bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal phase transition in Yang-Mills matrix model
Authors: Bergner Georg , Bodendorfer Norbert , Hanada Masanori , Rinaldi Enrico , Schäfer Andreas , Vranas Pavlos
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We study the bosonic matrix model obtained as the high-temperature limit of two-dimensional maximally supersymmetric SU(N) Yang-Mills theory. So far, no consensus about the order of the deconfinement transition in this theory has been reached and this hinders progress in understanding the nature of the black hole/black string topology change from the gauge/gravity duality perspective. On the one hand, previous works considered the deconfinement transition consistent with two transitions which are of second and third order. On the other hand, evidence for a first order transition was put forward more recently. We perform high-statistics lattice Monte Carlo simulations at large N and small lattice spacing to establish that the transition is really of first order. Our findings flag a warning that the required large-N and continuum limit might not have been reached in earlier publications, and that was the source of the discrepancy. Moreover, our detailed results confirm the existence of a new partially deconfined phase which describes non-uniform black strings via the gauge/gravity duality. This phase exhibits universal features already predicted in quantum field theory.
The holographic vortex lattice using the circular cell method
Authors: Tallarita Gianni , Auzzi Roberto
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We investigate vortex lattice solutions in a holographic superconductor model in asymptotically AdS4 spacetime which includes the gravitational backreaction of the vortex. The circular cell approximation, which is known to give a good result for several physical quantities in the Ginzburg-Landau model, is used. The critical magnetic fields and the magnetization curve are computed. The vortex lattice profiles are compared to expectations from the Abrikosov solution in the regime nearby the upper critical magnetic field H2c for which superconductivity is lost.
Vector-like quarks with non-renormalizable interactions
Authors: Criado J. C. , Pérez-Victoria M.
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We study the impact of the leading non-renormalizable terms in the effective field theory that describes general extensions of the Standard Model with vector-like quarks that can decay into Standard Model particles. Dropping the usual assumption of renormalizability has several phenomenological consequences for the production and decay of the heavy quarks and also for Higgs physics. The most dramatic effects, including those associated with a long lifetime, occur for vector-like quarks with non-standard quantum numbers.
Gapless and gapped holographic phonons
Authors: Amoretti Andrea , Areán Daniel , Goutéraux Blaise , Musso Daniele
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We study a holographic model where translations are both spontaneously and explicitly broken, leading to the presence of (pseudo)-phonons in the spectrum. The weak explicit breaking is due to two independent mechanisms: a small source for the condensate itself and additional linearly space-dependent marginal operators. The low energy dynamics of the model is described by Wigner crystal hydrodynamics. In absence of a source for the condensate, the phonons remain gapless, but momentum is relaxed. Turning on a source for the condensate damps and pins the phonons. Finally, we verify that the universal relation between the phonon damping rate, mass and diffusivity reported in [1] continues to hold in this model for weak enough explicit breaking.
Teenagers, screens and social media: a narrative review of reviews and key studies
Authors: Orben Amy
Published: January 2020

Introduction

In light of growing concerns about an increasingly digital adolescence, the academic field investigating how digital technologies affect adolescents’ psychological well-being is growing rapidly. In the last years, much research has amassed, and this has been summarised in over 80 systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Materials and Methods

Systematic reviews, meta-analyses and key studies are reviewed to provide insights into the state of current research linking digital technology and social media use to well-being; possible future directions and improvements are discussed.

Results

When examining the reviews, it becomes evident that the research field is dominated by cross-sectional work that is generally of a low quality standard. While research has highlighted the importance of differentiating between different types of digital technology use many studies do not consider such necessary nuances. These limitations aside, the association between digital technology use, or social media use in particular, and psychological well-being is—on average—negative but very small. Furthermore, the direction of the link between digital technology use and well-being is still unclear: effects have been found to exist in both directions and there has been little work done to rule out potential confounders.

Conclusions

Reviewing the last decade of reviews in the area, it is evident that the research field needs to refocus on improving transparency, interpreting effect sizes and changing measurement. It also needs to show a greater appreciation for the individual differences that will inherently shape each adolescent’s reaction to digital technologies.
Late presentation of RPE65 retinopathy in three siblings
Authors: Magliyah Moustafa , Saifaldein Amjad Ameen , Schatz Patrik
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Gene therapy for RPE65 retinopathy has been recently approved. The purpose of this study was to assess retinal structure and function in 3 siblings presenting with late-stage RPE65 retinopathy and to assess the unmet need for such therapy in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

Search of the retinal dystrophy registry at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital and clinical examination including multimodal retinal imaging, full-field electroretinography (ERG), dark adapted full-field stimulus sensitivity thresholds, and molecular genetic testing in 3 patients.

Results

Nine (9) patients were identified with biallelic RPE65 mutations, corresponding to a prevalence rate of 9/187 = 5% among early onset retinal dystrophies. Of these, 3 siblings (2 male and 1 female) with RPE65 retinopathy were assessed in detail, because of an unusual, late presentation. They were all over 30 years old at the time of their most recent visits and had non-recordable ERGs. The 2 male siblings presented with poor vision and paracentral loss of the inner segment ellipsoid (ISe) and focal attenuation of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) in the macula. On the other hand, the female sibling presented with 20/100 vision with preserved foveal ISe and intact ONL throughout the macula and significantly lower light sensitivity thresholds compared to her male siblings. A homozygous missense p.Arg91Trp mutation in RPE65 was identified in all. All patients were eligible for gene therapy, demonstrating a central retinal thickness of more than 100 microns on repeated examinations.

Conclusions

RPE65 retinopathy seems to be relatively common on the Arabian peninsula, and in addition it may be underdiagnosed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first detailed presentation, including multimodal retinal imaging and electrophysiological assessment, of such patients from this region. Patients with late presentation of RPE65 retinopathy may be eligible for gene therapy, in terms of remaining retinal function and structural preservation. The therapeutic window of such therapy remains to be determined.
Use of pre-industrial baselines to monitor anthropogenic enrichment of metals concentrations in recently deposited sediment of floodplain lakes in the Peace-Athabasca Delta (Alberta, Canada)
Authors: Owca Tanner J. , Kay Mitchell L. , Faber Jelle , Remmer Casey R. , Zabel Nelson , Wiklund Johan A. , Wolfe Brent B. , Hall Roland I.
Published: January 2020

Well-designed monitoring approaches are needed to assess effects of industrial development on downstream aquatic environments and guide environmental stewardship. Here, we develop and apply a monitoring approach to detect potential enrichment of metals concentrations in surficial lake sediments of the Peace-Athabasca Delta (PAD), northern Alberta, Canada. Since the ecological integrity of the PAD is strongly tied to river floodwaters that replenish lakes in the delta, and the PAD is located downstream of the Alberta oil sands, concerns have been raised over the potential transport of industry-supplied metals to the PAD via the Athabasca River. Surface sediment samples were collected in September 2017 from 61 lakes across the delta, and again in July 2018 from 20 of the same lakes that had received river floodwaters 2 months earlier, to provide snapshots of metals concentrations (Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) that have recently accumulated in these lakes. To assess for anthropogenic enrichment, surficial sediment metals concentrations were normalized to aluminum and compared to pre-industrial baseline (i.e., reference) metal-aluminum linear relations for the Athabasca and Peace sectors of the PAD developed from pre-1920 measurements in lake sediment cores. Numerical analysis demonstrates no marked enrichment of these metals concentrations above pre-1920 baselines despite strong ability (> 99% power) to detect enrichment of 10%. Measurements of river sediment collected by the Regional Aquatics- and Oil Sands-Monitoring Programs (RAMP/OSM) also did not exceed pre-1920 concentrations. Thus, results presented here show no evidence of substantial oil sands-derived metals enrichment of sediment supplied by the Athabasca River to lakes in the PAD and demonstrate the usefulness of these methods as a monitoring framework.
Stable and Accurate Filtering Procedures
Authors: Lundquist Tomas , Nordström Jan
Published: January 2020

High frequency errors are always present in numerical simulations since no difference stencil is accurate in the vicinity of the $$\pi $$π-mode. To remove the defective high wave number information from the solution, artificial dissipation operators or filter operators may be applied. Since stability is our main concern, we are interested in schemes on summation-by-parts (SBP) form with weak imposition of boundary conditions. Artificial dissipation operators preserving the accuracy and energy stability of SBP schemes are available. However, for filtering procedures it was recently shown that stability problems may occur, even for originally energy stable (in the absence of filtering) SBP based schemes. More precisely, it was shown that even the sharpest possible energy bound becomes very weak as the number of filtrations grow. This suggest that successful filtering include a delicate balance between the need to remove high frequency oscillations (filter often) and the need to avoid possible growth (filter seldom). We will discuss this problem and propose a remedy.
Conscientious Objection: A Talmudic Paradigm Shift
Authors: Weiner Rabbi Jason
Published: January 2020

Conscientious objection remains a very heated topic with strong opinions arguing for and against its utilization in contemporary health care. This paper summarizes and analyzes various arguments in the bioethical literature, favoring and opposing conscientious objection, as well as some of the proposed solutions and compromises. I then present a paradigm shifting compromise approach that arises out of very recent Jewish bioethical thought that refocuses the discussion and can minimize the frequency with which conscientious objection is required.
Numerical methods for static shallow shells lying over an obstacle
Authors: Piersanti Paolo , Shen Xiaoqin
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a finite element analysis to approximate the solution of an obstacle problem for a static shallow shell confined in a half space is presented. To begin with, we establish, by relying on the properties of enriching operators, an estimate for the approximate bilinear form associated with the problem under consideration. Then, we conduct an error analysis and we prove the convergence of the proposed numerical scheme.
Hydrophysical properties of sandy clay contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbon
Authors: Hewelke Edyta , Gozdowski Dariusz
Published: January 2020

The aim of the presented research was to assess the changes in hydro-physical properties of sandy clay under the influence of petroleum hydrocarbon contamination. An understanding of these changes is fundamental in the right remedial actions and for further use of soil. Laboratory tests of inherently wettable sandy clay showed that the petroleum hydrocarbon induced potential soil water repellency (SWR) of extremely repellent class at the contamination of 18 g kg−1. The relationship between soil water potential (pF) and SWR determined by the WDPT test for given hydrocarbon contamination, i.e., 6, 12, 18, 30, 100 g kg−1, showed that the critical soil moisture value (CSMC) corresponds to the pF = 1.0 ÷ 1.5. Soil retention characteristic (pF) showed that an increase in hydrocarbon contamination from 0 to 100 g kg−1caused a reduction of total available water for plants from about 0.19 to 0.06 cm cm−3. At the same time, in the pF = 1.5 ÷ 2.0 range, intensive soil pore drainage was observed. Statistically, significant effect of hydrocarbon contamination and soil moisture potential on SWR was found. Soil hydrophobicity limits the addition of soil retention, because a significant part of the precipitation can be transformed by surface runoff. The carried out tests showed that at a hydrocarbon contamination of 30 g kg−1, total rainfall amount 14 mm with an intensity of 2 mm h−1was transformed into a surface drain in approx. 40%. The conducted studies demonstrate the adverse impact of hydrocarbon contamination on the soil’s hydro-physical properties. The soil water retention reduction and launching of the surface outflow, as a result of limiting the water penetration process resulting from SWR, change the agrohydrological conditions of the contaminated area. It can result as the imbalance of the flow of energy and matter in the ecosystem. The scenarios of environmental effects, among others, depend on the type of soil, the degree of its pollution, the type of ecosystem, and supporting activities undertaken by man. It should be taken into account that the increasing frequency of drought occurrence associated with climate change is conducive to the phenomenon of SWR regardless of the reasons for its occurrence.
Produktinnovationen und Produktmodifikationen in der Versicherungswirtschaft zwischen 2006 und 2017
Authors: Köhne Thomas , Melashenko Inna
Published: January 2020

Die vorliegende empirische Untersuchung erfasst die Produktinnovationen und Produktmodifikationen im deutschen Versicherungsmarkt für Privatkunden; sie schließt an eine frühere Erhebung von 1996 bis 2005 an und untersucht die weitere Entwicklung der Produktneuerungen zwischen 2006 und 2017. Im theoretischen Teil werden begriffliche Grundlagen geklärt, die förderlichen und hinderlichen Rahmenbedingungen der Neuproduktentwicklung reflektiert sowie Arbeitshypothesen abgeleitet. Im empirischen Teil werden im Privatkundengeschäft 1457 Produktneuerungen identifiziert, davon sind 79 Produktinnovationen und 1378 Produktmodifikationen. Damit hat die Anzahl der Produktneuerungen im Vergleich zum früheren Zeitraum deutlich zugenommen und sich von durchschnittlich 65 auf 121 Produkte pro Jahr fast verdoppelt. Nach wie vor gibt es mit fast 95 % der Produktneuerungen erheblich mehr Produktmodifikationen als Produktinnovationen. Sowohl in der Lebens-, als auch in der Krankenversicherung wird nach wie vor ein Großteil der Produktneuerungen durch politisch-rechtliche Anstöße verursacht. Klassische Lebensversicherungsprodukte mit Garantiezins werden zunehmend von Alternativen ohne Garantien ersetzt. In der Schaden‑/Unfallversicherung sind Produktneuerungen demgegenüber oft Technologie- oder Risiko-induziert. Mithin hat das Produktneuerungsgebaren der Versicherer im deutschen Privatkundenmarkt in den zurückliegenden 12 Jahren – wenngleich auf moderatem Niveau – offensichtlich zugenommen, und das in allen Versicherungszweiggruppen.
Hierarchical N-Doped Porous Carbons for Zn–Air Batteries and Supercapacitors
Authors: Guo Beibei , Ma Ruguang , Li Zichuang , Guo Shaokui , Luo Jun , Yang Minghui , Liu Qian , Thomas Tiju , Wang Jiacheng
Published: January 2020

Nitrogen-doped carbon materials with a large specific surface area, high conductivity, and adjustable microstructures have many prospects for energy-related applications. This is especially true for N-doped nanocarbons used in the electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and supercapacitors. Here, we report a low-cost, environmentally friendly, large-scale mechanochemical method of preparing N-doped porous carbons (NPCs) with hierarchical micro-mesopores and a large surface area via ball-milling polymerization followed by pyrolysis. The optimized NPC prepared at 1000 °C (NPC-1000) offers excellent ORR activity with an onset potential (Eonset) and half-wave potential (E1/2) of 0.9 and 0.82 V, respectively (vs. a reversible hydrogen electrode), which are only approximately 30 mV lower than that of Pt/C. The rechargeable Zn–air battery assembled using NPC-1000 and the NiFe-layered double hydroxide as bifunctional ORR and oxygen evolution reaction electrodes offered superior cycling stability and comparable discharge performance to RuO2 and Pt/C. Moreover, the supercapacitor electrode equipped with NPC prepared at 800 °C exhibited a high specific capacity (431 F g−1 at 10 mV s−1), outstanding rate, performance, and excellent cycling stability in an aqueous 6-M KOH solution. This work demonstrates the potential of the mechanochemical preparation method of porous carbons, which are important for energy conversion and storage.
Effects of Disclosing Influencer Marketing in Videos: An Eye Tracking Study among Children in Early Adolescence
Authors: Van Reijmersdal Eva A. , Rozendaal Esther , Hudders Liselot , Vanwesenbeeck Ini , Cauberghe Veroline , Van Berlo Zeph M.C.
Published: January 2020

This study focused on the effects of sponsorship disclosure timing on children's ability to understand that social influencer videos are sponsored. The study also investigated how sponsorship disclosure timing affects children's attitudes toward the sponsoring brand, the video, and the influencer. An experiment among 272 children in early adolescence (10–13 years of age) was conducted using eye tracking. Results show that a disclosure shown prior to the start of the videos leads to more visual attention than a disclosure shown concurrently with the start of videos. Consequently, disclosure prior to the start of videos is better processed, as indicated by disclosure memory, which then leads to a better understanding that the content is sponsored. This understanding evokes a more critical attitude toward the sponsored content in the video, and results in less positive attitudes toward the brands, the videos, and the influencers. Theoretically, this study provides insights into the mechanisms that explain disclosure timing effects among children in early adolescence. Practically, this study offers recommendations to policy makers to develop sponsorship disclosures that can increase transparency of online embedded advertising to minors.
Electronic Systems of Information Exchange as a Key Tool in EU Health Crisis and Disaster Management
Authors: DĄBROWSKA-KŁOSIŃSKA Patrycja
Published: January 2020

Decision 1082/2013 on Serious Cross-border Health Threats (Health Threats Decision) was adopted in 2013 with the aim of preparing for and responding to serious health threats. In this legislation, the European Union adopts an “all-hazards” approach which strongly relies on the exchange of information as a driver of regulatory activities. This article first demonstrates that the electronic systems of information exchange constitute a key tool in EU Health Crisis and Disaster Management (“EHCDM”). Second, it identifies the distinctive features of these mechanisms in the EU context: the reinforcement of a statutory policy shift towards securitisation of public health, the peculiarity of the EU composite administrative procedures as well as the facilitation of the quality of the sense-making activities. Finally, the article uncovers the possible problems which may affect the adequate functioning of EHCDM and argues the routes for further research. The piece links legal analysis with the interdisciplinary conceptual lens to offer an important contribution to closer characterisation of the EHCDM as a field in its own right together with a better understanding of the EU public health law and administration in the context of transboundary crisis management and health security governance.
EXISTENCE AND COMPACTNESS THEORY FOR ALE SCALAR-FLAT KÄHLER SURFACES
Authors: HAN JIYUAN , VIACLOVSKY JEFF A.
Published: January 2020

Our main result in this article is a compactness result which states that a noncollapsed sequence of asymptotically locally Euclidean (ALE) scalar-flat Kähler metrics on a minimal Kähler surface whose Kähler classes stay in a compact subset of the interior of the Kähler cone must have a convergent subsequence. As an application, we prove the existence of global moduli spaces of scalar-flat Kähler ALE metrics for several infinite families of Kähler ALE spaces.
The Strategic Logic of Islamophobic Populism
Authors: Oztig Lacin Idil , Gurkan Turkan Ayda , Aydin Kenan
Published: January 2020

In Europe, the rise of populism is coupled with the rise of Islamophobia, vividly evident with exponential increases in votes for anti-Islam political parties in national elections. These parties portray Islam and Muslims as threats and maintain a position that Islam (as a religion and culture) is a threatening contrast to European values. By analysing Islamophobic discourses of the French National Front, Alternative for Germany and the Dutch Freedom Party, this article argues that Islamophobic populism targets not only Muslims, but also the incumbent leaders. By looking at the current dynamics of public opinion, this article explains how Islamophobic populism functions as an electoral strategy.
Evaluation of the relative contribution of meteorological and oceanic forces to the drift of ice islands offshore Newfoundland
Authors: Zeinali Torbati Reza , Turnbull Ian D. , Taylor Rocky S. , Mueller Derek
Published: January 2020

On 29 April 2015, four beacons were deployed onto an ice island in the Strait of Belle Isle to record positional data. The ice island later broke up into many fragments, four of which were tracked by the beacons. The relative influences of wind drag, current drag, Coriolis force, sea surface height gradient and sea-ice force on the drift of the tracked ice island fragments were analyzed. Using atmospheric and oceanic model outputs, the sea-ice force was calculated as the residual of the fragments' net forces and the sum of all other forces. This was compared against the force obtained through ice concentration-dependent relationships when sea ice was present. The sea-ice forces calculated from the residual approach and concentration-dependent relationships were significant only when sea ice was present at medium-high concentrations in the vicinity of the ice island fragments. The forces from ocean currents and sea surface tilt contributed the most to the drift of the ice island fragments. Wind, however, played a minimal role in the total force governing the drift of the four ice island fragments, and Coriolis force was significant when the fragments were drifting at higher speeds.
Going the Extra Mile Because My Organization Does: How Does Corporate Social Responsibility Influence Organizational Citizenship in Nigeria?
Authors: Onyishi Ike E. , Amaeshi Kenneth , Ugwu Fabian O. , Enwereuzor Ibeawuchi K.
Published: January 2020

There is a growing call to understand the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on organizational outcomes, especially in developing economies. Given the strong link between organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and organizational performance and survival, on one hand, and the constant need in the literature to understand their antecedents, on the other hand, this study adopts the social cognitive theory to examine the relationship between employees’ perceptions of their organizations’ engagement in CSR and their individual engagement in OCB in Nigeria. Based on the relevance of organizational learning culture to both CSR and OCB, the study further examines the mediating role of organizational learning culture in the relationship between employees’ perceptions of their organization's CSR engagement and their individual engagement in OCB. We tested these relationships in a sample of 254 employees drawn from banking, oil and gas, manufacturing and service industries. The results showed that there is a significant positive relationship between employees’ perceptions of their organizations’ engagement in CSR and their exhibition of OCB. This relationship is mediated by organizational learning culture. The implications of the results for CSR, especially in non-enabling institutional contexts, were discussed.
The Prusso-German General Staff and the Herero Genocide
Authors: Grawe Lukas
Published: January 2020

Historians have examined the Herero genocide in German South West Africa extensively. The role of the Prusso-German general staff has received only rudimentary treatment, however. The following study focuses on the actions of this institution and its chief. Evidence indicates that initially and with varying degrees of success the general staff was heavily involved in German military actions. After the Battle of Waterberg, however, the local military commander, Lieutenant General Lothar von Trotha, fought his own war. Meanwhile, the general staff gravitated toward a different role: shielding Trotha from criticism emanating from German civilian leaders and the public. The impulse to protect sprang not only from a harmony of views about the annihilation of the Herero, but also from an urge to preserve the prestige of the German military after unexpected losses at the hands of “African savages.” In fact, the Prusso-German general staff was complicit in, if not partly responsible for, the conduct of genocidal warfare in GSWA.
Assessing the utility of non-surgical treatments in the management of vocal process granulomas
Authors: Rudman J R , McGee C S , Diaz J , Rosow D E
Published: January 2020

Objective

To determine whether patients would have equivalent or improved outcomes when receiving non-surgical management versus surgical removal for vocal process granulomas.

Methods

A chart review was performed for 53 adults with vocal process granulomas. All patients received baseline anti-reflux treatment consisting of twice-daily proton pump inhibitors and vocal hygiene education. Further treatment approaches were divided into non-surgical (i.e. inhaled corticosteroids, voice therapy, botulinum toxin injections) and surgical groups. Subjective parameters (Voice Handicap Index 10 and Reflux Symptom Index) and outcomes were tabulated and statistically compared. Cause of granuloma was also analysed to determine if this influenced outcomes.

Results

Of 53 patients, 47 (89 per cent) experienced reduction in granuloma size, while 37 (70 per cent) experienced complete resolution. The rate of complete granuloma resolution after initial treatment strategy alone was significantly higher in non-surgical compared to surgical patients (67 and 30 per cent, respectively; p = 0.039). No difference in outcome was seen between iatrogenic and idiopathic granulomas.

Conclusion

Non-surgical patients were more likely to experience initial treatment success than those who underwent surgical removal. Continued emphasis should be placed on conservative treatment options prior to surgery for patients with this condition.
RECONSIDERING THE SOUTHERN EUROPEAN MODEL: MARITAL STATUS, WOMEN'S WORK AND LABOUR RELATIONS IN MID-EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY PORTUGAL
Authors: Ribeiro da Silva Filipa , Carvalhal Hélder
Published: January 2020

Challenging current ideas in mainstream scholarship on differences between female labour force participation in southern and north-western Europe and their impact on economic development, this article shows that in Portugal, neither marriage nor widowhood prevented women from participating in the labour market of mid-eighteenth-century. Our research demonstrates that marriage provided women with the resources they needed to work in various capacities in all economic sectors.

This article also argues that single Portuguese women had an incentive to work and did so mostly as wage earners. Finally, the comparison of our dataset on female occupations from tax records with other European cases calls for a revision of the literature and the development of a more nuanced picture of the north-south divide.
Unilaterally Constrained Motion of a Curved Surgical Tool
Authors: Dahroug Bassem , Tamadazte Brahim , Andreff Nicolas
Published: January 2020

Constrained motion is essential for varying robotics tasks, especially in surgical robotics, for instance, the case of minimally invasive interventions. This article proposes generic formulations of the classical bilateral constrained motion (i.e., when the incision hole has almost the same diameter as that of the tool) as well as unilaterally constrained motion (i.e., when the hole incision has a larger diameter compared to the tool diameter). One of the latter constraints is combined with another surgical task such as incision/ablation or suturing a wound (modeled here by 3D geometric paths). The developed control methods based on the hierarchical task approach are able to manage simultaneously the constrained motion (depending on the configuration case, i.e., bilateral or unilateral constraint) and a 3D path following. In addition, the proposed methods can operate with both straight or curved surgical tools. The proposed methods were successfully validated in various scenarios. Foremost, a simulation framework was proposed to access the performances of each proposed controller. Thereafter, several experimental validations were carried out. Both the simulation and experimental results have demonstrated the relevance of the proposed approach, as well as promising performances in terms of behavior as well as accuracy.
Is it possible to alter the embryo lipid accumulation with reduction of fetal bovine serum and use of l-carnitine for in vitro maturation of bubaline oocytes?
Authors: Figueiró Marivaldo Rodrigues , Garcia Joaquim Mansano , de Lima Marina Ragagnin , del Collado Maite , Saraiva Naiara Zoccal
Published: January 2020

In vitro embryo production (IVEP) is a procedure that can promote genetic improvement in a short time frame. However, the success rates obtained with this biotechnology in water buffaloes are still inconsistent, and can be associated with the high concentration of lipids in the cytoplasm of oocytes and embryos. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of reduced concentration of fetal bovine serum (FBS) and/or use of l-carnitine during in vitro maturation (IVM) on the preimplantation development and lipid accumulation in bubaline embryos. In a first experiment, the lowest concentration of FBS in the IVM medium (0%, 2.5%, 5% or 10%) was determined, and the lowest concentration that maintained good embryo development rates was 5%. In a second experiment, the addition of 5 mM of l-carnitine into the maturation medium was evaluated. The blastocysts produced were submitted to lipid evaluation involving staining followed by observation using optical (Oil Red O) and confocal (BODIPY 493/503) microscopy. No difference was observed between the 5% and 10% FBS groups, which were superior to the 0% and 2.5% groups. Furthermore, the performance of the groups treated with 5% and 10% FBS was better than the groups supplemented with l-carnitine. There was no difference regarding embryo lipid accumulation. The results indicated that it is possible to reduce the FBS concentration to 5% in in vitro maturation medium for production of bubaline embryos, and supplementation with 5 mM l-carnitine does not increase embryo production.
Mithridates and theOracle of Hystaspes: Some dating issues
Authors: DOBRORUKA VICENTE
Published: January 2020

The dating of the so-calledOracle of Hystaspesor its Vorlage has for long been a major problem among scholars. This article attempts to articulate some issues present in the Oracle and similar or identical ones known to have been used in Mthridates’ VI Eupator propaganda. This can help not only dating the Oracle itself but also solve dating problems in Persian apocalyptic texts, whose dating may be pushed backwards.
VMAT treatment plan acceptability and quality assurance study for prostate cancer in radiotherapy
Authors: Sarwar Robina , Altaf Saima , Khan Rao M. Afzal , Buzdar Saeed A. , Iqbal Khalid
Published: January 2020

Aim:

The aim of this work was to study the acceptability of plans prepared for prostate patients treated by volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) with the vision to evaluate the quality of plans and test pre-treatment quality assurance (QA).

Material methods:

VMAT plans of 35 patients, planned on the Eclipse Treatment Planning System (Aria 15), were included in the study. Plan acceptability was checked using statistical analysis, which includes homogeneity index, radical and median homogeneity index, coverage and uniformity index. Dose–volume histograms (DVH) of the plans were also studied to check prescribed dose (PD),Dmax,Dmin,D5andD95. Portal dosimetry was also done by gamma analysis using 3%/3 mm criterion. SD and mean SD error were also calculated and analysed.

Results:

Statistical analysis showed a mean HI of 1·054, coverage 0·959, UI 1·055, mDHI 0·962 and rDHI 0·866. SD of HI, coverage, UI, mDHI and rDHI was 0·019, 0·019, 0·014, 0·013 and 0·030, respectively. From the DVHs, mean ofD5,D95,DminandDmaxwas calculated at 6,252·9, 5,757·4, 6,413·3 and 5,657·7 cGy, respectively, with a prescribed dose of 6,000 cGy. According to gamma analysis, area gamma < 1 was 99·12% with a tolerance limit of 95%, maximum gamma was 1·466 with a tolerance limit of 3·5, average gamma was 0·388 with a tolerance limit of 0·5, area gamma > 1·2 was 0·242% with a tolerance limit of 0·5%, maximum dose difference was 0·6 with a tolerance limit of 1·0 and average dose difference was 0·029 with a tolerance limit of 0·2.

Conclusion:

All three computations showed the results to be within acceptable limits. VMAT possesses a unique feature of delivering the whole treatment with only two rotations of the gantry. VMAT has an improved efficiency of delivery for equivalent dosimetric quality.
Dynamic microsimulation modelling of potential pension reforms in North Macedonia
Authors: Petreski Blagica , Petreski Marjan
Published: January 2020

Due to structural and policy shifts, pension deficit in North Macedonia doubled over a decade and significantly outpaced the central budget deficit. The objective of the paper is to examine fiscal and development effects of few pension-reform designs. We constructed MK-PENS Dynamic Microsimulation Pension Model and simulated the effects of few reforms affecting one stakeholder and few combined reforms. Results robustly suggest that without reform and assuming only statutory pension adjustment, the deficit will remain as is. Simulated scenarios suggest that proposed pension reforms significantly reduce the pension deficit, with the most favourable results obtained within the combined scenarios of shared burden. Gradual introduction of reform's elements should come into play in case large political cost is envisaged.
Work after retirement: worklife transitions of career public employees
Authors: Clark Robert L. , Hammond Robert G. , Liu Siyan
Published: January 2020

Engaging in paid employment after claiming retirement benefits may be an important avenue for individuals to work longer as life expectancies rise. After separating from one's career employer, individuals may engage in paid work to stay active or to supplement their current level of retirement savings or both. Individuals who choose not to work after claiming may be expressing their preference to stay retired, perhaps because their retirement income is sufficient. However, the decision to work after claiming may be driven by the lack of retirement planning and insufficient savings, while the lack of post-claiming work may reflect the inability to find adequate employment opportunities. We use administrative records merged with panel data from several surveys of public employees in North Carolina to study the decision to engage in paid work after claiming retirement benefits. More than 60% of active workers plan to work after claiming benefits, while only around 42% of the same sample of individuals have engaged in post-claiming paid work in the first few years after leaving public sector employment. Despite this gap, stated work plans are strongly predictive of actual post-claiming work behavior. Our final analysis uses self-reported measures to gauge the financial well-being of our sample in the early years after leaving career employment.
Kognitionen von Kindern mit sozialer Angststörung unter Stress
Authors: Schwarz Judith , Schreiber Franziska , Kühnemund Martina , Weber Christoph , Stangier Ulrich , Melfsen Siebke
Published: January 2020

Zusammenfassung. Fragestellung: Kognitive Störungsmodelle der sozialen Angststörung (SAD) wie das von Clark und Wells (1995 ) postulieren u. a. negativ verzerrte Kognitionen als entscheidende Komponente in der Entstehung und Aufrechterhaltung der Störung. Beurteilungsbias über eigene Bewältigungsmöglichkeiten lassen sich ebenso ableiten. Anders als im Erwachsenenalter ist die Studienlage im Kindesalter unbefriedigend. Die vorliegende Studie geht der Frage nach, ob sich Kognitionen und selbstwahrgenommene Bewältigungsmöglichkeiten von Kindern mit und ohne SAD in angstinduzierenden Situationen unterscheiden. Methodik: 60 Kinder mit SAD (n = 30) und ohne psychische Störung (n = 30) im Alter von 9 bis 15 Jahren (Altersstufen 9–10, 11–12, 13–15 Jahre) wurden hinsichtlich der Anzahl negativer, positiver und Bewältigungsgedanken vor, während und nach einer stressinduzierenden Situation mittels Bestätigungsmethode untersucht. Die antizipierte Bewältigungsmöglichkeit wurde vor der Situation erfasst. Ergebnisse: Kinder mit SAD unterschieden sich zu keinem Messzeitpunkt in negativen und Bewältigungs-, jedoch in positiven Gedanken von Kindern ohne psychische Störung unter Berücksichtigung des Alters. Die älteren SAD-Gruppen berichteten von signifikant weniger positiven Kognitionen, während die jüngere mehr angab als die Kontrollgruppe. Die Gruppen unterschieden sich nicht in ihrer erwarteten Bewältigungsmöglichkeit. Schlussfolgerung: Die Ergebnisse verweisen auf die Bedeutung positiver Kognitionen für ein Störungsmodell der SAD im Kindesalter und unterstützen eine alterssensitive Anpassung.
Self-Disgust and Its Relationship With Lifetime Suicidal Ideation and Behavior
Authors: Schienle Anne , Schwab Daniela , Höfler Carina , Freudenthaler Harald H.
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Background: The emotion disgust is typically directed toward stimuli in the external environment, but sometimes people develop self-directed disgust responses. Aims: The current questionnaire study focused on the role of self-disgust in lifetime suicidal ideation and behavior. Method: A total of 1,167 individuals participated in an Internet-based survey containing self-report measures of self-disgust, externally directed disgust proneness, coping styles, diagnoses of mental disorders, and suicide risk. Hierarchical regression analyses as well as mediation analyses were computed. Results: Self-disgust was the most relevant predictor of suicide risk among the assessed variables. Self-disgust was negatively associated with the use of support by others, and positively associated with evasive coping (self-blame, venting, denial), which in turn was positively associated with suicidality. Limitations: This cross-sectional study provided information on the relationship between self-disgust and suicidality in a self-selected sample. Longitudinal studies are warranted. Conclusion: Future studies are required to replicate these findings. Additionally, stronger research designs are needed in order to investigate whether self-disgust should be targeted in suicide prevention programs and interventions.
How Often Can Earthquake Early Warning Systems Alert Sites With High‐Intensity Ground Motion?
Authors: Meier Men‐Andrin , Kodera Yuki , Böse Maren , Chung Angela , Hoshiba Mitsuyuki , Cochran Elizabeth , Minson Sarah , Hauksson Egill , Heaton Thomas
Published: January 2020

Although numerous Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) algorithms have been developed to date, we lack a detailed understanding of how often and under what circumstances useful ground motion alerts can be provided to end users. In particular, it is unclear how often EEW systems can successfully alert sites with high ground motion intensities. These are the sites that arguably need EEW alerts the most, but they are also the most challenging ones to alert because they tend to be located close to the epicenter where the seismic waves arrive first. Here we analyze the alerting performance of the Propagation of Local Undamped Motion (PLUM), Earthquake Point‐Source Integrated Code (EPIC), and Finite‐Fault Rupture Detector (FinDer) algorithms by running them retrospectively on the seismic strong‐motion data of the 219 earthquakes in Japan since 1996 that exceeded Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) of 4.5 on at least 10 sites (Mw4.5–9.1). Our analysis suggests that, irrespective of the algorithm, EEW end users should expect that EEW can often but not always provide useful alerts. Using a conservative warning time (tw) definition, we find that 40–60% of sites with strong to extreme shaking levels receive alerts withtw> 5 s. If high‐intensity shaking is caused by shallow crustal events, around 50% of sites with strong (MMI~6) and <20% of sites with severe and violent (MMI ≥ 8) shaking receive alerts withtw> 5 s. Our results provide detailed quantitative insight into the expected alerting performance for EEW algorithms under realistic conditions. We also discuss how operational systems can achieve longer warning times with more precautionary alerting strategies.
The Impact of Continuing CFC‐11 Emissions on Stratospheric Ozone
Authors: Fleming Eric L. , Newman Paul A. , Liang Qing , Daniel John S.
Published: January 2020

Trichlorofluoromethane (CFC‐11, CFCl3) is a major anthropogenic ozone‐depleting substance and greenhouse gas, and its production and consumption are controlled under the Montreal Protocol. However, recent studies show that CFC‐11 emissions have been near constant or increasing since 2002. In this study, we use a two‐dimensional chemistry‐climate model to investigate the stratospheric ozone response to a range of future CFC‐11 emissions scenarios. A scenario with future emissions sustained at 10 gigagrams per year (Gg/year) above the baseline WMO (2018) A1 scenario results in minor additional global (90°S–90°N) ozone depletion of 0.13% by 2100, and a 1.5‐year delay in the global ozone recovery to 1980 levels, relative to the baseline. A scenario with 72.5 Gg/year (the 2013–2016 average) sustained to 2100 results in a substantial 15% increase in effective equivalent stratospheric chlorine and nearly 1% additional global ozone depletion by 2100, with a 7.5‐year delay in the recovery to 1980 global ozone levels, relative to the baseline. The ozone response averaged over time has a strong linear dependence on the cumulative amount of future CFC‐11 emissions under a wide range of scenarios. The resulting ozone response sensitivity gives a simple metric relating the time‐averaged ozone change to the cumulative CFC‐11 emissions. This sensitivity has an inverse dependence on future greenhouse gas concentrations (CO2, CH4, and N2O). For the medium Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Representative Concentration Pathway‐6.0 scenario, the sensitivity per 1,000 Gg of cumulative CFC‐11 emissions is −0.1% and −1% for global and Antarctic spring ozone, respectively.
Comparison of Reference Heights of O/N2 and ∑O/N2 Based on GUVI Dayside Limb Measurement
Authors: Yu Tingting , Ren Zhipeng , Yu You , Yue Xinan , Zhou Xu , Wan Weixing
Published: January 2020

We define a new thermospheric concept, the reference heights of O/N2, referring to a series of thermospheric heights corresponding to the fixed ratios of O to N2 number density. Here, based on Global Ultraviolet Imager (GUVI) limb measurement, we compare O/N2 column density ratio (∑O/N2) and the reference heights of O/N2. We choose the transition height of O and N2 (transition height hereafter), a special reference height at which O number density is equal to N2 number density, to verify the connection with ∑O/N2 during geomagnetically quiet periods. It is found that transition height and ∑O/N2 have noticeable negative correlation with correlation coefficient of ‐0.887. An empirical model of transition height (O/N2 model hereafter) is established based on nonlinear least‐squares‐fitting method. The considerable correlation (greater than 0.96), insignificant errors (less than 4%) and the great influencing weight of ∑O/N2 to reference heights indicate the validity of O/N2 model and the existence of quantitative relation between ∑O/N2 and transition height. Besides, it is verified that the similar quantitative relation also exists between ∑O/N2 and reference heights of other O/N2 values. Namely, using the O/N2 model coefficients, we can roughly get the whole altitude profiles of O/N2 within 6% precision for any given ∑O/N2.
Spatial Scale Effect of Surface Routing and Its Parameter Upscaling for Urban Flood Simulation Using a Grid‐Based Model
Authors: Cao Xuejian , Lyu Heng , Ni Guangheng , Tian Fuqiang , Ma Yu , Grimmond C.S.B.
Published: January 2020

Urban catchments are characterized by a wide variety of complex juxtapositions and surface compositions that are linked to multiple overland flow paths. Their extremely high spatial heterogeneity leads to great sensitivity of hydrologic simulation to the scale variation of calculation units. Although extensive efforts have been made for investigating the scale effects and indicate its significance, less is understood of how routing features vary with spatial scales and further how the variation of routing features influences the hydrological response. In this paper, a grid‐based distributed urban hydrological model is applied to study spatial scale effects ranging from 10 to 250 m. Two parameters are proposed to quantitatively depict the routing features of overland flow specified for impervious and pervious areas. The results show that routing features are quite sensitive to spatial resolution. Large differences among simulations exist in the infiltration amounts attributed to the combined effects of the two routing parameters, which leads to opposite effects for both total flow volume and peak flow for various rainfall events. The relationship of the key model parameters at different spatial resolutions can be explicitly expressed by corresponding routing features. With this relationship, parameters transfer among different spatial scales can be realized to obtain consistent simulation results. This study further revealed the quantitative relationship between spatial scales, routing features, and the hydrologic processes and enabled accurate and efficient simulations required by real‐time flooding forecasting and land‐atmosphere coupling, while fully taking the advantages of detailed surface information.