bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracheostomy is associated with decreased in‐hospital mortality during severe COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Alnemri Ahab , Ricciardelli Kaley , Wang Stephanie , Baumgartner Michael , Chao Tiffany N.
Published: August 2023

Objective

Tracheostomy is often performed in patients with a prolonged course of endotracheal intubation. This study sought to examine the clinical utility of tracheostomy during severe Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection.

Study Design

A retrospective single‐system, multicenter observational cohort study was performed on patients intubated for COVID‐19 infection. Patients who received intubation alone were compared with patients who received intubation and subsequent tracheostomy. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and hospital courses were analyzed.

Setting

The University of Pennsylvania Health System from 2020 to 2021.

Methods

Logistic regression analysis was performed on patient demographics and comorbidities. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were generated depending on whether patients received a tracheostomy.

Results

Of 777 intubated patients, 452 were male (58.2%) and 325 were female (41.8%) with a median age of 63 (interquartile range [IQR]: 54–73) years. One‐hundred and eighty‐five (23.8%) patients underwent tracheostomy. The mean time from intubation to tracheostomy was (17.3 ± 9.7) days. Patients who underwent tracheostomy were less likely to expire during their hospitalization than those who did not undergo tracheostomy (odds ratio [OR] = 0.31, P < 0.001), and patient age was positively associated with mortality (OR = 1.04 per year, P < 0.001). Likelihood of receiving tracheostomy was positively associated with being on extra‐corporeal membranous oxygenation (ECMO) (OR = 101.10, P < 0.001), immunocompromised status (OR = 3.61, P = 0.002), and current tobacco smoking (OR = 4.81, P = 0.041). Tracheostomy was also associated with a significantly longer hospital length of stay ([57.5 ± 32.2] days vs. [19.9 ± 18.1] days, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Tracheostomy was associated with reduced in‐hospital mortality, despite also being associated with increased comorbidities. Tracheostomy should not be held back from patients with comorbidities for this reason alone and may even improve survival in high‐risk patients.
Photothermal interactions in a semiconducting fiber‐reinforced elastic medium with temperature‐dependent properties under dual‐phase‐lag model
Authors: Chaudhary Shilpa , Kalkal Kapil Kumar , Sheoran Sandeep Singh
Published: August 2023

This article highlights the study of photothermoelastic interactions in a semiconducting fiber‐reinforced anisotropic medium with temperature‐dependent properties. The model is studied in the context of the photothermal transport process with dual‐phase‐lag theory of generalized thermoelasticity. The governing equations describe the interactions between elastic and plasma thermal waves. The normal mode analysis is employed to procure the exact expressions of the physical fields under investigation. A mechanical load is applied at the outer free surface of the medium to obtain the complete solution of the displacements, stresses, temperature, and carrier density distributions. Numerical results are obtained and displayed graphically with the help of MATLAB software. Some special cases of interest have been deduced from the present study and comparisons are also made among the different theories of thermoelasticity.
Introduction to Modernising European Legal Education (MELE)—Innovative Strategies to Address Urgent Cross-Cutting Challenges
Authors: Gstrein Oskar J. , Fröhlich Mareike
Published: August 2023

This introduction provides an overview of the contents of the edited volume Modernising European Legal Education (MELE)—Innovative strategies to address urgent cross-cutting challenges. The volume contains sections on Law and Education Innovation, Law and Gender, Law and the Climate Crisis, Law and Datafication, as well as Law and COVID-19. The purpose of this volume is to share the insights of this Strategic Partnership for Higher Education funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+programme and make them available to a broad public. The volume starts with the summary of an empirical survey at 14 different European law faculties at universities in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Germany, Lithuania, North Macedonia, and Spain on the status of teaching transversal competences in legal studies. Throughout the sections and individual chapters, this edited volume responds to specific aspects highlighted through the survey. Beyond that it engages with relevant topics identified in the research and educational practice of the consortium members. The rapid and profound transitions shaping societies at the beginning of the twenty-first century also come with a substantive influence on the legal profession. Reconsideration of the legal discipline is therefore needed to identify the skills and knowledge that future lawyers must be equipped with to successfully engage with this changed reality.
Racial Discrimination and COVID-19 in the European Union
Authors: Kuzminac Mina , Midžović Milica
Published: August 2023

Repercussions of global crises can often be seen in the fact that many legal issues arise or become even more complex, while this is also true when speaking about the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Certainly, the analysis of the effects of such crisis is of great importance during the peak of the crisis, but also afterwards, in the context shaped by the (previous) crisis. In light of the mentioned, the widely present issue of discrimination in the world of work has become even more present during the crisis caused by the COVID-19, and discrimination based on race and ethnicity is no exception in this regard. From patients refusing to be treated by doctors because of their race to increased poverty rates, one may infer that impacts of the mentioned crisis have brought injustice and inequality based on race and ethnic background to the forefront of public eye all over the world, including the European Union. In that sense, the paper deals with the legal framework of importance, but also the existence and implications of racial and ethnic discrimination in practice, especially during and after the pandemic, i.e., analyzes this issue as the issue of “law and beyond”.
Mandatory Vaccination Against COVID-19 in Europe: Public Health Versus ‘Saved by the Bell’ Individual Autonomy
Authors: Ignovska Elena
Published: August 2023

The text aims to reconcile the bioethical principles (autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice) (Beauchamp TL, Childress JF in Principles of biomedical ethics, 6th edn. Oxford University Press, 2009) with the principles used by legal institutions (primarily, the European Court of Human Rights) to evaluate possible human rights infringements due to mandatory vaccination against Covid-19 (legality, necessity, proportionality and legitimate aim) (This is the so-called ‘structural approach’ that the ECtHR follows when considering interferences of the qualified right and is also stipulated in article 26 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Dignity of the Human Being with regard to the Application of Biology and Medicine: Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine (Oviedo Convention).) by National Public Health policies of the Member States of the Council of Europe. (Even more, the idea is to bring closer the methodology of teaching/learning and researching via the HELP platform of the Council of Europe in the course on Bioethics to the law students.) The trigger is to test these principles using deductive reasoning in the pioneering Austrian case of mandatory vaccination, while inductive methodology is used to evaluate how recent similar cases (such as Vavřička and Others v. Czech Republic) contributed to support the theory that next to human rights, there are also duties. Since circumstances with the pandemic are rather turbulent and constantly changing (even as this article is being written), the time factor significantly influences the conclusions drawn. Namely, the author holds the opinion that with a carefully chosen methodology and model, any severe disease that significantly threatens the individual and public health at particular time, period or might constantly be a reason to restrict individual autonomy with scientifically proven, safe and efficient vaccines. Nevertheless, regarding Covid-19, at the current time, even if the means of coercion do not include applying direct physical force (As in the case of Vavřička or in the pioneering but suspended legislation for mandatory vaccination in Austria.), they are not proportionate to the possible infringement on one’s private life and individual consent for the sake of public health, or at least not anymore.
Transversal Competences in Legal Studies: A Summary of the Modernising European Legal Education (MELE) Project Survey Results
Authors: Zdraveva Neda
Published: August 2023

The survey Transversal Competences in Legal Studies, carried out within the project “Modernising European Legal Education” (MELE), aimed to provide an overview of the trends in the development of the legal education in the members of the consortium. The survey focused on several different aspects of the curriculum development and its delivery. The key questions, to which the results are presented in this chapter, focus on the qualifications that are being developed as a result of the legal studies and the key transversal competences supporting those qualifications. The survey was carried out among the management and the teaching staff of the law faculties participating in the MELE project. The assessment of the level of development of specific qualifications at a certain level of studies versus the perception of the importance of the specific descriptor done by the faculty management has shown that the overall teaching goals are achieved to a significant extent but not completely. When it comes to the specific transversal competences, as assessed by the teaching staff, the development of the ones related directly to the legal profession such as competencies for legal synthesis, construction and communication of legal arguments are (still) high on scale of importance on all levels of studies. It is shown, however, that there is a discrepancy between the perceived importance of a transversal competence and the how or to which level the capacities are being developed in the course of the studies.
Civil and Procedural Law Through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Transversal View
Authors: Garrido María Amalia Blandino , Fuentes Isabel María Villar
Published: August 2023

The commitment and responsibility to know and implement the SDGs are universal. Indeed, public authorities and civil society are called to simultaneously be active and passive subjects, protagonists to intervene and recipients of the achievements reached with all the actions that serve any of the 17 proclaimed goals. One way of countering the slow progress is through the joint and coordinated effort of researching and teaching law in universities. With this commitment, this paper aims to analyse how international and EU legislation incorporates sustainability goals related to civil and procedural law. It is based on the consideration that the contents of civil law and procedural law comprise various institutions and regulations that materialise different SDGs. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strongs Institutions have a particular impact on these areas and, more specifically, the aspects that relate to several of its targets. However, the legal implications, specifically in civil and procedural law, extend to many other objectives. This is the case of SDG 1, which aims to end poverty, SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls or SDG 10, whose motto is to Reduce inequality within and among countries, which also impacts civil and procedural aspects. Among the civil and procedural institutions that develop these objectives, we can highlight the regulations that prevent inequalities arising from poverty in access to justice, the recognition of the legal capacity of persons with disabilities or the prohibition of child, early or forced marriages.
Combining Simulations and Live-Client Clinics in Addressing Cross-Cutting Topics: The Best of Both Worlds
Authors: Brozović Juraj
Published: August 2023

Today legal education is expected to achieve sometimes incompatible and competing goals. Contemporary global challenges also give rise to constant adaption and rethinking of teaching methods used at law schools. The learning habits of the new generations call for a student-centred approach. As shown by the example of two clinical methods used at the Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb, clinical legal education is perfectly capable of tackling all these challenges, thus answering both the needs of the modern society and expectations of future lawyers.
Emerging Newtonian potential in pure R2 gravity on a de Sitter background
Authors: Nguyen Hoang Ky
Published: August 2023

Abstract

In [27] Alvarez-Gaume et al. established that pure $$ \mathcal{R} $$
R
2 theory propagates massless spin-2 graviton on a de Sitter (dS) background but not on a locally flat background. We build on this insight to derive a Newtonian limit for the theory. Unlike most previous works that linearized the metric around a locally flat background, we explicitly employ the dS background to start with. We directly solve the field equation of the action $$ {\left(2\kappa \right)}^{-1}\int {d}^4x\sqrt{-g}{\mathcal{R}}^2 $$

2
κ

−
1

∫

d
4

x

−
g

R
2

coupled with the stress-energy tensor of normal matter in the form Tμν = Mc2δ($$ \overrightarrow{r} $$

r
→

)$$ {\delta}_{\mu}^0{\delta}_{\nu}^0 $$

δ
μ
0

δ
ν
0

. We obtain the following Schwarzschild-de Sitter metric $$ d{s}^2=-\left(1-\frac{\Lambda}{3}{r}^2-\frac{\kappa {c}^2}{48\pi \Lambda}\frac{M}{r}\right){c}^2d{t}^2+{\left(1-\frac{\Lambda}{3}{r}^2-\frac{\kappa {c}^2}{48\pi \Lambda}\frac{M}{r}\right)}^{-1}d{r}^2+{r}^2d{\varOmega}^2 $$
d

s
2

=
−

1
−

Λ
3

r
2

−

κ

c
2

48
π
Λ

M
r

c
2

d

t
2

+

1
−

Λ
3

r
2

−

κ

c
2

48
π
Λ

M
r

−
1

d

r
2

+

r
2

d

Ω
2

which features a potential $$ V(r)=-\frac{\kappa {c}^4}{96\pi \Lambda}\frac{M}{r} $$
V

r

=
−

κ

c
4

96
π
Λ

M
r

with the correct Newtonian tail. The parameter Λ plays a dual role: (i) it sets the scalar curvature for the background dS metric, and (ii) it partakes in the Newtonian potential V(r). We reach two key findings. Firstly, the Newtonian limit only emerges owing to the de Sitter background. Most existing studies of the Newtonian limit in modified gravity chose to linearize the metric around a locally flat background. However, this is a false vacuum to start with for pure $$ \mathcal{R} $$
R
2 gravity. These studies unknowingly omitted the information about Λ of the de Sitter background, hence incapable of attaining a Newtonian behavior in pure $$ \mathcal{R} $$
R
2 gravity. Secondly, as Λ appears in V(r) in a singular manner, viz. V(r) ∝ Λ−1, the Newtonian limit for pure $$ \mathcal{R} $$
R
2 gravity cannot be obtained by any perturbative approach treating Λ as a small parameter.
Heat and Martin Kernel estimates for Schrödinger operators with critical Hardy potentials
Authors: Barbatis G. , Gkikas K. T. , Tertikas A.
Published: August 2023

Let $$\Omega $$
Ω
be a bounded domain in $${{\mathbb {R}}}^N$$

R

N

with $$C^2$$

C
2

boundary and let $$K\subset \partial \Omega $$

K
⊂
∂
Ω

be either a $$C^2$$

C
2

submanifold of the boundary of codimension $$k<N$$

k
<
N

or a point. In this article we study various problems related to the Schrödinger operator $$L_{\mu } =-\Delta - \mu d_K^{-2}$$

L
μ

=
-
Δ
-
μ

d
K

-
2

where $$d_K$$

d
K

denotes the distance to K and $$\mu \le k^2/4$$

μ
≤

k
2

/
4

. We establish parabolic boundary Harnack inequalities as well as related two-sided heat kernel and Green function estimates. We construct the associated Martin kernel and prove existence and uniqueness for the corresponding boundary value problem with data given by measures. To prove our results we introduce among other things a suitable notion of boundary trace. This trace is different from the one used by Marcus and Nguyen (Math Ann 374(1–2):361–394, 2019) thus allowing us to cover the whole range $$\mu \le k^2/4$$

μ
≤

k
2

/
4

.
Structure and dynamics of pteridine reductase 1: the key phenomena relevant to enzyme function and drug design
Authors: Panecka-Hofman Joanna , Poehner Ina
Published: August 2023

Pteridine reductase 1 (PTR1) is a folate and pterin pathway enzyme unique for pathogenic trypanosomatids. As a validated drug target, PTR1 has been the focus of recent research efforts aimed at finding more effective treatments against human parasitic diseases such as leishmaniasis or sleeping sickness. Previous PTR1-centered structural studies highlighted the enzyme characteristics, such as flexible regions around the active site, highly conserved structural waters, and species-specific differences in pocket properties and dynamics, which likely impacts the binding of natural substrates and inhibitors. Furthermore, several aspects of the PTR1 function, such as the substrate inhibition phenomenon and the level of ligand binding cooperativity in the enzyme homotetramer, likely related to the global enzyme dynamics, are poorly known at the molecular level. We postulate that future drug design efforts could greatly benefit from a better understanding of these phenomena through studying both the local and global PTR1 dynamics. This review highlights the key aspects of the PTR1 structure and dynamics relevant to structure-based drug design that could be effectively investigated by modeling approaches. Particular emphasis is given to the perspective of molecular dynamics, what has been accomplished in this area to date, and how modeling could impact the PTR1-targeted drug design in the future.
Gilteritinib and the risk of intracranial hemorrhage: a case series of a possible, under-reported side effect
Authors: Perrone Salvatore , Imperatore Stefano , Sucato Giuseppe , Notarianni Ermanno , Corbingi Andrea , Andriola Costanza , Napolitano Mariasanta , Pulsoni Alessandro , Molica Matteo
Published: August 2023

Gilteritinib is currently approved for patients with relapsed/refractory AML with FLT3 mutations, based on the positive results of the pivotal ADMIRAL study. In ADMIRAL trial, no increased risk of bleeding was reported, but in the previous dose finding study, a single event of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) was registered after exposure to subtherapeutic doses of gilteritinib. Here, we report the first case series on five ICHs diagnosed in patients with FLT3-mutated AML, occurred within the first month of exposure to gilteritinib. Our cohort included 24 patients treated in three Italian centers. Most of these ICH cases were non-severe and self-limiting, while one was fatal. This link with ICHs remains in any case uncertain for the presence of active AML. We further reported that an analysis of the post-marketing surveillance data (EudraVigilance) retrieved other 11 cases of ICHs present in the database after gilteritinib treatment. A causality assessment was performed according to the Dx3 method to evaluate the possibility that ICHs might be an actual side effect of gilteritinib. In conclusion, further research is needed to elucidate the potential role of gilteritinib in the pathogenesis of ICHs.
Removal rate of 5-fluorouracil and its metabolites in patients on hemodialysis: a report of two cases of colorectal cancer patients with end-stage renal failure
Authors: Imamaki Hirotaka , Oura Mitsuaki , Oguro Fumiya , Nishikawa Yoshitaka , Nakagawa Shunsaku , Funakoshi Taro , Kataoka Shigeki , Horimatsu Takahiro , Yonezawa Atsushi , Matsubara Takeshi , Watanabe Norihiko , Muto Manabu , Yanagita Motoko , Ozaki Yoshinao
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Hyperammonemia is a serious adverse effect of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) administration. Hemodialysis can be used for its management, but detailed data on the concentrations and removal rate of 5FU and its metabolites during hemodialysis remain unclear. Here, we present two cases of hemodialysis patients with end-stage renal disease who received concurrent 5FU infusion.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from the hemodialysis circuit before and after the dialyzer during day 2 hemodialysis sessions, and from the internal shunt just before and after day 4 hemodialysis sessions. The serum levels of 5FU and its metabolites—α-fluoro-β-alanine (FBAL) and monofluoroacetate (FA)—were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Seven sets of blood samples were collected for case 1; the removal rates (mean ± standard deviation) of 5FU and FBAL by the dialyzer were 81.2 ± 23.2% and 96.1 ± 8.6%, respectively (p < 0.001). Three sets of blood samples were collected for case 2; the removal rates of 5FU and FBAL were 81.7 ± 3.9% and 94.8 ± 2.7%, respectively (p = 0.03). Twenty-seven sets of blood samples were collected for case 1; reductions in blood FBAL and FA levels were 49.3 ± 8.8% (p < 0.001) and 64.2 ± 30.3% (p = 0.04), respectively. Bayesian estimation yielded similar results. Three sets of blood samples were collected for case 2; reductions in the blood FBAL and FA levels were 49.9 ± 6.9% and 50.6 ± 33.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

In this study, 5FU and its metabolite FBAL were directly removed from the blood by approximately 90% during hemodialysis, and the blood levels of FBAL and FA were reduced by approximately 50% with a single hemodialysis session.
First long-term outcome data for the MicraVR™ transcatheter pacing system: data from the largest prospective German cohort
Authors: Sultan Arian , Scheurlen Cornelia , Wörmann Jonas , van den Bruck Jan-Hendrik , Filipovic Karlo , Erlhöfer Susanne , Dittrich Sebastian , Schipper Jan-Hendrik , Lüker Jakob , Sinning Jan-Malte , Nguyen Dinh Quang , Fischer Sören , Steven Daniel , Winter Stefan
Published: August 2023

Aims

The MicraVR™ transcatheter pacing system (TPS) has been implemented into clinical routine for several years. The primary recipients are patients in need for VVI pacing due to bradycardia in the setting of atrial fibrillation (AF). Implantation safety and acute success have been proven in controlled studies and registries.

So far only few long-term real-life data on TPS exist. We report indication, procedure and outcome data from two high-volume implanting German centers.

Methods

Between 2016 and 2019, 188 (of 303) patients were included. During follow-up (FU), TPS interrogation was performed after 4 weeks and thereafter every 6 months.

Results

Indication for TPS implantation in 159/188 (85%) patients was permanent or intermittent AV block III° in the setting of atrial fibrillation.

The mean procedure duration was 50 min [35.0–70.0]. The average acute values after system release were: thresholds: 0.5V [0.38–0.74]/0.24ms; R-wave sensing: 10.0mV [8.1–13.5]; impedance: 650 Ohm [550–783]; RV-pacing demand: 16.9% [0.9–75.9]; and battery status: 3.15 V [3.12–3.16]. During FU of 723.4 ± 597.9 days, neither pacemaker failure nor infections were reported.

Long-term FU revealed: thresholds: 0.5V [0.38–0.63]/0.24 ms; sensing: 12.3mV [8.9–17.2]; impedance: 570 Ohm [488–633]; RV-pacing demand: 87.1% [29.5–98.6]; and battery status 3.02 V [3.0–3.1]. Forty-three patients died from not-device-related causes.

Conclusion

This to date largest German long-term dataset for MicraVR™ TPS implantation revealed stable device parameter. Foremost, battery longevity seems to fulfill predicted values despite a significant increase in RV-pacing demand over time and even in patients with consecutive AV-node ablation. Of note, no infections or system failure were observed.

Graphical abstract
“Chemobrain” in childhood cancer survivors—the impact on social, academic, and daily living skills: a qualitative systematic review
Authors: Semendric Ines , Pollock Danielle , Haller Olivia J. , George Rebecca P. , Collins-Praino Lyndsey E. , Whittaker Alexandra L.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To examine children’s experiences of chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment––colloquially “chemobrain”––and the impact on children’s social, academic, and daily living skills via a qualitative systematic review. Experiencing chemotherapy as a child, when the brain is still developing, may cause lifelong detriment to survivors’ lives. There is a significant gap in understanding their lived experience, including the self-identified barriers that children face following treatment. Such a gap can only be fully bridged by listening to the child’s own voice and/or parent proxy report through an exploration of the qualitative research literature.

Methods

A search of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases was conducted. Inclusion criteria were qualitative studies with a focus on children (0–18 years) during and/or following chemotherapy treatment and explored children’s experiences of chemobrain.

Results

Two synthesized findings were identified from six studies. (1) Chemobrain has an academic and psychosocial impact, which may not be understood by education providers. (2) Children and their parents have concerns about their reintegration and adaptation to school, social lives, and their future selves as independent members of society. Children’s experiences primarily related to changes in their academic and social functioning.

Conclusion

This review highlights two important considerations: (1) the lived experiences of pediatric childhood cancer survivors guiding where future interventions should be targeted, and (2) a need to perform more qualitative research studies in this area, as well as to improve the quality of reporting among the existing literature, given that this is a current gap in the field.
Riparian forests throwback at the Eurasian beaver era: a woody vegetation assessment for Mediterranean regions
Authors: Trentanovi Giovanni , Viviano Andrea , Mazza Giuseppe , Busignani Luigi , Magherini Edoardo , Giovannelli Alessio , Traversi Maria Laura , Mori Emiliano
Published: August 2023

Several biotic and abiotic interactions will contribute to riparian ecosystem changes. The impact of Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) on woody vegetation is still unknown for the Mediterranean biogeographical area. Through a replicable approach applied on a cluster of three rivers, we studied how the tree layer of Mediterranean riparian sites is impacted by the beaver's recent comeback. For each site, we collected data (e.g., stem diameter, species, distance from riverbank) for all standing trees and additional information only for gnawed trees at plot level. Data elaboration allowed to characterise impacts on riparian vegetation. Salix spp. and Populus spp. are the main gnawed species, but sporadically other species can be selected based on their size and spatial distribution (e.g., Alnus glutinosa). Diameter means of gnawed trees are significantly lower than the not gnawed ones. Most of the selected trees have low diameter classes (< 12 cm), even if diameter preferences may vary on the basis of overall stand tree size range and distribution. Over 90% of the gnawed trees are entirely harvested, with stumps as the remaining standing element. Main changes on the overall forest stand occurred in the first ten metres from the riverbank, as beaver gnawing activity is significantly influenced by the interaction among tree distance from the river and diameter size. Our approach can be used as a model system to be implemented in other Mediterranean sites where beaver is expanding, with the aim of predicting mid-term riparian forests vegetation changes.

Graphical abstract
MSME technology adoption, entrepreneurial mindset and value creation: a configurational approach
Authors: Cunningham James A. , Damij Nadja , Modic Dolores , Olan Femi
Published: August 2023

For micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) technology adoption provides a basis to accelerate their growth ambitions and to enhance their value-creation activities for disruptive and competitive purposes. However, we have a limited understanding of how MSMEs engage in new technology adoption for value-creation purposes. Integrating the determinants of technology adoption and entrepreneurial mindset—cognition and opportunity recognition—the purpose of our paper is to examine what factors determine MSME technology adoption. Set in the Danube region of Europe we focus on MSMEs in the automotive, electronics and IT sectors that are traditionally characterized by the relatively rapid uptake of high-performance computing (HPC). As a new technology, HPC combines infrastructure and applications that are highly complex and can be deployed in an array of contexts to address market-based opportunities. Employing fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis, we find the potential presence of a complementary relationship between the technological, organisational, and environmental factors and the entrepreneurial mindset for technology adoption among MSMEs for value creation. We find that cognition is not a necessary condition for technology adoption and opportunity recognition is. Furthermore, we unveil that opportunity recognition combined with organisational or environmental factors can enable technology adoption among MSMEs.
Lessons on brain edema in HE: from cellular to animal models and clinical studies
Authors: Pierzchala Katarzyna , Hadjihambi Anna , Mosso Jessie , Jalan Rajiv , Rose Christopher F. , Cudalbu Cristina
Published: August 2023

Brain edema is considered as a common feature associated with hepatic encephalopathy (HE). However, its central role as cause or consequence of HE and its implication in the development of the neurological alterations linked to HE are still under debate. It is now well accepted that type A and type C HE are biologically and clinically different, leading to different manifestations of brain edema. As a result, the findings on brain edema/swelling in type C HE are variable and sometimes controversial. In the light of the changing natural history of liver disease, better description of the clinical trajectory of cirrhosis and understanding of molecular mechanisms of HE, and the role of brain edema as a central component in the pathogenesis of HE is revisited in the current review. Furthermore, this review highlights the main techniques to measure brain edema and their advantages/disadvantages together with an in-depth description of the main ex-vivo/in-vivo findings using cell cultures, animal models and humans with HE. These findings are instrumental in elucidating the role of brain edema in HE and also in designing new multimodal studies by performing in-vivo combined with ex-vivo experiments for a better characterization of brain edema longitudinally and of its role in HE, especially in type C HE where water content changes are small.
Medial deviation of the ureter is a new sign that could predict stone impaction: a pilot study
Authors: Aziz Mohammed , Abunayan Mohammed , El Shazly Mohammed , Salman Baher , Habous Mohammad , Almannie Raed
Published: August 2023

Objective

To assess the value medial deviation of the ureter at site of ureteric stone as a sign of ureteric stone impaction.

Patients and methods

All cases with medial deviation of the ureter at site of ureteric stones in our department over 4 years were enrolled in this pilot study. All cases were diagnosed with KUB and non-contrast CT (NCCT). Radiological and ureteroscopic findings were recorded.

Results

A total of 32 patients with a single impacted stone in the proximal and middle third of the ureter were included in the study. Medial deviation of the ureter at the site of the stone was detected in the upper third of the ureter in 24 (75%) cases and in the middle third in 8 (25%) cases. There were mucosal polyps and mucosal erythema (inflammatory changes) seen by ureteroscopy in all cases (100%). Ureteroscopy was successfully completed with stone fragmentation in 23 (71.8%) patients: 8 of them needed ureteric catheter and 15 required JJ stent insertion. Failure of ureteroscopy with insertion of JJ stent was done in 5 (15.6%) patients. Removal of the stent and ureteroscopy was done after 4 weeks.

Conclusion

We conclude from this study that medial deviation of the ureter is a new reliable radiological sign of ureteric stone impaction.
Pathological and biochemical evaluation of radish microgreen on diabetes and aflatoxicosis in rats
Authors: Mohamed Sara M. , Aly Tahany A. A. , Khattab Marwa S. , Abdel-Rahim Emam A , AL-Farga Ammar
Published: August 2023

Diabetes mellitus type 2 remains one of the common diseases nowadays. Several risk factors can be implicated like increased environmental pollution. This study is aimed at evaluating the toxic effect of aflatoxin on diabetes mellitus and possible protection using natural food like radish microgreen (RM). Forty-eight male rats were randomly assigned to 8 groups: G1 control group, G2 RM group, G3 aflatoxin group, G4 aflatoxin-RM group, G5 diabetic group, G6 diabetic RM group, G7 diabetic–aflatoxin group, G8 diabetic, aflatoxin, RM group. Phytane and citronellyl tiglate were the main phytochemicals present in RM. The glucose and insulin levels were the worst in G5 and G7 groups. RM feeding restored glucose level to normal but did not alter insulin level. Insulin resistance was decreased, and insulin sensitivity was increased in groups fed RM. Liver and kidney function parameters and LDH activity were improved in groups fed RM. Histopathology of the pancreas and immunohistochemistry of insulin in pancreatic islets was improved in groups fed RM. In RM fed groups, the MDA content was decreased, whereas GSH content and antioxidant enzymes activity were increased. In conclusion, feeding RM in diabetic and/or aflatoxicated groups improved all evaluated parameters which could be due to its antioxidant potential.
Moral hazard with excess returns
Authors: Blonski Matthias , von Lilienfeld-Toal Ulf
Published: August 2023

We consider a public firm characterized by a moral hazard problem. A distinguished player is a CEO or activist shareholder who (i) is unrestricted to trade shares and (ii) has discretion to increase the value of this firm by exerting costly effort. von Lilienfeld-Toal and Rünzi (J Finance 69(3):1013–1050, 2014) investigate and confirm the empirical relevance of both these properties. This article shows that a distinguished player cannot be “priced in” correctly. In particular, such a firm is traded at a discount below its equilibrium value in a market equilibrium. Buyers can systematically earn excess returns on their investment. This prediction is indeed consistent with substantial positive abnormal returns for distinguished player firms within the S &P500 and S &P1500 sample reported in von Lilienfeld-Toal and Rünzi (J Finance 69(3):1013–1050, 2014).
The Rionero’s special type of Lyapunov function and its application to a diffusive epidemic model with information
Authors: Buonomo Bruno , d’Onofrio Alberto
Published: August 2023

We consider a SIR-like reaction-diffusion epidemic model which embeds opinion-driven human behavioural changes. We assume that the contagion rate is theoretically saturated with respect to the density of the disease prevalence. The model extends the general reaction-diffusion epidemic model proposed in 1993 by Capasso and Di Liddo. We study the nonlinear attractivity of the endemic steady state solution by employing a special Lyapunov function introduced in 2006 by S. Rionero. Sufficient conditions for the conditional nonlinear stability of the endemic equilibrium are derived.
Time-like definition of quaternions in exterior algebra
Authors: Colombaro Ivano
Published: August 2023

A formal description of quaternions by means of exterior calculus is presented. Considering a three-dimensional space-time characterized by three time-like coordinates, we have been able to consistently recover a suitable formulation of quaternions by means of the properties arising from exterior algebra and calculus. As an application, it is also illustrated how rotations may be written in terms of quaternions, in accordance with definition provided in exterior algebra.
Microstructural Study of Cold-Sprayed CoCrFeNiMn High Entropy Alloy
Authors: Akisin Cletus J. , Dovgyy Bogdan , Bennett Christopher J. , Pham Minh-Son , Venturi Federico , Hussain Tanvir
Published: August 2023

The rapid development of cold spraying technology for additive manufacturing of engineering components has made it a viable option for developing thick deposits from high-entropy alloys (HEAs). The microstructure of cold-sprayed CoCrFeNiMn deposit was investigated in this study using electron backscattered diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and finite element analysis (FEA). The limited studies on the impact deformation behavior of the HEA during cold spraying, limiting our understanding of impact phenomena, and interactions between the HEA particles under ultra-high strain rate deformation motivated this study. From the microstructural characterization, heterogeneous microstructure appears to be formed in the cold-sprayed HEA deposit, comprising of equiaxed ultrafine grains at the particle–particle interfacial regions and coarse grains at the particle interiors. The FEA reveals large strain (> 250%) and temperature (> 90% of the alloy solidus temperature), mainly at the splat’s interfaces. Adiabatic shear instability and rotational dynamic recrystallization resulting from heat accumulation and high strain are believed to be responsible for these observations during the ultra-high strain rate deformation of the HEA. The large deformation and grain refinement experienced by the HEA resulted in greater deposit hardness when compared with the sprayed powder, with the nanohardness increasing from 1.16 GPa in the powder to 5.14 GPa in the deposit. This study explores and provides an understanding of the deformation behavior of the HEA and the resulting microstructure during cold spraying.
Palliative radiotherapy and the introduction of a Rapid Access Palliative Clinic in a national radiation oncology network
Authors: O’Leary Cian , Cleary Sinead , Linane Hannah , Hamilton Barbara , Jennings Michelle , Lee Yvonne , Lavan Naomi , O’Reilly Maeve , Twomey Marie
Published: August 2023

Background

Palliative radiotherapy (PRT) is commonly used to treat symptoms of advanced cancer. PRT has been associated with elevated 30-day mortality (30DM). A Rapid Access Palliative Clinic (RAPC) can streamline the treatment process for patients receiving treatment.

Aims

We reviewed the PRT practices in a radiation oncology network in Ireland, and the implementation of a RAPC. Patient outcomes were assessed to inform future treatment decisions.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients who received PRT over 6 months in 2018 in St. Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network (SLRON) was undertaken. We assessed 30DM rates, demographics and referral to specialist palliative care (SPC) services. Subsequently, a retrospective analysis was conducted of a RAPC which ran for 6 months from 2019 to 2020. We assessed treatment data and mortality.

Results

Over 6 months, 645 patients commenced PRT in the SLRON. The 30DM for this cohort was 15.8% (n = 102), with most patients having lung primaries. Of the 30DM cohort, only 55% (n = 56) were referred to SPC services and only 26.4% (n = 27) had performance status recorded. Over 6 months, 40 patients attended 28 RAPCs. Of these, 88% (n = 35) received PRT. Single fraction therapy was utilised in 60% and 48% of patients underwent CT simulation and treatment on the same day. Ultimately, 75% of patients received SPC referral.

Conclusions

Referral rates to SPC services and documentation of performance status were low in our 30DM retrospective review cohort. The RAPC facilitated quick treatment turnaround, fewer hospital visits and referral to SPC services.
Strange Fractal Attractors and Optimal Chaos of Memristor–Memcapacitor via Non-local Differentials
Authors: Abro Kashif Ali , Siyal Ambreen , Atangana Abdon
Published: August 2023

The multi-dimensional electronic devices are so called memory circuit elements (memristor or memcapacitor); such memory circuit elements usually rely on previous applied voltage, current, flux or charge based on memory capability with their resistance, capacitance or inductance. In view of above fact, this manuscript investigates the non-integer modeling of memristor–memcapacitor in discrete-time domain through non-singular kernels of fractal fractional differentials and integrals operators. The governing equations of memristor–memcapacitor have been developed for the sake of the dynamical characteristics of simple chaotic circuit. The fractal fractional differentials and integrals operators have been invoked for non-integer modeling of memristor–memcapacitor that can exhibit a combination of dynamical chaotic phenomena. The numerical schemes, numerical simulations, stability analysis and equilibrium points have been highlighted in detail. The comparative chaotic graphs have been discussed in three ways (i) by keeping fractal component fixed and varying fractional component distinctly, (ii) by keeping fractional component fixed and varying fractal component distinctly and (iii) by varying both fractal component and fractional component distinctly. Our results suggest that fractal-fractional model of memristor–memcapacitor retains the memory characteristics.
(Counter-)stereotypical Gendering of Robots in Care: Impact on Needs Satisfaction and Gender Role Concepts in Men and Women Users
Authors: Moradbakhti Laura , Mara Martina , Castellano Ginevra , Winkle Katie
Published: August 2023

We present a video-based online study (N = 222) examining the impacts of gendering an in-home, socially assistive robot designed to aid with rehabilitative engagement. Specifically, we consider the potential impact on users’ basic psychological need (BPN) fulfillment alongside measures of the robot’s effectiveness as well as the potential impact on human caregiver gender preferences and propensity to gender stereotype more broadly. Our results suggest that the male-gendering of care robots might be particularly beneficial for men, potentially leading to greater BPN fulfillment than female-gendering. Whilst women also showed some similar gender-matching preference (i.e. preferring the female-gendered robot) this effect was less pronounced. Men who saw the male-gendered robot were also significantly more likely to indicate they would prefer a man, or had no gender preference, when asked about human caregiver preferences. Overall, and in line with (some) previous work, we find no evidence of universal positive impact from robot task-gender typicality matching. Together, our results further strengthen existing calls to challenge the default female-gendering of assistive agents seen to date, suggesting that male-gendering might simultaneously boost positive impact for men users whilst challenging stereotypes regarding who can/should do care work.
„Frauen. Leben. Freiheit.“ – Die feministische Revolution in Iran
Authors: Hamann Katia
Published: August 2023

Die Proteste in Iran seit dem Tod von Jina Mahsa Amini haben sich zu einer feministischen Revolution ausgeweitet, die andauern wird. Das iranische Regime geht brutal dagegen vor. Die internationale Gemeinschaft hat mit öffentlichen Verurteilungen und Sanktionen reagiert. Sie muss allerdings Wege finden, wie sie die iranische Bevölkerung darüber hinaus unterstützen kann, um ihren Bekenntnissen zu Menschenrechten und feministischer Außenpolitik gerecht zu werden.
Comprehensive Study on Shape Representation Methods for Shape-Based Object Recognition
Authors: Jiang Zhenghong , Zhou Chunrong
Published: August 2023

This study presents a thorough analysis of shape representation techniques. Furthermore, a taxonomy of strategies for form representation and description is provided. This study aims to review the current achievements comprehensively, highlight the weaknesses and advantages of various existing methods in shape representation methods, addressing current research issues and challenging tasks in this research scope. The contributions of this study lie in providing a comprehensive analysis of shape representation techniques, along with a taxonomy of strategies for form representation and description. The research explores the application of shape border information and inner content in various domains, such as form retrieval, shape classification, and medical image analysis. The novelties include the systematic categorization of methods, addressing current research issues, and offering insights into the benefits and drawbacks of existing shape representation approaches, thus paving the way for potential advancements in the field. In the end, the performance of existing methods is discussed to address the drawbacks and effectiveness of current methods.
Influence of the prepared activated carbon on cellulose acetate for malachite green dye removal from aqueous solution
Authors: Elwardany Rehab E. , Shokry Hassan , Mustafa Ahmed A. , Ali Alaa E.
Published: August 2023

Guava (Psidium guajava) seeds were used for the preparation of activated carbon (AC) activated using zinc chloride (GCZ36), phosphoric acid (GCH36), potassium hydroxide (GCK36), and one other sample was prepared without activation (GC36), carbonized for 3 h at 600 °C. They were added to cellulose acetate to form hybrid membranes (Ms) using the phase inversion technique. The prepared AC was characterized by % ash content, % weight loss on drying, nitrogen adsorption isotherm, TEM, and XRD. FTIR and SEM were used for the ACs and Ms. GCK36 sample exhibited a higher surface area (905.27 m2/g) and total pore volume (0.5360 mL/g). The hybrid membranes were used to remove malachite green dye (MG) from wastewater. The effect of initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, pH, and contact time were studied. Pseudo-first-, pseudo-second-order, and intraparticle diffusion rate equations were proposed and the kinetic data were analyzed. Maximum adsorption capacity (31.82 mg/g) was achieved after 100 min, at pH 6 and 0.25% AC. The adsorption capacity of the cellulose acetate membrane was increased by 111.7% using the prepared activated carbon. The results indicated the chemisorption process and the adsorption was fitted to Langmuir > Freundlich > Tempkin due to R2 values.

Graphical abstract
On the exact reproduction number in SIS epidemic models with vertical transmission
Authors: Gómez-Corral A. , Palacios-Rodríguez F. , Rodríguez-Bernal M. T.
Published: August 2023

This paper proposes a bi-variate competition process to describe the spread of epidemics of SIS type through both horizontal and vertical transmission. The interest is in the exact reproduction number, $$\mathcal{R}_{\mathrm{{exact}},0}$$

R

exact
,
0

, which is seen to be the stochastic version of the well-known basic reproduction number. We characterize the probability distribution function of $$\mathcal{R}_{\mathrm{{exact}},0}$$

R

exact
,
0

by decomposing this number into two random contributions allowing us to distinguish between infectious person-to-person contacts and infections of newborns with infective parents. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate our analytical results.