bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accurate Cancer Diagnosis and Stage Monitoring Enabled by Comprehensive Profiling of Different Types of Exosomal Biomarkers: Surface Proteins and miRNAs
Authors: Zhou Sisi , Hu Tao , Han Gaohua , Wu Yafeng , Hua Xin , Su Juan , Jin Weiwei , Mou Yiping , Mou Xiaozhou , Li Quan , Liu Songqin
Published: November 2020

Exosomes are recognized as promising biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis and prognosis owing to a large amount of biological information they carried. But the key is that single type of exosomal biomarker analysis is not sufficient enough for accurate cancer diagnosis and stage monitoring due to the insufficient information and high false positive signal. To address the challenge, here simultaneous in situ detection of different types of exosomal biomarkers (surface proteins: CD81, ephrin type‐A receptor 2, and carbohydrate antigen 19‐9; miRNAs: miR‐451a, miR‐21, and miR‐10b) is conducted with a 3D microfluidic chip, which works in conjunction with quantum dot (QD) labeling and vesicle fusion technology. After exosomes are efficiently captured by the microfluidic chip, the quantification of multiple exosomal proteins is achieved by using three kinds of QDs with the same excitation and different emission wavelengths, and virus‐mimicking fusogenic vesicles encapsulating three exquisitely engineered molecular beacons are introduced for ultrasensitive detection of multiple exosomal miRNAs without requiring RNA extraction. Through comprehensive profiling different types of exosomal biomarkers, the false positive rate is substantially avoided and the accuracy of cancer diagnosis and stage monitoring is improved to ≈100%, which are critical to cancer effective treatment and favorable prognosis.
Hybrid Organic/Inorganic Photocathodes Based on WS2 Flakes as Hole Transporting Layer Material
Authors: Najafi Leyla , Romano Valentino , Oropesa‐Nuñez Reinier , Prato Mirko , Lauciello Simone , D'Angelo Giovanna , Bellani Sebastiano , Bonaccorso Francesco
Published: November 2020

The efficient production of molecular hydrogen (H2) is a fundamental step toward an environmentally friendly economy. Photocathodes using organic bulk heterojunction (BHJ) films as light harvesters represent an attracting technology for low‐cost photoelectrochemical water splitting. These photocathodes need charge transporting layers (CTLs) to efficiently separate and transport either holes or electrons toward the back‐current collector and electrolyte, respectively. Therefore, it is pivotal to control the energy band edge levels and the work function (WF) of the CTLs to match the ones of the BHJ film, current collector, and electrolyte. Herein, the use of 2D p‐doped WS2 flakes as hole transporting material for H2‐evolving photocathodes based on the regioregular poly(3‐hexylthiophene):phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (rr‐P3HT:PCBM) BHJ film is proposed. The WS2 flakes are produced through scalable liquid‐phase exfoliation of the bulk crystal, whereas p‐type chemical doping allows the tuning of the WS2 WF. This approach boosts the performances of the photocathodes, reaching photocurrent densities up to 4.14 mA cm−2 at 0 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), an onset potential of 0.66 V versus RHE, and a ratiometric power‐saved metric of 1.28% (under 1 sun illumination). To the best of the authors' knowledge, these performances represent the current record for 2D materials‐based CTLs.
A case of eosinophilic sinusitis controlled by Kampo medicine
Authors: Hirasawa Kazuhiro , Ono Shingo , Tsukahara Kiyoaki
Published: November 2020

Case

Eosinophilic sinusitis is a pathological condition, different from conventional chronic sinusitis. A treatment method has not been established other than oral steroids. Surgical treatment is performed, but it recurs easily and is intractable. We report a case of eosinophilic sinusitis controlled by Kampo medicine. The patient was a 70‐year‐old man and had an olfactory disorder since he was in his 50s. He was diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and was treated at another hospital, but after moving, was transferred to our department.

Outcome

We diagnosed our patient with severe eosinophilic sinusitis, which temporarily improved with oral steroid administration, but relapsed after about one month. We diagnosed him with phlegm‐rheum and blood stasis, and administered heiisan and keishibukuryogan. His symptoms gradually improved, and remission was maintained without the use of steroids.

Conclusion

Heiisan and keishibukuryogan was a beneficial alternative treatment for the case.
A convergence diagnostic for Bayesian clustering
Authors: Lysy Martin , Asgharian Masoud , Partovi Nia Vahid
Published: November 2020

In many applications of Bayesian clustering, posterior sampling on the discrete state space of cluster allocations is achieved via Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques. As it is typically challenging to design transition kernels to explore this state space efficiently, MCMC convergence diagnostics for clustering applications are especially important. Here we propose a diagnostic tool for discrete‐space MCMC, focusing on Bayesian clustering applications where the model parameters have been integrated out. We construct a Hotelling‐type statistic on the highest probability states, and use regenerative sampling theory to derive its equilibrium distribution. By leveraging information from the unnormalized posterior, our diagnostic offers added protection against seemingly convergent chains in which the relative frequency of visited states is incorrect. The methodology is illustrated with a Bayesian clustering analysis of genetic mutants of the flowering plantArabidopsis thaliana.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Clustering and Classification

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Knowledge Discovery

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Markov Chain Monte Carlo
Daily Movements, Space Use, and Habitat Selection of GPS‐tagged Northern Bobwhite in Texas
Authors: Cohen Bradley S. , Marquardt Dean D. , Bakner Nicholas W. , Perez Robert M. , Collier Bret A.
Published: November 2020

Detailed information on movements, space use, and habitat selection patterns by northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus; hereafter, bobwhite) is important for understanding population dynamics, gene flow, disease spread, and development of habitat management activities. Advances in Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has allowed researchers to collect spatial and temporal location data with increasing accuracy, which in turn has shifted the resolution at which habitat evaluations and management focus can occur. Only recently have GPS tags been deployable for small ground‐nesting birds. We conducted a preliminary examination of the spatial ecology of 74 bobwhites equipped with GPS tags during breeding and covey season on 3 private properties in north‐central Texas, USA, during 2015–2017. Specifically, we derived daily estimates of core area and range size using dynamic Brownian bridge movement models, daily distance traveled, and distance between consecutive roost sites. Bobwhites tended to move more during breeding than covey season. Consecutive roost sites were, on average, approximately 130 m apart. Daily core area and home range size of bobwhites across the calendar year were 1.99 ± 0.13 and 6.29 ± 0.85 ha, respectively. During the breeding season, bobwhites avoided hardwood communities and showed no selection or avoidance of shrub, grass, and herbaceous communities. During covey season, bobwhites selected for herbaceous, grass, and hardwood communities, and neither selected nor avoided shrub communities. Global Positioning System data on a variety of species has become the primary information used for habitat and conservation management decisions, therefore, future research on bobwhite will include the application of GPS, which our results show can increase the temporal resolution of information and be used for habitat conservation and restoration actions. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Edge modes of gravity. Part II. Corner metric and Lorentz charges
Authors: Freidel Laurent , Geiller Marc , Pranzetti Daniele
Published: November 2020

Abstract

In this second paper of the series we continue to spell out a new program for quantum gravity, grounded in the notion of corner symmetry algebra and its representations. Here we focus on tetrad gravity and its corner symplectic potential. We start by performing a detailed decomposition of the various geometrical quantities appearing in BF theory and tetrad gravity. This provides a new decomposition of the symplectic potential of BF theory and the simplicity constraints. We then show that the dynamical variables of the tetrad gravity corner phase space are the internal normal to the spacetime foliation, which is conjugated to the boost generator, and the corner coframe field. This allows us to derive several key results. First, we construct the corner Lorentz charges. In addition to sphere diffeomorphisms, common to all formulations of gravity, these charges add a local $$ \mathfrak{sl} $$
sl
(2, ℂ) component to the corner symmetry algebra of tetrad gravity. Second, we also reveal that the corner metric satisfies a local $$ \mathfrak{sl} $$
sl
(2, ℝ) algebra, whose Casimir corresponds to the corner area element. Due to the space-like nature of the corner metric, this Casimir belongs to the unitary discrete series, and its spectrum is therefore quantized. This result, which reconciles discreteness of the area spectrum with Lorentz invariance, is proven in the continuum and without resorting to a bulk connection. Third, we show that the corner phase space explains why the simplicity constraints become non-commutative on the corner. This fact requires a reconciliation between the bulk and corner symplectic structures, already in the classical continuum theory. Understanding this leads inevitably to the introduction of edge modes.
Probing energetic light dark matter with multi-particle tracks signatures at DUNE
Authors: De Roeck Albert , Kim Doojin , Moghaddam Zahra Gh. , Park Jong-Chul , Shin Seodong , Whitehead Leigh H.
Published: November 2020

Abstract

The search for relativistic scattering signals of cosmogenic light dark matter at terrestrial detectors has received increasing attention as an alternative approach to probe dark-sector physics. Large-volume neutrino experiments are well motivated for searches of dark matter that interacts very weakly with Standard Model particles and/or that exhibits a small incoming flux. We perform a dedicated signal sensitivity study for a detector similar to the one proposed by the DUNE Collaboration for cosmogenic dark-matter signals resulting from a non-minimal multi-particle dark-sector scenario. The liquid argon time projection chamber technology adopted for the DUNE detectors is particularly suited for searching for complicated signatures owing to good measurement resolution and particle identification, as well as dE/dx measurements to recognize merged tracks. Taking inelastic boosted dark matter as our benchmark scenario that allows for multiple visible particles in the final state, we demonstrate that the DUNE far detectors have a great potential for probing scattering signals induced by relativistic light dark matter. Detector effects and backgrounds have been estimated and taken into account. Model-dependent and model-independent expected sensitivity limits for a DUNE-like detector are presented.
Potential Release of Zinc and Cadmium From Mine-Affected Soils Under Flooding, a Mesocosm Study
Authors: Padoan Elio , Hernandez Kath Aline , Vahl Ledemar Carlos , Ajmone-Marsan Franco
Published: November 2020

Metal-contaminated mining soils pose serious environmental and health risks if not properly managed, especially in mountainous areas, which are more susceptible to perturbation. Currently, climate change is leading to more frequent and intense rain events, which cause flooding episodes, thereby altering soil redox equilibria and contaminants stability. We evaluated the potential release of Zn and Cd (two of the most common inorganic contaminants) and the factors regulating their solubility and speciation in two heavily contaminated soils representative of a Zn-mining area. The soils were flooded under aerobic (for 24 h) and anaerobic (for 62 days) conditions using mesocosm experiments, sequential extractions, and geochemical modelling. Leaching trials under aerobic conditions showed a high release of Zn and Cd (10 times the legislative limits), with metals possibly migrating via water infiltration or runoff. Under anaerobic conditions Zn and Cd were initially released. Then, solution concentrations decreased gradually (Zn) or sharply (Cd) until the end of the experiment. Sequential extractions and multisurface modelling indicated that both metals precipitated mainly as carbonates. This was confirmed by a geochemical multisurface modelling, which also predicted the formation of sulphides after 60 days in one soil. The model calculated metals to be preferentially complexed by organic matter and well predicted the observed soil solution concentrations. The results showed that during flooding episodes contaminants could be promptly transferred to other environmental compartments. The use of multisurface modelling coupled with laboratory experiments provided useful indications on the potential release and speciation in case of anoxic conditions.
Laparoscopic simple prostatectomy vs bipolar plasma enucleation of the prostate in large benign prostatic hyperplasia: a two-center 3-year comparison
Authors: Lombardo Riccardo , Zarraonandia Andraca Anton , Plaza Alonso Cristina , González-Dacal Juan Andres , Rodríguez Núñez Higinio , Barreiro Mallo Aaron , Gentile Barbara Cristina , Tema Giorgia , Albanesi Luca , Mavilla Luca , Baldassarri Valeria , De Nunzio Cosimo , Tubaro Andrea , Ruibal Moldes Manuel , Giulianelli Roberto
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To compare surgery outcomes and safety of button bipolar enucleation of the prostate vs laparoscopic simple prostatectomy in patients with large prostates (> 80 g) in a two-center cohort study.

Methods

All patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement (Prostate volume > 80 cc) undergoing button bipolar enucleation of the prostate (BTUEP) or laparoscopic simple prostatectomy (LSP) in two centers were enrolled. Data on clinical history, physical examination, urinary symptoms, uroflowmetry and prostate volume were collected at 0, 1, 3 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. Early and long-term complications were recorded.

Results

Overall, 296 patients were enrolled. Out of them, 167/296 (56%) performed a LSP and 129/296 (44%) performed a BTUEP. In terms of efficacy both procedures showed durable results at three years with a reintervention rate of 8% in the LSP group and of 5% in the BTUEP group. In terms of safety, BTUEP and LSP presented similar safety profiles with a 9% of transfusion rate and no major complications.

Conclusion

LSP and BTUEP are safe and effective in treating large-volume adenomas with durable results at three years when performed in experienced centers.
An evaluation of semidistributed-pipe-network and distributed-finite-difference models to simulate karst systems
Authors: Gill L. W. , Schuler P. , Duran L. , Morrissey P. , Johnston P. M.
Published: November 2020

Several different approaches have been developed to model the specific characteristics of karst aquifers, taking account of their inherent complex spatial and temporal heterogeneities. This paper sets out the development of a semidistributed modelling approach for applications in an Irish karst context using urban drainage software. The models have proven to be very useful for different studies, with examples given for the ecohydrology of ephemeral karst lakes, extreme groundwater-flood alleviation, karst network investigation, submarine groundwater discharge, and quantification of different recharge and flow components. The limitations of the approach are also highlighted, in particular not being able to simulate diffuse infiltration and flow paths explicitly across the groundwater catchment. Hence, a more distributed, finite-difference modelling approach using MODFLOW Unstructured Grid (USG) with the newly developed Connected Linear Network (CLN) process is then compared against the semidistributed approach on the same karst catchment. Whilst it has proven difficult to achieve the same levels of model performance in simulating the spring flows in the distributed model compared to the semidistributed model, the ability to interrogate the flow paths at any point on the three-dimensional aquifer is demonstrated, which can give new insights into flows (and potential contaminant transport) through such complex systems. The influence of the proximity of highly transmissive conduits on the flow dynamics through the much-lower transmissive matrix cells in which the network is embedded has been particularly investigated.
Incidence of COVID-19 in patients with rheumatic disease: is prior health education more important than shielding advice during the pandemic?
Authors: Kipps Sarah , Paul Anindita , Vasireddy Sreekanth
Published: November 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to major changes in clinical practice on a global scale in order to protect patients. This includes the identification of vulnerable patients who should “shield” in order to reduce the likelihood of contracting SARS-CoV2. We used national specialty guidance and an adapted screening tool to risk stratify patients identified from our prescribing and monitoring databases, and identify those needing to shield (score ≥ 3) using information from departmental letters, online general practice records and recent laboratory investigations. We collated underlying rheumatological conditions and risk factors. Two months into the shielding process, we examined the COVID-19 status of these patients using hospital laboratory records and compared to population level data. Of 887 patients assessed, 248 (28%) scored ≥ 3 and were sent a standard shielding letter. The most common risk factor in the shielding letter group was age ≥ 70 years and/or presence of a listed co-morbidity (199 patients). The most common rheumatology conditions were rheumatoid arthritis (69.4%), polymyalgia rheumatica (8.5%) and giant cell arteritis (8.5%). Coronavirus incidence rates were similar in the shielding letter group (0.403%) and in the UK population (0.397%). However, we found a trend towards lower incidence (0.113%) in our whole cohort (RR 0.28, 95%CI 0.04–2.01 for the whole cohort compared to UK population). The trend towards lower incidence in this cohort could be because of prior education regarding general infection risk and response to public health messages. While risk stratification and shielding could be effective, prior education regarding general infection risk and public health messages to enhance health protection behaviours during a pandemic may have equal or more important roles.

Key Points• Patients on treatment for rheumatic disorders showed a trend for lower incidence of COVID-19 transmission irrespective of shielding letter status• This could potentially be because of prior education regarding infection risk received when starting on disease-modifying medication• Health education influencing health protection behaviours may be of equal or more importance than shielding information in reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2
Time-course transcriptomics reveals that amino acids catabolism plays a key role in toxinogenesis and morphology in Clostridium tetani
Authors: Orellana Camila A , Zaragoza Nicolas E , Licona-Cassani Cuauhtemoc , Palfreyman Robin W , Cowie Nicholas , Moonen Glenn , Moutafis George , Power John , Nielsen Lars K , Marcellin Esteban
Published: November 2020

Tetanus is a fatal disease caused by Clostridium tetani infections. To prevent infections, a toxoid vaccine, developed almost a century ago, is routinely used in humans and animals. The vaccine is listed in the World Health Organisation list of Essential Medicines and can be produced and administered very cheaply in the developing world for less than one US Dollar per dose. Recent developments in both analytical tools and frameworks for systems biology provide industry with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the parameters that determine C. tetani virulence and physiological behaviour in bioreactors. Here, we compared a traditional fermentation process with a fermentation medium supplemented with five heavily consumed amino acids. The experiment demonstrated that amino acid catabolism plays a key role in the virulence of C. tetani. The addition of the five amino acids favoured growth, decreased toxin production and changed C. tetani morphology. Using time-course transcriptomics, we created a “fermentation map”, which shows that the tetanus toxin transcriptional regulator BotR, P21 and the tetanus toxin gene was downregulated. Moreover, this in-depth analysis revealed potential genes that might be involved in C. tetani virulence regulation. We observed differential expression of genes related to cell separation, surface/cell adhesion, pyrimidine biosynthesis and salvage, flagellar motility, and prophage genes. Overall, the fermentation map shows that, mediated by free amino acid concentrations, virulence in C. tetani is regulated at the transcriptional level and affects a plethora of metabolic functions.
Biomechanics of Human Fetal Hearts with Critical Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Ong Chi Wei , Ren Meifeng , Wiputra Hadi , Mojumder Joy , Chan Wei Xuan , Tulzer Andreas , Tulzer Gerald , Buist Martin Lindsay , Mattar Citra Nurfarah Zaini , Lee Lik Chuan , Yap Choon Hwai
Published: November 2020

Critical aortic stenosis (AS) of the fetal heart causes a drastic change in the cardiac biomechanical environment. Consequently, a substantial proportion of such cases will lead to a single-ventricular birth outcome. However, the biomechanics of the disease is not well understood. To address this, we performed Finite Element (FE) modelling of the healthy fetal left ventricle (LV) based on patient-specific 4D ultrasound imaging, and simulated various disease features observed in clinical fetal AS to understand their biomechanical impact. These features included aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation (MR) and LV hypertrophy, reduced contractility, and increased myocardial stiffness. AS was found to elevate LV pressures and myocardial stresses, and depending on severity, can drastically decrease stroke volume and myocardial strains. These effects are moderated by MR. AS alone did not lead to MR velocities above 3 m/s unless LV hypertrophy was included, suggesting that hypertrophy may be involved in clinical cases with high MR velocities. LV hypertrophy substantially elevated LV pressure, valve flow velocities and stroke volume, while reducing LV contractility resulted in diminished LV pressure, stroke volume and wall strains. Typical extent of hypertrophy during fetal AS in the clinic, however, led to excessive LV pressure and valve velocity in the FE model, suggesting that reduced contractility is typically associated with hypertrophy. Increased LV passive stiffness, which might represent fibroelastosis, was found to have minimal impact on LV pressures, stroke volume, and wall strain. This suggested that fibroelastosis could be a by-product of the disease progression and does not significantly impede cardiac function. Our study demonstrates that FE modelling is a valuable tool for elucidating the biomechanics of congenital heart disease and can calculate parameters which are difficult to measure, such as intraventricular pressure and myocardial stresses.
An integrated approach to investigate climate-driven rockfall occurrence in high alpine slopes: the Bessanese glacial basin, Western Italian Alps
Authors: Viani Cristina , Chiarle Marta , Paranunzio Roberta , Merlone Andrea , Musacchio Chiara , Coppa Graziano , Nigrelli Guido
Published: November 2020

Rockfalls are one of the most common instability processes in high mountains. They represent a relevant issue, both for the risks they represent for (infra) structures and frequentation, and for their potential role as terrestrial indicators of climate change. This study aims to contribute to the growing topic of the relationship between climate change and slope instability at the basin scale. The selected study area is the Bessanese glacial basin (Western Italian Alps) which, since 2016, has been specifically equipped, monitored and investigated for this purpose. In order to provide a broader context for the interpretation of the recent rockfall events and associated climate conditions, a cross-temporal and integrated approach has been adopted. For this purpose, geomorphological investigations (last 100 years), local climate (last 30 years) and near-surface rock/air temperatures analyses, have been carried out. First research outcomes show that rockfalls occurred in two different geomorphological positions: on rock slopes in permafrost condition, facing from NW to NE and/or along the glacier margins, on rock slopes uncovered by the ice in the last decades. Seasonal thaw of the active layer and/or glacier debutressing can be deemed responsible for slope failure preparation. With regard to timing, almost all dated rock falls occurred in summer. For the July events, initiation may have been caused by a combination of rapid snow melt and enhanced seasonal thaw of the active layer due to anomalous high temperatures, and rainfall. August events are, instead, associated with a significant positive temperature anomaly on the quarterly scale, and they can be ascribed to the rapid and/or in depth thaw of the permafrost active layer. According to our findings, we can expect that in the Bessanese glacierized basin, as in similar high mountain areas, climate change will cause an increase of slope instability in the future. To fasten knowledge deepening, we highlight the need for a growth of a network of high elevation experimental sites at the basin scale, and the definition of shared methodological and measurement standards, that would allow a more rapid and effective comparison of data.
Impact of herbivore preference on the benefit of plant trait variability
Authors: Thiel Tatjana , Gaschler Sarah , Mody Karsten , Blüthgen Nico , Drossel Barbara
Published: November 2020

We explore the hypothesis that intraspecific trait variability can beper sebeneficial for the plant when the curvature of the herbivore response to this trait is concave downwards. This hypothesis is based on a mathematical relation for nonlinear averaging (Jensen’s inequality), leading to reduced herbivory when the trait distribution becomes broader. Our study introduces and investigates a model for plants and their insect herbivores that includes an unequal distribution of nutrient content between leaves. In contrast to earlier publications, we take into account the ability of herbivores to choose leaves, and the associated costs of this preference behavior. By performing computer simulations and analytic calculations, we find that this herbivore preference can considerably alter the conclusion cited above. In particular, we demonstrate that herbivore populations that show preference for leaves on which they grow well can benefit from large nutrient-level variability independently of the curvature of the herbivore response function, despite the cost for preference.
Social Robots on a Global Stage: Establishing a Role for Culture During Human–Robot Interaction
Authors: Lim Velvetina , Rooksby Maki , Cross Emily S.
Published: November 2020

Robotic agents designed to assist people across a variety of social and service settings are becoming increasingly prevalent across the world. Here we synthesise two decades of empirical evidence from human–robot interaction (HRI) research to focus on cultural influences on expectations towards and responses to social robots, as well as the utility of robots displaying culturally specific social cues for improving human engagement. Findings suggest complex and intricate relationships between culture and human cognition in the context of HRI. The studies reviewed here transcend the often-studied and prototypical east–west dichotomy of cultures, and explore how people’s perceptions of robots are informed by their national culture as well as their experiences with robots. Many of the findings presented in this review raise intriguing questions concerning future directions for robotics designers and cultural psychologists, in terms of conceptualising and delivering culturally sensitive robots. We point out that such development is currently limited by heterogenous methods and low statistical power, which contribute to a concerning lack of generalisability. We also propose several avenues through which future work may begin to address these shortcomings. In sum, we highlight the critical role of culture in mediating efforts to develop robots aligned with human users’ cultural backgrounds, and argue for further research into the role of culturally-informed robotic development in facilitating human–robot interaction.
Multi-scale fracture prediction and characterization method of a fractured carbonate reservoir
Authors: Xiaoxia Zhang , Jiajie Yu , Nianyin Li , Chao Wang
Published: November 2020

The WZ oilfield is characterized by a small production range, low recovery degree, strong reservoir heterogeneity, and complex fracture distribution. At present, there is no quantitative evaluation method for fractures of different scales. This causes problems that include an unclear understanding of reservoirs’ physical properties and remaining oil distribution and seepage characteristics. In this paper, multi-scale fracture prediction and a quantitative characterization method of a fractured carbonate reservoir are studied using three-dimensional seismic imaging logging and regional tectonic stress field distribution data. On the basis of analogs, variance cube, curvature, and the Pompano through-flowline system, large-scale crack recognition is carried out. Combined with the maximum positive curvature attribute, fracture density, and fracture direction interpreted by imaging logging, a small- and medium-sized fracture model is established. Finally, the multi-scale fracture prediction is carried out. This study has important theoretical significance for accurately describing and characterizing the multi-scale fracture distribution law and guiding the fine development of oilfields.
Classification of fires in coal waste dumps based on Landsat, Aster thermal bands and thermal camera in Polish and Ukrainian mining regions
Authors: Nádudvari Ádám , Abramowicz Anna , Fabiańska Monika , Misz-Kennan Magdalena , Ciesielczuk Justyna
Published: November 2020

A self-heating intensity index (SHII) based on the highest (pixel max.) and lowest (pixel min.) values taken from satellite thermal maps of burning coal waste dumps are proposed. The index enables the classification of such fires in Ukrainian- and Polish coal waste dumps. Both in Ukraine and in Poland, varying thermal intensities during 1985–2019 are revealed, using the SHII and following thermal intensity threshold values, namely, extreme thermal activity (> 7), advanced (3–7), moderate (3–1.5), initial (1.5–1), no activity (< 1). The SHII shows decreasing thermal activity in the selected Ukrainian coal waste dumps during 2017–2019. It aids in reconstructing the thermal history of the dumps. Analysis of satellite images revealed a large number of burning coal waste dumps in the Donetsk Coal Basin (Ukraine) with high thermal activity. Such burning likely reflects large amounts of organic matter and sulphides in the dumped material subjected to self-heating and self-burning processes, lack of compaction of the coal waste and/or high methane contents. Comparison of SHII values calculated from satellite- and drone thermal-camera images were compared to show that SHII from drone thermal images have much higher values than those from satellite images; the former have better resolution. Thus, SHII from Landsat- and drone images should be used separately in dump heating studies.
Obstacles vs. Resources - Comparing the Effects of a Problem-Focused, Solution-Focused and Combined Approach on Perceived Goal Attainability and Commitment
Authors: Abdulla Adam , Woods Ruth
Published: November 2020

Previous research suggests that solution-focused (SF) questions may be superior to problem-focused (PF) alternatives for a range of practical and psychological outcomes. However, a great deal remains unknown regarding the effects of specific SF (or PF) approaches and the mechanisms through which they occur. The aim of this pre-registered study was to investigate the extent to which SF questions targeting resources have a more positive effect on perceived goal attainability (PGA) and goal commitment than PF questions targeting obstacles or a combination of PF & SF questions targeting both resources and obstacles. 115 students aged 15–16 were randomly assigned to either (i) a SF condition targeting resources, (ii) a PF condition targeting obstacles or (iii) a combined-approach condition targeting both. All participants were asked to identify a challenging area of study before answering condition-specific questions. Although not all statistically significant, results indicated that the SF group had higher mean PGA and goal commitment than both the PF and combined PF & SF group. Effect size estimates were small-to-medium for PGA and small for goal commitment. Results of a mediation analysis suggested that condition had an indirect effect on goal commitment through enhanced PGA. Qualitative data analysis suggested that the PF question was more likely than the SF question to elicit thoughts of self-regulation, whereas the SF question was more likely to elicit thoughts of tools and resources. These findings are consistent with those from previous research and broaden our understanding of SF (vs PF) questions.
Future Changes in Climate over the Arabian Peninsula based on CMIP6 Multimodel Simulations
Authors: Almazroui Mansour , Islam M. Nazrul , Saeed Sajjad , Saeed Fahad , Ismail Muhammad
Published: November 2020

This paper presents the changes in projected temperature and precipitation over the Arabian Peninsula for the twenty-first century using the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) dataset. The changes are obtained by analyzing the multimodel ensemble from 31 CMIP6 models for the near (2030–2059) and far (2070–2099) future periods, with reference to the base period 1981–2010, under three future Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs). Observations show that the annual temperature is rising at the rate of 0.63 ˚C decade–1 (significant at the 99% confidence level), while annual precipitation is decreasing at the rate of 6.3 mm decade–1 (significant at the 90% confidence level), averaged over Saudi Arabia. For the near (far) future period, the 66% likely ranges of annual-averaged temperature is projected to increase by 1.2–1.9 (1.2–2.1) ˚C, 1.4–2.1 (2.3–3.4) ˚C, and 1.8–2.7 (4.1–5.8) ˚C under SSP1–2.6, SSP2–4.5, and SSP5–8.5, respectively. Higher warming is projected in the summer than in the winter, while the Northern Arabian Peninsula (NAP) is projected to warm more than Southern Arabian Peninsula (SAP), by the end of the twenty-first century. For precipitation, a dipole-like pattern is found, with a robust increase in annual mean precipitation over the SAP, and a decrease over the NAP. The 66% likely ranges of annual-averaged precipitation over the whole Arabian Peninsula is projected to change by 5 to 28 (–3 to 29) %, 5 to 31 (4 to 49) %, and 1 to 38 (12 to 107) % under SSP1–2.6, SSP2–4.5, and SSP5–8.5, respectively, in the near (far) future. Overall, the full ranges in CMIP6 remain higher than the CMIP5 models, which points towards a higher climate sensitivity of some of the CMIP6 climate models to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as compared to the CMIP5. The CMIP6 dataset confirmed previous findings of changes in future climate over the Arabian Peninsula based on CMIP3 and CMIP5 datasets. The results presented in this study will be useful for impact studies, and ultimately in devising future policies for adaptation in the region.
Experimental Investigation of Reactive-Inert Particulate Matter Detachment from Metal Fibres at Low Flow Velocities and Different Gas Temperatures
Authors: Zoller Julian , Zargaran Amin , Braschke Kamil , Meyer Jörg , Janoske Uwe , Dittler Achim
Published: November 2020

The detachment of particle structures from single fibres in gas flow has been investigated only for inert particle structures yet. This study investigates the detachment of particle structures containing reactive components. These reactive components disappear during the reaction and enhance detachment at low flow velocities. Soot was used as the reactive component and glass spheres as the inert component of the particle structure. The soot disappears due to combustion with oxygen leaving only the glass spheres on the fibre. Without reaction, the detachment phenomenon was observed at superficial flow velocities above 1.9 m/s and with reaction at 0.5 m/s. This shows that reacting and disappearing components of the particle structure can enhance detachment.
A Quest for an Eco-centric Approach to International Law: the COVID-19 Pandemic as Game Changer
Authors: De Vido Sara
Published: November 2020

This Reflection starts from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as unprecedented occasio to reflect on the approach to international law, which—it is contended—is anthropocentric, and its inadequacy to respond to current challenges. In the first part, the Reflection argues that there is, more than ever, an undeferrable need for a change of approach to international law toward ecocentrism, which puts the environment at the center and conceives the environment as us, including humans, non-human beings, and natural objects. To encourage the incorporation of ecocentrism in the entire discipline, the Reflection will rely on some insight of ecofeminism, whose potential has not been fully investigated in international legal scholarship. In the second part, the Reflection illustrates what an eco-centric international law would mean, imagining three possible applications: first, what the author has called environmental global health, which is connected to the current pandemic and puts into question the proposals dealing with global health that completely miss the theorization of the environment as a whole; second, how actors of international law would change according to an eco-centric perspective; and, third, how the rules prohibiting the use of force might be reconceptualized. The analysis contained in these pages cannot itself exhaust all the possible nuances of the legal reasoning, but it is aimed at being a provocative starting point for a change in the mindset and approach of international legal scholarship.
Offering jobs to persons with disabilities
Authors: Pas Irmgard Borghouts-van de , Freese Charissa
Published: November 2020

The study investigates which considerations employers take into account in response to a social policy measure that requires employers to hire persons with disabilities (PwD). It also looks at if and how employers shape their human resource practices dependent of their organisational context. The decision to hire PwD was theoretically positioned in the Contextual Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) Framework. In a qualitative study carried out among 38 Dutch employers who are inclusive, or are having a positive, neutral or negative attitude to employing PwD, three questions were explored: (1) Which strategic issues in response to a social policy measure do employers consider in their decision (not) to hire PwD?; (2) Which conditions have to be met to assess the organisational setting to be suitable to hire PwD?; (3) How do employers hire PwD aligned with their overall HRM system? This article provides evidence that employers respond in a contextual and strategic way to an institutional pressure, and that they assess different levels of fit (environmental, strategic, organization and internal fit) in their considerations to hire PwD. A customised approach is therefore needed in motivating employers to hire PwD which is based on different HRM perspectives.
The Relationship Between the Charter and General Principles: Looking Back and Looking Forward
Authors: HANCOX Emily
Published: November 2020

Article 6 Treaty on European Union sets out two sources of fundamental rights in the EU—the Charter and the general principles of EU law—without specifying a hierarchy between them. Even though the Charter became binding over a decade ago, the Court of Justice of the European Union (‘CJEU’) is yet to clarify unequivocally how these two sources interact. In this article I argue based upon the relevant legal framework that the Charter ought to replace the general principles it enshrines. This leaves a role for general principles in the incorporation of new and additional rights into the EU legal framework. Such an approach is necessary to ensure that the Charter achieves its aims in enhancing the visibility of the rights protected by EU law, while also providing the impetus for more coherent rights protection within the EU. What an extensive survey of CJEU case law in the field of non-discrimination shows, however, is that the CJEU has struggled to let its general principles case law go, potentially hampering the transformative potential of the Charter.
Positive deviance in infection prevention and control: A systematic literature review
Authors: Alzunitan Mohammed A. , Edmond Michael B. , Alsuhaibani Mohammed A. , Samuelson Riley J. , Schweizer Marin L. , Marra Alexandre R.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a major challenge. Various strategies have been tried to prevent or control HAIs. Positive deviance, a strategy that has been used in the last decade, is based on the observation that a few at-risk individuals follow uncommon, useful practices and that, consequently, they experience better outcomes than their peers who share similar risks. We performed a systematic literature review to measure the impact of positive deviance in controlling HAIs.

Methods:

A systematic search strategy was used to search PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Embase through May 2020 for studies evaluating positive deviance as a single intervention or as part of an initiative to prevent or control healthcare-associated infections. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Downs and Black score.

Results:

Of 542 articles potentially eligible for review, 14 articles were included for further analysis. All studies were observational, quasi-experimental (before-and-after intervention) studies. Hand hygiene was the outcome in 8 studies (57%), and an improvement was observed in association with implementation of positive deviance as a single intervention in all of them. Overall HAI rates were measured in 5 studies (36%), and positive deviance was associated with an observed reduction in 4 (80%) of them. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections were evaluated in 5 studies (36%), and positive deviance containing bundles were successful in all of them.

Conclusions:

Positive deviance may be an effective strategy to improve hand hygiene and control HAIs. Further studies are needed to confirm this effect.
At the intersection: Race, gender, and discretion in police traffic stop outcomes
Authors: Roach Kevin , Baumgartner Frank R. , Christiani Leah , Epp Derek A. , Shoub Kelsey
Published: November 2020

Racial disparities in traffic stop outcomes are widespread and well documented. Less well understood is how racial disparities may be amplified or muted in different contexts. Here we focus on one such situational factor: whether the initial traffic stop was related to a traffic safety violation or a (broadly defined) investigatory purpose. This is a salient contextual characteristic as stop type relates to different levels of assumed discretion and purpose. While all traffic stops involve some officer discretion, investigatory stops are more easily used as justifications to conduct a search based on an officer's diffuse suspicion; traffic safety stops are more often just what they seem. Using millions of traffic stops from several states, we show that black male drivers are more likely to be searched and less likely to be found with contraband and that this relationship is amplified where the initial stop purpose is investigatory. One implication of this is that one path to alleviating disparities in traffic stops for agencies is emphasizing traffic safety, rather than using stops as a supplemental investigatory tool.
Effects of consuming later evening mealv. earlier evening meal on weight loss during a weight loss diet: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Madjd Ameneh , Taylor Moira A. , Delavari Alireza , Malekzadeh Reza , Macdonald Ian A. , Farshchi Hamid R.
Published: November 2020

Previous evidence confirms a relationship between the timing of food intake and weight loss. We aimed to evaluate the effect of latev.early evening meal (EEM) consumption on weight loss and cardiometabolic risk factors in women during a weight loss programme. Eighty-two healthy women (BMI 27−35 kg/m2; age 18−45 years) were randomly assigned to two groups: EEM group (eating at 19.00−19.30 hours) or late evening meal (LEM) group (eating at 22.30−23.00 hours), for 12 weeks. Compared with the LEM group, the EEM group had a greater mean reduction in weight (EEM: −6·74 (sd1·92) kg; LEM: −4·81 (sd2·22) kg;P< 0·001), BMI (EEM: −2·60 (sd0·71) kg/m2; LEM: −1·87 (sd0·85) kg/m2;P< 0·001), waist circumference (EEM: −8 (sd3·25) cm; LEM: −6 (sd3·05) cm,P= 0·007), total cholesterol (EEM: −0·51 (sd0·19) mmol/l, LEM: −0·43 (sd0·19) mmol/l,P= 0·038), TAG (EEM: −0·28 (sd0·10) mmol/l, LEM: −0·19 (sd0·10) mmol/l,P< 0·001) and homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (EEM: −0·83 (sd0·37); LEM: −0·55 (sd0·28),P< 0·001) after 12 weeks. In conclusion, eating an earlier evening meal resulted in favourable changes in weight loss and plasma cardiometabolic risk markers during a weight loss programme.
On the prime factors of the iterates of the Ramanujan τ–function
Authors: Luca Florian , Mabaso Sibusiso , Stănică Pantelimon
Published: November 2020

In this paper, for a positive integer n ≥ 1, we look at the size and prime factors of the iterates of the Ramanujan τ function applied to n.
Reconsidering Local versus Central: Empire, Notables, and Employment in Ottoman Albania and Kurdistan, 1835–1878
Authors: Bayraktar Uğur
Published: November 2020

The present article is a study of provincial administration in the nineteenth-century Ottoman Albania and Kurdistan. It examines the transformation of provincial administration in Dibra and Hazro after two towns’ hereditary rulers were exiled. Focusing on the employment patterns of the notables in exile as well as the ones who occupied the posts in the absence of the former, this study challenges the binary framework mostly employed in conceptualizing the making of the modern Ottoman state. Particularly, the employment of the notables exiled to the distant parts of the empire necessitates a revision in the presumptions about the origins of appointed Ottoman officials. By focusing on the partnership operating by means of employment, this study argues that the making of Ottoman state follows a trajectory of flexible centralization based on the partnership between the government and notables, terms of which were constantly negotiated.