bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
True metabolizable energy of foods consumed by lesser scaup (Aythya affinis)
Authors: Larson Lauren D. , Jacques Christopher N. , Lancaster Joseph D. , Hagy Heath M. , Anteau Michael J. , Fournier Auriel M. V.
Published: September 2024

The energy derived from available foods is an important factor used in conservation planning for migratory species. Estimating true metabolizable energy (TME) of available foods has become a common method for resource managers to increase reliability in energetic carrying‐capacity estimates. Lesser scaup (Aythya affinis; hereafter scaup), have experienced a population decline concurrent with suspected decreases in foraging habitat quality and quantity at spring stopover sites in the upper Midwest, USA. Unfortunately, few TME estimates are available for common diet items of scaup. We estimated nitrogen‐adjusted TME (TMEN) of 5 common foods of scaup by conducting feeding trials on wild females and males. True metabolizable energy varied by food taxa, but not by pretrial body mass or sex. Mean TMEN (kcal/g[dry] ± SE) was greatest for wild millet (Echinochloa crus‐galli; 2.20 ± 0.14), followed by chironomids (Chironomus spp.; 1.41 ± 0.49), amphipods (Gammarus spp.; 1.33 ± 0.23), planorbid snails (Planorbidae; 0.17 ± 0.07), and fingernail clams (Sphaeriidae; −0.79 ± 0.27). Our results, combined with scaup diet literature indicated that the management of spring staging areas for high‐energy invertebrates (i.e., chironomids and amphipods) would provide improved opportunity for energy acquisition during migration. Further study could help determine if the acclimation of scaup to particular diets, especially bivalves, increases their TMEN values.
Numerical simulation of two‐phase flow towards a stagnation point in the Jeffrey nanofluid across a porous deformable disc with zero mass flux condition and Lorentz forces
Authors: Gasmi Hatem , Waqas Muhammad , Khan Umair , Zaib Aurang , Ishak Anuar , Madhukesh Javali Kotresh , Ouazir Abderrahmane , Boukendakdji Mustapha , Ghazouani Nejib
Published: September 2024

There have been a lot of claims made in the literature recently regarding the physical characteristics of nanofluids in different flow systems, especially the laminar flow regimes. The goal of this study is to investigate the two‐dimensional laminar flow of Jeffrey liquid that describes the characteristics of heat and mass transfer towards a stagnation point over a radial moving disc through the Buongiorno nanofluid model. The study also aims to investigate the impact of mass transpiration velocity, magnetic field, and zero mass flux incorporated in a Jeffrey fluid. The study reduces complicated partial differential equations to a collection of ordinary differential equations using the similarity transformation, which makes it easier to compute dual numerical solutions using the bvp4c solver. A particular value of the shrinking parameter yields dual solutions. The findings of the current research demonstrate that the suction constraint amplifies the friction factor phenomenon in the second solution, while in the first solution, an annulment tendency is noted. Additionally, the first solution exhibits a monotonic behavior whereas the second solution shows a fall in both the friction factor and the rate of heat transfer by increasing the Deborah number. Finally, the results of this analysis with the available data matched the limiting situations very well.
Early and repetitive novel-tracer PET-guided stereotactic body radiotherapy for nodal oligorecurrent prostate cancer after definitive first-line therapy
Authors: Grün Arne , Cumaoglu Selin , Kluge Anne , Schlomm Thorsten , Böhmer Dirk , Miller Kurt , Heidenreich Holger , Zips Daniel , Kalinauskaite Goda
Published: September 2024

Background

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron-emission tomography (PET) imaging can detect prostate cancer (PCa) nodal oligorecurrences (NOR) at very low prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Prospective studies on oligorecurrent (OR) PCa have been hampered by either dated diagnostics or inhomogeneous cohorts and/or treatment approaches. We hypothesized that early and—if necessary and feasible—repetitive PSMA-PET-based metastasis-directed therapy (MDT) using stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) would improve freedom from palliative (systemic) therapy at low toxicity.

Methods

This study is a retrospective analysis of patients treated for OR PCa after definitive first-line therapy using PSMA-PET/CT-based SBRT. Endpoints were biochemical progression-free survival (bPFS), SBRT-free survival (SBRT-FS), androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)-free survival (ADT-FS), and toxicity.

Results

A total of 67 patients and 248 metastases (211 nodal) were treated. Patients on concurrent ADT were excluded. Median PSA at inclusion was 2.175 ng/ml. bPFS, SBRT-FS, and ADT-FS for multiple-course SBRT were 9.5, 19.5, and 35.0 months, respectively; 32 patients had ≥ 1 course of SBRT. Median PSA nadir was 0.585 ng/ml. There was no ≥ grade 2 toxicity.

Conclusion

Modern-tracer PET/CT-based early and repetitive focal SBRT yields promising results with regard to bPFS, SBRT-FS, and ADT-FS with low toxicity. The ability of this approach to postpone initiation of palliative treatment with low toxicity should be re-evaluated prospectively.
Young age and adequate BCG are key factors for optimal BCG treatment efficacy in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Liu Kang , Nicoletti Rossella , Zhao Hongda , Chen Xuan , Wu Hongwei , Leung Chi-Ho , D’Andrea David , Laukhtina Ekaterina , Soria Francesco , Gallioli Andrea , Wroclawski Marcelo Langer , Castellani Daniele , Gauhar Vineet , Rivas Juan Gomez , Enikeev Dmitry , Gontero Paolo , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Chiu Peter Ka-Fung , Ng Chi-Fai , Teoh Jeremy Yuen-Chun
Published: September 2024

Objective

To investigate the impact of ageing on survival outcomes in Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) treated non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients and its synergy with adequate BCG treatment.

Method

Patients with NMIBC who received BCG treatment from 2001 to 2020 were divided into group 1 (< = 70 years) and group 2 (> 70 years). Overall Survival (OS), Cancer-Specific Survival (CSS), Recurrence-Free Survival (RFS), and Progression-Free Survival (PFS) were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to adjust potential confounding factors and to estimate Hazard Ratio (HR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Subgroup analysis was performed according to adequate versus inadequate BCG treatment.

Results

Overall, 2602 NMIBC patients were included: 1051 (40.4%) and 1551 (59.6%) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. At median follow-up of 11.0 years, group 1 (< = 70 years) was associated with better OS, CSS, and RFS, but not PFS as compared to group 2 (> 70 years). At subgroup analysis, patients in group 1 treated with adequate BCG showed better OS, CSS, RFS, and PFS as compared with inadequate BCG treatment in group 2, while patients in group 2 receiving adequate BCG treatment had 41% less progression than those treated with inadequate BCG from the same group.

Conclusions

Being younger (< = 70 years) was associated with better OS, CSS, and RFS, but not PFS. Older patients (> 70 years) who received adequate BCG treatment had similar PFS as those younger with adequate BCG treatment.
Effect of powered circular stapler in colorectal anastomosis after left-sided colic resection: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Scardino Andrea , Riva Carlo Galdino , Sorrentino Luca , Lauricella Sara , Aiolfi Alberto , Rottoli Matteo , Bonitta Gianluca , Vitellaro Marco , Bonavina Luigi , Bona Davide , Kelly Michael , Rausa Emanuele
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Anastomotic leak (AL) remains the most important complication after left-sided colic anastomoses and technical complications during anastomotic construction are responsible of higher leakage incidence. Powered circular stapler (PCS) in colorectal surgery has been introduced in order to reduce technical errors and post-operative complications due to the manual circular stapler (MCS).

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. An electronic systematic search was performed using Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase of studies comparing PCS and MCS. The incidence of AL, anastomotic bleeding (AB), conversion, and reoperation were assessed. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42024512644.

Results

Five observational studies were eligible for inclusion reporting on 2379 patients. The estimated pooled Risk Ratios for AL and AB rates following PCS were significantly lower than those observed with MCS (0.44 and 0.23, respectively; both with p < 0.01). Conversion and reoperation rate did not show any significant difference: 0.41 (95% CI 0.09–1.88; p = 0.25) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.33–1.84; p = 0.57); respectively.

Conclusion

The use of PCS demonstrates a lower incidence of AL and AB compared to MCS but does not exhibit a discernible influence on reintervention or conversion rates. The call for future randomized clinical trials aims to definitively clarify these issues and contribute to further advancements in refining surgical strategies for left-sided colonic resection.
Residual metabolic burden in young psoriasis patients successfully treated with biologics
Authors: Merzel Šabović Eva Klara , Kraner Šumenjak Tadeja , Janić Miodrag
Published: September 2024

Metabolic disorders are common in patients with psoriasis and contribute significantly to an increased cardiovascular risk. While biologic therapy is very successful in clearing skin lesions, its impact on metabolic parameters is uncertain. Our aim was to investigate the residual metabolic burden in psoriasis patients successfully treated with biologic therapy. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 80 young patients (54 men, 26 women, aged 30–45 years) successfully treated with either adalimumab, secukinumab or guselkumab and topical therapy or methotrexate, and 20 healthy controls. Anthropometric parameters, lipid levels and metabolic indices (HOMA-IR, TyG index and FIB-4 index) were measured. Patients did not receive any other treatments to exclude confounding effects. After analysis, we found that patients treated with three different biologics had similar metabolic status, only the FIB-4 index was higher in the adalimumab group than in the secukinumab and guselkumab treatment groups. There were no significant differences between the patients treated with biologics and the control group. The comparison with patients treated topically or with methotrexate showed that only triglyceride levels, HOMA-IR, TyG index, and FIB-4 index were elevated in patients treated with adalimumab compared to patients treated with topical therapy. Finally, metabolic status was also similar in patients treated with methotrexate or topical therapy. In conclusion, this study suggests that psoriasis patients successfully treated with biologics have similar metabolic parameters to the control group and patients treated with topical therapy or methotrexate. This indicates that there is no significant residual metabolic burden in young patients successfully treated with biologics. These results are clinically relevant and should be considered in the treatment of psoriasis patients.

The study is registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT05957120). Date of registration: 24th of July 2023.
Postpandemic fluctuations of regional respiratory syncytial virus hospitalization epidemiology: potential impact on an immunization program in Switzerland
Authors: Fischli Klara , Schöbi Nina , Duppenthaler Andrea , Casaulta Carmen , Riedel Thomas , Kopp Matthias V. , Agyeman Philipp K. A. , Aebi Christoph
Published: September 2024

RSV hospitalization epidemiology is subject to rapid changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the prospect of vaccine prevention. The purpose of this report is to characterize recent epidemiologic and clinical fluctuations and to analyze their potential impact on an immunization program with nirsevimab. This is a 2018–2024 retrospective analysis of all hospitalizations caused by RSV in patients below 16 years of age occurring at an academic Children’s Hospital that serves a defined population. We simulated the vaccine impact against RSV hospitalization by applying the expected effects of the infant immunization program with nirsevimab proposed in Switzerland to observed case counts. We analyzed 1339 hospitalizations. The consecutive occurrence of two major epidemics in 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 had never been recorded previously. The 2023–2024 season witnessed a major shift to older age. Only 61% of patients were below 12 months of age, while prepandemic long-term surveillance since 1997 found a range between 64 and 85% (median, 73%). Age below 3 months, prematurity, airway anomalies, congenital heart disease, and neuromuscular disorders were independently associated with ICU admission. Simulation of the vaccine impact using two scenarios of coverage and efficacy (scenario 1, 50% and 62%, respectively; scenario 2, 90% and 90%) and three different age distributions resulted in an infant vaccine impact of 31.0% (scenario 1) and 81.0% (scenario 2), respectively. Vaccine impact for all patients below 16 years ranged from 22.7 to 24.9% (scenario 1) and 54.2 to 68.8% (scenario 2).

Conclusion: RSV hospitalization epidemiology was characterized by substantial variability in patient age on admission. As the proposed RSV immunization program primarily targets infants, year-to-year fluctuation of cases among older children will cause a variability of vaccine impact of approximately 15%. This information may be useful for physicians and hospital administrators when they anticipate the resources needed during the winter season.

What is Known:• RSV hospitalization epidemiology was subject to massive disturbances during the COVID-19 pandemic.• Extended half-life monoclonal antibodies and active maternal immunization offer new means of passive protection of infants against severe RSV disease.What is New:• We demonstrate substantial year-to-year fluctuation of the age distribution at the time of RSV hospitalization.• Up to 40% of annual RSV hospitalizations in a given season occur in children above 12 months of age who do not benefit from maternal RSV immunization and may not be eligible for receipt of a monoclonal antibody.
The 2020–2022 paroxysmal episodes of the South-East Crater (Mt. Etna): insights into high-frequency eruptive activity from petrological monitoring
Authors: Corsaro Rosa Anna , Miraglia Lucia , Arienzo Ilenia , Di Renzo Valeria
Published: September 2024

Over the last 20 years, the South-East Crater (SEC) of Etna has produced high-intensity explosive activity including Strombolian explosions and lava fountains associated with lava effusion. In the 2020–2022 period, SEC volcanic activity was characterized by two paroxysmal sequences from 13 December 2020 to 1 Apr 2021 (SEQ1) and from 19 May to 23 October 2021 (SEQ2); another two paroxysms occurred on 10 and 21 February 2022. The 2020–2022 eruptive activity was monitored by the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia-Osservatorio Etneo (INGV-OE) with instrumental networks, field surveys, and laboratory analyses. A detailed record of the chemical variations of glass was acquired in the framework of the syn-eruptive petrological monitoring; chemical (major and trace elements) and isotopic (Sr and Nd) compositions of bulk rocks completed the study. The findings of the petrological monitoring, coupled with volcanological parameters and literature data, allowed magma evolution to be tracked and the subsurface magmatic processes responsible for the observed compositional variations to be inferred. Changes in magma supply rates and mixing between an evolved magma stored in the shallow reservoir and a more primitive magma ascending from intermediate depths controlled magma evolution during the 2020–2022 paroxysmal activity. We discuss magmatic processes in the plumbing system before and during the eruption and the relationship between rate of magma supply and the eruptive dynamics. Finally, the 2020–2022 paroxysmal activity of SEC tested the INGV-OE procedures of petrological monitoring, in the framework of  monitoring best practices.
On a periodic Jacobi–Perron type algorithm
Authors: Karpenkov Oleg
Published: September 2024

In 1848 Ch. Hermite formulated a question on periodic representation of cubic numbers. In this paper we introduce a new Jacobi–Perron type algorithm that provides periodicity for all cubic irrationalities in the input and prove the periodicity. This is the first subtractive algorithm for which the algebraic periodicity is proven. The algorithm is designed for the totally real case, providing the answer to Hermite’s original question in this case.
Erfolgreiche humanistische psychotherapeutische Prozesse: Therapeutische Beziehung und signifikante Aspekte aus Sicht von Patient:innen und Therapeut:innen der Integrativen Therapie
Authors: Denkmayr Maria , Werner-Tutschku Clemens , Schaffler Yvonne , Probst Thomas , Humer Elke , Schigl Brigitte
Published: September 2024

Dieser Beitrag untersucht psychotherapeutische Prozesse mit besonderem Augenmerk auf die therapeutische Beziehung. Konkret geht es dabei um Überlegungen zur therapeutischen Beziehung aus Sicht von Psychotherapeut:innen sowie der Wahrnehmung von besonderen, förderlichen oder hinderlichen Aspekten durch Patient:innen und Therapeut:innen. Die qualitativen Daten stammen aus Interviews einer Studie zu „Prozess und Outcome in niedergelassener psychotherapeutischer Praxis (POPP)“ mit Integrativen Therapeut:innen bzw. ihren Patient:innen. Die Daten wurden mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse bearbeitet. Aus Sicht der Psychotherapeut:innen lassen sich von Therapeut:innen und ihren Patient:innen gemeinsam hergestellte Allianzfaktoren, individuelle Faktoren die diese bzw. ihre Patient:innen betreffen sowie kontextuelle Faktoren extrahieren. Die Sicht von Patient:innen und Psychotherapeut:innen zu „significant events“ zeigt hohe Kongruenzen in der Sicht der Dyaden. Die Beziehung soll durch Empathie und Wertschätzung und ein partizipatives Arbeiten auf Augenhöhe gekennzeichnet sein. Anhand zweier Studien zur Integrativen Therapie als Beispiel für den humanistischen Ansatz heben die Ergebnisse die Bedeutung der therapeutischen Beziehung hervor und identifizieren damit zusammenhängende Faktoren, die sowohl für Patient:innen als auch ihre Therapeut:innen relevant sind.
Ways of Being a Mess: Distinguishing Heterogeneity from Pluralistic Eliminativism
Authors: Gough Joe
Published: September 2024

There are two forms of argument for eliminativism which ought to be distinguished, but which generally are not. One of these, heterogeneity eliminativism, starts from the claim that the extension of a given term is heterogeneous, that is, does not form a natural kind. The other, pluralistic eliminativism, starts from the claim that a term is ‘pluralistic’, demanding different precise definitions, measures, and generalizations in different specialist contexts of use. These two claims are related in various interesting ways, but it is nevertheless worth viewing these as two distinct forms of argument for eliminativism. They make different claims about the relevant terms, face different objections, and rely on different views about the requirements of good taxonomy. My aim in distinguishing between heterogeneity eliminativism and pluralistic eliminativism is to contribute to a much broader literature on kinds of and reasons for eliminativism, one which outstrips the concerns of philosophy of mind and philosophy of science alone. However, the taxonomies on which I am most immediately building are most closely tied to philosophy of mind and philosophy of science.
Collaboration and support between Chilean schools from an egonet mixed-method approach
Authors: Wyman Ignacio
Published: September 2024

This study aims to characterise inter-organisational collaboration and support networks between schools in a privatised, marketised, and competitive school system. It is located within and contributes to a body of literature on school networks, which has primarily focused on studying the architecture and conditions for the sustainability of the arrangements where collaboration and support between schools are meant to take place. However, there has been less focus on examining the partnerships themselves, particularly those formed organically by schools. This is an exploratory study that takes a novel convergent mixed-method egonet Social Network Analysis approach. Primary data were produced from interviews with sixteen primary school headteachers from a local area in Santiago, Chile. Participants were encouraged to name and reflect on other schools with which their schools have an inter-organisational relationship. Insights show that schools draw on both mandated and organically formed inter-organisational relationships to collaborate and support each other. These ties tend to be built with schools alike and geographically close. Some of the main drivers to turn to others are ensuring the sustainability of schools, generating coordinated responses to policy mandates, sharing practice and knowledge, and ensuring students’ schooling trajectories. This study, situated within the broader context of school networking literature, proposes that schools exist within multiple networks, with various connections serving different purposes, some of which are rarely acknowledged. It suggests that while formal school networks and governance structure are important, they are insufficient to represent the inter-organisational relationships in which schools are involved.
Fast separation and determination of 55Fe and 63Ni using chelating resin Chelex 100 for activated parts of nuclear reactors and nuclear forensics
Authors: Topyła Ewa , Chajduk Ewelina , Samczyński Zbigniew , Trojanowicz Marek
Published: September 2024

In this study, a method for selective separation of 63Ni and 55Fe with simultaneous wash-out of 60Co was developed. Purification of 63Ni and 55Fe was carried out using a chelating ion-exchange resin Chelex 100. The elaborated procedure was applied for aqueous and stainless steel matrices. Average recoveries were around 80% for both isotopes, confirmed by ICP-MS and LSC measurements. 60Co, interfering with the isotopes spectra in the same energy range, was washed-out from the system prior to 63Ni and 55Fe separation. The most important advantages over existing methods are short separation time (c.a. 8 h), application of a single chromatographic column and overall simplicity.
Remembering is an imaginative project
Authors: Goldwasser Seth
Published: September 2024

This essay defends the claim that episodic remembering is a mental action by arguing that episodic remembering and sensory- or experience-like imagining are of a kind in a way relevant for agency. Episodic remembering is a type of imaginative project that involves the agential construction of imagistic-content and that aims at (veridically) representing particular events of the personal past. Neurally intact adults under normal conditions can token experiential memories of particular events from the personal past (merely) by intending or trying to. An agent’s ability to actively remember depends not only on her being able to determine that some memory event occurs but on her ability to construct the relevant scene at will as well. I claim that the ability to guide construction with respect to imagistic-content is distinctive feature of a subset of active imagining. Episodic remembering is of a kind with that subset of active imagining by being a process of agential construction of imagistic-content, in this case, scene construction that aims at (veridically) representing the personal past. Agential scene construction in the context of remembering is the agent’s exploring her personal past as a highly circumscribed region of modal space.
The traversal of the infinite: considering a beginning for an infinite past
Authors: Viglione Federico
Published: September 2024

This paper offers a critical assessment of the Successive Addition Argument (SAA) in support of past finitism, i.e., the thesis that the past of the universe is finite in duration. This old philosophical argument, re-popularized by William Lane Craig in modern times, contends that the universe’s past cannot be infinite because an infinite series cannot be formed by successive addition. I first address a recently popular objection to the argument, namely the Zeno Objection, showing that it can be easily dismissed once each addition is taken to have the same duration. Nevertheless, I contend that the onus of the proof lies on those who propose the SAA, and that their main argumentative strategies fail. Indeed, many of their arguments are based on the supposedly uncontroversial claim that one cannot traverse the infinite by starting somewhere. I argue that a complete traversal of the infinite, with a beginning infinitely far from its end, is logically and metaphysically possible. Other popular arguments against traversed infinities are based on thought experiments such as the backward counter or the Tristram Shandy thought experiments. I argue that, once infinitely far beginnings are granted, none of the arguments based on such thought experiments prove effective, so that the SAA must be rejected.
Time to Volunteer: Changing Determinants and Correlates for Time Contributions to Voluntary Activities
Authors: Kelle Nadiya , Kausmann Corinna , Simonson Julia
Published: September 2024

Volunteers’ time contributions have decreased in some European societies, and researchers have sought to understand why. This study aims to uncover the relationship between work-family life changes and changes in individual voluntary behaviour with volunteers’ time contributions. To analyse how determinants for volunteer time contributions have changed over time, we draw on cross-sectional data from the German Survey on Volunteering. We apply Poisson regressions for the time period 1999–2019 on nearly 22,000 volunteers. We find a tendency towards decreasing volunteer time contributions. In line with the role-overload theory, longer working hours are increasingly negatively associated with volunteer hours over this period. However, there is no consistent change over time in the association between responsibility for a pre-school child and volunteer hours. Contrary to the theory on the changing nature of volunteering, we do not find conclusive evidence that the shift towards voluntary activities in individually organised, non-hierarchical settings is connected to decreases in volunteer hours.
Updates bei der Behandlung von Gonokokken-Infektionen
Authors: Chromy David
Published: September 2024

Die Fallzahlen der Infektionen mit Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) nehmen weltweit stetig zu. Ein signifikanter Anteil entfällt auf asymptomatische extragenitale Infektionen, die im Rahmen von Screenings auf sexuell übertragbare Infektionen (STI) detektiert werden. Am stärksten betroffen ist die Gruppe der Männer, die Sex mit Männern haben (MSM). Seit fast einem Jahrhundert kann die Gonorrhoe mittels Antibiotika therapiert werden, wobei die Entstehung von Resistenzen ein fortwährendes Problem darstellt – bisher hat NG noch gegen jedes als Standardtherapie etablierte Therapeutikum Resistenzen entwickelt. In jüngster Vergangenheit hat man einen starken Zuwachs der Resistenzen gegen Azithromycin bemerkt. Das hat unmittelbare Auswirkungen auf die Standardtherapie, denn die Kombination aus Ceftriaxon und Azithromycin hatte sich in den letzten 10 Jahren vielerorts etabliert. Stattdessen setzt man nun auf eine Ceftriaxon-Monotherapie unter Ausschluss einer Chlamydien-Koinfektion sowie anschließender Erfolgskontrolle. Die wichtigste Präventionsmaßnahme bleibt das Kondom, nachdem bis dato keine effektive Impfung verfügbar ist und eine Chemoprophylaxe mit Doxycyclin eine sehr eingeschränkte Wirksamkeit bei NG aufweist.
Usefulness of the SARC-F questionnaire and the measurement of the hand grip strength in predicting short-term mortality in older patients hospitalized for acute heart failure
Authors: Okoye Chukwuma , Morelli Virginia , Franchi Riccardo , Mazzarone Tessa , Guarino Daniela , Maccioni Lorenzo , Cargiolli Cristina , Calsolaro Valeria , Niccolai Filippo , Virdis Agostino
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Sarcopenia is a potentially reversible syndrome that increases the risk of cardiogenic cachexia and adverse outcomes in older patients with heart failure (HF). Despite its clinical significance, sarcopenia remains underdiagnosed due to the complexities of comprehensive assessment in patients with acute HF. This study aimed to evaluate whether the SARC-F questionnaire, its inviduals components, and the handgrip strength test (HGS) can predict short-term prognostic risk in very old patients recently discharged after acute HF.

Methods

We consecutively enrolled patients aged 75 years or older hospitalized with acute HF in the Geriatrics Unit of a tertiary care hospital. All patients underwent physical examination, complete blood tests, point-of-care ultrasound, and a comprehensive geriatric assessment, including physical performance through SARC-F and HGS. The thirty-day post-discharge mortality rate was assessed by phone interview.

Results

Out of 184 patients hospitalized with acute HF who were enrolled in the study (mean [SD], 86.8 [5.9] years, 60.3% female), 47 died within 30 days after discharge. By multivariate logistic analysis, HGS (β = – 0.73 ± 0.03, p = 0.008) and SARC-F [adjusted OR = 1.18 (CI 95% 1.03–1.33), p = 0.003] resulted independently associated with mortality. Furthermore, two SARC-F sub-items, namely, limitation in rising from a chair and history of falls [aOR: 3.26 (CI95% 1.27–8.34), p = 0.008; aOR: 3.30 (CI 95% 1.28–8.49), p = 0.01; respectively] emerged as determinants of 30-days mortality.

Conclusion

SARC-F and HGS test independently predict 30-day post-discharge mortality in oldest-old patients hospitalized for acute HF.
Reclaiming AI as a Theoretical Tool for Cognitive Science
Authors: van Rooij Iris , Guest Olivia , Adolfi Federico , de Haan Ronald , Kolokolova Antonina , Rich Patricia
Published: September 2024

The idea that human cognition is, or can be understood as, a form of computation is a useful conceptual tool for cognitive science. It was a foundational assumption during the birth of cognitive science as a multidisciplinary field, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) as one of its contributing fields. One conception of AI in this context is as a provider of computational tools (frameworks, concepts, formalisms, models, proofs, simulations, etc.) that support theory building in cognitive science. The contemporary field of AI, however, has taken the theoretical possibility of explaining human cognition as a form of computation to imply the practical feasibility of realising human(-like or -level) cognition in factual computational systems, and the field frames this realisation as a short-term inevitability. Yet, as we formally prove herein, creating systems with human(-like or -level) cognition is intrinsically computationally intractable. This means that any factual AI systems created in the short-run are at best decoys. When we think these systems capture something deep about ourselves and our thinking, we induce distorted and impoverished images of ourselves and our cognition. In other words, AI in current practice is deteriorating our theoretical understanding of cognition rather than advancing and enhancing it. The situation could be remediated by releasing the grip of the currently dominant view on AI and by returning to the idea of AI as a theoretical tool for cognitive science. In reclaiming this older idea of AI, however, it is important not to repeat conceptual mistakes of the past (and present) that brought us to where we are today.
Social media usage and sustainable performance in manufacturing supply chains: exploring dynamic capabilities
Authors: Basit Abdul , Javed Asma , Ejaz Sarmad , Nasir Aemin , Ridwan Abdur-Rahman , Ahmed Sana
Published: September 2024

Due to the global impact of COVID-19, businesses and supply chains worldwide have been disrupted, leading to challenges for manufacturing firms and customers. Social media usage (SMU) is a vital and valuable tool that builds customer-centric supply chains by effectively communicating large volumes of valuable data. This study examines the influence of social media usage on the development of dynamic capabilities, including supply chain sensing capabilities (SCSC), knowledge sharing capability (KSC), and social capital (SC), which are crucial for constructing agile and resilient supply chains that can effectively respond to dynamic and turbulent environments, ultimately enhancing sustainable business performance. To assess the proposed investigation model, data was gathered through a structured questionnaire administered to supply chain members currently engaged with manufacturing firms. The evaluation of the proposed hypotheses is carried out through the application of structural equation modeling (SEM). The results of this study offer empirical evidence supporting the proposition that SMU within manufacturing firms promotes the development of sensing capabilities, knowledge-sharing capability, and social capital. Furthermore, this study tests the moderation role of environmental dynamism in the relationship between social media use and sustainable business performance. This underscores the pivotal role played by SMU in facilitating the adaptation and responsiveness of the supply chain to dynamic and uncertain environments, thereby contributing to the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of organizations.
Updated data and characterization factors of the criticality assessment for the integrated method to assess resource efficiency (ESSENZ and ESSENZ+)
Authors: Bach Vanessa , Marinova Sylvia , Finkbeiner Matthias
Published: September 2024

Objectives

This data note contains updated characterization factors including the corresponding datasets for the integrated method to assess resource efficiency (abbreviated as ESSENZ) as well as its successor (ESSENZ+) utilized in assessing the criticality of 48 abiotic resources. The updated characterization factors enable life cycle-based case studies of product systems to determine criticality aspects as well as aspects related to compliance with social and environmental impacts. Underlying data is provided as it is needed for efficiently interpreting the results.

Data description

Data was collected from publicly available source, including i.e. the United States Geological Survey for abiotic resource production and reserves, the Fraser Institute for the Policy Perception Index, the World Economic Forum for the Enabling Trade Index, the World Bank for the Worldwide Governance Indicators and the German Mineral Resources Agency for price fluctuations. The compiled data has been reorganized and recalculated in accordance with the principles outlined in the published ESSENZ and ESSENZ + method, serving as a foundation for the calculation of the characterization factors for assessing criticality and compliance with social and environmental impacts.
Enhanced geological and radioactive mapping of Gabal Abu Ashayir-Gabal El Bakriyah area, central Eastern Desert, Egypt, using remotely sensing data
Authors: Salem Ibrahim Abdel Nagy , Kamh Samir Zaky , Saleh Gehad Mohamed , Abdel Ghani Ismail Mohamed , Badr Yasser Salah , Elsaid Mahmoud , Sayed Sabreen Amr
Published: September 2024

The primary goal of this work is to integrate airborne gamma-ray spectrometry with multispectral data from ASTER and Landsat-8 for mapping of the geology, radiometric data, and types of alterations of Gabal Abu Ashayir-Gabal El Bakriyah area, central Eastern Desert, Egypt. Utilizing various image processing techniques like color band composites (CBC), principal component analysis (PCA), band ratios (BR), and minimum noise fraction (MNF), it is possible to map the hydrothermal alterations zones and identify the lithological units under investigation. By identifying the various lithological units and alteration types, these results are validated and verified in the field. These methods’ outputs are combined to create an accurate geological map of the research region and tracing the propylitic, phyllic and iron oxy-hydroxides alterations. These rock units are ophiolitic mélange (oldest), arc metavolcanics, arc granitoids, younger gabbro, late-collision granites (monzogranites, syenogranites and alkali feldspar granites) and Nubian Sandstone (Taref formation and Quseir Formation) youngest, Furthermore, the radioactive anomalies are primarily associated with ferrugination zones (iron oxy-hydroxides alteration) at Gabal El Bakriyah monzogranite and alkali feldspar granite. The radioactive minerals are uranothorite, thorite and fergusonite. The opaque minerals that encountered at the rock units of Gabal Abu Ashayir-Gabal El Bakriyah are chromite, ilmenite, magnetite, chalcopyrite and chalcocite, whereas the non-opaque minerals comprises titanite, rutile, fluorite, garnet, zircon, apatite and barite.
How does Neoseiulus californicus McGregor respond to sublethal doses of entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Hyp.: Cordycipitaceae)?
Authors: Kheradmand Katayoon , Heidari Mahmoud , Sedaratian-Jahromi Amin , Talaei-Hassanloui Reza , Havasi Mohammadreza
Published: September 2024

Two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Prostigmata), is one of the most economically important mite species, mainly controlled by chemical acaricides. Natural enemies have been assessed as reliable alternatives for management of this phytophagous mite. In the current project, demographic characteristics of Neoseiulus californicus McGregor (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to sublethal concentrations (LC10 = 6.76 × 102, LC20 = 8.74 × 103 and LC30 = 55.38 × 103 conidia ml−1) of entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. TV strain were investigated under laboratory conditions at 25 ± 2°C, 70 ± 5% RH and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. Our results indicated that when adult predators were exposed to LC20 and LC30 of B. bassiana, the oviposition period was significantly reduced compared with other treatments. Neoseiulus californicus fecundity was significantly greater in the control (37 eggs) than in LC30 (24 eggs). Life table analysis revealed that the net reproductive rate (R0) declined as the sublethal concentrations of B. bassiana increased. The most striking result to emerge from the data is that not only intrinsic (r); but also, finite rate of increase (λ) was not significantly affected by different concentrations of B. bassiana. Our findings revealed some potential interactions of B. bassiana and N. californicus during their combinations for managing T. urticae that may be helpful for optimising control of this important pest.
Evaluation of diets from various maize hybrids reveals potential tolerance traits against Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd) as measured by developmental and digestive performance
Authors: Alekaram Shirin , Hemmati Seyed Ali , Ziaee Masumeh , Stelinski Lukasz L.
Published: September 2024

Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a highly polyphagous insect that significantly reduces agricultural production of several food staples. We evaluated performance of S. littoralis on several meridic diets based on various maize hybrids, including Oteel, Simon, Valbum, SC703, and SC704. Growth, feeding behaviours, and activity of digestive enzymes of S. littoralis were examined under laboratory conditions. In addition, selected biochemical characteristics of maize hybrid seeds were evaluated, including starch, protein, anthocyanin, as well as phenolic and flavonoid contents, to examine relationships between plant properties and digestive performance of S. littoralis. Performance of S. littoralis on maize hybrids, as measured by nutritional indices, was related to both proteolytic and amylolytic activities quantified using gut extracts. Larval S. littoralis reared on SC703 exhibited the highest efficiency of conversion of digested food, while the lowest was recorded in those fed on the Oteel hybrid. S. littoralis reared on SC703 and Oteel also exhibited the highest and lowest relative growth rates, respectively. The highest levels of proteolytic activity in S. littoralis were measured from larvae reared on the SC703 hybrid, while the lowest levels occurred on the Oteel and Valbum hybrids. Amylolytic activity was lowest in larvae reared on SC703 and Valbum hybrids and highest in larvae reared on the Oteel hybrid. Our results suggest that the SC703 hybrid was the most suitable host for S. littoralis, while the Oteel hybrid demonstrated the greatest level of tolerance against S. littoralis of those evaluated. We discuss the potential utility of maize hybrids exhibiting tolerance traits against this cosmopolitan pest with reference to cultivation of tolerant varieties and identification of specific tolerance traits.
Mutual marine insurance during the Industrial Revolution era
Authors: Solar Peter M.
Published: September 2024

During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, mutual associations predominated in insuring the large fleet of ships that carried coal from Britain's northeast to London and other ports. The number of associations grew rapidly from the late 1770s, initially on the Tyne, then spreading to other ports on the east coast. They largely saw off the challenge from joint-stock companies created after the liberalisation of the marine insurance market in 1824. Low administrative and legal costs and the ability to mobilise local knowledge to minimise risks allowed the associations to offset the disadvantage of insuring vessels in the same trade facing similar adversities. This article discusses how mutual associations were organised and operated, traces their development on the Tyne and the competition they encountered there from Lloyd's of London and joint-stock insurance companies, and examines the incidence of mutual associations elsewhere in Britain.
“A season in hell”: The Rwandan genocide and the ICRC's Fundamental Principles
Authors: Cotter Cédric , Palmieri Daniel
Published: September 2024

How can humanitarians carry out their work during a genocide? Between April and June of 1994, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) faced that very question. After bloodshed broke out in Rwanda, the ICRC was the only remaining humanitarian organization in the country and continued its aid work while surrounded by brutal violence. Based on previously published materials,1 this article examines the strategies that enabled the ICRC to pursue its humanitarian mission in the face of the most basic inhumanity. In particular, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement's Fundamental Principles of neutrality and impartiality were critical to establishing contact with all involved parties: dialogue, including with those perpetrating genocide, was key to ensuring the safety of ICRC staff, and to facilitating the organization's work on behalf of those affected by the violence. Additionally, the ICRC spoke out frequently as the violence was unfolding in Rwanda, and this article addresses the question of public communications, in both principle and practice, during a genocide.
Aging Is in the Eye of the Beholder
Authors: Klusmann Verena , Schüz Benjamin
Published: September 2024

Abstract: Background: Psychological views on aging are often captured by self-report quantitative questionnaires. By default, these measures base the assessment on predefined categories and focus on explicit cognitions. Digital technology, such as smartphones is always at hand in everyday life and offers options for ecological momentary assessment of views on aging. Aims: We aimed to systematically study differences in contents and the relative importance of views on aging in different age groups across the life span. By our study, we provide proof of concept for a photo-based assessment method that allows both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Method: We asked young (20–30-yr-old), young-old (50–69-yr-old), and old–old (70-plus-yr-old) participants ( N = 37) to take photographs on what aging means to them. We subjected the resultant 376 photos to a mixed-method content analysis. Results: Seventy-plus participants took more complex, slightly less positive, and more ambivalent pictures. Younger participants’ pictures addressed physical changes, whereas 50–69-year-old adults predominantly dealt with issues of lifestyle and engagement. Photos of the 70+ adults had a high prevalence of living environment features. Limitations: Data from this proof-of-concept study should be confirmed in a larger sample, clarifying also the role of further sociodemographic variations (e.g., gender, income). Conclusion: Using photographs to capture images of aging provides insights into the occurrence, the accentuations, and the relative importance of multidimensional and multidirectional views on aging in everyday life across different age groups. The variation in both quantity and quality across different age groups indicates domain-specific foci and hints at age-specific discourses on age and aging. Digital devices, such as smartphones, allow for a highly flexible, nonsuggestive, and virtually nonverbal assessment of views on aging. Findings inform endeavours to promote healthy aging as well as strategies to increase intergenerational dialogue.
Beyond the Wedge: Impact of Tidal Streams on Salinization of Groundwater in a Coastal Aquifer Stressed by Pumping and Sea‐Level Rise
Authors: Hingst M. C. , Housego R. M. , He C. , Minsley B. J. , Ball L. B. , Michael H. A.
Published: September 2024

Saltwater intrusion (SWI) is a well‐studied phenomenon that threatens the freshwater supplies of coastal communities around the world. The development and advancement of numerical models has led to improved assessment of the risk of salinization. However, these studies often fail to include the impact of surface waters as potential sources of aquifer salinity and how they may impact SWI. Based on field‐collected data, we developed a regional, variable‐density groundwater model using SEAWAT for east Dover, Delaware. In this location, major users of groundwater from the surficial aquifer are the City of Dover and irrigation for agriculture. Our model includes salinized marshland and tidal streams, along with irrigation and municipal pumping wells. Model scenarios were run for 100 years and included changes in pumping rates and sea‐level rise (SLR). We examined how these drivers of SWI affect the extent and location of salinization in the surficial aquifer by evaluating differences in chloride concentration near surface waters and the subsurface freshwater‐saltwater interface. We found the presence of the marsh inverts the typical freshwater‐saltwater wedge interface and that the edge of the interface did not migrate farther inland. Additionally, we found that tidal streams are the dominant pathways of SWI at our site with salinization from streams being exacerbated by SLR. Our results also show that spatial distribution of pumping affects both the magnitude and extent of salinization, with an increase in concentrated pumping leading to more intensive salinization than a more widely distributed increase of the same total pumping volume.