bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging-based outcome prediction in posterior circulation stroke
Authors: Kniep Helge C. , Elsayed Sarah , Nawabi Jawed , Broocks Gabriel , Meyer Lukas , Bechstein Matthias , Van Horn Noel , Psychogios Marios , Thomalla Götz , Flottmann Fabian , Kemmling André , Gellißen Susanne , Fiehler Jens , Sporns Peter B. , Hanning Uta
Published: March 2022

Background and purpose

We developed a machine learning model to allow early functional outcome prediction for patients presenting with posterior circulation (pc)-stroke based on CT-imaging and clinical data at admission. The proposed algorithm utilizes quantitative information from automated multidimensional assessments of posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT-Score (pc-ASPECTS) regions. Discriminatory power was compared to predictions based on conventional pc-ASPECTS ratings.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed non-contrast CTs and clinical data of 172 pc-stroke patients. 90 days outcome was dichotomized into good and poor using modified Rankin Scale (mRS) cut-offs. Predictive performance was assessed for outcome differentiation at mRS 2, 3, 4 and survival prediction (mRS ≤ 5) using random forest algorithms. Results were compared to conventional pc-ASPECTS and clinical parameters. Models were evaluated in a nested fivefold cross-validation approach.

Results

Receiver operating characteristic areas under the curves (ROC-AUCs) of the test sets using conventionally rated pc-ASPECTS reached 0.63 for mRS ≤ 4 to 0.68 for mRS ≤ 5 and 0.73 for mRS ≤ 5 to 0.85 for mRS ≤ 2 if clinical data were considered. Pure imaging-based machine learning classifier ROC-AUCs were lowest for mRS ≤ 4 (0.81) and highest for mRS ≤ 5 (0.87). The combined clinical data and machine learning-based model had the highest predictive performance with ROC-AUCs reaching 0.90 for mRS ≤ 2.

Conclusion

Machine learning-based evaluation of pc-ASPECTS regions predicts functional outcome of pc-stroke patients with higher accuracy than conventional assessments. This could optimize triage for additional diagnostics and allocation of best possible medical care and might allow required arrangements of the social environment at an early point of time.
Neue Aufgaben des Destinationsmanagements: Zwischen Tourismus und Lebensqualität
Authors: Wittmann Christl , Helleisz Lena
Published: March 2022

Dieser Artikel soll die Notwendigkeit einer neuen Sichtweise in der Tourismusentwicklung darlegen: Die Planung sollte sich weg vom aktuell oft vorhandenen rein wirtschaftlichen Wachstumsgedanken entwickeln, hin zu einem integrativen Planungsansatz, der auch die Bedürfnisse der vor Ort wohnenden Bevölkerung miteinbezieht. Durch eine Annäherung an den Begriff des „Lebensraummanagements“ wird in diesem Beitrag aufgezeigt, welche Aspekte und Aufgaben Destinationsmanagementorganisationen (DMO) dabei berücksichtigen sollten und wie eine praktische Implementierung aussehen kann. Am Beispiel des im Süden Hessens liegenden Main-Kinzig-Kreises (MKK) wird im Anschluss gezeigt, welche Faktoren einen Landkreis oder eine DMO zu diesem Schritt veranlassen. Der MKK hat erste Schritte in Richtung eines Perspektivwechsels getan und die lokale DMO auch mit Aspekten des Standortmarketings betraut. An diesem Beispiel wird verdeutlicht, welche Synergien bei der Umsetzung genutzt und welche Vorteile aus dieser Herangehensweise für die Region resultieren können. Besonders im Hinblick auf die aktuelle Nachhaltigkeitsdebatte im Tourismus ist der Wandel als Chance zu sehen.
Georg schmorl prize of the German spine society (DWG) 2021: Spinal Instability Spondylodiscitis Score (SISS)—a novel classification system for spinal instability in spontaneous spondylodiscitis
Authors: Schömig Friederike , Li Zhao , Perka Lena , Vu-Han Tu-Lan , Diekhoff Torsten , Fisher Charles G. , Pumberger Matthias
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Even though spinal infections are associated with high mortality and morbidity, their therapy remains challenging due to a lack of established classification systems and widely accepted guidelines for surgical treatment. This study’s aim therefore was to propose a comprehensive classification system for spinal instability based on the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) aiding spine surgeons in choosing optimal treatment for spontaneous spondylodiscitis.

Methods

Patients who were treated for spontaneous spondylodiscitis and received computed tomography (CT) imaging were included retrospectively. The Spinal Instability Spondylodiscitis Score (SISS) was developed by expert consensus. SINS and SISS were scored in CT-images by four readers. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Fleiss’ Kappa were calculated to determine interrater reliabilities. Predictive validity was analyzed by cross-tabulation analysis.

Results

A total of 127 patients were included, 94 (74.0%) of which were treated surgically. Mean SINS was 8.3 ± 3.2, mean SISS 8.1 ± 2.4. ICCs were 0.961 (95%-CI: 0.949–0.971) for total SINS and 0.960 (95%-CI: 0.946–0.970) for total SISS. SINS yielded false positive and negative rates of 12.5% and 67.6%, SISS of 15.2% and 40.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

We show high reliability and validity of the newly developed SISS in detecting unstable spinal lesions in spontaneous spondylodiscitis. Therefore, we recommend its use in evaluating treatment choices based on spinal biomechanics. It is, however, important to note that stability is merely one of multiple components in making surgical treatment decisions.
An edge-driven multi-agent optimization model for infectious disease detection
Authors: Djenouri Youcef , Srivastava Gautam , Yazidi Anis , Lin Jerry Chun-Wei
Published: March 2022

This research work introduces a new intelligent framework for infectious disease detection by exploring various emerging and intelligent paradigms. We propose new deep learning architectures such as entity embedding networks, long-short term memory, and convolution neural networks, for accurately learning heterogeneous medical data in identifying disease infection. The multi-agent system is also consolidated for increasing the autonomy behaviours of the proposed framework, where each agent can easily share the derived learning outputs with the other agents in the system. Furthermore, evolutionary computation algorithms, such as memetic algorithms, and bee swarm optimization controlled the exploration of the hyper-optimization parameter space of the proposed framework. Intensive experimentation has been established on medical data. Strong results obtained confirm the superiority of our framework against the solutions that are state of the art, in both detection rate, and runtime performance, where the detection rate reaches 98% for handling real use cases.
Cellulose-based fiber spinning processes using ionic liquids
Authors: Azimi Bahareh , Maleki Homa , Gigante Vito , Bagherzadeh Roohollah , Mezzetta Andrea , Milazzo Mario , Guazzelli Lorenzo , Cinelli Patrizia , Lazzeri Andrea , Danti Serena
Published: March 2022

Cellulose, a natural, renewable, and environment friendly biopolymer, has been considered as a sustainable feedstock in the near future. However, only 0.3% of cellulose is today processed since it is not soluble in conventional solvents due to the strong hydrogen bonding network and highly ordered structure. Hence, the search of effective and eco-friendly solvents for cellulose dissolution has been a key pillar for decades. In the recent years, ionic liquids (ILs) have been proposed as green solvents for cellulose and have been applied for the production of cellulose-based fibers. This review aims to focus the attention toward fiber spinning methods of cellulose based on ILs, as well as recent progress in cellulose dissolution using ILs. Moreover, the development of cellulosic fibers blended with other biopolymers, and cellulose composites are presented. Finally, different applications of cellulose fibers and composites are summarized and discussed.
Multicomponent bioactive extract from red stage Haematococcus pluvialis wet paste: avoiding the drying step and toxic solvents
Authors: Castillo Aly , Pereira Simón , Otero Ana , Garcia-Jares Carmen , Lores Marta
Published: March 2022

This study provides an efficient alternative by extracting bioactive compounds fromHaematococcus pluvialisvia matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) from its wet form, reducing one of the process steps with the greatest economic impact, the drying of the microalga. To obtain a suitable extract for nutraceutical purposes, solvents with the generally recognised as safe (GRAS) designation (ethanol, ethyl lactate, and ethyl acetate) with limitations of use (acetone) and extractants with higher toxicity such as methanol and methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) are contrasted. Through the optimisation of the extractive process, ethanol, a GRAS solvent, presents the best overall recovery for carotenoid compounds and fatty acids, showing an antioxidant activity of 1.58 mmolTE g−1DW, comparable to its synthetic alternative of petrochemical origin without the drawback of having limitations in its food use. In addition, the identification of the phenolic compounds, phloroglucinol,p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, and catechin, not previously characterised in red stageH. pluvialis, provides a response to the phenolic activity present in the extract (24.65 mmolGAE g−1DW). Comparison of the extractive efficiency obtained with the main methods for the extraction of carotenoids and fatty acids inH. pluvialis, in contrast to the proposed method, shows a positive feasibility of this approach.
(Selbst-)Zerstörung der Schuld—Chance der Entschuld(ig)ung: Schuld und Schulden in der Lyrik von Attila József
Authors: Halász Hajnalka
Published: March 2022

The article examines the questions of guilt and debt in the Hungarian poetry of the late modern period, notably in the poetry of Attila József. An important characteristic of the concept of guilt in the modern era is that it unites the question of morality with that of the economy. This connection is confirmed by a current problem in the field of cultural studies: The German terms Schuld (guilt) and Schulden (debt) are viewed by recent cultural history research as significant driving forces and preconditions for cultural processes (both relate to shortages and errors which must be remedied, evened out, effaced or indeed generated or multiplied) which give rise to social and historical ties and determinations. This research attempts to formulate cultural strategies and solutions for dealing with the problem of unrestrained growth and the moralisation of debt. My article examines these issues as a problem of language (the language of poetry). Whilst Attila József ’s poetry does address the need to search for opportunities to forgive—both morally and financially—and to break the determining ties of moral and financial indebtedness, József believes this is only possible by implementing a certain manner of speech or a type of language whose forgiveness of debt and guilt alike as well as its liberating effect cannot be achieved by strategies, methods or practices.
Gambling and Financial Stress
Authors: Koomson Isaac , Churchill Sefa Awaworyi , Munyanyi Musharavati Ephraim
Published: March 2022

In recent years, gambling harm has been considered a significant public health concern due to its increasing socioeconomic costs. Although the adverse effects of gambling have attracted research interest, evidence of its effect on financial stress remains largely anecdotal. This study empirically examines the link between individual problem gambling severity and financial stress using panel data from the household, income and labour dynamics in Australia survey. After addressing endogeneity, we find that problem gambling severity is positively associated with self-reported financial stress. Thus, problem gambling severity tends to increase financial stress. This finding is robust to alternative measures of financial stress and gambling behaviour—whether gambling is measured using the problem gambling severity index, gambling risk statuses, number of gambling activities, or gambling expenditure. The positive effect of gambling on financial stress is largely driven by gambling activities involving scratch cards and poker machines. Although males exhibit higher levels of problem gambling severity, females are more financially stressed than males. Our findings also suggest that gambling widens the gender gap in financial stress. Further analysis reveals that financial resilience mediates the gambling-financial stress relationship. This implies that promoting policies that enhance financial resilience can help to insulate individuals against the effects of gambling on financial stress.
Energy Spectra vs. Element Abundances in Solar Energetic Particles and the Roles of Magnetic Reconnection and Shock Acceleration
Authors: Reames Donald V.
Published: March 2022

We reexamine the relationship between energy spectral indices and element abundance enhancements in solar energetic particle (SEP) events at energies of a few MeV amu−1. We find a correlated behavior only in the largest gradual SEP4 events when all ions are accelerated from the ambient coronal plasma by shock waves driven by fast, wide coronal mass ejections (CMEs). This correlated abundance behavior can track complex time variations in the spectral indices during an event. In other (SEP3) events, CME-driven shock waves, days apart, sample seed particles from a single pool of suprathermal impulsive ions contributed earlier. Of the smaller, Fe-rich, impulsive SEP events, previously related to magnetic reconnection in solar jets, over half are subsequently reaccelerated by CME-driven shock waves (SEP2), causing typical ion intensities to have a 64% correlation with shock speeds. In these SEP2 events, the onset of shock acceleration is signaled by a new component in the abundances, large proton excesses. The remaining SEP1 events lack evidence of shock acceleration. However, for all these events (SEP1–SEP3) with abundances determined by magnetic reconnection, energy spectra and abundances are decoupled.
Riv-Bonding of Aluminum Alloys with High-Strength Steels against the Favorable Joining Direction
Authors: Domitner Josef , Auer Peter , Stippich Jennifer , Silvayeh Zahra , Jessernig Sabrina , Peiser Lukas , Hönsch Florian , Sommitsch Christof
Published: March 2022

In order to exploit the advantages offered by multi-material design, this work studies the feasibility of joining aluminum alloys with high-strength steels (HSS) against the favorable joining direction by using self-piercing riveting (SPR) combined with adhesive bonding, so-called riv-bonding. Therefore, riv-bonding of four joint configurations including different aluminum alloy sheets (AW-6014-PX, AW-6451-T4), HSS sheets (HC420LA, HC450X) and rivet types (C5.3×8.0-H4, U5.5×5.0-H6) was experimentally investigated. Moreover, riv-bonding of two joint configurations was exemplarily modeled using the Simufact Forming finite element (FE) software. The viscoelastic properties of the liquid adhesive layer between the sheets were substituted with “equivalent” elastoplastic properties to model the adhesive as solid with strain rate-dependent flow behavior. Good agreement of joint cross sections and force-displacement curves between experiments and simulations confirms that the presented numerical model of riv-bonding is suitable for predicting both the joinability of aluminum alloys with HSS and the final quality of hybrid joints.
A “Sequential Design of Simulations” approach for exploiting and calibrating discrete element simulations of cohesive powders
Authors: Chen Xizhong , Pei Chunlei , Elliott James A.
Published: March 2022

The flow behaviours of cohesive particles in the ring shear test were simulated and examined using discrete element method guided by a design of experiments methodology. A full factorial design was used as a screening design to reveal the effects of material properties of partcles. An augmented design extending the screening design to a response surface design was constructed to establish the relations between macroscopic shear stresses and particle properties. It is found that the powder flow in the shear cell can be classified into four regimes. Shear stress is found to be sensitive to particle friction coefficient, surface energy and Young’s modulus. A considerable fluctuation of shear stress is observed in high friction and low cohesion regime. In high cohesion regime, Young’s modulus appears to have a more significant effect on the shear stress at the point of incipient flow than the shear stress during the pre-shear process. The predictions from response surface designs were validated and compared with shear stresses measured from the Schulze ring shear test. It is found that simulations and experiments showed excellent agreement under a variety of consolidation conditions, which verifies the advantages and feasibility of using the proposed “Sequential Design of Simulations” approach.
How do plants defend themselves against pathogens-Biochemical mechanisms and genetic interventions
Authors: Kaur Simardeep , Samota Mahesh Kumar , Choudhary Manoj , Choudhary Mukesh , Pandey Abhay K. , Sharma Anshu , Thakur Julie
Published: March 2022

In agro-ecosystem, plant pathogens hamper food quality, crop yield, and global food security. Manipulation of naturally occurring defense mechanisms in host plants is an effective and sustainable approach for plant disease management. Various natural compounds, ranging from cell wall components to metabolic enzymes have been reported to protect plants from infection by pathogens and hence provide specific resistance to hosts against pathogens, termed as induced resistance. It involves various biochemical components, that play an important role in molecular and cellular signaling events occurring either before (elicitation) or after pathogen infection. The induction of reactive oxygen species, activation of defensive machinery of plants comprising of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidative components, secondary metabolites, pathogenesis-related protein expression (e.g. chitinases and glucanases), phytoalexin production, modification in cell wall composition, melatonin production, carotenoids accumulation, and altered activity of polyamines are major induced changes in host plants during pathogen infection. Hence, the altered concentration of biochemical components in host plants restricts disease development. Such biochemical or metabolic markers can be harnessed for the development of “pathogen-proof” plants. Effective utilization of the key metabolites-based metabolic markers can pave the path for candidate gene identification. This present review discusses the valuable information for understanding the biochemical response mechanism of plants to cope with pathogens and genomics-metabolomics-based sustainable development of pathogen proof cultivars along with knowledge gaps and future perspectives to enhance sustainable agricultural production.
Model architectures for bacterial membranes
Authors: Carey Ashley B. , Ashenden Alex , Köper Ingo
Published: March 2022

The complex composition of bacterial membranes has a significant impact on the understanding of pathogen function and their development towards antibiotic resistance. In addition to the inherent complexity and biosafety risks of studying biological pathogen membranes, the continual rise of antibiotic resistance and its significant economical and clinical consequences has motivated the development of numerous in vitro model membrane systems with tuneable compositions, geometries, and sizes. Approaches discussed in this review include liposomes, solid-supported bilayers, and computational simulations which have been used to explore various processes including drug-membrane interactions, lipid-protein interactions, host–pathogen interactions, and structure-induced bacterial pathogenesis. The advantages, limitations, and applicable analytical tools of all architectures are summarised with a perspective for future research efforts in architectural improvement and elucidation of resistance development strategies and membrane-targeting antibiotic mechanisms.
Intelligent Assistants
Authors: Dhiman Hitesh , Wächter Christoph , Fellmann Michael , Röcker Carsten
Published: March 2022

Intelligent assistants are an increasingly commonplace class of information systems spanning a broad range of form and complexity. But what characterizes an intelligent assistant, and how do we design better assistants? In the paper, the authors contribute to scientific research in the domain of intelligent assistants in three steps, each building on the previous. First, they investigate the historical context of assistance as human work. By examining qualitative studies regarding the work of human assistants, the authors inductively derive concepts crucial to modeling the context of assistance. This analysis informs the second step, in which they develop a conceptual typology of intelligent assistants using 111 published articles. This typology explicates the characteristics (what or how) of intelligent assistants and their use context (who or which). In the third and final step, the authors utilize this typology to shed light on historical trends and patterns in design and evaluation of intelligent assistants, reflect on missed opportunities, and discuss avenues for further exploration.
The Effects of Mixing Pulp and Paper Mill Sludge Into Wood Bark on Storage-Related Environmental Impacts and Heating Value
Authors: Oksanen Juha , Keskinen Riikka , Heikkinen Jaakko , Kaseva Janne , Rasa Kimmo
Published: March 2022

The pulping industry generates vast amounts of bark and wastewater treatment sludges, which are combined and stored in stacks, often in the open air, prior to combustion for energy. The effects of incorporating sludge into bark on heating value and storage-related environmental impacts were investigated in laboratory and outdoors. Biological degradation was found to be higher in treatments containing 25% sludge (B75S25) and 50% sludge (B50S50) in comparison with pure bark (B100). Mean monthly dry mass loss was 2.1% (B100), 3.3% (B75S25), and 3.7% (B50S50) in the laboratory and 2.7, 4.2, and 4.8%, respectively, outdoors. Addition of sludge maintained degradation activity at low temperatures (+ 3 °C). Co-storage of sludge and bark led to loss of energy, mainly due to increased loss of biomass and increased moisture, which governed the heating value. Cumulative methane emissions were higher from the sludge-containing treatments than from pure bark, but emissions of nitrogen-containing gases (N2O and NH3) were negligible throughout. Sludge addition roughly halved the cumulative chemical oxygen demand (COD) of leachate and minimized its concentration of phosphate-P. However, larger amounts of inorganic elements were released from the sludge-containing treatments. Overall, these results indicate that finding alternative uses for the sludge fraction would be beneficial.

Graphical Abstract
Interpretation of Students’ Errors as Part of the Diagnostic Competence of Pre-Service Primary School Teachers
Authors: Larrain Macarena , Kaiser Gabriele
Published: March 2022

Understanding students’ thinking and learning processes is one of the greatest challenges teachers face in the classroom. Misconceptions and errors have the potential to be a rich source of information for identifying students’ thinking and reasoning processes. However, empirical studies show that pre-service teachers (PSTs) and teachers find it challenging to focus their interpretations and pedagogical decisions on students’ thinking processes when they identify students’ mathematical errors.

Based on the theoretical approach of noticing, the study described in this paper examines primary PSTs’ diagnostic competence in error situations before and after they participated in a seminar sequence implemented at several Chilean universities. Our analyses focus on PSTs’ competence with regard to formulating hypotheses about the causes of students’ errors. The proposed hypotheses were categorized into those that attributed errors to students’ lack of conceptual understanding, those that explained errors in terms of lack of procedural understanding, and those that assumed a failure of instructional strategies. In addition, the relationships between PSTs’ diagnostic competence, their beliefs and university learning opportunities were examined. The results indicate that PSTs’ diagnostic competence in error situations and the changes of this competence were related to PSTs’ beliefs, practical experiences, and learning opportunities. Overall, the findings suggest that it is possible to promote changes on PSTs’ diagnostic competence during initial teacher education. The paper concludes with implications for teacher education and future research.
PKC-β modulates Ca2+ mobilization through Stim1 phosphorylation
Authors: Song Hye-Jin , Jeon In-Sook , Kim Seung Ryul , Park Kwan Sik , Soh Jae-Won , Lee Kwang Youl , Shin Jae-Cheon , Lee Hak-Kyo , Choi Joong-Kook
Published: March 2022

Background

Calcium ions play a pivotal role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Under basal conditions, the calcium level is tightly regulated; however, cellular activation by growth factors increase the ion level through calcium pumps in the plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum for calcium signaling. Orai1 is a major calcium channel in the cell membrane of non-excitable cells, and its activity depends on the stromal interaction molecule 1 (Stim1). Several groups reported that the store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) can be modulated through phosphorylation of Stim1 by protein kinases such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), protein kinase A (PKA), and p21-activated kinase (PAK). PKC is a protein kinase that is activated by calcium and diacylglycerol (DAG), but it remains unclear what role activated PKC plays in controlling the intracellular calcium pool.

Objectives

Here, we investigated whether PKC-β controls intracellular calcium dynamics through Stim1.

Methods

Several biochemical methods such as immune-precipitation, site directed mutagenesis, in vitro kinase assay were employed to investigate PKC interaction with and phosphorylation of Stim1. Intracellular calcium mobilization, via Stim1 mediated SOCE channel, were studied using in the presence of PKC activator or inhibitor under a confocal microscope.

Results

Our data demonstrate that PKC interacts with and phosphorylates Stim1 in vitro. phosphorylation of Stim1 at its C-terminal end appears to be important in the regulation of SOCE activity in HEK293 and HeLa cells. Additionally, transient intracellular calcium mobilization assays demonstrate that the SOCE activity was inhibited by PKC activators or activated by PKC inhibitors.

Conclusion

In sum, our data suggest a repressive role of PKC in regulating calcium entry through SOCE.
United Kingdom Copyright Decisions 2021
Authors: Lee Yin Harn
Published: March 2022

This report highlights the main UK copyright decisions in 2021. Most of these decisions deal with the right to communicate the work to the public in the context of website blocking injunctions, and provide insight into the British courts’ likely approach to EU-derived copyright principles following the end of the Brexit transition period. The report also discusses the high-profile case brought by the Duchess of Sussex against the operators of The Mail on Sunday and MailOnline for copyright infringement of a letter written by her to her father, which raised issues relating to originality and copyright exceptions.
Neurofilament-Leichtketten (NFL) als prognostischer Biomarker in der Diagnostik der multiplen Sklerose
Authors: Oremek G. M. , Passek K. , Braun M. , Droege J. , Ohlendorf D.
Published: March 2022

Die vorliegende Übersicht zum Biomarker Neurofilament-Leichtketten (NFL) wird im Rahmen der Serie „Biomarker“ des Zentralblatts für Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie publiziert. Das NFL ist ein Serummarker in der Diagnostik der multiplen Sklerose. NFL eignet sich als Marker zur Therapie‑, Verlaufs- und Rezidivkontrolle von multipler Sklerose. Hier zeigt dieser eine hohe Sensitivität und Spezifität.
Quo vadis artificial intelligence?
Authors: Jiang Yuchen , Li Xiang , Luo Hao , Yin Shen , Kaynak Okyay
Published: March 2022

The study of artificial intelligence (AI) has been a continuous endeavor of scientists and engineers for over 65 years. The simple contention is that human-created machines can do more than just labor-intensive work; they can develop human-like intelligence. Being aware or not, AI has penetrated into our daily lives, playing novel roles in industry, healthcare, transportation, education, and many more areas that are close to the general public. AI is believed to be one of the major drives to change socio-economical lives. In another aspect, AI contributes to the advancement of state-of-the-art technologies in many fields of study, as helpful tools for groundbreaking research. However, the prosperity of AI as we witness today was not established smoothly. During the past decades, AI has struggled through historical stages with several winters. Therefore, at this juncture, to enlighten future development, it is time to discuss the past, present, and have an outlook on AI. In this article, we will discuss from a historical perspective how challenges were faced on the path of revolution of both the AI tools and the AI systems. Especially, in addition to the technical development of AI in the short to mid-term, thoughts and insights are also presented regarding the symbiotic relationship of AI and humans in the long run.
Addressing climate change through climate action
Authors: Tosun Jale
Published: March 2022

This editorial introduces the journalClimate Actionto its audience and defines its aims and scope. It first calls for the need to understand climate action as the choices and behavior of international organizations, governments, civil society, businesses, and individuals. Next, it discusses both the facilitators and impacts of climate action. The editorial concludes with a research agenda for climate action to be studied from a transdisciplinary perspective with practitioners for triggering widespread societal transformation.
Minority Stress and Sexual Functioning Among African American Women with At-Risk Partners in South Los Angeles
Authors: Schrode Katrina , Poareo Eliza , Li Michael , Harawa Nina T.
Published: March 2022

Background

Preliminary evidence indicates that acute and chronic psychological stress affect sexual arousal and satisfaction. African American women, in particular, are vulnerable to the impacts of gender- and race-related stress, given their socially constructed identities as African Americans and as women.

Aim

We examined associations between minority stress and sexual function using data from 248 African American women.

Methods

Surveys were conducted with 248 African American women in South LA with male partners at risk for acquiring HIV. We analyzed self-reports on (i) stress indicators: chronic burden, perceived racism/sexism, and histories of trauma/sexual abuse; (ii) Female Sexual Function Index domains: desire, arousal, and satisfaction; and (iii) potential moderators: social support and spirituality. We used multiple regression, adjusting for potential confounding factors, to examine the relationships between stress indictors, potential moderators, and sexual function domains. Outcomes: The outcomes were the female sexual function index domains of desire, arousal, and satisfaction.

Results

This largely low-income sample experienced significant chronic and acute stressors, was highly spiritual and reported strong social support. Moderate-high chronic burden and increasing sexism scores were independently associated with decreased arousal (B = -0.38, 95%CI = -0.75, -0.02) and satisfaction (B = -0.03, 95%CI = -0.06, 0.00) scores, respectively.

Clinical Implications

Providers may want to explore chronic burden in patients who complain about low sexual arousal. Additionally, to develop effective HIV- and other STI-related interventions that impact behaviors that can confer sexual risk, prevention strategies are needed that either reduce contextual stressors or mitigate their impact.

Strengths

Strengths of this research are that it focuses on sexual function among previously under-studied, low-income African American women and that it takes into account the unique set of stressors faced by these women.

Limitations

A limitation is that the sample size may have been too small to capture the effects of potential moderators.

Conclusions

Low-income African American women accumulate life stressors that may harm sexual function.
Comparison of the performance of a clinical classification tree versus clinical gestalt in predicting sepsis with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase–producing gram-negative rods
Authors: Smith Hayden L. , Elfeki Mohamed A. , Lowry Dana , Sabates Rebecca , Ropte Molly , Sittig Katherine R. , Finch Stephanie , Braun Kristina , Pruett William , Wasson Aaron , Fischman Kenna , Peterson Jennifer , Rosa Rossana
Published: March 2022

A clinical decision tree was developed using point-of-care characteristics to identify patients with culture-proven sepsis due to extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE). We compared its performance with the clinical gestalt of emergency department (ED) clinicians and hospital-based clinicians. The developed tree outperformed ED-based clinicians but was comparable to inpatient-based clinicians.
Antimicrobial use in Canadian acute-care hospitals: Findings from three national point-prevalence surveys between 2002 and 2017
Authors: Liang Jennifer J. , Rudnick Wallis , Mitchell Robyn , Brooks James , Bush Kathryn , Conly John , Ellison Jennifer , Frenette Charles , Johnston Lynn , Lavallée Christian , McGeer Allison , Mertz Dominik , Pelude Linda , Science Michelle , Simor Andrew , Smith Stephanie , Stagg Paula , Suh Kathryn N. , Thampi Nisha , Thirion Daniel J.G. , Vayalumkal Joseph , Wong Alice , Taylor Geoffrey ,   for the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program
Published: March 2022

Objectives:

The Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program conducted point-prevalence surveys in acute-care hospitals in 2002, 2009, and 2017 to identify trends in antimicrobial use.

Methods:

Eligible inpatients were identified from a 24-hour period in February of each survey year. Patients were eligible (1) if they were admitted for ≥48 hours or (2) if they had been admitted to the hospital within a month. Chart reviews were conducted. We calculated the prevalence of antimicrobial use as follows: patients receiving ≥1 antimicrobial during survey period per number of patients surveyed × 100%.

Results:

In each survey, 28−47 hospitals participated. In 2002, 2,460 (36.5%; 95% CI, 35.3%−37.6%) of 6,747 surveyed patients received ≥1 antimicrobial. In 2009, 3,566 (40.1%, 95% CI, 39.0%−41.1%) of 8,902 patients received ≥1 antimicrobial. In 2017, 3,936 (39.6%, 95% CI, 38.7%−40.6%) of 9,929 patients received ≥1 antimicrobial. Among patients who received ≥1 antimicrobial, penicillin use increased 36.8% between 2002 and 2017, and third-generation cephalosporin use increased from 13.9% to 18.1% (P < .0001). Between 2002 and 2017, fluoroquinolone use decreased from 25.7% to 16.3% (P < .0001) and clindamycin use decreased from 25.7% to 16.3% (P < .0001) among patients who received ≥1 antimicrobial. Aminoglycoside use decreased from 8.8% to 2.4% (P < .0001) and metronidazole use decreased from 18.1% to 9.4% (P < .0001). Carbapenem use increased from 3.9% in 2002 to 6.1% in 2009 (P < .0001) and increased by 4.8% between 2009 and 2017 (P = .60).

Conclusions:

The prevalence of antimicrobial use increased between 2002 and 2009 and then stabilized between 2009 and 2017. These data provide important information for antimicrobial stewardship programs.
An analysis of 90-day emergency department visits after peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement for prosthetic joint infection
Authors: Charalambous Lefko T. , Hinton Zoe , Kim Billy I. , Case Ayden , Brown Meredith , Jiranek William , Seidelman Jessica , Bolognesi Michael P. , Seyler Thorsten M.
Published: March 2022

Objective:

Research on complications with peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines that are placed for the treatment of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is scarce. We investigated the timing, frequency, and risk factors for PICC complications during treatment of PJI after THA and TKA.

Methods:

We retrospectively queried an institutional database for THA and TKA patients from January 2015 through December 2020 that developed a PJI and required PICC placement at an academic, tertiary-care referral center.

Results:

The study included 889 patients (48.3% female) with a mean age of 64.6 years (range, 18.7–95.2) who underwent 435 THAs and 454 TKAs that were revised for PJI. The cohort had 275 90-day ED visits (30.9%), and 51 (18.5%) were PICC related. The average time from discharge to PICC ED visit was 26.2 days (range, 0.3–89.4). The most common reasons for a 90-day ED visit were issues related to the joint replacement or wound site (musculoskeletal or MSK; n = 116, 42.2%) and PICC complaints (n = 51, 18.5%). A multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that non-White race (odds ratio [OR], 2.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24–4.04; P = .007) and younger age (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.95–1.00; P = .035) were associated with PICC-related ED visits. Malposition/readjustment (41.2%) and occlusion (35.3%) were the most common PICC complications leading to ED presentation.

Conclusions:

PICC complications are common after PJI treatment, accounting for nearly 20% of 90-day ED visits.
Changes in body weight in response to pecan-enriched diets with and without substitution instructions: a randomised, controlled trial
Authors: Guarneiri Liana L. , Paton Chad M. , Cooper Jamie A.
Published: March 2022

Substantial evidence suggests that regular tree nut consumption does not lead to changes in body weight (BW). However, these studies used a variety of dietary substitution instructions which may confound the interpretation of prior BW outcomes. The purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of daily pecan consumption, with or without isocaloric substitution instructions, on BW and composition. This was an 8-week randomised, controlled trial with three treatments: a nut-free control group (n 32) and two pecan groups. ADD (n 30) consumed pecans (68 g/d) as part of a free-living diet, and SUB (n 31) substituted the pecans (68 g/d) for isocaloric foods from their habitual diet. BW and total body fat percentage (BF) were measured, and theoretical changes in these outcomes if pecans were consumed without compensation were determined. BW increased in all groups across the intervention, and there was a trend (P = 0⋅09) for an increase in ADD (1⋅1 ± 0⋅2 kg) and SUB (0⋅9 ± 0⋅3 kg) compared to control (0⋅3 ± 0⋅2 kg). In addition, there was increased BF in SUB (1⋅0 ± 0⋅3 %; P = 0⋅005) but not ADD (0⋅1 ± 0⋅2 %) or control (−0⋅2 ± 0⋅3 %) There was a large difference in the actual v. theoretical change in BW regardless of pecan treatment (actual: 1⋅1 ± 0⋅2 and 0⋅9 ± 0⋅3 v. theoretical: 3⋅3 ± 0⋅0 and 3⋅2 ± 0⋅0 kg in ADD and SUB, respectively; P < 0⋅001). Furthermore, there was a difference in actual v. theoretical change in BF in ADD (0⋅1 ± 0⋅2 v. 1⋅2 ± 0⋅1 %; P = 0⋅002) but not SUB or control. In conclusion, daily pecan consumption for 8 weeks did not result in significant weight gain, regardless of dietary substitution instructions.
Vaccine damage schemes in the US and UK reappraised: making them fit for purpose in the light of Covid-19
Authors: Goldberg Richard
Published: March 2022

Vaccines have continued to play a crucial global role in preventing infectious diseases in the twenty-first century. The Covid-19 pandemic has underlined their importance, with vaccines seen as the best way to protect the public from coronavirus. A longstanding problem of governments has been the extent to which they should assume responsibility for the compensation of those injured by vaccines. This paper reappraises the vaccine damage schemes currently available in the US and UK in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic. It argues that any improvements to both US and UK schemes should be included in a revised national vaccine policy which takes into consideration their respective long-term national vaccine strategies to prepare for future pandemics. It supports the adoption of a UK-wide National Vaccine Injury Compensation Programme, similar to the one in the US, to be administered by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. To balance the need for rigorous criteria to determine causation with the need for fairness, the programme should adopt the US practice of allowing negotiated settlements between parties in circumstances where review of the evidence has not concluded that the vaccine(s) caused the alleged injury but there are close calls concerning causation.
The return of children: a comparative study on the contemporary Turkish and Irish novel
Authors: Gürle Meltem
Published: March 2022

In Infancy and History Agamben (1993) suggests, following Benjamin’s footsteps, that true experience is only possible in infancy, a time that has not yet been expropriated by the bareness of modern life. The kind of potentiality that he attributes to infancy signifies the emergence of a new self, which, rather than moving into the mechanical domain of “work,” prefers to remain in the creative territory of “play,” where it is possible to transform old societal structures into new ones.

Agamben’s approach to play and its non-chronological temporality offers useful clues in revealing the dynamics of the increasing number of contemporary childhood narratives in Irish and Turkish literature, where characters resist the linear structure of the bildungsroman and the corresponding model of progress, eventually forming a culture of adolescents resistant to maturity. Focusing on some common features of these novelistic characters, such as playfulness, self-experimentation, and messianic idealism, this paper argues that the return of children to contemporary Turkish and Irish novel opens a new terrain of possibilities that offer liberation from the poverty of experience Agamben attributes to modern society.
Revisiting Multilingualism in the Ottoman Empire
Authors: Kim Sooyong , Bashkin Orit
Published: March 2022

Evliya Çelebi (d. after 1685), in his Seyahatname, Book of Travels, completed circa 1683, records a host of languages and dialects spoken within the Ottoman Empire at the time and provides practical word lists in transcription, especially for those less familiar to his Turkophone audience, such as Hungarian in the western borderlands and varieties of Kurdish in the eastern regions. Evliya also remarks of places where he met bilingual speakers. For instance, about the city of Ohrid in the central province of Rumelia, he informs us that, though its people mainly speak Greek or Bulgarian, they could converse in “elegant Turkish,” some in a “very urbane and witty” manner typical of Ottoman literati. Yet curiously, about the capital of Istanbul, his hometown, Evliya says nothing specific about any interaction, besides that he had learned “fluent Greek and Latin” from a Christian goldsmith, to be able to read certain chronicles, and in exchange instructed Persian to the craftsman.
CHURCHBUILDING AT BIDDENHAM AND BOLNEY RECONSIDERED
Authors: Bernard G W
Published: March 2022

In a paper on the north aisle of St James, Biddenham, Bedfordshire, published in The Antiquaries Journal in 2015, in a related paper on the west tower of Bolney, West Sussex, and in a recent book, Church Building and Society in the Later Middle Ages, Gabriel Byng has questioned the typicality of church-rebuilding single-handedly directed and financed by wealthy individuals such as the Sussex knight Sir William de Etchingham. In a close study of Bolney and Biddenham, Byng argues instead that church-rebuilding ‘was run and financed by comparatively wealthy groups of peasants or townsfolk’. The case rests on Byng’s assessment of unusual surviving sources, a series of informal accounts for Bolney and a draft contract for Biddenham. This paper offers a rather different reading, and questions Byng’s claim. The decisive role at both was played by the lords, John Bolney at Bolney, and Sir William Butler at Biddenham.
The impact of exercise and cumulative physical activity on energy intake and diet quality in adults enrolled in the Midwest Exercise Trial for the Prevention of Weight Regain
Authors: Ptomey Lauren T. , Montgomery Robert N. , Gorczyca Anna M. , Szabo-Reed Amanda N. , Sullivan Debra K. , Hastert Mary , Foster Rachel N.S. , Washburn Richard A. , Donnelly Joseph E.
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study was to assess impact of different volumes of exercise as well as cumulative moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on energy intake (EI) and diet quality, as assessed by the Healthy Eating Index-2010(HEI-2010), across a 12-month weight maintenance intervention. Participants were asked to attend group behavioural sessions, eat a diet designed for weight maintenance and exercise either 150, 225 or 300 min/week. Dietary intake was assessed by 3-d food records, and MVPA was assessed by accelerometry. Two hundred and twenty-four participants (42·5 years of age, 82 % female) provided valid dietary data for at least one time point. There was no evidence of group differences in EI, total HEI-2010 score or any of the HEI-2010 component scores (all P > 0·05). After adjusting for age, sex, time, group and group-by-time interactions, there was an effect of cumulative MVPA on EI (1·08, P = 0·04), total HEI-2010 scores (–0·02, P = 0·003), Na (–0·006, P = 0·002) and empty energy scores (–0·007, P = 0·004. There was evidence of a small relationship between cumulative daily EI and weight (β: 0·00187, 95 % CI 0·001, P = 0·003). However, there was no evidence for a relationship between HEI total score (β: −0·006, 95 % CI 0·07, 0·06) or component scores (all P > 0·05) and change in weight across time. The results of this study suggest that increased cumulative MVPA is associated with clinically insignificant increases in EI and decreases in HEI.
n-3 PUFA can reduce IL-6 and TNF levels in patients with cancer
Authors: Guo Yongzhong , Ma Bo , Li Xinhua , Hui Hui , Zhou Yun , Li Na , Xie Xiaomei
Published: March 2022

Current studies on inhibitory effects of n-3 PUFA on pro-inflammatory cytokines have inconsistent results. Thus, a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials was conducted to identify the effects of n-3 PUFA administration on circulating IL-6 and TNF in patients with cancer. Studies that examined the effects of n-3 PUFA administration on circulating IL-6 and TNF in patients with cancer were identified by searching PubMed and EMBASE from January 1975 to February 2021. Differences in n-3 PUFA administration and control conditions were determined by calculating standardised mean differences (SMD) with 95 % CI. Twenty studies involving 971 patients met the inclusion criteria. The overall SMD were 0·485 (95 % CI 0·087, 0·883) for IL-6 and 0·712 (95 % CI 0·461, 0·962) for TNF between n-3 PUFA administration and control conditions. Sources of heterogeneity were not found through subgroup and meta-regression analyses. Publication bias was observed in TNF with a slight contribution to the effect size. n-3 PUFA can reduce circulating IL-6 and TNF levels in patients with cancer. Results supported the recommendation of n-3 PUFA as adjuvant therapy for patients with cancer, possibly excluding head and neck cancer, owing to their anti-inflammatory properties.