bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimally invasive right colectomy with transrectal natural orifice extraction: could this be the next step forward?
Authors: Cheng C.-C. , Hsu Y.-R. , Chern Y.-J. , Tsai W.-S. , Hung H.-Y. , Liao C.-K. , Chiang J.-M. , Hsieh P.-S. , You J.-F.
Published: July 2020

Background

The transvaginal natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) approach for right-side colon surgery has been proven to exhibit favorable short-term outcomes. However, thus far, no study has reported the advantages of transrectal NOSE for right-side colon surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the technical feasibility, safety, and short-term outcomes of minimally invasive right hemicolectomy using the transrectal NOSE method and those of conventional mini-laparotomy specimen extraction.

Methods

A study was conducted on consecutive patients who had minimally invasive right hemicolectomy either for malignancy or benign disease at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan, between January 2017 and December 2018. The patients were divided into two groups: conventional surgery with specimen extraction using mini-laparotomy and NOSE surgery. Surgical outcomes, including complications, postoperative short-term recovery, and pain intensity, were analyzed.

Results

We enrolled 297 patients (151 males, mean age 64.9 ± 12.8 years) who had minimally invasive right hemicolectomy. Of these 297 patients, 272 patients had conventional surgery with specimen extraction through mini-laparotomy and 25 patients had NOSE surgery (23 transrectal, 2 transvaginal). The diagnosis of colon disease did not differ significantly between the conventional and NOSE groups. Postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were comparable. The postoperative hospital stay was significantly (p = 0.004) shorter in the NOSE group (median 5 days, range 3–17 days) than in the conventional group (median 7 days, range 3–45 days). Postoperative pain was significantly (p = 0.026 on postoperative day 1 and p = 0.002 on postoperative day 2) greater in the conventional group than in the NOSE group.

Conclusions

NOSE was associated with acceptable short-term surgical outcomes that were comparable to those of conventional surgery. NOSE results in less postoperative wound pain and a shorter hospital stay than conventional surgery. Larger studies are needed
EZB-Verfassungsgerichtsurteil: filigrane Rechtsauslegung versus pragmatische Geldpolitik?
Authors: Marquardt Ralf-M.
Published: July 2020

Das Urteil des Bundesverfassungsgerichts zur EZB-Politik vom 5. Mai 2020 wird der strategischen Problematik der Geldpolitik nicht gerecht. Insbesondere die künstliche Unterscheidung zwischen erlaubter „Geldpolitik“ und nicht erlaubter „Wirtschaftspolitik“ ist unangemessen. Die daraus resultierende Forderung nach einer Abwägungsprüfung stellt nicht nur die institutionellen Prinzipien der Geldpolitik in Deutschland auf den Kopf, sondern erweist sich, abgesehen von der Forderung nach mehr Transparenz, auch als engstirnig und kaum anwendbar.
Renditen privater Haushalte nach Vermögensgruppen — Deutschland versus Österreich
Authors: Andreasch Michael , Radke Marc Peter , Rupprecht Manuel
Published: July 2020

Sparer mit niedrigen Vermögen leiden unter der Geldpolitik der EZB besonders stark, wird häufig kritisiert. Deshalb untersuchen die Autoren die realen Renditen, die deutsche und österreichische Haushalte verschiedener finanzieller Vermögensgruppen in Zeiten extrem niedriger Zinssätze erzielen. In allen Gruppen gingen die Renditen zurück, allerdings weniger deutlich als angenommen. Außerdem zeigt sich, dass reiche Haushalte besonders betroffen sind, auch wenn ihre Renditen heute noch höher liegen als die ärmerer Haushalte. Während die allgemeinen Entwicklungen ähnlich sind, ist das Ertragsniveau in Österreich durchweg niedriger als in Deutschland. Ursache dafür ist vor allem die unterschiedliche Vermögensstruktur. Die Wirtschaftspolitik sollte daher eine höhere Diversifizierung der Vermögenswerte anstreben und dies insbesondere für ärmere Haushalte, indem die finanzielle Bildung effektiv verbessert wird.
Mietwohnungsknappheit in Deutschland: Ursachen, Instrumente, Implikationen
Authors: Thomsen Stephan L. , Vogt Daniel , Brausewetter Lars
Published: July 2020

Die Situation des deutschen Mietwohnungsmarkts wird aktuell gesellschaftlich breit diskutiert. Ein Nachfrageüberhang, der sich vorwiegend auf urbane Räume konzentriert, hat in den letzten Jahren zu einem deutlichen Anstieg der Mieten geführt. Da die Einwohner in Deutschland überwiegend Mieter sind, ist die Betroffenheit entsprechend groß. Mit verschiedenen wohnungspolitischen Instrumenten versucht der Gesetzgeber dazu beizutragen, den Ausgleich am Wohnungsmarkt (zumindest) zu befördern. Hierbei zeigt sich, dass ein Instrumenten-Mix nützlich ist, um die Verfügbarkeit von Wohnraum (notwendig) zu lösen und die Verteilung nach Sozialkriterien (hinreichend) zu adressieren.
Source and quantity of carbon influence its sequestration in Rostherne Mere (UK) sediment: a novel application of stepped combustion radiocarbon analysis
Authors: Keaveney Evelyn M. , Radbourne Alan D. , McGowan Suzanne , Ryves David B. , Reimer Paula J.
Published: July 2020

We explored the roles of phytoplankton production, carbon source, and human activity on carbon accumulation in a eutrophic lake (Rostherne Mere, UK) to understand how changes in nutrient loading, algal community structure and catchment management can influence carbon sequestration in lake sediments. Water samples (dissolved inorganic, organic and particulate carbon) were analysed to investigate contemporary carbon sources. Multiple variables in a 55-cm sediment core, which represents the last ~ 90 years of accumulation, were studied to determine historical production rates of algal communities and carbon sources. Fluctuations in net primary production, inferred from sedimentary diatom abundance and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) pigment methods, were linked to nutrient input from sewage treatment works (STW) in the catchment. Stepped combustion radiocarbon (SCR) measurements established that lake sediment contains between 11% (~ 1929 CE) and 69% (~ 1978 CE) recalcitrant carbon, with changes in carbon character coinciding with peaks in accumulation rate and linked to STW inputs. Catchment disturbance was identified by radiocarbon analysis, and included STW construction in the 1930s, determined using SCR analysis, and recent nearby highway construction, determined by measurements on dissolved organic carbon from the lake and outflow river. The quantity of autochthonous carbon buried was related to diatom biovolume accumulation rate (DBAR) and decreased when diatom accumulation rate and valve size declined, despite an overall increase in net carbon production. HPLC pigment analysis indicated that changes in total C deposition and diatom accumulation were related to proliferation of non-siliceous algae. HPLC results also indicated that dominance of recalcitrant carbon in sediment organic carbon was likely caused by increased deposition rather than preservation factors. The total algal accumulation rate controlled the sediment organic carbon accumulation rate, whereas DBAR was correlated to the proportion of each carbon source buried.
Corrupted Estimates? Response Bias in Citizen Surveys on Corruption
Authors: Agerberg Mattias
Published: July 2020

Measuring corruption has become a global industry. An important and commonly used data source are several large-scale multi-country projects that survey citizens directly about their perceptions and experiences of corruption. Such indicators are regularly used by political scientists to test theories on political attitudes and behavior. However, we still know little about the quality of many of these measures. This paper deploys a large survey with two embedded experiments to investigate two potential sources of bias in indicators based on citizens’ perceptions and experiences of corruption, stemming from political bias and sensitivity bias. First, I draw upon research on economic perceptions and argue that respondents are likely to respond in a political manner when asked how they perceive the level of corruption in their country. I test this argument by experimentally priming respondents’ political affiliations before asking for their perception of corruption. Second, I argue that standard questions probing peoples’ corruption experiences are likely to be subject to sensitivity bias. I test this second argument by constructing a list experiment. Overall, the results show strong and predictable sources of response bias that also vary significantly between important subgroups. I discuss implications for researchers and practitioners.
Solvent influence on intramolecular interactions and aromaticity in meta and para nitroanilines
Authors: Zborowski Krzysztof K. , Szatyłowicz Halina , Krygowski Tadeusz M.
Published: July 2020

Theoretical density functional theory (B3LYP/6-31G**) was used to study the intra- and intermolecular interactions of nitrobenzene, aniline, and meta and para nitroaniline in various solvation models. The studied molecules were solvated by one or two water molecules in the presence of continuum solvation (thePCMmodel) or without it. Finally, the studied molecules were surrounded by a cluster of water molecules. For comparison, calculations were also made for separated molecules. Geometries, energies, hydrogen bonding between solutes and solvent molecules, atomic charges, and aromaticity were examined. The analysis was based on the Atoms in Molecules methodology and the Harmonic Oscillator Model of Aromaticity (HOMA) index. As a result, an extensive description of the solvation of nitro and amino groups and the effect of solvation on mutual interactions between these groups in meta and para nitroanilines is provided. It was found that in general, thePCMdescription of the hydration effect on the electronic structure of the studied systems (substituents) is consistent with the approach taking into account all individual interactions (cluster model).
Anti-coagulation for COVID-19 treatment: both anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory?
Authors: Paar Vera , Wernly Bernhard , Zhou Zhichao , Motloch Lukas J. , Hoppe Uta C. , Egle Alexander , Lichtenauer Michael
Published: July 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been linked to a higher risk of mortality compared to influenza, which is mainly due to severe secondary diseases, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In turn, ARDS is characterized by an acute inflammation and an excessive activity of the coagulation cascade, rising the vulnerability for venous thromboembolic events. In order to investigate the relation of inflammation and the influence of coagulation factors on their release, human peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMCs) were treated with autologous serum, heparinized plasma and different doses of fibrin. Thereafter, the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the secretome of PBMCs was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our analyses revealed autologous serum to significantly increase the secretion of cytokines and chemokines after 24 h of incubation time. Furthermore, the addition of fibrin markedly increased the secretion of cytokines and chemokines by PBMCs in a dose-dependent manner. Consequently, in accordance with previous studies, our study outlines that anti-coagulation may constitute a promising tool for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2, reducing both, the cytokine storm, as well as the risk for thrombotic complications.
Identification of Parameters Influencing the Accuracy of the Solution of the Nonlinear Muskingum Equation
Authors: Gąsiorowski Dariusz , Szymkiewicz Romuald
Published: July 2020

Two nonlinear versions of the Muskingum equation are considered. The difference between both equations relates to the exponent parameter. In the first version, commonly used in hydrology, this parameter is considered as free, while in the second version, it takes a value resulting from the kinematic wave theory. Consequently, the first version of the equation is dimensionally inconsistent, whereas the proposed second one is consistent. It is shown that the difference between the results provided by both versions of the nonlinear Muskingum equation depends on the longitudinal bed slope of a channel. For an increasing slope, when a propagating wave becomes more kinematic, the value of the exponent considered as the free parameter tends to its value resulting from the kinematic wave theory. Consequently, when the character of an open channel flow tends to a kinematic one, the dimensionally inconsistent version of the nonlinear Muskingum equation becomes a consistent one. The results of the numerical analysis suggest that apart from the parameters involved in the Muskingum equation, usually considered as free, the parameters of the numerical method of the solution (the number of reservoirs and the time step) should be considered also as free parameters. This conclusion results from the fundamental property of the Muskingum equation, relating to the numerical roots of the wave attenuation process. All numerical examples and tests relate to the solutions of the system of Saint Venant equations, considered as the benchmark.
Association between lung function decline and obstructive sleep apnoea: the ALEC study
Authors: Emilsson Össur Ingi , Sundbom Fredrik , Ljunggren Mirjam , Benediktsdottir Bryndis , Garcia-Aymerich Judith , Bui Dinh Son , Jarvis Deborah , Olin Anna-Carin , Franklin Karl A. , Demoly Pascal , Lindberg Eva , Janson Christer , Aspelund Thor , Gislason Thorarinn
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To study changes in lung function among individuals with a risk of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), and if asthma affected this relationship.

Methods

We used data from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey II and III, a multicentre general population study. Participants answered questionnaires and performed spirometry at baseline and 10-year follow-up (n = 4,329 attended both visits). Subjects with high risk for OSA were identified from the multivariable apnoea prediction (MAP) index, calculated from BMI, age, gender, and OSA symptoms at follow-up. Asthma was defined as having doctor’s diagnosed asthma at follow-up. Primary outcomes were changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) from baseline to follow-up.

Results

Among 5108 participants at follow-up, 991 (19%) had a high risk of OSA based on the MAP index. Participants with high OSA risk more often had wheeze, cough, chest tightness, and breathlessness at follow-up than those with low OSA risk. Lung function declined more rapidly in subjects with high OSA risk (low vs high OSA risk [mean ± SD]: FEV1 = − 41.3 ± 24.3 ml/year vs − 50.8 ± 30.1 ml/year; FVC = − 30.5 ± 31.2 ml/year vs − 45.2 ± 36.3 ml/year). Lung function decline was primarily associated with higher BMI and OSA symptoms. OSA symptoms had a stronger association with lung function decline among asthmatics, compared to non-asthmatics.

Conclusion

In the general population, a high probability of obstructive sleep apnoea was related to faster lung function decline in the previous decade. This was driven by a higher BMI and more OSA symptoms among these subjects. The association between OSA symptoms and lung function decline was stronger among asthmatics.
A Constrained Metropolis–Hastings Robbins–Monro Algorithm for Q Matrix Estimation in DINA Models
Authors: Liu Chen-Wei , Andersson Björn , Skrondal Anders
Published: July 2020

In diagnostic classification models (DCMs), the Q matrix encodes in which attributes are required for each item. The Q matrix is usually predetermined by the researcher but may in practice be misspecified which yields incorrect statistical inference. Instead of using a predetermined Q matrix, it is possible to estimate it simultaneously with the item and structural parameters of the DCM. Unfortunately, current methods are computationally intensive when there are many attributes and items. In addition, the identification constraints necessary for DCMs are not always enforced in the estimation algorithms which can lead to non-identified models being considered. We address these problems by simultaneously estimating the item, structural and Q matrix parameters of the Deterministic Input Noisy “And” gate model using a constrained Metropolis–Hastings Robbins–Monro algorithm. Simulations show that the new method is computationally efficient and can outperform previously proposed Bayesian Markov chain Monte-Carlo algorithms in terms of Q matrix recovery, and item and structural parameter estimation. We also illustrate our approach using Tatsuoka’s fraction–subtraction data and Certificate of Proficiency in English data.
Capturing the participation and social dimensions of computer-supported collaborative learning through social network analysis: which method and measures matter?
Authors: Saqr Mohammed , Viberg Olga , Vartiainen Henriikka
Published: July 2020

The increasing use of digital learning tools and platforms in formal and informal learning settings has provided broad access to large amounts of learner data, the analysis of which has been aimed at understanding students’ learning processes, improving learning outcomes, providing learner support as well as teaching. Presently, such data has been largely accessed from discussion forums in online learning management systems and has been further analyzed through the application of social network analysis (SNA). Nevertheless, the results of these analyses have not always been reproducible. Since such learning analytics (LA) methods rely on measurement as a first step of the process, the robustness of selected techniques for measuring collaborative learning activities is critical for the transparency, reproducibility and generalizability of the results. This paper presents findings from a study focusing on the validation of critical centrality measures frequently used in the fields of LA and SNA research. We examined how different network configurations (i.e., multigraph, weighted, and simplified) influence the reproducibility and robustness of centrality measures as indicators of student learning in CSCL settings. In particular, this research aims to contribute to the provision of robust and valid methods for measuring and better understanding of the participation and social dimensions of collaborative learning. The study was conducted based on a dataset of 12 university courses. The results show that multigraph configuration produces the most consistent and robust centrality measures. The findings also show that degree centralities calculated with the multigraph methods are reliable indicators for students’ participatory efforts as well as a consistent predictor of their performance. Similarly, Eigenvector centrality was the most consistent centrality that reliably represented social dimension, regardless of the network configuration. This study offers guidance on the appropriate network representation as well as sound recommendations about how to reliably select the appropriate metrics for each dimension.
The genetic algorithm census transform: evaluation of census windows of different size and level of sparseness through hardware in-the-loop training
Authors: Ahlberg Carl , León Miguel , Ekstrand Fredrik , Ekström Mikael
Published: July 2020

Stereo correspondence is a well-established research topic and has spawned categories of algorithms combining several processing steps and strategies. One core part to stereo correspondence is to determine matching cost between the two images, or patches from the two images. Over the years several different cost metrics have been proposed, one being the Census Transform (CT). The CT is well proven for its robust matching, especially along object boundaries, with respect to outliers and radiometric differences. The CT also comes at a low computational cost and is suitable for hardware implementation. Two key developments to the CT are non-centric and sparse comparison schemas, to increase matching performance and/or save computational resources. Recent CT algorithms share both traits but are handcrafted, bounded with respect to symmetry, edge lengths and defined for a specific window size. To overcome this, a Genetic Algorithm (GA) was applied to the CT, proposing the Genetic Algorithm Census Transform (GACT), to automatically derive comparison schemas from example data. In this paper, FPGA-based hardware acceleration of GACT, has enabled evaluation of census windows of different size and shape, by significantly reducing processing time associated with training. The experiments show that lateral GACT windows produce better matching accuracy and require less resources when compared to square windows.
Predicting Feasible Modifications of Ce2ON2 Using a Combination of Global Optimization and Data Mining
Authors: Zagorac J. , Schön J. C. , Matović B. , Škundrić T. , Zagorac D.
Published: July 2020

Using a combination of global optimization and data mining, we identify feasible modifications of an ionic Ce-O-N ceramic compound, with composition Ce2ON2, that should at least be metastable at T = 0 K. The energy landscape of Ce2ON2 has been explored for various pressures using empirical potentials followed by ab initio level optimizations, and a multitude of structure candidates has been analyzed. The structure of the energetically lowest modification among these candidates at standard pressure, α-Ce2ON2, is predicted to be similar to the AlCo2Pr2 structure type.
Double duty, shared responsibilities and feedback-literacy
Authors: Carless David
Published: July 2020

None
Bezlotoxumab for Preventing Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection: A Narrative Review from Pathophysiology to Clinical Studies
Authors: Giacobbe Daniele Roberto , Dettori Silvia , Di Bella Stefano , Vena Antonio , Granata Guido , Luzzati Roberto , Petrosillo Nicola , Bassetti Matteo
Published: July 2020

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) and recurrent CDI (rCDI) remain associated with a reduction in the patients’ quality of life and with increased healthcare costs. Bezlotoxumab is a monoclonal antibody against toxin B of C. difficile, approved for prevention of rCDI. In this narrative review, we briefly discuss the pathophysiology of CDI and the mechanism of action of bezlotoxumab, as well as the available evidence from investigational and observational studies in terms of efficacy, effectiveness, and safety of bezlotoxumab for the prevention of rCDI. Overall, bezlotoxumab has proved efficacious in reducing the burden of rCDI, thereby providing clinicians with an important novel strategy to achieve sustained cure. Nonetheless, experiences outside randomized controlled trials (RCTs) remain scant, and mostly represented by case series without a control group. Along with the conduction of RCTs to directly compare bezlotoxumab with faecal microbiota transplantation (or to precisely evaluate the role of their combined use), further widening our post-marketing experience remains paramount to firmly guide the use of bezlotoxumab outside RCTs, and to clearly identify those real-life settings where its preventive benefits can be exploited most.
On the impact of correlations on the congruence test: a bootstrap approach
Authors: Gaël Kermarrec , Boris Kargoll , Hamza Alkhatib
Published: July 2020

The detection of deformation is one of the major tasks in surveying engineering. It is meaningful only if the statistical significance of the distortions is correctly investigated, which often underlies a parametric modelization of the object under consideration. So-called regression B-spline approximation can be performed for point clouds of terrestrial laser scanners, allowing the setting of a specific congruence test based on the B-spline surfaces. Such tests are known to be strongly influenced by the underlying stochastic model chosen for the observation errors. The latter has to be correctly specified, which includes accounting for heteroscedasticity and correlations. In this contribution, we justify and make use of a parametric correlation model called the Matérn model to approximate the variance covariance matrix (VCM) of the residuals by performing their empirical mode decomposition. The VCM obtained is integrated into the computation of the congruence test statistics for a more trustworthy test decision. Using a real case study, we estimate the distribution of the test statistics with a bootstrap approach, where no parametric assumptions are made about the underlying population that generated the random sample. This procedure allows us to assess the impact of neglecting correlations on the critical value of the congruence test, highlighting their importance.
Physically distributed multi-robot coordination and collaboration in construction
Authors: Vasey Lauren , Felbrich Benjamin , Prado Marshall , Tahanzadeh Behrooz , Menges Achim
Published: July 2020

This paper presents strategies for the scalable fabrication of long-span composite structures made possible through physically distributed heterogeneous multi-robot collaboration. An interactive and collaborative fiber laying process between industrial robots and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is described as a case study, investigating the challenges of multi-robot distributed fabrication, but also the design and system potentials of such an approach. A proof-of-concept interactive and collaborative process based on hardware exchange was developed for the process of long-span fiber composite filament winding. Components of the fabrication workcell, including two high pay-load industrial six-axis robots, a custom developed UAV drone, pneumatic winding end-effectors with sensor integration, and a signal integrated mechanism for tension control are described. This paper covers particularly the hardware and software components and strategies that coordinated a physically distributed collaborative process between the diverse system of devices, robots, and sensor integrated machines. These aspects include: (1) a platform-agnostic communication infrastructure based on ROS (2) compilation of coordinated and sequence dependent fabrication instructions from the design environment into a custom task list for execution in a web user interface (3) an adaptive and flexible strategy for enabling the flexible execution of industrial robot control code (4) hardware strategies and sensors for handling process tolerances emerging from physically distributed collaboration. The paper concludes with an outlook on important considerations and technical components for increasing the scale and complexity of fabrication through digital coordination and physically distributed collaboration.
Nanopolyphenols: a review of their encapsulation and anti-diabetic effects
Authors: Rambaran Theresa F.
Published: July 2020

Polyphenols are believed to possess numerous health benefits and can be grouped as phenolic acids, flavonoids or non-flavonoids. Research involving the synthesis of nanopolyphenols has attracted interest in the areas of functional food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical development. This is in an effort to overcome current challenges which limit the application of polyphenols such as their rapid elimination, low water-solubility, instability at low pH, and their particle size. In the synthesis of nanopolyphenols, the type of nanocarrier used, the nanoencapsulation technique employed and the type of polymers that constitute the drug delivery system are crucial. For this review, all mentioned factors which can influence the therapeutic efficacy of nanopolyphenols were assessed. Their efficacy as anti-diabetic agents was also evaluated in 33 publications. Among these were phenolic acid (1), flavonoids (13), non-flavonoids (17) and polyphenol-rich extracts (2). The most researched polyphenols were quercetin and curcumin. Nanoparticles were the main nanocarrier and the size of the nanopolyphenols ranged from 15 to 333 nm with encapsulation efficiency and drug loading capacities of 56–97.7% and 4.2–53.2%, respectively. The quantity of nanomaterial administered orally ranged from 1 to 300 mg/kg/day with study durations of 1–70 days. Most studies compared the effect of the nanopolyphenol to its free-form and, in all but three cases, significantly greater effects of the former were reported. Assessment of the polyphenol to understand its properties and the subsequent synthesis of its nanoencapsulated form using suitable nanocarriers, polymers and encapsulation techniques can result in effective therapeutic agents for the treatment of diabetes.
Potential impact of climate change on temperature and humidity related human health effects during extreme condition
Authors: Javadinejad Safieh , Dara Rebwar , Jafary Forough
Published: July 2020

In this study, in addition to considering the two dominant climatic domains during extreme condition in the study area, temperature and humidity, and determining the correlation and correlation of these two factors with the prevalence of rotavirus gastroenteritis, a statistical model was proposed to predict the prevalence of the disease. Although this research, like many earlier studies, has been based on statistical data for a period of three years, according to its primary objectives, the short-term risk of the disease has been zoned using GIS software, and this point is new. The distinction between the present study and previous studies is considered. Previous studies did not consider the relationship between climate change and gastroenteritis GE. So, the purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between the number of patients admitted in the hospital with symptoms of gastroenteritis GE and the monthly climatic variables of temperature and humidity of rotavirus, maximum, mean during extreme condition, at least in the city of Ahvaz, in three levels and its suburbs. The results showed a high prevalence of rotavirus infection in children in Ahvaz at low temperature. The maximum rotavirus activity was determined at 13 ° C. Also, the highest number of patients with symptoms of rotavirus gastroenteritis was observed in autumn and early winter. It is suggested that the results of this study should be considered in determining the timing of vaccination during extreme condition.
Consumers’ Resistance to Digital Innovations: A Systematic Review and Framework Development
Authors: Talwar Shalini , Talwar Manish , Kaur Puneet , Dhir Amandeep
Published: July 2020

Consumer resistance is one of the major causes of failure of any innovation. Despite rising academic interest, the non-adoption of digital innovation or consumer resistance has received less scholarly attention as compared to the factors driving the adoption of digital products and services. The existing research on consumer resistance is also in siloes, running across multiple verticals, spanning from resistance to green products to the Internet of things (IoT). The current study provides a systematic review of the extant literature on consumer resistance to digital innovations by utilising the systematic literature review (SLR) methodology. A total of 54 studies were selected for content analysis to isolate thematic foci, identify research gaps, recommend future research avenues and develop a framework. Our analysis revealed that the extant literature could be grouped under broad research themes, namely resistance to digital innovations, organisational resistance to technological innovations, resistance to technological healthcare innovations and consumer resistance to innovations (offline). The results of this SLR study are expected to galvanise future research in this area from the theoretical as well as from a practice-oriented perspective by providing various actionable inputs to combat consumer resistance to digital innovations.
Loss determination at a linear cascade under consideration of thermal effects
Authors: Aberle-Kern S. , Niehuis R. , Ripplinger T.
Published: July 2020

Targeting higher efficiencies and lower fuel consumption of turbomachines, heat transfer and profile loss are research topics of particular interest. In contrast to that, the interaction of both was, so far, rarely investigated, but gains in importance in recent research activities. The profile loss of engine components can be characterised by the airfoil wakes at the blade rows utilising established measurement and evaluation methods for which an adiabatic flow is typically supposed. To enable the investigation of the influence of heat transfer at the blade on the loss characteristics, a novel evaluation procedure was set up. In addition to the pneumatic data, the total temperature in the airfoil wake at a linear cascade was measured by means of a five-hole probe with an integrated thermocouple. For the evaluation and analysis of these data, different definitions of the loss coefficient were investigated and, finally, extended to account for thermal aspects. Furthermore, established techniques to average the local wake data were applied and compared with special focus to their suitability for non-adiabatic cases. Moreover, an extended version of the mixed-out average as defined by Amecke was utilised applying not only a far-reaching consideration of a temperature gradient but also the inclusion of the third spatial dimension to enable the evaluation of field traverses in addition to single wake traverses. These techniques were applied to wake measurement data from a linear compressor cascade gained in a special test set-up in the high-speed cascade wind tunnel for different operating points and different blade temperatures. The suitability of the new methods could be proven, and initial steps of the aerodynamic analysis of the resulting data are presented. Thereby, the acquired techniques turned out as powerful methods for the evaluation of wake traverses on compressor and turbine cascades under non-adiabatic conditions.
Neuroimages and Neuropathology of a Stroke-Like Cerebral Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis
Authors: Marano Massimo , Brunelli Chiara , De Marco Costanza , Martini Maurizio , Quattrocchi Carlo Cosimo , Lauriola Libero , Di Lazzaro Vincenzo
Published: July 2020

A 70-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department reporting the acute onset of non-fluent aphasia, hyposthenia, and hemi-anesthesia of the right body. Brain computerized tomography revealed a subcortical hypodense lesion in the middle cerebral artery territory. Neck ultrasounds of internal and external carotid arteries and of the vertebral arteries showed a focal moderate stenosis of the left internal carotid artery due to a soft atheromasic plaque. These findings that were initially consistent with a diagnosis of an ischemic stroke were not confirmed by magnetic resonance (MR). The latter showed an hyperintense lesion on FLAIR and T2-weighted sequences located in the left centrum semiovale, corona radiata, and thalamus, with a well-defined regular rim and a mild compressive effect on the lateral ventricle, with diffusivity restriction but without ADC reduction and with a punctate and serpiginous gadolinium enhancement on T1 sequences (Figure 1). Within the first day of observation, the patient started complaining progressive mental deterioration, in absence of any other possible causes, and a total body CT scan excluded any other organ involvement. Patient was then referred to the neurosurgeon in order to perform a brain biopsy. The neuropathology was compatible with the diagnosis of cerebral lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LG) (Figure 1).
Overweight during lactation and its implications for biometric, nutritional and cardiovascular parameters of young and adult male and female rats
Authors: de Araújo Gracielle Amaral , Farias Raysa da Silva , Pedro Samuel de Sousa , Rocha Nazareth N. , Brito Fernanda C. F. , Scaramello Christianne B. V.
Published: July 2020

Litter size reduction can induce early overnourishment, being an attractive experimental model to study short- and long-term consequences of childhood obesity. Epidemiological data indicate sex differences regarding cardiometabolic disorders and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The present study aimed to describe biometric, nutritional and cardiovascular changes related to neonatal overweight promoted by litter size reduction in young and adult Wistar rats of both sexes. Litter adjustment to eight or four pups/mother (1:1 male-to-female ratio) gave, respectively, control and overweight groups. Body mass, food intake, haemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters and cardiorespiratory capacity were evaluated at postnatal days 30 and 150. Diminished litters were correlated with higher body mass and weight gain (12 %) during lactation, validating the experimental model of neonatal overweight. Soon after weaning male (16 %) and female (25 %) offspring of these litters presented a lower food intake than their respective control, without differences in body mass. Adult males from reduced litters presented higher abdominal circumference (7 %), systolic blood pressure (10 %), interventricular septum thickness (15 %) and relative wall thickness (15 %) compared with their respective control. Rats' performance on the maximal effort ergometer test was not affected by neonatal overweight. Data suggest the occurrence of catch-down growth and hypophagia in male and female rats submitted to neonatal overweight. However, only male rats presented haemodynamic and cardiac structural changes. These findings are crucial to personalised/gender medicine.
A duration estimator for a continuous time war of attrition game
Authors: Boehmke Frederick J. , Dion Douglas , Shipan Charles R.
Published: July 2020

We developed a maximum likelihood estimator corresponding to the predicted hazard rate that emerges from a continuous time game of incomplete information with a fixed time horizon (i.e., Kreps and Wilson, 1982, Journal of Economic Theory27, 253–279). Such games have been widely applied in economics and political science and involve two players engaged in a war of attrition contest over some prize that they both value. Each player can be either a strong or weak competitor. In the equilibrium of interest, strong players do not quit whereas weak players play a mixed strategy characterized by a hazard rate that increases up to an endogenous point in time, after which only strong players remain. The observed length of the contest can therefore be modeled as a mixture between two unobserved underlying durations: one that increases until it abruptly ends at an endogenous point in time and a second involving two strong players that continues indefinitely. We illustrate this estimator by studying the durations of Senate filibusters and international crises.
The “work” of being a bilingual: Exploring effects of forced language switching on language production and stress level in a real-world setting
Authors: Smith Sara A. , Seitz Stephanie R. , Koutnik Kelly H. , Mckenna Meaghan , Garcia Jorge N.
Published: July 2020

Research using single-word paradigms has established that forced language switching incurs processing costs for some bilinguals, yet, less research has addressed this phenomenon at the utterance level or considered real-world applications. The current study examined the impacts of forced language switching on spoken output and stress using a simulated virtual meeting. Twenty Spanish–English heritage bilinguals responded to general work-oriented questions in monolingual English (control) or language-switching (experimental) conditions. Responses were analyzed for mean length of utterance (MLU) and type-token-ratio (TTR). Multilevel modeling revealed an interaction effect of Condition (control vs. experimental) and question order on MLU, such that participants in the experimental condition produced significantly shorter utterances by the end of the task. Participants also had significantly lower lexical variation (TTR) overall in the experimental than the control condition. A 2 × 2 ANOVA revealed a significant effect of Condition and an interaction of Task (pre- vs. posttask) and Condition, such that participants in the control condition reported significantly lower stress after the activity. Results demonstrated the impact of a forced switching condition on production at the utterance level. Findings have implications for theory and scenarios in which heritage bilinguals are asked to use multiple languages in the workplace.
Variation and change in future temporal reference with avoir and être
Authors: Tristram Anna
Published: July 2020

Variation and change in the future temporal reference (FTR) sector in French has been the subject of numerous studies, from a variety of perspectives. Most studies consider the patterns of variation and evidence for change by looking at the verbal system as a whole. However, there are indications that some verbs differ significantly in their preference for one or other variant. Avoir and être are two such verbs. This study first examines the overall distribution of the inflected and periphrastic future with these two verbs in the ESLO corpus of spoken French, and considers the evidence for change. A multivariate analysis of the linguistic factors affecting variant selection in FTR with these two verbs reveals no exceptional effects; we thus explore other possible explanations for the exceptional distribution of FTR variants with these two verbs.
Assessing the Status of the Critically Endangered White-bellied HeronArdea insignisin north-east India
Authors: MENZIES ROHAN K. , RAO MEGHA , NANIWADEKAR ROHIT
Published: July 2020

The White-bellied HeronArdea insignisis currently known to be restricted to Bhutan, Myanmar, and north-east India. This ‘Critically Endangered’ species is under threat from the ever-changing river systems, primarily due to anthropogenic pressures including the large number of proposed hydropower projects. We report results of the first systematic, large-scale river survey for this species in the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in north-east India with the aim of establishing its evidence-based distribution and assessing the severity of threats on the river systems in the region. We conducted river surveys along all seven major river basins in Arunachal Pradesh (October 2017–March 2018) and one in Assam (January 2019) along with 200 key informant surveys from 23 localities across the region. We encountered the White-bellied Heron six times in only three of 81 sites surveyed. Three interviewees reported observing the herons in three new localities, but we did not have a direct observation of the birds in any new sites. From field observations during the river surveys as well as the interview results, we found that certain fishing methods, garbage, and sand/gravel mining could be potential reasons for restricted occurrence of the White-bellied Heron in the region. Hunting is also a threat that prevails across the region. Our study calls for governmental commitment for the protection of the species and its vulnerable ecosystem and focussed research on understanding the anthropogenic impacts on the heron.
Highresolution X-Ray Spectroscopy at Room Temperature
Authors: Strüder L , Lechner P , Leutenegger P , Schülein T
Published: July 2020

Silicon drift detectors (SDD) have shown an excellent energy resolution close to room temperature. All signal charges, generated in the fully depleted volume by ionizing radiation are guided to a small electron collecting read-out node. The first amplification is realized with an integrated on-chip JFET. The total read-out capacitance can be kept below 250 fF, independent of the detector area. The fact, that the first amplifier is already integrated in the detector offers many operational advantages: (a) better resolution because of the reduction of read-node capacitance, (b) insensitivity with respect to acoustic noise and electrical pick-up, (c) compact detector packaging and (d) the absence of liquid nitrogen cooling. Fig. 1 shows the detector concept, including the integrated electronics. The X-rays are hitting the SDD from the homogeneous radiation entrance window on the backside of the device.
Secondary Electron Detectors, Image Quality & Contrast
Authors: Scharf David
Published: July 2020

The Secondary Electron Detector (SED) is the first link in the chain of image formation after the initial illumination of a specimen in a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), therefore it is most crucial that the efficiency of the SED be as great as possible in order to maximize Signal-to- Noise Ratio (S/N) as any imperfections, inadequacies, and noise are then amplified along with the signal by the subsequent electronic amplifiers in the signal chain.

In the Everhart-Thornley SED, matching the scintillator's output spectrum to the photomultiplier tube's photocathode spectral sensitivity is one factor along with other characteristics of the PM tube, like quantum efficiency and noise characteristics. Light-pipe material along with as optical coupling techniques are another factor which determines the overall efficiency of converting SE electron strikes on the scintillator to a video output signal.
An experimental study of the thermolysis of hydrogen cyanide: the role of hydrothermal systems in chemical evolution
Authors: Villafañe-Barajas Saúl A. , Colín-García María , Negrón-Mendoza Alicia , Ruiz-Bermejo Marta
Published: July 2020

Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is considered a fundamental molecule in prebiotic chemistry experiments due to the fact that it could have an important role as raw material to form more complex molecules, as well as it could be an intermediate molecule in chemical reactions. However, the primitive scenarios in which this molecule might be available have been widely discussed. Hydrothermal systems have been considered as abiotic reactors and ideal niches for chemical evolution. Nevertheless, several experiments have shown that high temperatures and pressures could be adverse to the stability of organic molecules. Thus, it is necessary to carry out systematic experiments to study the synthesis, stability and fate of organic molecules in hydrothermal scenarios. In this work, we performed experiments focused on the stability and fate of HCN under a simple hydrothermal system scenario: the thermolysis of HCN at 100°C, at acidic and basic pH and in the presence of Mg-montmorillonite. Furthermore, we analysed the products from HCN thermolysis and highlighted the role of these chemical species as prebiotic molecules under a hydrothermal scenario.
Aging, Technology, and Psychology
Authors: Abri Diana , Boll Thomas
Published: July 2020

Abstract. Many older people suffer from functional declines and activity limitations, which reduce their autonomy and quality of life. Assistive technologies (ATs) could dampen such effects. However, many older people do not use ATs and it is important to understand, why they give away their benefits. In this article, we look at older peoples’ use of ATs from an action perspective on human development elaborated by Brandtstädter and colleagues. We review from this viewpoint models of AT use created mostly in information systems technology, business administration, and management sciences. The major focus is on the extent to which these models consider the relevant internal (mental) and external context of AT use, possible action alternatives, and autonomous, vicarious, and joint modes of decision-making about AT use. Systematic literature searches in PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar led us to 23 models. None of them contained as central variables any perceived discrepancies between the actual and desired developmental situation or any goals to reduce these discrepancies. No model included action alternatives to AT use beyond non-use such as trying harder on oneself, making environmental adaptations or using personal support. All models conceive of AT use as an act of the individual user, but neglected decision making about AT use by other persons on his or her behalf or a joint decision making of a potential user together with other persons (e.g., relatives). We discuss the background of these gaps, possibilities of a more comprehensive modeling of AT use, and practical implications (e.g., developmental counseling).