bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychological operationisms at Harvard: Skinner, Boring, and Stevens
Authors: Verhaegh Sander
Published: December 2020

Contemporary discussions about operational definition often hark back to Stanley S. Stevens' classic papers on psychological operationism. Still, he was far from the only psychologist to call for conceptual hygiene. Some of Stevens' direct colleagues at Harvard—most notably B. F. Skinner and E. G. Boring—were also actively applying Bridgman's conceptual strictures to the study of mind and behavior. In this paper, I shed new light on the history of operationism by reconstructing the Harvard debates about operational definition in the years before Stevens published his seminal articles. Building on a large set of archival evidence from the Harvard University Archives, I argue that we can get a more complete understanding of Stevens' contributions if we better grasp the operationisms of his former teachers and direct colleagues at Harvard's Department of Philosophy and Psychology.
TRIAD XI: Utilizing simulation to evaluate the living will and POLST ability to achieve goal concordant care when critically ill or at end‐of‐life—The Realistic Interpretation of Advance Directives
Authors: Mirarchi Ferdinando , Juhasz Kristin , Cooney Timothy , Desiderio Daniel
Published: December 2020

Objective

Utilize simulation to evaluate if living wills (LW) or POLST achieves goal concordant Care (GCC) in a medical crisis.

Methods

Nurses and resident‐physicians from a single center were randomized to a clinical scenario with a living will (LW), physician orders for life sustaining treatment (POLST) or no document. Primary outcomes were resuscitation decision and time to decision. Secondary outcome was the effect of education.

Results

Total enrollment was 57 and less than 30% received prior training. Types of directives were linked to resuscitation decisions (P = .019). Participants randomized to “No Document” or POLST specifying “CPR” performed resuscitation. If a terminal condition presented with a POLST/ do not resuscitate‐comfort measures only (DNR‐CMO), 73% resuscitated. The LW or POLST specifying DNR combined with medical support resulted in resuscitations in 29% or more of the scenarios. Documents did not significantly affect median time‐to‐decision (P = .402) but decisions for “No Document” and POLST/CPR were at least 10 s less than other scenarios. Scenarios involving POLST DNR/Limited Treatment had the highest median time of 43 s. Prior training in LWs and POLST exerted a 10% improvement in decision making (P = .537).

Conclusion

GCC was not always achieved with a LW or POLST. This conclusion supports prior research identifying problems with the interpretation and discordance with LW's and POLST.
Exploring Clinical Outcomes and Feasibility of Blended Tube Feeds in Children
Authors: Chandrasekar Neha , Dehlsen Kate , Leach Steven T. , Krishnan Usha
Published: December 2020

Commercially produced complete nutritional formulas (CFs) are commonly delivered to children requiring enteral nutrition via gastrostomy. However, a cultural shift toward consuming a more natural diet consisting of whole foods has caused the use of blenderized tube feeds (BTFs) to grow in popularity among parents and carers in recent years. There are advantages and disadvantages of both BTF and CF use. There is evidence that suggests that BTFs can significantly improve tube‐feeding tolerance and reduce gastrointestinal symptoms associated with tube feeding, such as gagging, retching, and constipation, thereby resulting in an improved quality of life (QoL) for enterally fed children and their caregivers. BTFs have also been implicated in increasing the diversity of the gut microbiota in enterally fed children. However, concerns have been raised that BTFs may be inferior to CFs in energy and nutrition sufficiency. Issues such as microbial contamination, tube blockages, and difficulties in preparation and administration may also complicate the use of BTFs. Additionally, like CFs, BTFs can vary significantly in nutrition composition, and dietitian involvement with BTF use is crucial. The current literature on the clinical outcomes of BTF use is limited, and further research is needed before recommendations can be made on BTF use in children. A literature review was conducted to compare clinical outcomes between BTFs and CFs and evaluate the feasibility of BTF use in children.
Concordance Between Obstetric Anatomic Ultrasound and Fetal Echocardiography in Detecting Congenital Heart Disease in High‐risk Pregnancies
Authors: Krishnan Rahul , Deal Laura , Chisholm Christian , Cortez Briana , Boyle Annelee
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the concordance between second‐trimester anatomic ultrasound and fetal echocardiography in detecting minor and critical congenital heart disease in pregnancies meeting American Heart Association criteria.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of pregnancies in which a second‐trimester fetal anatomic ultrasound examination (18–26 weeks) and fetal echocardiography were performed between 2012 and 2018 at our institution based on American Heart Association recommendations. Anatomic ultrasound studies were interpreted by maternal‐fetal medicine specialists and fetal echocardiographic studies by pediatric cardiologists. Our primary outcome was the proportion of critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) cases not detected by anatomic ultrasound but detected by fetal echocardiography. The secondary outcome was the proportion of total congenital heart disease cases missed by anatomic ultrasound but detected by fetal echocardiography. Neonatal medical records were reviewed for all pregnancies when obtained and available.

Results

Overall, 722 studies met inclusion criteria. Anatomic ultrasound and fetal echocardiography were in agreement in detecting cardiac abnormalities in 681(96.1%) studies (κ = 0.803; P < .001). The most common diagnosis not identified by anatomic ultrasound was a ventricular septal defect, accounting for 9 of 12 (75%) missed congenital heart defects. Of 664 studies with normal cardiac findings on the anatomic ultrasound examinations, no additional instances of CCHD were detected by fetal echocardiography. No unanticipated instances of CCHD were diagnosed postnatally.

Conclusions

With current American Heart Association screening guidelines, automatic fetal echocardiography in the setting of normal detailed anatomic ultrasound findings provided limited benefit in detecting congenital heart defects that would warrant immediate postnatal interventions. More selective use of automatic fetal echocardiography in at‐risk pregnancies should be explored.
Spartina alterniflorainvasion alters soil bulk density in coastal wetlands of China
Authors: Yang Ren‐Min , Chen Liu‐Mei
Published: December 2020

Although empirical studies show that invasiveSpartina alternifloraLoisel. (S. alterniflora) has reduced soil bulk density (BD), the mechanisms that underpin this response are still unclear. To explore this pattern, we used a space‐for‐time substitution approach and collected soil samples from the eastern coast of China, whereS. alternifloraecosystems were established a short period of time after initial invasion. We used structural equation modelling to test the hypothesis thatS. alterniflorainvasion has an indirect influence on BD through the interacting effects of soil and plant variables, including plant productivity, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), pH, salinity, sand, and clay content. These variables, which are associated withS. alterniflorainvasion, were assumed to represent multiple physicochemical and biological processes. The model showed that these processes explain 82% of the BD variation in response toS. alterniflorainvasion. We observed that SOC had the most direct influence on BD, followed by salinity and soil sand content. We also found thatS. alterniflorainvasion had an important direct influence on the measured variables. Although plant productivity was not directly related to BD, it was indirectly associated with the impacts of plant productivity on salinity. Our results highlight the occurrence of BD variability within an interacting system of soil and plants whereinS. alterniflorainvasion leads to a decrease in BD. This work also highlights that identifying the mechanisms driving BD variability in response toS. alterniflorainvasion would help to improve our understanding of soil development inS. alternifloramarshes.
Functional trait‐based approaches as a common framework for aquatic ecologists
Authors: Martini Séverine , Larras Floriane , Boyé Aurélien , Faure Emile , Aberle Nicole , Archambault Philippe , Bacouillard Lise , Beisner Beatrix E , Bittner Lucie , Castella Emmanuel , Danger Michael , Gauthier Olivier , Karp‐Boss Lee , Lombard Fabien , Maps Frédéric , Stemmann Lars , Thiébaut Eric , Usseglio‐Polatera Philippe , Vogt Meike , Laviale Martin , Ayata Sakina‐Dorothée
Published: December 2020

Aquatic ecologists face challenges in identifying the general rules of the functioning of ecosystems. A common framework, including freshwater, marine, benthic, and pelagic ecologists, is needed to bridge communication gaps and foster knowledge sharing. This framework should transcend local specificities and taxonomy in order to provide a common ground and shareable tools to address common scientific challenges. Here, we advocate the use of functional trait‐based approaches (FTBAs) for aquatic ecologists and propose concrete paths to go forward. Firstly, we propose to unify existing definitions in FTBAs to adopt a common language. Secondly, we list the numerous databases referencing functional traits for aquatic organisms. Thirdly, we present a synthesis on traditional as well as recent promising methods for the study of aquatic functional traits, including imaging and genomics. Finally, we conclude with a highlight on scientific challenges and promising venues for which FTBAs should foster opportunities for future research. By offering practical tools, our framework provides a clear path forward to the adoption of trait‐based approaches in aquatic ecology.
Hydatidiform mole diagnostics using circulating gestational trophoblasts isolated from maternal blood
Authors: Sunde Lone , Singh Ripudaman , Ravn Katarina , Schelde Palle , Hansen Estrid Stæhr , Uldbjerg Niels , Niemann Isa , Hatt Lotte
Published: December 2020

Background

In gestational trophoblastic disease, the prognosis is related to the genetic constitution. In some cases, taking a biopsy is contraindicated.

Methods

In a pregnant woman, ultrasound scanning suggested hydatidiform mole. To explore if the genetic constitution can be established without taking a biopsy (or terminating the pregnancy), cell‐free DNA and circulating gestational trophoblasts were isolated from maternal blood before evacuation of the uterus. The evacuated tissue showed the morphology of a complete hydatidiform mole. Without prior whole‐genome amplification, short tandem repeat analysis of 24 DNA markers was performed on the samples, and on DNA isolated from evacuated tissue, and from the blood of the patient and her partner.

Results

Identical genetic results were obtained in each of three circulating gestational trophoblasts and the evacuated tissue, showing that this conceptus had a diploid androgenetic nuclear genome. In contrast, analysis of cell‐free DNA was less informative and less specific due to the inherent presence of cell‐free DNA from the patient.

Conclusion

Our results show that it is possible to isolate and analyze circulating gestational trophoblasts originating in a pregnancy without maternal nuclear genome. For diagnosing gestational trophoblastic diseases, genotyping circulating gestational trophoblasts appears to be superior to analysis of cell‐free DNA.
Early truncation of the N‐terminal variable region of EYA4 gene causes dominant hearing loss without cardiac phenotype
Authors: Mi Yanfang , Liu Danhua , Zeng Beiping , Tian Yongan , Zhang Hui , Chen Bei , Zhang Juanli , Xue Hong , Tang Wenxue , Zhao Yulin , Xu Hongen
Published: December 2020

Background

Autosomal dominant hearing loss (ADHL) accounts for about 20% of all hereditary non‐syndromic HL. Truncating mutations of the EYA4 gene can cause either non‐syndromic ADHL or syndromic ADHL with cardiac abnormalities. It has been proposed that truncations of the C‐terminal Eya domain lead to non‐syndromic HL, whereas early truncations of the N‐terminal variable region cause syndromic HL with cardiac phenotype.

Methods

The proband and all the other hearing impaired members of the family underwent a thorough clinical and audiological evaluation. The cardiac phenotype was examined by ECG and echocardiography. Their DNA was subjected to target exome sequencing of 129 known deafness genes. The sequencing data were analyzed and the candidate variants were interpreted following the ACMG guidelines for clinical sequence interpretation. The effect of candidate variant on EYA4 gene expression was assessed by quantitative PCR and western blot of gene production in blood.

Results

We report a Chinese family cosegregating post‐lingual onset, progressive ADHL with a novel nonsense mutation NM_004100.4:c.543C>G (p.Tyr181Ter) of EYA4. Two affected members show no cardiac abnormalities at least until now revealed by electrocardiography and echocardiography. The overall expression level of the EYA4 gene in the proband was lower than that in his unaffected relative.

Conclusion

This report expands the mutational spectrum of the EYA4 gene and highlights the fact that more data are needed to elucidate the complex genotype–phenotype correlation of EYA4 mutations.
APA, other groups urge Congress to prevent Medicare cuts, protect patients
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: December 2020

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued its final 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Dec. 1 to update payment policies and payment rates, but failed to provide relief from a significant shift in physician and nonphysician payments expected to commence next month, according to the American Psychological Association (APA) and other medical organizations banding together to urge Congress to prevent these cuts and protect care access.
Behavioral facilities poised to be in first round of vaccine rollout
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: December 2020

As states anticipate receiving their first shipments of COVID‐19 vaccine this month, members of the behavioral health provider community are seeking to position themselves to be included in the first round of vaccine distribution.
The role of pulse width manipulation compared to program changes alone for unsatisfactory sacral neuromodulation therapy: A retrospective matched‐cohort analysis
Authors: Rueb Jessica , Fascelli Michele , Goldman Howard B. , Vasavada Sandip , Rackley Raymond , Moore Courtenay , Gill Bradley
Published: December 2020

Aim

Pulse width (PW) influences neuromodulation by its impact on nerve fiber recruitment. A paucity of data regarding the manipulation of PW in sacral neuromodulation (SNM) exists. This study describes the clinical features and outcomes of PW manipulation for unsatisfactory SNM therapy.

Methods

A retrospective, single‐institution review was performed of reprogrammed SNM patients between 2010 and 2019. Two cohorts were created: those with PW changes ± program changes and age‐matched controls with program changes alone. Patients lacking follow‐up and non‐InterStim II models were excluded.

Results

Out of 710 SNM interrogations, 147 (20.7%) had PW changes and 80 met inclusion criteria. Most PW changes were shortened (61/80, 76.3%). Clinical features did not differ between cohorts except by indication for reprogramming. The most common indication for PW change was painful stimulation (34/80, 43%), whereas in controls it was suboptimal efficacy (76/80, 95%). Clinical success was stratified by indication. There was a higher improvement in efficacy in the PW cohort (61%, 17/28 vs. 36%, 27/76, p = .02). PW manipulation successfully relieved painful stimulation in 50% (17/34 vs. 0/3, p = .23), which was more likely with a shortened compared to extended PW (14/15, 93.3% vs. 0/6, 0%, p < .01). PW resulted in improvement in localization of the stimulus in 94% (17/18 vs. 0/1, p = .10). The subsequent lead revision or explant was significantly higher in the PW cohort (43% vs. 25%, p = .03).

Conclusion

PW manipulation may aid the salvage of unsatisfactory SNM therapy. These findings represent an initial assessment of the role of PW in SNM, particularly regarding the efficacy and painful stimuli. The further prospective investigation is warranted.
A half‐inverse problem for singular diffusion operator with certain boundary conditions
Authors: Ergün Abdullah , Amirov Rauf
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we studied the half inverse spectral problem for singular diffusion operator with certain boundary conditions. The discontinuity function in this operator is defined as and α > 0, α ≠ 1, β > 0, β ≠ 1 and a1, a2 ∈ (0, π), , . We prove that the potential functions p(x) and q(x) are determined uniquely by using the Yang–Zettl and Hocstadt–Lieberman methods. We examine that if potential functions q(x) and p(x) are prescribed over the interval , then reconstruction of the potential functions q(x) and p(x) by one spectrum on the (0, π).
The ACA Medicaid Expansion in Michigan and Financial Health
Authors: Miller Sarah , Hu Luojia , Kaestner Robert , Mazumder Bhashkar , Wong Ashley
Published: December 2020

This article examines how the financial health changes following an individual's enrollment in Michigan's Medicaid program (Healthy Michigan Program, HMP). We use unique data that link credit reports of HMP enrollees to Medicaid administrative data on enrollment and use of healthcare services. We find that Medicaid enrollment is associated with large improvements in several measures of financial health, including reductions in unpaid bills, medical bills, over limit credit card spending, and public records (such as evictions, judgments, and bankruptcies). These improvements are apparent across several subgroups, although individuals with greater medical need, such as those with chronic illnesses, experience the largest benefits.
Strength and toughness of carbon fibers reinforced rigid polyurethane composites by adsorbing tannic acid and refining Ni grains on carbon fibers surface
Authors: Liu Xiaojing , Li Weiwei , Feng Ming , Yang Jie
Published: December 2020

In this article, short carbon fibers (CFs) reinforced rigid polyurethane (RPU) composites were prepared with the aim of improving both strength and toughness. A tannic acid (TA)‐nickel (Ni) composite coating was spontaneously co‐deposited onto CFs surface by a one‐step electrodeposition method to strengthen the interface bonding of the composites. The satisfactory mechanical properties of the composites were mainly attributed to the superior interfacial adhesion. On the one hand, TA could play a role in refining Ni grain during electrodeposition. On the other hand, the hydroxyl groups attached to composite coating, which were introduced by TA, could react with the RPU matrix to form chemical bonds. When the composites were under stress, the chemical bonds could effectively transfer the stress from matrix to the interface, while the refined Ni crystals could greatly increase the stress transfer path, and thus improve the strength and toughness of the material. Compared with pure RPU, the tensile strength, bending strength，interlaminar shear strength, and impact strength of TA‐Ni‐coated CFs/RPU composites were improved by 14.8%, 83.1%, 28.7%, and 121.4%, respectively.
Risk factors for steroid‐induced affective disorder in children with leukemia
Authors: Muriel Anna C. , Burgers Darcy E. , Treyball Annika N. , Vrooman Lynda M. , Adolf Esmeralda , Samsel Chase
Published: December 2020

Corticosteroids are essential to treating childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and can cause significant neuropsychiatric side effects. This retrospective chart review is a preliminary exploration of characteristics associated with psychiatry consultation and steroid‐induced affective disorder (SIAD) during ALL treatment. Of 125 ALL patients (ages 1‐10 years), 56 (44.8%) received psychiatry consultation. Thirty‐nine (31.2%) of the total cohort were diagnosed with SIAD. SIAD was significantly associated with family psychiatric history, but not with steroid exposure, CNS radiation, sociodemographic factors, developmental delay, Trisomy 21, or prior psychiatric history. Gathering family psychiatric history may help identify children at increased risk of SIAD.
Plants make our existence possible
Authors: Raven Peter H.
Published: December 2020

We depend on plants individually and collectively for our survival. This special issue—A world of plants—brings together a set of articles that outline the importance of plants and why we must find ways to preserve them from extinction. Plants determine the characteristics of the atmosphere, control the flow of water and regional climates, supply all of our food, directly or indirectly, as well as many medicines and other materials that we use, and enrich our lives with beauty. We need to find ways to pay more attention to plants and protect as many of them with their genetic diversity as we possibly can. We hope these articles will stimulate thought and action to protect plants in this time of rapid population growth and continued, radical disturbance of natural habitats.
Development and validation of a novel informational booklet for pediatric long‐term ventilation decision support
Authors: Edwards Jeffrey D. , Panitch Howard B. , George Maureen , Cirrilla Anne‐Marie , Grunstein Eli , Wolfe Joanne , Nelson Judith E. , Miller Rachel L.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To provide accessible, uniform, comprehensive, and balanced information to families deciding whether to initiate long‐term ventilation (LTV) for their child, we sought to develop and validate a novel informational resource.

Methods

The Ottawa Decision Support Framework was followed. Previous interviews with 44 lay and 15 professional stakeholders and published literature provided content for a booklet. Iterative versions were cognitive tested with six parents facing decisions and five pediatric intensivists. Ten parents facing decisions evaluated the booklet using the Preparation for Decision Making Scale and reported their decisional conflict, which was juxtaposed to the conflict of 21 parents who did not read it, using the Decisional Conflict Scale. Twelve home ventilation program directors evaluated the booklet's clinical sensibility and sensitivity, using a self‐designed six‐item questionnaire. Data presented using summary statistics.

Results

The illustrated booklet (6th‐grade reading level) has nine topical sections on chronic respiratory failure and invasive and noninvasive LTV, including the option to forgo LTV. Ten parents who read the booklet rated it as helping “Quite a bit” or more on all items of the Preparation for Decision Making Scale and had seemingly less decisional conflict than 21 parents who did not. Twelve directors rated it highly for clinical sensibility and sensitivity.

Conclusions

The LTV booklet was rigorously developed and favorably evaluated. It offers a resource to improve patient/family knowledge, supplement shared decision‐making, and reduce decisional conflict around LTV decisions. Future studies should validate it in other settings and further study its effectiveness.
Are hyporheic oligochaetes efficient indicators of hydrological exchanges in river bed sediment? A test in a semi‐natural and a regulated river
Authors: Creuzé des Châtelliers Michel , Doledec Sylvain , Lafont Michel , Dole‐Olivier Marie‐José , Konecny Lara , Marmonier Pierre
Published: December 2020

River‐groundwater exchanges are crucial for several ecological processes, but difficult to localize. Hyporheic oligochaetes may represent efficient biological indicators of these exchanges, but hydrological disturbance may alter oligochaete distribution and blur the spatial patterns of river‐groundwater exchanges. Oligochaete assemblages were compared in the Drôme River, which is a semi‐natural braided river with an unmodified discharge, and the Ain River, which has reduced sediment mobility and hydropeaking due to several upstream dams. In the semi‐natural river, the oligochaete distribution was mostly controlled by the origin of the water: some stygoxene species (e.g., Chaetogaster spp. and Vejdovskyella intermedia) were restricted to or more abundant in downwellings, whereas a set of stygophiles (e.g., Stylodrilus sp. and Cernovitoviella sp.) and stygobites (e.g., Aberrantidrilus cuspis) were present or more abundant only in upwellings. Species living in fine sediment (e.g., Potamothrix sp. and Tubifex sp.) also occurred in upwellings due to their location at the border of the braided strip. Conversely, in the regulated river, oligochaete assemblages were abundant and diversified, with species living in fine sediment being dominant in the partially clogged stations. The spatial distribution of most species did not follow typical surface‐hyporheic exchange patterns: most stygophiles (e.g., Proppapus volki and Marionina argentea) and some stygobites (e.g., Haber turquini) were found in both upwellings and downwellings or even at stations without water exchanges (e.g., Rhyacodrilus balmensis). In rivers subjected to hydrological disturbance and hydropeaking, oligochaetes became poor indicators of river‐groundwater exchanges.
An Ion‐Imprinting Derived Strategy to Synthesize Single‐Atom Iron Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Ding Shichao , Lyu Zhaoyuan , Zhong Hong , Liu Dong , Sarnello Erik , Fang Lingzhe , Xu Mingjie , Engelhard Mark H. , Tian Hangyu , Li Tao , Pan Xiaoqing , Beckman Scott P. , Feng Shuo , Du Dan , Li Jin‐Cheng , Shao Minhua , Lin Yuehe
Published: December 2020

Carbon‐based single‐atom catalysts (CSACs) have recently received extensive attention in catalysis research. However, the preparation process of CSACs involves a high‐temperature treatment, during which metal atoms are mobile and aggregated into nanoparticles, detrimental to the catalytic performance. Herein, an ion‐imprinting derived strategy is proposed to synthesize CSACs, in which isolated metal–nitrogen–carbon (Me–N4–Cx) moiety covalently binds oxygen atoms in Si‐based molecular sieve frameworks. Such a feature makes Me–N4–Cx moiety well protected/confined during the heat treatment, resulting in the final material enriched with single‐atom metal active sites. As a proof of concept, a single‐atom Fe–N–C catalyst is synthesized by using this ion‐imprinting derived strategy. Experimental results and theoretical calculations demonstrate high concentration of single FeN4 active sites distributed in this catalyst, resulting in an outstanding oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance with a half‐wave potential of 0.908 V in alkaline media.
High‐Performance Reticular Porous Perovskite Coating with Wide‐Spectrum Absorption for Photothermal Conversion
Authors: Yu Liuxu , Zhang Xiangzhao , Liu Guiwu , Yang Jian , Cao Wenkui , Liu Junlin , Qiao Guanjun
Published: December 2020

Good thermal shock resistance and high absorptivity in a wide spectral range, as the two key aspects of photothermal coating in high‐temperature applications, are seldom realized simultaneously. Herein, it is reported that a reticular porous Ca‐doped LaCrO3 perovskite photothermal coating fabricated by a simple process presents excellent thermal shock resistance between 1200 °C and room temperature and optical absorptivity of ≈94% in the wavelength range of 0.3–14 μm. The high‐temperature sintering after screen printing triggers significant variations in the microchemistry and microstructure of the Ca‐doped LaCrO3 coatings, and the experimental analyses and the first‐principles calculation demonstrate that the appropriate doping of Ca2+ causes lattice distortion, decreases the lattice parameters and bandgap, and effectively enhances interactions between the photon and carrier, resulting in the high optical absorptivity in the visible, near‐, and mid‐infrared ranges. The reticular porous microstructure and interfacial diffusion bonding between the coating and Al2O3 substrate with a gradient transition layer contribute to the high‐temperature thermal shock resistance. Herein, a novel way to fabricate a high‐performance and low‐cost photothermal conversion coating is provided, which presents a broad application prospect in energy harvesters and sensors.
Cybersecurity awareness in Zimbabwean universities: Perspectives from the students
Authors: Matyokurehwa Kanos , Rudhumbu Norman , Gombiro Cross , Mlambo Chiedza
Published: December 2020

The study investigated the cybersecurity awareness (CSA) in Zimbabwean universities from the perspectives of the students. The study hypothesized a model to proffer theoretical and practical solutions to higher education students on cybersecurity training programs. The paper used a positivist approach to test three hypotheses on CSA among Zimbabwe universities. To test the hypothesized model, a total of 322 questionnaires were distributed among three universities in Zimbabwe. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to test the data. ANOVA tests and regressions were used to test three hypotheses from the hypothesized model. Chi square was used for cross‐case analysis to test relationships between age, gender, education level, and institution on recoded variable CSA. The findings reveal that the social engineering attacks, malware attacks, and the internet of things attacks are all positively related to CSA findings from cross‐case analysis indicated that there were no differences on gender and age on CSA while there were differences on education level and institution on CSA. The findings from this study have implications for decision‐makers to come up with policies concerning CSA in the higher education sector.
Food waste management: An analysis from the circular economy perspective
Authors: Sehnem Simone , Pereira Susana Carla Farias , Godoi Deborah , Pereira Luis Henrique , Junior Silvio Santos
Published: December 2020

Our study aimed to analyze how the scientific community understands and investigates the management of food waste and communicates in top production and operations journals. The understanding of the available literature encourages relevant insights to outline new ways and strategies for reducing food waste.
Computational strategies to address the catalytic activity of nanoclusters
Authors: Nair Akhil S. , Pathak Biswarup
Published: December 2020

Metal nanoclusters have been emerged as imperative elements of heterogenous catalysis. Remarkably different properties from the bulk at the atomic level asserts construction of unique principles for understanding nanocluster catalysis. Computational studies abided by delicate theoretical framework are versatile tools for unveiling the structural, energetic, and mechanistic aspects of nanocluster‐based catalysis. Unlike other systems, nanoclusters feature properties derived from the unique surface structure, size dependence, and dynamics insisting fine‐tuning of computational approaches for accurate prediction of catalytic properties. Finding a balance between realistic simulation and computational affordability is of pressing priority. We highlight the urgency of computational models and practices to be updated by learning from the recent developments in this field. Focus is given to less explored factors governing the catalytic potential of nanoclusters.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory

Structure and Mechanism > Reaction Mechanisms and Catalysis
A physiological characterization in controlled bioreactors reveals a novel survival strategy for Debaryomyces hansenii at high salinity
Authors: Navarrete Clara , Frost August T. , Ramos‐Moreno Laura , Krum Mette R. , Martínez José L.
Published: December 2020

Debaryomyces hansenii is traditionally described as a halotolerant non‐conventional yeast and has served as a model organism for the study of osmotolerance and salt tolerance mechanisms in eukaryotic systems for the past 30 years. However, unraveling of D. hansenii's biotechnological potential has always been difficult due to the persistent limitations in the availability of efficient molecular tools described for this yeast. Additionally, there is a lack of consensus and contradictory information along the recent years that limits a comprehensive understanding of its central carbon metabolism, mainly due to a lack of physiological studies in controlled and monitored environments. Moreover, there is little consistency in the culture conditions (media composition, temperature, and pH among others) used by different groups, which makes it complicated when trying to get prevalent conclusions on behavioral patterns. In this work, we present for the first time a characterization of D. hansenii in batch cultivations using highly controlled lab‐scale bioreactors. Our findings contribute to a more complete picture of the central carbon metabolism and the external pH influence on the yeast's ability to tolerate high Na+ and K+ concentrations, pointing to a differential effect of both salts, as well as a positive effect in cell performance when low environmental pH values are combined with a high sodium concentration in the media. Finally, a novel survival strategy at very high salinity (2 M) is proposed for this yeast, as well as potential outcomes for its use in industrial biotechnology applications.

Take Away

High salt concentrations stimulate respiration in Debaryomyces hansenii.

Sodium exerts a stronger positive impact on cell performance than potassium.

μmax is higher at a combination of low pH, high salt, and high temperature.

Concentrations of 2 M salt result in slower growth but increased biomass yield.

The positive effect of salts is enhanced at low glucose concentration.
Inside and Out: How Western Patriarchal Cultural Contexts Shape Women’s Relationships with Their Bodies
Authors: McBride Hillary Lianna , Kwee Janelle Lynne
Published: December 2020

In response to the view that suggests eating disorders are a form of individual psychopathology, this chapter is written to suggest that individuals with eating disorders exist within a social context with values about appearance ideals, the construction of gender, and the threat of sexualized violence. This chapter uses the story of a woman named Annie with an Anorexia Nervosa diagnosis, and her experiences with clinical treatment which in some cases contributed to her sense of psychopathology, and in other cases help with both a decrease in her symptoms and her sense of discovery of herself as a person. Values implicit in the narrative, and implications for psychotherapy are also discussed.
Colonial Values and Asylum Care in Brazil: Reclaiming the Streets Through Carnival in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Evangelista Julia , Fulford William A.
Published: December 2020

This chapter shows how carnival has been used to counter the impact of Brazil’s colonial history on its asylums and perceptions of madness. Colonisation of Brazil by Portugal in the nineteenth century led to a process of Europeanisation that was associated with dismissal of non-European customs and values as “mad” and sequestration of the poor from the streets into asylums. Bringing together the work of the two authors, the chapter describes through a case study how a carnival project, Loucura Suburbana (Suburban Madness), in which patients in both long- and short-term asylum care play leading roles, has enabled them to “reclaim the streets,” and re-establish their right to the city as valid producers of culture on their own terms. In the process, entrenched stigmas associated with having a history of mental illness in a local community are challenged, and sense of identity and self-confidence can be rebuilt, thus contributing to long-term improvements in mental well-being. Further illustrative materials are available including photographs and video clips.
Discouragement Towards Seeking Health Care of Older People in Rural China: The Influence of Culture and Structural Constraints
Authors: Zou Xiang
Published: December 2020

This chapter portrays a discouraged, dispiriting attitude towards health-seeking of rural older people in China. Based on the case of health-seeking of Aunt Chens’s family collected from a 6-month’s field work in a rural Chinese hospital, this chapter depicts how discouragement and discrimination operate in older members’ health-seeking experiences, throughout which older people’s health care was devalued as worthless socioeconomic burden. Underpinning discouragement and devaluation is the cultural value that encourages older people to be enduring with suffering and restricted with health-seeking. Simultaneously, this chapter traces various sources of institutional and social structural impediments, as they intersect with unfavourable cultural values that normalise discouragement and decimation.
Discovering Myself, a Journey of Rediscovery
Authors: Roeg Waldo
Published: December 2020

In this chapter, the author describes his own journey of recovery from a potentially lethal combination of mental health issues and drug misuse. Now working as a peer support expert in the Recovery College movement, he draws out the many factors involved in his own recovery and how these inform his current role. Key to these are the values of ‘hope, control and opportunity’ by which the culture of the recovery movement is characterized. It is through these that as Waldo concludes, they ‘challenge stigma and genuinely recognize the strengths and contribution that everyone can make’.
Reflections on the Impact of Mental Health Ward Staff Training in Race Equality and Values-Based Practice
Authors: Woodbridge-Dodd Kim , Hunkins-Hutchinson Evette A.
Published: December 2020

In this chapter, the authors reflect on a project they ran a few years ago that combined race equality with values-based practice training for the staff on a high-achieving mental health ward. One author (KWD, who is white) organised the project in her role as operational manager. She also ran the values-based practice part of the training drawing on her considerable experience in this area. The other author (EH, who is black) carried out an independent evaluation of the project drawing on her experience with both values-based practice and race equality in mental health. Notable is the extent of the differences between them in their pre-project expectations and in their initial understandings of the experiences of the participants. In resolving these differences, they come to a number of shared conclusions about how future projects of this kind might be run.
Premorbid Personality and Expatriation as Possible Risk Factors for Brief Psychotic Disorder: A Case Report from Post-Soviet Bulgaria
Authors: Popov S. P. , Mantarkov M. Y.
Published: December 2020

We present the case of a 29-year-old single Bulgarian woman, Alice, who lived and worked alone in Germany at the time she presented with signs of acute psychosis, more specifically work-related paranoid ideation. She was diagnosed with Brief Psychotic Disorder and treated successfully with Perphenazine. A return to her home town in Bulgaria with concurrent discontinuation of antipsychotic treatment brought about a change in delusional content. She was now excessively preoccupied with religious themes, ancient rituals, and local traditions, and responded well to treatment with Olanzapine. Alice reluctantly returned to Germany but every time she started a new job she experienced depressive and paranoid exacerbations in spite of strict medication adherence. In the last 3 years, she has lived in Bulgaria and has been medication and episode free. We discuss the complex interaction between the experiences of expatriation, premorbid personality, and cultural values (of the patient and her family) in the etiology, course and outcome of brief psychotic disorder. We raise the possibility that contemporary Bulgarian cultural values (as described in a recent comparative international study) were important in Alice’s recovery and, as such, may have wider significance as protective factors for those at risk of mental disorder.
DGLA Dg and BV formalism
Authors: Mikhailov Andrei
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Differrential Graded Lie Algebra Dg was previously introduced in the context of current algebras. We show that under some conditions, the problem of constructing equivariantly closed form from closed invariant form is reduces to construction of a representation of Dg. This includes equivariant BV formalism. In particular, an analogue of intertwiner between Weil and Cartan models allows to clarify the general relation between integrated and unintegrated operators in string worldsheet theory.
Radiation Dose and Fluoroscopy Time of Endovascular Treatment in Patients with Intracranial Lateral Dural Arteriovenous Fistulae
Authors: Forbrig Robert , Stahl Robert , Geyer Lucas L. , Ozpeynirci Yigit , Liebig Thomas , Trumm Christoph G.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Intracranial lateral dural arteriovenous fistula (LDAVF) represents a specific subtype of cerebrovascular fistulae, harboring a potentially life-threatening risk of brain hemorrhage. Fluoroscopically guided endovascular embolization is the therapeutic gold standard. We provide detailed dosimetry data to suggest novel diagnostic reference levels (DRL).

Methods

Retrospective single-center study of LDAVFs treated between January 2014 and December 2019. Regarding dosimetry, the dose area product (DAP) and fluoroscopy time were analyzed for the following variables: Cognard scale grade, endovascular technique, angiographic outcome, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) protocol.

Results

A total of 70 patients (19 female, median age 65 years) were included. Total median values for DAP and fluoroscopy time were 325 Gy cm2 (25%/75% percentile: 245/414 Gy cm2) and 110 min (68/142min), respectively. Neither median DAP nor fluoroscopy time were significantly different when comparing low-grade with high-grade LDAVF (Cognard I + IIa versus IIb–V; p > 0.05, each). Transvenous coil embolization yielded the lowest dosimetry values, with significantly lower median values when compared to a combined transarterial/transvenous technique (DAP 290 Gy cm2 versus 388 Gy cm2, p = 0.031; fluoroscopy time 85 min versus 170 min, p = 0.016). A significant positive correlation was found between number of arterial feeders treated by liquid embolization and both DAP (rs = 0.367; p = 0.010) and fluoroscopy time (rs = 0.295; p = 0.040). Complete LDAVF occlusion was associated with transvenous coiling (p = 0.001). A low-dose DSA protocol yielded a 20% reduction of DAP (p = 0.021).

Conclusion

This LDAVF study suggests several local DRLs which varied substantially dependent on the endovascular technique and DSA protocol.
Impact of high carbon amendments and pre-crops on soil bacterial communities
Authors: Kamau Catherine W. , van Duijnen Richard , Schmid Christoph A. O. , Balàzs Helga E. , Roy Julien , Rillig Matthias , Schröder Peter , Radl Viviane , Temperton Vicky M. , Schloter Michael
Published: December 2020

A 2-year outdoor mesocosm experiment was carried out to determine the effects of high C amendments (HCAs; wheat straw and sawdust) compared to a control with no addition of HCAs (no-HCA) and 2 different crop rotation systems (spring barley/winter barley and faba bean/winter barley) on soil bacterial communities using a molecular barcoding approach. Samples were analyzed after pre-crop harvest (T1) and harvest of winter barley (T2). Our data demonstrate a clear drop in bacterial diversity after winter barley harvest in the no-HCA and wheat straw treatment compared to the pre-crops. Sawdust application had a stabilizing effect on bacterial diversity compared to the pre-crops and induced an increase in carbon (C) stocks in soil which were however negatively correlated with yields. Main responders in the no-HCA and wheat straw treatment compared to the pre-crops were bacteria of the phyla Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes which were enriched and bacteria belonging to Firmicutes, Gemmatimonadetes, Proteobacteria, and Gemmatimonadaceae which were depleted. Overall differences between wheat straw–amended and no-HCA control samples were small and included single ASVs from various phyla. In sawdust-amended samples, only a shift of some Proteobacteria families was observed compared to the no-HCA control. Overall, pre-crop plant species had small influence on the observed response pattern of the soil microbiome towards the amendments and was only visible for wheat straw.
Nicht einwilligungsfähige Patienten in der Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin
Authors: Klein Sebastian J. , Voithofer Caroline , Ganner Michael , Pixner Thomas , Valentin Andreas , Joannidis Michael
Published: December 2020

In Notfallsituationen bzw. in der Intensivmedizin ergibt sich oftmals das Problem, dass Patienten unvermittelt nur sehr eingeschränkt oder keine eigenen Entscheidungen treffen können. Das 2. Erwachsenenschutz-Gesetz (ErwSchG) hat das Erwachsenenschutzrecht (vormals „Sachwalterrecht“) neu geregelt, mit wichtigen Neuerungen in Bezug auf Einwilligungserfordernisse und Vertretungsmöglichkeiten von volljährigen Patienten, die selbst keine Entscheidungen mehr treffen können. Dieser Artikel soll die wichtigsten Änderungen und Neuerungen des ErwSchG darstellen und sich anhand von Fallbeispielen als Leitfaden für behandelnde Ärzte verstehen. Der Artikel bezieht sich ausschließlich auf die Rechtslage in Österreich.
Fast Flow Field Estimation for Various Applications with A Universally Applicable Machine Learning Concept
Authors: Leer Michael , Kempf Andreas
Published: December 2020

This paper presents an approach for the prediction of incompressible laminar steady flow fields over various geometry types. In conventional approaches of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), flow fields are obtained by solving model equations on computational grids, which is in general computationally expensive. Based on the ability of neural networks to intuitively identify and approximate nonlinear physical relationships, the proposed method makes it possible to eliminate the explicit implementation of model equations such as the Navier–Stokes equations. Moreover, it operates without iteration or spatial discretization of the flow problem. The method is based on the combination of a minimalistic multilayer perceptron (MLP) architecture and a radial-logarithmic filter mask (RLF). The RLF acts as a preprocessing step and its purpose is the spatial encoding of the flow guiding geometry into a compressed form, that can be effectively interpreted by the MLP. The concept is applied on internal flows as well as on external flows (e.g. airfoils and car shapes). In the first step, datasets of flow fields are generated using a CFD-code. Subsequently the neural networks are trained on defined portions of these datasets. Finally, the trained neural networks are applied on the remaining unknown geometries and the prediction accuracy is evaluated. Dataset generation, neural network implementation and evaluation are carried out in MATLAB. To ensure reproducibility of the results presented here, the trained neural networks and sample applications are made available for free download and testing.
Can Reminders of Rules Induce Compliance? Experimental Evidence from a Common Pool Resource Setting
Authors: Eisenbarth Sabrina , Graham Louis , Rigterink Anouk S.
Published: December 2020

This paper presents results from an RCT exploring whether a behavioural intervention can improve the conservation of a common pool resource. The literature on common pool resource management suggests that the existence of rules and sanctions is important to resource conservation. However, behavioural science suggests that individuals have finite cognitive capacity and may not be attentive to these rules and sanctions. This paper investigates the impact of an SMS message intervention designed to improve users’ knowledge of and attentiveness to existing forest use rules. An RCT in Uganda explores the impact of these messages on forest use and compliance with the rules. This paper finds that SMS messages raise the perceived probability of sanctions for rule-breakers. However, SMS messages do not induce full compliance with forest use rules or systematically reduce forest use.