bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic Generation of Improvement Suggestions for Legacy, PLC Controlled Manufacturing Equipment Utilizing Machine Learning
Authors: Koehler Wolfgang , Jing Yanguo
Published: December 2020

The manufacturing industry and, for this research, the automotive manufacturing industry specifically, is always on the lookout for opportunities to improve production throughput with a minimum of investment. Identifying these opportunities often requires the observation of the current production process by experts. This paper is the continuation of the previous work ’Automated, Nomenclature Based Data Point Selection for Industrial Event Log Generation’. One of its aims is to provide strategies that can be used to pre-process an in-depth, slightly flawed industrial equipment log to allow for further analysis. The pre-processing is achieved by identifying the flaws, removing the non-value added events and a heuristic methodology to cluster the log into individual sequences. Expert knowledge then is encoded into engineering features to extend the log matrix and prepare it for machine learning model generation for identification of the complete cases. To derive value from the available data, the sequences are plotted into Gantt charts, and eight hypotheses are introduced that allow for automated annotations within this chart to highlight potential areas of improvement. Application of the framework to real life logs, obtained from stations considered bottlenecks within the evaluated automotive body shop, lead to the discovery of improvement potential between two and twelve seconds per cycle.
Accurate single- and double-differential resummation of colour-singlet processes with MATRIX+RADISH: W+W− production at the LHC
Authors: Kallweit Stefan , Re Emanuele , Rottoli Luca , Wiesemann Marius
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We present the combination of fully differential cross sections for colour-singlet production processes at next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) QCD obtained with Matrix and all-order resummation through RadISH. This interface allows us to achieve unprecedented accuracy for various transverse observables in 2 → 2 production processes. As an important application we consider W+W− production at the LHC, more precisely the full leptonic process pp → $$ {\mathrm{\ell}}^{+}\mathrm{\ell}{\prime}^{-}{\nu}_{\mathrm{\ell}}{\overline{\nu}}_{\mathrm{\ell}\prime } $$

ℓ
+

ℓ

′
−

ν
ℓ

ν
¯

ℓ
′

+ X with ℓ′ ≠ ℓ, and we present resummed predictions for differential distributions in presence of fiducial selection cuts. In particular, we resum the transverse-momentum spectrum of the W+W− pair at next-to-next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic (N3LL) accuracy and match it to the integrated NNLO cross section. The transverse-momentum spectrum of the leading jet in W+W− production is calculated at NNLO+NNLL accuracy. Finally, the joint resummation for the transverse-momentum spectrum of the W+W− pair in the presence of a jet veto is performed at NNLO+NNLL. Our phenomenological study highlights the importance of higher-order perturbative and logarithmic corrections for precision phenomenology at the LHC.
Kernels of Unbounded Toeplitz Operators and Factorization of Symbols
Authors: Câmara M. C. , Malheiro M. T. , Partington J. R.
Published: December 2020

We consider kernels of unbounded Toeplitz operators in $$H^p({\mathbb {C}}^{+})$$

H
p

(

C

+

)

in terms of a factorization of their symbols. We study the existence of a minimal Toeplitz kernel containing a given function in $$H^p({\mathbb {C}}^{+})$$

H
p

(

C

+

)

, we describe the kernels of Toeplitz operators whose symbol possesses a certain factorization involving two different Hardy spaces and we establish relations between the kernels of two operators whose symbols differ by a factor which corresponds, in the unit circle, to a non-integer power of z. We apply the results to describe the kernels of Toeplitz operators with non-vanishing piecewise continuous symbols.
Sub-daily polar motion from GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo
Authors: Zajdel Radosław , Sośnica Krzysztof , Bury Grzegorz , Dach Rolf , Prange Lars , Kazmierski Kamil
Published: December 2020

We derive an empirical model of the sub-daily polar motion (PM) based on the multi-GNSS processing incorporating GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo observations. The sub-daily PM model is based on 3-year multi-GNSS solutions with a 2 h temporal resolution. Firstly, we discuss differences in sub-daily PM estimates delivered from individual GNSS constellations, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and the combined multi-GNSS solutions. Secondly, we evaluate the consistency between the GNSS-based estimates of the sub-daily PM with three independent models, i.e., the model recommended in the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS) 2010 Conventions, the Desai–Sibois model, and the Gipson model. The sub-daily PM estimates, which are derived from system-specific solutions, are inherently affected by artificial non-tidal signals. These signals arise mainly from the resonance between the Earth rotation period and the satellite revolution period. We found strong spurious signals in GLONASS-based and Galileo-based results with amplitudes up to 30 µas. The combined multi-GNSS solution delivers the best estimates and the best consistency of the sub-daily PM with external geophysical and empirical models. Moreover, the impact of the non-tidal spurious signals in the frequency domain diminishes in the multi-GNSS combination. After the recovery of the tidal coefficients for 38 tides, we infer better consistency of the GNSS-based empirical models with the new Desai–Sibois model than the model recommended in the IERS 2010 Conventions. The consistency with the Desai–Sibois model, in terms of the inter-quartile ranges of tidal amplitude differences, reaches the level of 1.6, 5.7, 6.3, 2.2 µas for the prograde diurnal tidal terms and 1.2/2.1, 2.3/6.0, 2.6/5.5, 2.1/5.1 µas for prograde/retrograde semi-diurnal tidal terms, for the combined multi-GNSS, GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo solutions, respectively.
Averages and higher moments for the $$\ell $$-torsion in class groups
Authors: Frei Christopher , Widmer Martin
Published: December 2020

We prove upper bounds for the average size of the$$\ell $$ℓ-torsion$${{\,\mathrm{Cl}\,}}_K[\ell ]$$ClK[ℓ]of the class group ofK, asKruns through certain natural families of number fields and$$\ell $$ℓis a positive integer. We refine a key argument, used in almost all results of this type, which links upper bounds for$${{\,\mathrm{Cl}\,}}_K[\ell ]$$ClK[ℓ]to the existence of many primes splitting completely inKthat are small compared to the discriminant ofK. Our improvements are achieved through the introduction of a new family of specialised invariants of number fields to replace the discriminant in this argument, in conjunction with new counting results for these invariants. This leads to significantly improved upper bounds for the average and sometimes even higher moments of$${{\,\mathrm{Cl}\,}}_K[\ell ]$$ClK[ℓ]for many families of number fieldsKconsidered in the literature, for example, for the families of all degree-d-fields for$$d\in \{2,3,4,5\}$$d∈{2,3,4,5}(and non-$$D_4$$D4if$$d=4$$d=4). As an application of the case$$d=2$$d=2we obtain the best upper bounds for the number of$$D_p$$Dp-fields of bounded discriminant, for primes$$p>3$$p>3.
Isolation of Bacteria with Potential Plant-Promoting Traits and Optimization of Their Growth Conditions
Authors: Yaghoubi Khanghahi Mohammad , Strafella Sabrina , Allegretta Ignazio , Crecchio Carmine
Published: December 2020

This research aimed at investigating the isolation and identification of bacterial strains with biological nitrogen-fixing capability and phosphate, potassium, and zinc solubilization activities from a durum wheat field under two different tillage practices including 10 years of conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) practices. Attempts were also extended to estimate their relative abundances in the soil as well as to develop accurate mathematical models in determining the effect of different temperatures, NaCl concentrations and pH on the growth, and activity of selected isolates. Twelve effective bacterial strains, including Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Comamonas genera, were identified with a great potential to solubilize the insoluble forms of phosphate (from 11.1 to 115.5 mg l−1 at pH 8), potassium (from 32.2 to 35.6 mg l−1 at pH 7), and zinc (from 1.11 to 389.90 mg l−1 at pH 9) as well as to fix N2 gas (from 19.9 to 25.2 mg l−1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of the ability of Comamonas testosteroni and Acinetobacter pittii to fix nitrogen and to solubilize insoluble potassium compound, respectively. Three families, Moraxellaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, and Comamonadaceae, showed a higher percentage of abundance in the NT samples as compared to the CT, but only significant difference was observed in the relative abundance of Pseudomonadaceae (P < 0.01). These strains could be definitively recommended as inoculants to promote plant growth in the wide ranges of pH, salinity levels (with maximum growth and complete inhibition of growth from 0.67–0.92% to 3.5–9.3% NaCl, respectively), and temperatures (2.1–45.1 °C).
Three-dimensional particle size determination in a laminar diffusion flame by tomographic laser-induced incandescence
Authors: Bauer Florian J. , Yu Tao , Cai Weiwei , Huber Franz J. T. , Will Stefan
Published: December 2020

Non-intrusive measurement techniques are required to gain a comprehensive understanding about the processes of soot formation, growth and oxidation. Time-resolved laser-induced incandescence (TiRe-LII), commonly performed 0D or 2D within a flame, has proven to be a very suitable tool for the in situ sizing of soot primary particles. In this work, the technique is expanded to the third dimension by employing volumetric illumination and coupling it with a tomographic approach, which allows to computationally gain 3D information from 2D images taken at various angles. To minimize experimental cost, an approach using nine fiber bundles arranged in a semicircle around the flame and imaging the light onto a single camera is used. The technique is demonstrated on an ethene diffusion flame on a standard burner, providing spatially resolved 3D particle sizes. One focus of this work is to reveal the influence of input parameters such as the local bath gas temperature, which we measured by two-color pyrometry, and local laser fluence, which are both required for an accurate evaluation of the local particle size. It is shown that the assumption of an average temperature may result in a wrong picture even of qualitative soot size evaluation. In the end, a concept is proposed for a simultaneous determination of the 3D distribution of particle sizes through TiRe-LII and the required bath gas temperature via two-color pyrometry using a tomographic approach with only three cameras.
Unsteady lift on a high-amplitude pitching aerofoil
Authors: Ōtomo Shūji , Henne Sabrina , Mulleners Karen , Ramesh Kiran , Viola Ignazio Maria
Published: December 2020

The ability to accurately predict the forces on an aerofoil in real-time when large flow variations occur is important for a wide range of applications such as, for example, for improving the manoeuvrability and control of small aerial and underwater vehicles. Closed-form analytical formulations are only available for small flow fluctuations, which limits their applicability to gentle manoeuvres. Here we investigate large-amplitude, asymmetric pitching motions of a NACA 0018 aerofoil at a Reynolds number of $$3.2 \times 10^4$$

3.2
×

10
4

using time-resolved force and velocity field measurements. We adapt the linear theory of Theodorsen and unsteady thin-aerofoil theory to accurately predict the lift on the aerofoil even when the flow is massively separated and the kinematics is non-sinusoidal. The accuracy of the models is remarkably good, including when large leading-edge vortices are present, but decreases when the leading and trailing edge vortices have a strong interaction. In such scenarios, however, discrepancies between the theoretically predicted and the measured lift are shown to be due to vortex lift that is calculated using the impulse theory. Based on these results, we propose a new limiting criterion for Theodorsen’s theory for a pitching aerofoil: when a coherent trailing-edge vortex is formed and it advects at a significantly slower streamwise velocity than the freestream velocity. This result is important because it extends significantly the conditions where the forces can be confidently predicted with Theodorsen’s formulation, and paves the way to the development of low-order models for high-amplitude manoeuvres characterised by massive separation.

Graphic abstract
Dual response of Arabian Sea cyclones and strength of Indian monsoon to Southern Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Hari Vittal , Pathak Amey , Koppa Akash
Published: December 2020

Variability and trends of the south Asian monsoon at different time scales makes the region susceptible to climate-related natural disasters such as droughts and floods. Because of its importance, different studies have examined the climatic factors responsible for the recent changes in monsoon strength. Here, using observations and climate model experiments we show that monsoon strength is driven by the variations of south Atlantic Ocean sea surface temperature (SASST). The mechanism by which SASST is modulating the monsoon could be explained through the classical Matsuno-Gill response, leading to changes in the characteristics of vertical wind shear in the Arabian Sea. The decline in the vertical wind shear to the warming of SASST is associated with anomalous lower (upper)-level easterlies (westerlies). This further leads to a strong increase in the frequency of the Arabian Sea cyclones; and also prohibits the transport of moisture to the Indian landmass, which eventually reduces the strength of monsoon. The conditions in the SASST which drove these responses are aggravated by greenhouse gas emission, revealing the prominent role played by anthropogenic warming. If, with proper mitigation, these emissions are not prevented, further increases in the SASST is expected to result in increased Arabian sea cyclones and reduced monsoon strength.
Rotation osteotomy of the distal femur influences coronal femoral alignment and the ischiofemoral space
Authors: Konrads Christian , Ahrend Marc-Daniel , Beyer Myriam Ruth , Stöckle Ulrich , Ahmad Sufian S.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Despite the fact that osteotomies around the knee represent well-established treatment options for the redistribution of loads and forces within and around the knee joint, unforeseen effects of these osteotomies on the remaining planes and adjacent joints are still to be defined. It was, therefore, the aim of this study to determine the influence of a distal femoral rotation osteotomy on the coronal limb alignment and on the ischiofemoral space of the hip joint.

Materials and methods

Long-leg standing radiographs and CT-based torsional measurements of 27 patients undergoing supracondylar rotational osteotomies of the femur between 2012 and 2019 were obtained and utilized for the purpose of this study. Postoperative radiographs were obtained after union at the osteotomy site. The hip–knee–ankle angle (HKA), the mechanical lateral distal femur angle (mLDFA), and the ischiofemoral space were measured. Comparison between means was performed using the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test.

Results

Twenty-seven patients underwent isolated supracondylar external rotation osteotomy to reduce the overall antetorsion of the femur. The osteotomy resulted in a 2.4° ± 1.4° mean increase in HKA and 2.4 mm ± 1.7 mm increase in the ischiofemoral space (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Supracondylar external rotation osteotomy of the femur leads to valgisation of the coronal limb alignment and increases the ischiofemoral space. This is resultant to the reorientation of the femoral antecurvature and the femoral neck. When planning a rotational osteotomy of the lower limb, this should be appreciated and may also aid in the decision regarding osteotomy site.
Altered urinary tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives in patients with Tourette syndrome: reflection of dopaminergic hyperactivity?
Authors: Capetian Philipp , Roessner Veit , Korte Caroline , Walitza Susanne , Riederer Franz , Taurines Regina , Gerlach Manfred , Moser Andreas
Published: December 2020

Tetrahydroisoquinolines (TIQs) such as salsolinol (SAL), norsalsolinol (NSAL) and their methylated derivatives N-methyl-norsalsolinol (NMNSAL) and N-methyl-salsolinol (NMSAL), modulate dopaminergic neurotransmission and metabolism in the central nervous system. Dopaminergic neurotransmission is thought to play an important role in the pathophysiology of chronic tic disorders, such as Tourette syndrome (TS). Therefore, the urinary concentrations of these TIQ derivatives were measured in patients with TS and patients with comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (TS + ADHD) compared with controls. Seventeen patients with TS, 12 with TS and ADHD, and 19 age-matched healthy controls with no medication took part in this study. Free levels of NSAL, NMNSAL, SAL, and NMSAL in urine were measured by a two-phase chromatographic approach. Furthermore, individual TIQ concentrations in TS patients were used in receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis to examine the diagnostic value. NSAL concentrations were elevated significantly in TS [434.67 ± 55.4 nmol/l (standard error of mean = S.E.M.), two-way ANOVA, p < 0.0001] and TS + ADHD patients [605.18 ± 170.21 nmol/l (S.E.M.), two-way ANOVA, p < 0.0001] compared with controls [107.02 ± 33.18 nmol/l (S.E.M.), two-way ANOVA, p < 0.0001] and NSAL levels in TS + ADHD patients were elevated significantly in comparison with TS patients (two-way ANOVA, p = 0.017). NSAL demonstrated an AUC of 0.93 ± 0.046 (S.E.M) the highest diagnostic value of all metabolites for the diagnosis of TS. Our results suggest a dopaminergic hyperactivity underlying the pathophysiology of TS and ADHD. In addition, NSAL concentrations in urine may be a potential diagnostic biomarker of TS.
A generalized Gompertz growth model with applications and related birth-death processes
Authors: Asadi Majid , Di Crescenzo Antonio , Sajadi Farkhondeh A. , Spina Serena
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we propose a flexible growth model that constitutes a suitable generalization of the well-known Gompertz model. We perform an analysis of various features of interest, including a sensitivity analysis of the initial value and the three parameters of the model. We show that the considered model provides a good fit to some real datasets concerning the growth of the number of individuals infected during the COVID-19 outbreak, and software failure data. The goodness of fit is established on the ground of the ISRP metric and the$$d_2$$d2-distance. We also analyze two time-inhomogeneous stochastic processes, namely a birth-death process and a birth process, whose means are equal to the proposed growth curve. In the first case we obtain the probability of ultimate extinction, being 0 an absorbing endpoint. We also deal with a threshold crossing problem both for the proposed growth curve and the corresponding birth process. A simulation procedure for the latter process is also exploited.
Machen Werther und Papageno im deutschen Journalismus Schule?
Authors: Frehmann Katharina , Schäfer Markus
Published: December 2020

Jedes Jahr sterben in Deutschland mehr als 9000 Menschen durch Suizid. Zu den wichtigsten Präventionsmaßnahmen zählt die Weltgesundheitsorganisation eine verantwortungsvolle Medienberichterstattung über Suizide. Hintergrund hierfür sind Erkenntnisse zum „Werther-“ bzw. „Papageno-Effekt“, wonach die Medienberichterstattung über Suizide zur Entstehung oder Verhinderung weiterer Suizide beitragen kann und vor allem die Art und Weise der Berichterstattung über die Richtung der Effekte entscheidet. Aus suizidpräventiver und medienethischer Sicht scheint es daher sinnvoll, dass Medienschaffende über die möglichen Konsequenzen ihrer Berichterstattung Bescheid wissen, um diese bei ihrem Handeln berücksichtigen zu können. In der Journalistenausbildung besteht grundsätzlich ausreichend Raum für die Vermittlung solcher Inhalte. Allerdings ist zum Stellenwert suizidrelevanter Medieneffekte in der deutschen Journalistenausbildung bislang wenig bekannt. Der vorliegende Beitrag untersucht mit Hilfe einer Telefonbefragung von Verantwortlichen zentraler Institutionen der außerredaktionellen Journalistenausbildung (n = 67), welche Rolle die Suizidberichterstattung im Allgemeinen und die Effekte im Speziellen in Deutschland spielen. Die Ergebnisse machen deutlich, dass die Themen in vielen Bildungsangeboten bislang allenfalls unregelmäßig behandelt werden. Jedoch bestehen auf Seiten der Einrichtungen grundsätzlich Interesse und Offenheit, aber auch zusätzlicher Informationsbedarf, was in Zukunft genutzt bzw. thematisiert werden sollte.
The association between crop and income diversity and farmer intra-household dietary diversity in India
Authors: Singh Sukhwinder , Jones Andrew D. , DeFries Ruth S. , Jain Meha
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates the associations between crop and income diversity and dietary diversity among men, women, adolescents, and children of farmer households in India. We examine crop, income, and dietary data collected from 1106 farmer households across Gujarat and Haryana, two states that represent different livelihood transition pathways in India. Regression results suggest that crop diversity had a positive association with dietary diversity among adults (both men and women) in both states, and among adolescents and children in Haryana. Higher family education and annual income were the two most important factors associated with higher dietary diversity score (DDS) in Gujarat whereas, higher family education, greater crop diversity, and increased distance traveled to markets were the most important factors associated with higher individual DDS in Haryana. Specifically, for children, crop diversity emerged as one of the most important factors associated with dietary diversity in both states. Interestingly, we find that even in these two relatively prosperous states, the pathways to dietary diversity vary across sites and within households, suggesting that policies to improve dietary diversity should be tailored to a given location and context.
Retroperitoneal angioleiomyomatosis
Authors: Torres-de la Roche Luz Angela , Devassy Rajesh , Makhlouf Ghaith , San Juan Johannes , Eidswick Jennifer , De Wilde Rudy Leon
Published: December 2020

Retroperitoneal intravenous leiomyomatosis is a rare benign tumor that can spread through veins carrying significant morbidity. The challenge of its management lies within the complexity of completely excising the tumor, which if carried out improperly can result in neurological or vascular complications requiring complex reparative surgeries. Here we present the successful resection of a retroperitoneal angio-leiomyoma by combining laparoscopic route, micro-surgical techniques and modern endoscopic tools.
Feeding ecology of the wolf (Canis lupus) in a near-natural ecosystem in Mongolia
Authors: Tiralla Nina , Holzapfel Maika , Ansorge Hermann
Published: December 2020

The increasing animosity towards wolves (Canislupus) by livestock-keeping nomads in Mongolia and the accompanying conflicts highlight the urgent need for knowledge about the feeding behavior of wolves, since information on the feeding ecology of wolves in Mongolia is rare, especially in the mountain taiga and mountain forest steppe regions of Northern Mongolia. Those regions are characterized by a relatively high wildlife diversity and are sparsely populated by humans. To face this problem, 137 wolf scats were collected in the Khentii Mountain range in Northern Mongolia between 2008 and 2012. Almost all wolf faeces contained remnants of wild ungulates, which made up 89% of the consumed biomass. Siberian roe deer (Capreoluspygargus) was the most important and positively selected prey species. It was followed by red deer (Cervuselaphus) and wild boar (Susscrofa), which was negatively selected by wolves. Wolves also fed on buffer prey species such as lagomorphs and small mammals. No evidence of domestic ungulates was found in the wolf diet. Thus, near-natural habitats with a diverse fauna of wild animals are important to limit livestock depredation.
When Is Company Unwelcome?
Authors: Levy Neil
Published: December 2020

In a recent paper in this journal, Joshua Blanchard has identified a novel problem: the problem of unwelcome epistemic company. We find ourselves in unwelcome epistemic company when we hold a belief that is also held mainly or most prominently by those we regard as morally or epistemically bad. Blanchard argues that some, but not all, unwelcome epistemic company provides higher-order evidence against our belief. But he doesn't provide a test for when company is unwelcome or a diagnosis of why it is unwelcome. I provide both. On my disjunctive test, unwelcome epistemic company provides us with a defeater when either there is a match between the content of the belief and the properties that make our company unwelcome, or there is reason to suspect that the belief arose via a shared, unreliable, causal process.
Utilization of the Sharing Antimicrobial Reports for Pediatric Stewardship (SHARPS) Collaborative electronic mailing list (listserv) by healthcare professionals
Authors: McPherson Christopher C. , Vesoulis Zachary A. , Metjian Talene A. , Grabic Mirela , Reyes Summer , Reyes Sydney , Krucylak Christina , Terrill Cindy , Newland Jason G.
Published: December 2020

Optimizing pediatric antimicrobial stewardship is challenging. In this retrospective study, we evaluated 515 original e-mails to 482 members of the Sharing Antimicrobial Reports for Pediatric Stewardship (SHARPS) Collaborative electronic mailing list (idlistserv@kids.wustl.edu). The plurality of threads discussed clinical practice guidelines, and pharmacists were most likely to initiate and respond. Representation was geographically diverse within and outside the United States.
Existence and monotonicity of nonlocal boundary value problems: the one-dimensional case
Authors: Goodrich Christopher , Lizama Carlos
Published: December 2020

We consider nonlocal equations of the general form\begin{equation} \left(a*u''\right)(\cdot)+\lambda f\big(\cdot,u(\cdot)\big)=0.\nonumber \end{equation}By developing a Green's function representation for the solution of the boundary value problem we study existence, uniqueness, and qualitative properties (e.g., positivity or monotonicity) of solutions to these problems. We apply our methods to fractional order differential equations. We also demonstrate an application of our methodology both to convolution equations with nonlocal boundary conditions as well as those with a nonlocal term in the convolution equation itself.
Probable deinonychosaur tracks from the Upper Cretaceous Wapiti Formation (upper Campanian) of Alberta, Canada
Authors: Enriquez Nathan J. , Campione Nicolás E. , Sullivan Corwin , Vavrek Matthew , Sissons Robin L. , White Matt A. , Bell Phil R.
Published: December 2020

Late Cretaceous tracks attributable to deinonychosaurs in North America are rare, with only one occurrence ofMenglongipusfrom Alaska and two possible, but indeterminate, occurrences reported from Mexico. Here we describe the first probable deinonychosaur tracks from Canada: a possible trackway and one isolated track on a single horizon from the Upper Cretaceous Wapiti Formation (upper Campanian) near Grande Prairie in Alberta. The presence of a relatively short digit IV differentiates these from argued dromaeosaurid tracks, suggesting the trackmaker was more likely a troodontid. Other noted characteristics of the Wapiti specimens include a rounded heel margin, the absence of a digit II proximal pad impression, and a broad, elliptical digit III. Monodactyl tracks occur in association with the didactyl tracks, mirroring similar discoveries from the Early Cretaceous Epoch of China, providing additional support for their interpretation as deinonychosaurian traces. Although we refrain from assigning the new Wapiti specimens to any ichnotaxon because of their relatively poor undertrack preservation, this discovery is an important addition to the deinonychosaur track record; it helps to fill a poorly represented geographic and temporal window in their known distribution, and demonstrates the presence of a greater North American deinonychosaur ichnodiversity than has previously been recognized.
On the oxygenation of the Archaean and Proterozoic oceans
Authors: Banerjee Amlan , Słowakiewicz Mirosław , Saha Dilip
Published: December 2020

Modern-day ocean circulation behaves as a complex forced convective system that is characterized by the decrease in water temperature but increase in water density with depth. The dissolved oxygen content – which initially decreases due to biological oxygen demand – also increases with depth. In contrast to the present-day scenario, we propose that during the Archaean and Proterozoic eons inverted profiles could have developed such that, with depth, ocean water temperature increased and density and dissolved oxygen decreased. These inverted temperature and density profiles resulted in palaeo-ocean circulation behaving as a free convective system. It is proposed that this free convection, which may have been stable, or chaotic and subject to secondary instabilities, hindered the deep oxygenation of the palaeo-ocean. It may not be coincidental that the great oxygenation event (GOE) and Huronian glaciations are contemporaneous, in a similar way that the Neoproterozoic oxygenation event (NOE) is known to have been associated with glaciations. The global-scale external forcing required to switch the natural convective system to its present-day configuration is suggested to have been associated with Neoproterozoic glaciations and the subsequent lowering of ocean water salinity that accompanied them. We propose that this inverted the ocean water density gradient, allowing the oxygenation of the oceans for the first time. It is beyond the scope of this work to model the complex natural convection system, but we hope that geophysicists and numerical modellers will quantitatively evaluate the hypothesis proposed here to validate or refute our proposition.
Is Catholic faith worth having?
Authors: STACEY GREGORY R. P.
Published: December 2020

This article defends the claim that firm belief in divine testimony (‘Catholic Faith’) is morally valuable, if the broad claims of Christian orthodoxy hold. I discuss Jonathan Kvanvig's recent argument that Christians should not hold that salvific faith necessarily involves belief in revelation or God's existence, because such faith is not much ‘worth having’, suggesting that this argument is dubious from Catholic and Protestant theological perspectives. I then examine some extant accounts of Catholic Faith's value, conceding that Kvanvig successfully highlights their flaws. I therefore offer a novel explanation of Catholic Faith's value, drawing on Miranda Fricker's account of testimonial justice.
A proposed screening algorithm for bone remodelling
Authors: ARIAS C. F. , BERTOCCHINI F. , HERRERO M. A. , LÓPEZ J. M. , OLEAGA G. E.
Published: December 2020

One of the most remarkable aspects of human homoeostasis is bone remodelling. This term denotes the continuous renewal of bone that takes place at a microscopic scale and ensures that our skeleton preserves its full mechanical compliance during our lives. We propose here that a renewal process of this type can be represented at an algorithmic level as the interplay of two different but related mechanisms. The first of them is a preliminary screening process, by means of which the whole skeleton is thoroughly and continuously explored. This is followed by a renovation process, whereby regions previously marked for renewal are first destroyed and then rebuilt, in such a way that global mechanical compliance is never compromised. In this work, we pay attention to the first of these two stages. In particular, we show that an efficient screening mechanism may arise out of simple local rules, which at the biological level are inspired by the possibility that individual bone cells compute signals from their nearest local neighbours. This is shown to be enough to put in place a process which thoroughly explores the region where such mechanism operates.
Organic food consumption is associated with inflammatory biomarkers among older adults
Authors: Ludwig-Borycz Elizabeth , Guyer Heidi M , Aljahdali Abeer A , Baylin Ana
Published: December 2020

Objective:

The association between organic food consumption and biomarkers of inflammation, C-reactive protein (CRP) and cystatin C (CysC) was explored in this cross-sectional analysis of older adults.

Design:

Dietary data and organic food consumption was collected in 2013 from a FFQ. Alternative Mediterranean diet score (A-MedDiet) was calculated as a measure of healthy eating. Biomarkers CRP and CysC were collected in serum or plasma in 2016. We used linear regression models to assess the associations between organic food consumption and CRP and CysC.

Setting:

This cross-sectional analysis uses data from the nationally representative, longitudinal panel study of Americans over 50, the Health and Retirement Study.

Participants:

The mean age of the analytic sample (n 3815) was 64·3 (se 0·3) years with 54·4 % being female.

Results:

Log CRP and log CysC were inversely associated with consuming organic food after adjusting for potential confounders (CRP: β = –0·096, 95 % CI 0·159, –0·033; CysC: β = –0·033, 95 % CI –0·051, –0·015). Log CRP maintained statistical significance (β = –0·080; 95 % CI –0·144, –0·016) after additional adjustments for the A-MedDiet, while log CysC lost statistical significance (β = –0·019; 95 % CI –0·039, 0·000). The association between organic food consumption and log CRP was driven primarily by milk, fruit, vegetables and cereals, while log CysC was primarily driven by milk, eggs and meat after adjustments for A-MedDiet.

Conclusions:

These findings support the hypothesis that organic food consumption is inversely associated with biomarkers of inflammation CRP and CysC, although residual confounding by healthy eating and socioeconomic status cannot be ruled out.
Social media analytics in nutrition research: a rapid review of current usage in investigation of dietary behaviours
Authors: Stirling Emma , Willcox Jane , Ong Kok-Leong , Forsyth Adrienne
Published: December 2020

Objective:

Social media analytics (SMA) has a track record in business research. The utilisation in nutrition research is unknown, despite social media being populated with real-time eating behaviours. This rapid review aimed to explore the use of SMA in nutrition research with the investigation of dietary behaviours.

Design:

The review was conducted according to rapid review guidelines by WHO and the National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools. Five databases of peer-reviewed, English language studies were searched using the keywords ‘social media’ in combination with ‘data analytics’ and ‘food’ or ‘nutrition’ and screened for those with general population health using SMA on public domain, social media data between 2014 and 2020.

Results:

The review identified 34 studies involving SMA in the investigation of dietary behaviours. Nutrition topics included population nutrition health investigations, alcohol consumption, dieting and eating out of the home behaviours. All studies involved content analysis with evidence of surveillance and engagement. Twitter was predominant with data sets in tens of millions. SMA tools were observed in data discovery, collection and preparation, but less so in data analysis. Approximately, a third of the studies involved interdisciplinary collaborations with health representation and only two studies involved nutrition disciplines. Less than a quarter of studies obtained formal human ethics approval.

Conclusions:

SMA in nutrition research with the investigation of dietary behaviours is emerging, nevertheless, if consideration is taken with technological capabilities and ethical integrity, the future shows promise at a broad population census level and as a scoping tool or complementary, triangulation instrument.
Scandal, Hypocrisy, and Resignation: How Partisanship Shapes Evaluations of Politicians’ Transgressions
Authors: Wolsky Adam D.
Published: December 2020

Hypocrisy is a common feature of political scandal. Yet, it is unclear how individuals evaluate hypocritical misconduct differently based on a transgressing politician’s partisan identity. Using survey experiments, this article assesses how exposure to different frames of wrong doing involving actual members of congress spill over on to the evaluation of parties distinctly among co-partisans and out-partisans. I find that Republicans feel more positive towards their party after reading about the resignation of a hypocritical co-partisan politician compared to merely reading about the politician’s hypocrisy. In addition, Republicans feel warmer about their party when reading about a hypocritical versus non-hypocritical out-party transgression. However, Democrats do not change their party evaluations after being exposed to different scandal frames involving co-partisan and out-partisan politicians. This suggests that Republicans and Democrats have different attitudes towards hypocrisy and/or differently apply information about individuals when evaluating parties.
Spatial Clustering of Aftershocks Impacts the Performance of Physics‐Based Earthquake Forecasting Models
Authors: Hardebeck Jeanne L.
Published: December 2020

I explore why physics‐based models of earthquake triggering rarely outperform statistical models in prospective testing, outside of limited spatial‐temporal windows. Pseudo‐prospective tests on suites of synthetic aftershock sequences show that a major factor is the level of unmodeled spatial clustering of the direct aftershocks triggered by the mainshock. The synthetic sequences are generated from generalized “physical” triggering models, optionally superimposed on background heterogeneity that controls the level of clustering. The statistical Epidemic Type Aftershock Sequence (ETAS) model performs relatively better the more clustered the direct aftershocks, while the true generalized “physical” model performs relatively worse. Real aftershocks appear to be sufficiently clustered to allow ETAS to perform as well as or better than physical models such as Coulomb stress triggering. A likely cause of the spatial clustering of direct aftershocks is heterogeneity of the background physical conditions, which typically is not modeled in physics‐based forecasts. This implies that the forecast performance of physical models could be substantially improved through a better understanding of the interaction between earthquake stress changes and variable background physical conditions such as stress state, fault strength, and fluid pressure.
Time‐Varying Sensitivity Analysis Reveals Relationships Between Watershed Climate and Variations in Annual Parameter Importance in Regions With Strong Interannual Variability
Authors: Basijokaite R. , Kelleher C.
Published: December 2020

Climate change impacts on hydroclimatology are becoming increasingly apparent around the world. It is unknown how annual variations in precipitation and air temperature alter the model‐inferred importance of hydrological processes and how this varies across watersheds. To examine this, we used parsimonious rainfall‐runoff model and applied time‐varying sensitivity analysis across 30 Californian watersheds for a 33‐year period (1981–2014). We calculated annual total order sensitivity indices for five performance metrics: Kling‐Gupta Efficiency (KGE) and model error in simulating hydrologic signatures (runoff ratio, slope of flow duration curve, baseflow index, and timing of streamflow centroid). Sensitivity of hydrological signatures to the parameters differed by signature, while parameter importance with respect to KGE was much more spatially and temporally variable. Variations in parameter sensitivity with respect to KGE were either correlated with air temperature (snow‐dominated sites in the Sierra Nevada) or precipitation (lower elevation sites < 1,300 m). Across error metrics and signatures, parameter sensitivity strongly differed between wet and dry years for a subset of our study sites. While parameter importance varied through time, parameter sensitivity variations across watersheds were much more pronounced. This suggests that parameter controls on model performance are much more a reflection of watershed properties as opposed to being dominantly shaped by shifts in precipitation and air temperature. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding simulated watershed responses to fluctuating annual conditions, as this conceptual knowledge is necessary to anticipate similarities and differences in response across even relatively proximal watersheds in the face of growing extreme conditions.
High-density Néel-type magnetic skyrmion phase stabilized at high temperature
Authors: Kwon Hee Young , Song Kyung Mee , Jeong Juyoung , Lee Ah-Yeon , Park Seung-Young , Kim Jeehoon , Won Changyeon , Min Byoung-Chul , Chang Hye Jung , Choi Jun Woo
Published: December 2020

The discovery of a thermally stable, high-density magnetic skyrmion phase is a key prerequisite for realizing practical skyrmionic memory devices. In contrast to the typical low-density Néel-type skyrmions observed in technologically viable multilayer systems, with Lorentz transmission electron microscopy, we report the discovery of a high-density homochiral Néel-type skyrmion phase in magnetic multilayer structures that is stable at high temperatures up to 733 K (≈460 °C). Micromagnetic simulations reveal that a high-density skyrmion phase can be stabilized at high temperature by deliberately tuning the magnetic anisotropy, magnetic field, and temperature. The existence of the high-density skyrmion phase in a magnetic multilayer system raises the possibility of incorporating chiral Néel-type skyrmions in ultrahigh-density spin memory devices. Moreover, the existence of this phase at high temperature shows its thermal stability, demonstrating the potential for skyrmion devices operating in thermally challenging modern electronic chips.
Author Correction: Investigating the drivers of the spatio-temporal patterns of genetic differences between Plasmodium falciparum malaria infections in Kilifi County, Kenya
Authors: Malinga Josephine , Mogeni Polycarp , Omedo Irene , Rockett Kirk , Hubbart Christina , Jeffreys Anne , Williams Thomas N. , Kwiatkowski Dominic , Bejon Philip , Ross Amanda
Published: December 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Massive droplet generation for digital PCR via a smart step emulsification chip integrated in a reaction tube
Authors: Zhao Shuhao , Zhang Zengming , Hu Fei , Wu Junjun , Peng Niancai
Published: December 2020

A compact device integrating a smart chip with a reaction tube is used to prepare monodisperse droplets for ddPCR.
Gas-propelled biosensors for quantitative analysis
Authors: Liu Xinli , Wang Yanping , Gao Yanfeng , Song Yujun
Published: December 2020

Gas-propelled biosensors display a simple gas-based signal amplification with quantitative detection features based on the target recognition event in combination with gas propulsion.
A naphthalimide-linked new pyridylazo phenol derivative for selective sensing of cyanide ions (CN−) in sol–gel medium
Authors: Ghosh Sumit , Jana Palash , Ghosh Kumaresh
Published: December 2020

Napthalimide-linked pyridylazo derivatives 1 and 2 are designed and synthesized. While compound 1 acts as a gelator in DMF–H2O (1 : 1, v/v), compound 2 does not show gelation under the conditions. Compound 1 selectively senses CN– in sol-gel medium.
The role of biomaterials and three dimensional (3D)in vitrotissue models in fighting against COVID-19
Authors: Seyfoori Amir , Amereh Meitham , Dabiri Seyed Mohammad Hossein , Askari Esfandyar , Walsh Tavia , Akbari Mohsen
Published: December 2020

Biomaterials in company with bioengineered tissue models enables scientists to develop the more precise disease models and find better solutions in infectious respiratory disease treatment.
Zero-valent iron nanomaterial Fe0@Fe2MnO4 for ultrasensitive electroanalysis of As(iii): Fe0 influenced surficial redox potential
Authors: Yang Meng , Xie Feng , Li Shan-Shan , Lin Chu-Hong , Huang Xing-Jiu , Liu Wen-Qing
Published: December 2020

A novel Fe0@Fe2MnO4 nanomaterial achieved an ultrasensitive electroanalysis of As(iii), and it is found that the redox potential of the surficial redox couple determines the improvement of As(iii) sensitivity.
Chichibabin pyridinium synthesis via oxidative decarboxylation of photoexcited α-enamine acids
Authors: Pan Zhiqiang , Hu Fengchi , Jiang Di , Liu Yuchang , Xia Chengfeng
Published: December 2020

The photoexcited enamines derived from α-amino acids could undergo an oxidative decarboxylation followed by a Chichibabin cyclization to afford highly substituted pyridiniums.
Structure–property correlations in piracetam polytypes
Authors: Upadhyay Pratik P. , Mishra Manish Kumar , Ramamurty Upadrasta , Bond Andrew D.
Published: December 2020

Analysis of piracetam polytypes using energy-vector models, thermal expansion and nanoindentation measurements, produces a plausible link between their crystal structures and tableting behaviour.
Photogenerated carrier dynamics of TIPS-pentacene films as studied by photocurrent and electrically detected magnetic resonance
Authors: Kato Ken , Teki Yoshio
Published: December 2020

The carrier generation process and spin dynamics through photoexcitation in the vacuum vapour deposition film of TIPS-pentacene were investigated by temperature dependence measurements of photocurrent and electrically detected magnetic resonance.
Single transition metal anchored C9N4 sheets as an efficient catalyst for CO oxidation: a first-principles study
Authors: Huang Junchao , Zhou Chun , Chu Zhaoqin , Liu Xu , Duan Xiangmei
Published: December 2020

Single Ni/Co anchored C9N4 sheet works as an efficient catalyst for CO oxidation.
Theoretical study of the adsorption of analgesic environmental pollutants on pristine and nitrogen-doped graphene nanosheets
Authors: Perry Richard H.
Published: December 2020

Interactions of analgesics with pristine and nitrogen-doped graphene nanosheets were explored using density functional theory in aqueous and gas phases.
Inverse halogen dependence in anion 13C NMR
Authors: Viesser Renan V. , Tormena Cláudio F.
Published: December 2020

A guideline to interpret the magnitude and sign of diamagnetic, paramagnetic, and spin–orbit coupling mechanisms of the 13C shielding tensor in neutral, cationic, and anionic molecules.
On the role of water in the hydrogen bond network in DESs: an ab initio molecular dynamics and quantum mechanical study on the urea–betaine system
Authors: Contreras Renato , Lodeiro Lucas , Rozas-Castro Nicolás , Ormazábal-Toledo Rodrigo
Published: December 2020

We herein report an ab initio molecular dynamics study on a natural DES composed of urea and betaine in a 3 : 2 ratio, as a test case for evaluating the water effect.
Surface phase structures responsible for the activity and deactivation of the fcc MoC (111)-Mo surface in steam reforming: a systematic kinetic and thermodynamic investigation
Authors: Chu Changqing , Liu Xue , Wu Changning , Li Junguo , Liu Ke
Published: December 2020

Multiscale investigation on MoC surface phase evolution to clarify surface structures responsible for reactivity and deactivation in steam reforming.
High efficiency GeTe-based materials and modules for thermoelectric power generation
Authors: Xing Tong , Song Qingfeng , Qiu Pengfei , Zhang Qihao , Gu Ming , Xia Xugui , Liao Jincheng , Shi Xun , Chen Lidong
Published: December 2020

A GeTe-based TE module with a high energy conversion efficiency of 7.8% under ΔT = 500 K is fabricated.