bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Freestanding 3D Metallic Micromesh for High‐Performance Flexible Transparent Solid‐State Zinc Batteries
Authors: Chen Tianwei , Shuang Zhengwen , Hu Jin , Zhao YanLi , Wei Donghai , Ye Jinghua , Zhang Guanhua , Duan Huigao
Published: May 2022

Flexible transparent energy supplies are extremely essential to the fast‐growing flexible electronic systems. However, the general developed flexible transparent energy storage devices are severely limited by the challenges of low energy density, safety issues, and/or poor compatibility. In this work, a freestanding 3D hierarchical metallic micromesh with remarkble optoelectronic properties (T = 89.59% and Rs = 0.23 Ω sq−1) and super‐flexibility is designed and manufactured for flexible transparent alkaline zinc batteries. The 3D Ni micromesh supported Cu(OH)2@NiCo bimetallic hydroxide flexible transparent electrode (3D NM@Cu(OH)2@NiCo BH) is obtained by a combination of photolithography, chemical etching, and electrodeposition. The negative electrode is constructed by electrodeposition of electrochemically active zinc on the surface of Ni@Cu micromesh (Ni@Cu@Zn MM). The metallic micromesh with 3D hierarchical nanoarchitecture can not only ensure low sheet resistance, but also realize high mass loading of active materials and short electron/ion transmission path, which can guarantee high energy density and high‐rate capability of the transparent devices. The flexible transparent 3D NM@Cu(OH)2@NiCo BH electrode realizes a specific capacity of 66.03 μAh cm−2 at 1 mA cm−2 with a transmittance of 63%. Furthermore, the assembled solid‐state NiCo‐Zn alkaline battery exhibits a desirable energy density/power density of 35.89 μWh cm−2/2000.26 μW cm−2 with a transmittance of 54.34%.
Fermi‐Level Depinning in Metal/Ge Junctions by Inserting a Carbon Nanotube Layer
Authors: Wei Yu‐Ning , Hu Xian‐Gang , Zhang Jian‐Wei , Tong Bo , Du Jin‐Hong , Liu Chang , Sun Dong‐Ming , Liu Chi
Published: May 2022

Germanium (Ge)‐based devices are recognized as one of the most promising next‐generation technologies for extending Moore's law. However, one of the critical issues is Fermi‐level pinning (FLP) at the metal/n‐Ge interface, and the resulting large contact resistance seriously degrades their performance. The insertion of a thin layer is one main technique for FLP modulation; however, the contact resistance is still limited by the remaining barrier height and the resistance induced by the insertion layer. In addition, the proposed depinning mechanisms are also controversial. Here, the authors report a wafer‐scale carbon nanotube (CNT) insertion method to alleviate FLP. The inserted conductive film reduces the effective Schottky barrier height without inducing a large resistance, leading to ohmic contact and the smallest contact resistance between a metal and a lightly doped n‐Ge. These devices also indicate that the metal‐induced gap states mechanism is responsible for the pinning. Based on the proposed technology, a wafer‐scale planar diode array is fabricated at room temperature without using the traditional ion‐implantation and annealing technology, achieving an on‐to‐off current ratio of 4.59 × 104. This work provides a new way of FLP modulation that helps to improve device performance with new materials.
Effect of Cerium on the Interaction between a Si–Mn‐Killed Steel and a MgO‐Based Refractory
Authors: Cui Lingxiao , Cheng Limei , Ren Ying , Ren Qiang , Cheng Lin , Zhang Lifeng
Published: May 2022

Herein, the contact angle between a Si–Mn‐killed steel and MgO‐based refractory is measured in a reduction atmosphere at 1853 K using the sessile drop method. As the cerium content in the steel increases from 0 to 0.0450 wt%, the initial contact angle between the steel and the refractory slightly increases from 136° to 138°, the equilibrium contact angle decreases from 131° to 124°, and the steel surface tension reduces from 1.756 to 1.624 N m−1. Cerium in the steel retards the formation of Mg–Si–O oxide on the steel drop surface. A higher cerium content promotes the chemical reaction, resulting in a decrease in the contact angle. The cerium addition leads to an increase in the steel–refractory reaction depth. With an increase in cerium in the steel, the meniscus contact angle between the steel and the micropore in the refractory increases. Consequently, the lower driving force of steel penetrating into the refractory causes the reduction of steel penetration into the refractory.
Experimental Study on Decarburization and Chromium Retention in Stainless Steel Smelting with CO2 as Alternative to N2
Authors: Zhou Yun , Zhu Rong , Dong Kai
Published: May 2022

Reusing CO2 as a secondary resource in the steel industry is one of the research hotspots in recent years. Herein, O2–N2 and O2–CO2 are injected into Fe–C–Cr melt at 1823 K to study the effect of CO2 (as an alternative to N2) on decarburization and chromium loss in the argon–oxygen decarburization (AOD) stainless steel smelting process. The results show a higher decarburization rate and lower chromium loss with O2–CO2 injection compared with O2–N2 injection. CO2 injection helps oxidatively remove a part of carbon (C) in the melt. Simultaneously, the increase in CO partial pressure reduces the loss of Cr by CO2 oxidation to a measurable extent. In the middle–late stage of smelting, the corresponding content of C and Cr is relatively consistent with the trend of thermodynamic analysis. From the view of kinetics, CO2 injection increases the gas–metal interface area to improve the Cr formation rate in the melt, improving decarburization and chromium retention with the substitution of CO2 for N2. The research results herein provide a new direction for the development of the AOD process in the future and put forward a way of CO2 resource utilization.
Diffusion tensor imaging of fetal brain: principles, potential and limitations of promising technique
Authors: Corroenne R. , Arthuis C. , Kasprian G. , Mahallati H. , Ville Y. , Millischer Bellaiche A.‐E. , Henry C. , Grevent D. , Salomon L. J.
Published: May 2022

Human brain development is a complex process that begins in the third week of gestation. During early development, the fetal brain undergoes dynamic morphological changes. These changes result from events such as neurogenesis, neuronal migration, synapse formation, axonal growth and myelination. Disruption of any of these processes is thought to be responsible for a wide array of different pathologies.

Recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging, especially diffusion‐weighted imaging and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), have enabled characterization and evaluation of brain development in utero.

In this review, aimed at practitioners involved in fetal medicine and high‐risk pregnancies, we provide a comprehensive overview of fetal DTI studies focusing on characterization of early normal brain development as well as evaluation of brain pathology in utero. We also discuss the reliability and limitations of fetal brain DTI. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Treatment of an extrahepatic portosystemic shunt by placement of a hydraulic occluder followed by a thin film band in a dog: An eventful story
Authors: Bondel Margaux , Morvan Victor , Moissonnier Pierre
Published: May 2022

A 1‐year‐old, female, Yorkshire terrier was evaluated for two episodes of disorientation and severe depression. A portosystemic shunt was suspected based on clinical signs and biochemical analysis, and further confirmed by computed tomography angiography. After initial stabilisation with medical treatment, the dog underwent surgery. Invasive measurement of portal pressure after temporary complete shunt occlusion revealed a very high pressure of 40 mmHg, motivating placement of a hydraulic occluder. Several complications occurred in the postoperative period, including kinking of the device, necessitating removal of the hydraulic occluder in emergency; development of signs of portal hypertension during inflation of the hydraulic occluder, requiring partial balloon deflation; and persistent shunting, which was managed by replacing the hydraulic occluder by a thin film band.
Synthesis and crystal structure of Ge(SO4)2
Authors: Daub Michael , Lindel Julien , Hillebrecht Harald
Published: May 2022

Colourless single crystals of Ge(SO4)2 were obtained as single phase products from the binary oxides GeO2 and SO3. The reaction was carried out in a silica glass ampule enclosed in an autoclave at 350 °C. Ge(SO4)2 forms a layer structure with corner‐linked GeO6 octahedra and SO4 tetrahedra. The crystal structure (R
c, Z=6, a=4.622 Å, c=42.576 Å) belongs to the Ni(ClO4)2‐type. The SO4 tetrahedra are rotated by 24°. The sense of rotation alternates between adjacent layers. This rotation is connected to a super structure with a doubled c‐axis and a disorder between the layers according to the sense of rotation. Ge(SO4)2 is one of the very rare examples of a sulphate of a tetravalent cation and is the representative with the smallest ionic radius. Lattice energy calculations confirm the electrostatic consistency. Vibrational spectra were recorded and show the typical features of GeO6 and SO4 units.
Existence results for a morphoelastic model
Authors: Davoli Elisa , Nik Katerina , Stefanelli Ulisse
Published: May 2022

We present some existence results for three‐dimensional quasistatic morphoelasticity. The state of the growing body is described by its deformation and the underlying growth tensor and is ruled by the interplay of hyperelastic energy minimization and growth dynamics. By introducing a regularization in the model, we prove that solutions can be obtained as limits of time‐discrete solutions, built by means of an exponential‐update scheme. By further allowing the dependence of growth dynamics on an additional scalar field, to be interpreted as a nutrient or inhibitor, we formulate an optimal control problem and prove existence of optimal controls and states. Eventually, we tackle the existence of coupled morphoelastic and nutrient solutions, when the latter is allowed to diffuse and interact with the growing body.
Bias
Authors: Pillonetto Gianluigi , Chen Tianshi , Chiuso Alessandro , De Nicolao Giuseppe , Ljung Lennart
Published: May 2022

Adopting a quadratic loss, the performance of an estimator can be measured in terms of its mean squared error which decomposes into a variance and a bias component. This introductory chapter contains two linear regression examples which describe the importance of designing estimators able to well balance these two components. The first example will deal with estimation of the means of independent Gaussians. We will review the classical least squares approach which, at first sight, could appear the most appropriate solution to the problem. Remarkably, we will instead see that this unbiased approach can be dominated by a particular biased estimator, the so-called James–Stein estimator. Within this book, this represents the first example of regularized least squares, an estimator which will play a key role in subsequent chapters. The second example will deal with a classical system identification problem: impulse response estimation. A simple numerical experiment will show how the variance of least squares can be too large, hence leading to unacceptable system reconstructions. The use of an approach, known as ridge regression, will give first simple intuitions on the usefulness of regularization in the system identification scenario.
Regularization of Linear Regression Models
Authors: Pillonetto Gianluigi , Chen Tianshi , Chiuso Alessandro , De Nicolao Giuseppe , Ljung Lennart
Published: May 2022

Linear regression models are widely used in statistics, machine learning and system identification. They allow to face many important problems, are easy to fit and enjoy simple analytical properties. The simplest method to fit linear regression models is least squares whose systematic treatment is available in many textbooks, e.g., [35, Chap. 4], [12]. Linear regression models can be fitted also in different way and a class of methods that we will consider in this chapter is the so-called regularized least squares. It is an extension of least squares which minimizes the sum of the square loss function and a regularization term. This latter can take various forms, leading to several variants which have been applied extensively in theory as well as in practical applications. In this chapter, we will focus on these methods and introduce their fundamentals. In the first part of the appendix to this chapter, we also report some basic results of linear algebra useful for the reading.
Regularization in Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces for Linear System Identification
Authors: Pillonetto Gianluigi , Chen Tianshi , Chiuso Alessandro , De Nicolao Giuseppe , Ljung Lennart
Published: May 2022

In the previous parts of the book, we have studied how to handle linear system identification by using regularized least squares (ReLS) with finite-dimensional structures given, e.g., by finite impulse response (FIR) models. In this chapter, we cast this approach in the RKHS framework developed in the previous chapter. We show that ReLS with quadratic penalties can be reformulated as a function estimation problem in the finite-dimensional RKHS induced by the regularization matrix. This leads to a new paradigm for linear system identification that provides also new insights and regularization tools to handle infinite-dimensional problems, involving, e.g., IIR and continuous-time models. For all this class of problems, we will see that the representer theorem ensures that the regularized impulse response is a linear and finite combination of basis functions given by the convolution between the system input and the kernel sections. We then consider the issue of kernel estimation and introduce several tuning methods that have close connections with those related to the regularization matrix discussed in Chap. 3. Finally, we introduce the notion of stable kernels, that induce RKHSs containing only absolutely summable impulse responses and study minimax properties of regularized impulse response estimation.
Numerical Experiments and Real World Cases
Authors: Pillonetto Gianluigi , Chen Tianshi , Chiuso Alessandro , De Nicolao Giuseppe , Ljung Lennart
Published: May 2022

This chapter collects some numerical experiments to test the performance of kernel-based approaches for discrete-time linear system identification. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we will compare the performance of kernel-based methods with the classical PEM approaches described in Chap. 10.1007/978-3-030-95860-2_2. Simulated and real data are included, concerning a robotic arm, a hairdryer and a problem of temperature prediction. We conclude the chapter by introducing the so-called multi-task learning where several functions (tasks) are simultaneously estimated. This problem is significant if the tasks are related to each other so that measurements taken on a function are informative with respect to the other ones. A problem involving real pharmacokinetics data, related to the so-called population approaches, is then illustrated. Results will be often illustrated by using MATLAB boxplots. As already mentioned in Sect. 7.2, when commenting Fig. 7.8, the median is given by the central mark while the box edges are the 25th and 75th percentiles. The whiskers extend to the most extreme fits not seen as outliers. Then, the outliers are plotted individually.
Process Mining for Process Improvement - An Evaluation of Analysis Practices
Authors: Kubrak Kateryna , Milani Fredrik , Nolte Alexander
Published: May 2022

Organizations have a vital interest in continuously improving their business processes. Process analysts can use process mining tools that provide data-driven discovery and analysis of business processes to achieve this. Current research has mainly focused on creating and evaluating new tools or reporting process mining case studies from different domains. Although usage of process mining has increased in industry, insights into how analysts work with such methods to identify improvement opportunities have consequently been limited. To reduce this gap, we conducted an exploratory interview study of seven process analysts from different domains. Our findings indicate that process analysts assess improvement opportunities by their impact, the feasibility of required implementation, and stakeholders’ input. Furthermore, our results indicate that process mining tools, when used to identify improvement opportunities, do not provide sufficient support for analysis, requiring process analysts to use additional tools. Lastly, analysts use storytelling to frame and communicate their findings to various stakeholders.
Data-Driven Analysis of Batch Processing Inefficiencies in Business Processes
Authors: Lashkevich Katsiaryna , Milani Fredrik , Chapela-Campa David , Dumas Marlon
Published: May 2022

Batch processing reduces processing time in a business process at the expense of increasing waiting time. If this trade-off between processing and waiting time is not analyzed, batch processing can, over time, evolve into a source of waste in a business process. Therefore, it is valuable to analyze batch processing activities to identify waiting time wastes. Identifying and analyzing such wastes present the analyst with improvement opportunities that, if addressed, can improve the cycle time efficiency (CTE) of a business process. In this paper, we propose an approach that, given a process execution event log, (1) identifies batch processing activities, (2) analyzes their inefficiencies caused by different types of waiting times to provide analysts with information on how to improve batch processing activities. More specifically, we conceptualize different waiting times caused by batch processing patterns and identify improvement opportunities based on the impact of each waiting time type on the CTE. Finally, we demonstrate the applicability of our approach to a real-life event log.
Process Mining: A Guide for Practitioners
Authors: Milani Fredrik , Lashkevich Katsiaryna , Maggi Fabrizio Maria , Di Francescomarino Chiara
Published: May 2022

In the last years, process mining has significantly matured and has increasingly been applied by companies in industrial contexts. However, with the growing number of process mining methods, practitioners might find it difficult to identify which ones to apply in specific contexts and to understand the specific business value of each process mining technique. This paper’s main objective is to develop a business-oriented framework capturing the main process mining use cases and the business-oriented questions they can answer. We conducted a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and we used the review and the extracted data to develop a framework that (1) classifies existing process mining use cases connecting them to specific methods implementing them, and (2) identifies business-oriented questions that process mining use cases can answer. Practitioners can use the framework to navigate through the available process mining use cases and to identify the process mining methods suitable for their needs.
Koproduktion kommunaler Daseinsvorsorge – Chancen und Risiken
Authors: Rappen Hermann
Published: May 2022

Viele Kommunen stehen vor dem Problem, Leistungen der Daseinsvorsorge sicherzustellen, obwohl sich soziale, wirtschaftliche und fiskalische Probleme vor Ort zusammenballen. Kommunale Koproduktionen sollen hier Abhilfe schaffen. Vor diesem Hintergrund fragt der Beitrag, welche kommunalen Aufgaben für die Koproduktion geeignet sind, welche Organisations- und Finanzierungsmodelle es hierfür gibt und welche Chancen und Risiken damit verbunden sind.
Kommunale Innovationslabore für eine nachhaltige Stadtgesellschaft
Authors: Wascher Eva
Published: May 2022

Die Städte Dortmund und Wuppertal haben in einem dreijährigen Projektkommunale Labore sozialer Innovationals Orte und Prozesse zur Förderung neuer Praktiken in der Stadtgesellschaft aufgebaut. Der Beitrag ordnet diese Form von Innovationslabor im Bereich von Politik- und Verwaltungsinnovation sowie nachhaltigkeitsbezogener Innovationspolitik ein und beschreibt sie damit als Instrument einertransformativen urbanen Governance.Es wird darüber hinaus gezeigt, welche Elemente bei der Entwicklungkommunaler Labore sozialer Innovationbedeutsam sind, und anhand der Städtebeispiele veranschaulicht, wie mit dem Instrument in beiden Kommunen Nachhaltigkeitsinnovationen koproduktiv auf den Weg gebracht wurden.
Partizipative Entwicklung von Lösungsansätzen für Zielkonflikte der Nachhaltigkeit auf kommunaler Ebene
Authors: Böhm Birgit , Böhm Linda , Böttcher Fabian , Richter Frauke , Sell-Greiser Christiane
Published: May 2022

Kommunen bewegen sich in einem komplexen Geflecht aus Vorschriften und Zielvorgaben unterschiedlicher Ebenen. Dazu gehören auch übergeordnete Ziele für eine nachhaltige Entwicklung und eigene Nachhaltigkeitsziele der Kommune, die nicht immer miteinander im Einklang stehen. Eine gleichwertige Realisierung ist schwierig – Zielkonflikte der Nachhaltigkeit treten auf. Die Auseinandersetzung mit diesen und die Suche nach Lösungsansätzen sind von hoher Relevanz, um die zukunftsfähige Handlungsfähigkeit der Kommunen zu sichern. Im Vorhaben LAZIK N2030 wurden Lösungsansätze gemeinsam mit der Bevölkerung, Expert*innen und jungen Menschen partizipativ entwickelt.
Open Government
Authors: von Lucke Jörn , Gollasch Katja
Published: May 2022

Dieses Kapitel bietet eine Einführung in das Konzept Open Government. Dabei werden die theoretischen Grundlagen und Ursprünge eines offenen Regierungs- und Verwaltungshandelns auf nationaler und internationaler Ebene vermittelt. Ebenso werden die Möglichkeiten, die sich für Staat und Verwaltung durch die Nutzung des Internets und insbesondere der Web 2.0-Dienste ergeben, aufgezeigt sowie die sogenannten Open-Government-Trends im sechsstufigen Politikzyklus dargestellt. Abschließend erfolgt die Vorstellung des Leitbildes eines offenen Staates und die Skizzierung der Potenziale als auch der Herausforderungen eines offenen Regierungs- und Verwaltungshandelns.
Zusammenarbeit 2.0
Authors: von Lucke Jörn , Gollasch Katja
Published: May 2022

Für ein offenes Regierungs- und Verwaltungshandeln ist eine transparente sowie agile Zusammenarbeit von großer Relevanz. Das gilt für die Zusammenarbeit innerhalb der Verwaltung sowie mit externen Akteuren. Im sechsten Kapitel werden nach der theoretischen Annäherung an die Thematik die Konzepte der „offenen Innovation“ und der „offenen gesellschaftliche Innovation“ näher beleuchtet. Es werden Werkzeuge in diesem Bereich vorgestellt und Möglichkeiten der IT-unterstützten Zusammenarbeit bis hin zur Zusammenarbeit mit künstlicher Intelligenz aufgezeigt.
Schulische Alkoholprävention mittels Virtual Reality
Authors: Stock Christiane , Prediger Christina , Hrynyschyn Robert , Helmer Stefanie
Published: May 2022

Riskanter Alkoholkonsum ist bei Jugendlichen in Deutschland nach wie vor von hoher Public-Health-Relevanz, weshalb vorbeugend die Kompetenzen von Jugendlichen im Umgang mit Alkohol und Gruppendruck gefördert werden sollten. Interaktive und geschlechtssensible schulische Primärpräventionsangebote besitzen ein großes Potenzial, die Erreichbarkeit der Zielgruppe und die Effektivität von Interventionen zu fördern. Dabei können virtuelle Simulationen als digitales Medium genutzt werden.

Virtual Reality (VR) ermöglicht die Erfahrung von risikobehafteten Situationen in sicherer Umgebung. International gibt es zwei Alkoholpräventionsprojekte für Jugendliche, die VR einsetzen. Die gemeinsame Entwicklung mit der Adressat*innengruppe war dabei ein bedeutendes Kernelement und es wurden bereits umfassende Untersuchungen zur Benutzungsfreundlichkeit sowie zur subjektiven Wirksamkeit durchgeführt. Gängige Effektivitätsevaluationen wie randomisierte kontrollierte Studien kommen bei interaktiven Formaten allerdings an ihre Grenzen, weshalb auch alternative und ergänzende Evaluationsansätze zukünftig eine Rolle spielen sollten. Zusätzlich muss untersucht werden, inwiefern VR-Simulationen auf Rezipient*innen zugeschnitten werden können. Hierbei ist die gendersensible Gestaltung gleichzeitig als Potenzial und als Herausforderung zu sehen.

Auch in Deutschland sollte die Möglichkeit des Einsatzes von VR in der Alkoholprävention bei Jugendlichen vertiefend untersucht werden.
Applying ethics to AI in the workplace: the design of a scorecard for Australian workplace health and safety
Authors: Cebulla Andreas , Szpak Zygmunt , Howell Catherine , Knight Genevieve , Hussain Sazzad
Published: May 2022

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking centre stage in economic growth and business operations alike. Public discourse about the practical and ethical implications of AI has mainly focussed on the societal level. There is an emerging knowledge base on AI risks to human rights around data security and privacy concerns. A separate strand of work has highlighted the stresses of working in the gig economy. This prevailing focus on human rights and gig impacts has been at the expense of a closer look at how AI may be reshaping traditional workplace relations and, more specifically, workplace health and safety. To address this gap, we outline a conceptual model for developing an AI Work Health and Safety (WHS) Scorecard as a tool to assess and manage the potential risks and hazards to workers resulting from AI use in a workplace. A qualitative, practice-led research study of AI adopters was used to generate and test a novel list of potential AI risks to worker health and safety. Risks were identified after cross-referencing Australian AI Ethics Principles and Principles of Good Work Design with AI ideation, design and implementation stages captured by the AI Canvas, a framework otherwise used for assessing the commercial potential of AI to a business. The unique contribution of this research is the development of a novel matrix itemising currently known or anticipated risks to the WHS and ethical aspects at each AI adoption stage.
Alternative- and focal therapy trends for prostate cancer: a total population analysis of in-patient treatments in Germany from 2006 to 2019
Authors: Flegar Luka , Zacharis Aristeidis , Aksoy Cem , Heers Hendrik , Derigs Marcus , Eisenmenger Nicole , Borkowetz Angelika , Groeben Christer , Huber Johannes
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Focal therapy (FT) offers an alternative approach for prostate cancer (PCa) treatment in selected patients. However, little is known on its actual establishment in health care reality.

Patients and methods

We defined FT as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), hyperthermia ablation, cryotherapy, transurethral ultrasound ablation (TULSA) or vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (VTP) TOOKAD®. We analyzed the nationwide German hospital billing database for a PCa diagnosis in combination with FT. For analyses on the hospital level, we used the reimbursement.INFO tool based on hospitals’ quality reports. The study period was 2006 to 2019.

Results

We identified 23,677 cases of FT from 2006 to 2019. Considering all PCa cases with surgery, radiotherapy or FT, the share of FT was stable at 4%. The annual caseload of FT increased to a maximum of 2653 cases in 2008 (p < 0.001) and then decreased to 1182 cases in 2014 (p < 0.001). Since 2015, the cases of FT remained on a plateau around 1400 cases per year. The share of HIFU was stable at 92–96% from 2006 to 2017 and decreased thereafter to 75% in 2019 (p = 0.015). In 2019, VTP-TOOKAD® increased to 11.5% and TULSA to 6%. In 2006, 21% (62/299) of urological departments performed FT and 20 departments reached > 20 FT procedures. In 2019, 16% (58/368) of urological departments performed FT and 7 departments reached > 20 FT. In 2019, 25 urological departments offered FT other than HIFU: 5 centers hyperthermia ablation, 11 centers VTP TOOKAD®, 3 centers cryotherapy, 6 centers TULSA.

Conclusion

The FT development in Germany followed the Gartner hype cycle. While HIFU treatment is the most commonly performed FT, the share of newer FT modalities such as VTP-TOOKAD® and TULSA is remarkably increasing.
High prevalence of reduced fertility and use of assisted reproductive technology in a German cohort of patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy
Authors: Pfeffer Tobias J. , List Manuel , Schippert Cordula , Auber Bernd , Ricke-Hoch Melanie , Abou-Moulig Valeska , Berliner Dominik , Bauersachs Johann , Hilfiker-Kleiner Denise
Published: May 2022

Background

Over the past decades the use of assisted reproduction technology (ART) increased worldwide. ARTs are associated with an elevated risk for cardiovascular complications. However, a potential relation between subfertility/ARTs and the heart disease peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) has not been systematically analyzed yet.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was carried out, including n = 111 PPCM patients from the German PPCM registry. Data from PPCM patients were compared to those from postpartum women in the German general population.

Results

The prevalence of reported subfertility was high among PPCM patients (30%; 33/111). Most of the subfertile PPCM patients (55%; 18/33) obtained vitro fertilizations (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injections (ICSI). PPCM patients were older (p < 0.0001), the percentage of born infants conceived by IVF/ICSI was higher (p < 0.0001) with a higher multiple birth (p < 0.0001), C-section (p < 0.0001) and preeclampsia rate (p < 0.0001), compared to postpartum women. The cardiac outcome was comparable between subfertile and fertile PPCM patients. Whole exome sequencing in a subset of n = 15 subfertile PPCM patients revealed that 33% (5/15) carried pathogenic or likely pathogenic gene variants associated with cardiomyopathies and/or cancer predisposition syndrome.

Conclusions

Subfertility occurred frequently among PPCM patients and was associated with increased age, hormonal disorders, higher twin pregnancy rate and high prevalence of pathogenic gene variants suggesting a causal relationship between subfertility and PPCM. Although this study found no evidence that the ART treatment per se increases the risk for PPCM or the risk for an adverse outcome, women with subfertility should be closely monitored for signs of peripartum heart failure.

Graphical abstract
Development and psychometric properties of the human papillomavirus-quality of life (HPV-QoL) questionnaire to assess the impact of HPV on women health-related-quality-of-life
Authors: Coronado Pluvio J. , González-Granados Carmen , Ramírez-Mena Mar , Calvo Javier , Fasero María , Bellón Mónica , García-Santos Javier F. , Rejas-Gutiérrez Javier
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The HPV-Quality-of-Life (HPV-QoL) questionnaire was developed to determine the impact of Human-Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and related interventions on women health-related quality-of-life. This study provides the development and preliminary psychometric properties of a novel HPV-QoL questionnaire for adult women with HPV.

Methods

After reviewing literature and cognitive debriefing interviews in women who had experienced HPV-related conditions, instrument items and domains were developed. A draft questionnaire was pilot tested for comprehension and ease of completion. Psychometric evaluation of the final HPV-QoL scale was conducted in a psychometric study including 252 adult women derived to our centre by a positive HPV test in the cervical cancer screening program and/or presenting genital warts.

Results

The present study reveals that the HPV-QoL questionnaire, structured in four domains: general well-being [including psychological well-being and social well-being subdomains], health, contagiousness and sexuality, showed good metric properties of feasibility irrespective of age or educational level, and time to administer was less than 5 min. Internal consistency and temporal stability (reliability) showed values above the acceptable standards. The instrument showed its concurrent validity by means of a significant correlation with mental and sexual existing instruments; GHQ-12 and FSFI questionnaires, respectively, and also known groups validity showing significant differences among the subgroups regarding either sexual dysfunction or mental deterioration.

Conclusion

This study provides an HPV-QoL questionnaire with an innovative patient-reported outcomes specific measurement tool to assess HRQoL in women with HPV infection. The present study suggests this questionnaire has satisfactory psychometric properties, including validity and reliability. Results support the use of the HPV-QoL questionnaire as a HRQoL measurement instrument for daily medical practice and clinical research.
Medikamentöse Ausstattung arztbesetzter Rettungsmittel – ist eine präklinische Therapie nach aktuellen Leitlinien möglich?
Authors: Carstens Eike , Eismann Hendrik , Flentje Markus , Albers Thomas , Sieg Lion
Published: May 2022

Hintergrund

Eine hohe Versorgungsqualität in der präklinischen Notfallmedizin zeichnet sich durch eine leitliniengerechte Therapie aus. Grundvoraussetzung für diese Therapie ist das Vorhalten der benötigten Medikamente entsprechend den gültigen Leitlinienempfehlungen. Ob dies flächendeckend gewährleistet wird, ist aktuell unklar. Ein einheitlicher Standard zur medikamentösen Ausstattung arztbesetzter Rettungsmittel in Deutschland existiert nicht. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist die Identifikation von wichtigen Diagnosen und der zu ihrer Therapie benötigten Medikamente. Ein Abgleich dieser Ergebnisse mit der realen Ausstattung arztbesetzter Rettungsmittel ermöglicht die Bewertung hinsichtlich leitliniengerechter Therapieoptionen.

Material und Methoden

Nach einer strukturierten Leitlinienrecherche wurden Tracerdiagnosen definiert und ihnen relevante Medikamente zugeordnet. Hier wurde auch der Evidenz- und Empfehlungsgrad berücksichtigt. In einem zweiten Schritt wurden Ärztliche Leitungen Rettungsdienst zu der Ausstattung der von ihnen verantworteten Rettungsmittel befragt und die Ergebnisse mit den empfohlenen Medikamenten verglichen.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden 156 verschiedene Medikamente identifiziert. Der Median der vorgehaltenen Medikamente beträgt 58 bei einer minimalen Vorhaltung eines Standorts von 35 Medikamenten und maximaler Vorhaltung mehrerer Standorte von 77 Medikamenten.

Diskussion

In der vorliegenden Erhebung wurden die in Leitlinien empfohlenen Medikamente mit der realen Ausstattung von arztbesetzten Rettungsmitteln verglichen. Insgesamt zeigt sich, verglichen mit einer Studie aus dem Jahr 2011, eine verbesserte Strukturqualität. Die empfohlenen Medikamente werden zu einem hohen Maß prähospital vorgehalten. Die Daten dieser Erhebung können von Rettungsdienstbereichen in ganz Deutschland zur Beurteilung ihrer individuellen Strukturqualität genutzt werden.

Graphic abstract
Hospital resource utilisation from HPV-related diseases in England: a real-world cost analysis
Authors: Fabiano G. , Marcellusi A. , Mennini F. S. , Sciattella P. , Favato G.
Published: May 2022

Background and objective

HPV (human papillomavirus) is the virus most often responsible for sexually transmitted infections. The burden of HPV-related diseases on hospital resources represents a major public health problem. The objective of this study was to quantify the lifetime economic burden of HPV-related diseases based on hospital resources from the perspective of National Health Service (NHS) in England.

Methods

Patients’ data were extracted, anonymised and aggregated by NHS digital from Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) database of patients admitted in 2015 and followed for three years. Data on hospitalizations were identified according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10 CM). Health Resource Group (HRG) tariffs and National Reference Costs were used to estimate the hospitalization costs of anal, cervical, genital, oropharyngeal cancers as well as anogenital warts and cervical dysplasia.

Results

A total of 19,296 hospitalized patients were included in the estimation model, (39% was male and 61% female. At admission, the average age was 60 and 50 years old, respectively). Life-time costs per patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer were £16,911 (£17,142 for male and £16,334 for female), penile cancer £12,539, vaginal cancer £12,676, anal cancer £13.773 (£12,590 for male, £14,525 for female). Cervical cancer accounted for £12,721, whereas cervical dysplasia for £3932. Resource used for hospitalized patients with anogenital warts was equal to £872 (£884 and £856 for men and women, respectively). On average, outpatient accounted for 39% of the total lifetime costs.

Conclusion

The results of this study highlight that a substantial amount of resources is utilized for the treatment of HPV-related diseases at hospital level in England. These measures have the potential to inform policy decisions to ensure an optimal use of the NHS resources.
“The Perception of Visiting Holocaust Sites on Undergraduate Students Learning Process”
Authors: Bussu Anna , Leadbetter Peter , Richards Michael
Published: May 2022

This paper presents the main findings of a qualitative research project. The aim of the research was to explore undergraduate students’ perceived knowledge acquisition and awareness of the Holocaust, after visiting Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland. The qualitative study (focus groups & semi-structured questionnaires) involved three cohorts of students and lecturers from a university in the North West of England. The participants visited the Holocaust-related sites in Poland from 2016 to 2019. Findings indicate that students’ who actively engaged in visits to Holocaust related sites developed knowledge and awareness of the Holocaust. For many participants, this knowledge and awareness was facilitated via a reflective process that enabled empathic connection between these historical events and the students. The study also highlighted practical strategies that could be implemented to enhance the experience for future cohorts of undergraduate students visiting holocaust related sites. By adding to the limited literature on Holocaust education with undergraduate students, the study highlighted the importance and directions for future research in this area to inform future pedagogic practice.
Heat Kernels for a Class of Hybrid Evolution Equations
Authors: Garofalo Nicola , Tralli Giulio
Published: May 2022

The aim of this paper is to construct (explicit) heat kernels for some hybrid evolution equations which arise in physics, conformal geometry and subelliptic PDEs. Hybrid means that the relevant partial differential operator appears in the form ${\mathscr{L}}_{1} + {\mathscr{L}}_{2} - \partial _{t}$

L

1

+

L

2

−

∂

t

, but the variables cannot be decoupled. As a consequence, the relative heat kernel cannot be obtained as the product of the heat kernels of the operators ${\mathscr{L}}_{1} - \partial _{t}$

L

1

−

∂

t

and ${\mathscr{L}}_{2} - \partial _{t}$

L

2

−

∂

t

. Our approach is new and ultimately rests on the generalised Ornstein-Uhlenbeck operators in the opening of Hörmander’s 1967 groundbreaking paper on hypoellipticity.
General and special education teachers’ knowledge about reading comprehension processes and instructional practices
Authors: Jakobson Kristi , Soodla Piret , Aro Mikko
Published: May 2022

The study investigated teachers’ knowledge of reading comprehension processes and reading comprehension instruction. The study was carried out among teachers (N = 65) in Estonia. The content analysis classified qualitative data from semi-structured interviews as quantitative data. The results showed that teachers’ content knowledge about reading comprehension processes and pedagogical knowledge of reading comprehension instruction were considerably variable yet mostly limited. Special education teachers (n = 37) mentioned a wider range of reading strategies than classroom teachers (n = 28). When describing how to support struggling readers, significant differences emerged between the teacher groups: Special education teachers mentioned activities to support students’ reading comprehension more frequently than classroom teachers whereas classroom teachers mentioned activities for supporting reading motivation more often than special education teachers. Teachers’ lack of knowledge about reading comprehension processes and reading comprehension instruction indicate the need to improve these topics in preservice and in-service teacher training to enhance their teaching skills.
Improving Preservice Primary Teachers’ Understanding of the Nature of Methods of Science Through Reflective Reading of News Articles
Authors: García-Carmona Antonio
Published: May 2022

A study is presented that analyzed the pedagogical efficacy of reading opinion articles about methods of science, published in the media, in order to improve the meta-scientific understanding of 52 preservice primary teachers (PPTs) with regard to the topic. To this end, an activity was designed taking an explicit and reflective approach. The design of the activity required a short teaching intervention when being implemented in class in order to facilitate its integration into the program of the subject of science teaching. Before doing the activity, the PPTs’ prior conceptions about the nature of methods of science were diagnosed using the Opinions about Science, Technology and Society Questionnaire (COCTS, in its Spanish acronym). The activity consisted of reading the articles, and then responding in small work groups to a series of questions for reflection and debate on the topic. The groups’ responses were then shared and discussed in class. Once the activity had finished, the PPTs responded to the questionnaire again (post-test) in order to evaluate how their conceptions had progressed. There was an improvement in their understanding of various aspects of the nature of methods of science (e.g., scientists use a variety of methods in their research depending on the object of study, the context, and the resources available, or that the scientific method is an idealized, simplistic, and therefore poor representation of how scientists do research). These results show that the activity was effective in getting the PPTs to reflect and learn about the topic. Finally, the limitations of the study are discussed (e.g., the limited time frame to implement the activity and evaluate results), and some future research perspectives are given to improve the understanding of PPTs about the nature of methods of science.
What Causes Desmoplastic Reaction in Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms?
Authors: Ratnayake Gowri M. , Laskaratos Faidon-Marios , Mandair Dalvinder , Caplin Martyn E. , Rombouts Krista , Toumpanakis Christos
Published: May 2022

Purpose of Review

Mesenteric desmoplasia in small intestinal neuroendocrine neoplasms (SINENs) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In this paper, we discuss the development of desmoplasia in SINENs.

Recent Findings

The fibrotic reactions associated with these tumours could be limited to the loco-regional environment of the tumour and/or at distant sites. Mesenteric fibrotic mass forms around a local lymph node. Formation of desmoplasia is mediated by interactions between the neoplastic cells and its microenvironment via number of profibrotic mediators and signalling pathways. Profibrotic molecules that are mainly involved in the desmoplastic reaction include serotonin, TGFβ (transforming growth factor β) and CTGF (connective tissue growth factor), although there is some evidence to suggest that there are a number of other molecules involved in this process.

Desmoplasia is a result of autocrine and paracrine effects of multiple molecules and signalling pathways. However, more research is needed to understand these mechanisms and to develop targeted therapy to minimise desmoplasia.
A Comparative Assessment on the Recovery of Pectin and Phenolic Fractions from Aqueous and DES Extracts Obtained from Melon Peels
Authors: Rico Xiana , Gullón Beatriz , Yáñez Remedios
Published: May 2022

This work evaluates the purification of melon peel extracts obtained by two eco-friendly methods: autohydrolysis and sodium acetate/urea/water extraction (1:3:1.6), an alkaline deep eutectic solvent (DES). For that, sequential ethanol precipitation and resin adsorption/desorption stages were proposed for the separate recovery of the pectic and phenolic fractions. In order to screen the optimal purification conditions, in a first step, the effect of ethanol concentrations (from 70 to 85%) on the precipitation of pectic oligosaccharides was assayed. Subsequently, the influence of the selected resin (Amberlite XAD4, XAD16HP and XAD7HP), liquid/resin ratios, and desorption sequences (varying ethanol concentrations and pH) on the phenolic compounds was also studied. The highest pectin yields were achieved with 85% ethanol: 16.11 and 18.05 g pectin/100 g water-insoluble solids (WIS) for autohydrolysis and DES extracts, respectively. All pectins presented a galacturonic acid content of about 45%, while autohydrolysis pectin presented a higher amount of neutral sugar side chains. The presence of low methoxyl GalA and both linear and branched OGalA with DP from 2 to 20 was also confirmed by FTIR and HPAEC-PAD analysis, respectively. Concerning the phenolic fraction, the resin adsorption and desorption steps at the selected conditions (XAD4 resin, liquid/resin ratio of 2 mL/g, eluted with 50% ethanol thrice) resulted in 79.55 and 4.08 mg GAE/g non-volatile content (NVC) for autohydrolysis and DES extracts, respectively, with improved antioxidant capacity. Moreover, some phenolic acids (protocatechuic and ferulic acids) and flavonoids (orientin, vitexin and naringenin) were quantified in the extracts by HPLC–PDA-MS/MS.
Vote Buying as Rent Seeking: Land Sales in China’s Village Elections
Authors: Ma Xiao , Whiting Susan H. , Zhang Tonglong , Zhao Tan
Published: May 2022

What explains why vote buying occurs in some elections but not others? The phenomenon of vote buying is under-studied in authoritarian, single-party-dominant regimes, especially in non-partisan elections in which competition is candidate-centered rather than party centered. Village elections in China provide a valuable window on the dynamics of vote buying in these conditions. Employing both an in-depth case study and an original, panel survey to provide new, systematic measures of rents and vote buying, we develop and test the following hypothesis: the availability of non-competitive rents accessible by winning candidates explains the variation in the incidence of vote buying in local elections. Our causal identification strategy exploits the timing of land takings and the exogenous nature of formal land takings authorized in state land-use plans at higher administrative levels to test the vote-buying-as-rent-seeking hypothesis. We find that the lure of rents, mainly from government takings of village land, is a key driver of vote buying by non-partisan candidates for the office of village leader. The evidence suggests that vote buying provides information to the authoritarian state about which local elites it should recruit into the rent-sharing coalition.