bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Least-energy nodal solutions of critical Kirchhoff problems with logarithmic nonlinearity
Authors: Liang Sihua , Rădulescu Vicenţiu D. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we are concerned with the existence of least energy sign-changing solutions for the following fractional Kirchhoff problem with logarithmic and critical nonlinearity:$$\begin{aligned} \left\{ \begin{array}{ll} \left( a+b[u]_{s,p}^p\right) (-\Delta )^s_pu = \lambda |u|^{q-2}u\ln |u|^2 + |u|^{ p_s^{*}-2 }u &{}\quad \text {in } \Omega , \\ u=0 &{}\quad \text {in } {\mathbb {R}}^N{\setminus } \Omega , \end{array}\right. \end{aligned}$$a+b[u]s,pp(-Δ)psu=λ|u|q-2uln|u|2+|u|ps∗-2uinΩ,u=0inRN\Ω,where$$N >sp$$N>spwith$$s \in (0, 1)$$s∈(0,1),$$p>1$$p>1, and$$\begin{aligned}{}[u]_{s,p}^p =\iint _{{\mathbb {R}}^{2N}}\frac{|u(x)-u(y)|^p}{|x-y|^{N+ps}}dxdy, \end{aligned}$$[u]s,pp=∬R2N|u(x)-u(y)|p|x-y|N+psdxdy,$$p_s^*=Np/(N-ps)$$ps∗=Np/(N-ps)is the fractional critical Sobolev exponent,$$\Omega \subset {\mathbb {R}}^N$$Ω⊂RN$$(N\ge 3)$$(N≥3)is a bounded domain with Lipschitz boundary and$$\lambda $$λis a positive parameter. By using constraint variational methods, topological degree theory and quantitative deformation arguments, we prove that the above problem has one least energy sign-changing solution$$u_b$$ub. Moreover, for any$$\lambda > 0$$λ>0, we show that the energy of$$u_b$$ubis strictly larger than two times the ground state energy. Finally, we considerbas a parameter and study the convergence property of the least energy sign-changing solution as$$b \rightarrow 0$$b→0.
Evaluation of biomass-based production of below zero emission reducing gas for the iron and steel industry
Authors: Hammerschmid Martin , Müller Stefan , Fuchs Josef , Hofbauer Hermann 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe present paper focuses on the production of a below zero emission reducing gas for use in raw iron production. The biomass-based concept of sorption-enhanced reforming combined with oxyfuel combustion constitutes an additional opportunity for selective separation of CO2. First experimental results from the test plant at TU Wien (100 kW) have been implemented. Based on these results, it could be demonstrated that the biomass-based product gas fulfills all requirements for the use in direct reduction plants and a concept for the commercial-scale use was developed. Additionally, the profitability of the below zero emission reducing gas concept within a techno-economic assessment is investigated. The results of the techno-economic assessment show that the production of biomass-based reducing gas can compete with the conventional natural gas route, if the required oxygen is delivered by an existing air separation unit and the utilization of the separated CO2 is possible. The production costs of the biomass-based reducing gas are in the range of natural gas-based reducing gas and twice as high as the production of fossil coke in a coke oven plant. The CO2 footprint of a direct reduction plant fed with biomass-based reducing gas is more than 80% lower compared with the conventional blast furnace route and could be even more if carbon capture and utilization is applied. Therefore, the biomass-based production of reducing gas could definitely make a reasonable contribution to a reduction of fossil CO2 emissions within the iron and steel sector in Austria.
Biases in Survey Estimates of Neonatal Mortality: Results From a Validation Study in Urban Areas of Guinea-Bissau
Authors: Helleringer Stéphane , Liu Li , Chu Yue , Rodrigues Amabelia , Fisker Ane Barent 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Neonatal deaths (occurring within 28 days of birth) account for close to one-half of all deaths among children under age 5 worldwide. In most low- and middle-income countries, data on neonatal deaths come primarily from household surveys. We conducted a validation study of survey data on neonatal mortality in Guinea-Bissau (West Africa). We used records from an urban health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS) that monitors child survival prospectively as our reference data set. We selected a stratified sample of 599 women aged 15–49 among residents of the HDSS and collected the birth histories of 422 participants. We cross-tabulated survey and HDSS data. We used a mathematical model to investigate biases in survey estimates of neonatal mortality. Reporting errors in survey data might lead to estimates of the neonatal mortality rate that are too high, which may limit our ability to track progress toward global health objectives.
The Dynamics of Intimate Relationships and Contraceptive Use During Early Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Kusunoki Yasamin , Barber Jennifer S. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
We investigate the immediate social context of contraceptive behaviors: specifically, the intimate relationship. We use the Relationship Dynamics and Social Life (RDSL) study (2008–2012), based on a random sample of 1,003 women ages 18–19 residing in a Michigan county. Women were interviewed weekly for 2.5 years, resulting in an age range of 18–22. We test three sets of hypotheses about change over time within a relationship, using relationship-level within-between models, which compare a couple’s contraceptive behaviors across different times in the relationship. First, we find that a couple is less likely to use contraception when the relationship is more intimate and/or committed and that a couple becomes less likely to use contraception over time, regardless of intimacy and commitment. Second, we find that a couple using contraception becomes increasingly likely to choose hormonal over coital methods, but this change occurs as a relationship endures and is unrelated to intimacy and/or commitment. Third, we find that a condom-using couple’s consistency does not decline when there is conflict; rather, consistency of condom use declines over time regardless of the relationship’s characteristics. We also demonstrate that conflict and power imbalance increase reliance on hormonal methods among those using contraception; conflict decreases consistency among withdrawal (but not condom) users; and nonmonogamy increases reliance on condoms and decreases withdrawal consistency. The strong and consistent link between duration and contraceptive behaviors—regardless of intimacy, commitment, conflict, or power imbalance—suggests that the continual vigilance required for long-term contraceptive use is difficult during early emerging adulthood.
Wie relevant ist die gesetzliche Fortbildungsverpflichtung für Lehrkräfte? Eine empirische Untersuchung zur Fortbildungsteilnahme in verschiedenen deutschen Bundesländern
Authors: Kuschel Jenny , Richter Dirk , Lazarides Rebecca 
Published: September 2020

ZusammenfassungFür Lehrkräfte besteht in Deutschland eine allgemeine Pflicht zur Fortbildung, jedoch gibt es nur in wenigen Bundesländern konkrete Vorgaben zum Umfang dieser Verpflichtung und zur Dokumentation der Fortbildungsaktivitäten. Diese Arbeit untersucht daher die Bedeutsamkeit dieser gesetzlichen Verpflichtung für die Fortbildungsteilnahme von Lehrkräften. Anhand der Daten zur Fortbildungsaktivität aus den IQB-Ländervergleichen 2011, 2012 und dem IQB-Bildungstrend 2015 wurde mittels logistischer und linearer Regressionsmodelle analysiert, inwiefern die Teilnahme an einer Fortbildung sowie die Anzahl besuchter Fortbildungen in Zusammenhang mit den in einem Bundesland bestehenden Vorgaben zum Fortbildungsumfang und der Pflicht zum Nachweis absolvierter Fortbildungen steht. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Wahrscheinlichkeit zur Teilnahme an einer Fortbildung nur in einer der drei Studien höher ausfällt, wenn eine spezifische Fortbildungspflicht besteht. Zudem lassen sich über alle betrachteten IQB-Studien hinweg positive Zusammenhänge zwischen den gesetzlichen Vorgaben zum Fortbildungsumfang und der Anzahl besuchter Fortbildungen nachweisen. Die Zugehörigkeit zu Bundesländern mit Nachweispflicht steht jedoch nicht in systematischem Zusammenhang zur Fortbildungsteilnahme. Die Ergebnisse verweisen darauf, dass sich die Teilnahme an Fortbildungen in begrenztem Ausmaß durch gesetzliche Vorgaben steuern lässt. Mögliche Implikationen für die Erhöhung der Fortbildungsteilnahme werden diskutiert.
Patient Perspectives of Quality of the Same-Day Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation Process in Gauteng Province, South Africa: Qualitative Dominant Mixed-Methods Analysis of the SLATE II Trial
Authors: Scott Nancy A. , Maskew Mhairi , Fong Rachel M. , Olson Ingrid E. , Brennan Alana T. , Fox Matthew P. , Vezi Lungisile , Ehrenkranz Peter D. , Rosen Sydney 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
HIV patients in South Africa continue to report operational barriers to starting antiretroviral therapy (ART). In the Simplified Algorithm for Treatment Eligibility (SLATE) II trial, same-day initiation (SDI) of ART increased the number of patients commencing ART and achieving HIV viral suppression by using a screening tool to distinguish between patients eligible for SDI and those requiring additional care before starting treatment. We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation to explore trial patients’ perceptions and experiences of SDI.

Methods
SLATE II was implemented at three urban, public primary health care clinics in Gauteng Province, South Africa. We conducted a short quantitative survey and in-depth interviews among a purposive sample of 89 of the 593 trial participants in the intervention and standard arms, using a mixed inductive–deductive framework approach.

Results
Nearly all respondents (95%) were satisfied with their care, despite reporting clinic wait times of ≥ 3 h (72%). Intervention patients found the initiation process to be easy; standard patients found it complicated and were frustrated with being shuffled around the clinic. No intervention arm patients felt that SDI was “too fast” or indicated a preference for a more gradual process. Both groups highlighted the need for good counselling and non-judgmental, respectful staff. Standard patients suggested improving patient–provider relations, strengthening counselling, reducing wait times, and minimising referrals.

Conclusions
While it is difficult to untangle the role of providers from that of the SLATE algorithm in influencing patient experiences, adoption of SLATE II implementation procedures could improve patient experience of treatment initiation.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03315013, registered October 19, 2017.
Transportation, germs, culture: a dynamic graph model of COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Yang Xiaofei , Xu Tun , Jia Peng , Xia Han , Guo Li , Zhang Lei , Ye Kai 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundVarious models have been applied to predict the trend of the epidemic since the outbreak of COVID‐19.MethodsIn this study, we designed a dynamic graph model, not for precisely predicting the number of infected cases, but for a glance of the dynamics under a public epidemic emergency situation and of different contributing factors.ResultsWe demonstrated the impact of asymptomatic transmission in this outbreak and showed the effectiveness of city lockdown to halt virus spread within a city. We further illustrated that sudden emergence of a large number of cases could overwhelm the city medical system, and external medical aids are critical to not only containing the further spread of the virus but also reducing fatality.ConclusionOur model simulation showed that highly populated modern cities are particularly vulnerable and lessons learned in China could facilitate other countries to plan the proactive and decisive actions. We shall pay close attention to the asymptomatic transmission being suggested by rapidly accumulating evidence as dramatic changes in quarantine protocol are required to contain SARS‐CoV‐2 from spreading globally.
Potential and actual ascospore release of Erysiphe necator chasmothecia in Austria
Authors: Redl M. , Sitavanc L. , Spangl B. , Steinkellner S. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAscospores of grape powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator Schw.) play a crucial role in the disease onset in spring in many vine-growing areas. We investigated the physiological maturation of chasmothecia and the time of the first potential ascospore release in three grape-growing areas in Austria by providing standardized conditions for ascospore release in the laboratory and excluding the environmental influence for the release itself. In the overwintering season 2017/2018, the potential ascospore release started in March 2018 in all three investigated wine-growing areas, while in 2018/19, the potential ascospore release was already possible in autumn 2018. Autumn 2018 was characterized by higher temperatures than autumn 2017. We related accumulated degree days (base 8 °C) after chasmothecia formation with the time of first potential chasmothecia dehiscence and found that more than 480 degree days are necessary to reach physiological maturity of chasmothecia. Temperature significantly influenced the dynamics of the potential of ascospore release. More than 50% of the total potential of ascospore release occurred before bud break in both years. Furthermore, weather factors affecting the actual ascospore release in the field were studied. Precipitation and leaf wetness showed a significant positive correlation with ascospore release in the vineyard. In contrast to the potential release, only a small percentage of actual release in the field occurred before bud break, while 84 and 95% of total trapped ascospores were found between bud break and flowering in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Our results reveal that the potential release and actual release have to be combined to predict ascospore release in spring.
The Evidence-Based Investigative Tool (EBIT): a Legitimacy-Conscious Statistical Triage Process for High-Volume Crimes
Authors: McFadzien Kent , Pughsley Alan , Featherstone Andrew M. , Phillips John M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractResearch QuestionBased on the evidence at the end of a preliminary investigation of minor, non-domestic assault and public order cases, how accurately can the likelihood of a sanctioned detection be predicted for triage decisions while maintaining high awareness of legitimacy issues?DataInvestigative records on assault and public order offences recorded by Kent Police, with a case-control sample of 522 randomly selected detected cases and 482 randomly selected undetected cases, a test sample of 931 cases, and an additional 7947 cases for testing the model on all eligible cases in the force area for the initial six months of its use.MethodsA case control comparison between solved and unsolved cases produced a logistic regression model that was used to predict investigative outcomes in both the test sample and the complete tracking of its use in investigative operations.FindingsEight elements of evidence available by the end of the preliminary investigation were found to predict whether a sanctioned detection would result from further investigation: (1) victim supports police prosecution, and evidence includes (2) a named suspect, (3) a cooperative witness, (4) CCTV evidence, (5) confirming police testimony, (6) forensic evidence, (7) a connection to other cases and (8) a report of the crime to police less than 28 days after the incident occurred. When the EBIT was calibrated to identify only the 31% of cases most likely to yield a detection from further investigation, the model correctly forecast 97% of cases that would not be solved, producing only 3% false negatives. It also reduced the false-positive rate from 73 to 22% in cases that did not lead to a sanctioned detection.ConclusionsA case control analysis of solvability factors at the end of a preliminary investigation can identify almost all of the cases that are likely to be solved, even while the model predicts that the majority of all cases at that point will not be solved.
A survey of gene regulatory networks modelling methods: from differential equations, to Boolean and qualitative bioinspired models
Authors: Barbuti Roberto , Gori Roberta , Milazzo Paolo , Nasti Lucia 
Published: September 2020

AbstractGene Regulatory Networks (GRNs) represent the interactions among genes regulating the activation of specific cell functionalities, such as reception of (chemical) signals or reaction to environmental changes. Studying and understanding these processes is crucial: they are the fundamental mechanism at the basis of cell functioning, and many diseases are based on perturbations or malfunctioning of some gene regulation activities. In this paper, we provide an overview on computational approaches to GRN modelling and analysis. We start from the biological and quantitative modelling background notions, recalling differential equations and the Gillespie’s algorithm. Then, we describe more in depth qualitative approaches such as Boolean networks and some computer science formalisms, including Petri nets, P systems and reaction systems. Our aim is to introduce the reader to the problem of GRN modelling and to guide her/him along the path that goes from classical quantitative methods, through qualitative methods based on Boolean network, up to some of the most relevant qualitative computational methods to understand the advantages and limitations of the different approaches.
Energy Modeling of Competition Between Tubular and Platy Morphologies of Chrysotile and Halloysite Layers
Authors: Krasilin Andrei A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe present study considered the problem of halloysite nanoscroll synthesis by energy modeling of the formation of chrysotile and halloysite particles. The main aim of the study was to reveal an energy preference between scrolled and platy morphologies of the particles. Both hydrosilicates possess the ability to scroll spontaneously but relatively facile hydrothermal synthesis of the nanoscrolls is available only to the former, whereas halloysite forms mainly plates under the same conditions. This issue was investigated by a phenomenological energy model, taking into account: (1) strain energy due to the size difference between metal oxide and silica sheets; (2) surface-energy difference on the opposite sides of the layer; and (3) adhesion energy. Calculations showed that the halloysite layer had a significant scrolling potential due to the first energy component, but the surface-energy difference acted in the opposite direction and tried to unbend the layer. In contrast, these two actions were co-directional in chrysotile layers. In both cases, the formation of multi-layered plates became more energy favorable when the specific surface energy of the edges decreased. In the range 0.5–3 J/m2 for the specific surface energy, only halloysite layers showed an energy preference for platy particles over nanoscrolls, especially at small layer sizes. Certain processes, such as hydration, could reduce the corresponding specific surface energy value and, as a result, could stabilize the platy morphology of halloysite at the earliest stages of particle growth under hydrothermal conditions.
Advanced Exercise Prescription for Cancer Patients and its Application in Germany
Authors: Schumann Moritz , Freitag Nils , Bloch Wilhelm 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe scientific interest of exercise medicine for the treatment of cancer is ever expanding. Recently published and updated guidelines for exercise training in cancer patients by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) or the Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) are leading the way towards an individualized approach for exercise prescription. These guidelines provide physicians and therapists with a comprehensive and detailed overview about the beneficial effects of exercise training and, more so, summarize the evidence on potential dose–response mechanisms, including pathways of exercise-induced stimuli to counteract tumour microenvironmental pathologies. However, the most optimal types and doses of exercise training across the cancer disease and treatment continuum are yet to be determined. Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review was to illustrate the current implications but also limitations of exercise training during the different stages of cancer therapy, as well as to discuss necessary future directions. As a second purpose, special attention will be given to the current role of exercise in the treatment of cancer in Germany.
Association of Public Interest in Preventive Measures and Increased COVID-19 Cases After the Expiration of Stay-at-Home Orders: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hartwell Micah , Greiner Benjamin , Kilburn Zach , Ottwell Ryan 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTObjective:Following stay-at-home (SAH) orders issued for coronavirus disease (COVID-19), state-level economic concerns increased and many let these orders expire. As a method to measure public preparedness, we sought to explore the association between public interest in preventive measures and the easing of SAH orders – specifically the increases in COVID-19 cases and fatalities after the orders expired.Methods:Search volume was collected from Google Trends for “hand sanitizer,” “social distancing,” “COVID testing,” and “contact tracing” for each state. Bivariate correlations were computed to analyze associations between public interest in preventive measures, changes in confirmed COVID-19 cases after SAH expirations, COVID-19 case-fatality rates, and by-state presidential voting percentages.Results:A higher interest in preventive measures was associated with lower rates of confirmed cases after SAH orders had expired (r = −0.33), higher state-wide deaths per capita (r = 0.42), and case-fatality rates (r = 0.60). Moderate to strong negative correlations were found between states’ percentage of voters supporting the Republican nominee in 2016 and proportion of queries for average preventive measures (r = −0.77).Conclusion:Our investigation shows that increased public interest in COVID-19 prevention was associated with longer SAH orders and less COVID-19 cases after the SAH orders’ expiration; however, it was also associated with higher case-fatality rates.
Applicable Law to Transnational Personal Data: Trends and Dynamics
Authors: Huang Jie (Jeanne) 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe recent COVID-19 outbreak has pushed the tension of protecting personal data in a transnational context to an apex. Using a real case where the personal data of an international traveler was illegally released by Chinese media, this Article identifies three trends that have emerged at each stage of conflict-of-laws analysis for lex causae: (1) The EU, the US, and China characterize the right to personal data differently; (2) the spread-out unilateral applicable law approach comes from the fact that all three jurisdictions either consider the law for personal data protection as a mandatory law or adopt connecting factors leading to the law of the forum; and (3) the EU and China strongly advocate deAmericanization of substantive data protection laws. The trends and their dynamics provide valuable implications for developing the choice of laws for transnational personal data. First, this finding informs parties that jurisdiction is a predominant issue in data breach cases because courts and regulators would apply the law of the forum. Second, currently, there is no international treaty or model law on choice-of-law issues for transnational personal data. International harmonization efforts will be a long and difficult journey considering how the trends demonstrate not only the states’ irreconcilable interests but also how states may consider these interests as their fundamental values that they do not want to trade off. Therefore, for states and international organizations, a feasible priority is to achieve regional coordination or interoperation among states with similar values on personal data protection.