bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sound source localization – state of the art and new inverse scheme
Authors: Gombots Stefan , Nowak Jonathan , Kaltenbacher Manfred
Published: March 2021

Acoustic source localization techniques in combination with microphone array measurements have become an important tool for noise reduction tasks. A common technique for this purpose is acoustic beamforming, which can be used to determine the source locations and source distribution. Advantages are that common algorithms such as conventional beamforming, functional beamforming or deconvolution techniques (e.g., Clean-SC) are robust and fast. In most cases, however, a simple source model is applied and the Green’s function for free radiation is used as transfer function between source and microphone. Additionally, without any further signal processing, only stationary sound sources are covered. To overcome the limitation of stationary sound sources, two approaches of beamforming for rotating sound sources are presented, e.g., in an axial fan.

Regarding the restrictions concerning source model and boundary conditions, an inverse method is proposed in which the wave equation in the frequency domain (Helmholtz equation) is solved with the corresponding boundary conditions using the finite element method. The inverse scheme is based on minimizing a Tikhonov functional matching measured microphone signals with simulated ones. This method identifies the amplitude and phase information of the acoustic sources so that the prevailing sound field can be with a high degree of accuracy.
Distributed model validation with Epsilon
Authors: Madani Sina , Kolovos Dimitris , Paige Richard F.
Published: March 2021

Scalable performance is a major challenge with current model management tools. As the size and complexity of models and model management programs increases and the cost of computing falls, one solution for improving performance of model management programs is to perform computations on multiple computers. In this paper, we demonstrate a low-overhead data-parallel approach for distributed model validation in the context of an OCL-like language. Our approach minimises communication costs by exploiting the deterministic structure of programs and can take advantage of multiple cores on each (heterogeneous) machine with highly configurable computational granularity. Our performance evaluation shows that the implementation is extremely low overhead, achieving a speed up of 24.5$$\times $$
×
with 26 computers over the sequential case, and 122$$\times $$
×
when utilising all six cores on each computer.
Beethoven’s death—the result of medical malpractice?
Authors: Reiter Christian , Prohaska Thomas
Published: March 2021

Two different strands of hair taken from Beethoven’s head after his death were examined for heavy metals using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser ablation-ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma–mass spectroscopy). The results revealed the presence of small lead particles on the surface of Beethoven’s hairs and fluctuating lead levels in hair medulla along the length of the hair due to alternating lead exposure, with an average lead exposure of 100 times the normal value. The time-line attached to the peaks of these fluctuating values correlate with the pneumonia treatment and the paracenteses performed, including the subsequent treatment of the procedure wounds. While the administration of lead-containing drugs and treatments had been proven to resolve the pneumonia, it had simultaneously caused massive liver failure, accelerated by pre-existing cirrhosis. The question as to whether Beethoven’s death was a case of malpractice can only be answered from a forensic point of view ex ante, since the state of the medical knowledge of the time has to be taken into account.
General relativistic effects acting on the orbits of Galileo satellites
Authors: Sośnica K. , Bury G. , Zajdel R. , Kazmierski K. , Ventura-Traveset J. , Prieto-Cerdeira R. , Mendes L.
Published: March 2021

The first pair of satellites belonging to the European Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)—Galileo—has been accidentally launched into highly eccentric, instead of circular, orbits. The final height of these two satellites varies between 17,180 and 26,020 km, making these satellites very suitable for the verification of the effects emerging from general relativity. We employ the post-Newtonian parameterization (PPN) for describing the perturbations acting on Keplerian orbit parameters of artificial Earth satellites caused by the Schwarzschild, Lense–Thirring, and de Sitter general relativity effects. The values emerging from PPN numerical simulations are compared with the approximations based on the Gaussian perturbations for the temporal variations of the Keplerian elements of Galileo satellites in nominal, near-circular orbits, as well as in the highly elliptical orbits. We discuss what kinds of perturbations are detectable using the current accuracy of precise orbit determination of artificial Earth satellites, including the expected secular and periodic variations, as well as the constant offsets of Keplerian parameters. We found that not only secular but also periodic variations of orbit parameters caused by general relativity effects exceed the value of 1 cm within 24 h; thus, they should be fully detectable using the current GNSS precise orbit determination methods. Many of the 1-PPN effects are detectable using the Galileo satellite system, but the Lense–Thirring effect is not.
Review of seed yield components and pollination conditions in red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) seed production
Authors: Jing Shuxuan , Kryger Per , Boelt Birte
Published: March 2021

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is an important forage legume grown in many of the temperate regions around the world. In order to evaluate possible causes for the low seed yield in particular in tetraploid red clover, we surveyed 71 studies of red clover seed production published from 1948 to 2019, reviewing seed yield components, pollination and reproductive traits. Seed yield components are recorded to contribute to and improve our understanding of the complex processes leading to the red clover seed yield. However, the measurement approaches varied largely among the studies, depending on whether the seed yield components are directly measured or calculated. Red clover seed production is dependent on insect pollen transfer. However, much uncertainty of pollination and reproductive success remains. Pollination conditions were often neglected: one third of the papers did not mention pollination conditions. The information that connects pollination and seed set are lacking, very few studies measured traits in floral morphology, ovule fertilisation and seed maturation. We suggest that consistent and comprehensive evaluation of pollination and reproductive success are required to improve our understanding of reasons for the low seed yield in red clover and hence the possibilities for future improvement.
Interlaboratory evaluation of plasma N-glycan antennary fucosylation as a clinical biomarker for HNF1A-MODY using liquid chromatography methods
Authors: Demus Daniel , Jansen Bas C. , Gardner Richard A. , Urbanowicz Paulina A. , Wu Haiyang , Štambuk Tamara , Juszczak Agata , Medvidović Edita Pape , Juge Nathalie , Gornik Olga , Owen Katharine R. , Spencer Daniel I. R.
Published: March 2021

Antennary fucosylation alterations in plasma glycoproteins have been previously proposed and tested as a biomarker for differentiation of maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) patients carrying a functional mutation in the HNF1A gene. Here, we developed a novel LC-based workflow to analyze blood plasma N-glycan fucosylation in 320 diabetes cases with clinical features matching those at risk of HNF1A-MODY. Fucosylation levels measured in two independent research centers by using similar LC-based methods were correlated to evaluate the interlaboratory performance of the biomarker. The interlaboratory study showed good correlation between fucosylation levels measured for the 320 cases in the two centers with the correlation coefficient (r) of up to 0.88 for a single trait A3FG3S2. The improved chromatographic separation allowed the identification of six single glycan traits and a derived antennary fucosylation trait that were able to differentiate individuals carrying pathogenic mutations from benign or no HNF1A mutation cases, as determined by the area under the curve (AUC) of up to 0.94. The excellent (r = 0.88) interlaboratory performance of the glycan biomarker for HNF1A-MODY further supports the development of a clinically relevant diagnostic test measuring antennary fucosylation levels.
Molecular and phenotypic characterization of a collection of white grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] for temperate climates
Authors: Stagnati Lorenzo , Busconi Matteo , Soffritti Giovanna , Martino Michelangelo , Lanubile Alessandra , Marocco Adriano
Published: March 2021

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is a subsistence crop and the main food for populations in arid or semiarid regions and it is appreciated for the production of gluten-free products, forages, raw materials for industrial transformation and packaging. The end-use of different sorghum purposes having various plant or kernel characteristics require specific breeding programs to develop the desired ideotype. Sorghum grains can be classified according to kernel color, tannins and polyphenols content: white, yellow, red, brown, and black. White sorghum is characterized by a low level of total phenolic content and tannins. The advantage of using white sorghum is: increased protein digestibility, nutritional composition and consumer acceptance similar to other cereals. A collection of 117 white grain sorghums was characterized using 10 SSRs and preliminary agronomic observations were made for main traits. SSR analysis revealed from 10 to 33 alleles per locus.Observed heterozygosity was lower than expected according to the reproduction system of sorghum. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 6 main groups of genotypes. Only one group is constituted by genotypes with the same geographical origin (Egypt) while other groups are admixtures of different countries. The principal coordinate analysis revealed good correspondence between genetic profiles and groups evidenced by similar agronomic performances.
Real-time forecasting of COVID-19 bed occupancy in wards and Intensive Care Units
Authors: Baas Stef , Dijkstra Sander , Braaksma Aleida , van Rooij Plom , Snijders Fieke J. , Tiemessen Lars , Boucherie Richard J.
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a mathematical model that provides a real-time forecast of the number of COVID-19 patients admitted to the ward and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital based on the predicted inflow of patients, their Length of Stay (LoS) in both the ward and the ICU as well as transfer of patients between the ward and the ICU. The data required for this forecast is obtained directly from the hospital’s data warehouse. The resulting algorithm is tested on data from the first COVID-19 peak in the Netherlands, showing that the forecast is very accurate. The forecast may be visualised in real-time in the hospital’s control centre and is used in several Dutch hospitals during the second COVID-19 peak.
Neural Networks with Improved Extreme Learning Machine for Demand Prediction of Bike-sharing
Authors: Wu Fan , Hong Si , Zhao Wei , Wang Xiaoyan , Shao Xun , Wang Xiujun , Zheng Xiao
Published: March 2021

Accurate demand prediction of bike-sharing is an important prerequisite to reducing the cost of scheduling and improving the user satisfaction. However, it is a challenging issue due to stochasticity and non-linearity in bike-sharing systems. In this paper, a model called pseudo-double hidden layer feedforward neural networks is proposed to approximately predict actual demands of bike-sharing. Specifically, to overcome limitations in traditional back-propagation learning process, an algorithm, an extreme learning machine with improved particle swarm optimization, is designed to construct learning rules in neural networks. The performance is verified by comparing with other learning algorithms on the dataset of Streeter Dr bike-sharing station in Chicago.
Locate your soundscape: interacting with the acoustic environment
Authors: Orio Nicola , De Carolis Berardina , Liotard Francesco
Published: March 2021

Although overshadowed by visual information, sound plays a central role in how people perceive an environment. The effect of a landscape is enriched by its soundscape, that is, the stratification of all the acoustic sources that, often unconsciously, are heard. This paper presents a framework for archiving, browsing, and accessing soundscapes, either remotely or on-site. The framework is based on two main components: a web-based interface to upload and search the recordings of an acoustic environment, enriched by in- formation about geolocation, timing, and context of the recording; and a mobile app to browse and listen to the recordings, using an interactive map or GPS information. To populate the archive, we launched two crowdsourcing initiatives. An initial experiment examined the city of Padua’s soundscape through the participation of a group of undergraduate students. A broader experiment, which was proposed to all people in Italy, aimed at tracking how the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown was dramatically changing the soundscape of the entire country.
Robustness of nonlinear parameter identification in the presence of process noise using control-based continuation
Authors: Beregi Sandor , Barton David A. W. , Rezgui Djamel , Neild Simon A.
Published: March 2021

In this study, we consider the experimentally obtained, periodically forced response of a nonlinear structure in the presence of process noise. Control-based continuation is used to measure both the stable and unstable periodic solutions, while different levels of noise are injected into the system. Using these data, the robustness of the control-based continuation algorithm and its ability to capture the noise-free system response are assessed by identifying the parameters of an associated Duffing-like model. We demonstrate that control-based continuation extracts system information more robustly, in the presence of a high level of noise, than open-loop parameter sweeps and so is a valuable tool for investigating nonlinear structures.
Generalized Superharmonic Functions with Strongly Nonlinear Operator
Authors: Chlebicka Iwona , Zatorska-Goldstein Anna
Published: March 2021

We study properties of $\mathcal {A}$
A
-harmonic and $\mathcal {A}$
A
-superharmonic functions involving an operator having generalized Orlicz growth. Our framework embraces reflexive Orlicz spaces, as well as natural variants of variable exponent and double-phase spaces. In particular, Harnack’s Principle and Minimum Principle are provided for $\mathcal {A}$
A
-superharmonic functions.
Who Needs Sensory Education?
Authors: Biswas Tanu
Published: March 2021

Customarily, reflections on the need to educate sensory and bodily enactments with the world, take for granted that it is the child who must be educated. However, the educational passage of becoming 'rational' and 'grown up' often leaves the adult divorced from her own embodied self. As part of my engagement with childism (conf. Wall in Ethics in light of childhood, Georgetown University Press, Washington, 2010; The child as natural phenomenologist. Primal and primary experience in Merleau-Ponty’s psychology, Northwestern University Press, Evanston, 2013; Child Geogr, 2019,https://doi.org/10.1080/14733285.2019.1668912) in this article, I ask: Who needs sensory education? In response, I propose that it is adults who need sensory education more than theirtemporal others(Beauvais, in: Spyrou S, Rosen R, Cook DT (eds) Reimagining childhood studies, Bloomsbury Academic, London, pp 57–74 2018) i.e. children. As Merleau-Ponty has shown, the richness of embodied perception that children experience, is relatively distant for adults (Bahler in Child Philos 11:203–221, 2015; Welsh in The child as natural phenomenologist. Primal and primary experience in Merleau-Ponty’s psychology, Northwestern University Press, Evanston, 2013). The particular lived-experience I reflect on is the sense of temporality. Accompanied by two distinct, yet interconnected examples of encounters with Baby Ole and Captain Duke, I suggest that being-with-children can enable philosophical clearings for adults to re-cognise plural temporalities, as opposed to a singular clock-time perception of Time. (The prepositionwithis used in the sense of the Norwegianhosor Germanbei, whereby an adult intentionally positions herself as a guest in a child's world.)
Competitive Hydrogenation and Hydrodeoxygenation of Oxygen-Substituted Aromatics over Rh/Silica: Catechol, Resorcinol and Hydroquinone
Authors: Kirkwood Kathleen , Jackson S. David
Published: March 2021

The competitive hydrogenation and hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of dihydroxybenzene isomers, catechol (1,2-dihydroxybenzene), resorcinol (1,3-dihydroxybenzene) and hydroquinone (1,4-dihydroxybenzene), was studied in the liquid phase over a Rh/silica catalyst at 323 K and 3 barg hydrogen pressure. Under competitive hydrogenation conditions an order of reactivity of ortho > para > meta was observed. Catechol initially inhibited resorcinol and hydroquinone hydrogenation but not HDO suggesting separate sites for hydrogenation and HDO. When resorcinol and hydroquinone were reacted competitively, HDO became the favoured reaction. The data suggested that cyclohexane and cyclohexanone were primary products. At low dihydroxybenzene (DHB) conversion the ratio of HDO products was dependent upon DHB isomer. When all three DHB isomers were reacted together, initially 86% of the HDO yield came from catechol with the rest from hydroquinone. When resorcinol finally reacted, HDO products were produced first. Reaction of DHB isomers in pairs using deuterium instead of hydrogen revealed changes in kinetic isotope effect (KIE). The presence of competing reactants had a dramatic effect on the energetics of hydrogenation and HDO reactions of individual components, reinforcing the view that hydrogenation and HDO are mechanistically separate. This effect on reaction energetics observed when more than one substrate was present, highlights the limitations of studying one single model compound as a route to understanding the processes required for the upgrading of a true bio-oil feed.
Contemporary Philanthropy in the Spotlight: Pushing the Boundaries of Research on a Global and Contested Social Practice
Authors: von Schnurbein Georg , Rey-Garcia Marta , Neumayr Michaela
Published: March 2021

This article is intended as the leading article in a special issue devoted to the achievements, limitations, opportunities and risks entailed in the research and practice of contemporary philanthropy. The article first characterizes philanthropy as a highly diverse and dynamic set of social practices that has only recently been subject to the systematic scrutiny of an emerging field of research, parallel to its rapid transformation and increased societal visibility. The main debates that emerged during the last two decades while researching the complexities of contemporary philanthropy are contextualized from the perspective of multiple disciplines; and the main foci for contentious conceptualizations and societal expectations explored. In this context, contributions of the special issues are summarized. Further avenues for pushing the boundaries of philanthropy research in ways inclusive of the dynamism, diversity, multi-disciplinarity and controversy that characterize the field, while at the same time providing meaningful answers to societal concerns about the potential and shortcomings of new philanthropic practices, are drawn.
Income, wealth and use of personal protection equipment in the Mekong Delta
Authors: Migheli Matteo
Published: March 2021

Both in developing and developed countries, farmers often do not protect themselves adequately, especially when applying agrochemicals that are dangerous for their health. The issue is relevant because insufficient protection is between the causes leading to intoxication of farmers and workers who handle these products. The literature suggests that both lack of training and information and low income may explain why, especially in developing countries, protective equipment is under-used. Using data from the Mekong Delta, this study addresses the issue of whether income and household wealth may help explaining the use of incomplete protections against pesticides. The results suggest that income, more than wealth, is a reason why Vietnamese farmers operating in the Mekong Delta fail in using adequate protections. In particular, the data suggest that they may prefer to divert resources to increasing the production of their fields or to buying goods that may be used both as protection and as everyday garments. This behaviour leads to underinvestment in some important protective goods. Possible public interventions to mitigate the problem are suggested; in particular, the promotion of integrated pest management techniques could be useful.
Separation of Aluminum from More Noble Elements in an Electrolysis Cell with Side-by-Side Geometry
Authors: Solheim AsbjØrn , Kjos Ole S. , Gudbrandsen Henrik , Skybakmoen Egil
Published: March 2021

Currently, recycled metal is diluted with primary metal to keep the concentration of alloying elements within specification. This will be more difficult in the future, when a larger proportion of the metal is made from scrap. Particularly, there is a need for a process that can remove elements more noble than aluminum from the scrap metal. While electrolytic refining in a three-layer cell (the Hoopes process) is a possibility; the present paper presents a simpler and more flexible electrolysis cell where the anode metal (alloy) and the cathode metal (purified metal) are placed side-by-side. The principle was demonstrated in a laboratory cell. The current efficiency was above 80 pct and the specific energy consumption was about 7 kWh/kg Al. The refining effect was very good, e.g., the copper content in the 7xxx alloy used was reduced from 2.1 wt pct to less than 20 ppm. An industrial version of the cell used in the present work is suggested. The principles and design are generic and can be used for other purposes than recycling aluminum.
Influence of Hydrostatic Extrusion on the Mechanical Properties of the Model Al-Mg Alloys
Authors: Towarek Aleksandra , Jurczak Wojciech , Zdunek Joanna , Kulczyk Mariusz , Mizera Jarosław
Published: March 2021

Two model aluminium-magnesium alloys, containing 3 and 7.5 wt.% of Mg, were subjected to plastic deformation by means of hydrostatic extrusion (HE). Two degrees of deformation were imposed by two subsequent reductions of the diameter. Microstructural analysis and tensile tests of the materials in the initial state and after deformation were performed. For both materials, HE extrusion resulted in the deformation of the microstructure—formation of the un-equilibrium grain boundaries and partition of the grains. What is more, HE resulted in a significant increase of tensile strength and decrease of the elongation, mostly after the first degree of deformation.
Evaluating objective measures of impairment to trunk strength and control for cross-country sit skiing
Authors: Rosso Valeria , Linnamo Vesa , Vanlandewijck Yves , Rapp Walter , Fasel Benedikt , Karczewska-Lindinger Magdalena , Lindinger Stefan , Gastaldi Laura
Published: March 2021

In Paralympic cross-country sit skiing, athlete classification is performed by an expert panel, so it may be affected by subjectivity. An evidence-based classification is required, in which objective measures of impairment must be identified. The purposes of this study were: (i) to evaluate the reliability of 5 trunk strength measures and 18 trunk control measures developed for the purposes of classification; (ii) to rank the objective measures, according to the largest effects on performance. Using a new testing device, 14 elite sit-skiers performed two upright seated press tests and one simulated poling test to evaluate trunk strength. They were also subjected to unpredictable balance perturbations to measure trunk control. Tests were repeated on two separate days and test–retest reliability of trunk strength and trunk control measures was evaluated. A cluster analysis was run and correlation was evaluated, including all strength and control measures, to identify the measures that contributed most to clustering participants. Intraclass correlations coefficients (ICC) were 0.71 < ICC < 0.98 and 0.83 < ICC < 0.99 for upright seated press and perturbations, respectively. Cluster analysis identified three clusters with relevance for strength and balance control measures. For strength, in upright seated press peak anterior pushing force without backrest (effect size = 0.77) and ratio of peak anterior pushing force without and with backrest (effect size = 0.72) were significant. For balance control measures, trunk range of motion in forward (effect size = 0.81) and backward (effect size = 0.75) perturbations also contributed. High correlations (− 0.76 < r < − 0.53) were found between strength and control measures. The new testing device, protocol, and the cluster analysis show promising results in assessing impairment of trunk strength and control to empower an evidence-based classification.
Review of Devonian-Carboniferous Boundary sections in the Rhenish Slate Mountains (Germany)
Authors: Becker R. Thomas , Hartenfels Sven , Kaiser Sandra I.
Published: March 2021

Thirty Devonian-Carboniferous Boundary sections of the Rhenish Slate Mountains and adjacent subsurface areas are reviewed with respect to litho-, event, conodont, ammonoid, sequence, and chemostratigraphy. In the interval from the base of the uppermost Famennian (Wocklum Beds, Wocklumian) to the base of the middle Tournaisian (base Lower Alum Shale), 11 conodont and 16 ammonoid (sub)zones are distinguished. The terminology of the Hangenberg Crisis Interval is refined, with an overall regressive Crisis Prelude below the main Hangenberg Extinction, which defines the base of the transgressive Lower Crisis Interval (Hangenberg Black Shale). The glacigenic and regressive Middle Crisis Interval (Hangenberg Shale/Sandstone) is followed by the overall transgressive Upper Crisis Interval that can be subdivided into three parts (I to III) with the help of conodont stratigraphy (uppercostatus-kockeliInterregnum = upperckI,Protognathodus kockeliZone, and lower part ofSiphonodella(Eosiphonodella)sulcatas.l./Pr. kuehniZone).Protognathodus kockeliincludes currently a wide range of forms, which variabilities and precise ranges need to be established before a precise GSSP level should be selected. Returning to its original definition, the former UpperduplicataZone is re-named asSiphonodella(S.)mehliZone. It replaces theS.(S.)jiiZone, which is hampered by taxonomic complications. TheS.(S.)quadruplicataZone of Ji (1985) is hardly supported by Rhenish data. The entry of typicalS.(S.)lobata(M1) characterises an upper subdivision (subzone) of theS.(S.)sandbergiZone; the newS.(S.)lobataM2 enters much earlier within theS.(S.)mehliZone. The ammonoid-defined base of the Wocklum-Stufe (Upper Devonian = UD VI) begins with theLinguaclymenia similisZone (UD VI-A1). The oldestS.(Eosiphonodella) enter within theMuessenbiaergia bisulcataZone (UD VI-A2). The traditionalParawocklumeria paradoxaZone of Schindewolf (1937) is divided into successiveP. paprothae(VI-C1),P. paradoxa(VI-C2), andMayneoceras nucleus(VI-C3) Subzones. In the lower Tournaisian (Lower Carboniferous = LC I), theGattendorfia subinvolutaZone is subdivided intoG. subinvoluta(LC I-A2) and “Eocanites”nodosus(LC I-A3) Subzones. ThePaprothites dorsoplanusZone (LC I-B) can be divided intoPap. dorsoplanus(LC I-B1) andParagattendorfia sphaeroides(LC I-B2) Subzones. Potential subdivisions of thePseudarietites westfalicus(LC I-C) andParag. patensZones (LC I-D) are less distinctive. The unfossiliferous or argillaceous upper part of the Hangenberg Limestone and the overlying Lower Alum Shale Event Interval remain regionally unzoned for ammonoids.
Parental acceptance of advanced behaviour management techniques in paediatric dentistry in families with different cultural background
Authors: Al Zoubi L. , Schmoeckel J. , Mustafa Ali M. , Splieth CH.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To investigate the differences of parental acceptance of advanced behaviour management techniques (BMT) in different cultural backgrounds (Germany vs. Jordan).

Methods

A convenience sample of 100 parents each of paediatric patients at the University of Greifswald/Germany and Jordan University/Jordan completed a questionnaire to rate their acceptance of four advanced BMT (passive restraint, active restraint, nitrous oxide sedation, and general anaesthesia) using a five-point Likert scale.

Results

In both groups, nitrous oxide sedation was the most accepted advanced BMT (mean 3.78 ± 1.34/3.22 ± 1.50, respectively). The least acceptable technique in Germany was passive restraint (2.05 ± 1.18) and in Jordan general anaesthesia (2.11 ± 1.30). The parents in Germany are significantly more accepting of nitrous oxide sedation than are parents in Jordan (p = 0.010), while parents in Jordan are more willing to accept passive restraint (p = 0.001). The acceptance of all advanced BMT increased significantly in both groups when the treatment was urgent.

Conclusions

Parental cultural background and the urgency of the treatment affect the acceptance of different BMT. Moreover, the parental attitude to the pharmacological technique has changed, as nitrous oxide sedation generally appears to be the most preferred advanced technique in both groups.
Underground location algorithm based on random forest and environmental factor compensation
Authors: Qiao Xin , Chang Fei
Published: March 2021

Aiming at the poor location accuracy caused by the harsh and complex underground environment, long strip roadway, limited wireless transmission and sparse anchor nodes, an underground location algorithm based on random forest and compensation for environmental factors was proposed. Firstly, the underground wireless access point (AP) network model and tunnel environment were analyzed, and the fingerprint location algorithm was built. And then the Received Signal Strength (RSS) was analyzed by Kalman Filter algorithm in the offline sampling and real-time positioning stage. Meanwhile, the target speed constraint condition was introduced to reduce the error caused by environmental factors. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm solves the problem of insufficient location accuracy and large fluctuation affected by environment when the anchor nodes are sparse. At the same time, the average location accuracy reaches three meters, which can satisfy the application of underground rescue, activity track playback, disaster monitoring and positioning. It has high application value in complex underground environment.
Investigation of non-Pb all-perovskite 4-T mechanically stacked and 2-T monolithic tandem solar devices utilizing SCAPS simulation
Authors: Islam Md. Tohidul , Jani Md. Rafsun , Rahman Sanzida , Shorowordi Kazi Md. , Nishat Sadiq Shahriyar , Hodges Deidra , Banerjee Sankha , Efstathiadis Harry , Carbonara Joaquin , Ahmed Saquib
Published: March 2021

SCAPS simulation was utilized to complement previously published perovskite-on-Si tandem solar devices and explore herein viable all-perovskite 4-T mechanically stacked and 2-T monolithic non-Pb tandem structures. CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3 (1.5 eV) was used as top cell wide bandgap absorber, while CsSnI3 (1.3 eV) was chosen as bottom cell low bandgap absorber. The top cell was simulated with AM 1.5G 1 Sun spectrum, and the bottom cell was simulated with the filtered spectrum from the top cell. To form a 2-T monolithic tandem device, ITO was used as the recombination layer; the current matching condition was investigated by varying the thickness of the absorber layers. For a current-matched device with a Jsc of 21.2 mA/cm2, optimized thicknesses of 450 nm and 815 nm were obtained for the top and bottom absorber layers, respectively. At these thicknesses, the PCEs of the top and bottom cells were 14.08% and 9.25%, respectively, and 18.32% for the final tandem configuration. A much simpler fabricated and simulated 4-T mechanically stacked tandem device, on the other hand, showcased top and bottom cell PCEs of 15.83% and 9.15%, at absorber layer thicknesses of 1300 nm and 900 nm, respectively, and a final overall tandem device PCE of 19.86%.
Effectiveness of bagasse ash for performance improvement of asphalt concrete pavements
Authors: Zia Asad , Khan Ayaz Ahmad
Published: March 2021

The performance of asphalt concrete pavements (ACP) is greatly related to the rate of rutting. Stone dust is mostly used as a filler in ACP. Bagasse ash being cementitious in nature, and costless waste can also be used as a filler. The overall aim is to select a suitable filler for better performance of asphalt concrete pavements. The effectiveness of locally available bagasse ash is examined as a filler for asphalt concrete in terms of its effect on job mix formula, stability, rutting depth, the rise in temperature, and cost of asphalt concrete. All tests are performed as per AASHTO standards. The bagasse ash asphalt concrete showed a reduction in rutting depth, temperature rise, and cost as compared to that of the stone dust asphalt concrete without disturbing the job mix formula. Hence, bagasse ash can be helpful for the performance enhancement of asphalt concrete pavements.
Exclusion of SARS-COV-2 From Two Maine Overnight Camps July-August 2020
Authors: Kowalsky Rachel H. , Fine Susan , Eisenberg Matthew A.
Published: March 2021

Objectives:

Summer camp can positively affect self-esteem and social skills. Most United States summer camps did not open during 2020 because of concerns about severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2). Our objective is to describe exclusion strategies successfully used by 2 summer camps in Maine.

Methods:

Before camp arrival, all attendees were asked to quarantine at home for 14 d and perform a daily symptom checklist. Salivary specimens were submitted by mail for SARS-COV-2 PCR testing 4 d before arrival, and again 4 d after arrival. At camp, multiple layers of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were used.

Results:

A total of 717 (96.7%) prospective attendees underwent remotely supervised saliva collection; 4 were positive and did not come to camp. Among the 20 who did not submit a sample, 3 did not come to camp; the other 17 underwent screening and a rapid antigen test for SARS-COV-2 immediately upon arrival and before reporting to communal living spaces; all were negative. All campers and staff were re-tested by salivary polymerase chain reaction 4 d after arrival, and all were negative.

Conclusions:

We demonstrate that it is possible to safely operate overnight camps during a pandemic, thus supporting the continued physical and socioemotional growth of children, using multiple layers of NPIs.
Establishing a Pre-COVID-19 Hospital Biopreparedness Initiative
Authors: Popescu Saskia , Leach Rebecca , Robinson Krystal
Published: March 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)/coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has amplified the role of hospitals in infectious disease response and capacity building. In efforts to respond to the growing volume of cases, hospitals have become a microcosm for US pandemic response. The COVID-19 outbreak has highlighted that hospital preparedness for biological events, such as a pandemic, are often inadequate and dependent on leadership investment in biopreparedness. This article discusses the proactive decision, before COVID-19, that a Phoenix-based hospital system made to invest in high-consequence disease (HCD) preparedness. Within these efforts, a gap analysis was performed, which led to creation of an HCD subcommittee and corresponding efforts to address vulnerabilities and opportunities for improvement. From establishing enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) and infectious disease training for frontline staff, to building an outbreak tracking mechanism for travel alerts within the electronic medical record, the HCD efforts of this hospital system created a stronger foundation to respond to biological events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hysteresis and turbulent vortex breakdown in transitional swirling jets
Authors: Moise Pradeep , Mathew Joseph
Published: March 2021

Vortex breakdown (VB) in unconfined swirling jets occurs as either a bubble form of vortex breakdown (BVB) or a conical form of vortex breakdown (CVB). This computational study examines flow features of these forms for a Reynolds number at which VB is accompanied by a transition to turbulence (

$Re = 1000$

, based on inflow jet radius and centreline velocity). Large eddy simulations were performed with the inflow condition as the Maxworthy profile which models a laminar, axisymmetric swirling jet, and the effect of varying inflow swirl strength was investigated. BVB was observed at lower swirl strengths than those at which CVB occurs. With increasing swirl, the regular and wide-open types of CVB occur. Spiral coherent structures that develop in the flow were examined using spectral proper orthogonal decomposition. Further, by means of hysteresis studies, it is established that the turbulent BVB and regular CVB are bistable forms. Similarly, it is shown that the two types of CVB are also bistable. The difference in recirculation zone (RZ) sizes between the turbulent BVB and regular CVB is greatly reduced when compared to the laminar counterparts. This is postulated as a reason for misidentification of CVB (RZ approximately conical in shape) as BVB (spheroidal RZ) in some previous studies. The present study highlights the distinct features of turbulent BVB and CVB, which can potentially be used towards improving designs of swirl-stabilized combustors.
Association between Healthy Eating Index-2015 scores and probable sarcopenia in community-dwelling Iranian older adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Esmaeily Zahra , Tajary Zahra , Daei Sharzad , Rezaei Mahshid , Eyvazkhani Atefeh , Dorosty Motlagh Ahmad Reza , Palmowski Andriko
Published: March 2021

Sarcopenia is associated with frailty and disability in older adults. Adherence to current dietary guidelines in addition to physical activity could prevent muscle wasting and weakness. The Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI) is a tool to assess diet quality. We aimed to investigate the association between HEI scores and probable sarcopenia (PS) among older adults in Tehran. 201 randomly selected older adults were included in this cross-sectional study between May and October 2019 in Tehran, Iran. A previously validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to estimate HEI scores and dietary intake. Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured to evaluate the PS. Statistical evaluation included descriptive analysis, logistic and linear regression. Those probably suffering from sarcopenia had significantly lower HEI scores (P=0⋅02). After adjusting for confounders, HEI scores and HGS were still significantly associated (adjusted R2=0⋅56, slope β=0⋅03, P=0⋅09). Older adults with a low PS had a higher ratio of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids (P= 0⋅06) and ingested less added sugars and saturated fats (P=0⋅01 and P=0⋅02, respectively). Furthermore, consuming more total protein foods correlated positively with muscle strength (P=0⋅01, R=0⋅18). To sum up, HEI scores were associated with PS, measured by HGS, indicating that adhering to the HEI might improve muscle strength in aging individuals.
Enforcing rights in employment tribunals: insights from age discrimination claims in a new ‘dataset’
Authors: Blackham Alysia
Published: March 2021

The online publication of employment tribunal (ET) decisions in England, Wales and Scotland marks a watershed moment, opening up new innovative avenues for legal research, and promoting transparency in labour law decision-making. Drawing on this ‘dataset’, and using age discrimination decisions as a lens to facilitate analysis, this paper reflects on the advantages and limitations of using online ET decisions as a data source to support labour law research. By considering matters of time in age discrimination decisions – both in relation to time limits for bringing a claim, and ET delays – this paper uses innovative empirical findings to map the limits of the individual enforcement model adopted by discrimination laws, and illustrates some of the barriers to successfully bringing a claim for discrimination.
Subterranean Properties: India's Political Ecology of Coal, 1870–1975
Authors: Shutzer Matthew
Published: March 2021

Scholars have long been attentive to the relationship between legal regimes and agrarian dispossession in the resource frontiers of the postcolonial world. The analytical problem of identifying how private firms use legal regimes to take control of land—whether for mining, plantations, or Special Economic Zones—now animates a new body of research seeking the historical antecedents for contemporary land grabs. In the case of colonial South Asia, existing scholarship has often tended to suggest that the law precedes processes of capital accumulation, and that colonial capital operated within the confines of definable, even if legally plural, institutional regimes, such as property rights and commercial law. This perspective suggests, if only implicitly, that capitalist firms prefer to work within formal frameworks of legality. In this article, I outline a different understanding of the place of law in colonial South Asia, which follows the formation of property law for coal at the end of the nineteenth century. I argue that the discursive framing of coal's status as property emerged out of, rather than preceded, social and ecological displacements caused by a coal commodity boom after 1894. Reconstructing conflicts over coal-bearing agrarian land through civil court records and mining company property deeds, I demonstrate how the absence of coal property within the colonial legal archive was reassembled through a recursive conception of legality. This genealogy of law recovers the historical context for contemporary struggles over mining claims in India's coal region today.
The “Second Egypt”: Cretan Refugees, Agricultural Development, and Frontier Expansion in Ottoman Cyrenaica, 1897–1904
Authors: Lorenz Fredrick Walter
Published: March 2021

This article investigates the Ottoman state's endeavor to create the “second Egypt” by consolidating its imperial authority along the coastline and hinterland of Cyrenaica from 1897 to 1904. It examines the strategic settlement of Cretan Muslim refugees in territories situated between Benghazi and Derna and in al-Jabal al-Akhdar following the Cretan insurrection of 1897–98. I argue that Cretan Muslim refugees-turned-settlers served as skilled agriculturalists and experienced armed sentries who were integral to the Ottoman state's plans for economic development and expansionism in Cyrenaica. Focusing particularly on ‘Ayn al-Shahhat and Marsa Susa, this article contends that the establishment of Cretan Muslim agricultural colonies served to undermine the political and economic position of the Sanusi order by appropriating the order's properties and access to resources. This work offers a new perspective on how the Ottoman state reasserted its sovereignty in its frontier territory in Cyrenaica by harnessing the power of migration.
Childlessness, geographical proximity and non-family support in 12 European countries
Authors: Fihel Agnieszka , Kalbarczyk Małgorzata , Nicińska Anna
Published: March 2021

The number of relatives and geographical proximity between them affects informal support provided to older persons. In this study, we investigate whether (a) childless persons and parents living remotely from their adult children experience similar shortages in informal support, and (b) whether neighbours, friends and other non-family helpers compensate for these shortages. On the basis of Survey on Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) data for 12 European countries, we estimate the probability and amount of informal non-financial support received by persons aged 65 and over who remain childless or live at different distances to their children. The contribution of non-family individuals is rather complementary to the help from family. Parents residing in the proximity of their children rely almost exclusively on family; as the geographical distance between adult children and older parents increases, the probability and amount of non-family support increase as well. But childless individuals differ from parents of remotely living children: the former rely on smaller support networks and resort more often to other relatives than the latter. Non-family individuals compensate for the scarcity of informal support only in the case of parents of distant children, but not in the case of childless individuals.
Exploring ageing and time as resources in men's mental health experiences
Authors: Roger Kerstin , Herron Rachel , Ahmadu Mairo , Allan Jonathan A. , Waddell Candice M.
Published: March 2021

While research on men's mental health is increasing, it has not typically focused on the intersections between ageing, masculinity and mental health in a rural context. Given the significant increase not only in our global ageing population, but also our growing awareness of mental health problems in the general population, understanding men as they grow older in relation to mental health is a notable gap in research. In this paper, the authors explore the ageing experiences of male participants over 50 with self-identified mental health problems in rural Manitoba. We draw on semi-structured qualitative interviews from a larger project which focused on the diversity of rural men's perceptions, experiences and expressions of mental health and wellness. Specifically, we explore how these men reflect on their mental health and wellness. Participants in the study described their experiences as a cumulative process of making meaning, developing strategies, resources and a more positive sense of self – but sometimes also simply for survival. Men's sense of time over time – looking back and reflecting on the present and the future – appears to be a critical resource and a positive coping strategy for these men associated with ageing. The main themes include sustaining relationships; work, retirement and volunteering; and reflections on physical and emotional health. Our paper concludes with a discussion of the implications for new research on ageing men's mental health in a rural context.
The half life of economic injustice
Authors: Miles David
Published: March 2021

This paper addresses a question which is fundamental to the perceived legitimacy of the distribution of resources today: to what extent does unfairness in how assets came to be acquired in the past affect incomes and wealth now? To answer that question requires two things: first, a principle to determine what is, and what is not, a just acquisition of wealth or a just source of income; second, a means of using that principle to estimate what fraction of wealth and income is now unjust. I use a principle put forward by Robert Nozick to provide the first of these things and then use a model of wealth accumulation and economic growth to illustrate its implications for the scale of unfairness today. The greater is depreciation of assets, the higher are saving rates out of labour income and the less important is human capital the more transient are the effects of past economic injustices. I use data on the perceived unfairness of economic outcomes to see if there is any evidence that those features which the model implies should influence the durability of injustice help explain cross-country differences in attitudes towards unfairness.