bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pole-skipping and hydrodynamic analysis in Lifshitz, AdS2 and Rindler geometries
Authors: Yuan Haiming , Ge Xian-Hui
Published: June 2021

Abstract

The “pole-skipping” phenomenon reflects that the retarded Green’s function is not unique at a pole-skipping point in momentum space (ω, k). We explore the universality of pole-skipping in different geometries. In holography, near horizon analysis of the bulk equation of motion is a more straightforward way to derive a pole-skipping point. We use this method in Lifshitz, AdS2and Rindler geometries. We also study the complex hydrodynamic analyses and find that the dispersion relations in terms of dimensionless variables$$ \frac{\omega }{2\pi T} $$ω2πTand$$ \frac{\left|k\right|}{2\pi T} $$k2πTpass through pole-skipping points$$ \left(\frac{\omega_n}{2\pi T},\frac{\left|{k}_n\right|}{2\pi T}\right) $$ωn2πTkn2πTat smallωandkin the Lifshitz background. We verify that the position of the pole-skipping points does not depend on the standard quantization or alternative quantization of the boundary theory in AdS2×ℝd−1geometry. In the Rindler geometry, we cannot find the corresponding Green’s function to calculate pole-skipping points because it is difficult to impose the boundary condition. However, we can still obtain “special points” near the horizon where bulk equations of motion have two incoming solutions. These “special points” correspond to the nonuniqueness of the Green’s function in physical meaning from the perspective of holography.
The Optimal Definition of Sarcopenia for Predicting Postoperative Pneumonia after Esophagectomy in Patients with Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Nambara Mikio , Miki Yuichiro , Tamura Tatsuro , Yoshii Mami , Toyokawa Takahiro , Tanaka Hiroaki , Lee Shigeru , Muguruma Kazuya , Shibata Toshihiko , Ohira Masaichi
Published: June 2021

Background

Esophageal cancer (EC) is associated with malnutrition in the vast majority of patients, and this often leads to sarcopenia, which is characterised by loss of skeletal muscle mass (SMM). Although sarcopenia could be one of the risk factors for postoperative pneumonia (PP), the optimal definition of sarcopenia using skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) remains unknown for predicting PP after esophagectomy in patients with EC. Therefore, this study aimed to identify high‐risk patients for PP after esophagectomy through evaluating SMI by BIA and set an appropriate cut‐off value for this purpose.

Method

A total of 73 patients with EC who underwent subtotal esophagectomy with lymph node dissection at Osaka City University Hospital between 2017 and 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. The association between PP and perioperative factors including SMI by BIA were analysed. When SMI was lower than the cut‐off values proposed by two study groups (Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) and original European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP)) or SMM was less than 90% of standard, the patient was diagnosed with sarcopenia. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to set the appropriate cut‐off value of SMI, and a new criterion (modified EWGSOP) was formulated by using the value. Clinicopathological factors and postoperative complications between sarcopenia and non‐sarcopenia groups were compared, which were classified by four different criteria: (1) AWGS, (2) original EWGSOP, (3) < 90% standard and (4) modified EWGSOP criteria.

Results

Nine patients (12.3%) were with PP grade III or higher. Total SMI as well as body mass index (BMI), transthyretin and % vital capacity (%VC) were found to be significantly associated with PP (Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ III).

BMI, total and appendicular SMI of sarcopenic patients were found to be lower than those of non‐sarcopenic patients. Low serum albumin and %VC were significantly associated with sarcopenia defined by modified EWGSOP criteria. The rate of PP was significantly higher in sarcopenic patients when the original and modified EWGSOP criteria were used (p = 0.0079 and 0.0015, respectively).

A multivariate analysis revealed that sarcopenic state by modified EWGSOP criteria was the significant independent predictive factor of PP [p = 0.0031, hazard ratio (HR) = 10.1; 95% confidential interval (CI): 2.12–76.9].

Conclusion

Preoperative sarcopenia by modified EWGSOP criteria could be the best indicator using BIA for predicting PP after esophagectomy in patients with EC.
Eosinophils and eosinophil-associated disorders: immunological, clinical, and molecular complexity
Authors: Valent Peter , Degenfeld-Schonburg Lina , Sadovnik Irina , Horny Hans-Peter , Arock Michel , Simon Hans-Uwe , Reiter Andreas , Bochner Bruce S.
Published: June 2021

Eosinophils and their mediators play a crucial role in various reactive states such as bacterial and viral infections, chronic inflammatory disorders, and certain hematologic malignancies. Depending on the underlying pathology, molecular defect(s), and the cytokine- and mediator-cascades involved, peripheral blood and tissue hypereosinophilia (HE) may develop and may lead to organ dysfunction or even organ damage which usually leads to the diagnosis of a HE syndrome (HES). In some of these patients, the etiology and impact of HE remain unclear. These patients are diagnosed with idiopathic HE. In other patients, HES is diagnosed but the etiology remains unknown — these patients are classified as idiopathic HES. For patients with HES, early therapeutic application of agents reducing eosinophil counts is usually effective in avoiding irreversible organ damage. Therefore, it is important to systematically explore various diagnostic markers and to correctly identify the disease elicitors and etiology. Depending on the presence and type of underlying disease, HES are classified into primary (clonal) HES, reactive HES, and idiopathic HES. In most of these patients, effective therapies can be administered. The current article provides an overview of the pathogenesis of eosinophil-associated disorders, with special emphasis on the molecular, immunological, and clinical complexity of HE and HES. In addition, diagnostic criteria and the classification of eosinophil disorders are reviewed in light of new developments in the field.
A distorted copula-based evolution model: risks’ aggregation in a Bonus–Malus migration system
Authors: Bernardi Enrico , Romagnoli Silvia
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we put forward a new model to compute the loss distribution of an automobile insurance company’s portfolio evolving by a bonus–malus system. We allow for a continuous evolution of the demographic-economic system based on a migration’s rule which is refreshed in discrete time, i.e., at the monitoring times. Therefore, the migration’s probabilities are discretely updated through a technique based on the combinatorial distributions of claims’ arrival in the rating classes. This technique is hierarchical copula-based, a natural tool permitting us to represent the co-movement between claims’ arrivals and distorted due to the formalization of an arrival policy of claims, that restricts the set of combinatorial distributions to those representing the most probable scenarios, therefore distorting the loss function. At every monitoring date, the copula-based model computes the migration’s probabilities and the loss function which accommodates for a discrete-time dynamic of the claims’ reserving and the capital requirements. An empirical application, the evaluation of the claims’ reserving and the capital requirements for different kinds of hierarchies are analyzed, with real data originating with the General Insurance Association of Singapore.
Online voltage prediction using gaussian process regression for fault-tolerant photovoltaic standalone applications
Authors: Sanz-Alcaine José Miguel , Sebastián Eduardo , Sanz-Gorrachategui Iván , Bernal-Ruiz Carlos , Bono-Nuez Antonio , Pajovic Milutin , Orlik Philip V.
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a fault detection system for photovoltaic standalone applications based on Gaussian Process Regression (GPR). The installation is a communication repeater from the Confederación Hidrográfica del Ebro (CHE), public institution which manages the hydrographic system of Aragón, Spain. Therefore, fault-tolerance is a mandatory requirement, complex to fulfill since it depends on the meteorology, the state of the batteries and the power demand. To solve it, we propose an online voltage prediction solution where GPR is applied in a real and large dataset of two years to predict the behavior of the installation up to 48 hour. The dataset captures electrical and thermal measures of the lead-acid batteries which sustain the installation. In particular, the crucial aspect to avoid failures is to determine the voltage at the end of the night, so different GPR methods are studied. Firstly, the photovoltaic standalone installation is described, along with the dataset. Then, there is an overview of GPR, emphasizing in the key aspects to deal with real and large datasets. Besides, three online recursive multistep GPR model alternatives are tailored, justifying the selection of the hyperparameters: Regular GPR, Sparse GPR and Multiple Experts (ME) GPR. An exhaustive assessment is performed, validating the results with those obtained by Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Nonlinear Autoregressive Exogenous Model (NARX) networks. A maximum error of 127 mV and 308 mV at the end of the night with Sparse and ME, respectively, corroborates GPR as a promising tool.
Continuous-time state-space modelling of the hot hand in basketball
Authors: Mews Sina , Ötting Marius
Published: June 2021

We investigate the hot hand phenomenon using data on 110,513 free throws taken in the National Basketball Association. As free throws occur at unevenly spaced time points within a game, we consider a state-space model formulated in continuous time to investigate serial dependence in players’ success probabilities. In particular, the underlying state process can be interpreted as a player’s (latent) varying form and is modelled using the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process. Our results support the existence of the hot hand, but the magnitude of the estimated effect is rather small as the underlying success probabilities are elevated by only a few percentage points.
Tau and TDP-43 synergy: a novel therapeutic target for sporadic late-onset Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Latimer Caitlin S. , Liachko Nicole F.
Published: June 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is traditionally defined by the presence of two types of protein aggregates in the brain: amyloid plaques comprised of the protein amyloid-β (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles containing the protein tau. However, a large proportion (up to 57%) of AD patients also have TDP-43 aggregates present as an additional comorbid pathology. The presence of TDP-43 aggregates in AD correlates with hippocampal sclerosis, worse brain atrophy, more severe cognitive impairment, and more rapid cognitive decline. In patients with mixed Aβ, tau, and TDP-43 pathology, TDP-43 may interact with neurodegenerative processes in AD, worsening outcomes. While considerable progress has been made to characterize TDP-43 pathology in AD and late-onset dementia, there remains a critical need for mechanistic studies to understand underlying disease biology and develop therapeutic interventions. This perspectives article reviews the current understanding of these processes from autopsy cohort studies and model organism-based research, and proposes targeting neurotoxic synergies between tau and TDP-43 as a new therapeutic strategy for AD with comorbid TDP-43 pathology.
Exploring the diversification benefits of US international equity closed-end funds
Authors: Fletcher Jonathan
Published: June 2021

I use the simulation approach of Jobson and Korkie (J Portfolio Manag 7:70–74, 1981), combined with Michaud optimization (Michaud and Michaud, Efficient asset management: a practical guide to stock portfolio optimization and asset allocation, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2008), to evaluate whether US international equity closed-end funds (CEF) provide out-of-sample diversification benefits. My study finds that international CEF do not provide diversification benefits across the whole sample period. However, the out-of-sample diversification benefits of international CEF do vary across economic states. I find that there are significant diversification benefits when the lagged one-month US Treasury Bill return is lower than normal, and when higher than normal, regardless of the benchmark investment universe used.
Economic lot-sizing problem with remanufacturing option: complexity and algorithms
Authors: Arulselvan Ashwin , Akartunalı Kerem , van den Heuvel Wilco
Published: June 2021

In a single item dynamic lot-sizing problem, we are given a time horizon and demand for a single item in every time period. The problem seeks a solution that determines how much to produce and carry at each time period, so that we will incur the least amount of production and inventory cost. When the remanufacturing option is included, the input comprises of number of returned products at each time period that can be potentially remanufactured to satisfy the demands, where remanufacturing and inventory costs are applicable. For this problem, we first show that it cannot have a fully polynomial time approximation scheme. We then provide a polynomial time algorithm, when we make certain realistic assumptions on the cost structure.
Der Gang in den Schatten der Macht
Authors: Bartels Jan-Eric , Springer Frederik
Published: June 2021

Ein erheblicher Anteil der Parteimitglieder in Deutschland entfällt auf Klein(st)parteien. So stellt die Gruppe der Klein(st)parteien summiert die drittmeisten Parteimitglieder in Deutschland. In Anbetracht einer wachsenden Anzahl und eines zunehmenden Stimmenanteils von Klein(st)parteien ist von einer steigenden Relevanz ihrer Mitgliedschaft auszugehen. Über diese große Gruppe ist, trotz vieler Untersuchungen von Parteimitgliedern im Allgemeinen, bisher sehr wenig bekannt. Dieser Beitrag ermittelt mit Schwerpunkt auf dem General-Incentives-Modell die Motivationen für den „Gang in den Schatten der Macht“. Mittels Rückgriff auf Daten der Deutschen Parteimitgliederstudie 2009 wird gezeigt, dass die Mitgliedschaft in einer Klein(st)partei vor allem durch die Unzufriedenheit mit politischen Akteuren und dem System insgesamt sowie aus ideologischer Motivation gespeist wird. Klein(st)parteimitglieder sind ferner aktiver in ihrer Partei, verknüpfen mit ihrer Mitgliedschaft eher die Übernahme von Parteiämtern und ziehen eine größere Befriedigung aus ihrer Mitgliedschaft.
Normal form approach to the one-dimensional periodic cubic nonlinear Schrödinger equation in almost critical Fourier-Lebesgue spaces
Authors: Oh Tadahiro , Wang Yuzhao
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we study the one-dimensional cubic nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLS) on the circle. In particular, we develop a normal form approach to study NLS in almost critical Fourier-Lebesgue spaces. By applying an infinite iteration of normal form reductions introduced by the first author with Z. Guo and S. Kwon (2013), we derive a normal form equation which is equivalent to the renormalized cubic NLS for regular solutions. For rough functions, the normal form equation behaves better than the renormalized cubic NLS, thus providing a further renormalization of the cubic NLS. We then prove that this normal form equation is unconditionally globally well-posed in the Fourier-Lebesgue spaces ℱLp($${\cal F}{L^p}(\mathbb{T})$$

ℱ

L
p

(
T
)

), 1 ≤ p < ∞. By inverting the transformation, we conclude global well-posedness of the renormalized cubic NLS in almost critical Fourier-Lebesgue spaces in a suitable sense. This approach also allows us to prove unconditional uniqueness of the (renormalized) cubic NLS in ℱLp($${\cal F}{L^p}(\mathbb{T})$$

ℱ

L
p

(
T
)

) for $$1 \leq p \leq {3 \over 2}$$

1
≤
p
≤

3
2

.
Why a Virtual Assistant for Moral Enhancement When We Could have a Socrates?
Authors: Lara Francisco
Published: June 2021

Can Artificial Intelligence (AI) be more effective than human instruction for the moral enhancement of people? The author argues that it only would be if the use of this technology were aimed at increasing the individual's capacity to reflectively decide for themselves, rather than at directly influencing behaviour. To support this, it is shown how a disregard for personal autonomy, in particular, invalidates the main proposals for applying new technologies, both biomedical and AI-based, to moral enhancement. As an alternative to these proposals, this article proposes a virtual assistant that, through dialogue, neutrality and virtual reality technologies, can teach users to make better moral decisions on their own. The author concludes that, as long as certain precautions are taken in its design, such an assistant could do this better than a human instructor adopting the same educational methodology.
State-organized crime and the killing of wolves in Norway
Authors: Sollund Ragnhild , Goyes David R.
Published: June 2021

While scholars of state crime and organized crime have frequently explored the intersection of these fields with green criminology, for the most part they have not brought the two together as organized state criminality as a means to explore environmental destruction. Of the few explorations of organized state green crime that do exist, most do not embrace a non-speciesist perspective. In this article, we develop a non-speciesist theory of organized state green crime to explain the Norwegian state-licensed killing of wolves, a phenomenon that we analyze through the use of the conceptideological inertia. Our main argument is that the underlying cultural, political and economic interests that were prioritized up to the 1970s in Norway continue to have a counteracting effect on the protection of large carnivores, which the country committed to as a signatory to the Bern Convention.
68Ga-PSMA-11 PET imaging in patients with ongoing androgen deprivation therapy for advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Fassbind Saskia , Ferraro Daniela A. , Stelmes Jean-Jacques , Fankhauser Christian D. , Guckenberger Matthias , Kaufmann Philipp A. , Eberli Daniel , Burger Irene A. , Kranzbühler Benedikt
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) targeted positron emission tomography (PET) imaging significantly improved the detection of recurrent prostate cancer (PCa). However, the value of PSMA PET imaging in patients with advanced hormone-sensitive or hormone-resistant PCa is still largely unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the detection rate and distribution of lesions using PSMA PET imaging in patients with advanced PCa and ongoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

Methods

A total of 84 patients diagnosed with hormone-sensitive or hormone-resistant PCa who underwent 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computer tomography (CT) under ongoing ADT were retrospectively analyzed. We assessed the detection of PSMA-positive lesions overall and for three PSA subgroups (0 to < 1 ng/mL, 1 to < 20 ng/mL and > 20 ng/mL). In addition, PSMA-positive findings were stratified by localization (prostatic fossa, pelvic, para-aortic, mediastinal/supraclavicular and axillary lymph nodes, bone lesions and visceral lesions) and hormone status (hormone-sensitive vs. hormone-resistant). Furthermore, we assessed how many patients would be classified as having oligometastatic disease (≤ 3 lesions) and theoretically qualify for metastasis-directed radiotherapy (MDRT) in a personalized patient management.

Results

We detected PSMA-positive lesions in 94.0% (79 of 84) of all patients. In the three PSA subgroups detection rates of 85.2% (0 to < 1 ng/mL, n = 27), 97.3% (1 to < 20 ng/mL, n = 37) and 100% (> 20 ng/mL, n = 20) were observed, respectively. PSMA-positive visceral metastases were observed only in patients with a PSA > 1 ng/mL. Detection of PSMA-positive lesions did not significantly differ between patients with hormone-sensitive and hormone-resistant PCa. Oligometastatic PCa was detected in 19 of 84 patients (22.6%). Almost all patients, 94.7% (n = 18) would have been eligible for MDRT.

Conclusions

In this study, we observed an overall very high detection rate of 94% using PSMA PET imaging in patients with advanced PCa and ongoing ADT. Even in a majority of patients with very low PSA values < 1 ng/ml PSMA-positive lesions were found.
SABCS 2020: update on triple-negative and metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer
Authors: Bartsch Rupert
Published: June 2021

One year into the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) was another large congress held in a virtual format. Despite these circumstances, clinically relevant data were presented, and this short review focuses on developments in the fields of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer. A quality-of-life (QoL) analysis from IMPassion031 showed that adding atezolizumab to neoadjuvant chemotherapy was not associated with a detrimental effect on QoL, while the burden of treatment-induced side effects increased with each cycle of neoadjuvant therapy in both treatment arms. KEYNOTE-355 evaluated the addition of pembrolizumab to chemotherapy as first-line treatment in metastatic TNBC (mTNBC); a significant improvement of progression-free survival (PFS) was reported in the pembrolizumab arm. At the 2020 SABCS, results with respect to different chemotherapy backbones were reported and the benefit of pembrolizumab was maintained irrespective of the type of taxane. Disappointingly, the phase III IPATunity130 study could not confirm a PFS improvement with the AKT inhibitor ipatasertib when added to paclitaxel as first-line treatment in mTNBC. A biomarker analysis from the phase III ASCENT study showed that the antibody–drug conjugate sacituzumab govitecan was superior to chemotherapy by investigator’s choice independent of Trop‑2 expression and BRCA mutation status. In HER2-positive breast cancer, the PRECIOUS trial suggested a small albeit significant benefit with reinduction of pertuzumab in later treatment lines in patients progressing on prior dual HER2-blockade in the first- or second-line setting. The HER2-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor tucatinib when added to trastuzumab and capecitabine was shown to improve PFS and overall survival (OS) over trastuzumab and capecitabine alone in pretreated patients in the randomized HER2CLIMB trial; this benefit was apparently independent of hormone-receptor expression. An update from the DESTINY-Breast01 trial reported a median PFS of 19.4 months with trastuzumab deruxtecan in heavily pretreated patients. Finally, an analysis from the PERTAIN trial with > 6 years median follow-up showed excellent OS in patients with luminal B/HER2-positive receiving first-line trastuzumab/pertuzumab in combination with endocrine therapy suggesting that chemotherapy-free treatment is an option in highly selected patients.
Property changes in materials due to atomic oxygen in the low Earth orbit
Authors: Goto Aki , Umeda Kaori , Yukumatsu Kazuki , Kimoto Yugo
Published: June 2021

We expect satellites at altitude below 300 km, very low Earth orbit (VLEO), making observations of the Earth at optical wavelength with increasingly higher resolution. The density of atomic oxygen (AO) at VLEO is significantly higher than that at LEO; severe degradation of spacecraft materials (polymers) due to the high-flux AO is a serious concern. To clarify VLEO environmental effects on spacecraft materials, we designed the Material Degradation Monitor (MDM) and MDM2 missions. The MDM is a material exposure experiment onboard the Super Low-Altitude Test Satellite (SLATS). It aims to understand reactions and degradation of polymeric materials depending on AO fluence in VLEO. In the MDM, samples of spacecraft material were exposed at altitude of 160–560 km; their degradation behaviors were observed optically by a CCD camera for 1.8 years. The MDM2 is a material exposure experiment onboard the International Space Station (ISS) and aims to correctly understand surface reactions and degradation of the same samples used in the MDM at a given AO fluence. In the MDM2, the samples were exposed at altitude of 400 km for 1 year and then returned to Earth for analysis. Based on the results from both missions, we will help in the molecular design of more-durable materials, and establish design standards for future VLEO satellites. This study aims to quantitatively understand the surface reactions and degradation of the 11 types of thermal control materials exposed on the ISS in the MDM2. Five types of multilayer insulation (MLI) films (three types of Si-containing AO protective materials (a silsesquioxane-(SQ-) containing coated polyimide film, two types of polysiloxane-block polyimide (BSF-30) films), an ITO-coated polyimide film, and a Beta Cloth), and flexible optical solar reflectors (flexible OSRs) were found to have a high durability against erosion by AO. This was determined by measuring their loss of mass and thermo-optical properties. The Ag/Inconel layer’s discoloration and peeling were observed for three types of FEP/Ag films as determined by the Ag layer’s oxidation by AO. Also, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that reactions of the Si-containing materials, the SQ-coated polyimide film and the BSF-30 film, form a layer of silica that protects against AO. Even though the concentration of Si in the SQ-coating is the same or greater than in the BSF-30 film, the amount of the SQ-coating that reacted was larger than that of the BSF-30 film under the same AO fluence. Moreover, the effective ability of the UV-shielding coating, composed of ITO and CeO2 coated onto one of the BSF-30 films, was demonstrated by UV–Vis spectrometry. Its sufficient AO protection was confirmed by mass measurements, XPS analyses, and FE-SEM observations.
Predictive modelling of TBARS changes in the intramuscular lipid fraction of raw ground pork enriched with plant extracts
Authors: Kaczmarek Anna Maria , Muzolf-Panek Małgorzata
Published: June 2021

The aim of the study was to develop and compare the predictive models of lipid oxidation in minced raw pork meat enriched with selected plant extracts (allspice, basil, bay leaf, black seed, cardamom, caraway, cloves, garlic, nutmeg, onion, oregano, rosemary and thyme) by investigation TBARS values changes during storage at different temperatures. Meat samples with extract addition were stored under various temperatures (4, 8, 12, 16, and 20°C). TBARS values changes in samples stored at 12°C were used as external validation dataset. Lipid oxidation was evaluated by the TBARS content. Lipid oxidation increased with storage time and temperature. The dependence of lipid oxidation on temperature was adequately modelled by the Arrhenius and log-logistic equation with high R2coefficients (0.98–0.99). Kinetic models and artificial neural networks (ANNs) were used to build the predictive models. The obtained result demonstrates that both kinetic Arrhenius (R2 = 0.83) and log-logistic (R2 = 0.84) models as well as ANN (R2 = 0.99) model can predict TBARS changes in raw ground pork meat during storage.
Effect of structural differences of pumice on synthesis of pumice-supported nFe0: removal of Cr (VI) from water
Authors: Tural Bilsen , Ertaş Erdal , Güzel Mehmet , Tural Servet
Published: June 2021

In this study, pumice from different regions of Turkey (Diyarbakir, Southeast Turkey and Bitlis, East Turkey) has been supplied and used as supporting material for nanoscale zero-valent iron (nFe0). Native Bitlis pumice (NBP)-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (BP-nFe0) and native Diyarbakir pumice (NDP)-supported nanoscale zero-value iron (DP-nFe0) were synthesized under the same conditions. Native pumice (NDP, NBP) and pumice-supported nFe0 (DP-nFe0 and BP-nFe0) adsorbents were morphologically and structurally characterized by SEM, EDX, XRF and BET. When using NBP as support material, the iron content of the BP-nFe0 increased 1.9-fold from 1.99 to 3.83%. However, iron content of NDP (2.08%) increased approximately 29 times after it is used as a support material in synthesis of DP-nFe0 (60%). The removal potential of native pumice (NBP and NDP) and iron-modified pumice (BP-nFe0 and DP-nFe0) samples was investigated to remove Cr(VI) ions. The parameters of solution pH, initial metal concentration, contact time and the amount of adsorbent in the removal of chromium (VI) ions were investigated. Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin–Radushkevich and Jovanovic isotherm models were used to evaluate the adsorption equilibrium data. The equilibrium adsorption was found so as to be well described by the Langmuir isotherm model for all the adsorbents studied. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) ions for NDP, NBP, DP-nFe0 and BP-nFe0 was 10.82, 14.30, 161.29 and 17.39 mg/g, respectively. The rate of Cr(VI) removal was subjected to kinetic analysis using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, intraparticle diffusion and Elovich models. Kinetic studies suggest that adsorption of NDP, NBP, DP-nFe0 and BP-nFe0 described more favorably by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The results showed that NDP is a much better support material for nFe0 when compared to NBP.
Learning curve and global benchmark values of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: results of first 100 cases of a newly trained surgeon in an Italian center of excellence
Authors: Vitiello Antonio , Berardi Giovanna , Velotti Nunzio , Schiavone Vincenzo , Musella Mario
Published: June 2021

To evaluate whether the learning curve for sleeve gastrectomy could be completed after 50 cases. First 100 patients undergoing LSG under a newly trained laparoscopic surgeon were included in this study and divided into two groups of 50 consecutive patients each. Perioperative outcomes were compared to recently introduced global benchmarks. Short-term weight loss was calculated as Total Weight Loss Percent (%TWL) and complications were classified in accordance with the Clavien–Dindo classification. CUSUM analysis was performed for operative time and hospital stay. Mean preoperative age and BMI were 41.8 ± 10.3 years and 42.9 ± 5.4 kg/m2, respectively. Demographics and rate of patients with previous surgery were comparable preoperatively in the two groups. Mean operative time was 92.1 ± 19.3 min and hospital stay was 3.4 ± 0.6 days as per our standard protocol of discharge. Uneventful postoperative course was recorded in 93% of patients and only one case of staple line leak was registered in the first 50 cases (group 1). No statistical difference in BMI and %TWL was found between the two groups at any time of follow-up. Comparison between two groups showed a significant reduction in hospital stay and operative time after the first 50 LSGs (p < 0.05). LSG can be performed by newly trained surgeons proctored by senior tutors. At least 50 cases are needed to meet global benchmark cut-offs and few more cases may be required to reach the plateau of the learning curve.
Dual-Wavelength Continuous Wave Photoacoustic Doppler Flow Measurement
Authors: Zhao Hongcai , Liu Yanbin , Farooq Tayyab , Fang Hui
Published: June 2021

Photoacoustic Doppler flow measurement based on continuous wave laser excitation owns the merit of clearly presenting the Doppler power spectra. Extending this technique to dual wavelengths can gain the spectral information of the flow sample extra to the flow speed information. An experimental system with two laser diodes respectively operated at 405 nm and 660 nm wavelengths is built and the flow measurement with black and red dyed polystyrene beads is performed. The measured Doppler power spectra can vividly reflect the flow speed, the flow direction, as well as the bead color. Since it is straightforward to further apply the same principle to multiple wavelengths, we can expect this type of spectroscopic photoacoustic Doppler flow measurement will be developed in the near future which will be very useful for studying the metabolism of the slowly moving red blood cell inside microvessels.
Fractional glassy relaxation and convolution modules of distributions
Authors: Kleiner T. , Hilfer R.
Published: June 2021

Solving fractional relaxation equations requires precisely characterized domains of definition for applications of fractional differential and integral operators. Determining these domains has been a longstanding problem. Applications in physics and engineering typically require extension from domains of functions to domains of distributions. In this work convolution modules are constructed for given sets of distributions that generate distributional convolution algebras. Convolutional inversion of fractional equations leads to a broad class of multinomial Mittag-Leffler type distributions. A comprehensive asymptotic analysis of these is carried out. Combined with the module construction the asymptotic analysis yields domains of distributions, that guarantee existence and uniqueness of solutions to fractional differential equations. The mathematical results are applied to anomalous dielectric relaxation in glasses. An analytic expression for the frequency dependent dielectric susceptibility is applied to broadband spectra of glycerol. This application reveals a temperature independent and universal dynamical scaling exponent.
Was ist schwierig am Modellieren? Identifikation und Beschreibung von Hindernissen in Modellierungsprozessen von Lehramtsstudierenden naturwissenschaftlicher Fächer
Authors: Göhner Maximilian , Krell Moritz
Published: June 2021

Die Entwicklung von Modellkompetenz im naturwissenschaftlichen Unterricht kann potenziell zur Erreichung vielfältiger Ziele naturwissenschaftlicher Bildung beitragen. Studien deuten allerdings darauf hin, dass Modellierungsprozesse, in denen Modelle kritisch reflektiert oder als Werkzeuge zur Erkenntnisgewinnung eingesetzt werden, im Unterricht eher selten umgesetzt werden und dass Lehrkräfte in Bezug auf Fähigkeiten des naturwissenschaftlichen Modellierens weitere Förderung benötigen. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie ist die Identifikation und Beschreibung von Hindernissen, die in Modellierungsprozessen von Lehramtsstudierenden naturwissenschaftlicher Fächer auftreten. Hierzu wurden die Modellierungsprozesse von 36 Lehramtsstudierenden naturwissenschaftlicher Fächer bei der Untersuchung einer Blackbox qualitativ-inhaltsanalytisch ausgewertet. Es konnten 13 verschiedene Hinderniskategorien identifiziert und beschrieben werden. Die identifizierten Hinderniskategorien weisen teils Parallelen zum Experimentieren und naturwissenschaftlichen Arbeiten allgemein auf: Spezifische Hinderniskategorien für das Modellieren ergeben sich dagegen beim Umgang mit Analogien und Erfahrungen und treten vor allem beim Testen des entwickelten Modells auf. Basierend auf vorherigen Arbeiten wurden zudem die Modellierungsprozesse der Lehramtsstudierenden analysiert und sechs typischen Modellierungsstrategien zugeordnet. Es scheint kein eindeutiger Zusammenhang zwischen den identifizierten Hindernissen und den Modellierungsstrategien vorzuliegen, da ProbandInnen, die ähnlichen Hindernissen begegnen, sich hinsichtlich ihrer Modellierungsstrategien teils deutlich unterscheiden. Es wird diskutiert, inwiefern die identifizierten Hinderniskategorien für die weitere Entwicklung von Diagnoseinstrumenten und zur gezielten Planung von Förderangeboten genutzt werden können.
Scalable kernel-based SVM classification algorithm on imbalance air quality data for proficient healthcare
Authors: Ketu Shwet , Mishra Pramod Kumar
Published: June 2021

In the last decade, we have seen drastic changes in the air pollution level, which has become a critical environmental issue. It should be handled carefully towards making the solutions for proficient healthcare. Reducing the impact of air pollution on human health is possible only if the data is correctly classified. In numerous classification problems, we are facing the class imbalance issue. Learning from imbalanced data is always a challenging task for researchers, and from time to time, possible solutions have been developed by researchers. In this paper, we are focused on dealing with the imbalanced class distribution in a way that the classification algorithm will not compromise its performance. The proposed algorithm is based on the concept of the adjusting kernel scaling (AKS) method to deal with the multi-class imbalanced dataset. The kernel function's selection has been evaluated with the help of weighting criteria and the chi-square test. All the experimental evaluation has been performed on sensor-based Indian Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) dataset. The proposed algorithm with the highest accuracy of 99.66% wins the race among all the classification algorithms i.e. Adaboost (59.72%), Multi-Layer Perceptron (95.71%), GaussianNB (80.87%), and SVM (96.92). The results of the proposed algorithm are also better than the existing literature methods. It is also clear from these results that our proposed algorithm is efficient for dealing with class imbalance problems along with enhanced performance. Thus, accurate classification of air quality through our proposed algorithm will be useful for improving the existing preventive policies and will also help in enhancing the capabilities of effective emergency response in the worst pollution situation.
Currency Unions and Global Value Chains: The Impact of the Euro on the Italian Value Added Exports
Authors: Cerulli Giovanni , Nenci Silvia , Salvatici Luca , Zinilli Antonio
Published: June 2021

Many estimates of the effect of the common currency on trade have been made, although a clear answer has yet to be given. This work analyses the trade effect of the euro by providing a twofold contribution. First, one of the main stylised facts that has emerged from the recent literature is that trade flows in gross terms can differ substantially from those measured in value added terms. Accordingly, we focus on the structure of global value chains rather than conventional gross trade. To this aim, we provide an estimate of the value added trade flows that would have existed between Italy and its main trading partners if Italy had not joined the monetary union and show how, and to what extent, international production sharing has been affected. Second, we use a methodology that is different from traditional, parametric ones. Specifically, we apply the synthetic control method to construct appropriate counterfactuals and estimate the causal impact of the euro. Our empirical analysis provides a relevant case for considering value added in addition to gross trade since it shows that the euro facilitated the forward integration of Italian exports, whereas it slowed down backward integration. Overall, these results suggest that the euro had an impact on Italian global value chain participation by altering value added flows across member as well as non-member states, with great heterogeneity in the results across value added trade components and sectors.
Space weather: the solar perspective
Authors: Temmer Manuela
Published: June 2021

The Sun, as an active star, is the driver of energetic phenomena that structure interplanetary space and affect planetary atmospheres. The effects of Space Weather on Earth and the solar system is of increasing importance as human spaceflight is preparing for lunar and Mars missions. This review is focusing on the solar perspective of the Space Weather relevant phenomena, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), flares, solar energetic particles (SEPs), and solar wind stream interaction regions (SIR). With the advent of the STEREO mission (launched in 2006), literally, new perspectives were provided that enabled for the first time to study coronal structures and the evolution of activity phenomena in three dimensions. New imaging capabilities, covering the entire Sun-Earth distance range, allowed to seamlessly connect CMEs and their interplanetary counterparts measured in-situ (so called ICMEs). This vastly increased our knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of interplanetary space due to solar activity and fostered the development of Space Weather forecasting models. Moreover, we are facing challenging times gathering new data from two extraordinary missions, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe (launched in 2018) and ESA’s Solar Orbiter (launched in 2020), that will in the near future provide more detailed insight into the solar wind evolution and image CMEs from view points never approached before. The current review builds upon the Living Reviews article by Schwenn from 2006, updating on the Space Weather relevant CME-flare-SEP phenomena from the solar perspective, as observed from multiple viewpoints and their concomitant solar surface signatures.
Methodological Guidelines Designed to Improve the Quality of Research on Cross-Country Skiing
Authors: Pellegrini Barbara , Sandbakk Øyvind , Stöggl Thomas , Supej Matej , Ørtenblad Niels , Schürer Axel , Steiner Thomas , Lunina Angelica , Manhard Chris , Liu Hui , Ohtonen Olli , Zoppirolli Chiara , Holmberg Hans-Christer
Published: June 2021

Cross-country (XC) ski races involve a variety of formats, two different techniques and tracks with highly variable topography and environmental conditions. In addition, XC skiing is a major component of both Nordic combined and biathlon competitions. Research in this area, both in the laboratory and field, encounters certain difficulties that may reduce the reliability and validity of the data obtained, as well as complicate comparisons between studies. Here, 13 international experts propose specific guidelines designed to enhance the quality of research and publications on XC skiing, as well as on the biathlon and Nordic combined skiing. We consider biomechanical (kinematic, kinetic and neuromuscular) and physiological methodology (at the systemic and/or muscle level), providing recommendations for standardization/control of the experimental setup. We describe the types of measuring equipment and technology that are most suitable in this context. Moreover, we also deal with certain aspects of nomenclature of the classical and skating sub-techniques. In addition to enhancing the quality of studies on XC skiing, Nordic combined and biathlon, our guidelines should also be of value for sport scientists and coaches in other disciplines where physiological and/or biomechanical measurements are performed in the laboratory and/or outdoors.
Group Support for Smoking Cessation: Importance of the Smoker's Choice for Better Outcomes
Authors: Le Faou Anne-Laurence , Allagbé Ingrid , Airagnes Guillaume , Baha Monique , Limosin Frédéric
Published: June 2021

Smoking cessation method effectiveness is discussed among socially disadvantaged smokers. Our aim was to measure real-life effectiveness of the choice of a multi-component group intervention in comparison with individual usual care. We report an observational study (N = 100). Disadvantaged smokers were screened with a validated tool. We designed a multi-component structured behavioural group intervention, delivered in weekly group sessions during 6 weeks. Usual care consisted of individual visits. Both groups received free nicotine replacement therapy. We observed 33 smokers participating in the group intervention, while 67 received usual care. Abstinence at 6 weeks was 24.2% (n = 8) in the group intervention versus 11.9% (n = 8) in usual care (p = .115). Also, 36.4% (n = 12) of group intervention patients had reduced their cigarette consumption versus 16.4% (n = 11) in usual care (p = .026). In addition, 6.1% (n = 2) dropped out of group versus 31.3% (n = 21) in usual care (p = .005). Finally, 6 months after their first visit, 15.2% (n = 5) of group intervention patients and 4.5% (n = 3) in usual care were abstinent (p = .111). Group intervention choice versus usual care might facilitate smoking abstinence, reduction, and follow-up adherence.
Wage and employment effects of immigration: Evidence from South Korea
Authors: Kim Hyejin
Published: June 2021

This paper studies the impact of immigration on native labor market outcomes in South Korea. We exploit the variation in immigration flows in an education-experience cell and find that, on average, immigration has no harmful effect on the wages or employment of native workers. However, there is a great heterogeneity of wage effects across education groups: high school dropouts suffer from the adverse effects, whereas the effects for college graduates are positive. We find the potential explanation for these differential effects in the suggestive evidence on the degree of substitution. Specifically, we examine the similarity of occupational distribution between natives and immigrants and assimilation patterns for immigrants.
Affirmative Action in Medical School: A Comparative Exploration
Authors: Sander Richard
Published: June 2021

A significant body of evidence shows that law schools and many elite colleges use large admissions preferences based on race, and other evidence strongly suggests that large preferences can undermine student achievement in law school and undergraduate science majors, thus producing highly counterproductive effects. This article draws on available evidence to examine the use of racial preferences in medical school admissions, and finds strong reasons for concern about the effects and effectiveness of current affirmative action efforts. The author calls for better data and careful investigation of several identified patterns.
Creating the Truth with Persons Living with Advanced Dementia
Authors: Karlawish Jason
Published: June 2021

Truth telling to persons living with dementia is a nuanced problem that demands negotiating between the hazards of principlism and the loving deceiver’s demand to lie as needed. To ban deception, as we do restraints, would be misguided and cruel. So too to demand we always tell the truth. We ought to adopt a practice called “creative care.” It begins with the premise that person’s living with dementia are capable of creativity. Creative care breaks down the mysterious fourth wall we build around persons living with dementia, especially persons with advanced dementia. It invites us to see a person living with dementia as a person who is capable of creating something beautiful. They need our time and words, not our lies and sedatives.
Principles for Safe Implementation of ICD Codes for Human Trafficking
Authors: Greenbaum Jordan , Garrett Ashley , Chon Katherine , Bishop Matthew , Luke Jordi , Stoklosa Hanni
Published: June 2021

Human trafficking is associated with a variety of adverse health and mental health consequences, which should be accurately addressed and documented in electronic health records.
Nationalizing Public Health Emergency Legal Responses
Authors: Hodge James G.
Published: June 2021

The fight for public health primacy in U.S. emergency preparedness and response to COVID-19 centers on which level of government — federal or state — should “call the shots” to quell national emergencies?
NEW MARINE RESERVOIR CORRECTION VALUES (ΔR) APPLICABLE TO DATES ON NEOLITHIC SHELLS FROM THE SOUTH COAST OF KOREA
Authors: Kim Habeom , Lee Hyunsoo , Lee Gyoung-Ah
Published: June 2021

Shells from Neolithic shell midden sites have been routinely dated in Korea, but they have not been calibrated based on the correction values (ΔR) for the marine reservoir effect (MRE). A lack of proper calibration has left dates on shells incomparable to those on terrestrial samples, and thus unusable in building the chronological sequence of shell middens. Here, we report the two new ΔR values of a pre-bomb (pre-1950) blue mussel from the south coast. We applied the two new and the two previously reported ΔR values to the three dates on marine shells from the Bibongri shell midden in southeastern Korea. Our ΔR adjusted calibration and the comparison to dates on charcoal and bone remains clarify an ambiguity in the stratigraphy and the Early Neolithic chronology at Bibongri. Our contribution is to provide the ΔR values that can be further applied to other Neolithic shell middens along the south coast.