bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling non‐isothermal two‐phase fluid flow with phase change in deformable fractured porous media using extended finite element method
Authors: Khoei Amir R. , Amini Danial , Mortazavi S. Mohammad S.
Published: April 2021

In this article, a computational model is presented for the analysis of coupled thermo‐hydro‐mechanical process with phase change (evaporation/condensation) in fractured porous media in order to model multiphase fluid flows, heat transfer, and discontinuous deformation by employing the extended finite element method. The ideal gas law and Dalton's law are employed to consider vapor and dry air as miscible gases. To take into account the phase change, latent heat and specific vapor enthalpy are incorporated into the physical model. The set of governing equations consists of linear momentum for the solid‐phase, energy balance equation and mass conservation equations of water species (liquid and vapor) and dry air, which are derived within the framework of the generalized Biot's theory. The weak forms are presented in terms of the displacement, water pressure, capillary pressure, and temperature as the primary variables. The spatial and temporal discretizations are carried out applying the extended finite element method and the generalized Newmark scheme, respectively, resulting in the final system of fully coupled nonlinear equations. Finally, several numerical examples are solved to demonstrate not only the robustness of the proposed computational model but also the effect of the crack orientation, intrinsic permeability, and elastic modulus on the fluid flow patterns, relative humidity, and temperature distribution. Moreover, an edge‐crack propagation is investigated under mode I fracture due to drying conditions.
Vulnerability assessment of the multi‐sector North American bison Bison bison management system to climate change
Authors: Martin Jeff M. , Zarestky Jill , Briske David D. , Barboza Perry S.
Published: April 2021

Bison Bison bison are a keystone of a conservation system, but that system is vulnerable to the effects of a changing climate projected to alter land use through the 21st century.

The current bison population of North America is approximately 400,000 animals and is maintained by a self‐assembled bison management system (BMS) of various stakeholders focused on bison conservation and production. The BMS is comprised of public, for‐profit private, Tribal and not‐for‐profit non‐governmental organization (NGO) sectors, with complementary values, attitudes and practices that contribute to a robust conservation footprint for the species.

Currently, the majority of grasslands (90%) and bison (85%) are privately owned which justifies the need for robust private land conservation strategies to maintain this iconic species and its grassland habitats.

We assessed vulnerability of the BMS to 21st century consequences of climate change with a vulnerability scoping diagram that emphasizes exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity, as well as environmental values, attitudes and practices. We surveyed 132 bison managers within both the private and public/NGO sectors. Respondents were predominantly educated white males located in the northern and central mixed grass prairies who manage bison herds of, on average, 51–100 animals.

Overall, the BMS is moderately vulnerable to climate change. While the public/NGO and private sectors differ in adaptive capacity, specifically in measures of information exchange, external revenue, use of management plans and access to grazing leases, the sectors act as partners for exchanging bison and rely on sustained interchange of bison; dimensions of exposure and sensitivity appear similar between public/NGO and private sectors.

The complementary, shared environmental values and attitudes of the private and public/NGO sectors shape the foundation for enhanced collaboration among the multi‐sector BMS. But it is the sharing of diverse practices and respective consequences that will lead the BMS to discover credible, scalable adaptive solutions to climate change. This may lead to the bison community to decide whether to form a ‘bison coalition’ to seek solutions to adapt to climate change.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Differentiated thyroid carcinoma in children: A retrospective analysis of 125 pediatric cases from a single institution in India
Authors: Thankamony Priyakumari , Nirmal Garima , Chandar Rumesh , Nair Anila K. R. , Veeramoni Iyer Mriduladevi Pradeep
Published: April 2021

Background

Thyroid carcinoma (TC) is extremely rare in children. We assessed the clinicopathological features, outcomes, recurrence pattern, and associated risk factors of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC).

Methods

Children aged ≤14 years, pathologically diagnosed as DTC at a tertiary cancer institute between January 1998 and December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Survival outcomes were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

During 18 years, 125 children with DTC were treated with a male:female ratio of 1:2.3. The median age was 12 years (2–14 years). Anterior neck swelling was the commonest presentation (72.8%). Histopathology revealed papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in 123 children (98.4%). Extrathyroidal extension was seen in 32 children (25.6%). Sixty‐eight children (54.4%) had nodal metastases and seven had distant metastasis. Relapse developed in 12 children. All were salvaged with subsequent surgery and radioiodine therapy. Eight children had persistent disease and one had a second malignant neoplasm. The median follow‐up period was 9 years 1 month (1–20 years). Five‐year recurrence‐free survival (RFS) was 94.8% and 5‐year overall survival was 100%. Larger tumors (p‐value = .001), extrathyroidal extension (p‐value = .001), and nodal metastasis (p‐value = .022) were significant predictors for RFS in univariate analysis.

Conclusions

Pediatric DTC showed aggressive behavior characterized by a high rate of extrathyroidal extension and nodal and pulmonary metastasis. Persistent disease should be distinguished from recurrent disease as DTCs with metastatic disease remain stable for long time and usually respond well to radioiodine therapy. Our study reaffirmed favorable prognosis despite aggressive presentation and even after relapse.
Chronic pain patients' willingness to share personal identifiers on the web for the linkage of medico‐administrative claims and patient‐reported data: The chronic pain treatment cohort
Authors: Lacasse Anaïs , Gagnon Véronique , Nguena Nguefack Hermine Lore , Gosselin Mélissa , Pagé M. Gabrielle , Blais Lucie , Guénette Line
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The linkage between patient‐reported data and medico‐administrative claims is of great interest for epidemiologic research. The goal of this study was to assess the willingness of people living with chronic pain to share personal identifiers on the web for the linkage of medico‐administrative and patient‐reported data.

Methods

This methodological investigation was achieved in the context of the implementation of the chronic pain treatment (COPE) cohort. A web‐based recruitment initiative targeting adults living with chronic pain was conducted in the province of Quebec (Canada).

Results

A total of 1935 participants completed the questionnaire (mean age: 49.86 ± 13.27; females: 83.69%), 921 (47.60%) of which agreed to data linkage and shared their personal identifiers (name, date of birth, health insurance number online). The most common reasons for refusal were: (1) concerns regarding data security/privacy (25.71%) and (2) the belief that the requested data were too personal/intrusive (13.52%). Some participants did not understand the relevance of data linkage (11.81%). Participants from the COPE cohort and those from the subsample who agreed to data linkage were comparable to other random samples of chronic pain individuals in terms of age and pain characteristics.

Conclusions

Although approximately half of the participants refused data linkage, our approach allowed for the implementation of a data platform that contains a diverse and substantial sample. This investigation has also led to the formulation of recommendations for web‐based data linkage, including placing items designed to assess willingness to share personal identifiers at the end of the questionnaire, adding explanatory videos, and using a mixed‐mode questionnaire.
Medication and healthcare use, parent knowledge and cough in children: A cohort study
Authors: Cheng Joan , Mackie Amelia , Chang Anne B. , Grimwood Keith , Scott Mark , King Alex , Goyal Vikas , Marchant Julie M. , O'Grady Kerry‐Ann F.
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Cough is an important contributor to the health burden of children and their families. There are limited data describing healthcare utilization and medication use over the course of a cough illness beyond the initial presentation. Our primary objective was to describe medication and healthcare use in children with a respiratory illness with cough as a symptom over the course of the illness.

Methods

A cohort study of children aged less than 15‐years presenting to three primary healthcare centers and three emergency departments with a cough illness between July 7, 2015 and October 6, 2018. Children with immunosuppression, known chronic lung diseases (except asthma) and those requiring hospitalization at screening were excluded. The primary outcomes were cough‐related frequency and type of healthcare seeking and medication use up to 28 days following enrolment.

Results

Data for 465 children were analyzed; median age 2.2‐years (interquartile range = 1.1–5.3). Cough at Day 28 persisted in 117 children (25.2%). Overall, 436 (94%) children received medications in the week before and/or 4 weeks following enrolment. Half with upper respiratory tract infections were prescribed antibiotics. Among children with no diagnosis of asthma, reactive airways disease or croup (n = 404), 16.8% were given steroids. Fifty‐eight percent of children sought healthcare at least once before their baseline presentation (median = 1, range = 0–20) and 49.7% had at least one further presentation in the following 28 days.

Conclusions

High healthcare utilization, inappropriate medication use, and suboptimal parent knowledge regarding cough suggests targeted education is needed to improve management and reduce cough burden.
Reliability analysis for q‐Weibull distribution with multiply Type‐I censored data
Authors: Jia Xiang
Published: April 2021

The widely used Weibull distribution could be generalized to be q‐Weibull distribution. To fill out the gap in existing literature, the reliability is studied for q‐Weibull distribution with multiply Type‐I censored data, which is the general form of Type‐I censored data. The point estimates and confidence intervals (CIs) for q‐Weibull parameters and reliability parameters such as the reliability and remaining lifetime are all focused on. The maximum likelihood estimates (MLE) are obtained by maximizing the likelihood function and transforming it to an unconstrained optimization problem. The least‐square estimates (LSEs) are proposed by minimizing the single‐variable profile error function derived from reducing the previous multivariable error function. These improvements could make the computation of point estimates efficient. Concerning the CIs, the asymptotic normality of log‐transformed MLE is used to guarantee they fall into the value ranges. Particularly, the closed form for the Fisher information matrix is derived using the missing information principal and is combined with the delta method to construct the CIs for reliability. Besides, the bias‐corrected and accelerated (BCa) bootstrap method is also applied. Further, a Monte Carlo simulation study is conducted to compare different point estimates and CIs. Finally, an illustrative example is presented to show the application of the study in this paper.
Reliability analysis of exponentiated Poisson‐exponential constant stress accelerated life test model
Authors: Nassar Mazen , Dey Sanku , Nadarajah Saralees
Published: April 2021

Accelerated life testing is an efficient tool frequently adopted for obtaining failure time data of test units in a lesser time period as compared to normal use conditions. We assume that the lifetime data of a product at constant level of stress follows an exponentiated Poisson‐exponential distribution and the shape parameter of the model has a log‐linear relationship with the stress level. Model parameters, the reliability function (RF), and the mean time to failure (MTTF) function under use conditions are estimated based on eight frequentist methods of estimation, namely, method of maximum likelihood, method of least square and weighted least square, method of maximum product of spacing, method of minimum spacing absolute‐log distance, method of Cramér‐von‐Mises, method of Anderson–Darling, and Right‐tail Anderson–Darling. The performance of the different estimation methods is evaluated in terms of their mean relative estimate and mean squared error using small and large sample sizes through a Monte Carlo simulation study. Finally, two accelerated life test data sets are considered and bootstrap confidence intervals for the unknown parameters, predicted shape parameter, predicted RF, and the MTTF at different stress levels, are obtained.
On the use of conditional main effects for de‐aliasing 2k−p designs
Authors: Grima Pere , Rodero Lourdes , Tort‐Martorell Xavier
Published: April 2021

A 2017 JQT article presented a methodology for disentangling two‐factor interactions that are aliased with other two‐factor interactions in designs. The methodology is based on the concept of conditional main effects, and it resolves aliasing by considering active the confounded interaction whose estimated effect is similar to one of the main effects of the two factors that are involved in it. This paper shows that there is no justification for this choice and provides examples. The conclusion is that the proposed method may be useful for building parsimonious models, but in general, it is not appropriate for de‐aliasing confounded two‐factor interactions.
Evolution of flower morphology and a natural re‐arrangement of Calyceraceae
Authors: Pozner Raúl Ernesto , Johnson Leigh A. , Denham Silvia Suyai
Published: April 2021

Calyceraceae is a small South American family sister to Asteraceae. Previous phylogenetic analyses revealed that Calyceraceae genera are para‐ or polyphyletic. Fruit and inflorescence characters used historically as diagnostic in Calyceraceae taxonomy have proven unreliable in defining natural groups. Surprisingly, flower morphology does not appear in diagnoses of Calyceraceae genera, and its diversity and evolution has remained unstudied before now. Based on phylogenetic analyses using six molecular markers and an almost complete sampling of the family (43 of 46 species), we propose a taxonomic re‐arrangement of Calyceraceae. In the search for diagnostic morphological characters, we studied flower structure diversity and optimized 12 discrete characters by maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood to reconstruct floral evolution in the family. Calyceraceae species are arranged in eight genera (three monotypic, five with 6 to 13 species). Two genera are new (Anachoretes, Asynthema), one is reinstated (Leucocera), with the remaining five emended (Acicarpha, Boopis, Calycera, Gamocarpha, Moschopsis). Flower morphology is notably diverse but provides only a few diagnostic features. Many floral attributes likely reflect selection for pollination or fruit dispersal rather than phylogenetic affinity. In the context of this taxonomic revision, we include a key to genera, new and emended diagnoses, and new combinations.
Food safety considerations of urban agroforestry systems grown in contaminated environments
Authors: Romanova Olga , Lovell Sarah
Published: April 2021

The interest in and establishment of urban gardens and food forests has been growing in recent years. Food production in urban environments has its challenges, however, particularly regarding the safety of edible crops grown in environments that contain potential contaminants. While some studies exist on urban agriculture food safety for annual crops, the literature is limited on relative risks in urban food forests that include fruit‐ and nut‐producing trees and shrubs. This review provides an overview of the potential capacity of woody species (trees and shrubs) to accumulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals (HMs), and metalloids considering the safety of food production in the urban environment. The general trends found in a review of existing literature indicate (a) a lower risk for woody species to accumulate HMs and PAHs compared with vegetables, and (b) less accumulation in the fruit of woody species compared with other plant parts in those same species. However, these trends are not always consistent, and the accumulation of contaminants depends on variety of factors such as the concentration of a given element in the environment, type of contaminant, type of species, and species variety. This study highlights the critical need for more research on the safety of growing edible fruits and nuts on trees and shrubs in urban environments that may contain contaminants.
Diagnostic utility of abdominal ultrasound for detecting non‐perforated gastroduodenal ulcers in dogs
Authors: Weston Philippa J. , Maddox Thomas W. , Hõim Sven‐Erik , Griffin Sally , Mesquita Luis
Published: April 2021

Background

Abdominal ultrasound is frequently used to detect non‐perforated gastroduodenal ulcers in dogs. Studies assessing the diagnostic utility of abdominal ultrasound for the detection of non‐perforated gastroduodenal ulcers have yielded mixed results. No studies to date have investigated the effects of patient bodyweight, breed, sex, age, ulcer aetiology (neoplastic or inflammatory) or location on the diagnostic accuracy of abdominal ultrasound.

Methods

Retrospective, multicentre study to evaluate the diagnostic utility of abdominal ultrasonography for the diagnosis of non‐perforated gastroduodenal ulceration in dogs.

Results

Sixty‐one dogs met the inclusion criteria. Ulcers were detected during ultrasound examination in 18 of 61 dogs, yielding a sensitivity of 29.5% (95% confidence interval 18.8%–42.7%). Ulcers in the pyloric region were detected more frequently than those in the duodenum; however, location was not significantly associated with the ability of ultrasound to detect lesions (p = 0.41). No associations were identified between the ability of ultrasound to detect an ulcer and patient bodyweight (p = 0.45), breed (p = 0.98), sex (p = 0.90), age (p = 0.94), and neoplastic versus inflammatory nature of ulcerative lesions (p = 0.93).

Conclusion

The diagnostic utility of ultrasound as the sole modality for the detection of non‐perforated gastroduodenal mucosal ulceration is poor. The authors therefore recommend the use of additional modalities when ulcerative lesions are suspected.
Detection of owner‐perceived emotional eating in companion dogs: A regression modelling approach
Authors: Luño Isabel , Muniesa Ana , Palacio Jorge , García‐Belenguer Sylvia , Rosado Belén
Published: April 2021

Background: Emotional eating has been largely demonstrated in humans and laboratory rodents, but a recent survey conducted by the authors revealed that dog owners have also detected this phenomenon in their pets. However, due to the lack of diagnostic tools, veterinarians and researchers might encounter serious difficulties in detecting emotional eating in clinical settings. The present study aimed to explore different variables associated with owner perceived‐emotional eating in companion dogs with the ultimate goal of designing a tool that could facilitate its detection.

Methods: The mentioned survey included information on feeding habits, eating behaviour, temperament and emotional state of the dogs, as well as a specific question for assessing the owners' perception on emotional eating. From these data (n = 1137), a stochastic model based on binary logistic regression was used to design a regression model.

Results and conclusion: The final model (r2 = 0.179, p < 0.001) included a constant and nine variables and, of these, five did act as risk factors whereas the rest were considered as protective factors, in line with a congruent clinical perception.

These variables could make up an easy‐to‐respond nine‐item checklist to be answered by dog owners that could help veterinarians identify those companion dogs susceptible to emotional eating.
Mortar and Pestle or Cooking Vessel? When Archaeology Makes Progress Through Failed Analogies
Authors: Nyrup Rune
Published: April 2021

Most optimistic accounts of analogies in archaeology focus on cases where analogies lead to accurate or well-supported interpretations of the past. This chapter offers a complementary argument: analogies can also provide a valuable form of understanding of cultural and social phenomena when they fail, in the sense of either being shown inaccurate or the evidence being insufficient to determine their accuracy. This type of situation is illustrated through a case study involving the mortarium, a characteristic type of Roman pottery, and its relation to the so-called Romanization debate in Romano-British archaeology. I develop an account of comparative understanding, based on the idea that humans have a natural desire to understand ourselves comparatively, i.e., in terms of how we resemble and differ from societies at other times and places. Pursuing analogies can provide this type of understanding regardless of whether they turn out to be accurate. Furthermore, analogies can provide a similar form of understanding even when the evidence turns out to be insufficient to determine their accuracy.
Academic Poem for Christof
Authors: Kammerer Kurt , Smetsers Ulrike , Maier Anna
Published: April 2021

For reasons of academic ambition, this poem was not compiled in Hohenloher-Fränkisch, Alemannisch, Badisch-Karlsruherisch, Westerwälder Platt or scientific English, but in High-German. This poem is contributed by Christof’s first academic family of the early 1980s. This work would not have been possible without the inspiring spices and brain calories of Jule’s delicious quiche that turned a long poetic session into a memorable scientific breakthrough event.
Wheat root systems as a breeding target for climate resilience
Authors: Ober Eric S. , Alahmad Samir , Cockram James , Forestan Cristian , Hickey Lee T. , Kant Josefine , Maccaferri Marco , Marr Emily , Milner Matthew , Pinto Francisco , Rambla Charlotte , Reynolds Matthew , Salvi Silvio , Sciara Giuseppe , Snowdon Rod J. , Thomelin Pauline , Tuberosa Roberto , Uauy Cristobal , Voss-Fels Kai P. , Wallington Emma , Watt Michelle
Published: April 2021

In the coming decades, larger genetic gains in yield will be necessary to meet projected demand, and this must be achieved despite the destabilizing impacts of climate change on crop production. The root systems of crops capture the water and nutrients needed to support crop growth, and improved root systems tailored to the challenges of specific agricultural environments could improve climate resiliency. Each component of root initiation, growth and development is controlled genetically and responds to the environment, which translates to a complex quantitative system to navigate for the breeder, but also a world of opportunity given the right tools. In this review, we argue that it is important to know more about the ‘hidden half’ of crop plants and hypothesize that crop improvement could be further enhanced using approaches that directly target selection for root system architecture. To explore these issues, we focus predominantly on bread wheat (Triticum aestivumL.), a staple crop that plays a major role in underpinning global food security. We review the tools available for root phenotyping under controlled and field conditions and the use of these platforms alongside modern genetics and genomics resources to dissect the genetic architecture controlling the wheat root system. To contextualize these advances for applied wheat breeding, we explore questions surrounding which root system architectures should be selected for, which agricultural environments and genetic trait configurations of breeding populations are these best suited to, and how might direct selection for these root ideotypes be implemented in practice.
Imaging and liquid biopsy in the prediction and evaluation of response to PRRT in neuroendocrine tumors: implications for patient management
Authors: Roll Wolfgang , Weckesser Matthias , Seifert Robert , Bodei Lisa , Rahbar Kambiz
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The aim of this narrative review is to give an overview on current and emerging imaging methods and liquid biopsy for prediction and evaluation of response to PRRT. Current limitations and new perspectives, including artificial intelligence, are discussed.

Methods

A literature review of PubMed/Medline was performed with representative keywords. The search included articles published online through August 31, 2020. All searches were restricted to English language manuscripts.

Results

Peptide radio receptor therapy (PRRT) is a prospectively evaluated and approved therapy option in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Different ligands targeting the somatostatin receptor (SSTR) are used as theranostic pairs for imaging NET and for PRRT. Response assessment in prospective trials often relies on the morphological RECIST 1.1 criteria, based on lesion size in CT or MRI. The role of SSTR-PET and quantitative uptake parameters and volumetric data is still not defined. Monoanalyte tumor marker chromogranin A has a limited value for response assessment after PRRT. New emerging liquid biopsy techniques are offering prediction of response to PRRT and prognostic value.

Conclusions

New response criteria for NET patients undergoing PRRT will comprise multiparametric hybrid imaging and blood-based multianalyte markers. This represents tumor biology and heterogeneity.
A Comparison of the P‐POSSUM and NELA Risk Score for Patients Undergoing Emergency Laparotomy in Singapore
Authors: Lai C P T , Goo T T , Ong M W , Prakash P S , Lim W W , Drakeford P A
Published: April 2021

Background (aims, hypotheses, or objectives)

Emergency laparotomy (EL) is a high‐risk surgical procedure associated with considerable morbidity and mortality around the world. A reliable risk‐assessment tool that is specific to patients undergoing EL allows the early identification of high‐risk patients and enables appropriate healthcare resource allocation. The objective of this study was to compare the commonly used Portsmouth‐physiologic and operative severity score for the enumeration of mortality and morbidity (P‐POSSUM) with the recently developed National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) score in terms of their accuracy for identifying patients at increased risk of 30‐day mortality in a predominantly Asian population.

Methods

Physiological and operative data from a prospectively collected audit of adult patients undergoing EL in 2018 and 2019 across two tertiary hospitals in Singapore were used to retrospectively calculate both the P‐POSSUM and NELA scores for each patient encounter. This was then compared to actual mortality rates to determine each model's accuracy and precision.

Results

830 patients were included in the study with a 30‐day mortality of 5.66%. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) was similar for both the NELA (0.86, p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.81–0.91) and the P‐POSSUM models (0.84, p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.78–0.89). While the models over‐predicted mortality, overall O:E ratios showed that the NELA model performance was superior to that of P‐POSSUM (0.58 [95% CI 0.43–0.77] compared to 0.34 [95% CI 0.26–0.46]).

Conclusion

The NELA risk‐prediction model accurately predicts 30‐day mortality in this large cohort of patients undergoing EL and outperforms the current P‐POSSUM model. We recommend that the NELA score should replace the P‐POSSUM score as a model to distinguish between high‐ and low‐risk patients undergoing EL.
On the regularity of curvature fields in stress-driven nonlocal elastic beams
Authors: Vaccaro Marzia Sara , Marotti de Sciarra Francesco , Barretta Raffaele
Published: April 2021

Elastostatic problems of Bernoulli–Euler nanobeams, involving internal kinematic constraints and discontinuous and/or concentrated force systems, are investigated by the stress-driven nonlocal elasticity model. The field of elastic curvature is output by the convolution integral with a special averaging kernel and a piecewise smooth source field of elastic curvature, pointwise generated by the bending interaction. The total curvature is got by adding nonelastic curvatures due to thermal and/or electromagnetic effects and similar ones. It is shown that fields of elastic curvature, associated with piecewise smooth source fields and bi-exponential kernel, are continuously differentiable in the whole domain. The nonlocal elastic stress-driven integral law is then equivalent to a constitutive differential problem equipped with boundary and interface constitutive conditions expressing continuity of elastic curvature and its derivative. Effectiveness of the interface conditions is evidenced by the solution of an exemplar assemblage of beams subjected to discontinuous and concentrated loadings and to thermal curvatures, nonlocally associated with discontinuous thermal gradients. Analytical solutions of structural problems and their nonlocal-to-local limits are evaluated and commented upon.
Distribution of the timber quality attribute ‘knot surface’ in logs of Fagus sylvatica L. from pure and mixed forest stands
Authors: Höwler Kirsten , Vor Torsten , Schall Peter , Annighöfer Peter , Seidel Dominik , Ammer Christian
Published: April 2021

Research on mixed forests has mostly focused on tree growth and productivity, or resistance and resilience in changing climate conditions, but only rarely on the effects of tree species mixing on timber quality. In particular, it is still unclear whether the numerous positive effects of mixed forests on productivity and stability come at the expense of timber quality. In this study, we used photographs of sawn boards from 90 European beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.) trees of mixed and pure forest stands to analyze internal timber quality through the quality indicatorknot surfacethat was quantitatively assessed using the software Datinf® Measure. We observed a decrease inknot surfacewith increasing distance from the pith as well as smaller values in the lower log sections. Regarding the influence of neighborhood species identity, we found only minor effects meaning that timber qualities in mixed stands of beech and Norway spruce (Picea abies(L.) H. Karst.) tended to be slightly worse compared to pure beech stands.
Homogeneous non-degenerate 3-(α,δ)-Sasaki manifolds and submersions over quaternionic Kähler spaces
Authors: Agricola Ilka , Dileo Giulia , Stecker Leander
Published: April 2021

We show that every 3-$$(\alpha ,\delta )$$

(
α
,
δ
)

-Sasaki manifold of dimension $$4n + 3$$

4
n
+
3

admits a locally defined Riemannian submersion over a quaternionic Kähler manifold of scalar curvature $$16n(n+2)\alpha \delta$$

16
n
(
n
+
2
)
α
δ

. In the non-degenerate case we describe all homogeneous 3-$$(\alpha ,\delta )$$

(
α
,
δ
)

-Sasaki manifolds fibering over symmetric Wolf spaces and over their non-compact dual symmetric spaces. If $$\alpha \delta > 0$$

α
δ
>
0

, this yields a complete classification of homogeneous 3-$$(\alpha ,\delta )$$

(
α
,
δ
)

-Sasaki manifolds. For $$\alpha \delta < 0$$

α
δ
<
0

, we provide a general construction of homogeneous 3-$$(\alpha , \delta )$$

(
α
,
δ
)

-Sasaki manifolds fibering over non-symmetric Alekseevsky spaces, the lowest possible dimension of such a manifold being 19.
Convergence of Lobatto-type Runge–Kutta methods for partitioned differential-algebraic systems of index 2
Authors: Sato Martín de Almagro Rodrigo T.
Published: April 2021

In this paper a numerical scheme for partitioned systems of index 2 DAEs, such as those arising from nonholonomic mechanical problems, is proposed and its order for a certain class of Runge–Kutta methods we call of Lobatto-type is proven.
Synthesis of cross-linked polyurethane elastomers with the inclusion of polar-aromatic moieties (BA, PNBA and 3, 5-DNBA): Electrical and thermo-mechanical properties analysis
Authors: Ansari Manauwar Ali , Somdee Patcharapon , Marossy Kálmán
Published: April 2021

In this work, we used the design strategy “doped nonpolar polymers” and synthesized the polyurethane elastomers (PUEs) by doping with highly polar aromatic molecules such as benzoic acid (BA), 4(para)-nitro-benzoic acid (PNBA), and 3, 5-di-nitro-benzoic acid (3, 5-DNBA) by using the solution casting method. The effect of each molecule in three different weight percentages 2%, 4%, and 6% on electrical and thermo-mechanical properties of the material has studied. Experiments were carried out to determine electrical properties such as DC volume resistivity, dielectric constant, and loss factor. DMA and DSC measurements were done to assess thermo-mechanical properties. Also, thermal conductivity measurement was carried out and a strong nitro group and doping percentage dependent results have been observed. A comparative analysis of the effect on the said properties was done among the doped and undoped PUEs.
Second-order integrable Lagrangians and WDVV equations
Authors: Ferapontov E. V. , Pavlov M. V. , Xue Lingling
Published: April 2021

We investigate the integrability of Euler–Lagrange equations associated with 2D second-order Lagrangians of the form$$\begin{aligned} \int f(u_{xx},u_{xy},u_{yy})\ \mathrm{d}x\mathrm{d}y. \end{aligned}$$∫f(uxx,uxy,uyy)dxdy.By deriving integrability conditions for the Lagrangian densityf, examples of integrable Lagrangians expressible via elementary functions, Jacobi theta functions and dilogarithms are constructed. A link of second-order integrable Lagrangians to WDVV equations is established. Generalisations to 3D second-order integrable Lagrangians are also discussed.
A bibliometric study of human–computer interaction research activity in the Nordic-Baltic Eight countries
Authors: Sandnes Frode Eika
Published: April 2021

Human–computer interaction (HCI) has become an important area for designers and developers worldwide, and research activities set in national cultural contexts addressing local challenges are often needed in industry and academia. This study explored HCI research in the Nordic-Baltic countries using bibliometric methods. The results show that the activity varies greatly across the region with activities dominated by Finland, Sweden, and Denmark, even when adjusting for differences in population size and GDP. Research output variations were larger for the top-tier conferences compared to entry-tier conferences and journals. Locally hosted conferences were associated with local increases in research activity. HCI research longevity appears to be an indicator of research maturity and quantity. HCI researchers typically collaborated either with colleagues within the same institution or with researchers from countries outside the Nordic-Baltic region such as US and the UK. There was less collaboration between national and Nordic-Baltic partners. Collaboration appeared especially prevalent for top-tier conference papers. Top-tier conference papers were also more frequently cited than regional-tier and entry-tier conferences, yet journal articles were cited the most. One implication of this study is that the HCI research activity gaps across the Nordic-Baltic countries should be narrowed by increasing the activity in countries with low research outputs. To achieve this, first-time authors could receive guidance through collaborations with experienced authors in the same institution or other labs around the world. More conferences could also be hosted locally. Furthermore, journals may be more effective than conferences if the goal is to accumulate citations.
Cool, Dry, Nano-scale DIC Patterning of Delicate, Heterogeneous, Non-planar Specimens by Micro-mist Nebulization
Authors: Shafqat S. , Hoefnagels J. P. M.
Published: April 2021

Background: Application of patterns to enable high-resolution Digital Image Correlation (DIC) at the small scale (μm/nm) is known to be very challenging as techniques developed for the macro- and mesoscale, such as spray painting, cannot be scaled down directly. Moreover, existing nano-patterning techniques all rely on harsh processing steps, based on high temperature, chemicals, physical contact, liquids, and/or high vacuum, that can easily damage fragile, small-scale, free-standing and/or hygro-sensitive specimens, such as MEMS or biological samples. Objective: To present a straightforward, inexpensive technique specially designed for nano-patterning highly delicate specimens for high-resolution DIC. Methods: The technique consists in a well-controlled nebulized micro-mist, containing predominantly no more than one nanoparticle per mist droplet. The micro-mist is subsequently dried, resulting in a flow of individual nanoparticles that are deposited on the specimen surface at near-room temperature. By having single nanoparticles falling on the specimen surface, the notoriously challenging task of controlling nanoparticle-nanoparticle and nanoparticle-surface interactions as a result of the complex droplet drying dynamics, e.g., in drop-casting, is circumvented. Results: High-quality patterns are demonstrated for a number of challenging cases of physically and chemically sensitive specimens with nanoparticles from 1 μm down to 50 nm in diameter. It is shown that the pattern can easily be scaled within (and probably beyond) this range, which is of special interest for micromechanical testing using in-situ microscopic imaging techniques, such as high-magnification optical microscopy, optical profilometry, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, etc. Conclusions: Delicate specimens can conveniently be patterned at near-room temperature ($\sim $
∼
37 ∘C), without exposure to chemicals, physical contact or vacuum, while the pattern density and speckle size can be easily tuned.
Effect of inorganic carbonate and organic matter in thermal treatment of mercury-contaminated soil
Authors: Cho Kanghee , Kang Jinkyu , Kim Songbae , Purev Oyunbileg , Myung Eunji , Kim Hyunsoo , Choi Nagchoul
Published: April 2021

Thermal treatment of mercury (Hg)-contaminated soil was studied to investigate the desorption behavior of Hg at different temperatures. The soil samples were collected from two locations with different land uses around the mine and industrial site. The effect of soil properties such as inorganic carbonate minerals and organic matter content on Hg desorption was investigated to understand the thermal desorption process. The effect of soil composition on Hg desorption showed that behavior at 100 °C was similar, but a different behavior could be found at 300 °C. The thermal desorption efficiency at 300 °C is affected by the thermal properties of soils and the Hg desorption capacity of the soils. The Hg from both soil types was removed above 300 °C, and Hg was effectively removed from mine soil due to the partial decomposition of carbonate in the soil composition, while industrial soil showed that desorption would be restrained by Hg organic matter complexes due to organic matter content. Despite a relatively higher concentration of Hg in the mine soil, Hg removal efficiency was greater than that in the industrial soil. Sequential extraction results showed that only the Hg fractions (residual fractions, step 6) in mine soil changed, while the industrial soil was affected by changes in Hg fractions (step 3 to step 6) at 300 °C. Changes in soil pH during thermal desorption are also influenced by heating time and temperature. Therefore, the mechanisms of Hg desorption during thermal treatment were observed by soil properties. The volatilization of Hg in the soil is induced by organic carbon, while soil Hg release is controlled by organic matter complexes.
Convergent Validity Analysis between the Profile of Emotional Competences Full-Form and the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire Full-Form
Authors: Laborde Sylvain , Guillén Félix , Vaughan Robert
Published: April 2021

Emotional dispositions have been found to influence outcomes and have applications in many areas, such as in the clinical, health, social, educational, and organizational domains. Specifically, they may influence individuals’ addictive behaviour tendencies. The aim of this study was to investigate the convergent validity between two questionnaires measuring individual differences linked to emotional dispositions, the Profile of Emotional Competences (PEC) full-form, and the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue) full-form. Examining the convergent validity will identify the similarities and the unique aspects of each questionnaire. Our hypotheses were based on relationships displaying large effect sizes (r > .50). A sample of 1026 participants took part in this study (Mage = 21.35 years old, age range = 18–30). Participants completed both the PEC and the TEIQue in a counterbalanced order. Results indicated large overlaps between the two questionnaires; however, two main differences emerged: first, the PEC allows capturing precisely the emotional dispositions at the intrapersonal and interpersonal levels, while the TEIQue mixes both levels; second, the competence “using emotions”, both for one’s own emotions and for others’ emotions, is not comprehensively reflected in the TEIQue. Overall, the PEC may help to capture more specifically the distinction between intrapersonal and interpersonal emotional competences. Future research should investigate comparatively the criterion validity of both questionnaires with specific outcome variables. Future research and applied work with addiction aiming at clarifying the implication of both intrapersonal and interpersonal emotional competences may consider to rather use the PEC than the TEIQue.
Oxazoline-based crosslinking reaction for coatings
Authors: Knospe Philipp , Böhm Patrick , Gutmann Jochen , Dornbusch Michael
Published: April 2021

Nowadays, coating materials must meet high demands in terms of mechanical, chemical and optical properties in all areas of application. Amongst others, amines and isocyanates are used as crosslinking components for curing reactions, meeting the highly demanding properties of the coatings industry. In this work, a new crosslinking reaction for coatings based on oxazoline chemistry is investigated with the objective to overcome disadvantages of established systems and fulfill the need for sustainable coating compounds. The oxazoline-group containing resin, synthesized from commercially available substances, undergoes cationic self-crosslinking polymerization to build up a network based on urethane and amide moieties. NMR-, IR- and ES-mass spectroscopy are suitable techniques to characterize the synthesized oxazoline monomers, which are linked to polyisocyanates and polymerized afterwards via self-polymerization. The progress of crosslinking is followed by changes in IR spectra and by rheological measurements to calculate time dependent values for storage and loss modulus. The glass transition temperature of the resulting coating is determined, too. Furthermore, sol–gel-analysis is performed to determine the degree of crosslinking. After application on steel and aluminium panels, application tests are performed. In addition to excellent adhesion to the substrate, the polymer network shows promising mechanical properties and with that it could represent a new technology for the coatings industry.
“Pay to Play” in the German Book Trade?
Authors: Norrick-Rühl Corinna , Peter Christian Alexander , Schüler Lena
Published: April 2021

This paper considers the success of the thrillerDer neunte Arm des Oktopus(transl.:The Ninth Arm of the Octopus, Cologne: Bastei Lübbe, November 2020) by German drugstore magnate Dirk Rossmann. Certain elements of brand-name authorship are applicable here, but the market power of Rossmann goes far beyond name recognition. Beyond the typical marketing for a ‘big book’ in the sense of contemporary trade publishing, Rossmann flooded the campaign with his own funds. This contribution approaches an unlikely case study through a trilateral interdisciplinary perspective (book studies, economics, law), underlining the unequal footing on which books enter the market.
Time to find out what Brexit really means
Authors: Menon Anand , Bevington Matthew
Published: April 2021

Brexit is done. Yet there remain more questions than answers. A new relationship has been established, but the functioning of the two new treaties in practice remains uncertain. The EU remains a contentious issue in UK politics and will continue to hang over political debates, especially in Scotland. The UK and EU have to define a new relationship with a political interest in seeing the other fail. Ultimately, what Brexit is likely to mean is more Brexit, both in terms of ongoing UK-EU conflicts and in deep divisions over the EU in UK politics.
Shallow Water Bathymetry Mapping of Xinji Island Based on Multispectral Satellite Image using Deep Learning
Authors: Wan Jiaxin , Ma Yi
Published: April 2021

Nearshore bathymetry is a basic parameter of the ocean, which is crucial to the research and management of coastal zones. Previous studies have demonstrated that remote sensing techniques can be employed in estimating bathymetric information. In this paper, we propose a deep belief network with data perturbation (DBN-DP) algorithm for shallow water depth inversion from high resolution multispectral data, and applying it in Xinji Island of Malacca Strait and Yongxing Island in China. Results show that the DBN-DP method can produce more accurate water depth estimations than other traditional methods particularly for deeper water, which reaches 1.2 m of mean absolute error (MAE) and 12.8% of mean relative error (MRE) in Xinji Island. Most of the estimated bathymetry meet the category of zone of confidence C level defined by the International Hydrographic Organization. These findings are encouraging for employing deep learning in bathymetry, which may become a novel approach for bathymetric inversion in the future.
Assessing data-scarce contaminated groundwater sites surrounding petrochemical industries
Authors: Radelyuk Ivan , Naseri-Rad Mehran , Hashemi Hossein , Persson Magnus , Berndtsson Ronny , Yelubay Madeniyet , Tussupova Kamshat
Published: April 2021

A common problem when studying groundwater contamination in low-income countries is that data required for a detailed risk assessment are limited. This study presents a method for assessment of the potential impact of groundwater contamination by total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in a data-scarce region. Groundwater modeling, using the MODFLOW, was used to simulate regional-scale flow pattern. Then, a semi-analytical contamination transport model was calibrated by minimization of the absolute errors between measured and modeled concentrations. The method was applied to a case study in Kazakhstan to assess the potential spreading of a TPH plume, based on historical observations. The limited data included general information about the local geology, observations of GW level in the area, and concentrations during 5 years of TPH in monitoring wells surrounding the source of the pollution. The results show that the plume could spread up to 2–6 km from the source, depending on estimate of the initial concentrations, until the concentration reaches permissible levels. Sensitivity analysis identified parameters of longitudinal and transverse dynamic dispersivity together with the plume of TPH spreading, as the priority subjects for future investigations. The proposed approach can be used as a tool for governmental and municipal decision-makers to better plan the usage of affected groundwater sites in data-scarce regions. It can also help to decrease the negative impact of contaminated GW on human health and to better manage the industrial pollution.