bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the predictive ability of the Suicide Crisis Inventory for near‐term suicidal behavior using machine learning approaches
Authors: Parghi Neelang , Chennapragada Lakshmi , Barzilay Shira , Newkirk Saskia , Ahmedani Brian , Lok Benjamin , Galynker Igor
Published: November 2020

Objective

This study explores the prediction of near‐term suicidal behavior using machine learning (ML) analyses of the Suicide Crisis Inventory (SCI), which measures the Suicide Crisis Syndrome, a presuicidal mental state.

Methods

SCI data were collected from high‐risk psychiatric inpatients (N = 591) grouped based on their short‐term suicidal behavior, that is, those who attempted suicide between intake and 1‐month follow‐up dates (N = 20) and those who did not (N = 571). Data were analyzed using three predictive algorithms (logistic regression, random forest, and gradient boosting) and three sampling approaches (split sample, Synthetic minority oversampling technique, and enhanced bootstrap).

Results

The enhanced bootstrap approach considerably outperformed the other sampling approaches, with random forest (98.0% precision; 33.9% recall; 71.0% Area under the precision‐recall curve [AUPRC]; and 87.8% Area under the receiver operating characteristic [AUROC]) and gradient boosting (94.0% precision; 48.9% recall; 70.5% AUPRC; and 89.4% AUROC) algorithms performing best in predicting positive cases of near‐term suicidal behavior using this dataset.

Conclusions

ML can be useful in analyzing data from psychometric scales, such as the SCI, and for predicting near‐term suicidal behavior. However, in cases such as the current analysis where the data are highly imbalanced, the optimal method of measuring performance must be carefully considered and selected.
Numerical simulation and modeling of entropy generation in Marangoni convective flow of nanofluid with activation energy
Authors: Khan M. Ijaz , Qayyum Sumaira , Chu Yu‐Ming , Kadry Seifedine
Published: November 2020

In this article, Marangoni convective flow of nanofluid is considered. Entropy generation minimization is also considered. Equations are constructed for Buongiorno model of nanofluid. Flow is generated by rotating disk. Activation energy, nonlinear mixed convection, and MHD effects are also taken in consideration. Ordinary differential equation is formed by using appropriate variables. Results are formed by using Shooting method. Results of temperature, axial velocity, entropy, radial velocity, concentration, and Bejan number are discussed through graphs. Radial and axial velocities are increasing functions of Marangoni ratio parameter. Temperature and concentration are decreasing functions of Marangoni ratio parameter. Entropy is increasing function of Marangoni ratio parameter. Bejan number declines via Marangoni ratio parameter.
On the numerical solution of conformable fractional diffusion problem with small delay
Authors: Bayrak Mine Aylin , Demir Ali , Ozbilge Ebru
Published: November 2020

This study investigates approximate solution of the time‐fractional Fisher equation with small delay by means of residual the residual power series method (RPSM). Since the delay term is small, the time fractional Fisher equation is expanded in powers series of delay term ϵ which allows to construct the approximate solution of time‐fractional of Fisher equation by means of RPSM. The obtained results illustrative examples show that the proposed method in this study is very powerful and efficient for the solution of the time‐fractional Fisher equation with small delay.
Approximate controllability results for Sobolev‐type delay differential system of fractional order without uniqueness
Authors: Vijayakumar V. , Udhayakumar R. , Zhou Yong , Sakthivel N.
Published: November 2020

The main aim of this article is to focus on approximate controllability for Sobolev‐type fractional control problems in Hilbert spaces without uniqueness. By using the fixed point theorem for multivalued maps with nonconvex values, the main results of our article are proved. Moreover, we obtain some results on the continuity of the solution map and the topological structure of the solution set of the considered Sobolev‐type fractional differential system. Finally, we provide a theoretical application to assist in the effectiveness of our discussion.
Psychological stress: Repercussions of COVID‐19 on gender
Authors: Ahuja Prerna , Syal Ginni , Kaur Amarjit
Published: November 2020

The purpose of our study is to examine the effect of Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) on psychological health of people specific to IES, mental health, family social support, lifestyle changes and also, to analyze the gender differences of perceiving and handling the psychological stress due to the COVID‐19. An online questionnaire was filled by 325 respondents. All the respondents of the study have an IES score ≥ 26, reflecting a powerful impact of the pandemic. However, females (IES = 39.99) were gravely effected due to the pandemic. 60% of the respondents felt horrified due to the pandemic. Majority of the respondents received support from friends and family members. In conclusion, females and the age group 31+ were severely impacted due to sudden health and lifestyle changes.
The effects of leadership styles on organizational behavior and performance in some selected organizations in Nigeria
Authors: Alade Adekunle Oluwatosin
Published: November 2020

In this global competitive environment, effective leadership style is necessary to reduce the attrition rate. It is only possible to achieve the productive goals of an organization through effective leadership styles. Leadership styles have effect on the employee performance and productivity; management practices and its performance are mainly based on different styles existing in different culture because the practices are not unique, different techniques, also approaches and management styles differs. This research follows a survey design, and the analysis is based on primary data generated through a structured questionnaire which was administered on respondents. Statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. The independent variable was Leadership Style (Democratic, Autocratic and laissez faire), and the dependent variable was firm's performance. Cronbach alpha for this work showed a sign of internal consistency at 0.8. Furthermore, it was discovered that leaders with democratic characters account for more difference in performance than both autocratic and laissez faire. This work summarizes and analyzes the leadership styles and effect on quality of work life in some organizations in Nigeria.
Evaluation of time to clearance of high‐dose methotrexate using the ARK immunoassay in pediatric hematology/oncology patients: A single‐center experience
Authors: Kowalski Kaitlyn E. , Higgins Tara A.
Published: November 2020

A retrospective, single‐center, observational study evaluated the difference in time to clearance of high‐dose methotrexate between the fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) and ARK methotrexate assay in pediatric hematology/oncology patients. The post‐ARK immunoassay group had an increase in clearance time of 33 h/cycle and 31% increase in cycles with delayed clearance. On posthoc analysis, use of an adjusted clearance threshold of <0.15 µmol/L post‐ARK immunoassay, as opposed to the traditional <0.1 µmol/L threshold, would have similar incidence of delayed clearance. The ARK immunoassay demonstrated a positive bias compared to the FPIA in clinical practice, which led to an institutional policy change.
Effect of freeze‐dried durian skin nanofiber on the physical properties of poly(lactic acid) biocomposites
Authors: Mohd Nordin Nurfarahin , Anuar Hazleen , Buys Yose Fachmi , Ali Fathilah , Thomas Sabu , Mohd Nasir Nur Aimi
Published: November 2020

Durian skin wastes generated by durian fruit or Durio zibethinus Murray shows potential as a new natural fiber‐based reinforcement for polymers. Freeze drying (FD) method is reported able to reduce the size of particles. Thus, in this research, durian skin nanofiber (DSNF) is developed using a FD process from durian skin fiber (DSF) and its effect on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) biocomposite is investigated. Cinnamon essential oil was added as a plasticizer for PLA biocomposite. Morphological analysis via transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that FD method reduced the DSF particle size into DSNF. Dynamic light scattering was also performed to see the size distribution of DSNF particle after the freeze dried process. The hydrophobicity of the biocomposite was measured by contact angle and UV transmittance was done to analyze its transparency and UV penetration. The tensile strength of these composites showed significant changes in the presence of DSF and DSNF in PLA.
Social support as a source of vitality among college students: The moderating role of social self‐efficacy
Authors: Carmeli Abraham , Peng Ann C. , Schaubroeck John M. , Amir Inbar
Published: November 2020

Whereas social support contributes to individual vitality and academic performance, the theoretical process through which social support promotes performance, and for whom it is most beneficial in this respect, remain open questions. We developed a conceptual model in which social support influences academic performance by promoting vitality, particularly among individuals who are low on social self‐efficacy (SSE). Social support has a positive effect on university students' academic performance, which is largely explained by its relationship with reported vitality among students with relatively low levels of SSE but not among students with higher SSE. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications for the existing literature on social support and vitality in academic settings.
COVID‐19 and the psychopathology of patients in an EIP service: a case series
Authors: Booth Hanna , Chakraborty Nandini
Published: November 2020

Patients with psychosis are a particularly vulnerable group where the widespread, unpredictable changes in the COVID‐19 situation surrounding the pandemic and subsequent lockdown are very likely to have a significant impact. Here, the authors discuss a number of patients who presented to the early intervention in psychosis team and included COVID‐19 in their psychopathology. They also consider the main clinical patterns and management messages.
Investigation of Hydroxyl‐Terminated Polyether Cured with Different Isocyanates: Curing Process and Mechanical Property
Authors: Zheng Qilong , Wang Guoqiang , Du Jiaojiao , Li Jizhen , Li Junqiang , Tang Qiufan , Fan Xuezhong
Published: November 2020

In order to study the curing process of hydroxyl‐terminated polyether (HTPE) with different curing agents, aliphatic triisocyanate (N100) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI), the crosslink density (XLD) and chemical processes of the curing reactions have been investigated by low‐field NMR spectroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy, respectively, while the mechanical properties of those two cure systems were studied as well. The results show that, for either HTPE/N100 or HTPE/TDI, the higher curing temperature leads to the shorter curing time to reach stability of XLD, while the final XLD decreases by increasing the temperature. The XLD and tensile strength of HTPE/TDI are both lower than those of HTPE/N100, although curing reaction of the HTPE/TDI system is faster and more complete, as seen from FTIR spectra. Besides, the tensile strength of HTPE/N100 based propellant attains the maximum value of 0.64 MPa at NCO/OH ratio of 1.4, while the maximum XLD value of 6.5
10−5 mol⋅cm−3 was obtained at the same time. The XLD is well correlated in tensile strength with the variation of NCO/OH, that suggests regulation of XLD value may be an effective way to optimize the curing conditions for improving mechanical properties of HTPE/isocyanate‐based propellants.
Descriptor observer‐based sensor and actuator fault tolerant tracking control design for linear parameter varying systems
Authors: Rabaoui Bouali , Hamdi Habib , BenHadj Braiek Naceur , Rodrigues Mickael
Published: November 2020

This article investigates the design of a descriptor observer (DO)‐based sensor and actuator fault (SAF) tolerant tracking control for linear parameter varying (LPV) systems with LPV outputs and disturbed by unknown inputs. The fault tolerant tracking control closed loop system is made of: a DO, a proportional integral derivative (PID) AF tolerant tracking controller, and a sensor fault compensation block. The proposed approach gives a solution to the tracking control problem for this class of systems where the observer and the controller gain matrices can be obtained by solving an optimization problem. The main advantages of this approach with regard to previous approaches are getting around a critical situation which is that the studied LPV system is subject to SAFs simultaneously and unknown inputs, with less conservative results and improving trajectory tracking performances especially in terms of accuracy and rapidity. The performances of the proposed approach are compared to a previous study through a numerical example which is carried out on an hydraulic system.
On the upper tail problem for random hypergraphs
Authors: Liu Yang P. , Zhao Yufei
Published: November 2020

The upper tail problem in a random graph asks to estimate the probability that the number of copies of some fixed subgraph in an Erdős‐Rényi random graph exceeds its expectation by some constant factor. There has been much exciting recent progress on this problem. We study the corresponding problem for hypergraphs, for which less is known about the large deviation rate. We present new phenomena in upper tail large deviations for sparse random hypergraphs that are not seen in random graphs. We conjecture a formula for the large deviation rate, that is, the first order asymptotics of the log‐probability that the number of copies of fixed subgraph H in a sparse Erdős‐Rényi random k‐uniform hypergraph exceeds its expectation by a constant factor. This conjecture turns out to be significantly more intricate compared to the case for graphs. We verify our conjecture when the fixed subgraph H being counted is a clique, as well as when H is the 3‐uniform 6‐vertex 4‐edge hypergraph consisting of alternating faces of an octahedron, where new techniques are required.
Designing New Metal Chalcogenide Nanoclusters through Atom‐by‐Atom Substitution
Authors: Gholipour‐Ranjbar Habib , Fang Hong , Guan Jintong , Peters D'Angelo , Seifert Audra , Jena Puru , Laskin Julia
Published: November 2020

Atom‐by‐atom substitution is a promising strategy for designing new cluster‐based materials, which has been used to generate new gold‐ and silver‐containing clusters. Here, the first study focused on atom‐by‐atom substitution of Fe and Ni to the core of a well‐defined cobalt sulfide superatom [Co6S8L6]+ ligated with triethylphosphine (L = PEt3) to produce [Co5MS8L6]+ (M = Fe, Ni) is reported. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry confirms the substitution of 1–6 Fe atoms with the single Fe‐substituted cluster being the dominant species. The Fe‐substituted clusters oxidize in solution to generate dicationic species. In contrast, only a single Ni‐substituted cluster is observed, which remains stable as a singly charged species. Collision‐induced dissociation experiments indicate the reduced stability of the [Co5FeS8L6]+ toward ligand loss in comparison with the unsubstituted and Ni‐substituted counterparts. Density functional theory calculations provide insights into the effect of metal atom substitution on the stability and electronic structures of the clusters. The results indicate that Fe and Ni have a different impact on the electronic structure, optical, and magnetic properties, as well as ligand‐core interaction of [Co6S8L6]. This study extends the atom‐by‐atom substitution strategy to the metal chalcogenide superatoms providing a direct path toward designing novel atomically precise core‐tailored superatoms.
New Challenges and Changing Opportunities: The Differing Responses of Transnational Solidarity Organisations in Germany
Authors: Zschache Ulrike
Published: November 2020

In her study of the German case, Zschache shows that the activism and discourse of local transnational solidarity organisations (TSOs) in Germany display a considerable amount of similarities. In particular, the author argues that solidarity work has become more political, insisting more strongly on an advocatory, rights-based approach. She also draws attention to the importance of collaboration as a means to enhance the effectivity of solidarity work and to promote mutual empowerment as a crucial principle of solidarity. Moreover, the author offers new insights into how TSOs react to changing circumstances, engage in joint learning and promote innovations. In this context, the discourse of solidarity that seeks to transcend specific target groups and commits to a more integrated, cross-sectoral approach is particularly salient.
Scopes of Solidarity in Times of Crisis: Insights from Poland
Authors: Petelczyc Janina , Bakalarczyk Rafał , Szarfenberg Ryszard
Published: November 2020

Poland coped well with the worldwide economic crisis and refugee challenge. However, studies show that the crisis did in fact exist, and the state’s poor response to it was reflected in the citizens who bore its brunt. As for migration, polarised public discourse and the attitude of the government resulted in social tension, including extreme right-wing parties mobilising citizens around migration issues. In this chapter, using qualitative data from the TransSOL project, the authors answer the following question: How have crises and other changing circumstances affected organised solidarity in different social fields, namely unemployment, migration and disability? The chapter argues that, according to the theory of the economic recession’s impact on multidimensional solidarity due to the austerity measures, or the Polish government’s inaction, social solidarity did emerge, but in unforeseen ways and fields.
Against the Tide: Transnational Solidarity in Brexit Britain
Authors: Baglioni Simone , Biosca Olga , Montgomery Tom
Published: November 2020

This chapter discusses UK-based civil society organisations supporting vulnerable groups (migrants, refugees and asylum seekers; disabled people; and the unemployed) which have been on the front line of a decade of austerity and funding cuts. It does so by exploring the relationship between these organisations and policymakers; the impact of austerity on the organisations themselves; the mission and activities of these organisations and the cooperation between organisations at different scales (transnational, national and local). Our findings reveal a tale of ‘two Britains’: one of top-down policies and discourses which are anti-solidarity and re-activate decades-old discourses of dependency and deservingness; and another Britain of grassroots solidarity, (self-)organised from the bottom up, often in partnership with austerity-hit local government.
Black holes, moduli, and long-range forces
Authors: Heidenreich Ben
Published: November 2020

Abstract

It is well known that an identical pair of extremal Reissner-Nordström black holes placed a large distance apart will exert no force on each other. In this paper, I establish that the same result holds in a very large class of two-derivative effective theories containing an arbitrary number of gauge fields and moduli, where the appropriate analog of an extremal Reissner-Nordström black hole is a charged, spherically symmetric black hole with vanishing surface gravity or vanishing horizon area. Analogous results hold for black branes.
From Jean Leray to the millennium problem: the Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Farwig Reinhard
Published: November 2020

One of the Millennium problems of Clay Mathematics Institute from 2000 concerns the regularity of solutions to the instationary Navier–Stokes equations in three dimensions. For an official problem description, we refer to an article by Charles Fefferman (Existence and smoothness of the Navier–Stokes equation.http://www.claymath.org/sites/default/files/navierstokes.pdf) on the whole space problem as well as the periodic setting in$$\mathbb {R}^3$$R3. In this article, we will introduce the Navier–Stokes equations, describe their main mathematical problems, discuss several of the most important results, starting from 1934 with the seminal work by Jean Leray, and proceeding to very recent results on non-uniqueness and examples involving singularities. On thistour de forcewe will explain the open problem of regularity.
A Systems‐based Approach to Reduce Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in Trauma Patients
Authors: Dhillon Navpreet K. , Barmparas Galinos , Lin Ting Lung , Linaval Nikhil T. , Yang Audrey R. , Sekhon Harveen K. , Mason Russell , Margulies Daniel R. , Gewertz Bruce L. , Ley Eric J.
Published: November 2020

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in trauma patients carries significant morbidity and mortality. We previously described how titrating enoxaparin dosing by anti‐Xa trough levels was associated with a lower VTE rate. We combined this strategy with a higher initial enoxaparin dose for a majority of patients and modified the electronic medical record (EMR) to encourage immediate dosing. We sought to determine if this systems‐based approach was associated with a decrease in VTE rate.

Study Design

A retrospective review was conducted of all trauma patients on prophylactic enoxaparin at an academic, Level I Trauma Center from 01/2013 to 05/2014 (PRE) and 06/2015 to 02/2018 (POST). The patients in PRE were prescribed enoxaparin 30 mg twice daily without dose adjustments. The patients in POST received 40 mg twice daily unless exclusion criteria applied, with doses titrated to maintain anti‐Xa trough levels between 0.1 and 0.2 IU/mL.

Results

There were 478 patients in the PRE and 1306 in the POST. Compared to PRE, POST patients were of similar age and were as likely to present after blunt trauma, although POST patients had lower injury severity scores (10 vs. 9, p < 0.01). The overall VTE rate was lower in POST (6.9% vs. 3.6%, p < 0.01). The adjusted risk of VTE (AOR 0.61, adjusted p = 0.04) was lower in POST and POST was independently protective for VTE (AOR 0.54; p = 0.01).

Conclusion

By implementing system changes to improve enoxaparin dosing after trauma, a significant reduction in VTE rate was observed. Wider application of this strategy should be considered.
Globally diffeomorphic $$\sigma$$-harmonic mappings
Authors: Alessandrini Giovanni , Nesi Vincenzo
Published: November 2020

Given a two-dimensional mapping U whose components solve a divergence structure elliptic equation,
we give necessary and sufficient conditions on the boundary so that U is a global diffeomorphism.
Proactive Construction of an Annotated Imaging Database for Artificial Intelligence Training
Authors: Stadler Caroline Bivik , Lindvall Martin , Lundström Claes , Bodén Anna , Lindman Karin , Rose Jeronimo , Treanor Darren , Blomma Johan , Stacke Karin , Pinchaud Nicolas , Hedlund Martin , Landgren Filip , Woisetschläger Mischa , Forsberg Daniel
Published: November 2020

Artificial intelligence (AI) holds much promise for enabling highly desired imaging diagnostics improvements. One of the most limiting bottlenecks for the development of useful clinical-grade AI models is the lack of training data. One aspect is the large amount of cases needed and another is the necessity of high-quality ground truth annotation. The aim of the project was to establish and describe the construction of a database with substantial amounts of detail-annotated oncology imaging data from pathology and radiology. A specific objective was to be proactive, that is, to support undefined subsequent AI training across a wide range of tasks, such as detection, quantification, segmentation, and classification, which puts particular focus on the quality and generality of the annotations. The main outcome of this project was the database as such, with a collection of labeled image data from breast, ovary, skin, colon, skeleton, and liver. In addition, this effort also served as an exploration of best practices for further scalability of high-quality image collections, and a main contribution of the study was generic lessons learned regarding how to successfully organize efforts to construct medical imaging databases for AI training, summarized as eight guiding principles covering team, process, and execution aspects.
Qualitative relationism about subject and object of perception and experience
Authors: Pace Giannotta Andrea
Published: November 2020

In this paper, I compare various theories of perception in relation to the question of the epistemological and ontological status of the qualities that appear in perceptual experience. I group these theories into two main views: quality externalism and quality internalism, and I highlight their contrasting problems in accounting for phenomena such as perceptual relativity, illusions and hallucinations (the “problem of perception”). Then, I propose an alternative view, which I callqualitative relationismand which conceives of the subject and the object of perceptual experience as essentially related to one another (hencerelationism) in a process of co-constitution out of fundamental qualities (hencequalitativerelationism). I lend support to this view by drawing on Husserl’s genetic phenomenology, which I complement with a form of neutral monism. I argue that the investigation of the temporal structure of perceptual experience leads us to find at its heart a qualitative process that is more fundamental than the two relata of perception and that gives rise to them. Then, I extend this account of perception into a general theory of intentionality and experience and I develop its implications into a neutral monist metaphysics.
Assessing and decomposing gender differences in evaluative and emotional well-being among older adults in the developing world
Authors: Kieny Clémence , Flores Gabriela , Maurer Jürgen
Published: November 2020

Using data from the World Health Organization’s Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE), we evaluate the relationship between gender and several measures of subjective well-being among older adults in developing countries. Furthermore, we contrast the partial associations of gender with these well-being measures when controlling only for age (age-adjusted analyses) with the corresponding partial associations when including individual characteristics and life circumstances as controls (multivariable-adjusted analyses). While age-adjusted analyses reveal that older women have lower levels of evaluative well-being than older men, multivariable-adjusted analyses show that - given similar life circumstances - they have equal or slightly higher evaluative well-being. This suggests that the gender gap in evaluative well-being may be explained by less favorable life circumstances of older women. Age-adjusted results also show that older women tend to have lower levels of emotional well-being. However, we find no reversal, but merely an attenuation of these gender differences in emotional well-being when controlling for additional individual characteristics and life circumstances. Finally, we perform Oaxaca-Blinder decompositions to disaggregate the gender gaps in well-being into explained parts - attributable to gender differences in individual characteristics and life circumstances - and unexplained parts - related to gender differences in the association between life circumstances and subjective well-being. These results further corroborate our findings that women tend to be disadvantaged in terms of both evaluative and emotional well-being, and that this disadvantage is mostly driven by observable factors related to the explained part of the decomposition, such as gender differences in socio-economic status and health.
Contamination of Soil with Diesel Oil, Application of Sewage Sludge and Content of Macroelements in Oats
Authors: Wyszkowski Mirosław , Wyszkowska Jadwiga , Borowik Agata , Kordala Natalia
Published: November 2020

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of soil contamination with diesel oil (0, 5, 10 and 15 mL/kg d.m. of soil) on the macroelement content (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium) in the above-ground parts of oats (Avena sativa L.). A remediation effect of sludge as a substance which reduces the negative impact of this petroleum product on its element content in oats was also evaluated. Sewage sludge was applied in doses 0, 4, 8 and 12 g/kg of soil. The macroelement content in the above-ground parts of oats depended on the soil contamination with diesel oil and on the addition of sewage sludge to the soil. Soil contamination with diesel oil caused significant changes in the content of all macroelements in the above-ground biomass of oats. Increasing doses of the petroleum product in the series without sewage sludge decreased the content of all macroelements, except phosphorus and calcium. The highest effect was observed for the content of sodium in oats. The addition of sewage sludge to the soil alleviated the negative impact of diesel oil on the chemical composition of the plants. The application of sewage sludge to soil resulted in an increase in average content of nitrogen, sodium and magnesium (as opposed to phosphorus and partly calcium) in the above-ground parts of oats, compared to the series without sewage sludge.
The hydrocarbon prospectivity of the Mesoproterozoic–Paleozoic intracratonic Voltaian Basin, West African Craton, Ghana
Authors: Abu Mahamuda , Adeleye Mutiu Adesina , Ehinola Olugbenga Ajayi , Asiedu Daniel Kwadwo
Published: November 2020

Neoproterozoic sedimentary basins are increasingly gaining hydrocarbon exploration attention globally following results of significant discoveries in these basins as a result of long, consistent and focused research and exploration efforts. The hydrocarbon prospectivity of the unexplored Mesoproterozoic–Early Paleozoic Voltaian basin is reviewed relative to global Neoproterozoic basins. Like the Voltaian basin of Ghana, global Neoproterozoic basins have experienced similar geological event of glaciation with accompanying deposition of marginal–shallow marine carbonates and associated siliciclastic argillaceous sediments. These carbonates and argillaceous sediments coupled with deep anoxic depositional environments, favored the preservation of organic matter in these sediments and carbonates globally making them source rocks and in some cases the reservoir rocks as well, to hydrocarbon occurrence. The hydrocarbon prospectivity of the Voltaian is highly probable with Neoproterozoic basins of similar geologic analogies, Amadeus basin, Illizi basin, the Tindouf and Taoudeni basins of the WAC, having proven and active petroleum systems with some listed as world class oil/gas producing basins together with other Neoproterozoic basins like South Salt Oman basin, Barnett shales and giant gas reserves of southwestern Sichuan basin of China.
Translational health technology and system schemes: enhancing the dynamics of health informatics
Authors: Rissanen Marjo
Published: November 2020

Translational health technology and design schemes reflect certain themes in systems approach and its dynamics. This paper discusses these aligned ideas in view of their value to translational design processes. The ideas embedded in these two approaches are considered in the light of critical questions associated with the development of health informatics. Health care processes for patients might be very fragmented. Synergy thinking is required in all areas of design: it is crucial to understand the theoretical frames and issues associated with focus environments, administration, and cost policy. By internalizing common nuances in these approaches, designers can ease the interaction and communication between experts from different backgrounds. Synergistic thinking aids designers in health informatics to produce more sophisticated products. Maturing in recognizing the whole aids to take into account “the very essentials” more easily. These skills are very vital in prioritizing development substances in health informatics area.
Selective Removal of Zinc from BOF Sludge by Leaching with Mixtures of Ammonia and Ammonium Carbonate
Authors: Rodriguez Rodriguez Nerea , Gijsemans Lukas , Bussé Jakob , Roosen Joris , Önal Mehmet Ali Recai , Masaguer Torres Victoria , Manjón Fernández Álvaro , Jones Peter Tom , Binnemans Koen
Published: November 2020

The zinc content of basic oxygen furnace (BOF) sludges is too high for direct recycling into the blast furnace via the sinter plant, as excessive zinc concentrations are detrimental for the refractory lining of the blast furnace. However, by partial and selective removal of zinc from the BOF sludge, the residual sludge can be used as a secondary iron resource in the blast furnace. In this paper, BOF sludge was leached with aqueous ammonia, aqueous solutions of ammonium salts (chloride, carbonate, and sulfate), and aqueous mixtures of ammonia and ammonium salt. The mixtures of ammonia and ammonium salt could leach more zinc with respect to either the aqueous ammonia or the aqueous ammonium salt solution. The ammonia–ammonium carbonate (AAC) mixture was selected as the most suitable lixiviant due to the high zinc leaching efficiency in combination with a high selectivity towards iron; furthermore, this combination does not introduce unwanted chloride or sulfate impurities in the residue. The leaching process was optimized in terms of the liquid-to-solid ratio, total ammonia concentration, ammonium:ammonia molar ratio, temperature, and leaching time. The co-dissolved iron was precipitated as a hydroxide after oxidation of ferrous to ferric ions by an air stream, without co-precipitation of zinc, while the dissolved zinc could be easily recovered as zinc sulfide by precipitation with ammonium sulfide. The (almost) closed-loop process was successfully up-scaled from 10 mL to 1 L scale.

Graphical Abstract
Komplexe Organisation und organisierte Komplexität. Die Pädagogik partizipativer Organisationsgestaltung im Zeitalter des Populismus
Authors: Manhart Sebastian , Wendt Thomas
Published: November 2020

Organisationen sind die zentralen Komplexitätsgeneratoren der modernen Gesellschaft. Sie regulieren und steigern die Möglichkeiten gleichzeitiger Handlungsvollzüge immer weiter. Der Beitrag konzipiert Populismus als gesellschaftsweit verbreitete Form der Kritik an dieser organisierten Komplexität und grenzt ihn systematisch von Fundamentalismen und Verschwörungstheorien als weiteren wichtigen komplexitätsreduzierenden Deutungen der Moderne ab. Die Strukturlogik von Organisationen und ihre Rolle in der Gesellschaft wird im Verhältnis zu den gesellschaftlichen Ansprüchen auf individuelle Teilhabe analysiert. Die pädagogischen Potenziale partizipativer Organisationsgestaltung werden im Blick darauf diskutiert, dass dieser Modus systematisch erzeugter Komplexität sich damit selbst populistischer Kritik aussetzt.
Ethik und Corona
Authors: Schulze Heuling Dagmar
Published: November 2020

Die Maßnahmen gegen die Covid-19-Pandemie sind einschneidend. Begründet und gerechtfertigt werden sie mit einem ethischen Argument: dem Schutz des menschlichen Lebens. Doch während konkrete Maßnahmen Gegenstand intensiver Auseinandersetzungen sind, fehlen Betrachtungen des Diskurses aus der Metaperspektive. Dieser Artikel leistet dazu einen ersten Beitrag. Er zeigt auf, dass die vorherrschende Argumentationsstruktur die einer Güterabwägung ist. Dabei wird jedoch der Tatsache, dass die Maßnahmen zur Verhinderung der Infektionsausbreitung nicht nur schützen, sondern selbst Todesfälle verursachen, nicht genügend Rechnung getragen. Unter Rückgriff auf das Trolley-Dilemma sowie das Bundesverfassungsgerichtsurteil zum Luftsicherheitsgesetz wird gezeigt, dass die Corona-Pandemie die Politik vor die Wahl stellt, entweder das Sterben von Menschen nicht zu verhindern, oder aber andere Menschen zu diesem Zweck zu opfern. Letzteres ist ethisch bedenklich und verfassungswidrig. Daraus folgt, dass einige der verfügten Maßnahmen zur Eindämmung der Pandemie in Frage zu stellen sind. Daraus folgt jedoch nicht, dass jedes Handeln unmoralisch wäre. Daher schließt der Artikel mit Überlegungen zu Möglichkeiten und Grenzen einer politischen Reaktion auf die Pandemie.
Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Heart Rate Variability in Children with Cystic Fibrosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: McCreery J. L. , Mackintosh K. A. , McNarry M. A.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a multisystem disease associated with symptoms such as dyspnoea, tachycardia and tachypnea that may be related to changes in autonomic function and sensitive to improvement following inspiratory muscle training (IMT). The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of IMT on heart rate variability (HRV) and respiratory function in children.

Methods

Five CF and five matched controls (40% boys) performed a 4-weeks IMT programme, involving 30 breaths, twice a day. Weeks 1–2 of training were set at 40% of a participant’s maximal strength index (S.Index), with week’s 3–4 set at 50%. Participants wore an ActiHeart for three consecutive days at baseline and post-intervention and indices of HRV were derived. Standard measures of lung function were obtained along with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using the CF-specific questionnaire (CFQ-R).

Results

IMT elicited clinically meaningful increases in respiratory muscle strength and respiratory symptom domain scores, but no improvements in respiratory volume, irrespective of group. Similarly, no significant improvements were found in HRQoL despite 62.5% of the population increased their HRQoL score. Post-intervention, CF participants showed a clinically meaningful decrease in the very low frequency (VLF) domain.

Conclusion

These results may indicate clinically meaningful changes in HRV and inspiratory muscle strength following a 4-week IMT intervention, although a more powerful study is required to draw further conclusions. Indeed, the trends for improved HRQoL support the need for such studies to ascertain the potential therapeutic role of IMT in those with CF.
Herbert Eimert and the Darmstadt School
Authors: Erwin Max
Published: November 2020

After 1951, the discourse surrounding both the Darmstadt courses in particular and European New Music more broadly shifted away from a dodecaphonic vocabulary in favour of concepts such as 'punctual music', 'post-Webern music', and 'static music', all collected under the newly-christened unity of the Darmstadt School. This study proposes a genealogy of the Darmstadt School through the institutional influence and writings of Herbert Eimert. It demonstrates that Eimert's understanding of music history - whereby technical procedures are universalised as the acme of historical progress - was adopted as the institutional discourse of New Music in Europe, and remains central to both textbook and critical scholarly accounts which attempt to make sense of the avant-garde after World War II.
Fortress Europe, Global Migration & the Global Pandemic
Authors: Reynolds John
Published: November 2020

The European Union's external border regime is a manifestation of continuing imperialism. It reinforces particular imaginaries of Europe's wealth as somehow innate (rather than plundered and extorted) and of Europeanness itself as whiteness—euphemistically packaged as a “European Way of Life” to be protected. This exposes international law's structural limitations—if not designs—as bound up with racial borders in the global context. In the wake of COVID-19 and with a climate apocalypse already underway, these realities need to be urgently ruptured and reimagined.
The Contested Boundaries of Emerging International Migration Law in the Post-Pandemic
Authors: Kysel Ian M. , Thomas Chantal
Published: November 2020

One measure of how and whether the COVID-19 pandemic reshapes the emerging field of international migration law will be the extent to which transnational civil society and activist movements can counteract the intensification of state border controls that the pandemic has triggered. Before the pandemic, transnational efforts to establish a new normative framework for migration seemed to be accelerating. These efforts included new, if non-binding, global compacts on refugees and migration, and new, if modest, efforts at facilitating global cooperation, alongside innovative approaches to scholarly engagement. Such developments arguably contributed to an emerging framework for protecting migrants under international law. Has the pandemic defeated this potential? State responses to the pandemic have eschewed multilateralism, brought migration to a near standstill, and ignored well-established human rights obligations. Moreover, states are poised to deploy a range of new border management technologies and even more assertively manage migration in the name of “health proofing” borders. Yet at the same time, some progressive state practices have emerged alongside a call from the UN Secretary-General to “reimagine human mobility for the benefit of all.” In this essay, we chart some areas of potentially progressive expansion beyond the status quo, noting not only the substance but also the process by which these norms are emerging.
Risk factors for person-to-person transmission of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome
Authors: Ye Chao , Qi Rui
Published: November 2020

Objective:

To determine the risk factors for person-to-person transmission of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS).

Design:

Studies reporting the person-to-person transmission or cluster infection of SFTS were identified and included for risk-factor analyses.

Methods:

Risk factors were investigated by analyzing characteristics of index patients who caused cluster infection and correlation between exposure history and secondary infection.

Results:

Analyses of 23 clusters of SFTS infections indicated that all index patients died and that they all had a symptom of bleeding 24 hours before death. Of 89 secondary cases, 82% had been exposed to the index patients’ blood. The blood-contact–specific secondary attack rate was 62.4% (73 of 117). The risk relative value was 25 (95% CI, 15–42); thus, the probability of a person getting infected was 25 times more likely when they had contacted blood than when they had not.

Conclusion:

Exposure to blood of SFTS patients is the highest risk factor for person-to-person infection with SFTSV. SFTS patients’ families and healthcare workers should be educated to handle SFTS patients properly and safely to prevent the spread of SFTSV.
On the Ballot in 2020: Will the United States (finally) embrace civil rights?
Authors: García Bedolla Lisa
Published: November 2020

This article situates the 2020 presidential election within the context of U.S. history, specifically the longstanding relationship between white supremacist views and what types of U.S. citizens were considered capable of exercising democratic citizenship. I argue that President Trump's use of racialized, nativist tropes must be understood within that context and the ongoing backlash to the advancement of civil rights in the United States. White resistance to racial progress is not new, nor is the violence associated with it. Only by looking at the intersection of white racial resentment and modern sexism can we fully understand the durability of the Trump coalition. The article closes by considering what political scientists should be learning from this moment in order to better explain American political dynamics moving forward.
A Comparative Discussion of the Judicial Disqualification of Directors under the South African Companies Act
Authors: Cassim Rehana
Published: November 2020

Section 162 of the South African Companies Act 71 of 2008 empowers courts to declare directors delinquent and hence to disqualify them from office. This article compares the judicial disqualification of directors under this section with the equivalent provisions in the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States of America, which have all influenced the South African act. The article compares the classes of persons who have locus standi to apply to court to disqualify a director from holding office, as well as the grounds for the judicial disqualification of a director, the duration of the disqualification, the application of a prescription period and the discretion conferred on courts to disqualify directors from office. It contends that, in empowering courts to disqualify directors from holding office, section 162 of the South African Companies Act goes too far in certain respects.
Self-sustaining sound in collisionless, high-β plasma
Authors: Kunz M. W. , Squire J. , Schekochihin A. A. , Quataert E.
Published: November 2020

Using analytical theory and hybrid-kinetic numerical simulations, we demonstrate that, in a collisionless plasma, long-wavelength ion-acoustic waves (IAWs) with amplitudes

$\delta n/n_0 \gtrsim 2/\beta$

(where

$\beta \gg {1}$

is the ratio of thermal to magnetic pressure) generate sufficient pressure anisotropy to destabilize the plasma to firehose and mirror instabilities. These kinetic instabilities grow rapidly to reduce the pressure anisotropy by pitch-angle scattering and trapping particles, respectively, thereby impeding the maintenance of Landau resonances that enable such waves’ otherwise potent collisionless damping. The result is wave dynamics that evince a weakly collisional plasma: the ion distribution function is near-Maxwellian, the field-parallel flow of heat resembles its Braginskii form (except in regions where large-amplitude magnetic mirrors strongly suppress particle transport), and the relations between various thermodynamic quantities are more ‘fluid-like’ than kinetic. A nonlinear fluctuation–dissipation relation for self-sustaining IAWs is obtained by solving a plasma-kinetic Langevin problem, which demonstrates suppressed damping, enhanced fluctuation levels and weakly collisional thermodynamics when IAWs with

$\delta n/n_0 \gtrsim 2/\beta$

are stochastically driven. We investigate how our results depend upon the scale separation between the wavelength of the IAW and the Larmor radius of the ions, and discuss briefly their implications for our understanding of turbulence and transport in the solar wind and the intracluster medium of galaxy clusters.
Ordeals, women and gender justice
Authors: Gheaus Anca
Published: November 2020

Rationing health care by ordeals is likely to have different effects on women and men, and on distinct groups of women. I show how such putative effects of ordeals are relevant to achieving gender justice. I explain why some ordeals may disproportionately set back women’s interest in discretionary time, health and access to health care, and may undermine equality of opportunity for positions of advantage. Some ordeals protect the interests of the worse-off women yet set back the interests of better-off women in equal opportunities. I suggest how we can use ordeal design to advance particular aims of gender justice.