bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A general stochastic model for bivariate episodes driven by a gamma sequence
Authors: Amponsah Charles K. , Kozubowski Tomasz J. , Panorska Anna K.
Published: April 2021

We propose a new stochastic model describing the joint distribution of (X,N), whereNis a counting variable whileXis the sum ofNindependent gamma random variables. We present the main properties of this general model, which include marginal and conditional distributions, integral transforms, moments and parameter estimation. We also discuss in more detail a special case whereNhas a heavy tailed discrete Pareto distribution. An example from finance illustrates the modeling potential of this new mixed bivariate distribution.
Association of noninvasive respiratory support with mortality and intubation rates in acute respiratory failure: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Yasuda Hideto , Okano Hiromu , Mayumi Takuya , Nakane Masaki , Shime Nobuaki
Published: April 2021

Background

Noninvasive respiratory support devices may reduce the tracheal intubation rate compared with conventional oxygen therapy (COT). To date, few studies have compared high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) use with noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NPPV). We conducted a network meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness of three respiratory support devices in patients with acute respiratory failure.

Methods

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Ichushi databases were searched. Studies including adults aged ≥ 16 years with acute hypoxic respiratory failure and randomized-controlled trials that compared two different oxygenation devices (COT, NPPV, or HFNC) before tracheal intubation were included. A frequentist-based approach with a multivariate random-effects meta-analysis was used. The network meta-analysis was performed using the GRADE Working Group approach. The outcomes were short-term mortality and intubation rate.

Results

Among 5507 records, 27 studies (4618 patients) were included. The main cause of acute hypoxic respiratory failure was pneumonia. Compared with COT, NPPV and HFNC use tended to reduce mortality (relative risk, 0.88 and 0.93, respectively; 95% confidence intervals, 0.76–1.01 and 0.80–1.08, respectively; both low certainty) and lower the risk of endotracheal intubation (0.81 and 0.78; 0.72–0.91 and 0.68–0.89, respectively; both low certainty); however, short-term mortality or intubation rates did not differ (0.94 and 1.04, respectively; 0.78–1.15 and 0.88–1.22, respectively; both low certainty) between NPPV and HFNC use.

Conclusion

NPPV and HFNC use are associated with a decreased risk of endotracheal intubation; however, there are no significant differences in short-term mortality.

Trial registration

PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42020139105, 01/21/2020)
Longitudinal piglet sampling in commercial sow farms highlights the challenge of PRRSV detection
Authors: de Almeida Marcelo Nunes , Corzo Cesar A. , Zimmerman Jeffrey J. , Linhares Daniel Correia Lima
Published: April 2021

Background

Processing fluids (PF) and family oral fluids (FOF) are population-based surveillance samples collected from 2- to 5-day-old piglets and due-to-wean piglets, respectively. Although they are described for the surveillance of PRRSV in sows and piglet populations at processing and weaning, there is limited information on their use in commercial herds. This observational study described PRRSV RNA detection over time in PF, FOF, and piglet serum collected from farrowing groups in commercial breeding farms with the objective of achieving robust, practical, and effective PRRSV surveillance protocols. Weekly PF (an aggregate sample of all litters processed in a week from each room), and FOF (a convenience sample attempted from at least 20 individual litters in at least one farrowing room each week) samples were collected from six PRRSV-endemic commercial breeding herds for up to 38 weeks. A total of 561 PF room samples, 2400 individual litter FOF samples, and 600 serum samples (120 pools of 5 samples) were collected during the study period and tested for PRRSV RNA. Data were evaluated for patterns of PRRSV RNA detection by specimen within farms over time.

Results

In particular, the detection of PRRSV was commonly sporadic over time within farms (weeks of PRRSV RNA negative results followed by one or more weeks of positive results); was often non-uniform within farms (negative and positive farrowing rooms at a given point in time); and PF and FOF testing results agreement was 75 and 80% at week and room level, respectively, demonstrating that both sampling methods could complement each other. Non-uniformity in PRRSV detection in rooms sampled within the same week and detection after ≥11 consecutive weeks of PRRSV negative PF and FOF results underline the challenge of consistently detecting the virus.

Conclusions

These results suggest that monitoring protocols for breeding herds attempting PRRSV control or elimination can use both PF and FOF to improve PRRSV detection in suckling pig populations.
A study of the factors affecting mobile money penetration rates in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) compared with East Africa
Authors: Coulibaly Sionfou Seydou
Published: April 2021

According to the 2017 Global Financial Inclusion (Global Findex) database, the average penetration rate of mobile money accounts in East Africa is higher than that of the WAEMU. This study attempts to understand the factors driving the adoption and the use of mobile financial services in the WAEMU compared to East Africa. To achieve this, micro-level data from the 2017 Global Findex database are used to perform probit and multinomial logit estimations. The findings reveal that the same determinants influence the adoption and use of mobile money accounts across the populations of both groups of countries, specifically those related to the least vulnerable social categories (i.e., males, older, more educated, richer and part of the workforce). Therefore, in comparison to East Africa, the delay in the penetration of mobile money accounts observed in the WAEMU may be attributed to insufficient policies for increasing the awareness of the benefits of mobile financial services. The study recommends that governments in WAEMU countries promote the use of mobile money accounts among the working-age population (adults aged between 25 and 64) through the improvement of individual income level, and the introduction of incentives into the education system to encourage their population to attain higher levels of education.
Successful intrathecal neurolytic block for the management of cancer pain in a 10-year-old child: a case report
Authors: Tashiro Shogo , Godai Kohei , Daitoku Yukihisa , Sato Tomoyo , Enohata Kei , Kiyonaga Natsue , Maekawa Kenichi , Kanmura Yuichi
Published: April 2021

Background

Cancer pain management in children is challenging owing to their unique patient characteristics. We present the case of a 10-year-old girl whose cancer pain was successfully managed using an intrathecal neurolytic block.

Case presentation

The patient experienced severe cancer pain due to recurrent right ilium osteosarcoma. The tumor progressed rapidly despite chemoradiotherapy and gradually invaded the right lumbar plexus, which resulted in severe neuropathic pain in the right lower extremity. Systemic analgesics failed to attenuate the pain. We performed an intrathecal neurolytic block using 10% phenol-glycerol. The neurolytic block completely relieved her right lower extremity pain. After the block, the patient’s quality of life improved, and she spent her time with family.

Conclusions

The intrathecal neurolytic block successfully relieved the patient’s cancer pain. Successful intrathecal neurolytic blocks require meticulous pain assessment of individual patients, to avoid possible serious complications such as paresis/paralysis and bladder/bowel dysfunction.
The use of virtual reality and augmented reality to enhance cardio-pulmonary resuscitation: a scoping review
Authors: Kuyt Katherine , Park Sang-Hee , Chang Todd P. , Jung Timothy , MacKinnon Ralph
Published: April 2021

Background and objective

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have been proposed as novel methods to enhance cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performance and increase engagement with CPR training. A scoping review was conducted to map the global evolution of these new approaches to CPR training, to assess their efficacy and determine future directions to meet gaps in current knowledge.

Methods

A standardised five-stage scoping methodology was used to (1) identify the research question, (2) identify relevant studies, (3) select the studies, (4) chart the data and (5) summarise the findings. The Kirkpatrick model levels of evidence were used to chart and assess the efficacy of each intervention reported. A multi-pronged search term strategy was used to search the Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL and EMBASE databases up to June 2020.

Results

A total of 42 articles were included in this review. The first relevant paper identified was published in 2009 and based on VR, from 2014 onwards there was a large increase in the volume of work being published regarding VR and AR uses in CPR training. This review reports Kirkpatrick level one to three evidence for the use of VR/AR–CPR. Inconsistencies in the specific language, keywords used and methodologies are highlighted.

Conclusion

VR and AR technologies have shown great potential in the area of CPR, and there is continuing evidence of new novel applications and concepts. As VR/AR research into CPR reaches an inflection point, it is key to bring collaboration and consistency to the wider research community, to enable the growth of the area and ease of access to the wider medical community.
COVID-19 during pregnancy should we really worry from vertical transmission or rather from fetal hypoxia and placental insufficiency? A systematic review
Authors: AbdelMassih Antoine , Fouda Raghda , Essam Rana , Negm Alhussein , Khalil Dalia , Habib Dalia , Afdal George , Ismail Habiba-Allah , Aly Hadeer , Genedy Ibrahim , El Qadi Layla , Makki Leena , Shulqamy Maha , Hanafy Maram , AbdelMassih Marian , Ibrahim Marina , Ebaid Mohamed , Ibrahim Monica , El-Husseiny Nadine , Ashraf Nirvana , Shebl Noura , Menshawey Rahma , Darwish Rama , ElShahawi Rana , Ramadan Rana , Albala Sadra , Imran Salwa , Ahmed Sama , Khaldi Samer , Abohashish Sara , Paulo Stavro , Omar Yasmin , Tadros Mourad Alfy
Published: April 2021

Background

COVID-19 is the largest outbreak to strike humanity. The wide scale of fatalities and morbidities lead to a concurrent pandemic of uncertainty in scientific evidence. Conflicting evidences are released on daily basis about the neonatal outcomes of COVID-19-positive mothers. The aim of this study was to use the relevant case reports and series to determine the percentage of newborns who test positive for COVID-19 who are born to COVID-19-positive mothers. Secondary outcomes included examining laboratory abnormalities among COVID-19-positive neonates, and any depicted placental abnormalities in COVID-19-positive mothers. For this purpose, systematic review was performed on all studies reporting primary data on fetus-mother pairs with COVID-19. Data bases were searched for studies that met our inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

Final screening revealed 67 studies, from which the primary data of 1787 COVID-19 mothers were identified and had their pregnancy outcome analyzed. Only 2.8% of infants born to COVID-19-positive mothers tested positive, and this finding is identical to percentages reported in former Coronaviridae outbreaks, whereas 20% manifested with intrauterine hypoxia alongside placental abnormalities suggestive of heavy placental vaso-occlusive involvement.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that while vertical transmission is unlikely, there appears to be an underlying risk of placental insufficiency due to the prothrombotic tendency observed in COVID-19 infection. Guidelines for proper prophylactic anticoagulation in COVID-positive mothers need to be established.
Extracorporeal shock wave as adjuvant therapy for wrist and hand spasticity in post-stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tabra Samar Abd Alhamed , Zaghloul Mohammad Ibrahim , Alashkar Doaa Shawky
Published: April 2021

Background

Stroke patients often present with upper limb spasticity which impairs the functional status of patients. Recently, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is reported to be a safe, non-invasive, alternative treatment for spasticity. Many articles have been published on the effect of ESWT on lower limb spasticity, but only few of them had focused on upper limb spasticity, so the aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and electrophysiological effect of ESWT on wrist and hand spasticity of chronic stroke patients and its impact on functional performance. In this monocentric study, forty chronic stroke patients with upper limb spasticity were recruited and randomly allocated into two groups. Both groups continued to receive conventional stroke rehabilitative program, while group I received three sessions of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) 1 week apart.

Results

There was a significant decrease in wrist and hand spasticity after treatment and at follow-up in group I compared to group II (Modified Ashworth Scale after rESWT 1.45 ± 0.16, 2.90 ± 0.18 and follow-up 1.55 ± 0.13, 3.00 ± .0.15 in groups I and II, respectively). Also, there was a significant improvement of wrist control and hand function after treatment and at follow-up in group I compared to group II (p< 0.001). The improvement of pinch grip was noticed at follow-up with a significant difference relative to baseline in group I (p< 0.05). Hmax/Mmax ratio was significantly decreased at follow-up in group I compared to group II (p< 0.001).

Conclusion

ESWT is a valuable adjuvant treatment for spasticity of the hand and wrist in stroke patients which is reflected as improvement of functional activity.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT04312581. Registered on 18 March 2020.
Enhancing mental health awareness in emergency services (the ENHANcE I project): cross-sectional survey on mental health stigma among emergency services staff
Authors: Hazell Cassie M. , Koc Yasin , O'Brien Sorcha , Fielding-Smith Sarah , Hayward Mark
Published: April 2021

Background

The number of mental health-related 999 calls to emergency services has increased in recent years. However, emergency services staff have an unfavourable reputation when it comes to supporting people experiencing mental health problems.

Aims

To assess the levels of explicit and implicit mental health stigma among accident and emergency, ambulance and police staff, and draw comparisons with the general population. Additional analyses sought to identify which variables predict mental health stigma among emergency services staff.

Method

A cross-sectional survey of 1837 participants, comprising four independent groups (accident and emergency, ambulance and police staff, and the general population).

Results

Levels of mental health stigma across all four groups were lower than those reported in recent surveys of the general population by the ‘Time to Change’ campaign. Within this study, explicit levels of mental health stigma were lower among the general population compared with emergency services staff. There was no difference between emergency service professions, nor were there any between-group differences in terms of implicit mental health stigma. The only consistent predictors of mental health stigma were attitudes and future behavioural intentions, whereby increased stigma was predicted by increased fear, reduced sympathy and greater intended discrimination.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that levels of mental health stigma have improved over time, but there is room for improvement in emergency services staff. Interventions to improve mental health stigma may be most effective if, in line with the cognitive–behavioural model of stigma, they target attitudes and behavioural intentions.
Characterization of the Early Years of Bevacizumab Use for First-Line Treatment of Ovarian Cancer in the United States
Authors: Jorge Soledad , Goff Barbara A. , Gray Heidi J. , Enquobahrie Daniel A. , Doll Kemi M.
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE:

To quantify early dissemination patterns, factors influencing use, and costs of bevacizumab (BEV) for the treatment of newly diagnosed ovarian cancer (OC) in the United States before its regulatory approval for this indication (off-label use).

METHODS:

We identified women 18-65 years of age with newly diagnosed OC treated with surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy from 2008 to 2016 through the MarketScan database (N = 8,109). The proportion of women receiving BEV over time was calculated, multivariate logistic regression used to determine factors associated with BEV use, and total costs per cycle of chemotherapy with and without BEV abstracted.

RESULTS:

BEV utilization rose 1.8-fold during the study period, from 4.1% (2008) to 7.4 % (2016). BEV was used with non–platinum/taxane regimens over a third of the time (37.2%). Physician specialty (medical oncology v gyn oncology) and geography (southeast region) were significantly associated with higher rates of use. Clinical factors associated with BEV use were metastatic disease and presence of ascites. The median cost of one cycle of platinum/taxane chemotherapy plus BEV was $10,897 in US dollars (USD) (interquartile range $7,573-$18,133 USD), compared with $1,629 USD (interquartile range, $683.0-$4,461 USD) for platinum/taxane alone.

CONCLUSION:

Off-label use of BEV for newly diagnosed OC was rare (< 10%), but doubled following presentation of phase II and III data at international meetings. Both clinical (ascites, metastatic disease, and age) and nonclinical (specialty and region) factors were associated with BEV use, and its use was accompanied by a six-fold increase in the cost of one cycle of treatment.
Long-Term Use of Temozolomide as Safe and Effective Therapy for an Aggressive Corticotroph Adenoma in a Very Old Patient
Authors: Decaroli Maria Chiara , Ansaloni Anna , Monzani Maria Laura , Losa Marco , Zunarelli Elena , Rochira Vincenzo , Madeo Bruno
Published: April 2021

Background

Temozolomide (TMZ) is safe and effective in the treatment of aggressive pituitary adenomas (PAs). However, the optimal duration of TMZ therapy is still unknown. Moreover, data about administration of TMZ in elderly (≥65 years) people to treat aggressive PAs are scarce. We report the case of the oldest female patient undergoing the longest TMZ protocol described so far to treat an aggressive, initially silent corticotroph PA.

Case report

The patient initially underwent partial surgical removal of the PA. Subsequent treatment with cabergoline was applied, but it was unsuccessful in controlling the growth of the residual tumor. Pasireotide and external radiation also showed to be ineffective; therefore, treatment with TMZ was started at the standard dose of 200 mg/m2/day for 5 days every 4 weeks for a total of 47 cycles. At the time of treatment’s beginning, the patient was 83 years old. Radiological follow-up documented a progressive, remarkable reduction of the adenoma and the last imaging, after 39 cycles of TMZ, showed an intrasellar lesion with large areas of cystic degeneration. The patient also developed adrenal deficiency managed with glucocorticoid replacement. No major side effects were observed throughout the treatment, with exception of nausea, well controlled with anti-emetic medication. TMZ therapy was discontinued after 47 cycles; hormonal and imaging follow-up investigations documented sustained functional and dimensional response.

Conclusions

Our case supports the long-term use of TMZ, confirming its safety and efficacy also for elderly patients.
The association of socio-demographic and environmental factors on childhood diarrhea in Cambodia
Authors: Pisey Vong , Banchonhattakit Pannee , Laohasiriwong Wongsa
Published: April 2021

Background: Diarrhea is still the leading cause of childhood death worldwide, as well as a major cause for concern in developing countries. This study was conducted to investigate the factors related to childhood diarrhea in Cambodia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of the secondary data from the Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey 2014 was conducted using the combination of household data and children’s data. A generalized linear mixed model was used to analyze the determinant factors of childhood diarrhea.

Results: The surveys included 2,828 children, aged 12 to 35 months. The prevalence of diarrhea in the last 2 weeks was 16.44% (95% CI: 14.72%-18.31%). Factors with statistically significant associations with childhood diarrhea in Cambodia were: maternal  unemployment, compared with being in employment (AOR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.14-1.78); the child being male (AOR = 1.25; 95%CI: 1.02-1.53); the presence of unimproved toilet facilities (AOR = 1.17; 95%CI: 1.05-1.31) compared with improved toilet facilities; and unhygienic disposal of children’s stools (AOR = 1.32; 95%CI: 1.06-1.64) compared with hygienic disposal of children’s stools when controlling for other covariates. Both maternal age (one year older; AOR = 0.85; 95%CI: 0.78– 0.93) and child age (one month older; AOR = 0.86; 95%CI: 0.78-0.94) had significant negative associations with the occurrence of childhood diarrhea.

Conclusion: Childhood diarrhea remains a public health concern in Cambodia. The probability of diarrhea occurring is shown to be increased by maternal unemployment, the sex of the child being male, lack of provision of improved toilet facilities, and the unhygienic disposal of children’s stools; whereas increasing maternal age and child’s age were associated with a reduced chance of diarrhea occurring. On the basis of these results, we recommend provision of programs focusing on reducing diarrhea through the construction of improved toilet facilities and the promotion of behavior to improve hygiene, specifically targeting younger mothers.
Image analysis method for heterogeneity and porosity characterization of biomimetic hydrogels
Authors: Jamshidi Maryam , Falamaki Cavus
Published: April 2021

This work presents an image processing procedure for characterization of porosity and heterogeneity of hydrogels network mainly based on the analysis of cryogenic scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) images and can be extended to any other type of microscopy images of hydrogel porous network. An algorithm consisting of different filtering, morphological transformation, and thresholding steps to denoise the image whilst emphasizing the edges of the hydrogel walls for extracting either the pores or hydrogel walls features is explained. Finally, the information of hydrogel porosity and heterogeneity is presented in form of pore size distribution, spatial contours maps and kernel density dot plots. The obtained results reveal that a non-parametric kernel density plot effectively determines the spatial heterogeneity and porosity of the hydrogel.
Exploring the critical points of teaching STEM subjects in the time of COVID 19: the experience of the course "Microscopy Techniques for Forensic Biology"
Authors: Brunelli Elvira , Macirella Rachele
Published: April 2021

Background: The University was among the first structures to be hit by the health emergency, transferring all its teaching and research activities remotely. It was not easy for teachers and students to find themselves suddenly shifted into different teaching and socializing context.

Results: This article describes and analyzes the online teaching experience carried out for the course of Microscopy Techniques for Forensic Biology offered as a part of the Master's degree program in Biology at the University of Calabria (Italy). A cross-sectional survey (pilot study) was designed to investigate the accessibility of distance learning along with an evaluation of adjustments needed for the conversion from offline to online instruction. Particular attention has been paid to learning material and lesson duration, with specific emphasis on practical activities.

Conclusions: The author's intent is that of opening a comparison between the strengths and weaknesses that emerged in this experience, highlighting, in particular, how the educational relationship between teacher and student has changed.
Temporal development of research publications on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19
Authors: Kang Jonghoon , Kang Erin , Cowan Matthew L. , Orozco Manuel
Published: April 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected daily life throughout the world. The scientific community has globally responded to the pandemic with research on an unprecedented scale to help prevent disease spread and terminate the pandemic, resulting in a proliferation of scientific publications. In this article, the temporal trend of research on COVID-19 is analyzed to describe its development and inform a prediction of its future. Four other viruses are included in the analysis as negative or positive controls to illustrate that the concerns of the general public and/or the interest of the scientific community are major driving forces in the development of research. Our analysis predicts that COVID-19 and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) will be major topics of research until at least 2025. We discuss the implications of our analysis for three sectors of community: researchers, epidemiologists, and young students.
Health related quality of life in COVID-19 survivors discharged from acute hospitals: results of a short-form 36-item survey
Authors: Saverino Alessia , Zsirai Eva , Sonabend Raphael , Gaggero Lorenza , Cevasco Isabella , Pistarini Caterina , Cremonesi Paolo
Published: April 2021

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is important for evaluating the impact of a disease in the longer term across the physical and psychological domains of human functioning. The aim of this study is to evaluate HRQL in COVID-19 survivors in Italy using the short form 36-items questionnaire (SF-36).

Methods: This is an observational study involving adults discharged home following a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related hospital admission. Baseline demographic and clinical data including the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were collected. The validated Italian version of SF-36 was administered cross-sectionally. The SF-36 contains eight scales measuring limitations in physical and social functioning, the impact on roles and activities, fatigue, emotional well-being, pain and general health perception.

Results: A total of 35 patients, with a mean age of 60 years, completed the SF-36. The results showed difficulties across the physical and psychological domains, particularly affecting the return to previous roles and activities. A higher burden of co-morbidities as well as a more severe muscle weakness was associated to a lower physical functioning. Younger age, rather than older, correlated to a perceived greater limitation in physical functioning and vitality.

Conclusions: COVID-19 survivors particularly the ones of working age may need support for resuming their premorbid level of functioning and returning to work.
Use of the bar chart/S-curve and computerized precedence diagram method on scheduling and controlling building construction projects by contractors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Luthan Putri Lynna Adelinna , Sitanggang Nathanael , Hamid Abdul , Hadibroto Bambang
Published: April 2021

Background: Building construction projects have very complex activities, so they require precise and accurate methods of scheduling and control. Using the right method, the project executor can carry out the project according to plan and any schedule deviations can be controlled effectively. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of using the bar chart/S-curve and computerized precedence diagram method (PDM) on scheduling and controlling building construction projects.

Methods: The use of the two methods and their effectiveness during project work were analysed using a survey directed to building construction workers.

Results: A total of 50 workers completed the survey. The use of PDM (using Microsoft Project) was significantly more effective than the bar chart/S-curve method in scheduling building construction projects (t count 15.516> t table 2.660) and controlling building construction projects (t count 17.233> t table 2.660). In addition, PDM was associated with allowing the project to find the critical path more quickly, overcoming project delays more effectively.

Conclusions: By using PDM, a on a building construction project’s schedule for the implementation of the work can be changed immediately, if there is a delay or deviation of work. The findings of this study are useful for construction service companies and the development of construction management science in civil engineering study programs.
Transition in successors’ behavior and mindset while managing long-lived small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises: a qualitative study
Authors: Suzuki Hiroo , Kino Yasunobu
Published: April 2021

Background: There have been many studies conducted on succession, which can be considered as the most important issue in family businesses. However, most of these previous studies have focused only on the early stage of succession, uncovering the role of the predecessor and the successor. Only a few studies have made efforts to examine the total lifecycle of succession. The purpose of this study is to explore the process of the transition in successors' behavior and mindset while managing long-lived small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises throughout the lifecycle of succession.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six successors of small and medium-sized manufacturing companies who are more than half a century old. Their answers were analyzed using the Modified-GTA method to construct a hypothetical model.

Results: In total, 46 concepts, four categories, 17 subcategories, and one core category were generated. An analysis result diagram using all concepts and categories was formed. From the observation of this diagram, the successors gained confidence in management through the dilemma between autonomy and constraint in the early stage of succession, which was found in previous research. Following the initial stage, the successors responded to the crisis caused by market constraints and created autonomous strategies in their businesses.

Conclusions: By experiencing repetitive crises, the successors tend to acquire new perspectives toward the naturally occurring crises. This change of premise by the successors is considered as the process of double-loop learning. Relationships inside and outside the company influence the generation of this viewpoint. From a long-term perspective, a sense of unity with employees, stable employment, and the pursuit of enjoyment constitute the successors' own values in this model.
Phosphorus Runoff from Soils Receiving Liquid Dairy and Swine Manures Amended with Mine Drainage Residual
Authors: Church Clinton  D. , Hedin Robert S. , Bryant Ray B. , Wolfe Amy G. , Spargo John T. , Elkin Kyle R. , Saporito Lou S. , Kleinman Peter  J. A.
Published: April 2021

Highlights

Concern over nutrient runoff from agriculture has prompted research to limit phosphorus (P) mobility.

Mine drainage residuals (MDRs) can reduce phosphorus solubility in soils, sediments and liquid manure slurries.

MDR amendment resulted in lower dissolved phosphorus in runoff from sites treated with dairy manure slurry, but not with swine manure slurry.

This study underscores the value of testing under field conditions before making recommendations.

Abstract. Concern over nutrient runoff from agriculture has prompted considerable research on amendments to limit phosphorus (P) solubility of manure slurries and P mobility following land application of the slurry. The concept of solving one industry’s problem with another industry’s problem is attractive, but successful examples are uncommon. Mine drainage residual (MDR), generated from the process of neutralizing acid discharge from coal mines, has been shown to reduce soluble P in soils, sediments and manure slurries. We therefore sought to test whether amending manure slurries with MDR was effective at reducing P in runoff once that slurry was applied to agricultural soils. A series of simulated rainfall experiments revealed that amending dairy manure slurry with MDR resulted in significantly less flow weighted dissolved P concentrations and loads in runoff. However, the same effect was not observed with runoff from soils amended with swine manure slurry, despite a greater reduction of water extractable P in swine manure slurry with MDR addition than in dairy manure slurry. This study underscores the value of testing amendments under field conditions before making manure management recommendations. Keywords: Manure, Phosphorus, Mine drainage residual, Engineered treatment, Simulated rainfall.
A Study on Performance Evaluation of Tea Dryers
Authors: Chang Cheng-Hou , Tsai Chao-Yin , Ong Pauline , Chen Suming
Published: April 2021

Highlights

This study used data normalization, radar chart and weighting difference analysis to compare the performances of four types of tea dryers in terms of drying efficiency, energy, costs, qualities, and total efficiency.

The electro-thermal dryers were more energy-saving and environment friendly.

The vacuum drum dryer has the potential for useful application in high quality tea drying.

Abstract. Tea dryers are essential equipment for tea manufacturers whereby, the hot-air tea drying machines, such as multiple-layer conveyor dryer (MLD), electric hot-air dryer (HAD), and low-humidity dryer (LHD), are commonly used. The vacuum drum dryer (VDD), a new type of tea dryer, has the potential to improve the drying quality and efficiency. Hence, it is necessary to assess its performance in comparison with the other three dryers to facilitate its application in the tea industry. This study used data normalization, radar chart, and weighting difference analysis to compare the performance of these four dryers in terms of drying efficiency, energy, costs, qualities, and total efficiency. The evaluation results indicated that the investment cost of the HAD was the lowest among all, followed by LHD and MLD, while the VDD was the highest. In terms of the drying quality, the opposite trend was observed in which the VDD gave the best performance, and followed by LHD, MLD, and HAD. For the rating of total efficiency, HAD outperformed VDD and LHD, where the lowest total efficiency was attained by the MLD. Considering the equal weighting of cost and quality, it can be concluded that HAD showed the best performance while MLD was the worst. Different requirements for cost and qualities affect the final evaluation of tea dryers. The electro-thermal dryers were more energy-saving and environment friendly than the fuel dryer. The VDD has better performance in terms of drying rate and qualities. Despite its energy consumption and equipment costs are higher, it still has the potential for useful application in high-quality tea drying. The continuous effort of researchers and dryer manufacturers in reducing the input costs and enhancing the benefits can improve the energy consumption and machinery cost of VDD. Keywords: Dryer, Performance evaluation, Radar chart, Tea.
Experimental Study on the Optimal Threshold of Water and Nitrogen Quantities for Tomato Growth under the Irrigation with Biogas Slurry in Greenhouse
Authors: Zheng Jian , Zhang Pingan , Cui Ningbo , Wang Yan , Wang Jian , Qi Xingyun
Published: April 2021

Highlights

Application of biogas slurry can significantly improve the integrated growth, yield, quality of tomatoes.

Water-nitrogen coupling model was established based on multi-index evaluation system of tomatoes.

The optimal application quantitative range of water and nitrogen was obtained based on the water-nitrogen coupling model.

Abstract. Biogas slurry, a liquid organic fertilizer, has been widely used in agricultural production. However, the characteristics of high water content and low fertility make it always applied empirically and a scientific and reasonable application of biogas slurry is urgent needed in practical agricultural production. This study aims to explore the effects of various biogas slurry concentrations on the yield, comprehensive nutritional quality (CNQ), irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) and partial factor productivity of nitrogen (PFPN) of tomatoes in a greenhouse. Seven treatments, including T1(BS1:4; 0.8Ep), T2 (BS1:6; 0.8Ep), and T3(BS1:8; 0.8Ep), T4(BS1:4; 0.6Ep), T5(BS1:4; 1.0Ep), CK (no fertilization; 1.0Ep), CF (conventional chemical fertilization; 1.0Ep) were set up, where BS1:4, BS1:6,and BS1:8 are the volume ratio of biogas slurry to water, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 were crop dish coefficients, respectively. Ep is the evaporation amount of a 20 cm standard evaporating dish. The results showed that appropriate application of biogas slurry had a positive impact on crop growth such as total dry biomass, plant height, stem diameter and finally increased the yields, in which T1 treatment was the best. The fruit yield increased with the increase of biogas slurry ratio for treatments at the same irrigation level of 0.8Ep and the maximum yield of single tomato can reach 5.174 kg. The IWUE increased with the decrease of irrigation for treatments at the same biogas slurry ratio of BS1:4 and T4 treatment had the highest IWUE. The CNQ first increased and then decreased with the increase of biogas slurry ratio under the same irrigation level of 0.8Ep and T2 treatment obtained the highest CNQ; but the PFPN decreased with the increase of biogas slurry ratio and T3 treatment acquired the largest PFPN. Within an 80% confidence interval, when the irrigation amount was in a range of 39.233~43.134 L and the nitrogen quantities was 7.983~8.426 g, the yield, IWUE, CNQ, and PFPN can reach =80% of their maximums at the same time. Taking into account the growth, yield, fruit quality, and water and fertilizer use efficiency, T1 treatment was the best fertigation strategy for a higher production and better quality. The results can provide some help for scientific management of biogas slurry application in greenhouse. Keywords: Biogas slurry, Quality, Spatial analysis method, Tomato (Lycopersicum esculantum Mill), Yield.
Comparison of Three Commercial Automatic Boom Height Systems for Agricultural Sprayers
Authors: Burgers Travis A. , Gaard John David , Hyronimus Brian James
Published: April 2021

Highlights

Three automatic boom height systems were compared: BoomTrac Pro (A), AutoBoom XRT (B), and UC5 Passive Roll (C).

Boom leveling performance was quantified for three runs on each of three terrains for at least three speeds.

System B kept the boom height significantly closer to target than Systems A and C.

System B had significantly less boom height variability than Systems A and C.

Abstract. Automatic boom height systems reduce the variability of agricultural sprayer boom height. Consistent boom height is important for three key reasons: to reduce uneven spray dispersion if the boom is too low, to reduce spray droplet drift if the boom is too high, and to reduce damage to the boom or crop if the boom is too low. No data is available comparing commercial boom height systems. Three leading North American automatic boom height systems were compared: John Deere BoomTrac Pro™ (System A), Raven AutoBoom® XRT (System B), and Norac UC5TM Passive Roll™ (System C) on a John Deere R4045 (Systems A and B) and RoGator 1100C (Systems B and C). Each system was evaluated with three test runs for at least three speeds over each of a mild, medium, and rough terrain course. Boom heights at the left and right outside sensors were measured with the AutoBoom XRT sensors. The accuracy of the automatic boom height systems was quantified with root mean squared deviation (RMSD), the Herbst-modified Hockley Index, and the fraction of points within 10 and 25 cm of target (f10 and f<25). With four exceptions out of 216 comparisons, System B significantly outperformed System A on the R4045 and System C on the RoGator for each metric, at each sensor location, at each speed, on each terrain. At 26 km/h on medium terrain, the RMSD for Systems A and C was 174% and 107% larger than System B, respectively. At 26 km/h on medium terrain, the fraction of points within 25 cm (f<25) was 56% and 21% higher for System B than Systems A and C, respectively. These results indicate System B kept the boom significantly closer to target with significantly less height variability. Keywords: Automatic control, Boom control, Spray boom, Spray dispersion, Spray drift, Spray height.
Point defects in IBS coating for very low loss mirrors
Authors: Sayah Sihem , Sassolas Benoît , Degallaix Jérôme , Pinard Laurent , Michel Christophe , Sordini Viola , Cagnoli Gianpietro
Published: April 2021

High-reflective coatings are used in many physics experiments. Despite the high quality of the optical coating, the performances of the mirrors are altered by the scattered light induced by micrometer size defects in the coating layers. The topic of this paper is the study of the point-like scatterers present in the specific coating of the mirrors used in state-of-the-art, high-sensitivity optical experiments. We studied the behavior of the materials according to different thicknesses and the resulting defects after annealing. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first insight into the formation of such defects for different materials and thickness and how this is reduced when samples are annealed.
Optimizing photonic ring-resonator filters for OH-suppressed near-infrared astronomy
Authors: Liu Pufan , Czaplewski David A. , Ellis Simon , Kehoe Robert , Kuehn Kyler , Spinka Harold M. , Stern Nathaniel P. , Underwood David G. , Kuhlmann Steve
Published: April 2021

Near-infrared wavelength
observations are crucial for understanding numerous fields of
astrophysics, such as supernova cosmology and positronium annihilation
detection. However, current ground-based observations suffer from an
enormous background due to OH emission in the upper atmosphere. One
promising way to solve this problem is to use ring-resonator filters
to suppress OH emission lines. In this work, we discuss our
optimization of ring-resonator filter performance from five
perspectives: resonance wavelength matching, polarization-independent
operation, low insertion loss, low-loss coupling to astronomical
instruments, and broadband operation. In the end, we discuss next
steps needed for reliable supernova and positronium observations, thus
providing a roadmap for future advances in near-infrared
astronomy.
Efficient vortex beam generation using gradient refractive-index microphase plates
Authors: Zhou Junchao , Lin Pao Tai
Published: April 2021

Vortex beams were theoretically demonstrated by patterning a fiber
facet with

N

-segment microphase plates. By
changing the aluminum oxynitride material composition of each segment,
gradient refractive-index phase plates (GRPs) were designed and
introduced a

2

π
l

azimuthal optical phase difference.
The gradient index profile was able to convert a fiber Gaussian mode
to a Laguerre–Gaussian mode with varieties of topological charge

l

. A three-dimensional
finite-difference time-domain method was applied to calculate the
near-field optical phase maps and the far-field beam profiles
projected from the micro-GRPs. A uniform vortex beam with a
symmetrical doughnut shape was obtained by optimizing the GRPs’ radii
and the number of segments. The micro-GRPs enabled flat optical
components for efficient vortex beam generation.
Classification of airborne 3D point clouds regarding separation of vegetation in complex environments
Authors: Bulatov Dimitri , Stütz Dominik , Hacker Jorg , Weinmann Martin
Published: April 2021

Classification of outdoor point clouds is an intensely studied topic, particularly with respect to the separation of vegetation from the terrain and manmade structures. In the presence of many overhanging and vertical structures, the (relative) height is no longer a reliable criterion for such a separation. An alternative would be to apply supervised classification; however, thousands of examples are typically required for appropriate training. In this paper, an unsupervised and rotation-invariant method is presented and evaluated for three datasets with very different characteristics. The method allows us to detect planar patches by filtering and clustering so-called superpoints, whereby the well-known but suitably modified random sampling and consensus (RANSAC) approach plays a key role for plane estimation in outlier-rich data. The performance of our method is compared to that produced by supervised classifiers common for remote sensing settings: random forest as learner and feature sets for point cloud processing, like covariance-based features or point descriptors. It is shown that for point clouds resulting from airborne laser scans, the detection accuracy of the proposed method is over 96% and, as such, higher than that of standard supervised classification approaches. Because of artifacts caused by interpolation during 3D stereo matching, the overall accuracy was lower for photogrammetric point clouds (74–77%). However, using additional salient features, such as the normalized green–red difference index, the results became more accurate and less dependent on the data source.
High-resolution confocal microscopy with low-NA objectives based on diffractive lens arrays
Authors: Li Zheng , Taphanel Miro , Längle Thomas , Beyerer Jürgen
Published: April 2021

High resolution and large fields of view are difficult to achieve simultaneously by microscope objectives. In this work, we develop a reflection confocal microscope based on diffractive lens arrays to solve the problem. We demonstrate a prototype that generates a spot array with a numerical aperture of 0.78. Laterally, experiments show a spatial cutoff frequency of 1024 lp/mm by a 0.15 NA objective, and 912 lp/mm by a 0.07 NA objective with a 785 nm diode laser. Axially, an average height of 961 nm with a standard deviation of 49 nm is measured with a 925.5 nm calibrated step height target.
Quasi-Monte Carlo method for calculating X-ray scatter in CT
Authors: Lin Guiyuan , Deng Shiwo , Wang Xiaoqun
Published: April 2021

In this paper we transform the trajectories of X-ray as it interacts with a phantom into a high-dimensional integration problem and give the integral formula for the probability of photons emitted from the X-ray source through the phantom to reach the detector. We propose a superior algorithm called gQMCFRD, which combines GPU-based quasi-Monte Carlo (gQMC) method with forced random detection (FRD) technique to simulate this integral. QMC simulation is deterministic versions of Monte Carlo (MC) simulation, which uses deterministic low discrepancy points (such as Sobol’ points) instead of the random points. By using the QMC and FRD technique, the gQMCFRD greatly increases the simulation convergence rate and efficiency. We benchmark gQMCFRD, GPU based MC tool (gMCDRR), which performs conventional simulations, a GPU-based Metropolis MC tool (gMMC), which uses the Metropolis-Hasting algorithm to sample the entire photon path from the X-ray source to the detector and gMCFRD, that uses random points for sampling against PENELOPE subroutines: MC-GPU. The results are in excellent agreement and the Efficiency Improvement Factor range 27 ∼ 37 (or 1.09 ∼ 1.16, or 0.12 ∼ 0.15, or 3.62 ∼ 3.70) by gQMCFRD (or gMCDRR, or gMMC, or gMCFRD) with comparison to MC-GPU in all cases. It shows that gQMCFRD is more effective in these cases.