bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cover crop composition in long‐term no‐till soils in semi‐arid environments do not influence soil health measurements after one year
Authors: Bielenberg Hunter , Clark Jason D. , Sanyal Debankur , Wolthuizen John , Karki David , Rahal Amin , Bly Anthony
Published: January 2023

Evaluating the influence of grass or broadleaf cover crops on soil health measurements is common in the northern US Midwest. However, the comparison among different cover crop mixtures, including blends of both grass and broadleaf species is limited. In 2018–2020, cover crop experiments were conducted in South Dakota at 11 site‐years. Cover crops were planted in the summer after small grains harvest as mixtures of dominantly grasses or broadleaves, a 50/50 grass/broadleaf mixture, and a no cover crop control. Soil and above‐ground plant residue samples were collected in the fall before winter termination and in the spring before corn planting. Soil samples were analyzed for permanganate oxidizable carbon, potentially mineralizable nitrogen, and soil respiration. Fall and spring above‐ground plant biomass in the cover crop plots were similar to the no cover crop control plots in seven of 11 site‐years. Thus, growing cover crop mixes may accelerate decomposition of above‐ground plant residue, possibly due to higher microbial diversity and activity under cover crops. However, including cover crops regardless of the mixture did not improve selected biological soil health indicators. Weather and soil properties (precipitation, soil organic matter, and pH) were related to differences in soil health measurements among site‐years. Overall, in the first year of planting a multi‐species mixture of grasses and/or broadleaves after small grain harvest, growers should not expect to find differences in soil health measurements. Long‐term trials are needed to determine whether these different cover crop mixtures change soil health over time.
Facile Fabrication of Monodisperse Micron‐Sized Dual Janus Silica Particles with Asymmetric Morphology and Chemical Environment
Authors: Wang Chenyang , Ma Shujuan , Wei Yinmao , Ou Junjie
Published: January 2023

Janus particles are a kind of materials with asymmetric morphology or surface chemical environment. But so far, the preparation of particles with dual asymmetry is still a challenging problem. Hence the cation surfactant hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide and co‐surfactant octadecylamine are applied to improve the Pickering emulsion stability, and the micron‐sized silica particles are arranged in a single layer at the toluene–water interface through electrostatic interaction. Furthermore, organosilane reagents are added in the preparation process, resulting in the construction of asymmetric hydrophilic or hydrophobic mesoporous precisely onto the micron‐sized silica particles surface. The cation surfactant‐assisted Pickering emulsion method is simple, effective, and convenience, which can be applied in the synthesis of various dual Janus silica particles for specific applications.
Ultrathin a‐Si:H/Oxide Transparent Solar Cells Exhibiting UV‐Blue Selective‐Like Absorption
Authors: Lopez-Garcia Alex J. , Voz Cristobal , Asensi Jose Miguel , Puigdollers Joaquim , Izquierdo-Roca Víctor , Pérez-Rodríguez Alejandro
Published: January 2023

Herein, the fabrication of transparent solar cells based on nanometric (8 and 30 nm) intrinsic hydrogenated amorphous silicon films (a‐Si:H) and using oxide thin films as transparent carrier selective contacts are reported. The ultrathin devices present photovoltaic effect and high average visible transmittance (AVT). Additionally, they display a shifted spectral response toward short wavelengths. Glass/fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO)/aluminum‐doped zinc oxide (AZO)/a‐Si:H/MoO3/indium tin oxide (ITO) prototypes are shown, presenting AVT = 35% and photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) = 2% for a device with a 30 nm a‐Si:H film. This yields a light utilization efficiency (LUE) of 0.7%, a record up to this date for inorganic oxide‐based transparent solar cells. For devices including an 8 nm a‐Si:H film, the AVT reaches 66% with a PCE = 0.6% (LUE = 0.4%). These high AVT values are comparable or even superior in some cases to those achieved for pure oxide devices. These findings confirm the potential of the proposed architectures for the development of highly transparent energy harvesters as functional components in building‐integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), agrophotovoltaics (APV), sensors and other low‐power devices. In addition, these devices are fabricated with earth‐abundant materials and with up‐scalable techniques that can allow for a feasible implementation.
Solar Interfacial Evaporation at the Water–Energy Nexus: Bottlenecks, Approaches, and Opportunities
Authors: Zhang Xu , Yang Xiaotong , Guo Peixun , Yao Xingjie , Cong Haibing , Xu Bing
Published: January 2023

Solar interfacial evaporation (SIE) technology has become an important research content in the water treatment fields gradually. It is low cost and sustainable, especially when water resources are scarce and energy infrastructure is not perfect and can deliver high‐quality freshwater. In recent years, along with the rise of new nanomaterials, water evaporation efficiency improved further; additionally, the efficient evaporation system structure design and thermal managements can improve the absorbance and latent heat recovery efficiently. These advanced researches make SIE efficiency is enhanced markedly, especially in small water evaporation equipment driven by solar energy wholly. It can achieve extremely high steam generation rate and possess an extensive application prospect. In this critical review, the photothermal mechanisms and material types of new photothermal materials, the basic structural design requirements of SIE systems primarily are discussed. On this basis, the applications of SIE techniques in the water–energy relations from the microscopic scale to the molecular level in the past decade are summarized. Finally, bottlenecks of the development of SIE technology, as well as the approaches and opportunities in the future, are discussed critically, new ideas are provided for the long‐range objective of utilizing renewable energy to generate clean water for environmentally sustainable development.
A Large Area Organic Solar Module with Non‐Halogen Solvent Treatment, High Efficiency, and Decent Stability
Authors: Zhang Shuchao , Chen Hongbin , Wang Peiran , Li Shitong , Li Zhixiang , Huang Yuzhong , Liu Jian , Yao Zhaoyang , Li Chenxi , Wan Xiangjian , Chen Yongsheng
Published: January 2023

It is a challenge to fabricate organic solar modules with the combination of high efficiency, good stability, and green solvent treatment. To address the issue, active layer materials still play crucial roles. Herein, a non‐fullerene acceptor CH7 with the extended conjugation central unit and long‐branched side chains is reported for the fabrication of high‐performance large‐area modules. The long‐branched alkyl chains can ensure CH7 to have good solubility in non‐halogen solvent o‐xylene (OX). Meanwhile, the steric hindrance of long‐branched alkyl chains can suppress molecular excessive aggregation. The inverted structure prototype device based on PM6:CH7 and processed with OX showed a promising power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.49% mainly due to the favorable active layer morphology. Based on the small area device results, processed from OX, a 25.2 cm2 module is fabricated and demonstrates a high PCE of 14.42% and good photo stability with maintaining 93% of its initial efficiency after 500 h continuous illumination. Moreover, the module also shows decent thermal stability, maintaining with 82% of its original efficiency after the thermal stress at 65 °C for 500 h.
Numerical Simulation of White Spot Formation in Vacuum Arc Remelting
Authors: Jiang Dongbin , Zhang Lifeng
Published: January 2023

Coupling fluid flow, heat transfer, solidification, and particle dissolution behavior, the white spot formation in the vacuum arc remelting process is simulated. The effect of particle initial diameter, dropping position, and dropping height on the remelting behavior is investigated. The results show that the particle from the electrode drops through the arc zone with gravity force and the diameter is reduced in the high‐temperature zone. As the diameter is lower than 5 mm, the particle completely dissolves and the white spot formation can be eliminated. The particle dissolution is less affected by the liquid pool depth, but it is mainly affected by the high‐temperature zone distribution, which is closely related to the electric arc generation. Because of the limited high‐temperature zone near the ingot side surface, the particle from the ingot crown is more difficult to remelt, compared with that from the electrode. Moreover, it is found that the dropping height obviously affects the particle remelting behavior. As the dropping height decreases from 25 to 0, the particle critical diameter that can fully dissolve increases from 4.2 to 6.6 mm.
Evolution of Nonmetallic Inclusions in Ti‐Bearing Al‐Killed Steel during Heat Treatment at 1200 °C
Authors: Yang Fan , Deng Zhiyin , Zhu Miaoyong
Published: January 2023

To understand the evolution behaviors of the inclusions in Ti‐bearing Al‐killed steel, steel samples taken from a 20CrMnTi casting billet are heated at 1200 °C for different times, and the changes in composition, size, and numbers of the inclusions are investigated. Some modeling experiments are also designed to reveal the interaction between solid steel and inclusions using premelted slags. It is found that oxysulfide, sulfide, and nitride inclusions are detected in the casting billet before heating. During heating, small changes are observed in the types of inclusions, while the size of these inclusions increases with time. The Mn and S in steel transfer to the sulfide phase of these inclusions and further generate a (Ca, Mn)S solution. The Ti in steel replaces some of the Al element in the oxide part of the inclusions, resulting in the increase of TiOx content and the drop of Al2O3 content in the inclusions. When the TiOx content is sufficient, a thin layer of TiN is predicated at the edges of the oxide part. The reaction between the TiOx in inclusions and the N in steel plays a role in this evolution.
Correlation between Weld Metal Microstructure Evolution and Welding Process Parameters of Low Alloy Ferritic Steel Weldments
Authors: Zhang Yiting , Lan Liangyun , Shi Quanqiang
Published: January 2023

This study attempts to propose a convenient method to adjust the welding process parameters window with the aim of high volume fraction of acicular ferrite in the weld metal (WM). The samples are directly extracted from the deposition zone of two low alloy ferritic steel dissimilar welded joints (DWJs) that manufactured using different consumables, and their microstructural evolution is controlled using thermomechanical simulation technique. The results show that it is hard for the low‐alloyed WM to obtain high amount of acicular ferrite no matter how to control the cooling process, meaning that the welding consumable with only a small amount of alloying elements is not suitable for welding this DWJ. However, for the high‐alloyed WM, the acceptable window of the cooling process is determined within 10–22 °C s−1 to achieve aimed microstructure. In situ observation shows that the preexisting bainitic laths significantly reduce the growth space of acicular ferrite plates. The average lengthening rate of acicular ferrite plates is ranged from ≈5 to ≈68 μm s−1 at a cooling rate of 3 °C s−1.
Measurements by SKPFM and Finite‐Element Modeling of Hydrogen Atom Diffusion and Distribution in Ferrite and Bainite Contained in X80 Steel
Authors: Hu Qing , Cheng Yufeng Frank
Published: January 2023

Herein, the diffusion and distribution of hydrogen (H) atoms in ferrite and bainite contained in an X80 pipeline steel is studied by both scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy and finite‐element modeling. The effect of metallurgical microphases on H‐atom accumulation in the steel is analyzed. The results show that H‐charging elevates the electrochemical dissolution activity of both ferrite and bainite contained in the steel, as indicated by the increased Volta potential and thus the decreased work function. The H atoms tend to accumulate at ferrite, making the local H‐atom concentration much greater than the concentration at bainite. The results imply that, compared with bainite, ferrite is the location to accumulate more H atoms initiating hydrogen‐induced cracks once the local H‐atom concentration reaches a threshold value.
Self‐Propelled, High‐Crystalline Hydrogen‐Bonded Enzymatic Framework Assembled by Bottom‐Up Strategy
Authors: Yang Huangsheng , Fu Jiahui , Huang Wei , Wu Tong , Huang Siming , Chen Guosheng , Ouyang Gangfeng
Published: January 2023

Biomimetic engineering presents an insightful strategy to access fascinating biocomposites integrating biological, chemical, and material functions. Herein, a new self‐propelled hydrogen‐bonded enzymatic framework through a biomimetic bottom‐up strategy is reported. The metal‐free, mesoporous, and photoactive hydrogen‐bonded organic framework (HOF) exoskeleton is in situ grown around catalase (CAT), an enzyme well known for its ability for the biocatalytic O2 generation. This HOF biomimetic method affords the ultrahigh encapsulation efficiency of CAT, yet well preserves the high crystallinity and periodically arranged mesochannels of HOF. The resultant hydrogen‐bonded enzymatic framework enables the self‐propelled motion with the help of a biocatalytic O2 bubble. Given the exquisite architecture, the HOF shell can serve as the dynamical sorbent for pollutant removal. More than that, it is showcased that the intrinsic photoactivity of HOF can be improved by the self‐propelled motion.
Applications of MXene‐Based Single‐Atom Catalysts
Authors: Bai Xue , Guan Jingqi
Published: January 2023

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) consist of isolated metal sites on the support through stable coordination bond, which usually have high catalytic activity and selectivity. With large surface area and electron tunability, metallic carbides, nitrides, or carbonic nitrides (MXenes) are suitable carriers for supporting isolated single‐metal atoms. The abundant surface‐functional groups and vacancy defects on MXenes are the ideal anchoring sites for isolated metal atoms. Herein, the advanced synthesis and characterization methods for MXene‐based SACs are first introduced. Three strategies (adsorption at functional groups, anchoring at metal vacancies, and anchoring at surface terminating group vacancies) appear to be feasible in ensuring the non‐aggregation of single‐metal atoms, which are attributed to the strong bonding between the single‐metal atoms and the carrier. The applications of MXene‐based SACs in electrocatalysis (including hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, carbon dioxide reduction reaction, and nitrogen reduction reaction), energy storage (including Li‐ion batteries, metal–air batteries, and supercapacitors), and sensors (including gas sensors and biological sensors) are fundamentally reviewed. Finally, own insight on the current challenges and prospects of MXene‐based SACs is presented.
Shear and interface shear of semi‐precast slabs with lattice girders under monotonic loading
Authors: Hillebrand Matthias , Hegger Josef
Published: January 2023

Semi‐precast slabs, where lattice girders serve both as reinforcement in the construction and in the final state, are characterized by a high flexibility and cost efficiency. Due to their technical and economic advantages, they are widely employed in constructions all over the world. In Germany, for example, they are used in about 70% of all floor slabs. To address this economic potential and to improve the design concept for shear and interface shear, theoretical and experimental investigations were conducted at the Institute of Structural Concrete (IMB), RWTH Aachen University. In addition to presenting the general structural behavior of the 16 tests, particular attention is paid to the increase in shear and interface shear resistance at the inner support of continuous slabs and the positive influences of the investigated support detail. The findings illustrate further potential for optimization under monotonic loading, which will also have a positive effect on the fatigue behavior under cyclic loading.
Experimental cyclic behavior of concrete interfaces with postinstalled reinforcing bars or alternative connectors
Authors: Palieraki Vasiliki , Oikonomopoulou Erato , Genesio Giovacchino , Vintzileou Elizabeth
Published: January 2023

In this experimental campaign, concrete‐to‐concrete interfaces were examined under cyclic actions, crossed by postinstalled reinforcing bars or industrial steel screws. In addition, the effect of the embedment length and the roughness was investigated. It was observed that different failure modes occur, depending on the different connector types and embedment depths. The positive effect of roughness on the interface resistance was confirmed, but the results indicate that, for very high roughness values, the resistance may be smaller than for moderate values. It was also noticed that the behavior of interfaces crossed by mechanical anchors was less stiff in the ascending branch and exhibited a less steep falling branch. The extension of the project on testing thin overlays showed that the resistance was significantly affected in case of cyclic loading, suggesting that the use of any type of anchor in seismic conditions needs to be supported by adequate experimental evidence.
Seismic damage identification of moment frames based on random forest algorithm and enhanced gray wolf optimization
Authors: Nourizadeh Hadi , Seyedpoor Seyed Mohammad
Published: January 2023

The present study aims to identify damage in two‐dimensional (2‐D) moment frames using seismic responses by combining the random forest (RF) machine classifier and the enhanced gray wolf optimizer (EGWO) metaheuristic algorithm. First, a 2‐D moment frame for the dynamic analysis is simulated using the finite element method (FEM). Then, the placement of sensors is optimized using a proposed optimal sensor placement (POSP) method, which is a combination of the iterated improved reduced system (IIRS) and the binary differential evolution (BDE) optimization algorithm. The acceleration responses of the moment frame having damaged elements under 1995 Kobe earthquake are measured at the optimal sensor placement. Then, the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the structure are extracted using the auto‐regressive model with exogenous input method (ARX) as a system identification method. The natural frequencies are exploited to train an RF machine learning network that can find the damaged story of the moment frame. Then, EGWO is employed to accurately locate and quantify the damaged elements of the structure. The efficiency of the proposed method is assessed through considering a six‐story frame with 18 elements, a seven‐story frame with 49 elements, and the experimental data of an eight‐story frame for various conditions. The results show that the RF algorithm has an outstanding performance to correctly find a damaged story. Furthermore, the location and severity of damaged elements are precisely determined by EGWO algorithm. As a final outcome, it is demonstrated that the two‐step proposed method is very effective in seismically identifying damage to such structures.
Risk factors for postoperative morbidity, prolonged length of stay and hospital readmission after appendectomy for acute appendicitis
Authors: Bancke Laverde Bruno Leonardo , Maak Matthias , Langheinrich Melanie , Kersting Stephan , Denz Axel , Krautz Christian , Weber Georg Ferdinand , Grützmann Robert , Brunner Maximilian
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to identify risk factors associated with postoperative morbidity and major morbidity, with a prolonged length of hospital stay and with the need of readmission in patients undergoing appendectomy due to acute appendicitis.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 1638 adult patients who underwent emergency appendectomy for preoperatively suspected acute appendicitis from 2010 to 2020 at the University Hospital Erlangen. Data including patient demographics, pre-, intra-, and postoperative findings were collected and compared between different outcome groups (morbidity, major morbidity, prolonged length of postoperative hospital stay (LOS) and readmission) from those patients with verified acute appendicitis (n = 1570).

Results

Rate of negative appendectomies was 4%. In patients with verified acute appendicitis, morbidity, major morbidity and readmission occurred in 6%, 3% and 2%, respectively. Mean LOS was 3.9 days. Independent risk factors for morbidity were higher age, higher preoperative WBC-count and CRP, lower preoperative hemoglobin, longer time to surgery and longer duration of surgery. As independent risk factors for major morbidity could be identified higher age, higher preoperative CRP, lower preoperative hemoglobin and longer time to surgery. Eight parameters were independent risk factors for a prolonged LOS: higher age, higher preoperative WBC-count and CRP, lower preoperative hemoglobin, need for conversion, longer surgery duration, presence of intraoperative complicated appendicitis and of postoperative morbidity. Presence of malignancy and higher preoperative WBC-count were independent risk factors for readmission.

Conclusion

Among patients undergoing appendectomy for acute appendicitis, there are relevant risk factors predicting postoperative complications, prolonged hospital stays and readmission. Patients with the presence of the identified risk factors should receive special attention in the postoperative course and may benefit from a more individualized therapy.
Roles of perception of similarities, continuum beliefs, and social distance toward a person with schizophrenia: a German sample study
Authors: Buckwitz V. , Juergensen V. , Göbel M. , Schomerus G. , Speerforck S.
Published: January 2023

Continuum beliefs (CB) interventions aim to reduce the stigma of schizophrenia by stating that people with and without schizophrenia exist on one mental health-illness continuum. The current study examines the interrelation between perception of similarities (PoS), CB and desire for social distance (SD) in a German population sample (N = 760). Applying linear regression models: PoS and CB were significantly associated with lower SD explaining about 12% variance and PoS was significantly associated with higher CB. CB partially mediated the relation of PoS and SD. Upcoming mental illness stigma interventions applying CB interventions should also aim to increase PoS.
Open source intelligence and AI: a systematic review of the GELSI literature﻿
Authors: Ghioni Riccardo , Taddeo Mariarosaria , Floridi Luciano
Published: January 2023

Today, open source intelligence (OSINT), i.e., information derived from publicly available sources, makes up between 80 and 90 percent of all intelligence activities carried out by Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and intelligence services in the West. Developments in data mining, machine learning, visual forensics and, most importantly, the growing computing power available for commercial use, have enabled OSINT practitioners to speed up, and sometimes even automate, intelligence collection and analysis, obtaining more accurate results more quickly. As the infosphere expands to accommodate ever-increasing online presence, so does the pool of actionable OSINT. These developments raise important concerns in terms of governance, ethical, legal, and social implications (GELSI). New and crucial oversight concerns emerge alongside standard privacy concerns, as some of the more advanced data analysis tools require little to no supervision. This article offers a systematic review of the relevant literature. It analyzes 571 publications to assess the current state of the literature on the use of AI-powered OSINT (and the development of OSINT software) as it relates to the GELSI framework, highlighting potential gaps and suggesting new research directions.
Climate, desertification, and local human development: evidence from 1564 regions around the world
Authors: Malpede Maurizio , Percoco Marco
Published: January 2023

How global warming affects human development is a central question for economists as well as social scientists. While most of the literature has focused on the impact of weather on income, less is known on the relationship between climate and local human development. This paper considers shocks in precipitation, temperature, and an original measure of soil aridity to first exploit the association between climate warming and human development, and second, on its dimensions. We show that while precipitations do not have a significant long-term impact on human development growth, variations in temperature and potential evapotranspiration negatively affect two of the three determinants of the Human Development Index, namely life expectancy at birth and education. These results suggest that other climate indicators, such as the potential evapo-transpiration of the soil, should be considered in addition to the standard indicators, when evaluating the localized economic effects of climate change.
Longitudinal changes in global structural brain connectivity and cognitive performance in former hospitalized COVID-19 survivors: an exploratory study
Authors: Tassignon B. , Radwan A. , Blommaert J. , Stas L. , Allard S. D. , De Ridder F. , De Waele E. , Bulnes L. C. , Hoornaert N. , Lacor P. , Lathouwers E. , Mertens R. , Naeyaert M. , Raeymaekers H. , Seyler L. , Van Binst A. M. , Van Imschoot L. , Van Liedekerke L. , Van Schependom J. , Van Schuerbeek P. , Vandekerckhove M. , Meeusen R. , Sunaert S. , Nagels G. , De Mey J. , De Pauw K.
Published: January 2023

Background

Long-term sequelae of COVID-19 can result in reduced functionality of the central nervous system and substandard quality of life. Gaining insight into the recovery trajectory of admitted COVID-19 patients on their cognitive performance and global structural brain connectivity may allow a better understanding of the diseases' relevance.

Objectives

To assess whole-brain structural connectivity in former non-intensive-care unit (ICU)- and ICU-admitted COVID-19 survivors over 2 months following hospital discharge and correlate structural connectivity measures to cognitive performance.

Methods

Participants underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging brain scans and a cognitive test battery after hospital discharge to evaluate structural connectivity and cognitive performance. Multilevel models were constructed for each graph measure and cognitive test, assessing the groups' influence, time since discharge, and interactions. Linear regression models estimated whether the graph measurements affected cognitive measures and whether they differed between ICU and non-ICU patients.

Results

Six former ICU and six non-ICU patients completed the study. Across the various graph measures, the characteristic path length decreased over time (β = 0.97, p = 0.006). We detected no group-level effects (β = 1.07, p = 0.442) nor interaction effects (β = 1.02, p = 0.220). Cognitive performance improved for both non-ICU and ICU COVID-19 survivors on four out of seven cognitive tests 2 months later (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Adverse effects of COVID-19 on brain functioning and structure abate over time. These results should be supported by future research including larger sample sizes, matched control groups of healthy non-infected individuals, and more extended follow-up periods.
Effect of Bone Resorption Inhibitors on Serum Cholesterol Level and Fracture Risk in Osteoporosis: Randomized Comparative Study Between Minodronic Acid and Raloxifene
Authors: Ohta Hiroaki , Uemura Yukari , Sone Teruki , Tanaka Shiro , Soen Satoshi , Mori Satoshi , Hagino Hiroshi , Fukunaga Masao , Nakamura Toshitaka , Orimo Hajime , Shiraki Masataka ,   Adequate Treatment of Osteoporosis (A-TOP) research group
Published: January 2023

The positive link between osteoporosis and hypercholesterolemia has been documented, and bone resorption inhibitors, such as nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BP) and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), are known to reduce serum cholesterol levels. However, the relationship between the baseline cholesterol level and incident fracture rate under the treatment using the bone resorption inhibitors has not been documented. We investigated the relation between vertebral fracture incident and the baseline cholesterol levels and cholesterol-lowering effect of N-BP and SERM in osteoporosis through a prospective randomized open-label study design. Patients with osteoporosis (n = 3986) were allocated into two groups based on the drug used for treatment: minodronic acid (MIN) (n = 1624) as an N-BP and raloxifene (RLX) as an SERM (n = 1623). Serum levels of cholesterol and incidence of vertebral fracture were monitored for 2 years. The vertebral fracture rates between the two groups were compared using the pre-specified stratification factors. The patients receiving MIN with baseline low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol level of ≥ 140 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level < 40 mg/dL, age group of ≥ 75 years, and T score of BMD ≥ -3 SD had significantly lower vertebral fracture rates than those receiving RLX (incidence rate ratios (IRR) 0.45 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30 0.75, p = 0.001], 0.25 [95% CI 0.09 0.65, p = 0.005], 0.71 [95% CI 0.56 0.91, p = 0.006], 0.47 [95% CI 0.30 0.75, p = 0.0012], respectively). The cholesterol-lowering effect was stronger in the RLX group than in the MIN group, regardless of prior statin use. These results indicated that MIN treatment was more effective in reducing fracture risk in patients with higher LDL cholesterol levels, although its cholesterol-lowering ability was lesser than the RLX treatment.

Trial registration University Hospital Medical Information Network-Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR), No. UMIN000005433; date: April 13, 2011.
Assessment and Reporting of Perioperative Adverse Events and Complications in Patients Undergoing Inguinal Lymphadenectomy for Melanoma, Vulvar Cancer, and Penile Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Cacciamani Giovanni E. , Medina Luis G. , Sayegh Aref S. , La Riva Anibal , Perez Laura C. , Eppler Michael B. , Gill Inderbir , Sotelo Rene ,   the Complications and Adverse Events in Lymphadenectomy of the Inguinal Area (CALI) project, the International Consensus Panel on Complications in Urology (ICPCU), and the Intraoperative Complications assessment and reporting with Universal Standards (ICARUS) Global Surgical Collaboration
Published: January 2023

Background

Inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND) plays a crucial role in the oncological management of patients with melanoma, penile, and vulvar cancer. This study aims to systematically evaluate perioperative adverse events (AEs) in patients undergoing ILND and its reporting.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA. PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase were queried to identify studies discussing perioperative AEs in patients with melanoma, penile, and vulvar cancer following ILND.

Results

Our search generated 3.469 publications, with 296 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Details of 14.421 patients were analyzed. Of these studies, 58 (19.5%) described intraoperative AEs (iAEs) as an outcome of interest. Overall, 68 (2.9%) patients reported at least one iAE. Postoperative AEs were reported in 278 studies, combining data on 10.898 patients. Overall, 5.748 (52.7%) patients documented ≥1 postoperative AEs. The most reported ILND‐related AEs were lymphatic AEs, with a total of 4.055 (38.8%) events. The pooled meta‐analysis confirmed that high BMI (RR 1.09; p = 0.006), ≥1 comorbidities (RR 1.79; p = 0.01), and diabetes (RR 1.81; p =  < 0.00001) are independent predictors for any AEs after ILND. When assessing the quality of the AEs reporting, we found 25% of studies reported at least 50% of the required criteria.

Conclusion

ILND performed in melanoma, penile, and vulvar cancer patients is a morbid procedure. The quality of the AEs reporting is suboptimal. A more standardized AEs reporting system is needed to produce comparable data across studies for furthering the development of strategies to decrease AEs.
General conditions for Turing and wave instabilities in reaction -diffusion systems
Authors: Villar-Sepúlveda Edgardo , Champneys Alan R.
Published: January 2023

Necessary and sufficient conditions are provided for a diffusion-driven instability of a stable equilibrium of a reaction–diffusion system with n components and diagonal diffusion matrix. These can be either Turing or wave instabilities. Known necessary and sufficient conditions are reproduced for there to exist diffusion rates that cause a Turing bifurcation of a stable homogeneous state in the absence of diffusion. The method of proof here though, which is based on study of dispersion relations in the contrasting limits in which the wavenumber tends to zero and to $$\infty $$
∞
, gives a constructive method for choosing diffusion constants. The results are illustrated on a 3-component FitzHugh–Nagumo-like model proposed to study excitable wavetrains, and for two different coupled Brusselator systems with 4-components.
Electrochemical detection of dopamine using green and chemical synthesized CuO/PANI nanocomposite modified electrode
Authors: Mokole Seleke J. , Aliyu Ahmed , Fayemi Omolola E.
Published: January 2023

Copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles were synthesized using the chemical and green method routes and doped with polyaniline (PANI) to form PANI/CuOchand PANI/CuOgrnanocomposite. The microstructural properties of the nanocomposites were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy (UV), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) detector. The electrochemical behavior of the CuOch, CuOgr, PANI/CuOch, and PANI/CuOgrelectrodes was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), and square wave voltammetry (SWV), and the results showed an enhanced electrochemical catalytic activity toward dopamine (DA) on PANI/CuOgrelectrodes. SWV was conducted for the determination of DA with a linear range from 26 to 95 μM and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 8.22 μM. A comparison between the PANI/CuOchand PANI/CuOgrelectrodes and other modified electrodes toward detection of DA are comparable with the reported literature results.
Status and related factors of postoperative recurrence of ovarian endometriosis: a cross-sectional study of 874 cases
Authors: Yang Xinchun , Bao Meiru , Hang Tian , Sun Weiwei , Liu Yong , Yang Yanhuan , Yu Yiwei , Zhao Tingyu , Xu Ran , Hou Ruijie , Zhao Ruihua
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Exploring the status and related factors of postoperative recurrence of ovarian endometriosis.

Methods

This study analyzed the results of questionnaires conducted in 27 hospitals across the country from January 2019 to November 2021. All women were divided into recurrence group and non-recurrence group to analyze the recurrence rate and related factors after ovarian endometriosis surgery.

Results

The recurrence rates of ovarian endometriosis within 1 year, 1–2 years, 2–3 years, 3–4 years, 4–5 years and more than 5 years were 6.27%, 35.85%, 55.38%, 65.00% and 56.82%, respectively. Significant differences were found between two groups in terms of age at surgery (OR: 0.342, 95%CI: 0.244–0.481, P < 0.001), presence of dysmenorrhea (OR: 1.758, 95%CI: 1.337–2.312, P < 0.001), presence of adenomyosis (OR: 1.948, 95%CI: 1.417–2.678, P < 0.001) and family history of endometriosis or adenomyosis (OR: 1.678, 95%CI: 1.035–2.721, P = 0.021). The age at surgery (OR: 0.358, 95%CI: 0.253–0.506, P < 0.001), presence of dysmenorrhea (OR: 1.379, 95%CI: 1.026–1.853, P = 0.033) and presence of adenomyosis (OR: 1.799, 95%CI: 1.275–2.537, P = 0.001) were significantly associated with endometrioma recurrence in multivariate analysis. No significant associations were found between the recurrence rate and body mass index (BMI), educational background, age of menarche, gravida, parity, uterine leiomyoma, endometrial polyps or postoperative use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a).

Conclusions

Dysmenorrhea and presence of adenomyosis are independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence of ovarian endometriosis, and older age is an independent protective factor for postoperative recurrence.
Continuous QoS-aware adaptation of Cloud-IoT application placements
Authors: Herrera Juan Luis , Berrocal Javier , Forti Stefano , Brogi Antonio , Murillo Juan M.
Published: January 2023

Cloud-Internet of Things computing paradigms call for novel and efficient methodologies to decide where to place application services in continuity with Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment pipelines and infrastructure monitoring. In this article, we present Continuous Adaptation (CA), a new DevOps practice for (1) detecting runtime changes in the application requirements or the infrastructure that, due to their change in resource consumption or their effects on the Quality of Service (QoS), can affect the validity and dependability of the current application placement, and for (2) locally intervening on them by suggesting new placements that ensure all (functional and non-functional) application requirements are met. We assess a prototype of CA, , and analyze its performance over a motivating use case. adapts the application placement to environmental changes through the use of continuous reasoning, reducing the size of the problem to be solved to optimize its performance. The evaluation shows that is able to obtain nearly optimal QoS up to $$4.2\times $$

4.2
×

faster than alternative techniques, also minimizing the cost of service migration.
Behavior of a simple beam grillage structure on damaged supports
Authors: De Biagi Valerio
Published: January 2023

Beam grillage structures are extensively adopted in various civil, mechanical and marine engineering. Although several studies deal with the tolerance of such systems to direct damages on beams, almost no literature exists on the effects on the whole grillage of damages on the supports. To this aim, the present study details the response of a simple grillage structure lying on non-rigid supports. A dimensionless analysis is proposed to address all the possible mechanical and geometrical configurations. Simulating a local damage, a variation of a single support vertical stiffness is introduced to highlight the behavior of the system. It is found that the behavior of the grillage on spring supports does not depend on the structural arrangement of the grillage itself, but also on the stiffness of the supports. In particular, the response of the structure is largely affected by the stiffness of the intact supports rather than the stiffness of the damaged support. Completely different structural responses are found, involving a local or a global compliance towards the weak support, the twisting of the grillage or a folding-like behavior depending on the location of the damaged support. The evolution of the effects of the damage on the support suggests that, in certain configurations, the grillage behaves as a complex structure, while in others as a simple structure.
Randomized clinical study of injectable dextrin-based hydrogel as a carrier of a synthetic bone substitute
Authors: Machado Alexandra , Pereira Isabel , Costa Filomena , Brandão Ana , Pereira José Eduardo , Maurício Ana Colette , Santos José Domingos , Amaro Inês , Falacho Rui , Coelho Rui , Cruz Nuno , Gama Miguel
Published: January 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to improve the performance and mode of administration of a glass-reinforced hydroxyapatite synthetic bone substitute, Bonelike by Biosckin® (BL®), by association with a dextrin-based hydrogel, DEXGEL, to achieve an injectable and moldable device named DEXGEL Bone.

Methods

Twelve participants requiring pre-molar tooth extraction and implant placement were enrolled in this study. BL® granules (250–500 µm) were administered to 6 randomized participants whereas the other 6 received DEXGEL Bone. After 6 months, a bone biopsy of the grafted area was collected for histological and histomorphometric evaluation, prior to implant placement. The performance of DEXGEL Bone and BL® treatments on alveolar preservation were further analyzed by computed tomography and Hounsfield density analysis. Primary implant stability was analyzed by implant stability coefficient technique.

Results

The healing of defects was free of any local or systemic complications. Both treatments showed good osseointegration with no signs of adverse reaction. DEXGEL Bone exhibited increased granule resorption (p = 0.029) accompanied by a tendency for more new bone ingrowth (although not statistically significant) compared to the BL® group. The addition of DEXGEL to BL® granules did not compromise bone volume or density, being even beneficial for implant primary stability (p = 0.017).

Conclusions

The hydrogel-reinforced biomaterial exhibited an easier handling, a better defect filling, and benefits in implant stability.

Clinical relevance

This study validates DEXGEL Bone safety and performance as an injectable carrier of granular bone substitutes for alveolar ridge preservation.

Trial registration

European Databank on Medical Devices (EUDAMED) No. CIV-PT-18–01-02,705; Registo Nacional de Estudos Clínicos, RNEC, No. 30122.
$$\mathbf {2\times 2}$$-Convexifications for convex quadratic optimization with indicator variables
Authors: Han Shaoning , Gómez Andrés , Atamtürk Alper
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we study the convex quadratic optimization problem with indicator variables. For the $${2\times 2}$$

2
×
2

case, we describe the convex hull of the epigraph in the original space of variables, and also give a conic quadratic extended formulation. Then, using the convex hull description for the $${2\times 2}$$

2
×
2

case as a building block, we derive an extended SDP relaxation for the general case. This new formulation is stronger than other SDP relaxations proposed in the literature for the problem, including the optimal perspective relaxation and the optimal rank-one relaxation. Computational experiments indicate that the proposed formulations are quite effective in reducing the integrality gap of the optimization problems.
Trapped fourth ventricle: to stent, shunt, or fenestrate—a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis
Authors: Sadigh Yasmin , van Surksum Colin , Schröder Philip H. D. , Cozar Ayca , Khandour Dalila , Talbi Lailla , Spoor Jochem K. H. , Eelkman Rooda Oscar H. J. , Volovici Victor , van Veelen Marie-Lise C.
Published: January 2023

Trapped or isolated fourth ventricle (TFV) is a rare but critical neurosurgical condition, mostly occurring in pediatric patients, caused by a blockage of the in- and outlets of the fourth ventricle. The purpose of this study is to review all available data on the treatment options of TFV and to compare their safety, efficacy, and durability. MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to September 13, 2022, for prospective or retrospective cohorts, case-control studies, case series or case reports, reporting detailing outcomes of TFV patients, treated with an endoscopic-, microsurgical-, shunt placement,- or hybrid approaches to TFV. All authors were contacted to provide individual patient data. Eighty-seven articles (314 patients) were included in the individual patient data meta-analysis (IPD) and 9 (151 patients) in the cohort meta-analysis. The IPD revealed that primary endoscopic (aOR 0.21; [95% CI 0.08–0.57]) and microsurgical interventions (aOR 0.21; [95% CI 0.05–0.82]) were associated with a significantly lower revision rate, compared to shunt placement, when adjusted for confounders. Endoscopy was also associated with a significantly higher rate of clinical improvement (aOR 4.56; [95% CI 1.2–18]). The meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in revision rate between the endoscopic (0.33 [95% CI 0.0–0.52]) and shunt group (0.44 [95% CI 0.0–1.0]). Endoscopy should be considered as the first-line treatment of TFV due to its superior efficacy, durability, and similar safety, compared to shunt placement and its minimally invasive nature. Microsurgery should be considered as a second treatment option, due to its similar clinical outcomes and revision rate as endoscopy, but it is more invasive in nature.
Algerian and European hedgehogs cohabiting in periurban environments: spatial behaviour and habitat use
Authors: Gago Héctor , Drechsler Robby M. , Monrós Juan S.
Published: January 2023

Habitat fragmentation is one of the most important threats to biodiversity in the last decades. Numerous species are forced to adapt to human presence as urbanization keeps increasing. Some studies show the impact of habitat changes in various species; however, there is little knowledge about the effect of habitat disturbance on hedgehogs in the Iberian Peninsula. We radio tracked 31 male hedgehogs: 14 European hedgehogs and 17 Algerian hedgehogs, being 18 individuals indigenous and 13 translocated. We analysed their home ranges, spatial behaviour and habitat use in a suburban area of Valencia City, Spain, where the two species coexist. Our results show that there are phenologic variations of activity levels, which differ between species, being maximum in spring for the European hedgehog and in summer for the Algerian hedgehog. We did not detect a territorial behaviour or interspecific spatial competition. However, we could detect a clear “release effect”, with translocated individuals presenting increased home range sizes and activity levels as they explore the unknown environment. Furthermore, we found that both species showed a clear preference for the pine forest habitat, avoiding all other habitat types, especially those with high human presence. Our results also suggest that the European hedgehog has a more generalist character than the Algerian hedgehog regarding habitat use. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of conserving a connected mosaic of green patches in urbanized environments for the conservation of hedgehog populations.
Insights on the role of l-lactate as a signaling molecule in skin aging
Authors: Chirumbolo Salvatore , Bertossi Dario , Magistretti Pierre
Published: January 2023

l-lactate is a catabolite from the anaerobic metabolism of glucose, which plays a paramount role as a signaling molecule in various steps of the cell survival. Its activity, as a master tuner of many mechanisms underlying the aging process, for example in the skin, is still presumptive, however its crucial position in the complex cross-talk between mitochondria and the process of cell survival, should suggest that l-lactate may be not a simple waste product but a fine regulator of the aging/survival machinery, probably via mito-hormesis. Actually, emerging evidence is highlighting that ROS are crucial in the signaling of skin health, including mechanisms underlying wound repair, renewal and aging. The ROS, including superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide, play both beneficial and detrimental roles depending upon their levels and cellular microenvironment. Physiological ROS levels are essential for cutaneous health and the wound repair process. Aberrant redox signaling activity drives chronic skin disease in elderly. On the contrary, impaired redox modulation, due to enhanced ROS generation and/or reduced levels of antioxidant defense, suppresses wound healing via promoting lymphatic/vascular endothelial cell apoptosis and death. This review tries to elucidate this issue.