bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon‐based anode materials for potassium‐ion batteries: From material, mechanism to performance
Authors: Zhou Jinhui , Guo Shaojun
Published: June 2021

Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) show great potential in the application of large‐scale energy storage devices due to the comparable high operating voltage with lithium‐ion batteries and lower cost. Carbon‐based materials are promising candidates as anodes for PIBs, for their low cost, high abundance, nontoxicity, environmental benignity, and sustainability. In this review, we will first discuss the potassium storage mechanisms of graphitic and defective carbon materials and carbon‐based composites with various compositions and microstructures to comprehensively understand the potassium storage behavior. Then, several strategies based on heteroatoms doping, unique nanostructure design, and introduction of the conductive matrix to form composites are proposed to optimize the carbon‐based materials and achieve high performance for PIBs. Finally, we conclude the existing challenges and perspectives for further development of carbon‐based materials, which is believed to promote the practical application of PIBs in the future.
Preparation of magnetic zeolite/chitosan composite using silane as modifier for adsorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions
Authors: Liu Xiaoqi , Liu Yan , Zhang Ting'an
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to prepare an efficient, cost‐effective, and separable magnetic zeolite/chitosan composite (MZFA/CS) adsorbent from solid waste to deal with the water pollution of Cr(VI). The MZFA/CS was characterized by X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) techniques. Then, the effect of pH, temperature, initial concentration of Cr(VI) ions, and contact time was considered in the study. For a sorbent dose of 0.1 g in 50 mL of a Cr(VI) solution, at a contact time of 30 min, temperature of 30°C, and a pH of 3, an adsorption capacity (qe) of 16.96 mg g−1 was achieved. Adsorption kinetics and isotherm data obtained for all adsorption systems were well‐fitted by pseudo‐second‐order and Langmuir models, respectively. The thermodynamic study suggested that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic in nature. In summary, the adsorbent with better separability (Ms = 16.83 emu g−1) and adsorbability was successfully fabricated.
Effective Solution of Ill-Posed Inverse Problems with Stabilized Forward Solver
Authors: Łoś Marcin , Schaefer Robert , Smołka Maciej
Published: June 2021

We consider inverse parametric problems for elliptic variational PDEs. They are solved through the minimization of misfit functionals. Main difficulties encountered consist in the misfit multimodality and insensitivity as well as in the weak conditioning of the direct (forward) problem, that therefore requires stabilization. A complex multi-population memetic strategy hp-HMS combined with the Petrov-Galerkin method stabilized by the Demkowicz operator is proposed to overcome obstacles mentioned above. This paper delivers the theoretical motivation for the common inverse/forward error scaling, that can reduce significantly the computational cost of the whole strategy. A short illustrative numerical example is attached at the end of the paper.
Accounting for epistasis improves genomic prediction of phenotypes with univariate and bivariate models across environments
Authors: Vojgani Elaheh , Pook Torsten , Martini Johannes W. R. , Hölker Armin C. , Mayer Manfred , Schön Chris-Carolin , Simianer Henner
Published: June 2021

Key Message

The accuracy of genomic prediction of phenotypes can be increased by including the top-ranked pairwise SNP interactions into the prediction model.

We compared the predictive ability of various prediction models for a maize dataset derived from 910 doubled haploid lines from two European landraces (Kemater Landmais Gelb and Petkuser Ferdinand Rot), which were tested at six locations in Germany and Spain. The compared models were Genomic Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (GBLUP) as an additive model, Epistatic Random Regression BLUP (ERRBLUP) accounting for all pairwise SNP interactions, and selective Epistatic Random Regression BLUP (sERRBLUP) accounting for a selected subset of pairwise SNP interactions. These models have been compared in both univariate and bivariate statistical settings for predictions within and across environments. Our results indicate that modeling all pairwise SNP interactions into the univariate/bivariate model (ERRBLUP) is not superior in predictive ability to the respective additive model (GBLUP). However, incorporating only a selected subset of interactions with the highest effect variances in univariate/bivariate sERRBLUP can increase predictive ability significantly compared to the univariate/bivariate GBLUP. Overall, bivariate models consistently outperform univariate models in predictive ability. Across all studied traits, locations and landraces, the increase in prediction accuracy from univariate GBLUP to univariate sERRBLUP ranged from 5.9 to 112.4 percent, with an average increase of 47 percent. For bivariate models, the change ranged from −0.3 to + 27.9 percent comparing the bivariate sERRBLUP to the bivariate GBLUP, with an average increase of 11 percent. This considerable increase in predictive ability achieved by sERRBLUP may be of interest for “sparse testing” approaches in which only a subset of the lines/hybrids of interest is observed at each location.
Grain flash temperatures in diamond wire sawing of silicon
Authors: Pala Uygar , Süssmaier Stefan , Wegener Konrad
Published: June 2021

Diamond wire sawing has obtained 90% of the single-crystal silicon–based photovoltaic market, mainly for its high production efficiency, high wafer quality, and low tool wear. The diamond wire wear is strongly influenced by the temperatures in the grain-workpiece contact zone; and yet, research studies on experimental investigations and modeling are currently lacking. In this direction, a temperature model is developed for the evaluation of the flash temperatures at the grain tip with respect to the grain penetration depth. An experimental single-grain scratch test setup is designed to validate the model that can emulate the long contact lengths as in the wire sawing process, at high speeds. Furthermore, the influence of brittle and ductile material removal modes on cutting zone temperatures is evaluated.
Perfusion imaging with arterial spin labeling (ASL)–MRI predicts malignant progression in low‑grade (WHO grade II) gliomas
Authors: Flies Christina M. , Snijders Tom J. , Van Seeters Tom , Smits Marion , De Vos Filip Y. F. , Hendrikse Jeroen , Dankbaar Jan Willem
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Predicting malignant progression of grade II gliomas would allow for earlier initiation of treatment. The hypothesis for this single-centre, case–control study was that the perfusion signal on ASL-MRI predicts such malignant progression in the following 12 months.

Methods

Consecutive patients with the following criteria were included: ≥ 18 years, grade II glioma (biopsied or resected) and an ASL-MRI 6–12 months prior to malignant progression (cases) or stable disease (controls). Malignant progression was defined either radiologically (new T1w-contrast enhancement) or histologically (neurosurgical tissue sampling). Three controls were matched with each case. Some patients served as their own control by using earlier imaging. The ASL-MRIs were reviewed by two neuroradiologists and classified as positive (hyper-intense or iso-intense compared to cortical grey matter) or negative (hypo-intense). In patients with epilepsy, a neurologist reviewed clinicoradiological data to exclude peri-ictal pseudoprogression. The statistical analysis included diagnostic test properties, a Cohen’s Kappa interrater reliability coefficient and stratification for previous radiotherapy.

Results

Eleven cases (median age = 48, IQR = 43–50 years) and 33 controls (43, 27–50 years) were included. Malignant progression appeared at 37 months (median, IQR = 17–44) after first surgery. Thirty ASL-MRIs were assessed as negative and 14 as positive. None of the MRIs showed signs of peri-ictal pseudoprogression. ASL significantly predicted subsequent malignant progression (sensitivity = 73%; specificity = 82%; OR = 12; 95%-CI = 2.4–59.1; p = 0.002). The interrater reliability coefficient was 0.65. In stratified analysis, ASL-MRI predicted malignant progression both in patients with previous radiotherapy and in those without (Mantel–Haenszel test, p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Perfusion imaging with ASL-MRI can predict malignant progression within 12 months in patients with grade II glioma.
Head-to-head comparison of (R)-[11C]verapamil and [18F]MC225 in non-human primates, tracers for measuring P-glycoprotein function
Authors: García-Varela Lara , Vállez García David , Aguiar Pablo , Kakiuchi Takeharu , Ohba Hiroyuki , Harada Norihiro , Nishiyama Shingo , Tago Tetsuro , Elsinga Philip H. , Tsukada Hideo , Colabufo Nicola A. , Dierckx Rudi A. J. O. , van Waarde Aren , Toyohara Jun , Boellaard Ronald , Luurtsema Gert
Published: June 2021

Purpose

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) function is altered in several brain disorders; thus, it is of interest to monitor the P-gp function in vivo using PET. (R)-[11C]verapamil is considered the gold standard tracer to measure the P-gp function; however, it presents some drawbacks that limit its use. New P-gp tracers have been developed with improved properties, such as [18F]MC225. This study compares the characteristics of (R)-[11C]verapamil and [18F]MC225 in the same subjects.

Methods

Three non-human primates underwent 4 PET scans: 2 with (R)-[11C]verapamil and 2 with [18F]MC225, at baseline and after P-gp inhibition. The 30-min PET data were analyzed using 1-Tissue Compartment Model (1-TCM) and metabolite-corrected plasma as input function. Tracer kinetic parameters at baseline and after inhibition were compared. Regional differences and simplified methods to quantify the P-gp function were also assessed.

Results

At baseline, [18F]MC225 VT values were higher, and k2 values were lower than those of (R)-[11C]verapamil, whereas K1 values were not significantly different. After inhibition, VT values of the 2 tracers were similar; however, (R)-[11C]verapamil K1 and k2 values were higher than those of [18F]MC225. Significant regional differences between tracers were found at baseline, which disappeared after inhibition. The positive slope of the SUV-TAC was positively correlated to the K1 and VT of both tracers.

Conclusion

[18F]MC225 and (R)-[11C]verapamil show comparable sensitivity to measure the P-gp function in non-human primates. Moreover, this study highlights the 30-min VT as the best parameter to measure decreases in the P-gp function with both tracers. [18F]MC225 may become the first radiofluorinated tracer able to measure decreases and increases in the P-gp function due to its higher baseline VT.
GFAP positivity in neurons following traumatic brain injuries
Authors: Zwirner Johann , Lier Julia , Franke Heike , Hammer Niels , Matschke Jakob , Trautz Florian , Tse Rexon , Ondruschka Benjamin
Published: June 2021

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a well-established astrocytic biomarker for the diagnosis, monitoring and outcome prediction of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Few studies stated an accumulation of neuronal GFAP that was observed in various brain pathologies, including traumatic brain injuries. As the neuronal immunopositivity for GFAP in Alzheimer patients was shown to cross-react with non-GFAP epitopes, the neuronal immunopositivity for GFAP in TBI patients should be challenged. In this study, cerebral and cerebellar tissues of 52 TBI fatalities and 17 controls were screened for immunopositivity for GFAP in neurons by means of immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The results revealed that neuronal immunopositivity for GFAP is most likely a staining artefact as negative controls also revealed neuronal GFAP staining. However, the phenomenon was twice as frequent for TBI fatalities compared to non-TBI control cases (12 vs. 6%). Neuronal GFAP staining was observed in the pericontusional zone and the ipsilateral hippocampus, but was absent in the contralateral cortex of TBI cases. Immunopositivity for GFAP was significantly correlated with the survival time (r = 0.306, P = 0.015), but no correlations were found with age at death, sex nor the post-mortem interval in TBI fatalities. This study provides evidence that the TBI-associated neuronal immunopositivity for GFAP is indeed a staining artefact. However, an absence post-traumatic neuronal GFAP cannot readily be assumed. Regardless of the particular mechanism, this study revealed that the artefact/potential neuronal immunopositivity for GFAP is a global, rather than a regional brain phenomenon and might be useful for minimum TBI survival time determinations, if certain exclusion criteria are strictly respected.
Are explicit and implicit affective attitudes toward different body shape categories related to the own body-satisfaction in young women? The role of mindfulness, self-compassion and social media activity
Authors: Jansen Petra , Schroter Franziska Anna , Hofmann Philipp
Published: June 2021

Implicit and explicit attitudes influence our behavior. Accordingly, it was the main goal of the paper to investigate if those attitudes are related to body image satisfaction. 134 young women between 18 and 34 years completed an explicit affective rating and an implicit affective priming task with pictures of women with different BMIs. Because it is well known that mindfulness, self-compassion and social media activity influence body image satisfaction, these variables were registered as well. The results confirmed an explicit positive affective bias toward pictures of slim women and a negative bias toward emaciated and obese body pictures. It adds to the literature that the explicit positive bias does not hold true for the strongest form of underweight, suggesting that instead of dividing different body shapes into two groups, different gradings of under- and overweight should be considered. Concerning the affective priming task, no significant differences between the different pictures could be carved out. Implicit and explicit affective attitudes were not related to the body satisfaction of the participating women. In line with former studies, body satisfaction was predicted by the actual-ideal weight discrepancy, the BMI, aspects of mindfulness and self-compassion. This study indicates that implicit and explicit affective attitudes toward underweight and overweight women are unrelated to the participants’ body satisfaction.
A systematic review of the impact of intensive care admissions on post discharge cognition in children
Authors: Royer Ana Sánchez-Moreno , Busari Jamiu O.
Published: June 2021

Understanding how hospitalization affects cognitive development is crucial to safeguard children’s cognition; however, there is little research evaluating the associations between NICU or PICU hospitalization and survivors’ cognition. The objective of this study is to identify and characterize the associations between a neonatal or pediatric ICU hospitalization and the short- and long-term cognition of survivors. The databases Cochrane Library, Medline, EBSCO, Embase, and Google Scholar and the journals JAMA Pediatrics, Journal of Pediatrics, Pediatrics, Archives of Disease in Childhood, Academic Pediatrics, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine and Child Development were searched until April 2021. Retrieved article references were analyzed. Included articles investigated cognition as an outcome of ICU hospitalization in non-preterm neonatal or pediatric patients. Case studies and studies analyzing diagnosis or treatment interventions were excluded. Four prospective cohort or case-control studies and two retrospective cohort studies were included, totaling 2172 neonatal and 42368 pediatric patients. Quality assessment using the BMJ Criteria and Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk-of-Bias tool displayed good results. Significant negative associations were found between neonatal cognition and length-of-ICU-stay at 9- (p<0.001) and 24 months (p<0.01), and between pediatric cognition and length-of-ICU-stay at discharge (p<0.001). Additional weeks on the neonatal ICU increased odds of impairment at 9- (OR 1.08, 95%CI 1.034–1.112) and 24 months (OR 1.11, 95%CI 1.065–1.165).

Conclusion: There is a significant negative correlation between NICU and PICU hospitalization and the short- and long-term cognitive status. Future research must identify patient- and hospital-related risk factors and develop management strategies.

What is Known:• Cognitive development relies on the presence of stimulating factors and absence of risk factors, and is hypothesized to be directly and indirectly affected by hospitalization in the short and long term.• No research examines the relation between survivor cognition post-discharge of a general pediatric hospitalization, and scarcely more of a neonatal or pediatric intensive care hospitalization.

What is New:• NICU and PICU hospitalization is independent risk factors for survivor impaired cognition in the short and in the long term with a dose-response effect. High risk patients for cognitive impairment should be identified and appropriately followed-up.• Patients with an ICU hospitalization of over 2.5 days and two or more of the following factors should be considered high risk: increased mortality risk, invasive interventions, neurological or oncological diagnosis, postnatal complications or decreased maternal mental health status.
Swallowing Exercise During Head and Neck Cancer Treatment: Results of a Randomized Trial
Authors: Hajdú Sara Fredslund , Wessel Irene , Dalton Susanne Oksbjerg , Eskildsen Signe Janum , Johansen Christoffer
Published: June 2021

The diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC) can have substantial impact on swallowing function, nutritional balance, physical function and quality of life (QoL). Early initiated swallowing exercises are hypothesized to improve swallowing function in HNC patients. The aim was to investigate the effects of swallowing exercises and progressive resistance training (PRT) during radiotherapy on swallowing function, physical function and QoL in patients with pharynx-, larynx-, oral cavity cancer or unknown primary compared to usual care. In a multi-centre RCT participants were assigned to (a) twice-weekly PRT and daily swallowing exercises throughout treatment or (b) usual care. Outcomes were measured at end of treatment and 2, 6 and 12 months after. Primary outcome was penetration aspiration score (PAS). Data were analysed on an “intention-to-treat” basis by GEE logistic regression model, linear mixed effects model and cox regression. Of 371 invited HNC patients, 240 (65%) enrolled. Five participants were excluded. At 12 months follow-up, 59 (25%) participants were lost. Analyses showed significant effect on mouth opening, QoL, depression and anxiety at 12 months when comparing intervention to non-active controls. The trial found no effect on swallowing safety in HNC undergoing radiotherapy, but several positive effects were found on secondary outcomes when comparing to non-active controls. The intervention period may have been too short, and the real difference between groups is too small. Nevertheless, the need to identify long-lasting intervention to slow down or avoid functional deteriorations is ever more crucial as the surviving HNC population is growing.
Closed non-suction drain placement as haematoma and seroma formation preventive measure post-nylon darn surgery for inguinoscrotal hernias in adults
Authors: Hagbevor Israel , Ali Mahamudu Ayamba , Awuku George Asare
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Inguinal hernia is a common male surgical disease. Intervention carries a wide range of complications such as scrotal haematoma and seroma which may require surgical re-intervention or predispose patients to developing infections, pains or feeling of mass. This could lead to long hospital stay. Scrotal tamponade by bandaging or wearing of tight pants and elevation are practiced to reduce bleeding and haematoma formation. These methods require prolong use. Closed suction drains are scarcely used in resource-deprived communities due to high cost and non-availability.

Aim

This study was to determine the effectiveness of a closed non-suction drain in preventing scrotal collection requiring further surgical intervention and the predisposition to developing surgical site infection following nylon darn repair of inguinoscrotal hernia.

Methods

Forty (40) participants were recruited for a preliminary study and assigned into control and interventional groups (CG, IG) for purposes of inserting flexible feeding tube (FFT) wound drain after nylon darn (ND) repair. Daily measurement of drained scrotal collection was carried out in the IG till the day drainage was zero. Residual volumes in IG and wound collection in the CG who were not candidates for re-intervention were determined at 14th and 28th post-operative days using ultrasound scan. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.

Results

Three (3) patients (15.8%) in the CG required re-intervention. Surgical site infection rates for the CG and IG were, respectively, 2/19 versus 0/21 (ρ = 0.134).There was a numerical significant difference in the mean volumes of scrotal collections between the control (0.95 ± 0.42 ml) and the intervention group (0.44 ± 0.33 ml) [pvalue of 0.041] but with no clinical impact.

Conclusion

Simple inexpensive flexible feeding tube placement significantly reduced scrotal collection which forms a base for larger sample size in subsequent studies. This could reduce the feared risk of re-intervention, wound infection and long hospital stay post-operative.
Leveraging human factors in cybersecurity: an integrated methodological approach
Authors: Pollini Alessandro , Callari Tiziana C. , Tedeschi Alessandra , Ruscio Daniele , Save Luca , Chiarugi Franco , Guerri Davide
Published: June 2021

Computer and Information Security (CIS) is usually approached adopting a technology-centric viewpoint, where the human components of sociotechnical systems are generally considered as their weakest part, with little consideration for the end users’ cognitive characteristics, needs and motivations. This paper presents a holistic/Human Factors (HF) approach, where the individual, organisational and technological factors are investigated in pilot healthcare organisations to show how HF vulnerabilities may impact on cybersecurity risks. An overview of current challenges in relation to cybersecurity is first provided, followed by the presentation of an integrated top–down and bottom–up methodology using qualitative and quantitative research methods to assess the level of maturity of the pilot organisations with respect to their capability to face and tackle cyber threats and attacks. This approach adopts a user-centred perspective, involving both the organisations’ management and employees, The results show that a better cyber-security culture does not always correspond with more rule compliant behaviour. In addition, conflicts among cybersecurity rules and procedures may trigger human vulnerabilities. In conclusion, the integration of traditional technical solutions with guidelines to enhance CIS systems by leveraging HF in cybersecurity may lead to the adoption of non-technical countermeasures (such as user awareness) for a comprehensive and holistic way to manage cyber security in organisations.
Semiautomatic robust regression clustering of international trade data
Authors: Torti Francesca , Riani Marco , Morelli Gianluca
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this paper is to show in regression clustering how to choose the most relevant solutions, analyze their stability, and provide information about best combinations of optimal number of groups, restriction factor among the error variance across groups and level of trimming. The procedure is based on two steps. First we generalize the information criteria of constrained robust multivariate clustering to the case of clustering weighted models. Differently from the traditional approaches which are based on the choice of the best solution found minimizing an information criterion (i.e. BIC), we concentrate our attention on the so called optimal stable solutions. In the second step, using the monitoring approach, we select the best value of the trimming factor. Finally, we validate the solution using a confirmatory forward search approach. A motivating example based on a novel dataset concerning the European Union trade of face masks shows the limitations of the current existing procedures. The suggested approach is initially applied to a set of well known datasets in the literature of robust regression clustering. Then, we focus our attention on a set of international trade datasets and we provide a novel informative way of updating the subset in the random start approach. The Supplementary material, in the spirit of the Special Issue, deepens the analysis of trade data and compares the suggested approach with the existing ones available in the literature.
Partition-based distributionally robust optimization via optimal transport with order cone constraints
Authors: Esteban-Pérez Adrián , Morales Juan M.
Published: June 2021

In this paper we wish to tackle stochastic programs affected by ambiguity about the probability law that governs their uncertain parameters. Using optimal transport theory, we construct an ambiguity set that exploits the knowledge about the distribution of the uncertain parameters, which is provided by: (1) sample data and (2) a-priori information on the order among the probabilities that the true data-generating distribution assigns to some regions of its support set. This type of order is enforced by means of order cone constraints and can encode a wide range of information on the shape of the probability distribution of the uncertain parameters such as information related to monotonicity or multi-modality. We seek decisions that are distributionally robust. In a number of practical cases, the resulting distributionally robust optimization (DRO) problem can be reformulated as a finite convex problem where the a-priori information translates into linear constraints. In addition, our method inherits the finite-sample performance guarantees of the Wasserstein-metric-based DRO approach proposed by Mohajerin Esfahani and Kuhn (Math Program 171(1–2):115–166. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10107-017-1172-1, 2018), while generalizing this and other popular DRO approaches. Finally, we have designed numerical experiments to analyze the performance of our approach with the newsvendor problem and the problem of a strategic firm competing à la Cournot in a market.
Cultural change and the migration choice
Authors: Lanati Mauro , Venturini Alessandra
Published: June 2021

Cultural differences play an important role in shaping migration patterns. The conventional proxies for cross country cultural differences, such as common language; ethnicity; genetic traits; or religion, implicitly assume that cultural proximity between two countries is constant over time and symmetric. This is far from realistic. This paper proposes a gravity model for international migration which explicitly allows for the time varying and asymmetric dimensions of cultural proximity. In accordance with Disdier, Tai, Fontagné, Mayer (Rev World Econ, 145(4):575–595, 2010) we assume that the evolution of bilateral cultural affinity over time is reflected in the intensity of bilateral trade in cultural goods. The empirical framework includes a comprehensive set of high dimensional fixed effects which enable identification of the impact of cultural proximity on migration over and beyond the effect of pre-existing cultural and historical ties. The results are robust across different econometric techniques and suggest that positive changes in cultural relationships over time foster bilateral migration.
Doctors as disseminators? Practicing physicians as multipliers for community-based prevention networks in a large city in western Germany
Authors: Kreffter Katharina , Götz Simon , Lisak-Wahl Stefanie , Nguyen Thuy Ha , Dragano Nico , Weyers Simone
Published: June 2021

Aim

Practicing physicians have a special position as disseminators of community-based prevention for children. However, it is unclear to what extent physicians inform parents about programs. The study investigated: To what extent do physicians disseminate information about community-based prevention for children aged 0–7? Do differences exist along family’s socioeconomic position (SEP) and immigrant background?

Subject and methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a German school entrance examination. Parents were invited to participate in a survey on community-based prevention with information about their awareness and information source. SEP was measured by parental education, immigrant background by country of birth. For nine services types, we counted how often parents named physicians and other professional groups as information sources. To estimate social differences, we calculated adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Survey participants included 6480 parents (response 65.49%). Compared to other information sources, physicians were mentioned less frequently. For example, regarding language therapy, 31.2% of parents were informed by healthcare/social services, and 4.4% by physicians. Lower educated parents were less frequently informed by physicians about counseling services (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.46–0.73) compared to higher educated parents. Parents with immigrant background were informed less often about parenting skills courses (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.70–0.90) compared to parents without immigrant background, but more often about language therapy (OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.13–1.91). No further social differences were observed.

Conclusion

The role of physicians as disseminators for community-based prevention is expandable. They should promote parenting skills courses in a socially sensitive way.
Food Should not be Forgotten: Impacts of Combined Cash Transfer Receipt and Food Security on Child Education and Cognition in South Africa and Malawi
Authors: Sherr Lorraine , Roberts Kathryn J. , Tomlinson Mark , Skeen Sarah , Mebrahtu Helen , Gordon Sarah , du Toit Stefani , Haag Katharina , Cluver Lucie D.
Published: June 2021

Social protection can take many forms. Both cash transfers and food security may have important contributions to child cognitive development. This study examines the potential impact of combinations of cash transfers and food security status on child cognitive development and educational outcomes. Cross-sectional data for 796 HIV-affected children in the Child Community Care study were utilised for this analysis. Children and caregivers completed interview schedules comprised of standardised items on socio-demographics, household data, cash grant receipt and food security status, school achievement, and cognition. A series of logistic and linear regression models and marginal effects analyses were undertaken to explore the impacts of differing levels of social protection (none; either cash grant receipt or food secure status or, both in combination) on child educational and cognitive outcomes. Although all children lived in poverty-stricken households, 20% (157/796) of children did not live in a household in receipt of a cash grant and did not report food security; 32.4% (258/796) reported either component of social protection and, 47.9% (381/796) received both measures of social protection in combination. Compared to no social protection, being in receipt of either component of social protection was found to be significantly associated with being in the correct class for age, higher scores of non-verbal cognition, and higher working memory scores. Receiving both social protection measures in combination was found to be significantly associated with reduced educational risk scores, improved odds of being in the correct class for age, regular school attendance, missing less than a week of school in the previous two weeks, higher scores on measures of nonverbal cognition, higher working memory scores, and learning new things more easily. Educational and cognitive outcomes for children can be bolstered by social protection measures (cash grant receipt or food security). Benefits are enhanced when social protection is received in combination. Such findings support the notion of synergistic social protection responses for children living in environments impacted by high levels of HIV burden and deprivation.
Evaluation of microfiber release from jeans: the impact of different washing conditions
Authors: Periyasamy Aravin Prince
Published: June 2021

Microplastic particles are a burgeoning population crisis in the marine environment. This research examines the emission of microfibers from three different jeans (garments) during domestic washing. The jeans types, washing temperature, washing duration, spin speed, detergent types, and addition of conditioner are the main factors for this research work. The average length and diameter of the microfibers for the 100% PET jeans (jeans-P) has 7800 ± 4000 μm and 11.9±3.2 μm and for polyester/cotton jeans (jeans-PB) has 4900 ± 2200 μm 17.4±4.8 μm, respectively. The maximum microfiber released was observed in the rigorous washing treatment (90 min, 60°C, 1400 rpm, powder detergent with the presence of conditioner). The surmised number of microfibers discharged from the 1 kg wash load of jeans-P was calculated within the extent of 2300000–4900000 microfibers, and it is varied by the washing treatments.
Durability analysis of bio-cemented slope soil under the exposure of acid rain
Authors: Gowthaman Sivakumar , Nakashima Kazunori , Kawasaki Satoru
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Instability of slope surface is a critical concern in Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering. MICP (Microbial-Induced Carbonate Precipitation), an innovative bio-cementation technique, has attracted the attention for slope surface protection. In this work, MICP was investigated to evaluate its durability under the exposure of acid rain and to advance the understanding on long-term performance of slope soil preserved by MICP.

Methods

MICP treatment was applied to a fine-grained slope soil using indigenous bacteria. Specimens treated to different cementation levels (% CaCO3) were exposed to acid rain (of varying pH) through two sorts of mechanisms: (i) infiltration and (ii) immersion. The evaluations were based on corrosion of CaCO3, mass loss, needle penetration tests, and scanning electron microscopy.

Results

The decrease in pH increased the corrosion of CaCO3, resulting in considerable loss in aggregate and unconfined compressive strength. However, increased cementation level showed high durability of specimens. The soils treated to 12.5% CaCO3 showed 19.9% soil loss, whereas it was reduced to 5.4% when cemented to 22.5% CaCO3. The results also revealed that the contact time of acid rain significantly governed the rate of corrosion, i.e., specimens subjected to lower infiltration rate (20 mm/h) showed higher loss of mass compared to that of higher rate (100 mm/h).

Conclusion

The long-term performance of MICP treatment is determined by (i) cementation level, (ii) pH, and (iii) infiltration rate of acid rain. High cementation level promotes the longevity of the treatment. Therefore, MICP to higher cementation level is recommended for long-term preservation of slope surface.
Synthesis and Theoretical Investigation Using DFT of 2,3-Diphenylquinoxaline Derivatives for Electronic and Photovoltaic Effects
Authors: Zając Dorota , Przybylski Dariusz , Sołoducho Jadwiga
Published: June 2021

Developing effective and low‐cost organic semiconductors is an opportunity for the development of organic solar cells (OPV). Herein, we report the molecular design, synthesis and characterization of two molecules with D–A–D–A configuration: 2-cyano-3-(5-(8-(3,4-ethylenodioxythiophen-5-yl)-2,3-diphenylquinoxalin-5-yl)thiophen-2-yl)acrylic acid (6) and 2-cyano-3-(5-(2,3-diphenyl-8-(thiophen-2-yl)quinoxalin-5-yl)thiophen-2-yl)acrylic acid (7). Moreover, we investigated the structural, theoretical and optical properties. The distribution of HOMO/LUMO orbitals and the values of the ionization potential indicate good semiconducting properties of the compounds and that they can be a bipolar material. Also, the optical study show good absorption in visible light (λabs 380–550 nm). We investigate the theoretical optoelectronic properties of obtained compounds as potential materials for solar cells.
Assessing genotyping errors in mammalian museum study skins using high-throughput genotyping-by-sequencing
Authors: Yuan Stella C. , Malekos Eric , Hawkins Melissa T. R.
Published: June 2021

The use of museum specimens held in natural history repositories for population and conservation genetic research is increasing in tandem with the use of massively parallel sequencing technologies. Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), or microsatellite loci, are commonly used genetic markers in wildlife and population genetic studies. However, they traditionally suffered from a host of issues including length homoplasy, high costs, low throughput, and difficulties in reproducibility across laboratories. Massively parallel sequencing technologies can address these problems, but the incorporation of museum specimen derived DNA suffers from significant fragmentation and exogenous DNA contamination. Combatting these issues requires extra measures of stringency in the lab and during data analysis, yet there have not been any high-throughput sequencing studies evaluating microsatellite allelic dropout from museum specimen extracted DNA. In this study, we evaluate genotyping errors derived from mammalian museum skin DNA extracts for previously characterized microsatellites across PCR replicates utilizing high-throughput sequencing. We found it useful to classify samples based on DNA concentration, which determined the rate by which genotypes were accurately recovered. Longer microsatellites performed worse in all museum specimens. Allelic dropout rates across loci were dependent on sample quantity, with high concentration museum specimens performing as well and recovering quality metrics nearly as high as the frozen tissue sample. Based on our results, we provide a set of best practices for quality assurance and incorporation of reliable genotypes from museum specimens.
The interaction and interference of preformed metal crowns on magnetic resonance imaging: a scoping review with a systematic methodology
Authors: Sumner O. , Goldsmith R. , Heath N. , Taylor G. D.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Preformed metal crowns are widely used to restore primary and permanent teeth. Children may require magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosis and monitoring of diseases in the head and neck region. Metallic objects, in the field of view, may compromise the diagnostic value of an MRI. The impact on the diagnostic quality of an MRI in children who have had preformed metal crowns placed has not been assessed. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact that PFMCs have on MRI imaging quality and thus the overall diagnostic value.

Methods

Electronic searches of the following databases were completed: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Open Grey. Primary in vivo studies on children who had at least one preformed metal crown placed and required an MRI investigation were to be included. PRISMA guidelines were followed and screening/data extraction was carried out by two independent calibrated reviewers.

Results

A total of 7665 articles were identified. After removing duplicates, 7062 were identified for title and abstract screening. Thirty-four articles underwent full-text review, of which none met the inclusion criteria. Most common reasons for exclusion were not placing preformed metal crowns (n = 16) or in vitro studies (n = 12).

Conclusion

No in vivo studies were identified to establish the hypothetical impact preformed metal crowns would have on the diagnostic quality of an MRI in the head and neck region. Decision making needs to be guided on a case by case basis. Further high-quality clinical studies are required.
Use of telemedicine by practising allergists before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: Dramburg Stephanie , Matricardi Paolo Maria , Casper Ingrid , Klimek Ludger
Published: June 2021

Background

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to both inpatient and outpatient care. In order to maintain good care under necessary contact restrictions, especially in the outpatient sector, the use of telemedical applications was demanded and promoted. The exploratory survey among members of the Association of German Allergists (AeDA) was intended to show how these were received among allergists in private practice.

Methods

The survey was restricted to actively practising members of the AeDA who had previously given their consent to receive such surveys (n = 437). They were invited by email to participate in a survey on the topic of “Telemedicine in everyday clinical practice in allergology”. The survey included quantitative and qualitative questions on the use of telemedicine services before and during the pandemic and was conducted anonymously on the SoSci Survey platform. Participation was possible in the period from June to August 2020.

Results

In all, 76 specialists with additional qualification in allergology took part in the survey. Of these, 71 completed the full questionnaire. Before the start of the pandemic-related contact restrictions, 46.5% (33/71) stated that they had used telemedicine in their clinical practice. This number increased to 73.2% (52/71) after 31 January 2020. The largest increase (4.3% vs. 15.6%) was seen in the area of video consultations. Furthermore, 43/76 participants can imagine integrating telemedicine services into their daily clinical routine in the future.

Conclusion

The use of telemedical services, especially video consultations, increased significantly during the SARS-CoV‑2 pandemic in Germany. The majority of respondents perceive the implementation as positive and can imagine continuing to use telemedical methods after the end of the pandemic.
From Energy as a Commodity to Energy as a Service—A Morphological Analysis of Smart Energy Services
Authors: Paukstadt Ute , Becker Jörg
Published: June 2021

The Internet of Things penetrates all areas of life and work, giving physical objects the characteristics of digital technologies. Also, in the energy sector, physical products such as photovoltaic systems, battery storage systems, and thermostats are equipped with smart and connectivity components and become smart energy products. Smart energy products enable new types of services that are smart energy services. For example, a smart thermostat can offer an intelligent preheating service based on data collected and analyzed. Against this background, smart energy services offer new business potentials for companies as well as added value for private households. To benefit from this development, companies need an understanding of the characteristics and capabilities of the products and the services building on them. Smart energy services, in particular, appear promising, as services are seen as a bridge to the customer. However, there is little research that supports the design of smart energy services. To close this gap, a morphological analysis of smart energy services along several dimensions is conducted. In highlighting the unique characteristics of smart energy services, the paper provides a more nuanced picture on the nature of smart energy services and their potential in terms of new consumer and business values. Additionally, the phenomenon of consumer-oriented smart energy services will be further conceptualized, and the morphological box can be considered a structured approach for the design of smart energy services.
Acute Bilateral Fixed Mydriasis Caused by Lupini Bean Intoxication
Authors: Lahoud Corinne , Hanna Najib-Georges , Jalkh Alexandre , Azar Georges
Published: June 2021

Lupini beans are legume seeds of the genus Lupinus, consumed in many parts of the world. The main species are Lupinus mutabilis, Lupius angustifolius, and Lupinus albus. The latter is commonly eaten as a snack in Mediterranean countries. The beans are very rich in alkaloids, which give them a bitter taste. One of these alkaloids was shown to cause anticholinergic effects. Lupini beans, if improperly prepared, can cause toxicity manifesting as an anticholinergic syndrome. We present the case of a 50-y-old woman who presented with bilateral mydriasis, mouth dryness, and anxiety. We confirmed that the patient consumed partially debittered lupini beans a few hours before presentation. The rest of her physical and ophthalmic examination results were within normal limits. Her symptoms resolved without therapy within 12 h from presentation and were attributed to ingestion of incorrectly prepared lupine seeds.
Rhabdomyolysis and Multisystem Organ Failure Due to Fulminant Ehrlichiosis Infection
Authors: Overmiller Alex C. , Bitter Cindy C.
Published: June 2021

A previously healthy 51-y-old male presented to his local emergency department with subjective fevers, myalgias, dyspnea, and generalized weakness that had been progressive for several weeks. He was initially diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, septic shock, and rhabdomyolysis requiring transfer to a tertiary care facility. He was treated for sepsis with broad-spectrum antibiotics, steroids, and a fluid bolus before transfer. Once he arrived at the tertiary care facility, he developed respiratory failure requiring intubation and ventilatory support. Ceftriaxone and metronidazole were started in the intensive care unit to cover common causes of community-acquired versus aspiration pneumonia, and doxycycline was included to cover tick-borne disease based on a history of tick exposure from working in his rural yard. Blood polymerase chain reaction testing later confirmed ehrlichiosis. The patient had a prolonged hospital course requiring ventilatory support and vasopressors, followed by a 4-wk stay in a rehabilitation unit after discharge. Wilderness medical providers should counsel their patients on prevention of tick bites and keep tickborne illness in the differential for acute illness, based on local epidemiology.
The Unintended Consequences of Peace
Authors: Kacowicz Arie Marcelo , Lacovsky Exequiel , Sasson Keren , Wajner Daniel F.
Published: June 2021

Scholars of international relations generally consider that under conditions of violent conflict and war, smuggling and trans-border crime are likely to thrive. In contrast, this book argues that in fact it is globalisation and peaceful borders that have enabled transnational illicit flows conducted by violent non-state actors, including transnational criminal organizations, drug trafficking organizations, and terrorist cells, who exploit the looseness and demilitarization of borderlands. Empirically, the book draws on case studies from the Americas, compared with other regions of the world experiencing similar phenomena, including the European Union and Southeast Europe (the Western Balkans), Southern Africa, and Southeast Asia. To explain the phenomenon in itself, the authors examine the type of peaceful borders and regimes involved in each case; how strong each country is in the governance of their borderlands; their political willingness to control their peaceful borders; and the prevailing socio-economic conditions across the borderlands.