bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Aqueous/Nonaqueous Water‐in‐Bisalt Electrolyte Enables Safe Dual Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhu Jiaojiao , Xu Yongtai , Fu Yujun , Xiao Dewei , Li Yali , Liu Lingyang , Wang Yue , Zhang Qingnuan , Li Junshuai , Yan Xingbin
Published: March 2020

Dual ion batteries (DIBs) have recently attracted ever‐increasing attention owing to the potential advantages of low material cost and good environmental friendliness. However, the potential safety hazards, cost, and environmental concerns mainly resulted from the commonly used nonaqueous organic solvents severely hinder the practical application of DIBs. Herein, a hybrid aqueous/nonaqueous water‐in‐bisalt electrolyte with both broad electrochemical stability window and excellent safety performance is developed. The lithium‐based DIB assembled using KS6 graphite and niobium pentoxide as the active materials in the cathode and anode exhibits good comprehensive performance including capacity, cycling stability, rate performance, and medium discharge voltage. Initial capacities of ≈47.6 and 29.6 mAh g−1 retention after 300 cycles can be delivered with a medium discharge voltage of around 2.2 V in the voltage window of 0–3.2 V at the current density of 200 mA g−1. Good rate performance for the battery can be indicated by 29.7 mAh g−1 discharge capacity retention at 400 mA g−1. It is noteworthy that the coulombic efficiency of the battery can reach as high as 93.9%, which is comparable to that of the corresponding DIBs using nonaqueous organic electrolytes.
New Insight into the Confinement Effect of Microporous Carbon in Li/Se Battery Chemistry: A Cathode with Enhanced Conductivity
Authors: Wang Xiwen , Tan Yuqing , Liu Zhixiao , Fan Yuqin , Li Mingnan , Younus Hussein A. , Duan Junfei , Deng Huiqiu , Zhang Shiguo
Published: March 2020

Embedding the fragmented selenium into the micropores of carbon host has been regarded as an effective strategy to change the Li–Se chemistry by a solid–solid mechanism, thereby enabling an excellent cycling stability in Li–Se batteries using carbonate electrolyte. However, the effect of spatial confinement by micropores in the electrochemical behavior of carbon/selenium materials remains ambiguous. A comparative study of using both microporous (MiC) and mesoporous carbons (MeC) with narrow pore size distribution as selenium hosts is herein reported. Systematic investigations reveal that the high Se utilization rate and better electrode kinetics of MiC/Se cathode than MeC/Se cathode may originate from both its improved Li+ and electronic conductivities. The small pore size (<1.35 nm) of the carbon matrices not only facilitates the formation of a compact and robust solid‐electrolyte interface (SEI) with low interfacial resistance on cathode, but also alters the insulating nature of Li2Se due to the emergence of itinerant electrons. By comparing the electrochemical behavior of MiC/Se cathode and the matching relationship between the diameter of pores and the dimension of solvent molecules in carbonate, ether, and solvate ionic liquid electrolyte, the key role of SEI film in the operation of C/Se cathode by quasi‐solid‐solid mechanism is also highlighted.
Making the Shift From a Codeswitching to a Translanguaging Lens in English Language Teacher Education
Authors: Goodman Bridget , Tastanbek Serikbolsyn
Published: March 2020

There has been increasing ambiguity and debate about the meaning and applicability of the terms codeswitching and translanguaging in English language classrooms. To address this issue, this article first offers a historical overview of the literature on codeswitching and translanguaging. This overview serves as the basis for an updated framework that highlights necessary areas of shift in conceptualization from codeswitching to translanguaging, and dimensions of codeswitching research that can still be integrated into a translanguaging lens. This framework is illuminated through an autobiographical narrative inquiry analysis of a teacher educator and a student‐researcher at an English‐medium university in Kazakhstan, a country that is officially bilingual and developing policies and practices to promote trilingualism. The article reinforces the argument that teachers, teacher educators, and ESOL researchers need to shift from a separate (monoglossic) view of languaging practices to a holistic (heteroglossic) view. Research on teachers’ beliefs and language practices need to be reviewed critically to identify whether they take a monoglossic or heteroglossic view of language practices. The preponderance of spontaneous rather than strategic pedagogical use of translanguaging suggests that teachers and teacher educators in English‐language classrooms need to be explicitly taught ways to incorporate heteroglossic ideologies and intentional translanguaging pedagogies into their teaching practice.
Quantifying resilience in hydraulic engineering: Floods, flood records, and resilience in urban areas
Authors: Pohl Reinhard
Published: March 2020

The design of safe structures and installations is an important issue in hydraulic engineering. In this context, the question arises whether the concept of resilience can provide additional information compared with the (semi‐) probabilistic or risk‐based analysis to improve the results of the design procedure. In this paper, the integration of resilience aspects into the design is discussed on three levels: First the consideration of resilience as a characteristic of the structure and its members, secondly as a set of multicriterial indicators and thirdly as a numerical value. To illustrate the three resilience approaches three examples are discussed: the qualitative selection of components, reassessment of urban flood resilience on the basis of updated historical flood records and the comparison of resilience values for different hydraulic structures. Considerations on the quantitative description of the resilience of hydraulic structures in flood‐prone areas are presented and should open the way to further discussions about the quantification of resilience terms.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Methods

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Science of Water > Water Extremes
An Event-Driven Multi Agent System for Scalable Traffic Optimization
Authors: Horn Geir , Przeźdiȩk Tomasz , Büscher Monika , Venticinque Salvatore , Aversa Rocco , Martino Beniamino Di , Esposito Antonio , Skrzypek Paweł , Leznik Mark
Published: March 2020

Global demand for mobility will grow from 44 trillion to 122 trillion passenger-kilometres by 2050, and freight demand will triple in that time increasing traffic emissions by 60%. With current innovation and policy measures we are ‘on course for a 3.2 $$^{\circ }$$

∘

C temperature rise’, according to the 2019 UN Emissions Gap Report. Nothing short of revolutionary is required to address this emergency. However, there is hope: shared mobility and widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles could cut $$\textrm{CO}_2$$

CO
2

emissions by 73% and congestion by 24% if managed by appropriate policies. This paper presents a vision and a concept for future distributed management systems for complex multi-modal transport networks that exploit Multi Agent Systems (MAS) to support individual actors based on data collected from heterogeneous sources like vehicles, freight items, infrastructures, Global Positioning Systems (GPS); and simulations of the behaviour of the many different actors involved in the transport system. Event driven approaches are envisioned to react and respond to real-time events efficiently. The main objective is to identify the best optimization strategies to reduce traffic emissions and maximize the use of the public infrastructures and shared mobility. Motivations, expected impacts, and challenges are also discussed.
High intra- and inter-observer reliability of planning implant size in MRI-based patient-specific instrumentation for total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Schoenmakers Daphne A. L. , Theeuwen Dieuwertje M. J. , Schotanus Martijn G. M. , Jansen Edwin J. P. , van Haaren Emil H. , Hendrickx Roel P. M. , Kort Nanne P.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) uses individually designed disposable guides to determine intraoperative bone cuts. The manufacturer provides the surgeon with proposed planning which can be modified and should be approved by the surgeon before the guides are produced. This study aims to assess the intra- and inter-observer reliability among preoperative planning by orthopaedic surgeons using PSI. The authors hypothesize a high intra- and inter-observer reliability in planning TKA using PSI.

Methods

Four orthopaedic surgeons modified and approved 40 preoperative MRI-based PSI plannings three times. The surgeons were blinded to their own and each other’s results. Intra- and inter-observer reliability was obtained for planned implant size, resection, and position of the implant.

Results

Intra-observer reliability Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) were excellent for femoral and tibial implant size with a range of 0.948–0.995 and 0.919–0.988, respectively. Inter-observer reliability for femoral and tibial implant size showed an ICC range of 0.953–0.982 and 0.839-0.951, respectively. Next to implant size, intra- and inter-observer reliability demonstrated good to an excellent agreement (ICC > 0.75) for 7 out of 12 remaining parameters and 6 out of 12 remaining parameters, respectively.

Conclusion

Preoperative planning of TKA implant size using MRI-based PSI showed excellent intra- and inter-observer reliability. Further research on the comparison of predicted implant size preoperatively to intraoperative results is needed.
Glyphosate and AMPA levels in human urine samples and their correlation with food consumption: results of the cross-sectional KarMeN study in Germany
Authors: Soukup Sebastian T. , Merz Benedikt , Bub Achim , Hoffmann Ingrid , Watzl Bernhard , Steinberg Pablo , Kulling Sabine E.
Published: March 2020

Glyphosate (N-[phosphonomethyl]-glycine) is the most widely used herbicide worldwide. Due to health concerns about glyphosate exposure, its continued use is controversially discussed. Biomonitoring is an important tool in safety evaluation and this study aimed to determine exposure to glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA, in association with food consumption data, in participants of the cross-sectional KarMeN study (Germany). Glyphosate and AMPA levels were measured in 24-h urine samples from study participants (n = 301). For safety evaluation, the intake of glyphosate and AMPA was calculated based on urinary concentrations and checked against the EU acceptable daily intake (ADI) value for glyphosate. Urinary excretion of glyphosate and/or AMPA was correlated with food consumption data. 8.3% of the participants (n = 25) exhibited quantifiable concentrations (> 0.2 µg/L) of glyphosate and/or AMPA in their urine. In 66.5% of the samples, neither glyphosate (< 0.05 µg/L) nor AMPA (< 0.09 µg/L) was detected. The remaining subjects (n = 76) showed traces of glyphosate and/or AMPA. The calculated glyphosate and/or AMPA intake was far below the ADI of glyphosate. Significant, positive associations between urinary glyphosate excretion and consumption of pulses, or urinary AMPA excretion and mushroom intake were observed. Despite the widespread use of glyphosate, the exposure of the KarMeN population to glyphosate and AMPA was found to be very low. Based on the current risk assessment of glyphosate by EFSA, such exposure levels are not expected to pose any risk to human health. The detected associations with consuming certain foods are in line with reports on glyphosate and AMPA residues in food.
Extracellular matrix and wall composition are diverse in the organogenic and non-organogenic calli of Actinidia arguta
Authors: Popielarska-Konieczna Marzena , Sala Katarzyna , Abdullah Mohib , Tuleja Monika , Kurczyńska Ewa
Published: March 2020

Key message

Differences in the composition and the structural organisation of the extracellular matrix correlate with the morphogenic competence of the callus tissue that originated from the isolated endosperm of kiwifruit.

The chemical composition and structural organisation of the extracellular matrix, including the cell wall and the layer on its surface, may correspond with the morphogenic competence of a tissue. In the presented study, this relationship was found in the callus tissue that had been differentiated from the isolated endosperm of the kiwiberry,Actinidia arguta. The experimental system was based on callus samples of exactly the same age that had originated from an isolated endosperm but were cultured under controlled conditions promoting either an organogenic or a non-organogenic pathway. The analyses which were performed using bright field, fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy techniques showed significant differences between the two types of calli. The organogenic tissue was compact and the outer walls of the peripheral cells were covered with granular structures. The non-organogenic tissue was composed of loosely attached cells, which were connected via a net-like structure. The extracellular matrices from both the non- and organogenic tissues were abundant in pectic homogalacturonan and extensins (LM19, LM20, JIM11, JIM12 and JIM20 epitopes), but the epitopes that are characteristic for rhamnogalacturonan I (LM5 and LM6), hemicellulose (LM25) and the arabinogalactan protein (LM2) were detected only in the non-organogenic callus. Moreover, we report the epitopes, which presence is characteristic for theActinidiaendosperm (LM21 and LM25, heteromannan and xyloglucan) and for the endosperm-derived cells that undergo dedifferentiation (loss of LM21 and LM25; appearance or increase in the content of LM5, LM6, LM19, JIM11, JIM12, JIM20, JIM8 and JIM16 epitopes).
Survival prediction for patients with non-resectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma undergoing chemotherapy: a retrospective analysis comparing the tumor marker CA 19-9 with cross-sectional imaging
Authors: Hahn Felix , Müller Lukas , Jungmann Florian , Mähringer-Kunz Aline , Tanyildizi Yasemin , Düber Christoph , Galle Peter R. , Weinmann Arndt , Kloeckner Roman
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 has been established as the main serum marker for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). The aim of this study was to compare the prognostic value of CA 19-9 changes versus response determined by imaging in patients with ICC undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods

Between 2003 and 2018, 151 patients with histopathologically confirmed ICC underwent chemotherapy at our tertiary care center for non-resectable or recurrent ICC, of whom 121 were included in this study. Serum CA 19-9 levels and imaging were retrospectively evaluated during chemotherapy. Log-rank testing and optimal stratification were used to classify patients into risk groups.

Results

Prior to chemotherapy, baseline serum CA 19-9 levels above the previously published cut-off of 37 U/ml were associated with poor survival (median OS 8.7 vs. 12.4 months,p = 0.003). After the beginning of chemotherapy, an increase in CA 19-9 of more than 40 U/ml resulted in impaired residual survival (median OS 5.0 vs. 12.1 months,p < 0.001). However, progressive disease at the first follow-up imaging proved the strongest predictor for poor outcome (median OS 4.6 vs. 15.5 months,p < 0.001). In contrast to prior studies, our data did not show statistically relevant differences in survival time with respect to absolute or relative decreases in serum CA 19-9 levels.

Conclusion

In our study, the disease control rate—that is, the absence of progressive disease—was the strongest predictor of prolonged residual OS. To this end, both CA 19-9 changes and progressive disease on initial follow-up showed remarkable discriminatory power, with the latter slightly outperforming the former. Therefore, imaging should remain the mainstay of patient evaluation during follow-up.
Formula-E race strategy development using artificial neural networks and Monte Carlo tree search
Authors: Liu Xuze , Fotouhi Abbas
Published: March 2020

Energy management has been one of the most important parts in electric race strategies since the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile Formula-E championships were launched in 2014. Since that time, a number of unfavorable race finishes have been witnessed due to poor energy management. Previous researches have been focused on managing the power flow between different energy sources or different energy consumers based on a fixed cycle. However, there is no published work in the literature about energy management of a full electric racing car on repeated course but with changeable settings and driving styles. Different from traditional energy management problems, the electric race strategy is more of a multi-stage decision-making problem which has a very large scale. Meanwhile, this is a time-critical task in motorsport where fast prediction tools are needed and decisions have to be made in seconds to benefit the final outcome of the race. In this study, the use of artificial neural networks (ANN) and tree search techniques is investigated as an approach to solve such a large-scale problem. ANN prediction models are developed to replace the traditional lap time simulation as a much faster performance prediction tool. Implementation of Monte Carlo tree search based on the proposed ANN fast prediction models has provided decent capability to generate decision-making solution for both pre-race planning and in-race reaction to unexpected scenarios.
Friction embossing
Authors: Zou W. , Schomburg W. K.
Published: March 2020

A new fabrication process for micro structures from thermoplastic polymers is presented. Two layers of thermoplastic polymer are placed onto a tool with micro structures. By a friction welding machine, the polymer surfaces are rubbed against each other generating friction heat and melting the polymer. The polymer adapts to the surface shape of the micro structures on the tool. Then, the movement of the machine stops and the polymer cools down and hardens in the shape of the micro structures. The entire process is finished within a few seconds and the required investment costs are in the range of some 10,000 € to approximately 200,000 €. Compared to ultrasonic hot embossing, samples with larger overall dimensions can be fabricated and the heat distribution has been proven to be more homogeneous.
Therapeutic effect of high-efficiency online hemodiafiltration for recurrent restless legs syndrome in dialysis patients
Authors: Sakurai Kenji , Saito Takeshi , Hosoya Hiromi , Kurihara Yoshitaka , Yamauchi Fumi
Published: March 2020

Two dialysis patients developed recurrent restless legs syndrome. The clinical courses and the association between the α1-microglobulin removal rate and the therapeutic effects of hemodiafiltration were analyzed. Case 1: a middle-aged woman was switched from predilution online hemodiafiltration to hemodialysis, following which the α1-microglobulin removal rate decreased from 39.1 to 29.9%. A month later, the severe restless legs syndrome occurred. The treatment was then switched to high-efficiency hemodiafiltration and 2 weeks later, these symptoms were resolved. The α1-microglobulin removal rate increased to 41.9%. Her symptoms recurred 5 years later with severity; thus, the hemodiafiltration treatment conditions were changed. Under revised conditions, the α1-microglobulin removal rate was 42.6%, and her symptoms were alleviated. Continuation of high-efficiency hemodiafiltration led to the resolution of the syndrome at 1 month after recurrence. Case 2: a middle-aged man on hemodialysis developed the restless legs syndrome in the second year of treatment. The α1-microglobulin removal rate was 23.8%. After switching to a month-long high-efficiency hemodiafiltration with a removal rate of ≥ 40%, his symptoms were resolved. However, the syndrome recurred after a year with severity. The symptoms were alleviated using various measures. The hemodiafilters were changed, and hemodiafiltration with an α1-microglobulin removal rate of ≥ 40% was continued; 2 months later, his symptoms resolved. High-efficiency online hemodiafiltration is an effective therapeutic strategy for restless legs syndrome in dialysis patients. We found, for the first time, that target removal efficiency is an α1-microglobulin removal rate of 40% or higher.
Stopover dynamics of 12 passerine migrant species in a small Mediterranean island during spring migration
Authors: Maggini Ivan , Trez Marta , Cardinale Massimiliano , Fusani Leonida
Published: March 2020

Small coastal islands offer landing opportunities for large numbers of migratory birds following long sea crossings. However, they do not always provide sufficient refueling opportunities, thus raising questions about their importance for the success of migratory journeys. Here we analyzed a large dataset collected during 3 years of captures and recaptures of 12 species on the island of Ponza, central Italy, to determine the importance of the island for refueling. Despite the very large amount of birds on the island, only a very small fraction (usually below 2%) stayed on the island for longer than 1 day. These birds had low energy stores and, in most cases, they were not able to successfully refuel on Ponza. Only two species (Subalpine Warbler and Common Chiffchaff) had a positive fuel deposition rate, possibly as a result of the better suitability of the island’s habitat to these two species. We underline that the large use of the island despite the relatively low refueling opportunities may be due to other aspects that it may offer to the birds. Possibly, birds just landed after a long sea crossing may require a short rest or sleep and can find opportunities to do that on the islands, reinitiating their onward flight after just a few hours. Understanding the role of these islands for migratory birds will be important for conservation, since setting priorities for protection might be misled if considering only refueling success as an important variable.
Effect of the Neurofeedback-EEG Training During Physical Exercise on the Range of Mental Work Performance and Individual Physiological Parameters in Swimmers
Authors: Mikicin Mirosław , Mróz Anna , Karczewska-Lindinger Magdalena , Malinowska Karolina , Mastalerz Andrzej , Kowalczyk Marek
Published: March 2020

The aim of the study was to demonstrate the effects of the Neurofeedback-EEG training during physical exercise on the improvements in mental work performance and physiological parameters. The study examined seven swimmers based on the following anthropometric measurements: body height, body mass and body composition. The Kraepelin’s work curve test, EEG and EMG during physical exercise were also performed. The athletes followed 20 Neurofeedback-EEG training sessions on the swimming ergometer for 4 months. Most mean indices of partial measures of the work curve were significantly modified (p < 0.05) following the Neurofeedback-EEG training. Mean level of maximal oxygen uptake in study participants was over 55 ml/kg/min, with statistically significant differences documented between the first and the second measurements. No significant differences were found in the fatigue rate between the measurements 1 and 2. The improved mental work performance following the Neurofeedback-EEG training facilitates optimization of psychomotor activities.
High-precision collinear laser spectroscopy at the Collinear Apparatus for Laser Spectroscopy and Applied Physics (COALA)
Authors: Imgram Phillip , König Kristian , Krämer Jörg , Ratajczyk Tim , Maaß Bernhard , Müller Patrick , Sommer Felix , Nörtershäuser Wilfried
Published: March 2020

COALA is a new offline collinear laser spectroscopy setup for high-precision measurements and development work at TU Darmstadt, Germany. An introduction to the technique and the experimental setup is given and an overview of current projects with recent results is presented. The idea of a novel all-optical absolute charge radius determination is discussed.
Composition analysis and minimal treatments to solubilize polysaccharides from the brown seaweed Laminaria digitata for microbial growth of thermophiles
Authors: Allahgholi Leila , Sardari Roya R. R. , Hakvåg Sigrid , Ara Kazi Z. G. , Kristjansdottir Thordis , Aasen Inga Marie , Fridjonsson Olafur H. , Brautaset Trygve , Hreggvidsson Gudmundur Oli , Karlsson Eva Nordberg
Published: March 2020

Brown macroalgae (Phaeophyta) hold high potential as feedstock for biorefineries due to high biomass productivity and carbohydrate content. They are, however, a challenging, unconventional feedstock for microbial refining and several processing problems need to be solved to make them a viable option. Pre-treatment is necessary to enhance accessibility and solubility of the biomass components but should be minimal and mild to assure sustainable and cost-effective processing. Here, two routes to pre-treatLaminaria digitata to release polysaccharides were investigated: hot water pre-treatment by autoclaving (121 °C, 20 min or 60 min) and a two-step extraction with mild acid (0.1 M HCl) followed by alkaline treatment. Hot water pre-treatment resulted in partial extraction of a mixture of polysaccharides consisting of alginate, fucoidan and laminarin. After mild acid pre-treatment, alginate was found in the remaining insoluble residues and was extracted in a second step via alkaline treatment using Na2CO3 (0.15 M) at 80 °C and CaCl2 (10%) for the precipitation. In addition to carbohydrates, a fraction of other components such as proteins, phenolic compounds, minerals and trace elements was detected in the extracts. Cultivation of the thermophilic bacterial strains Rhodothermus marinus DSM 16675 and Bacillus methanolicus MGA3 (ATCC 53907) in media supplemented with the respective extracts resulted in growth of both strains, indicating that they were able to utilize the available carbon source for growth. R. marinus displayed the highest cell density in the medium containing the extract from acid pre-treatment, whereas B. methanolicus growth was highest with the extract from hot water pre-treatment.
The locus of the representation of logarithmic connections by Fuchsian equations
Authors: Ivanics Péter
Published: March 2020

The generic element of the moduli space of logarithmic connections with parabolic points on holomorphic vector bundle over the Riemann sphere can be represented by a Fuchsian equation with some singularities and some apparent singularities. We analyze the case of rank 3 vector bundle which leads to third order Fuchsian equation. We find coordinates on an open subset of the moduli space and we construct a non-trivial part of the moduli space by blowing up along a variety in a special case.
Market governance, financial innovation, and financial instability: lessons from banks’ adoption of shareholder value management
Authors: Pernell Kim
Published: March 2020

As the economy has grown increasingly financialized, the relationship between financial innovation and instability has attracted more attention. Previous research finds that the proliferation of complex financial innovations, like asset securitization and new financial derivatives, helped to erode the market governance arrangements that kept excessive bank risk-taking in check, inviting instability. This article presents an alternative way of understanding how financial innovations and market governance arrangements combine to shape instability. Market governance arrangements also shape how financial firmsreceiveinnovations, leading to greater or lesser instability at particular times and places. I illustrate this argument by tracing the effects of changing corporate governance arrangements at large US banks in the 1990s and 2000s. Like non-financial firms in the preceding decade, banks adopted reforms associated with the shareholder value model of corporate governance. These changes to internal bank governance arrangements affected the agendas of bank executives in ways that encouraged expanded use of securitization and derivatives. Drawing from this case, I argue that a full understanding of instability in the financialized era requires closer attention to the (institutionally-structured) interests of financial innovationusers—not just to features of financial innovations themselves.
3-Year results of arthroscopic management of lateral clavicle fractures
Authors: Dey Hazra Rony-Orijit , Blach Robert , Ellwein Alexander , Lill Helmut , Jensen Gunnar
Published: March 2020

Background

In 18% of clavicular fractures, the lateral part is affected. Recently, a variety of surgical techniques have been discussed. This study aimed to analyze clinical and radiological results of a consecutive case series with arthroscopy-only coracoclavicular stabilization in unstable lateral clavicle fractures of Neer type IIB, utilizing a double-button fixation technique.

Methods

Between 2013 and 2015 we followed up ten patients who exclusively had an arthroscopically assisted augmentation of the coracoclavicular ligaments using a double-button fixation (Dog Bone, Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA). Radiological scores and functional outcome measures were evaluated: Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), Constant–Murley Score (CMS), Taft Score (TF), ASES Score (ASES), Nottingham Clavicle Score (NCS), and a Visual Analogous Scale (VAS).

Results

Eight of ten patients (5 males, 3 females; 80%) had follow-ups 37 ± 14 months postoperatively. The mean age was 32.4 ± 11.6 years and the mean operation time was 53 ± 21 min. Clinical examination showed a CMS of 91.9 ± 7.9 points (pt), a TF of 10.5 ± 1.1 pt, and an NCS of 76.5 ± 15.3 pt. The VAS score was 0.7 ± 1.5 pt with an average SSV of 83.1 ± 13.4 pt and an ASES of 87.0 ± 12.5 pt. In three cases (37.5%) a concomitant intra-articular pathology was found. Radiological analysis showed a preoperative CC distance of 19.7 ± 3.3 mm, a postoperative distance of 6.9 ± 3.0 mm and 12.0 ± 4.9 mm at follow-up. The clavicular drill hole widened from 3.0 ± 0.4 mm postoperatively to 6.0 ± 1.5 mm at follow-up; 50% of cases had radiological signs of bony non-union, two of which were symptomatic and received revision surgery.

Conclusion

The solely arthroscopic double-button technique shows good clinical results. Although not symptomatic in all cases, the non-union rate is quite high. Thus, this technique should be reserved for special cases with small lateral fragments where anchoring techniques are not an option.
Stand und Herausforderungen der Aussagepsychologie
Authors: Steller Max
Published: March 2020

In der jüngeren Vergangenheit ist vermehrt Kritik am Einsatz von Glaubhaftigkeitsbegutachtungen in Verfahren zu Sexualdelikten formuliert worden. Ein Tenor dieser Kritik lautet, dass die wissenschaftlichen Grundlagen der Aussagepsychologie für ihren praktischen Einsatz bei einigen relevanten Fragestellungen für Glaubhaftigkeitsbeurteilungen nicht ausreichend seien. Diese nichtfundierte Kritik stellt keine Herausforderung für die Aussagepsychologie dar, wie der vorliegende Beitrag deutlich macht. Herausforderungen ergeben sich aber aus Gesetzesänderungen in der jüngeren Vergangenheit, wie der Verlängerung von Verjährungsfristen bei sexuellem Kindesmissbrauch oder der Sexualstrafrechtsreform, §177 StGB n.F. Trotz dieser Herausforderungen bringen aussagepsychologische Begutachtungen wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse in Strafprozesse ein und erfahren in der deutschen Gerichtspraxis eine hohe Akzeptanz. In der Mehrzahl der Fälle leisten Glaubhaftigkeitsbegutachtungen einen Beitrag dazu, dass tatsächlichen Opfern ihr Vorbringen geglaubt wird.
Heat recovery from sulfuric acid plants for seawater desalination using RO and MED systems
Authors: Saifaoui D. , Nachtane M. , Tarfaoui M. , Rouway M. , Aroussy Y.
Published: March 2020

Conforming to the factor characteristics of electricity–water cogeneration power plants, an improved multieffect desalination (MED) and reverse osmosis (RO) are the most current techniques for seawater desalination. A principal change between these operations consists of their various energy requirements, thermal energy for MED and mechanical energy for RO plants. The main improvement ideas of RO and MED are the recovery of large quantities of heat produced during the production of sulfuric acid, which exhibits an exothermic reaction where a part of this heat will be used for the thermal power plant and subsequently reverse osmosis and another amount of heat recovery system will be used to desalinate seawater by the MED system. In this work, the sulfuric acid is used to recover heat energy; this energy is used in a hybrid system of RO–MED in order to desalinate the seawater. A thermodynamic steady-state study of this system is investigated to select the optimum cogeneration system. These improvements could make the benefits of cogeneration to the energy consumption of an RO and MED which will be remarkably reduced.
Unusual dermatomycoses caused by Nannizzia nana: the geophilic origin of human infections
Authors: Gnat Sebastian , Łagowski Dominik , Nowakiewicz Aneta , Dyląg Mariusz
Published: March 2020

Background

Fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails are the largest and most widespread group of all mycoses. Nannizzia nana is a relatively rare etiological factor of dermatomycosis in humans, as it usually affects animals, e.g. pigs and boars. In addition to the zoophilic nature, there are also reports of the geophilic reservoir of this dermatophyte species.

Objective

In this study, we present symptomatic infections with N. nana aetiology in humans reported recently in Poland. Interestingly, these cases had a non-specific clinical picture and occurred as skin lesions on the neck and foot as well as onychomycosis of the toenails. From the medical history, the patients had no contact with pigs.

Methods

Diagnostics of these infections was performed with a combination of classical phenotypic and molecular genomic methods. The genomic diversity of the isolates was determined using the MP-PCR method. In vitro antifungal susceptibility tests against itraconazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine and naftifine hydrochloride were also performed.

Results

Nannizzia nana has been identified as an etiological factor of dermatomycosis. Moreover, heterogeneity of the genomes was revealed for the obtained strains. In vitro activities of antifungal agents showed that isolates were susceptible to all tested drugs. The patients were treated with oral terbinafine and topical ketoconazole cream, which led to a complete recovery.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the cases studied by us may indicate that the infrequency of N. nana infections may not necessarily be related to the low infectivity of this fungal agent, but they are rather associated with misdiagnosis. Furthermore, N. nana reservoirs should also be sought in soil.
Modeling and performance evaluation of Al2O3, MoS2 and graphite nanoparticle-assisted MQL in turning titanium alloy: an intelligent approach
Authors: Gupta Munish Kumar , Mia Mozammel , Pruncu Catalin Iulian , Khan Aqib Mashood , Rahman M. Azizur , Jamil Muhammad , Sharma Vishal S.
Published: March 2020

Recently, the urgency of improved machining performance and environmental sustainability has forced the manufacturer to seek for alternative cooling and lubricating agent/technique such as nano-fluid (NF)-assisted minimum quantity lubrication (MQL). In this context, the performances of aluminum oxide (Al2O3), molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and graphite (C) NF-impinged MQL in turning of Ti alloy (grade II) using CBN tool were evaluated regarding the cutting force, cutting temperature and surface roughness. The cutting speed, feed rate, approaching angle and cutting conditions (i.e., NFs) were oriented following the Box–Behnken design-of-experiment. The experimental results showed that the graphite NF, compared to Al2O3 and MoS2, revealed the lowest cutting force, temperature and roughness. Moreover, it is evident from SEM images that graphite NF revealed a smoother machined surface and tool profile. This smooth tool and workpiece surface profile can be accredited to graphite’s role as a nano-lubricant and its breaking ability into smaller NFs under pressure. To make the study complete, the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was employed to predict, the response surface methodology (RSM) was used to mathematically model, and the composite desirability approach (CDA) was used to optimize the responses. A good agreement between the experimental and modeled observations was found; however, the ANFIS outperformed the RSM. Moreover, the analysis of variance exhibited that the cutting force and temperature were primarily influenced by the cutting speed and the surface roughness was afflicted mostly by the feed.
The Peace Palace: Building (of) The International Community
Authors: Aalberts Tanja , Stolk Sofia
Published: March 2020

These things also require their material forms, their easily recognizable visible symbols, their homes. . . . [With the Peace Palace,] international justice between nations has moved into a splendid home. The proud building is standing now, visible, and tangible: Temple, symbol and workplace. At least the spirit of peace is no longer homeless.
Characterising Corruption by Adopting a Systemic Risk Perspective: Importing Macro Prudential Financial Regulation into the Policy Debate
Authors: MINTO Andrea
Published: March 2020

This article aims to theorise corruption from a “macro” perspective. It elaborates upon a range of social sciences literatures, notably from criminology and political sciences, that have discussed various “macro”-level factors contributing to corruption, including market characteristics. Its most distinct contribution to the literature is in importing the concept of “systemic risk” – thus far chiefly examined in the financial regulation literature – to the analysis of corruption. It draws on the financial literature on systemic risk and macro-prudential regulation and supervision. In so doing, it elaborates upon concepts such as “network” and “contagion” as to theorise the effects of corruption on resource allocation. This is supplemented by reference to the legal canon of literature on market regulation.
Collaborative counselling: influence on the teaching professionals’ conceptions as promoters of children’s communication and language
Authors: Vega Fàtima , Gràcia Marta , Riba Carles
Published: March 2020

This article presents the results of an action-research project. The project consisted of a reflection process involving a year-long collaboration between a teacher, a teaching assistant and a speech therapist in a special education school, together with two researchers acting as counsellors. The reflection process sought to promote changes in the participants’ approaches to working on communication and language in the classroom. This article sets out to identify and describe the processes of change in the three teaching professionals’ conceptions of communication and language teaching and learning, and about their teaching role. The collaborative counselling lasted 32 weeks and consisted of a total of nine group counselling (GC) sessions. All of the nine GC sessions were transcribed in order to analyse the changes in the teaching professionals’ discourse. The ATLAS.ti 7.0 program was then used to select speech quotations and to group them into thematic clusters based on content analysis. The results indicate that the teaching professionals’ conceptions subtly changed during the collaborative counselling process; specifically, their conceptions about how to develop communication and language, classroom interaction, the educator’s role, organisation of context and curriculum planning.
Terroir and Territory on the Colonial Frontier: Making New-Old World Wine in the Holy Land
Authors: Monterescu Daniel , Handel Ariel
Published: March 2020

Etymologically related, the concepts ofterroirandterritorialitydisplay divergent cultural histories. While one designates the palatable characteristics of place as a branded story of geographic distinction, the other imbues the soil with political meaning. This paper traces the production of eno-locality in a contested space on both sides of the Green Line in Israel/Palestine. The case of the Yatir award-winning winery shows how terroir and territory are blended in the political economy and cultural politics of colonial place-making. Located on a multiscalar frontier—climatic, geopolitical, and viticultural—Yatir Winery positions itself simultaneously within the Mediterranean transnational landscape and in a biblical site of historical authenticity. Enacting strategic regimes of signification to target the increasing demand for high-end wines on both the global and local markets, it makes a claim for place, while appropriating Palestinian land and redefining ancient Jewish heritage. The result articulates a settler colonial landscape whose symbolic and material transformations are reflected in the Israeli search for rooted identity. Analytically, we explore the power of border and frontier wines to reconfigure the differences between New World and Old World paradigms. We conclude by outlining a comparative framework of the charged relations between terroir and territory that articulates the nexus between border typologies and the colonial politics of wine.
A loyalty program based on Waves blockchain and mobile phone interactions
Authors: Dominguez Perez Luis J. , Ibarra Luis , Alejandro García-Fernández , Rumayor Agustín , Lara-Alvarez Carlos
Published: March 2020

Loyalty cards programs have been used by retailers to increase customer retention. Loyality cards provide means to identify a particular customer and to collect customer-specific data, thus enabling individualized marketing; however, operating a loyalty program is complicated for retailers since they require to manage balances, collections, and transfers of customers. This is exactly the same problem the retailers were facing before credit cards were readily available. A new problem is that customers now have too many cards, customers may forget, or even deliberately decide to carry only a selection of their cards. This paper proposes a loyalty program based on a blockchain that does not require a physical card for identifying customers as it associates customers to their phone numbers, since nowadays people always carry their phone. In this perspective, companies can reduce overhead costs associated to managing the loyalty program. This paper reviews the technology required and describes the implementation of a loyalty program based on blockchains. Finally, it also enumerates the reasons for choosing the blockchain technology for this application.
Communicable disease among people experiencing homelessness in California
Authors: Liu C. Y. , Chai S. J. , Watt J. P.
Published: March 2020

California has a large population of people experiencing homelessness (PEH) that is characterised by a high proportion of people who are unsheltered and chronically homeless. PEH are at increased risk of communicable diseases due to multiple, intersecting factors, including increased exposures, comorbid conditions including substance use disorder and mental illness and lack of access to hygiene and healthcare facilities. Data available for several communicable diseases show that PEH in California experiences an increased burden of communicable diseases compared to people not experiencing homelessness. Public health agencies face unique challenges in serving this population. Efforts to reduce homelessness, increase access to health care for PEH, enhance data availability and strengthen partnerships among agencies serving PEH can help reduce the disparity in communicable disease burden faced by PEH.
Non-Spatial Impairments Affect False-Positive Neglect Diagnosis Based on Cancellation Tasks
Authors: Huygelier Hanne , Moore Margaret Jane , Demeyere Nele , Gillebert Céline R.
Published: March 2020

Objective:

To diagnose egocentric neglect after stroke, the spatial bias of performance on cancellation tasks is typically compared to a single cutoff. This standard procedure relies on the assumption that the measurement error of cancellation performance does not depend on non-spatial impairments affecting the total number of cancelled targets. Here we assessed the impact of this assumption on false-positive diagnoses.

Method:

We estimated false positives by simulating cancellation data using a binomial model. Performance was summarised by the difference in left and right cancelled targets (R-L) and the Centre of Cancellation (CoC). Diagnosis was based on a fixed cutoff versus cutoffs adjusted for the total number of cancelled targets and on single test performance versus unanimous or proportional agreement across multiple tests. Finally, we compared the simulation findings to empirical cancellation data acquired from 651 stroke patients.

Results:

Using a fixed cutoff, the rate of false positives depended on the total number of cancelled targets and ranged from 10% to 30% for R-L scores and from 10% to 90% for CoC scores. The rate of false positives increased even further when diagnosis was based on proportional agreement across multiple tests. Adjusted cutoffs and unanimous agreement across multiple tests were effective at controlling false positives. For empirical data, fixed versus adjusted cutoffs differ in estimation of neglect prevalence by 13%, and this difference was largest for patients with non-spatial impairments.

Conclusions:

Our findings demonstrate the importance of considering non-spatial impairments when diagnosing neglect based on cancellation performance.
Towards a model of the syntax–discourse interface: a syntactic analysis ofplease
Authors: WOODS REBECCA
Published: March 2020

This article examines the syntax and semantics ofplease. Using a mainstream generative syntactic framework, I propose that syntactically integratedpleaseis a discourse marker that marks the clause in which it occurs as a request.Pleasemay appear clause-initially or clause-medially as determined by a number of factors, including clause type, modality, negation and the application of ellipsis. There is also a homophonous markerpleasethat occurs in clause-final position; clause-finalpleasedoes not mark requestsper sebut ‘bonds’ a speaker and addressee, reinforcing their relationship as requester and requestee. This analysis ofpleaseprovides support for syntactic approaches to speech act structure, particularly the claim that illocutionary force is part of narrow syntax rather than a solely pragmatic phenomenon. The article provides support for pursuing a model of the syntax–discourse interface in which interactions between discourse markers and clause-internal functional elements, such as mood and modality, form the interface between syntax and discourse.
The Postreform Stage: Understanding Backlash against Sexual Policies in Latin America
Authors: Pérez Bentancur Verónica , Rocha-Carpiuc Cecilia
Published: March 2020

In Latin America, it is difficult to win approval for policies that allow induced abortion and same-sex marriage. Social movements face more obstacles in promoting these policies than in promoting other gender and LGBTQ policies because abortion and same-sex marriage are particularly contentious issues. These policies involve doctrinal or countercultural topics, and supporters of these legislative changes must confront groups that mobilize to block these reform efforts (Blofield 2006; Corrales 2015; Díez 2015; Friedman 2019; Grzymała-Busse 2015; Htun 2003). Yet in the period following democratic transitions, some Latin American countries successfully liberalized their legislation concerning abortion and marriage equality.