bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contested multilateralism as credible signaling: how strategic inconsistency can induce cooperation among states
Authors: Faude Benjamin , Parizek Michal
Published: September 2020

This paper analyzes how patterns of international cooperation are affected if a group of states, led by a major power, pursues a strategy of “contested multilateralism” (CM). We conceptualize CM as a reaction to deadlock in institutional adjustment bargaining where CM lowers the gains actors can reap from cooperation in the short run. We demonstrate that, in the long run, CM nevertheless can have positive effects on international cooperation and specify when this is the case. Because of the costs associated with it, CM conveys a credible signal of the resolve of a dissatisfied group of states to contest the institutional status quo. Due to this capacity, CM alters the institutional and strategic environment within which institutional adjustment bargaining takes place. As a result, CM opens up the possibility for inter-institutional accommodation that increases realized cooperation gains. We probe the plausibility of our theoretical reasoning with empirical case studies on competitive regime creation in multilateral development finance and on regime-shifting in the governance of international trade in genetically modified organisms.
Influence of Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Corrosion Behavior of Thixo-cast Mg-Y-Nd-Zr
Authors: Szklarz Z. , Rogal Ł.
Published: September 2020

The influence of semisolid metal processing (SSM, also called thixoforming) and T6 heat treatment (HT) on the microstructure and corrosion behavior in chlorides of Mg-Y-Nd-Zr (WE43B) magnesium alloy was investigated. The as-cast microstructure is composed of α-Mg grains with the size of 52.8 ± 1.9 μm surrounded by eutectic precipitations enriched in rare-earth elements (Y, Nd). The thixo-cast microstructure contained α-Mg globular grains with the size of 65.5 ± 2.1 μm surrounded by a fine eutectic mixture in the volume of 26.6%. The T6 HT (heat treatment and saturation at 525°C/5 h, cooling in H2O and aging at 190°C/48 h) caused an increase of yield strength to 180 MPa and tensile strength to 280 MPa at the hardness 105 ± 4 HV5. Next, the electrochemical response was investigated in 0.1 M NaCl using the global and local LSV (linear sweep voltammetry) and EIS (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) methods. The EIS method suggests the same mechanism for the processes occurring at the electrode/electrolyte interface and shows higher values of the polarization resistances of treated samples after 24-h immersion tests. In particular, better corrosion resistance in chlorides is observed in the alloy after SSM compared to the SSM/HT specimen, which has also been confirmed by the LSV tests performed after 24-h immersion. By using a local technique, a higher susceptibility of the matrix of SSM and SSM/HT samples to pitting corrosion has been revealed.
Surgical Outcomes, Health Care Utilization, and Costs Associated with Staple Line Buttressing Among Primary Sleeve Gastrectomy Patients
Authors: Roy Sanjoy , Wang Yuexi , Mallampati Rajesh , Johnston Stephen
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Staple line buttressing is a method of reinforcing surgical staple lines using buttress materials. This study evaluated surgical outcomes, hospital utilization, and hospital costs associated with staple line buttressing among patients who underwent primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (PLSG) in the United States.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study using Premier Healthcare Database data from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2017. Patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent PLSG were selected and assigned to buttress or non-buttress cohorts based on the use of buttress material during their hospitalization for PLSG (index). Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to balance patient demographic and clinical characteristics between the cohorts. Generalized estimating equation models were used to compare the clinical and economic outcomes of the matched buttress and non-buttress users during the index hospitalization.

Results

A total of 38,231 buttress and 27,349 non-buttress patients were included in the study. After PSM, 24,049 patients were retained in each cohort. Compared with non-buttress cohort, the buttress cohort patients had a similar rate of in-hospital leaks (0.28% vs 0.39%; p = 0.160) and a lower rate of bleeding (1.37% vs 1.80%, p = 0.015), transfusion (0.56% vs 0.77%, p = 0.050), and composite bleeding/transfusion (1.57% vs 2.04%, p = 0.019). Total costs ($12,201 vs $10,986, p < 0.001) and supply costs ($5366 vs $4320, p < 0.001) were higher in the buttress cohort compared with the non-buttress cohort.

Conclusions

Staple line buttressing was associated with an improvement in complication rates for bleeding and transfusion. Total and supply costs were higher in the buttress cohort, necessitating further research into cost-effective buttressing materials.
Silent Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Patients with Morbid Obesity Prior to Primary Metabolic Surgery
Authors: Kristo Ivan , Paireder Matthias , Jomrich Gerd , Felsenreich Daniel M. , Fischer Mario , Hennerbichler Florian P. , Langer Felix B. , Prager Gerhard , Schoppmann Sebastian F.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Long-term follow-up after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) revealed a high incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) frequently caused by preoperative silent pathologic reflux. We aimed to evaluate prevalence and phenotypes of GERD in asymptomatic patients with morbid obesity prior to metabolic surgery according to modern objective testing.

Material and Methods

Prospective collection of data including consecutive patients with morbid obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2) prior to metabolic surgery was applied for this study between 2014 and 2019. Patients underwent clinical examinations, endoscopy, pH metry, and high-resolution manometry and were analyzed according to the Lyon consensus.

Results

Of 1379 patients undergoing metabolic surgery, 177 (12.8%, females = 105) asymptomatic individuals with a median age of 42.6 (33.8; 51.6) years and a median BMI of 44.6 (41.3; 50.8) kg/m2 completed objective testing and were included during the study period. GERD was diagnosed in 55 (31.1%), whereas criteria of borderline GERD were met in another 78 (44.1%). GERD was mediated by a structural defective lower esophageal sphincter (p = 0.004) and highlighted by acidic (p = 0.004) and non-acidic (p = 0.022) reflux episodes. Esophageal motility disorders were diagnosed in 35.6% (n = 63) of individuals with a novel hypercontractile disorder found in 7.9% (n = 14) of patients.

Conclusion

GERD affects a majority of asymptomatic patients with morbid obesity prior to primary bariatric surgery. Future longitudinal trials will have to reveal the clinical significance of esophageal motility disorders in patients with morbid obesity.
Dyslipidemia in Pediatric Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sunil Bhuvana , Ashraf Ambika P.
Published: September 2020

Purpose of Review

Cardiovascular (CV) disease is a major cause of mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Dyslipidemia is prevalent in children with T2D and is a known risk factor for CVD. In this review, we critically examine the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and recommendations for dyslipidemia management in pediatric T2D.

Recent Findings

Dyslipidemia is multifactorial and related to poor glycemic control, insulin resistance, inflammation, and genetic susceptibility. Current guidelines recommend lipid screening after achieving glycemic control and annually thereafter. The desired lipid goals are low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) < 100 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) > 35 mg/dL, and triglycerides (TG) < 150 mg/dL.

If LDL-C remains > 130 mg/dL after 6 months, statins are recommended with a treatment goal of < 100 mg/dL. If fasting TG are > 400 mg/dL or non-fasting TG are > 1000 mg/dL, fibrates are recommended. Although abnormal levels of atherogenic TG-rich lipoproteins, apolipoprotein B, and non-HDL-C are commonly present in pediatric T2D, their measurement is not currently considered in risk assessment or management.
Trace Elements in the Large Population-Based HUNT3 Survey
Authors: Syversen Tore , Evje Lars , Wolf Susann , Flaten Trond Peder , Lierhagen Syverin , Simic Anica
Published: September 2020

The Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (The HUNT Study) is a large health survey population study in the county of Trøndelag, Norway. The survey has been repeated four times in about 10-year intervals. In the HUNT3 survey (2006–2008), we collected 28,000 samples for trace element analysis. Blood samples from 758 healthy persons without known occupational exposure were selected for multielement analysis of a small sample of blood (0.25 mL). The aim of the study was to determine the minimum blood volume that can be used for the analytical procedure and to compare our results with previously published results of similar surveys in healthy populations. Samples were digested and the concentration of selected trace elements was determined by ICP-MS. We report results on essential elements (B, Co, Cu, Mn, Se and Zn) as well as non-essential elements (As, Be, Br, Cd, Cs, In, La, Pb, Hg, Nd, Ni, Nb, Pd, Pt, Sm, Ta and Sn). Results are similar to previous studies on the HUNT3 population, and with a few exceptions, our data compares very well with results obtained in recent studies from other countries. We wanted to test a minimum volume of blood in a large-scale analytical program. For a number of nonessential elements, our results were below the limit of detection. We suggest that future studies using similar ICP-MS equipment as analytical tool should use at least 0.5 mL of blood.
A comprehensive analysis of the psychometric properties of the contingencies of self-worth scale (CSWS)
Authors: Perinelli Enrico , Alessandri Guido , Vecchione Michele , Mancini David
Published: September 2020

The Contingencies of Self-Worth Scale (CSWS) is a widely used personality self-report questionnaire developed for measuring the domains in which self-esteem is sustained by successes and achievements as well as threatened by obstacles and failures. Two studies (Nstudy1 = 453, Nstudy2 = 293) aimed to further refine our knowledge of its psychometric properties. Results attested that, at the first-order level, the originally hypothesized seven-factor model proved to be the best-fitting one, but the inclusion of a method factor significantly improved the fit to the data. At the second-order level, the model with two higher-order variables representing private sphere and public sphere of CSW fit better than alternative models. Finally, there was evidence that first- and second-order domains had a good degree of construct and discriminant validity. Overall, these studies provided a step forward in refining the psychometric structure of the CSWS.
Effectiveness of a short Yoga Nidra meditation on stress, sleep, and well-being in a large and diverse sample
Authors: Moszeik Esther N. , von Oertzen Timo , Renner Karl-Heinz
Published: September 2020

Previous studies have shown that meditation-based interventions can have a significant impact on stress and well-being in various populations. To further extend these findings, an 11-min Yoga Nidra meditation that may especially be integrated in a busy daily schedule by people who can only afford short time for breaks was adapted and analyzed in an experimental online study design. The effects of this short meditation on stress, sleep, well-being and mindfulness were examined for the first time. The meditation was provided as audio file and carried out during a period of 30 days by the participants of the meditation group. A Structural Equation Model (SEM) was used to analyze the data with Full Information Maximum Likelihood (FIML) in order to cope with missing data. As expected, the meditation group (N = 341) showed lower stress, higher well-being and improved sleep quality after the intervention (very small to small effect sizes) compared with a waitlist control group (N = 430). It turned out that the meditation had a stronger impact on the reduction of negative affect than on the increase of positive affect and also a stronger effect on affective components of well-being. Mindfulness, as a core element of the meditation, increased during the study within the meditation group. All effects remained stable at follow-up six weeks later. Overall, a large, heterogeneous sample showed that already a very short dose of meditation can positively influence stress, sleep, and well-being. Future research should consider biological markers as well as active control groups.
Toward a dynamic model of Gelotophobia: Social support, workplace bullying and stress are connected with diverging trajectories of life and job satisfaction among Gelotophobes
Authors: Ruch Willibald , Stahlmann Alexander G.
Published: September 2020

Recent theoretical advances have grounded gelotophobia (Greek:gelos = laughter,phobos = fear) in a dynamic framework of causes, moderating factors, and consequences of the fear of being laughed at. This understanding corresponds to that ofvulnerabilityand translates gelotophobia into a distinguishable pattern of lacking resources (i.e., misinterpretation of joy and laughter) that can result in negative consequences (e.g., reduced well-being and performance) if individuals have no access to further resources (e.g., social support) or are exposed to severe stressors (e.g., workplace bullying). Based on the panel data provided by the Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research LIVES (N = 2469 across six measurement intervals), this study takes the first step toward empirically testing this model’s assumptions: First, we computed exemplary zero-order correlations and showed that gelotophobia was negatively connected with social support (resource) and life and job satisfaction (consequences) and positively connected with perceived stress, work stress, and workplace bullying (stressors). Second, we used longitudinal cluster analyses (KmL; k-means-longitudinal) and showed that the panel data can be clustered into three stable patterns of life and job satisfaction and that gelotophobia is primarily related to the two clusters marked by lower levels of satisfaction. Third, we computed partial correlations and showed that social support, perceived stress, and work stress (but not workplace bullying) can weaken or completely resolve gelotophobia’s relationships with such diverging trajectories of life and job satisfaction. We concluded that seeing gelotophobia through the lens of vulnerability is useful and that such research warrants further attention using more dedicated, theoretically grounded projects.
Development of Wild Boar Species-Specific DNA Markers for a Potential Quality Control and Traceability Method in Meat Products
Authors: Szemethy Dániel , Mihalik Bendegúz , Frank Krisztián , Nagy Tibor , Újváry Dóra , Kusza Szilvia , Szemethy László , Barta Endre , Stéger Viktor
Published: September 2020

In the food supply chain, quality control has a very important role in maintaining customer confidence. In the EU, food safety aspects are strictly regulated; however, composition requirements and standard control methods are generally undefined. The rapidly increasing wild boar population has a growing market share in venison or game meat production. Several methods have been described for species identification and control of composition in food products, but only some of these are suitable for routine measurements. The aim of our research was to design a rapid, reliable and simple PCR insertion/deletion (InDel)-based genetic tool suitable for species identification in food quality control laboratories. In total, 59 different swine (Sus scrofa) whole genomes were tested with bioinformatic tools to identify wild boar-specific insertions or deletions. Three independent InDels were suitable for marker development, multiplex PCR amplification and separation in agarose gel. Altogether, 209 samples of wild boar and ten other domestic pig breeds were taken for DNA extraction and validation of the three multiplexed InDel markers. Statistical analysis showed a very high combined predictive value (0.996), indicating the capability of the newly developed markers to detect wild boars with a probability over 99%. Breed assignment tests confirm that the InDel markers developed are suitable for rapid, sensitive and reliable identification of the wild boar meat content of food products. The use of the reported method in food quality control can mean a simple and cost-effective way to maintain consumer confidence and to support the competitiveness of fair producers.
Trait Mindfulness and Emotion Regulation upon Autobiographical Memory Retrieval during Depression Remission
Authors: Isham Aleksandra Eriksen , del Palacio-Gonzalez Adriana , Dritschel Barbara
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Depression is associated with both emotion dysregulation upon retrieval of autobiographical memories and low trait mindfulness. The present study raised the question of whether these processes are related to each other and whether they may reflect a cognitive-affective vulnerability in individuals at risk of depression. The study examined emotion regulation in response to involuntary and voluntary autobiographical memories during depression remission and explored how trait mindfulness relates to such emotion regulation.

Methods

The study employed a naturalistic design in which individuals with remitted depression (n = 35) and individuals with no history of depression (n = 32) completed a trait mindfulness measure and a structured memory diary where they rated state use of five emotion regulation strategies upon involuntary and voluntary autobiographical memory retrieval.

Results

Individuals with remitted depression reported heightened brooding in response to autobiographical memories when memory retrieval occurred involuntarily, and trait mindfulness was low. Depression remission and higher trait mindfulness were independently associated with greater cognitive reappraisal efforts upon involuntary retrieval of autobiographical memories. Higher trait mindfulness predicted less memory suppression, irrespective of depression history and memory retrieval mode.

Conclusions

The findings suggest a vulnerability in emotional processing of autobiographical memories during depression remission that is dependent on mindfulness skill level and how memories come to mind.
A System for Continuous Pre- to Post-reperfusion Intra-carotid Cold Infusion for Selective Brain Hypothermia in Rodent StrokeModels
Authors: Wang Yi , Choi Jae H. , Almekhlafi Mohammed A. , Ziemann Ulf , Poli Sven
Published: September 2020

Intra-carotid cold infusion (ICCI) appears as a promising method for hypothermia-mediated brain protection from ischemic stroke. Recent clinical pilot studies indicate easy implementation of ICCI into endovascular acute ischemic stroke treatment. Current rodent ICCI-in-stroke models limit ICCI to the post-reperfusion phase. To establish a method for continuous ICCI over the duration of intra-ischemia to post-reperfusion in rodent stroke models, a novel system was developed. Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were included. Intraluminal filament method was used for transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Normal saline (~ 0 °C) was delivered (≤ 2.0 mL/min) into the internal carotid artery via a customized infusion system without interruption during MCAO (intra-ischemia) to after filament withdrawal (post-reperfusion). Bilateral cortical and striatal temperatures were monitored. Hypothermia goals were a temperature reduction in the ischemic hemisphere by 2 °C prior to reperfusion and thereafter maintenance of regional brain hypothermia at ~ 32 °C limiting the administered ICCI volume to ½ of each rat’s total blood volume. During ischemia, maximum brain cooling rate was achieved with ICCI at 0.5 mL/min. It took 2 min to reduce ischemic striatal temperature by 2.3 ± 0.3 °C. After reperfusion, brain cooling was continued at 2 mL/min ICCI first (over 42 s) and maintained at 32.1 ± 0.3 °C at 0.7 mL/min ICCI over a duration of 15 ± 0.8 min. ICCI (total 12.6 ± 0.6 mL) was uninterrupted over the duration of the studied phases. First system that allows continuous ICCI during the phases of intra-ischemia to post-reperfusion in small animals for selective brain cooling and for investigations of other neuroprotective infusions.
Robotic Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer: Short-Term Oncological Outcomes of Initial 178 Cases
Authors: Ramachandra C. , Sugoor Pavan , Karjol Uday , Arjunan Ravi , Altaf Syed , Srinivas C. , Prakash B. V. , Patil Vijay
Published: September 2020

Emerging techniques in minimally invasive rectal resection include robotic total mesorectal excision (R-TME). The Da Vinci Surgical System offers precise dissection in narrow and deep confined spaces and is gaining increasing acceptance during recent times. The aim of this study is to analyse our initial experience of R-TME with Da Vinci Xi platform in terms of perioperative and oncological outcomes in the context of data from recently published randomised ROLARR trial amongst minimally invasive novice surgeons. Patients who underwent R-TME or tumour specific mesorectal excision for rectal cancer between May 2016 and November 2019 were identified from a prospectively maintained single institution colorectal database. Demographic, clinical-pathological and short-term oncological outcomes were analysed. Of the 178 patients, 117 (65.7%) and 31 (17.4%) patients had lower and mid third rectal cancer. Most of the tumours were locally advanced, cT3–T4: 138 (77.5%). One hundred/178 (56.2%) underwent sphincter preserving TME. Eighty-seven (48.8%) were grade II adenocarcinoma. Nonmucinous adenocarcinoma was the predominant histology, 138 (78.4%). One hundred one cases (56.7%) were pT3. The mean number of lymph node yield was 13 ± 5. Distal resection margin and circumferential resection margin were positive in 2 (1.12%), 12 cases (6.74%) respectively. Eleven cases (6.7%) had to be converted to open TME. Mean blood loss and duration of surgery was 170 ± 60 ml and 286 ± 45 min respectively. Five percent cases had an anastomotic leak. Grade IIIa–IIIb Clavien Dindo (CD) morbidity score was reported to be in 12 (6.75%) and 10 (5.61%) cases. Median length of hospitalisation was 7 days (range 4–14 days). Perioperative and pathologic outcomes following robotic rectal resection is associated with good short-term oncological outcomes and is safe, effective, and reproducible by a minimally invasive novice surgeon.
Choricystis and Lewiniosphaera gen. nov. (Trebouxiophyceae Chlorophyta), two different green algal endosymbionts in freshwater sponges
Authors: Pröschold Thomas , Darienko Tatyana
Published: September 2020

Associations of freshwater sponges with coccoid green algae have been known for a long time. Two types of coccoid green algae, which are commonly assigned as zoochlorellae, are recognized by morphology: small coccoids (< 3 μm) without pyrenoids and larger Chlorella-like algae (4–6 μm) with pyrenoids. Despite their wide distribution in some freshwater sponges, these green algae were never studied using a combined analysis of morphology and molecular phylogeny. We investigated several endosymbiotic strains isolated from different Spongilla species, which were available in culture collections. Phylogenetic analyses of SSU and ITS rDNA sequences revealed that the strain SAG 211-40a is a member of the Chlorellaceae and represents a new species of the newly erected genus Lewiniosphaera, L symbiontica. The phylogenetic position was confirmed by morphology and ITS-2 barcode. The endosymbionts without pyrenoid were identified as Choricystis parasitica by morphology and phylogenetic analyses. The comparison with free-living strains revealed the recognition of two new Choricystis species, C. krienitzii and C. limnetica, which were confirmed by molecular signatures in V9 region of SSU rDNA and ITS-2 barcode.
Integrated optimum design of hydraulic fracturing for tight hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs
Authors: Al-Attar Hazim , Alshadafan Hala , Al Kaabi Mariam , Al Hassani Aysha , Al Mheiri Shatha
Published: September 2020

Although hydraulic fracturing is not a new technology, it has not yet been implemented in the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), the regional producer in United Arab Emirates, has set out to initiate the utilization of this treatment during year 2019. In this work, a systematic design procedure for hydraulic fracturing in tight petroleum-bearing reservoirs is proposed. The design caters for surface and subsurface flow parameters, and it is hoped to provide basic guidelines for ADNOC in this respect. The proposed design process incorporates both unified fracture design (UFD) methodology and the fracture geometry (PKN) model. Excel spreadsheets were developed and utilized to run sensitivity analysis for optimal performance and predict long-term production profiles before and after fracturing. The excel spreadsheets made are flexible in use, in the sense that they resolve issues with infinite/finite fractures, high/low surface injection rate as well as investigate for non-Darcy flow effects. Reliable published data were used to perform the necessary calculations. The results of the performance calculations have shown that it is possible to access commercial quantities of hydrocarbons from a tight reservoir. In addition, improved productivity by 15-folds and increased gas recovery of 1.02 MMMscf over the first 8 years of production can be achieved by proper hydraulic fracturing design and implementation in tight gas reservoirs. The results of calculations of non-Darcy effect revealed a threshold velocity of approximately 0.2 fps above which these effects could become significant in predicting the overall flow efficiency inside the fracture. To the authors’ knowledge, the literature has not fully addressed the hydraulic fracturing design analytically, and the methodology proposed in this work provides a complete design package which incorporates the UFD concept, the PKN model, the non-Darcy model, and long-term prediction of post-fracturing production performance, and applying the proposed approach in a case study.
Least-energy nodal solutions of critical Kirchhoff problems with logarithmic nonlinearity
Authors: Liang Sihua , Rădulescu Vicenţiu D.
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we are concerned with the existence of least energy sign-changing solutions for the following fractional Kirchhoff problem with logarithmic and critical nonlinearity:$$\begin{aligned} \left\{ \begin{array}{ll} \left( a+b[u]_{s,p}^p\right) (-\Delta )^s_pu = \lambda |u|^{q-2}u\ln |u|^2 + |u|^{ p_s^{*}-2 }u &{}\quad \text {in } \Omega , \\ u=0 &{}\quad \text {in } {\mathbb {R}}^N{\setminus } \Omega , \end{array}\right. \end{aligned}$$a+b[u]s,pp(-Δ)psu=λ|u|q-2uln|u|2+|u|ps∗-2uinΩ,u=0inRN\Ω,where$$N >sp$$N>spwith$$s \in (0, 1)$$s∈(0,1),$$p>1$$p>1, and$$\begin{aligned}{}[u]_{s,p}^p =\iint _{{\mathbb {R}}^{2N}}\frac{|u(x)-u(y)|^p}{|x-y|^{N+ps}}dxdy, \end{aligned}$$[u]s,pp=∬R2N|u(x)-u(y)|p|x-y|N+psdxdy,$$p_s^*=Np/(N-ps)$$ps∗=Np/(N-ps)is the fractional critical Sobolev exponent,$$\Omega \subset {\mathbb {R}}^N$$Ω⊂RN$$(N\ge 3)$$(N≥3)is a bounded domain with Lipschitz boundary and$$\lambda $$λis a positive parameter. By using constraint variational methods, topological degree theory and quantitative deformation arguments, we prove that the above problem has one least energy sign-changing solution$$u_b$$ub. Moreover, for any$$\lambda > 0$$λ>0, we show that the energy of$$u_b$$ubis strictly larger than two times the ground state energy. Finally, we considerbas a parameter and study the convergence property of the least energy sign-changing solution as$$b \rightarrow 0$$b→0.
Evaluation of biomass-based production of below zero emission reducing gas for the iron and steel industry
Authors: Hammerschmid Martin , Müller Stefan , Fuchs Josef , Hofbauer Hermann
Published: September 2020

The present paper focuses on the production of a below zero emission reducing gas for use in raw iron production. The biomass-based concept of sorption-enhanced reforming combined with oxyfuel combustion constitutes an additional opportunity for selective separation of CO2. First experimental results from the test plant at TU Wien (100 kW) have been implemented. Based on these results, it could be demonstrated that the biomass-based product gas fulfills all requirements for the use in direct reduction plants and a concept for the commercial-scale use was developed. Additionally, the profitability of the below zero emission reducing gas concept within a techno-economic assessment is investigated. The results of the techno-economic assessment show that the production of biomass-based reducing gas can compete with the conventional natural gas route, if the required oxygen is delivered by an existing air separation unit and the utilization of the separated CO2 is possible. The production costs of the biomass-based reducing gas are in the range of natural gas-based reducing gas and twice as high as the production of fossil coke in a coke oven plant. The CO2 footprint of a direct reduction plant fed with biomass-based reducing gas is more than 80% lower compared with the conventional blast furnace route and could be even more if carbon capture and utilization is applied. Therefore, the biomass-based production of reducing gas could definitely make a reasonable contribution to a reduction of fossil CO2 emissions within the iron and steel sector in Austria.
Biases in Survey Estimates of Neonatal Mortality: Results From a Validation Study in Urban Areas of Guinea-Bissau
Authors: Helleringer Stéphane , Liu Li , Chu Yue , Rodrigues Amabelia , Fisker Ane Barent
Published: September 2020

Neonatal deaths (occurring within 28 days of birth) account for close to one-half of all deaths among children under age 5 worldwide. In most low- and middle-income countries, data on neonatal deaths come primarily from household surveys. We conducted a validation study of survey data on neonatal mortality in Guinea-Bissau (West Africa). We used records from an urban health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS) that monitors child survival prospectively as our reference data set. We selected a stratified sample of 599 women aged 15–49 among residents of the HDSS and collected the birth histories of 422 participants. We cross-tabulated survey and HDSS data. We used a mathematical model to investigate biases in survey estimates of neonatal mortality. Reporting errors in survey data might lead to estimates of the neonatal mortality rate that are too high, which may limit our ability to track progress toward global health objectives.
The Dynamics of Intimate Relationships and Contraceptive Use During Early Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Kusunoki Yasamin , Barber Jennifer S.
Published: September 2020

We investigate the immediate social context of contraceptive behaviors: specifically, the intimate relationship. We use the Relationship Dynamics and Social Life (RDSL) study (2008–2012), based on a random sample of 1,003 women ages 18–19 residing in a Michigan county. Women were interviewed weekly for 2.5 years, resulting in an age range of 18–22. We test three sets of hypotheses about change over time within a relationship, using relationship-level within-between models, which compare a couple’s contraceptive behaviors across different times in the relationship. First, we find that a couple is less likely to use contraception when the relationship is more intimate and/or committed and that a couple becomes less likely to use contraception over time, regardless of intimacy and commitment. Second, we find that a couple using contraception becomes increasingly likely to choose hormonal over coital methods, but this change occurs as a relationship endures and is unrelated to intimacy and/or commitment. Third, we find that a condom-using couple’s consistency does not decline when there is conflict; rather, consistency of condom use declines over time regardless of the relationship’s characteristics. We also demonstrate that conflict and power imbalance increase reliance on hormonal methods among those using contraception; conflict decreases consistency among withdrawal (but not condom) users; and nonmonogamy increases reliance on condoms and decreases withdrawal consistency. The strong and consistent link between duration and contraceptive behaviors—regardless of intimacy, commitment, conflict, or power imbalance—suggests that the continual vigilance required for long-term contraceptive use is difficult during early emerging adulthood.
Wie relevant ist die gesetzliche Fortbildungsverpflichtung für Lehrkräfte? Eine empirische Untersuchung zur Fortbildungsteilnahme in verschiedenen deutschen Bundesländern
Authors: Kuschel Jenny , Richter Dirk , Lazarides Rebecca
Published: September 2020

Für Lehrkräfte besteht in Deutschland eine allgemeine Pflicht zur Fortbildung, jedoch gibt es nur in wenigen Bundesländern konkrete Vorgaben zum Umfang dieser Verpflichtung und zur Dokumentation der Fortbildungsaktivitäten. Diese Arbeit untersucht daher die Bedeutsamkeit dieser gesetzlichen Verpflichtung für die Fortbildungsteilnahme von Lehrkräften. Anhand der Daten zur Fortbildungsaktivität aus den IQB-Ländervergleichen 2011, 2012 und dem IQB-Bildungstrend 2015 wurde mittels logistischer und linearer Regressionsmodelle analysiert, inwiefern die Teilnahme an einer Fortbildung sowie die Anzahl besuchter Fortbildungen in Zusammenhang mit den in einem Bundesland bestehenden Vorgaben zum Fortbildungsumfang und der Pflicht zum Nachweis absolvierter Fortbildungen steht. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Wahrscheinlichkeit zur Teilnahme an einer Fortbildung nur in einer der drei Studien höher ausfällt, wenn eine spezifische Fortbildungspflicht besteht. Zudem lassen sich über alle betrachteten IQB-Studien hinweg positive Zusammenhänge zwischen den gesetzlichen Vorgaben zum Fortbildungsumfang und der Anzahl besuchter Fortbildungen nachweisen. Die Zugehörigkeit zu Bundesländern mit Nachweispflicht steht jedoch nicht in systematischem Zusammenhang zur Fortbildungsteilnahme. Die Ergebnisse verweisen darauf, dass sich die Teilnahme an Fortbildungen in begrenztem Ausmaß durch gesetzliche Vorgaben steuern lässt. Mögliche Implikationen für die Erhöhung der Fortbildungsteilnahme werden diskutiert.
Patient Perspectives of Quality of the Same-Day Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation Process in Gauteng Province, South Africa: Qualitative Dominant Mixed-Methods Analysis of the SLATE II Trial
Authors: Scott Nancy A. , Maskew Mhairi , Fong Rachel M. , Olson Ingrid E. , Brennan Alana T. , Fox Matthew P. , Vezi Lungisile , Ehrenkranz Peter D. , Rosen Sydney
Published: September 2020

Background

HIV patients in South Africa continue to report operational barriers to starting antiretroviral therapy (ART). In the Simplified Algorithm for Treatment Eligibility (SLATE) II trial, same-day initiation (SDI) of ART increased the number of patients commencing ART and achieving HIV viral suppression by using a screening tool to distinguish between patients eligible for SDI and those requiring additional care before starting treatment. We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation to explore trial patients’ perceptions and experiences of SDI.

Methods

SLATE II was implemented at three urban, public primary health care clinics in Gauteng Province, South Africa. We conducted a short quantitative survey and in-depth interviews among a purposive sample of 89 of the 593 trial participants in the intervention and standard arms, using a mixed inductive–deductive framework approach.

Results

Nearly all respondents (95%) were satisfied with their care, despite reporting clinic wait times of ≥ 3 h (72%). Intervention patients found the initiation process to be easy; standard patients found it complicated and were frustrated with being shuffled around the clinic. No intervention arm patients felt that SDI was “too fast” or indicated a preference for a more gradual process. Both groups highlighted the need for good counselling and non-judgmental, respectful staff. Standard patients suggested improving patient–provider relations, strengthening counselling, reducing wait times, and minimising referrals.

Conclusions

While it is difficult to untangle the role of providers from that of the SLATE algorithm in influencing patient experiences, adoption of SLATE II implementation procedures could improve patient experience of treatment initiation.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03315013, registered October 19, 2017.
Transportation, germs, culture: a dynamic graph model of COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Yang Xiaofei , Xu Tun , Jia Peng , Xia Han , Guo Li , Zhang Lei , Ye Kai
Published: September 2020

Background

Various models have been applied to predict the trend of the epidemic since the outbreak of COVID‐19.

Methods

In this study, we designed a dynamic graph model, not for precisely predicting the number of infected cases, but for a glance of the dynamics under a public epidemic emergency situation and of different contributing factors.

Results

We demonstrated the impact of asymptomatic transmission in this outbreak and showed the effectiveness of city lockdown to halt virus spread within a city. We further illustrated that sudden emergence of a large number of cases could overwhelm the city medical system, and external medical aids are critical to not only containing the further spread of the virus but also reducing fatality.

Conclusion

Our model simulation showed that highly populated modern cities are particularly vulnerable and lessons learned in China could facilitate other countries to plan the proactive and decisive actions. We shall pay close attention to the asymptomatic transmission being suggested by rapidly accumulating evidence as dramatic changes in quarantine protocol are required to contain SARS‐CoV‐2 from spreading globally.
Potential and actual ascospore release of Erysiphe necator chasmothecia in Austria
Authors: Redl M. , Sitavanc L. , Spangl B. , Steinkellner S.
Published: September 2020

Ascospores of grape powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator Schw.) play a crucial role in the disease onset in spring in many vine-growing areas. We investigated the physiological maturation of chasmothecia and the time of the first potential ascospore release in three grape-growing areas in Austria by providing standardized conditions for ascospore release in the laboratory and excluding the environmental influence for the release itself. In the overwintering season 2017/2018, the potential ascospore release started in March 2018 in all three investigated wine-growing areas, while in 2018/19, the potential ascospore release was already possible in autumn 2018. Autumn 2018 was characterized by higher temperatures than autumn 2017. We related accumulated degree days (base 8 °C) after chasmothecia formation with the time of first potential chasmothecia dehiscence and found that more than 480 degree days are necessary to reach physiological maturity of chasmothecia. Temperature significantly influenced the dynamics of the potential of ascospore release. More than 50% of the total potential of ascospore release occurred before bud break in both years. Furthermore, weather factors affecting the actual ascospore release in the field were studied. Precipitation and leaf wetness showed a significant positive correlation with ascospore release in the vineyard. In contrast to the potential release, only a small percentage of actual release in the field occurred before bud break, while 84 and 95% of total trapped ascospores were found between bud break and flowering in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Our results reveal that the potential release and actual release have to be combined to predict ascospore release in spring.
The Evidence-Based Investigative Tool (EBIT): a Legitimacy-Conscious Statistical Triage Process for High-Volume Crimes
Authors: McFadzien Kent , Pughsley Alan , Featherstone Andrew M. , Phillips John M.
Published: September 2020

Research Question

Based on the evidence at the end of a preliminary investigation of minor, non-domestic assault and public order cases, how accurately can the likelihood of a sanctioned detection be predicted for triage decisions while maintaining high awareness of legitimacy issues?

Data

Investigative records on assault and public order offences recorded by Kent Police, with a case-control sample of 522 randomly selected detected cases and 482 randomly selected undetected cases, a test sample of 931 cases, and an additional 7947 cases for testing the model on all eligible cases in the force area for the initial six months of its use.

Methods

A case control comparison between solved and unsolved cases produced a logistic regression model that was used to predict investigative outcomes in both the test sample and the complete tracking of its use in investigative operations.

Findings

Eight elements of evidence available by the end of the preliminary investigation were found to predict whether a sanctioned detection would result from further investigation: (1) victim supports police prosecution, and evidence includes (2) a named suspect, (3) a cooperative witness, (4) CCTV evidence, (5) confirming police testimony, (6) forensic evidence, (7) a connection to other cases and (8) a report of the crime to police less than 28 days after the incident occurred. When the EBIT was calibrated to identify only the 31% of cases most likely to yield a detection from further investigation, the model correctly forecast 97% of cases that would not be solved, producing only 3% false negatives. It also reduced the false-positive rate from 73 to 22% in cases that did not lead to a sanctioned detection.

Conclusions

A case control analysis of solvability factors at the end of a preliminary investigation can identify almost all of the cases that are likely to be solved, even while the model predicts that the majority of all cases at that point will not be solved.
A survey of gene regulatory networks modelling methods: from differential equations, to Boolean and qualitative bioinspired models
Authors: Barbuti Roberto , Gori Roberta , Milazzo Paolo , Nasti Lucia
Published: September 2020

Gene Regulatory Networks (GRNs) represent the interactions among genes regulating the activation of specific cell functionalities, such as reception of (chemical) signals or reaction to environmental changes. Studying and understanding these processes is crucial: they are the fundamental mechanism at the basis of cell functioning, and many diseases are based on perturbations or malfunctioning of some gene regulation activities. In this paper, we provide an overview on computational approaches to GRN modelling and analysis. We start from the biological and quantitative modelling background notions, recalling differential equations and the Gillespie’s algorithm. Then, we describe more in depth qualitative approaches such as Boolean networks and some computer science formalisms, including Petri nets, P systems and reaction systems. Our aim is to introduce the reader to the problem of GRN modelling and to guide her/him along the path that goes from classical quantitative methods, through qualitative methods based on Boolean network, up to some of the most relevant qualitative computational methods to understand the advantages and limitations of the different approaches.
Energy Modeling of Competition Between Tubular and Platy Morphologies of Chrysotile and Halloysite Layers
Authors: Krasilin Andrei A.
Published: September 2020

The present study considered the problem of halloysite nanoscroll synthesis by energy modeling of the formation of chrysotile and halloysite particles. The main aim of the study was to reveal an energy preference between scrolled and platy morphologies of the particles. Both hydrosilicates possess the ability to scroll spontaneously but relatively facile hydrothermal synthesis of the nanoscrolls is available only to the former, whereas halloysite forms mainly plates under the same conditions. This issue was investigated by a phenomenological energy model, taking into account: (1) strain energy due to the size difference between metal oxide and silica sheets; (2) surface-energy difference on the opposite sides of the layer; and (3) adhesion energy. Calculations showed that the halloysite layer had a significant scrolling potential due to the first energy component, but the surface-energy difference acted in the opposite direction and tried to unbend the layer. In contrast, these two actions were co-directional in chrysotile layers. In both cases, the formation of multi-layered plates became more energy favorable when the specific surface energy of the edges decreased. In the range 0.5–3 J/m2 for the specific surface energy, only halloysite layers showed an energy preference for platy particles over nanoscrolls, especially at small layer sizes. Certain processes, such as hydration, could reduce the corresponding specific surface energy value and, as a result, could stabilize the platy morphology of halloysite at the earliest stages of particle growth under hydrothermal conditions.
Advanced Exercise Prescription for Cancer Patients and its Application in Germany
Authors: Schumann Moritz , Freitag Nils , Bloch Wilhelm
Published: September 2020

The scientific interest of exercise medicine for the treatment of cancer is ever expanding. Recently published and updated guidelines for exercise training in cancer patients by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) or the Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) are leading the way towards an individualized approach for exercise prescription. These guidelines provide physicians and therapists with a comprehensive and detailed overview about the beneficial effects of exercise training and, more so, summarize the evidence on potential dose–response mechanisms, including pathways of exercise-induced stimuli to counteract tumour microenvironmental pathologies. However, the most optimal types and doses of exercise training across the cancer disease and treatment continuum are yet to be determined. Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review was to illustrate the current implications but also limitations of exercise training during the different stages of cancer therapy, as well as to discuss necessary future directions. As a second purpose, special attention will be given to the current role of exercise in the treatment of cancer in Germany.
Association of Public Interest in Preventive Measures and Increased COVID-19 Cases After the Expiration of Stay-at-Home Orders: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hartwell Micah , Greiner Benjamin , Kilburn Zach , Ottwell Ryan
Published: September 2020

Objective:

Following stay-at-home (SAH) orders issued for coronavirus disease (COVID-19), state-level economic concerns increased and many let these orders expire. As a method to measure public preparedness, we sought to explore the association between public interest in preventive measures and the easing of SAH orders – specifically the increases in COVID-19 cases and fatalities after the orders expired.

Methods:

Search volume was collected from Google Trends for “hand sanitizer,” “social distancing,” “COVID testing,” and “contact tracing” for each state. Bivariate correlations were computed to analyze associations between public interest in preventive measures, changes in confirmed COVID-19 cases after SAH expirations, COVID-19 case-fatality rates, and by-state presidential voting percentages.

Results:

A higher interest in preventive measures was associated with lower rates of confirmed cases after SAH orders had expired (r = −0.33), higher state-wide deaths per capita (r = 0.42), and case-fatality rates (r = 0.60). Moderate to strong negative correlations were found between states’ percentage of voters supporting the Republican nominee in 2016 and proportion of queries for average preventive measures (r = −0.77).

Conclusion:

Our investigation shows that increased public interest in COVID-19 prevention was associated with longer SAH orders and less COVID-19 cases after the SAH orders’ expiration; however, it was also associated with higher case-fatality rates.