bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rheoreaction impacts dispersal of fish larvae in restored rivers
Authors: Glas Martin , Tritthart Michael , Keckeis Hubert , Lechner Aaron , Liedermann Marcel , Habersack Helmut
Published: April 2020

Connectivity of nurseries and spawning habitats for young of the year life stage is essential for successful recruitment of fish populations and therefore provides a key indicator for river restoration measures. Models for dispersal offer the potential to draw conclusions regarding restoration scenarios and to fill knowledge gaps about possible implications for fish populations. A newly developed rheoreaction‐based correlated random walk model (RCRW), in combination with a three‐dimensional numerical model and a non‐steady‐state particle tracing model, was applied for nase carp larvae (Chondrostoma nasus) before and after a restoration project on the river Danube, Austria. Spatio‐temporal patterns of dispersal of virtual larvae, attached with rheoreactive behaviour, were analysed within both scenarios. In comparison to the heavily modified river reach, the restored reach enabled a greater amount of upstream movement from the release site and showed a generally higher variability of spatio‐temporal distribution patterns. In contrast, estimated total settlement of rheoreactive larvae was substantially higher for the situation prior to the restoration measure. By comparing model results with a previously field experiment it was found that model simulations including rheoreaction as a single behaviour for navigation could not explain the whole pattern of larval dispersal. Therefore it is highly recommended for future studies to develop larval dispersal models by considering other factors (i.e., behaviour, bio‐energetics and environmental factors) of existing and future individual‐based models, which could serve as a tool to analyse the effect of restoration measures for recruitment of riverine fish populations.
Enzyme‐Assisted Cyclic Signal Amplification by Using Carbon Nanomaterials for Hg2+ Detection
Authors: Liu Wei , Yang Lijuan , Yu Kaili , Li Yongyang
Published: April 2020

A novel and simple fluorescence method for Hg2+ recognition and detection has been developed based on T‐Hg2+‐T complex and exonuclease III (Exo III) assisted cyclic signal amplification. Graphene oxide (GO) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used to quench the fluorescence FAM‐labelled single strand DNA (FAM‐ssDNA). The optimum conditions, including GO and CNTs concentrations, enzyme concentration and enzymatic hydrolysis time, were studied. The linear range, regression equation and metal ion selectivity were further studied and compared. The recovery rates of Hg2+ in tap water and urine were between 93.83–103.5%.
I2‐Initiated Reduction of α‐Ketoesters with a Hydrosilane
Authors: Jiang Jin , Xiao Lili
Published: April 2020

Molecular iodine is widely used because of its environmental friendliness and easy operation. In this work, a novel reduction system involved molecular iodine and a hydrosilane for the reduction of α‐ketoesters to the corresponding α‐hydroxy esters has been developed. And the I2‐HSiEt3 system showed its mild reaction conditions and high efficiency.
Fabrication of High‐Performance Palladium Supported on Activated Charcoal Nanocatalyst for Synthesis of Morphine Opioid Analgesics
Authors: Nazari Behzad , Mousavi Sajjad , Keshavarz Mohammad H. , Bordbar Abdol‐Khalegh
Published: April 2020

High‐performance palladium supported on activated charcoal (Pd/ACH) is an important nanocatalyst for the synthesis of different types of opioid analgesics. In this work, the Pd/ACH nanocatalysts are fabricated by a suitable method using the chemical reduction with ethylene glycol (EG), 1‐propanol, ethanol, and methanol, which act as reducing, stabilizing, and dispersing agents. Since this method does not require surfactants and reducing agents that are hazardous to the environment and human health, it is an environmentally friendly method. The activity of produced nanocatalysts was determined by catalytic hydrogenation of 14‐hydroxynormorphinone to noroxymorphone because noroxymorphone is the key active metabolite of oxycodone, noroxycodone, and oxymorphone. Among catalysts, it is specified that nanocatalyst prepared by EG (Pd/ACHEG) has the highest activity. The effect of the EG for increasing the rate of Pd reduction is related to its high boiling point, which results in a decrease in particle size. The results of the reusability of the Pd/ACHEG nanocatalyst show that the activity of nanocatalyst is reduced by 12 % after four runs. Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), inductively coupled plasma (ICP), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and H2 chemisorption analyses were used for the analysis of Pd/ACH nanocatalysts.
1,3‐Diisopropylcarbodiimide‐Mediated Synthesis of Disulfides from Thiols
Authors: Yue Huaxin , Wang Jiahui , Xie Zhihong , Tian Juan , Sang Dayong , Liu Shengpeng
Published: April 2020

By using 1,3‐diisopropylcarbodiimide (DIC) as a promoter, an efficient method for the synthesis of disulfides from thiols has been developed. This method provides a convenient access to symmetrical diaryl disulfides bearing various substituents including methyl, tert‐butyl, methoxy and halogen groups in good to excellent yields. Alkyl mercaptans such as benzyl mercaptan, 2‐phenylethylmercaptan and furfuryl mercaptan afford the corresponding disulfides in moderate to good yields. 1‐(tert‐Butyl)‐2‐(p‐tolyl)disulfane, an unsymmetrical disulfide, has also been prepared in very good yield by treating p‐tolyl disulfide or p‐thiocresol with excess 2‐methyl‐2‐propanethiol under the optimum conditions.
Synthesis of Functionalised Chromonyl‐pyrimidines and Their Potential as Antimycobacterial Agents
Authors: Santoso Kristiana T. , Brett Matthew W. , Cheung Chen‐Yi , Cook Gregory M. , Stocker Bridget L. , Timmer Mattie S. M.
Published: April 2020

Drug‐resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are on the rise and have resulted in an urgent need to develop new tuberculosis (TB) drugs. Herein, the development of chromonyl‐pyrimidines as a new TB drug scaffold is presented. A library of eleven chromonyl‐pyrimidines was synthesised, from which lead compound 6‐((2‐amino‐6‐methylpyrimidin‐4‐yl)amino)‐3‐benzoyl‐2‐phenyl‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one (MIC=36 μM against M. tuberculosis) was identified. A second‐generation library of seven aryl‐substituted chromonyl‐pyrimidines was then prepared, with six chromonyl‐pyrimidines exhibiting an improved M. tuberculosis growth inhibition (MIC=12.5 μM). From this work, the potential of chromonyl‐pyrimidines as therapeutics for TB is demonstrated.
Hydroxyapatite‐supported Manganese Oxides as Efficient Non‐noble‐metal Catalysts for Selective Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols
Authors: Chen Bo , Zhao Zengbing , Zhang Yuanchun , Zhao Yili , Liu Fei , Cheng Lanxing
Published: April 2020

In this article, hydroxyapatites (HAPs) with different Ca/P ratios have been synthesized as the supports to prepare the MnOx/HAP catalysts for the aerobic oxidation of alcohols. The catalytic activity is strongly influenced by the Ca/P ratio and the calcination temperature as they can affect the acid and basic properties and oxidation state of MnOx of the catalysts. The optimized catalyst MnOx/HAP‐10 can catalyze various primary alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes selectively with excellent conversion (up to 100 %), and can be easily recovered and reused at least four times without any appreciable loss of activity.
Adoption of blockchain technology in various realms: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Akram Shaik V. , Malik Praveen K. , Singh Rajesh , Anita Gehlot , Tanwar Sudeep
Published: April 2020

Our society is becoming “smarter” and more interconnected, as evidenced by technological trends such as smart farming, smart healthcare, supply chain and logistics, and smart city and nation. Security and privacy are two major key considerations in these smart applications, such as blockchain‐based security solutions for Industry 4.0‐based applications (the focus of this study). In this study, we present a systematic review of existing blockchain‐based solutions, particularly for Industry 4.0‐based applications. We present the merits and demerits of various state‐of‐the‐art approaches. We also highlight the challenges of the blockchain with the scope of interoperability and governance so that this gives a clear understanding to researchers and professionals.
A new algorithm to find monic irreducible polynomials over extended Galois field GF(pq) using positional arithmetic
Authors: Dey Sankhanil , Chakrabarti Amlan , Ghosh Ranjan
Published: April 2020

Search for monic irreducible polynomials (IPs) over extended Galois field GF(pq) for a large value of the prime moduli p and a large extension to the Galois Field q is a well‐needed solution in the field of cryptography. In this article, a new algorithm to obtain monic IPs over extended Galois field GF(pq) for the large values of p and q is introduced. Here in this paper the positional arithmetic is used to multiply all possible two monic elemental polynomials (EPs) with their Galois field number (GFN) to generate all the monic reducible polynomials (RPs). All the monic RPs are canceled out from the list of monic basic polynomials (BPs) leaving behind all the monic IPs. Time complexity analysis of the said algorithm is also executed that ensures the algorithm to be less time consuming.
An innovation path in Argentinean cow–calf operations: Insights from participatory farm system modelling
Authors: Fernández Rosso Catalina , Bilotto Franco , Lauric Andrea , De Leo Gerónimo A. , Torres Carbonell Carlos , Arroqui Mauricio A. , Sørensen Claus G. , Machado Claudio F.
Published: April 2020

The information of how the high climatic variability in the south‐west Buenos Aires Province (SWBS) region, Argentina, impacts on existing cow–calf operations is needed. This research uses a combination of quantitative (modelling) and qualitative (workshops) methodologies. The objective was to assess, under interannual climate variability, the productive and economic performance and greenhouse gas emissions and the marginal value of additional feed of four cow–calf systems arranged as a potential farm innovation path in the SWBS, Argentina. Modelling results showed that along this technological path where forage crops are decreased, perennial pastures are increased and anticipated weaning is included, productive and economic outcomes increased and the emission intensity decreased. How extra feeds may be used to cope with seasonal and interannual feeding was also identified. Moreover, barriers to adopt the suggested farm innovation path were identified by farmers, consultants and extensionists and strategies and their implication discussed.
Starch‐Based Multilayer with pH‐Responsive Behavior Driven by Whey Protein Concentrate: The Effect of Starch Conformation
Authors: Chang Shing‐Yun , Lai Hsi‐Mei
Published: April 2020

Relatively high‐branched cationic (NCS) and linear cationic starches (HCS) are prepared, to construct multilayers with whey protein concentrate (WPC) via layer‐by‐layer (LbL) deposition. As expected, the pH responsive behavior of the multilayers is observed to depend on the charge reversal of WPC. The build‐up and break‐down of multilayers differ with the conformation of the cationic starches. WPC tends to be trapped in the NCS layers, while WPC adsorbs onto the HCS layer and increases the coverage laterally. Despite the strong screening effect of salt in 0.1 m NaCl, both multilayers show a significant structural change at pH < pI (4.3) of WPC due to the emergent repulsive force in the multilayers. The HCS‐based multilayer shows a clear structural dissociation, while the NCS‐based multilayer undergoes a structural disruption along with swelling of the entangled NCS layers. Finally, anthocyanins are post‐loaded into the NCS‐based multilayer and their pH‐dependent release is in agreement with the structural integrity driven by WPC. Given the rapid pH response and the feasible post‐loading technique, the potential of such multilayers to act as pH‐triggered active coatings is evident.
Evaluation of concrete containing waste plastic shredded fibers: Ductility properties
Authors: Jain Abhishek , Siddique Salman , Gupta Trilok , Jain Sudhir , Sharma Ravi K. , Chaudhary Sandeep
Published: April 2020

Application of concrete for pavement and barrier purposes demands ample energy absorption capacity and impact resistance characteristics. These attributes were investigated for concrete produced by using waste plastic shredded fibers (WPSF), which were obtained by shredding waste plastic bags. The WPSF were incorporated in concrete at an amount of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 5.0% by weight of concrete. The strength (compressive and impact), and the ability to absorb the energy of concrete samples incorporating WPSF were evaluated. Additionally, empirical relations were also developed between WPSF fraction and compressive strength; WPSF fraction and impact energy for the first crack; WPSF fraction and impact energy for final failure; and WPSF fraction and energy absorption capacity using regression analysis method. The outcomes of the tests showed that there was a systematic decline in compressive strength of concrete on the inclusion of WPSF. However, superior energy absorption capacity and higher resistance to impact of concrete specimens were observed on the inclusion of WPSF. It was thus concluded that WPSF could be incorporated in concrete up to certain level for producing sustainable concrete pavement and barrier.
Localizing resource insecurities: A biocultural perspective on water and wellbeing
Authors: Brewis Alexandra A. , Piperata Barbara , Thompson Amanda L. , Wutich Amber
Published: April 2020

A biocultural approach provides an emerging framework for clarifying the mechanisms that connect water security to human health and wellbeing. Five basic tenets of the biocultural approach are outlined: The focus on the local, the centrality of culture, the notion of embodied disadvantage, a concern with proximate mechanisms as a means to test theorized pathways, and recognition of intersecting and potentially amplified (syndemic) risks. From a review of both new and dispersed biocultural literature on household water, four key themes emerge: (a) individual vulnerabilities to the biological effects of water insecurity are shaped by cultural practices; (b) water insecurity is a powerful biocultural stressor on mental health; (c) water insecurity mediates between low power and worse health within communities, and through multiple mechanisms; (d) the household is a nexus for food–water interactions, each likely worsening each other and health through syndemic relationships. This sets an agenda for a biocultural approach to the household as a localizing nexus for manifesting the very human costs to mental and physical health of managing under conditions of extreme household resource insecurity.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering of Water > Planning Water

Human Water > Water Governance

Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented
Biodiversity, Species Protection, and Animal Welfare Under International Law
Authors: Futhazar Guillaume
Published: April 2020

The chapter explores the influence of the concept of animal welfare on international biodiversity law. A close examination of the recent evolution of this branch of international law shows that animal welfare has an ambivalent place in biodiversity-related agreements. Indeed, while welfare is only a faint consideration in the development of international regimes dealing with biodiversity as a whole, the concept has become an essential element for agreements dealing with the conservation of specific endangered species. Despite its role in these agreements, the place of animal welfare in international biodiversity law highlights that this corpus of rules is currently insufficient to be an effective tool for the protection of wildlife welfare. The last section of this study suggests that the adoption of international rules aiming at ensuring the protection of wild animals’ welfare could serve the double purpose of strengthening the conservation purpose of biodiversity regimes while also filling the welfare gap of international biodiversity law.
Light gauge boson interpretation for (g − 2)μ and the KL → π0 + (invisible) anomaly at the J-PARC KOTO experiment
Authors: Jho Yongsoo , Lee Sung Mook , Park Seong Chan , Park Yeji , Tseng Po-Yan
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We discuss a list of possible light gauge boson interpretations for the long- standing experimental anomaly in (g − 2)
μ
and also recent anomalous excess in K

L

→ π
0 + (invisible) events at the J-PARC KOTO experiment. We consider two models: i) L

μ

− L

τ
gauge boson with heavy vector-like quarks and ii) (L

μ

− L

τ
) + є(B
3
− L

τ
) gauge boson in the presence of right-handed neutrinos. When the light gauge boson has mass close to the neutral pion in order to satisfy the Grossman-Nir bound, the models successfully explain the anomalies simultaneously while satisfying all known experimental constraints. We extensively provide the future prospect of suggested models.
Cohomological Hall algebras for Higgs torsion sheaves, moduli of triples and sheaves on surfaces
Authors: Minets Alexandre
Published: April 2020

For any free oriented Borel–Moore homology theoryA, we construct an associative product on theA-theory of the stack of Higgs torsion sheaves over a projective curveC. We show that the resulting algebra$$A\mathbf{Ha}_C^0$$AHaC0admits a natural shuffle presentation, and prove it is faithful whenAis replaced with usual Borel–Moore homology groups. We also introduce moduli spaces of stable triples, heavily inspired by Nakajima quiver varieties, whoseA-theory admits an$$A\mathbf{Ha}_C^0$$AHaC0-action. These triples can be interpreted as certain sheaves on$$\mathbb {P}_C(\omega _C\oplus \mathcal {O}_C)$$PC(ωC⊕OC). In particular, we obtain an action of$$A\mathbf{Ha}_C^0$$AHaC0on the cohomology of Hilbert schemes of points on$$T^*C$$T∗C.
Periodic Solutions of Symmetric Hamiltonian Systems
Authors: Strzelecki Daniel
Published: April 2020

This paper is devoted to the study of periodic solutions of a Hamiltonian system$$\dot{z}(t)=J \nabla H(z(t))$$z˙(t)=J∇H(z(t)), whereHis symmetric under an action of a compact Lie group. We are looking for periodic solutions in a neighborhood of non-isolated critical points ofHwhich form orbits of the group action. We prove a Lyapunov-type theorem for symmetric Hamiltonian systems.
Improved pre-operative diagnostic accuracy for low-grade prosthetic joint infections using second-generation multiplex Polymerase chain reaction on joint fluid aspirate
Authors: Suren Christian , Feihl Susanne , Cabric Sabrina , Banke Ingo J. , Haller Bernhard , Trampuz Andrej , von Eisenhart-Rothe Rüdiger , Prodinger Peter M.
Published: April 2020

Background

A major obstacle for the treatment of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the identification of the underlying causative organism. While the diagnostic criteria ruling PJI in or out have become ever more accurate, the detection of the causative pathogen(s) still relies mostly on conventional and time-consuming microbial culture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of a second-generation multiplex PCR assay (Unyvero ITI G2, Curetis AG, Holzgerlingen, Germany) used on synovial fluid specimens. Our hypothesis was that the method would yield a higher diagnostic accuracy in the pre-operative workup than synovial fluid culture. Thus, a more precise classification of septic and aseptic prosthesis failure could be achieved before revision surgery.

Methods

Prospectively collected frozen joint fluid specimens from 26 patients undergoing arthroplasty revision surgery of the hip or knee were tested as per the manufacturer’s protocol. Sensitivities, specificities, positive and negative predictive values as well as positive and negative likelihood ratios with corresponding confidence intervals were estimated using the statistical software R. A combination of the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level, leukocyte count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, joint fluid culture, tissue biopsy culture, and tissue biopsy histology served as the gold standard.

Results

Of the 26 patients included in the study, 15 were infected and 11 were aseptic. Conventional joint fluid culture showed a sensitivity of 0.67 and a specificity of 0.91. Joint fluid multiplex PCR yielded a sensitivity of 0.8 and a specificity of 1.0.

Conclusions

Using the second-generation Unyvero ITI cartridge on joint fluid aspirate for the detection of prosthetic joint infection, we were able to achieve a higher diagnostic accuracy than with conventional culture. We conclude that to improve pathogen detection before revision surgery, this method represents a valuable and practicable tool.
Swallow-related quality of life and oropharyngeal dysphagia in myotonic dystrophy
Authors: Pilz Walmari , Passos Valéria Lima , Verdonschot Rob J. , Meijers Jolanda , Roodenburg Nel , Halmans Yana , Faber Catharina G. , Kremer Bernd , Baijens Laura W. J.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study describes swallow-related quality of life (SWAL-QOL) in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and investigates its association with swallowing function and disease severity.

Methods

A SWAL-QOL questionnaire was completed by 75 DM1 patients and 25 healthy control subjects. The severity of the disease was evaluated using the muscular impairment rating scale (MIRS). Twenty-eight DM1 patients underwent a videofluroscopic swallowing examination (VFS). Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to measure the direction and strength of associations.

Results

The SWAL-QOL median scores were significantly lower for the DM1 group than for the healthy control group. The scores for the majority of the SWAL-QOL domains were lower in patients with proximal muscular weakness (MIRS 4 and 5). Postswallow vallecular pooling and piecemeal deglutition were the most impaired VFS outcome variables.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that a multidimensional swallowing assessment is recommended for DM1 patients as SWAL-QOL and VFS measure different aspects of the swallowing function, thus providing complementary information.
Management of simultaneous ocular elevation and depression deficit in patients after reconstruction surgery for orbital floor fracture
Authors: Loba Piotr , Ordon Agata Joanna
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To present and examine the results of surgical correction of simultaneous ocular elevation and depression deficit in patients who underwent reconstruction surgery for orbital floor fracture.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of medical records of patients who had undergone surgical correction for diplopia associated with orbital fracture which persisted after orbital reconstruction surgery. All patients underwent orthoptic evaluation before surgery and postoperatively with various times of follow-up.

Results

Eight cases of blow-out fracture of the orbital floor were identified. Surgical plan varied from case to case. It included thorough revision of inferior rectus/oblique complex with or without recession of the former or flap tear repair and additional procedures. Postoperatively 4 patients (50%) were diplopia free, 3 (37.5%) presented diplopia in extreme upgaze and 1 (12.5%) in mid-upgaze and adduction. None of the patients reported diplopia in the primary position neither downgaze.

Conclusion

Diplopia persisting after reconstructive surgery of a fractured orbital floor may be corrected surgically. Our results suggest that at least two surgical procedures are necessary to achieve satisfying outcomes. Contralateral inferior rectus recession combined with superior oblique recession and superior rectus posterior fixation appears to be effective procedures for use.
Process windows of ultrasonic thermoforming of micro structures
Authors: Peng Yu-Jiang , Schomburg Werner Karl
Published: April 2020

Ultrasonic thermoforming of micro structures is similar as usual thermoforming, but the heat required for softening of the polymer is at least partly generated by ultrasonic vibrations. Cycle times as short as a few seconds are achieved by ultrasonic thermoforming and not much more than a commercially available ultrasonic welding machine is required for the process. This paper describes the process window of this fabrication process for polypropylene foils, 200 µm in thickness, as a function of preheating of the tool. Best results have been obtained at room temperature. Since the process is a function of temperature, it is concluded that production should be performed with a tool preheated to 45 °C to avoid an influence by a changing room temperature. The overall size of the samples is limited by the size of the available sonotrodes. The experiments described in this paper were performed on an area of 2 × 2 cm2, but larger sonotrodes with an area of, e.g., 8 × 12 cm2 could also be employed. The size of the process window is a function of both the properties of the polymer and the inclination angle of the side walls of the structures on the tools.
“Just-in-time” generation of datasets by considering structured representations of given consent for GDPR compliance
Authors: Debruyne Christophe , Pandit Harshvardhan J. , Lewis Dave , O’Sullivan Declan
Published: April 2020

Data processing is increasingly becoming the subject of various policies and regulations, such as the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that came into effect in May 2018. One important aspect of GDPR is informed consent, which captures one’s permission for using one’s personal information for specific data processing purposes. Organizations must demonstrate that they comply with these policies. The fines that come with non-compliance are of such importance that it has driven research in facilitating compliance verification. The state-of-the-art primarily focuses on, for instance, the analysis of prescriptive models and posthoc analysis on logs to check whether data processing is compliant to GDPR. We argue that GDPR compliance can be facilitated by ensuring datasets used in processing activities are compliant with consent from the very start. The problem addressed in this paper is how we can generate datasets that comply with given consent “just-in-time”. We propose RDF and OWL ontologies to represent the consent that an organization has collected and its relationship with data processing purposes. We use this ontology to annotate schemas, allowing us to generate declarative mappings that transform (relational) data into RDF driven by the annotations. We furthermore demonstrate how we can create compliant datasets by altering the results of the mapping. The use of RDF and OWL allows us to implement the entire process in a declarative manner using SPARQL. We have integrated all components in a service that furthermore captures provenance information for each step, further contributing to the transparency that is needed towards facilitating compliance verification. We demonstrate the approach with a synthetic dataset simulating users (re-)giving, withdrawing, and rejecting their consent on data processing purposes of systems. In summary, it is argued that the approach facilitates transparency and compliance verification from the start, reducing the need for posthoc compliance analysis common in the state-of-the-art.
Managers as Moral Leaders: Moral Identity Processes in the Context of Work
Authors: Huhtala Mari , Fadjukoff Päivi , Kroger Jane
Published: April 2020

This qualitative study explores how business leaders narrate their personal ways of recognizing, reasoning, and resolving moral conflicts and what these stories reveal about their moral identity processes within organizational contexts. Based on interviews with 25 business leaders, 4 moral identity statuses were identified: achievement (commitment to a personally meaningful moral value framework that had been established through a period of self-exploration), moratorium (self-exploration of one’s moral value framework that was ongoing), foreclosure (commitment to a given moral value framework that was present with little or no personal self-exploration), and diffusion (neither clear commitment to nor exploration of a personal moral value framework was present). The moral identity statuses were based on how leaders approached and interpreted moral conflicts and what the influence of the organizational context was in their moral decision-making processes. Some remained steadfast in adhering to their previous value commitments, while others tried to avoid taking any clear moral standpoint. Still others experienced moral conflicts as disequilibrating events that triggered reflective processes and developmental cycles of moral identity change. These moral identity statuses hold implications for facilitating moral identity development among business leaders in the context of work.
Synthesis and characterization of semi-permeable graphene/graphene oxide membranes for water desalination
Authors: Romaniak Grzegorz , Dybowski Konrad , Jeziorna Agata , Kula Piotr , Kaźmierczak Tomasz
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we present novel semi-permeable graphene-based membranes. Composite filters were designed and fabricated on polysulfone porous scaffolding using combinations of polycrystalline large-area High Strength Metallurgical Graphene (HSMG®), graphene oxide, hydrazine and an in-situ interfacial polymerized polyamide. The naturally occurring defects in HSMG® (which were tenths of a nanometer) were the clue in fabricating a filtering membrane. The performance of graphene membranes was evaluated in forward osmosis test. The prepared composites were proved to be semi-permeable membranes with great ions blocking efficiency (over 95%) and water flux only one order of magnitude lower than the commercial reverse osmosis membranes. The experiments’ results demonstrated that the solutions proposed in this work indicate that graphene-based membranes can be used in water treatment technology.
The effect of hedgerow density on habitat quality distorts species-area relationships and the analysis of extinction debts in hedgerows
Authors: Litza Kathrin , Diekmann Martin
Published: April 2020

Context

Hedgerows are highly important for maintaining the biodiversity in deforested landscapes. Especially for habitat specialists such as several forest plants they can provide important refuge habitats.

Objectives

This study aims to examine whether there is an extinction debt for forest plants in hedgerows.

Methods

In a study area in Northern Germany that had lost 47% of the hedgerow network over the past 120 years, hedgerows were mapped for the presence of forest vascular plants. In a multi-model approach, we compared the explanatory power of present and historical landscape variables and habitat quality on diversity patterns.

Results

The change in landscape configuration had no effect on the species richness of forest plants in hedgerows, i.e. there was no sign of an extinction debt. The best explanatory variable was the hedgerow width with more species found in wider hedgerows. This demonstrates the importance of including local habitat variables in the study of extinction debt. For ancient woodland indicator species models including both the landscape configuration and habitat variables were superior to simple models. The best models included the historical distance to the nearest forest, suggesting an extinction debt. Counterintuitively, a high density of hedgerows had a negative influence on species richness, most likely because hedgerows are narrower in areas with higher densities due to land-saving measures by farmers. There was also a negative correlation between hedgerow density and the hedgerow proximity to forests.

Conclusions

The effects of important covariates may obscure species-area relationships and undermine extinction debt analyses.
A Newton multigrid framework for optimal control of fluid–structure interactions
Authors: Failer L. , Richter T.
Published: April 2020

In this paper we consider optimal control of nonlinear time-dependent fluid structure interactions. To determine a time-dependent control variable a BFGS algorithm is used, whereby gradient information is computed via a dual problem. To solve the resulting ill conditioned linear problems occurring in every time step of state and dual equation, we develop a highly efficient monolithic solver that is based on an approximated Newton scheme for the primal equation and a preconditioned Richardson iteration for the dual problem. The performance of the presented algorithms is tested for one 2d and one 3d example numerically.
Design of a Drug-Eluting Subcutaneous Implant of the Antiretroviral Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate
Authors: Simpson Solange M , Widanapathirana Lakmini , Su Jonathan T. , Sung Samuel , Watrous David , Qiu Jiang , Pearson Elizabeth , Evanoff Alex , Karunakaran Dipu , Chacon Jorge E. , Kiser Patrick F.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Sexual transmission of HIV has been clinically proven to be preventable with a once-daily oral tablet; however, missed doses dramatically increase the risk of HIV infection. Long-acting subcutaneous implants do not allow the user to miss a dose. A desirable long-acting drug-eluting implant can deliver a constant amount of drug, adjust the delivered dose, and be readily manufactured. We present a long-acting, subcutaneous implant design composed of tenofovir alafenamide hemifumarate (TAF) pellets loaded in a sealed polyether urethane tube for the prevention of HIV transmission.

Methods

Implants were prepared with pressed drug pellets and extruded polyurethane tubing. In vitro release rate of implants using different pellet formulations, rate-controlling membranes, and geometries were measured.

Results

Tenofovir alafenamide release appeared to be governed by a pseudo-steady state and followed a mass transport model of release from a cylindrical drug reservoir. Implant seal integrity was tested and confirmed using mechanical testing. The inclusion of sodium chloride in the pellet increased the release rate and reduced initial lag. The release was sustained for 100 days.

Conclusions

The release rate of tenofovir alafenamide mechanistically varied with geometry and rate controlling membrane composition. The polyether urethane implant presented herein is modular and tunable to adjust the release rate and duration of the TAF release.
Key Success Factors for Regenerative Medicine in Acquired Heart Diseases
Authors: Hénon Philippe
Published: April 2020

Stem cell therapy offers a breakthrough opportunity for the improvement of ischemic heart diseases. Numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses appear to confirm its positive but variable effects on heart function. Whereas these trials widely differed in design, cell type, source, and doses reinjected, cell injection route and timing, and type of cardiac disease, crucial key factors that may favour the success of cell therapy emerge from the review of their data. Various types of cell have been delivered. Injection of myoblasts does not improve heart function and is often responsible for severe ventricular arrythmia occurrence. Using bone marrow mononuclear cells is a misconception, as they are not stem cells but mainly a mix of various cells of hematopoietic lineages and stromal cells, only containing very low numbers of cells that have stem cell-like features; this likely explain the neutral results or at best the modest improvement in heart function reported after their injection. The true existence of cardiac stem cells now appears to be highly discredited, at least in adults. Mesenchymal stem cells do not repair the damaged myocardial tissue but attenuate post-infarction remodelling and contribute to revascularization of the hibernated zone surrounding the scar. CD34+stem cells - likely issued from pluripotent very small embryonic-like (VSEL) stem cells - emerge as the most convincing cell type, inducing structural and functional repair of the ischemic myocardial area, providing they can be delivered in large amounts via intra-myocardial rather than intra-coronary injection, and preferentially after myocardial infarct rather than chronic heart failure.
Nutrient Status of San Francisco Bay and Its Management Implications
Authors: Cloern James E. , Schraga Tara S. , Nejad Erica , Martin Charles
Published: April 2020

Nutrient enrichment has degraded many of the world’s estuaries by amplifying algal production, leading to hypoxia/anoxia, loss of vascular plants and fish/shellfish habitat, and expansion of harmful blooms (HABs). Policies to protect coastal waters from the effects of nutrient enrichment require information to determine if a water body is impaired by nutrients and if regulatory actions are required. We compiled information to inform these decisions for San Francisco Bay (SFB), an urban estuary where the best path toward nutrient management is not yet clear. Our results show that SFB has high nutrient loadings, primarily from municipal wastewater; there is potential for high algal production, but that production is not fully realized; and SFB is not impaired by hypoxia or recurrent HABs. However, our assessment includes reasons for concern: nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations higher than those in other estuaries impaired by nutrient pollution, chronic presences of multiple algal toxins, a recent increase of primary production, and projected future hydroclimatic conditions that could increase the magnitude and frequency of algal blooms. Policymakers thus face the challenge of determining the appropriate protective policy for SFB. We identify three crucial next steps for meeting this challenge: (1) new research to determine if algal toxins can be reduced through nutrient management, (2) establish management goals as numeric targets, and (3) determine the magnitude of nutrient load reduction required to meet those targets. Our case study illustrates how scientific information can be acquired and communicated to inform policymakers about the status of nutrient pollution, its risks, and strategies for minimizing those risks.
Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer
Authors: Arnold Christoph Reinhold , Mangesius Julian , Jäger Robert , Ganswindt Ute
Published: April 2020

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is a well-established standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer and has led to a remarkable improvement in local control. However, distant recurrences still pose a notable threat and local failure, albeit increasingly rare, can lead to unfavorable clinical situations. In this short review, we discuss three promising new strategies to improve rectal cancer treatment: total neoadjuvant therapy, short course radiotherapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Ovarian cancer surgery
Authors: Schwameis Richard , Paspalj Valentina , Kranawetter Marlene , Polterauer Stephan
Published: April 2020

Surgery is a cornerstone of treatment in patients with ovarian cancer. In primary disease, patients should be carefully selected to undergo either primary debulking surgery or neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery. The aim of every debulking surgery is complete tumour resection. Whilst thorough evaluation of the iliac and para-aortic lymph nodes is important, systematic lymphadenectomy may be omitted when lymph nodes seem unsuspicious. To date, surgical outcome seems to remain the most important prognostic factor in the treatment of patients with ovarian cancer and therefore patients should only be treated in high-volume centres that are able to perform complex multidisciplinary surgery. The role of debulking surgery in recurrent disease has yet to be defined.
Analyzing the kinematic and kinetic contributions of the human upper body’s joints for ergonomics assessment
Authors: Menychtas Dimitrios , Glushkova Alina , Manitsaris Sotiris
Published: April 2020

During an eight-hour shift, an industrial worker will inevitably cycle through specific postures. Those postures can cause microtrauma on the musculoskeletal system that accumulates, which in turn can lead to chronic injury. To assess how problematic a posture is, the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) scoring system is widely employed by the industry. Even though it is a very quick and efficient method of assessment, RULA is not a biomechanics-based measurement that is anchored in a physical parameter of the human body. As such RULA does not give a detailed description of the impact each posture has on the human joints but rather, an overarching, simplified assessment of a posture. To address this issue, this paper proposes the use of joint angles and torques as an alternative way of ergonomics evaluation. The cumulative motion and torque throughout a trial is compared with the average motions and torques for the same task. This allows the evaluation of each joint’s kinematic and kinetic performance while still be able to assess a task“at-a-glance”. To do this, an upper human body model was created and the mass of each segment were assigned. The joint torques and the RULA scores were calculated for simple range of motion (ROM) tasks, as well as actual tasks from a TV assembly line. The joint angles and torques series were integrated and then normalized to give the kinematic and kinetic contribution of each joint during a task as a percentage. This made possible to examine each joint’s strain during each task as well as highlight joints that need to be more closely examined. Results show how the joint angles and torques can identify which joint is moving more and which one is under the most strain during a task. It was also possible to compare the performance of a task with the average performance and identify deviations that may imply improper execution. Even though the RULA is a very fast and concise assessment tool, it leaves little room for further analyses. However, the proposed work suggests a richer alternative without sacrificing the benefit of a quick evaluation. The biggest limitation of this work is that a pool of proper executions needs to be recorded for each task before individual comparisons can be done.
The impact of different levels of oat β-glucan and water on gluten-free cake rheology and physicochemical characterisation
Authors: Karp Sabina , Wyrwisz Jarosław , Kurek Marcin Andrzej
Published: April 2020

The demand for new gluten-free (GF) products is still very crucial issue in food industry. There is also a need for bioactive compounds and natural alternatives for food additives. For now, not only providing structure without gluten is major challenge, but also high sensory acceptance and nutritional value are on the top. This study is focused on the effect of high-purity oat β-glucan as a structure-making agent on physicochemical and sensory properties of gluten-free yeast leavened cake. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to set the design of the experiment. Water and oat β-glucan were chosen as independent variables. Enzymatic extraction was conducted in order to obtain pure oat β-glucan (approx. 85%). Physicochemical and microstructure analyses, and a consumer hedonic test were carried out to check the quality of the final product. As a last step, verification was undertaken to compare the predicted and experimental values of the results. The results showed that the optimisation process was crucial in obtaining high-quality, gluten-free yeast leavened cake. The optimised amounts of water and oat β-glucan were 66.12% and 2.63% respectively. This proves that the application of oat β-glucan to gluten-free products is possible and gives positive results in terms of texture, volume and sensory acceptance. Due to oat β-glucan’s pro-health benefits, the final product can be seen as a functional alternative for common gluten-free products in the market.
Study of the structural, ferroelectric, dielectric, and pyroelectric properties of the K0.5Na0.5NbO3 system doped with Li+, La3+, and Ti4+
Authors: Montero-Tavera C. , Durruthy-Rodríguez M. D. , Cortés-Vega F. D. , Yañez-Limón J. M.
Published: April 2020

Pure K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN) and KNN doped with Li+ (6% mole), La3+(1.66%, 5%, 6% mole), and Ti4+ (10% mole) were prepared by mixture of oxides using high-energy milling and conventional solid-state reaction. The effects of the dopant on the physical properties of pure KNN have been evaluated based on the structural, ferroelectric, pyroelectric, and dielectric measurements. The XRD measurements show that KNN pure sample contains a mixture of monoclinic and orthorhombic crystalline phases, with a slightly higher concentration of monoclinic phase. In contrast, all doped samples show a higher concentration of the orthorhombic phase, as well as the presence of a secondary phase (K6Nb10.8O30), also detected by Raman measurements. The samples with a higher concentration of this secondary phase, also present greater dielectric losses and lower values of remnant polarization. The dielectric measurements allowed us to detect temperatures of structural transitions (orthorhombic-tetragonal, O-T) previous to the ferroelectric-paraelectric transition (tetragonal-cubic, T-C), and also in this set of samples, a direct correlation was found between the values of remnant polarization and the corresponding pyroelectric signal response.
Green nephrology and eco-dialysis: a position statement by the Italian Society of Nephrology
Authors:   On the Behalf of Conservative treatment, Physical activity and Peritoneal dialysis project groups of the Italian Society of Nephrology, Piccoli Giorgina Barbara , Cupisti Adamasco , Aucella Filippo , Regolisti Giuseppe , Lomonte Carlo , Ferraresi Martina , Claudia D’Alessandro , Ferraresi Carlo , Russo Roberto , La Milia Vincenzo , Covella Bianca , Rossi Luigi , Chatrenet Antoine , Cabiddu Gianfranca , Brunori Giuliano
Published: April 2020

High-technology medicine saves lives and produces waste; this is the case of dialysis. The increasing amounts of waste products can be biologically dangerous in different ways: some represent a direct infectious or toxic danger for other living creatures (potentially contaminated or hazardous waste), while others are harmful for the planet (plastic and non-recycled waste). With the aim of increasing awareness, proposing joint actions and coordinating industrial and social interactions, the Italian Society of Nephrology is presenting this position statement on ways in which the environmental impact of caring for patients with kidney diseases can be reduced. Due to the particular relevance in waste management of dialysis, which produces up to 2 kg of potentially contaminated waste per session and about the same weight of potentially recyclable materials, together with technological waste (dialysis machines), and involves high water and electricity consumption, the position statement mainly focuses on dialysis management, identifying ten first affordable actions: (1) reducing the burden of dialysis (whenever possible adopting an intent to delay strategy, with wide use of incremental schedules); (2) limiting drugs and favouring “natural” medicine focussing on lifestyle and diet; (3) encouraging the reuse of “household” hospital material; (4) recycling paper and glass; (5) recycling non-contaminated plastic; (6) reducing water consumption; (7) reducing energy consumption; (8) introducing environmental-impact criteria in checklists for evaluating dialysis machines and supplies; (9) encouraging well-planned triage of contaminated and non-contaminated materials; (10) demanding planet-friendly approaches in the building of new facilities.