bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
„WIR reden MIT“ – Jugendliche partizipieren an der Entwicklung von Lösungsansätzen für kommunale Zielkonflikte der Nachhaltigkeit
Authors: Meyer Christiane , Haubner Randy
Published: May 2022

Der Beitrag stellt die Umsetzung und Evaluation eines schulischen Thinktanks in zwei Kommunen vor, der Jugendliche schulisch vorbereitet sowie u. a. bei kommunalen Ratssitzungen begleitet hat, um an der Entwicklung von Lösungsansätzen für kommunale Zielkonflikte der Nachhaltigkeit zu partizipieren (Projektlaufzeit: September 2017 bis August 2020). Das Schulprojekt wird in aktuelle Zielrichtungen von Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung auf unterschiedlichen Maßstabsebenen (global, national, kommunal) eingebettet und im Hinblick auf Zielkonflikte beleuchtet. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird der schulische Thinktank anschließend im Kontext gelingender Vermittlungsformate zur Partizipation von Jugendlichen sowie ihrer Verstetigung reflektiert und kommentiert.
Wie junge Frauen ihre Kleinstadt mitgestalten – die Vielschichtigkeit von freiwilligem Engagement
Authors: Kummel Olivia
Published: May 2022

Freiwilliges Engagement in einer Kleinstadt profitiert von der räumlichen und sozialen Nähe ihrer Einwohner*innen. Was passiert jedoch, wenn über die Hälfte der Bevölkerung ihre Kleinstadt verlässt? Es sind die jungen Menschen, die ihre Kleinstadt mitgestalten. Vor allem das sichtbare öffentliche Engagement der Frauen und ihr verborgenes privates Engagement prägen die kleinstädtische Vielfalt. Der Beitrag beleuchtet die Umstände, unter denen junge Frauen einem Engagement nachgehen. Neben der privaten Unterstützung im Familienkreis sind es die „engagierten Netzwerke“, aus denen die engagierten Frauen ihre Kraft schöpfen.
Transparenz 2.0
Authors: von Lucke Jörn , Gollasch Katja
Published: May 2022

Ein wesentlicher Ansatz für ein offenes Regierungs- und Verwaltungshandeln ist gelebte Transparenz. Insbesondere durch die stetig fortschreitende Digitalisierung in Staat und Verwaltung wird Transparenz immer mehr möglich. Zugleich fordert die Zivilgesellschaft sie zunehmend ein. Im zweiten Kapitel werden ausgehend von Amts-, Dienst- und Staatsgeheimnissen verschiedene Formen von Transparenz 1.0 vorgestellt. Das Konzept der Informationsfreiheit sowie die damit zusammenhängende Gesetzgebung in Bund und Ländern ergänzen dies. Anschließend werden Ansätze zur Weiterentwicklung zu Transparenz 2.0 & Co vorgestellt und auf weiterführende Themen wie Whistleblowing, digitale Gerichtsöffentlichkeit und Transparenzindizes eingegangen.
Partonic behavior of string scattering amplitudes from holographic QCD models
Authors: Bianchi Massimo , Firrotta Maurizio , Sonnenschein Jacob , Weissman Dorin
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We study the emergence of partonic behavior in scattering processes at large Mandelstam’s variable s from string amplitudes in holographic backgrounds. We generalize the approach of Polchinski and Strassler [1] in two ways. (i) We analyze several holographic confining backgrounds, in particular the hard wall model, the soft wall model and Witten’s model. (ii) In addition to deriving the asymptotic behavior of the amplitudes at fixed angle and in the Regge limit, we also expand the amplitudes around their poles, integrate over the holographic direction and then re-sum the expansion. Due to dependence of the string tension on the holographic coordinate, the resulting singularities take the form of branch points rather than poles and the amplitudes display branch cuts and acquire a finite imaginary part. This may signal the failure of the PS prescription to reproduce the correct analytic structure at low energies. We also observe that the peaks are more pronounced in the region of small s but fade away for large s. In the fixed angle approximation we find in the hard and soft wall models that $$ \mathcal{A} $$
A
∼ s2−∆/2 whereas in Witten’s model $$ \mathcal{A} $$
A
∼ s3−∆/2 and $$ \mathcal{A} $$
A
∼ s7/3−2∆/3 for the 11D and 10D formulations, respectively. In the Regge regime $$ \mathcal{A} $$
A
∼ s2t−2+α (log s/t)−1+α where α is the power found in the fixed angle regime. Using the pole expansion the result for each model is Re [$$ \mathcal{A} $$
A
] ∼ s−1, Im [$$ \mathcal{A} $$
A
] ∼ sα. We compute the corresponding amplitudes for mesons using open strings and find qualitatively similar results as for closed strings.
Erratum to: The singly-charged scalar singlet as the origin of neutrino masses
Authors: Felkl Tobias , Herrero-García Juan , Schmidt Michael A.
Published: May 2022

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP05(2021)122
Generalised U-dual solutions in supergravity
Authors: Blair Chris D. A. , Zhidkova Sofia
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We discuss the notion of generalised U-duality as a solution generating technique in supergravity. We demonstrate a method to take solutions of type IIA supergravity on a 3-sphere, with NSNS flux, to new solutions of 11-dimensional supergravity, using exceptional geometry techniques. These new solutions are characterised by an underlying 3-algebra structure, and generalise features of solutions obtained by non-abelian T-duality, which involve an underlying ordinary Lie algebra. We focus on an example where we start with the pp-F1-NS5 solution in type IIA supergravity. We discuss the properties of our resulting new solution, including the possibility of viewing it globally as a U-fold, and its M2 and M5 brane charges. In the extremal case, the new solution admits an AdS3 limit, which falls into a recently constructed class of M-theory AdS3 backgrounds — this provides a global completion of our solution with a well-defined holographic dual, similar to the global completions of non-abelian T-dual solutions. Our full solution is a 6-vector deformation of this AdS3 limit. We also explicitly solve the Killing spinor equation in the AdS3 limit, finding a $$ \frac{1}{2}\hbox{-} \mathrm{BPS} $$

1
2

‐
BPS
solution.
An Analogy of the Carleson–Hunt Theorem with Respect to Vilenkin Systems
Authors: Persson L.-E. , Schipp F. , Tephnadze G. , Weisz F.
Published: May 2022

In this paper we discuss and prove an analogy of the Carleson–Hunt theorem with respect to Vilenkin systems. In particular, we use the theory of martingales and give a new and shorter proof of the almost everywhere convergence of Vilenkin–Fourier series of$$f\in L_p(G_m)$$f∈Lp(Gm)for$$p>1$$p>1in case the Vilenkin system is bounded. Moreover, we also prove sharpness by stating an analogy of the Kolmogorov theorem for$$p=1$$p=1and construct a function$$f\in L_1(G_m)$$f∈L1(Gm)such that the partial sums with respect to Vilenkin systems diverge everywhere.
Completely Compact Herz–Schur Multipliers of Dynamical Systems
Authors: He Weijiao , Todorov Ivan G. , Turowska Lyudmila
Published: May 2022

We prove that if G is a discrete group and $$(A,G,\alpha )$$

(
A
,
G
,
α
)

is a C*-dynamical system such that the reduced crossed product $$A\rtimes _{r,\alpha } G$$

A

⋊

r
,
α

G

possesses property (SOAP) then every completely compact Herz–Schur $$(A,G,\alpha )$$

(
A
,
G
,
α
)

-multiplier can be approximated in the completely bounded norm by Herz–Schur $$(A,G,\alpha )$$

(
A
,
G
,
α
)

-multipliers of finite rank. As a consequence, if G has the approximation property (AP) then the completely compact Herz–Schur multipliers of A(G) coincide with the closure of A(G) in the completely bounded multiplier norm. We study the class of invariant completely compact Herz–Schur multipliers of $$A\rtimes _{r,\alpha } G$$

A

⋊

r
,
α

G

and provide a description of this class in the case of the irrational rotation algebra.
Tinea capitis bei Kindern – ein buntes Krankheitsbild
Authors: Drerup Katharina Antonia , Brasch Jochen
Published: May 2022

Bei der Tinea capitis (TC) handelt es sich um eine Infektion der behaarten Kopfhaut durch Dermatophyten, ganz überwiegend durch anthropophile und zoophile Arten. Hauptsächlich sind Kinder betroffen. Die Inzidenz der TC nimmt in Deutschland aktuell aufgrund verschiedener Ursachen zu, wie z. B. der Migrationsbewegung aus Afrika und Reisen. Auch das Erregerspektrum verändert sich. Da das klinische Bild einer TC sehr unterschiedlich sein kann, sind initiale Fehldiagnosen häufig. Um diagnostische Irrtümer und unwirksame Therapieversuche zu vermeiden, sollten Pädiater:innen mit allen Aspekten der TC vertraut sein. Dazu werden die Klinik sowie die Erreger der TC erläutert; des Weiteren werden die Diagnostik sowie leitliniengerechte Therapie der TC dargestellt. Darüber hinaus werden Maßnahmen zur Verhinderung von Reinfektionen oder Infektionen anderer Kinder erklärt.
Systemic therapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC): an evidence-based recommendation of the German interdisciplinary RCC guidelines group
Authors: Grünwald V. , Bergmann L. , Brehmer B. , Eberhardt B. , Kastrati Karin , Gauler T. , Gehbauer G. , Gschwend J. , Johannsen M. , Klotz T. , Protzel C. , Schenck M. , Staehler M.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The treatment landscape in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has evolved dramatically in recent years. Within the German guideline committee for RCC we evaluated current medical treatments and gave recommendations.

Methods

A systematic review of published evidence for medical treatment of mRCC was performed (July 2016–August 2019) to cover the duration from last guideline update in 2016. Evidence was graded according to SIGN (http://www.sign.ac.uk/pdf/sign50.pdf). Recommendations were made on the basis of a nominal group work with consensus approach and included patient advocates and shareholder of the German RCC treatment landscape. Each recommendation was graded according to its strength as strong recommendation (A) or recommendation (B). Expert statements were given, where appropriate.

Results

Strong first-line recommendations (IA) exist for axitinib + pembrolizumab (all risk categories) and ipilimumab + nivolumab (intermediate or poor risk only). Axitinib + avelumab is a recommended first-line treatment across patients with any risk category (IB). In patients who are not candidates for immune check point inhibitor (ICI) combinations, targeted agents should be offered as an alternative treatment. Subsequent treatment after ICI-based combinations remain ill-defined and no standard of care can be formulated.

Conclusion

ICI-based combinations are the first-line standard of care and should be considered accordingly. There is an unmet medical need for pivotal studies that define novel standards in patients with failure of ICI-based combinations.
Is hypnotic assessment relevant to neurology?
Authors: Fontanelli Lorenzo , Spina Vincenzo , Chisari Carmelo , Siciliano Gabriele , Santarcangelo Enrica L.
Published: May 2022

Studies conducted in healthy subjects have clearly shown that different hypnotic susceptibility, which is measured by scales, is associated with different functional equivalence between imagery and perception/action (FE), cortical excitability, and information processing. Of note, physiological differences among individuals with high (highs), medium (mediums), and low hypnotizability scores (lows) have been observed in the ordinary state of consciousness, thus independently from the induction of the hypnotic state, and in the absence of specific suggestions. The potential role of hypnotic assessment and its relevance to neurological diseases have not been fully explored. While current knowledge and therapies allow a better survival rate, there is a constant need to optimize rehabilitation treatments and quality of life. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of hypnotizability-related features and, specifically, to discuss the hypothesis that the stronger FE, the different mode of information processing, and the greater proneness to control pain and the activity of the immune system observed in individuals with medium-to-high hypnotizability scores have potential applications to neurology. Current evidence of the outcome of treatments based on hypnotic induction and suggestions administration is not consistent, mainly owing to the small sample size in clinical trials and inadequate control groups. We propose that hypnotic assessment may be feasible in clinical routine and give additional cues into the treatment and rehabilitation of neurological diseases.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy newborn screening: the first 50,000 newborns screened in Taiwan
Authors: Chien Yin-Hsiu , Lee Ni-Chung , Weng Wen-Chin , Chen Li-Chu , Huang Yu-Hsuan , Wu Chao-Szu , Hwu Wuh-Liang
Published: May 2022

Background

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD/Duchenne) is a progressive X-linked muscular disease with an overall incidence of 1:5,000 live male births. Recent availability in treatment for DMD raised the need of early diagnosis, and DMD became as a selective item of newborn screening (NBS) since Feb. 2021 in our center.

Materials and methods

Dried blood spots (DBS) muscle-type creatine kinase (CK) isoform was measured with a commercialized kit with age-adjusted cutoffs. Subjects with an elevation of CK in the first screen were requested for a re-screen 2 weeks later. A DBS whole-exome sequencing (WES) panel for dystrophin and other neuromuscular-related genes was applied to confirm the diagnosis for subjects with persistent hyperCKemia.

Results

During a 1-year period, 50,572 newborns (male 26,130) received DMD screening at a mean age of 2 days (SD 1 day). Among them, 632 (1.2%) had an elevated CK value. A re-screen at a mean age of 14 days (SD 8 days) revealed 14 subjects with persistent hyperCKemia, and DMD was confirmed in 3 of them. The incidence of DMD in Taiwan was 1:8,710 (95% CI 1 in 2,963 to 1 in 25,610) live birth males. Results of DMD DBS also assisted in Pompe newborn screening.

Conclusions

NBS for DMD enables earlier management of the disease. The high re-screening rate could potentially be waived by moving the DBS WES assay to a second-tier test. The long-term benefit and the impact of newborn screening on the prognosis of DMD, however, remain further elucidated.
Birds and the ‘Post Tower’ in Bonn: a case study of light pollution
Authors: Korner Pius , von Maravic Irina , Haupt Heiko
Published: May 2022

During six consecutive autumn seasons we registered birds that were attracted to an illuminated 41-storey building in Bonn, Germany, the so-called ‘Post Tower’. Casualties on the ground were disoriented by the light and in most cases collided with the building. All-night observations with numbers of casualties, effective light sources, moon, and weather parameters registered hourly allowed for analyses of the role of these factors for the attraction and disorientation of numerous migratory birds. As expected, the conspicuous façade illumination was responsible for many casualties (fatal or non-fatal). Additionally, the illuminated roof logos and even faint light sources like the emergency lights were attractive and led to casualties. Moon and rain were negatively correlated with casualties, but there was no clear correlation with other weather parameters. Turning off lights was key, but effects of other ex post mitigation measures were limited: shutters were not originally intended for the attenuation of light emissions, control technology was insufficient, and there was a lack of willingness of the building owner to reduce light emissions consistently, even during core bird migration periods. Conservation recommendations are derived from this case study.
Geolocator tagging of east Siberian Bluethroats
Authors: Bensch Staffan , Sokolovskis Kristaps , Willemoes Mikkel , Ivanov Stepan , Vartanyan Sergey , Solovyeva Diana
Published: May 2022

The Bluethroat subspecies Cyanecula svecica svecia occurs throughout the northern Palearctic. European C. s. svecia has been shown to follow a route west of the Himalaya to winter quarters in southern Asia. Out of 30 Bluethroats tagged with geolocators in eastern Siberia, we obtained one track suggesting that it migrated east of the Himalaya to a wintering area located in Myanmar. The different routes of western and eastern C. s. svecia implicate the presence of a migratory divide in Siberia, either formed in situ during the post-glacial colonization process or resulting from a secondary contact between different refuge populations.
A Multi-disciplinary and Comparative Approach to Evaluating Pre-trial Detention Decisions: Towards Evidence-Based Reform
Authors: Dhami Mandeep K. , van den Brink Yannick N.
Published: May 2022

The decision to remand a defendant into custody pre-trial is one of the most controversial criminal justice decisions because it deprives individuals of their liberty while they are presumed to be innocent of a crime. Indeed, pre-trial detention decisions can have significant consequences for defendants, which need to be balanced against the potential implications of bail for public safety and the course of criminal proceedings. Despite this, court-based bail and remand decision-making remains relatively underexplored. In this paper, we compare court-based bail/remand decision-making in England and Wales and The Netherlands. We focus on (i) the procedure and structure of decision-making, (ii) the substantive relevant legal frameworks, (iii) the courts in which the decisions are made and the decision-makers in those courts, (iv) the conditions characterizing the decision task, and (v) the court’s reasoning of bail and remand in custody decisions. Using a comparative and multi-disciplinary approach, relying on Law, Criminology, and Psychology, we make predictions about bail and remand in custody rates in the two jurisdictions as well as the decision performance of court-based decision-makers. These predictions are then evaluated using available (official) statistics and past research. We identify the need to collect more nuanced statistical data on bail and remand in custody rates and point to potentially fruitful avenues for future research. A comparative, multi-disciplinary, evidence-based approach can underpin remand reform in England and Wales, The Netherlands, and beyond.
Physiological and morphological response of tomato plants to nano-chitosan used against bio-stress induced by root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and Tobacco mosaic tobamovirus (TMV)
Authors: Khalil Mohamed Salah , Abd El-Aziz Mahmoud Hamdy , Selim Rasha El-Sayed
Published: May 2022

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogynespp.) have been reported to be responsible for large economic losses of agricultural crops due to their wide host range and variety of suitable climates. The control measures of these parasitic nematodes depend upon synthetic nematicides and a small number bio-based products. Chemical nematicides are eliciting adverse effects on the environment and human health. In the present study, an alternative tool, nano-chitosan was tested for the control the root-knot nematodes,Meloidogyne incognita, andTobacco mosaic tobamovirus(TMV) in greenhouse-cultivated tomato. The effect of nano-chitosan on morphological (weight and length of shoot and root systems) and biochemical responses (Polyphenol oxidase, Peroxides, Total soluble phenol and Total protein) was assessed. The obtained results indicated that densities ofMeloidogyne incognitaalone or in the presence of TMV were decreased by nano-chitosan at a range of 45.89 to 66.61%, while root gall desntiy was reduced between 10.63 and 67.87%. Moreover, the density of TMV on tomato leaves singly or in the presence ofM. incognitawas suppressed at range of 10.26 to 65.00% after 20 days of infection, and reached up to 58.00% after 40 days of infection. However, soil application of nano-chitosan pre infection reduced TMV density only by 5.48%. Morphogenesis of tomato plants such as shoot and root systems were significantly improved. The impacts of nano-Chitosan applications on total soluble phenol, total protein, polyphenol oxidase and peroxides after 20 and 40 days of infections varied.
Molecular docking reveals Chitosan nanoparticle protection mechanism for dentin against Collagen-binding bacteria
Authors: Zhou Ziliang , Yang Yanyan , He Lu , Wang Junmei , Xiong Jie
Published: May 2022

The medical application of chitosan (Cs) has been for about half a century, but the molecular mechanism has not been elucidated yet. This study is to explore the antibacterial mechanism of chitosan nanoparticles (Csnp) in dentin at the atomic resolution level. Extracted tooth specimen was prepared in three groups: A. control group; B. Csnp treatment under ultrasonic agitation (UA); C. Csnp treatment without UA. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to observe the Csnp distribution on the dentin surface. The incubations ofEnterococcus faecalis(E. faecalis) were performed. Further, we explored the protection mechanism of chitosan polymers to collagen type I, using molecular docking technique and crystal structure superimposition analysis. We revealed that Csnp under UA was evenly distributed on the dental surface and the Csnp-pretreated dentin had great antibacterial activity forE. faecalis. Our work demonstrated that Csnp occupied the grooves of the triple-helical collagen surface, strengthened by crosslinking, and interfered with the bond of collagen adhesin through steric hindrance effect and interrupting hydrophobic interaction. Csnp protects dentin againstE. faecalisby interacting and crosslinking with collagen type I and prevents bacterial collagen adhesin binding through steric hindrance effect and interrupting hydrophobic interaction.
On convex lower-level black-box constraints in bilevel optimization with an application to gas market models with chance constraints
Authors: Heitsch Holger , Henrion René , Kleinert Thomas , Schmidt Martin
Published: May 2022

Bilevel optimization is an increasingly important tool to model hierarchical decision making. However, the ability of modeling such settings makes bilevel problems hard to solve in theory and practice. In this paper, we add on the general difficulty of this class of problems by further incorporating convex black-box constraints in the lower level. For this setup, we develop a cutting-plane algorithm that computes approximate bilevel-feasible points. We apply this method to a bilevel model of the European gas market in which we use a joint chance constraint to model uncertain loads. Since the chance constraint is not available in closed form, this fits into the black-box setting studied before. For the applied model, we use further problem-specific insights to derive bounds on the objective value of the bilevel problem. By doing so, we are able to show that we solve the application problem to approximate global optimality. In our numerical case study we are thus able to evaluate the welfare sensitivity in dependence of the achieved safety level of uncertain load coverage.
Migrant inventors as agents of technological change
Authors: Miguelez Ernest , Morrison Andrea
Published: May 2022

How do regions enter new and distant technological fields? Who is triggering this process? This work addresses these compelling research questions by investigating the role of migrant inventors in the process of technological diversification. Immigrant inventors can indeed act as carriers of knowledge across borders and influence the direction of technological change. We test these latter propositions by using an original dataset of immigrant inventors in the context of European regions during the period 2003–201. Our findings show that: immigrant inventors generate positive local knowledge spillovers; they help their host regions to develop new technological specialisations; they trigger a process of unrelated diversification. Their contribution comes via two main mechanisms: immigrant inventors use their own personal knowledge (knowledge creation); they import knowledge from their home country to the host region (knowledge transfer). Their impact is maximised when their knowledge is not recombined with the local one (in mixed teams of inventors), but it is reused (in teams made by only migrant inventors). Our work contributes to the existing literature of regional diversification by providing fresh evidence of unrelated diversification for European regions and by identifying important agents of structural change. It also contributes to the literature of migration and innovation by adding fresh evidence on European regions and by unveiling some of the mechanisms of immigrants’ knowledge transmission.
Binary space partitioning generates hierarchical and rectilinear neutral landscape models suitable for human-dominated landscapes
Authors: Etherington Thomas R. , Morgan Fraser J. , O’Sullivan David
Published: May 2022

Context

Neutral landscape models are useful and popular tools for exploring effects of spatial patterns on ecological processes. Most neutral landscape models mimic natural landscape patterns that often consist of curved, complex, and sometimes fractal shapes. However, human-dominated landscapes often have a spatial rectilinear pattern that is highly aligned and dominated by straight lines and right angles.

Objectives

As existing rectilinear neutral landscape models lack controls over either the size, position, orientation, and shape of the rectilinear patches, or do not recognise the hierarchical structure of patch formation in human-dominated landscapes, our objective was to create a neutral landscape model capable of meeting these requirements.

Methods

We present binary space partitioning as a method that generates hierarchical and rectilinear neutral landscape models. In doing so we explain how to control the size, position, orientation, and shape of the rectilinear patches, as well as generate a tree that records the hierarchical patch structure.

Results

Binary space partitioning succeeds in providing a simple, repeatable, process to generate a range of neutral landscape models for human-dominated landscapes. A large variety of landscape patterns can be efficiently produced from only a very small number of parameters.

Conclusions

Binary space partitioning based neutral landscape models would be useful in representing many human-dominated landscapes. Their implementation is straightforward and should be easily understood, used, and developed by landscape ecologists.
Log-convexity and the overpartition function
Authors: Mukherjee Gargi
Published: May 2022

Let $$\overline{p}(n)$$

p
¯

(
n
)

denote the overpartition function. In this paper, we obtain an inequality for the sequence $$\Delta ^{2}\log \ \root n-1 \of {\overline{p}(n-1)/(n-1)^{\alpha }}$$

Δ
2

log

p
¯

(
n
-
1
)

/

(
n
-
1
)

α

n
-
1

which states that $$\begin{aligned}&\log \biggl (1+\frac{3\pi }{4n^{5/2}}-\frac{11+5\alpha }{n^{11/4}}\biggr )< \Delta ^{2} \log \ \root n-1 \of {\overline{p}(n-1)/(n-1)^{\alpha }}\\&< \log \biggl (1+\frac{3\pi }{4n^{5/2}}\biggr ) \ \ \text {for}\ n \ge N(\alpha ), \end{aligned}$$

log

(

1
+

3
π

4

n

5
/
2

-

11
+
5
α

n

11
/
4

)

<

Δ
2

log

p
¯

(
n
-
1
)

/

(
n
-
1
)

α

n
-
1

<
log

(

1
+

3
π

4

n

5
/
2

)

for

n
≥
N

(
α
)

,

where $$\alpha $$
α
is a non-negative real number, $$N(\alpha )$$

N
(
α
)

is a positive integer depending on $$\alpha $$
α
, and $$\Delta $$
Δ
is the difference operator with respect to n. This inequality consequently implies $$\log $$
log
-convexity of $$\bigl \{\root n \of {\overline{p}(n)/n}\bigr \}_{n \ge 19}$$

{

p
¯

(
n
)

/
n

n

}

n
≥
19

and $$\bigl \{\root n \of {\overline{p}(n)}\bigr \}_{n \ge 4}$$

{

p
¯

(
n
)

n

}

n
≥
4

. Moreover, it also establishes the asymptotic growth of $$\Delta ^{2} \log \ \root n-1 \of {\overline{p}(n-1)/(n-1)^{\alpha }}$$

Δ
2

log

p
¯

(
n
-
1
)

/

(
n
-
1
)

α

n
-
1

by showing $$\underset{n \rightarrow \infty }{\lim } \Delta ^{2} \log \ \root n \of {\overline{p}(n)/n^{\alpha }} = \dfrac{3 \pi }{4 n^{5/2}}.$$

lim

n
→
∞

Δ
2

log

p
¯

(
n
)

/

n
α

n

=

3
π

4

n

5
/
2

.
Comprehensive Water Footprint of a University Campus in Colombia: Impact of Wastewater Treatment Modeling
Authors: Osorio-Tejada Jose Luis , Varón-Hoyos Manuel , Morales-Pinzón Tito
Published: May 2022

Protection of water resources implies the responsible consumption, and the return of this resource with the best physicochemical conditions. In organizations, water is consumed both directly in their facilities and indirectly in the products or services acquired for their operation, requiring a water accounting based on the life cycle perspective. This study aims to assess the comprehensive water footprint of the main campus of the Technological University of Pereira (Colombia), based on the ISO 14046:2014 standard, and analyze the influence of wastewater treatment. Impacts on water scarcity were evaluated using the AWARE method, while the impacts on human health and ecosystems were evaluated using the ReCiPe method. Specific modeling of the wastewater treatment plants on campus was conducted. A total of 102,670 m3.y−1 of water scarcity was accounted for. Water consumption per person was 17.8 m3 of which 86.2% corresponded to indirect activities. Similarly, indirect activities were responsible for more than 98% of the impacts on human health and ecosystems, where more than 95% were due to infrastructure construction and 2% due to electricity consumption. Although the wastewater treatment on campus reduced the impact on ecosystems by 14%, if a tertiary treatment was added, these impacts would have a 40% of additional reduction. Efforts in recycling programs were also quantified in 712 m3 of avoided water scarcity for secondary users. The findings suggest focusing actions on sustainable construction and purchases to improve water management in organizations.
Efficacy of atomoxetine plus oxybutynin in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with moderate pharyngeal collapsibility
Authors: Schweitzer Paula K. , Maynard James P. , Wylie Paul E. , Emsellem Helene A. , Sands Scott A.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Preliminary studies have shown a significant decrease in severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with the use of a combination of atomoxetine and oxybutynin, with patients having moderate pharyngeal collapsibility during sleep more likely to respond. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of AD036 (atomoxetine 80 mg and oxybutynin 5 mg) in the treatment of OSA.

Methods

This trial was a phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study comparing AD036, atomoxetine 80 mg alone, and placebo during three home sleep studies, each separated by about 1 week. The trial included patients with OSA and moderate pharyngeal collapsibility as defined by a higher proportion of hypopneas to apneas and mild oxygen desaturation.

Results

Of 62 patients who were randomized, 60 were included in efficacy analyses. The apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) from a median (interquartile range) of 14.2 (5.4 to 22.3) events/h on placebo to 6.2 (2.8 to 13.6) with AD036 and 4.8 (1.4 to 11.6) with atomoxetine alone (p < .0001). Both drugs also decreased the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and the hypoxic burden (p < .0001). AD036, but not atomoxetine alone, reduced the respiratory arousal index and improved ventilation at the respiratory arousal threshold (greater Vactive). There was a trend for total sleep time to be decreased more with atomoxetine alone than with AD036. The most common adverse event was insomnia (12% with AD036, 18% with atomoxetine).

Conclusion

AD036 significantly improved OSA severity in patients with moderate pharyngeal collapsibility. Atomoxetine may account for the majority of improvement in OSA severity, while the addition of oxybutynin may mitigate the disruptive effect of atomoxetine on sleep and further improve ventilation.

Trial registration

Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04445688).
Evaluation of Electronic Service-Learning (e-Service-Learning) Projects in Mainland China under COVID-19
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L. , Li Xiang , Yu Lu , Lin Li , Chen Yikang
Published: May 2022

The use of electronic service-learning (e-Service-Learning or e-SL) is valuable under COVID-19 because we can provide the service without physical contact. Unfortunately, evaluation of e-SL is not widespread and there is no known study in different Chinese societies. Besides, there are many methodological limitations of the existing studies in the field. In this paper, we evaluated e-SL projects implemented in summer 2020 and 2021 in three sites in China. First, we examined service providers’ changes based on pretest and posttest scores (i.e., objective outcome evaluation) and their perceptions of the e-SL projects (i.e., subjective outcome evaluation based on the service providers). Second, graduate student assessors in Chinese mainland universities and teachers of primary school students (i.e., service recipients) rated the SL program quality, service providers’ performance and benefits to the service recipients after program completion (i.e., subjective outcome evaluation of SL projects based on other stakeholders). Third, trained graduate student assessors evaluated service quality during the implementation process (i.e., process evaluation). We found that university students (i.e., service providers) showed higher posttest scores in positive youth development attributes, leadership attributes and life satisfaction relative to pretest scores. Besides, service providers showed positive perceptions of their learning experience, own performance, benefits to the service recipients and themselves in the SL projects. Similarly, other stakeholders also had positive evaluation of the SL projects and related benefits. Finally, trained graduate student assessors had positive assessment of the quality of program implementation. The findings underscore the utility of e-SL involving both online teaching and learning as well as online service, particularly in a Chinese context.
The land–river interface: a conceptual framework of environmental process interactions to support sustainable development
Authors: Grabowski Robert C. , Vercruysse Kim , Holman Ian , Azhoni Adani , Bala Brij , Shankar Vijay , Beale John , Mukate Shrikant , Poddar Arunava , Peng Jian , Meersmans Jeroen
Published: May 2022

Rivers and their surrounding lands are focal points of human development in the landscape. However, activities associated with development can greatly affect river processes, causing significant and often unintended environmental and human impacts. Despite the profound and varied environmental impacts that development-related alterations cause through hydrological, geomorphic, and ecological processes, they are not widely acknowledged outside of river management and affect resource availability and hazard exposure to people. In this paper, we propose a novel, interdisciplinary conceptual framework of river–land process interactions to support sustainable management and development. We introduce the term ‘land–river interface’ (LRI) to describe areas of the landscape in which river processes affect land, vegetation, and/or fauna, including humans, directly or indirectly. The multiple links between LRI processes and factors at the river basin, valley, and river channel (i.e. reach) scale are synthesized and a conceptual zonation of the LRI based on the process is proposed to serve as a framework to understand the impacts of human activity. Three examples of development-related activities (urbanization, dams and aggregate mining) illustrate how alteration to the form and functioning of river basins, valleys, and channels cause a range of impacts to be propagated throughout the landscape, often spatially or temporally distant from the activity. The diversity and severity of these impacts on the environment and people underscore the need to incorporate river processes, as represented in the LRI concept, into broader environmental management to better anticipate and mitigate negative impacts and maximize positive outcomes to deliver the benefits of sustainable development across society.
Ampullary Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Identification of Prognostic Factors in a Multicentric Series of 119 Cases
Authors: Vanoli Alessandro , Grami Oneda , Klersy Catherine , Milanetto Anna Caterina , Albarello Luca , Fassan Matteo , Luchini Claudio , Grillo Federica , Spaggiari Paola , Inzani Frediano , Uccella Silvia , Parente Paola , Nappo Gennaro , Mattiolo Paola , Milione Massimo , Pietrabissa Andrea , Cobianchi Lorenzo , Schiavo Lena Marco , Partelli Stefano , Di Sabatino Antonio , Sempoux Christine , Capella Carlo , Pasquali Claudio , Doglioni Claudio , Sessa Fausto , Scarpa Aldo , Rindi Guido , Paulli Marco , Zerbi Alessandro , Falconi Massimo , Solcia Enrico , La Rosa Stefano
Published: May 2022

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) of the major and minor ampulla are rare diseases with clinico-pathologic features distinct from non-ampullary-duodenal NENs. However, they have been often combined and the knowledge on prognostic factors specific to ampullary NENs (Amp-NENs) is limited. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with metastatic potential and patient prognosis in Amp-NENs. We clinically and histologically investigated an international series of 119 Amp-NENs, comprising 93 ampullary neuroendocrine tumors (Amp-NETs) and 26 neuroendocrine carcinomas (Amp-NECs). Somatostatin-producing tubulo-acinar NET represented the predominant Amp-NET histologic subtype (58 cases, 62%, 12 associated with type 1 neurofibromatosis). Compared to Amp-NETs, Amp-NECs arose in significantly older patients and showed a larger tumor size, a more frequent small vessel invasion, a deeper level of invasion and a higher rate of distant metastasis, and, importantly, a tremendously worse disease-specific patient survival. In Amp-NETs, the WHO grade proved to be a strong predictor of disease-specific survival (hazard ratio: 12.61, p < 0.001 for G2 vs G1), as well as patient age at diagnosis > 60 years, small vessel invasion, pancreatic invasion, and distant metastasis at diagnosis. Although nodal metastatic disease was not associated with survival by itself, patients with > 3 metastatic lymph nodes showed a worse outcome in comparison with the remaining Amp-NET cases with lymphadenectomy. Tumor epicenter in the major ampulla, small vessel invasion, and tumor size > 16 mm were independent predictors of nodal metastases in Amp-NETs. In conclusion, we identified prognostic factors, which may eventually help guide treatment decisions in Amp-NENs.
A cranio-encephalic trauma due to electric-scooter accident: could the wearing of a helmet reduce this risk?
Authors: Aulino Giovanni , Polacco Matteo , Fattoruso Vincenzo , Cittadini Francesca
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, one of the most important health and social policy issues concerning all countries is the problem of road accident rates. Traffic is one of the most important risk factors. For this reason, ridesharing companies have been launching electric scooters in Rome since June 2019 with the aim of reducing car traffic. In the absence of relevant legislations, the risk is that of facing an increase in deaths due to electric scooter crashes. We report the case of an electric scooter accident victim with cranio-encephalic trauma associated with limb injuries that caused immediate death. This case report emphasizes how the obligation of using helmets must be extended to all ages, in order to reduce the risk of increasing the number of deaths. Compulsory helmet use can reduce fatalities in all cases where high-speed crashes are not involved.
IBRORS-MCL study: a Spanish retrospective and observational study of relapsed/refractory mantle-cell lymphoma treated with ibrutinib in routine clinical practice
Authors: Sancho Juan-Manuel , Marín-Niebla Ana , Fernández Silvia , Capote Francisco-Javier , Cañigral Carolina , Grande Carlos , Donato Eva , Zeberio Izaskun , Puerta Jose-Manuel , Rivas Alfredo , Pérez-Ceballos Elena , Vale Ana , Martín García-Sancho Alejandro , Salar Antonio , González-Barca Eva , Teruel Anabel , Pastoriza Carmen , Conde-Royo Diego , Sánchez-García Joaquín , Barrenetxea Cristina , Arranz Reyes , Hernández-Rivas José-Ángel , Ramírez María-José , Jiménez Aroa , Rubio-Azpeitia Eva
Published: May 2022

This retrospective study evaluated 66 patients diagnosed with relapsed and/or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (R/R MCL) treated with ibrutinib in Spain in routine clinical practice. At diagnosis, patients had a median age of 64.5 years, 63.6% presented with intermediate/high sMIPI (simplified prognostic index for advanced-stage mantle cell lymphoma), 24.5% had the blastoid variant, and 55.6% had a Ki67 > 30%. Patients had received a median of 2 prior lines of therapy (range 1–2; min–max 1–7). Overall response rate was 63.5%, with 38.1% of patients achieving complete response (CR). With a median duration of ibrutinib exposure of 10.7 months (range 5.2–19.6; min–max 0.3–36), the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 20 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 8.8–31.1] and 32 months (95% CI 22.6–41.3), respectively, and were not reached in patients achieving CR. No grade ≥ 3 cardiovascular toxicity or bleeding was reported. This study supports that treatment with ibrutinib leads to high response rates and favorable survival outcomes in patients with R/R MCL.
Cultural intelligence in sport: An examination of football coaches’ cross-cultural training needs
Authors: Borges Mário , Rosado António , Lobinger Babett , Freitas Francisco , de Oliveira Rita F.
Published: May 2022

Cultural intelligence is the capability of a person to adapt effectively to different cultures. This capability has been investigated in areas such as management, military, and education. However, there are no studies in sport referring to this capability. It is important to study cultural intelligence in sport because of the increased globalisation resulting from coaches’ and athletes’ migration across countries and clubs. This study aimed to develop the Cultural Intelligence in Sport (CQsport) and examine its factorial structure and psychometric properties; and examine coaches’ cultural intelligence and their perceived cross-cultural training needs. Participants were 209 football coaches either with or without international experience. Participants completed an online survey consisting of CQsport and a cross-cultural training needs questionnaire. We used a multigroup analysis, within the structural equation model (SEM) approach, to test group differences in the CQsport and performed a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for comparisons across groups concerning cross-cultural training needs. Coaches with international experience rated themselves with more cultural intelligence in the sports context than coaches with no international experience on the metacognitive, cognitive, motivational and behavioural dimensions. Coaches with international experience also self-rated fewer training needs than coaches without international experience. This study represents the first attempt to examine football coaches’ cultural intelligence and their cross-cultural training needs.
Hydrogeochemical evaluation and geospatial distribution modeling of the major ion chemistry of groundwater and their suitability for drinking and irrigation in Lagelu, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Markus Uti Ikitsombika , Ilori Oluwamuyiwa Phillips , Wada Idris Muhammad , Musa Suleiman Tenimu , Peter Joshua Ebuga
Published: May 2022

Shallow groundwater is an essential resource for domestic, agricultural, and small-scale industrial uses in Lagelu in Oyo State, Southwestern Nigeria. A total of 20 representative groundwater samples were collected from different hand-dug wells and analyzed for the major cations, anions, and heavy metals to establish their suitability for drinking and irrigation. Geospatial variation maps of the major cations and anions were produced using the inverse distance weighted algorithm. The results of the respective concentrations of pH, TDS, EC, HCO3−, NO3−, SO42−, Cl−, PO42−, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Zn2+, Cu+, Pb2+, and As+ except Fe2+ are within the recommended range set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian Industrial Standards for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ). Based on the hydrogeochemical facies, the groundwater belongs to Na+–K+–Cl−–SO42−, and Ca2+–Mg2+–Cl−–SO42− water types. Gibb’s diagram shows that the interaction of rocks and water dominate the processes that control the ionic compositions of the groundwater due to rock weathering and dissolution. The correlation matrix that specifies the ion concentration relationship showed that TDS, K+, and Fe2+ strongly correlate positively with EC, Na+, and Ca2+, respectively. CO32−, Na+, and Cu moderately correlate positively with Cl−, Mg2+, and pH, respectively. The indices used to determine groundwater suitability for irrigation classified over 90% of the samples as suitable for irrigation.
Evolution of Yamabe constant along the Ricci–Bourguignon flow
Authors: Azami Shahroud , Abolarinwa Abimbola
Published: May 2022

In this article, with an essential assumption, we provide an evolution formula for the Yamabe constant along of the Ricci–Bourguignon flow of an n-dimensional closed Riemannian manifold for $$n\ge 3$$

n
≥
3

. In particular, we show that Yamabe constant is increasing on $$[0, \delta ]$$

[
0
,
δ
]

for some $$\delta >0$$

δ
>
0

.
Ambient Air Pollution Exposure Assessments in Fertility Studies: a Systematic Review and Guide for Reproductive Epidemiologists
Authors: Jahnke Johanna R. , Messier Kyle P. , Lowe Melissa , Jukic Anne Marie
Published: May 2022

Purpose of Review

We reviewed the exposure assessments of ambient air pollution used in studies of fertility, fecundability, and pregnancy loss.

Recent Findings

Comprehensive literature searches were performed in the PUBMED, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Of 168 total studies, 45 met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. We find that 69% of fertility and pregnancy loss studies have used one-dimensional proximity models or surface monitor data, while only 35% have used the improved models, such as land-use regression models (4%), dispersion/chemical transport models (11%), or fusion models (20%). No published studies have used personal air monitors.

While air pollution exposure models have vastly improved over the past decade from a simple, one-dimensional distance or air monitor data to models that incorporate physiochemical properties leading to better predictive accuracy, precision, and increased spatiotemporal variability and resolution, the fertility literature has yet to fully incorporate these new methods. We provide descriptions of each of these air pollution exposure models and assess the strengths and limitations of each model, while summarizing the findings of the literature on ambient air pollution and fertility that apply each method.
Feocromocitomi ACTH secernenti
Authors: Voltan Giacomo , Pinelli Silvia , Scaroni Carla , Ceccato Filippo
Published: May 2022

Sommario

In alcuni casi molto rari il feocromocitoma presenta una secrezione ectopica di ACTH che, con azione paracrina, conduce a una co-secrezione di cortisolo e catecolamine da parte della lesione surrenalica, configurando un quadro clinico spesso caratteristico. La diagnosi differenziale della Sindrome di Cushing ACTH-dipendente è complessa ed è opportuno un approccio a tappe, con diversi strumenti diagnostici, nel contesto di una valutazione multidisciplinare.
Deep multi-layer perceptron-based evolutionary algorithm for dynamic multiobjective optimization
Authors: Zhu Zhen , Yang Yanpeng , Wang Dongqing , Tian Xiang , Chen Long , Sun Xiaodong , Cai Yingfeng
Published: May 2022

Dynamic multiobjective optimization problems (DMOPs) challenge multiobjective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) because of the varying Pareto-optimal sets (POS) over time. Research on DMOPs has attracted a great interest from academic, due to widespread applications of DMOPs. Recently, a few learning-based approaches have been proposed to predict new solutions in the following environments as an initial population for a multiobjective evolutionary algorithm. In this paper, we propose an alternative learning-based method for DMOPs, a deep multi-layer perceptron-based predictor to generate an initial population for the MOEA in the new environment. The historical optimal solutions are used to train a deep multi-layer perceptron which then predicts a new set of solutions as the initial population in the new environment. The deep multi-layer perceptron is incorporated with the multiobjective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition to solve DMOPs. Empirical results demonstrate that our proposed algorithm is effective in tracking varying solutions over time and shows great superiority comparing with state-of-the-art methods.