bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Random control selection for conducting high‐throughput adverse drug events screening using large‐scale longitudinal health data
Authors: Chiang Chien‐Wei , Zhang Pengyue , Donneyong Macarius , Chen You , Su Yu , Li Lang
Published: July 2021

Case‐control design based high‐throughput pharmacoinformatics study using large‐scale longitudinal health data is able to detect new adverse drug event (ADEs) signals. Existing control selection approaches for case‐control design included the dynamic/super control selection approach. The dynamic/super control selection approach requires all individuals to be evaluated at all ADE case index dates, as the individuals’ eligibilities as control depend on ADE/enrollment history. Thus, using large‐scale longitudinal health data, the dynamic/super control selection approach requires extraordinarily high computational time. We proposed a random control selection approach in which ADE case index dates were matched by randomly generated control index dates. The random control selection approach does not depend on ADE/enrollment history. It is able to significantly reduce computational time to prepare case‐control data sets, as it requires all individuals to be evaluated only once. We compared the performance metrics of all control selection approaches using two large‐scale longitudinal health data and a drug‐ADE gold standard including 399 drug‐ADE pairs. The F‐scores for the random control selection approach were between 0.586 and 0.600 compared to between 0.545 and 0.562 for dynamic/super control selection approaches. The random control selection approach was ~ 1000 times faster than dynamic/super control selection approach on preparing case‐control data sets. With large‐scale longitudinal health data, a case‐control design‐based pharmacoinformatics study using random control selection is able to generate comparable ADE signals than the existing control selection approaches. The random control selection approach also significantly reduces computational time to prepare the case‐control data sets.
Strain Modulation of Black Phosphorene for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Activity
Authors: Liu Fei , Huang Zongyu , Liu Huating , Liao Yujie , Qi Xiang , Zhong Jianxin
Published: July 2021

The first‐principles calculation within the density functional theory (DFT) is used to study the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity and related electronic properties of monolayer black phosphorus under the uniaxial strains. Herein, it is found that different compressive and tensile strains would modulate the Gibbs free energy (ΔGH*), partial charge density of the lowest unoccupied state (εLUS), and band structure of black phosphorene. Specifically, as the ΔGH* decreases, the HER activity of phosphorene system with uniaxial strain is improved except for the +3% strain case. Importantly, the HER catalytic performance of phosphorene can be reduced by 0.4 eV and the bandgap decreased to 0.23 eV by applying the −10% strain. Comparing with strained‐free case, the larger partial charge density of εLUS on the surface of black phosphorene shows more H adsorption sites for electrocatalysis. Moreover, the HER activity is related to the partial charge density of εLUS rather than the value of εLUS site. These results reveal that strain could effectively modulate the HER performance for electrocatalysis. And it is expected to provide further understanding in practical applications.
Effects of Bromine Substitution and Vacancy Defects on the Structural and Electronic Properties of Black Orthorhombic CsPbI3 Perovskite
Authors: Lin Zhonghai , Lei Jiayi , Wang Pingjian , Xu Ling , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Kang Yunxin , Chen Mingyu , Wei Guangfen
Published: July 2021

The structural and electronic properties of both Br substitution and vacancy structures of black orthorhombic CsPbI3 (γ‐CsPbI3) perovskite are investigated by carrying out first‐principle calculations in density functional theory (DFT). For mixed perovskites CsPb(I1−x
Br
x
)3, x is 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0, respectively. The studies suggest that the III site should be preferentially substituted by Br atom rather than the II site and the structure becomes more stable with increasing Br content. These compounds are direct‐bandgap semiconductors in the range of 1.887−2.137 eV. Moreover, the vacancy changes the electroconductibility of γ‐CsPbI3. γ‐CsPbI3:VPb and γ‐CsPbI3:VI exhibit p‐type and n‐type conductivity, respectively. γ‐CsPbI3:VCs still is a semiconductor with a direct bandgap, which presents a slight decrease in electroconductibility due to the increase in bandgap. The calculated structural parameters show that both substitution and vacancy can induce structural distortion. Partial density of states (PDOS) suggests that the top of the valence band arises from hybridization of Pb s‐ and halogen p‐orbitals, whereas the bottom of the conduction band has predominantly Pb p‐orbitals for two kinds of crystal structures. These results provide strong support for developing high‐performance perovskite photovoltaic materials in optoelectronic devices.
Solar‐Blind Position‐Sensitive Detectors Fabricated from β‐Ga2O3/Polycrystalline Diamond Heterojunctions
Authors: Li Kaiyong , Zang Jinhao , Yang Xun , Tian Yongzhi , Lin Chaonan , Sun Pengxiang , Zhang Zhenfeng , Chen Yancheng , Shan Chongxin
Published: July 2021

Solar‐blind detectors play important roles in military and civilian affairs, due to their high signal‐to‐noise ratio and low‐false alarm rate. In recent years, wide‐bandgap semiconductor‐based solar‐blind photodetectors have been studied extensively. However, very little attention has been paid to position detection of solar‐blind light. Herein, a solar‐blind position‐sensitive detector (PSD) is fabricated from β‐Ga2O3/polycrystalline diamond heterojunctions. The solar‐blind PSD shows good solar‐blind response characteristics. In addition, the output signals of the PSD are dependent on the position of the solar‐blind light spot, which can be utilized to realize position detection of solar‐blind signals.
Engineering Bioactive Scaffolds for Skin Regeneration
Authors: Hosseini Motaharesadat , Shafiee Abbas
Published: July 2021

Large skin wounds pose a major clinical challenge. Scarcity of donor site and postsurgical scarring contribute to the incomplete or partial loss of function and aesthetic concerns in skin wound patients. Currently, a wide variety of skin grafts are being applied in clinical settings. Scaffolds are used to overcome the issues related to the misaligned architecture of the repaired skin tissues. The current review summarizes the contribution of biomaterials to wound healing and skin regeneration and addresses the existing limitations in skin grafting. Then, the clinically approved biologic and synthetic skin substitutes are extensively reviewed. Next, the techniques for modification of skin grafts aiming for enhanced tissue regeneration are outlined, and a summary of different growth factor delivery systems using biomaterials is presented. Considering the significant progress in biomaterial science and manufacturing technologies, the idea of biomaterial‐based skin grafts with the ability for scarless wound healing and reconstructing full skin organ is more achievable than ever.
Insight into the isomerization mechanism of retinal proteins from hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics simulations
Authors: Sen Saumik , Kar Rajiv K. , Borin Veniamin A. , Schapiro Igor
Published: July 2021

The photoisomerization of retinal is a unifying primary event in the rhodopsin protein family. In vertebrate rhodopsins it is the first step in the vision process, while in the microbial rhodopsins it activates the transport of ions across the cell‐membrane. This reaction is highly optimized in the protein, which is ultrafast, selective, and efficient. A great effort was directed to elucidate the mechanism due to the overall complexity of the process inside the protein. The classical one‐bond‐flip is too demanding in space for the confined protein cavity. Therefore, various space saving mechanisms based on the rotation of multiple double bonds have been proposed. The hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) method played an important role in the elucidation of the mechanism inside the tight protein environment. It allows to take the entire protein into account while describing the ground and excited states of retinal. The predicted mechanisms include full isomerization of two or three double bonds, a simultaneous isomerization of a single and a double bond as well as the partial rotation of bonds adjacent to the central isomerization. This review summarizes mechanistic studies in the literature and compares them.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics

Electronic Structure Theory > Combined QM/MM Methods

Software > Molecular Modeling
Partition functions of Chern-Simons theory on handlebodies by radial quantization
Authors: Porrati Massimo , Yu Cedric
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We use radial quantization to compute Chern-Simons partition functions on handlebodies of arbitrary genus. The partition function is given by a particular transition amplitude between two states which are defined on the Riemann surfaces that define the (singular) foliation of the handlebody. The final state is a coherent state while on the initial state the holonomy operator has zero eigenvalue. The latter choice encodes the constraint that the gauge fields must be regular everywhere inside the handlebody. By requiring that the only singularities of the gauge field inside the handlebody must be compatible with Wilson loop insertions, we find that the Wilson loop shifts the holonomy of the initial state. Together with an appropriate choice of normalization, this procedure selects a unique state in the Hilbert space obtained from a Kähler quantization of the theory on the constant-radius Riemann surfaces. Radial quantization allows us to find the partition functions of Abelian Chern-Simons theories for handlebodies of arbitrary genus. For non-Abelian compact gauge groups, we show that our method reproduces the known partition function at genus one.
How many angels can dance on the head of a pin? Understanding ‘alien’ thought
Authors: Lushetich Natasha
Published: July 2021

Initially coined by Weizenbaum in 1976, ‘alien' thought refers to the radical difference with which ‘thinking machines’ approach the process of thinking. The contemporary paradox of over-determination and indeterminacy—caused largely by algorithmic decision-making in the civic realm—makes these differences both more entangled and more difficult to navigate. In this essay, I trace over-determination to Leibniz and Turing’s axiomatic procedures and to instrumental rationality, and I trace indeterminacy to the mid-twentieth century co-development of computers and neurosciences to advance the following proposition: understanding alien thought requires understanding incomputability, temporal swarming, and inscriptive-significational errance. Understanding these phenomena in turn requires understanding thinking by doing, distributed thinking, and ontological indeterminacy. All are present in machinic operations as well as in the twentieth century experimental artistic practices of artists such as Duchamp, Cage, and Xu. These practices rely on indeterminate procedures and function as diagrammatic machines. A diagrammatic machine is neither abstract nor particular; neither an idea that is determining in the supreme instance, nor an infrastructure that is determining in the last instance, but rather instantiates a real yet to come (Deleuze and Guattari in A thousand plateaus: capitalism and schizophrenia: Trans. Massumi B, University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, 1987). In this essay, indeterminate artistic practices are used as an entry into alien thought and its correlates—infinity and complexity—by way of aesthetic analogy.
A multiscale optimisation method for bone growth scaffolds based on triply periodic minimal surfaces
Authors: Lehder E. F. , Ashcroft I. A. , Wildman R. D. , Ruiz-Cantu L. A. , Maskery I.
Published: July 2021

Tissue engineered bone scaffolds are potential alternatives to bone allografts and autografts. Porous scaffolds based on triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) are good candidates for tissue growth because they offer high surface-to-volume ratio, have tailorable stiffness, and can be easily fabricated by additive manufacturing. However, the range of TPMS scaffold types is extensive, and it is not yet clear which type provides the fastest cell or tissue growth while being sufficiently stiff to act as a bone graft. Nor is there currently an established methodology for TPMS bone scaffold design which can be quickly adopted by medical designers or biologists designing implants. In this study, we examine six TPMS scaffold types for use as tissue growth scaffolds and propose a general methodology to optimise their geometry. At the macro-scale, the optimisation routine ensures a scaffold stiffness within suitable limits for bone, while at the micro-scale it maximises the cell growth rate. The optimisation procedure also ensures the scaffold pores are of sufficient diameter to allow oxygen and nutrient delivery via capillaries. Of the examined TPMS structures, the Lidinoid and Split P cell types provide the greatest cell growth rates and are therefore the best candidates for bone scaffolds.
A multivariate test for detecting fraud based on Benford’s law, with application to music streaming data
Authors: Mumic Nermina , Filzmoser Peter
Published: July 2021

Benford’s law became a prevalent concept for fraud and anomaly detection. It examines the frequencies of the leading digits of numbers in a collection of data and states that the leading digit is most often 1, with diminishing frequencies up to 9. In this paper we propose a multivariate approach to test whether the observed frequencies follow the theoretical Benford distribution. Our approach is based on the concept of compositional data, which examines the relative information between the frequencies of the leading digits. As a result, we introduce a multivariate test for Benford distribution. In simulation studies and examples we compare the multivariate test performance to the conventional chi-square and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, where the multivariate test turns out to be more sensitive in many cases. A diagnostics plot based on relative information allows to reveal and interpret the possible deviations from the Benford distribution.
Automated Vertebral Segmentation and Measurement of Vertebral Compression Ratio Based on Deep Learning in X-Ray Images
Authors: Kim Dong Hyun , Jeong Jin Gyo , Kim Young Jae , Kim Kwang Gi , Jeon Ji Young
Published: July 2021

Vertebral compression fracture is a deformity of vertebral bodies found on lateral spine images. To diagnose vertebral compression fracture, accurate measurement of vertebral compression ratio is required. Therefore, rapid and accurate segmentation of vertebra is important for measuring the vertebral compression ratio. In this study, we used 339 data of lateral thoracic and lumbar vertebra images for training and testing a deep learning model for segmentation. The result of segmentation by the model was compared with the manual measurement, which is performed by a specialist. As a result, the average sensitivity of the dataset was 0.937, specificity was 0.995, accuracy was 0.992, and dice similarity coefficient was 0.929, area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.987, and the precision recall curve was 0.916. The result of correlation analysis shows no statistical difference between the manually measured vertebral compression ratio and the vertebral compression ratio using the data segmented by the model in which the correlation coefficient was 0.929. In addition, the Bland–Altman plot shows good equivalence in which VCR values are in the area within average ± 1.96. In conclusion, vertebra segmentation based on deep learning is expected to be helpful for the measurement of vertebral compression ratio.
Correction to: Working Towards the Development and Implementation of Precision Mental Healthcare: An Example
Authors: Lutz Wolfgang , Schwartz Brian , Penedo Juan Martín Gómez , Boyle Kaitlyn , Deisenhofer Anne‑Katharina
Published: July 2021

The article “Working Towards the Development and Implementation of Precision Mental Healthcare: An Example” written by “Wolfgang Lutz, Brian Schwartz, Juan Martin Gomez Penedo, Kaitlyn Boyle, Anne‑Katharina Deisenhofer”, was originally published Online First without Open Access. After publication in volume 47, issue 5, pages 856–861 the author decided to opt for Open Choice and to make the article an Open Access publication. Therefore, the copyright of the article has been changed to © The Authors 2021 and the article is forthwith distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0.
Climate change is creating a mismatch between protected areas and suitable habitats for frogs and birds in Puerto Rico
Authors: Campos-Cerqueira Marconi , Terando Adam J. , Murray Brent A. , Collazo Jaime A. , Aide T. Mitchell
Published: July 2021

Climate change is altering the spatial distribution of many species around the world. In response, we need to identify and protect suitable areas for a large proportion of the fauna so that they persist through time. This exercise must also evaluate the ability of existing protected areas to provide safe havens for species in the context of climate change. Here, we combined passive acoustic monitoring, semi-automatic species identification models, and species distribution models of 21 bird and frog species based on past (1980–1989), present (2005–2014), and future (2040–2060) climate scenarios to determine how species distributions relate to the current distribution of protected areas in Puerto Rico. Species detection/non-detection data were acquired across ~ 700 sampling sites. We developed always-suitable maps that characterized suitable habitats in all three time periods for each species and overlaid these maps to identify regions with high species co-occurrence. These distributions were then compared with the distribution of existing protected areas. We show that Puerto Rico is projected to become dryer by 2040–2060, and precipitation in the warmest quarter was among the most important variables affecting bird and frog distributions. A large portion of always-suitable areas (ASA) is outside of protected areas (> 80%), and the percent of protected areas that overlaps with always-suitable areas is larger for bird (75%) than frog (39%) species. Our results indicate that present protected areas will not suffice to safeguard bird and frog species under climate change; however, the establishment of larger protected areas, buffer zones, and connectivity between protected areas may allow species to find suitable niches to withstand environmental changes.
A Feasibility Study for Determining the Sensible Heat Flux to and from Small Green Roofs
Authors: Wollschläger Niels , Schlink Uwe , Raabe Armin
Published: July 2021

Eddy covariance is an established technique for registering sensible heat fluxes. However, this method is less adequate for smaller surfaces that cannot match the associated footprint. As an alternative technique, a recently constructed acoustic anemometer (Ly-ATOM) is tested, which operates horizontally at an extension of circa 1 m and a data-acquisition frequency of 1 Hz. The Ly-ATOM device reproduces both the acoustic virtual temperature and the horizontal wind components registered by a three-dimensional sonic anemometer. As this Ly-ATOM device can be applied much closer to the ground compared with a sonic anemometer, the size of the related source area is significantly reduced (by a factor of 25). Two methods are used to retrieve the sensible heat flux from variance characteristics of temperature and the horizontal wind components recorded by the Ly-ATOM device: combining the flux-variance-similarity and alternative-flux-variance methods for use in unstable and stable stratification, respectively, yields good results for the sonic measurements. Therefore, these methods can be applied to the Ly-ATOM device as well. In investigating the sensitivity to detect modified surface characteristics, specifically increased evapotranspiration and decreased surface albedo, the Ly-ATOM device proves to be superior to the sonic anemometer which is more vertically removed from the surface of interest.
Investigating microcrystalline cellulose crystallinity using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Queiroz Ana Luiza P. , Kerins Brian M. , Yadav Jayprakash , Farag Fatma , Faisal Waleed , Crowley Mary Ellen , Lawrence Simon E. , Moynihan Humphrey A. , Healy Anne-Marie , Vucen Sonja , Crean Abina M.
Published: July 2021

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a semi-crystalline material with inherent variable crystallinity due to raw material source and variable manufacturing conditions. MCC crystallinity variability can result in downstream process variability. The aim of this study was to develop models to determine MCC crystallinity index (%CI) from Raman spectra of 30 commercial batches using Raman probes with spot sizes of 100 µm (MR probe) and 6 mm (PhAT probe). A principal component analysis model separated Raman spectra of the same samples captured using the different probes. The %CI was determined using a previously reported univariate model based on the ratio of the peaks at 380 and 1096 cm−1. The univariate model was adjusted for each probe. The %CI was also predicted from spectral data from each probe using partial least squares regression models (where Raman spectra and univariate %CI were the dependent and independent variables, respectively). Both models showed adequate predictive power. For these models a general reference amorphous spectrum was proposed for each instrument. The development of the PLS model substantially reduced the analysis time as it eliminates the need for spectral deconvolution. A web application containing all the models was developed.

Graphic abstract
The impact of macroeconomic and structural factors on the unemployment of young women and men
Authors: Bal-Domańska Beata
Published: July 2021

The presented article follows the research mainstream of econometric analyses focused on the assessment of correlations between youth unemployment rate and market and macroeconomic determinants, including economic growth and productivity of the economy, its structure in terms of NACE Rev.2 sections as well as the labor market tools. The research addresses 28 European Union (EU) countries. The analysis period covers the years 2008–2018. The econometric methods dedicated to panel data were used. The research results confirm the importance of the general economic condition as well as the development of knowledge-based economy for the improvement of the youth situation in the labor market. With regard to the economy structure, the development of manufacturing section importance turned out to be a major factor in female youth unemployment rate reduction. The growing importance of the construction sector translated into a decline in the unemployment rate among young men.
This time is different?—on the use of emergency measures during the corona pandemic
Authors: Bjørnskov Christian , Voigt Stefan
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only caused millions to die and even more to lose their jobs, it has also prompted more governments to simultaneously declare a state of emergency than ever before enabling us to compare their decisions more directly. States of emergency usually imply the extension of executive powers that diminishes the powers of other branches of government, as well as to the civil liberties of individuals. Here, we analyze the use of emergency provisions during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and find that it can be largely explained by drawing on political economy. It does, hence, not constitute an exception. We show that many governments have (mis-)used the pandemic as a pretext to curtail media freedom. We further show that executive decrees are considered as a substitute for states of emergency by many governments.
On the Contingency of Universalism
Authors: Calosi Claudio
Published: July 2021

The paper presents different arguments against the necessity of mereological universalism. First, it argues that they are examples of a much more general argumentative structure. It then contends that some of these arguments cannot be resisted by distinguishing different variants of universalism that have been recently proposed in the literature—in contrast with recent suggestions to the contrary. Finally, it provides different ways to resist such contingentist arguments on behalf of universalists.
Preliminary hemocompatibility assessment of an innovative material for blood contacting surfaces
Authors: Todesco Martina , Pontara Elena , Cheng Chunyan , Gerosa Gino , Pengo Vittorio , Bagno Andrea
Published: July 2021

Over the years, several devices have been created (and the development of many others is currently in progress) to be in permanent contact with blood: mechanical circulatory supports represent an example thereof. The hemocompatibility of these devices largely depends on the chemical composition of blood-contacting components. In the present work, an innovative material (hybrid membrane) is proposed to fabricate the inner surfaces of a pulsatile ventricular chamber: it has been obtained by coupling a synthetic polymer (e.g., commercial polycarbonate urethane) with decellularized porcine pericardium. The hemocompatibility of the innovative material has been preliminarily assessed by measuring its capacity to promote thrombin generation and induce platelet activation. Our results demonstrated the blood compatibility of the proposed hybrid membrane.
Computing directed Steiner path covers
Authors: Gurski Frank , Komander Dominique , Rehs Carolin , Rethmann Jochen , Wanke Egon
Published: July 2021

In this article we consider the Directed Steiner Path Cover problem on directed co-graphs. Given a directed graph $$G=(V,E)$$

G
=
(
V
,
E
)

and a set $$T \subseteq V$$

T
⊆
V

of so-called terminal vertices, the problem is to find a minimum number of vertex-disjoint simple directed paths, which contain all terminal vertices and a minimum number of non-terminal vertices (Steiner vertices). The primary minimization criteria is the number of paths. We show how to compute in linear time a minimum Steiner path cover for directed co-graphs. This leads to a linear time computation of an optimal directed Steiner path on directed co-graphs, if it exists. Since the Steiner path problem generalizes the Hamiltonian path problem, our results imply the first linear time algorithm for the directed Hamiltonian path problem on directed co-graphs. We also give binary integer programs for the (directed) Hamiltonian path problem, for the (directed) Steiner path problem, and for the (directed) Steiner path cover problem. These integer programs can be used to minimize change-over times in pick-and-place machines used by companies in electronic industry.
What is life?
Authors: Gómez-Márquez Jaime
Published: July 2021

Background

Many traditional biological concepts continue to be debated by biologists, scientists and philosophers of science. The specific objective of this brief reflection is to offer an alternative vision to the definition of life taking as a starting point the traits common to all living beings.

Results and Conclusions

Thus, I define life as a process that takes place in highly organized organic structures and is characterized by being preprogrammed, interactive, adaptative and evolutionary. If life is the process, living beings are the system in which this process takes place. I also wonder whether viruses can be considered living things or not. Taking as a starting point my definition of life and, of course, on what others have thought about it, I am in favor of considering viruses as living beings. I base this conclusion on the fact that viruses satisfy all the vital characteristics common to all living things and on the role they have played in the evolution of species. Finally, I argue that if there were life elsewhere in the universe, it would be very similar to what we know on this planet because the laws of physics and the composition of matter are universal and because of the principle of the inexorability of life.
Effects of intra-vineyard variability and soil heterogeneity on vine performance, dry matter and nutrient partitioning
Authors: Gatti Matteo , Garavani Alessandra , Squeri Cecilia , Diti Irene , De Monte Antea , Scotti Carla , Poni Stefano
Published: July 2021

Three vigor zones, identified in a Barbera vineyard by remote sensing at full canopy, were carefully ground-truthed to determine, over 2 years, the relative weight of soil factors in affecting within-field variability, and to investigate vigor zone influence on dry matter (DM) and nutrient partitioning into different vine organs. Regardless of season, high vigor (HV) achieved stronger vine capacity as total vegetative growth and yield while resulting in markedly less ripened fruits than low vigor (LV) vines. PCA analysis carried out on ten different soil and vine variables clearly separated the three vigor levels and the correlation matrix highlighted that the factors mostly contributing to HV were soil depth, soil K and P concentration, total available water, clay fraction and Nleafconcentration. Conversely, sand fraction was the main marker for LV. When annual DM retrieved in clusters, canes, leaves, and shoot clippings was calculated for each vigor level and expressed as content (i.e. kg/ha) there was a general decreasing trend moving from HV to LV. However, when DM partitioned to each organ was given on a relative basis (i.e. percentage over total) results were similar across vigor levels. Similarly, when nutrients were given as content (e.g. kg or g/ha) out of 120 within-vigor combinations (12 nutrients, 2 seasons, 5 organs), 65 showed a significant difference between HV and LV. Conversely, with data expressed on a concentration basis (i.e. % DM) the number of significant differences between the vigor level means fell to 15. The study strengthens the causal link between soil properties and intra-vineyard spatial variability and clarifies that patterns of dry matter and nutrient partitioning to different vine organs are mildly affected by vine vigor when referred on a relative basis.
Bayesian numerical methods for nonlinear partial differential equations
Authors: Wang Junyang , Cockayne Jon , Chkrebtii Oksana , Sullivan T. J. , Oates Chris. J.
Published: July 2021

The numerical solution of differential equations can be formulated as an inference problem to which formal statistical approaches can be applied. However, nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) pose substantial challenges from an inferential perspective, most notably the absence of explicit conditioning formula. This paper extends earlier work on linear PDEs to a general class of initial value problems specified by nonlinear PDEs, motivated by problems for which evaluations of the right-hand-side, initial conditions, or boundary conditions of the PDE have a high computational cost. The proposed method can be viewed as exact Bayesian inference under an approximate likelihood, which is based on discretisation of the nonlinear differential operator. Proof-of-concept experimental results demonstrate that meaningful probabilistic uncertainty quantification for the unknown solution of the PDE can be performed, while controlling the number of times the right-hand-side, initial and boundary conditions are evaluated. A suitable prior model for the solution of PDEs is identified using novel theoretical analysis of the sample path properties of Matérn processes, which may be of independent interest.
The influence of microclimate conditions on ozone disinfection efficacy in working places
Authors: Pironti Concetta , Moccia Giuseppina , Motta Oriana , Boccia Giovanni , Franci Gianluigi , Santoro Emanuela , Capunzo Mario , De Caro Francesco
Published: July 2021

In recent years, the sanitization of environments, devices, and objects has become mandatory to improve human and environmental safety, in addition to individual protection and prevention measures. International studies considered ozone one of the most useful and easy sanitization methods for indoor environments, especially hospital environments that require adequate levels of disinfection. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the microclimate influence on sanitizing procedure for indoor settings with ozone, to prevent infections and ensure the safe use of the environments. The concentration of ozone was measured during sanitization treatment and estimation of microorganisms’ survival on the air and different contaminated plates after the sanitization operations were performed. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in the microbial count that always fell below the threshold value in different conditions of distance, temperature, and relative humidity.
Consultant psychiatrists’ perspectives on occupational stress in child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS)
Authors: Doody Niamh , O’Connor Cliodhna , McNicholas Fiona
Published: July 2021

Background

Occupational stress is increasingly recognised as key factor contributing to service quality, safety, and worker wellbeing, with clinician providers most at high risk.

Objectives

To explore work-related stressors among consultant child and adolescent psychiatrists working in CAMHS.

Methods

Fifty-two consultants completed an online questionnaire with free-text entries describing factors contributing to occupational stress in CAMHS in Ireland.

Results

Content analysis indicated that consultants’ perception of working conditions revolved around six factors: organisational factors, human resources, adequacy of services, professional relationships, socio-political factors, and public perception. Both adequate skilled staff and funding, identified by 54% and 34% of respondents, were viewed as essential factors associated with occupational wellbeing, the most often cited concern (raised by 56% consultants) which contributed to occupational stress was of widespread public misunderstanding of CAMHS’ remit.

Conclusions

Given decades of under-resourcing, ensuring adequate levels and expertise of staffing in the post-COVID-19 era must become a reality. However, less obvious and equally important is that of correcting any public misperceptions regarding CAMHS “core” business to ensure that available scarce resources are utilised most effectively, and that staff stress levels are minimised. To achieve this, active engagement between service users, providers and planners must be undertaken.
Study on the characteristic curve of laser-induced delayed luminescence in leaves of Scindapsus
Authors: Jiang Meili , Li Chenhao , Tang B. Qing , Gao Peng , Wang Jing , Yang Yongdong , Zhang Xiaochun , Liu Yang
Published: July 2021

At room temperature, we studied the delayed luminescence characteristic curves of the leaves of Scindapsus in darkroom and continuously irradiate at different wavelengths. The results show that the decay of stimulated emission photons induced by pulsed laser has a typical hyperbolic trend with the delay time, and the goodness of fitted curve can reach 99.9%. The initial photon intensity I (0) and decay time τ are closely related to the environment and physiological activities of plants. In the dark room, it was found that the initial intensity and decay time of the delayed luminescence curve for picked leaves decreased, while the potted leaves remained almost unchanged. The characteristic curve of laser-induced delayed luminescence accurately reflected the process and degree of plant wilting. For continuously irradiated by the laser wavelength of 520 nm and 400 nm, respectively, the change in curve parameters reflects the selective absorption of different light wavelengths. Compare the condition with having light and without, the metabolites of photosynthesis and respiration are different in plants, which leads to greatly changes in decay time. The characteristic curve of laser-induced delayed luminescence can be used as an important parameter to measure the physiological state of plants.
Surgical Risk Reduction, Breast Cancer and Childbearing
Authors: Weltz Christina , Port Elisa
Published: July 2021

Purpose of Review

Young women who carry a genetic predisposition to breast cancer need to balance surgical and nonsurgical risk reducing options with childbearing. In this review, we explore how women make decisions without the benefit of official guidelines and in the context of frequently contradictory strategies.

Recent Findings

Women of reproductive age with known BRCA mutations receive incomplete and conflicting advice regarding the urgency and timing of risk reducing mastectomy (RRM). Those who prioritize RRM achieve highly effective prevention and thereby avoid not only a diagnosis of breast cancer but also adjuvant therapies which limit future childbearing. All reconstructive options are available and high levels of satisfaction are reported. Those who delay prophylactic mastectomy can pursue nonsurgical breast and ovarian risk reduction strategies such as tamoxifen and oral contraception, yet these delay child bearing. Women who prioritize child bearing maintain the ability to breast feed but have limited screening options during pregnancy and lactation.

Prioritization and timing of risk reduction and childbearing in young BRCA positive women is challenging. Elucidating these challenges enables clinicians to better counsel these women.
A Network Analysis of the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ)
Authors: Lecuona Oscar , García-Rubio Carlos , de Rivas Sara , Moreno-Jiménez Jennifer E. , Meda-Lara Rosa Marta , Rodríguez-Carvajal Raquel
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) is a popular self-report instrument for mindfulness assessment. However, several studies report mixed evidence regarding its reliability and validity. While recent replication studies have shown several issues regarding its latent structure, first-order facets seemed to replicate successfully. This study proposes an exploratory approach to these facets on an item level in one sample, with cross-validation in another sample.

Methods

Using a snowball sampling, 1008 participants were recruited in the first sample. Psychometric networks were applied to explore relations between items and item clusters. We compared these exploratory latent variable proposals with previous literature. A second sample of 1210 participants was collected from an FFMQ validation study, and confirmatory factor analyses were applied to cross-validate findings on the first sample.

Results

The FFMQ showed a positively correlated network. Exploratory analyses suggested the 5-facet structure as stable with alternatives of 4-facet (merging Observe and Non-Judging) and 6-facet (splitting Acting with Awareness in two) solutions. However, the CFAs in the second sample did not provide clear support to any solution.

Conclusions

The FFMQ showed unclear evidence on its latent structure. We propose researchers and users of the FFMQ to use the most fitting solution between the 5 and 6-facet solutions in their data, since the 4-facet solution is difficult to interpret. We also propose cautionary notes and guidelines for researchers and applied users of the FFMQ and regarding this instrument. We conclude that more research is needed in mindfulness assessment to provide robust measurements.
Dynamic flight load measurements with MEMS pressure sensors
Authors: Raab Christian , Rohde-Brandenburger Kai
Published: July 2021

The determination of structural loads plays an important role in the certification process of new aircraft. Strain gauges are usually used to measure and monitor the structural loads encountered during the flight test program. However, a time-consuming wiring and calibration process is required to determine the forces and moments from the measured strains. Sensors based on MEMS provide an alternative way to determine loads from the measured aerodynamic pressure distribution around the structural component. Flight tests were performed with a research glider aircraft to investigate the flight loads determined with the strain based and the pressure based measurement technology. A wing glove equipped with 64 MEMS pressure sensors was developed for measuring the pressure distribution around a selected wing section. The wing shear force determined with both load determination methods were compared to each other. Several flight maneuvers with varying loads were performed during the flight test program. This paper concentrates on the evaluation of dynamic flight maneuvers including Stalls and Pull-Up Push-Over maneuvers. The effects of changes in the aerodynamic flow characteristics during the maneuver could be detected directly with the pressure sensors based on MEMS. Time histories of the measured pressure distributions and the wing shear forces are presented and discussed.
Coordination and Cooperation are Essential: A Call for a Global Network to Enhance Integrated Human Health Risk Resilience Based on China’s COVID-19 Pandemic Coping Practice
Authors: Sun Yelin , Liu Tian , Ye Tao , Shi Peijun
Published: July 2021

More than a year after its appearance and still rampant around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted tragically how poorly the world is prepared to handle systemic risks in an increasingly hyper-connected global social-ecological system. The absence or clear inadequacy of global governance arrangements and mechanisms is painfully distinct and obvious. In this short article, we summarize a set of COVID-19 pandemic-related analyses and lessons that are inspired by Chinese practice. First, strong government response is one of the most important methods to control a pandemic. Second, countries should be concerned about human-to-frozen goods-to-human transmission. Third, sharing resources and experiences through cooperation is crucial to ensure an adequate health response. Based on these insights, we stress the critical importance of coordination and cooperation, and call for a global network to enhance integrated human health risk resilience.
Enhanced cube implementation for highly stratified population
Authors: Jauslin Raphaël , Eustache Esther , Tillé Yves
Published: July 2021

A balanced sampling design should always be the adopted strategy if auxiliary information is available. In addition, integrating a stratified structure of the population in the sampling process can considerably reduce the variance of the estimators. We propose here a new method to handle the selection of a balanced sample in a highly stratified population. The method improves substantially the commonly used sampling designs and reduces the time-consuming problem that could arise if inclusion probabilities within strata do not sum to an integer.
Paranoid styles and innumeracy: implications of a conspiracy mindset on Europeans' misperceptions about immigrants
Authors: Martini Sergio , Guidi Mattia , Olmastroni Francesco , Basile Linda , Borri Rossella , Isernia Pierangelo
Published: July 2021

Innumeracy, that is, the inability to deal with numbers and provide correct estimates about political issues, is reported to be widespread among the public. Yet, despite the recognition that a conspiracy mindset is an increasingly common phenomenon in Western democracies, this has not been considered as a potential correlate of innumeracy. Using data from an online sample of respondents across 10 European countries, we show that those with a higher propensity to hold a conspiracy worldview tend to overestimate the actual share of the immigrant population living in their own country. This association holds true when accounting for country heterogeneity and other cognitive, affective and socio-demographic factors. Employing a comparative design and refined measurements, the article contributes to our understanding of how a conspiracy mentality may influence perceptions of relevant political facts, questioning basic processes of democratic accountability.
State-Owned Enterprises as Institutional Actors: A Hybrid Historical Institutionalist and Institutional Work Framework
Authors: Butzbach Olivier , Fuller Douglas B. , Schnyder Gerhard , Svystunova Liudmyla
Published: July 2021

Although state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are recognized as important economic actors, the literature to date has assumed close state control over SOEs and, therefore, their passive stance towards institutions. Drawing on the institutional work and historical institutionalism literatures, we challenge this view. We develop a multilevel framework of SOE top management teams’ (TMTs’) embedded agency, spanning the national macro-institutional level, the meso-level of regimes of state-SOE relations, and sector-specific institutions. We then derive propositions regarding the factors across these multiple levels that shape SOE TMTs’ motivation, resources, and scope for institutional work. This framework allows us to explain the leeway for and likelihood of SOE TMTs’ engagement in institutional work across institutional contexts.
Extending the Ladder of Stances: Comments on Chakravartty's Scientific Ontology
Authors: Slater Matthew H.
Published: July 2021

I raise questions about Chakravartty's voluntarism about stances: supposing that we recognize a hierarchy of stances, voluntarism might be at once true (in an ultimate sense) but misleading when it comes to the practical tenability of pursuing certain debates in the philosophy of science, such as the debate about scientific realism or how to ‘naturalize’ metaphysics.
Arc-related peridotite blocks exhumed to the Eastern Block of the North China Craton prior to 2.47 Ga
Authors: Gong Mingyue , Tian Wei , Li Zhuang , Fu Bin , Wei Chunjing
Published: July 2021

The Songling and Majiayu peridotite blocks occur in the Eastern Block, North China Craton (NCC). Geothermobarometry data show that the Songling peridotites began exhumation from a depth ofc. 70 km (c. 23 kbar). During exhumation, the Songling peridotites were intruded by an upper-crust-derived, high-δ18O (up to +7.28‰ in zircon) trondhjemitic dyke at 2.47 Ga and experienced granulite-facies metamorphism. The Songling peridotites have hybrid mantle wedge (HMW) -like high SiO2(> 45 wt%), high FeOt (c. 10 wt%) content, high modal orthopyroxene abundance (> 35%) and highϵNd(t) (+18.4 to +21.4), which were generated by the reaction between peridotite and eclogite-derived melts. The clinopyroxenes from the Songling peridotites were in equilibrium with a Nb-, Zr- and Ti-depleted arc-like magma. The Majiayu peridotites are characterized by depletion of Nb, Zr and Hf and are highly enriched in FeOt, Th and light rare earth elements (LREEs), which can be interpreted as an open system reaction between hydrous melts and fore-arc mantle peridotites. These two peridotite blocks are considered to be arc-related mantle peridotites that experienced melt extraction and metasomatism in different styles. They were exhumed to the north margin of the North China Craton during thec. 2.47 Ga arc–continent collision along the Zunhua structural belt.