bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management-related energy, nutrient and worktime efficiencies of the wood fuel production and supply chain: modelling and assessment
Authors: Bilot Nicolas , Deleuze Christine , Saint-André Laurent , Rogaume Yann , Fournier Meriem , Wernsdörfer Holger
Published: March 2023

Context

Bioenergy from wood can contribute to reach the goals of energy-transition policies. Use of wood as fuel should focus on low-quality wood, e.g. by-products from timber production, which production and supply is related to various management decisions. Reaching the policy objectives efficiently remains an issue.

Aims

The aims are (1) to develop a modelling approach that links local management decisions with indicators of the whole wood fuel production and supply chain and (2) to test the model in a case study. The study should further provide first insights on how indicators of energy, nutrient and worktime efficiency vary according to wood fuel chain characteristics and the related management decisions.

Methods

The model depicts the flow of wood (biomass, nutrients, moisture content, heating value) from the forest stand to the heating plant for each silvicultural intervention simulated with a growth and yield model. It further quantifies the energy and worktime spent on different wood fuel chain tasks (e.g. felling, forwarding) set by the user. We defined four scenarios according to the scale of energy production (large vs. small) and the demand for wood fuel (high vs. moderate).

Results

The case study revealed that the model outputs were plausible. Energy efficiency largely varied depending on the type of silvicultural intervention. Large-scale production associated with high demand was most favourable for energy and worktime efficiencies. In contrast, nutrient efficiency was best for small-scale production associated with moderate demand.

Conclusions

Local management decisions all along the wood fuel chain highly influenced efficiency indicators, and thus its relevance for energy-transition policies. Our model may contribute to strategic decision making in different forestry and energy production contexts.
Mitofusin2 expression is associated with podocyte injury in IgA nephropathy
Authors: Tang Xuanli , Yuan Yuan , Liang Xiaoli , Jiang Xue
Published: March 2023

Background

Podocyte injury is associated with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) prognosis. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a major contributor to podocyte injury and death. Mitofusin2 (Mfn2) plays an important role in regulating the morphology and function of mitochondria. This study aimed to investigate the potential of Mfn2 as a biomarker to evaluate the degree of podocyte injury.

Methods

This single-center, retrospective study enrolled 114 patients with biopsy-proven IgAN. Immunofluorescence and TUNEL staining were applied, and clinical and pathological features were compared between patients with different patterns of Mfn2 expression.

Results

In IgAN, Mfn2 is mainly expressed in podocytes and significantly associated with nephrin, TUNEL, and Parkin staining. Among the 114 IgAN patients, 28 (24.56%) did not exhibit Mfn2 expression in podocytes. The patients in the Mfn2-negative group had lower serum albumin (34.43 ± 4.64 g/L vs. 36.48 ± 3 .52 g/L, P = 0.015) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (76.59 ± 35.38 mL/min vs. 92.13 ± 25.35 mL/min, P = 0.013), higher 24 h proteinuria (2.48 ± 2.72 g/d vs. 1.27 ± 1.31 g/d, P = 0.002), serum creatinine (Scr) (107.39 ± 57.97 μmol/L vs. 84.70 ± 34.95 μmol/L, P = 0.015), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (7.36 ± 4.45 mmol/L vs. 5.68 ± 2.14 mmol/L, P = 0.008), and higher S/T scores (92.86% vs. 70.93% and 42.85% vs. 15.12%, respectively, P < 0.05).

In the Mfn2-negative group, the mitochondria were punctate and round ridges disappeared, and a lower length-to-width ratio and much higher M/A ratio were observed. Correlation analysis showed that the intensity of Mfn2 was negatively correlated with Scr (r = − 0.232, P = 0.013), 24 h proteinuria (r = − 0.541, P = 0.001), and the degree of podocyte effacement (r = − 0.323, P = 0.001), and positively correlated with eGFR (r = 0.213, P = 0.025).

Logistic regression analysis showed that the Mfn2-negative group had a higher risk of severe podocyte effacement (≥ 50%) (OR = 3.061, P = 0.019).

Conclusion

Mfn2 was negatively correlated with proteinuria and renal function. A lack of Mfn2 in podocytes indicates severe podocyte injury and a high degree of podocyte effacement.
The clinical impact of IKZF1 mutation in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Huang Aijie , Liu Lixia , Qin Jiayue , Wang Chengcheng , Yang Min , Lou Yinjun , Wang Lei , Ni Xiong , Hu Xiaoxia , Tang Gusheng , Zhang Mengmeng , Cao Shanbo , Mao Liping , Qian Jiejin , Xu Weilai , Wei Juying , Xu Gaixiang , Meng Haitao , Mai Wenyuan , Yang Chunmei , Zhu Honghu , Tong Hongyan , Yang Jianmin , Yu Wenjuan , Wang Jianmin , Jin Jie
Published: March 2023

Genetic heterogeneity poses a great challenge to the understanding and management of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Knowledge of the IKZF1 mutation in AML specifically is extremely limited. In a previous work, we described the distribution pattern of IKZF1 mutation in AML, but its clinical impact has remained undefined due to the limited number of cases. Herein, we attempt to answer this question in one relatively large cohort covering 522 newly diagnosed AML patients. A total of 26 IKZF1 mutations were found in 20 AML patients (20/522, 3.83%). This condition has a young median age of onset of morbidity (P = 0.032). The baseline characteristics of IKZF1-mutated and wild-type patients were comparable. IKZF1 mutation showed significant co-occurrences with CEBPA (P < 0.001), SF3B1 (P < 0.001), and CSF3R (P = 0.005) mutations, and it was mutually exclusive with NPM1 mutation (P = 0.033). Although IKZF1-mutated AML was more preferably classified into the intermediate-risk group (P = 0.004), it showed one inferior complete remission rate (P = 0.032). AML with high burden of IKZF1 mutation (variant allele frequency > 0.20) showed relatively short overall survival period (P = 0.012), and it was an independent factor for the increased risk of death (hazard ratio, 6.101; 95% CI 2.278–16.335; P = 0.0003). In subgroup analysis, our results showed that IKZF1 mutation conferred poor therapeutic response and prognosis for SF3B1-mutated AML (P = 0.0017). We believe this work improves our knowledge of IKZF1 mutation.
Favorable locations for new VGOS antennas in India depending on the assessment of geodetic parameters and environmental factors
Authors: Dhar Sujata , Glaser Susanne , Heinkelmann Robert , Schuh Harald , Balasubramanian Nagarajan , Dikshit Onkar
Published: March 2023

VLBI simulation studies are carried out to investigate the impact of any proposed station or strategy on the geodetic parameters, such as Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP) and Terrestrial Reference Frame (TRF). In general, such studies are performed for making decisions on any new development in the existing VLBI network. Thus, for selecting the favorable locations for establishment of a VLBI antenna in India, simulation studies are performed on 42 potential locations to cover the whole Indian subcontinent. Furthermore, the simulation setup is divided into four scenarios that consider the current and future situations of the global VLBI network. Extensive simulation strategy is applied with optimized scheduling for each network geometry, Monte-Carlo simulations and analysis in the VieSched++ software. Since only the simulation results are thought to be insufficient for a thorough evaluation of the realistic performance of locations, environmental factors are also investigated in the current study. The environmental factors affecting the operation and vulnerability of the VLBI technique at the potential locations are also incorporated in the present study. For this, a weighted scoring model is developed with the scores and weights based on the probable impact and occurrence frequency of disrupting environmental events, respectively. This approach will avoid the possibility of new VLBI station ending up in an unfavorable location in India and, underperforming substantially in terms of the achieved improvement of geodetic parameters as determined from the simulation study. The VLBI Global Observing System (VGOS) network is being established at a global level to create a uniformly distributed network of the next generation VLBI system to meet the goals of the Global Geodetic Observing Systems (GGOS). India is planning to establish its first VGOS antenna, and therefore, this study helps to mark the high-performance favorable locations for VGOS. The improvements in geodetic parameters of favorable locations identified in the simulation study are 6.7–11.2% in the first scenario, 12.8–46.8% in second scenario, 9–20.5% in third scenario and 2.9–6.1% in fourth scenario. The favorable locations outperform other Indian locations by a factor of 1.1–5.8. In addition to that, the Indian locations having environmental factors that might affect the VGOS adversely are not portrayed as the favorable choice.

Graphical Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella isolates from human diarrhea cases in China: an eight-year surveilance study
Authors: Li Weiwei , Han Haihong , Liu Jikai , Ke Bixia , Zhan Li , Yang Xiaorong , Tan Dongmei , Yu Bo , Huo Xiang , Ma Xiaochen , Wang Tongyu , Chen Shuai , Sun Yong , Chen Weiwei , Li Yanfen , Liu Chengwei , Yang Zushun , Guo Yunchang
Published: March 2023

Salmonella is widely known as one of the most common foodborne pathogens, and antibiotics remain effective in clinical therapies against its infections. To guide better clinical antibiotic treatment, we analyzed the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of a nation-wide collection of 36,822 Salmonella isolates derived from sporadic diarrhea cases in China from 2014 to 2021. A panel of 15 antibiotics, including 10 critically important and 5 highly important antimicrobial agents for human medicine based on the WHO CIA List, was selected for AMR surveillance. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Enteritidis, I 4,[5],12:i:-, London, and Stanley were turns to be the top five serotypes from human diarrhea cases in China. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that the majority of the isolates (87.2%) were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent, and 66.5% were multidrug resistant (MDR). Salmonella isolates were found to be highly resistant to ampicillin (73.4%) while sensitive to imipenem (98.73%). Over the eight years, the isolates were demonstrated generally an increase in resistance to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and azithromycin, but displayed varied resistance profiles in terms of serotypes. Stanley (0.66–27.18%) and Agona (0.78–45.30%) had lower resistance rates compared to Typhimurium (1.11–85.6%), Enteritidis (1.55–91.29%), and I 4,[5],12:i:- (1.02–94.28%). In conclusion, our results provide systematic data on the resistance characteristics of Salmonella isolates from human diarrhea cases in China. Furthermore, this data identifies priorities for the clinical treatments of antibiotics.
Optimising plasma clozapine levels to improve treatment response: an individual patient data meta-analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis
Authors: Northwood Korinne , Pearson E. , Arnautovska U. , Kisely S. , Pawar M. , Sharma M. , Vitangcol K. , Wagner E. , Warren N. , Siskind Dan
Published: March 2023

Background

Although clozapine is the most efficacious medication for treatment-refractory schizophrenia, not all patients will have an adequate response. Optimising clozapine dose using therapeutic drug monitoring could therefore maximise response.

Aims

Using individual patient data, we undertook a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine an optimal therapeutic range for clozapine levels to guide clinical practice.

Method

We conducted a systematic review of PubMed, PsycINFO and Embase for studies that provided individual participant level data on clozapine levels and response. These data were analysed using ROC curves to determine the prediction performance of plasma clozapine levels for treatment response.

Results

We included data on 294 individual participants from nine studies. ROC analysis yielded an area under the curve of 0.612. The clozapine level at the point of optimal diagnostic benefit was 372 ng/mL; at this level, the response sensitivity was 57.3%, and specificity 65.7%. The interquartile range for treatment response was 223–558 ng/mL. There was no improvement in ROC performance with mixed models including patient gender, age or length of trial. Clozapine dose and clozapine concentration to dose ratio did not provide significantly meaningful prediction of response to clozapine.

Conclusions

Clozapine dose should be optimised based on clozapine therapeutic levels. We found that a range between 250 and 550 ng/mL could be recommended, while noting that a level of >350 ng/mL is the most optimal for response. Although some patients may not respond without clozapine levels >550 ng/mL, the benefits should be weighed against the increased risk of adverse drug reactions.
Thermodynamics beyond isolated Dirac points: A (possible) phase transition when coalescing
Authors: Flores J. C.
Published: March 2023

Graphene is certainly a prototype of Dirac's fermion in solid physics and has been extensively considered theoretically and experimentally. Nevertheless, here we go beyond the so-called Dirac's points considering the entire spectrum. More specifically, thermodynamic properties in a large range of energies are analyzed. Relationships between entropy, internal energy, specific heat, and temperature are considered. The topology of the spectrum changes drastically beyond Dirac's points and a phase transition appears. The technique used is through the treatment of images for counting the number of states for a given energy.
Transverse proton gluon anisotropy points behind the Standard Model
Authors: Trinhammer Ole L.
Published: March 2023

The present work focuses on transverse gluon densities in the proton and derives exemplar distributions showing azimuthal anisotropies. Such anomalies relative to the Standard Model may be visible in scattering experiments involving protons. I describe baryons as mass eigenstates of a Hamiltonian structure on an intrinsic U(3) configuration space. This has yielded the neutral flavour baryon spectrum and given a rather accurate value for the neutron mass 939.9(5) MeV from first principles. Quark and gluon fields are shaped by the momentum form of the intrinsic wave function. This has led to parton distribution functions for the u and d valence quarks for the proton and to a proton spin structure function agreeing with experiments over four orders of magnitude in the parton momentum fraction.
Disorder-controlled linear magnetoresistance in monolayer graphene
Authors: Gao K. H. , Wang W. J. , Lin T. , Li Z. Q.
Published: March 2023

The nonsaturating linear magnetoresistance (MR) in graphene has been found for more than ten years, but its origin still lacks a quantitative study. Here, we report magneto-transport properties of monolayer graphene samples grown on silicon carbide. A positive parabolic MR is observed at low magnetic fields, and it is transformed into a large linear MR with increasing field. The observed linear MR is gradually suppressed either by increasing temperature or by increasing annealing time. The slope of the linear MR is proportional to the Hall mobility, and the crossover field, representing a transition from quadratic to linear field dependence, is proportional to the inverse of the Hall mobility. We therefore attribute the linear MR to a classical origin. This classical MR is considered to be controlled by the interaction between carrier and the low-mobility island, and the fraction of the low-mobility island is extracted. The extracted fraction is consistent with the calculated results when the absorbed acceptor is regarded as the main source of the disorder. Our data also can be explained by the effective-medium theory.
The role of SPIRE actin nucleators in cellular transport processes
Authors: Welz Tobias , Kerkhoff Eugen
Published: March 2023

Looking back at two decades of research on SPIRE actin nucleator proteins, the first decade was clearly dominated by the discovery of SPIRE proteins as founding members of the novel WH2-domain-based actin nucleators, which initiate actin filament assembly through multiple WH2 actin-binding domains. Through complex formation with formins and class 5 myosins, SPIRE proteins coordinate actin filament assembly and myosin motor-dependent force generation. The discovery of SPIRE-regulated cytoplasmic actin filament meshworks in oocytes initiated the next phase of SPIRE research, which has found that SPIRE proteins are integrated in a diverse range of cell biological processes. In addition to regulating vesicle-based actin filament meshworks, SPIRE proteins function in the organisation of actin structures driving the inward movement of pronuclei of the mouse zygote. Localisation at cortical ring structures and the results of knockdown experiments indicate that SPIRE proteins function in the formation of meiotic cleavage sites in mammalian oocytes and the externalisation of von Willebrand factor from endothelial cells. Alternative splicing targets mammalian SPIRE1 towards mitochondria, where it has a role in fission. In this Review, we summarise the past two decades of SPIRE research by addressing the biochemical and cell biological functions of SPIRE proteins in mammalian reproduction, skin pigmentation and wound healing, as well as in mitochondrial dynamics and host–pathogen interactions.
How to Use Natural Experiments to Estimate Misallocation
Authors: Sraer David , Thesmar David
Published: March 2023

We propose a method to estimate the effect of firm policies (e.g., bankruptcy laws) on allocative efficiency using (quasi-)experimental evidence. Our approach takes general equilibrium effects into account and requires neither a structural estimation nor a precise assumption on how the experiment affects firms. Our aggregation formula relies on treatment effects of the policy on the distribution of output-to-capital ratios, which are easily estimated. We show this method is valid for a large class of commonly used models in macrofinance. We apply it to the French banking deregulation episode of the mid- 1980s and find an increase in aggregate TFP of 5 percent. (JEL G21, G24, G28, G31, G32, H25)
Is There Too Much Benchmarking in Asset Management?
Authors: Kashyap Anil K , Kovrijnykh Natalia , Li Jian , Pavlova Anna
Published: March 2023

We propose a tractable model of asset management in which benchmarking arises endogenously, and analyze its welfare consequences. Fund managers' portfolios are not contractible and they incur private costs in running them. Incentive contracts for fund managers create a pecuniary externality through their effect on asset prices. Benchmarking inflates asset prices and creates crowded trades. The crowding reduces the effectiveness of benchmarking in incentive contracts for others, which fund investors fail to account for. A social planner, recognizing the crowding, opts for contracts with less benchmarking and less incentive provision. The planner also delivers lower asset management costs. (JEL D82, D86, G11, G12, G23, G41)
Knockouts of TUT7 and 3′hExo show that they cooperate in histone mRNA maintenance and degradation
Authors: Holmquist Chris E. , He Wenxia , Meganck Rita M. , Marzluff William F.
Published: March 2023

Metazoan histone mRNAs are the only cellular eukaryotic mRNAs that are not polyadenylated, ending instead in a conserved stem–loop. SLBP is bound to the 3′ end of histone mRNAs and is required for translation of histone mRNA. The expression of histone mRNAs is tightly cell-cycle regulated. A major regulatory step is rapid degradation of histone mRNA at the end of S-phase or when DNA synthesis is inhibited in S-phase. 3′hExo, a 3′ to 5′ exonuclease, binds to the SLBP/SL complex and trims histone mRNA to 3 nt after the stem–loop. Together with a terminal uridyl transferase, 3′hExo maintains the length of the histone mRNA during S-phase. 3′hExo is essential for initiating histone mRNA degradation on polyribosomes, initiating degradation into the 3′ side of the stem–loop. There is extensive uridylation of degradation intermediates in the 3′ side of the stem when histone mRNA is degraded. Here, we knocked out TUT7 and 3′hExo and we show that both modification of histone mRNA during S-phase and degradation of histone mRNA involve the interaction of 3′hExo, and a specific TUTase, TENT3B (TUT7, ZCCHC6). Knockout of 3′hExo prevents the initiation of 3′ to 5′ degradation, stabilizing histone mRNA, whereas knockout of TUT7 prevents uridylation of the mRNA degradation intermediates, slowing the rate of degradation. In synchronized 3′hExo KO cells, histone mRNA degradation is delayed, but the histone mRNA is degraded prior to mitosis by a different pathway.
Μηχανισμός ανοικτού υλικού για εξ αποστάσεως υλοποίηση εργαστηριακών δραστηριοτήτων σε εκπαιδευτικά περιβάλλοντα φυσικών επιστημών, STEAM και εκπαιδευτικής ρομποτικής
Authors: Καλοβρέκτης Κωνσταντίνος
Published: March 2023

Σήμερα, ειδικά μετά την πανδημία του COVID-19, η αυξανόμενη ανάγκη για εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευση, φέρνει στην επιφάνεια προβλήματα στον τομέα υλοποίησης εργαστηριακών ασκήσεων και εργαστηριακών πειραμάτων. Η ανάγκη για τη διερεύνηση της εισαγωγής μηχανισμών, με ανοικτό υλικό, για την εξ αποστάσεως υλοποίηση εργαστηριακών δραστηριοτήτων, αποτυπώνεται από τη διεθνή βιβλιογραφία μέσα από ένα πλήθος ζητημάτων που αναφέρονται και στις τρεις εκπαιδευτικές βαθμίδες. Τέτοιοι μηχανισμοί ανοικτού υλικού επιτρέπουν στους εκπαιδευτικούς να δημιουργούν τις δικές τους εξ αποστάσεως εργαστηριακές ασκήσεις δίχως την πολυπλοκότητα των κλειστών και μεγάλου κόστους εμπορικών συστημάτων. Δημιουργοί τέτοιων μηχανισμών ανοικτού υλικού μπορούν να είναι εκπαιδευτικοί που έχουν κατάρτιση και/ή εμπειρία στην ανάπτυξη δραστηριοτήτων STEAM και Εκπαιδευτικής Ρομποτικής με χρήση της πλατφόρμας Arduino. Χρήστες τέτοιων μηχανισμών μπορούν να είναι εκπαιδευτικοί Α/θμιας εκπαίδευσης για τη διδασκαλία μαθημάτων Φυσικών Επιστημών και δραστηριοτήτων Εκπαιδευτικής Ρομποτικής και STEAM στο πλαίσιο των Εργαστηρίων Δεξιοτήτων, καθώς και εκπαιδευτικοί Φυσικών Επιστημών και Τεχνολογικών Ειδικοτήτων στην Β/θμια εκπαίδευση. Στη διατριβή προτείνεται η σχεδίαση και η υλοποίηση ενός ενδεικτικού μηχανισμού ανοικτού υλικού για την εξ αποστάσεως υλοποίηση εργαστηριακών δραστηριοτήτων σε εκπαιδευτικά περιβάλλοντα Φυσικών Επιστημών, STEAM και Εκπαιδευτικής Ρομποτικής. Ερευνητικός στόχος της διατριβής αποτελεί η διερεύνηση της στάσης των εκπαιδευτικών στην προοπτική αποδοχής και εκπαιδευτικής χρήσης τέτοιων μηχανισμών μέσω προσαρμοσμένου μοντέλου της Ενοποιημένης Θεωρίας Αποδοχής και Χρήσης της Τεχνολογίας. Στην έρευνα αξιολόγησης του μηχανισμού συμμετείχαν 125 άτομα με σπουδές Μηχανικών-Τεχνολόγων, Θετικών Επιστημών και άλλων Επιστημών, σε παράρτημα του Ετήσιου Προγράμματος Παιδαγωγικής Κατάρτισης (ΕΠΠΑΙΚ) της ΑΣΠΑΙΤΕ. Στην έρευνα διερευνήθηκαν, α) η πιθανή ύπαρξη «Τεχνολογικού Άγχους» και οι προσδοκίες των ατόμων ως προς την παιδαγωγική χρησιμότητα των εξ αποστάσεως μηχανισμών για υλοποίηση εργαστηριακών δραστηριοτήτων, β) ο παράγοντας Ευχρηστίας του προτεινόμενου συστήματος ως προς: τη Χρησιμότητα (Usefulness), την Ευκολία Χρήσης (Ease of Use), την Ευκολία Εκμάθησης (Ease of Learning) και την Ικανοποίηση (Satisfaction) του χρήστη και γ) η τεχνολογική αποδοχή και η υιοθέτηση του προτεινόμενου ενδεικτικού μηχανισμού ανοικτού υλικού για την εξ αποστάσεως υλοποίηση εργαστηριακών δραστηριοτήτων σε εκπαιδευτικά περιβάλλοντα Φυσικών Επιστημών, STEAM και Εκπαιδευτικής Ρομποτικής. Τα αποτελέσματα παρουσιάζουν θετικότητα ως προς την αποδοχή του μηχανισμού σε εκπαιδευτικά περιβάλλοντα Φυσικών Επιστημών, STEAM και Εκπαιδευτικής Ρομποτικής για εξ αποστάσεως υλοποίηση εργαστηριακών δραστηριοτήτων.
Geometrically non-linear beam modeling of wind turbine blades under static and dynamic loadings
Authors: Παντελή Ανθούλα
Published: March 2023

Στην παρούσα διατριβή μελετώνται τρία βασικά αντικείμενα. Το πρώτο αντικείμενο περιλαμβάνει την διερεύνηση στην στατική δύο γεωμετρικώς μη-γραμμικών μοντέλων δοκού, των μοντέλων δοκού Simo-Reissner (SR) και Green-Lagrange (GL). Αυτά τα μοντέλα δοκού συγκρίνονται μεταξύ τους τόσο σε θεωρητικό όσο και σε υπολογιστικό επίπεδο. Επιπλέον, η τεχνική για το αναλλοίωτο της ελαστικής ενέργειας παραμόρφωσης μετά απο στροφή στερεού σώματος του στοιχείου δοκού υλοποιείται και για τις δύο προσεγγίσεις· πρόκειται για μια νέα υλοποίηση στο GL μοντέλο δοκού. Το δεύτερο αντικείμενο μελέτης περιλαμβάνει την διερεύνηση δύο αλγόριθμων χρονικής ολοκλήρωσης που θεωρούνται τύπου Newmark, για την δυναμική στερεών σωμάτων με μεγάλες στροφές στο χώρο. Στο τρίτο αντικείμενο μελέτης, το γεωμετρικώς ακριβές SR μοντέλο δοκού κι ένας εκ των δύο τύπου Newmark αλγόριθμος χρονικής ολοκλήρωσης, ενσωματώνονται μέσα στον κώδικα δυναμικής πολλαπλών σωμάτων hGAST, για την αερο-ελαστική ανάλυση του συζευγμένου συστήματος ανεμογεννήτριας. Τα αποτελέσματα που προκύπτουν για τα εύκαμπτα πτερύγια της ανεμογεννήτριας συγκρίνονται με εκείνα που προκύπτουν από την sub-body (SB) τεχνική. Η SB τεχνική μπορεί να προβλέπει την γεωμετρική μη-γραμμικότητα χρησιμοποιώντας την λογική των πολλαπλών σωμάτων στο επίπεδο του σώματος συνδυασμένη με γραμμικά στοιχεία δοκού. Απότην παρούσα εργασία προκύπτουν ενδιαφέροντα αποτελέσματα. 'Οσον αφορά στα αποτελέσματα της στατικής, προκύπτει ότι 1. εξαιτίας των πρόσθετων όρων τροπής του GL μοντέλου δοκού σε σχέση με το SR μοντέλο δοκού, που περιλαμβάνουν το τετράγωνο των καμπυλοτήτων της γραμμής αναφοράς της δοκού, προβλέπεται μια διαφορετική εκτίμηση των αξονικών και διατμητικών συνιστωσών τροπής μέσα στο στοιχείο δοκού, και 2. η αναλλοίωτη τεχνική, που αρχικά προτάθηκε για το SR μοντέλο δοκού λειτουργεί το ίδιο καλά και για το GL μοντέλο δοκού. 'Οσον αφορά στα αποτελέσματα της δυναμικής, η ακρίβεια και η ευστάθεια των αλγόριθμων χρονικής ολοκλήρωσης απεικονίζονται στην απόκριση του γνωστού παραδείγματος της βαριάς συμμετρικής κορυφής (heavy symmetrical top), είτε για μικρό είτε για μεγάλο χρόνο προσομοίωσης. Τέλος, τα αποτελέσματα που προκύπτουν για το συζευγμένο σύστημα της ανεμογεννήτριας δείχνουν μια πολύ καλή συμπεριφορά της γεωμετρικώς ακριβούς μοντελοποίησης των πτερυγίων, τόσο για ομοιόμορφο όσο και για στοχαστικό άνεμο.
L’ agenda politique au quotidien
Authors: Κουντούρη Φανή
Published: March 2023

Με τον όρο πολιτική ατζέντα εννοούμε το σύνολο των θεμάτων που αναδεικνύονται στο δημόσιο διάλογο ως προβλήματα τα οποία χρήζουν πολιτικής ρύθμισης. Η διατριβή αυτή έχει ως αντικείμενο έρευνας τους μηχανισμούς καθορισμού της πολιτικής θεματολογίας στην καθημερινότητα, όπως αυτοί συγκροτούνται μέσα από τη δράση των πολιτικών κομμάτων και των Μέσων Μαζικής Ενημέρωσης. Η πολυπλοκότητα των διαδικασιών μέσω των οποίων ένα πρόβλημα, ένα διακύβευμα ή ένα γεγονός εγγράφονται στο πολιτικό πεδίο και η πολλαπλότητα των δρώντων που παρεμβαίνουν στις διαδικασίες αυτές καθιστούν την πολιτική ατζέντα κεντρικό μηχανισμό του δημόσιου χώρου. Η βασική υπόθεση της διατριβής είναι ότι ο προσδιορισμός των προβλημάτων που συγκεντρώνουν τη δημόσια προσοχή και επιβάλλουν τη ρύθμισή τους στις δημόσιες αρχές είναι μια δυναμική διαδικασία η οποία εξαρτάται από την επιλογή, την ιεράρχηση, και τον ορισμό τους από τους δρώντες, από τις ποικίλες διαδράσεις μεταξύ των τελευταίων, από τις σχέσεις εξουσίας και τις πολιτικές και κοινωνικές συγκυρίες.
In-depth assessment of Iraqi physicians' adherence to treatment guidelines for different diseases: a qualitative study
Authors: Anwer Ibrahim Yawer , Yawuz Mohammed Jamal , Al-Jumaili Ali Azeez
Published: March 2023

Background: In healthcare settings, specialists from different fields may follow the most well-known, reliable, and easy-to-understand medical guidelines. This study aimed to determine Iraqi physicians' adherence to treatment guidelines, to specify which treatment guidelines are utilized for each disease and identify their barriers to follow the guidelines.

Methods: This was qualitative study including face-to-face and virtual semi-structured interviews with specialist physicians from different disciplines. The interviews were conducted between December 2021 and May 2022 in Kirkuk province, Iraq. The qualitative data generated through interviews was analyzed using thematic analysis.

Result: The study recruited 48 specialists (27 male and 21 female) from seven medical specialties at two large government hospitals. Most physicians (38 /44) revealed that healthcare settings implement treatment guidelines in more than half of cases.  American guideline was the most used among the participating physicians. European and British guidelines and textbooks were also used by some specialties. Unfortunately, most (43 out of 47) physicians were unaware of Iraqi treatment guideline. Most seniors often followed the same guidelines for one branch, with little variation in approach based on their experience and flexibility. Almost all participating physicians believed that shortages in treatment (46/47) and investigation/lab materials (45/47) and low patient adherence (44/47) are major barriers to implement the guideline(s). Six out of seven specialties experienced shortage in the essential medications that recommended by the guidelines

Conclusions: Most physicians followed well-known international guidelines. Each specialty follows different guidelines relying on the disease. Medication shortage in the public hospitals was the main barrier facing physicians to implement treatment guidelines. Enhancing physician awareness of the Iraqi guidelines should be encouraged. Finally, securing essential medicines in public hospitals is pivotal to adopt evidence-based guidelines effectively.
Fixed dose combination of low dose pregabalin and duloxetine, or pregabalin monotherapy for neuropathic pain: A double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study
Authors: K. Krishnaprasad , Dutt Sunil , Rattan Pankaj , Dadhania Ankit , Gupta Ram , Joshi Deepa , Kakkad Ashutosh , Makwana Altaf , Jha Pankaj
Published: March 2023

Background: Treatment of neuropathic pain is challenging. Pregabalin and duloxetine are used as first-line therapy. Various international guidelines recommend a combination of first-line agents for the management of neuropathic pain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed-dose combination (FDC) of low-dose pregabalin and duloxetine compared to pregabalin monotherapy at week 7 in patients with moderate to severe neuropathic pain.

Methods: This was a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy parallel-group non-inferiority study conducted at 17 sites across India. Three hundred and twenty-eight adult patients with moderate to severe neuropathic pain were randomized in a ratio of 1:1 to receive a FDC of pregabalin and duloxetine or pregabalin monotherapy for 7 weeks followed by a one-week follow-up. The pregabalin-duloxetine combination was initiated at 50 plus 20 mg per day and gradually titrated to a maximum of 75mg plus 30mg twice daily. Pregabalin was initiated at 75mg/day and gradually titrated to a maximum of 150mg twice daily. The main efficacy outcome was a mean change in pain intensity at the end of 7 weeks.

Results: Two hundred and ninety-eight patients completed the study, 148 in the pregabalin-duloxetine group and 150 in the pregabalin group. The mean change in daily pain at 7 weeks was as follows: -4.49 with FDC and -4.66 with pregabalin (p<0.0001). The non-inferiority of a low-dose FDC compared to pregabalin monotherapy was demonstrated at the end of the study. The incidence of dizziness and somnolence was comparable between both treatments.  A higher frequency of peripheral oedema was observed with pregabalin monotherapy than in the FDC group (p>0.05).

Conclusions: A FDC of low doses of pregabalin and duloxetine and high dose of pregabalin monotherapy achieved similar analgesia with dizziness, and somnolence as the most frequent adverse event.

Trial registration: CTRI/2020/09/027555
Predictors of chronic kidney disease among Indonesian adult population: Results from the 2018 Indonesia Basic Health Research
Authors: Rachmah Qonita , Atmaka Dominikus Raditya , Haryana Nila Reswari , Daud Zulfitri Azuan Mat
Published: March 2023

Background: Three out of ten cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are cause by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition, nutritional status, consumption of unhealthy foods, high blood pressure, and smoking habits were also previously identified as risk factors to CKD but there is a scarcity of data from Indonesia. Therefore, we sought to determine the risk factors using a predictive model for the incidence of CKD in Indonesia based on the Indonesia Basic Health Research 2018.

Methods: Secondary data from the 2018 Indonesia Basic Health Survey with 300,000 respondents was used. Respondents with complete socio-demographic, food consumption data, anthropometric data and chronic disease status (i.e. T2DM and hypertension) type 2 were analyzed (n=96,098). Binary logistic regression model was performed to assess the association between socio-demographic, food group consumption, health and nutritional status with CKD.

Results:  Based on the final model of logistic regression analysis, ranging from the most and least factors that contribute to CKD were the presence of T2DM (p<0.000; OR=2.353), hypertension (p<0.000; OR=1.695); education level (p=0.028; OR=1.438), living area (p=0.025; OR=1.242); age (p<0.000; OR=0.979); and sugary drink consumption (p=0.050; OR=0.884).

Conclusions: Prediction equation of CKD risk factor in Indonesia Adult included 6 factors that are present: diabetes, present hypertension, education, living area, age, and sugary drink consumption. This result can be used by the health professional to predict the risk of CKD among patients with present diabetes and/or hypertension.
Vaccine-preventable food- and water-borne diseases
Authors: Brewer Catherine
Published: March 2023

Contaminated food and water can transmit a wide variety of infectious diseases. Catherine Brewer looks at the vaccine-preventable food- and water-borne diseases

Contaminated food and water can transmit a wide variety of infectious diseases, with all of these having a higher incidence in low-income counties. Food- and water-borne diseases are still the most common health issue experienced by travellers, often causing diarrhoea. The vaccine-preventable diseases are poliomyelitis, hepatitis A, typhoid and cholera. Taking food and water precautions and making wise choices is the key to prevention of these diseases, and many others which are not vaccine-preventable.
Community and collaboration: a Parkinson's nurse shares her leading lights
Authors: Gardner Rachel
Published: March 2023

Living with Parkinson's can be challenging but one thing always stands out – the Parkinson's community is bright and brilliant. In celebration of World Parkinson's Day, Rachel Gardner shares how community care has been her leading light over the last ten years
Total Hip Arthroplasty through Direct Anterior Approach in a Patient with Ipsilateral Knee Arthrodesis: A Case Report
Authors: Follet Louis , Verhelst Luk , Ghijselings Stijn , Liekens Koen
Published: March 2023

Introduction: We present a case report of a total hip arthroplasty (THA) in a patient with ipsilateral knee arthrodesis. The direct anterior approach (DAA) was used, and to our knowledge, this has never been described previously in the literature. The purpose of this report is to highlight pre-, per-, and post-operative challenges using the DAA in these rare cases. Case Report: This case report presents the case of a 77 year old female patient with degenerative hip disease in the presence of an ipsilateral arthrodesis of the knee. The patient was operated using the DAA. No complications were found and the patient had an excellent follow-up with a forgotten joint score of 93.75 at 1 year. The difficulty in this case consists in finding the correct stem anteversion with the altered knee anatomy. Using pre-operative templating on X-rays, intraoperative fluoroscopy and the posterior femoral neck the hip biomechanics could be restored. Conclusion: We believe that THA in presence of an ipsilateral knee arthrodesis can be safely performed through a DAA. Keywords: THA, DAA, knee arthrodesis.
Chondromyxoid Fibroma of a Rib
Authors: Sathia Siddhartha , Jain Mantu , Nayak Manmatha , Purkait Suvendu
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Chondromyxoid fibroma (CMF) is an uncommon bone tumor, accounting for <1% of all bone tumors. It generally affects the metaphysis of the long bone of the lower limb and seldom involves the small bones, but the involvement of the flat bones, like ribs, is infrequent. Case Report: A teenage girl complained of pain on the right side of the chest for the past 6 months, dull aching, and persistent without any diurnal variation. The chest X-ray examination showed a nodular, hyperdense lesion on the lateral chest wall near the 5–7th rib on the right side. A computed tomography scan confirmed the lesion from the sixth rib with ground-glass matrix and cortical thinning with a smooth margin, without any soft-tissue involvement. An enblock excision of the lesion was done. Histopathological studies showed a well-circumscribed tumor with reactive bone formation at the periphery with lobules of chondromyxoid tissue separated by spindle cells and stellate-shaped cells suggestive of CMF. At 1-year follow-up, she is asymptomatic without any recurrence. Conclusion: CMFs are rare benign tumors that require histopathological study to differentiate from other benign lesions of the bone. In flat tubular bones like the ribs, enblock resection is the mainstay of treatment. Keywords: Chondromyxoid fibroma, rib, excision.
Evaluation of anal cytology and human papillomavirus infection in high-risk women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ashrafganjoei Tahereh , Sadat Hosseini Maryam , Pirastehfar Zanbagh , Farzaneh Farah , Arab Maliheh , Moghaddam Noushin Ashfar , Javadi Abdolreza , Joybari Ali Yaghobi
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND Anal cancer incidence has been on the rise over the past few decades. This study aimed to assess anal Papanicolaou (Pap) smear changes in women with high risk for dysplasia and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted on 121 patients referred to the Gynecology Oncology Clinic of Imam Hossein Medical Center between 2020 and 2021 in Tehran, Iran, who had cervical and vulvar dysplasia, cervical HPV infection, and abnormal cervical cytology results and were over 21 years old. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 21 (IBM Corp., USA) at a significance level of 0.05.

RESULTS 121 women, with a mean age of 39.69 years, were included in this study. Overall, 23.1% of women had positive anal HPV results, and 35.5% were over 40 years old. Younger age was associated with an increased risk of anal HPV (p = 0.045). 33.9% of women were single and had a higher risk of anal HPV. Multiple sexual partnerships and anal sex were the significant risk factors for anal cancer (p<0.001). Women with positive anal HPV results had significantly more genital warts (p<0.001). No significant difference was observed in smoking, educational level, and cervical Pap smear results between women with negative and positive rectal HPV results.

CONCLUSIONS Younger age at diagnosis, being single, having multiple sexual partnerships, having anal sex, and having genital warts were associated with anal HPV infection in women. Abnormal anal cytology was only associated with being single and having multiple sexual partners.
Digitalising qualitative social research? On the potential of digital features to enhance data collection in qualitative research: the example of a virtual reality serious game in a qualitative research project
Authors: Gredig Daniel , Bigoni Daniele , Bogdanovic Jasmina , Weber Patrick , Korkut Safak
Published: March 2023

Digital features like virtual reality have hardly been used in the framework of data collection in qualitative social work research. Virtual reality holds specific promise because it allows the immersion of participants in a situation and has the potential to strengthen the ecological validity of data. In this light, we examined the use of a virtual reality serious game in qualitative in-person interviews in the framework of a prevention-oriented HIV social research project. We designed and developed an immersive virtual reality serious game, and integrated it into 24 problem-centred in-person interviews. The integration was feasible, and the virtual reality serious game was well accepted. It prompted participants to elaborate their lived experiences more extensively and in depth. Participants subsequently recalled episodes they had not mentioned before, complemented their narratives and brought up new topics. The atmosphere became less formal, and participants were even more communicative. The use of virtual reality seems to have the potential to open up new perspectives, broaden epistemic possibilities and complement the qualitative methods used to investigate, in particular, verbal and non-verbal communication and interaction processes. From an ethical perspective, the use of virtual reality should be well reflected upon regarding possible after-effects for the participants.
International social work research: transfer of knowledge or promotion of dialogue beyond borders?
Authors: Bertotti Teresa , Fargion Silvia
Published: March 2023

Social work has developed unevenly within Europe and globally, with differences in terms of its recognition, training, professionalisation and academisation. This is mirrored in an unbalance in reciprocal influence, particularly vis-a-vis knowledge production, and the origin of tensions between importing/exporting ‘ready-made’ ideas from stronger social work communities and efforts towards indigenisation and locally rooted knowledge production. Structurally embedded in these tensions, we consider the role of international associations and attendant events in promoting internationalisation processes that reflect cultural dominance or, conversely, balance tensions between universalism and localism. To develop a reflection on these issues, we analysed materials used for launching the European Conference for Social Work Research conferences. Two meaningful aspects emerged: efforts at maintaining an all-embracing profile without privileging specific approaches; and the identification of shared open themes to enable mutual understanding of differences. Social work professional identity, the socio-political dimensions of social work and comparing research methodologies constituted starting points for international conversations. Arguably, nurturing such dialogues can have a significant, if indirect, function in the development of an international language and shared conceptualisations, or, at least, an awareness of different conceptualisations vis-a-vis practices of knowledge co-construction.
Functional Literacy Intervention for Postsecondary Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Pilot Study
Authors: Prahl Alison , Gilson Carly
Published: March 2023

The rapid growth of inclusive higher education opportunities for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has contributed to improvements in students' academics, employment, social, and independent living outcomes. However, many college programs lack a focus on functional literacy, a critical skill for success in adulthood. This study evaluated whether a functional literacy intervention was associated with an increase in the percentage of reading comprehension strategies implemented accurately for college students with IDD. A multiple probe across functional literacy stimuli (e.g., academic assignments, employment emails, social text messages) was replicated across four students. Results indicated an association between the intervention and percentage of strategies implemented accurately. Suggestions for future research and implications for practice are provided.
Frequency stabilization of a terahertz quantum-cascade laser to the Lamb dip of a molecular absorption line
Authors: Voigt R. , Wienold M. , Jayasankar D. , Drakinskiy V. , Stake J. , Sobis P. , Schrottke L. , Lü X. , Grahn H. T. , Hübers H.-W.
Published: March 2023

We demonstrate the frequency stabilization of a terahertz quantum-cascade laser (QCL) to the Lamb dip of the absorption line of a D2O rotational transition at 3.3809309 THz. To assess the quality of the frequency stabilization, a Schottky diode harmonic mixer is used to generate a downconverted QCL signal by mixing the laser emission with a multiplied microwave reference signal. This downconverted signal is directly measured by a spectrum analyzer showing a full width at half maximum of 350 kHz, which is eventually limited by high-frequency noise beyond the bandwidth of the stabilization loop.
ASE recirculation effects in pulsed frequency shifted feedback lasers at large frequency shifts
Authors: Cuenca Miguel , Maestre Haroldo , Torregrosa Germán , Guillet de Chatellus Hugues , Fernández-Pousa Carlos R.
Published: March 2023

An analysis of the different emission regimes (continuous wave, Q-switched, and different forms of modelocking) of a C-band Er:fiber frequency shifted feedback laser at large frequency shifts is presented. We clarify the role of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) recirculation in the origin of various spectral and dynamical properties of this type of laser. Specifically, we show that Q-switched pulses are supported by a noisy, quasiperiodic ASE recirculation pattern that univocally identifies the pulses within the sequence, and that these Q-switched pulses are chirped as a consequence of the frequency shift. A specific pattern of ASE recirculation, in the form of a periodic stream of pulses, is identified in resonant cavities, namely, those where the free spectral range and the shifting frequency are commensurable. The phenomenology associated with this pattern is explained through the moving comb model of ASE recirculation. Modelocked emission is induced from both integer and fractional resonant conditions. It is shown that ASE recirculation coexists with modelocked pulses, originates a secondary peak in the optical spectrum, and also drives Q-switched modelocking near resonant conditions. Harmonic modelocking with variable harmonic index is also observed in non-resonant cavities.
Dual-band refractive index sensor with cascaded asymmetric resonant compound grating based on bound states in the continuum
Authors: Liu Xiuhong , Zhang Chendong , Hu Jinhua , Han Haiyan
Published: March 2023

We propose a cascaded asymmetric resonant compound grating (ARCG) for high-performance dual-band refractive index sensing. The physical mechanism of the sensor is investigated using a combination of temporal coupled-mode theory (TCMT) and ARCG eigenfrequency information, which is verified by rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA). The reflection spectra can be tailored by changing the key structural parameters. And by altering the grating strip spacing, a dual-band quasi-bound state in the continuum can be achieved. The simulation results show that the highest sensitivity of the dual-band sensor is 480.1 nm/RIU, and its figure of merit is 4.01 × 105. The proposed ARCG has potential application prospects for high-performance integrated sensors.