bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical and experimental studies on concerted elimination of 1, 2‐bromochloroethane monocation to C2H4+ and BrCl
Authors: Wu Hua , An Mengdi , Wen Junqing , Bai Lihua , Li Dongming , Liu Jukun , Sun Ruijuan , He Wanlin , Lin Lin , Li Yumei
Published: August 2020

Ab initio calculations for the concerted elimination of 1, 2‐bromochloroethane monocation (1,2‐C2H4BrCl+) to C2H4+ and BrCl are performed using the Minnesota density functional M06‐2X and the def2‐TZVP basis set. Ab initio calculations are also carried out for the concerted elimination of 1,2‐C2H4BrCl+ to C2H4 and BrCl+ because the positive charge can be assigned to either moiety in the dissociative ionization process of 1,2‐C2H4BrCl+. Our results demonstrate that the concerted elimination channel of 1,2‐C2H4BrCl+ to C2H4+ and BrCl is preferred and that 1,2‐C2H4BrCl+ surpasses two energy barriers and then separates into C2H4+ + BrCl through an asynchronous concerted process. Experimentally, we confirm that this elimination channel is from the dissociative ionization process of 1,2‐C2H4BrCl+ by using dc‐slice imaging technique. The time‐of‐flight mass spectra of 1,2‐bromochloroethane induced by femtosecond laser pulses show that C2H4+ occurs at a laser intensity of 6.0 × 1013 W/cm2, and BrCl+ occurs at a higher laser intensity than C2H4+. This finding is consistent with the theoretical result that the appearance energy of C2H4+ is lower than that of BrCl+. As such, the low‐velocity component of BrCl+ is absent from our sliced images.
Characterization of quasirandom permutations by a pattern sum
Authors: Chan Timothy F. N. , Král' Daniel , Noel Jonathan A. , Pehova Yanitsa , Sharifzadeh Maryam , Volec Jan
Published: August 2020

It is known that a sequence of permutations is quasirandom if and only if the pattern density of every 4‐point permutation in converges to 1/24. We show that there is a set S of 4‐point permutations such that the sum of the pattern densities of the permutations from S in the permutations converges to
if and only if the sequence is quasirandom. Moreover, we are able to completely characterize the sets S with this property. In particular, there are exactly ten such sets, the smallest of which has cardinality eight.
Efficient Ni‐Cu/AC Bimetal Catalyst for Hydrogenolysis of Lignin to Produce High‐Value‐Added Chemicals
Authors: Zhang Le , Feng Junfeng , Cai Bo , Zhu Huimin , Zhu Yanqi , Pan Hui
Published: August 2020

Efficient depolymerization of natural lignin is the key step to convert lignin to sustainable and added‐value chemicals. In this paper, a carbon‐supported Ni‐Cu bimetallic catalyst was developed for the hydrogenation of poplar lignin and β‐O‐4 model compounds. Five Ni‐Cu bimetallic catalysts were prepared by immobilizing Ni and Cu at fixed Ni loading (5%) and varied Cu loading (0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%) on activated carbon (AC). All the Cu‐Ni/AC bimetal catalysts exhibited higher catalytic activity than either Ni/AC or Cu/AC catalysts. 5Ni‐5Cu/AC gave the highest bio‐oil yield of 40.2 wt% for the hydrogenation of. poplar lignin. The XPS, XRD, and HRTEM characterization of the catalysts showed that elemental copper and Cu‐Ni alloy were formed on the surface of 5Ni‐5Cu/AC catalyst, which could promote the efficient depolymerization of lignin into phenolic monomers. The possible mechanism for the lignin depolymerization was also studied and proposed based on the β‐O‐4 bond model compounds. This study provides a viable strategy for the conversion of lignin into added‐value chemicals with low cost catalyst.
Evaluation of the Base‐Pairing Properties of 5‐(5‐Indolylethynyl) and 5‐(5‐Indolyl)‐2′‐deoxyuridine Modified Triplex and Duplex
Authors: Fatthalla Maha I. , Pedersen Erik B.
Published: August 2020

Indole was conjugated to deoxyuridine either directly or via ethynyl linkage to synthesize two new DNA monomers. Due to the high reactivity of indole toward electrophilic substitution reactions, unwanted iodination was observed during the oxidation step with iodine oxidizer in automated DNA synthesizer leading to an additional oligonucleotide having extra 126 mass unit beside the desired oligonucleotide. On the other hand, using CSO oxidizer ensured the formation of the wanted oligonucleotide. Oligonucleotide synthesis was confirmed by MALDI‐TOF‐MS analysis. Polypyrimidine strands containing non‐iodinated indole nucleoside were able to form parallel triplexes, antiparallel RNA and DNA duplexes. The thermal denaturation experiments showed higher triplex stabilization for 5‐(5‐indolylethynyl)‐2′‐deoxyuridine over 5‐(5‐indolyl)‐2′‐deoxyuridine as the triple bond allows twisting to put the indole into a proper position within the triplex encouraging better π‐π stacking.
Synthesis of Core‐Shell Au@TiO2@C Nanoparticles and Their Photocatalytic Properties for the Degradation of Rhodamine B Under Simulated‐Solar Light
Authors: Wang Xue‐qin , Li Dong‐ying , Wang Shi‐peng , Azad Fahad , Su Shi‐chen
Published: August 2020

A simple method to synthesize Au@TiO2@C core‐shell sandwich nanoparticles by hydrolysis and depositing carbon quantum dots (CQDs) is reported. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized material was tested via degrading Rhodamine B (RhB) under simulated‐solar light irradiation. The degradation rate was found in the following order: Au@TiO2@C
P25
Au@TiO2
TiO2. The superior photocatalytic of Au@TiO2@C was attributed to synergistic effect of Au and CQDs. The CQDs layer coated outside benefits in improving absorption efficiency of solar light host and separation of electron‐holes pairs. The Au core can accelerate transfer process of photo excitons which can facilitate photocatalytic reaction.
Mesoscale Simulations on Morphology Design in Conjugated Polymers and Inorganic Nanoparticles Composite for Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Komarov Pavel V. , Baburkin Pavel O. , Ivanov Viktor A. , Li Yi-Lun , Chen Show-An , Khokhlov Alexei R.
Published: August 2020

Mixtures of conjugated polymers (CPs) as donors and inorganic semiconducting nanoparticles (NPs) as acceptors are considered to be promising materials for photoactive layers of bulk heterojunction hybrid solar cells (HSCs). To reach the high power conversion efficiency of HSC, the morphology of the photoactive layer for providing optimal charge transport paths is designed. Herein, the coarse‐grained model for predicting the morphology of nanocomposites based on semiconducting CPs and NPs is used. For polymer matrix, well‐known CPs such as poly(3‐hexythiophene) (P3HT), poly [thieno [3,4‐b] thiophene/benzodithiophen] (PTB7), and poly [[2,6′‐4,8‐ di(5‐ethylhexylthienyl)benzo[1,2‐b;3,3‐b] dithiophene][3‐fluoro‐ 2[(2‐ethylhexyl) carbonyl] thieno[3,4‐b]thiophenediyl]] (PTB7‐Th) are selected. For NP fillers, PbS quantum dots modified by ligands (like, e.g., oleic acid) are selected. Via mesoscale computer simulations, it is shown that by choosing appropriate ligands for NPs and varying the weight fraction of NPs, the morphology with bicontinuous charge transport paths for holes and electrons is obtained. Such morphologies are observed in models of homopolymer/NP blends for the first time. This finding is in reasonable agreement with the recent experimental results on these systems.
A study of tensile and compressive properties of hybrid basalt‐polypropylene fiber‐reinforced concrete under uniaxial loads
Authors: Deng Zhiyun , Liu Xinrong , Yang Xin , Liang Ninghui , Yan Ru , Chen Peng , Miao Qingxu , Xu Yihua
Published: August 2020

The tensile and compressive properties of hybrid basalt‐polypropylene fiber‐reinforced concrete (HBPFRC) under uniaxial load were investigated in this study. First, the influence of mono‐basalt fibers, mono‐polypropylene fibers and hybrid fibers with different contents on the stress–strain curve, strength, and toughness of the concrete were analyzed. Second, the tensile and compressive constitutive equations proposed by the Code GB 50010‐2010 were used to fit the stress–strain curves, in which good fitting results are obtained. Finally, the tensile and compressive mechanism of the HBPFRC were discussed. The results indicated that the better positive hybrid effect for both tensile and compressive tests were achieved when the mass ratio of basalt fiber to polypropylene fiber is 1:2 with the total mass of 6 kg/m3. At this time, when compared with the concrete without fibers, the tensile strength and the tensile strain increased by 24 and 55% separately, while the compressive strength and the compressive strain increased by 14 and 36% separately. In addition, the tensile stress–strain curve of HBPFRC can be well fitted by peak tensile strength (ft), peak tensile strain (εt) and tensile shape factor (αt), while the compressive stress–strain curve of HBPFRC can be well matched by peak compressive strength (fc), peak compressive strain (εc) and compressive shape factor (αc).
Semiclassical $$ \mathcal{S} $$-matrix and black hole entropy in dilaton gravity
Authors: Fitkevich Maxim , Levkov Dmitry , Sibiryakov Sergey
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We use complex semiclassical method to compute scattering amplitudes of a point particle in dilaton gravity with a boundary. This model has nonzero minimal black hole mass Mcr. We find that at energies below Mcr the particle trivially scatters off the boundary with unit probability. At higher energies the scattering amplitude is exponentially suppressed. The corresponding semiclassical solution is interpreted as formation of an intermediate black hole decaying into the final-state particle. Relating the suppression of the scattering probability to the number of the intermediate black hole states, we find an expression for the black hole entropy consistent with thermodynamics. In addition, we fix the constant part of the entropy which is left free by the thermodynamic arguments. We rederive this result by modifying the standard Euclidean entropy calculation.
Wissensgenerierung mit und für nichtakademische Akteur*innen
Authors: Volmer Ann-Kathrin
Published: August 2020

Dieser Artikel zeigt beispielhaft Forschungsprozesse und Methoden, die eine emanzipierte Koproduktion von Wissen zwischen akademischen und nichtakademischen Akteur*innen ermöglichen. Basis der Überlegungen sind dekoloniale Ansätze bezogen auf die Kolonialität des Wissens. Sie bieten Konzepte an, wie Herrschaftsverhältnisse im Forschungsprozess bedacht werden können. Am Beispiel des Forschungszentrums für Förderung und soziale Innovation der Entwicklung der Kaffeekultur im kolumbianischen Bundesstaat Cauca (Cicaficultura) werden konkrete Methoden beschrieben, welche diese dekolonialen Konzepte umsetzen. Sie berücksichtigen, dass die Deutungshoheit über die Problemdefinition und Forschungsmethoden zwischen akademischen und nichtakademischen Akteur*innen geteilt werden. Durch diesen machtsensiblen Zugang werden Forschungsergebnisse erzielt, die für beide Akteur*innengruppen relevant sind. Dieser Artikel versteht sich als ein Impuls für die (forschende) Vermittlung zwischen kritischer und angewandter Geographie.
Access Prices Indexed to Geographical Coverage of Innovative Telecom Services
Authors: Henriques David
Published: August 2020

The literature on access prices and investment has suggested that firms under-invest when subject to an access provision obligation combined with a fixed access price per consumer. In this paper, I study an access price per consumer for an innovative service such as superfast broadband provided by a regulated firm that is a function of its geographical coverage (indexation approach). The indexation approach can enhance economic efficiency beyond what is achieved with a fixed access price under a set of standard assumptions. In particular, it can simultaneously induce the firms to set lower retail prices, lead to wider geographical coverage of innovative services and higher social welfare level compared with a fixed access price. Moreover, in the model, the indexation may be used to achieve approximately the Ramsey outcome, or the first-best coverage level. I address how a regulator can set the access price indexation optimally, based on the coverage cost plus an incentive. I highlight the potential role of indexation as a tool to reduce the need for public subsidies and the associated tax distortions when compared with a fixed access price.
Role of Immunomodulators in Functional Cure Strategies for HBV
Authors: Binder Benedikt , Hofmann Maike , Thimme Robert
Published: August 2020

Purpose of Review

Chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection is a major global health burden. Currently, a curative therapy does not exist; thus, there is an urgent need for new therapeutical options. Viral elimination in the natural course of infection results from a robust and multispecific T and B cell response that, however, is dysfunctional in chronically infected patients. Therefore, immunomodulatory therapies that strengthen the immune responses are an obvious approach trying to control HBV infection. In this review, we summarize the rationale and current options of immunological cure of chronic HBV infection.

Recent Findings

Recently, among others, drugs that stimulate the innate immune system or overcome CD8+ T cell exhaustion by checkpoint blockade, and transfer of HBV-specific engineered CD8+ T cells emerged as promising approaches.

HBV-specific immunity is responsible for viral control, but also for immunopathogenesis. Thus, the development of immunomodulatory therapies is a difficult process on a thin line between viral control and excessive immunopathology. Some promising agents are under investigation. Nevertheless, further research is indispensable in order to optimally orchestrate immunostimulation.
Animal Models of CMT2A: State-of-art and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: De Gioia Roberta , Citterio Gaia , Abati Elena , Nizzardo Monica , Bresolin Nereo , Comi Giacomo Pietro , Corti Stefania , Rizzo Federica
Published: August 2020

Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 2A (CMT2A), arising from mitofusin 2 (MFN2) gene mutations, is the most common inherited axonal neuropathy affecting motor and sensory neurons. The cellular and molecular mechanisms by whichMFN2mutations determine neuronal degeneration are largely unclear. No effective treatment exists for CMT2A, which has a high degree of genetic/phenotypic heterogeneity. The identification of mutations inMFN2has allowed the generation of diverse transgenic animal models, but to date, their ability to recapitulate the CMT2A phenotype is limited, precluding elucidation of its pathogenesis and discovery of therapeutic strategies. This review will critically present recent progress in in vivo CMT2A disease modeling, discoveries, drawbacks and limitations, current challenges, and key reflections to advance the field towards developing effective therapies for these patients.
Evaluating the accuracy of ALS-based removal estimates against actual logging data
Authors: Vähä-Konka Ville , Maltamo Matti , Pukkala Timo , Kärhä Kalle
Published: August 2020

Key message

We examined the accuracy of the stand attribute data based on airborne laser scanning (ALS) provided by the Finnish Forest Centre. The precision of forest inventory data was compared for the first time with operative logging data measured by the harvester.

Context

Airborne laser scanning (ALS) is increasingly used together with models to predict the stand attributes of boreal forests. The information is updated by growth models. Information produced by remote sensing, model prediction, and growth simulation needs field verification. The data collected by harvesters on logging sites provide a means to evaluate and verify the accuracy of the ALS-based data.

Aims

This study investigated the accuracy of ALS-based forest inventory data provided by the Finnish Forest Centre at the stand level, using harvester data as the reference. Special interest was on timber assortment volumes where the quality reductions of sawlog are model predictions in ALS-based data and true realized reductions in the logging data.

Methods

We examined the accuracy of total volume and timber assortment volumes by comparing ALS-based data and operative logging data measured by a harvester. This was done both for clear cuttings and thinning sites. Accuracy of the identification of the dominant tree species of the stand was examined using the Kappa coefficient.

Results

In clear-felling sites, the total harvest removals based on ALS and model prediction had a RMSE% of 26.0%. In thinning, the corresponding difference in the total harvested removal was 42.4%. Compared to logged volume, ALS-based prediction overestimated sawlog removals in clear cuttings and underestimated pulpwood removals.

Conclusion

The study provided valuable information on the accuracy of ALS-based stand attribute data. Our results showed that ALS-based data need better methods to predict the technical quality of harvested trees, to avoid systematic overestimates of sawlog volume. We also found that the ALS-based estimates do not accurately predict the volume of trees removed in actual thinnings.
Forecasting the North Atlantic Oscillation index using altimetric sea level anomalies
Authors: Świerczyńska-Chlaściak Małgorzata , Niedzielski Tomasz
Published: August 2020

The objective of this paper is to present a new approach for forecasting NAO index (NAOi) based on predictions of sea level anomalies (SLAs). We utilize significant correlations (Pearson’s r up to 0.69) between sea surface height (SSH) calculated for the North Atlantic (15–65°N, basin-wide) and winter Hurrell NAOi, as shown by Esselborn and Eden (Geophys Res Lett 28:3473–3476, 2001).
We consider the seasonal and monthly data of Hurrell NAOi, ranging from 1993 to 2017. Weekly prognoses of SLA are provided by the Prognocean Plus system which uses several data-based models to predict sea level variation. Our experiment consists of three steps: (1) we calculate correlation between the first principal component (PC1) of SSH/SLA data and NAOi, (2) we determine coefficients of a linear regression model which describes the relationship between winter NAOi and PC1 of SLA data (1993–2013), (3) we build two regression models in order to predict winter NAOi (by attaching SLA forecasts and applying coefficients of the fitted regression models). The resulting 3-month prognoses of winter NAOi are found to reveal mean absolute errors of 1.5 or less. The choice of method for preparing SLA data for principal component analysis is shown to have a stronger impact on the prediction performance than the selection of SLA prediction method itself.
Circulating dipeptidyl peptidase-4 is independently associated with the presence and severity of NAFLD/NASH in individuals with and without obesity and metabolic disease
Authors: Barchetta Ilaria , Ceccarelli Valentina , Cimini Flavia A. , Barone Eugenio , Sentinelli Federica , Coluzzi Mariagrazia , Chiappetta Caterina , Bertoccini Laura , Tramutola Antonella , Labbadia Giancarlo , Di Cristofano Claudio , Silecchia Gianfranco , Leonetti Frida , Cavallo Maria G.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) levels are associated to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases in humans; initial evidence reported a relationship between DPP4 and chronic liver diseases. Aim of this study was to investigate hepatic and systemic DPP4 levels/activity in relation to NAFLD/NASH in individuals with and without metabolic disease.

Methods

We recruited fifty-two obese individuals undergoing bariatric surgery and intra-operative liver biopsy at Sapienza University, Rome, Italy. The association between DPP4 levels/activity and NAFLD was also evaluated in 126 non-obese individuals recruited in the same setting.

Results

NAFLD patients had significantly higher circulating DPP4 activity than no-NAFLD in both the obese and non-obese cohorts; plasma DPP4 activity and levels linearly correlated with steatosis grade and inflammation at the liver biopsy. Hepatic DPP4 mRNA was not associated to either its circulating levels/activity or NAFLD. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis on all the study participants (n = 178), higher circulating DPP4 activity was associated with NAFLD independently of potential confounders with OR (95% CI): 3.5 (1.2–10.21), p = 0.022.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the coexistence of increased plasma DPP4 levels and activity in NAFLD. Circulating DPP4 measurement may represent a novel cost-effective strategy for NAFLD/NASH risk stratification and a potential tool for monitoring disease’s progression in established NAFLD.
Single versus dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin system in patients with IgA nephropathy
Authors: Lennartz David Paul , Seikrit Claudia , Wied Stephanie , Fitzner Christina , Eitner Frank , Hilgers Ralf-Dieter , Rauen Thomas , Floege Jürgen
Published: August 2020

Background

Inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) are cornerstones of supportive therapy in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). We analyzed the effects of single versus dual RAS blockaQueryde during our randomized STOP-IgAN trial.

Methods

STOP-IgAN participants with available successive information on their RAS treatment regimen and renal outcomes during the randomized 3-year trial phase were stratified post hoc into two groups, i.e. patients under continuous single or dual RAS blocker therapy over the entire 3 years of the trial phase. Primary and secondary STOP-IgAN trial endpoints, i.e. frequencies of full clinical remission, eGFR-loss ≥ 15 and ≥ 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 and ESRD onset, were analyzed by logistic regression and linear mixed effects models.

Results

Among the 112 patients included in the present analysis, 82 (73%) were maintained on single and 30 (27%) on dual RAS inhibitor therapy throughout the trial. Neither RAS blocker strategy significantly affected full clinical remission, eGFR-loss rates, onset of ESRD. Proteinuria moderately increased in patients under dual RAS blockade by 0.1 g/g creatinine during the 3-year trial phase. This was particularly evident in patients without additional immunosuppression during the randomized trial phase, where proteinuria increased by 0.2 g/g creatinine in the dual RAS blockade group. In contrast, proteinuria decreased in patients under single RAS blocker therapy by 0.3 g/g creatinine. The course of eGFR remained stable and did not differ between the RAS treatment strategies.

Conclusion

In the STOP-IgAN cohort, neither RAS blocker regimen altered renal outcomes. Patients on dual RAS blockade even exhibited higher proteinuria over the 3-year trial phase.
An Ultra-Durable Windmill-Like Hybrid Nanogenerator for Steady and Efficient Harvesting of Low-Speed Wind Energy
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zeng Qixuan , Wu Yan , Wu Jun , Yuan Songlei , Tan Dujuan , Hu Chenguo , Wang Xue
Published: August 2020

Wind energy is one of the most promising and renewable energy sources; however, owing to the limitations of device structures, collecting low-speed wind energy by triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) is still a huge challenge. To solve this problem, an ultra-durable and highly efficient windmill-like hybrid nanogenerator (W-HNG) is developed. Herein, the W-HNG composes coupled TENG and electromagnetic generator (EMG) and adopts a rotational contact-separation mode. This unique design efficiently avoids the wear of friction materials and ensures a prolonged service life. Moreover, the generator group is separated from the wind-driven part, which successfully prevents rotation resistance induced by the friction between rotor and stator in the conventional structures, and realizes low-speed wind energy harvesting. Additionally, the output characteristics of TENG can be complementary to the different performance advantages of EMG to achieve a satisfactory power production. The device is successfully driven when the wind speed is 1.8 m s−1, and the output power of TENG and EMG can achieve 0.95 and 3.7 mW, respectively. After power management, the W-HNG has been successfully applied as a power source for electronic devices. This work provides a simple, reliable, and durable device for improved performance toward large-scale low-speed breeze energy harvesting.
SCR-Filter Model Order Reduction (2): Proper Orthogonal Decomposition and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Olowojebutu Seun , Steffen Thomas , Bush Phillip
Published: August 2020

Catalysed diesel particulate filters (DPF) have been described as multifunctional reactor systems. Integration of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) functionality in the DPF creates an SCR-in-DPF system that achieves nitrous oxides (NOx) treatment along with particulate matter (PM) collection. The physical and chemical aspects of the integrated SCR-filter complicate system modelling. The goal of this work is to develop low-complexity model of the SCR-filter system which retains high fidelity. A high-fidelity model of the SCR-coated filter has been developed and validated. The performance of the model was described in a previous paper. Model complexity reduction is attempted in this paper. The objective is to achieve simulation times that can support the deployment of the model for online system control in an engine control unit. Two approaches were taken for the SCR-coated filter model order reduction (MOR): a “grey-box” approach via proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and a “black box” approach via artificial neural network (ANN) function approximation. The POD method is shown to deliver a significant MOR while maintaining a high degree of fidelity but with less than 5% improvement in simulation time. The ANN method delivers a substantial MOR with reduction of three orders of magnitude in simulation time. The accuracy of the ANN model is satisfactory with good generalisation to new test data but noticeably inferior to the POD method.
Towards a process-driven network analysis
Authors: Bockholt Mareike , Zweig Katharina Anna
Published: August 2020

A popular approach for understanding complex systems is a network analytic one: the system’s entities and their interactions are represented by a graph structure such that readily available methods suitable for graph structures can be applied. A network representation of a system enables the analysis of indirect effects: if A has an impact on B, and B has an impact on C, then, A also has an impact on C. This is often due to some kind of process flowing through the network, for example, pieces of informations or viral infections in social systems, passenger flows in transportation systems, or traded goods in economic systems. We argue that taking into account the actual usage of the system additionally to the static network representation of the system can yield interesting insights: first, the network representation and applicable network methods cannot be chosen independently from the network process of interest (Borgatti 2005; Dorn et al. 2012; Zweig 2016; Butts 2009). Therefore, focussing on the relevant network process in an early stage of the research project helps to determine suitable network representations and methods in order to obtain meaningful results (we call this approach process-driven network analysis). Second, many network methods assume that the spreading of some entity follows shortest or random paths. However, we show that not all flows are well approximated by this. In these cases, incorporating the network usage creates a real addition of knowledge to the static aggregated network representation.

Note

This is an extended and revised version of a conference article (Bockholt and Zweig 2019), published and presented at COMPLEX NETWORKS 2019.
Challenges and associated factors of anesthesia practice in Ethiopia
Authors: Goshu Eyayalem Melese , Gemeda Leulayehu Akalu
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACT

Background:

Anesthesia is mainly needed in surgical services, for diagnostic services in almost all fields of specialty in medicine. When anesthesia services are inadequate, difficulties are experienced. There are multifactorial reasons for the inadequacy of anesthesia services in sub-Saharan countries. The aim of this study is to assess the challenges and problems of anesthesia practice in Ethiopia.

Methodology:

An observational survey carried out in 60 hospitals of the Nine regional states and two city administrative states of Ethiopia in 2018. A structured questionnaire sent to each hospital, the questionnaire consisted of eight sections to assess the availability of basic Anesthesia equipment, Drugs, and Professional Anesthetists. The head of anesthetists represented in each Hospital. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0, the results are presented in appropriate statistical tools, and the findings discussed.

Results:

This study shows that 81% of the anesthetists do have challenges and problems, which weigh down the provision of Safe anesthesia service. Eighty-three percent (83%) of anesthetists working alone without assistant. 83.2% of Anesthetists have main difficulties to perform pre-anesthetic evaluation. Around 55% of hospitals/anesthetists/have no minimum standard of monitoring devices. The availability of Anesthetic drugs in the Operation room is inadequate, for instance, 89.6%, 97.9%, and 45.8% Operation rooms/Anesthetists/have no Isoflurane, Etomidate, and Propofol respectively. Due to lack of Analgesics, only 22.9% of Anesthetists administer Analgesics Intraoperatively. 67% of Anesthetists have no emergency drug kit and 81.2% of Anesthetists have no Cricothyrodtomy set to Manage difficult airway. The overall Challenges stated by Anesthetists include Shortage of workforce, drugs & equipment, Lack of skills & Knowledge in some specialized procedures, less payment in comparison with Work overload, risks & stress, and Lack of insurance to the Anesthetists.

Conclusion:

Since the Anesthesia service is least addressed, Major focus in terms of Anesthesia working force, Anesthesia drugs, and equipment is required to bring up to date and improve the safety of anesthesia for patients in Ethiopia.

Highlights:
Early predictors of seasonal Arctic sea-ice volume loss: the impact of spring and early-summer cloud radiative conditions
Authors: King Michalea D. , Veron Dana E. , Huntley Helga S.
Published: August 2020

Clouds play an important role in the Arctic surface radiative budget, impacting the seasonal evolution of Arctic sea-ice cover. We explore the large-scale impacts of springtime and early summer (March through July) cloud and radiative fluxes on sea ice by comparing these fluxes to seasonal ice volume losses over the central Arctic basin, calculated for available observational years 2004–2007 (ICESat) and 2011–2017 (CryoSat-2). We also supplement observation data with sea-ice volume computed from the Pan-Arctic Ice–Ocean Modeling and Assimilation System (PIOMAS) during summer months. We find that the volume of sea ice lost over the melt season is most closely related to observed downwelling longwave radiation in March and early summer (June and July) longwave cloud radiative forcing, which together explain a large fraction of interannual variability in seasonal sea-ice volume loss (R2= 0.71,p= 0.007). We show that downwelling longwave fluxes likely impact the timing of melt onset near the sea-ice edge, and can limit the magnitude of ice thickening from March to April. Radiative fluxes in June and July are likely critical to seasonal volume loss because modeled data show the greatest ice volume reductions occur during these months.
Computational approach to identify potential antileishmanial activity of reported inhibitor, E5700 and two natural alkaloids against Leishmania donovani Squalene Synthase
Authors: Wadanambi Padmika
Published: August 2020

Leishmania species are the causative agents for Leishmaniasis which is one of the neglected tropical diseases causing 70,000 deaths worldwide each year. Squalene synthase enzyme plays a vital role in sterol metabolism which is essential for Leishmania parasite viability. Therefore squalene synthase of Leishmania donovani is a therapeutic target to inhibit growth of parasite. The 3D model of Leishmania donovani Squalene Synthase (LdSQS) was generated by homology modeling and validated through PROCHECK, ERRAT, VERIFY3D and PROSA tools. Virtual screening of the protein was performed by AutoDock with reported inhibitor, E5700 and two natural alkaloids. Molecular interactions were explored to understand the nature of intermolecular bonds between active ligand and the protein binding site residues using UCSF Chimera and PLIP server. The reported inhibitor showed the best binding affinity (-9.75 kcal/mol) closely followed by Ancistrotanzanine B (-9.55 kcal/mol) and Holamine (-8.79 kcal/mol). Ancistrotanzanine B showed low binding energy and permissible ADMET properties. Based on the present study, homology model of LdSQS and Ancistrotanzanine B can be used to design inhibitors with antileishmanial activity.
Case C-233/18 Zubair Haqbin v. Federaal Agentschap Voor de Opvang van Asielzoekers (C.J.E.U.)
Authors: Stefanelli Justine N.
Published: August 2020

In its preliminary ruling in Haqbin, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU or Court) ruled for the first time on whether the EU Reception Conditions Directive 2013/33 (RCD) prohibits Member States from withdrawing material reception conditions in the event of a breach of the rules of accommodation centers, or in the context of violent behavior within those centers. In holding in the negative, the CJEU affirmed the important role played by fundamental rights in the EU's asylum system.
Case 004/2 Involving AO An: Considerations on Appeals Against Closing Orders (Extraordinary Chambers Cts. Cambodia)
Authors: Scheffer David J.
Published: August 2020

On December 19, 2019, the Pre-Trial Chamber (PTC) of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) rendered its “Considerations on Appeals Against Closing Orders” in Case 004/2 Involving Ao An. The 266-page ruling exemplified, and brought to a head, the longstanding conflict within the ECCC between the national and international co-prosecutors and between the national and international judges on the parameters of personal jurisdiction and the interpretation of relevant provisions of the ECCC's constitutional documents. The fate of the ECCC now hangs in the balance.
Experience of discrimination and engagement with mental health and other services by Travellers in Ireland: findings from the All Ireland Traveller Health Study (AITHS)
Authors: Quirke B. , Heinen M. , Fitzpatrick P. , McKey S. , Malone K. M. , Kelleher C.
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

Irish Travellers are an indigenous ethnic minority population in Ireland, with poor life expectancy. This study aims to identify factors associated with reported discrimination and how this affects their experiences of accessing and quality of health services, including mental health.

Methods:

The All Ireland Traveller Health Study was a cross-sectional census study in 2010. All Traveller families completed a survey questionnaire (n= 6540), and at random an adult selected from the family completed either a health status (health status study = 1547) or health services utilisation survey (HSU = 1576). Experience of discrimination (EOD) from the census was analysed in relation to HSU data on services used in the previous 12 months and reported experiences of access and quality of that health service. Census variables were analysed in relation to EOD and perceived discrimination (PD).

Results:

In the final models, EOD and PD were significantly associated with socio-demographic, socio-cultural and living conditions. The multivariate odds of reporting EOD ranged from OR 1.84 to 2.13 and were significant for those reporting worse opportunities in accessing health services, mental health (p= 0.001), hospitals (p< 0.001) and public health nurses (p< 0.001). The multivariate odds of reporting EOD ranged from OR 1.95 to 2.71 and remained significant for those who reported they had poorer experiences than others when using health services, quality of experience (OR 2.18,p=< 0.001), trust in providers (OR 1.95,p=< 0.001) and appropriate information (OR 2.71,p=< 0.001).

Conclusions:

Travellers experience high levels of discrimination which negatively affects their engagement with health services. Culturally competent services need to be developed.
An integrated methodology for the documentation and protection of cultural heritage in the MENA region: a case study from Libya and Tunisia
Authors: Leone Anna , Wootton Will , Fenwick Corisande , Nebbia Marco , Alkhalaf Hiba , Jorayev Gaygysyz , Othman Ammar , Alhddad Muftah A. , Belzic Morgan , Emrage Ahmad , Siala Ziad , Voke Patricia
Published: August 2020

This paper presents the methodology and overall outcomes from theTraining in Actionproject (TinA), funded by the British Council's Cultural Protection Fund between 2017 and 2019, which has built capacity among 72 employees of the Department of Antiquities of Libya (DoA) and the Institut National du Patrimoine de Tunisie (INP). It highlights the integrated and comprehensive nature of the training based on an innovative approach designed to increase value and impact. The integrated methodology, combining documentation, conservation and management, serves as a reproducible and sustainable model for other capacity-building projects. TinA was developed and carried out collaboratively by academics at Durham University, King's College London and University College London, and in partnership with the DoA and INP.
Mind the gap: the delayed recovery of a population of the biological control agent Megamelus scutellaris Berg. (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) on water hyacinth after winter
Authors: Miller Benjamin E. , Coetzee Julie A. , Hill Martin P.
Published: August 2020

Cold winter temperatures significantly affect the biological control effort against water hyacinth, Pontederia ( = Eichhornia) crassipes Mart. (Pontederiaceae), in more temperate regions around the world. The population dynamics of the planthopper Megamelus scutellaris Berg. (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), a newly released biological control agent of water hyacinth, were recorded on the Kubusi River in the Eastern Cape Province (South Africa) over 15 months to determine the population recovery post-winter. Megamelus scutellaris incurred a severe population decline at the onset of winter when the water hyacinth plants became frost damaged. The combined effect of a population bottleneck and low minimum winter temperatures (6.12°C) below the agent's lower developmental threshold (11.46°C) caused a post-winter lag in agent density increase. Subsequently, the maximum agent population density was only reached at the end of the following summer growing season which allowed the water hyacinth population to recover in the absence of any significant biological control immediately post-winter. Supplementary releases of agents from mass-reared cultures at the beginning of the growing season (spring) is suggested as a potential method of reducing the lag-period in field populations in colder areas where natural population recovery of agents is slower.
Gravitating–radiative magnetohydrodynamic surface waves
Authors: Ruby R. , Rozina Ch. , Tsintsadze N. L. , Iqbal Z.
Published: August 2020

Radiative-magnetohydrodynamic (RMHD) equations along with a full set of Maxwell's equations are followed to formulate the charged surface waves at the interface of an incompressible, radiative, magnetized dusty plasma and vacuum, while assuming that the characteristic wave frequency is much smaller than the ion gyrofrequency, having an equilibrium background state. It is found that the separation of charges on the surface is followed by thermal motion, which further leads to a negative pressure gradient normal to the surface, hence the plasma–vacuum interface is under tension due to two different types of oppositely directed pressures. The dusty plasma RMHD set of equations admits a linear dispersion relation of surface Jeans instability of an incompressible dusty plasma, which exhibits a strong coupling between the electron surface charge and dust surface mass densities and we conclude that the surface densities of both electrons and dust as well as the dust inertia play major roles in the gravitational collapse of the surface of astrophysical objects such as stars, galaxies etc. Further, the growth rate of radiative surface waves is found to be function of both the temperature inhomogeneity, appearing due to thermal radiation heat flux, as well as the thermal radiation pressure. The present findings of charged surface waves may seek application at the astroscales.
Resonance overlap and nonlinear features of the beam–plasma system
Authors: Carlevaro N. , Montani G. , Falessi M. V.
Published: August 2020

The beam–plasma instability can be addressed as a reduced model in several contexts of plasma physics, from space to fusion plasma. In this paper, we review and refine some nonlinear features of this model. Specifically, by analysing the dependence of the nonlinear velocity spread as a function of the linear growth rate, we discuss the effective size of the resonance in view of its role in the spectral overlap at saturation. The relevance of this characterization relies on the necessity of a quantitative determination of the overlap degree to discriminate among different transport regimes of the self-consistent dynamics. The analysis is enriched with a study of the phase-space dynamics by means of the Lagrangian coherent structure technique, in order to define the transport barriers of the system describing the relevant features of the overlap process. Finally, we discuss relevant features related to the mode saturation levels.
Exploring motivation in music teachers: the case of three primary schools in Spain
Authors: Angel-Alvarado Rolando , Belletich Olga , Wilhelmi Miguel R.
Published: August 2020

Music teachers enjoy carrying out teaching tasks; indeed, such pleasure may be perceived even when authoritarian pedagogical methods are applied. In this study, we will explore music teacher motivation in classroom settings, collecting data from three educators through psychological scales, lesson observations and personal interviews. Results indicate that teacher motivation in classroom settings is affected by five internal and five external factors. Therefore, the study allows concluding that teacher motivation is also satisfied or thwarted by ideas that school members have about music education. Some practical implications are suggested.
Mechanical Ventilation with Room Air is Feasible in a Moderate Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Pig Model – Implications for Disaster Situations and Low-Income Nations
Authors: Halpern Pinchas , Goldvaser Michael , Yacov Guy , Rosner Amir , Wenger Ada , Bachar Keren , Katalan Shahaf
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

Patients with respiratory failure are usually mechanically ventilated, mostly with fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) > 0.21. Minimizing FiO2 is increasingly an accepted standard. In underserved nations and disasters, salvageable patients requiring mechanical ventilation may outstrip oxygen supplies.

Study Objective:

The hypothesis of the present study was that mechanical ventilation with FiO2 = 0.21 is feasible. This assumption was tested in an Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) model in pigs.

Methods:

Seventeen pigs were anesthetized, intubated, and mechanically ventilated with FiO2 = 0.4 and Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) of 5cmH2O. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome was induced by intravenous (IV) oleic acid (OA) infusion, and FiO2 was reduced to 0.21 after 45 minutes of stable moderate ARDS. If peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) decreased below 80%, PEEP was increased gradually until maximum 20cmH2O, then inspiratory time elevated from one second to 1.4 seconds.

Results:

Animals developed moderate ARDS (mean partial pressure of oxygen [PaO2]/FiO2 = 162.8, peak and mean inspiratory pressures doubled, and lung compliance decreased). The SpO2 decreased to <80% rapidly after FiO2 was decreased to 0.21. In 14/17 animals, increasing PEEP sufficed to maintain SpO2 > 80%. Only in 3/17 animals, elevation of FiO2 to 0.25 after PEEP reached 20cmH2O was needed to maintain SpO2 > 80%. Animals remained hemodynamically stable until euthanasia one hour later.

Conclusions:

In a pig model of moderate ARDS, mechanical ventilation with room air was feasible in 14/17 animals by elevating PEEP. These results in animal model support the potential feasibility of lowering FiO2 to 0.21 in some ARDS patients. The present study was conceived to address the ethical and practical paradigm of mechanical ventilation in disasters and underserved areas, which assumes that oxygen is mandatory in respiratory failure and is therefore a rate-limiting factor in care capacity allocation. Further studies are needed before paradigm changes are considered.
Is enterprise environmental protection investment responsibility or rent-seeking? Chinese evidence
Authors: Jiang Xin-Feng , Zhao Chun-Xiang , Ma Jing-Juan , Liu Jian-Qiu , Li Si-Hai
Published: August 2020

Having enterprises engaged in environmentally friendly behavior is an important part of reducing negative environmental impacts. This study makes a quantitative analysis against the backdrop of China's transitional economic system. The results show that politically-connected enterprises significantly reduce environmental expenditure, but this only holds for state-owned enterprises; private enterprises with political connections spend significantly more. Analysis of the efficiency of environmental expenditure indicates that, for private enterprises, environmental spending is used as a way to maintain political connections, with rent-seeking as the likely motivation. Politically-connected private enterprises have not reduced their emissions to the same extent as state-owned enterprises, despite increased expenditure. Given the scale of environmental degradation in China during a period of massive economic and social upheaval, the results of this analysis provide a quantitative case for policy change: governments should shift focus to the results that environmental spending produces.
Observations and Electron Density Retrievals of Jupiter's Discrete Auroral Arcs Using the Juno Microwave Radiometer
Authors: Hodges Amorée , Steffes Paul , Bellotti Amadeo , Waite J. Hunter , Brown Shannon , Oyafuso Fabiano , Orton Glenn , Arballo John , Gladstone G. Randall , Levin Steven , Bolton Scott
Published: August 2020

Jupiter's aurorae reflect microwave radiation emitted upward from Jupiter's atmosphere and downward from the cold sky above due to regions in the auroral plasma with increased electron densities. The lack of thermal radiation from the atmosphere was observed by Juno's Microwave Radiometer (MWR) on overflights of the aurorae during seven different orbits. Out of Juno's first 21 orbits, seven orbits inferred enhanced electron densities in Jupiter's auroral arcs. The most profound disruption in microwave emission was observed during Perijove 5. This perijove demonstrated the most significant cold spot for Channel 1 (0.6 GHz), with cold spots also present in Channels 2 (1.25 GHz) and 3 (2.6 GHz) in a location where the influence of Jupiter's moon, Io, likely increased the electron density in Jupiter's aurora. The maximum electron densities retrieved from Channel 1 are on the order of 3 × 109 cm−3, and in the presence of the Io flux tube, electron densities could reach 1010 cm−3 affecting Channels 2 and 3.