bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technical Research Priorities for Big Data
Authors: Curry Edward , Zillner Sonja , Metzger Andreas , Berre Arne J. , Auer Sören , Walshe Ray , Despenic Marija , Petkovic Milan , Roman Dumitru , Waterfeld Walter , Seidl Robert , Hasan Souleiman , ul Hassan Umair , Ojo Adegboyega
Published: June 2021

To drive innovation and competitiveness, organisations need to foster the development and broad adoption of data technologies, value-adding use cases and sustainable business models. Enabling an effective data ecosystem requires overcoming several technical challenges associated with the cost and complexity of management, processing, analysis and utilisation of data. This chapter details a community-driven initiative to identify and characterise the key technical research priorities for research and development in data technologies. The chapter examines the systemic and structured methodology used to gather inputs from over 200 stakeholder organisations. The result of the process identified five key technical research priorities in the areas of data management, data processing, data analytics, data visualisation and user interactions, and data protection, together with 28 sub-level challenges. The process also highlighted the important role of data standardisation, data engineering and DevOps for Big Data.
Data Protection in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Trends, Existing Solutions and Recommendations for Privacy-Preserving Technologies
Authors: Timan Tjerk , Mann Zoltan
Published: June 2021

This chapter addresses privacy challenges that stem particularly from working with big data. Several classification schemes of such challenges are discussed. The chapter continues by classifying the technological solutions as proposed by current state-of-the-art research projects. Three trends are distinguished: (1) putting the end user of data services back as the central focal point of Privacy-Preserving Technologies, (2) the digitisation and automation of privacy policies in and for big data services and (3) developing secure methods of multi-party computation and analytics, allowing both trusted and non-trusted partners to work together with big data while simultaneously preserving privacy. The chapter ends with three main recommendations: (1) the development of regulatory sandboxes; (2) continued support for research, innovation and deployment of Privacy-Preserving Technologies; and (3) support and contribution to the formation of technical standards for preserving privacy. The findings and recommendations of this chapter in particular demonstrate the role of Privacy-Preserving Technologies as an especially important case of data technologies towards data-driven AI. Privacy-Preserving Technologies constitute an essential element of the AI Innovation Ecosystem Enablers (Data for AI).
Introduction: Transnational Law and Advocacy Around Labour and Human Rights Litigation
Authors: Zumbansen Peer
Published: June 2021

In this chapter, Peer Zumbansen introduces the book. He contextualizes the Ali Enterprises Factory Fire and the movement building and activism that followed in light of current transnational legal debates as well as global value chain research and subsequently introduces each contribution.
From Strategic Litigation to Juridical Action
Authors: Fischer-Lescano Andreas
Published: June 2021

With strategic litigation, lawyers and public interest NGOs have sought to bring socio-structural problems before courts around the world for many years. In doing so, they (a) initiate legally substantiated lawsuits that (b) pursue goals beyond a legal process’ “success” and (c) address considerable political issues. Litigation strategists often strive to realise the judicial enforcement of human rights, environmental rights, trade union rights, migrant and refugee rights, and so on, in these proceedings. In other words, they seek to make the law “better.” It is precisely here that legal mobilisation’s structural limitations—also present in the day-to-day business of law—come to light in the context of strategic litigation.
Pakistan’s “Industrial 9/11”: Transnational Rights-Based Activism in the Garment Industry and Creating Space for Future Global Struggles
Authors: Mansoor Nasir , Rudhof-Seibert Thomas , Saage-Maaß Miriam
Published: June 2021

This chapter is based on an internal evaluation of the of the 2012–2019 cooperation between the Pakistani National Trade Union Federation (NTUF), the German humanitarian organisation medico international, and the Berlin-based European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR). Written from a first-person perspective by three members of these organisations, it offers invaluable insights into the internal coordination and strategic deliberations of the partners’ evolving transnational efforts to hold the German retail company KiK and Italian social auditing firm RINA to account on behalf of the survivors and victims’ families of the 2012 Ali Enterprises factory fire. The authors elaborate on the multi-dimensional effects and aftermath of the Ali Enterprises tragedy, and recount the lessons learned from their different perspectives as trade unionists, activists, and lawyers based in both Pakistan and Germany. On this basis, the chapter then maps additional possible avenues for supporting the transnational struggles of workers around the globe. All in all, it offers rich insights into the experiences and complex debates ongoing amongst the authors and their organisations on how to develop common positions and further enhance their mutual understanding in order to collectively imagine and work towards transformative political goals.
Theoretische Vorüberlegungen, Methoden und Material
Authors: Kleinschmidt Malte
Published: June 2021

In diesem Kapitel wird die Forschungsperspektive und die damit zusammenhängenden methodologischen, epistemologischen und theoretischen Überlegungen entwickelt. Gleichzeitig geht es hier auch um den zugrundeliegenden Bildungsbegriff und die Reflexion über die Eingebundenheit des Forschenden und Schreibenden in die hier besprochenen Verhältnisse.
Dynamical tadpoles, stringy cobordism, and the SM from spontaneous compactification
Authors: Buratti Ginevra , Delgado Matilda , Uranga Angel M.
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We consider string theory vacua with tadpoles for dynamical fields and uncover universal features of the resulting spacetime-dependent solutions. We argue that the solutions can extend only a finite distance ∆ away in the spacetime dimensions over which the fields vary, scaling as ∆n∼$$ \mathcal{T} $$
T
with the strength of the tadpole $$ \mathcal{T} $$
T
. We show that naive singularities arising at this distance scale are physically replaced by ends of spacetime, related to the cobordism defects of the swampland cobordism conjecture and involving stringy ingredients like orientifold planes and branes, or exotic variants thereof. We illustrate these phenomena in large classes of examples, including AdS5×T1,1 with 3-form fluxes, 10d massive IIA, M-theory on K3, the 10d non-supersymmetric USp(32) strings, and type IIB compactifications with 3-form fluxes and/or magnetized D-branes. We also describe a 6d string model whose tadpole triggers spontaneous compactification to a semirealistic 3-family MSSM-like particle physics model.
Holographic DC conductivity for backreacted NLED in massive gravity
Authors: Bi Shihao , Tao Jun
Published: June 2021

Abstract

In this work a holographic model with the charge current dual to a general non-linear electrodynamics (NLED) is discussed in the framework of massive gravity. Massive graviton can break the diffeomorphism invariance in the bulk and generates momentum dissipation in the dual boundary theory. The expression of DC conductivities in a finite magnetic field are obtained, with the backreaction of NLED field on the background geometry. General transport properties in various limits are presented, and then we turn to the three of specific NLED models: the conventional Maxwell electrodynamics, the Maxwell-Chern-Simons electrodynamics, and the Born-Infeld electrodynamics, to study the parameter-dependence of in-plane resistivities. Two mechanisms leading to the Mott-insulating behaviors and negative magneto-resistivities are revealed at zero temperature, and the role played by the massive gravity coupling parameters are discussed.
Full phase diagram of a UV completed $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 Yang-Mills-Chern-Simons matter theory
Authors: Sharon Adar , Sheaffer Tal
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We study the large N phase diagram of an asymptotically free UV completion of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 SU(N) super-Yang-Mills-Chern-Simons theory coupled to a single massive fundamental scalar multiplet with a quartic superpotential coupling. We compute the effective superpotential at small gauge coupling λ ≡ N/k, and combine this with previous results in the literature to obtain the full phase diagram in this regime. We find that tuning the UV parameters allows us to reach various phases and fixed points of Chern-Simons theory that were recently discovered using large N techniques, as well as new phases that characterize the Yang-Mills theory. We also conjecture the form of the phase diagram for general values of λ and for finite N.
Randomized phase 2 study of perampanel for sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Aizawa Hitoshi , Kato Haruhisa , Oba Koji , Kawahara Takuya , Okubo Yoshihiko , Saito Tomoko , Naito Makiko , Urushitani Makoto , Tamaoka Akira , Nakamagoe Kiyotaka , Ishii Kazuhiro , Kanda Takashi , Katsuno Masahisa , Atsuta Naoki , Maeda Yasushi , Nagai Makiko , Nishiyama Kazutoshi , Ishiura Hiroyuki , Toda Tatsushi , Kawata Akihiro , Abe Koji , Yabe Ichiro , Takahashi-Iwata Ikuko , Sasaki Hidenao , Warita Hitoshi , Aoki Masashi , Sobue Gen , Mizusawa Hidehiro , Matsuyama Yutaka , Haga Tomohiro , Kwak Shin
Published: June 2021

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of perampanel in patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (SALS).

Methods

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, phase 2 clinical study was conducted at 12 sites. Patients with probable or definite ALS as defined by revised El Escorial criteria were enrolled. Sixty-six patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive placebo, 4 mg perampanel, or 8 mg perampanel daily for 48 weeks. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded throughout the trial period. The primary efficacy outcome was the change in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) score after 48 weeks of treatment.

Results

One patient withdrew before starting the treatment. Of 65 patients included, 18 of 22 patients randomized to placebo (82%), 14 of 22 patients randomized to 4 mg perampanel (64%), and 7 of 21 patients randomized to 8 mg perampanel (33%) completed the trial. There was a significant difference in the change of ALSFRS-R scores [− 8.4 (95% CI − 13.9 to − 2.9); p = 0.015] between the placebo and the perampanel 8 mg group, primarily due to worsening of the bulbar subscore in the perampanel 8 mg group. Serious AEs were more frequent in the perampanel 8 mg group than in the placebo group (p = 0.0483).

Conclusions

Perampanel was associated with a significant decline in ALSFRS-R score and was linked to worsening of the bulbar subscore in the 8 mg group.
Bone turnover markers can predict healing time in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw
Authors: Schubert Lorenz , Russmueller Guenter , Lagler Heimo , Tobudic Selma , Heindel Elisabeth , Kundi Michael , Steininger Christoph
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a severe and difficult-to-treat adverse event of bone-modifying agents. Therefore predictive strategies determining patients at risk for a prolonged healing duration are needed to optimize treatment. Thus, the present study evaluates whether or not bone turnover markers can be used to predict the healing duration in MRONJ patients.

Materials and methods

The present study is a retrospective data analysis of patients suffering from MRONJ and positive histology for Actinomyces spp., who were identified at the General Hospital Vienna from 2014 to 2018. During the first visit, the patients’ demographics and levels of bone formation parameters were compiled. Healing times were analysed by Cox regression in dependence on these factors.

Results

A total of 52 patients were identified who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The indication for bone-modifying agents was breast cancer (n = 21), prostate cancer (n = 14), multiple myeloma (n = 6) and other malignant diseases (n = 11). In 43 (82.7%) of our patients, we were able to document complete mucosal healing. Furthermore, patients who responded faster to therapy showed higher levels of C-telopeptide (P < 0.05), osteocalcin (P < 0.05) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.05), but lower levels of 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D (P < 0.05) than slower responding patients. No correlation was found regarding parathyroid hormone or calcitonin levels. Interestingly, patients who had a slower response were less likely to report dental procedures, but more likely to report a history of chemotherapy.

Conclusion

CTX and osteocalcin levels may be used for predicting healing duration for MRONJ.
Corrosion Level of Rock Bolts Exposed to Aggressive Environments in Nordic Road Tunnels
Authors: Manquehual Cristobal Javier , Jakobsen Pål Drevland , Bruland Amund
Published: June 2021

For road tunnels in most Nordic countries, temporary rock support installed during tunnel excavation usually becomes a part of the permanent rock support. Rock bolts are the most common rock support measure in road tunnels excavated in hard rock, and their conditions over the period of tunnel operation play a significant role in the safety of these tunnels. The rock bolt types and aggressive environmental conditions considered in this research are focused on those used and observed in Norwegian and Swedish road tunnels. Findings elsewhere in similar environments are included to highlight the different kinetics of degradation. Based on the collected data, the corrosion levels in these road tunnels are comparable to those in the most polluted industrial areas. Aggressive groundwater conditions for rock bolts include a groundwater pH below four (which can be caused by sulfuric acid formation due to the oxidation of the mineral pyrite in the rock), marine groundwater, and flowing groundwater with a high concentration of dissolved oxygen. Furthermore, chloride-bearing deicing salts commonly used on roads located in cold climate regions during winter can promote corrosion in rock bolts from the tunnel room. For these environments, this research proposes a lognormal probability function to quantify the expected steel corrosion level for 25, 50, and 100 years of exposure time. The corrosion protection given by cement grouting, hot-dip galvanizing and epoxy coating are also addressed to explore their contributions to the lifespan extension of rock bolts in acidic and chloride-rich environments.
Approximating inverse FEM matrices on non-uniform meshes with $${\mathcal{H}}$$-matrices
Authors: Angleitner Niklas , Faustmann Markus , Melenk Jens Markus
Published: June 2021

We consider the approximation of the inverse of the finite element stiffness matrix in the data sparse $${\mathcal{H}}$$
H
-matrix format. For a large class of shape regular but possibly non-uniform meshes including algebraically graded meshes, we prove that the inverse of the stiffness matrix can be approximated in the $${\mathcal{H}}$$
H
-matrix format at an exponential rate in the block rank. Since the storage complexity of the hierarchical matrix is logarithmic-linear and only grows linearly in the block-rank, we obtain an efficient approximation that can be used, e.g., as an approximate direct solver or preconditioner for iterative solvers.
A phase I study of combined trabectedin and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin therapy for advanced relapsed ovarian cancer
Authors: Takahashi Shunji , Takekuma Munetaka , Tamura Kenji , Takehara Kazuhiro , Nomura Hiroyuki , Ono Makiko , Yunokawa Mayu , Aoki Daisuke
Published: June 2021

Background

Advanced relapsed ovarian cancer has a poor prognosis, and treatment options are limited.

Methods

This phase I trial investigated the dosage, safety, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of trabectedin plus pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) in Japanese patients with advanced relapsed ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer. Patients received trabectedin 0.9 or 1.1 mg/m2 immediately after PLD 30 mg/m2; both drugs were given by intravenous infusion. Treatment was repeated every 21 days until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was determined in an initial dose escalation phase, and this was used in a subsequent safety assessment phase. Safety and tumor response were monitored throughout the trial, and drug concentrations for pharmacokinetic analysis were measured during cycle 1.

Results

Eighteen patients were included. The MTD of trabectedin was determined as 1.1 mg/m2. Gastrointestinal adverse events were experienced by all patients, but were mostly grade 1 or 2 in intensity. Most patients had grade ≥ 3 elevations in transaminase levels or grade ≥ 3 reductions in neutrophil count, but these events were generally manageable through dose reduction and/or supportive therapies, as appropriate. There were no deaths during the trial. Trabectedin exposure increased in a dose-dependent manner. The overall response rate was 27.8%.

Conclusions

Trabectedin, in combination with PLD, may have clinical benefits in Japanese patients with relapsed advanced ovarian cancer. The recommended dosage of trabectedin for further study in this population is 1.1 mg/m2 once every 21 days.

Clinical trial registration number: JapicCTI-163164
Fostering mathematical modelling competency of South African engineering students: which influence does the teaching design have?
Authors: Durandt Rina , Blum Werner , Lindl Alfred
Published: June 2021

This paper reports on empirical results about the influence of two different teaching designs on the development of tertiary students’ modelling competency and attitudes towards modelling. A total of 144 first year engineering students were exposed to a diagnostic entrance test, a modelling unit consisting of five lessons with ten tasks, enframed by a pre- and a post-test, and at the end a questionnaire on attitudes towards mathematical modelling. Similar to the German DISUM study, in the modelling unit, one group of participants followed an independence-oriented teaching style, aiming at a balance between students’ independent work and teacher’s guidance, while two other groups were taught according to a more traditional teacher-guided style. Linear mixed regression models were used to compare pre- and post-test results. The results show that all groups had significant learning progress, although there is much room for further improvement, and that the group taught according to the independence-oriented design had the biggest competency growth. In addition, this group exhibited more positive attitudes than the other groups in five of six attitudinal aspects.
Incidence of fractures among patients receiving medications for type 2 diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and glucocorticoid users according to the National Claims Database in Japan
Authors: Fujiwara Saeko , Ishii Shigeyuki , Hamasaki Takahiko , Okimoto Nobukazu
Published: June 2021

Summary

According to information from the National Health Insurance and Claims database, the risk for hip, radius, and clinical vertebral fractures was higher among patients receiving medication for type 2 diabetes, COPD, or glucocorticoids than among the whole Japanese population after middle age.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of fractures among patients receiving medications for type 2 diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and using glucocorticoids (GC) according to the National Database of Health Insurance Claims (NDB) in Japan.

Methods

We obtained data on the number of fractures and patients receiving medications for type 2 diabetes, COPD, or GC from the NDB. The claims data included sex, age group, injury/illness name, hospitalization, outpatient, surgery/medical treatment, and drugs used between January and December 2017.

Results

The risk of hip fracture was higher among patients receiving medications for diabetes or COPD and GC users than in the Japanese population, with standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of 1.71 (95% confidence interval [CI]1.6–1.75), 1.35 (95% CI 1.28–1.42), and 1.62 (95% CI 1.53–1.71) in men and 1.81 (95% CI 1.79–1.84), 1.67 (95% CI 1.54–1.80), and 1.71 (95% CI 1.66–1.76) in women, respectively. There was also a significantly higher incidence of radial fractures in women and clinical vertebral fractures in both men and women. A greater risk of hip fracture was found among diabetic patients starting in their late 40 s.

Conclusions

Real-world data revealed that the incidence of hip, radius, and clinical vertebral fractures was significantly higher among patients receiving medications for diabetes or COPD and GC users than in the Japanese population after middle age.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of induction programmes on foundation doctor preparedness: a rapid review of the literature
Authors: Patel Monika , Patel Jasmine
Published: June 2021

There is an increase in mortality when medical graduates replace the previous cohort of foundation doctors. As of 2012, it is now mandatory for new doctors in the UK to participate in induction training in order to ease this transition and reduce the negative impact on patient outcomes. However, there is no guidance on how best to deliver these induction programmes. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of several induction programmes to provide insight on this. Medline and Scopus were searched for relevant literature using keywords. Duplicates were removed and inclusion criteria were created to screen the remaining literature. Five studies were included in this review and they were all quality appraised using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument. Different hospital trusts utilised varying induction programmes. The most common method of assessing their effectiveness involved exploring preparedness in junior doctors post-induction through surveys. Patient outcome, anxiety levels and knowledge were also measured. Induction programmes play a vital role in preparing new foundation doctors for practice and thus improving patient outcomes. Although there may be trust-specific variation, some elements of the programme should be standardised to ensure basic requirements are met universally. New doctors should be assessed on aspects of the programme after completion to increase confidence and knowledge. Organisational considerations such as costs and staff availability need to be taken into account. The quality of future research papers could be improved through inclusion of baseline data, control groups, multi-centred studies and outcomes higher on Kirkpatrick’s hierarchy.
Leisure time sports and exercise activities during the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey of working parents
Authors: Mutz Michael , Reimers Anne K.
Published: June 2021

Many working parents experienced a double burden of fulltime employment and increased childcare obligations during the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. This paper explores how this twofold burden affected leisure time sports and exercise (LTSE). Following a gender inequality perspective, it is assumed that the level of LTSE of working mothers are more negatively affected by the pandemic than LTSE levels of working fathers. Using the nation-wide representative SPOVID survey, the paper analyses data of all respondents in fulltime employment (N = 631). Data collection took place in October and November 2020 in collaboration with Forsa, a leading corporation for public opinion polls in Germany. Results show that the pandemic led to a reduction of LTSE levels, but with considerable variation between working mothers and fathers. Fulltime working mothers reduced their LTSE by a substantial margin (54 min per week), but not working fathers. It is concluded that the double burden of work demands and childcare duties in the pandemic was largely shouldered by mothers, who then faced greater difficulties to remain active.
Neighborhood-based bridge node centrality tuple for complex network analysis
Authors: Meghanathan Natarajan
Published: June 2021

We define a bridge node to be a node whose neighbor nodes are sparsely connected to each other and are likely to be part of different components if the node is removed from the network. We propose a computationally light neighborhood-based bridge node centrality (NBNC) tuple that could be used to identify the bridge nodes of a network as well as rank the nodes in a network on the basis of their topological position to function as bridge nodes. The NBNC tuple for a node is asynchronously computed on the basis of the neighborhood graph of the node that comprises of the neighbors of the node as vertices and the links connecting the neighbors as edges. The NBNC tuple for a node has three entries: the number of components in the neighborhood graph of the node, the algebraic connectivity ratio of the neighborhood graph of the node and the number of neighbors of the node. We analyze a suite of 60 complex real-world networks and evaluate the computational lightness, effectiveness, efficiency/accuracy and uniqueness of the NBNC tuple vis-a-vis the existing bridgeness related centrality metrics and the Louvain community detection algorithm.
On the photochemical reaction of pyridinium salts with nucleophiles
Authors: D’Auria Maurizio
Published: June 2021

DFT calculations on the photochemical reaction of 1-n–N-butylpyridinium salt in water with hydroxide anion is in agreement with a singlet state process where the S2 state at λ = 253 nm can be converted into a Dewar isomer (2-butyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.0]hexa-2,5-dien-2-yl cation). The Dewar isomer can react with hydroxide anion giving the product, 6-n-butyl-6-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hex-3-en-2-ol.
Okpabi v Shell and Four Nigerian Farmers v Shell: Parent Company Liability Back in Court
Authors: ROORDA Lucas , LEADER Daniel
Published: June 2021

Foreign direct liability litigation against businesses is still a growing trend in European domestic courts, going on for over two decades.1 With absent effective remedies in host states, victims of human rights abuses committed by transnational corporations’ subsidiaries try to get access to remedy in the courts of the home states of the parent companies. A crucial factor for whether such cases can succeed, is the viability of the claims against the parent companies allegedly involved in the abuses. The principal legal route that victims have used to hold parent companies liable is through common law negligence claims.
From the United States to Rural Europe: The New Immigration, Homecoming Migrants, and Social Remittances in Hungary
Authors: Varga Bálint
Published: June 2021

A high number of migrants returned from their transatlantic sojourn to their native Hungary between the 1880s and the 1930s. Despite being pauperised and marginalised in the United States, they encountered norms and mechanisms of a democratic society and cultural patterns unknown to the rural society they hailed from. Upon returning, they implemented some of these practices. The paper investigates the durability of this cultural change and argues that the transatlantic transmission of norms was outweighed in significance by internal, regional movements.
The African Dimension to the Anti-Federation Struggle, ca. 1950–53: “It has united us far more closely than any other question would have accomplished”
Authors: Power Rob
Published: June 2021

The documentary record of African opposition to the CAF (Central African Federation) has been the subject of renewed historiographical interest in recent years.2 This paper seeks to contribute to the existing debate in three principle ways. Firstly, it will show that opposition to the scheme was fatally undermined by the pursuits of two very distinct strands of NAC (Nyasaland African Congress) and ANC (African National Congress) political activism. In the second instance, it will show that this dissimilar political discourse produced contradictions that resulted in bypassing African objections. Thirdly, the paper will go a step farther, suggesting that the two respective anti-Federation campaigns not only undermined the efforts of both Congress parties to stop federation, but laid the path for future discord in the national dispensation then materialising.
Chief factors in Polish groups
Authors: REID COLIN D. , WESOLEK PHILLIP R. , LE MAÎTRE FRANÇOIS
Published: June 2021

In finite group theory, chief factors play an important and well-understood role in the structure theory. We here develop a theory of chief factors for Polish groups. In the development of this theory, we prove a version of the Schreier refinement theorem. We also prove a trichotomy for the structure of topologically characteristically simple Polish groups.

The development of the theory of chief factors requires two independently interesting lines of study. First we consider injective, continuous homomorphisms with dense normal image. We show such maps admit a canonical factorisation via a semidirect product, and as a consequence, these maps preserve topological simplicity up to abelian error. We then define two generalisations of direct products and use these to isolate a notion of semisimplicity for Polish groups.
The Holy Month of Ramadan: Mass-Gathering Event Implications for Hospital Surge Capacity Planning in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almalki Yousef , Hart Alexander , Issa Fadi , Hertelendy Attila J. , Mahon Selwyn , Voskanyan Amalia , Ciottone Gregory R.
Published: June 2021

Objectives:

The goal of this study is to determine the impact of the Holy Month of Ramadan on emergency department (ED) and hospital resource utilization in comparison to the time of Hajj and the rest of the year, so as to better define future resource needs of hospitals responding to events of this large size and duration.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was conducted of electronic medical records, ED visits, and hospital admissions during Ramadan, Hajj, and all other months over a three-year period on the Hijra calendar (1438-1440) or Gregorian (2016-2019). Primary outcomes were the change in the number of ED visits, hospital admissions, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions during Ramadan in comparison to during Hajj and other months. Secondary outcomes included mortality; number of surgeries by specialty; and admissions to cardiac, respiratory, orthopedic, and neurosurgery wards.

Results:

During the three years, ED visits increased during Ramadan by 83.0%, 74.8%, and 40.3%, respectively, when compared to non-Hajj, non-Ramadan months. Hospital admissions rose by 21.05%, 50.96% and 48.22%. Combined ED and in-hospital mortality rose by 15.21%, 21.47%, and 1.39%. While there was a large increase in ICU admissions during Ramadan of 1440 (May 2019), this was not a trend seen in other years. Despite there only being two years of data for comparison, there was a trend towards increased admissions to all specialty wards. There was an average 46.69% increase in admissions to the general surgery ward during Ramadan months compared to other months, a 31.06% increase in admissions to the orthopedic surgery ward, and a 44.05% increase in admissions to the cardiac care unit.

Conclusions:

Ramadan is associated with a significant increase in the population of Makkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia. Despite this study only focusing on a three-year period, and some variables with only two years of data available, it demonstrates a significant increase in ED visits, hospital admissions, and mortality during Ramadan compared to non-Hajj/non-Ramadan months. During mass gatherings of this size, it would benefit local and regional hospital systems to devote increased resources to patient care, especially to the ED, to prevent morbidity and mortality.
A Pilot Study of Clinicians' Perceptions of Feasibility, Client-Centeredness, and Usability of the Systematic Tailored Assessment for Responding to Suicidality Protocol
Authors: Hawgood Jacinta , Ownsworth Tamara , Mason Helen , Spence Susan H. , Arensman Ella , De Leo Diego
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Background: The Systematic Tailored Assessment for Responding to Suicidality (STARS) is a client-centered, psychosocial needs-based assessment protocol. This semistructured interview obtains client prioritized indicators that contribute to suicidality and informs commensurate care responses for preventing suicide. Aim: To pilot the feasibility, client-centeredness, and usability of the STARS protocol, including clinicians' perceptions of ease of use; content validity; and administration within the community setting. Method: A convenience sample of clinicians who undertook assessment and/or intervention with suicidal persons and had used STARS between mid-2016 and early 2017 completed an online survey assessing feasibility, client-centeredness, and usability of STARS. Results: Of the 51 clinicians who entered the survey, 42 (82.3%; aged 25–74; 69% female) completed it. Overall, perceptions of feasibility and usability of STARS were positive, particularly regarding client-centeredness of the protocol and confidence in information obtained for screening suicidality and informing needs-based priority responses. Limitations: The pilot findings are limited by the use of a small convenience sample and the low completion rate of clinicians with STARS training. Conclusion: STARS was perceived as a feasible and useful psychosocial needs-based assessment protocol. Suggestions for improving STARS, training requirements, and application to diverse populations are outlined.
Thunderstorms Producing Sferic‐Geolocated Gamma‐Ray Flashes Detected by TETRA‐II
Authors: Smith Deirdre , Trepanier Jill , Alnussirat Samer T. , Cherry Michael L. , Legault Marc D. , Pleshinger Donald J.
Published: June 2021

The terrestrial gamma‐ray flash (TGF) and Energetic Thunderstorm Rooftop Array (TETRA‐II) detected 22 X‐ray/gamma‐ray flash events associated with lightning between October 2015 and March 2019 across three ground‐based detector locations in subtropical and tropical climates in Louisiana, Puerto Rico, and Panama. Each detector array consists of a set of bismuth germanate scintillators that record X‐ray and gamma‐ray bursts over the energy range 50 keV–6 MeV (million electron volts). TETRA‐II events have characteristics similar to both X‐ray bursts associated with lightning leaders and TGFs: sub‐millisecond duration, photons up to MeV energies, and association with nearby lightning (typically within 3 km). About 20 of the 22 events are geolocated to individual lightning strokes via spatiotemporally coincident sferics. An examination of radar reflectivity and derived products related to events located within the Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) monitoring region indicates that events occur within mature cells of severe and non‐severe multicellular and squall line thunderstorms, with core echo tops which are at or nearing peak altitude. Events occur in both high lightning frequency thunderstorm cells and low lightning frequency cells. Events associated with high frequency cells occur within 5 min of significant lightning jumps. Among NEXRAD‐monitored events, hail is present within 8 km and 5 min of all except a single low‐altitude cold weather thunderstorm. An association is seen with maximum thunderstorm development, lightning jumps, and hail cells, indicating that the TETRA‐II X‐ray/gamma‐ray events are associated with the peak storm electrification and development of electric fields necessary for the acceleration of electrons to high energies.
Dietary interventions to improve body composition in men treated with androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer: a solution for the growing problem?
Authors: Umlauff Lisa , Weber Manuel , Freitag Nils , Fairman Ciaran M. , Heidenreich Axel , Bloch Wilhelm , Schumann Moritz
Published: June 2021

Background

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has adverse effects on body composition, including muscle wasting and body fat accumulation, which may be attenuated by nutrition therapy. This systematic review summarises available evidence on the effects of dietary interventions on lean mass, fat mass and body mass index (BMI) in men treated with ADT for prostate cancer.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and ClinicalTrials.org were searched from inception through December 2020. We included all controlled trials evaluating effects of supplementation or dietary interventions on body composition in men with prostate cancer receiving continuous ADT. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model to calculate standardised mean differences between intervention and comparator groups. (PROSPERO; CRD42020185777).

Results

Eleven studies (n = 536 participants) were included. Seven studies investigated the effects of dietary advice interventions, e.g. individual or group counselling, and four studies included a nutritional supplement. Eight studies combined the dietary intervention with exercise. Nine studies reported sufficient data for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Dietary advice and supplementation interventions combined were not associated with significant changes in lean mass (0.05 kg; 95% CI: −0.17, 0.26; p = 0.674; n = 355), fat mass (−0.22 kg; 95% CI: −0.45, 0.01; p = 0.064; n = 336) or BMI (−0.16 kg*m−2; 95% CI: −0.37, 0.04; p = 0.121; n = 399). Dietary advice interventions alone were associated with a significant fat mass reduction (−0.29 kg; 95% CI: −0.54, −0.03; p = 0.028; n = 266).

Conclusions

Most studies were dietary advice interventions targeting caloric restriction, which showed the potential to reduce fat mass but did not increase lean mass in men treated with ADT. Future interventions should investigate whether a combination of dietary advice and protein supplementation with concomitant resistance exercise could counteract ADT-induced muscle wasting.
Antifungal susceptibilities of opportunistic filamentous fungal pathogens from the Asia and Western Pacific Region: data from the SENTRY Antifungal Surveillance Program (2011–2019)
Authors: Pfaller Michael A. , Carvalhaes Cecilia G. , Rhomberg Paul , Messer Shawn A. , Castanheira Mariana
Published: June 2021

Antifungal surveillance is an important tool to monitor the prevalence of uncommon fungal species and increasing antifungal resistance throughout the world, but data comparing results across several different Asian countries are scarce. In this study, 372 invasive molds collected in the Asia-Western Pacific region in 2011–2019 were susceptibility tested for mold-active triazoles (isavuconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, and itraconazole). The collection includes 318 Aspergillus spp. isolates and 53 non-Aspergillus molds. The MIC values using CLSI methods for isavuconazole versus Aspergillus fumigatus ranged from 0.25 to 2 mg l−1. Isavuconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole acted similarly against A. fumigatus. The mold-active triazoles exhibited a wildtype phenotype to most of the Aspergillus spp. isolates tested (>94%), but poor activity against Fusarium solani species complex and Lomentospora prolificans. Voriconazole was most active against the Scedosporium spp. and posaconazole was most active against the Mucorales. In summary, isavuconazole displayed excellent activity against most species of Aspergillus and was comparable to other mold-active triazoles against non-Aspergillus molds.
Updates on clinical trials evaluating the regenerative potential of allogenic mesenchymal stem cells in COVID-19
Authors: Sharma Dhavan , Zhao Feng
Published: June 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected nearly 118 million people and caused ~2.6 million deaths worldwide by early 2021, during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Although the majority of infected patients show mild-to-moderate symptoms, a small fraction of patients develops severe symptoms. Uncontrolled cytokine production and the lack of substantive adaptive immune response result in hypoxia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or multiple organ failure in severe COVID-19 patients. Since the current standard of care treatment is insufficient to alleviate severe COVID-19 symptoms, many clinics have been prompted to perform clinical trials involving the infusion of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) due to their immunomodulatory and therapeutic properties. Several phases I/II clinical trials involving the infusion of allogenic MSCs have been performed last year. The focus of this review is to critically evaluate the safety and efficacy outcomes of the most recent, placebo-controlled phase I/II clinical studies that enrolled a larger number of patients, in order to provide a statistically relevant and comprehensive understanding of MSC’s therapeutic potential in severe COVID-19 patients. Clinical outcomes obtained from these studies clearly indicate that: (i) allogenic MSC infusion in COVID-19 patients with ARDS is safe and effective enough to decreases a set of inflammatory cytokines that may drive COVID-19 associated cytokine storm, and (ii) MSC infusion efficiently improves COVID-19 patient survival and reduces recovery time. These findings strongly support further investigation into MSC-infusion in larger clinical trials for COVID-19 patients with ARDS, who currently have a nearly 50% of mortality rate.
Exploring the nanomechanical concepts of development through recent updates in magnetically guided system
Authors: Khan Noor Saeed , Usman Auwalu Hamisu , Kaewkhao Attapol , Kumam Poom , Thounthong Phatiphat , Humphries Usa Wannasingha
Published: June 2021

This article outlines an analytical analysis of unsteady mixed bioconvection buoyancy-driven nanofluid thermodynamics and gyrotactic microorganisms motion in the stagnation domain of the impulsively rotating sphere with convective boundary conditions. To make the equations physically realistic, zero mass transfer boundary conditions have been used. The Brownian motion and thermophoresis effects are incorporated in the nanofluid model. Magnetic dipole effect has been implemented. A system of partial differential equations is used to represent thermodynamics and gyrotactic microorganisms motion, which is then transformed into dimensionless ordinary differential equations. The solution methodology is involved by homotopy analysis method. The results obtained are based on the effect of dimensionless parameters on the velocity, temperature, nanoparticles concentration and density of the motile microorganisms profiles. The primary velocity increases as the mixed convection and viscoelastic parameters are increased while it decreases as the buoyancy ratio, ferro-hydrodynamic interaction and rotation parameters are increased. The secondary velocity decreases as viscoelastic parameter increases while it increases as the rotation parameter increases. Temperature is reduced as the Prandtl number and thermophoresis parameter are increased. The nanoparticles concentration is increased as the Brownian motion parameter increases. The motile density of gyrotactic microorganisms increases as the bioconvection Rayleigh number, rotation parameter and thermal Biot number are increased.
Monitoring the haemodynamic response to visual stimulation in glaucoma patients
Authors: Re R. , Messenio D. , Marano G. , Spinelli L. , Pirovano I. , Contini D. , Colombo R. , Boracchi P. , Biganzoli E. , Cubeddu R. , Torricelli A.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we used time-domain functional near infrared spectroscopy (TD-fNIRS) to evaluate the haemodynamic response function (HRF) in the occipital cortex following visual stimulation in glaucomatous eyes as compared to healthy eyes. A total of 98 subjects were enrolled in the study and clinically classified as healthy subjects, glaucoma patients (primary open-angle glaucoma) and mixed subjects (i.e. with a different classification for the two eyes). After quality check data were used from HRF of 73 healthy and 62 glaucomatous eyes. The amplitudes of the oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin concentrations, together with their latencies with respect to the stimulus onset, were estimated by fitting their time course with a canonical HRF. Statistical analysis showed that the amplitudes of both haemodynamic parameters show a significant association with the pathology and a significant discriminating ability, while no significant result was found for latencies. Overall, our findings together with the ease of use and noninvasiveness of TD-NIRS, make this technique a promising candidate as a supporting tool for a better evaluation of the glaucoma pathology.
An integrated microfluidic detection system for the automated and rapid diagnosis of high-risk human papillomavirus
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyu , Li Xiang , Yang Weihao , Peng Jiwei , Huang Jiajun , Mi Shengli
Published: June 2021

The centrifugal microfluidic detection system employs loop–mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay and provides sample-in-answer-out nucleic acid detection of Human papillomavirus (HPV).
A new approach for identifying positional isomers of glycans cleaved from monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Dyukova Irina , Ben Faleh Ahmed , Warnke Stephan , Yalovenko Natalia , Yatsyna Vasyl , Bansal Priyanka , Rizzo Thomas R.
Published: June 2021

We apply high-resolution ion mobility combined with cryogenic infrared spectroscopy to distinguish isomeric N-glycans with different terminal galactose positions.
Long-term migratory velocity measurements of single glioma cells using microfluidics
Authors: Sengul Esra , Elitas Meltem
Published: June 2021

Glioma cells lost their circularity and increased their steady-state velocities; in other words, they adopted an invasive glioma phenotype in the presence of macrophage-depleted medium.
Reactive oxygen species, proinflammatory and immunosuppressive mediators induced in COVID-19: overlapping biology with cancer
Authors: Kalyanaraman Balaraman
Published: June 2021

Mitochondria-targeted drugs inhibit cancer and COVID-19 mechanisms.
An uncommon multicentered ZnI–ZnI bond-based MOF for CO2 fixation with aziridines/epoxides
Authors: Cao Chun-Shuai , Shi Ying , Xu Hang , Zhao Bin
Published: June 2021

A multi-centered MOF 1 containing uncommon low oxidation-state ZnI–ZnI bonds effectively and circularly catalyzes the cyclization of CO2 with aziridines or epoxides.
Iridium-catalysed branched-selective hydroacylation of 1,3-dienes with salicylaldehydes
Authors: Yang Yang , Xing Dong
Published: June 2021

An iridium-catalyzed branched-selective hydroacylation of 1-aryl 1,3-dienes with salicylaldehydes under mild conditions with no need of phosphine ligands has been developed.
Cation disorder and bond anharmonicity synergistically boosts the thermoelectric performance of p-type AgSbSe2
Authors: Vijay V. , Harish S. , Archana J. , Navaneethan M.
Published: June 2021

Atomic bonding with simple 1D spring and ball model for the phonon–phonon interaction, which arises from 5s2 lone pair electrons.
MoS2encapsulated in three-dimensional hollow carbon frameworks for stable anode of sodium ion batteries
Authors: Liu Min , Chen Sihan , Jin Ying , Fang Zhen
Published: June 2021

MoS2wrapped in nitrogen-doped three-dimensional hollow carbon frameworks is designed for improved sodium ion battery anode performance.
Ligated aluminum cluster anions, LAln− (n = 1–14, L = N[Si(Me)3]2)
Authors: Liu Gaoxiang , Ciborowski Sandra M. , Montone Georgia R. , Sawyer William H. , Kiran Boggavarapu , Kandalam Anil K. , Bowen Kit H.
Published: June 2021

Low oxidation state ligated-aluminum cluster anions and the migration of CH3 on the aluminum surface.
AromTool: predicting aromatic stacking energy using an atomic neural network model
Authors: He Wengan , Liang Danhong , Wang Kai , Lyu Nan , Diao Hongjuan , Wu Ruibo
Published: June 2021

AromTool – a Python package for aromatic stacking analysis.