bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyaniline Encapsulated Amorphous V2O5 Nanowire‐Modified Multi‐Functional Separators for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Chen Kai , Zhang Guodong , Xiao Liangping , Li Pengwei , Li Wanli , Xu Qingchi , Xu Jun
Published: January 2021

Designing multi‐functional separators is one of the effective strategies for achieving high‐performance lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. In this work, polyaniline (PANI) encapsulated amorphous vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) nanowires (general formula V2O5·nH2O and abbreviated as VOH) are synthesized by a facile in situ chemical oxidative polymerization method, and utilized as a basic building block for the preparation of functional interlayers on the commercial polypropylene (PP) separator, generating a VOH@PANI‐PP separator with multi‐functionalities. Compared to the crystalline V2O5, the amorphous V2O5 shows enhanced properties of polysulfide adsorption, catalytic activity, as well as ionic conductivity. Therefore, within the VOH@PANI‐PP separator, the amorphous V2O5 nanowire component contributes to the strong adsorption of polysulfides, the high catalytic activity for polysulfides conversion, and the high ionic conductivity. The PANI component further strengthens the above effects, improves the electrical conductivity, and enhances the flexibility of the modified separator. Benefiting from the synergistic effects, the VOH@PANI‐PP separator effectively suppresses polysulfide shuttling and improves the cycling stability of its composed Li–S batteries. This work provides a new research strategy for the development of efficient separators in rechargeable batteries by judiciously integrating the amorphous metal oxide with a conductive polymer.
Use of maturity method to estimate early age compressive strength of slab in cold weather
Authors: Tekle Biruk Hailu , Al‐Deen Safat , Anwar‐Us‐Saadat Mohammad , Willans Njoud , Zhang Yixia , Lee Chi King
Published: January 2021

Accurate estimation of the in situ strength of concrete at early age is very important as it provides the necessary information required to start subsequent construction operations. Overestimation of the strength may cause serious safety hazards and underestimation may lead to unnecessary costly delays. This study investigates the performance of the maturity method in estimating the strength of in situ concrete subjected to cold weather at early age. Instrumented concrete slabs were subjected to cold weather conditions at early ages and their strengths were measured using drilled core samples from the slab. Sensors embedded in the slabs measured the temperature in the concrete which was used to estimate the strength using the maturity method. The measured core strengths at 24 and 72 h after casting are then compared with the estimated strengths using the maturity method and its performance is evaluated. The core strengths are also compared with the strength of standard cylinders cured at the same condition as the slabs. More than 250 cylinders from two slab thicknesses and four batches of concrete were used in the experiments to obtain statistically significant experimental data. The results show that the maturity method performed much better than the standard cylinder strength. On average the standard cylinder strength underestimated the core strength by more than 40% while the maturity method overestimated the strength by less than 10% with a lower variation.
CKM substructure
Authors: Grossman Yuval , Ruderman Joshua T.
Published: January 2021

Abstract

The CKM matrix is not generic. The Wolfenstein parametrization encodes structure by having one small parameter, λ ≈ 0.22. We pose the question: is there substructure in the CKM matrix that goes beyond the single small parameter of the Wolfenstein parameterization? We find two relations that are approximately satisfied: |Vtd|2 = |Vcb|3 and |Vub|2|Vus| = |Vcb|4. We discuss the statistical significance of these relations and find that they may indicate deeper structure in the CKM matrix. The current precision, however, cannot exclude an $$ \mathcal{O}\left(10\%\right) $$
O

10
%

accident.
Solitons of the midpoint mapping and affine curvature
Authors: Rademacher Christine , Rademacher Hans-Bert
Published: January 2021

For a polygon $$x=(x_j)_{j\in \mathbb {Z}}$$

x
=

(

x
j

)

j
∈
Z

in $$\mathbb {R}^n$$

R

n

we consider the midpoints polygon $$(M(x))_j=\left( x_j+x_{j+1}\right) /2.$$

(
M

(
x
)

)

j

=

x
j

+

x

j
+
1

/
2
.

We call a polygon a soliton of the midpoints mapping M if its midpoints polygon is the image of the polygon under an invertible affine map. We show that a large class of these polygons lie on an orbit of a one-parameter subgroup of the affine group acting on $$\mathbb {R}^n.$$

R

n

.

These smooth curves are also characterized as solutions of the differential equation $$\dot{c}(t)=Bc (t)+d$$

c
˙

(
t
)

=
B
c

(
t
)

+
d

for a matrix B and a vector d. For $$n=2$$

n
=
2

these curves are curves of constant generalized-affine curvature $$k_{ga}=k_{ga}(B)$$

k

ga

=

k

ga

(
B
)

depending on B parametrized by generalized-affine arc length unless they are parametrizations of a parabola, an ellipse, or a hyperbola.
Dissection of closely linked QTLs controlling stigma exsertion rate in rice by substitution mapping
Authors: Tan Quanya , Wang Chengshu , Luan Xin , Zheng Lingjie , Ni Yuerong , Yang Weifeng , Yang Zifeng , Zhu Haitao , Zeng Ruizhen , Liu Guifu , Wang Shaokui , Zhang Guiquan
Published: January 2021

Key message

Through substitution mapping strategy, two pairs of closely linked QTLs controlling stigma exsertion rate were dissected from chromosomes 2 and 3 and the four QTLs were fine mapped.

Stigma exsertion rate (SER) is an important trait affecting the outcrossing ability of male sterility lines in hybrid rice. This complex trait was controlled by multiple QTLs and affected by environment condition. Here, we dissected, respectively, two pairs of tightly linked QTLs for SER on chromosomes 2 and 3 by substitution mapping. On chromosome 2, two linkage QTLs, qSER-2a and qSER-2b, were located in the region of 1288.0 kb, and were, respectively, delimited to the intervals of 234.9 kb and 214.3 kb. On chromosome 3, two QTLs, qSER-3a and qSER-3b, were detected in the region of 3575.5 kb and were narrowed down to 319.1 kb and 637.3 kb, respectively. The additive effects of four QTLs ranged from 7.9 to 9.0%. The epistatic effect produced by the interaction of qSER-2a and qSER-2b was much greater than that of qSER-3a and qSER-3b. The open reading frames were identified within the maximum intervals of qSER-2a, qSER-2b and qSER-3a, respectively. These results revealed that there are potential QTL clusters for SER in the two regions of chromosome 2 and chromosome 3. Fine mapping of the QTLs laid a foundation for cloning of the genes of SER.
Deep learning-assisted ultra-fast/low-dose whole-body PET/CT imaging
Authors: Sanaat Amirhossein , Shiri Isaac , Arabi Hossein , Mainta Ismini , Nkoulou René , Zaidi Habib
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Tendency is to moderate the injected activity and/or reduce acquisition time in PET examinations to minimize potential radiation hazards and increase patient comfort. This work aims to assess the performance of regular full-dose (FD) synthesis from fast/low-dose (LD) whole-body (WB) PET images using deep learning techniques.

Methods

Instead of using synthetic LD scans, two separate clinical WB 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT studies of 100 patients were acquired: one regular FD (~ 27 min) and one fast or LD (~ 3 min) consisting of 1/8th of the standard acquisition time. A modified cycle-consistent generative adversarial network (CycleGAN) and residual neural network (ResNET) models, denoted as CGAN and RNET, respectively, were implemented to predict FD PET images. The quality of the predicted PET images was assessed by two nuclear medicine physicians. Moreover, the diagnostic quality of the predicted PET images was evaluated using a pass/fail scheme for lesion detectability task. Quantitative analysis using established metrics including standardized uptake value (SUV) bias was performed for the liver, left/right lung, brain, and 400 malignant lesions from the test and evaluation datasets.

Results

CGAN scored 4.92 and 3.88 (out of 5) (adequate to good) for brain and neck + trunk, respectively. The average SUV bias calculated over normal tissues was 3.39 ± 0.71% and − 3.83 ± 1.25% for CGAN and RNET, respectively. Bland-Altman analysis reported the lowest SUV bias (0.01%) and 95% confidence interval of − 0.36, + 0.47 for CGAN compared with the reference FD images for malignant lesions.

Conclusion

CycleGAN is able to synthesize clinical FD WB PET images from LD images with 1/8th of standard injected activity or acquisition time. The predicted FD images present almost similar performance in terms of lesion detectability, qualitative scores, and quantification bias and variance.
Popular Matchings in Complete Graphs
Authors: Cseh Ágnes , Kavitha Telikepalli
Published: January 2021

Our input is a complete graph G on n vertices where each vertex has a strict ranking of all other vertices in G. The goal is to construct a matching in G that is popular. A matching M is popular if M does not lose a head-to-head election against any matching $$M'$$

M
′

: here each vertex casts a vote for the matching in $$\{M,M'\}$$

{
M
,

M
′

}

in which it gets a better assignment. Popular matchings need not exist in the given instance G and the popular matching problem is to decide whether one exists or not. The popular matching problem in G is easy to solve for odd n. Surprisingly, the problem becomes $$\texttt {NP}$$
NP
-complete for even n, as we show here. This is one of the few graph theoretic problems efficiently solvable when n has one parity and $$\texttt {NP}$$
NP
-complete when n has the other parity.
Sedentary behaviour in relation to ovarian cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Biller Veronika S. , Leitzmann Michael F. , Sedlmeier Anja M. , Berger Felix F. , Ortmann Olaf , Jochem Carmen
Published: January 2021

Sedentary behaviour is an emerging risk factor for several site-specific cancers. Ovarian cancers are often detected at late disease stages and the role of sedentary behaviour as a modifiable risk factor potentially contributing to ovarian cancer risk has not been extensively examined. We systematically searched relevant databases from inception to February 2020 for eligible publications dealing with sedentary behaviour in relation to ovarian cancer risk. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, calculating summary relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random-effects model. We calculated the E-Value, a sensitivity analysis for unmeasured confounding. We tested for publication bias and heterogeneity. Seven studies (three prospective cohort studies and four case–control studies) including 2060 ovarian cancer cases were analysed. Comparing highest versus lowest levels of sedentary behaviour, the data indicated a statistically significant increase in the risk of ovarian cancer in relation to prolonged sitting time (RR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.07–1.57). Sub-analyses of prospective cohort studies (RR = 1.33, 95% CI = 0.92–1.93) and case–control studies (RR = 1.28, 95% CI = 0.98–1.68) showed statistically non-significant results. Sensitivity analysis showed that an unmeasured confounder would need to be related to sedentary behaviour and ovarian cancer with a RR of 1.90 to fully explain away the observed RR of 1.29. Our analyses showed a statistically significant positive association between sedentary behaviour and ovarian cancer risk.
Gender specific excess mortality in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic accounting for age
Authors: Gianicolo Emilio A. L. , Russo Antonello , Büchler Britta , Taylor Katherine , Stang Andreas , Blettner Maria
Published: January 2021

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, data have been accumulated to examine excess mortality in the first half of 2020. Mortality in the preceding year or years is used to calculate the expected number of deaths, which is then compared with the actual number of deaths in 2020. We calculated weekly age- and sex-specific mortality rates for 93.1% of the Italian municipalities for the years 2015–2019 and for the first 26 weeks in 2020. We assumed the mortality experience during 2015–2019 as the reference period to calculate standardised mortality ratios. Furthermore, in order to compare the mortality experience of males and females, we calculated sex- and age- specific weekly direct standardised mortality rates and differences between the observed and expected number of deaths. We observed considerable changes in the demographics in the Italian population between the years 2015 and 2020, particularly among people 60 years and older and among males.
The population is aging and the proportion of elderly males has increased, which was not reflected adequately in previous estimates of excess mortality. Standardized excess mortality results show that in Italy between the 8th and 26th weeks in 2020, there were 33,035 excess deaths, which is only 643 fewer deaths than the official COVID-19 death toll for this time period. A comparative increase in the mortality rates was observed in March among both sexes, but particularly for males. Comparisons with recently published data show considerably higher excess deaths, but these data were either not covering the complete country or did not account for age and sex. Neglecting the demographic changes in a region, even over a short time span, can result in biased estimates.
Weighing in on heart failure: the potential impact of bariatric surgery
Authors: Datta Tanuka , Lee Andrew J. , Cain Rachel , McCarey Melissa , Whellan David J.
Published: January 2021

Obesity is a growing worldwide epidemic with significant economic burden that carries with it impacts on every physiologic system including the cardiovascular system. Specifically, the risk of heart failure has been shown to increase dramatically in obese individuals. The purpose of this review is to provide background on the individual burdens of heart failure and obesity, followed by exploring proposed physiologic mechanisms that interconnect these conditions, and furthermore introduce treatment strategies for weight loss focusing on bariatric surgery. Review of the existing literature on patients with obesity and heart failure who have undergone bariatric surgery is presented, compared, and contrasted.
Distributionally restricted items
Authors: Lin Jing , Weerman Fred , Zeijlstra Hedde
Published: January 2021

This paper explores the learnability of English indefiniteany, Dutch modal verbhoeven, and Mandarin Chinese (WH-)indefinite/pronounshenme. These three expressions, belonging to different syntactic categories in different languages, have been referred to as Negative Polarity Items (NPIs) in the literature, as they are all restricted to contexts that in some sense count as negative although there are differences in the types of semantic environment that may license them. By investigating the distribution of these three expressions in both child and child-directed speech recorded in the CHILDES database (MacWhinney 2009), this paper argues that children in their acquisition of these NPIs employ the same conservative widening learning strategy (Berwick and Weinberg 1986; Manzini and Wexler 1987), which prevents them from overgeneration. A two-stage acquisition process is detected for each of the three NPIs. However, distinct learning pathways are found, which we take as evidence indicating different underlying analyses of these expressions at different stages in child language. Taking into consideration the input characteristics, the distributional patterns of the three expressions in adult grammar, and the children’s lexical development, we hypothesize what the analyses ofany,hoeven, andshenmeat different acquisition stages look like. This provides us with a different view of the nature, or the reason underlying the restricted distribution of these expressions in adult language.
Non-invasive cuff-less blood pressure estimation using a hybrid deep learning model
Authors: Yang Sen , Zhang Yaping , Cho Siu-Yeung , Correia Ricardo , Morgan Stephen P.
Published: January 2021

Conventional blood pressure (BP) measurement methods have different drawbacks such as being invasive, cuff-based or requiring manual operations. There is significant interest in the development of non-invasive, cuff-less and continual BP measurement based on physiological measurement. However, in these methods, extracting features from signals is challenging in the presence of noise or signal distortion. When using machine learning, errors in feature extraction result in errors in BP estimation, therefore, this study explores the use of raw signals as a direct input to a deep learning model. To enable comparison with the traditional machine learning models which use features from the photoplethysmogram and electrocardiogram, a hybrid deep learning model that utilises both raw signals and physical characteristics (age, height, weight and gender) is developed. This hybrid model performs best in terms of both diastolic BP (DBP) and systolic BP (SBP) with the mean absolute error being 3.23 ± 4.75 mmHg and 4.43 ± 6.09 mmHg respectively. DBP and SBP meet the Grade A and Grade B performance requirements of the British Hypertension Society respectively.
‘Snakes and Ladders’ – ‘Therapy’ as Liberation in Nagarjuna and Wittgenstein’s Tractatus
Authors: Smith Joshua William
Published: January 2021

This paper reconsiders the notion that Nagarjuna and Wittgenstein’sTractatusmay only be seen as comparable under a shared ineffability thesis, that is, the idea that reality is impossible to describe in sensible discourse. Historically, Nagarjuna and the early Wittgenstein have both been widely construed as offering either metaphysical theories or attempts to refute all such theories. Instead, by employing an interpretive framework based on a ‘resolute’ reading of theTractatus, I suggest we see their philosophical affinity in terms of a shared conception of philosophical method without proposing theses. In doing so, this offers us a new way to understand Nagarjuna’s characteristic claims both to have ‘no views’ (Mūlamadhyamakakārikā13.8 and 27.30) and refusal to accept that things exist ‘inherently’ or with ‘essence’ (svabhāva). Therefore, instead of either a view about the nature of a mind-independent ‘ultimate reality’ or a thesis concerning the rejection of such a domain, I propose that we understand Nagarjuna’s primary aim as ‘therapeutic’, that is, concerned with the dissolution of philosophical problems. However, this ‘therapy’ should neither be confined to the psychotherapeutic metaphor nor should it be taken to imply a private enlightenment only available to philosophers. Instead, for Nagarjuna and Wittgenstein, philosophical problems are cast as a source of disquiet for all of us; what their work offers is a soteriology, a means towards our salvation.
Path-Dependencies in Employment Trajectories Around Motherhood: Comparing Native Versus Second-Generation Migrant Women in Belgium
Authors: Maes Julie , Wood Jonas , Neels Karel
Published: January 2021

A sizeable body of literature has shown that the migrant-native employment gap is larger among women with children than among childless women, suggesting that the transition to parenthood has a stronger impact on the employment trajectories of migrant origin women compared to those of native women. However, due to the limited use of longitudinal data, our understanding of the mechanisms generating differential employment trajectories around the transition to parenthood remains limited. This study adopts a life course perspective to address path-dependencies in employment trajectories around the transition to motherhood. Using longitudinal data and fixed-effects models that compare within-individual changes in contractual working hours around the transition to parenthood between natives and second-generation migrants of Southern European and Turkish or Moroccan origin in Belgium, we find no migrant-native differentials among women with low employment rates before the birth of their first child and only limited differentials in employment trajectories around parenthood among women with medium and high employment rates before parenthood. This indicates that there is a strong path-dependency of employment trajectories around parenthood for migrant women and natives alike, but that second-generation migrant women generally have a lower pre-birth labour market attachment than native women which accounts for the frequently observed migrant-native differentials in maternal employment.
Efficiency of coupled invasive weed optimization-adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system method to assess physical habitats in streams
Authors: Sedighkia Mahdi , Abdoli Asghar
Published: January 2021

This study presents a coupled invasive weed optimization-adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system method to simulate physical habitat in streams. We implement proposed method in Lar national park in Iran as one of the habitats of Brown trout in southern Caspian Sea basin. Five indices consisting of root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), reliability index, vulnerability index and Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency coefficient (NSE) are utilized to compare observed fish habitats and simulated fish habitats. Based on results, measurement indices demonstrate model is robust to assess physical habitats in rivers. RMSE and MAE are 0.09 and 0.08 respectively. Besides, NSE is 0.78 that indicates robustness of model. Moreover, it is necessary to apply developed habitat model in a practical habitat simulation. We utilize two-dimensional hydraulic model in steady state to simulate depth and velocity distribution. Based on qualitative comparison between results of model and observation, coupled invasive weed optimization-adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system method is robust and reliable to simulate physical habitats. We recommend utilizing proposed model for physical habitat simulation in streams for future studies.
Phase transformation from PbS to PbSe:S in hot-wall deposition of nanocomposite thin film with evaporation sources of PbS and ZnSe
Authors: Abe Seishi
Published: January 2021

Simultaneous evaporation of PbS and ZnSe using hot-wall deposition was investigated to prepare nanocomposite thin films. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated that the films formed a phase mixture of ZnSe and PbSe, suggesting that an evaporation source of PbS phase-transformed to PbSe during a film deposition. Wavelength-dispersive spectroscopy indicated that the composite contains a small amount of S below 1 at.%. High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and line scan analysis in electron energy-loss spectroscopy indicated that PbSe nanocrystals were dispersed in a ZnSe, while S tended to segregate in ZnSe matrix. Photocurrent spectra indicated that peak position at approximately 460 nm shifted toward a shorter wavelength as Pb concentration increased.
Evaluation of water sorption isotherm, glass transistion temperature, vitamin C and color stability of mango peel powder during storage
Authors: Ferrari Cristhiane Caroline , Morgano Marcelo Antonio , Germer Silvia Pimentel Marconi
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this work was to study the physical and chemical stability of the mango peel powder produced by hot-air drying. Sorption isotherms at 25 °C and glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the samples in equilibrium at different aw were determined. The degradation of vitamin C and color parameter b* was evaluated along storage under controlled conditions (relative humidity = 60%, temperature = 10, 25 and 35 °C) during 180 days. GAB model well-described water adsorption of the product, showing a monolayer moisture content (Xm) of 0.1260 g water/g dry solids and a critical aw of 0.56. The Gordon-Taylor model predicted the plasticizing effect of water on glass transition temperature, since Tg of the powders kept at different relative humidity conditions decreased as water activity increased. No visual signs of agglomeration and darkening were observed for samples stored at aw ≤ 0.529. The powders are a source of calcium and rich in potassium, copper, magnesium and manganese. The concentration of inorganic contaminants and pesticide residues were below the maximum allowed limits. The degradation of vitamin C and color parameter b* followed the first and zero-order kinetic models, respectively. The study indicated good stability for the powders along the storage at 10 and 25 °C, which can be incorporated into different food products, showing high retention of vitamin C, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and maintenance of color characteristics.
Machine learning applied to stock index performance enhancement
Authors: Hsu Tien-Yu
Published: January 2021

The project constructs a stock selection model by machine learning methods to enhance the performance of the benchmark index for individual investors. Stock returns prediction is a highly researched topic. However, it is a difficult problem because the stock prices are complex, non-linear, and chaotic. Moreover, overfitting is always an important issue in machine learning field. In this article, it shows that how to solve these problems by dealing with time series data, feature engineering, and model construction. We apply the stock selection model on S&P 500 index and FTSE 100 index. The result shows that the portfolios with stock selection model outperform the benchmarks, and 2% of the number of constitution stocks is the best choice for the stock selection model. Besides, feature importance analysis shows that the stock selection model can measure import features appropriately, which means it has the ability to adapt to different economic environments. In addition, the portfolios with fewer stocks usually outperform the portfolios with more stocks shows the good prediction of the stock selection model. The results imply that machine learning techniques have a good application in stock markets.
Sotalol does not interfere with the antielectroshock action of selected second-generation antiepileptic drugs in mice
Authors: Borowicz-Reutt Kinga K. , Banach Monika , Rudkowska Monika , Stachniuk Anna
Published: January 2021

Background

Due to blocking β-receptors, and potassium KCNH2 channels, sotalol may influence seizure phenomena. In the previous study, we have shown that sotalol potentiated the antielectroshock action of phenytoin and valproate in mice.

Materials and methods

As a continuation of previous experiments, we examined the effect of sotalol on the action of four chosen second-generation antiepileptic drugs (oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine, pregabalin, and topiramate) against the maximal electroshock in mice. Undesired effects were evaluated in the chimney test (motor impairment) and step-through passive-avoidance task (long-term memory deficits). Finally, brain concentrations of antiepileptics were determined by fluorescence polarization immunoassay, while those of sotalol by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.

Results

Sotalol at doses of up to 100 mg/kg did not affect the electroconvulsive threshold. Applied at doses of 80–100 mg/kg, sotalol did not affect the antielectroshock action of oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine, pregabalin, or topiramate. Sotalol alone and in combinations with antiepileptics impaired neither motor performance nor long-term memory. Finally, sotalol significantly decreased the brain concentrations of lamotrigine and increased those of oxcarbazepine and topiramate. Pharmacokinetic interactions, however, did not influence the final antielectroshock effects of above-mentioned drug combinations. On the other hand, the brain concentrations of sotalol were not changed by second-generation antiepileptics used in this study.

Conclusion

Sotalol did not reduce the antielectroshock action of four second-generation antiepileptic drugs examined in this study. Therefore, this antidepressant drug should not interfere with antiseizure effects of lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, pregabalin, and topiramate in patients with epilepsy. To draw final conclusions, our preclinical data should still be confirmed in other experimental models and clinical conditions.
Mechanical stability of retained austenite in aluminum-containing medium-Mn steel deformed at different temperatures
Authors: Kozłowska Aleksandra , Radwański Krzysztof , Matus Krzysztof , Samek Ludovic , Grajcar Adam
Published: January 2021

The thermal and mechanical stabilities of retained austenite in aluminum-containing medium-Mn 0.16C–4.7Mn–1.6Al–0.2Si sheet steel were investigated. The strain-induced martensitic transformation in Mn TRIP steel was studied at different temperatures. Static tensile tests were carried out at the temperature ranging from − 60 to 200 °C. The tests allowed to study the influence of the temperature on austenite-to-martensite transformation kinetics. The interrupted tensile tests and corresponding X-ray measurements of retained austenite amount were performed to determine the mechanical stability of retained austenite using the Sugimoto model. The microstructure changes were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Observed results reflected the effects of deformation temperature on the mechanical stability of retained austenite and the corresponding response of this phase to martensitic transformation. It was found that an increase in the deformation temperature resulted in the reduced intensity of the TRIP effect due to the higher mechanical stability of retained austenite. At the highest deformation temperature (200 °C), the evidence of thermally activated processes affecting the mechanical behavior was identified.
Ethnic Identity and Imperial Power
Authors: Roymans Nico
Published: January 2021

This probing case study examines the evolution of the ethnic identity of the Batavians, a lower Rhineland tribe in the western marches of the Roman Empire. Drawing on extensive historical and archaeological data, Nico Roymans examines how between 50 BCE and 70 CE, the Romans cultivated the Batavians as an ethnic other by intensively recruiting them to the Roman army while simultaneously carrying out extermination campaigns against other tribes in the region. Roymans also considers how the status of the Batavian settlement reveals intriguing insights into Roman definitions of 'civilization' and 'barbarism.' Ethnic Identity and Imperial Power is a fascinating anthropological study on how ancient frontier peoples negotiated their self-image.
Farm Profitability as a Driver of Spatial Spillovers: The Case of Somatic Cell Counts on Wisconsin Dairies
Authors: Skevas Theodoros , Skevas Ioannis , Cabrera Victor E.
Published: January 2021

We hypothesize that spatial spillovers among neighboring farms are not only driven by spatial proximity, but also by farm profitability considerations. This hypothesis is tested by examining the role of spatial spillovers in shaping somatic cell counts (SCC) on Wisconsin dairy farms. Results show that neighborhood links defined both in terms of geographic proximity and farm profitability give rise to spatial spillovers that affect SCC. Significant differences in the estimated spatial spillovers are observed when defining the neighborhood space in terms of both farm profitability and geographic proximity as opposed to geographic proximity alone, with the data favoring the former specification.
Lack of viable severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among PCR-positive air samples from hospital rooms and community isolation facilities
Authors: Ong Sean Wei Xiang , Tan Yian Kim , Coleman Kristen Kelli , Tan Boon Huan , Leo Yee-Sin , Wang Dong Ling , Ng Ching Ging , Ng Oon-Tek , Wong Michelle Su Yen , Marimuthu Kalisvar
Published: January 2021

Background:

Understanding the extent of aerosol-based transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is important for tailoring interventions for control of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Multiple studies have reported the detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in air samples, but only one study has successfully recovered viable virus, although it is limited by its small sample size.

Objective:

We aimed to determine the extent of shedding of viable SARS-CoV-2 in respiratory aerosols from COVID-19 patients.

Methods:

In this observational air sampling study, air samples from airborne-infection isolation rooms (AIIRs) and a community isolation facility (CIF) housing COVID-19 patients were collected using a water vapor condensation method into liquid collection media. Samples were tested for presence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and qRT-PCR-positive samples were tested for viability using viral culture.

Results:

Samples from 6 (50%) of the 12 sampling cycles in hospital rooms were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, including aerosols ranging from <1 µm to >4 µm in diameter. Of 9 samples from the CIF, 1 was positive via qRT-PCR. Viral RNA concentrations ranged from 179 to 2,738 ORF1ab gene copies per cubic meter of air. Virus cultures were negative after 4 blind passages.

Conclusion:

Although SARS-CoV-2 is readily captured in aerosols, virus culture remains challenging despite optimized sampling methodologies to preserve virus viability. Further studies on aerosol-based transmission and control of SARS-CoV-2 are needed.
Acoustically induced thermal effects on Rayleigh streaming
Authors: Daru Virginie , Weisman Catherine , Baltean-Carlès Diana , Bailliet Hélène
Published: January 2021

The present study focuses on acoustically induced thermal effects on Rayleigh streaming inside a resonator. Firstly, we consider the effect of the transverse (or wall-normal) mean temperature gradient on the acoustic streaming flow generated by a standing wave between two parallel plates. Analytical expressions for acoustic quantities are developed and used to express the sources of linear streaming. The influence of a transverse temperature variation on the streaming velocity is clearly identified through a term proportional to the temperature difference and to the square of the half-width of the guide. This term modifies the Rayleigh streaming pattern and may generate an additional vortex. On the other hand, the longitudinal (or wall-parallel) temperature difference is calculated as a cumulated effect of thermoacoustic heat transport in the fluid, heat conduction in the wall and heat convection of the air outside the resonator. At high acoustic levels, heat is significantly convected by the streaming flow and the resulting transverse temperature difference is proportional to the longitudinal temperature difference. Combining these expressions brings out a new criterion parameter for the nonlinear Reynolds number (

$Re_{NL}$

) characterizing the transition in streaming patterns at high acoustic levels. This result explains previous experimental and numerical observations of the streaming flow dynamics at high acoustic amplitudes, under different temperature boundary conditions, and can provide a powerful prediction tool for streaming pattern transitions.
End of War or End of State? 1918 in the Public Memories of Post-Communist Croatia and Serbia
Authors: Andersen Tea Sindbæk , Dedović Ismar
Published: January 2021

This article investigates the role of 1918, the end of the First World War, and the establishment of the Yugoslav state in public memories of post-communist Croatia and Serbia. Analysing history schoolbooks within the context of major works of history and public discussion, the authors trace the developments of public memory of the end of the war and 1918. Drawing on the concepts of public memory and historical narrative, the authors focus on the ways in which history textbooks create historical narratives and on the types of lessons from the past that can be extracted from these narratives. While Serbia and Croatia have rather different patterns of First World War memory, the authors argue that both states have abandoned the Yugoslav communist narrative and now publicly commemorate 1918 as a loss of national statehood. This is somehow paradoxical, since the establishment of the South Slav State in 1918 was supposedly an outcome of the Wilsonian principle of national self-determination. In Serbia, the story of loss is packed in a fatalistic narrative of heroism and victimhood, while in Croatia the story of loss is embedded in a tale of necessary evils, which nevertheless had a positive outcome in a sovereign Croatian state.
Governmental Responses to Terrorism in Autocracies: Evidence from China
Authors: Potter Philip B. K. , Wang Chen
Published: January 2021

Autocracies are widely assumed to have a counterterrorism advantage because they can censor media and are insulated from public opinion, thereby depriving terrorists of both their audience and political leverage. However, institutionalized autocracies such as China draw legitimacy from public approval and feature partially free media environments, meaning that their information strategies must be much more sophisticated than simple censorship. To better understand the strategic considerations that govern decisions about transparency in this context, this article explores the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) treatment of domestic terrorist incidents in the official party mouthpiece – thePeople's Daily.Drawing on original, comprehensive datasets of all known Uyghur terrorist violence in China and the official coverage of that violence, the findings demonstrate that the CCP promptly acknowledges terrorist violence only when both domestic and international conditions are favorable. The authors attribute this pattern to the entrenched prioritization of short-term social stability over longer-term legitimacy.
Efficacy of diluted vinegar in treating granular myringitis: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Prakairungthong S , Ungchoomchoke P , Limviriyakul S , Suvarnsit K , Atipas S , Thongyai K
Published: January 2021

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of granular myringitis treatment of 1 per cent diluted vinegar ear drops or 1 per cent chloramphenicol ear drops and to assess the side effects of 1 per cent diluted vinegar.

Method

Twenty-four patients aged over 18 years and diagnosed with granular myringitis grade I or II within 90 days of symptom onset were included. Patients were equally randomised into either the 1 per cent diluted vinegar group or the 1 per cent chloramphenicol group. Outcome of treatment and side effects were compared between groups. The main outcome measure was completely epithelialised tympanic membrane at the eight-week period.

Results

Eleven of 12 patients treated with 1 per cent diluted vinegar had complete recovery. In the 1 per cent chloramphenicol group, 8 of 12 patients recovered. The difference between groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.156). The observed side effects of diluted vinegar included dizziness and mild external auditory canal irritation.

Conclusion

One per cent diluted vinegar is an interesting option for granular myringitis. Other comparative advantages of 1 per cent diluted vinegar include its low price and no induction of antimicrobial resistance.
Anomalous innominate artery complicating tracheal surgical procedures
Authors: Sargunaraj J J E , Paul R R , Mathews S S , Albert R R A
Published: January 2021

Objective

To highlight the importance of imaging in reducing an accidental injury to the anomalous brachiocephalic trunk and its branches during tracheal surgery.

Case report

This paper reports two cases of accidental injury to the great vessels in the neck during tracheal surgery. The first incident occurred during a repeat tracheostomy, when the right common carotid artery was injured. On reviewing the computed tomography images, the bifurcation of the brachiocephalic artery was seen to the left of the midline, and the right common carotid artery was adherent just below the tracheostomy site. The second incident happened during surgery for tracheal stenosis, when there was an inadvertent injury to the main brachiocephalic trunk, which was adherent to the trachea in the lower neck region.

Conclusion

For airway surgeons, radiological assessment of vascular structures in relation to the trachea prior to surgery is as important as the endoluminal airway assessment for the best outcome.
Do Assessment Tools Shape Policy Preferences? Analysing Policy Framing Effects on Older Adults’ Conceptualisation of Autonomy
Authors: DICKSON DANIEL , MARIER PATRIK , DUBÉ ANNE-SOPHIE
Published: January 2021

The concept of autonomy is essential in the practice and study of gerontology and in long-term care policies. For older adults with expanding care needs, scores from tightly specified assessment instruments, which aim to measure the autonomy of service users, usually determine access to social services. These instruments emphasise functional independence in the performance of activities of daily living. In an effort to broaden the understanding of autonomy into needs assessment practice, the province of Québec (Canada) added social and relational elements into the assessment tool. In the wake of these changes, this article studies the interaction between the use of assessment instruments and the extent to which they alter how older adults define their autonomy as service users. This matters since the conceptualisation of autonomy shapes the formulation of long-term care policy problems, influencing both the demand and supply of services and the types of services that ought to be prioritised by governments. Relying on focus groups, this study shows that the functional autonomy frame dominates problem definitions, while social/relational framings are marginal. This reflects the more authoritative weight of functional autonomy within the assessment tool and contributes to the biomedicalisation of aging.
Ageing consumers and e-commerce activities
Authors: Rybaczewska Maria , Sparks Leigh
Published: January 2021

Technology, and particularly the internet, has transformed consumer and business behaviours. An ageing population is impacted by these contextual and operational changes. Understanding these impacts within an ageing population is important for businesses, organisations and individuals, and their e-commerce activities. Our study increases understanding about the online behaviour of older consumers. Our research question is: what is the impact of age and individual and household characteristics on the online behaviour of older consumers? This is important given the increasing assumption that all consumers are digitally enabled. We use data from the first wave of an innovative longitudinal study in Scotland (HAGIS – Healthy Ageing in Scotland) to explore ageing consumers and e-commerce activities. The United Kingdom (including Scotland) is the world's third largest e-commerce market, thus providing a suitable context. Our findings point to a shifting relationship between ageing consumers and e-commerce activities. Age is related to e-commerce activities but the ‘break-point’ for these activities is older than normally identified in academic and business practice. Sex is not a differentiator of activity but marital status is. Age and the contextual situation impact e-commerce, and have implications for access and capability, and link to questions over isolation. Important issues are raised for business and organisational practice, around service and other delivery for older people.
X-ray powder diffraction data for nicotine 3,5-dihydroxybenzoate dihydrate, C10H15N2⋅C7H5O4⋅2H2O
Authors: Yang Ji , Liu Zhi Hua , Zhu Rui Zhi , Xiang Neng Jun , Tang Shi Yun , He Pei , Suo Zi Li , Li Hui
Published: January 2021

Nicotine 3,5-dihydroxybenzoate dihydrate is a nicotine salt and can be used as compositions in tobacco products. X-ray powder diffraction data, unit-cell parameters, and space group for nicotine 3,5-dihydroxybenzoate, C10H15N2⋅C7H5O4⋅2H2O, are reported [a = 8.424(1) Å, b = 13.179(8) Å, c = 8.591(1) Å, α = 90°, β = 102.073(8)°, γ = 90°, unit-cell volume V = 932.765(3) Å3, Z = 2, ρcal = 1.256 g⋅cm−3, and space group P21] at room temperature. All measured lines were indexed and are consistent with the P21 space group.
Assessing spatial dispersion, abundance, and conservation perspectives of Military MacawAra militarispopulations in Mexico
Authors: MONTERRUBIO-RICO TIBERIO C. , CHARRE-MEDELLÍN JUAN F. , RUBIO-ROCHA YAMEL , BONILLA-RUZ CARLOS , CINTA-MAGALLÓN CLAUDIA , CANCINO-MURILLO RAMÓN , SAHAGÚN-SÁNCHEZ FRANCISCO J. , DURAN-FERNÁNDEZ ALEJANDRO , LOWRY JENNIFER S. , CORRALES-SAUCEDO JESÚS M.
Published: January 2021

The preservation of Military MacawAra militarisin Mexico required the implementation of a nationwide assessment evaluating its vulnerability using IUCN criteria. With the combined effort of several institutions, the abundance, location, dispersion, habitat availability, and climatic conditions of areas occupied by the species were determined. Although the species’ extent of occurrence is extensive (263,919 km2) only 29% of this constitutes area of occupancy. Published estimates indicate a series of isolated populations containing from four macaws to 215. Macaws occurred in 35 populations in four regions of 16 states containing an estimated 1,563–3,263 macaws; lower than required for long-term viability. Within regions, neighbouring populations were separated by an average of 68 km. The extent of occurrence is heterogeneous, and macaws inhabit areas that differ in elevation, precipitation, temperature, and forest cover. Higher local abundances occur in landscapes where annual precipitation is ≥1,100 mm, and primary forest availability ≥1,800 km2. Although the existence of undetected macaw groups in Mexico is possible, these are likely to contain only small numbers of individuals, as most detected areas with macaws contain less than 40 individuals, and larger concentrations are more likely to be noticed due to their conspicuous behaviour. The species is threatened primarily by its low overall abundance, fragmented distribution, and forest loss around populations with the highest abundance. With the information generated, it is possible to design and implement specific management and conservation strategies at different geographic scales for the recovery and maintenance of the species in Mexico. It is necessary to strengthen collaborative programmes among conservation organizations, government agencies, and local communities in each region of the country to organize and finance community-based actions such as monitoring, habitat restoration, protection from poaching and the creation of a network of conservation corridors and macaw reserves focused on conservation.
Droughts and floods in Malawi: impacts on crop production and the performance of sustainable land management practices under weather extremes
Authors: McCarthy Nancy , Kilic Talip , Brubaker Josh , Murray Siobhan , de la Fuente Alejandro
Published: January 2021

Climate change is predicted to increase the frequency of extreme weather events, increasing the vulnerability of smallholder farmers dependent on rain-fed agriculture. We evaluate the extent to which farmers in Malawi suffer crop production losses due to extreme weather, and whether sustainable land management (SLM) practices help shield crop production losses from extreme events. We use a three period panel dataset where widespread floods and droughts occurred in separate periods, offering a unique opportunity to evaluate impacts using data collected immediately following these events. Results show that crop production outcomes were severely hit by both floods and droughts, with average losses ranging between 32–48 per cent. Legume intercropping provided protection against both floods and droughts, while green belts provided protection against floods. However, we find limited evidence that SLM adoption decisions are driven by exposure to weather shocks; rather, farmers with more productive assets are more likely to adopt.