bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of Efficiency Losses Due to Mobile Ions in Perovskite Solar Cells via Fast Hysteresis Measurements
Authors: Le Corre Vincent M. , Diekmann Jonas , Peña-Camargo Francisco , Thiesbrummel Jarla , Tokmoldin Nurlan , Gutierrez-Partida Emilio , Peters Karol Pawel , Perdigón-Toro Lorena , Futscher Moritz H. , Lang Felix , Warby Jonathan , Snaith Henry J. , Neher Dieter , Stolterfoht Martin
Published: December 2021

Perovskite semiconductors differ from most inorganic and organic semiconductors due to the presence of mobile ions in the material. Although the phenomenon is intensively investigated, important questions such as the exact impact of the mobile ions on the steady‐state power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability remain. Herein, a simple method is proposed to estimate the efficiency loss due to mobile ions via “fast‐hysteresis” measurements by preventing the perturbation of mobile ions out of their equilibrium position at fast scan speeds (1000 V s−1). The “ion‐free” PCE is between 1% and 3% higher than the steady‐state PCE, demonstrating the importance of ion‐induced losses, even in cells with low levels of hysteresis at typical scan speeds (100 mV s−1). The hysteresis over many orders of magnitude in scan speed provides important information on the effective ion diffusion constant from the peak hysteresis position. The fast‐hysteresis measurements are corroborated by transient charge extraction and capacitance measurements and numerical simulations, which confirm the experimental findings and provide important insights into the charge carrier dynamics. The proposed method to quantify PCE losses due to field screening induced by mobile ions clarifies several important experimental observations and opens up a large range of future experiments.
Evaluation of compressive strength using novel in situ test method
Authors: Yang Suhang , Xu Zhifeng , Singh Amardeep
Published: December 2021

Double shear test method (DSTM) proposed in the past is commonly used for the estimation of the in situ compressive strength of concrete. A novel in situ compressive testing method (IST), which can reduce core testing time from 2 to 3 days to 30 min using short cores tested in site is developed and proposed in this paper. The core samples with different diameters and lengths were tested using the in situ single shear test (IST) and then compared with DSTM. No significant difference exists in the core strength results obtained from the Student's t tests by IST and DSTM. A correction factor correlating the results obtained using IST methods was therefore provided. Experimental results indicate that an excellent correlation exists between concrete IST strength and cube compressive strength (10–60 MPa). Since no extraction of the core is needed, the specimens can be readily and quickly prepared in situ with less damage to the structure. The verification investigation shows that the IST can provide a more accurate estimate of in‐place cube strength than the core drilling method and can be performed easier than the core drilling method, with less time‐consuming than other methods.
Recent Advances in the High‐Valent Cobalt‐Catalyzed C−H Functionalization of N‐Heterocycles
Authors: Chandra Devesh , Manisha  , Sharma Upendra
Published: December 2021

Direct functionalization of heterocycles using C−H activation widely relies on the precious metal complexes. In past decade, the use of earth abundant and inexpensive transition metal to functionalize heterocycles has become an attractive alternate strategy. This concept is also interesting due to the unique reactivity pattern of these inexpensive metals. In this context we and other research groups have utilized the high‐valent cobalt complexes as an inexpensive and readily available catalyst for the functionalization of heterocycles. In this review, we intend to brief recent progress made in the area of high‐valent cobalt complexes catalyzed C−H functionalization of N‐containing heterocycles.
Use of Drones With Thermal Infrared to Locate White‐tailed Deer Neonates for Capture
Authors: Obermoller Tyler R. , Norton Andrew S. , Michel Eric S. , Haroldson Brian S.
Published: December 2021

Drones are growing in popularity and are used to locate individual animals, estimate ungulate population size, and monitor endangered species. Our goal was to assess the efficacy of using drones to locate neonatal white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) for capture. During May–June 2019 and June 2020, we used a drone equipped with thermal‐infrared (TIR) and conventional multispectral red‐green‐blue (RGB) cameras to locate and confirm fawn thermal signatures in Minnesota's southern farmland region. We confirmed 29 and 71 fawn thermal signatures in 2019 and 2020, respectively. We captured 13 fawns to validate the methodology (detection and identification) of using drones for capture in 2019. We flew the drone for 47.3 hours covering 792 hectares (17 hectares per hour) in 2019 and flew for 41.1 hours and covered 1640 hectares (40 hectares per hour) in 2020. We worked 201.5 person‐hours with a mean crew size of 4 people that required 6.9 person‐hours to locate each fawn in 2019, whereas we worked 145.7 person‐hours with a mean crew size of 4 people that required 70% less effort and resulted in 2.1 person‐hours to locate each fawn in 2020. Flight efficiency was highest at 60 m above ground level (AGL) with a speed of 9 m/s; however, diurnal use of drones made identifying fawn thermal signatures difficult as thermal loading of the environment quickly reduced the temperature differential between vegetation and signatures. We found TIR‐equipped drones to be an efficient method to locate and subsequently capture fawns in open habitats in comparison to other capture methods such as vaginal implant transmitters (VITs), ground searches, or monitoring doe behavior. We recommend flying at night or in cloudy conditions to avoid false positives. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Modeling cholesterol metabolism and atherosclerosis
Authors: Mc Auley Mark Tomás
Published: December 2021

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among Western populations. Many risk factors have been identified for ASCVD; however, elevated low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) remains the gold standard. Cholesterol metabolism at the cellular and whole‐body level is maintained by an array of interacting components. These regulatory mechanisms have complex behavior. Likewise, the mechanisms which underpin atherogenesis are nontrivial and multifaceted. To help overcome the challenge of investigating these processes mathematical modeling, which is a core constituent of the systems biology paradigm has played a pivotal role in deciphering their dynamics. In so doing models have revealed new insights about the key drivers of ASCVD. The aim of this review is fourfold; to provide an overview of cholesterol metabolism and atherosclerosis, to briefly introduce mathematical approaches used in this field, to critically discuss models of cholesterol metabolism and atherosclerosis, and to highlight areas where mathematical modeling could help to investigate in the future.

This article is categorized under:

Cardiovascular Diseases > Computational Models
Quasi-Hopf twist and elliptic Nekrasov factor
Authors: Cheewaphutthisakun Panupong , Kanno Hiroaki
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We investigate the quasi-Hopf twist of the quantum toroidal algebra of$$ {\mathfrak{gl}}_1 $$gl1as an elliptic deformation. Under the quasi-Hopf twist the underlying algebra remains the same, but the coproduct is deformed, where the twist parameterpis identified as the elliptic modulus. Computing the quasi-Hopf twist of theRmatrix, we uncover the relation to the elliptic lift of the Nekrasov factor for instanton counting of the quiver gauge theories on ℝ4× T2. The sameRmatrix also appears in the commutation relation of the intertwiners, which implies an elliptic quantum KZ equation for the trace of intertwiners. We also show that it allows a solution which is factorized into the elliptic Nekrasov factors and the triple elliptic gamma function.
Prospects for $$ {B}_c^{+} $$→ τ +ντ at FCC-ee
Authors: Amhis Yasmine , Hartmann Marie , Helsens Clément , Hill Donal , Sumensari Olcyr
Published: December 2021

Abstract

This paper presents the prospects for a precise measurement of the branching fraction of the leptonic $$ {B}_c^{+} $$

B
c
+

→ τ+ντ decay at the Future Circular Collider (FCC-ee) running at the Z -pole. A detailed description of the simulation and analysis framework is provided. To select signal candidates, two Boosted Decision Tree algorithms are employed and optimised. The first stage suppresses inclusive $$ b\overline{b} $$
b

b
¯

, $$ c\overline{c} $$
c

c
¯

, and $$ q\overline{q} $$
q

q
¯

backgrounds using event-based topological information. A second stage utilises the properties of the hadronic τ+→ π+π+π−$$ \overline{\nu} $$

ν
¯

τ decay to further suppress these backgrounds, and is also found to achieve high rejection for the B+→ τ+ντ background. The number of $$ {B}_c^{+} $$

B
c
+

→ τ+ντ candidates is estimated for various Tera-Z scenarios, and the potential precision of signal yield and branching fraction measurements evaluated. The phenomenological impact of such measurements on various New Physics scenarios is also explored.
Positionspapier Schlaganfallnachsorge der Deutschen Schlaganfall-Gesellschaft – Teil 2: Konzept für eine umfassende Schlaganfallnachsorge
Authors: Hotter Benjamin , Ikenberg Benno , Kaendler Stephen , Knispel Petra , Ritter Martin , Sander Dirk , Schwarzbach Christopher , von Büdingen Hans Joachim , Wagner Markus , Meisel Andreas ,   Mitglieder Kommission Nachsorge der Deutschen Schlaganfall-Gesellschaft, Audebert Heinrich , von Büdingen Hans Joachim , Claßen Joseph , Dreßing Andreas , Elstner Matthias , Grau Armin , Hotter Benjamin , Ikenberg Benno , Kaendler Stephen , Knispel Petra , Meisel Andreas , Michalski Dominik , Sander Dirk , Schwarzbach Christopher , Wagner Markus , Winkler Tobias
Published: December 2021

Die Schlaganfallnachsorge ist im Gegensatz zur akuten und rehabilitativen Versorgung des Schlaganfalls wenig standardisiert. Der fragmentierte ambulante Sektor erlaubt hierbei ein hohes Maß an Flexibilität, leidet aber folglich an variabler Qualität der Nachsorge. Die Kommission Nachsorge der Deutschen Schlaganfall-Gesellschaft formuliert in diesem Positionspapier ein inhaltliches Konzept, um eine strukturierte Nachsorge mit multiprofessionellem Ansatz zu entwickeln. Diese soll im Sinne einer „Comprehensive-care“-Versorgung und patientenzentriert erfolgen. Dazu schlagen wir ein diagnostisches Stufenkonzept mit Screening und ggf. weitergehender Untersuchung vor, das in Absprache mit den Betroffenen zu einem standardisierten Therapieplan führt, der im Langzeitverlauf entsprechend angepasst werden muss. Inhaltlich sind sowohl internistische Domänen (Management von Risikofaktoren) als auch genuin neurologische Domänen (Spastik, kognitive Defizite etc.) zu berücksichtigen. Besondere Herausforderungen an dieses Konzept sind die sektorenübergreifende (inter- und intrasektorale) Kommunikation zwischen den Akteuren im Gesundheitswesen untereinander sowie mit den Patienten und Angehörigen, die Notwendigkeit zur Schaffung eines Vergütungsmodells für eine solche Nachsorge und letztlich die Etablierung eines entsprechenden Qualitätsmanagements. Digitale Lösungen erachten wir als hilfreiche Werkzeuge für Aspekte der Diagnose, Therapie und Kommunikation in der Schlaganfallnachsorge.
Higher baseline inflammatory marker levels predict greater cognitive decline in older people with type 2 diabetes: year 10 follow-up of the Edinburgh Type 2 Diabetes Study
Authors: Sluiman Anniek J. , McLachlan Stela , Forster Rachel B. , Strachan Mark W. J. , Deary Ian J. , Price Jackie F.
Published: December 2021

Aims/hypothesis

We aimed to determine the longitudinal association of circulating markers of systemic inflammation with subsequent long-term cognitive change in older people with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

The Edinburgh Type 2 Diabetes Study is a prospective cohort study of 1066 adults aged 60 to 75 years with type 2 diabetes. Baseline data included C-reactive protein, IL-6, TNF-α fibrinogen and neuropsychological testing on major cognitive domains. Cognitive testing was repeated after 10 years in 581 participants. A general cognitive ability score was derived from the battery of seven individual cognitive tests using principal component analysis. Linear regression was used to determine longitudinal associations between baseline inflammatory markers and cognitive outcomes at follow-up, with baseline cognitive test results included as covariables to model cognitive change over time.

Results

Following adjustment for age, sex and baseline general cognitive ability, higher baseline fibrinogen and IL-6 were associated with greater decline in general cognitive ability (standardised βs = −0.059, p=0.032 and −0.064, p=0.018, respectively). These associations lost statistical significance after adjustment for baseline vascular and diabetes-related covariables. When assessing associations with individual cognitive tests, higher IL-6 was associated with greater decline in tests of executive function and abstract reasoning (standardised βs = 0.095, p=0.006 and −0.127, p=0.001, respectively). Similarly, raised fibrinogen and C-reactive protein levels were associated with greater decline in processing speed (standardised βs = −0.115, p=0.001 and −0.111, p=0.001, respectively). These associations remained statistically significant after adjustment for the diabetes- and vascular-related risk factors.

Conclusions/interpretation

Higher baseline levels of inflammatory markers, including plasma IL-6, fibrinogen and C-reactive protein, were associated with subsequent cognitive decline in older people with type 2 diabetes. At least some of this association appeared to be specific to certain cognitive domains and to be independent of vascular and diabetes-related risk factors.

Graphical abstract
Multiscale thermal and thermo-structural optimization of three-dimensional lattice structures
Authors: Imediegwu Chikwesiri , Murphy Ryan , Hewson Robert , Santer Matthew
Published: December 2021

This paper develops a robust framework for the multiscale design of three-dimensional lattices with macroscopically tailored thermal and thermo-structural characteristics. A multiscale approach is implemented where the discrete evaluations of small-scale lattice unit cell characteristics are converted to response surface models so that the properties exist as continuous functions of the lattice micro-parameters. The derived framework constitutes free material optimization in the space of manufacturable lattice micro-architecture. The optimization of individual lattice member dimensions is enabled by the adjoint method and the explicit expressions of the response surface material property sensitivities. The approach is demonstrated by solving thermal and thermo-structural optimization problems, significantly extending previous work which focused on linear structural response. The thermal optimization solution shows a design with improved optimality compared to the SIMP methodology. The thermo-structural optimization solution demonstrates the method’s capability for attaining a prescribed displacement in response to temperature gradients.
Efficient production of immunologically active Shigella invasion plasmid antigens IpaB and IpaH using a cell-free expression system
Authors: Kapoor Neeraj , Ndungo Esther , Pill Lucy , Desalegn Girmay , Berges Aym , Oaks Edwin V. , Fairman Jeff , Pasetti Marcela F.
Published: December 2021

Shigella spp. invade the colonic epithelium and cause bacillary dysentery in humans. Individuals living in areas that lack access to clean water and sanitation are the most affected. Even though infection can be treated with antibiotics, Shigella antimicrobial drug resistance complicates clinical management. Despite decades of effort, there are no licensed vaccines to prevent shigellosis. The highly conserved invasion plasmid antigens (Ipa), which are components of the Shigella type III secretion system, participate in bacterial epithelial cell invasion and have been pursued as vaccine targets. However, expression and purification of these proteins in conventional cell-based systems have been challenging due to solubility issues and extremely low recovery yields. These difficulties have impeded manufacturing and clinical advancement. In this study, we describe a new method to express Ipa proteins using the Xpress+TM cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) platform. Both IpaB and the C-terminal domain of IpaH1.4 (IpaH-CTD) were efficiently produced with this technology at yields > 200 mg/L. Furthermore, the expression was linearly scaled in a bioreactor under controlled conditions, and proteins were successfully purified using multimode column chromatography to > 95% purity as determined by SDS-PAGE. Biophysical characterization of the cell-free synthetized IpaB and IpaH-CTD using SEC-MALS analysis showed well-defined oligomeric states of the proteins in solution. Functional analysis revealed similar immunoreactivity as compared to antigens purified from E. coli. These results demonstrate the efficiency of CFPS for Shigella protein production; the practicality and scalability of this method will facilitate production of antigens for Shigella vaccine development and immunological analysis.

Key points

• First report of Shigella IpaB and IpaH produced at high purity and yield using CFPS

• CFPS-IpaB and IpaH perform similarly to E. coli–produced proteins in immunoassays

• CFPS-IpaB and IpaH react with Shigella-specific human antibodies and are immunogenic in mice.

Graphical abstract
Correlation of nutrition-associated parameters with non-relapse mortality in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Schaffrath Judith , Diederichs Tanja , Unverzagt Susanne , Wass Maxi , Gläser Ulrike , Weber Thomas , Binder Mascha , Müller-Tidow Carsten , Müller Lutz P.
Published: December 2021

Outcome of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is hampered by substantial non-relapse mortality (NRM). Given its impact on organ function and immune response, the nutritional status has been suggested as relevant for NRM. We aimed to evaluate the association of NRM with nutritional status prior to alloSCT and in the post-SCT course. In a retrospective single-center study, we analyzed 128 alloSCTs. Besides standard characteristics, nutrition-associated parameters BMI, serum total protein, and serum albumin were recorded before conditioning and at various time points after alloSCT. Association with NRM was evaluated by univariate and multivariate survival analysis. The cohort comprised patients with a median BMI of 26 kg/m2 (16.7–46.9 kg/m2), median serum total protein of 59 g/l (41–77 g/l), and serum albumin of 36 g/l (22–46 g/l) before SCT. NRM at d+100 was 14.8% and at 1 year 26.6%. Prior to SCT, only serum albumin deficiency was associated with increased NRM (p = .010) in multivariate analysis. After SCT (d+30 and d+100), all nutrition-associated parameters decreased (p < .002), but no association of deteriorating nutritional status with NRM was found. In multivariate analysis, serum albumin (p = .03) and severe albumin deficiency (p = .02) correlated with NRM at d+30 and d+100, while BMI and serum total protein did not. In our study, albumin deficiency, particularly prior to alloSCT, shows a strong correlation with NRM. This finding may add to monitoring, risk evaluation, and counseling of patients and serve as a rational for interventions to improve the nutritional status in patients undergoing SCT.
Cognitive and functional deficits are associated with white matter abnormalities in two independent cohorts of patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Yamada Shinichi , Takahashi Shun , Malchow Berend , Papazova Irina , Stöcklein Sophia , Ertl-Wagner Birgit , Papazov Boris , Kumpf Ulrike , Wobrock Thomas , Keller-Varady Katriona , Hasan Alkomiet , Falkai Peter , Wagner Elias , Raabe Florian J. , Keeser Daniel
Published: December 2021

Background

Significant evidence links white matter (WM) microstructural abnormalities to cognitive impairment in schizophrenia (SZ), but the relationship of these abnormalities with functional outcome remains unclear.

Methods

In two independent cohorts (C1, C2), patients with SZ were divided into two subgroups: patients with higher cognitive performance (SZ-HCP-C1, n = 25; SZ-HCP-C2, n = 24) and patients with lower cognitive performance (SZ-LCP-C1, n = 25; SZ-LCP-C2, n = 24). Healthy controls (HC) were included in both cohorts (HC-C1, n = 52; HC-C2, n = 27). We compared fractional anisotropy (FA) of the whole-brain WM skeleton between the three groups (SZ-LCP, SZ-HCP, HC) by a whole-brain exploratory approach and an atlas-defined WM regions-of-interest approach via tract-based spatial statistics. In addition, we explored whether FA values were associated with Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores in the SZ groups.

Results

In both cohorts, mean FA values of whole-brain WM skeleton were significantly lower in the SCZ-LCP group than in the SCZ-HCP group. Whereas in C1 the FA of the frontal part of the left inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF) was positively correlated with GAF score, in C2 the FA of the temporal part of the left IFOF was positively correlated with GAF score.

Conclusions

We provide robust evidence for WM microstructural abnormalities in SZ. These abnormalities are more prominent in patients with low cognitive performance and are associated with the level of functioning.
Impact of house dust mite-driven asthma on children’s school performance and activity
Authors: Gómez Catalina , Barrena Judit , García-Paz Vanesa , Plaza Ana M. , Crespo Paula , Bejarano José A. , Rodríguez Ana B. , Ferré Laia , Farrarons Lidia , Viñas Marta , Torán-Barona Carla , Pereiro Andrea , Justicia José L. , Nevot Santiago
Published: December 2021

Evidence regarding asthma’s impact on children’s daily lives is limited. This prospective and cross-sectional, observational, multicenter study assessed school/work and activity impairment in children and adolescents with allergic asthma and their caregivers and allergen immunotherapy (AIT) effects. Included patients were schooled children and adolescents (5 to 17 years) with allergic asthma due to house dust mites (HDM). Impairment of school/work (i.e., absenteeism and presenteeism) and activity was measured in patients and their caregivers using the Work Productivity Impairment Questionnaire plus Classroom Impairment Questions: Allergy Specific (WPAI + CIQ:AS). HDM allergic patients with school impairment received subcutaneous AIT with a MicroCrystalline Tyrosine-associated allergoid. WPAI + CIQ:AS and effectiveness variables were compared between baseline and 1-year post-AIT. Of the 113 patients included, 59 (52.2%) and 51 (45.1%) showed school and activity impairment, respectively, missing a mean (SD) of 37.6 (24.4) % and 42.6 (25.6) % of school and activity time, respectively. Twenty-six (23%) caregivers reported activity impairment and, of the 79 (69.9%) employed, 30 (38%) reported work impairment. Of the 65 patients with school/activities impairment, 41 (63.1%) received AIT, of which 21 (51.2%) completed 1 year of treatment. Effectiveness variables and WPAI + CIQ:AS significantly improved: Mean (SD) school impairment decreased from 39.7 (26.7) to 2.1 (7.1) % (p < 0.001) and activity impairment from 46.2 (34.6) to 1.4 (3.6) % (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Allergic asthma due to HDMs results in school/work and activity impairment in children and adolescents and their caregivers. One year of AIT provided clinical benefits and reduced school and activity impairment.

What is Known:• Allergic asthma impairs children’s school performance and daily activities.• Allergen immunotherapy modifies allergic disease course and ameliorates its symptoms.

What is New:• Asthma symptoms due to allergy to house dust mites impair children’s school attendance and productivity and daily activity and their caregivers’ work performance and daily lives.• Allergen immunotherapy with a house dust mite MicroCrystalline Tyrosine (MCT)-associated allergoid seems to provide clinical benefits, associated with decreased school and activity impairment, supporting it as an effective treatment option.
Large silicic magma bodies and very large magnitude explosive eruptions
Authors: Sparks R. S. J. , Blundy J. D. , Cashman K. V. , Jackson M. , Rust A. , Wilson C. J. N.
Published: December 2021

Over the last 20 years, new concepts have emerged into understanding the processes that lead to build up to large silicic explosive eruptions based on integration of geophysical, geochemical, petrological, geochronological and dynamical modelling. Silicic melts are generated within magma systems extending throughout the crust by segregation from mushy zones. Segregated melt layers become unstable and can assemble into ephemeral upper crustal magma chambers rapidly prior to eruption. In the next 10 years, we can expect major advances in dynamical models as well as in analytical and geophysical methods, which need to be underpinned in field research.
Volcanic air pollution and human health: recent advances and future directions
Authors: Stewart Carol , Damby David E. , Horwell Claire J. , Elias Tamar , Ilyinskaya Evgenia , Tomašek Ines , Longo Bernadette M. , Schmidt Anja , Carlsen Hanne Krage , Mason Emily , Baxter Peter J. , Cronin Shane , Witham Claire
Published: December 2021

Volcanic air pollution from both explosive and effusive activity can affect large populations as far as thousands of kilometers away from the source, for days to decades or even centuries. Here, we summarize key advances and prospects in the assessment of health hazards, effects, risk, and management. Recent advances include standardized ash assessment methods to characterize the multiple physicochemical characteristics that might influence toxicity; the rise of community-based air quality monitoring networks using low-cost gas and particulate sensors; the development of forecasting methods for ground-level concentrations and associated public advisories; the development of risk and impact assessment methods to explore health consequences of future eruptions; and the development of evidence-based, locally specific measures for health protection. However, it remains problematic that the health effects of many major and sometimes long-duration eruptions near large populations have gone completely unmonitored. Similarly, effects of prolonged degassing on exposed populations have received very little attention relative to explosive eruptions. Furthermore, very few studies have longitudinally followed populations chronically exposed to volcanic emissions; thus, knowledge gaps remain about whether chronic exposures can trigger development of potentially fatal diseases. Instigating such studies will be facilitated by continued co-development of standardized protocols, supporting local study teams and procuring equipment, funding, and ethical permissions. Relationship building between visiting researchers and host country academic, observatory, and agency partners is vital and can, in turn, support the effective communication of health impacts of volcanic air pollution to populations, health practitioners, and emergency managers.
Trauma Exposures, Resilience Factors, and Mental Health Outcomes in Persons Granted Asylum in the U.S. for Claims Related to Domestic Violence and Persecution by Organized Gangs
Authors: Emery Eleanor H. , Maju Mehar , Coursey Kate , Brandt Cameron , Ko Jamie S. , Hampton Kathryn , Richards Adam
Published: December 2021

Survivors of domestic violence (DV) and of violence perpetrated by organized gangs (GV) face barriers to legal protection under U.S. asylum law. We abstracted data from 132 affidavits based on forensic medical evaluations of asylum seekers granted legal protection in the U.S. on the basis of DV and/or GV. We described claimants’ trauma exposures and resilience factors and used multiple logistic regression to quantify associations with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 (DSM-5) diagnoses and improvement in mental health. People seeking asylum based on DV and/or GV have endured multiple types of trauma with significant impacts on their mental health. New experiences of trauma following migration to the U.S. were common and associated with DSM-5 diagnoses. Conversely, resilience factors were associated with improved mental health. Policies that aim to reduce ongoing trauma in the U.S. and to bolster resilience factors may promote asylee mental health and well-being.
Influence of a Prior Oxidation on the Reduction Behavior of Magnetite Iron Ore Ultra-Fines Using Hydrogen
Authors: Wolfinger Thomas , Spreitzer Daniel , Zheng Heng , Schenk Johannes
Published: December 2021

The reduction behavior of raw and prior-oxidized magnetite iron ore ultra-fines with hydrogen was investigated. Reduction tests were conducted with a thermogravimetric analyzer in a temperature range from 873 K to 1098 K at 1.1 bar absolute, using hydrogen as reducing gas. The experimental results show that a prior oxidation of the magnetite has a positive effect on the reduction behavior because of changing morphology. The apparent activation energies show a turnaround to negative values, depending on the prior oxidation and degree of reduction. A multi-step kinetic analysis based on the model developed by Johnson–Mehl–Avrami was used to reveal the limiting mechanism during reduction. At 873 K and 948 K, the reduction at the initial stage is controlled by nucleation and chemical reaction and in the final stage by nucleation only, for both raw and pre-oxidized magnetites. At higher temperatures, 1023 K and 1098 K, the reduction of raw magnetite is mainly controlled by diffusion. This changes for pre-oxidized magnetite to a mixed controlled mechanism at the initial stage. Processing magnetite iron ore ultra-fines with a hydrogen-based direct reduction technology, lower reduction temperatures and a prior oxidation are recommended, whereby a high degree of oxidation is not necessary.
Questionable Research Practices and Misconduct Among Norwegian Researchers
Authors: Kaiser Matthias , Drivdal Laura , Hjellbrekke Johs , Ingierd Helene , Rekdal Ole Bjørn
Published: December 2021

This article presents results from the national survey conducted in 2018 for the project Research Integrity in Norway (RINO). A total of 31,206 questionnaires were sent out to Norwegian researchers by e-mail, and 7291 responses were obtained. In this paper, we analyse the survey data to determine attitudes towards and the prevalence of fabrication, falsification and plagiarism (FFP) and contrast this with attitudes towards and the prevalence of the more questionable research practices (QRPs) surveyed. Our results show a relatively low percentage of self-reported FFPs (0.2–0.3%), while the number of researchers who report having committed one of the QRPs during the last three years reached a troublesome 40%. The article also presents a ranking of the perceived severity of FFP and QRPs among Norwegian researchers. Overall, there is a widespread normative consensus, where FFP is considered more troublesome than QRPs.
Evolutionary rescue can prevent rate-induced tipping
Authors: Vanselow Anna , Halekotte Lukas , Feudel Ulrike
Published: December 2021

The transformation of ecosystems proceeds at unprecedented rates. Recent studies suggest that high rates of environmental change can causerate-induced tipping. In ecological models, the associatedrate-induced critical transitionmanifests during transient dynamics in which populations drop to dangerously low densities. In this work, we study howindirect evolutionary rescue—due to the rapid evolution of a predator’s trait—can save a prey population from the rate-induced collapse. Therefore, we explicitly include the time-dependent dynamics of environmental change and evolutionary adaptation in an eco-evolutionary system. We then examine how fast the evolutionary adaptation needs to be to counteract the response to environmental degradation and express this relationship by means of a critical rate. Based on this critical rate, we conclude that indirect evolutionary rescue is more probable if the predator population possesses a high genetic variation and, simultaneously, the environmental change is slow. Hence, our results strongly emphasize that the maintenance of biodiversity requires a deceleration of the anthropogenic degradation of natural habitats.
Party families and greenhouse gas emissions: a new perspective on an old concept
Authors: Jahn Detlef
Published: December 2021

Partisan theory is not easy to apply to environmental issues. One reason for this is that party families are usually structured according to the left-right dimension. However, such a perspective ignores the fact that the concept of party families stems from a multi-dimensional historical analysis. In order to determine the relevance of the influence of party families on greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs), we use a new data set that differentiates between ten party families. An organization theoretical analysis shows that the participation of green parties in government reduces GHGEs. Left parties have much less impact. In contrast, non-Christian center parties have a negative effect on GHGEs. Methodologically, we show that the party effect does not appear in the short term, but only takes effect after more than two years
Comparison between laser sheaths, femoral approach and rotating mechanical sheaths for lead extraction
Authors: Bracke F. A. , Rademakers N. , Verberkmoes N. , Van ’t Veer M. , van Gelder B. M.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Efficiency and safety are important features in the selection of lead extraction tools. We report our experience with different endovascular techniques to extract individual pacing and defibrillator leads.

Methods

This is a single-centre study of consecutive lead extraction procedures from 1997 until 2019. A total of 1725 leads were extracted in 775 patients. Direct traction sufficed for 588 leads, and 22 leads were primarily removed by surgery. The endovascular techniques used in the remainder were a laser sheath (190 leads), the femoral approach (717 leads) and rotating mechanical sheaths (208 leads).

Results

The three approaches were comparably effective in completely removing the leads (p = 0.088). However, there were more major complications with the laser sheath than with the femoral approach or rotating mechanical sheaths (8.4%, 0.5% and 1.2%, respectively). Therefore, the procedural result—extraction without major complications—was significantly better with both the femoral approach and rotating mechanical sheaths than with the laser sheath (p < 0.001). This result was confirmed after propensity score matching to compensate for differences between lead cohorts (p = 0.007). Cross-over to another endovascular tool was necessary in 7.9%, 7.1% and 8.2% of laser, femoral and rotating mechanical attempts, respectively.

Conclusion

All three endovascular lead extraction techniques showed comparable efficacy. However, there were significantly more major complications using the laser sheath compared to the femoral approach or rotating mechanical sheaths, leading us to abandon the laser technique. Importantly, no single endovascular technique sufficed to successfully extract all leads.
Relationship between pore throat and permeability of porous carbonate reservoir in the Middle East
Authors: Miaomiao Lv , Benbiao Song , Changbing Tian , Xianyu Mao
Published: December 2021

A significant behavior of carbonate reservoirs is poor correlation between porosity and permeability. With the same porosity, the permeability can vary by three orders of magnitude or more. An accurate estimation of permeability for carbonate reservoir has been a challenge for many years. The aim of this study was to establish relationships between pore throat, porosity, and permeability. This study indicates that pore throat radius corresponding to a mercury saturation of 20% (R20) is the best permeability predictor for carbonates with complex porous pore networks. Quantitative analysis was made to achieve three different patterns of pore throat for 417 carbonate samples which cover all pore types of carbonate rocks. Different relationships between porosity, pore throat radius, and permeability have been identified in different patterns, which are utilized to predict more accurate permeability by different pore throat patterns.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy as Migraine Intervention: a Randomized Waitlist Controlled Trial
Authors: Simshäuser K. , Pohl R. , Behrens P. , Schultz C. , Lahmann C. , Schmidt S.
Published: December 2021

Background

Based on promising effects seen in a pilot study evaluating a generic mindfulness-based program for migraine, we developed a migraine-specific adaptation of the Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) program. The aim of this study was to evaluate this program for feasibility and effectiveness in a randomized controlled trial.

Method

Fifty-four patients suffering from migraine were randomly allocated to either waitlist or the adapted MBCT. Outcomes were migraine-related parameters as well as variables of psychological functioning and coping. Assessment took place at baseline and post-intervention, for the intervention group also at follow-up (7 months). The effects of the intervention were analyzed by the use of ANCOVAs and linear mixed models.

Results

With respect to migraine parameters we did not find a significant group difference in the primary outcome (headache-related impairment), but the intervention resulted in a significant reduction of headache frequency (p = .04). In the analysis of secondary outcomes, MBCT showed superiority in four out of eight psychological parameters (perceived stress, anxiety, rumination, catastrophizing) with small to medium effect sizes. The intervention proved to be feasible and participants reported high degrees of contentment and achievement of personal goals.

Conclusions

The migraine-specific MBCT program did not result in improvements with regard to headache-related impairment but showed a reduction in headache frequency as well as improved psychological functioning in secondary outcomes.

Trial Registration

This trial was registered in the German Trial Registry “Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien” (ID: DRKS00007477), which is a WHO-listed primary trial register.
Assessment of groundwater potential zones using GIS and AHP techniques: a case study of the Lafia district, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Ifediegwu Stanley Ikenna
Published: December 2021

In the Lafia district, rising population has increased the need for groundwater resources for economic growth. Sustainable groundwater resource management demands accurate quantitative assessment, which may be accomplished using scientific theories and innovative methods. In present study, an integrated method has been employed to assess the groundwater potential zones in the Lafia district utilizing remote sensing (RS), geographic information system (GIS), and analytic hierarchy method (AHP). For this aim, eight thematic maps regulating to occurrence and transportation of groundwater (i.e., geology, rainfall, geomorphology, slope, drainage density, soil, land use/land cover and lineament density) were generated and converted into raster format utilizing ArcGIS tool. Weights were assigned to these eight thematic maps based on their importance. Moreover, the final normalized weights of these parameters were calculated adopting pairwise comparison matrix of the AHP. To create the groundwater potential zones (GWPZs) map of the research area, we employed the overlay weighted sum approach to combine the parameters. The map has been divided into four zones (good, moderate, poor and very poor), each of which represents 19.3, 12.9, 57.8, and 10% of the study area. Lastly, the GWPZs map was validated utilizing borehole data obtained from 50 wells scattered throughout the study area to examine the performance of the approach. The validation results demonstrate that the adopted procedure produces highly reliable results that can aid in long-term development and strategic use of groundwater resources in this area.
Data Science Meets High-Tech Manufacturing – The BTW 2021 Data Science Challenge
Authors: Woltmann Lucas , Volk Peter , Dinzinger Michael , Gräf Lukas , Strasser Sebastian , Schildgen Johannes , Hartmann Claudio , Lehner Wolfgang
Published: December 2021

For its third installment, the Data Science Challenge of the 19th symposium “Database Systems for Business, Technology and Web” (BTW) of the Gesellschaft für Informatik (GI) tackled the problem of predictive energy management in large production facilities. For the first time, this year’s challenge was organized as a cooperation between Technische Universität Dresden, GlobalFoundries, and ScaDS.AI Dresden/Leipzig. The Challenge’s participants were given real-world production and energy data from the semiconductor manufacturer GlobalFoundries and had to solve the problem of predicting the energy consumption for production equipment. The usage of real-world data gave the participants a hands-on experience of challenges in Big Data integration and analysis. After a leaderboard-based preselection round, the accepted participants presented their approach to an expert jury and audience in a hybrid format. In this article, we give an overview of the main points of the Data Science Challenge, like organization and problem description. Additionally, the winning team presents its solution.
Applying Eigenstructure Assignment to Inner-Loop Flight Control Laws for a Multibody Aircraft
Authors: Köthe Alexander , Luckner Robert
Published: December 2021

Unmanned aircraft used as high-altitude platform system has been studied in research and industry as alternative technologies to satellites. Regarding actual operation and flight performance of such systems, multibody aircraft seems to be a promising aircraft configuration. In terms of flight dynamics, this aircraft strongly differs from classical rigid-body and flexible aircraft, because a strong interference between flight mechanic and formation modes occurs. For unmanned operation in the stratosphere, flight control laws are required. While control theory generally provides a number of approaches, the specific flight physics characteristics can be only partially considered. This paper addresses a flight control law approach based on a physically exact target model of the multibody aircraft dynamics rather than conventionally considering the system dynamics only. In the target model, hypothetical spring and damping elements at the joints are included into the equations of motion to transfer the configuration of a highly flexible multibody aircraft into one similar to a classical rigid-body aircraft. The differences between both types of aircraft are reflected in the eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Using the eigenstructure assignment, the desired damping and stiffness are established by the inner-loop flight control law. In contrast to other methods, this procedure allows a straightforward control law design for a multibody aircraft based on a physical reference model.
A Global Analysis of the Relationship Between Urbanization and Fatalities in Earthquake-Prone Areas
Authors: He Chunyang , Huang Qingxu , Bai Xuemei , Robinson Derek T. , Shi Peijun , Dou Yinyin , Zhao Bo , Yan Jubo , Zhang Qiang , Xu Fangjin , Daniell James
Published: December 2021

Urbanization can be a challenge and an opportunity for earthquake risk mitigation. However, little is known about the changes in exposure (for example, population and urban land) to earthquakes in the context of global urbanization, and their impacts on fatalities in earthquake-prone areas. We present a global analysis of the changes in population size and urban land area in earthquake-prone areas from 1990 to 2015, and their impacts on earthquake-related fatalities. We found that more than two thirds of population growth (or 70% of total population in 2015) and nearly three quarters of earthquake-related deaths (or 307,918 deaths) in global earthquake-prone areas occurred in developing countries with an urbanization ratio (percentage of urban population to total population) between 20 and 60%. Holding other factors constant, population size was significantly and positively associated with earthquake fatalities, while the area of urban land was negatively related. The results suggest that fatalities increase for areas where the urbanization ratio is low, but after a ratio between 40 and 50% occurs, earthquake fatalities decline. This finding suggests that the resistance of building and infrastructure is greater in countries with higher urbanization ratios and highlights the need for further investigation. Our quantitative analysis is extended into the future using Shared Socioeconomic Pathways to reveal that by 2050, more than 50% of the population increase in global earthquake-prone areas will take place in a few developing countries (Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh) that are particularly vulnerable to earthquakes. To reduce earthquake-induced fatalities, enhanced resilience of buildings and urban infrastructure generally in these few countries should be a priority.
Structural performance of a novel liquid-laminated embedded connection for glass
Authors: Volakos Efstratios , Davis Chris , Teich Martien , Lenk Peter , Overend Mauro
Published: December 2021

Connections between load-bearing glass components play a major role in terms of the structural integrity and aesthetics of glass applications. Recently, a new type of adhesive connection, known as embedded laminated glass connections, has been developed where a metallic insert is embedded within a laminated glass unit by means of transparent polymeric foil interlayers and assembled through an autoclave lamination process. In this study, a novel variant of this connection, consisting of a thin steel insert encapsulated by a transparent cold-poured resin, is proposed and examined. In particular, the axial tensile mechanical response of this connection is assessed via numerical (FE) analyses and destructive pull-out tests performed on physical prototypes at different displacement rates in order to assess the effect of the strain rate-dependent behaviour of the resin interlayer. It was found that the pull-out stiffness, the maximum load-bearing capacity and the failure mode of the connection are significantly affected by the imposed displacement rate. The numerical (FE) analysis of the pull-out tests, performed in Abaqus, showed that the complex state of stress in the vicinity of the connection is the result of two load-transfer mechanisms and that the relative contribution of these mechanisms depends on the insert geometry and the relative stiffnesses of the constituent materials. Overall, it is concluded that the prototypes are promising in terms of manufacturability, aesthetics and structural performance and thus the novel variant connection considered in this study offers a promising alternative to existing load-bearing connections for laminated glass structures, but further investigations are required to ascertain its suitability for real-world applications.