bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do investors value the voluntary assurance of sustainability information? Evidence from the Spanish stock market
Authors: Reverte Carmelo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis study examines in the Spanish setting whether, after the passing of the European Directive 2014/95/UE, investors value positively the voluntary assurance of sustainability reports corresponding to the period 2014–2017 for a sample of listed companies. It also analyzes the valuation by investors of a series of assurance characteristics such as its quality, level of application (reasonable/high vs. moderate/limited), scope (complete vs. partial), and the type of assurance provider (accounting vs. non‐accounting firms). Our results find that investors reward firms that adopt external sustainability assurance. Furthermore, we document that investors value to a greater extent those assurance statements with a broader scope, a high/reasonable level of assurance, and with a better quality. Our results are relevant for companies, investors, regulators, and practitioners, and justify the pertinence of the recent Law 11/2018 that places Spain as a European reference by requiring a mandatory assurance of sustainability information in order to increase its reliability and comparability.
Induction of vitamin B12 to purify biogas slurry and upgrade biogas using co‐culture of microalgae and fungi
Authors: Xu Bing , Liu Jia , Zhao Chunzhi , Sun Shiqing , Xu Jie , Zhao Yongjun 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDifferent gradient concentrations of vitamin B12 (0, 10, 100, 1,000 ng L−1) were used in the symbiosis system (Chlorella vulgaris–Ganoderma lucidum or Chlorella vulgaris–Pleurotus ostreatus) to assess their effect on simultaneous purification of biogas and removal of nutrients in biogas slurry using co‐culture of microalgae and fungi. When B12 was added to the symbiosis system, biomass growth, intracellular carbonic anhydrase activity (CA), chlorophyll a content (CHL‐a), photosynthetic characteristics of the two cultivation system, and removal efficiency of nutrients in biogas slurry and CO2 in biogas were significantly higher than those in the control group. The optimal concentration of B12 was determined to be 100 ng L−1 considering the removal efficiency of nutrients and CO2. Maximum mean chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and CO2 removal efficiencies were 75.98 ± 6.26%, 78.46 ± 6.21%, 80.21 ± 6.83% and 61.08 ± 5.21% in Chlorella vulgaris–Ganoderma lucidum, respectively. This study showed the potential of microalgae and fungi symbiosis system with B12 addition for nutrient removal and biogas upgrading.Practitioner points

Vitamin B12 had positive effects on algal–fungal pellets growth.
The optimal vitamin B12 concentration was 100 ng L−1.
The highest CO2 remove rate was 61.08% by G. lucidum/C. vulgaris pellets.
Vitamin B12 significantly improved photosynthetic performance of pellets.
Systematisierung von Methoden partizipativer Forschung
Authors: Kasberg Azize , Müller Patrick , Markert Claudia , Bär Gesine 
Published: December 2020

ZusammenfassungHintergrundIn der Forschung gewinnen partizipative Ansätze an Bedeutung. Der Einsatz partizipativer Methoden erfolgt meist ohne eine methodologische Auseinandersetzung oder den Bezug auf eine gemeinsame Systematik.Ziel der ArbeitAuf der Grundlage eines Scoping-Reviews wird eine Systematisierung partizipativer Methoden vorgeschlagen. Damit wird ein Beitrag zum Diskurs über partizipative Methoden geleistet, die gesundheitliche Chancengleichheit fördern.Material und MethodenNach einer Literaturrecherche wurden 44 Treffer eingeschlossen. Die Suche sowohl nach deutsch- als auch englischsprachiger Literatur basierte auf diversen Datenbanken (PubMed, PsycInfo, SocIndex, Livivo, Cochrane, Fachportal Pädagogik), einer Handsuche und einer Suche nach dem Schneeballprinzip.Ergebnisse und DiskussionDie Systematisierung kombiniert phasen- und formatbasierte Logiken. Als zentrale Prinzipien in den Definitionen einer partizipativen Methodologie und von partizipativen Methoden werden die Mehrdimensionalität und Phasenintegration berücksichtigt. Daraus abgeleitet werden die Hauptunterscheidung von prozessgestaltenden und forschenden Methoden. Schwerpunkte zeigen sich bei den Erhebungsmethoden und Reflexionsverfahren. Lücken im deutschsprachigen Raum sind bei Methoden gemeinsamer Entscheidungsfindungen, der Auswertung und Verwendung erkennbar.FazitDie Ergebnisse helfen bei der Einordnung verschiedener Ansätze und ihres Grades an Partizipation. Für Forschung und Lehre wird die Aufmerksamkeit auf das Spektrum forschender und prozessgestaltender partizipativer Methoden gelenkt, die es einzusetzen, zu beschreiben und zu vermitteln gilt.
Multi-parent QTL mapping reveals stable QTL conferring resistance to Gibberella ear rot in maize
Authors: Galiano-Carneiro Ana L. , Kessel Bettina , Presterl Thomas , Gaikpa David Sewordor , Kistner Maria Belen , Miedaner Thomas 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMaize production is on risk by Gibberella ear rot (GER) caused byFusarium graminearum. This is one of the most important ear rot diseases in temperate zones as it leads to yield losses and production of harmful mycotoxins. We investigated, for the first time, the potential use of Brazilian tropical maize to increase resistance levels to GER in temperate European flint germplasm by analyzing six interconnected biparental populations. We assessed GER symptoms in Brazil and in Europe in up to six environments (= location × year combinations) during the growing seasons of 2018 and 2019. We conducted multi-parent QTL and biparental QTL mapping, and identified four QTLs with additive gene action, each explaining 5.4 to 21.8% of the total genotypic variance for GER resistance. Among them, QTL q1 was stable across test environments, populations, and between inbred lines and testcrosses. The accuracies of genomic prediction ranged from 0.50 to 0.59 depending on the resistance donor and prediction model. Jointly, our study reveals the potential use of Brazilian resistance sources to increase GER resistance levels by genomics-assisted breeding.
Unobserved preferences and dynamic platform pricing under positive network externality
Authors: Huuki Hannu , Svento Rauli 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe study the dynamic optimization of platform pricing in industries with positive direct network externalities. The utility of the network for the consumer is modeled as a function of three components. Platform price and participation rate affect the consumer’s decision to join the platform. The platform operator is assumed to know the consumer’s sensitivities with respect to these components. In addition, the consumer’s utility is a function of other attributes, such as network privacy policies and environmental effects of the service. We assume that the distribution of these unobserved preferences in the potential customer base is known to the platform operator. We show analytically how the unobserved preferences affect the dynamic platform price design. Both static and rational expectations with respect to the platform participation are presented. We simulate an electricity market demand side management service application and show that the platform operator sets low prices in the launch phase. The platform operator can set higher launching prices if it can affect customers’ preferences, expectations or adjustment friction.
A study of contact methods in the application of large deformation dynamics in self-contact beam
Authors: Bozorgmehri Babak , Yu Xinxin , Matikainen Marko K. , Harish Ajay B. , Mikkola Aki 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis paper introduces a procedure in the field of computational contact mechanics to analyze contact dynamics of beams undergoing large overall motion with large deformations and in self-contact situations. The presented contact procedure consists of a contact search algorithm which is employed with two approaches to impose contact constraint. The contact search task aims to detect the contact events and to identify the contact point candidates that is accomplished using an algorithm based on intersection of the oriented bounding boxes (OBBs). To impose the contact constraint, an approach based on the complementarity problem (CP) is introduced in the context of beam-to-beam contact. The other approach to enforce the contact constraint in this work is the penalty method, which is often used in the finite element and multibody literature. The latter contact force model is compared against the frictionless variant of the complementarity problem approach, linear complementarity problem approach (LCP). In the considered approaches, the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) is used as an underlying finite element method for modeling beam-like structures in multibody applications, in particular. The employed penalty method makes use of an internal iteration scheme based on the Newton solver to fulfill the criteria for minimal penetration. Numerical examples in the case of flexible beams demonstrate the applicability of the introduced approach in a situation where a variety of contact types occur. It was found that the employed contact detection method is sufficiently accurate when paired with the studied contact constraint imposition models in simulation of the contact dynamics problems. It is further shown that the optimization-based complementarity problem approach is computationally more economical than the classical penalty method in the case of studied 2D-problems.
Modular crawling robots using soft pneumatic actuators
Authors: Wang Nianfeng , Chen Bicheng , Ge Xiandong , Zhang Xianmin , Wang Wenbin 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCrawling robots have elicited much attention in recent years due to their stable and efficient locomotion. In this work, several crawling robots are developed using two types of soft pneumatic actuators (SPAs), namely, an axial elongation SPA and a dual bending SPA. By constraining the deformation of the elastomeric chamber, the SPAs realize their prescribed motions, and the deformations subjected to pressures are characterized with numerical models. Experiments are performed for verification, and the results show good agreement. The SPAs are fabricated by casting and developed into crawling robots with 3D-printing connectors. Control schemes are presented, and crawling tests are performed. The speeds predicted by the numerical models agree well with the speeds in the experiments.
Molecular modeling of electrolyte and polysulfide ions for lithium-sulfur batteries
Authors: Babar Shumaila , Lekakou Constantina 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe operation of a lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery involves the transport of Li+ ions and soluble sulfides mostly in the form of solvated ions. Key challenges in the development of Li-S battery technology are the diffusion of Li+ in micropores filled with sulfur and eliminating the “shuttling” of polysulfides. Ion dimensions in solvated and desolvated forms are key parameters determining the diffusion coefficient and the rate of transport of such ions, while constrictivity effects due to the effect of pore size compared to ion size control both transport and filling of the pores. We present molecular simulations to determine the solvation parameters of electrolyte ions and sulfides S22−, S42−, S62−, and S82− in two different electrolyte systems: LiTFSI in DOL/DME and LiPF6 in EC/DMC. The calculated parameters include the coordination number and the geometrically optimized model and dimensions, using the van der Waals surface approach, of the solvated and desolvated ions. The desolvation energy of the electrolyte ions is also calculated. Such data is useful for the modeling and design of the pore sizes of cathode host materials to be able to accommodate the different sulfides while minimizing their “shuttling” between cathode and anode.
Optimal design of extractive dividing-wall column using an efficient equation-oriented approach
Authors: Ma Yingjie , Zhang Nan , Li Jie , Cao Cuiwen 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe extractive dividing-wall column (EDWC) is one of the most efficient technologies for separation of azeotropic or close boiling-point mixtures, but its design is fairly challenging. In this paper we extend the hybrid feasible path optimisation algorithm (Ma Y, McLaughlan M, Zhang N, Li J. Computers & Chemical Engineering, 2020, 143: 107058) for such optimal design. The tolerances-relaxation integration method is refined to allow for long enough integration time that can ensure the solution of the pseudo-transient continuation simulation close to the steady state before the required tolerance is used. To ensure the gradient and Jacobian information available for optimisation, we allow a relaxed tolerance for the simulation in the sensitivity analysis mode when the simulation diverges under small tolerance. In addition, valid lower bounds on purity of the recycled entrainer and the vapour flow rate in column sections are imposed to improve computational efficiency. The computational results demonstrate that the extended hybrid algorithm can achieve better design of the EDWC compared to those in literature. The energy consumption can be reduced by more than 20% compared with existing literature report. In addition, the optimal design of the heat pump assisted EDWC is achieved using the improved hybrid algorithm for the first time.
COVID-19: Reflections on the Crisis, Transformation, and Interactive Processes Under Development
Authors: Moura Gabriella Garcia , Nascimento Célia Regina Rangel , Ferreira Juliene Madureira 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWith a global extent, the pandemic of the new coronavirus and the resulting measures to contain the contagion imposed immediate changes in the routine of people and societies. In view of this historical event, the first part of this theoretical study discussed its relationship with the concept of crisis, while circumscribing human development processes, mobilizing reorganizations in life trajectories. In the second part, the intensification of the use of digital tools to support communication during social isolation was highlighted, particularly reflecting on new interactive arrangements and inter-corporeal experiences. The paper reflects on the proximal processes in the new interactive and contextual configurations through the bioecological theory of human development and, based on concepts of the enactive theory, discusses possible implications of the new perceptual fields and the production of meanings with the repositioning of the body and new modes of engagement. The study highlights that the changes, events, relationships, and effects that we are experiencing (trans)form our forms of sociability and bases of psyche.
A case report on the effects of atropine against baclofen in inguinal hernia surgery patient
Authors: Beiranvand Siavash 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Intake of baclofen, as an anti-spasm is common in patients with inguinal hernia.

Presentation of case:
This paper reports a case where preoperative intake of baclofen for back pain is associated with the decrease in heart rate and blood pressure.

Discussion and conclusion:
However, atropine can effectively correct this condition, with precise monitoring and care.
Defining the Deficit in US Surgical Training: The Trainee's Perspective
Authors: Anderson Tiffany N. , Payne Davis H. , Dent Daniel L. , Kearse LaDonna E. , Schmiederer Ingrid S. , Korndorffer James R. 
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND:
Self-efficacy is the personal judgment of how well one can successfully complete a task. The goal of this study was to assess self-efficacy of PGY5 residents for common general surgery operations. We hypothesized there are deficits in self-efficacy of PGY5 residents, and self-efficacy of a given operation correlates with experience performing the operation without attending assistance (independently) and teaching the operation from start to finish.

METHODS:
A survey was linked to the 2020 American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination. From the ACGME case log's 15 most commonly performed surgeon-chief operations and AHRQ's 15 most common operations, 10 operations were selected. Residents evaluated their ability to perform these operations independently using a 5-point self-efficacy scale. Residents were asked whether they had experience performing these operations independently or teaching the operation from start to finish. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation were used to examine the relationship between self-efficacy and operative experience.

RESULTS:
In all, 1,145 of 1,367 PGY5 residents (84%) responded. Highest self-efficacy was in performing wide-local excision (90.24%) and lowest was in performing open thyroidectomy (19.58%). Eighty-eight (7.7%) reported self-efficacy in all procedures. Statistically significant positive correlations were identified between experience and self-efficacy for cases performed without assistance (r = 0.98, p < 0.01) and cases taught (r = 0.91, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:
With 5 months left in training, 92.3% of residents report deficits in preparation for practice, as defined by self-efficacy to complete common procedures independently. Resident self-efficacy increased in direct relation to performed cases and cases taught.
Validity of Erectile Function Assessment Questionnaires in Premature Ejaculation Patients: A Comparative Study Between the Abridged Forms of the International Index of Erectile Function and Proposal for Optimal Cutoff Redefinition
Authors: Xi Yu , Colonnello Elena , Ma Gongchao , Limoncin Erika , Ciocca Giacomo , Zhang Hui , Jannini Emmanuele A. , Zhang Yan 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundPatients with premature ejaculation (PE) are often diagnosed as having a comorbid erectile dysfunction (ED). When evaluating erectile function in PE patients with the popular International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5, or Sexual Health Inventory for Men [SHIM]), question #5 (Q5) about sexual satisfaction in the intercourse often lowers the total score of the questionnaire, giving false-positive results for the presence of ED.AimWe aimed to compare SHIM with the other abridged form of IIEF, which is IIEF-EF, and to discriminate which tool has the best diagnostic accuracy in the evaluation of erectile function in PE patients.MethodsThe study was conducted from March 2019 to January 2020. A total of 189 heterosexual males with lifelong PE (117, 61.9%) or acquired PE (72, 38.1%) were included. They all compiled Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool, IIEF-15, SHIM, and IIEF-EF and underwent a full clinical examination to evaluate their erectile function.OutcomesThe scores of the 2 erectile function assessment questionnaires (SHIM and IIEF-EF) were compared in terms of their sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of ED in PE patients.RESULTSIn terms of diagnosing ED in PE patients, the sensitivity of SHIM is 100% while the specificity is only 36%; meanwhile, the sensitivity of IIEF-EF is 100% but specificity is 77.2%. Further analysis demonstrates that decreasing cutoff of SHIM to 17.5 would provide an increased specificity of 82.5%, while sensitivity would lower to 96.0%. However, the highest area under the curve (0.966 vs 0.941) is given by the IIEF-EF with 100% sensitivity and 80.7% specificity at the cutoff of 24.5, which is one point lower than the usual cutoff value of 25.5.Clinical ImplicationsOur study suggests that when evaluating erection function in PE patients, the cutoff of both SHIM and IIEF-EF should be amended.Strengths & LimitationsWe proposed the solution for the bias of erectile function assessment in PE patients. However, other trials are needed to further validate in larger cohorts of PE patients.CONCLUSIONWe suggest that the cutoff of SHIM and IIEF-EF should be amended (SHIM at 17.5 and IIEF-EF at 24.5, respectively) when assessing erectile function among PE population.
On Polish groups admitting non-essentially countable actions
Authors: KECHRIS ALEXANDER S. , MALICKI MACIEJ , PANAGIOTOPOULOS ARISTOTELIS , ZIELINSKI JOSEPH 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIt is a long-standing open question whether every Polish group that is not locally compact admits a Borel action on a standard Borel space whose associated orbit equivalence relation is not essentially countable. We answer this question positively for the class of all Polish groups that embed in the isometry group of a locally compact metric space. This class contains all non-archimedean Polish groups, for which we provide an alternative proof based on a new criterion for non-essential countability. Finally, we provide the following variant of a theorem of Solecki: every infinite-dimensional Banach space has a continuous action whose orbit equivalence relation is Borel but not essentially countable.
An imbalancing act: the delayed dynamic response of the Kaskawulsh Glacier to sustained mass loss
Authors: Young Erik M. , Flowers Gwenn E. , Berthier Etienne , Latto Rebecca 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe Kaskawulsh Glacier is an iconic outlet draining the icefields of the St. Elias Mountains in Yukon, Canada. We determine and attempt to interpret its catchment-wide mass budget since 2007. Using SPOT5/6/7 data we estimate a 2007–18 geodetic balance of −0.46 ± 0.17 m w.e. a−1. We then compute balance fluxes and observed ice fluxes at nine flux gates to examine the discrepancy between the climatic mass balance and internal mass redistribution by glacier flow. Balance fluxes are computed using a fully distributed mass-balance model driven by downscaled and bias-corrected climate-reanalysis data. Observed fluxes are calculated using NASA ITS_LIVE surface velocities and glacier cross-sectional areas derived from ice-penetrating radar data. We find the glacier is still in the early stages of dynamic adjustment to its mass imbalance. We estimate a committed terminus retreat of ~23 km under the 2007–18 climate and a lower bound of 46 km3of committed ice loss, equivalent to ~15% of the total glacier volume.
Collapse of Holocene mangrove ecosystems along the coastline of Oman
Authors: Decker Valeska , Falkenroth Michaela , Lindauer Susanne , Landgraf Jessica , Al-Lawati Zahra , Al-Rahbi Huda , Franz Sven Oliver , Hoffmann Gösta 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSedimentological, geochemical, and paleontological investigations of the coastline of northeastern Oman have provided the authors with an in-depth insight into Holocene sea levels and climate conditions. The spatial distribution and species assemblage of mangrove ecosystems are analyzed. These ecosystems are sensitive to changes in sea level and precipitation and thus reflect ecological conditions. The close proximity to archaeological sites allows us to draw conclusions regarding human interaction with the mangrove ecosystems. Our interdisciplinary inquiry reveals that the mangrove ecosystems along the east coast of Oman collapsed ~6000 cal yr BP on a decadal scale. There is no sedimentological evidence for a mid-Holocene sea-level highstand. The ecosystem collapse was not caused by sea-level variation or anthropogenic interferences; rather, it was the consequence of reduced precipitation values related to a southward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone. This resulted in a decrease of freshwater input and an increase in soil salinity. Further, the aridification of the area caused increased deflation and silting up of the lagoons.