bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Household‐level perceptions of governance in smallholder irrigation schemes in KwaZulu‐Natal Province*
Authors: Phali Lerato , Mudhara Maxwell , Ferrer Stuart , Makombe Godswill 
Published: November 2021

AbstractGood governance is a prerequisite for better management of common‐use resources. Awareness of institutions, inclusion of members in decision‐making processes, stakeholder engagement and transparency are needed for good governance, which enhances the sustainable use of communal water resources. This paper therefore considers perceptions of farmers on irrigation scheme governance in its various dimensions. The study uses household data of 341 farmers drawn from four irrigation schemes in KwaZulu‐Natal. The results show that farmers who are satisfied with the informal institutions, being the rules and norms set locally to govern the scheme farmers, value the involvement of the tribal authorities in scheme management, including their contribution to rule enforcement. Age, agricultural training, water adequacy, participation in scheme activities, psychological capital and land tenure have a positive effect on perceptions of governance constructs. Farmers are satisfied with the informal institutions governing the schemes and therefore the study recommends the inclusion of informal institutions in policy formulation. Farmers should be empowered through training and be made aware of formal institutions applicable to their irrigation scheme, and stakeholder engagement in the schemes should be strengthened.
Research and scholarly methods: Pragmatic clinical trials
Authors: Oche Onyeche , Wu Chaorong , Murry Logan T. , Kennelty Korey A. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPragmatic clinical trials (PCTs) have received increased attention within health services and pharmacy practice research due to their ability to test interventions in the real world, with emphasis on implementation and scalability in diverse practice environments. The purpose of this article is to introduce the PCT research design to health service and pharmacy practice researchers, followed by considerations and recommendations for conducting successful PCT research. It is organized into three parts, including a definition of PCTs, the process of selecting a PCT design, and general considerations and recommendations of PCTs. We conclude with the applications and trends in the use of PCTs in pharmacy research.
Physics‐based learning with channel attention for Fourier ptychographic microscopy
Authors: Zhang Jizhou , Xu Tingfa , Li Jianan , Zhang Yuhan , Jiang Shenwang , Chen Yiwen , Zhang Jinhua 
Published: November 2021

AbstractFourier ptychographic microscopy (FPM) is a computational imaging technology for large field‐of‐view, high resolution and quantitative phase imaging. In FPM, low‐resolution intensity images captured with angle‐varying illumination are synthesized in Fourier space with phase retrieval approaches. However, system errors such as pupil aberration and light‐emitting diode (LED) intensity error seriously affect the reconstruction performance. In this article, we propose a physics‐based neural network with channel attention for FPM reconstruction. With the channel attention module, which is introduced into physics‐based neural networks for the first time, the spatial distribution of LED intensity can be adaptively corrected. Besides, the channel attention module is used to synthesize different Zernike modes and recover the pupil function. Detailed simulations and experiments are carried out to validate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method. The results demonstrate that our method achieves better performance in high‐resolution complex field reconstruction, LED intensity correction and pupil function recovery compared with the state‐of‐art methods. The combination with deep neural network structures like channel attention modules significantly enhance the performance of physics‐based neural networks and will promote the application of FPM in practical use.
A 6–18 GHz high dB‐linear attenuator based on variable gain amplifier for ultra‐wideband phased array systems
Authors: Wang Zeyuan , Li Zhenrong , Wang Xudong , Cheng Xiayu , Li Zhen , Zhuang Yiqi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe letter presents a high dB‐linear attenuator based on variable gain amplifier (VGA) for ultra‐wideband phased array systems. An effective dB‐linear compensation structure is proposed to improve the gain range and accuracy. The bandwidth and gain flatness of the proposed VGA are increased by the emitter resistor–capacitor negative feedback and transistor segmentation technique. The proposed VGA is implemented with the 0.18 μm SiGe bipolar complementary metal oxide semiconductor (BiCMOS) process. The measured results show that the VGA can operate from 6 to 18 GHz with a controlled variable gain range of 20 dB, the root‐mean‐square gain error is less than 0.55 dB. The input 1 dB compression point (IP1dB) of the fabricated VGA is more than −5 dBm. The proposed VGA consumes 71 mW and occupies a chip area of 0.98 mm × 0.98 mm.
Technical note: Personalized treatment gating thresholds in frameless stereotactic radiosurgery using predictions of dosimetric fidelity and treatment interruption
Authors: MacDonald R. Lee , Lee Young , Schasfoort Jannie , Soliman Hany , Sahgal Arjun , Ruschin Mark 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPurposeGamma Knife Icon (GKI) enables a user‐defined gating threshold for intrafraction motion during stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). An optimal threshold would ensure dosimetric fidelity of the planned distribution and minimize treatment time extension by gating. A prediction of motion characteristics for a patient based on a retrospective database of motion traces could be beneficial to evaluating the choice of gating threshold. A short acquisition of motion may help to define a personalized threshold that balances dosimetric accuracy and treatment length. This study aims to evaluate the performance of a prediction of motion and the resultant dosimetric consequences for a range of motion gating thresholds.MethodsA database of 2552 motion traces (776 patients) was analyzed using previously published methods to characterize patient intrafraction motion on the GKI. For a selection of six fractionated SRS patient cases (two patients with single brain metastasis, four vestibular schwannomas), a 10‐min sample of motion was used to classify motion and identify traces in the database with similar metrics. The similar motion traces were used to perform a predictive reconstruction of the selected patient's delivered dose for a range of motion thresholds. The remaining fractions were reconstructed and compared to that predicted. From the six cases, 26 fractions were used to predict the number of interruptions (n = 26), change in target coverage (n = 26), and change in brainstem maximum dose (vestibular cases only, n = 20). The difference between mean predicted and reconstructed values was compared for accuracy.ResultsThe difference between mean prediction and reconstructed values was 0.32 ± 0.38% in target coverage, 2.36 ± 5.06 interruptions, and 0.15 ± 0.24 Gy for the brainstem maximum dose. Sixty‐seven of the 72 predictions (26 coverage, 26 interruptions, and 20 brainstem maximum dose) were within one standard deviation of the predicted mean.ConclusionsLarge databases of motion traces were used to characterize patient performance and predict motion performance. Dosimetric deterioration due to motion and extension of treatment duration can be predicted in some cases using only a short acquisition of motion and the treatment plan. This reconstruction may provide benefit in generating a patient‐specific motion threshold.
A new automated model brings stability to finite‐element simulations of capacitive deionization
Authors: Nordstrand Johan , Dutta Joydeep 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe massive need for freshwater is driving new desalination technologies such as capacitive deionization (CDI), wherein an applied electric field between porous electrodes removes salt ions from water. In this work, we present substantial advances in numerical approaches to 2D finite‐element models that make it possible to tractably and accurately simulate the local transport, charge‐transfer, and ion‐adsorption processes. This is achieved by introducing a new numerical approach that improves the stability of the method (SmD), which further allows precise and effective modeling that was previously too unstable for use in the state‐of‐the‐art 2D models. The results show that the model now accurately and reliably simulates CDI processes while being effectively applicable to a wider range of structural (device level) and operational conditions (like flow). Crucially, this opens up new opportunities that allow us to provide novel insights into the CDI processes, especially relating to ion‐starved conditions. Finally, novel algorithms support fully automatic implementation with simultaneous fit to multiple data sets and we openly provide all software code to increase accessibility. Thus, we fundamentally believe that the developed model will provide a solid foundation for 2D spatiotemporal simulations of capacitive deionization and aid the future development of CDI technology.
SwissPKcdw – A clinical data warehouse for the optimization of pediatric dosing regimens
Authors: Goers Roland , Coman Schmid Diana , Jäggi Vera F. , Paioni Paolo , Okoniewski Michal J. , Parker Althea , Bangerter Beat , Georgakopoulou Sofia , Sengstag Thierry , Bielicki Julia , Tilen Romy , Vermeul Swen , Krämer Stefanie D. , Berger Christoph , Rinn Bernd , Meyer zu Schwabedissen Henriette E. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractClinical trials have been performed mainly in adults and accordingly the necessary information is lacking for pediatric patients, especially regarding dosage recommendation for approved drugs. This gap in information could be filled with results from pharmacokinetic (PK) modeling, based on data collected in daily clinical routine. In order to make this data accessible and usable for research, the Swiss Pharmacokinetics Clinical Data Warehouse (SwissPKcdw) project has been set up, including a clinical data warehouse (CDW) and the regulatory framework for data transfer and use within. Embedded into the secure BioMedIT network, the CDW can connect to various data providers and researchers in order to collaborate on the data securely. Due to its modularity, partially containerized deployment and open‐source software, each of the components can be extended, modified, and re‐used for similar projects that require integrated data management, data analysis, and web tools in a secure scientific data and information technology (IT) environment. Here, we describe a collaborative and interprofessional effort to implement the aforementioned infrastructure between several partners from medical health care and academia. Furthermore, we describe a real‐world use case where blood samples from pediatric patients were analyzed for the presence of genetic polymorphisms and the results were aggregated and further analyzed together with the health‐related patient data in the SwissPKcdw.
Injectable Immunotherapeutic Thermogel for Enhanced Immunotherapy Post Tumor Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: Chen Muchao , Tan Yanjun , Hu Jiaying , Jiang Yanping , Wang Zixian , Liu Zhuang , Chen Qian 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTumor radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a local and minimally invasive application using high temperature to induce coagulative necrosis of tumor, which has been commonly used in clinic. Although the tumor fragments generated by RFA can activate the host's immune system, it may be insufficient to inhibit cancer recurrence due to many factors such as the inefficient antigen presentation by dendritic cells (DCs). In this research, a convenient local administration strategy by blocking rho‐associated kinases (ROCK) is applied to amplify the immune responses triggered by RFA via promoting the phagocytosis capacity of DCs. Briefly, ROCK inhibitor, Y27632, is successfully dispersed in the amphiphilic copolymer poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide)‐b‐poly(ethyleneglycol)‐b‐poly(D,L‐lactideco‐glycolide) (PLGA‐PEG‐PLGA) solution, which is sol at room temperature and forms hydrogel quickly at body temperature, obviously prolonging the retention of Y27632 after injection. Interestingly, in the melanoma tumor model, the generated tumor fragments after RFA treatment are swallowed by DCs and undergo reinforced antigen presentation process with the help of gradual released Y27632, further effectively activating T cell mediated anti‐tumor immune responses and significantly improving the therapeutic efficiency of RFA. Overall, such strategy remarkably prolongs the survival of mice after RFA treatment, showing great potential for clinical translation as an improvement strategy for RFA.
Properties and heavy metal leaching characteristics of leachate sludge‐derived biochar
Authors: Zhang Huiqin , Wang Zixian , Du Chenyu , Liu Wenlong , Gerson Andrea R. , Pi Kewu 
Published: November 2021

AbstractHeavy metals and metalloids, in sludge and sediments, are environmental pollutants of concern with long‐term negative effects on human and ecological health. In this study, sludge from biological treatment of municipal waste leachate was pyrolyzed into leachate sludge‐derived biochar (LSDB) at 300°C to 900°C, comprising complex organic and inorganic (particularly heavy metals) species formed from heterogeneous chemical reactions. Based on different advanced material analyses, that is, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, this study revealed that mass loss and microstructural changes of LSDBs occurred primarily due to decomposition of volatiles, aromatic rings, carbonates, and hydroxides. The leaching behaviors of heavy metals from LSDBs were evaluated using the Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure (SPLP). The final pH in SPLP increased from 7.5 to 12.5 with pyrolysis temperature. The pH increase favored the retention of heavy metals in the LSDBs due to the formation of low soluble precipitates at alkaline pH. The heavy metals and metalloids in the LSDBs were present as surface precipitates due to precipitation and cation exchange rather than surface complexation. The leaching contents of metals and metalloids, such as Cr, Cd, Ni, Pb, and As, were all below their respective maximum discharge standards for the first priority pollutants in China.
The QUEST III R&D Model
Authors: Roeger Werner , Varga Janos , in’t Veld Jan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis chapter provides a description of the QUEST III model, with a special emphasis on its innovation mechanisms, and offers an example of its application to the analysis of the impact of innovation policies in the EU. In particular, the results of the simulations of an ex-ante impact assessment of Horizon Europe Framework Programme 2021–2027 are presented and discussed.
The NEMESIS Macro-Econometric Model
Authors: Boitier Baptiste , Le Mouël Pierre , Ravet Julien , Zagamé Paul 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis Chapter presents the NEMESIS macro-econometric model. This model has been used for several ex-ante and ex-post evaluations of the macroeconomic impact of EU R&I policies. After a general overview of the model, a thorough description of the representation of innovation in the model is provided. As an example of its workings, an application to the interim evaluation of the Horizon 2020 programme is also provided.
Mediation Analysis
Authors: Hair Joseph F. , Hult G. Tomas M. , Ringle Christian M. , Sarstedt Marko , Danks Nicholas P. , Ray Soumya 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMediation occurs when a third variable, referred to as a mediator construct, intervenes between two other directly related constructs. More precisely, a change in the exogenous construct results in a change of the mediator construct, which in turn changes the endogenous construct. The mediator analysis evaluates the factors related to the cause–effect relationship between an exogenous construct and an endogenous construct. In the simplest form, the analysis considers only one mediator construct, but the path model can also include multiple mediating constructs simultaneously, as well as moderated mediation. We illustrate mediation analysis in PLS-SEM by using the SEMinR package and the corporate reputation model as an example.
An Analysis of World Protests 2006–2020
Authors: Ortiz Isabel , Burke Sara , Berrada Mohamed , Saenz Cortés Hernán 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis section of the book “World Protests: A Study of Key Protest Issues in the 21st Century” analyzes in-depth 2809 protests that occurred between 2006 and 2020 in 101 countries covering over 93% of the world population. This section focuses on: (i) major grievances and demands driving world protests, such as the failure of political representation/systems, anti-austerity, and for civil rights and global justice; (ii) who was demonstrating; (iii) what protest methods they used; (iv) who the protestors opposed; (v) what was achieved; and (vi) violence and repression in terms of arrests, injuries, and deaths.
Diagnostik und Therapie der Riesenzellarteriitis
Authors: Kraemer Markus , Becker Jana , Bley Thorsten Alexander , Steinbrecher Andreas , Minnerup Jens , Hellmich Bernhard 
Published: November 2021

ZusammenfassungDie Riesenzellarteriitis (RZA) ist in der Altersgruppe der über 50-Jährigen die häufigste idiopathische systemische Vaskulitis. Die Erkrankung bedarf einer zeitnahen Diagnostik und Therapie, um schwere Komplikationen wie eine Erblindung oder einen Schlaganfall zu vermeiden. Die Rezidivneigung erfordert eine mehrjährige, zum Teil lebenslange Glukokortikoid(GC)-Therapie, was das Risiko GC-induzierter Langzeitnebenwirkungen erhöht. Daher wird bei der Mehrzahl der Patienten eine additive GC-einsparende Therapie empfohlen. Hierzu steht der Anti-IL-6-Rezeptor-Antikörper Tocilizumab in subkutaner Applikation als zugelassene Substanz zur Verfügung, alternativ kann Methotrexat (MTX) eingesetzt werden (off-label).
The influence of region of interest width in fetal 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography late in pregnancy
Authors: Omdal Tom Roar , Khan Umael , Ebbing Cathrine , Kessler Jörg , Karlsen Henriette Odland , Leirgul Elisabeth , Matre Knut , Greve Gottfried 
Published: November 2021

AbstractSpeckle tracking echocardiography is a promising method for assessment of myocardial function in fetal and neonatal hearts, but further studies are necessary to validate and optimize the settings for use in fetal cardiology. Previous studies have shown that the definition of the region of interest (ROI) affects strain values in adults. The aim of this study was to investigate how different widths of ROI influences measurements of four-chamber longitudinal systolic strain in fetuses late in pregnancy. Thirty-one singleton, healthy fetuses born to healthy mothers underwent an echocardiographic examination during gestational week 37. Speckle tracking was performed with two different settings for ROI width; the narrowest and second most narrow, provided both widths were assessed as suitable for the myocardial wall thickness of the fetus. We found an inverse correlation between the ROI width and the strain values. Four-chamber longitudinal strain changed from − 20.7 ± 3.6% to − 18.0 ± 4.4% (p < 0.001) with increasing ROI width. Further, strain decreased from the endocardium to the epicardium with multilayer measurements. Different widths of ROI influenced the strain measurements significantly in the fetal heart, comparable to what has been reported in adults. A standardization of the ROI setting could improve the interpretation, and reduce variability in fetal strain measurements.
Evaluating the Effect of Parent–Child Interactive Groups in a School-Based Parent Training Program: Parenting Behavior, Parenting Stress and Sense of Competence
Authors: Buchanan-Pascall Sarah , Melvin Glenn A. , Gordon Michael S. , Gray Kylie M. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe Exploring Together program is a group-based parent training program that comprises separate parent, child, and teacher components, and a combined parent–child interactive component. A cluster-randomized trial design was used to compare the Exploring Together program with (Exploring Together; ET) and without (Exploring Together-Adapted; ET-Adapted) the parent–child interactive component. One hundred and thirty-six parents and their children (aged 5–10 years) with externalizing and/or internalizing problems participated in the trial, recruited from primary schools. There was a significant reduction in negative parenting behavior across both treatment groups (ET and ET-Adapted) but no significant improvement in positive parenting behaviors. Parenting self-efficacy improved significantly across both treatment groups however there was no significant change in parenting satisfaction or parenting stress. There was no consistent evidence of superiority of one version of the Exploring Together program over the other. Further investigation regarding treatment dosage and mastery of parenting skills associated with the program is warranted.
Entanglement Swapping and Action at a Distance
Authors: Price Huw , Wharton Ken 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA 2015 experiment by Hanson and Delft colleagues provided further confirmation that the quantum world violates the Bell inequalities, being the first Bell test to close two known experimental loopholes simultaneously. The experiment was also taken to provide new evidence of ‘spooky action at a distance’. Here we argue for caution about the latter claim. The Delft experiment relies on entanglement swapping, and our main claim is that this geometry introduces an additional loophole in the argument from violation of the Bell inequalities to action at a distance: the apparent action at a distance may be an artifact of ‘collider bias’. In the absence of retrocausality, the sensitivity of such experiments to this ‘Collider Loophole’ (CL) depends on the temporal relation between the entanglement swapping measurement C and the two measurements A and B between which we seek to infer a causal connection. CL looms large if the C is in the future of A and B, but not if C is in the past. The Delft experiment itself is the intermediate case, in which the separation is spacelike. We argue that this leaves it vulnerable to CL, unable to establish conclusively that it avoids it.
Lactic acid induces fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) production in UMR106 osteoblast-like cells
Authors: Alber Jana , Föller Michael 
Published: November 2021

AbstractEndocrine and paracrine fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a protein predominantly produced by bone cells with strong impact on phosphate and vitamin D metabolism by targeting the kidney. Plasma FGF23 concentration early rises in kidney and cardiovascular diseases correlating with progression and outcome. Lactic acid is generated in anaerobic glycolysis. Lactic acidosis is the consequence of various physiological and pathological conditions and may be fatal. Since FGF23 production is stimulated by inflammation and lactic acid induces pro-inflammatory signaling, we investigated whether and how lactic acid influences FGF23. Experiments were performed in UMR106 osteoblast-like cells, Fgf23 mRNA levels estimated from quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and FGF23 protein determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lactic acid dose-dependently induced Fgf23 gene expression and up-regulated FGF23 synthesis. Also, Na+-lactate as well as formic acid and acetic acid up-regulated Fgf23. The lactic acid effect was significantly attenuated by nuclear factor kappa-light-chain enhancer of activated B-cells (NFκB) inhibitors wogonin and withaferin A. Lactic acid induces FGF23 production, an effect at least in part mediated by NFκB. Lactic acidosis may, therefore, be paralleled by a surge in plasma FGF23.