bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical foundations and philosophical orientation of Relational Systems Evaluation
Authors: Trochim William M. , Urban Jennifer Brown
Published: April 2021

Evolutionary Evaluation, Relational Developmental Systems Theory, and Systems Thinking are three broad foundational theoretical perspectives that characterize the shifting paradigm in contemporary evaluation. They are central to the development of Relational Systems Evaluation (RSE). From Evolutionary Evaluation, we focus on the variation and selection role of evaluation, as well as the notions of ontogeny, phylogeny, symbiosis, and co‐evolution. From Relational Developmental Systems Theory, we highlight how mutually beneficial bidirectional relations between a program and its environmental context can promote adaptive regulations. From Systems Thinking, we emphasize part–whole relationships, static and dynamic processes, the related concepts of scale and boundaries, multiple perspectives, and causal pathways. We propose that these theoretical elements—all of which are operationalized through RSE—can be transformative in our thinking about the next evolutionary stage for evaluation.
Transoral robotic surgery versus nonrobotic resection of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chillakuru Yeshwant , Benito Daniel A. , Strum David , Mehta Varun , Saini Prashant , Shim Timothy , Darwish Christina , Joshi Arjun S. , Thakkar Punam , Goodman Joseph F.
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) compared to nonrobotic surgery (NRS) on overall survival in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). We performed a retrospective study of patients with HPV+ and HPV− OPSCC undergoing TORS or NRS with neck dissection using the National Cancer Database from the years 2010–2016. Among patients with OPSCC in our cohort, 3167 (58.1%) patients underwent NRS and 2288 (41.9%) underwent TORS. TORS patients demonstrated better overall survival than NRS patients (HPV+ patients: aHR 0.74, p = 0.02; HPV− patients: aHR 0.58, p < 0.01). Subsite analysis showed TORS was correlated with improved survival in base of tongue (BoT) primaries for both HPV+ (aHR 0.46, p = 0.01) and HPV− (aHR 0.42, p = 0.01) OPSCC. Compared to NRS, TORS is associated with improved overall survival for HPV+ and HPV− OPSCC, as well as greater overall survival for BoT primaries.
Trends of solar radiation effects on the temperature of vertical surfaces of a modern terrace house
Authors: Ismail Mohd Rodzi , Rasli Nur Baitul Izati , Ramli Nor Azam
Published: April 2021

This is a study done to investigate the effects of solar radiation on the wall surface temperature of a modern terrace house. It involves the analysis of the thermal fluctuations of common building materials used for walls or vertical surface areas such as the bricks, glass of the window, and metal doors. A thermal imager and data logging system was used in collecting the data for the Southeast and Northwest façades of the house. The imager gave resourceful data on the thermal heat trend of the walls and their surface temperature. The results show that a lighter wall surface color reduces the temperature of the surface. Furthermore, the bricks, which have a higher density hence a higher absorptivity due to their high capacity for storage of heat, decrease the flow of heat. However, the use of tinted glass on windows increases the surface temperature of the glass area of the wall surface. The metal also shows a high similarity with glass in terms of its thermal performance. In conclusion, the types of material used on wall surfaces have a significant impact on the wall temperature.
Numerical evaluation of the heat transfer in a shell and corrugated coil tube heat exchanger with three various water‐based nanofluids
Authors: Zaboli Mohammad , Saedodin Seyfolah , Mousavi Ajarostaghi Seyed Soheil , Nourbakhsh Mehdi
Published: April 2021

In this paper, turbulence heat transfer and nanofluid flow in a shell and corrugated coil tube heat exchanger are evaluated numerically. The three‐dimensional numerical simulations have been done by finite volume method using a commercial computational fluid dynamics code. The spatial discretization of mass, momentum, turbulence dissipation rate, and turbulence kinetic energy equations has been achieved by a second‐order upwind scheme. A SIMPLE algorithm has been used for velocity–pressure coupling. To calculate gradients, Green‐Gauss cell‐based method has been utilized. The cross‐section of the coil tube is lobe shaped. First, the impact of corrugated tube cross‐section type and then, the impact of utilizing different types of nanofluid on thermal performance are investigated. The outcomes indicate that at high Reynolds number, utilizing a five‐lobe cross‐section causes augmentation in Nusselt number and pressure drop by about 4.8% and 3.7%, respectively. However, the three‐lobe type shows the highest thermal performance. Moreover, water/CuO has the most thermal performance. As the volume concentration of the nanofluid increases, the thermal performance declines.
Does sodium oxybate inhibit brain dopamine release in humans? An exploratory neuroimaging study
Authors: Kish Stephen J , O'Leary Gerald , Mamelak Mortimer , McCluskey Tina , Warsh Jerry J , Shapiro Colin , Bies Robert , Yu Yifan , Pollock Bruce , Tong Junchao , Boileau Isabelle
Published: April 2021

Objective

To establish in an exploratory neuroimaging study whether γ‐hydroxybutyrate (sodium oxybate [SO]), a sedative, anti‐narcoleptic drug with abuse potential, transiently inhibits striatal dopamine release in the human.

Methods

Ten healthy participants (30 years; 6M, 4F) and one participant with narcolepsy received a baseline positron emission tomography scan of [C‐11]raclopride, a D2/3 dopamine receptor radioligand sensitive to dopamine occupancy, followed approximately one week later by an oral sedative 3g dose of SO and two [C‐11]raclopride scans (1 h, 7 h post SO). Plasma SO levels and drowsiness duration were assessed.

Results

No significant changes were detected in [C‐11]raclopride binding in striatum overall 1 or 7 h after SO, but a small non‐significant increase in [C‐11]raclopride binding, implying decreased dopamine occupancy, was noted in limbic striatal subdivision at one hour (+6.5%; p uncorrected = 0.045; +13.2%, narcolepsy participant), returning to baseline at 7 h. A positive correlation was observed between drowsiness duration and percent change in [C‐11]raclopride binding in limbic striatum (r = 0.73; p = 0.017).

Conclusions

We did not find evidence in this sample of human subjects of a robust striatal dopamine change, as was reported in non‐human primates. Our preliminary data, requiring extension, suggest that a 3g sedative SO dose might cause slight transient inhibition of dopamine release in limbic striatum.
Levator ani muscle avulsion: Digital palpation versus tomographic ultrasound imaging
Authors: Kamisan Atan Ixora , Lin Sylvia , Dietz Hans Peter , Herbison Peter , Wilson Peter Donald ,   for the ProLong Study Group
Published: April 2021

Objective

To determine the diagnostic performance of digital palpation of levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion compared with translabial tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study, incorporating 195 women involved in a longitudinal cohort study. Palpation for levator integrity was performed, followed by a four‐dimensional translabial ultrasound. LAM avulsion defects were diagnosed in the presence of puborectalis muscle detachment from its insertion. Post‐processing analysis of ultrasound volumes for LAM integrity on TUI was performed blinded against palpation findings. Agreement between methods was assessed using Cohen's κ.

Results

In all, 388 paired assessments of LAM bilaterally, were available. Sixteen (8.2%) unilateral avulsion defects were detected on palpation. Sonographically, 31 (16%) were diagnosed with avulsions: 4.6% bilateral and 11.3% unilateral. An overall agreement of 91% was observed between digital palpation and TUI, yielding a Cohen's κ of 0.32 (95% confidence interval 0.15–0.48) demonstrating “fair agreement”: and implying 25% sensitivity, 98% specificity, 63% positive predictive value, and 92% negative predictive value. Analysis of the first and last 20 palpations showed no change in performance during the 13‐day study period.

Conclusion

Assessment of LAM avulsion defects by digital palpation is feasible but may require substantial training. Confirmation by imaging is crucial, especially if the diagnosis of avulsion may influence clinical management.
Presence of pollinator‐friendly habitat on pollinator communities in managed turfgrass systems
Authors: Billeisen Terri L. , Kilpatrick Lauren D. , Seth‐Carley Danesha , Brandenburg Rick L.
Published: April 2021

Insect pollinator community dynamics in established turfgrass systems is a topic of continuing study. This research examines pollinator abundance and diversity in two turfgrass environments (golf courses and home lawns) and whether populations are affected by the establishment of pollinator‐friendly habitat. Sites adjacent to managed green spaces were selected based on site suitability for management and monitored monthly from July through October 2018 for insect pollinators using a combination of sweep netting and pan traps prior to habitat establishment. Insect sampling was repeated in 2019 post‐establishment. Wildflower presence increased bee abundance but did not impact species richness.
Hepatic F4/80+CD11b+CD68– cells influence the antibacterial response in irradiated mice with sepsis by Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Okamoto Norio , Ohama Hideko , Matsui Masahiro , Fukunishi Shinya , Higuchi Kazuhide , Asai Akira
Published: April 2021

Gut-associated sepsis is a major problem in patients undergoing abdominal radiation therapy; the majority of pathogens causing this type of sepsis are translocated from the gut microbiota. While treating sepsis, bacterial clearance must be achieved to ensure patient survival, and the hepatic immune response is responsible for this process. In particular, Kupffer cells play a crucial role in the hepatic immune response against infectious agents. Recently, two populations of Kupffer cells have been described: liver-resident macrophages (Mϕ) (F4/80+CD11b–CD68+ cells) and hepatic Mϕ derived from circulating monocytes (F4/80+CD11b+CD68– cells). We examined the properties of both types of hepatic Mϕ obtained from irradiated and normal mice and their role in sepsis. Hepatic F4/80+CD11b–CD68+ cells from both normal and irradiated mice did not show any antibacterial activity. However, F4/80+CD11b+CD68– cells from normal mice behaved as effector cells against sepsis by Enterococcus faecalis, although those from irradiated mice lost this ability. Moreover, hepatic F4/80+CD11b+CD68– cells from normal infected mice were shown to be IL-12+IL-10–CD206–CCL1– (considered M1Mϕ), and hepatic F4/80+CD11b–CD68+ cells from the same mice were shown to be IL-12–IL-10+CD206+CCL1– (considered M2aMϕ). When normal mice were exposed to radiation, hepatic F4/80+CD11b+CD68– cells altered their phenotype to IL-12–IL-10+CD206–CCL1+ (considered M2bMϕ), independent of infection, but hepatic F4/80+CD11b–CD68+ cells remained IL-12–IL-10+CD206+CCL1– (M2aMϕ). In addition, hepatic F4/80+CD11b+CD68– cells from irradiated mice acquired antibacterial activity upon treatment with CCL1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides. Therefore, the characteristics of hepatic F4/80+CD11b+CD68– cells play a key role in the antibacterial response against gut-associated sepsis.
Treatment Modalities and Survival Outcomes for Sinonasal Diffuse Large B‐Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Lehrich Brandon M. , Abiri Arash , Goshtasbi Khodayar , Birkenbeuel Jack , Yasaka Tyler M. , Papagiannopoulos Peter , Tajudeen Bobby A. , Brem Elizabeth A. , Kuan Edward C.
Published: April 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

This study utilizes a large population national database to comprehensively analyze prognosticators and overall survival (OS) outcomes of varying treatment modalities in a large cohort of sinonasal diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (SN‐DLBCL) patients.

Study Design

Retrospective database study.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was queried for all SN‐DLBCL cases diagnosed from 2004 to 2015. Kaplan–Meier log‐rank test determined differences in OS based on clinical covariates. Cox proportional‐hazards analysis was used to determine clinical and sociodemographic covariates predictive of mortality.

Results

A total of 2,073 SN‐DLBCL patients were included, consisting of 48% female with a mean age of 66.0 ± 16.2 years. Overall, 82% of patients were Caucasian, 74% had early‐stage disease, and 49% had primary tumors in the paranasal sinuses. Early‐stage patients were more likely to receive multi‐agent chemoradiotherapy compared to multi‐agent chemotherapy alone (P < .001). Multivariable Cox proportional‐hazards analysis revealed chemoradiotherapy to confer significantly greater OS improvements than chemotherapy alone (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.61; P < .001). However, subset analysis of late‐stage patients demonstrated no significant differences in OS between these treatment modalities (P = .245). On multivariable analysis of chemotherapy patients treated post‐2012, immunotherapy (HR = 0.51; P = .024) demonstrated significant OS benefits. However, subset analysis showed no significant advantage in OS with administering immunotherapy for late‐stage patients (P = .326). Lastly, for all patients treated post‐2012, those receiving immunotherapy had significantly improved OS compared to those not receiving immunotherapy (P < .001).

Conclusions

Treatment protocol selection differs between early‐ and late‐stage SN‐DLBCL patients. Early‐stage patients receiving chemotherapy may benefit from immunotherapy as part of their treatment paradigm.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2727–E2735, 2021
Rotational Doppler Frequency Shift from Time‐Evolving High‐Order Pancharatnam–Berry Phase: A Metasurface Approach
Authors: Yue Fuyong , Aadhi A. , Piccoli Riccardo , Aglieri Vincenzo , Macaluso Roberto , Toma Andrea , Morandotti Roberto , Razzari Luca
Published: April 2021

The Doppler frequency shift of sound or electromagnetic waves has been widely investigated in many different contexts and, nowadays, represents a formidable tool in medicine, engineering, astrophysics, and optics. Such effect is commonly described in the framework of the universal energy‐momentum conservation law. In particular, the rotational Doppler effect has been recently demonstrated using light carrying orbital angular momentum. When a wave undergoes a cyclic adiabatic transformation of its Hamiltonian, it is known to acquire the so‐called Pancharatnam–Berry (PB) phase. In this work, an experimental evidence of the direct connection between the high‐order PB phase time evolution on the Poincaré sphere and the rotational Doppler frequency shift of light is provided. A metasurface operating at telecom wavelengths is employed to impose a total (spin and orbital) angular momentum (TAM) on the light wave, while two TAM converters ensure a closed cycle on the Poincaré sphere. By rotating one of the converters, a significant Doppler frequency shift is observed without variation of the output TAM. The proposed metasurface‐based approach offers new advanced ways to engineer the frequency content of light.
Multi‐criteria supply chain network design using interactive decision maps
Authors: Fragoso Rui , Bushenkov Vladimir , Ramos Manoel João
Published: April 2021

Growing concerns about sustainability lead decision‐makers to include in the supply chain network design, environmental and social impacts as well as economic objectives, which requires a balanced multi‐criteria approach. In this paper, a multi‐objective mixed integer model for a regional supply chain network of a fish processing industry is developed. The model and decision‐making process is analysed using approximation and visualization of Pareto frontier in criteria space in the form of Interactive Decision Maps. For test purposes, the data of the network of tilapia fillet processing in West Paraná, Brazil, are used. A reasonable strategy is formulated, representing a compromise between different conflicting criteria in the supply chain — profit, carbon dioxide emissions, number of suppliers, number of hired workers, costs and revenue.
Structural modification of natural fibers for fluorescent probe application
Authors: Kohila Venkatraman , Jancirani Asirvatham , Meenarathi Balakrishnan , Parthasarathy Vellaichamy , Anbarasan Ramasamy
Published: April 2021

In situ chemical polymerization of acid fuchsin (AF) dye in the presence of Fe3+as a complexing and oxidizing agent in the presence of two different textile fibers such as silk and rayon were carried out by varying the experimental conditions in the N2ambiance. The synthesized polymer systems were subjected to various analytical measurements such as FT‐IR, FES, SEM, TEM, GPC, UV‐visible spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and water contact angle to assess their structure‐property relation. The electrical conductivity values of the AF grafted natural fibers were measured. The rate of grafting (RG) was calculated by using the absorption and emission spectra. The SO2stretching of AF is seen at 1230 cm−1in the FT‐IR spectrum. The order of grafting reaction was calculated as 0.99 based on absorbance spectrum, which proved the first‐order reaction with respect to Fe3+concentration. The binding site and binding constant values were determined. The energy of activation (Ea) for the AF grafted rayon fiber was estimated as 30.72 kJ/mole. A plausible reaction mechanism was proposed based on the obtained experimental results.
The use of the Hazard Quotient approach to assess the potential risk to honeybees (Apis mellifera) posed by pesticide residues detected in bee‐relevant matrices is not appropriate
Authors: Thompson Helen M
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Pesticide residue data for pollen and nectar are valuable for characterizing realistic exposure of pollinators, e.g. from agricultural crops, flowering margins. Interpretation of residues relies on comparing exposure with toxicity and the Hazard Quotient (HQ) is widely utilized. However, the HQ (threshold of concern 50) was only validated for foliar sprays, based on application rate as a proxy for exposure, not measured residues in bee‐relevant matrices.

RESULTS

A review of the literature showed a range of HQ approaches and thresholds of concern used to assess non‐foliar applications and residues detected in bee‐relevant matrices, mostly pollen. The use of the HQ thresholds to assess risks associated with residue data or non‐foliar spray application methods is not validated, does not reflect realistic exposure and the conclusions reached differ substantially from current risk assessment approaches. Re‐evaluation of residue data from the first published use of the concentration‐based HQ (2013) and a recent paper (2021) reduced the proportion of pesticides where a conclusion of potential risk was reached from 30 to 7% and 28% to 3–6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

An understanding of the applicability of the selected risk assessment approach to the available residue data is needed to enable robust conclusions to be drawn on the potential risk to bees. Use of the HQ approach to assess the risk posed by application methods other than foliar sprays or residues in nectar and pollen is likely to result in unreliable conclusions. An alternative approach should be used to assess the significance of measured residues.
Multilevel modeling of spatially nested functional data: Spatiotemporal patterns of hospitalization rates in the US dialysis population
Authors: Li Yihao , Nguyen Danh V. , Banerjee Sudipto , Rhee Connie M. , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kamyar , Kürüm Esra , Şentürk Damla
Published: April 2021

End‐stage renal disease patients on dialysis experience frequent hospitalizations. In addition to known temporal patterns of hospitalizations over the life span on dialysis, where poor outcomes are typically exacerbated during the first year on dialysis, variations in hospitalizations among dialysis facilities across the US contribute to spatial variation. Utilizing national data from the United States Renal Data System (USRDS), we propose a novel multilevel spatiotemporal functional model to study spatiotemporal patterns of hospitalization rates among dialysis facilities. Hospitalization rates of dialysis facilities are considered as spatially nested functional data (FD) with longitudinal hospitalizations nested in dialysis facilities and dialysis facilities nested in geographic regions. A multilevel Karhunen‐Loéve expansion is utilized to model the two‐level (facility and region) FD, where spatial correlations are induced among region‐specific principal component scores accounting for regional variation. A new efficient algorithm based on functional principal component analysis and Markov Chain Monte Carlo is proposed for estimation and inference. We report a novel application using USRDS data to characterize spatiotemporal patterns of hospitalization rates for over 400 health service areas across the US and over the posttransition time on dialysis. Finite sample performance of the proposed method is studied through simulations.
Smart Adsorbents for Aquatic Environmental Remediation
Authors: Nazarzadeh Zare Ehsan , Mudhoo Ackmez , Ali Khan Moonis , Otero Marta , Bundhoo Zumar Muhammad Ali , Patel Manvendra , Srivastava Anju , Navarathna Chanaka , Mlsna Todd , Mohan Dinesh , Pittman Charles U. , Makvandi Pooyan , Sillanpää Mika
Published: April 2021

A noticeable interest and steady rise in research studies reporting the design and assessment of smart adsorbents for sequestering aqueous metal ions and xenobiotics has occurred in the last decade. This motivates compiling and reviewing the characteristics, potentials, and performances of this new adsorbent generation's metal ion and xenobiotics sequestration. Herein, stimuli‐responsive adsorbents that respond to its media (as internal triggers; e.g., pH and temperature) or external triggers (e.g., magnetic field and light) are highlighted. Readers are then introduced to selective adsorbents that selectively capture materials of interest. This is followed by a discussion of self‐healing and self‐cleaning adsorbents. Finally, the review ends with research gaps in material designs.
Association of myocardial parasitic load with cardiac biomarkers and other selected variables in 10 dogs with advanced Canine Leishmaniasis
Authors: Casamián‐Sorrosal Domingo , Barrera‐Chacón Rafael , Fonfara Sonja , Belinchón‐Lorenzo Silvia , Gómez‐Gordo Luis , Galapero‐Arroyo Javier , Fernández‐Cotrina Javier , Cristobal‐Verdejo Jose Ignacio , Duque Francisco Javier
Published: April 2021

Background: The association between myocardial parasitic load (MPL) and cardiac biomarkers in Canine Leishmaniasis (CanL) has not been studied.

Methods: Dogs with advanced CanL were prospectively recruited and were included if they were euthanised. Prior to euthanasia these variables were assessed: hematocrit, globulin, creatinine, N‐terminal‐pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), blood pressure, urine protein/creatinine ratio and echocardiographic parameters. A left ventricular (LV) sample was taken for histopathology and MPL evaluation by quantitative PCR. Correlation of MPL with all variables was analysed. Dogs with lower and higher histopathology scores were compared.

Results: Ten dogs were included. NT‐proBNP was 6946 pmol/ (interquartile range [IQR] 3751–9268 pmol/L) and cTnI 4.56 ng/mL (IQR 0.46–13.1 ng/mL). In all dogs, echocardiography showed an increase in LV thickening, and histopathology revealed moderate to severe lympho‐plasmocytic myocarditis and/or myocardial cell degeneration. MPL was 215.53 parasites/gram (IQR 21.2–1372.63 parasites/gram). A strong correlation (p < 0.001; R = 0.90; R20.81) with cTnI was observed but correlation with any of the other variables or differences between the two histopathological scores, were not detected.

Conclusions: MPL in dogs with advanced CanL shows variable but generally high levels. A strong association between MPL and cTnI was observed, which encourages the exploration of cTnI as a marker in CanL.
Minimal scoto-seesaw mechanism with spontaneous CP violation
Authors: Barreiros D. M. , Joaquim F. R. , Srivastava R. , Valle J. W. F.
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We propose simple scoto-seesaw models to account for dark matter and neutrino masses with spontaneous CP violation. This is achieved with a single horizontal $$ {\mathcal{Z}}_8 $$

Z
8

discrete symmetry, broken to a residual $$ {\mathcal{Z}}_2 $$

Z
2

subgroup responsible for stabilizing dark matter. CP is broken spontaneously via the complex vacuum expectation value of a scalar singlet, inducing leptonic CP-violating effects. We find that the imposed $$ {\mathcal{Z}}_8 $$

Z
8

symmetry pushes the values of the Dirac CP phase and the lightest neutrino mass to ranges already probed by ongoing experiments, so that normal-ordered neutrino masses can be cornered by cosmological observations and neutrinoless double beta decay experiments.
The role of Notch ligand, Delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4), in cancer angiogenesis—implications for therapy
Authors: Brzozowa-Zasada Marlena
Published: April 2021

Background

It is generally accepted that angiogenesis is a complex and tightly regulated process characterized by the growth of blood vessels from existing vasculature. Activation of the Notch signalling pathway affects multiple aspects of vascular development. One of the components of the Notch signalling pathway, Delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4), has recently appeared as a critical regulator of tumour angiogenesis and thus as a promising therapeutic target.

Methods

This review article includes available data from peer-reviewed publications associated with the role of DLL4 in cancer angiogenesis. Searches were performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar and Web of Science using the terms “tumour angiogenesis”, “DLL4”, “Notch signalling” and “anti-cancer therapy”.

Results

The survival curves of cancer patients revealed that the patients with high DLL4 expression levels had significantly shorter survival times than the patients with low DLL4 expression. Moreover, a positive correlation was also identified between DLL4 and VEGF receptorsʼ expression levels. It seems that inhibition of DLL4 may exert potent growth inhibitory effects on some tumours resistant to anti-VEGF therapies. A great number of blocking agents of DLL4/Notch signalling including anti-DLL4 antibodies, DNA vaccination, Notch antibodies and gamma-secretase inhibitors have been studied in preclinical tumour models.

Conclusion

DLL4 seems to be a promising target in anti-cancer therapy. Nevertheless, the careful evaluation of adverse effects on normal physiological processes in relation to therapeutic doses of anti-DLL4 drugs will be significant for advancement of DLL4 blocking agents in clinical oncology.
Plane Curves Which are Quantum Homogeneous Spaces
Authors: Brown Ken , Tabiri Angela Ankomaah
Published: April 2021

Let $\mathcal {C}$
C
be a decomposable plane curve over an algebraically closed field k of characteristic 0. That is, $\mathcal {C}$
C
is defined in k2 by an equation of the form g(x) = f(y), where g and f are polynomials of degree at least two. We use this data to construct three affine pointed Hopf algebras, A(x, a, g), A(y, b, f) and A(g, f), in the first two of which g [resp. f ] are skew primitive central elements, with the third being a factor of the tensor product of the first two. We conjecture that A(g, f) contains the coordinate ring $\mathcal {O}(\mathcal {C})$
O
(
C
)
of $\mathcal {C}$
C
as a quantum homogeneous space, and prove this when each of g and f has degree at most five or is a power of the variable. We obtain many properties of these Hopf algebras, and show that, for small degrees, they are related to previously known algebras. For example, when g has degree three A(x, a, g) is a PBW deformation of the localisation at powers of a generator of the downup algebra A(− 1,− 1,0). The final section of the paper lists some questions for future work.
Random walk algorithm for the Dirichlet problem for parabolic integro-differential equation
Authors: Deligiannidis G. , Maurer S. , Tretyakov M. V.
Published: April 2021

We consider stochastic differential equations driven by a general Lévy processes (SDEs) with infinite activity and the related, via the Feynman–Kac formula, Dirichlet problem for parabolic integro-differential equation (PIDE). We approximate the solution of PIDE using a numerical method for the SDEs. The method is based on three ingredients: (1) we approximate small jumps by a diffusion; (2) we use restricted jump-adaptive time-stepping; and (3) between the jumps we exploit a weak Euler approximation. We prove weak convergence of the considered algorithm and present an in-depth analysis of how its error and computational cost depend on the jump activity level. Results of some numerical experiments, including pricing of barrier basket currency options, are presented.
Situation analysis of energy use and consumption in Cambodia: household access to energy
Authors: Mika Korkeakoski , Minna Mentula , Noora Vähäkari , Jyrki Luukkanen , Jari Kaivo-oja , Anna Alexeeva , Eliyan Chea , Dany Va , Maarit Kallio , Nicholas Hogarth
Published: April 2021

The aim of this article is to analyse the current situation of access to energy (in relation to SDG 7) and energy usage behaviour in households in two provinces in Cambodia, namely Pursat and Kampong Cham. The analytical framework is based on the energy ladder model and the energy stacking model as a starting point for assessing the current household energy profiles. A quantitative survey carried out in late 2015 in 970 households revealed differences in access to electricity between urban, electrified rural, and non-electrified rural districts. In urban areas, households are using multiple (3–4) energy sources compared to rural areas (2–3). The use of electricity through batteries in the non-electrified rural areas remains notable (43%) despite no access to the national grid. The dependence on traditional biomass, especially firewood, remains high (91% of all respondents) for all the sampled households, especially so in rural non-electrified households. The study confirms that households’ energy mix is composed of various energy sources, even when modern energy sources are available as opposed to complete fuel switch. The results also show that electricity use does not automatically lead to increased household income, but is much more complex process than discussed in existing research. The article further discusses the possible causes behind the phenomenon, proposes recommendations for better-informed energy policy, and provides important insights towards sustainable energy transition in Cambodia in the future.
Quasi-Psychologism about Collective Intention
Authors: Rachar Matthew
Published: April 2021

This paper argues that a class of popular views of collective intention, which I call “quasi-psychologism”, faces a problem explaining common intuitions about collective action. Views in this class hold that collective intentions are realized in or constituted by individual, mental, participatory intentions. I argue that this metaphysical commitment entails persistence conditions that are in tension with a purported obligation to notify co-actors before leaving a collective action attested to by participants in experimental research about the interpersonal normativity of collective action. I then explore the possibilities open to quasi-psychologists for responding to this research.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Fighting the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Piccialli Francesco , di Cola Vincenzo Schiano , Giampaolo Fabio , Cuomo Salvatore
Published: April 2021

The first few months of 2020 have profoundly changed the way we live our lives and carry out our daily activities. Although the widespread use of futuristic robotaxis and self-driving commercial vehicles has not yet become a reality, the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically accelerated the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in different fields. We have witnessed the equivalent of two years of digital transformation compressed into just a few months. Whether it is in tracing epidemiological peaks or in transacting contactless payments, the impact of these developments has been almost immediate, and a window has opened up on what is to come. Here we analyze and discuss how AI can support us in facing the ongoing pandemic. Despite the numerous and undeniable contributions of AI, clinical trials and human skills are still required. Even if different strategies have been developed in different states worldwide, the fight against the pandemic seems to have found everywhere a valuable ally in AI, a global and open-source tool capable of providing assistance in this health emergency. A careful AI application would enable us to operate within this complex scenario involving healthcare, society and research.
A sensitivity interpolation algorithm for the concurrent optimization of bodies sharing a common design space
Authors: Previati Giorgio , Gobbi Massimiliano , Ballo Federico
Published: April 2021

In this paper the problem of the concurrent topological optimization of two different bodies sharing a region of the design space is dealt with. This design problem focuses on the simultaneous optimization of two bodies (components) where not only the material distribution of each body has to be optimized but also the design space has to be divided among the two bodies. This novel optimization formulation represents a design problem in which more than one component have to be located inside a limited allowable room. Each component has its own function and load carrying requirements. In the paper a novel development solution algorithm is presented. With respect to previously published papers, the new algorithm comprises an interpolation of the density fields which allows a complete independence of the meshes of the two bodies. As the bodies can be meshed with any arbitrary mesh, this new algorithm can be applied to any real geometry. The developed algorithm is used to design a complex three dimensional system, namely a multi-component arm for a tube bending machine.
What happens when a journal converts to open access? A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Momeni Fakhri , Mayr Philipp , Fraser Nicholas , Peters Isabella
Published: April 2021

In recent years, increased stakeholder pressure to transition research to Open Access has led to many journals converting, or ‘flipping’, from a closed access (CA) to an open access (OA) publishing model. Changing the publishing model can influence the decision of authors to submit their papers to a journal, and increased article accessibility may influence citation behaviour. In this paper we aimed to understand how flipping a journal to an OA model influences the journal’s future publication volumes and citation impact. We analysed two independent sets of journals that had flipped to an OA model, one from the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) and one from the Open Access Directory (OAD), and compared their development with two respective control groups of similar journals. For bibliometric analyses, journals were matched to the Scopus database. We assessed changes in the number of articles published over time, as well as two citation metrics at the journal and article level: the normalised impact factor (IF) and the average relative citations (ARC), respectively. Our results show that overall, journals that flipped to an OA model increased their publication output compared to journals that remained closed. Mean normalised IF and ARC also generally increased following the flip to an OA model, at a greater rate than was observed in the control groups. However, the changes appear to vary largely by scientific discipline. Overall, these results indicate that flipping to an OA publishing model can bring positive changes to a journal.
Oncological outcomes of high-grade T1 non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer treatment in octogenarians
Authors: Ślusarczyk Aleksander , Garbas Karolina , Zapała Piotr , Zapała Łukasz , Radziszewski Piotr
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the outcomes of high-grade T1 non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer treatment (NMIBC) in elderly patients over 80 years of age.

Methods

This is a retrospective single tertiary-centre study. Medical records of patients with T1 high-grade NMIBC treated with transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TURBT) were reviewed. Among 269 patients with high-grade T1 NMIBC, 74 individuals were over 80 years of age at the time of surgery. Finally, 67 patients met the inclusion criteria.

Results

Only 47.8% of patients (N = 32) received at least five of the six instillations of the BCG immunotherapy induction course. Oncological outcomes were compared between patients who received at least the induction course of BCG and non-BCG-treated patients matched to each other based on age and Charlson comorbidity index. Thirty case–control pairs were included in the final analysis. Rates of disease recurrence (80% vs. 53%) and cancer-specific mortality (40% vs. 10%) were significantly higher in the group of patients who did not receive BCG. BCG therapy, Charlson comorbidity index, haemoglobin concentration and the number of tumours > 3 in TURBT constituted independent prognostic factors for cancer-specific survival (CSS).

Conclusion

BCG should be strongly recommended to patients with T1HG NMIBC despite advanced age and comorbidities. Already BCG induction improves CSS and reduces the recurrence rate in octogenarians with T1HG bladder cancer.
Navigating the factor zoo around the world: an institutional investor perspective
Authors: Bartram Söhnke M. , Lohre Harald , Pope Peter F. , Ranganathan Ananthalakshmi
Published: April 2021

The literature on cross-sectional stock return predictability has documented over 450 factors. We take the perspective of an institutional investor and navigate this zoo of factors by focusing on the evidence relevant to the practicalities of factor-based investment strategies. Establishing a sound theoretical rationale is key to identifying “true” factors, and we emphasize the need to recognize data-mining concerns that may cast doubt on the relevance of many factors. From a practical investment perspective, much of the factor evidence documented by academics may be more apparent than real. The performance of many factors is dependent on the inclusion of small- and micro-cap stocks in academic studies, although such stocks would likely be excluded from the real investment universe due to illiquidity and transaction costs. Nevertheless, a parsimonious set of factors emerges in equities and other asset classes, including currencies, fixed income, and commodities. These factors can serve as meaningful ingredients to factor-based portfolio construction.
Revitalising Pedrick’s Approach to Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Szafraniec Franciszek Hugon
Published: April 2021

This short note has to make alive the overlooked work of Pedrick. It is rather a tour guide than exhausted examination of the content and intends to serve potential explorers of diverse kinds of reproducing kernel (Hilbert) spaces, the topic mushrooming nowadays.
Concentrations, health risks, and sources of hazardous air pollutants in Seoul-Incheon, a megacity area in Korea
Authors: Kim Min-Ji , Baek Kyung-Min , Heo Jong-Bae , Cheong Jang-Pyo , Baek Sung-Ok
Published: April 2021

We conducted ambient monitoring of various hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) for 2 years (2013-2015) in two adjacent Korean cities in a megacity area: Seoul and Incheon. Measured HAPs included volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals (HMs). The objectives of this study were to evaluate the spatiotemporal variations of HAPs, to prioritize HAPs based on health risks, to identify sources using a receptor-based model, and to estimate source-specific risks. Overall, the HAP levels in Incheon were higher than those in Seoul. The concentrations of combustion-origin HAPs, such as PAHs and some HMs, were significantly higher during the heating period than during the non-heating period. However, most VOCs exhibited an opposite trend. Benzo[a]pyrene showed the highest cancer risk in both cities, followed by formaldehyde, arsenic, and benzene; trichloroethylene was the only species that exceeded the hazard quotient of 1. Cumulative cancer risks were 2.0 × 10-4 in Seoul and 2.7 × 10-4 in Incheon. Major sources and their contributions to each HAP concentration were estimated by positive matrix factorization modeling. Based on source-specific risk assessments, we suggest that both cities should give high priority to the control of traffic pollution and the supply of cleaner fuels in non-residential sectors. Reducing carbonyl concentrations in Seoul and industrial emissions in Incheon is also necessary. Establishing new ambient standards for benzo[a]pyrene and formaldehyde is worth considering as a long-term measure. This study provides scientific information on the occurrence, health risks, and sources of various HAPs in large urban areas.
Using tripartite group area as a measure of social interactions in pre-school children: A pilot study
Authors: Tsukamoto Masashi , Tsuji Airi , Sekine Satoru , Omori Takahide , Suzuki Kenji , Yamamoto Junichi
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to measure tripartite group area using motion capture systems and investigated whether group area could be used as a measure of pre-school children’s social interactions. In Experiment 1, two typically developing girls and an adult staff member engaged in free play. In Experiment 2, two typically developing boys and two adult staff members played balloon volleyball. Both experiments had three types of measures: subjective evaluation of whether participants played together, social behaviours (e.g. eye contact for Experiment 1 and balloon tosses for Experiment 2) and group area. Results showed that group area was significantly and negatively related to subjective evaluation in Experiment 2, whereas we observed no relationship between subjective evaluation and group area in Experiment 1. Overall, however, only a low correlation was observed between subjective evaluation and group area in Experiment 2. Furthermore, there were strong sequential associations between subjective evaluation and social behaviour, rather than between subjective evaluation and group area. Although group area as an index of social interactions is less accurate than behavioural data directly observed by humans, it may be worth using as a low-cost preliminary measure, since it can be automatically calculated using motion capture systems.
Corrosion resistance of non-stoichiometric gadolinium zirconate fabricated by laser-enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Zhang Chengguan , Fan Yun , Zhao Juanli , Yang Guang , Chen Hongfei , Zhang Liangmiao , Gao Yanfeng , Liu Bin
Published: April 2021

Gadolinium zirconate (GZ) is a promising candidate for next-generation thermal barrier coating (TBC) materials. Its corrosion resistance against calcium-magnesium-alumino-silicate (CMAS) needs to be further increased for enhancing its in-service life. As the Gd element plays an important role in the CMAS resistance, three GZ coatings (GZ-0.75, GZ-1.0, and GZ-1.2) with different Gd/Zr atomic ratios are designed and deposited by laser enhanced chemical vapor deposition (LCVD) in this work. It is found that the generated Gd-apatite in GZ-1.2 would block micro-cracks inside the column structure and the inter-columnar gap more efficiently. Thus, the CMAS penetration rate (5.2 μm/h) of GZ-1.2 decreases over 27% comparing with GZ-1.0 and GZ-0.75, which is even lower than the Gd2Zr2O7coatings fabricated by electron-beam physical vapor depositions (EB-PVDs). This work provides a feasible way to adjust the coating’s corrosion resistance and may guide the development of future coating for long in-service life.
Incidence and distribution of Sweetpotato viruses and their implication on sweetpotato seed system in Malawi
Authors: Mbewe Willard , Mtonga Andrew , Chiipanthenga Margret , Masamba Kennedy , Chitedze Gloria , Pamkomera Pilirani , Gondwe Ellen , Mwenye Obed , Chipungu Felistus
Published: April 2021

A survey was carried out in 19 districts to investigate the prevalence and distribution of sweetpotato virus disease (SPVD) and its implication on the sustainability of clean seed system in Malawi. A total of 166 leaf samples were collected and tested for the presence of 8 viruses using nitrocellulose membrane enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (NCM-ELISA). SPVD foliar symptoms were observed in 68.42% of the surveyed districts. There were significant variations in disease incidence and severity (p < 0.001) among districts, with the highest incidence in Mulanje (28.34%). Average SPVD severity score was 3.05. NCM-ELISA detected sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV, 30.54%), sweet potato mild mottle virus (SPMMV, 31.14%), sweet potato mild speckling virus (SPMSV, 16.17%), sweet potato C-6 virus (SPC6V, 13.77%), sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV, 22.16%), sweet potato collusive virus (SPCV, 30.54%), sweet potato virus G (SPVG, 11.38%), cucumber mosaic virus (CMV, 7.78%) either in single or mixed infections. Data from this study indicate a significant SPVD occurrence in the country, and the consequence implications towards national sweetpotato seed system.
Numerical study of the effect of geometric arrangement of the truss on the response modification factor of the special truss moment frame (STMF)
Authors: Sadeghpour M. , Kalatjari V. R. , Pahlavan H.
Published: April 2021

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of the geometric arrangement of the trusses on the response modification factor of the special truss moment frame. For this purpose, six different geometric arrangements for the three types of trusses (Vierendeel, multiple Vierendeel panels, and X-diagonals) were considered. The results were obtained based on non-linear static analysis of two- and three-span frames for 4- and 8-story structures with the given geometric arrangements. According to the results obtained, different truss arrangements can affect the response modification factor by about 4 to 10%. Additionally, using multiple Vierendeel panels and the X-diagonals can increase the response modification factor by 1.06 and 1.74 times, respectively.

Article Highlights

Different truss arrangements do not have a significant effect on the coefficient of behavior.

The addition of several Vierendeel panels does not have much effect on the behavior of these structures.

Adding cross diameters almost doubles the coefficient of behavior and significantly improves the performance of the structure.
Adjudicative Bilateralism and Community Interests
Authors: Bonafé Beatrice I.
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this essay is to explore the two main ways in which community interests have been taken into account in international adjudication. First, special procedural tools have been devised in order to accommodate the multilateral dimension of certain disputes into the traditionally bilateral scheme of international adjudication. It will be shown that such tools have been of little use for the protection of community interests. Second, legal relations engendered by community interests have been conceptualized in a bilateral manner so that they could fit adjudicative bilateralism. It may seem counterintuitive, but it will be maintained that this second avenue offers the most concrete, yet not entirely satisfactory, means to adjudicate community interests. Finally, the essay argues that the Monetary Gold rule proves a useful test to properly understand the different logic of these two avenues.