bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of Freeze-thaw Induced Damage Characteristic for Himalayan Schist
Authors: Verma A.K. , Sardana Sahil , Jaiswal Amit
Published: March 2023

The freeze-thaw (F-T) induced deterioration in rocks affects their durability, leading to various landslides, rockslides, and avalanches. The study focuses on estimating loss in rock strength using mineralogical properties under the influence of multiple F-T cycles. The rock samples were collected from F-T affected north Indian Himalayan region. The rock specimens were subjected to multiple F-T conditioning (0th, 10th, 20th and 30th F-T cycles). The mineralogical properties (such as mineralogical indices and textural indices) and mechanical properties (such as uniaxial compressive strength; UCS and Brazilian tensile strength; BTS) were calculated before and after F-T conditioning. A correlation was developed among the various strength properties and mineralogical properties. The result shows a strong relationship between the UCS and BTS with mean grain size. Further, results were used to develop a mathematical model, based on mineralogical parameter and decay function, to predict the rock strength under the influence of multiple F-T cycles.
GIS-based Spatial Variability and Water Quality Index (WQI) Modeling of Trace Elements in Groundwater of Jamshedpur, Eastern India
Authors: Mahato Jaydev Kumar , Saw Shivam , Kant Nishi , Patel Rohit , Yadav Brahmdeo
Published: March 2023

The present study investigated the spatial variability and water quality index (WQI) modeling of groundwater for drinking purposes. Thus, the sample from 30 locations in Jamshedpur city was collected to explore the hydrochemical characteristics. The range of values of trace elements was well complied with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) except Co (0.1 to 13.87 µg/L), Cu (0.12 to 64.62 µg/L), Mn (20 to 1461 µg/L), and Sr (30 to 544 µg/L).The water table of this region showed tremendous variation (0.44 to 4.90 mbgl) as monitored by a sensor-based water level recorder. The WQI model revealed that only 4% of the water in this region is under the excellent categories, followed by good (86%) and poor (10%). Human health risk assessment of trace elements in contaminated groundwater was also performed according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The estimated hazard index (HI) value (4.85E-02 to 1.61E+00) indicated the non-carcinogenic risk. The study provides immense help for public health decision-makers to prevent the communities health risks.
The role of the body in electronic sport: a scoping review
Authors: Riatti Paolo , Thiel Ansgar
Published: March 2023

The popularity of competitive computer and videogaming, also known as electronic sport (esport), has been rising rapidly during the past decades. Because of many parallels with traditional sports, like competitiveness, skill requirements, degree of professionalization, or the way it is portrayed in the media, esport has been adopted as part of the sport canon in many countries. Still, critics argue that playing computer games lacks the physicality commonly seen in traditional sports. A significant part of the competition is mediated through digital platforms and the spotlight shifts from the players’ appearance and actions to their digital avatars. This paper takes on this issue by exploring existing evidence about the role of the body in esport via a scoping review approach. According to the findings of 47 studies, the body’s role in esport is akin to that in traditional sport, including specific motoric requirements or biometric responses. Beyond that, the body can be seen as a link between the digital and physical worlds. Players embody digital avatars in the form of esport-specific movements, transfer of norms and ideals, and identification with the in-game characters. Future research can use this review as a basis for scientific approaches to individual phenomena regarding corporeality in esport and inter-corporeality.
Evaluation of physicochemical properties in agricultural soils on the flat and piedmont areas of Valle del Cauca, Colombia with emphasis on degradation
Authors: Marín-Pimentel Gilberto-Eduardo , Rueda-Saa Germán , Menjivar-Flores Juan Carlos
Published: March 2023

A study for the physicochemical properties was carried out in agricultural soils (n = 489) on the flat and piedmont areas of Valle del Cauca. The degradation level of different soils (n = 489) was studied by determining and analyzing their properties. Variability and distribution analysis, central tendency, dispersion and multivariate analysis were included. The results showed that the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and electrical conductivity (EC) were highly variable. The other properties were moderately variable, depending on the coefficient of variation (10% < CV < 100%). The principal component analysis indicated that the first component was related to compaction processes in the soil (34%), the second included nutrients available to plants (24%), and the third (13%) was the movement of cations. The more susceptible to degradation properties included apparent density (Da) and porosity (η), which had normal distribution (P > 0.150). 19% of the evaluated sites had possible soil compaction, with high Da values (> 1.6 g cm−3) and low η (< 40%). The degradation from salinity was minimal, and only 2.2% of the samples had EC values greater than 2 dS m−1. 50% of the soils had organic matter levels (MO) greater than 2%. 85.5% had cation exchange capacity values (CEC) that exceeded 15 cmol (+)  Kg−1, and 42.12% were in the pH range from 5.5 to 7.0, optimal conditions for crops. The results showed that soil compaction occurred in some agricultural crops; however, most than 80% of the soils studied had excellent physicochemical properties (MO, CEC, pH).
Radiotherapy combined with anti-CEACAM1 immunotherapy to induce survival advantage in glioma
Authors: Li Jinhu , Chen Yi , Fan Yimin , Wang Hongqin , Mu Wei , Liu Xiaodong
Published: March 2023

Background

We aimed to observe the effect of radiotherapy on the expression of immune checkpoint molecule CEACAM1 in patients with glioma and the therapeutical effect of radiotherapy combined with blockade of CEACAM1 in mice with intracranial gliomas.

Methods

The expression of CEACAM1 on T-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of patients with glioma was detected before and after radiotherapy; GL261 murine glioma cells (stably transfected with the luciferase gene) were implanted in the right caudate nucleus of C57BL/6 mice, and tumour growth was observed using the small animal in vivo imaging system. Mice were divided into 4 groups: (1) the isotype control; (2) the radiotherapy; (3) the anti-CEACAM1 treatment; and (4) the combination therapy. The survival of mice after treatment was recorded; the expression of CEACAM1 on murine glioma cells was detected by immunohistochemistry before and after radiotherapy; flow cytometry was adopted to detect CD8+ T-cells (Treg) (CD4+FoxP3+CD25+) among mouse brain-infiltrating T-cells; serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 were detected by ELISA; proliferation and apoptosis were observed by immunohistochemistry; Retrospective RNA-seq data analysis was conducted in a cohort of 325 patients with glioma in the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) database and 702 patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.

Results

The expression of CEACAM1 on CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells in the peripheral blood of patients with glioma was significantly higher 1 week after radiotherapy than before radiotherapy and was further increased 1 month after radiotherapy. Combined therapy notably inhibited the growth of intracranial tumours in mice and prolonged their survival time, with some mice being capable of surviving long-term (> 90 d). Immunohistochemistry revealed that the expression of CEACAM1 in murine glioma tissues after radiotherapy was elevated in a time-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis showed an increase in mouse brain-infiltrating CD8+ T-lymphocytes, a decrease in Treg cells, and an increase in CD8+ T/Treg cells after treatment. ELISA demonstrated the elevated levels of IFN and decreased levels of IL-10 in the serum of mice in the combination therapy group.

Conclusions

Radiotherapy combined with CEACAM1 inhibitors resulted in strong and durable anti-tumour immune responses against murine glioma and long-term survival of some mice. Hence, this study is expected to offer new effective immunotherapy strategies against glioma.
The role of stakeholder involvement in EU research and innovation policy: a case study of Technology Platform Organics
Authors: Gambelli Danilo , Vairo Daniela , Cuoco Eduardo , Zanoli Raffaele
Published: March 2023

This paper analyses the importance that participatory approaches may play in shaping the innovation policy in the context of the EU research framework programme. The paper reports case study research on the role of “TP Organics”, a European Technology Platform (ETP) that supports research and innovation in organic farming in the EU. The case study is based on data concerning the relevance of resources pertaining to organic farming in the EU’s most recent framework programmes for research and development (FP7 and Horizon 2020). We use process tracing to analyse the causal effects of the participatory approach used by TP Organics in defining policies and promoting funding for the organic sector. Data concerning textual content analysis on research calls and budget disaggregation for EU research funding are used to test the hypothesis that the engagement of stakeholders provides substantial effects in terms of the number of research projects explicitly oriented to organic farming and the amount of research funding made available. Results refer to the outcomes of a structured testing sequence for the key hypotheses supporting the causal model. They show that the impact of TP Organics relies on its successful multi-stakeholder participatory processes, which have improved the relevance of research themes related to organic farming and have ultimately yielded an increase in financed research projects and financial contributions to research on organic farming in the EU. Conclusions provide some theoretical generalisations on the importance of stakeholder engagement in successfully lobbying for research policy.
Efficacy and safety of needle-free jet injector-assisted intralesional treatments in dermatology—a systematic review
Authors: Bekkers Vazula Zulfra , Bik Liora , van Huijstee Johanna Catharina , Wolkerstorfer Albert , Prens Errol Prospero , van Doorn Martijn Bastiaan Adriaan
Published: March 2023

Needle-free jet injectors are used for the intralesional treatment of various dermatological indications. However, a systematic review that evaluates the efficacy and safety of these treatments has not been published. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the efficacy and safety of needle-free jet injections for dermatological indications and to provide evidence-based treatment recommendations. An electronic literature search was conducted in April 2022. Two reviewers independently selected studies based on predefined criteria and performed a methodological quality assessment using the Cochrane Collaborations risk-of-bias 2.0 assessment tool and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Thirty-seven articles were included, involving 1911 participants. Dermatological indications included scars, alopecia areata, hyperhidrosis, nail diseases, non-melanoma skin cancer, common warts, local anesthesia, and aesthetic indications. Keloids and other types of scars (hypertrophic, atrophic, and burn scars) were investigated most frequently (n = 7). The included studies reported favorable efficacy and safety outcomes for intralesional jet injector-assisted treatment with triamcinolone acetonide/hexacetonide, 5-fluorouracil, bleomycin, or hyaluronic acid. Two high-quality studies showed good efficacy and tolerability of intralesional jet injections with a combination of 5-fluorouracil and triamcinolone acetonide in hypertrophic scars and with saline in boxcar and rolling acne scars. No serious adverse reactions and good tolerability were reported in the included studies. Overall, the methodological quality of the included studies was low. Limited evidence suggests that needle-free jet injector-assisted intralesional treatment is efficacious and safe for hypertrophic and atrophic acne scars. More well-powered RCTs investigating the efficacy and safety of jet injector treatment in dermatology are warranted to make further evidence-based recommendations.

Graphical Abstract
Weather, ultrasonic, cranial and body traits predict insect diet hardness in a Central Mexican bat community
Authors: Ayala-Berdon Jorge , Martínez Gómez Margarita , Ponce Andrés Ramírez , Beamonte-Barrientos Rene , Vázquez Jorge , Rodriguez-Peña Olga Nelly
Published: March 2023

Insectivorous bats exhibit food preferences for specific attributes in their prey. Hardness has been defined as an important prey attribute, and in some cases a limiting factor in foraging decisions for smaller compared to larger bat species. The goal of this study was to identify which factors influence the selection of prey hardness in a vespertilionid bat community. We investigated food consumed by bats by analyzing fecal samples obtained from eight bat species coexisting in a mountain ecosystem of central Mexico and correlate non-phylogenetically and phylogenetically prey hardness to weather, bat´s body, cranial and ultrasonic call structure variables. Results showed that diet of vespertilionid bats was mainly represented by Diptera, Neuroptera, Lepidoptera and Coleoptera consumption. The qualitative prey hardness index (From soft 1 to hard 5) ranked bats as:Myotis melanorhinus,Corynorhinus mexicanus,Myotis volans,Myotis californicus(< 3);Myotis velifer(< 4);Eptesicus fuscus,Idionycteris phyllotisandMyotis thysanodes(> 4.2). Prey hardness was positively correlated to minimum and mean temperatures, bat´s body weight, total and forearm lengths, cranial variables as: zygomatic breadth, mandibular length, height of the coronoid process, lower molar width, C-M3 superior and inferior rows length and upper molar width; and negatively to ultrasonic variables as total slope, call duration, low and high frequencies, band width and frequency maximum power. Considering phylogenies, prey hardness positively correlated to mandibular length, C-M3 inferior and superior rows lengths (p < 0.05). Our results showed that environmental, morphological and echolocation variables can be used as predictors of preferred insect prey in a community of vespertilionid bats.
Centers of Hecke algebras of complex reflection groups
Authors: Chavli Eirini , Pfeiffer Götz
Published: March 2023

We provide a dual version of the Geck–Rouquier Theorem (Geck and Rouquier in Finite Reductive Groups (Luminy, 1994), Progr. Math., vol. 141, Birkhäuser Boston, Boston, pp. 251–272, 1997) on the center of an Iwahori–Hecke algebra, which also covers the complex case. For the eight complex reflection groups of rank 2, for which the symmetrising trace conjecture is known to be true, we provide a new faithful matrix model for their Hecke algebra H. These models enable concrete calculations inside H. For each of the eight groups, we compute an explicit integral basis of the center of H.
In situ development of bacterial cellulose/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite membrane based on two different fermentation strategies: characterization and cytotoxicity evaluation
Authors: Saleh Ahmed K. , Tolba Emad , Salama Ahmed
Published: March 2023

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has garnered attention among biomaterial scientists for its unique physicochemical features and biocompatibility; however, the lack of bioactivity has limited its biomedical applications. Thus, this study describes the in situ preparation of BC/hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocomposite membranes using static and agitated fermentation to enhance the bioactivity of BC. The incorporation of HA increased BC production from 2.31 g/L without HA to 4.10 and 3.26 g/L under static and agitated fermentation, respectively, although the SEM observation indicates the formation of a fibrous structure in BC mesh under both fermentations. It was also observed that the content of HA nanoparticles in BC obtained from agitated fermentation was higher than that obtained from static fermentation. In addition, the average fiber diameter was increased from 56 ± 17 nm for agitated nanocomposites (BC/HA-A) to 145 ± 48 nm for static BC/HA nanocomposites (BC/HA-S) and 122 ± 26 nm for BC. In conclusion, the in situ formation of BC/HA nanocomposite under agitated fermentation appears more convenient in term of BC yield, HA content and distribution, and cytotoxicity against fibroblast cells (BJ1). This strategy will inspire new ways to prepare BC-based materials for medical applications.
Thermal decomposition characteristics and study of the reaction kinetics of tea-waste
Authors: Alashmawy Mohamad M. , Hassan Hassan S. , Ookawara Shinichi A. , Elwardany Ahmed E.
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to investigate waste-tea’s pyrolysis kinetics and thermodynamics to assess its potential for thermochemical processes. In this study, three primary samples of tea-waste are prepared for investigation: raw, torrefied at 200 °C, and torrefied at 600 °C. Under a nitrogen environment, thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) were conducted at seven heating rates (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 °C/min) to investigate the effect of heating rates on the kinetic parameters at temperatures ranging from 27 to 1000 °C. Using seven heating rates was beneficial to take advantage of multiple heating rates techniques alongside single heating rate techniques. These heating rates were combined, forming four heating rate groups (HRG). The pyrolysis kinetic parameters are determined using two model-fit-methods, direct Arrhenius and Coats-Redfern methods, and two model-free methods, Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) methods. Thermodynamic data comprising ΔH, ΔG, and ΔS are addressed. The X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum are used to assess the presence of natural minerals in tea-waste. The results indicated that the tea-waste material has the potential to produce syngas. The torrefaction process at 600 °C shows a 53% increase in the energy content compared to the raw biomass. The Coats-Redfern is shown to be more reliable than the direct Arrhenius method. The activation energy (Ea) witnesses rising with the heating rate (β) from Ea = 55.27 kJ mol−1 at β = 10 °C min−1 to 60.04 kJ mol−1 at β = 40 °C min−1 for raw tea-waste using Coats-Redfern method. For model-free approaches, the minimum activation energy values of the raw tea-waste samples are 82 kJ/mol for FWO and 78 kJ/mol for KAS, whereas the peak values are 420 kJ/mol for KAS and 411 kJ/mol for FWO. A comparison of the effect of heating rate groups for FWO method in raw material case indicated that HRG1 has the maximum activation energy average value. The resulting values of HRG1, HRG2, HRG3, and HRG4 were 269 kJ/mol, 145 kJ/mol, 174 kJ/mol, and 202 kJ/mol, respectively.
Prognostic and functional roles of EIF4G1 in lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Bai Baoxin , Dong Lin , Feng Minghao , Zhang Zhiwen , Lu Ying , Xu Zengguang , Liu Yali
Published: March 2023

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 gamma 1 (EIF4G1) is highly expressed in many cancers and affects their occurrence and development. However, the effect of EIF4G1 on the prognosis, biological function and the relevant mechanism in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is unclear. Through clinical cases, Cox’s proportional hazard model and Kaplan–Meier plotter survival analysis, we find the expression levels of EIF4G1 are dependent on age and clinical stage, high expression of EIF4G1 could be used to predict the overall survival of LSCC patients. LSCC cell line NCI-H1703, NCI-H226 and SK-MES-1infected with EIF4G1 siRNA are used to detect the function of EIF4G1 with cell proliferation and tumorigenesis in vivo and vitro. The data show that EIF4G1 promotes tumor cell proliferation and the G1/S transition of cell cycle in LSCC, then the biological function of LSCC is effected by the AKT/mTOR pathway. Above all, these results have demonstrated that EIF4G1 promotes LSCC cell proliferation and may represent an indicator of prognosis in LSCC.
Development of a cerebral aneurysm segmentation method to prevent sentinel hemorrhage
Authors: Regaya Yousra , Amira Abbes , Dakua Sarada Prasad
Published: March 2023

Image segmentation being the first step is always crucial for brain aneurysm treatment planning; it is also crucial during the procedure. A robust brain aneurysm segmentation has the potential to prevent the blood leakage, also known as sentinel hemorrhage. Here, we present a method combining a multiresolution and a statistical approach in two dimensional domain to segment cerebral aneurysm in which the Contourlet transform (CT) extracts the image features, while the Hidden Markov Random Field with Expectation Maximization (HMRF-EM) segments the image, based on the spatial contextual constraints. The proposed algorithm is tested on Three-Dimensional Rotational Angiography (3DRA) datasets; the average values of segmentation accuracy, DSC, FPR, FNR, specificity, and sensitivity, are found to be 99.72%, 93.52%, 0.07%, 5.23%, 94.77%, and 99.96%, respectively.
Wastewater treatment via sugarcane bagasse pulp
Authors: Elshabrawy S. O. , Elhussieny A. , Taha M. M. , Pal K. , Fahim I. S.
Published: March 2023

Textile wastewater effluents yield tons of dyes that, even at low concentrations, are toxic and need to be removed before this water is disposed of in aquatic life. Methylene blue has a low degradation rate and causes severe harm to the environment even at low concentrations. Adsorption is an effective method of getting rid of these dyes. In this study sugarcane bagasse pulp, which is a waste resulting from the sugar extraction process, is examined as an adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue from textile wastewater. Batch experiments are carried out to determine the efficiency of the adsorption of methylene blue onto the sugarcane bagasse pulp surface. Seven different parameters including the adsorbent dose, temperature, initial dye concentration, contact time, pH, and adsorbent particle size are studied to determine their effect on the adsorption process; characterization of the adsorbent is carried out. Artificial neural network is used to determine the optimum conditions that give maximum efficiency. The results of this study showed that bagasse pulp is an effective adsorbent material for methylene blue removal with a maximum adsorption efficiency of 95%.

Graphical abstract
Vaccine effectiveness against severe COVID-19 during the Omicron wave in Germany: results from the COViK study
Authors: Stoliaroff-Pepin Anna , Peine Caroline , Herath Tim , Lachmann Johannes , Hellenbrand Wiebke , Perriat Delphine , Dörre Achim , Nitsche Andreas , Michel Janine , Grossegesse Marica , Hofmann Natalie , Rinner Thomas , Kohl Claudia , Brinkmann Annika , Meyer Tanja , Stern Daniel , Treindl Fridolin , Dorner Brigitte G. , Hein Sascha , Werel Laura , Hildt Eberhard , Gläser Sven , Schühlen Helmut , Isner Caroline , Peric Alexander , Ghouzi Ammar , Reichardt Annette , Janneck Matthias , Lock Guntram , Huster Dominik , Grünewald Thomas , Schaade Lars , Wichmann Ole , Harder Thomas
Published: March 2023

Purpose

COViK, a prospective hospital-based multicenter case-control study in Germany, aims to assess the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against severe disease. Here, we report vaccine effectiveness (VE) against COVID-19-caused hospitalization and intensive care treatment during the Omicron wave.

Methods

We analyzed data from 276 cases with COVID-19 and 494 control patients recruited in 13 hospitals from 1 December 2021 to 5 September 2022. We calculated crude and confounder-adjusted VE estimates.

Results

21% of cases (57/276) were not vaccinated, compared to 5% of controls (26/494; p < 0.001). Confounder-adjusted VE against COVID-19-caused hospitalization was 55.4% (95% CI: 12–78%), 81.5% (95% CI: 68–90%) and 95.6% (95%CI: 88–99%) after two, three and four vaccine doses, respectively. VE against hospitalization due to COVID-19 remained stable up to one year after three vaccine doses.

Conclusion

Three vaccine doses remained highly effective in preventing severe disease and this protection was sustained; a fourth dose further increased protection.
Efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection after lung transplantation: a two center cohort study during the omicron era
Authors: Gottlieb Jens , Simon Susanne , Barton Jürgen , Barnikel Michaela , Bachmann Marcus , Klingenberg Merle-Sophie , Veit Tobias , Kneidinger Nikolaus
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Lung transplant (LTx) recipients are at risk for poor outcomes from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of the study was to assess the outcome of patients receiving pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tixagevimab and cilgavimab after LTx.

Methods

All LTx recipients with outpatient visits from February 28th to October 31st, 2022 at two German centers were included. Baseline characteristics were recorded and patients followed until November 30rd, 2022. Infections with SARS-CoV-2, disease severity, and COVID-19-associated death were compared between patients with and without PrEP.

Results

In total, 1438 patients were included in the analysis, and 419 (29%) received PrEP. Patients receiving PrEP were older and earlier after transplantation, had lower glomerular filtration rates, and lower levels of SARS-CoV-2-S antibodies. In total, 535 patients (37%) developed SARS-CoV-2 infection during a follow-up of median of 209 days. Fewer infections occurred in patients with PrEP during the study period (31% vs. 40%, p = 0.004). Breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections after PrEP occurred in 77 patients (19%). In total, 37 infections (8%) were severe or critical. No difference in severity of COVID-19 was observed between patients with and without PrEP. There were 15 COVID-19-associated deaths (n = 1 after PrEP). Compared to matched controls, there was a non-significant difference towards a lower risk for moderate to critical COVID-19 (p 0.184).

Conclusion

The number of SARS-CoV-2 infections was lower in LTx recipients with PrEP. Despite being at higher risk for worse outcome severity of COVID-19 and associated mortality were similar in patients with and without PrEP.
Validity and reliability of Eforto®, a system to (self-)monitor grip strength and muscle fatigability in older persons
Authors: De Dobbeleer Liza , Swart Myrthe Manouk , Geerds Merle Anne Joëlle , Baggen Remco Johan , Jansen Anne-Jet Sophie , Tielemans Rudi , Silva Hugo , Lieten Siddhartha , Barbé Kurt , Peeters Geeske , Vollenbroek-Hutten Miriam Marie Rose , Melis René Johannes Franciscus , Bautmans Ivan
Published: March 2023

Introduction

We developed Eforto®, an innovative system for (self-)monitoring of grip strength (GS) and muscle fatigability (Fatigue Resistance (FR = time until GS decreased to 50% of maximum during sustained contraction) and grip work (GW = area under the strength-time curve)). The Eforto® system consists of a rubber bulb that is wirelessly connected to a smartphone-based application, and a telemonitoring platform. The aim was to evaluate the validity and reliability of Eforto® to measure muscle fatigability.

Methods

Community-dwelling older persons (n = 61), geriatric inpatients (n = 26) and hip fracture patients (n = 25) were evaluated for GS and muscle fatigability. In community dwellers fatigability was tested twice in the clinic (once with Eforto®, once with Martin Vigorimeter (MV), standard analog handgrip system) and for six consecutive days as a self-assessment at home with Eforto®. In hospitalized participants, fatigability was tested twice using Eforto®, once by a researcher and once by a health professional.

Results

Criterion validity was supported by good to excellent correlations between Eforto® and MV for GS (r = 0.95) and muscle fatigability (FRr = 0.81 and GWr = 0.73), and no significant differences in measurements between both systems. Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability for GW were moderate to excellent (intra-class correlation: 0.59–0.94). The standard error of measurement for GW was small for geriatric inpatients and hip fracture patients (224.5 and 386.5 kPa*s) and higher for community-dwellers (661.5 kPa*s).

Discussion/conclusion

We established the criterion validity and reliability of Eforto® in older community-dwelling persons and hospitalized patients, supporting the implementation of Eforto® for (self-)monitoring of muscle fatigability.
A simplified pneumatic model for air brake of passenger trains
Authors: Cantone Luciano , Ottati Andrea
Published: March 2023

Braking system performance is relevant for both railway safety and network optimization. Most trains employ air brake systems; air brake systems of freight trains mostly cannot achieve a synchronous application of brake forces, which is usually customary for passenger trains. The paper generalizes a previous air brake pneumatic model to passenger trains and describes the needed modifications. Among them, the way the pressure reduces in the brake pipe is generalized. Moreover, this paper reports an analytical bi-dimensional function for calculating the nozzle diameter equivalent to the electro-pneumatic (EP) or the electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brake valve as a function of the wagon length and the time to vent the brake pipe locally. The numerical results of the new model are compared against several experimental tests of high-speed passenger trains of Trenitalia, namely ETR500 and ETR1000. The model is suitable to be integrated into the UIC software TrainDy, aiming to extend its computational field to passenger trains and to simulate the safety of trains during a recovery.
Control of acromegaly in more than 90% of patients after 10 years of pegvisomant therapy: an European referral centre real-life experience
Authors: Pirchio R. , Auriemma R. S. , Montini M. E. , Vergura A. , Pivonello R. , Colao A.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Pegvisomant (PEG) efficaciously controls IGF-I excess in acromegaly and possesses a positive impact on glucose metabolism. Data on very prolonged PEG treatment are still limited, therefore, we investigated the effects of 10-years PEG on disease control, maximal tumour diameter (MTD), and metabolic profile in consecutive patients resistant to somatostatin analogues (SRLs) followed in an European referral centre for acromegaly.

Methods

Since the 2000s, we collected data on anthropometric, hormonal and metabolic parameters, and MTD of patients receiving PEG. In the current study, we included 45 patients (19 men, 26 women, 46.8 ± 11 years) treated for at least 5 years with PEG mono or combined therapy, analyzing data before, after 5- and 10-years PEG.

Results

After10 years, 91% of patients showed full disease control and in 37% a significant decrease in MTD was found. Diabetes prevalence was slightly increased, whereas HbA1c remained stable over the decade. Transaminases remained stable and no case of cutaneous lipohypertrophy was recorded. A different metabolic impact between mono- or combined therapy was found. Patients in monotherapy showed significantly lower fasting glucose (p = 0.01), fasting insulin (p = 0.008), HbA1c (p = 0.007), HOMA-IR (p = 0.001), and significantly higher ISI0 (p = 0.002), whereas patients under combined therapy showed significantly lower total (p = 0.03), and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.007). Acromegaly duration before PEG was inversely related to ΔFG (r = − 0.46, p = 0.03) and ΔFI (r = − 0.54, p = 0.05).

Conclusions

PEG is effective and safe in long term. In patients resistant to SRLs, early beginning of PEG allows a wider gluco-insulinemic improvement.
High levels of LIGHT/TNFSF14 in patients with Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Faienza M. F. , Brunetti G. , Fintini D. , Grugni G. , Wasniewska M. G. , Crinò A. , D’Amato G. , Piacente L. , Oranger A. , Dicarlo M. , Colucci S. , Grano M.
Published: March 2023

Purpose/methods

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder displaying different clinical features, including obesity and bone impairment. LIGHT/TNFSF14 is a cytokine produced by immune cells affecting both fat and bone metabolism. The present study aimed to evaluate LIGHT serum levels in 28 children and 52 adult PWS patients compared to age and sex-matched controls, as well as correlations with parameters of bone and fat metabolism.

Results

Median serum LIGHT levels were significantly increased in pediatric PWS with respect to controls [255.82 (284.43) pg/ml vs 168.11 (76.23) pg/ml, p ≤ 0.02] as well as in adult PWS compared to controls [296.85 (895.95) pg/ml vs 134.18 (141.18) pg/ml, p ≤ 0.001]. In pediatric PWS, LIGHT levels were positively correlated with weight-SDS, height-SDS, and glucose levels, and negatively with total 25 (OH) vitamin D, cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Additionally, LIGHT levels were negatively correlated with total BMD and fat mass. In adult PWS, LIGHT levels were positively correlated with weight, HDL cholesterol and PTH, and negatively with glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, phosphorus, 25(OH)Vitamin D as well as with instrumental parameters of bone and fat quality. Consistently, multiple regression analysis showed that LIGHT serum levels in pediatric and adult PWS were predicted by different parameters including 25 (OH) Vitamin D as well as DXA parameters of bone and fat quality.

Conclusions

In PWS children and adults the high levels of LIGHT could represent a marker of the altered bone and fat metabolism.
IgA nephropathy to proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgAκ deposits: a pattern switch
Authors: Li Jin-pu , Du Ya-ting , Guo Chuan , Rao Xiang-rong , Li Shen
Published: March 2023

We report the case of a 31-year-old male who presented with repeated episodes of nephritic-nephrotic syndrome in concomitance with infection. IgA was diagnosed and was initially responsive to treatment with immunosuppressors but further disease flare did not respond to treatment. Based on three consecutive renal biopsies over 8 years, a pattern switch from endocapillary proliferative IgA nephropathy to membranous proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgAκ deposits was observed. Bortezomib-dexamethasone combination therapy finally led to a favorable renal response. This case provides new insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immunoglobin deposits (PGNMID), highlighting the importance of repeat renal biopsies and routine evaluation of monoclonal immunoglobin deposits in proliferative glomerulonephritis with refractory nephrotic syndrome.
FedTCR: communication-efficient federated learning via taming computing resources
Authors: Li Kaiju , Wang Hao , Zhang Qinghua
Published: March 2023

Federated learning (FL) enables clients learning a shared global model from multiple distributed devices while keeping training data locally. Due to the synchronous update mode between server and devices, the straggler problem has become a significant bottleneck for efficient FL. Existing approaches attempt to tackle this issue by using asynchronous-based model aggregation. However, these researches are only from the perspective of changing global model updating manner to mitigate straggler effect. They do not investigate the intrinsic reasons for the generation of the straggler effect, which could not fundamentally solve this problem. Furthermore, asynchronous-based approaches usually ignore those slow-responding but important local updates while frequently aggregating fast-responding ones during the whole training process, which may come with degradation in model accuracy. Thus, we propose FedTCR, a novel Federated learning approach via Taming Computing Resources. FedTCR includes a coarse-grained logical computing cluster construction algorithm (LCC) and a fine-grained intra-cluster collaborative training mechanism (ICT) as part of the FL process. The computing resource heterogeneity among devices and the communication frequency between devices and the server are indirectly tamed during this process, which substantially resolves the straggler problem and significantly improves the communication efficiency for FL. Experimental results show that FedTCR achieves much faster training performance, reducing the communication cost by up to $$8.59\,\times $$

8.59

×

while improving $$13.85\%$$

13.85
%

model accuracy, compared to state-of-the-art FL methods.
Activation of anthracite combustion by copper acetate: mechanism, effect of particle size and introduction method
Authors: Larionov K. B. , Mishakov I. V. , Berezikov N. I. , Gorshkov A. S. , Kaltaev A. Zh. , Slyusarskiy K. V. , Ruban A. S. , Vedyagin A. A.
Published: March 2023

This paper addressed the effect of copper acetate on the combustion characteristics of anthracite depending on the fractional composition of fuel and additive introduction method. Anthracite was impregnated with 5 wt% of Cu(CH3COO)2 by mechanical mixing and incipient wetness impregnation. Four anthracite samples of different fraction with d < 0.1 mm, d = 0.1–0.5 mm, d = 0.5–1.0 mm, and d = 1.0–2.0 mm were compared. According to EDX mapping, incipient wetness impregnation provides a higher dispersion of the additive and its uniform distribution in the sample. The ignition and combustion characteristics of the modified anthracite samples were studied by thermal analysis and high-speed video recording of the processes in a combustion chamber (at heating medium temperature of 800 °C). It was found that copper acetate increases anthracite reactivity, which was evidenced by decreased onset temperature of combustion (ΔTi) by 35–190 °C and reduced ignition delay time (Δτi) by 2.1–5.4 s. Copper acetate reduces fuel underburning (on average by 70%) in the ash residue of anthracite and decreases the amount of CO and NOx in gas-phase products (on average by 18.5% and 20.8%, respectively). The mechanism for activation of anthracite combustion by copper acetate is proposed.
Understanding Influencing Factors of Travel Mode Choice in Urban-Suburban Travel: A Case Study in Shanghai
Authors: Le Jiankun , Teng Jing
Published: March 2023

After the rapid expansion of the subway system over the past two decades, some cities are preparing to build more suburban railways. The emergence of suburban railways is bound to change the choice of suburban passenger transportation. This paper studies the factors that affect the choice of travel mode at the construction stage of suburban railways, aiming to design a more rational suburban railway network and urban public transport service system. Taking Shanghai as an example, this study first surveyed revealed preference (RP) and stated preference (SP) among urban-suburban travelers. Then, we used discrete choice models (DCM) and machine learning algorithms to build a travel mode choice model based on data collection and analysis. Furthermore, the importance of each factor was analyzed, and the effects were predicted under several traffic demand management schemes. Finally, this study proposed some strategies for increasing the share of public transport. On the one hand, it is suggested that Shanghai should continue to develop suburban railways and maintain low pricing of public transport services. Considering the construction and operation costs, the government needs to provide certain subsidies to stabilize prices. On the other hand, as passengers are very sensitive to the “last mile” trips in their suburban railway travel, transport planners should strengthen the connection from and to the suburban railway stations by developing services such as shared bikes and shuttle buses. In addition, the results indicated that some traffic demand management measures can also contribute to a larger share of public transport.
Auswirkungen der Digitalisierung auf das Weiterbildungsangebot für gering Qualifizierte. Eine datenbankbasierte Angebotsanalyse für Rheinland-Pfalz
Authors: Lacher Sophie , Rohs Matthias
Published: March 2023

Im Zusammenhang mit der Digitalisierung im Bildungsbereich werden vielfach auch Risiken einer damit verbundenen Ungleichheit diskutiert. In diesem Beitrag werden aus dieser Perspektive die Auswirkungen der Digitalisierung der Weiterbildung für „gering Qualifizierte“ im Bereich der Computer‑/IT-Grundlagen dargestellt. Der Datenzugang erfolgt über bisher in der Angebotsforschung kaum genutzte Weiterbildungsdatenbanken. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass den besonderen Anforderungen der Zielgruppe an digitalisierte Weiterbildungsangebote durch entsprechende Maßnahmen entgegengekommen werden kann, gleichzeitig aber die Heterogenität der Zielgruppe nur unzureichend berücksichtigt wird.
Potential and Challenges of Fused Granular Fabrication in Patternmaking
Authors: Kalle Jalava , Joni Korpi , Alexander Strakh , Juhani Orkas
Published: March 2023

Efficient manufacturing of tooling and patterns is an essential part of a good foundry process. Traditional patternmaking methods have been honed to almost perfection during the years. Additive manufacturing has been growing as an industry and presents many new possibilities for the foundry industry. However, many additive manufacturing technologies do not currently provide usable sizes and scales for foundries to properly use. Fused granular fabrication (FGF) in conjunction with finish machining might provide an answer to this issue, with printing volumes and speeds many times of those compared to filament-based fused deposition modeling printing. In this work, some traditional patternmaking materials are compared to a FGF manufactured one based on polylactic acid and cellulose blend, and their characteristics are discussed. 3D scanning of as-printed geometry shows variations inherent to material extrusion methods, while the final machined state shows comparable results to traditional polyurethane model material. The combination of high-volume material extrusion with machining to final dimensions might allow more utilization of additive manufacturing in patternmaking, especially when combined with high-performance polymer materials.
Monotonic crack propagation in a notched polymer matrix composite reinforced with continuous fiber and printed by material extrusion
Authors: Díaz-Rodríguez Jorge Guillermo , Pertúz-Comas Alberto David , González Caleb Josué Ariza , López Daniel David Garcia , Hernández William Pinto
Published: March 2023

The study presents the crack mouth opening and propagation of cracks in a composite material printed by material extrusion subjected to monotonic loading. The composite material is made out of a nylon matrix (with embedded short carbon fiber—called Onyx®) and reinforced with continuous Kevlar fibers. Three-point bending tests were performed on notched specimens built according to ASTM-E399. Tests were digitally recorded to extract crack opening displacement (COD) and crack length data through image treatment techniques (using ImageJ), and results were analyzed using linear elastic fracture mechanics parameters through the use of COD. Therefore, the crack mouth opening was established, and fracture toughness was found to be 46 MPa√m. Additionally, microscopy analysis identified fracture zones, crack initiation, transition, and final rupture. The observed failure mechanisms were matrix cracking, fiber pull-out, fiber breakage, and defects such as non-proper fiber-matrix bonding.
Flourishing Together: The Longitudinal Effect of Goal Coordination on Goal Progress and Life Satisfaction in Romantic Relationships
Authors: Rosta-Filep Orsolya , Lakatos Csilla , Thege Barna Konkolÿ , Sallay Viola , Martos Tamás
Published: March 2023

Goal pursuit shapes people’ everyday experiences and is deeply embedded within close relationships. Several studies have shown that goal support from romantic partners facilitates goal progress, and individual goal progress contributes to wellbeing. However, few pieces of research have examined the whole process, how efficient goal coordination in a romantic relationship contributes to life satisfaction through goal progress. In these studies, short time frames were used and only one aspect of goal coordination was examined. To generate more complex, long-term understanding we collected data from 148 married or cohabitating Hungarian heterosexual couples (mean age 39.71 ± 10.40 and 38.57 ± 10.00 years for men and women, respectively) in a two-wave longitudinal study with a year-long time window. Both partners individually completed an adapted version of the Personal Project Assessment and evaluated four chosen projects associated with project coordination (emotional support, communication, and cooperation) at baseline, and project attainment (progress, success, satisfaction) in the follow up. Life satisfaction was assessed during both waves. Results from the actor–partner interdependence mediation modeling revealed complete mediation, where project coordination increased project attainment one year later, and consequently associated with higher life satisfaction for both partners. The direct effect between project coordination and life satisfaction remained nonsignificant. This association indicates that for long-term life satisfaction, it is crucial to experience better goal outcomes as the result of the couple’s collaborative effort.
Optimism about Measuring Animal Feelings
Authors: Browning Heather , Veit Walter
Published: March 2023

While animal sentience research has flourished in the last decade, scepticism about our ability to accurately measure animal feelings has unfortunately remained fairly common. Here, we argue that evolutionary considerations about the functions of feelings will give us more reason for optimism and outline a method for how this might be achieved.
Sind wir moralisch verpflichtet, eine gendergerechte Sprache zu verwenden?
Authors: Kipke Roland
Published: March 2023

Gendergerechte Sprache ist zwar in der öffentlichen Debatte ein großes Thema, aber kaum in der philosophischen Ethik. Diese Lücke will ich hier füllen. Die Leitfrage lautet: Sind wir moralisch verpflichtet, eine gendergerechte Sprache zu verwenden? Zunächst zeige ich, inwiefern diese Frage berechtigt ist. Dann rekonstruiere ich das aussichtsreichste Argument für eine Pflicht zu gendergerechter Sprache. Dieses Argument baut auf drei deskriptiven Prämissen, die ich nacheinander untersuche. Sie betreffen den Zusammenhang zwischen grammatischem und biologischem/sozialem Geschlecht, den Zusammenhang zwischen Sprache und sozialer Wirklichkeit sowie die gleichstellende Kraft gendergerechter Sprache. Auf dieser Grundlage gebe ich im Schlussabschnitt eine Antwort auf die leitende Frage und diskutiere kurz einige sich anschließende Fragen.
Trends in Emergency Department Visits and Surgeries due to Traumatic Brain Injury During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Finland
Authors: Jäntti Saara , Ponkilainen Ville , Kuitunen Ilari , Uimonen Mikko , Luoto Teemu , Mattila Ville M.
Published: March 2023

We aim to evaluate the changes in the incidence of TBI, trauma craniotomies, and craniectomies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland. This retrospective register study was conducted at three Finnish hospitals. We retrieved the numbers of emergency department (ED) visits, inpatient admissions, and trauma craniotomies and craniectomies due to TBI in the adult population from 2017 to 2020.We calculated the incidences per 100 000 inhabitants and compared the year 2020 to the reference years (2017–2019) by incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals. The incidence of TBI-related ED visits during the study period compared to the reference years started to decrease in March 2020 (IRR 0.86, CI: 0.73–1.02), and the lowest incidence was seen in April 2020 (IRR 0.83, CI: 0.68–1.01). The incidence of ED visits showed a second decrease in December (IRR 0.80, CI: 0.67–0.96). The incidence of concussion decreased during the national lockdown in March (IRR 0.80, CI 0.66–0.97). The incidence of ED visits due to TBI decreased after the declaration of national lockdown in spring 2020 and showed a second decrease during regional restrictions in December. In addition, the incidence of neurosurgically treated TBI decreased during restaurant restrictions in the spring.