bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural properties of cellulose nanofibril foam depending on wet foaming conditions in Pickering stabilization
Authors: Park Shin Young , Goo Sooim , Shin Heenae , Kim Jinseung , Youn Hye Jung
Published: September 2021

Porous cellulose nanofibril (CNF) foam was prepared by stabilizing bubbles with CNF and a surfactant and then drying the stabilized wet foam in a convection oven. The consistency of carboxymethylated CNF (CMCNF) and the addition amount of the surfactant were controlled and the effects of these factors on the CNF wet foam and dry foam properties were investigated. An adequate amount of the surfactant (0.02–0.04 wt%) with CMCNF consistency higher than 0.5 wt% yielded wet foams with excellent stability. When the wet foam was dried at 60 °C in an oven, dry CNF foam with over 97% porosity was generated. The stable wet foams resulted in dry CNF foam with a sphere-like pore structure and low levels of shrinkage during drying. In contrast, unstable wet foams generated dry foam with severe shrinkage and large cavities. The pore size and the porosity of the dried foam were determined by the shape of bubbles in the wet foam and the degree of shrinkage during drying, which, in turn, affected the mechanical strength. In addition, the compressive strength of the oven-dried foam was 83% higher than that of the freeze-dried foam. Therefore, the preparation of a stable wet porous CMCNF foam by controlling the CMCNF consistency and the amount of surfactant was essential for obtaining a porous CMCNF foam with a uniform pore structure and good mechanical strength by oven drying.

Graphic abstract
Effect of ultrasonication on the size distribution and stability of cellulose nanocrystals in suspension: an asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation study
Authors: Metzger Christoph , Drexel Roland , Meier Florian , Briesen Heiko
Published: September 2021

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are bio-based building blocks for sustainable advanced materials with prospective applications in polymer composites, emulsions, electronics, sensors, and biomedical devices. However, their high surface area-to-volume ratio promotes agglomeration, which restrains their performance in size-driven applications, thereby hindering commercial CNC utilization. In this regard, ultrasonication is commonly applied to disperse CNCs in colloidal suspensions; however, ultrasonication methodology is not yet standardized and knowledge of the effects of ultrasound treatments on CNC size distribution is scarce. The major goals of this study were attributed to targeted breakage of CNC agglomerates and clusters by ultrasound. The evolution of particle size distribution and potential de-sulfation by ultrasonication as well as the long-term stability of ultrasonicated CNC suspensions were investigated. Colloidal suspensions of sulfated CNCs were isolated from cotton α-cellulose. Effects of ultrasonication on particle size distribution were determined by asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled with on-line multi-angle light scattering and ultraviolet spectroscopy. These results were complemented with off-line dynamic light scattering. High ultrasound energy densities facilitated cumulative dispersion of CNC clusters. Consequently, the mean rod length decreased logarithmically from 178.1 nm at an ultrasound energy input of 2 kJ g−1 CNC to 141.7 nm (− 20%) at 40 kJ g−1 CNC. Likewise, the hydrodynamic diameter of the particle collective decreased logarithmically from 94.5 to 73.5 nm (− 22%) in the same processing window. While the rod length, below which 95 wt% of the CNCs were found, decreased from 306.5 to 231.8 nm (− 24%) from 2 to 40 kJ g−1 CNC, the shape factor of the main particle fraction ranged from 1.0 to 1.1, which indicated a decreasing number of dimers and clusters in the particle collective. In summary, progressing ultrasonication caused a shift of the particle length distribution to shorter particle lengths and simultaneously induced narrowing of the distribution. The suspension’s electrical conductivity concurrently increased, which has been attributed to faster diffusion of smaller particles and exposure of previously obscured surface charges. Colloidal stability, investigated through electrical AF4 and electrophoretic light scattering, was not affected by ultrasonication and, therefore, indicates no de-sulfation by the applied ultrasound treatment. Occurrence of minor CNC agglomeration at low ultrasound energy densities over the course of 6 months suggest the effect was not unmitigatedly permanent.
Die Diskussion zwischen José Gaos und Luis Villoro über den Begriff der Lebenswelt—﻿Kritische Auswertung einer entscheidenden Episode der Rezeptionsgeschichte von Husserls Phänomenologie in Spanien und Mexiko
Authors: Pérez-Gatica Sergio
Published: September 2021

Die vorliegende Arbeit thematisiert eine sowohl im deutschen als auch im spanischen und englischen Sprachraum weitgehend unbekannte philosophische Kontroverse zweier herausragender Figuren der Rezeptionsgeschichte von Husserls Phänomenologie in Mexiko zur Zeit des spanischen republikanischen Exils. Es handelt sich um die Diskussion zwischen José Gaos und Luis Villoro über den phänomenologischen Begriff der Lebenswelt. Im ersten Teil meiner Darstellung werde ich den akademischen Kontext dieser Diskussion erörtern. Im zweiten Teil gehe ich auf die Hauptthese eines Vortrags ein, den Gaos 1963 in Mexiko-Stadt vor einem internationalen Publikum hielt und der als die erste dokumentierte Behandlung des Lebensweltbegriffs in der spanischsprachigen Philosophie gilt. Der dritte Teil behandelt Villoros Erwiderung auf Gaos’ Vortrag und die sich daraus ergebende Auseinandersetzung der beiden Philosophen. Im vierten Teil ziehe ich eine kritische Bilanz des Inhalts dieser Diskussion im Licht des aktuellen Stands der Husserlforschung. Dabei, und schließlich auch im fünften Teil, wird sich die unverkennbar radikale Bedeutung dieser Diskussion für die aktuelle phänomenologische Forschung herausstellen, insbesondere im Hinblick auf das Forschungsdesiderat einer Erklärung der systematischen Verhältnisse zwischen transzendentaler Erkenntniskritik und Lebenswelttheorie.
First impression biases in the performing arts: taste-based discrimination and the value of blind auditioning
Authors: Droege Jasmin
Published: September 2021

I develop a game-theoretic framework to study the repercussions of an evaluator’s bias against a specific group of applicants. The evaluator decides upfront between holding an informed or a blind audition. In the latter, the evaluator learns neither the applicant’s ability nor the gender. I show that, above a threshold bias, the evaluator prefers a blind audition to provide high effort incentives exclusively for high-ability applicants. Consequently, committing to no information can be beneficial for the evaluator. I also show that a highly biased evaluator’s preferences align with those of a highly able female. I extend the framework to performance uncertainty and gender-blind CVs and compare blind auditions to affirmative action. The framework is relevant for auditory-based applications: my results can explain why blind auditions have increased the probability of a female orchestra musician being hired via taste-based discrimination and challenge explanations grounded in statistical discrimination.
Spontaneous circulation of active microtubules confined by optical traps
Authors: Martin Stephen E , Brunner Matthew E , Deutsch Joshua M
Published: September 2021

We propose an experiment to demonstrate spontaneous ordering and symmetry breaking of kinesin-driven microtubules confined to an optical trap. Calculations involving the feasibility of such an experiment are first performed which analyze the power needed to confine microtubules and address heating concerns. We then present the results of first-principles simulations of active microtubules confined in such a trap and analyze the types of motion observed by the microtubules as well as the velocity of the surrounding fluid, both near the trap and in the far-field. We find three distinct phases characterized by breaking of distinct symmetries and also analyze the power spectrum of the angular momenta of polymers to further quantify the differences between these phases. Under the correct conditions, microtubules were found to spontaneously align with one another and circle the trap in one direction.
On the generative capacity of matrix insertion-deletion systems of small sum-norm
Authors: Fernau Henning , Kuppusamy Lakshmanan , Raman Indhumathi
Published: September 2021

A matrix insertion-deletion system (or matrix ins-del system) is described by a set of insertion-deletion rules presented in matrix form, which demands all rules of a matrix to be applied in the given order. These systems were introduced to model very simplistic fragments of sequential programs based on insertion and deletion as elementary operations as can be found in biocomputing. We are investigating such systems with limited resources as formalized in descriptional complexity. A traditional descriptional complexity measure of such a matrix ins-del system is its size $$s=(k;n,i',i'';m,j',j'')$$

s
=
(
k
;
n
,

i
′

,

i

′
′

;
m
,

j
′

,

j

′
′

)

, where the parameters from left to right represent the maximal matrix length, maximal insertion string length, maximal length of left contexts in insertion rules, maximal length of right contexts in insertion rules; the last three are deletion counterparts of the previous three parameters. We call the sum $$n+i'+i''+m+j'+j''$$

n
+

i
′

+

i

′
′

+
m
+

j
′

+

j

′
′

the sum-norm of s. We show that matrix ins-del systems of sum-norm 4 and sizes (3; 1, 0, 0;  1, 2, 0), (3; 1, 0, 0;  1, 0, 2), (2; 1, 2, 0;  1, 0, 0), (2; 1, 0, 2;  1, 0, 0), and (2; 1, 1, 1;  1, 0, 0) describe the recursively enumerable languages. Moreover, matrix ins-del systems of sizes (3; 1, 1, 0;  1, 0, 0), (3; 1, 0, 1;  1, 0, 0), (2; 2, 1, 0;  1, 0, 0) and (2; 2, 0, 1;  1, 0, 0) can describe at least the regular closure of the linear languages. In fact, we show that if a matrix ins-del system of size s can describe the class of linear languages $$\mathrm {LIN}$$
LIN
, then without any additional resources, matrix ins-del systems of size s also describe the regular closure of $$\mathrm {LIN}$$
LIN
. Finally, we prove that matrix ins-del systems of sizes (2; 1, 1, 0;  1, 1, 0) and (2; 1, 0, 1;  1, 0, 1) can describe at least the regular languages.
Analysis of a mass-spring-relay system with periodic forcing
Authors: Lelkes János , Kalmár-Nagy Tamás
Published: September 2021

The dynamics of a hysteretic relay oscillator with harmonic forcing is investigated. Periodic excitation of the system results in periodic, quasi-periodic, chaotic and unbounded behavior. An explicit Poincaré map is constructed with an implicit constraint on the switching time. The stability of the fixed points of the Poincaré map corresponding to period-one solutions is investigated. By varying the forcing parameters, we observed a saddle-center and a pitchfork bifurcation of two centers and a saddle-type fixed point. The global dynamics of the system exhibits discontinuity induced bifurcations of the fixed points.
A cost–benefit analysis of hospital-wide medication reviews: a period prevalence study
Authors: Wilkes Sarah , Zaal Rianne J. , Abdulla Alan , Hunfeld Nicole G. M.
Published: September 2021

Background For specific medical specialties it has been shown that clinical pharmacists can have a beneficial effect on the reduction of drug-related problems by performing medication reviews. However, little is known on the cost–benefit ratio of hospital-wide implementation of medication reviews. Aim To investigate the effect of conducting hospital-wide medication reviews on the detection and resolution of drug-related problems, and to calculate the cost–benefit ratio of the intervention. Method In this observational prospective period prevalence study, medication reviews were conducted during five consecutive working days in a Dutch university hospital. Patients admitted for more than 24 h were included. The cost–benefit ratio of conducting the medication reviews was calculated by dividing the total costs by the total savings. Results In 622 medication reviews, 709 potential drug-related problems (1.1 per patient) were detected. The most common advice was to stop medication (38.6%). Patients with a potentially drug-related problem were significantly older, had a higher median number of prescriptions, and the median number of days from admission to the time of medication reviews was longer. Conducting medication reviews showed a positive cost–benefit ratio of 9.7. Conclusions Hospital-wide medication reviews by clinical pharmacists have a positive cost–benefit ratio and contribute to the detection and the resolution of drug related problems (DRPs), mainly by reducing overtreatment.
Building blocks for a cognitive science-led epistemology of arithmetic
Authors: Buijsman Stefan
Published: September 2021

In recent years philosophers have used results from cognitive science to formulate epistemologies of arithmetic (e.g. Giaquinto in J Philos 98(1):5–18, 2001). Such epistemologies have, however, been criticised, e.g. by Azzouni (Talking about nothing: numbers, hallucinations and fictions, Oxford University Press, 2010), for interpreting the capacities found by cognitive science in an overly numerical way. I offer an alternative framework for the way these psychological processes can be combined, forming the basis for an epistemology for arithmetic. The resulting framework avoids assigning numerical content to the Approximate Number System and Object Tracking System, two systems that have so far been the basis of epistemologies of arithmetic informed by cognitive science. The resulting account is, however, only a framework for an epistemology: in the final part of the paper I argue that it is compatible with both platonist and nominalist views of numbers by fitting it into an epistemology for ante rem structuralism and one for fictionalism. Unsurprisingly, cognitive science does not settle the debate between these positions in the philosophy of mathematics, but I it can be used to refine existing epistemologies and restrict our focus to the capacities that cognitive science has found to underly our mathematical knowledge.
Significance of selenium supplementation in root- shoot reactions under manganese stress in wheat seedlings – biochemical and cytological studies
Authors: Sieprawska Apolonia , Skórka Magdalena , Bednarska-Kozakiewicz Elżbieta , Niedojadło Katarzyna , Janiak Agnieszka , Telk Anna , Filek Maria
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Agronomic practices are one of the reasons for the increasing accumulation of elements in the soil, including manganese (Mn). Our previous studies have shown that selenium (Se) ions can reduce the toxic actions of metal stress. Those, we studied the effects of Mn—treated as a stressor and Se – as a potential defense in plants.

Methods

Mn ions (10 mM) or/and Se (15 μM) were added into hydroponic nutrients of two wheat cultivares. The evaluation of the stress-generating and protective actions were analyzed by biochemical methods and microscopic observations in leaves and roots. Moreover the level of DNA methylation for these tissues was determined.

Results

Mn application caused an increase of lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide content in both leaves and roots and was accompanied with a greater absorption of this element by the roots. For other elements (K, Fe, S, P), with the exception of Ca, the reduced their uptake was registered, especially in roots. For roots, Mn stimulated greater, microscopically observed, desorganization in cell structure as compared to leaves, which was accompanied by a quantitative increase in 5-methylcytosine (5-metC) in root meristem. Se application diminished the effects of Mn-stress.

Conclusions

These studies is the first in which indicated that global 5-metC level in roots enhancing from dividing meristematic cells to elongating cells of the axial cylinder and cortex. It was suggested that the rise in Ca level can lead to modification of root cells differentiations what may be one of the steps in defense mechanisms.
A review exploring the overarching burden of Zika virus with emphasis on epidemiological case studies from Brazil
Authors: Tunali Merve , Radin Alexandro André , Başıbüyük Selma , Musah Anwar , Borges Iuri Valerio Graciano , Yenigun Orhan , Aldosery Aisha , Kostkova Patty , dos Santos Wellington P. , Massoni Tiago , Dutra Livia Marcia Mosso , Moreno Giselle Machado Magalhaes , de Lima Clarisse Lins , da Silva Ana Clara Gomes , Ambrizzi Tércio , da Rocha Rosmeri Porfirio , Jones Kate E. , Campos Luiza C.
Published: September 2021

This paper explores the main factors for mosquito-borne transmission of the Zika virus by focusing on environmental, anthropogenic, and social risks. A literature review was conducted bringing together related information from this genre of research from peer-reviewed publications. It was observed that environmental conditions, especially precipitation, humidity, and temperature, played a role in the transmission. Furthermore, anthropogenic factors including sanitation, urbanization, and environmental pollution promote the transmission by affecting the mosquito density. In addition, socioeconomic factors such as poverty as well as social inequality and low-quality housing have also an impact since these are social factors that limit access to certain facilities or infrastructure which, in turn, promote transmission when absent (e.g., piped water and screened windows). Finally, the paper presents short-, mid-, and long-term preventative solutions together with future perspectives. This is the first review exploring the effects of anthropogenic aspects on Zika transmission with a special emphasis in Brazil.
Comparison of various chemical compounds for the removal of SO2 and NOx with wet scrubbing for marine diesel engines
Authors: Chin Terence , Tam Ivan CK , Yin Chun-Yang
Published: September 2021

Seawater, NaOH, NaClO, NaClO2, H2O2, and KMnO4 were used as scrubbing liquids to react with SOx and NOx separately in a customized wet scrubber. The absorption of SO2 in the aqueous phase was influenced by three factors: pH, ionic concentration, and oxidation potential. For NOx removal, the effectiveness of various chemical compounds can be ranked from least to most effective as follows: seawater, NaOH, H2O2 < NaClO < KMnO4 < NaClO2. This effectiveness was influenced by the chemical compound’s ability to oxidize NO to NO2, absorb the NO2 that was formed, and retaining the nitrogen in the aqueous phase. High oxidation potential promoted the oxidation of NO to NO2 but hindered the absorption of NO2. NaClO2 was superior compared to NaClO in all three categories of oxidizing, absorption and retention. NaClO could not retain a significant amount of NO2 which it absorbed in the aqueous phase. The pH around 8 provided a good balance between oxidation versus absorption/retention and reactant utilization for the chlorine-based oxidants. KMnO4 had the lowest reactant consumption rate; only half a mole was consumed for every mole of NO removed, compared to around 2–3 mol of chlorite or 3–5 mol of hypochlorite.
Autoantibodies in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Historical Background and Novel Findings
Authors: Sokolova Maria V. , Schett Georg , Steffen Ulrike
Published: September 2021

Autoantibodies represent a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with the rheumatoid factor (RF) and antibodies against citrullinated proteins (ACPA) being the most acknowledged ones. RA patients who are positive for RF and/or ACPA (“seropositive”) in general display a different etiology and disease course compared to so-called “seronegative” patients. Still, the seronegative patient population is very heterogeneous and not well characterized. Due to the identification of new autoantibodies and advancements in the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases in the last years, the group of seronegative patients is constantly shrinking. Aside from antibodies towards various post-translational modifications, recent studies describe autoantibodies targeting some native proteins, further broadening the spectrum of recognized antigens. Next to the detection of new autoantibody groups, much research has been done to answer the question if and how autoantibodies contribute to the pathogenesis of RA. Since autoantibodies can be detected years prior to RA onset, it is a matter of debate whether their presence alone is sufficient to trigger the disease. Nevertheless, there is gathering evidence of direct autoantibody effector functions, such as stimulation of osteoclastogenesis and synovial fibroblast migration in in vitro experiments. In addition, autoantibody positive patients display a worse clinical course and stronger radiographic progression. In this review, we discuss current findings regarding different autoantibody types, the underlying disease-driving mechanisms, the role of Fab and Fc glycosylation and clinical implications.
Pre Versus Post Implementation of a Pharmacologic Antishivering Protocol During Targeted Temperature Management Following Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Huynh Calvin , Lui Jevons , Behbahani Vala , Thompson Quan Ashley , Morris Amanda , Baumgartner Laura
Published: September 2021

Background

Targeted temperature management (TTM) is endorsed by various guidelines to improve neurologic outcomes following cardiac arrest. Shivering, a consequence of hypothermia, can counteract the benefits of TTM. Despite its frequent occurrence, consensus guidelines provide minimal guidance on the management of shivering. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a pharmacologic antishivering protocol in patients undergoing TTM following cardiac arrest on the incidence of shivering.

Methods

A retrospective observational cohort study at a large academic medical center of adult patients who underwent TTM targeting 33 °C following out-of-hospital (OHCA) or in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) was conducted between January 2013 and January 2019. Patients were included in the preprotocol group if they received TTM prior to the initiation of a pharmacologic antishivering protocol in 2015. The primary outcome was incidence of shivering between pre- and postprotocol patients. Secondary outcomes included time from arrest (IHCA) or admission to the hospital (OHCA) to goal body temperature, total time spent at goal body temperature, and percentage of patients alive at discharge. All pharmacologic agents listed as part of the antishivering protocol were recorded.

Results

Fifty-one patients were included in the preprotocol group, and 80 patients were included in the postprotocol group. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the groups, including percentage of patients experiencing OHCA (75% vs. 63%, p = 0.15) and time from arrest to return of spontaneous circulation (17.5 vs. 17.9 min, p = 0.96). Incidence of patients with shivering was significantly reduced in the postprotocol group (57% vs. 39%, p = 0.03). Time from arrest (IHCA) or admission to the hospital (OHCA) to goal body temperature was similar in both groups (5.1 vs. 5.3 h, p = 0.57), in addition to total time spent at goal body temperature (17.7 vs. 18 h, p = 0.93). The percentage of patients alive at discharge was significantly improved in the postprotocol group (35% vs. 55%, p = 0.02). Patients in the postprotocol group received significantly more buspirone (4% vs. 73%, p < 0.01), meperidine (8% vs. 34%, p < 0.01), and acetaminophen (12% vs. 65%, p < 0.01) as part of the pharmacologic antishivering protocol. Use of neuromuscular blockade significantly decreased post protocol (19% vs. 6%, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

In patients undergoing TTM following cardiac arrest, the implementation of a pharmacologic antishivering protocol reduced the incidence of shivering and the use neuromuscular blocking agents. Prospective data are needed to validate the results and further evaluate the safety and efficacy of an antishivering protocol on clinical outcomes.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement: impact of pre-procedural FEops HEARTguide assessment on device size selection in borderline annulus size cases
Authors: Halim J. , Brouwer J. , Lycke M. , Swaans M. J. , Van der Heyden J.
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study is to evaluate device size selection in patients within the borderline annulus size range undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and to assess if pre-procedural patient-specific computer simulation will lead to the selection of a different device size than standard of care.

Background

In TAVR, appropriate device sizing is imperative. In borderline annulus size cases no standardised technique for tailored device size selection is currently available. Pre-procedural patient-specific computer simulation can be used, predicting the risk for paravalvular leakage (PVL) and need for permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI).

Methods

In this multicentre retrospective study, 140 patients in the borderline annulus size range were included. Hereafter, device size selection was left to the discretion of the operator. After TAVR, in 24 of the 140 patients, patient-specific computer simulation calculated the most appropriate device size expected to give the lowest risk for PVL and need for PPI. In these 24 patients, device size selection based on patient-specific computer simulation was compared with standard-of-care device size selection relying on a standardised matrix (Medtronic).

Results

In a significant proportion of the 140 patients (26.4%) a different device size than recommended by the matrix was implanted. In 10 of the 24 patients (41.7%) in whom a computer simulation was performed, a different device size was recommended than by means of the matrix.

Conclusions

Device size selection in patients within the borderline annulus size range is still ambiguous. In these patients, patient-specific computer simulation is feasible and can contribute to a more tailored device size selection.
The titin N2B and N2A regions: biomechanical and metabolic signaling hubs in cross-striated muscles
Authors: van der Pijl Robbert J. , Domenighetti Andrea A. , Sheikh Farah , Ehler Elisabeth , Ottenheijm Coen A. C. , Lange Stephan
Published: September 2021

Muscle specific signaling has been shown to originate from myofilaments and their associated cellular structures, including the sarcomeres, costameres or the cardiac intercalated disc. Two signaling hubs that play important biomechanical roles for cardiac and/or skeletal muscle physiology are the N2B and N2A regions in the giant protein titin. Prominent proteins associated with these regions in titin are chaperones Hsp90 and αB-crystallin, members of the four-and-a-half LIM (FHL) and muscle ankyrin repeat protein (Ankrd) families, as well as thin filament-associated proteins, such as myopalladin. This review highlights biological roles and properties of the titin N2B and N2A regions in health and disease. Special emphasis is placed on functions of Ankrd and FHL proteins as mechanosensors that modulate muscle-specific signaling and muscle growth. This region of the sarcomere also emerged as a hotspot for the modulation of passive muscle mechanics through altered titin phosphorylation and splicing, as well as tethering mechanisms that link titin to the thin filament system.
Objectivity for the research worker
Authors: van Dongen Noah , Sikorski Michał
Published: September 2021

In the last decade, many problematic cases of scientific conduct have been diagnosed; some of which involve outright fraud (e.g., Stapel, 2012) others are more subtle (e.g., supposed evidence of extrasensory perception; Bem, 2011). These and similar problems can be interpreted as caused by lack of scientific objectivity. The current philosophical theories of objectivity do not provide scientists with conceptualizations that can be effectively put into practice in remedying these issues. We propose a novel way of thinking about objectivity for individual scientists; a negative and dynamic approach.We provide a philosophical conceptualization of objectivity that is informed by empirical research. In particular, it is our intention to take the first steps in providing an empirically and methodologically informed inventory of factors that impair the scientific practice. The inventory will be compiled into a negative conceptualization (i.e., what is not objective), which could in principle be used by individual scientists to assess (deviations from) objectivity of scientific practice. We propose a preliminary outline of a usable and testable instrument for indicating the objectivity of scientific practice.
The research on the operation mode and parameter selection method of large-scale water injection pipeline network
Authors: Ruan Yan , Liu Huan , Chen Jiaona
Published: September 2021

Due to the complexity of the large-scale water injection pipe network system and the difficulty of manual analysis, it is impossible to guarantee the optimal operation mode scheme selected. At present, there are still gaps in the research on the judgment of its optimal operation mode. Through the calculation and evaluation of a large amount of water injection system data, the selection method of the optimal operation mode of the water injection system is determined, and it is found that the selection of the optimal operation mode is closely related to the pressure distribution characteristics of the individual wells of the entire water injection system, and five discriminant rules for the optimal operation mode of the water injection system are formed based on these characteristics; the mathematical model for determining the mode and the optimal method of operating parameters is given, and the pipeline network simulation system automatically generates the pipe network topology diagram; the optimal operation mode of the water injection system is developed; Intelligent judgment software can modify its operating parameters according to needs, change operating modes, easily simulate the energy consumption in various modes of operation, adjust and find the optimal operation plan of the water injection pipe network. Application examples show that the judgment rules of the optimal operation mode of the water injection system and the optimization method of operating parameters can be used as an effective means for selecting the optimal operation plan for a large-scale water injection pipeline network.
Risk-Layering for Indirect Effects
Authors: Hochrainer-Stigler Stefan , Reiter Karina
Published: September 2021

Environmental risks are one of the greatest threats in the twenty-first century. Especially in the last years, the cascading impacts and risks associated with such events have received great attention as economic losses and consequences have mounted in their wake. As concerns about these ripple effects are rising, strategies to prevent and manage indirect risks are in urgent demand. However, such effects are currently barely considered in most countries and can seriously threaten global agendas such as achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 or the targets set out in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015−2030. We discuss how the concept of risk-layering, which, though already applied in disaster risk management, could be expanded to include indirect effects. We point out some of the benefits, limitations, and ways forward for using this approach. To do so, we first delineate the transition of the risk-layering concept, which originated from the insurance industry, from its original use to its application in a wider context. We bring special focus to the application of risk-layering in disaster risk management and identify strategies that allow for the inclusion of indirect risks. Our main suggestion is that, while a probabilistic approach is appropriate for evaluating direct risks, a focus on connectedness is appropriate for indirect risks, which still allows for an easy link to direct risk-layering. This, so we argue, facilitates more comprehensive risk management systems apt to deal with the multi-dimensional challenges ahead.
An emergent infectious disease: Clostridioides difficile infection hospitalizations, 10-year trend in Sicily
Authors: Medaglia Alice Annalisa , Buffa Sergio , Gioè Claudia , Bonura Silvia , Rubino Raffaella , Iaria Chiara , Colomba Claudia , Cascio Antonio
Published: September 2021

Background

Clostridioides difficile is the most common cause of healthcare-associated diarrhoea worldwide and C. difficile infection is an emerging infectious disease. In the US, its rates are monitored trough an active surveillance system, but many European Union member states still lack this, and in Italy no epidemiological data on C. difficile infection are available except for a few single-centre data.

Aim

To provide data on the C. difficile infection incidence in Sicily (the biggest and 5th most populous region of Italy) during a 10-year period.

Methods

We revised all the regional standardized discharge forms between 2009 and June 2019 using the code ICD-9 00845 of the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision Clinical Modification, which refers to C. difficile infection with or without complications.

Results

1139 cases of CDI were identified. 97% were adults with a median age of 73.2 years and a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.4. Female patients were older than males and patients who died were older than patients who did not. The main comorbidities were renal disease, diabetes, pneumonia and hypertension. There were 65 reporting hospitals and 86% of cases were provided by level III and II hospitals. Between 2009 and 2019, the incidence increased 40-fold. 81.5% of cases were reported in Medicine Units, Infectious Diseases Units and long-term care facilities. The mean length of stay was 20 days. Mean case fatality rate was 8.3% over the 10-year period.

Conclusion

Clostridioides difficile infection is a dramatically increasing condition in Sicily. A high-quality surveillance system and shared diagnostic protocols are needed.
Annette Leibing and Silke Schicktanz (eds): Preventing dementia?: Critical perspectives on a new paradigm of preparing for old age
Authors: Petersen Niklas , Perry Julia
Published: September 2021

Given the lack of effective curative treatment options and in light of a significant reconceptualization of Alzheimer’s disease, the focus of dementia research has shifted towards prevention, risk prediction, and detection in very early disease stages. In the context of these shifts, the edited volume Preventing Dementia?: Critical Perspectives on a New Paradigm of Preparing for Old Age (edited by Annette Leibing and Silke Schicktanz) collects critical and insightful positions on the new paradigm of dementia prevention from an interdisciplinary and international perspective. The editors introduce the overarching topic of prevention by reflecting on the optimistic framing of modifiable risk factors and their novelty in the dementia context. Leibing and Schicktanz call for a cautious reception of the findings in the Lancet report(s) and draw attention to epistemic, ethical, and socio-political issues of what the editors term the contested “new dementia” and to the effect that this might have on rethinking individual and societal perceptions of aging. The contributions of the anthology depict the social and cultural dimensions of dementia discourses and consider the ethical implications of the changing conceptions of Alzheimer’s disease as well as the shift towards early disease stages and prevention. With this, the anthology initiates a debate about the often implicit unresolved social, ethical, and political implications and preconditions of the medical understanding and handling of cognitive disorders.
Temperature-dependent device properties of γ-CuI and β-Ga2O3 heterojunctions
Authors: Venkata Krishna Rao Rama , Ranade Ajinkya K. , Desai Pradeep , Kalita Golap , Suzuki Hiroo , Hayashi Yasuhiko
Published: September 2021

Temperature-dependent studies of Ga2O3-based heterojunction devices are important in understanding its carrier transport mechanism, junction barrier potential, and stability at higher temperatures. In this study, we investigated the temperature-dependent device characteristics of the p-type γ-copper iodide (γ-CuI)/n-type β-gallium oxide (β‐Ga2O3) heterojunctions, thereby revealing their interface properties. The fabricated γ-CuI/β-Ga2O3 heterojunction showed excellent diode characteristics with a high rectification ratio and low reverse saturation current at 298 K in the presence of a large barrier height (0.632 eV). The temperature-dependent device characteristics were studied in the temperature range 273–473 K to investigate the heterojunction interface. With an increase in temperature, a gradual decrease in the ideality factor and an increase in the barrier height were observed, indicating barrier inhomogeneity at the heterojunction interface. Furthermore, the current–voltage measurement showed electrical hysteresis for the reverse saturation current, although it was not observed for the forward bias current. The presence of electrical hysteresis for the reverse saturation current and of the barrier inhomogeneity in the temperature-dependent characteristics indicates the presence of some level of interface states for the γ-CuI/β‐Ga2O3 heterojunction device. Thus, our study showed that the electrical hysteresis can be correlated with temperature-dependent electrical characteristics of the β‐Ga2O3-based heterojunction device, which signifies the presence of surface defects and interface states.

Article Highlights

We revealed the interface properties of p-type γ-copper iodide (γ-CuI) and n-type β-gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3) heterojunction.

The developed heterostructure showed a large barrier height (0.632 eV) at the interface, which is stable at a temperature as high as 473 K.

We confirmed the current transport mechanism at the interface of the heterojunction by analyzing the temperature dependent current–voltage characterization.

Graphic abstract
Improved prediction method for ground surface thawing settlement caused by the melting of tunnel horizontal frozen wall
Authors: Hong Rongbao , Cai Haibing , Li Mengkai
Published: September 2021

With the rapid development of urban subway tunnel, artificial ground freezing technology is becoming more and more mature. With the natural thawing of horizontal frozen wall, thawing settlement will occur on stratum due to the thawing of frozen soil and the consolidation of thawed soil, which will inevitably bring adverse impact on the surrounding environment of subway tunnel. Therefore, the establishment of a reasonable ground surface thawing settlement prediction method will provide a favorable theoretical support for predicting the ground surface deformation in advance and taking active thawing settlement control measures. In the paper, the time functions of ground surface thawing settlement and consolidation settlement of tunnel horizontal frozen wall are established based on the stochastic medium theory during natural thawing period, and the calculation methods of thawing front radius, inner radius of thawing shrinkage region and inner radius of consolidation region are proposed. The results show that the cumulative ground surface thawing settlement is larger than that of Cai et al. after considering the consolidation of the thawed soil, which fully indicates that the ground surface settlement caused by the drainage and consolidation of the thawed soil cannot be ignored. In addition, the thawing displacement rate of frozen soil is greater than the consolidation displacement rate of thawed soil during the natural thawing and the thawed soil will be consolidated at a lower settlement rate for a long time after the natural thawing period.
Examples of distorted interval diffeomorphisms of intermediate regularity
Authors: DINAMARCA LEONARDO , ESCAYOLA MAXIMILIANO
Published: September 2021

We improve a recent construction of Andrés Navas to produce the first examples of
$C^2$
-undistorted diffeomorphisms of the interval that are
$C^{1+\alpha }$
-distorted (for every
${\alpha < 1}$
). We do this via explicit computations due to the failure of an extension to class
$C^{1+\alpha }$
of a classical lemma related to the work of Nancy Kopell.
Crisis, Rhetoric and Right-Wing Populist Incumbency: An Analysis of Donald Trump's Tweets and Press Briefings
Authors: Lacatus Corina , Meibauer Gustav
Published: September 2021

How do right-wing-populist incumbents navigate rhetorical strategic choices when they seek to manage external crises? Relevant literature has paid increasing attention to the role of ‘crisis’ in boosting the electoral success of right-wing populist candidates. We know a lot less about the rhetorical strategies used by right-wing populist incumbents seeking re-election. We draw on literatures on populism, crisis management and political rhetoric to conceptualize the rhetorical strategic choices of right-wing populist incumbents in times of crisis. We propose a framework for the choice of rhetorical strategy available to right-wing populist incumbents and illustrate it with a qualitative content analysis of Trump's tweets and White House press briefings during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic. We find limited rhetorical adaptation to crisis and high degrees of continuity with previous rhetoric grounded in right-wing populism. This challenges prevalent assumptions regarding the likelihood of incumbent rhetorical flexibility in the face of crisis.
FIDDLING WHILE ROME BURNS: THE AETIOLOGY OF A FAMILIAR ENGLISH EXPRESSION
Authors: Barrett Anthony A.
Published: September 2021

‘Fiddling while Rome burns’ is arguably the most familiar English saying inspired by classical antiquity. The image of Nero actually playing an instrument during the Great Fire is not, in fact, found in ancient sources: the first English reference belongs to Cooper's 1548 revision of Elyot's Latin–English Dictionary, where Nero is said to play a harp during the conflagration. In 1649 the royalist poet George Daniel applied the term ‘fiddle’, and the familiar modern form of the expression, as a byword for a leader's neglect, was apparently coined in a 1680 English parliamentary speech by Silius Titus.
THE TYRANNICIDES: A NEW APPROACH TO TEXT AND IMAGE
Authors: Carpenter Thomas H.
Published: September 2021

The bronze statues of the Tyrannicides, Harmodios and Aristogeiton, by the sculptors Kritios and Nesiotes, set up in the Athenian Agora in 477 bc, were well known to Athenians throughout the classical and Hellenistic periods. In Thucydides’ account of the deed of the Tyrannicides, he defines the two as lovers (erastes and eromenos), which has led to the assumption that the depictions are in some way likenesses of the two men. I argue that Thucydides’ account has been the source of a misreading of the sculptures. Rather, the models for the figures are contemporary representations of the Gigantomachy – Aristogeiton being based on Apollo – and thus, through the allusion to myth, the sculptors created multivalent figures that were emblematic of something that transcended their deed.
Art and Archaeology
Authors: Squire Michael
Published: September 2021

For many, the era of COVID-19 has been short of colour. All the more reason, perhaps, to welcome this round-up's starter for ten: a multihued survey of polychromy in Roman portraiture. Facing the Colours of Roman Portraiture is a book that really does lend itself to being judged by its cover: as we turn the volume from back to front, a marble portrait magically metamorphoses between battered original and technicolour reconstruction.
Molecular discrimination and genetic diversity of three common tick-borne pathogens in dogs in Thailand
Authors: Poolsawat Napassorn , Tazawa Keiichiro , Junsiri Witchuta , Watthanadirek Amaya , Srionrod Nitipon , Chawengkirttikul Runglawan , Anuracpreeda Panat
Published: September 2021

There was little information regarding the occurrence of canine vector-borne disease (CVBDs) in shelter dogs in Thailand. This work is the first report regarding a molecular method used to determine the occurrence and genetic diversity of three canine tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) (Hepatozoon canis,Anaplasma platysandEhrlichia canis) in blood samples from 275 shelter dogs in the north and central areas of Thailand. The PCR results based on the 18S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes showed that 71 (25.82%) dogs were positive for at least a TBP. The overall occurrence rates ofH. canis,A. platysandE. canisinfections were 1.81, 16.36 and 7.64%, respectively. For the phylogenetic analysis,A. platys16S rRNA gene was genetically diverse, whileH. canis18S rRNA andE. canis16S rRNA genes were conserved. The haplotype diversity exhibited 12 and 2 haplotypes as well as 78 and 178 polymorphic sites ofA. platysandE. canis16S rRNA genes, respectively. Our findings could be used to improve the understanding of phylogeny and genetic diversity of TBP rRNA genes and used to ameliorate the diagnosis and control programmes for the diseases in Thailand.
The nature of paid work in the retirement years
Authors: Platts Loretta G. , Ignatowicz Agnieszka , Westerlund Hugo , Rasoal Dara
Published: September 2021

Ever more people are in paid work following the age of state pension availability, and yet the experience of working in this phase of the late career has been little studied. We interviewed a purposive sample of 25 Swedish people in their mid- to late sixties and early seventies, many of whom were or had recently been working while claiming an old-age pension. The data were analysed with constant comparative analysis in which we described and refined categories through the writing of analytic memos and diagramming. We observed that paid work took place within a particular material, normative and emotional landscape: a stable and secure pension income decommodifying these workers from the labour market, a social norm of a retired lifestyle and a looming sense of contraction of the future. This landscape made paid work in these years distinctive: characterised by immediate intrinsic rewards and processes of containing and reaffirming commitments to jobs. The oldest workers were able to craft assertively the temporal flexibility of their jobs in order to protect the autonomy and freedom that retirement represented and retain favoured job characteristics. Employed on short-term (hourly) contracts or self-employed, participants continually reassessed their decision to work. Participation in paid work in the retirement years is a distinctive second stage in the late career which blends the second and third ages.
Soccer in the time of COVID-19: 1 year report from an Italian top league club, March 2020–February 2021
Authors: Spinicci Michele , Pengue Luca , Bartolozzi Dario , Quercioli Massimo , Epifani Francesco , Pollini Simona , Zammarchi Lorenzo , Maria Rossolini Gian , Bartoloni Alessandro
Published: September 2021

We report the events of an Italian top league soccer club that took place in 1 year (from March 2020 to February 2021) at the time of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In early March 2020, just before sport competitions were called off due to the national lockdown in Italy, the team, which included 27 players and 26 staff at the time, faced a COVID-19 outbreak, with 16 confirmed and seven probable cases, including three staff members who had to be hospitalised. In May 2020, at the resumption of the training sessions, a high prevalence of anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunoglobulin G positivity (35/53, 66%) was detected among the members of the group. In the following months, sport activities were organised behind closed doors with stringent risk mitigation procedures in place. As of February 2021, only two new cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were detected within the group, against more than 3500 nasopharyngeal swabs and 1000 serological tests.