bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of photostability and thermal stability of PVC by carbon quantum dots loaded on TiO2
Authors: Yu Chen , Li Degang , Han Wenyuan , Kong Yifan , Zhang Lijie , Chen Mingguang , Hu Kunsheng
Published: May 2023

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has a strong oxidation effect when absorbing ultraviolet light. Therefore, when TiO2 is used as a light stabilizer in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), it will cause the photodegradation of PVC. Herein, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) coated TiO2 composite (TiO2@CQDs) was prepared by a one‐step hydrothermal method. The prepared TiO2@CQDs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–Vis spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The photostability of PVC film containing TiO2@CQDs was investigated via photodegradation conductivity test, weight loss rate test, and ultraviolet aging test. Due to the down‐conversion effect of CQDs under ultraviolet light, its existence can alleviate the photoaging of PVC. In addition, the thermal stability of PVC containing TiO2@CQDs was studied by conductivity tests and oven thermal aging tests. The presence of CQDs significantly improved the thermal stability of PVC. Meanwhile, the HCl absorption capacity of CQDs could reach 30.8 mg/gcat. According to the DFT calculations, this high absorption capacity is attributed to the HCl immobilization effect via forming hydrogen bonds between HCl and the keto oxygen, carboxyl keto oxygen in CQDs. The hydroxyl group in CQDs could also combine ZnCl2 by forming a coordination bond.
Limited‐angle tomography reconstruction with aU‐Conv‐Swin‐Net
Authors: Fu Tianyu , Qiu Sen , Wang Yan , Zhang Kai , Zhou Chenpeng , Zhang Jin , Wang Shanfeng , Huang Wanxia , Tao Ye , Yuan Qingxi
Published: May 2023

X‐ray computed tomography (CT) is widely used as a non‐destructive inspection technology. However, due to various limitations such as sample dimensions and blocking of in‐situ instruments, projections can be acquired only in a limited‐angle range during CT acquisition. When such projections are reconstructed with conventional algorithms, the details and contours are deteriorated by artefacts due to lack of information at certain view angles. To address this problem, we propose a reconstruction method based on U‐Conv‐Swin‐Net (UCSN) in this paper. Validated through synthetic and experimental data, the proposed method can effectively remove the degrading artefacts and fully restore the sample details and edges. In addition, the UCSN method exhibits superior reconstruction effect for different scanning ranges compared with conventional reconstruction methods.
The Future of Food from the Sea
Authors: Costello Christopher , Cao Ling , Gelcich Stefan , Cisneros Miguel Angel , Free Christopher M. , Froehlich Halley E. , Golden Christopher D. , Ishimura Gakushi , Maier Jason , Macadam-Somer Ilan , Mangin Tracey , Melnychuk Michael C. , Miyahara Masanori , de Moor Carryn L. , Naylor Rosamond , Nøstbakken Linda , Ojea Elena , O’Reilly Erin , Parma Ana M. , Plantinga Andrew J. , Thilsted Shakuntala H. , Lubchenco Jane
Published: May 2023

Global food demand is rising, and serious questions remain about whether supply can increase sustainably (FAO 2018). Land-based expansion is possible but may exacerbate climate change and biodiversity loss, and compromise the delivery of other ecosystem services (Olsen 2011; Foley et al. 2005, 2011; Mbow et al. 2019; Amundson et al. 2015). As food from the sea represents only 17% of the current production of edible meat, we ask how much food we can expect the ocean to sustainably produce by 2050. Here we examine the main food-producing sectors in the ocean—wild fisheries, finfish mariculture and bivalve mariculture—to estimate ‘sustainable supply curves’ that account for ecological, economic, regulatory and technological constraints. We overlay these supply curves with demand scenarios to estimate future seafood production. We find that under our estimated demand shifts and supply scenarios (which account for policy reform and technology improvements), edible food from the sea could increase by 21–44 million tons by 2050, a 36–74% increase compared to current yields. This represents 12–25% of the estimated increase in all meat needed to feed 9.8 billion people by 2050. Increases in all three sectors are likely, but are most pronounced for mariculture. Whether these production potentials are realized sustainably will depend on factors such as policy reforms, technological innovation and the extent of future shifts in demand.
Integrated Ocean Management
Authors: Winther Jan-Gunnar , Dai Minhan , Douvere Fanny , Fernandes Leanne , Halpin Patrick , Hoel Alf Håkon , Juinio-Meñez Marie Antonette , Li Yangfan , Morrissey Karyn , Rist Therese , Scarano Fabio Rubio , Trice Amy , Unger Sebastian , Whitehouse Sandra
Published: May 2023

With the unprecedented growth in economic activities relating to the ocean economy, the need for a sustainable concept where socioeconomic development can occur without environmental degradation is widely recognised. This is manifested at the global level by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which provides the basic global framework for ocean governance (United Nations 1982). Since then, the ocean economy has continued to grow alongside our need for food, energy, transportation and recreation from the ocean. Existing ocean industries expand while new ones appear. At the same time, new challenges are emerging as a result of climate change, loss of biodiversity, pollution and extractive activities. Our ocean is now facing these pressures at unprecedented rates and magnitudes. The mismatch between the drive for short- term economic gain versus long-term prosperity and a healthy, resilient ocean is increasingly apparent. As a result, we see a pressing need for holistic, knowledge- based and ecosystem-based approaches to ocean management. Integrated ocean management (IOM) is such an approach.
Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing and Associated Drivers
Authors: Widjaja Sjarief , Long Tony , Wirajuda Hassan , As Hennie Van , Bergh Per Erik , Brett Annie , Copeland Duncan , Fernandez Miriam , Gusman Ahmad , Juwana Stephanie , Ruchimat Toni , Trent Steve , Wilcox Chris
Published: May 2023

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing accounts for 20% of the world catch and up to 50% in some areas. This industry often uses bonded labour, destructive fishing practices and deceptive practices to reap profits at the expense of local fisheries, coastal states and the marine environment. Although international resolutions and reports have been issued for decades, countries have failed to enact and enforce regulations to stop these practices due to a lack of political will, resources and capacity.
The Expected Impacts of Climate Change on the Ocean Economy
Authors: Gaines Steve , Cabral Reniel , Free Christopher M. , Golbuu Yimnang , Arnason Ragnar , Battista Willow , Bradley Darcy , Cheung William , Fabricius Katharina , Hoegh-Guldberg Ove , Juinio-Meñez Marie Antonette , Molinos Jorge García , Ojea Elena , O’Reilly Erin , Turley Carol
Published: May 2023

The ocean is critically important to our global economy. Collectively, it is estimated that ocean-based industries and activities contribute hundreds of millions of jobs and approximately US$2.5 trillion to the global economy each year, making it the world’s seventh-largest economy when compared with national gross domestic products (GDPs) (Hoegh-Guldberg 2015; IPCC 2019). In addition, the nonmarket services and benefits provided by the ocean are significant and may in fact far exceed the value added by market-based goods and services (Costanza et al. 2014).
Ocean Solutions That Benefit People, Nature and the Economy
Authors: Stuchtey Martin R. , Vincent Adrien , Merkl Andreas , Bucher Maximilian , Haugan Peter M. , Lubchenco Jane , Pangestu Mari Elka
Published: May 2023

This report can be read like a book, ‘cover to cover’—the reader will follow a narrative arc which balances hope and concern, present and future states, concrete examples and more abstract ideas.
Technology, Data and New Models for Sustainably Managing Ocean Resources
Authors: Leape Jim , Abbott Mark , Sakaguchi Hide , Brett Annie , Cao Ling , Chand Kevin , Golbuu Yimnang , Martin Tara , Mayorga Juan , Myksvoll Mari S.
Published: May 2023

We are in the middle of an explosion in new data on the ocean, creating enormous potential for advances in our understanding and stewardship of ocean resources. An exponential increase in the number and variety of ocean observing systems and other new data sources has created the prospect of a digital ocean ecosystem. Advances in processing techniques and visualisation are rapidly expanding our ability to extract information from those data, and are enabling a wide array of tools to provide real-time information in actionable form to decision-makers, such as policymakers, resource managers, resource users, consumers and citizens.
Interrogating Civic Space: Applying a Civic-Driven Change Perspective
Authors: Biekart Kees , Fowler Alan
Published: May 2023

Throughout the world, we recognise a tendency for civic space to be limited by governments and private sector actors. A common reason is to reduce the advocacy pressure of civil society groups on their interests. But the issue seems to be more complex than just a tendency of ‘shrinking civic space’ which is undermining development. We see the influence of historical latency on civic agency and actors within socio-political processes, contributing to a renaissance of nationalisms as being a key problem. The question arises how civic agency is deployed to counteract these initiatives, and how latent civic resistance is being mobilised. A framework of civic-driven change is applied to analyse the political potential of these forces, and in this way also to ‘interrogate’ civic space. Is this really a useful tool for analysing opportunities for social resistance, or is it rather a way to depoliticise civil society discourse?
The Algerian Hirak: Civil Society and the Role of Artists in a Civic Space Under Pressure
Authors: Spitz René
Published: May 2023

This article is about artists as actors of change and culture as a domain and instrument to enhance civic space. From February 2019, for more than a year, hundreds of thousands of Algerians demonstrated every week all over the country peacefully for political reform. The social and political pressure of the Hirak (Arabic for movement) prevented president Bouteflika from running a fifth term. Many artists not only expressed their support to the aims of the Hirak, but contributed actively to it with their songs, poems, pictures and other forms of creativity.
Introduction and Research Agenda
Authors: Krafft Andreas M. , Guse Tharina , Slezackova Alena
Published: May 2023

This introductory chapter presents the antecedents and the purpose that originated the creation of this book on cross-cultural studies on hope. It sketches the existential and multifaceted nature of hope and points to the array of disciplines that, over many decades and even centuries, have studied the phenomenon of hope from various scientific perspectives and in different contexts. Based on the past focus and the current challenges in psychological research on hope, it pleads for an inter- and transdisciplinary approach to the study of hope in diverse cultural contexts. After briefly introducing a cultural perspective on hope, we present the purpose, development, and research focus of the Hope Barometer international research program. We highlight the necessity to conceptualize hope in a trans-disciplinary and culture-sensitive way and then formulate a number of fundamental research questions that guided the empirical studies reported in this book. Assessing hope across cultures requires the development of measures that, on the one hand, prevent bias in the general conceptualization of hope and, on the other hand, permit the analysis of several elements and dimensions of hope, such as different hope targets, sources, and activities. Hope and its various elements and dimensions are partly rooted in diverse culturally tinted worldviews and values, displaying different correlations and predictors of hope across cultures. A succinct overview of the structure and single chapters of the book aims to show up the overall logic that guided its outline.
Long-term Future Expectations and Collective Hope
Authors: Krafft Andreas M. , Chukwuorji JohnBosco Chika , Choubisa Rajneesh , Conte Stella , Flores-Lucas Valle , Guse Tharina , Kasprzak Elżbieta , Marujo Helena Agueda , Nair Chitra S. , Redlich-Amirav Dorit , Sinclair Mark , Slezackova Alena , Stecz Patryk , Varsos Olga , Herrera Eduardo Wills
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this chapter is to extend and explore the definition of collective hope as the shared desire for a better future not only for oneself, but for the entire social community, the belief that a better future for all is possible but not necessarily guaranteed or even likely, and the trust in the human capacity to cooperate and support each other towards the realization of a better world despite current struggles and challenges. Conceptually we chose an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from Positive Psychology, Futures Studies, and Pragmatic Hope Philosophy. After introducing the concept of collective hope we present the nature and role of images of the future in terms of probable, possible and desired future trends and scenarios. Based on data collected with the Hope Barometer across 12 countries in November 2019 (N = 10,665), we evaluated people’s long-term future expectations regarding the general quality of life, social trends and expected as well as wished-for future scenarios. We then related these expectations to perceived hope and social well-being. Our results suggest that long-term social expectations are significantly more pessimistic in European than in non-European countries and that personal hope levels are significantly higher in countries outside Europe. Moreover, an overwhelming majority of participants in this study preferred a social-sustainable over an individualist-competitive future scenario. Whereas future prospects had a significant effect on hope and (social) well-being, desirable images of the future hardly displayed an effect. Our findings highlight the importance of encouraging people to develop new positive pictures of the future which could foster hope, belief, and trust in a flourishing and sustainable world and to get engaged in its realization.
Trust, Social Support and Hope Resources
Authors: Krafft Andreas M. , Chukwuorji JohnBosco Chika , Choubisa Rajneesh , Conte Stella , Fenouillet Fabien , Flores-Lucas Valle , Guse Tharina , Kasprzak Elżbieta , Martin-Krumm Charles , Marujo Helena Agueda , Nair Chitra S. , Redlich-Amirav Dorit , Sinclair Mark , Slezackova Alena , Stecz Patryk , Varsos Olga , Herrera Eduardo Wills
Published: May 2023

The current chapter is dedicated to the exploration of different sources and activities of hope across countries. In particular, we explore how these serve as expressions of trust and confidence in the availability of resources, nourishing the belief in the feasibility and supporting the realization of wished-for goods considered to be possible, although not necessarily probable. Following an interdisciplinary approach, we integrated perspectives from the disciplines of Positive Psychology, Risk Management, and the Philosophy of Hope to elucidate the difference between trust and confidence. We further differentiate between perceived hope, on the one hand, and dispositional hope and optimism, on the other, backed in this interdisciplinary approach. Using data from the Hope Barometer in 2018 and 2019 we investigated the role of internal and external sources and activities of hope in two studies. Study 1 comprised 12 countries (N = 10,193) and aimed to analyze several personal and external hope sources with a specific focus on social support, religiosity and the feeling of luck in relation to hope. Study 2 was performed with 8 samples from 7 countries (N = 6245), centering on the assessment of several hope activities and their effects on perceived hope. Our findings highlight the importance of social, religious and other external factors of hope, demonstrate the differential nature of perceived and dispositional hope, and show significant differences between countries regarding the role of trust in individual capabilities, in emotional and instrumental support as well as in religious/spiritual experiences and practices.
Mastering the COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis: From Anxiety to Hope
Authors: Krafft Andreas M. , Chukwuorji JohnBosco Chika , Choubisa Rajneesh , Comte Stella , Fenouillet Fabien , Flores-Lucas Valle , Guse Tharina , Kasprzak Elżbieta , Martin-Krumm Charles , Marujo Helena Agueda , Nair Chitra , Sinclair Mark , Slezackova Alena , Stecz Patryk , Varsos Olga
Published: May 2023

This chapter presents selected results of the Hope Barometer survey during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. Against the background of the intense feelings of stress and anxiety in these times of crisis, we first review current theories on psychological stress and coping, present results of our empirical studies during the pandemic and then focus on the role and importance of hope in relation to positive coping styles, well-being, and stress-related personal growth. A central aim of our research is to investigate the role of culture in the perception of stress and hope (as the counterpart of anxiety) and in the choice of different coping strategies, as evident in their relationship to experiences of well-being and personal growth. We compared the results of 11 countries with cross-sectional data collected in November 2019 (N = 9092), November 2020 (N = 9536) and November 2021 (N = 9093). After reporting general findings, we engage in an analysis of the most striking differences between the countries. Our results revealed that a majority of the participants experienced moderate stress levels, but with significant differences between the samples and notable changes between 2020 and 2021. Most people, especially in more collectivistic countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, India, and Portugal, remained hopeful, applied positive coping strategies, and enjoyed moderate to high levels of well-being and personal growth. Our findings highlight the importance of emotion-focused, social, and religious coping sources, besides problem-focused coping, for mastering the crisis, which are predominant in collectivistic societies.
The quantum detection of projectors in finite-dimensional algebras and holography
Authors: Geloun Joseph Ben , Ramgoolam Sanjaye
Published: May 2023

Abstract

We define the computational task of detecting projectors in finite dimensional associative algebras with a combinatorial basis, labelled by representation theory data, using combinatorial central elements in the algebra. In the first example, the projectors belong to the centre of a symmetric group algebra and are labelled by Young diagrams with a fixed number of boxes n. We describe a quantum algorithm for the task based on quantum phase estimation (QPE) and obtain estimates of the complexity as a function of n. We compare to a classical algorithm related to the projector identification problem by the AdS/CFT correspondence. This gives a concrete proof of concept for classical/quantum comparisons of the complexity of a detection task, based in holographic correspondences. A second example involves projectors labelled by triples of Young diagrams, all having n boxes, with non-vanishing Kronecker coefficient. The task takes as input the projector, and consists of identifying the triple of Young diagrams. In both of the above cases the standard QPE complexities are polynomial in n. A third example of quantum projector detection involves projectors labelled by a triple of Young diagrams, with m, n and m + n boxes respectively, such that the associated Littlewood-Richardson coefficient is non-zero. The projector detection task is to identify the triple of Young diagrams associated with the projector which is given as input. This is motivated by a two-matrix model, related via the AdS/CFT correspondence, to systems of strings attached to giant gravitons. The QPE complexity in this case is polynomial in m and n.
Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells preserve endogenous insulin production in type 1 diabetes: a Phase I/II randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Carlsson Per-Ola , Espes Daniel , Sisay Sofia , Davies Lindsay C. , Smith C. I. Edvard , Svahn Mathias G.
Published: May 2023

Aim/hypothesis

This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of treatment with allogeneic Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in recent-onset type 1 diabetes.

Methods

A combined Phase I/II trial, composed of a dose escalation followed by a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study in parallel design, was performed in which treatment with allogeneic MSCs produced as an advanced therapy medicinal product (ProTrans) was compared with placebo in adults with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes <2 years before enrolment, age 18–40 years and a fasting plasma C-peptide concentration >0.12 nmol/l. Randomisation was performed with a web-based randomisation system, with a randomisation code created prior to the start of the study. The randomisation was made in blocks, with participants randomised to ProTrans or placebo treatment. Randomisation envelopes were kept at the clinic in a locked room, with study staff opening the envelopes at the baseline visits. All participants and study personnel were blinded to group assignment. The study was conducted at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.

Results

Three participants were included in each dose cohort during the first part of the study. Fifteen participants were randomised in the second part of the study, with ten participants assigned to ProTrans treatment and five to placebo. All participants were analysed for the primary and secondary outcomes. No serious adverse events related to treatment were observed and, overall, few adverse events (mainly mild upper respiratory tract infections) were reported in the active treatment and placebo arms. The primary efficacy endpoint was defined as Δ-change in C-peptide AUC for a mixed meal tolerance test at 1 year following ProTrans/placebo infusion compared with baseline performance prior to treatment. C-peptide levels in placebo-treated individuals declined by 47%, whereas those in ProTrans-treated individuals declined by only 10% (p<0.05). Similarly, insulin requirements increased in placebo-treated individuals by a median of 10 U/day, whereas insulin needs of ProTrans-treated individuals did not change over the follow-up period of 12 months (p<0.05).

Conclusions/interpretation

This study suggests that allogeneic Wharton’s jelly-derived MSCs (ProTrans) is a safe treatment for recent-onset type 1 diabetes, with the potential to preserve beta cell function.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03406585

Funding

The sponsor of the clinical trial is NextCell Pharma AB, Stockholm, Sweden.

Graphical Abstract
Stopover territoriality in songbirds crossing the Sahara: aggression and energetics during migration
Authors: Aispuro Armando Alberto , Canoine Virginie , Illa Marc , Fusani Leonida , Maggini Ivan
Published: May 2023

Stopover territoriality, i.e., the defense and broadcast of an ephemeral home range during avian migration, is rare or perhaps overlooked. However, settling on a territory may allow for easier access to resources and therefore promote faster refueling despite the added costs of territory defense. We examined the occurrence of stopover territoriality and its relationship to body condition and refueling rates. We color-ringed Western Subalpine Warblers (Curruca iberiae) mapped their home ranges and measured associated habitat characteristics during a spring stopover in the Sahara. We simulated territory intrusions via song playback to quantify territorial behavior. Males aggressively defended and broadcasted their stopover territories in response to intruders. Initial body condition in males was negatively related to home range vegetation density, suggesting that males in higher condition are selective for certain territory features. Low vegetation density does not support habitat selection for foraging, but perhaps does support social monitoring or predator vigilance as its functions. Fuel deposition rates in recaptured males were unrelated to home range habitat characteristics. Female Subalpine Warblers did not use repeated home ranges yet had similar refueling rates, body conditions, and stopover durations as territorial males. Therefore, while stopover territories were selected based on body condition, territory characteristics did not influence refueling rates. Subalpine Warblers expressed reduced migratory characteristics, making prolonged stopovers of up to 27 days with low refueling rates but maintaining body condition while defending territories. These results suggest that some individuals are staging for non-energetic reasons, such as pre-breeding preparations, or transitioning between a migratory and a breeding life history stage.

Significance statement

Territoriality in birds is commonly associated with breeding activities, less so with the wintering period and rarely with migratory periods. However, territoriality during migration may be energetically beneficial. During a trans-Saharan stopover, male warblers establish and defend temporary territories by singing and engaging in physical defense of home ranges, and those in better condition occupied territories with sparser vegetation. Females were not territorial but refueled at similar rates as males. Stopover territoriality did not increase access to food-rich patches, but perhaps aided in efficient social monitoring and preparations for the approaching breeding season. This is the first detailed documentation of birds defending ephemeral territories during migration, and its potential functions, costs and benefits may inform studies of full-annual cycles and life histories of many migratory species.
Failure to Rescue in Major Abdominal Surgery: A Regional Australian Experience
Authors: Divakaran Pranav , Hong Joshua Sungho , Abbas Saleh , Gwini Stella‐May , Nagra Sonalmeet , Stupart Douglas , Guest Glenn , Watters David
Published: May 2023

Background

Failure to rescue (FTR) is increasingly recognised as a measure of the quality care provided by a health service in recognising and responding to patient deterioration. We report the association between a patient's pre‐operative status and FTR following major abdominal surgery.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients who underwent major abdominal surgery and who suffered Clavien–Dindo (CDC) III‐V complications at the University Hospital Geelong between 2012 and 2019. For each patient suffering a major complication, pre‐operative risk factors including demographics, comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI)), American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) Score and biochemistry were compared for patients who survived and patients who died. Statistical analysis utilised logistic regression with results reported as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

There were 2579 patients who underwent major abdominal surgery, of whom 374 (14.5%) suffered CDC III‐V complications. Eighty‐eight patients subsequently died from their complication representing a 23.5% FTR and an overall operative mortality of 3.4%. Pre‐operative risk factors for FTR included ASA score ≥ 3, CCI ≥ 3 and pre‐operative serum albumin of < 35 g/L. Operative risk factors included emergency surgery, cancer surgery, greater than 500 ml intraoperative blood loss and need for ICU admission. Patients who suffered end‐organ failure were more likely to die from their complication.

Conclusion

Identification of patients at high risk of FTR should they develop a complication would inform shared decision‐making, highlight the need for optimisation prior to surgery, or in some cases, result in surgery not being undertaken.
Can an individual with low frequency hearing in the candidate ear benefit from a cochlear implant even if they have normal hearing in the other ear?
Authors: Lorens Artur , Skarzynski Piotr Henryk , Obrycka Anita , Skarzynski Henryk
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To determine hearing preservation and subjective benefit after cochlear implant (CI) surgery in patients with low frequency hearing in the ear to be implanted (i.e., they have partial deafness, PD) and close to normal hearing in the other.

Methods

There were two study groups. The test group was made up of 12 adult patients (mean age 43.4 years; SD 13.6) with normal hearing or mild hearing loss in one ear, and with PD in the ear to be implanted. The reference group consisted of 12 adult patients (mean age 44.5 years; SD 14.1) who had PD in both ears and who underwent unilateral implantation in their worse ear. Hearing preservation was assessed 1 and 14 months after CI surgery using the Skarzynski Hearing Preservation Classification System. The APHAB questionnaire was used to evaluate the benefit from the CI.

Results

The differences in HP% between the groups were not significant: mean hearing preservation (HP%) in the test group was 82% one month after CI surgery and 75% some 14 months after implantation; corresponding results in the reference group were 71% and 69%. However, on the APHAB background noise subscale, the benefit in the test group was significantly larger than in the reference group.

Conclusion

To a large extent it was possible to preserve low-frequency hearing in the implanted ear. This means that individuals with low frequency hearing in the implanted ear (partial deafness) and with normal hearing in the other generally received more benefits from cochlear implantation than did patients with partial deafness in both ears. We conclude that residual low frequency hearing in the ear to be implanted should not be considered a contraindication for a CI in a patient with single-sided deafness.
Core needle biopsies alter the amounts of CCR5, Siglec-15, and PD-L1 positivities in breast carcinoma
Authors: Mutka Minna , Joensuu Kristiina , Heiskala Marja , Eray Mine , Heikkilä Päivi
Published: May 2023

Core needle biopsies (CNB) are widely used to diagnose breast cancer, but the procedure is invasive and thus, it changes the tumor microenvironment. The purpose of this study is to see how the expression of three potentially anti-inflammatory molecules, namely, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin-15 (Siglec-15), and C-C chemokine receptor-5 (CCR-5), are expressed in CNB and surgical resection specimens (SRS). To do this, we compared the amounts of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and the levels of CCR5, Siglec-15, and PD-L1 in tumor cells and inflammatory cells as assessed by immunohistochemistry in CNB and the corresponding SRS of 22 invasive breast carcinomas of no special type and 22 invasive lobular carcinomas. The Siglec-15 H-score was higher in tumor cells in the SRS than in the CNB groups. There was no change in tumor cells CCR5 or PD-L1 between CNB and SRS. The positive inflammatory cell numbers for all markers rose between CNB and SRS, as did the amount of Tils. Furthermore, higher grade tumors and tumors with a high proliferation rate had more inflammatory cells that were positive for the markers and also more PD-L1+ tumor cells. Although changes in inflammatory cells can partly be attributed to the larger sample size of operation specimens, the differences also mirror a true change in the tumor microenvironment. The changes in inflammatory cells could be partly due to the need to restrict excess inflammation at the site of the biopsy.
An efficient phase-field model of shear fractures using deviatoric stress split
Authors: Haghighat Ehsan , Santillán David
Published: May 2023

We propose a phase-field model of shear fractures using the deviatoric stress decomposition. This choice allows us to use general three-dimensional Mohr–Coulomb’s failure function for formulating the relations and evaluating peak and residual stresses. We apply the model to a few benchmark problems of shear fracture and strain localization and report remarkable performance. Our model is able to capture conjugate failure modes under biaxial compression test and for the slope stability problem, a challenging task for most models of geomechanics.
Taste loss in cancer patients: clinicians’ perceptions of educational materials and diagnostic tools
Authors: Galaniha Lakmani Tharaka , Nolden Alissa A.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Cancer therapy is essential and lifesaving; however, it can have short- and long-term consequences on patients’ health. Up to 87% of cancer patients report changes in taste function, yet patients report a lack of support from clinicians regarding their experience with taste loss during and following treatment. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess clinicians’ knowledge and experience with managing patients with taste loss and identify potential gaps in the availability of educational materials and diagnostic tools.

Method

In an online survey, sixty-seven participants who identify as clinicians and practice in the United States and work with cancer patients that complain of taste problems answered questions on their knowledge and experience supporting cancer patients experiencing changes in taste function and provided their opinion on access to educational materials.

Results

The current study reports gaps in participants’ knowledge of taste and taste disorder terminology, with 15.4% correctly defining both taste and flavor and roughly half were familiar with specific taste disorder classifications. Over half of the participants reported not having access to adequate information to help their patients manage taste alterations. Only two-thirds of participants reported routinely asking patients if they are experiencing changes in taste function.

Conclusion

Clinicians’ responses emphasized the need to improve access to educational materials regarding taste changes and increase the availability of information regarding management strategies. Addressing these inequities in education and improving the standard of care is the first step in improving the care for cancer patients suffering from altered taste function.
Clinical criteria and diagnostic assessment of fibromyalgia: position statement of the Italian Society of Neurology-Neuropathic Pain Study Group
Authors: Devigili G. , Di Stefano G. , Donadio V. , Frattale I. , Mantovani E. , Nolano M. , Occhipinti G. , Provitera V. , Quitadamo S. , Tamburin S. , Toscano A. , Tozza S. , Truini A. , Valeriani M. , de Tommaso M.
Published: May 2023

Background

The role of central and/or peripheral nervous system dysfunction is basically fundamental in fibromyalgia.

Aim

The aim of this position statement on behalf of the Neuropathic Pain Study Group of the Italian Society of Neurology is to give practical guidelines for the clinical and instrumental assessment of fibromyalgia (FM) in the neurological clinical practice, taking into consideration recent studies.

Methods

Criteria for study selection and consideration were original studies, case-controls design, use of standardized methodologies for clinical practice, and FM diagnosis with ACR criteria (2010, 2011, 2016).

Results

ACR criteria were revised. For diagnostic procedure of small-fiber pathology, 47 studies were totally considered.

Recent diagnostic criteria should be applied (ACR, 2016). A rheumatologic visit seems mandatory. The involvement of small fibers should request at least 2 among HRV + SSR and/or laser-evoked responses and/or skin biopsy and/or corneal confocal microscopy, eventually followed by monitoring of metabolic and/or immunological/ and or/paraneoplastic basis, to be repeated at 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions

The correct diagnostic approach to FM could promote the exclusion of the known causes of small-fiber impairment. The research toward common genetic factors would be useful to promote a more specific therapeutic approach.
Deep learning and hyperparameter optimization for assessing one’s eligibility for a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
Authors: Dunn Anthony J. , Coniglio Stefano , ElRefai Mohamed , Roberts Paul R. , Wiles Benedict M. , Zemkoho Alain B.
Published: May 2023

It is standard cardiology practice for patients suffering from ventricular arrhythmias (the main cause of sudden cardiac death) belonging to high risk populations to be treated via the implantation of Subcutaneous Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (S-ICDs). S-ICDs carry a risk of so-called T wave over sensing (TWOS), which can lead to inappropriate shocks that carry an inherent health risk. For this reason, according to current practice patients’ Electrocardiograms (ECGs) are manually screened by a cardiologist over 10 s to assess the T:R ratio—the ratio between the amplitudes of the T and R waves which is used as a marker for the likelihood of TWOS—with a plastic template. Unfortunately, the temporal variability of a patient’ T:R ratio can render such a screening procedure, which relies on an inevitably short ECG segment due to its manual nature, unreliable. In this paper, we propose and investigate a tool based on deep learning for the automatic prediction of the T:R ratios from multiple 10-second segments of ECG recordings capable of carrying out a 24-hour automated screening. Thanks to the significantly increased screening window, such a screening would provide far more reliable T:R ratio predictions than the currently utilized 10-second, template-based, manual screening is capable of. Our tool is the first, to the best of our knowledge, to fully automate such an otherwise manual and potentially inaccurate procedure. From a methodological perspective, we evaluate different deep learning model architectures for our tool, assess a range of stochastic-gradient-descent-based optimization methods for training their underlying deep-learning model, perform hyperparameter tuning, and create ensembles of the best performing models in order to identify which combination leads to the best performance. We find that the resulting model, which has been integrated into a prototypical tool for use by clinicians, is able to predict T:R ratios with very high accuracy. Thanks to this, our automated T:R ratio detection tool will enable clinicians to provide a completely automated assessment of whether a patient is eligible for S-ICD implantation which is more reliable than current practice thanks to adopting a significantly longer ECG screening window which better and more accurately captures the behavior of the patient’s T:R ratio than the current manual practice.
Sexual and Dating Violence Prevention Programs for Male Youth: A Systematic Review of Program Characteristics, Intended Psychosexual Outcomes, and Effectiveness
Authors: Verbeek Mirthe , Weeland Joyce , Luijk Maartje , van de Bongardt Daphne
Published: May 2023

Sexual and dating violence (SDV) by male youth (≤ 25 years)—including sexual harassment, emotional partner violence, and rape—is a worldwide problem. The goal of this preregistered (PROSPERO, ID: CRD42022281220) systematic review was to map existing SDV prevention programs aimed at male youth, including their characteristics (e.g., content, intensity), intended psychosexual outcomes, and empirically demonstrated effectiveness, guided by the principles of the theory of planned behavior (TPB). We conducted searches in six online databases for published, peer-reviewed quantitative effectiveness studies on multi-session, group focused, and interaction based SDV prevention programs for male youth ending March 2022. After screening of 21,156 hits using PRISMA guidelines, 15 studies on 13 different programs, from four continents were included. Narrative analysis showed, first, broad ranges in program intensity (2–48 h total), and few program curricula included explicit discussion of relevant aspects of the TPB. Second, programs’ main intended psychosexual outcomes were to change SDV experiences, or related attitudes, or norms. Third, significant effects were found mostly on longer term behaviors and short-term attitudes. Other theoretical proxies of SDV experiences, such as social norms and perceived behavioral control, were sparsely investigated; thus, program effectiveness on these outcomes remains largely unknown. Assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, moderate to serious risk of bias arose in all studies. We present concrete suggestions for program content, such as explicit attention to victimization and masculinity and discuss best practices for evaluation research, including assessments of program integrity, and examining relevant theoretical proxies of SDV.
Multi-Level Meta-Analysis of Physical Activity Interventions During Childhood: Effects of Physical Activity on Cognition and Academic Achievement
Authors: Vasilopoulos Fotini , Jeffrey Holly , Wu Yanwen , Dumontheil Iroise
Published: May 2023

There is evidence that physical activity positively influences cognition and academic outcomes in childhood. This systematic review used a three-level meta-analytic approach, which handles nested effect sizes, to assess the impact of physical activity interventions. Ninety-two randomised control trials in typically developing children (5–12 years old, N = 25,334) were identified. Control group type and intervention characteristics including duration, frequency, and teacher qualification were explored as potential moderators. Results showed physical activity interventions improved on-task behaviour with a large effect size (g = 1.04, p = 0.03 (95% CI: 0.08–2.00), very low-certainty evidence) and led to moderate improvements in creativity (g = 0.70, p < 0.01 (0.20–1.20), low-certainty evidence). Small beneficial effects were found for fluid intelligence (g = 0.16, p = 0.03 (0.02, 0.30), moderate-certainty evidence) and working memory (g = 0.18, p = 0.01 (0.07–0.29), very low-certainty evidence), but no overall benefit was observed for attention, inhibitory control, planning, cognitive flexibility or academic outcomes. Heterogeneity was high, and moderator analyses indicated beneficial effects of physical activity (PA) with academic instruction of 6–10-week duration with moderate or moderate to vigorous intensity on mathematics outcomes and enriched PA programmes on language outcomes. In contrast, aerobic PA with moderate to vigorous intensity benefitted executive function outcomes. These results therefore suggest differential mechanisms of impact of different types of PA on different aspects of cognition.
Sediment yield estimation and evaluating the best management practices in Nashe watershed, Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Leta Megersa Kebede , Waseem Muhammad , Rehman Khawar , Tränckner Jens
Published: May 2023

Sediment yield estimation along with identification of soil erosion mechanisms is essential for developing sophisticated management approaches, assessing, and balancing different management scenarios and prioritizing better soil and water conservation planning and management. At the watershed scale, land management practices are commonly utilized to minimize sediment loads. The goal of this research was to estimate sediment yield and prioritize the spatial dispersion of sediment-producing hotspot areas in the Nashe catchment using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Moreover, to reduce catchment sediment output, this study also aims to assess the effectiveness of certain management practices. For calibration and validation of the model, monthly stream flow and sediment data were utilized. The model performance indicators show good agreement between measured and simulated stream flow and sediment yields. The study examined four best management practice (BMP) scenarios for the catchment’s designated sub-watersheds: S0 (baseline scenario), S1 (filter strip), S2 (stone/soil bunds), S3 (contouring), and S4 (terracing). According to the SWAT model result, the watershed’s mean yearly sediment output was 25.96 t/ha. yr. under baseline circumstances. The model also revealed areas producing the maximum sediment quantities indicating the model’s effectiveness for implementing and evaluating the sensitivity of sediment yield to various management strategies. At the watershed scale, treating the watershed with various management scenarios S1, S2, S3, and S4 decreased average annual sediment yield by 34.88%, 57.98%, 39.55%, and 54.77%, respectively. The implementations of the soil/stone bund and terracing scenarios resulted in the maximum sediment yield reduction. The findings of this study will help policymakers to make better and well-informed decisions regarding suitable land use activities and best management strategies.
Rubbing salt in the wound? A large-scale investigation into the effects of refactoring on security
Authors: Iannone Emanuele , Codabux Zadia , Lenarduzzi Valentina , De Lucia Andrea , Palomba Fabio
Published: May 2023

Software refactoring is a behavior-preserving activity to improve the source code quality without changing its external behavior. Unfortunately, it is often a manual and error-prone task that may induce regressions in the source code. Researchers have provided initial compelling evidence of the relation between refactoring and defects, yet little is known about how much it may impact software security. This paper bridges this knowledge gap by presenting a large-scale empirical investigation into the effects of refactoring on the security profile of applications. We conduct a three-level mining software repository study to establish the impact of 14 refactoring types on (i) security-related metrics, (ii) security technical debt, and (iii) the introduction of known vulnerabilities. The study covers 39 projects and a total amount of 7,708 refactoring commits. The key results show that refactoring has a limited connection to security. However, Inline Method and Extract Interface statistically contribute to improving some security aspects connected to encapsulating security-critical code components. Extract Superclass and Pull Up Attribute refactoring are commonly found in commits violating specific security best practices for writing secure code. Finally, Extract Superclass and Extract & Move Method refactoring tend to occur more often in commits contributing to the introduction of vulnerabilities. We conclude by distilling lessons learned and recommendations for researchers and practitioners.
Has Montefiore and Formosa resisted the Gamer’s Dilemma?
Authors: Luck Morgan
Published: May 2023

Montefiore and Formosa (Ethics Inf Technol 24:31, 2022) provide a useful way of narrowing the Gamer’s Dilemma to cases where virtual murder seems morally permissible, but not virtual child molestation. They then resist the dilemma by theorising that the intuitions supporting it are not moral. In this paper, I consider this theory to determine whether the dilemma has been successfully resisted. I offer reason to think that, when considering certain variations of the dilemma, Montefiore and Formosa’s theory may not be the most likely theory available to us.