspective combining literature data and case studies from Cougar Point Tuff XIII, Wolverine Creek Tuff, and Mesa Falls Tuff spanning 10 My of silicic volcanism. These results indicate that the trace elemental compositions of the dense glasses mostly overlap with the vesiculated component of each deposit, while being distinct from nearby units, thus indicating that dense glasses are juvenile. Textural complexity of the dense clasts varies across our examples. Cougar Point Tuff XIII contains a remarkable diversity of clast appearances with the same glass composition including obsidian-within-obsidian clasts. Mesa Falls Tuff contains clasts with the same glass compositions but with stark variations in phenocryst content (0 to 45%). Cumulatively, our results support a model where most dense, glassy clasts reflect conduit material that passed through multiple cycles of fracturing and sintering with concurrent mixing of glass and various crystal components. This is in contrast to previous interpretations of these clasts as entrained hyaloclastite and relaxes the requirement for water-magma interaction within the eruptive centres of the Yellowstone-Snake River Plain province.
DEER and RIDME Measurements of the Nitroxide-Spin Labelled Copper-Bound Amine Oxidase Homodimer from Arthrobacter Globiformis
Authors: Russell Hannah , Stewart Rachel , Prior Christopher , Oganesyan Vasily S. , Gaule Thembaninkosi G. , Lovett Janet E.
Published: March 2021

In the study of biological structures, pulse dipolar spectroscopy (PDS) is used to elucidate spin–spin distances at nanometre-scale by measuring dipole–dipole interactions between paramagnetic centres. The PDS methods of Double Electron Electron Resonance (DEER) and Relaxation Induced Dipolar Modulation Enhancement (RIDME) are employed, and their results compared, for the measurement of the dipolar coupling between nitroxide spin labels and copper-II (Cu(II)) paramagnetic centres within the copper amine oxidase from Arthrobacter globiformis (AGAO). The distance distribution results obtained indicate that two distinct distances can be measured, with the longer of these at c.a. 5 nm. Conditions for optimising the RIDME experiment such that it may outperform DEER for these long distances are discussed. Modelling methods are used to show that the distances obtained after data analysis are consistent with the structure of AGAO.
Wage bargaining as an optimal control problem: a dynamic version of the efficient bargaining model
Authors: Guerrazzi Marco
Published: March 2021

In this paper, I develop a dynamic version of the efficient bargaining model grounded on optimal control in which a firm and a union bargain over the wage in a continuous-time environment under the supervision of an infinitely lived mediator. Overturning the findings achieved by means of a companion right-to-manage framework, I demonstrate that when employment is assumed to adjust itself with some attrition in the direction of the contract curve implied by the preferences of the two bargainers, increases in the bargaining power of the firm (union) accelerate (delay) the speed of convergence towards the stationary solution. In addition, confirming the reversal of the results obtained when employment moves over time towards the firm’s labour demand, I show that the dynamic negotiation of wages tends to penalize unionized workers and favour the firm with respect to the bargaining outcomes retrieved with a similar static wage-setting model.
Lettau’s Contribution to the Obukhov Length Scale: A Scientific Historical Study
Authors: Foken Thomas , Börngen Michael
Published: March 2021

It has been repeatedly assumed that Heinz Lettau found the Obukhov length in 1949 independently of Obukhov in 1946. However, it was not the characteristic length scale, the Obukhov length L, but the ratio of height and the Obukhov length (z/L), the Obukhov stability parameter, that he analyzed. Whether Lettau described the parameter z/L independently of Obukhov is investigated herein. Regardless of speculation about this, the significant contributions made by Lettau in the application of z/L merit this term being called the Obukhov–Lettau stability parameter in the future.
Efficacy of intravitreal ziv-aflibercept in patients with macular edema following retinal vein occlusion in Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana: a retrospective case series
Authors: Braimah Imoro Zeba , Agyabeng Kofi , Amoaku Winfried M.
Published: March 2021

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of ziv-aflibercept in Ghanaian patients with macular edema (ME) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Methodology

In this retrospective study, the medical records of patients with ME secondary to RVO who had been treated with intravitreal ziv-aflibercept (IVZ) (1.25 mg/0.05 ml), as part of routine clinical practice, on pro re nata basis with a minimum follow-up of 6 months were retrieved and analyzed. The main outcome measures are mean change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central subfield foveal thickness (CSFT) measured on optical coherence tomography from baseline to 12 months post-IVZ, and ocular and systemic safety.

Results

Forty-three eyes were included in this study. Their mean age was 62.8 ± 11.9 years, 67.4% had at least 12-month duration of follow-up, 50% had primary open-angle glaucoma and 38 (88.4%) eyes were treatment naive. There was significant improvement in mean BCVA in LogMAR at 1 month post-initiation of IVZ (0.8 ± 0.5 vs. 1.1 ± 0.6), and visual improvement was maintained up to 12 months (p < 0.001). Eyes with ME following BRVO had better mean BCVA at baseline and on subsequent visits compared to eyes with CRVO/HRVO (p = 0.01). There was significant reduction in mean CSFT up to 12 months post-IVZ injection compared to baseline (p < 0.001). Ocular complications observed were consistent with complications associated with RVO.

Conclusion

We have observed significant improvement in functional and anatomic outcomes 12 months post-initiation of IVZ. There is the need to confirm long-term efficacy and safety of IVZ in a large prospective study.
Big science and innovation: gestation lag from procurement to patents for CERN suppliers
Authors: Bastianin Andrea , Castelnovo Paolo , Florio Massimo , Giunta Anna
Published: March 2021

CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is the most important laboratory for particle physics in the world. It requires cutting edge technologies to deliver scientific discoveries. This paper investigates the time span needed for technology suppliers of CERN to absorb the knowledge acquired during the procurement relation and develop it into a patent. We estimate count data models relying on a sample of CERN suppliers for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), a particle accelerator. Firms in our sample received their first LHC-related order over a long-time span (1995–2008). This fact is exploited to estimate the time lag that separates the beginning of the procurement relationship and the filing date of patents. Becoming a supplier of CERN is associated with a statistically significant increase in the number of patent applications by firms. Moreover, such an effect requires a relatively long gestation lag in the range of five to eight years.
In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of Palmaria palmata Derived Peptides on Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Harnedy-Rothwell Pádraigín A. , McLaughlin Chris M. , Le Gouic Aurélien V. , Mullen Ciaran , Parthsarathy Vadivel , Allsopp Philip J. , McSorley Emeir M. , FitzGerald Richard J. , O’Harte Finbarr P. M.
Published: March 2021

Three synthetic peptides, ILAP, LLAP and MAGVDHI, derived from a Palmaria palmata protein hydrolysate were assessed for their antidiabetic potential in vitro and in vivo. In addition to inhibiting dipeptidyl peptidase-IV in a cell-based in situ assay all three peptides significantly increased the half-life of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). ILAP and LLAP mediated a significant increase (p < 0.001) in insulin secretion from BRIN-BD11 cells compared to the glucose control, while MAGVDHI had no insulinotropic activity at an eqimolar concentration (10–6 M). A significant increase in the concentration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate production in BRIN-BD11 cells mediated by ILAP (p < 0.001) and LLAP (p < 0.01) compared to the basal control, would indicate that insulin secretion may be mediated by membrane based activation. Furthermore, ILAP and LLAP acted as glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) secretagogues, stimulating a significant increase (p < 0.01) in the concentration of GIP released from enteroendocrine STC-1 cells compared to the glucose control. When tested in vivo in healthy male NIH Swiss mice, ILAP and LLAP, mediated a significant increase (p < 0.01) in plasma insulin and decrease (p < 0.05) in blood glucose, respectively, compared to the control. MAGVDHI mediated a significant (p < 0.001) sustained reduction in food intake in food deprived trained mice. These results demonstrate that the Palmaria palmata peptides studied herein have prospective antidiabetic activity and have the potential to act as agents that can be used alone or in combination with drugs, to aid in the prevention and management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Nature and climate change effects on economic growth: an LSTM experiment on renewable energy resources
Authors: Mele Marco , Gurrieri Antonia Rosa , Morelli Giovanna , Magazzino Cosimo
Published: March 2021

Global energy demand increases overtime, especially in emerging market economies, producing potential negative environmental impacts, particularly on the long term, on nature and climate changes. Promoting renewables is a robust policy action in world energy-based economies. This study examines if an increase in renewables production has a positive effect on the Brazilian economy, partially offsetting the SARS-CoV2 outbreak recession. Using data on Brazilian economy, we test the contribution of renewables on the economy via a ML architecture (through a LSTM model). Empirical findings show that an ever-greater use of renewables may sustain the economic growth recovery, generating a better performing GDP acceleration vs. other energy variables.
Assessment of leakage management in small water supplies using performance indicators
Authors: Klosok-Bazan Iwona , Boguniewicz-Zablocka Joanna , Suda Aneta , Łukasiewicz Ewelina , Anders Dorota
Published: March 2021

The revision of the Drinking Water Directive (DWD), which the process of consultation by the European Parliament is coming to the end, includes a commitment for all Member States to assess the level of water leakage. The overarching aim of this action is to reduce water loss through leaks. In regard to this, use of performance indicators as suitable to enable assessment of water utility performance with regard to leakage reduction, including impacts on environment and cost-efficiency, is recommended. The paper provides results from water losses evaluation with the set of performance indicators (PI), considering dependence on the availability of resources and specific operating conditions. An analysis of different PI that are necessary to evaluate in most of leakage reduction methods was conducted considering step-by-step approach. Furthermore, the most relevant data for leakage analysis and management on a network level was determined. Presented PI can be used to improve leakage management of small water supply system. Similarly as in the Deming cycle, the described tool provides for planning activities, executing activities in accordance with the plan, checking the degree of execution of objectives included in the plan, and on the basis of conducted analyses and lessons learned, the so-called improvement. The results of the analysis lead to the conclusion that through a comprehensive, systematically improved strategy, the high effectiveness of the system could be reach. The reliable monitoring does not have to be based on advanced technological methods, which are often unavailable for small water supply system, due to high investment and operating costs. The results indicate that integrated IT systems, as SCADA, might not be directly beneficial to water loss management in small networks with moderate leakage levels.
The Development of the Turkish Craving for Online Shopping Scale: A Validation Study
Authors: Savci Mustafa , Ugur Erol , Ercengiz Mustafa , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: March 2021

In the present study, the Turkish version of the Craving for Online Shopping Scale (TCOSS) was developed by modifying items on the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS). The sample comprised 475 adult volunteers (233 women and 242 men) from three different non-clinical samples recruited online. The structure validity of the TCOSS was examined utilizing exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and criterion validity testing. The EFA showed that the TCOSS had a unidimensional structure that explained 80% of the total variance. The five-item unidimensional structure of the TCOSS then underwent further testing using two different samples. First, the structure of the TCOSS was tested using CFA, which confirmed the unidimensional factor structure. Second, measurement invariance of the TCOSS was conducted through structural invariance, metric invariance, and scalar invariance across different samples. This demonstrated the TCOSS had measurement invariance across different samples (CFA and criterion validity samples). Criterion validity of the TCOSS was tested using the Internet Addiction Test-Short Form, Brief Self-Control Scale, Compulsive Online Shopping Scale, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and self-reported personal information. According to the criterion validity results, the TCOSS assessed the structure it targets. Cronbach’s α internal consistency coefficients of the TCOSS were .94 in the EFA sample, .94 in the CFA sample, and .96 in the criterion validity sample. When validity and reliability analysis of the TCOSS are considered as a whole, it is concluded that the TCOSS is a valid and reliable scale for assessing craving for online shopping among online shoppers.
Real-time FPGA-based implementation of the AKAZE algorithm with nonlinear scale space generation using image partitioning
Authors: Soleimani Parastoo , Capson David W. , Li Kin Fun
Published: March 2021

The first step in a scale invariant image matching system is scale space generation. Nonlinear scale space generation algorithms such as AKAZE, reduce noise and distortion in different scales while retaining the borders and key-points of the image. An FPGA-based hardware architecture for AKAZE nonlinear scale space generation is proposed to speed up this algorithm for real-time applications. The three contributions of this work are (1) mapping the two passes of the AKAZE algorithm onto a hardware architecture that realizes parallel processing of multiple sections, (2) multi-scale line buffers which can be used for different scales, and (3) a time-sharing mechanism in the memory management unit to process multiple sections of the image in parallel. We propose a time-sharing mechanism for memory management to prevent artifacts as a result of separating the process of image partitioning. We also use approximations in the algorithm to make hardware implementation more efficient while maintaining the repeatability of the detection. A frame rate of 304 frames per second for a $$1280 \times 768$$

1280
×
768

image resolution is achieved which is favorably faster in comparison with other work.
Coupling Thermomechanical Processing and Alloy Design to Improve Textures in Mg-Zn-Ca Sheet Alloys
Authors: Berman Tracy D. , Allison John E.
Published: March 2021

The effect of Ca and Zn additions on the microstructure and texture evolution during thermomechanical processing of Mg-Zn-Ca sheet alloys was systematically investigated and quantified. Plane strain compression testing in a Gleeble thermomechanical simulator was used to physically simulate a 10-pass rolling schedule, while allowing for careful control and monitoring of the processing parameters. Textures in the as-deformed ternary alloy samples demonstrate a weak maximum basal intensity and spreading in the transverse direction. Increasing the Zn content to 3.2 wt.% in the ternary alloys resulted in samples that exhibited weak textures in the as-deformed state. Importantly, static recrystallization (SRX) during post-deformation annealing of these alloys promoted a desirable annular texture, with the c-axis tipped from the normal direction and a lower basal texture intensity. The evolution in texture during SRX is associated with as-deformed microstructures with broad grain orientation spreads and a low degree of recrystallization.