bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon Nanotube Electrode‐Based Perovskite–Silicon Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Lee Changhyun , Lee Sang-Won , Bae Soohyun , Shawky Ahmed , Devaraj Vasanthan , Anisimov Anton , Kauppinen Esko I. , Oh Jin-Woo , Kang Yoonmook , Kim Donghwan , Jeon Il , Maruyama Shigeo , Lee Hae-Seok
Published: September 2020

Carbon nanotube electrode–laminated perovskite solar cells in combination with n‐type tunnel oxide–passivated contact silicon solar cells demonstrate a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.42% when stacked in tandem. This is compared with conventional indium tin oxide/MoOx‐deposited perovskite solar cells which give an efficiency of 22.35% when stacked in the same four‐terminal tandem system. Despite higher transmittance of the carbon nanotube electrode than that of the indium tin oxide/MoOx in the infrared range, the carbon nanotube electrode‐laminated devices show lower transmittance in the same region due to the total internal reflection and scattering as evidenced by optical simulation. Yet, the exceptionally high PCE of the carbon nanotube electrode‐laminated semitransparent devices far exceeding than that of the indium tin oxide/MoOx‐deposited semitransparent top cell outweighs the effect of the optical transparency. Four types of silicon solar cells are compared as the bottom subcells, and the n‐type tunnel oxide‐passivated contact silicon solar cells are the best choice mainly due to their high absorption in the long‐wavelength region. The obtained 24.42% efficiency is one of the high PCEs among the reported four‐terminal perovskite–silicon solar cells, and this article is the first demonstration of the carbon nanotube electrode application in tandem solar cells.
Suppressing the Excessive Solvated Phase for Dion–Jacobson Perovskites with Improved Crystallinity and Vertical Orientation
Authors: Wang Jifei , Lin Dongxu , Chen Yifu , Luo Shiqiang , Ke Lili , Ren Xiaoxue , Cui Shaowen , Zhang Lin , Li Zhimin , Meng Ke , Lin Yun , Ding Liming , Yuan Yongbo
Published: September 2020

Dion–Jacobson (DJ)‐type quasi‐two‐dimensional perovskites exhibit improved stabilities than their 3D counterparts but meanwhile limited charge transport properties. Knowledge to manipulate the crystal orientation and crystallinity is the primary issue for DJ perovskite with high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). Herein, the nucleation of DJ perovskite films is divided into three stages and the formation of PbI2–N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF)‐based solvated phase (PDS) is highlighted as the initial stage. For the first time, it is demonstrated that regulating the amount of PDS precipitation in stage I by MACl additive is the key to ensure the downward growth of DJ perovskites with out‐of‐plane orientation and high crystallinity in stage III, which is valid for DJ perovskites with different bukly organic cations including p‐phenylenediamine (PPD), p‐xylylenediamine (PXD), and propane‐1,3‐diammonium (PDA). For (PXD)(MA)2Pb3I10‐based perovskite solar cells, the PDS engineering lead to a dramtically improved PCE from 1.2% to 15.6%. Moreover, based on temperature‐dependent ionic conductivity measurement, it is confirmed that the ion migration in DJ perovskite films is efficiently suppressed, despite the possible coexisting 3D perovskite phase. The unencapsulated PXD‐based DJ perovskite devices retain over 90% efficiencies after 700 h of continuous illumination or 1500 h of storage in glove box.
Cascade Connection of Boost Converters Operating in Discontinuous Conduction Mode for Portable Loads
Authors: Mendoza Dávila Miguel Ángel , Carbajal Gutiérrez Enrique Eduardo , Leyva Ramos Jesús
Published: September 2020

In recent years, the design of new electronic equipment requires the development of new topologies for power supplies. The above is clear for portable equipment, which many times is classified as light loads. These new applications require power supplies with wide conversion ratios and better efficiencies. A solution to this problem is the use of two or more conventional converters connected in cascade, which have been proposed to operate in continuous conduction mode; however, if these converters operate in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) a better efficiency is achieved. In this paper, a cascade connection based on two boost converters operating in DCM is proposed. A step‐by‐step procedure for the proper design of the cascade connection is given. Simulation and experimental results for a low power converter validate the proposed methodology. Thus, the design procedure will help in designing converters for light power applications. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Adsorption competition study between chromate and phosphate from their solutions by total reflection X ray fluorescence spectrometry
Authors: Piol María Natalia , Acuña Alfonso Andrea , Saralegui Andrea , Vázquez Cristina
Published: September 2020

This paper explores the application of Total Reflection X‐Ray Fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry for chromate (CrO42−) and phosphate (PO43−) determinations in synthetic solutions after their adsorption onto dolomite. The competition between both contaminants is also evaluated. Adsorption processes are considered an inexpensive, non‐contaminating alternative for retaining, on a selected substrate, a variety of pollutants present in different effluents. For a specific adsorbent, an important factor to be taking into account is the competition among different possible species. Variables such as concentration, temperature, ionic strength and pH were evaluated. Dolomite, a natural mineral based on calcium and magnesium carbonates, was employed as adsorbent. TXRF is an efficient, fast trace element analytical technique and requires only minimum specimen preparation, for that reason is suitable for this study. The experiments were carried out in batch systems; pH and ionic strength of the solution were measured and controlled. The results obtained in individual systems (phosphate‐dolomite or chromate‐dolomite) indicate a 70.5% for phosphate and 22.7% for chromate removal. The adjustment of the ionic strength had no influence on the removal of the anions. According to this study, the adsorption of chromate was reduced to 14% when the pH increased; this fact did not affect phosphate removal. The removal of both ions increased at pH under than 6. The presence of both ions at different concentrations did not change the removal value for the phosphate, whereas the removal of chromate was almost null, indicating a strong interference of the phosphate in the removal of chromate.
QCD on the Lattice
Authors: Wittig Hartmut
Published: September 2020

Since Wilson’s seminal papers of the mid-1970s, the lattice approach to Quantum Chromodynamics has become increasingly important for the study of the strong interaction at low energies, and has now turned into a mature and established technique. In spite of the fact that the lattice formulation of Quantum Field Theory has been applied to virtually all fundamental interactions, it is appropriate to discuss this topic in a chapter devoted to QCD, since by far the largest part of activity is focused on the strong interaction. Lattice QCD is, in fact, the only known method which allows ab initio investigations of hadronic properties, starting from the QCD Lagrangian formulated in terms of quarks and gluons.
Ergänzende private Vorsorge für den Fall der Pflegebedürftigkeit – Stand und Perspektiven
Authors: Albrecht Martin , Ochmann Richard
Published: September 2020

Zur Absicherung des Risikos der Pflegebedürftigkeit gelten wegen seiner starken Altersabhängigkeit private, kapitalbildende Vorsorgeformen als besonders geeignet. Fehlende private Vorsorge belastet die Träger der subsidiären Sozialhilfe – ein wesentlicher Grund für die Einführung der sozialen Pflegeversicherung. Angesichts der hohen und steigenden finanziellen Eigenanteile der Pflegebedürftigen wird diskutiert, den Versicherungsumfang der sozialen Pflegeversicherung auszuweiten. Wegen der Art der gegenwärtigen Beitragsfinanzierung wäre dies verteilungspolitisch und unter Nachhaltigkeitsaspekten fragwürdig. Andererseits können private Pflegezusatzversicherungen die entstehenden Sicherungslücken kaum füllen. Notwendig sind daher neue Ansätze, um die wachsenden privaten Sparguthaben und Vermögenswerte stärker auch für die Pflegefinanzierung einzusetzen.
Searching for Earth/Solar axion halos
Authors: Banerjee Abhishek , Budker Dmitry , Eby Joshua , Flambaum Victor V. , Kim Hyungjin , Matsedonskyi Oleksii , Perez Gilad
Published: September 2020

Abstract

We discuss the sensitivity of the present and near-future axion dark matter experiments to a halo of axions or axion-like particles gravitationally bound to the Earth or the Sun. Such halos, assuming they are formed, can be searched for in a wide variety of experiments even when the axion couplings to matter are small, while satisfying all the present experimental bounds on the local properties of dark matter. The structure and coherence properties of these halos also imply novel signals, which can depend on the latitude or orientation of the detector. We demonstrate this by analyzing the sensitivity of several distinct types of axion dark matter experiments.
Simplicity of AdS supergravity at one loop
Authors: Alday Luis F. , Zhou Xinan
Published: September 2020

Abstract

We demonstrate the simplicity of AdS5× S5 IIB supergravity at one loop level, by studying non-planar holographic four-point correlators in Mellin space. We develop a systematic algorithm for constructing one-loop Mellin amplitudes from the tree-level data, and obtain a simple closed form answer for the $$ \left\langle {\mathcal{O}}_2^{SG}{\mathcal{O}}_2^{SG}{\mathcal{O}}_p^{SG}{\mathcal{O}}_p^{SG}\right\rangle $$

O
2
SG

O
2
SG

O
p
SG

O
p
SG

correlators. The structure of this expression is remarkably simple, containing only simultaneous poles in the Mellin variables. We also study the flat space limit of the Mellin amplitudes, which reproduces precisely the IIB supergravity one-loop amplitude in ten dimensions. Our results provide nontrivial evidence for the persistence of the hidden conformal symmetry at one loop.
Zoledronic Acid in a Mouse Model of Human Fibrous Dysplasia: Ineffectiveness on Tissue Pathology, Formation of “Giant Osteoclasts” and Pathogenetic Implications
Authors: Corsi Alessandro , Palmisano Biagio , Spica Emanuela , Di Filippo Annamaria , Coletta Ilenia , Dello Spedale Venti Michele , Labella Rossella , Fabretti Francesca , Donsante Samantha , Remoli Cristina , Serafini Marta , Riminucci Mara
Published: September 2020

We compared the effects of a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate (N-BP), zoledronic acid (ZA), and an anti-mouse RANKL antibody (anti-mRANKL Ab) on the bone tissue pathology of a transgenic mouse model of human fibrous dysplasia (FD). For comparison, we also reviewed the histological samples of a child with McCune–Albright syndrome (MAS) treated with Pamidronate for 3 years. EF1α-GsαR201C mice with FD-like lesions in the tail vertebrae were treated with either 0.2 mg/kg of ZA at day 0, 7, and 14 or with 300 μg/mouse of anti-mRANKL Ab at day 0 and 21. All mice were monitored by Faxitron and histological analysis was performed at day 42. ZA did not affect the progression of the radiographic phenotype in EF1α-GsαR201C mice. FD-like lesions in the ZA group showed the persistence of osteoclasts, easily detectable osteoclast apoptotic activity and numerous “giant osteoclasts”. In contrast, in the anti-mRANKL Ab-treated mice, osteoclasts were markedly reduced/absent, the radiographic phenotype reverted and the FD-like lesions were extensively replaced by newly formed bone. Numerous “giant osteoclasts” were also detected in the samples of the child with MAS. This study supports the hypothesis that osteoclasts per se, independently of their resorptive activity, are essential for development and expansion of FD lesions.
Port Site Hernias Following Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair
Authors: Dhanani Naila H. , Bernardi Karla , Olavarria Oscar A. , Cherla Deepa , Kao Lillian S. , Ko Tien C. , Liang Mike K. , Holihan Julie L.
Published: September 2020

Background

Port site hernias (PSH) are underreported following laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR). Most occur at the site of laterally placed 10–12‐mm ports used to introduce large pieces of mesh. One alternative is to place the large port through the ventral hernia defect; however, there is potential for increased risk of surgical site infection (SSI). This study evaluates the outcomes when introducing mesh through a 10–12‐mm port placed through the hernia defect.

Methods

This was a retrospective case series of patients who underwent LVHR in three prospective trials from 2014–2017 at one institution. All patients had mesh introduced through a 10–12‐mm port placed through the ventral hernia defect. The primary outcome was SSI. Secondary outcomes were hernia occurrences including recurrences and PSH.

Results

A total of 315 eligible patients underwent LVHR with a median (range) follow‐up of 21 (11–41) months. Many patients were obese (66.9%), recently quit tobacco use (8.8%), or had diabetes (18.9%). Most patients had an incisional hernia (61.2%), and 19.2% were recurrent. Hernias were on average 4.8 ± 3.8 cm in width. Two patients (0.6%) had an SSI. Fourteen patients had a hernia occurrence—13 (4.4%) had a recurrent hernia, and one patient (0.3%) had a PSH.

Conclusion

During LVHR, introduction of mesh through a 10–12‐mm port placed through the hernia defect is associated with a low risk of SSI and low risk of hernia occurrence. While further studies are needed to confirm these results, mesh can be safely introduced through a port through the defect.
An assessment of the continuing medical education needs of US physicians in the management of patients with beta thalassemia
Authors: Stacy Sylvie , Sheth Sujit , Coleman Brandon , Cerenzia Wendy
Published: September 2020

Patients with beta thalassemia are benefitting from longer life expectancies, highlighting the importance of appropriate transition from pediatric to adult care. Data are limited regarding continuity of care and adult hematologists’ management of patients with beta thalassemia. We conducted a survey of practicing US hematologists to identify practice gaps, attitudes, and barriers to optimal patient management among US-practicing hematologists. A total of 42 responses were collected, with 19 (45%) practicing at a beta thalassemia center of excellence (CoE). Nearly 90% of CoE physicians said they had a transition protocol or plan in place versus 30% of non-CoE physicians. Most physicians said parents should remain actively involved in medical visits. Adherence was rated as the most important patient education topic during transition. The most significant barrier cited was patient reluctance to transition away from pediatric care. Physicians in CoEs as compared with non-CoE physicians reported greater knowledge of beta thalassemia and familiarity with butyrates, gene therapy, and luspatercept. Highly rated topics for beta thalassemia-focused CME activities included management of complications and clinical trial updates. These findings suggest practice gaps and barriers to optimal care in the transition from pediatric to adult care, the ongoing management of adult patients, knowledge of the disease state, and familiarity with emerging treatments. Differences CoE vs non-CoE physician responses suggest variations in knowledge, practice, and attitudes that may be helpful in tailoring CME activities to different learner audiences. The small sample size used in some sub-analyses may not be representative of all hematologists treating beta thalassemia patients.
On properties of Toeplitz-type covariance matrices in models with nested random effects
Authors: Liang Yuli , von Rosen Dietrich , von Rosen Tatjana
Published: September 2020

Models that capture symmetries present in the data have been widely used in different applications, with early examples from psychometric and medical research. The aim of this article is to study a random effects model focusing on the covariance structure that is block circular symmetric. Useful results are obtained for the spectra of these structured matrices.
Carbon investment into mobilization of mineral and organic phosphorus by arbuscular mycorrhiza
Authors: Andrino Alberto , Guggenberger Georg , Sauheitl Leopold , Burkart Stefan , Boy Jens
Published: September 2020

To overcome phosphorus (P) deficiency, about 80% of plant species establish symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which in return constitute a major sink of photosynthates. Information on whether plant carbon (C) allocation towards AMF increases with declining availability of the P source is limited. We offered orthophosphate (OP), apatite (AP), or phytic acid (PA) as the only P source available to arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) (Solanum lycopersicum x Rhizophagus irregularis) in a mesocosm experiment, where the fungi had exclusive access to each P source. After exposure, we determined P contents in the plant, related these to the overall C budget of the system, including the organic C (OC) contents, the respired CO2, the phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) 16:1ω5c (extraradical mycelium), and the neutral fatty acid (NLFA) 16:1ω5c (energy storage) at the fungal compartment. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) plants incorporated P derived from the three P sources through the mycorrhizal pathway, but did this with differing C-P trading costs. The mobilization of PA and AP by the AM plant entailed larger mycelium infrastructure and significantly larger respiratory losses of CO2, in comparison with the utilization of the readily soluble OP. Our study thus suggests that AM plants invest larger C amounts into their fungal partners at lower P availability. This larger C flux to the AM fungi might also lead to larger soil organic C contents, in the course of forming larger AM biomass under P-limiting conditions.
Characteristics and thermodynamics of Sahelian heatwaves analysed using various thermal indices
Authors: Guigma Kiswendsida H. , Todd Martin , Wang Yi
Published: September 2020

Prolonged periods of extreme heat also known as heatwaves are a growing concern in a changing climate. Over the Sahel, a hot and semi-arid region in West Africa, they are still relatively poorly understood and managed. In this research, five multivariate thermal indices derived from the ERA5 database were used to characterize Sahelian heatwaves for statistical analysis and as a sampling basis to investigate their underlying thermodynamic causes. Results show that on average most locations in the Sahel suffer from one or two heatwaves a year lasting 3–5 days but with severe magnitude. The eastern Sahel is more at risk than the west, experiencing more frequent and longer lasting events. Despite similar statistics of intensity, duration and frequency across the heatwave indices, for a given diurnal phase, there is surprisingly low agreement in the timing of events. Furthermore daytime and nighttime heatwaves have little synchronicity. In terms of associated thermodynamic processes, heat advection and the greenhouse effect of moisture are identified as the main causes of Sahelian heatwaves. The processes are nevertheless sensitive to the indices, consequence of the distinctness of their respective samples. Therefore attention should be given to the choice of either index in operational monitoring and forecasting of heatwaves. This will allow to effectively target different exposed socio-economic groups and resultantly enhance the efficiency of early warning systems.
Aktueller Stand der rhythmologischen Ausbildung in Deutschland
Authors: Willy Kevin , Müller Patrick , Eckardt Lars , Duncker David
Published: September 2020

Hintergrund

Die rhythmologische Ausbildung junger Kardiologinnen und Kardiologen bildet das Fundament für eine optimale Versorgung von Patienten mit Herzrhythmusstörungen. Die Rhythmologie zeichnet sich durch einen hohen Innovationsgrad aus und hat sich innerhalb der letzten Jahre rasant weiterentwickelt. Dies könnte zu einer Kluft zwischen der klinischen Ausbildung und neuer Technologien geführt haben und die Ausbildungsanforderungen maßgeblich verändern.

Fragestellung

Das Ziel der Umfrage war es, ein Meinungsbild junger Kardiologinnen und Kardiologen über den Stellenwert und die Zufriedenheit der rhythmologischen Ausbildung zu erheben und Verbesserungsansätze zu formulieren.

Methoden

Die Umfrage wurde im Mai 2020 durchgeführt. Mitglieder der Sektion Young-DGK der deutschen Gesellschaft für Kardiologie wurden via E‑Mail kontaktiert und gebeten einen onlinebasierten Fragebogen zu beantworten. Der Fragebogen beinhaltete Informationen über den aktuellen Stellenwert, die Zufriedenheit und die Strukturen der rhythmologischen Ausbildung in Deutschland.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt 131 Young DGK-Mitglieder (68 % männlich) nahmen an der Umfrage teil. Das Durchschnittsalter betrug 33 ± 3,3 Jahre und der Ausbildungsstand gliederte sich wie folgt: 64 % Assistenzärzte, 20 % Fachärzte und 16 % Oberärzte. 72 Teilnehmer (53 %) berichteten, mit ihrer kardiologischen Weiterbildung sehr zufrieden zu sein. Die Hälfte der Teilnehmer wünschte sich einen höheren Umfang an rhythmologischen Inhalten in ihrer Weiterbildung. Rhythmologische Fortbildungsveranstaltungen und Fellowships wurden überwiegend positiv bewertet (70 % bzw. 93 %), jedoch waren diese jeweils für knapp die Hälfte der Teilnehmer unbekannt. Verbesserungsansätze sahen die Teilnehmer in der Einführung einer generellen rhythmologischen Rotation, einem gesteigerten Zugang zu Prozeduren um invasive Fähigkeiten zu erlernen (falls nötig auch klinikübergreifend), einer intensivierten Werbung für Fortbildungsveranstaltungen und Fellowships sowie einer Zunahme onlinebasierter Fortbildungsveranstaltungen.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Umfrage unterstreicht das Interesse junger Kardiologinnen und Kardiologen an einer strukturierten und intensivierten rhythmologischen Ausbildung innerhalb ihrer kardiologischen Weiterbildung.
Screening for irradiation vasculopathy by intima-media thickness sonography in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Strüder D. , Hellwig S. , Rennau H. , van Bonn S. , Schraven S. P. , Mlynski R. , Hildebrandt G. , Schuldt T.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Post-irradiation vasculopathy is a severe form of atherosclerosis and affects the prognosis of head and neck cancer survivors. Sonographic intima-media thickness (IMT) precedes stenosis, plaque formation, and cerebrovascular events. Therefore, IMT may be a valuable screening marker for post-irradiation toxicity. However, the critical irradiation dose and the onset of IMT increase remain unclear.

Methods

The cross-sectional study analysed the carotid artery IMT in 96 irradiated patients and 41 controls regarding irradiation dose, post-irradiation-interval, and cardiovascular risk factors. Distinct irradiation doses to the tumour side and the contralateral hemineck enabled detection of dose depended effects within one patient and control of risk factors.

Results

Radiotherapy caused a dose-dependent increase in IMT. The toxicity did not have saturation effects for > 60 Gy. The IMT increase occurred in short-term following radiotherapy and the risk for a pathological value (> 0.9 mm) rose significantly. The correlation between IMT and radiotherapy was comparable to established cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusion

Radiotherapists should consider the additional toxicity of high doses for non-metastatic head and neck cancer. If neck metastases require radiotherapy with boost, IMT measurement is suitable for early detection of carotid artery damage.
Anxiety and depression in patients wearing prosthetic eyes
Authors: Heindl Ludwig M. , Trester Marc , Guo Yongwei , Zwiener Florian , Sadat Narges , Pine Nicola S. , Pine Keith R. , Traweger Andreas , Rokohl Alexander C.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To investigate anxiety and depression levels in prosthetic eye–wearing patients using standardized psychometric instruments, to define factors associated with these psychological diseases, and to identify a potential healthcare gap.

Methods

A total of 295 prosthetic eye wearers were screened using the 7-item generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD-7) and the 9-item patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9). Scores of GAD-7 and PHQ-9 were correlated with scores of general physical and mental health functioning, vision-related quality of life, appearance-related distress, appearance-related social function, and further biosocial factors.

Results

Five patients (2%) had a pre-diagnosed anxiety disorder, and 20 patients (7%) had a pre-diagnosed depression. However, our screening revealed 26 patients (9%) with anxiety symptoms, 31 patients (11%) with depression symptoms, and 40 patients (14%) suffering from both anxiety and depression symptoms. This underdiagnosing for both anxiety and depression disorders was significant (p < 0.001, respectively). Higher GAD-7 scores were significantly associated with higher PHQ-9 scores, lower appearance-related social function, lower mental health functioning, and female gender (p ≤ 0.021, respectively). Higher PHQ-9 scores were significantly associated with lower physical and mental health functioning, higher educational degree, and non-traumatic eye loss (p ≤ 0.038, respectively).

Conclusions

Anxiety and depression disorders seem to be underdiagnosed in prosthetic eye wearers and to have higher incidence compared with the general population. Therefore, a psychometric screening should be routinely implemented in the clinical care. For a successful long-term rehabilitation, integrated care by a multidisciplinary team including ophthalmic plastic surgeons, ophthalmologists, ocularists, general practitioners, and psychologists is essential.
Prevalence of HPV infections in surgical smoke exposed gynecologists
Authors: Hu Xiaoli , Zhou Qingfeng , Yu Jian , Wang Jing , Tu Quanmei , Zhu Xueqiong
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been reported recently in surgical smoke generated by gynecological operations. The objective of this study was to investigate whether gynecologists who have performed electrosurgery including loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), are at risk of acquiring HPV DNA through surgical smoke.

Methods

A related questionnaire was designed and 700 gynecologist nasal swab samples were collected in 67 hospitals. In addition, the flow fluorescence hybridization technique was used to detect HPV DNA, and the Chi-square test was applied to analyze whether related risk factors including electrical surgery, were correlated with HPV infection in surgeons’ nasal epithelial cells.

Results

The HPV infection rate in the nasal epithelial cells of the participants who performed electrosurgery (8.96%, 42/469) or LEEP (10.11%, 36/356) was significantly higher than that in the remaining participants who did not perform electrosurgery (1.73%, 4/231) or LEEP (2.91%, 10/344), respectively. The most prevalent HPV genotype in the electrosurgery group was HPV16 (76.19%, 32/42). The HPV-positive rate was increased in the group that had a longer duration of electrosurgery (P = 0.016). Additionally, the HPV detection rate was significantly lower in electrosurgery operators who used surgical mask (7.64%, 33/432) than in those who did not use protective masks (24.32%, 9/37). Furthermore, the N95 mask (0%, 0/196) significantly reduced the risk for HPV infection compared to that with the general mask (13.98%, 33/236, P < 0.001). Furthermore, 46 participants infected with HPV were followed-up for 3–24 months, and approximately 43.48% (20/46) and 100% (41/41) became negative for HPV DNA, respectively.

Conclusions

Gynecologists who performed electrosurgery including LEEP were at risk of acquiring HPV infection. Surgical masks, especially the N95 mask, significantly decreased the hazard of HPV transmission from surgical smoke.
Development of a pro-arrhythmic ex vivo intact human and porcine model: cardiac electrophysiological changes associated with cellular uncoupling
Authors: Brook Joseph , Kim Min-young , Koutsoftidis Simos , Pitcher David , Agha-Jaffar Danya , Sufi Annam , Jenkins Catherine , Tzortzis Konstantinos , Ma Suofeiya , Jabbour Richard J. , Houston Charles , Handa Balvinder S. , Li Xinyang , Chow Ji-Jian , Jothidasan Anand , Bristow Poppy , Perkins Justin , Harding Sian , Bharath Anil A , Ng Fu Siong , Peters Nicholas S , Cantwell Chris D , Chowdhury Rasheda A
Published: September 2020

We describe a human and large animal Langendorff experimental apparatus for live electrophysiological studies and measure the electrophysiological changes due to gap junction uncoupling in human and porcine hearts. The resultant ex vivo intact human and porcine model can bridge the translational gap between smaller simple laboratory models and clinical research. In particular, electrophysiological models would benefit from the greater myocardial mass of a large heart due to its effects on far-field signal, electrode contact issues and motion artefacts, consequently more closely mimicking the clinical setting. Porcine (n = 9) and human (n = 4) donor hearts were perfused on a custom-designed Langendorff apparatus. Epicardial electrograms were collected at 16 sites across the left atrium and left ventricle. A total of 1 mM of carbenoxolone was administered at 5 ml/min to induce cellular uncoupling, and then recordings were repeated at the same sites. Changes in electrogram characteristics were analysed. We demonstrate the viability of a controlled ex vivo model of intact porcine and human hearts for electrophysiology with pharmacological modulation. Carbenoxolone reduces cellular coupling and changes contact electrogram features. The time from stimulus artefact to (-dV/dt)max increased between baseline and carbenoxolone (47.9 ± 4.1–67.2 ± 2.7 ms) indicating conduction slowing. The features with the largest percentage change between baseline and carbenoxolone were fractionation + 185.3%, endpoint amplitude − 106.9%, S-endpoint gradient + 54.9%, S point − 39.4%, RS ratio + 38.6% and (-dV/dt)max − 20.9%. The physiological relevance of this methodological tool is that it provides a model to further investigate pharmacologically induced pro-arrhythmic substrates.
Day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Tanzania
Authors: Cullen Imogen , Shaban Fadlo , Ali Oroog , Breckons Matthew , Chilonga Kondo , Wapalila Daudi , Suleiman Jamil , Elinisa Mercy , Woodburn Bronwyn , Walker Richard , Horgan Liam
Published: September 2020

Introduction

The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery has promoted the case for safe, affordable surgical care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In 2017, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Tanzania introduced a day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DCLC) service, the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We aimed to evaluate this novel service in terms of safety, feasibility and acceptability by patients and staff.

Methods

This study used mixed methods and was split into two stages. In stage 1, we reviewed records of all laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LCs) comparing day cases and admissions. These patients were followed up with a telephone questionnaire to investigate complication rates and receive service feedback. Stage 2 consisted of semi-structured interviews with staff exploring the challenges KCMC faced in implementing DCLC.

Results

147 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were completed: 109 were planned for DCLC, 82 (75.2%) of which were successful, whilst 27 (24.8%) patients were admitted. No variables significantly predicted unplanned admission, the commonest causes for which were pain and nausea. In the DCLC group there was 1 readmission. 62 patients answered the follow up questionnaire, 60 (97%) of which were satisfied with the service. Stage 2 interviews suggested staff to be motivated for DCLC but revealed poor organisation of the day case pathway.

Conclusion

High rates of DCLC combined with low rates of complications and readmission suggests DCLC is feasible at KCMC. However, staff interviews alluded to administrative problems preventing KCMC from reaching its full DCLC potential. A dedicated day case surgery unit would address most of these problems.
Efficacy of warming systems in mountain rescue: an experimental manikin study
Authors: Podsiadło Paweł , Zender-Świercz Ewa , Strapazzon Giacomo , Kosiński Sylweriusz , Telejko Marek , Darocha Tomasz , Brugger Hermann
Published: September 2020

Mountain accident casualties are often exposed to cold and windy weather. This may induce post-traumatic hypothermia which increases mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of warming systems to compensate for the victim’s estimated heat loss in a simulated mountain rescue operation. We used thermal manikins and developed a thermodynamic model of a virtual patient. Manikins were placed on a mountain rescue stretcher and exposed to wind chill indices of 0 °C and − 20 °C in a climatic chamber. We calculated the heat balance for two simulated clinical scenarios with both a shivering and non-shivering victim and measured the heat gain from gel, electrical, and chemical warming systems for 3.5 h. The heat balance in the simulated shivering patient was positive. In the non-shivering patient, we found a negative heat balance for both simulated weather conditions (− 429.53 kJ at 0 °C and − 1469.78 kJ at − 20 °C). Each warming system delivered about 300 kJ. The efficacy of the gel and electrical systems was higher within the first hour than later (p < 0.001). We conclude that none of the tested warming systems is able to compensate for heat loss in a simulated model of a non-shivering patient whose physiological heat production is impaired during a prolonged mountain evacuation. Additional thermal insulation seems to be required in these settings.
Automatic Grading of Retinal Blood Vessel in Deep Retinal Image Diagnosis
Authors: Maji Debasis , Sekh Arif Ahmed
Published: September 2020

Automatic grading of retinal blood vessels from fundus image can be a useful tool for diagnosis, planning and treatment of eye. Automatic diagnosis of retinal images for early detection of glaucoma, stroke, and blindness is emerging in intelligent health care system. The method primarily depends on various abnormal signs, such as area of hard exudates, area of blood vessels, bifurcation points, texture, and entropies. The development of an automated screening system based on vessel width, tortuosity, and vessel branching are also used for grading. However, the automated method that directly can come to a decision by taking the fundus images got less attention. Detecting eye problems based on the tortuosity of the vessel from fundus images is a complicated task for opthalmologists. So automated grading algorithm using deep learning can be most valuable for grading retinal health. The aim of this work is to develop an automatic computer aided diagnosis system to solve the problem. This work approaches to achieve an automatic grading method that is opted using Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model. In this work we have studied the state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms and proposed an attention network which can grade retinal images. The proposed method is validated on a public dataset EIARG1, which is only publicly available dataset for such task as per our knowledge.
How Good Is the Bipolar Approximation of Active Regions for Surface Flux Transport?
Authors: Yeates Anthony R.
Published: September 2020

We investigate how representing active regions with bipolar magnetic regions (BMRs) affects the end-of-cycle polar field predicted by the surface flux transport model. Our study is based on a new database of BMRs derived from the SDO/HMI active region patch data between 2010 and 2020. An automated code is developed for fitting each active region patch with a BMR, matching both the magnetic flux and axial dipole moment of the region and removing repeat observations of the same region. By comparing the predicted evolution of each of the 1090 BMRs with the predicted evolution of their original active region patches, we show that the bipolar approximation leads to a 24% overestimate of the net axial dipole moment, given the same flow parameters. This is caused by neglecting the more complex multipolar and/or asymmetric magnetic structures of many of the real active regions, and may explain why previous flux transport models had to reduce BMR tilt angles to obtain realistic polar fields. Our BMR database and the Python code to extract it are freely available.
Drivers of Subjective Well-being in Spain: Are There Gender Differences?
Authors: Arrondo Rubén , Cárcaba Ana , González Eduardo
Published: September 2020

This paper explores the main drivers of subjective well-being(SWB) in Spain. Following current descriptions of SWB, the influence of a set of sociodemographic, material conditions and quality of life variables is empirically tested. The data come from a survey covering around 13,000 households and 35,000 individuals. The results show a very strong influence of material conditions on perceived SWB. Namely, the variable “income and wealth” is found to be the single major driver of satisfaction with life in the sample. Social connections, housing, and health status also emerge as very relevant drivers. Regarding the gender implications of SWB, our results show a paradoxical reality. On average, women score significantly lower than men in material conditions and quality of life variables, but they obtain significantly higher levels of SWB. Knowing the relevance of the different drivers of SWB may be helpful for the construction of composite indicators. We find that a SWB construct that includes only the most relevant drivers identified is a better predictor of actual SWB than the one that includes all the information available.
Current practice of assessing students’ sustainability competencies: a review of tools
Authors: Redman Aaron , Wiek Arnim , Barth Matthias
Published: September 2020

While there is growing agreement on the competencies sustainability professionals should possess as well as the pedagogies to develop them, the practice of assessing students’ sustainability competencies is still in its infancy. Despite growing interest among researchers, there has not yet been a systematic review of how students’ sustainability competencies are currently assessed. This review article responds to this need by examining what tools are currently used for assessing students’ sustainability competencies to inform future practice. A systematic literature review was conducted for publications through the end of 2019, resulting in 75 relevant studies that detail the use of an assessment tool. We analyzed the described tools regarding their main features, strengths and weaknesses, as well as potential improvements. Based on this analysis, we first propose a typology of eight assessment tools, which fall into three meta-types: self-perceiving, observation, and test-based approaches, providing specific examples of practice for all tools. We then articulate strengths and weaknesses as well as potential improvements for each tool (type). This study structures the field of sustainability competency assessment, provides a criteria-based overview of the currently used tools, and highlights promising future developments. For the practice, it provides guidance to sustainability (science) instructors, researchers, and program directors who are interested in using competencies assessment tools in more informed ways.
A novel unified deep neural networks methodology for use by date recognition in retail food package image
Authors: Gong Liyun , Thota Mamatha , Yu Miao , Duan Wenting , Swainson Mark , Ye Xujiong , Kollias Stefanos
Published: September 2020

There exist various types of information on retail food packages, including use by date, food product name and so on. The correct coding of use by dates on food packages is vitally important for avoiding potential health risks to customers caused by erroneous mislabelling of use by dates. It is extremely tedious and laborious to check the use by dates coding manually by a human operator, which is prone to generate errors thus an automatic system for validating the correctness of the coding of use by dates is needed. In order to construct such a system, firstly it needs to correctly automatic recognize use by dates on food packages. In this work, we propose a novel dual deep neural networks-based methodology for automatic recognition of use by dates in food package photographs recorded by a camera, which is a combination of two networks: a fully convolutional network for use by date ROI detection and a convolutional recurrent neuron network for date character recognition. The proposed methodology is the first attempt to apply deep learning for automatic use by date recognition. From comprehensive experimental evaluations, it is shown that the proposed method can achieve high accuracies in use by date recognition (more than 95% on our testing dataset), given food package images with varying lighting conditions, poor printing quality and varied textual/pictorial contents collected from multiple real retailer sites.
Identifying English Language Use and Communication Challenges Facing “Entry-Level” Workplace Immigrants in Canada
Authors: Cheng Liying , Im Gwan-Hyeok , Doe Christine , Douglas Scott Roy
Published: September 2020

Canada has one of the world’s largest immigrant populations, with one in five people in Canada born outside the country. Among these immigrants, a great majority started their lives in Canada working in entry-level jobs. This study examined the English language use and communication challenges among these new Canadian immigrants in entry-level workplace settings. Fourteen participants were interviewed. The results showed four distinct patterns of categories: topical knowledge, language knowledge, personal attributes, and communication strategies. These patterns of language use and communication challenges were narrated in each workplace where these immigrants survive and thrive using English. This study addresses the research gap of entry-level workplace immigrants in Canada and provides a nuanced understanding through work and life stories in reference to their English language ability.
Simulation of transonic buffet with an automated zonal DES approach
Authors: Ehrle Maximilian , Waldmann Andreas , Lutz Thorsten , Krämer Ewald
Published: September 2020

A study of transonic buffet on the NASA Common Research Model at flight Reynolds numbers is presented. The ability of two different hybrid RANS/LES models as well as the URANS approach for resolving three-dimensional buffet motion was evaluated by means of spectral analysis. Automated Zonal DES and URANS simulations show similar results in terms of buffet frequency and spanwise propagation of buffet cells, whereas the Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation results indicate a strong interaction between flow separation and shock motion. The extracted characteristic frequencies which are associated with transonic buffet are located in a range of Sr = 0.2–0.65 for URANS and AZDES and are therefore in accordance with findings from related recent research. Furthermore, the simulation time series were investigated and a structure of spanwise moving buffet cells with varying convection speed and wavelength could be observed.
Harmonizing Artificial Intelligence for Social Good
Authors: Berberich Nicolas , Nishida Toyoaki , Suzuki Shoko
Published: September 2020

To become more broadly applicable, positions on AI ethics require perspectives from non-Western regions and cultures such as China and Japan. In this paper, we propose that the addition of the concept of harmony to the discussion on ethical AI would be highly beneficial due to its centrality in East Asian cultures and its applicability to the challenge of designing AI for social good. We first present a synopsis of different definitions of harmony in multiple contexts, such as music and society, which reveals that the concept is, at its core, about well-balanced relationships and appropriate actions which give rise to order, balance, and aesthetically pleasing phenomena. The mediator for these well-balanced relationships isTaktwhich is an ability to act thoughtfully and sensibly according to the specific situation and to put things into proportion and order. We propose that the central challenge of building harmonizing AI is to make intelligent systems tactful and also to design and use them tactfully. For an AI system to become tactful, it needs to be able to have an advanced sensitivity to the specific contexts which it is in and their social and ethical implications and have the capability of approximately inferring the emotional and cognitive states of people with whom it is interacting.
Proliposome powder or tablets for generating inhalable liposomes using a medical nebulizer
Authors: Khan Iftikhar , Yousaf Sakib , Najlah Mohammad , Ahmed Waqar , Elhissi Abdelbary
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop and compare proliposome powder and proliposome tablet formulations for drug delivery from a Pari-LC Sprint nebulizer.

Methods

Proliposome powders were prepared by the slurry method and sorbitol or mannitol carbohydrate carrier were used in a 1:10 and 1:15 w/w lipid phase to carrier ratio. Beclometasone dipropionate (BDP; 2 mol%) was incorporated in the lipid phase. Proliposome powders were compressed into tablets, and liposomes were generated from proliposome powders or tablets within the nebulizer reservoir for subsequent aerosolization.

Results

Comparatively, shorter sputtering times were reported for the tablet formulations (≈ < 2.7±0.45 min), indicating uniform aerosolization. Post-nebulization, liposomes size was larger in the nebulizer reservoir in the range of 7.79±0.48 µm–9.73±1.53 µm for both powder and tablet formulations as compared to freshly prepared liposomes (5.38±0.73 µm–5.85±0.86 µm), suggesting liposome aggregation/fusion in the nebulizer’s reservoir. All formulations exhibited more than 80% mass output regardless of formulation type, but greater BDP proportions (circa 50%) were delivered to the Two-stage Impinger when tablet formulations were used. Moreover, the nebulized droplet median size and size distribution were lower for all tablet formulations in comparison to the powder formulations. Proliposome tablet and powdered formulations demonstrated the ability to generate vesicles that sustained the release of BDP.

Conclusion

Overall, this study showed that proliposome tablets could be disintegrated within a Pari-LC Sprint nebulizer to generate inhalable aerosol, with high drug output and hence can be manufactured on large scale to overcome the storage problems associated with powder formulations.
Local mechanical properties of explosively welded AA2519-AA1050-Ti6Al4V layered material
Authors: Boroński Dariusz
Published: September 2020

The study presents the results of tests of local static and cyclic properties of an explosively welded AA2519-AA1050-Ti6Al4V layered material. In order to perform the analysis, tests were carried out with the use of microspecimens collected from 10 layers of AA2519-AA1050-Ti6Al4V material. Additionally, the determined static properties were compared with the results of an analysis based on microhardness measurement. Based on the test results, slight differences in static properties were found for particular layers of the material as well as a distinct softening of the AA2519 layer in relation to the base values. It was also found that the application of microhardness measurement for analysis of static properties can lead to their overestimation. Cyclic properties were described by the Ramberg-Osgood model. As in the case of static properties, the cyclic properties of particular layers of AA2519-AA1050-Ti6Al4V material differ insignificantly. The tests of cyclic properties showed that application for their description the Ramberg-Osgood model, based on parameters determined for whole range of plastic strains, can lead to significant errors in the modeling of a layered material. The cyclic instability of Ti6Al4V and AA2519 alloys has a significant influence on the parameters to be determined for material models of the analyzed material.