bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution in dynamic software product lines
Authors: Quinton Clément , Vierhauser Michael , Rabiser Rick , Baresi Luciano , Grünbacher Paul , Schuhmayer Christian
Published: June 2020

Many software systems today provide support for adaptation and reconfiguration at runtime, in response to changes in their environment. Such adaptive systems are designed to run continuously and may not be shut down for reconfiguration or maintenance tasks. The variability of such systems has to be explicitly managed, together with mechanisms that control their runtime adaptation and reconfiguration. Dynamic software product lines (DSPLs) can help to achieve this. However, dealing with evolution is particularly challenging in a DSPL, as changes made at runtime can easily lead to inconsistencies. This paper describes the challenges of evolving DSPLs using an example cyber‐physical system for home automation. We discuss the shortcomings of existing work and present a reference architecture to support DSPL evolution. To demonstrate its feasibility and flexibility, we implemented the proposed reference architecture for two different DSPLs: the aforementioned cyber‐physical system, which uses feature models to describe its variability, and a runtime monitoring infrastructure, which is based on decision models. To assess the industrial applicability of our approach, we also implemented the reference architecture for a real‐world DSPL, an automation software system for injection molding machines. Our results provide evidence on the flexibility, performance, and industrial applicability of our approach.
Competition of technology standards in Industry 4.0: An innovation ecosystem perspective
Authors: Jiang Hong , Gao Sipeng , Zhao Shukuan , Chen Hong
Published: June 2020

In the era of Industry 4.0, innovation of complex technology systems and the development of intelligent technologies rely on technology standards. Therefore, the competition of technology standards becomes vital for enterprises to gain competitive advantage. In order to help enterprises obtain competitive advantage by adopting the proper strategy in the competition of technology standards, this paper integrates the concept of innovation ecosystem with technology standard competition and develops a mechanism based on Lotka‐Volterra model. In specific, five possible results of technology standard competition are predicted, and corresponding strategic options for enterprises are discussed.
Network‐regulated organ allometry: The developmental regulation of morphological scaling
Authors: Vea Isabelle M. , Shingleton Alexander W.
Published: June 2020

Morphological scaling relationships, or allometries, describe how traits grow coordinately and covary among individuals in a population. The developmental regulation of scaling is essential to generate correctly proportioned adults across a range of body sizes, while the mis‐regulation of scaling may result in congenital birth defects. Research over several decades has identified the developmental mechanisms that regulate the size of individual traits. Nevertheless, we still have poor understanding of how these mechanisms work together to generate correlated size variation among traits in response to environmental and genetic variation. Conceptually, morphological scaling can be generated by size‐regulatory factors that act directly on multiple growing traits (trait‐autonomous scaling), or indirectly via hormones produced by central endocrine organs (systemically regulated scaling), and there are a number of well‐established examples of such mechanisms. There is much less evidence, however, that genetic and environmental variation actually acts on these mechanisms to generate morphological scaling in natural populations. More recent studies indicate that growing organs can themselves regulate the growth of other organs in the body. This suggests that covariation in trait size can be generated by network‐regulated scaling mechanisms that respond to changes in the growth of individual traits. Testing this hypothesis, and one of the main challenges of understanding morphological scaling, requires connecting mechanisms elucidated in the laboratory with patterns of scaling observed in the natural world.

This article is categorized under:

Establishment of Spatial and Temporal Patterns > Regulation of Size, Proportion, and Timing

Comparative Development and Evolution > Organ System Comparisons Between Species
Application of diatomite for sorption of Pb, Cu, Cd and Zn from aqueous solutions: kinetic, thermodynamic studies and application of response surface methodology (RSM)
Authors: Piri Marziyeh , Sepehr Ebrahim , Samadi Abbas , Farhadi Khalil , Alizadeh Mohammad
Published: June 2020

Contamination of water and soil with toxic metals is a serious environmental issue. To study the Pb, Cu, Cd, and Zn sorption behavior by diatomite, batch experiments were carried out with increasing levels of initial concentration (0–200 mg/L) under different contact times (0–360 min) and temperatures (283, 293, 303, and 313 K). The effects of concentration (0–200 mg/L), pH (3–6), and ionic strength (0.01–0.06 mol/L) on the sorption were modeled using response surface methodology (RSM). Results showed that adsorption data were well‐fitted by the Langmuir equation. The sorption of metals intensified by increasing initial concentration and pH but ionic strength had inverse effect. High value for R2 (0.99) and adjusted R2 (0.99) showed that the removal of ions can be described by response surface method. One‐way ANOVA showed (p‐value < 0.0001) that quadratic model is the best model for determining the interaction of variables. The values of the sorption energy parameter from Dubinin–Radushkevich model (E < 8 kJ K−1 mol−1) and negative values of ∆G showed that the sorption of the metals was physical and spontaneous. The positive values of enthalpy (ΔH) indicated that the sorption reaction of metals was endothermic at 283–313 K.

Practitioner points

Applications of diatomite increased the sorption of Pb, Cd, Zn, and Cu from aqueous solutions.

Diatomite, as low‐cost adsorbent, had significant potential to sorption of ions.

The sorption of heavy metals by adsorbent intensified by increasing initial concentration and pH but ionic strength had inverse effect.

High value for R2 (0.99) and adj‐R2 (0.99) showed that removal of metals can be described by response surface method (RSM) and the initial concentration of metal was the most significant factor.
Saccharomyces cerevisiaeandHanseniaspora uvarummixed starter cultures: Influence of microbial/physical interactions on wine characteristics
Authors: Pietrafesa Angela , Capece Angela , Pietrafesa Rocchina , Bely Marina , Romano Patrizia
Published: June 2020

The growing trend in the wine industry is the revaluation of the role of non‐Saccharomycesyeasts, promoting the use of these yeasts in association withSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Non‐Saccharomycesyeasts contribute to improve wine complexity and organoleptic composition. However, the use of mixed starters needs to better understand the effect of the interaction between these species during alcoholic fermentation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of mixed starter cultures, composed by combination of differentS. cerevisiaeandHanseniaspora uvarumstrains, on wine characteristics and to investigate the role of cell‐to‐cell contact on the metabolites produced during alcoholic fermentation. In the first step, threeH. uvarumand twoS. cerevisiaestrains, previously selected, were tested during mixed fermentations in natural red grape must in order to evaluate yeast population dynamics during inoculated fermentation and influence of mixed starter cultures on wine quality. One selected mixed starter was tested in a double‐compartment fermentor in order to compare mixed inoculations ofS. cerevisiae/H. uvarumwith and without physical separation. Our results revealed that physical contact betweenS. cerevisiaeandH. uvarumaffected the viability ofH. uvarumstrain, influencing also the metabolic behaviour of the strains. Although different researches are available on the role of cell‐to‐cell contact‐mediated interactions on cell viability of the strains included in the mixed starter, to our knowledge, very few studies have evaluated the influence of cell‐to‐cell contact on the chemical characteristics of wine.
Remote Sensing of Geodiversity as a Link to Biodiversity
Authors: Record Sydne , Dahlin Kyla M. , Zarnetske Phoebe L. , Read Quentin D. , Malone Sparkle L. , Gaddis Keith D. , Grady John M. , Costanza Jennifer , Hobi Martina L. , Latimer Andrew M. , Pau Stephanie , Wilson Adam M. , Ollinger Scott V. , Finley Andrew O. , Hestir Erin
Published: June 2020

Two common approaches to conserving biodiversity are conserving the actors (species) and conserving the stage (habitat). Many management efforts focus on conserving the actors, but a major challenge to this strategy is uncertainty surrounding how species’ geographic ranges might shift in response to global change, including climate and land use change. The Nature Conservancy has moved to conserving the stage, with the aim of maintaining the processes that generate and support biodiversity. This strategy requires knowing how biodiversity responds to geodiversity—the abiotic features and processes that define the stage. Here we explore how remote sensing illuminates the relationship between biodiversity and geodiversity. We introduce a variety of geodiversity measures and discuss how they can be combined with biodiversity data. We then explore the relationship between biodiversity and geodiversity with tree biodiversity data from the US Forest Inventory and Analysis Program and geodiversity data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission as a case study and proof of concept. We find that whereas beta diversity was not well explained by geodiversity, both alpha and gamma diversities were positively related to geodiversity. We also outline the challenges and opportunities of using remote sensing to understand the relationship between biodiversity and geodiversity.
Scaling Functional Traits from Leaves to Canopies
Authors: Serbin Shawn P. , Townsend Philip A.
Published: June 2020

In this chapter, we begin by exploring the relationship between plant functional traits and functional diversity and how this relates to the characterization and monitoring of global plant biodiversity. We then discuss the connection between leaf functional traits and their resulting optical properties (i.e., reflectance, transmittance, and absorption) and how this related to remote sensing (RS) of functional diversity. Building on this, we briefly discuss the history of RS of functional traits using spectroscopy and imaging spectroscopy data. We include a discussion of the key considerations with the use of imaging spectroscopy data for scaling and mapping plant functional traits across diverse landscapes. From here we provide a review of the general methods for scaling and mapping functional traits, including empirical and radiative transfer model (RTM) approaches. We complete the chapter with a discussion of other key considerations, such as field sampling protocols, as well as current caveats and future opportunities.
Linking Foliar Traits to Belowground Processes
Authors: Madritch Michael , Cavender-Bares Jeannine , Hobbie Sarah E. , Townsend Philip A.
Published: June 2020

Above- and belowground systems are linked via plant chemistry. In forested systems, leaf litter chemistry and quality mirror that of green foliage and have important afterlife effects. In systems where belowground inputs dominate, such as grasslands, or in ecosystems where aboveground biomass is frequently removed by burning or harvesting, foliar traits may provide important information regarding belowground inputs via exudates and fine-root turnover. Many, if not most, of the plant traits that drive variation in belowground processes are also measurable via remote sensing technologies. The ability of remote sensing techniques to measure fine-scale biodiversity and plant chemistry over large spatial scales can help researchers address ecological questions that were previously prohibitively expensive to address. Key to these potential advances is the idea that remotely sensed vegetation spectra and plant chemistry can provide detailed information about the function of belowground processes beyond what traditional field sampling can provide.
Scalar products of Bethe vectors in the 8-vertex model
Authors: Slavnov N. , Zabrodin A. , Zotov A.
Published: June 2020

Abstract

We obtain a determinant representation of normalized scalar products of on-shell and off-shell Bethe vectors in the inhomogeneous 8-vertex model. We consider the case of rational anisotropy parameter and use the generalized algebraic Bethe ansatz approach. Our method is to obtain a system of linear equations for the scalar products, prove its solvability and solve it in terms of determinants of explicitly known matrices.
LHC signals of triplet scalars as dark matter portal: cut-based approach and improvement with gradient boosting and neural networks
Authors: Dey Atri , Lahiri Jayita , Mukhopadhyaya Biswarup
Published: June 2020

Abstract

We consider a scenario where an SU(2) triplet scalar acts as the portal for a scalar dark matter particle. We identify regions of the parameter space, where such a triplet coexists with the usual Higgs doublet consistently with all theoretical as well as neutrino, accelerator and dark matter constraints, and the triplet-dominated neutral state has substantial invisible branching fraction. LHC signals are investigated for such regions, in the final state same-sign dilepton + ≥ 2 jets +"Image missing". While straightforward detectability at the high-luminosity run is predicted for some benchmark points in a cut-based analysis, there are other benchmarks where one has to resort to gradient boosting/neural network techniques in order to achieve appreciable signal significance.
Inflammation and fibrosis in Crohn’s disease: location-matched histological correlation of small bowel ultrasound features
Authors: Bhatnagar Gauraang , Rodriguez-Justo Manuel , Higginson Antony , Bassett Paul , Windsor Alastair , Cohen Richard , Halligan Steve , Taylor Stuart A.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the utility of mural and extramural sonographic features of Crohn’s Disease as potential imaging biomarkers of inflammation and fibrosis against whole-mount histological sections.

Methods

Twelve Crohn’s disease patients (Mean age 35(25–69), 7 males) underwent small bowel ultrasound prior to small bowel resection. Two radiologists in consensus graded multiple parameters including mural, mucosal and submucosal thickness, submucosal/mesenteric echogenicity and clarity and mural Doppler signal in 50 selected bowel cross-sections. Matching with histological sampling sites was facilitated via scanning of the resected specimen. A histopathologist scored acute and chronic inflammation, and fibrosis (using histological scoring systems) following analysis of whole mount block sections. The association between sonographic observations and histopathological scores was examined via univariable and multivariable analysis.

Results

In univariate analyses, bowel wall thickness (regression co-efficient and 95% CI 0.8 (0.3, 1.3) p = 0.001), mesenteric fat echogenicity (8.7(3.0, 14.5) p = 0.005), submucosal layer thickness (7.4(1.2, 13.5) p = 0.02), submucosal layer clarity (4.4(0.6, 8.2) p = 0.02) and mucosal layer thickness (4.6(1.8, 7.4) p = 0.001) were all significantly associated with acute inflammation. Mesenteric fat echogenicity (674(8.67, 52404) p = 0.009), submucosal layer thickness (79.9(2.16, 2951) p = 0.02) and mucosal layer thickness (13.6(1.54, 121) p = 0.02) were significantly associated with chronic inflammation. Submucosal layer echogenicity (p = 0.03), clarity (25.0(1.76, 356) p = 0.02) and mucosal layer thickness (53.8(3.19, 908) p = 0.006) were significantly associated with fibrosis. In multivariate analyses, wall and mucosal thickness remained significantly associated with acute inflammation (p = 0.02), mesenteric fat echogenicity with chronic inflammation (p = 0.009) and mucosal thickness (p = 0.006) with fibrosis.

Conclusion

Multiple sonographic parameters are associated with histological phenotypes in Crohn’s disease although there is overlap between ultrasonic stigmata of acute inflammation, chronic inflammation and fibrosis.

Graphic Abstract
Effect of nicorandil administration on cardiac burden and cardio-ankle vascular index after coronary intervention
Authors: Sato Shuji , Takahashi Mao , Mikamo Hiroshi , Kawazoe Masayo , Iizuka Takuo , Shimizu Kazuhiro , Noro Mahito , Shirai Kohji
Published: June 2020

Myocardial injury is a problem associated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study aimed to clarify the role of nicorandil administration in preventing myocardial injury. This study included patients with stable angina who underwent PCI from November 2013 to June 2016. Of 58 consecutive patients, the first 20 patients received only saline infusion after PCI (control group); the other 38 patients received a continuous intravenous infusion of nicorandil and saline after PCI (nicorandil group). Troponin I and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were measured. Vascular parameters, such as blood pressure (BP), cardiac output, cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), and estimated systemic vascular resistance (eSVR), were measured. Troponin I of both groups increased 12 h after PCI. Changes in BNP levels between immediately after PCI and 12 h after PCI were significantly higher in the control than in the nicorandil group (10.8 ± 44.2 vs. − 2.6 ± 14.6 pg/ml, p = 0.04). In the nicorandil group, BP, eSVR, and CAVI decreased significantly at 12 h after PCI compared with those immediately after PCI (p < 0.0001), whereas no change was observed in the control group. In a single linear analysis, the change in BP (r = 0.36, p < 0.01) and nicorandil administration (r = − 0.47, p < 0.001) was significantly correlated with the change in CAVI, multiple regression analysis revealed that the changes in CO and eSVR were significant contributing factors for the changes in CAVI. PCI could result in myocardial injury and/or cardiac burden in patients with stable angina. Nicorandil administration after PCI may be effective in relieving the burden by decreasing arterial stiffness (CAVI).
Model uncertainties in climate change impacts on Sahel precipitation in ensembles of CMIP5 and CMIP6 simulations
Authors: Monerie Paul-Arthur , Wainwright Caroline M. , Sidibe Moussa , Akinsanola Akintomide Afolayan
Published: June 2020

The impact of climate change on Sahel precipitation suffers from large uncertainties and is strongly model-dependent. In this study, we analyse sources of inter-model spread in Sahel precipitation change by decomposing precipitation into its dynamic and thermodynamic terms, using a large set of climate model simulations. Results highlight that model uncertainty is mostly related to the response of the atmospheric circulation to climate change (dynamic changes), while thermodynamic changes are less uncertain among climate models. Uncertainties arise mainly because the models simulate different shifts in atmospheric circulation over West Africa in a warmer climate. We linked the changes in atmospheric circulation to the changes in Sea Surface Temperature, emphasising that the Northern hemispheric temperature gradient is primary to explain uncertainties in Sahel precipitation change. Sources of Sahel precipitation uncertainties are shown to be the same in the new generation of climate models (CMIP6) as in the previous generation of models (CMIP5).
Breast milk n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and blood pressure: an individual participant meta-analysis
Authors: van Rossem Lenie , Smit Henriette A. , Armand Martine , Bernard Jonathan Y. , Bisgaard Hans , Bønnelykke Klaus , Bruun Signe , Heude Barbara , Husby Steffen , Kyhl Henriette B. , Michaelsen Kim F. , Stark Ken D. , Thijs Carel , Vinding Rebecca K. , Wijga Alet H. , Lauritzen Lotte
Published: June 2020

Purpose

It is controversial whether a higher intake of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC PUFA) through breastfeeding is associated or not to a lower blood pressure (BP) during childhood. We aimed to clarify this point by undertaking a meta-analysis involving the data from seven European birth cohorts.

Methods

We searched https://www.birthcohort.net for studies that had collected breast milk samples, and had at least one BP measurement in childhood. Principal investigators were contacted, and all agreed to share data. One additional study was identified by contacts with the principal investigators. For each cohort, we analyzed the association of breast milk n-3 LC PUFAs with systolic and diastolic BP with linear mixed effects models or linear regression, and pooled the estimates with a random effects model. We also investigated age-specific and sex-specific associations.

Results

A total of 2188 participants from 7 cohorts were included. Overall, no associations between breast milk n-3 LC PUFAs and BP were observed. In the pooled analysis, each 0.1 wt% increment in breast milk docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was associated with a 1.19 (95% CI − 3.31, 0.94) mmHg lower systolic BP. Associations were similar for boys and girls and at different ages.

Conclusion

In this individual participant meta-analysis, we found no evidence for an association between breast milk n-3 LC PUFAs and BP.
Advances in Atom Probe Specimen Fabrication from Planar Multilayer Thin Film Structures
Authors: Larson D.J. , Wissman B.D. , Martens R.L. , Viellieux R.J. , Kelly T.F. , Gribb T.T. , Erskine H.F. , Tabat N.
Published: June 2020

A sample preparation method has been developed whereby sharp needle-shaped specimens for atom probe analysis are fabricated from multilayer thin films deposited onto silicon substrates. The specimens are fabricated in an orientation such that atom probe composition profiles across the layer interfaces can be determined with atomic-layer spatial resolution, i.e., the layer normals are parallel to the needle axis. The method uses standard silicon etching techniques and focused ion-beam milling. The feasibility and utility of this technique are shown through its application to a NiFe/CoFe/Cu/CoFe-based thin film structure.
Quantitative Energy-filtering Transmission Electron Microscopy in Materials Science
Authors: Grogger Werner , Hofer Ferdinand , Warbichler Peter , Kothleitner Gerald
Published: June 2020

Energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) can be used to acquire elemental distribution
images at high lateral resolution within short acquisition times. In this article, we present an overview
of typical problems from materials science which can be preferentially solved by means of EFTEM. In the first
example, we show how secondary phases in a steel specimen can be easily detected by recording jump ratio
images of the matrix element under rocking beam illumination. Secondly, we describe how elemental maps can
be converted into concentration maps. A Ba-Nd-titanate ceramics serves as a typical materials science example
exhibiting three different compounds with varying composition.
On the one-to-one pickup-and-delivery problem with time windows and trailers
Authors: Drexl Michael
Published: June 2020

This paper studies an extension of the well-known one-to-one pickup-and-delivery problem with time windows. In the latter problem, requests to transport goods from pickup to delivery locations must be fulfilled by a set of vehicles with limited capacity subject to time window constraints. Goods are not interchangeable: what is picked up at one particular location must be delivered to one particular other location. The discussed extension consists in the consideration of a heterogeneous vehicle fleet comprising lorries with detachable trailers. Trailers are advantageous as they increase the overall vehicle capacity. However, some locations may be accessible only by lorries. Therefore, special locations are available where trailers can be parked while lorries visit accessibility-constrained locations. This induces a nontrivial tradeoff between an enlarged vehicle capacity and the necessity of scheduling detours for parking and reattaching trailers. The contribution of the paper is threefold: (i) it studies a practically relevant generalization of the one-to-one pickup-and-delivery problem with time windows. (ii) It develops an exact amortized constant-time procedure for testing the feasibility of an insertion of a transport task into a given route with regard to time windows and lorry and trailer capacities. (iii) It provides a comprehensive set of new benchmark instances on which the runtime of the constant-time test is compared with a naïve one that requires linear time by embedding both tests in an adaptive large neighbourhood search algorithm. Computational experiments show that the constant-time test outperforms its linear-time counterpart by one order of magnitude on average.
Does prehabilitation modify muscle mass in patients with rectal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant therapy? A subanalysis from the REx randomised controlled trial
Authors: Moug S. J. , Barry S. J. E. , Maguire S. , Johns N. , Dolan D. , Steele R. J. C. , Buchan C. , Mackay G. , Anderson A. S. , Mutrie N.
Published: June 2020

Background

Patients with rectal cancer who present with sarcopenia (low muscle mass) are at significantly greater risk of postoperative complications and reduction in disease-free survival. We performed a subanalysis of a randomised controlled study [the REx trial; www.isrctn.com; 62859294] to assess the potential of prehabilitation to modify muscle mass in patients having neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT).

Methods

Patients scheduled for NACRT, then potentially curative surgery (August 2014–March 2016) had baseline physical assessment and psoas muscle mass measurement (total psoas index using computed tomography-based measurements). Participants were randomised to either the intervention (13–17-week telephone-guided graduated walking programme) or control group (standard care). Follow-up testing was performed 1–2 weeks before surgery.

Results

The 44 patients had a mean age of 66.8 years (SD 9.6) and were male (64%); white (98%); American Society of Anesthesiologists class 2 (66%); co-morbid (58%); overweight (72%) (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2). At baseline, 14% were sarcopenic. At follow-up, 13 (65%) of patients in the prehabilitation group had increased muscle mass versus 7 (35%) that experienced a decrease. Conversely, 16 (67%) controls experienced a decrease in muscle mass and 8 (33%) showed an increase. An adjusted linear regression model estimated a mean treatment difference in Total Psoas Index of 40.2mm2/m2 (95% CI − 3.4 to 83.7) between groups in change from baseline (p = 0.07).

Conclusions

Prehabilitation improved muscle mass in patients with rectal cancer who had NACRT. These results need to be explored in a larger trial to determine if the poorer short- and long-term patient outcomes associated with low muscle mass can be minimised by prehabilitation.
Comparative Disease Assessment: a multi-causal approach for estimating the burden of mortality
Authors: Seuc Armando Humberto , Fernandez-Gonzalez Lisbeth , Mirabal Mayelin
Published: June 2020

Background

The Comparative Risk Assessment (CRA) framework comprehensively evaluates the impact of exposure to risk factors on health populations using the counterfactual causal approach.

Methods

We propose a framework, Comparative Disease Assessment (CDA), for assessing the impact of exposure to morbidity from some diseases on health outcomes, particularly death from other (relevant) diseases. This framework has been developed following the ideas of the CRA framework and using the widely accepted concept that exposure to morbidity is usually a risk factor for health outcomes (morbidity/mortality) related to other diseases. Our framework uses a counterfactual and not a categorical approach when attributing the burden of health outcomes to potential causes.

Results

This paper describes the different steps and assumptions required to implement the CDA framework, and an illustrative example is used considering diabetes mellitus morbidity as a risk factor for death from heart diseases.

Conclusions

One advantage of the CDA framework is that it can be applied using multi-causal death registries. Some assumptions are needed to implement it in order to avoid biases, but at least it can provide preliminary estimations of the impact of exposure to diseases as risk factors for deaths from other diseases. Another main advantage is that the burden of deaths is no longer attributed to a single cause, the underlying cause, as it is almost always done. Finally, this framework provides information on the pattern of comorbidity in a (sub)population of subjects who is about to die. These patterns can be used as a reference for alternative patterns of the general population or patterns of other specific subpopulations.
Impact of Reaction Chamber Geometry on the Particle-Residence-Time in Flame Spray Process
Authors: Buss Lizoel , Noriler Dirceu , Fritsching Udo
Published: June 2020

Production of functional nanoparticles and nanoscaled powders is a key process in several recent industrial applications. In this work, the flame process in nanoparticle production in sprays is analyzed. Specific focus is on the flow behavior, the temperature distribution, and the residence-time of particles in the hot (reactive) regions in a flame spray reactor that are analyzed by numerical simulations using computational fluid dynamics techniques. The role of the co-flowing gas rate provided to the flame spray reactor and its effects on the spray behavior, flame morphology, and particle properties in an enclosed atmosphere is highlighted. The influence of different operational conditions on the reactor temperature and temperature-residence-time distribution of gas and particles is investigated. It is found that providing a reduced co-flowing gas rate to the flame spray reactor favors the recirculation of hot gas, and, consequently increases the residence-time of particles in the high-temperature regions. The numerical results of particle diameter and gas-phase temperature are compared to some existing experimental data.
The long-term fate of deposited nitrogen in temperate forest soils
Authors: Veerman Liz , Kalbitz Karsten , Gundersen Per , Kjønaas Janne , Moldan Filip , Schleppi Patrick , van Loon Emiel E. , Schoorl Jorien , Wessel Wim , Tietema Albert
Published: June 2020

Increased anthropogenic nitrogen (N) inputs can alter the N cycle and affect forest ecosystem functions. The impact of increased N deposition depends among others on the ultimate fate of N in plant and soil N pools. Short-term studies (3–18 months) have shown that the organic soil layer was the dominant sink for N. However, longer time scales are needed to investigate the long-term fate of N. Therefore, the soils of four experimental forest sites across Europe were re-sampled ~ 2 decades after labelling with 15N. The sites covered a wide range of ambient N deposition varying from 13 to 58 kg N ha−1 year−1. To investigate the effects of different N loads on 15N recovery, ambient N levels were experimentally increased or decreased. We hypothesized that: (1) the mineral soil would become the dominant 15N sink after 2 decades, (2) long-term increased N deposition would lead to lower 15N recovery levels in the soil and (3) variables related to C dynamics would have the largest impact on 15N recovery in the soil. The results show that large amounts of the added 15N remain in the soil after 2 decades and at 2 out of 4 sites the 15N recovery levels are higher in the mineral soil than in the organic soil. The results show no clear responses of the isotopic signature to the changes in N deposition. Several environmental drivers are identified as controlling factors for long-term 15N recovery. Most drivers that significantly contribute to 15N recovery are strongly related to the soil organic matter (SOM) content. These findings are consistent with the idea that much of the added 15N is immobilized in the SOM. In the organic soil layer, we identify C stock, thickness of the organic layer, N-status and mean annual temperature of the forest sites as most important controlling factors. In the mineral soil we identify C stock, C content, pH, moisture content, bulk density, temperature, precipitation and forest stand age as most important controlling factors. Overall, our results show that these temperate forests are capable of retaining long-term increased N inputs preferably when SOM availability is high and SOM turnover and N availability are low.
A note on optimal $$H^1$$-error estimates for Crank-Nicolson approximations to the nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Henning Patrick , Wärnegård Johan
Published: June 2020

In this paper we consider a mass- and energy–conserving Crank-Nicolson time discretization for a general class of nonlinear Schrödinger equations. This scheme, which enjoys popularity in the physics community due to its conservation properties, was already subject to several analytical and numerical studies. However, a proof of optimal $$L^{\infty }(H^1)$$

L
∞

(

H
1

)

-error estimates is still open, both in the semi-discrete Hilbert space setting, as well as in fully-discrete finite element settings. This paper aims at closing this gap in the literature. We also suggest a fixed point iteration to solve the arising nonlinear system of equations that makes the method easy to implement and efficient. This is illustrated by numerical experiments.
Increased myocardial mass and attenuation of myocardial strain in professional male soccer players and competitive male triathletes
Authors: Starekova Jitka , Thottakara Tilo , Lund Gunnar K. , Welsch Götz H. , Brunner Fabian J. , Muellerleile Kai , Adam Gerhard , Regier Marc , Tahir Enver
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this prospective study was to analyze the relationship between ventricular morphology and parameters of cardiac function in two different athletic groups and controls, using feature tracking cardiac magnetic resonance (FT-CMR). Twenty-three professional soccer players (22 ± 4 years), 19 competitive triathletes (28 ± 6 years) and 16 controls (26 ± 3 years) were included in the study. CMR was performed using a 1.5 T scanner. Cardiac chamber volumes, mass and biventricular global myocardial strain were obtained and compared. In comparison to the control subjects, athletes were characterized by a higher cardiac volume (p < 0.0001), higher cardiac mass (p < 0.001), reduced longitudinal strain of the left and right ventricle (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 respectively) and reduced left ventricular radial strain (p < 0.05). Soccer players revealed higher amounts of left ventricular mass (87 ± 15 vs. 75 ± 13 g/m2, p < 0.05) than triathletes. Moreover, they showed a greater decrease in left and right ventricular longitudinal strain (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05) as well as in radial left ventricular strain (p < 0.05) in comparison to triathletes. An increase in left ventricular mass correlated significantly with a decrease in longitudinal (r = 0.47, p < 0.001) and radial (r =  − 0.28, p < 0.05) strain. In athletes, attenuation of strain values is associated with cardiac hypertrophy and differ between soccer players and triathletes. Further studies are needed to investigate whether it is an adaptive or maladaptive change of the heart induced by intense athletic training.
Emission Regulation of Markets with Sluggish Supply Structures
Authors: Storrøsten Halvor B.
Published: June 2020

I examine regulation in the presence of convex investment costs and technology specific capacity stocks. Announcement of future emission taxes reduces current emissions unless fossil fuels are scarce, in which case the effect is ambiguous. Substantial future emission reductions require action today, because it takes time to build up clean production capacity and phase out dirty capacity. The Pigou tax must be coupled with sector specific investment taxes or subsidies to induce the socially optimal trajectory if the private discount rate differs from the social discount rate. If such investment taxes or subsidies are unavailable, a (time-inconsistent) second-best alternative may be to tax emissions above the Pigouvian level during the transition phase. The theory is complemented with a stylized numerical model of the US electricity market.
Free Will, Control, and the Possibility to do Otherwise from a Causal Modeler’s Perspective
Authors: Gebharter Alexander , Sekatskaya Maria , Schurz Gerhard
Published: June 2020

Strong notions of free will are closely connected to the possibility to do otherwise as well as to an agent’s ability to causally influence her environment via her decisions controlling her actions. In this paper we employ techniques from the causal modeling literature to investigate whether a notion of free will subscribing to one or both of these requirements is compatible with naturalistic views of the world such as non-reductive physicalism to the background of determinism and indeterminism. We argue that from a causal modeler’s perspective the only possibility to get both requirements consists in subscribing to reductive physicalism and indeterminism.
The effect of short-term vs. long-term soil moisture stress on the physiological response of three cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) cultivars
Authors: Niether Wiebke , Glawe Alexandra , Pfohl Katharina , Adamtey Noah , Schneider Monika , Karlovsky Petr , Pawelzik Elke
Published: June 2020

Understanding water stress signaling mechanisms and screening for tolerant cocoa cultivars are major challenges when facing prolonged dry and rainy seasons in cocoa-producing areas. While abscisic acid (ABA) and proline are supposed to enhance drought tolerance in cocoa, the role of polyamines remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the biochemical response and phenological adaptation of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) on different soil moisture conditions, with a focus on short-term (20 days) and long-term (89 days) stress conditions, and to compare the performance of three cocoa cultivars. In a split plot design with four blocks, cocoa seedlings of an international high-yielding cultivar (TSH-565) and two locally selected cultivars (IIa-22 and III-06) from the drought-exposed Alto Beni region, Bolivia, were arranged in pots under a roof shelter (cultivar: three levels). The seedlings were exposed to strong (VERY DRY) and moderate (DRY) soil moisture deficits, water logging (WET) and regular irrigation (MOIST) that served as a control (moisture: four levels). We examined the growth performance and the levels of ABA, proline, and polyamines in the leaves. Growth was reduced already at a moderate drought, while severe drought enhanced seedling mortality. Severe drought increased the levels of ABA by 453% and of proline by 935%, inducing a short-term stress response; both compounds were degraded over the long-term period. The polyamine concentration was unrelated to soil moisture. The cocoa cultivars did not differ in their biochemical response to soil moisture stress (proline: p-value = 0.5, ABA: p-value = 0.3), but the local cultivar III-06 showed a stronger height growth increment than the international cultivar TSH-565 (237%, p-value = 0.002) under drought conditions.
Gender Differences in Mathematics Self-concept Across the World: an Exploration of Student and Parent Data of TIMSS 2015
Authors: Mejía-Rodríguez Ana María , Luyten Hans , Meelissen Martina R. M.
Published: June 2020

Using data from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2015 assessment of fourth-grade students in 32 countries, a series of mean comparisons and regression analyses were conducted to determine (1) the gender gap in students’ self-concept in mathematics; (2) to what extent student achievement, student gender, and parental characteristics (early numeracy activities, attitudes, expectations, and education) are related to students’ self-concept; and (3) to what extent the effect of achievement and parental characteristics on mathematics self-concept differs between male and female students. Results from this study indicate that gender differences in students’ self-concept in mathematics are significant in most countries, usually in favour of boys as early as in fourth grade. The differences largely remain the same when the data analysis controls for effects of student achievement and parental involvement.
Identification of international opportunities: A study of mature firms in mature industries
Authors: Galan Nataliya , Torsein Ellinor
Published: June 2020

This study seeks to gain a better understanding of how small late internationalising (mature) firms operating in mature industry contexts, which seem largely ignored in international entrepreneurship research, identify primary and subsequent international opportunities. Integrating international opportunity and network literature, as well as adopting a multiple case study design, we build on the evidence obtained from two Swedish and two Norwegian late internationalising firms operating in medium-technology industries. Our findings highlight the vital importance of business ties for identification of both primary and subsequent international opportunities by mature firms operating in mature industries. We find that such firms may identify their primary international opportunities by both discovery and creation. Furthermore, the firms’ reputation in the domestic market, accumulated technological knowledge and needs for product customisation and/or customer involvement in product development, may indicate whether the firms tend to discover primary international opportunities or create them either by strengthening existing business ties or by forming new ones. With regard to subsequent international opportunities, creation is found to be a more likely way to identify opportunities. We show that ‘false’ (identified but not pursued) international opportunities, apart from generating a beneficial learning experience for both entrepreneurs and firms, prompt the entrepreneurs to (i) realise the urgency of needed strategic changes and (ii) identify future learning content, i.e. knowledge which should be acquired by the firm for successful pursuit of subsequent international opportunities.
Accelerating Use of Self-measured Blood Pressure Monitoring (SMBP) Through Clinical-Community Care Models
Authors: Meador Margaret , Hannan Judy , Roy Debosree , Whelihan Kate , Sasu Nana , Hodge Heather , Lewis Joy H.
Published: June 2020

Self-measured blood pressure monitoring (SMBP), the regular measurement of blood pressure by a patient outside the clinical setting, plus additional support, is a proven, cost-effective but underutilized strategy to improve hypertension outcomes. To accelerate SMBP use, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded the National Association of Community Health Centers, the YMCA of the USA, and Association of State and Territorial Health Officials to develop cross-sector care models to offer SMBP to patients with hypertension. The project aimed to increase the use of SMBP through the coordinated action of health department leaders, community organizations and clinical providers. From 1/31/2017 to 6/30/2018, nine health centers in Kentucky, Missouri, and New York partnered with seven local Y associations (local Y) and their local health departments to design and implement care models that adapted existing primary care SMBP practices by leveraging capacities and resources in community and public health organizations. Nine collaborative care models emerged, shaped by available community assets, strategic priorities, and organizational culture. Overall, 1421 patients were recommended for SMBP; of those, 795 completed at least one cycle of SMBP (BP measurements morning and evening for at least three consecutive days). Of those recommended for SMBP, 308 patients were referred to a local Y to receive additional SMBP and healthy lifestyle support. Community and public health organizations can be brought into the health care delivery process and can play valuable roles in supporting patients in SMBP.
Local-foreign technology interface, resource-based development, and industrial policy: how Chile and Malaysia are escaping the middle-income trap
Authors: Lebdioui Amir , Lee Keun , Pietrobelli Carlo
Published: June 2020

This paper starts by showing that Chile and Malaysia are on the path of escaping the middle-income trap in terms of their income level relative to that of the USA. In contrast to the conventional view, we find that the leading export sectors are not manufacturing (such as electronics) in Malaysia or mining alone in Chile. Instead, the engines of growth have been (1) resource-based sectors (petroleum, rubber and palm oil) in Malaysia; and (2) non-mining resource-based sectors (salmon, fruits, wine and wood-based) in Chile. Furthermore, the sustained growth of these sectors is not the result of free-markets, as frequently argued, but also of specific industrial policy measures, that have enabled the accumulation of productive and innovation capabilities through R&D support, fiscal incentives, export assistance, and quality control. We also find that the emergence of locally-controlled firms has been an important aspect of this long-term success, although the sources of the initial learning included foreign actors and FDI. The cases of Chile and Malaysia consequently show the possibility of escaping the middle-income trap not through manufacturing but instead through resource-based development. Such strategy differs from the so-called short cycle technology-based catch-up by the East Asian tigers and from the unsustainable commodity rent-extraction in resource-rich countries, but is consistent with the view that emphasizes the need to specialize in sectors with low entry barriers, and to promote investments in innovation and technological capabilities.
Lessons Learned on Recruiting and Retaining Young Fathers in a Parenting and Repeat Pregnancy Prevention Program
Authors: McGirr Sara , Torres Jennifer , Heany Julia , Brandon Hillary , Tarry Carrie , Robinson Christopher
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Research shows that mainstream parenting and repeat pregnancy prevention programs generally do not effectively engage with fathers and that young men’s levels of participation in such services are low. To support practitioners in overcoming the barriers to recruiting and retaining young fathers, the current study aimed to gather lessons learned from one program’s state administrators, case managers, and young fathers about the most effective strategies for engaging this population in intensive case management.

Methods

Three focus groups were conducted. One focus group was held with the creators and managers of the Michigan Adolescent Pregnancy and Parenting Program MI-APPP at the state Department of Health and Human Services (n = 3). The other two groups were designed to jointly engage young fathers currently involved in intensive case management (n = 11) and their case managers (n = 5). A qualitative analysis of the focus group transcripts was conducted using a coding scheme developed from emerging themes in the transcripts and related literature.

Results

The findings highlight a selection of those strategies that focus group participants perceived to be most successful in improving male recruitment and retention in intensive ongoing case management. Among these strategies were centralizing feedback from young fathers in program decision making, offering opportunities for young fathers to connect, and challenging staff’s negative stereotypes about young fathers.

Discussion

Despite the small sample size, the results of this study nevertheless contribute to debates in the field regarding appropriate strategies for engaging young fathers by informing professional practice.