bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Archimedes screw generators for sustainable micro‐hydropower production
Authors: Simmons Scott Christopher , Lubitz William David
Published: June 2021

Archimedes screws have been used as pumps since antiquity and have more recently been implemented in micro‐hydropower plants as an ecologically advantageous technology. They are regarded as a hydropower technology with lower environmental impact since they allow safe passage of aquatic flora and fauna through slow turning, widely spaced blades during operation. Archimedes screw generators (ASGs) operate at river‐to‐wire efficiencies at approximately 75% with relatively low installation and maintenance costs when compared to other hydropower technologies of the same scale. ASGs are relatively simple and cost‐efficient to manufacture—simple enough to create in the seventh century BCE. Modern manufacturing techniques for sheet metal and fabrication have refined ASG production. The literature contains various parametric models for predicting screw power output, and more recent numerical simulations have provided insight into the fluid mechanics of screw generators. The knowledge gained from these studies has allowed researchers to suggest more optimal designs for Archimedes screws. However, much can be done to further improve the accuracy of power prediction models. This paper discusses the current state of the literature for ASGs, and highlights areas for future research to improve power prediction and optimization capabilities for researchers and industrial designers.

Highlights

Archimedes screws are an ancient pumping technology that have more recently found use as a hydropower‐producing technology.

Archimedes screw generators (ASGs) are a small‐scale hydropower technology that may be installed as a run‐of‐river installation.

ASGs are an eco‐friendly technology that allow for the safe passage of sediments, small debris, fish, and other aquatic wildlife through their flights during operation.

There are few experiments and computational fluid dynamic simulations that have sought to extend the literature's data on ASG operation.

Current performance models for ASGs lack robust validation to be properly implemented in power plant design.
A robust type‐2 fuzzy logic‐based maximum power point tracking approach for thermoelectric generation systems
Authors: Rezk Hegazy , Harrag Abdelghani
Published: June 2021

A robust type‐2 fuzzy logic (FL)‐based approach for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is proposed in this work. The method is used to increase the energy efficiency of thermoelectric generators (TEGs). Type‐2 FL was applied to adapt the variable step size of incremental resistance (INR) MPPT to track the maximum available power of a TEG. The output power from a TEG relies mostly on the difference in temperature of its two sides added to the load value. Consequently, MPPT must be robust to extract the optimum operation point continually under varying operational conditions. The aim of the suggested approach is to enhance the dynamic response and eradicate fluctuations around the maximum power point (MPP). The results employing the type‐2 FL are compared with conventional methods including INR, perturb and observe (P&O), and type‐1 FL. With a variable load (15, 20, and 25 Ω), the proposed approach takes around 7 ms to reach a steady state with 2.6, 3.9, and 5.2 W overshoot, respectively, and almost zero oscillation. With a fixed load and a fixed temperature difference, our proposed tracker decreases the response time by 35.84%, 45.27%, and 96.50% compared to INR, P&O, and conventional FL, respectively. With a fixed load and a varying temperature difference, the proposed tracker decreases the response time by 53.33%, 94.07%, and 96.53% compared to INR, P&O, and conventional FL, respectively. The results confirmed the ability of the proposed method to keep the conversion efficiency of TEGs high and stable, reducing energy loss.
Effect of an optimal oxide layer on the efficiency of graphene‐silicon Schottky junction solar cell
Authors: Aftab Sikandar , Iqbal Muhammad Zahir , Alam Shahid , Alzaid Meshal
Published: June 2021

The harvesting of solar energy through silicon/graphene Schottky junction photovoltaic cell has been widely investigated in the last decade but the surface recombination at interface limits the high conversion efficiency. We have demonstrated the utilization of the optimum thickness (1.5 nm) of Al2O3 between the interfaces of graphene and n‐type Si as an interlayer to reduce the surface recombination along with chemical doping of perfluorinated polymeric sulfonic acid (PFSA) is used as a p‐type dopant to modulate the work function of graphene. The Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) analysis revealed that the p‐doping enhances the graphene work function from 4.65 to 4.8 eV. The transport measurements are performed to study the shift in charge neutrality point of graphene. Furthermore, the effect of PFSA doping on graphene is also confirmed through Raman spectroscopy. The maximum value of power conversion efficiency (PCE) was found to be 13.52% (100 mW cm−2, AM 1.5) by introducing an optimal oxide layer and PFSA doping. The device exhibits the photoresponsivity of 0.10 AW−1. We believe that our findings will provide a route toward the development of new photovoltaic (PV) cells.
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester mitigates cadmium‐induced damage via the Hsa_circ_0010039/miR‐661/Caspase9 axis–mediated apoptosis
Authors: Hao Rili , Ge Junlin , Li Meiqi , Song Xinyu , Jiang Yang , Li Feng , Sun‐Waterhouse Dongxiao , Li Dapeng
Published: June 2021

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a bioactive component of honeybee propolis, which has protective effect against heavy metal induced toxicology. Cadmium is a kind of heavy metal pollutant that is hazardous to human health especially liver, and apoptosis is an important mechanism related to cadmium injury. Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) are involved in the regulation of apoptosis. However, the protective effects of CAPE on cadmium‐induced cell apoptosis through CircRNA related mechanisms remains unclear at the current stage. In the present research, cell‐based studies revealed that treating HepG2 cells with CdCl2 (0–30 μM; 24 h) caused a dose‐dependent decrease in cell viability, and CAPE at 10 μM could reverse such a decrease. The circular RNA hsa‐circ‐0010039 may function as a ceRNA for the microRNA miR‐661 to enhance caspase 9 expression and regulate apoptosis. The anti‐apoptotic effects of CAPE against CdCl2‐induced injury may be achieved through inhibiting the expression of hsa‐circ‐0010039 and caspase 9 while up‐regulating miR‐661 expression. This is the first report on the involvement of circRNA in CAPE's alleviating effect on CdCl2‐induced injury and apoptosis. The hsa_circ_0010039/miR‐661/caspase9 axis deserves further research efforts especially in search of dietary interventions for cadmium injury.
A semi‐staggered finite volume approach applied to two‐ and three‐dimensional flow in channels with gradual expansions
Authors: Nascimento Adyllyson , Rodrigues Gustavo , Ricardo Figueiredo José
Published: June 2021

Two‐ and three‐dimensional computations have been performed to study incompressible laminar flow of viscous fluids in symmetric channels with gradual expansions. The divergent form advective and viscous terms of Navier–Stokes equations are discretized by means of the UNIFAES scheme, which has been showing unpaired accuracy. Explicit time‐wise integration allows continuity to be imposed via the Poisson equation for the pressure, solved iteratively with several iterations per velocity step in order to ensure mass conservation throughout the transient regime. The proposed finite volume approach uses the semi‐staggered mesh structure, in which pressure is put at the center of the continuity cell and the velocity components at the cell vertexes. Comparative studies have shown this mesh to be highlighted by accuracy, in relation to the traditional, staggered and collocated meshes. Furthermore, it was observed that the semi‐staggered mesh allowed to treat a plane diverging channel in entirely regular fashion without losing accuracy, by appropriate choice of the aspect ratio of the numerical cell, providing geometrical flexibility that does not exist in more common meshes, such as staggered and collocated structures. The present proposal explored the geometric flexibility of the semi‐staggered mesh to solve with simplicity a relevant problem of a channel with gradual expansion. Overall, good agreement was observed against experimental and numerical results in the literature, therefore, it illustrates the capability of the semi‐staggered approach to easily handle flat surfaces nonparallel to the coordinates axes.
Cladophialophora bantiana and Nocardia farcinica infection simultaneously occurring in a kidney transplant recipient: Case report and literature review
Authors: Cortés Pedro , Jane Hata D. , Libertin Claudia , Meza Villegas Diana M. , Harris Dana M.
Published: June 2021

Solid organ transplant recipients are at increased risk of acquiring devastating infections with unusual pathogens. Nocardia are aerobic actinomycetes that affect the lungs, brain, skin and soft tissue. Cladophialophora species are dematiaceous fungi that overwhelmingly cause infections in the brain. Both organisms carry a high mortality rate. We present the first reported renal transplant case with Cladophialophora bantiana involving the renal allograft with concurrent invasive nocardiosis involving the lungs and brain.
The optimal timing of interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy following percutaneous cholecystostomy based on pathological findings and the incidence of biliary events
Authors: Hung Yu‐Liang , Chen Huan‐Wu , Tsai Chun‐Yi , Chen Tse‐Ching , Wang Shang‐Yu , Sung Chang‐Mu , Hsu Jun‐Te , Yeh Ta‐Sen , Yeh Chun‐Nan , Jan Yi‐Yin
Published: June 2021

Background

The incidence of biliary events (BE) following percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) in acute cholecystitis (AC) patients is high. Therefore, definitive laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is recommended. We aimed to investigate the optimal timing of LC following PC with regard to the clinical course and pathological findings.

Methods

All 744 AC patients with PC were included. The incidence and median number of BE were investigated with the concept of competing risks. The 344 patients with interval LC were divided into two groups based on the pathological findings of resected gallbladders: the acute/acute‐and‐chronic group (AANC group) (n = 221) and the chronic group (n = 123). A comparative analysis of the demographic data and perioperative outcomes was performed.

Results

Among the 744 AC patients with PC, 142 patients experienced recurrent BE. The cumulative incidence of BE was 26.6%, and the median time to recurrence was 67.5 days. The PC‐to‐LC days of the chronic group were longer than those of the AANC group (73.51 vs 63.00, P < .001). The multivariate analysis indicated that the operation time was longer in the AANC group than in the chronic group (P = .040).

Conclusion

In terms of the clinical course and sequential pathological changes in the gallbladder, a 9‐ to 10‐week interval after PC is the optimal timing for LC.
Vitiligo, alkaptonuria, and nitisinone—A report of three families and review of the literature
Authors: Ranganath Lakshminarayan , Khedr Milad , Evans Leanne A. , Bygott Helen , Luangrath Emily , West Elizabeth
Published: June 2021

Four patients, from three families, with alkaptonuria receiving 4‐hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase‐inhibiting nitisinone therapy, which lowers homogentisic acid and increases tyrosine, developed vitiligo. Three of the four patients were receiving nitisinone 2 mg daily, while the fourth was on 10 mg daily. All four patients were either receiving or had received transiently proton‐pump inhibitors as therapy for dyspepsia. The ages of the patients were 35, 42, 40, and 67 years, respectively. Three patients were men and one was a woman. All four patients were either taking a proton‐pump inhibitor or had been taking one at some point. Three of the four were of South Asian and one of Caucasian background. The three patients with South Asian background also had either a personal or family history of autoimmune disease. Distressing vitiligo, initially in an acrofacial distribution, developed unexpectedly in these four patients, before then progressing to involve other parts of the body. Potential factors in the appearance of vitiligo in this setting, including nitisinone and other drug therapy, are explored and responses to the appearance of vitiligo are discussed.
Altered canalicular remodeling associated with femur fracture in mice
Authors: Emami Armaun J. , Sebastian Aimy , Lin Yu‐Yang , Yee Cristal S. , Osipov Benjamin , Loots Gabriela G. , Alliston Tamara , Christiansen Blaine A.
Published: June 2021

We previously showed that femur fracture in mice caused a reduction in bone volume at distant skeletal sites within 2 weeks post‐fracture. Osteocytes also have the ability to remodel their surrounding bone matrix through perilacunar/canalicular remodeling (PLR). If PLR is altered systemically following fracture, this could affect bone mechanical properties and increase fracture risk at all skeletal sites. In this study, we investigated whether lacunar‐canalicular microstructure and the rate of PLR are altered in the contralateral limb following femoral fracture in mice. We hypothesized that femoral fracture would accelerate PLR by 2 weeks postfracture, followed by partial recovery by 4 weeks. We used histological evaluation and high‐resolution microcomputed tomography to quantify the morphology of the lacunar‐canalicular network at the contralateral tibia, and we used quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and RNA‐seq to measure the expression of PLR‐associated genes in the contralateral femur. We found that at both 2 and 4 weeks postfracture, canalicular width was significantly increased by 18.6% and 16.6%, respectively, in fractured mice relative to unfractured controls. At 3 days and 4 weeks post‐fracture, we observed downregulation of PLR‐associated genes; RNA‐seq analysis at 3 days post‐fracture showed a deceleration of bone formation and mineralization in the contralateral limb. These data demonstrate notable canalicular changes following fracture that could affect bone mechanical properties. These findings expand our understanding of systemic effects of fracture and how biological and structural changes at distant skeletal sites may contribute to increased fracture risk following an acute injury.
FDA Approval Summary: Selinexor for Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Kasamon Yvette L. , Price Lauren S.L. , Okusanya Olanrewaju O. , Richardson Nicholas C. , Li Ruo-Jing , Ma Lian , Wu Yu-Te , Theoret Marc , Pazdur Richard , Gormley Nicole J.
Published: June 2021

In June 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to selinexor for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified, including DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma, after at least two lines of systemic therapy. Approval was based on SADAL, a multicenter trial of selinexor monotherapy in patients with DLBCL after two to five systemic regimens. Efficacy was based on independent review committee–assessed objective response rate (ORR) and duration of response using Lugano criteria. In 134 patients treated with the approved dosage (60 mg orally on days 1 and 3 of each week), the ORR was 29% (95% confidence interval, 22–38), with complete response in 13% and with 38% of responses lasting at least 6 months. Gastrointestinal toxicity developed in 80% of patients, hyponatremia in 61%, central neurological toxicity (such as dizziness and mental status changes) in 25%, and ocular toxicity in 18%. New or worsening grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, neutropenia, anemia, or hyponatremia developed in ≥15%. Adverse reactions led to selinexor dose interruption in 61% of patients, dose reduction in 49%, and permanent discontinuation in 17%, with thrombocytopenia being the leading cause of dose modifications. Postmarketing studies will evaluate reduced dosages of selinexor and further evaluate clinical benefit in patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL.

Implications for Practice

Selinexor is a new potential option for adults with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, in the third-line setting or beyond. Toxicities are typically manageable but can be difficult to tolerate and necessitate close monitoring and supportive care.
Risks and mitigation strategies to prevent etoposide infusion‐related reactions in children
Authors: Tillman Emma M. , Suppes Sarah L. , Miles Nicholas , Duty Ashley M. , Kelley Kelsey L. , Goldman Jennifer L.
Published: June 2021

Etoposide is an antineoplastic agent widely used for treatment of many pediatric cancers. Etoposide has been associated with infusion‐related reactions. In this brief report, we compare etoposide infusion‐related reactions that occurred over a 10‐year period at two freestanding pediatric hospitals. Infusion reactions occurred in 1% of patients at two hospitals across the study period. Rates of 4.8%, 3.4%, and 7.9% were observed at Children's Mercy Hospital during 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively, after the implementation of in‐line filters during etoposide infusions in late 2017. Of the 32 patients who experienced adverse reactions, 41% were rechallenged after the reaction and all were able to tolerate at least one future dose with either pre‐treatment or extending infusion duration. This work highlights the importance of a multicenter approach to investigating adverse drug reactions (ADRs) as variation in practice can provide key information about ADRs and potential risk factors.
Measuring vital signs of process safety culture
Authors: Hameed Hamza , Sarfraz Muhammad Ahsan
Published: June 2021

In line with Fatima Group's vision and Health, Safety and Environment policy, Fatima Fertilizers Company Limited (FFCL) stipulated a process safety management program (PSM) as the major corner‐stone. It was purely a self‐initiative to implement this model rather than following any regulatory requirement. At FFCL, process safety performance is tracked using global method of leading and lagging indicators. Leading indicators are a set of data that measures performance across various elements of process safety. In 2020, in order to uplift process safety performance at FFCL, we invested in activities keeping in view core principles of process safety culture. While analyzing Leading Indicators for 2019, FFCL performance across various elements was linked with core principles of process safety; this helped to identify strong and weak areas of our culture. To supplement this analysis in pursuit of strong process safety culture, another study was conducted with title “What is it in for me, Two Decades of Process Safety Beacons”. All Process Safety Beacons to date were critically reviewed and relevant information was extracted. Main objective of this activity was to learn from past mistakes and strengthen process safety elements.
Explainable AI methods in cyber risk management
Authors: Giudici Paolo , Raffinetti Emanuela
Published: June 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) methods are becoming widespread, especially when data are not sufficient to build classical statistical models, as is the case for cyber risk management. However, when applied to regulated industries, such as energy, finance, and health, AI methods lack explainability. Authorities aimed at validating machine learning models in regulated fields will not consider black‐box models, unless they are supplemented with further methods that explain why certain predictions have been obtained, and which are the variables that mostly concur to such predictions. Recently, Shapley values have been introduced for this purpose: They are model agnostic, and powerful, but are not normalized and, therefore, cannot become a standardized procedure. In this paper, we provide an explainable AI model that embeds Shapley values with a statistical normalization, based on Lorenz Zonoids, particularly suited for ordinal measurement variables that can be obtained to assess cyber risk.
Multi‐Redox Active Carbons and Hydrocarbons: Control of their Redox Properties and Potential Applications
Authors: Ueda Hiroyuki , Yoshimoto Soichiro
Published: June 2021

Precise control over redox properties is essential for high‐performance organic electronic devices such as organic batteries, electrochromic devices, and information storage devices. In this context, multi‐redox active carbons and hydrocarbons, represented as CxHy molecules (x≥1, y≥0), are highly sought after, because they can switch between multiple redox states. Herein, we outline the redox properties of CxHy molecules as solutes and adsorbed species. Furthermore, the limitations of evaluating their redox properties and the possible solutions are summarized. Additionally, the theoretical capacity (mAh/g) and gravimetric energy density (Wh/kg) of secondary batteries were estimated based on the redox properties of 185 CxHy molecules, which have primarily been reported in the last decade. Among them, seven CxHy molecules were found to have the potential to surpass the energy density of LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2/graphite batteries. The use of CxHy molecules in multielectrochromic devices and multi‐bit memory is also explained. We believe that this review will encourage further utilization of CxHy molecules thereby promoting its applications in organic electronic devices.
Anomalies in implicit attitudes research
Authors: Machery Edouard
Published: June 2021

In this review, I provide a pessimistic assessment of the indirect measurement of attitudes by highlighting the persisting anomalies in the science of implicit attitudes, focusing on their validity, reliability, predictive power, and causal efficiency, and I draw some conclusions concerning the validity of the implicit bias construct.

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Reasoning and Decision Making
Structures and Properties of the Halogenido Stannates(II) [BMIm][Sn3Cl7] and [BMIm][Sn4Br9]
Authors: Liebertseder Mareike , Wolf Silke , Feldmann Claus
Published: June 2021

The halogenido stannates(II) [BMIm][Sn3Cl7] and [BMIm][Sn4Br9] are obtained by ionic‐liquid‐based synthesis with SnX2 and [BMIm]X (X=Cl, Br; [BMIm]=1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium) near room temperature (45–50 °C). Both form colorless, moisture‐sensitive crystals and exhibit layered anionic networks. [BMIm][Sn3Cl7] contains “horseshoe”‐like ∞1(SnCl1/1Cl2/2) chains that are linked via [SnCl3]− anions to ∞2[Sn3Cl7]− zigzag‐planes. [BMIm][Sn4Br9] contains a complex ∞2[Sn4Br9]− network with altogether four different crystallographic Sn2+ sites and different coordination. For comparison with these complex halogenido stannates(II), PbCl2/PbBr2 are reacted with similar conditions, which, however, only results in [BMIm][PbCl3] containing ∞1[PbCl3]− chains. Beside the crystal structures, the thermal and optical properties are examined and feature certain emission of visible light for all title compounds at room temperature. Whereas the quantum yields of [BMIm][Sn4Br9] (3 %) and [BMIm][PbCl3] (21 %) are low, [BMIm][Sn3Cl7] shows surprisingly efficient photoluminescence with a quantum yield of 46 %.
The Relationship Between Teacher Professional Community and Participative Decision-Making in Schools in 22 European Countries
Authors: Lomos Catalina
Published: June 2021

Various empirical studies have established the positive relationship between teacher professional community (PC) and participative decision-making (PDM) within schools. Considering that these relationships proved relevant to school improvement in different countries, a comparative approach will allow us to establish whether this positive relationship holds true for a wider range of European countries. This study presents results of this relationship using data from 35,000 secondary teachers in 22 European countries. Taking an exploratory approach, the study investigates the relationship between the presence of PC and the school actors involved in PDM. We are particularly interested in the level of active participation in decision-making by teachers, the school governor or counsellor, and by students, and the relative presence of PC. We find this relationship to be significant and positive, but varying in strength according to the actors involved in decision-making. Furthermore, the relationship is stronger across all countries studied when teachers are significantly involved in decision-making as opposed to when school counsellors or governors are more involved. Regarding student involvement in decision-making, its relationship with PC proved stronger when students could influence school rules or help choose teaching and learning materials. The relationships measured and compared across countries were tested for robustness by applying a test for measurement invariance of the PC latent concept and discussing its implications for the relationships of interest. After other relevant robustness checks, we conclude that, across all European countries studied, there is a positive relationship between PC and PDM in schools, with the involvement of some actors in PDM being more indicative of the presence of PC than the involvement of others.
A genuine fermionic quintuplet seesaw model: phenomenological introduction
Authors: Ashanujjaman Saiyad , Ghosh Kirtiman
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We study a model which generates Majorana neutrino masses at tree-level via low-energy effective operator with mass-dimension-9. Introduction of such a higher dimensional operator brings down the lepton number violating mass scale to TeV making such model potentially testable at present or near future colliders. This model possesses several new SU(2)L fermionic multiplets, in particular, three generations of triplets, quadruplets and quintuplets, and thus a rich phenomenology at the LHC. Noting that lepton flavour violation arises very naturally in such setup, we put constraints on the Yukawa couplings and heavy fermion masses using the current experimental bounds on lepton flavour violating processes. We also obtain 95% CL lower bounds on the masses of the triplets, quadruplets and quintuplets using a recent CMS search for multilepton final states with 137 inverse femtobarn integrated luminosity data at 13 TeV center of mass energy. The possibility that the heavy fermions could be long-lived leaving disappearing charge track signatures or displaced vertex at the future colliders like LHeC, FCC-he, MATHUSLA, etc. is also discussed.
Erratum to: Dark photon from light scalar boson decays at FASER
Authors: Araki T. , Asai K. , Otono H. , Shimomura T. , Takubo Y.
Published: June 2021

Figure 1. Expected number of the signal events of the dark photon after correcting the ϕ decay width. We have found a mistake in calculations of the expected number of the signal events shown in figure 2, 4 and 5 of our paper.
Formalism and Hilbert’s understanding of consistency problems
Authors: Detlefsen Michael
Published: June 2021

Formalism in the philosophy of mathematics has taken a variety of forms and has been advocated for widely divergent reasons. In Sects. 1 and 2, I briefly introduce the major formalist doctrines of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These are what I call empirico-semantic formalism (advocated by Heine), game formalism (advocated by Thomae) and instrumental formalism (advocated by Hilbert). After describing these views, I note some basic points of similarity and difference between them. In the remainder of the paper, I turn my attention to Hilbert’s instrumental formalism. My primary aim there will be to develop its formalist elements more fully. These are, in the main, (i) its rejection of the axiom-centric focus of traditional model-construction approaches to consistency problems, (ii) its departure from the traditional understanding of the basic nature of proof and (iii) its distinctively descriptive or observational orientation with regard to the consistency problem for arithmetic. More specifically, I will highlight what I see as the salient points of connection between Hilbert’s formalist attitude and his finitist standard for the consistency proof for arithmetic. I will also note what I see as a significant tension between Hilbert’s observational approach to the consistency problem for arithmetic and his expressed hope that his solution of that problem would dispense with certain epistemological concerns regarding arithmetic once and for all.
Wood powders of different botanical origin as an alternative to barrel aging for red wine
Authors: Lisanti Maria Tiziana , Capuano Rosa , Moio Luigi , Gambuti Angelita
Published: June 2021

Wood powders are produced in large quantity as by-product of barrel, staves and chips industry. Differently from larger particles (chips), the use of wood powders in winemaking is not admitted (Regulation (CE) n. 934/2019); however, it could represent a cheap and sustainable alternative for the accelerated aging of red wine. To evaluate their potential use in winemaking, a comparative study on the use of wood powders from oak, chestnut and acacia wood for the accelerated aging of red wine (cv. Aglianico) was conducted. This alternative aging was compared to the aging in wood barrels from the same botanical species. The wine aged in contact with powders underwent a quicker evolution of polyphenolic fraction. After 15 days of contact, the loss of total anthocyanins was higher than that observed after 6 months of aging in barrels (from 4 to 14% with respect to the corresponding kind of barrel). The amount of polymeric pigments tannins–anthocyanins–tannins in wines aged in contact with powders was higher respect to the wines aged in barrels (from 7 to 21% with respect to the corresponding kind of barrel), while the greatest loss of total tannins was detected in the oak barrels (28% less with respect to the control). There were several differences in wine phenolic acids due to wood botanical origin, with the clearest differences being between oak and the alternative wood species (chestnut and acacia). Also, there was a significant botanical effect on sensory profiles. Indeed, both among barrels and among powders, oak wood was the one that gave the strongest wood odor character. However, all the treatments with wood powders (oak, acacia and chestnut) preserved the fruity character of wine, conferring in the meanwhile non-dominant woody notes.
Detection of relevant extracardiac findings on coronary computed tomography angiography vs. invasive coronary angiography
Authors: Laskowski Dominik , Feger Sarah , Bosserdt Maria , Zimmermann Elke , Mohamed Mahmoud , Kendziora Benjamin , Rief Matthias , Dreger Henryk , Estrella Melanie , Dewey Marc
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To compare the detection of relevant extracardiac findings (ECFs) on coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) and invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and evaluate the potential clinical benefit of their detection.

Methods

This is the prespecified subanalysis of ECFs in patients presenting with a clinical indication for ICA based on atypical angina and suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) included in the prospective single-center randomized controlled Coronary Artery Disease Management (CAD-Man) study. ECFs requiring immediate therapy and/or further workup including additional imaging were defined as clinically relevant. We evaluated the scope of ECFs in 329 patients and analyzed the potential clinical benefit of their detection.

Results

ECFs were detected in 107 of 329 patients (32.5%; CTA: 101/167, 60.5%; ICA: 6/162, 3.7%; p < .001). Fifty-nine patients had clinically relevant ECFs (17.9%; CTA: 55/167, 32.9%; ICA: 4/162, 2.5%; p < .001). In the CTA group, ECFs potentially explained atypical chest pain in 13 of 101 patients with ECFs (12.9%). After initiation of therapy, chest pain improved in 4 (4.0%) and resolved in 7 patients (6.9%). Follow-up imaging was recommended in 33 (10.0%; CTA: 30/167, 18.0%; ICA: 3/162, 1.9%) and additional clinic consultation in 26 patients (7.9%; CTA: 25/167, 15.0%; ICA: 1/162, 0.6%). Malignancy was newly diagnosed in one patient (0.3%; CTA: 1/167, 0.6%; ICA: 0).

Conclusions

In this randomized study, CTA but not ICA detected clinically relevant ECFs that may point to possible other causes of chest pain in patients without CAD. Thus, CTA might preclude the need for ICA in those patients.

Trial registration

NCT Unique ID: 00844220

Key Points

• CTA detects ten times more clinically relevant ECFs than ICA.

• Actionable clinically relevant ECFs affect patient management and therapy and may thus improve chest pain.

• Detection of ECFs explaining chest pain on CTA might preclude the need for performing ICA.
Hypovitaminosis D in migrant children in Switzerland: a retrospective study
Authors: Fahrni Olivia , Wilhelm-Bals Alexandra , Posfay-Barbe Klara M. , Wagner Noémie
Published: June 2021

Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is essentially known for its role in the phosphocalcic metabolism and its associated pathologies, such as rickets. In Switzerland, 35 to 50% of children are vitamin D deficient. Due to skin colour, poor nutrition, living conditions and cultural practices, migrant population is particularly at risk. Our aim is to attest the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in children arriving in Switzerland. We retrospectively assessed 528 children’s vitamin D status and parathyroid hormone, phosphate and calcium levels between 2015 and 2018 by electrochemiluminescence and spectrophotometry. Cholecalciferol was considered insufficient under 50 nmol/L and severely deficient below 25 nmol/L. Seventy-three percent of children showed hypovitaminosis D and 28% had a severe deficiency. Highest prevalence of deficiency was found in children from Eastern Mediterranean (80%) and African regions (75%). Severe deficiency was more prevalent in the South East Asian (39%) and Eastern Mediterranean regions (33%) and more frequent in females. Deficiency was more frequent and more severe in winter. Hypovitaminosis D increased with age. Two children presented with all three biological manifestations associated to severe hypovitaminosis D (hyperparathyroidism, hypocalcaemia and hypophosphatemia).

Conclusion: A majority of migrant children presented with hypovitaminosis D. They should be supplemented to prevent complications. A strategy could be to supplement all children at arrival and during wintertime without regular vitamin D level checks.

What is Known:Hypovitaminosis D is frequent in children and can lead to bone-related complications.Migrant children are particularly at risk of deficiency.

What is New:Three-quarters of migrant children evaluated at our migrant clinic in Geneva’s children hospital are deficient in vitamin D, one third severely.A strategy to correct the deficiency would be to supplement all migrant children at arrival and in winter.
On the Ehrhart Polynomial of Minimal Matroids
Authors: Ferroni Luis
Published: June 2021

We provide a formula for the Ehrhart polynomial of the connected matroid of size n and rank k with the least number of bases, also known as a minimal matroid. We prove that their polytopes are Ehrhart positive and $$h^*$$

h
∗

-real-rooted (and hence unimodal). We prove that the operation of circuit-hyperplane relaxation relates minimal matroids and matroid polytopes subdivisions, and also preserves Ehrhart positivity. We state two conjectures: that indeed all matroids are $$h^*$$

h
∗

-real-rooted, and that the coefficients of the Ehrhart polynomial of a connected matroid of fixed rank and cardinality are bounded by those of the corresponding minimal matroid and the corresponding uniform matroid.
Towards human distance estimation using a thermal sensor array
Authors: Naser Abdallah , Lotfi Ahmad , Zhong Joni
Published: June 2021

Human distance estimation is essential in many vital applications, specifically, in human localisation-based systems, such as independent living for older adults applications, and making places safe through preventing the transmission of contagious diseases through social distancing alert systems. Previous approaches to estimate the distance between a reference sensing device and human subject relied on visual or high-resolution thermal cameras. However, regular visual cameras have serious concerns about people’s privacy in indoor environments, and high-resolution thermal cameras are costly. This paper proposes a novel approach to estimate the distance for indoor human-centred applications using a low-resolution thermal sensor array. The proposed system presents a discrete and adaptive sensor placement continuous distance estimators using classification techniques and artificial neural network, respectively. It also proposes a real-time distance-based field of view classification through a novel image-based feature. Besides, the paper proposes a transfer application to the proposed continuous distance estimator to measure human height. The proposed approach is evaluated in different indoor environments, sensor placements with different participants. This paper shows a median overall error of $$\pm 0.2$$

±
0.2

 m in continuous-based estimation and $$96.8\%$$

96.8
%

achieved-accuracy in discrete distance estimation.
Two novel bornaviruses identified in colubrid and viperid snakes
Authors: Pfaff Florian , Rubbenstroth Dennis
Published: June 2021

We present the complete genome sequences of Caribbean watersnake bornavirus (CWBV) and Mexican black-tailed rattlesnake bornavirus (MRBV), which we identified in archived raw transcriptomic read data of a Caribbean watersnake (Tretanorhinus variabilis) and a Mexican black-tailed rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus nigrescens), respectively. The genomes of CWBV and MRBV have a length of about 8,900 nucleotides and comprise the complete coding regions and the untranslated regions. The overall genomic makeup and predicted gene content is typical for members of the genus Orthobornavirus within the family Bornaviridae. Alternative splicing was detected for the L and M genes. Based on a phylogenetic analysis of all viral proteins, we consider both viruses to be members of a single novel species within the genus Orthobornavirus. Both viruses form a distinct outgroup to all currently known orthobornaviruses. Based on the novel virus genomes, we furthermore identified closely related endogenous bornavirus-like nucleoprotein sequences in transcriptomic data of veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and a common lancehead (Bothrops atrox).
High levels of halogenated natural products in large pelagic fish from the Western Indian Ocean
Authors: Wu Qiong , Munschy Catherine , Aminot Yann , Bodin Nathalie , Vetter Walter
Published: June 2021

Concentrations, profiles and muscle-liver distribution of halogenated natural products (HNPs) and anthropogenic persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were investigated in five large pelagic fish species and one smaller planktivore fish species from the Western Indian Ocean. Analysis of swordfish muscle from the Seychelles revealed the predominance of HNPs, with the highest concentrations found for 2′-methoxy-2,3′,4,5′- tetraBDE (2′-MeO-BDE 68 or BC-2), 6-methoxy-2,2′,4,4′- tetraBDE (6-MeO-BDE 47 or BC-3) and 2,3,3′,4,4′,5,5′-heptachloro-1′-methyl-1,2′-bipyrrole (Q1), along with varied contributions of further HNPs. The mean concentration of ∑HNPs (330 ng/g lw) was one or two orders of magnitude higher than ∑DDTs (60 ng/g lw) and ∑PCBs (6.8 ng/g lw). HNPs (BC-2, BC-3 and Q1) were also predominant in individual samples of three tropical tuna species from the Seychelles and from other regions of the Western Indian Ocean (Mozambique Channel, off Somalia and Chagos Archipelago). Non-targeted gas chromatography coupled with electron capture negative ion mass spectrometry operated in the selected ion monitoring mode (GC/ECNI-MS-SIM) analysis of one swordfish sample indicated low abundance of rarely reported HNPs (three hexachloro-1′-methyl-1,2′-bipyrrole (Cl6-MBP) isomers and pentabromo-1,1′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyrroles (Br5-DBP)) but no further abundant unscreened polyhalogenated compounds.
Initiating scientific collaborations across career levels and disciplines – a network analysis on behavioral data
Authors: Eberle Julia , Stegmann Karsten , Barrat Alain , Fischer Frank , Lund Kristine
Published: June 2021

Collaborations are essential in research, especially in answering increasingly complex questions that require integrating knowledge from different disciplines and that engage multiple stakeholders. Fostering such collaboration between newcomers and established researchers helps keep scientific communities alive while opening the way to innovation. But this is a challenge for scientific communities, especially as little is known about the onset of such collaborations. Prior social network research suggests that face-to-face interaction at scientific events as well as both network-driven selection patterns (reciprocity and transitivity) and patterns of active selection of specific others (homophily / heterophily) may be important. Learning science research implies, moreover, that selecting appropriate collaboration partners may require group awareness. In a field study at two scientific events on technology-enhanced learning (Alpine Rendez-Vous 2011 and 2013) including N = 5736 relations between 287 researchers, we investigated how researchers selected future collaboration partners, looking specifically at the role of career level, disciplinary background, and selection patterns. Face-to-face contact was measured using RFID devices. Additionally, a group awareness intervention was experimentally varied. Data was analyzed using RSiena and meta-analyses. The results showed that transitivity, reciprocity and contact duration are relevant for the identification of new potential collaboration partners. PhD students were less often chosen as new potential collaboration partners, and researchers with a background in Information Technology selected fewer new potential collaboration partners. However, group awareness support balanced this disciplinary difference. Theoretical, methodological, and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
A new framework to determine general multimodal soil water characteristic curves
Authors: Yan Wei , Birle Emanuel , Cudmani Roberto
Published: June 2021

A soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) model named as discrete-continuous multimodal van Genuchten model with a convenient parameter calibration method is developed to describe the relationship between soil suction and the water content of a soil with complex pore structure. The modality number N of the SWCC in the proposed model can be any positive integer (the so-called multimodal or N-modal SWCC). A unique set of parameters is determined by combining curve fitting and a graphical method based on the shape features of the SWCC in the log s–log Se plane. In addition, a modality number reduction method is proposed to minimize the number of parameters and simplify the form of SWCC function. The proposed model is validated using a set of bimodal and trimodal SWCC measurements from different soils, which yield a strong consistency between the fitted curves and the measured SWCC data. The uniqueness in the set of parameters provides the possibility to further improve the proposed model by correlating the parameters to soil properties and state parameters.
Comparative 3D DEM simulations of sand–structure interfaces with similarly shaped clumps versus spheres with contact moments
Authors: Grabowski A. , Nitka M. , Tejchman J.
Published: June 2021

Three-dimensional simulations of a monotonic quasi-static interface behaviour between initially dense cohesionless sand and a rigid wall of different roughness during tests in a parallelly guided direct shear test under constant normal stress are presented. Numerical modelling was carried out by the discrete element method (DEM) using clumps in the form of convex non-symmetric irregularly shaped grains. The clumps had an aspect ratio of 1.5. A regular grid of triangular grooves (asperities) along the wall with a different height at the same distance was assumed. The numerical results with clumps were directly compared under the same conditions with our earlier DEM simulations using pure spheres with contact moments with respect to the peak and residual interface friction angle, width of the interface shear zone, ratio between grain slips and grain rotations, distribution of contact forces and stresses. The difference between the behaviour of clumps and pure spheres with contact moments proved to be noticeable in the post-peak regime due to a different particle shape. The rolling resistance model with pure spheres was proved to be limited for capturing particle shape effects. Three different boundary conditions along the interface were proposed for micropolar continua, considering grain rotations and grain slips, wall grain moments and wall grain forces, and normalized interface roughness. The numerical results in this paper offer a better understanding of the interface behaviour of granular bodies in DEM and FEM simulations.
Interventions to Optimise Mental Health Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review
Authors: Safieh Jacqueline , Broughan John , McCombe Geoff , McCarthy Niamh , Frawley Timothy , Guerandel Allys , Lambert John S. , Cullen Walter
Published: June 2021

Adverse mental health has been a major consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. This review examines interventions to enhance mental health outcomes and well-being of populations during COVID-19. Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, and CINAHL) were searched following Arskey and O’Malley’s six-staged scoping review process. Twenty studies were included in the review. Various study populations were included to ensure greater generalisability of results. Interventions informing treatment of mental health concerns during COVID-19 were included and classified into (a) prevention of poor mental health, (b) therapeutic interventions, and (c) other interventions. Preventative strategies (n = 16) included public health education, modified social media use, technology-based interventions, physical activity, policy adaptations, and therapeutic interventions. Treatment strategies (n = 7) included adapting existing treatment and the creation new treatment programmes and platforms. While current evidence is promising, future research should focus on novel effective interventions to address mental health issues during the pandemic.
Model-based two-way clustering of second-level units in ordinal multilevel latent Markov models
Authors: Montanari Giorgio Eduardo , Doretti Marco , Marino Maria Francesca
Published: June 2021

In this paper, an ordinal multilevel latent Markov model based on separate random effects is proposed. In detail, two distinct second-level discrete effects are considered in the model, one affecting the initial probability vector and the other affecting the transition probability matrix of the first-level ordinal latent Markov process. To model these separate effects, we consider a bi-dimensional mixture specification that allows to avoid unverifiable assumptions on the random effect distribution and to derive a two-way clustering of second-level units. Starting from a general model where the two random effects are dependent, we also obtain the independence model as a special case. The proposal is applied to data on the physical health status of a sample of elderly residents grouped into nursing homes. A simulation study assessing the performance of the proposal is also included.