bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cognitive and perceptual processes that affect observer performance in lung cancer detection: a scoping review
Authors: Van De Luecht Monica‐Rose , Reed Warren Michael
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Early detection of malignant pulmonary nodules through screening has been shown to reduce lung cancer‐related mortality by 20%. However, perceptual and cognitive factors that affect nodule detection are poorly understood. This review examines the cognitive and visual processes of various observers, with a particular focus on radiologists, during lung nodule detection.

Methods

Four databases (Medline, Embase, Scopus and PubMed) were searched to extract studies on eye‐tracking in pulmonary nodule detection. Studies were included if they used eye‐tracking to assess the search and detection of lung nodules in computed tomography or 2D radiographic imaging. Data were charted according to identified themes and synthesised using a thematic narrative approach.

Results

The literature search yielded 25 articles and five themes were discovered: 1 – functional visual field and satisfaction of search, 2 – expert search patterns, 3 – error classification through dwell time, 4 – the impact of the viewing environment and 5 – the effect of prevalence expectation on search. Functional visual field reduced to 2.7° in 3D imaging compared to 5° in 2D radiographs. Although greater visual coverage improved nodule detection, incomplete search was not responsible for missed nodules. Most radiological errors during lung nodule detection were decision‐making errors (30%–45%). Dwell times associated with false‐positive (FP) decisions informed feedback systems to improve diagnosis. Interruptions did not influence diagnostic performance; however, it increased viewing time by 8% and produced a 23.1% search continuation accuracy. Comparative scanning was found to increase the detection of low contrast nodules. Prevalence expectation did not directly affect diagnostic accuracy; however, decision‐making time increased by 2.32 seconds with high prevalence expectations.

Conclusion

Visual and cognitive factors influence pulmonary nodule detection. Insights gained from eye‐tracking can inform advancements in lung screening. Further exploration of eye‐tracking in lung screening, particularly with low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT), will benefit the future of lung cancer screening.
Preliminary investigation of spinal level and postural effects on thoracic muscle morphology with upright openMRI
Authors: Pai S Anoosha , Zhang Honglin , Street John , Wilson David R. , Brown Stephen H. M. , Oxland Thomas R.
Published: February 2021

Objective

Spinal‐muscle morphological differences between weight‐bearing and supine postures have potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications. While the focus to date has been on cervical and lumbar regions, recent findings have associated spinal deformity with smaller paraspinal musculature in the thoracic region. We aim to quantitatively investigate the morphology of trapezius (TZ), erector spinae (ES) and transversospinalis (TS) muscles in upright postures with open upright MRI and also determine the effect of level and posture on the morphological measures.

Methods

Six healthy volunteers (age 26 ± 6 years) were imaged (0.5 T MROpen, Paramed, Genoa, Italy) in four postures (supine, standing, standing with 30° flexion, and sitting). Two regions of the thorax, middle (T4‐T5), and lower (T8‐T9), were scanned separately for each posture. 2D muscle parameters such as cross‐sectional area (CSA) and position (radius and angle) with respect to the vertebral body centroid were measured for the three muscles. Effect of spinal level and posture on muscle parameters was examined using 2‐way repeated measures ANOVA separately for T4‐T5 and T8‐T9 regions.

Results

The TZ CSA was smaller (40%,P= .0027) at T9 than at T8. The ES CSA was larger at T5 than at T4 (12%,P= .0048) and at T9 than at T8 (10%,P= .0018). TS CSA showed opposite trends at the two spinal regions with it being smaller (16%,P= .0047) at T5 than at T4 and larger (11%,P= .0009) at T9 than at T8. At T4‐T5, the TZ CSA increased (up to 23%), and the ES and TS CSA decreased (up to 10%) in upright postures compared to supine.

Conclusion

Geometrical parameters that describe muscle morphology in the thorax change with level and posture. The increase in TZ CSA in upright postures could result from greater activation while upright. The decrease in ES CSA in flexed positions likely represents passive stretching compared to neutral posture.
Knockdown of long non‐coding RNA RMRP protects cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury via the microRNA‐613/ATG3 axis and the JAK2/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Wei Li , Peng Ya , Yang Xiao‐Jun , Zhou Peng
Published: February 2021

Cerebral ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury can induce the mitophagy of neurons in the ischemic brain. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of various injuries, especially in cerebral I/R injury. The purpose of this study is to investigate the molecular mechanism of lncRNA RNA component of mitochondrial RNA processing endoribonuclease (RMRP) in cerebral I/R injury. The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model was established. Neurological deficit score, pathological structure, infarcted area, neuron number, cell apoptosis, and coagulation ability of MCAO mice were evaluated. The expressions of RMRP, microRNA (miR)‐613, and ATG3 in MCAO mice were detected. The binding relationships among miR‐613, RMRP, and ATG3 were predicted and verified. Neuro 2A (N2a) cells were treated with oxygen–glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) to simulate I/R injury. Cell viability and apoptosis assays were performed. The effects of miR‐613, ATG3, and RMRP on I/R injury were verified by functional rescue experiments. JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation level was detected. We found significantly upregulated RMRP and ATG3, and downregulated miR‐613 expressions in MCAO mice. RMRP could escalate ATG3 mRNA expression through miR‐613. RMRP knockdown promoted viability and inhibited apoptosis of OGD/R‐treated N2a cells, which could be reversed by miR‐613 inhibition or ATG3 overexpression. RMRP overexpression inhibited the activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. We demonstrated that lncRNA RMRP competitively bound to miR‐613, leading to the increase of ATG3 expression and the inhibition the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, thus promoting cerebral I/R injury in mice.
Disparities in Speech Therapy for Voice Disorders Between English‐ and Non‐English‐Speaking Patients
Authors: Huwyler Camille , Merchant Maqdooda , Jiang Nancy
Published: February 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate whether language of choice affects compliance with speech therapy for voice disorders.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed at Kaiser Permanente Northern California to compare compliance with referrals to speech therapy for voice disorders between English‐ and non‐English‐speaking patients. Patients referred from January 2012 through December 2017 were included. Logistic regression models were used to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and to determine social and demographic factors affecting compliance.

Results

Of 7,333 patients referred to speech therapy for a voice disorder, 7,171 were identified as English speaking and 162 as non‐English speaking. The two cohorts were similar in terms of gender and proportion over 65 years of age, although non‐English‐speaking individuals were more likely to be Hispanic or Asian than English speakers, who were more likely to be White or African American. Overall compliance was lower among non‐English‐speaking patients than English speakers (63% vs 74%) (P = .0011). Logistic regression showed that the need for an interpreter was significantly associated with higher noncompliance (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.11–2.18), as was age less than 65 and income less than the study aggregate median income. Being multiracial or having a voice disorder of neurologic origin was associated with better compliance.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates significant noncompliance with speech therapy for a variety of voice disorders. This problem is exacerbated for patients who do not speak English and who are younger, of lower income, or are referred for functional voice disorders. In‐person interpreters or multilingual speech therapists may help to improve compliance.

Level of Evidence

IV Laryngoscope, 131:E2298–E2302, 2021
Plant community changes determine the vegetation and soil δ13C and δ15N enrichment in degraded alpine grassland
Authors: Li Chengyang , Peng Fei , Lai Chimin , Xue Xian , You Quangang , Chen Xiaojie , Liao Jie , Ma Shaoxiu , Wang Tao
Published: February 2021

δ13C and δ15N are extensively used to understand the biogeochemical mechanisms that moderate ecosystem carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) processes. Little is known about the responses of δ13C and δ15N to alpine grassland degradation on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau (QTP), which prevents a full understanding of degradation‐induced changes in C and N cycling there. We investigated the vegetation δ13C and δ15N, soil δ13C and δ15N, soil properties, and plant community composition of alpine grassland on the QTP that were in different states of degradation. Our results show that the vegetation δ13C and δ15N, and soil δ13C and δ15N, increased with the severity of degradation, whereas soil organic carbon (SOC) and total N content decreased as degradation became more severe. The aboveground biomass percentage of forbs was positively correlated with the soil C/N ratio, vegetation δ13C, and soil δ13C, and accounted for the largest proportion of the variance for both vegetation δ13C and soil δ13C (17.25 and 23.65%, respectively). The vegetation δ15N and soil δ15N were negatively correlated with the soil C/N ratio, which explained the largest proportion of the variance (18.01 and 25.81%, respectively). Our results suggest that C cycling is strongly moderated by plant community composition, because forbs species and C4 species, were more prevalent in degraded alpine grassland. Meanwhile, N cycling is indirectly regulated by changes in community composition via its effect on the soil C/N as the degradation became more severe for alpine grassland on the QTP.
Size‐based characterization of freshwater dissolved organic matter finds similarities within a waterbody type across different Canadian ecozones
Authors: Aukes Pieter J. K. , Schiff Sherry L. , Venkiteswaran Jason J. , Elgood Richard J. , Spoelstra John
Published: February 2021

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) represents a mixture of organic molecules that vary due to different source materials and degree of processing. Characterizing how DOM composition evolves along the aquatic continuum can be difficult. Using a size‐exclusion chromatography technique (liquid chromatography‐organic carbon detection [LC‐OCD]), we assessed the variability in DOM composition from both surface and groundwaters across a number of Canadian ecozones (mean annual temperature spanning −10°C to +6°C). A wide range in DOM concentration was found from 0.2 to 120 mg C L−1. Proportions of different size‐based groupings across ecozones were variable, yet similarities between specific waterbody types, regardless of location, suggest commonality in the processes dictating DOM composition. A principal component analysis identified 70% of the variation in LC‐OCD derived DOM compositions could be explained by the waterbody type. We find that DOM composition within a specific waterbody type is similar regardless of the differences in climate or surrounding vegetation where the sample originated from.
New Advanced Glycation End Products Observed in Rat Urine by Untargeted Metabolomics after Feeding with Heat‐Treated Skimmed Milk Powder
Authors: Zhou Xiaomin , Ulaszewska Maria M. , De Gobba Cristian , Rinnan Åsmund , Poulsen Malene W. , Chen Jie , Mattivi Fulvio , Hedegaard Rikke Vingborg , Skibsted Leif Horsfelt , Dragsted Lars Ove
Published: February 2021

Scope

Milk powder is commonly consumed throughout the world. However, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) will form in milk powder during thermal processing and long‐term storage. This study aimed to identify such compounds with potential as new urinary biomarkers of intake of heat‐treated skimmed milk powder (HSMP).

Methods and Results

A parallel study is performed with different dosages of HSMP as well as hydrolyzed HSMP and untreated skimmed milk powder (SMP) in 36 rats. The 24‐h urine samples on day 7 or 8 are collected and profiled by untargeted UPLC‐Qtof‐MS metabolomics. Statistical analysis revealed 25 metabolites differentiating SMP and HSMP; nineteen of these structures are proposed as lysine‐ and arginine‐derived AGEs, and heterocyclic compounds.

Conclusion

These metabolites may potentially serve as biomarkers of food intake pending further validation to assess intakes of heat‐processed dairy foods and thus help to elucidate the effects of HSMP consumption or dietary AGEs on human health.
Atypical fibrillation and fasciculation potentials: An exercise in waveform identification and analysis
Authors: Barkhaus Paul E. , Nandedkar Sanjeev D.
Published: February 2021

No consensus criteria exist for recording and analyzing waveforms in clinical electromyography (EMG). There have been significant technical improvements in recent decades that are under‐used in both routine practice and research. In current practice, disciplined techniques in acquisition and analysis of signals are required to appropriately define them. As an example, we describe such an exercise in acquisition and analysis. During a routine study, atypical spontaneous activity was encountered. High‐quality digital recordings were stored for off‐line analysis. These revealed waveforms that could be isolated and quantitatively defined using basic instrumentation available on most modern EMG systems: “slow” firing fibrillation potentials and a repeating fasciculation potential. Subjective analysis alone could not have identified them. To improve accuracy in identification and understanding of these waveforms, we propose criteria for data collection and signal analysis. This is critical for quality in routine practice, education, and proper reporting of electrophysiological signals.
Using measured resting metabolic rate to derive calorie prescriptions in a behavioral weight loss program
Authors: Lanoye Autumn , Evans Ronald K. , Leahey Tricia M. , LaRose Jessica G.
Published: February 2021

Objective

Within behavioral weight loss (BWL) programs, using measured resting metabolic rate (RMR) is a more accurate—yet costlier—alternative to the standard method of assigning calorie prescriptions using baseline weight. This investigation aimed to assess differences between calorie goals prescribed using each method including demographic predictors and associations with weight loss.

Methods

This is an ancillary study to a trial comparing approaches to motivational enhancement in a 6‐months BWL program designed for emerging adults age 18–25 (N = 308). RMR was measured at baseline and used to derive calorie prescriptions; standard calorie goals were retrospectively assigned for the purpose of these analyses.

Results

Standard calorie prescriptions were significantly higher than those derived from RMR. Sex and race were significant predictors of calorie prescription discrepancies: using the standard method, women and Black participants were assigned higher calorie goals than their RMR would indicate. Calorie goal discrepancy did not predict 6‐months weight change.

Conclusions

Differences in calorie prescriptions between approaches were significant; however, it remains to be determined whether measuring RMR is worth the cost, time, and participant burden. It may be the case that this consideration has greater impact for certain subgroups—namely, women and Black participants.
Two‐year weight trajectories following completion of a behavioral weight loss maintenance intervention
Authors: Gavin Kara L. , Voils Corrine I. , Yancy William S. , Olsen Maren K.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Long‐term effects of behavioral weight loss maintenance interventions need to be assessed in order to understand their durability of effects. This can be evaluated with the use of weights recorded in the electronic medical record. The goal of this study was to use electronic health record (EHR)‐recorded weight to examine outcomes 2 years beyond the completion of a trial in which participants were randomized to receive a weight maintenance intervention or usual care after required initial weight loss.

Methods

Weights collected in the Veteran's Affairs national EHR were obtained for 2 years following trial completion. Outliers and implausible weights were identified and removed prior to analysis. Mixed‐effects models with quadratic time were fit to estimate between‐arm differences in weight change.

Results

Model‐estimated weight at trial completion was 109.7 kg for usual care and 106.8 kg for intervention, estimated difference of −2.9 kg (95% confidence interval [CI]: −8.8, 3.0; p = 0.34). Two years later, estimated mean weight collected from (n = 211) participants with available EMR weights was 111.5 kg for usual care and 108.0 kg for intervention, estimated difference −3.4 kg (95% CI: −9.3, 2.4 kg; p = 0.35).

Conclusions

While not statistically significant, weights from the EHR suggest the possibility of a clinically meaningful difference that should be confirmed by future adequately powered studies.
TRIM28 variants and Wilms' tumour predisposition
Authors: Hol Janna A , Diets Illja J , de Krijger Ronald R , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M , Jongmans Marjolijn CJ , Kuiper Roland P
Published: February 2021

TRIM28 was recently identified as a Wilms' tumour (WT) predisposition gene, with germline pathogenic variants identified in around 1% of isolated and 8% of familial WT cases. TRIM28 variants are associated with epithelial WT, but the presence of other tumour components or anaplasia does not exclude the presence of a germline or somatic TRIM28 variant. In children with WT, TRIM28 acts as a classical tumour suppressor gene, with both alleles generally disrupted in the tumour. Therefore, loss of TRIM28 (KAP1/TIF1beta) protein expression in tumour tissue by immunohistochemistry is an effective strategy to identify patients carrying pathogenic TRIM28 variants. TRIM28 is a ubiquitously expressed corepressor that binds transcription factors in a context‐, species‐, and cell‐type‐specific manner to control the expression of genes and transposable elements during embryogenesis and cellular differentiation. In this review, we describe the inheritance patterns, histopathological and clinical features of TRIM28‐associated WT, as well as potential underlying mechanisms of tumourigenesis during embryonic kidney development. Recognizing germline TRIM28 variants in patients with WT can enable counselling, genetic testing, and potential early detection of WT in other children in the family. A further exploration of TRIM28‐associated WT will help to unravel the diverse and complex mechanisms underlying WT development. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Design of halloysite modification for improvement of mechanical properties of the epoxy based nanocomposites
Authors: Jelić Aleksandra , Marinković Aleksandar , Sekulić Milica , Dikić Stefan , Ugrinović Vukašin , Pavlović Vladimir , Putić Slaviša
Published: February 2021

In this study, halloysite nanotubes (HNT) were modified by: 3‐glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GLYMO), 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTES), and 2,2‐Bis[4‐(glycidyloxy) phenyl] propane (DGEBA), and incorporated in the epoxy resin matrix to enhance its mechanical properties. The HNT/epoxy nanocomposite materials were prepared by mixing different ratios of untreated/treated HNT with neat epoxy resin. Characterization of untreated/treated HNT was performed by Fourier‐transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The quantity of grafted molecules and thermal stability of newly synthesized materials were determined by thermogravimetric (TG) and derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) analysis. Tensile properties of newly synthesized materials were compared, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of the fracture surfaces were performed. Incorporation of APTES modified HNT (HNTAPT) and two‐step modification APTES followed by DGEBA (HNTAPTDG) has increased the tensile strength of the nanocomposite materials up to 72% and 61%, and strain at break up to 1082% and 1216%, respectively, compared to neat epoxy. It was concluded that the modification of HNT contributed to the enhancement of the dispersion and the cross‐linking in the epoxy resin matrix.
Preparation of a Bimetallic NiFe‐MOF on Nickel Foam as a Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhao Tao , Cheng Chen , Wang Dong , Zhong Dazhong , Hao Genyan , Liu Guang , Li Jinping , Zhao Qiang
Published: February 2021

A series of bimetallic metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) were prepared on three‐dimensional nickel foam (NF) using a one‐pot synthesis, marked as NiFe‐MOF/NF. The structure of the as‐prepared NiFe‐MOF/NF was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), FT‐IR and Raman. Compared with the monometallic Ni‐MOF material, the incorporation of Fe greatly changes the inherent properties of Ni‐MOF. Electrochemical measurement results show the optimized NiFe‐MOF/NF [Ni : Fe=3 : 7 (molar ratio)] has better electrocatalytic performance and the current densities of 50 mA cm−2 and 100 mA cm−2 have low overpotentials of 225 mV and 251 mV, respectively, for the oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline solution. In particular, the inverse curve of linear sweep voltammetry shows an ultralow overpotential of only 160 mV at current density of 10 mA cm−2. NiFe‐MOF/NF also has excellent stability and can run continuously for at least 50 h. NiFe‐MOF/NF has remarkable OER performance, which is mainly due to the high conductivity, the large specific surface area and the synergistic effects of Fe and Ni in MOFs. The work presents a general strategy for the synthesis of electrocatalytic materials for effective and scalable electrocatalytic water oxidation.
Host‐Guest Inclusion Complexes of Geraniol and Nerol with Acyclic Cucurbit[n]urils: Preparation, Characterization and Controlled Release
Authors: Gao Rui , Yang Waixiang , Xu Jicang , Chen Liyuan , Yang Jing , Wang Baoxing , Yang Bo
Published: February 2021

Two main components of rose essential oil, geraniol and nerol are highly volatile, and hardly water‐soluble, which limit their further development and application in food and cosmetics industry. Host‐guest inclusion complexation could be a promising strategy to address these issues. Herein, new inclusion systems of geraniol and nerol with two acyclic cucurbit[n]urils (ACBs) were fabricated, and their binding behaviors both in solution and solid states were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, NMR, XRD, FT‐IR spectroscopy and TGA. The results confirmed the formation of host‐guest inclusion complexes. The stoichiometry of the complexes was proved to be 1 : 1 by Job's plot. The possible inclusion modes were proposed by 2D‐ROESY experiments. The pH‐dependent release of guest molecules from the inclusion complexes has been studied via UV‐Vis spectroscopy. The heat‐controlled release properties of guest molecules from the solid inclusion complexes were studied via 1H NMR spectra. The complexes featured less volatilization under low temperature, longer retention time, better water solubility and improved heat‐controlled release properties. In brief, this work uncloses a new strategy to enhance the performance of essential oils and flavors/fragrances and further their application in the field of cosmetic and food industry.
Optimism as a mediator of the association between social support and peripartum depression among mothers of neonatal intensive care unit hospitalized preterm infants
Authors: Kestler‐Peleg Miri , Lavenda Osnat
Published: February 2021

The birth of a preterm infant and the hospitalization in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) add extra functional and emotional demands to the typical transition to motherhood. Therefore, the prevalence of peripartum depression (PPD) among preterm mothers is especially high. As optimism was found to be a mediator of the association between social support and depression, the current study aimed to test this mediation in the population of NICU mothers. A sample of 128 Israeli mothers of 214 NICU hospitalized infants filled out self‐report questionnaires regarding background variables, social support, optimism, and PPD symptoms. As hypothesized, optimism was found to partially mediate the association between social support and PPD symptoms among mother of preterm infants. The higher the perceived social support reported, the higher maternal optimism reported, and in turn, the lower PPD symptoms reported. In accordance with the Transactional Stress Theory, social support and optimism reflect maternal secondary appraisals that impact the way mothers of preterm infants cope with the challenging situation of a preterm birth and NICU hospitalization. Healthcare professionals should encourage preterm mothers' use of social support to increase optimism and reduce the risk of developing PPD.
Optimization, Characterization, and Influence of Microfluidization on Almond Gum‐based Composite Edible Film
Authors: Dhaka Rohant Kumar , Kumar Nishant , Pratibha  , Upadhyay Ashutosh
Published: February 2021

The present study aim is to carry out optimization, development, and characterization of almond – guar gum based composite edible film using response surface statistical methodology . The Box‐Behnken design is used to develop almond gum – guar gum composite edible film with incorporation of plasticizer and surfactant to optimized independent variables concentration and relationship between properties of composite edible film. The study also investigates the effect of microfluidization (at 10 000  and 150 00 psi) on physical, mechanical, barrier, and structural properties of optimized composite edible films. The optimized experiment values of Almond gum, Guar gum, and Sunflower oil are the independent variables, whereas water vapor permeability , Tensile strength , and elongation at break are the dependent variables. Results of study demonstrate that the incorporation of guar gum significantly improves the tensile strength of composite edible films. However, the process of microfluidization significantly improves the properties of the optimized edible film. The paper presents the concept and potential for development of novel composite edible film by almond gum – guar gum biopolymers and effect of microfludization techniques on its physical, barrier, mechanical, and structural properties which can encounter problems in appropriate disposal with food safety and food preservation.
An experimental investigation on phytoremediation performance of water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) for pollutants removal from paper mill effluent
Authors: Singh Jogendra , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Pankaj , Kumar Piyush , Yadav Krishna Kumar , Cabral‐Pinto Marina M. S. , Kamyab Hesam , Chelliapan Shreeshivadasan
Published: February 2021

The present study describes the phytoremediation performance of water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) for physicochemical pollutants elimination from paper mill effluent (PME). For this, pot (glass aquarium) experiments were conducted using 0% (BWW: borewell water), 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% treatments of PME under natural day/light regime. Results of the experiments showed that the highest removal of pH (10.75%), electrical conductivity (EC: 63.82%), total dissolved solids (TDS: 71.20%) biological oxygen demand (BOD: 85.03%), chemical oxygen demand (COD: 80.46%), total Kjeldahl's nitrogen (TKN: 93.03%), phosphorus (P: 85.56%), sodium (Na: 91.89%), potassium (K: 84.04%), calcium (Ca: 84.75%), and magnesium (Mg: 83.62%), most probable number (MPN: 77.63%), and standard plate count (SPC: 74.43%) was noted in 75% treatment of PME after treatment by P. stratiotes. PCA showed the best vector length for TKN, Na, and Ca. The maximum plant growth parameters including, total fresh biomass (81.30 ± 0.28 g), chlorophyll content (3.67 ± 0.05 mg g−1 f.wt), and relative growth rate (0.0051 gg−1 d−1) was also measured in 75% PME treatment after phytoremediation experiments. The findings of this study make useful insight into the biological management of PME through plant‐based pollutant eradication while leftover biomass may be used as a feedstock for low‐cost bioenergy production.

Practitioner points

Biological treatment of paper mill effluent using water lettuce is presented.

Best reduction of physicochemical and microbiological pollutants was attained in 75% treatment.

Maximum production of chlorophyll, plant biomass, and highest growth rate was also observed in 75% treatment.
A Possible Circular Approach for Social Perception of Climate Adaptation Action Planning in Metropolitan Cities
Authors: Scuderi Alessandro , Sturiale Luisa , Timpanaro Giuseppe , La Via Giovanni , Pecorino Biagio
Published: February 2021

One of the factors that will affect the livability of cities and the overall citizens’ quality of life in the future is certainly climate change. Urban areas will play a fundamental role in the commitment against climate change and will have to develop appropriate adaptation actions, in accordance with the European Strategy against climate change, including the planning and implementation of Green Infrastructures (GIs). They produce various environmental and social benefits in the urban context. Various studies have shown that citizenship involvement at all levels is necessary for the evaluation of the sharing of the proposed projects. The research proposes an innovative methodological model to support administrations in the strategic planning choice of GIs according to a shared and circular approach. To perform a multi-layer assessment, the multi-criteria evaluation will be combined with the circular evaluation model called Green City Circle. The evaluation is set up as a circular process, followed by a first investigative phase, followed by a proactive phase of solutions and an implementation phase up to a final stage of evaluation of the results and strategies for long-term sustainability. The study was carried out in the city of Catania to test a planning and management tool for GIs envisaged by the administration as win–win climate adaptation measures.
A Spatial Multi-criteria Decision Support System for Stress Recovery-Oriented Forest Management
Authors: Capecchi Irene , Grilli Gianluca , Barbierato Elena , Sacchelli Sandro
Published: February 2021

A solution to cope with chaotic urban settlements and frenetic everyday life is refuging in nature as a way to reduce stress. In general—in recent years—it has been scientifically demonstrated how natural areas are an important environment for psycho-physiological health. As a consequence, it is important to plan dedicated spaces for stress recovery in order to increase the well-being of people. With respect to forests, there is a growing interest in understanding the marketing and tourist potential of forest-therapy activities and policies. This paper develops a decision support system (DSS) for decision makers, based on geographic information system to define the suitability of forest areas to improve psychological and physiological human well-being. Innovative technologies such as electroencephalography (EEG) and virtual reality (VR) are applied to test human status. The DSS combines four sets of indicators in a multi-attribute decision analysis and identifies the areas with the largest stress-recovery potential. Two multi-attribute model—one in summer and one in winter—are elaborated to obtain a dynamic evaluation of suitability. Results show significant differences among forest type, forest management, altitude range, and season in terms of stand suitability. EEG and VR seem to be promising technologies in this research area. Strengths and weaknesses of the approach, as well as potential future improvement and implications for territorial marketing, are suggested.
Public Research and Development Funding for Photovoltaics in Europe—Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Pezzutto Simon , De Negri Juan Francisco , Gantioler Sonja , Moser David , Sparber Wolfram
Published: February 2021

The use of photovoltaic technology is crucial to meet Europe´s ambitious climate and energy objectives set for 2030. To facilitate this shift, technological innovation is a key prerequisite, and the provision of public funding for related research and development is an important trigger. For this study, a vast set of data has been collected to explore how the EU and its Member States, plus Norway and Turkey, have so far invested in photovoltaic research and development. Based on historic values and actual trends, the authors additionally outline the possible future evolution of the investigated public funding. The study aims to shed light on the development of funding from the early 1970s until 2017 (most recent data available) and provide a forecast for 2030 (based on a business-as-usual scenario). According to results, at the national level, public funding had a considerable and steady rise after the OPEC´s oil embargo in 1973, reaching a first peak in the mid-1980s. The authors predict that, according to the most recent trends, by 2030, these will surpass 200 million € annually. In comparison, EU funding has steadily increased since its inception in the late 1980s up until 2007, but its evolvement is distinctively different, evidencing high fluctuations. The cumulative stock is also examined. National sources outweigh EU programs by a factor of almost five, and the stock should surpass 7 billion € by 2030. Based on the analysis and related insights, recommendations are elaborated on how the development of funding could inform policy strategies and actions to support research and development for photovoltaic technology.
Urban Density and Household-Electricity Consumption: An Analysis of the Italian Residential Building Stock
Authors: Antoniucci Valentina , Bisello Adriano , Marella Giuliano
Published: February 2021

The influence of urban density on household electricity consumption is still scarcely investigated, despite the growing attention to building energy performance and the electrification of heating systems advocated at the European level. While the positive correlation between urban sprawl developments and the increasing of marginal costs of public infrastructures, services, amenities, public, and private transports are known, there has been little research on the relationship between urban form and electricity consumption in residential building stock. The present work aims to contribute to filling the gap in the existing literature, presenting the early results of ongoing research on the role of urban form in the household electricity consumption in Italy and, consequently, the related energy costs. The building typology and, in general, the structure of urban dwellings, is crucial to forecasting the electricity requirements, taking into account single housing units and their spatial composition in multi-family homes and neighborhoods. After a brief literature review on the topic, the contribution presents empirical research on the electricity consumption at the municipal level in 140 Italian cities, analyzing the diverse consumption patterns under different conditions of urban density to verify whether there exists a significant statistical correlation between them. The analysis confirms that there is a statistically negative correlation between urban density and the log of electricity consumption, even if its incidence is very limited. Further investigation may highlight whether there exists a threshold for which this relationship would be reversed, explaining the higher electricity consumption in dense metropolitan areas.
Stringy canonical forms
Authors: Arkani-Hamed Nima , He Song , Lam Thomas
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Canonical forms of positive geometries play an important role in revealing hidden structures of scattering amplitudes, from amplituhedra to associahedra. In this paper, we introduce “stringy canonical forms”, which provide a natural definition and extension of canonical forms for general polytopes, deformed by a parameter α′. They are defined by real or complex integrals regulated with polynomials with exponents, and are meromorphic functions of the exponents, sharing various properties of string amplitudes. As α′→ 0, they reduce to the usual canonical form of a polytope given by the Minkowski sum of the Newton polytopes of the regulating polynomials, or equivalently the volume of the dual of this polytope, naturally determined by tropical functions. At finite α′, they have simple poles corresponding to the facets of the polytope, with the residue on the pole given by the stringy canonical form of the facet. There is the remarkable connection between the α′→ 0 limit of tree-level string amplitudes, and scattering equations that appear when studying the α′→ ∞ limit. We show that there is a simple conceptual understanding of this phenomenon for any stringy canonical form: the saddle-point equations provide a diffeomorphism from the integration domain to the interior of the polytope, and thus the canonical form can be obtained as a pushforward via summing over saddle points. When the stringy canonical form is applied to the ABHY associahedron in kinematic space, it produces the usual Koba-Nielsen string integral, giving a direct path from particle to string amplitudes without an a priori reference to the string worldsheet. We also discuss a number of other examples, including stringy canonical forms for finite-type cluster algebras (with type A corresponding to usual string amplitudes), and other natural integrals over the positive Grassmannian.
The background field method and critical vector models
Authors: Goykhman Mikhail , Rosenhaus Vladimir , Smolkin Michael
Published: February 2021

Abstract

We use the background field method to systematically derive CFT data for the critical ϕ6 vector model in three dimensions, and the Gross-Neveu model in dimensions 2 ≤ d ≤ 4. Specifically, we calculate the OPE coefficients and anomalous dimensions of various operators, up to next-to-leading order in the 1/N expansion.
Mechanische Schutzfixierung – Herausforderungen und Management
Authors: Popper Valentin , Unterholzner Jakob , Bartova Lucie , Strnad Alexandra , Baldinger-Melich Pia , Frey Richard , Fugger Gernot
Published: February 2021

Einschränkungen der Bewegungsfreiheit psychiatrischer Patienten im Sinne einer mechanischen Fixierung sind in Österreich im Rahmen des Unterbringungsgesetzes zur Abwehr von Selbst- und Fremdgefährdung zulässig, sofern deren Anwendung verhältnismäßig ist. Neben rechtlichen Aspekten sind im Rahmen von Bewegungseinschränkungen auf das Krankenbett ethische Aspekte in Zusammenhang mit einem sorgfältigen klinischen Management unentbehrlich. International gibt es Bestrebungen, Zwangsmaßnahmen dieser Art in der Psychiatrie zu reduzieren. Breiter Konsensus besteht darüber, dass deren Anwendung als Ultima-Ratio-Intervention zu sehen ist, die ausschließlich in Situationen eingesetzt werden soll, die nicht durch gelindere Maßnahmen zu bewältigen sind. Die vorgestellten Fallvignetten aus der psychiatrischen Intermediate Care Station der Wiener Universitätsklinik sollen dies verdeutlichen.
The impact of lynx and wolf on roe deer hunting benefits in Sweden
Authors: Elofsson Katarina , Häggmark Tobias
Published: February 2021

Large carnivores provide ecosystem and cultural benefits but also impose costs on hunters due to the competition for game. The aim of this paper was to identify the marginal impact of lynx (Lynx lynx) and wolf (Canis lupus) on the harvest of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in Sweden and the value of this impact. We applied a production function approach, using a bioeconomic model where the annual number of roe deer harvested was assumed to be determined by hunting effort, abundance of predators, availability of other game, and winter severity. The impact of the predators on the roe deer harvests was estimated econometrically, and carnivore marginal impacts were derived. The results showed that if the roe deer resource was harvested under open access, the marginal cost in terms of hunting values foregone varied between different counties, and ranged between 18,000 and 58,000 EUR for an additional lynx family, and 79,000 and 336,000 EUR for an additional wolf individual. Larger marginal costs of the wolf, in terms of the impact on roe deer hunting, were found in counties where the hunting effort was high and the abundance of moose (Alces alces) was low. If instead, hunters could exert private property rights to the resource, the average marginal cost was about 20% lower than it would have been if there was open access, and the difference in wolf impact between counties with high and low moose density was smaller. Together, results suggest that the current plan for expanding the wolf population in south Sweden can be associated with a substantial cost.
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine—2020
Authors: Hagymási Krisztina
Published: February 2021

At the time of COVID-19 coronavirus pandemia, the Nobel Prize of Physiology or Medicine 2020 was awarded jointly to three researchers Harvey J. Alter, Charles M. Rice, and Michael Houghton for the discovery of Hepatitis C virus. Their works contributed to the isolation of the blood-borne virus, causing chronic hepatitis in 80% of infected person, resulting in cirrhosis, and in elevated risk of liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma formation. Their results created the basis of HCV screening of blood, and blood products, achieving more than 95% cure of infected people without nearly side effects with direct-acting antiviral agents, supporting the goal of the WHO targeting the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030.
Mechanical Stability Diagrams for Thermal Barrier Coating Systems
Authors: Rudolphi Mario , Galetz Mathias Christian , Schütze Michael
Published: February 2021

Loss of mechanical integrity due to thermal aging and subsequent spallation of the ceramic top layer is one of the dominant failure mechanisms in thermal barrier coating systems. In order to predict and avoid such mechanical failure, a strain-based lifetime assessment model is presented for a novel double-layer thermal barrier system. The investigated ceramic system consists of a gadolinium zirconate layer on top of a layer of yttria-stabilized zirconia prepared by atmospheric plasma spraying. The mechanical stability diagrams generated by the model delineate areas of safe operation from areas where mechanical damage of the thermal barrier coating becomes imminent. Intensive ceramographic inspection is used to investigate the defect growth kinetics in the ceramic top coat after isothermal exposure. Four-point bending experiments with in situ acoustic emission measurement are utilized to determine the critical strain to failure. The results are then used to generate mechanical stability diagrams for the thermal barrier coatings. From these diagrams, it becomes evident that the gadolinium zirconate layer has significantly lower strain tolerance than the yttria-stabilized zirconia. However, the underlying yttria-stabilized zirconia layer will provide some thermal protection even when the gadolinium zirconate layer has failed.
The Gauss2++ model: a comparison of different measure change specifications for a consistent risk neutral and real world calibration
Authors: Berninger Christoph , Pfeiffer Julian
Published: February 2021

Especially in the insurance industry interest rate models play a crucial role, e.g. to calculate the insurance company’s liabilities, performance scenarios or risk measures. A prominant candidate is the 2-Additive-Factor Gaussian Model (Gauss2++ model)—in a different representation also known as the 2-Factor Hull-White model. In this paper, we propose a framework to estimate the model such that it can be applied under the risk neutral and the real world measure in a consistent manner. We first show that any time-dependent function can be used to specify the change of measure without loosing the analytic tractability of, e.g. zero-coupon bond prices in both worlds. We further propose two candidates, which are easy to calibrate: a step and a linear function. They represent two variants of our framework and distinguish between a short and a long term risk premium, which allows to regularize the interest rates in the long horizon. We apply both variants to historical data and show that they indeed produce realistic and much more stable long term interest rate forecast than the usage of a constant function, which is a popular choice in the industry. This stability over time would translate to performance scenarios of, e.g. interest rate sensitive fonds and risk measures.
Sets of periods for chaotic linear operators
Authors: Conejero J. A. , Martínez-Giménez F. , Peris A. , Rodenas F.
Published: February 2021

We provide a complete characterization of the possible sets of periods for Devaney chaotic linear operators on Hilbert spaces. As a consequence, we also derive this characterization for linearizable maps on Banach spaces.
Additive manufacturing of thin electrolyte layers via inkjet printing of highly-stable ceramic inks
Authors: Zhu Zhongqi , Gong Zhiyuan , Qu Piao , Li Ziyong , Rasaki Sefiu Abolaji , Liu Zhiyuan , Wang Pei , Liu Changyong , Lao Changshi , Chen Zhangwei
Published: February 2021

Inkjet printing is a promising alternative for the fabrication of thin film components for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) due to its contactless, mask free, and controllable printing process. In order to obtain satisfying electrolyte thin layer structures in anode-supported SOFCs, the preparation of suitable electrolyte ceramic inks is a key. At present, such a kind of 8 mol% Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2 (8YSZ) electrolyte ceramic ink with long-term stability and high solid loading (> 15 wt%) seems rare for precise inkjet printing, and a number of characterization and performance aspects of the inks, such as homogeneity, viscosity, and printability, should be studied. In this study, 8YSZ ceramic inks of varied compositions were developed for inkjet printing of SOFC ceramic electrolyte layers. The dispersing effect of two types of dispersants, i.e., polyacrylic acid ammonium (PAANH4) and polyacrylic acid (PAA), were compared. The results show that ultrasonic dispersion treatment can help effectively disperse the ceramic particles in the inks. PAANH4 has a better dispersion effect for the inks developed in this study. The inks show excellent printable performance in the actual printing process. The stability of the ink can be maintained for a storage period of over 30 days with the help of initial ultrasonic dispersion. Finally, micron-size thin 8YSZ electrolyte films were successfully fabricated through inkjet printing and sintering, based on the as-developed high solid loading 8YSZ inks (20 wt%). The films show fully dense and intact structural morphology and smooth interfacial bonding, offering an improved structural quality of electrolyte for enhanced SOFC performance.