bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dharmamegha in yoga and yogācāra: the revision of a superlative metaphor
Authors: O’Brien-Kop Karen
Published: May 2020

ThePātañjalayogaśāstraconcludes with a description of the pinnacle of yoga practice: a state ofsamādhicalleddharmamegha, cloud of dharma. Yet despite the structural importance ofdharmameghain the soteriology of Pātañjala yoga, theśāstraitself does not say much about this term. Where we do finddharmameghadiscussed, however, is in Buddhist yogācāra, and more broadly in early Mahāyāna soteriology, where it represents the apex of attainment and the superlative statehood of a bodhisattva. Given the relative paucity of Brahmanical mentions ofdharmameghain the early common era, Patañjali appears to adopt this key metaphor from a Mahāyāna context—and to revise its primary meaning from fullness to emptiness. This article traces the early elaborations ofdharmameghain Buddhist texts, and, drawing on conceptual metaphor theory, lays out four arguments that each, in part, accounts for the stark contrast in how classical yoga and yogācāra employ the superlative metaphor ofdharmamegha.
Implementation of strategies to prevent and treat postoperative delirium in the post-anesthesia caring unit
Authors: Saller Thomas , Hofmann-Kiefer Klaus F. , Saller Isabel , Zwissler Bernhard , von Dossow Vera
Published: May 2020

Postoperative delirium is associated with worse outcome. The aim of this study was to understand present strategies for delirium screening and therapy in German Post-Anesthesia-Caring-Units (PACU). We designed a German-wide web-based questionnaire which was sent to 922 chairmen of anesthesiologic departments and to 726 anesthetists working in ambulatory surgery. The response rate was 30% for hospital anesthesiologists. 10% (95%-confidence interval: 8–12) of the anesthesiologists applied a standardised screening for delirium. Even though not on a regular basis, in 44% (41–47) of the hospitals, a recommended and validated screening was used, the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (NuDesc) or the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU). If delirium was likely to occur, 46% (43–50) of the patients were examined using a delirium tool. 20% (17–23) of the patients were screened in intensive care units. For the treatment of delirium, alpha-2-agonists (83%, 80–85) were used most frequently for vegetative symptoms, benzodiazepines for anxiety in 71% (68–74), typical neuroleptics in 77% (71–82%) of patients with psychotic symptoms and in 20% (15–25) in patients with hypoactive delirium. 45% (39–51) of the respondents suggested no therapy for this entity. Monitoring of delirium is not established as a standard procedure in German PACUs. However, symptom-oriented therapy for postoperative delirium corresponds with current guidelines.
Continuous Dependence of the Singular Nonlinear Van der Pol Equation Solutions with Respect to the Boundary Conditions: Elements of p-regularity Theory
Authors: Medak Beata , Tret’yakov Alexey A.
Published: May 2020

This paper studies the problem of the continuous dependence of Van der Pol equation solutions with respect to the boundary conditions. We provide a new approach for the existence of such solutions via p-regularity theory. Several existence theorems about continuous solutions are established.
A Cross-Lagged Panel Study Examining the Reciprocal Relationships Between Positive Emotions, Meaning, Strengths use and Study Engagement in Primary School Students
Authors: Kwok Sylvia Y C L , Fang Siqi
Published: May 2020

Study engagement has been considered a key predictor of school performance among students. Although the potential contribution of positive psychology to education has been recognised, the research findings and implications related to primary school students remain largely unexplored. Given that authentic happiness theory and the broaden-and-build theory have posited the important roles of positive emotions, meaning, engagement and strengths use in education, a more comprehensive study is needed to understand their interactions across time. The current longitudinal study examined the interrelationships between these positive attributes among Chinese students in Hong Kong, China. A total of 786 primary school students from Grades 4 to 6 completed the questionnaire survey at two time points one year apart. An autoregressive cross-lagged panel (ARCL) with structural equation modelling was applied for the data analysis. The results revealed that positive emotions predicted positive meaning, strengths use and study engagement across time. Positive emotions and meaning were reciprocally correlated with each other. Moreover, the use of strengths mediated the association between positive emotions and study engagement. The implications and future directions are also discussed.
Oxide reduction and oxygen removal in water-atomized iron powder: a kinetic study
Authors: Wendel Johan , Manchili Swathi K. , Hryha Eduard , Nyborg Lars
Published: May 2020

Reduction of oxides during sintering is a prerequisite for the manufacturing of powder metallurgy steels. Inadequate control of the sintering atmosphere may impede sinter neck formation and cause entrapment and growth of oxides in sinter necks, ultimately deteriorating the mechanical properties of sintered components. In this study, the oxide reduction and oxygen removal in water-atomized iron powder was investigated by means of thermogravimetric analysis in pure hydrogen. Two principal mass loss events were recorded, corresponding to the removal of the surface oxide layer at around 400 °C and reduction of internal and stable oxides in the range 600–1350 °C. The apparent activation energies of these mass loss processes were determined by means of kinetic analyses, giving values around 100 kJ mol−1 and 200–400 kJ mol−1, respectively. The validity of the results was asserted using hematite reference samples which displayed good correlation with the reduction of the surface oxide layer, thereby showing that the powder surfaces are covered by an Fe2O3 oxide. The high-temperature mass loss, with no analogy in the reference samples, is believed to originate from a combination of oxygen removal from internal oxides and stable oxide particulates on the surface. Analysis of the oxide reduction in iron powder compacts show a slightly lower activation energy for the oxide layer reduction, indicating an influence of the compaction step on the initial state of the powder and oxide layer. At the same time, the high-temperature mass loss event was shifted to higher temperatures, which is believed to be caused by the increasingly restricted mass transport of reduction products along the pores in the sintered compact.
Brouwer’s Weak Counterexamples and the Creative Subject: A Critical Survey
Authors: Fletcher Peter
Published: May 2020

I survey Brouwer’s weak counterexamples to classical theorems, with a view to discovering (i) what useful mathematical work is done by weak counterexamples; (ii) whether they are rigorous mathematical proofs or just plausibility arguments; (iii) the role of Brouwer’s notion of the creative subject in them, and whether the creative subject is really necessary for them; (iv) what axioms for the creative subject are needed; (v) what relation there is between these arguments and Brouwer’s theory of choice sequences. I refute one of Brouwer’s claims with a weak counterexample of my own. I also examine Brouwer’s 1927 proof of the negative continuity theorem, which appears to be a weak counterexample reliant on both the creative subject and the concept of choice sequence; I argue that it provides a good justification for the weak continuity principle, but it is not a weak counterexample and it does not depend essentially on the creative subject.
Are Social Status and Migration Background Associated with Utilization of Non-medical Antenatal Care? Analyses from Two German Studies
Authors: Ludwig Angelique , Miani Céline , Breckenkamp Jürgen , Sauzet Odile , Borde Theda , Doyle Ina-Merle , Brenne Silke , Höller-Holtrichter Chantal , David Matthias , Spallek Jacob , Razum Oliver
Published: May 2020

Objective

Non-medical antenatal care (ANC) refers to a range of non-medical services available to women during pregnancy aiming at supporting women and prepare them for the birth and the postpartum period. In Germany, they include antenatal classes, breastfeeding classes and pregnancy-specific yoga or gymnastics courses. Studies suggest that various types of non-medical ANC carry benefits for both the women and their babies. Little is known about the uptake of non-medical ANC among different socioeconomic population subgroups, but one may expect lower utilization among socio-economically disadvantaged women. We analyzed factors contributing to the utilization of non-medical ANC in general and antenatal classes in particular.

Methods

Baseline data of the Bielefeld BaBi birth cohort (2013–2016) and the Berlin perinatal study (2011–2012) were analyzed. Comparing the two cohorts allowed to increase the socio-economic and migration background variance of the study population and to capture the effect of the local context on uptake of services. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to study associations between the uptake of non-medical ANC and socio-economic and migration status.

Results

In Berlin and Bielefeld, being a first generation migrant and having lower levels of education were associated with lower non-medical ANC uptake. In Berlin, being a 2nd generation woman or having a low income was also associated with lower uptake.

Conclusions for Practice

Our study suggests that non-medical ANC remains in some part the prerogative of non-migrant, well-educated and economically privileged women. Since differences in non-medical ANC have the potential to create inequalities in terms of birth outcomes and maternal health during pregnancy and post-partum, more efforts are needed to promote the use of non-medical ANC by all population groups.
Cholesterol-functionalized carvedilol-loaded PLGA nanoparticles: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor effects
Authors: de S. L. Oliveira Ana Luiza C. , dos Santos-Silva Alaine M. , da Silva-Júnior Arnóbio A. , Garcia Vinícius B. , de Araújo Aurigena A. , de Geus-Oei Lioe-Fee , Chan Alan B. , Cruz Luis J. , de Araújo Júnior Raimundo F.
Published: May 2020

The inflammation has been identified as factor of tumor progression, which has increased the interest and use of molecules with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in the cancer treatment. In this study, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor potentials of carvedilol was explored in a different approach. The cholesterol (CHO) was investigated as facilitated agent in the action of carvedilol-loaded nanoparticles. Different formulations exhibited spherical and stable nanoparticle with mean diameter size < 250 nm. The cholesterol changed the copolymer-drug interactions and the encapsulation efficiency. The in vitro cancer study was performed using murine colorectal cancer cell line (CT-26) to observe the cell viability and apoptosis on MTS assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The experiments have demonstrated that cholesterol improved the performance of drug-loaded nanoparticles, which was much better than free drug. The in vivo inflammation peritonitis model revealed that carvedilol-loaded nanoparticles increased the level of glutathione and leukocyte migration mainly when the functionalized drug-loaded nanoparticles were tested, in a lower dose than the free drug. As hypothesized, the experimental data suggest that cholesterol-functionalized carvedilol-loaded PLGA nanoparticles can be a novel and promising approach in the inflammation-induced cancer therapy since showed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor effects.
Projecting global and regional outlooks for planted forests under the shared socio-economic pathways
Authors: Korhonen Jaana , Nepal Prakash , Prestemon Jeffrey P. , Cubbage Frederick W.
Published: May 2020

There is rising global interest in growing more trees in order to meet growing population, climate change, and wood energy needs. Using recently published data on planted forests by country, we estimated relationships between per capita income and planted forest area that are useful for understanding prospective planted forest area futures through 2100 under various United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change-inspired Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs). Under all SSPs, projections indicate increasing global planted forest area trends for the next three to four decades and declining trends thereafter, commensurate with the quadratic functions employed. Our projections indicate somewhat less total future planted forest area than prior linear forecasts. Compared to 293 million ha (Mha) of planted forests globally in 2015, SSP5 (a vision of a wealthier world) projects the largest increase (to 334 Mha, a 14% gain) by 2055, followed by SSP2 (a continuation of historical socio-economic trends, to 327 Mha, or an 11% gain), and SSP3 (a vision of a poorer world, to 319 Mha, a 9% gain). The projected trends for major world regions differ from global trends, consistent with differing socio-economic development trajectories in those regions. Our projections based on empirical FAO data for the past 25 years, as well as those by other researchers, suggest that achieving the much more ambitious global planted forest targets proposed recently will require exceptional forest land and investment supply shifts.
The Prebiotic Provenance of Semi-Aqueous Solvents
Authors: Lago Jennifer L. , Burcar Bradley T. , Hud Nicholas V. , Febrian Rio , Mehta Christopher , Bracher Paul J. , Atlas Zachary D. , Pasek Matthew A.
Published: May 2020

The numerous and varied roles of phosphorylated organic molecules in biochemistry suggest they may have been important to the origin of life. The prominence of phosphorylated molecules presents a conundrum given that phosphorylation is a thermodynamically unfavorable, endergonic process in water, and most natural sources of phosphate are poorly soluble. We recently demonstrated that a semi-aqueous solvent consisting of urea, ammonium formate, and water (UAFW) supports the dissolution of phosphate and the phosphorylation of nucleosides. However, the prebiotic feasibility and robustness of the UAFW system are unclear. Here, we study the UAFW system as a medium in which phosphate minerals are potentially solubilized. Specifically, we conduct a series of chemical experiments alongside thermodynamic models that simulate the formation of ammonium formate from the hydrolysis of hydrogen cyanide, and demonstrate the stability of formamide in such solvents (as an aqueous mixture). The dissolution of hydroxylapatite requires a liquid medium, and we investigate whether a UAFW system is solid or liquid over varied conditions, finding that this characteristic is controlled by the molar ratios of the three components. For liquid UAFW mixtures, we also find the solubility of phosphate is higher when the quantity of ammonium formate is greater than urea. We suggest the urea within the system can lower the activity of water, help create a stable and persistent solution, and may act as a condensing agent/catalyst to improve nucleoside phosphorylation yields.
Ancestry Culture, Assimilation, and Voter Turnout in Two Generations
Authors: Finseraas Henning , Kotsadam Andreas , Polavieja Javier
Published: May 2020

Women vote less than men in many parts of the world. Whether this gender gap is due to cultural preferences stemming from traditional gender norms or to structural constraints is hard to answer because preferences and beliefs are endogenous to the socioeconomic and institutional environment. To address this problem, we use the so-called epidemiological approach. This approach exploits the portability of culture as a source of identification, by comparing migrants from different cultures of origin but living in similar institutional environments. We study the gender patterns in turnout of immigrants and their children in Norway using administrative register data on voter turnout. We find that gender traditionalism at country of origin is significantly correlated with the gender gap in the first generation, but has no effect in the second generation. Together, our results suggest that early institutional exposure is important for political assimilation.
The association of stroke severity with health-related quality of life in survivors of acute cerebrovascular disease and their informal caregivers during the first year post stroke: a survey study
Authors: Labberton Angela S. , Augestad Liv Ariane , Thommessen Bente , Barra Mathias
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To describe the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of caregivers and survivors of transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and stroke during one year post discharge in comparison to age- and sex-matched population norms; and to analyse the association of initial stroke severity, measured by a routinely used stroke-specific scale, on subsequent HRQoL of caregivers and survivors.

Methods

Cohort of hospitalized patients with TIA and stroke discharged alive from a large university hospital in Norway, and their informal caregivers. Questionnaires at 3 and 12 months post discharge were filled out by caregivers (n = 320 and n = 326, respectively) and survivors (n = 368 and n = 383, respectively). Multivariable linear regression analyses tested associations between initial stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, NIHSS) and HRQoL (EQ-5D-3L) in caregivers and survivors.

Results

Caregivers of survivors with TIA or stroke did not report lower HRQoL than matched norms. There was some evidence of an association of the NIHSS with caregiver HRQoL at 3 months only (age–sex-adjusted coefficient − 0.01, p = 0.008), however, this was attenuated after additional adjustments. Survivors with stroke, but not TIA, reported lower HRQoL than population norms at both time points. There was a negative association between higher NIHSS scores and survivors’ HRQoL; fully adjusted coefficient − 0.01 at both time points (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The informal caregivers and survivors with TIA did not report lower than expected HRQoL. Increasing stroke severity was associated with decreasing HRQoL among survivors, but had limited predictive value among caregivers. Other factors may therefore be better indicators of ‘at risk’ caregivers.
Effect of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on the life stages of fish
Authors: Alves Ricardo N. , Agustí Susana
Published: May 2020

Current levels of Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) represent a significant threat to many fish species. The first studies on the effects of UVR on organisms were performed on fish at the beginning of the twentieth century, and the topic has been progressing continuously until the present. Here, we review the reported harmful effects of ultraviolet B (UVB) and A (UVA) radiations in fish at different lifecycle stages, including embryo, larvae, juveniles and adults. The most evident negative effects during the early development stages are an increase in mortality and incidence in developmental malformations, with the skin and gills the most affected tissues in larvae. Growth reduction, a loss in body condition, and behavioral, physiological and metabolic changes in juveniles/adults occur under short- or long-term UVB exposure. The skin in juveniles/adults undergoes profound morphological and functional changes, even after acute exposure to UVR. Impairment of molecular and cellular processes was evidenced in all development stages by increasing the levels of DNA damage, apoptosis and changing tissues’ antioxidant status. The different photo-protective mechanisms to cope with excessive UVR exposure are also revised. Currently, stratospheric ozone dynamics and climate change interact strongly, enhancing the potential exposure of fish to UVR under water. Due to these environmental changes, fish are exposed to new and complex interactions between UVR and environmental stressors, which potentially affects fish growth and survival. Understanding the ability of fish to cope and adapt to these environmental changes will be essential to evaluate the potential impact in fisheries and mitigate ecological problems.
Viruses of endophytic and pathogenic forest fungi
Authors: Siddique Abu Bakar
Published: May 2020

Mycoviruses, just as the fungal endophytes they infect, are ubiquitous biological entities on Earth. Mycoviruses constitute a diverse group of viruses, and metagenomic approaches have—through recent discoveries of been mycoviruses—only recently began to provide evidence of this astonishing diversity. The current review presents (1) various mycoviruses which infect fungal endophytes and forest pathogens, (2) their presumed origins and interactions with fungi, plants and the environment, (3) high-throughput sequencing techniques that can be used to explore the horizontal gene transfer of mycoviruses, and (4) how the hypo- and hypervirulence induced by mycoviral infection is relevant to the biological control of pathogenic fungi.
Evaluating metacognitive self-reports: systematic reviews of the value of self-report in metacognitive research
Authors: Craig Kym , Hale Daniel , Grainger Catherine , Stewart Mary E.
Published: May 2020

Metacognitive skills have been shown to be strongly associated with academic achievement and serve as the basis of many therapeutic treatments for mental health conditions. Thus, it is likely that training metacognitive skills can lead to improved academic skills and health and well-being. Because metacognition is an awareness of one’s own thoughts, and as such is not directly observable, it is often measured by self-report. This study reviews and critiques the use of self-report in evaluating metacognition by conducting systematic reviews and a meta-analysis of studies assessing metacognitive skills. Keyword searches were performed in EbscoHost, ERIC, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, Scopus, Web of Science, and WorldWideScience.org to locate all articles evaluating metacognition through self-report. 24,396 articles from 1982 through 2018 were screened for inclusion in the study. Firstly, a systematic review of twenty-two articles was conducted to review the ability of self-report measures to evaluate a proposed taxonomy of metacognition. Secondly, a systematic review and meta-analyses of 37 studies summarizes the ability of self-report to relate to metacognitive behavior and the possible effects of differences in research methods. Results suggest that self-reports provide a useful overview of two factors – metacognitive knowledge and metacognitive regulation. However, metacognitive processes as measured by self-report subscales are unclear. Conversely, the two factors of metacognition do not adequately relate to metacognitive behavior, but subscales strongly correlate across self-reports and metacognitive tasks. Future research should carefully consider the role of self-reports when designing research evaluating metacognition.
Strain-dependent slope stability
Authors: Nitzsche Kornelia , Herle Ivo
Published: May 2020

The state of equilibrium of a slope is usually interpreted and expressed by safety factors based on calculations with limit equilibrium methods. Different stress states, failure modes and hydraulic conditions in sections along a slip surface affect the development of shear stresses during slope movement. Moreover, a post-peak softening of the shear strength can have a pronounced impact. As a consequence of the latter effect, the mobilization of the shear resistance along the slip surface is non-uniform and the safety of the slope can be overestimated or underestimated. In the presented paper, an algorithm is proposed to capture the strain-dependent slope stability. The approach is illustrated by means of a calculation example for a slope with a planar slip surface where a block sliding is assumed.
Mid-domain effect for food chain length in a colonization–extinction model
Authors: Prillwitz Kai von , Blasius Bernd
Published: May 2020

The mid-domain effect states that in a spatially bounded domain species richness tends to decrease from the center towards the boundary, thus producing a peak or plateau of species richness in the middle of the domain even in the absence of any environmental gradient. This effect has been frequently used to describe geographic richness gradients of trophically similar species, but how it scales across different trophic levels is poorly understood. Here, we study the role of geometric constraints for the formation of spatial gradients in trophically structured metacommunities. We model colonization–extinction dynamics of a simple food chain on a network of habitat patches embedded in a one- or two-dimensional domain. In a spatially homogeneous or well-mixed system, we find that the food chain length increases with the square root of the ratio of colonization and extinction rates. In a spatially bounded domain, we find that the patch occupancy decreases towards the edge of the domain for all species of the food web, but this spatial gradient varies with the trophic level. As a consequence, the average food chain length peaks in the center and declines towards the boundaries of the domain, thereby extending the notion of a mid-domain effect from species richness to food chain length. This trophic mid-domain effect already arises in a one-dimensional domain, but it is most pronounced at the headlands in a two-dimensional domain. As the mid-domain effect for food chain length is caused solely by spatial boundaries and requires no other environmental heterogeneity, it can be considered a null expectation for geographic patterns in spatially extended food webs.
Effect of a synthesized anionic fluorinated surfactant on wettability alteration for chemical treatment of near-wellbore zone in carbonate gas condensate reservoirs
Authors: Nowrouzi Iman , Mohammadi Amir H. , Manshad Abbas Khaksar
Published: May 2020

The pressure drop during production in the near-wellbore zone of gas condensate reservoirs causes condensate formation in this area. Condensate blockage in this area causes an additional pressure drop that weakens the effective parameters of production, such as permeability. Reservoir rock wettability alteration to gas-wet through chemical treatment is one of the solutions to produce these condensates and eliminate condensate blockage in the area. In this study, an anionic fluorinated surfactant was synthesized and used for chemical treatment and carbonate rock wettability alteration. The synthesized surfactant was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Then, using surface tension tests, its critical micelle concentration (CMC) was determined. Contact angle experiments on chemically treated sections with surfactant solutions and spontaneous imbibition were performed to investigate the wettability alteration. Surfactant adsorption on porous media was calculated using flooding. Finally, the surfactant foamability was investigated using a Ross–Miles foam generator. According to the results, the synthesized surfactant has suitable thermal stability for use in gas condensate reservoirs. A CMC of 3500 ppm was obtained for the surfactant based on the surface tension experiments. Contact angle experiments show the ability of the surfactant to chemical treatment and wettability alteration of carbonate rocks to gas-wet so that at the constant concentration of CMC and at 373 K, the contact angles at treatment times of 30, 60, 120 and 240 min were obtained 87.94°, 93.50°, 99.79° and 106.03°, respectively. However, this ability varies at different surfactant concentrations and temperatures. The foamability test also shows the suitable stability of the foam generated by the surfactant, and a foam half-life time of 13 min was obtained for the surfactant at CMC.
Cerebellum: What is in a Name? Historical Origins and First Use of This Anatomical Term
Authors: Voogd Jan , De Zeeuw Chris I.
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we study who first used the Latin anatomical term “cerebellum” for the posterior part of the brain. The suggestion that this term was introduced by Leonardo da Vinci is unlikely. Just before the start of the da Vinci era in the fifteenth century, several authors referred to the cerebellum as “cerebri posteriorus.” Instead, in his translation of Galen’s anatomical textDe utilitare particularumof 1307, Nicolo da Reggio used the Latinized Greek word “parencephalon.” More peculiar was the Latin nautical term “puppi,” referring to the stern of a ship, that was applied to thecerebellumby Constantine the African in his translation of the ArabicLiber regiusin the eleventh century. The first to use the term “cerebellum” appears to be Magnus Hundt in hisAnthropologiafrom 1501. Like many of the anatomists of this period, he was a humanist with an interest in classical literature. They may have encountered the term “cerebellum” in the writings by classical authors such as Celsus, where it was used as the diminutive of “cerebrum” for the small brains of small animals, and, subsequently, applied the term to the posterior part of the brain. In the subsequent decades of the sixteenth century, an increasing number of pre-Vesalian authors of anatomical texts started to use the name “cerebellum,” initially often combined with one or more of the earlier terms, but eventually more frequently in isolation. We found that a woodcut in Dryander’sAnatomia capitis humaniof 1536 is the first realistic picture of the cerebellum.
Pore pressure prediction in front of drill bit based on grey prediction theory
Authors: Sheng Ya-nan , Li Weiting , Guan Zhi-chuan , Jiang Jinbao , Lan Kai , Kong Hua
Published: May 2020

At present, the method of formation pressure is mainly divided into pressure prediction before drilling, pressure monitoring while drilling, and post-drilling pressure detection. The drilling monitoring method and the post-drilling pressure detection method cannot predict the pressure value of the formation in front of the drill bit. The pre-drilling prediction method is used to predict pressure by seismic data, but the accuracy of the result is not high. How to infer the pressure information of complex and unknown drilling strata based on very limited known formation pressure information is the key technical problem to be solved in this paper. In order to solve this problem, a method based on grey theory is proposed to predict the formation pressure in front of the drill. The prediction results of formation pore pressure based on the method in this paper are compared with the monitoring results of formation pore pressure while drilling: the maximum error is 3.408%, and the average relative error is 3.038%, which indicates that the model has high accuracy. It can meet the requirements of field drilling construction. Through the research of this paper, it can provide more accurate pore pressure information of the formation to be drilled under the bit. Based on the pressure prediction results of the formation to be drilled, dynamic engineering risk assessment can be carried out, so as to assist the drilling operators to make quick and accurate decisions and prevent drilling risk caused by inaccurate understanding of pressure information.
A new generalized equation for estimation of sandstone and carbonate permeability from mercury intrusion porosimetry data
Authors: Saki Mohammad , Siahpoush Saman , Khaz’ali Ali Reza
Published: May 2020

The reservoir rock cuttings can be characterized using mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). MIP tests do not yield the permeability of the sample directly; however, MIP results could be used to estimate permeability using empirical equations. Such effort has been attempted in several researches. Most of them have been performed on sandstones or carbonates solely. Therefore, a comprehensive study accounting for both types of reservoir rocks is missing. In the current research, MIP data of 187 sandstone, limestone, and dolomite samples with a wide range of permeability (from 0.001 to 2000 mD), and porosity (from 1 to 32%) taken from 8 Iranian gas and oil fields were used to develop a new generalized equation for estimating uncorrected gas permeability. We have concluded that in addition to the porosity, pore throat radii corresponding to a mercury saturation of 35% (r35) has the highest correlation with the permeability of the samples. The proposed equation was validated by data from another 21 carbonate and 9 sandstone rock samples. A comparison between our equation and other commonly used similar empirical equations showed the proposed equation has the highest precision in the estimation of permeability of all rock types. The findings of this study can be used to predict reservoir rock permeability from easily accessible and inexpensive drill cutting with acceptable precision. Additionally, the proposed equation is applicable in well-log interpretations and reserve determinations.
Alkaline and co-digestion pretreatments: process optimization for enhancing the methane yield of Jatropha press cake
Authors: Ewunie Gebresilassie Asnake , Morken John , Yigezu Zerihun Demrew
Published: May 2020

Oil extraction and biodiesel production process produce a massive amount of by-products like Jatropha press cake (JPC) and crude glycerol (CG), which could be used as a potential substrate for methane production. However, the higher lignocellulosic and nitrogen content in the JPC act as a recalcitrant and inhibitor, respectivly, for microbes that are involved in the anaerobic digestion (AD) process. Therefore, the present study aimed to enhance the methane yield of JPC by optimizing the alkaline pretreatment and co-digestion process conditions. The effects of NaOH concentration, incubation temperature, and retention time on methane and soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) yields were evaluated and modeled by employing a response surface methodology coupled with central composite design (RSM-CCD). Moreover, a series of batch experiments with various feedstock concentrations (FCs) were tested to investigate the methane yield of JPC when co-digested with CG at different levels. The methane yields of all pretreated samples were significantly higher when compared with these of the untreated JPC. Pretreating the JPC using 7.32% NaOH at 35.86 °C for 54.05 h was the optimum conditions for maximum methane increment of 40.23% (353.90 mL g−1 VS), while co-digesting 2% CG with JPC at 2 g VS L−1 FC enhanced the methane yield by 28.9% (325.47 mL g−1 VS). Thus, the methane yield of JPC was effectively increased by alkaline pretreatment and co-digesting with CG. However, the alkaline pretreatment was relatively more effective compared with the co-digestion process.
On the distortion and warping of cantilever beams with hollow section
Authors: Björk Timo , Ahola Antti , Skriko Tuomas
Published: May 2020

This paper deals with the stress analysis of a cantilever box beam subjected to static or fluctuating torsional moment loading. Such beams may have multiple critical locations from the strength point of view; one interesting detail is the cross section where the loading is imposed. However, such details can be typically designed to possess smooth shapes, resulting in moderate stress concentrations, which mean that fatigue failures can be avoided. However, the distortional deformation of the cross section induces transverse bending stresses, which may be detrimental, particularly in welded box beams. In addition, the fixing location where the beam is typically welded to an end plate may become a critical point. This paper presents an analytical approach for calculating the longitudinal stresses due to the warping of the cross section as well as the distortion-induced transverse and longitudinal stresses in rectangular hollow sections. Finite element analyses (FEAs) are carried out to verify the analytical approach to shed light on the critical points in the end plate details with different degrees of weld penetration using the effective notch stress (ENS) concept and to suggest design proposals for an efficient structural detailing of diaphragm plates to decrease the warping behavior.
Prediction and differential analysis of RNA secondary structure
Authors: Yu Bo , Lu Yao , Zhang Qiangfeng Cliff , Hou Lin
Published: May 2020

Background

RNA structure is the crucial basis for RNA function in various cellular processes. Over the last decade, high throughput structure profiling (SP) experiments have brought enormous insight into RNA secondary structure.

Results

In this review, we first provide an overview of approaches for RNA secondary structure prediction, including free energy‐based algorithms and comparative sequence analysis. Then we introduce SP technologies, databases to document SP data, and pipelines/algorithms to normalize and interpret SP data. Computational frameworks that incorporate SP data in RNA secondary structure prediction are also presented.

Conclusions

We finally discuss potential directions for improvement in the prediction and differential analysis of RNA secondary structure.
Coming to See Action as Symbol: the Computer as Collaborator
Authors: Bamberger Jeanne
Published: May 2020

Our work with young children began as a project and a place that we called The Laboratory for Making Things. Our hypothesis was that deep learning could accrue in an environment where projects were designed that used differing kinds of objects/materials, that utilized differing sensory modalities, that held the potential for differing modes of description, but that shared conceptual underpinnings. This article focuses on the work of one eight-year-child, whom I call Laf, whose most notable quality was integrity – he needed to understand for himself. I trace Laf’s work as an example of a response to the question I had put to myself: Could the computer be a collaborator in helping children effectively make moves between their own body actions in clapping and the necessary numerical–symbolic instructions to make the computer drums play what they had clapped?
Various phases in surface movements linked to deep coal longwall mining: from start-up till the period after closure
Authors: Vervoort André
Published: May 2020

This paper covers the entire lifetime of an underground coal mine, including the start-up of the mining operations and the period after the closure and sealing of the underground workings. Measurements of the vertical surface movement are presented for three neighbouring mines in the Belgian Campine coal basin, where the longwall mining method was applied. First, the monitoring of the initial phase showed that the impact of the first panel was smaller than the impacts of the following two neighbouring panels. When the second panel was mined, a change in the induced surface tilt was observed in the immediate proximity of the panels. Second, data for a transect with a length of about 2.5 km were presented, covering a total time of 54 years, of which the first 31 years were during the active life of the mine. Average subsidence rates of up to − 0.3 m/year were observed. After the mine was closed and the pumping facilities were stopped, the average uplift rate was situated mostly between 4 and 16 mm/year, but a value of 141 mm/year also was measured. Thirty years after closure, the upward movements are still occurring. Third, the phase of uplift is analyzed in more detail over a full north–south transect. A clear narrow maximum was observed for the uplift, corresponding to a total vertical movement of 0.2 m over approximately an 18-year period. All these phases are relevant, for example when analysing damage to buildings and infrastructure. Damage becomes visible when the cumulative movement and loading exceed critical limits and not necessarily when the largest rate of movement is observed, for example.
A Universal Principle to Accurately Synthesize Atomically Dispersed Metal–N4 Sites for CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Zheng Wanzhen , Chen Feng , Zeng Qi , Li Zhongjian , Yang Bin , Lei Lecheng , Zhang Qinghua , He Feng , Wu Xilin , Hou Yang
Published: May 2020

Atomically dispersed metal–nitrogen sites-anchored carbon materials have been developed as effective catalysts for CO2 electroreduction (CO2ER), but they still suffer from the imprecisely control of type and coordination number of N atoms bonded with central metal. Herein, we develop a family of single metal atom bonded by N atoms anchored on carbons (SAs–M–N–C, M = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) for CO2ER, which composed of accurate pyrrole-type M–N4 structures with isolated metal atom coordinated by four pyrrolic N atoms. Benefitting from atomically coordinated environment and specific selectivity of M–N4 centers, SAs–Ni–N–C exhibits superior CO2ER performance with onset potential of − 0.3 V, CO Faradaic efficiency (F.E.) of 98.5% at − 0.7 V, along with low Tafel slope of 115 mV dec−1 and superior stability of 50 h, exceeding all the previously reported M–N–C electrocatalysts for CO2-to-CO conversion. Experimental results manifest that the different intrinsic activities of M–N4 structures in SAs–M–N–C result in the corresponding sequence of Ni > Fe > Cu > Co for CO2ER performance. An integrated Zn–CO2 battery with Zn foil and SAs–Ni–N–C is constructed to simultaneously achieve CO2-to-CO conversion and electric energy output, which delivers a peak power density of 1.4 mW cm−2 and maximum CO F.E. of 93.3%.
Some Inequalities for Analytic Functions in the Unit Disc
Authors: Nunokawa Mamoru , Sokół Janusz
Published: May 2020

In Ozaki (Sci Rep Tokyo Bunrika Daigaku Sect A 4:45–87, 1941) proved that if $$f(z)=z+a_2z^2+a_3z^3+\cdots$$f(z)=z+a2z2+a3z3+⋯ is analytic in $$\mathbb {D}$$D, $$f'(z)\ne 0$$f′(z)≠0 on $$|z|=r<1$$|z|=r<1, then the total variation of $$\arg \{f(z)\}$$arg{f(z)} on $$|z|=r$$|z|=r is not greater than the total variation of $$\arg \{\mathrm{d}f(z)\}$$arg{df(z)} on $$|z|=r$$|z|=r, namely $$\begin{aligned} \forall 0<r<1: \int _{|z|=r}\left| \mathrm{d}\arg \{f(z)\}\right| \le \int _{|z|=r}\left| \mathrm{d}\arg \{\mathrm{d}f(z)\}\right| . \end{aligned}$$∀0<r<1:∫|z|=rdarg{f(z)}≤∫|z|=rdarg{df(z)}.We prove that without the integrals the above inequality implies $$f(z)=z$$f(z)=z. Furthermore, we prove that if $$f'(z)\prec ((1+z)/(1-z))^2$$f′(z)≺((1+z)/(1-z))2, then f(z) is starlike in $$|z|<0.24\ldots$$|z|<0.24….
Recent Developments for Aluminum–Air Batteries
Authors: Mori Ryohei
Published: May 2020

Environmental concerns such as climate change due to rapid population growth are becoming increasingly serious and require amelioration. One solution is to create large capacity batteries that can be applied in electricity-based applications to lessen dependence on petroleum. Here, aluminum–air batteries are considered to be promising for next-generation energy storage applications due to a high theoretical energy density of 8.1 kWh kg−1that is significantly larger than that of the current lithium-ion batteries. Based on this, this review will present the fundamentals and challenges involved in the fabrication of aluminum–air batteries in terms of individual components, including aluminum anodes, electrolytes and air cathodes. In addition, this review will discuss the possibility of creating rechargeable aluminum–air batteries.

Graphic Abstract
LO60: Frailty and associated prognosis among older emergency department patients with suspected infection – a prospective, observational cohort study
Authors: Fernando S. , Guo K. , Lukasik M. , Rochwerg B. , Cook D. , Kyeremanteng K. , Perry J.
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Prognostication and disposition among older Emergency Department (ED) patients with suspected infection remains challenging. Frailty is increasingly recognized as a predictor of poor prognosis among critically ill patients, however its association with clinical outcomes among older ED patients with suspected infection is unknown. Methods: We conducted a multicentre prospective cohort study at two tertiary care EDs. We included older ED patients (≥ 75 years) presenting with suspected infection. Frailty at baseline (prior to index illness) was explicitly measured for all patients by the treating physicians using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). We defined frailty as a CFS 5-8. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. We used multivariable logistic regression to adjust for known confounders. We also compared the prognostic accuracy of frailty against the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) criteria. Results: We enrolled 203 patients, of whom 117 (57.6%) were frail. Frail patients were more likely to develop septic shock (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-2.51) and more likely to die within 30 days of ED presentation (aOR 2.05, 95% CI: 1.02-5.24). Sensitivity for mortality was highest among the CFS (73.1%, 95% CI: 52.2-88.4), as compared to SIRS ≥ 2 (65.4%, 95% CI: 44.3-82.8) or qSOFA ≥ 2 (38.4, 95% CI: 20.2-59.4). Conclusion: Frailty is a highly prevalent prognostic factor that can be used to risk-stratify older ED patients with suspected infection. ED clinicians should consider screening for frailty in order to optimize disposition in this population.
MP01: Just another day on the job: Workforce experience with violence in emergency departments and urgent care centres
Authors: Tarraf R. , Stiphout M. , Fraser A. , Hair H. , Lang E. , Holroyd B. , Hastings S.
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Compared to other areas in Alberta Health Services (AHS), internal data show that emergency departments (EDs) and urgent care centres (UCCs) experience a high rate of workforce violence. As such, reducing violence in AHS EDs and UCCs is a key priority. This project explored staff's lived experience with patient violence with the goal of better understanding its impact, and what strategies and resources could be put in place. Methods: To obtain a representative sample, we recruited staff from EDs and a UCC (n = 6) situated in urban and rural settings across Alberta. As the interviews had the potential to be upsetting, we conducted in-person interviews in a private space. Interviews were conducted with over 60 staff members including RNs, LPNs, unit clerks, physicians, and protective services. Data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously and iteratively until saturation was reached. The analysis involved data reduction, category development, and synthesis. Key phrases and statements were first highlighted. Preliminary labels were then assigned to the data and data was then organized into meaningful clusters. Finally, we identified common themes of participants’ lived experience. Triangulation of sources, independent and team analysis, and frequent debriefing sessions were used to enhance the trustworthiness of the data. Results: Participants frequently noted the worry they carry with them when coming into work, but also said there was a high threshold of acceptance dominating ED culture. A recurring feature of this experience was the limited resources (e.g., no peace officers, scope of security staff) available to staff to respond when patients behave violently or are threatening. Education like non-violent crisis intervention training, although helpful, was insufficient to make staff feel safe. Participants voiced the need for more protective services, the addition of physical barriers like locking doors and glass partitions, more investment in addictions and mental health services (e.g., increased access to psychiatrists or addictions counsellors), and a greater shared understanding of AHS’ zero tolerance policy. Conclusion: ED and UCC staff describe being regularly exposed to violence from patients and visitors. Many of these incidents go unreported and unresolved, leaving the workforce feeling worried and unsupported. Beyond education, the ED and UCC workforce need additional resources to support them in feeling safe coming to work.