bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convection‐permitting modeling with regional climate models: Latest developments and next steps
Authors: Lucas‐Picher Philippe , Argüeso Daniel , Brisson Erwan , Tramblay Yves , Berg Peter , Lemonsu Aude , Kotlarski Sven , Caillaud Cécile
Published: August 2021

Approximately 10 years ago, convection‐permitting regional climate models (CPRCMs) emerged as a promising computationally affordable tool to produce fine resolution (1–4 km) decadal‐long climate simulations with explicitly resolved deep convection. This explicit representation is expected to reduce climate projection uncertainty related to deep convection parameterizations found in most climate models. A recent surge in CPRCM decadal simulations over larger domains, sometimes covering continents, has led to important insights into CPRCM advantages and limitations. Furthermore, new observational gridded datasets with fine spatial and temporal (~1 km; ~1 h) resolutions have leveraged additional knowledge through evaluations of the added value of CPRCMs. With an improved coordination in the frame of ongoing international initiatives, the production of ensembles of CPRCM simulations is expected to provide more robust climate projections and a better identification of their associated uncertainties. This review paper presents an overview of the methodology to produce CPRCM simulations and the latest research on the related added value in current and future climates. Impact studies that are already taking advantage of these new CPRCM simulations are highlighted. This review paper ends by proposing next steps that could be accomplished to continue exploiting the full potential of CPRCMs.

This article is categorized under:

Climate Models and Modeling > Earth System Models
A Combined Theoretical and Photoelectron Spectroscopy Study of Al3Hn− (n=1–9) clusters
Authors: Xu Jing , Zhang Xinxing , Wang Haopeng , Fu Lijuan , Li Xiang , Grubisic Andrej , Harris Rachel M. , Eichhorn Bryan , Gantefoer Gerd , Ding Yihong , Kiran Boggavarapu , Kandalam Anil K. , Bowen Kit H.
Published: August 2021

Combined photoelectron spectroscopic experiments and computational studies have been performed on Al3Hn− (n=1–9) clusters. Three modes of hydrogen bonding to the Al3 moiety have been observed: terminal, bridging, and capping. Among various hydrides, Al3H5− and Al3H8− clusters have highest HOMO‐LUMO gap and largest electron affinity, respectively. Our studies indicate that as the number of hydrogen atoms increase the presence of AlH2 groups, representing the tetrahedral coordination of the Al atom, which in turn led to the stoichiometric ring structure.
Structure and Reactivity of Alkaline Metal Bis(amido)diazadiarsetidinides
Authors: Ritter Christian , Bergunde Jakob , Weigend Florian , von Hänisch Carsten
Published: August 2021

A series of alkaline metal functionalised tert‐butyl substituted bis(amido)diazadiarsetidinides [(μ‐N(tBu)As)2(N(tBu)M)2] (M=K (1), Rb (2), Cs (3), Na⋅thf (4), Na (5)) were prepared and their solid state structures investigated in detail. Further substitution reactions with tert‐butyl substituted element chlorides of P, As, Sb and Bi were performed. The conversion of two equivalents tBu2AsCl (II) with 1–3 unexpectedly leads to the introduction of only one arsine moiety ([(μ‐N(tBu)As)2(N(tBu)H)(N(tBu)AstBu2] (6)) while the other nitrogen atom gets protonated by ether cleavage. The reaction of one equivalent tBuECl2 (E=As (III), Sb (IV)) with 1, 2 or 3 yielded the intended cage compounds [(μ‐N(tBu)As)2(NtBu)2EtBu] (E=As (7), Sb (8)) in high yields. Reaction of 1–3 with two equivalents of tBu2E'Cl (E’=Sb (V), Bi (VI)) yields the twofold substituted bis(amido)diazadiarsetidines [(μ‐N(tBu)As)2(N(tBu)E’tBu2)2] (E’=Sb (9), Bi (10)), which show weak intramolecular E’–E’ interactions.
Spin chains with boundary inhomogeneities
Authors: Nepomechie Rafael I. , Retore Ana L.
Published: August 2021

Abstract

We investigate the effect of introducing a boundary inhomogeneity in the transfer matrix of an integrable open quantum spin chain. We find that it is possible to construct a local Hamiltonian, and to have quantum group symmetry. The boundary inhomogeneity has a profound effect on the Bethe ansatz solution.
Tensionless tales: vacua and critical dimensions
Authors: Bagchi Arjun , Mandlik Mangesh , Sharma Punit
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Recently, a careful canonical quantisation of the theory of closed bosonic tensionless strings has resulted in the discovery of three separate vacua and hence three different quantum theories that emerge from this single classical tensionless theory. In this note, we perform lightcone quantisation with the aim of determination of the critical dimension of these three inequivalent quantum theories. The satisfying conclusion of a rather long and tedious calculation is that one of vacua does not lead to any constraint on the number of dimensions, while the other two give D = 26. This implies that all three quantum tensionless theories can be thought of as consistent sub-sectors of quantum tensile bosonic closed string theory.
Tackling the SDC in AdS with CFTs
Authors: Baume Florent , Infante José Calderón
Published: August 2021

Abstract

We study the Swampland Distance Conjecture for supersymmetric theories with AdS5 backgrounds and fixed radius through their $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 SCFT holographic duals. By the Maldacena-Zhiboedov theorem, around a large class of infinite-distance points there must exist a tower of exponentially massless higher-spin fields in the bulk, for which we find bounds on the decay rate in terms of the conformal data. We discuss the origin of this tower in the gravity side for type IIB compactification on S5 and its orbifolds, and comment about more general cases.
The impact of Corona pandemic on consumer's food consumption
Authors: Profeta Adriano , Siddiqui Shahida Anusha , Smetana Sergiy , Hossaini Sayed Mahdi , Heinz Volker , Kircher Christian
Published: August 2021

The ongoing corona crisis affected many people worldwide by restrictions in their everyday lives. The question arises to what extent the pandemic has accelerated diet trends or general differences in food consumption between different population groups. For this purpose, an online-survey was carried out in order to determine the effects of the corona lockdown on food consumption, shopping behaviour and eating habits in Germany. The aspects of sustainability and health were given special consideration in this study, reflecting people choices of healthier and more environmentally conscious foods. This study demonstrates that the corona pandemic has a significant impact on consumers’ eating habits. More food was eaten, and more convenience products such as ready-made meals and canned food with a longer shelf life were purchased. The consumption of alcohol and sweets has also increased. In return, there was a reduced consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. The findings reveal that families who are financially affected by the pandemic represent a vulnerable group. With the ongoing pandemic, possible lockdowns, corona-related closings of schools and kindergartens, severe health consequences are expected long term, especially for this population group.
$$\varvec{m}$$–Isometric Composition Operators on Directed Graphs with One Circuit
Authors: Jabłoński Zenon Jan , Kośmider Jakub
Published: August 2021

The aim of this paper is to investigate m–isometric composition operators on directed graphs with one circuit. We establish a characterization of m–isometries and prove that complete hyperexpansivity coincides with 2–isometricity within this class. We discuss the m–isometric completion problem for unilateral weighted shifts and for composition operators on directed graphs with one circuit. The paper is concluded with an affirmative solution of the Cauchy dual subnormality problem in the subclass with circuit containing one element.
Numerical methods for scattering problems in periodic waveguides
Authors: Zhang Ruming
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we propose new numerical methods for scattering problems in periodic waveguides. Based on [20], the “physically meaningful” solution, which is obtained via the Limiting Absorption Principle (LAP) and is called an LAP solution, is written as an integral of quasi-periodic solutions on a contour. The definition of the contour depends both on the wavenumber and the periodic structure. The contour integral is then written as the combination of finite propagation modes and a contour integral on a small circle. Numerical methods are developed and based on the two representations. Compared with other numerical methods, we do not need the LAP process during numerical approximations, thus a standard error estimation is easily carried out. Based on this method, we also develop a numerical solver for halfguide problems. The method is based on the result that any LAP solution of a halfguide problem can be extended to the LAP solution of a fullguide problem. At the end of this paper, we also give some numerical results to show the efficiency of our numerical methods.
Efficient distributed discovery of bidirectional order dependencies
Authors: Schmidl Sebastian , Papenbrock Thorsten
Published: August 2021

Bidirectional order dependencies (bODs) capture order relationships between lists of attributes in a relational table. They can express that, for example, sorting books by publication date in ascending order also sorts them by age in descending order. The knowledge about order relationships is useful for many data management tasks, such as query optimization, data cleaning, or consistency checking. Because the bODs of a specific dataset are usually not explicitly given, they need to be discovered. The discovery of all minimal bODs (in set-based canonical form) is a task with exponential complexity in the number of attributes, though, which is why existing bOD discovery algorithms cannot process datasets of practically relevant size in a reasonable time. In this paper, we propose the distributed bOD discovery algorithm DISTOD, whose execution time scales with the available hardware. DISTOD is a scalable, robust, and elastic bOD discovery approach that combines efficient pruning techniques for bOD candidates in set-based canonical form with a novel, reactive, and distributed search strategy. Our evaluation on various datasets shows that DISTOD outperforms both single-threaded and distributed state-of-the-art bOD discovery algorithms by up to orders of magnitude; it can, in particular, process much larger datasets.
Survival of dental implants and occurrence of osteoradionecrosis in irradiated head and neck cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Toneatti Daniel Jan , Graf Ronny Roger , Burkhard John-Patrik , Schaller Benoît
Published: August 2021

Objectives

This systematic review assesses dental implant survival, calculates the incidence rate of osteoradionecrosis, and evaluates risk factors in irradiated head and neck cancer patients.

Materials and methods

Various databases (e.g., Medline/Embase using Ovid) and gray literature platforms were searched using a combination of keywords and subject headings. When appropriate, meta-analysis was carried out using a random effects model. Otherwise, pooled analysis was applied.

Results

A total of 425 of the 660 included patients received radiotherapy. In total, 2602 dental implants were placed, and 1637 were placed in irradiated patients. Implant survival after an average follow-up of 37.7 months was 97% (5% confidence interval, CI 95.2%, 95% CI 98.3%) in nonirradiated patients and 91.9% (5% CI 87.7%, 95% CI: 95.3%) after an average follow-up of 39.8 months in irradiated patients. Osteoradionecrosis occurred in 11 cases, leading to an incidence of 3% (5% CI 1.6%, 95% CI 4.9%). The main factors impacting implant survival were radiation and grafting status, while factors influencing osteoradionecrosis could not be determined using meta-analysis.

Conclusion

Our data show that implant survival in irradiated patients is lower than in nonirradiated patients, and osteoradionecrosis is—while rare—a serious complication that any OMF surgeon should be prepared for. The key to success could be a standardized patient selection and therapy to improve the standard of care, reduce risks and shorten treatment time.

Clinical relevance

Our analysis provides further evidence that implant placement is a feasible treatment option in irradiated head and neck cancer patients with diminished oral function and good long-term cancer prognosis.
Extending a brainiac prover to lambda-free higher-order logic
Authors: Vukmirović Petar , Blanchette Jasmin , Cruanes Simon , Schulz Stephan
Published: August 2021

Decades of work have gone into developing efficient proof calculi, data structures, algorithms, and heuristics for first-order automatic theorem proving. Higher-order provers lag behind in terms of efficiency. Instead of developing a new higher-order prover from the ground up, we propose to start with the state-of-the-art superposition prover E and gradually enrich it with higher-order features. We explain how to extend the prover’s data structures, algorithms, and heuristics to$$\lambda $$λ-free higher-order logic, a formalism that supports partial application and applied variables. Our extension outperforms the traditional encoding and appears promising as a stepping stone toward full higher-order logic.
Effect of immersive visualization technologies on cognitive load, motivation, usability, and embodiment
Authors: Wenk N. , Penalver-Andres J. , Buetler K. A. , Nef T. , Müri R. M. , Marchal-Crespo L.
Published: August 2021

Virtual reality (VR) is a promising tool to promote motor (re)learning in healthy users and brain-injured patients. However, in current VR-based motor training, movements of the users performed in a three-dimensional space are usually visualized on computer screens, televisions, or projection systems, which lack depth cues (2D screen), and thus, display information using only monocular depth cues. The reduced depth cues and the visuospatial transformation from the movements performed in a three-dimensional space to their two-dimensional indirect visualization on the 2D screen may add cognitive load, reducing VR usability, especially in users suffering from cognitive impairments. These 2D screens might further reduce the learning outcomes if they limit users’ motivation and embodiment, factors previously associated with better motor performance. The goal of this study was to evaluate the potential benefits of more immersive technologies using head-mounted displays (HMDs). As a first step towards potential clinical implementation, we ran an experiment with 20 healthy participants who simultaneously performed a 3D motor reaching and a cognitive counting task using: (1) (immersive) VR (IVR) HMD, (2) augmented reality (AR) HMD, and (3) computer screen (2D screen). In a previous analysis, we reported improved movement quality when movements were visualized with IVR than with a 2D screen. Here, we present results from the analysis of questionnaires to evaluate whether the visualization technology impacted users’ cognitive load, motivation, technology usability, and embodiment. Reports on cognitive load did not differ across visualization technologies. However, IVR was more motivating and usable than AR and the 2D screen. Both IVR and AR rea ched higher embodiment level than the 2D screen. Our results support our previous finding that IVR HMDs seem to be more suitable than the common 2D screens employed in VR-based therapy when training 3D movements. For AR, it is still unknown whether the absence of benefit over the 2D screen is due to the visualization technology per se or to technical limitations specific to the device.
The impact of reading fluency level on interactive information retrieval
Authors: Martínez-Santiago Fernando , Torres-García Alejandro A. , Montejo-Ráez Arturo , Gutiérrez-Palma Nicolás
Published: August 2021

Given an information need and the corresponding set of documents retrieved, it is known that user assessments for such documents differ from one user to another. One frequent reason that is put forward is the discordance between text complexity and user reading fluency. We explore this relationship from three different dimensions: quantitative features, subjective-assessed difficulty, and reader/text factors. In order to evaluate quantitative features, we wondered whether it is possible to find differences between documents that are evaluated by the user and those that are ignored according to the complexity of the document. Secondly, a task related to the evaluation of the relevance of short texts is proposed. For this end, users evaluated the relevance of these short texts by answering 20 queries. Documents complexity and relevance assessments were done previously by some human experts. Then, the relationship between participants assessments, experts assessments and document complexity is studied. Finally, a third experimentation was performed under the prism of neuro-Information Retrieval: while the participants were monitored with an electroencephalogram (EEG) headset, we tried to find a correlation among EEG signal, text difficulty and the level of comprehension of texts being read during the EEG recording. In light of the results obtained, we found some weak evidence showing that users responded to queries according to text complexity and user’s reading fluency. For the second and third group of experiments, we administered a sub-test from the Woodcock Reading Mastery Test to ensure that participants had a roughly average reading fluency. Nevertheless, we think that additional variables should be studied in the future in order to achieve a sound explanation of the interaction between text complexity and user profile.
Knochengesundheit und Hochleistungssport
Authors: Wallwiener Lisa-Maria , Kapfer Barbara , Seifert-Klauss Vanadin
Published: August 2021

Regelmäßige körperliche Betätigung trägt zu einer gesunden Knochendichte bei, Leistungssportlerinnen in einigen Sportarten weisen jedoch eine erhöhte Prävalenz erniedrigter Knochendichte sowie vermehrt Stressfrakturen auf. Häufig liegt dem ein relatives Energiedefizit (RED), verbunden mit hoher mechanischer Belastung und intensivem Trainingsalltag, zugrunde. Das Vorliegen eines RED im Sport ist oft unterdiagnostiziert, daher hat sich eine systematische multidisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit unter Zuhilfenahme standardisierter Tests, z. B. des RED‑S CAT (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport Clinical Assessment Tool) als hilfreich erwiesen. Therapieansätze zielen primär auf eine Behebung der negativen Energiebilanz der Patientin als auch auf psychotherapeutische Interventionen ab. Darüber hinaus kann in schweren Fällen eine medikamentöse Therapie zur Unterstützung sowohl einer ausgeglichenen hormonellen Situation als auch des Knochenstoffwechsels notwendig sein.
Applicability of Literature Values for Green–Ampt Parameters to Account for Infiltration in Hydrodynamic Rainfall–Runoff Simulations in Ungauged Basins
Authors: Tügel Franziska , Hassan Aziz , Hou Jingming , Hinkelmann Reinhard
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of literature parameter values for the Green–Ampt infiltration model to be used in hydrodynamic rainfall–runoff simulations. The outcome of this study supports to decide which literature values should be taken if observed data for model calibration is not available. Different laboratory experiments, a plot-scale experiment in the Thiès catchment in Senegal, and a flash flood in the region of El Gouna in Egypt, have been simulated with the 2D shallow water model Hydroinformatics Modeling System (hms) incorporating the Green–Ampt model. For four test cases with available runoff data, the results of the calibrated models were compared to those obtained from average values after Rawls et al. (Journal of Hydraulic Engineering 1:62–70, 1) and Innovyze (Help documentation of XPSWMM and XPStorm, 2). The results showed a clear underestimation of infiltration in two of three considered laboratory experiments, while for a field experiment in Senegal, average values after Rawls et al. (Journal of Hydraulic Engineering 1:62–70, 1) led to a strong overestimation and the ones after Innovyze (Help documentation of XPSWMM and XPStorm, 2) to an underestimation of infiltration. In a case study on flash floods in an ungauged region in Egypt, the values of both sources led to a strong overestimation of infiltration, when the simulation results are compared to observed flooding areas. It can be concluded, that the values after Innovyze (Help documentation of XPSWMM and XPStorm, 2) lead to overall better results than the ones after Rawls et al. (Journal of Hydraulic Engineering 1:62–70, 1). According to the results, the hydraulic conductivity in ungauged areas with bare sandy soil should be reduced by about 90–100 % compared to the value after Rawls et al. (Journal of Hydraulic Engineering 1:62–70, 1).
Exploring solar-terrestrial interactions via multiple imaging observers
Authors: Branduardi-Raymont G. , Berthomier M. , Bogdanova Y. V. , Carter J. A. , Collier M. , Dimmock A. , Dunlop M. , Fear R. C. , Forsyth C. , Hubert B. , Kronberg E. A. , Laundal K. M. , Lester M. , Milan S. , Oksavik K. , Østgaard N. , Palmroth M. , Plaschke F. , Porter F. S. , Rae I. J. , Read A. , Samsonov A. A. , Sembay S. , Shprits Y. , Sibeck D. G. , Walsh B. , Yamauchi M.
Published: August 2021

How does solar wind energy flow through the Earth’s magnetosphere, how is it converted and distributed?is the question we want to address. We need to understand how geomagnetic storms and substorms start and grow, not just as a matter of scientific curiosity, but to address a clear and pressing practical problem: space weather, which can influence the performance and reliability of our technological systems, in space and on the ground, and can endanger human life and health. Much knowledge has already been acquired over the past decades, particularly by making use of multiple spacecraft measuring conditions in situ, but the infant stage of space weather forecasting demonstrates that we still have a vast amount of learning to do. A novel global approach is now being taken by a number of space imaging missions which are under development and the first tantalising results of their exploration will be available in the next decade. In this White Paper, submitted to ESA in response to the Voyage 2050 Call, we propose the next step in the quest for a complete understanding of how the Sun controls the Earth’s plasma environment: a tomographic imaging approach comprising two spacecraft in highly inclined polar orbits, enabling global imaging of magnetopause and cusps in soft X-rays, of auroral regions in FUV, of plasmasphere and ring current in EUV and ENA (Energetic Neutral Atoms), alongside in situ measurements. Such a mission, encompassing the variety of physical processes determining the conditions of geospace, will be crucial on the way to achieving scientific closure on the question of solar-terrestrial interactions.
Carbon nitride materials: impact of synthetic method on photocatalysis and immobilization for photocatalytic pollutant degradation
Authors: Köwitsch Isabel , Mehring Michael
Published: August 2021

Different synthesis routes for carbon nitride materials (CN) and the resulting products were compared to study the photocatalytic activity (pollutant degradation) in dependence on structure and properties. The CN materials were synthesized by thermal decomposition of dicyandiamide in air and under argon as well as in sealed ampoules with or without the use of a salt melt. The as-prepared materials were characterized by IR spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption measurement, solid-state NMR spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance UV–Vis spectroscopy, elemental analysis and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The surface polarity of the CN materials was estimated by adsorption of the dicyano-bis(1,10-phenanthroline)-iron(II) complex, which allows an evaluation of the degree of condensation. The CN materials were tested with regard to the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (RhB). It is shown that the photocatalytic activity increases with higher surface polarity. Promising CN materials with high RhB degradation of 85% within 25 min and high surface polarity of 0.89 were selected for an immobilization approach to obtain coatings on a silicone substrate using a high-volume low-pressure (HVLP) spray coating technique. To study the photocatalytic activity of the catalyst coatings, the degradation rates of an aqueous RhB solution and solutions of organic pollutants such as triclosan and ethinyl estradiol were examined. Pollutants are decomposed with up to 63% of the initial concentration. Xenon lamps and different LEDs were used as light sources for comparison. Particularly high degradation efficiencies were obtained using LEDs, and the degradation rates are increased by adjusting the emission spectrum of the lamp to the pollutant and absorption edge of the catalyst, which results in a 40 times higher degradation efficiencies of LEDs compared to a Xe lamp.

Graphical abstract
Can Multi-threaded Flux Tubes in Coronal Arcades Support a Magnetohydrodynamic Avalanche?
Authors: Threlfall J. , Reid J. , Hood A. W.
Published: August 2021

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instabilities allow energy to be released from stressed magnetic fields, commonly modelled in cylindrical flux tubes linking parallel planes, but, more recently, also in curved arcades containing flux tubes with both footpoints in the same photospheric plane. Uncurved cylindrical flux tubes containing multiple individual threads have been shown to be capable of sustaining an MHD avalanche, whereby a single unstable thread can destabilise many. We examine the properties of multi-threaded coronal loops, wherein each thread is created by photospheric driving in a realistic, curved coronal arcade structure (with both footpoints of each thread in the same plane). We use three-dimensional MHD simulations to study the evolution of single- and multi-threaded coronal loops, which become unstable and reconnect, while varying the driving velocity of individual threads. Experiments containing a single thread destabilise in a manner indicative of an ideal MHD instability and consistent with previous examples in the literature. The introduction of additional threads modifies this picture, with aspects of the model geometry and relative driving speeds of individual threads affecting the ability of any thread to destabilise others. In both single- and multi-threaded cases, continuous driving of the remnants of disrupted threads produces secondary, aperiodic bursts of energetic release.
Neuorientierung für das Business-Coaching
Authors: Böning Uwe , Möller Heidi , Giernalczyk Thomas
Published: August 2021

Ausgangspunkt der folgenden Beiträge ist die Arbeit „Coaching in der zweiten Romantik: Abstieg oder Aufstieg?“ von Böning und Strikker. Drei Autor/innen nehmen Stellung zu den Fragen: Welchen Einfluss kann Coaching auf den gesellschaftlichen und politischen Diskurs nehmen, um sowohl gesamtgesellschaftliche als auch politische Handlungsnotwendigkeiten aufzugreifen und dazu Stellung zu nehmen? Wie gestaltet Coaching organisationsbezogen kulturelle und politische Verhältnisse mit, wie sie die Autoren unter anderem in ihrem Buch aufwarfen?
New Avenues for Old Travellers: Phenotypic Evolutionary Trends Meet Morphodynamics, and Both Enter the Global Change Biology Era
Authors: Tamagnini Davide , Canestrelli Daniele , Meloro Carlo , Raia Pasquale , Maiorano Luigi
Published: August 2021

Evolutionary trends (ETs) are traditionally defined as substantial changes in the state of traits through time produced by a persistent condition of directional evolution. ETs might also include directional responses to ecological, climatic or biological gradients and represent the primary evolutionary pattern at high taxonomic levels and over long-time scales. The absence of a well-supported operative definition of ETs blurred the definition of conceptual differences between ETs and other key concepts in evolution such as convergence, parallel evolution, and divergence. Also, it prevented the formulation of modern guidelines for studying ETs and evolutionary dynamics related to them. In phenotypic evolution, the theory of morphodynamics states that the interplay between evolutionary factors such as phylogeny, evo-devo constraints, environment, and biological function determines morphological evolution. After introducing a new operative definition, here we provide a morphodynamics-based framework for studying phenotypic ETs, discussing how understanding the impact of these factors on ETs improves the explanation of links between biological patterns and processes underpinning directional evolution. We envisage that adopting a quantitative, pattern-based, and multifactorial approach will pave the way to new potential applications for this field of evolutionary biology. In this framework, by exploiting the catalysing effect of climate change on evolution, research on ETs induced by global change might represent an ideal arena for validating hypotheses about the predictability of evolution.
Single Anastomosis Duodenoileal Bypass or Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass After Failed Sleeve Gastrectomy: Medium-Term Outcomes
Authors: Dijkhorst Phillip J. , Al Nawas May , Heusschen Laura , Hazebroek Eric J. , Swank Dingeman J. , Wiezer René M.J. , Aarts Edo O.
Published: August 2021

Background

Although the sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has good short-term results, it comes with a significant number of patients requiring revisional surgery because of insufficient weight loss or functional complications.

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of the single anastomosis duodenoileal bypass (SADI-S) versus the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on health outcomes in (morbidly) obese patients who had previously undergone SG, with up to 5 years of follow-up.

Methods

Data from patients who underwent revisional SADI-S or RYGB after SG were retrospectively compared on indication of surgery, weight loss, quality of life, micronutrient deficiencies, and complications.

Results

From 2007 to 2017, 141 patients received revisional laparoscopic surgery after SG in three specialized Dutch bariatric hospitals (SADI-S n=63, RYGB n=78). Percentage total weight loss following revisional surgery at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years was 22%, 24%, 22%, 18%, and 15% for SADI-S and 10%, 9%, 7%, 8%, and 2% for RYGB (P<.05 for 1–4 years). Patients who underwent RYGB surgery for functional complications experienced no persistent symptoms of GERD or dysphagia in 88% of cases. No statistical difference was found in longitudinal analysis of change in quality of life scores or cross-sectional analysis of complication rates and micronutrient deficiencies.

Conclusion

Conversion of SG to SADI-S leads to significantly more total weight loss compared to RYGB surgery with no difference in quality of life scores, complication rates, or micronutrient deficiencies. When GERD in sleeve patients has to be resolved, RYGB provides adequate outcomes.

Graphical abstract
On the Origin of Logical Determinism in Babylonia
Authors: Schumann Andrew
Published: August 2021

In this paper, I show that the idea of logical determinism can be traced back from the Old Babylonian period at least. According to this idea, there are some signs (omens) which can explain the appearance of all events. These omens demonstrate the will of gods and their power realized through natural forces. As a result, each event either necessarily appears or necessarily disappears. This idea can be examined as the first version of eternalism – the philosophical belief that each temporal event (including past and future events) is actual. In divination lists in Akkadian presented as codes we can reconstruct Boolean matrices showing that the Babylonians used some logical-algebraic structures in their reasoning. The idea of logical contingency was introduced within a new mood of thinking presented by the Greek prose – historical as well as philosophical narrations. In the Jewish genre ’aggādōt, the logical determinism is supposed to be in opposition to the Greek prose.
The role of data science in healthcare advancements: applications, benefits, and future prospects
Authors: Subrahmanya Sri Venkat Gunturi , Shetty Dasharathraj K. , Patil Vathsala , Hameed B. M. Zeeshan , Paul Rahul , Smriti Komal , Naik Nithesh , Somani Bhaskar K.
Published: August 2021

Data science is an interdisciplinary field that extracts knowledge and insights from many structural and unstructured data, using scientific methods, data mining techniques, machine-learning algorithms, and big data. The healthcare industry generates large datasets of useful information on patient demography, treatment plans, results of medical examinations, insurance, etc. The data collected from the Internet of Things (IoT) devices attract the attention of data scientists. Data science provides aid to process, manage, analyze, and assimilate the large quantities of fragmented, structured, and unstructured data created by healthcare systems. This data requires effective management and analysis to acquire factual results. The process of data cleansing, data mining, data preparation, and data analysis used in healthcare applications is reviewed and discussed in the article. The article provides an insight into the status and prospects of big data analytics in healthcare, highlights the advantages, describes the frameworks and techniques used, briefs about the challenges faced currently, and discusses viable solutions. Data science and big data analytics can provide practical insights and aid in the decision-making of strategic decisions concerning the health system. It helps build a comprehensive view of patients, consumers, and clinicians. Data-driven decision-making opens up new possibilities to boost healthcare quality.
Downward accountability to beneficiaries in social enterprises: do partnerships with nonprofits boost it without undermining accountability to other stakeholders?
Authors: Sanzo-Pérez Maria José , Rey-García Marta , Álvarez-González Luis Ignacio
Published: August 2021

The hybrid nature of social enterprises gives them a high potential for developing social innovations, but at the same time leads to tensions within these organizations. The barriers they face to gain access to traditional sources of funding are pushing social enterprises to reinforce their business models and rely more on commercial activities, and this fact increases the risk of mission drift and can weaken accountability towards beneficiaries of the social mission in favor of dominant stakeholders such as funders or clients of the commercial activities. Our research attempts to analyze whether partnerships between social enterprises and nonprofits strengthen accountability to beneficiaries without hindering accountability to other stakeholders, thus allowing both social and economic objectives to operate together. Based on a survey with a sample of social enterprises partnering with nonprofits, results reveal that as the partnership moves along a collaboration continuum to a transformational stage, accountability to beneficiaries is encouraged, whereas accountability to other types of stakeholders is also improved or, at least, not affected.
Genesis of trondhjemite by low-pressure low-melt fraction anatexis of hornblende-gabbro at Alvand Plutonic Complex (Hamedan, NW Iran): insights from geochemical modelling
Authors: Lucci Federico , Saki Adel , Miri Mirmohammad , Rabiee Ahmad , White John Charles
Published: August 2021

Amphibole-dominated dehydration melting of gabbro is the primary process responsible for the genesis of adakites, low-K tonalites, modern trondhjemites, and plagiogranites as well as Archean tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite suites that represent the earliest examples of continental crust. Previous literature has mostly focused on the role of Al-rich amphibole during anatexis of a mafic source and many of these studies have investigated this process through experimental melting runs. However, due to experimental boundary conditions, little is known about partial melting of amphibole-bearing mafic rock at temperatures < 800°C for upper crustal conditions (pressure < 500 MPa). Classic and forward thermobarometric modelling suggests that in situ trondhjemite leucosomes, hosted by Cheshmeh-Ghasaban mafic metatexites (Alvand Plutonic Complex, Hamedan, NW Iran), represent a rare natural case study of a low-temperature incipient amphibole-dominated anatectic event of a mafic source with a primary assemblage (Pl+Hbl+Cpx+Bt+Opx) typical of a hornblende-bearing gabbroic rock.
Clinically-validated technologies for assisted living
Authors: Spinsante Susanna , Poli Angelica , Mongay Batalla Jordi , Krawiec Piotr , Dobre Ciprian , Bǎjenaru Lidia , Mavromoustakis Constandinos X. , Costantinou Costas S. , Molan Gregor , Herghelegiu Anna Marie , Prada Gabriel Ioan , Drǎghici Rozeta , González–Vélez Horacio
Published: August 2021

One of the most important lifestyle risk factors for many chronic conditions in the older age, low physical activity has shown to have significant impact on the sustainability of national welfare in many developed countries. Technology-based assisted living solutions can effectively be used to enable older adults to optimise their health-related quality of life, as well as to promote an active and healthy longevity. This paper describes vINCI—an interdisciplinary research project to actively support assisted living for older adults via state-of-the-art assistive technologies—which seamlessly deploys an ambient intelligence environment to integrate wearable devices, networking, software, and personalised services. It entails clinical validation and feedback at home and residential care facilities via a cloud microservices platform. Underpinned by blockchain technologies, multiple wearable devices, apps, and cameras securely capture the anonymised facets of different life events, whilst machine learning models create individualised user profiles to analyse any decrease in the perceived health-related quality of life typically associated with old age. Two controlled pilots are being conducted with 80 participants at older adult facilities in Romania and Cyprus. By incorporating clinical validation and feedback from specialised practitioners, the vINCI technologies enable older adults not only to self-evaluate their physical activity level, but also to change their behaviours and lifestyle in the long-term.
Indoor radon concentration and a diffusion model in dwellings situated in a subalkaline granitoid area, Southern Brazil
Authors: Romero-Mujalli G. , Roisenberg A. , Cordova-Gonzalez A. , Stefano P. H. P.
Published: August 2021

Radon (Rn), a radioactive element, has especial interest in medical geology because long-term exposure to high concentration is related to lung cancer. In this study, outdoor and indoor radon measurements were conducted in dwellings of the Piquiri Syenite Massif, located in southern Brazil, given the relative high Rn content in soils of this region. Measurements were done using CR-39 detectors and placing them inside and outside dwellings. Moreover, a one-dimensional diffusion model was performed in order to quantify the natural transport of Rn to the air in confined and aerated environments. Results indicate that the region presents relatively low air Rn concentrations, within the environmental limits; however, the health risk might increase in confined and ill-ventilated environments because of transfer from soil and exhalation from ornamental rock-material often found inside dwellings. The main north facies of the syenite, where most of the rock extractions are located, was found to have the highest air Rn concentration because of the higher soil Rn concentration, compared to other facies of the syenite.
Vivianite formation as indicator of human impact in porous sediments
Authors: Árpád Csámer , Lajos Papp , Ferenc Kristály , Sándor Szakáll , Péter Rózsa
Published: August 2021

Environmental geological survey of a chemical works situated in NE Hungary has been performed for decades. Up till now, several hundreds of drillings of different depths as well as engineering geological soundings have been carried out in the area. Vivianite has been found in a discrete part of a drilling in a gray, silty bed at the depth 6.8–8.5 m. Vivianite was analyzed using X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), thermal analysis (TG/DTG), and scanning electron microscopic and energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM–EDS) techniques. To demonstrate the spatial distribution of hydrochemical parameters and selected chemical constituents the available data concerning drillings and hydrochemical analyses were collected and evaluated, and field measurements were also performed. For mapping the distribution of relevant physico-chemical parameters and chemical constituents kriging interpolation method was used. Archive aerial photographs demonstrate that a coffered, earth-bedded reservoir for storing huge amounts of extracted plant debris is situated in the vicinity of the drilling. Our study suggests that orthophosphate derived from decomposing biomass entered the groundwater and accumulated within the lowest permeability zone of the intact bedrock. Therefore, the discrete appearance of vivianite in the drilling can be regarded, at least partly, the result of a man-induced mineralogical process.
Adsorption of chromium ions from tannery effluents onto activated carbon prepared from rice husk and potato peel by H3PO4 activation
Authors: Vunain Ephraim , Njewa Joel Brian , Biswick Timothy Tiwonge , Ipadeola Adewale Kabir
Published: August 2021

Two biomass agricultural waste materials; rice husks (RH) and potato peels (PP) were used as precursors for preparation of activated carbons by chemical activation using phosphoric acid for adsorption of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] from tannery effluents. The prepared rice husk (RH–AC) and potato peel activated carbon (PP–AC) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Adsorption experiments were performed by varying pH, agitation speed, contact time, adsorbent dose and initial metal ion concentration. Freundlich, Langmuir and Temkin isotherms were used to analyze the equilibrium data obtained at different adsorption conditions. It was found that the adsorption isotherms were well fitted by the Freundlich equation and the adsorption process was found to follow pseudo-second-order rate kinetics. Adsorption results obtained show a maximum Cr(VI) uptake being attained at pH 2.0, with chromium removal efficiency of 99.88% and 99.52% for RH–AC and PP–AC, respectively. RH–AC and PP–AC are effective adsorbent for the removal of chromium(VI) ions from wastewater.
Decoupling synthetic control methods to ensure stability, accuracy and meaningfulness
Authors: Albalate Daniel , Bel Germà , Mazaira-Font Ferran A.
Published: August 2021

The synthetic control method (SCM) is widely used to evaluate causal effects under quasi-experimental designs. However, SCM suffers from weaknesses that compromise its accuracy, stability and meaningfulness, due to the nested optimization problem of covariate relevance and counterfactual weights. We propose a decoupling of both problems. We evaluate the economic effect of government formation deadlock in Spain-2016 and find that SCM method overestimates the effect by 0.23 pp. Furthermore, we replicate two studies and compare results from standard and decoupled SCM. Decoupled SCM offers higher accuracy and stability, while ensuring the economic meaningfulness of covariates used in building the counterfactual.
Impact of Selection of Growth Chart in the Diagnosis of Suboptimal Fetal Growth and Neonatal Birthweight and Correlation with Adverse Neonatal Outcomes in a Third Trimester South Indian Antenatal Cohort; A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Vikraman Seneesh Kumar , Elayedatt Rinshi Abid , Dubey Aditi , Elango Nithya
Published: August 2021

Objectives: To compare fetal and neonatal growth charts pertaining to different models (population-specific, universal reference, universal standard and fully customised) in detecting suboptimal fetal growth in the third trimester. Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted at two fetal medicine centers. After applying the inclusion criteria [singleton pregnancies between 28 and 40 weeks, verified dates and estimated fetal weight (EFW) ≤ 25th centile as per the Hadlock chart], 292 women were consecutively recruited. Four fetal growth charts (Hadlock, Intergrowth, fully customised GROW, Sonocare) and three neonatal charts (Fenton, Intergrowth and fully customised GROW) were used in the study. The EFW and birthweight centiles were categorized into three groups: < 3.0, 3.1–10th and > 10th centiles. The charts were evaluated by their ability to detect pregnancies with uteroplacental insufficiency and/or development of adverse neonatal outcomes in the third trimester. Results: Significant difference was noted between the fetuses/neonates assigned as < 3rd centile (Hadlock-9.3%, Sonocare-4.8%, Intergrowth- 6.8% and the fully customised GROW- 6.5%) and the neonatal charts (Fenton-18.5%, Intergrowth- 20.2% and fully customised GROW- 13.4%). At a cut-off of 3rd centile, the GROW chart had the highest sensitivity (84.2%) followed by Intergrowth (78.9%), Hadlock (70.37%) and Sonocare (64.29%). Similarly, for a cut-off of < 10th, the sensitivity was GROW 70.27%, Sonocare 64%, Intergrowth 60.8% and Hadlock 50%. Amongst the neonatal charts, fully customised GROW chart had the greatest detection rate (< 3rd = 74.36%, < 10th = 70.27%). However, there was no significant difference between the charts in the detection of pregnancies with suboptimal fetal growth associated with uteroplacental insufficiency and/or adverse neonatal outcomes. Conclusion: Despite substantial discrepancy between the growth charts in diagnosing fetal smallness, adding multivessel Doppler negates significant differences between them in diagnosing suboptimal fetal growth associated with uteroplacental insufficiency and adverse neonatal outcomes.
Robin Who? Zwischen materiellen Interessen, wertgestützten Ideen und nationalen Institutionen: Die Europäische Finanztransaktionssteuer in Deutschland und Großbritannien
Authors: van Loon Aukje
Published: August 2021

Als Reaktion auf die Eurokrise brachte die Europäische Union (EU) mehrere Reformpakete und Vorschläge zur Überarbeitung des Governance-Rahmens der Wirtschafts- und Währungsunion (WWU) auf den Weg. Diese Studie untersucht den Vorschlag zur Stärkung der Finanzregulierung im Zusammenhang mit der Debatte über Finanztransaktionssteuern (FTS), die sogenannte Robin-Hood-Steuer, und die divergierenden politischen Reaktionen der britischen und deutschen Regierungen. Besonderes Augenmerk wird auf die Auswirkungen der Pluralität der Akteure und die issue salience bei den Prozessen zur Bildung von Präferenzen in diesen Ländern gelegt. Hauptziel ist es festzustellen, wer die Reaktionen dieser Regierungen während der FTS-Debatte bestimmt hat und warum finanzielle und nicht-finanzielle gesellschaftliche Akteure bei der Entscheidungsfindung entweder beachtet oder abgelehnt wurden. Durch die Anwendung des Societal Approach als Theorie endogener Präferenzformation werden drei erklärende Variablen, materielle Interessen, wertgestützte Ideen und nationale Institutionen, die in der Innenpolitik der Länder dominieren, untersucht, um zu berücksichtigen, wann diese von Bedeutung sind, wie sie interagieren und welche bei der Gestaltung der FTS-Positionen dieser Regierungen prägend sind. Diese vergleichende theoriegeleitete empirische Analyse zeigt, dass Gewerkschaften, Wähler*innen und NGOs in Deutschland in der Lage waren, wichtige Interessen der Finanzindustrie bei der Gestaltung der Regierungsposition zur Unterstützung der vorgeschlagenen Reform zu umgehen, während diese Akteure in Großbritannien, einer einheitlichen Finanzindustrie, die sich vehement gegen die Steuer aussprach, nicht erfolgreich entgegenwirkten. Anknüpfend an die aktuelle Literatur zur europäischen Finanzregulierung nach der Krise, die sich mit einem gewissen Dissens zwischen einer Zunahme und einer Abnahme der demokratischen Politikgestaltung in Krisenzeiten befasst, soll diese Untersuchung ein umfassendes Verständnis der Präferenzbildung der Regierungen fördern und eine gewisse verstärkte demokratische Politikgestaltung erkennen.