bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncovering chemical signatures of salinity gradients through compositional analysis of protein sequences
Authors: Dick Jeffrey M. , Yu Miao , Tan Jingqiang
Published: December 2020

Abstract. Prediction of the direction of change of a system under specified
environmental conditions is one reason for the widespread utility
of thermodynamic models in geochemistry. However, thermodynamic influences
on the chemical compositions of proteins in nature have remained enigmatic
despite much work that demonstrates the impact of environmental conditions
on amino acid frequencies. Here, we present evidence that the dehydrating
effect of salinity is detectable as chemical differences in protein
sequences inferred from (1) metagenomes and metatranscriptomes in regional
salinity gradients and (2) differential gene and protein expression
in microbial cells under hyperosmotic stress. The stoichiometric hydration
state (nH2O), derived from
the number of water molecules in theoretical reactions to form proteins
from a particular set of basis species (glutamine, glutamic acid,
cysteine, O2, H2O), decreases along
salinity gradients, including the Baltic Sea and Amazon River and ocean
plume, and decreases in particle-associated compared to free-living fractions.
However, the proposed metric does not respond as expected for hypersaline
environments. Analysis of data compiled for hyperosmotic stress experiments
under controlled laboratory conditions shows that differentially expressed
proteins are on average shifted toward lower nH2O.
Notably, the dehydration effect is stronger for most organic solutes
compared to NaCl. This new method of compositional analysis can be
used to identify possible thermodynamic effects in the distribution
of proteins along chemical gradients at a range of scales from microbial
mats to oceans.
Rainfall-induced shallow landslides and soil wetness: comparison of
physically-based and probabilistic predictions
Authors: Leonarduzzi Elena , McArdell Brian W. , Molnar Peter
Published: December 2020

Abstract. Landslides are an impacting natural hazard in alpine regions, calling for effective forecasting and warning systems. Here we compare two methods (physically-based and probabilistic) for the prediction of shallow rainfall-induced landslides in an application to Switzerland, with a specific focus on the value of antecedent soil wetness. First, we show that landslide susceptibility predicted by the factor of safety in the infinite slope model is strongly dependent on soil data inputs, limiting the hydrologically active range where landslides can occur to only ~20 % of the area with typical soil parameters and soil depth models. Second, the physically-based approach with a coarse resolution model setup (TerrSysMP) 12.5 km × 12.5 km downscaled to 25 m × 25 m with the TopographicWetness Index to provide water table simulations for the infinite slope stability model did not succeed in predicting local scale landsliding satisfactorily, despite spatial downscaling. We argue that this is due to inadequacies of the infinite slope model, soil parameter uncertainty, and the coarse resolution of the hydrological model. Third, soil saturation estimates provided by a higher resolution 500 m × 500 m conceptual hydrological model (PREVAH) provided added value to rainfall threshold curves for landslide prediction in the probabilistic approach, with potential to reduce false alarms and misses. We conclude that although combined physically-based hydrological-geotechnical modelling is the desired goal, we still need to overcome problems of model resolution, parameter constraints, and landslide validation for successful prediction at regional scales.
Simultaneously determining global sensitivities of model parameters and model structure
Authors: Mai Juliane , Craig James R. , Tolson Bryan A.
Published: December 2020

Abstract. Model structure uncertainty is known to be one of the three main sources of hydrologic model uncertainty along with input and parameter uncertainty. Some recent hydrological modeling
frameworks address model structure uncertainty by supporting multiple options for representing
hydrological processes. It is, however, still unclear how best to analyze structural sensitivity
using these frameworks. In this work, we apply the extended Sobol' sensitivity analysis (xSSA) method that operates on grouped parameters rather than individual parameters. The method can
estimate not only traditional model parameter sensitivities but is also able to provide measures
of the sensitivities of process options (e.g., linear vs. non-linear storage) and sensitivities of
model processes (e.g., infiltration vs. baseflow) with respect to a model output. Key to the xSSA
method's applicability to process option and process sensitivity is the novel introduction of
process option weights in the Raven hydrological modeling framework. The method is applied to both
artificial benchmark models and a watershed model built with the Raven framework. The results show
that (1) the xSSA method provides sensitivity estimates consistent with those derived analytically for individual as well as grouped parameters linked to model structure. (2) The xSSA
method with process weighting is computationally less expensive than the alternative aggregate
sensitivity analysis approach performed for the exhaustive set of structural model configurations,
with savings of 81.9 % for the benchmark model and 98.6 % for the watershed case study. (3) The
xSSA method applied to the hydrologic case study analyzing simulated streamflow showed that model
parameters adjusting forcing functions were responsible for 42.1 % of the overall model
variability, while surface processes cause 38.5 % of the overall model variability in a mountainous catchment; such information may readily inform model calibration and uncertainty analysis. (4) The
analysis of time-dependent process sensitivities regarding simulated streamflow is a helpful tool for understanding model internal dynamics over the course of the year.
Validation of a coupled atmospheric-aeroelastic model system for
wind turbine power and load calculations
Authors: Krüger Sonja , Steinfeld Gerald , Kraft Martin , Lukassen Laura J.
Published: December 2020

Abstract. The optimisation of the power output of wind turbines requires the consideration of various aspects including turbine design, wind farm layout and more. An improved understanding of the interaction of wind turbines with the atmospheric boundary layer is an essential prerequisite for such optimisations. Using numerical simulations, a variety of different situations and turbine designs can be compared and evaluated. For such a detailed analysis, the output of an extensive number of turbine and flow parameters is of great importance. Usually simulations are either specified to the output of turbine parameters or the detailed simulation of the flow. In this paper a coupling of the aeroelastic code FAST and the Large-Eddy Simulation tool PALM is presented. The advantage of the coupling of these models is that it enables the analysis of the turbine behaviour, i.a. turbine power, blade and tower loads, under different atmospheric conditions. The proposed coupling is tested with the generic NREL 5 MW turbine and the operational eno114 3.5 MW turbine. Simulating the NREL 5 MW turbine allows for a first evaluation of our PALM-FAST-coupling approach based on characteristics of the NREL turbine reported in the literature. The comparisons of the simulations to the NREL literature values show very promising results. Furthermore, a validation with free-field measurement data for the eno114 3.5 MW turbine for a site in Northern Germany is performed. The results show a good agreement with the free field measurement data. Additionally, our coupling offers an enormous reduction of the computing time, in comparison to similar methods with the same detail, and at the same time an extensive output of the turbine data.
Pestes y pandemias en la antigüedad : visiones clásicas e interpretaciones modernas de las epidemias grecorromanas
Authors: Espino Martín Javier
Published: December 2020

Pests and pandemics are in the news because of the Covid-19 crisis. Although our world is not accustomed to epidemics, they have been very frequent throughout human history. This paper offers an analysis of the different plagues that devastated the Greco-Roman world, with the discussions made by classical authors and the political-social crises that they supposed, very similar to the present one.
Het effect van een pro Justitia-rapportage op de bewijsbeslissing: een empirische verkenning
Authors: van Es Roosmarijn , van Doorn Janne , de Keijser Jan , Kunst Maarten
Published: December 2020

The effect of a forensic mental health report on decisions of guilt in the Netherlands: An empirical exploration

A forensic mental health report is requested in about 30% of more serious cases presented to the criminal court. These reports can be used at sentencing and advise the judge on criminal responsibility, recidivism risk, and possible treatment measures, but is not a formal factor in decisions about guilt. The current study focuses on the (unwarranted) effect of forensic mental health information on conviction decisions. Using an experimental vignette study among 155 criminology students, results show that when a mental disorder is present, conviction rates are higher than when such information is absent. In line with the story model of judicial decision-making, additional analyses showed that this effect was mediated by the evaluation of guilt rather than by the evaluation of other physical evidence. Implications for further research and practice are discussed.
Gelijkebehandelingswetgeving en identiteitsgebonden benoemingsbeleid van orthodox-protestantse scholen
Authors: Rijke Niels
Published: December 2020

Equal treatment legislation and religious, cultural and social norms in the appointment policy of orthodox-protestant schools – uncertainty about consistency and the exception clause

Within orthodox-protestant schools in The Netherlands there is growing diversity and uncertainty about internal religious, cultural and social norms. Though orthodox-protestant schools are among the strongest semi-autonomous social fields, where it is difficult for equal treatment law to pervade, this growing diversity and uncertainty about internal norms can make this pervasion possible. The uncertainty about the meaning of the exception clause in equal treatment legislation for the appointment policy of religious schools also affects this.

Because of the uncertainty about the meaning of the exception clause the position of the school board was strengthened in comparison to the employee, even though the intention of the equal treatment law was the opposite. At a later stage the clarification of the anti-discrimination norm by changing the exception clause has strengthened the position of the employee. Though this is only possible when religious, cultural and social norms are changing. In that case orthodox-protestant schools, as semi-autonomous fields, are more open for the effects of this legal norm.

Uncertainty about the meaning of the requirement of a consistent appointment policy has led both to tightening as well as relaxation of the policy. In the first place tightening or relaxation of policies depends on the development of religious, cultural and social norms within different school denominations. Thus, uncertainty about internal norms works both contrary as well as strengthening to uncertainty about equal treatment legislation.
Rechtspleging in Recht der Werkelijkheid
Authors: de Groot-van Leeuwen Leny
Published: December 2020

Chapeau! (though Popper would not be happy)

The paper highlights the contributions on judges and courts published in Recht der Werkelijkheid from 1980-2020. It addresses three general themes, namely communication in court, the consumers of the law and the professionals of the law, in view of the objective of the journal.

The authors of the contributions, newcomers as well as well-known experienced researchers, come from different kind of branches like anthropology, psychology, sociology and history, utilizing quite different approaches, methodologies and theories. They elaborate on each other’s work, methods, empirical findings and theoretical insights, in order to develop new research questions or to conduct research in different contexts. Although the critical-rational ideas of Popper has no many followers among the authors, lessons can be learned for policy makers, judges, lawyers and academics. By bringing the authors together, the journal has made an invaluable contribution to the debate among socio-legal researchers in the Netherlands.
Wetten tussen droom en daad
Authors: Niemeijer Bert
Published: December 2020

Legislation fulfills crucial functions in regulating society

This article collects publications in this journal about the emergence and effects of legislation. It covers the developments and results of research of the last four decades. First it is concluded that there has been considerable attention to the subject. Second a clear broadening and (theoretical) deepening from different perspectives can be observed. Social-legal research of legislation also appears to have specific characteristics. Subsequently, various points of attention are pointed out, such as more attention to the relationship between legal characteristics and effects, more variation in research methods and more systematic theory-driven research. Finally, attention is drawn to the relationship between (the working of) legislation and social transformations such as globalization, digitization and the increasing and profound influence of social media in society.
Van big five naar high five?
Authors: Huls Nick
Published: December 2020

From big five to high five

In From big five to high five the author analyzes the developments of sociology of law at the law faculties in the Netherlands since the 1970ies until today. Focusing on the professors (‘chairs’) he argues that after a strong start with five prominent scholars the discipline is now placed in the periphery of the law curriculum. Sociology of law is ‘intellectually strong, but institutionally weak’.

The author encourages the present generation professors (‘chairs’) to cooperate more. He claims that writing one modern Dutch Introduction to Sociology of law is crucial to win the hearts and minds of the law students. Furthermore, he suggests that collaborative research projects contributes to the visibility of sociology of law in policy arenas and public debates.
About COVID-19 in Laklãnõ Indigenous Land, Brazil
Authors: Virgilio Jefferson
Published: December 2020

This essay seeks firstly to recover the history of contact between Laklãnõ indigenous people and the foreign and national fronts of territorial occupation that occurred in the southern region of Brazil. Afterwards, the most visible impacts that affect the Laklãnõ indigenous people in times of COVID-19 are revealed. The purpose of this short essay is to provide a synthesis of information for anthropologists who do not speak Portuguese.
Statistical Analysis of Safety Improvements and Integration into Project Design Process
Authors: Tarko Andrew P. , Romero Mario , Lizarazo Cristhian , Pineda Paul
Published: December 2020

RoadHAT is a tool developed by the Center for Road Safety and implemented for the INDOT safety management practice to help identify both safety needs and relevant road improvements. This study has modified the tool to facilitate a quick and convenient comparison of various design alternatives in the preliminary design stage for scoping small and medium safety-improvement projects. The modified RoadHAT 4D incorporates a statistical estimation of the Crash Reduction Factors based on a before-and-after analysis of multiple treated and control sites with EB correction for the regression-to-mean effect. The new version also includes the updated Safety Performance Functions, revised average costs of crashes, and the comprehensive table of Crash Modification Factors—all updated to reflect current Indiana conditions. The documentation includes updated Guidelines for Roadway Safety Improvements. The improved tool will be implemented at a sequence of workshops for the final end users and preceded with a beta-testing phase involving a small group of INDOT engineers.
“Why Are There So Many Women in Forensic Anthropology?”
Authors: Pilloud Marin , Passalacqua Nicholas
Published: December 2020

There is broad discussion of the higher numbers of women in the forensic sciences, particularly when compared to other science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. In this discussion, we focus on forensic anthropology. We begin with an historical overview of the role of women in the discipline; data are then provided that outline the numbers of women scholars and practitioners over time. We then explore the different roles of men and women in regard to leadership positions, professional awards, awarded grant-funding, job hiring trends, presentations at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) annual meeting, and publications in the Journal of Forensic Sciences. While the number of women in forensic anthropology is greatly increasing, the discipline has been slow to also grow the visibility of women in positions of leadership or to honor them with prestigious awards. One reason for this finding may be that women are subjected to bias and harassment, which may cause them to leave forensic anthropology at various points along the way, or lead to their contribution being less valued. These findings are discussed within the context of gendered expectations, and suggestions are provided on how to improve the retention of women as well as to diversify the discipline in general.
The Appropriate Roles for Equity and Efficiency in a Progressive Individual Income Tax
Authors: Repetti James
Published: December 2020

Increased focus on economic efficiency in formulating tax policy, at the expense of achieving equity, has resulted in decreased rate progressivity in our individual income tax. This decrease has exacerbated inequality.

There are several explanations for the intense focus on efficiency and reduced emphasis on equity. Predictions of efficiency gains from low individual income tax rates appear more certain than equity gains from progressive tax rates. Efficiency gains seem measurable, while equity gains appear intangible and unquantifiable. In addition, distributive justice, which underlies and shapes tax equity, exists in many abstract forms, some of which may not require progressive tax rates.

This Article argues, however, that the emphasis on efficiency is misplaced. Inequality imposes measurable costs on the health, social well-being, and intergenerational mobility of our citizens, as well as on our democratic process. This is corroborated by significant empirical analysis.

In contrast, empirical analysis shows that anticipated efficiency gains from low individual tax rates are speculative. A consensus exists among economists that taxes within the historical range of rates in the United States have little or no impact on labor supply. Moreover, economists cannot agree whether the myriad empirical studies on savings indicate that progressive tax rates decrease, increase, or have no impact on savings in the United States.

The clear harms arising from inequality and the uncertain harms arising from progressive tax rates, strongly support always giving equity at least equal weight with efficiency in formulating tax policy. But given the high level of inequality in the United States and the currently low and flat tax rate structure, equity should be given more weight than efficiency at this time. Emphasizing equity in a progressive individual income tax will contribute to the health and economic mobility of our citizens, as well as the stability of our democracy.
Economic Analysis of Tax Law from a Sustainable Perspective
Authors: Schmiel Ute
Published: December 2020

Since sustainable taxation requires certain tax designs, the question arises if tax rules are adequate from a sustainability perspective. Answering this question presupposes a framework of economic analysis of law. The mainstream approach of economic analysis of law deduces social order rules from the general value of neoclassical efficiency. Yet, efficiency is not an adequate social order value for sustainable tax law, and neoclassical theory is not an adequate underlying theory. Thus, the present Article outlines a framework that discusses how to design sustainable tax rules. It emphasizes that this framework needs methodological rules, empirically confirmed theories like the political-cultural market approach, and the reference to ethical concepts of relevant social values (in contrast to dogmatizing efficiency). This Article argues that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in general are adequate social order values for an economic analysis of tax law. On this basis, the Article outlines how to develop a sustainable tax law. It shows that a decision-neutral tax law is neither realizable nor reasonable. Furthermore, it argues that the substantiation of achieving more equality (SDG 10), e.g., the interpretation of ability to pay, the discussion of companies’ fair shareof tax, or the discussion of whether a one-book system is adequate requires detailed theoretical and ethical analysis. The same holds for answering the question whether environmental taxes are an adequate means to motivating actors to behave in an eco-friendly way (SDGs 7, 11, 12). Even this Article’s short analysis shows that tax rules that are in line with sustainability will differ considerably from tax rules that comply with the mainstream approach of economic analysis of law.
Voting Rights Compared to Income Taxation and Welfare Benefits Through the Swedish Lens
Authors: Lind Yvette
Published: December 2020

Ongoing globalization and increased taxpayer mobility not only exacerbate already existing shortcomings when allocating taxing rights but also legal mismatches with regard to access to welfare benefits and voting rights. All three legal areas (taxation, access to welfare benefits, and voting rights) are of importance for those individuals who choose to work across borders or relocate themselves to another state on a more permanent basis. The extent of this importance will, naturally, vary between taxpayer groups due to individual circumstances and needs. Yet, some more general deductions may still be made.

This Article identifies and analyses, through a traditional legal study, legal mismatches between taxation, access to welfare benefits, and voting rights in Sweden. These three legal areas are analysed through the application of a taxpayer case study consisting of six classical taxpayer groups commonly found within international taxation. The result of the study illustrates that there are apparent mismatches between taxpayer groups, some more comprehensible than others.

In conclusion, mobile individuals may, as a result of disparities between tax allocation, formal citizenship, and voting privileges, contribute financially to a state yet not have the possibility to exercise influence over their tax situation due to the lack of formal citizenship and voting privileges in that particular state. Those who vote to change taxation and public spending are not always the same as those who pay taxes. This issue is naturally complex as the group of individuals excluded from such political influence is a highly diverse one, reaching from high net value individuals to stateless persons seeking asylum, subject to individual circumstances and needs. The Article is part of a larger body of work, done under the umbrella of Political (Tax) Equity in a Global Context, in which I explore how increased taxpayer mobility challenges not only traditional legal frameworks associated with taxation but also the allocation of political rights and benefits. The traditional perception of citizenship as the basis for voting rights is, as illustrated through various publications linked to the project, inadequate when dealing with mobile taxpayers.
Validation of the Dépistage Cognitif de Québec in the Oldest Old
Authors: Gravel Amélie , Hudon Carol , Meilleur-Durand Synthia , Sellami Leila , Bergeron David , Paradis Audrey , Verret Louis , Fortin Marie-Pierre , Poulin Stéphane , Macoir Joël , `Bouchard Rémi W. , Laforce Robert Jr
Published: December 2020

Objective

We aimed to validate the Dépistage Cognitif de Québec (DCQ; www.dcqtest.org) , a new cognitive screening tool for atypical degenerative syndromes, in the oldest old.

Methods

The DCQ was developed by expert behavioural neurologists and clinical neuropsychologists based on updated criteria for Alzheimer’s disease, primary progressive aphasia, and behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia. It targets five relevant cognitive domains: Memory, Visuospatial, Executive, Language, and Behaviour. Validation was performed using a prospective community-based sample consisting of 53 healthy French-speaking Canadian volunteers aged between 80 and 94 years old. Normative data were derived from participants with no history of cognitive difficulties and a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≥ 24.

Results

The mean DCQ total score (out of 100) was 84.65 (SD = 6.33). Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed a moderate, but significant, correlation (r = 0.36, p < .01) with the MoCA. Normative data shown in percentiles were stratified by age and education for DCQ total score and for each of the five cognitive domains.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the DCQ is a valid cognitive screen­ing test in the oldest old. It is proposed that the DCQ can help early identification of atypical degenerative syndromes.
Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) in Seniors: a Retrospective Study Defining a Brand New Cohort
Authors: Reich Krista , Moledina Aliza , Kwan Emily , Keir Michelle
Published: December 2020

Background:

With improved surgical techniques and medical therapy, pa­tients with congenital heart disease (CHD) are now expected to achieve normal life expectancies. As a result, a new cohort of senior patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) is emerging which has not been well characterized.

Methods:

This study is a retrospective chart review of patients with mod­erate to complex CHD over the age of 60 years in Southern Alberta. We examined the number, length, and reasons for hospitalizations, and identified common adult comorbidities.

Results:

A total of 84 patients with CHD who were 60 years or older were identified. The average age was 67.9 ± 6.6 years, with the majority of patients having moderate CHD. The most common cardiac comorbidities were arrhythmia, hyperten­sion, and heart failure, which were also the most common reasons for hospital admission. There were 1.85 admissions per 10 patient-years, with a median length of stay of 6.0 (3.8–10.5) days.

Conclusions:

With advanced age, the ACHD population is at risk of de­veloping significant medical burden from acquired cardiac comorbidities, resulting in hospitalization. This analysis pro­vides insight into disease characteristics of seniors with CHD. Further studies are needed to better understand this population and the association with geriatric syndromes.
The influence of organizational culture on the entrepreneurial intentions of employed persons: the Serbian case
Authors: Mali Predrag , Kuzmanović Bogdan , Nikolić Milan , Mitić Siniša , Stojanović Edit Terek
Published: December 2020

The paper presents the results of the study of the influence of the dimensions of organizational culture on individual entrepreneurial orientation dimensions, the achievement dimension and the theory of planned behaviour dimensions. The respondents were employed persons. There were 540 respondents from 72 organizations. The moderating effect of the respondents’ gender on the observed relationships was also examined. From all the dimensions of organizational culture, power distance has the greatest impact on the entrepreneurial intentions of employed persons. Entrepreneurial intentions weaken when there is group collectivism in the organization and when there is an assertive environment in the organization.
Coaching in Visegrad Four Countries: A Comparison to other European countries
Authors: Honsová Pavlína , Passmore Jonathan , Jarošová Eva , Brown Hazel
Published: December 2020

The Visegrad Four countries (the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary) share common traits in economics (Capik/Drahokoupil 2011), common history (Fawn 2013) and some political and social challenges (Förster/György Tòth 1997). In this article, we seek to determine common trends in the relatively narrow field of (executive) coaching. In the introduction, we explain the psychological background rooted in different learning theories (e.g., Kolb model, ELT) and psychotherapeutic approaches related to coaching such as humanistic psychology or solution-focused approach. The study itself formed part of a European-wide research project, where almost 3000 respondents from 51 European countries answered a questionnaire regarding professional coaching and mentoring. Answers from 419 Visegrad coaches and 1745 coaches from other European countries were compared to determine the trends and traits of the Visegrad Group-based coaching. Key insights from the study included significant differences in the use of methods of reflection such as reading coaching research, attending peer networks, using a mentor or attending webinars. There were also significant differences in the areas in which coaches pursue. Visegrad Four coaches coach significantly more in the area of life and well-being coaching and education coaching and less in the area of performance coaching. We also explored the coaching approaches and found that cognitive-behavioral coaching, NLP, transactional analysis and gestalt coaching are significantly more popular in the European sample while a solution-focused approach is used more in the Visegrad Four countries sample.
Airway Management in Critical Settings
Authors: Elkarta ELSayed , Eldegwy Magdy
Published: December 2020

Airway management continues to be a challenging task for healthcare practitioners and when it comes to critical settings; it carries more challenges even for the skilled persons. Critical settings could be in fact of suits; where intervention takes place, equipment or practitioners taking care of airway management. Critically ill patients with multiple comorbidities, increasing oxygen demand and high respiratory work; that may require elective airway securing. Various protocols, guidelines and recommendations advocated for this task with the prospects of less hemodynamic alteration and prevention of pulmonary aspiration. In the former, starting oxygen therapy for all critical patients on admission was a routine following the concept; if some is good, more must be better. Nowadays excess oxygen may be unfavorable in some acute critical conditions e.g. ischemic strokes, post-acute myocardial infraction and those with hypercapnic respiratory failure. However, still high flow inspired oxygen concentration is the protocol until they are stable then its reduction to reach the targeted arterial oxygen saturation. Oxygen devices used for oxygen delivery are plenty and its selection depends on the many factors; airway patency, patient’s conscious level and compliance, and assessment of gas exchange based on arterial blood sample which is recommended for all critically ill patients. Early prompt evaluation of the airway and assessment of gas exchange using arterial blood sample analysis is curial in all critically ill patients to guide for subsequent oxygen supply and whether the patient needs ventilatory support or not. This chapter will focus on airway management, oxygen therapy and types of ventilatory support required for adult critically ill patients, while other situations’ airway management’s tools and skills will be discussed in another ones.
Firm-specific News and Anomalies
Authors: Van Hai Hoang , Kim Tuan Phan , The Phiet Le
Published: December 2020

This study investigates the relation between idiosyncratic volatility and future returns around the firm-specific news announcements in the Korean stock market from July 1995 to June 2018. The excess returns of decile portfolios that are formed by sorting the stocks based on news and non-news idiosyncratic volatility measures. The Fama and French three-factor model is also examined to see whether systematic risk affects news and non-news idiosyncratic volatility profits. The pricing of our news and non-news idiosyncratic volatility are confirmed in the cross-sectional regression using the Fama and MacBeth method. Market beta, size, book to market, momentum, liquidity, and maximum return are controlled to determine robustness. Our empirical evidence suggests that the pricing of the non-news idiosyncratic volatility is more strongly negative compared to the news idiosyncratic volatility, which is contrary to the limited arbitrage explanation for the negative price of the idiosyncratic volatility. We find that the non-news idiosyncratic volatility has a robust negative relation to returns in non-January months. Macro-finance factors drive the conditioned on the missing risk factor hypothesis, the pricing of idiosyncratic volatility. This study contributes to a better understanding of the role of the conditional idiosyncratic volatility in asset pricing. As the Korean stocks provide a fresh sample, our non-U.S. investigation delivers a useful out-of-sample test on the pervasiveness of the non-news volatility effect across the emerging markets.
Indium Chalcogenide Nanomaterials in the Forefront of Recent Technological Advancements
Authors: C. Masikane Siphamandla , Revaprasadu Neerish
Published: December 2020

In the last decade, there has been an increasing trend in the exploitation of indium chalcogenides in various applications which range from water splitting reactions in renewable energy to degradation of dyes in environmental rehabilitation. This trend is attributed to the interesting and unique properties of indium chalcogenide nanomaterials which can be easily tuned through a common approach: particle size, shape and morphology engineering. In this chapter, we outline the preferred attributes of indium chalcogenide nanomaterials which are deemed suitable for recent applications. Furthermore, we explore recent reaction protocols which have been reported to yield good quality indium chalcogenide nanomaterials of multinary configurations, e.g. binary and ternary compounds, among others.
Radial Artery Access
Authors: Panetta Carmelo , Chahine Johnny
Published: December 2020

Radial artery access for angiography has matured over the past two decades and is now the preferred point of access for most patients. Lower bleeding rates in clinical randomized trials have translated into lower mortality prompting change in the guidelines. Advances in technique with use of ultrasound for access to properly size the sheath, proper dosing of anticoagulation and new techniques for sheath removal have dramatically lowered radial artery occlusion rates. Radial artery spasm has improved with vasodilators and proper sedation. Advances in support boards and sheath extension have opened up left radial access. Advances in lower profile sheaths and sheathless systems allow larger catheters in smaller arteries. Advances in longer balloons and sheaths have opened up radial access for peripheral interventions. Areas of clinical research include use of ulnar artery compared to radial, left versus right radial access, use of radial artery for a surgical conduit after angiography, radiation exposure and advantage of radial approach in the elderly.
Needling Therapies in the Outpatient Care: Adverse Effects
Authors: Llamas-Ramos Inés , Llamas-Ramos Rocío
Published: December 2020

The invasive techniques have been used for many years. There is a lot of literature on the advances that have been made, as well as the adverse effects or possible complications that have occurred during the performance of these treatments. Acupuncture and injections (saline, anesthetics, corticosteroids or botulinum toxin) have reported several cases of complications. Dry needling is also beginning to have several publications of this type. The objective of this chapter is to summarize the articles published in relation to adverse effects of needling therapies to promote a good practice and knowledge. Original articles in form of randomized controlled trials, case reports and reviews relating adverse effects and possible complications due to invasive/needling techniques: acupuncture, injections and dry needling have been included. 102 articles met the inclusion criteria between January 2000 and January 2020. The first limitation found in the literature was the huge variety of cases, therapists and incidents to generalize. As a conclusion we can stated the importance of a good knowledge of the anatomy and its variants, the correct application of these techniques and a continuous training of these therapists must be essential.
New Screening for the Development of Radioprotectors: Radioprotection and Anti-Cancer Effect of β-Glucan (Enterococcus faecalis)
Authors: Gu Yeun-Hwa
Published: December 2020

In this study, β-glucan was orally administered and irradiated with whole body 2 Gy. It was then confirmed that the mortality of mice and tumor growth of mice with tumors were significantly reduced. Since the number of leukocytes and lymphocytes increased with a single dose of β-glucan, the crystal was encountered where the radioprotective effect of β-glucan was probably increased by the hematopoietic action of irradiated mice. In previous studies, β-(1–3)-D-glucan extract has a radioprotective effect and an antitumor effect, and regarding the mechanism of action, the immune activity and antioxidant were elucidated. In this study, we investigated the antitumor effects of β-glucan on radiation, protection of immune disorders, and antioxidant effects. After intraperitoneal inoculation of about 2 x 106 sarcoma 180, ICR mice were administered 200 mg/kg β-glucan every other day every two weeks. We irradiated 2 Gy radiation 3 times and counted the number of white blood cells and lymphocytes. In addition, body weight and tumor size were measured 2 weeks after cancer cells were seeded. Antioxidant activity was measured using the AAPH (2,2-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride) method. There was a clear decrease in tumor size in the radiation and glucan groups compared to the group receiving only cancer cells that increased tumor size over time. Almost all mice inoculated with only cancer cells died two weeks after radiation, but two-thirds of radiation and the glucan group were alive. Regardless of radiation exposure, the number of leukocytes and lymphocytes increased when β-glucan was administered. Antioxidant activity has been demonstrated in both groups of glucans. These results may indicate that administration of β-glucan increases immune activity, prevents side effects during cancer radiotherapy, and provides a supplemental tool for the treatment of cancer.
The Perfect Triangle
Authors: Crouse Richard
Published: December 2020

Although many changes have occurred in the goals for teaching secondary school mathematics, the goal of problem solving has remained intact. One of the main difficulties in realizing this goal has been the lack of suitable materials that could be used by secondary school mathematics students. This article presents a problem, modified from a familiar situation, that would be suitable for high school students to investigate. Modifying an existing problem to generate other problems for investigation is a device frequently used by research mathematicians. Motivated students with a good background in algebra should find this material interesting and challenging.
Microcomputer-Assisted Mathematics: Computer-Assisted Polar Graphing
Authors: Walton Karen Doyle , Walton J. Doyle
Published: December 2020

Faced with the dilemma of how to teach polar coordinates? Whether the subject is being introduced at the secondary school or college level, the problem is the same. At either level, the objectives include the following; (1) introduce a new coordinate system, relating (x, y) rectangular coordinates to (r, Q) polar coordinates; (2) enable the students to plot polar equations; (3) acquaint students with standard types of polar graphs; and (4) find points of intersection of two polar graphs. This article presents a method of using the microcomputer to teach polar coordinates and graphing in an effective, interesting way, avoiding the drudgery of having students plot hundreds of points.
Applications: Self-Checking Codes—An Application of Modular Arithmetic
Authors: Wood Eric F.
Published: December 2020

In the teaching of mathematics or computer science in secondary school, it is sometimes difficult to find material to present to the students that is interesting, comprehensible, and, at the same time, representative of modern achievement in the discipline. In this article I present two very relevant applications of mathematics and computer science that all students can relate to: International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN) that appear in textbooks and universal product codes that appear on grocery products.
Some Mathematical Applications of Pari-mutuel Wagering
Authors: Soler Frank P.
Published: December 2020

Pari-mutuel wagering is a system in which the amounts wagered on each outcome of some event are pooled and most of the total amount wagered is distributed to the winning parties. The two best-known examples of pari-mutuel wagering on the North American continent are horse racing (thoroughbred, harness, quarter) and dog racing (greyhounds).
Microcomputer-Assisted Mathematics: Permutations and Combinations
Authors: Kimberling Clark
Published: December 2020

The subjects of permutations and combinations appear in algebra and precalculus textbooks. Many students are fascinated by these “counting numbers.” and they should have the opportunity to write or use microcomputer programs that calculate them and demonstrate their usefulness.
Why Elementary Algebra Can, Should, and Must Be an Eighth-Grade Course for Average Students
Authors: Usiskin Zalman
Published: December 2020

Elementary or first-year algebra is the keystone subject in all of secondary mathematics. It is formally studied by students from grade levels as early as seventh grade and as late as college, but begun and completed more often in ninth grade than at any other time. The main purpose of this article is to question that timing. The conclusion to be argued here is that most students should begin the study of algebra one year earlier than they now do. This conclusion is contrary to a recommendation currently subscribed to by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and to the views of a number of leaders in mathematics education. I attempt to show here that these leaders have been misguided.
Six-legged Math
Authors: McLure John W.
Published: December 2020

Pictures of insects are more likely to appear in older mathematics books than in those published within the last five years. A random sampling of older texts from a dark shelf in a middle school revealed several primitive-looking silverfish, while a new book seemed relatively uninhabited except for one cockroach.
Writing as a Learning Device in Calculus
Authors: Mett Coreen L.
Published: December 2020

Recent national emphasis on the liberal arts has revived an interest in multi-disciplinary writing. Programs such as Writing across the Curriculum at Radford University are encouraging faculty to use writing in more and more classes. The need for more writing in mathematics is evident when practicing scientists in research-and-development corporations report that over 30 percent of their time is spent writing (Lampe 1982). But why write in calculus? How dare we propose that additional work be included in a syllabus that is already bulging with essential topics?
Revisiting the Interior Angles of Polygons
Authors: Wills Herbert
Published: December 2020

Most of us are familiar with a proof of the theorem concerning the sum of the measures of the interior angles of a convex polygon. I shall review two popular proofs and then suggest some alternate methods that may perk your students' interest.
Turtle Graphics and Mathematical Induction
Authors: Klotz Frederick S.
Published: December 2020

Although induction is widely used in mathematics, it is a difficult concept to explain in the classroom. For students who have had little experience with inductive thinking, inductive proofs can appear somewhat arbitrary and unconvincing.
Applications: Digraphs, Matrices, and Football-Team Ratings
Authors: Dieffenbach Robert M.
Published: December 2020

In Ohio a statewide rating system known as the Harbin Football-Team Rating System determines the high school football teams that are eligible to compete in postseason playoffs. Each team earns points for games it wins and for games that a defeated opponent wins. The teams with the most points “go to state.”
Elementary Affine Transformation Models
Authors: Barksdale James B.
Published: December 2020

Elementary algebra is often the earliest mathematics course for college students. As the reader is well aware, one of the first topics in such a course is the notion of an affine function, f(x) = mx + k, and its straight-line graph. Of course, many reasons account for the early introduction of this topic, including conceptual simplicity, fundamental character, and broad applicability
The Fourth Way to Sample k Objects from a Collection of n
Authors: Kreith Kurt , Kysh Judith
Published: December 2020

As probability and finite mathematics find their way into growing numbers of mathematics classrooms, the ideas underlying combinatorial analysis will become increasingly important in the secondary school curriculum. The challenge here is not just to teach the various counting rules and formulas for permutations and combinations but also to supply the student with a means for deciding when and where these concepts are appropriate to apply
Using Logo Pseudoprimitives for Geometric Investigations
Authors: Battista Michael T. , Clements Douglas H.
Published: December 2020

The computer screen in which the Logo turtle moves represents a small portion of a mathematical plane. A great deal of the geometry taught in junior and senior high school is essentially the study of such a plane and the objects that exist within it. Thus, creating and investigating shapes with the turtle clearly involves geometric thought. However, because many geometric ideas encountered in Logo are not covered in the standard curriculum, integrating them with textbook topics can be difficult. To allow traditional geometric topics to be used within the context of the exciting environment of Logo, a set of special procedures, called pseudoprimitives, has been created (Battista 1987). This article will describe how these procedures can be extended and used in junior and senior high school geometry.
Trisecting an Angle—Almost
Authors: Lamb John F.
Published: December 2020

Trisecting an angle with Euclidean tools, a straightedge and compass, has been proved to be impossible. However, many people today are still fascinated by the problem, and some even try to do it in spite of the proof to the contrary. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics published a book on the subject titled The Trisection Problem (Yates 1971) that contains several methods proposed over the years. One method in particular, given by d'Ocagne, is easy and produces an angle that looks very close to the correct size, so close that only a proof that it fails will convince stubborn believers. The proof presented here uses only algebra and trigonometry and hopefully will show students how the three areas of algebra, trigonometry, and geometry can be interrelated.
Maximum Profit without Calculus
Authors: Woods Jimmy C.
Published: December 2020

This article presents a method for determining the selling price that maximizes profit. This problem might be used as an application of the mathematics developed in a second-year algebra course