bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intensivpflege in Zeiten der COVID-19 Pandemie: Zur Frage des Verhältnisses von Fürsorge und Selbstsorge
Authors: Kuhn Eva , Seidlein Anna-Henrikje
Published: January 2021

Die COVID-19 Pandemie stellt eine beträchtliche Herausforderung für die Kapazität und Funktionalität der Intensivversorgung dar. Dies betrifft nicht nur Ressourcen, sondern vor allem auch die körperlichen und psychischen Grenzen von Pflegefachpersonen. Der Frage, wie sich Fürsorge und Selbstsorge von Pflegefachpersonen auf Intensivstationen im Rahmen der COVID-19 Pandemie zueinander verhalten, wurde bislang im öffentlichen und wissenschaftlichen Diskurs keine Aufmerksamkeit geschenkt. Der vorliegende Beitrag reflektiert dieses Verhältnis mit Hilfe des Ethikkodex des International Council of Nurses, unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Prinzipienethik und der Care-Ethik nach Joan Tronto und zeigt einen Korridor ethisch vertretbarer Pflege auf.

Die Arbeit leistet damit einen wichtigen Beitrag zu einer differenzierten ethischen Betrachtung der Rechte und Verantwortlichkeiten von Pflegefachpersonen als moralischen Akteuren innerhalb des Pandemiegeschehens in Deutschland. Damit schafft er eine erste Voraussetzung für einen breiten gesellschaftlichen und politischen Diskurs, der über die Pandemie hinaus dringend notwendig ist, um die Situation der Pflegefachpersonen und der Gepflegten nachhaltig zu verbessern.
Ectomycorrhizal fungal community structure in a young orchard of grafted and ungrafted hybrid chestnut saplings
Authors: Santolamazza-Carbone Serena , Iglesias-Bernabé Laura , Sinde-Stompel Esteban , Gallego Pedro Pablo
Published: January 2021

Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal community of the European chestnut has been poorly investigated, and mostly by sporocarp sampling. We proposed the study of the ECM fungal community of 2-year-old chestnut hybridsCastanea×coudercii(Castanea sativa×Castanea crenata) using molecular approaches. By using the chestnut hybrid clones 111 and 125, we assessed the impact of grafting on ECM colonization rate, species diversity, and fungal community composition. The clone type did not have an impact on the studied variables; however, grafting significantly influenced ECM colonization rate in clone 111. Species diversity and richness did not vary between the experimental groups. Grafted and ungrafted plants of clone 111 had a different ECM fungal species composition. Sequence data from ITS regions of rDNA revealed the presence of 9 orders, 15 families, 19 genera, and 27 species of ECM fungi, most of them generalist, early-stage species. Thirteen new taxa were described in association with chestnuts.The basidiomycetes Agaricales (13 taxa) and Boletales (11 taxa) represented 36% and 31%, of the total sampled ECM fungal taxa, respectively.Scleroderma citrinum,S. areolatum, andS. polyrhizum(Boletales) were found in 86% of the trees and represented 39% of total ECM root tips. The ascomyceteCenococcum geophilum(Mytilinidiales) was found in 80% of the trees but accounted only for 6% of the colonized root tips. These results could help to unveil the impact of grafting on fungal symbionts, improving management of chestnut agro-ecosystems and production of edible fungal species.
Relative Growth in Hyperbolic Groups
Authors: Cantrell Stephen , Sharp Richard
Published: January 2021

In this note we obtain estimates on the relative growth of normal subgroups of non-elementary hyperbolic groups, particularly those with free abelian quotient. As a corollary, we deduce that the associated relative growth series fail to be rational.
Does plain radiography still have a role in cases of fish bone ingestion in emergency rooms? A retrospective analysis
Authors: Wu Tzu-Chi , Huang Pin-Wen , Tung Chun-Bin
Published: January 2021

Background

Fish bones are the most common aerodigestive foreign bodies found in adults. Most cases of fish bone impaction improve after primary management by emergency physicians with a mirror laryngoscopy using a tongue depressor, before otolaryngologists perform a fiberoptic nasendoscopy. A computed tomography scan usually follows to determine the next step. Studies have recently been concerned about overdoses of radiation from computed tomography. However, clear algorithms remain unavailable for fish bone ingestion management to date.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on 180 patients who visited the emergency department with complaints of fish bone impaction between January 2017 and January 2019.

Results

A total of 81.6% of patients with fish bone impaction got symptomatic relief after primary management by emergency physicians and otolaryngologists. Out of 180 patients, 33 (18.3%) needed an endoscopic procedure due to persistent symptoms. Only one (0.56%) required an operation due to perforation. In the group failing primary management, the plain radiography of eight patients showed a positive finding and an esophagogastroscopy was done to remove the fish bones.

Conclusion

Lateral neck radiography is still beneficial to patients with fish bone ingestion failure from primary management. Positive lateral soft tissue radiography in cases with persistent symptoms post primary management may directly suggest esophagogastroscopy without confirmation from a computed tomography, unless complications are suspected. For patients aged below 40, following up on their conditions after post management radiography shows negative results may increase their safety.
Habitat use of golden jackals (Canis aureus) in riverine areas of northern Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Selimovic Aldin , Schöll Eva Maria , Bosseler Larissa , Hatlauf Jennifer
Published: January 2021

Recently confirmed expansion of golden jackals (Canis aureus) into countries without any previous records poses questions, one of them focusing on the species potential and possibly varying habitat use. In this study, we investigated the presence and distribution of golden jackals in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina, where knowledge about golden jackal distribution and habitat use is still scarce. We used bioacoustic stimulation as a non-invasive tool to gather data on golden jackal presence. Habitat structures potentially selected by the species were assessed at 92 calling stations and used as input for binary logistic regression models. Our study area covered approximately 1150 km2, and bioacoustic stimulation within this area resulted in an estimated minimum relative group density of 3.5 territorial groups per 100 km2. We found territorial groups at distances between 15 and 38 km southwards from the river Sava but always within a maximum range of 3 km to perennial watercourses. Habitat analysis identified shrub vegetation and pastures as structures with a significant effect on the presence of resident golden jackals. Probability that golden jackals answered at calling stations increased with increasing surface area covered with pastures and shrubs. Distances between golden jackal territories and the nearest human settlement were relatively small. Our results indicate that structures like transitional woodland-shrubs and pastures, together with other potential influencing factors like local agricultural practices, low hunting pressure, diverse natural and anthropogenic food sources, could have benefited the settlement of golden jackals in the northern lowlands of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Teacher: But Not Student Rating of the Pedagogic and Social Climate in School Predicts Adolescents’ Academic Aspirations
Authors: Almroth Melody , László Krisztina D. , Kosidou Kyriaki , Galanti Maria Rosaria
Published: January 2021

Background

High academic aspirations relate to higher achievement and better mental health, but less is known about how these aspirations are formed in relation to the educational context.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the relationship between overall school climate, with particular concern for the dimensions of school level expectations and support as rated by both teachers and students and adolescent academic aspirations.

Methods

Multilevel logistic models for repeated measures were used in order to investigate the relationship between measures of school climate and adolescents’ academic aspirations. Three annual waves of questionnaire data were used to obtain aggregated teacher- and student-rating of school climate, including specific dimensions of teacher expectations and support.

Results

Positive teacher-rated overall school climate was associated with an increased odds of adolescents aiming at a university education rather than at a lower one (adjusted OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.14–1.63 for the intermediate tertile; OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.14–1.70 for the highest tertile). A similar trend was found for the teacher-rated measures of expectations and student focus, but not for any of the student-rated school climate measures.

Conclusion

A positive school climate rated by teachers appears to predict adolescents’ university aspirations. Future research should clarify which aspects of the school climate may influence adolescent academic aspirations from the students’ perspective.
Regularizing axis-aligned ensembles via data rotations that favor simpler learners
Authors: Blaser Rico , Fryzlewicz Piotr
Published: January 2021

To overcome the inherent limitations of axis-aligned base learners in ensemble learning, several methods of rotating the feature space have been discussed in the literature. In particular, smoother decision boundaries can often be obtained from axis-aligned ensembles by rotating the feature space. In the present paper, we introduce a low-cost regularization technique that favors rotations which produce compact base learners. The restated problem adds a shrinkage term to the loss function that explicitly accounts for the complexity of the base learners. For example, for tree-based ensembles, we apply a penalty based on the median number of nodes and the median depth of the trees in the forest. Rather than jointly minimizing prediction error and model complexity, which is computationally infeasible, we first generate a prioritized weighting of the available feature rotations that promotes lower model complexity and subsequently minimize prediction errors on each of the selected rotations. We show that the resulting ensembles tend to be significantly more dense, faster to evaluate, and competitive at generalizing in out-of-sample predictions.
Comprehensive profiling of semi‐polar phytochemicals in whole wheat grains (Triticum aestivum) using liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Tais Leslie , Schulz Hartwig , Böttcher Christoph
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) it is one of the most important staple food crops worldwide and represents an important resource for human nutrition. Besides starch, proteins and micronutrients wheat grains accumulate a highly diverse set of phytochemicals.

Objectives

This work aimed at the development and validation of an analytical workflow for comprehensive profiling of semi-polar phytochemicals in whole wheat grains.

Method

Reversed-phase ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/ESI-QTOFMS) was used as analytical platform. For annotation of metabolites accurate mass collision-induced dissociation mass spectra were acquired and interpreted in conjunction with literature data, database queries and analyses of reference compounds.

Results

Based on reversed-phase UHPLC/ESI-QTOFMS an analytical workflow for comprehensive profiling of semi-polar phytochemicals in whole wheat grains was developed. For method development the extraction procedure and the chromatographic separation were optimized. Using whole grains of eight wheat cultivars a total of 248 metabolites were annotated and characterized by chromatographic and tandem mass spectral data. Annotated metabolites comprise hydroquinones, hydroxycinnamic acid amides, flavonoids, benzoxazinoids, lignans and other phenolics as well as numerous primary metabolites such as nucleosides, amino acids and derivatives, organic acids, saccharides and B vitamin derivatives. For method validation, recovery rates and matrix effects were determined for ten exogenous model compounds. Repeatability and linearity were assessed for 39 representative endogenous metabolites. In addition, the accuracy of relative quantification was evaluated for six exogenous model compounds.

Conclusions

In conjunction with non-targeted and targeted data analysis strategies the developed analytical workflow was successfully applied to discern differences in the profiles of semi-polar phytochemicals accumulating in whole grains of eight wheat cultivars.
New methodologies for the detection, identification, and quantification of microplastics and their environmental degradation by-products
Authors: Castelvetro Valter , Corti Andrea , Biale Greta , Ceccarini Alessio , Degano Ilaria , La Nasa Jacopo , Lomonaco Tommaso , Manariti Antonella , Manco Enrico , Modugno Francesca , Vinciguerra Virginia
Published: January 2021

Sampling, separation, detection, and characterization of microplastics (MPs) dispersed in natural water bodies and ecosystems is a challenging and critical issue for a better understanding of the hazards for the environment posed by such nearly ubiquitous and still largely unknown form of pollution. There is still the need for exhaustive, reliable, accurate, reasonably fast, and cost-efficient analytical protocols allowing the quantification not only of MPs but also of nanoplastics (NPs) and of the harmful molecular pollutants that may result from degrading plastics. Here a set of newly developed analytical protocols, integrated with specialized techniques such as pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), for the accurate and selective determination of the polymers most commonly found as MPs polluting marine and freshwater sediments are presented. In addition, the results of an investigation on the low molecular weight volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released upon photo-oxidative degradation of microplastics highlight the important role of photoinduced fragmentation at a molecular level both as a potential source of hazardous chemicals and as accelerators of the overall degradation of floating or stranded plastic debris.
Non-invasive detection and localization of microplastic particles in a sandy sediment by complementary neutron and X-ray tomography
Authors: Tötzke Christian , Oswald Sascha E. , Hilger André , Kardjilov Nikolay
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Microplastics have become a ubiquitous pollutant in marine, terrestrial and freshwater systems that seriously affects aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Common methods for analysing microplastic abundance in soil or sediments are based on destructive sampling or involve destructive sample processing. Thus, substantial information about local distribution of microplastics is inevitably lost.

Methods

Tomographic methods have been explored in our study as they can help to overcome this limitation because they allow the analysis of the sample structure while maintaining its integrity. However, this capability has not yet been exploited for detection of environmental microplastics. We present a bimodal 3D imaging approach capable to detect microplastics in soil or sediment cores non-destructively.

Results

In a first pilot study, we demonstrate the unique potential of neutrons to sense and localize microplastic particles in sandy sediment. The complementary application of X-rays allows mineral grains to be discriminated from microplastic particles. Additionally, it yields detailed information on the 3D surroundings of each microplastic particle, which supports its size and shape determination.

Conclusion

The procedure we developed is able to identify microplastic particles with diameters of approximately 1 mm in a sandy soil. It also allows characterisation of the shape of the microplastic particles as well as the microstructure of the soil and sediment sample as depositional background information. Transferring this approach to environmental samples presents the opportunity to gain insights of the exact distribution of microplastics as well as their past deposition, deterioration and translocation processes.
Nanocomposites prepared from gold nanowires and multiwalled carbon nanotubes for non-enzymatic sensitive bioelectrochemical detection of pentraxin-3 in human serum
Authors: Zhang Qiongyuan , Wu Jiayi , Niu Wuceng , Xue Jianjiang
Published: January 2021

Pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) is one of the newly discovered tumor biomarker, especially in the diagnosis of lung cancer. The functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and gold nanowires (AuNWs) nanocomposites decorated the PTX-3 biosensor were reported in this work, realizing ultrasensitive detection of PTX-3 in human serum through simple and effective non-enzymatic reaction. The PTX-3 biosensor has excellent electrochemical activity and biocompatibility through carbon and metal nanomaterials. Compared with pure MWCNTs, the MWCNTs combined with AuNWs which shows a wide range of detection (0.001–1000 ng ml-1), higher sensitivity (17.10 μA/(ng ml-1)/cm2) and lower detection limits (0.16 pg ml-1, S/N = 3). Meanwhile, gold nanomaterials are one of the most stable noble metal nanomaterials and MWCNTs possess large electroactive surface area, which can greatly improves the stability (96.3%, after 3 weeks) and repeatability (RSD = 0.51%). This work remarkably extends the utilization of MWCNTs and AuNWs in the construction of biosensors in the fields of biosensing and medical diagnosis.
Impact of Race and Socioeconomic Status on Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19
Authors: Quan Daniel , Luna Wong Lucía , Shallal Anita , Madan Raghav , Hamdan Abel , Ahdi Heaveen , Daneshvar Amir , Mahajan Manasi , Nasereldin Mohamed , Van Harn Meredith , Opara Ijeoma Nnodim , Zervos Marcus
Published: January 2021

Background

The impact of race and socioeconomic status on clinical outcomes has not been quantified in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Objective

To evaluate the association between patient sociodemographics and neighborhood disadvantage with frequencies of death, invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), and intensive care unit (ICU) admission in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Four hospitals in an integrated health system serving southeast Michigan.

Participants

Adult patients admitted to the hospital with a COVID-19 diagnosis confirmed by polymerase chain reaction.

Main Measures

Patient sociodemographics, comorbidities, and clinical outcomes were collected. Neighborhood socioeconomic variables were obtained at the census tract level from the 2018 American Community Survey. Relationships between neighborhood median income and clinical outcomes were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression models, controlling for patient age, sex, race, Charlson Comorbidity Index, obesity, smoking status, and living environment.

Key Results

Black patients lived in significantly poorer neighborhoods than White patients (median income: $34,758 (24,531–56,095) vs. $63,317 (49,850–85,776), p < 0.001) and were more likely to have Medicaid insurance (19.4% vs. 11.2%, p < 0.001). Patients from neighborhoods with lower median income were significantly more likely to require IMV (lowest quartile: 25.4%, highest quartile: 16.0%, p < 0.001) and ICU admission (35.2%, 19.9%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, sex, race, and comorbidities, higher neighborhood income ($10,000 increase) remained a significant negative predictor for IMV (OR: 0.95 (95% CI 0.91, 0.99), p = 0.02) and ICU admission (OR: 0.92 (95% CI 0.89, 0.96), p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Neighborhood disadvantage, which is closely associated with race, is a predictor of poor clinical outcomes in COVID-19. Measures of neighborhood disadvantage should be used to inform policies that aim to reduce COVID-19 disparities in the Black community.
The Effect of Corporate — Start-Up Collaborations on Corporate Entrepreneurship
Authors: Rigtering J. P. Coen , Behrens M. Ayelen
Published: January 2021

In an attempt to become more flexible and responsive, corporates increasingly collaborate with start-ups. By doing so, corporates hope to make a transition towards a more entrepreneurial organization or to rejuvenate their organizational culture and working practices. We present the results of a multiple case study in which we compare eight corporate—start-up collaborations that achieved different success rates in terms of promoting corporate renewal. Our focus is on the corporate individuals that participate in the collaboration and we combine literature on corporate entrepreneurship with institutional theory to study the conditions under which these individuals are more likely to exhort transformational agency and to contribute to renewal. Our results indicate that the effect of corporate—start-up collaborations on renewal is mediated by two individual-level mechanisms: reflexivity and intrinsic motivation. In addition, we identify several organizational contingencies that affect both the likelihood that corporate individuals adopt a reflexive orientation and are intrinsically motivated as well as the likelihood that their transformational efforts are successful.
Practices for Research Integrity Promotion in Research Performing Organisations and Research Funding Organisations: A Scoping Review
Authors: Ščepanović Rea , Labib Krishma , Buljan Ivan , Tijdink Joeri , Marušić Ana
Published: January 2021

Research integrity (RI) is a continuously developing concept, and increasing emphasis is put on creating RI promotion practices. This study aimed to map the existing RI guidance documents at research performing organisations (RPOs) and research funding organisations (RFOs). A search of bibliographic databases and grey literature sources was performed, and retrieved documents were screened for eligibility. The search of bibliographical databases and reference lists of selected articles identified a total of 92 documents while the search of grey literature sources identified 118 documents for analysis. The retrieved documents were analysed based on their geographical origin, research field and organisational origin (RPO or RFO) of RI practices, types of guidance presented in them, and target groups to which RI practices are directed. Most of the identified practices were developed for research in general, and are applicable to all research fields (n = 117) and medical sciences (n = 78). They were mostly written in the form of guidelines (n = 136) and targeted researchers (n = 167). A comprehensive search of the existing RI promotion practices showed that initiatives mostly come from RPOs while only a few RI practices originate from RFOs. This study showed that more RI guidance documents are needed for natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities since only a small number of documents was developed specifically for these research fields. The explored documents and the gaps in knowledge identified in this study can be used for further development of RI promotion practices in RPOs and RFOs.
Reappraisal of Atrial fibrillation: interaction between hyperCoagulability, Electrical remodelling and Vascular destabilisation in the progression of AF (RACE V) Tissue Bank Project: study design
Authors: Gilbers M. D. , Bidar E. , Maesen B. , Zeemering S. , Isaacs A. , Crijns H. , van Gelder I. , Rienstra M. , Verheule S. , Maessen J. , Stoll M. , Schotten U.
Published: January 2021

Background

The development of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a complex multifactorial process. Over the past few decades, much has been learned about the pathophysiological processes that can lead to AF from a variety of specific disease models in animals. However, our ability to recognise these disease processes in AF patients is still limited, which has contributed to the limited progress in improving rhythm control in AF.

Aims/objectives

We believe that a better understanding and detection of the individual pathophysiological mechanisms underlying AF is a prerequisite for developing patient-tailored therapies. The RACE V Tissue Bank Project will contribute to the unravelling of the main molecular mechanisms of AF by studying histology and genome-wide RNA expression profiles and combining this information with detailed phenotyping of patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods

As more and more evidence suggests that AF may occur not only during the first days but also during the months and years after surgery, we will systematically study the incidence of AF during the first years after cardiac surgery in patients with or without a history of AF. Both the overall AF burden as well as the pattern of AF episodes will be studied. Lastly, we will study the association between the major molecular mechanisms and the clinical presentation of the patients, including the incidence and pattern of AF during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

The RACE V Tissue Bank Project combines deep phenotyping of patients undergoing cardiac surgery, including rhythm follow-up, analysis of molecular mechanisms, histological analysis and genome-wide RNA sequencing. This approach will provide detailed insights into the main pathological alterations associated with AF in atrial tissue and thereby contribute to the development of individualised, mechanistically informed patient-tailored treatment for AF.
Conceptualization of functional single nucleotide polymorphisms of polycystic ovarian syndrome genes: an in silico approach
Authors: Prabhu B. N. , Kanchamreddy S. H. , Sharma A. R. , Bhat S. K. , Bhat P. V. , Kabekkodu S. P. , Satyamoorthy K. , Rai P. S.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a multi-faceted endocrinopathy frequently observed in reproductive-aged females, causing infertility. Cumulative evidence revealed that genetic and epigenetic variations, along with environmental factors, were linked with PCOS. Deciphering the molecular pathways of PCOS is quite complicated due to the availability of limited molecular information. Hence, to explore the influence of genetic variations in PCOS, we mapped the GWAS genes and performed a computational analysis to identify the SNPs and their impact on the coding and non-coding sequences.

Methods

The causative genes of PCOS were searched using the GWAS catalog, and pathway analysis was performed using ClueGO. SNPs were extracted using an Ensembl genome browser, and missense variants were shortlisted. Further, the native and mutant forms of the deleterious SNPs were modeled using I-TASSER, Swiss-PdbViewer, and PyMOL. MirSNP, PolymiRTS, miRNASNP3, and SNP2TFBS, SNPInspector databases were used to find SNPs in the miRNA binding site and transcription factor binding site (TFBS), respectively. EnhancerDB and HaploReg were used to characterize enhancer SNPs. Linkage Disequilibrium (LD) analysis was performed using LDlink.

Results

25 PCOS genes showed interaction with 18 pathways. 7 SNPs were predicted to be deleterious using different pathogenicity predictions. 4 SNPs were found in the miRNA target site, TFBS, and enhancer sites and were in LD with reported PCOS GWAS SNPs.

Conclusion

Computational analysis of SNPs residing in PCOS genes may provide insight into complex molecular interactions among genes involved in PCOS pathophysiology. It may also aid in determining the causal variants and consequently contributing to predicting disease strategies.
Some Thoughts on Modelling Hail Impact on Surfaces
Authors: Macdonald J. R. , Stack M. M.
Published: January 2021

Hail impact-induced erosion has the potential to significantly affect the operational lifetime of structures exposed to extreme weathering environments such as hail events. Computational materials modelling can be used to better understand the erosion behaviour during a hailstone impact, and here the relevant background work is detailed. In this paper, an implementation of an ice impact model, utilising Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics along with a highly strain-rate-dependent material model, is shown, and its results and limitations discussed. An overview is given on the literature on modelling hail events, including the history of experimental work. The various potential modelling methods which have been developed is then given, along with an evaluation of the suitability of the methods to future work in this area.
Characteristics of evolution of mining-induced stress field in the longwall panel: insights from physical modeling
Authors: Lou Jinfu , Gao Fuqiang , Yang Jinghe , Ren Yanfang , Li Jianzhong , Wang Xiaoqing , Yang Lei
Published: January 2021

The evolution of mining-induced stress field in longwall panel is closely related to the fracture field and the breaking characteristics of strata. Few laboratory experiments have been conducted to investigate the stress field. This study investigated its evolution by constructing a large-scale physical model according to the in situ conditions of the longwall panel. Theoretical analysis was used to reveal the mechanism of stress distribution in the overburden. The modelling results showed that: (1) The major principal stress field is arch-shaped, and the strata overlying both the solid zones and gob constitute a series of coordinated load-bearing structures. The stress increasing zone is like a macro stress arch. High stress is especially concentrated on both shoulders of the arch-shaped structure. The stress concentration of the solid zone in front of the gob is higher than the rear solid zone. (2) The characteristics of the vertical stress field in different regions are significantly different. Stress decreases in the zone above the gob and increases in solid zones on both sides of it. The mechanical analysis show that for a given stratum, the trajectories of principal stress are arch-shaped or inversely-arched, referred to as the “principal stress arch”, irrespective of its initial breaking or periodic breaking, and determines the fracture morphology. That is, the trajectories of tensile principal stress are inversely arched before the first breaking of the strata, and cause the breaking lines to resemble an inverted funnel. In case of periodic breaking, the breaking line forms an obtuse angle with the advancing direction of the panel. Good agreement was obtained between the results of physical modeling and the theoretical analysis.
Der Mensch als Verwertungsobjekt – Literarische Stimmen im Bioethikdiskurs
Authors: Spieß Constanze
Published: January 2021

Während aus diskurslinguistischer Perspektive gesellschaftliche Debatten über bioethische und biomedizinische Themen innerhalb des öffentlich-politischen Kommunikationsbereichs ausführlich untersucht wurden (z.B. Diskurse über Sterbebegleitung/Sterbehilfe, humane embryonale Stammzellforschung oder Präimplantationsdiagnostik), gilt das für den Bereich der literarischen Kommunikation nicht. Der Beitrag fasst literarische Texte als Stimmen und Positionen innerhalb von Diskursen auf, die sich aus ästhetischer Perspektive spezifischen Themen (z.B. bioethischen und biomedizinischen Themen) nähern und aus ihrer kommunikationsbereichsspezifischen Perspektive Wirklichkeit sprachlich deuten, sprachlich konstruieren und damit auch gestalten. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird die Frage gestellt, wie und mit welchen sprachlichen Mitteln literarische Positionen zu bioethischen Themen als Stimmen im Diskurs zur Geltung gebracht werden. Grundlage der diskurslinguistischen Analyse sind der Kinder- und JugendromanDuplik Jonas 7von Birgit Rabisch und der RomanDie Entbehrlichenvon Ninni Holmqvist.
An oppositional Salp Swarm: Jaya algorithm for thermal design optimization of an Organic Rankine Cycle
Authors: Turgut Mert Sinan , Turgut Oguz Emrah
Published: January 2021

This study proposes a hybrid metaheuristic algorithm to tackle both single and multi objective optimization problems that are subjected to hard constraints. Twenty-four single objective optimization benchmark problems comprising unimodal and multi modal test functions have been solved by the proposed hybrid algorithm (OPSSAJ) and numerical results have been compared with those acquired by some of the new emerged metaheuristic optimizers. The proposed OPSSAJ shows a significant accuracy and robustness in most of the cases and proves its efficiency in solving high dimensional problems. As a real-world case study, seventeen operational design parameters of an organic rankine cycle (ORC) operating with a binary mixture of R227EA and R600 refrigerants are optimized by the proposed hybrid OPSSAJ to obtain the optimum values of contradicting dual objectives of second law efficiency and Specific Investment Cost. A Pareto curve composed of non-dominated solutions is constructed through the weighted sum method and the final solution is chosen by the reputed TOPSIS decision-maker. The pareto curve and best-compromising result obtained by utilizing the OPPSAJ are compared with that of acquired by using nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) and multiple objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithms. The multi-objective ORC design obtained with the OPSSAJ yields a significant improvement in thermal efficiency and cost values compared to designs found by the NSGA-II and MOPSO algorithms. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis is performed to observe the influences of the selected design variables on problem objectives.
An autonomous real-time detector system for radionuclide monitoring in drinking water systems
Authors: Drinhaus Jorrit , Harstrick Alexander , Breustedt Bastian
Published: January 2021

For monitoring radioactive contamination of water systems due to nuclear accidents or terrorist attacks, there is need of an in situ online measurement to assess alpha-, beta- and gamma-emitting radionuclide contaminants quickly and accurately. However, there is no well-established online monitoring system for permanent surveillance of drinking water systems. Therefore, a real-time measurement system was developed based on the readout of plastic scintillator sheets by a photomultiplier. Direct contact between scintillator and streaming water allows for the detection of both long- and short-ranged particles. Using a passive cooling system, detection limits of 141 Bq/L for $$^{241}$$

241

Am, 20 Bq/L for $$^{60}$$

60

Co and 17 Bq/L for $$^{137}$$

137

Cs were achieved with measurements of 60 s counting time. The system has been designed to be operated safely without deep knowledge of radiation measurement technology. The detector can be connected as a bypass to a water system and be operated in a continuous online survey mode, making it applicable as an early warning system.
Development of a wireless data transmission system for a uniaxial dynamometer
Authors: de Araújo Batista Lucas Damasceno , Silva Dávila Moreira Lopes , Triaca Eloi Antonio , da Silva Dantas Gabriel Nogueira , de Menezes Lourenço Maria Augusta , Resende João Matheus Bernardo , Silva Jefferson Igor Duarte , de Melo Anderson Clayton Alves , de Oliveira Adilson José
Published: January 2021

Wireless dynamometers are an adequate solution to measure mechanical loads where the use of cables is not practicable. Proprietary solutions are applied in most of the cases found out in the literature on wireless dynamometers. However, these solutions have a high market price, and they are black-box systems, which limit their application in customized conditions. In this context, this study presents the development of a wireless dynamometer based on low market price components and with an open-source technology for real-time monitoring with a suitable sampling rate of 400 Hz (or 32.8 kbps). The proposed dynamometer used a complete Wheatstone bridge configuration and an amplifier circuit with a static gain of 99.8 V/V. Calibration tests and analysis of the performance were carried out according to ISO 376 standard. The proposed wireless dynamometer presented performance indicators of 0.76% for hysteresis, 1.34% for linearity, 4.83 mV/N for sensitivity, and 5.22% for repeatability. These results show that the low market price components and open-source technology can be used to build reliable wireless dynamometers able to comply with customized industrial demands.
Morphological transition of silicate crystals solidified from highly undercooled aerodynamically levitated melt droplets
Authors: Shete Ganesh , Karagadde Shyamprasad , Srivastava Atul
Published: January 2021

The present work reports the morphological transition during solidification of a non-metallic system. Pure magnesium silicate (Mg2SiO4) is chosen as the model material and the solidification experiments have been conducted under purely non-contact conditions using the principles of aerodynamic levitation. The influence of the undercooling and cooling rates on the surface features observed in the solidified samples is investigated. Levitation experiments have been performed for different samples, which are solidified for a range of undercooling levels between 360 to 1100° C. In order to understand and report the morphological transitions, solidified samples have been observed using scanning electron microscopy, which showed the formation of highly branched faceted microstructure for an undercooling regime of 360–800° C, and non-dendritic microstructure for even higher undercooling regime of 800–1100° C. Further experiments performed on this non-metallic system for different cooling rates also suggested that, regardless of the cooling rate, lower undercooling leads to branched faceted features, whereas higher undercooling results into unbranched facets. The methodology and instrumentation provide unique capabilities to probe the behavior of materials at high temperatures.
Community Conversations: deliberative democracy, education provision and divided societies
Authors: Bates Jessica , O’Connor Bones Una
Published: January 2021

How can Community Conversations be used to give communities a voice in policy decisions? This paper is a response to the challenge of engaging citizens in inclusive, meaningful dialogue and deliberation on potentially sensitive policy topics that affect their lives and to create a bridge between individual, community and policy perspectives. This dual aim therefore is to give individuals and communities a stronger voice in key decisions affecting them and to provide stakeholders involved in public policy and decision-making a genuine evidence base which they can use to inform their work. This challenge is even greater in divided societies where consensus building can be difficult. The paper focuses on a Community Conversation methodology and the innovative Community Conversation Toolkit developed by the authors as a mechanism for deliberative democracy through citizen engagement in important public policy decisions. Particular attention is given to the application of the Community Conversation methodology in relation to educational change and sustainability in Northern Ireland, a divided society. The methodology and context are aligned with a socio-ecological perspective which provides a conceptual lens to better understand the complex interplay that spans individual (micro) to policy (macro) levels. In addition to providing a theoretical foundation for the methodology, its application in a specific educational context is presented and discussed. It is therefore intended that the paper provides a rubric for the adaptation and application of the Community Conversation approach in a wide range of policy settings and contexts in order to evoke change. The value of the approach in enabling constructive dialogue on sensitive topics in a divided society is explored throughout the paper. Using an exemplar where divergent community views on school provision were shared, we synthesise the Community Conversation methodology with the socio-ecological approach to illustrate how our approach is particularly suited to closing the gap between parents/communities and policy stakeholders and enabling change.
The Persistence of Party
Authors: Skjönsberg Max
Published: January 2021

Political parties are taken for granted today, but how was the idea of party viewed in the eighteenth century, when core components of modern, representative politics were trialled? From Bolingbroke to Burke, political thinkers regarded party as a fundamental concept of politics, especially in the parliamentary system of Great Britain. The paradox of party was best formulated by David Hume: while parties often threatened the total dissolution of the government, they were also the source of life and vigour in modern politics. In the eighteenth century, party was usually understood as a set of flexible and evolving principles, associated with names and traditions, which categorised and managed political actors, voters, and commentators. Max Skjönsberg thus demonstrates that the idea of party as ideological unity is not purely a nineteenth- or twentieth-century phenomenon but can be traced to the eighteenth century.
Politics of Nostalgia and Populism: Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Elçi Ezgi
Published: January 2021

This article scrutinizes the relationship between collective nostalgia and populism. Different populist figures utilize nostalgia by referring to their country's ‘good old’ glorious days and exploiting resentment of the elites and establishment. Populists instrumentalize nostalgia in order to create their populist heartland, which is a retrospectively constructed utopia based on an abandoned but undead past. Using two original datasets from Turkey, this study first analyzes whether collective nostalgia characterizes populist attitudes of the electorate. The results illustrate that collective nostalgia has a significantly positive relationship with populist attitudes even after controlling for various independent variables, including religiosity, partisanship, satisfaction with life and Euroscepticism. Secondly, the study tests whether nostalgic messages affect populist attitudes using an online survey experiment. The results indicate that Ottoman nostalgia helps increase populist attitudes. Kemalist nostalgia, however, has a weak direct effect on populist attitudes that disappears after controlling for party preference.
Enhancement of a low-fidelity surgical simulator. Is it possible?
Authors: Evans L M , Owens D
Published: January 2021

Background

Simulation training has become a core component in the training of ENT surgeons. It provides the opportunity for the repetitive practice of a surgical technique. Simulators are broadly categorised into low- and high-fidelity simulators. A method using a home microprocessor to enhance a low-fidelity surgical simulator is introduced.

Method

The Yorick tonsil tie trainer was enhanced using an Arduino microcontroller attached to the simulated inferior pole of the tonsil. The Arduino was coded to give a visual stimulus when linear motion exceeded parameters. The prototype simulator was tested to gain information on whether the enhancement could identify differences between novice and expert users.

Conclusion

An enhanced low-fidelity tonsil trainer was produced using a low-cost, simple home microprocessing board. The enhanced simulator gives objective feedback allowing for self-directed learning. Further research is required to evaluate the benefits of these enhancements above non-enhanced simulation training.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy in paediatric patients with congenital heart disease: single centre with 10 years of experience
Authors: Ergul Yakup , Sevinc Sengul Fatma , Öztürk Erkut , Kafalı Hasan C. , Ayyıldız Pelin , Tanıdır Ibrahim C. , Akdeniz Halil S. , Güneş Mustafa , Yıldız Okan , Haydin Sertaç , Güzeltaş Alper
Published: January 2021

Objectives:

In recent years, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has also started to be performed in the paediatric and CHD population. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of CRT in children with CHD.

Patients and methods:

Patients with CHD who underwent CRT treatment in our paediatric cardiology clinic between January, 2010 and January, 2020 were included in the study. Demographic findings, 12-lead electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, clinical characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes were reviewed systematically.

Results:

The study population consisted of 18 CHD patients who had been treated with CRT for 10 years in our institution. The median age was 11 years (2.2–18 years) and the median weight was 39 kg (10–81 kg). Systemic ventricle was left ventricle in 13 patients, right ventricle in 4 patients, and 1 patient had single-ventricle physiology. CRT implantation indications were as follows: dysfunction after permanent pacemaker in 11 patients, dysfunction after left bundle branch block in 4 patients, and systemic ventricular dysfunction in 3 patients. CRT implantation techniques were epicardial (n = 13), hybrid (n = 4), and transvenous (n = 1) methods. QRS duration significantly decreased after CRT implantation (160 versus 124 m/second, p < 0.05). Median systemic ventricle ejection fraction (EF) significantly increased after the procedure (30 versus 50%, p < 0.05). Fourteen patients (78%) were responders, two patients (11%) were superresponders, and two patients (11%) were non-responders after the CRT treatment. One patient deceased during follow-up. Median follow-up duration was 40 months (6–117 months).

Conclusion:

When electromechanical dyssynchrony occurs in paediatric cases with CHD and developing heart failure, patients should be evaluated in terms of CRT to improve ventricular function. Alternative CRT therapy will be beneficial in these cases that do not improve clinically despite optimal medical treatment.
Prevalence of overweight and obesity and associated factors among women of childbearing age in Brazil
Authors: Lyrio Amanda O , Souza Elivan S , Conceição Sarah dos S , Batista Josicélia ET , Brito Sheila M , Gomes Filho Isaac S , Figueiredo Ana Claudia MG , da Cruz Simone S
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To assess the factors associated with overweight and obesity among women of childbearing age in Brazil.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Using the National Health Survey (PNS) database, from the year 2013. The socio-economic and demographic factors analysed were age, race/skin colour, region, marital status, education level, employment and family income. Concerning health history, diagnoses of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease, menarche, parity and depression were evaluated. For lifestyle information, health status, alcoholic beverage consumption, smoking and physical activity were included. The outcomes were obesity and overweight. The association of excess weight with socio-economic and demographic factors, health history and lifestyle characteristics was investigated according to the appropriate theoretical–conceptual model for the topic.

Participants:

The sample size was 17 109 women aged 18–49 years.

Results:

The prevalence of women with excess weight was 55·20 %, with 33·26 % being overweight and 21·94 % with obesity. The factors associated with excess weight were age, non-white skin colour, having a partner, family income of up to two minimum wages, menarche before the age of 12, multiparity, diabetes mellitus, depression, hypertension, high cholesterol, stroke and heart attack.

Conclusion:

The results showed an association between excess weight and socio-demographic factors, both determinants of general and reproductive health history. Implementation of effective public health policies is necessary to prevent unfavourable outcomes related to the health of women of childbearing age with excess weight.