bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochar‐assisted eco‐restoration of coal mine degraded land to meet United Nation Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Ghosh Dipita , Maiti Subodh Kumar
Published: August 2021

The United Nations (UN) launched 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in 2015 to be achieved by 2030 for a sustainable future for all. These SDG provide a blueprint for a global plan of action, global peace and social‐economic and environmental justice. Coal mining activities disturb the basic ecosystem and biodiversity of the land. The mining industry, being a temporary user of land, provides ample opportunities to reclaim mine degraded areas to help achieve the 17 SDG of the UN. Our current study aims to broaden understanding, explore and establish links between biochar‐based coal mine restoration and the SDG, and, whenever possible, identify knowledge gaps and research needs. The SDG linked biochar‐based mine restoration can be broadly divided into mitigation and enhancement roles, which can be further classified into direct, moderate and indirect activities. It has been observed that climate action (SDG 13), life on land (SDG 15) and affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) were benefited by biochar‐based restoration. Biochar application improves the physico‐chemical, biological and nutritional properties of the impoverished mine spoil and promotes plant growth. Biochar application reduces the bulk density by 3%–31%, increases the porosity by 14%–64%, pH 1.4–2.5 times and aggregates stability by 3%–226% along with improvements of plant nutrient (NPK). The study showed tremendous opportunities for using biochar‐based coal mine restoration to help achieve each of the SDG.
Investigating the compounding effects of environmental factors on ecosystem services relationships for Ecological Conservation Red Line areas
Authors: Zuo Liyuan , Gao Jiangbo
Published: August 2021

Quantitative attribution of the relationships between ecosystem services (ES) is crucial for ecosystem management and the sustainable development of the ecological environment. However, analyses of determinants and their interactions of ES trade‐offs/synergies are generally inadequate, especially in Ecological Conservation Red Line (ECRL) areas that maintain national and regional ecological security. Soil conservation (SC), water yield (WY), and carbon sequestration (CS) were simulated in the Beijing ECRL areas. The geographical weighted regression considering local parameters was used to explore the trade‐offs/synergies, and the geographical detector utilizing spatial heterogeneity was applied to quantitatively identify their driving factors. Results show that:(1) trade‐offs and synergies were present between these three ES in space, and the SC and CS show marked synergies which characterized more than 80% of each ECRL area; (2) in the ECRL areas of Beijing, the synergies of the three pairs of ES was most sensitive to terrain factors. The determinants of the spatial trade‐offs between SC and WY, SC and CS, and WY and CS are potential evapotranspiration, precipitation, and temperature, respectively; (3) compounding effects of nonlinear enhancement exists between the environmental factors. The interaction between precipitation and other factors had the greatest explanatory power on the trade‐offs/synergies between SC and WY. Precipitation and relief amplitude are the main interactive factors respectively affecting the trade‐offs and synergies between SC and CS. The trade‐offs and synergies between WY and CS were most sensitive to the interaction between climate factors and terrain factors.
Size effect and the measurement of firm size
Authors: Li Daye , Li Tianyang , Yi Kefu , Liu Yitong
Published: August 2021

The size effect is mainly observed when firm size is measured by stock market value and absent when measured by firm's total asset, book equity, or total revenue. We argue that if the profitability shocks are neutralized on cross section, the Chinese equity market shows a significant size effect in ex ante expected returns no matter how firm size is measured. Moreover, the size premium measured by market value is indeed larger than those measured in other variables. We provide evidences that the value factor (HML) and the short‐term reversal factor (LMW) can moderate this extra premium.
Application of 1D 15N and band‐selective 2D 1H‐15N CLIP‐HSQMBC to detect 35/37Cl isotope effect on nitrogen for unequivocal structure elucidation of the N‐Cl moiety in molecules
Authors: Hwang Tsang‐Lin , Yang Ning , Cheng Guilong , Chen Ying , Cui Sheng
Published: August 2021

An impurity, designated MS204, was isolated from a scale‐up production of an intermediate toward the synthesis of an active pharmaceutical ingredient. Structural elucidation of this chloro‐containing impurity was performed based on the analysis of the MS and NMR data. Band‐selective 2D 1H‐15N CLIP‐HSQMBC experiment was developed to unequivocally identify the ionic N‐Cl moiety in the molecule by discovering the two isotope‐shifted nitrogen peaks as 3 to 1 ratio separated by about 1Δ15N(37/35Cl) = 19.6 ppb (1.19 Hz) due to the Cl isotope effect. 1D 15N and 2D 1H‐15N CLIP‐HSQMBC experiments were applied to commercially available compounds to further confirm the techniques by detecting the isotope shift of nitrogen peaks for the N‐Cl moiety in molecules.
Providing easier access to community‐based healthcare for people with joint pain: Experiences of delivering ESCAPE‐pain in community venues by exercise professionals
Authors: Hurley Michael , Sheldon Helen , Connolly Margaret , Carter Andrea , Hallett Rachel
Published: August 2021

Background

Joint pain adversely impacts the physical, mental, socioeconomic and emotional wellbeing of many millions of people. Enabling Self‐management and Coping with Arthritic Pain using Exercise, ESCAPE‐pain, is a rehabilitation programme that reduces joint pain and its impact. The programme is usually delivered in clinical settings by physiotherapists but delivering it in community venues would improve access greatly.

Aim

To explore the feasibility of delivering ESCAPE‐pain in community venues, and the experiences of organisations and facilitators delivering it.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with managers of 17 community organisations and 10 facilitators.

Results

People were happy to attend ESCAPE‐pain delivered by exercise professionals at community venues, which they found convenient and valuable. It expanded community organisation's offer to older people, utilised their facilities off‐peak and advanced facilitator's personal and professional development. Recruitment onto the programme was easiest where there were good links with local clinical providers. Although collecting outcome data was burdensome it demonstrated the programme's effectiveness to commissioners. Some clinical commissioners contracted community organisations to deliver ESCAPE‐pain reducing their costs and freeing up clinical facilities. Organisations also financed ESCAPE‐pain by charging participants a nominal fee for the programme, post‐programme classes to support participants remain active and/or a membership fee.

Conclusions

ESCAPE‐pain delivered in community venues facilitated access to better care and on‐going support. Partnerships between healthcare commissioners and community providers maximised efficient use of their facilities and resources and fulfilled national policy of encouraging self‐management of long‐term conditions in the community.
Non‐length‐dependent small fiber neuropathy: Not a matter of stockings and gloves
Authors: Gemignani Franco , Bellanova Maria F. , Saccani Elena , Pavesi Giovanni
Published: August 2021

The clinical spectrum of small fiber neuropathy (SFN) encompasses manifestations related to the involvement of thinly myelinated A‐delta and unmyelinated C fibers, including not only the classical distal phenotype, but also a non–length‐dependent (NLD) presentation that can be patchy, asymmetrical, upper limb‐predominant, or diffuse. This narrative review is focused on NLD‐SFN. The diagnosis of NLD‐SFN can be problematic, due to its varied and often atypical presentation, and diagnostic criteria developed for distal SFN are not suitable for NLD‐SFN. The topographic pattern of NLD‐SFN is likely related to ganglionopathy restricted to the small neurons of dorsal root ganglia. It is often associated with systemic diseases, but about half the time is idiopathic. In comparison with distal SFN, immune‐mediated diseases are more common than dysmetabolic conditions. Treatment is usually based on the management of neuropathic pain. Disease‐modifying therapy, including immunotherapy, may be effective in patients with identified causes. Future research on NLD‐SFN is expected to further clarify the interconnected aspects of phenotypic characterization, diagnostic criteria, and pathophysiology.
Aducanumab and disease modifying treatments for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Thomas Emily , Wasunna‐Smith Brenda , Kuruvilla Tarun
Published: August 2021

Aducanumab has recently been licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA under its ‘accelerated approval’ pathway (to provide earlier access to treatments that fulfil an unmet need based on a surrogate endpoint) for treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This was a controversial decision, and the licence is subject to the outcome of further phase IV trials. Results will be eagerly anticipated, especially by the estimated 50 billion people worldwide currently living with dementia.1 The drugs success could pave the way for a new era in treatments at a time where existing therapies only offer symptomatic treatment to slow progression.
A dementia‐like picture: could it be the medication?
Authors: Bangash Ayesha , Bharmal Qusai
Published: August 2021

Recognition of drug‐induced cognitive decline is helpful in that omission of the offending agent can often reverse the cognitive dysfunction. Older people are more likely to develop drug‐related cognitive side‐effects in contrast to younger patients due to age‐related changes in brain neurochemistry. Here, Dr Bangash and Dr Bharmal discuss such a case involving the epilepsy medication topiramate.
Risk factors for dementia post‐delirium
Authors: Beehuspoteea Nirja , Badrakalimuthu Vellingiri Raja
Published: August 2021

Delirium is a common disorder that can affect up to 50% of elderly patients in an acute hospital but some studies quote that patients affected by delirium are 3.5 times more likely to develop dementia over five years following postoperative delirium; others quote a relative risk of 10.5 times. Here, the authors investigate the rate of dementia in people who initially present with delirium, and risk factors for developing dementia post‐delirium, which offer important practical messages for follow‐up in clinical practice.
Mental Health Services during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Authors: Al Garhy Mohamed , Al Dhufairi Aisha , Abdulrahman Hadir , Al Maskari Buthina , Ahmed Nada , Al Khamashi Saad , Kaid Ahlam , Shalash Hannen
Published: August 2021

United Arab Emirates is demonstrating a model to the world in its response to the crisis and dealing with a pandemic that has provoked unprecedented health care delivery changes. Here, the authors describe how services were remodeled to safely manage patients with mental disorders in the largest admitting psychiatric facility in the capital city Abu Dhabi, the Behavioral Science Pavilion in Sheikh Khalifa Medical City. The article illustrates the changes in admission rates, outpatient clinic and emergency room visits, paving the way for a pliable mental health service that copes with unpredictable circumstances.
Social constraints and fear of recurrence among Chinese American breast cancer survivors: An exploration of psychosocial mediators
Authors: Yeung Nelson C. Y. , Lu Qian
Published: August 2021

Objective

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is commonly experienced among Caucasian and Chinese American breast cancer survivors (BCS). Emerging studies have suggested that Caucasian BCS' communication with family members contributes to their FCR. However, whether such findings apply to Chinese American BCS has yet to be explored. This study examined the association between social constraints (i.e., perceived barriers from significant others inhibiting cancer‐related disclosure) and FCR among 136 Chinese American BCS, plus proposed that self‐stigma (i.e., internalized feelings of shame about having cancer), bodily pain, and ambivalence over emotional expression (AEE; conflict between the desire to express emotions and the fear of its consequences) would mediate the association.

Methods

Participants recruited through cancer associations in the USA were invited to complete a cross‐sectional survey measuring their socio‐demographic/cancer‐related variables and the above‐mentioned psychological variables.

Results

Higher levels of social constraints, AEE, self‐stigma, and bodily pain were associated with higher FCR (rs ranged from 0.27 to 0.40, ps < 0.01). After controlling for covariates, path analysis results supported the proposed mediation model with satisfactory fit indices (χ2(7) = 2.08, Comparative Fit index = 1.00, Tucker Lewis Index = 1.08, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.00). Specifically, social constraints were associated with higher FCR through increased self‐stigma (β = 0.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.02, 0.17), AEE (β = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.27), and bodily pain (β = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.02, 0.17), indicating significant mediation effects. After considering the mediators, the direct effect from social constraints to FCR was no longer significant.

Conclusions

The association between social constraints and higher FCR could be mediated by increased self‐stigma, AEE, and bodily pain among Chinese American BCS. Interventions targeting to address those variables may reduce FCR among those BCS.
Pulmonary function of healthy Korean children from three independent birth cohorts: Validation of the Global Lung Function Initiative 2012 equation
Authors: Park Ji Soo , Suh Dong In , Choi Yun Jung , Ahn Kangmo , Kim Kyung Won , Shin Youn Ho , Lee So‐Yeon , Cho Hyun‐Ju , Lee Eun , Jang Gwang Cheon , Kwon Ji‐Won , Sun Yong Han , Woo Sung‐Il , Youn You‐Sook , Park Kang Seo , Kook Myung‐Hee , Cho Hwa Jin , Chung Hai Lee , Kim Ja Hyung , Kim Hyung Young , Jung Jin A , Woo Hyang‐Ok , Choi Yoon Kyung , Lee Jeong Rim , Lee Young Ah , Shin Choong Ho , Kim Boong Nyun , Kim Johanna I. , Lee Kyung‐Shin , Lim Youn Hee , Hong Yun‐Chul , Hong Soo‐Jong
Published: August 2021

Background and Objective

Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) 2012 equations were developed to resolve the age‐related disparity in interpreting spirometry results. Local validation of the equation is needed, especially in Northeast Asian children. This study evaluated the GLI equation in Korean children.

Methods

Spirometry indices (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, and FEF25%–75%) and clinical information were gathered from three population‐based birth cohorts. Predicted GLI reference values and z scores of spirometry results were calculated for 1239 healthy children. The mean, standard deviation of z scores were compared with the expected 0 and 1. Probabilities of falling below the lower limit of normal (LLN) (z score: −1.64) were compared with the expected value 5%. GLI z scores were assessed according to low (<−2), normal (≥−2 and ≤2), and high (>2) BMI z score groups.

Results

Mean z scores significantly differed from 0 for FEV1/FVC in males (mean [95% confidence interval]: 0.18 [0.08, 0.27]) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) in females (−0.23 [−0.31, −0.15] and −0.26 [−0.36, −0.16], respectively). The standard deviation was larger than 1 for all variables in males and FVC and FEV1/FVC in females. The probability of falling below the LLN was significantly larger than 5% for FEV1 (12.13% [9.64, 14.77]), FVC (15.86% [13.06, 18.81]), and forced expiratory flow at 25%–75% of forced vital capacity (FEF25%–75%) (7.31% [5.29, 9.49]) in males and FVC (11.91% [9.40, 14.60]) in females. FEV1 and FVC z scores increased across low to high body mass index (BMI) groups, and FEV1/FVC decreased from low to high BMI groups.

Conclusion

GLI equations marginally differ from real‐world values, which should be considered by pulmonologists in practice or research.
Molecular dynamics analysis of a flexible loop at the binding interface of the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein receptor‐binding domain
Authors: Williams Jonathan K. , Wang Baifan , Sam Andrew , Hoop Cody L. , Case David A. , Baum Jean
Published: August 2021

Since the identification of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus as the causative agent of the current COVID‐19 pandemic, considerable effort has been spent characterizing the interaction between the Spike protein receptor‐binding domain (RBD) and the human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. This has provided a detailed picture of the end point structure of the RBD‐ACE2 binding event, but what remains to be elucidated is the conformation and dynamics of the RBD prior to its interaction with ACE2. In this work, we utilize molecular dynamics simulations to probe the flexibility and conformational ensemble of the unbound state of the receptor‐binding domain from SARS‐CoV‐2 and SARS‐CoV. We have found that the unbound RBD has a localized region of dynamic flexibility in Loop 3 and that mutations identified during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Loop 3 do not affect this flexibility. We use a loop‐modeling protocol to generate and simulate novel conformations of the CoV2‐RBD Loop 3 region that sample conformational space beyond the ACE2 bound crystal structure. This has allowed for the identification of interesting substates of the unbound RBD that are lower energy than the ACE2‐bound conformation, and that block key residues along the ACE2 binding interface. These novel unbound substates may represent new targets for therapeutic design.
Effects of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/TiO2 nanocomposite antimicrobial films on chilled pork quality
Authors: Zhang Ping , Luo Shuangling , Gao De
Published: August 2021

In this study, different packaging materials—commercially available polyethylene (PE) freezer bag, poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) film and PBAT nanocomposite antimicrobial films—were tested for optimum cold storage (4 ± 1°C) of pork. The pork samples wrapped with the PBAT nanocomposite films showed significantly lower aerobic plate count (APC), sensory score decline, drip loss and water activity compared to the PE‐ or PBAT‐wrapped samples after the same cold storage duration. In addition, PBAT nanocomposite films slowed the increase in pH value, and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) content of the samples during cold storage extended the shelf life of chilled pork by 12–15 days by inhibiting surface microbial growth.
Potential energy surface and band gap landscape of molybdenum and titanium disulfides
Authors: Ryzhikov Maxim R. , Kozlova Svetlana G.
Published: August 2021

The potential energy surfaces (PESs) and band gap landscapes (BGLs) of MoS2 and TiS2 monolayers were studied with a set of density functional methods. For our best knowledge, the PESs for transition metal dichalcogenides as a function of sulfur atom coordinates were studied for the first time. It is found that the energy differences between chemically meaningful points of the PESs are quite stable with respect to the density functional choice. The BGLs are characterized by “wavelike” structure with maxima that refer to 2H forms and minima that refer to 1T forms and ripples between them. It is shown that thermal vibrations may reduce the band gap in 2H form of MoS2.
“I’m Very Hurt”: (Un)justly Reading the Black Female Body as Text in a Racial Literacy Learning Assemblage
Authors: Ohito Esther O.
Published: August 2021

There has been a recent rise in research that has attuned to matters of the body in literacy learning. This article is a contribution to that emerging corpus of scholarship. Specifically, the article is a Black feminist narrative inquiry into the undertheorized role of embodiment―and relatedly, the embodied knowing that materializes as emotion or affect―in racial literacy learning. To illustrate, I employed a blend of embodiment, affect, and assemblage theories to examine an episode of a university‐based (self‐described) anti‐racist pedagogue’s racial literacy instruction in an English teacher education program in the United States. A sociomaterial approach to literacy frames my exploration of the relation between the emotions generated during classroom discourse about the contents of a curricular text used by the Black female pedagogue and the reproduction of anti‐racist ideology. Findings underscore that racial literacy instruction is (inter)embodied and affective and that each body is a particular racialized, sexed, gendered, and otherwise marked text. These findings underpin my clarion call for a turn to Black feminist racial literacy instruction, an approach entailing the enactment of reparative and healing pedagogical practices that care‐fully tend to the embodied and psychic wellness of Black women and girls in particular while simultaneously cultivating pedagogues’ and students’ commitments to justice and humanization in English teacher education classrooms.
Highly electrochemically‐active surface area of Ni (OH)2 with petal structure in situ grown on conductive Ni foam for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Song Chao , Zhou Xingwei , Yoo Seung Jo , Wang Yan , Zhang Zunhao , Zhang Xiaoyu , Kim Jin‐Gyu , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2021

An highly electrochemically active surface area and the efficient carrier transfer between catalysts and their carriers are the basis of an efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Here, petal‐like Ni (OH)2 nanosheets with tunable size and thickness, which represent controllable electrocatalytically active areas, are directly grown on conductive Ni foam. As a result, the optimized in situ‐grown Ni (OH)2 nanosheets (NSNs) show optimum HER performance and stability compared to step‐by‐step‐grown NSNs with similar surface areas due to the enhanced carrier transfer efficiency. The in situ NSNs show high HER activity with overpotentials of 187 and 137 mV with respective current densities of 20 and 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline solution. Our work affords a simple and reliable method for future catalyst design.
Estimating adjusted risk differences by multiply‐imputing missing control binary potential outcomes following propensity score‐matching
Authors: Austin Peter C. , Rubin Donald B. , Thomas Neal
Published: August 2021

We describe a new method to combine propensity‐score matching with regression adjustment in treatment‐control studies when outcomes are binary by multiply imputing potential outcomes under control for the matched treated subjects. This enables the estimation of clinically meaningful measures of effect such as the risk difference. We used Monte Carlo simulation to explore the effect of the number of imputed potential outcomes under control for the matched treated subjects on inferences about the risk difference. We found that imputing potential outcomes under control (either single imputation or multiple imputation) resulted in a substantial reduction in bias compared with what was achieved using conventional nearest neighbor matching alone. Increasing the number of imputed potential outcomes under control resulted in more efficient estimation, with more efficient estimation of the estimated risk difference when increasing the number of the imputed potential outcomes. The greatest relative increase in efficiency was achieved by imputing five potential outcomes; once 20 outcomes under control were imputed for each matched treated subject, further improvements in efficiency were negligible. We also examined the effect of the number of these imputed potential outcomes on: (i) estimated standard errors; (ii) mean squared error; (iii) coverage of estimated confidence intervals. We illustrate the application of the method by estimating the effect on the risk of death within 1 year of prescribing beta‐blockers to patients discharged from hospital with a diagnosis of heart failure.
A few FERPA training perspectives: Unexpected questions
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: August 2021

Current and new employees need Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act training. You have spent a lot of time developing an online training program or have gone with the personal/classroom approach … or both. You've worked hard on the program and have tried to anticipate everything that needs to be covered.
Persistence, retention drop dramatically during pandemic
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: August 2021

Persistence — the rate of first‐year students returning to college at any institution for their second year — fell by 2% for students who started in 2019, the largest drop since the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center started tracking the information. That's according to the NSCRC Snapshot report Persistence and Retention: Fall 2019 Beginning Cohort.
Avulsion of the popliteus tendon in a Border Collie
Authors: González Montaño Hilario , Tattersall James
Published: August 2021

A 6‐month‐old Border Collie presented with an intermittent non‐weight‐bearing lameness of the right hind leg for a 3‐month period. Avulsion of the popliteus muscle tendon was diagnosed by radiographic and CT evaluation. Fixation with a screw and spiked washer had an excellent outcome.
Endotoxin contamination in ovalbumin as viewed from a nano‐immunotherapy perspective
Authors: Pang Guibin , Liu Yun , Wang Yangyun , Wang Yong , Wang Fujun , Zhao Jian , Zhang Leshuai W.
Published: August 2021

Ovalbumin (OVA) is a model antigen commonly incorporated in smartly designed nanoparticles for delivery into antigen‐presenting cells (APC), aiming to investigate the immune activity and therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticles that contain immunoregulatory compounds. However, the immunoresponse observed in nano‐immunotherapy may unexpectedly arise from endotoxin impurity of OVA in the nanoparticles. Literature review shows that most researchers did not notice the importance of endotoxin‐free OVA when used in nano‐immunotherapy studies. Concentration at as low as 5 μg/ml OVA from Sigma‐Aldrich (contains 0.625 ng/ml endotoxin) was able to activate APC such as dendritic cells and macrophages. Here, we proposed that the endotoxin impurity in OVA or the finished nanoproducts should be determined by both Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) and cell‐based assay, to ensure the endotoxin‐free quality of the nanoparticles. The endotoxin in OVA can be removed by endotoxin removal column and phase separation methods and endotoxin‐free OVA can be purchased. This perspective alerts the researchers of endotoxin impurity of OVA that may transfer into the finished nanoparticles and introduce an unfavorable immunoregulatory function with false‐positive results. OVA with minimal endotoxin level should be used in nano‐immunotherapy studies to accurately reflect the true effects of nanoparticles on the immune system.

This article is categorized under:

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Souveränität und Ambition: Die Transformation der Beziehungen im Kontext der Emanzipation Irans, 1964-1967
Authors: Popp Roland
Published: August 2021

Armin Meyers Einschätzung der sich aus der Ablösung des amerikanischen Militärmonopols im Jahr 1966 ergebenden Folgen betonte die langfristigen Vorteile einer Distanzierung vom früheren Patron. Eine unabhängigere iranische Politik vergrößere mittelfristig die Chancen für interne Stabilität in Iran und habe zugleich im Falle einer Rückkehr der Instabilität in der Zukunft den entscheidenden Vorteil, dass die amerikanische Macht nicht automatisch mit dem Ancien Régime identifiziert werden würde. Damit habe Washington die Chance, auch mit einer möglichen Nachfolgeregierung einvernehmliche Beziehungen zu etablieren.
Schlussbemerkung
Authors: Popp Roland
Published: August 2021

Im November 1979 – unmittelbar nach der Besetzung der US-Botschaft und der damit beginnenden Geiselkrise, aber noch vor der sowjetischen Militärintervention in Afghanistan – erhielt der Nationale Sicherheitsberater Zbigniew Brzezinski von seinem militärischen Berater William E. Odom ein Memorandum mit Vorschlägen für eine Neuorientierung der amerikanischen Politik in der Region des Persischen Golfs und gegenüber Iran. Odom benannte den einen zentralen strukturellen Wandel für die Formulierung der US-Strategie: „[…] we have lost Iran for the present.“ Somit müsse es nunmehr das Ziel sein, die unmittelbare Projektion amerikanischer Militärmacht in den Persischen Golf zu ermöglichen. In diesem Sinne schlug er eine ganze Reihe strategischer Neujustierungen vor, unter anderem – anschließend auch umgesetzt – eine auf die Arabische Halbinsel zentrierte US-Politik, also eine Vertiefung der strategischen Beziehungen zu Saudi-Arabien und den anderen arabischen Golfstaaten, sowie Absprachen über permanente bzw. temporäre Nutzung von Stützpunkten in den Staaten dieser Region.
Celestial superamplitude in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 SYM theory
Authors: Jiang Hongliang
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Celestial amplitude is a new reformulation of momentum space scattering amplitudes and offers a promising way for flat holography. In this paper, we study the celestial amplitudes in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 Super-Yang-Mills (SYM) theory aiming at understanding the role of superconformal symmetry in celestial holography. We first construct the superconformal generators acting on the celestial superfield which assembles all the on-shell fields in the multiplet together in terms of celestial variables and Grassmann parameters. These generators satisfy the superconformal algebra of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM theory. We also compute the three-point and four-point celestial super-amplitudes explicitly. They can be identified as the conformal correlation functions of the celestial superfields living at the celestial sphere. We further study the soft and collinear limits which give rise to the super-Ward identity and super-OPE on the celestial sphere, respectively. Our results initiate a new perspective of understanding the well-studied $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM amplitudes via 2D celestial conformal field theory.
Dirac Integral Equations for Dielectric and Plasmonic Scattering
Authors: Helsing Johan , Rosén Andreas
Published: August 2021

A new integral equation formulation is presented for the Maxwell transmission problem in Lipschitz domains. It builds on the Cauchy integral for the Dirac equation, is free from false eigenwavenumbers for a wider range of permittivities than other known formulations, can be used for magnetic materials, is applicable in both two and three dimensions, and does not suffer from any low-frequency breakdown. Numerical results for the two-dimensional version of the formulation, including examples featuring surface plasmon waves, demonstrate competitiveness relative to state-of-the-art integral formulations that are constrained to two dimensions. However, our Dirac integral equation performs equally well in three dimensions, as demonstrated in a companion paper.
Die verschiedenen Phasen der COVID-19-Pandemie in Deutschland: Eine deskriptive Analyse von Januar 2020 bis Februar 2021
Authors: Schilling Julia , Tolksdorf Kristin , Marquis Adine , Faber Mirko , Pfoch Thomas , Buda Silke , Haas Walter , Schuler Ekkehard , Altmann Doris , Grote Ulrike , Diercke Michaela ,   RKI COVID-19 Study Group
Published: August 2021

Am 27.01.2020 wurde in Deutschland der erste Fall mit einer SARS-CoV-2-Infektion diagnostiziert. Für die Beschreibung des Pandemieverlaufs im Jahr 2020 wurden 4 epidemiologisch verschiedene Phasen betrachtet und Daten aus dem Meldesystem gemäß Infektionsschutzgesetz (IfSG) sowie hospitalisierte COVID-19-Fälle mit schwerer akuter respiratorischer Infektion aus der Krankenhaus-Surveillance eingeschlossen.

Phase 0 umfasst den Zeitraum von Kalenderwoche (KW) 5/2020 bis 9/2020, in dem vor allem sporadische Fälle <60 Jahre und regional begrenzte Ausbrüche beobachtet wurden. Insgesamt wurden 167 Fälle übermittelt, die vorwiegend mild verliefen. Dem schloss sich in Phase 1 (KW 10/2020 bis 20/2020) die erste COVID-19-Welle mit 175.013 Fällen im gesamten Bundesgebiet an. Hier wurden vermehrt Ausbrüche in Krankenhäusern, Alten- und Pflegeheimen sowie ein zunehmender Anteil an älteren und schwer erkrankten Personen verzeichnet. In Phase 2, dem „Sommerplateau“ mit eher milden Verläufen (KW 21/2020 bis 39/2020), wurden viele reiseassoziierte COVID-19-Fälle im Alter von 15–59 Jahren und einzelne größere, überregionale Ausbrüche in Betrieben beobachtet. Unter den 111.790 Fällen wurden schwere Verläufe seltener beobachtet als in Phase 1. Phase 3 (KW 40/2020 bis 8/2021) war gekennzeichnet durch die zweite COVID-19-Welle in Deutschland, die sich zum Jahresende 2020 auf dem Höhepunkt befand. Mit 2.158.013 übermittelten COVID-19-Fällen und insgesamt deutlich mehr schweren Fällen in allen Altersgruppen verlief die zweite Welle schwerer als die erste Welle. Unabhängig von den 4 Phasen waren v. a. Ältere und auch Männer stärker von einem schweren Krankheitsverlauf betroffen.
Milde COVID-19-Verläufe bei Mitarbeitenden einer Universitätsklinik
Authors: von Felden Johann , Brehm Thomas Theo , Schulze Zur Wiesch Julian , Addo Marylyn M. , Lohse Ansgar W. , Knobloch Johannes K.‑M. , Koch Till
Published: August 2021

Hintergrund

Mitarbeitende in Gesundheitseinrichtungen sind direkt exponiert und damit besonders gefährdet in der anhaltenden COVID-19-Pandemie. Trotz diverser Berichte zu SARS-CoV-2-Infektionszahlen unter Mitarbeitenden deutscher Kliniken sind die Verläufe von COVID-19 bei dieser besonderen Population wenig beschrieben.

Fragestellung

In diesem Kurzbeitrag sollen die Merkmale und Verläufe von Infektionsfällen unter Mitarbeitenden am Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf in der ersten Welle der Pandemie dargestellt werden.

Methoden

Im Zeitraum 01.07.–28.07.2020 wurden 67 vormals positiv auf SARS-CoV‑2 getestete Mitarbeitende via E‑Mail eingeladen, in einem anonymen Onlinefragebogen detaillierte Angaben zum Krankheitsverlauf zu machen; 39 Personen nahmen teil.

Ergebnisse

Die Teilnehmenden (58 %) waren überwiegend ≤ 39 Jahre alt (64 %) und weiblich (70 %). Die meisten berichteten über direkten Patientenkontakt (85 %), inklusive SARS-CoV-2-positiver Patient*innen (62 %). Die Beschwerden hielten im Median 19 Tage an. 85 % berichteten Fatigue, 67 % Geruchs- oder Geschmacksstörungen, 64 % Husten, 62 % Kopfschmerzen und 51 % Kurzatmigkeit. Die Verläufe waren überwiegend mild; 5 % wurden stationär behandelt. 38 % berichteten mehr als 4 Wochen nach Symptombeginn über anhaltende Beschwerden, insbesondere Geruchs- oder Geschmacksstörungen, Fatigue oder Kurzatmigkeit. Diese hatten häufiger Vorerkrankungen berichtet (53 % vs. 12 %, p = 0,010) und im Speziellen einen arteriellen Hypertonus (27 % vs. 4 %, p = 0,062).

Diskussion

COVID-19-erkrankte Gesundheitsarbeitende berichteten trotz regelhafter Kontakte zu SARS-CoV-2-infizierten Patienten zum größten Teil über milde Verläufe. Ein Teil gab allerdings auch nach Monaten noch Symptome an.
Robotic hernia repair II. English version
Authors: Baur Johannes , Ramser Michaela , Keller Nicola , Muysoms Filip , Dörfer Jörg , Wiegering Armin , Eisner Lukas , Dietz Ulrich A.
Published: August 2021

Endoscopic management of umbilical and incisional hernias has adapted to the limitations of conventional laparoscopic instruments over the past 30 years. This includes the development of meshes for intraperitoneal placement (intraperitoneal onlay mesh, IPOM), with antiadhesive coatings; however, adhesions do occur in a significant proportion of these patients. Minimally invasive procedures result in fewer perioperative complications, but with a slightly higher recurrence rate. With the ergonomic resources of robotics, which offers angled instruments, it is now possible to implant meshes in a minimally invasively manner in different abdominal wall layers while achieving morphologic and functional reconstruction of the abdominal wall. This video article presents the treatment of ventral and incisional hernias with mesh implantation into the preperitoneal space (robot-assisted transabdominal preperitoneal ventral hernia repair, r‑ventral TAPP) as well as into the retrorectus space (r-Rives and robotic transabdominal retromuscular umbilical prosthetic repair, r‑TARUP, respectively). The results of a cohort study of 118 consecutive patients are presented and discussed with regard to the added value of the robotic technique in extraperitoneal mesh implantation and in the training of residents.
A Potential Risk Index Dataset for Landfalling Tropical Cyclones over the Chinese Mainland (PRITC dataset V1.0)
Authors: Chen Peiyan , Yu Hui , Cheung Kevin K. W. , Xin Jiajie , Lu Yi
Published: August 2021

A dataset entitled “A potential risk index dataset for landfalling tropical cyclones over the Chinese mainland” (PRITC dataset V1.0) is described in this paper, as are some basic statistical analyses. Estimating the severity of the impacts of tropical cyclones (TCs) that make landfall on the Chinese mainland based on observations from 1401 meteorological stations was proposed in a previous study, including an index combining TC-induced precipitation and wind (IPWT) and further information, such as the corresponding category level (CAT_IPWT), an index of TC-induced wind (IWT), and an index of TC-induced precipitation (IPT). The current version of the dataset includes TCs that made landfall from 1949–2018; the dataset will be extended each year. Long-term trend analyses demonstrate that the severity of the TC impacts on the Chinese mainland have increased, as embodied by the annual mean IPWT values, and increases in TCinduced precipitation are the main contributor to this increase. TC Winnie (1997) and TC Bilis (2006) were the two TCs with the highest IPWT and IPT values, respectively. The PRITC V1.0 dataset was developed based on the China Meteorological Administration’s tropical cyclone database and can serve as a bridge between TC hazards and their social and economic impacts.
Aufbereitung und Veredlung von Kohlenstoff-Vorkonzentraten aus Pyrolyse-Prozessen zu marktfähigen Kohlenstoff-Produkten im Hinblick auf große Oberflächen und hohe Reinheiten
Authors: Hartig Gerald , Gehringer Sabrina , Flachberger Helmut
Published: August 2021

Einige namhafte österreichische Industrieunternehmen haben im Vorjahr eine gemeinsame Forschungsinitiative zum Thema „Methan-Pyrolyse zur Wasser- und Kohlenstoffgewinnung“ gestartet und die Montanuniversität Leoben als Forschungspartner eingebunden. Parallel dazu hat das Rektorat der Montanuniversität Leoben die Forschungskapazitäten vieler Lehrstühle der alma mater Leobiensis rund um dieses Thema gebündelt.

Dem Lehrstuhl für Aufbereitung und Veredlung fällt dabei die Aufgabe zu, den im Pyrolyse-Prozess prozesstechnisch anfallenden kohlenstoffhaltigen Wertstoff zu Kohlenstoff-Produkten von abnahmesichernden Qualitäten zu verarbeiten. Im Zentrum der Forschungsbemühungen stehen zum einen die möglichst vollständige Abreicherung von Katalysator-Rückständen und weiteren Verunreinigungen und zum anderen die Bereitstellung von Produkten mit definierten spezifischen Oberflächen für vielfältige (industrielle) Anwendungen.
Hares in the long grass: increased aircraft related mortality of the Irish hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus) over a 30-year period at Ireland’s largest civil airport
Authors: Ball Samantha , Butler Fidelma , Caravaggi Anthony , Coughlan Neil E. , Keogh Gerry , O’Callaghan Michael J. A. , Whelan Ricky , Kelly Thomas C.
Published: August 2021

Collisions between wildlife and aircraft are a serious and growing threat to aviation safety. Understanding the frequency of these collisions, the identity of species involved, and the potential damage that can be inflicted on to aircraft aid mitigation efforts by airfield managers. A record of all animal carcasses recovered from Dublin International Airport, Ireland’s largest civil aviation airport, has been maintained since 1990 where strikes with the endemic Irish hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus), a protected subspecies of mountain hare, are of particular concern despite substantial management efforts from the airfield authority. The first strike event with a hare was recorded in 1997, and strike events have substantially increased since then, with a sharp increase recorded in 2011. Over a 30-year period, a total of 320 strike events with the Irish hare have been recorded at the airfield. To date, no strike event with a hare has resulted in damage to an aircraft. However, carcasses can present as a major attraction to avian scavenger species in addition to posing as a risk of causing foreign object damage in the event of an undetected carcass. Hare strikes are discussed in the context of the rate of civil aircraft movements, possible direct and indirect damage to aircraft, and airfield wildlife hazard management. Here, we demonstrate that not only are strike events increasing by 14% on an annual basis, but that the kinetic energy of such an event has the potential to cause significant damage to an aircraft.
Threshold, budget and deadline: beyond the discourse of climate scarcity and control
Authors: Asayama Shinichiro
Published: August 2021

Since its inception, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has always been at the centre of the global climate debate. Its authoritative reports provide cultural resources for public understanding on the challenge of climate change. While the IPCC maintains its perception as a policy-neutral adviser, the IPCC in practice acts as a powerful discursive agent that guides policy debates in a certain direction by enacting influential scientific concepts. These concepts include three prominent metaphors—temperature threshold, carbon budget and climate deadline—that have been widely circulated across science, policy and advocacy. Three metaphors differ on ways in which the risk of climate change is expressed in terms of space and time. But they all constitute the discourse of climate scarcity—the cognitive view of that we have (too) little space and time to stay below a physical limit for avoiding dangerous climate change. This discursive construction of physical scarcity on climate change has significant political and psychological implications. Politically, the scarcity discourse has the risk of increasing a post-political tendency towards managerial control of the global climate (‘scarcity of politics’). Psychologically, however, scarcity has a greater risk of generating a ‘scarcity mindset’ that inhibits our cognitive capacity to imagine human life beyond managing physical scarcity. Under a narrow mindset of scarcity, the future is closed down to the ‘point of no return’ that, if crossed, is destined to be the end. To go beyond the scarcity discourse, a new discourse of emancipation has to be fostered. Climate change can be reframed not as a common single destination but as a predicament for actively reimagining human life. Such a narrative can expand our imaginative capacity and animate political action while embracing social losses.
Anxiety Sensitivity Domains are Differently Affected by Social and Non-social Autistic Traits
Authors: Baiano Chiara , Raimo Gennaro , Zappullo Isa , Cecere Roberta , Rauso Barbara , Positano Monica , Conson Massimiliano ,   The LabNPEE Group, Aversana Lea Dell’ , Di Rosa Alessandro , Esposito Giovanna , Milo Rosa , Polito Francesco , Raimondo Camilla , Turco Agnese
Published: August 2021

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) is implicated in the development and maintenance of several psychopathological conditions. Non-clinical individuals with high autistic traits may develop anxiety disorders and depressive symptoms. Here, we investigated the relationships of autistic traits with AS dimensions and depression, considering sex. We referred to the two-factor model of the autism spectrum quotient to distinguish social and non-social autistic traits and assessed 345 university students on AS and depression scales. Results showed that only social autistic traits predicted general AS and anxiety-related concerns regarding social and cognitive domains. The present results emphasize the need of assessing multiple domains of anxiety in individuals on the autistic spectrum, differentiating social and non-social traits.
Local Central Limit Theorem for Multi-group Curie–Weiss Models
Authors: Fleermann Michael , Kirsch Werner , Toth Gabor
Published: August 2021

We study a multi-group version of the mean-field Ising model, also called Curie–Weiss model. It is known that, in the high-temperature regime of this model, a central limit theorem holds for the vector of suitably scaled group magnetisations, that is, for the sum of spins belonging to each group. In this article, we prove a local central limit theorem for the group magnetisations in the high-temperature regime.
Can Ethical Political Leadership Restore Public Trust in Political Leaders?
Authors: Mozumder N. A.
Published: August 2021

This article presents findings from a qualitative study (via in-depth interviews with 121 local political leaders from 65 local authorities in the UK) that aims to understand how ethical leadership practices can restore public trust in political leaders. The study finds that being a moral person, an ethical political leader sets good examples of behaviour, sets the tone at the top and challenges those who do not behave ethically, as well as encourages, supports and rewards those who perform and conduct themselves well. As a result, the level of public trust in political leaders is likely to increase gradually.
Critical Review of Electro-kinetic Remediation of Contaminated Soils and Sediments: Mechanisms, Performances and Technologies
Authors: Han Ding , Wu Xingyi , Li Rui , Tang Xianqiang , Xiao Shangbin , Scholz Miklas
Published: August 2021

Remediation of contaminated soil and sediment is important for improving the eco-environmental quality. Electro-kinetic remediation (EKR) is an environmentally friendly technology to migrate and remove pollutants from the soil and sediment matrix. This paper analyses the mechanism and performance of EKR of heavy metals, organic pollutants, and compound pollutants. Moreover, the effect of optimizing individual EKR through soil and sediment pre-treatment (adding acid/oxidant/co-solvent/surfactant, stirring, heating, etc.), electrode optimization (exchange electrode, anode approximation, electrode matrix, etc.), and applying multi-technology combination (electro-kinetic permeable reaction barrier/Fenton/ion, exchange membrane/ultrasonic/electrolyte enhancement, etc.) was evaluated. Factors including incomplete separation of pollutants, variation in physico-chemical properties and microstructure of soil/sediment, and difficulties in in situ practice have restrained the field application of EKR. To solve the above technical challenge, an integrated EKR technology based on pollutant in situ separation, followed by separated contaminant treatment, and subsequent valuable elements recovery is proposed.