bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Physician‐Dietitian Collaboration
Authors: Ireton‐Jones Carol , Weisberg Michael F.
Published: August 2020

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects 10%–15% of adults in the United States and 12% of the worldwide population. Gastroenterologists as well as primary care practitioners are likely to be the first resource for patients with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. IBS is difficult to diagnose, as it is a functional GI disorder, determined after ruling out a myriad of other diagnoses. The 2016 Rome IV criteria define IBS as “a functional bowel disorder in which recurrent abdominal pain is associated with defecation or a change in bowel habits. Disordered bowel habits are typically present (ie, constipation, diarrhea, or a mix of constipation and diarrhea), as are symptoms of abdominal bloating/distension occurring over at least 6 months and not less than 3 months.” Treatment of IBS historically has been through medical management; however, nutrition management of IBS using the FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) elimination diet is now a recommended, first‐line therapy. FODMAPs are short‐chain, poorly absorbed carbohydrates that are associated with symptoms in people with IBS. This diet intervention can be quite challenging, and therefore, patients should meet with a qualified dietitian who can provide the complex diet information in a practicable form. Physician‐dietitian collaboration is invaluable for IBS patients to achieve a successful outcome.
Discriminant function analysis of atlas and axis vertebrae of the toothed whale to facilitate species identification in zooarchaeological specimens
Authors: Thongcharoenchaikit Cholawit , Eda Masaki
Published: August 2020

Cetaceans have long been exploited as a key marine resource for subsistence in many parts of the world. The bones of cetaceans in archaeological deposits tend to be highly fragmented but can be distinguished from other mammals by their unique cancellous texture. However, distinguishing species of cetaceans from one another is difficult because of their high morphological similarity. The current study establishes taxonomic identification criteria based on the atlas and axis vertebrae of modern toothed whale species, using discriminant function analysis (DFA). Canonical DFA was effective at classifying the atlas and axis vertebrae of modern toothed whales in a hierarchical classification system, with a successful classification rate in the superfamily of 97.1%, the family of 89.6% and subfamily of 78.9%. Of the 18 modern, toothed whale species, six scored the highest correct identification rate for each species (100.0%), whereas four other species had reasonably correct identification rates (80.0–99.0%), suggesting that species level identification of these species is sufficiently reliable. Application of the canonical DFA to identify the atlas and axis vertebrate of a zooarchaeological toothed whale from the Kafukai‐1 site, Rebun Island, Japan, resulted in a successful hierarchical classification at the species level. This paper demonstrates that the DFA approach is effective for identifying the atlas and axis vertebrate of toothed whales from archaeological sites. Further trials including the selection and reduction of further measurements are required for application to incomplete zooarchaeological materials to obtain correct classifications.
Optimal control analysis of a tuberculosis model with exogenous re‐infection and incomplete treatment
Authors: Abimbade S. F. , Olaniyi S. , Ajala O. A. , Ibrahim M. O.
Published: August 2020

A new mathematical model of tuberculosis (TB) featuring exogenous re‐infection and incomplete treatment is presented and analyzed. The model divides total population into susceptible, latently infected, actively infected (uninformed and enlightened), and treatment classes. The model with or without incomplete treatment exhibits backward bifurcation phenomenon, which is caused by the presence of exogenous re‐infection. However, further investigation reveals that the absence of incomplete treatment has the potential to reduce the backward bifurcation range significantly. The global dynamics of the TB model without exogenous re‐infection is completely determined by the basic reproduction number under certain modifications on parameters. Furthermore, the model is extended to include three time‐dependent control functions, such as public awareness campaign, treatment effort, and preventive control against incomplete treatment. The existence of the optimal control for the nonautonomous model is proven and the three controls are characterized using Pontryagin's maximum principle. Numerical simulations are performed to show the significance of singular implementation of each of the controls and combination of the three controls in minimizing the TB burden in the population.
Knowledge dimension in investment of the human capital as perceived by staff working in Jordanian insurance companies
Authors: Alsawalhah Jafer Marouf , Mustafa Ahmad Marwa Kamel
Published: August 2020

The main objective of this research is to address knowledge dimension of human capital in insurance sector in Jordan. There is an urgent need for studies on human capital, including intellectual capital (IC). After a thorough review of the research literature, the researchers were able to develop a questionnaire to apply to insurance companies in Jordan. In this study, the sample of 30 companies has been randomly selected from Amman, Zarqa, and Irbid in the insurance sector in Jordan. Means, SD, ANOVA analysis, and “Tukey Test” were used. Multiple regression was extracted for the first hypothesis, for subhypothesis simple regression is used. For the correlation indicator, we used Multicollinearity, finally Stepwise Regression was used. The values of the calculated t‐ratios for the staff position show that the nonsupervisory staff feel more than the supervisory staff in Staff Recruitment and Job Environment variables. And the supervisory staff feel more than the nonsupervisory staff in Staff Development. The values of the calculated t‐ratios for the gender show that the male staff feel more than the female staff in Staff Recruitment and Job Environment variables. And the female staff feel more than the male staff in Staff Development. The values of the calculated F‐ratios for each of the factors affecting knowledge dimension of the investment in human capital high and it can be concluded that there is significant statistical evidence that differences between factors exist according to the staff Work Place in variables Staff Recruitment, Job Environment, and Staff Development. Result of the test showed that staff who's working in Irbid feel in Staff Recruitment variable more than staff who's working in Zarqa. And the staff who's working in Zarqa feel in Staff Development variable more than staff who's working in Amman.
Prevention of COVID‐19 infection in a pediatric oncology ward in Wuhan
Authors: Zhang Ai , Hu Qun , Liu Aiguo , Wang Songmi , Jin Shourui , Wang Yao , Wang Li , Hao Yan
Published: August 2020

Objective

To assess the screening and isolation measures for preventing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection from newly admitted patients into a pediatric oncology ward.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 44 patients with established hematologic malignancies admitted for chemotherapy from January 23 to March 27, 2020 in the Department of Pediatric Hematology of Tongji Hospital, Wuhan. Every patient and their caregivers were well educated on personal protection and put it into effect at home and in hospital. Screening for COVID‐19 of all the patients and caregivers before admission was performed. Both clinical features and screening results including chest computerized tomography (CT); nucleic acid testing of nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal or anal swabs; and quantitative antibodies (IgM and IgG) detecting of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) of these patients were described.

Results

The results of nucleic acid and antibodies (IgM and IgG) testing of all the 44 inpatients and their caregivers were negative. Abnormal chest CT images were observed in six symptomatic patients, while chest CT images of their caregivers did not show the changes related to viral pneumonia. These symptomatic patients all recovered after antibacterial combined with antifungal treatment, but without any antiviral agents.

Conclusions

COVID‐19 infection could be prevented in pediatric patients with malignancies if proper protective measures were implemented. For patients presenting suspicious symptoms, comprehensive examinations should be carried out.
SIOP PODC–adapted treatment guidelines for craniopharyngioma in low‐ and middle‐income settings
Authors: Amayiri Nisreen , Spitaels Ariane , Zaghloul Mohamed , Figaji Anthony , Cavalheiro Sergio , Muller Hermann L. , Elhassan Moawia , Parkes Jeannette , Mushtaq Naureen , Beltagy Mohamed El , Yousef Yacoub A. , Esiashvili Natia , Sullivan Michael , da Costa Marcos Devanir , Dastoli Patricia , Mubarak Fatima , Bartels Ute , Chamdine Omar , Davidson Alan , Musharbash Awni , Alcasabas Patricia , Bouffet Eric , Bailey Simon
Published: August 2020

Pediatric craniopharyngioma is a rare tumor with excellent survival but significant long‐term morbidities due to the loco‐regional tumor growth or secondary to its treatment. Visual impairment, panhypopituitarism, hypothalamic damage, and behavioral changes are among the main challenges. This tumor should be managed under the care of a multidisciplinary team to determine the optimum treatment within the available resources. This is particularly important for low middle‐income countries where resources are variable. This report provides risk‐stratified management guidelines for children diagnosed with craniopharyngioma in a resource‐limited setting.
Diagnosis and treatment of pediatric myelodysplastic syndromes: A survey of the North American Pediatric Aplastic Anemia Consortium
Authors: Nakano Taizo A. , Lau Bonnie W. , Dickerson Kathryn E. , Wlodarski Marcin , Pollard Jessica , Shimamura Akiko , Hofmann Inga , Sasa Ghadir , Elghetany Tarek , Cada Michaela , Dror Yigal , Ding Hilda , Allen Steven W. , Hanna Rabbi , Campbell Kristen , Olson Timothy S.
Published: August 2020

Background

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) represent a group of clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders that commonly progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The diagnostics, prognostics, and treatment of adult MDS are established but do not directly translate to children and adolescents. Pediatric MDS is a rare disease, characterized by unique cytogenetics and histology compared with adult MDS, and often arises secondary to germline predisposition or cytotoxic exposures. Our objective was to highlight aspects of diagnosis/management that would benefit from further systematic review toward the development of clinical practice guidelines for pediatric MDS.

Procedure

The North American Pediatric Aplastic Anemia Consortium (NAPAAC) is composed of collaborative institutions with a strong interest in pediatric bone marrow failure syndromes and hematologic malignancies. The NAPAAC MDS working group developed a national survey distributed to 35 NAPAAC institutions to assess data on (1) clinical presentation of pediatric MDS, (2) diagnostic evaluation, (3) criteria for diagnosis, (4) supportive care and treatment decisions, and (5) role of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Results

Twenty‐eight of 35 institutions returned the survey. Most centers agreed on a common diagnostic workup, though there was considerable variation regarding the criteria for diagnosis. Although there was consensus on supportive care, treatment strategies, including the role of cytoreduction and HSCT, varied across centers surveyed.

Conclusions

There is lack of national consensus on diagnosis and treatment of pediatric MDS. This survey identified key aspects of MDS management that will warrant systematic review toward the goal of developing national clinical practice guidelines for pediatric MDS.
Molecular designing of high‐performance 3D star‐shaped electron acceptors containing a truxene core for nonfullerene organic solar cells
Authors: Khan Muhammad Usman , Mehboob Muhammad Yasir , Hussain Riaz , Fatima Rafia , Tahir Muhammad Suleman , Khalid Muhammad , Braga Ataualpa Albert Carmo
Published: August 2020

End‐capped modification is a convenient strategy to enhance the photovoltaic and electronic properties of fullerene‐free acceptor materials. In this report, five novel star‐shaped three‐dimensional acceptor molecules FH1–FH5 are designed by end‐capped modifications of recently synthesized star‐shaped Tr (Hex)6‐3BR molecule. The enhancement in the photovoltaic, electronic, and photophysical properties of designed molecules is examined with the aid of density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TDDFT). The MPW1PW91 functional in conjunction with 6‐31G(d,p) basis set of DFT/TDDFT is employed in order to compute various key parameters including frontier molecular orbitals analysis, absorption maxima, and binding energy along with transition density matrix, open‐circuit voltage, excitation energy, charge mobilities (electron and hole reorganizational energies), density of states, charge transfer with respect to HOMOPTB7‐Th–LUMOacceptor, and dipole moment. Red shifting in absorption spectra of acceptor materials is the most important reason for increasing efficiency of organic solar cells. A red shift in absorption spectra of all designed molecules is noted with low excitation energy. Designed molecules FH1–FH5 exhibit narrow energy gap with high electron mobility as compared with Tr (Hex)6‐3BR molecule. Among all designed molecules, FH4 is proved to be the best candidate for fullerene free organic solar cells because of narrow band gap, high charge mobility, high dipole moment, low excitation, and binding energy along with a red shift in absorption spectrum. Moreover, all designed molecules offer high current charge density as compared with Tr (Hex)6‐3BR. These results indicate that all star‐shaped conceptual molecules (FH1–FH5) are ideal aspirants for construction of future organic solar cells.
The psychosocial cost burden of cancer: A systematic literature review
Authors: Essue Beverley M. , Iragorri Nicolas , Fitzgerald Natalie , de Oliveira Claire
Published: August 2020

Background and Objective

Psychosocial costs, or quality of life costs, account for psychological distress, pain, suffering and other negative experiences associated with cancer. They contribute to the overall economic burden of cancer that patients experience. But this category of costs remains poorly understood. This hinders opportunities to make the best cancer control policy decisions. This study explored the psychosocial cost burden associated with cancer, how studies measure psychosocial costs and the impact of this burden.

Methods

A systematic literature review of academic and grey literature published from 2008 to 2018 was conducted by searching electronic databases, guided by the Institute of Medicine’s conceptualization of psychosocial burden. Results were analyzed using a narrative synthesis and a weighted proportion of populations affected was calculated. Study quality was assessed using the Ottawa‐Newcastle instrument.

Results

A total of 25 studies were included. There was variation in how psychosocial costs were conceptualized and an inconsistent approach to measurement. Most studies measured social dimensions and focused on the financial consequences of paying for care. Fewer studies assessed costs associated with the other domains of this burden, including psychological, physical, and spiritual dimensions. Fourty‐four percent of cancer populations studied were impacted by psychosocial costs and this varied by disease site (38%‐71%). Two studies monetized the psychosocial cost burden, estimating a lifetime cost per case ranging from CAD$427753 to CAD$528769. Studies were of varying quality; 60% of cross‐sectional studies had a high risk of bias.

Conclusions

Consistency in approach to measurement would help to elevate this issue for researchers and decision makers. At two‐thirds of the total economic burden of cancer, economic evaluations should account for psychosocial costs to better inform decision‐making. More support is needed to address the psychosocial cost burden faced by patients and their families.
Predictors of health anxiety in cancer patients' loved ones: A controlled comparison
Authors: Lorimer Sarah B. , Sansom‐Daly Ursula M. , Stech Eileen P. , Newby Jill M.
Published: August 2020

Objective

Cognitive‐behavioural models suggest that vicarious illness experiences precipitate health anxiety; however, this assumption is largely untested. This study aimed to (a) compare the severity of health anxiety and rates of clinical health anxiety, Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD), and Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) in participants with and without a loved one with cancer, and (b) determine the predictors of health anxiety severity in participants with vicarious cancer experiences.

Methods

Participants with (n = 142) and without (n = 65) vicarious cancer experiences completed an online battery of questionnaires assessing the severity and cognitive, physiological, and behavioural components of health anxiety. Participants reporting clinical levels of health anxiety completed a diagnostic telephone interview to assess for IAD and SSD.

Results

Severity and rates of clinical health anxiety, IAD, and SSD did not differ between groups. Participants with a vicarious experience of cancer reported elevated fear of cancer recurrence regarding their loved one's illness, however only 15.8% reported clinically significant health anxiety. Hierarchical regression revealed that in participants with vicarious cancer experiences, less relationship closeness and greater perceived risk of cancer, severity of somatic symptoms, bodily hypervigilance, and catastrophic interpretation of symptoms predicted health anxiety. Being a caregiver for or genetically related to the person with cancer, the expectedness of the cancer diagnosis, and whether the loved one died from cancer were not significant predictors.

Conclusions

These results suggest that people reporting vicarious cancer experiences do not have elevated rates of health anxiety. However, how these individuals interpret their experiences influences health anxiety severity.
A vision of facility siting possibilities
Authors: Vilas Karen R. , Hereña Peter G. , Shah Jatin N.
Published: August 2020

Facility siting methods to optimize the layout of industrial facilities for risk reduction have been evolving for decades from subjective views, standards, and guidelines to quantitative numerical analysis. The authors of this paper have tossed out the past, moved beyond the present, and taken out their crystal balls to provide a discussion around the future of facility siting by focusing on technology driven enhancements associated with three main themes: mainstreaming of current advanced analysis techniques into the base case methodology, incorporating company and/or site specific data trending and analytics to operationalize the studies, and the potential transformational change to machine learning‐based predictive risk management. With technological advancements touching nearly every area of business, it is no surprise that it is also changing the landscape of consequence and risk‐based facility siting approaches. As with all markets, the customer will be a key driver for the advancements of technical safety studies to suit their adapting needs. However, as this article will show, personnel conducting facility siting studies are also using technological advancements to challenge the status quo by improving data fidelity, increasing the robustness and depth of analysis, and providing improved insights to aid decision making.
Current state of the practice for facility siting studies
Authors: Mander Thomas J. , Sarrack Anthony , Diakow Peter , Bruce‐Black Joshua
Published: August 2020

Facilities that handle hazardous materials above threshold quantities are required to assess the impacts due to postulated accidents involving releases of these materials, and to ensure that people are adequately protected from the associated fire, explosion, and toxic hazards. An analysis of these hazards can be based solely on consequences from maximum credible events or can incorporate the likelihood of the events to characterize results in terms of risk. The methods of performing these analyses may vary, but, regardless of the specific techniques used, fundamental principles of thoroughness and defensibility should be achieved. This study describes best practices and basic requirements for consequence‐based and risk‐based facility siting studies (FSSs), also commonly referred to as quantitative risk analyses, consistent with industry guidance. The fundamental objective of a consequence‐based or risk‐based FSS is to ensure that the consequences or risks posed by facility operations are minimized to the extent practical.
Recovery of the Auxetic Microstructures Appearing in the Least Compliant Continuum Two‐Dimensional Bodies
Authors: Czarnecki Sławomir , Łukasiak Tomasz
Published: August 2020

The article discusses the 2D problem of manufacturability of the minimum compliance designs of the structural elements made of inhomogeneous materials of local isotropic or square symmetry properties. The available isotropic material design (IMD) and cubic material design (CMD) methods deliver the optimal distribution of the elastic moduli within the design domain. Within the 2D setting, the cubic symmetry reduces to the symmetry of a square. The varying underlying microstructures corresponding to the optimal designs are recovered by matching the values of the optimal moduli with the values of the effective moduli of the representative volume elements (RVEs) computed by the asymptotic homogenization method for periodic media. The shape of the RVE and its internal symmetries are properly selected providing assumed isotropy or symmetry of a square of the homogenized constitutive tensor. The microstructure topology is described by parametric description of single (or several) fibers in RVE. The periodicity of the structure and the final topology of the material within RVE is ensured by multiplication of a single fiber in accordance with the symmetries adopted for RVE. The ability to model an auxetic behavior within the subdomains where the optimal Poisson's ratio assumes negative values is shown.
Higher‐Order Topological Band Structures
Authors: Trifunovic Luka , Brouwer Piet W.
Published: August 2020

The interplay of topology and symmetry in a material's band structure may result in various patterns of topological states of different dimensionality on the boundary of a crystal. The protection of these “higher‐order” boundary states comes from topology, with constraints imposed by symmetry. Herein, the bulk–boundary correspondence of topological crystalline band structures, which relates the topology of the bulk band structure to the pattern of the boundary states, is reviewed. Furthermore, recent advances in the K‐theoretic classification of topological crystalline band structures are discussed.
Reconstructive Phase Transformations in Body‐Centered Cubic Titanium
Authors: Gandi Appala Naidu , Zhu Jiajie
Published: August 2020

Herein, the symmetry of the experimentally observed soft phonons in the body‐centered cubic β‐phase (Imm) of titanium is analyzed. The harmonic phonon dispersion relations are calculated using the first‐principles calculations. Using the group‐theoretical methods, the symmetry of the calculated unstable phonons is determined. The symmetries of the unstable phonons observed at wave vectors (N) and () are the same as the symmetries of the and irreducible representations, respectively. Transformations of the β‐phase due to the atomic motion of unstable phonons and the subsequent structure relaxation are discussed. One possible way to explain the transformation of the β‐phase to the hexagonal close‐packed α‐phase (/mmc) is through an orthorhombic structure (either Cmcm or Pnnm). The atomic motion of an unstable phonon results in the orthorhombic structure and following structure relaxation transforms the orthorhombic structure to the α‐phase. Similarly, the transformation of the β‐phase to another hexagonal close‐packed ω‐phase (P6/mmm) can be considered to be happening through a trigonal structure (either Pm1 or P3m1). The atomic motion of an unstable phonon forms the trigonal structure and subsequent structure relaxation transforms the trigonal structure to the ω‐phase. The space group of the intermediate phase is a common subgroup of the space groups of the initial β‐phase and the final α/ω‐phase. Therefore, the β–α/ω transformation can be described as an unstable phonon‐induced reconstructive transformation of the second type. There is no activation energy barrier along each of the four energy‐minimizing paths, and the transformation strains are accommodated.
Clinical efficacy and safety of Tanreqing injection combined with antibiotics versus antibiotics alone in the treatment of pulmonary infection patients after chemotherapy with lung cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tong Yuling , Wen Jianxia , Yang Tao , Li Haotian , Wei Shizhang , Jing Manyi , Wang Min , Zou Wenjun , Zhao Yanling
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tanreqing injection (TRQi) in the treatment of pulmonary infection after chemotherapy in patients with lung cancer. Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, EMbase, CNKI, VMIS, Wan‐Fang, and CBM databases were comprehensively searched from established to March 2020. randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TRQi were selected. The evaluation manual of Cochrane RCT was used to evaluate the methodological quality of all included studies, Stata 13.0 and Review Manager 5.3 software was used for meta‐analysis. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020175533). Eighteen RCTs with a total of 1,438 patients were met the inclusion criteria. Meta‐analysis showed that compared with antibiotics alone, TRQi plus antibiotics could significantly improve the clinical efficacy, defervescence time, lung rale disappearance time, cough disappearance time, and average hospitalization time, reduce white blood cell, C‐reactive protein, and procalcitonin levels, and adverse reactions. However, due to the small sample size and low quality of the study, more rigorous and more RCTs are needed for further verification. In conclusion, this study provides useful evidence for the efficacy and safety of TRQi combined with antibiotics in the treatment of pulmonary infection after chemotherapy with lung cancer.
Does the ARCS motivational model affect students’ achievement and motivation? A meta‐analysis
Authors: Goksu Idris , Islam Bolat Yusuf
Published: August 2020

In this meta‐analysis, the aim is to determine the overall effect of the ARCS (attention, relevance, confidence, satisfaction) model of motivation on students‘ academic achievement, motivation, attention, relevance, confidence and satisfaction. Additionally, the effect of the model is analysed according to the learning environment in which the model is integrated, discipline area, education level and sample size. The primary studies included in the study were obtained from Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, ERIC and PsycARTICLE databases. A total of 38 controlled experimental studies in the form of peer‐reviewed articles were coded, resulting in 110 extracted effect size (ES). The sample size of the primary studies involves 8690 students from K‐12 (kindergarten to 12th grade) and higher education. Random‐effects model was used for overall ES, mixed‐effects model for categorical moderators and meta‐regression analysis for integer moderators. As a result of the study, it was determined that the overall effect of ARCS on achievement was at medium level (ES = 0.74) and the overall effect on motivation was at small level (ES = 0.43). ESs of achievement differed by the moderators of discipline and the ESs of motivation differed by the moderator of education level. There was not a significant relationship between the effect of ARCS on achievement and motivation, and moderator of sample size. Remarkable ESs have been obtained in the learning environment moderator related to the dependent variables of blended learning, robots, augmented reality; in the discipline moderator related to architecture, computer technologies, sciences and maths; in the level of education moderator related to undergraduate variables. In addition, very large ES related to the attention component of ARCS was obtained. The results obtained in this study do not represent the strength of the evidence, as it is based on the validity and reliability of primary studies.
Forced gas injection and water infiltration into sand — A two‐phase flow barrel and column experiment
Authors: Ben‐Noah Ilan , Nitsan Ido , Friedman Shmulik P.
Published: August 2020

Soil aeration (i.e., soil air content and composition) is of major importance in agricultural and environmental practices. Poor aeration reduces plant growth, development, yield, and resistance to diseases and other abiotic stresses (e.g., salinity). In many soils contaminated with hydrocarbons, low O2 supply limits the rate of contaminant decomposition and prolongs remediation. Soil aeration is governed by diffusion of O2 from the atmosphere and countercurrent diffusion of CO2 to the atmosphere. Injection of air (with an atmospheric O2 concentration of 20.9%) into poorly aerated soils is expected to improve soil aeration by enriching it with O2 and extracting CO2. In addition, air flow causes redistribution of soil water. Water redistribution is affected by operational (discharge rate, frequency, duty cycle) and geometrical (depth and distance between sources) air injection parameters, soil parameters (e.g., water retention and conductivity), and irrigation geometry and scheduling. We studied forced one‐ and three‐dimensional air (or N2) and water injection into packed wet sand and analyzed the effect of air injection on soil aeration and water redistribution in granular media. The study demonstrates the applicability of the Darcy–Buckingham law to air flow at different degrees of water saturation and for a large relevant range of capillary numbers. We also suggest a simple method to measure the soil's conductivity to air (Darcy's constant) for different air contents and use a simple analytical solution to estimate O2 diffusion from the atmosphere. We discuss the effect of operational air injection parameters on aeration's effectiveness and efficiency.
Static beam placement and frequency plan algorithms for LEO constellations
Authors: Pachler de la Osa Nils , Guerster Markus , del Portillo Barrios Inigo , Crawley Edward , Cameron Bruce
Published: August 2020

LEO satellites are growing rapidly in number, but also in configurability of the payload, which presents new challenges of how to allocate the satellite's resources. We present an algorithm to solve two subproblems of the resource allocation problem for multi‐beam satellites in large LEO constellations. Our approach produces a static beam placement and a static frequency plan, taking into account the user demands and interference conditions, respectively. We provide an easy to implement and fast approximation for the beam placement problem, which is converted into an Edge Clique Cover problem using graph theory. The frequency assignment problem is translated into a constraint satisfaction problem, which is later solved with a first‐fit heuristic. We apply our algorithm to a scenario based on SpaceX's Starlink constellation, and when compared to two different baselines, we show that our method requires 40% fewer beams while being able to provide service to 2% more users.
Annulation of Ketene Dithioacetals and Sulfonyl Hydrazines for the Synthesis of N‐Sulfonyl 5‐Alkylthiopyrazoles
Authors: Li Yi , Wan Jie‐Ping , Liu Yunyun
Published: August 2020

A facile method for the synthesis of pyrazoles bearing novel N‐sulfonyl and 5‐alkylthio functional substructures has been developed via the reactions of ketene dithioacetals and sulfonyl hydrazines. The reactions are conducted with simple p‐toluenesulfonic acid (p‐TSA) promotion and mild heating under air atmosphere, leading to the synthesis of target products with highly diverse functional substitution.
Racism, stress and health in Asian Americans: A structural equation analysis of mediation and social support group differences
Authors: Kim HaeDong , Epstein Norman B.
Published: August 2020

The buffering effect of social support on the negative effects of racism exposure on health outcomes has been mixed in prior studies regarding Asian Americans. Based on the stress‐coping framework and using structural equation modelling (SEM) methods, we tested a theoretical model portraying simultaneous mediational paths from racism exposure to general physical and mental health through racism‐related stress. Bootstrap analysis was used to test the indirect effects present in the model. Additionally, multi‐group SEM analysis was conducted to investigate the moderation effect of social support from family and friends on the paths in the model. The sample consisted of 310 Asian American adults who completed an online survey. The results from the two‐step SEM analysis and bootstrap analysis supported the theoretical model—racism exposure can simultaneously have a negative indirect effect on Asian Americans' physical and mental health via racism‐related stress. Multi‐group SEM analysis showed that there were no differences in model path coefficients based on having varying levels of social support from friends or family.
Miniature Hollow Gold Nanorods with Enhanced Effect for In Vivo Photoacoustic Imaging in the NIR‐II Window
Authors: Cai Kai , Zhang Weiyun , Foda Mohamed F. , Li Xuyu , Zhang Jin , Zhong Yeteng , Liang Huageng , Li Huiqiao , Han Heyou , Zhai Tianyou
Published: August 2020

The miniaturization of gold nanorods exhibits a bright prospect for intravital photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and the hollow structure possesses a better plasmonic property. Herein, miniature hollow gold nanorods (M‐AuHNRs) (≈46 nm in length) possessing strong plasmonic absorbance in the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) window (1000–1350 nm) are developed, which are considered as the most suitable range for the intravital PAI. The as‐prepared M‐AuHNRs exhibit 3.5 times stronger photoacoustic signal intensity than the large hollow Au nanorods (≈105 nm in length) at 0.2 optical density under 1064 nm laser irradiation. The in vivo biodistribution measurement shows that the accumulation in tumor of miniature nanorods is twofold as high as that of the large counterpart. After modifying with a tumor‐targeting molecule and fluorochrome, in living tumor‐bearing mice, the M‐AuHNRs group gives a high fluorescence intensity in tumors, which is 3.6‐fold that of the large ones with the same functionalization. Moreover, in the intravital PAI of living tumor‐bearing mice, the M‐AuHNRs generate longer‐lasting and stronger photoacoustic signal than the large counterpart in the NIR‐II window. Overall, this study presents the fabrication of M‐AuHNRs as a promising contrast agent for intravital PAI.
Robust inference for non‐linear regression models from the Tsallis score: Application to coronavirus disease 2019 contagion in Italy
Authors: Girardi Paolo , Greco Luca , Mameli Valentina , Musio Monica , Racugno Walter , Ruli Erlis , Ventura Laura
Published: August 2020

We discuss an approach of robust fitting on non‐linear regression models, in both frequentist and Bayesian approaches, which can be employed to model and predict the contagion dynamics of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in Italy. The focus is on the analysis of epidemic data using robust dose–response curves, but the functionality is applicable to arbitrary non‐linear regression models.
Bewertung der Trag‐ und Ermüdungssicherheit der Kaiserleibrücke über den Main – Beispiel einer objektbezogenen Anwendung der Nachrechnungsrichtlinie (NRR)
Authors: Pelke Eberhard , Berger Dieter , Geißler Karsten , Stein Ronald
Published: August 2020

Die 1964 fertiggestellte Kaiserleibrücke bei Frankfurt als großartiges Beispiel des Brückenbaus der Nachkriegszeit überführt die Autobahn A 661 über den Main. Es handelt sich bei der 220 m weit gestützten Doppelbogenbrücke um die Straßenbrücke mit der größten Spannweite in Hessen. Eine realitätsnahe Bewertung wurde vor allem auf der Basis eines Bauwerksmonitorings in Stufe 3 der NRR möglich. Damit konnten einerseits das Berechnungsmodell optimiert sowie weiterhin auf Basis der gemessenen Last‐ und Beanspruchungskollektive die einwirkungsseitigen charakteristischen Werte für die Tragfähigkeitsnachweise sowie die ermüdungswirksamen Beanspruchungen objektbezogen festgelegt werden. Im Fazit kann die Kaiserleibrücke nach geringfügigen Sanierungs‐ bzw. Verstärkungsmaßnahmen noch einige Jahrzehnte unter Schwerverkehr ungefähr der heutigen Stärke erhalten bleiben. Der Erhalt dieser sehr ästhetischen Bogenbrücke ist nicht nur ein Beitrag zur Baukultur, sondern dient auch der bestmöglichen Ressourcenschonung.
Rate effect on the stress–strain behavior of concrete under uniaxial tensile stress
Authors: Gao Xiangling , Zhou Laijun , Ren Xiaodan , Li Jie
Published: August 2020

Concrete is a typical rate‐dependent material, and a direct tensile test is the most effective method by which to investigate its tensile performance. In this study, an additional loading device for direct uniaxial tensile tests was designed and fabricated to achieve central loading and determine the descending stage during direct tensile tests. Experimental results prove that the device is reliable and convenient for reuse; it is characterized by its ability to obtain complete stress–strain curves and to be used for many repetitive tests. Initially, 27 prismatic specimens were used to test the compressive strengths and elastic moduli of concrete specimens with designed compressive strengths of 25, 30, and 50 MPa. Next, a total of 256 uniaxial direct tensile tests were carried out, including 101 static tests at a loading strain rate of 10−5 s−1 and 155 dynamic tests at loading strain rates of 10−4 s−1 and 10−2 s−1. A total of 121 complete stress–strain curves were acquired for the 256 direct tensile tests. According to the test results, the SDs of the entire curves of the tensile stress of concrete are presented, and the energy absorption capacities of the specimens were also determined. The effects of the loading rate on the mean and variability of the peak stress, peak secant modulus, elastic modulus, and peak strain were analyzed. With the increase of the strain rate, the other indexes, excluding the peak strain, were found to notably increase.
Shear transfer behavior between substrate recycled aggregate concrete and new natural aggregate concrete
Authors: Liu Kaihua , Zou Chaoying , Yan Jiachuan
Published: August 2020

This paper investigated the shear transfer behavior between substrate recycled aggregate concrete and new natural aggregate concrete. A total of 72 push‐off tests with substrate‐to‐new concrete specimens were performed considering the effects of concrete strength grade, replacement ratios of recycled coarse aggregate, and lateral constraints ratios. Existing design codes and empirical models for calculating shear strength were reviewed and verified. Results show that concrete cracks occurred and developed along the shear transfer plane. Increasing the concrete grade and lateral constraints can both improve the crack stress and shear strength, while the incorporation of recycled coarse aggregate has a slight adverse effect on them. The model in fib Model Code 2010 based on shear‐friction theory gave the most accurate but still conservative values compared with experimental results and can be used to predict the shear transfer behavior between substrate recycled aggregate concrete and new natural aggregate concrete.
Identifying patterns of students' performance on simulated inquiry tasks using PISA 2015 log‐file data
Authors: Teig Nani , Scherer Ronny , Kjærnsli Marit
Published: August 2020

Previous research has demonstrated the potential of examining log‐file data from computer‐based assessments to understand student interactions with complex inquiry tasks. Rather than solely providing information about what has been achieved or the accuracy of student responses (product data), students' log files offer additional insights into how the responses were produced (process data). In this study, we examined students' log files to detect patterns of students' interactions with computer‐based assessment and to determine whether unique characteristics of these interactions emerge as distinct profiles of inquiry performance. Knowledge about the characteristics of these profiles can shed light on why some students are more successful at solving simulated inquiry tasks than others and how to support student understanding of scientific inquiry through computer‐based environments. We analyzed the Norwegian PISA 2015 log‐file data, science performance as well as background questionnaire (N = 1,222 students) by focusing on two inquiry tasks, which required scientific reasoning skills: coordinating the effects of multiple variables and coordinating theory and evidence. Using a mixture modeling approach, we identified three distinct profiles of students' inquiry performance: strategic, emergent, and disengaged. These profiles revealed different characteristics of students' exploration behavior, inquiry strategy, time‐on‐task, and item accuracy. Further analyses showed that students' assignment to these profiles varied according to their demographic characteristics (gender, socio‐economic status, and language at home), attitudes (enjoyment in science, self‐efficacy, and test anxiety), and science achievement. Although students' profiles on the two inquiry tasks were significantly related, we also found some variations in the proportion of students' transitions between profiles. Our study contributes to understanding how students interact with complex simulated inquiry tasks and showcases how log‐file data from PISA 2015 can aid this understanding.
An assessment of serum‐dependent impacts on intracellular accumulation and genomic response of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances in a placental trophoblast model
Authors: Bangma Jacqueline , Szilagyi John , Blake Bevin E. , Plazas Cinthya , Kepper Stewart , Fenton Suzanne E. , C. Fry Rebecca
Published: August 2020

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of environmental contaminants, have been detected in human placenta and cord blood. The mechanisms driving PFAS‐induced effects on the placenta and adverse pregnancy outcomes are not well understood. This study investigated the impact of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and a replacement PFAS known as hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO‐DA, tradename GenX) on placental trophoblasts in vitro. Several key factors were addressed. First, PFAS levels in cell culture reagents at baseline were quantified. Second, the role of supplemental media serum in intracellular accumulation of PFAS in a human trophoblast (JEG3) cell line was established. Finally, the impact of PFAS on the expression of 96 genes involved in proper placental function in JEG3 cells was evaluated. The results revealed that serum‐free media (SFM) contained no detectable PFAS. In contrast, fetal bovine serum‐supplemented media (SSM) contained PFNA, PFUdA, PFTrDA, and 6:2 FTS, but these PFAS were not detected internally in cells. Intracellular accumulation following 24 hr treatments was significantly higher when cultured in SFM compared to SSM for PFOS and PFOA, but not HFPO‐DA. Treatment with PFAS was associated with gene expression changes (n = 32) in pathways vital to placental function, including viability, syncytialization, inflammation, transport, and invasion/mesenchymal transition. Among the most robust PFAS‐associated changes were those observed in the known apoptosis‐related genes,BADandBAX. These results suggest a complex relationship between PFAS, in vitro culture conditions, and altered expression of key genes necessary for proper placentation.
Effects of microplastics and earthworm burrows on soil macropore water flow within a laboratory soil column setup
Authors: Yu Miao , van der Ploeg Martine , Ma Xiaoyi , Ritsema Coen J , Geissen Violette
Published: August 2020

Several earlier studies reported that microplastics (MP) accumulated on soil surfaces could be transported into the subsoil and ingested by soil biota, such as earthworms. The present study explores how networks of earthworm burrows and MP (low‐density polyethylene, LDPE) in subsoil affect the soil hydraulic properties and saturated water flow. A repacked and saturated sandy soil column experiment was conducted in an environment‐controlled laboratory with earthworms (anecic, Lumbricus terrestris) inoculated into the soil columns to form networks of macropore. The macropore network parameters (i.e., number, length, volume, diameter, soil saturated conductivity, and tracer breakthrough curves of soil columns) have been determined. The relative arrival times of the tracer mass (i.e. T5%, T25%, and T50%) were determined in order to describe the shapes of the breakthrough curves. The results show that in some breakthrough curves for the treatments with earthworms, there are two peaks. This is an indication that water was flowing faster in the macropores than in the soil matrix. There is a significant correlation between 5% arrival time and the median burrow volume, and the correlation coefficient was .571 (at the level of p < .05). The formation of macropores due to the burrowing activities of earthworms is considered the main cause of nonequilibrium water flow in the present study. The MP did not show any significant effect on the saturated water flow. This may be attribute to the low concentrations of MP used in the present study.
Textiles wastewater treatment technology: A review
Authors: Deng Dongyang , Lamssali Mehdi , Aryal Niroj , Ofori‐Boadu Andrea , Jha Manoj K. , Samuel Raymond E.
Published: August 2020

The following is a review of published literature on textile wastewater in 2019. Presented are the sections described for the review: concise introduction on the textiles wastewater, followed by a review of present textile treatment technologies organized by physicochemical, biological, and combined processes. Lastly, a discussion of the future topics is presented.

Practitioner points

The discharge of textile dye wastewater represents a serious environmental problem and public health concern.

Effluents from textile manufacturing, dyeing, and finishing processes contain high‐concentration recalcitrant chemicals that are resistant to biodegradation.

The textile wastewater needs environmental‐friendly and cost‐effective combined treatment process.