bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Judges and court performance: a case study of district commercial courts in Poland
Authors: Bełdowski Jarosław , Dąbroś Łukasz , Wojciechowski Wiktor 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe goal of this paper is to analyse determinants of the performance of commercial district courts in Poland in the period 2009–2016 in terms of the number of resolved cases. To this end we apply a panel data approach to identify factors affecting court output (i.e. the number of cases adjudicated) and stochastic frontier analysis to investigate determinants of court efficiency in resolving cases. Although we found that the judicial system in Poland is mostly driven by the demand for justice, the results indicate that an increase in the number of judges can significantly enhance the number of resolved cases that require a full court trial. We also found that court efficiency is significantly associated with some auxiliary court staff members and variables capturing economic development of court jurisdiction. Specifically, we found that judge assistants increase court efficiency in resolving commercial cases requiring a full trial and court clerks boost court efficiency in resolving writ-of-payment cases.
Impacts of a deep reactive layer on sedimentary phosphorus dynamics in a boreal lake recovering from eutrophication
Authors: Jilbert Tom , Jokinen Sami , Saarinen Timo , Mattus-Kumpunen Ulpu , Simojoki Asko , Saarni Saija , Salminen Sarianna , Niemistö Juha , Horppila Jukka 
Published: May 2020

AbstractUsing biogeochemical analyses of sediments and porewaters, we investigate the legacy of a brief, intense period of eutrophication on sedimentary phosphorus (P) cycling in a boreal lake (Enonselkä basin, Lake Vesijärvi, Finland). Point-source sewage inputs in the twentieth century caused deoxygenation of the lake and accelerated the focusing of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) oxides into deeper areas. Early diagenesis under Fe–Mn-rich conditions now favors rapid burial of P in these areas, likely as a combination of both oxide-bound P phases and authigenic manganous vivianite. A new P budget for Enonselkä basin shows that P burial causes an annual drawdown of 1.2% (± 0.2%) of the surface sediment P inventory, supporting a long-term trend towards recovery since the construction of a wastewater treatment plant in the mid-1970s. However, remineralization of organic matter and associated dissolution of Fe–Mn oxides continues to regenerate P from a deep reactive layer (20–60 cm depth) deposited at the height of past eutrophication, leading to an upwards diffusive flux of dissolved phosphate towards the surface sediments. The magnitude of this flux is similar to that of external P loading to the lake. The combined incoming fluxes of P are likely to retard the complete recovery from eutrophication by decades, despite ongoing restoration actions.
In-house genetic counseling increases the detection of abnormal karyotypes—a 26-year experience in prenatal diagnosis in a single tertiary referral hospital in Poland
Authors: Bijok Julia , Kucińska–Chahwan Anna , Massalska Diana , Ilnicka Alicja , Panek Grzegorz , Roszkowski Tomasz 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the trends in prenatal diagnosis over 26 years in a tertiary referral hospital.MethodsA retrospective analysis of invasive prenatal procedures performed between 1991 and 2016. Maternal characteristics, indications for invasive diagnosis, and percentage of abnormal karyotypes were compared between periods according to guidelines implemented nationally and locally.ResultsA total of 14,302 invasive prenatal procedures were performed. The proportion of invasive procedures performed for advanced maternal age, abnormal karyotype in a previous pregnancy, and maternal anxiety decreased from 71.1%, 17.8%, 8.9% in 1991 to 23.9%, 1.3%, and 2.3% in 2016 (OR 0.6, 0.8, and 0.9 for each 5 years, respectively;p< 0.001), while the proportion of invasive procedures performed for abnormal ultrasound increased from 2.2% in 1991 to 51.6% in 2016 (OR 1.9 for each 5 years;p< 0.001). Abnormal karyotype was found in 9.7%. The proportion of abnormal karyotypes increased significantly from 0.0% in 1991 to 15.7% in 2016 (OR 1.35 for each 5-year period;p< 0.001). The odds of abnormal karyotype increased after the implementation of the Ordinance of the Minister of Health in 2003 (OR 1.6), the National Prenatal Screening Program in 2007 (OR 2.2), and the in-house genetic counseling with combined first trimester screening in 2015 (OR 3.1).ConclusionsSignificant changes in prenatal diagnosis led to a better selection of patients undergoing invasive prenatal procedures. The implementation of in-house genetic counseling was associated with an increased rate of the detection of abnormal karyotypes.
Higher Order Time Stepping Methods for Subdiffusion Problems Based on Weighted and Shifted Grünwald–Letnikov Formulae with Nonsmooth Data
Authors: Wang Yanyong , Yan Yuyuan , Yan Yubin , Pani Amiya K. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTwo higher order time stepping methods for solving subdiffusion problems are studied in this paper. The Caputo time fractional derivatives are approximated by using the weighted and shifted Grünwald–Letnikov formulae introduced in Tian et al. (Math Comput 84:2703–2727, 2015). After correcting a few starting steps, the proposed time stepping methods have the optimal convergence orders $$O(k^2)$$O(k2) and $$ O(k^3)$$O(k3), respectively for any fixed time t for both smooth and nonsmooth data. The error estimates are proved by directly bounding the approximation errors of the kernel functions. Moreover, we also present briefly the applicabilities of our time stepping schemes to various other fractional evolution equations. Finally, some numerical examples are given to show that the numerical results are consistent with the proven theoretical results.
A Normative Approach to Artificial Moral Agency
Authors: Behdadi Dorna , Munthe Christian 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis paper proposes a methodological redirection of the philosophical debate on artificial moral agency (AMA) in view of increasingly pressing practical needs due to technological development. This “normative approach” suggests abandoning theoretical discussions about what conditions may hold for moral agency and to what extent these may be met by artificial entities such as AI systems and robots. Instead, the debate should focus on how and to what extent such entities should be included in human practices normally assuming moral agency and responsibility of participants. The proposal is backed up by an analysis of the AMA debate, which is found to be overly caught in the opposition between so-called standard and functionalist conceptions of moral agency, conceptually confused and practically inert. Additionally, we outline some main themes of research in need of attention in light of the suggested normative approach to AMA.
The Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake: Will emergency managers be willing and able to report to work?
Authors: Swick Zachary D. , Baker Elizabeth A. , Elliott Michael , Zelicoff Alan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis study examines the factors that are likely to influence emergency managers’ willingness and ability to report to work after a catastrophic event using the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake threat as an example. The population approached for participation in this study was state-level emergency managers in Oregon and Washington, the areas anticipated to be the most impacted by the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Concept mapping was utilized to elucidate factors influencing emergency managers’ ability and willingness to report to work following a catastrophic earthquake, as well as to identify specific strategies for addressing these factors to facilitate reporting to work. The six-step concept mapping process (i.e., preparation, generation, structuring, representation, interpretation, and utilization) is a structured and integrated mixed-method process that employs both qualitative and quantitative components to gather ideas and concepts of participants, and subsequently produces visual representation of these ideas and concepts through multivariate statistical methods (Caracelli and Green in Eval Program Plan 12(1):45–52, 1993; Kane and Trochim in Concept mapping for planning and evaluation, Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, 2007). Results influence across a wide range of the levels of the ecological framework for both ability (transit barriers and infrastructure impacts, family/pet health and safety, social support and preparedness, work-related influences, personal health and resources, professional obligations, and location) and willingness (family/community preparedness and safety, emergency management responsibility and professionalism, motivation to come to work, transit barriers and infrastructure impacts, professional contribution, physical and mental health, worksite operations: structure and process, family first, personal contribution and history).
Deterioration of an infrastructure cutting subjected to climate change
Authors: Rouainia M. , Helm P. , Davies O. , Glendinning S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObservations show that many soils in linear geotechnical infrastructure including embankments and cuttings undergo seasonal volume changes, and different studies confirm that this is due to cycles in climatic and hydrological conditions. These cycles can give rise to progressive failure of the soil mass, which in turn may lead to deterioration of performance and ultimately slope failure. It is expected that the magnitude of the seasonal cycles of pore pressure will be increased by more extreme and more frequent events of wet and dry periods predicted by future climate scenarios. In this paper, numerical modelling has been undertaken to simulate a continuous time series pore water pressure within a representative cutting in London Clay. The approach uses synthetic control and future climate scenarios from a weather generator to investigate the potential impacts of climate change on cutting stability. Surface pore water pressures are obtained by a hydrological model, which are then applied to a coupled fluid-mechanical model. These models are able to capture the significant soil–vegetation–atmospheric interaction processes allowing the induced unsaturated hydro-mechanical response to be investigated. The chosen hydraulic conductivity variables in the model are shown to affect the total magnitude of pore pressure fluctuation and hence the rate of progressive failure. The results demonstrate for the first time that higher total magnitude of annual variation in pore pressures caused by future climate scenarios can have a significant effect on deformations in cuttings. This in turn leads to increased rates of deterioration and reduces time to failure.
Clinical applications of digital angiography with the harmonization function in body interventional radiology
Authors: Tateishi Hidekatsu , Kuroki Kazunori , Machida Haruhiko , Iwamoto Toshihiko , Kariyasu Toshiya , Kinoshita Yuusuke , Watanabe Masanaka , Shiga Hisae , Yuda Saori , Yokoyama Kenichi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDigital subtraction angiography (DSA) is frequently applied in interventional radiology (IR). When DSA is not useful due to misregistration, digital angiography (DA) as an alternative option is used. In DA, the harmonization function (HF) works in real time by harmonizing the distribution of gray steps or reducing the dynamic range; thus, it can compress image gradations, decrease image contrast, and suppress halation artifacts. DA with HF as a good alternative to DSA is clinically advantageous in body IR for generating DSA-like images and simultaneously reducing various motion artifacts and misregistrations caused by patient body motion, poor breath-holding, bowel and ureter peristalsis, and cardiac pulsation as well as halation artifacts often stemming from the lung field. Free-breath DA with HF can improve body IR workflow and decrease the procedure time by reducing the risk of catheter dislocation and using background structures as anatomical landmarks, demonstrating reduced radiation exposure relative to DSA. Thus, HF should be more widely and effectively utilized for appropriate purposes in body IR. This article illustrates the basic facts and principles of HF in DA, and demonstrates clinical advantages and limitations of this function in body IR.
3′UTRs Regulate Mouse Ntrk2 mRNA Distribution in Cortical Neurons
Authors: Chen Shangqin , Zhu Jinjin , Li Peijun , Xia Zhaonan , Tu Mengjing , Lin Zhenlang , Xu Baoji , Fu Xiaoqin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThere are two major isoforms of NTRK2 (neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase 2, or TrkB), full-length isoform with tyrosine kinase (TK) domain intact (+) and spliced isoform without tyrosine kinase domain (TK(−)). Within each isoform, there exist subtypes with minor modifications of the protein sequences. In human, theNTRK2mRNA transcripts encoding TK(+) have same 3′UTRs, while the transcripts encoding subtypes of NTRK2 TK(−) have two completely different 3′UTRs. In mouse, the mRNA transcripts encoding same NTRK2 protein sequence for either TK(+) or TK(−) have long or short 3′UTRs, respectively. The physiological functions of these different 3′UTRs are still unknown. Pilocarpine stimulation increasedNtrk2mRNA levels in soma, while the increase in synaptosome was smaller. FISH results further showed that mouseNtrk2transcripts with different 3′UTRs were distributed differently in cultured cortical neurons. The transcripts with long 3′UTR were distributed more in apical dendrites compared with transcripts with short 3′UTR. Our results provide evidence of non-coding 3′UTR function in regulating mRNA distribution in neurons.
Attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms predict problematic mobile phone use
Authors: Panagiotidi Maria , Overton Paul 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAttention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed childhood disorder characterised by inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, or both. Some of the key traits of ADHD have previously been linked to addictive and problematic behaviours. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between problematic mobile phone use, smartphone addiction risk and ADHD symptoms in an adult population. A sample of 273 healthy adult volunteers completed the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), the Mobile Phone Problem Usage Scale (MPPUS), and the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS). A significant positive correlation was found between the ASRS and both scales. More specifically, inattention symptoms and age predicted smartphone addiction risk and problematic mobile phone use. Our results suggest that there is a positive relationship between ADHD traits and problematic mobile phone use. In particular, younger adults with higher level of inattention symptoms could be at higher risk of developing smartphone addiction. The implication of our findings for theoretical frameworks of problematic mobile phone use and clinical practice are discussed.
Analysis and evaluation of the spatial and temporal variabilities of river water quality parameters
Authors: Shishaye Haile Arefayne , Asfaw Asmelash Tilahun 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to analyze the status and evaluate the spatiotemporal variabilities of water quality in the Awash River, Ethiopia. The study also aims to identify the origin and geochemical composition of the river water. Temporal variabilities of similar water quality parameters in the Lake Beseka, a dramatically rising lake (0.2 m/year) in the Awash River basin, which is being channeled into the Awash River system in order to control the lake level rise, were also considered in this study. To do this, laboratory measurements and a 10-year consecutive record of physicochemical parameters, major ions, nutrients and minor ions of the Awash River and Lake Beseka waters, graphical methods and factor analysis approaches were used. The origin of the Awash River was found to be shallow-medium depth aquifer with a geochemical composition of Ca(HCO3)2and NaHCO3, while the origin of Lake Beseka was found to be deep, ancient groundwater with a geochemical composition of NaCl and NaHCO3. However, mixing the lake water with Awash River in the downstream sites shifted the geochemical composition of the river water to a mixture of Ca(HCO3)2, NaHCO3and NaCl water types. The results also showed that the river water quality varies spatially and temporally, controlled by three major factors: the combined effects of anthropogenic activities and mineral dissolutions (Factor-1), anthropogenic activities and ion exchange (Factor-2) and ion exchange (Factor-3). While Factor-1 was the main controlling factor of the river water quality, and Factor-3 was the least, all three factors equally controlled the temporal variabilities of water quality in Lake Beseka. The observed temporal and spatial variabilities of the river water quality suggest that frequent water quality evaluations are important in designing appropriate water management strategies in river systems near intensive agricultural, industrial, and urban development areas.
Evaluation of the activated carbon coated with multiwalled carbon nanotubes in removal of ciprofloxacin from aqueous solutions
Authors: Sharifpour Narges , Moghaddam Fazel Mohammadi , Mardani Goshtasb , Malakootian Mohammad 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCiprofloxacin (CIP) is a commonly used antibiotic which is excreted in significant quantities and may likely be found in environments, especially wastewater. Thus, in the present study, we aimed to remove CIP from aqueous solutions using activated carbon supported with multivalent carbon nanotubes MWCNTs/AC. Herein, we prepared the MWCNTs/AC and the structural characterization of the adsorbent was performed using the BET, FTIR, and SEM methods. In order to obtain the optimal conditions of MWCNTs/AC activity, different experimental conditions including the pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial CIP concentration, and temperature were examined. Afterward, to approach reality, the experiments were carried out under the optimal conditions using a sewage sample previously determined in terms of the BOD, COD, pH, EC, turbidity, and concentration of ciprofloxacin. Finally, the CIP levels were measured by HPLC. According to the results, the pH of 7, contact time of 30 min, adsorbent dosage of 20 mg/L, temperature of 40 °C, and initial CIP concentration of 20 mg/L were found to be the optimal conditions for MWCNTs/AC activity. In these conditions, the maximum removal efficiency of CIP from the synthetic and actual samples was 100% and 73%, respectively. Moreover, the adsorption behavior was in compliance with the pseudo-second-order, Freundlich isotherm kinetics. According to our findings, using MWCNTs/AC led to a considerable removal of CIP from the sewage samples. Thus, the use of this adsorbent is highly recommended in order to remove other antibiotics from water and wastewater.
The Examination of Diffusion Effects on Modern Contraceptive Use in Nigeria
Authors: Guilkey David K. , Escamilla Veronica , Calhoun Lisa M. , Speizer Ilene S. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
This study uses data gathered for an evaluation of a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation–funded initiative designed to increase modern contraceptive use in select urban areas of Nigeria. When the initiative was conceived, the hope was that any positive momentum in the cities would diffuse to surrounding areas. Using a variety of statistical methods, we study three aspects of diffusion and their effects on modern contraceptive use: spread through mass communications, social learning, and social influence. Using a dynamic causal model, we find strong evidence of social multiplier effects through social learning. The results for social influence and spread through mass communications are promising, but we are unable to identify definitive causal impacts.
Where Does Cumulative Culture Begin? A Plea for a Sociologically Informed Perspective
Authors: Haidle Miriam Noël , Schlaudt Oliver 
Published: May 2020

AbstractRecent field studies have broadened our view on cultural performances in animals. This has consequences for the concept of cumulative culture. Here, we deconstruct the common individualist and differential approaches to culture. Individualistic approaches to the study of cultural evolution are shown to be problematic, because culture cannot be reduced to factors on the micro level of individual behavior (methodological individualism, “atomism”) but possesses a dynamic that only occurs on the group level and profoundly affects the individuals (“holism”). Naive individuals, as a prerequisite of an atomistic perspective, do not exist. We address the construction of a social approach to (cumulative) culture by introducing an inevitable social embedding of the individual development of social beings. The sociological notion of “habitus” as embodied cultural capital permits us to understand social transmission of behavioral components on a very basic level, resulting in a cumulative effect. Bits of information, movement, handling of material, attitudes, and preferences below distinct functional units are acquired through transfer mechanisms simpler than emulation and imitation such as peering, participation, co-performance, or engagement with a material environment altered by group members. The search for a zero point of cumulative culture becomes as useless as the search for a zero point of culture. Culture is cumulative.
Hypersensitivity reactions to biologics (part I): allergy as an important differential diagnosis in complex immune-derived adverse events
Authors: Gülsen Askin , Wedi Bettina , Jappe Uta 
Published: May 2020

Summary
Purpose
Biotechnological substances (BSs) are strongly relied upon to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, and to treat oncological, allergological, and other inflammatory diseases. Allergic reactions to partly foreign biologics can occur due to their potential immunogenicity. The severity of an immune response to a biological drug may range from no clinical significance to a severe, life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.

Methods
Detailed searches were performed on Pubmed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to include all available publications. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency, and British Columbia Cancer Agency Drug Manual databases were screened for hypersensitivity reaction (HSR), infusion reaction, injection site reaction, urticaria, and anaphylaxis for individual BSs.

Results
Treatment with BSs can cause various types of HSR. These are mentioned in the literature with definitions such as allergic reactions, anaphylactoid reactions, anaphylaxis, HSR, infusion reactions, injection site reactions, cytokine release syndrome, and urticaria. Due to the overlap in signs and symptoms in the reported descriptions, it is not always possible to differentiate these reactions properly according to their pathomechanism. Similarly, many data reported as anaphylaxis actually describe severe anaphylactic reactions (grades III or IV).

Conclusion
There is an urgent need for a simpler symptom- or system-based classification and scoring system to create an awareness for HSRs to BSs. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of HSRs and increased clinical experience in the treatment of side effects will provide timely control of unexpected reactions. As a result, immunotherapy with BSs will become safer in the future.