bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in children—paradigm of decompressive craniectomy compared to a historic cohort
Authors: Hubertus Vanessa , Finger Tobias , Drust Ricarda , Al Hakim Sara , Schaumann Andreas , Schulz Matthias , Gratopp Alexander , Thomale Ulrich-Wilhelm
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability in children. Medical therapy remains limited, and decompressive craniectomy (DC) is an established rescue therapy in case of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). Much discussion deals with clinical outcome after severe TBI treated with DC, while data on the pediatric population is rare. We report our experience of treating severe TBI in two different treatment setups at the same academic institution.

Methods

Forty-eight patients (≤ 16 years) were hospitalized with severe TBI (GCS ≤ 8 points) between 2008 and 2018 in a pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) at a specialized tertiary pediatric care center. Data on treatment, clinical status, and outcome was retrospectively analyzed. Outcome data included Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at 3-, 12-, and 36-month follow-up. Data was compared to a historic cohort with 53 pediatric severe TBI patients treated at the same institution in a neurointensive care unit between 1996 and 2007. Ethical approval was granted (EA2/076/21).

Results

Between 2008 and 2018, 11 patients were treated with DC. Compared to the historic cohort, patients were younger and GCS was worse, while in-hospital mortality and clinical outcome remained similar. A trend towards more aggressive EVD placement and the internal paradigm change for treatment in a specialized pediatric ICU was observed.

Conclusions

In children with severe TBI treated over two decades, clinical outcome was comparable and mostly favorable in two different treatment setups. Consequent therapy is warranted to maintain the positive potential for favorable outcome in children with severe TBI.
Neurocognitive development in isolated Robin sequence treated with the Tuebingen palatal plate
Authors: Naros Andreas , Steiner-Wilke Irene , Kaiser Nadja , Bacher Margit , Koos Bernd , Blumenstock Gunnar , Wiechers Cornelia , Poets Christian F. , Reinert Siegmar , Krimmel Michael
Published: March 2022

Objectives

We aimed to determine the neurocognitive development of cleft palate patients with and without Robin sequence (RS).

Materials and methods

Children with isolated RS with cleft palate and children with cleft palate only (CPO) were contacted at the age of 5–6 years. All RS children had undergone initial polygraphic sleep study (PG) with a mixed-obstructive apnea index (MOAI) of ≥ 3/h and were consequently treated with the Tuebingen palatal plate. A standardized clinical examination as well as a neuropediatric and neuropsychological examination included the Wechsler Pre-school and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-III), Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC), and an assessment of developmental milestones.

Results

In total, 44 children (22RS, 22CPO) were included. RS children were younger at study (70.5 ± 7.3 and 75.2 ± 7.5 months; P = .035). Both groups achieved the evaluated milestones within the normed time frame. WPPSI-III and K-ABC results showed no group differences. Mean values for Verbal IQ (101.8 ± 11.1 vs. 97.1 ± 15.7), Performance IQ (102.9 ± 12.1 vs. 99.6 ± 14.5), Processing Speed Quotient (98.9 ± 15.6 vs. 94.5 ± 15.7), Full-Scale IQ (103.2 ± 12.1 vs. 98.4 ± 15.3), and Sequential Processing Scale (102.1 ± 13.1 vs. 94.2 ± 17.3) were within the reference range (IQ 85–115) for RS and CPO children, respectively, indicating average performance of both groups.

Conclusion

No neurocognitive, physical, or mental impairments were detected suggesting that RS children having upper airway obstruction (UAO) treated early and effectively may use their potential for an age-appropriate neurocognitive development.

Clinical relevance

Tuebingen palatal plate treatment successfully releases UAO. Thus, isolated RS does not necessarily result in developmental delay or an impaired neurocognitive outcome.

Trial registration

Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien, DRKS00006831, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/
Evidence for investing in parenting interventions aiming to improve child health: a systematic review of economic evaluations
Authors: Sampaio Filipa , Nystrand Camilla , Feldman Inna , Mihalopoulos Cathrine
Published: March 2022

A comprehensive review of the economic evidence on parenting interventions targeting different aspects of child health is lacking to support decision-making. The aim of this review is to provide an up to date synthesis of the available health economic evidence for parenting interventions aiming to improve child health. A systematic review was conducted with articles identified through Econlit, Medline, PsychINFO, and ERIC databases. Only full economic evaluations comparing two or more options, considering both costs and outcomes were included. We assessed the quality of the studies using the Drummond checklist. We identified 44 studies of varying quality that met inclusion criteria; 22 targeting externalizing behaviors, five targeting internalizing problems, and five targeting other mental health problems including autism and alcohol abuse. The remaining studies targeted child abuse (n = 5), obesity (n = 3), and general health (n = 4). Studies varied considerably and many suffered from methodological limitations, such as limited costing perspectives, challenges with outcome measurement and short-time horizons. Parenting interventions showed good value for money in particular for preventing child externalizing and internalizing behaviors. For the prevention of child abuse, some programs had the potential of being cost-saving over the longer-term. Interventions were not cost-effective for the treatment of autism and obesity. Future research should include a broader spectrum of societal costs and quality-of-life impacts on both children and their caregivers.
Early and midterm results of radiofrequency ablation (Rafaelo® procedure) for third-degree haemorrhoids: a prospective, two-centre study
Authors: Tolksdorf S. , Tübergen D. , Vivaldi C. , Pisek M. , Klug F. , Kemmerling M. , Schäfer H.
Published: March 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treating third degree haemorrhoids, with a follow-up over 2 years.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, two-centre study to assess RFA of third-degree haemorrhoids in an outpatient setting. Treatment was performed under local anaesthesia, optionally in combination with sedation. The primary endpoint was analysis of a proctological symptom score ([PSS] bleeding, itching, pain, soiling) and proctological examination to detect recurrence at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. The secondary endpoints were postoperative complications, incidence of postoperative pain, including administration of analgesics and time to return to daily routine.

Results

Ninety-eight patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 49.1 ± 10.9 (mean ± SD). 83 patients (84.7%) were male and 15 patients (15.3%) were female. The follow-up involved 100% (1 month), 95% (6 months), 86% (12 months) and 74% after 24 months. The individual symptom scores and overall PSS score decreased significantly in comparison to the initial score at each time point assessed. Prolapsed haemorrhoids decreased in comparison to the initial situation (100%) to 7.2% (1 month), 3.5% (6 months), 13.1% (12 months) and 13.7% (after 24 months). Thirteen patients (12.7%) required repeat haemorrhoid therapy during the 2-year follow-up period. The mean maximum pain score after the procedure was 2.5 ± 2.7 (determined with the visual analogue scale), while 33 (33.7%) patients reported having no pain. 59 (60.2%) patients did not take analgesics after the procedure. Eleven patients (11.2%) experienced minor complications (bleeding, fever, cramps, diarrhoea, anal venous thrombosis) but did not require additional treatment. Eight cases (8.2%) of major complications (infection, bleeding, severe pain) required treatment with antibiotics, a second intervention, analgesics or hospitalization.

Conclusions

RFA is safe and effective for treatment of third-degree haemorrhoids. The main advantages of this new method are its use on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia, a very low level of postoperative pain and significant control of haemorrhoid symptoms over 2 years.
The common interests of health protection and the economy: evidence from scenario calculations of COVID-19 containment policies
Authors: Dorn Florian , Khailaie Sahamoddin , Stoeckli Marc , Binder Sebastian C. , Mitra Tanmay , Lange Berit , Lautenbacher Stefan , Peichl Andreas , Vanella Patrizio , Wollmershäuser Timo , Fuest Clemens , Meyer-Hermann Michael
Published: March 2022

We develop a novel approach integrating epidemiological and economic models that allows data-based simulations during a pandemic. We examine the economically optimal opening strategy that can be reconciled with the containment of a pandemic. The empirical evidence is based on data from Germany during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Our empirical findings reject the view that there is necessarily a conflict between health protection and economic interests and suggest a non-linear U-shape relationship: it is in the interest of public health and the economy to balance non-pharmaceutical interventions in a manner that further reduces the incidence of infections. Our simulations suggest that a prudent strategy that leads to a reproduction number of around 0.75 is economically optimal. Too restrictive policies cause massive economic costs. Conversely, policies that are too loose lead to higher death tolls and higher economic costs in the long run. We suggest this finding as a guide for policy-makers in balancing interests of public health and the economy during a pandemic.
Phylogenetic and morphological analyses of Pilosocereus leucocephalus group s.s. (Cactaceae) reveal new taxonomical implications
Authors: Franco-Estrada Daniel , Barrios Duniel , Cervantes Cristian R. , Granados-Aguilar Xochitl , Arias Salvador
Published: March 2022

Pilosocereus is one of the Cactaceae family’s most relevant genera in terms of the number of species and its wide geographical range in the Americas. Within Pilosocereus, five informal taxonomic groups have been recognized, one of which is P. leucocephalus group s.s., whose phylogenetic relationships remain unresolved. Therefore, our objectives are to recognize the circumscriptions of the species in P. leucocephalus group s.s. and to corroborate the monophyly and phylogenetic relationships of this group through a set of morphological and molecular characters. This study is based on representative sampling along the broad distribution of this group in Mexico and Central America using multivariate and phylogenetic analyses. The morphological characters identified to contribute to species recognition and group formation are branch diameter, areole length, the areole length-width ratio, the distance between areoles, the length of the longest radial spine, and branch and spines colors. The chloroplast markers rpl16, trnL-trnF, and petL-psbE and the nuclear marker AT1G18270 support the monophyly of the P. leucocephalus group s.s., and two probable synapomorphies are suggested, including one transversion in rpl16 and another in petL-psbE. Together, our results demonstrate that sampled species of P. leucocephalus group s.s. encompass six species distributed in Mexico and Central America: P. alensis and P. purpusii in the western region, P. chrysacanthus and P. collinsii in the central region, and P. gaumeri and P. leucocephalus in the eastern region. A taxonomic key to recognized species is provided.
Nach Corona kommt die Schuldenwelle — begründete Sorge oder Panikmache? Aktuelle Entwicklungen im Kredit- und Konsummarkt
Authors: Donau Kai-Friedrich
Published: March 2022

The corona pandemic had a considerable impact on consumers. The difficult situation in numerous sectors of the economy has led to financial burdens for many households. Despite repeated warnings announcing significantly increasing debts, the number of new payment arrears during the past two years has been below the level of the pre-COVID-19 period according to analysis based on SCHUFA data. This is due to the fact that consumers have adjusted their financial and consumption behavior or made use of their financial reserves — reserves that could now be lacking due to rising prices, especially for energy.
Einkommen und Kreditschulden privater Haushalte
Authors: Grabka Markus M. , Bartz Berenike
Published: March 2022

This article describes the development of the needs-weighted net household income of persons in private households in Germany since the year 2000. It also focuses on the presentation of the prevalence and amount of credit debts of private households. The central result is that the share of repayments for loans in Germany has been declining overall since 2000. In particular, the share of households that spend more than 30 % of their household net income on loan repayments has halved over the last 20 years. Despite this overall positive development, there is a risk that the problem of over-indebtedness in Germany could increase again since on the one hand, many self-employed people have suffered high turnover losses due to the containment measures of the coronavirus pandemic, while on the other, the ECB could raise nominal interest rates due to tightened inflation, which would lead to a considerable financial burden for indebted households.
Steuern und Budgetdefizite als Determinanten des Sozialprodukts
Authors: Helmedag Fritz
Published: March 2022

In Theorie und Praxis heißt es oft, dass Steuersenkungen die Wirtschaftsaktivität stimulieren. Kaum etwas hört man jedoch über mögliche kontraktive Rückwirkungen, wenn die öffentlichen Ausgaben mit den ordentlichen Einnahmen schrumpfen. Im Rahmen einer elementaren gesamtwirtschaftlichen Analyse wird zunächst untersucht, wie variierende Steuererträge und alternative Budgetreaktionen das Volkseinkommen beeinflussen. Gängige Rezepte zur Ankurbelung der aggregierten Nachfrage erweisen sich als kontraproduktiv. Die auf einem eingeschränkten Defizitmultiplikator beruhende Kritik an der Selbstfinanzierungsthese kreditfinanzierter Ausgaben erweist sich zwar ebenfalls als unhaltbar, der erwünschte Konjunkturimpuls wird aber paralysiert, sofern der Steuermehrertrag der Schuldentilgung dient. Das verfügbare private Einkommen hängt zwar vom nachfragewirksamen Budgetdefizit ab, nicht aber von der Steuerquote, die jedoch den Anteil öffentlicher Güter am Sozialprodukt beeinflusst. Leitlinien eines wohlfahrtsorientierten Schuldenmanagements runden die Empfehlungen für eine funktionelle Fiskalpolitik ab.
Zollkrieg und Handelsabkommen zwischen den USA und China
Authors: Diekmann Berend , Kilpper Michael
Published: March 2022

Vier Jahre nach Beginn des chinesisch-amerikanischen Zollkriegs und zwei Jahre nach der Unterzeichnung des Phase-One-Abkommens ist ein guter Zeitpunkt gekommen, um die Auswirkungen der Außenhandelspolitik auf die US-Wirtschaft zu untersuchen. Auch wenn die Entwicklungen seit 2019 von anderen Faktoren überlagert und sogar dominiert wurden, fällt dieses Fazit aber eindeutig negativ aus, wie der vorliegende Beitrag zeigt.
Der Wirtschaftsstabilisierungsfonds — eine (Zwischen-)Bilanz
Authors: Steinberg Philipp , Lüthen Holger , Gehring Lukas , Schulz-Bianco Daniel
Published: March 2022

Der Wirtschaftsstabilisierungsfonds (WSF) ist eines von mehreren staatlichen Unterstützungsinstrumenten, die zur Bekämpfung der Folgen der Coronakrise aufgelegt wurden. Der WSF wurde für Unternehmen mit besonderer (volks-)wirtschaftlicher Bedeutung konzipiert. Dabei verfügt der Fonds über ein breites Spektrum an eigenkapitalähnlichen Hybridinstrumenten, wie stillen Beteiligungen und Nachrangdarlehen, wobei im Ausnahmefall auch offene Beteiligungen eingesetzt werden. Trotz der geringen Zahl stabilisierter Unternehmen zeigt sich, dass der WSF ein wichtiger Baustein der Krisenarchitektur ist — dank passgenauer Stabilisierungslösungen konnten wichtige Unternehmen erfolgreich stabilisiert werden.
Impfpflichten, Anreize und die effiziente Nutzung von Coronaimpfstoffen
Authors: Stolpe Michael
Published: March 2022

Impfpflichten sind aus ökonomischer Sicht ein negativer Anreiz, sich impfen zu lassen. Im Einzelfall genauso wirksame positive Anreize — etwa staatlich finanzierte Impfprämien — können flexibler gestaltet werden, einige Nachteile starrer gesetzlicher Impfpflichten vermeiden und womöglich eine höhere Impfquote erreichen helfen. Zuverlässige Antikörpertests können helfen, die Subventionierung auf Menschen ohne ausreichenden Immunschutz zu begrenzen. Wegen des hohen volkswirtschaftlichen Werts einer höheren Impfquote im Kampf gegen SARS-CoV-2 hat Deutschland einen großen ungenutzten Finanzierungsspielraum für Impfprämien. Denkbar sind auch Kombinationen von Impfprämien und -pflichten.
Multi-agent collaborative control parameter prediction for intelligent precision loading
Authors: Chen Zihua , Wang Chuanli , Li Jingzhao , Zhang Shunxiang , Ouyang Qichun
Published: March 2022

Due to the low adjustment accuracy of manual prediction, conventional programmable logic controller systems can easily lead to inaccurate and unpredictable load problems. The existing multi-agent systems based on various deep learning models has weak ability for advanced multi-parameter prediction while mainly focusing on the underlying communication consensus. To solve this problem, we propose a hybrid model based on a temporal convolutional network with the feature crossover method and light gradient boosting decision trees (called TCN-LightGBDT). First, we select the initial dataset according to the loading parameters' tolerance range and supply supplementing method for the deviated data. Second, we use the temporal convolutional network to extract the hidden data features in virtual loading areas. Further, a two-dimensional feature matrix is reconstructed through the feature crossover method. Third, we combine these features with basic historical features as the input of the light gradient boosting decision trees to predict the adjustment values of different combinations. Finaly, we compare the proposed model with other related deep learning models, and the experimental results show that our model can accurately predict parameter values.
Augmented reality for visualization the narrow areas in jaw surgery: modified Correntropy based enhanced ICP algorithm
Authors: Puri Anjana , Alsadoon Abeer , Prasad P. W. C. , Al-Neami Israa , Haddad Sami
Published: March 2022

Over time, Augmented Reality (AR) based technology becomes not being properly to implement with oral and maxillofacial surgery to visualise the narrow area spot in jaw surgery as blood vassals and root canals in these types of surgeries. Image registration is considered the major limitation of using the AR in these types of surgeries and reduces the accuracy of visualising the narrow areas. In this research, we propose a Correntropy based scale ICP algorithm as a solution to improve the image registration during jaw surgery. Correntropy is considered here to minimise the error metric of the ICP algorithm instead of the Euclidean distance measurement compared to the state-of-the-art solution. This led to decrease the registration error, increase the video accuracy and reduce the processing time simultaneously. The proposed system consists of Enhanced Tracking Learning Detection (TLD), which is used as an occlusion removal featured algorithm in the intra-operative stage of the AR-based jaw surgery system. In this research, a Modified Correntropy-based enhanced ICP (MCbeICP) algorithm is proposed for the system’s pose-refinement phase. Moreover, this proposed algorithm (MCbeICP) has a new function to process the point set registration with great noises and outliers. It eliminates the poor performance of the ICP algorithm of the noisy point set. Furthermore, the ICP algorithm considers the scale factor to register the point with different scales of the real-time video and the sample models. Additionally, this method improves the result of the pose refinement stage in terms of registration accuracy and processing time. By this method, the pose refinement stage gives an improved result in terms of registration accuracy and processing time. The samples, which were taken from the upper (maxillary) and the lower (mandible) jaw bone show that the proposed algorithm provides a significant accuracy improvement in alignment to 0.21- 0.29 mm from 0.23 to 0.35 mm and an increment in processing time from 8 to 12 frames per second (fs/s) to 10-14 fs/s compared to the result provided by state of the art. The proposed augmented reality (AR) system is focused on the overlay accuracy and processing time. Finally, this study addressed the limitation of Image registration with AR using modified Correntropy-based enhanced ICP algorithm to implement oral and maxillofacial surgery successfully.
3DFCNN: real-time action recognition using 3D deep neural networks with raw depth information
Authors: Sánchez-Caballero Adrián , de López-Diz Sergio , Fuentes-Jimenez David , Losada-Gutiérrez Cristina , Marrón-Romera Marta , Casillas-Pérez David , Sarker Mohammad Ibrahim
Published: March 2022

This work describes an end-to-end approach for real-time human action recognition from raw depth image-sequences. The proposal is based on a 3D fully convolutional neural network, named 3DFCNN, which automatically encodes spatio-temporal patterns from raw depth sequences. The described 3D-CNN allows actions classification from the spatial and temporal encoded information of depth sequences. The use of depth data ensures that action recognition is carried out protecting people’s privacy, since their identities can not be recognized from these data. The proposed 3DFCNN has been optimized to reach a good performance in terms of accuracy while working in real-time. Then, it has been evaluated and compared with other state-of-the-art systems in three widely used public datasets with different characteristics, demonstrating that 3DFCNN outperforms all the non-DNN-based state-of-the-art methods with a maximum accuracy of 83.6% and obtains results that are comparable to the DNN-based approaches, while maintaining a much lower computational cost of 1.09 seconds, what significantly increases its applicability in real-world environments.
Consistent attentive dual branch network for person re-identification
Authors: Munir Asad , Martinel Niki , Micheloni Christian
Published: March 2022

Several recent person re-identification methods are focusing on learning discriminative representations by designing efficient metric learning loss functions. Other approaches design part based architectures to compute an informative descriptor based on local features from semantically coherent parts. Few efforts learn the relationship between distant similar regions and parts by adjusting them to their most feasible positions with the help of soft attention. However, they focus on calibrating distant similar parts features and ignore to learn the noise (blur) free and distinct feature representations as the person re-identification datasets contain degraded images. To tackle these issues, we propose a novel Consistent Attention Dual Branch Network (CadNet) that has ability to model long-range dependencies (correlations) between channels as well as feature maps. We adopt multiple classifiers trained to learn the most discriminative global features for a unique representation of a person. Correlation between channels are consistently computed by using channel attention mechanism to make the learned feature noise free and distict from noisy and blurry data. Feature correlations interpret the relationship between distant similarities in the images computed by the self attention mechanism. The proposed CadNet significantly enhances the performance with respect to the baseline on the person re-identification benchmarks.
Global debris flow susceptibility based on a comparative analysis of a single global model versus a continent-by-continent approach
Authors: Kurilla Laurie Jayne , Fubelli Giandomenico
Published: March 2022

Debris flows, and landslides in general, are worldwide catastrophic phenomena. As world population and urbanization grow in magnitude and geographic coverage, the need exists to extend focus, research, and modeling to a continental and global scale. Although debris flow behavior and parameters are local phenomena, sound generalizations can be applied to debris flow susceptibility analyses at larger geographic extents based on these criteria. The focus of this research is to develop a global debris flow susceptibility map by modeling at both a continental scale for all continents and by a single global model and determine whether a global model adequately represents each continent. Probability Density, Conditional Probability, Certainty Factor, Frequency Ratio, and Maximum Entropy statistical models were developed and evaluated for best model performance using fourteen environmental factors generally accepted as the most appropriate debris flow predisposing factors. Global models and models for each continent were then developed and evaluated against verification data. The comparative analysis demonstrates that a single global model performs comparably or better than individual continental models for a majority of the continents, resulting in a debris flow susceptibility map of the world useful for in-depth research, international planning, and future debris flow susceptibility modeling and determining societal impacts.
The role of financial literacy in households’ asset accumulation process: evidence from Ghana
Authors: Koomson Isaac , Villano Renato A. , Hadley David
Published: March 2022

This paper examines the impact of financial literacy training on household asset accumulation using data collected from a randomised controlled trial implemented in Ghana. Financial assets are measured using account holdings and savings while durable assets and their decomposed components are captured using their total values. After testing for baseline balance, impact is estimated using treatment effect models. We find that financial literacy training plays a significant role in accumulation of both financial and durable assets, but the impact is more evident in the accumulation of productive durable assets. Our overall findings on productive and non-productive assets are robust to alternative conceptualisations of what constitutes productive and non-productive assets. Our results also show that financial literacy training has an impact on the accumulation of both total and productive assets in female-beneficiary households, as well as enhancing account holdings for females, although this effect was larger for males. The analyses for different age cohorts also revealed that financial literacy training results in higher asset accumulation among younger household heads.
Model Synthetic Samples for Validation of NMR Signal Simulations
Authors: Ling Nicholas N. A. , Hussaini Syed Rizwanullah , Elsayed Mahmoud , Connolly Paul R. J. , El-Husseiny Ammar , Mahmoud Mohamed , May Eric F. , Johns Michael L.
Published: March 2022

Simulations of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal from fluids contained in porous media (such as rock cores) need to account for both enhanced surface relaxation and the presence of internal magnetic field gradients due to magnetic susceptibility contrast between the rock matrix and the contained fluid phase. Such simulations are typically focussed on the extraction of the NMR T2 relaxation distribution which can be related to pore size and indirectly to system permeability. Discrepancies between such NMR signal simulations on digital rock cores and associated experimental measurements are however frequently reported; these are generally attributed to spatial variations in rock matric composition resulting in heterogeneously distributed NMR surface relaxivities (ρ) and internal magnetic field gradients. To this end, a range of synthetic sediments composed of variable mixtures of quartz and garnet sands were studied. These two constituents were selected for the following reasons: they have different densities allowing for ready phase differentiation in 3D μCT images of samples to use as simulation lattices and they have distinctly different ρ and magnetic susceptibility values which allow for a rigorous test of NMR simulations. Here these 3D simulations were used to calculate the distribution of internal magnetic field gradients in the range of samples, these data were then compared against corresponding NMR experimental measurements. Agreement was reasonably good with the largest discrepancy being the simulation predicting weak internal gradients (in the vicinity of the quartz sand for mixed samples) which were not detected experimentally. The suite of 3D μCT images and associated experimental NMR measurements are all publicly available for the development and validation of NMR simulation efforts.
Correction to: Solubility enhancement of berberine–baicalin complex by the constituents of Gardenia Fruit
Authors: Okoshi Kazuki , Uekusa Yoshinori , Narukawa Yuji , Kiuchi Fumiyuki
Published: March 2022

The article "Solubility enhancement of berberine–baicalin complex by the constituents of Gardenia Fruit ", written by Kazuki Okoshi, Yoshinori Uekusa, Yuji Narukawa, Fumiyuki Kiuchi, was originally published Online First without Open Access. After publication in volume 75, issue 1, page 76–83 the author decided to opt for Open Choice and to make the article an Open Access publication.
Trajectory planning and base attitude restoration of dual-arm free-floating space robot by enhanced bidirectional approach
Authors: Xie Zongwu , Zhao Xiaoyu , Jiang Zainan , Yang Haitao , Li Chongyang
Published: March 2022

When free-floating space robots perform space tasks, the satellite base attitude is disturbed by the dynamic coupling. The disturbance of the base orientation may affect the communication between the space robot and the control center on earth. In this paper, the enhanced bidirectional approach is proposed to plan the manipulator trajectory and eliminate the final base attitude variation. A novel acceleration level state equation for the nonholonomic problem is proposed, and a new intermediate variable-based Lyapunov function is derived and solved for smooth joint trajectory and restorable base trajectories. In the method, the state equation is first proposed for dual-arm robots with and without end constraints, and the system stability is analyzed to obtain the system input. The input modification further increases the system stability and simplifies the calculation complexity. Simulations are carried out in the end, and the proposed method is validated in minimizing final base attitude change and trajectory smoothness. Moreover, the minute internal force during the coordinated operation and the considerable computing efficiency increases the feasibility of the method during space tasks.
Organizational Work-Home Culture and its Relations with the Work–Family Interface and Employees’ Subjective Well-being
Authors: Bobbio Andrea , Canova Luigina , Manganelli Anna Maria
Published: March 2022

The two studies reported in this paper aimed to present and discuss both the validation of the Work-Home Culture (WHC) scale (Dikkers et al., Work & Stress, 21(2), 155–172, 2007) in the Italian context (Study 1), and a relational model that links the WHC to subjective well-being via the mediation of three facets of the work-home interface: work-family conflict, work-family enrichment and work-family balance (Study 2). Heterogeneous samples of workers from different organisations took part in the cross-sectional studies. Substantial support was provided for the robustness of the factorial structure of the 18-item WHC scale with five factors (three support dimensions and two hindrance dimensions). Individuals’ perceptions of a supportive WHC that characterises the organisation they work for – particularly with respect to work-family issues and the use of family-friendly benefits – turned out to be positively associated with work-family enrichment and balance. Only organisational time demands, which is a hindrance dimension, was associated with work-family conflict. Moreover, our findings suggest that WHC is significantly associated with subjective well-being and that this association is largely indirect – through the facets of work-family interface – rather than direct. The results of the two studies represent a relevant achievement from the perspective of conducting future research using this measure in different socio-cultural environments and ad hoc interventions in the fields of organisational psychology and occupational health.
Body Mass Index Thresholds and the Use of Bariatric Surgery in the Field of Kidney Transplantation in Germany
Authors: Dziodzio Tomasz , Hillebrandt Karl Herbert , Knitter Sebastian , Nösser Maximilian , Globke Brigitta , Ritschl Paul Viktor , Biebl Matthias , Denecke Christian , Raakow Jonas , Lurje Georg , Schöning Wenzel , Schmelzle Moritz , Kahl Andreas , Fütterer Markus , Budde Klemens , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Halleck Fabian , Pratschke Johann , Öllinger Robert ,   German Bariatric Surgery, Kidney Transplantation Group, Volker Assfalg , Anette Bachmann , Peter Benoehr , Adrian Billeter , Felix Braun , Jens Brockmann , Aydin Er , Susan Foller , Frank Friedersdorff , Andreas Fuehrer , Josef Geks , Klaus Grabitz , Martina Guthoff , Wilfried Gwinner , Fabian Halleck , Michael Heise , Uta Herden , Histros Karakizlis , Michael Keese , Stephan Kersting , Martina Koch , Markus Krautter , Uwe Kuhlmann , Christine Kurschat , Sven Lang , Lutz Liefeldt , Shanti Lokhande , Kai Lopau , Steffen Manekeller , Christian Mönch , Anja Mühlfeld , Silvio Nadalin , Martin Nitschke , Robert Öllinger , Mirian Opgenoorth , Ulrich Pein , Ursula Pession , Przemyslaw Pisarski , Juliane Putz , Thomas Rath , Peter Schenker , Daniel Seehofer , Stefan Siemer , Florian Sommer , Michael Stroehlein , Walter Treckmann Jürgen , Julia Weinmann-Menke , Peter Weithofer , Karl Wiegand , Daniel Zecher
Published: March 2022

Background

Obesity in the recipient is linked to inferior transplant outcome. Consequently, access to kidney transplantation (KT) is often restricted by body mass index (BMI) thresholds. Bariatric surgery (BS) has been established as a superior treatment for obesity compared to conservative measures, but it is unclear whether it is beneficial for patients on the waiting list.

Methods

A national survey consisting of 16 questions was sent to all heads of German KT centers. Current situation of KT candidates with obesity and the status of BS were queried.

Results

Center response rate was 100%. Obesity in KT candidates was considered an important issue (96.1%;n = 49/51) and 68.6% (n = 35/51) of departments responded to use absolute BMI thresholds for KT waiting list access with ≥ 35 kg/m2(45.1%;n = 23/51) as the most common threshold. BS was considered an appropriate weight loss therapy (92.2%;n = 47/51), in particular before KT (88.2%;n = 45/51). Sleeve gastrectomy was the most favored procedure (77.1%;n = 37/51). Twenty-one (41.2%) departments responded to evaluate KT candidates with obesity by default but only 11 (21.6%) had experience with ≥ n = 5 transplants after BS. Concerns against BS were malabsorption of immunosuppressive therapy (39.2%;n = 20/51), perioperative morbidity (17.6%;n = 9/51), and malnutrition (13.7%;n = 7/51).

Conclusions

Obesity is potentially limiting access for KT. Despite commonly used BMI limits, only few German centers consider BS for obesity treatment in KT candidates by default. A national multicenter study is desired by nearly all heads of German transplant centers to prospectively assess the potentials, risks, and safety of BS in KT waitlisted patients.

Graphical abstract
Analysis of Whole Blood and Urine Trace Elements in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Autistic Behaviors
Authors: Zhao Gang , Liu Si-jin , Gan Xin-yu , Li Jun-ru , Wu Xiao-xue , Liu Si-yan , Jin Yi-si , Zhang Ke-rang , Wu Hong-mei
Published: March 2022

The relationship between trace elements and neurological development is an emerging research focus. We performed a case–control study to explore (1) the differences of 13 trace elements chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), cadmium (Cd), stannum (Sn), stibium (Sb), mercury (Hg), titanium (TI), and plumbum (Pb) concentration in whole blood and urine between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children and their typical development peers, and (2) the association between the 13 trace elements and core behaviors of ASD. Thirty ASD subjects (cases) and 30 age-sex-matched healthy subjects from Baise City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, were recruited. Element analysis was carried out by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Autistic behaviors were assessed using Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), and Children Neuropsychological and Behavior Scale (CNBS). The whole blood concentrations of Mo (p = 0.004), Cd (0.007), Sn (p = 0.003), and Pb (p = 0.037) were significantly higher in the ASD cases than in the controls. Moreover, Se (0.393), Hg (0.408), and Mn (− 0.373) concentrations were significantly correlated between whole blood and urine levels in ASD case subjects. There were significant correlations between whole blood Sb (0.406), Tl (0.365), Mo (− 0.4237), Mn (− 0.389), Zn (0.476), and Se (0.375) levels and core behaviors of ASD. Although the mechanism of trace element imbalance in ASD is unclear, these data demonstrate that core behaviors of ASD may be affected by certain trace elements. Further studies are recommended for exploring the mechanism of element imbalance and providing corresponding clinical treatment measures.
Immigration, Domination, and ‘Proportional Patriotism’: Recovering the Sociology of Herbert Adolphus Miller
Authors: Balon Jan , Holmwood John
Published: March 2022

This article addresses the sociological approach and political engagements of the early twentieth century sociologist, Herbert Adolphus Miller (1875–1951). He is now largely forgotten, but he had deep connections within the Chicago milieu of pragmatist sociology and social reform activities through both the Settlement movement and the Survey movement. In 1914 he wrote a volume in the Cleveland Survey on Immigrant children in the school system and in 1918 was appointed to head the division on Immigrant Contributions in the Carnegie Corporation’s project on ‘Methods of Americanization’, in which Robert E. Park was head of the division on Immigrant Press and Theater (Park in The Immigrant Press, 1922). If Miller’s name is recognized at all it is as author with Park ofOld World Traits Transplanted(1921), a work subsequently attributed to W. I. Thomas. We examine the nature of Miller’s research on immigrant populations from subject nationalities in Europe, undertaken in Cleveland and as part of the Carnegie project. He left the latter project mid-way through to become part of a small group that drafted the Czechoslovakian Declaration of Independence in November 1918. We show how Miller developed a distinctive approach to ‘Americanization’ through his idea of ‘proportional patriotism’ that challenged the dominant discourse of assimilation that became entrenched in the years after the end of the first world war and which was largely accepted by Park and by Thomas. He was dismissed in 1932 from Ohio State University because of his views on race mixing and his criticisms of the British and Japanese empires.
Post-Hurricane Sandy Benthic Habitat Mapping at Fire Island National Seashore, New York, USA, Utilizing the Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS)
Authors: LaFrance Bartley Monique , King John W. , Oakley Bryan A. , Caccioppoli Brian J.
Published: March 2022

In 2012, Hurricane Sandy created a new tidal inlet at Fire Island National Seashore (FIIS) in New York, USA, consequently altering environmental conditions within Great South Bay. This event presented a unique opportunity to establish new ecological baselines, assess resulting ecological change, and explore management implications. This study focuses on benthic mapping within the bayside of FIIS using acoustic, grab sample, and imagery data. Biotope (habitat) maps were developed describing relationships between macrofaunal communities and their environment. Additionally, biotopes were prioritized by “ecological value” based on user-defined criteria (presence of seagrass and potential for higher trophic level interactions) to guide management. While there are limited pre-Sandy data for comparison, findings from this study suggest the inlet has been a positive ecological influence on the nearby area. Dense concentrations of mature blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) documented near the inlet are considered ecologically beneficial and represent a post-Sandy distinction in ecosystem structure;M. eduliswas last common when the inlet was previously open (early 1800s). The inlet is also likely responsible for seagrass expansion near the inlet but decline in other areas. This study advances the utility of the Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) by including CMECS-defined data in analyses and expanding the definition of “dominance.” CMECS played a key role in developing map units, interpreting biotopes, and establishing statistically significant and ecologically meaningful biotic–abiotic relationships. This study also highlights the value and management applications of benthic mapping specific to FIIS and more broadly and advocates for similar studies elsewhere.
Analysing the interactions and complexities of the operations in the production area of an FPSO platform using the functional resonance analysis method (FRAM)
Authors: França Josué E. M. , Hollnagel Erik , Praetorius Gesa
Published: March 2022

The technological evolution of several productive sectors of society has demanded the same level of evolution for the oil and gas industry, both for energy production and their own systems’ functioning. The production of crude oil and natural gas in offshore units is one of the answers to this demand. However, these offshore units have critical onboard activities and risks, notably FPSO units; it is necessary to have adequate recognition of the elements that can support these activities and manage these risks, enabling productive and safe operations. In this sense, this article aims to increase the understanding of the complex interactions and inherent safety issues that arise in the operations of FPSOs, observing and analysing the work done onboard such platforms. The FRAM methodology has been chosen because it allows for the recognition and analysis of the complex interactions involving workers, equipment, system and offshore environment, focusing on the oil treatment area of the process plant. The results demonstrated some interesting findings regarding onboard safety and the relationship between human competences, work demands and process safety.
Suitable dam site identification using GIS-based MCDA: a case study of Chemoga watershed, Ethiopia
Authors: Hagos Yonas Gebresilasie , Andualem Tesfa Gebrie , Mengie Mequanent Abathun , Ayele Workineh Tadesse , Malede Demelash Ademe
Published: March 2022

Ethiopia is Africa's second-most populous country, after Nigeria, and is primarily a farming community with low productivity that is heavily reliant on rain-fed agriculture. Water scarcity, global warming, and rising population all necessitate more effective water conservation methods. As a result, the demand for dams is increasing dramatically in order to provide the community with safe drinking water, electricity, and irrigation to ensure food security. The goal of this study was to use remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) techniques in conjunction with the dam suitability stream model and multi-criteria decision analysis to identify potential sites for multi-purpose dam construction. The study used six influencing factors to find suitable dam sites, with the model's suitability stream and overall suitability output maps proposed and evaluated as a result. Based on the topography and land use, the results showed that three proposed dam sites in the upper part of the watershed are likely preferable for irrigation, fishery, and clean drinking water supply. The three proposed dam sites in the watershed's lower reaches, however, are better suited to hydropower generation. In addition, remote sensing and GIS are useful in dam/reservoir site selection because they allow decision-makers to create, manipulate, and manage relevant thematic layers.
Assessing groundwater quality using the Water Quality Index (WQI) and GIS in the Uva Province, Sri Lanka
Authors: Piyathilake I. D. U. H. , Ranaweera L. V. , Udayakumara E. P. N. , Gunatilake S. K. , Dissanayake C. B.
Published: March 2022

The prime objective of this study is to develop a water quality index (WQI) to identify the relationship between the drinking water quality and the prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease of Uncertain Etiology (CKDu) in the Uva Province (UP). For this, all CKDu patients in the province were recorded. 251 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for their major cations and anions. Following this procedure, the spatial distribution maps for CKDu patients, water quality parameters and WQI were generated. The results revealed that, 20.3% of groundwater samples are categorized under “excellent” in terms of the drinking water quality, 21.2% of the samples are categorized under “good”, 20.3% of the samples are categorized under “poor”, 9.9% of the samples are categorized under “very poor”, and 28.3% of the samples are categorized under “unsuitable” in terms of the WQI. According to the results, the most significant correlation was recorded between fluoride content in the samples and WQI (0.96). Statistical analysis showed that the WQI has a strong positive correlation (0.68) with the spatial distribution of CKDu patients in the UP inferring that groundwater quality has a significant effect on the prevalence of CKDu in the UP. Moreover, these maps can be effectively used by decision makers for groundwater quality management activities in the UP, Sri Lanka.
Evaluation of the edaphic and water properties of Diu coast (Saurashtra, Gujarat, India) in relation to the population density of Avicennia marina
Authors: Patale Varsha V. , Tank Jigna G.
Published: March 2022

The Diu Island is the natural habitat dominated by Avicennia marina mangrove species in the southeast coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat State of India. Since it is a famous industrial and tourism place, survival of these mangrove species is threatened due to anthropogenic activities. Therefore, to conserve the natural habitat of Avicennia marina, it is necessary to evaluate the influence of water quality and edaphic factors on growth of Avicennia marina species in this region. In order to study the quality of soil and water, samples were collected from the sediments of five different habitats during each season (summer, winter and monsoon) and physicochemical parameters were measured. The quality of water and soil was influenced by seasonal changes due to change in temperature, pH, macroelements (carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphate, sulfur, potassium, calcium and magnesium) and microelements (zinc, iron, manganese, copper, boron and nickel) content which in turn increases TDS, TSS, TS, alkalinity, COD and BOD of water. These parameters were correlated with the population density of plants growing in the sediments to observe its effect on growth of plants in each habitat. Hence, it was concluded that there was significant influence of seasonal changes on the physicochemical parameters of water and soil which in turn changed the density of plants (site:3 > site:1 > site:2 > site:5 > site:4) at all five sites. Multivariate cluster analysis, MDS and PCA, identified spatial and temporal characteristics of five habitats and suggested that site-4 and site-5 are more polluted as compared to other sites and require restoration and conservation.