bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimisation of used nuclear fuel canister loading using a neural network and genetic algorithm
Authors: Solans Virginie , Rochman Dimitri , Brazell Christian , Vasiliev Alexander , Ferroukhi Hakim , Pautz Andreas
Published: July 2021

This paper presents an approach for the optimisation of geological disposal canister loadings, combining high resolution simulations of used nuclear fuel characteristics with an articial neural network and a genetic algorithm. The used nuclear fuels (produced in an open fuel cycle without reprocessing) considered in this work come from a Swiss Pressurised Water Reactor, taking into account their realistic lifetime in the reactor core and cooling periods, up to their disposal in the final geological repository. The case of 212 representative used nuclear fuel assemblies is analysed, assuming a loading of 4 fuel assemblies per canister, and optimizing two safety parameters: the fuel decay heat (DH) and the canister effective neutron multiplication factor k$$_{\mathrm{eff}}$$

eff

. In the present approach, a neural network is trained as a surrogate model to evaluate the k$$_{\mathrm{eff}}$$

eff

value to substitute the time-consuming-code Monte Carlo transport & depletion SERPENT for specific canister loading calculations. A genetic algorithm is then developed to optimise simultaneously the canister k$$_{\mathrm{eff}}$$

eff

and DH values. The k$$_{\mathrm{eff}}$$

eff

computed during the optimisation algorithm is using the previously developed artificial neural network. The optimisation algorithm allows (1) to minimize the number of canisters, given assumed limits for both DH and k$$_{\mathrm{eff}}$$

eff

quantities and (2) to minimize DH and k$$_{\mathrm{eff}}$$

eff

differences among canisters. This study represents a proof-of-principle of the neural network and genetic algorithm capabilities, and will be applied in the future to a larger number of cases.
Self-healing trans-cloud applications
Authors: Brogi Antonio , Carrasco Jose , Durán Francisco , Pimentel Ernesto , Soldani Jacopo
Published: July 2021

Trans-cloud applications consist of multiple interacting components deployed across different cloud providers and at different service layers (IaaS and PaaS). In such complex deployment scenarios, fault handling and recovery need to deal with heterogeneous cloud offerings and to take into account inter-component dependencies. We propose a methodology for self-healing trans-cloud applications from failures occurring in application components or in the cloud services hosting them, both during deployment and while they are being operated. The proposed methodology enables reducing the time application components rely on faulted services, hence residing in “unstable” states where they can suddenly fail in cascade or exhibit erroneous behaviour. We also present an open-source prototype illustrating the feasibility of our proposal, which we have exploited to carry out an extensive evaluation based on controlled experiments and monkey testing.
Modified coronally advanced tunnel technique with enamel matrix derivative in addition to subepithelial connective tissue graft compared with connective tissue graft alone for the treatment of multiple gingival recessions: prognostic parameters for clinical treatment outcomes
Authors: Górski Bartłomiej , Górska Renata , Szerszeń Marcin , Kaczyński Tomasz
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To investigate factors that influence 12-month outcomes after treatment of multiple gingival recessions (GR) with modified coronally advanced tunnel (MCAT) and subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) with enamel matrix derivative (EMD) (tests) or without (controls).

Materials and methods

Twenty patients with 150 GR were treated. Logistic regression models were used to identify baseline parameters that could predict 12-month average root coverage (ARC), complete root coverage (CRC), root esthetic coverage score (RES), gain in keratinized tissue width (KTW), and gain in gingival thickness (GT).

Results

The likelihood of ARC > 85% increased sevenfold (odds ratio [OR] = 7.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.43–12.12), of achieving CRC: 21-fold (OR = 21.23; 95% CI = 10.21–45.32), and of gaining RES = 10: tenfold (OR = 10.23; 95% CI = 5.78–32.23) in favor of EMD-treated sites. With each 1-mm2 increase in baseline avascular exposed root surface area (AERSA), the odds of failure (ARC ≤ 85%, not achieving CRC and postoperative GT ≤ 2 mm) increased almost fourfold (OR = 3.56; 95% CI = 1.98–10.19), fourfold (OR = 4.23; 95% CI = 1.11–9.02), and nearly sixfold (OR = 5.76; 95% CI = 2.43–12.87), respectively. The greater the baseline GT, the more likely the chance of achieving CRC (OR = 10.23; 95% CI = 8.37–16.23) and RES = 10 (OR = 5.50; 95% CI = 3.34–16.43). All models exhibited fair to excellent discrimination and satisfactory calibration.

Conclusions

Based on logistic regression, EMD application improved postoperative ARC, CRC and RES; baseline AERSA predicted 12-month ARC, CRC, and GT gain, whereas baseline GT was a predictor of achieving CRC and perfect RES.

Clinical relevance

Additional use of EMD, lower baseline AERSA, and greater baseline GT significantly increase the odds of obtaining better outcomes 12 months after MCAT + SCTG technique.
Experimental investigation of a combinational iron chelating protoporphyrin IX prodrug for fluorescence detection and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Magnussen Anette , Reburn Charlotte , Perry Alexis , Wood Mark , Curnow Alison
Published: July 2021

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an oxygen-dependent, light-activated, and locally destructive drug treatment of cancer. Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX)-induced PDT exploits cancer cells’ own innate heme biosynthesis to hyper-accumulate the naturally fluorescent and photoactive precursor to heme, PpIX. This occurs as a result of administering heme precursors (e.g., aminolevulinic acid; ALA) because the final step of the pathway (the insertion of ferrous iron into PpIX by ferrochelatase to form heme) is relatively slow. Separate administration of an iron chelating agent has previously been demonstrated to significantly improve dermatological PpIX-PDT by further limiting heme production. A newly synthesized combinational iron chelating PpIX prodrug (AP2-18) has been assessed experimentally in cultured primary human cells of bladder and dermatological origin, as an alternative photosensitizing agent to ALA or its methyl or hexyl esters (MAL and HAL respectively) for photodetection/PDT. Findings indicated that the technique of iron chelation (either through the separate administration of the established hydroxypyridinone iron chelator CP94 or the just as effective combined AP2-18) did not enhance either PpIX fluorescence or PDT-induced (neutral red assessed) cell death in human primary normal and malignant bladder cells. However, 500 µM AP2-18 significantly increased PpIX accumulation and produced a trend of increased cell death within epithelial squamous carcinoma cells. PpIX accumulation destabilized the actin cytoskeleton in bladder cancer cells prior to PDT and resulted in caspase-3 cleavage/early apoptosis afterwards. AP2-18 iron chelation should continue to be investigated for the enhancement of dermatological PpIX-PDT applications but not bladder photodetection/PDT.
Natural history and treatment options of radiation-induced brain cavernomas: a systematic review
Authors: Patet Gildas , Bartoli Andrea , Meling Torstein R.
Published: July 2021

Radiation-induced cavernous malformations (RICMs) are delayed complications of brain irradiation during childhood. Its natural history is largely unknown and its incidence may be underestimated as RCIMS tend to develop several years following radiation. No clear consensus exists regarding the long-term follow-up or treatment. A systematic review of Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, was performed. Based on our inclusion/exclusion criteria, 12 articles were included, totaling 113 children with RICMs, 86 were treated conservatively, and 27 with microsurgery. We were unable to precisely define the incidence and natural history from this data. The mean age at radiation treatment was 7.3 years, with a slight male predominance (54%) and an average dose of 50.0 Gy. The mean time to detection of RICM was 9.2 years after radiation. RICM often developed at distance from the primary lesion, more specifically frontal (35%) and temporal lobe (34%). On average, 2.6 RICMs were discovered per child. Sixty-seven percent were asymptomatic. Twenty-one percent presented signs of hemorrhage. Clinical outcome was favorable in all children except in 2. Follow-up data were lacking in most of the studies. RICM is most often asymptomatic but probably an underestimated complication of cerebral irradiation in the pediatric population. Based on the radiological development of RICMs, many authors suggest a follow-up of at least 15 years. Studies suggest observation for asymptomatic lesions, while surgery is reserved for symptomatic growth, hemorrhage, or focal neurological deficits.
Guiding the evolution of product-line configurations
Authors: Nieke Michael , Sampaio Gabriela , Thüm Thomas , Seidl Christoph , Teixeira Leopoldo , Schaefer Ina
Published: July 2021

A product line is an approach for systematically managing configuration options of customizable systems, usually by means of features. Products are generated for configurations consisting of selected features. Product-line evolution can lead to unintended changes to product behavior. We illustrate that updating configurations after product-line evolution requires decisions of both, domain engineers responsible for product-line evolution as well as application engineers responsible for configurations. The challenge is that domain and application engineers might not be able to interact with each other. We propose a formal foundation and a methodology that enables domain engineers to guide application engineers through configuration evolution by sharing knowledge on product-line evolution and by defining automatic update operations for configurations. As an effect, we enable knowledge transfer between those engineers without the need for interactions. We evaluate our methodology on four large-scale industrial product lines. The results of the qualitative evaluation indicate that our method is flexible enough for real-world product-line evolution. The quantitative evaluation indicates that we detect product behavior changes for up to $$55.3\%$$

55.3
%

of the configurations which would not have been detected using existing methods.
Home range size in central chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) from Loango National Park, Gabon
Authors: Martínez-Íñigo Laura , Baas Pauline , Klein Harmonie , Pika Simone , Deschner Tobias
Published: July 2021

Ranging behavior has been studied extensively in eastern (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii)and western (P. t. verus) chimpanzees, but relatively little is known regarding home ranges of the other two subspecies (P. t. ellioti; P. t. troglodytes). In this study, we determined the home range size and space use of a habituated community (Rekambo) of central chimpanzees living in a habitat mosaic in Loango National Park, Gabon. Data on travel routes were collected during follows between January 2017 and April 2019 (N = 670,616 relocations, collected over 640 days and 5690 h of observation). We used three methods for calculating home range size (minimum convex polygon, kernel density estimation, and biased random bridges). We compare our estimates to those obtained from prior genetic and camera trap studies of the Rekambo community and contrast them with estimates from other chimpanzee communities of the four chimpanzee subspecies. Depending on the methodology used, the home range size of the Rekambo community ranged between 27.64 and 59.03 km2. The location of the center of the home range remained relatively stable over the last decade, while the overall size decreased. The Rekambo home range is, therefore, one of the largest documented so far for chimpanzees outside savannah-woodland habitats. We discuss several explanations, including the presence of savannah, interspecies competition, and intercommunity interactions.
Correction to: Phosphorylation of pericyte FAK‑Y861 affects tumour cell apoptosis and tumour blood vessel regression
Authors: Lees Delphine M. , Reynolds Louise E. , Pedrosa Ana Rita , Roy-Luzarraga Marina , Hodivala-Dilke Kairbaan M.
Published: July 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10456-021-09802-9
Optimizing teacher basic need satisfaction in distributed healthcare contexts
Authors: Verhees M. J. M. , Engbers R. E. , Landstra A. M. , Bouwmans G. A. M. , Koksma J. J. , Laan R. F. J. M.
Published: July 2021

Optimizing teacher motivation in distributed learning environments is paramount to ensure high-quality education, as medical education is increasingly becoming the responsibility of a larger variety of healthcare contexts. This study aims to explore teaching-related basic need satisfaction, e.g. teachers’ feelings of autonomy, competence and relatedness in teaching, in different healthcare contexts and to provide insight into its relation to contextual factors. We distributed a digital survey among healthcare professionals in university hospitals (UH), district teaching hospitals (DTH), and primary care (PC). We used the Teaching-related Basic Need Satisfaction scale, based on the Self-Determination theory, to measure teachers’ basic needs satisfaction in teaching. We studied relations between basic need satisfaction and perceived presence of contextual factors associated with teacher motivation drawn from the literature. Input from 1407 healthcare professionals was analyzed. PC healthcare professionals felt most autonomous, UH healthcare professionals felt most competent, and DTH healthcare professionals felt most related. Regardless of work context, teachers involved in educational design and who perceived more appreciation and developmental opportunities for teaching reported higher feelings of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in teaching, as did teachers who indicated that teaching was important at their job application. Perceived facilitators for teaching were associated with feeling more autonomous and related. These results can be utilized in a variety of healthcare contexts for improving teaching-related basic need satisfaction. Recommendations for practice include involving different healthcare professionals in educational development and coordination, forming communities of teachers across healthcare contexts, and addressing healthcare professionals’ intentions to be involved in education during job interviews.
Load-dependent power transfer efficiency for on-chip coils
Authors: Nilsson Joakim , Borg Johan , Johansson Jonny
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a theory for the power transfer efficiency of printed circuit board coils to integrated circuit coils, with focus on load-dependence for low-power single-chip systems. The theory is verified with electromagnetic simulations modelled on a 350 nm CMOS process which in turn are verified by measurements on manufactured integrated circuits. The power transfer efficiency is evaluated by on-chip rectification of a 151 MHz signal transmitted by a spiral coil on a printed circuit board at 10 mm of separation to an on-chip coil. Such an approach avoids the influence of off-chip parasitic elements such as bond wires, which would reduce the accuracy of the evaluation. It is found that there is a lower limit for the load below which reducing the power consumption of on-chip circuits yield no increase in voltage generated at the load. For the examined process technology, this limit appears to lie around 56 k$$\Omega$$
Ω
. The paper is focused on the analysis and verification of the theory behind this limit. We relate the results presented in this work to the application of wireless single-chip temperature monitoring of power semiconductors and conclude that such a system would be compatible with this limit.
Profit maximization in an inventory system with time-varying demand, partial backordering and discrete inventory cycle
Authors: San-José Luis A. , Sicilia Joaquín , González-de-la-Rosa Manuel , Febles-Acosta Jaime
Published: July 2021

In this paper, an inventory problem where the inventory cycle must be an integer multiple of a known basic period is considered. Furthermore, the demand rate in each basic period is a power time-dependent function. Shortages are allowed but, taking necessities or interests of the customers into account, only a fixed proportion of the demand during the stock-out period is satisfied with the arrival of the next replenishment. The costs related to the management of the inventory system are the ordering cost, the purchasing cost, the holding cost, the backordering cost and the lost sale cost. The problem is to determine the best inventory policy that maximizes the profit per unit time, which is the difference between the income obtained from the sales of the product and the sum of the previous costs. The modeling of the inventory problem leads to an integer nonlinear mathematical programming problem. To solve this problem, a new and efficient algorithm to calculate the optimal inventory cycle and the economic order quantity is proposed. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate how the algorithm works to determine the best inventory policies. A sensitivity analysis of the optimal policy with respect to some parameters of the inventory system is developed. Finally, conclusions and suggestions for future research lines are given.
Translational invasion ecology: bridging research and practice to address one of the greatest threats to biodiversity
Authors: Morelli Toni Lyn , Brown-Lima Carrie J. , Allen Jenica M. , Beaury Evelyn M. , Fusco Emily J. , Barker-Plotkin Audrey , Laginhas Brittany B. , Quirion Brendan R. , Griffin Bridget , McLaughlin Blair , Munro Lara , Olmstead Nancy , Richburg Julie , Bradley Bethany A.
Published: July 2021

Effective natural resource management and policy is contingent on information generated by research. Conversely, the applicability of research depends on whether it is responsive to the needs and constraints of resource managers and policy makers. However, many scientific fields including invasion ecology suffer from a disconnect between research and practice. Despite strong socio-political imperatives, evidenced by extensive funding dedicated to addressing invasive species, the pairing of invasion ecology with stakeholder needs to support effective management and policy is lacking. As a potential solution, we propose translational invasion ecology (TIE). As an extension of translational ecology, as a framework to increase collaboration among scientists, practitioners, and policy makers to reduce negative impacts of invasive species. As an extension of translational ecology, TIE is an approach that embodies an intentional and inclusive process in which researchers, stakeholders, and decision makers collaborate to develop and implement ecological research via joint consideration of the ecological, sociological, economic, and/or political contexts in order to improve invasive species management. TIE ideally results in improved outcomes as well as shared benefits between researchers and managers. We delineate the steps of our proposed TIE approach and describe successful examples of ongoing TIE projects from the US and internationally. We suggest practical ways to begin incorporating TIE into research and management practices, including supporting boundary-spanning organizations and activities, expanding networks, sharing translational experiences, and measuring outcomes. We find that there is a need for strengthened boundary spanning, as well as funding and recognition for advancing translational approaches. As climate change and globalization exacerbate invasive species impacts, TIE provides a promising approach to generate actionable ecological research while improving outcomes of invasive species management and policy decisions.
Preparation and characterization of bionanocomposite films based on wheat starch and reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Montero Belén , Rico Maite , Barral Luis , Bouza Rebeca , López Joaquín , Schmidt Anja , Bittmann-Hennes Birgit
Published: July 2021

In recent times, the attention of scientific community has been focusing on the replacement of petroleum-based polymers by others more environmentally friendly. In this sense, bionanocomposites based on glycerol-plasticized wheat starch and reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were prepared by a solvent-casting process to obtain environmentally friendly films. The plasticization process was proven to be complete in the conditions used and no residual crystallinity was observed in any case. The incorporation of CNCs leads to materials with increased rigidity (about 1000% increment in modulus) which is related to a good filler-matrix interaction and to the formation of a rigid crystalline network of cellulose. This fact allowed also to improve the moisture resistance and the barrier properties (in both, oxygen and water vapor as permeant) of the bionanocomposite films due to the formation of a tortuous path, which prevent the gas diffusion. Moreover, the thermal stability of films was not affected by the filler incorporation. These improvements in the properties make these films susceptible to be used in short-time applications in the food packaging industry.
Spray coating of cellulose aerogel particles in a miniaturized spouted bed
Authors: Schroeter Baldur , Yonkova Velislava P. , Goslinska Monika , Orth Maike , Pietsch Swantje , Gurikov Pavel , Smirnova Irina , Heinrich Stefan
Published: July 2021

Aim of this work is to apply protective and homogeneous shellac coating layers on the surface of hydrophilic open-pore cellulose aerogel particles with low densities ≤ 0.1 g/cm3 and high specific surface areas in the range of ~ 400–450 m2/g while keeping the aerogels’ microstructure intact during processing. For this purpose, an innovative miniaturized spouted bed setup was used. Successful process settings for application of enclosed films on aerogel surfaces without intrusion of coating material into the pores were determined. Precise control of coating layer thickness in the range of 10–50 µm was achieved due to variation of coating solution amount without agglomeration and clogging events occurring during processing. Comparison of bulk densities and specific surface areas before and after coating proved the intactness of the porous structure. Coating of particles loaded with vanillin led to controlled release, enhancing release half-life times from 20 to 1600 min. Overall, a successful strategy for coating of organic low-density aerogels was developed.
Diagonal groups and arcs over groups
Authors: Bailey R. A. , Cameron Peter J. , Kinyon Michael , Praeger Cheryl E.
Published: July 2021

In an earlier paper by three of the present authors and Csaba Schneider, it was shown that, for $$m\ge 2$$

m
≥
2

, a set of $$m+1$$

m
+
1

partitions of a set $$\Omega $$
Ω
, any m of which are the minimal non-trivial elements of a Cartesian lattice, either form a Latin square (if $$m=2$$

m
=
2

), or generate a join-semilattice of dimension m associated with a diagonal group over a base group G. In this paper we investigate what happens if we have $$m+r$$

m
+
r

partitions with $$r\ge 2$$

r
≥
2

, any m of which are minimal elements of a Cartesian lattice. If $$m=2$$

m
=
2

, this is just a set of mutually orthogonal Latin squares. We consider the case where all these squares are isotopic to Cayley tables of groups, and give an example to show the groups need not be all isomorphic. For $$m>2$$

m
>
2

, things are more restricted. Any $$m+1$$

m
+
1

of the partitions generate a join-semilattice admitting a diagonal group over a group G. It may be that the groups are all isomorphic, though we cannot prove this. Under an extra hypothesis, we show that G must be abelian and must have three fixed-point-free automorphisms whose product is the identity. (We describe explicitly all abelian groups having such automorphisms.) Under this hypothesis, the structure gives an orthogonal array, and conversely in some cases. If the group is cyclic of prime order p, then the structure corresponds exactly to an arc of cardinality $$m+r$$

m
+
r

in the $$(m-1)$$

(
m
-
1
)

-dimensional projective space over the field with p elements, so all known results about arcs are applicable. More generally, arcs over a finite field of order q give examples where G is the elementary abelian group of order q. These examples can be lifted to non-elementary abelian groups using p-adic techniques.
An indicator-based sustainability assessment method for indigenous communities: a case study from Mexico
Authors: Molina Maturano Jessica , García Serrano Luz A. , Carmona García Juan A. , García de Alva Magos Mayela A. , Hersperger Anna M.
Published: July 2021

Indigenous and Western communities are faced with increasing issues of sustainability compromising their natural resources and cultural heritage, for example, a cross-pollination/complementary approach in relation to their current knowledge systems and discourses on sustainability. There is a need for methods that integrate different discourses relating to sustainability to identify the most pressing needs in terms of sustainability. Sustainability assessments are a type of impact assessment that focus on enhanced sustainability both now and in the future; however, the literature on indigenous sustainability assessment methods, is scarce. To address this gap, we have developed a novel Sustainability Assessment method for Indigenous Communities (SAIC). The SAIC method combines Western and indigenous sustainability objectives and principles, in order to extend the range of options for action to address sustainability. The SAIC method consists of two sections (i) values and considerations and (ii) procedure. The “values and considerations” section establishes the fundamental participatory and ethical considerations for conducting sustainability assessments in indigenous communities, and the “procedure” section establishes a set of 55 indicators in eight categories. The method was tested in a Zapotec, indigenous community in México. Results show that this community was rated highly in all eight categories. However, indicators for family planning and access to health services were rated poorly. The identified issues can be used as guidelines for decision making in future regional projects and development plans. The results reveal further areas for improvement, such as strengthening the links to national or international networks and increasing the use of renewable energies. The method presented in this paper provides an assessment approach based on Western and indigenous sustainability discourses, which is suitable for assessing indigenous communities.
The moderating effect of collective efficacy on the relationship between environmental values and ecological behaviors
Authors: Cuadrado E. , Macias-Zambrano L. H. , Carpio A. J. , Tabernero C.
Published: July 2021

Sustainability implies improvements in responsible behaviors such as recycling and energy saving. Yet, ecological behaviors cannot be improved only by attending to personal variables; focus must also be put on the collective variables. The main aim of this research was to analyze how individual variables (environmental values) and collective variables (collective efficacy for ecological behavior) interact to explain recycling (Study 1; 502 students of Spanish universities) and energy-saving behaviors (Study 2; 544 students of Ecuadorian universities). Participants completed an online questionnaire that reflected all the studied variables. Ecological behaviors were collected through frequency scales. The results of the moderated analyses performed with Process for SPSS confirmed the moderating effect of collective efficacy in the relationship that both preservation and appreciation established with recycling and energy-saving behavior alike. This moderating effect was also confirmed in the relationship that utilization developed with recycling, but not with energy saving. Thus, collective efficacy directly influences pro-environmental behavior, but also interacts with the personal values of individuals. Consequently, the results indicate the need to encourage collective efficacy for ecological behaviors of individuals, groups, collectives, and communities.
Designing and developing smart production planning and control systems in the industry 4.0 era: a methodology and case study
Authors: Oluyisola Olumide Emmanuel , Bhalla Swapnil , Sgarbossa Fabio , Strandhagen Jan Ola
Published: July 2021

In furtherance of emerging research within smart production planning and control (PPC), this paper prescribes a methodology for the design and development of a smart PPC system. A smart PPC system uses emerging technologies such as the internet of things, big-data analytics tools and machine learning running on the cloud or on edge devices to enhance performance of PPC processes. It achieves this by using a wider range of data sources from the production system, capturing and utilizing the experience of production planners, using analytics and machine learning to harness insights from the data and allowing dynamic and near real-time action to the continuously changing production system. The proposed methodology is illustrated with a case study in a sweets and snacks manufacturing company, to highlight the key considerations and challenges production managers might face during its application. The case further demonstrates considerations for scalability and flexibility via a loosely coupled, service-oriented architecture and the selection of fitting algorithms respectively to address a business requirement for a short-term, multi-criteria and event-driven production planning and control solution. Finally, the paper further discusses the challenges of PPC in smart manufacturing and the importance of fitting smart technologies to planning environment characteristics.
Thermodynamic properties of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin/guest interaction: a survey of recent studies
Authors: D’Aria Federica , Pagano Bruno , Giancola Concetta
Published: July 2021

For many years, cyclodextrins (CDs) have been the object of attention for their capability of improving the stability, solubility and bioavailability of numerous molecules of interest, including drugs and nutraceuticals. They have low toxicity and for this reason have been employed for different routes of administration, including oral, ocular, nasal and parenteral. Among them, the hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) is the least toxic. Several physicochemical methodologies have been employed for studying cyclodextrin/guest interaction, but isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) is the only one capable of simultaneously providing the binding constant, ΔH°, ΔS°, ΔG° and the binding stoichiometry. Here, we present the state of the art of ITC studies applied to HP-β-CD/guest complexes, discussing selected publications of the last five years, highlighting the thermodynamic factors that are decisive for optimal encapsulation.
A puzzle about accommodation and truth
Authors: Ball Derek , Huvenes Torfinn Thomesen
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss a puzzle involving accommodation. The puzzle is based on three assumptions. The first assumption is that accommodation takes place after an utterance. The second assumption is that accommodation can make a difference to the truth-value of an utterance even if the utterance is not about the future. The third assumption is that something that takes place after an utterance cannot make a difference to the truth-value of the utterance unless the utterance is about the future. Since these assumptions are jointly inconsistent, one of them must be false. The question is which one we ought to reject. The majority of the discussion is devoted to discussing each of the options, and the tentative conclusion is that the most plausible strategy is to reject the third thesis. That amounts to saying that something that takes place after an utterance can make a difference to the truth-value of the utterance even if the utterance is not about the future.
Correction to: Social inequalities in health‑related quality of life among people aging with HIV/AIDS: the role of comorbidities and disease severity
Authors: Drewes Jochen , Ebert Jennifer , Langer Phil C. , Kleiber Dieter , Gusy Burkhard
Published: July 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-021-02854-w
The impact of self-assessment, planning and goal setting, and reflection before and after revision on student self-efficacy and writing performance
Authors: Chung Huy Q. , Chen Vicky , Olson Carol Booth
Published: July 2021

Writing on-demand, text-based analytical essays is a challenging skill to master. Novice writers, such as the sixth grade US students in this study, may lack background knowledge of how to compose an effective essay, the self-efficacy skills, and the goal setting skills that will help with completing this task in accomplished ways. This sequential mixed-method study explored the impact of guiding a predominantly Redesignated English Learner group of students in a large, urban, low-SES school district in a timed, on-demand essay into a multiple draft process paper through a self-assessment, planning and goal setting, and reflection process as they revised this process paper over a three week period. Both treatment and comparison students completed a pre-test on demand writing assessment, a pre and post self-efficacy in writing survey, and a post-test on demand writing assessment. Students in both conditions were participating in a year-long writing intervention called The Pathway to Academic Success, developed and implemented by the UC Irvine site of the National Writing Project (UCI Writing Project), during the 2017–2018 school year and received identical training from their teachers on how to revise a pre-test essay. However, only the treatment group engaged in self-assessment, planning and goal setting, and reflection during this revision process. Students in the treatment condition demonstrated improved self-efficacy in the writing sub-domain of revision (p < .05) and had statistically significant greater gains on the post-test writing assessment (r = .57;p < .001). These results suggest that engaging students in a planned revision process that includes student reflection, planning, and goal setting before revision, and reflection and self-assessment after revision, positively impacts self-efficacy and writing outcomes.
Achieving task allocation in swarm intelligence with bi-objective embodied evolution
Authors: Shan Qihao , Mostaghim Sanaz
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we seek to achieve task allocation in swarm intelligence using an embodied evolutionary framework, which aims to generate divergent and specialized behaviors among a swarm of agents in an online and self-organized manner. In our considered scenario, specialization is encouraged through a bi-objective composite fitness function for the genomes, which is the weighted sum of a local and a global fitness function. The former depends only on the behavior of an agent itself, while the latter depends on the effectiveness of cooperation among all nearby agents. We have tested two existing variants of embodied evolution on this scenario and compared their performances against those of an individual random walk baseline algorithm. We have found out that those two embodied evolutionary algorithms have good performances at the extreme cases of weight configurations, but are not adequate when the two objective functions interact. We thus propose a novel bi-objective embodied evolutionary algorithm, which handles the aforementioned scenario by controlling the proportion of specialized behaviors via a dynamic reproductive isolation mechanism. Its performances are compared against those of other considered algorithms, as well as the theoretical Pareto frontier produced by NSGA-II.
Collaboration, supervision and patient safety in the era of COVID-19: an analysis of medical wards and ICU
Authors: Lincoln Marc , Gabr Ahmed , Kennedy Cormac , Murphy Catherine , Patterson Aileen , O’Connor Enda , Hennessy Martina
Published: July 2021

Aims

COVID-19 resulted in significant changes across medical wards and ICU in St James’s Hospital Dublin. This included the implementation of ward-based medical teams (WBMT). The purpose of this study was to identify how these structural changes affected inter-professional collaboration, supervision and patient safety.

Methods

Questionnaires were distributed to doctors working on medical wards and ICU at the height of the first wave of COVID-19. The sense of collaboration, patient safety and supervision were assessed.

Results

Fifty-three doctors took part in the study. Thirty-three (62%) felt that collaboration was better than normal. Forty-six (87%) of participants described supervision as “good” or “excellent”. Thirty-one out of 40 participants (77%) felt that patient safety was better than normal.

Discussion

Implementation of WBMT may result in improved sense of collaboration, supervision and patient safety during COVID-19; however, the increased sense of solidarity and comradery felt during the initial surge make drawing these conclusions challenging.
The role of radiotherapy for pancreatic malignancies: a population-based analysis of the SEER database
Authors: Luo Y.
Published: July 2021

Background

To investigate the role of adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Methods and patients

The patients with pancreatic cancer from 18 registered institutions in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database were retrospectively analyzed. The characteristics of patients who would benefit from adjuvant radiotherapy were screened, as well as whether neoadjuvant or adjuvant radiotherapy conferred to a better clinical outcome. Propensity score matching was used to control for confounding features.

Results

Thirty thousand two hundred and forty-nine patients were included in this study (21,295 vs 8954 in surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy group); 1150 patients were matched in two groups. The median survivals in the surgery (S) group and adjuvant radiotherapy (S + R) group were 24 and 21 months, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates in the S group and S + R group were 68%, 40%, 31%, and 75%, 30%, 20%, respectively (p < 0.001), and the median OS was 22 and 25 months in S and S + R group after PSM, the former 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year OS were 73%, 45%, 30%, and 19%, and the later were 81%, 52%, 37%, and 24% (p = 0.0015), respectively; stratified analysis showed patients whose carcinoma located at pancreatic head with II stage infiltrating duct carcinoma (22 vs 25, p = 0.0276), T4 adenocarcinoma (28 vs 33, p = 0.0022), N1 stage adenocarcinoma (20 vs 23, p = 0.0203), and patients with infiltrating duct carcinoma received regional resection (23 vs 25, p = 0.028) and number of resected lymph node were ≥ 4 (22 vs 25, p = 0.009) had better OS after additional radiotherapy than surgery alone. Patients with pancreatic body/tail carcinoma III stage adenocarcinoma (13 vs, p = 0.0503) and T4 adenocarcinoma (14 vs, p = 0.0869) had survival advantage within 24 months for additional radiotherapy. However, patients with T2 stage adenocarcinoma located in pancreatic body/tail had better OS in surgery group than that in R + S group.

Conclusions

Additional radiotherapy may contribute to improved prognosis for patients with pancreatic head II stage infiltrating duct carcinoma, III stage adenocarcinoma, T4 stage carcinoma, N1 stage adenocarcinoma, regional resection, or number of lymphadenectomy ≥ 4 in infiltrating duct carcinoma. A specific subgroup of patients with specific stage and histological type pancreatic cancer should be considered for additional radiotherapy.
Developing a Water Quality Assessment Framework for Southwest Florida Tidal Creeks
Authors: Wessel Michael R. , Leverone Jay R. , Beck Marcus W. , Sherwood Edward T. , Hecker Jennifer , West Steven , Janicki Anthony
Published: July 2021

The three contiguous National Estuary Programs of southwest Florida, along with partners from six coastal counties, have developed a tidal creek water quality assessment framework to help prioritize natural resource investigations across a large population of tidal creeks between Tampa Bay and Estero Bay, Florida. The assessment framework is based on outcomes of a multidisciplinary study and includes a nutrient based report card that characterizes nutrient conditions relative to regional numeric nutrient criteria developed for contributing freshwater streams, identification of site-specific water quality indicators of tidal creek condition, and an online open science dashboard to display the assessment framework and provide access to all information relevant to its implementation. Application of the assessment framework has provided an actionable list of southwest Florida tidal creeks prioritized for further research and potential management action along with a host of site-specific indicator results that provide insights into drivers of tidal creek condition. The open science dashboard provides a platform for dissemination of this information in a readily accessible and reproducible format and a means to incorporate new data and indicators as they become available. Local resource managers are in need of tools to help prioritize natural resource investigations and management actions that achieve the greatest resource benefit with limited available resources. This assessment framework informs these efforts and builds capacity for future research to identify and refine management tools for these creeks where management resources, data, and sentinel biological response endpoints are limited.
Linking Geoheritage and Traditional Architecture for Mitigating Depopulation in Rural Areas: the Palaeozoic Villages Route (Courel Mountains UNESCO Global Geopark, Spain)
Authors: Ballesteros Daniel , Caldevilla Pablo , Vila Ramón , Barros Xose Carlos , Alemparte Martín
Published: July 2021

The use of stone in traditional architecture represents one of the most relevant links between geological and cultural heritage. As a topic of general interest and easily understandable to all public, this link is a guiding thread for touristic routes mitigating the depopulation trend that affects large inland rural areas, including many areas in UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp). In the northwest of Spain, the Courel Mountains UGGp created the Palaeozoic Villages Route for touristic purposes in 2018, highlighting the relevance of local stones in traditional architecture as a key feature for sustainable development. For the design and creation of this route, seven villages were selected along six criteria: (1) the representativeness of the building stone with the bedrock of the UGGp, (2) the preserved traditional architecture, (3) their link with geoheritage, (4) the scenic beauty of their surroundings, (5) the potential combination with other touristic activities, and (6) the presence of local services. The Palaeozoic Villages Route exhibits four rock types/sections/structures spanning four Palaeozoic periods, as well as different uses for walling and roofing depending on the rock feature. Since 2018, the route experienced an increased revenue of 19% in the touristic sector to the traditional villages, while visitors used up to 61% of the local services of the UGGp for one or more days. In addition, the route reinforces the awareness of depopulation and abandonment of rural villages, fostering the purchase and/or restoration of dwellings as second regular residences in tranquil and scenic environments. In the short to medium term, these actions are expected to reverse or, at least, minimise the loss of population in the UGGp.
Effectiveness of the reflection-based reciprocal teaching approach for reading comprehension achievement in upper secondary school in Myanmar
Authors: Oo Tun Zaw , Magyar Andrea , Habók Anita
Published: July 2021

This study investigates the effectiveness of the reflection-based reciprocal teaching (RBRT) approach for Myanmar upper secondary school students’ reading comprehension in English. In the RBRT approach, the main frame is based on the reflective teaching model for reading comprehension (Oo and Habók in Int Electron J Elementary Educ 13(1):127–138, 2020), in which the reciprocal teaching method (involving questioning, clarifying, summarizing, and predicting) was applied. This study used cluster randomized trials. Two groups participated in the research: the experimental group, who were taught with the RBRT approach, and the control group, who were taught with traditional methods. Results showed that the RBRT approach has a strong effect on students’ English reading comprehension achievement. The experimental group increased its achievement on the posttest significantly, and the students’ results showed high effect size. It was also found that teachers’ reflection on the instructional context had a considerable impact on raising students’ reading comprehension achievement. The RBRT approach can be successfully applied in the classroom environment to develop students’ reading comprehension in English in Myanmar.
Possible mechanism of the formation of the Jichechang ground fissure in Datong, China, based on in-situ observations
Authors: Liu Ruichun , Yang Chengsheng , Wang Qingliang , Ji Lingyun
Published: July 2021

The Datong region of China suffers from severe ground fissure (GF) disasters. The Jichechang ground fissure (JGF) is typical among the GFs in Datong and is the most active. To provide scientific guidance for disaster mitigation, understanding the mechanisms governing GF activity in Datong needs to be improved. Here, long-term monitoring data (> 10 years) for the JGF are used to study the characteristics of its activity. The results show that the formation of GFs is mainly controlled by concealed faults. The JGF is mainly active in the vertical direction, with a differential vertical displacement 2.5 times greater than the horizontal displacement. The GF activity is periodic, with a periodicity of 320–420 days, which corresponds to the cycle of local agricultural irrigation. The JGF is especially active in June and July. The vertical activity of this fissure also displays a distinct quasi-periodic step-like displacement acceleration with a duration of 18–38 days. Numerical simulations show that irrigation pumping within 10 km of the JGF has a significant effect on the vertical movement of GFs. These results provide a better understanding of the mechanisms governing GF activity in this area and provide a valuable reference for the study of GFs in other regions.