bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postdisaster Housing Stages: A Markov Chain Approach to Model Sequences and Duration Based on Social Vulnerability
Authors: Sutley Elaina J. , Hamideh Sara
Published: August 2020

Housing recovery is an unequal and complex process presumed to occur in four stages: emergency shelter, temporary shelter, temporary housing, and permanent housing. This work questions the four‐stage typology and examines how different types of shelter align with multiple housing recovery stages given different levels of social vulnerability. This article also presents a Markov chain model of the postdisaster housing recovery process that focuses on the experience of the household. The model predicts the sequence and timing of a household going through housing recovery, capturing households that end in either permanent housing or a fifth possible stage of failure. The probability of a household transitioning through the stages is computed using a transition probability matrix (TPM). The TPM is assembled using proposed transition probability models that vary with the social vulnerability of the household. Monte Carlo techniques are applied to demonstrate the range of sequences and timing that households experience going through the housing recovery process. A set of computational rules are established for sending a household to the fifth stage, representing a household languishing in unstable housing. This predictive model is exemplified on a virtual community, Centerville, where following a severe earthquake scenario, differences in housing recovery times exceed four years. The Centerville analysis results in nearly 5% of households languishing in unstable housing, thereby failing to reach housing recovery. These findings highlight the disparate trajectories experienced by households with different levels of social vulnerability. Recommendations are provided at the end for more equitable postdisaster recovery policies.
The unequal distribution of administrative burden: A framework and an illustrative case study for understanding variation in people's experience of burdens
Authors: Chudnovsky Mariana , Peeters Rik
Published: August 2020

Recent studies have demonstrated that administrative burdens often reinforce existing social inequalities. However, less attention has been paid to explaining which factors cause variation in people's experience of administrative burden. This article builds upon an emerging body of literature on citizen factors to make two contributions. First, a theoretical framework is constructed to provide a coherent overview of existing economic (cost–benefit analyses and poverty costs) and behavioural explanations (human capital and decision‐making bias) for the unequal distribution of administrative burden. Furthermore, policy feedback is suggested as a possible intermediating variable to understand variations in people's capacity and willingness to engage in state‐citizen interactions and the bigger bite of administrative burden in low‐trust contexts. Second, a mixed method case study of non‐participation in Argentina's conditional cash transfer program is used to illustrate the relevance of the identified explanations prior to state‐citizen interaction.
Development aid and international migration to Italy: Does aid reduce irregular flows?
Authors: Clist Paul , Restelli Gabriele
Published: August 2020

In recent years, donors have claimed to tackle the root causes of migration from low‐income countries using aid. While others have studied the effects of aid on regular migration, we test whether aid deters irregular migration to Italy using two innovative dependent variables: asylum applications and apprehensions at border. For asylum applications, the largest significant effect implies we should expect one extra application for an additional $162,000 in bilateral aid. For border crossings, the only significant effect implies the marginal cost in bilateral aid is $1.8 million per deterred migrant. The conclusion that effect sizes are small is robust to different types of aid, measures of migration and various controls. We find robust evidence that irregular migration flows are significantly affected by conflict, poverty and the pre‐existing stocks from that country. Comparing our results to the existing aid–migration literature, we find similar effect sizes. The cost per deterred (regular) migrant is in the range $4–7 million. Statistically significant estimates for the effect of aid on regular migration are only found for sub‐samples or specific specifications. In short, aid does not deter regular or irregular migration and so should be used for other purposes.
Low Cost High-Accuracy Compound Parabolic Concentrator System—A Manufacturing Methodology
Authors: Carrillo J. G. , Peña-Cruz M. I. , Terron-Hernandez Miguel , Valentín Luis
Published: August 2020

One of the problems of designing a solar compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) is related to its manufacturing shape accuracy. The complexity of curving and holding the CPC profile in place is indeed a challenging issue, especially because there are no standardized molds and the process is typically handmade. It is very easy to provoke misalignment on the CPC surface and in consequence, divert the solar incident rays, affecting significantly the optical efficiency of the system. This work presents a novel, inexpensive methodology to manufacture a CPC with accuracy by using basic tools. The design starts with the acquisition of a pair of medium-density fiberboard wooden templates of the CPC profile that are used later to make a Styrofoam CPC mold and then cut with a hot-wire technique. A high-reflectance anodized aluminum sheet is curved to approximate the CPC shape and is then coupled with the temporary Styrofoam mold. The last part consists of the elaboration of a housing system to contain the parts. This is consolidated by a polyurethane resin that expands and fills all enclosure cavities, offering stiffness and stability. A photogrammetry analysis was implemented for the validation of the surface shape accuracy. The results from the optical analysis show that this technique achieved a high degree of accuracy and homogeneity on the CPC surface shape.
Three-Dimensional Torus Breakdown and Chaos With Two Zero Lyapunov Exponents in Coupled Radio-Physical Generators
Authors: Stankevich Nataliya V. , Shchegoleva Natalya A. , Sataev Igor R. , Kuznetsov Alexander P.
Published: August 2020

Using an example a system of two coupled generators of quasi-periodic oscillations, we study the occurrence of chaotic dynamics with one positive, two zero, and several negative Lyapunov exponents. It is shown that such dynamic arises as a result of a sequence of bifurcations of two-frequency torus doubling and involves saddle tori occurring at their doublings. This transition is associated with typical structure of parameter plane, like cross-road area and shrimp-shaped structures, based on the two-frequency quasi-periodic dynamics. Using double Poincaré section, we have shown destruction of three-frequency torus.
Investigation of Pathophysiological Aspects of Aortic Growth, Remodeling, and Failure Using a Discrete-Fiber Microstructural Model
Authors: Mahutga Ryan R. , Barocas Victor H.
Published: August 2020

Aortic aneurysms are inherently unpredictable. One can never be sure whether any given aneurysm may rupture or dissect. Clinically, the criteria for surgical intervention are based on size and growth rate, but it remains difficult to identify a high-risk aneurysm, which may require intervention before the cutoff criteria, versus an aneurysm than can be treated safely by more conservative measures. In this work, we created a computational microstructural model of a medial lamellar unit (MLU) incorporating (1) growth and remodeling laws applied directly to discrete, individual fibers, (2) separate but interacting fiber networks for collagen, elastin, and smooth muscle, (3) active and passive smooth-muscle cell mechanics, and (4) failure mechanics for all three fiber types. The MLU model was then used to study different pathologies and microstructural anomalies that may play a role in vascular growth and failure. Our model recapitulated many aspects of arterial remodeling under hypertension with no underlying genetic syndrome including remodeling dynamics, tissue mechanics, and failure. Syndromic effects (smooth muscle cell (SMC) dysfunction or elastin fragmentation) drastically changed the simulated remodeling process, tissue behavior, and tissue strength. Different underlying pathologies were able to produce similarly dilatated vessels with different failure properties, providing a partial explanation for the imperfect nature of aneurysm size as a predictor of outcome.
Reliability Evaluation of Flexible Hybrid Electronics Systems Considering Degradation Behavior Under Multistress Operating Conditions
Authors: Davila-Frias Alex , Limon Shah , Marinov Val , Yadav Om Prakash
Published: August 2020

Predicting the reliability is an important task of product life cycle analysis, especially during the product development stages. The uncertainty in the operating conditions and the presence of multistress factors makes this reliability prediction more difficult. In this work, a probabilistic reliability prediction framework is proposed using the linear damage accumulation and degradation modeling for multistress conditions. The multistress-life (S-L) curve for corresponding multistress has been developed using the equivalent stress. The multi S-L model allows extrapolating the expected life product under given operating or test conditions as well as provides input to estimate the reliability as a function of time for both a single multistress factor level and a sequence of multistress-factor levels. The proposed methodology has been demonstrated with newly developed flexible hybrid electronics products.
State of the Art of Lead-Free Solder Joint Reliability
Authors: Lau John H.
Published: August 2020

The state of the art of lead-free solder joint reliability is investigated in this study. Emphasis is placed on the design for reliability (DFR) and reliability testing and data analysis. For DFR: (a) the Norton power creep constitutive equations and examples for Au20Sn, Sn58Bi, Sn3.8Ag0.7Cu, and Sn3.8Ag0.7Cu0.03Ce, (b) the Wises two power creep constitutive equations and examples for Sn3.5Ag and Sn4Ag0.5Cu, (c) the Garofalo hyperbolic sine creep constitutive equations and examples for Sn3.5Ag, Sn3Ag0.5Cu, Sn3.9Ag0.6Cu, Sn3.8Ag0.7Cu, Sn3.5Ag0.5Cu, and Sn3.5Ag0.75Cu, Sn4Ag0.5Cu, Sn(3.5-3.9)Ag(0.5-0.8)Cu, 100In, Sn52In, Sn3.8Ag0.7Cu0.03Ce, and Au20Sn, and (d) the Anand viscoplasticity constitutive equations and examples for Sn3.5Ag, Sn3Ag0.5Cu, Sn3.8Ag0.7Cu, Sn3.8Ag0.7CuCe, Sn3.8Ag0.7CuAl, Au20Sn, Sn3.5Ag with temperature and strain rate-dependent parameters, and Sn1Ag0.5Cu, Sn2Ag0.5Cu, Sn3Ag0.5Cu, and Sn4Ag0.5Cu after extreme aging will be discussed. For reliability testing and data analysis: (a) the Weibull and lognormal life distributions for lead-free solder joints under thermal-cycling and drop tests, (b) the true Weibull slope, true characteristic life, and true mean life, and (c) the linear acceleration factors for various lead-free solder alloys based on: (i) frequency and maximum temperature, (ii) dwell time and maximum temperature, and (iii) frequency and mean temperature will be presented. Some recommendations will also be provided.
Review of Methodologies for Structural Integrity Evaluation of Power Modules
Authors: Miyazaki Noriyuki , Shishido Nobuyuki , Hayama Yutaka
Published: August 2020

This paper reviews the previous research on the methodologies for evaluating structural integrity of wire bonds and die-attachments in power modules. Under power module operation, these parts are subjected to repeated temperature variations which induce repeated thermal stress due to the mismatch in coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of the constituent materials. Thus, thermal fatigue phenomena are critical issues for the structural integrity of power modules. In the present paper, we also deal with the evaluation methodologies for thermal fatigue in the temperatures over 200 °C, which are expected operational temperatures for wide bandgap semiconductor power modules. The failure models based on the temperature range ΔT widely used in the power electronics community are critically reviewed from a mechanical engineering viewpoint. Detailed discussion is given concerning the superiority of failure models based on the physical quantities such as the inelastic strain range Δεin, the inelastic strain energy density range ΔWin, and the nonlinear fracture mechanics parameter range ΔT* over the conventional ΔT-based failure models. It is also pointed out that the distributed state concept (DSC) approaches based on the unified constitutive modeling and the unified mechanics theory are promising for evaluating the structural integrity of power modules. Two kinds of test methods, a power cycling test (PCT) and a thermal cycling test (TCT), are discussed in the relation to evaluating the lifetimes of wire-liftoff and die attach cracking.
The Non-Stationary Dynamic Analytical Solution of a Spherical/Cylindrical Cavity Expansion
Authors: Feldgun V. R. , Yankelevsky D. Z.
Published: August 2020

A review of the pertinent literature related to the dynamic expansion of a spherical/cylindrical cavity shows that all the solutions with kinematic boundary conditions deal with a constant velocity at the cavity boundary. This paper develops a new general solution of the nonstationary dynamic problem of cavity expansion, which allows the application of time-dependent motion conditions at the cavity boundary. This solution can be used, for example, in the development of approximate approaches for projectiles penetrating with a non-constant velocity into different targets. Due to the complexity of the nonlinear nonstationary problem, an analytical solution of the problem may be developed if simplified constitutive relationships are used. In the present model, a simplified material model with a locked equation of state and a linear shear failure relationship is implemented. This solution may be applied to different materials such as concrete, soil, and rock. Special cases of the newly developed nonstationary solution are compared with different spherical and cylindrical cavity expansions solutions reported in the literature, and a good agreement is obtained. The capability of the present model is demonstrated in a following investigation of representative cases of cavity expansion with zero, constant, and variable acceleration of the cavity boundary. A significant difference in the stress variation for the different cases is shown. Along with the general solution which deals with an elastic–plastic region, a simplified solution which disregards the contribution of the elastic region is presented and the evaluation of the elastic region effect may be assessed.
The narrative arc: Revealing core narrative structures through text analysis
Authors: Boyd Ryan L. , Blackburn Kate G. , Pennebaker James W.
Published: August 2020

We find a consistent, unified narrative structure that can be reliably quantified using modern text analysis methods.
Functional heterogeneity of alveolar macrophage population based on expression of CXCL2
Authors: Xu-Vanpala Shengjie , Deerhake M. Elizabeth , Wheaton Joshua D. , Parker Morgan E. , Juvvadi Praveen R. , MacIver Nancie , Ciofani Maria , Shinohara Mari L.
Published: August 2020

Pulmonary fungal infections generate heterogenous alveolar macrophage subpopulations.
Multi-omics Approach Reveals How Yeast Extract Peptides Shape Streptococcus thermophilus Metabolism
Authors: Proust Lucas , Haudebourg Eloi , Sourabié Alain , Pedersen Martin , Besançon Iris , Monnet Véronique , Juillard Vincent
Published: August 2020

Improving the performance and industrial robustness of bacteria used in fermentations and food industry remains a challenge. We showed here that two
Streptococcus thermophilus
fermentations, performed with the same strain in media that differ only by their yeast extract compositions and, more especially, their peptide contents, led to similar growth kinetics and final biomasses, but several genes and proteins were differentially expressed/produced. In other words, subtle variations in peptide composition of the growth medium can finely tune the metabolism status of the starter. Our work, therefore, suggests that acting on growth medium components and especially on their peptide content, we could modulate bacterial metabolism and produce bacteria differently programmed for further purposes. This might have applications for preparing active starter cultures.
Two CRISPR/Cas9 Systems Developed in Thermomyces dupontii and Characterization of Key Gene Functions in Thermolide Biosynthesis and Fungal Adaptation
Authors: Huang Wei-Ping , Du Yuan-Jiang , Yang Yun , He Jia-Ning , Lei Qian , Yang Xiao-Yu , Zhang Ke-Qin , Niu Xue-Mei
Published: August 2020

Thermomyces
represents a unique ecological taxon in fungi, but a lack of flexible genetic tools has greatly hampered the study of gene function in this taxon. The biosynthesis of potent nematicidal thermolides in
T. dupontii
remains largely unknown. In this study, mesophilic and thermophilic CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing systems were successfully established for both disrupting and activating genes in
T. dupontii
. In this study, a usable thermophilic CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system derived from bacteria was constructed in thermophilic fungi. Chemical analysis of the mutants generated by these two gene editing systems identified the key biosynthetic genes and pathway for the biosynthesis of nematocidal thermolides in
T. dupontii
. Phenotype analysis and chemical stress experiments revealed potential roles of secondary metabolites or their biosynthetic genes in fungal development and adaption to chemical stress conditions. These two genomic editing systems will not only accelerate investigations into the biosynthetic mechanisms of unique natural products and functions of cryptic genes in
T. dupontii
but also offer an example for setting up CRISPR/Cas9 systems in other thermophilic fungi.
Time trends and determinants of breastfeeding practices among adolescents and young women in Nigeria, 2003–2018
Authors: Benova Lenka , Siddiqi Manahil , Abejirinde Ibukun-Oluwa Omolade , Badejo Okikiolu
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Optimal breastfeeding practices have far-reaching health and economic benefits. Evidence suggests disparities in breastfeeding practices by maternal age-groups, with younger mothers often having lower rates of breastfeeding initiation, continuation and exclusivity compared with older mothers. There is limited knowledge of trends and factors associated with breastfeeding practices, particularly among adolescent and younger mothers in Nigeria. We examine key breastfeeding practices in Nigeria over a 15-year period, comparing adolescent mothers to young women.

Methods

We used four Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys collected between 2003 and 2018. We constructed six key breastfeeding indicators to cover the time period of breastfeeding from initiation to child age 24 months in women of three maternal age groups at the time of birth: young adolescents (<18 years), older adolescents (18–19.9 years) and young women (20–24.9 years). We used logistic regression to examine the association between maternal age group and select breastfeeding behaviours on the 2018 survey.

Results

Analysis showed an increase in optimal breastfeeding practices across the four surveys and among all maternal age groups examined. Adolescent mothers had consistently lower prevalence for three of the six key breastfeeding indicators: early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding <6 months and no prelacteal feed. Compared with young women, adolescent mothers had a higher prevalence of continued breastfeeding at 1 and 2 years. In multivariate analysis, we found that maternal age group was not associated with early breastfeeding initiation or with exclusive breastfeeding <6 months. However, several sociodemographic (ethnicity, region of residence) and healthcare-related (mode of delivery, antenatal care, postnatal breastfeeding counselling) factors were strongly associated with these two practices.

Conclusions

In Nigeria, there is need to better support breastfeeding and nutritional practices in adolescents and young women focusing on ethnic groups (Hausa, Fulani, Kanuri/Beriberi) and geographic regions (South East) that are lagging behind.
Toxoplasma gondiiinfection in pregnant women: a cross-sectional study in Matehuala City, Mexico
Authors: Sandoval-Carrillo Ada-Agustina , Vértiz-Hernández Angel Antonio , Salas-Pacheco Jose-Manuel , González-Lugo Olga Edith , Antuna-Salcido Elizabeth-Irasema , Salas-Pacheco Sergio Manuel , Sánchez-Anguiano Luis Francisco , Méndez-Hernández Edna Madai , Hernández-Tinoco Jesús , Castellanos-Juárez Francisco Xavier , La-Llave-León Osmel , Alvarado-Esquivel Cosme
Published: August 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence ofToxoplasma gondii(T. gondii) infection in pregnant women in Matehuala City, Mexico; and the associated risk factors.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Matehuala City, Mexico.

Participants

311 pregnant women.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Sera of women were analysed for anti-T. gondiiIgG and IgM antibodies by commercially available immunoassays. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the association betweenT. gondiiseroprevalence and the characteristics of the pregnant women.

Results

Thirteen (4.2%) of the 311 pregnant women studied were positive for anti-T. gondiiIgG antibodies. No anti-T. gondiiIgM antibodies were found in anti-T. gondiiIgG seropositive women. No association between seropositivity and history of blood transfusion, transplantation, caesarean sections, deliveries, miscarriages or number of pregnancies was found. Logistic regression analysis of sociodemographic, behavioural and housing variables showed that availability of potable water at street represented a risk factor forT. gondiiinfection (age-adjusted OR=2.18; 95% CI: 1.05 to 4.53; p=0.03), whereas being born in Mexico was a protective factor for infection (age-adjusted OR=0.01; 95% CI: 0.001 to 0.35; p=0.008).

Conclusions

In this first study on the seroepidemiology ofT. gondiiinfection in pregnant women in Matehuala, we conclude that the seroprevalence ofT. gondiiinfection is low and similar to those reported in pregnant women in other Mexican cities. However, the seroprevalence found is lower than those reported in pregnant women in other countries in the Americas and Europe. Two risk factors associated withT. gondiiinfection were identified. Results of the present study may help for the optimal planning of preventive measures against toxoplasmosis in pregnant women.
Mortality in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in a population-based nationwide cohort study of Swedish twins
Authors: Ness-Jensen Eivind , Santoni Giola , Gottlieb-Vedi Eivind , Lindam Anna , Pedersen Nancy , Lagergren Jesper
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The public health disorder gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is linked with several comorbidities, including oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC), but whether life expectancy is reduced by GORD is uncertain. This study assessed all-cause and cancer-specific mortality in GORD after controlling for confounding by heredity and other factors.

Design

Population-based cohort study from 1998 to 2015.

Setting

Swedish nationwide study.

Participants

Twins (n=40 961) born in 1958 or earlier in Sweden.

Exposure

GORD symptoms reported in structured computer-assisted telephone interviews.

Outcomes

The primary outcome was all-cause mortality and the secondary outcome was cancer-specific mortality among twins with GORD and twins without GORD. HRs and 95% CIs were analysed using parametric survival models, both in individual twin analyses and co-twin pair analyses, with adjustment for body mass index, smoking, education and comorbidity.

Results

Among 40 961 individual twins, 5812 (14.2%) had GORD at baseline and 8062 (19.7%) died during follow-up of up to 16 years. The risks of all-cause mortality (HR=1.00, 95% CI: 0.94–1.07) and cancer-specific mortality (HR=0.99, 95% CI: 0.89–1.10) were not increased in individual twins with GORD compared with individual twins without GORD. Similarly, there were no differences in mortality outcomes in within-pair analyses. The OAC-specific mortality rate was 0.45 (95% CI: 0.32–0.66) per 1000 person-years in individual twins with GORD and 0.22 (95% CI: 0.18–0.27) per 1000 person-years without GORD, rendering an adjusted HR of 2.01 (95% CI: 1.35–2.98).

Conclusions

GORD did not increase all-cause or cancer-specific mortality when taking heredity and other confounders into account. The increased relative risk of mortality in OAC was low in absolute numbers.
Psychological distress among mountainous farmers in Vietnam: a cross-sectional study of prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Hoang Men Thi , Do Khanh Nam , Pham Hai Quang , Nguyen Cuong Tat , Ha Giang Hai , Vu Giang Thu , Tran Bach Xuan , Latkin Carl , Ho Roger C M , Ho Cyrus SH
Published: August 2020

Background

Psychological distress has been known as a major health problem among farmers across the world. In Vietnam, approximately 50% of farmers have lived in rural and mountainous areas. Yet, little has been known about how psychological distress impacts mountainous farmers’ health.

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the prevalence and risk factors related to psychological distress among mountainous farmers in Vietnam.

Design and setting

A cross-sectional study was performed from August to September 2018 in Moc Chau district, Vietnam. A structured questionnaire and face-to-face interviews were used for data collection.

Participants

A random sample of 197 farmers aged at least 18 years, spoke Vietnamese, was not suffering from severe diseases and residing in Moc Chau at the time of the survey were recruited.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) was employed to measure psychological distress. The tobit and logistic regressions were applied to indicate associated factors.

Results

The prevalence of psychological distress was 38.2% (95% CI 31.3% to 45.5%). Having a greater comorbidities (OR=6.17; 95% CI 1.44 to 26.43), drinking alcohol (OR=3.86; 95% CI 1.02 to 14.59) and obtaining health information from health workers (OR=3.77; 95% CI 1.22 to 11.66) were positively associated with the prevalence of psychological distress. By contrast, being overweight (OR=0.29; 95% CI 0.09 to 0.93), adopting books as the primary source of health information (OR=0.11; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.8), and receiving a higher number of home visits by community health workers (CHWs) (OR=0.38; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.99) were negatively associated with the prevalence of psychological distress.

Conclusion

This study highlighted a high prevalence of psychological distress among mountainous farmers. Providing routine psychological and physical health screening, developing CHWs to provide clinical support and raising health awareness are critical implications for reducing psychological distress in this population.
Study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial testing the effectiveness of the ‘High schools High on life’ intervention on reducing excessive drinking in Danish high schools
Authors: Pisinger Veronica Sofie Clara , Hoffmann Sofie , Rosing Johanne Aviaja , Grønbæk Morten , Tolstrup Janne Schurmann , Thygesen Lau , Krølner Rikke
Published: August 2020

Introduction

This paper describes the evaluation design of the ‘High schools High on life’ intervention; a school-based intervention to reduce excessive drinking among high school students in Denmark. The intervention includes a school environmental component to limit access to alcohol at school, a school-educational component to change social norms around alcohol among first year students and a parental component addressing parents’ knowledge and attitudes towards alcohol.

Methods and design

The study will employ a cluster randomised controlled study design and will include a random sample of 16 high schools randomly allocated 1:1 to either intervention or control group. Target group: first year high school students. Timeline: baseline survey: January to March 2019, collected as part of the Danish National Youth Study 2019. Delivery of intervention: April 2019 to March 2020. Follow-up survey: April to May 2020. Primary outcome measure: 30% reduction in mean number of binge-drinking episodes (five or more alcoholic drinks on one occasion) within the last 30 days. Secondary outcome measures: proportion of students who drink alcohol, mean weekly alcohol consumption, alcohol intake at last school party, alcohol intake at the school during last school party, proportion of students who agree to be able to have fun at a party without drinking and the proportion of students who think alcohol plays a too dominant part at the school. Implementation will be monitored through process evaluation.

Ethics and dissemination

The Scientific Ethics Committees for the Capital Region of Denmark has declared that the trial is not subject to notification (jnr. 19021957). The study is registered at the Research an Innovation Office at University of Southern Denmark (ref: 10.314) allowing collection of personal data. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT03906500.
Associations between double-checking and medication administration errors: a direct observational study of paediatric inpatients
Authors: Westbrook Johanna I , Li Ling , Raban Magdalena Z , Woods Amanda , Koyama Alain K , Baysari Melissa Therese , Day Richard O , McCullagh Cheryl , Prgomet Mirela , Mumford Virginia , Dalla-Pozza Luciano , Gazarian Madlen , Gates Peter J , Lichtner Valentina , Barclay Peter , Gardo Alan , Wiggins Mark , White Leslie
Published: August 2020

Background

Double-checking the administration of medications has been standard practice in paediatric hospitals around the world for decades. While the practice is widespread, evidence of its effectiveness in reducing errors or harm is scarce.

Objectives

To measure the association between double-checking, and the occurrence and potential severity of medication administration errors (MAEs); check duration; and factors associated with double-checking adherence.

Methods

Direct observational study of 298 nurses, administering 5140 medication doses to 1523 patients, across nine wards, in a paediatric hospital. Independent observers recorded details of administrations and double-checking (independent; primed—one nurse shares information which may influence the checking nurse; incomplete; or none) in real time during weekdays and weekends between 07:00 and 22:00. Observational medication data were compared with patients’ medical records by a reviewer (blinded to checking-status), to identify MAEs. MAEs were rated for potential severity. Observations included administrations where double-checking was mandated, or optional. Multivariable regression examined the association between double-checking, MAEs and potential severity; and factors associated with policy adherence.

Results

For 3563 administrations double-checking was mandated. Of these, 36 (1·0%) received independent double-checks, 3296 (92·5%) primed and 231 (6·5%) no/incomplete double-checks. For 1577 administrations double-checking was not mandatory, but in 26·3% (n=416) nurses chose to double-check. Where double-checking was mandated there was no significant association between double-checking and MAEs (OR 0·89 (0·65–1·21); p=0·44), or potential MAE severity (OR 0·86 (0·65–1·15); p=0·31). Where double-checking was not mandated, but performed, MAEs were less likely to occur (OR 0·71 (0·54–0·95); p=0·02) and had lower potential severity (OR 0·75 (0·57–0·99); p=0·04). Each double-check took an average of 6·4 min (107 hours/1000 administrations).

Conclusions

Compliance with mandated double-checking was very high, but rarely independent. Primed double-checking was highly prevalent but compared with single-checking conferred no benefit in terms of reduced errors or severity. Our findings raise questions about if, when and how double-checking policies deliver safety benefits and warrant the considerable resource investments required in modern clinical settings.
Dynamics and the emergence of geometry in an information mesh
Authors: Tee Philip
Published: August 2020

The idea of a graph theoretical approach to modeling the emergence of a quantized geometry and consequently spacetime, has been proposed previously, but not well studied. In most approaches the focus has been upon how to generate a spacetime that possesses properties that would be desirable at the continuum limit, and the question of how to model matter and its dynamics has not been directly addressed. Recent advances in network science have yielded new approaches to the mechanism by which spacetime can emerge as the ground state of a simple Hamiltonian, based upon a multi-dimensional Ising model with one dimensionless coupling constant. Extensions to this model have been proposed that improve the ground state geometry, but they require additional coupling constants. In this paper we conduct an extensive exploration of the graph properties of the ground states of these models, and a simplification requiring only one coupling constant. We demonstrate that the simplification is effective at producing an acceptable ground state. Moreover we propose a scheme for the inclusion of matter and dynamics as excitations above the ground state of the simplified Hamiltonian. Intriguingly, enforcing locality has the consequence of reproducing the free non-relativistic dynamics of a quantum particle.
Functional renormalization group study of the critical region of the quark-meson model with vector interactions
Authors: Pereira Renan Câmara , Stiele Rainer , Costa Pedro
Published: August 2020

The critical region of the two flavour quark-meson model with vector interactions is explored using the Functional Renormalization Group, a non-perturbative method that takes into account quantum and thermal fluctuations. Special attention is given to the low temperature and high density region of the phase diagram, which is very important to construct the equation of state of compact stars. As in previous studies, without repulsive vector interaction, an unphysical region of negative entropy density is found near the first order chiral phase transition. We explore the connection between this unphysical region and the chiral critical region, especially the first order line and spinodal lines, using also different values for vector interactions. We find that the unphysical negative entropy density region appears because the $$s=0$$s=0 isentropic line, near the critical region, is displaced from its $$T=0$$T=0 location. For certain values of vector interactions this region is pushed to lower temperatures and high chemical potentials in such way that the negative entropy density region on the phase diagram can even disappear. In the case of finite vector interactions, the location of the critical end point has a non-trivial behaviour in the $$T-\mu _B$$T-μB plane, which differs from that in mean field calculations.
Cosmological dynamics of f(R) models in dynamical system analysis
Authors: Shah Parth , Samanta Gauranga C.
Published: August 2020

In this work we try to understand the late-time acceleration of the universe by assuming some modification in the geometry of the space and using dynamical system analysis. This technique allows to understand the behavior of the universe without analytically solving the field equations. We study the acceleration phase of the universe and stability properties of the critical points which could be compared with observational results. We consider an asymptotic behavior of two particular models [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] for the study. As a first case we fix the value of [Formula: see text] and analyze for all [Formula: see text]. Later as second case, we fix the value of [Formula: see text] and calculation are done for all [Formula: see text]. At the end all the calculations for the generalized case have been shown and results have been discussed in detail.
Phenomenology of keV sterile neutrino in minimal extended seesaw
Authors: Das Pritam , Das Mrinal Kumar
Published: August 2020

We explore the possibility of a single generation of keV scale sterile neutrino [Formula: see text] as a dark matter candidate within the minimal extended seesaw (MES) framework and its influence in neutrinoless double beta decay [Formula: see text] study. Three hierarchical right-handed neutrinos were considered to explain neutrino mass. We also address baryogenesis via the mechanism of thermal leptogenesis considering the decay of the lightest RH neutrino to a lepton and Higgs doublet. A generic model based on [Formula: see text] flavor symmetry is constructed to explain both normal and inverted hierarchy mass pattern of neutrinos. Significant results on effective neutrino masses are observed in presence of sterile mass [Formula: see text] and active-sterile mixing [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. Results from [Formula: see text] give stringent upper bounds on the active-sterile mixing matrix element. To establish sterile neutrino as dark matter within this model, we checked decay width and relic abundance of the sterile neutrino, which restricted sterile mass [Formula: see text] within some definite bounds. Constrained regions on the CP phases and Yukawa couplings are obtained from [Formula: see text] and baryogenesis results. Co-relations among these observable are also established and discussed within this framework.
Deformations of relative Rota–Baxter operators on Leibniz algebras
Authors: Tang Rong , Sheng Yunhe , Zhou Yanqiu
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we introduce the cohomology theory of relative Rota–Baxter operators on Leibniz algebras. We use the cohomological approach to study linear and formal deformations of relative Rota–Baxter operators. In particular, the notion of Nijenhuis elements is introduced to characterize trivial linear deformations. Formal deformations and extendibility of order [Formula: see text] deformations of a relative Rota–Baxter operator are also characterized in terms of the cohomology theory.
A Proportional-Switch Adjustment Model towards Mixed Equilibrium with Multiroute Choice Behaviour Criterion
Authors: Huang Zhongxiang , Jiang Xiangjun , Hao Wei
Published: August 2020

Based on the price-quantity adjustment behaviour principle of the non-Walrasian equilibrium theory, this paper adopted a new QUE (quantity adjustment user equilibrium) criterion to formulate the route comfort choice behaviour. The purpose of the present paper is to establish a proportional-switch adjustment model which aims to reflect the route adjustment behaviour interaction between the traditional UE (user equilibrium) travellers and the QUE travellers and converge to a mixed equilibrium state. It is assumed that a group of road network travellers follow the UE criteria by choosing the travel route with the purpose of minimizing their route travel time (travel cost). In addition, the other group of travellers follow the QUE criteria by selecting the route with the largest residual capacity to achieve a more comfortable travel experience. The travel route adjustment behaviour of the two group travellers generates the dynamic traffic flow evolution towards the mixed equilibrium, and the route adjusting flow is proportional to the difference of traveller decision-making variable among the alternative routes. Simple illustrative examples are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed model, and the uniqueness and stability of the solution are demonstrated by applying the variational inequality and Lyapunov stability theorem.
Cumulative Damage Evaluation of RC Bridge Piers subjected to Multiple Earthquakes
Authors: Lee Do Hyung , Kim Byeong Hwa , Kim Jung Joong , Kim WooSeok
Published: August 2020

Successive earthquakes of Kocaeli and Duzce within three months indicated that even the survived lifeline structures such as bridges under the former event may have damage or collapse potential under the latter event due to their possible stiffness degradation. It is thus important that a rigorous seismic analysis of such structures should account for the effect of prior earthquake damage. For this purpose, nonlinear seismic analysis of a reinforced concrete bridge structure has been carried out under both single and multiple earthquake ground motions. Behavior and response evaluation of the bridge piers subjected to such motions have been discussed in terms of using both flexure-axial and flexure-shear-axial interaction models. Analytical results show that the stiffness degradation under multiple earthquake ground motions is more pronounced than that under single earthquake ground motion. In addition, comparison of the response without and with shear demonstrates that shear deformation is of significance. The response with shear exhibits the increase in displacement demand and decrease in lateral force carrying capacity, leading to a decrease in energy dissipation capacity. It is concluded that seismic analysis of reinforced concrete bridge structure should account for the effect of multiple earthquake ground motions to assess the demand on such structure properly.
Curcumin Suppresses Aldosterone‐Induced CRP Generation in Rat Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells via Interfering with the ROS‐ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Xiaolu , Liu Juntian , Pang Xiaoming , Zhao Jingjing , Xu Shouzhu
Published: August 2020

Aldosterone regulates the initiation and development of atherosclerosis which is identified as a chronic inflammatory disease by promoting the generation of C‐reactive protein in vascular smooth muscle cells. Curcumin is the most active ingredient of turmeric with anti‐inflammation and antioxidation effects. Here, the effect of curcumin on aldosterone‐induced C‐reactive protein generation in vascular smooth muscle and the molecular mechanisms involved were explored. Primary rat vascular smooth muscle cells and hyperaldosteronism model rats were used in this study. The amount of C‐reactive protein, reactive oxygen species, and the signaling pathway‐related molecules generated were estimated. We found that curcumin inhibited aldosterone‐induced C‐reactive protein generation in vascular smooth muscle cells by interfering with the reactive oxygen species‐ERK1/2 signal pathway. The results provide new evidence for the potential anti‐inflammatory and cardiovascular protective effects of curcumin.
Selenium Protects against Zearalenone-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in the Mouse Kidney by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Zhang Yi , Hu Bo , Wang Mingyang , Tong Jingjing , Pan Jianwen , Wang Nan , Gong Ping , Long Miao
Published: August 2020

This study assessed the molecular mechanism of selenium (Se) protecting against kidney injury induced by zearalenone (ZEA) in mice. The experimental mice were divided into 4 groups including the control group, the Se group, the ZEA group, and the Se+ZEA group; ZEA and Se were administered orally for 28 days. The changes in renal biochemical index (BUN, UA, and CRE), biochemical change of kidney damage such as BUN, UA, and CRE, and oxidative damage such as MDA, T-SOD, and GSH-Px were investigated. Pathological sections and TUNEL staining were used to analyze renal pathological changes and cell apoptosis. qRT-PCR and Western blot were employed to detect the expression of genes and proteins which were related with endoplasmic reticulum stress. The results showed that ZEA increased the concentration of BUN, UA, and CRE and the content of MDA and decreased the activities of T-SOD and GSH-Px in the mouse kidneys. However, Se reversed above changes of the biochemical and antioxidant indexes of renal injury. Moreover, the results also showed that ZEA can increase the expression of Bax, caspase-12, caspase-3, Bip, CHOP, JNK protein, and mRNA and decrease the expression of Bcl-2 protein and mRNA. But Se reversed these proteins and genes related to endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis. It can be concluded that Se protected against the kidney damage induced by ZEA. Se may protect the kidney from ZEA-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress by inhibiting ERS.
A Task Offloading Method with Edge for 5G-Envisioned Cyber-Physical-Social Systems
Authors: Jiang Jielin , Zhang Xing , Li Shengjun
Published: August 2020

Recently, Cyber-Physical-Social Systems (CPSS) have been introduced as a new information physics system, which enables personnel organizations to control physical entities in a reliable, real-time, secure, and collaborative manner through cyberspace. Moreover, with the maturity of edge computing technology, the data generated by physical entities in CPSS are usually sent to edge computing nodes for effective processing. Nevertheless, it remains a challenge to ensure that edge nodes maintain load balance while minimizing the completion time in the event of the edge node outage. Given these problems, a Unique Task Offloading Method (UTOM) for CPSS is designed in this paper. Technically, the system model is constructed firstly and then a multi-objective problem is defined. Afterward, Improving the Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm (SPEA2) is utilized to generate the feasible solutions of the above problem, whose aims are optimizing the propagation time and achieving load balance. Furthermore, the normalization method has been leveraged to produce standard data and select the global optimal solution. Finally, several necessary experiments of UTOM are introduced in detail.
Cytomegalovirus Infection Is a Risk Factor in Gastrointestinal Cancer: A Cross-Sectional and Meta-Analysis Study
Authors: Lv Ya-li , Han Fei-fei , An Zhuo-ling , Jia Yangjie , Xuan Ling-ling , Gong Li-li , Zhang Wen , Ren Lu-lu , Yang Song , Liu He , Liu Li-hong
Published: August 2020

Background: This study was planned to investigate the association betweenhuman cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection and gastrointestinal cancer (GIC) risk, by undertaking a meta-analysis and case-control cross-sectional study. Summary: A cross-sectional study analysis of 160 GIC patients and 100 control subjects indicated significantly higher HCMV prevalence in GIC patients based on the HCMV IgM test. However, a similar analysis based on an IgG test revealed no significant relationship. Further meta-analysis of 11 studies, including 1,044 patients and 991 healthy subjects, displayed HCMV infection as an important risk factor for not only colorectal cancer occurrence and development based on a HCMV DNA test, but also for GIC based on a HCMV IgM test. However, the IgG test again displayed no significant relationship between HCMV infection and GIC occurrence. Key Message: Overall, our study revealed that HCMV infection is associated with an increased GIC risk. However, additional studies are warranted to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying this association.