bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Low Toxicity and Scalable Solvent Systems for High‐Speed Roll‐to‐Roll Perovskite Manufacturing
Authors: Swartwout Richard , Patidar Rahul , Belliveau Emma , Dou Benjia , Beynon David , Greenwood Peter , Moody Nicole , deQuilettes Dane , Bawendi Moungi , Watson Trystan , Bulovic Vladimir
Published: October 2021

Printed lead‐based perovskite photovoltaics (PV) have gained interest due to their potential to be manufactured with scalable roll‐to‐roll techniques. In industrial scale‐up, toxicity of inks can constrain roll‐to‐roll manufacturing due to the added cost of managing toxic effluents. Due to solvent toxicity, few perovskite solution chemistries in published works are scalable to gigawatt production capacity at low cost. Herein, it is shown that for scalable PV production, the use of aprotic polar solvents should be avoided due to their overall toxicity. Compliance with worldwide worker safety regulations for solvent exposure limits could require additional air handling requirements for some solvents, which in turn would affect cost‐effectiveness. It is shown that costs associated with handling of hazardous substances can be significant and estimate an added cost of ¢3.7/W for dimethylformamide (DMF)‐based inks. To solve this problem, a new perovskite ink solvent system is developed that is composed entirely of ether and alcohol, which has an effective exposure limit 14× higher than DMF, making it suitable for industrial coating processes. It is shown that the new ink solvent system is capable of fabricating high‐efficiency perovskite solar cells processed in 1 min on a standard roll‐to‐roll system.
Anomaly detection in blockchain using network representation and machine learning
Authors: Martin Kevin , Rahouti Mohamed , Ayyash Moussa , Alsmadi Izzat
Published: October 2021

The vast majority of digital currency transactions rely on a blockchain framework to ensure quick and accurate execution. As such, understanding how a blockchain works is vital to understanding the dynamics of cryptocurrency operations. One of the key benefits of this type of system is the exhaustive records captured in a given marketplace. The interwoven movement between agents can effectively be expressed as a graph via the extraction of historical data from the blockchain. By looking at a specific blockchain as an interaction of its agents, network representation learning can be leveraged to examine these relationships. Furthermore, the analysis of a graph structure can be enhanced through the application of modern and sophisticated machine learning techniques. Leveraging the automated nature of these methods can create meaningful observations of the input network. In this paper, we utilize several machine learning models to detect anomalous transactions in various digital currency markets. We find that supervised learning techniques yield encouraging results, whereas unsupervised learning techniques struggle more with the classification.
Effect of Iron Carbon Agglomerates on Isothermal Reduction of Pellets with Different Reducibility
Authors: Bao Jiwei , Chu Mansheng , Liu Zhenggen , Han Dong , Guo Jun , Zhang Lifeng
Published: October 2021

Effect of iron carbon agglomerates (ICA) on the reduction of iron‐bearing burden (pellet and sinter) is greatly important for blast furnace (BF) smelting. Herein, the effect of addition amount and reactivity of ICA on the reduction of pellets with different reducibility is studied, and coupling mechanism between reduction reaction of pellet and gasification reaction of ICA is revealed. The results show that as the addition amount of ICA‐1 increases from 0 to 25 mass%, the reduction degrees of pellet A (PA) with a lower reducibility and pellet B (PB) with a higher reducibility are improved from 40.09% and 46.57% to 46.37% and 52.66%, respectively. With the increase in the reactivity of ICA from 52.81% (ICA‐1) to 66.20% (ICA‐2), the reduction degrees of PA and PB are increased from 46.37% and 52.66% to 50.06% and 58.11%, respectively. Regardless of additional amount and reactivity of ICA, the promotion effect of ICA on the reduction of PB with a higher reducibility is more significant. The coupling mechanism is that the products of reduction reaction of pellet and the gasification reaction of ICA are reactants of each other, and the mutual coupling process between the two reactions occurs in a continuous cycle.
Report of the Nomenclature Committee for Algae: 23
Authors: Andersen Robert A.
Published: October 2021

The name Peridinium splendor‐maris (Blepharocysta splendor‐maris) is not recommended for conservation with the proposed conserved type. The name “Alexandrium” Halim (Dinophyceae) could not be recommended for conservation because it is not a validly published name. The name Gracilariopsis is recommended for conservation. The name Chara flexilis (Nitella flexilis) is not recommended for conservation with the proposed conserved type.
Fast‐RRT*: An Improved Motion Planner for Mobile Robot in Two‐Dimensional Space
Authors: Li Qinghua , Wang Jiahui , Li Haiming , Wang Binpeng , Feng Chao
Published: October 2021

Path planning for mobile robot aims to solve the problem of creating a collision‐free path from the start state to the goal state in the given space, which is a key supporting technology for unmanned work. In order to solve the problems of the asymptotic optimal rapidly extended random trees star (RRT*) algorithm, such as its slow convergence rate, the low efficiency of planning and the high cost of path, an improved motion planner (Fast‐RRT*) was proposed based on hybrid sampling strategy and choose parent based on backtracking. Firstly, the goal bias strategy and constraint sampling are combined in the sampling stage to reduce the blindness of sampling. Secondly, to obtain a path with lower cost than the RRT* algorithm, the ancestor of the nearest node is considered until the initial state in the process of choose parent for new node. To ensure the feasibility of the path, the path is smoothed by cubic B‐spline curve. The effectiveness of Fast‐RRT* algorithm was verified based on MATLAB and V‐rep platform. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Distribution Network Dynamic Reconfiguration Based on Improved FuzzyC‐MeansClustering with Time Series Analysis
Authors: Cao Huazhen , Gao Chong , Chen Peidong , He Xuan , Dong Zhihui , Lin Lingxue
Published: October 2021

The rapid growth of distributed energy resources integrated in distribution systems leads to an increasing need of continuously and automatically changing the system topology to realize the economic operation of distribution networks. This paper proposes an optimization model of dynamic reconfiguration for distribution networks based on a new method of time series analysis. Equivalent daily curve considering time‐varying nature of distributed generator and load demands is divided by an improved fuzzy C‐means clustering algorithm, where the indicator of section function is set to find the optimal reconfiguration time intervals. The uncertainty of distributed generator outputs and load demands is described by the interval algorithm. Then the affine Taylor expansion is adopted to solve the interval power flow equations. The reconfiguration optimization model is solved with decimal particle swarm optimization algorithm based on loop search. The optimal dynamic reconfiguration of a modified 70‐bus test system with distributed generators is carried out and the simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Genetic loci associated with winter survivorship in diverse lowland switchgrass populations
Authors: Poudel Hari P. , Tilhou Neal W. , Sanciangco Millicent D. , Vaillancourt Brieanne , Kaeppler Shawn M. , Buell C. Robin , Casler Michael D.
Published: October 2021

High winter mortality limits biomass yield of lowland switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) planted in the northern latitudes of North America. Breeding of cold tolerant switchgrass cultivars requires many years due to its perennial growth habit and the unpredictable winter selection pressure that is required to identify winter‐hardy individuals. Identification of causal genetic variants for winter survivorship would accelerate the improvement of switchgrass biomass production. The objective of this study was to identify allelic variation associated with winter survivorship in lowland switchgrass populations using bulk segregant analysis (BSA). Twenty‐nine lowland switchgrass populations were evaluated for winter survival at two locations in southern Wisconsin and 21 populations with differential winter survivorship were used for BSA. A maximum of 10% of the individuals (8–20) were bulked to create survivor and nonsurvivor DNA pools from each population and location. The DNA pools were evaluated using exome capture sequencing, and allele frequencies were used to conduct statistical tests. The BSA tests revealed nine quatitative trait loci (QTL) from tetraploid populations and seven QTL from octoploid populations. Many QTL were population‐specific, but some were identified in multiple populations that originated across a broad geographic landscape. Four QTL (at positions 88 Mb on chromosome 2N, 115 Mb on chromosome 5K, and 1 and 100 Mb on chromosome 9N) were potentially the most useful QTL. Markers associated with winter survivorship in this study can be used to accelerate breeding cycles of lowland switchgrass populations and should lead to improvements in adaptation within USDA hardiness zones 4 and 5.
Comprehensive analytical and empirical evaluation of genomic prediction across diverse accessions in maize
Authors: Dzievit Matthew J. , Guo Tingting , Li Xianran , Yu Jianming
Published: October 2021

Efficiently exploiting natural genetic diversity captured by accessions stored in genebanks is crucial to genetic improvement of major crops. Selecting accessions of interest from genebanks has traditionally required information from extensive and expensive evaluation; however, low‐cost genotyping combined with genomic prediction have enabled us to generate predicted genetic merits for the entire set with targeted phenotypic evaluation of representative subsets. To explore this general approach, analytical assessment and empirical validation of the maize (Zea mays L.) association population (MAP) as a training population were conducted in the present study. Cross‐validation within the MAP revealed mostly modest to strong predictive ability for 36 traits, generally in parallel with the square root of heritability. The MAP was then used to train the prediction models to generate genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) for the Ames Diversity Panel. Empirical validation conducted for nine traits across two validation populations confirmed the accuracy level indicated by the cross‐validation of the training population. An upper bound for reliability (U value) was calculated for the accessions in the prediction population using genotypic data. The group of accessions with high U values generally had high predictive ability, even though the range of observed trait values was similar to the group of accessions with low U values. Our comprehensive analysis validated the general approach of turbocharging genebanks with genomics and genomic prediction. In addition, breeders and researchers can consider both GEBVs and U values to balance the needs of improving specific traits and broadening genetic diversity when selecting accessions from genebanks.
Superconducting ternary hydrides under high pressure
Authors: Zhang Xiaohua , Zhao Yaping , Yang Guochun
Published: October 2021

Achieving room‐temperature superconductivity is an important goal in chemistry and physics. Excitingly, pressure‐induced superconducting hydrides, a typical representative of LaH10 with a critical temperature (Tc) of 250–260 K around 180–200 GPa, bring this goal within reach, igniting an irresistible wave of discovering new H‐containing superconductors. Moreover, this breakthrough finding was achieved under the guidance of theoretical prediction. Thus far, the superconductivity of binary hydrides has been extensively explored. However, the high‐temperature superconductor, facilitating practical application, is still rare. Ternary hydrides can provide more abundant structures resulting from diverse chemical compositions and synergistic charge transfer, combine the merits of different elements, and induce strong electron–phonon coupling, which make them an appealing contender for superconductors. Recently, much research progress has been made in pressure‐induced superconducting ternary hydrides. In this regard, we summarize the recent development of superconducting ternary hydrides, highlighting the chemical composition, structure, pressure, and Tc value as well as the study of doping/substitution on the known superconducting binary hydrides. The recent state‐of‐the‐art of theoretical approaches for predicting superconductors and fundamental characters of ternary hydrides with high Tc are outlined. On the other hand, the problems, challenges, and opportunities are presented, providing an outlook for future research.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science

Electronic Structure Theory > Density Functional Theory
An intuitive representation and analysis of multi‐rotor wind turbine whirling modes
Authors: Filsoof Oliver Tierdad , Zhang Xuping
Published: October 2021

A multi‐rotor wind turbine (MRWT) is a concept that can reduce the size of the rotor blades compared to a single‐rotor wind turbine (SRWT). Making a cost‐optimized MRWT requires a detailed understanding of its stability properties. This paper aims to establish a physical and intuitive representation of whirling modes for three‐bladed isotropic SRWT and MRWT. An aeroelastic simulation of a nonlinear SRWT model is presented to empathize the importance of whirling. The whirling concept is introduced by simplifying the complexity of the wind turbine rotor into two models. From the models, edgewise and flapwise whirling modes are analyzed. An analytical model of a two‐rotor wind turbine is examined to present the edgewise whirling modes of MRWT. The flapwise whirling modes for MRWT are introduced by using results from edgewise whirling and findings from previous research. The MRWT whirling analysis shows whirling from multiple rotors creates reaction forces to the supporting structure when the rotors have the same speed. This results in whirling coupling modes at the same natural frequency. One is a rotor symmetric whirling mode where the rotors whirling are in phase and a rotor asymmetric mode where whirling of the rotors are out of phase. The whirling coupling effects are minimized in the case that the rotors have different speeds.
A mechanistic view of long noncoding RNAs in cancer
Authors: Winkler Lauren , Dimitrova Nadya
Published: October 2021

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as important modulators of a wide range of biological processes in normal and disease states. In particular, lncRNAs have garnered significant interest as novel players in the molecular pathology of cancer, spurring efforts to define the functions, and elucidate the mechanisms through which cancer‐associated lncRNAs operate. In this review, we discuss the prevalent mechanisms employed by lncRNAs, with a critical assessment of the methodologies used to determine each molecular function. We survey the abilities of cancer‐associated lncRNAs to enact diverse trans functions throughout the nucleus and in the cytoplasm and examine the local roles of cis‐acting lncRNAs in modulating the expression of neighboring genes. In linking lncRNA functions and mechanisms to their roles in cancer biology, we contend that a detailed molecular understanding of lncRNA functionality is key to elucidating their contributions to tumorigenesis and to unlocking their therapeutic potential.

This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Community college competencies for student educational leadership development and degree pathways
Authors: Camacho Lazaro , Burmicky Jorge , Cervantes Diana , Salinas Cristobal
Published: October 2021

This article highlights the gap in formal credit‐based community college student leadership development opportunities. The authors offer eight leadership competencies to guide the development of a stackable community college leadership development certificate. This certificate serves to enhance equitable workplace development skills for the large demographic of racially minoritized students who access postsecondary education through the community college system.
Composing leadership education by institutional type
Authors: Whitney Rich , Collins Jasmine D.
Published: October 2021

This issue highlights leadership development approaches within institutional contexts that have not been well represented in leadership education research. As the first publication in the field to address racial equity through the lens of institutional type in this way, authors were given the challenging task of laying a conceptual, historical, and empirical foundation for readers in the absence of a robust body of literature. What follows is a synthesis of themes observed across each of the articles, concluding with implications for inclusive leadership research and practice.
On Algebra of Program Correctness and Incorrectness
Authors: Möller Bernhard , O’Hearn Peter , Hoare Tony
Published: October 2021

Variants of Kleene algebra have been used to provide foundations of reasoning about programs, for instance by representing Hoare Logic (HL) in algebra. That work has generally emphasised program correctness, i.e., proving the absence of bugs. Recently, Incorrectness Logic (IL) has been advanced as a formalism for the dual problem: proving the presence of bugs. IL is intended to underpin the use of logic in program testing and static bug finding. Here, we use a Kleene algebra with diamond operators and countable joins of tests, which embeds IL, and which also is complete for reasoning about the image of the embedding. Next to embedding IL, the algebra is able to embed HL, and allows making connections between IL and HL specifications. In this sense, it unifies correctness and incorrectness reasoning in one formalism.
Manifest spacetime supersymmetry and the superstring
Authors: Berkovits Nathan
Published: October 2021

Abstract

The algebra of spacetime supersymmetry generators in the RNS formalism for the superstring closes only up to a picture-changing operation. After adding non-minimal variables and working in the “large” Hilbert space, the algebra closes without picture-changing and spacetime supersymmetry can be made manifest. The resulting non-minimal version of the RNS formalism is related by a field redefinition to the pure spinor formalism.
Deriving the PEE proposal from the locking bit thread configuration
Authors: Lin Yi-Yu , Sun Jia-Rui , Zhang Jun
Published: October 2021

Abstract

In the holographic framework, we argue that the partial entanglement entropy (PEE) can be explicitly interpreted as the component flow flux in a locking bit thread configuration. By applying the locking theorem of bit threads, and constructing a concrete locking scheme, we obtain a set of uniquely determined component flow fluxes from this viewpoint, and successfully derive the PEE proposal and its generalized version in the multipartite cases. Moreover, from this perspective of bit threads, we also present a coherent explanation for the coincidence between the BPE (balanced partial entanglement)/EWCS (entanglement wedge cross section) duality proposed recently and the EoP (entanglement of purification)/EWCS duality. We also discuss the issues implied by this coincident between the idea of the PEE and the picture of locking thread configuration.
A reduced concentration femoral nerve block is effective for perioperative pain control following ACL reconstruction: a retrospective review
Authors: Muench Lukas N. , Wolf Megan , Kia Cameron , Berthold Daniel P. , Cote Mark P. , Fischler Adam , Arciero Robert A. , Edgar Cory
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Femoral nerve block (FNB) is a routinely used regional analgesic technique for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. One method to balance the analgesic effect and functional impairment of FNBs may be to control the concentration of local anesthetics utilized for the block.

Materials and methods

Retrospective chart review was performed on 390 consecutive patients who underwent ACL reconstruction between June 2014 and May 2017. Patients were divided into those who received a standard (0.5%-bupivacaine) or low (0.1–0.125%-bupivacaine) concentration single-shot FNB performed with ultrasound guidance. Maximum postoperative VAS, Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) time prior to discharge, need for additional ‘rescue’ block, and intravenous postoperative narcotic requirements were recorded.

Results

A total of 268 patients (28.4 ± 11.9 years) were included for final analysis, with 72 patients in the low-concentration FNB group and 196 patients receiving the standard concentration. There were no differences in the maximum postoperative VAS between the low (6.4 ± 2.5) and standard (5.7 ± 2.9) concentration groups (P = 0.08). Similarly, the time from PACU arrival to discharge was not different between groups (P = 0.64). A sciatic rescue block was needed in 22% of patients with standard-dose FNB compared to 30% of patients receiving the low-concentration FNB (P = 0.20). Patients with a hamstring autograft harvest were more likely to undergo a postoperative sciatic rescue block compared to a bone-patellar tendon autograft (P = 0.005), regardless of preoperative block concentration. Quadriceps activation was preserved with low-concentration blocks.

Conclusions

Using 1/5th to 1/4th the standard local anesthetic concentration for preoperative femoral nerve block in ACL reconstruction did not significantly differ in peri-operative outcomes, PACU time, need for rescue blockade, or additional immediate opioid requirements.

Level of Evidence

III.
Frontal and parietal EEG alpha asymmetry: a large-scale investigation of short-term reliability on distinct EEG systems
Authors: Metzen Dorothea , Genç Erhan , Getzmann Stephan , Larra Mauro F. , Wascher Edmund , Ocklenburg Sebastian
Published: October 2021

EEG resting-state alpha asymmetry is one of the most widely investigated forms of functional hemispheric asymmetries in both basic and clinical neuroscience. However, studies yield inconsistent results. One crucial prerequisite to obtain reproducible results is the reliability of the index of interest. There is a body of research suggesting a moderate-to-good reliability of EEG resting-state alpha asymmetry, but unfortunately sample sizes in these studies are typically small. This study presents the first large-scale short-term reliability study of frontal and parietal EEG resting-state alpha asymmetry. We used the Dortmund Vital Study data set containing 370 participants. In each participant, EEG resting state was recorded eight times, twice with their eyes opened, twice with their eyes-closed, each on two different EEG systems. We found good reliability of EEG alpha power and alpha asymmetry on both systems for electrode pairs. We also found that alpha power asymmetry reliability is higher in the eyes-closed condition than in the eyes-open condition. The frontomedial electrode pair showed weaker reliability than the frontolateral and parietal electrode pairs. Interestingly, we found no population-level alpha asymmetry in frontal electrodes, one of the most investigated electrode sites in alpha asymmetry research. In conclusion, our results suggest that while EEG alpha asymmetry is an overall reliable measure, frontal alpha asymmetry should be assessed using multiple electrode pairs.
Tool wear development in gear skiving process of quenched and tempered internal gears
Authors: Arndt Tassilo , Klose Jan , Gerstenmeyer Michael , Schulze Volker
Published: October 2021

Gear skiving is a highly productive machining process, especially for manufacturing of high strength internal gears as required for high performance electric drive trains. However, the complex process kinematics cause intense variations of the effective cutting parameters during tool engagement. Thus, particularly the tool must meet high requirements to achieve long tool life at required workpiece quality. These requirements are amplified even more when machining quenched and tempered materials from the massive blank.

In the presented study, the influence of various key factors on the tool wear development in gear skiving process are quantified. In several tests, the cutting speed, workpiece tensile strength, cooling lubricant strategy, as well as the cutting strategy are varied in order to optimize tool life. Therefore, single-tooth tests on quenched and tempered internal gears from 31CrMoV9 (AISI 4340) steel are conducted and wear flank land width evolution of the tools is examined. In addition, the workpiece is evaluated with regard to surface quality. Results reveal that different factor level combinations can have various effects on tool wear characteristics and therefore on tool life. The correlations presented provide recommendations for practical application and contribute to deeper process understanding.
Leg pain in neuropathic postural tachycardia syndrome is associated with altered muscle membrane properties
Authors: Rodriguez Belén , Jost Karin , Larsen Lotte Hardbo , Tankisi Hatice , Z’Graggen Werner J.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

In neuropathic postural tachycardia syndrome, peripheral sympathetic dysfunction leads to excessive venous blood pooling during orthostasis. Up to 84% of patients report leg pain and weakness in the upright position. To explore possible pathophysiological processes underlying these symptoms, the present study examined muscle excitability depending on body position in patients with neuropathic postural tachycardia syndrome and healthy subjects.

Methods

In ten patients with neuropathic postural tachycardia syndrome and ten healthy subjects, muscle excitability measurements were performed repeatedly: in the supine position, during 10 min of head-up tilt and during 6 min thereafter. Additionally, lower leg circumference was measured and subjective leg pain levels were assessed.

Results

In patients with neuropathic postural tachycardia syndrome, muscle excitability was increased in the supine position, decreased progressively during tilt, continued to decrease after being returned to the supine position, and did not completely recover to baseline values after 6 min of supine rest. The reduction in muscle excitability during tilt was paralleled by an increase in lower leg circumference as well as leg pain levels. No such changes were observed in healthy subjects.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence for the occurrence of orthostatic changes in muscle excitability in patients with neuropathic postural tachycardia syndrome and that these may be associated with inadequate perfusion of the lower extremities. Insufficient perfusion as a consequence of blood stasis may cause misery perfusion of the muscles, which could explain the occurrence of orthostatic leg pain in neuropathic postural tachycardia syndrome.
Trust in large carnivore science in Norway
Authors: Barmoen Magnus , Bærum Kim Magnus , Johansson Maria , Mathiesen Kristin E.
Published: October 2021

Large carnivores are controversial species, and associated conflicts between stakeholders with opposing views on large carnivores are observed across the globe. Social trust, the public’s willingness to rely on those responsible for developing policies, has gained much attention regarding the acceptance of large carnivores and large carnivore management. However, trust in large carnivore science has not received as much consideration. In Norway, administrative management authorities are responsible to execute the political framework decided by the Norwegian Parliament while basing their decisions on recommendations from large carnivore science. As large carnivore science is the main knowledge provider for monitoring and measures implemented in management decisions to achieve viable carnivore populations, trust in science is crucial. Yet, scientific information is often challenged. As attitude studies show a tendency for the wider general public to be more positive towards large carnivores than people most adversely affected, we wanted to examine whether the trust in large carnivore science follows the same pattern. We used a geographically stratified sample of 2110 respondents, five respondents from each municipality in Norway, to model how trust varies across the sample. Our results indicate that elderly men, people with lower education, those who have experienced loss of livestock to carnivores associate with lower trust in large carnivore science. Lower trust was also found among big game hunters and people who fear large carnivores. This knowledge could help to guide targeted science communication and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of cognitions important for management of conflicts involving large carnivores.
The risk of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced heart failure in people with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review
Authors: Ward Bethany S. , Naughton Michael , Nitsch Dorothea , Molokhia Mariam
Published: October 2021

Aim

To examine the risk of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced heart failure in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Methods

Embase, Medline, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for papers published in English between 1st January 1999 and 31st May 2020. Papers were included if some participants had chronic kidney disease, were exposed to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and where heart failure was measured as an outcome. Papers were assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool for randomised controlled trials, and ROBINS-I for observational studies.

Results

A total of 2480 independent papers were retrieved. Following abstract screening, 165 full texts were reviewed to identify seven eligible papers: two randomised controlled trials, four cohort studies, and one case-control study. For chronic kidney disease (stage 3–5), relative risk for heart failure ranged from 0.3 to 1.9 with 95% confidence interval 0.04 to 15.1. Results were not pooled due to study heterogeneity. We attributed bias to heterogenous populations studied, probable confounding due to partially adjusted risk estimates, and heterogenous measurement of the heart failure outcome.

Conclusion

Overall, there are only a few studies to refute or support an increased risk of heart failure associated with taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with chronic kidney disease, and therefore no robust evidence was available.
Effects of polyaluminum chloride (PAX-18) on the relationship between predatory fungi and Lecane rotifers
Authors: Fiałkowska Edyta , Fiałkowski Wojciech , Wilson Christopher G. , Pajdak-Stós Agnieszka
Published: October 2021

PAX-18 (polyaluminum chloride) is frequently used in WWTPs (wastewater treatment plants) to overcome sludge bulking. An alternative biological method is the usage of Lecane rotifers, which can be endangered by predacious fungi. We investigated the influence of different PAX-18 concentrations on the relationship between Lecane inermis and predacious fungi (Zoophagus and Lecophagus) differing in feeding mode. High PAX concentration (6 mg Al3+ L−1) strongly limited the number of the rotifers, which in low concentration (1.2 mg Al3+ L−1), after an initial decline, increased, but significantly slower than in control. Under the simultaneous influence of Lecophagus and PAX, rotifers were driven almost extinct at the high concentration, but survived at the lower concentration and increased in the control. When treated with Zoophagus, only one or two rotifers survived in treatments and control. High concentrations of PAX significantly restricted the growth of fungi, whereas in low concentrations and control conditions, their length increased, with Zoophagus growing much quicker than Lecophagus. Zoophagus was significantly more efficient in trapping rotifers regardless of PAX concentration. The trapping ability of mycelium following extended exposure to PAX was strongly limited at high concentrations, in comparison to control. Conidia of Zoophagus turned out to be considerably more resistant to PAX-18 and starvation than Lecophagus conidia.
Changes in the SARS-CoV-2 cellular receptor ACE2 levels in cardiovascular patients: a potential biomarker for the stratification of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Fagyas Miklós , Bánhegyi Viktor , Úri Katalin , Enyedi Attila , Lizanecz Erzsébet , Mányiné Ivetta Siket , Mártha Lilla , Fülöp Gábor Áron , Radovits Tamás , Pólos Miklós , Merkely Béla , Kovács Árpád , Szilvássy Zoltán , Ungvári Zoltán , Édes István , Csanádi Zoltán , Boczán Judit , Takács István , Szabó Gábor , Balla József , Balla György , Seferovic Petar , Papp Zoltán , Tóth Attila
Published: October 2021

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is essential for SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry. Here we studied the effects of common comorbidities in severe COVID-19 on ACE2 expression. ACE2 levels (by enzyme activity and ELISA measurements) were determined in human serum, heart and lung samples from patients with hypertension (n = 540), heart transplantation (289) and thoracic surgery (n = 49). Healthy individuals (n = 46) represented the controls. Serum ACE2 activity was increased in hypertensive subjects (132%) and substantially elevated in end-stage heart failure patients (689%) and showed a strong negative correlation with the left ventricular ejection fraction. Serum ACE2 activity was higher in male (147%), overweight (122%), obese (126%) and elderly (115%) hypertensive patients. Primary lung cancer resulted in higher circulating ACE2 activity, without affecting ACE2 levels in the surrounding lung tissue. Male sex resulted in elevated serum ACE2 activities in patients with heart transplantation or thoracic surgery (146% and 150%, respectively). Left ventricular (tissular) ACE2 activity was unaffected by sex and was lower in overweight (67%), obese (62%) and older (73%) patients with end-stage heart failure. There was no correlation between serum and tissular (left ventricular or lung) ACE2 activities. Neither serum nor tissue (left ventricle or lung) ACE2 levels were affected by RAS inhibitory medications. Abandoning of ACEi treatment (non-compliance) resulted in elevated blood pressure without effects on circulating ACE2 activities. ACE2 levels associate with the severity of cardiovascular diseases, suggestive for a role of ACE2 in the pathomechanisms of cardiovascular diseases and providing a potential explanation for the higher mortality of COVID-19 among cardiovascular patients. Abandoning RAS inhibitory medication worsens the cardiovascular status without affecting circulating or tissue ACE2 levels.
Real-time stereo semi-global matching for video processing using previous incremental information
Authors: Toledo Jonay , Lauer Martin , Stiller Christoph
Published: October 2021

This paper presents an incremental stereo algorithm designed to calculate a real-time disparity image. The algorithm is designed for stereo video sequences and uses previous information to reduce computation time and improve disparity image quality. It is based on the semi-global matching stereo algorithm but modified to reuse previous calculation information. Storing and reusing this information not only reduces computation time but improves accuracy in a cost filtering scheme. Some tests are presented to compare the computation time and results of the algorithm, which show that it can achieve better results in terms of quality and time than standard algorithms for some scenarios.
Consequences of large strain anisotropic work-hardening in cold forging
Authors: Kolpak Felix , Hering Oliver , Tekkaya A. Erman
Published: October 2021

The influence of anisotropic work-hardening on the component properties and process forces in cold forging is investigated. The focus is on the material behaviour exhibited after strain path reversals. The work-hardening of three steels is characterized for large monotonic strains (equivalent strains up to 1.7) and subsequent strain path reversals (accumulated strains up to 2.5). Tensile tests on specimens extracted from rods forward extruded at room temperature reveal an almost linear work-hardening for all investigated steels. The application of compressive tests on extruded material gives insights into the non-monotonic work-hardening behaviour. All previously reported anisotropic work-hardening phenomena such as the Bauschinger effect, work-hardening stagnation and permanent softening are present for all investigated steels and intensify with the pre-strain. Experimental results of 16MnCrS5 were utilized to select constitutive models of increasing complexity regarding their capability to capture anisotropic work-hardening. The best fit between experimental and numerical data was obtained by implementation of a modified Yoshida-Uemori model, which is able to capture all observed anisotropic work-hardening phenomena. The constitutive models were applied in simulations of single- and multi-stage cold forming processes, revealing the significant effect of anisotropic hardening on the predicted component properties and process forces, originating in the process-intrinsic strain path reversals as well as in strain path reversals between subsequent forming stages. Selected results were validated experimentally.
The German EU Council Presidency Translator
Authors: Pinnis Mārcis , Busemann Stephan , Vasiļevskis Artūrs , van Genabith Josef
Published: October 2021

This contribution describes the German EU Council Presidency Translator (EUC PT), a machine translation service created for the German EU Council Presidency in the second half of 2020, which is open to the general public. Following a series of earlier presidency translators, the German version exhibits important extensions and improvements. The German EUC PT is the first to integrate systems from commercial vendors, public services, and a research center, using a mix of custom and generic translation engines, and to introduce a new webpage translation widget. A further important feature is the close collaboration with human translators from the German ministries, who were provided with computer-assisted translation tool plugins integrating machine translation services into their daily work environments. Uptake by the public reflects a huge interest in the service, showing the need for breaking language barriers.
Popularity, novelty and relevance in point of interest recommendation: an experimental analysis
Authors: Massimo David , Ricci Francesco
Published: October 2021

Recommender Systems (RSs) are often assessed in off-line settings by measuring the system precision in predicting the observed user’s ratings or choices. But, when apreciseRS is on-line, the generated recommendations can be perceived as marginally useful because lacking novelty. The underlying problem is that it is hard to build an RS that can correctly generalise, from the analysis of user’s observed behaviour, and can identify the essential characteristics of novel and yet relevant recommendations. In this paper we address the above mentioned issue by considering four RSs that try to excel on different target criteria: precision, relevance and novelty. Two state of the art RSs called and follow a classical Nearest Neighbour approach, while the other two, and are based on Inverse Reinforcement Learning. and optimise precision, tries to identify the characteristics of POIs that make them relevant, and , a novel RS here introduced, is similar to but it also tries to recommend popular POIs. In an off-line experiment we discover that the recommendations produced by and optimise precision essentially by recommending quite popular POIs. can be tuned to achieve a desired level of precision at the cost of losing part of the best capability of to generate novel and yet relevant recommendations. In the on-line study we discover that the recommendations of and are liked more than those produced by . The rationale of that was found in the large percentage of novel recommendations produced by , which are difficult to appreciate. However, excels in recommending items that are both novel and liked by the users.
Physical–chemical evaluation of groundwater quality in semi-arid areas: case study—Sabzevar plain, Iran
Authors: Panahi Ghasem , Eskafi Mahya Hassanzadeh , Rahimi Hamidreza , Faridhosseini Alireza , Tang Xiaonan
Published: October 2021

Groundwater is one of the most important water sources in arid and semi-arid areas. With the increasing world population and the water demand for agriculture and urban use, the need for water resources has increased, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, where groundwater resources play a significant role. To prevent the pollution of groundwater resources, various studies for their preservation and maintenance should be carried out, including a detailed plan for proper management of water resources and establishing a balance between water quality and how to use them. It becomes important to understand the spatial change of the quality of groundwater resources. In this study, Sabzevar plain, a typical region of semi-arid climate in Iran, was selected as a case study to assess the groundwater quality of the region, using data from 24 observation wells between 2015 and 2019. Using Arc GIS software, a map of groundwater quality parameters in the study area was prepared for quality assessment and comparison with existing international standards. The results showed that (except pH and HCO3−) the concentration of Sodium, Magnesium, and other anions and cations is higher than the corresponding WHO standard limit, suggesting that the study area is unsuitable for drinking and agricultural use. According to the Wilcox chart, 87.5% of the samples are in the C4S4 class while 8.33% are in the C4S3 class, showing the groundwater unsuitable for agricultural use due to its high salinity and alkalinity. Piper diagrams show that more than 50% of the samples are non-carbonate alkalis, indicating a very high salinity in the area. According to the pie chart, chlorine ion and sodium ion are the dominant anions and cations in the Sabzevar plain, respectively. The Schuler diagram shows that none of the samples examined were in a good class for drinking. Therefore, considering the importance of water for agricultural activities in the study area, it is recommended to have agricultural management solutions to prevent groundwater mixing with freshwater resources.
Disaster Planning
Authors: Keim Mark
Published: October 2021

As disasters become more frequent and severe worldwide, disaster planning as a human endeavor is more important than ever, with the potential to save millions of lives globally. In this important new book, the author offers a practical, step-by-step guide for writing, implementing, and measuring the quality of your own disaster plan to address any threat with an approach that has been tested in public health and medical settings worldwide. Filling a significant gap in the existing literature, this book offers a comprehensive reference for both the principles and the practice of disaster planning. Access to a 25-lecture training course provides ancillary teaching materials for college level courses, offering added value for academic readers. An essential resource for public health graduates and anyone responsible for the management of disasters, primarily public health professionals, emergency physicians, first responders, and emergency managers.
Partnership Communities
Authors: Bertelli Anthony Michael , Woodhouse Eleanor Florence , Castiglioni Michele , Belardinelli Paolo
Published: October 2021

We undertake the first quantitative and broadly comparative study of the structure and performance of partnership communities to our knowledge. Our study addresses several important research questions. How connected are the members of partnership communities? How can we understand the quality of the projects a community undertakes? How do political institutions shape their structure and performance? After defining partnership communities as networked communities of private firms which form the consortia that enter into long-term contractual arrangements with governments, we show how they are affected by government demand for partners. We then provide an overview of those factors predicting success in financing projects. Finally, we focus on the political economy of partnership communities. We develop and test theoretical predictions about how national institutions shape partnership communities and the quality of projects. We also investigate voters' preferences over alternative arrangements of infrastructure delivery before drawing out implications for research and practice.
Neurofilmology of the Moving Image
Authors: D'Aloia Adriano
Published: October 2021

A walk suspended in mid-air, a fall at breakneck speed towards a fatal impact with the ground, an upside-down flip into space, the drift of an astronaut in the void … Analysing a wide range of films, this book brings to light a series of recurrent aesthetic motifs through which contemporary cinema destabilizes and then restores the spectator's sense of equilibrium. The 'tensive motifs' of acrobatics, fall, impact, overturning, and drift reflect our fears and dreams, and offer imaginary forms of transcendence of the limits of our human condition, along with an awareness of their insurmountable nature. Adopting the approach of 'Neurofilmology'—an interdisciplinary method that puts filmology, perceptual psychology, philosophy of mind, and cognitive neuroscience into dialogue—, this book implements the paradigm of embodied cognition in a new ecological epistemology of the moving-image experience.
No Harm Done? An Experimental Approach to the Nonidentity Problem
Authors: KOPEC MATTHEW , BRUNER JUSTIN
Published: October 2021

Discussions of the nonidentity problem presuppose a widely shared intuition that actions or policies that change who comes into existence do not, thereby, become morally unproblematic. We hypothesize that this intuition is not generally shared by the public, which could have widespread implications concerning how to generate support for large-scale, identity-affecting policies relating to matters like climate change. To test this, we ran a version of the well-known dictator game designed to mimic the public's behavior over identity-affecting choices. We found the public does seem to behave more selfishly when making identity-affecting choices, which should be concerning. We further hypothesized that one possible mechanism is the notion of harm the public uses in their decision making and find that substantial portions of the population seem to each employ distinct notions of harm in their normative thinking. These findings raise puzzling features about the public's normative thinking that call out for further empirical examination.
Antibiotic prescribing in mental health units across the Veterans’ Health Administration: How much and how appropriate?
Authors: Tieri Jay J. , Alexander Bruce , Egge Jason A. , Heintz Brett H. , Livorsi Daniel J.
Published: October 2021

We evaluated antibiotic-prescribing across 111 mental health units in the Veterans’ Health Administration. We found that accurate diagnosis of urinary tract infections is a major area for improvement. Because non–mental-health clinicians were involved in most antibiotic-prescribing decisions, stewardship interventions for mental health patients should have a broad target audience to be effective.