bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
National Surgical Healthcare Policy Development and Implementation: Where do We Stand in Africa?
Authors: Bekele Abebe , Alayande Barnabas Tobi , Powell Britany L. , Obi Nkeiruka , Seyi‐Olajide Justina O. , Riviello Robert R. , Ntirenganya Faustin , Ameh Emmanuel A. , Makasa Emmanuel M.
Published: August 2023

Background

National surgical policies have been increasingly adopted by African countries over the past decade. This report is intended to provide an overview of the current state of adoption of national surgical healthcare policies in Africa, and to draw a variety of lessons from representative surgical plans in order to support transnational learning.

Methods

Through a desk review of available African national surgical healthcare plans and written contributions from a committee comprising six African surgical policy development experts, a few key lessons from five healthcare plans were outlined and iteratively reviewed.

Results

The current state of national surgical healthcare policies across Africa was visually mapped, and lessons from a few compelling examples are highlighted. These include the power of initiative from Senegal; regional leadership from Zambia; contextualization, and renewal of commitment from Ethiopia; multidisciplinary focus and creation of multiple implementation entry points from Nigeria; partnerships and involvement of multiple stakeholders from Rwanda; and the challenge of surgical policy financing from Tanzania. The availability of global expertise, the power of global partnerships, and the critical role of health ministries and Ministers of Health in planning and implementation have also been highlighted.

Conclusions

Strategic planning for surgical healthcare improvement is at various stages across the continent, with potential for countries to learn from one another. Convenings of stakeholders and Ministers of Health from countries at various stages of strategic surgical plan development, execution, and evaluation can enhance African surgical policy development through the exchange of ideas, lessons, and experiences.
„Nun sag’, wie hast du’s mit der Klimakrise?“
Authors: Gebhardt Nadja , Saur Clara , Herrmann Beate , Friederich Hans-Christoph , Nikendei Christoph
Published: August 2023

Hintergrund

Der Klimawandel wirkt sich vielfach negativ auf die menschliche Gesundheit aus. Mit seinem Fortschreiten wird auch sein Einfluss auf die Arbeit von Psychotherapeut:innen immer deutlicher. Es ist unklar, inwieweit der Anspruch, die soziokulturelle Lebensgrundlage der Patient:innen zu erhalten, Einfluss auf die individuelle psychotherapeutische Behandlung haben kann oder sollte.

Fragestellung

Auf welche Art nimmt der Klimawandel Einfluss auf das psychotherapeutische Setting, und wie ist damit umzugehen?

Methoden

Verschiedene Szenarien der Thematisierung des Klimawandels durch Patient:in oder Therapeut:in werden vor dem Hintergrund der therapeutischen Beziehung und Normen und Werten in der Psychotherapie diskutiert.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Eine Thematisierung kann im Einklang mit dem Behandlungsauftrag und ethischen Richtlinien sein. Je nach Situation können verschiedene Normen und Werte konfligieren, und es obliegt den Therapeut:innen, diese abzuwägen.
Efficacy of co-loading Ag nanoparticles and metronidazole in PEG–gelatin-based sponges for the treatment of chronic wounds
Authors: Alven Sibusiso , Adeyemi S. A. , Ubanako P. , Ndinteh D. T. , Choonara Y. E. , Aderibigbe B. A.
Published: August 2023

Polymer-based sponges loaded with antibacterial agents are potential wound dressings ideal for treating bacteria-infected wounds. Gelatin/poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) sponge-based wound dressings loaded with metronidazole and Ag nanoparticles with different degrees of cross-linking were prepared, and their capability to treat infected wounds in vitro was evaluated. The degree of cross-linking of the sponges varied, and the porosity of the sponges was in the range of 15.64–91.10%. The amount of gelatin used to prepare the sponges influenced the porosity of the sponges. The sponges displayed an initial burst drug release of metronidazole followed by a sustained release profile. The sponges exhibited considerable antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The % cell viability of the sponges was in the range of 71.17–86.10%, indicating distinguished biocompatibility. The in vitro experiment showed that the sponge loaded with metronidazole, SAM2%, displayed a significant reduction of 66.68% in the scratch area compared to the sponge loaded with a combination of silver nanoparticles and metronidazole with a closure rate of 46.61% at 96 h. The promising features of the sponges indicate that they are potential wound dressings for treating infected wounds.
PlayNet: real-time handball play classification with Kalman embeddings and neural networks
Authors: Mures Omar A. , Taibo Javier , Padrón Emilio J. , Iglesias-Guitian Jose A.
Published: August 2023

Real-time play recognition and classification algorithms are crucial for automating video production and live broadcasts of sporting events. However, current methods relying on human pose estimation and deep neural networks introduce high latency on commodity hardware, limiting their usability in low-cost real-time applications. We present PlayNet, a novel approach to real-time handball play classification. Our method is based on Kalman embeddings, a new low-dimensional representation for game states that enables efficient operation on commodity hardware and customized camera layouts. Firstly, we leverage Kalman filtering to detect and track the main agents in the playing field, allowing us to represent them in a single normalized coordinate space. Secondly, we utilize a neural network trained in nonlinear dimensionality reduction through fuzzy topological data structure analysis. As a result, PlayNet achieves real-time play classification with under 55 ms of latency on commodity hardware, making it a promising addition to automated live broadcasting and game analysis pipelines.
A diet containing cod backbone proteins attenuated the development of mesangial sclerosis and tubular dysfunction in male obese BTBR ob/ob mice
Authors: O’Keeffe Maria , Oterhals Åge , Weishaupt Hrafn , Leh Sabine , Ulvik Arve , Ueland Per Magne , Halstensen Alfred , Marti Hans-Peter , Gudbrandsen Oddrun Anita
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The obese black and tan, brachyuric (BTBR) ob/ob mouse spontaneously develops features comparable to human diabetic nephropathy. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate if a diet containing fish proteins would attenuate or delay the development of glomerular hypertrophy (glomerulomegaly), mesangial sclerosis and albuminuria in obese BTBR ob/ob mice.

Methods

Obese BTBR.CgLepob/WiscJ male mice were fed diets containing 25% of protein from Atlantic cod backbones and 75% of protein from casein (Cod-BB group), or casein as the sole protein source (control group). Kidneys were analysed morphologically, and markers for renal dysfunction were analysed biochemically in urine and serum.

Results

The Cod-BB diet attenuated the development of mesangial sclerosis (P 0.040) without affecting the development of glomerular hypertrophy and albuminuria. The urine concentration of cystatin C (relative to creatinine) was lower in mice fed the Cod-BB diet (P 0.0044).

Conclusion

A diet containing cod backbone protein powder attenuated the development of mesangial sclerosis and tubular dysfunction in obese BTBR ob/ob mice, but did not prevent the development of glomerular hypertrophy and albuminuria in these mice.
NFSDense201: microstructure image classification based on non-fixed size patch division with pre-trained DenseNet201 layers
Authors: Barua Prabal Datta , Dogan Sengul , Kavuran Gurkan , Tuncer Turker , Tan Ru-San , Rajendra Acharya U.
Published: August 2023

In the field of nanoscience, the scanning electron microscope (SEM) is widely employed to visualize the surface topography and composition of materials. In this study, we present a novel SEM image classification model called NFSDense201, which incorporates several key components. Firstly, we propose a unique nested patch division approach that divides each input image into four patches of varying dimensions. Secondly, we utilize DenseNet201, a deep neural network pretrained on ImageNet1k, to extract 2920 deep features from the last fully connected and global average pooling layers. Thirdly, we introduce an iterative neighborhood component analysis function to select the most discriminative features from the merged feature vector, which is formed by concatenating the four feature vectors extracted per input image. This process results in a final feature vector of optimal length 698. Lastly, we employ a standard shallow support vector machine classifier to perform the actual classification. To evaluate the performance of NFSDense201, we conducted experiments using a large public SEM image dataset. The dataset consists of 972, 162, 326, 4590, 3820, 3925, 4755, 181, 917, and 1624.jpeg images belonging to the following microstructural categories: “biological,” “fibers,” “film-coated surfaces,” “MEMS devices and electrodes,” “nanowires,” “particles,” “pattern surfaces,” “porous sponge,” “powder,” and “tips,” respectively. For both four-class and ten-class classification tasks, we evaluated NFSDense201 using subsets of the dataset containing 5080 and 21,272 images, respectively. The results demonstrate the superior performance of NFSDense201, achieving a four-class classification accuracy rate of 99.53% and a ten-class classification accuracy rate of 97.09%. These accuracy rates compare favorably against previously published SEM image classification models. Additionally, we report the performance of NFSDense201 for each class in the dataset.
Analysis of the different influence between initial/boundary and physical perturbation during ensemble forecast of fog
Authors: Wang Xuelian , Qiu Xiaobin , Wu Bingui , Dong Qiru , Liu Lili , Li Yinghua , Tian Meng
Published: August 2023

To explore the different effects of initial/boundary condition (ICBC) and physical perturbation during fog ensemble forecast, ensemble forecast experiments are done for a heavy fog episode from December 31, 2016 to January 2, 2017. Three ensemble schemes [ICBC, multi-physics (MPY), and a combination of ICBC and MPY (COM)] were compared. Their forecast performances are analyzed in detail and compared with the reference deterministic forecast. The results show that all ensemble schemes, especially the COM, are able to noticeably improve fog prediction. The TS score of ensemble-based fog forecast with 50% probability threshold is higher than that of the control deterministic prediction by ~ 26%. Compared with the ICBC scheme, the MPY scheme can produce a larger ensemble spread and has more skill in fog and the near-surface variables forecast. When ICBC and MPY are combined (the COM scheme), the ensemble spread is enhanced and the prediction performance is also further improved. The sensitivity experiments of different physical parameterization schemes are also analyzed among microphysics, planetary boundary layer, and land surface. The fog forecast is found to be most sensitive to the land surface scheme, followed by planetary boundary layer scheme, and the least sensitive to microphysics.
Imperfect collusion in monitored markets with free entry
Authors: von Auer Ludwig , Pham Tu Anh
Published: August 2023

Surveys of antitrust cases reveal that colluding firms usually (1) attempt to minimise the risk of prosecution, (2) achieve merely imperfect levels of collusion, (3) compete against some independently acting firms, and (4) adjust to market entries and exits. In contrast, existing oligopoly models neglect some of the four listed stylised facts and, thus, overlook important interdependencies between them. Therefore, the present paper develops a general quantity leadership model that simultaneously accommodates all four stylised facts. The model is a three-stage game in which each firm must make three consecutive decisions: market entry or not, collusion or not, and output quantity. The framework is augmented by an antitrust authority that ensures free market access. In addition, the antitrust authority may directly obstruct collusion and it may threaten prosecution. The results of this study indicate that the latter two instruments are rather ineffective.
Beziehung zwischen Operationszeit und Komplikationsrate nach endovaskulären Interventionen bei Patienten mit PAVK
Authors: Lisii C. , Heckenkamp J. , Sunderdiek U. , Debus E. S. , Grundmann R. T.
Published: August 2023

Fragestellung

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird die Beziehung zwischen Operationszeit und postoperativen Komplikationen bei endovaskulärer Versorgung von Patienten mit Claudicatio intermittens (IC) und kritischer Extremitätenischämie (CLI) geprüft.

Material und Methode

Es wurden retrospektive Daten von 398 Patienten analysiert, die in der Zeit von 2016 bis 2018 am Marienhospital Osnabrück einem interventionellen Eingriff wegen IC (n = 274) oder CLI (n = 119) unterzogen wurden. Überprüft wurden perioperative und Spätkomplikationen sowie die jeweilige Operationszeit.

Ergebnisse

Die perioperative Komplikationsrate betrug über alle Stadien 18,6 % und die Spätkomplikationsrate, definiert als Komplikationsrate nach 1 Jahr, 34,5 %. Die perioperative Komplikationsrate betrug bei IC 14,2 % und bei CLI 28,6 % (p < 0,001), die Spätkomplikationsrate machte bei IC 26 % und bei CLI 54,8 % aus (p < 0,001). Im Gesamtkrankengut dauerten die Eingriffe, die mit einer periinterventionellen Komplikation assoziiert waren, 13,1 min länger als die Eingriffe ohne Komplikationen (58,1 min vs. 71,2 min, p = 0,023). Patienten ohne periinterventionelle Komplikationen blieben im Mittel 3,07 Tage stationär, Patienten mit periinterventionellen Komplikationen 8,08 Tage (p < 0,001). Eine signifikante Beziehung zwischen Dauer der Eingriffszeit und Länge des Krankenhausaufenthalts wurde beobachtet (R = 0,141, p = 0,005).

Schlussfolgerung

In der aktuellen Untersuchung konnte eine Korrelation zwischen Länge der Operationszeit und Höhe der Komplikationsrate beobachtet werden. Eingriffe bei CLI dauerten signifikant länger als bei IC und die Eingriffszeit ließ sich zu der Krankenhausaufenthaltsdauer korrelieren. Die Interventionszeit sollte standardmäßig ausgewertet werden, um Eingriffe zu definieren, die unter Umständen auch ambulant oder tageschirurgisch vorgenommen werden können.
Exploration of trade-offs between NVH and efficiency in bevel gear design
Authors: Grabovic Eugeniu , Artoni Alessio , Gabiccini Marco , Ciulli Enrico
Published: August 2023

Minimizing NVH and friction-induced power losses is becoming paramount in the design of geared transmissions. The aim of this paper is to present an automatic methodology to explore Pareto-optimal designs of bevel gears when minimization of noise and frictional losses is essential. In the first part, a semi-empirical model to estimate frictional power losses under elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication is described. The model has been validated against experimental data available in the literature in previous works by the authors. The efficiency calculation is coupled with a state-of-the-art loaded tooth contact analysis (LTCA) tool to obtain accurate predictions of the instantaneous load shared by the mating tooth pairs during the meshing cycle. In the second part, an automatic framework based on multi-objective optimization (MOO) is presented where the tooth micro-geometry is systematically designed. The design variables are represented by few coefficients of a polynomial basis that embodies the tooth flank ease-off topography. To ensure manufacturability, the polynomial modifications are projected onto the feasible set of the machine-tool envelopes. This step is achieved through a state-of-the-art identification algorithm that the authors have developed in previous work. Frictional losses are estimated with the aforementioned model, whereas the NVH level is measured by the loaded transmission error (LTE), directly available from the simulation tool. The maximum contact pressures are limited by the material properties, thus proper nonlinear constraints are prescribed. Application to a test case involving the design of a spiral bevel gearset reveals that the methodology presented allows the designer to obtain Pareto-optimal solutions in a systematic and automatic manner.
Crossed helical gears—simulative studies and experimental results on non-involute geometries
Authors: Becker Linda , Tenberge Peter
Published: August 2023

Crossed helical gear units generally consist of a steel worm and a plastic helical gear with an axis crossing angle. Due to the high transmission ratio in a small installation space, they are used in auxiliary and actuating gears such as in window regulators, assembly lines, household appliances and positioning tasks. This paper deals with a calculation approach for crossed helical gears to include non-involute flank geometries for new and optimized gearboxes. The geometry derivation for general flank contours based on a polynomial and extends the geometric possibilities beyond the special case of the involute form. The use of principal curvatures and principal curvature directions to describe freely curved surface geometries enables the calculation of flank pressures, efficiency and sliding paths in the entire contact area. Previous studies confirmed the advantages in the mentioned load characteristics for geometries deviating from the involute. Furthermore, parameter studies show the influences of the individual design parameters and demonstrate the effects on operating behavior, with those a design recommendation for crossed helical gear units with general flank geometries can be created. ZC and ZC‑S geometries are used as calculation examples. With regard to the use of these new geometries in applications, manufacturing is a crucial aspect. Grinding disc parameters as well as a three-roll size to control the worm manufacturing for general flank geometries are necessary and described below. In addition to the theoretical calculation, a ZC crossed helical gear geometry was designed, manufactured and compared to a ZI reference gear in test rigs. This confirmed the advantages in load-carrying capacity and efficiency increase resulting from the calculation and proved the benefits.
Pilot study on the probability of drug-drug interactions among direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and antiseizure medications (ASMs): a clinical perspective
Authors: Ranzato Federica , Roberti Roberta , Deluca Cristina , Carta Mariarosa , Peretti Alessia , Polo Diana , Perini Francesco , Russo Emilio , Di Gennaro Gianfranco
Published: August 2023

Background

There is little and controversial information about changes in plasma concentrations (PCs) or clinical events during coadministration of antiseizure medications (ASMs) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). We aimed to explore possible determinants of dosage class among DOACs trough PCs when ASMs are co-administered and the relative risks. We also provided some clinical examples of patients’ management.

Methods

Data on adult patients concomitantly treated with ASMs (grouped in enzyme-inducing [I-ASMs], non-inducing [nI-ASMs], and levetiracetam [LEV]) and DOACs with at least one measurement of DOACs’ PC were retrospectively collected. The role of DOAC-ASM combinations in predicting PC class (ranging from I at ischemic/thromboembolic risk to IV at increased bleeding risk) was investigated by an ordered logit model, and the marginal probabilities of belonging to the four dosage classes were calculated.

Results

We collected 46 DOACs’ PCs out of 31 patients. There were 5 (10.9%) determinations in class I (4 out of 5 with concomitant I-ASMs) and 5 (10.9%) in class IV. The rivaroxaban/I-ASM combination was associated with lower DOAC dosages than rivaroxaban/LEV (OR: 0.00; 95% CI: 0.00–0.62). Furthermore, patient’s probability of being in class I was approximately 50% with the rivaroxaban/I-ASM combination, while apixaban, dabigatran, and edoxaban had the highest cumulative probability of being in class II or III despite the ASM used.

Conclusion

These preliminary results confirm the reduction of DOAC’s PC by I-ASMs and suggest a better manageability of apixaban, dabigatran, and edoxaban independently from the concomitant ASM, whereas rivaroxaban seems the most liable to PC alterations with I-ASMs.
The use of machine learning techniques for assessing the potential of organizational resilience
Authors: Ewertowski Tomasz , Güldoğuş Buse Çisil , Kuter Semih , Akyüz Süreyya , Weber Gerhard-Wilhelm , Sadłowska-Wrzesińska Joanna , Racek Elżbieta
Published: August 2023

Organizational resilience (OR) increases when the company has the ability to anticipate, plan, make decisions, and react quickly to changes and disruptions. Thus the company should focus on the creation and implementation of proactive and innovative solutions. Proactive processing of information requires modern technological solutions and new techniques used. The main focus of this study is to propose the best technique of Machine Learning (ML) in the context of accuracy for predicting the attributes of the organizational resilience potential. Based on the calculations, the research includes estimating them through the applications of regression and machine learning methods. The dataset is obtained from the results of the our survey based on the questionnaire consisting of 48 items mainly established on OR attributes formed on ISO 22316:2017 standard. Based on the outcomes of the study, it can be stated that the optimal technique in the context of accuracy for predicting the attributes of the organizational resilience potential is ensemble methods. The k-nearest neighbor (KNN) filtering-based data pre-processing technique for stacked ensemble classifier is used. The stacking is achieved with three base classifiers namely Random Forest (RF), Naive Bayes (NB), and Support Vector Machine (SVM). The chosen ensemble method should be implemented in an organization systemically according to the circle of innovation, and should support the quality of managerial decision-making process by increasing the accuracy of organizational resilience potential prediction, and indication of the importance of attributes and factors affecting the potential for organizational resilience.
Addition of docetaxel to S-1 results in significantly superior 5-year survival outcomes in Stage III gastric cancer: a final report of the JACCRO GC-07 study
Authors: Kodera Yasuhiro , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Kochi Mitsugu , Sano Takeshi , Ichikawa Wataru , Kakeji Yoshihiro , Sunakawa Yu , Takeuchi Masahiro , Fujii Masashi
Published: August 2023

Purpose

A phase III trial comparing S-1 and docetaxel with S-1 alone as postoperative chemotherapy for pathologically Stage III gastric cancer was conducted and clarified the superiority of the doublet in terms of 3-year relapse-free survival as the primary endpoint (67.7% versus 57.4%, hazard ratio [HR] 0.715, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.587–0.871; p = 0.0008). This final report analyzed 5-year survival outcomes along with the incidence and pattern of late recurrences.

Patients and methods

Patients with histologically confirmed Stage III gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy were randomly assigned to receive adjuvant chemotherapy with either S-1 plus docetaxel or S-1 alone. The same 912 patients who were evaluated for 3-year survival outcomes in the previous report were analyzed.

Results

Five-year overall survival rate of the S-1 plus docetaxel group (67.91%) was significantly superior to that in the S-1 group (60.27%; HR 0.752, 95% CI 0.613–0.922; p = 0.0059). The incidence of late recurrence at > 3 years after randomization was similar in both groups (7.3% versus 7.2%). Peritoneal dissemination was the most common pattern of late recurrence. Addition of docetaxel significantly suppressed relapse through the lymphatic (6.8% [95% CI 4.52–9.17] versus 15% [95% CI 11.76–18.30]; p < 0.0001) and hematogenous (10.2% [95% CI 7.37–12.94] versus 15.7% [95% CI 12.36–19.01]; p < 0.0137) pathways throughout the 5 years of follow-up.

Conclusion

The survival benefit of postoperative chemotherapy with S-1 and docetaxel in terms of 5-year overall survival rate was confirmed for patients with pathologically Stage III gastric cancer, although late recurrences were not prevented.
Applicability Evaluation of Full-Reference Image Quality Assessment Methods for Computed Tomography Images
Authors: Ohashi Kohei , Nagatani Yukihiro , Yoshigoe Makoto , Iwai Kyohei , Tsuchiya Keiko , Hino Atsunobu , Kida Yukako , Yamazaki Asumi , Ishida Takayuki
Published: August 2023

Image quality assessments (IQA) are an important task for providing appropriate medical care. Full-reference IQA (FR-IQA) methods, such as peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity (SSIM), are often used to evaluate imaging conditions, reconstruction conditions, and image processing algorithms, including noise reduction and super-resolution technology. However, these IQA methods may be inapplicable for medical images because they were designed for natural images. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between objective assessment by some FR-IQA methods and human subjective assessment for computed tomography (CT) images. For evaluation, 210 distorted images were created from six original images using two types of degradation: noise and blur. We employed nine widely used FR-IQA methods for natural images: PSNR, SSIM, feature similarity (FSIM), information fidelity criterion (IFC), visual information fidelity (VIF), noise quality measure (NQM), visual signal-to-noise ratio (VSNR), multi-scale SSIM (MSSSIM), and information content-weighted SSIM (IWSSIM). Six observers performed subjective assessments using the double stimulus continuous quality scale (DSCQS) method. The performance of IQA methods was quantified using Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient (PLCC), Spearman rank order correlation coefficient (SROCC), and root-mean-square error (RMSE). Nine FR-IQA methods developed for natural images were all strongly correlated with the subjective assessment (PLCC and SROCC > 0.8), indicating that these methods can apply to CT images. Particularly, VIF had the best values for all three items, PLCC, SROCC, and RMSE. These results suggest that VIF provides the most accurate alternative measure to subjective assessments for CT images.
Tree growth rate under urban limiting conditions
Authors: Muscas Desirée , Fornaciari Marco , Proietti Chiara , Ruga Luigia , Orlandi Fabio
Published: August 2023

The benefits of green areas mostly depend on the trees’ dimension, which in the urban environment is not as predictable as it is in woodland. Growth models based on tree height and tree diameter at breast height have been largely employed to predict tree growth also in urbanised contexts. However, city environments differ from natural ones, and in addition to geographical influence, they present high variability in growth conditions within a few metres. Different urban conditions may influence tree vertical and diametral growth. The present study aims to jointly consider the effect of urban environment, maintenance practices and available space on the size growth of some tree species. Dendrometrical, space, management and status parameters of the sampled trees were collected during field surveys 14 years apart. Tree height and diameter at breast height data interpolations were realised and charted by an open-source graphing calculator to build three different growth equations (linear, logarithmic and logistic) for each of the five species considered regardless of tree growth conditions. The comparison between the comprehensive best-fitting models realised within this study and a USA inventory-based study highlighted quite similar tree growth trends, probably due to the consideration of both constrained and unconstrained trees. Furthermore, a study on the curves of same-growth condition trees of the same species was conducted. Generally, heavy pruning techniques such as control and pollard pruning, characterised by the removal of a consistent part of the tree crown, stand out as the main growth-limiting factor for the different species.
Longitudinal Examination of Sexual Risk Behavior in College Students With and Without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Weyandt Lisa , DuPaul George J. , Shepard Emily , Labban Jeffrey D. , Francis Alyssa , Beatty Avery , Anastopoulos Arthur D.
Published: August 2023

The present study sought to identify differences in the rates and predictors of risky sexual behavior among college students with and without attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Current ADHD diagnosis, medication status among those with ADHD, executive functioning, substance use, comorbid anxiety, comorbid depression, and gender were identified as potential predictors of increased risky sexual behavior. Multiple group latent growth curve modeling was used to estimate trajectories of risky sexual behavior across four years of college among college students with ADHD (nmedicated = 99, nunmedicated = 105) and a comparison group (n = 217) recruited from colleges throughout the eastern United States (M age = 18.23 years, 53% female, 70% White). First-year college students with ADHD reported significantly higher rates of sexual risk behavior than their peers without ADHD, with no significant differences found based on medication status. Students with ADHD who were taking medication for ADHD reported significant decreases in risky sexual behavior over time. Among college students with ADHD, anxiety was related to increased current risky sexual behavior in the medicated group, while depression was predictive of decreased future risky sexual behavior in the unmedicated group. Alcohol and cannabis use were significantly associated with increased mean levels of risky sexual behavior across all three groups, and cannabis use was associated with decreased future risky sexual behavior within the comparison group. Executive functioning deficits and male gender were predictive of risky sexual behavior within the comparison group. The results demonstrate that college students with ADHD, regardless of medication status, are at an increased likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behavior.
Incorporating Collaborative and Active Learning Strategies in the Design and Deployment of a Master Course on Computer-Assisted Scientific Translation
Authors: Zappatore Marco
Published: August 2023

This research aims to address the current gaps in computer-assisted translation (CAT) courses offered in bachelor’s and master’s programmes in scientific and technical translation (STT). A multi-framework course design methodology is proposed to support CAT teachers from the computer engineering field, improve student engagement, and promote computer-supported education, together with a balanced coverage of the most relevant topics in the CAT domain. STT is currently in high demand in many fields, requiring translators with sector-specific language skills and considerable computer literacy in order to manage translation projects with complex structures, and format heterogeneity. However, many STT curricula often lag behind current market demands, focusing primarily on language and translation theory, with less emphasis on CAT technologies and tools. Moreover, the lack of shared course design guidelines hinders the introduction of innovative teaching approaches based on collaborative learning. A novel multi-framework CAT course design methodology, named CATDeM, is proposed, based on the integration between an official European translation competence framework, real-life-mimicking laboratorial activities, and computer-supported collaborative learning, enriched with discussion case studies and role-playing experiences. A real-life case study is examined to illustrate and evaluate the implementation of CATDeM in two consecutive editions (2020/2021 and 2021/2022) of a one-semester compulsory CAT course in a M.A. degree in STT at the University of Salento (Italy). Students’ perceptions of translation technology and role-plays, as well as their attitudes towards the proposed CAT course are evaluated through a post-grading self-assessment questionnaire. Achieved results indicated successful student engagement and self-assessed improvement in translation, technical, and interpersonal skills. The importance given by students to role-playing experiences mimicking professional scenarios was also highlighted, paving the way for CATDeM to be adopted in similar contexts.
Composition and growth mechanism of nanoporous anodic fluoride films on stainless steel
Authors: Conde A. , Voces D. , de Damborenea J. J. , Arenas M. A.
Published: August 2023

Anodizing of 304L stainless steel performed in ethylene glycol solution containing 0.1 M NH4F and 0.1 M H2O at constant voltage under static conditions at 5 °C results in the formation of porous anodic films. Several analysis techniques revealed a rather complex composition of the anodic layer for stainless steel compared to that reported in the literature for iron in the same anodizing conditions. Contrary to what might be expected, the anodic layers consist mainly of iron and chromium fluorides rather than oxides. Furthermore, the multilayer fitting of the Rutherford Backscattered spectroscopy shows a decreasing content of chromium and nickel fluorides from the outermost layer to the innermost layer at the metal/film interface, which is composed only of iron fluoride. Film-assisted dissolution mechanisms and the Gibbs-free energy appear to be responsible for the cation distribution and compounds formed throughout the anodic film. In addition, the thickness and final composition of the anodic layer appear to be dependent on the cleaning process carried out after the anodizing.

Graphical abstract
Valorization of potato starch wastewater using anaerobic acidification coupled with Chlorella sorokiniana cultivation
Authors: Mohamadnia Sonia , Thygesen Anders , Ghofrani-Isfahani Parisa , Monachese Anna Pia , Valverde-Pérez Borja , Angelidaki Irini
Published: August 2023

Wastewater from the potato processing industry called protamylasse is rich in proteins and carbohydrates that potentially can be valorized through cultivation of microalgae by mixotrophic metabolism. However, the complex organic compounds are a challenge, as algae grow best on simple compounds such as volatile fatty acids (VFA). This study demonstrates a new two-stage system. First, VFA production was achieved by testing mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic acidification (AA) at a short hydraulic retention time (HRT; 3.3 and 5 days) resulting in the release of ammonium and phosphate. HRT of 5 days and thermophilic conditions was optimal considering the high acetate yield of 0.23 g and 22 ml CH4 per g volatile solids (VS). Then, Chlorella sorokiniana was chosen based on the obtained growth rate, and better adaption in ammonium-rich AA effluent after screening several tested microalgae (Chlorella sorokiniana, Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus obliquus, and Haematococcus pluvialis). It was cultivated for valorization of nutrients and organics and successfully upscaled to 25 L photobioreactor (PBR) scale under both batch and continuous operation with high dosage of 25% (8.2 g L−1 of VS) of AA effluent at an HRT of 5 days in the PBR. Chlorella sorokiniana removed more than 99% of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and the VFA during continuous flow PBR operation. This approach contributed to the final removal efficiency of 71%, 91%, and 78% for phosphorus, nitrate, and ammonia, respectively, and production of microalgae biomass with more than 73% protein. Thus, a promising process for simultaneous treatment of high strength wastewater for microalgal protein production.
Ni/Al multilayer reactions on nanostructured silicon substrates
Authors: Jaekel Konrad , Sauni Camposano Yesenia Haydee , Matthes Sebastian , Glaser Marcus , Schaaf Peter , Bergmann Jean Pierre , Müller Jens , Bartsch Heike
Published: August 2023

Fast energy release, which is a fundamental property of reactive multilayer systems, can be used in a wide field of applications. For most applications, a self-propagating reaction and adhesion between the multilayers and substrate are necessary. In this work, a distinct approach for achieving self-propagating reactions and adhesion between deposited Ni/Al reactive multilayers and silicon substrate is demonstrated. The silicon surface consists of random structures, referred to as silicon grass, which were created by deep reactive ion etching. Using the etching process, structure units of heights between 8 and 13 µm and density between 0.5 and 3.5 structures per µm2 were formed. Ni and Al layers were alternatingly deposited in the stoichiometric ratio of 1:1 using sputtering, to achieve a total thickness of 5 µm. The analysis of the reaction and phase transformation was done with high-speed camera, high-speed pyrometer, and X-ray diffractometer. Cross-sectional analysis showed that the multilayers grew only on top of the silicon grass in the form of inversed cones, which enabled adhesion between the silicon grass and the reacted multilayers. A self-propagating reaction on silicon grass was achieved, due to the thermally isolating air pockets present around these multilayer cones. The velocity and temperature of the reaction varied according to the structure morphology. The reaction parameters decreased with increasing height and decreasing density of the structures. To analyze the exact influence of the morphology, further investigations are needed.
A Narrative Review of the Neurological Manifestations of Human Adenosine Deaminase 2 Deficiency
Authors: Dzhus Mariia , Ehlers Lisa , Wouters Marjon , Jansen Katrien , Schrijvers Rik , De Somer Lien , Vanderschueren Steven , Baggio Marco , Moens Leen , Verhaaren Benjamin , Lories Rik , Bucciol Giorgia , Meyts Isabelle
Published: August 2023

Deficiency of human adenosine deaminase type 2 (DADA2) is a complex systemic autoinflammatory disorder characterized by vasculopathy, immune dysregulation, and hematologic abnormalities. The most notable neurological manifestations of DADA2 are strokes that can manifest with various neurological symptoms and are potentially fatal. However, neurological presentations can be diverse. We here present a review of the neurological manifestations of DADA2 to increase clinical awareness of DADA2 as the underlying diagnosis. We reviewed all published cases of DADA2 from 1 January 2014 until 19 July 2022 found via PubMed. A total of 129 articles describing the clinical features of DADA2 were included in the analysis. Six hundred twenty-eight patients diagnosed with DADA2 were included in the review. 50.3% of patients had at least signs of one reported neurological event, which was the initial or sole manifestation in 5.7% and 0.6%, respectively. 77.5% of patients with neurological manifestations had at least signs of one cerebrovascular accident, with lacunar strokes being the most common and 35.9% of them having multiple stroke episodes. There is a remarkable predilection for the brain stem and deep gray matter, with 37.3% and 41.6% of ischemic strokes, respectively. Other neurological involvement included neuropathies, focal neurological deficits, ophthalmological findings, convulsions, and headaches. In summary, neurological manifestations affect a significant proportion of patients with DADA2, and the phenotype is broad. Neurological manifestations can be the first and single manifestation of DADA2. Therefore, stroke, encephalitis, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, mononeuropathy and polyneuropathy, and Behçet’s disease-like presentations should prompt the neurologist to exclude DADA2, especially but not only in childhood.
Collaborative PrEP Implementation Strategies for Latino Men Who have Sex with Men: A Health Center-Community Consensus Process
Authors: Ross Jonathan , Betancourt Gabriela S. , Andrade Elí A. , Klein Augustus , Marrero Lissette , Morales Gustavo A. , Rivera Sage , Watnick Dana L. , Patel Viraj V.
Published: August 2023

Community-based organizations (CBOs) deliver services in culturally-responsive ways, and could effectively partner with health centers to deliver HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to Latino men who have sex with men (LMSM). However, few such models exist. We conducted a planning study in collaboration with three CBOs serving LMSM to identify optimal PrEP delivery strategies for health centers and CBOs to implement jointly. We established a Community Expert Panel (CEP) of eight client-facing CBO and health center staff. Over 6 months, the panel met monthly to identify collaborative strategies for PrEP delivery, using a modified Delphi method consisting of the following steps: (1) brainstorming strategies; (2) rating strategies on acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility; (3) review of data from qualitative focus group discussions with CBO clients; and (4) final strategy selection. The panel initially identified 25 potential strategies spread across three categories: improving communication between health centers and CBOs; using low-barrier PrEP options (e.g. telemedicine), and developing locally-relevant, culturally-sensitive outreach materials. Focus groups with CBO clients highlighted a desire for flexible options for PrEP-related care and emphasized trust in CBOs. The final package of strategies consisted of: (1) a web-based referral tool; (2) telemedicine appointments; (3) geographically-convenient options for lab specimen collection; (4) tailored print and social media; and (5) regular coaching sessions with CBO staff. Through a community-engaged process, we identified a package of PrEP delivery strategies that CBOs and health centers can implement in partnership, which have the potential to overcome barriers to PrEP for LMSM.
A Meshfree Collocation Scheme for Surface Differential Operators on Point Clouds
Authors: Singh Abhinav , Foggia Alejandra , Incardona Pietro , Sbalzarini Ivo F.
Published: August 2023

We present a meshfree collocation scheme to discretize intrinsic surface differential operators over scalar fields on smooth curved surfaces with given normal vectors and a non-intersecting tubular neighborhood. The method is based on discretization-corrected particle strength exchange (DC-PSE), which generalizes finite difference methods to meshfree point clouds. The proposed Surface DC-PSE method is derived from an embedding theorem, but we analytically reduce the operator kernels along surface normals to obtain a purely intrinsic computational scheme over surface point clouds. We benchmark Surface DC-PSE by discretizing the Laplace–Beltrami operator on a circle and a sphere, and we present convergence results for both explicit and implicit solvers. We then showcase the algorithm on the problem of computing Gauss and mean curvature of an ellipsoid and of the Stanford Bunny by approximating the intrinsic divergence of the normal vector field. Finally, we compare Surface DC-PSE with surface finite elements (SFEM) and diffuse-interface finite elements (DI FEM) in a validation case.
Recycling Construction, Renovation, and Demolition Plastic Waste: Review of the Status Quo, Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Santos Guadalupe , Esmizadeh Elnaz , Riahinezhad Marzieh
Published: August 2023

End-of-life treatment of construction, renovation, and demolition (CRD) plastic waste generated from day-to-day applications of plastics in the construction industry can negatively impact the environment if not handled properly. Addressing this issue is crucial considering the current unprecedented increasing rate of the use of plastics in the construction industry all over the world. Globally, the current option for managing CRD plastic waste is mainly landfill due to inadequate guidelines and standards, avoidance of risk, and lack of knowledge and experience in recycling CRD plastic waste. This trend counteracts the efforts towards a circular economy and crude oil independency. Therefore, developing commercially feasible end-of-use recycling technologies is indispensable to guarantee a sustainable future for the plastics employed in the construction sector. Despite the high theoretical recyclability of the plastics, recycling CRD plastic waste is economically unattractive since the material is contaminated and difficult to sort and separate. In addition, the cost of recycling is hardly recovered because of the material’s low value.

This paper reviews the status quo, technologies, challenges, barriers, opportunities and recent initiatives on recycling CRD plastic waste. The paper identifies the framework and technology modifications required to overcome the current obstacles to implementing commercial-scale recycling. It emphasizes the importance of establishing an effective collection network, imposing price signals by authorities to impress landfilling of CRD plastic waste, and developing policies and regulations to enforce manufacturers to take end-of-life responsibilities by up-designing the product considering facilitated recycling. The paper concludes with a focus on investigating recent global state-of-art measures taken to tackle barriers against CRD plastic waste recycling. This study will assist the plastic construction sector with manufacturing, recycling, policymaking, benchmarking purposes, and implementation considering environmental and economic benefits.
Mixing phase behavior of trilaurin and monounsaturated triacylglycerols based on palmitic and oleic fatty acids
Authors: Macridachis Jorge , Bayés-García Laura , Calvet Teresa
Published: August 2023

Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction were used to examine the mixing phase behavior of LLL (trilaurin or 1,2,3-trilauroyl-glycerol) and POP (1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-oleoyl-glycerol), PPO (1,2-dipalmitoyl-3-oleoyl-rac-glycerol), or the 50POP/50PPO blend able to form a molecular compound. This research aims to provide an insight into the molecular interactions ruling the physical behavior of fat blends of lauric (i.e., coconut oil) and non-lauric lipids (cocoa butter, palm oil, etc.). The results showed eutectic behavior and no mutual solubility of triacylglycerols in stable LLL/POP and LLL/PPO mixtures. Applying high-rate cooling treatments had a positive effect on miscibility, but the high incompatibility of the components due to differences in length and degree of unsaturation of fatty acids was still evident in metastable polymorphs. In ternary LLL/(50POP/50PPO) mixtures, on the other hand, molecular compound β-2L crystals formed by POP and PPO showed to favor the solubility of LLL as compared to the binary systems. Accordingly, promoting the presence of triacylglycerols forming molecular compound in specific fat blends may help reducing eutectic or incompatible interactions among triacylglycerol molecules in the solid state. These lead to phase separation and are a major cause of the restricted applicability of lauric oils in the confectionery and chocolate industries.
Tensor completion with noisy side information
Authors: Bertsimas Dimitris , Pawlowski Colin
Published: August 2023

We develop a new model for tensor completion which incorporates noisy side information available on the rows and columns of a 3-dimensional tensor. This method learns a low rank representation of the data along with regression coefficients for the observed noisy features. Given this model, we propose an efficient alternating minimization algorithm to find high-quality solutions that scales to large data sets. Through extensive computational experiments, we demonstrate that this method leads to significant gains in out-of-sample accuracy filling in missing values in both simulated and real-world data. We consider the problem of imputing drug response in three large-scale anti-cancer drug screening data sets: the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC), the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), and the Genentech Cell Line Screening Initiative (GCSI). On imputation tasks with 20% to 80% missing data, we show that the proposed method matches or outperforms state-of-the-art methods including the original tensor model and a multilevel mixed effects model. With 80% missing data, improves the $$R^2$$

R
2

from 0.404 to 0.552 in the GDSC data set, 0.407 to 0.524 in the CCLE data set, and 0.331 to 0.453 in the GCSI data set compared to the tensor model which does not take into account genomic side information.