bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strategies to enhance the reliability of flow quantile prediction in the gauged and ungauged basins
Authors: Tegegne Getachew , Kim Young‐Oh 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe precise reproduction of different flow regimes in both gauged and ungauged watersheds is crucial for managing environmental flow and water quality requirements. However, the ability of hydrological models to reproduce flow quantiles (FQs) is often influenced by the process of calibrating the most dominant parameters through traditional parameter estimation methods. This research proposes a systematic parameter estimation approach to improve the credibility of the hydrologic model in reproducing FQs in gauged and ungauged watersheds through the following steps: (a) implementation of parameter sensitivity analysis to identify the dominant parameters, (b) initial estimation of the sensitive parameter values, (c) an iterative search for the optimal value of the dominant parameter in reproducing FQs and (d) regionalization of parameters to estimate FQs in the ungauged watersheds. The analysis shows the highest sensitivity of the runoff curve number (CN2) in simulating the hydrologic process in all test watersheds. Moreover, the best value of CN2 was found to be different for each flow quantile. Therefore, CN2 was updated for reproduction of FQs, which resulted in an overall average improvement of the regionalized model accuracy (across all test watersheds and flow quantiles) by 37 and 46% during the calibration and validation periods, respectively. The spatiotemporal dynamics of the water balance components that often control the behaviours of FQs in both the gauged and ungauged watersheds were also quantified. The results show a wide range of spatiotemporal variations for the majority of the water balance components.
Biased interpretation of performance feedback: The role of CEO overconfidence
Authors: Schumacher Christian , Keck Steffen , Tang Wenjie 
Published: February 2020

AbstractResearch summaryThis study examines how managerial biases in the form of overconfidence change the interpretation of performance feedback and, consequently, shape a firm's risk taking in response to it. Our formal analysis suggests that CEO overconfidence is associated with a lower willingness to increase firm risk taking when facing negative performance feedback and a higher willingness to decrease risk when facing positive feedback. An extension of our model also shows that, when firms are operating close to their survival level, the effects of CEO overconfidence will reverse. We test our predictions empirically with a sample of 847 American manufacturing firms in the years 1992 to 2014. Our results are consistent with our hypotheses and are robust to different empirical operationalizations of CEO overconfidence.Managerial summaryManagers evaluate the success of their current business strategy through feedback in the form of their firm's current financial results relative to their own previous performance or that of their peers. Our results show that overconfident CEOs interpret information about the financial situation of their firms more optimistically than non‐overconfident CEOs, which in turn causes them to exhibit a less pronounced reaction to both positive or negative performance feedback. It is thus crucial that managers are clearly aware of how their interpretations and reactions to feedback are affected by their own deeply held personal beliefs and dispositions.
Mesoscale fracture analysis of recycled aggregate concrete based on digital image processing technique
Authors: Peng Yijiang , Ying Liping , Kamel Mahmoud M. A. , Wang Yao 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSince recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) is valuable for green concrete and global sustainability, it has attracted many numerical research studies as a five‐phase material in mesolevel. In this study, the digital image processing (DIP) technique is used to obtain the real aggregate and mortar distribution of recycled concrete specimens. By applying the DIP MATLAB model, the real mesoheterogeneity of RAC is well represented. Based on the base force element method (BFEM), a mesomechanical model is constructed to simulate the uniaxial tension and compression tests of recycled concrete specimens subjected to displacement loads. The damage and the cracking mechanisms of RAC are analyzed in the mesolevel. Moreover, the failure process and the failure mode are investigated. Results indicate the nonlinearity deformation, stress redistribution, and cracks propagation of RAC. The stress–strain curve, fracture energy, and fracture distribution are also figured. The comparative analysis between the simulation and the experimental results of in situ RAC samples shows the applicability of the model; therefore, the failure mechanism is revealed. It also extends the application of the BFEM in the field of failure mechanism analysis of RAC as a heterogeneous composite material.
Catchment systems engineering: An holistic approach to catchment management
Authors: Hewett Caspar J. M. , Wilkinson Mark E. , Jonczyk Jennine , Quinn Paul F. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHydrological catchments today are largely the product of human activity. They have been engineered. The negative impacts of some of this engineering such as deforestation and agriculture intensification need to be addressed but the solution is not simply a matter of doing the opposite, for example through afforestation or moving to less‐intensive farming. We propose a catchment systems engineering (CSE) approach that utilizes and expands on existing catchment‐based approaches, combining interventions that work with or mimic natural processes with traditional “hard” engineering to provide a practical route to improved catchment function. The approach is predicated on the need to take an holistic view of catchments and to make proactive interventions that provide and enhance multiple ecosystem services. CSE seeks to address problems that are international in scope, recognizing the need to understand better how hydrological processes have changed due to human activity and how those changes influence frequency, duration, and severity of environmental problems such as floods, droughts, and poor water quality. The emphasis is placed on how we can act to engineer catchment systems to a safer functionally appropriate level utilizing measures such as nature‐based solutions alongside traditional engineering structures. CSE is the means to provide multiple ecosystem services while recognizing trade‐offs between reducing flood and drought risk directly, improving water quality and creating healthy habitats for wildlife. By targeting local hydrological flow pathways in defined spatial and temporal windows (e.g., during rainfall events at key locations such as riparian zones), CSE can deliver holistic water resource management now.This article is categorized under:
Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of Water
Engineering Water > Planning Water
Science of Water > Water Extremes
Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness
Photodegradation of ibuprofen and four other pharmaceutical pollutants on natural pigments sensitized TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Patterson Kristen , Howlett Kevin , Patterson Kelsey , Wang Bo , Jiang Lin 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in water system have drawn increasing concerns in recent years. TiO2‐based photodegradation has shown great potential as a low‐cost and sustainable technology in water treatment, however, can only use the UV light range of solar radiation which makes the system less efficient. Dyes have been studied to improve the TiO2 system light‐harvesting range, but studies on environmental friendly natural dyes are rare. In this study, a screening method using UV‐Vis spectra analysis was carried out on a group of 22 different tropical natural plants for the potential applications on dye‐sensitized TiO2 in PPCP treatment. As a result, Begonia “Martin's Mystery” significantly increased TiO2 photodegradation efficiency toward ibuprofen treatments which is first time reported in literature as our best knowledge. Moreover, the promising discovery of Begonia application in ibuprofen treatment has been successfully applied to warfarin and famotidine treatment. Similar results were expanded to many other Begonia species which indicate that Begonia extracts could be excellent sensitizers for TiO2‐based photodegradation of PPCPs. Our discovery suggested that the screening process may potentially open a brand‐new way for future TiO2 photodegradation studies before the complex and time‐consuming detailed mechanism studies.Practitioner points.

Natural dyes were screened as sensitizers for TiO2 photodegradation of ibuprofen.

Ibuprofen photodegradation efficiency was increased twice using Begonia “Martin's Mystery.”

The Begonia applications were extended to warfarin, trimethoprim, and famotidine.

Promising results were also observed using five other Begonia species.
Higher Order Methods of the Basic Family of Iterations via S-Iteration Scheme with s-Convexity
Authors: Gdawiec Krzysztof , Shahid Abdul Aziz , Nazeer Waqas 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThere are many methods for solving a polynomial equation and many different modifications of those methods have been proposed in the literature. One of such modifications is the use of various iteration processes taken from the fixed point theory. In this paper, we propose a modification of the iteration processes used in the Basic Family of iterations by replacing the convex combination with ans-convex one. In our study, we concentrate only on theS-iteration withs-convexity. We present some graphical examples, the so-called polynomiographs, and numerical experiments showing the dependency of polynomiograph’s generation time on the value of thesparameter in thes-convex combination.
Is the immediate effect of marathon running on novice runners’ knee joints sustained within 6 months after the run? A follow-up 3.0 T MRI study
Authors: Horga Laura Maria , Henckel Johann , Fotiadou Anastasia , Hirschmann Anna C. , Di Laura Anna , Torlasco Camilla , D’Silva Andrew , Sharma Sanjay , Moon James C. , Hart Alister J. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective
To evaluate changes in the knee joints of asymptomatic first-time marathon runners, using 3.0 T MRI, 6 months after finishing marathon training and run.

Materials and methods
Six months after their participation in a baseline study regarding their knee joints, 44 asymptomatic novice marathoners (17 males, 27 females, mean age 46 years old) agreed to participate in a repeat MRI investigation: 37 completed both a standardized 4-month-long training programme and the marathon (marathon runners); and 7 dropped out during training (pre-race dropouts). The participants already underwent bilateral 3.0 T MRIs: 6 months before and 2 weeks after their first marathon, the London Marathon 2017. This study was a follow-up assessment of their knee joints. Each knee structure was assessed using validated scoring/grading systems at all time points.

Results
Two weeks after the marathon, 3 pre-marathon bone marrow lesions and 2 cartilage lesions showed decrease in radiological score on MRI, and the improvement was sustained at the 6-month follow-up. New improvements were observed on MRI at follow-up: 5 pre-existing bone marrow lesions and 3 cartilage lesions that remained unchanged immediately after the marathon reduced in their extent 6 months later.
No further lesions appeared at follow-up, and the 2-week post-marathon lesions showed signs of reversibility: 10 of 18 bone marrow oedema-like signals and 3 of 21 cartilage lesions decreased on MRI.

Conclusion
The knees of novice runners achieved sustained improvement, for at least 6 months post-marathon, in the condition of their bone marrow and articular cartilage.
Mosaicism in Fanconi anemia: concise review and evaluation of published cases with focus on clinical course of blood count normalization
Authors: Nicoletti Eileen , Rao Gayatri , Bueren Juan A. , Río Paula , Navarro Susana , Surrallés Jordi , Choi Grace , Schwartz Jonathan D. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFanconi anemia (FA) is a DNA repair disorder resulting from mutations in genes encoding for FA DNA repair complex components and is characterized by variable congenital abnormalities, bone marrow failure (BMF), and high incidences of malignancies. FA mosaicism arises from reversion or other compensatory mutations in hematopoietic cells and may be associated with BMF reversal and decreased blood cell sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents (clastogens); this sensitivity is a phenotypic and diagnostic hallmark of FA. Uncertainty regarding the clinical significance of FA mosaicism persists; in some cases, patients have survived multiple decades without BMF or hematologic malignancy, and in others hematologic failure occurred despite the presence of clastogen-resistant cell populations. Assessment of mosaicism is further complicated because clinical evaluation is frequently based on clastogen resistance in lymphocytes, which may arise from reversion events both in lymphoid-specific lineages and in more pluripotent hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). In this review, we describe diagnostic methods and outcomes in published mosaicism series, including the substantial intervals (1–6 years) over which blood counts normalized, and the relatively favorable clinical course in cases where clastogen resistance was demonstrated in bone marrow progenitors. We also analyzed published FA mosaic cases with emphasis on long-term clinical outcomes when blood count normalization was identified. Blood count normalization in FA mosaicism likely arises from reversion events in long-term primitive HSPCs and is associated with low incidences of BMF or hematologic malignancy. These observations have ramifications for current investigational therapeutic programs in FA intended to enable gene correction in long-term repopulating HSPCs.
Quantitative DCE-MRI demonstrates increased blood perfusion in Hoffa’s fat pad signal abnormalities in knee osteoarthritis, but not in patellofemoral pain
Authors: de Vries Bas A. , van der Heijden Rianne A. , Poot Dirk H. J. , van Middelkoop Marienke , Meuffels Duncan E. , Krestin Gabriel P. , Oei Edwin H. G. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective
Infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) fat-suppressed T2 (T2FS) hyperintense regions on MRI are an important imaging feature of knee osteoarthritis (OA) and are thought to represent inflammation. These regions are also common in non-OA subjects, and may not always be linked to inflammation. Our aim was to evaluate quantitative blood perfusion parameters, as surrogate measure of inflammation, within T2FS-hyperintense regions in patients with OA, with patellofemoral pain (PFP) (supposed OA precursor), and control subjects.

Methods
Twenty-two knee OA patients, 35 PFP patients and 43 healthy controls were included and underwent MRI, comprising T2 and DCE-MRI sequences. T2FS-hyperintense IPFP regions were delineated and a reference region was drawn in adjacent IPFP tissue with normal signal intensity. After fitting the extended Tofts pharmacokinetic model, quantitative DCE-MRI perfusion parameters were compared between the two regions within subjects in each subgroup, using a paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results
T2FS-hyperintense IPFP regions were present in 16 of 22 (73%) OA patients, 13 of 35 (37%) PFP patients, and 14 of 43 (33%) controls. DCE-MRI perfusion parameters were significantly different between regions with and without a T2FS-hyperintense signal in OA patients, demonstrating higher Ktrans compared to normal IFPF tissue (0.039 min−1 versus 0.025 min−1, p = 0.017) and higher Ve (0.157 versus 0.119, p = 0.010). For PFP patients and controls no significant differences were found.

Conclusions
IPFP T2FS-hyperintense regions are associated with higher perfusion in knee OA patients in contrast to identically appearing regions in PFP patients and controls, pointing towards an inflammatory pathogenesis in OA only.

Key Points
• Morphologically identical appearing T2FS-hyperintense infrapatellar fat pad regions show different perfusion in healthy subjects, subjects with patellofemoral pain, and subjects with knee osteoarthritis.
• Elevated DCE-MRI perfusion parameters within T2FS-hyperintense infrapatellar fat pad regions in patients with osteoarthritis suggest an inflammatory pathogenesis in osteoarthritis, but not in patellofemoral pain and healthy subjects.
Non-Newtonian coefficient condition for a stable long-time behavior of a single bubble: existence and characteristics of stable solutions
Authors: Wolf Alexandre , Rauh Cornelia , Delgado Antonio 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe present paper takes up the underlying nonlinear initial value problem from a preceding author’s work about the dynamics of a single bubble in a highly viscous liquid medium under different pressure impacts. The arising ordinary differential equation is mainly based on the constitutive relation of a second-order liquid that in particular includes two non-Newtonian material constants. In this article, the significance of these coefficients is mathematically analyzed in detail by proving the existence of stable solutions of the named initial value problem. This is achieved by special transformations of the differential equation at hand and the introduction of appropriate Lyapunov functions. It particularly turns out that a combined condition of the non-Newtonian coefficients and diverse restrictions to the external pressure impact are decisive for the validity of the existence results. Furthermore, the convergence speed of solutions is investigated by considering the linearized equation associated with the present initial value problem and by applying a special variant of Gronwall’s lemma. The main theoretical result, being the prementioned strong condition for the non-Newtonian coefficients, is finally compared to real data sets.
Two-year outcome data suggest that less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) is safe. Results from the follow-up of the randomized controlled AMV (avoid mechanical ventilation) study
Authors:   for the German Neonatal Network (GNN), Herting Egbert , Kribs Angela , Härtel Christoph , von der Wense Axel , Weller Ursula , Hoehn Thomas , Vochem Matthias , Möller Jens , Wieg Christian , Roth Bernhard , Göpel Wolfgang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLess invasive surfactant administration (LISA) is a method to deliver surfactant to spontaneously breathing premature infants via a thin catheter. Here we report the two-year outcome from the AMV (avoid mechanical ventilation) study, the first randomized controlled trial on this mode of surfactant delivery. No statistically significant differences in weight, length or neurodevelopmental outcome (Bayley II scores) were found between the LISA intervention group (n = 95) and the control group (n = 84) that received standard treatment.Conclusion: No differences in outcome were observed at 2 years. LISA seems safe in that aspect.

What is Known:• LISA is a method that is in increasing use for surfactant delivery to spontaneously breathing infants. LISA reduces the need for mechanical ventilation.

What is New:• Outcome data at 2 years from the first randomized study with LISA raise no safety concerns in comparison to a group of infants that received standard treatment.
Human genetics of meningococcal infections
Authors: Hodeib Stephanie , Herberg Jethro A. , Levin Michael , Sancho-Shimizu Vanessa 
Published: February 2020

AbstractNeisseria meningitidisis a leading cause of bacterial septicaemia and meningitis worldwide. Meningococcal disease is rare but can be life threatening with a tendency to affect children. Many studies have investigated the role of human genetics in predisposition toN. meningitidisinfection. These have identified both rare single-gene mutations as well as more common polymorphisms associated with meningococcal disease susceptibility and severity. These findings provide clues to the pathogenesis ofN. meningitidis,the basis of host susceptibility to infection and to the aetiology of severe disease. From the multiple discoveries of monogenic complement deficiencies to the associations of complement factor H and complement factor H-related three polymorphisms to meningococcal disease, the complement pathway is highlighted as being central to the genetic control of meningococcal disease. This review aims to summarise the current understanding of the host genetic basis of meningococcal disease with respect to the different stages of meningococcal infection.
Calibration of Near-Infrared Detectors Using a Wavelength Tunable Light Source
Authors: Maham Kinza , Vaskuri Anna , Manoocheri Farshid , Ikonen Erkki 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis paper presents the spectral responsivity calibrations of two indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) and one germanium based near-infrared photovoltaic detectors using a wavelength tunable laser source based on a supercontinuum laser developed at the Metrology Research Institute, Aalto University. The setup consists of a supercontinuum laser based on a photonic crystal fiber as the light source, a laser line tunable filter, and coupling optics. These responsivity calibrations are performed against a pyroelectric radiometer over a wide spectral range of 800–2000 nm. Our wavelength tunable laser source has a high spectral power up to 2.5 mW with a narrow spectral full-width-at-half-maximum of 3 nm at a wavelength of 1100 nm. Despite the sharp spectral intensity variations, no artifacts are observed in the spectral responsivities of the detectors. Comparison of the spectral responsivities of the InGaAs detectors measured using the wavelength tunable laser and the earlier calibrations performed at the Metrology Research Institute in 2010 and 2016, shows that the higher spectral power of wavelength tunable light source decreases the expanded uncertainty from approximately 4% to 2.2–2.6% over the spectral range of 820–1600 nm. Temperature dependence of the spectral responsivities near the band gap edges are also measured and analysed.
Determinants of food insecurity among smallholder farmer households in Central America: recurrent versus extreme weather-driven events
Authors: Alpízar Francisco , Saborío-Rodríguez Milagro , Martínez-Rodríguez M. Ruth , Viguera Bárbara , Vignola Raffaele , Capitán Tabaré , Harvey Celia A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTo ensure food security among rural communities under a changing climate, policymakers need information on the prevalence and determinants of food insecurity, the role of extreme weather events in exacerbating food insecurity, and the strategies that farmers use to cope with food insecurity. Using household surveys in Guatemala and Honduras, we explore the prevalence of food insecurity among smallholder farmers on both a recurrent (seasonal) and episodic (resulting from extreme weather events) basis, analyze the factors associated with both types of food insecurity, and document farmer coping strategies. Of the 439 households surveyed, 56% experienced recurrent food insecurity, 36% experienced episodic food insecurity due to extreme weather events, and 24% experienced both types. Food insecurity among smallholder farmers was correlated with sociodemographic factors (e.g., age, education, migration) and asset ownership. The factors affecting food insecurity differed between type and prevalence of food insecurity. Our results highlight the urgent need for policies and programs to help smallholder farmers improve their overall food security and resilience to extreme weather shocks. Such policies should focus on enhancing farmer education levels, securing land tenure, empowering women, promoting generational knowledge exchange, and providing emergency food support in the lean season or following extreme weather events.