bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validating 3-Phosphoinositide Dependent Protein Kinase-1 as a Drug Target in African Trypanosoma
Authors: Chisompola Namaunga Kasumu
Published: August 2020

Introduction: Human African trypanosomiasis is a parasitic disease that is transmitted to the mammalian host through the bite of an infected tsetse fly of the genus Glossina species. The disease is caused by two species, Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, disease outcome is dependent on the infective species. Currently, treatment of African trypanosomiasis is dependent on drugs that are highly toxic and drug resistance has been observed. Therefore, there is a need for development of new drugs and vaccines. The genome of T. brucei has been completely sequenced and analysis of the kinome has revealed 156 eukaryotic protein kinases. One such kinase is a homolog of the mammalian 3-phosphoinositide dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK-1), a member of the AGC family of protein kinases which shares 35% similarity with the human PDK-1.

Methods: In this study, RNA interference of 3-phosphoinositide dependent protein kinase-1 was carried out to investigate the effect of gene knock down on Trypanosoma brucei brucei.

Results: Trypanosoma brucei 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 is important in T. brucei brucei cell proliferation. Further investigations using DAPI and fluorescence microscopy showed that gene knockdown had an impact on cell phenotype.

Conclusion: RNA interference was effective in knocking down genes corresponding to Trypanosoma brucei 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1. Findings of the study demonstrate that TbPDK-1 is important in cell proliferation in blood stream form Trypanosoma brucei brucei. These results validate TbPDK-1 as a potential drug target for African trypanosomes.
Effects of Compost Tea Application on Soil Properties, Growth and Yield of Amaranthus (Amaranthus caudatus L) in Wukari, Northern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria
Authors: Gani A. T. , Odey C. A. , Christopher A.
Published: August 2020

A study was conducted to determine the effects of compost tea application on the soil properties, growth and yield of amaranthus (Amaranthus caudatus L) in Wukari, Northern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria. The experimental variables include compost tea of 10 liters water/1 kg compost, compost tea of 20 liters water/1 kg compost, and compost tea of 30 liters waters/1 kg compost, 120 kgN/ha of urea fertilizer and no treatment. The treatment combinations were done in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), replicated trice on a land area of about 150m2 (0.015 ha) consisting of 15 plots measuring 4 m by 2 m each. The prepared compost tea had the chemical constituent in adequate quantities except for total nitrogen and the micronutrients determined. Compost tea had significant effect on most of the parameters considered. Application of the extract resulted to increase in total nitrogen, organic carbon, exchangeable magnesium and exchangeable sodium. The growth parameters; plant height and stem girth increased significantly with the application of 2.5 t/ha of compost soaked in 10 liters of waters which gave the highest yield of Amaranthus caudatus when weighed. Although the compost tea extract was effective to some extent, fortification with organic additives that will add the missing micronutrient and inorganic additives is recommended.
Studies on Photosynthetic Rate, Anatomical Characters, and Grain Yield in Finger Millet Genotypes
Authors: Reddy Y. A. Nanja
Published: August 2020

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.) yield improvement has been achieved through development of blast resistant varieties and adoption of appropriate management practices. However, yield improvement is approaching stagnation and further improvement could be possible by inclusion of physiological traits in addition to yield per se. In this direction, nine selected genotypes for high net assimilation were compared with popular Cv. GPU-28 for photosynthetic, anatomical, and yield contributing traits to identify a better genotype and physiological traits associated with grain yield. Results revealed that the photosynthetic rate did not differ significantly between genotypes, but influenced the grain yield through increased earhead size and harvest index. Path analysis showed a direct positive effect of photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, mean earhead size and productive tillers towards grain yield. The photosynthetic rate was positively associated with leaf lamina thickness and vein frequency. Therefore, for finger millet yield improvement, traits like photosynthetic rate/ transpiration rate and mean earhead size with 3 to 4 tillers could be selected. Variety, GPU-28 which is widely cultivated had better photosynthetic traits and grain yield attributes, this variety can be used as important baseline check for both photosynthetic rate and grain yield in finger millet yield improvement programmes.
Effect of Different Defoliants and Time of Application on Defoliation Percentage and Boll Opening Percentage in High Density Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Chandrasekaran P. , Ravichandran V. , Senthil A. , Mahalingam L. , Sakthivel N.
Published: August 2020

Aims: To evaluate the time and type of chemical defoliants to improve the mechanical and manual picking of high density cotton CO 17 in terms of higher defoliation and increase boll opening percentage.

Study Design: The study was performed in split plot design with seven treatments and four replications.

Place and Duration of Study: This field study was carried out in Department of Crop Physiology TNAU, Coimbatore during September 2019 to January 2020.

Methodology: Three time of defoliants application (120 Days After Sowing (DAS), 127 DAS and 134 DAS) for main plot and seven treatment levels of Control, 2, 4 D (0.5%), Ethephon (0.5%), Ethephon (0.5%) + TIBA (450 ppm), Sodium chlorate (0.9%), 6-BAP (0.1%), Thidiazuron + Diuron (0.03%) for sub plot.

Results: Defoliation percentage was significantly enhanced from 4 days after defoliants spray. Boll opening percentage also increased with defoliants spray when compared to control plants. Although a significant effect was observed on SPAD value, NDVI value and seed cotton yield.

Conclusion: From this study, application of Thidiazuron + Diuron (0.03%) and Sodium chlorate (0.9%) had significantly positive effect in per cent defoliation and boll opening percentage and it will work better in young cotton plants compare to mature one.
The Esophageal Diverticulum: About Two Cases
Authors: Brahmi Yasser El , Achour Youssef , Rebbani Mohammed , Ehirchiou Abdelkader , Ali Abdelmounaim Ait
Published: August 2020

The hypopharyngeal diverticulum of the cervical esophagus, also knows as Zenker's diverticulum, is the most common esophageal diverticulum. It develops at the junction of the hypopharynx and the esophagus. The most present symptom is dysphagia. Between the period of 01/01/2018 to 31/12/2018, we accessed two patients with esophageal diverticulum.both underwent surgical treatment - diverticulectomy at department of the visceral surgery II of the Military Hospital Mohamed V of Rabat.Morocco.

The aim of this report is to evaluate the diagnostic methods and the surgical outcomes by comparing them to others technics used in the treatment of the esophageal diverticulum.
Education, intelligence, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Linjing , Tang Lu , Xia Kailin , Huang Tao , Fan Dongsheng
Published: August 2020

Objective

To systematically investigate causal relationships between educational attainment, cognitive‐related phenotypes, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods

Summary statistics from genome‐wide association studies for educational attainment, math ability, highest math class taken, cognitive performance, intelligence, and ALS were used. A two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design was applied to explore the potential causal associations between them.

Results

Genetically predisposition to longer educational attainment and harder math class taken were associated with significantly lower statistical odds ratio of ALS. For per year increase in education completed there was a 21% lower (95% confidence interval [CI] = 27–14%) in risk for ALS. For per 1‐SD increase in the highest math class taken obtained there was a 19% lower (95% CI = 9–28%) in risk for ALS. Genetically predisposition to math ability, cognitive performance, and intelligence did not decrease the risk of ALS.

Interpretation

This study provides genetic support for a causal association between higher educational attainment and a lower risk of ALS. The genes related to these phenotypes are involved in almost all aspects of neuron‐to‐neuron communication. ALS patients are occasionally accompanied by varying degrees of cognitive impairment. People with greater cognitive reserve may be better able to offset damages of degenerative brain changes associated with dementia or other brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or ALS.
Grain Shape Dynamics for Molecular Simulations at the Mesoscale
Authors: Martzel Nicolas , Dequidt Alain , Devémy Julien , Blaak Ronald , Garruchet Sebastien , Latour Benoit , Goujon Florent , Munch Etienne , Malfreyt Patrice
Published: August 2020

Coarse‐graining routines are necessary for simulating systems involving large molecules. However, their accuracy is limited by excessive simplifications that are made during the upscaling procedure. The time autocorrelation of the shape anisotropy of grains in cis‐polybutadiene chains is computed, and it is concluded that the image of a grain as an undeformable object is no longer valid at high level of coarse‐graining. A model for the joint dynamics of the centers of mass and the shapes of grains, which are calculated from the positions of the atoms they represent, is introduced. The model reproduces the distribution and dynamics of the shape of a single‐grain oligomer in various solvents, opening a route to physical modeling of complex systems such as proteins, biological cells, or realistic polymer melts.
Encephalopathy and brain atrophy during induction chemotherapy in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Li Qiao‐Ru , Fu Si‐Mao , Mo Yin‐Lei , Li Yu , Liang Cong , Wang Li‐Na , Tang Wen‐Yan , Huang Li‐Bin , Luo Xue‐Qun , Tang Yan‐Lai
Published: August 2020

The MRI showed encephalopathy and brain atrophy of the left parietal lobe, occipital lobe and temporal lobe and decreased infiltration of the dura mater on T2‐weighted imaging. But encephalopathy and brain atrophy could be improved with neurotrophic drugs and additional intelligence teaching.
Macroevolutionary integration of phenotypes within and across ant worker castes
Authors: Friedman Nicholas R. , Lecroq Bennet Beatrice , Fischer Georg , Sarnat Eli M. , Huang Jen‐Pan , Knowles L. Lacey Knowles , Economo Evan P.
Published: August 2020

Phenotypic traits are often integrated into evolutionary modules: sets of organismal parts that evolve together. In social insect colonies, the concepts of integration and modularity apply to sets of traits both within and among functionally and phenotypically differentiated castes. On macroevolutionary timescales, patterns of integration and modularity within and across castes can be clues to the selective and ecological factors shaping their evolution and diversification. We develop a set of hypotheses describing contrasting patterns of worker integration and apply this framework in a broad (246 species) comparative analysis of major and minor worker evolution in the hyperdiverse ant genusPheidole. Using geometric morphometrics in a phylogenetic framework, we inferred fast and tightly integrated evolution of mesosoma shape between major and minor workers, but slower and more independent evolution of head shape between the two worker castes. Thus,Pheidoleworkers are evolving as a mixture of intracaste and intercaste integration and rate heterogeneity. The decoupling of homologous traits across worker castes may represent an important process facilitating the rise of social complexity.
Professionals' views on the “optimal time” for people living with dementia to move to a care home
Authors: Cole Laura , Samsi Kritika , Manthorpe Jill
Published: August 2020

Objective

The decision about the best time for a person living with dementia to move to a care home involves the individual and others, particularly family. However, little is known about care professionals' views on the best time to move, particularly those with decision‐making authority. This study investigated social workers' and care home managers' views on whether there is an “optimal time” for a move.

Methods

A qualitative, phenomenological approach was employed, using semi‐structured interviews with 20 social workers and 20 care home managers in England; all with experience of advising people living with dementia about a care home move and making decisions about funding or acceptance. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically.

Results

Four overarching themes emerged from the data: (1) staying at home for as long as possible but avoiding crisis, (2) balancing risks proactively and anticipating triggers, (3) desires for the person living with dementia to be involved in the decision, and (4) the significance of funding in enabling choices about a care home move.

Conclusions

Deciding on the timing of a care home move is context and person specific. Two professional groups with substantial experience of this among their client group both recommended proactive deliberation but funding was overall the deciding factor in the extent to which they considered choice was possible. Future research should avoid seeing all care home moves as negative and explore how practitioners can best encourage discussions prior to crisis point about care home options.
Translanguaging in Early Childhood Education in Luxembourg: From Practice to Pedagogy
Authors: Kirsch Claudine , Seele Claudia
Published: August 2020

An inclusive translanguaging pedagogy aims to promote learning and participation by drawing on the learners’ entire semiotic repertoire. The focus of this chapter are the translanguaging practices of four early years practitioners in Luxembourg. We analyse the deployment of their linguistic repertoire, their reasons for translanguaging, and the ways in which their practices contributed to inclusion and participation. We found that the practices comprised using linguistic resources dynamically, translating, and ‘home languaging,’ and depended on the practitioners’ pedagogical stance. We argue that multilingual practices need to be embedded in a reflexive translanguaging pedagogy in order to enhance inclusion.
Natural disasters as a development opportunity: a spatial economic resilience interpretation
Authors: Bănică Alexandru , Kourtit Karima , Nijkamp Peter
Published: August 2020

Natural disasters are usually regarded as damage factors causing high private and social costs. Notwithstanding the incontestable validity of this premise, natural disasters do not necessarily lead to a structural deprivation of the area affected. Recent studies have clearly shown that in the long run one may even observe positive socio-economic effects (‘blessings in disguise’).

This paper investigates this challenging proposition by developing a risk-disaster-opportunity framework for a territorial system, and by analysing the socio-economic impacts of natural shocks from a resilience perspective. This is inter alia done by designing a typology of natural disasters, and by presenting a systematic classification of long-range impacts.

An empirical test of the above proposition of positive recovery effects of natural disasters is carried out by using, in particular, long-term data from the worldwide EM-DAT database. The attention is then focussed on positive feedback loops in spatial systems that are affected by a natural perturbation. Various case studies (USA, China, Haiti, Chile, Japan) are undertaken in order to test the existence of long-term ‘blessings in disguise’ effects, using in particular the HDI-index. In various cases, such positive effects appear to exist, depending on the effectiveness of public management of natural disaster phenomena.
Primary school students’ perceived social support in relation to study engagement
Authors: Rautanen Pihla , Soini Tiina , Pietarinen Janne , Pyhältö Kirsi
Published: August 2020

The aim of this research was to study the dynamics of fourth graders’ perceived social support for schoolwork and to examine how this support contributes to their study engagement. Social support was hypothesised to be positively associated with higher levels of study engagement. Moreover, social support from teachers and guardians was hypothesised to be associated with social support for schoolwork among peers. Differences between genders were studied in relation to perceived social support and study engagement. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses with cross-sectional survey data from 2400 fourth grade students from Finland. They were 10 years of age on average. The results indicate that social support from teachers and among peers has stronger effects on study engagement compared to support from guardians. Moreover, it was found that social support from teachers and guardians is associated with the social support that students share among their peers. Girls were found to be more engaged in studying and to experience more social support from teachers and among peers compared to boys. The perceived social support from teachers was found to be partly determined by the class group to which the student belongs. These results suggest that by providing emotional and informational support for their students, teachers might be able to promote students’ study engagement, as well as such peer interaction that further enhances the students’ study engagement.
‘Workable utopias’ for social change through inclusion and empowerment? Community supported agriculture (CSA) in Wales as social innovation
Authors: Mert-Cakal Tezcan , Miele Mara
Published: August 2020

The focus of this article is community supported agriculture (CSA) as an alternative food movement and a bottom-up response to the problems of the dominant food systems. By utilizing social innovation approach that explores the relationship between causes for human needs and emergence of socially innovative food initiatives, the article examines how the CSA projects emerge and why, what is their innovative role as part of the social economy and what is their transformative potential. Based on qualitative data from four different models of CSA case studies in different regions of Wales, UK, and by using concepts from an alternative model for social innovation (ALMOLIN) as analytical tool, the article demonstrates that the Welsh CSA cases play distinctive roles as part of the social economy. They satisfy the needs for ecologically sound and ethically produced food, grown within communities of like-minded people and they empower individuals and communities at micro level, while at the same time experiment with how to be economically sustainable and resilient on a small scale. The paper argues that in order to become ‘workable utopias’, the CSA initiatives need to overcome the barriers that prevent them from replicating, participating in policies and decision-making at macro level, and scaling up.
Climate Change-Induced Changes in the Chemistry of a High-Altitude Mountain Lake in the Central Alps
Authors: Steingruber Sandra M. , Bernasconi Stefano M. , Valenti Giorgio
Published: August 2020

Mountains are among the most sensitive ecosystems to climate change, and one of the most evident signs of climate-related effect is the continuous net loss of ice from the cryosphere. Several studies showed that meltwater from glaciated and perennially frozen areas can profoundly affect alpine aquatic ecosystems. Here, we present the impressive temporal increase in solutes in Lake Leit, a mountain lake in the Central Alps that is impacted by an active rock glacier. During the last 30 years, concentrations of sulfate and base cations increased by factors of 4 and 3, respectively. Atmospheric deposition, the only catchment external source, could be excluded as possible cause. The inlets have sulfate and base cations concentrations that were up to double the concentrations of the lake outlet confirming the presence of catchment internal sources. The highest concentrations were measured in the springs at the bottom of the rock glacier. Ground surface temperatures of the rock glacier indicated a high probability of permafrost occurrence, while the annual mean air temperature after the mid-1980s showed continuously positive deviations from the long-term average values (period 1961–1990) with increasing values after 2010. δ34S of sulfate in the inlets and the outflow indicated that sulfate in Lake Leit mainly derived from dissolution of gypsum/anhydrite even if its presence is not confirmed by the Geologic Atlas of Switzerland. Because of these results, we postulate the presence of subsurface traces of sulfate-bearing evaporites, probably associated with Triassic metasediments. These deposits are very common in the closer surroundings. We further hypothesize that the thawing of permafrost affects the flow path of water enabling its contact with fresh highly weatherable minerals increasing the overall weathering rate and shifting the relative ionic composition in the discharge toward the ions that originate from the most soluble minerals. This study shows that increased permafrost thawing in the future can influence water quality in high-alpine settings.
Exercise combined with a probiotics treatment alters the microbiome, but moderately affects signalling pathways in the liver of male APP/PS1 transgenic mice
Authors: Téglás Tímea , Ábrahám Dóra , Jókai Mátyás , Kondo Saki , Mohammadi Rezieh , Fehér János , Szabó Dóra , Wilhelm Marta , Radák Zsolt
Published: August 2020

It has been demonstrated that physical exercise and probiotic supplementation delay the progress of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in male APP/PS1TG mice. However, it has also been suggested that both exercise and AD have systemic effects. We have studied the effects of exercise training and probiotic treatment on microbiome and biochemical signalling proteins in the liver. The results suggest that liver is under oxidative stress, since SOD2 levels of APP/PS1 mice were decreased when compared to a wild type of mice. Exercise training prevented this decrease. We did not find significant changes in COX4, SIRT3, PGC-1a or GLUT4 levels, while the changes in pAMPK/AMPK, pmTOR/mTOR, pS6/S6 and NRF2 levels were randomly modulated. The data suggest that exercise and probiotics-induced changes in microbiome do not strongly affect mitochondrial density or protein synthesis-related AMPK/mTOR/S6 pathways in the liver of these animals.
The Ancient Tree Inventory: a summary of the results of a 15 year citizen science project recording ancient, veteran and notable trees across the UK
Authors: Nolan Victoria , Reader Tom , Gilbert Francis , Atkinson Nick
Published: August 2020

Ancient, veteran and notable trees are ecologically important keystone organisms and have tangible connections to folklore, history and sociocultural practices. Although found worldwide, few countries have such a rich history of recording and treasuring these trees as the UK, with its extensive Royal and aristocratic land ownership, unique land management methods and long-standing interest in natural history and species record collecting. As a result, the UK has collated an extensive database of ancient, veteran and notable trees called the Ancient Tree Inventory (ATI). The ATI is the result of a successful, long-term citizen science recording project and is the most comprehensive database of ancient and other noteworthy trees to date. We present here the first review of the ATI in its entirety since its initiation in 2004, including summaries of the UK ancient, veteran and notable tree distributions, the status and condition of the trees, and key information about the recording process and maintenance of the database. Statistical analysis of components of the dataset, comprising 169,967 tree records, suggest there are significant differences in the threats, size, form and location of different types of trees, especially in relation to taxonomic identity and tree age. Our goal is to highlight the value of the ATI in the UK, to encourage the development of similar ancient tree recording projects in other countries, and to emphasise the importance to conservation of continued efforts to maintain and expand databases of this kind.
Biodiversity and conservation of terricolous lichens and bryophytes in continental lowlands of northern Italy: the role of different dry habitat types
Authors: Gheza Gabriele , Assini Silvia , Lelli Chiara , Marini Lorenzo , Mayrhofer Helmut , Nascimbene Juri
Published: August 2020

In dry habitats of European lowlands terricolous lichens and bryophytes are almost neglected in conservation practises, even if they may strongly contribute to biodiversity. This study aims at (a) testing the role of heathlands, acidic and calcareous dry grasslands for lichen and bryophyte diversity and conservation in lowland areas of northern Italy characterized by high human impact and habitat fragmentation; (b) detecting the effect of environmental drivers and vegetation dynamics on species richness and composition. Lichens, bryophytes, vascular plants, and environmental variables were recorded in 287 circular plots for 75 sites. Our results indicate that heathlands, acidic and calcareous dry grasslands host peculiar terricolous lichen and bryophyte communities that include several species of conservation concern. Thus, each habitat provides a complementary contribution to lichen and bryophyte diversity in continental lowland landscapes. Furthermore, in each habitat different factors drive species richness and composition with contrasting patterns between lichens and bryophytes. In terms of conservation, our results indicate that management of lowland dry habitats should act at both local and landscape scales. At local scale, vegetation dynamics should be controlled in order to avoid biodiversity loss due to vegetation dynamics and wood encroachment. At the landscape scale, patches of all the three habitats should be maintained to maximize regional diversity.
Trajectory of smoking and early bladder cancer risk among Korean young adult men
Authors: Jee Yongho , Jung Keum Ji , Back Joung Hwan , Lee Sun Mi , Lee Seung Hwan
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the risk of bladder cancer according to the trajectory pattern of amount of smoking among Korean young adult men.

Methods

Smoking status was assessed with a standardized questionnaire in the Korean Life Course Health Study (KLCHS). Trajectory analyses were performed among young adult men using seven repeated surveys of cigarette per day (CPD) every two years from 1992 to 2005. The occurrence of bladder cancer was tracked from 2006 to 2016. The Cox proportional models were used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval) of smoking patterns on bladder cancer.

Results

The mean (standard deviation) age of the 161,069 participants was 34.0 (3.9) years, and 2,280,143 person-years (PY) were examined during the follow-up period of 14.2 (median 14.3) years. During this period, 263 new cases of bladder cancer occurred (11.5/100,000 PY). Among the six trajectory groups (low steady, lowering, rise and fall, high steady, rise and sharp fall, and very high steady), there was a higher risk of developing bladder cancer in the all the other groups compared to the low steady group. The highest risk group was the very high steady group, with HR 2.83 (95% CI 1.79–4.49). In addition, the risk of bladder cancer was 2.61 (95% CI 1.50–4.54) in the rise and sharp fall group.

Conclusion

The risk of bladder cancer did not show much difference according to trajectories, except for low steady group. Thus quitting smoking should be the priority to lower the risk of bladder cancer in smokers.
Post-socialist “illiberal democracies”: do de jure constitutional rights matter?
Authors: Metelska-Szaniawska Katarzyna , Lewkowicz Jacek
Published: August 2020

Arede jureconstitutional rules significant for constitutional practice? We pose this question with regard tode jureandde factoprotection of constitutional rights in post-socialist countries of Europe and Asia. While, after 1989, these countries enacted broad catalogues of rights and freedoms, they are by now often regarded as electoral, not liberal democracies, i.e. they generally allow for political competition and fair elections but witness considerable violations in civil and minority rights. We use various econometric techniques to determine whether, and under what conditions,de jurerights originating from texts of post-socialist constitutions matter forde factoprotection of rights in these countries. Our results reveal no such significant unconditional effect, with the exception of freedom of assembly/association. We do, however, find a positive significant effect conditional on judicial independence, democratization level, and robustness of civil society. The conclusions allow to propose guidelines for post-socialist legislators and bring a contribution to the broader debate on the role ofde jureconstitutional rules for theirde factoequivalents, which has so far been essentially inconclusive.
Data-driven software design with Constraint Oriented Multi-variate Bandit Optimization (COMBO)
Authors: Ros Rasmus , Hammar Mikael
Published: August 2020

Context

Software design in e-commerce can be improved with user data through controlled experiments (i.e. A/B tests) to better meet user needs. Machine learning-based algorithmic optimization techniques extends the approach to large number of variables to personalize software to different user needs. So far the optimization techniques has only been applied to optimize software of low complexity, such as colors and wordings of text.

Objective

In this paper, we introduce the COMBO toolkit with capability to model optimization variables and their relationship constraints specified through an embedded domain-specific language. The toolkit generates personalized software configurations for users as they arrive in the system, and the configurations improve over time in in relation to some given metric. COMBO has several implementations of machine learning algorithms and constraint solvers to optimize the model with user data by software developers without deep optimization knowledge.

Method

The toolkit was validated in a proof-of-concept by implementing two features that are relevant to Apptus, an e-commerce company that develops algorithms for web shops. The algorithmic performance was evaluated in simulations with realistic historic user data.

Results

The validation shows that the toolkit approach can model and improve relatively complex features with many types of variables and constraints, without causing noticeable delays for users.

Conclusions

We show that modeling software hierarchies in a formal model facilitates algorithmic optimization of more complex software. In this way, using COMBO, developers can make data-driven and personalized software products.
Three related topics on the periodic tables of elements
Authors: Maeno Yoshiteru , Hagino Kouichi , Ishiguro Takehiko
Published: August 2020

A large variety of periodic tables of the chemical elements have been proposed. It was Mendeleev who proposed a periodic table based on the extensive periodic law and predicted a number of unknown elements at that time. The periodic table currently used worldwide is of a long form pioneered by Werner in 1905. As the first topic, we describe the work of Pfeiffer (Naturwiss. 8:984–991, 1920), who refined Werner’s work and rearranged the rare-earth elements in a separate table below the main table for convenience. Today’s widely used periodic table essentially inherits Pfeiffer’s arrangements. Although long-form tables more precisely represent electron orbitals around a nucleus, they lose some of the features of Mendeleev’s short-form table to express similarities of chemical properties of elements when forming compounds. As the second topic, we compare various three-dimensional (3D) helical periodic tables that resolve some of the shortcomings of the long-form periodic tables in this respect. In particular, we explain how the 3D periodic table “Elementouch” (Maeno in Periodic-table-of-the-elements stationery. Design No. 1149493, Japan Patent Office. https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/d0000, 2001), which combines the s- and p-blocks into one tube, can recover features of Mendeleev’s periodic law. Finally we introduce a topic on the recently proposed nuclear periodic table based on the proton magic numbers (Hagino and Maeno in Found Chem 22:267–273, 2020). Here, the nuclear shell structure leads to a new arrangement of the elements with the proton magic-number nuclei treated like noble-gas atoms. We show that the resulting alignments of the elements in both the atomic and nuclear periodic tables are common over about two thirds of the tables because of a fortuitous coincidence in their magic numbers.
Misconceptions on Effective Field Theories and Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking: Response to Ellis’ Article
Authors: Luu Thomas , Meißner Ulf-G.
Published: August 2020

In an earlier paper Luu and Meißner (arXiv:1910.13770 [physics.hist-ph]) we discussed emergence from the context of effective field theories, particularly as related to the fields of particle and nuclear physics. We argued on the side of reductionism and weak emergence. George Ellis has critiqued our exposition in Ellis (arXiv:2004.13591 [physics.hist-ph]), and here we provide our response to his critiques. Many of his critiques are based on incorrect assumptions related to the formalism of effective field theories and we attempt to correct these issues here. We also comment on other statements made in his paper. Important to note is that our response is to his critiques made in archive versions arXiv:2004.13591v1-5 [physics.hist-ph]. That is, versions 1–5 of this archive post. Version 6 has similar content as versions 1–5, but versions 7–9 are seemingly a different paper altogether (even with a different title).
Shifting Strategies between Generations in Sami Reindeer Husbandry: the Challenges of Maintaining Traditions while Adapting to a Changing Context
Authors: Axelsson-Linkowski Weronika , Fjellström Anna-Maria , Sandström Camilla , Westin Anna , Östlund Lars , Moen Jon
Published: August 2020

Many traditional pastoralist systems are greatly impacted by cumulative encroachments of other land users and by climate change. Understanding land degradation and the adaptive capacity of people who are dependent on the rangelands is an urgent priority for many areas in the world. In this research we explore how changing environmental conditions affect herding strategies on winter pastures and the role of indigenous and local traditional knowledge (ILK) in Sami reindeer husbandry. Our results indicate that traditional Sami reindeer herding strategies are still practiced, but that rapidly changing environmental circumstances are forcing herders into uncharted territories where these traditional strategies and the transmission of knowledge between generations may be of limited use. For example, rotational grazing is no longer possible as all pastures are being used, and changes in climate result in unpredictable weather patterns unknown to earlier generations.
I Have a Fear of Negative Evaluation, Get Me Out of Here! Examining Latent Constructs of Social Anxiety and Autistic Traits in Neurotypical and Autistic Young People
Authors: Lei Jiedi , Russell Ailsa
Published: August 2020

Understanding shared and unique constructs underlying social communication difficulties in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) can address potential diagnostic overshadowing when evaluating SAD in the context of autism. Using self-report measures, factor analyses examined constructs underlying autistic traits, social anxiety, internalising symptoms and wellbeing amongst 267 neurotypical (17–19 years) and 145 autistic (15–22 years) students in the UK. Shared constructs across measures assessed general social communication competency (e.g., social distress in new situations and peer relationships). Fear of Negative Evaluation (FNE) was identified in both samples as a stable construct unique to social anxiety. Adapting interventions targeting SAD in autism should target FNE during adolescence which marks a period of heightened peer interaction and social vulnerability.
Experimental testing and numerical simulations of blast-induced fracture of dolomite rock
Authors: Baranowski Paweł , Mazurkiewicz Łukasz , Małachowski Jerzy , Pytlik Mateusz
Published: August 2020

In this paper, the Johnson-Holmquist II (JH-2) model with parameters for a dolomite rock was used for simulating rock fragmentation. The numerical simulations were followed by experimental tests. Blast holes were drilled in two different samples of the dolomite, and an emulsion high explosive was inserted. The first sample was used to measure acceleration histories, and the cracking pattern was analyzed to perform a detailed study of the blast-induced fracture to validate the proposed method of modelling and to analyze the capability of the JH-2 model for the dolomite. The second sample was used for further validation by scanning the fragments obtained after blasting. The geometries of the fragments were compared with numerical simulations to further validate the proposed method of modelling and the implemented material model. The outcomes are promising, and further study is planned for simulating and optimizing parallel cut-hole blasting.
On an improved adaptive reduced-order model for the computation of steady-state vibrations in large-scale non-conservative systems with friction joints
Authors: Yuan Jie , Schwingshackl Christoph , Wong Chian , Salles Loïc
Published: August 2020

Joints are commonly used in many large-scale engineering systems to ease assembly, and ensure structural integrity and effective load transmission. Most joints are designed around friction interfaces, which can transmit large static forces, but tend to introduce stick-slip transition during vibrations, leading to a nonlinear dynamic system. Tools for the complex numerical prediction of such nonlinear systems are available today, but their use for large-scale applications is regularly prevented by high computational cost. To address this issue, a novel adaptive reduced-order model (ROM) has recently been developed, significantly decreasing the computational time for such high fidelity simulations. Although highly effective, significant improvements to the proposed approach is presented and demonstrated in this paper, further increasing the efficiency of the ROM. An energy-based error estimator was developed and integrated into the nonlinear spectral analysis, leading to a significantly higher computational speed by removing insignificant static modes from the stuck contact nodes in the original reduced basis, and improving the computational accuracy by eliminating numerical noise. The effectiveness of the new approach was shown on an industrial-scale fan blades system with a dovetail joints, showing that the improved adaptive method can be 2–3 times more computationally efficient than the original adaptive method especially at high excitation levels but also effectively improve the accuracy of the original method.
Personal identity, transformative experiences, and the future self
Authors: Crone Katja
Published: August 2020

The article explores the relation between personal identity and life-changing decisions such as the decision for a certain career or the decision to become a parent. According to L.A. Paul (Paul 2014), decisions of this kind involve “transformative experiences”, to the effect that - at the time we make a choice - we simply don’t know what it is like for us to experience the future situation. Importantly, she claims that some new experiences may be “personally transformative” by which she means that one may become a “new kind of person” having a different subjective perspective and “identity”. The article discusses this understanding of a transformed future self. It will be argued that different notions of identity can be distinguished with respect to Paul’s claim: the notion of identity in the sense of a (core) personality as well as the notion of numerical identity in the sense of sameness. By distinguishing these two notions it will become more clear how a future experience may indeed qualify as “personally transformative”. Moreover, it will be shown that the notion of a self-understanding of persons helps to further clarify the kind of change at issue.
Combining Social Media and Survey Data to Nowcast Migrant Stocks in the United States
Authors: Alexander Monica , Polimis Kivan , Zagheni Emilio
Published: August 2020

Measuring and forecasting migration patterns has important implications for understanding broader population trends, for designing policy effectively and for allocating resources. However, data on migration and mobility are often lacking, and those that do exist are not available in a timely manner. Social media data offer new opportunities to provide more up-to-date demographic estimates and to complement more traditional data sources. Facebook’s Advertising Platform, for example, is a potentially rich data source of demographic information that is regularly updated. However, Facebook’s users are not representative of the underlying population. This paper proposes a statistical framework to combine social media data with traditional survey data to produce timely ‘nowcasts’ of migrant stocks by state in the United States. The model incorporates bias adjustment of Facebook data, and a pooled principal component time series approach, to account for correlations across age, time and space. We use the model to estimate and project migrants from Mexico, India and Germany, three migrant groups with varying levels and trends of migration in the US. By comparing short-term projections with data from the American Community Survey, we show that the model predictions outperform alternatives that rely solely on either social media or survey data.
Temporally Coherent General Dynamic Scene Reconstruction
Authors: Mustafa Armin , Volino Marco , Kim Hansung , Guillemaut Jean-Yves , Hilton Adrian
Published: August 2020

Existing techniques for dynamic scene reconstruction from multiple wide-baseline cameras primarily focus on reconstruction in controlled environments, with fixed calibrated cameras and strong prior constraints. This paper introduces a general approach to obtain a 4D representation of complex dynamic scenes from multi-view wide-baseline static or moving cameras without prior knowledge of the scene structure, appearance, or illumination. Contributions of the work are: an automatic method for initial coarse reconstruction to initialize joint estimation; sparse-to-dense temporal correspondence integrated with joint multi-view segmentation and reconstruction to introduce temporal coherence; and a general robust approach for joint segmentation refinement and dense reconstruction of dynamic scenes by introducing shape constraint. Comparison with state-of-the-art approaches on a variety of complex indoor and outdoor scenes, demonstrates improved accuracy in both multi-view segmentation and dense reconstruction. This paper demonstrates unsupervised reconstruction of complete temporally coherent 4D scene models with improved non-rigid object segmentation and shape reconstruction and its application to various applications such as free-view rendering and virtual reality.
Development and Validation of a Hopkinson Bar for Hazardous Materials
Authors: Quinn R.M. , Zhang L.H. , Cox M.J. , Townsend D. , Cartwright T. , Aldrich-Smith G. , Hooper P.A. , Dear J.P.
Published: August 2020

Background

There are a variety of approaches that can be employed for Hopkinson bar compression testing and there is no standard procedure.

Objectives

A Split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) testing technique is presented which has been specifically developed for the characterisation of hazardous materials such as radioactive metals. This new SHPB technique is validated and a comparison is made with results obtained at another laboratory.

Methods

Compression SHPB tests are performed on identical copper specimens using the new SHPB procedures at Imperial College London and confirmatory measurements are performed using the well-established configuration at the University of Oxford. The experiments are performed at a temperature of 20 ∘C and 200 ∘C. Imperial heat the specimens externally before being inserted into the test position (ex-situ heating) and Oxford heat the specimens whilst in contact with the pressure bars (in-situ heating). For the ex-situ case, specimen temperature homogeneity is investigated both experimentally and by simulation.

Results

Stress-strain curves were generally consistent at both laboratories but sometimes discrepancies fell outside of the inherent measurement uncertainty range of the equipment, with differences mainly attributed to friction, loading pulse shapes and pulse alignment techniques. Small metallic specimens are found to be thermally homogenous even during contact with the pressure bars.

Conclusion

A newly developed Hopkinson bar for hazardous materials is shown to be effective for characterising metals under both ambient and elevated temperature conditions.
Clinical Experience with COVID-19 at a Specialty Orthopedic Hospital Converted to a Pandemic Overflow Field Hospital
Authors: Miller Andy O. , Kapadia Milan , Kirksey Meghan A. , Sandhu Milan , Jannat-Khah Deanna , Bui Trang , Boyle K. Keely , Krez Alexandra , Russell Linda , O'Neill Jennifer , Stein Emily M. , Henry Michael W. , Antao Vinicius C. , Padgett Douglas E.
Published: August 2020

Background

COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has sickened millions and killed hundreds of thousands as of June 2020. New York City was affected gravely. Our hospital, a specialty orthopedic hospital unaccustomed to large volumes of patients with life-threatening respiratory infections, underwent rapid adaptation to care for COVID-19 patients in response to emergency surge conditions at neighboring hospitals.

Purposes

We sought to determine the attributes, pharmacologic and other treatments, and clinical course in the cohort of patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to our hospital at the height of the pandemic in April 2020 in New York City.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of all patients admitted between April 1 and April 21, 2020, who had a diagnosis of COVID-19. Data were gathered from the electronic health record and by manual chart abstraction.

Results

Of the 148 patients admitted with COVID-19 (mean age, 62 years), ten patients died. There were no deaths among non-critically ill patients transferred from other hospitals, while 26% of those with critical illness died. A subset of COVID-19 patients was admitted for orthopedic and medical conditions other than COVID-19, and some of these patients required intensive care and ventilatory support.

Conclusion

Professional and organizational flexibility during pandemic conditions allowed a specialty orthopedic hospital to provide excellent care in a global public health emergency.