bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New statistical RI index allow to better track the dynamics of COVID-19 outbreak in Italy
Authors: Bizzarri Mariano , Di Traglia Mario , Giuliani Alessandro , Vestri Annarita , Fedeli Valeria , Prestininzi Alberto 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCOVID-19 pandemic in Italy displayed a spatial distribution that made the tracking of its time course quite difficult. The most relevant anomaly was the marked spatial heterogeneity of COVID-19 diffusion. Lombardia region accounted for around 60% of fatal cases (while hosting 15% of Italian population). Moreover, 86% of fatalities concentrated in four Northern Italy regions. The ‘explosive’ outbreak of COVID-19 in Lombardia at the very beginning of pandemic fatally biased the R-like statistics routinely used to control the disease dynamics. To (at least partially) overcome this bias, we propose a new index RI = dH/dI (daily derivative ratio of H and I, given H = Healed and I = Infected), corresponding to the ratio between healed and infected patients relative daily changes. The proposed index is less flawed than R by the uncertainty related to the estimated number of infected persons and allows to follow (and possibly forecast) epidemic dynamics in a largely model-independent way. To analyze the dynamics of the epidemic, starting from the beginning of the virus spreading—when data are insufficient to make an estimate by adopting SIR model—a "sigmoidal family with delay" logistic model was introduced. That approach allowed in estimating the epidemic peak using the few data gathered even before mid-March. Based on this analysis, the peak was correctly predicted to occur by end of April. Analytical methodology of the dynamics of the epidemic we are proposing herein aims to forecast the time and intensity of the epidemic peak (forward prediction), while allowing identifying the (more likely) beginning of the epidemic (backward prediction). In addition, we established a relationship between hospitalization in intensive care units (ICU) versus deaths daily rates by avoiding the necessity to rely on precise estimates of the infected fraction of the population The joint evolution of the above parameters over time allows for a trustworthy and unbiased estimation of the dynamics of the epidemic, allowing us to clearly detect the qualitatively different character of the ‘so-called’ second wave with respect to the previous epidemic peak.
Formulation and Characterization of Losartan Loaded Chitosan Microspheres: Effect of Crosslinking Agents
Authors: Pahuja Sonia , Aggarwal Shweta , Sarup Prerna 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjective The present investigation entailed determination of effect of diverse cross-linking agents on Losartan Potassium loaded chitosan microspheres. The emulsion cross-linking method was employed to formulate the microspheres with an endeavour to achieve maximum sustained effect.Methods The FTIR studies revealed absence of any interaction between Losartan and chitosan. The emulsion cross linking method was accomplished in three steps encompassing formation of an aqueous and oily phase, emulsification and cross-linking. A total of eighteen Losartan formulations were developed using six different cross-linkers at three varying level were screened for optimum parameters. The in vitro drug release parameters of optimum formulations (LC3, LE3, LF3, LG3, LS3 and LV3) containing citric acid, epichlorohydrin, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, suphuric acid and vanillin as cross-linkers were assessed to determine the sustained effect.Results The values of evaluated parameters including percent yield (94.67%), average particle size (51.19 µm), drug content (44.38 mg) and entrapment efficiency (88.77%) connoted LG3 as the best formulation. Additionally, the values of relative measure of skewness (β1=0.01 and γ1=0.10) and platykurtic (β2=1.26) size distribution were least for LG3 with spherical shape and smooth surface as revealed by SEM studies.Conclusion The outcome of in vitro release and other characterizations of microspheres explicitly revealed glutaraldehyde as the best cross-linker amongst the cross-linkers used herewith. The maximum sustained effect (lasting over a period of 24 h) accompanied with higher MDT and t50% with lower%DE and Q14h values thus corroborated the objective of attaining sustained release of Losartan.
Resorcylic Acid Lactones Produced by an Endophytic Penicillium ochrochloron Strain from Kadsura angustifolia
Authors: Song Hong Chuan , Qin Dan , Liu Hai Yang , Dong Jin Yan , You Chuan , Wang Yu Meng 
Published: December 2020

AbstractFour new β-resorcylic acid lactones, including penochrochlactone A (2), 4-O-desmethyl-aigialomycin B (4), and penochrochlactones C and D (5 and 6), two compounds isolated from a natural source for the first time, 5α, 6β-acetonide-aigialomycin B (1) and penochrochlactone B (3), together with six known compounds, aigialomycin F (7), aigialomycins A, B, and D (8–10), zeaenol (11), and oxozeaenol (12), were isolated from a mycelial solid culture of the endophytic fungus Penicillium ochrochloron SWUKD4.1850 from the medicinal plant Kadsura angustifolia by sequential purification over silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and chemical conversions. In addition, all the new compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic and antibacterial activities in vitro.
Penochrochlactone C (5) displayed moderate cytotoxicity against the HeLa tumor cell line with an IC50 value of 9.70 µM. In the antibacterial assays, compounds 4 – 6 exhibited moderate activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with MIC values between 9.7 and 32.0 µg/mL.
Endoscopic management of enteral tubes in adult patients – Part 2: Peri- and post-procedural management. European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline
Authors: Gkolfakis Paraskevas , Arvanitakis Marianna , Despott Edward J. , Ballarin Asuncion , Beyna Torsten , Boeykens Kurt , Elbe Peter , Gisbertz Ingrid , Hoyois Alice , Mosteanu Ofelia , Sanders David S. , Schmidt Peter T. , Schneider Stéphane M. , van Hooft Jeanin E. 
Published: December 2020

Main recommendationsESGE recommends the “pull” technique as the standard method for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.ESGE recommends the direct percutaneous introducer (“push”) technique for PEG placement in cases where the “pull” method is contraindicated, for example in severe esophageal stenosis or in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) or esophageal cancer.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.ESGE recommends the intravenous administration of a prophylactic single dose of a beta-lactam antibiotic (or appropriate alternative antibiotic, in the case of allergy) to decrease the risk of post-procedural wound infection.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.ESGE recommends that inadvertent insertion of a nasogastric tube (NGT) into the respiratory tract should be considered a serious but avoidable adverse event (AE).Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.ESGE recommends that each institution should have a dedicated protocol to confirm correct positioning of NGTs placed “blindly” at the patient’s bedside; this should include: radiography, pH testing of the aspirate, and end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring, but not auscultation alone.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.ESGE recommends confirmation of correct NGT placement by radiography in high-risk patients (intensive care unit [ICU] patients or those with altered consciousness or absent gag/cough reflex).Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.ESGE recommends that EN may be started within 3 – 4 hours after uncomplicated placement of a PEG or PEG-J.Strong recommendation, high quality evidence.ESGE recommends that daily tube mobilization (pushing inward) along with a loose position of the external PEG bumper (1 – 2 cm from the abdominal wall) could mitigate the risk of development of buried bumper syndrome.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.
Why, Whom, and How to Screen for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension after Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Boon Gudula J.A.M. , Huisman Menno V. , Klok Frederikus A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractChronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is considered a long-term complication of acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Diagnosing CTEPH is challenging, as demonstrated by a considerable diagnostic delay exceeding 1 year, which has a negative impact on the patient's prognosis. Dedicated screening CTEPH strategies in PE survivors could potentially help diagnosing CTEPH earlier, although the optimal strategy is unknown. Recently published updated principles for screening in medicine outline the conditions that must be considered before implementation of a population-based screening program. Following these extensive principles, we discuss the pros and cons of CTEPH screening, touching on the epidemiology of CTEPH, the prognosis of CTEPH in the perspective of emerging treatment possibilities, and potentially useful tests and test combinations for screening. This review provides a modern perspective on CTEPH screening including a novel approach using a simple noninvasive algorithm of sequential diagnostic tests applied to all PE survivors.
Xenophobia, misogyny and rape culture
Authors: Kopytowska Monika 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The present article explores the interface between online misogyny and xenophobia in the context of both
socio-cultural factors which are conducive to verbal aggression against women and cyberspace’s technological affordances. The
former, as will be argued, can be linked to “rape culture”, where the notions of rape and sexual violence are used not only as
instruments of subjugation and domination, but also as tools to legitimize racial, ethnic, or religious hatred. In the case of the
latter, anonymity, interactivity and connectivity will be discussed as factors which facilitate generating, amplifying and
perpetuating hateful and aggressive content online. Applying the Media Proximization Approach (Kopytowska 2013, 2015a, 2018a,
2018b, 2020) and drawing on
previous research examining online xenophobic discourses and hate speech, the article scrutinizes hate speech targeting female
politicians, namely Angela Merkel, current Chancellor of Germany, and Ewa Kopacz, former Polish Prime Minister, for their
pro-refugee stance and migration policy. Data-wise, the examples analyzed will be taken from the corpora comprising comments
following online articles in
niezalezna.pl
(a Polish conservative
news portal) and YouTube videos on migrants and refugees.
Twitter and abortion
Authors: Pérez-Arredondo Carolina , Graells-Garrido Eduardo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis paper explores the misogynistic abuse against female Chilean politicians who openly supported a pro-choice bill that allowed the access to abortion in limited circumstances. We analysed the verbal abuse targeted at these politicians during the legislation of the abortion bill (2015–2017) and the linguistic and discursive patterns of online abuse. To that end, we collected tweets from this legislation period and created a subset with specific milestones of the parliamentary debate. Further, we undertook a corpus-assisted analysis of the data, focusing on collocations and keywords, which were then analysed in the light ofvan Leeuwen’s (2008)framework on the representation of social actors and legitimation strategies. Results evidence that violence against women in power can take forms other than the explicit sexual, physical, and psychological threats that are commonly identified. Violence targets these women as it is claimed that they are unsuitable to legislate for allegedly having tolerated and protected crime. Therefore, the corrective function of abuse takes the form of legal actions against their crimes.
Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa (bush morning glory).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa , Shaltout Kamal Hussien 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa is a species of morning glory that has been introduced worldwide as an ornamental and hedge (living fence) plant. The species has escaped from cultivation to become naturalized and invasive mostly in disturbed sites, riparian areas and wetlands, and it behaves as a weed in cultivated fields, such as rice plantations. It is a strong competitor for resources (e.g. nutrients and water), with the potential to outcompete native plants. The species has been listed as a noxious weed in the USA and as invasive in India, Nepal, Egypt, South Africa, Swaziland, Cuba, and in many islands in the Pacific region.
Active damping of ultrasonic receiving sensors through engineered pressure waves
Authors: Dixon Steve , Kang Lei , Feeney Andrew , Somerset William E 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Transducers for ultrasonic sensing and measurement are often operated with a short burst signal, for example a few cycles at a specific excitation voltage and frequency on the generating transducer. The vibration response of a narrowband transducer in detection is usually dominated by resonant ringing, severely affecting its ability to detect two or more signals arriving at the receiver at similar times. Prior researchers have focused on strategies to damp the ringing of a transducer in transmission, to create a temporally short output pressure wave. However, if the receiving transducer is narrowband, the incident pressure waves can create significant ringing of this receiving transducer, irrespective of how temporally short the incident pressure waves are on the receiving transducer. This can reduce the accuracy of common measurement processes, as signals are temporally long and multiple wave arrivals can be difficult to distinguish from each other. In this research, a method of damping transducers in reception is demonstrated using a flexural ultrasonic transducer (FUT). This narrowband transducer can operate effectively as a transmitter or receiver of ultrasound, and due to its use in automotive applications, is the most common ultrasonic transducer in existence. An existing mathematical analog for the transducers is used to guide the design of an engineered pressure wave to actively damp the receiving FUT. Experimental measurements on transducers show that ultrasonic receiver resonant ringing can be reduced by 80%, without significantly compromising sensitivity and only by using a suitable driving voltage waveform on the generating transducer.
Experimental investigation of C-shape embedded multi-channel plasma igniter in a single-head swirl combustor
Authors: Cai Banghuang , Song Huimin , Zhang Zhibo , Jia Min , Wang Weizhen , Lin Dong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
A C-shape embedded multi-channel plasma igniter (CEMPI) is presented in this paper. Compared with traditional spark igniter (SI), it has a deeper penetration depth of fire kernel. The fuel supply pressure was kept at 0.2 MPa for the ignition tests. The ignition processes of two igniters at different air flow in a single-head swirl combustor were captured by using the technology of CH* chemiluminescence imaging. The influence of air flow on the ignition process and the ignition characteristics of two igniters were studied. The results show that the ignition dynamic process can be divided into four stages: fire kernel growth stage, flame stagnation stage, flame propagation stage and overall flame stage. To some extent, increasing air flow can shorten the ignition delay caused by flame stagnation, improve the flame propagation speed, and form overall flame earlier, which is conducive to fast ignition. Compared with SIs, CEMPIs can produce larger and more powerful fire kernel, which can penetrate deeper into the central recirculation zone and touch combustible mixture to generate initial flame. It also has a faster flame propagation speed to reduce the ignition time significantly. In addition, the CEMPI can widen the lean ignition boundary and has a more significant ignition advantage when the air flow is small.
Device performance of chemical vapor deposition monocrystal diamond radiation detectors correlated with the bulk diamond properties
Authors: Su Kai , He Qi , Zhang Jinfeng , Ren Zeyang , Liu Linyue , Zhang Jincheng , Ouyang Xiaoping , Hao Yue 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Diamond radiation detectors (DRDs) based on type-IIa chemical vapor deposition (CVD) monocrystal diamond are more suitable for engineering applications with high consistency requirements due to the lower cost and property controllability. However, their saturated charge collection efficiencies (CCEs) have huge differences. Six type-IIa CVD monocrystal diamond plates were analyzed by the Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, high resolution x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence and secondary ion mass spectroscopy. Then DRDs were fabricated by them and the CCEs were measured under the irradiation of 241Am source. The results show that the most important factor restricting CCEs are the impurities in the diamond plates, while dislocations with a density <1 × 107 cm−2 for all samples have weaker impact in our case. The reason is that the carrier mobility-lifetime (μτ) product of diamond is more strongly influenced by impurities in this dislocation density range. Thinning diamond plate, if the thickness is kept above 100 μm, is not a good means to obtain high performance DRDs. Therefore, to further improve the detector performance, ultra-high purity diamond growth is most important. Moreover, a diamond test and selection scheme for high performance DRDs is also demonstrated.
Optical polarizability of erbium-oxygen complexes in sol-gel-based silica films
Authors: Abedrabbo Sufian , Lahlouh Bashar , Fiory Anthony T , Ravindra Nuggehalli M 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
For erbium (Er)-doped amorphous oxides, such as those that are used in compact lightwave devices interfaced with silicon, values of the refractive indices are commonly obtained empirically. This work, combining experimental and theoretical studies, examines silica as the exemplary host and the influence of Er doping on the refractive index. Analysis of data is presented for the spectral refractive index in the ultraviolet to near infrared wavelength range of heavily Er-doped silica thin films prepared by spin coating a sol-gel precursor on silicon and subsequent vacuum annealing. Effective medium Lorentz–Lorenz data analysis determines that the dopant component has a refractive index of 1.76 ± 0.24 with wavelength dispersion constrained to within 2%. Considering the dopant as a localized ErO6 impurity complex, a corresponding theoretical refractive index of 1.662 is derived by calculating the optical polarizability and volume of the impurity. Data presented for room-temperature (∼293 K) photoluminescence in the vicinity of 1.54 μm are shown to be consistent with random variability in impurity sites. Inherent advantages of studying colloid-based materials are discussed. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, such a detailed study of the refractive index associated with Er impurities in silica is being reported for the first time in the literature.
Crystal reorientation and plastic deformation of single-layer MoS2 and MoSe2 under uniaxial stress
Authors: Alencar Ananias B , de Oliveira Alan B , Chacham Helio 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
We investigate theoretically, through of first-principles calculations, the effect of the application of large in-plane uniaxial stress on single-layer of MoS2, MoSe2, and MoSSe alloys. For stress applied along the zigzag (zz) direction, we predict an anomalous behavior near the point fracture. This behavior is characterized by the reorientation of the MoS2 structure along the applied stress from zz to armchair due to the formation of transient square-lattice regions in the crystal, with an apparent crystal rotation of 30 degrees. After reorientation, a large plastic deformation

ε
=

3

−
1

remains after the stress is removed. This behavior is also observed in MoSe2 and in MoSSe alloys. This phenomenon is observed both in stress-constrained geometry optimizations and in ab initio molecular dynamics simulations at finite temperature and applied stress.
Markov models from the square root approximation of the Fokker–Planck equation: calculating the grid-dependent flux
Authors: Donati Luca , Weber Marcus , Keller Bettina G 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Molecular dynamics (MD) are extremely complex, yet understanding the slow components of their dynamics is essential to understanding their macroscopic properties. To achieve this, one models the MD as a stochastic process and analyses the dominant eigenfunctions of the associated Fokker–Planck operator, or of closely related transfer operators. So far, the calculation of the discretized operators requires extensive MD simulations. The square-root approximation of the Fokker–Planck equation is a method to calculate transition rates as a ratio of the Boltzmann densities of neighboring grid cells times a flux, and can in principle be calculated without a simulation. In a previous work we still used MD simulations to determine the flux. Here, we propose several methods to calculate the exact or approximate flux for various grid types, and thus estimate the rate matrix without a simulation. Using model potentials we test computational efficiency of the methods, and the accuracy with which they reproduce the dominant eigenfunctions and eigenvalues. For these model potentials, rate matrices with up to

O

(

1

0

6

)

states can be obtained within seconds on a single high-performance compute server if regular grids are used.
Field validation of an actuated convergent-beam acoustic Doppler profiler for high resolution flow mapping
Authors: Harding Samuel , Dorward Mairi , Sellar Brian , Richmond Marshall 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Energetic river and tidal flow environments feature complex hydrodynamic conditions. Conventional acoustic Doppler profiling instrumentation typically requires assumptions of flow homogeneity over the spatial scales of the divergent beam separation. This removes the ability to measure spatio-temporal variability within the flow. However, velocity variability within these spatial scales is often important in the design of structures and devices exposed to such flow, informing dynamic and peak hydrodynamic load predictions. The research presented outlines the development and testing of a flow measurement instrument consisting of multiple spatially-separated single beam acoustic Doppler profilers converging on a remote focal point, the location of which can be programmatically adjusted through actuation. This increases the spatial resolution at which remote field measurements can be made in energetic flow environments. Field testing of the instrument was conducted in a tidal channel at Sequim Bay Inlet, WA, USA. Results are compared with independent reference measurements made by a co-located, motion-corrected acoustic Doppler velocimeter. This comparison, across tidal velocities of 0.4–0.7 m s−1, showed a mean velocity error of 0.5%–13.2% across nine sample locations within a 3.00 m × 2.25 m plane. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first publication of flow velocity results from non-intrusive acoustic measurements at an off-axis, focal point location that features 3D positional control.