bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regularities of Structural Rearrangements in Single- and Bicrystals Near the Contact Zone
Authors: Zolnikov Konstantin P. , Kryzhevich Dmitrij S. , Korchuganov Aleksandr V.
Published: November 2020

The chapter is devoted to the analysis of the features of local structural rearrangementsin nanostructured materialsunder shear loadingand nanoindentation. The study was carried out using molecular dynamics-based computer simulation. In particular, we investigated the features of symmetric tilt grain boundary migration in bcc and fcc metals under shear loading. The main emphasis was on identifying atomic mechanisms responsible for the migration of symmetric tilt grain boundaries. We revealed that grain boundaries of this type can move with abnormally high velocities up to several hundred meters per second. The grain boundary velocity depends on the shear rate and grain boundary structure. It is important to note that the migration of grain boundary does not lead to the formation of structural defects. We showed that grain boundary moves in a pronounced jump-like manner as a result of a certain sequence of self-consistent displacements of grain boundary atomic planes and adjacent planes. The number of atomic planes involved in the migration process depends on the structure of the grain boundary. In the case of bcc vanadium, five planes participate in the migration of the Σ5(210)[001] grain boundary, and three planes determine the Σ5(310)[001] grain boundary motion. The Σ5(310)[001] grain boundary in fcc nickel moves as a result of rearrangements of six atomic planes. The stacking order of atomic planes participating in the grain boundary migration can change. A jump-like manner of grain boundary motion may be divided into two stages. The first stage is a long time interval of stress increase during shear loading. The grain boundary is motionless during this period and accumulates elastic strain energy. This is followed by the stage of jump-like grain boundary motion, which results in rapid stress drop. The related study was focused on understanding the atomic rearrangements responsible for the nucleation of plasticity near different crystallographic surfaces of fcc and bcc metals under nanoindentation. We showed that a wedge-shaped region, which consists of atoms with a changed symmetry of the nearest environment, is formed under the indentation of the (001) surface of the copper crystallite. Stacking faults arise in the (111) atomic planes of the contact zone under the indentation of the (011) surface. Their escape on the side free surface leads to a step formation. Indentation of the (111) surface is accompanied by nucleation of partial dislocations in the contact zone subsequent formation of nanotwins. The results of the nanoindentation of bcc iron bicrystal show that the grain boundary prevents the propagation of structural defects nucleated in the contact zone into the neighboring grain.
Fault Sliding Modes—Governing, Evolution and Transformation
Authors: Kocharyan Gevorg G. , Ostapchuk Alexey A. , Pavlov Dmitry V.
Published: November 2020

A brief summary of fundamental results obtained in the IDG RAS on the mechanics of sliding along faults and fractures is presented. Conditions of emergence of different sliding regimes, and regularities of their evolution were investigated in the laboratory, as well as in numerical and field experiments. All possible sliding regimes were realized in the laboratory, from creep to dynamic failure. Experiments on triggering the contact zone have demonstrated that even a weak external disturbance can cause failure of a “prepared” contact. It was experimentally proven that even small variations of the percentage of materials exhibiting velocity strengthening and velocity weakening in the fault principal slip zone may result in a significant variation of the share of seismic energy radiated during a fault slip event. The obtained results lead to the conclusion that the radiation efficiency of an earthquake and the fault slip mode are governed by the ratio of two parameters—the rate of decrease of resistance to shear along the fault and the shear stiffness of the enclosing massif. The ideas developed were used to determine the principal possibility to artificially transform the slidding regime of a section of a fault into a slow deformation mode with a low share of seismic wave radiation.
Multilayer Modelling of Lubricated Contacts: A New Approach Based on a Potential Field Description
Authors: Scholle Markus , Mellmann Marcel , Gaskell Philip H. , Westerkamp Lena , Marner Florian
Published: November 2020

A first integral approach, derived in an analogous fashion to Maxwell’s use of potential fields, is employed to investigate the flow characteristics, with a view to minimising friction, of shear-driven fluid motion between rigid surfaces in parallel alignment as a model for a lubricated joint, whether naturally occurring or engineered replacement. For a viscous bilayer arrangement comprised of immiscible liquids, it is shown how the flow and the shear stress along the separating interface is influenced by the mean thickness of the layers and the ratio of their respective viscosities. Considered in addition, is how the method can be extended for application to the more challenging problem of when one, or both, of the layers is a viscoelastic material.
Formation of a Nanostructured Hardened Surface Layer on the TiC-(Ni-Cr) Metal-Ceramic Alloy by Pulsed Electron-Beam Irradiation
Authors: Ovcharenko Vladimir E. , Ivanov Konstantin V. , Yu Bao Hai
Published: November 2020

The efficiency and service life of products made from metal-ceramic tool alloys and used as cutting tools and friction units are determined by a combination of physical and strength properties of their surface layers with a thickness of up to 200 μm. Therefore, much attention is paid to their improvement at the present time. An effective way to increase the operational properties of the metal-ceramic alloy products is to modify the structure and the phase composition of the surface layers by forming multi-scale internal structures with a high proportion of low-dimensional (submicro and nano) components. For this purpose, surfaces are treated with concentrated energy fluxes. Pulse electron-beam irradiation (PEBI) in an inert gas plasma is one of the most effective methods. This chapter presents results of theoretical and experimental studies of this process. An example is the nanostructured hardened surface layer on the TiC-(Ni-Cr) metal-ceramic alloy (ratio of components 50:50) formed by PEBI in the plasma of argon, krypton, and xenon. Its multi-level structure, phase composition, as well as tribological and strength properties are shown.
Adhesion of a Thin Soft Matter Layer: The Role of Surface Tension
Authors: Popov Valentin L.
Published: November 2020

We consider an adhesive contact between a thin soft layer on a rigid substrate and a rigid cylindrical indenter (“line contact”) taking the surface tension of the layer into account. First, it is shown that the boundary condition for the surface outside the contact area is given by the constant contact angle—as in the case of fluids in contact with solid surfaces. In the approximation of thin layer and under usual assumptions of small indentation and small inclination angles of the surface, the problem is solved analytically. In the case of a non-adhesive contact, surface tension makes the contact stiffer (at the given indentation depth, the contact half-width becomes smaller and the indentation force larger). In the case of adhesive contact, the influence of surface tension seems to be more complicated: For a flat-ended punch, it increases with increasing the surface tension, while for a wedge, it decreases. Thus, the influence of the surface tension on the adhesion force seems to be dependent on the particular geometry of the contacting bodies.
Theoretical Study of Physico-mechanical Response of Permeable Fluid-Saturated Materials Under Complex Loading Based on the Hybrid Cellular Automaton Method
Authors: Dimaki Andrey V. , Shilko Evgeny V.
Published: November 2020

We give a brief description of the results obtained by Prof. Sergey G. Psakhie and his colleagues in the field of theoretical studies of mechanical response, including fracture, of permeable fluid-saturated materials. Such materials represent complex systems of interacting solid and liquid phases. Mechanical response of such a medium is determined by processes taking place in each phase as well as their interaction. This raised a need of developing a new theoretical approach of simulation of such media—the method of hybrid cellular automaton that allowed describing stress-strain fields in solid skeleton, transfer of a fluid in crack-pore volume and influence of fluid pressure on the stress state of the solid phase. The new method allowed theoretical estimation of strength of liquid-filled permeable geomaterials under complex loading conditions. Governing parameters controlling strength of samples under uniaxial loading and shear in confined conditions were identified.
Seeing What Lies in Front of Your Eyes: Understanding and Insight in Teaching and Research
Authors: Popova Elena , Popov Valentin L. , Filippov Alexander E.
Published: November 2020

Inthepresent paper, we considered the phenomena of understanding and discoveries (as a sort of “social understanding”) and found that the empirical properties of these phenomena (the critical character and emerging of a new property) have much in common with first-order phase transitions. From this point of view, we discuss both the process of understanding and discoveries and the reasons impeding “seeing what lies in front of our eyes”. In our opinion, these ideas can be further studied on the same phenomenological basis, without detailed understanding of the underlying neuronal mechanisms.
Abstract Methods on Mesoscopic Scales of Friction
Authors: Ostermeyer Georg-Peter , Krumm Andreas
Published: November 2020

In recent years, research has increasingly focused on the complex processes involved in friction contacts. Especially in tribological high-loaded contacts, characterized by the presence of contact modifying wear particles, macroscopic friction shows a surprisingly high dynamic complexity on many temporal and local scales. There are dominant effects on mesoscopic scales such as the geometric self-organization structures of the wear dust in the contact, which can significantly change the local contact surfaces. For the description and simulation of these phenomena, abstract methods have shown their effectiveness. One class of methods are cellular automata, both volume- and particle-based. The latter are in particular the Movable Cellular Automata developed by Sergey Psakhie. The scales of these discrete methods are freely selectable in wide ranges between the macro world and the atomic scale. Nevertheless, they provide reliable information on mesoscopic balances in the boundary layer and thus also on the macroscopic behavior of the tribocontact. The success of these methods is shown by the example of an automotive brake. The question of the relative insensitivity of the scales of these mesoscopic methods is examined in detail.
The Impact of the Maternal Sepsis Intervention
Authors: Ackers Louise , Ackers-Johnson Gavin , Welsh Joanne , Kibombo Daniel , Opio Samuel
Published: November 2020

This chapter presents data on maternal mortality in Uganda and the contribution that sepsis makes to mortality. Against this backdrop, it identifies key outcomes of the intervention including major improvements in maternal mortality and reductions in the length of patient stays, readmission rates and hospital expenditure.
Infection Prevention Control (IPC) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Authors: Ackers Louise , Ackers-Johnson Gavin , Welsh Joanne , Kibombo Daniel , Opio Samuel
Published: November 2020

This chapter outlines a key component of improved AMR; namely infection prevention control (IPC). It addresses some of the issues most commonly associated with IPC including hand hygiene, waste disposal and infrastructure. It then addresses wound management as an Infection Control issue. The emergence of wound management as a central focus in the Maternal Sepsis Intervention proved pivotal in shaping the pathway to antimicrobial stewardship.
Conclusions: Capturing, Sustaining, Spreading and Researching Change
Authors: Ackers Louise , Ackers-Johnson Gavin , Welsh Joanne , Kibombo Daniel , Opio Samuel
Published: November 2020

This chapter summarises the overall impacts of the Maternal Sepsis Intervention reflecting on the processes of capturing, sustaining and spreading best practice in antimicrobial stewardship. It argues that sustainability is achievable when an intervention reduces hospital costs and, in such cases, the responsibility or sustainability rests with LMIC institutions. Key barriers to sustainability include supply chain weaknesses and human resource limitations. The chapter recommends the use of Public–Private Partnerships to help to overcome these barriers.
Building bases of loop integrands
Authors: Bourjaily Jacob L. , Herrmann Enrico , Langer Cameron , Trnka Jaroslav
Published: November 2020

Abstract

We describe a systematic approach to the construction of loop-integrand bases at arbitrary loop-order, sufficient for the representation of general quantum field theories. We provide a graph-theoretic definition of ‘power-counting’ for multi-loop integrands beyond the planar limit, and show how this can be used to organize bases according to ultraviolet behavior. This allows amplitude integrands to be constructed iteratively. We illustrate these ideas with concrete applications. In particular, we describe complete integrand bases at two loops sufficient to represent arbitrary-multiplicity amplitudes in four (or fewer) dimensions in any massless quantum field theory with the ultraviolet behavior of the Standard Model or better. We also comment on possible extensions of our framework to arbitrary (including regulated) numbers of dimensions, and to theories with arbitrary mass spectra and charges. At three loops, we describe a basis sufficient to capture all ‘leading-(transcendental-)weight’ contributions of any four-dimensional quantum theory; for maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory, this basis should be sufficient to represent all scattering amplitude integrands in the theory — for generic helicities and arbitrary multiplicity.
A novel algorithm for nested summation and hypergeometric expansions
Authors: McLeod Andrew J. , Munch Henrik Jessen , Papathanasiou Georgios , von Hippel Matt
Published: November 2020

Abstract

We consider a class of sums over products of Z-sums whose arguments differ by a symbolic integer. Such sums appear, for instance, in the expansion of Gauss hypergeometric functions around integer indices that depend on a symbolic parameter. We present a telescopic algorithm for efficiently converting these sums into generalized polylogarithms, Z-sums, and cyclotomic harmonic sums for generic values of this parameter. This algorithm is illustrated by computing the double pentaladder integrals through ten loops, and a family of massive self-energy diagrams through $$ \mathcal{O}\left({\epsilon}^6\right) $$
O

ϵ
6

in dimensional regularization. We also outline the general telescopic strategy of this algorithm, which we anticipate can be applied to other classes of sums.
T2-Pseudonormalization and Microstructural Characterization in Advanced Stages of Late-infantile Metachromatic Leukodystrophy
Authors: Martin Pascal , Hagberg Gisela E. , Schultz Thomas , Harzer Klaus , Klose Uwe , Bender Benjamin , Nägele Thomas , Scheffler Klaus , Krägeloh-Mann Ingeborg , Groeschel Samuel
Published: November 2020

Purpose

T2-weighted signal hyperintensities in white matter (WM) are a diagnostic finding in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD). In our systematic investigation of the evolution of T2-hyperintensities in patients with the late-infantile form, we describe and characterize T2-pseudonormalization in the advanced stage of the natural disease course.

Methods

The volume of T2-hyperintensities was quantified in 34 MRIs of 27 children with late-infantile MLD (median age 2.25 years, range 0.5–5.2 years). In three children with the most advanced clinical course (age >4 years) and for whom the T2-pseudonormalization was the most pronounced, WM microstructure was investigated using a multimodal MRI protocol, including diffusion-weighted imaging, MR spectroscopy (MRS), myelin water fraction (MWF), magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), T1-mapping and quantitative susceptibility mapping.

Results

T2-hyperintensities in cerebral WM returned to normal in large areas of 3 patients in the advanced disease stage. Multimodal assessment of WM microstructure in areas with T2-pseudonormalization revealed highly decreased values for NAA, neurite density, isotropic water, mean and radial kurtosis, MWF and MTR, as well as increased radial diffusivity.

Conclusion

In late-infantile MLD patients, we found T2-pseudonormalization in WM tissue with highly abnormal microstructure characterizing the most advanced disease stage. Pathological hallmarks might be a loss of myelin, but also neuronal loss as well as increased tissue density due to gliosis and accumulated storage material. These results suggest that a multimodal MRI protocol using more specific microstructural parameters than T2-weighted sequences should be used when evaluating the effect of treatment trials in MLD.
Arrhythmias related to antipsychotics and antidepressants: an analysis of the summaries of product characteristics of original products approved in Germany
Authors: Elsayed Mohamed , Abdel-kahaar Emaad , Gahr Maximilian , Connemann Bernhard J. , Denkinger Michael , Schönfeldt-Lecuona Carlos
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Most psychiatric drugs, such as antidepressants (AD) and antipsychotics (AP), may cause cardiac adverse events (CAE). We used summaries of product characteristics (SmPC) for assessing the likelihood of AD and AP to cause CAE.

Methods

We identified all original medicinal products (OMP) of AD and AP approved in Germany. We searched for their SmPCs using the online services of PharmaNet.Bund, Gelbe liste®, Rote Liste®, Fachinfo-Service®, and via manufacturer contact. We extracted frequencies of reported CAE (QT prolongation, Torsade de Pointes tachycardia, and ventricular arrhythmia) and performed a risk assessment.

Results

We obtained the SmPCs of 24 AD and 26 AP identified as OMP. Comparably high reported frequencies regarding QT prolongation were found for Invega® (paliperidone), Serdolect® (sertindole) (≥ 1/100 and < 1/10), and Zoloft® (sertraline) (≥ 1/10.000 and < 1/1000); regarding Torsade de Pointes tachycardia were found for Serdolect® (≥ 1/1000 to < 1/100), Zoloft®, and Trevilor® (venlafaxine) (≥ 1/10.000 and < 1/1000); regarding ventricular tachycardia for Solian® (amisulpride), Xomolix® (droperidol), Zyprexa® (olanzapine), and Trevilor® (≥ 1/10.000 and < 1/1000).

Conclusion

The risk and frequency of CAE, as reported in the SmPCs, varied significantly among substances and between groups. There are more reports for AP than AD. The AP with the most frequently reported CAE (QT prolongation and Torsade de Pointes tachycardia) was Serdolect®; for AD, Zoloft® (QT prolongation, Torsade de Pointes tachycardia) and Trevilor® (Torsade de Pointes tachycardia and ventricular tachycardia) carried a higher cardiac risk.
Video‐Assisted Thoracoscopic Sleeve Lobectomy for Centrally Located Non‐small Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Deng Han‐Yu , Qiu Xiao‐Ming , Zhu Da‐Xing , Tang Xiaojun , Zhou Qinghua
Published: November 2020

Background

Whether video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) sleeve lobectomy could be an alternative to traditional thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy in treating centrally located non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted the first meta‐analysis to compare the effects of VATS sleeve lobectomy with thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy.

Methods

We systematically searched relevant studies from Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science on May 12, 2020. Data for analysis included short‐term outcomes (blood loss, lymph node dissected, operation time, hospital stay, complications) and long‐term outcomes (3‐year overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) rates). We calculated the weighted mean differences (WMDs) for continuous data and risk ratio (RR) for pooling categorical data.

Results

We finally included 5 retrospective cohort study consisting of 436 patients. VATS sleeve lobectomy yielded significantly less blood loss (WMD =  −37.83; 95% confidence intervals (CIs) = [−58.56, −17.11]; P < 0.001) than thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy and comparable total number of dissected lymph node to thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy (WMD =  − 0.07; 95%CI = [−1.14, 0.99]; P = 0.89). However, VATS sleeve lobectomy consumed significantly more operation time than thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy (WMD = 49.00; 95%CI = [14.67, 83.34]; P = 0.005). VATS sleeve lobectomy yielded significantly less postoperative hospital stay time than thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy (WMD =   −1.68; 95%CI = [−2.98, −0.39]; P = 0.011) and comparable postoperative complication rate to thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy (RR = 0.84; 95%CI = [0.49, 1.44]; P = 0.52). Moreover, VATS sleeve lobectomy yielded comparable 3‐year OS (RR = 1.08; 95%CI = [0.95, 1.22]; P = 0.23) and PFS (RR = 1.15; 95%CI = [0.96, 1.37]; P = 0.13) rates to thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy. No significant heterogeneities were observed.

Conclusions

VATS sleeve lobectomy yielded less surgical trauma than thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy and improved postoperative recovery without compromising oncological prognosis. Even though VATS sleeve lobectomy may consume more operation time, it could be recommended as an alternative to thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy for treating centrally located NSCLC in carefully selected cases.
Correction to: Urine collection methods and dipstick testing in non-toilet-trained children
Authors: Diviney James , Jaswon Mervyn S.
Published: November 2020

The original version of the letter unfortunately contained a mistake. The catheterisation cost cited in the paper should be £49.39 instead of £25.98. The corrected paragraph is shown below. The original article was corrected.
Bedeutung von Komorbiditäten bei der idiopathischen Lungenfibrose
Authors: Polke Markus , Kreuter Michael
Published: November 2020

Komorbiditäten der idiopathischen Lungenfibrose (IPF) sind sehr häufig und zumeist mit einer verschlechterten Lebensqualität und Prognose der Patienten verbunden. Vor allem pulmonale Hypertonie, chronische obstruktive Lungenerkrankung/Lungenemphysem, Lungenkarzinom und die koronare Herzerkrankung sind prognostisch relevant. Während Mikroaspirationen zwar als möglicher Auslöser und Progressionsfaktor einer IPF diskutiert werden, ist die Refluxerkrankung jedoch mit einer besseren Prognose assoziiert. Die Ursachen hierfür sind noch unklar, möglicherweise handelt es sich um einen „lead time bias“ oder einen Therapieeffekt des Refluxes; allerdings spricht die aktuelle Datenlage gegen einen solchen Zusammenhang für antazide Medikamente. Das Risiko ein Lungenkarzinom zu entwickeln, ist bei IPF signifikant höher im Vergleich zur Normalbevölkerung und die zweithäufigste respiratorische Todesursache bei der IPF. Eine Therapie des nicht-kleinzelligen Bronchialkarzinoms (NSCLC) ist jedoch nur im frühen Stadium der IPF mit einem verbesserten Outcome assoziiert, in anderen Fällen allerdings mit einem sehr hohen periinterventionellen Risiko. Bisherige Daten suggerieren, dass ein Screening auf Komorbiditäten und deren konsequente Therapie zu einer verbesserten Lebensqualität und Prognose der chronisch erkrankten IPF-Patienten führen könnten.
Patients’ quality of life improves after surgical intervention of stage III medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw
Authors: Moll Stefan , Mueller Steffen , Meier Johannes K. , Reichert Torsten E. , Ettl Tobias , Klingelhöffer Christoph
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The treatment of advanced stages of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) remains challenging. In order to improve decision making concerning the therapy, we examined the change of patients’ quality of life (QoL) after surgical treatment of MRONJ stage III.

Method

The primary outcome variable was patients’ QoL. It was preoperative (T0), 6 weeks postoperative (T1) and 6 months postoperative (T2) assessed by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL-H&N35 (EORTC QoL-H&N35) and the Oral Health Impact Factor-G14 (OHIP-G14) questionnaire in a prospective cohort study. Other variables included location, age, sex, risk factors, and recurrence. Descriptive statistics and general multivariate regression models were calculated.

Results

Forty-three patients with stage III MRONJ underwent surgery. OHIP-G14 scores decreased (improvement) statistically significant (p = .001) by 52.02% (T0-T1) and 56.45% (T1–T2). EORTC QoL-H&N35 showed statistical improvement for “swallowing” (p = .007), “opening mouth” (p = .045), “painkiller” (.005), “weight loss” (.004), “pain” (p = .001), “trouble with social eating” (p = .001), “trouble with social contact” (p = .001), and “teeth” (p = .001). Patients who developed a recurrence did not show any significant higher (worse) scores in OHIP G14 or EORTC QoL-H&N35 scores compared with patients without recurrence. Twenty-nine out of 36 patients showed full mucosal healing (T2). For patients with no full mucosal healing, a downgrade to stage I was achieved.

Conclusion

In terms of QoL patients with stage III MRONJ do benefit from surgical treatment. The incident of a recurrence seems to have no significant impact on patients QoL.
Hernia width explains differences in outcomes between primary and incisional hernias: a prospective cohort study of 9159 patients
Authors:   The Hernia-Club Members, Verstoep L. , de Smet G. H. J. , Sneiders D. , Kroese L. F. , Kleinrensink G.-J. , Lange J. F. , Gillion J.-F.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Data on primary (PH) and incisional hernias (IH) are often pooled, even though several studies have illustrated that these are different entities with worse outcomes for IHs. The aim of this study is to validate previous research comparing PHs and IHs and to examine whether hernia width is an important contributor to the differences between these hernia types.

Methods

A registry-based, prospective cohort study was performed, utilizing the French Hernia Club database. All patients undergoing PH or IH repair between September 8th 2011 and May 22nd 2019 were included. Baseline, hernia and surgical characteristics, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Outcomes were analyzed per width category (≤ 2 cm, 3–4 cm, 5–10 cm and > 10 cm).

Results

A total of 9159 patients were included, of whom 4965 (54%) had PH and 4194 (46%) had IH. PHs and IHs differed significantly in 12/15 baseline characteristics, 9/10 hernia and surgical characteristics, and all outcomes. Overall, complications and re-interventions were more common in patients with IH. After correcting for width, the differences between PH and IH were no longer significant, except for medical complications, which were more common after IH repair compared to PH.

Conclusion

After correcting for hernia width, most outcomes do not significantly differ between PH and IH, indicating that not hernia type, but hernia width is an important factor contributing to the differences between PH and IH.
Correction to: Combining anterior and posterior component separation for extreme cases of abdominal wall reconstruction
Authors: Lopez-Monclus J. , Muñoz-Rodríguez J. , San Miguel C. , Robin A. , Blazquez L. A. , Pérez-Flecha M. , Rupealta N. , Garcia-Urena M. A.
Published: November 2020

The original article can be found online.
Attribute-based encryption and sticky policies for data access control in a smart home scenario: a comparison on networked smart object middleware
Authors: Sicari Sabrina , Rizzardi Alessandra , Dini Gianluca , Perazzo Pericle , La Manna Michele , Coen-Porisini Alberto
Published: November 2020

Regulating the access to the Internet of Things (IoT) network’s resources is a complex-prone task, which requires to pay a great attention on how policies are defined, shared, and enforced. The present paper considers the specific context of a smart home, which represents one of the main IoT application domains, and it focuses on two solutions proposed in the literature to cope with the aforementioned issues. On the one side, approaches based on attribute-based encryption (ABE) allow one to encrypt data for multiple recipients, in such a way that only those recipients whose attributes satisfy a given access policy can decrypt afterward. ABE guarantees a high level of customization due to the variety of attributes which can be defined, and it is also flexible enough to be adapted to different kinds of scenarios. On the other side, approaches based on sticky policies allow to attach an access policy directly to the data itself, and to employ a trusted authority to evaluate and enforce the policy itself. Sticky policies also guarantee a highly distributed and customizable enforcement of access control rules. In this paper, we compare the advantages and the drawbacks in terms of performance and robustness of such two techniques by means of their integration within the prototype of an IoT middleware, named networked smart object. Hence, the effectiveness of the presented solutions is validated by means of a real test-bed in the smart home scenario, in terms of storage occupancy, CPU load, and data retrieval delay. The final goal is to reveal the best approach to be used depending on the application’s requirements.
No Evidence of Coronaviruses or Other Potentially Zoonotic Viruses in Sunda pangolins (Manis javanica) Entering the Wildlife Trade via Malaysia
Authors: Lee Jimmy , Hughes Tom , Lee Mei-Ho , Field Hume , Rovie-Ryan Jeffrine Japning , Sitam Frankie Thomas , Sipangkui Symphorosa , Nathan Senthilvel K. S. S. , Ramirez Diana , Kumar Subbiah Vijay , Lasimbang Helen , Epstein Jonathan H. , Daszak Peter
Published: November 2020

The legal and illegal trade in wildlife for food, medicine and other products is a globally significant threat to biodiversity that is also responsible for the emergence of pathogens that threaten human and livestock health and our global economy. Trade in wildlife likely played a role in the origin of COVID-19, and viruses closely related to SARS-CoV-2 have been identified in bats and pangolins, both traded widely. To investigate the possible role of pangolins as a source of potential zoonoses, we collected throat and rectal swabs from 334 Sunda pangolins (Manis javanica) confiscated in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah between August 2009 and March 2019. Total nucleic acid was extracted for viral molecular screening using conventional PCR protocols used to routinely identify known and novel viruses in extensive prior sampling (> 50,000 mammals). No sample yielded a positive PCR result for any of the targeted viral families—Coronaviridae, Filoviridae, Flaviviridae, Orthomyxoviridae and Paramyxoviridae. In the light of recent reports of coronaviruses including a SARS-CoV-2-related virus in Sunda pangolins in China, the lack of any coronavirus detection in our ‘upstream’ market chain samples suggests that these detections in ‘downstream’ animals more plausibly reflect exposure to infected humans, wildlife or other animals within the wildlife trade network. While confirmatory serologic studies are needed, it is likely that Sunda pangolins are incidental hosts of coronaviruses. Our findings further support the importance of ending the trade in wildlife globally.
Left ventricular strain values using 3D speckle-tracking echocardiography in healthy adults aged 20 to 72 years
Authors: Mutluer Ferit Onur , Bowen Daniel J. , van Grootel Roderick W. J. , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W. , Van den Bosch Annemien E.
Published: November 2020

Three dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D-STE) is a novel modality for the assessment of left ventricular strain (LVS). The aim of our study is to provide single vendor normative strain values measured with 3D-STE in healthy adult caucasians. One hundred fifty-five healthy subjects aged 20 to 72 years (≥ 28 subjects per decile) were prospectively included and examined with 2D and 3D transthoracic echocardiography. In 105 both 3D and 2D-STE were feasible (71%, mean age 44 ± 14 years, 51% female). Mean 3D tangential strain (3D-TS) was − 32 ± 2.9%. 3D global longitudinal strain (3D-GLS) demonstrated a significant but not very strong correlation with 2D-GLS values (− 19.7 ± 1.8% vs − 20.4 ± 2.2%, r = 0.462, p < 0.001). No gender difference was observed in 3D strain parameters. 3D-GLS decreased with increasing age stratum (p = 0.024). LVEF was associated with 3D-TS and 3D-GLS (r =  − 0.819, p ≤ 0.001 for 3D-TS, p =  − 0.477, r < 0.001, p = 0.001 for 3D-GLS). In this single vendor study age and gender-specific normative LV 3D-TS values were reported for healthy adult caucasians. In a significant proportion of the subjects 3D-STE was not feasible, but when feasible, 3D-STE shows excellent association with LVEF, and is therefore a promising novel modality for the assessment of the myocardial function, provided that issues of limited feasibility and temporal resolution are addressed.
Inferentialism, Context-Shifting and Background Assumptions
Authors: Kaluziński Bartosz
Published: November 2020

In this paper I present how the normative inferentialist can make the distinction between sentence meaning and content of the utterance. The inferentialist can understand sentence meaning as a role conferred to that sentence by the rules governing inferential transitions and content of the utterance as just a part of sentence meaning. I attempt to show how such a framework can account for prominent scenarios presented by contextualists as a challenge to semantic minimalism/literalism. I argue that inferentialism can address contextualist challenges in a simple and effective manner by understanding sentence meaning as broad, but invariant.
Women’s Empowerment and Infant and Child Health Status in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review
Authors: Abreha Solomon Kibret , Zereyesus Yacob Abrehe
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Although many studies have examined the relationship between women’s empowerment and a wide range of health outcomes, the extent to which the different dimensions of empowerment influence children’s health, and through which mechanisms and in what contexts, is limited in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this review is to systematically assess and examine studies that investigated the association between women’s empowerment and children’s health status in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

A systematic review of the published literature is searched through PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus databases focusing on different measures of women’s empowerment and children’s health outcomes. Inclusion criteria in the review are studies that are published in English; full and original articles; studies measuring at least one dimension of women’s empowerment and children’s health outcomes; and Sub-Saharan African context. Studies included in this review are articles published between the year 2000 and 2019. Studies were excluded if the source was a letter, editorial, review, commentary, abstracts without providing full information about the study.

Results

Initially 4718 citations were identified. Finally, 15 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. In general, the evidence suggests that women’s empowerment at the household level is positively and statistically significantly associated with better children’s health outcomes in sub-Saharan African countries. The review also reveals that women’s decision-making power or autonomy is the most common measure of women’s empowerment employed by many studies.

Conclusions

Future related studies would benefit by incorporating additional aspects of women's empowerment and child health outcomes.
How to Resolve Comte’s Challenge: The Answer of Cognitive Neuroscience and the Neo-Aristotelian Alternative
Authors: Smit Harry
Published: November 2020

Comte argued against the Cartesian conception of the mind that the thinker cannot simultaneously think or perceive and observe itself so doing. Based on insights from cognitive neuroscience, Dehaene has recently given a contemporary answer to Comte’s challenge. He has extended some ideas of Helmholtz on unconscious inferences and argued that we can resolve Comte’s problem by reformulating it in terms of the brain. Since the brain consists of different parts having different functions, it is possible that some parts are involved in observing (they unconsciously process information) while other parts integrate the received information resulting in conscious experiences to which we have access. Dehaene’s answer is criticized and the alternative neo-Aristotelian resolution of Comte’s challenge is discussed. Explanations of blindsight are used to illustrate the differences between the two responses to Comte’s challenge.
God and the Girl
Authors: Gaultier Benoit
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Imagine you are an agnostic who wants to maximise your chances of getting the right answer to the question whether God exists. I show that theism and atheism are not on an epistemic par with one another because, under certain possible epistemically neutral conditions, the rational thing for you to do from a purely epistemic point of view would be to bet on the atheist’s judgement that God doesn’t exist rather than on the theist’s judgement that God does exist.
Die Corona-Pandemie – eine Katastrophe mit Sprengkraft
Authors: Dörre Klaus
Published: November 2020

Die Corona-Pandemie ist eine medizinische Katastrophe, die sich auf eigentümliche Weise mit einer epochalen ökonomisch-ökologischen Zangenkrise verbindet – so lautet die Kernthese des Beitrages. COVID-19 wird als „äußerer Stoß“ definiert, dem eine tiefe Rezession folgt. Sieht man von der natürlichen Virenmutation ab, lassen sich Pandemie, Rezession und Zangenkrise als unterscheidbare Repulsionen einer Hyperglobalisierung verstehen, die sukzessive ihre eigenen Voraussetzungen untergräbt. Ohne den Finanzcrash von 2007 bis 2009, das politische Interregnum der Nachkrisenjahre und die Tendenz zu bonapartistischen Demokratien lässt sich die neuerliche Zäsur nicht begreifen. Spontan führt die Corona-Krise keineswegs zu einem „build back better“. Der Staat des Ausnahmezustands ist zu solchen Weichenstellungen kaum in der Lage. Stattdessen wächst die Gefahr, dass harte Verteilungskämpfe, zunehmende Ungleichheit und Entsolidarisierung eine Nachhaltigkeitswende zusätzlich erschweren.
A deep q-learning-based optimization of the inventory control in a linear process chain
Authors: Dittrich M.-A. , Fohlmeister S.
Published: November 2020

Due to growing globalized markets and the resulting globalization of production networks across different companies, inventory and order optimization is becoming increasingly important in the context of process chains. Thus, an adaptive and continuously self-optimizing inventory control on a global level is necessary to overcome the resulting challenges. Advances in sensor and communication technology allow companies to realize a global data exchange to achieve a holistic inventory control. Based on deep q-learning, a method for a self-optimizing inventory control is developed. Here, the decision process is based on an artificial neural network. Its input is modeled as a state vector that describes the current stocks and orders within the process chain. The output represents a control vector that controls orders for each individual station. Furthermore, a reward function, which is based on the resulting storage and late order costs, is implemented for simulations-based decision optimization. One of the main challenges of implementing deep q-learning is the hyperparameter optimization for the training process, which is investigated in this paper. The results show a significant sensitivity for the leaning rateαand the exploration rateε. Based on optimized hyperparameters, the potential of the developed methodology could be shown by significantly reducing the total costs compared to the initial state and by achieving stable control behavior for a process chain containing up to 10 stations.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis After Exposure to Manganese from Traditional Medicine Procedures in Kenya
Authors: Roos Elin , Wärmländer Sebastian K.T.S. , Meyer Jeremy , Sholts Sabrina B. , Jarvet Jüri , Gräslund Astrid , Roos Per M
Published: November 2020

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor neuron loss and widespread muscular atrophy. Despite intensive investigations on genetic and environmental factors, the cause of ALS remains unknown. Recent data suggest a role for metal exposures in ALS causation. In this study we present a patient who developed ALS after a traditional medical procedure in Kenya. The procedure involved insertion of a black metal powder into several subcutaneous cuts in the lower back. Four months later, general muscle weakness developed. Clinical and electrophysiological examinations detected widespread denervation consistent with ALS. The patient died from respiratory failure less than a year after the procedure. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses identified the black powder as potassium permanganate (KMnO4). A causative relationship between the systemic exposure to KMnO4 and ALS development can be suspected, especially as manganese is a well-known neurotoxicant previously found to be elevated in cerebrospinal fluid from ALS patients. Manganese neurotoxicity and exposure routes conveying this toxicity deserve further attention.
An Integrated Geohydrology and Geomorphology Based Subsurface Solid Modelling for Site Suitability of Artificial Groundwater Recharge: Bhalki Micro-watershed, Karnataka
Authors: Charan Vasala Sai , Jyothi B. Naga , Saha Rajarshi , Wankhede Tushar , Das I. C. , Venkatesh J.
Published: November 2020

The groundwater resources of basaltic terrains in peninsular India are decreasing rapidly, due to indiscriminate extraction without considering the recharge capabilities of an aquifer. The main focus of the present study is to develop a good perceptive of the groundwater recharge capabilities in basaltic terrains for long term groundwater sustainability. In the present study 3D aquifer solid model of the sub-surface was integrated with surface variables like geomorphology, lineament density, drainage density, slope, land use along with lithology and soil, derived from earth observation (EO) data. This gives a robust platform to find the complex geology of the study area for facilitating artificial groundwater recharge. The methodology adopted provides an opportunity to integrate all the groundwater-related data for a better understanding of the groundwater and surface water interplay in terms of recharge phenomena. The research signified three categories of recharge zones ‘highly-suitable’; ‘moderately- suitable’; and ‘unsuitable’. The recharge zones are found to be in accord with the observed pre and post-monsoon groundwater table signifying the validity of the model. This study would be helpful to delineate groundwater recharge plan in similar geological provinces for ensuring the balance of groundwater resources.
Lithofacies Study of the Mesozoic Rocks of Wandhaya Area, Southwest of Bhuj, Kachchh Mainland, Gujarat
Authors: Jadav Puja B. , Morya Jyoti S. , Shah Aagam K. , Solanki Paras M.
Published: November 2020

The stratigraphic sequence exposed in Wandhaya area comprises of marine clastic sediments of Mesozoic, which includes M-III and M-IV of Jumara Formation, Lower Member of Jhuran Formation and Upper Member of Bhuj Formation. Lithofacies erected from the study area are Shale Facies (SF), Oolitic Limestone Facies (OLF), Intercalated Shale Siltstone Facies (ISSF) and Massive Sandstone Facies (MSF). SF is developed in M-III and M-IV of Jumara Formation suggesting its deposition in transition zone. Oolitic Limestone Facies (OLF) occurs only in M-IV of Jumara Formation indicates its depositional environment as offshore region. Intercalated Shale Siltstone Facies (ISSF) is deposited in lower shoreface to transitional and Massive Sandstone Facies (MSF) in foreshore environment, are exposed in Lower Member of Jhuran Formation and also in Upper Member of Bhuj Formation. The sediment characteristics and association of trace fossils in the rocks indicate distinction in sedimentation from foreshore to offshore environments.
Quantitative Morphometric and Morphotectonic Analysis of Pahuj Catchment Basin, Central India
Authors: Bhatt S. C. , Singh Rubal , Ansari M. A. , Bhatt S.
Published: November 2020

In the present work, the morphometric and morphotectonic analysis of the Pahuj basin catchment of the Bundelkhand region of Central India was carried by using remote sensing and GIS techniques. The drainage map, Digital Elevation Model (DEM), density, contour, aspect, and other thematic maps were extracted from ASTER-DEM (30m resolution) data by using geographical information system (GIS) tool. Five order streams have been validated in the study area and an inverse relationship between the stream order and stream number has been established. The high mean bifurcation ratio (Rb=5.12) indicates that the drainage pattern is controlled by geological structures in the impermeable granitic terrain. The stream frequency (2.69) is indicative of the increment of stream population for drainage density. Contrary to this the drainage density (2.08) is suggestive of low to moderate infiltration rate and is showing the thin vegetal cover on the impermeable rocky terrain. The elongation ratio (0.61) and form factor (0.29) infer that the catchment basin is elongated and shows low peak flows. The value of ruggedness and Melton ruggedness number implies that the basin is moderately rugged and debris watershed and is less susceptible to soil erosion.

The drainage pattern of basin catchment flowing in diverse lithological and structural terrain (Archean and Palaeoproterozoic age) is exhibiting less influence of active tectonics. The NW-SE, E-W and NNE-SSW trending lineaments resembling the orientation of lower-order streams are suggestive of structural control. The NE-SW trending high order streams flowing in an elongated Pahuj basin catchment and coinciding with the orientation of major NE-SW lineaments are indicative of major tectonic control.