bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Naturally astrophobic QCD axion
Authors: Badziak Marcin , Harigaya Keisuke
Published: June 2023

Abstract

We present a QCD axion model where the couplings of the axion to nucleons, electrons, and muons are naturally suppressed because of the appropriate choice of the Peccei-Quinn charges of the Standard Model fermions. We reexamine next-to-leading order corrections to the couplings of the axion with nucleons and photons and show that the axion decay constant may be as small as 107 GeV. It is also possible to suppress the coupling with the photon so that the decay constant is even smaller and minimal axiogenesis works. In this scenario, the axion has a mass above 1 eV and may be directly detected via absorption of axion dark matter. Flavor-violating axion couplings are generically predicted in our model, but we show that they may be naturally and sufficiently suppressed. We discuss the implications of the hints for anomalous cooling in several stellar environments to our model.
Strichartz estimates for equations with structured Lipschitz coefficients
Authors: Frey Dorothee , Schippa Robert
Published: June 2023

Sharp Strichartz estimates are proved for Schrödinger and wave equations with Lipschitz coefficients satisfying additional structural assumptions. We use Phillips functional calculus as a substitute for Fourier inversion, which shows how dispersive properties are inherited from the constant-coefficient case. Global Strichartz estimates follow provided that the derivatives of the coefficients are integrable. The estimates extend to structured coefficients of bounded variations. As applications we derive Strichartz estimates with additional derivative loss for wave equations with Hölder-continuous coefficients and solve nonlinear Schrödinger equations. Finally, we record spectral multiplier estimates, which follow from the Strichartz estimates by well-known means.
Prediction of Occurrence of Cerebral Infarction After Successful Mechanical Thrombectomy for Ischemic Stroke in the Anterior Circulation by Arterial Spin Labeling
Authors: Kidoguchi Masamune , Akazawa Ayumi , Komori Osamu , Isozaki Makoto , Higashino Yoshifumi , Kawajiri Satoshi , Yamada Shinsuke , Kodera Toshiaki , Arishima Hidetaka , Tsujikawa Tetsuya , Kimura Hirohiko , Kikuta Kenichiro
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The overall goal of our study is to create modified Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) determined by the findings on arterial spin labeling imaging (ASL) to predict the prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke after successful mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Prior to that, we examined predictive factors including the value of cerebral blood flow (CBF) measured by ASL for occurrence of cerebral infarction at the region of interest (ROI) used in the ASPECTS after successful MT.

Methods

Of the 92 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with MT at our institution between April 2013 and April 2021, a total of 26 patients who arrived within 8 h after stroke onset and underwent MT resulting in a thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score of 2B or 3 were analyzed. Magnetic resonance imaging, including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and ASL, was performed on arrival and the day after MT. The asymmetry index (AI) of CBF by ASL (ASL-CBF) before MT was calculated for 11 regions of interest using the DWI-Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score.

Results

Occurrence of infarction after successful MT for ischemic stroke in the anterior circulation can be expected when the formula 0.3211 × history of atrial fibrillation +0.0096 × the AI of ASL-CBF before MT (%) +0.0012 × the time from onset to reperfusion (min) yields a value below 1.0 or when the AI of ASL-CBF before MT is below 61.5%.

Conclusion

The AI of ASL-CBF before MT or a combination of a history of atrial fibrillation, the AI of ASL-CBF before MT, and the time from onset to reperfusion can be used to predict the occurrence of infarction in patients arriving within 8 h after stroke onset in which reperfusion with MT was successful.
Die bauliche Struktur der deutschen Intensivstationen aus dem Blickwinkel der Infektionsprävention
Authors: Fucini Giovanni-Battista , Geffers Christine , Schwab Frank , Behnke Michael , Moellmann Julia , Sunder Wolfgang , Gastmeier Petra
Published: June 2023

Einleitung

Die bauliche Struktur der Intensivstation (ITS) kann eine wichtige Rolle in der Infektionsprävention spielen.

Methoden

Wir haben im Zeitraum von 09/2021 bis 11/2021 eine Umfrage zur aktuellen baulichen Struktur von ITS im deutschsprachigen Raum durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt 597 (40 %) Stationen haben geantwortet. 20 % davon wurden vor 1990 gebaut. Die mediane Anzahl der Einzelzimmer inklusive „interquartile range“ (IQR) beträgt 4 (IQR 2–6), die mediane totale Zimmeranzahl ist 8 (IQR 6–12). Die mediane Zimmergröße beträgt 19 m2 (IQR 16–22) für Einzelzimmer und 31 m2 (IQR 26–37,5) für Mehrbettzimmer. 80% der ITS haben ein Waschbecken und 86,4 % eine raumlufttechnische Anlage im Patientenzimmer. 54,6 % der Stationen müssen Geräte und Materialien außerhalb von Lagerräumen lagern und nur 33,5 % haben einen Raum für die Aufbereitung von Medizinprodukten. Aus der Stratifizierung nach Baujahr hat sich eine langsame Zunahme in der Ausstattung mit Einzelzimmern (3 [IQR 2–5] vor 1990 vs. 5 [IQR 2–8] nach 2011; p < 0,001) in den letzten 30 Jahren gezeigt.

Diskussion

Die Ausstattung der ITS mit Einzelzimmern und deren Größe entspricht noch nicht den Forderungen der nationalen Fachgesellschaften. Auf vielen Stationen mangelt es an Platz für die Lagerung und für die Aufbereitungsprozesse von Medizinprodukten.

Fazit

Es gibt einen dringlichen Bedarf, den Neubau und die Sanierung von ITS in Deutschland mit adäquaten Mitteln zu fördern.
Agent-based manufacturing — review and expert evaluation
Authors: Pulikottil Terrin , Estrada-Jimenez Luis A. , Ur Rehman Hamood , Mo Fan , Nikghadam-Hojjati Sanaz , Barata Jose
Published: June 2023

The advent of smart manufacturing and the exposure to a new generation of technological enablers have revolutionized the way manufacturing process is carried out. Cyber-Physical Production Systems (CPPS) are introduced as main actors of this manufacturing shift. They are characterized for having high levels of communication, integration and computational capabilities that led them to a certain level of autonomy. Despite the high expectations and vision of CPPS, it still remains an exploratory topic. Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) have been widely used by software engineers to solve traditional computing problems, e.g., banking transactions. Because of their high levels of distribution and autonomous capabilities, MAS have been considered by the research community as a good solution to design and implement CPPS. This work first introduces a collection of requirements and characteristics of smart manufacturing. A comprehensive review of various research applications is presented to understand the current state of the art and the application of agent technology in manufacturing. Considering the smart manufacturing requirements and current research application, a SWOT analysis was formulated which identifies pros and cons of the implementation of agents in industry. The SWOT analysis was further validated by an industrial expert evaluation and the main findings and discussion of the results are presented.
Study on the Influencing Factors of Short‐Term Recovery of Neurological Symptoms after Carotid Body Tumor Resection
Authors: Yuan Wanzhong , Huo Ran , Hou Chaofan , Wang Zhongzheng , Yang Jun , Wang Tao
Published: June 2023

Objective

To compare the differences in the short‐term recovery from neurological symptoms (SRN) (≤ 6 months) and clinical characteristics of patients with different Shamblin classifications carotid body tumor (CBT) resection and to analyze the risk factors affecting SRN after surgery.

Methods

Patients who underwent CBT resection between June 2018 and September 2022 were recruited. Perioperative factors and indicators of the nature of the tumor were recorded. The risk factors affecting SRN after CBT resection were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Eighty‐five patients (43.86 ± 12.7 years, 46 females) were included, 40 (47.06%) of whom exhibited SRN. Univariate logistic regression showed that preoperative symptoms, surgical side, bilateral posterior communicating artery (PcoA) opening, some indicators of tumor size, operative/anesthesia time, and Shamblin III classification were correlated with postoperative neurological prognosis (all p < 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, preoperative symptoms (OR, 5.072; 95% CI 1.027–25.052; p = 0.046), surgical side (OR, 0.025; 95% CI 0.003–0234; p = 0.001), bilateral PcoA opening (OR, 22.671; 95% CI 2.549–201.666; p = 0.005), distance from the tip of the C2 dens to the superior aspect (dens‐CBT) (OR, 0.918; 95% CI 0.858–0.982; p = 0.013) and Shamblin III classification (OR, 28.488; 95% CI 1.986–408.580; p = 0.014) were correlated with postoperative neurological symptom recovery.

Conclusion

Preoperative symptoms, surgical side (right), bilateral PcoA opening, a short dens‐CBT and Shamblin III classification are risk factors affecting SRN after CBT resection. Early resection is recommended for small‐volume CBTs without neurovascular compression or invasion to obtain SRN.
Indikatoren der Behandlungskoordinierung in Psychotherapieberichten
Authors: Singer Susanne , Maier Lena , Blanck Julian , Wiegand Hauke Felix
Published: June 2023

Ziel

Diese Studie untersuchte, wie häufig psychopharmakologische bzw. psychiatrische Vor- und Mitbehandlungen in Berichten an den Gutachter im Rahmen von Anträgen auf Kostenübernahme einer Psychotherapie erwähnt werden.

Methode

Einer Zufallsstichprobe von 1000 Berichten wurden alle Erst- und Umwandlungsanträge entnommen. Angaben zu Diagnosen und Vorbehandlungen aus den Texten sowie den Formularen wurden extrahiert. Die Erwähnungshäufigkeit wurde zwischen Ärztlichen und Psychologischen Psychotherapeut:innen sowie zwischen Patient:innen mit verschiedenen Indikationen für eine Medikation entsprechend aktueller Leitlinien (soll, soll nicht, kann) mithilfe von χ2-Tests und multivariater logistischer Regression verglichen.

Ergebnisse

In 61 % der 629 Erst- und Umwandlungsanträge wurde medikamentöse Behandlung nicht erwähnt. Ärzt:innen erwähnten sie häufiger als Psycholog:innen (46 % vs. 34 %, adjustierte „odds ratio“ [OR] 1,6; p = 0,003). Bei Patient:innen, für die die Leitlinien eine „Soll“-Empfehlung für eine Medikation aussprechen, wurde diese häufiger erwähnt als bei denen, für die eine „Kann“-Empfehlung besteht (OR 2,1; p = 0,01). Auch ambulante psychiatrische Behandlung wurde von Ärzt:innen häufiger erwähnt als von Psycholog:innen (44 % vs. 35 %; OR 1,5; p = 0,02).

Schlussfolgerung

Psychopharmakologische und psychiatrische Mit- bzw. Vorbehandlungen werden in den Berichten häufig nicht erwähnt. Es sollte von Gutachterseite sowie während der Aus- und Fortbildung darauf hingewirkt werden, dass sich diese Situation verbessert.
Global Well-Posedness for the Thermodynamically Refined Passively Transported Nonlinear Moisture Dynamics with Phase Changes
Authors: Hittmeir Sabine , Klein Rupert , Li Jinkai , Titi Edriss S.
Published: June 2023

In this work we study the global solvability of moisture dynamics with phase changes for warm clouds. We thereby in comparison to previous studies (Hittmeir et al. in Nonlinearity 30:3676–3718, 2017) take into account the different gas constants for dry air and water vapor as well as the different heat capacities for dry air, water vapor and liquid water, which leads to a much stronger coupling of the moisture balances and the thermodynamic equation. This refined thermodynamic setting has been demonstrated to be essential, e.g. in the case of deep convective cloud columns in Hittmeir and Klein (Theoret Comput Fluid Dyn 32(2):137–164, 2017). The more complicated structure requires careful derivations of sufficient a priori estimates for proving global existence and uniqueness of solutions.
Hughes-Stovin-Syndrom: eine lebensbedrohliche Manifestation des Behçet-Syndroms
Authors: Ruffer Nikolas , Krusche Martin , Holl-Ulrich Konstanze , Lötscher Fabian , Kötter Ina
Published: June 2023

Das Hughes-Stovin-Syndrom (HSS) ist eine entzündliche Systemerkrankung unklarer Genese, die inzwischen dem Spektrum des Behçet-Syndroms (BS) zugeordnet wird. Wegweisende Befunde sind rezidivierende Thrombosen des venösen Systems und oberflächliche Thrombophlebitiden in Kombination mit beidseitigen Pulmonalarterienaneurysmen (PAA). Die Pulmonalisangiographie mittels Computertomographie ist von entscheidender diagnostischer Bedeutung, um die (entzündliche) Beteiligung der Pulmonalarterien darzustellen. Die Therapie des HSS orientiert sich an den Empfehlungen der European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) für das BS und sieht primär eine Immunsuppression mit Cyclophosphamid und Glukokortikoiden vor. Neben einer medikamentösen Therapie sollte eine interventionelle Versorgung der PAA evaluiert werden. Eine spontane PAA-Ruptur muss auch bei Remission der Erkrankung und/oder deutlicher Regredienz des PAA-Durchmessers aufgrund einer fragilen Gefäßarchitektur bedacht werden.
Measurements of altitude and geographic latitude in Latin astronomy, 1100–1300
Authors: Nothaft C. Philipp E.
Published: June 2023

This article surveys measurements of celestial (chiefly solar) altitudes documented from twelfth- and thirteenth-century Latin Europe. It consists of four main parts providing (i) an overview of the instruments available for altitude measurements and described in contemporary sources, viz. astrolabes, quadrants, shadow sticks, and the torquetum; (ii) a survey of the role played by altitude measurements in the determination of geographic latitude, which takes into account more than 70 preserved estimates; (iii) case studies of four sets of measured solar altitudes in twelfth-century Latin sources; (iv) an in-depth discussion of the evidence relating to altitude measurements performed in Paris in the period 1281–1290. The findings from the last part indicate that by the end of the thirteenth century Parisian astronomer had developed rigorous standards of observational practice in which altitudes were typically measured to a precision of minutes of arc and with a level of accuracy higher than ± 0;5°, and sometimes exceeding ± 0;1°.
Preoperative BChE serves as a prognostic marker in patients with resectable AEG after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Gensthaler Lisa , Jomrich Gerd , Brugger Jonas , Kollmann Dagmar , Paireder Matthias , Bologheanu Milena , Horn Alexander , Riegler Franz M. , Asari Reza , Schoppmann Sebastian F.
Published: June 2023

Background

Diminished systemic serum butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), a biomarker for chronic inflammation, cachexia, and advanced tumor stage, has shown to play a prognostic role in various malignancies. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of pretherapeutic BChE levels in patients with resectable adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction (AEG), treated with or without neoadjuvant therapy.

Methods

Data of a consecutive series of patients with resectable AEG at the Department for General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, were analyzed. Preoperative serum BChE levels were correlated to clinic-pathological parameters as well as treatment response. The prognostic impact of serum BChE levels on disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was evaluated by univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis, and Kaplan–Meier curves used for illustration.

Results

A total of 319 patients were included in this study, with an overall mean (standard deviation, SD) pretreatment serum BChE level of 6.22 (± 1.91) IU/L. In univariate models, diminished preoperative serum BChE levels were significantly associated with shorter overall (OS, p < 0.003) and disease-free survival (DFS, p < 0.001) in patients who received neoadjuvant treatment and/or primary resection. In multivariated analysis, decreased BChE was significantly associated with shorter DFS (HR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.84–1.00, p 0.049) and OS (HR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.85–1.00, p < 0.49) in patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy. Backward regression identified the interaction between preoperative BChE and neoadjuvant chemotherapy as a predictive factor for DFS and OS.

Conclusion

Diminished serum BChE serves as a strong, independent, and cost-effective prognostic biomarker for worse outcome in patients with resectable AEG who had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Differential diagnosis of adrenal adenomas and metastases using spectral parameters in dual-layer detector spectral CT
Authors: Wu Lei-di , Yue Xiao-fei , Wu Lin-xia , Yang Ming , Chen Yan , Yu Jie , Diao Nan , Zhang Xiao-hui , Zhu Liang-ru , Han Ping
Published: June 2023

Objective

To assess the diagnostic value of spectral parameters in differentiating adrenal adenomas from metastases based on dual-layer detector spectral CT (DLSCT).

Materials and methods

Patients with adenomas or metastases who underwent enhanced DLSCT of the adrenals were enrolled. The CT values of virtual non-contrast images (CTVNC), iodine density (ID) values, and Z-effective (Z-eff) values, the normalized iodine density (NID) values, slopes of spectral HU curves (s-SHC), and iodine-to-CTVNC ratios of the tumors were measured in each phase. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare the diagnostic values.

Results

Ninety-nine patients with 106 adrenal lesions (63 adenomas, 43 metastases) were included. In the venous phase, all spectral parameters were significantly different between adenomas and metastases (all p < 0.05). The combined spectral parameters showed a better diagnostic performance in the venous phase than in other phase (p < 0.05). The iodine-to-CTVNC value had a larger area under the ROC curve (AUC) than the other spectral parameters in the differential diagnosis of adenomas and metastases, with a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 74.4% and 91.9%, respectively. In the differential diagnosis of lipid-rich adenomas, lipid-poor adenomas and metastases, the CTVNC value and s-SHC value also had a larger AUC than the other spectral parameters, with a diagnostic sensitivity of 97.7%, 79.1% and specificity of 91.2%, 93.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

On DLSCT, the combined spectral parameters in the venous phase could help better distinguish adrenal adenomas from metastases. The iodine-to-CTVNC, CTVNC and s-SHC values had the highest AUC values in differentiating adenomas, lipid-rich adenomas and lipid-poor adenomas from metastases, respectively.
Nodal frozen section + elective neck dissection as an alternative to sentinel lymph node biopsy for the management of cT1-2N0 oral squamous cell carcinoma patients: a viability and accuracy study
Authors: Battaglia Salvatore , Crimi Salvatore , Piombino Eliana , Villari Loredana , Maugeri Claudia , Minervini Giuseppe , Cicciù Marco , Bianchi Alberto
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is characterized by a high aggressiveness and a tendency to metastasize. The management of the neck in cT1-2N0 patients c follows three strategies: watchful waiting, elective neck dissection (END) or sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). The aim was to assess the viability of intraoperative frozen sections of the nodes of cT1-2N0 to spot occult metastases as an alternative to SLNB, performing a modified radical neck dissection (MRND) in intraoperatively positive patients. Methods: The patients were treated at the Maxillo-Facial Surgery Unit of Policlinico San Marco of Catania between 2020 and 2022. END was performed in all patients, including frozen section examination of at least one clinically suspicious node per level. In case of positivity after frozen section examination, neck dissection was extended to levels IV and V. Results: All frozen sections were compared with a definitive test after paraffin inclusion. During surgery, 70 END were performed, and 210 nodes were analyzed with frozen sections. Among the 70 END, 52 were negative after frozen Sects. (156 negative nodes), and surgery was ended. Five of the 52 negative ENDs resulted in pN + after paraffin inclusion (9.6%), which underwent postoperative adjuvant treatment. The sensibility of our END + frozen section method was 75%, while the specificity of our test was 94%. The negative predictive value was 90,4%.

Conclusions

Elective neck dissection + intraoperative frozen section could be an alternative to SLNB to spot occult nodal metastases in cT1-2N0 OSCC due to the opportunity to perform a one-step diagnostic/therapeutic procedure.
Nearly k-Distance Sets
Authors: Frankl Nóra , Kupavskii Andrey
Published: June 2023

We say that a set of points $$S\subset {{\mathbb {R}}}^d$$

S
⊂

R

d

is an $$\varepsilon $$
ε
-nearly k-distance set if there exist $$1\le t_1\le \ldots \le t_k$$

1
≤

t
1

≤
…
≤

t
k

, such that the distance between any two distinct points in S falls into $$[t_1,t_1+\varepsilon ]\cup \cdots \cup [t_k,t_k+\varepsilon ]$$

[

t
1

,

t
1

+
ε
]

∪
⋯
∪

[

t
k

,

t
k

+
ε
]

. In this paper, we study the quantity $$\begin{aligned} M_k(d) = \lim _{\varepsilon \rightarrow 0}\max {\{|S|:S\,\text { is an}\, \varepsilon \text {-nearly}\, k\text {-distance set in}\,{{\mathbb {R}}}^d\}} \end{aligned}$$

M
k

(
d
)

=

lim

ε
→
0

max

{
|
S
|
:
S

is an

ε
-nearly

k
-distance set in

R

d

}

and its relation to the classical quantity $$m_k(d)$$

m
k

(
d
)

: the size of the largest k-distance set in $${{\mathbb {R}}}^d$$

R

d

. We obtain that $$M_k(d)=m_k(d)$$

M
k

(
d
)

=

m
k

(
d
)

for $$k=2,3$$

k
=
2
,
3

, as well as for any fixed k, provided that d is sufficiently large. The last result answers a question, proposed by Erdős, Makai, and Pach. We also address a closely related Turán-type problem, studied by Erdős, Makai, Pach, and Spencer in the 90s: given n points in $${{\mathbb {R}}}^d$$

R

d

, how many pairs of them form a distance that belongs to $$[t_1,t_1+1]\cup \cdots \cup [t_k,t_k+1]$$

[

t
1

,

t
1

+
1
]

∪
⋯
∪

[

t
k

,

t
k

+
1
]

, where $$t_1,\dots ,t_k$$

t
1

,
⋯
,

t
k

are fixed and any two points in the set are at distance at least 1 apart? We establish the connection between this quantity and a quantity closely related to $$M_k(d-1)$$

M
k

(
d
-
1
)

, as well as obtain an exact answer for the same ranges k, d as above.
Novel memetic of beluga whale optimization with self-adaptive exploration–exploitation balance for global optimization and engineering problems
Authors: Hussien Abdelazim G. , Khurma Ruba Abu , Alzaqebah Abdullah , Amin Mohamed , Hashim Fatma A.
Published: June 2023

A population-based optimizer called beluga whale optimization (BWO) depicts behavioral patterns of water aerobics, foraging, and diving whales. BWO runs effectively, nevertheless it retains numerous of deficiencies that has to be strengthened. Premature convergence and a disparity between exploitation and exploration are some of these challenges. Furthermore, the absence of a transfer parameter in the typical BWO when moving from the exploration phase to the exploitation phase has a direct impact on the algorithm’s performance. This work proposes a novel modified BWO (mBWO) optimizer that incorporates an elite evolution strategy, a randomization control factor, and a transition factor between exploitation and exploitation. The elite strategy preserves the top candidates for the subsequent generation so it helps generate effective solutions with meaningful differences between them to prevent settling into local maxima. The elite random mutation improves the search strategy and offers a more crucial exploration ability that prevents stagnation in the local optimum. The mBWO incorporates a controlling factor to direct the algorithm away from the local optima region during the randomization phase of the BWO. Gaussian local mutation (GM) acts on the initial position vector to produce a new location. Because of this, the majority of altered operators are scattered close to the original position, which is comparable to carrying out a local search in a small region. The original method can now depart the local optimal zone because to this modification, which also increases the optimizer’s optimization precision control randomization traverses the search space using random placements, which can lead to stagnation in the local optimal zone. Transition factor (TF) phase are used to make the transitions of the agents from exploration to exploitation gradually concerning the amount of time required. The mBWO undergoes comparison to the original BWO and 10 additional optimizers using 29 CEC2017 functions. Eight engineering problems are addressed by mBWO, involving the design of welded beams, three-bar trusses, tension/compression springs, speed reducers, the best design of industrial refrigeration systems, pressure vessel design challenges, cantilever beam designs, and multi-product batch plants. In both constrained and unconstrained settings, the results of mBWO preformed superior to those of other methods.
Impact of partial pressure of arterial oxygen and radiologic findings on postoperative acute exacerbation of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Azuma Yoko , Sakamoto Susumu , Homma Sakae , Sakai Takashi , Koezuka Satoshi , Kamemura Megumi , Tochigi Naobumi , Iyoda Akira
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To establish accurate diagnostic criteria and predictors of treatment response for postoperative acute exacerbation (AE) in patients with lung cancer and idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP).

Methods

Among 93 patients with IIP who underwent surgery for lung cancer, suspected postoperative AE developed in 20 (21.5%). Patients were divided into a progressive AE group, comprising patients with bilateral alveolar opacities and decreasing PaO2 ≥ 10 mmHg (n = 5); an incipient AE group, comprising patients with unilateral alveolar opacities and decreasing PaO2 ≥ 10 mmHg (n = 10); and an indeterminate AE group, comprising patients with alveolar opacities but decreasing PaO2 < 10 mmHg (n = 5).

Results

The progressive AE group had significantly higher 90-day mortality (80%) than the incipient AE group (10%, P = 0.017) or the indeterminate AE group (0%, P = 0.048). Bilateral opacities may indicate advanced AE and poor prognosis, whereas unilateral opacities may indicate an early stage of AE and a good prognosis. PaO2 < 10 mmHg may indicate conditions other than AE.

Conclusions

In patients with lung cancer and IIP, decreasing PaO2 and HRCT findings may allow for the initiation of rapid and accurate treatment strategies for postoperative AE.
“Foggy sounds like nothing” — enriching the experience of voice assistants with sonic overlays
Authors: Esau-Held Margarita , Marsh Andrew , Krauß Veronika , Stevens Gunnar
Published: June 2023

Although Voice Assistants are ubiquitously available for some years now, the interaction is still monotonous and utilitarian. Sound design offers conceptual and methodological research to design auditive interfaces. Our work aims to complement and supplement voice interaction withsonic overlaysto enrich the user experience. Therefore, we followed a user-centered design process to develop a sound library for weather forecasts based on empirical results from a user survey of associative mapping. After analyzing the data, we created audio clips for seven weather conditions and evaluated the perceived combination of sound and speech with 15 participants in an interview study. Our findings show that supplementing speech with soundscapes is a promising concept that communicates information and induces emotions with a positive affect for the user experience of Voice Assistants. Besides a novel design approach and a collection of sound overlays, we provide four design implications to support voice interaction designers.
Exploration of the potential common pathogenic mechanisms in COVID-19 and silicosis by using bioinformatics and system biology
Authors: Tian Yunze , Yu Beibei , Zhang Yongfeng , Zhang Sanpeng , lv Boqiang , Gong Shouping , Li Jianzhong
Published: June 2023

Silicosis is an occupational lung disease that is common worldwide. In recent years, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has provided daunting challenges to public healthcare systems globally. Although multiple studies have shown a close link between COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases, the inter-relational mechanisms between COVID-19 and silicosis remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the shared molecular mechanisms and drug targets of COVID-19 and silicosis. Gene expression profiling identified four modules that were most closely associated with both diseases. Furthermore, we performed functional analysis and constructed a protein–protein interaction network. Seven hub genes (budding uninhibited by benzimidazoles 1 [BUB1], protein regulator of cytokinesis 1 [PRC1], kinesin family member C1 [KIFC1], ribonucleotide reductase regulatory subunit M2 [RRM2], cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 3 [CDKN3], Cyclin B2 [CCNB2], and minichromosome maintenance complex component 6 [MCM6]) were involved in the interaction between COVID-19 and silicosis. We investigated how diverse microRNAs and transcription factors regulate these seven genes. Subsequently, the correlation between the hub genes and infiltrating immune cells was explored. Further in-depth analyses were performed based on single-cell transcriptomic data from COVID-19, and the expression of hub-shared genes was characterized and located in multiple cell clusters. Finally, molecular docking results reveal small molecular compounds that may improve COVID-19 and silicosis. The current study reveals the common pathogenesis of COVID-19 and silicosis, which may provide a novel reference for further research.
Multi-criteria evaluation of suitable locations for temporary disaster waste storage sites: the case of Cavite, Philippines
Authors: Lontoc Geline D. , Diola Ma. Brida Lea D. , Peralta Mathew Harvey T.
Published: June 2023

One of the problems that arise due to typhoon and flooding is the generation of large volumes of disaster wastes, which poses threats to the environment and human health when not managed properly. This study focused on the identification of suitable locations of temporary storage sites (TSS) for disaster wastes using geographic information system to address gaps in disaster waste management. A set of criteria for selection was established based on the guidelines of the United Nations Environment/Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Joint Unit (UNEP/OCHA), with constraints set based on existing guidelines and past studies. Map layers were standardized using Boolean logic, and the criteria were analyzed using ArcGIS Pro and Google Earth Pro. Areas in the Province of Cavite having high disaster risks, particularly Cavite City, Noveleta, and Kawit, were selected as study sites. From the analysis, a total of 18 TSS candidates were identified. It was determined that land use and distances from fishponds and built-up areas were the most sensitive criteria as they cover large portions of the area. For each TSS candidate, a 15-min service area map was generated using the ArcGIS Pro Network Analyst which showed that selected locations may serve multiple cities/municipalities.
Tourism composite spatial indicators through variography and geographically weighted principal components analysis
Authors: Palma Monica , De Iaco Sandra , Cappello Claudia , Distefano Veronica
Published: June 2023

The definition of an index to synthesize the tourism appeal of a holiday destination is complex due to the effect of different aspects, such as the economic, socio-demographic, cultural, geographical ones regarding both demand and supply-side. In this paper, several spatially-referenced factors, related to the tourism attractiveness, are analyzed through the geographically weighted principal components analysis (GWPCA). However, the automatic setting of its kernel bandwidth, often used in practice, provides sometimes a not satisfactory result, since it is too small, with possible abrupt variation in the spatial domain, or too large, disregarding the spatial dependence. For this reason, a new approach, based on variography and minimum spatial correlation distance characterizing the covariates, is proposed for the GWPCA. A comparison with respect to the outputs of the GWPCA, based on automatic fitting, is discussed. Moreover, tourism composite spatial indicators are developed in order to support the policy makers in planning possible actions to boost tourism over the region of interest.
Relational HR Practices in Malaysian SMEs: An Ethics of Care Perspective
Authors: Au Wee Chan , Stephens Siân , Ahmed Pervaiz K.
Published: June 2023

Adopting an Ethics of Care theoretical framework, this paper aims to investigate the way in which the owner-mangers (OMs) of small and medium-sized enterprises in Malaysia engage in human resource management. Based on in-depth interviews with 48 OMs, the findings show that HRM practices occur within the remit of management but are described by the managers in terms of relational obligations and cannot be fully accounted for using a strategic, instrumental, or critical lens. The present study highlights the importance of the caring attitudes of OMs who adopt a humanistic management approach, responding to the varied needs of their employees and the obligations which are inherent to relationships between humans.
A culturally informed model to enhance breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings: perspectives of American Indian adults and healthcare providers in rural New Mexico
Authors: Mishra Shiraz I. , Adsul Prajakta , Leekity Samantha , Rodman Joseph , Sussman Andrew L. , Kelly Keith , Sheche Judith , Faber Thomas , Shah Vallabh
Published: June 2023

Purpose

American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations have some of the lowest cancer screening rates compared to other racial/ethnic populations. Using community-based participatory research methods, we sought to characterize knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and approaches to enhance breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer screening.

Methods

We conducted 12 focus groups between October 2018 and September 2019 with 96 eligible AI adults and healthcare providers, recruited using non-probability purposive sampling methods from the Zuni Pueblo in rural New Mexico. We used the Multi-level Health Outcomes Framework (MHOF) to conduct a qualitative content analysis identifying mutable systems- and individual- level constructs important for behavior change that we crosslinked with the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) recommended evidence-based interventions (EBIs) or approaches.

Results

Salient systems-level factors that limited uptake of cancer screenings included inflexible clinic hours, transportation barriers, no on-demand service and reminder systems, and brief doctor–patient encounters. Individual-level barriers included variable cancer-specific knowledge that translated into fatalistic beliefs, fear, and denial. Interventions to enhance community demand and access for screening should include one-on-one and group education, small media, mailed screening tests, and home visitations by public health nurses. Interventions to enhance provider delivery of screening services should include translation and case management services.

Conclusions

The MHOF constructs crosslinked with CPSTF recommended EBIs or approaches provided a unique perspective to frame barriers and promoters of screening utilization and insights for intervention development. Findings inform the development of culturally tailored, theoretically informed, multi-component interventions concordant with CPSTF recommended EBIs or approaches aimed at improving cancer screening.
Remittances, economic complexity, and new firms’ creation: empirical evidence from a large sample of countries
Authors: Piras Romano
Published: June 2023

One of the most debated issues in migration economics regards the effects of remittances in receiving countries. In this paper, we test whether the economic complexity of a country is relevant for understanding the impact of remittances on new firms’ birth. We find evidence that the impact of real per capita remittances on new firms’ creation is inversely mediated by economic complexity. More (less) complex economies generate opportunities to found new firms which need high (low) funding. Since economic complexity is positively correlated with economic development, remittances are more likely to facilitate the establishment of new firms in less developed economies rather than in more advanced ones. We also examine the link between remittances and new firm creation for Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean countries, finding very heterogeneous patterns. Hence, policy implications aiming at attracting remittances to create new firms should respond to the challenges posed by specific countries and be tailored to their peculiar needs. Countries of origin should build institutions and facilitate the creation of networks to bridge the diaspora abroad with their home country to increase awareness of new business opportunities. Policy initiatives could spur investment in the formal economy by making regulations less stringent, discouraging the use of remittances for consumption purposes, reducing informality, improving competition, reducing remittance transfer costs, and giving incentives to new firms created through remittances.
Austrian Economics and Compatibilist Freedom
Authors: Wysocki Igor , Dominiak Łukasz
Published: June 2023

The present paper probes the relation between the metaphysics of human freedom and the Rothbardian branch of Austrian economics. It transpires that Rothbard and his followers embrace metaphysical libertarianism, which holds that free will is incompatible with determinism and that the thesis of determinism is false as pertaining to human action. However, as we demonstrate, their economics with its reliance on value scales requires for its tenability compatibilist freedom. Moreover, we attempt to show that the notion of value scales (or preferences) postulated by them implies that value scales are determinative of choices people make. We contend that it is for this reason that the said Austrians should jettison their metaphysical libertarianism.
Optical Properties of Cationic Perylenediimide Nanowires in Aqueous Medium: Experimental and Computational Studies
Authors: Kobaisy Ahmed M. , Elkady Marwa F. , Abdel-Moneim Ahmed A. , Yildirim Erol , El-Shafei Ahmed , El-Khouly Mohamed E.
Published: June 2023

Cationic perylenediimide derivative, namely N,N’-di(2-(trimethylammoniumiodide)ethylene) perylenediimide (TAIPDI), has been synthesized and characterized in an aqueous medium by using dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) techniques. The optical absorption and fluorescence spectra of TAIPDI revealed the formation of aggregated TAIPDI nanowires in water, but not in organic solvents. In order to control the aggregation behavior, the optical properties of TAIPDI have been examined in different aqueous media, namely cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Furthermore, the utilization of the examined TAIPDI for constructing supramolecular donor–acceptor dyad has been achieved by combining the electron accepting TAIPDI with the electron donating 4,4’–bis (2-sulfostyryl)-biphenyl disodium salt (BSSBP). The formed supramolecular dyad TAIPDI-BSSBP through the ionic and electrostatic π-π interactions have been well examined by various spectroscopic techniques, e.g., steady-state absorption and fluorescence, cyclic voltammetry, and time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC), and first principle computational chemistry methods. Experimental results suggested the occurring of intra-supramolecular electron transfer from BSSBP to TAIPDI with rate constant and efficiency of 4.76 × 109 s−1 and 0.95, respectively. The ease of construction, absorption in the UV–Visible region, and fast electron transfer process render the supramolecular TAIPDI-BSSBP complex as a donor–acceptor material for optoelectronic devices.
On Familywise Error Rate Cutoffs under Pairwise Exchangeability
Authors: Fung Thomas , Seneta Eugene
Published: June 2023

In a pairwise exchangeable dependence setting for test statistics, the cutoffs of Sarkar et al. (2016) may be viewed as a first iteration improvement of Holm (1979)’s classical cutoffs under a convexity condition on the copula. The cutoffs of Seneta and Chen (1997) which improve Holm’s in the present exchangeability setting, are shown, after an analogous first iteration step, to lead to a refinement of Sarkar et al. (2016). Further, we show that the convexity condition can be circumvented in practice, computationally. Improvement by iteration limit of cutoffs is considered for both procedures. Comparisons between the effects of the several cutoff sets are made by way of plots of the familywise error rate against correlation $$\rho$$
ρ
in the classic setting of the multivariate Normal; and the distributional setting of the multivariate Generalized Hyperbolic for the important Variance Gamma type subfamily, for which a convexity condition cannot be analytically verified.
Temporal fusion transformer-based prediction in aquaponics
Authors: Metin Ahmet , Kasif Ahmet , Catal Cagatay
Published: June 2023

Aquaponics offers a soilless farming ecosystem by merging modern hydroponics with aquaculture. The fish food is provided to the aquaculture, and the ammonia generated by the fish is converted to nitrate using specialized bacteria, which is an essential resource for vegetation. Fluctuations in the ammonia levels affect the generated nitrate levels and influence farm yields. The sensor-based autonomous control of aquaponics can offer a highly rewarding solution, which can enable much more efficient ecosystems. Also, manual control of the whole aquaponics operation is prone to human error. Artificial Intelligence-powered Internet of Things solutions can reduce human intervention to a certain extent, realizing more scalable environments to handle the food production problem. In this research, an attention-based Temporal Fusion Transformers deep learning model was proposed and validated to forecast nitrate levels in an aquaponics environment. An aquaponics dataset with temporal features and a high number of input lines has been employed for validation and extensive analysis. Experimental results demonstrate significant improvements of the proposed model over baseline models in terms of MAE, MSE, and Explained Variance metrics considering one-hour sequences. Utilizing the proposed solution can help enhance the automation of aquaponics environments.
MR Imaging in Ataxias: Consensus Recommendations by the Ataxia Global Initiative Working Group on MRI Biomarkers
Authors: Öz Gülin , Cocozza Sirio , Henry Pierre-Gilles , Lenglet Christophe , Deistung Andreas , Faber Jennifer , Schwarz Adam J. , Timmann Dagmar , Van Dijk Koene R. A. , Harding Ian H. ,   AGI Working Group on MRI Biomarkers, Adarmes-Gomez Astrid , Thieme Andreas , Reetz Kathrin , Rylski Marcin , Rezende Thiago JR , Gennarino Vincenzo A. , Ratai Eva-Maria , Mariotti Caterina , Nigri Anna , Nanetti Lorenzo , Minnerop Martina , Boesch Sylvia , Indelicato Elisabetta , Pinardi Chiara , Kinnunen Kirsi M , Fuin Niccolo , Gussew Alexander , Marvel Cherie , Joers James
Published: June 2023

With many viable strategies in the therapeutic pipeline, upcoming clinical trials in hereditary and sporadic degenerative ataxias will benefit from non-invasive MRI biomarkers for patient stratification and the evaluation of therapies. The MRI Biomarkers Working Group of the Ataxia Global Initiative therefore devised guidelines to facilitate harmonized MRI data acquisition in clinical research and trials in ataxias. Recommendations are provided for a basic structural MRI protocol that can be used for clinical care and for an advanced multi-modal MRI protocol relevant for research and trial settings. The advanced protocol consists of modalities with demonstrated utility for tracking brain changes in degenerative ataxias and includes structural MRI, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, diffusion MRI, quantitative susceptibility mapping, and resting-state functional MRI. Acceptable ranges of acquisition parameters are provided to accommodate diverse scanner hardware in research and clinical contexts while maintaining a minimum standard of data quality. Important technical considerations in setting up an advanced multi-modal protocol are outlined, including the order of pulse sequences, and example software packages commonly used for data analysis are provided. Outcome measures most relevant for ataxias are highlighted with use cases from recent ataxia literature. Finally, to facilitate access to the recommendations by the ataxia clinical and research community, examples of datasets collected with the recommended parameters are provided and platform-specific protocols are shared via the Open Science Framework.
Spatial analysis of an Early Middle Palaeolithic kill/butchering site: the case of the Cuesta de la Bajada (Teruel, Spain)
Authors: Moclán Abel , Cobo-Sánchez Lucía , Domínguez-Rodrigo Manuel , Méndez-Quintas Eduardo , Rubio-Jara Susana , Panera Joaquín , Pérez-González Alfredo , Santonja Manuel
Published: June 2023

Kill/butchering sites are some of the most important places for understanding the subsistence strategies of hunter-gatherer groups. However, these sites are not common in the archaeological record, and they have not been sufficiently analysed in order to know all their possible variability for ancient periods of the human evolution. In the present study, we have carried out the spatial analysis of the Early Middle Palaeolithic (MIS 9–8) site of Cuesta de la Bajada site (Teruel, Spain), which has been previously identified as a kill/butchering site through the taphonomic analysis of the faunal remains. Our results show that the spatial properties of the faunal and lithic tools distribution in levels CB2 and CB3 are well-preserved although the site is an open-air location. Both levels show a similar segregated (i.e. regular) spatial point pattern (SPP) which is different from the SPP identified at other sites with similar nature from the ethnographic and the archaeological records. However, although the archaeological materials have a regular distribution pattern, the lithic and faunal remains are positively associated, which is indicating that most parts of both types of materials were accumulated during the same occupation episodes, which were probably sporadic and focused on getting only few animal carcasses at a time.
Anti-Gewalttrainings, Gewaltwissen und die institutionelle Erzeugung gewaltbefreiter Subjekte
Authors: Coenen Ekkehard
Published: June 2023

Dieser Beitrag fragt danach, wie Wissen über Gewalt in Anti-Gewalttrainings produziert, vermittelt und sozial wirkmächtig wird. Auf Basis des kommunikativen Konstruktivismus werden diese Kurse als gewaltbezogene Institutionen begriffen, in denen eine Wissensordnung der Gewalt stabilisiert wird. Sie sollen Abweichungen von institutionalisierten Wirklichkeitsvorstellungen in Bezug auf Gewalt entgegenwirken. Dabei lassen sie sich als Selbsttechniken begreifen, durch welche die Kursteilnehmer*innen eine spezifische Subjektposition einüben, nämlich die des gewaltbefreiten Subjekts. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird anschließend zwischen konditionalen und konzessiven Anti-Gewalttrainings unterschieden. Erstere wenden sich an Personen, die tatsächlich von der institutionalisierten Wirklichkeitsvorstellung abgewichen sind und somit gesellschaftlich als Gewalttäter*innen eingestuft werden, während Letztere auf eine Klientel zielen, die potenziell von den gängigen Normen abweichen könnte, obwohl noch keine Gewalt aufgetreten sein muss. Abschließend wird gezeigt, dass den Kursleiter*innen eine wichtige Rolle im Subjektivierungsprozess und der Wissenskommunikation über Gewalt zukommt. Neben Wissen über Gewalt werden durch sie auch Wertbindungen, Legitimationen und Weltbilder vermittelt.