bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing photoluminescence quantum efficiency of metal halide perovskites by examining luminescence-limiting factors
Authors: Jang Hyun Myung , Kim Joo-Sung , Heo Jung-Min , Lee Tae-Woo
Published: February 2020

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) show superior optoelectronic properties, which give them the great potential for use in next generation light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In particular, their narrow emission linewidths can achieve ultrahigh color purity. However, the reported luminescence efficiency (LE) values are not high enough to be commercialized in displays and solid-state lightings. Moreover, the operational stability of LEDs associated with the overshooting of luminance and the high relative standard deviation of reported external quantum efficiencies are still problematic. In this perspective, we review photophysical factors that limit the photoluminescence quantum efficiency of perovskite-based LEDs. These factors are categorized into (i) weak exciton binding, (ii) nonradiative recombinations, (iii) slow cooling of long-lived hot carriers, (iv) deep-level defects, and (v) interband transition rates. We then present various physicochemical methods to effectively overcome these luminescence-limiting factors. We finally suggest some useful research directions to further improve the LE of MHP emitters as core components in displays and solid-state lightings.
Conductive transparent (InGa)2O3 film as host for rare earth Eu
Authors: Zhang Fabi , Saito Katsuhiko , Tanaka Tooru , Wang Xinqiang , Guo Qixin
Published: February 2020

We have investigated the optical and electrical properties of (InGa)2O3:Eu films. We have demonstrated the obtained (InGa)2O3:Eu films have conductive transparent properties, and they can be used as a host for rare earth Eu. The (InGa)2O3:Eu films are of a (111) oriented cubic structure, as revealed by both x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy measurements. The (InGa)2O3:Eu films show high transmittance of over 70% in the visible wavelength range and low resistivity ranging from 2.8 × 10−3 Ω cm to 2.1 × 10−2 Ω cm, depending on the Ga content. The intensity of main Eu3+ emission peaks upon excitation at 488 nm at room temperature increased with an increase in the Ga content. The enlarged bandgap as well as the decreased local symmetry of the cubic structure should be responsible for the enhanced Eu3+ emission. The results suggested that (InGa)2O3:Eu films can be very good candidates for light-emitting devices that can be driven electrically.
Laboratory blast wave experiments provide insights on interactions between supernova remnants
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: February 2020

Adiabatically expanding blast waves allow for the study of otherwise difficult problems relating to supernova explosions using a scaled-down approach.
Tuning the dihydroazulene – vinylheptafulvene couple for storage of solar energy
Authors: Brøndsted Nielsen Mogens , Ree Nicolai , Mikkelsen Kurt V. , Cacciarini Martina
Published: February 2020

Dihydroazulene (DHA) is a molecular photoswitch that undergoes a ring-opening reaction upon irradiation to form a vinylheptafulvene (VHF) photoisomer. This VHF isomer will in time thermally return to the DHA isomer. As the isomerization is photo-induced only in one direction, the DHA – VHF couple has attracted interest as a molecular solar thermal energy storage device (MOST system). In this author review, we cover our systematic efforts to optimize the DHA – VHF couple for this purpose, with challenges being to achieve sufficiently high energy densities, to cover broad absorptions including the visible region, and to control the energy-releasing VHF-to-DHA back-reaction. By a combination of computations and experiments, we review the consequences of various structural modifications of the system (structure – property relationships), including the influence of donor-acceptor substitution at specific positions, benzannulations, and incorporation into macrocyclic structures. Synthetic protocols to reach the various modifications will also be discussed.

The bibliography includes 60 references.
Provision of palliative and end-of-life care in New Zealand residential aged care facilities: general practitioners' perspectives
Authors: Balmer Deborah , Frey Rosemary , Gott Merryn , Robinson Jackie , Boyd Michal
Published: February 2020

This exploratory study examined general practitioners’ (GPs) perspectives on delivering end-of-life care in the New Zealand residential aged care context. A general inductive approach to the data collected from semi-structured interviews with 17 GPs from 15 different New Zealand general practices was taken. Findings examine: (1) GPs’ life experience; (2) the GP relationship with the facilities and provision of end-of-life care; (3) the GP interaction with families of dying residents; and (4) GP relationship with hospice. The nature of the GP relationship with the facility influenced GP involvement in end-of-life care in aged care facilities, with GPs not always able to direct a facility’s end-of-life care decisions for specific residents. GP participation in end-of-life care was constrained by GP time availability and the costs to the facilities for that time. GPs reported seldom using hospice services for residents, but did use the reputation (cachet) associated with hospice practices to provide an authoritative buffer for their end-of-life clinical decisions when talking with families and residents. GP training in end-of-life care, especially for those with dementia, was reported as ad hoc and done through informal mentoring between GPs.
B cells migrate into remote brain areas and support neurogenesis and functional recovery after focal stroke in mice
Authors: Ortega Sterling B. , Torres Vanessa O. , Latchney Sarah E. , Whoolery Cody W. , Noorbhai Ibrahim Z. , Poinsatte Katie , Selvaraj Uma M. , Benson Monica A. , Meeuwissen Anouk J. M. , Plautz Erik J. , Kong Xiangmei , Ramirez Denise M. , Ajay Apoorva D. , Meeks Julian P. , Goldberg Mark P. , Monson Nancy L. , Eisch Amelia J. , Stowe Ann M.
Published: February 2020

Lymphocytes infiltrate the stroke core and penumbra and often exacerbate cellular injury. B cells, however, are lymphocytes that do not contribute to acute pathology but can support recovery. B cell adoptive transfer to mice reduced infarct volumes 3 and 7 d after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo), independent of changing immune populations in recipient mice. Testing a direct neurotrophic effect, B cells cocultured with mixed cortical cells protected neurons and maintained dendritic arborization after oxygen-glucose deprivation. Whole-brain volumetric serial two-photon tomography (STPT) and a custom-developed image analysis pipeline visualized and quantified poststroke B cell diapedesis throughout the brain, including remote areas supporting functional recovery. Stroke induced significant bilateral B cell diapedesis into remote brain regions regulating motor and cognitive functions and neurogenesis (e.g., dentate gyrus, hypothalamus, olfactory areas, cerebellum) in the whole-brain datasets. To confirm a mechanistic role for B cells in functional recovery, rituximab was given to human CD20
+
(hCD20
+
) transgenic mice to continuously deplete hCD20
+
-expressing B cells following tMCAo. These mice experienced delayed motor recovery, impaired spatial memory, and increased anxiety through 8 wk poststroke compared to wild type (WT) littermates also receiving rituximab. B cell depletion reduced stroke-induced hippocampal neurogenesis and cell survival. Thus, B cell diapedesis occurred in areas remote to the infarct that mediated motor and cognitive recovery. Understanding the role of B cells in neuronal health and disease-based plasticity is critical for developing effective immune-based therapies for protection against diseases that involve recruitment of peripheral immune cells into the injured brain.
Chinese urban language in historical perspective
Authors: Simmons Richard VanNess
Published: February 2020

Three contemporaneous descriptions of Guānhuà from the beginning of the 19th century collectively provide a rich
and evocative representation that contains a trove of details regarding the nature of that koine and its relationship to Mandarin
and local dialects in the urban linguistic milieu of the late Qīng. The descriptions are those of Gāo Jìngtíng (fl. 1800–1810), Lǐ
Rǔzhēn (c. 1763–1830), and Robert Morrison (1782–1834). We find that all three note the
existence of two forms of Guānhuà, a northern type, and a southern type. The three authors all present a mix of northern and
southern types in their descriptions, though each also gives greater prominence to the southern type. This southern type has a
close connection to the southern Jiāng-Huái Mandarin dialects, and takes the dialect of Nánjīng as a primary representative. In
overall perspective, these three authors’ descriptions also reveal there was widespread acceptance of, and social accommodation
for, linguistic diversity in Qīng China, within which Guānhuà served as the lingua franca that promoted easy communication across
China’s vast territory.
Distributional metrics and the action principle of Einstein–Hilbert gravity
Authors: Huber Albert
Published: February 2020

In this work, a subclass of the generalized Kerr–Schild class of spacetimes is specified, with respect to which the Ricci tensor (regardless of the position of indices) proves to be linear in the so-called profile function of the geometry. Considering Colombeau’s nonlinear theory of generalized functions, this result is extended to apply to an associated class of distributional Kerr–Schild geometries, and then used to formulate a variational principle for these singular spacetimes. More specifically, it is shown in this regard that a variation of a suitably regularized Einstein–Hilbert action can be performed even if the metric of one of the corresponding generalized Kerr–Schild representatives contains a generalized delta function that converges in a suitable limit to a delta distribution.
Fluence perturbation from fiducial markers due to edge-scattering measured with pixel sensors for 12C ion beams
Authors: Reidel Claire-Anne , Schuy Christoph , Horst Felix , Ecker Swantje , Finck Christian , Durante Marco , Weber Uli
Published: February 2020

Fiducial markers are nowadays a common tool for patient positioning verification before radiotherapy treatment. These markers should be visible on x-ray projection imaging, produce low streak artifacts on CTs and induce small dose perturbations due to edge-scattering effects during the ion-beam therapy treatment. In this study, the latter effect was investigated and the perturbations created by the markers were evaluated with a new measurement method using a tracker system composed of six CMOS pixel sensors. The present method enables the determination of the particle trajectory before and after the target. The experiments have been conducted at the Marburg Ion Beam Therapy Center with carbon ion beams and the measurement concept was validated by comparison with radiochromic films. This work shows that the new method is very efficient and precise to measure the perturbations due to fiducial markers with a tracker system. Three dimensional fluence distributions of all particle trajectories were reconstructed and the maximum cold spots due to the markers and their position along the beam axis were quantified. In this study, four small commercial markers with different geometries and materials (gold and carbon-coated ZrO2) were evaluated. The gold markers showed stronger perturbations than the lower density ones. However, it is important to consider that low density and low atomic number fiducial markers are not always visible on x-ray projections.
Coherence and catalysis in the Jaynes–Cummings model
Authors: Messinger Anette , Ritboon Atirach , Crimin Frances , Croke Sarah , Barnett Stephen M
Published: February 2020

There has been substantial interest of late on the issue of coherence as a resource in quantum thermodynamics. To date, however, analyses have focused on somewhat artificial theoretical models. We seek to bring these ideas closer to experimental investigation by examining the ‘catalytic’ nature of quantum optical coherence. Here the interaction of a coherent state cavity field with a sequence of two-level atoms is considered, a state ubiquitous in quantum optics as a model of a stable, classical source of light. The Jaynes–Cummings interaction Hamiltonian is used, so that an exact solution for the dynamics can be formed, and the evolution of the atomic and cavity states with each atom-field interaction analysed. In this way, the degradation of the coherent state is examined as coherence is transferred to the sequence of atoms. The associated degradation of the coherence in the cavity mode is significant in the context of the use of coherence as a thermodynamic resource.
Effects of surface plasmons on spin currents in a thin film system
Authors: Oue Daigo , Matsuo Mamoru
Published: February 2020

We propose and analyze surface-plasmon-driven electron spin currents in a thin metallic film. The electron gas in the metal follows the transversely rotating electric fields of the surface plasmons (SPs), which leads to a static magnetization gradient. We consider herein SPs in a thin-film insulator–metal–insulator structure and solve the spin diffusion equation in the presence of a magnetization gradient. The results reveal that the SPs at the metal interfaces generate spin currents in the metallic film. For thinner film, the SPs become strongly hybridized, which increases the magnetization gradient and enhances the spin current. We also discuss how the spin current depends on SP wavelength and the spin-diffusion length of the metal. The polarization of the spin current can be controlled by tuning the wavelength of the SPs and/or the spin diffusion length.
Problems of periphery agro-industrial regions of the Volga Federal District
Authors: Maslikhina V , Maslikhin A
Published: February 2020

The article analyzes the approaches to the assessment of peripherality in the framework of the center-peripheral models of the economic space. Identification of the core, semi-periphery and periphery of the Volga Federal District was made on the basis of clusterization according to two criteria: gross regional product per capita and population density. A process of centro-periphery polarization takes place in the Volga Federal District. Economic activity is concentrated in the largest metropolitan areas, forming the core of the macro-region. Moderately developed regions with gross regional product per capita from 75 to 100 % of the average level of the Volga Federal District form semi-periphery. The periphery covers a continuous belt of seven agro-industrial regions, in which 30% of the macro-region’s population lives. The peculiarities of the Volga Federal District periphery were revealed: depopulation and aging of the population, general unemployment is at the level of 4-6 %, the level of innovation and investment is lower than the average level of the Volga Federal District and strongly differentiated by the regions, the quality of roads and the availability of the Internet are lower than the average level of the Volga Federal District. A process of further peripheralization is observed in all peripheral regions.
The impact of variety on the effectiveness of crop insurance with state support
Authors: Zhichkin K , Nosov V , Zhichkina L , Grigoryeva O , Kondak V , Lysova T
Published: February 2020

The article discusses the issues of agricultural crops varieties resistance in relation to various natural and climatic factors. The damage from the occurrence of emergencies in agricultural production is 95% of the damage arising in crop production. Therefore, crop insurance with state support has significant development potential, especially in regions with dry, sharply continental climate (for example, in the Samara region). At the same time, the impulse associated with the Federal Law No. 260-FZ adoption was completely exhausted and in recent years there has been a decrease in the crop insurance with state support (including the number of contracts, amount of covered area, insurance coverage, etc.). One of the reasons for this is the high cost of insurance rates. To reduce it, it is proposed to introduce the concept of “crop yields sustainability” and calculate the insurance rate depending on the productivity of a particular variety, shown for a long time in climatic conditions similar to farm conditions. To do this, one can use the array of data on crop yields of various varieties obtained by research institutes in the framework of the project “The World Collection”. Negative deviations from the average yield with the same cultivation technology and soil parameters form losses of agricultural producers due to the biological characteristics of this variety and its response to prevailing weather conditions. Thus, it is possible to adjust the amount of insurance payments, reducing them for those varieties that guarantee stable yield for the farms in a given territory.
Comparative evaluation of the operation of a combine harvester with an additional sieve with adjustable holes for sunflower harvesting
Authors: Startsev A S , Makarov S A , Nesterov E S , Kazakov Yu F , Terentyev A G
Published: February 2020

The cost of production of sunflower is determined by the number of operations for its cultivation as well as the manufacturing charges for them. The extraneous matter content of the hopper sunflower heap is the factor that can increase the cost of sunflower production. In connection with that, it is advisable to reach the minimum values of the extraneous matter content in the hopper heap during sunflower harvesting. The article substantiates the design of the sieve with additional holes which is installed as an additional cleaning stage in the combine harvester. Adjustable sieve holes have a shape similar to the longitudinal shape of oilseeds. The area of the sieve hole can be adjusted depending on the type or variety of sunflower, which will significantly reduce the extraneous matter content in the hopper heap. To analyze the sieve performance, a check sample was made which was installed as an additional cleaning stage on the “Niva” SK-5-M-1 and “Vector 410” grain combine harvesters. The analysis is presented of the extraneous matter content in the hopper heap with the use of an additional sieve with a different area of adjustable holes and without it.
Biological verification of the long-range effect for silicon light irradiation for planaria
Authors: Stepanov A V , Tetelbaum D I , Dimitrieva A I , Konstantinova A V , Yumanov D S , Popov A P , Kovalenko A V
Published: February 2020

The effect of hypersonic waves excited by a heterostructure based on a silicon wafer with natural oxide on the survival of planaria after their decapitation has been experimentally investigated. The aim of the work was to study the physical and biological factors affecting the regeneration of planarians. The main object of study was a model organism – planaria Dugesia Tigrina. The planaria were decapitated, and then they were monitored by their habitat for a week. Identification and counting of microorganisms, bacterial microflora inoculation, temperature, and pH control were carried out. To explain the mechanisms that occur under the influence of hypersound, a mathematical model of the passage of hypersonic waves through a thin layer of water near the glass-liquid interface was developed. In the process of regeneration after decapitation of the experimental group, it was found that in the experimental group exposed to hypersound, the survival of planaria was 60% higher than in the control. It was shown that in an aqueous medium along the glass-water interface, hypersonic propagation occurs with less attenuation than in the water column. This leads to a waveguide effect and improved transmission of hypersonic effects to the studied organisms.
Accounting outsourcing in small business agribusiness: “terms of reference”
Authors: Mishina Z A , Kozlov S N , Sidorova N P , Makarychev V A , Makushev A E , Ivanov E A
Published: February 2020

The spread of outsourcing services due to several reasons, the main of which is to increase the efficiency business by improving the quality of products and to reduce costs. All this directly depends on the introduction of innovations in the activities of agro-industrial enterprises of small forms. This study is aimed at assessing the risks of small-scale agro-industrial enterprises in the use of outsourcing services. The article analyzes the activities of outsourcing organizations, the functions and tasks of which are prescribed in the terms of reference. A technical specification is based on international experience of comparative methods, describes the algorithm of a third party, and developed taking into account specificity of functioning of small agro-industrial enterprises. The use of outsourcing by small agro-industrial enterprises is one of the stages of effective activity, including innovation. Any innovative activity entails many risks. The developed technological task allows the transparency of outsourcing operations for small agro-industrial enterprises, makes it possible to understand even complex issues. The use of the proposed terms of reference for outsourcing by small agro-industrial enterprises contributes to the concentration of time and effort on the core business, allowing to develop in unstable market conditions and reduce risks.
Testing of therapeutic and hygienic agents in prevention and treatment of diseases of cow hooves
Authors: Semenov V G , Chuchulin A V , Baimukanov D A , Sofronov V G , Kh Volkov A , Kirillov N K , Aldyakov A V
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this work is to test medical and hygienic agents for prevention and therapy of diseases of cow hooves. The objects of research were five groups of black-and-white cows of ten heads each with various forms of lesions with digital dermatitis. Animals of the 1st experimental group were passed through disinfection bath with 10% aqueous solution of CuSO4 twice a week, in the treatment of finger dermatitis of cows of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th experimental groups, respectively, therapeutic and hygienic means Solka, Espuarol-Gel and Espuarol-Sin were used.The hematological indices of cows of the 3rd experimental group against the background of the use of Espuarol-Gel entered physiological norms earlier than those of their peers of the 2nd and 4th experimental groups, in the treatment of hoof diseases of which they used Solka and Espuarol-Sin. Espuarol-Gel tested in leading cattle-breeding enterprises of the Chuvash Republic and the Republic of Tatarstan has a more pronounced therapeutic effect, providing a bactericidal effect on pathogens of cow hoofs, expressed in a decrease in the total group assessment of limb condition by 8.9%, the total claudication score by 13.7 %, and the total diameter of lesions by 4.1%, rather than Espuarol-Sin.
Ensuring health, safety, and realization of productive qualities of pigs by immunotropic preparations
Authors: Balakirev N A , Semenov V G , Mudarisov R M , Evdokimov N V , Nikitin D A , Gladkikh L P , Evdokimova M V
Published: February 2020

Under the conditions of the pig-breeding complex, the effectiveness of the use of immunotropic drugs PigStim-C and PigStim-M to newborn piglets with the aim of realizing the bioresource productivity potential was evaluated. Against the background of the body’s immunocorrection of piglets, a decrease in the number of diseases was noted by 1.5–2.9 times, a reduction in recovery time by 11.4–23.5%, an increase in livestock safety to 98.0–100.0%. Immunotropic drugs PigStim-C and PigStim-M activate hematopoiesis, causing a positive dynamics of the hematological and biochemical profiles of the body of pigs during ontogenesis. It was found that animals of the 1st and 2nd experimental groups exceeded their peers in the control by live weight by 7.1 kg or 6.9% and by 8.6 kg or 8.2%, the average daily gain by 34 and 41 g. The slaughter mass of pigs on the background of immunocorrection was higher than the control by 6.22 and 7.08 kg. According to the results of chiselling and trimming of half carcasses of pigs in experimental groups, an increase in the number of trimmed pork by 1.88 and 2.16 kg in the 1st and 2nd experimental groups as compared with the control was established.
Hop drying process research in industrial dryers
Authors: Vasiliev A O , Andreev R V , Smirnov M P , Pushkarenko N N , Zaitsev P V
Published: February 2020

In the conditions of economic sanctions and food embargo in Russia, the issue of import substitution has become acute. Studies are becoming relevant, which improve the production process of hops. Currently, many enterprises use industrial dryers with high performance. The aim of the study is to increase the efficiency of drying hops with the maximum possible reduction of energy costs. The introduction of innovations should be preceded by an analysis of the existing technology of drying hops. Object of research - hop samples taken during and after drying, as well as an industrial dryer. Working measurements were carried out in threefold repetition. These included determining the temperature and humidity of the drying agent as well as the humidity of the hops. The results of studies have shown that it is possible to achieve significant energy savings in the process of drying hops. This is the scientific novelty. Based on the results, several ways to achieve savings are proposed. To do this, it is necessary to accelerate the movement of the mass of hop cones and optimize the ventilation system. On the basis of this, the possibility of modernizing the duct system to increase the productivity of the dryer is proposed.
New approaches in assessment of competitiveness of products
Authors: Volkov I V , Vozhdaeva N G , Agafonov V P , Borovickaya M V
Published: February 2020

In market conditions of business development a huge role is given to maintaining the competitiveness of the organization, measures that promote in due time to changes in consumer preferences in the framework of improving consumer properties of products. Abroad benchmarking is one of the most common methods of assessing the competitiveness of organization in comparison with competing organizations that produce similar products. Benchmarking shows how other firms achieve the best results in the market being the object attention of marketing research. There are various approaches in studying of business processes and in particular estimations of consumer indicators of goods in benchmarking. One of them is the graphic method which is expressed in creation of an area chart – “rose of technical level” and definition of the complex indicator of product technical level (defining competitive advantages of products in comparison with similar goods).In submitted article we offer improving earlier developed method of calculation of a complex indicator of product technical level “Roses of technical level”. The technique offered in the article is more universal and can be used for assessment of competitiveness of products of various industries. Due to the reduction of unit of measure of all considered products indicators to uniform value, the quantity of these indicators can be significant. Both the priority of consumer properties of products and external factors that affect the preference of buyer upon purchase is also considered in this article.
Effect of treatment of seeds of grain crops by ultraviolet radiation before sowing
Authors: Kondrateva N P , Kasatkina N I , Kuryleva A G , Baturina K A , Ilyasov I R , Korepanov R I
Published: February 2020

Cereals form the most important group of plants cultivated by man. The aim of the work is to study the effect of ultraviolet led emitter in the processing of seeds of grain crops to improve sowing performance. The objects of the study were the seeds of winter and spring wheat, winter triticale, naked oats. Seeds were treated with ultraviolet LEDs in the range of radiation in the UV zone for 5, 10 and 15 minutes, with average illumination energy of 3.137 W/m2. Growth strength, laboratory germination, shoot height, primary root length and root rot infestation were evaluated. In the course of studies, a positive effect of ultraviolet treatment of seeds of winter wheat, winter triticale and oats was established. Ultraviolet radiation with a dose of 1882 J/m2(seed treatment for 10 minutes) increased the growth strength and germination of winter wheat. Shoot height and root length were better when irradiated for 5 min with a dose of 941 J/m2. The proposed UV treatment of seeds improves the technology of production of hydroponic feed, taking into account modern requirements for energy conservation and obtaining environmentally friendly products.
Peasant’s experience of responsible farm management
Authors: Mikhailova R V , Tikhonov A S , Agaeva E V , Ivanova E N , Purynycheva G M , Pronin M A , Sidorenko L P
Published: February 2020

This article presents the specific experience of farm management by a peasant acting independently. It is common for a peasant managing a farm to exercise both control and execution. Since management of a farm is influenced by external factors – natural, geographical, social ones, a peasant is required to constantly implement adaptive changes in management. These changes are brought about by the level of personal (spiritual) development of a peasant. The changes should be moderate but, at the same time, sufficient for effective management. All this is associated with responsible management as a characteristic of an activity. Such management is described as a science and an art of adapting to the natural and social conditions of economic activity. The specifics of responsible management of a farm is determined through the analysis of a peasant’s abilities to analyze, forecast, plan their activities. The experience of managing a peasant farm indicates that once found was fixed in the human mind, then it was only repeated, there was no increment of information, knowledge (information).
Characteristics of meat productivity of goslings that consumed feed with enzymes in various combinations
Authors: Sherne V S , Yu Lavrentiev A , Evdokimov N V , Yu Nemtseva E , Petrov N S , Danilova N V , Yakovlev V I
Published: February 2020

The aim of the work was to study the effectiveness of enzyme preparations in the composition of animal feed on the increase in live weight and meat productivity of goslings. Amylosubtilin and protosubtilin were introduced into the feed for goslings of the first experimental group; amylosubtilin and celloviridin were added into the feed for goslings of the second experimental group. It was found that the absolute increase in live weight in the control group was 6366.9 g in gander and 5734.43 g in geese. In the first experimental group this indicator was exceeded: for gander by 7.51%, in geese - by 7.24%; in the second experimental group - by 10.35% and 9.07%, respectively. The slaughter yield of half-hulled carcasses of gander in the control group was 79.27%; in the first group this indicator was higher by 1.34% and in the second group higher by 3.03%. The geese in the control group amounted to 81.80%. In the first experimental group it was higher by 1.2% and in the second experimental group higher by 1.96%. The slaughter yield of gutted carcasses of gander in the control group was 60.78%, in the first experimental group - 61.16% (+1.6%) and in the second experimental group - 62.76% (+1.98%); in geese - 62.76%, 63.17% (+1.69%) and 64.86% (+2.1%) respectively.
Identify the contribution of elevated industrial plume to ground air quality by optical and machine learning methods
Authors: Feng Limin , Yang Ting , Wang Dawei , Wang Zifa , Pan Yuepeng , Matsui Ichiro , Chen Yong , Xin Jinyuan , Huang Huili
Published: February 2020

Regional severe haze caused by atmospheric particle explosion is one of the biggest environmental problems in China that has yet to be fully understood. This research managed to find the linkage between diversified shapes of heavy industrial stack plume (HISP) and local ground particle concentration. We used two optical methods: LIDAR and auto-shoot camera, to catch the HISP’s vertical shape, and two machine leaning models: binary classification and decision tree, to find the quantitative relationship between the HISP’s shape and PM2.5 concentration. The PM2.5 concentration correlated to the polygon length (PL) of HISP’s shape with a logistic function. With a plume length more than twice the height of stack, the spread of HISP’s shape accompanied with PM2.5 concentration decreasing to <100 μg m−3. The residence time of HISP’s particles was longer (>20 h) under uniform offshore dispersion than that in heterogeneous wind field, when the footprint of HISP was estimated to be > 7 km. We acquired a decision tree model to yield an exact prediction of PM2.5 concentration, in which the HISP’s length played a statistically significant role. Though the plume shape is just one of the easy-to-use indicators of complex meteorological condition, it is still practical for policy makers to identify the particle pollution caused by the elevated sources in the fastest way.
47 Five Things About Me
Authors: Robertson E M
Published: February 2020

Background

It has long been recognised that when care is centred around the person dignity and personhood are preserved and outcomes are improved. However, the dehumanising effect hospital systems and practices can have on older people persists and there are still frequent reports of harm caused by failures to prioritise what matters to the person.

Local problem

The “what matters to you?” campaign (Dewar & Nolan, 2013) has been championed locally to good effect but a key component of the model; “who you are,” is missing, there is limited evidence of the older person’s voice or identity in their hospital notes or care plans and many report not feeling involved in decisions about their care.

Methods

Engagement with older people, their loved ones and ward staff alongside a review of the published literature enabled effective analysis of the problem and the design of a suitable intervention. The COM-B model was used to identify and support the behavioural changes needed to ensure the intervention was implemented effectively and PDSA cycles of Improvement ensured it was rigorously tested. The Person-Centred Practice Inventory (PCPI) was used to structure the measurement of improvements in person centred care on the ward.

Results

Engagement with older people, their loved ones and ward staff alongside a review of the published literature enabled effective analysis of the problem and the design of a suitable intervention. The COM-B model was used to identify and support the behavioural changes needed to ensure the intervention was implemented effectively and PDSA cycles of Improvement ensured it was rigorously tested. The Person-Centred Practice Inventory (PCPI) was used to structure the measurement of improvements in person centred care on the ward.

Conclusions

This was a rewarding project which achieved its aim of improving person-centred care and the experiences of older people, staff got to know the people they were caring for better which was an enriching experience. The key factor which contributed to its success was the enthusiasm and hard work of the ward staff who participated and their passion to ensure the care they give is person-centred.
Working Conditions and Work-Related Health Issues of Female Domestic Workers in Four Districts of Karachi
Authors: Tariq Hira , Shaikh Shiraz , Musharaf Mehjabeen
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To determine the working conditions and work-related health issues of female domestic workers (FDWs) in four districts of Karachi.

Methods

Population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in four squatter settlements of Karachi with sample size of 406 FDWs in 2018. Pretested questionnaire was administered to collect data through snowball technique. Multivariate logistic regression examined the association between different factors and experiencing violence, work-related injuries, and chemical exposures.

Results

Only (14.5%) of domestic workers earned Rs 15 000 (75 GBP month−1) and above. >1% had financial support for the health or education of children. Verbal violence included shouting (40.9%), constant critique of work (17.2%), and job threats (13.5%). Common workplace injuries were cuts (30.8%), burns (27.6%), and bruises (23.6%). Doing laundry showed significant positive association with experiencing cuts [odds ratio (OR) = 2.09; 1.15–3.71], looking after children to bruises (OR = 2.29; 1.07–4.88), and cooking to burns (OR = 4.66; 2.68–8.08).

Conclusions

Creating economic environment which is equal for all low wage workers, setting up domestic labor standards and holding employers accountable to them is essential.
CMF-Impute: an accurate imputation tool for single-cell RNA-seq data
Authors: Xu Junlin , Cai Lijun , Liao Bo , Zhu Wen , Yang JiaLiang
Published: February 2020

Motivation

Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology provides a powerful tool for investigating cell heterogeneity and cell subpopulations by allowing the quantification of gene expression at single-cell level. However, scRNA-seq data analysis remains challenging because of various technical noises such as dropout events (i.e. excessive zero counts in the expression matrix).

Results

By taking consideration of the association among cells and genes, we propose a novel collaborative matrix factorization-based method called CMF-Impute to impute the dropout entries of a given scRNA-seq expression matrix. We test CMF-Impute and compare it with the other five state-of-the-art methods on six popular real scRNA-seq datasets of various sizes and three simulated datasets. For simulated datasets, CMF-Impute outperforms other methods in imputing the closest dropouts to the original expression values as evaluated by both the sum of squared error and Pearson correlation coefficient. For real datasets, CMF-Impute achieves the most accurate cell classification results in spite of the choice of different clustering methods like SC3 or T-SNE followed by K-means as evaluated by both adjusted rand index and normalized mutual information. Finally, we demonstrate that CMF-Impute is powerful in reconstructing cell-to-cell and gene-to-gene correlation, and in inferring cell lineage trajectories.

Availability and implementation

CMF-Impute is written as a Matlab package which is available at https://github.com/xujunlin123/CMFImpute.git.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Yield, Efficiency, and Costs of Mass Screening Algorithms for Tuberculosis in Brazilian Prisons
Authors: Santos Andrea da Silva , de Oliveira Roberto Dias , Lemos Everton Ferreira , Lima Fabiano , Cohen Ted , Cords Olivia , Martinez Leonardo , Gonçalves Crhistinne , Ko Albert , Andrews Jason R , Croda Julio
Published: February 2020

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among incarcerated populations globally. We performed mass TB screening in 3 prisons and assessed yield, efficiency, and costs associated with various screening algorithms.

Methods

Between 2017 and 2018, inmates from 3 prisons in Brazil were screened for TB by symptom assessment, chest radiography, sputum testing by Xpert MTB/RIF fourth-generation assay, and culture. Chest radiographs were scored by an automated interpretation algorithm (Computer-Aided Detection for Tuberculosis [CAD4TB]) that was locally calibrated to establish a positivity threshold. Four diagnostic algorithms were evaluated. We assessed the yield (percentage of total cases found) and efficiency (prevalence among those screened) for each algorithm. We performed unit costing to estimate the costs of each screening or diagnostic test and calculated the cost per case detected for each algorithm.

Results

We screened 5387 prisoners, of whom 214 (3.9%) were diagnosed with TB. Compared to other screening strategies initiated with chest radiography or symptoms, the trial of all participants with a single Xpert MTB/RIF sputum test detected 74% of all TB cases at a cost of US$249 per case diagnosed. Performing Xpert MTB/RIF screening tests only on those with symptoms had a similar cost per case diagnosed (US$255) but missed 35% more cases (73 vs 54) as screening all inmates.

Conclusions

In this prospective study in 3 prisons in a high TB burden country, we found that testing all inmates with sputum Xpert MTB/RIF was a sensitive approach, while remaining cost-efficient. These results support use of Xpert MTB/RIF for mass screening in TB-endemic prisons.
Two-hour Sephadex column method for assay of unconjugated estriol in serum.
Authors: Haigh W G , Hofman L F , Barron E J
Published: February 2020

The column method of Christner and Fetter (Steroids 24: 327, 1974) has been modified to give a simple, rapid assay for unconjugated estriol in serum. Estriol is isolated from serum by being retained on a Sephadex column, while estriol conjugates and serum proteins are eluted. The sample and labeled estriol compete for antibody on the column. Antibody is eluted, removing proportional amounts of sample and labeled estriol. Our modifications include using stable serum-based standards, shortening the incubation to 10 min, complete removal of conjugates, and regeneration of the columns so that they can be used repeatedly. The assay, which can be completed in 2 h, has a mid-range interassay CV of 8.2%.
Hypophosphatasia (adult form): quantitation of serum alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme activity in a large kindred.
Authors: Millán J L , Whyte M P , Avioli L V , Fishman W H
Published: February 2020

We used heat inactivation, L-phenylalanine inhibition, and electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel and cellulose acetate membranes--with and without use of specific antisera against the liver-bone, intestinal, and placental isoenzymes--to distinguish and quantitate the different alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes in sera from 23 adult members of a kindred affected by the adult form of hypophosphatasia. Nine subjects had values for total activity more than two standard deviations below the mean values for age- and sex-matched normal persons. Bone isoenzyme was diminished in all nine, whereas liver isoenzyme was subnormal in only four. Phosphoethanolamine and phosphoserine in the urine of eight hypophosphatasemic individuals correlated inversely with both total and liver alkaline phosphatase activity in their serum, but not with the activity of the bone isoenzyme. Total activity in the serum of adult kindred members correlated best with the circulating liver isoenzyme activity. The findings suggest that altered hepatic metabolism is responsible for the increased urinary excretion of phosphoethanolamine, and perhaps phosphoserine, in hypophosphatasia.
Applicability of various quality-control sera to assay of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Authors: Bullock D G , Carter T J , Hughes S V
Published: February 2020

Effective internal quality control and external quality assessment of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol assay is made difficult by analyte instability, and the suitability of quality-control sera for this purpose has not been studied. We have therefore investigated the properties of 25 different control sera from 15 suppliers by estimating within-batch precision for the two precipitation procedures used most widely (phosphotungstate/Mg2+ and heparin/Mn2+ with enzymic measurement of cholesterol. Some sera had properties similar to those of fresh human serum, but others demonstrated poor precision for one or both procedures or contained apparent high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in unphysiological concentrations. A study of six sera indicated that between-batch precision was consistent with the within-batch findings. We found that eight of the 25 batches of quality-control serum we investigated may be used for internal quality control and external quality assessment of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol assay.
Association between the findings of metachronous secondary primary malignancies and the number of Lugol-voiding lesions
Authors: Katada Chikatoshi , Yokoyama Tetsuji , Yano Tomonori , Oda Ichiro , Shimizu Yuichi , Takemura Kenichi , Koike Tomoyuki , Takizawa Kohei , Hirao Motohiro , Okada Hiroyuki , Nakayama Norisuke , Kubota Yutaro , Matsuo Yasumasa , Kawakubo Hirofumi , Ishikawa Hideki , Yokoyama Akira , Muto Manabu
Published: February 2020

This study was designed to evaluate the relation between dysplastic squamous epithelium in the esophageal mucosa and the development of metachronous secondary primary malignancies (mSPM) other than esophagus after endoscopic resection (ER) in patients with early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We studied 330 patients with early esophageal SCC who underwent ER as a post hoc analysis of a prospective multicenter cohort study (UMIN Clinical Trials Registry ID UMIN000001676). Lugol-voiding lesions (LVL) were graded into 3 categories (A = no lesion; B = 1 to 9 lesions; C ≥ 10 lesions). The following variables were studied: (i) the incidences of mSPM other than esophagus; (ii) the standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of mSPM; (iii) the cumulative incidence and total number of mSPM other than esophagus; and (iv) predictors of mSPM other than esophagus on analysis with a multivariate Cox proportional-hazards model. After a median follow-up of 46.6 months, mSPM other than esophagus was diagnosed in a total of 73 patients (90 lesions). Among the 106 patients in group C, 37 patients had mSPM (51 lesions), including head and neck cancer in 14 patients (24 lesions) and gastric cancer in 12 patients (16 lesions). The SIR of mSPM was 3.61 in this study subjects. An increase in the LVL grade (A to B to C) was associated with a progressive increase in the cumulative incidence rate of mSPM other than esophagus (P = 0.017 for A vs. C, P = 0.023 for B vs. C). An increase in the LVL grade (A to B to C) was also associated with a progressive increase in the total number of mSPM other than esophagus per 100 person-years (primary events, relative risk [RR] = 1.66 and 3.24 for grades B and C, respectively, vs. A, P = 0.002 for trend; all events, RR = 1.81 and 4.66 for grades B and C, respectively, vs. A, P < 0.0001 for trend). LVL grade C was a strong predictor of mSPM other than esophagus (RR = 3.41 for A vs. C). LVL grade may be a useful predictor of the risk of mSPM other than esophagus after ER in patients with early esophageal SCC.
Links between metabolic syndrome and the microbiome
Authors: Gildner Theresa E
Published: February 2020

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of harmful conditions which occur together, such as insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, and hypertension. The global prevalence of MetS is growing rapidly, with some estimates suggesting over one billion people worldwide experience increased morality and disease rates linked with this syndrome. One possible factor contributing to MetS risk is changes in microbiome composition. Approximately 100 trillion bacteria and other microbes reside in the human intestinal tract, collectively termed the gut microbiome. Humans and microbes share a long evolutionary history, with many of these microbes influencing human health outcomes. However, environmental conditions have changed dramatically with human technological innovations; many of these changes (e.g., diets high in processed foods and sedentary lifestyles) appear to impact human-microbe relationships. In general, recent changes in diet and activity patterns have been linked to decreased microbiome diversity, elevating inflammation and metabolic disease risk and likely promoting the development of MetS. Targeting patient diet or exercise patterns may therefore help doctors better treat patients suffering from MetS. Still, additional work is needed to determine how the microbiome responds to changes in patient activity and diet patterns across culturally and biologically diverse human populations.