bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra‐thin GaAs solar cells with nanophotonic metal‐dielectric diffraction gratings fabricated with displacement Talbot lithography
Authors: Sayre Larkin , Camarillo Abad Eduardo , Pearce Phoebe , Chausse Pierre , Coulon Pierre‐Marie , Shields Philip , Johnson Andrew , Hirst Louise C.
Published: September 2021

Ultra‐thin photovoltaics enable lightweight flexible form factors, suitable for emerging terrestrial applications such as electric vehicle integration. These devices also exhibit intrinsic radiation tolerance and increased specific power and so are uniquely enabling for space power applications, offering longer missions in hostile environments and reduced launch costs. In this work, a GaAs solar cell with an 80‐nm absorber is developed with short circuit current exceeding the single pass limit. Integrated light management is employed to compensate for increased photon transmission inherent to ultra‐thin absorbers, and efficiency enhancement of 68% over a planar on‐wafer equivalent is demonstrated. This is achieved using a wafer‐scale technique, displacement Talbot lithography, to fabricate a rear surface nanophotonic grating. Optical simulations definitively confirm Fabry‐Perot and waveguide mode contributions to the observed increase in absorption and also demonstrate a pathway to short circuit current of 26 mA/cm2, well in excess of the double pass limit.
Barrier function based finite‐time tracking control for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with input saturation
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Li Hui , Li Gun , Kang Junjie , Zhu Zheng H.
Published: September 2021

In this article, a novel robust finite‐time tracking control scheme is proposed for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems subject to the model uncertainty, external disturbance, and input saturation. A barrier function based disturbance observer (BFDO) with finite‐time convergence performance is developed to estimate the non‐smooth nonlinear compound disturbance, which includes the uncertainty, disturbance of system and input saturation. In addition, an adaptive continuous nonsingular terminal sliding mode controller, based on the barrier function and the estimate of the BFDO is developed. The Lyapunov stability and finite‐time convergence of the proposed control scheme are proved. The effectiveness and performance advantage of the proposed control scheme is demonstrated by numerical simulations and comparison with existing works.
Concurrent and Selective Determination of Dopamine and Serotonin with Flexible WS2/Graphene/Polyimide Electrode Using Cold Plasma
Authors: Kim Hyeong‐U , Koyappayil Aneesh , Seok Hyunho , Aydin Kubra , Kim Changmin , Park Kyu‐Young , Jeon Nari , Kang Woo Seok , Lee Min‐Ho , Kim Taesung
Published: September 2021

Makers of point‐of‐care devices and wearable diagnostics prefer flexible electrodes over conventional electrodes. In this study, a flexible electrode platform is introduced with a WS2/graphene heterostructure on polyimide (WGP) for the concurrent and selective determination of dopamine and serotonin. The WGP is fabricated directly via plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) at 150 °C on a flexible polyimide substrate. Owing to the limitations of existing fabrication methods from physical transfer or hydrothermal methods, many studies are not conducted despite excellent graphene‐based heterostructures. The PECVD synthesis method can provide an innovative WS2/graphene heterostructure of uniform quality and sufficient size (4 in.). This unique heterostructure affords excellent electrical conductivity in graphene and numerous electrochemically active sites in WS2. A large number of uniform qualities of WGP electrodes show reproducible and highly sensitive electrochemical results. The synergistic effect enabled well‐separated voltammetric signals for dopamine and serotonin with a potential gap of 188 mV. Moreover, the practical application of the flexible sensor is successfully evaluated by using artificial cerebrospinal fluid.
Clinical findings associated with N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide measurement in dogs and cats attending first opinion veterinary practices
Authors: O'Shaughnessy Sarah , Crawford India , Arsevska Elena , Singleton David , Hughes David , Noble Peter‐John , Hezzell Melanie
Published: September 2021

Background

Clinical findings associated with N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) measurement in dogs and cats in primary practice, and their relevance to published measurement indications, have not been described.

Methods

Using electronic health record data collected by the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network, appointments in which NT‐proBNP was measured were identified using keyword‐based text filtering. For these appointments, clinical findings were manually identified from each patient's clinical narrative (CN) and their frequencies described.

Results

CNs of 3510 appointments (357 dogs and 257 cats) from 99practices were evaluated. The most frequently recorded clinical findings in dogs were: heart murmur (n = 147, 41.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 36.1%–46.3%), coughing (n = 83, 23.2% (95% CI = 18.8%–27.6%)) and panting (n = 58, 16.2% (95% CI = 12.4%–20.0%)) and in cats: heart murmur (n = 143, 55.6% (95% CI = 49.5%–61.7%)), suspected thromboembolism (n = 88, 34.2% (95% CI = 28.4%–40.0%)) and weight loss (n = 53, 20.6% (95% CI = 15.7%–25.5%)). Dyspnoea and tachypnoea were infrequently reported in dogs (n = 29, 8.1% (95% CI = 5.3%–10.9%) and n = 21, 5.9% (95% CI = 3.5%–8.3%), respectively) and cats (n = 26, 10.1% (95% CI = 6.4%–13.8%) and n = 36, 14.0% (95% CI = 9.8%–18.2%), respectively).

Conclusion

Clinical findings referable to cardiac disease were recorded contemporaneously with NT‐proBNP measurement and suggested both published and other indications (coughing (in dogs and cats), and serial measurements and thromboembolism (in cats)) for testing.
Consciousness and cognition in plants
Authors: Segundo‐Ortin Miguel , Calvo Paco
Published: September 2021

Unlike animal behavior, behavior in plants is traditionally assumed to be completely determined either genetically or environmentally. Under this assumption, plants are usually considered to be noncognitive organisms. This view nonetheless clashes with a growing body of empirical research that shows that many sophisticated cognitive capabilities traditionally assumed to be exclusive to animals are exhibited by plants too. Yet, if plants can be considered cognitive, even in a minimal sense, can they also be considered conscious? Some authors defend that the quest for plant consciousness is worth pursuing, under the premise that sentience can play a role in facilitating plant's sophisticated behavior. The goal of this article is not to provide a positive argument for plant cognition and consciousness, but to invite a constructive, empirically informed debate about it. After reviewing the empirical literature concerning plant cognition, we introduce the reader to the emerging field of plant neurobiology. Research on plant electrical and chemical signaling can help shed light into the biological bases for plant sentience. To conclude, we shall present a series of approaches to scientifically investigate plant consciousness. In sum, we invite the reader to consider the idea that if consciousness boils down to some form of biological adaptation, we should not exclude a priori the possibility that plants have evolved their own phenomenal experience of the world.

This article is categorized under:

Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition

Philosophy > Consciousness

Neuroscience > Cognition
Argus: A centralized control system for preserving privacy during digital forensics investigations
Authors: Sim Junsik , Joo Moonho , Lee Junghee
Published: September 2021

In criminal investigation, the ability to verify the identity of an individual (e.g., suspect or witness) is crucial. However, evidence including personal data can potentially infringe the individual's privacy. To avoid privacy infringement, data collectors in investigative agencies are required to have approval to access personal data from data subjects, but it is hard to check personal data policies of various data subjects. It is necessary to establish a centralized system to control personal data policies. In this paper, we propose the personal data control center to avoid to infringe privacy for data collectors during investigation.

This article is categorized under:

Digital and Multimedia Science > Cybercrime Investigation
A highly sensitive and selective fluorescent probe for tracking hydrogen sulfide in red wine
Authors: Zhang Lina , Luo Sen , Chen Zhehong , Cui Linyun
Published: September 2021

A novel fluorescent H2S probe (LODNBS) composed of 2,4‐dinitrobenzenesulfonyl (DNBS) units was designed and synthesized. The DNBS units not only blocked PET and ICT effects, but also triggered H2S‐mediated thiolysis to cause the fluorescence changes. Probe LODNBS performed excellent sensitivity and selectivity for H2S, strong fluorescence enhancement (65‐fold), low detection limit (72 nM) and real‐time response (within 5 min). The sensing mechanism of LODNBS towards H2S was proposed and verified by ESI‐MS and 1H NMR analysis. Under a UV lamp, the fluorescence color changes could be easily detected by the naked eye. In addition, the probe LODNBS could track H2S in red wine samples with high accuracy and good recovery, and has practical value in food analysis.
Aspects of compactification on a linear dilaton background
Authors: Antoniadis I. , Markou C. , Rondeau F.
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We consider the most general Kaluza-Klein (KK) compactification on S1/ℤ2 of a five dimensional (5D) graviton-dilaton system, with a non-vanishing dilaton background varying linearly along the fifth dimension. We show that this background produces a Higgs mechanism for the KK vector coming from the 5D metric, which becomes massive by absorbing the string frame radion. The $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 minimal supersymmetric extension of this model, recently built as the holographic dual of Little String Theory, is then reinvestigated. An analogous mechanism can be considered for the 4D vector coming from the (universal) 5D Kalb-Ramond two-form. Packaging the two massive vectors into a spin-3/2 massive multiplet, it is shown that the massless spectrum arranges into a $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1, D = 4 supersymmetric theory. This projection is compatible with an orbifold which preserves half of the original supersymmetries already preserved by the background. The description of the partial breaking $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 → $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 in this framework, with only vector multiplets and no hypermultiplets, remains an interesting open question which deserves further investigation.
Multi-scalar signature of self-interacting dark matter in the NMSSM and beyond
Authors: Li Jinmian , Pei Junle , Zhang Cong
Published: September 2021

Abstract

This work studies the self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) scenario in the general NMSSM and beyond, where the dark matter is a Majorana fermion and the force mediator is a scalar boson. An improved analytical expression for the dark matter (DM) self-interacting cross section which takes into account the Born level effects is proposed. Due to the large couplings and light mediator in SIDM scenario, the DM/mediator will go through multiple branchings if they are produced with high energy. Based on the Monte Carlo simulation of the showers in the DM sector, we obtain the multiplicities and the spectra of the DM/mediator from the Higgsino production and decay at the LHC for our benchmark points.
Dark bubbles and black holes
Authors: Banerjee Souvik , Danielsson Ulf , Giri Suvendu
Published: September 2021

Abstract

In this paper we study shells of matter and black holes on the expanding bubbles realizing de Sitter space, that were proposed in [4]. We construct explicit solutions for a rigid shell of matter as well as black hole like solutions. The latter of these can also be used to construct Randall-Sundrum braneworld black holes in four dimensions.
Holographic Fermi surfaces in charge density wave from D2-D8
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Subir , Rai Nishal
Published: September 2021

Abstract

D2-D8 model admits a numerical solution that corresponds to a charge density wave and a spin density wave. Considering that as the background, we numerically solve the Dirac equation for probe fermions. From the solution, we obtain the Green’s function and study the behaviour of the spectral density. We begin with generic fermions and have studied the formation of the Fermi surface and where it develops a gap. In addition, we have incorporated an ionic lattice and study its effect on the Fermi surface. Then we analysed the worldvolume fermions. In this particular model we do not find Fermi surface for the dual operators.
Intraoperative Indocyanine Green Angiography of Parathyroid Glands and the Prevention of Post‐Thyroidectomy Hypocalcemia
Authors: Moreno Llorente Pablo , García Barrasa Arantxa , Francos Martínez José Manuel , Alberich Prats Marta , Pascua Solé Mireia
Published: September 2021

Background

We compared the reliability of indocyanine green (ICG) angiography and intraoperative PTH levels for predicting early post‐thyroidectomy hypocalcemia.

Methods

Prospective study of 94 patients (71% women, mean age 53.7 years) undergoing total thyroidectomy. An ICG score of 2 (white) indicated a well‐vascularized gland. PTH preoperative levels—PTH postresection levels divided by preoperative PTH × 100 was used to determine the PTH decline percentage. A decrease of at least 62.5% or <17.1 pg/mL in ioPTH was the criterion for predicting hypocalcemia.

Results

At surgery, the four parathyroid glands were identified in 50 (53.2%) patients and <4 glands in 44. Calcium supplements were needed by 22 patients (23.4%) postoperatively, 11 patients in each group of 4 and <4 parathyroid glands identified. The diagnostic accuracy of ICG angiography (0.883, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.800–0.940) and ioPTH (0.862, 95% CI 0.775–0.92) was similar. When all four parathyroid glands were identified, ICG angiography showed a slightly higher diagnostic accuracy, specificity and positive predictive than ioPTH levels, but when < 4 glands were identified, the ioPTH showed a slightly higher diagnostic accuracy, specificity and positive predictive value. Differences were not statistically significant for any of the comparisons.

Conclusions

The presence of one well‐perfused parathyroid gland (ICG score 2) using ICG angiography or ioPTH decline, measured before and after completion of thyroid surgery, is both reliable methods in prediction of early post‐thyroidectomy hypocalcemia independently of the number of glands identified intraoperatively.
Eleutheroside K Isolated from Acanthopanax henryi (Oliv.) Harms Inhibits the Expression of Virulence-Related Exoproteins in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Li Qian-Qian , Luo Jiao , Liu Xiang-Qian , Kang Ok-Hwa , Kwon Dong-Yeul
Published: September 2021

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (S.) aureus (MRSA) is a representative pathogen that produces numerous virulence factors involving manifold cytotoxins and exotoxins. The present study was designed to investigate the influence of Eleutheroside K (ETSK), a single compound isolated from the leaves of Acanthopanax (A.) henryi (Oliv.) Harms, on the exotoxins secreted by MRSA. The transcription and translation of the exotoxins (α-hemolysin and staphylococcal enterotoxins) related to virulence in S. aureus were determined via quantitative RT-PCR and western blot analysis. The effect of ETSK on the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. As a result, ETSK at sub-MIC concentrations could reduce the protein expression of α-hemolysin and enterotoxin, and the expression of genes that regulate virulence factors was also inhibited. In addition, the TNF-inducing activity of S. aureus was attenuated by ETSK in a dose-dependent manner. These results revealed that ETSK not only reduced the protein and gene expression levels of related exotoxins but also suppressed the ability of S. aureus to induce macrophages to release cytokines. This study indicated that the inhibition of MRSA infection by ETSK may be achieved by reducing the virulence of S. aureus and highlighted the potential of ETSK as an innovative strategy for the prevention and treatment of MRSA infections.
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the rate of newly diagnosed gynecological and breast cancers: a tertiary center perspective
Authors: Knoll Katharina , Reiser Elisabeth , Leitner Katharina , Kögl Johanna , Ebner Christoph , Marth Christian , Tsibulak Irina
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of postponed screening examinations and lockdown measures on gynecological and breast cancer diagnoses throughout the year 2020 in a gynecological oncological center in Austria.

Methods

Data of 889 patients with either newly diagnosed gynecological or breast cancer between January 2019 and December 2020 were collected. Clinical parameters including symptoms, performance status, comorbidities and referral status were compared in patients, who were newly diagnosed with cancer in the period of the first lockdown from March 2020 to April 2020 and the second lockdown from November 2020 to December 2020 and compared to the same period in 2019.

Results

Our results showed a strong decline in newly diagnosed cancers during the lockdown periods: −45% in gynecological cancer and -52% in breast cancer compared to the same period in 2019. Compared to the analogue period of 2019, breast cancer patients reported significantly more tumor-associated symptoms (55% vs. 31%, p = 0.013) during and in between (48% vs. 32%, p = 0.022) the lockdowns. During the lockdown, periods in the group of breast cancer patients’ tumor stage varied significantly compared to 2019 (T2–T4; p = 0.047).

Conclusion

Both lockdowns led to a strong decrease in newly diagnosed gynecological and breast cancers. Treatment delays in potentially curable disease could lead to inferior clinical outcomes, with the risk of missing the optimal treatment window. As the COVID-19 pandemic will be a challenge for some time to come, new strategies in patient care are needed to optimize cancer screening and management during the pandemic.
An attempt to construct the individual model of daily facial skin temperature using variational autoencoder
Authors: Masaki Ayaka , Nagumo Kent , Iwashita Yuki , Oiwa Kosuke , Nozawa Akio
Published: September 2021

Facial skin temperature (FST) has also gained prominence as an indicator for detecting anomalies such as fever due to the COVID-19. When FST is used for engineering applications, it is enough to be able to recognize normal. We are also focusing on research to detect some anomaly in FST. In a previous study, it was confirmed that abnormal and normal conditions could be separated based on FST by using a variational autoencoder (VAE), a deep generative model. However, the simulations so far have been a far cry from reality. In this study, normal FST with a diurnal variation component was defined as a normal state, and a model of normal FST in daily life was individually reconstructed using VAE. Using the constructed model, the anomaly detection performance was evaluated by applying the Hotelling theory. As a result, the area under the curve (AUC) value in ROC analysis was confirmed to be 0.89 to 1.00 in two subjects.
Laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernia repair using intraperitoneal onlay mesh with peritoneal bridging
Authors: Ali F. , Sandblom G. , Wikner A. , Wallin G.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of a novel IPOM procedure with peritoneal bridging (IPOM-pb) for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair, and to compare the outcomes of this procedure with IPOM with- (IPOM-plus) and IPOM without (sIPOM) defect closure.

Method

A single-centre retrospective study comparing a novel IPOM technique with peritoneal bridging (IPOM-pb) with the two commonly used IPOM techniques, IPOM with defect closure (IPOM-plus) and without defect closure (sIPOM). The intraoperative and postoperative data of patients who underwent laparoscopic IPOM ventral hernia repair were reviewed. Preoperative data, recurrence, and postoperative seroma, surgical site infection, and pain, were compared.

Results

From January 2017 to June 2020, a total of 213 patients underwent laparoscopic ventral and incisional hernia repair with IPOM technique. The mean length and width of the ventral hernia was 4.4 ± 1.8 cm and 3.6 ± 1.4 cm, respectively, and the mean BMI was 30.1 ± 5.2 kg/m2. The mean operating time was 67 ± 28 min and was longer for IPOM-pb (71 ± 27 min), less for IPOM-plus (63 ± 28 min), and least for sIPOM (61 ± 26 min). The incidence of early postoperative seroma was least in IPOM-pb (1/98, 1%), and similar in the IPOM-plus (4/94, 4%) and sIPOM (1/21, 5%) group. Late postoperative seroma was found only in IPOM-plus (2, 2%). The incidence of early and late postoperative pain was relatively higher in sIPOM (3, 14%; 1, 5%, respectively) compared to IPOM-pb and IPOM-plus in the early (5, 5% and 6, 6%) and late (2, 2% and 1, 1%) postoperative period, respectively. Surgical site infection was higher in sIPOM group (3, 14%), compared to IPOM-pb (1, 1%), and IPOM-plus (3, 3%). Recurrence rates were similar in IPOM-pb group (3/98, 3%) and IPOM-plus (3/94, 3%), and none in sIPOM (0/21).

Conclusion

IPOM with peritoneal bridging is as feasible and safe as conventional IPOM with defect closure and simple non-defect closure. However, a large randomised controlled trial is required to confirm this finding.
Combining cellulose nanofibrils and galactoglucomannans for enhanced stabilization of future food emulsions
Authors: Aaen Ragnhild , Lehtonen Mari , Mikkonen Kirsi S. , Syverud Kristin
Published: September 2021

The use of wood-derived cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) or galactoglucomannans (GGM) for emulsion stabilization may be a way to obtain new environmentally friendly emulsifiers. Both have previously been shown to act as emulsifiers, offering physical, and in the case of GGM, oxidative stability to the emulsions. Oil-in-water emulsions were prepared using highly charged (1352 ± 5 µmol/g) CNFs prepared by TEMPO-mediated oxidation, or a coarser commercial CNF, less charged (≈ 70 µmol/g) quality (Exilva forte), and the physical emulsion stability was evaluated by use of droplet size distributions, micrographs and visual appearance. The highly charged, finely fibrillated CNFs stabilized the emulsions more effectively than the coarser, lower charged CNFs, probably due to higher electrostatic repulsions between the fibrils, and a higher surface coverage of the oil droplets due to thinner fibrils. At a constant CNF/oil ratio, the lowest CNF and oil concentration of 0.01 wt % CNFs and 5 wt % oil gave the most stable emulsion, with good stability toward coalescence, but not towards creaming. GGM (0.5 or 1.0 wt %) stabilized emulsions (5 wt % oil) showed no creaming behavior, but a clear bimodal distribution with some destabilization over the storage time of 1 month. Combinations of CNFs and GGM for stabilization of emulsions with 5 wt % oil, provided good stability towards creaming and a slower emulsion destabilization than for GGM alone. GGM could also improve the stability towards oxidation by delaying the initiation of lipid oxidation. Use of CNFs and combinations of GGM and CNFs can thus be away to obtain stable emulsions, such as mayonnaise and beverage emulsions.
Performance assessment in education for sustainable development: A case study of the Qatar education system
Authors: Al-Kuwari Mona M. , Du Xiangyun , Koç Muammer
Published: September 2021

Various studies show that sustainability and education are closely interdependent. Design and implementation of the right performance assessment for students’ skills acquisition and achievements is, therefore, critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This article presents an in-depth analysis of the Qatar education system (K-12 level), focusing on the current assessment approaches and remaining challenges that hinder the development and implementation of proper performance-assessment methods aligned with SDGs. Based on a proposed theoretical framework influenced by the constructive alignment theory, this article examines the current performance assessment practices in Qatar and recommends potential improvement avenues with respect to SDGs and education goals (EGs). Using this framework as an analytical tool, results reveal a lack of alignment between the assessment practices, educational goals, and the SDGs. This work shows that tailored, contextually proper, and progressive assessment strategies need to be developed to accurately evaluate and guide the twenty-first-century skills of the students toward the achievement of SDGs. Further findings of this article concern presentation and discussion of the locally relevant and consistent recommendations for performance assessment methodologies that must be redesigned to be compatible, aligned, and supporting the SDGs and EGs.
rno-miR-128-3p promotes apoptosis in rat granulosa cells (GCs) induced by norepinephrine through Wilms tumor 1 (WT1)
Authors: Li Ming , Xue Ling , Xu Weibin , Liu Pingping , Li Feng
Published: September 2021

The mechanism related to ovarian follicular is complex, which has not been fully elucidated. Abundant reports have confirmed that the ovarian function development is closely related to sympathetic innervation. As one of the major neurotransmitters, norepinephrine (NE) is considered an effective regulator of ovarian functions like granulosa cell (GC) apoptosis. However, the mechanism between NE and GC apoptosis in rat is still unclear. In our study, GCs were isolated and cultured in vitro with NE treatment. The apoptosis of GCs was facilitated by NE. Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) was found to be significantly downregulated in GCs after NE treatment, and overexpression of WT1 repressed apoptosis in rat GCs induced by NE. rno-miR-128-3p was found to be significantly enhanced by NE in GCs, and inhibition of rno-miR-128-3p repressed apoptosis in rat GCs induced by NE. Mechanistically, rno-miR-128-3p interacted with WT1 and repressed its expression. In summary, inhibition of rno-miR-128-3p may enhance WT1 expression, and then repress NE-induced apoptosis in rat GCs. Our research may provide a new insight for the improvement of ovarian follicular development.
Physical Literacy – to be discussed: eine Perspektive aus Sicht der deutschsprachigen Sportwissenschaft
Authors: Töpfer Clemens , Jaunig Johannes , Carl Johannes
Published: September 2021

Mit dem vorliegenden Beitrag möchten wir in der deutschsprachigen Sportwissenschaft zur Diskussion um das Konzept der Physical Literacy anregen. Im ersten Schritt soll dabei aufgezeigt werden, wie das Konzept der Physical Literacy aktuell sowohl international als auch im deutschsprachigen Raum rezipiert wird. Gerade mit Blick auf die deutschsprachige Sportwissenschaft möchten wir diesbezüglich einige Beobachtungen herausarbeiten. Es wird deutlich, dass Physical Literacy nur zögerlich in der Forschungslandschaft der deutschsprachigen Sportwissenschaft anzukommen scheint. Zudem ist erkennbar, dass gegenwärtige deutschsprachige Konzepte nachträglich über Physical Literacy begründet und erweitert werden. Die vorhandenen Entwürfe variieren dabei in ihrer inhaltlichen Schwerpunktsetzung. Darüber hinaus wird Physical Literacy in der deutschsprachigen Sportwissenschaft bislang kaum interdisziplinär diskutiert. Im zweiten Teil setzen wir an diesen Beobachtungen an und stellen Herausforderungen und Chancen zur Diskussion, warum sich die deutschsprachige Sportwissenschaft intensiver mit Physical Literacy beschäftigen sollte. In diesem Zusammenhang erkennen wir vier Herausforderungen. Dabei geht es darum, Physical Literacy begrifflich und konzeptionell zu deuten. Außerdem sollte die deutschsprachige Sportwissenschaft Physical Literacy interdisziplinär denken und entsprechend handeln. Die Auseinandersetzung mit Physical Literacy könnte zudem internationale Sichtbarkeit schaffen und bietet Impulse, Bewegungspraxis ganzheitlicher zu gestalten.
Statistical modeling for temporal dominance of sensations data incorporating individual characteristics of panelists: an application to data of milk chocolate
Authors: Kurata Sumito , Kuroda Reiko , Komaki Fumiyasu
Published: September 2021

We discuss the modeling of temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) data, time series data appearing in sensory analysis, that describe temporal changes of the dominant taste in the oral cavity. Our aims were to obtain the transition process of attributes (tastes and mouthfeels) in the oral cavity, to express the tendency of dominance durations of attributes, and to specify factors (such as sex, age, food preference, dietary habits, and sensitivity to a particular taste) affecting dominance durations, simultaneously. To achieve these aims, we propose an analysis procedure applying models based on the semi-Markov chain and the negative binomial regression, one of the generalized linear models. By using our method, we can take differences among individual panelists and dominant attributes into account. We analyzed TDS data for milk chocolate with the proposed method and verified the performance of our model compared with conventional analysis methods. We found that our proposed model outperformed conventional ones; moreover, we identified factors that have effects on dominance durations. Results of an experiment support the importance of reflecting characteristics of panelists and attributes.
Suitability of water treatment chemicals in the remediation of produced water: a data-driven approach
Authors: Aniakor Clifford Okwudili
Published: September 2021

There exist numerous counts of research works on produced water. We got to know about them because they made it to publishing probably by indicating a positive or promising result. Contrarily, there exist a hundred times unpublished, unreported works on produced water; works rejected based on not yielding desirable results or not being innovative enough. We might have encountered undesirable results but to what depths and time have we committed to mining out intricate details. The world is thinking and demanding sustainability. Is it sustainable for the future of water treatment, the ease and pace at which we transition to the next chemical or treatment option? In this data-centred approach, three common chemicals, aluminium sulphate, ferrous ammonium sulphate and calcium chloride, were used to treat produced water. The collected data (both initial and final analysis) were inferentially analysed. The first statistical analysis was the testing of 2 hypotheses using the Analysis of Variance test. This was done to reveal to compare the dependence of produced water properties on two categorical variables (sample type and treatment chemicals). The second was the test for relevance: correlation and regression analyses. The laboratory experimental analysis revealed that aluminium sulphate was most suitable for the alteration of physical effluent characteristics; ferrous ammonium sulphate for salinity concerns and calcium chloride for a particular heavy metal’s stability. The overall effluent characteristics indicated a greater dependency on ‘sample type’ than ‘treatment chemicals’. Certain produced water properties relationships were highlighted and quantified for instance iron(II) and chloride ion concentrations were dependent on total solids and indicated a significance F of 0.01.
Basin and petroleum system analysis in the southeastern Persian Gulf basin: a 2D basin modeling approach
Authors: Alipour Majid , Alizadeh Bahram , Mirzaie Shohreh , Chehrazi Ali
Published: September 2021

A regional 2D conceptual model was constructed to study the hydrocarbon systems associated with the Middle Sarvak source rock (Cenomanian) in the southeastern Persian Gulf basin. The 2D cross section used for this purpose was 135 km long and encompassed a total of 17 depositional units with the Late Jurassic Surmeh Formation at the base and the Aghajari/Mishan sequences at the top. Compositional type II-S kinetics was considered for the Middle Sarvak source rock, and the model predictions were calibrated against observe data (corrected bottom hole temperatures and vitrinite reflectance data) coming from 4 wells located on the studied cross section. Our results indicate that hydrocarbons predominantly migrate laterally from east to the west of the study area, thereby sequentially charging potential traps en-route. The interaction between facies patterns and geodynamic evolution controls both the distribution and quality of hydrocarbon accumulations in the study area. The calibrated 2D model reliably predicts most of the present-day hydrocarbon occurrences in the study area and explains the present-day variations in their bulk properties. Our findings provide new insights about the unconventional plays associate with the Middle Sarvak source rock especially in the central parts of the southeastern Persian Gulf basin.
Postnatal assessment for renal dysfunction in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Kountouris Emmanouil , Clark Katherine , Kay Polly , Roberts Nadia , Bramham Kate , Kametas Nikos A.
Published: September 2021

Background

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with chronic kidney disease. Early detection of renal dysfunction enables implementation of strategies to prevent progression. International guidelines recommend review at 6–8 weeks postpartum to identify persistent hypertension and abnormal renal function, but evidence for the efficacy of this review is limited.

Methods

All women attending a specialist fetal-maternal medicine clinic for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (pre-eclampsia, chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension) were invited for a 6–8 weeks postpartum review of their blood pressure and renal function in order to establish the prevalence and independent predictors of renal dysfunction. Renal dysfunction was defined as low estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2) or proteinuria (24-h protein excretion > 150 mg or urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio > 3 mg/mmol). All women attending a specialist clinic for hypertensive disorders were invited for a 6–8 weeks postpartum review of their blood pressure and renal function. Demographics, pregnancy and renal outcomes were prospectively collected.

Results

Between 2013 and 2019, 740 of 1050 (70.4%) women who had a pregnancy complicated by a hypertensive disorder attended their 6–8 weeks postpartum visit. Renal dysfunction was present in 32% of the total cohort and in 46% and 22% of women with and without pre-eclampsia, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that independent predictors were pre-eclampsia, chronic hypertension, highest measured antenatal serum creatinine, highest measured antenatal 24-h urinary protein, and blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg at the postnatal visit.

Conclusions

Renal dysfunction was present in one in three women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at 6–8 weeks postpartum. This includes women with gestational hypertension and chronic hypertension without superimposed pre-eclampsia, and thus these women should also be offered postnatal review.

Graphic abstract
Hospital Ethics Committees in accredited hospitals in Poland—availability of information
Authors: Zurzycka Patrycja , Puto Grażyna , Czyżowicz Katarzyna , Repka Iwona
Published: September 2021

The role of Hospital Ethics Committees (HECs) is to support patients and their relatives as well as medical staff in solving ethical issues that arise in relation to the implementation of medical care. In Poland there are no clearly formulated legal regulations concerning the establishment and functioning of hospital ethics committees. Hospitals applying for accreditation are obliged to present solutions defining the way of solving ethical issues in a given institution, some of them appoint HECs for this purpose. The aim of this study was to analyze information concerning the functioning of hospital ethics committees in Poland on the basis of publicly available data published on the websites of accredited hospitals. Very few accredited hospitals (56) make public information about functioning in their ethics consulting facilities through hospital ethics committees. In most cases, the information provided on the functioning of HECs is general, both in terms of the committees’ functioning, type of cases under consideration and the composition of personnel.
A Cross-Sectional Observational Study on the Coexistence of Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation
Authors: Chin Chieh‑Wen , Tsai Chia Mu , Lin Jen-Tai , Chen Yin-Shen , Chen I-Hsuan , Jiann Bang-Ping
Published: September 2021

Introduction

The interplay between erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) needs more studies to clarify.

Aim

To evaluate the risk factors and temporal relationship for the coexistence of ED and PE.

Methods

The data were derived from clinical history.

Main Outcome Measure

The diagnosis of ED and PE was based on self-report and validated questionnaires.

Results

Based on the chief complaint, 1,893 participants were recruited as ED group and 483 participants as PE group from 2014 to 2020. One third of ED and PE groups reported comorbid PE and ED. Of the ED group, 4.1% (n = 77) had lifelong PE, 18.0% (n = 341) had acquired PE and 9.7% (n = 184) had subjective or natural variable PE. Of the PE group, ED was reported in 22.0% (n = 40) of lifelong PE, 33.9% (n = 65) of acquired PE, and 37.6% (n = 41) of subjective or natural variable PE, P < .01. With adjustment of potential confounders, the ED severity was associated with increased risk of acquired PE, while acquired PE was associated with higher risk of ED than lifelong PE. In cases of comorbid lifelong PE and ED (n = 117), 22.2% reported the onset of both dysfunctions being about the same time, whereas 77.8% reported ED occurred behind PE with an average 23.3 years lag. In cases of comorbid acquired PE and ED (n = 406), 52.2% reported the onset of both dysfunctions being about the same time, 34.2% reported ED happened behind PE and 13.5% reported PE emerged behind ED.

Conclusion

Organic pathogenesis was least likely to be responsible for the link between PE and ED. When acquired PE and ED coexist, treating ED first or concomitantly according to their temporal order is an appropriate management algorithm.
Designing the Optimal International Climate Agreement with Variability in Commitments
Authors: McAllister Jordan H. , Schnakenberg Keith E.
Published: September 2021

We analyze the design of an international climate agreement. In particular, we consider two goals of such an agreement: overcoming free-rider problems and adjusting for differences in mitigation costs between countries. Previous work suggests that it is difficult to achieve both of these goals at once under asymmetric information because countries free ride by exaggerating their abatement costs. We argue that independent information collection (investigations) by an international organization can alleviate this problem. In fact, though the best implementable climate agreement without investigations fails to adjust for individual differences even with significant enforcement power, a mechanism with investigations allows adjustment and can enable implementation of the socially optimal agreement. Furthermore, when the organization has significant enforcement power, the optimal agreement is achievable even with minimal investigative resources (and vice versa). The results suggest that discussions about institutions for climate cooperation should focus on information collection as well as enforcement.
L2 LEARNERS’ ADAPTATION TO AN L2 STRUCTURE THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM L1
Authors: Hwang Heeju
Published: September 2021

The present study investigates how L2 learners adapt their production preferences following immediate and cumulative experience with a syntactic structure when an L2 structure differs from an L1 structure in terms of verb subcategorization frame and argument structure. Korean learners of English described causative events in English in a picture-matching game. The meaning of a causative sentence in English (e.g., Jen had her computer fixed) is expressed with an active transitive sentence in Korean (e.g., Jen-NOM computer-ACC fixed). The results demonstrated that both immediate and cumulative experience with a causative structure increased the likelihood of producing grammatical causative descriptions (e.g., Jen had her computer fixed), while decreasing the production of ungrammatical active transitive descriptions (e.g., Jen fixed her computer). The findings provide novel evidence that an implicit learning mechanism is involved in L2 learners’ processing and learning of an L2 structure that is different from L1.
Empire and Arab Indology
Authors: Elhalaby Esmat
Published: September 2021

This article focuses on the Chouf-born poet, lawyer and translator Wadiʿ al-Bustani (1888–1954), who called himself a “Lebanese Palestinian,” as he moves from Beirut, to Cairo, Hudaydah, Bombay, Transvaal, and finally Haifa. The first to translate Tagore into Arabic after a visit to his Santiniketan in 1916, Bustani spent his life annotating and translating into Arabic the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and Kalidasa's Shakuntala . Alongside his self-professed and self-funded philological project, Bustani was one of the most important poets and lawyers in British Mandate Palestine, inspiring protest with his verse and litigating against colonial land policies. By focusing on Bustani's relation to British imperial culture, his political commitments in Palestine, and the contours of his indological project, this article uncovers a new history of global philology and an enabling colonial frame, long hidden in the many narrations of orientalism's travel and Palestine's colonization.
Petrarch and the Significance of Dialogue
Authors: Chung Aaron , Irwin Charles
Published: September 2021

The collective mind often attributes the image of a modern Latin classroom to a teacher writing on a chalkboard in front of students eagerly memorising the declensions in silence. However, as part of their search for innovative and effective practices, Latin instructors have consistently expanded their gaze beyond the traditional parameters of rote memorisation for at least since the pioneering efforts of W.H.D. Rouse, looking to more innovative models presented by novel methods for inspiration and to the halls of predecessors in hopes of fostering a more engaging learning environment. Upon close comparative study between the modern pedagogical methods in Latin classrooms and the perspective of Renaissance scholar Petrarch, this study identified a commonality between the two: emphasis on dialogue between different members of the classroom and personal interpretations of preceding authors’ works for a better opportunity of comprehending the content. Grounded in the philosophies of the Socratic method, Petrarch claimed that an important element of the tradition of pedagogy finds expression in dialogues, imitation, and the significance of fully comprehending the topic in pursuit of wisdom. Likewise, many institutions of the U.K. and the United States, strengthened by the emergence of dialectic assessment applications during the Covid-19 Pandemic, are working towards a new norm in place. After conducting an in-depth interpretation of primary and secondary sources regarding Petrarch's pedagogy, as well as research of its modern developments and the applications, the comparison suggests a new direction for the Classics community to consider going forward.
Klinische Beurteilung der Gestagene in der Menopausalen Hormontherapie (MHT)
Authors: Mueck Alfred O.
Published: September 2021

Zusammenfassung. Die primäre Indikation für die Verwendung von Gestagenen in der MHT ist die Vermeidung eines estrogen-bedingten Risikos für ein Endometriumkarzinom. Progesteron hat die geringste endometriale Effektivität, wird jedoch zunehmend (zusammen mit transdermalem Estradiol) eingesetzt, wegen vaskulärer und metabolischer Neutralität und möglicherweise einem geringeren Brustkrebsrisiko. Diesbezüglich weitgehend vergleichbar ist Dydrogesteron, Retroisomer des Progesteron, jedoch mit stärkerer endometrialer Wirksamkeit. Es werden jedoch auch andere Gestagene (inklusive Tibolon) eingesetzt, um androgene, anti-androgene und anti-mineralokortikoide «Partialwirkungen» auszunutzen. Auf Basis der «Women’s Health Initiative»-Studie muss durch die Gestagenkomponente mit einem erhöhten Risiko für Brustkrebs und koronare Herzerkrankungen gerechnet werden. In Beobachtungsstudien wird dies für unterschiedliche Gestagene bestätigt, möglicherweise auch ein durch Gestagen erhöhtes Insultrisiko. Gestagen-bedingte kardiovaskuläre Risiken lassen sich durch einen frühen Behandlungsbeginn mit jeder Form der MHT reduzieren, beziehungsweise kann sogar mit einer Prävention gerechnet werden. Bleibt als wichtigstes Risiko das Brustkrebsrisiko. Da sich dieses mit keiner Form einer MHT ausschliessen lässt, wird vorgeschlagen, künftig ein Screening hinsichtlich bekannter Mechanismen der hormonbedingten Brustkrebsentstehung durchzuführen, zumindest für Patientinnen mit erhöhtem Risiko. Dazu werden neue eigene Forschungsergebnisse beschrieben.
With a Little Help From Change Management
Authors: Mlekus Lisa , Kato-Beiderwieden Anna-Lena , Schlicher Katharina D. , Maier Günter W.
Published: September 2021

Abstract. Change-management activities require extensive interventions, for which small and medium-sized companies often lack the expertise. Thus, we examined whether a short-term intervention could be an innovative approach that affects employees’ attitudes and behavior. In the cooperative project IviPep, a company developed digital tools for its own internal development process. Our intervention was part of the corresponding training and consisted of a 5-minute presentation about prototypical reactions to change and a 45-minute workshop. Employees could voice their concerns, reflect on advantages, and work on potential solutions to address their concerns. Results of a survey before and after the training ( N = 22) showed that the short-term intervention significantly increased readiness for change ( d = 0.72) but did not significantly increase overall attitude toward change ( d = 0.16) or behavioral resistance to change ( d = -0.37), although the effects pointed in the intended direction. Our results indicate that even small change efforts can make a difference.
Cormorants Are Helping Characterize Coastal Ocean Environments
Authors: Orben Rachael , Peck-Richardson Adam , Wilson Greg , Ardağ Dorukhan , Lerczak James
Published: September 2021

The Cormorant Oceanography Project is using sensors deployed on diving marine birds to collect broadly distributed oceanographic data in coastal regions around the world.
Better Together: Perovskites Boost Silicon Solar Cell Efficiency
Authors: Morton Mary
Published: September 2021

Scientists engineer a way to layer materials to boost efficiency without interrupting manufacturing processes.
Case Studies of Ionospheric Plasma Irregularities Over Queen Maud Land, Antarctica
Authors: Skjæveland Arnlaug H. , Kotova Daria S. , Miloch Wojciech J.
Published: September 2021

We use the first data set from the ground‐based TEC and scintillation receiver located at the Norwegian Research Station Troll in Queen Maud Land, Antarctica to analyze in detail the ionospheric response during geomagnetic disturbances on February 26–27 and March 18–19, 2018. By combining the Troll data with complementary measurements (scintillation receivers, magnetometers, SuperDARN, DMSP satellites), we demonstrate that plasma irregularities above this part of Queen Maud Land can be associated with the expansion of the auroral oval, related structuring on its edges, as well as with strong flow shears in the evening and at nighttime, which are further modulated by the energetic particle precipitation. Phase scintillation indices correlate well with the magnetometer data.