bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioral responses to numerical differences when two invasive ants meet: the case of Lasius neglectus and Linepithema humile
Authors: Trigos-Peral Gema , Abril Sílvia , Angulo Elena
Published: November 2020

Two of the world’s most invasive ants, Linepithema humile and Lasius neglectus, are destined to overlap in range as they continue to spread throughout Europe. Although L. humile arrived first, and is therefore more numerically abundant, L. neglectus is the more behaviorally dominant of the two. We performed lab trials to determine whether L. humile could use numerical abundance to overcome the behavioral dominance of L. neglectus and whether the ants’ behavioral patterns shifted when the species co-occurred. We found that L. neglectus was more aggressive when less abundant, whereas the opposite was true of L. humile. When L. neglectus was outnumbered, it employed aggressive behaviors, such as biting or chemical attacks, more frequently than L. humile; it also utilized a behavioral sequence that included mandible opening and biting. Our results for these species support the hypothesis that species modulate their behavior towards competitors, which facilitates the understanding of how multiple invasive ant species can co-occur in a given area. Moreover, our study shows that the co-occurrence of invasive species could result from the use of two strategies: (1) the Bourgeois strategy, in which aggressiveness changes based on numerical dominance and (2) the dear-enemy strategy, in which aggressiveness is reduced when competitors co-occur. Since these strategies may lead to territory partitioning, we suggest that the behavioral flexibility displayed by both species when they overlap may allow local co-occurrence and increase their likelihood of co-occurrence during their range expansion in Europe, which could have a negative cumulative impact on invaded areas.
Management and prognostic analysis of patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) in FIGO stage IV and its special type
Authors: Wang Kai , Chen Yaxia
Published: November 2020

GTN is a group malignant diseases from placental trophoblastic cells. There are very few cases of GTN with FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stage IV all over the world, and the special types (patients with metastatic lesions and with no evidence of GTN neither in genitalia nor in lungs) have rarely been reported. It is necessary to conduct large retrospective studies aimed at exploring the diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of this disease. In this retrospective study, 716 patients with GTN were treated at Zhejiang University School of Medicine Women’s Hospital between January 1999 and September 2019; 26 patients were diagnosed as stage IV GTN; Among the 26 stage IV GTN patients, 5 were defined as the special types. The 5-year OS rate of the total 26 FIGO stage IV GTN patients was 69.0%. There was no significant difference of survival rate between stage IV GTN and its special type. And no significant differences in blood type, antecedent pregnancy type, the interval from last known pregnancy, pretreatment serum HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) level, maximum diameter of tumors, FIGO score, underwent surgery or not and pathological pattern by the outcomes. Age, number of tumor lesions, primary chemotherapy regimen was EMA-CO or EP-EMA protocol and chemoresponse affected the prognosis significantly. Only number of tumor lesions > 8 was independent prognostic factors associated with poorer OS.
FastTTPS: fast approach for video transcoding time prediction and scheduling for HTTP adaptive streaming videos
Authors: Agrawal Prateek , Zabrovskiy Anatoliy , Ilangovan Adithyan , Timmerer Christian , Prodan Radu
Published: November 2020

HTTP adaptive streaming of video content becomes an integrated part of the Internet and dominates other streaming protocols and solutions. The duration of creating video content for adaptive streaming ranges from seconds or up to several hours or days, due to the plethora of video transcoding parameters and video source types. Although, the computing resources of different transcoding platforms and services constantly increase, accurate and fast transcoding time prediction and scheduling is still crucial. We propose in this paper a novel method called fast video transcoding time prediction and scheduling (FastTTPS) of x264 encoded videos based on three phases: (i) transcoding data engineering, (ii) transcoding time prediction, and (iii) transcoding scheduling. The first phase is responsible for video sequence selection, segmentation and feature data collection required for predicting the transcoding time. The second phase develops an artificial neural network (ANN) model for segment transcoding time prediction based on transcoding parameters and derived video complexity features. The third phase compares a number of parallel schedulers to map the predicted transcoding segments on the underlying high-performance computing resources. Experimental results show that our predictive ANN model minimizes the transcoding mean absolute error (MAE) and mean square error (MSE) by up to 1.7 and 26.8, respectively. In terms of scheduling, our method reduces the transcoding time by up to 38% using a Max–Min algorithm compared to the actual transcoding time without prediction information.
Grounding the case for a European approach to the regulation of automated driving: the technology-selection effect of liability rules
Authors: Bertolini Andrea , Riccaboni Massimo
Published: November 2020

In the current paper, we discuss the need for regulation at EU level of Connected and Automated Driving solutions (henceforth CAD) based on multiple considerations, namely (i) the need for uniformity of criteria across European Member States, and (ii) the impact that regulation—or the absence of it—has on the proliferation of specific technological solutions. The analysis is grounded on legal and economic considerations of possible interactions between vehicles with different levels of automation, and shows how the existing framework delays innovation. A Risk-Management Approach, identifying one sole responsible party ex ante (one-stop-shop), liable under all circumstances—pursuant to a strict, if not absolute liability rule—is to be preferred. We analyse the solution adopted by some Member States in light of those considerations and conclude that none truly corresponds to a RMA approach, and differences will also cause market fragmentation. We conclude that because legal rules determine what kind of technological application is favoured over others—and thence they are not technology-neutral—uniformity across MSs is of essential relevance, and discuss possible policy approaches to be adopted at European level.
MDOF extension of the Modified Bridge System method for vehicle–bridge interaction
Authors: Stoura Charikleia D. , Dimitrakopoulos Elias G.
Published: November 2020

This study examines the effect of vehicle–bridge interaction (VBI) on the vibration of coupled train–bridge systems and proposes a consistent approach to decouple the VBI problem; the Extended Modified Bridge System (EMBS) method. This constitutes an extension of the formerly developed, for simply supported bridges, Modified Bridge System method. The analysis considers a generic, multi-degree of freedom (MDOF) vehicle–MDOF bridge configuration, representative of a wide class of practical train–bridge systems. This approach enables the MDOF representation of the constituent VBI mechanisms on the mechanical system of the bridge. Based on an asymptotic expansion analysis of the coupled system response, the study brings forward the dominant coupling parameters and their relative importance on the bridge response. The proposed decoupling EMBS method solves the bridge independently of the vehicle by changing its mechanical system via additional damping, stiffness and loading terms. The MDOF description of these terms makes the proposed scheme appropriate for involved bridge configurations, such as continuous and arch bridges. In addition, it allows the accurate estimation of the deck acceleration of bridges, which is an important serviceability limit state. Numerical examples demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the EMBS method compared with the solution of the fully coupled system and other decoupling methodologies. Lastly, the proposed approach is simpler than the coupled analysis, which can be of particular importance in bridge design practice.
So Far, so Similar? Labour Market Feminization in Italy and Chile
Authors: Semenza Renata , Boccardo Giorgio , Sarti Simone
Published: November 2020

The article aims to analyse gender segregation in the labour market while comparing two national contexts in Europe and Latin America. Specifically, it will consider the growth trends of female employment in the last 25 years (1992–2017), its distribution between activity sectors and occupations, and the gender pay gap. Feminization models and gender inequalities are framed within labour market segmentation theories, which are in partial contrast to human capital theories and neoclassical economics. The initial hypothesis is that the gender distribution of occupations measured by a segregation index is similar in Italy and Chile, despite significant differences in the socio-economic and institutional contexts. Through this intercontinental comparison, the article intends to shed light on women’s labour market conditions and segregation patterns, which are multidimensional and generalizable (transcontinental) phenomena, connected to the unequal division of labour in the new post-industrial order.
Eldercare in Japan: Cluster Analysis of Daily Time-Use Patterns of Elder Caregivers
Authors: Kolpashnikova Kamila , Kan Man-Yee
Published: November 2020

Using the data of the 2006 Japanese Survey on Time Use and Leisure Activities, we perform cluster analysis and identify seven unique patterns of daily time-use patterns of co-resident family elder caregivers: (1) ‘Overworkers’, (2) ‘Full-time Workers’, (3) ‘Part-time Workers’, (4) ‘Intensive Caregivers’, (5) ‘Houseworkers’, (6) ‘Leisurely’, and (7) caregivers, who needed medical attention on the diary day (‘Emergency Diaries’). Our results show that the ‘Houseworkers’ and ‘Intensive Caregivers’ spend the most time on adult caregiving activities. Care activities for ‘Houseworkers’ are more likely to coincide with longer housework hours, increasing the total unpaid work volume. The analysis of demographic profiles suggests that similar daily patterns on weekdays and weekends do not belong to people with the same demographic characteristics. For instance, although on weekdays, ‘Leisurely Caregivers’ are mostly represented by the elderly taking care of other elderly, people of any age can belong to this category on weekends. Among all types of caregivers, only 'Intensive Caregivers' are as likely to be men as they can be women, suggesting that when the need for eldercare increases, family caregivers of any gender will step in.
Adolescents´ Perceptions, Neighbourhood Characteristics and Parental Monitoring -Are they Related, and Do they Interact in the Explanation of Adolescent Offending?
Authors: Nilsson Eva-Lotta , Ivert Anna-Karin , Torstensson Levander Marie
Published: November 2020

Children are nested in families, and families are nested within communities (e.g. neighbourhoods). This implies that the behaviour of both children and their parents is influenced by external and contextual factors. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between parental monitoring and neighbourhood disorder and collective efficacy from the perspective of the adolescent and to investigate how perceived monitoring and neighbourhood characteristics were related to and interact in predicting adolescent offending. The characteristics of the adolescent’s neighbourhoods were assessed using two different data sources: adolescents’ own perceptions and an independent, aggregated measure from a community survey. The analyses showed that the adolescents’ perceptions of neighbourhood level of disorder and collective efficacy were associated with both adolescent-perceived parental monitoring and adolescent offending, while the corresponding measures from the community survey were not. As regards the prediction of offending, adolescent-perceived parental monitoring is the most important predictor. Neither collective efficacy nor disorder appear to interact with parental monitoring in explaining adolescent offending. Future research would contribute to the field by examining the effect and interaction between the study variables in a sample with younger adolescents as well as by including parents’ perceptions. As to practical implications, our results indicate that families living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods may benefit from targeted support aimed at handling negative neighbourhood influences.
Asynchronously Embedding Psychological Test Questions into Human–Robot Conversations for User Profiling
Authors: Huang Tsung-Ren , Liu Yu-Wei , Hsu Shin-Min , Goh Joshua O. S. , Chang Yu-Ling , Yeh Su-Ling , Fu Li-Chen
Published: November 2020

Psychological variables of a person (e.g., cognitive abilities, personality traits, emotional states, and preferences) are valuable information that can be utilized by social robots to offer personalized human–robot interaction. These variables are often latent and inferred indirectly from a third-person perspective based on an individual’s behavioral manifestations (e.g., facial emotion expressions), and hence the true values of inferred psychological variables remain unknown to a robot observer. Although earlier studies have employed robot-administered psychological tests to infer psychological variables based on an individual’s first-person responses, these tests were formally presented and could be tedious to some users. To leverage the validity and reliability of well-established psychological tests for user profiling with ease, the present study examined the possibility of asynchronously embedding psychological test questions into casual human–robot conversations. In our experiment using a big-five personality inventory, the verbal responses from users to these asynchronous test questions were then compared with the written responses to the same personality test. The personality measures estimated from the two approaches correlated strongly in a young adult population but only moderately in an older population. These findings demonstrate the validity of the proposed asynchronous method for psychological testing in human–agent interactions and suggest some caveats when this testing method is applied to older adults or other special populations.
A Reverse Dynamical Investigation of the Catastrophic Wood-Snow Avalanche of 18 January 2017 at Rigopiano, Gran Sasso National Park, Italy
Authors: Frigo Barbara , Bartelt Perry , Chiaia Bernardino , Chiambretti Igor , Maggioni Margherita
Published: November 2020

On 18 January 2017 a catastrophic avalanche destroyed the Rigopiano Gran Sasso Resort & Wellness (Rigopiano Hotel) in the Gran Sasso National Park in Italy, with 40 people trapped and a death toll of 29. This article describes the location of the disaster and the general meteorological scenario, with field investigations to provide insight on the avalanche dynamics and its interaction with the hotel buildings. The data gathered in situ suggest that the avalanche was a fluidized dry snow avalanche, which entrained a sligthtly warmer snow cover along the path and reached extremely long runout distances with braking effect from mountain forests. The avalanche that reached the Rigopiano area was a “wood-snow” avalanche—a mixture of snow and uprooted and crushed trees, rocks, and other debris. There were no direct eyewitnesses at the event, and a quick post-event survey used a numerical model to analyze the dynamics of the event to estimate the pressure, velocity, and direction of the natural flow and the causes for the destruction of the hotel. Considering the magnitude and the damage caused by the event, the avalanche was at a high to very high intensity scale.
Correction to: Remotely Activated Nanoparticles for Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Racca Luisa , Cauda Valentina
Published: November 2020

In the original publication figures 7 and 11 need to be updated with correct values. The correct version of figures 7 and 11 is provided in this correction. The original article has been corrected.
CBT at the Crossroads: The Rise of Transdiagnostic Treatments
Authors: Schaeuffele Carmen , Schulz Ava , Knaevelsrud Christine , Renneberg Babette , Boettcher Johanna
Published: November 2020

Transdiagnostic treatments span a heterogeneous group of interventions that target a wider range of disorders and can be applied to treat several disorders simultaneously. Several meta-analyses have highlighted the evidence base of these novel therapies. However, these meta-analyses adopt different definitions of transdiagnostic treatments, and the growing field of transdiagnostic therapies has become increasingly difficult to grasp. The current narrative review proposes a distinction of “one size fits all” unified and “my size fits me” individualized approaches within transdiagnostic therapies. Unified treatments are applied as “broadband” interventions to a range of disorders without tailoring to the individual, while individualized treatments are tailored to the specific problem presentation of the individual, e.g., by selecting modules within modular treatments. The underlying theoretical foundation and relevant empirical evidence for these different transdiagnostic approaches are examined. Advantages and limitations of the transdiagnostic treatments as well as future developments are discussed.
Same Same But Different? Analysen zur Struktur kollegialer Kooperation unter Lehrkräften im Kontext von Schul- und Unterrichtsentwicklung
Authors: Hartmann Ulrike , Richter Dirk , Gräsel Cornelia
Published: November 2020

In dieser Studie wird ein Fragebogeninstrument zur Erfassung kollegialer Kooperation bei Lehrkräften vorgestellt. Auf der Basis konzeptueller Annahmen zur Kooperation in Kollegien werden zwei Kooperationsformen (Austausch/low cost und Kokonstruktion/high cost) sowie zwei Inhaltsbereiche (Schul- und Unterrichtsentwicklung) erfasst. An einer Stichprobe von 773 Lehrkräften aus 16 weiterführenden Schulen mehrerer deutscher Bundesländer wird die Struktur des Instrumentes mittels konfirmatorischer Faktorenanalysen untersucht. Dabei zeigt sich, dass das Modell, in dem Formen und Inhalte kollegialer Kooperation gleichzeitig berücksichtigt werden, die beste Passung zu den erhobenen Daten aufweist. Die kollegiale Zusammenarbeit zwischen Lehrkräften lässt sich angesichts der vorliegenden Ergebnisse als mehrdimensionales Konstrukt beschreiben. Deskriptive Analysen legen in Übereinstimmung mit bisheriger Forschung nahe, dass Aktivitäten zur unterrichtsbezogenen Kokonstruktion eher selten in Kollegien stattfinden, während ein unterrichtsbezogener Austausch häufiger stattfindet. Im Bereich der schulentwicklungsbezogenen Kooperation fallen die Unterschiede zwischen den Kooperationsformen geringer aus. Die Ergebnisse stützen die faktorielle Validität für eine Erfassung kollegialer Kooperation situiert in spezifischen Inhaltsbereichen der Schul- und Unterrichtsentwicklung.
Situative Beobachtung und Wahrnehmung angehender frühpädagogischer Fachpersonen im Bereich Mathematik – Entwicklung und Validierung eines Testinstruments
Authors: Bruns Julia , Strahl Carolin , Gasteiger Hedwig
Published: November 2020

Frühe mathematische Bildung findet in der Kindertagesstätte insbesondere in spontanen Alltagssituationen statt. Damit diese Alltagssituationen zu natürlichen Lernsituationen für die Kinder werden, müssen (angehende) frühpädagogische Fachkräfte zunächst das mathematische Potenzial in diesen Situationen erkennen. Diese Fähigkeit zur situativen Beobachtung und Wahrnehmung ist bisher unzureichend erforscht, was unter anderem auf begrenzte Methoden zur standardisierten Erfassung dieses Konstrukts zurückzuführen ist. Um diesem Bedarf zu begegnen, wurde das videobasierte Testinstrument Vimas_num zur Erfassung der Fähigkeit zur situativen Beobachtung und Wahrnehmung angehender frühpädagogischer Fachpersonen im Bereich Mengen und Zahlen entwickelt. Auf der Grundlage von drei aufeinander aufbauenden Studien wird die Validität verschiedener Aspekte der Testwertinterpretation untersucht. Die Ergebnisse geben Hinweise auf die Validität der Testwertinterpretation in Bezug auf den Testinhalt, die interne Struktur des Tests und die Zusammenhänge mit theoretisch verbundenen Konstrukten.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the healing process of foot ulcers in diabetic type 2 patients marked by interleukin 6, vascular endothelial growth factor, and PEDIS score: A randomized controlled trial study
Authors: Oley Mendy Hatibie , Oley Maximillian Christian , Tjandra Djony E. , Sedu Stianila W. , Sumarauw Ekanova R.N. , Aling Deanette Michelle R. , Kalangi Jane Angela , Islam Andi Asadul , Hatta Mochammad , Faruk Muhammad
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) is a major social issue in terms of treatment cost. DFU has a high risk of infection with morbidity and an increased risk of lower-extremity amputations. Currently, there are no satisfactory treatments for DFU. This motivates a search for methods that can stimulate the acceleration of wound healing; one of these methods is the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). This study attempts to prove the ability of HBOT to accelerate the healing process of DFU by increasing levels of both serum Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEFG), assessed by the perfusion, extent, depth, infection and sensation (PEDIS) score.

Methods:

Twenty DFU patients were divided into two groups. The control group underwent a holistic DFU treatment without HBOT and was tested twice for serum IL-6 and VEGF levels, 1 day apart. The HBOT group underwent a holistic DFU treatment with HBOT and was also tested twice for serum IL-6 and VEGF levels: one day before HBOT and 2 h after the first day of HBOT.

Results:

The changes in serum IL-6 and VEGF levels were greater in patients with HBOT than in control patients (p = 0.025 and p = 0.004). As for PEDIS score assessment, the HBOT group had significantly lower PEDIS scores than the control group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

HBOT can help accelerate the wound healing process, which was proven by increased serum IL-6 and VEGF levels and a lower PEDIS score.

Highlights:
How DIY PKI often negates the promise of public key encryption
Authors: Trzupek Brian
Published: November 2020

As we all know, public key infrastructures (PKIs) with certificates are a great way to provide security for complex networks. When looking at adopting PKIs, enterprises are faced with a variety of choices. One option that has risen to prominence is DIY PKI – a public key infrastructure that you build yourself. That can be attractive – being able to modify and tailor the infrastructure to the specific needs of your enterprise, without some of the costs associated with a PKI platform. But it is a way that is fraught with problems, and enterprises often stumble in their attempt to build or manage their own PKI.
Elite Byzantine Kinship, ca. 950–1204
Authors: Leidholm Nathan
Published: November 2020

By the end of the twelfth century, the Byzantine 'genos' was a politically effective social group based upon ties of consanguineous kinship, but, importantly, it was also a cultural construct, an idea that held very real power, yet defies easy categorization. This study explores the role and function of the Byzantine aristocratic family group, or 'genos', as a distinct social entity, particularly its political and cultural role, as it appears in a variety of sources in the tenth through twelfth centuries.
Digitizing Medieval Manuscripts
Authors: Endres Bill
Published: November 2020

What does it mean to digitize a medieval manuscript? This book examines this question by exploring a range of advanced imaging technologies. The author focuses on the relationship between digital technologies and the complex materiality of manuscripts and the human bodies that engage them. The chapters explore imaging technologies, interfaces to present digital surrogates, and limitations to and enhancements through the digital, plus historical photographs. Essential reading for all those involved in manuscript digitization projects in both scholarly and cultural heritage contexts.
Reputation of Edward II, 1305–1697
Authors: Heyam Kit
Published: November 2020

During his lifetime and the four centuries following his death, King Edward II (1307–1327) acquired a reputation for having engaged in sexual and romantic relationships with his male favourites, and having been murdered by penetration with a red-hot spit. This book provides the first account of how this reputation developed, providing new insights into the processes and priorities that shaped narratives of sexual transgression in medieval and early modern England. In doing so, it analyses the changing vocabulary of sexual transgression in English, Latin and French; the conditions that created space for sympathetic depictions of same-sex love; and the use of medieval history in early modern political polemic. It also focuses, in particular, on the cultural impact of Christopher Marlowe's Edward II (c.1591–92). Through such close readings of poetry and drama, alongside chronicle accounts and political pamphlets, it demonstrates that Edward's medieval and early modern afterlife was significantly shaped by the influence of literary texts and techniques. A 'literary transformation' of historiographical methodology is, it argues, an apposite response to the factors that shaped medieval and early modern narratives of the past.
Air pollutant emissions from aircraft landing and take-off cycles at Chinese airports
Authors: Yu J.-L. , Jia Q. , Gao C. , Hu H.-Q.
Published: November 2020

Research on flight emissions at airports is very important for environmental policymaking. This study analysed the trend of aircraft air pollutant emissions at mainland China airports from 1990 to 2017, mainly focusing on standard landing and take-off (LTO) cycles. Total flight movements increased 29-fold from 1990 to 2017 at Chinese airports. Over the same period, the emissions of NOx, SOx, CO, hydrocarbons (HC), and particulate matter (PM) increased 46, 27, 12, 5, and 4 times, respectively. Emissions at the 216 public airports showed a growth trend. It was estimated that in 2017, Chinese airports emitted 12,875 kilotons of CO2, 59 kilotons of NOx, 3 kilotons of SOx, 38 kilotons of CO, 5 kilotons of HC, and 0.4 kilotons of PM. The largest 30 airports produced 68.2% of the total emissions. Emissions from B737-800, A320, A321, B737-700, A330-300, and A319 aircraft accounted for more than 75% of aircraft LTO emissions at Chinese airports in 2017. Results show that average emissions per passenger have decreased for CO2, CO, HC, SOx, PM, and NOxfrom 1990 to 2017.
The Effect of Ambient Temperature on Infectious Diarrhea and Diarrhea-like Illness in Wuxi, China
Authors: Gao Yumeng , Chen Yujun , Shi Ping , Zhang Qi , Qian Cheng , Xiao Yong , Feng Weihong , Shen Yuan , Shi Chao
Published: November 2020

Background:

The disease burden of infectious diarrhea cannot be underestimated. Its seasonal patterns indicate that weather patterns may play an important role and have an important effect on it. The objective of this study was to clarify the relationship between temperature and infectious diarrhea, and diarrhea-like illness.

Methods:

Distributed lag non-linear model, which was based on the definition of a cross-basis, was used to examine the effect.

Results:

Viral diarrhea usually had high incidence in autumn-winter and spring with a peak at -6°C; Norovirus circulated throughout the year with an insignificant peak at 8°C, while related bacteria usually tested positive in summer and peaked at 22°C. The lag-response curve of the proportion of diarrhea-like cases in outpatient and emergency cases revealed that at -6°C, with the lag days increasing, the proportion increased. Similar phenomena were observed at the beginning of the curves of virus and bacterial positive rate, showing that the risk increased as the lag days increased, peaking on days 16 and 9, respectively. The shape of lag-response curve of norovirus positive rate was different from others, presenting m-type, with 2 peaks on day 3 and day 18.

Conclusion:

Weather patterns should be taken into account when developing surveillance programs and formulating relevant public health intervention strategies.
Risk factors for the development of infections associated with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae among previously colonized patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jimenez Adriana , Fennie Kristopher , Munoz-Price L. Silvia , Ibrahimou Boubakari , Abbo Lilian M. , Martinez Octavio , Sposato Kathleen , Doi Yohei , Trepka Mary Jo
Published: November 2020

Not all patients who acquire carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) develop infections by these organisms; many remain only colonized. Of 54 CPE-colonized patients, 16 (30%) developed CPE infections. We identified indwelling urinary catheter exposure, exposure to intravenous colistin, and overseas transfer as variables associated with CPE infection development among colonized patients.
Ghana's petroleum industry: expectations, frustrations and anger in coastal communities
Authors: Ovadia Jesse Salah , Ayelazuno Jasper Abembia , Van Alstine James
Published: November 2020

With much fanfare, Ghana's Jubilee Oil Field was discovered in 2007 and began producing oil in 2010. In the six coastal districts nearest the offshore fields, expectations of oil-backed development have been raised. However, there is growing concern over what locals perceive to be negative impacts of oil and gas production. Based on field research conducted in 2010 and 2015 in the same communities in each district, this paper presents a longitudinal study of the impacts (real and perceived) of oil and gas production in Ghana. With few identifiable benefits beyond corporate social responsibility projects often disconnected from local development priorities, communities are growing angrier at their loss of livelihoods, increased social ills and dispossession from land and ocean. Assuming that others must be benefiting from the petroleum resources being extracted near their communities, there is growing frustration. High expectations, real and perceived grievances, and increasing social fragmentation threaten to lead to conflict and underdevelopment.
A NONPARAMETRIC TEST OF SIGNIFICANT VARIABLES IN GRADIENTS
Authors: Yao Feng , Wang Taining
Published: November 2020

We propose a nonparametric test of significant variables in the partial derivative of a regression mean function. The derivative is estimated by local polynomial estimation and the test statistic is constructed through a variation-based measure of the derivative in the direction of variables of interest. We establish the asymptotic null distribution of the test statistic and demonstrate that it is consistent. Motivated by the null distribution, we propose a wild bootstrap test, and show that it exhibits the same null distribution, whether the null is valid or not. We perform a Monte Carlo study to demonstrate its encouraging finite sample performance. An empirical application is conducted showing how the test can be applied to infer certain aspects of regression structures in a hedonic price model.
Sociodemographic factors associated with patients hospitalised for coccidioidomycosis in California and Arizona, State Inpatient Database 2005–2011
Authors: Kupferwasser D. , Miller L. G.
Published: November 2020

Coccidioidomycosis is endemic in the Southwestern United States. Disseminated infection can be life-threatening and is responsible for hospitalisation and significant healthcare resource utilisation. There are limited data evaluating factors associated with hospitalisation for coccidioidomycosis. We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess incidence and factors associated with coccidioidomycosis-associated hospitalisation in California and Arizona. We analysed hospital discharge data obtained from the State Inpatient Dataset for California and Arizona between 2005 and 2011 and performed multivariable logistic regression examining factors associated with coccidioidomycosis-associated hospitalisation. During our time frame, we found 23 758 coccidioidomycosis-associated hospitalisations. Coccidioidomycosis incidence was over sixfold higher in Arizona compared to California (198.9 vs. 29.6/100 000 person-years). In our multivariable model, coccidioidomycosis-associated hospitalisation was associated with age group 40–49 years (referent group: age 18–29 years, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.50 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43–1.59)), African American race (referent group: Caucasian, aOR = 1.98 (95% CI 1.89–2.06)), residing in a large rural town (referent group: urban area, aOR = 2.28 (95% CI 2.19–2.39)), uncomplicated diabetes (aOR = 1.47 (95% CI 1.41–1.52)) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (aOR = 1.59 (95% CI 1.54–1.65)) and higher number of comorbidities (aOR = 1.02 (95% CI 1.02–1.03) for each point in the Elixhauser score). Identifying persons at highest risk for hospitalisation with coccidioidomycosis may be helpful for future prevention efforts.
Comparing the best-reply strategy and mean-field games: The stationary case
Authors: BARKER MATT , DEGOND PIERRE , WOLFRAM MARIE-THERESE
Published: November 2020

Mean-field games (MFGs) and the best-reply strategy (BRS) are two methods of describing competitive optimisation of systems of interacting agents. The latter can be interpreted as an approximation of the respective MFG system. In this paper, we present an analysis and comparison of the two approaches in the stationary case. We provide novel existence and uniqueness results for the stationary boundary value problems related to the MFG and BRS formulations, and we present an analytical and numerical comparison of the two paradigms in some specific modelling situations.
The state of breeding birds in Greece: trends, threats, and implications for conservation
Authors: VAVYLIS DIMITRIOS , BOUNAS ANASTASIOS , KARRIS GEORGIOS , TRIANTIS KOSTAS A.
Published: November 2020

Birds are suffering from steep population declines on a global scale and they are one of the few taxonomic groups for which these declines are well documented by long-term monitoring data. This study provides a synthesis of the status of the breeding birds of Greece. To this aim, we retrieved population size estimates from six sources spanning 22 years (1992–2014) and calculated species’ trends in Greece. Using the IUCN Red List assessments for each species we assessed whether ecological traits including habitat and diet preferences were associated with species’ trends and conservation status in Europe and determined major threats affecting birds in Greece. Moreover, we assessed the importance of Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) in terms of declining trigger species. Results showed that almost one fifth of the breeding birds in Greece have declining populations. Raptors were found to be the most threatened group of birds whereas the highest declines by dietary group were observed in scavengers, with 60% of species showing a decreasing trend. The most common threats were those that cause habitat alteration and degradation as well as more direct effects such as poisoning. Our results suggest that restoration of habitat and ecosystem functions along with the management of protected areas and improvement of legislation should be the main conservation actions undertaken and pinpointed the IBAs where they should be prioritized for implementation. Finally, further research, especially on specific drivers of population change, along with further examination of current and past population trends, will increase the power and accuracy of future regional Red List assessments especially concerning the breeding species for which the country bears the greatest responsibility.
JOHN DUNS SCOTUS ON HUMAN BEINGS IN THE STATE OF INNOCENCE
Authors: DEZZA ERNESTO
Published: November 2020

The present article presents the theory of the Franciscan master John Duns Scotus (1265/66–1308) on the so-called “state of innocence,” namely the condition in which human beings lived before the first sin. The state of innocence is characterized by the gift of original justice, guaranteeing harmony between the soul's powers and immortality. Derived from traditional Christian anthropology, Scotus's description offers a chance for dialogue with the masters of the second half of the thirteenth century, among them Henry of Ghent, Thomas Aquinas, and Bonaventure. Because of the theological orientation of Scotus's explanation, human beings as outlined by him are simultaneously naturally good and in need of divine gifts to reach their very end. Through a new interpretation of modality, Scotus's position is better able to express certain conditions related to power/possibility within the state of innocence.
BONAVENTURE PONDERING WITH AUGUSTINE:DE CIVITATE DEI11.2 AND THE MAKING OF THEITINERARIUM MENTIS IN DEUM
Authors: ADAMS MARIA THEOTOKOS
Published: November 2020

This article presents Augustine'sDe civitate Dei11.2 as a valuable but overlooked source of influence on Bonaventure's making of theItinerarium mentis in Deum. First, a detailed exposition analyzes the structure and content of Augustine's compact mystical treatise on the “ascent of the mind to God” located at the turning points of hismagnum opus. Second, a study of the prologue of theItinerarium mentis in Deumdemonstrates how this passage informed Bonaventure's conception of his unique project. Third, the article offers support for his explicit reception ofDe civitate Dei— and Book 11 in particular — through an annotated summary of Bonaventure's references to the work in his earlier and later written corpus. Initial findings present howAnonymi Contra philosophosappears to have functioned as a privileged point for reception ofDe civitate Dei11.2 among the early Franciscans scholastics from Alexander of Hales to Bonaventure and Matthew of Aquasparta. The present research also offers a fresh case study through which to modify the central claims of Lydia Schumacher's scholarship on the Bonaventurean use of Augustine and the nature of early Franciscan theology. The closing section explores some of the possible influences shaping this approach. Finally, this article invites medievalists to expand their expectations of howDe civitate Dei 11may have communicated Augustine's thought through diverse forms of Franciscan reception and wide-ranging applications beyond the academy.
Seismic Attenuation Monitoring of a Critically Stressed San Andreas Fault
Authors: Malagnini Luca , Parsons Tom
Published: November 2020

We show that seismic attenuation () along the San Andreas fault (SAF) at Parkfield correlates with the occurrence of moderate‐to‐large earthquakes at local and regional distances. Earthquake‐relatedanomalies are likely caused by changes in permeability from dilatant static stress changes, damage by strong shaking from local sources, and pore unclogging/clogging from mobilization of colloids by dynamic strains. We find that, prior to the 2004M6 Parkfield earthquake, prefailure conditions for some local events of moderate magnitude correspond to positive anomalies ofon the Pacific side, with local and regional earthquakes producing sharp attenuation reversals. After the 2004 Parkfield earthquake, we see higheranomalies along the SAF, but low sensitivity to local and regional earthquakes, probably because the mainshock significantly altered the permeability state of the rocks adjacent to the SAF, and its sensitivity to earthquake‐induced stress perturbations.
Heat Transfer From Convecting Magma Reservoirs to Hydrothermal Fluid Flow Systems Constrained by Coupled Numerical Modeling
Authors: Andersen Christine , Weis Philipp
Published: November 2020

Magma flow, heat conduction, and hydrothermal fluid flow control the heat transfer through the upper crust. Magmatic‐hydrothermal activity is essential for the utilization of geothermal energy, formation of ore deposits, and predictions of volcanic hazards, but the interplay between magmatic and hydrothermal processes is not well constrained due to the lack of adequate scientific tools. Simulation results from our novel coupled numerical model resolving both magma (Navier‐Stokes) and hydrothermal (Darcy) flow quantify the influence of magma convection and rock permeability on energy transfer. Convection of a hot‐dry rhyolitic magma has an accelerating effect of up to 15% on the cooling of the reservoir by enhancing the heat transfer toward the magma‐hydrothermal interface. However, at high permeabilities and high brittle‐ductile transition temperatures, magma flow can also have a secondary decelerating effect, because it prevents efficient permeability creation and entrainment of hydrothermal fluids at the edges of the magma reservoir.
Determinant Role of Aerosols From Industrial Sources in Hurricane Harvey's Catastrophe
Authors: Pan Bowen , Wang Yuan , Logan Timothy , Hsieh Jen‐Shan , Jiang Jonathan H. , Li Yixin , Zhang Renyi
Published: November 2020

The destructive power of tropical cyclones is driven by latent heat released from water condensation and is inevitably linked to the abundance of aerosols as cloud condensation nuclei. However, the aerosol effects are unaccounted for in most operational hurricane forecast models. We combined multisource measurements and cloud‐resolving model simulations to show fundamentally altered cloud microphysical and thermodynamic processes by anthropogenic aerosols during Hurricane Harvey. Our observational analyses reveal intense lightning and precipitation in the proximity of Houston industrial areas, and these hot spots exhibit a striking geographic similarity to a climatological maximum of lightning flash density in the south‐central United States. Our ensemble cloud‐resolving simulations of Hurricane Harvey indicate that aerosols increase precipitation and lightning by a factor of 2 in the Houston urban area, unraveling the key anthropogenic factor in regulating flooding during this weather extreme.
Quasi‐10‐Day Wave and Semidiurnal Tide Nonlinear Interactions During the Southern Hemispheric SSW 2019 Observed in the Northern Hemispheric Mesosphere
Authors: He Maosheng , Chau Jorge L. , Forbes Jeffrey M. , Thorsen Denise , Li Guozhu , Siddiqui Tarique Adnan , Yamazaki Yosuke , Hocking Wayne K.
Published: November 2020

Mesospheric winds from three longitudinal sectors at 65°N and 54°N latitude are combined to diagnose the zonal wave numbers (m) of spectral wave signatures during the Southern Hemisphere sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) 2019. Diagnosed are quasi‐10‐ and 6‐day planetary waves (Q10DW and Q6DW, m = 1), solar semidiurnal tides with m = 1, 2, 3 (SW1, SW2, and SW3), lunar semidiurnal tide, and the upper and lower sidebands (USB and LSB, m = 1 and 3) of Q10DW‐SW2 nonlinear interactions. We further present 7‐year composite analyses to distinguish SSW effects from climatological features. Before (after) the SSW onset, LSB (USB) enhances, accompanied by the enhancing (fading) Q10DW, and a weakening of climatological SW2 maximum. These behaviors are explained in terms of Manley‐Rowe relation, that is, the energy goes first from SW2 to Q10DW and LSB, and then from SW2 and Q10DW to USB. Our results illustrate that the interactions can explain most wind variabilities associated with the SSW.
Observations of Phytoplankton Community Composition in the Santa Barbara Channel During the Thomas Fire
Authors: Kramer Sasha J. , Bisson Kelsey M. , Fischer Alexis D.
Published: November 2020

The Thomas Fire ignited on December 5, 2017 and burned nearly 300,000 acres of land in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties until January 12, 2018, making it the largest wildfire in California history at the time. During the fire, a persistent plume of ash, smoke, and soot extended up to 1,000 km offshore over the Santa Barbara Channel (SBC). The effect of this ash influx on the SBC phytoplankton community was investigated with an Imaging FlowCytobot (IFCB) onboard R/V Sally Ride during a research cruise in mid‐December 2017. Over 100,000 images of phytoplankton and nonliving particles were collected and each image was manually classified, resulting in time series of phytoplankton cells and detrital particles, including ash. Comparing the Thomas Fire conditions to historical monthly sampling in the SBC in December reveals significant differences in sea surface temperature, nutrient concentration, and phytoplankton community composition (PCC) in December 2017. During the Thomas Fire, dinoflagellates dominated the phytoplankton community (comprising up to 90% of the total phytoplankton cell biovolume per sample), while diatoms and picophytoplankton typically dominate surface ocean PCC in the SBC in December. While this study was not able to demonstrate a correlational relationship between PCC and wildfire ash concentration, the significant differences in surface ocean biogeochemistry in December 2017 compared to past winters is notable. Wildfire severity and frequency are annually increasing in California and globally with unknown impacts on the marine ecosystem; thus, this study provides an important baseline assessment for the SBC.
Time‐Varying Ice Sheet Mask: Implications on Ice‐Sheet Mass Balance and Crustal Uplift
Authors: Kjeldsen Kristian K. , Khan Shfaqat A. , Colgan William T. , MacGregor Joseph A. , Fausto Robert S.
Published: November 2020

Mass‐balance estimates of the polar ice sheets presently rely on static ice masks to identify the area under investigation. However, the vintage of available ice masks can differ by more than a decade, and the resolution of the imagery used to delineate ice extent can differ by an order of magnitude, despite evidence of ongoing ice‐sheet retreat. We show that using a fine‐resolution, time‐varying ice mask significantly improves mass‐balance estimates of the northwestern sector of the Greenland Ice Sheet and affects interpretation of local crustal uplift. Accounting for ice margin retreat using a time‐varying ice mask between 2003 and 2015 results in 1.0%–6.8% less ice‐sheet mass loss relative to assuming one of several existing static ice masks. This indicates that mass‐balance estimates that use a static ice mask will progressively overestimate mass loss where the ice sheet is predominantly retreating, meaning a negative bias on mass‐balance. This trend is anticipated to be amplified in a future warming scenario unless updated ice masks are incorporated. For altimetry‐derived mass‐balance estimates, this ice‐mask‐induced bias approaches the magnitude of the ice‐sheet‐wide uncertainty presently associated with spatiotemporal variability in modeled firn compaction. Further, at five Greenland GPS Network (GNET) stations, the ice‐mask‐induced bias is equivalent to 5%–15% of the modeled uplift due to elastic deformation. Given present and projected negative trends in Greenland Ice Sheet mass‐balance and areal extent, we conclude that studies of its mass‐balance should begin incorporating dynamic, periodically updated, fine‐resolution ice masks. This methodological refinement will reduce bias in estimates of both ice‐sheet mass‐balance and crustal uplift.