bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of seismic behavior of the eccentric and conventional diagrid systems
Authors: Dabbaghchian Iman , Mirghaderi Seyed Rasoul , Sayadi Sina
Published: November 2020

Diagrid system is known for its efficient structural behavior besides its outstanding aesthetic characteristics and architectural flexibility. However, a brief existing study on the nonlinear performance of the diagrid system has reported an inefficient nonlinear behavior. Diagrid with fused‐shear link is a newly introduced system that can solve this flaw in the conventional diagrids and keep the advantages as well. In this paper, this newly introduced system is called eccentric diagrid system (EDS). Benefits of the EDS are presented, and a series of nonlinear pushover and time history analyses are conducted to compare EDS with the conventional diagrid system (CDS). In this manner, three different configurations for both EDS and CDS with diagrid angles of 45°, 63.4°, and 71.6° are chosen for two different 12‐ and 18‐story buildings. The models are designed based on an R‐factor equal to 3.6 and 5 for CDS and EDS frames, respectively. Then, the assumed R‐factor for EDS is verified according to Federal Emergency Management Agency P695, and the priority of members yielding is spotted. The results show that EDS can effectively enhance the post‐yield performance and seismic characteristics of the structure relative to CDS, including ductility and overstrength ratio more than 2.5 and 1.3 times, respectively.
Phosphorus cycling and spring barley crop response to varying redox potential
Authors: Baumann Karen , Nastah Samer , Shaheen Sabry M. , Rinklebe Jörg , Leinweber Peter
Published: November 2020

For arable soils, it is not clear whether closing a controlled drainage system leads to P mobilization due to water table rise and associated changes in redox‐induced biogeochemical processes. Therefore, we investigated P mobilization at different redox conditions using three spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cropped lysimeters filled with monoliths of arable northeastern German soil profiles. Pore water samples were collected weekly from three different depths, and dissolved (<0.45 μm) element concentrations of total C, P, Al, Fe, Mn, Ca, Mg, and K, as well as inorganic and organic C (DIC and DOC) and P (Pi and Po), SO42−–S, and NO2−–N and NO3−–N were determined. The total P concentration in pore water collected from a given lysimeter at a given time was 1.8 mg P L−1 maximum. Organic P concentrations in subsoil solutions were positively correlated with Fe concentrations. Grain yield of spring barley ranged between 5.6 and 6.5 Mg ha−1, and total biomass P uptake was negatively correlated with the stable P stocks of the soil profiles. Results suggest that reductive conditions in subsoils led to dissolution of pedogenic Fe‐(oxy)hydroxides and release of Po compounds, the latter of which were more important for biomass P uptake than P released from stable P compounds. Overall, closing the drainage at the field site could represent a moderate P mobilization risk, which would probably be lower compared with a P mobilization risk caused by a heavy rainfall event.
Valuing Waste – A Multi-method Analysis of the Use of Household Refuse from Cooking and Sanitation for Soil Fertility Management in Tanzanian Smallholdings
Authors: Krause Ariane
Published: November 2020

The starting point of this work is the intention of two farmers’ initiatives to disseminate locally developed and adapted cooking and sanitation technologies to smallholder households in Karagwe District, in northwest Tanzania. These technologies include improved cooking stoves (ICSs), such as microgasifiers, and a system combining biogas digesters and burners for cooking, as well as urine-diverting dry toilets, and thermal sterilisation/pasteurisation for ecological sanitation (EcoSan). Switching to the new alternatives could lead to a higher availability of domestic residues for soil fertility management. These residues include biogas slurry from anaerobic digestion, powdery biochar from microgasifiers and sanitised human excreta from EcoSan facilities. Such recycling-driven approaches address an existing problem for many smallholders in sub-Saharan Africa, namely, the lack of soil amenders to sufficiently replenish soil nutrients and soil organic matter (SOM) in soils used for agricultural activity. This example from Tanzania systematically examines the nexus of ‘energy-sanitation-agriculture’ in smallholder farming systems. The short-term experiments demonstrated that all soil amenders that were analysed could significantly enhance crop productivity. CaSa-compost – the product of co-composting biochar with sanitised human excreta – quadrupled grain yields. The observed stimulation of crop yield and also plant nutrition is attributed to improved nutrient availability caused by a direct increase of soil pH and of plant-available phosphorus (P) in the soil. The assessment of the lasting soil implications revealed that CaSa-compost and biogas slurry both show the long-term potential to roughly double yields of maize. Corresponding nutrient requirements can be adequately compensated through residue capturing and subsistence production of soil amenders. The potential of CaSa-compost for sustainable soil fertility management is superior to that of standard compost, especially with respect to liming, replenishing soil P and restoring SOM. Biogas slurry, however, yields inferior results in all aspects when compared to compost amendments.
Australia: PISA Australia—Excellence and Equity?
Authors: Thomson Sue
Published: November 2020

Australia’s education system reflects its history of federalism. State and territory governments are responsible for administering education within their jurisdiction and across the sector comprising government (public), Catholic systemic and other independent schooling systems. They collaborate on education policy with the federal government. Over the past two decades the federal government has taken a greater role in funding across the education sector, and as a result of this involvement and the priorities of federal governments of the day, Australia now has one of the highest rates of non-government schooling in the OECD. Funding equity across the sectors has become a prominent issue. Concerns have been compounded by evidence of declining student performance since Australia’s initial participation in PISA in 2000, and the increasing gap between our high achievers and low achievers. This chapter explores Australia’s PISA 2018 results and what they reveal about the impact of socioeconomic level on student achievement. It also considers the role of school funding and the need to direct support to those schools that are attempting to educate the greater proportion of an increasingly diverse student population including students facing multiple layers of disadvantage.
Self-reproduction Cycles of Living Matter and Energetics of Human Activity
Authors: Popov Leonid E.
Published: November 2020

Inthe author’s opinion, many global problems that face humanity—in the fields of education, medicine, management etc. can be tackled more effectively if the cyclic nature of self-reproducing systems—including living beings—is taken into account. Summarizing the main physiological findings of the last decades on “adaptation reactions”, one can very roughly say that the way of action which is effective in the sense of productive activity of people happens at the same time to be healthy, and it gives the participants of the process the feeling of happiness. The present paper represents a very short overview of the contemporary concepts of the adaptation reactions based on the fundamental understanding of their cyclic nature due to general properties of self-reproducing systems. One interesting feature of self-reproduction cycles is its first “phase of orientation” which was not discussed in detail in the past but plays a key role in the whole cycle.
Integration eines digitalen Assistenzsystems für die industrielle Montage
Authors: Keller Thimo , Bayer Christian , Metternich Joachim , Saki Mehrach , Schmidt Stephanie , Sträter Oliver , Anlauft Wolfgang , Hartwich Hans-Dieter
Published: November 2020

Dieser Beitrag beschreibt das Forschungsprojekt IntAKom (Intelligente Aufwertung der manuellen und teilautomatisierten Arbeit durch den Einsatz digitaler Kommunikationstechnologie) welches in Zusammenarbeit zwischen Forschung und Industrie konstruktive Ansätze guter digitaler Assistenz in der Produktion entwickelt und erprobt. Die Vorgehensweise wird an einem Anwendungsbeispiel aufgezeigt. Es wird beschrieben, wie das digitale Assistenzsystem in das Arbeitsumfeld integriert wurde. Gerade bei einer hohen Produktvielfalt erhöht sich die Komplexität in der Produktion. Die Beschäftigten können so durch den Einsatz digitaler Assistenzsysteme bei der Bewältigung der steigenden Anforderungen unterstützt werden. Darüber hinaus wird die Vorgehensweise zur Zielerreichung aus Sicht der Prozess-, Beschäftigten-, und Organisationsebene dargestellt und erste Projektergebnisse aufgezeigt. Auch die Erfolgsfaktoren für die Einführung eines digitalen Assistenzsystems werden abschließend in Form von Lessons learned formuliert.
Digitalisierung für Mensch und Organisation im Aftersales
Authors: Pier Marcus , Siedler Carina , Dupont Stephanie , Zink Klaus J. , Aurich Jan C.
Published: November 2020

Der Wandel vom reinen Maschinenbauunternehmen zum Anbieter von Produkt-Service-Systemen stellt Landmaschinenhersteller wie die GrimmeLandmaschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG vor große Herausforderungen. Um diesen Wandel vollziehen zu können, sind ein gut ausgebildetes Fachpersonal, kurzfristige Ersatzteilverfügbarkeit sowie moderne Systeme für Dokumentation und Kommunikation notwendig. Im Rahmen einer Pilotanwendung im Verbundforschungsprojekt InAsPro wird der Fokus auf den Personalentwicklungsprozess und damit auf ein gut ausgebildetes Fachpersonal gelegt. Durch ein Kursverwaltungssystem wird ein individueller Kompetenzaufbau der eigenen Servicemitarbeiter und der Servicetechniker der Grimme-Servicepartner angestrebt. Zur nachhaltigen und individuellen Weiterbildung wird eine Kompetenzmatrix verwendet, welche zusätzlich um Lehrmodule ergänzt wird und so eine Sensibilisierung der Menschen im Bereich der Digitalisierung von Sach- und Serviceprodukten fördert.
Modular symmetry by orbifolding magnetized T2 × T2: realization of double cover of ΓN
Authors: Kikuchi Shota , Kobayashi Tatsuo , Otsuka Hajime , Takada Shintaro , Uchida Hikaru
Published: November 2020

Abstract

We study the modular symmetry of zero-modes on $$ {T}_1^2\times {T}_2^2 $$

T
1
2

×

T
2
2

and orbifold compactifications with magnetic fluxes, M1, M2, where modulus parameters are identified. This identification breaks the modular symmetry of $$ {T}_1^2\times {T}_2^2 $$

T
1
2

×

T
2
2

, SL(2, ℤ)1× SL(2, ℤ)2 to SL(2, ℤ) ≡ Γ. Each of the wavefunctions on $$ {T}_1^2\times {T}_2^2 $$

T
1
2

×

T
2
2

and orbifolds behaves as the modular forms of weight 1 for the principal congruence subgroup Γ(N), N being 2 times the least common multiple of M1 and M2. Then, zero-modes transform each other under the modular symmetry as multiplets of double covering groups of ΓN such as the double cover of S4.
Potential use of peptic ulcer perforation (PULP) score as a conversion index of laparoscopic-perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) repair
Authors: Wang Yu-Hao , Wu Yu-Tung , Fu Chih-Yuan , Liao Chien-Hung , Cheng Chi-Tung , Hsieh Chi-Hsun
Published: November 2020

Background

Laparoscopic repair is a well-accepted treatment modality for perforated peptic ulcer (PPU). However, intraoperative conversion to laparotomy is still not uncommon. We aimed to identify preoperative factors strongly associated with conversion.

Methods

A retrospective review of records of all PPU patients treated between January 2011 and July 2019 was performed. Patients were divided into three groups: laparoscopic repair (LR), conversion to laparotomy (CL), and primary laparotomy (PL). Patient demographics, operative findings, and outcomes were compared between the groups. Logistic regression analyses were performed, taking conversion as the outcome.

Results

Of 822 patients, there were 236, 45, and 541 in the LR, CL, and PL groups, respectively. The conversion rate was 16%. Compared with those in the LR group, patients in the CL group were older (p < 0.001), had higher PULP scores (p < 0.001), had higher ASA scores (p < 0.001) and had hypertension (p = 0.003). PULP score was the only independent risk factor for conversion. The area under the curve (AUC) for the PULP score to predict conversion was 75.3%, with a best cut-off value of ≥ 4. The operative time was shorter for PL group patients than for CL group patients with PULP scores ≥ 4. For patients with PULP scores < 4, LR group patients had a shorter length of stay than PL group patients.

Conclusion

The PULP score may have utility in predicting and minimizing conversion for laparoscopic PPU repair. Laparoscopic repair is the procedure of choice for PPU patients with PULP scores < 4, while open surgery is recommended for those with PULP scores ≥ 4.
The Nooscope manifested: AI as instrument of knowledge extractivism
Authors: Pasquinelli Matteo , Joler Vladan
Published: November 2020

Some enlightenment regarding the project to mechanise reason. The assembly line of machine learning: data, algorithm, model. The training dataset: the social origins of machine intelligence. The history of AI as the automation of perception. The learning algorithm: compressing the world into a statistical model. All models are wrong, but some are useful. World to vector: the society of classification and prediction bots. Faults of a statistical instrument: the undetection of the new. Adversarial intelligence vs. statistical intelligence: labour in the age of AI.
Logarithmically regular morphisms
Authors: Molcho Sam , Temkin Michael
Published: November 2020

We consider the stack $${\mathcal {L}}og_{X}$$

L
o

g
X

parametrizing log schemes over a log scheme X, and weak and strong properties of log morphisms via $${\mathcal {L}}og_{X}$$

L
o

g
X

, as defined by Olsson. We give a concrete combinatorial presentation of $${\mathcal {L}}og_{X}$$

L
o

g
X

, and prove a simple criterion of when weak and strong properties of log morphisms coincide. We then apply this result to the study of logarithmic regularity, derive its main properties, and give a chart criterion analogous to Kato’s chart criterion of logarithmic smoothness.
Bone Fragility Fractures in CKD Patients
Authors: Pimentel Ana , Ureña-Torres Pablo , Bover Jordi , Luis Fernandez-Martín Jose , Cohen-Solal Martine
Published: November 2020

Chronic kidney diseases (CKD) are associated with mineral and bone diseases (MBD), including pain, bone loss, and fractures. Bone fragility related to CKD includes the risk factors observed in osteoporosis in addition to those related to CKD, resulting in a higher risk of mortality related to fractures. Unawareness of such complications led to a poor management of fractures and a lack of preventive approaches. The current guidelines of the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) recommend the assessment of bone mineral density if results will impact treatment decision. In addition to bone density, circulating biomarkers of mineral, serum bone turnover markers, and imaging techniques are currently available to evaluate the fracture risk. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of CKD-associated bone loss. The contribution of the current tools and other techniques in development are discussed. We here propose a current view of how to better predict bone fragility and the therapeutic options in CKD.
Neutrophil‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and Platelet‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) as Possible Prognostic Markers for Patients Undergoing Resection of Adrenocortical Carcinoma
Authors: de Jong Mechteld C. , Mihai Radu , Khan Shahab
Published: November 2020

Aim

Adrenocortical cancer (ACC) is a rare disease with a poor outcome, and robust prognostic factors remain unclear. High neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) as markers of host inflammation have been found to be associated with decreased long‐term outcomes in several tumour types, but have been scarcely analysed in ACC.

Methods

Patients who underwent resection of their ACC between 2000 and 2020 were identified; therapeutic, operative and outcome data were analysed. Pre‐operative NLR and PLR were calculated by division of neutrophils and platelets by lymphocytes measured in peripheral blood.

Results

Fifty‐seven patients (30F:27 M) with an overall median age of 53 years [range: 18–86] presented with tumours of median size 11.5 cm [range: 3.0–22.0], of whom 26 (46%) were hormonally active. Majority of patients underwent an open resection (n = 48; 84%); more than half (n = 30; 53%) underwent multi‐organ excision. Median NLR was 4.63 and median PLR was 186.21; these values were used for median split analyses (low vs. high). There were no differences with regard to age, sex or tumour characteristics and peri‐operative data between the two groups (allp > 0.05). Overall, median recurrence‐free survival (RFS) was 26 months (3‐year: 45%) on Kaplan–Meier analysis. On univariate analyses, a high NLR did not influence RFS [HR = 1.57 (95%‐CI: 0.73–2.38);p = 0.25], but patients with a high PLR had an increased risk of developing recurrence [HR = 2.39 (95%‐CI: 1.08–5.31);p = 0.03]. The median overall survival (OS) was 33 months (3 years: 79%) on Kaplan–Meier analysis. Both a high NLR [HR = 2.24 (95%‐CI: 1.07–4.70);p = 0.03] and a high PLR [HR = 4.02 (95%‐CI: 1.80–8.98);p = 0.001] were strongly associated with a shorter OS on unadjusted analyses.

Conclusion

Elevated pre‐operative NLR and PLR are associated with shorter OS, while higher PLR was also associated with a shorter RFS for patients undergoing curative intent resection of ACC.
Intraoperative Esophagogastroduodenoscopy During Heller Myotomy: Evaluating Guidelines
Authors: Bruenderman Elizabeth H. , Bhutiani Neal , Martin Robert C. G. , Fox Matthew P. , van Berkel Victor H. , Block Stacy B. , Kehdy Farid J.
Published: November 2020

Background

National guidelines suggest routine intraoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) during laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) to assess for mucosal perforation and myotomy adequacy, but the utility of this is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intraoperative EGD on outcomes after LHM.

Methods

Patients who underwent LHM in a single center were retrospectively identified. Outcomes were compared between patients who did and did not undergo intraoperative EGD.

Results

Sixty‐one patients were reviewed: 46 (75%) underwent intraoperative EGD and 15 (25%) did not. Mucosal perforations occurred in 2 (4%) of the EGD group and 3 (20%) of the non‐EGD group (p = 0.06). All perforations, regardless of EGD use, were recognized laparoscopically. There were no postoperative leaks. Failed myotomy occurred in 5 (11%) who underwent EGD and 1 (7%) who did not (p = 0.64).

Conclusions

Because EGD does not appear to improve outcomes after LHM, we emphasize its selective, rather than routine, use.
Skeletal muscle mass and sarcopenia can be determined with 1.5-T and 3-T neck MRI scans, in the event that no neck CT scan is performed
Authors: Zwart Aniek T. , Becker Jan-Niklas , Lamers Maria J. , Dierckx Rudi A. J. O. , de Bock Geertruida H. , Halmos Gyorgy B. , van der Hoorn Anouk
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements of the neck musculature at the level of third cervical vertebra (C3) on CT scans are used to diagnose radiological sarcopenia, which is related to multiple adverse outcomes in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Alternatively, these assessments are performed with neck MRI, which has not been validated so far. For that, the objective was to evaluate whether skeletal muscle mass and sarcopenia can be assessed on neck MRI scans.

Methods

HNC patients were included between November 2014 and November 2018 from a prospective data-biobank. CSAs of the neck musculature at the C3 level were measured on CT (n = 125) and MRI neck scans (n = 92 on 1.5-T, n = 33 on 3-T). Measurements were converted into skeletal muscle index (SMI), and sarcopenia was defined (SMI < 43.2 cm2/m2). Pearson correlation coefficients, Bland–Altman plots, McNemar test, Cohen’s kappa coefficients, and interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were estimated.

Results

CT and MRI correlated highly on CSA and SMI (r = 0.958–0.998, p < 0.001). The Bland–Altman plots showed a nihil mean ΔSMI (− 0.13–0.44 cm2/m2). There was no significant difference between CT and MRI in diagnosing sarcopenia (McNemar, p = 0.5–1.0). Agreement on sarcopenia diagnosis was good with κ = 0.956–0.978 and κ = 0.870–0.933, for 1.5-T and 3-T respectively. Observer ICCs in MRI were excellent. In general, T2-weighted images had the best correlation and agreement with CT.

Conclusions

Skeletal muscle mass and sarcopenia can interchangeably be assessed on CT and 1.5-T and 3-T MRI neck scans. This allows future clinical outcome assessment during treatment irrespective of used modality.

Key Points

• Screening for low amount of skeletal muscle mass is usually measured on neck CT scans and is highly clinical relevant as it is related to multiple adverse outcomes in head and neck cancer patients.

• We found that skeletal muscle mass and sarcopenia determined on CT and 1.5-T and 3-T MRI neck scans at the C3 level can be used interchangeably.

• When CT imaging of the neck is missing for skeletal muscle mass analysis, patients can be assessed with 1.5-T or 3-T neck MRIs.
Self-reported work ability predicts health-related exit and absence from work, work participation, and death: longitudinal findings from a sample of German employees
Authors: Bethge Matthias , Spanier Katja , Köhn Stefanie , Schlumbohm Anna
Published: November 2020

Objective

The cohort study examined the performance of the Work Ability Index in predicting health-related exit and absence from work, work participation, and death among a sample of workers previously receiving sickness absence benefits.

Methods

Workers aged 40–54 years who received sickness absence benefits in 2012 completed the Work Ability Index in 2013. Outcomes were extracted from administrative data records covering the period until the end of 2016.

Results

Data for 2266 participants were included (mean age: 47.9 years; 54.4% women). Maximum follow-up was 43 months. In terms of work ability, 38.4% had good scores, 38.2% moderate scores, and 23.4% poor scores. Fully adjusted analyses showed an increased risk of a disability pension in workers with poor (HR = 12.98; 95% CI 5.81–28.99) and moderate Work Ability Index scores (HR = 3.17; 95% CI 1.36–7.38) compared to workers with good or excellent scores. The risk of a rehabilitation measure was also significantly increased for workers with poor and moderate scores. In addition, poor scores were prospectively associated with a longer duration of sickness absence and unemployment benefits, and fewer employment days and less income from regular employment. Those with poor Work Ability Index scores also had a significantly increased risk of premature death.

Conclusions

The Work Ability Index is a potential tool to identify individuals with previous long-term sickness absence having an increased risk of health-related exit and absence from work and poor work participation outcomes.
Simultaneous saccharification and lactic acid fermentation of the cellulosic fraction of municipal solid waste using Bacillus smithii
Authors: Chacón Micaela G. , Ibenegbu Christopher , Leak David J.
Published: November 2020

Objective

A primary drawback to simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) processes is the incompatibility of the temperature and pH optima for the hydrolysis and fermentation steps—with the former working best at 50–55 °C and pH 4.5–5.5. Here, nine thermophilic Bacillus and Parageobacillus spp. were evaluated for growth and lactic acid fermentation at high temperature and low pH. The most promising candidate was then carried forward to demonstrate SSF using the cellulosic fraction from municipal solid waste (MSW) as a feedstock.

Results

B. smithii SA8Eth was identified as the most promising candidate and in a batch SSF maintained at 55 °C and pH 5.0, using a cellulase dose of 5 FPU/g glucan, it produced 5.1 g/L lactic acid from 2% (w/v) MSW cellulosic pulp in TSB media.

Conclusion

This work has both scientific and industrial relevance, as it evaluates a number of previously untrialled bacterial hosts for their compatibility with lignocellulosic SSF for lactic acid production and successfully identifies B. smithii as a potential candidate for such a process.
Clinical validity of clinical treatment score 5 (CTS5) for estimating risk of late recurrence in unselected, non-trial patients with early oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer
Authors: Richman Juliet , Ring Alistair , Dowsett Mitch , Sestak Ivana
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Clinical Treatment Score at 5 years (CTS5) is a prognostic tool to estimate distant recurrence (DR) risk after 5 years of endocrine therapy for postmenopausal women with oestrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) breast cancer.

Methods

The validity of CTS5 was tested in a retrospective cohort of patients diagnosed with early ER-positive breast cancer. The primary endpoint was DR in years 5–10. The primary analysis cohort consisted of postmenopausal women, with premenopausal women as a secondary analysis cohort. Cox regression models were used to determine the prognostic value of CTS5 and Kaplan–Meier curves were used with associated 10-year DR risks (%).

Results

2428 women were included with a median follow-up of 13.4 years. The CTS5 was significantly prognostic in both postmenopausal (N = 1662, HR = 2.18 95% CI (1.78–2.67)) and premenopausal women (N = 766, HR = 1.84 95% CI (1.32–2.56)). The 10-year DR risks were 2.9% (1.9–4.5), 7.2% (5.3–9.9), and 12.9% (10.0–16.7) for low, intermediate and high risk in postmenopausal women and 3.8% (2.2–6.7), 6.9% (4.4–10.8), and 11.1% (7.4–16.5) in premenopausal women, respectively. The number of observed DRs was significantly greater than expected in those predicted to be at high risk by CTS5 but this discordance was lost when those receiving more than 60 months of endocrine therapy were excluded.

Conclusions

The CTS5 demonstrated clinical validity for predicting late DR within a large cohort of unselected postmenopausal patients but less so in premenopausal patients. Calibration of the CTS5 was good in patients who did not receive extended endocrine therapy. The CTS5 low-risk cohort has risk of DR so low as to not warrant extended endocrine therapy.
Trichoderma asperellum efficiently protects Quercus robur leaves against Erysiphe alphitoides
Authors: Oszako Tomasz , Voitka Dmitry , Stocki Marcin , Stocka Natalia , Nowakowska Justyna Anna , Linkiewicz Anna , Hsiang Tom , Belbahri Lassaâd , Berezovska Daria , Malewski Tadeusz
Published: November 2020

The protective effects of Trichoderma asperellum IZR D-11 as a biocontrol agent against the powdery mildew Erysiphe alphitoides infecting leaves of Quercus robur were evaluated for the first time. A strain of Trichoderma had earlier been isolated in Belarus, and was identified in this study as T. asperellum by sequencing of three genomic markers: internal transcribed spacer, translation elongation factor 1 alpha and RNA polymerase II subunit 2, with over 99.2% identity to corresponding genomic sequences in GenBank. When applied once in the first year just after onset of powdery mildew disease, T asperellum IZR D-11 reduced disease progression and continued to reduce powdery mildew levels during the following three years. Photosynthetic activity as represented by chlorophyll fluorescence measured in oak seedlings was increased in treated plants, and greater assimilate production was also found. The use of this antagonistic fungus increased the total water content in oak leaves suggesting that T. asperellum IZR D-11 can serve as a preventive measure to reduce energy losses in the process of water transpiration. GC-MS analysis detected 49 volatile compounds in the headspace of pure cultures of T. asperellum. Sesquiterpenes represented mainly by daucene, dauca-4(11),8-diene and isodaucene were the largest group of compounds emitted. We speculate that these volatiles from T. asperellum IZR D-11 may be involved in induced resistance in the plant, but further research is needed. The above results suggest that T. asperellum strain IZR D-11 has potential as a biocontrol agent of oak powdery mildew in forest nurseries.
Parametric and non-parametric estimation of extreme earthquake event: the joint tail inference for mainshocks and aftershocks
Authors: Cai Juan-Juan , Wan Phyllis , Ozel Gamze
Published: November 2020

In an earthquake event, the combination of a strong mainshock and damaging aftershocks is often the cause of severe structural damages and/or high death tolls. The objective of this paper is to provide estimation for the probability of such extreme events where the mainshock and the largest aftershocks exceed certain thresholds. Two approaches are illustrated and compared – a parametric approach based on previously observed stochastic laws in earthquake data, and a non-parametric approach based on bivariate extreme value theory. We analyze the earthquake data from the North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ) in Turkey during 1965–2018 and show that the two approaches provide unifying results.
Infantile fibrosarcoma with TPM3-NTRK1 fusion in a boy with Bloom syndrome
Authors: Huson Sue M. , Staab Timo , Pereira Marta , Ward Heather , Paredes Roberto , Evans D. Gareth , Baumhoer Daniel , O’Sullivan James , Cheesman Ed , Schindler Detlev , Meyer Stefan
Published: November 2020

Bloom syndrome (BS) is a genomic and chromosomal instability disorder with prodigious cancer predisposition caused by pathogenic variants in BLM. We report the clinical and genetic details of a boy who first presented with infantile fibrosarcoma (IFS) at the age of 6 months and subsequently was diagnosed with BS at the age of 9 years. Molecular analysis identified the pathogenic germline BLM sequence variants (c.1642C>T and c.2207_2212delinsTAGATTC). This is the first report of IFS related to BS, for which we show that both BLM alleles are maintained in the tumor and demonstrate a TPM3-NTKR1 fusion transcript in the IFS. Our communication emphasizes the importance of long-term follow up after treatment for pediatric neoplastic conditions, as clues to important genetic entities might manifest later, and the identification of a heritable tumor predisposition often leads to changes in patient surveillance and management.
Households, bubbles and hugging grandparents: Caring and lockdown rules during COVID-19
Authors: Gulland Jackie
Published: November 2020

Efforts to combat the COVID-19 crisis brought mountains of legislation and guidance to coerce or encourage people to stay at home and reduce the spread of the virus. During peak lockdown in the United Kingdom (UK) regulations defined when people could or could not leave their homes. Meanwhile guidance on social distancing advised people to stay within ‘households’. This paper explores the legislation under lockdowns in the UK from March to October 2020 and the implications for women’s gendered caring roles. The regulations and guidance assumed that households were separate units and ignored the interdependencies which exist between households and between individuals and wider society. The continuing focus in the lockdown regulations has been on households as autonomous, safe, adequate and secure. This overlooks the interdependency of human life, gendered aspects of caring and the inequalities of housing and living conditions, highlighted by feminist scholarship.
Influence of competition and predation on survival of the hydrilla tip mining midge and its success as a potential augmentative biological control agent of hydrilla
Authors: Stachowiak Courtney , Baniszewski Julie , Cuda James P. , St. Mary Colette , Weeks Emma N. I.
Published: November 2020

Hydrilla verticillatais an aquatic weed that grows densely throughout the water column and is costly to manage. The hydrilla tip mining midge,Cricotopus lebetis, a potential augmentative biological control agent of hydrilla, feeds on the apical meristem preventing growth. The goal of this study was to quantify the influence of a predator (mosquitofish,Gambusiasp.) and a competitor (hydrilla leafcutter moth,Parapoynx diminutalis) and their interactions, on the ability of the midge to survive and feed on hydrilla. The first experiment involved six treatments established in 37.8 L tanks with combinations of the organisms, including larvalC. lebetis. Survival to adult midge eclosion was significantly reduced in the presence of the predator but was unaffected by the competitor’s presence alone. Apical meristem damage was reduced when both the competitor and predator were present. The second experiment included four treatments withC. lebetisegg masses or larvae and the presence or absence of mosquitofish. AddingC. lebetisas eggs rather than as larvae increased midge survival in the absence of the predator. Midge survival was lower when larvae were added, but the predator had no additional effect. To facilitate successful establishment of the midge and control of hydrilla, high numbers of larvae should be released to overcome predation.
On a generalization of Schur theorem concerning resultants
Authors: Ulas Maciej
Published: November 2020

LetKbe a field and put$${\mathcal {A}}:=\{(i,j,k,m)\in \mathbb {N}^{4}:\;i\le j\;\text{ and }\;m\le k\}$$A:={(i,j,k,m)∈N4:i≤jandm≤k}. For any given$$A\in {\mathcal {A}}$$A∈Awe consider the sequence of polynomials$$(r_{A,n}(x))_{n\in \mathbb {N}}$$(rA,n(x))n∈Ndefined by the recurrence$$\begin{aligned} r_{A,n}(x)=f_{n}(x)r_{A,n-1}(x)-v_{n}x^{m}r_{A,n-2}(x),\;n\ge 2, \end{aligned}$$rA,n(x)=fn(x)rA,n-1(x)-vnxmrA,n-2(x),n≥2,where the initial polynomials$$r_{A,0}, r_{A,1}\in K[x]$$rA,0,rA,1∈K[x]are of degreei, jrespectively and$$f_{n}\in K[x], n\ge 2$$fn∈K[x],n≥2, is of degreekwith variable coefficients. The aim of the paper is to prove the formula for the resultant$${\text {Res}}(r_{A,n}(x),r_{A,n-1}(x))$$Res(rA,n(x),rA,n-1(x)). Our result is an extension of the classical Schur formula which is obtained for$$A=(0,1,1,0)$$A=(0,1,1,0). As an application we get the formula for the resultant$${\text {Res}}(r_{A,n},r_{A,n-2})$$Res(rA,n,rA,n-2), where the sequence$$(r_{A,n})_{n\in \mathbb {N}}$$(rA,n)n∈Nis the sequence of orthogonal polynomials corresponding to a moment functional which is symmetric.
Histamine augments collagen content via H1 receptor stimulation in cultures of myofibroblasts taken from wound granulation tissue
Authors: Wolak Monika , Bojanowska Ewa , Staszewska Teresa , Piera Lucyna , Szymański Jacek , Drobnik Jacek
Published: November 2020

The inflammatory reaction influences the deposition of collagen within wound granulation tissue. The aim of the present study is to determine whether histamine acting directly on myofibroblasts derived from wound granulation tissue may influence collagen deposition. It also identifies the histamine receptor involved in this process. The experiments were carried out on cells isolated from the granulation tissue of a wound model (a polypropylene net inserted subcutaneously to rats) or intact rat skin. Collagen content was measured following the addition of different concentrations of histamine and treatment with histamine receptor antagonists (ketotifen – H1 inhibitor, ranitidine – H2 inhibitor) and a histamine receptor H1 agonist (2-pyridylethylamine dihydrochloride).

The cells were identified as myofibroblasts: alpha-smooth muscle actin, vimentin, and desmin positive in all experimental conditions. Histamine increased the collagen level within both cell cultures, i.e., those isolated from granulation tissue or intact skin. It did not, however, influence the expression of either the collagen type I or III genes within the cultured myofibroblasts. Histamine activity was reduced by ketotifen (the H1 receptor inhibitor) and increased by the H1 receptor agonist, as demonstrated by changes in the levels of collagen in the myofibroblast culture. Histamine increased collagen content within the cultures, acting directly on myofibroblasts via H1 receptor stimulation.
Embodied Belonging: In/exclusion, Health Care, and Well-Being in a World in Motion
Authors: Mattes Dominik , Lang Claudia
Published: November 2020

In this introduction, we propose the notion of ‘embodied belonging’ as a fruitful analytical heuristic for scholars in medical and psychological anthropology. We envision this notion to help us gain a more nuanced understanding of the entanglements of the political, social, and affective dimensions of belonging and their effects on health, illness, and healing. A focus on embodied belonging, we argue, reveals how displacement, exclusion, and marginalization cause existential and health-related ruptures in people’s lives and bodies, and how affected people, in the struggle for re/emplacement and re/integration, may regain health and sustain their well-being. Covering a variety of regional contexts (Germany/Vietnam, Norway, the UK, Japan), the contributions to this special issue examine how embodied non/belonging is experienced, re/imagined, negotiated, practiced, disrupted, contested, and achieved (or not) by their protagonists, who are excluded and marginalized in diverse ways. Each article highlights the intricate trajectories of how dynamics of non/belonging inscribe themselves in human bodies. They also reveal how belonging can be utilized and drawn on as a forceful means and resource of social resilience, if not (self-)therapy and healing.
Service Function Chain Placement for Joint Cost and Latency Optimization
Authors: Khoshkholghi Mohammad Ali , Gokan Khan Michel , Alizadeh Noghani Kyoomars , Taheri Javid , Bhamare Deval , Kassler Andreas , Xiang Zhengzhe , Deng Shuiguang , Yang Xiaoxian
Published: November 2020

Network Function Virtualization (NFV) is an emerging technology to consolidate network functions onto high volume storages, servers and switches located anywhere in the network. Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) are chained together to provide a specific network service, called Service Function Chains (SFCs). Regarding to Quality of Service (QoS) requirements and network features and states, SFCs are served through performing two tasks: VNF placement and link embedding on the substrate networks. Reducing deployment cost is a desired objective for all service providers in cloud/edge environments to increase their profit form demanded services. However, increasing resource utilization in order to decrease deployment cost may lead to increase the service latency and consequently increase SLA violation and decrease user satisfaction. To this end, we formulate a multi-objective optimization model to joint VNF placement and link embedding in order to reduce deployment cost and service latency with respect to a variety of constraints. We, then solve the optimization problem using two heuristic-based algorithms that perform close to optimum for large scale cloud/edge environments. Since the optimization model involves conflicting objectives, we also investigate pareto optimal solution so that it optimizes multiple objectives as much as possible. The efficiency of proposed algorithms is evaluated using both simulation and emulation. The evaluation results show that the proposed optimization approach succeed in minimizing both cost and latency while the results are as accurate as optimal solution obtained by Gurobi (5%).
Phylosymmetric Algebras: Mathematical Properties of a New Tool in Phylogenetics
Authors: Hendriksen Michael , Shore Julia A.
Published: November 2020

In phylogenetics, it is of interest for rate matrix sets to satisfy closure under matrix multiplication as this makes finding the set of corresponding transition matrices possible without having to compute matrix exponentials. It is also advantageous to have a small number of free parameters as this, in applications, will result in a reduction in computation time. We explore a method of building a rate matrix set from a rooted tree structure by assigning rates to internal tree nodes and states to the leaves, then defining the rate of change between two states as the rate assigned to the most recent common ancestor of those two states. We investigate the properties of these matrix sets from both a linear algebra and a graph theory perspective and show that any rate matrix set generated this way is closed under matrix multiplication. The consequences of setting two rates assigned to internal tree nodes to be equal are then considered. This methodology could be used to develop parameterised models of amino acid substitution which have a small number of parameters but convey biological meaning.
Assessment of Arsenic in Groundwater of Southwestern Haryana, India and Chemical Body Burden Caused by its Ingestion
Authors: Yadav Poonam , Garg V. K. , Singh Balvinder , Mor Suman
Published: November 2020

This study was undertaken to quantify the naturally occurring arsenic in the groundwater and chemical body burden caused by its ingestion at some villages of Fatehabad district, Haryana, India. The arsenic levels in groundwater were quantified by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-AAS). Arsenic concentration in the groundwater was found to be in the range of <0.05 to 4.53 μg L–1 which is within WHO and BIS acceptable limits (10 μg L–1). The significant positive correlation between pH - As (r=0.38**; P<0.01) showed that arsenic is more soluble in water at higher pH values. Oral arsenic exposure via groundwater ingestion ranged from <0.003 to 0.31 μg kg–1 day–1 which is significantly lower than WHO and BIS acceptable level (0.68 μg kg–1 day–1). The calculated non-cancer health risk was <1.0 which indicated that chemical burden caused by arsenic through drinking water in the study area is not a cause of concern. The calculated carcinogenic health risk was in the range of <5.06E-06 - 4.59E-04 which is slightly higher than acceptable limits.
Occurrence of naphthenate deposition in crude oil production field offshore Niger Delta
Authors: Lawal Opeyemi , Adekola Solomon A. , Akinlua Akinsehinwa
Published: November 2020

Crude oil and produced water samples obtained from ten wells in an offshore field, Niger Delta, were analyzed, in order to determine the occurrence of naphthenates deposition in the field. Total acid number (TAN) and °API of the crude oil samples, pH and metal ions concentrations of the produced water samples were determined. The results revealed that TAN values ranged from 0.47 to 1.01 mgKOH/g with pH of 6.9–8.9, which were above established threshold. The metal ions concentrations especially for Ca++ and Na+ were relatively high. These imply a high possibility of metal-naphthenate precipitation in the oil production facilities in this field.
It All Depends on What You Want to Believe: How Young Adults Navigate Religion and Science
Authors: Longest Kyle C. , Uecker Jeremy E.
Published: November 2020

Background

Religion and science are typically portrayed as fundamentally at odds and in competition over truth claims. Yet recent studies have shown that many Americans, including scientists, do not necessarily hold such a straightforward perspective on this complicated relationship. The majority of current studies have been limited in fully capturing the way people construct and understand the relationship between these domains given their predominant use of close-ended survey methodologies.

Purpose

This study seeks to enhance our knowledge of how people navigate religion and science issues by allowing young adults to respond to open-ended questions from semi-structured, in-depth interviews about how they navigate the domains of religion and science.

Methods

We analyze 214 qualitative, in-depth interviews with young adults who participated in Wave 3 of the National Study of Youth and Religion.

Results

Results confirm that a warfare model is not the dominant perspective among young adults today. Rather, analyses revealed five predominant themes among young adults: (1) They commonly construe this relationship in purely individualistic terms, believing people do and should sort the truth out for themselves; (2) They see the two as mutually deficient and therefore both are needed to answer different questions; (3) Their understanding of this relationship reduces to how one views the origins of the world; (4) They believe the two can actually be mutually supportive; and (5) Any contention between the two stems from institutional conflicts, primarily in the realm of education, not competing claims about fundamental truths.

Conclusions and Implications

Beliefs about religion and science among young adults are complex and not captured fully by close-ended survey questions. This question is clearly one that most young adults have considered and can articulate. Future research should consider how these beliefs are formulated and what influence they have on life outcomes.
Enhanced performance of dye-sensitized solar cell with thermally stable natural dye-assisted TiO2/MnO2 bilayer-assembled photoanode
Authors: Datta Shyamal , Dey Argha , Singha Nayan Ranjan , Roy Subhasis
Published: November 2020

This study reports the performance analysis of an organic dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), introducing MnO2 as an electron transport layer in TiO2/MnO2 bilayer assembly. The DSSCs have been fabricated using TiO2 and TiO2/MnO2 layer-by-layer architecture films onto fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass and sensitized with natural dye extracted from Malvaviscus penduliflorus flower in ethanol medium. The counter electrode was prepared to layer copper powder containing paste onto FTO's conductive side by the doctor's blade method. The optical, morphological, and structural properties of photoanodes were explored via ultraviolet–visible, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analyses. Moreover, dye complexity and thermostability of dyes were characterized via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analyses. The iodide/triiodide (i.e., I−/I3−) redox couple of electrolyte solution was employed as a charge transport medium between the electrodes. Finally, photoanode and counter electrode sandwiches were assembled to envisage the photovoltaic performance potential under simulated AM 1.5G solar illumination using 100 mW cm–2 light intensity. The as-fabricated DSSC comprising TiO2/MnO2 bilayer assembly exhibited 6.02 mA cm–2 short circuit current density (Jsc), 0.38 V open-circuit voltage (Voc), 40.38% fill factor, and 0.92% conversion efficiency, which is about 200% higher compared to the assembly devoid of MnO2 layer.