bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal reinsurance and investment in danger‐zone and safe‐region
Authors: Han Xia , Liang Zhibin 
Published: January 2020

SummaryThis paper studies the optimal reinsurance‐investment problems for an insurance company where the claim process follows a Brownian motion with drift. It turns out that there is a region where the probability of drawdown, namely, the probability that the value of the insurer's surplus process reaches some fixed fractional value of its maximum value to date is positive. Then in the complementary region, drawdown can be avoided with certainty. For this reason, we call the former region the “danger‐zone” and “safe‐region” for the latter. In the danger‐zone, we consider the problem of minimizing the probability of drawdown; and in the safe‐region, we turn our attention to the optimization problem of minimizing the expected time to reach a given capital level. Using the technique of stochastic control theory and the corresponding Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman equation, explicit expressions of the optimal reinsurance‐investment strategies and the associated value functions are derived for the two optimization problems. Moreover, we provide several detailed comparisons to investigate the impact of some important parameters on the optimal strategies and illustrate the observation from behavior finance of view.
A new theoretical approach for the performance simulation of multijunction solar cells
Authors: Timò Gianluca , Martinelli Alessio , Andreani Lucio Claudio 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA new theoretical approach is proposed for the performance simulation of multijunction (MJ) solar cells, starting from the weakness and strength of the Hovel model and of the transfer matrix method for describing the propagation of electromagnetic waves inside the solar cell structure. It is based on the scattering matrix method (SMM) and on a simplified generation function that allow describing with good accuracy the propagation of electromagnetic waves in the solar cell device, preserving, at the same time, the possibility of getting simple analytical solutions of the continuity equations. The numerical stability of the new theoretical approach is first demonstrated on triple junction InGaP/InGaAs/Ge solar cells, in which the Ge substrate is considered as the last layer (layer N) and then as the N‐1 layer. Further, the new theoretical approach is applied to simulate the performance of thin quadruple junction (QJ) InGaP/InGaAs/SiGeSn/Ge solar cells, in two‐ and three‐terminal configurations. Efficiency values of up to 45.1% and 44.9%, respectively, have been simulated at 1000× concentration, by considering the MJ limited by the InGaAs subcell. Finally, it is estimated that the QJ InGaP/InGaAs/SiGeSn/Ge solar cell has the potential to reach efficiencies over 50% by assuming proper antireflective coatings.
Risk factors for fixed airflow obstruction in children and adolescents with asthma: 4‐Year follow‐up
Authors: Sousa Andrey W. , Barros Cabral Anna L. , Arruda Martins Milton , Carvalho Celso R. F. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundAsthma is a disease with reversible bronchoconstriction; however, some patients develop fixed airflow obstruction (FAO). Previous studies have reported the incidence and risk factors of FAO in adults; however, the corresponding factors in children remain poorly understood.AimTo evaluate the incidence and risk factors of FAO in children and adolescents with asthma.MethodObservational and prospective cohort study with a 4‐year follow‐up of clinically stable patients with asthma (from 6‐8 years old). Anthropometric data, history of asthma, number of hospitalizations, frequent exacerbations, asthma severity, asthma control, inhaled corticosteroid dose, atopy, and lung function were analyzed as potential risk factors for FAO. FAO was defined by a ratio of the forced expiratory volume in the first second to the forced vital capacity below the lower limit of normal, even after inhaled and oral corticosteroid treatment.ResultsFour hundred and twenty‐eight patients were recruited, and 358 were analyzed. The FAO incidence in children and adolescents with asthma was 9.5% (n = 34), starting at 10 years of age. Age, body mass index, hospitalizations for asthma, bronchodilator response, frequent exacerbations, length of exacerbations, and asthma severity were associated with FAO. Frequent exacerbations (odds ratio [OR] = 4.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3‐11.7) and asthma severity categorized as steps 4 to 5 (OR = 3.5; 95% CI = 1.6‐7.6) remained risk factors.ConclusionsFrequent exacerbations and asthma severity are the risk factors for FAO in children and adolescents with asthma.
Impact of model upgrades on diabatic processes in extratropical cyclones and downstream forecast evolution
Authors: Maddison Jacob W. , Gray Suzanne L. , Martínez‐Alvarado Oscar , Williams Keith D. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractModels are continuously developed at numerical weather prediction (NWP) centres to improve forecast skill, with new operational model configurations adopted every few years. The parametrizations of diabatic processes are probably the most frequently updated part of NWP models as they are crucial for accurate weather predictions and contain uncertainties in their formulation. The impact of model developments is assessed here in forecasts from the Met Office's weather forecast model initialised throughout the North Atlantic Waveguide and Downstream Impact Experiment field campaign period in autumn 2016. Planned model parametrization developments are considered, together with an ‘inexpensive coupled’ forecast with daily updating of the sea surface temperature and sea‐ice fraction. Forecasts produced from the coupled system have, on average, indistinguishable skill from the control forecasts, suggesting the benefits of coupled atmosphere–ocean NWP systems can be small. In contrast, a reduction in forecast error (∼4%) is identified in forecasts produced using an upgraded convection scheme. Periods of low forecast skill during the study period are shown to be associated with the onset and decay of blocking events and increased diabatic heating of air masses reaching the upper troposphere. In forecasts of a specific block development case that was not accurately predicted in any of the experiments or in the operational ensemble forecast from the Met Office, the representation of diabatic heating in the warm conveyor belt of an upstream cyclone is shown to moderate the subsequent block development; forecasts in which the heating is stronger generally have a more‐amplified blocking ridge and amplified heating contributions from all parametrizations as diagnosed using diabatic tracers. Hence, we demonstrate that plausible changes to the representation of several different diabatic processes in models can impact forecast block development via changes within upstream cyclones.
A novel framework for spatiotemporal monitoring and post‐signal diagnosis of processes with image data
Authors: Amirkhani Farzad , Amiri Amirhossein 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAdvances in digital equipment and organizations' interest in having comprehensive and real‐time information about products have increased the use of machine vision systems in organizations. In this paper, to monitor a sensory quality characteristic of a product based on images, the residual matrix of the intensity values of the nominal and captured images is divided into specific regions; then, the equality of the means of the regions is tested based on one‐way ANOVA. To do so, a P‐value–based control chart is applied to detect the out‐of‐control state as soon as possible. If an out‐of‐control alarm is received, Dunnett's test is used to identify region(s) with significant differences in the means of residuals (defective location[s] in the image) compared with other regions. After the locations of defective regions are identified, the change point of the process is estimated by using the maximum likelihood estimation approach. The performance of the proposed procedure is compared with some of the previous approaches in the literature. Then, the proposed procedure is implemented in a real‐world case. The simulation study demonstrates the merits of the proposed procedure: It is not limited to specific geometric types of faults; it has the ability to detect multiple faults in the image; it takes less computational time; and it performs well in estimating the real time of change, as well as the location(s) and dimension(s) of the fault(s).
Size‐controlled Synthesis of Hematite α‐Fe2O3Nanodisks Closed with (0001) Basal Facets and {11‐20} Side Facets and their Catalytic Performance for CO2Hydrogenation
Authors: Chen Tongzhou , Jiang Wan , Sun Xiaolei , Ning Wensheng , Liu Yong , Xu Gang , Han Gaorong 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAn improved hematite α‐Fe2O3catalysts composed of uniform nanodisks closed with (0001) basal facets and {11‐20} side facets are prepared via a simple hydrothermal route. Moreover, by simply tuning the mass of the reaction precursors of Fe(NO3)3⋅9H2O, the size of the obtained hematite α‐Fe2O3nanodisks is controlled in the range of 600–100 nm in diameter and 43–230 nm in thickness, respectively. Due to the exposed (0001) basal facets and {11‐20} facets, in which more amount of Fe3+ion involved, the obtained α‐Fe2O3nanodisks exhibit enhanced reducibility. The maximum H2consumption occurs at relative lower temperature, ca. 490 °C for the smallest α‐Fe2O3nanodisks of 43 nm in thickness and 100 nm in diameter, respectively. Relatively, the Fe3+ions situated at (0001) planes facilitate the Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis (FTS) compared to that situated at {11‐20} planes. Due to the well dispersion and high fraction of (0001) basal facets, the α‐Fe2O3nanodisks with middle size of 190 nm in thickness and 400 nm in diameter propose the high CO2conversion and high hydrocarbon selectivity. Since more amount of (0001) basal facets are masked by the orientation aggregation along [0001] induced by the self‐magnetization, the least α‐Fe2O3nanodisks provide a declined catalytic performance for CO2hydrogenation.
Dilatancy mitigation of cement powder paste by pozzolanic and inert fillers
Authors: Lai M.H. , Binhowimal S.A.M. , Hanzic L. , Wang Q. , Ho J.C.M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThird generation polycarboxylate‐based superplasticiser (SP) can easily extend the maximum concurrent design limits of strength and flowability of concrete or cement paste, but simultaneously creates unfavorable dilatancy (or shear thickening) that decreases mixing efficiency and pumping range of concrete. The dilatancy is created initially by clustering of free and adsorbed polymers of SP, but further addition of SP can conversely mitigate the dilatancy by improved wet packing density. Because of the negative correlation of packing density and dilatancy, it is believed that partial replacement of cement by finer pozzolanic or inert filler can decrease the dilatancy via improved filling effect. Herein, the dilatancy of cement powder paste with or without pozzolanic fly ash or inert limestone powder replacing partial cement was studied using a coaxial rheometer. The results revealed that there exists a threshold limit of SP, beyond which the effect on dilatancy reverses. At a given SP dosage, partial cement replacement by either filler decreases dilatancy via improved packing density up to an optimal ratio, after which the dilatancy increases because the packing density reverses.
Using the “best‐fit” approach to investigate the effects of politico‐economic and social barriers on SMEs' internationalization in an emerging country context: Implications and future directions
Authors: Mendy John , Rahman Mahfuzur , Bal P. Matthijs 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe way this study has used the “best‐fit” approach has facilitated the investigation of how three hypothesized constructs of political, economic, and social barriers can deepen our knowledge of their impacts on small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs)' internationalization within a small developing country context. Based on a quantitative analysis of the three hypothesized barriers, we used the “best‐fit” approach to measure the extent to which the SMEs' internal variables like people, products, services, and practices might best fit some of the people and non‐people factors external to the businesses. The application of the “best‐fit” approach onto the three hypotheses—politics (H1), social (H2), economics (H3), helped us in explaining the major social and politico‐economic barriers faced by a developing economy' (Bangladeshi) SMEs' internationalization despite previous literatures' emphasis on the impacts of globalization, market drivers or their oversight. Based on the findings, we point to future research trajectory. This study used primary survey data from 212 Bangladeshi SMEs and successfully validated an HR model by using Smart PLS3 software. The results from the hypotheses were used to produce the HR model to help SMEs identify the significance of people and economic factors and propose these aspects for inclusion in the “best‐fit” approach, SME, and globalization research.
Imaging in gynecological disease (19): clinical and ultrasound features of extragastrointestinal stromal tumors (eGIST)
Authors: Ambrosio M. , Testa A. C. , Moro F. , Franchi D. , Scifo M. C. , Rams N. , Epstein E. , Alcazar J. L. , Hidalgo J. J. , Van Holsbeke C. , Burgetova A. , Dundr P. , Cibula D. , Fischerova D. 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo describe the clinical and sonographic characteristics of extragastrointestinal stromal tumors (eGISTs).MethodsThis was a retrospective multicenter study. The data of patients with a histological diagnosis of eGIST who had undergone preoperative ultrasound examination were retrieved from the databases of nine large European gynecologic oncology centers. One investigator from each center reviewed stored images and ultrasound reports, and described the lesions using the terminology of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis and Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment groups, following a predefined ultrasound evaluation form. Clinical, surgical and pathological information was also recorded.ResultsThirty‐five women with an eGIST were identified; in 17 cases, the findings were incidental, and 18 cases were symptomatic. Median age was 57 years (range, 21–85 years). Tumor marker CA 125 was available in 23 (65.7%) patients, with a median level of 23 U/mL (range, 7–403 U/mL). The vast majority of eGISTs were intraperitoneal lesions (n = 32 (91.4%)); the remaining lesions were retroperitoneal (n = 2 (5.7%)) or preperitoneal (n = 1 (2.9%)). The most common site of the tumor was the abdomen (n = 23 (65.7%)), and less frequently the pelvis (n = 12 (34.3%)). eGISTs were typically large (median largest diameter, 79 mm) solid (n = 31 (88.6%)) tumors, and were less frequently multilocular‐solid tumors (n = 4 (11.4%)). The echogenicity of solid tumors was uniform in 8/31 (25.8%) cases, which were all hypoechogenic. Twenty‐three solid eGISTs were non‐uniform, either with mixed echogenicity (9/23 (39.1%)) or with cystic areas (14/23 (60.9%)). The tumor shape was mainly lobular (n = 19 (54.3%)) or irregular (n = 10 (28.6%)). Tumors were typically richly vascularized (color score of 3 or 4, n = 31 (88.6%)) with no shadowing (n = 31 (88.6%)). Based on pattern recognition, eGISTs were usually correctly classified as a malignant lesion in the ultrasound reports (n = 32 (91.4%)), and the specific diagnosis of eGIST was the most frequent differential diagnosis (n = 16 (45.7%)), followed by primary ovarian cancer (n = 5 (14.3%)), lymphoma (n = 2 (5.7%)) and pedunculated uterine fibroid (n = 2 (5.7%)).ConclusionsOn ultrasound, eGISTs were usually solid, non‐uniform pelvic or abdominal lobular tumors of mixed echogenicity, with or without cystic areas, with rich vascularization and no shadowing. The presence of a tumor with these features, without connection to the bowel wall, and not originating from the uterus or adnexa, is highly suspicious for eGIST. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The fate of the Konishi multiplet in the β-deformed Quantum Spectral Curve
Authors: Marboe Christian , Widén Erik 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We investigate the solution space of the β-deformed Quantum Spectral Curve by studying a sample of solutions corresponding to single-trace operators that in the undeformed theory belong to the Konishi multiplet. We discuss how to set the precise boundary conditions for the leading Q-system for a given state, how to solve it, and how to build perturbative corrections to the Pμ-system. We confirm and add several loop orders to known results in the literature.
Ionic mechanisms underlying atrial electrical remodeling after a fontan-style operation in a canine model
Authors: Wu Jinjin , Zhou Wanping , Wu Lanping , Qian Yijiao , Lu Yanan , Li Fen 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAtrial arrhythmia is an important cause of late death in patients after the Fontan-Style operation. However, the detailed electrophysiological characteristics of the post-Fontan atrium and its underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. In this study, we investigated electrophysiological characteristics and the ionic remodeling in the right atrium (RA) of a canine model after the Fontan operation. We performed the operation of RA to pulmonary artery connection to mimic the Fontan operation. We undertook hemodynamic measurements, cardiac electrophysiological studies, and ion current measurements. The expression of ionic channels was analyzed by PCR and western-blotting. Our Fontan model induced RA hypertension, enlarged the size of RA, and increased atrial fibrosis, representing the classic characteristic of Fontan patients. In the Fontan group, the atrial effective refractory period and the active potential duration were reduced, and the atrial tachycardia has been more often to be induced. The electrical conduction mapping showed that the Fontan group reduced the conduction velocity. The Fontan operation significantly down-regulated the expression ofKCND3/Kv4.3,CACNA1C/Cav1.2 andSCN5A, but up-regulated the expression ofKCNJ2/Kir2.1. Correspondingly, The Fontan operation reduced transient-outward (Ito) and L-type Ca2 (ICa,L) andINacurrents, while increasing the inward-rectifier current (IK1). Thus, the net shortening of the action potential in the post-Fontan atrium is associated with the altered expression of ionic channels which disturbed the balance between inward and outward currents. Taken together, the Fontan operation induces the ionic remodeling, and thus altered electrophysiological characteristics of the right atrium, improving our understanding on the pathophysiology of atrial arrhythmias in Fontan patients.
Serum levels of sclerostin reflect altered bone microarchitecture in patients with hepatic cirrhosis
Authors: Wakolbinger Robert , Muschitz Christian , Wallwitz Jacqueline , Bodlaj Gerd , Feichtinger Xaver , Schanda Jakob E. , Resch Heinrich , Baierl Andreas , Pietschmann Peter 
Published: January 2020

Summary
Background
Patients with hepatic cirrhosis are at increased risk of bone loss. Recent work on areal bone mineral density has reported contradictory findings. As the assessment of bone microarchitecture is complex, a search was made for correlations with new serum markers of bone turnover. Current data on serum sclerostin levels in patients with increased fracture risk are divergent and to date only one study has examined patients with hepatic cirrhosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate serum sclerostin levels and to test for correlations with microarchitecture.

Methods
This study was performed in 32 patients with recently diagnosed hepatic cirrhosis and 32 controls. The parameters of bone microarchitecture were assessed by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Sclerostin was detected via a new ELISA that detects the active receptor interaction site at loop 2 of the sclerostin core region.

Results
Sclerostin levels were slightly, but not significantly lower in the patient group, compared to controls. In contrast, patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis had significantly lower levels than the controls. A significant correlation with areal bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular microarchitecture was observed in the patient group. However, there was hardly any correlation between sclerostin and bone microarchitecture in the controls.

Conclusion
In hepatic cirrhosis, sclerostin is related to altered bone microarchitecture and lower areal BMD. In alcoholic liver disease, low sclerostin concentrations were seen.
Surveying the arable plant diversity of conventionally managed farmland: a comparison of methods
Authors: Wietzke Alexander , Leuschner Christoph 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAgricultural intensification has led to drastic population declines in Europe’s arable plant vegetation, and continuous monitoring is a prerequisite for assessing measures to increase and conserve remnant populations of endangered arable plant species. Unfortunately, strong variation in plot sizes and in-field locations makes comparison of current arable plant monitoring approaches difficult. This study compares different relevé approaches in conventionally managed arable fields in Northwest German farmland with respect to plant species detection success and time expenditure. We compared species detection rate and expenditure of time of six different relevé types in 45 conventionally managed arable fields (each 15 fields of wheat, maize, and rapeseed): field “Interior” plots (50 × 2 m); field edge plots: “Edge_30” (30 × 2 m), “Edge_50” (50 × 2 m), and “Edge_500” (500 × 1 m); “Subplots” (four dispersed plots of 5 × 1 m); and “Corner” plots (50 × 2 m). To determine species detection rate, the species richness recorded with a survey method was related to the field’s total plant species number as estimated from a survey of the entire field edge zone. With a species detection rate of 8.3% (median), interior plots were inadequate for characterizing the field’s arable plant vegetation. Edge_500 plots yielded the highest proportion of the field’s arable plant species pool (75.6%, including taxa of conservation value), followed by “Corner” plots (45.8%) and “Sublots” (32.6%). Edge_50 and Edge_30 plots detected less than 25% of the field’s species pool. The average time needed for a relevé was 20 min in Edge500 plots and 5–11 min in the other plot types. We suggest implementing Edge_500 plots as a standard monitoring approach in conventionally managed farmland due to its favorable ratio of detection success to expenditure of time. Our findings should be compared to methodological studies conducted in other regions, in different farmland management systems, and in landscapes of variable complexities.