bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Truth or Accuracy?
Authors: Zahnoun Farid
Published: August 2020

Abstract

An important conceptual shift can be discerned within contemporary philosophy of perception. Whereas proponents of the idea that perceptual experience is contentful used to relate perceptual content to truth conditions, authors nowadays prefer to think of perception as evaluable for accuracy. This transition from truth to accuracy becomes particularly clear in the influential work of Susanna Siegel. Importantly, Siegel actually provides an extensive argument for this shift. Yet this article argues that this transition from truth to accuracy conditions is ill‐motivated, confused and pernicious for the so‐called Content View, the view that all experience has truth or accuracy evaluable content.
Inactivation of Japanese encephalitis virus in plasma by methylene blue combined with visible light and in platelet concentrates by ultraviolet C light
Authors: Rustanti Lina , Hobson‐Peters Jody , Colmant Agathe M. G. , Hall Roy A. , Young Paul R. , Reichenberg Stefan , Tolksdorf Frank , Sumian Chryslain , Gravemann Ute , Seltsam Axel , Marks Denese C. , Faddy Helen M.
Published: August 2020

Background

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is endemic to tropical areas in Asia and the Western Pacific. It can cause fatal encephalitis, although most infected individuals are asymptomatic. JEV is mainly transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, but can also be transmitted through blood transfusion. To manage the potential risk of transfusion transmission, pathogen inactivation (PI) technologies, such as THERAFLEX MB‐Plasma and THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets systems, have been developed. We examined the efficacy of these two PI systems to inactivate JEV.

Study Design and Methods

Japanese encephalitis virus–spiked plasma units were treated using the THERAFLEX MB‐Plasma system (visible light doses, 20, 40, 60, and 120 [standard] J/cm2) in the presence of methylene blue at approximately 0.8 μmol/L and spiked platelet concentrates (PCs) were treated using the THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets system (UVC doses, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20 [standard] J/cm2). Samples were taken before the first and after each illumination dose and tested for infectivity using an immunoplaque assay.

Results

Treatment of plasma with the THERAFLEX MB‐Plasma system resulted in an average of 6.59 log reduction in JEV infectivity at one‐sixth of the standard visible light dose (20 J/cm2). For PCs, treatment with the THERAFLEX UV‐Platelet system resulted in an average of 7.02 log reduction in JEV infectivity at the standard UVC dose (0.20 J/cm2).

Conclusions

The THERAFLEX MB‐Plasma and THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets systems effectively inactivated JEV in plasma or PCs, and thus these PI technologies could be an effective option to reduce the risk of JEV transfusion transmission.
How to verify patient identity and blood product compatibility using an electronic bedside transfusion system
Authors: Staples Sophie , O'Callaghan Clare , Pavord Sue , Staves Julie , Murphy Michael F.
Published: August 2020

Transfusion of an incorrect blood component is an important avoidable serious hazard of transfusion resulting from process errors. Our group and others have taken advantage of new technology and developed electronic transfusion systems for safe transfusion practice in a previous studies. They allow the clinical staff to correctly identify the patient and the blood product at the bedside, ensuring the right blood product is given to the right patient. This video is to demonstrate the process and not to promote any specific product. It is a follow up our previous video clip on electronic remote blood issue in a previous study. The process for correct patient identification originates from the wristband, which contains the patient identification details in a 2D barcode and is printed from the electronic patient record system. These details are associated with the blood sample through using a portable printer to produce a label for the sample tube. The patient details are scanned into the blood bank laboratory information system (LIS) and are then printed on a compatibility label by the LIS, which also contains a 2‐dimensional barcode, and is then attached to the blood product. Following an initial visual check of these details by the clinical staff, the electronic bedside system requires that both the patient wristband barcode and the blood product compatibility barcode are scanned. This will electronically verify at the patient's bedside that the right unit is to be given to the right patient. This is the final step in ensuring end‐to‐end electronic control and safe transfusion practice.
Influence of barbed epitendinous sutures combined with a core locking‐loop suture to repair experimental flexor tendon lacerations
Authors: Eby Adam C. , Duffy Daniel J. , Chang Yi‐Jen , Gaffney Lewis , Fisher Matthew B. , Moore George E.
Published: August 2020

Objective

To determine the influence of barbed epitendinous sutures (ES) on the biomechanical properties and gap formation of repaired canine tendons.

Study design

Ex vivo, experimental study.

Sample population

Eighty (n = 16/group) canine superficial digital flexor tendons (SDFT).

Methods

After transection, SDFT were repaired with a locking‐loop (LL) pattern alone (group 1), an LL + smooth ES with monofilament suture (group 2), an LL + V‐loc‐ES (group 3), an LL + Quill‐ES (group 4), or an LL + Stratafix‐ES (group 5). All core LL repairs were performed with 0 USP polypropylene, and all ES were placed with 2‐0 USP equivalent. Constructs were preloaded and tested to failure. Yield, peak, and failure loads; occurrence of gap formation; and failure modes were compared.

Results

Yield loads were greater for groups 2 and 5 (P < .0001). Peak and failure loads were greater when an ES was used (P < .005), especially for groups 2 and 5 (P < .0001). Groups with an ES required higher loads to generate 1‐ and 3‐mm gaps compared with specimens without an ES (P < .002). Force to create 1‐ and 3‐mm gaps was greater for group 5 (P < .0001) and groups 2 and 5 (P < .0001), respectively. Failure mechanism did not differ (P = .092) between ES groups, consisting of suture breakage in 51 of 64 constructs compared with pull‐through in seven of 16 group 1 constructs.

Conclusion

Epitendinous suture placement improved the biomechanical properties of repaired tendons. Stratafix barbed suture performed better as an ES compared with other barbed sutures and similarly to monofilament suture.

Clinical significance

Stratafix barbed suture eliminates the requirement for knot tying and seems to be equivalent to smooth monofilament suture when used as an ES in this pattern.
Impact of Exit Duct Dynamic Response on Compressor Stability
Authors: Zhang Wenqiang , Vahdati Mehdi , Zhao Fanzhou
Published: August 2020

Abrupt distortions can appear as a result of transient crosswind or during rapid aircraft maneuvers. Such distortions are known to reduce the aerodynamic stability of engines and therefore present a major concern to all aero-engine manufacturers. To assess the aerodynamic stability of fan blades due to distortions, rig tests are usually carried out to establish the loss in stall margin. In such test campaigns, an exit duct (which is followed by a nozzle) is placed downstream of the fan blade, and the operating condition of the fan is controlled by this nozzle. It is shown in this paper that in such rig tests, the length of duct downstream of a fan has a significant impact on fan stall margin. The key contributor for such interaction is the dynamic response of the exit duct, and the aerodynamic stability of the fan is affected by the acoustic reflection from the exit nozzle. To study the underlying physics, transient response in the exit duct downstream of a transonic fan stage was studied numerically using a simplified model. Simulation results, along with calculations based on analytical theories, confirmed the generation, propagation, and reflection of waves induced by the inlet distortion. A quantitative relationship concerning the lengths of the compression system is introduced which determines whether a duct setup would have beneficial or detrimental influences on compressor aerodynamic stability. The findings of this research have great implications for the stability assessment of fans as the stability margin can be affected by the waves generated in bypass ducts.
Effects of Euler Angles of Vertical Cambered Otter Board on Hydrodynamics Based on Response Surface Methodology and Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Wang Gang , Huang Liuyi , Wang Lei , Zhao Fenfang , Wang Xinxin , Wan Rong
Published: August 2020

In this present work, effects of three Euler angles (angle of attack (AOA), angle of trim (AOT), and angle of pitch (AOP)) of vertical cambered otter board on hydrodynamic characteristics (drag coefficient (Cd), lift coefficient (Cl), center-of-pressure coefficients (Cp)) were studied based on numerical simulation combined with Kriging response surface methodology (KRSM) and multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA). Wind tunnel experiments were carried out to validate the accuracy of the response surface based on numerical simulation. It was demonstrated that AOA had noticeable effects on Cd and Cl, while AOT and AOP had fewer effects. The working posture of the otter board was recommended to lean inward (0 deg–6 deg) and forward (−10 deg–0 deg) to improve the lift-drag ratio without sacrificing Cl. The influences of AOT and AOP on positions of center-of-pressure points were less significant than that of AOA and decreasing with the increase of AOA. Besides, the response surface of hydrodynamic coefficients around the critical AOA was a decent indicator of the occurrence of stall. Finally, three candidate cases were selected to satisfy the high working efficiency by MOGA, which was consistent with the above recommendations. This study provided a scientific reference of response surface experimental investigations methodology in the fishery engineering and the configuration of Euler angles of otter board.
Modeling and Optimization for the Dynamic Performance of Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine Composite Blades
Authors: Ghoneam Sobhy , Hamada Ahmed , Sherif Taha
Published: August 2020

This article presents a study of modeling and optimization for the dynamic performance of wind turbine composite material blades and investigates the effects of composite material stacking sequence in addition to some design parameters such as twist angle (ɸ) and aspect ratio (AR) on the whole wind turbine performance. The two-stage Savonius rotor VAWT composite blades are designed and simulated within the solidworks simulation 2020 package. Modified mechanical parameters are introduced to improve the scalability, reliability, and accuracy of the developed models. The lamination plate theory is used to compute the equivalent mechanical properties for each composite blade. The finite element analyses (FEAs) are conducted to investigate the dynamic characteristics (frequency and associated mode shapes) of wind turbine models. Taguchi tools such as analysis of variance (ANOVA), signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and additive model were employed to evaluate and obtain the significant factors and determine the optimal combination levels of wind turbine design parameters. Mathematical modeling based on response surface methodology (RSM) has been established. The analysis of results shows that the aspect ratio with a contribution of 48.08% had the dominant impact on the rotor performance followed by the stacking sequence and twist angle.
Resurrection of the genus Formosaurella Hirschmann (Uropodina: Discourellidae) with descriptions of a new species and a new subgenus

Authors: Kontschán Jeno , Friedrich Stefan
Published: August 2020

The genus Formosaurella Hirschmann, 1979 is resurrected with a new diagnosis and notes to the known two species. A new species of Formosaurella, F. tertia sp. nov., is discovered and described from Peru. The new species differs from the previously described ones in the shape of dorsal and ventral setae and the sculptural pattern of the sternal shield of the male and genital shield of the female. A new subgenus (Falcatana subgen. nov.) is erected to accommodate Formosaurella (Falcatana) falcata Hirschmann, 1972 comb. nov. The new subgenus differs from the nominate subgenus in the shape of marginal setae, the shape of setae on posterior part of dorsal idiosoma, and the absence of a pygidial shield.
The Social Media Response From Athletes and Sport Organizations to COVID-19: An Altruistic Tone
Authors: Sharpe Stirling , Mountifield Charles , Filo Kevin
Published: August 2020

The global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in restrictions on gatherings of large crowds, the suspension of live sport events across the globe, and the relegation of topical televised sport to broadcasts of past events and competitions. Consequently, there has been a shift in focus from the entertainment aspect of sport to the health and well-being aspects of sport. As athletes, teams, and sport organizations have become subject to government legislation concerning physical distancing, self-isolation, and lockdowns, the resultant spare time has presented the opportunity for individual athletes and sport organizations to pursue an approach to social media that includes viral challenges, fundraising, and socializing online. This paper provides a commentary on select high-profile athletes’ and sport organizations’ social media behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has adopted an altruistic tone.
School Children’s Physical Activity, Motor Competence, and Corresponding Self-Perception: A Longitudinal Analysis of Reciprocal Relationships
Authors: Sallen Jeffrey , Andrä Christian , Ludyga Sebastian , Mücke Manuel , Herrmann Christian
Published: August 2020

Background: The relationship between engagement in physical activity and the development of motor competence (MC) is considered to be reciprocal and dynamic throughout childhood and adolescence. The 10-month follow-up study aimed to explore this reciprocal relationship and investigated whether the relationship is mediated by the corresponding self-perception of MC (PMC).Methods: A total of 51 children aged between 10 and 11 years (M = 10.27 [0.45]) participated in the study (52.9% boys, 47.1% girls). As an indicator for physical activity, the average vigorous physical activity (VPA) per day was measured by ActiGraph accelerometers. Two aspects of MC and PMC were recorded: self-movement and object movement. Saturated pathway models in a cross-lagged panel design with 2 measurement points were analyzed.Results: Reciprocal and direct relationships between VPA and MC object movement respectively MC self-movement were not found in longitudinal analyses with PMC as a mediator. Indirect effects of MC at t1 on VPA at t2 via PMC were identified (self-movement:β = 0.13, 95% confidence interval, 0.04 to 0.26; object movement:β = 0.14, 95% confidence interval, 0.01 to 0.49).Conclusion: The results highlight the importance of MC and PMC in promoting children’s VPA. However, VPA does not drive the development of MC.
Association Between Physical Activity Intensity Levels and Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Children
Authors: Heil Lisa , Oberhoffer Renate , Böhm Birgit
Published: August 2020

Background: Physical activity (PA) has a substantial impact on arterial stiffness in adults; however, evidence regarding children is scarce. The aim of this study was to examine the association between objectively measured PA with different intensities and surrogate measures of arterial stiffness in healthy children. Methods: Altogether, 80 children (41 girls and 39 boys, ranging from 8–11 y) participated in this prospective, cross-sectional study. Sedentary time and PA of light, moderate, and vigorous intensity levels were measured over a period of 7 days by accelerometry. Arterial stiffness parameters, including pulse wave velocity and central systolic blood pressure (cSBP), were noninvasively assessed by the oscillometric Mobil-O-Graph. Associations were tested using multiple linear regressions with adjustments for potential confounders (α ≤ .05). Results: PA of moderate intensity was negatively associated with cSBP (β = −0.266, P = .017). PA of vigorous intensity was inversely related to pulse wave velocity (β = −0.225, P = .045) and cSBP (β = −0.286, P = .010), respectively. Conclusion: Higher time spent in PA of moderate and vigorous intensity is associated with reduced pulse wave velocity and lower cSBP values in children. It suggests that PA is a favorable determinant of arterial health.
Agency Theory and Principal–Agent Alignment Masks: An Examination of Penalties in the National Football League
Authors: Foreman Jeremy J. , Bendickson Joshua S. , Cowden Birton J.
Published: August 2020

Rule changes are not uncommon in most professional sports, and scholars often study the effects of such changes. Given the substantial increase in rule changes and the substantially different nature of new rules (e.g., safety driven) in the National Football League since 2005, the authors examined how coaches adapt to the changing National Football League in terms of coaching strategies and securing subsequent head coach positions in the labor market. Using agency theory, the authors identified agency misalignment when coaches employ strategies whereby incurring more penalties results in on-field success, but decreases their likelihood of obtaining future employment as a head coach. In addition, the authors found evidence that, regardless of the penalties accrued, former coaches who previously held more head coaching jobs, are Black, or are younger have higher chances of securing subsequent head coaching positions. However, these attributes do not increase team performance, indicating that coach-hiring decisions are incongruent with determinants of coach performance.
A CRISPRi-dCas9 System for Archaea and Its Use To Examine Gene Function during Nitrogen Fixation by Methanosarcina acetivorans
Authors: Dhamad Ahmed E. , Lessner Daniel J.
Published: August 2020

Genetic tools are needed to understand and manipulate the biology of archaea, which serve critical roles in the biosphere. Methanogenic archaea (methanogens) are essential for the biological production of methane, an intermediate in the global carbon cycle, an important greenhouse gas, and a biofuel. The CRISPRi-dCas9 system in the model methanogen
Methanosarcina acetivorans
is, to our knowledge, the first Cas9-based CRISPR interference system in archaea. Results demonstrate that the system is remarkably efficient in targeted gene repression and provide new insight into nitrogen fixation by methanogens, the only archaea with nitrogenase. Overall, the CRISPRi-dCas9 system provides a simple, yet powerful, genetic tool to control the expression of target genes and operons in methanogens.
Animal Model To Study Klebsiella pneumoniae Gastrointestinal Colonization and Host-to-Host Transmission
Authors: Young Taylor M. , Bray Andrew S. , Nagpal Ravinder K. , Caudell David L. , Yadav Hariom , Zafar M. Ammar
Published: August 2020

An important yet poorly understood facet of the life cycle of a successful pathogen is host-to-host transmission. Hospital-acquired infections (HAI) resulting from the transmission of drug-resistant pathogens affect hundreds of millions of patients worldwide.
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, a Gram-negative bacterium, is notorious for causing HAI, with many of these infections difficult to treat, as
K. pneumoniae
has become multidrug resistant. Epidemiological studies suggest that
K. pneumoniae
host-to-host transmission requires close contact and generally occurs through the fecal-oral route.
Enterococcus faecalis Induces Differentiation of Immune-Aberrant Dendritic Cells from Murine Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Elashiry Mohamed Mohamed , Elashiry Mahmoud , Zeitoun Rana , Elsayed Ranya , Tian Fucong , Saber Shehab Eldin , Elashry Salma Hasan , Tay Franklin R. , Cutler Christopher W.
Published: August 2020

Enterococcus faecalis
, long implicated in serious systemic infections and failure of root canal treatment, is a persistent inhabitant of oral periapical lesions. Dendritic cells (DCs) and other innate immune cells patrol the oral mucosa for infecting microbes. Dendritic cells are efficient at capturing microbes when immature, whereupon they can transform into potent antigen-presenting cells upon full maturation. Autophagy, a sophisticated intracellular process first described for elimination of damaged organelles, regulates DC maturation and other important immune functions of DCs.
Channeling C1 Metabolism toward
S
-Adenosylmethionine-Dependent Conversion of Estrogens to Androgens in Estrogen-Degrading Bacteria
Authors: Jacoby Christian , Krull Joris , Andexer Jennifer , Jehmlich Nico , von Bergen Martin , Brüls Thomas , Boll Matthias
Published: August 2020

Estrogens comprise a group of related hormones occurring in predominantly female vertebrates, with endocrine disrupting and carcinogenic potential. Microbial biodegradation of estrogens is essential for their elimination from surface waters and wastewater. Aerobic bacteria employ oxygenases for the initial cleavage of the aromatic ring A. In contrast, anaerobic degradation of estrogens is initiated by methyl transfer-dependent conversion into androgens involving a putative cobalamin-dependent methyltransferase system. The methyl donor for this unprecedented reaction and its stoichiometric regeneration have remained unknown. With the biomass obtained from large-scale fermentation of an estrogen-degrading denitrifying bacterium, we identified
S
-adenosyl-methionine (SAM) as the methyl donor for the cobalamin-mediated methyl transfer to estrogens. To continuously supply C1 units to initiate estrogen degradation, genes for SAM regeneration from estradiol-derived catabolites are highly upregulated. Data presented here shed light into biochemical processes involved in the globally important microbial degradation of estrogens.
Cervicovaginal Microbiome Composition Is Associated with Metabolic Profiles in Healthy Pregnancy
Authors: Oliver Andrew , LaMere Brandon , Weihe Claudia , Wandro Stephen , Lindsay Karen L. , Wadhwa Pathik D. , Mills David A. , Pride David T. , Fiehn Oliver , Northen Trent , de Raad Markus , Li Huiying , Martiny Jennifer B. H. , Lynch Susan , Whiteson Katrine
Published: August 2020

Humans have a unique vaginal microbiome compared to other mammals, characterized by low diversity and often dominated by
Lactobacillus
spp. Dramatic shifts in vaginal microbial communities sometimes contribute to the presence of a polymicrobial overgrowth condition called bacterial vaginosis (BV). However, many healthy women lacking BV symptoms have vaginal microbiomes dominated by microbes associated with BV, resulting in debate about the definition of a healthy vaginal microbiome. Despite substantial evidence that the reproductive health of a woman depends on the vaginal microbiota, future therapies that may improve reproductive health outcomes are stalled due to limited understanding surrounding the ecology of the vaginal microbiome. Here, we use sequencing and metabolomic techniques to show novel associations between vaginal microbes and metabolites during healthy pregnancy. We speculate these associations underlie microbiome dynamics and may contribute to a better understanding of transitions between alternative vaginal microbiome compositions.
Supplemental Material: Zircon and monazite geochronology in the Palmer zone of transpression, south-central New England, USA: Constraints on timing of deformation, high-grade metamorphism, and lithospheric foundering during late Paleozoic oblique collision in the Northern Appalachian orogen
Authors: Moecher David , al. et
Published: August 2020

Analytical methods for Zircon U-Pb and monazite Th-Pb SIMS geochronology, zircon U-Pb LA-ICP-MS geochronology; data tables and supporting previous work.
Adolescent mental wellness: a systematic review protocol of instruments measuring general mental health and well-being
Authors: Orth Zaida , van Wyk Brian
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The promotion of mental health well-being among global adolescent populations is of great public health and social significance. This is particularly true for adolescents living with chronic illnesses as studies have shown that these populations are at higher risk for developing mental health problems. There is vast recognition of the need for age and culturally appropriate interventions to promote mental well-being and prevent mental health problems. In stark contrast, there is a dearth of relevant measures of mental well-being for adolescents. Our proposed systematic review aims to identify measures of mental well-being and to assess content, psychometric properties and relevance to adolescent populations.

Methods and analysis

The systematic review methodology will be guided by the seven steps proposed by Eggar, Davey and Smith. Documents will be sourced from electronic databases (Academic Search Complete, Educational Resource Information Center, Medical Literature Analysis Retrieval System Online, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature plus, PsyArticles, SocIndex and Sabinet). All documents will be exported to Mendeley and two reviewers will independently screen the titles, abstracts and full texts for inclusion. Any discrepancies will be resolved by a third party. We will include studies published in all languages from 2000 to 2020, that use an instrument(s) that measure mental well-being among adolescent populations. Studies reporting on clinically significant mental illnesses or disorders will be excluded. A descriptive meta-synthesis approach will be used to identify and describe the mental health instruments used among adolescent populations, and to report on the psychometric properties.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required. The results of this review will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication as well as conference presentations.
Does non-invasive ventilation change metabolic markers in children with obstructive sleep apnoea? A systematic review and meta-analysis study protocol
Authors: Gerdung Christopher , Rodriguez-Lopez Sara , Palkowski Stefan , Keto-Lambert Diana , Sebastianski Meghan , Castro Codesal Maria Luisa
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is not only common within paediatrics but is associated with critical childhood metabolic morbidity such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and glucose tolerance impairment. Increasing evidence suggests an association between childhood OSA and metabolic syndrome such as markers of cardiovascular disease, systemic hypertension, glucose intoleranceand increased lipid profile. Recent studies have targeted changes in metabolic markers in children using non-invasive ventilation (NIV) but no systematic reviews are available to summarise this emerging evidence. The purpose of this systematic review is to provide systematic synthesis of the evidence on the effect of NIV use on metabolic markers in children with OSA.

Methods and analysis

A systematic search of electronic databases and grey literature will include paediatric interventional studies (random controlled trials, cohort studies) with and without a comparison group. Two reviewers will independently undertake the two step process of title/abstract and full-text screening. Data will be extracted and assessed, with aggregate data being reported. When the data allow, meta-analysis will be performed.

Ethics and dissemination

There are no ethical concerns with this systematic review, as data have previously been published. This review will inform clinicians taking care of children with OSA and obesity/metabolic syndrome about the potential effects of NIV therapies on metabolic markers and has the potential to change the approach to childhood OSA and obesity. Results of this systematic review will be submitted for dissemination in abstract and manuscript form.
How good is end of life care for patients dying with cystic fibrosis?
Authors: Miller Mary , Lee Rachel , Yates Sharon , Billett Hannah C , Bourke Stephen , Flight William G , Quibell Rachel
Published: August 2020

Background

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a life-limiting illness. Audit of the care of patients dying of CF has not been published to date.

Methods

Newcastle and Oxford teams adapted the National Audit of Care at the End of Life and agreed additional questions that were particularly pertinent for patients dying as a consequence of their CF. Data were extracted and analysed for 15 patients.

Results

On recognition that the patient was dying, the CF teams were less good at reviewing the need for physiological observations (50% vs national 70%) but better at reviewing the need for capillary blood glucose monitoring, oxygen support and intravenous antibiotics compared with the national average for all patients.

On recognition that the patient was dying, the CF teams were better at assessing pain (87% vs national 80%) and breathlessness (93% vs national 73%), but less good at assessing nausea and vomiting (47% vs national 74%).

There was documented evidence that 100% of families and 64% of patients were aware that the patient was at risk of dying.

Conclusion

Comparing care of this sample of patients dying with CF against the national data is a useful first step in understanding that many aspects of care are of high quality. This audit identifies the need to offer earlier conversations to patients as their voices may be missing from the conversation. Undertaking a national audit would provide a more reliable and a fuller picture.
Metagenomics analysis of gut microbiota in response to diet intervention and gestational diabetes in overweight and obese women: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Mokkala Kati , Paulin Niklas , Houttu Noora , Koivuniemi Ella , Pellonperä Outi , Khan Sofia , Pietilä Sami , Tertti Kristiina , Elo Laura L , Laitinen Kirsi
Published: August 2020

Objective

Gut microbiota and diet are known to contribute to human metabolism. We investigated whether the metagenomic gut microbiota composition and function changes over pregnancy are related to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and can be modified by dietary supplements, fish oil and/or probiotics.

Design

The gut microbiota of 270 overweight/obese women participating in a mother–infant clinical study were analysed with metagenomics approach in early (mean gestational weeks 13.9) and late (gestational weeks 35.2) pregnancy. GDM was diagnosed with a 2 hour 75 g oral glucose tolerance test.

Results

Unlike women with GDM, women without GDM manifested changes in relative abundance of bacterial species over the pregnancy, particularly those receiving the fish oil + probiotics combination. The specific bacterial species or function did not predict the onset of GDM nor did it differ according to GDM status, except for the higher abundance of Ruminococcus obeum in late pregnancy in the combination group in women with GDM compared with women without GDM. In the combination group, weak decreases over the pregnancy were observed in basic bacterial housekeeping functions.

Conclusions

The specific gut microbiota species do not contribute to GDM in overweight/obese women. Nevertheless, the GDM status may disturb maternal gut microbiota flexibility and thus limit the capacity of women with GDM to respond to diet, as evidenced by alterations in gut microbiota observed only in women without GDM. These findings may be important when considering the metabolic complications during pregnancy, but further studies with larger populations are called for to verify the findings.
Socio-economic disparity in the global burden of occupational noise-induced hearing loss: an analysis for 2017 and the trend since 1990
Authors: Zhou Hongjie , Zhou Yu , Zhang Huina , Yu Aiqing , Zhu Bo , Zhang Lei
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To evaluate socio-economic disparity in the global burden of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) using disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs).

Methods

The numbers of DALYs due to ONIHL, age-standardised DALY rates and national human development index (HDI) data from 1990 to 2017 were collected. The relationship between the age-standardised DALY rates and the 2017 HDI was analysed. A concentration index (CI) and a relative index of inequality (RII) were calculated to evaluate the trend in socio-economic disparity in the burden of ONIHL for the period 1990–2017.

Results

From 1990 to 2017, the global DALYs due to ONIHL increased from 3.3 to 6.0 million, with the highest growth occurring in low-income countries (110.7%). Age-standardised DALY rates due to ONIHL were negatively associated with the HDI (β = −0.733, p<0.001), and these rates were significantly higher in countries with a lower HDI. From 1990 to 2017, the trend in between-country inequality was flat with little fluctuation, the CIs stayed near −0.17, and the RIIs remained near 0.35.

Conclusions

Over the past few decades, low-income countries have experienced the most rapid growth in DALYs worldwide. A widening socio-economic disparity has persisted in the global burden of ONIHL, with a higher burden in lower socio-economic countries. These data suggest that more prevention programmes and healthcare services should be provided for developing countries.
Blast behavior of columns built with high-strength concrete and Grade 690 MPa high-strength reinforcement
Authors: Hammoud Amer , Yan Junbo , Li Yang , Aoude Hassan
Published: August 2020

As part of this study a series of columns built with high-strength concrete and Grade 690 MPa high-strength reinforcement are tested under blast loads using a shock-tube. The performance of the columns is compared to a control set of specimens built with Grade 400 MPa reinforcement. In addition to the effects of concrete and steel type, the effects of longitudinal steel ratio and seismic detailing are also investigated. The results show that concrete strength has limited effects on blast behavior. Conversely, use of high-strength bars significantly enhances column blast performance by reducing displacements and increasing blast resistance, with an ability to reduce the required amount of steel reinforcement. The results further demonstrate that increasing the longitudinal steel ratio and seismic detailing improve the blast behavior of columns built with conventional and high-strength bars. As part of the analytical study the blast response of the columns is predicted using nonlinear single degree of freedom analysis and finite element modelling.
Size and shape assortative mating in Japanese beetles (Popilliajaponica)
Authors: Kelly Clint D.
Published: August 2020

Assortative mating is hypothesized to be a product of sexual selection, mating constraints, or temporal autocorrelation. I test these hypotheses in the Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica Newman, 1841), a sexually size dimorphic invasive insect pest in North America, by measuring the size and shape of bodies and wings of pair members in a wild population. Because male P. japonica prefer to mate with larger females and larger males outcompete rivals for mating opportunities, sexual selection is expected to produce size-related assortative mating. The current study did not support this hypothesis. The mating constraints hypothesis was also not supported because beetle pairs did not have similar body shapes. I, however, did find support for the temporal autocorrelation hypothesis as the wing size and shape of pair members were significantly correlated. This mating pattern likely arises due to individuals with larger and more slender wings arriving earlier at aggregation sites and pairing according to their arrival sequence. Although I found less support for the sexual selection hypothesis, I argue that mate choice might play an important, but secondary, role to temporal autocorrelation in explaining assortative mating in Japanese beetles.
Testing swampland conjectures with machine learning
Authors: Bizet Nana Cabo , Damian Cesar , Loaiza-Brito Oscar , Mayorga Peña Damián Kaloni , Montañez-Barrera J. A.
Published: August 2020

We consider Type IIB compactifications on an isotropic torus $$T^6$$T6 threaded by geometric and non geometric fluxes. For this particular setup we apply supervised machine learning techniques, namely an artificial neural network coupled to a genetic algorithm, in order to obtain more than sixty thousand flux configurations yielding to a scalar potential with at least one critical point. We observe that both stable AdS vacua with large moduli masses and small vacuum energy as well as unstable dS vacua with small tachyonic mass and large energy are absent, in accordance to the refined de Sitter conjecture. Moreover, by considering a hierarchy among fluxes, we observe that perturbative solutions with small values for the vacuum energy and moduli masses are favored, as well as scenarios in which the lightest modulus mass is much smaller than the corresponding AdS vacuum scale. Finally we apply some results on random matrix theory to conclude that the most probable mass spectrum derived from this string setup is that satisfying the Refined de Sitter and AdS scale conjectures.
Viscosity in cosmic fluids
Authors: Natwariya Pravin Kumar , Bhatt Jitesh R. , Pandey Arun Kumar
Published: August 2020

The effective theory of large-scale structure formation based on $$\Lambda $$ΛCDM paradigm predicts finite dissipative effects in the resulting fluid equations. In this work, we study how viscous effect that could arise if one includes self-interaction among the dark-matter particles combines with the effective theory. It is shown that these two possible sources of dissipation can operate together in a cosmic fluid and the interplay between them can play an important role in determining dynamics of the cosmic fluid. In particular, we demonstrate that the viscosity coefficient due to self-interaction is added inversely with the viscosity calculated using effective theory of $$\Lambda $$ΛCDM model. Thus the larger viscosity has less significant contribution in the effective viscosity. Using the known bounds on $$\sigma /m$$σ/m for self-interacting darkmatter, where $$\sigma $$σ and m are the cross-section and mass of the dark-matter particles respectively, we discuss role of the effective viscosity in various cosmological scenarios.
THE ROLE OF ENERGY SECURITY IN ECONOMIC GROWTH IN ASIA: QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS AND POLICY OPTIONS
Authors: ALEKHINA VICTORIIA
Published: August 2020

Rapid economic growth in Asia recently has been driving global energy demand and prices. However, little progress has been made concerning the region’s energy security. To assess Asia’s progress in energy security and its impact on real income per capita growth, the 4-As energy security framework — energy availability, applicability, affordability and acceptability dimensions — is integrated into the cross-country generalized method of moments (GMM) model and empirically estimated using data from 20 Asian countries (1995–2015). Results indicate that energy security measured by expanding renewable energy use, increase in electricity access and electric power consumption per capita growth are positively associated with real income per capita growth, while a larger share of imported energy and higher energy intensity hinder growth. Meanwhile, climate security is included in the energy security framework; the results suggest that an increase in CO2 emissions has a negative impact on economic growth. Possible policy implications for improving energy security in Asia are discussed in the conclusion.
Properties of Nitrogen-Doped Nano-Crystalline Graphite Thin Films and Their Application as Electrochemical Sensors
Authors: Simionescu Octavian-Gabriel , Romanitan Cosmin , Albu Camelia , Pachiu Cristina , Vasile Eugeniu , Djourelov Nikolay , Tutunaru Oana , Stoian Marius Constantin , Kusko Mihaela , Radoi Antonio
Published: August 2020

Herein, several nitrogen-doped nano-crystalline graphite films (N-NCG) were prepared via plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD); nano-crystalline graphite (NCG) was doped by adding ammonia gas during the PECVD growth. To develop electrochemical probes that can compete with glassy carbon (GC) electrodes for anthracene sensing, the N-NCG electrodes were systematically investigated using different techniques, including atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, Raman spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and differential pulsed voltammetry (DPV). The obtained sensors were tested against anthracene in an acetonitrile/water mixture (80/20 v/v) wherein the N-NCG 3 and N-NCG 5 electrochemical probes showed analytical features comparable with those of the GC electrode. The best competitor for GC was N-NCG 3 in terms of linear working range (2.5μM–1 mM) and sensitivity (y = 6.09 × 10−6+ 1.21 x, r2= 0.9997 and y = 1.23 × 10−5+ 0.84 x, r2= 0.9959 for GC and N-NCG 3, respectively).
Modeling the Structures of Oriented Macrofiber Polymer Composites as Capillary‐Porous Bodies
Authors: Kolosov Aleksandr E. , Gondlyakh Aleksandr V. , Sivetskii Volodymyr I. , Kolosova Elena P. , Vanin Volodymyr V. , Sidorov Dmytro E. , Sokolskiy Aleksandr L. , Shcherbina Valeriy Yu , Ivitskiy Igor I.
Published: August 2020

The problems of modeling the structure and design of technical parameters for forming of oriented macrofiber polymer composites are analyzed. The considered approaches are based on the application of geometric modeling of the structure of oriented fibrous fillers and the design of the parameters of technical means for forming oriented macrofiber polymer composite materials. Peculiarities of the application of the phenomenological and structural approaches to the design of structural and technological parameters of technical means and to the calculation of the elements of composite structures based on oriented macrofibrous fillers are considered. The technique for determining the structural characteristics of oriented macrofibrillar fillers based on its adequate geometric model as capillary‐porous bodies is given. As the structural characteristics, the porosity, the specific internal surface, and also the effective (hydraulic) capillary radius of oriented macrofibrous fillers are considered. It is noted that the obtained structural models are used, in particular, to the prognosis of the design and technological parameters of the technical means for molding macro‐fiber polymer composite materials.
Elastic Fields of a Nonhomogeneous Half‐Space Subject to an Inclined Circular Load
Authors: Xie Yunyue , Xiao Hongtian , Yue Zhongqi Quentin
Published: August 2020

The paper examines the elastic fields of displacements and stresses for a nonhomogeneous elastic half‐space where the elastic parameters have a linear variation over a finite depth beyond which it is constant. The circular loading area is subjected to a uniform inclined load. The numerical method is developed by applying the fundamental solution of a layered elastic solid and integrating numerically it over the loading area. As a result, only the loading area needs to be discretized in using the proposed numerical method. Numerical examples of calculation of displacements are conducted, and excellent agreement with the existing closed‐form solutions is obtained. The results obtained are used to understand the elastic fields induced by different types of loads in a nonhomogeneous medium.
The Collective Behaviors of Self-Excitation Information Diffusion Processes for a Large Number of Individuals
Authors: Wang Lifu , Shen Bo
Published: August 2020

The opinion dynamics is a complex and interesting process, especially for the systems with a large number of individuals. It is usually hard to describe the evolutionary features of these systems. In some previous works, it has been shown that the self-excitation type model has superior performance in learning and predicting opinions. Following this line, we consider the self-excitation opinion model and study the collective behaviors of the self-excitation model. We propose a Mckean–Vlasov-type integrodifferential equation to describe the asymptotic behaviors of the model and show that the introduced equation, by coupling with the initial distribution, has the ability of capturing the influence of the self-excitation process, which describes the mutually exciting and recurrent nature of individuals. We also find that the steady-state distribution is a “contraction” of the initial distribution in the linear and bounded confidence (DW model) interaction cases, which is different from the results of the model with nonself-excitation interaction.
Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding of Infants under Six Months among Cambodian Mothers
Authors: Um Sopheak , Chan Ying Zhen Charissa , Tol Bunkea , Sopheab Heng
Published: August 2020

Introduction. Practicing exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in an infant’s first six months of life is recommended by the World Health Organization because of its proven effectiveness as a method to support the infant’s short- and long-term physical and cognitive development. However, many countries, including Cambodia, face contextually driven challenges in meeting this optimum standard of breastfeeding. The recent declining EBF rate in Cambodia is a concerning indicator of the impact of these challenges. Methods. We used existing data from the 2014 Cambodian Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS) to analyze 717 Cambodian mother-infant pairs. CDHS 2014 used a two-stage stratified cluster sampling approach to select samples. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess determinants of EBF, taking into account the sampling weight in the analysis. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, and significance level was considered at p value < 0.05. Results. Our findings indicate that among mothers with infants under six months, EBF was more likely if they resided rurally (AOR=2.28; 95% CI 1.23-4.23) and if they delivered at a public hospital (AOR=2.64; 95% CI 1.28-5.47). On the other hand, mothers of middle wealth index practiced EBF less than mothers of low wealth index (AOR=0.58; 95% CI 0.34-0.99). And as expected, our analysis confirmed that the older the infants grew, the less likely they were to be exclusively breastfed than those younger than one month old (2-3 months: AOR=0.49; 95% CI 0.26-0.92; 4-5 months: AOR=0.25; 95% CI 0.15-0.43). Conclusion. The findings emphasize the need to address these determinants adequately by appropriate interventions to halt the declining trend of EBF practice. We recommend a multifaceted approach to improve EBF rates in Cambodia. Advocacy around EBF at public hospitals should continue, and private hospital staff should receive training to provide EBF counselling and support to mothers.
The Establishment of a Financial Crisis Early Warning System for Domestic Listed Companies Based on Two Neural Network Models in the Context of COVID-19
Authors: Feixiong-Ma  , Yingying-Zhou  , Xiaoyan-Mo  , Yiwei-Xia
Published: August 2020

In the context of COVID-19, many companies have been affected by the financial crisis. In order to carry out a comparative study on the accuracy of the company’s financial crisis early warning method, this study used RPROP artificial neural network and support vector machine, with 162 listed companies’ two-year panel financial indicator data as a model sample, and the test sample established a financial crisis early warning model. The theory of comprehensive evaluation combining two kinds of neural network methods is put forward innovatively. The predicted results can strengthen the supervision of the listed companies with risks by themselves and others and have important economic and social significance to ensure the stable operation of the listed companies, the securities market, and the national economy.