bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of the segment method in absolute and joint coordinates when modelling risers
Authors: Adamiec-Wójcik Iwona , Brzozowska Lucyna , Wojciech Stanisław
Published: October 2019

This paper presents two formulations of the segment method: one with absolute coordinates and the second with joint coordinates. The nonlinear equations of motion of slender links are derived from the Lagrange equations by means of the methods used in multibody systems. Values of forces and moments acting in the connections between the segments are defined using a new and unique procedure which enables the mutual interaction of bending and torsion to be considered. The models take into account the influence of the velocity of the internal fluid flow on the riser’s dynamics. The dynamic analysis of a riser with fluid flow requires calculation of the curvature by approximation of the Euler angles with polynomials of the second order. The influence of the sea environment, such as added mass of water, drag and buoyancy forces as well as sea current, is considered. In addition, the influence of torsion is discussed. Validation is carried out for both models by comparing the authors’ own results with those obtained from experimental measurements presented in the literature and from COMSOL, Riflex and Abaqus software. The validation is concerned with vibrations of cables and the riser with internal fluid flow as well as with frequencies of free and forced vibrations of a riser fully or partially submerged in water. The numerical effectiveness of both formulations is examined for dynamic analysis of the riser, whose top end is moving in a horizontal plane. Conclusions concerned with the effectiveness of both formulations of the segment method and the influence of torsional vibrations on numerical results are formulated.
Drivers of Vegetation Development, Biomass Production and the Initiation of Peat Formation in a Newly Constructed Wetland
Authors: Overbeek Ciska C. , Harpenslager Sarah Faye , van Zuidam Jeroen P. , van Loon E. Emiel , Lamers Leon P. M. , Soons Merel B. , Admiraal Wim , Verhoeven Jos T. A. , Smolders Alfons J. P. , Roelofs Jan G. M. , van der Geest Harm G.
Published: October 2019

Newly constructed wetlands are created to provide a range of ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration. Our understanding of the initial factors leading to successful peat formation in such environments is, however, limited. In a new 100-ha wetland that was created north of Amsterdam (the Netherlands), we conducted an experiment to determine the best combination of abiotic and biotic starting conditions for initial peat-forming processes. Sediment conditions were the main driver of vegetation development, biomass production and elemental composition during the 3-year study period. Overall, helophytes (Typhaspp.) dominated basins with nutrient-rich conditions, whereas nutrient-poor basins were covered by submerged vegetation, which produced about seven times less aboveground biomass than helophytes. The C/N ratios for all plant species and biomass components were generally lower under nutrient-rich conditions and were lower for submerged species than helophytes. Because total basin biomass showed five times higher shoot and ten times higher root and rhizome production for clay and organic than sand sediments, even with some differences in decomposition rates are the conditions in the nutrient-rich basins expected to produce higher levels of initial peat formation. The results suggest that addition of a nutrient-rich sediment layer creates the best conditions for initial peat formation by stimulating rapid development of helophytes.
Dynamic gene expression changes in response to micronutrient, macronutrient, and multiple stress exposures in soybean
Authors: O’Rourke Jamie A. , McCabe Chantal E. , Graham Michelle A.
Published: October 2019

Preserving crop yield is critical for US soybean production and the global economy. Crop species have been selected for increased yield for thousands of years with individual lines selected for improved performance in unique environments, constraints not experienced by model species such as Arabidopsis. This selection likely resulted in novel stress adaptations, unique to crop species. Given that iron deficiency is a perennial problem in the soybean growing regions of the USA and phosphate deficiency looms as a limitation to global agricultural production, nutrient stress studies in crop species are critically important. In this study, we directly compared whole-genome expression responses of leaves and roots to iron (Fe) and phosphate (Pi) deficiency, representing a micronutrient and macronutrient, respectively. Conducting experiments side by side, we observed soybean responds to both nutrient deficiencies within 24 h. While soybean responds largely to –Fe deficiency, it responds strongly to Pi resupply. Though the timing of the responses was different, both nutrient stress signals used the same molecular pathways. Our study is the first to demonstrate the speed and diversity of the soybean stress response to multiple nutrient deficiencies. We also designed the study to examine gene expression changes in response to multiple stress events. We identified 865 and 3375 genes that either altered their direction of expression after a second stress exposure or were only differentially expressed after a second stress event. Understanding the molecular underpinnings of these responses in crop species could have major implications for improving stress tolerance and preserving yield.
Dysfunctional sleep-related cognition and anxiety mediate the relationship between multidimensional perfectionism and insomnia symptoms
Authors: Akram Umair , Gardani Maria , Riemann Dieter , Akram Asha , Allen Sarah F. , Lazuras Lambros , Johann Anna F.
Published: October 2019

Perfectionism is one of several personality traits associated with insomnia. Whilst research has examined the relationships between perfectionism and insomnia, the mediating role of dysfunctional sleep-related cognition (i.e. sleep-related worry and dysfunctional beliefs about the biological attribution of and consequences of poor sleep) has yet to be examined. This study aimed to determine whether aspects of multidimensional perfectionism were related to increased reporting of insomnia symptoms. In addition, the potential mediating role of dysfunctional sleep-related cognition and anxiety symptoms was examined. Members of the general population (N = 624) completed the Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes About Sleep Scale, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale. The results showed that perfectionism dimensions, anxiety symptoms, and dysfunctional sleep-related cognition were significantly associated with insomnia symptoms. Regression-based mediation analyses further showed that both dysfunctional sleep-related cognition and anxiety significantly mediated the associations between insomnia symptoms and three perfectionism dimensions (i.e. doubts about action, parental expectations, and parental criticism). The experience of perfectionistic tendencies, anxiety, and dysfunctional sleep-related cognition may initiate behavioural strategies (e.g. daytime napping) when faced with an acute sleep problem. However, these strategies may serve to transition insomnia from an acute to a chronic condition.
Entity Realism About Mental Representations
Authors: Nanay Bence
Published: October 2019

The concept of mental representation has long been considered to be central concept of philosophy of mind and cognitive science. But not everyone agrees. Neo-behaviorists aim to explain the mind (or some subset thereof) without positing any representations. My aim here is not to assess the merits and demerits of neo-behaviorism, but to take their challenge seriously and ask the question: What justifies the attribution of representations to an agent? Both representationalists and neo-behaviorists tend to take it for granted that the real question about representations is whether we should be realist about the theory of representationalism. This paper is an attempt to shift the emphasis from the debate concerning realism about theories to the one concerning realism about entities. My claim is that regardless of whether we are realist about representational theories of the mind, we have compelling reasons to endorse entity realism about mental representations.
Prevalence and Risk-Markers of Self-Harm in Autistic Children and Adults
Authors: Licence Lucy , Oliver Chris , Moss Jo , Richards Caroline
Published: October 2019

Self-harm is purportedly common in autistic individuals, but under-researched, particularly in younger samples and those without intellectual disability. This study aimed to describe prevalence, profile and correlates of self-harm in autistic individuals without impairments in adaptive functioning. Parents of autistic participants (n = 83) completed questionnaires regarding the presence/topography of self-harm, demographic characteristics, autism severity, age of diagnosis, affect, activity levels and repetitive behaviour. 24.10% of participants engaged in self-harm. Self‐harm was associated with significantly higher levels of impulsivity, over-activity, negative affect, compulsive behaviour and insistence on sameness. Low mood and overactivity/impulsivity predicted the presence of self-harm, with the model correctly classifying 82.9% of cases. Findings highlight a role for impaired behavioural inhibition and low mood in the aetiological mechanisms underpinning self-harm in autism.
Reproduction and Offspring Sex Ratios Differ Markedly among Closely Related Hyperparasitoids Living in the Same Microhabitats
Authors: Harvey Jeffrey A. , de Haan Lucas , Verdeny-Vilalta Oriol , Visser Bertanne , Gols Rieta
Published: October 2019

Closely related species in nature usually exhibit very similar phylogenetically conserved traits, such as reproduction, behavior and development. Here, we compared fecundity schedules, lifetime reproductive success and offspring sex ratios in three congeneric facultative hyperparasitoid wasps that exhibit several overlapping traits and which co-occur in the same small-scale habitats.Gelis agilis,G. proximusandG. hortensisare abundant in meadows and forest edge habitats in the Netherlands.Gelis agilisis asexual (all female), whereas the other two species reproduce sexually. Here they developed on cocoons of the primary parasitoidCotesia glomerata. When provided with unlimited hosts, lifetime reproductive success was three times higher inG. proximusthan inG. agiliswithG. hortensisproducing intermediate numbers of offspring. All three species depleted their teneral reserves during their lives. Females ofG. proximusandG. hortensislived significantly longer than females ofG. agilis. Offspring sex ratios in youngG. proximusmothers were female-biased and marginally male-biased inG. hortensis. As mothers aged, however, the ratio of male:female progeny produced rapidly increased until no daughters emerged later in life. Our results reveal significant differences in reproductive traits among the three species despite them co-occurring in the same microhabitats, being very closely related and morphologically similar. The increase in the production of male progeny byGelismothers over time suggests a depletion in sperm number or viability with age. This is especially interesting, given thatGelisspecies are among the least fecund parasitoids thus far studied. It is likely that in the field mostGelismothers are probably only able to parasitize a few hosts and to maintain the production of female offspring.
Bridges with Random Length: Gamma Case
Authors: Erraoui Mohamed , Hilbert Astrid , Louriki Mohammed
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we generalize the concept of gamma bridge in the sense that the length will be random, that is, the time to reach the given level is random. The main objective of this paper is to show that certain basic properties of gamma bridges with deterministic length stay true also for gamma bridges with random length. We show that the gamma bridge with random length is a pure jump process and that its jumping times are countable and dense in the random interval bounded by 0 and the random length. Moreover, we prove that this process is a Markov process with respect to its completed natural filtration as well as with respect to the usual augmentation of this filtration, which leads us to conclude that its completed natural filtration is right continuous. Finally, we give its canonical decomposition with respect to the usual augmentation of its natural filtration.
Density and shrinkage as guiding criteria for the optimization of the thermal conductivity of poly(urethane)-class aerogels
Authors: Członka Sylwia , Bertino Massimo F. , Kośny Jan , Shukla Nitin
Published: October 2019

We investigated the effect of gelation solvent, monomer type, and monomer concentration on the physical properties of freeze-dried poly(urethane)-poly(isocyanurate) (PUR-PIR) aerogels, with particular emphasis on their thermal conductivity. It was found that the gelation solvent considerably affects aerogel morphology and physical properties. Aerogels with the lowest thermal conductivity were obtained using a mixture of tetrahydrofuran (THF) and acetonitrile, in a 50% volume ratio. The influence on thermal conductivity of polyol and isocyanate structure and of their concentration was also investigated. Rigid precursors, phloroglucinol (POL), and an aromatic polyisocyanate based on toluene diisocyanate (Desmodur RC) yielded the lowest thermal conductivity. Our results were compared with recent work reporting on parameters that could be used as predictors of thermal conductivity and other physical properties of organic aerogels. None of these parameters were found to be satisfactory predictors of aerogel properties. For example, no systematic correlation between solvent solubility parameters and aerogel properties was observed. We also examined the role of the K-index. This index, defined as the ratio between porosity and contact angle, was shown recently to be a good predictor of the properties of polyurea aerogels. While the thermal conductivity scaled with the K-index, the scaling was different for each of the isocyanate monomers considered in our experiments. Thermal conductivity, instead, scaled well with the product of density and shrinkage of aerogels, independent of monomer type. The reasons of this dependence on shrinkage and density are discussed, and the use of these parameters to guide experimentation on other systems is discussed. Physical properties such as static and dynamic compression modulus and thermal stability of the most promising formulations were also examined.
Overexpression of HbMBF1a, encoding multiprotein bridging factor 1 from the halophyte Hordeum brevisubulatum, confers salinity tolerance and ABA insensitivity to transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhang Lili , Wang Yunxiao , Zhang Qike , Jiang Ying , Zhang Haiwen , Li Ruifen
Published: October 2019

Key message

HbMBF1a was isolated and characterized in H. brevisubulatum, and overexpressed HbMBF1a could enhance the salt tolerance and ABA insensitivity in Arabidopsis thaliana. The transcript levels of stress-responsive genes were significantly increased in the transgenic lines under salt and ABA conditions.

Salinity is an abiotic stress that considerably affects plant growth, yield, and distribution. Hordeum brevisubulatum is a halophyte that evolved to become highly tolerant to salinity. Multiprotein bridging factor 1 (MBF1) is a transcriptional coactivator and an important regulator of stress tolerance. In this study, we isolated and characterized HbMBF1a based on the transcriptome data of H. brevisubulatum grown under saline conditions. We overexpressed HbMBF1a in Arabidopsis thaliana and compared the phenotypes of the transgenic lines and the wild-type in response to stresses. The results indicated that HbMBF1a expression was induced by salt and ABA treatments during the middle and late stages. The overexpression of HbMBF1a in A. thaliana resulted in enhanced salt tolerance and ABA insensitivity. More specifically, the enhanced salt tolerance manifested as the increased seed germination and seedling growth and development. Similarly, under ABA treatments, the cotyledon greening rate and seedling root length were higher in the HbMBF1a-overexpressing lines, suggesting the transgenic plants were better adapted to high exogenous ABA levels. Furthermore, the transcript levels of stress-responsive genes were significantly increased in the transgenic lines under salt and ABA conditions. Thus, HbMBF1a is a positive regulator of salt and ABA responses, and the corresponding gene may be useful for producing transgenic plants that are salt tolerant and/or ABA insensitive, with few adverse effects. This study involved a comprehensive analysis of HbMBF1a. The results may provide the basis and insight for the application of MBF1 family genes for developing stress-tolerant crops.
The bicycle-train travellers in the Netherlands: personal profiles and travel choices
Authors: Jonkeren Olaf , Kager Roland , Harms Lucas , te Brömmelstroet Marco
Published: October 2019

The Netherlands seems to exhibit the unique conditions that allow cycling on the country level instead of only the city level. Moreover, the national transit system seemingly provides one crucial condition: citizens use the train and cycling systems in an integrated manner, with combined bicycle-train transport recently demonstrating strong growth. Relatively little is known about bicycle-train users, i.e. the people who combine the bicycle and the train in a single trip. In this paper, we investigate their profiles and travel choices, in terms of the modes they choose for access and egress travel, their choice of stations, and their choice of type of bicycles. Studying this specific group can add to our understanding of the role of the train system in the success of cycling in the Netherlands, in turn helping improve policy transfer to metropolitan areas in other countries. In 2017, in cooperation with the Dutch National Railways, researchers surveyed a sample of train travellers, ultimately resulting in more than 3000 completed questionnaires. Descriptive analyses revealed that, compared to train travellers who do not or rarely cycle to/from train stations, bicycle-train users are on average more likely to be young people who are engaged in full-time employment or entrepreneurs, commute to work and hold university degrees. As for their cycling behaviour, bicycle-train travellers use bicycles much more often on the home-end of train trips than on the activity-end. Furthermore, bicycle-train travellers infrequently use suburban stations on the home-end, preferring large stations in the centres of major cities instead. For those who use bicycles, shared bicycles claim a considerable share on the activity-end of a train trip.
From empirical to theoretical models of light response curves - linking photosynthetic and metabolic acclimation
Authors: Herrmann Helena A. , Schwartz Jean-Marc , Johnson Giles N.
Published: October 2019

Light response curves (LRCs) describe how the rate of photosynthesis varies as a function of light. They provide information on the maximum photosynthetic capacity, quantum yield, light compensation point and leaf radiation use efficiency of leaves. Light response curves are widely used to capture photosynthetic phenotypes in response to changing environmental conditions. However, models describing these are predominantly empirical and do not attempt to explain behaviour at a mechanistic level. Here, we use modelling to understand the metabolic changes required for photosynthetic acclimation to changing environmental conditions. Using a simple kinetic model, we predicted LRCs across the physiological temperature range ofArabidopsis thalianaand confirm these using experimental data. We use our validated metabolic model to make novel predictions about the metabolic changes of temperature acclimation. We demonstrate that NADPH utilization are enhanced in warm-acclimated plants, whereas both NADPH and CO2utilization is enhanced in cold-acclimated plants. We demonstrate how different metabolic acclimation strategies may lead to the same photosynthetic response across environmental change. We further identify that certain metabolic acclimation strategies, such as NADPH utilization, are only triggered when plants are moved beyond a threshold high or low temperature.
Deep Insights into Convolutional Networks for Video Recognition
Authors: Feichtenhofer Christoph , Pinz Axel , Wildes Richard P. , Zisserman Andrew
Published: October 2019

As the success of deep models has led to their deployment in all areas of computer vision, it is increasingly important to understand how these representations work and what they are capturing. In this paper, we shed light on deep spatiotemporal representations by visualizing the internal representation of models that have been trained to recognize actions in video. We visualize multiple two-stream architectures to show that local detectors for appearance and motion objects arise to form distributed representations for recognizing human actions. Key observations include the following. First, cross-stream fusion enables the learning of true spatiotemporal features rather than simply separate appearance and motion features. Second, the networks can learn local representations that are highly class specific, but also generic representations that can serve a range of classes. Third, throughout the hierarchy of the network, features become more abstract and show increasing invariance to aspects of the data that are unimportant to desired distinctions (e.g. motion patterns across various speeds). Fourth, visualizations can be used not only to shed light on learned representations, but also to reveal idiosyncrasies of training data and to explain failure cases of the system.
How do body-worn cameras affect the amount and makeup of police-initiated activities? A randomized controlled trial in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Authors: Lawrence Daniel S. , Peterson Bryce E.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Examine how the amount and makeup of police-initiated activities changed after the introduction of body-worn cameras (BWCs).

Methods

From May 21 to November 22, 2016, patrol officers and sergeants from the Milwaukee Police Department were involved in a randomized controlled trial. Through a stratified random sampling procedure, half the officers (n= 252) were assigned BWCs, while officers from the control group (n= 252) continued business as usual. The counts of proactive activities, which included a total count of self-initiated events, as well as traffic stops, business checks, subject stops, and park and walks, were examined using random-effects negative binominal panel regression analyses. The models included a unique measure of contamination to assess its impact on officers’ proactivity.

Results

BWCs had no impact on the total amount of officer-initiated activities, traffic stops, or business checks. Officers with BWCs conducted approximately 8% fewer subject stops and 23% more park and walks than those in the control group. In all models, contamination levels were significantly, positively associated with the number of proactive activities that were conducted; however, the size of this effect was very small.

Conclusions

Results suggest that BWC-wearing officers may be less likely to engage in proactive activities that are highly discretionary and that could potentially lead to confrontations with community members. As departments continue to develop BWC programs or fine-tune their existing BWC policies, more research is needed to understand the degree to which BWCs affect officers’ behaviors and interactions with the public.
Age-related alterations of articular cartilage in pituitary adenylate cyclase–activating polypeptide (PACAP) gene–deficient mice
Authors: Szegeczki Vince , Bauer Balázs , Jüngling Adél , Fülöp Balázs Daniel , Vágó Judit , Perényi Helga , Tarantini Stefano , Tamás Andrea , Zákány Róza , Reglődi Dóra , Juhász Tamás
Published: October 2019

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is an evolutionarly conserved neuropeptide which is produced by various neuronal and non-neuronal cells, including cartilage and bone cells. PACAP has trophic functions in tissue development, and it also plays a role in cellular and tissue aging. PACAP takes part in the regulation of chondrogenesis, which prevents insufficient cartilage formation caused by oxidative and mechanical stress. PACAP knockout (KO) mice have been shown to display early aging signs affecting several organs. In the present work, we investigated articular cartilage of knee joints in young and aged wild-type (WT) and PACAP KO mice. A significant increase in the thickness of articular cartilage was detected in aged PACAP gene–deficient mice. Amongst PACAP receptors, dominantly PAC1 receptor was expressed in WT knee joints and a remarkable decrease was found in aged PACAP KO mice. Expression of PKA-regulated transcription factors, Sox5, Sox9 and CREB, decreased both in young and aged gene deficient mice, while Sox6, collagen type II and aggrecan expressions were elevated in young but were reduced in aged PACAP KO animals. Increased expression of hyaluronan (HA) synthases and HA-binding proteins was detected parallel with an elevated presence of HA in aged PACAP KO mice. Expression of bone related collagens (I and X) was augmented in young and aged animals. These results suggest that loss of PACAP signaling results in dysregulation of cartilage matrix composition and may transform articular cartilage in a way that it becomes more prone to degenerate.
The Kinetics of Primary Alpha Plate Growth in Titanium Alloys
Authors: Ackerman Abigail K. , Knowles Alexander J. , Gardner Hazel M. , Németh André A. N. , Bantounas Ioannis , Radecka Anna , Moody Michael P. , Bagot Paul A. J. , Reed Roger C. , Rugg David , Dye David
Published: October 2019

The kinetics of primary α-Ti colony/Widmanstätten plate growth from the β are examined in Ti-6246, comparing a simple quasi-analytic model to experiment. The plate growth velocity depends sensitively both on the diffusivity D(T) of the rate-limiting species and on the supersaturation around the growing plate. These result in a maxima in growth velocity around 40 K below the transus, once sufficient supersaturation is available to drive the plate growth. In Ti-6246, the plate growth velocity was found to be around 0.32 μm min−1 at 850 °C, which was in good agreement with the model prediction of 0.36 μm min−1. The solute field around the growing plates, and the plate thickness, was found to be quite variable, due to the intergrowth of plates and soft impingement. This solute field was found to extend to up to 30 nm, and the interface concentration in the β was found to be around 6.4 at. pct Mo. It was found that the increasing O content from 500 to 1500 wppm will have minimal effect on the plate lengths expected during continuous cooling; in contrast, Mo approximately doubles the plate lengths obtained for every 2 wt pct Mo reduction. Alloys using V as the β stabilizer instead of Mo are expected to have much faster plate growth kinetics at nominally equivalent V contents. These findings will provide a useful tool for the integrated design of alloys and process routes to achieve tailored microstructures.
Emerging Apprenticeship Practitioner Roles in England: Conceptualising the Subaltern Educator
Authors: Esmond Bill
Published: October 2019

TVET educator roles and identities vary internationally, and are subject to repositioning, for example as the relative significance of institutions and the workplace change within national systems. In English apprenticeships, a key position has long been occupied by competence assessors, whose non-teaching role has related uneasily to those of professional educators. Following the introduction of new apprenticeship standards, former assessors are increasingly being allocated training responsibilities, raising issues about the expertise, identities and professional formation both of these emerging practitioners and of vocational educators in general. A qualitative study of assessors who have assumed greater training responsibilities examined these issues through individual and small-group interviews. Participant accounts of diverse and contested practices and environments suggested a need to conceptualise their roles in ways that draw upon but go beyond accounts of professionalism and occupational expertise developed at earlier stages. Drawing on Gramsci, the concept of the subaltern educator is put forward to characterise the complex position of these staff in the current climate of further education, the need for enhanced, rather than diminished, professional formation and wider possibilities for professional enhancement at a time of uncertainty for all vocational educators.
A Rare Case of Primary Gastric Melanoma
Authors: Wiewiora Maciej , Steplewska Katrzyna , Piecuch Jerzy Z. , Piecuch Jerzy
Published: October 2019

Primary melanomas in the gastrointestinal tract are extremely rare, with an estimated prevalence of 0.5 to 1 case per million. Primary mucosal melanomas of gastric origin account for approximately 1–3% of all primary melanomas in the gastrointestinal tract. We present the case of a patient who underwent surgery due to primary gastric melanoma.
Electrochemical Characterization of Low-Temperature Direct Ethanol Fuel Cells using Direct and Alternate Current Methods
Authors: Wnuk Paweł , Jurczakowski Rafał , Lewera Adam
Published: October 2019

Here, we report for the first time the results of systematic characterization of a low-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane direct ethanol fuel cell using DC and AC electrochemical methods. Model catalysts (carbon supported Pt nanoparticles) painted on carbon paper are used as anode and cathode. Influence of physical parameters, such as cell temperature, current density, and ethanol concentration, and anode fuel flow rate on overall cell impedance is studied. Analysis of the obtained impedance spectra in connection with DC measurements allows us to comment on cell properties and to separate different contributions to the overall cell polarization. Our results suggest that the cell impedance is dominated by anode faradaic impedance, with a small or negligible contribution from cathode faradaic impedance. The anode impedance depends strongly on current density and cell temperature, but is not significantly influenced by ethanol concentration. Presence of anode mass-transfer impedance, even when ethanol was fed to the cell in high excess, is confirmed. Based on the results, we conclude that changes in ethanol electro-oxidation mechanism might manifest themselves on the impedance spectra in the low-frequency inductive loop. Nonetheless, further studies involving equivalent circuit modelling are needed to determine the exact influence of the cell parameters on the anode kinetics.
Photoinduced K+ Intercalation into MoO3/FTO Photoanode—the Impact on the Photoelectrochemical Performance
Authors: Szkoda M. , Trzciński K. , Łapiński M. , Lisowska-Oleksiak A.
Published: October 2019

In this work, thin layers of MoO3were tested as potential photoanodes for water splitting. The influence of photointercalation of alkali metal cation (K+) into the MoO3structure on the photoelectrochemical properties of the molybdenum trioxide films was investigated for the first time. MoO3thin films were synthesized via thermal annealing of thin, metallic Mo films deposited onto the FTO substrate using a magnetron sputtering system. The Tauc and Mott–Schottky plots analysis were performed in order to determine the energy bands position of the investigated material. The photointercalation effect of K+on photoelectrochemical properties of FTO/MoO3photoanodes was studied using electrochemical techniques performed under simulated solar light illumination. It was proven that pristine MoO3layers cannot act as effective photoanodes for water splitting due to the utilization of the photoexcited electrons in the intercalation process. The photochromic phenomenon related to Mo6+centers reduction, and K+intercalation occurs at a potential range in which the photoanode exhibits photoelectrochemical activity towards water photooxidation.
A Survey of Oncologists’ Perceptions and Opinions Regarding the Use of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factors
Authors: Hawkins Alicia , Murphy Alysa , McNamara Michelle , Gawade Prasad L. , Belani Rajesh , Kelsh Michael A.
Published: October 2019

The purpose of the study is to describe oncologists’ perceptions and opinions about patient eligibility, guidelines, and barriers for use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), overall and stratified by their affiliation with the Oncology Care Model (OCM). In May 2018, we invited and recruited practicing US oncologists from a national database for an online survey. Level of agreement was identified using a seven-point scale, ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree. Of 200 participating oncologists, 70 were OCM-affiliated. Overall, 65% of oncologists agreed or strongly agreed that all patients at high risk of febrile neutropenia (FN) should receive prophylactic G-CSF, and half agreed or strongly agreed that benefits of G-CSF outweigh the potential adverse effects. The most common barriers to G-CSF use for patients at high risk of FN included patient refusal (37.1% of OCM-affiliated oncologists vs. 21.5% of non-OCM-affiliated oncologists), not on protocol/not supported by guidelines (32.9% vs. 23.1%), lack of reimbursement to practice (30.0% vs. 15.4%), and concerns about insurance coverage (22.9% vs. 26.9%). More OCM-affiliated oncologists reported that their practices offer and strongly encourage adherence to a specific protocol for G-CSF use (49.2%) versus non-OCM oncologists (31.3%). Despite recommendations from national guidelines and strong evidence from randomized, controlled clinical trials, only two thirds of oncologists agree or strongly agree that all patients at high risk of FN should receive primary G-CSF prophylaxis. Decisions about G-CSF prophylaxis may be affected by factors other than risk of FN, such as patient choice, practice protocols/guidelines, lack of reimbursement, and insurance coverage.
Investigations on effectiveness of wheat and rice straw mulches on moisture retention in potato crop (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Goel Lalit , Shankar Vijay , Sharma R. K.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Mulching is a practice recommended for soil moisture conservation in potato. The wheat straw and rice straw obtained as major crop residues were used as mulching materials to compare their effectiveness for soil moisture retention in potato crop.

Methods

The field experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design replicated thrice with three treatments viz. plots incorporated with wheat straw mulch, rice straw mulch at the rate of 10 tonnes per hectare each and no mulch serving as control. The soil moisture was determined using a soil moisture probe and data were recorded daily at 10 cm, 20 cm and 30 cm soil depths. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy was used to investigate moisture retention characteristics of the mulch materials.

Results

Soil moisture retention varied as wheat straw mulch > rice straw mulch > no mulch at 10 cm, 20 cm and 30 cm soil depths, respectively. Highest moisture retention in wheat straw mulch at 10 cm depth is attributed to better moisture absorption ability of wheat straw in comparison to rice straw. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope images indicated the presence of smaller sized micro tubes in wheat straw than rice straw, which resulted in more water retention, thereby substantiating the findings of the study.

Conclusion

Wheat straw mulch is more effective than rice straw mulch for shallow rooted crops like potato, due to better moisture absorption and retention in upper soil layer.
Effect of different initial C/N ratio of cow manure and straw on microbial quality of compost
Authors: Macias-Corral M. A. , Cueto-Wong J. A. , Morán-Martínez J. , Reynoso-Cuevas L.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The effect of different initial carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratios on the prevalence of Salmonella spp., fecal coliforms and helminth eggs over composts produced from several mixtures of maize straw (S) and dairy manure (M) was investigated.

Methods

Four C/N ratios (21, 22, 27, and 38) were evaluated, including one with manure only (C/N 21). The composting process was performed under field conditions in northern Mexico.

Results

The process lasted 51 days; Salmonella spp. was reduced 1–2 log (> 94%) in most treatments, except for the C/N ratio of 27 which achieved < 1 log reduction (about 35%). Fecal coliforms elimination was 3–4 log (> 99%) in all treatments while helminth eggs achieved < 1 log (72–87%, depending on treatment). In this study, the mixture with initial C/N ratio of 22 (25% S + 75% M), which had the lowest amount of straw, resulted in the highest elimination of Salmonella spp., fecal coliforms, and helminth eggs. This mix complied with current Mexican sanitary regulations for compost use. The composts produced from the other C/N ratios complied only with the limits for one or two of the microorganisms that were analyzed.

Conclusions

The initial C/N ratios in compost from straw and manure influences microbial reduction. The final C/N of the mixes ranged from 14 to 16, indicative of stable compost. Compared to fecal coliforms, Salmonella spp. and helminth eggs were more resilient.
Clinical, hormonal and metabolic parameters in women with PCOS with different combined oral contraceptives (containing chlormadinone acetate versus drospirenone)
Authors: Podfigurna A. , Meczekalski B. , Petraglia F. , Luisi S.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting 5–10% of women of reproductive age. It is characterized by chronic anovulation leading to menstrual disorders, and increased infertility. The syndrome can also manifest as hirsutism and acne.

Aim of the study

The aim of the study was to compare, over a duration of 6 months, the effects of drospirenone (DRSP) versus chlormadinone acetate (CMA) containing oral contraceptives (OCs) on clinical, hormonal, and metabolic parameters in 120 PCOS women.

Materials and methods

120 women with the diagnosis of PCOS according to the Rotterdam 2003 criteria were recruited to the study. All patients were divided to two treatment groups of OCs, containing: 3 mg DRSP/30 mcg EE (ethinylestradiol) (60 patients) and 2 mg CMA/30 mcg EE (60 patients). Clinical parameters such as hirsutismus and acne were evaluated. Metabolic parameters such as serum insulin, glucose concentration, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were also measured. Among hormonal parameters, serum estradiol, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and free thyroxine were measured.

Results

The use of both DRSP- or CMA-containing OCs provided similar positive therapeutic effects with regard to clinical, metabolic, and hormonal parameters. Among clinical parameters, like hirsutismus, after 6 months of continuous OC treatment, a statistically significant improvement was observed in both groups: DRSP (p <  0.0001) and CMA OC treatment (p < 0.0001). In addition, significant improvement was showed according to acne lesions both after DRSP (p < 0.0001) and CMA treatments (p < 0.0001). Among glucose, insulin levels and HOMA-IR, there were statistically significant higher levels in both groups after DRSP (p < 0.0001,p < 0.0001,p < 0.05) and CMA OC treatment (p < 0.02,p < 0.0001,p < 0.0001). Hormonal parameters such as LH, FSH, prolactin, testosterone and DHEA-S were statistically significant lower in both groups after DRSP (p < 0.0001,p < 0.0001,p < 0.01,p < 0,002, andp < 0.0001) and CMA OC treatment (p < 0.0001,p < 0.0001,p < 0.04,p < 0.002, andp < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Further research, however, is needed not only to define optimal duration, and to clarify the effects of treatment on long-term metabolic outcomes, but also to explore different treatment options and possible combined therapies.
Community structure based on circular flow in a large-scale transaction network
Authors: Kichikawa Yuichi , Iyetomi Hiroshi , Iino Takashi , Inoue Hiroyasu
Published: October 2019

The objective of this study is to shed new light on the industrial flow structure embedded in microscopic supplier-buyer relations. We first construct directed networks from actual data from interfirm transaction relations in Japan; as one example, the dataset compiled by the Tokyo Shoko Research, Ltd. in 2016 contains five million links between one million firms. Then, we analyze the industrial flow structure of such a large-scale network with a special emphasis on its hierarchy and circularity. The Helmholtz-Hodge decomposition enables us to break down the flow on a directed network into two flow components: gradient flow and circular flow. The gradient flow between a pair of nodes is given by the difference of their potentials obtained by the Helmholtz-Hodge decomposition. The gradient flow runs from a node with higher potential to a node with lower potential; hence, the potential of a node shows its hierarchical position in a network. On the other hand, the circular flow component illuminates feedback loops built in a network. The potential values averaged over firms classified by the major industrial category describe hierarchical characteristics of sectors. The ordering of sectors according to the potential agrees well with the general idea of the supply chain. We also identify industrially integrated clusters of firms by applying a flow-based community detection method to the extracted circular flow network. We then find that each of the major communities is characterized by its main industry, forming a hierarchical supply chain with feedback loops by complementary industries such as transport and services.
Spectres of Nature in the Trail Building Assemblage
Authors: Cherrington Jim , Black Jack
Published: October 2019

Through research that was conducted with mountain bike trail builders, this article explores the processes by which socio-natures or ‘emergent ecologies’ are formed through the assemblage of trail building, mountain bike riding and matter. In moving conversations about ‘Nature’ beyond essentialist readings and dualistic thinking, we consider how ecological sensibilities are reflected in the complex, lived realities of the trail building community. Specifically, we draw on Morton’s (2017) notion of the ‘symbiotic real’ to examine how participants connect with a range of objects and non-humans, revealing a ‘spectral’ existence in which they take pleasure in building material features that are only partially of their creation. Such ‘tuning’ to the symbiotic real was manifest in the ongoing battle that the trail builders maintained with water. This battle not only emphasized the fragility of their trail construction but also the temporal significance of the environments that these creations were rendered in/with. In conclusion, we argue that these findings present an ecological awareness that views nature as neither static, inert or fixed, but instead, as a temporal ‘nowness’, formed from the ambiguity of being in and with nature. Ecologically, this provides a unique form of orientation that re-establishes the ambiguity between humans and nature, without privileging the former. It is set against this ecological (un)awareness that we believe a re-orientation can be made to our understandings of leisure, the Anthropocene and the nature-culture dyad.
Empowering the Peer Group to Prevent School Bullying in Kosovo: Effectiveness of a Short and Ultra-Short Version of the ViSC Social Competence Program
Authors: Arënliu Aliriza , Strohmeier Dagmar , Konjufca Jon , Yanagida Takuya , Burger Christoph
Published: October 2019

Evidence-based anti-bullying programs are predominantly implemented in high-income countries, although there is a clear need for bullying prevention also in low- and middle-income countries. The present study reports the effectiveness of a short and ultra-short version of the ViSC Social Competence Program that was implemented in nine Kosovar schools. The ViSC program aims to empower adolescents to recognize bullying and to intervene in bullying situations. A quasi-experimental longitudinal control group design was realized to examine the effectiveness of the two program versions regarding different forms of self-reported perpetration and victimization. The short program version was implemented in 10 classes (N= 282, 52% girls,Mage= 13.45), the ultra-short program version was implemented in 13 classes (N= 354, 46% girls,Mage= 13.28), and 23 classes (N= 613, 50% girls,Mage= 13.31) served as control group. Multilevel growth models revealed intervention effects in favor of the ultra-short version when compared to the control group regarding physical victimization. All other effects were not significant. To conclude, educational and social policies supporting the implementation of evidence-based anti-bullying programs need to be issued in low- and middle-income countries, as even ultra-short versions might be effective in contexts with limited available resources.
Religious Education in Germany in Light of Religious Diversity: Constitutional Requirements for Religious Education
Authors: Wittmer Fabius , Waldhoff Christian
Published: October 2019

In Article 7, paragraph 3, the German Constitution provides that religious education shall be a part of the curriculum of public school. This is one of the three approaches of dealing with religious education existing today. Originally, religious education as a regular subject at public schools in Germany was only offered by the two Christian Churches—Catholic and Protestant. As the number of Christians decreased and the number of Muslims increased, the demand for Islamic religious education at public schools grew. Therefore, the question arose whether the constitutional law concerning religion is capable of facing the new challenges of religious diversity. This Article tries to answer this question with regard to the introduction of Islamic religious education as a measure of adaptiveness. In the first step, the requirements of Article 7, paragraph 3 of the Constitution posed to religious education will be outlined in order to be able to examine in the second step whether Islamic religious education may be introduced at public schools as a regular subject. In this regard, the issue of the qualification of an umbrella association as a religious society and the constitutionality of the advisory board model will be discussed.