bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climatology of aerosol optical depth over Eastern Europe based on 19 years (2000–2018) MODIS TERRA data
Authors: Filonchyk Mikalai , Hurynovich Volha , Yan Haowen , Zhou Liang , Gusev Andrei
Published: November 2019

This study investigates the spatial–temporal evolution of aerosols, their optical properties (aerosol optical depth [AOD] and ångström exponent [AE]) and the trend over a period of 19 years in the Eastern European countries. The data used for the study are from moderate‐resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) Terra Collection 6.1 aerosol products with the use of Dark Target algorithm for the period from 2000 to 2018. The satellite‐based AOD products were validated against the AERONET AOD measurements in four stations, located in different regions. The results demonstrate high coherence in the setting of high values of correlation (R = 0.8–0.9) and low values of root‐mean‐square error (RMSE [0.066–0.130]) and mean absolute error (MAE [0.048–0.067]). However, of the total amount of data from AERONET stations, only 68.9% of available data fall within expected error (EE) over land. Generally, all countries recorded a low AOD (83.2% less than 0.2) and high AE (82.5% higher than 1). Mean AOD and AE values varied from 0.17 ± 0.12 and 1.31 ± 0.27 (Russia) to 0.24 ± 0.14 and 1.31 ± 0.33 (Czech Republic). There was a gradual decrease in aerosol load in all countries, the highest tendencies of AOD reduction are observed in Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Hungary (by −0.0028, −0.0027, −0.0026 and −0.0025 per year), while the lowest tendencies of reduction are observed in Russia and Moldova (by −0.001 and −0.0006 per year). Seasonal averaged AOD values have maximum values in summer and minimum values in winter. We studied predominant aerosol types, which are based on AOD and AE interrelation, the results showed the predominance of clean continental and mixed aerosols over all countries of the region.
Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties of Acyl Lysine, Serine, Threonine, and Methionine Derived from Three Types of Natural Oils
Authors: Wang Nan , Yao Kaixin , Wang Yuzhao , Ti Jinhu , Tan Jiajing , Liu Changyao , Zhang Guiju , Wang Ce , Xu Baocai
Published: November 2019

The development of environmentally benign products has been the subject of growing interest in the field of surfactant chemistry. Acyl amino acid surfactants bearing lysine, serine, threonine, and methionine residues were synthesized using natural oils extracted from coconut, palm kernel, and soybean as acyl donors. The chemical structures were confirmed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC/MS) and infrared (IR) spectra. Their surface activities, ion‐specific effects, detergency, and foam properties were studied systematically. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) values depend significantly on amino acid and oil types and follow the orders: (i) Lys > Thr ≈ Ser > Met and (ii) Coconut ≈ Palm kernel > Soybean oil. Interestingly, the ion‐specific effects showing that the γCMC value decreases with increasing counterion size and hydrophobicity were observed, and the results were consistent with the famous Hofmeister series. The detergency ability of acyl amino acid surfactants is better than multiple traditional surfactants in distilled water. Although the detergency ability of our products for oil‐soiled swatches decreased significantly in hard water, this problem was solved by the C‐Lys‐Na/AES mixed system showing excellent synergistic effects. Excellent foamability and foam stability were achieved for acyl threonine and serine bearing hydroxyl groups on their headgroups, suggesting that the packing of these surfactants at the air–water interface was assisted by hydrogen bonding.
Flexible thin‐film transistors application of amorphous tin oxide‐based semiconductors
Authors: Liu Xianzhe , Ning Honglong , Zhang Xu , Deng Yuxi , Guo Dong , Wang Yiping , Wang Xiaofeng , Yuan Weijian , Yao Rihui , Peng Junbiao
Published: November 2019

The structural, optical, and electrical properties of Si‐doped SnO2 (STO) films were investigated in terms of their potential applications for flexible electronic devices. All STO films were amorphous with an optical transmittance of ~90%. The optical band gap was widened as the Si content increased. The Hall mobility and carrier density were improved in the SnO2 with 1 wt% Si film, which was attributed to the formation of donor states. Si (1 wt%) doped SnO2 thin‐film transistor exhibited a good device performance and good stability with a saturation mobility of 6.38 cm2/Vs, a large Ion/Ioff of 1.44 × 107, and a SS value of 0.77 V/decade. The device mobility of a‐STO TFTs at different bending radius maintained still at a high level. These results suggest that a‐STO thin films are promising for fabricating flexible TFTs.
Tourists' emotional changes and eWOM behavior on social media and integrated tourism websites
Authors: Zhou Simin , Yan Qiang , Yan Mengling , Shen Chuwen
Published: November 2019

Electronic word of mouth (eWOM) has become increasingly important for the tourism industry. However, existing studies tend to overlook tourists' eWOM sharing behavior, especially on different platforms. This paper aims to explore the antecedents of distinct eWOM behaviors on social media platforms and integrated tourism websites. Thirty tourists with rich travel experience were invited to attend in‐depth interviews. Tourists' emotions, eWOM motivations, and platform features were explored by coding. Based on dramaturgical theory and task–technology fit theory, we discovered the ways that platform features fit with tourists' eWOM motivations, which provide important implications for destination and platform management.
Bivalirudin during thrombolysis with catheter‐directed tPA in a heparin‐refractory patient: A case report
Authors: Regling Katherine , Callaghan Michael U. , Rajpurkar Madhvi
Published: November 2019

Venous thromboembolism has increasing significance in hospitalized pediatric patients. Patients who have life‐threatening or limb‐threatening thrombotic events require thrombolysis in addition to anticoagulation. In patients who show signs of heparin resistance or heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia, it is imperative to identify alternative therapeutic options. We present a child in whom bivalirudin was used for systemic anticoagulation during catheter‐directed thrombolysis along with tissue plasminogen activator (Alteplase®) for the treatment of a near‐occlusive organ‐threatening thrombus. We also review the currently available literature on the use of combination therapy of an intravenous direct thrombin inhibitor with alteplase.
Enhanced strength and toughness of polyurethane rubber by introducing hydrogen bond sacrificial units at rubber‐graphene interfaces
Authors: Wang Li , Fu Wen , Peng Wenlong
Published: November 2019

It is still a huge challenge to add a kind of filler into rubber toward strong yet tough elastomer. In this work, a biomimetic design for polyurethane rubber (PUR) by introducing hydrogen bond sacrificial units at the rubber‐graphene oxide interfaces was described. Poly(vinyl alcohol)‐g‐graphene oxide (PGO) reinforced PUR composites were prepared by mechanical blending. The grafting rate of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) on graphene oxide (GO) surface was 23.5%. The improved properties, including the tensile strength, elongation at break and thermal stability of the PUR/PGO composites compared to the virgin PUR vulcanizate were attributed to the hydrogen bonds between PUR and PGO. An 131.2% increase in the tensile strength, a 60.2% increase in the elongation at break and a 23.5°C increase in the maximum decomposition temperature were obtained by adding 1 phr PGO. In addition, the low temperature resistance of the PUR vulcanizate was improved with the addition of PGO. The mechanism of improved properties was attributed to the destruction and reconstitution of hydrogen bond sacrificial units in the PUR/PGO system.
Study of the synergistic effect of boron nitride and carbon nanotubes in the improvement of thermal conductivity of epoxy composites
Authors: Isarn Isaac , Bonnaud Leïla , Massagués Lluís , Serra Àngels , Ferrando Francesc
Published: November 2019

The enhancement of the thermal conductivity, keeping the electrical insulation, of epoxy thermosets through the addition of pristine and oxidized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and microplatelets of boron nitride (BN) was studied. Two different epoxy resins were selected: a cycloaliphatic (ECC) epoxy resin and a glycidylic (DGEBA) epoxy resin. The characteristics of the composites prepared were evaluated and compared in terms of thermal, thermomechanical, rheological and electrical properties. Two different dispersion methods were used in the addition of pristine and oxidized CNTs depending on the type of epoxy resin used. Slight changes in the kinetics of the curing reaction were observed in the presence of the fillers. The addition of pristine CNTs led to a greater enhancement of the mechanical properties of the ECC composite whereas the oxidized CNTs presented a greater effect in the DGEBA matrix. The addition of CNTs alone led to a marked decrease of the electrical resistivity of the composites. Nevertheless, in the presence of BN, which is an electrically insulating material, it was possible to increase the proportion of pristine CNTs to 0.25 wt% in the formulation without deterioration of the electrical resistivity. A small but significant synergic effect was determined when both fillers were added together. Improvements of about 750% and 400% in thermal conductivity were obtained in comparison to the neat epoxy matrix for the ECC and DGEBA composites, respectively. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Changes in standing stability with balance‐based torso‐weighting with cerebellar ataxia: A pilot study
Authors: Widener Gail L. , Conley Nicole , Whiteford Sarah , Gee Jason , Harrell Anthony , Gibson‐Horn Cynthia , Block Valerie , Allen Diane D.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

People with cerebellar ataxia have few options to improve the standing stability they need for function. Strategic placement of light weights on the torso using the balance‐based torso‐weighting (BBTW) method has improved stability and reduced falls in people with multiple sclerosis, but has not been tested in cerebellar ataxia. We examined whether torso‐weighting increased standing stability and/or functional movement in people with cerebellar ataxia.

Methods

Ten people with cerebellar ataxia and 10 matched controls participated in this single‐session quasi‐experimental pilot study. People with ataxia performed the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) prior to clinical testing. All participants donned inertial sensors that recorded postural sway; stopwatches recorded duration for standing and mobility tasks. All participants stood for up to 30 s on firm and foam surfaces with eyes open then eyes closed, and performed the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Light weights (0.57–1.25 kg) were strategically applied to a vest‐like garment. Paired t tests compared within‐group differences with and without BBTW weights. Independent t tests assessed differences from controls. All t tests were one‐tailed with alpha set at .05.

Results

Duration of standing for people with ataxia was significantly longer with weighting (p = .004); all controls stood for the maximum time of 120 s with and without weights. More severe ataxia according to SARA was moderately correlated with greater improvement in standing duration with BBTW (Pearson r = .54). Tasks with more sensory challenges (eyes closed, standing on firm surface) showed less body sway with weighting. Duration for the TUG was unchanged by torso‐weighting in people with ataxia.

Conclusion

Strategic weighting improved standing stability but not movement speed in people with ataxia. BBTW has potential for improving stability and response to challenging sensory conditions in this population. Future studies should further examine gait stability measures along with movement speed.
Probenecid‐Boosted Tenofovir: A Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Model‐Informed Strategy for On‐Demand HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis
Authors: Liu Stephanie N. , Desta Zeruesenay , Gufford Brandon T.
Published: November 2019

Multiple doses of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) together with emtricitabine is effective for HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). TDF is converted to tenofovir (TFV) in circulation, which is subsequently cleared via tubular secretion by organic ion transporters (OATs; OAT1 and OAT3). Using in vitro kinetic parameters for TFV and the OAT1 and OAT3 inhibitor probenecid, a bottom‐up physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic model was successfully developed for the first time that accurately describes the probenecid–TFV interaction. This model predicted an increase in TFV plasma exposure by 60%, which was within 15% of the observed clinical pharmacokinetic data, and a threefold decrease in renal cells exposure following coadministration of a 600 mg TDF dose with 2 g probenecid. When compared with multiple‐dose regimens, a single‐dose probenecid‐boosted TDF regimen may be effective for HIV PrEP and improve adherence and safety by minimizing TFV‐induced nephrotoxicity by reducing TFV accumulation in renal cells.
Balance safety, success when evaluating applicants’ misconduct, criminal backgrounds
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: November 2019

You want to keep your current students safe but you also recognize the value of removing barriers that tend to prevent potential students with criminal records from pursuing the education that could give them a fresh start. To achieve the proper balance between these two goals, you'll need an approach that ensures the safety and success of applicants and the overall campus community.
Online diagnosis of broken rotor bar fault of squirrel‐cage induction motor using a magnetic field measuring coil
Authors: Wu Yucai , An Qingfei
Published: November 2019

Broken rotor bar (BRB) fault may cause deterioration of motor performance and interfere with normal production. Accurate detection of BRB fault is helpful in arranging overhaul and replacing equipment in advance. According to the theory of magnetic potential balance, the variation rule of the air‐gap flux density of the squirrel‐cage induction motor (IM) before and after the BRB fault is deduced in this paper. A large‐size measuring coil is embedded inside one stator slot wedge, and BRB fault is diagnosed by combining the time‐domain and frequency‐domain characteristics of the induced voltage of the measuring coil. In the stage of validity verification, a 200 kW and a 7.5 kW squirrel‐cage IM are selected to complete the finite element simulation and fault‐simulation experiments, respectively. Compared with the traditional motor current signal analysis method, the detection performance of BRB fault under different load levels is verified, which provides a new solution for the fault diagnosis of BRB fault of the squirrel‐cage IM. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Frames and facilitators by China in promoting the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
Authors: Gao May Hongmei
Published: November 2019

Much larger than the U.S. Marshall Plan, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with over $5 trillion global infrastructure projects, is a major undertaking by the international communities, proposed by the Chinese government. Adopting a multimethod approach of employing textual analysis, participant observation, and framing analysis, this article uncovers that Chinese government and state‐run media promote BRI with proper rhetorical frames and institutional facilitators. The six frames are “Development,” “Mutual respect and mutual trust,” “Ancient Silk Road Story,” “Action Speaks Louder than Words,” “China is a Partner, not a Colonialist,” and “Win‐Win.” Since 1949 and especially in the past two decades, China has cultivated a global ecosystem with at least nine facilitators that support BRI. These facilitators are Chinese Soft Power, South–South Cooperation, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, China & ASEAN FTA, RCEP, 16+1, AIIB, Silk Road Fund, and The New Development Bank. With BRI, China leads a new wave of globalization: Globalization 5.0. This article proposes a three‐step strategy for Western companies to benefit from the China‐led Belt and Road Initiative: from rising above pre‐existing frames in your mind (stereotypes), to be open minded for new frames (new thinking), to participate in BRI for win–win outcomes (opportunities).
Nipples and the Digital Community
Authors: Stjernfelt Frederik , Lauritzen Anne Mette
Published: November 2019

In a Danish context, the first time the public was exposed to these flaws was in 2012. It was the seemingly banal case of documentary writer Peter Øvig Knudsen, who published the two-volume book Hippie about the Danish hippie movement and their so-called Thy Camp in 1970. The photo documentation of these books included photos from the camp, where hippies walked around naked, swam undressed and the like. It was, of course, a central part of the hippie movement. These seemingly innocent documentary photos, however, turned out to violate several standards of several tech giants.
Entrusting Government Control to Private Tech Giants
Authors: Stjernfelt Frederik , Lauritzen Anne Mette
Published: November 2019

Seen from the offices of the CEO’s, the current public turmoil faced by the tech giants must be rather confusing. On the one hand, agitated politicians and intellectuals demand that the companies engage still more in the removal of content—of “hate speech”, “fake news”, extremism, defamation, Russian bots, nipples, pejoratives and a wide range of other things. On the other hand, a number of politicians and intellectuals—among them the authors of this very book—are accusing the giants of already removing way too much content, applying their narrow but at the same time vaguely worded community standards and the murky and uncontrollable enforcement of them. Unfortunately, the former of the two tendencies seems to have the upper hand at the moment.
The First Digital Losers
Authors: Stjernfelt Frederik , Lauritzen Anne Mette
Published: November 2019

As we have seen, censorship is a real and serious problem when it comes to the tech giants. However, when they use the word “censorship” themselves, they often have something completely different in mind. That other something is copyright. Not surprisingly, the tech giants oppose copyright protections, since they wish to attract users by offering free access to a world of alluring content. Thus, by praising copyright infringements as though they were a matter of practicing free speech, they end up abusing the honorable name and reputation of free speech itself.
Trust Busting the Tech Giants?
Authors: Stjernfelt Frederik , Lauritzen Anne Mette
Published: November 2019

In light of the many problems caused by the tech giants’ somewhat opaque transformation of the public sphere, it is quite necessary to ask the question of how they can be brought to show greater accountability when it comes to the public sphere. It is not just a matter of pushing a few buttons—there are elementary structural defects to the very setup. There are two ways to change this: the coercive or the voluntary. The first is often discussed in terms of the increasingly monopolistic behavior of the giants. We have already touched upon their dominant role in the market. The present situation is a far cry from the anarchist—or free-market liberalist—Internet of the 1990s, with its diversity of users and small companies all competing with each other. The dot-com bubble burst around the turn of the millennium and wiped out many of the small firms, helping to usher in the next phase, the 2000s. Here, a few companies gradually gained control of the market, only to become the world’s richest during the 2010s. Scrooge McDuck’s amazing career from shoeshine boy to the richest duck in the world has long been replaced by the story of Mark the Nerd who founded Facebook in his college dorm room in 2004, and long before turning 30 became one of the world’s most wealthy and powerful people. Facebook and Google are approaching a duopoly in the online advertising market based on non-paying users, with Microsoft and Apple bordering on duopoly in the field of software, and finally Amazon with its near-monopoly on Internet trade. The latter is less central to freedom of expression, but still includes a relevant dimension, as the size and market dominance of Amazon has made the company’s bookstore capable of putting unprecedented pressure on its suppliers—the publishing companies. The story of Jeff Bezos is well known, how he saw the enormous possibilities of Internet trading and decided to start from one corner: books. It was an industry of durable, easily transportable goods with a distribution network then dominated by small local players. It turned out to be the perfect place to launch a disruption of trade patterns through e-commerce. Amazon grew explosively and managed in but a few years to establish itself as a key player in the sales and distribution of books in many countries. Among the secrets to the company’s success was placing its headquarters in Seattle, in sparsely populated and remote Washington State, which meant that mail order buyers outside of the state could avoid taxes, allowing Amazon to undercut the prices of local bookstores. In the longer run, Amazon’s strength allowed the company to put pressure on the pricing policies of publishing companies.
The Role of Civil Society
Authors: Stjernfelt Frederik , Lauritzen Anne Mette
Published: November 2019

We cannot, however, rely on government-imposed regulation to solve all the problems of the Internet. Regulation can and should set a better framework than what is currently the case, but by nature all regulation is general and framework-setting only, and nobody can expect it to solve all problems in detail. Malignant forces of many different kinds will continue to bypass, exploit and challenge even the best regulation. Therefore, actors within the public sphere and civil society must contribute to the preservation of freedom of expression on the Internet. The simplistic view of a dichotomy between state and private often seems to assume that society consists only of a number of companies and private individuals on the one hand, and on the other, a state. From that plain dichotomy, it follows that policy must then be determined by an ongoing arm-wrestle between the two. Such a polarized setup might give a rough picture of authoritarian societies. But painting the two in this oppositional way completely ignores the key role of civil society and the public sphere in modern democracies—in between the government sphere and the private sphere, so to speak. In this context, traditional media ought to adopt a leading role. It is well known that such media outlets are under pressure by tech giants, primarily because the crucial advertising income is migrating towards the tech giants and their attention economy. Print newspapers are shrinking, and people go online to find news. In this story of decay, many have been a bit too willing to see an overlapping shift, where new technology and new players replace old and outdated ones, just like cars replaced horse-drawn carriages and the drive-thru replaced roadside inns. This widely-held idea overlooks one fundamental fact: to a very large extent, the news content that people look for and find on the tech giants’ platforms is still largely produced by the old pre-Internet media outlets, newspapers, TV-networks, publishing companies, film production companies, etc. Tech giants have indeed become great marketers of news and content, but they themselves do not produce the content they deliver. This is one of the reasons that the categorization of the giants as media is wrong. Newspapers, media outlets and publishers embody free debate and Enlightenment principles in civil society—supplemented by public-private players such as universities and other research institutions, think tanks and philanthropic foundations. Here it is crucial that such media and institutions hold on to the elementary principles of free speech and do not resort to introducing community standards. Moreover, they must keep promoting freedom, which includes also points of view considered unpopular, provocative or grotesque by the ideas of the moment and the mainstream. One man’s “hate speech” is another man’s truth may not apply to every single case but should still count as a guiding motto.
Free Speech Under Pressure
Authors: Stjernfelt Frederik , Lauritzen Anne Mette
Published: November 2019

As mentioned above, the UN Declaration of Human Right states that “everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” This is freedom of expression in a broad sense, as the wording contains both individuals’ and organizations’ freedom to express themselves and their right to seek out information freely and search for information freely.
Learning by Doing? Reflections on Conducting a Systematic Review in the Field of Educational Technology
Authors: Bedenlier Svenja , Bond Melissa , Buntins Katja , Zawacki-Richter Olaf , Kerres Michael
Published: November 2019

Drawing on an example of a large systematic review that was conducted on the use of educational technology and student engagement in higher education, we provide practical insights into how we proceeded throughout the review phases. Readers and researchers embarking on a systematic review themselves might find the contents of this chapter useful, in order to better prepare themselves for issues that can arise when undertaking such an endeavour.
The December 2018 Anak Krakatau Volcano Tsunami as Inferred from Post-Tsunami Field Surveys and Spectral Analysis
Authors: Muhari Abdul , Heidarzadeh Mohammad , Susmoro Harjo , Nugroho Haris D. , Kriswati Estu , Supartoyo  , Wijanarto Antonius B. , Imamura Fumihiko , Arikawa Taro
Published: November 2019

We present analysis of the December 2018 Anak Krakatau tsunami in Sunda Strait, Indonesia, from a combination of post-tsunami field surveys, bathymetric changes and spectral analysis of the tsunami tide gauge records. Post-tsunami surveys revealed moderate tsunami height along the coast of Sumatra and Java with maximum surveyed runup of 13.5 m and maximum inundation distance of 330 m. At small islands located close to the volcano, extreme tsunami impacts were observed indicating not only a huge tsunami was generated by large amounts of collapse material which caused notable changes of seafloor bathymetry, but also indicates the role of those small islands in reducing tsunami height that propagated to the mainland of Indonesia. Our spectral analysis of tide gauge records showed that the tsunami’s dominant period was 6.6–7.4 min, indicating the short-period nature of the 2018 Sunda Strait tsunami.
Bioaugmentation enhances dark fermentative hydrogen production in cultures exposed to short-term temperature fluctuations
Authors: Okonkwo Onyinye , Escudie Renaud , Bernet Nicolas , Mangayil Rahul , Lakaniemi Aino-Maija , Trably Eric
Published: November 2019

Hydrogen-producing mixed cultures were subjected to a 48-h downward or upward temperature fluctuation from 55 to 35 or 75 °C. Hydrogen production was monitored during the fluctuations and for three consecutive batch cultivations at 55 °C to evaluate the impact of temperature fluctuations and bioaugmentation with synthetic mixed culture of known H2 producers either during or after the fluctuation. Without augmentation, H2 production was significantly reduced during the downward temperature fluctuation and no H2 was produced during the upward fluctuation. H2 production improved significantly during temperature fluctuation when bioaugmentation was applied to cultures exposed to downward or upward temperatures. However, when bioaugmentation was applied after the fluctuation, i.e., when the cultures were returned to 55 °C, the H2 yields obtained were between 1.6 and 5% higher than when bioaugmentation was applied during the fluctuation. Thus, the results indicate the usefulness of bioaugmentation in process recovery, especially if bioaugmentation time is optimised.
Reporting Discrepancy Resolved by Findings and Time in 2947 Emergency Department Ankle X-rays
Authors: York Thomas James , Jenkins P. J. , Ireland A. J.
Published: November 2019

Aims

To identify common errors in ankle X-ray reporting between initial interpretation and final assessment at the virtual fracture clinic. Also, to assess time of initial reporting as a causative factor for discrepancy.

Methods

Two thousand nine hundred forty-seven final reports were reviewed by standard of agreement to the initial interpretation. Where discrepancy was found, it was classified and collated by specific finding. Comparison was made between reports with discrepancy and the complete dataset, allowing rates of error by finding to be established. The reports containing discrepancy were further classified by time period, this was compared against an expected value to establish if initial reporting outside of routine working hours was as accurate as that conducted within routine working hours.

Results

94.4% of reports were in agreement with the initial interpretation, 2.9% contained minor discrepancy, and 2.7% major discrepancy. In 45.6% of reports there was no radiologically observable injury. 16.4% of reports contained a lateral malleolar fracture, most commonly Weber type B. 40.0% of all navicular fractures, and 33.3% of all cuboidal fractures were not commented upon in the initial reporting. Lower rates of more frequently observed findings were missed with 2.5% of Weber type B fractures not commented upon. An increased proportion of major discrepancy reports were generated from 00:00 to 07:59 (expected = 15.0%, observed = 22.2%; p = 0.07908). Similarly, a greater than expected number of minor discrepancy reports were found between 20:00 and 23:59 (expected = 18.0%, observed = 34.1%, p = 0.00025).

Conclusions

The initial reporting of ankle X-rays in the emergency department is performed to a high standard, however serious missed findings emphasise the need for timely senior review. Reporters should increase their awareness of navicular, cuboid, talar, and Weber A fractures which were missed at disproportionate rates. This study also finds evidence to support increased rates of error in initial reporting of ankle X-rays outside of normal working hours (17:00–07:59), particularly with a significantly increased rate of minor discrepancy seen from 20:00 to 23:59.
Therapie der systemischen Sklerose-assoziierten interstitiellen Lungenerkrankung
Authors: Prasse A. , Bonella F. , Müller-Ladner U. , Witte T. , Hunzelmann N. , Distler J.
Published: November 2019

Hintergrund

Die systemische Sklerose (SSc) ist eine fibrosierende Autoimmunerkrankung aus der Gruppe der Kollagenosen. Neben der Hautfibrose zählt eine Beteiligung der Lunge, insbesondere in Form einer interstitiellen Lungenerkrankung (ILD), zu den häufigsten und schwersten Organmanifestationen der SSc. Die Krankheit geht insbesondere bei progressiver ILD mit einer erheblichen Morbidität und Mortalität einher. In den letzten 5 Jahren wurden in zahlreichen klinischen Studien neue Behandlungskonzepte für die SSc-ILD untersucht.

Material und Methoden

Im Rahmen dieses Reviews erfolgte eine Literaturrecherche mittels PubMed, die sich auf die relevantesten Beiträge der bis Ende 2018 veröffentlichten medizinischen Literatur mit den Schlagwörtern „SSc“ und „Treatment“ konzentrierte.

Ergebnisse

Die Therapie der SSc-ILD hat sich in den letzten Jahren aufgrund der Ergebnisse zahlreicher klinischer Studien gewandelt. Die aktualisierten Leitlinien der Europäischen Rheumatologengesellschaft (EULAR) empfehlen den Einsatz von Cyclophosphamid oder einer hämatopoetischen Stammzelltransplantation. Daten zur positiven Beeinflussung der SSc-ILD liegen auch für Mycophenolat, Tocilizumab und Anabasum vor. Aufgrund der pathophysiologischen Gemeinsamkeiten zur idiopathischen Lungenfibrose wird derzeit der Einsatz der antifibrotischen Wirkstoffe Nintedanib und Pirfenidon in randomisierten, multizentrischen klinischen Studien getestet und könnte eine zusätzliche, vielversprechende Therapiestrategie sein.

Schlussfolgerung

Innovative therapeutische Perspektiven für die SSc-ILD sind durch Erfolg versprechende Ansätze aktueller Arzneimittelstudien gegeben und könnten in Zukunft die Prognose von Betroffenen merklich verbessern.
Three-dimensional versus two-dimensional high-definition laparoscopy in transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: a prospective randomized controlled study
Authors: Koppatz Hanna E. , Harju Jukka I. , Sirén Jukka E. , Mentula Panu J. , Scheinin Tom M. , Sallinen Ville J.
Published: November 2019

Background

Three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopy improves technical efficacy in laboratory environment, but evidence for clinical benefit is lacking. The aim of this study was to determine whether the 3D laparoscopy is beneficial in transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TAPP).

Method

In this prospective, single-blinded, single-center, superior randomized trial, patients scheduled for TAPP were randomly allocated to either 3D or two-dimensional (2D) TAPP laparoscopic approaches. Patients were excluded if secondary operation was planned, the risk of conversion was high, or the surgeon had less than five previous 3D laparoscopic procedures. Patients were operated on by 13 residents and 3 attendings. The primary endpoint was operation time. The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02367573).

Results

Total 278 patients were randomized between 5th February 2015 and 23rd October 2017. Median operation time was shorter in the 3D group (56.0 min vs. 68.0 min, p < 0.001). 10 (8%) patients in 3D group and 6 (5%) patients in 2D group had clinically significant complications (Clavien–Dindo 2 or higher) (p = 0.440). Rate of hernia recurrence was similar between groups at 1-year follow-up. In the subgroup analyses, operation time was shorter in 3D laparoscopy among attendings, residents, female surgeons, surgeons with perfect stereovision, surgeons with > 50 3D laparoscopic procedures, surgeons with any experience in TAPP, patients with body mass indices < 30, and bilateral inguinal hernia repairs.

Conclusion

3D laparoscopy is beneficial and shortens operation time but does not affect safety or long-term outcomes of TAPP.
On the quasi-sure superhedging duality with frictions
Authors: Bayraktar Erhan , Burzoni Matteo
Published: November 2019

We prove the superhedging duality for a discrete-time financial market with proportional transaction costs under model uncertainty. Frictions are modelled through solvency cones as in the original model of Kabanov (Finance Stoch. 3:237–248, 1999) adapted to the quasi-sure setup of Bouchard and Nutz (Ann. Appl. Probab. 25:823–859, 2015). Our approach allows removing the restrictive assumption of no arbitrage of the second kind considered in Bouchard et al. (Math. Finance 29:837–860, 2019) and showing the duality under the more natural condition of strict no arbitrage. In addition, we extend the results to models with portfolio constraints.
How many third molars remain unnoticed in a population survey without panoramic radiographs?
Authors: Ventä Irja , Huumonen Sisko , Suominen Anna Liisa
Published: November 2019

Objective

The aim of the study was to compare the findings of clinical examination and panoramic radiograph regarding the occurrence of third molars in a population survey to find out how many third molars remain clinically unnoticed.

Materials and methods

A two-staged stratified cluster-sampling method was used to select 8028 participants representing the adult population aged 30 years and older. Clinical oral examinations and panoramic radiographs were carried out for 5989 subjects (46% men, 54% women; mean age 52.5, SD 14.6; range 30–97 years). Clinical recordings of the presence of third molars were compared with the radiographs. Statistics included chi-squared, Fisher’s, Wilcoxon’s, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

Results

In the 5989 subjects, 3742 third molars were recorded in the clinical examination, and 5912 were observed in the panoramic images, a difference of 2170 teeth. Furthermore, related to 3668 (61%) of the third molars, both clinical and radiographic recordings were attributed to the same third molar, while 2244 third molars were observed only in the panoramic image, and 74 only in the clinical examination. In every age group, the mean number of third molars per subject was larger radiographically compared with the clinical recordings (means for all 0.99 vs. 0.62; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Numbers of third molars, recorded in clinical examination alone, are underreported by approximately one-third compared with radiographic findings.

Clinical relevance

The numbers of third molars in a population survey without a panoramic radiograph do not reflect the total number of third molars in a population.
Evaluation of augmented reality technology for the design of an evacuation training game
Authors: Catal Cagatay , Akbulut Akhan , Tunali Berkay , Ulug Erol , Ozturk Eren
Published: November 2019

Building evacuation training systems and training employees in an organization have a vital role in emergency cases in which people need to know what to do exactly. In every building, procedures, rules, and actions are attractively shown on the walls, but most of the people living in that building are not aware of these procedures and do not have any experience what to do in these dangerous situations. In order to be able to apply these procedures properly in an emergency situation, community members should be trained with the state-of-the-art equipment and technologies, but to do so, up-front investment and development of such a system are necessary. In this study, augmented reality (AR) technology was applied to realize a game-based evacuation training system that implements gamification practices. The architectural plans of a university were used to model the floors and the relevant environment. Employees are trained to learn how to reach the nearest exit location in the event of a fire or earthquake, and also, the system provides the shortest path for the evacuation. In addition to these features, our training game has educational animations about the fire, chemical attack, and earthquake events. A mobile application was implemented to train employees working in the building and inform them to know how to escape in an emergency situation. The technology acceptance model and the related questionnaire form were applied, and the response of 36 participants was analyzed. It was demonstrated that AR and relevant tools provide a flexible environment to develop evacuation systems in a university, our mobile application enabled participants to be trained in a realistic environment, and trainees were highly satisfied with the system. Educational animations were also another benefit for the trainees.
Implementable tensor methods in unconstrained convex optimization
Authors: Nesterov Yurii
Published: November 2019

In this paper we develop new tensor methods for unconstrained convex optimization, which solve at each iteration an auxiliary problem of minimizing convex multivariate polynomial. We analyze the simplest scheme, based on minimization of a regularized local model of the objective function, and its accelerated version obtained in the framework of estimating sequences. Their rates of convergence are compared with the worst-case lower complexity bounds for corresponding problem classes. Finally, for the third-order methods, we suggest an efficient technique for solving the auxiliary problem, which is based on the recently developed relative smoothness condition (Bauschke et al. in Math Oper Res 42:330–348, 2017; Lu et al. in SIOPT 28(1):333–354, 2018). With this elaboration, the third-order methods become implementable and very fast. The rate of convergence in terms of the function value for the accelerated third-order scheme reaches the level $$O\left( {1 \over k^4}\right) $$

O

1

k
4

, where k is the number of iterations. This is very close to the lower bound of the order $$O\left( {1 \over k^5}\right) $$

O

1

k
5

, which is also justified in this paper. At the same time, in many important cases the computational cost of one iteration of this method remains on the level typical for the second-order methods.
Epidermolysis bullosa hereditaria
Authors: Has Cristina , Fischer Judith
Published: November 2019

Epidermolysis bullosa hereditaria (EB) umfasst eine Gruppe von Erkrankungen, die mit Hautfragilität und mechanisch verursachter Blasenbildung einhergehen. Die klinischen Manifestationen zeigen unterschiedliche Schweregrade, von lebensbedrohlich bis leicht. Im Kindesalter und bei Erwachsenen kann das klinische Bild typisch sein; allerdings kann bei Neugeborenen der EB-Subtyp klinisch häufig nicht bestimmt werden. Pathogene Varianten in 20 Genen sind bereits als krankheitsursächlich für die verschiedenen Formen der EB beschrieben. Die allelische Heterogenität ist sehr groß. Die Diagnostik basiert auf der genauen klinischen Untersuchung, der Familienanamnese und der molekulargenetischen Analyse. Aufgrund der genetischen Heterogenität und der Größe der Gene eignet sich die „Next-generation-sequencing“-basierte Multi-Gen-Panel-Diagnostik am besten. Teilweise sind Genotyp-Phänotyp-Korrelationen bekannt, sodass die genetische Diagnostik auch prognostisch eine Rolle spielt.
Biomechanics of Osteoporotic Fracture Fixation
Authors: Hollensteiner Marianne , Sandriesser Sabrina , Bliven Emily , von Rüden Christian , Augat Peter
Published: November 2019

Purpose of Review

Fractures of osteoporotic bone in elderly individuals need special attention. This manuscript reviews the current strategies to provide sufficient fracture fixation stability with a particular focus on fractures that frequently occur in elderly individuals with osteoporosis and require full load-bearing capacity, i.e., pelvis, hip, ankle, and peri-implant fractures.

Recent Findings

Elderly individuals benefit immensely from immediate mobilization after fracture and thus require stable fracture fixation that allows immediate post-operative weight-bearing. However, osteoporotic bone has decreased holding capacity for metallic implants and is thus associated with a considerable fracture fixation failure rate both short term and long term. Modern implant technologies with dedicated modifications provide sufficient mechanical stability to allow immediate weight-bearing for elderly individuals. Depending on fracture location and fracture severity, various options are available to reinforce or augment standard fracture fixation systems.

Correct application of the basic principles of fracture fixation and the use of modern implant technologies enables mechanically stable fracture fixation that allows early weight-bearing and results in timely fracture healing even in patients with osteoporosis.
The Manufacture and Characterisation of Rosid Angiosperm-Derived Biochars Applied to Water Treatment
Authors: Idowu Gideon A. , Fletcher Ashleigh J.
Published: November 2019

Marabu (Dichrostachys cinerea) from Cuba and aspen (Populus tremula) from Britain are two rosid angiosperms that grow easily, as a weed and as a phytoremediator, respectively. As part of scientific efforts to valorise these species, their barks and woods were pyrolysed at 350, 450, 550 and 650 °C, and the resulting biochars were characterised to determine the potential of the products for particular applications. Percentage carbon composition of the biochars generally increased with pyrolysis temperature, giving biochars with highest carbon contents at 650 °C. Biochars produced from the core marabu and aspen wood sections had higher carbon contents (up to 85%) and BET surface areas (up to 381 m2g−1) than those produced from the barks. The biochar porous structures were predominantly mesoporous, while micropores were developed in marabu biochars produced at 650 °C and aspen biochars produced above 550 °C. Chemical and thermal activation of marabu carbon greatly enhanced its adsorption capacity for metaldehyde, a molluscicide that has been detected frequently in UK natural waters above the recommended EU limit.
Repdigits as sums of three Padovan numbers
Authors: Ddamulira Mahadi
Published: November 2019

Let $$ \{P_{n}\}_{n\ge 0} $${Pn}n≥0 be the sequence of Padovan numbers defined by $$ P_0=0 $$P0=0, $$ P_1 =1=P_2$$P1=1=P2, and $$ P_{n+3}= P_{n+1} +P_n$$Pn+3=Pn+1+Pn for all $$ n\ge 0 $$n≥0. In this paper, we find all repdigits in base 10 which can be written as a sum of three Padovan numbers.
A Systematic Review of Automatic Question Generation for Educational Purposes
Authors: Kurdi Ghader , Leo Jared , Parsia Bijan , Sattler Uli , Al-Emari Salam
Published: November 2019

While exam-style questions are a fundamental educational tool serving a variety of purposes, manual construction of questions is a complex process that requires training, experience, and resources. This, in turn, hinders and slows down the use of educational activities (e.g. providing practice questions) and new advances (e.g. adaptive testing) that require a large pool of questions. To reduce the expenses associated with manual construction of questions and to satisfy the need for a continuous supply of new questions, automatic question generation (AQG) techniques were introduced. This review extends a previous review on AQG literature that has been published up to late 2014. It includes 93 papers that were between 2015 and early 2019 and tackle the automatic generation of questions for educational purposes. The aims of this review are to: provide an overview of the AQG community and its activities, summarise the current trends and advances in AQG, highlight the changes that the area has undergone in the recent years, and suggest areas for improvement and future opportunities for AQG. Similar to what was found previously, there is little focus in the current literature on generating questions of controlled difficulty, enriching question forms and structures, automating template construction, improving presentation, and generating feedback. Our findings also suggest the need to further improve experimental reporting, harmonise evaluation metrics, and investigate other evaluation methods that are more feasible.