bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explainable models to estimate the effective compressive strength of slab–column joints using genetic programming
Authors: Jeong Hoseong , Choi Seung‐Ho , Han Sun‐Jin , Kim Jae Hyun , Lee Sang‐Hoon , Kim Kang Su
Published: September 2021

In this study, explainable models to predict the effective compressive strength of slab–column joints were proposed using genetic programming (GP). Effective compressive strength test results were collected from the literature, among which 81 were sandwich, corner, and edge columns, 44 were interior columns. With respect to the collected test results, random forest (RF), random forest–recursive feature elimination (RF‐RFE), K‐means clustering and linear regression analysis (KL) were applied to analyze the key features influencing the effective compressive strength. In addition, explainable models to predict the effective compressive strength were derived by using GP. The proposed models were verified by comparing with the existing equations, RF, and artificial neural network (ANN). Using the generative adversarial network (GAN), 20,000 fake data were additionally generated to strengthen the verification stage. The results showed that the proposed models exhibited the lowest root mean squared error (RMSE) among the existing equations, and RMSE of the proposed models was close to that of RF and ANN despite its conciseness.
Re: Outcome‐based comparison of SMFM and ISUOG definitions of fetal growth restriction
Authors: Lees C. , Stampalija T. , Hecher K.
Published: September 2021

Linked article: This Correspondence comments on Roeckner et al. Click here to view the article.
Geothermal energy resources in Ethiopia: Status review and insights from hydrochemistry of surface and groundwaters
Authors: Burnside Neil , Montcoudiol Nelly , Becker Kerry , Lewi Elias
Published: September 2021

Ethiopia has an estimated >10,000 MW of geothermal energy potential, more than double its current power generating capacity (4,400 MW). Electricity access stands at 44% of the total population, with 31% in rural areas, so effective development of this low‐carbon resource could make a significant impact to equitable delivery of electricity. However, geothermal energy exploitation must be done responsibly to protect valuable water resources under stress from climate‐change driven drought conditions and competing uses across agricultural, domestic, and industrial sectors. Our review provides progress updates on geothermal developments—which soon aim to deliver more than 1,000 MW of electricity—and performs a high‐level assessment of hydrochemical data for ground and surface waters across Ethiopia. A water quality database was built using publicly available information and three quality control criteria: well‐defined sample location, cation‐anion balance (CAB) of ±10%, and clear fluid type definition. Ethiopia hosts two major geothermal water types, sodium‐alkalinity dominated in the Main Ethiopian Rift and sodium‐chloride dominated in the Afar Depression, separated by sodium‐mixed waters between Dofan‐Fantale and Meteka. H and O stable isotopes suggest a largely meteoric source for geothermal waters, with δ18O enrichment adding to evidence of a high enthalpy resource at Tendaho. Hydrochemical investigations provide critical information for successful delivery of sustainable geothermal energy developments. However, the current lack of data available for Ethiopia poses a significant challenge for completion of predevelopment baselines and ongoing environmental impact assessment. We encourage the release of unpublished findings from private companies and government agencies to build upon our database and demonstrate social and environmental responsibility in the development of Ethiopian geothermal resources.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Methods
Floating wind turbine power performance incorporating equivalent turbulence intensity induced by floater oscillations
Authors: Wen Binrong , Li Zhanwei , Jiang Zhihao , Tian Xinliang , Dong Xingjian , Peng Zhike
Published: September 2021

Extensive assessment about the efficiency and quality of the power production is important to the floating wind turbine (FWT) development. The power performance of a wind turbine depends on turbine dynamics, control strategy, and atmospheric conditions. As for FWTs, the additional floater oscillations should be particularly incorporated. In this paper, extensive simulations are conducted for a Spar‐type FWT using the FAST software. The relative wind velocity introduced by floater oscillations and the corresponding power capture mechanisms are analyzed in detail. A concept of equivalent turbulence intensity is proposed to generally describe the intensity of floater oscillation. It is observed to satisfyingly serve as an independent variable for FWT power production. The mapping relationship between the FWT power generation and the equivalent turbulence intensity is constructed. Results show that the FWT output power increases linearly with the equivalent turbulence intensity square in the below‐rated region, while it is well regulated around the rated power by the bladepitch controller in the above‐rated region. The normalized power fluctuation augments linearly with equivalent turbulence intensity over the whole operating wind speeds except the rated‐nearby region. The findings are potentially helpful for the power forecasting, controller development, economical evaluation, and wind farm optimizations.
Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) dye and phosphate adsorption by calcium alginate beads modified with polyethyleneimine
Authors: Isik Zelal , Saleh Mohammed , Bilici Zeynep , Dizge Nadir
Published: August 2021

This study concerns the preparation of novel adsorbent prepared from calcium alginate bead modified with polyethyleneimine (PEI‐CaAlg). The adsorption capacity of the PEI‐CaAlg was examined by Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) and phosphate adsorption. PEI‐CaAlg showed high removal efficiencies for RBBR (90.48%) and phosphate (88.10%). The removal of both RBBR and phosphate onto the PEI‐CaAlg followed the Freundlich isotherm and the second‐order model. The adsorption was studied in terms of thermodynamic and found to be feasible and spontaneous in nature. The reusability of the modified alginate beads was also examined up to five cycles. The removal efficiency was 90.48% at the first cycle and decreased to 75.15% at the end of the fourth cycle. The adsorption of color and phosphate from real textile wastewater was also instigated. The removal efficiencies for color and phosphate ions reached 80.24% and 90.00%, respectively. Therefore, the prepared PEI‐CaAlg can be considered as a novel, eco‐friendly, and cost‐effective adsorbent for simultaneous dye and phosphate adsorption.

Practitioner Points

This study aims to modify the surface of calcium alginate beads with polyethyleneimine (PEI).

The adsorption of RBBR and phosphate by the modified alginate beads (PEI‐CaAlg) was investigated.

PEI is an organic polymer with a linear/branch shape, which can increase the active sites on the adsorbent surface.

PEI has one nitrogen atom in every three atoms provides a positive charge that can complex with the negatively charged molecules.

The adsorption of RBBR and phosphate were carried out onto PEI‐CaAlg.
Verification of piecewise deep neural networks: a star set approach with zonotope pre-filter
Authors: Tran Hoang-Dung , Pal Neelanjana , Lopez Diego Manzanas , Musau Patrick , Yang Xiaodong , Nguyen Luan Viet , Xiang Weiming , Bak Stanley , Johnson Taylor T.
Published: August 2021

Verification has emerged as a means to provide formal guarantees on
learning-based systems incorporating neural network before using
them in safety-critical applications. This paper proposes a new
verification approach for deep neural networks (DNNs) with piecewise
linear activation functions using reachability analysis. The core of
our approach is a collection of reachability algorithms using star
sets (or shortly, stars), an effective symbolic representation of
high-dimensional polytopes. The star-based reachability algorithms
compute the output reachable sets of a network with a given input
set before using them for verification. For a neural network with
piecewise linear activation functions, our approach can construct
both exact and over-approximate reachable sets of the neural
network. To enhance the scalability of our approach, a star set is
equipped with an outer-zonotope (a zonotope over-approximation of
the star set) to quickly estimate the lower and upper bounds of an
input set at a specific neuron to determine if splitting occurs at
that neuron. This zonotope pre-filtering step reduces significantly
the number of linear programming optimization problems that
must be solved in the analysis, and leads to a reduction in
computation time, which enhances the scalability of the star set
approach. Our reachability algorithms are implemented in a software
prototype called the neural network verification tool, and can
be applied to problems analyzing the robustness of machine learning
methods, such as safety and robustness verification of DNNs. Our
experiments show that our approach can achieve runtimes twenty to
1400 times faster than Reluplex, a satisfiability modulo
theory-based approach. Our star set approach is also less
conservative than other recent zonotope and abstract domain
approaches.
The goldfish Carassius auratus: an emerging animal model for comparative cardiac research
Authors: Filice Mariacristina , Cerra Maria Carmela , Imbrogno Sandra
Published: August 2021

The use of unconventional model organisms is significantly increasing in different fields of research, widely contributing to advance life sciences understanding. Among fishes, the cyprinid Carassius auratus (goldfish) is largely used for studies on comparative and evolutionary endocrinology, neurobiology, adaptive and conservation physiology, as well as for translational research aimed to explore mechanisms that may be useful in an applicative biomedical context. More recently, the research possibilities offered by the goldfish are further expanded to cardiac studies. A growing literature is available to illustrate the complex networks involved in the modulation of the goldfish cardiac performance, also in relation to the influence of environmental signals. However, an overview on the existing current knowledge is not yet available. By discussing the mechanisms that in C. auratus finely regulate the cardiac function under basal conditions and under environmental challenges, this review highlights the remarkable flexibility of the goldfish heart in relation not only to the basic morpho-functional design and complex neuro-humoral traits, but also to its extraordinary biochemical-metabolic plasticity and its adaptive potential. The purpose of this review is also to emphasize the power of the heart of C. auratus as an experimental tool useful to investigate mechanisms that could be difficult to explore using more conventional animal models and complex cardiac designs.
Echocardiography-derived total atrial conduction time (PA-TDI duration): risk stratification and guidance in atrial fibrillation management
Authors: Müller Patrick , Weijs Bob , Bemelmans Nadine M. A. A. , Mügge Andreas , Eckardt Lars , Crijns Harry J. G. M. , Bax Jeroen J. , Linz Dominik , den Uijl Dennis W.
Published: August 2021

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. To early detect and to avoid AF-related complications, several cardiac imaging modalities and approaches aim to quantify the severity of the underlying atrial cardiomyopathy (i.e., the extent of atrial remodeling). However, most established cardiac imaging modalities just incorporate single components of atrial remodeling and do not reflect the complete multifactorial process, which may contribute to their limited predictive value. Echocardiography-derived PA-TDI duration is a sophisticated echocardiographic parameter to assess total atrial conduction time and directly reflects both electrical and structural changes to the atria. Therefore, PA-TDI duration provides a more comprehensive quantification of the extent of atrial remodeling than other imaging modalities. In this article we review the role of PA-TDI duration as a marker of atrial remodeling and summarize the available data on PA-TDI duration to identify patients at risk for AF, as well as to guide AF management. Moreover, we discuss how to assess PA-TDI duration and provide recommendations on the implementation of PA-TDI duration into routine clinical care.

Graphic abstract
Single-stage total hip arthroplasty after failed fixation of proximal femoral fractures: an increased risk for periprosthetic joint infections?
Authors: Hemmann P. , Schmidutz F. , Ahrend M. D. , Yan S. G. , Stöckle U. , Schreiner A. J.
Published: August 2021

Background

Higher complication rates have been reported for total hip arthroplasty (THA) after osteosynthesis of proximal femur fractures (PFF). This study evaluated the infection risk for conversion of internal fixation of PFF to THA by a single-staged procedure in the absence of clear infection signs.

Methods

Patients undergoing a one-staged conversion to THA (2013–2018) after prior internal fixation of the proximal femur were included. Preoperative diagnostics with laboratory results, hip aspirations as well as intraoperative microbiology and sonication were assessed. Postoperative complications were recorded as well as patient demographics, duration between initial and conversion to THA, explanted osteosynthesis and implanted THA.

Results

Fifty-eight patients (24 male/34 female, 62.8 ± 14.5 years) were included with a mean time of 3.8 ± 7.5 years between internal fixation and conversion to THA (45 cementless, 3 cemented, 3 hybrid and 7 hybrid inverse THAs). Preoperative mean blood level CRP was 8.36 ± 14 mg/l (reference value < 5 mg/l) and leukocyte count was 7.11 ± 1.84^3/µl (4.5–10.000^3/µl). Fifty patients had intraoperative microbiological diagnostics, with either swabs in 86.2% and/or sonication in 29.3%. Positive microbiological results were recorded in 10% (5 of 50 patients), with pathogens identified being mainly Staphylococcus. Complications after conversion occurred in 9.6% including a postoperative low-grade infection rate of 5.8% after a mean of 2.5 years.

Conclusion

This study found a positive microbiological test result in 10% of a one-stage conversion of PFF fixation to THA. Moreover, we found a high infection rate (5.8%) for early postoperative periprosthetic joint infection. Interestingly, CRP has not been proven to be an adequate parameter for low-grade infections or occult colonized implants. Therefore, we recommend a comprehensive pre- and intraoperative diagnostic including hip aspiration, swabs and sonication when considering one-staged revision.
Virtual Igor: an analytical phantom for the simulation of the Saint Petersburg brick phantom in arbitrary layouts in MCNP
Authors: Meisenberg Oliver
Published: August 2021

A computer code called Virtual Igor is presented. The code generates an analytical representation of the Saint Petersburg brick phantom family (Igor, Olga, Irina), which is frequently used for the calibration of whole-body counters, in arbitrary user-defined layouts for the use in the Monte-Carlo radiation transport code MCNP. The computer code reads a file in the ldraw format, which can easily be produced by simple freeware software with graphical user interfaces and which contains the types and coordinates of the bricks. Ldraw files with the canonical layouts of the brick phantom are provided with Virtual Igor. The code determines the positions of (2.75 cm)3 segments of the bricks, where 2.75 cm is the smallest length in the layout and, therefore, represents the spacing of the segment lattice. Each segment contains the exact geometry of the respective part of the brick, using cuboid and cylindrical surfaces. The user can define which rod source drill holes of which bricks contain the rod-type radionuclide sources. The method facilitates the comparison of different layouts of the Saint Petersburg brick phantom with each other and with anthropomorphic computational phantoms.
State-of-the-art surgery for ulcerative colitis
Authors: Liu Shanglei , Eisenstein Samuel
Published: August 2021

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an autoimmune-mediated colitis which can present in varying degrees of severity and increases the individual’s risk of developing colon cancer. While first-line treatment for UC is medical management, surgical treatment may be necessary in up to 25–30% of patients. With an increasing armamentarium of biologic therapies, patients are presenting for surgery much later in their course, and careful understanding of the complex interplay of the disease, its management, and the patient’s overall health is necessary when considering he appropriate way in which to address their disease surgically. Surgery is generally a total proctocolectomy either with pelvic pouch reconstruction or permanent ileostomy; however, this may need to be spread across multiple procedures given the complexity of the surgery weighed against the overall state of the patient’s health. Minimally invasive surgery, employing either laparoscopic, robotic, or transanal laparoscopic approaches, is currently the preferred approach in the elective setting. There is also some emerging evidence that appendectomy may delay the progression of UC in some individuals. Those who treat these patients surgically must also be familiar with the numerous potential pitfalls of surgical intervention and have plans in place for managing problems such as pouchitis, cuffitis, and anastomotic complications.
Nightly torpor use in response to weather conditions and individual state in an insectivorous bat
Authors: Fjelldal Mari Aas , Wright Jonathan , Stawski Clare
Published: August 2021

Torpor is a well-known energy conservation strategy in many mammal and bird species. It is often employed when environmental conditions are unfavourable to maximize survival probabilities. However, torpor often carries with it the physiological costs of a low body temperature and of rewarming in addition to potential missed opportunities for foraging. Therefore, we hypothesised that decision making regarding when to use torpor should reflect the most important environmental conditions for species distributions, and thus how they may be impacted by ongoing climate change. We investigated how weather conditions affect nightly torpor patterns in the nocturnal insectivorous Australian eastern long-eared bat (Nyctophilus bifax). By measuring the skin temperature of 37 free-ranging individuals, we confirmed that torpor was used more frequently during the winter and at subtropical compared to tropical locations. Using mixed-effect models we show that lower ambient temperatures were the main driver of individual torpor use, probably due to lower roost temperatures and prey availability. However, increased rain, wind and humidity, and decreasing barometric pressure, as well as brighter moonlight, also led to more time spent torpid per night. We suggest that bats evaluate multiple environmental cues to make decisions regarding torpor use versus active foraging based upon their expectations of the energetic benefits, prey availability and relative predation risk. Interactions between some of these effects and body mass (whilst controlling for forearm length) indicate that individual variation in body size and/or state-dependent effects of energy reserves also partly determined the use of nightly torpor in these bats.
Characterization of a novel + 70 Da modification in rhGM-CSF expressed in E. coli using chemical assays in combination with mass spectrometry
Authors: Sandberg Magdalena Widgren , Bunkenborg Jakob , Thyssen Stine , Villadsen Martin , Kofoed Thomas
Published: August 2021

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a cytokine and a white blood cell growth factor that has found usage as a therapeutic protein. During analysis of different fermentation batches of GM-CSF recombinantly expressed in E. coli, a covalent modification was identified on the protein by intact mass spectrometry. The modification gave a mass shift of + 70 Da and peptide mapping analysis demonstrated that it located to the protein N-terminus and lysine side chains. The chemical composition of C4H6O was found to be the best candidate by peptide fragmentation using tandem mass spectrometry. The modification likely contains a carbonyl group, since the mass of the modification increased by 2 Da by reduction with borane pyridine complex and it reacted with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine. On the basis of chemical and tandem mass spectrometry fragmentation behavior, the modification could be attributed to crotonaldehyde, a reactive compound formed during lipid peroxidation. A low recorded oxygen pressure in the reactor during protein expression could be linked to the formation of this compound. This study shows the importance of maintaining full control over all reaction parameters during recombinant protein production.
Meta-proteomic analysis of the Shandrin mammoth by EVA technology and high-resolution mass spectrometry: what is its gut microbiota telling us?
Authors: Cucina Annamaria , Cunsolo Vincenzo , Di Francesco Antonella , Saletti Rosaria , Zilberstein Gleb , Zilberstein Svetlana , Tikhonov Alexei , Bublichenko Andrey G. , Righetti Pier Giorgio , Foti Salvatore
Published: August 2021

During the last decade, paleoproteomics allowed us to open a direct window into the biological past, improving our understanding of the phylogenetic relationships of extant and extinct species, past human diseases, and reconstruction of the human diet. In particular, meta-proteomic studies, mainly carried out on ancient human dental calculus, provided insights into past oral microbial communities and ancient diets. On the contrary, very few investigations regard the analysis of ancient gut microbiota, which may enable a greater understanding of how microorganisms and their hosts have co-evolved and spread under the influence of changing diet practices and habitat. In this respect, this paper reports the results of the first-ever meta-proteomic analysis carried out on a gut tissue sample some 40,000 years old. Proteins were extracted by applying EVA (ethylene–vinyl acetate) films to the surface of the gut sample of a woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenus), discovered in 1972 close to the Shandrin River (Yakutia, Russia), and then investigated via a shotgun MS-based approach. Proteomic and peptidomic analysis allowed in-depth exploration of its meta-proteome composition. The results were validated through the level of deamidation and other diagenetic chemical modifications of the sample peptides, which were used to discriminate the “original” endogenous peptides from contaminant ones. Overall, the results of the meta-proteomic analysis here reported agreeing with the previous paleobotanical studies and with the reconstructed habitat of the Shandrin mammoth and provided insight into its diet. The data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange with identifier < PXD025518 > .
DNA-interacting properties of two analogous square-planar cis-chlorido complexes: copper versus palladium
Authors: Palmeira-Mello Marcos V. , Caballero Ana B. , Lopez-Espinar Aida , Guedes Guilherme P. , Caubet Amparo , de Souza Alessandra M. Teles , Lanznaster Mauricio , Gamez Patrick
Published: August 2021

Two square-planar coordination compounds, namely [Cu(CPYA)Cl2] (1) and [Pd(CPYA)Cl2] (2), were prepared from the ligand 4-chloro-N-(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)aniline (CPYA) and two chloride salts, and were fully characterized, including by X-ray diffraction. Spectroscopic, electrophoretic and AFM studies revealed that the two isostructural compounds were interacting differently with DNA. In both cases, the initial interaction involves electrostatic contacts of the CPYA ligand in the minor groove (as suggested by molecular docking), but subsequent strong binding occurs with the palladium(II) complex2, whereas the binding with the copper complex1is weaker and concentration dependent. The strong binding of2eventually leads to the cleavage of the double strand and the redox activity of1allows to oxidatively cleave the biomolecule.

Graphic abstract
RETRACTED ARTICLE: An optimised homomorphic CRT-RSA algorithm for secure and efficient communication
Authors: Abid Rabia , Iwendi Celestine , Javed Abdul Rehman , Rizwan Muhammad , Jalil Zunera , Anajemba Joseph Henry , Biamba Cresantus
Published: September 2021

Secure and reliable exchange of information between devices is crucial for any network in the current digital world. This information is maintained on storage devices, routing devices, and communication over the cloud. Cryptographic techniques are used to ensure the secure transmission of data, ensuring the user’s privacy by storing and transmitting data in a particular format. Using encryption, only the intended user possessing the key can access the information. During data or essential transmission, the channel should be secured by using robust encryption techniques. Homomorphic Encryption (HE) techniques have been used in the past for this purpose. However, one of the flaws of the conventional HE is seen either in its slow transmission or fast key decryption. Thus, this paper proposes an optimized Homomorphic Encryption Chinese Remainder Theorem with a Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (HE-CRT-RSA) algorithm to overcome this challenge. The proposed Technique, HE-CRT-RSA, utilizes multiple keys for efficient communication and security. In addition, the performance of the HE-CRT-RSA algorithm was evaluated in comparison with the classical RSA algorithm. The result of the proposed algorithm shows performance improvement with reduced decryption time. It is observed that the proposed HE-CRT-RSA is 3–4% faster than the classical Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA). The result also suggests that HE-CRT-RSA effectively enhances security issues of the cloud and helps to decrease the involvement of intruders or any third party during communication or inside the data/server centers.
Adoption of environmental standards and a lack of awareness: evidence from the food and beverage industry in Vietnam
Authors: Filippini Massimo , Srinivasan Suchita
Published: September 2021

Voluntary approaches to environmental policy can contribute to stemming environmental degradation in developing countries with weak institutions. We evaluate the role of a lack of awareness of a law in explaining the voluntary adoption of environmental certification by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the food and beverage industry in Vietnam. We find that firms, where owners or managers were unaware of the law were 38 percentage points less likely to receive environmental certification. Moreover, this effect is larger for firms that exported, had internet access or paid bribes, and it is weaker for household enterprises. Our results suggest that increasing legal awareness can weaken informational constraints for SMEs, where weak institutions and a lack of information often hamper the uptake of environmental policy initiatives.
The association between cognitive impairment/dementia and albuminuria: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Hongqin , Zhao Shuailin , Wang Ruiyu , Gao Baoshan
Published: September 2021

Background

To identify the association between albuminuria and dementia or cognitive impairment.

Methods

The literature search was performed to identify relevant scientific studies through August 2019, including PubMed/Medline and EMBASE. For inclusion, the studies had to fulfil the following criteria: population-based cohort, case–control or cross-sectional studies; quantifying an association of albuminuria with cognitive impairment or dementia; and reported odds ratio (OR), and the corresponding 95% confidential interval (95% CI). Random effects model was used to yield pooled estimates.

Results

A total of 16 studies (11 cohort studies and five cross-sectional studies) were included in the meta-analyses. Based on the fully adjusted estimates, albuminuria was associated with a significant higher risk of cognitive impairment or dementia. Furthermore, the same trend existed for cognitive impairment and dementia, respectively. In addition, both of Alzheimer’s diseases (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) were significantly associated with albuminuria.

Conclusion

Albuminuria was significantly associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. Corresponding to an earlier subclinical time-point in kidney disease progress, albuminuria may be a potential factor predicting the future occurrence of dementia.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Ballistic Resistance of Composites Based on Sandwich Metallic Foams
Authors: Dmitruk Anna , Naplocha Krzysztof , Pach Joanna , Pyka Dariusz , Ziółkowski Grzegorz , Bocian Mirosław , Jamroziak Krzysztof
Published: September 2021

In recent years, hybrid composite materials are of increasing interest during the search for new materials to be used as ballistic barriers (shields) and kinetic energy absorbers. The main objective of this study is to test the energy absorption capacity of Zn-Al alloys filled with various polymer materials (epoxy resin, polyurethane resin and silicone). The ballistic resistance of modern hybrid materials to direct firing of a 5.56 × 45 mm SS109 projectile and during quasi-static piercing test is examined. Next, a numerical simulation in the ABAQUS environment is performed. In order to accurately reproduce the foam structure, a computed microtomography (CT) system is used. In the simulation of deformations of viscoplastic bodies, the Lagrange and Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamic (SPH) methods are applied. The obtained results from numerical analyses are verified with experimental results. Metallic foams are proven to have only a remote influence on the impact load, while, when filled with polyurethane resin, they show resistance to the overshoot. Performed simulation supports the detailed analysis of the impact energy dissipation for each of the samples.
Computing low-rank rightmost eigenpairs of a class of matrix-valued linear operators
Authors: Guglielmi Nicola , Kressner Daniel , Scalone Carmela
Published: September 2021

In this article, a new method is proposed to approximate the rightmost eigenpair of certain matrix-valued linear operators, in a low-rank setting. First, we introduce a suitable ordinary differential equation, whose solution allows us to approximate the rightmost eigenpair of the linear operator. After analyzing the behaviour of its solution on the whole space, we project the ODE on a low-rank manifold of prescribed rank and correspondingly analyze the behaviour of its solutions. For a general linear operator we prove that—under generic assumptions—the solution of the ODE converges globally to its leading eigenmatrix. The analysis of the projected operator is more subtle due to its nonlinearity; when ca is self-adjoint, we are able to prove that the associated low-rank ODE converges (at least locally) to its rightmost eigenmatrix in the low-rank manifold, a property which appears to hold also in the more general case. Two explicit numerical methods are proposed, the second being an adaptation of the projector splitting integrator proposed recently by Lubich and Oseledets. The numerical experiments show that the method is effective and competitive.
What is considered deception in experimental economics?
Authors: Charness Gary , Samek Anya , van de Ven Jeroen
Published: September 2021

In experimental economics there is a norm against using deception. But precisely what constitutes deception is unclear. While there is a consensus view that providing false information is not permitted, there are also “gray areas” with respect to practices that omit information or are misleading without an explicit lie being told. In this paper, we report the results of a large survey among experimental economists and students concerning various specific gray areas. We find that there is substantial heterogeneity across respondent choices. The data indicate a perception that costs and benefits matter, so that such practices might in fact be appropriate when the topic is important and there is no other way to gather data. Compared to researchers, students have different attitudes about some of the methods in the specific scenarios that we ask about. Few students express awareness of the no-deception policy at their schools. We also briefly discuss some potential alternatives to “gray-area” deception, primarily based on suggestions offered by respondents.
Approaches and involved principles to control pH/pCO2 stability in algal cultures
Authors: Gao Kunshan
Published: August 2021

Experimental cultures of both microalgae and macroalgae are commonly carried out by phycologists or environmental biologists to look into morphological, physiological, and molecular responses to aquatic environmental changes. However, the species of inorganic carbon in algae cultures is often altered by algal photosynthetic CO2removal and/or bicarbonate utilization. The pH changes associated with altered carbonate chemistry in cultures impact physiological processes in microalgae and macroalgae even at their exponential growth phases, since extra energy is required to sustain intracellular acid–base homeostasis. Usually, pH increases during light period due to inorganic carbon uptake and utilization for photosynthesis and decreases during dark period because of respiratory CO2release. Therefore, to obtain relevant data aimed for physiological and/or molecular responses of algae to changed levels of environmental factors, stability of pH/pCO2in the cultures should be considered and controlled to rule out impacts of carbonate chemistry and pH changes. In this work, principles involved in changing pH processes in algal cultures are mechanistically analyzed and several approaches to control pH and pCO2are introduced. In order to sustain stability of pH/pCO2, the principles underline the following key points: (1) maintaining the rate of photosynthetic C removal less than or equal to the rate of CO2dissolution into the cultures which are aerated; or (2) sustaining dilute cultures with very low cell density without aeration, so that photosynthetic C removal is small enough not to cause significant pH/pCO2changes; or (3) stabilizing the changes in micro-environments surrounding the cells or thallus. To maintain pH drift < 1% in growing typical unicellular microalgae, the recommended cell concentration ranges from 50 × 103to 200 × 103 mL−1with aeration (air replacement rate of ca 500–1000 mL L−1 min−1) in semi-continuous cultures of < 1 L, and it ranges from 100 to 5000 cells mL−1for diatoms and from 100 to 100 × 103cells mL−1for coccolithophores in dilute cultures without aeration, respectively. For macroalgae, maintaining the thalli in flowing through- system or in semi-continuous cultures (continuously control algal biomass density) is recommended.
Parental Physical Illnesses and Their Association with Subsequent Externalizing and Internalizing Symptoms in Children
Authors: Kinnunen Lotta , Nordström Tanja , Niemelä Mika , Räsänen Sami , Whittle Sarah , Miettunen Jouko
Published: August 2021

Parental physical illnesses can be stressful for children. We estimated the prevalence of children who experience parental physical illnesses, and whether parental physical illnesses during childhood were associated with behavioral problems in adolescence. Data on children from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 was collected through questionnaires at ages 8 and 16 (n = 7037). Data on parental illness diagnosed during this study period was obtained from health registers. We investigated the association between parental physical illness (based on the International Classification of Diseases) and children’s behavioral problems at age 16 (measured by the Youth Self-Report questionnaire). During the study period, 3887 (55.2%) children had a parent with at least one physical illness. Associations were found between parental physical illness and children’s behavioral problems, with most associations found between maternal illness and males’ externalizing problems, and females’ internalizing problems. After adjusting for child behavioral problems at age 8, parental psychiatric illness and socioeconomic status, and multiple testing correction, only associations between parental physical illness and male behavioral problems were significant. Interestingly, parental illness was associated with lower problems. A notable proportion of children experience parental physical illnesses. Although mixed, our findings suggest that the impact of parental physical illness on children’s behavioral problems is complex, and that the experience of parental illness may lead to resilience in males. This study emphasizes that children’s needs should be taken into account when treating a parent with physical illness.
Navigating Family Involvement in Domestic Violence Fatality Review: Conceptualising Prospects for Systems and Relational Repair
Authors: Rowlands James , Cook Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Family involvement is a key element of Domestic Homicide Review (DHR), the form of Domestic Violence Fatality Review (DVFR) found in England and Wales. Family involvement is framed as having dual purposes: first, as a benefit to DHRs, enabling a fuller picture of victims’ experiences; second, as a benefit to families themselves, notably as a therapeutic or cathartic opportunity. However, these dual purposes have been little considered. This conceptual article responds to this absence by interrogating the purpose, process and outcomes of family involvement within DHRs.

Method

To explicate purpose, process and outcomes, we synthesise policy, practice and the extant empirical and theoretical literature relating to family involvement in DHRs. We supplement this by engaging with a broader body of emerging research on family involvement in other review systems, analysing this through a lens of citizenship and participation.

Results

Family involvement in DHRs is little explicated and there is a need to better engage with how family are involved in DHRs, as a way of increasing transparency for family rights. By way of response, a tentative conceptual framework is proposed which situates family involvement as demonstrative of systems- and relational-repair.

Conclusions

The article concludes by arguing for greater attention to the Theory(s) of Change underpinning both the place of the family and their testimony, as well as the DHR system as a whole. Such clarity would benefit family, both as the subject of professional interactions but, critically, as agents in the DHR process in their own right.
Immigration Policy Vulnerability Linked to Adverse Mental Health Among Latino Day Laborers
Authors: Haro-Ramos Alein Y. , Rodriguez Hector P.
Published: August 2021

Latino day laborers in the United States are socially and economically vulnerable due to exclusionary immigration policies. Using data from a multi-mode survey, we examine the relationship between immigration policy legal vulnerability and mental health outcomes among 138 Latino, male day laborers (mean age = 45.65, SD = 12.05). Multivariable linear and logistic regression models separately estimated the effect of legal vulnerability, as measured by the Perceived Immigration Policy Effects Scale, on anxiety and depression symptoms and a positive depression and anxiety screening, respectively. Approximately 26.1% and 27.9% of day laborers reported depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively. In each adjusted model, we find a positive relationship between legal vulnerability and adverse mental health. Immigration policy legal vulnerability is associated with more depression and anxiety symptoms among Latino day laborers. Policies to reduce legal vulnerability, such as pathways to citizenship and employment authorization, may support Latino day laborers' mental health outcomes.
Cancer Survivorship: Religion in Meaning Making and Coping Among a Group of Black Prostate Cancer Patients in South Africa
Authors: Nkoana Shai , Sodi Tholene , Makgahlela Mpsanyana , Mokwena Jabu
Published: September 2021

The purpose of the study was to explore the role of religion in meaning making and coping among a group of black patients receiving some form of prostate cancer treatment at a public hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa. A sample of 20 prostate cancer survivors, with ages ranging from 67 to 85 years (meanage = 76yrs; SD = 5.3) selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The findings demonstrated that religion is an important factor in meaning making and coping by prostate cancer survivors. The findings suggest that healthcare practitioners need to pay close attention to the meanings that cancer patients assign to their illness to provide the appropriate care and support.
Changes in the expression level of genes encoding transcription factors and cell wall-related proteins during Meloidogyne arenaria infection of maize (Zea mays)
Authors: Przybylska Arnika , Spychalski Maciej
Published: September 2021

Background

Meloidogyne arenaria is an economically important root-knot nematode (RKN) species whose hosts include maize (Zea mays). The plant response to RKN infection activates many cellular mechanisms, among others, changes in the expression level of genes encoding transcription and elongation factors as well as proteins related to cell wall organization.

Methods and results

This study is aimed at characterization of expression of selected transcription and elongation factors encoding the genes WRKY53, EF1a, and EF1b as well as the ones encoding two proteins associated with cell wall functioning (glycine-rich RNA-binding protein, GRP and polygalacturonase, PG) during the maize response to M. arenaria infection. The changes in the relative level of expression of genes encoding these proteins were assessed using the reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR. The material studied were leaves and root samples collected from four maize varieties showing different susceptibilities toward M. arenaria infection, harvested at three different time points. Significant changes in the expression level of GRP between susceptible and tolerant varieties were observed.

Conclusions

Results obtained in the study suggest pronounced involvement of glycine-rich RNA-binding protein and EF1b in the maize response and resistance to RKN.
Household Chaos and Child Behavior Problems Predict Maternal Well-being
Authors: Yalcintas Sumeyra , Pike Alison , Oliver Bonamy R.
Published: September 2021

The aim of the study was to investigate predictors of maternal well-being in mothers of twins. As well as being important in its own right, maternal well-being is a crucial predictor of parenting (Belsky in Child Dev. 55(1):83, 1984). Based on previous research (Pike et al. in Int J Beh Dev. 30(1):55–66, 2006) we expected that household chaos (Confusion, Hubbub, and Order) and child behavior problems would predict maternal depression, stress and anxiety. The data for the study was taken from the Twins, Family and Behavior Study (TFaB) -- a longitudinal UK study of twins born in 2009 and 2010. One hundred and fifty-eight mothers of twins (Mchild age= 6.01 years, SDage = 0.50) reported on household chaos, child disruptive behaviors and their own well-being. Higher levels of household chaos were linked to maternal depressive, anxiety and stress related symptoms. More child behavior problems were related to more depressive and stress symptoms but not anxiety. The findings show promise for future research investigating different types of maternal well-being and suggested practical implications, such as intervening on concrete aspects of household chaos to improve maternal well-being.
Allocation of time and child socio-emotional skills
Authors: Meroni Elena Claudia , Piazzalunga Daniela , Pronzato Chiara
Published: September 2021

In this study, we investigate the effect of time allocation on children’s non-cognitive development, using data from the Millennium Cohort Study (UK) and focusing on children aged 7 and 11 years. We classify the time spent outside of school into seven groups of activities and evaluate their impact on five socio-emotional skills drawn from the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, leveraging the data’s panel structure. We subsequently test the robustness of our estimates against endogeneity issues. Time spent on sports, studying, reading, tidying up and active time with parents have beneficial effects, while video-screen time and extra hours at school have harmful effects.
Supply Chain Innovations and Partial Ownership
Authors: Hunold Matthias , Shekhar Shiva
Published: August 2021

When knowledge sharing is non-contractible, we show that competing downstream firms may prefer to help improve an inefficient alternative supply source than help to improve the technology of the efficient actual supplier—even if this is costless. A downstream firm can have incentives to decrease the efficiency of the actual supplier in order to improve its outside options. Non-controlling partial backward ownership can—through the participation of the downstream firm(s) in the upstream profits—align the incentives of the supplier and its competing customers. This improves industry performance while simultaneously benefiting consumers. Partial backward ownership has similar effects as strengthening a downstream firm’s bargaining power and making knowledge sharing contractible.
Validation of an Emission Model for a Marine Diesel Engine with Data from Sea Operations
Authors: Mocerino Luigia , Soares C. Guedes , Rizzuto Enrico , Balsamo Flavio , Quaranta Franco
Published: September 2021

In this study, a model is developed to simulate the dynamics of an internal combustion engine, and it is calibrated and validated against reliable experimental data, making it a tool that can effectively be adopted to conduct emission predictions. In this work, the Ricardo WAVE software is applied to the simulation of a particular marine diesel engine, a four-stroke engine used in the maritime field. Results from the bench tests are used for the calibration of the model. Finally, the calibration of the model and its validation with full-scale data measured at sea are presented. The prediction includes not only the classic engine operating parameters for a comparison with surveys but also an estimate of nitrogen oxide emissions, which are compared with similar results obtained with emission factors. The calibration of the model made it possible to obtain an overlap between the simulation results and real data with an average error of approximately 7% on power, torque, and consumption. The model provides encouraging results, suggesting further applications, such as in the study on transient conditions, coupling of the engine model with the ship model for a complete simulation of the operating conditions, and optimization studies on consumption and emissions. The availability of the emission data during the sea trial and validated simulation results are the strengths and novelties of this work.
Advances in Research on Bladder Cancer Targeting Peptides: a Review
Authors: Zheng Bin , Zhang Pu , Wang Heng , Wang Jinxue , Liu Zheng Hong , Zhang DaHong
Published: September 2021

Bladder cancer (Bca) is the second most common malignant tumor of the genitourinary system in Chinese male population with high potential of recurrence and progression. The overall prognosis has not been improved significantly for the past 30 years due to the lack of early theranostic technique. Currently the early theranostic technique for bladder cancer is mainly through the intravesical approach, but the clinical outcomes are poor due to the limited tumor-targeting efficiency. Therefore, the targeting peptides for bladder cancer provide possibility to advance intravesical theranostic technique. However, no systematic review has covered the wide use of the targeting peptides for intravesical theranostic techniques in bladder cancer. Herein, a summary of original researches introduces all aspects of the targeting peptides for bladder cancer, including the peptide screening, the targeting mechanism and its preclinical application.