bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tongue sonography: An introduction
Authors: Abbott Steven , Zelesco Marilyn , Gibson Daren
Published: August 2020

Sonography has long been recognised as the primary imaging modality in the evaluation of thyroid, parathyroid, nodal, and salivary gland pathologies. Since the late 1980‐2019's, the literature has described an evolving role for ultrasound in the assessment of the tongue and the floor of mouth. Ultrasound can be used for tumour staging, vascular malformations, and for the evaluation of tongue movement during phonation and in the sleep cycle. This article aims to introduce the sonographer to the basic technique, sonographic anatomy, and commonly encountered abnormalities of tongue ultrasound. It has been divided into three key sections: Anatomy, Function, and Physiology; ultrasound technique (Transcervical/Intra‐oral); common pathology.
Automatically identifying potential regressions in the layout of responsive web pages
Authors: Walsh Thomas A. , Kapfhammer Gregory M. , McMinn Phil
Published: August 2020

Providing a good user experience on the ever‐increasing number and variety of devices being used to browse the web is a difficult, yet critical, task. With responsive web design, front‐end web developers design web pages so that they dynamically resize and rearrange content to best fit the dimensions of a device's screen. However, when making code modifications to a responsive page, developers can easily introduce regressions from the correct layout that have detrimental effects at unpredictable screen sizes. For instance, the source code change that a developer makes to improve the layout at one screen size may obscure a page's content at other sizes. Current approaches to testing are often insufficient because they rely on limited tools and error‐prone manual inspections of web pages. As such, many unintended regressions in web page layout often go undetected and ultimately manifest in production websites. To address the challenge of detecting regressions in responsive web pages, this paper presents an automated approach that extracts the responsive layout of two versions of a page and compares them, alerting developers to the differences in layout that they may wish to investigate further. We implemented the approach and empirically evaluated it on 15 real‐world responsive web pages. Leveraging code mutations that a tool automatically injected into the pages as a systematic simulation of developer changes, the experiments show that the approach was highly effective. When compared with manual and automated baseline testing techniques, it detected 12.5% and 18.75% more injected changes, respectively. Along with identifying the best parameters for the method that extracts the responsive layout, the experiments show that the approach surpasses the baselines across changes that vary in their impact, but works particularly well for subtle, hard‐to‐detect mutants, showing the benefits of automatically identifying regressions in web page layout.
Wetlands for environmental protection
Authors: Martinez‐Guerra Edith , Ghimire Umesh , Nandimandalam Hariteja , Norris Anna , Gude Veera Gnaneswar
Published: August 2020

This article presents an update on the research and practical demonstration of wetland‐based treatment technologies for protecting water resources and environment covering papers published in 2019. Wetland applications in wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and removal of nutrients, metals, and emerging pollutants including pathogens are highlighted. A summary of studies focusing on the effects of vegetation, wetland design and operation strategies, and process configurations and modeling, for efficient treatment of various municipal and industrial wastewaters, is included. In addition, hybrid and innovative processes with wetlands as a platform treatment technology are presented.
Auctions with external incentives: experimental evidence
Authors: Fonseca Miguel A. , Giovannoni Francesco , Makris Miltiadis
Published: August 2020

We consider auctions where bidders’ valuations are positively correlated with their productivity in a second-stage aftermarket. We test in the lab whether bidders recognize the opportunity to signal their productivity through their bidding and, conditional on them doing so, whether disclosing different information about the auction outcomes affects their signaling behavior. Our results confirm that bidders recognize the signaling opportunities they face and also react to differences in the way their bidding behavior is disclosed, although not always in a way that is consistent with theoretical predictions.
Standardisierte Erfassung der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität bei Patienten mit Psoriasisarthritis
Authors: Kiltz U. , Andreica I. , Igelmann M. , Kalthoff L. , Krause D. , Schmitz E. , McKenna S. P. , Braun J.
Published: August 2020

Einleitung

Die standardisierte Beurteilung der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität gewinnt in der Rheumatologie zunehmend an Bedeutung. Der englische Fragebogen „Psoriasis Arthritis Quality of Life Questionnaire (PsAQoL)“ ist ein krankheitsspezifisches Instrument zur Messung der Lebensqualität von Patienten mit Psoriasisarthritis (PsA). Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist die Übersetzung des PsAQoL ins Deutsche und die Validierung der deutschen Version in einer aus der Routineversorgung rekrutierten Kohorte von PsA-Patienten.

Methode

Die Übersetzung und Validierung des Fragebogens PsAQoL wurde in einem mehrstufigen Verfahren unter Beteiligung von betroffenen Patienten mit PsA durchgeführt. Nach Übersetzung des englischsprachigen Fragebogens wurde die deutsche Version in einem Feldtest überprüft. Die psychometrischen Merkmale des Fragebogens wurden anschließend in einer PsA-Kohorte aus der Routineversorgung untersucht. Neben der Konstrukt- und Gruppenvalidität wurden die Zuverlässigkeit des Fragebogens mittels Test/Retest-Reliabilität sowie die interne Konsistenz getestet. Die körperliche Funktionsfähigkeit wurde mit dem Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) und Domänen der Lebensqualität mit dem Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) gemessen.

Ergebnis

In einem Feldtest mit 10 Patienten erwies sich die deutsche Version des PsAQoL-Fragebogens als relevant, gut verständlich und durchführbar (Bearbeitungszeit: 4,7 ± 2,1 min). Insgesamt 126 Patienten (37,3 % männlich, Alter 55,6 ± 11,3 Jahre) wurden in die Validierungskohorte eingeschlossen. Der PsAQoL korrelierte moderat mit dem HAQ (r = 0,65) sowie moderat bis gut mit dem NHP (Subdomänen r = 0,58–0,75). Die interne Konsistenz war hoch (Cronbach’s α 0,92), und die Zuverlässigkeit bei Patienten mit stabilem Krankheitsverlauf war sehr gut (Spearman-Korrelationskoeffizient 0,94). Der PsAQoL kann zwischen unterschiedlichen Patientengruppen differenzieren.

Mit der deutschen Übersetzung des PsAQoLs steht ein valides und krankheitsspezifisches Messinstrument zur standardisierten Erfassung der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität bei Patienten mit PsA zur Verfügung. Die psychometrischen Eigenschaften der englischsprachigen Originalversion sind vergleichbar. Der deutsche PsAQoL kann damit für die klinische und wissenschaftliche Verwendung empfohlen werden.
Improved metabolic function and cognitive performance in middle-aged adults following a single dose of wild blueberry
Authors: Whyte Adrian R. , Rahman Sajida , Bell Lynne , Edirisinghe Indika , Krikorian Robert , Williams Claire M. , Burton-Freeman Britt
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Research has demonstrated cognitive benefits following acute polyphenol-rich berry consumption in children and young adults. Berry intake also has been associated with metabolic benefits. No study has yet examined cognitive performance in middle-aged adults. We investigated the relationships among cognitive and metabolic outcomes in middle-aged adults following wild blueberry (WBB) consumption.

Methods

Thirty-five individuals aged 40–65 years participated in a randomized, double blind, cross-over study. Participants consumed a breakfast meal and 1-cup equivalent WBB drink or matched placebo beverage on two occasions. Participants completed cognitive tasks and had blood drawn before and at regular intervals for 8 h after each meal/treatment. Changes in episodic memory and executive function (EF) were assessed alongside plasma levels of glucose, insulin, and triglyceride.

Results

Analysis of the memory-related Auditory Verbal Learning Task (AVLT) word recognition measure revealed a decrease in performance over the test day after placebo intake, whereas performance after WBB was maintained. For the AVLT word rejection measure, participants identified more foils following WBB in comparison to placebo. Benefits were also observed for EF on the Go/No-Go task with fewer errors following WBB intake on cognitively demanding invalid No-Go trials in comparison to placebo. Furthermore, in comparison to placebo, response times were faster for the Go/No-Go task, specifically at 4 h and 8 h following WBB treatment. We also observed reduced post-meal glucose and insulin, but not triglyceride, concentrations in comparison to placebo over the first 2 h following ingestion. Though the addition of Age, BMI, glucose and insulin as covariates to the analysis reduced the significant effect of beverage for AVLT word rejection, metabolic outcomes did not interact with treatment to predict cognitive performance with the exception of one isolated trend.

Conclusions

This study indicated acute cognitive benefits of WBB intake in cognitively healthy middle-aged individuals, particularly in the context of demanding tasks and cognitive fatigue. WBB improved glucose and insulin responses to a meal. Further research is required to elucidate the underlying mechanism by which WBB improves cognitive function.
Aerobic endurance training to improve cognition and enhance recovery in schizophrenia: design and methodology of a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Maurus Isabel , Hasan Alkomiet , Schmitt Andrea , Roeh Astrid , Keeser Daniel , Malchow Berend , Schneider-Axmann Thomas , Hellmich Martin , Schmied Sabine , Lembeck Moritz , Keller-Varady Katriona , Papazova Irina , Hirjak Dusan , Topor Cristina E. , Walter Henrik , Mohnke Sebastian , Vogel Bob O. , Wölwer Wolfgang , Schneider Frank , Henkel Karsten , Meyer-Lindenberg Andreas , Falkai Peter
Published: August 2020

Even today, patients with schizophrenia often have an unfavorable outcome. Negative symptoms and cognitive deficits are common features in many patients and prevent recovery. In recent years, aerobic endurance training has emerged as a therapeutic approach with positive effects on several domains of patients’ health. However, appropriately sized, multicenter randomized controlled trials that would allow better generalization of results are lacking. The exercise study presented here is a multicenter, rater-blind, two-armed, parallel-group randomized clinical trial in patients with clinically stable schizophrenia being conducted at five German tertiary hospitals. The intervention group performs aerobic endurance training on bicycle ergometers three times per week for 40–50 min/session (depending on the intervention week) for a total of 26 weeks, and the control group performs balance and tone training for the same amount of time. Participants are subsequently followed up for 26 weeks. The primary endpoint is all-cause discontinuation; secondary endpoints include psychopathology, cognition, daily functioning, cardiovascular risk factors, and explorative biological measures regarding the underlying mechanisms of exercise. A total of 180 patients will be randomized. With currently 162 randomized participants, our study is the largest trial to date to investigate endurance training in patients with schizophrenia. We hypothesize that aerobic endurance training has beneficial effects on patients’ mental and physical health, leading to lower treatment discontinuation rates and improving disease outcomes. The study results will provide a basis for recommending exercise interventions as an add-on therapy in patients with schizophrenia.The study is registered in the International Clinical Trials Database (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier [NCT number]: NCT03466112) and in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS-ID: DRKS00009804).
Clinical impact of sarcopenia assessment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing treatments
Authors: Marasco Giovanni , Serenari Matteo , Renzulli Matteo , Alemanni Luigina Vanessa , Rossini Benedetta , Pettinari Irene , Dajti Elton , Ravaioli Federico , Golfieri Rita , Cescon Matteo , Festi Davide , Colecchia Antonio
Published: August 2020

Changes in body composition are associated with poor outcomes in cancer patients including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Sarcopenia, defined as the loss of skeletal muscle mass, quality and function, has been associated with a higher rate of complications and recurrences in patients with cirrhosis and HCC. The assessment of patient general status before HCC treatment, including the presence of sarcopenia, is a key-point for achieving therapy tolerability and to avoid short- and long-term complications leading to poor patients’ survival. Thus, we aimed to review the current literature evaluating the role of sarcopenia assessment related to HCC treatments and to critically provide the clinicians with the most recent and valuable evidence. As a result, sarcopenia can be predictive of poor outcomes in patients undergoing liver resection, transplantation and systemic therapies, offering the chance to clinicians to improve the muscular status of these patients, especially those with high-grade sarcopenia at high risk of mortality. Further studies are needed to clarify the predictive value of sarcopenia in other HCC treatment settings and to evaluate its role as an additional staging tool for identifying the most appropriate treatment. Besides, interventional studies aiming at increasing the skeletal muscle mass for reducing complications and increasing the survival in patients with HCC are needed.
Geometry of the Stable Ruled Surface Over an Elliptic Curve
Authors: Diaw Arame
Published: August 2020

We consider the stable ruled surface $$S_1$$

S
1

over an elliptic curve. There is a unique foliation on $$S_1$$

S
1

transverse to the fibration. The minimal self-intersection sections also define a 2-web. We prove that the 4-web defined by the fibration, the foliation and the 2-web is locally parallelizable.
Toward targeted prevention: risk factors for prediabetes defined by impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance and increased HbA1c in the population-based KORA study from Germany
Authors: Greiner Gregory G. , Emmert-Fees Karl M. F. , Becker Jana , Rathmann Wolfgang , Thorand Barbara , Peters Annette , Quante Anne S. , Schwettmann Lars , Laxy Michael
Published: August 2020

Aims

To identify socioeconomic, behavioral and clinical factors that are associated with prediabetes according to different prediabetes definition criteria.

Methods

Analyses use pooled data of the population-based Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA) studies (n = 5312 observations aged ≥ 38 years without diabetes). Prediabetes was defined through either impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or elevated HbA1c according to thresholds of the American Diabetes Association. Explanatory variables were regressed on prediabetes using generalized estimating equations.

Results

Mean age was 58.4 years; 50% had prediabetes (33% had IFG, 16% IGT, and 26% elevated HbA1c, 10% fulfilled all three criteria). Age, obesity, hypertension, low education, unemployment, statutory health insurance, urban residence and physical inactivity were associated with prediabetes. Male sex was a stronger risk factor for IFG (OR = 2.5; 95%–CI: 2.2–2.9) than for IGT or elevated HbA1c, and being unemployed was a stronger risk factor for IGT (OR = 3.2 95%–CI: 2.6–4.0) than for IFG or elevated HbA1c.

Conclusions

The overlap of people with IFG, IGT and elevated HbA1c is small, and some factors are associated with only one criterion. Knowledge on sociodemographic and socioeconomic risk factors can be used to effectively target interventions to people at high risk for type 2 diabetes.
Eyes on the enterprise: problematising the concept of a teaching-research nexus in UK higher education
Authors: McKinley Jim , McIntosh Shona , Milligan Lizzi , Mikołajewska Agata
Published: August 2020

Existing research into the relationship between teaching and research in higher education is mainly normative and atheoretical, resulting in assumptions of a close and beneficial connection between them. We problematise the idea of anexusby undertaking a critical examination of the concept through the lens of educational ideologies to theorise the changes over time that shape the ways teaching and research are practised. Two hundred seven academic staff in the Humanities and Social Sciences were surveyed in 10 universities in England and Wales; the universities were identified as having strength in teaching, research, or in both. Along with analysis of interviews with senior managers at these universities, findings suggest that systemic forces which separate teaching and research are evident in institutional contexts with implications for the idea of anexus. While the nexus may exist in theory, in practice, we argue that teaching and research can be pulled in different directions by institutional priorities. Furthermore, in institutions which adopt an enterprise ideology, there are signs of a nascent nexus emerging between research and innovation.
Comparable effects on tear film parameters after femtosecond laser-assisted and conventional cataract surgery
Authors: Schargus Marc , Ivanova Svetlana , Stute Gesa , Dick H. Burkhard , Joachim Stephanie C.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Dry eye symptoms after conventional cataract surgery are a very common problem. Until now, only few data are available on objective tear film parameters in regard to femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (LCS). Aim of this study was therefore to analyze and compare tear film parameter changes between LCS and conventional cataract surgery.

Methods

A consecutive group of 34 patients, scheduled for cataract surgery, were randomly selected for either LCS or conventional cataract surgery (17 patients/group). Tear film assessments including tear film osmolarity, Schirmer test, MMP-9 analysis via quantitative ELISA, corneal sensitivity, corneal fluorescein staining, and conjunctival fluorescein staining were sequentially evaluated pre- as well as 1 and 3 months postoperatively.

Results

Both groups showed no significant difference in baseline characteristics. All surgeries were performed without any complications. After 1 and 3 months, there was no statistically significant difference in regard to tear film osmolarity (1 month: p = 0.81, 3 months: p = 1.0), Schirmer test (1 month: p = 0.35, 3 month: p = 0.08), and MMP-9 concentration (1 month: p = 0.36, 3 month: p = 0.28) between the two groups.

Conclusions

Neither LCS nor conventional cataract surgery affected objective tear film parameters significantly during our 3-month postoperative observation period. Hence, both surgical techniques can be equally used to treat patients without prior dry eye symptoms.
The influence of shared R&D-project innovativeness perceptions on university-industry collaboration performance
Authors: Schultz Carsten , Gretsch Oliver , Kock Alexander
Published: August 2020

University-industry collaboration (UIC) partners’ different organizational backgrounds entail socialization with distinct thought worlds, management approaches, and therefore diverging goals, which may lead to differences in their perceptions of the R&D challenge. These differences can hamper relationship quality and may cause coordination challenges. Using dyadic survey data of 164 UIC project managers of 82 projects, we analyze the consequences of partners’ shared R&D-project innovativeness perceptions for project performance. We consider the planning intensity and the collaboration in the planning process as antecedents to partners’ shared perceptions. We find that partners’ shared R&D-project innovativeness perceptions increase project performance. We also show that collaborative planning enhances shared perception. Moreover, we find support that planning intensity (i.e., formal control) and collaborative planning (i.e., social control) complement each other. Hence, if both partners are involved in a collaborative and intensive planning process, they will more likely exhibit a shared R&D project innovativeness perception and, therefore, increase UIC project performance. This will help to manage their R&D activities to create a sense of ownership and to prevent inefficient project deviations.
Effect of pelagic longline bait type on species selectivity: a global synthesis of evidence
Authors: Gilman Eric , Chaloupka Milani , Bach Pascal , Fennell Hannah , Hall Martin , Musyl Michael , Piovano Susanna , Poisson Francois , Song Liming
Published: August 2020

Fisheries can profoundly affect bycatch species with ‘slow’ life history traits. Managing bait type offers one tool to control species selectivity. Different species and sizes of marine predators have different prey, and hence bait, preferences. This preference is a function of a bait’s chemical, visual, acoustic and textural characteristics and size, and for seabirds the effect on hook sink rate is also important. We conducted a global meta-analysis of existing estimates of the relative risk of capture on different pelagic longline baits. We applied a Bayesian random effects meta-analytic regression modelling approach to estimate overall expected bait-specific catch rates. For blue shark and marine turtles, there were 34% (95% HDI: 4–59%) and 60% (95% HDI: 44–76%) significantly lower relative risks of capture on forage fish bait than squid bait, respectively. Overall estimates of bait-specific relative risk were not significantly different for seven other assessed taxa. The lack of a significant overall estimate of relative capture risk for pelagic shark species combined but significant effect for blue sharks suggests there is species-specific variability in bait-specific catch risk within this group. A qualitative literature review suggests that tunas and istiophorid billfishes may have higher catch rates on squid than fish bait, which conflicts with reducing marine turtle and blue shark catch rates. The findings from this synthesis of quantitative and qualitative evidence support identifying economically viable bycatch management measures with acceptable tradeoffs when multispecies conflicts are unavoidable, and highlight research priorities for global pelagic longline fisheries.
Building Well-Being Composite Indicator for Micro-Territorial Areas Through PLS-SEM and K-Means Approach
Authors: Tomaselli Venera , Fordellone Mario , Vichi Maurizio
Published: August 2020

In the analysis of the difference in the distribution and profiles of the equitable and sustainable well-being, the territorial dimension is a fundamental reading-key for local policies since it allows the areas of advantage or relative deprivation to emerge more accurately. Specifically, in Italy the provincial level coincides with the administrative area of metropolitan cities, which are the subject of growing attention from European and national policies. The BES 2018 report by Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) has confirmed that from 2015 an improvement in many areas of well-being has been marked, even if territorial differences remain stable both in levels and dynamics. These differences appear in some cases as real structural differences between the North and South of Italy. Then, the measures of equitable and sustainable well-being in the territories allow, in various degrees, to deepen and specify this situation employing synthetic measures of well-being. In this work, we propose a statistical methodology focused on the simultaneous partial least squares structural equation modeling and simultaneous K-means clustering to obtain a composite indicator of Italian well-being and at the same time a classification of Italian territorial micro-areas by means of the just updated provincial data about BES 2018. In this way, the territorial differences of well-being can be more reliably and more exactly defined on the basis of the relationships among all elementary indicators and domains proposed in the analysis of well-being by ISTAT.
Stichwort: Überzeugungen von Lehrkräften im Kontext migrationsbezogener Heterogenität
Authors: Hachfeld Axinja , Syring Marcus
Published: August 2020

In Deutschland leben Menschen aus über 150 verschiedenen Ländern. Fast jedes dritte Kind in der Schule hat Eltern, von denen mindestens ein Elternteil in einem anderen Land geboren wurde. Lehrkräften und ihren migrationsbezogenen Überzeugungen kommt in diesem Kontext eine besondere Rolle zu, weshalb sie in den letzten 20 Jahren in den Fokus verschiedener Forschungsbemühungen in Deutschland gerückt sind. Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt diese anhand eines integrativen Reviews entlang von vier Schwerpunkten dar. Anhand des status quo werden unter Berücksichtigung einer internationalen Perspektive aufscheinende Forschungsdesiderate diskutiert.
Interest in telephone nightmare counselling in patients with sleep-related breathing disorders
Authors: Schredl Michael , Lüth Katharina , Schmitt Judith ,   AG Traum der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Schlafforschung und Schlafmedizin (DGSM)
Published: August 2020

Background and objective

Nightmares are typically underdiagnosed and undertreated, even though frequent nightmares are quite common in patients with sleep-related breathing disorders. Based on a previous study, we investigated whether patients would respond if they were specifically asked whether they would be interested in telephone counselling about nightmares and nightmare treatment.

Materials and methods

The present study included 537 patients with sleep-related breathing disorders who completed a nightmare questionnaire and—if interested—provided their contact data for a telephone counselling session.

Results

Of the total patients, 5.40% were interested in the telephone counselling. Most of these patients had never sought help for their nightmare condition before. This percentage is much lower than in a previous study, possibly due to the higher time expenditure related to the new consent procedure.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that patients with nightmare problems can be reached with this approach even though they have never sought professional help before. In order to minimize the threshold, it would be desirable to have clinical in-house nightmare counselling, which would not require a detailed study information brochure and informed consent.
Isotopic investigations of Chinese ceramics
Authors: Henderson Julian , Ma Hongjiao , Cui Jianfeng , Ma Renjie , Xiao Hongyan
Published: August 2020

This chapter provides insights into Chinese ceramic technologies of both bodies and glazes as well as provenance by using isotopes applied to a number of case studies. The use of Sr isotopes to investigate Chinese high-fired Celadon wares and blue-and-white Jingdezhen porcelain (Jiangxi province) has revealed a clear distinction associated with the fluxes used in the glazes: plant ash in celadons and limestone in Jingdezhen glazes, something that is not clear from major element analysis. Furthermore, the technique is able to suggest by implication the nature of the silica source used in the glazes—normally weathered granitic rocks or metamorphic rocks (porcelain stone) which also contains Sr. This leads to an isotopic mixing line of the 2 Sr-rich components and is proof that 2 Sr-rich components were mixed in the manufacture of limestone glaze. This is not the case for plant ash glazes. Eventually, the technique may be used in provenance studies. Like Sr isotope analysis, lead isotope analysis relies on there being a lack of or a minimal change in the isotope ratios when the raw materials are heated. Lead isotope analysis links the use of lead in glazes to the original metal ore and if a kiln uses a distinctive lead source in its glazes, it can provide a provenance for the pottery. This has been very successful in distinguishing Chinese Tangsancaiwares made in the Huangye, Huangbao, Liquanfang and Qionglai kilns.
The impact of attractiveness on job opportunities in Italy: a gender field experiment
Authors: Busetta Giovanni , Fiorillo Fabio , Palomba Giulio
Published: August 2020

This paper assesses the impact of being attractive and not being native on the gender gap in the opportunity of obtaining a job in Italy. To do so, we propose a field experiment that consists in sending 9680 fictitious curricula vitae to real firms looking for employees. We estimate an Heckit model in order to consider different response from firms and then to calculate the probability to receive a callback. We show that gender gap in opportunity of receiving a callback is a very important issue and this gap is affected by interaction with both attractiveness and not being italian natives, especially for the most qualified jobs.
A review of recent advances in water-gas shift catalysis for hydrogen production
Authors: Ebrahimi Parisa , Kumar Anand , Khraisheh Majeda
Published: August 2020

The water-gas shift reaction (WGSR) is an intermediate reaction in hydrocarbon reforming processes, considered one of the most important reactions for hydrogen production. Here, water and carbon monoxide molecules react to generate hydrogen and carbon dioxide. From the thermodynamics aspect, pressure does not have an impact, whereas low-temperature conditions are suitable for high hydrogen selectivity because of the exothermic nature of the WGSR reaction. The performance of this reaction can be greatly enhanced in the presence of suitable catalysts. The WGSR has been widely studied due do the industrial significance resulting in a good volume of open literature on reactor design and catalyst development. A number of review articles are also available on the fundamental aspects of the reaction, including thermodynamic analysis, reaction condition optimization, catalyst design, and deactivation studies. Over the past few decades, there has been an exceptional development of the catalyst characterization techniques such as near-ambient x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NA-XPS) and in situ transmission electron microscopy (in situ TEM), providing atomic level information in presence of gases at elevated temperatures. These tools have been crucial in providing nanoscale structural details and the dynamic changes during reaction conditions, which were not available before. The present review is an attempt to gather the recent progress, particularly in the past decade, on the catalysts for low-temperature WGSR and their structural properties, leading to new insights that can be used in the future for effective catalyst design. For the ease of reading, the article is divided into subsections based on metals (noble and transition metal), oxide supports, and carbon-based supports. It also aims at providing a brief overview of the reaction conditions by including a table of catalysts with synthesis methods, reaction conditions, and key observations for a quick reference. Based on our study of literature on noble metal catalysts, atomic Pt substituted Mn3O4shows almost full CO conversion at 260 °C itself with zero methane formation. In the case of transition metals group, the inclusion of Cu in catalytic system seems to influence the CO conversion significantly, and in some cases, with CO conversion improvement by 65% at 280 °C. Moreover, mesoporous ceria as a catalyst support shows great potential with reports of full CO conversion at a low temperature of 175 °C.
Schulhausarchitekturen im physischen und sozialen Siedlungsraum
Authors: Egger Jan
Published: August 2020

Aus einer architektursoziologischen Perspektive werden Schulanlagen daraufhin analysiert, welche latenten, „in Stein“ gehauenen Sinnstrukturen sie repräsentieren: Welche Bedeutungen kommt der Schule innerhalb der Siedlung zu? Welche sozialen Gruppen und wie werden diese über Architektur adressiert? Welche Normalitäten werden über Gebäude versinnbildlicht, und welche Strukturtransformationen lassen sich rekonstruieren? Es zeigt sich, dass in Schulbauten als „gebaute Staatlichkeit“ die Bauherrschaft dominiert. Schulhäuser sind für Kommunen auch ein Präsentationsmittel z. B. im Steuerwettbewerb. Damit beschreiben Schulhäuser auch den Sozialen Raum. Zudem zeigt sich eine soziale Ausweitung des Schulraums und damit einhergehend eine „schulförmige“ Adressierung auch von Nicht-Schülern und Nicht-Schülerinnen.
Provision of Sexual Medicine Services During the Coronavirus Disease-2019 Pandemic: An Asia Pacific Society of Sexual Medicine Position Statement
Authors: Chung Eric , Jiann Bang-Ping , Nagao Koichi , Hakim Lukman , Huang William , Lee Joe , Lin Haocheng , Tien Mai Dung Ba , Nyugen Quang , Park Hyun-Jun , Sato Yoshikazu , Tantiwongse Kavirach , Yuan Yiming , Park Kwangsung
Published: August 2020

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused an unprecedented healthcare crisis with various governmental healthcare policies enforced to redirect medical prioritization and minimize the spread of COVID19 infection. Recognizing that the COVID-19 crisis will be protracted, it is important that clinicians and the healthcare industry continue to adapt existing resources and review contingency plan amidst this uncertain and difficult times. The Asia Pacific Society of Sexual Medicine supports ongoing precautionary healthcare measures implemented by various institutions and governmental policies to contain and eliminate COVID19 infection. Clinicians are encouraged to modify and adapt various strategies that will continue to provide, support, and treat sexual health–related conditions in a safe and efficient manner.
Microtonal Restraint
Authors: FORKERT ANNIKA
Published: August 2020

This article proposes that the beginnings of twentieth-century microtonal music and thinking were shaped more by restraint in composers’ thinking than by a full embrace of the principle of ‘progress for progress’s sake’. Pioneering microtonal composers such as Ferruccio Busoni, Julián Carrillo, John Foulds, Alois Hába, Charles Ives and Richard Stein constitute an international group of breakaway modernists, whose music and writings suggest four tropes characterizing this first-generation microtonal music: the rediscovery of a microtonal past, the preservation of tonality, the refinement of tonality and the exercise of restraint. The article traces these tropes of early twentieth-century microtonal experiment in works by Carrillo, Foulds, Hába, Ives and Stein with reference to writings and music by Busoni, Nikolay Kul′bin, Harry Partch, Karol Szymanowski and Ivan Vyschnegradsky. It adds to the growing scholarship about early twentieth-century tonally based aesthetics and techniques, and broadens perspectives on the history of twentieth-century microtonal music.
The Distinctive Political Status of Dissident Minorities
Authors: SCHRAUB DAVID
Published: August 2020

“Dissident minorities” are members of marginalized groups who dissent from the consensus group position on matters seen as critical to their group’s collective liberation. This paper articulates the distinctive political status—powers, vulnerabilities, and obligations—of dissident minorities. Dissident minorities may be especially vulnerable to slurs or ostracism as “self-hating.” But they also can wield significant public influence by positioning themselves as exceptional and exemplary members of their group. Both the powers and vulnerabilities of dissident minorities, in turn, converge around the prospect of “tokenization”—the use of the dissident minority’s dissident opinion by majority group actors as a means of discharging a stipulated obligation to engage with the minority group writ large. While dissident minorities should be free to hold and advocate for their divergent positions in public spaces, they retain a distinctive obligation to not offer themselves out as adequate replacements for engagement with the broader group.
Irradiation dose does not affect male reproductive organ size, sperm storage, and female remating propensity in Ceratitis capitata
Authors: Abraham S. , Díaz V. , Moyano A. , Castillo G. , Rull J. , Suárez L. , Murúa A.F. , Pantano V. , Molina D. , Ovruski S.M.
Published: August 2020

The Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata is a globally invasive pest, often controlled with the sterile insect technique (SIT). For the SIT, mass-rearing of the target insect followed by irradiation are imperatives. Sterile males are often less able to inhibit female remating and transfer less number of sperm, and even irradiation could affect male reproductive organs, with consequences for their ability to inhibit female remating. On the other hand, male age could affect their ability to modulate female response after mating. Here, we evaluated the quality of the genetic sexing strain Vienna-8-tsl mass-reared in Bioplanta San Juan, Argentina, under laboratory conditions, with regard to: (i) the ability of sterile males irradiated at 100 or 140 Gy to inhibit female remating, in the same day and at 24 h of first copulation; (ii) the ability of 3, 4 or 5 day-old sterile males to inhibit female remating at 24 h of first copulation, and (iii) the effect of a reduction in irradiation doses on the number of sperm stored by females and reproductive organ size in virgin males. Sterile males were better able than wild males to inhibit female remating in the same day of first copulation and as able as wild males 1 day after first copulation. Male age did not affect their ability to inhibit female receptivity. Number of sperm stored by females, testes size and ectodermal accessory glands size were not affected by male identity, while sterile 100 Gy males had larger mesodermal accessory glands than control lab males. A reduction in irradiation dose does not impact any variable measured, except for percentage of sperm-depleted females: females mated with sterile 100 Gy males had lower probabilities to store sperm. The results showed here are very encouraging for tsl Vienna 8 strain reared in Argentina and are discussed in comparison with previous studies in C. capitata female remating with dissimilar results.
New insights into the coexistence ofContracaecum rudolphiiA andContracaecum rudolphiiB (Nematoda: Anisakidae) inPhalacrocorax carbosinensis from Sardinia: genetic variability and phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Amor Nabil , Farjallah Sarra , Piras Maria Cristina , Burreddu Caterina , Garippa Giovanni , Merella Paolo
Published: August 2020

Contracaecumsp. nematodes are important parasites of fish eating birds that can cause animal health problems. In the present study, specimens ofContracaecum rudolphiisensu lato, from the great cormorantPhalacrocorax carbo sinensisfrom Sardinia, were characterized based on morphological and molecular data. The morphological analysis allowed to identify all the fourth stage larvae (n= 1918) asContracaecumsp., and adults, male (n= 5845) and female (n= 8312), asC. rudolphiisensu lato. Population genetics and phylogenetic relationships were inferred based on mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Multiple sequence alignment of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer showed the coexistence ofC. rudolphiiA (n= 157),C. rudolphiiB (n= 22) and a rare heterozygote of these species. Moreover, mitochondrial markers, namely NADH dehydrogenase subunits I (nad1), cytochrome c oxidase subunit (cox1 and cox2) and small subunit of rRNA (rrnS), showed that the studiedC. rudolphiiA populations had undergone bottleneck, or founder effect event, subsequent to a rapid population growth and expansion. The observed heterozygote is with a mitochondrial pattern ofC. rudolphiiB. Although, bothContracaecumspecies showed high genetic diversity, no genetic structure between localities was detected. Phylogenetic reconstructions supported the paraphyly of the avianContracaecumspecies includingC. ogmorhini(parasite of otariids).
Equine piroplasmosis: an insight into global exposure of equids from 1990 to 2019 by systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Onyiche ThankGod E. , Taioe Moeti O. , Molefe Nthatisi I. , Biu Abdullahi A. , Luka Joshua , Omeh Isaac J. , Yokoyama Naoaki , Thekisoe Oriel
Published: August 2020

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease of economic importance, relevant in the international movement of equids. The causative agents are at least two apicomplexan protozoan parasites Babesia caballi and Theileria equi. To date, there is no study that estimates global and regional exposure of equids to EP. We therefore conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence and heterogeneity of EP using random-effects model. Six electronic databases were searched for publications on EP and assessed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 66 eligible studies published between 1990 and 2019 and representing 24 041 equids were included. The overall pooled prevalence estimates (PPEs) of B. caballi was 22.3% (95% CI 21.7–22.8), while the overall PPE for T. equi was 29.4% (95% CI 28.7–30.0). The overall pooled prevalence due to co-infection with both parasites was 11.8% (95% CI 11.32–12.32). Also, subgroup analysis according to sex, age, diagnostic technique, equid species, region and publication years showed a substantial degree of heterogeneity across studies computed for both B. caballi and T. equi infections in equids. Awareness of the current status of EP globally will alert the relevant authorities and stakeholders where necessary on the need for better preventive and control strategies against the disease.
Alternative Manoeuvres to Reduce Ship Scour
Authors: Castells-Sanabra Marcella , Mujal-Colilles Anna , LLull Toni , Moncunill Jordi , Martínez de Osés F.X. , Gironella Xavi
Published: August 2020

Scouring and sedimentation effects on the seabed induced by ship propellers during ship manoeuvring near harbour structures affect both structure stability and ship manoeuvring capabilities. This contribution proposes solutions at an operational level using the automatic identification system (AIS) and a bridge simulator. Two new alternative manoeuvres were designed and tested on a bridge simulator to obtain expected maximum scour depth and the results were compared with that of real manoeuvres (i) using mooring lines, and (ii) with tug assistance. A total of 42 test scenarios combining several manoeuvres and meteorological conditions were reproduced. Results confirmed a clear reduction in erosion depth with the alternative manoeuvres, with total reduction when using the tugboat. The presented methodology can be very useful to port authorities to prevent the effects of ship erosion on harbour infrastructures.
The Limits of the Law in Claiming Rights to Land in a Settler Colony: South Australia in the Early-to-Mid Nineteenth Century
Authors: Attwood Bain
Published: August 2020

In recent decades a large amount of scholarship has been devoted to the task of explaining the ways in which European powers claimed possession of indigenous people's territories across the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This research has emphasised the role of the law in the dispossession of indigenous peoples. But more work is required to establish the precise roles that the law played in the claiming of land and to measure its importance relative to other factors. In this paper I consider one British colony, South Australia, in order to investigate the changes that occurred in the roles that the law performed over time in the claiming of the indigenous people's lands, and to assess the importance of these relative to the roles played by historical, moral, political, psychological and material factors. I conclude that in this instance at least the role that the law played in the claiming of possession was rather different than that suggested by numerous studies of the claiming of possession as well as much less significant.
The Barry Urban District Council, disaster relief funds and civic society, 1913–1934
Authors: Foster Ann-Marie
Published: August 2020

The early twentieth century witnessed some of the worst mining disasters the UK has ever seen. Towns and cities leapt to the aid of bereaved families, raising tens of thousands of pounds in aid. Yet, while the effects of disaster funds on the locality in which they were administered have been the focus of scholarly work, little attention has been given to how these funds were created in constituencies outside of the disaster zone. The Barry Urban District Council (UDC) responded to the call for help after the Senghenydd (1913) and Gresford (1934) disasters, opening relief funds to aid the affected. The funds blurred the line between charity and local government, with the Barry UDC reliant on functions of civic society to aid its philanthropic turn. Their reaction offers insights into the charitable role of UDCs, reflecting on how they used these opportunities to further civic activity.
Modulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity duringin vitrooocyte maturation increases the production of bovine blastocysts
Authors: Pereira Janaína Leite , Curcio Alinne Glória , Barroso Laura Mathias , Mogollón-Waltero Edgar Mauricio , Gomes Helga Fernandes , Maia Roger Cardoso , Viana Kelen Salaroli , Caldas Bussiere Maria Clara , Marin Diego Fernando Dubeibe , Dias Angelo José Burla
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of regulating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) activity on the kinetics of oocyte nuclear maturation and the blastocyst rate. To evaluate oocyte viability, nuclear maturation rate andin vitroembryo production, cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were maintained for 0, 10 min, 6 h or 22 h in TCM 199 medium supplemented with 20 nM wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI3K. After each period, COCs were transferred to the same medium without wortmannin and kept under the same conditions until completion of 22 h ofin vitromaturation (IVM). To evaluate the effect of time on progression of nuclear maturation, COCs cultivated with 20 nM wortmannin was maintained for 22, 28 or 34 h of IVM. To determine the effect of wortmannin on the activity of maturation-promoting factor (MPF), COCs were kept under IVM conditions in the presence of the inhibitor for 0, 1, 3, 6, or 8 h. Exposure of COCs to wortmannin decreased (P< 0.05) the percentage of oocytes that reached metaphase II (MII) up to 22 h, MPF activity and reduced PI3K activity by 30%. However, after 28 and 34 h, 70% of oocytes reached the MII stage in the presence of inhibitor Moreover, COCs matured in the presence of wortmannin showed an increase (P< 0.05) in the blastocyst rate. These findings suggested that the regulation of the PI3K activity during IVM of bovine COCs interfered with the meiotic progression due to control of MPF activity, positively affecting the blastocyst rate.
Life-saving myocarditis? A case in a young adult leading to discovery of an anomalous origin of the right coronary artery
Authors: Rosenthal Rachel , Obasi Hannah , Im Daniel D.
Published: August 2020

Myocarditis and coronary artery anomalies are both potentially life-threatening aetiologies of cardiac chest pain in children. We present a case of a young man presenting with non-exertional chest pain and subsequently found to have an anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the left coronary sinus with an interarterial course in addition to a diagnosis of myocarditis. The patient subsequently was able to undergo surgical correction of his anomalous coronary to mitigate the risk of sudden cardiac death.