bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Improved Model of the Earth’s Static Gravity Field Solely Derived from Reprocessed GOCE Data
Authors: Brockmann Jan Martin , Schubert Till , Schuh Wolf-Dieter
Published: January 2021

After it was found that the gravity gradients observed by the Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) satellite could be significantly improved by an advanced calibration, a reprocessing project for the entire mission data set was initiated by ESA and performed by the GOCE High-level processing facility (GOCE HPF). One part of the activity was delivering the gravity field solutions, where the improved level 1b and level 2 data serve as an input for global gravity field recovery. One well-established approach for the analysis of GOCE observations is the so-called time-wise approach. Basic characteristics of the GOCE time-wise solutions is that only GOCE observations are included to remain independent of any other gravity field observables and that emphasis is put on the stochastic modeling of the observations’ uncertainties. As a consequence, the time-wise solutions provide a GOCE-only model and a realistic uncertainty description of the model in terms of the full covariance matrix of the model coefficients. Within this contribution, we review the GOCE time-wise approach and discuss the impact of the improved data and modeling applied in the computation of the new GO_CONS_EGM_TIM_RL06 solution. The model reflects the Earth’s static gravity field as observed by the GOCE satellite during its operation. As nearly all global gravity field models, it is represented as a spherical harmonic expansion, with maximum degree 300. The characteristics of the model and the contributing data are presented, and the internal consistency is demonstrated. The updated solution nicely meets the official GOCE mission requirements with a global mean accuracy of about 2 cm in terms of geoid height and 0.6 mGal in terms of gravity anomalies at ESA’s target spatial resolution of 100 km. Compared to its RL05 predecessor, three kinds of improvements are shown, i.e., (1) the mean global accuracy increases by 10–25%, (2) a more realistic uncertainty description and (3) a local reduction of systematic errors in the order of centimeters.
Abiotic factors driving cyanobacterial biomass and composition under perennial bloom conditions in tropical latitudes
Authors: Vanderley Rayane F. , Ger Kemal A. , Becker Vanessa , Bezerra Maria Gabriela T. A. , Panosso Renata
Published: January 2021

While warming and eutrophication have increased the frequency and magnitude of harmful cyanobacterial blooms globally, the scenario for many eutrophic tropical freshwaters is a perennial year-round bloom. Yet, the drivers of persistent blooms are less understood when conditions such as light, temperature, and nutrients favor cyanobacteria growth year-round, and especially in regions facing recurrent periods of drought. In order to understand the drivers of cyanobacteria dominance, we assessed the abiotic conditions related to the abundance and dominance of the two dominant bloom-forming genera Raphidiopsis and Microcystis, in six shallow, man-made lakes located in the semiarid Northeastern region of Brazil during a prolonged regional drought. Lower water level corresponded to increased phosphorous and nitrogen concentration and, consequently, phytoplankton biomass. Cyanobacterial biomass was also proportional to phosphorus concentrations during year-round blooms. Yet, the two dominant cyanobacterial genera, Raphidiopsis and Microcystis, seldom co-occurred temporally and the switch between them was driven by water transparency. Our results illustrate the effects of drought induced water level reductions on the biomass and composition of cyanobacterial blooms in tropical shallow man-made lakes. Given the ideal year-round conditions (i.e., high light and temperature), droughts may be expected to intensify the risk and multitude of problems associated with eutrophication.
Is human enhancement intrinsically bad?
Authors: Kudlek Karolina
Published: January 2021

A pertinent concern in the human enhancement debate is that human enhancement technologies (HET) are intrinsically bad and, hence, morally impermissible. This article evaluates the related claims about the intrinsic badness of HET by looking into philosophical theories of intrinsic value. It investigates how well-established conceptions of intrinsic value map onto typical bioconservative arguments about HET's intrinsic badness. Three predominant variants of these arguments are explored and found wanting: (i) HET are intrinsically bad owing to their unnaturalness; (ii) the pursuit of HET reveals intrinsically bad character (“the desire for mastery”); and (iii) HET will necessarily undermine intrinsically valuable things (e.g., human dignity). My analysis shows that the debate on intrinsic value places serious constraints on claims about the intrinsic badness of HET. More specifically, the analysis shows that bioconservative arguments are, for the most part, inconsistent, misconceived, and overly speculative. Enhancement interventions cannot be bearers of intrinsic value on any of its plausible understandings, and, even if we could grant such a possibility, there are no compelling reasons to presume that the intrinsic value of HET would be necessarily negative. As a result, claims regarding their moral impermissibility are unwarranted.
Statistical Approach on Differential Emission Measure of Coronal Holes using the CATCH Catalog
Authors: Heinemann Stephan G. , Saqri Jonas , Veronig Astrid M. , Hofmeister Stefan J. , Temmer Manuela
Published: January 2021

Coronal holes are large-scale structures in the solar atmosphere that feature a reduced temperature and density in comparison to the surrounding quiet Sun and are usually associated with open magnetic fields. We perform a differential emission measure analysis on the 707 non-polar coronal holes in the Collection of Analysis Tools for Coronal Holes (CATCH) catalog to derive and statistically analyze their plasma properties (i.e. temperature, electron density, and emission measure). We use intensity filtergrams of the six coronal EUV filters from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory, which cover a temperature range from $\approx10^{5.5}$
≈

10

5.5

to $10^{7.5}~\mbox{K}$

10

7.5

K
. Correcting the data for stray and scattered light, we find that all coronal holes have very similar plasma properties with an average temperature of $0.94 \pm0.18~\mbox{MK}$
0.94
±
0.18

MK
, a mean electron density of $(2.4 \pm0.7) \times10^{8}~\mbox{cm}^{-3}$
(
2.4
±
0.7
)
×

10

8

cm

−
3

, and a mean emission measure of $(2.8 \pm1.6) \times10^{26}~\mbox{cm}^{-5}$
(
2.8
±
1.6
)
×

10

26

cm

−
5

. The temperature distribution within the coronal holes was found to be largely uniform, whereas the electron density shows a 30 to 40% linear decrease from the boundary towards the inside of the coronal hole. At distances greater than 20″ ($\approx15~\mbox{Mm}$
≈
15

Mm
) from the nearest coronal hole boundary, the density also becomes statistically uniform. The coronal hole temperature may show a weak solar-cycle dependency, but no statistically significant correlation of plasma properties with solar-cycle variations could be determined throughout the observed period between 2010 and 2019.
Comparison of Geomagnetic Indices During Even and Odd Solar Cycles SC17 – SC24: Signatures of Gnevyshev Gap in Geomagnetic Activity
Authors: Takalo Jouni
Published: January 2021

We show that the time series of sunspot group areas has a gap, the so-called Gnevyshev gap (GG), between ascending and descending phases of the cycle and especially so for the even-numbered cycles. For the odd cycles this gap is less obvious, and is only a small decline after the maximum of the cycle. We resample the cycles to have the same length of 3945 days (about 10.8 years), and show that the decline is between 1445 – 1567 days after the start of the cycle for the even cycles, and extending sometimes until 1725 days from the start of the cycle. For the odd cycles the gap is a little earlier, 1332 – 1445 days after the start of the cycles with no extension. We analyze geomagnetic disturbances for Solar Cycles 17 – 24 using the Dst-index, the related Dxt- and Dcx-indices, and the Ap-index. In all of these time series there is a decline at the time, or somewhat after, the GG in the solar indices, and it is at its deepest between 1567 – 1725 days for the even cycles and between 1445 – 1567 days for the odd cycles. The averages of these indices for even cycles in the interval 1445 – 1725 are 46%, 46%, 18%, and 29% smaller compared to surrounding intervals of similar length for Dst, Dxt, Dcx, and Ap, respectively. For odd cycles the averages of the Dst- and Dxt-indices between 1322 – 1567 days are 31% and 12% smaller than the surrounding intervals, but not smaller for the Dcx-index and only 4% smaller for the Ap-index. The declines are significant at the 99% level for both even and odd cycles of the Dst-index and for the Dxt-, Dcx- and Ap-indices for even cycles. For odd cycles of the Dxt-index the significance is 95%, but the decline is insignificant for odd cycles of the Dcx- and Ap-indices.
Metabolic consequences for mice lacking Endosialin: LC–MS/MS-based metabolic phenotyping of serum from C56Bl/6J Control and CD248 knock‐out mice
Authors: Armitage Emily G. , Barnes Alan , Patrick Kieran , Bechar Janak , Harrison Matthew J. , Lavery Gareth G. , Rainger G. Ed , Buckley Christopher D. , Loftus Neil J. , Wilson Ian D. , Naylor Amy J.
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The Endosialin/CD248/TEM1 protein is expressed in adipose tissue and its expression increases with obesity. Recently, genetic deletion of CD248 has been shown to protect mice against atherosclerosis on a high fat diet.

Objectives

We investigated the effect of high fat diet feeding on visceral fat pads and circulating lipid profiles in CD248 knockout mice compared to controls.

Methods

From 10 weeks old, CD248−/− and +/+ mice were fed either chow (normal) diet or a high fat diet for 13 weeks. After 13 weeks the metabolic profiles and relative quantities of circulating lipid species were assessed using ultra high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS) with high resolution accurate mass (HRAM) capability.

Results

We demonstrate a specific reduction in the size of the perirenal fat pad in CD248−/− mice compared to CD248+/+, despite similar food intake. More strikingly, we identify significant, diet-dependent differences in the serum metabolic phenotypes of CD248 null compared to age and sex-matched wildtype control mice. Generalised protection from HFD-induced lipid accumulation was observed in CD248 null mice compared to wildtype, with particular reduction noted in the lysophosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylcholines, cholesterol and carnitine.

Conclusions

Overall these results show a clear and protective metabolic consequence of CD248 deletion in mice, implicating CD248 in lipid metabolism or trafficking and opening new avenues for further investigation using anti-CD248 targeting agents.
Efficacy of echocardiography for differential diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy: special focus on speckle-tracking longitudinal strain
Authors: Tanaka Hidekazu
Published: January 2021

Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LVH) is a frequent imaging finding in daily clinical practice, and its presence is associated with poor outcomes and ventricular arrhythmias. It is commonly detected in athletes, arterial hypertension, aortic stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, cardiac amyloidosis, Fabry disease, or Friedreich’s ataxia. Echocardiography plays an important role in detecting LVH and underlying causes in current clinical practice. While echocardiography is essential for the quantification and early detection of LV structural findings for various cardiovascular diseases, it has been reported that speckle-tracking echocardiographic parameters are also useful for the detection of early LV structural abnormalities. In particular, global longitudinal strain (GLS) assessed by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography is reportedly a sensitive marker for early subtle abnormalities of LV myocardial performance, helpful for the prediction of outcomes for various cardiac diseases, and superior to conventional echocardiographic indices. GLS is determined as the averaged peak longitudinal strain of 18 LV segments from standard apical views and can be assessed as a polar plot. This polar plot longitudinal strain mapping offers an intuitive visual overview of the global and regional LV longitudinal myocardial function status of various cardiomyopathies with LVH. This mapping is clinically practicable and the plot patterns obtainable as the result of further development of this technique for clinical practice provide clues to the etiology of cardiomyopathies. This article reviews the efficacy of echocardiography for differential diagnosis of LVH, with a special focus on the utility of speckle-tracking longitudinal strain.
Inhibition and adsorption potentials of mild steel corrosion using methanol extract of Gongronema latifoliuim
Authors: Aralu Chiedozie C. , Chukwuemeka-Okorie Helen O. , Akpomie Kovo G.
Published: January 2021

Gongronema latifoliumwas used as a low-cost green inhibitor for mild steel by applying the weight loss method at 303–323 K. There was a decrease in percentage inhibition with temperature increase and a rise in inhibition efficiency with an increase in the concentration of inhibitor. The obtained results showed thatGongronema latifoliumextract of methanol had percentage inhibition efficiencies in the range of 59.06–81.69%. Corrosion inhibition of mild steel showed a good fit to the Langmuir model compared to the Freundlich and El-Awardy adsorption models. Thermodynamics parameters, such as$$ E_{\text{a}} $$Ea,$$ Q_{\text{ads}} $$Qadsand$$ \Delta G_{\text{ads}} $$ΔGadswere evaluated and showed that the mechanism of corrosion inhibition of mild steel by methanol extract ofGongronema latifoliumwas physisorption. The results of this work indicated efficient potentials of the methanol extract ofGongronema latifoliumas a low-cost corrosion inhibitor in acidic media for mild steel, which could be applied to reduce corrosion of metals in industries.
Epidemiological investigation of a COVID-19 family cluster outbreak transmitted by a 3-month-old infant
Authors: Lin Guo-tian , Zhang Yue-hua , Xiao Mei-fang , Wei Yong , Chen Jin-ni , Lin Dao-jiong , Wang Jia-chong , Lin Qiu-yu , Lei Zhi-xian , Zeng Zhen-qiong , Li Ling , Li Hong-ai , Zheng Ying , Li Qiu-qiong , Zhen Huang-zhen , Jin Yu-ming , Wu Qing-xia , Zhang Fan , Xiang Wei
Published: January 2021

Objective

To investigate the clinical characteristics, epidemiological characteristics, and transmissibility of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a family cluster outbreak transmitted by a 3-month-old confirmed positive infant.

Methods

Field-based epidemiological methods were used to investigate cases and their close contacts. Real-time fluorescent reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) for all collected specimens. Serum SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies were detected by Chemiluminescence and Gold immnnochromatography (GICA).

Results

The outbreak was a family cluster with an attack rate of 80% (4/5). The first case in this family was a 3-month-old infant. The transmission chain was confirmed from infant to adults (her father, mother and grandmother). Fecal tests for SARS-CoV-2 RNA remained positive for 37 days after the infant was discharged. The infant’s grandmother was confirmed to be positive 2 days after the infant was discharged from hospital. Patients A (3-month-old female), B (patient A’s father), C (patient A’s grandmother), and D (patient A’s mother) had positive serum IgG and negative IgM, but patients A’s grandfather serum IgG and IgM were negative.

Conclusion

SARS-CoV-2 has strong transmissibility within family settings and presence of viral RNA in stool raises concern for possible fecal–oral transmission. Hospital follow-up and close contact tracing are necessary for those diagnosed with COVID-19.
Experimental and FEM based investigation of the influence of the deposition temperature on the mechanical properties of SiC coatings
Authors: Schlech Thomas , Horn Siegfried , Wijayawardhana Charles , Rashidi Arash
Published: January 2021

Scanning electron microscopy shows that the microstructure, in particular the overall grain size, of chemical vapor deposited silicon carbide coatings depends on the deposition temperature. So far, the influence of the microstructure on the mechanical properties of such coatings is not well described in literature. To investigate the influence of the deposition temperature on the mechanical properties of the coating, nanoindentation is used in this work. Since the measurement results of nanoindentation can be affected by the substrate material, the contribution of the substrate material is taken into account utilizing a finite element model. The model is then employed to generate information about elastic and plastic properties of the coating by inverse simulation. To evaluate the fracture toughness of the coating, the generated material model is used in a cohesive-zone based formulation of the fracture process during indentation at higher loads. The results of this model allow determining the fracture toughness of silicon carbide coatings deposited at different temperatures.
Außerschulische Interessen als Ressource für die individualisierte Vermittlung der Variablenkontrollstrategie in der Grundschule
Authors: Laufs Ann-Kathrin , Kempert Sebastian
Published: January 2021

Interesse stellt eine günstige Ausgangsbedingung für Lernprozesse dar. Lernförderliche Effekte des Interessenseinbezugs, wie eine erhöhte Aufmerksamkeit und ein erhöhtes Engagement, sind für die Altersgruppe der Sekundarschülerinnen und -schüler in unterschiedlichen Domänen gut belegt. Dieser Beitrag hat zum Ziel, den Forschungsstand zum Zusammenhang von Interesse und Lernen um die Altersgruppe der Grundschulkinder im Inhaltsbereich des frühen naturwissenschaftlichen Sachunterrichts zu ergänzen. AnN = 162 Grundschulkindern der dritten und vierten Jahrgangsstufe wird im Rahmen einer experimentellen Interventionsstudie untersucht, ob eine an individuellen Interessen ausgerichtete und so kontextualisierte Vermittlung der Variablenkontrollstrategie (VKS) positive Effekte auf (1) das situationale Interesse am Lernkontext und am Lerngegenstand und (2) auf den Lernerfolg hat. Darüber hinaus wird überprüft, (3) ob die angenommenen positiven Effekte einer kontextualisierten Vermittlung auf den Lernerfolg über das situationale Interesse in der Lernsituation vermittelt werden.

Die Ergebnisse belegen eine erfolgreiche Manipulation des situationalen Interesses am Lernkontext und am Lerngegenstand durch die kontextualisierte Vermittlung. Multivariate Analysen weisen ein erhöhtes situationales Interesse am Lernkontext und am Lerngegenstand der Experimentalgruppe 1 gegenüber der Experimentalgruppe 2 und der Kontrollgruppe nach. Differenzierte Analysen zum Lernerfolg der VKS zeigen, dass die an individuellen Interessen ausgerichtete Vermittlung in der Experimentalgruppe 1 zwar zu einem signifikanten Vorteil gegenüber der Kontrollgruppe, jedoch lediglich zu einem deskriptiven Vorteil gegenüber der Experimentalgruppe 2 führt. In einem Mediationsmodell zeigen sich entgegengesetzte Effekte des Interesses am Lernkontext und des Interesses am Lerngegenstand auf die Posttestleistung. Die Befunde werden vor dem Hintergrund der hohen Bedeutung von individualisierenden didaktischen Konzepten im Grundschulunterricht diskutiert.
Unilateral Internal Cerebral Vein Thrombosis: Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hu Ashley , Thomas Mariam , Chaudhary Saadia , Hathout Gasser
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this manuscript is to present two cases of unilateral internal cerebral vein thrombosis (UICVT) and use them to review the typical imaging findings and clinical presentation, provide a differential diagnosis when presented with a unilateral thalamic lesion, and discuss current literature findings of internal cerebral vein thrombosis, including the interesting trend of left-sided involvement. Two cases of UICVT were gathered from our institutions. A literature review was then conducted, and cases in the literature were compared to look for common features. Both of our cases involved the left internal cerebral vein. A total of 7 cases of unilateral and 8 cases of bilateral internal cerebral vein thrombosis were reviewed from the literature. Of the unilateral cases, all but one were on the left, and the one on the right was in a patient with right-sided malignancy after surgical resection. Most of these cases completely resolved with anticoagulation. UICVT is an extremely rare entity, with less than 10 cases reported in the literature. The prognosis of this disease is excellent if diagnosed and treated early; however, with delayed diagnosis and treatment, this process can be fatal. This highlights the importance of keeping this diagnosis on the differential when presented with a unilateral thalamic lesion.
Stability analysis of rock slope along selected road sections from Gutane Migiru town to Fincha sugar factory, Oromiya, Ethiopia
Authors: Lamessa Gadaawin , Meten Matebie
Published: January 2021

The slope instability was one of the common problems along the road that connects Gutane Migiru town to Fincha sugar factory, Western Ethiopia. The effect of the problem was intense mostly; during the rainy season, that triggers different modes of rock slope failure. As a result, the road was frequently damaged and blocked by the failed rock that in turn hinders the traffic activities. Thus, this study aimed at stability analyses of the critical slope sections using kinematic and limit equilibrium methods (LEM). The estimation of the most important input parameter in LEM analyses like cohesion and friction angle along the failure plane is often intricate and cumbersome. Hence, this paper used Rocscience software to effortlessly and instantly compute cohesion and friction angle along specific failure planes and then to carry out kinematic and LEM analyses. Besides, the strength of the intact rock was determined by the Schmidt hammer in the field and point load laboratory test. According to the kinematic analysis result, the wedge mode of rock slope failure occurred at slope sections D1S2 and D1S3 though the planar mode of failure occurred at slope sections D1S4 and D4S1. The factor of safety determined under all anticipated conditions became less than and greater than one at slope sections D1S2, D1S3, D1S4, and D4S1, and this depicts an unstable and stable slope, respectively. From the analysis result, the combined effect of rainfall, steepness of the slope dip, and joint set was the main factors that caused the slope insatiability.
Experimental estimation and numerical optimization of ‘cylindricity’ error in flow forming of H30 aluminium alloy tubes
Authors: De Tarak Nath , Podder Bikramjit , Hui Nirmal Baran , Mondal Chandan
Published: January 2021

The present article analyses the influence of flow forming input parameters on the development of “cylindricity error” in H30 aluminum alloy seamless tubes fabricated by a single pass reverse flow forming process. Measurement and control of geometrical precision in terms of cylindricity encompassing straightness and roundness are critical for the success of component manufacturing by flow forming. The experimental trials with a predefined range of input parameters conforming to the full factorial design of experiments approach have been performed, and corresponding cylindricity data have been recorded as the outcome. An empirical relation has been established between the input parameters and the cylindricity. It has been established that cylindricity value increases sharply with an increase in axial stagger contributing 39% to the outcome, whereas the percentage contributions of in-feed and feed-speed ratio are found to be less than 1%. The adequacy of the proposed model has further been analyzed and validated through the confirmation tests. In order to obtain better control over the overall process towards achieving higher productivity and accuracy, 2 meta-heuristic optimization algorithms namely, teaching and learning-based algorithm and genetic algorithm have been utilized for optimization of input process parameters to minimize cylindricity error. Both the algorithms predict that a combination of higher feed rate and lower value of axial stagger and in-feed parameters is essential to achieve the lowest cylindricity error in H30 Al alloy. Confirmatory experimental trials have been carried out to validate both the regression model and optimization, and have been found to agree well with the model predictions described herein.
The interactive pedological-hydrological processes and environmental sensitivity of a tropical isolated wetland in the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Furlan Lucas Moreira , Rosolen Vania , Moreira César Augusto , Bueno Guilherme Taitson , Ferreira Manuel Eduardo
Published: January 2021

In seasonal flooding isolated wetlands, the degree of wetness suggests a close synergy between soil processes, landscape evolution and hydrology along space and time. Until now, that subject has received insufficient attention despite natural wetlands supply essential environmental services to society and are surrounded by intensive agriculture that uses agrochemicals and fertilizers in their management. The objectives of this study were to propose an infiltration architecture model based on local surface and subsurface water-fluxes in isolated wetland embedded in lateritic plateau covered by savanna and qualify the environmental sensitivity as an area of aquifer recharge. Grain size, soil bulk density, and hydraulic conductivity were determined in five profiles in a soil catena. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle high-resolution images were obtained to generate a digital elevation model and discriminate areas with different vegetation, water accumulation, and environmental sensitivity. Electrical tomography was performed to unveil the soil architecture and infiltration. The soils (Plinthosols) developed on aquic conditions determine the linkage between the surface–subsurface hydrodynamics with the soil's physical properties. We have identified vertical and lateral water-flows in the soil architecture. Vertical flow occurs exclusively at the center, where the wetland is characterized as a recharge zone. Lateral flow towards the borders characterizes a discharge zone. The recharge zone is a depression surrounded by crops; therefore, it is a point of high environmental sensitivity. This hydrodynamic model is essential to support studies related to the dispersion of contaminants since soybean agriculture dominates the whole area of well-drained soils in the Brazilian Cerrado.
An applied method for railway wheel profile measurements due to wear using image processing techniques
Authors: Soleimani Hesam , Moavenian Majid , Masoudi Nejad Reza , Liu Zhiliang
Published: January 2021

Accurate wear prediction on railway wheels and evolution of railway wheels profile can affect the maintenance planning. The objective of this paper is to provide a new applied method for measuring the railway wheel profile with photographing from the railway wheel to measure by image processing techniques. The aim of this new applied method is to measure the wheel profile using images taken from railway wheels and compare it with the original plan. For this purpose, images were taken by using a camera. In this study, all automatic correction options were turned off and brightness and contrast were in normal conditions. The pixel data is converted to double-type data and are placed in the range of zero and one. Then, the input image which is usually as a three-channel or RGB image is converted to a single channel or gray surface image. Images taken from wheel profiles are processed using image processing techniques. Then the lines, curves and shapes in the image are extracted as cross-sectional and continuous curves. The new applied method results by image processing method obtained show good agreement with those achieved in field measurements.
Food for thought: the importance of nutritional well-being during COVID-19
Authors: Burke-Furey L. , McNicholas F.
Published: January 2021

Individuals with mental illness have poorer physical health, nutritional status, and lowered life expectancy. Optimising their physical and nutritional status has become an increasingly important therapeutic goal. Current experience with COVID-19 has further emphasised the susceptibility to physical illness and poorer outcomes amongst individuals with mental illness and those who are nutritionally compromised. Although life as we knew it has been suspended until the widespread roll-out of a vaccine, individuals can take immediate action to improve physical and mental health by attending to and optimising their nutritional well-being. Clinicians within mental health services have a crucial role to play in assisting such change, and reminding their patients of the importance of pursuing a healthy and balanced diet.
Management research and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Macht Stephanie A. , Chapman Ross L. , Fitzgerald Janna Anneke
Published: January 2021

In this editorial, we are delighted to introduce the seven papers in this Special Issue. Each article considers various aspects of how management research can assist in the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in different contexts. Starting from a desire to provide a mechanism to drive real research outcomes for management research, this editorial considers the SDGs and their implementation/adoption in universities and businesses to date. It then introduces the different contexts for management research and the SDGs explored in the seven articles in the Special Issue. Finally, in a Postscript at the end of this Special Issue, we look at current progress against the SDGs, how COVID-19 has impacted this progress and what the future may hold for the links between management research and the SDGs.
Developing a relational law of contracts: striking a balance between abstraction and contextualism
Authors: Gounari Zoe
Published: January 2021

Relational contract theory holds that the interpretation of a contract must take full account of the context and surrounding circumstances of the parties’ bargain so as to give effect to their respective intentions. This paper argues that if a relational treatment of contracts is to be institutionalised, in the sense of being utilised in a contract dispute to determine and give effect to the parties’ intentions, then it must operate at an abstract level. That is to say, rather than using relevant context to determine what the actual parties intended in the circumstances at hand, the contextualist enquiry should ascertain the relevant context by reference to what the parties would have agreed to in the circumstances, had they properly reflected on what their self-interest requires. I discuss the merits of this proposition by reference to a number of appellate judgments, which already endorse contextualism as a response to contractual ambiguity, and I ultimately apply it to the Supreme Court's judgment in Rainy Sky SA v Kookmin Bank.
Obligations, consent and contracts in Scots law: re-analysing the basis of medical malpractice liability in light ofMontgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board
Authors: Brown Jonathan
Published: January 2021

Professors MacQueen and Thomson have defined ‘contract’, within Scots law, as denoting ‘an agreement between two or more parties having the capacity to make it, in the form demanded by law, to perform, on one side or both, acts which are not trifling, indeterminate, impossible or illegal’. This definition reflects the fact that Scottish contracts are underpinned by consent, rather than by ‘consideration’. This, naturally, has the potential to be of great significance within the context of physician/patient relationships, particularly since the 2006 case ofDow v Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trustacknowledged that these relationships could be contractual in nature. This observation is of renewed importance since the landmark decision inMontgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board, which found that physicians must ensure that they obtain full and freely given ‘informed consent’ from their patients, prior to providing medical services. In light of the present medical regime which requires ‘doctor and patient [to] reach agreement on what should happen’, the basis of liability for medical negligence, in Scotland, requires reanalysis: ‘To have a contract only when the patient pays is not consistent with a legal system which has no doctrine of consideration in contract’.
Unexpected circular radio objects at high Galactic latitude
Authors: Norris Ray P. , Intema Huib T. , Kapińska Anna D. , Koribalski Bärbel S. , Lenc Emil , Rudnick L. , Alsaberi Rami Z. E. , Anderson Craig , Anderson G. E. , Crawford E. , Crocker Roland , English Jayanne , Filipović Miroslav D. , Galvin Tim J. , Hopkins Andrew M. , Hurley-Walker Natasha , Inoue Susumu , Luken Kieran , Macgregor Peter J. , Manojlović Pero , Marvil Josh , O’Brien Andrew N. , Park Laurence , Raja Wasim , Shobhana Devika , Venturi Tiziana , Collier Jordan D. , Hale Catherine , Hotan Aidan , Moss Vanessa , Whiting Matthew
Published: January 2021

We have found a class of circular radio objects in the Evolutionary Map of the Universe Pilot Survey, using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder telescope. The objects appear in radio images as circular edge-brightened discs, about one arcmin diameter, that are unlike other objects previously reported in the literature. We explore several possible mechanisms that might cause these objects, but none seems to be a compelling explanation.
High cadence optical transient searches using drift scan imaging II: Event rate upper limits on optical transients of duration <21 ms and magnitude <6.6
Authors: Tingay Steven , Joubert Wynand
Published: January 2021

We have realised a simple prototype system to perform searches for short timescale optical transients, utilising the novel drift scan imaging technique described by Tingay (2020). We used two coordinated and aligned cameras, with an overlap field of view of approximately 3.7 deg

$^2$

, to capture over

$34\,000 \times 5$

second images during approximately 24 h of observing. The system is sensitive to optical transients, due to an effective exposure time per pixel of 21 ms, brighter than a V magnitude of 6.6. In our 89.7 deg

$^2$

h of observations, we find no candidate astronomical transients, giving an upper limit to the rate of these transients of 0.8 per deg

$^2$

per day, competitive with other experiments of this type. The system is triggered by reflections from satellites and various instrumental effects, which are easily identifiable due to the two camera system. The next step in the development of this promising technique is to move to a system with larger apertures and wider fields of view.
Fast and slow decay solutions for supercritical fractional elliptic problems in exterior domains
Authors: Ao Weiwei , Liu Chao , Wang Liping
Published: January 2021

We consider the fractional elliptic problem:whereB1is the unit ball in ℝN,N⩾ 3,s∈ (0, 1) andp> (N+ 2s)/(N− 2s). We prove that this problem has infinitely many solutions with slow decayO(|x|−2s/(p−1)) at infinity. In addition, for eachs∈ (0, 1) there existsPs> (N+ 2s)/(N− 2s), for any (N+ 2s)/(N− 2s) <p<Ps, the above problem has a solution with fast decayO(|x|2s−N). This result is the extension of the work by Dávila, del Pino, Musso and Wei (2008, Calc. Var. Partial Differ. Equ. 32, no. 4, 453–480) to the fractional case.
ON ANALOGUES OF HUPPERT’S CONJECTURE
Authors: YANG YONG
Published: January 2021

Let G be a finite group and

$\chi $
be a character of G. The codegree of

$\chi $
is

${{\operatorname{codeg}}} (\chi ) ={|G: \ker \chi |}/{\chi (1)}$
. We write

$\pi (G)$
for the set of prime divisors of

$|G|$
,

$\pi ({{\operatorname{codeg}}} (\chi ))$
for the set of prime divisors of

${{\operatorname{codeg}}} (\chi )$
and

$\sigma ({{\operatorname{codeg}}} (G))= \max \{|\pi ({{\operatorname{codeg}}} (\chi ))| : \chi \in {\textrm {Irr}}(G)\}$
. We show that

$|\pi (G)| \leq ({23}/{3}) \sigma ({{\operatorname{codeg}}} (G))$
. This improves the main result of Yang and Qian [‘The analog of Huppert’s conjecture on character codegrees’, J. Algebra478 (2017), 215–219].
STRICTLY REAL FUNDAMENTAL THEOREM OF ALGEBRA USING POLYNOMIAL INTERLACING
Authors: BASU SOHAM
Published: January 2021

Without resorting to complex numbers or any advanced topological arguments, we show that any real polynomial of degree greater than two always has a real quadratic polynomial factor, which is equivalent to the fundamental theorem of algebra. The proof uses interlacing of bivariate polynomials similar to Gauss’s first proof of the fundamental theorem of algebra using complex numbers, but in a different context of division residues of strictly real polynomials. This shows the sufficiency of basic real analysis as the minimal platform to prove the fundamental theorem of algebra.
A BIJECTION OF INVARIANT MEANS ON AN AMENABLE GROUP WITH THOSE ON A LATTICE SUBGROUP
Authors: HOPFENSPERGER JOHN
Published: January 2021

Suppose G is an amenable locally compact group with lattice subgroup

$\Gamma $
. Grosvenor [‘A relation between invariant means on Lie groups and invariant means on their discrete subgroups’, Trans. Amer. Math. Soc.288(2) (1985), 813–825] showed that there is a natural affine injection

$\iota : {\text {LIM}}(\Gamma )\to {\text {TLIM}}(G)$
and that

$\iota $
is a surjection essentially in the case

$G={\mathbb R}^d$
,

$\Gamma ={\mathbb Z}^d$
. In the present paper it is shown that

$\iota $
is a surjection if and only if

$G/\Gamma $
is compact.
The evidence for cognitive behavioural therapy in any condition, population or context: a meta-review of systematic reviews and panoramic meta-analysis
Authors: Fordham Beth , Sugavanam Thavapriya , Edwards Katherine , Stallard Paul , Howard Robert , das Nair Roshan , Copsey Bethan , Lee Hopin , Howick Jeremy , Hemming Karla , Lamb Sarah E.
Published: January 2021

The majority of psychological treatment research is dedicated to investigating the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) across different conditions, population and contexts. We aimed to summarise the current systematic review evidence and evaluate the consistency of CBT's effect across different conditions. We included reviews of CBT randomised controlled trials in any: population, condition, format, context, with any type of comparator and published in English. We searched DARE, Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, CDAS, and OpenGrey between 1992 and January 2019. Reviews were quality assessed, their data extracted and summarised. The effects upon health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were pooled, within-condition groups. If the across-condition heterogeneity was I2 < 75%, we pooled effects using a random-effect panoramic meta-analysis. We summarised 494 reviews (221 128 participants), representing 14/20 physical and 13/20 mental conditions (World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases). Most reviews were lower-quality (351/494), investigated face-to-face CBT (397/494), and in adults (378/494). Few reviews included trials conducted in Asia, South America or Africa (45/494). CBT produced a modest benefit across-conditions on HRQoL (standardised mean difference 0.23; 95% confidence intervals 0.14–0.33, I2 = 32%). The effect's associated prediction interval −0.05 to 0.50 suggested CBT will remain effective in conditions for which we do not currently have available evidence. While there remain some gaps in the completeness of the evidence base, we need to recognise the consistent evidence for the general benefit which CBT offers.
The beloved icon: an Augustinian solution to the problem of sex
Authors: Kamel Onsi A.
Published: January 2021

Augustine famously believed fallen human sex to be inescapably bound up with sinful lust. In every sexual act, lust embodies both the sin of the fall (prideful idolatry) and that sin's consequences. John C. Cavadini has extended Augustine's conception of lust to include domination, and even violence. This leaves us with a disturbing question: is sex without violence possible? Building upon Jean-Luc Marion's distinction between idol and icon, this paper locates a solution to the problem of lust in Augustine's conception of friendship. Identifying the beloved as an icon of God entails relating to the beloved without lustful domination.
The Treatment of Human Remains under the Ecclesiastical Law of England
Authors: Blaney Ian
Published: January 2021

Human remains interred in parish churchyards or in consecrated portions of local authority cemeteries are within the faculty jurisdiction of the consistory courts of the Church of England. A faculty is required for the disturbance of human remains lying within the faculty jurisdiction. This article will examine the law surrounding consecrated burial grounds in England and the disinterment of human remains therefrom and what this demonstrates about the principles of the ecclesiastical law of England relating to their protection. If ecclesiastical law provides for the protection of human remains, what is the justification for that and how adequate is the protection? The article will compare the consistory courts’ treatment of human remains with the regulation of remains outside the faculty jurisdiction, and attempt to relate canonical principles towards human remains with the legal character of consecrated ground. It will investigate whether the modern treatment of human remains is different from the treatment of remains in the past. By these comparisons I hope to better explore what justifications exist for the approach the consistory courts have taken in regulating disturbance of human remains.
Fresh oocyte cycles yield improved embryo quality compared with frozen oocyte cycles in an egg-sharing donation programme
Authors: Setti Amanda Souza , Braga Daniela Paes de Almeida Ferreira , Iaconelli Assumpto , Borges Edson
Published: January 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate any effect of cryopreservation of donated eggs on laboratorial and clinical outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. This retrospective cohort study included 320 oocyte recipients undergoing 307 vitrified and 119 fresh oocyte recipient ICSI cycles, participating in an egg-sharing donation programme, from 2015 to 2018, in a private university-affiliated in vitro fertilization (IVF) centre. A review of donor and recipient ICSI cycles was charted. A general mixed models fit by restricted maximum likelihood, followed by Bonferroni post hoc test was used to compare the means between fresh and warm oocyte donation groups and investigate the effect of cryopreservation on recipient ICSI outcome. The main outcome measure was blastocyst development rates. Fertilization rate, high-quality embryo rates on days 2 and 3, normal cleavage speed rates on days 2 and 3, and blastocyst development rate were significantly higher for the fresh oocyte donation cycles compared with warmed oocyte donation cycles. In the egg-sharing donation programme, fertilization and embryo developmental competence were reduced when vitrified oocytes from infertile couples were used for ICSI compared with fresh oocytes.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy in Cyberknife® for partial breast irradiation: a review
Authors: De la Pinta Carolina , Fernández-Lizarbe Eva
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Partial breast irradiation (PBI) can reduce the volume of treatment and number of treatment sessions in low-risk breast cancer patients. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) allows the administration of high doses per fraction thereby reducing the number of fractions and reducing the dose to the surrounding tissues. The objective of this study is to review the literature on the use of SBRT in PBI using the Cyberknife® (CK) unit.

Material and methods:

In this review, we analysed the literature in PubMed and MEDLINE with articles published in the last 10 years. All citations were evaluated for relevant content and validity.

Results:

We include articles in the English language with information about PBI, SBRT in PBI, the use of the CK unit in PBI and other applications of SBRT in breast carcinoma. A total of 68 articles were found and 28 articles were selected for inclusion in this review.

Conclusions:

The treatment of PBI using the CK unit has clear advantages in reducing the treatment volume, and therefore theoretically reducing side effects and good cosmetic results with adequate tumour control. However, the placement of fiducial markers is necessary, requiring an adequate learning curve for the placement of the markers and longer treatment times.
Technical illustration of Volumetric arc conformal radiotherapy planning in a case of paratesticular sarcoma
Authors: Gupta Anil , Pandey Rambha , Sharma Seema , Ghosh Vivek , Dhamija Ekta , Barwad Adarsh , Rastogi Sameer , Kumar Rishabh , Kulshrestha Rashi
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Paratesticular sarcoma are extremely rare malignant tumours. Unlike other sites, they tend to be lower grade and have higher propensity of lymphatic spread. They tend to fail locally and occasionally in the regional lymph nodes. In the absence of target volume delineation guidelines and technical illustration of conformal planning, we have made an attempt to illustrate conformal planning methodology and define target volume based on current evidence in a case of paratesticular sarcoma.

Methods:

We are presenting a case of 62-year-old male who presented with 15-cm scrotal swelling and underwent high inguinal orchidectomy with ligation of spermatic cord. Histopathology presented a well-differentiated leiomyosarcoma of epididymis. Post-operative radiotherapy target volume included the tumour bed, ipsilateral inguinal nodes and lower pelvic nodes as the clinical target volume.

Conclusion:

Adjuvant radiotherapy using advanced delivery technique such as volumetric arc technique can provide good dose distribution with good sparing of organs at risk. The downside of conformal radiation delivery is that it is a resource-intensive and has no established target volume delineation guidelines.