bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selecting relevant effects in factorial designs
Authors: Grima Pere , Rodero Lourdes , Tort‐Martorell Xavier
Published: July 2020

Industrial contexts tend to be as much or more concerned about the probability of ignoring an effect when its influence on the response is relevant (Type II error) than about the probability of considering an effect to be active when in fact, it is not (Type I error). Here, we present a methodology for taking into account both types of error by fixing an effect value that is considered large enough to control the probability of it going unnoticed. In addition, we propose a plot to visualize the results obtained.
Maintaining a high degree of research productivity at a predominately undergraduate institution as your career advances
Authors: Shields George C. , Feller Scott E.
Published: July 2020

In this perspective, two experienced academic administrators who are computational chemists discuss strategies for how to maintain an active research program at a predominately undergraduate institution as your career progresses. More responsibility equates to less time for research, so planning for research to remain a priority is essential. We all have the same amount of time, so figuring out how to use yours better is the key to remaining active. Professional organizations such as Council on Undergraduate Research, consortia of computational chemists such as Molecular Education and Research Consortium in computational chemistRY and Midwest Undergraduate Computational Chemistry Consortium, and attendance at professional conferences can help sustain your research program. Collaborations with faculty at other institutions provide a particularly effective accountability mechanism as well. Perhaps the best way to improve your productivity is to become a better mentor to your undergraduate students. Building a research group that is fun and exciting develops a culture that sustains itself and provides the momentum necessary to maintain progress toward scientific goals.
High‐order internal model‐based iterative learning control design for nonlinear distributed parameter systems
Authors: Gu Panpan , Tian Senping
Published: July 2020

This article deals with the problem of iterative learning control algorithm for a class of nonlinear parabolic distributed parameter systems (DPSs) with iteration‐varying desired trajectories. Here, the variation of the desired trajectories in the iteration domain is described by a high‐order internal model. According to the characteristics of the systems, the high‐order internal model‐based P‐type learning algorithm is constructed for such nonlinear DPSs, and furthermore, the corresponding convergence theorem of the presented algorithm is established. It is shown that the output trajectory can converge to the desired trajectory in the sense of (L2,λ)‐norm along the iteration axis within arbitrarily small error. Finally, a simulation example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Surface modification of Ti‐6Al‐4V powder during recycling in EBM process
Authors: Cao Yu , Delin Mats , Kullenberg Fredrik , Nyborg Lars
Published: July 2020

Electron beam melting is an additive manufacturing technology in vacuum that suits Ti‐6Al‐4V parts, which has a high affinity with oxygen. Since the high cost of the feedstock powder, the un‐melted powder is often recycled in the subsequent process. In this study, the influence of powder reuse on the surface characteristics of Ti‐6Al‐4V powder is examined using a variety of technology including scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Auger electron spectroscopy. The modification of surface morphology and chemistry either generally or locally are revealed and discussed, which helps the creation of powder recycling strategy. Compared with fresh virgin powder, “worn” and rougher powder particles are observed after recycling. Meanwhile, the average oxide thickness is slightly increased, and less Al enrichment was found at the surface. Locally varied chemistry/oxide thickness on different powder particles or different location on the same particle is observed.
Longitudinal partially ordered data analysis for preclinical sarcopenia
Authors: Ip Edward H. , Chen Shyh‐Huei , Bandeen‐Roche Karen , Speiser Jaime L. , Cai Li , Houston Denise K.
Published: July 2020

Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterized by significant loss of muscle mass. Based on a commonly used definition of the condition that involves three measurements, different subclinical and clinical states of sarcopenia are formed. These states constitute a partially ordered set (poset). This article focuses on the analysis of longitudinal poset in the context of sarcopenia. We propose an extension of the generalized linear mixed model and a recoding scheme for poset analysis such that two submodels—one for ordered categories and one for nominal categories—that include common random effects can be jointly estimated. The new poset model postulates random effects conceptualized as latent variables that represent an underlying construct of interest, that is, susceptibility to sarcopenia over time. We demonstrate how information can be gleaned from nominal sarcopenic states for strengthening statistical inference on a person's susceptibility to sarcopenia.
A Family of Small Molecular Materials Enabling Consistently Lower Recombination Losses in Organic Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Chandran Hrisheekesh Thachoth , Liu Taili , Shen Dong , Guan Zhiqiang , Li Menglin , Antonio Zapien Juan , Tsang Sai-Wing , Lo Ming-Fai , Lee Chun-Sing
Published: July 2020

Hybridization between the charge transfer (CT) state of a donor–acceptor pair and lowest exciton state of the donor or the acceptor is reported to be effective for reducing recombination loss in organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. Although this approach shows great success in maximizing open circuit voltage (Voc), it is typically accompanied by low device performance. Here, “complete boron sub‐(na)phthalocyanine devices” with strong hybridization resulting in lower recombination loss (≈0.47 eV) while not penalizing charge separation dynamics (internal quantum efficiency (IQE) > 80% and fill factor (FF) > 70%) are reported. Interestingly, when boron sub‐(na)phthalocyanine is paired with any other active material used in this study (“partial boron sub‐(na)phthalocyanine device”), recombination losses are still consistently maintained at lower levels (<0.53 eV). These observations denote the capability of boron sub‐(na)phthalocyanine to result in lower recombination loss devices while pairing with other materials. Special intrinsic characteristics of these materials (high dielectric constant, sharp absorption edge, unusually high absorption coefficient) and hybridization collectively result in reduced recombination loss and efficient charge generation in these systems.
Silver Surface Treatment of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) Thin Film: A New Passivation Process for the CdS/CIGS Heterojunction Interface
Authors: Zhang Yunxiang , Hu Zhaojing , Lin Shuping , Wang Chaojie , Cheng Shiqing , He Zhichao , Zhou Zhiqiang , Sun Yun , Liu Wei
Published: July 2020

The interface engineering of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS)‐based solar cells is challenging for high‐efficiency devices, especially for the CdS/CIGS heterojunction interface. Recently, post‐treatment of the CIGS surface, as an efficient approach to passivate the defects at the CdS/CIGS interface, has attracted widespread attention. Here, a simple Ag surface treatment process is used to realize the passivation of interface defects and the enhancement of the CdS/CIGS heterojunction. This process not only reduces the surface roughness of CIGS films significantly, but also contributes to controlling the Ga composition in the surface layer. Furthermore, characterization techniques reveal that Ag surface treatment can effectively decrease the defect concentrations at the heterojunction interface and enhance the CdS/CIGS heterojunction quality with appropriate Ag deposition duration. Further investigations on the changed defect level caused by the Ag surface treatment indicate that the increased defect level is likely related to the shift of valence band maximum. Eventually, the efficiency of the optimum device has a relative increase of about 18% compared with that of the reference solar cell. This work focuses on revealing the differences of the CIGS surface and CdS/CIGS interface caused by Ag, which provides a new surface processing method for the passivation of the CdS/CIGS heterojunction.
Enhanced Interface Charge Transfer of Z‐Scheme Photocatalyst by Br Substitution at the Bay Position in Perylene Tetracarboxylic Diimide
Authors: Jiang Zeyu , Dong Guohui , Wang Ran , He Chaozheng , Wang Chuanyi , Sun Jianwu
Published: July 2020

Z‐scheme heterojunction photocatalysts (ZsHP) have attracted significant attention due to their excellent carrier recombination suppression and charge potential enhancement properties. However, the photocatalytic performance of ZsHP is limited by inefficient charge transfer at the heterojunction interface, mainly due to electron trapping by O2 or H+ in part B and the large energy gap between its conduction band (CB) and the valence band (VB) of part A. Herein, perylene tetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI, part B) and g‐C3N4 (part A) are used to fabricate an organic ZsHP (PI‐g‐C3N4) as a novel strategy to significantly improve interfacial charge transfer efficiency by tailoring the Br substitution at the PTCDI bay position. Br substitution at the bay position reduce electron trapping in part B and bring the CB of part B closer to the VB of part A. Moreover, Br substitution enhance the electric field from g‐C3N4 to PTCDI, enhancing the interfacial charge transfer of the ZsHP. These findings enable the design of ZsHP with tunable interface electron‐transfer efficiencies.
Cross‐dimple in the cross‐covariance functions of bivariate isotropic random fields on spheres
Authors: Alegría Alfredo
Published: July 2020

Multivariate random fields allow to simultaneously model multiple spatially indexed variables, playing a fundamental role in geophysical, environmental, and climate disciplines. This paper introduces the concept of cross‐dimple for bivariate isotropic random fields on spheres and proposes an approach to build parametric models that possess this attribute. Our findings are based on the spectral representation of the matrix‐valued covariance function. We show that our construction is compatible with both the negative binomial and circular‐Matérn bivariate families of covariance functions. We illustrate through simulation experiments that the models proposed in this work allow to achieve improvements in terms of predictive performance when a dimple‐like intrinsic structure is present.
Invalidated identities: The disconfirming effects of racial microaggressions on Black doctoral students in STEM
Authors: Miles Monica L. , Brockman Amanda J. , Naphan‐Kingery Dara E.
Published: July 2020

Black students face repeated racial microaggressions that may challenge their mental health and academic performance in engineering doctoral programs. Researchers attribute this to stereotypes and institutional climates that juxtapose their STEM and racial identities as incongruent. In this article, we analyzed the perceptions of environmental, behavioral, and verbal racial microaggressions of 33 Black doctoral students and postdocs, with a focus on their interactions with non‐Black peers. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews with Black doctoral students from 11 Predominantly White Institutions in the United States. To analyze the experiences of our participants, we utilized two theoretical frameworks: Racial microaggressions and identity nonverification. Across the interviews, participants described various forms of racial microaggressions that greatly challenged their sense of belonging and identities as engineers. This research affirms the need to develop initiatives at the departmental and institutional levels to encourage more inclusive spaces for diverse students in STEM doctoral programs and to combat the types of exclusionary practices found in this study.
Expanded roles for the MutL family of DNA mismatch repair proteins
Authors: Furman Christopher M. , Elbashir Ryan , Alani Eric
Published: July 2020

The MutL family of DNA mismatch repair proteins plays a critical role in excising and repairing misincorporation errors during DNA replication. In many eukaryotes, members of this family have evolved to modulate and resolve recombination intermediates into crossovers during meiosis. In these organisms, such functions promote the accurate segregation of chromosomes during the meiosis I division. What alterations occurred in MutL homolog (MLH) family members that enabled them to acquire these new roles? In this review, we present evidence that the yeast Mlh1–Mlh3 and Mlh1–Mlh2 complexes have evolved novel enzymatic and nonenzymatic activities and protein–protein interactions that are critical for their meiotic functions. Curiously, even with these changes, these complexes retain backup and accessory roles in DNA mismatch repair during vegetative growth.
Low‐rank linear fluid‐structure interaction discretizations
Authors: Weinhandl Roman , Benner Peter , Richter Thomas
Published: July 2020

Fluid‐structure interaction models involve parameters that describe the solid and the fluid behavior. In simulations, there often is a need to vary these parameters to examine the behavior of a fluid‐structure interaction model for different solids and different fluids. For instance, a shipping company wants to know how the material, a ship's hull is made of, interacts with fluids at different Reynolds and Strouhal numbers before the building process takes place. Also, the behavior of such models for solids with different properties is considered before the prototype phase. A parameter‐dependent linear fluid‐structure interaction discretization provides approximations for a bundle of different parameters at one step. Such a discretization with respect to different material parameters leads to a big block‐diagonal system matrix that is equivalent to a matrix equation as discussed in [1]. The unknown is then a matrix which can be approximated using a low‐rank approach that represents the iterate by a tensor. This paper discusses a low‐rank GMRES variant and a truncated variant of the Chebyshev iteration. Bounds for the error resulting from the truncation operations are derived. Numerical experiments show that such truncated methods applied to parameter‐dependent discretizations provide approximations with relative residual norms smaller than 10−8 within a twentieth of the time used by individual standard approaches.
Irreversibility and alternate minimization in phase field fracture: a viscosity approach
Authors: Almi Stefano
Published: July 2020

This work is devoted to the analysis of convergence of an alternate (staggered) minimization algorithm in the framework of phase field models of fracture. The energy of the system is characterized by a nonlinear splitting of tensile and compressive strains, featuring non-interpenetration of the fracture lips. The alternating scheme is coupled with an $$L^{2}$$

L
2

-penalization in the phase field variable, driven by a viscous parameter $$\delta >0$$

δ
>
0

, and with an irreversibility constraint, forcing the monotonicity of the phase field only w.r.t. time, but not along the whole iterative minimization. We show first the convergence of such a scheme to a viscous evolution for $$\delta >0$$

δ
>
0

and then consider the vanishing viscosity limit $$\delta \rightarrow 0$$

δ
→
0

.
The Ability of the Nottingham Hip Fracture Score to Predict Mobility, Length of Stay and Mortality in Hospital, and Discharge Destination in Patients Admitted with a Hip Fracture
Authors: Lisk Radcliffe , Yeong Keefai , Fluck David , Fry Christopher H. , Han Thang S.
Published: July 2020

The Nottingham Hip Fracture Score (NHFS) has been developed for predicting 30-day and 1-year mortality after hip fracture. We hypothesise that NHFS may also predict other adverse events. Data from 666 patients (190 men, 476 women), aged 60.2–103.4 years, admitted with a hip fracture to a single centre from 1/10/2015 and 7/12/2017 were analysed. The ability of NHFS to predict mobility within 1 day after surgery, length of stay (LOS) find mortality, and discharge destination was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves and two-graph plots. The area under the curve (95% confidence interval [CI]) for predicting mortality was 67.4% (58.4–76.4%), prolonged LOS was 59.0% (54.0–64.0%), discharge to residential/nursing care was 62.3% (54.0–71.5%), and any two of failure to mobilise, prolonged LOS or discharge to residential/nursing care was 64.8% (59.0–70.6%). NHFS thresholds at 4 and 7 corresponding to the lower and upper limits of intermediate range where sensitivity and specificity equal 90% were identified for mortality and prolonged LOS, and 4 and 6 for discharge to residential/nursing care, which were used to create three risk categories. Compared with the low risk group (NHFS = 0–4), the high risk group (NHFS = 7–10 or 6–10) had increased risk of in-patient mortality: rates = 2.0% versus 7.1%, OR (95% CI) = 3.8 (1.5–9.9), failure to mobilise within 1 day of surgery: rates = 18.9% versus 28.3%, OR = 1.7 (1.0–2.8), prolonged LOS (> 17 days): rates = 20.3% versus 33.9%, OR = 2.2 (1.3–3.3), discharge to residential/nursing care: rates = 4.5% vs 12.3%, OR = 3.0 (1.4–6.4), and any two of failure to mobilise, prolonged LOS or discharge to residential/nursing care: rates = 10.5% versus 28.6%, 3.4 (95% CI 1.9–6.0), and stayed 4.1 days (1.5–6.7 days) longer in hospital. High NHFS associates with increased risk of mortality, prolonged LOS and discharge to residential/nursing care, lending further support for its use to identify adverse events.
Glycosylated fibronectin as a first trimester marker for gestational diabetes
Authors: Alanen Julia , Appelblom Heidi , Korpimaki Teemu , Kouru Heikki , Sairanen Mikko , Gissler Mika , Ryynanen Markku , Nevalainen Jaana
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the performance of first trimester maternal serum glycosylated (Sambucus nigra lectin-reactive) fibronectin in prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

In this case–control study, first trimester maternal serum glycosylated fibronectin and fibronectin were measured in 19 women who consequently developed GDM and in 59 control women with normal pregnancy outcomes. Adiponectin was used as a reference protein to evaluate relation of glycoprotein to SNA-lectin-reactive assay format. Samples were taken during gestational weeks 9+6–11+6. Data concerning GDM was obtained from the National Institute for Health and Welfare, which records the pregnancy outcomes of all women in Finland.

Results

There was no difference in maternal serum glycosylated fibronectin concentrations between women with consequent GDM [447.5 μg/mL, interquartile range (IQR) 254.4–540.9 μg/mL] and control women (437.6 μg/mL, IQR 357.1–569.1 μg/mL). Maternal serum fibronectin levels were significantly lower in GDM group (224.2 μg/mL, IQR 156.8–270.6 μg/mL), compared to the control group (264.8 μg/mL, IQR 224.6–330.6 μg/mL, p < 0.01). There was no difference in assay formats for adiponectin.

Conclusion

There was no association between first trimester maternal serum glycosylated (SNA-reactive) fibronectin and GDM.
Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: associations with personal history of nausea and affected relatives
Authors: Laitinen Linda , Nurmi Miina , Ellilä Pauliina , Rautava Päivi , Koivisto Mari , Polo-Kantola Päivi
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To examine whether personal history of nausea or history of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) in relatives are risk factors for a woman to suffer from NVP. Further, to evaluate if these factors are associated with the severity of NVP.

Methods

Cohort study of 2411 pregnant women recruited from maternity health care clinics. The severity of NVP was categorized according to Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) questionnaire into no/mild/moderate/severe NVP. History of nausea was assessed in connection with motion sickness, seasickness, migraine or other kinds of headache, after anesthesia, related to the use of contraceptives, and other kinds of nausea. History of NVP in relatives was categorized into first-degree (mother/sister) and second-degree relatives (more distant).

Results

In multivariable analysis including previous personal history of nausea, motion sickness (OR 3.17, 95% CI 1.81–5.56, p < 0.0001) and nausea in migraine (OR 3.18, 95% CI 1.86–5.45, p < 0.0001) were associated with severe NVP. History of nausea in other kinds of headache was associated with moderate NVP (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.34–2.72, p = 0.001). Women with affected first-degree relatives had higher odds for moderate (OR 3.84, 95% CI 2.72–5.40) and severe (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.92–5.28) NVP (p < 0.0001). All these results remained significant after adjusting for parity, body mass index, smoking, employment and age.

Conclusion

Women with personal history of nausea or family history of NVP have an increased susceptibility of NVP. This information is useful in pre-pregnancy counselling.
Telling friend from foe in emergency vertigo and dizziness: does season and daytime of presentation help in the differential diagnosis?
Authors: Jahn Klaus , Kreuzpointner Antoanela , Pfefferkorn Thomas , Zwergal Andreas , Brandt Thomas , Margraf Andreas
Published: July 2020

Distinguishing between serious (e.g., stroke) and benign (e.g., benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, BPPV) disorders remains challenging in emergency consultations for vertigo and dizziness (VD). A number of clues from patient history and clinical examination, including several diagnostic index tests have been reported recently. The objective of the present study was to analyze frequency and distribution patterns of specific vestibular and non-vestibular diagnoses in an interdisciplinary university emergency room (ER), including data on daytime and season of presentation. A retrospective chart analysis of all patients seen in a one-year period was performed. In the ER 4.23% of all patients presented with VD (818 out of 19,345). The most frequent-specific diagnoses were BPPV (19.9%), stroke/transient ischemic attack (12.5%), acute unilateral vestibulopathy/vestibular neuritis (UVH; 8.3%), and functional VD (8.3%). Irrespective of the diagnosis, the majority of patients presented to the ER between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. There are, however, seasonal differences. BPPV was most prevalent in December/January and rare in September. UVH was most often seen in October/November; absolute and relative numbers were lowest in August. Finally, functional/psychogenic VD was common in summer and autumn with highest numbers in September/October and lowest numbers in March. In summary, daytime of presentation did not distinguish between diagnoses as most patients presented during normal working hours. Seasonal presentation revealed interesting fluctuations. The UVH peak in autumn supports the viral origin of the condition (vestibular neuritis). The BPPV peak in winter might be related to reduced physical activity and low vitamin D. However, it is likely that multiple factors contribute to the fluctuations that have to be disentangled in further studies.
Shrinkage vectors in flowable bulk-fill and conventional composites: bulk versus incremental application
Authors: Kaisarly Dalia , El Gezawi Moataz , Keßler Andreas , Rösch Peter , Kunzelmann Karl-Heinz
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Sufficient depth of cure allows bulk-fill composites to be placed with a 4-mm thickness. This study investigated bulk versus incremental application methods by visualizing shrinkage vectors in flowable bulk-fill and conventional composites.

Materials and methods

Cylindrical cavities (diameter = 6 mm, depth = 4 mm) were prepared in 24 teeth and then etched and bonded with OptiBond FL (Kerr, Italy). The composites were mixed with 2 wt% radiolucent glass beads.

In one group, smart dentin replacement (SDR, Dentsply) was applied in bulk “SDR-bulk” (n = 8). In two groups, SDR and Tetric EvoFlow (Ivoclar Vivadent) were applied in two 2-mm-thick increments: “SDR-incremental” and “EvoFlow-incremental.” Each material application was scanned with a micro-CT before and after light-curing (40 s, 1100 mW/cm2), and the shrinkage vectors were computed via image segmentation. Thereafter, linear polymerization shrinkage, shrinkage stress and gelation time were measured (n = 10).

Results

The greatest shrinkage vectors were found in “SDR-bulk” and “SDR-increment2,” and the smallest were found in “SDR-increment1-covered” and “EvoFlow-increment1-covered.” Shrinkage away from and toward the cavity floor was greatest in “SDR-bulk” and “EvoFlow-increment2,” respectively. The mean values of the shrinkage vectors were significantly different between groups (one-way ANOVA, Tamhane’s T2 test, p < 0.05). The linear polymerization shrinkage and shrinkage stress were greatest in Tetric EvoFlow, and the gelation time was greatest in “SDR-bulk.”

Conclusions

The bulk application method had greater values of shrinkage vectors and a higher debonding tendency at the cavity floor.

Clinical relevance

Incremental application remains the gold standard of composite insertion.
A novel catalytic adsorptive stripping voltammetric method for the determination of germanium ultratraces in the presence of chloranilic acid and the V(IV)·HEDTA complex
Authors: Zarębski Jerzy , Bobrowski Andrzej , Królicka Agnieszka , Gonciarczyk Julia , Manolopoulou Vasiliki , Economou Anastasios
Published: July 2020

A novel, sensitive catalytic adsorptive stripping voltammetric procedure which can be used to determine trace amounts of germanium is described. The method is based on the interfacial accumulation of the complex formed by Ge(IV) and the product of the reduction of chloranilic acid on the hanging mercury drop electrode or the renewable silver amalgam film electrode, and its subsequent reduction from the adsorbed state followed by the catalytic action of the V(IV)·HEDTA complex. The presence of V(IV)·HEDTA greatly enhances the adsorptive stripping response of Ge. The reduction of the Ge(IV) in the presence of chloranilic acid and V(IV)·HEDTA was investigated in detail and the effects of pH, electrolyte composition, and instrumental parameters were studied. Under optimal conditions, the catalytic peak current of germanium exhibited good linearity for Ge(IV) concentrations in the range of 0.75–60 nM (for 60 s of accumulation at −0.1 V,r2= 0.995) and a low limit of detection (LOD = 0.085 nM). The procedure was successfully applied to determine Ge in water samples.
Characterization of the hydrodynamic functioning of the Degracias-Sicó Karst Aquifer, Portugal
Authors: Paiva Isabel , Cunha Lúcio
Published: July 2020

A study on the complex processes of hydrogeological transformation of recharge into discharge within a karst system is described. Given the absence of boreholes or points of direct observation, the applied methodology is based on study of the natural response of the main outlet of the karst aquifer, considered here as a black-box. Time series analysis and recession curve analysis are applied to daily time series of rainfall as input, and spring discharge as the output of the aquifer. Daily variations of temperature and electrical conductivity of spring water are considered as well. The present study, an integrated research endeavor, is the first quantitative approach toward understanding the hydrogeological functioning of a large and not-well-known karst aquifer and improving existing knowledge about its internal physical characteristics. The case study is the Degracias-Sicó karst aquifer, in Portugal’s central-western region, which is relatively unknown from the hydrogeological perspective. The response of the karst aquifer’s main spring shows an important component of quick flow after heavy rainfall events and then a very slow recession. This bimodal behavior is proof of the significant spatial complexity and heterogeneity of the karst aquifer, marked by the presence of a conduit-dominated flow throughout a connected conduit network system and the dominance of base flow that confirms the aquifer’s large storage capacity. The results also demonstrate a significant component of delayed flow.
Modeling flexible generator operating regions via chance-constrained stochastic unit commitment
Authors: Singh Bismark , Knueven Bernard , Watson Jean-Paul
Published: July 2020

We introduce a novel chance-constrained stochastic unit commitment model to address uncertainty in renewables’ production in operations of power systems. For most thermal generators, underlying technical constraints that are universally treated as “hard” by deterministic unit commitment models are in fact based on engineering judgments, such that system operators can periodically request operation outside these limits in non-nominal situations, e.g., to ensure reliability. We incorporate this practical consideration into a chance-constrained stochastic unit commitment model, specifically by infrequently allowing minor deviations from the minimum and maximum thermal generator power output levels. We demonstrate that an extensive form of our model is computationally tractable for medium-sized power systems given modest numbers of scenarios for renewables’ production. We show that the model is able to potentially save significant annual production costs by allowing infrequent and controlled violation of the traditionally hard bounds imposed on thermal generator production limits. Finally, we conduct a sensitivity analysis of optimal solutions to our model under two restricted regimes and observe similar qualitative results.
Corpus Linguistics Methods in the Study of (Meta)Argumentation
Authors: Hinton Martin
Published: July 2020

As more and more sophisticated software is created to allow the mining of arguments from natural language texts, this paper sets out to examine the suitability of the well-established and readily available methods of corpus linguistics to the study of argumentation. After brief introductions to corpus linguistics and the concept of meta-argument, I describe three pilot-studies into the use of the terms Straw man, Ad hominem, and Slippery slope, made using the open access News on the Web corpus. The presence of each of these phrases on internet news sites was investigated and assessed for correspondence to the norms of use by argumentation theorists. All three pilot-studies revealed interesting facts about the usage of the terms by non-specialists, and led to numerous examples of the types of arguments mentioned. This suggests such corpora may be of use in two different ways: firstly, the wider project of improving public debate and educating the populace in the skills of critical thinking can only be helped by a better understanding of the current state of knowledge of the technical terms and concepts of argumentation. Secondly, theorists could obtain a more accurate picture of how arguments are used, by whom, and to what reception, allowing claims on such matters to be evidence, rather than intuition, based.
Geostatistical model of the spatial distribution of arsenic in groundwaters in Gujarat State, India
Authors: Wu Ruohan , Podgorski Joel , Berg Michael , Polya David A.
Published: July 2020

Geogenic arsenic contamination in groundwaters poses a severe health risk to hundreds of millions of people globally. Notwithstanding the particular risks to exposed populations in the Indian sub-continent, at the time of writing, there was a paucity of geostatistically based models of the spatial distribution of groundwater hazard in India. In this study, we used logistic regression models of secondary groundwater arsenic data with research-informed secondary soil, climate and topographic variables as principal predictors generate hazard and risk maps of groundwater arsenic at a resolution of 1 km across Gujarat State. By combining models based on different arsenic concentrations, we have generated a pseudo-contour map of groundwater arsenic concentrations, which indicates greater arsenic hazard (> 10 μg/L) in the northwest, northeast and south-east parts of Kachchh District as well as northwest and southwest Banas Kantha District. The total number of people living in areas in Gujarat with groundwater arsenic concentration exceeding 10 μg/L is estimated to be around 122,000, of which we estimate approximately 49,000 people consume groundwater exceeding 10 µg/L. Using simple previously published dose–response relationships, this is estimated to have given rise to 700 (prevalence) cases of skin cancer and around 10 cases of premature avoidable mortality/annum from internal (lung, liver, bladder) cancers—that latter value is on the order of just 0.001% of internal cancers in Gujarat, reflecting the relative low groundwater arsenic hazard in Gujarat State.
Examining how technology is presented and understood in technology education: a pilot study in a preschool class
Authors: Johansson Annie-Maj
Published: July 2020

The aim of the research is to examine how technology is communicated in technology education in relation to humans, society and nature in preschool class. According to the Swedish curriculum for preschool class, pupils should be given the opportunity to explore, ask questions and discuss technology and how the choices of people affect sustainable development. Teachers make different choices about, for example, content and what they do and do not say. These choices have an impact on how pupils perceive technology as part of the world and are called companion meanings. In terms of data, sound recordings and field notes from four technology lessons in a preschool class were used. The data was analysed, with focus on what types of companion meanings emerge in conversations between teachers and pupils. The analysis of companion meanings was based on two themes: Subject Language and Subject Focus. The results of this study demonstrate that pupils learn companion meanings of various types: for example, technology is something positive and unproblematic. Other types of companion meanings gave the pupils opportunities to reflect on how the technical choices of humans affect nature. Different kinds of companion meanings offer different ways for pupils to relate to the surrounding environment.
An Assessment of the Psychometric Properties of the GHQ-12 in an English Population of Autistic Adults Without Learning Difficulties
Authors: Mayhew Emese , Stuttard Lucy , Beresford Bryony
Published: July 2020

Valid and reliable tools to measure mental health are a key requirement to developing a robust evidence base on mental health difficulties and autism. There are several reasons why mental health measures developed for the neurotypical population may not be valid and reliable when used with autistic adults. Using data collected from a national evaluation of community-based, specialist autism provision in England, this study assessed the psychometric properties of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) in a population of autistic adults without learning difficulties. We examined the measure’s acceptability, reliability and internal construct validity. The GHQ-12 was found to have good psychometric properties in this population. This provides first evidence that this measure can be used with autistic adults without LD.
Leibniz, Kant, and Referring in the Quantum Domain
Authors: Friebe Cord
Published: July 2020

The paper addresses the referring problem in quantum mechanics, by spelling out the alternatives with complete or individual concepts (Leibniz; in modern terms: definite descriptive proper names), with directly referential labels (standard formalism of quantum mechanics), and with intuition (Kant). The connection between the way of referring and some metaphysical theses about objects will be explained. Then, the paper intends to make plausible that the Kantian way is the best way for the quantum domain, including quantum field theories.
Artificial Intelligence and Medical Humanities
Authors: Ostherr Kirsten
Published: July 2020

The use of artificial intelligence in healthcare has led to debates about the role of human clinicians in the increasingly technological contexts of medicine. Some researchers have argued that AI will augment the capacities of physicians and increase their availability to provide empathy and other uniquely human forms of care to their patients. The human vulnerabilities experienced in the healthcare context raise the stakes of new technologies such as AI, and the human dimensions of AI in healthcare have particular significance for research in the humanities. This article explains four key areas of concern relating to AI and the role that medical/health humanities research can play in addressing them: definition and regulation of “medical” versus “health” data and apps; social determinants of health; narrative medicine; and technological mediation of care. Issues include data privacy and trust, flawed datasets and algorithmic bias, racial discrimination, and the rhetoric of humanism and disability. Through a discussion of potential humanities contributions to these emerging intersections with AI, this article will suggest future scholarly directions for the field.
Continuous tuning of the plasmon resonance frequency of porous gold nanoparticles by mixed oxide layers
Authors: Juhász Laura , Parditka Bence , Petrik Péter , Cserháti Csaba , Erdélyi Zoltán
Published: July 2020

Porous gold nanoparticles (PGNs) are very popular due to their high surface/volume ratio, moreover they have stronger plasmonic properties than their solid counterparts. These properties make the porous gold nanoparticles very useful for lots of applications, for instance chemical sensors, cancer therapy applications. For applications, however, it is indispensable that the resonance frequency (RF) of a plasmonic structure to be tuneable. In this work we show that the RF can be set in a wide range as desired by coating the PGNs by mixed oxide layers. By changing the composition of the coating layer, that is the mixture ratio, the RF can be shifted practically continuously in a wide range determined by the refractive index of the used oxides. As a demonstration, PGNs were coated with mixed alumina-titania oxide layers (5–7 nm) using plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition method. The oxide layer, beside as a tuning tool, also stabilises the structure of the PGNs when are exposed to elevated temperature. This is shown by the influence of the temperature (from $$350\, ^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$

350

∘

C

up to $$900\, ^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$

900

∘

C

) on the morphology, and as a consequence the optical extinction spectra, of the oxide coated PGNs.
What, when and where of petitions submitted to the UK government during a time of chaos
Authors: Vidgen Bertie , Yasseri Taha
Published: July 2020

In times marked by political turbulence and uncertainty, as well as increasing divisiveness and hyperpartisanship, Governments need to use every tool at their disposal to understand and respond to the concerns of their citizens. We study issues raised by the UK public to the Government during 2015–2017 (surrounding the UK EU membership referendum), mining public opinion from a data set of 10,950 petitions, which contain 30.5 million signatures. We extract the main issues with a ground-up natural language processing method, latent Dirichlet allocation topic modelling. We then investigate their temporal dynamics and geographic features. We show that whilst the popularity of some issues is stable across the 2 years, others are highly influenced by external events, such as the referendum in June 2016. We also study the relationship between petitions’ issues and where their signatories are geographically located. We show that some issues receive support from across the whole country, but others are far more local. We then identify six distinct clusters of constituencies based on the issues which constituents sign. Finally, we validate our approach by comparing the petitions’ issues with the top issues reported in Ipsos MORI survey data. These results show the huge power of computationally analysing petitions to understand not only what issues citizens are concerned about but also when and from where.
Barley shoot biomass responds strongly to N:P stoichiometry and intraspecific competition, whereas roots only alter their foraging
Authors: Kumar Amit , van Duijnen Richard , Delory Benjamin M. , Reichel Rüdiger , Brüggemann Nicolas , Temperton Vicky M.
Published: July 2020

Aims

Root system responses to the limitation of either nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) are well documented, but how the early root system responds to (co-) limitation of one (N or P) or both in a stoichiometric framework is not well-known. In addition, how intraspecific competition alters plant responses to N:P stoichiometry is understudied. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of N:P stoichiometry and competition on root system responses and overall plant performance.

Methods

Plants (Hordeum vulgare L.) were grown in rhizoboxes for 24 days in the presence or absence of competition (three vs. one plant per rhizobox), and fertilized with different combinations of N:P (low N + low P, low N + high P, high N + low P, and high N + high P).

Results

Shoot biomass was highest when both N and P were provided in high amounts. In competition, shoot biomass decreased on average by 22%. Total root biomass (per plant) was not affected by N:P stoichiometry and competition but differences were observed in specific root length and root biomass allocation across soil depths. Specific root length depended on the identity of limiting nutrient (N or P) and competition. Plants had higher proportion of root biomass in deeper soil layers under N limitation, while a greater proportion of root biomass was found at the top soil layers under P limitation.

Conclusions

With low N and P availability during early growth, higher investments in root system development can significantly trade off with aboveground productivity, and strong intraspecific competition can further strengthen such effects.
Clinical manifestations and management of fatty acid oxidation disorders
Authors: Merritt J. Lawrence , MacLeod Erin , Jurecka Agnieszka , Hainline Bryan
Published: July 2020

Fatty acid oxidation disorders (FAOD) are a group of rare, autosomal recessive, metabolic disorders caused by variants of the genes for the enzymes and proteins involved in the transport and metabolism of fatty acids in the mitochondria. Those affected by FAOD are unable to convert fatty acids into tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates such as acetyl-coenzyme A, resulting in decreased adenosine triphosphate and glucose for use as energy in a variety of high-energy–requiring organ systems. Signs and symptoms may manifest in infants but often also appear in adolescents or adults during times of increased metabolic demand, such as fasting, physiologic stress, and prolonged exercise. Patients with FAOD present with a highly heterogeneous clinical spectrum. The most common clinical presentations include hypoketotic hypoglycemia, liver dysfunction, cardiomyopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and skeletal myopathy, as well as peripheral neuropathy and retinopathy in some subtypes. Despite efforts to detect FAOD through newborn screening and manage patients early, symptom onset can be sudden and serious, even resulting in death. Therefore, it is critical to identify quickly and accurately the key signs and symptoms of patients with FAOD to manage metabolic decompensations and prevent serious comorbidities.
Reflections of Legal Culture in Television Comedy: Social Critique and Schadenfreude in the US Series “Frasier”
Authors: Machura Stefan , Litvinova Olga
Published: July 2020

Traces of law can be found in all aspects of life, law is ubiquitous. People relate law to some of their most desperate life situations, and sometimes law serves them well. It is no wonder that law features prominently in popular comedies. There also is a tradition to ridicule authorities and social institutions, and the law, courts and legal professionals are no exemption. In order to be understandable and “funny”, there needs to be at least a fleeting familiarity of the audience with them. Popular tv comedies thus offer a unique window into popular legal culture: they show elements of law and aspects of its workings, of the behaviour of lawyers, which the public relates to. For example, previous media coverage, other lawyer television and movies, or indeed personal experience, may have introduced them and something made this information stick, perhaps a rather objectionable practice. “Law” in this context has to be taken in its widest possible meaning as “living law” (Eugen Ehrlich), which means including those non-statutory rules by which society is organized, by which people live their daily lives. A further dimension which lends itself to good entertainment is rule-breaking behaviour, which often testifies for the validity of laws, only that they are inconvenient in certain situations. Again, a constellation that invites mockery, humour andSchadenfreude. The manuscript will apply a cultural and socio-legal perspective to the depiction of things legal in one of the most outstanding US television comedies, shown to audiences internationally: “Frasier” (1993–2004).
Cyberbullying in Polish Debate on the Białowieża National Forest
Authors: Matulewska Aleksandra , Kic-Drgas Joanna , Trzaskawka Paula
Published: July 2020

Social media platforms have conquered almost all fields of human life; their impact as opinion creating tools is undisputable. They not only offer a place for people to exchange experiences, but are also a virtual space where people fight with words in defence of their beliefs. This second function has made social media a rich source for linguistic analysis, providing material for the most current social, political, and economic issues. The main aim of this paper is to contribute to reducing the identified gap in the literature on hate speech and consequential cyberbullying from the linguistic perspective and provide conclusions on elements of hate speech through the analysis of statements relating to the cut-out of the Białowieża National Forest. The examples were excerpted from the Polish social media websites of activists representing two opponent groups. This paper consists of three parts. The first part provides an overview of the literature related to hate speech, cyberbullying, their definitions, roles, and the possibilities of analysis. In this part, the background of the discussed polemic is also highlighted (the geographic location of the Białowieża National Forest, arguments used by both sides of the conflict etc.). The second part of the paper presents and discusses the results of the conducted research. After having examined some of the social media platforms used by the groups representing different attitudes to the described conflict (including Facebook, Twitter etc.), we have identified linguistic patterns within aggressive and vulgar statements expressed both directly and indirectly. Therefore, our analysis concentrates on categorisation of characteristic elements of hate statements. In the third part of the paper, we present conclusions referring to the results of the analysis.