bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MRI characterization of focal liver lesions in non-cirrhotic patients: assessment of added value of gadoxetic acid-enhanced hepatobiliary phase imaging
Authors: Moosavi Bardia , Shenoy-Bhangle Anuradha S. , Tsai Leo L. , Reuf Robert , Mortele Koenraad J.
Published: September 2020

Background

To evaluate the added value of the hepatobiliary (HPB) phase in gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in characterizing newly discovered indeterminate focal liver lesions in non-cirrhotic patients.

Results

One-hundred and twenty-five non-cirrhotic patients (median age, 46 years; range, 20–85 years; 100 females) underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI, including the 20-min delayed HPB phase, for characterization of newly discovered focal liver lesions. Images were independently evaluated by two blinded, board-certified abdominal radiologists (R1 and R2) who characterized liver lesions without and with assessment of the HPB phase images in two separate readout sessions. Confidence in diagnosis was scored on a scale from 0 to 3. Inter-observer agreement was assessed using Cohen κ statistics. Change in diagnosis and confidence in diagnosis were evaluated by Wilcoxon signed rank test. There was no significant change in diagnosis before and after evaluation of the HPB phase for both readers (p= 1.0 for R1;p= 0.34 for R2). Confidence in diagnosis decreased from average 2.8 ± 0.45 to 2.6 ± 0.59 for R1 and increased from 2.6 ± 0.83 to 2.8 ± 0.46 for R2. Change in confidence was only statistically significant for R1 (p= 0.003) but not significant for R2 (p= 0.49). Inter-reader agreement in diagnosis was good without (k= 0.66) and with (k= 0.75) inclusion of the HPB phase images.

Conclusions

The added information obtained from the HPB phase of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI does not change the diagnosis or increase confidence in diagnosis when evaluating new indeterminate focal liver lesions in non-cirrhotic patients.
Chicken bromodomain-containing protein 2 interacts with the Newcastle disease virus matrix protein and promotes viral replication
Authors: Duan Zhiqiang , Han Yifan , Zhou Lei , Yuan Chao , Wang Yanbi , Zhao Caiqin , Tang Hong , Chen Jiaqi
Published: September 2020

Bromodomain-containing protein 2 (BRD2) is a nucleus-localized serine-threonine kinase that plays pivotal roles in the transcriptional control of diverse genes. In our previous study, the chicken BRD2 (chBRD2) protein was found to interact with the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) matrix (M) protein using a yeast two-hybrid screening system, but the role of the chBRD2 protein in the replication of NDV remains unclear. In this study, we first confirmed the interaction between the M protein and chBRD2 protein using fluorescence co-localization, co-immunoprecipitation and pull-down assays. Intracellular binding studies indicated that the C-terminus (aa 264–313) of the M protein and the extra-terminal (ET) domain (aa 619–683) of the chBRD2 protein were responsible for interactions with each other. Interestingly, although two amino acids (T621 and S649) found in the chBRD2/ET domain were different from those in the human BRD2/ET domain and in that of other mammals, they did not disrupt the BRD2-M interaction or the chBRD2-M interaction. In addition, we found that the transcription of the chBRD2 gene was obviously decreased in both NDV-infected cells and pEGFP-M-transfected cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of chBRD2 or overexpression of chBRD2 remarkably enhanced or reduced NDV replication by upregulating or downregulating viral RNA synthesis and transcription, respectively. Overall, we demonstrate for the first time that the interaction of the M protein with the chBRD2 protein in the nucleus promotes NDV replication by downregulating chBRD2 expression and facilitating viral RNA synthesis and transcription. These results will provide further insight into the biological functions of the M protein in the replication of NDV.
The upper bound of multi-source DOA information in sensor array and its application in performance evaluation
Authors: Tu Weilin , Xu Dazhuan , Zhou Ying , Shi Chao
Published: September 2020

Direction of arrival (DOA) estimation has been discussed extensively in the array signal processing field. In this paper, the authors focus on the multi-source DOA information which is defined as the mutual information between the DOA and the received signal contaminated by complex additive white Gaussian noise. A theoretical expression of DOA information with multiple sources is derived for the uniform linear array. At high SNRs and under the sparse-source assumption obtained is the upper bound of DOA information contained in K sparse sources which can be regarded as the sum of all single-source information minus the uncertainty of sources’ order logK!. Moreover, because of the uncertainty of multi-sources’ order, the posteriori probability distribution of DOA no longer obeys single peak Gaussian distribution so that the mean square error is unsuitable in evaluating the performance of multi-dimensional parameter estimation. Consequently, entropy error (EE) is used as a new performance evaluation metric, whose relationship with DOA information is given.
Approximation results for split equilibrium problems and fixed point problems of nonexpansive semigroup in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Arfat Yasir , Kumam Poom , Ngiamsunthorn Parinya Sa , Khan Muhammad Aqeel Ahmad , Sarwar Hammad , Fukhar-ud-Din Hafiz
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we study a modified extragradient method for computing a common solution to the split equilibrium problem and fixed point problem of a nonexpansive semigroup in real Hilbert spaces. The weak and strong convergence characteristics of the proposed algorithm are investigated by employing suitable control conditions in such a setting of spaces. As a consequence, we provide a simplified analysis of various existing results concerning the extragradient method in the current literature. We also provide a numerical example to strengthen the theoretical results and the applicability of the proposed algorithm.
The roles of nasal nitric oxide in diagnosis and endotypes of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Zhu Mengdi , Gao Xuehuan , Zhu Zhuang , Hu Xiaoqing , Zhou Hui , Liu Jisheng
Published: September 2020

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps (CRSwNP) is a global health concern. Nasal nitric oxide (nNO), a clinical biomarker, have been studied to assess the presence of airway mucosal inflammation. This study aimed to clarify the roles of nNO in diagnosis and endotypes of CRSwNP.

Methods

Eighty-two CRSwNP patients and thirty healthy volunteers were recruited for this study. The patients were classified into eosinophilic CRSwNP (Eos CRSwNP) and non⁃eosinophilic CRSwNP (Non-Eos CRSwNP) endotypes by tissue eosinophil percentage. nNO levels were measured with an electrochemical sensor-based device. nNO levels and clinical factors were compared among the groups. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve and logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the predictive ability of the nNO for diagnosis and endotypes of CRSwNP.

Results

Eos CRSwNP patients(143.9 ± 106.2, ppb) had lower nNO levels than Non-Eos CRSwNP(228.3 ± 109.2, ppb, p = 0.013) and healthy subjects(366.5 ± 88, ppb, p < 0.0001). Patients with atopy exhibited significantly higher levers of nNO compared with patients without atopy ( p < 0.05). For Eos CRSwNP diagnosis, nNO had high predictive value for Eos CRSwNP (AUC: 0.939; sensitivity: 76.74%; specificity: 96.67%; cut-off value: 231 ppb, p < 0.001). Furthermore, nNO levels were associated with CRSwNP endotypes (odds ratio: 1.010; 95% confidence interval: 1.003, 1.016%; p = 0.002). When the nNO concentration was 158 ppb, we could discriminate Eos CRSwNP from Non-Eos CRSwNP (AUC = 0.710, sensitivity: 76.92%; specificity, 60.47%, P = 0.001). After it was combinated by nNO, peripheral blood eosinophil count (PEAC) and VAS score, the AUC was increased to 0.894 (95%CI = 0.807 to 0.951, p < 0.0001, sensitivity:76.74%, specificity: 89.74%).

Conclusions

nNO may have potential for non-invasive diagnosis and endotype of CRSwNP. nNO combined with PEAC and VAS score may be a good diagnostic tool for endotyps of Eos CRSwNP. However, the atopic status of the patients influenced the levels of nNO.
Personal protective eyewear usage among industrial workers in small-scale enterprises
Authors: AlMahmoud Tahra , Elkonaisi Ismail , Grivna Michal , Abu-Zidan Fikri M.
Published: September 2020

Background

Work-related eye injury causes significant vision loss. Most of these injuries are preventable with appropriate eye safety practices. We aimed to study industrial workers’ perceptions of Personal Protective Eyewear (PPE) and its usage in a high income developing country.

Methods

A field-based cross-sectional study in small-scale industrial entities was performed in Al-Ain City, UAE during the period of October 2018 to June 2019. Five hundred workers completed a pretested structured questionnaire. Data on demographics, occupational history, work hazard awareness, and PPE usage at their work place were collected.

Results

The workers were experienced, with a median of 15 years in practice. The majority (80%) learned their work skills through apprenticeship (i.e., on-the-job) training. Most (85%) were involved with activities presenting eye injury risk, and were highly aware of this. None of the workers used safety goggles or glasses all the time for activities that need PPE usage. Five percent never used PPE in the workplace. The main reason for not using PPE was the work demands (95%) and poor vision through the lenses (75%). Young age and less work experience were associated with less PPE usage (P < 0.0001). Wearing prescription spectacles had a positive correlation with usage of safety goggles (P = 0.005) and a negative correlation with welding helmet usage (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

There was a high level of awareness about the value of PPE in the workplace which was not translated into real practice. Educational programs promoting eye safety practices and proper PPE usage should be adopted by workers in small-scale industrial settings.
Modeling the predictors of stunting in Ethiopia: analysis of 2016 Ethiopian demographic health survey data (EDHS)
Authors: Mengesha Hayelom Gebrekirstos , Vatanparast Hassan , Feng Cindy , Petrucka Pammla
Published: September 2020

Background

Despite continued efforts to address malnutrition, there is minimal reduction in the prevalence rates of stunting in developing countries, including Ethiopia. The association between nutritional and socioeconomic factors collected from a national survey in Ethiopia and stunting have not been rigorously analyzed. Therefore, this study aims to model the effect of nutritional and socioeconomic predictors using 2016 Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) data.

Methods

This study is a secondary data analysis of the 2016 EDHS survey, which included 7909 children aged 6 to59 months. Descriptive statistics using frequency and percentage for categorical data and mean and standard deviation for metric data were conducted. Linearity, confounding, and multicollinearity were checked. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were carried out. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. A receiver operative curve was built to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of the model.

Results

The study identified that 39.2% of children included in this analysis were stunted. Furthermore, 76.47, 84.27, and 92.62% of the children did not consume fruits and vegetables, legumes and lentils, or meat and its products, respectively. Children aged 24 months to 59 months were found to be at 9.71 times higher risk of being stunted compared to their younger counterparts aged 6–24 months (AOR: 9.71; CI: 8.07, 11.6 children). Those children weighing below 9.1 kg were at 27.86 odds of being stunted compared to those weighing 23.3 kg and above. Moreover, mothers with a height below 150 cm (AOR: 2.01; CI: 1.76, 2.5), living in a rural area (AOR: 1.3, CI: 1.09, 1.54), and being male (AOR: 1.4; CI: 1.26, 1.56) were factors associated with stunting. The predictive ability of the model was 77%: if a pair of observations with stunted and non-stunted children were taken, the model correctly ranks 77% of such pair of observations.

Conclusion

The model indicates that being born male, being from a mother of short stature, living in rural areas, small child size, mother with mild anemia, father having no formal education or primary education only, having low child weight, and being 24–59 months of age increases the likelihood of stunting. On the other hand, being born of an overweight or obese mother decreases the likelihood of stunting.
Structural organization and cohesiveness of foraging groups in Camponotus sericeus (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): locally regulated or self-organized?
Authors: Ashwathi Panayanthatta , Puspita Barman , Ganeshaiah K. N.
Published: September 2020

Background

In Camponotus sericeus (Fabricius), foraging ants are recruited mostly as individuals but occasionally as small groups that move in a single file. We studied the structure and organization of these small foraging groups and attempted to understand the process through which the cohesiveness of the moving file is maintained.

Results

The recruited group moves in a single file as if steered by a leader at the moving tip. Ants in the group were found to exhibit certain fidelity to their respective positions in the file, despite the occasional breakdown of the cohesiveness due to disturbance and or obstructions on their path. This fidelity decreases from both ends towards the middle part of the file. Accordingly, three segments could be recognized in the moving file: (a) the leading ant that almost always maintains its position and steers the group, (b) a short tail part with a few ants that always trail the file and, (c) the mid part that binds the group; ants in this segment always tend to follow the leader through a cascading chain of tactile communication. If the leader ant is removed, entire group loses its orientation and enters into a chaotic search state. But removing any other ant does not affect the cohesiveness; rather it’s position is occupied by the member preceding it and thus maintains the link in the group.

Conclusions

The cohesiveness of the moving group appeared to result from (a) regulation of the movement of the group by the leading ant, and, (b) an interactive process among the rest of the ants. Based on these two elements, a simple automated model of the group’s movement was developed that could effectively mimic the observed pattern. We also provide evidence to suggest that recruitment of groups occurs in the direction of, and in response to, the information received by the colony on, the resource rich patches.
New indicator Escherichia coli strain for rapid and accurate detection of supF mutations
Authors: Fukushima Ruriko , Suzuki Tetsuya , Kamiya Hiroyuki
Published: September 2020

Background

The supF gene of Escherichia coli is useful for forward mutation analysis in bacterial and mammalian cells used in mutagenesis and DNA repair studies. Indicator E. coli strains, such as KS40/pOF105, have been used to analyze supF mutations. However, KS40/pOF105 is not enough to select supF mutants on nutrient-rich agar plates. Therefore, in this study, a new indicator E. coli strain for rapid and accurate detection of supF mutations was developed.

Results

The gyrA and rpsL genes with an amber mutation were integrated into the chromosomal DNA of E. coli KS40 to produce a new indicator strain, RF01. RF01 cells transformed by the wild-type supF gene were sensitive to nalidixic acid and streptomycin on LB agar plates. supF mutant frequencies and mutation spectra in RF01 were similar to those in KS40/pOF105. In addition, some mutations in supF were only detected in RF01.

Conclusion

RF01 is a new and useful indicator E. coli strain for analyzing supF mutations.
Correction to: Changes in nutritional status of children who lived in temporary shelters in Bhaktapur municipality after the 2015 Nepal earthquake
Authors: Dhoubhadel Bhim Gopal , Raya Ganendra Bhakta , Shrestha Dhruba , Shrestha Raj Kumar , Dhungel Yogendra , Suzuki Motoi , Yasunami Michio , Smith Chris , Ariyoshi Koya , Parry Christopher M.
Published: September 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Fluoroscopically-guided interventions with radiation doses exceeding 5000 mGy reference point air kerma: a dosimetric analysis of 89,549 interventional radiology, neurointerventional radiology, vascular surgery, and neurosurgery encounters
Authors: Bundy Jacob J. , McCracken Ian W. , Shin David S. , Monroe Eric J. , Johnson Guy E. , Ingraham Christopher R. , Kanal Kalpana M. , Bundy Richa A. , Jones Sean T. , Valji Karim , Chick Jeffrey Forris Beecham
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To quantify and categorize fluoroscopically-guided procedures with radiation doses exceeding 5000 mGy reference point air kerma (Ka,r). Ka,r > 5000 mGy has been defined as a “significant radiation dose” by the Society of Interventional Radiology. Identification and analysis of interventions with high radiation doses has the potential to reduce radiation-induced injuries.

Materials and methods

Radiation dose data from a dose monitoring system for 19 interventional suites and 89,549 consecutive patient encounters from January 1, 2013 to August 1, 2019 at a single academic institution were reviewed. All patient encounters with Ka,r > 5000 mGy were included. All other encounters were excluded (n = 89,289). Patient demographics, medical specialty, intervention type, fluoroscopy time (minutes), dose area product (mGy·cm2), and Ka,r (mGy) were evaluated.

Results

There were 260 (0.3%) fluoroscopically-guided procedures with Ka,r > 5000 mGy. Of the 260 procedures which exceeded 5000 mGy, neurosurgery performed 81 (30.5%) procedures, followed by interventional radiology (n = 75; 28.2%), neurointerventional radiology (n = 55; 20.7%), and vascular surgery (n = 49; 18.4%). The procedures associated with the highest Ka,r were venous stent reconstruction performed by interventional radiology, arteriovenous malformation embolization performed by neurointerventional radiology, spinal hardware fixation by neurosurgery, and arterial interventions performed by vascular surgery. Neurointerventional radiology had the highest mean Ka,r (7,799 mGy), followed by neurosurgery (7452 mGy), vascular surgery (6849 mGy), and interventional radiology (6109 mGy). The mean Ka,r for interventional radiology performed procedures exceeding 5000 mGy was significantly lower than that for neurointerventional radiology, neurosurgery, and vascular surgery.

Conclusions

Fluoroscopically-guided procedures with radiation dose exceeding 5000 mGy reference point air kerma are uncommon. The results of this study demonstrate that a large proportion of cases exceeding 5000 mGy were performed by non-radiologists, who likely do not receive the same training in radiation physics, radiation biology, and dose reduction techniques as radiologists.
Lack of cerebellar tDCS effects on learning of a complex whole body dynamic balance task in middle-aged (50–65 years) adults
Authors: Rauscher M. , Yavari F. , Batsikadze G. , Ludolph N. , Ilg W. , Nitsche M. A. , Timmann D. , Steiner K. M.
Published: September 2020

Background

Cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is widely considered as a promising non-invasive tool to foster motor performance and learning in health and disease. The results of previous studies, however, are inconsistent. Our group failed to provide evidence for an effect of cerebellar tDCS on learning of a complex whole body dynamic balance task in young and healthy participants. Ceiling effects in the young study population are one possible explanation for the negative findings.

Methods

In the present study, we therefore tested 40 middle-aged healthy participants between the ages of 50 to 65 years. Participants received either anodal or sham cerebellar tDCS using a double-blinded study design while performing a balance task on a Lafayette Instrument 16,030 stability platform®. Mean platform angle and mean balance time were assessed as outcome measures.

Results

Significant learning effects were found in all participants. Balancing performance and learning rate was significantly less in the group of middle-aged adults compared to our previous group of young adults. No significant effects of cerebellar tDCS were observed.

Conclusions

Our findings are in line with other studies that have failed to prove robust effects of cerebellar tDCS on motor learning. The present findings, however, do not exclude cerebellar tDCS effects. tDCS effects may be more prominent after repeated stimulation, using other stimulus parameters, in patient populations, or in other motor learning tasks.

Trial registration

Not applicable.
Interpersonal theory of suicide: prospective examination
Authors: Forkmann Thomas , Glaesmer Heide , Paashaus Laura , Rath Dajana , Schönfelder Antje , Stengler Katharina , Juckel Georg , Assion Hans-Jörg , Teismann Tobias
Published: September 2020

Background

The interpersonal theory of suicide (IPTS) is one of the most intensively researched contemporary theories on the development of suicidal ideation and behaviour. However, there is a lack of carefully conducted prospective studies.

Aims

To evaluate the main predictions of the IPTS regarding the importance of perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness and capability for suicide in predicting future suicide attempts in a prospective design.

Method

Psychiatric in-patients (n = 308; 53.6% (n = 165) female; mean age 36.82 years, s.d. = 14.30, range 18–81) admitted for severe suicidal ideation (n = 145, 47.1%) or a suicide attempt completed self-report measures of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, capability for suicide, hopelessness, depression and suicidal ideation as well as interviews on suicide intent and suicide attempts and were followed up for 12 months. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis were conducted.

Results

The interaction of perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness and capability for suicide was not predictive of future suicide attempts, but perceived burdensomeness showed a significant main effect (z = 3.49, P < 0.01; OR = 2.34, 95% CI 1.59–3.58) and moderate performance in screening for future suicide attempts (area under the curve AUC = 0.729, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The results challenge the theoretical validity of the IPTS and its clinical utility – at least within the methodological limitations of the current study. Yet, findings underscore the importance of perceived burdensomeness in understanding suicidal ideation and behaviour.
Prompt gamma imaging for the identification of regional proton range deviations due to anatomic change in a heterogeneous region
Authors: Xie Yunhe , Petzoldt Johannes , Janssens Guillaume , O'Grady Fionnbarr , Yin Lingshu , Bentefour El Hassane , Smeets Julien , Prieels Damien , Lustig Robert A , Lin Alexander , Teo Boon-Keng
Published: September 2020

Objectives:

Prompt gamma (PG) imaging has previously been demonstrated for use in proton range verification of a brain treatment with a homogeneous target region. In this study, the feasibility of PG imaging to detect anatomic change within a heterogeneous region is presented.

Methods:

A prompt gamma camera recorded several fractions of a patient treatment to the base of skull. An evaluation CT revealed a decrease in sinus cavity filling during the treatment course. Comparison of PG profiles between measurement and simulation was performed to investigate range variations between planned and measured pencil beam spot positions.

Results:

For one field, an average over range of 3 mm due to the anatomic change could be detected for a subset of spots traversing the sinus cavity region. The two other fields appeared less impacted by the change but predicted range variations could not be detected. These results were partially consistent with the simulations of the evaluation CT.

Conclusion:

We report the first clinical application of PG imaging that detected some of the expected small regional proton range deviations due to anatomic change in a heterogeneous region. However, several limitations exist with the technology that may limit its sensitivity to detect range deviations in heterogeneous regions.

Advances in knowledge:

We report on the first detection of range variations due to anatomic change in a heterogeneous region using PGI. The results confirm the feasibility of using PG-based range verification in highly heterogeneous target regions to identify deviations from the treatment plan.
Distribution of Currents and Voltages, Induced by Electric Field of Three-Phase Overhead Transmission Line along the Grounded Phase/Cable of Disconnected Parallel Power Line
Authors: Demchenko D. , Rubcova N. , Ryabchenko V. , Tokarskiy A.
Published: September 2020

The health maintenance of linemen working at overhead transmission lines under induced voltage requires compliance of these voltages’ limit values. To ensure compliance with these requirements have been developed algorithms for calculating of currents and voltages distribution along the grounded phase/cable of disconnected power line, induced by the electric field of operating three-phase overhead power line without transposition, with full and incomplete complete phases transposition section .
DISTURBED MAGNETOSPHERE ON NOVEMBER 7–8, 2004AND VARIATIONS OF COSMIC RAY CUTOFF RIGIDITY: LATITUDE EFFECTS
Authors: Danilova Olga , Ptitsyna Natalia , Tyasto Marta , Sdobnov Valeriy
Published: September 2020

We have studied the latitude behavior of cosmic ray cutoff rigidity and their sensitivity to Bz and By components of the interplanetary magnetic field and geomagnetic activity indices Dst and Kp for different phases of the November 7–8, 2004 strong magnetic storm. Cutoff rigidities have been calculated using two methods: the spectrographic global survey method in which the cutoff rigidity is determined from observational data, acquired by the neutron monitor network, and the method in which particle trajectories are calculated numerically in a model magnetic field of the magnetosphere. We have found that the sensitivity of observed cutoff rigidities to Dst changes with latitude (threshold rigidity of stations) is in antiphase with changes in the sensitivity to By. During the recovery phase of the storm, the Dst correlation with By is significantly greater than that with Bz, and the Kp correlation with Bz is greater than that with By. The By component is shown to be a predominant driver of the current systems that determine the Dst evolution during the recovery phase.
FEATURES OF EXCITATION AND AZIMUTHAL AND MERIDIONAL PROPAGATION OF LONG-PERIOD Pi3 OSCILLATIONS OF THE GEOMAGNETIC FIELD ON DECEMBER 8, 2017
Authors: Moiseev Aleksey , Starodubtsev Sergei , Mishin Vladimir
Published: September 2020

We study the Pi3 pulsations (with a period T=15–30 min) that were recorded on December 8, 2017 at ground stations in the midnight sector of the magnetosphere at the latitude range of DP2 current system convective electrojets. We have found that Pi3 are especially pronounced in the pre-midnight sector with amplitude of up to 300 nT and duration of up to 2.5 hrs. The pulsation amplitude rapidly decreased with decreasing latitude from F′=72° to F′=63°. The event was recorded during the steady magnetospheric convection. In the southward Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field, irregular oscillations were detected in the Pi3 frequency range. They correspond to slow magnetosonic waves occurring without noticeable variations in the dynamic pressure Pd. Ground-based geomagnetic observations have shown azimuthal propagation of pulsations with a 0.6–10.6 km/s velocity east and west of the midnight meridian. An analysis of the dynamics of pulsations along the meridian has revealed their propagation to the equator at a velocity 0.75–7.87 km/s. In the projection onto the magnetosphere, the velocities are close in magnitude to the observed propagation velocities of substorm injected electrons. In the dawn-side magnetosphere during ground-observed Pi3 pulsations, compression mode oscillations were recorded.

We conclude that propagation of geomagnetic field oscillations in this event depends on the dynamics of particle injections under the action of a large-scale electric field of magnetospheric convection, which causes the plasma to move to Earth due to reconnection in the magnetotail. Small-scale oscillations in the magnetosphere were secondary, excited by the solar wind oscillations penetrating into the magnetosphere.
THE ATMOSPHERE BELOW 200 km OVER NORILSK AT SOLAR MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM
Authors: Yakovleva Olga , Kushnarenko Galina , Kuznetsova Galina
Published: September 2020

We have obtained seasonal variations in relative values of the main thermospheric gas components [O]/[N₂] and [O₂]/[O] during solar maximum. We have used our method and measurements made with the Norilsk digisonde (69.4° N, 88.1° E) at heights of the ionospheric layer F1 (120–200 km) in quiet and disturbed geomagnetic conditions. We have compared [O]/[N₂] and [O₂]/[O] ratios during solar maximum with the corresponding values for the long period of solar minimum (2007–2009) in Norilsk. The relative content of atomic oxygen particles has been found to increase during solar maximum by more than 35 % in winter and autumn on quiet and disturbed days. In spring and summer, the atmosphere is enriched with molecular oxygen particles by 20 % both on quiet and disturbed days of solar maximum as compared to the conditions of solar minimum.
Features of excitation and azimuthal and meridional propagation of long-period Pi3 oscillations of the geomagnetic field on December 8, 2017
Authors: Moiseev Aleksey , Starodubtsev Sergei , Mishin Vladimir
Published: September 2020

We study the Pi3 pulsations (with a period T=15–30 min) that were recorded on December 8, 2017 at ground stations in the midnight sector of the magnetosphere at the latitude range of DP2 current system convective electrojets. We have found that Pi3 are especially pronounced in the pre-midnight sector with amplitude of up to 300 nT and duration of up to 2.5 hrs. The pulsation amplitude rapidly decreased with decreasing latitude from F′=72° to F′=63°. The event was recorded during the steady magnetospheric convection. In the southward Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field, irregular oscillations were detected in the Pi3 frequency range. They correspond to slow magnetosonic waves occurring without noticeable variations in the dynamic pressure Pd. Ground-based geomagnetic observations have shown azimuthal propagation of pulsations with a 0.6–10.6 km/s velocity east and west of the midnight meridian. An analysis of the dynamics of pulsations along the meridian has revealed their propagation to the equator at a velocity 0.75–7.87 km/s. In the projection onto the magnetosphere, the velocities are close in magnitude to the observed propagation velocities of substorm injected electrons. In the dawn-side magnetosphere during ground-observed Pi3 pulsations, compression mode oscillations were recorded.

We conclude that propagation of geomagnetic field oscillations in this event depends on the dynamics of particle injections under the action of a large-scale electric field of magnetospheric convection, which causes the plasma to move to Earth due to reconnection in the magnetotail. Small-scale oscillations in the magnetosphere were secondary, excited by the solar wind oscillations penetrating into the magnetosphere.
Population Change and International and Internal Migration in Italy, 2002-2017: Ravenstein Revisited
Authors: Benassi Federico , Bonifazi Corrado , Heins Frank , Licari Francesca , Tucci Enrico
Published: September 2020

In 1885, Ravenstein formulated his “laws” of migration, based on the experience of the British Isles. In a further 1889 paper, he extended his analysis as a tour d’horizon of migration and population changes in other nations, including Italy. Even if social and economic processes including globalisation and rising mobility have changed the world since then, Ravenstein’s “laws” remain a point of reference today. Harnessing theoretical and methodological advances made since the 19th century, this paper describes and seeks to explain the role of international and internal migration in regional population change in Italy from 2002-2017. This paper provides the first geographically detailed migration analysis for the country’s 611 Local Labour Market Areas (LLMAs), using register-based migration and population data. Our contribution focuses on several of Ravenstein’s “laws” relating to gender (differences between men and women), natives and non-natives (differences between the Italian and the foreign population), distance migrated from origin to destination, and the role of the economy in shaping push and pull factors of migration. The results show that international migration is more prominent among men than women. In the case of internal moves, the rates of migration among men and women are similar, and internal migration is more prominent among the foreign than the native Italian population. Overall, international migration gains contribute substantially more to population change than internal migration gains and losses do. In Italy, the effects of persistent economic imbalances and of distance on migration patterns are not in line with Ravenstein’s hypotheses: not all areas with high unemployment show an effect of dispersion, nor does distance always act as a deterrent to migration. The geographically detailed analysis presented here illustrates the temporal and spatial coexistence of diverse international and internal migration processes depending on local characteristics, as well as the importance of the economic or administrative centres as the driving force behind national patterns. Our results show that, even 130 years after their formulation, Ravenstein’s migration “laws” (more accurately called “hypotheses” today) are still a valuable starting point in assessing and understanding migration processes and their role in regional population change.

 

* This article belongs to a special issue on “Internal Migration as a Driver of Regional Population Change in Europe: Updating Ravenstein”.
Semidefinite Programming and Nash Equilibria in Bimatrix Games
Authors: Ahmadi Amir Ali , Zhang Jeffrey
Published: September 2020

We explore the power of semidefinite programming (SDP) for finding additive ɛ-approximate Nash equilibria in bimatrix games. We introduce an SDP relaxation for a quadratic programming formulation of the Nash equilibrium problem and provide a number of valid inequalities to improve the quality of the relaxation. If a rank-1 solution to this SDP is found, then an exact Nash equilibrium can be recovered. We show that, for a strictly competitive game, our SDP is guaranteed to return a rank-1 solution. We propose two algorithms based on the iterative linearization of smooth nonconvex objective functions whose global minima by design coincide with rank-1 solutions. Empirically, we demonstrate that these algorithms often recover solutions of rank at most 2 and ɛ close to zero. Furthermore, we prove that if a rank-2 solution to our SDP is found, then a [Formula: see text]-Nash equilibrium can be recovered for any game, or a [Formula: see text]-Nash equilibrium for a symmetric game. We then show how our SDP approach can address two (NP-hard) problems of economic interest: finding the maximum welfare achievable under any Nash equilibrium, and testing whether there exists a Nash equilibrium where a particular set of strategies is not played. Finally, we show the connection between our SDP and the first level of the Lasserre/sum of squares hierarchy.
Dynamic Pricing (and Assortment) Under a Static Calendar
Authors: Ma Will , Simchi-Levi David , Zhao Jinglong
Published: September 2020

This work is motivated by our collaboration with a large consumer packaged goods (CPG) company. We have found that whereas the company appreciates the advantages of dynamic pricing, they deem it operationally much easier to plan out a static price calendar in advance. We investigate the efficacy of static control policies for revenue management problems whose optimal solution is inherently dynamic. In these problems, a firm has limited inventory to sell over a finite time horizon, over which heterogeneous customers stochastically arrive. We consider both pricing and assortment controls, and derive simple static policies in the form of a price calendar or a planned sequence of assortments, respectively. In the assortment planning problem, we also differentiate between the static vs. dynamic substitution models of customer demand. We show that our policies are within 1-1/e (approximately 0.63) of the optimum under stationary demand, and 1/2 of the optimum under nonstationary demand, with both guarantees approaching 1 if the starting inventories are large. We adapt the technique of prophet inequalities from optimal stopping theory to pricing and assortment problems, and our results are relative to the linear programming relaxation. Under the special case of stationary demand single-item pricing, our results improve the understanding of irregular and discrete demand curves, by showing that a static calendar can be (1-1/e)-approximate if the prices are sorted high-to-low. Finally, we demonstrate on both data from the CPG company and synthetic data from the literature that our simple price and assortment calendars are effective.

This paper was accepted by Hamid Nazerzadeh, big data analytics.
Can Brands Claim Ignorance? Unauthorized Subcontracting in Apparel Supply Chains
Authors: Caro Felipe , Lane Leonard , Sáez de Tejada Cuenca Anna
Published: September 2020

Unauthorized subcontracting—when suppliers outsource part of their production to a third party without the retailer’s consent—has been common practice in the apparel industry and is often tied to noncompliant working conditions. Because retailers are unaware of the third party, the production process becomes obscure and cannot be tracked. In this paper, we present an empirical study of the factors that can lead suppliers to engage in unauthorized subcontracting. We use data provided by a global supply chain manager with more than 30,000 orders, of which 36% were subcontracted without authorization. We find that the frequency of unauthorized subcontracting across factories has a pronounced bimodal distribution. Moreover, the degree of unauthorized subcontracting in the past is highly related to the probability of engaging in unauthorized subcontracting in the future, which suggests that factories behave as if they choose a strategic level of unauthorized subcontracting. At the order level, we find that state dependence (i.e., the status of an order carrying over to the next one) and price pressure are the key drivers of unauthorized subcontracting. Buyer reputation and lead time also play a role. Finally, we show that unauthorized subcontracting can be predicted correctly for more than 80% of the orders in out-of-sample tests and for about 70% of suppliers. This indicates that retailers can use business analytics to predict unauthorized subcontracting and help prevent it.

This paper was accepted by Vishal Gaur, operations management.
Oliver D. Crisp. Analyzing Doctrine: Toward a Systematic Theology
Authors: Dole Andrew
Published: September 2020

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Causal Time Loops and the Immaculate Conception
Authors: Skrzypek Jeremy
Published: September 2020

The doctrine of the immaculate conception, which is a dogma binding on all Roman Catholics and also held by members of some other Christian denominations, holds that Mary the mother of Jesus Christ was conceived without the stain of original sin as a result of the redeeming effects of Christ’s later life, passion, death, and resurrection. In this paper I argue first that, even on an orthodox reading of this doctrine, the immaculate conception seems to result in a kind of causal time loop. I then consider several common philosophical objections to causal time loops, showing how each is either not a serious problem for causal time loops in general or is not a serious problem for the immaculate conception time loop in particular because of some particular features of that particular loop. The upshot of this discussion is that it shows that anyone who is committed to the dogma of the immaculate conception is also committed to the possibility, and, indeed, the actuality, of at least one causal time loop, but also that this is no reason to reject the dogma, since all of the major worries for causal time loops can be resolved in one way or another.
R. Keith Loftin and Joshua R. Farris, eds. Christian Physicalism? Philosophical Theological Criticisms
Authors: Hess Keith
Published: September 2020

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Crucified with Christ: The Ego and the Omega
Authors: McCall Thomas
Published: September 2020

In the second chapter to his Galatians letter, Paul makes some striking statements. He says that he has been “crucified with Christ,” and indeed that he no longer lives but that Christ lives “in” him. Such claims raise fascinating exegetical and metaphysical issues that are important for theology. Just who is this “I”, and what is the relation of this “I” to Christ? How are we to understand union with Christ – indeed, is the relation spoken of here something stronger than mere union? Is it identity? In this essay, I offer an analytic engagement with traditional and more recent “apocalyptic” interpretations of this passage, and I argue that a traditional account is preferable.
Influence of Moisture of Wheat on Acoustic Wave Propagation Characteristics
Authors: Zhang Chi , Dai Aini , Yang Haiying , Wu Zidan , Zhou Xiaoguang , Jayas Digvir S.
Published: September 2020

Highlights

A novel measuring device was developed for the propagation constant of acoustic waves in grain.

Increase in moisture of wheat from 1.1% to 7.8% (wet basis) decreased the wave velocity and increased the attenuation coefficient.

Increase in moisture of wheat from 7.8% to 21.2% increased the wave velocity and decreased the attenuation coefficient.

Using the Johnson-Champoux-Allard (JCA) model and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, the influence of moisture on the pore structure in wheat was characterized.

Abstract. Acoustic methods have been widely used for the measurement of grain moisture content and temperature as well as for detecting the presence of insects in grain. Therefore, this study was conducted to understand the influence of wheat moisture content on acoustic wave propagation characteristics. A novel device was developed for measuring the acoustic wave propagation constant. The propagation constants of 12 samples of wheat were measured, with each sample having a different moisture content in the range from 1.1% to 21.2% (wet basis). The results showed that the acoustic wave velocity decreased slightly with an increase in moisture from 1.1% to 7.8%, while the attenuation coefficient increased slightly. When the moisture increased from 7.8% to 21.2%, the velocity increased gradually, while the attenuation coefficient decreased. A quadratic equation described the results well. In addition, a Johnson-Champoux-Allard (JCA) model was adopted to study the influence of moisture on the pore structure of wheat samples. With the increase in moisture from 1.1% to 21.2%, the average radius of interconnection between two adjacent pores decreased from 0.275 to 0.262 mm at moisture below 7.8% and then increased to 0.304 mm, and the average radius of the pores decreased from 0.773 to 0.481 mm at moisture below 7.8% and then increased to 1.2 mm. Keywords: Acoustic standing wave tube, JCA model, Moisture content, Propagation constant, PSO algorithm, Wheat.
Social innovation in welfare practices: identification, idealisation and shame
Authors: Andersen Linda Lundgaard
Published: September 2020

In the Nordic welfare states, social innovation is currently seen as key to improving and renewing services and sustainable products, to changing and empowering people’s lives, to enhancing public services and to encouraging private–public–civil collaborations. In this article, I provide insights into the psychosocial fabric of this current development, pointing out how identification, idealisation and shame become descriptive of the psychosocial landscape in social enterprises. Social enterprises invest in creating both social and economic value as well as reinvesting their profits for the good of their enterprise, staff, volunteers and the local community. Through an examination of case studies, I illustrate how managers and staff identify with and idealise their social innovative missions, but find it difficult to fulfil their aspirations in the face of (neoliberal) societal and organisational contexts and conditions.
Students, psychosocial problems and shame in neoliberal higher education
Authors: Wulf-Andersen Trine , Larsen Lene
Published: September 2020

In this article, we point to mental health as a new sorting mechanism in higher education (HE), working through categories informed by psychological and psychiatric knowledge, which currently permeate the field of education. The significant increase in young people, for example students in HE, with mental health problems such as stress, anxiety and depression seems to be a general development in Western countries over the past decade. The focus on mental health sets in motion a broad range of wellbeing discussions and initiatives in terms of mental illness and/or psychiatric diagnoses, rather than in terms of learning, pedagogy or participation and inequalities in education. This directs attention to particular kinds of students rather than to educational relations, cultures and contexts. Against this background, we set out to discuss how certain categorisations and understandings of students’ wellbeing and everyday problems, inspired by the psy-sciences, intertwine with neoliberal traits in educational institutions, and come to mediate students’ emotional experience of and coping with psychosocial problems and their participation in HE.
Unclear endings: difficult friendships and the limits of the therapeutic ethic
Authors: Eramian Laura , Mallory Peter
Published: September 2020

Social scientists typically treat friendship as a positive part of people’s lives, but what happens when friendships fall apart, often with little explanation? Based on interviews in an Atlantic Canadian city, this article focuses on two key themes in people’s experiences of disappointing friendships: first, unintelligibility with regard to why friends exited their lives; and second, people’s interpretations of failed friendships as personal failures. We argue that, even as friendship pain feels personal, we must also understand it through friendship’s inherent qualities of institutional openness and informality and through the limits of the cultural resources of therapeutic communication that people may bring to their friendships. As we show, therapeutic directives to ‘communicate openly’ in personal life sit uncomfortably against friendship’s openness and informality. The article contributes to the critical friendship literature by attending to how the inherent structural and cultural contradictions of friendship shape people’s shared experiences of friendship pain.