bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deposition of anti‐fog coatings on glass substrates using the jet of an open‐to‐air microwave argon plasma at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Durocher‐Jean Antoine , Durán Iván Rodríguez , Asadollahi Siavash , Laroche Gaétan , Stafford Luc
Published: April 2020

This study reports a one‐step process for the formation of anti‐fog coatings on commercial glass substrates using the jet of an open‐to‐air microwave argon plasma at atmospheric pressure with hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) as the precursor for plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Optical microscopy and broadband light transmittance measurements revealed significant precursor fragmentation and gas phase association reactions when HMDSO was injected close to the tube outlet, resulting in powder‐like, hydrophobic, and semiopaque glass surfaces. On the contrary, injection of HMDSO close to the substrate led to smoother, homogeneous, hydrophilic, and transparent glass surfaces. In addition, transmittance measurements at 590 nm in humid air according to American Society for Testing and Materials standard tests revealed superior anti‐fogging properties to plasma‐treated glass substrates. On the basis of the optical emission and absorption spectroscopy measurements, electrons, metastable argon atoms, and hot neutral argon atoms were mostly responsible for the significant precursor fragmentation close to the tube outlet, whereas the contribution of hot neutrals and ultraviolet photons became important close to the substrate.
A Short Review about Aerospace Materials Characterization – Bonding Agents and Thermal Insulation
Authors: Cosentino Garcia Miguel Adriana , Silva Fernanda Cristina , da Silva Gilson , Sciamareli Jairo , da Costa Mattos Elizabeth
Published: April 2020

This paper is a review about the types of bonding agents used in propellants, as well as the main polymeric matrices used in thermal insulation applied in the rocket engines studied throughout the last decades. This paper aims to show the importance both of the bonding agents in the composition of the propellant and of the thermal insulation coating the rocket engine, which is in contact with the propellant grain. This paper also shows many researchers have been applied, in different spectral regions, techniques as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR), to characterization both the bonding agent and the thermal insulation, which suggests that it may be a future trend the use of Infrared Spectroscopy in studies about bonding agents and the polymeric matrix of the thermal insulation employed in rocket engines.
Recalibrating wind‐speed forecasts using regime‐dependent ensemble model output statistics
Authors: Allen S. , Ferro C. A. T. , Kwasniok F.
Published: April 2020

Raw output from deterministic numerical weather prediction models is typically subject to systematic biases. Although ensemble forecasts provide invaluable information regarding the uncertainty in a prediction, they themselves often misrepresent the weather that occurs. Given their widespread use, the need for high‐quality wind‐speed forecasts is well‐documented. Several statistical approaches have therefore been proposed to recalibrate ensembles of wind‐speed forecasts, including a heteroscedastic truncated regression approach. An extension to this method that utilises the prevailing atmospheric flow is implemented here in a quasigeostrophic simulation study and on Global Ensemble Forecasting System (GEFS) reforecast data, in the hope of alleviating errors owing to changes in the synoptic‐scale atmospheric state. When the wind speed depends strongly on the underlying weather regime, the resulting forecasts have the potential to provide substantial improvements in skill relative to conventional post‐processing techniques. This is particularly pertinent at longer lead times, where there is more improvement to be gained over current methods, and in weather regimes associated with wind speeds that differ greatly from climatology. In order to realise this potential, an accurate prediction of the future atmospheric regime is required.
Interstitial lung disease induced by docetaxel and ramucirumab chemotherapy after nivolumab treatment
Authors: Okeya Komugi , Kawagishi Yukio , Yamoto Mako , Shimizu Mami , Imizuda Toshihide , Tsuji Hiroshi
Published: April 2020

Three men (aged 64, 65, and 67 years) with advanced lung cancer who had been treated with nivolumab developed interstitial lung disease (ILD) during chemotherapy with docetaxel and ramucirumab. The treatment was clinically effective; however, the patients experienced immune‐related adverse effects due to nivolumab therapy: two patients developed ILD and the third developed psoriasis. Because the patients showed progression, docetaxel and ramucirumab chemotherapy was administered. Although two patients showed a clinical response, all patients developed grade 3 ILD during therapy. Furthermore, the patients developed respiratory failure and needed corticosteroid therapy. Although their condition improved owing to the therapy, the patients could not receive additional cancer treatment and died of cancer. On the basis of the results obtained, we speculated that although the regimen of docetaxel and ramucirumab after nivolumab therapy might be effective against non‐small cell lung cancer, it might increase the risk for ILD in some patients.
Fuzzy logic method of valuation supporting sustainable development of the agricultural land market
Authors: Zrobek Sabina , Kovalyshyn Oleksandra , Renigier‐Biłozor Małgorzata , Kovalyshyn Stepan , Kovalyshyn Oleg
Published: April 2020

This article proposes the possibility of applying fuzzy logic theory to perform the tasks of determining the market value of agricultural lands. These tasks are of a multi‐criteria character, as multiple factors are taken into consideration during the land value valuation process. The market value of agricultural land plots, calculated using fuzzy logic methods, can provide a basis for further use in the processes that are directly related to their turnover, that is, during auctioning, setting of a land tax, determining of the value of pawn in the land bank. Methodic approach to the determination of the market value of agricultural lands with the application of the methods of fuzzy logic and the package Fuzzy Logic Toolbox of the computing system Matlab is universal. It can be used for assessment of the value of a land plot with any number of indices, having no crisp mathematic model. The proposed method is particularly useful for countries where the agricultural real estate market is still in its early stages of development and will contribute to making it more transparent and thus it can be a significant tool supporting the sustainable development of the agricultural real estate market. Agricultural land market is a vital ingredient of the system for sustainable development of rural areas.
Bisquare robust polynomial fitting method for dimple distortion minimization in surface quality analysis
Authors: Podulka Przemysław
Published: April 2020

In this paper, the bisquare robust polynomial fitting (BSRPF) method for surface texture features assessment was proposed. Plateau‐honed cylinder liner bronze surfaces with additionally burnished microcavities (defined as dimple, holes, and/or cavities) were taken into consideration. Analyzed details were measured with stylus (Talyscan 150) or white light interferometer (Talysurf CCI Lite) methods. It was assumed that application of commonly used (in surface contact and noncontact measurement technology) polynomial fitting procedures did not allow to extract required features; distortion of microreservoir dimples for oil consumption assessment was falsely estimated when valleys were near edge or on the edge located. Application of bisquare robust polynomial fitting method caused a minimization of microflattens of dimples irrespective of valley distribution; the biggest degree of polynomial fitting method applied, the minimal distortions of oil reservoirs were noticed. The valley size (depth and width) and valley‐to‐valley distance were also taken into account.
A self‐consistent multiple‐peak structure of the photoemission spectra of metallic Fe 2p as a function of film thickness
Authors: Herrera‐Gomez Alberto , Cortazar‐Martínez Orlando , Fabian‐Jocobi Jesus‐Fernando , Carmona‐Carmona Abraham , Raboño‐Borbolla Joaquin‐Gerardo , Bravo‐Sanchez Mariela , Huerta‐Ruelas Jorge‐Adalberto
Published: April 2020

The Fe 2p spectrum has a very complex peak structure and a very strong background. Based on the comparison of the spectra for iron film with varying thicknesses, an experimental multiple‐peak structure for the metallic Fe 2p spectrum is proposed. The analysis required the use of state‐of‐the‐art background modeling (including the active approach) and peak‐fitting methods (including the simultaneous fitting method). A key aspect that allowed for this analysis is that the peak components are the same for various Fe film thicknesses, but with varying relative intensities. The early stages of oxidation are analyzed. The angular dependence of the peak components is also discussed.
Highly Sensitive Minimal Residual Disease Detection by Biomimetic Multivalent Aptamer Nanoclimber Functionalized Microfluidic Chip
Authors: Liu Yilong , Zhang Huimin , Du Yahui , Zhu Zhi , Zhang Mingxia , Lv Zhehao , Wu Lingling , Yang Yuanyuan , Li Ao , Yang Liu , Song Yanling , Wang Sili , Yang Chaoyong
Published: April 2020

Minimal residual disease (MRD) offers a highly independent prognostic factor for leukemia patients. However, challenges confronting conventional MRD assays are high invasiveness, as well as limited detection sensitivity and clinical applicability. Inspired by the self‐adaptive skeleton and multiple suckers or tendrils of climbing plants, a biomimetic Multivalent Aptamer Nanoclimber (MANC)‐functionalized microfluidic chip (MANC‐Chip) is reported for minimally invasive, highly sensitive and clinically applicable MRD detection in the peripheral blood of T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients. The MANCs are synthesized by a simple co‐polymerization reaction. Due to their flexible structure and cooperative multivalent effect, MANCs dramatically enhance the binding affinity of aptamers targeting leukemia cells. A deterministic lateral displacement‐patterned microfluidic chip is designed to further increase the collision probability between MANCs and leukemia cells. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of multivalent binding and enhanced collision, a high capture efficiency of 92.2% for leukemia cells is achieved. Moreover, the captured leukemia cells can be released with high efficiency of 88.9% and high viability of 93.8% via nuclease treatment prior to downstream analysis. Overall, the excellent features of MANC‐Chip make it very useful for precise detection of MRD and better understanding of leukemia.
Designing real‐time systems using imprecise discrete‐event system specifications
Authors: Wainer Gabriel , Moallemi Mohammad
Published: April 2020

Real‐time (RT) systems include hardware and software components interacting in a tight fashion. Although formal methods for RT systems development have advanced, they are sometimes difficult to apply in practical applications, and scalability is compromised as the complexity of the system scales up. Instead, using modeling and simulation (M&S) methods and tools has showed to be useful for verification of practical aspects of RT systems (and having the advantage to be able to including models of the physical environment they interact with). Although several efforts exist in M&S of RT systems, none of them has considered problems of transient overloading in the RT systems specifications. Here, we introduce a new theoretical framework called I‐DEVS (imprecise discrete event systems specification) with the goal of guaranteeing responses to inputs within specified time constraints under such transient overloading conditions. The solution presented here has the advantages of a formal specification and the practicality of an M&S‐based approach. We also discuss how to define hierarchical models running in RT, and we present a set of tools that can be applied to develop RT‐embedded applications, and RT simulations.
New exceptionally preserved panarthropods from the Drumian Wheeler Konservat‐Lagerstätte of the House Range of Utah
Authors: Lerosey‐Aubril Rudy , Kimmig Julien , Pates Stephen , Skabelund Jacob , Weug Andries , Ortega‐Hernández Javier
Published: April 2020

The Drumian Wheeler Konservat‐Lagerstätte of the House Range of Utah (Wheeler‐HR) has yielded one of the most diverse exceptionally preserved Cambrian biotas of North America. The discovery of soft‐bodied fossils invariably provides precious insights into this biota, given that most of its non‐biomineralizing components are known from very few specimens. This contribution describes some 30 new exceptionally preserved fossils of Wheeler panarthropods. Two new species are recognized, the radiodont Hurdia sp. nov. A and the megacheiran Kanoshoia rectifrons gen. et sp. nov. Along with a species of Leanchoilia,K. rectifrons represents the first confident megacheiran record in these strata. The presence of the radiodont genus Amplectobelua and the isoxyid species Isoxys longissimus is reported outside of the Burgess Shale in Laurentia. New specimens of Caryosyntrips serratus,Naraoia compacta,Messorocaris magna and Mollisonia symmetrica provide insights into the phylogenetic affinities, local spatial distribution and morphological variation of these species hitherto known by single specimens in the Wheeler‐HR. The same is true of new materials of the more common Pahvantia hastata and Perspicaris? dilatus. Formal descriptions of the order Mollisoniida ord. nov. and family Mollisoniidae fam. nov. are also provided. Last, the preservation of body structures other than the dorsal exoskeletons is illustrated for the first time in two common components of the fauna: the agnostid Itagnostus interstrictus and the bivalved euarthropod Pseudoarctolepis sharpi. The new material substantially improves our understanding of the diversity of the Wheeler‐HR biota, and provides new evidence of its distinctiveness relative to the Wheeler biota of the Drum Mountains.
Synthesis, Isolation and Crystal Structures of the Metalated Ylides [Cy3P‐C‐SO2Tol]M (M = Li, Na, K)
Authors: Darmandeh Heidar , Scherpf Thorsten , Feichtner Kai‐Stephan , Schwarz Christopher , Gessner Viktoria H.
Published: April 2020

The preparation and isolation of the metalated ylides [Cy3PCSO2Tol]M (Cy1‐M) (with M = Li, Na, K) are reported. In contrast to its triphenylphosphonium analogue the synthesis of Cy1‐M revealed to be less straight forward. Synthetic routes to the phosphonium salt precursor Cy1‐H2 via different methods revealed to be unsuccessful or low‐yielding. However, nucleophilic attack of the ylide Cy3P = CH2 at toluenesulfonyl fluoride under basic conditions proved to be a high‐yielding method directly leading to the ylide Cy1‐H. Metalation to the yldiides was finally achieved with strong bases such as nBuLi, NaNH2, or BnK. In the solid state, the lithium compound forms a tetrameric structure consisting of a (C–S–O–Li)4 macrocycle, which incorporates an additional molecule of lithium iodide. The potassium compound forms a C4‐symmetric structure with a (K4O4)2 octahedral prism as central structural motif. Upon deprotonation the P–C–S linkage undergoes a remarkable contraction typical for metalated ylides.
Comparing Vienna CRF solutions to Gaia-CRF2
Authors: Mayer David , Böhm Johannes
Published: April 2020

We are using various models and analysis strategies, such as galactic aberration, ray-tracing etc., to create different Vienna celestial reference frame (CRF) solutions. These solutions are then compared against the Gaia reference frame (Gaia-CRF2). This is done using a degree 2 vector spherical harmonics approach. The estimated parameters are used to investigate the impact of the various analysis methods on the differences between Gaia and the Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) CRF. We find that correcting for galactic aberration reduces the difference between the Gaia-CRF2 and the VLBI CRF significantly (30 $$ \mathop {\mu }$$
μ
as in D2 and 13 $$ \mathop {\mu }$$
μ
as in D3). Furthermore, we find that using a priori ray-traced tropospheric delays in addition with low absolute constraints on tropospheric gradients reduces the $$a_{20}^e$$

a

20

e

parameter by 20 $$ \mathop {\mu }$$
μ
as. Using these analysis strategies we can explain almost all significant differences between the Gaia-CRF2 and the VLBI CRF. However, the vector spherical harmonic (VSH) parameter $$a_{20}^e$$

a

20

e

is still highly significant and can not be explained by modeling and analysis choices from the VLBI technique.
The O(N) S-matrix monolith
Authors: Córdova Lucía , He Yifei , Kruczenski Martin , Vieira Pedro
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We consider the scattering matrices of massive quantum field theories with no bound states and a global O(N) symmetry in two spacetime dimensions. In particular we explore the space of two-to-two S-matrices of particles of mass m transforming in the vector representation as restricted by the general conditions of unitarity, crossing, analyticity and O(N) symmetry. We found a rich structure in that space by using convex maximization and in particular its convex dual minimization problem. At the boundary of the allowed space special geometric points such as vertices were found to correspond to integrable models. The dual convex minimization problem provides a novel and useful approach to the problem allowing, for example, to prove that generically the S-matrices so obtained saturate unitarity and, in some cases, that they are at vertices of the allowed space.
Differential operators for superconformal correlation functions
Authors: Manenti Andrea
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We present a systematic method to expand in components four dimensional superconformal multiplets. The results cover all possible

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 multiplets and some cases of interest for

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2. As an application of the formalism we prove that certain

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 spinning chiral operators (also known as “exotic” chiral primaries) do not admit a consistent three-point function with the stress tensor and therefore cannot be present in any local SCFT. This extends a previous proof in the literature which only applies to certain classes of theories. To each superdescendant we associate a superconformally covariant differential operator, which can then be applied to any correlator in superspace. In the case of three- point functions, we introduce a convenient representation of the differential operators that considerably simplifies their action. As a consequence it is possible to efficiently obtain the linear relations between the OPE coefficients of the operators in the same superconformal multiplet and in turn streamline the computation of superconformal blocks. We also introduce a Mathematica package to work with four dimensional superspace.
Tropical Grassmannians, cluster algebras and scattering amplitudes
Authors: Drummond James , Foster Jack , Gürdoğan Ömer , Kalousios Chrysostomos
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We provide a cluster-algebraic approach to the computation of the recently introduced generalised biadjoint scalar amplitudes related to Grassmannians Gr(k, n). A finite cluster algebra provides a natural triangulation for the tropical Grassmannian whose volume computes the scattering amplitudes. Using this method one can construct the entire colour-ordered amplitude via mutations starting from a single term.
Resonances and PT symmetry in quantum curves
Authors: Emery Yoan , Mariño Marcos , Ronzani Massimiliano
Published: April 2020

Abstract

In the correspondence between spectral problems and topological strings, it is natural to consider complex values for the string theory moduli. In the spectral theory side, this corresponds to non-Hermitian quantum curves with complex spectra and resonances, and in some cases, to PT-symmetric spectral problems. The correspondence leads to precise predictions about the spectral properties of these non-Hermitian operators. In this paper we develop techniques to compute the complex spectra of these quantum curves, providing in this way precision tests of these predictions. In addition, we analyze quantum Seiberg-Witten curves with PT symmetry, which provide interesting and exactly solvable examples of spontaneous PT-symmetry breaking.
Regge limit of gauge theory amplitudes beyond leading power approximation
Authors: Penin Alexander
Published: April 2020

Abstract

We study the high-energy small-angle Regge limit of the fermion-antifermion scattering in gauge theories and consider the part of the amplitude suppressed by a power of the scattering angle. For abelian gauge group all-order resummation of the double-logarithmic radiative corrections to the leading power-suppressed term is performed. We find that when the logarithm of the scattering angle is comparable to the inverse gauge coupling constant the asymptotic double-logarithmic enhancement overcomes the power suppression, a formally subleading term becomes dominant, and the small-angle expansion breaks down. In QCD we show that in the color-singlet channel for sufficiently small scattering angles the abelian power-suppressed contribution becomes comparable to the one of BFKL pomeron. Possible role of the subleading-power effects for the solution of the unitarity problem of perturbative Regge analysis in QED and QCD is discussed. An intriguing relation between the asymptotic behavior of the power-suppressed amplitudes in Regge and Sudakov limits is discovered.
Digitalization in management accounting and control: an editorial
Authors: Möller Klaus , Schäffer Utz , Verbeeten Frank
Published: April 2020

Digitalization has the potential to disrupt the management accounting domain. It may not only affect the digital landscape of the organization and the associated business models, but also management accounting and control practices as well as the role of the controller. This editorial discusses these developments by introducing the concept of digitalization and describing its impact on the field of management accounting and control.
Evaluation of ACE, α-glucosidase, and lipase inhibitory activities of peptides obtained by in vitro digestion of selected species of edible insects
Authors: Zielińska Ewelina , Karaś Monika , Baraniak Barbara , Jakubczyk Anna
Published: April 2020

The objective of this study was to examine the inhibition of the activity of enzymes associated with development of the metabolic syndrome by peptide fractions received from simulated gastrointestinal digestion and absorption of heat-treated edible insects. The inhibitory activities of insect-derived peptides were determined against key enzymes relevant to the metabolic syndrome such as the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), pancreatic lipase, andα-glucosidase. After the in vitro absorption process, all hydrolysates showed high inhibitory activity; however, the most effective metabolic syndrome-inhibitory peptides were received after separation on Sephadex G10. The best results were found for peptide fractions obtained fromSchistocerca gregaria. The highest enzymes inhibitory activities were obtained for peptide fractions fromS. gregaria: boiled for ACE (IC503.95 µg mL−1), baked for lipase (IC509.84 µg mL−1), and raw forα-glucosiadase (IC501.89 µg mL−1)S. gregaria, respectively. Twelve sequences of peptides from the edible insects were identified and their chemical synthesis was carried out as well. Among the synthesized peptides, the KVEGDLK, YETGNGIK, AIGVGAIR, IIAPPER, and FDPFPK sequences of peptides exhibited the highest inhibitory activity. Generally, the heat treatment process applied to edible insects has a positive effect on the properties of the peptide fractions studied.
Prevention of Intra‐abdominal Adhesions by Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Fakhradiyev Ildar R. , Almabayev Ydyrys , Saliev Timur , Almabayeva Aygul , Tanabayev Baimakhan , Yergazina Maral , Serikpayev Zhandos , Feril Loreto B.
Published: April 2020

The study investigated the ability of transdermal electric stimulation to prevent the formation of intra‐abdominal adhesions in the combination with Seprafilm® (anti‐adhesive agent). One hundred and twenty‐eight (128) rabbits were subjected to a surgical procedure to simulate the adhesion processes. After the simulation, the animals were divided into 4 groups (32 animals each), depending on the application of the methods of prevention: (1) control group (no anti‐adhesives or electro‐stimulation) (CG); (2) comparison group (applications of Seprafilm®) (SF); (3) comparison group 2 (transdermal electric stimulation of the abdominal muscles) TES; (4) group (transdermal electric stimulation + Seprafilm®) (TES + SF). We observed that the application of the Seprafilm® alone led to a significant decrease in the adhesive process compared to the control group (CG) (p < 0.01). The adhesion process in the group underwent transdermal electrical stimulation (TES) was significantly lower compared to the Seprafilm® group (SF) (p ≤ 0.05). The results demonstrated a significant decrease in the adhesion processes in the SF + TES group on days 1, 3, 7 and 14 in comparison with the CG group (p = 0.001), SF group (p = 0.001) and TES group (p = 0.01) group of animals. This study showed the efficacy of transdermal electrical muscle stimulation for the prevention of intra‐abdominal adhesions. Moreover, the combination of Seprafilm® anti‐adhesion agent and electrical muscle stimulation resulted in the complete absence of adhesions. Our findings indicate the potential of such strategy for further clinical application.
Performance improvements of auxiliary drives for automotive pump and fan applications
Authors: Muetze Annette , Leitner Stefan , Gruebler Hannes , Krall Felix
Published: April 2020

The need to increase electrification in the automotive industry has been well recognized. Overshadowed by their larger counterparts used for the car’s traction is the increasing number of small electric drives used in automotive applications. As a matter of fact, up to 100 of such drives are used within a typical mid-sized car. This includes performance-, safety-, and comfort-related auxiliary drives, of which around 10 % are used as parts of pumping and fan systems. With such “small drives,” i.e., fractional horsepower (FHP) drives at the lower end of the power spectrum, volume, mass, and efficiency have so far only been attributed secondary importance. Yet, the increasing demands on the automotive industry have also resulted in renewed interest not only in the performance parameters of these auxiliary drives, such as energy conversion efficiency, size, and cost, but also in electromagnetic emission, noise, and fault tolerance. This survey article presents selected results on recent achievements in these rather new fields of research and outlines fundamental research questions.
Multi-marginal entropy-transport with repulsive cost
Authors: Gerolin Augusto , Kausamo Anna , Rajala Tapio
Published: April 2020

In this paper we study theoretical properties of the entropy-transport functional with repulsive cost functions. We provide sufficient conditions for the existence of a minimizer in a class of metric spaces and prove the $$\Gamma $$Γ-convergence of the entropy-transport functional to a multi-marginal optimal transport problem with a repulsive cost. We point out that our construction can deal with the case when the space X is a domain in $${\mathbb {R}}^d$$Rd, answering a question raised in Benamou et al. (Numer Math 142:33–54, 2019). Finally, we also prove the entropy-regularized version of the Kantorovich duality.
Behavioral interfaces for executable DSLs
Authors: Leroy Dorian , Bousse Erwan , Wimmer Manuel , Mayerhofer Tanja , Combemale Benoit , Schwinger Wieland
Published: April 2020

Executable domain-specific languages (DSLs) enable the execution of behavioral models. While an execution is mostly driven by the model content (e.g., control structures), many use cases require interacting with the running model, such as simulating scenarios in an automated or interactive way, or coupling the model with other models of the system or environment. The management of these interactions is usually hardcoded into the semantics of the DSL, which prevents its reuse for other DSLs and the provision of generic interaction-centric tools (e.g., event injector). In this paper, we propose a metalanguage for complementing the definition of executable DSLs with explicit behavioral interfaces to enable external tools to interact with executed models in a unified way. We implemented the proposed metalanguage in the GEMOC Studio and show how behavioral interfaces enable the realization of tools that are generic and thus usable for different executable DSLs.
The Family Psychoeducation Fidelity Scale: Psychometric Properties
Authors: Joa I. , Johannessen J. O. , Heiervang K. S. , Sviland A. A. , Nordin H. A. , Landers M. , Ruud T. , Drake R. E. , Bond G. R.
Published: April 2020

This study examined psychometric properties and feasibility of the Family Psychoeducation (FPE) Fidelity Scale. Fidelity assessors conducted reviews using the FPE fidelity scale four times over 18 months at five sites in Norway. After completing fidelity reviews, assessors rated feasibility of the fidelity review process. The FPE fidelity scale showed excellent interrater reliability (.99), interrater item agreement (88%), and internal consistency (mean = .84 across four time points). By the 18-month follow-up, all five sites increased fidelity and three reached adequate fidelity. Fidelity assessors rated feasibility as excellent. The FPE fidelity scale has good psychometric properties and is feasible for evaluating the implementation of FPE programs. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03271242.
Now, Imagine an Actually Existing Unicorn: On Russellian Worries for Modal Meinongianism
Authors: de Jong Andreas
Published: April 2020

Modal Meinongianism provides the semantics of sentences involving intentional verbs Priest (Towards Nonbeing, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2016). To that end, Modal Meinongianism employs a pointed non-normal quantified modal logic model. Like earlier Meinongian views Modal Meinongianism has a characterisation principle (QCP), that claims that any condition whatsoever is satisfied by some object in some world. Recently, Everett (The nonexistent, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2013, 169, p. 36) has proposed an argument against QCP that, if successful, gives rise to problems identical to those Russell (Mind 14:530–538, 1905, p. 533) raised for Naïve Meinongianism, namely that it allows for true contradictions, and allows us to define anything into existence. Everett claims that the ordinary meanings of “actual” license an inference pattern, such that if an object satisfies Actual A at some world, then that object satisfies A in the actual world. Given that actual world is the designated point of evaluation for truth simpliciter, QCP would fall prey to Russell’s criticisms. As opposed to Everett, I argue that, even if we grant Everett the assumption that “actual” is a modal indexical that rigidly refers to the actual world, it does not conform to the inference pattern above. This is because when an object satisfies Actual A at some world, this alters the assertoric force of “actual”, because “actual” is interpreted in the scope of some modal or intentional operator. I also explain that Everett’s proposed example carries existential commitment because the problematic noun-phrase occurs outside the scope of a modal or intentional operator.
Engineering problems in machine learning systems
Authors: Kuwajima Hiroshi , Yasuoka Hirotoshi , Nakae Toshihiro
Published: April 2020

Fatal accidents are a major issue hindering the wide acceptance of safety-critical systems that employ machine learning and deep learning models, such as automated driving vehicles. In order to use machine learning in a safety-critical system, it is necessary to demonstrate the safety and security of the system through engineering processes. However, thus far, no such widely accepted engineering concepts or frameworks have been established for these systems. The key to using a machine learning model in a deductively engineered system is decomposing the data-driven training of machine learning models into requirement, design, and verification, particularly for machine learning models used in safety-critical systems. Simultaneously, open problems and relevant technical fields are not organized in a manner that enables researchers to select a theme and work on it. In this study, we identify, classify, and explore the open problems in engineering (safety-critical) machine learning systems—that is, in terms of requirement, design, and verification of machine learning models and systems—as well as discuss related works and research directions, using automated driving vehicles as an example. Our results show that machine learning models are characterized by a lack of requirements specification, lack of design specification, lack of interpretability, and lack of robustness. We also perform a gap analysis on a conventional system quality standard SQuaRE with the characteristics of machine learning models to study quality models for machine learning systems. We find that a lack of requirements specification and lack of robustness have the greatest impact on conventional quality models.
The Trade-off Between Poverty Reduction and Carbon Emissions, and the Role of Economic Growth and Inequality: An Empirical Cross-Country Analysis Using a Novel Indicator
Authors: Malerba Daniele
Published: April 2020

Is it possible for countries to eradicate poverty while also meeting environmental goals? Despite the passage of international agreements calling for these issues to be addressed simultaneously, little is known about the direct relationship between them. This study addresses this gap by proposing a new and composite indicator that integrates measures for both poverty and environmental outcomes (carbon emissions) into a single variable, the carbon intensity of poverty reduction (CIPR). This variable defines the trade-off between the proportional changes of emissions per capita and of the share of the population above the poverty line. In parallel an analytic framework is developed to formulate propositions concerning the possible effects of growth and inequality on the CIPR. The propositions are tested empirically using data from 135 countries across a 30-year time period (1981–2012). The findings confirm that the carbon intensity of poverty reduction is heterogeneous across countries. This heterogeneity is partly explained by economic growth, which is found to have a negative effect on the CIPR up to a certain income level, defined here as a “turning point”. Above that turning point, economic growth increases the CIPR. By contrast, inequality reduction is shown to have a significant negative effect on the CIPR. This study contributes to the literature on sustainable development by analytically and quantitatively linking its three dimensions (social, economic and environmental) and by employing a composite indicator that directly measures the trade-off between poverty reduction and emission levels across countries.
Associations between model-predicted rivaroxaban exposure and patient characteristics and efficacy and safety outcomes in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Zhang Liping , Yan Xiaoyu , Fox Keith A. A. , Willmann Stefan , Nandy Partha , Berkowitz Scott D. , Hermanowski-Vosatka Anne , Weitz Jeffrey I. , Solms Alexander , Schmidt Stephan , Patel Manesh , Peters Gary
Published: April 2020

Rivaroxaban exposure and patient characteristics may affect the rivaroxaban benefit–risk balance. This study aimed to quantify associations between model-predicted rivaroxaban exposure and patient characteristics and efficacy and safety outcomes in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), using data from the phase 3 ROCKET AF trial (NCT00403767). In ROCKET AF, 14,264 patients with NVAF were randomized to rivaroxaban (20 mg once daily [OD], or 15 mg OD if creatinine clearance was 30–49 mL/min) or dose-adjusted warfarin (median follow-up: 707 days); rivaroxaban plasma concentration was measured in a subset of 161 patients. In this post hoc exposure–response analysis, a multivariate Cox model was used to correlate individual predicted rivaroxaban exposures and patient characteristics with time-to-event efficacy and safety outcomes in 7061 and 7111 patients, respectively. There was no significant association between model-predicted rivaroxaban trough plasma concentration (Ctrough) and efficacy outcomes. Creatinine clearance and history of stroke were significantly associated with efficacy outcomes. Ctrough was significantly associated with the composite of major or non-major clinically relevant (NMCR) bleeding (hazard ratio [95th percentile vs. median]: 1.26 [95% confidence interval 1.13–1.40]) but not with major bleeding alone. The exposure–response relationship for major or NMCR bleeding was shallow with no clear threshold for an acceleration in risk. History of gastrointestinal bleeding had a greater influence on safety outcomes than Ctrough. These results support fixed rivaroxaban 15 mg and 20 mg OD dosages in NVAF. Therapeutic drug monitoring is unlikely to offer clinical benefits in this indication beyond evaluation of patient characteristics.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted mutagenesis of TAS4 and MYBA7 loci in grapevine rootstock 101-14
Authors: Sunitha Sukumaran , Rock Christopher D.
Published: April 2020

Pierce’s disease (PD) of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) is caused by the bacteriumXylella fastidiosaand is vectored by xylem sap-sucking insects, whereasGrapevine Red Blotch Virus(GRBV) causes Red Blotch Disease and is transmitted in the laboratory by alfalfa leafhopperSpissistilus festinus. The significance of anthocyanin accumulations in distinct tissues of grapevine by these pathogens is unknown, but vector feeding preferences and olfactory cues from host anthocyanins may be important for these disease etiologies. Phosphate, sugar, and UV light are known to regulate anthocyanin accumulation via miR828 andTrans-Acting Small-interfering locus4(TAS4), specifically in grape by production of phasedTAS4a/b/csmall-interfering RNAs that are differentially expressed and targetMYBA5/6/7transcription factor transcripts for post-transcriptional slicing and antisense-mediated silencing. To generate materials that can critically test these genes’ functions in PD and GRBV disease symptoms, we produced transgenic grape plants targetingTAS4bandMYBA7using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We obtained fiveMYBA7lines all with bi-allelic editing events and no off-targets detected at genomic loci with homology to the guide sequence. We obtained two independent editedTAS4blines; one bi-allelic, the other heterozygous while both had fortuitous evidences of bi-allelicTAS4aoff-target editing events at the paralogous locus. No visible anthocyanin accumulation phenotypes were observed in regenerated plants, possibly due to the presence of genetically redundantTAS4candMYBA5/6loci or absence of inductive environmental stress conditions. The editing events encompass single base insertions and di/trinucleotide deletions ofVvi-TAS4a/bandVvi-MYBA7at expected positions 3 nt upstream from the guideRNA proximal adjacent motifs NGG. We also identified evidences of homologous recombinations ofTAS4awithTAS4bat theTAS4aoff-target in one of theTAS4blines, resulting in a chimeric locus with a bi-allelic polymorphism, supporting independent recombination events in transgenic plants associated with apparent high Cas9 activities. The lack of obvious visible pigment phenotypes in edited plants precluded pathogen challenge tests of the role of anthocyanins in host PD and GRBV resistance/tolerance mechanisms. Nonetheless, we demonstrate successful genome-editing of non-coding RNA andMYBtranscription factor loci which can serve future characterizations of the functions ofTAS4a/b/candMYBA7in developmental, physiological, and environmental biotic/abiotic stress response pathways important for value-added nutraceutical synthesis and pathogen responses of winegrape.
A novel modeling approach for a generalizable photo-Fenton-based degradation of organic compounds
Authors: Audino Francesca , Pérez-Moya Montserrat , Graells Moisès , Espuña Antonio , Csukas Bela , Varga Monika
Published: April 2020

This work aims at proposing and validating a model that can be exploited for the future development of industrial applications (e.g., process design and control) of Fenton and photo-Fenton processes. Hence, a compromise modeling solution has been developed between the non-generalizable accuracy of the first principles models (FPMs) and the oversimplification of the empirical models (EMs). The work presents a novel model of moderate complexity that is simplified enough to be generalizable and computationally affordable, while retaining physical meaning. The methodology is based on a general degradation mechanism that can be algorithmically generated from the carbon number of the target compound, as well as from the knowledge of two kinetic parameters, one for the faster initial rate and the other one for the subsequent degradation steps. The contaminant degradation mechanism has been combined with an appropriately simplified implementation of the well-known Fenton and photo-Fenton kinetics. This model describes the degradation not only of the target compound and of the oxidant, but also of total organic carbon (TOC), which is used to define the overall quality of the water. Experimental design techniques were used along with a non-conventional modeling methodology of programmable process structures (PPS). This novel modeling approach was applied and validated on the degradation of three model compounds. A successful prediction of the evolution of the contaminants H2O2 and TOC was confirmed and assessed by the root mean square error (RMSE).
Bibliometric analysis of European publications between 2001 and 2016 on concentrations of selected elements in mushrooms
Authors: Świsłowski Paweł , Dołhańczuk-Śródka Agnieszka , Rajfur Małgorzata
Published: April 2020

This article presents a bibliometric study of 200 European publications released between 2001 and 2016, about the contamination of mushrooms by selected elements. The analysis includes figures on the type of analyte, its concentration, the species of fungi, and its country of origin. In the literature review, 492 species of mushrooms (wild-growing and cultured) found in 26 European countries and their concentration of 74 associated elements were analysed. The papers, which dealt mainly with the heavy metal (Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn) concentrations of mushrooms, primarily came from Turkey, Poland, Spain, and the Czech Republic. More than 50% of the publications provided data about edible mushrooms. The results of the bibliometric analysis showed that over the 16 years, European research on fungal contamination by selected analytes has not lessened in popularity and is ongoing. Many of the studies underlined the need to assess the risk to human health arising from the consumption of contaminated mushrooms taken from various habitats. These results were the effect of, among other things, the strong interest in studies carried out on edible species, in which concentrations of mainly heavy metals that are dangerous to health and are marked were indicated (Cd, Pb, and Hg).
The role of human capital on family firm innovativeness: the strategic leadership role of family board members
Authors: Calabrò Andrea , Torchia Mariateresa , Jimenez Daniela Gimenez , Kraus Sascha
Published: April 2020

Drawing on the resource-based view of the firm, this study investigates the relationship between human capital (employees’ experience, knowledge and technical skills, managerial talent) and innovativeness (propensity to innovate) in a sample of 478 family firms taken from a cross-country dataset (STEP Project). Furthermore, we consider the moderating effect of the proportion of family members sitting on the board of directors (family board ratio). The main findings highlight that there is a positive relationship between human capital and family firm innovativeness. Moreover, family board ratio positively moderates the relationship between human capital and innovativeness in such a way that when the family board ratio is high, the relationship between human capital and innovativeness is stronger. This result is weaker when multiple family generations are actively involved in the firm. In summary, family members sitting on the board of directors focus more attention on people and for this reason, play an important strategic leadership role in valorizing human capital that fosters more innovativeness.
Aktiv zur Schule
Authors: Reimers Anne K. , Engels Eliane , Marzi Isabel , Steinvoord Katrin , Krieger Claus
Published: April 2020

Hintergrund

In Deutschland und anderen Industrienationen bewegen sich viele Kinder nicht ausreichend und leiden zunehmend an Folgeerkrankungen des Bewegungsmangels. Aktive Schulwege sind ein relevantes Setting der körperlichen Aktivität und stellen einen wichtigen Ansatzpunkt für Interventionen zur Bewegungsförderung im Grundschulalter dar.

Ziel des Beitrags

Der Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über den Stand der Forschung zu aktiven Schulwegen von Grundschulkindern. Der Fokus liegt hierbei auf der Relevanz dieses Phänomens aus Perspektive der Gesundheitsforschung in Deutschland.

Methoden

Die Vorstellung des Forschungsstands erfolgt als narrativer Review, der nationale und internationale Studien, die mittels Literaturrecherche identifiziert und zusammengefasst wurden, einschließt. Es werden die Erfassungsmethoden, Prävalenzen und historischen Trends, Befunde über Gesundheitseffekte und Einflussfaktoren von aktiver Mobilität sowie Interventionsprogramme zur Steigerung aktiver Schulwege thematisiert.

Ergebnisse

Aktuelle Studien berichten, dass zwischen 47% und 81% der Grundschulkinder in Deutschland aktiv den Schulweg zurücklegen. Aktive Schulwege sind sowohl mit einigen Gesundheitsparametern als auch mit dem Gesamtumfang der körperlichen Aktivität positiv korreliert. Insbesondere die Distanz zur Schule und soziale Faktoren, wie das elterliche Unterstützungsverhalten und Sicherheitsbedenken, sind mit aktiven Schulwegen assoziiert. Es liegen praxisorientierte Publikationen zu Interventionsansätzen zur Förderung aktiver Schulwege an deutschen Grundschulen (wie z. B. „Walking-school-bus-Maßnahmen“) vor, die jedoch kaum wissenschaftlich evaluiert wurden.

Schlussfolgerung

Zur Bewegungsförderung im Grundschulalter sollten Maßnahmen zur Förderung aktiver Schulwege entwickeln und wissenschaftlich evaluiert werden.