bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
k-Gaps: a novel technique for clustering incomplete climatological time series
Authors: Carro-Calvo Leopoldo , Jaume-Santero Fernando , García-Herrera Ricardo , Salcedo-Sanz Sancho 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we show a new clustering technique (k-gaps) aiming to generate a robust regionalization using sparse climate datasets with incomplete information in space and time. Hence, this method provides a new approach to cluster time series of different temporal lengths, using most of the information contained in heterogeneous sets of climate records that, otherwise, would be eliminated during data homogenization procedures. The robustness of the method has been validated with different synthetic datasets, demonstrating that k-gaps performs well with sample-starved datasets and missing climate information for at least 55% of the study period. We show that the algorithm is able to generate a climatically consistent regionalization based on temperature observations similar to those obtained with complete time series, outperforming other clustering methodologies developed to work with fragmentary information. k-Gaps clusters can therefore provide a useful framework for the study of long-term climate trends and the detection of past extreme events at regional scales.
Do wild raccoons (Procyon lotor) use tools?
Authors: Morton F. Blake 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBeing able to make and use tools was once considered to be an evolutionary hallmark of our species, but has since been documented in other animals. However, for reasons that remain unclear, not all species naturally use tools. Racoons (Procyon lotor) are generalist carnivores that possess many of the physical, cognitive, and behavioural characteristics linked to tool use in other species (e.g. manual dexterity, tactile exploration, relatively large brains, extractive foraging, and sociality). Although raccoons have not been observed using tools outside of experimental captive conditions, wild data involving objective psychometric tests are needed. The current study administered a tool-related task to a wild population of raccoons from 20 locations within the Croatan National Forest, USA. The task required participants to use a stick to extract food from a pipe. To facilitate interpretations of their performances on the task, data were obtained on natural tool availability at the field site and participants’ mode of exploring the novel task. None of the participants solved the task despite natural sticks (suitable for solving the task) being widely available across testing locations. Participants were equally likely to smell versus handle novel sticks, which were provided at testing platforms. Limited tactile exploration, but not tool availability, could be at least one factor that reduces these raccoons’ opportunities to interact with and learn about novel tools like sticks.
A population-based comparison of treatment, resource utilization, and costs by cancer stage for Ontario patients with HER2-positive breast cancer
Authors: Brezden-Masley Christine , Fathers Kelly E. , Coombes Megan E. , Pourmirza Behin , Xue Cloris , Jerzak Katarzyna J. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose
We sought to expand the currently limited, Canadian, population-based data on the characteristics, treatment pathways, and health care costs according to stage in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 positive (HER2+) breast cancer (BC).

Methods
We extracted data from the publicly funded health care system in Ontario. Baseline characteristics, treatment patterns, and health care costs were descriptively compared by cancer stage (I–III vs. IV) for adult women diagnosed with invasive HER2+ BC between 2012 and 2016. Resource use was multiplied by unit costs for publicly funded health care services to calculate costs.

Results
Overall, 4535 patients with stage I–III and 354 with stage IV HER2+ BC were identified. Most patients with stage I–III disease were treated with surgery (4372, 96.4%), with the majority having a lumpectomy, and 3521 (77.6%) received radiation. Neoadjuvant (NAT) and adjuvant (AT) systemic treatment rates were 20.1% (n = 920) and 88.8% (n = 3065), respectively. Systemic treatment was received by 311 patients (87.9%) with metastatic HER2+ BC, 264 of whom (84.9%) received trastuzumab. Annual health care costs per patient were nearly 3 times higher for stage IV vs. stage I–III HER2+ BC.

Conclusion
Per-patient annual costs were substantially higher for women with metastatic HER2+ BC, despite less frequent exposure to surgery and radiation compared to those with early stage disease. Increasing NAT rates in early stage disease represent a critical opportunity to prevent recurrence and reduce the costs associated with treating metastatic HER2+ BC.
Multiphase-field modelling of crack propagation in geological materials and porous media with Drucker-Prager plasticity
Authors: Späth Michael , Herrmann Christoph , Prajapati Nishant , Schneider Daniel , Schwab Felix , Selzer Michael , Nestler Britta 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA multiphase-field approach for elasto-plastic and anisotropic brittle crack propagation in geological systems consisting of different regions of brittle and ductile materials is presented and employed to computationally study crack propagation. Plastic deformation in elasto-plastic materials such as frictional, granular or porous materials is modelled with the pressure-sensitive Drucker-Prager plasticity model. This plasticity model is combined with a multiphase-field model fulfilling the mechanical jump conditions in diffuse solid-solid interfaces. The validity of the plasticity model with phase-inherent stress and strain fields is shown, in comparison with sharp interface finite element solutions. The proposed model is capable of simulating crack formation in heterogeneous multiphase systems comprising both purely elastic and inelastic phases. We investigate the influence of different material parameters on the crack propagation with tensile tests in single- and two-phase materials. To show the applicability of the model, crack propagation in a multiphase domain with brittle and elasto-plastic components is performed.
The Use and Perceived Usefulness of an Online Toolbox Targeted at Employers (MiLES Intervention) for Enhancing Successful Return to Work of Cancer Survivors
Authors: Greidanus M. A. , de Rijk A. E. , Frings-Dresen M. H. W. , Tiedtke C. M. , Brouwers S. , de Boer A. G. E. M. , Tamminga S. J. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The MiLES intervention is a web-based intervention targeted at employers with the objective of enhancing successful return to work (RTW) of cancer survivors. The aim of this study is to gain insight into the employers’ use and perceived usefulness of the MiLES intervention.

Methods
Employer representatives (e.g. Human Resource managers and supervisors) were given access to the MiLES intervention, which contains, among others, interactive videos, conversation checklists and tailored tips. After six weeks, an online questionnaire gathered data on employers’ use and the perceived usefulness of the intervention. In-depth qualitative data on these topics were gathered during semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed using a content analysis.

Results
Thirty-one eligible employers were included. Twenty-two of them filled out the questionnaire and twenty were interviewed. Typically, employers used the intervention 2–3 times, for 26 min per visit. The usefulness of the intervention scored 7.6 out of 10 points, and all employers would recommend it to colleagues. Employers’ use decreased when support needs were low and when the intervention did not correspond with their specific situation (e.g. complex reintegration trajectories). Employers perceived the intervention to be supporting and practically oriented. They appreciated the fact that the intervention was web-based and combined visual and textual content. The possibility of consulting specialized services for complex situations would further enhance its usefulness.

Conclusion
The MiLES intervention provides employers with a useful tool in their daily practice. Its effectiveness for enhancing employers’ managerial skills and cancer survivors’ successful RTW is subject for further research.
Roles, Facilitators and Challenges of Employment Support Specialists Assisting Young People with Mental Health Conditions
Authors: Vaingankar Janhavi Ajit , Teh Wen Lin , Roystonn Kumarasan , Goh Janrius , Zhang Yun Jue , Satghare Pratika , Shahwan Shazana , Chong Siow Ann , Verma Swapna , Tan Zhuan Liang , Tay Benjamin , Maniam Yogeswary , Subramaniam Mythily 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPurpose The present study aimed to understand the roles, effective strategies and facilitators, and challenges of employment support specialists (ESS) in assisting young people with mental health conditions (MHCs) gain and sustain employment in Singapore. Methods An interpretative qualitative design using an inductive approach was adopted for this study. Using a semi-structured interview guide, in-depth interviews were conducted with twenty ESS employed with mental health service providers or other community-based centers. Verbatim transcripts of the interviews were thematically analyzed using inductive methods. ESS were broadly classified as “any professionals providing employment-related support to people with MHCs”. Results Majority of the ESS were employed at a tertiary psychiatric institute. Participants included vocational and occupational specialists, case managers and other clinical professionals. Three key themes emerged from the data: (i) descriptions of roles undertaken by the ESS depicting a wide range of services and requisite skillsets; (ii) facilitators that benefit young people with MHCs’ in terms of job placement, for example, ESS’ attitudes and attributes, and their clients’ disposition; and (iii) challenges that deter effective job placements, such as factors pertaining to the ESS themselves, their clients, and clients’ employers. Under this theme, ESS also proposed ways to improve employment opportunities of people with MHCs. Conclusions This study provided insight into a range of tasks performed and challenges faced by ESS in Singapore while assisting their clients. There is a need to address ESS’ challenges and expectations in order to enhance their efficiency and aid reintegration of young people with MHCs into the workforce and the society.
Digital Public Services in Smart Cities – an Empirical Analysis of Lead User Preferences
Authors: Wirtz Bernd W. , Müller Wilhelm M. , Schmidt Florian W. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSmart cities (SC) attract constant criticism due their technocratic conceptualization. To solve this issue, scholars call for a citizen-centric approach aligning the SC agenda to the citizens’ needs and preferences. However, examining SC user preferences is still in its infancy and only few studies provide empirical insights. By surveying 105 lead users, this article is able to predict the preferred type of SC services, the preferred channels for accessing smart services and the factors fostering SC service usage. In doing so, the study states a preliminary assessment of SC user preferences setting the scientific groundwork for citizen-centric SC concepts.
Conducting quantitative studies with the participation of political elites: best practices for designing the study and soliciting the participation of political elites
Authors: Vis Barbara , Stolwijk Sjoerd 
Published: October 2020

AbstractConducting quantitative research (e.g., surveys, a large number of interviews, experiments) with the participation of political elites is typically challenging. Given that a population of political elites is typically small by definition, a particular challenge is obtaining a sufficiently high number of observations and, thus, a certain response rate. This paper focuses on two questions related to this challenge: (1) What are best practices for designing the study? And (2) what are best practices for soliciting the participation of political elites? To arrive at these best practices, we (a) examine which factors explain the variation in response rates across surveys within and between large-scale, multi-wave survey projects by statistically analyzing a newly compiled dataset of 342 political elite surveys from eight projects, spanning 30 years and 58 countries, (b) integrate the typically scattered findings from the existing literature and (c) discuss results from an original expert survey among researchers with experience with such research (n = 23). By compiling a comprehensive list of best practices, systematically testing some widely held believes about response rates and by providing benchmarks for response rates depending on country, survey mode and elite type, we aim to facilitate future studies where participation of political elites is required. This will contribute to our knowledge and understanding of political elites’ opinions, information processing and decision making and thereby of the functioning of representative democracies.
The Utilization of Regional Anesthesia among Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: DelPizzo Kathryn , Fiasconaro Megan , Wilson Lauren A. , Liu Jiabin , Poeran Jashvant , Freeman Carrie , Memtsoudis Stavros G. 
Published: October 2020

Background The use of regional anesthesia (RA) in pediatric patients remains understudied, although evidence suggests benefits over general anesthesia. Questions/Purposes We sought to identify factors associated with RA use in patients under the age of 21 years undergoing ambulatory orthopedic surgery. Methods Patients under the age of 21 who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair or reconstruction, knee arthroscopy (KA), or shoulder arthroscopy (SA) were identified from the NY Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database (2005–2015). Frequencies of RA use (defined by femoral nerve block, spinal, epidural, caudal, or brachial plexus anesthesia) were calculated. Multivariable regression analysis identified patient- and healthcare system–related factors associated with the use of RA. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Results We identified 87,273 patients who underwent the procedures of interest (ACL n = 28,226; SA n = 18,155; KA n = 40,892). In our primary analysis, 14.4% ( n = 1404) had RA as their primary anesthetic; this percentage increased for patients who had ACL or KA. When adjusting for covariates, Hispanic ethnicity (OR 0.78; CI 0.65–0.94) and Medicaid insurance (OR 0.75; CI 0.65–0.87) were associated with decreased odds for the provision of RA. Further, we identified increasing age (OR 1.10; CI 1.08–1.11), ACL versus SA (OR 1.91; CI 1.74–2.10), and sports injuries (OR 1.20; CI 1.10–1.31) as factors associated with increased odds of RA use. Conclusion In this analysis, RA was used in a minority of patients under the age of 21 undergoing ambulatory orthopedic surgery. Older age was associated with increased use while Hispanic ethnicity and lower socioeconomic status were associated with lower use.
Spontaneous splenic rupture, mesenteric ischemia and spinal infarction after aortic repair for acute type A dissection in a patient with sickle cell trait
Authors: Toyoda Makoto , Kitamura Tadashi , Nakashima Kouki , Matsunaga Yoshikiyo , Nie Masaki , Miyaji Kagami 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSickle cell trait (SCT), a benign hematological condition affecting approximately 300 million individuals globally, is associated with an increased risk of vaso-occlusive disease. However, the risks related to surgery employing cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with SCT are not well established. Herein, we report the case of a 27-year-old African American man with SCT who underwent an emergency aortic repair for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection using hypothermic circulatory arrest. The patient developed a sickle cell crisis, which was followed by spontaneous splenic infarction and rupture, nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia, and spinal infarction.
Towards a digital key to the lichens of Italy
Authors: Nimis Pier Luigi , Martellos Stefano 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWork is in progress for the completion of a computer-aided key to all lichens known to occur in Italy, which will be freely available online, and as a free application for mobile devices. A first example, concerning the lichens of Northern Italy (2.339 infrageneric taxa), is already available online for testing. A computer-generated but manually edited dichotomous key is invoked for all species previously filtered via a multi-entry interface, where several selected characters can be specified in a single step. To optimize the two query interfaces, two different datasets are used, one for the dichotomous, the other for the multi-entry interface.
Invariance groups of functions and related Galois connections
Authors: Horváth Eszter K. , Pöschel Reinhard , Reichard Sven 
Published: October 2020

AbstractInvariance groups of sets of Boolean functions can be characterized as Galois closures of a suitable Galois connection. We consider such groups in a much more general context using group actions of an abstract group and arbitrary functions instead of Boolean ones. We characterize the Galois closures for both sides of the corresponding Galois connection and apply the results to known group actions.
A Feature Inherited Hierarchical Convolutional Neural Network (FI-HCNN) for Motor Fault Severity Estimation Using Stator Current Signals
Authors: Park Chan Hee , Kim Hyunjae , Lee Junmin , Ahn Giljun , Youn Myeongbaek , Youn Byeng D. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMotors, which are one of the most widely used machines in the manufacturing field, take charge of a key role in precision machining. Therefore, it is important to accurately estimate the health state of the motor that affects the quality of the product. The research outlined in this paper aims to improve motor fault severity estimation by suggesting a novel deep learning method, specifically, feature inherited hierarchical convolutional neural network (FI-HCNN). FI-HCNN consists of a fault diagnosis part and a severity estimation part, arranged hierarchically. The main novelty of the proposed FI-HCNN is the special inherited structure between the hierarchy; the severity estimation part utilizes the latent features to exploit the fault-related representations in the fault diagnosis task. FI-HCNN can improve the accuracy of the fault severity estimation because the level-specific abstraction is supported by the latent features. Also, FI-HCNN has ease in practical application because it is developed based on stator current signals which are usually acquired for a control purpose. Experimental studies of mechanical motor faults, including eccentricity, broken rotor bars, and unbalanced conditions, are used to corroborate the high performance of FI-HCNN, as compared to both conventional methods and other hierarchical deep learning methods.
Transformation of minerals at the boundary of magma-coal contact zone: case study from Wolonghu Coal Mine, Huaibei Coalfield, China
Authors: Chen Xing , Zheng Liugen , Jiang Yalin , Jiang Chunlu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMesozoic and Cenozoic magma activity in the Wolong Lake mining area of Huaibei is frequent, and the degree of magma intrusion into coal seams remarkable. On the one hand, magma intrusion affects the utilization of coal resources; on the other hand, the macro and trace elements in coal are redistributed to form new mineral types. This study uses the Wolong Lake magma intrusion coal seam as a research object. The mineral paragenesis for igneous rock, coke, and thermally-altered coal in an igneous intrusion zone is studied using SEM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. During igneous intrusion, the temperature and pressure of igneous rock metamorphose ambient low-rank coal to high-rank coal and coke. The response mechanism of minerals and trace elements to magmatic intrusion is discussed. The results are: ① SEM analysis shows that ankerite and pyrite are formed from magma intrusion. Both minerals are strongly developed in the magma-coal contact zone, and less well developed in thermally-altered coal. ② XRD analysis shows that igneous intrusion strongly influences the types and content of minerals in coke and thermally-altered coal. In addition to the increase amounts of ankerite and pyrite, chlorite, serpentine, and muscovite, and other secondary minerals, are generated following igneous intrusion. ③ Raman analysis suggests that thermally-altered coal possesses the characteristics of both pyrite and coke. Coke from the magma-coal boundary zone possesses the typical characteristics of pyrite. Igneous rock contains a mineral similar to pyrite, confirmed by both having similar Raman peaks. The scattering intensity of Ag indicates that the formation pressure of pyrite increases from thermally-altered coal via the boundary between the coke zone and the igneous rock.
QUANTIFYING THE TRADE-OFF BETWEEN INCOME STABILITY AND THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS IN A POOLED ANNUITY FUND
Authors: Bernhardt Thomas , Donnelly Catherine 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe number of people who receive a stable income for life from a closed pooled annuity fund is studied. Income stability is defined as keeping the income within a specified tolerance of the initial income in a fixed proportion of future scenarios. The focus is on quantifying the effect of the number of members, which drives the level of idiosyncratic longevity risk in the fund, on the income stability. To do this, investment returns are held constant, and systematic longevity risk is omitted. An analytical expression that closely approximates the number of fund members who receive a stable income is derived and is seen to be independent of the mortality model. An application of the result is to calculate the length of time for which the pooled annuity fund can provide the desired level of income stability.
A Perspective on Re-Detectable Positive SARS-CoV-2 Nucleic Acid Results in Recovered COVID-19 Patients
Authors: He Yanfei , Dong Yu-Chao 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTObjectives:There have been reports on re-detectable positive nucleic acid tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in recovered coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients. In this study, we look at the clinical characteristics, possible causes, pathogenesis, and infectivity of re-detectable positive patients and provide up-to-date information to public health policy planners and clinicians.Methods:By consulting the latest research data and related progress data of re-detectable positive patients, this study addresses the implications that this special group brings to clinical work and disease prevention and control.Results:We discuss in detail the phenomenon of re-detectable positive nucleic acid tests for recovered patients. There are many possible causes of a re-detectable positive, but there is no 1 factor that can fully explain this phenomenon.Conclusions:It can’t be completely ruled out that the re-detectable positive patients are infectious. We should be alert to these re-detectable positive patients becoming chronic virus carriers, and virus serological IgM and IgG antibody tests should be added before patient discharge. It is urgent to find a more powerful evidence-based and virological basis for the integrity of viral ribonucleic acid and the variation of viral virulence with time through cell experiments in vitro and animal experiments in vivo.