bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐conventional starch nanoparticles for drug delivery applications
Authors: Troncoso Omar P. , Torres Fernando G.
Published: July 2020

Starch has been used for a variety of biomedical and pharmacological applications, including drug delivery systems. Most of the starch‐based drug delivery systems have been developed using starches extracted from commercial crops, including potato, maize, corn, cassava and wheat. However, there are several agricultural underutilized crops that could be useful sources of starch. The availability and low cost of these underutilized crops have triggered the interest in the use of non‐conventional starches for diverse applications, especially in the food industry where they are used as emulsifiers, and gelling and thickening agents. The properties of starch are strongly dependent on the botanical source. It has been found that using starches from different sources can result in the preparation of nanoparticles with different properties. In this paper, we report the use of conventional and non‐conventional starches in the development of novel nanoparticle drug delivery systems. The processing routes used for the preparation of both starch and starch nanoparticles are reviewed together with the most recent applications including oral, parental and transdermal delivery for cancer, diabetes, hyperuricemia and hypertension treatments, among others.
Exponential factorization of multivectors in Cl(p,q), p+q<3
Authors: Hitzer Eckhard
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we consider general multivector elements of Clifford algebras Cl(p,q), p+q<3, and study multivector factorization into products of exponentials and idempotents, where the exponents are blades of grades zero (scalar) to n (pseudoscalar).
A bounding surface model for saturated and unsaturated soil‐structure interfaces
Authors: Zhou Chao , Tai Pei , Yin Jian‐Hua
Published: July 2020

In many geotechnical systems, such as reinforced slopes and embankments, soil‐structure interfaces are often unsaturated. Shear behaviour of unsaturated interfaces is strongly dependent on their matric suctions, as revealed by the results of extensive laboratory tests. So far, constitutive models for unsaturated interfaces are very limited in the literature. This paper reports a new bounding surface model for saturated and unsaturated interfaces. New formulations were developed to incorporate suction effects on the flow rule and plastic modulus. To examine the capability of the proposed model, it was applied to simulate suction‐ and stress‐controlled direct shear tests on unsaturated soil–cement, soil–steel and soil–geotextile interfaces. Measured and computed results are well matched, demonstrating that the proposed model can well capture key features of the shear behaviour of unsaturated interfaces, including suction‐dependent dilatancy, stress–strain relation and peak and critical state shear strengths.
Is intensive case management screening sheet score associated with service intensity?
Authors: Yamaguchi Sosei , Kawasoe Yasunari , Nayuki Kazumi , Aoki Tsutomu , Fujii Chiyo
Published: July 2020

Aims

Since April 2020, the new Japanese mental health system has used the Intensive Case Management Screening Sheet (ICMSS) to identify patients’ needs for case management services. This study aimed to examine the association between ICMSS score and service intensity and compare the magnitude of association between ICMSS score and service intensity with other scales.

Methods

We recruited patients who received case management services from a staff member in a psychiatric outpatient service, psychiatric day‐care program, or outreach team based at one psychiatric hospital. Case management service needs and functioning were assessed using ICMSS, Global Assessment Functioning (GAF), and Personal and Social Performance (PSP). The case manager also documented all services received by the participant for 2 months. The association between each scale and service duration was examined. Furthermore, the magnitude of the association between each scale and service intensity was compared.

Results

Overall, 138 participants were included in the analysis. The most common diagnosis was schizophrenia. Mean total service duration was weakly but significantly correlated with ICMSS (Spearman's ρ = 0.320), GAF (ρ = −0.198), and PSP (ρ = −0.275) scores. Poisson's regression models and postestimation testing showed that the coefficient for ICMSS score (B = 0.144; 95% CI = 0.141, 0.148) was significantly larger than the coefficients for GAF (B = −0.017, 95% CI = −0.017, −0.016, χ2 = 15.70, P < 0.001) and PSP (B=−0.016, 95% CI = −0.017, −0.016, χ2 = 14.64, P < 0.001) scores.

Conclusion

ICMSS may provide preliminary information on case management service needs, but the level of service should be based on the individual needs of each patient and shared decision‐making between the patient and case manager.
Crystallites and Electric Fields in Solid Ammonia
Authors: Cassidy Andrew , James Rachel L. , Dawes Anita , Field David
Published: July 2020

Absorption spectra of vacuum‐deposited films of ammonia have been obtained in the range 115 nm to 310 nm for a set of 15 deposition temperatures, Td, between 20 K and 80 K. Results focus upon the region 115 nm to 130 nm in overlapping D, E, F and G←X Rydberg transitions involving Wannier‐Mott excitons. We identify two phases of ammonia, showing the solid to be polymorphic. Peak absorption wavelengths in the region of interest are found to shift to the red by 299 cm−1, for Td between 20 K to 50 K, and 1380 cm−1 for Td between 55 K to 80 K. Shifts provide evidence for the presence of spontaneously generated electric fields in these films, of values in excess of 108 V m−1 for Td of 20 K to 50 K to a few times 107 V m−1 for 55 K to 80 K. Results enable us to place a lower limit of 1.58 nm on the size of crystallites in the low temperature regime. This dimension represents 16 unit cells or 64 species, giving a more quantitative description than the nebulous term amorphous, as applied to solid ammonia. We also determine that crystallites formed in the high temperature regime contain, within ±20 %, 1688, 756 and 236 molecules of ammonia, respectively at Td of 65 K, 60 K and 55 K.
Comparison of mindful and slow eating strategies on acute energy intake
Authors: Simonson Anna Peluso , Davis Kelliann Kathleen , Barone Gibbs Bethany , Venditti Elizabeth Mary , Jakicic John Michael
Published: July 2020

Mindfulness and slow eating techniques are commonly recommended to achieve weight loss within behavioural weight management programmes; yet the role of these eating strategies on acute energy intake (EI) and satiety are not clear. This study investigated the effects of mindful and slow eating strategies on acute EI and satiety. Twenty‐four participants were randomized to one of three eating conditions (EAT, MIND, SLOW). For the EAT condition, participants were instructed to eat as they normally would for both test meal sessions. For the SLOW condition, participants were instructed to eat as they normally would for their first test meal session and to slow their eating for the second test meal session. For the MIND condition, participants were instructed to eat as they normally would during their first test meal session and were given brief instructions on mindful eating for their second test meal session. For each condition, participants were provided ad libitum access to a test meal, and EI was calculated based upon food consumed. Participants rated their level of satiety following each meal. There were no significant differences in EI between eating strategy conditions. There was a trend towards a decrease in energy intake in the MIND condition compared with the EAT condition and a prevention of increased intake in the SLOW condition. There were no significant differences in ratings of satiety between conditions. Although, neither mindful nor slow eating strategies significantly decreased acute EI or satiety; the results suggest that both strategies blunted the increase in EI observed in EAT that occurred across two eating episodes, which may suggest that these strategies can be important for modifying eating behaviour that may contribute to body weight regulation. Additional appropriately designed studies investigating these strategies appear warranted to confirm these findings.
Application of INADEQUATE NMR techniques for directly tracing out the carbon skeleton of a natural product
Authors: Ismail Fyaz M.D. , Nahar Lutfun , Sarker Satyajit D.
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurement of 1JCC coupling by two‐dimensional (2D) INADEQUATE (incredible natural abundance double quantum transfer experiment), which is a special case of double‐quantum (DQ) spectroscopy that offers unambiguous determination of 13C–13C spin–spin connectivities through the DQ transitions of the spin system, is especially suited to solving structures rich in quaternary carbons and poor in hydrogen content (Crews rule).

Objective

To review published literature on the application of NMR methods to determine structure in the liquid‐state, which specifically considers the interaction of a pair of carbon‐13 (13C) nuclei adjacent to one another, to allow direct tracing out of contiguous carbon connectivity using 2D INADEQUATE.

Methodology

A comprehensive literature search was implemented with various databases: Web of Knowledge, PubMed and SciFinder, and other relevant published materials including published monographs. The keywords used, in various combinations, with INADEQUATE being present in all combinations, in the search were 2D NMR, 1JCC coupling, natural product, structure elucidation, 13C–13C connectivity, cryoprobe and CASE (computer‐assisted structure elucidation)/PANACEA (protons and nitrogen and carbon et alia).

Results

The 2D INADEQUATE continues to solve “intractable” problems in natural product chemistry, and using milligram quantities with cryoprobe techniques combined with CASE/PANACEA experiments can increase machine time efficiency. The 13C–13C‐based structural elucidation by dissolution single‐scan dynamic nuclear polarisation NMR can overcome disadvantages of 13C insensitivity at natural abundance. Selected examples have demonstrated the trajectory of INADEQUATE spectroscopy from structural determination to clarification of metabolomics analysis and use of DFT (density functional theory) and coupling constants to clarify the connectivity, hybridisation and stereochemistry within natural products.

Conclusions

Somewhat neglected over the years because of perceived lack of sensitivity, the 2D INADEQUATE NMR technique has re‐emerged as a useful tool for solving natural products structures, which are rich in quaternary carbons and poor in hydrogen content.
Increasing maternal age is not a significant cause of false‐positive results for monosomy X in non‐invasive prenatal testing
Authors: Sandow Rhiannon , Scott Fergus P. , Schluter Philip J. , Rolnik Daniel L. , Menezes Melody , Nisbet Deborah , McLennan Andrew C.
Published: July 2020

Objective

The accuracy of cell‐free DNA aneuploidy screening varies by the chromosome assessed. The positive predictive value is consistently low for monosomy X (MX), at less than 30%. This study aims to investigate maternal age and other possible predictors of false‐positive MX screening results in order to guide pre‐test and post‐test counselling.

Methods

A total of 52 499 NIPT samples were tested over 69 months, across three specialist obstetric services. Outcome data were available for 96 out of 107 cases high risk for MX. Cytogenetic outcomes were compared to clinical and demographic data to look for trends that may indicate higher likelihood of a false‐positive NIPT result.

Results

The likelihood of a false‐positive MX result significantly increased with the absence of ultrasound features suggestive of MX and with lower PAPP‐A levels. Non‐significant trends towards false‐positive results were identified with increased maternal age, increased body mass index and Caucasian ethnicity.

Conclusion

Maternal age is not a reliable predictor of a false‐positive result. Assessment of ultrasound findings and placental serology in the first trimester is important for appropriate post‐test counselling and should continue to be a part of screening even when NIPT is used as a first‐tier screening test.
Beware of the Crocodile: Quantitative Evidence on How Universal Old Age Grants Distort the Social Assistance Systems of Low‐Income Countries
Authors: Schubert Bernd
Published: July 2020

This article compares two approaches to establishing or improving social assistance systems in low‐ and lower‐middle‐income countries. Taking Eswatini and Lesotho as examples of the mainstream approach, it provides quantitative evidence on the social protection outcomes of social assistance systems that are based on categorical programs and are dominated by universal Old Age Grants. Both countries fail to provide social assistance to large sections of the poorest and most vulnerable households. An alternative approach has been pursued in Malawi and in a number of other African countries like Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. Malawi's social support system adopts a systemic, need‐oriented, and inclusive approach with means‐tested programs tailored to the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable households. Such an approach does not focus on a single program but considers an ensemble of programs, which together ensure that the most pressing social needs are covered. This approach gives a fuller meaning to the human rights requisites of universalism by requiring that the overall arrangement of social protection in a country be universalistic, not just a single program.

The comparison leads to conclusions with regard to how low‐income and lower‐middle‐income countries should design or redesign their social assistance systems. The design process should start with a quantitative poverty and vulnerability assessment, leading to a detailed identification of the social assistance needs of different categories of poor and vulnerable households. The design should further be based on an assessment of to what extent the identified social assistance needs are covered by existing programs. The comparison of social assistance needs with the coverage of those needs by existing programs leads to the identification of social protection gaps. The results of the gap analysis provide the base for social assistance policy decisions and priority setting. When planning how best to close the prioritized social assistance gaps within the financial space available, different program options have to be assessed with regard to their impact on the performance of the social assistance system as a whole. The guiding principle should be to harmonize the system in such a way that the combined outcome of system components (programs) achieves a maximal welfare impact. This means shifting from “program universalism” to “systemic universalism,” to ensure that social assistance systems cover all citizens in need while giving priority to cover the neediest.
When migrants become hosts and nonmigrants become mobile: Bangladeshis visiting their friends and relatives in London
Authors: Miah Md Farid , King Russell
Published: July 2020

Most studies of migrants visiting their friends and relatives (VFR) are on homeland visits. In this article, we reverse the transnational optic and study nonmigrants from the country of origin visiting their migrated friends and relatives abroad. We draw on participant observation and 57 interviews with migrant hosts and nonmigrant visitors carried out in London and in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. Visits from the homeland to the diaspora are found to be deeply meaningful for the maintenance of transnational familyhood, especially at critical moments such as weddings, childbirth, and end of life. They are performative acts of belonging with unwritten rules of mutual obligations and choreographed itineraries to the houses of relatives and friends and to tourist sites. They also represent inequalities in economic status and social mobility between the migrants and their left‐behind relatives and friends in Bangladesh. Most visits are enjoyable for all concerned, but subtle tensions can arise, for instance, in the hosts' difficulty in managing their ongoing working lives with duties of hospitality and acting as guides and in visitors' intense schedule of duty visits to many relatives and lack of agency in stepping out of the Bangladeshi community in London. Furthermore, in an increasingly hostile environment for getting visas to visit the United Kingdom, an unequal and inhumane situation arises of blocked mobility.
Exploring Route for Pyrophosphate‐based Electrode Materials: Interplay between Synthesis and Structure
Authors: Alekseeva Anastasia M. , Tertov Ilya V. , Mironov Andrey V. , Mikheev Ivan V. , Drozhzhin Oleg A. , Zharikova Emiliya V. , Rozova Marina G. , Antipov Evgeny V.
Published: July 2020

New sodium vanadium(III) hydrogenphosphate hydrate NaV(HPO4)2(H2O)0.5 and sodium vanadium(III) hydrogenphosphate β‐NaV(HPO4)2 were prepared in mild hydrothermal conditions. The crystal structures of NaV(HPO4)2(H2O)0.5 [space group Cc, Z = 4, a = 8.46174(19) Å, b = 9.52583(19) Å, c = 8.69376(15) Å, β = 110.9553(11) °, V = 654.41(2) Å3] and β‐NaV(HPO4)2 [space group C2/c, Z = 4, a = 7.8681(3) Å, b = 9.8451(3) Å, c = 8.5180(2) Å, β = 107.626(2) °, V = 628.85(3) Å3] were solved and refined from X‐ray powder diffraction data. Both compounds were used as precursors in a new route for the preparation of attractive cathode material β‐NaVP2O7. The formation of the structure motive providing fast sodium ion diffusion at the first synthesis stage and its further conservation upon stepwise dehydration was revealed. The oversized Na+‐embedding channels are stabilized by site‐coordinated water in NaV(HPO4)2(H2O)0.5 structure. The topology resemblance and difference in known sodium vanadium(III) complex phosphates are discussed.
Two New Tetranuclear Cluster‐based Coordination Polymers based on Isomorphic Semi‐rigid Tetracarboxylate Ligands: Syntheses, Structures, and Luminescent Properties
Authors: Zhang Yan , Fan Jing , Chen Lingzhi , Liu Na , Geng Hongmei
Published: July 2020

Two new tetranuclear cluster‐based compounds, namely [Cd2(L1)(H2O)(DMA)]n (1) and [Cd2Ba2(L2)(H2O)6(DMA)]n (2) [H4L1 = 3‐(3',5'‐dicarboxylphenoxy) phthalic acid, H4L2 = 6‐(3',4'‐dicarboxyl‐phenoxy) isophthalic acid, DMA = N,N'‐dimethylacetamide], were successfully synthesized under solvothermal conditions and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses. Compound 1 features a two‐dimensional (2D) layered framework with tetranuclear [Cd4(COO)6] clusters as building subunits, and can be simplified into a binodal (3, 6)‐connected kgd topological network with the schläfli symbol of {43}2{46;66;83}, and compound 2 features a three‐dimensional (3D) complicated framework based on heterometallic tetranulear [Cd2Ba2(COO)8] cluster subunits, and can be simplified into a binodal (3, 6)‐connected topological network. In addition, compounds 1 and 2 not only have high thermal stabilities but also show strong luminescent emissions at room temperature.
Higher spins, quadratic forms and amplitudes
Authors: Ananth Sudarshan , Pandey Chetan , Pant Saurabh
Published: July 2020

Abstract

The light-cone Hamiltonians for spin 1 and spin 2 fields, describing both the pure and the maximally supersymmetric theories, may be expressed as quadratic forms. In this paper, we show that this feature extends to light-cone higher spin theories. To first order in the coupling constant, we prove that the higher spin Hamiltonians, with and without supersymmetry, are quadratic forms. Scattering amplitude structures emerge naturally in this framework and we relate the momentum space vertex in a supersymmetric higher spin theory to the corresponding vertex in the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 Yang-Mills theory.
Association between adherence to the Japanese diet and all-cause and cause-specific mortality: the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study
Authors: Matsuyama Sanae , Sawada Norie , Tomata Yasutake , Zhang Shu , Goto Atsushi , Yamaji Taiki , Iwasaki Motoki , Inoue Manami , Tsuji Ichiro , Tsugane Shoichiro ,   the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study Group
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The present study aimed to examine the association between adherence to the Japanese diet and the subsequent risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality using a large-scale cohort from settings all over Japan.

Methods

We analyzed data from a cohort study of 92,969 Japanese adults aged 45–74 years, covering 11 public health center areas nationwide. We collected dietary information using a validated 147-item food frequency questionnaire. Adherence to the Japanese diet consisting of eight components (high intake of rice, miso soup, seaweeds, pickles, green and yellow vegetables, fish, and green tea; low intake of beef and pork) was assessed using 8-item Japanese Diet Index (JDI8) score, with scores ranging from 0 to 8. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for all-cause and cause-specific mortality.

Results

During a median follow-up of 18.9 years, we documented 20,596 deaths. A higher JDI8 score was significantly associated with a lower risk for all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. The multivariable-adjusted HR of all-cause and CVD mortality for the highest JDI8 score group (score of 6–8) versus the lowest JDI8 score group (score of 0–2) were 0.86 (95% CI 0.81–0.90, P trend < 0.001), and 0.89 (95% CI 0.80–0.99, P trend = 0.007), respectively.

Conclusions

Adhering to the Japanese diet, as assessed by the JDI8, was associated with a decreased risk of all-cause and CVD mortality among adults living in multiple areas across Japan.
The contribution of urban community gardens to food availability in Emfuleni Local Municipality, Gauteng Province
Authors: Modibedi Thabo P. , Masekoameng Mosima R. , Maake Matome M. S.
Published: July 2020

This study investigated the contribution of urban community gardens to food availability in Emfuleni Local Municipality, Gauteng Province of South Africa. The objectives were to determine the ability of the urban community gardens to produce vegetables throughout the year and to assess the contribution of these gardens to food availability. It was conducted in six (6) townships of Emfuleni Local Municipality by means of semi-structured survey questionnaires. A sample of 254 participants was randomly drawn from 418 urban farmers. A descriptive analysis technique and one-way ANOVA formed part of the data analysis using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The study found that community gardens contributed to food availability of the respondents by providing fresh vegetables to most urban farmers and their household members throughout the year. Furthermore, it was discovered that there is no relationship between vegetable availability and gender of the respondents. Based on the results, the study recommended that farmers in urban community gardens should focus on increasing and sustaining their production to ensure that they have adequate vegetables to feed their families throughout the year.
Correction to: Novel Biallelic NSUN3 Variants Cause Early-Onset Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy and Seizures
Authors: Paramasivam Arumugam , Meena Angamuthu K. , Venkatapathi Challa , Pitceathly Robert D. S. , Thangaraj Kumarasamy
Published: July 2020

The article “Novel Biallelic NSUN3 Variants Cause Early-Onset Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy and Seizures”.
Location Matters: Passive and Active Factors Affect the Vertical Distribution of Olympia Oyster (Ostrea lurida) Larvae
Authors: McIntyre Brooke A. , McPhee-Shaw Erika E. , Hatch Marco B. A. , Arellano Shawn M.
Published: July 2020

Dispersal, retention, and population connectivity are impacted by current regime and the behaviors that drive larval distribution, so understanding both is key to informing restoration of native species like the Olympia oyster (Ostrea lurida) across its range in western North America. This study explores the relationships between several factors (temperature, [chl a], larval size, tidal stage, and estimated current speed) and Olympia oyster larval vertical distributions in Fidalgo Bay (48.4828, − 122.5811), a shallow, tidally flushed bay in the Salish Sea. Olympia oyster larvae collected from four depths over the tidal cycle from July 11–14, 2017, were ~ 20% deeper near slack tide and shallower during the faster parts of both ebb and flood, with a threshold for this transition around an estimated 25 cm s−1. This pattern does not suggest tidally timed migrations as has been shown in another population of Olympia oysters, nor can this pattern be totally explained by passive processes. Larvae did not cluster at depths with specific temperatures or [chl a] but there was a difference in larval size between surface and bottom waters, with older, larger larvae more common at the bottom. Fidalgo Bay does not exhibit two-way flow or strong vertical shear, so vertical distribution of larvae likely has little effect on transport in this system but might in other similarly shallow habitat areas with higher stratification that are target restoration sites in the Salish Sea. These results add to the growing number of studies that show location-specific differences in larval vertical distribution and behavior within taxa and underscore the importance of integrating local hydrodynamics into predictions of bivalve larval transport.
Metal-clad-suspended self-biasing graphene modulator with tunable figure of merit
Authors: Liu Jiamin , Khan Zia Ullah , Sarjoghian Siamak
Published: July 2020

In this letter, a research on the metal-clad-suspended self-biasing graphene modulator is conducted theoretically. The results reveal a higher light–graphene interaction for the more compact modulator. In addition, when the light–graphene interaction is enhanced, the light–metal interaction is also higher, which causes larger insertion loss and makes the figure of merit (FOM) lower. The length of π-phase shift is reduced to 6.35 µm for the Mach–Zehnder modulator, which is the smallest size achieved up to date. The modulator’s FOM can be tuned by changing the air gap (d) between the moveable metal plates and the suspended structure. In the case when this air gap increases, the configuration represents closer fundamental limits design. Moreover, the cut-off mode is discussed, and it has potential to be used in the tunable filter application. This tunable configuration of modulator is believed to have potential that can pave the way to design tunable light–matter interaction device and has evaluated for the near fundamental limits design.
Testing the Indirect Effect of Type 1 Diabetes on Life Satisfaction Through Self-Compassion and Self-Coldness
Authors: Charzyńska Edyta , Kocur Dagna , Działach Sara , Brenner Rachel E.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Diabetes is a chronic disease that markedly affects the daily life of individuals and lowers subjective well-being. Self-compassion, or treating oneself with kindness and acceptance during challenging circumstances, may improve subjective well-being among people with diabetes. In the current study, we explored the relationships between duration of diabetes, positive and negative components of self-compassion (i.e., self-compassion and self-coldness), and life satisfaction.

Methods

The sample consisted of 112 persons with type 1 diabetes. A Self-Compassion Scale and Satisfaction with Life Scale were used.

Results

A parallel multiple mediation model revealed that diabetes duration was related to lower self-coldness but not to self-compassion. Both self-coldness and self-compassion strongly correlated with life satisfaction. Diabetes duration demonstrated a significant indirect effect on life satisfaction through self-coldness (b = 0.08, 95% CI [0.01, 0.16]), but not through self-compassion (b = 0.00, 95% CI [− 0.06, 0.06]).

Conclusions

The study suggests the need to examine the positive and negative components of the Self-Compassion Scale separately when studying well-being of persons with type 1 diabetes, as well as to prepare tailored self-compassion and self-coldness interventions that can be adjusted for people with varying diabetes durations.
Integrated simulation system of CO2 gas injection application for enhanced oil recovery in the oil field
Authors: Kristanto Dedy , Hermawan Yulius Deddy , Hariyadi  , Yusuf Yusmardhany
Published: July 2020

CO2 gas injection is one of the recommended enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods by injecting CO2 through reservoir pores after the residual saturation is reached, since CO2 dissolves easily in oil phase as confirmed by many other researchers in pertaining field studies. An integrated system is urgently required for assessing CO2-EOR study, covering multi-disciplinary aspects as follows: geology, geophysics, reservoir, production, process and economic. Hence, those systems must be reliable in suggesting final decision for feasibility of CO2-EOR operation program, applicable either for pilot scale or for full scale. This paper is proposing an integrated system evaluation, which has the following features: (1) estimate fraction of dissolved CO2, (2) estimate viscosity reduction, (3) estimate future oil productivity index resulted, (4) forecast incremental oil production, (5) estimate surface facilities equipment design, (6) evaluate economical aspects and (7) generate final decision for feasibility of CO2-EOR operation program. Finally, as the main objective of this program, those systems will present a picture of essential reason why we need to promote or reject CO2-EOR plan program, and also some recommendations will be presented in case the CO2-EOR plan does not perform as expected.
Advanced psychometric testing on a clinical screening tool to evaluate insomnia: sleep condition indicator in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Lin Chung-Ying , Cheng Andy S. K. , Imani Vida , Saffari Mohsen , Ohayon Maurice M. , Pakpour Amir H.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To examine the psychometric properties of the Sleep Condition Indicator (SCI) using different psychometric approaches [including classical test theory, Rasch models, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve] among patients with advanced cancer.

Methods

Through convenience sampling, patients with cancer at stage III or IV (n = 859; 511 males; mean ± SD age = 67.4 ± 7.5 years) were recruited from several oncology units of university hospitals in Iran. All the participants completed the SCI, Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS). In addition, 491 participants wore an actigraph device to capture objective sleep.

Results

Classical test theory [factor loadings from confirmatory factor analysis = 0.76–0.89; test–retest reliability = 0.80–0.93] and Rasch analysis [infit mean square (MnSq) = 0.63–1.31; outfit MnSq = 0.61–1.23] both support the construct validity of the SCI. The SCI had significant associations with ISI, PSQI, ESS, HADS, GHQ, and ESAS. In addition, the SCI has satisfactory area under ROC curve (0.92) when comparing a gold standard of insomnia diagnosis. Significant differences in the actigraphy measure were found between insomniacs and non-insomniacs based on the SCI score defined by ROC.

Conclusion

With the promising psychometric properties shown in the SCI, healthcare providers can use this simple assessment tool to target the patients with advanced cancer who are at risk of insomnia and subsequently provide personalized care efficiently.
The Role of Marketing in Digital Business Platforms
Authors: Rangaswamy Arvind , Moch Nicole , Felten Claudio , Van Bruggen Gerrit , Wieringa Jaap E. , Wirtz Jochen
Published: July 2020

Digital business platforms (DBPs) such as eBay, Google, and Uber Technologies have seen enormous growth; this paper explores their salient characteristics, the role of marketing in helping DBPs succeed, and important research topics for theory and practice. A new conceptual framework based on insights from transaction cost analysis outlines the role and impact of marketing in DBPs. A key role for marketing is to increase the number and quality of interactions on a DBP while reducing transaction costs for users and production costs for the DPB. The DBPs’ interactions and the data thus generated are key enablers of value creation and value appropriation on these platforms. However, there are several challenges to resolve in value creation and value appropriation because DBPs cater to the needs of many different types of users. Therefore, DBPs should carefully coordinate and manage interactions among users on different sides of a platform. For researchers, there are many opportunities to reconceptualize some of the traditional roles of marketing in the context of DBPs.
Placing regenerative farming on environmental educators’ horizons
Authors: Burns Edgar A.
Published: July 2020

Regenerative farming offers the promise of rapid carbon sequestration at global scale. Also called regenerative agriculture, it is largely absent in social science environmental discussions. Learning and teaching about regenerative farming has been left outside educational channels at many levels until now. Pastoral farmers themselves have been at the forefront of a renewal movement educating other land users how to farm beyond conventional Western modern systems. Regenerative farming challenges ‘industrial’ or ‘capitalist farming’ models that continue to degrade natural systems across the world’s pasturelands. This article describes ground-up learning processes and value propositions of farmers involved in regenerative farming. They see it as a solution to the normative shift in recent decades positioning farmers as ‘bad guys’: reducing biodiversity, degrading land systems by erosion and excess fertilisers, over-using water catchments and lowering water quality for urban communities. Understanding the claims and potential of regenerative farming enables environmental educators to be more specific in identifying potential strengths, without neglecting academic evaluation and critique to bear on this strategic climate innovation.
Implementation of the Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN) Method in Determining Staff Requirements in Public Health Laboratories in Serbia
Authors: Tripković Katica , Šantrić Milićević Milena , Mandić Miladinović Marina , Kovačević Lazo , Bjegović Mikanović Vesna , Vuković Dejana
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

This study aimed at identifying the needs for the health workforce in 16 public health laboratories in the Serbian capital by assessing the workforce stock, workload activities, activity standards, and workload pressure.

Methods:

A review of laboratory records and regulations, interviews with key respondents, and observing work processes provided data for the World Health Organization method for determining staffing needs based on workload indicators (Workload Indicators of Staffing Need, WISN).

Results:

A total of 99 laboratory workers spend almost 70% of their available working time in undertaking core activities. Core activities per sample can take from 0.25 to 180 min. Laboratory workers are under moderate or high workload pressure (the WISN ratio from 0.86 to 0.50). The WISN difference indicates a shortage of 22.22% of laboratory analysts and 20.63% of laboratory technicians. To balance the staffing to workload, these laboratories need an additional 8 FTE analysts and 13 FTE technicians. They could also consider selectively reducing workload pressure by automating some of the additional activities while maintaining the competence of laboratory workers and opportunities for professional development.

Conclusions:

Staffing policy should account for work processes, activity standards, and workload pressure to determine necessary staffing to meet the need for laboratory services in the local context.
Addressing decontaminated respirators: Some methods appear to damage mask integrity and protective function
Authors: Peltier Richard E. , Wang Jiayuan , Hollenbeck Brian L. , Lanza Jennifer , Furtado Ryan M. , Cyr Jay , Ellison Richard T. , Kobayashi Kimiyoshi J.
Published: July 2020

Decontamination of N95 respirators is being used by clinicians in the face of a global shortage of these devices. Some treatments for decontamination, such as some vaporized hydrogen peroxide methods or ultraviolet methods, had no impact on respiratory performance, while other treatments resulted in substantial damage to masks.
Two results on dynamic extensions of deviation measures
Authors: Stadje Mitja
Published: July 2020

We give a dynamic extension result of the (static) notion of a deviation measure. We also study distribution-invariant deviation measures and show that the only dynamic deviation measure which is law invariant and recursive is the variance.
Asymptotic results on Hoppe trees and their variations
Authors: Hiesmayr Ella , Işlak Ümit
Published: July 2020

A uniform recursive tree onnvertices is a random tree where each possible$(n-1)!$labelled recursive rooted tree is selected with equal probability. We introduce and study weighted trees, a non-uniform recursive tree model departing from the recently introduced Hoppe trees. This class generalizes both uniform recursive trees and Hoppe trees, providing diversity among the nodes and making the model more flexible for applications. We analyse the number of leaves, the height, the depth, the number of branches, and the size of the largest branch in these weighted trees.
Simultaneous ruin probability for two-dimensional brownian risk model
Authors: Dȩbicki Krzysztof , Hashorva Enkelejd , Michna Zbigniew
Published: July 2020

The ruin probability in the classical Brownian risk model can be explicitly calculated for both finite and infinite time horizon. This is not the case for the simultaneous ruin probability in the two-dimensional Brownian risk model. Relying on asymptotic theory, we derive in this contribution approximations for both simultaneous ruin probability and simultaneous ruin time for the two-dimensional Brownian risk model when the initial capital increases to infinity.
Long-range orientational order of random near-lattice hard sphere and hard disk processes
Authors: Gaál Alexisz Tamás
Published: July 2020

We show that a point process of hard spheres exhibits long-range orientational order. This process is designed to be a random perturbation of a three-dimensional lattice that satisfies a specific rigidity property; examples include the FCC and HCP lattices. We also define two-dimensional near-lattice processes by local geometry-dependent hard disk conditions. Earlier results about the existence of long-range orientational order carry over, and we obtain the existence of infinite-volume measures on two-dimensional point configurations that turn out to follow the orientation of a fixed triangular lattice arbitrarily closely.
Joint law of an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process and its supremum
Authors: Blanchet-Scalliet Christophette , Dorobantu Diana , Gay Laura
Published: July 2020

Let X be an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process driven by a Brownian motion. We propose an expression for the joint density / distribution function of the process and its running supremum. This law is expressed as an expansion involving parabolic cylinder functions. Numerically, we obtain this law faster with our expression than with a Monte Carlo method. Numerical applications illustrate the interest of this result.
On two classes of reflected autoregressive processes
Authors: Boxma Onno , Löpker Andreas , Mandjes Michel
Published: July 2020

We introduce two general classes of reflected autoregressive processes, INGAR+and GAR+. Here, INGAR+can be seen as the counterpart of INAR(1) with general thinning and reflection being imposed to keep the process non-negative; GAR+relates to AR(1) in an analogous manner. The two processes INGAR+and GAR+are shown to be connected via a duality relation. We proceed by presenting a detailed analysis of the time-dependent and stationary behavior of the INGAR+process, and then exploit the duality relation to obtain the time-dependent and stationary behavior of the GAR+process.
Historicizing Extramural Convict Labour: Trajectories and Transitions in Early Modern Europe
Authors: Heinsen Johan
Published: July 2020

New global histories of punishment are steadily decentring the history of punishment and convict labour, challenging traditional conceptions of a linear path towards a single penal modernity and the penitentiary as the telos of its history. Through an exploration of three strands of extramural convict labour emerging in Copenhagen (1558), Ulm (1561), and Almadén (1566), this interpretative essay argues that this challenge can be furthered by taking a view of Europe's own penal history from which the focus is less on origins and more on how the landscape of punishment evolved through a continuous and largely contingent process of assemblage. In this process, a few key elements – labour, displacement, pain, and confinement – were combined and mixed to different effects in specific contexts. Along with that approach comes the need to historicize the process by relating it to other practices of labour coercion, both within the penal field and outside it.
On Motion Planning and Control for Partially Differentially Flat Systems
Authors: Bai Yang , Svinin Mikhail , Magid Evgeni , Wang Yujie
Published: July 2020

This paper deals with motion planning and control problems for a class of partially differentially flat systems. They possess a feature that the derivative of the fiber variable can be represented purely by the base variable and its derivatives. Based on this feature, a Beta function-based motion planning algorithm is proposed with less computational cost compared with the optimal control formulation while providing similar system performance. Then, an adaptive controller is constructed through a function approximation technique-based approach. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed motion planning and control algorithms is verified by simulations.
Persson's Merely Possible Persons
Authors: Bykvist Krister , Campbell Tim
Published: July 2020

All else being equal, creating a miserable person makes the world worse, and creating an ecstatic person makes it better. Such claims are easily justified if it can be better, or worse, for a person to exist than not to exist. But that seems to require that things can be better, or worse, for a person even in a world in which she does not exist. Ingmar Persson defends this seemingly paradoxical claim in his latest book, Inclusive Ethics. He argues that persons that never exist are merely possible beings for whom non-existence is worse than existence with a good life. We argue that Persson's argument, as stated in his book, has false premises and is invalid. We reconstruct the argument to make it valid, but the premises remain highly problematic. Finally, we argue, one can make sense of our procreative obligations without letting merely possible beings into the moral club.
Cognitive mechanisms predicting resilient functioning in adolescence: Evidence from the CogBIAS longitudinal study
Authors: Booth Charlotte , Songco Annabel , Parsons Sam , Fox Elaine
Published: July 2020

Resilience is a dynamic process depicted by better than expected levels of functioning in response to significant adversity. This can be assessed statistically, by taking the residuals from a model of psychological functioning regressed onto negative life events. We report the first study to investigate multiple cognitive factors in relation to this depiction of resilient functioning. Life events, internalizing symptoms, and a range of cognitive risk and protective factors were assessed in a large sample of adolescents (N = 504) across three waves spaced 12–18 months apart. Adolescents who displayed fewer symptoms than expected, relative to negative life events, were considered more resilient. Adolescents who displayed more symptoms than expected, relative to negative life events, were considered less resilient. All cognitive factors were associated with resilient functioning to differing degrees. These included memory bias, interpretation bias, worry, rumination, self-esteem, and self-reported trait resilience. Regression models showed that memory bias was a key factor explaining unique variance in prospective resilient functioning. In a subsequent cross-lagged panel model, memory bias and resilient functioning were reinforcing mechanisms across time points, supporting cognitive models of emotional resilience. This study adds to the literature, by highlighting key cognitive mechanisms as potential intervention targets
Elucidation of genetic diversity base in Calotropis procera – a potentially emerging new fibre resource
Authors: Majeed Aasim , Goel Bhawana , Mishra Vandana , Kohli Ravinder , Bhardwaj Pankaj
Published: July 2020

Calotropis procera is emerging as a new, yet undomesticated, resource of fibre comparable to cotton and kapok. Screening of efficient genotypes from its wild populations would be a useful pre-domestication process. The desired genotypes can then be improved through conventional breeding programmes to develop a domesticated variety. Molecular markers play a major role in modern breeding systems. Thus, an efficient marker resource for C. procera would prove useful in germplasm selection during breeding programmes. In this study, we undertook an initial step of Simple sequence repeats (SSR) marker development for C. procera, which could be applied for germplasm selection. Furthermore, using the developed markers, we assessed the genetic diversity base within its wild populations which could be useful to identify the hotspot areas of germplasm collection. Out of 94,636 de novo assembled transcripts, 9148 sequences were found to contain 12,884 SSRs at a density of 5.5 SSRs/Mb. Twelve SSRs were found as polymorphic with a mean polymorphic information content of 0.575. We observed a moderate level of genetic diversity (Na = 3.625, Ho = 0.58) in the studied populations. Mantel's test showed significant correlation between the geographic distance and the genetic distance (r = 0.147, P = 0.010). Sirsa was found as a genetically most diverse population followed by Barnala while Gurdaspur was found with the least genetic diversity. These genetically diverse populations can serve as an important resource for effective germplasm collection for breeding programmes.
Survey of organic sweet corn growers identifies corn earworm prevalence, management and opportunities for plant breeding
Authors: Moore Virginia M. , Tracy William F.
Published: July 2020

Corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) is one of the most important pests in organic sweet corn (Zea mays) production. Breeding of corn earworm-resistant varieties has been identified as a potential approach to deal with this pest, but it is critical that plant breeding efforts reflect the contexts and needs of organic producers who might eventually adopt earworm-resistant varieties. In November–December 2017, we surveyed organic sweet corn producers in the U.S. to learn about impacts of corn earworm on organic sweet corn production, how producers are currently managing the pest and opportunities for plant breeding to reduce its overall impact. The survey confirmed that corn earworm is the most challenging insect pest for organic sweet corn producers, that current management options remain limited and that earworm-resistant varieties could improve the ability of growers to consistently produce damage-free sweet corn and to improve the value of sweet corn within organic operations.