bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Onshore power one option to reduce air emissions in ports
Authors: Krämer Iven , Czermański Ernest
Published: May 2020

Ports are not just nodal points in global supply chains but at the same time, they are concentration points for air emissions. Ships that are manoeuvring within estuaries and within the port areas and ships at berth contribute to a large extend to the overall air pollution in port cities. Thus, the efforts to reduce these emissions are not only left to the shipping lines themselves, but to port authorities, port operators and port cities as well. One option that lately has gained huge political interest is onshore power supply. Consequently, more and more ports in the world begin to plan and implement such installations. For the time being, this process is yet in an initial phase and even if different technical solutions do exist and prove their usability in daily operations, the needed investments for the installations do barely see any economic viability. The same is to observe for the operational costs, which is why a discussion for a general obligation to use shore power in ports is ongoing. Time will show if shore power really is a solution or if shipping lines will find even better options to reduce air emissions on their path towards a zero emission shipping.
Building a sustainable and transferable sulphur emission free BSR
Authors: Prause Gunnar , Olaniyi Eunice O.
Published: May 2020

The maritime industry is getting much attention owing to the current energy and climate crises. There are increasing discussions on sustainable maritime transport across the globe especially after the successful implementation of the sulphur regulations in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR). The world is now getting ready for the 2020 global sulphur cap suggesting that the energy transition outlook in the maritime sector is becoming clearer and there is no going back.

Still, global energy consumption is growing at an alarming rate, and all hands must remain on deck to avert possible world crises. There are still questions related to clean shipping, waste management, clean fuel, decarbonisation of fuel and greenhouse associated with global warming. What are the expected hurdles of a complete transition to a complete clean maritime transport industry? Can the world achieve total integration of this policy to contribute to environmental protection?

The study investigates the effect of both public and private cost of environmental governance in the maritime sector and evaluates the budding orchestration of green/clean shipping initiatives to activate regulatory policies using the Sulphur Emission Control Area (SECA) regulation in the Baltic state region, its state of the art, coordination and cost. The study further addresses the gaps in the present and future development of regulation compliance focussing on their design, monitoring and control to meet the global outlook for the 2020 global sulphur cap.
Fracturing Gels as Analogs to Understand Fracture Behavior in Shale Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Li Zheng , Wang Jingyi , Gates Ian D.
Published: May 2020

Hydraulic fracturing is widely used in the exploitation of unconventional reservoirs, such as shale gas and tight gas. However, a full understanding of the activation of natural fractures, prediction of fracture growth, distribution of proppant, and network fracture system effectiveness remain unresolved. The onset of fracturing in the media requires energy and this is due to the buildup of pressure within the rock due to continuous injection of fluid. In other words, when the energy associated with the injection fluid reaches the fracture strength of the rock, the fracture initiates and propagates into the formation. Here, we use gelatin in hydraulic fracturing laboratory tests and compare the results to a modified radial hydraulic fracturing theory. The mechanics of the gelatin, procedures to make a testing gelatin block, and procedures to conduct the test are described. The results show that the fracture evolving behaviours from experiments are well matched by the theory. The results are then scaled up to understand fracture growth behaviour in a tight rock reservoir.
Determination of potassium by the use of new calibration approach in potentiometric measurements
Authors: Dębosz Marek , Wieczorek Marcin , Migdalski Jan , Kościelniak Paweł
Published: May 2020

The implementation of a new calibration approach, termed the Signal Increment Standard Addition Method (SI-SAM), to the potentiometric determination of potassium in the synthetic samples and certified reference materials, is investigated. SI-SAM is a modification of SAM that is based on the change in the way in which the extrapolation is carried out. The calibration graph is extrapolated to the intersection with the signal of the first standard solution, not to the abscissa. Potentiometry is the method of choice due to its simplicity, rapid measurements, wide linear range and fulfilment of green analytical principles. However, careful attention is required to the calibration procedure because various versions of the standard addition method, which are commonly used in potentiometry, may create some problems leading to serious systematic analytical errors. The present work proves that SI-SAM allows for the elimination of this drawback and, consequently, for the determination of the considered analyte with improved results, especially in terms of accuracy and precision.

Graphic abstract
Diffuse midline glioma of the cervical spinal cord with H3 K27M genotype phenotypically mimicking anaplastic ganglioglioma: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kraus Theo F. J. , Machegger Lukas , Pöppe Johannes , Zellinger Barbara , Dovjak Eva , Schlicker Hans U. , Schwartz Christoph , Ladisich Barbara , Spendel Mathias , Kral Michael , Reinhardt Annekathrin , Winkler Peter A. , Sotlar Karl
Published: May 2020

Here, we report on a 28-year old male patient presenting with neck and shoulder pain, dysesthesia of all four limbs and hypesthesia of both hands, without motor deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an intradural, intramedullary mass of the cervical spinal cord of 6.4 cm length and 1.7 cm diameter. The patient underwent surgical resection. Histological and immunohistochemical evaluation showed pleomorphic glial tumor cells, mitoses, calcifications, and atypical ganglioid cells compatible with the morphology of anaplastic ganglioglioma (WHO Grade III). Extensive molecular workup revealed H3F3A K27M, TERT C228T and PDGFRα Y849C mutations indicating poor prognosis. The H3F3A K27M mutation assigned the tumor to the molecular group of diffuse midline glioma (WHO Grade IV). Epigenome-wide methylation profiling confirmed the methylation class of diffuse midline glioma. Thus, this is a very rare case of malignant glioma with H3 K27M genotype phenotypically mimicking anaplastic ganglioglioma. This case emphasizes the importance of comprehensive morphological and molecular workup including methylome profiling for advanced patient care.
„Leben retten bis der Arzt kommt?“
Authors: Rieder N. , Mühe K. , Nauck F. , Alt-Epping B.
Published: May 2020

Hintergrund

Einsätze in Notfallsituationen bei Patienten mit fortgeschrittener, unheilbarer Erkrankung stellen für das Rettungsdienstpersonal eine besondere Belastung dar. Für ersteintreffendes nichtärztliches Rettungsdienstpersonal ergeben sich dabei Situationen, in denen Entscheidungen getroffen werden müssen, die außerhalb des erlernten oder rechtlich zugesicherten Kompetenzbereichs liegen. Ziel dieser Arbeit war daher die Darstellung von Konflikten und deren Belastungsauswirkung sowie die Diskussion über eine mögliche Erweiterung der therapeutischen Entscheidungskompetenz des nichtärztlichen Rettungsdienstpersonals als Entlastungsoption.

Material/Methoden

Online-Befragung von Rettungsassistenten und Notfallsanitätern („mixed methods design“) zu deren Konflikten und wahrgenommenen Belastungen. Analyse der Freitextantworten mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse (Mayring). Deskriptiv-statistische Analyse der wahrgenommenen Belastungsintensitäten und Belastungshäufigkeiten.

Ergebnisse

Im Umgang mit Patienten mit fortgeschrittener unheilbarer Erkrankung erlebt das nichtärztliche Rettungsdienstpersonal einen konflikthaften und belastenden Entscheidungs- und Handlungsdruck. Die Konflikte können in vier Dimensionen eingeordnet werden: a) patientenbezogen, b) strukturell, c) persönlich und d) interprofessionell. Eine Erweiterung der therapeutischen Entscheidungskompetenz des nichtärztlichen Rettungsdienstpersonals zur Therapiebegrenzung wurde kritisch und vorbehaltlich wahrgenommen.

Diskussion

Die vom nichtärztlichen Rettungsdienstpersonal beschriebenen Konflikte erfordern vielschichtige Lösungsansätze, wie zum Beispiel themenspezifische Fort- und Weiterbildungsprogramme wie auch regional-strukturelle Konzepte einer gesundheitlichen Versorgungsplanung.
COVID-19 and social distancing
Authors: Qian Meirui , Jiang Jianli
Published: May 2020

Aim

COVID-19 has spread rapidly worldwide since it began, greatly affecting peoples' lives, social economies and medical systems. At present, little is known about the disease, and vaccines are still under development. Therefore, in the face of severe outbreaks, previous effective experience can help people better protect themselves and their families. The aim of this article is to discuss the social distancing measures for COVID-19.

Subjects and methods

Literature and document search.

Results

Recent research and a novel coronavirus pneumonia prediction model revealed social distancing measures and wearing masks are required to mitigate hospital system overload and prevent pathogen exposure. After a series of social distancing measures, there are 309 cities with zero cases and 34 cities with confirmed cases in China as of April 13, 2020.

Conclusion

From China's experience with novel coronavirus pneumonia, we know that social distancing is the most effective measure at present. We need to win more time to allow limited medical resources to save lives.
Using fibre property measurements to predict the tensile index of microfibrillated cellulose nanopaper
Authors: Taylor Lewis , Phipps Jonathan , Blackburn Stuart , Greenwood Richard , Skuse David
Published: May 2020

A wide variety of wood and non-wood cellulosic fibre sources were used as a feed to produce microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) using a grinding process. Nanopaper was formed using this product, and the tensile index was measured. The hemicellulose content of the feed fibres was measured, and was found to correlate with the production of finer microfibrils and a higher MFC tensile strength. The correlation with tensile strength was improved by the inclusion of a measurement of the MFC particle lengths as measured by a fibre image analyser, with the resulting relation fitting a modified Page Equation. It was hypothesised that the frequency of flaws in the feed fibre cross-section influences the length of the MFC particles produced, and so the zero-span tensile index of the fibres was measured as a proxy for this since it forces cross-sectional fibre breakage. The fibre zero-span tensile index was found to correlate with MFC particle length and so was used in its place in the equation. The resultant equation can predict MFC tensile strength from zero-span tensile index and hemicellulose content measurements of cellulosic fibres and can aid in optimising feedstock selection for mechanical MFC production processes.
Redistributive Consequences of Abolishing Uniform Contribution Policies in Pension Funds
Authors: Chen Damiaan H. J. , van Wijnbergen Sweder J. G.
Published: May 2020

In a pension system with uniform policies for contribution and accrual, each participant has the same contribution rate and accrual rate independent of the age at the time of payment. Although a common practice for public sector pension plans in many countries, this is not actuarially fair because the investment horizon of young participants is longer than the investment horizon of the elderly. We show the unintended redistributive intergenerational effects of a uniform contribution system and the consequences of switching from uniform policies to an actuarially fair system, first analytically in a stylized model with three overlapping generations. We then quantify these effects in a detailed model with multiple overlapping generations, realistic parameters and detailed information on the income distribution, calibrated on the Dutch funded pension system. Our base estimate shows that the transition effect of abolishing uniform policies for an actuarially fair system is about 37 billion euros (5% of the Dutch GDP) for an interest rate of 1% (the market interest rate ultimo 2017), but only 11 billion euro for an interest rate of 0% (the market interest rate as of July 2019). For each cohort, the redistributive effects are less than 5% of their total pension. We show that a system with uniform policies implies a transfer of about 10 billion euros from poor to rich.
Chromosomal polymorphisms associated with reproductive outcomes after IVF-ET
Authors: Li Sai-jiao , Cheng Yan-xiang , Ye-Shang  , Zhou Dan-ni , Zhang Yin , Yin Tai-lang , Yang Jing
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the detail type of chromosomal polymorphisms (1/9/16qh+/−, D/G group polymorphisms, and inv(9)) on the IVF-ET outcomes.

Methods

A total of 1335 infertile couples undergoing IVF/ICSI were enrolled and comprehensively analyzed the correlation between three detail types of chromosomal polymorphisms (1/9/16qh+/−, D/G group polymorphisms, and inv(9)) and the outcome of IVF/ICSI embryo transfer. The fertilized rate, cleaved embryo rate, good-quality embryo rate, clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, and early stage miscarriage rate were compared between the chromosomal polymorphisms groups and the control group.

Results

Both the inv(9) and D/G group chromosomal polymorphisms related to female infertility significantly lead to a lower 2PN cleavage rate (86.44% vs. 97.58% and 90.67% vs. 97.58%, respectively,P < 0.05) undergoing IVF insemination, the inv(9) adversely increasing the early miscarriage rate, either undergoing IVF (21.4% vs. 3.0%,P < 0.05) or ICSI (50.0% vs. 2.0%,P < 0.05) insemination, female carriers (23.08% vs. 2.87%,P < 0.05) or male carriers (44.44% vs. 2.87%,P < 0.05). For D/G groups, ICSI insemination may increase the implantation rate (44.8% vs. 23.69%,P < 0.05) and clinical pregnancy rate (78.6% vs. 40.65%,P < 0.05). 1/9/16qh+/−had no apparent adverse effect on the patient’s clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that chromosome karyotype analysis is necessary for IVF patients in clinical practice; we should afford individual genetic counseling suggestion according to the polymorphism types.
Ni incorporation in MgFe2O4 for improved CO2-splitting activity during solar fuel production
Authors: Takalkar Gorakshnath , Bhosale Rahul R. , AlMomani Fares , Rashid Suliman , Shakoor R. A.
Published: May 2020

Efficacy of the sol–gel derived Ni-doped Mg-ferrites for an enhanced CO2 splitting activity is investigated. The results allied with the characterization indicate the formation of nominally phase pure Ni-doped Mg-ferrites with a coarser particle morphology. Ni-doped Mg-ferrites are further tested for multiple thermal reduction as well as CO2 splitting steps by using a thermogravimetric analyzer. The results associated with the thermogravimetric analysis confirmed that most of the Ni-doped Mg-ferrites attained a steady TR aptitude after crossing the 5th or 6th cycle. Likewise, the CS capability of all the Ni-doped Mg-ferrites accomplished consistency after 4th cycle (except for Ni0.11Mg0.88Fe2.01O4.005). The Ni0.90Mg0.11Fe2.04O4.070 showed the highest amount of O2 release (117.1 μmol/g cycle) and CO production (210.3 μmol/g cycle) in ten consecutive thermochemical cycles. Besides, Ni0.29Mg0.72Fe1.98O3.980 indicated better re-oxidation aptitude ($$ n_{\text{CO}} /n_{{{\text{O}}_{2} }} $$nCO/nO2 ratio = 1.89) when compared with other Ni-doped Mg-ferrites.
The Bigger the Better? Business Size and Small-Business Owners’ Subjective Well-Being
Authors: Fors Connolly Filip , Johansson Sevä Ingemar , Gärling Tommy
Published: May 2020

Business growth is often portrayed as an important outcome for small-business owners. Few empirical studies have however examined whether there is a positive relationship between business size and different dimensions of small-business owners’ subjective well-being. In a large cross-sectional sample (n = 1089) of small-business owners from Sweden, we investigate the relationship between business size and the two main components of subjective well-being, life satisfaction and emotional well-being. By means of structural equation modelling, we determine the importance of business size for subjective well-being by focusing on potential advantages (financial satisfaction) and disadvantages (time pressure) related to business size. The results show that there is no overall relationship between business size and life satisfaction, but a weak negative relationship between business size and emotional well-being. However, in a subsequent mediation analyses we find that these findings largely can be explained by the fact that financial satisfaction and time pressure relate to subjective well-being in opposite directions and thus cancel each other out. The results of the mediation analysis also reveal differences across the two components of subjective well-being. We here find that financial satisfaction is more important for small-business owners’ life satisfaction while time pressure is more important for their emotional well-being.
Mesenchymal stromal cell and bone marrow concentrate therapies for musculoskeletal indications: a concise review of current literature
Authors: Eder Christian , Schmidt-Bleek Katharina , Geissler Sven , Sass F. Andrea , Maleitzke Tazio , Pumberger Matthias , Perka Carsten , Duda Georg N. , Winkler Tobias
Published: May 2020

The interest on applying mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in orthopedic disorders has risen tremendously in the last years due to scientific successes in preclinical in vitro and animal model studies. In a wide range of diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system, MSCs are currently under evaluation, but so far have found access to clinical use only in few cases. The current assignment is to translate the acquired knowledge into clinical practice. Therefore, this review aims at presenting a synopsis of the up-to-date status of the use of MSCs and MSC related cell products in musculoskeletal indications. Clinical studies were included, whereas preclinical and animal study data not have been considered. Most studies published so far investigate the final outcome applying bone marrow derived MSCs. In fewer trials the use of adipose tissue derived MSCs and allogenic MSCs was investigated in different applications. Although the reported results are equivocal in the current literature, the vast majority of the studies shows a benefit of MSC based therapies depending on the cell sources and the indication in clinical use. In summary, the clinical use of MSCs in patients in orthopedic indications has been found to be safe. Standardized protocols and clear definitions of the mechanisms of action and the mode and timing of application as well as further coordinated research efforts will be necessary for finally adding MSC based therapies in standard operating procedures and guidelines for the clinicians treating orthopedic disorders.
Doing competence: On the performativity of literacy and numeracy from a post-structural viewpoint
Authors: Heilmann Lisanne
Published: May 2020

International large-scale assessments like the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competences (PIAAC) assess literacy and numeracy proficiency as abstract competences, assuming they are cognitive skills and therefore objectively and universally measurable. However, research into how people’s lives are affected by notions ofliteracyandnumeracyhas shown that both are influenced by social conventions and expectations which are embedded in power relations and ideology. Competences and practices are situated in their social context, and they are products of historical processes which include their construction through the way they are referred to by both experts and the general public. The purpose of this article is to look at literacy and numeracy from a post-structural point of view, questioning the individualised understanding of literacy and numeracy as abstract competences which people simply “have”. The author explores the possibility of viewing these basic competences as constructed through how they are actively performed (e.g. when someone engages in reading, writing or calculating for a particular purpose in a particular context) and referred to (e.g. when someone is pronounced “literate” or “competent”). The author points out that being acknowledged and addressed as competent and literate opens up possibilities, just as being viewed as lacking these competences can allow access to (learning) opportunities. Simultaneously and ambivalently, constructed notions of competence both liberate and subordinate individuals. They create power relations and vulnerabilities which often remain unacknowledged.
Modeling the Time Delay Problem of Galactic Cosmic Ray Flux in Solar Cycles 21 and 23
Authors: Siluszyk M. , Iskra K.
Published: May 2020

We present a 2-dimensional time-dependent simulation based on Parker’s transport equation (PTE) describing the propagation of energetic astroparticles – cosmic rays (CR) in the heliosphere. PTE is a second order partial differential equation containing four major processes: diffusion, convection, drift, and adiabatic cooling responsible for modulation of the CR flux in the heliosphere. We implement in the numerical simulation, a few physical parameters as the tilt angle, $\delta $δ, of the heliospheric current sheet (HCS), module, $B$B, of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), and variations of drift effect of the CR particles with solar activity (SA). Our approach is the implementation of two independent parameters (proxies), $\gamma $γ and $\nu $ν. The parameters $\gamma $γ and $\nu $ν are calculated from various independent sources, $\gamma $γ, from neutron monitors (NM) daily data, and $\nu $ν, using the IMF hourly data. The solutions of PTE obtained from our numerical model are compared with the variations of the CR flux recorded by NMs. We prove the existence of a varying delay time (DT) between the changes of galactic cosmic ray (GCR) intensity and the parameters characterizing SA. Based on our investigation, we obtained different DTs in Solar Cycles 21 and 23. We conclude that the calculated DTs, after comparison with the observed DTs, are useful parameters for the study of GCR transport in the heliosphere.
Tighter reformulations using classical Dawson and Sankoff bounds for approximating two-stage chance-constrained programs
Authors: Singh Bismark
Published: May 2020

We extend and improve recent results given by Singh and Watson on using classical bounds on the union of sets in a chance-constrained optimization problem. Specifically, we revisit the so-called Dawson and Sankoff bound that provided one of the best approximations of a chance constraint in the previous analysis. Next, we show that our work is a generalization of the previous work, and in fact the inequality employed previously is a very relaxed approximation with assumptions that do not generally hold. Computational results demonstrate on average over a 43% improvement in the bounds. As a byproduct, we provide an exact reformulation of the floor function in optimization models.
Creating a space for place and multidimensional well-being: lessons learned from localizing the SDGs
Authors: Sterling Eleanor J. , Pascua Puaʻala , Sigouin Amanda , Gazit Nadav , Mandle Lisa , Betley Erin , Aini John , Albert Simon , Caillon Sophie , Caselle Jennifer E. , Cheng Samantha H. , Claudet Joachim , Dacks Rachel , Darling Emily S. , Filardi Chris , Jupiter Stacy D. , Mawyer Alexander , Mejia Manuel , Morishige Kanoeʻulalani , Nainoca Winifereti , Parks John , Tanguay Jamie , Ticktin Tamara , Vave Ron , Wase Veronica , Wongbusarakum Supin , McCarter Joe
Published: May 2020

Achieving sustainable development globally requires multilevel and interdisciplinary efforts and perspectives. Global goals shape priorities and actions at multiple scales, creating cascading impacts realized at the local level through the direction of financial resources and implementation of programs intended to achieve progress towards these metrics. We explore ways to localize global goals to best support human well-being and environmental health by systematically comparing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with regionally-derived well-being dimensions that encompass components of social–ecological resilience across the Pacific Islands. Our research shows that, in the context of the Pacific, there are overlaps but also significant gaps between regional conceptions of well-being and the globally-derived SDGs. Some dimensions, related to human health and access to infrastructure and finances, are well represented in the SDGs. Other dimensions of high importance when localizing perspectives of well-being, such as those regarding connections between and across people and place and Indigenous and local knowledge, are not. Furthermore, internationally generated indicators may result in trade-offs and measurement challenges in local contexts. Creating space for place-based values in global sustainability planning aligns with international calls for transformational changes needed to achieve global goals. We identify challenges in applying SDG indicators at the local level and provide lessons learned to foster equitable and holistic approaches and outcomes for sustainability.
Is Brachytherapy Feasible After Head and Neck Cancer Reconstructive Surgery? Preliminary Report
Authors: Bartochowska Anna , Banaszewski Jacek , Wierzbicka Małgorzata
Published: May 2020

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of interstitial postoperative brachytherapy for the vitality and quality of flaps used for reconstruction of tissue defects after head and neck cancer salvage resection. We aimed at presenting six consecutive patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma in head and neck region who underwent salvage surgery and tissue reconstruction with a regional or free flap followed by brachytherapy. Reconstruction was performed with a free radial forearm flap in 2 cases, with a free thigh flap in 2 cases, and with a myocutaneous lateral upper arm flap in the next 2 cases. In all patients, pulsed-dose-rate brachytherapy was used with a median value of 0.7 Gy (range 0.6–0.8 Gy) per pulse and a median total dose of 20 Gy (range 20–40 Gy). In the analyzed group, there were no serious wound and flap complications after brachytherapy. In one case, peripheral skin necrosis was noticed. No revision surgery was needed but only surgical debridement of the necrotic margins. All wounds healed within 14 days after surgery as well as donor sites which healed within 4 weeks. Based upon our data, pulsed-dose-rate brachytherapy seems to be a safe option that can be performed at the site of reconstruction in immediate postoperative period with minimal wound complications and with no impact on flap survival. Further clinical study based on larger patient series is needed to present statistically proven results.
The Negative Effects of Institutional Logic Multiplicity on Service Platforms in Intermodal Mobility Ecosystems
Authors: Schulz Thomas , Böhm Markus , Gewald Heiko , Celik Zehra , Krcmar Helmut
Published: May 2020

Digitalization is changing the mobility sector. Companies have developed entirely new mobility services, and mobility services with pre-digital roots, such as ride-sharing and public transport, have leveraged digitalization to become more convenient to use. Nevertheless, private car use remains the dominant mode of transport in most developed countries, leading to problems such as delays due to traffic congestion, insufficient parking spaces, as well as noise and air pollution. Emerging intermodal mobility ecosystems take advantage of digital advances in mobility services by providing individual, dynamic and context-aware combinations of different mobility services to simplify door-to-door mobility and contribute to the reduction of private car use. However, the service platforms are limited in terms of functional range, for example they may lack integrated ticketing and rely on static data, which makes intermodal mobility inconvenient. This article adopts the service-dominant logic perspective to analyze service ecosystems for intermodal mobility and their service provision. Drawing on traditional institutional literature, the authors question the assumption that service logic is dominant for all actors of a service ecosystem. By applying activity theory, the article illustrates how an institutional logic multiplicity among actors can negatively affect the functional range of service platforms. The results of a qualitative study in Germany show that, in particular, the state logic of some actors, which is characterized by the obligation to provide mobility, impairs the quality of service platforms in supporting citizens in intermodal mobility.
Phosphorus phytoremediation using selected wetland plants in constructed floating mats
Authors: Chapman Katy , Boucher Jennifer
Published: May 2020

Phosphorus (P) overloading in fresh water systems has a detrimental effect by increasing the speed of eutrophication. Phytoremediation is the use of natural plants to remove contaminants from the environment. In the current study, we tested five plants (Pteris vittata, Lemna minor, Rumex orbiculatus, Rumex verticillatus, and Typha × glauca) in the laboratory and field for phosphorus mitigation potential. In the field experiment, both root and shoot phosphorus content were evaluated, and in the laboratory study percent phosphorus removed was calculated. Our research showed in both experiments that T. glauca removed the most phosphorus (p < 0.05). In the field study, shoots of T. glauca removed on average 3.7 g P/plant, while the roots and shoots removed 12.67 g P/plant from water. In the laboratory study, the T. glauca removed 84% of the phosphorus from the water. Rumex verticillatus in both experiments had the next highest phosphorus removal rates (0.46 g P/shoot, 1.93 g P/plant (root + shoot), and 90% removal in the laboratory study). These results show great potential for T. glauca and R. verticillatus in the mitigation of phosphorus from fresh water systems.
Loss of 4.1N in epithelial ovarian cancer results in EMT and matrix-detached cell death resistance
Authors: Wang Dandan , Zhang Letian , Hu Ajin , Wang Yuxiang , Liu Yan , Yang Jing , Du Ningning , An Xiuli , Wu Congying , Liu Congrong
Published: May 2020

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is one of the leading causes of death from gynecologic cancers and peritoneal dissemination is the major cause of death in patients with EOC. Although the loss of 4.1N is associated with increased risk of malignancy, its association with EOC remains unclear. To explore the underlying mechanism of the loss of 4.1N in constitutive activation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and matrix-detached cell death resistance, we investigated samples from 268 formalin-fixed EOC tissues and performed various in vitro and in vivo assays. We report that the loss of 4.1N correlated with progress in clinical stage, as well as poor survival in EOC patients. The loss of 4.1N induces EMT in adherent EOC cells and its expression inhibits anoikis resistance and EMT by directly binding and accelerating the degradation of 14-3-3 in suspension EOC cells. Furthermore, the loss of 4.1N could increase the rate of entosis, which aggravates cell death resistance in suspension EOC cells. Moreover, xenograft tumors in nude mice also show that the loss of 4.1N can aggravate peritoneal dissemination of EOC cells. Single-agent and combination therapy with a ROCK inhibitor and a 14-3-3 antagonist can reduce tumor spread to varying degrees. Our results not only define the vital role of 4.1N loss in inducing EMT, anoikis resistance, and entosis-induced cell death resistance in EOC, but also suggest that individual or combined application of 4.1N, 14-3-3 antagonists, and entosis inhibitors may be a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of EOC.
Psychological Capital and Career Outcomes among Final Year University Students: the Mediating Role of Career Engagement and Perceived Employability
Authors: Baluku Martin Mabunda , Mugabi Eriphase Nsaale , Nansamba Joyce , Matagi Leonsio , Onderi Peter , Otto Kathleen
Published: May 2020

Increasingly, graduates are taking much more time in the transition from school to work. Recent research suggests that the ability to adjust quickly plays a key role in the transition process. This is even more important today given the tough labor market realities such as exacerbated unemployment levels and global competitions for the few available job openings. Yet new graduates often lack experience and certain skills that employers look for. Those unable to maneuver through the School-To-Work Transition (STWT) quickly may experience further challenges in their career development process. Using a sample of 516 students in their final semester of their university studies in Ugandan and Kenya, the present study examines the role of psychological resources, namely psychological capital and the mechanisms (i.e. Career Engagement - CE, Perceived Employability - PE) through which it works to affect students’ readiness for STWT as well as positively evaluating their career success. The major findings of the study reveal substantial positive direct effects of psychological capital on perceived employability, readiness for STWT, and career satisfaction. The double mediation results show that psychological capital indirectly affects the readiness for STWT via career engagement and internal PE, while psychological capital indirectly affects career satisfaction via career engagement and external PE. The implications of these results are discussed.
Factors associated with drug prescribing practices in long-term care patients with cognitive impairment
Authors: Kijowska Violetta , Barańska Ilona , Szczerbińska Katarzyna
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To examine factors associated with prescribing anti-dementia medicines (ADM), atypical antipsychotics (A-APM), typical antipsychotics (T-APM), anxiolytics and other psychostimulants (OP) in the residents of long-term care institutions (LTCIs).

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of a country-representative sample of randomly selected LTCIs in Poland, conducted in 2015–2016. First, we identified 1035 residents with cognitive impairment (CI) among all 1587 residents. Next, we randomly selected 20 residents from each institution. Study sample consists of 455 residents with CI: 214 recruited from 11 nursing homes and 241 from 12 residential homes. We used InterRAI-LTCF questionnaire and drug dispensary cards administered on the day of data collection to assess use of drugs. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA), descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

The residents were treated with ADM (13.4%), OP (14.3%), antipsychotics (46.4%) including A-APM (24.2%) and T-APM (27.9%), and anxiolytics (28.4%). Hydroxyzine was used most often among anxiolytics (71.3%). Prescribing of ADM was more likely in Alzheimer’s disease (OR = 4.378; 95%CI 2.173–8.823), while OP in other dementia (OR = 1.873; 95%CI 1.007–3.485). Administration of A-APM was more likely in older residents (OR = 1.032, 95%CI 1.009–1.055), and when delusions appeared (OR = 2.082; 95%CI 1.199–3.613), while there were no neuropsychiatric factors increasing the odds of T-APM use. Prescribing of anxiolytics was less likely in moderate CI (by 47.2%) than in residents with mild CI.

Conclusion

Current practices of prescribing psychotropics are inadequate in Polish LTCIs, especially in terms of use of T-APM and hydroxyzine. More attention should be given to motivate physicians to change their prescribing practices.
Dibenzo-tetraphenyl diindeno perylene as hole transport layer for high-bandgap perovskite solar cells
Authors: Pegu Meenakshi , Caliò Laura , Ahmadpour Mehrad , Rubahn Horst-Günter , Kazim Samrana , Madsen Morten , Ahmad Shahzada
Published: May 2020

Semi-transparent perovskite solar cells have the competitive edge of being employed for building integrated photovoltaics due to their esthetic benefits as light harvesting windows/facades. Perovskites have received considerable attention in recent years as a thin film photovoltaic alternative, that can also be tweaked for its transparency, evolving from potentially high bandgaps that are suited for semi-transparent solar cell fabrication. Due to the existing trade of between the efficiency and transparency of a perovskite solar cell, tuning the band gap can address this by making a bridge between the aforementioned parameters. We report our findings on the use of a wide-bandgap perovskite MAPbBr3, with a rational energetic level hole transport materials based on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules that can be a promising alternative class of p-type material. In the present work, DBP (Dibenzo{[f,f′]-4,4′,7,7′-tetraphenyl}diindeno[1,2,3-cd :1′,2′,3′-lm]perylene was evaluated with high bandgap as well as with mixed (FAPbI3)0.85(MAPbBr3)0.15 perovskites for the fabrication of solar cell. DBP-based solar cells yielded competitive power conversion efficiencies as compared with classical HTMs.
Correction to: Computation of Rayleigh damping coefficient of a rectangular submerged floating tunnel (SFT)
Authors: Rahman Md. Hafizur , Gupta Chhavi
Published: May 2020

There was an omission in the caption to Fig. 3 in the original publication. The complete caption plus corresponding reference are shown below.
History, Sovereignty, Capital: Company Colonization in South Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Birchall Matthew
Published: May 2020

This article takes a fresh look at the history of private colonial enterprise in order to show how companies influenced British settlement and emigration to South Australia and New Zealand in the 1830s, thus connecting the settler revolution to global capitalism. Bringing into a single analytical frame the history of company colonization in the antipodes and its Atlantic predecessor, it examines how and why the actors involved in the colonization of South Australia and New Zealand invoked North American precedent to justify their early nineteenth-century colonial ventures. The article shows how the legitimating narratives employed by the colonial reformers performed two key functions. On the one hand, they supplied a historical and discursive tradition that authorized chartered enterprise in the antipodes. On the other hand, they furnished legal arguments that purportedly justified the appropriation of Aboriginal Australian and Māori tribal land. In illuminating how language and time shaped the world-making prophesies of these colonial capitalists, the article aims to extend recent work on corporations in global context.
Future Transboundary Water Stress and Its Drivers Under Climate Change: A Global Study
Authors: Munia Hafsa Ahmed , Guillaume Joseph H. A. , Wada Yoshihide , Veldkamp Ted , Virkki Vili , Kummu Matti
Published: May 2020

Various transboundary river basins are facing increased pressure on water resources in near future. However, little is known ab out the future drivers globally, namely, changes in natural local runoff and natural inflows from upstream parts of a basin, as well as local and upstream water consumption. Here we use an ensemble of four global hydrological models forced by five global climate models and the latest greenhouse‐gas concentration (RCP) and socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios to assess the impact of these drivers on transboundary water stress in the past and future. Our results show that population under water stress is expected to increase by 50% under a low population growth and emissions scenario (SSP1‐RCP2.6) and double under a high population growth and emission scenario (SSP3‐RCP6.0), compared to the year 2010. As changes in water availability have a smaller effect when water is not yet scarce, changes in water stress globally are dominated by local water consumption—managing local demand is thus necessary in order to avoid future stress. Focusing then on the role of upstream changes, we identified upstream availability (i.e., less natural runoff or increased water consumption) as the dominant driver of changes in net water availability in most downstream areas. Moreover, an increased number of people will be living in areas dependent on upstream originating water in 2050. International water treaties and management will therefore have an increasingly crucial role in these hot spot regions to ensure fair management of transboundary water resources.
A Mixed Length Scale Model for Migrating Fluvial Bedforms
Authors: Guala M. , Heisel M. , Singh A. , Musa M. , Buscombe D. , Grams P.
Published: May 2020

With the expansion of hydropower, in‐stream converters, flood‐protection infrastructures, and growing concerns on deltas fragile ecosystems, there is a pressing need to evaluate and monitor bedform sediment mass flux. It is critical to estimate real‐time bedform size and migration velocity and provide a theoretical framework to convert easily accessible time histories of bed elevations into spatially evolving patterns. We collected spatiotemporally resolved bathymetries from laboratory flumes and the Colorado River in statistically steady, homogeneous, subcritical flow conditions. Wave number and frequency spectra of bed elevations show compelling evidence of scale‐dependent velocity for the hierarchy of migrating bedforms observed in the laboratory and field. New scaling laws were applied to describe the full range of migration velocities as function of two dimensionless groups based on the bed shear velocity, sediment diameter, and water depth. Further simplification resulted in a mixed length scale model estimating scale‐dependent migration velocities, without requiring bedform classification or identification.
Recent Decrease of Summer Sea Ice in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica
Authors: Turner John , Guarino Maria Vittoria , Arnatt Jack , Jena Babula , Marshall Gareth J. , Phillips Tony , Bajish C. C. , Clem Kyle , Wang Zhaomin , Andersson Tom , Murphy Eugene J. , Cavanagh Rachel
Published: May 2020

In Austral summer 2016/2017, the sea ice extent (SIE) in the Weddell Sea dropped to a near‐record value in the satellite era (1.88 × 106 km2), a large negative seasonal anomaly that persisted in an unprecedented fashion for the following three summers. Various atmospheric and oceanic factors played a part in the change. Ice loss started in September 2016 when the northern Weddell Sea experienced westerly winds of record strength, advecting multiyear sea ice from the region. In late 2016, a polynya over Maud Rise contributed to low SIE over the eastern Weddell Sea. With extensive areas of open water early in the summer, upper ocean temperatures increased by ~0.5°C, with the anomalies persisting in subsequent years. The reappearance of the Maud Rise polynya in 2017, high ocean temperatures, and storms of record depth kept the summer SIE low.
Contribution of Changes in Synoptic‐Scale Circulation Patterns to the Past Summer Precipitation Regime Shift in Eastern China
Authors: Zhou Baiquan , Zhai Panmao , Chen Yang
Published: May 2020

During the past few decades, eastern China has experienced a summer precipitation regime shift characterized by a “southern flood‐northern drought” pattern. Among numerous studies explaining this phenomenon, few have quantified dynamic‐thermodynamic contributions at daily‐synoptic scales. Using a self‐organizing map approach, summertime daily atmospheric flows during 1961–2015 are clustered into 20 circulation patterns (CPs), each of which is assigned to an attribute among wet, dry, and neutral according to their synchronous precipitation anomalies. We find that decreases in wet CPs for the north and increases (decreases) in wet (dry) CPs for the south are robustly significant and can well explain the contrasting precipitation trends. Dynamic and thermodynamic processes jointly produce more precipitation in the south but less precipitation in the northern half of the north region, with thermodynamic contributions being 30–40% larger. Dynamic influence and its interaction with thermodynamic factors dictate the latitudinal boundary between the drying and wetting regions.
Stratospheric Water Vapor Feedback Disclosed by a Locking Experiment
Authors: Huang Yi , Wang Yuwei , Huang Han
Published: May 2020

Most global climate models project a considerable stratospheric moistening during global warming. It is important to quantify how significantly the increase of stratospheric humidity affects the radiation budget and contributes to the surface warming. Here, we conduct a mechanism denial experiment to investigate the warming effect of the stratospheric water vapor (SWV) using a global climate model. By locking the SWV in a quadrupling CO2 experiment, we find that the surface warming effect of SWV is not as significant as previously thought, increasing the global mean surface warming by about 2%. This is due to compensating changes in other feedback, especially those of tropospheric temperature and cloud, affected by SWV.
Controls of Spring Persistence Barrier Strength in Different ENSO Regimes and Implications for 21st Century Changes
Authors: Jin Yishuai , Lu Zhengyao , Liu Zhengyu
Published: May 2020

This paper investigates potential factors that control the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Spring Persistence Barrier (SPB) strength in two different ENSO regimes and apply it to explain the ENSO SPB strength modulation after the 21st century. In a damped, noise‐driven model, the theoretical solution of SPB strength illustrates that a weaker ENSO growth rate strengthens SPB. In the self‐sustained regime, as in the Cane‐Zebiak model (chaotic system), the strengthened thermodynamic damping and weakened thermocline positive feedback lead to a more negative ENSO growth rate and, in turn, a stronger SPB. Therefore, in both ENSO regimes, a weaker ENSO growth rate intensifies the SPB. The application of the theory to the real world suggests that a more negative ENSO growth rate, corresponding to a more damped feedback system, is responsible for the stronger SPB in recent decades than in 1980–2000.
Optical RAM and integrated optical memories: a survey
Authors: Alexoudi Theoni , Kanellos George Theodore , Pleros Nikos
Published: May 2020

The remarkable achievements in the area of integrated optical memories and optical random access memories (RAMs) together with the rapid adoption of optical interconnects in the Datacom and Computercom industries introduce a new perspective for information storage directly in the optical domain, enabling fast access times, increased bandwidth and transparent cooperation with optical interconnect lines. This article reviews state-of-the-art integrated optical memory technologies and optical RAM cell demonstrations describing the physical mechanisms of several key devices along with their performance metrics in terms of their energy, speed and footprint. Novel applications are outlined, concluding with the scaling challenges to be addressed toward allowing light to serve as both a data-carrying and data-storage medium.