bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progress of Physics-based Mean-field Modeling and Simulation of Steel
Authors: Retzl Philipp , Shan Yao V. , Sobotka Evelyn , Vogric Marko , Wei Wenwen , Povoden-Karadeniz Erwin , Kozeschnik Ernst
Published: January 2022

The progress of mean-field modeling and simulation in steel is presented. In the modeling, the focus is put on the development and application of a physical modeling base, including Calphad, diffusion assessment, nucleation and growth of precipitates, and dislocation dynamics. This leads to an improved prediction of the materials response after different thermo-mechanical treatments in terms of microstructure evolution and mechanical properties. The presented case studies represent the success of the integrated computational materials engineering approach.
Trajectories of adjustment disorder symptoms in post-treatment breast cancer survivors
Authors: Wijnhoven Lonneke M. A. , Custers José A. E. , Kwakkenbos Linda , Prins Judith B.
Published: January 2022

Objective

Breast cancer survivors (BCS) may experience problems to adjust to their situation after cancer treatment completion. In case of severe distress, an adjustment disorder (AD) might develop. This study investigates the course of AD symptoms during 1 year and its predictors in BCS up to 5 years post-treatment.

Methods

BCS completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. HADS total scores were defined as no mental disorder (MD) symptoms (≤ 10), AD symptoms (11–14), and any other MD symptoms (≥ 15). Over the course of four assessments, symptom trajectories were a priori defined as no MD symptoms, AD symptoms, fluctuating AD symptoms below and above cut-offs, or any other MD symptoms. Complementary, latent class growth analysis (LCGA) was used to identify data-driven trajectories.

Results

Among 293 BCS with complete data, the majority was classified as no MD symptoms (54.4%), followed by 37.5% in the fluctuating AD symptoms trajectory. Only 1.4% had AD symptoms, and 6.8% had any other MD symptoms. With LCGA (N = 459), three trajectories were found: stable no MD symptoms (58.6%), stable AD symptoms (32.9%), and high increasing any other MD symptoms (8.5%). Compared to BCS with no MD symptoms, BCS with fluctuating AD symptoms or any other MD symptoms were younger, less able to handle daily activities, and showed more social support discrepancy, neuroticism, and less optimism.

Conclusions

Results of our study showed that AD symptoms in BCS up to 5 years post-treatment fluctuate over 1 year. It is thus important to appropriately assess AD over the course of 5 years post-treatment as AD symptoms can fluctuate.
Influence of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) analogues on healing and clinical outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructive surgery: a systematic review
Authors: McRobb Jonathon , Kamil Khawaja Hasan , Ahmed Imran , Dhaif Fatema , Metcalfe Andrew
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To systematically review the effect of PRP on healing (vascularization, inflammation and ligamentization) and clinical outcomes (pain, knee function and stability) in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction and compare the preparation and application of PRP.

Methods

Independent systematic searches of online databases (Medline, Embase and Web of Science) were conducted following PRISMA guidelines (final search 10th July 2021). Studies were screened against inclusion criteria and risk of bias assessed using Critical appraisal skills programme (CASP) Randomised controlled trial (RCT) checklist. Independent data extraction preceded narrative analysis.

Results

13 RCTs were included. The methods of PRP collection and application were varied. Significant early increases in rate of ligamentization and vascularisation were observed alongside early decreases in inflammation. No significant results were achieved in the later stages of the healing process. Significantly improved pain and knee function was found but no consensus reached.

Conclusions

PRP influences healing through early vascularisation, culminating in higher rates of ligamentization. Long-term effects were not demonstrated suggesting the influence of PRP is limited. No consensus was reached on the impact of PRP on pain, knee stability and resultant knee function, providing avenues for further research. Subsequent investigations could incorporate multiple doses over time, more frequent observation and comparisons of different forms of PRP. The lack of standardisation of PRP collection and application techniques makes comparison difficult. Due to considerable heterogeneity, (I
2 > 50%), a formal meta-analysis was not possible highlighting the need for further high quality RCTs to assess the effectiveness of PRP. The biasing towards young males highlights the need for a more diverse range of participants to make the study more applicable to the general population.

Trail registration

CRD42021242078CRD, 15th March 2021, retrospectively registered.
Contribution of invasive bivalves (Dreissena spp.) to element distribution: phase interaction, regional and seasonal comparison in a large shallow lake
Authors: Balogh Csilla , Kobak Jarosław , Kovács Zsófia , Serfőző József , Faragó Nóra , Serfőző Zoltán
Published: January 2022

After introduction, the invasive bivalve dreissenids became key species in the biota of Lake Balaton, the largest shallow lake in Central Europe. The contribution of dreissenid soft tissue and shell, as biotic phases, in element distribution and its interaction with the water and upper sediment phases were examined in two basins with different trophic conditions in spring and autumn. Six metals (Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn) were detected in all investigated phases. In general, metals were abundant in the water and soft tissue in the eastern basin in spring, and in the sediment and shells in the western basin in autumn. This might be associated with the more urbanized surroundings in the eastern, and the enhanced organic matter production in the western basin. High relative shares of Ba, Cu, Mn, and Pb were associated with the water and shell samples, whereas high shares of Fe and Zn were noted in the soft mussel tissue and sediments. Results suggest that dynamics of metal uptake by dreissenids depend on the seasonal change in metabolic activity. Shell metal content is less changeable; shells might absorb metals from both the soft tissue and water phases. Metallothionein peptides, the scavengers of intracellular metals, were determined to be biomarkers of the bulk contaminants rather than only metals. The present study shows that invasive bivalves, with high abundance, filtering activity, and storing capacity can significantly contribute to element distribution in the shoreline of a shallow lake ecosystem.
Cost behavior in e-commerce firms
Authors: Argilés-Bosch Josep M. , Garcia-Blandón Josep , Ravenda Diego
Published: January 2022

We conduct empirical research on the flexibility of operating costs of e-commerce firms. With an international sample of firms from different European countries, we find that e-commerce firms have a different cost structure than traditional retail firms, with a lower share of labor costs and cost of goods sold, but a higher share of other operating costs. While we find no significant different behavior in cost of goods sold and labor costs between the two types of firms, e-commerce firms are more flexible in adjusting other operating costs than traditional retail firms when activity decreases. Results are robust to different models, estimations methods and samples. The higher flexibility of e-commerce firms relies on other operating costs, but e-commerce creates qualified jobs with higher wages than traditional retail, with no additional exposure to labor uncertainty for employees.
Genotype by year interaction for selected quantitative traits in hybrid lines of Triticum aestivum L. with Aegilops kotschyi Boiss. and Ae. variabilis Eig. using the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model
Authors: Bocianowski Jan , Prażak Roman
Published: January 2022

This study estimated the genotype × environment interactions for ten yield associated traits in advanced generation hybrids of several cultivars of common wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) withAegilops kotschyiBoiss. andA. variabilisEig. using the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) models. Tests were ran over five years at one location in replicated field trials. The AMMI model showed significant genotypic and environmental effects for all analysed traits. A majority of the hybrid lines were less stable in the analysed traits than their parental wheats. The older wheat cultivars, with lower environmental sensitivity, were the most stable. The best total genotype selection index, for all ten traits combined, was observed for the oldest cvs. Gama and Rusałka, and among the hybrid lines, forAe. kotschyi/Rusałka//Smuga andAe. kotschyi/Rusałka//Muza. The linesAe. kotschyi/Rusałka//Smuga,Ae. kotschyi/Rusałka//Muza,Ae. kotschyi/Rusałka//Korweta,Ae. kotschyi/Rusałka//Begra///Smuga, andAe. kotschyi/Rusałka//Begra///Turnia are recommended for inclusion in breeding programmes due to their greater stability and the good average values for the observed traits.
Bank Performance and Noninterest Income: Evidence from Countries in the Asian Region
Authors: Antao Sherika , Karnik Ajit
Published: January 2022

Noninterest income (NII) is income generated by banks from sources other than interest payments. Studies conducted on the relationship between NII and bank risk for the USA and Europe have found that emphasis on income diversification lowers risk in European banks but exacerbates it in American banks. Current research on Asian banks has not led to a coherent view of the relationship between NII and bank risk. We employ data over 25 years for 24 Asian countries to examine this relationship. Using the GMM estimation approach we estimate equations for two time-periods, 1996–2007 and 2008–2018, to examine the NII-bank risk relationship in the presence of some controlling financial, macroeconomic and policy variables. Our results show that non-interest income worsens bank risk for all 24 countries as well as for sub-groups of countries. We also find that, by and large, economic growth improves bank risk while inflation above a threshold worsens it. Finally, our proxy measure for monetary policy improves bank risk though fiscal policy seems to have no effect.
Self-Organized Cultural Cycles and the Uncertainty of Archaeological Thought
Authors: Diachenko Aleksandr , Sobkowiak-Tabaka Iwona
Published: January 2022

Contributing to the issue of complex relationship between social and cultural evolution, this paper aims to analyze repetitive patterns, or cycles, in the development of material culture. Our analysis focuses on culture change associated with sociopolitical and economic stasis. The proposed toy model describes the cyclical character of the quantitative and qualitative composition of archaeological assemblages, which include hierarchically organized cultural traits. Cycles sequentially process the stages of unification, diversity, and return to unification. This complex dynamic behavior is caused by the ratio between cultural traits’ replication rate and the proportion of traits of the higher taxonomic order’s related unit. Our approach identifies a shift from conformist to anti-conformist transmission, corresponding with open and closed phases in cultural evolution in respect to the introduction of innovations. The model also describes the dependence of a probability for horizontal transmission upon orders of taxonomic hierarchy during open phases. The obtained results are indicative for gradual cultural evolution at the low orders of taxonomic hierarchy and punctuated evolution at its high orders. The similarity of the model outcomes to the patters of material culture change reflecting societal transformations enables discussions around the uncertainty of explanation in archaeology and anthropology.
Feasibility and clinical usefulness of the Unified Protocol in women survivors of violence
Authors: Osma Jorge , Quilez-Orden Alba B. , Ferreres-Galán Vanesa , Meseguer María C. , Ariza Silvia
Published: January 2022

Violence against women is a serious public health problem. Worldwide, one in three women experiences violence throughout their lives. According to the triple vulnerability theory, being a survivor of violence could constitute a psychological vulnerability that would favor the appearance of emotional disorders, affecting their health, their style of parenting, and family well-being. The objective of this study is to verify the feasibility and usefulness of Unified Protocol (UP) in a group format for improving emotion regulation in women survivors of violence attended in the Specific Child and Adolescent Intervention Team (SCAIT), a social community service. The sample consists of 11 women who have experienced different types of violence who received the UP through 11 weekly, two-hour long and in group format sessions. Assessments were conducted at pre and post intervention and at 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up. The results of the Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) show an increase in quality of life (including family relationships), self-esteem and extraversion scores, and a reduction in interference (including family life), neuroticism, somatization, anxiety, emotional lack of control, negative affect, depression, and emotional rejection scores. This evolution of the scores with the MANOVA takes into account all the evaluation time points (post, and follow-up at 3, 6 and 12 months). The results were statistically significant (p < 0.05), and had large effect sizes (η2p > 0.14). In addition, the reliable change index was calculated to assess the change at an individual level of each of the participants for the different outcomes. 90.9% of the participants rated the quality of the program received as “excellent” and we obtained a high rate of session attendance (82.64%). These results justify the need for randomized controlled clinical studies to demonstrate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of the UP in this context. This intervention would allow to address the needs of this population, by offering them comprehensive care and improving their mental health from a biopsychosocial model. Likewise, it might indirectly improve the well-being of the rest of the family members.
Effect and control of path parameters on thickness distribution of cylindrical cups formed via multi-pass conventional spinning
Authors: Gondo Shiori , Arai Hirohiko
Published: January 2022

In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) model was constructed to investigate the relationship between the roller path parameters to form a cylindrical cup in multi-pass conventional spinning and the thickness distribution throughout the height of a workpiece. Furthermore, the path parameters that simultaneously realize multiple target values of the workpiece dimensions were calculated instantly by the iterative solution based on the constructed model. A systematic design of the path parameters for a constant thickness distribution was established as follows. First, the roller path was expressed using 12 parameters. Second, the workpieces were spun under various experimental conditions, which were determined by partial randomization of the orthogonal array based on the Taguchi method. Third, an ANN model was trained by considering seven path parameters as inputs and five forming result values as outputs (cup height, wall thickness at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the cup height, and residual path length). Finally, the path parameters required for realizing a constant thickness were determined using an ANN model with an iterative solution. Although several samples of the training dataset exhibited non-uniform thickness distributions, the workpieces that were spun under the parameters obtained via iteration exhibited a constant thickness distribution. The parameters responsible for stretching the material in the radial direction significantly affected the thickness distribution. The most influential parameter was the increment in the axial start position for each curved pass.

Graphical abstract
In vitro and in vivo MRI imaging and photothermal therapeutic properties of Hematite (α-Fe2O3) Nanorods
Authors: Gulzar Aanisa , Ayoub Nowsheena , Mir Jaffar Farooq , Alanazi Amer M. , Shah M. A. , Gulzar Arif
Published: January 2022

Herein we report synthesis of hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanorods by calcinating hydrothermally synthesized goethite nanorods at 5000C. The structural, optical and MRI imaging guided cancer therapeutic properties of fabricated nanorods have been discussed in this manscript. FESEM and TEM imaging techniques were used to confirm the nanorod like morphology of as prepared materials. As we know that Fe2O3 nanorods with size in the range of 25–30 nm exhibit super magnetism. After coating with the PEG, the as prepared nanorods can be used as T2 MR imaging contrast agents. An excellent T2 MRI contrast of 38.763 mM–1s–1 achieved which is highest reported so far for α-Fe2O3. Besides the as prepared nanorods display an excellent photothermal conversion efficiency of 39.5% thus acts as an excellent photothermal therapeutic agent. Thus, we envision the idea of testing our nanorods for photothermal therapy and MR imaging application both in vitro and in vivo, achieving an excellent T2 MRI contrast and photothermal therapy effect with as prepared PEGylated nanorods.
Trustworthy Augmented Intelligence in Health Care
Authors: Crigger Elliott , Reinbold Karen , Hanson Chelsea , Kao Audiey , Blake Kathleen , Irons Mira
Published: January 2022

Augmented Intelligence (AI) systems have the power to transform health care and bring us closer to the quadruple aim: enhancing patient experience, improving population health, reducing costs, and improving the work life of health care providers. Earning physicians' trust is critical for accelerating adoption of AI into patient care. As technology evolves, the medical community will need to develop standards for these innovative technologies and re-visit current regulatory systems that physicians and patients rely on to ensure that health care AI is responsible, evidence-based, free from bias, and designed and deployed to promote equity. To develop actionable guidance for trustworthy AI in health care, the AMA reviewed literature on the challenges health care AI poses and reflected on existing guidance as a starting point for addressing those challenges (including models for regulating the introduction of innovative technologies into clinical care).
A parametric and feasibility study for data sampling of the dynamic mode decomposition: range, resolution, and universal convergence states
Authors: Li Cruz Y. , Chen Zengshun , Tse Tim K. T. , Weerasuriya Asiri U. , Zhang Xuelin , Fu Yunfei , Lin Xisheng
Published: January 2022

Scientific research and engineering practice often require the modeling and decomposition of nonlinear systems. The dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) is a novel Koopman-based technique that effectively dissects high-dimensional nonlinear systems into periodically distinct constituents on reduced-order subspaces. As a novel mathematical hatchling, the DMD bears vast potentials yet an equal degree of unknown. This effort investigates the nuances of DMD sampling with an engineering-oriented emphasis. It aimed at elucidating how sampling range and resolution affect the convergence of DMD modes. We employed the most classical nonlinear system in fluid mechanics as the test subject—the turbulent free-shear flow over a prism—for optimal pertinency. We numerically simulated the flow by the dynamic-stress Large-Eddies Simulation with Near-Wall Resolution. With the large-quantity, high-fidelity data, we parametrized and identified four global convergence states: Initialization, Transition, Stabilization, and Divergence with increasing sampling range. Results showed that Stabilization is the optimal state for modal convergence, in which DMD output becomes independent of the sampling range. The Initialization state also yields sufficient accuracy for most system reconstruction tasks. Moreover, defying popular beliefs, over-sampling causes algorithmic instability: as the temporal dimension, n, approaches and transcends the spatial dimension, m (i.e., m < n), the output diverges and becomes meaningless. Additionally, the convergence of the sampling resolution depends on the mode-specific dynamics, such that the resolution of 15 frames per cycle for target activities is suggested for most engineering implementations. Finally, a bi-parametric study revealed that the convergence of the sampling range and resolution are mutually independent.
A null-space approach for large-scale symmetric saddle point systems with a small and non zero (2, 2) block
Authors: Scott Jennifer , Tůma Miroslav
Published: January 2022

Null-space methods have long been used to solve large sparse n × n symmetric saddle point systems of equations in which the (2, 2) block is zero. This paper focuses on the case where the (1, 1) block is ill conditioned or rank deficient and the k × k (2, 2) block is non zero and small (k ≪ n). Additionally, the (2, 1) block may be rank deficient. Such systems arise in a range of practical applications. A novel null-space approach is proposed that transforms the system matrix into a nicer symmetric saddle point matrix of order n that has a non zero (2, 2) block of order at most 2k and, importantly, the (1, 1) block is symmetric positive definite. Success of any null-space approach depends on constructing a suitable null-space basis. We propose methods for wide matrices having far fewer rows than columns with the aim of balancing stability of the transformed saddle point matrix with preserving sparsity in the (1, 1) block. Linear least squares problems that contain a small number of dense rows are an important motivation and are used to illustrate our ideas and to explore their potential for solving large-scale systems.
Japanese preference weights of the Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit for Carers (ASCOT-Carer)
Authors: Shiroiwa Takeru , Nakamura-Thomas Hiromi , Yamaguchi Mai , Morikawa Mie , Moriyama Yoko , Fukuda Takashi , Allan Stephen , Malley Juliette
Published: January 2022

Purpose

We developed preference weights of the Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit for Carers (ASCOT-Carer) in Japan.

Methods

We used best–worst scaling (BWS) and composite time trade-off (cTTO) to determine the preference weights for ASCOT-Carer states in the general population. TTO values were applied to convert the BWS scores to utilities. The sample number was approximately 1000 for the BWS survey and 200 for the TTO survey. Whereas face-to-face surveys by computer-assisted interviewing were adopted for the TTO tasks, a web-based survey was used for the BWS tasks. In the BWS tasks, the ASCOT-Carer states were presented, and the “best,” “worst,” “second best,” and “second worst” domains in a profile were selected. A mixed logit model was applied to the BWS data.

Results

The respondents’ background was similar to that of the general population, although the number of people in the age and sex categories was equal. The preference weights for calculating the utilities of the ASCOT-Carer states were estimated. The estimated utilities of the ASCOT-Carer states were distributed between 1 and 0.02. All preference weights were consistent. The item with the highest preference weight was level 1 in the “space and time to be yourself.” The least preferred item was level 4 in the “space and time to be yourself” and “control over daily life” domains.

Conclusion

We established Japanese preference weights for ASCOT-Carer states, the first weights of an Asian country. The estimated utilities can contribute to the measurement of caregivers’ social care-related QoL and perform of cost-effectiveness analyses.
Option pricing with random risk aversion
Authors: Vitiello Luiz , Poon Ser-Huang
Published: January 2022

Based on a standard general equilibrium economy, we develop a framework for pricing European options where the risk aversion parameter is state dependent, and aggregate wealth and the underlying asset have a bivariate transformed-normal distribution. Our results show that the volatility and the skewness of the risk aversion parameter change the slope of the pricing kernel, and that, as the volatility of the risk aversion parameter increases, the (Black and Scholes) implied volatility shifts upwards but its shape remains the same, which implies that the volatility of the risk aversion parameter does not change the shape of the risk neutral distribution. Also, we demonstrate that the pricing kernel may become non-monotonic for high levels of volatility and low levels of skewness of the risk aversion parameter. An empirical example shows that the estimated volatility of the risk aversion parameter tends to be low in periods of high market volatility and vice-versa.
Working Conditions and Health Among Italian Ageing Workers
Authors: d’Errico Angelo , Ardito Chiara , Leombruni Roberto , Ricceri Fulvio , Costa Giuseppe , Sacerdote Carlotta , Odone Anna ,   the “Italian Working Group on Retirement and Health”, Amerio Andrea , Ardito Chiara , Carioli Greta , Costa Giuseppe , d’Errico Angelo , Fontana Dario , Frascella Beatrice , Gaetti Giovanni , Gentile Leandro , Gianfredi Vincenza , Leombruni Roberto , Odone Anna , Ricceri Fulvio , Sacerdote Carlotta , Stuckler David , Vigezzi Giacomo Pietro , Zengarini Nicolas
Published: January 2022

In many European countries requirements for retirement have been tightened, causing an increase in work participation of older workers, in spite their potentially poorer health may limit their work ability. This study aimed at assessing the diffusion of health problems and exposure to unfavorable working conditions among ageing workers in two Italian surveys, as well as comparing them with those observed in the same surveys conducted before the 2011 Italian pension reform tightening the normal retirement age. The 2013 National Health Survey (NHS) and Labour Force Survey (LFS) were employed to assess the prevalence of poor perceived health, health conditions and functional limitations, and of exposure to physical, psychosocial and organization factors at work, among 60–64 years workers. Poisson regression models were used to estimate Prevalence Ratios of health outcomes and unfavorable working conditions in the two surveys, compared to data from the 2005 (NHS) and 2007 (LFS) corresponding surveys, respectively. Among both men and women, approximately one quarter had at least one physical disorder or functional limitations and 15% poor mental health. Exposure to different ergonomic factors (15–30%) and working during unsocial hours (19%) were particularly diffused. A significant increase in the prevalence of functional limitations and of working at night or during unsocial hours was found in 2013, compared to corresponding data from 2005 and 2007, respectively. Our results indicate that exposure to ergonomic and organizational hazards should be reduced among ageing workers, to avoid decreased work ability, health damage or early exit from the labour market.
Nonuniform Collective Dissolution of Bubbles in Regular Pore Networks
Authors: Joewondo Nerine , Garbin Valeria , Pini Ronny
Published: January 2022

Understanding the evolution of solute concentration gradients underpins the prediction of porous media processes limited by mass transfer. Here, we present the development of a mathematical model that describes the dissolution of spherical bubbles in two-dimensional regular pore networks. The model is solved numerically for lattices with up to 169 bubbles by evaluating the role of pore network connectivity, vacant lattice sites and the initial bubble size distribution. In dense lattices, diffusive shielding prolongs the average dissolution time of the lattice, and the strength of the phenomenon depends on the network connectivity. The extension of the final dissolution time relative to the unbounded (bulk) case follows the power-law function, $${B^k/\ell }$$

B
k

/
ℓ

, where the constant $$\ell$$
ℓ
is the inter-bubble spacing, B is the number of bubbles, and the exponent k depends on the network connectivity. The solute concentration field is both the consequence and a factor affecting bubble dissolution or growth. The geometry of the pore network perturbs the inward propagation of the dissolution front and can generate vacant sites within the bubble lattice. This effect is enhanced by increasing the lattice size and decreasing the network connectivity, yielding strongly nonuniform solute concentration fields. Sparse bubble lattices experience decreased collective effects, but they feature a more complex evolution, because the solute concentration field is nonuniform from the outset.
Supine sleep patterns as a part of phenotyping patients with sleep apnea—a pilot study
Authors: Kukwa Wojciech , Łaba Jonasz , Lis Tomasz , Sobczyk Krystyna , Mitchell Ron B. , Młyńczak Marcel
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Polysomnography (PSG) is considered the best objective study to diagnose and quantify sleep disorders. However, PSG involves multiple electrodes and is usually performed in a sleep laboratory that in itself may change the physiology of sleep. One of the parameters that can change during PSG is the sleep position, leading to more supine sleep. The aim of this study was to quantify the amount of supine sleep during PSG and compare it to consecutive nights of a home sleep apnea test (HSAT) in the same patients.

Methods

This prospective study evaluated 22 consecutive patients undergoing PSG followed by HSAT. Sleep position was analyzed during PSG and subsequently on 2 to 6 nights (mean 3.7 nights) at home, and the amount of supine sleep was recorded during each night.

Results

Of 22 patients, there were 12 men (55%). The median age was 60.0 years for women and 45.5 years for men. Median proportion of supine sleep during PSG and HSAT was 61% and 26% (p < 0.001), respectively. Four “phenotypes” were identified according to their sleep position during PSG and HSAT, with 5 patients sleeping mainly supine during all nights, 7 patients sleeping mainly non-supine during all nights, 3 patients sleeping in different positions during each night, and 7 patients sleeping supine during PSG but non-supine at home, during HSAT.

Conclusions

There is a higher proportion of supine sleep during PSG compared to home sleep. We identified a subgroup of patients who slept mainly supine during PSG and mainly non-supine during HSAT. PSG may overestimate OSA severity in a specific phenotype of patients.
Quantifiable urine glyphosate levels detected in 99% of the French population, with higher values in men, in younger people, and in farmers
Authors: Grau Daniel , Grau Nicole , Gascuel Quentin , Paroissin Christian , Stratonovitch Cécile , Lairon Denis , Devault Damien A. , Di Cristofaro Julie
Published: January 2022

France is the first pesticide-consuming country in Europe. Glyphosate is the most used pesticide worldwide and glyphosate is detected in the general population of industrialized countries, with higher levels found in farmers and children. Little data was available concerning exposure in France. Our objective was to determine glyphosate levels in the French general population and to search for an association with seasons, biological features, lifestyle status, dietary habits, and occupational exposure. This study includes 6848 participants recruited between 2018 and 2020. Associated data include age, gender, location, employment status, and dietary information. Glyphosate was quantified by a single laboratory in first-void urine samples using ELISA. Our results support a general contamination of the French population, with glyphosate quantifiable in 99.8% of urine samples with a mean of 1.19 ng/ml + / − 0.84 after adjustment to body mass index (BMI). We confirm higher glyphosate levels in men and children. Our results support glyphosate contamination through food and water intake, as lower glyphosate levels are associated with dominant organic food intake and filtered water. Higher occupational exposure is confirmed in farmers and farmers working in wine-growing environment. Thus, our present results show a general contamination of the French population with glyphosate, and further contribute to the description of a widespread contamination in industrialized countries.
Electric and biomethane-fuelled urban buses: comparison of environmental performance of different powertrains
Authors: Mastinu Giampiero , Solari Laura
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to promote the transition to low/zero emission of the local public transport, particularly, urban buses are taken into account.

Method

The life cycle assessment of electric and biomethane-fuelled urban buses is performed by exploiting SimaPro commercial software (v.9.1.1.). Attention is focused on powertrains. Both midpoint and endpoint analyses are performed. Referring to environmental impact, the best compressed biomethane gas (CBG) powertrain was compared to the best electric one. Additionally, the worst-case scenario has been considered for both CBG and electric powertrains.

Results

CBG powertrain outperforms the electric one if overall greenhouse gas emissions are considered. However, the electric powertrain seems promising for human health and ecosystem.

Conclusions

The environmental performance of the two powertrains is good. Both of the two technologies have strength and weak points that anyhow make them good candidates for a clean local public transport of the future. The analysis performed in the paper suggests a future investigation on hybrid electric-CBG powertrain. Actually, such a solution could benefit from both the strengths of the biomethane and the electric powertrain.
Academia as a league system
Authors: Prinz Aloys , Ehrmann Thomas
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we explain the stability of top university ranks and discuss attempts to create top national universities. Firstly, it is shown theoretically that in a world with differently-gifted poor and rich students, a three-tier university system may become very stable, with a super league of the best research universities that attract the best students, whether rich or poor. Secondly, it is empirically demonstrated that half of the highest ranked universities enjoy very stable competitive advantages. Thirdly, we examine attempts of China, France and Germany to overcome these disadvantages and to get into this super league. The recent attempt of China to create such super league universities shows the financial and societal costs of these attempts. France demonstrates how the concentration of financial resources on two newly built universities that complement the forces of existing ones—either real or only by labelling—may succeed. Despite the complexly designed and competitive German Excellence Initiative, ongoing since 2004, no German university was among the top 50 in the Shanghai ranking in 2021 (compared to one university in 2004). The mixed results of all these worldwide attempts may reflect the problem that late market entry into the super league may be too costly, given that the classical university business model is in the mature phase of its life cycle.
Passenger exposure to aerosols on intra-European train travel
Authors: Winiger Patrik
Published: January 2022

Knowledge about personal aerosol exposure in different environments is fundamental for individual and common decision-making, shaping the way we build our infrastructure or change our social behaviours. Aerosols are a leading cause of death and well-known vector for infectious diseases. Yet, passenger exposure to aerosols during long-distance train travel is surprisingly underexplored. Two small, light-weight personal monitoring instruments were employed during a train journey across Europe, to measure the fine particle (PM2.5) and equivalent black carbon (eBC) passenger exposure, respectively. The journey was divided into three legs, inside three different trains, and two layovers in city environments. Highest mean concentrations of PM2.5 and eBC were found within the oldest train type, and revealed PM2.5 concentrations of 58.4 ± 12.7 μg m−3 and eBC of 5.4 ± 2.9 μg m−3. The more modern the train system was, the lower the measured concentrations were to be found. In the newest tested system, the air quality was considerably better inside the train than outdoor air measured by a monitoring network, or simulated by the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) model ensemble analysis. The mean PM2.5 concentration was roughly 20% lower inside the train than the outdoor air simulated by CAMS. Both the light-weight personal monitoring and the monitoring network indicate that the CAMS ensemble substantially underestimates PM2.5 concentrations for the day of the journey. Effective ventilation and air filtration significantly decrease the passenger’s aerosol exposure, as compared to a stay in outdoor air, leading to a small statistical increase in life expectancy. If this could also reduce the risk of contagion with an infectious disease remains to be explored.
A survey on extremism analysis using natural language processing: definitions, literature review, trends and challenges
Authors: Torregrosa Javier , Bello-Orgaz Gema , Martínez-Cámara Eugenio , Ser Javier Del , Camacho David
Published: January 2022

Extremism has grown as a global problem for society in recent years, especially after the apparition of movements such as jihadism. This and other extremist groups have taken advantage of different approaches, such as the use of Social Media, to spread their ideology, promote their acts and recruit followers. The extremist discourse, therefore, is reflected on the language used by these groups. Natural language processing (NLP) provides a way of detecting this type of content, and several authors make use of it to describe and discriminate the discourse held by these groups, with the final objective of detecting and preventing its spread. Following this approach, this survey aims to review the contributions of NLP to the field of extremism research, providing the reader with a comprehensive picture of the state of the art of this research area. The content includes a first conceptualization of the term extremism, the elements that compose an extremist discourse and the differences with other terms. After that, a review description and comparison of the frequently used NLP techniques is presented, including how they were applied, the insights they provided, the most frequently used NLP software tools, descriptive and classification applications, and the availability of datasets and data sources for research. Finally, research questions are approached and answered with highlights from the review, while future trends, challenges and directions derived from these highlights are suggested towards stimulating further research in this exciting research area.
The effects of pH, salinity, age of leaves, post-harvest storage duration, and psyllid infestation on nutritional qualities of giant leucaena fodder
Authors: Bageel Ahmed M. , Borthakur Dulal
Published: January 2022

Giant leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala subsp. glabrata) can be managed as a profusely branched bushy plant by repeated harvest of its foliage for use as fodder. The objective of this research was to determine the effects of soil pH and salinity, age of the leaves, post-harvest storage duration, and psyllid infection on the nutritional qualities of leucaena fodder. To determine the effects of soil pH and salinity on fodder quality, giant leucaena K636 plants were grown in large pots containing soils adjusted to different pH and salinity levels. The effects of age of the leaves, post-harvest storage duration and psyllid infection on fodder quality were studied using leucaena samples collected from Waimanalo Research Station. Among five pH levels tested, pH 6.0 was found to produce the highest amounts of protein and structural fibers in the foliage. Mimosine contents were highest at pH 6 and 7 and lowest at pH 5.0. The growth of giant leucaena was retarded and the nutritional quality were adversely affected under salinity conditions. Compared to young leaves, old leaves contained 18.5% less protein, 95% less mimosine, 30% less tannin and 40% more structural fibers. Post-harvest storage duration up to 72 h, at room temperature did not seem to affect protein, tannin and structural fiber contents of the foliage; however, mimosine content was reduced by 25%. These results will help to identify ideal soil pH, age of foliage, and post-harvest storage duration for obtaining high forage yield and nutritional quality for giant leucaena.
CVIT expert consensus document on primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) update 2022
Authors: Ozaki Yukio , Hara Hironori , Onuma Yoshinobu , Katagiri Yuki , Amano Tetsuya , Kobayashi Yoshio , Muramatsu Takashi , Ishii Hideki , Kozuma Ken , Tanaka Nobuhiro , Matsuo Hitoshi , Uemura Shiro , Kadota Kazushige , Hikichi Yutaka , Tsujita Kenichi , Ako Junya , Nakagawa Yoshihisa , Morino Yoshihiro , Hamanaka Ichiro , Shiode Nobuo , Shite Junya , Honye Junko , Matsubara Tetsuo , Kawai Kazuya , Igarashi Yasumi , Okamura Atsunori , Ogawa Takayuki , Shibata Yoshisato , Tsuji Takafumi , Yajima Junji , Iwabuchi Kaoru , Komatsu Nobuo , Sugano Teruyasu , Yamaki Masaru , Yamada Shinichiro , Hirase Hiroaki , Miyashita Yuusuke , Yoshimachi Fuminobu , Kobayashi Masakazu , Aoki Jiro , Oda Hirotaka , Katahira Yoshiaki , Ueda Kinzo , Nishino Masami , Nakao Koichi , Michishita Ichiro , Ueno Takafumi , Inohara Taku , Kohsaka Shun , Ismail Tevfik F. , Serruys Patrick W. , Nakamura Masato , Yokoi Hiroyoshi , Ikari Yuji ,   The Task Force on Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) of the Japanese Cardiovascular Interventional Therapeutics (CVIT)
Published: January 2022

Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) has significantly contributed to reducing the mortality of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) even in cardiogenic shock and is now the standard of care in most of Japanese institutions. The Task Force on Primary PCI of the Japanese Association of Cardiovascular Interventional and Therapeutics (CVIT) society proposed an expert consensus document for the management of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) focusing on procedural aspects of primary PCI in 2018. Updated guidelines for the management of AMI were published by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) in 2017 and 2020. Major changes in the guidelines for STEMI patients included: (1) radial access and drug-eluting stents (DES) over bare-metal stents (BMS) were recommended as a Class I indication, (2) complete revascularization before hospital discharge (either immediate or staged) is now considered as Class IIa recommendation. In 2020, updated guidelines for Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) patients, the followings were changed: (1) an early invasive strategy within 24 h is recommended in patients with NSTEMI as a Class I indication, (2) complete revascularization in NSTEMI patients without cardiogenic shock is considered as Class IIa recommendation, and (3) in patients with atrial fibrillation following a short period of triple antithrombotic therapy, dual antithrombotic therapy (e.g., DOAC and single oral antiplatelet agent preferably clopidogrel) is recommended, with discontinuation of the antiplatelet agent after 6 to 12 months. Furthermore, an aspirin-free strategy after PCI has been investigated in several trials those have started to show the safety and efficacy. The Task Force on Primary PCI of the CVIT group has now proposed the updated expert consensus document for the management of AMI focusing on procedural aspects of primary PCI in 2022 version.
Optimization-based analysis of integrated lignocellulosic biorefineries in Spain focusing on building blocks
Authors: Rodriguez-Fernandez Silvia , Díaz Ismael , González-Miquel María , González Emilio J. , Rodriguez Manuel
Published: January 2022

Spain, in the framework of the European Green Deal, has set ambitious climate and energy goals for 2030. Lignocellulosic biorefineries can make a strong contribution to these goals; however, advanced biofuels generally cannot be produced in a profitable way compared to fossil and first-generation fuels. To address this problem, the efficient production of a wide range of bioproducts, not only biofuels and bioenergy, may be the solution. Therefore, a systematic evaluation of the near-term economic potential bio-building blocks (xylitol, sorbitol, succinic, glutamic, glucaric, levulinic, lactic, and itaconic acids) is presented. Many possible combinations of feedstock and conversion technologies can be considered feasible pathways to manufacture advanced biofuels and bio-based building blocks. To map the optimal groups of technologies in the framework of Spain’s biorefineries, we apply a methodology based on a network optimization approach that combines minimum cost and energy criteria together with feedstock availability and demand constraints. The feedstocks analyzed are pine and eucalyptus residues and olive tree pruning wastes, being three largely available agroforesty residues in Spain. The results show that building blocks show good economic and energy performance compared to advanced transportation biofuels, and although their demand is much lower, they should be considered to improve the profitability of biorefineries. Secondly, advanced gasoline, bioethanol, hydrogen, and building blocks demands can be satisfied with pine, eucalyptus, and olive residues available in Spain. Finally, lactic acid production is profitable, but the remaining routes do not reach the break-even point, suggesting that further research is still needed.
Challenges Associated with Creeping Disasters in Disaster Risk Science and Practice: Considering Disaster Onset Dynamics
Authors: Staupe-Delgado Reidar , Rubin Olivier
Published: January 2022

In this article, we set out to reconcile a general conceptualization of disaster temporalities by drawing on the epitome example of a creeping disaster, namely famine. Our argument is driven by the recognition that slowly manifesting disaster impacts pose distinct challenges for decision makers and researchers while there is a tendency for the disaster literature to overlook the role of disaster onset dynamics. More specifically and as a starting point, we identify four key themes that merit particular attention when dealing with creeping disasters: (1) our understanding of disaster as a phenomenon; (2) measurement and operationalization; (3) early warning and response; and (4) disaster management and termination. By integrating conceptual discussions of disaster with famine scholarship—a phenomenon often excluded from mainstream disaster research—this article provides fresh perspectives on disaster science as well as a number of implications for how we think about disaster risk reduction.
Synthesis and properties of MoAlB composites reinforced with SiC particles
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Li Shibo , Wu Shuang , Yao Boxiang , Fan Shukai , Bei Guoping , Yu Wenbo , Zhou Yang , Wu Ying , Ding Sun-An
Published: January 2022

Novel MoAlB composites reinforced with 5–15 vol% SiC have been firstly prepared and characterized in the present study. The SiC reinforcement is stable with MoAlB at a sintering temperature of 1200 °C in Ar. The 5 vol% SiC/MoAlB composite exhibited improved mechanical properties and enhanced oxidation resistance. A flexural strength of 380 MPa and a Vickers hardness of 12.7 GPa were achieved and increased by 24% and 51%, respectively, as compared with those for MoAlB, indicating the enhanced strengthening effect of SiC. Cyclic oxidation tests at 1200 and 1300 °C for 10 h in air showed that the 5 vol% SiC/MoAlB composite has better oxidation resistance than MoAlB due to the formation of a dense and continuous scale composed of Al2O3 and SiO2, which prevents the oxygen inward diffusion and the evaporation of oxides. We expect that the general strategy of second phase reinforcing for materials will help to widen the applications of MoAlB composites.