bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Directed Attention and Habituation: Two Concepts Critical to Tinnitus Management
Authors: Henry James A.
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

Directed attention and habituation are key concepts pertaining to clinical intervention for bothersome tinnitus. Directed attention is the strategy of distracting attention away from the tinnitus. Habituation is the process of learning to stop paying attention to stimuli that are irrelevant or meaningless. Although tinnitus may be intrusive, it usually does not reflect some underlying condition requiring medical attention. Tinnitus in most instances is therefore considered an irrelevant, meaningless stimulus that is best treated by facilitating habituation to the phantom sound. This tutorial describes directed attention and habituation and how they relate to major behavioral methods of tinnitus intervention.

Method:

Arguably, the four major behavioral methods of tinnitus intervention with the strongest research evidence are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT), tinnitus activities treatment (TAT), and progressive tinnitus management (PTM). Each of these four methods was evaluated to determine the role of directed attention as a treatment strategy and habituation as a treatment goal.

Results:

All four of the methods (CBT, TRT, TAT, and PTM) utilize some form of directed attention as a component of their counseling. Habituation is the explicit or implicit goal of each of these methods.

Conclusions:

Directed attention and habituation are essential concepts for all of the major methods of behavioral intervention for tinnitus that were studied. It would therefore seem appropriate to include directed attention as a universal treatment strategy for bothersome tinnitus. Likewise, the commonality of habituation as the objective of treatment would suggest that habituation should be the universal goal of any method that is intended to mitigate the emotional and functional effects of tinnitus.
On‐device audio‐visual multi‐person wake word spotting
Authors: Li Yidi , Wang Guoquan , Chen Zhan , Tang Hao , Liu Hong
Published: March 2023

Audio‐visual wake word spotting is a challenging multi‐modal task that exploits visual information of lip motion patterns to supplement acoustic speech to improve overall detection performance. However, most audio‐visual wake word spotting models are only suitable for simple single‐speaker scenarios and require high computational complexity. Further development is hindered by complex multi‐person scenarios and computational limitations in mobile environments. In this paper, a novel audio‐visual model is proposed for on‐device multi‐person wake word spotting. Firstly, an attention‐based audio‐visual voice activity detection module is presented, which generates an attention score matrix of audio and visual representations to derive active speaker representation. Secondly, the knowledge distillation method is introduced to transfer knowledge from the large model to the on‐device model to control the size of our model. Moreover, a new audio‐visual dataset, PKU‐KWS, is collected for sentence‐level multi‐person wake word spotting. Experimental results on the PKU‐KWS dataset show that this approach outperforms the previous state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Robust graph‐based localization for industrial Internet of things in the presence of flipping ambiguities
Authors: Haq Mian Imtiaz ul , Khalil Ruhul Amin , Almutiry Muhannad , Sawalmeh Ahmad , Ahmad Tanveer , Saeed Nasir
Published: March 2023

Localisation of machines in harsh Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) environment is necessary for various applications. Therefore, a novel localisation algorithm is proposed for noisy range measurements in IIoT networks. The position of an unknown machine device in the network is estimated using the relative distances between blind machines (BMs) and anchor machines (AMs). Moreover, a more practical and challenging scenario with the erroneous position of AM is considered, which brings additional uncertainty to the final position estimation. Therefore, the AMs selection algorithm for the localisation of BMs in the IIoT network is introduced. Only those AMs will participate in the localisation process, which increases the accuracy of the final location estimate. Then, the closed‐form expression of the proposed greedy successive anchorization process is derived, which prevents possible local convergence, reduces computation, and achieves Cramér‐Rao lower bound accuracy for white Gaussian measurement noise. The results are compared with the state‐of‐the‐art and verified through numerous simulations.
A novel distributed architecture for unmanned aircraft systems based on Robot Operating System 2
Authors: Bianchi Lorenzo , Carnevale Daniele , Del Frate Fabio , Masocco Roberto , Mattogno Simone , Romanelli Fabrizio , Tenaglia Alessandro
Published: March 2023

A novel distributed control architecture for unmanned aircraft system (UASs) based on the new Robot Operating System (ROS) 2 middleware is proposed, endowed with industrial‐grade tools that establish a novel standard for high‐reliability distributed systems. The architecture has been developed for an autonomous quadcopter to design an inclusive solution ranging from low‐level sensor management and soft real‐time operating system setup and tuning to perception, exploration, and navigation modules orchestrated by a finite‐state machine. The architecture proposed in this study builds on ROS 2 with its scalability and soft real‐time communication functionalities, while including security and safety features, optimised implementations of localisation algorithms, and integrating an innovative and flexible path planner for UASs. Finally, experimental results have been collected during tests carried out both in the laboratory and in a realistic environment, showing the effectiveness of the proposed architecture in terms of reliability, scalability, and flexibility.
A first‐harmonic push–push oscillator based active integrated dual‐beam switchable array antenna
Authors: Hasan Maodudul , Nishiyama Eisuke , Tanaka Takayuki , Toyoda Ichihiko
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes a new active integrated array antenna (AIAA) for dual‐beam switchable functionality. The proposed AIAA comprises a first‐harmonic push–push oscillator, four linearly polarized microstrip antennas, and a switchable feed network. The first‐harmonic push–push oscillator eliminates the impact of load variation and usage of a filter to suppress the second‐ and higher‐harmonic frequency signals. By using the switchable feed network, the main beam direction of the radiation pattern can be switched between two states, i.e. . The performance of the proposed antenna is experimentally evaluated. The measured results show an effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) of +27.5 dBm, DC‐to‐RF efficiency of 20.26%, and figure of merit (FOM) of −155.2 dBc Hz−1 at the fundamental frequency of 5.9 GHz.
Low‐light image enhancement via span correction function and discrete mapping model
Authors: He Lei , Liu Shouxin , Long Wei , Li Yanyan
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes a new low‐light image enhancement method, which we call the Local Discrete Mapping Method. The new method limits the processing range to small areas with a high information relevance, which can better coordinate the enhancement quality of each area. First, the discrete mapping relationship of pixels (called discrete mapping points) globally occupying a small part of the critical gray value was extracted and designated to keep the enhancement amplitude of each local area consistent. Then, other free mapping points were adjusted according to the local features to achieve the best visual effect in each local area. In addition, this paper also proposes a span correction function that takes the gray span between local pixels as the adjustment object. The function can preserve the gray difference between freely mapped pixels to the maximum and significantly reduce detailed damage in the local area. Finally, we used 1500 test images and eleven objective evaluation indicators in the public dataset to comprehensively test the seven methods. The experimental results showed that the proposed method has an excellent dark area quality enhancement, brightness detail protection, overall noise suppression, and processing speed. It is significantly better than similar methods in terms of visual quality and quantitative testing.
Introduction of emerging mobility services in rural areas through the use of mobile network data combined with activity‐based travel demand modelling
Authors: Franco Patrizia , Kaba Djibril , Close Steve , Jundi Shyma
Published: March 2023

Whilst urban areas are thriving in trialling new mobility services (NMS), rural environments, often perceived as areas of low demand for travel, struggle to attract investments for creating more mobility solutions alongside traditional public transport (PT) services, making residents more reliant on private cars.

This paper describes how policy interventions for introducing NMS in rural areas should be guided by big data to capture real and accurate travel behaviours, therefore avoiding perceived biases and potentially underestimating demand.

In the UK, the provision of transport in rural areas is solely linked to population density and does not consider differences between places and residents’ travel habits. The proposed data‐driven decision‐making process used trip‐chains from mobile network data (MND) to derive recent and accurate travel patterns from residents and provide the right mix of on‐demand mobility services alongside existing fixed scheduled public transport (PT).

The manuscript describes the steps carried out to study three rural areas at low, medium and high population density in the UK: a data landscape to select study areas; the development of an activity‐based model, which uses anonymised mobile network data (MND) aggregated at trip‐chains level to derive travel patterns; and the development of an on‐line questionnaire and focus groups with rural communities to co‐designing solutions based on attitudes towards NMS.

Results demonstrated that a data‐driven decision making process to introduce NMS is a viable solution for updating demand for travel in rural areas, offering a broad understanding of mobility needs and the relationship of interdependency with nearby areas, therefore allowing policy makers to create users‐centric transport solutions.

The study concludes by drawing recommendations for NMS for passengers and goods for the NMS proposed for a rural areas [Demand Responsive Transport (DRT), Micro‐mobility and delivery drones].
A new transformer‐less common grounded five‐level grid‐tied inverter with leakage current elimination and voltage boosting capability for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Vosoughi Kurdkandi Naser , Marangalu Milad Ghavipanjeh , Alavi Peyman , Gharehkoushan Amirreza Zarrin , Rahimpour Saeed , Islam Md Rabiul , Muttaqi Kashem M.
Published: March 2023

Due to serious Concerns such as air pollution, global warming, and fossil fuels shortcoming, renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic applications are dramatically being integrated into the power generation systems all of the world. Here, a new switched‐capacitor‐based transformer‐less grid‐tied inverter has been proposed. By applying the series–parallel switching technique of the utilized switched‐capacitor module, the voltage boosting capability has been obtained. By implementing common ground technique, high overall efficiency and leakage current elimination capability have been obtained. Since the proposed inverter provides a multi‐level output voltage, the total harmonic distortion of the injected grid current is reduced. The introduced control strategy has been implemented to control both active and reactive powers and generate the switches pulses. Therefore, a high quality and adjusted current is injected to the grid. This inverter requires a single renewable energy source as input DC source. Here, the comprehensive description of the proposed inverter and its performance with design considerations have been presented. The proposed structure has been compared with several similar structures and the obtained results have been investigated. To evaluate the performance of the proposed inverter, a 620 W laboratory prototype is assembled and experimental results are analyzed.
The universal shape of the X-ray variability power spectrum of AGN up to z ∼ 3
Authors: Paolillo M. , Papadakis I. E. , Brandt W. N. , Bauer F. E. , Lanzuisi G. , Allevato V. , Shemmer O. , Zheng X. C. , De Cicco D. , Gilli R. , Luo B. , Thomas M. , Tozzi P. , Vito F. , Xue Y. Q.
Published: March 2023

Aims. We study the ensemble X-ray variability properties of active galactic nuclei (AGN) over large ranges of timescale (20 ks ≤ T ≤ 14 yr), redshift (0 ≤ z ≲ 3), luminosity (1040 erg s−1 ≤ LX ≤ 1046 erg s−1), and black hole (BH) mass (106 ≤ M⊙ ≤ 109).

Methods. We propose the use of the variance-frequency diagram as a viable alternative to the study of the power spectral density (PSD), which is not yet accessible for distant, faint, and/or sparsely sampled AGN.

Results. We show that the data collected from archival observations and previous literature studies are fully consistent with a universal PSD form, which does not show any evidence for systematic evolution of shape or amplitude with redshift or luminosity, even if there may be differences between individual AGN at a given redshift or luminosity. We find new evidence that the PSD bend frequency depends on BH mass and possibly on accretion rate. We finally discuss the implications for current and future AGN population and cosmological studies.
Le partenariat public-privé appliqué aux investissements dans la grande irrigation en Afrique : le Projet de promotion du partenariat rizicole dans le Delta du fleuve Sénégal
Authors: Sylla El Hadji Malick , Seck Sidy Mohamed , Barbier Bruno , Niang Souleymane , Faye Cheikh Ahmed Tidiane , Ndiaye Amadou Moussa
Published: March 2023

L’autosuffisance en riz poursuivie par l’État du Sénégal depuis l’Indépendance a motivé des investissements colossaux dans le Delta du fleuve Sénégal, au nord du pays. Cet article évalue la contribution du Projet de promotion du partenariat rizicole dans le Delta (3PRD) aux dynamiques organisationnelles et techniques. L’importance de ce projet repose sur le partenariat public-privé, un paradigme récent dans le monde du développement de l’agriculture irriguée. Notre démarche est basée sur un travail de synthèse bibliographique, des visites de terrain, des entretiens avec les responsables du projet et des enquêtes auprès des agriculteurs. Les résultats suggèrent deux progrès majeurs réalisés par le 3PRD : l’autonomisation des producteurs privés dans un grand aménagement collectif impliquant la participation de la société de développement SAED et l’introduction d’un nouveau matériel pour l’irrigation, l’électropompe. Ils montrent aussi que des efforts restent à réaliser en matière d’intensité culturale et de rendement agricole pour permettre aux producteurs de mieux rentabiliser les investissements qu’ils ont réalisés dans leurs périmètres.
Optimal control of a parabolic equation with memory
Authors: Casas Eduardo , Yong Jiongmin
Published: March 2023

An optimal control problem for a semilinear parabolic partial differential equation with memory is considered. The well-posedness as well as the first and the second order differentiability of the state equation is established by means of Schauder fixed point theorem and the implicity function theorem. For the corresponding optimal control problem with the quadratic cost functional, the existence of optimal control is proved. The first and the second order necessary conditions are presented, including the investigation of the adjoint equations which are linear parabolic equations with a measure as a coefficient of the operator. Finally, the sufficiency of the second order optimality condition for the local optimal control is proved.
Fluorescence correction for activity measurement of 93mNb in niobium dosimeters: Calculation and experimental validation
Authors: Lépy Marie-Christine , Riffaud Jonathan , Domergue Christophe , Philibert Hervé , Destouches Christophe , Carcreff Hubert
Published: March 2023

Niobium is a dosimeter used to characterize fast-neutron reaction rates to monitor nuclear reactor vessels. Its characterization is based on the activity of 93mNb resulting from the 93Nb(n,n’) activation reaction. The decay of 93mNb results mainly in the emission of niobium K X-rays which are used to determine the activity of 93mNb. Direct measurement using X-ray spectrometry does not require any sample preparation, but fluorescence effects, due to impurities which are activated during irradiation, must be taken into account. Indeed, some of these radioactive impurities, in particular 182Ta, and other niobium isotopes remain present during the measurements and disturb the X-ray spectra. The fluorescence effect induces additional niobium X-ray emission to that due to the 93mNb decay alone, which leads to an overestimation of the dosimeter activity, especially if the results are expected shortly after the end of the irradiation. It is therefore necessary to assess the contribution of fluorescence effects to provide accurate values of 93mNb activity. Fluorescence correction factors were established by Monte Carlo simulation. The calculated fluorescence correction factors were validated by an experimental approach, using activated niobium dosimeters with different tantalum concentrations.
Feasibility of Network-Based, Online Endovascular Simulator Training in Real Time: Results from a Pilot Study
Authors: Feyen Ludger , Minko Peter , Franke Nina , Völker Martin , Haage Patrick , Paprottka Philipp , Nadjiri Jonathan , Katoh Marcus
Published: March 2023

Purpose To test the feasibility of an online, simulator-based comprehensive interventional radiology (IR) training curriculum in times of COVID-19-induced travel restrictions.

Materials and Methods A network of six VIST simulators (Mentice, Gothenburg, Sweden) was installed in six geographically different radiology departments. Two courses with six sessions each took place. 43 participants were recruited on a voluntary basis among local residents. The training sessions were conducted in real time with interconnected simulation devices and were led by experts in the field of IR on a rotational basis. The participants attitude toward various topics was quantified before and after training on a seven-point Likert scale (1 = “not at all”, 7 = “to the highest degree”). In addition, post-course surveys were conducted.

Results The courses led to an improvement for all items compared with baseline: interest in IR (pre: 5.5, post: 6.1), knowledge of endovascular procedures (pre: 4.1, post: 4.6), likelihood of choosing IR as a subspecialty (pre: 5.7, post: 5.9). Experience with endovascular procedures (pre: 3.7, post: 4.6) improved significantly (p = 0.016). In the post-course surveys high satisfaction rates with the pedagogical approach (mean 6), the teaching content (mean 6.4), and the duration and frequency of the course (mean 6.1) were observed.

Conclusion The implementation of a simultaneous endovascular online training curriculum in different geographic locations is feasible. The curriculum has the potential to meet the demand for training in IR in times of COVID-19-associated travel restrictions and can complement future training in the context of radiologic congresses.

Key Points:
Intravascular Treatment Techniques for Locoregional Therapies of Lung Tumors
Authors: Vogl Thomas J. , Mekkawy Ahmed , Thabet Duaa B.
Published: March 2023

Background Lung cancer incidence has greatly increased over the past century. Moreover, the lung is the most common site of metastatic involvement. Despite improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of lung malignancies, patient prognosis is still unsatisfactory. Locoregional chemotherapeutic techniques for the treatment of lung malignancies are the current focus of research. The aim of this review article is to present different locoregional intravascular techniques and their treatment principles and to assess the pros and cons of each of them as a palliative and neoadjuvant treatment method in the treatment of lung malignancy.

Method The different methods for the treatment of malignant lung lesions such as isolated lung perfusion (ILP), selective pulmonary artery perfusion (SPAP), transpulmonary chemoembolization (TPCE), bronchial artery infusion (BAI), bronchioarterial chemoembolization (BACE), and intraarteriel chemoperfusion (IACP) are evaluated comparatively.

Results Locoregional intravascular chemotherapy procedures are proving to be promising treatment options in the management of malignant lung tumors. In order to achieve optimal results, the locoregional technique should be used to achieve the highest possible uptake of the chemotherapeutic agent into the target tissue with rapid systemic clearance.

Conclusion Among the various treatment options for lung malignancies, TPCE is the best evaluated treatment concept. However, further studies are necessary to define the optimal treatment concept with the best clinical outcomes.

Key Points 

Citation Format
Interventional Management of Vascular Complications after Renal Transplantation
Authors: Verloh Niklas , Doppler Michael , Hagar Muhammad Taha , Kulka Charlotte , von Krüchten Ricarda , Neubauer Jakob , Weiß Jakob , Röthele Elvira , Schneider Johanna , Jänigen Bernd , Uller Wibke
Published: March 2023

Background Kidney transplantations are increasing due to demographic changes and are the treatment of choice for end-stage renal disease. Non-vascular and vascular complications may occur in the early phase after transplantation and at later stages. Overall postoperative complications after renal transplantations occur in approximately 12 % to 25 % of renal transplant patients. In these cases, minimally invasive therapeutic interventions are essential to ensure long-term graft function. This review article focuses on the most critical vascular complications after renal transplantation and highlights current recommendations for interventional treatment.

Method A literature search was performed in PubMed using the search terms “kidney transplantation”, “complications”, and “interventional treatment”. Furthermore, the 2022 annual report of the German Foundation for Organ Donation and the EAU guidelines for kidney transplantation (European Association of Urology) were considered.

Results and Conclusion Image-guided interventional techniques are favorable compared with surgical revision and should be used primarily for the treatment of vascular complications. The most common vascular complications after renal transplantation are arterial stenoses (3 %–12.5 %), followed by arterial and venous thromboses (0.1 %–8.2 %) and dissection (0.1 %). Less frequently, arteriovenous fistulas or pseudoaneurysms occur. In these cases, minimally invasive interventions show a low complication rate and good technical and clinical results. Diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up should be performed in an interdisciplinary approach at highly specialized centers to ensure the preservation of graft function. Surgical revision should be considered only after exhausting minimally invasive therapeutic strategies.

Key Points: 

Citation Format
Antimicrobial Isoflavans and Other Metabolites of Dalea jamesii
Authors: Belofsky Gil , Ahn Hyojin , Zapata Maxwell , Wilcox Dominique , Salomon Christine E. , Spiegel P. Clint
Published: March 2023

The phytochemical investigation of extracts of Dalea jamesii root and aerial portions led to the isolation of ten phenolic compounds. Six previously undescribed prenylated
isoflavans, summarily named ormegans A – F (1 – 6), were characterized, along with two new arylbenzofurans (7, 8), a known flavone (9), and a known chroman (10).
The structures of the new compounds were deduced by NMR spectroscopy, supported by HRESI mass spectrometry. The absolute configurations of 1 – 6 were determined by circular dichroism
spectroscopy. Compounds 1 – 9 exhibited in vitro antimicrobial activities, causing 98% or greater growth inhibition at concentrations as low as 2.5 – 5.1 µM against
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis, and Cryptococcus neoformans. Interestingly, the most active compound was the
dimeric arylbenzofuran 8 (> 90% growth inhibition at 2.5 µM) against both methicillin-resistant S. aureus and vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis, tenfold more active
than its corresponding monomer (7).
Psychische Auswirkungen der COVID-19-Pandemie bei freiberuflichen
Berufsmusiker*innen
Authors: Rosenbaum Dirk , Weibelzahl Stephan
Published: March 2023

Mit Beginn der Einschränkungen des öffentlichen Lebens in der
COVID-19-Pandemie im März 2020 waren freiberufliche
Berufsmusiker*innen erheblichen pandemiebedingten Beschränkungen
in der Ausübung ihres Berufes ausgesetzt. Aufgrund ihrer besonderen
Arbeitsbedingungen galt diese Berufsgruppe schon vor der Pandemie als
Hochrisikogruppe in Bezug auf psychische Gesundheit. Die vorliegende Studie
untersucht die Stärke der psychischen Belastung bei
Berufsmusiker*innen während der Pandemie in Abhängigkeit
psychischer Grundbedürfnisse sowie das Hilfesuche-Verhalten. Im Juli und
August 2021 wurde in einer deutschlandweiten Stichprobe von N=209
Berufsmusiker*innen die psychische Belastung mit Hilfe der ICD-10
Symptom Checklist (ISR) gemessen. Darüber hinaus wurde ermittelt,
inwieweit die psychischen Grundbedürfnisse der Musiker*innen
erfüllt sind und ob sie sich professionelle psychologische Hilfe suchen
würden. Im Vergleich zu verschiedenen Kontrollgruppen vor und
während der Pandemie zeigte sich eine signifikant stärkere
Ausprägung der psychischen Symptomatik bei Berufsmusiker*innen
gegenüber der Allgemeinbevölkerung vor und während der
Pandemie. Regressionsanalysen stützen die Annahme, dass pandemiebedingte
Veränderungen bei den psychischen Grundbedürfnissen Lustgewinn
bzw. Unlustvermeidung, Selbstwerterhöhung bzw. Selbstwertschutz und
Bindung einen signifikanten Einfluss auf die Ausprägung der
Depressionssymptomatik haben. Das Hilfesuche-Verhalten der Musiker*innen
nimmt dagegen mit Erhöhung der Depressionssymptomatik ab. Aufgrund der
starken psychischen Gesamtbelastungen bei freiberuflichen Musiker*innen
besteht Handlungsbedarf, insbesondere in der Bereitstellung speziell angepasster
psychosozialer Hilfsangebote.
Handlungs- und Forschungsbedarf in der Psychosomatischen und
Orthopädischen Rehabilitation aus der Sicht von Rehabilitand:innen und
Mitarbeitenden in der Rehabilitation
Authors: Baumann Lisa Ann , Schüz Natalie , Hessel Aike , Obiedzinski Sina , Brütt Anna Levke
Published: March 2023

Ziel der Studie Die Studie erfasst den praktischen Handlungs- und
Forschungsbedarf für die psychosomatische und orthopädische
Rehabilitation aus Sicht von Rehabilitand:innen und Mitarbeitenden in der
Rehabilitation.

Methodik Das Projekt gliederte sich in eine Identifizierungs- und eine
Priorisierungsphase. In der Identifizierungsphase wurden 3872 ehemalige
Rehabilitand:innen, 235 Mitarbeitende aus drei Rehabilitationskliniken und 31
Mitarbeitende der Deutschen Rentenversicherung Oldenburg-Bremen (DRV OL-HB) zu
einer schriftlichen Befragung eingeladen. Die Teilnehmenden wurden gebeten, aus
ihrer Sicht relevante Handlungs- und Forschungsbedarfe für die
psychosomatische und orthopädische Rehabilitation zu benennen. Die
Antworten wurden qualitativ anhand eines induktiv entwickelten
Kategorien-Systems ausgewertet. Aus den Kategorien wurden praktische
Handlungsfelder und Forschungsfragen formuliert. In der Priorisierungsphase
wurden die identifizierten Themen in eine Reihenfolge gebracht. Hierfür
wurden 32 Rehabilitand:innen zu einem Priorisierungsworkshop und 152
Rehabilitand:innen, 239 Klinik-Mitarbeitende und 37 Mitarbeitende der DRV OL-HB
zu einer zweistufigen schriftlichen Delphi-Befragung eingeladen. Die
priorisierten Listen aus beiden Methoden wurden zu einer Top 10 Liste
zusammengefasst.

Ergebnisse An der Identifizierungsphase nahmen 217 Rehabilitand:innen, 32
Klinik-Mitarbeitende und 13 Mitarbeitende der DRV OL-HB teil. Innerhalb der
Priorisierungsphase nahmen 75 Rehabilitand:innen, 33 Klinik-Mitarbeitende und 8
Mitarbeitende der DRV OL-HB an beiden Erhebungswellen der Delphi-Befragung teil.
11 Rehabilitand:innen beteiligten sich am Priorisierungsworkshop. Praktischer
Handlungsbedarf besteht vorrangig bei der Umsetzung einer ganzheitlichen und
individuellen Rehabilitation, bei der Qualitätssicherung sowie bei der
Aufklärung und Beteiligung von Rehabilitand:innen. Forschungsbedarf
besteht vorrangig bei dem Rehabilitationszugang, den Strukturen im
Rehabilitationssetting (beispielsweise zur trägerübergreifenden
Zusammenarbeit), der Ausgestaltung von rehabilitativen Interventionen
(individueller, alltagstauglicher) und der Motivation von
Rehabilitand:innen.

Schlussfolgerung Die identifizierten Handlungs- und Forschungsbedarfe
umfassen viele Themen, die bereits in vorherigen Forschungsprojekten und von
verschiedenen Akteuren in der Rehabilitation als Probleme identifiziert wurden.
Zukünftig muss vermehrt die Entwicklung von Bearbeitungs- und
Lösungsstrategien für die identifizierten Themen sowie die
Implementierung dieser Strategien fokussiert werden.
One-Pot, Metal-Free Synthesis of Phenols from Arylboronic Acids and Subsequent Conversion with N-Hydroxyphthalimide Esters
Authors: Guan Haixing , Li Wei , Zhang Zhigang , Ding Di , Yang Yiming , Wan Ruiying , Gong Lili
Published: March 2023

A one-pot synthesis of phenyl esters between N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHP) esters derived from carboxylic acid and arylboronic acids is developed. This tandem reaction underwent mild conditions with a broad range of substrates scope (up to 27 examples) in good to excellent yields (up to 93% yield). The reaction can be easily scaled up, which thus pave the way for further applications in late-stage modification.
A Hospital-Based Study of Factors Associated with COVID-19-Related Deaths in Western Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Krishnamurthy  , Bashir Muzamil , Tripathi Alok , Jain Ishi
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly affected mortality in India and public health efforts must focus on preventing the avoidable fatalities during this pandemic. Understanding various clinical characteristics of the deceased patients of COVID-19 along with the estimation of time interval between the onset of symptoms and admission in hospital and various factors associated with COVID-19 related deaths could inform public health interventions focusing on preventing deaths due to COVID-19.

Material and Methods

The present study was a retrospective hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted in Subharti Medical College and Hospital, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India. The duration of the study was 21 months. Data of COVID-19 deaths were collected from the Medical Record Department of Chhatrapati Shivaji Subharti Hospital, Meerut, which is a dedicated Level-3 COVID Hospital.

Results

Total Deaths due to COVID-19 were 298. Out of 298 deaths, 205 were males and 93 were females. The maximum number of deaths were in May 2021. When the duration of oxygen support was 1 to 5 days in 44.97% of the deceased, less than 1 day were 17.11% and more than 5 days were 17.11. The duration of ventilator support was less than 1 day in 39.26% of the deceased, 1 to 3 days in 39.3%, and more than 3 days in 21.14% of the deceased. The most common symptom associated with COVID-19 deceased was fever with breathlessness both in males and females. The most common co-morbid condition associated with COVID-19 deaths was hypertension with diabetes mellitus both in males and females.

Conclusion

From the present study, we conclude that the majority of deaths were males. The maximum number of deaths due to COVID-19 was in May 2021, both in males and females. The most common symptom associated was fever with breathlessness and most common comorbid condition associated with deaths of COVID patients were hypertension with diabetes mellitus. The duration of oxygen support was 1 to 5 days in the majority of the patients. The duration of ventilator support was less than 1 day in the majority of patients.
Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery in the Elderly
Authors: Franz Maximilian , De Manna Nunzio Davide , Schulz Saskia , Ius Fabio , Haverich Axel , Cebotari Serghei , Tudorache Igor , Salman Jawad
Published: March 2023

Background The minimally invasive mitral valve procedure warrants minimal surgical trauma and might influence the postoperative course positively, especially in old patients. In this retrospective study, we reviewed our experience in minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (miMVS) in patients aged ≥ 75 years.

Methods In this retrospective cohort study, based on propensity score matching, we compared patients aged ≥75 years with patients aged <75 years who underwent miMVS. The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. Secondary endpoints were myocardial infarction, stroke, and renal failure.

Results Between January 2011 and February 2021, 761 patients underwent miMVS at our institution. After propensity score matching, a study group (≥75 years, n = 189) and a control group (<75 years, n = 189) were formed. Preoperatively patients ≥75 years more often suffered from NYHA III heart failure (60 vs. 46%; p = 0.013). Their valves were more often frequently replaced (48 vs. 32%; p < 0.001), and their postoperative ventilation time was longer (13 hours vs. 11 hours; p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences regarding postoperative stroke (3 vs. 0.6%; p = 0.16), myocardial infarction (0 vs. 1%; p = 0.32), renal insufficiency with new dialysis (5 vs. 4%; p = 0.62), and 30-day mortality (4 vs. 2%; p = 0.56).

Conclusion miMVS results in satisfactory early postoperative outcomes in elderly patients.
Challenging Endovascular Treatment of Coral Reef Aorta and a Literature Review
Authors: Christoforou Panagitsa , Kapoulas Konstantinos , Bekos Christos
Published: March 2023

Coral reef aorta is a rare type of atherosclerotic disease that causes severe calcification in the abdominal aorta.

We present a case of coral reef aorta with hemodynamically significant symptomatic aortic stenosis causing intermittent claudication and bilateral cyanosis of the toes.

Despite the challenging anatomy for endovascular treatment, the patient underwent successful transfemoral endovascular stent-graft placement.

The endovascular intervention with stents is a viable alternative method and, in many cases, constitutes the first choice for the treatment of coral reef aorta.
Comparing the Diagnostic Utility of Conventional Direct Ophthalmoscopy with Smartphone Ophthalmoscopy among Medical Students
Authors: Sharieff Jibran , Bugg Victoria , Barrett Zachary C. W. , Ding Kai , Patel Anil , Choi Preston , Yanovitch Tammy
Published: March 2023

Purpose To compare the diagnostic ability of medical students using smartphone ophthalmoscopy (SO) with conventional direct ophthalmoscopy (DO).

Methods Twenty-eight first- and second-year medical students were trained to use the SO and DO. They also attended educational seminars regarding optic nerve and retinal pathology and were given hands-on practice with each ophthalmoscopy method. Students were randomized 2:1 into one of the groups (DO or SO). Students then examined six patients and recorded their findings, ease of use, and confidence level on a questionnaire. Two attending ophthalmologists, masked to the randomization, graded the student questionnaires. A priori power calculation determined the sample size. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of correct diagnoses the students made. Two-sample t-test, Wilcoxon's rank-sum test, and Fisher's exact test were used to compare the outcomes.

Results Students using the SO outperformed students using DO in terms of mean percent correct (% correct) diagnosis (smartphone: 42% vs. direct: 23%; p-value = 0.0057), mean % correct photo match (smartphone: mean = 60% vs. direct: 32%; p-value = 0.0052), and mean % correct nerve/retinal descriptors (smartphone: 72% vs. direct: 59%; p-value = 0.0048). There was not a significant difference in terms of perceived ease of use (smartphone: mean = 3.3 vs. direct: mean = 2.6; p-value = 0.0945), or subjective confidence (smartphone: mean = 2.6 vs. direct: mean = 2.1; p-value = 0.0808) between the two groups.

Conclusion SO provides an alternate way for medical students to learn, diagnose, and describe ocular pathology.
The Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Foreign Body Aspiration
Authors: Ozturk Kubra , Boybeyi Ozlem , Soyer Tutku
Published: March 2023

Background This article evaluates the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on clinical course and management of cases that underwent bronchoscopy for suspected foreign body aspiration (FBA) in children.

Methods The patients who underwent bronchoscopy with a presumptive diagnosis of FBA between July 2018 and December 2021 were evaluated for demographic features, clinical findings, management details, and outcomes. Patients were divided in two groups: before pandemic (group A) and during pandemic (group B).

Results In total 79 cases with a median age of 5 years (4–5) in group A (n = 47) and 3 years (2–3) in group B (n = 32) were included (p < 0.05). The witnessed aspiration was significantly higher in group B (90.6%) when compared to group A (53%) (p < 0.05). Admission time was less than 48 hours in 30 cases (64%) in group A and 23 cases (72%) in group B (p = 0.002). The intervention time was less than 24 hours in 30 cases (64%) in group A, 9 cases (28%) in group B (p = 0.002). Bronchoscopy was performed after COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in all cases in group B. The positive FBA rate was 38% (n = 18) in group A, and 59% (n = 19) in group B (p = 0.067).

Conclusion During pandemics, bronchoscopy for FBA was performed in younger infants than before pandemic and witnessed aspiration was significantly more common in that period. The differences in age groups and symptoms may be explained by spending more time at home during pandemics. Waiting for the PCR test results causes delays in the intervention. However, this delay did not cause any respiratory distress.
Interventional versus Surgical Treatment of Degenerated Freestyle Prosthesis
Authors: Fedorov Denis , Bauernschmitt Robert , Grunebaum Jean-Pilippe , Bauer Stefan , Sodian Ralf , von Hodenberg Eberhard
Published: March 2023

Background Bioprosthetic stentless aortic valves may degenerate over time and will require replacement. This study aimed to evaluate early- and mid-term outcomes after isolated surgical redo aortic valve replacement (redo-SAVR) and transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation (TAVI-VIV) for degenerated stentless Freestyle bioprostheses.

Methods We reviewed records of 56 patients at a single center. Overall, 37 patients (66.1%) received TAVI-VIV and 19 (33.9%) received redo-SAVR.

Results Thirty-day survival was similar in both groups (100%). One-year survival was comparable between groups (97.3% in TAVI-VIV and 100% in redo-SAVR, p = 1.0). The difference in mid-term survival after adjusting for age and EuroScore II was not significant (p = 0.41). The incidence of pacemaker implantation after TAVI-VIV was higher than after redo-SAVR (19.4% vs. 0%, p = 0.08).

Conclusion The 30-day and 1-year survival rates after both procedures were outstanding, irrespective of baseline characteristics. Isolated redo-SAVR should be favored in young patients, as the pacemaker implantation rate is lower. TAVI-VIV for degenerated Freestyle prosthesis can be a method of choice in elderly patients and those with high operative risk.
Speech Understanding in Complex Environments by School-Age Children with Mild Bilateral or Unilateral Hearing Loss
Authors: Lewis Dawna E.
Published: March 2023

Numerous studies have shown that children with mild bilateral (MBHL) or unilateral hearing loss (UHL) experience speech perception difficulties in poor acoustics. Much of the research in this area has been conducted via laboratory studies using speech-recognition tasks with a single talker and presentation via earphones and/or from a loudspeaker located directly in front of the listener. Real-world speech understanding is more complex, however, and these children may need to exert greater effort than their peers with normal hearing to understand speech, potentially impacting progress in a number of developmental areas. This article discusses issues and research relative to speech understanding in complex environments for children with MBHL or UHL and implications for real-world listening and understanding.
Quantifying Access to Speech in Children with Hearing Loss: The Influence of the Work of Pat Stelmachowicz on Measures of Audibility
Authors: Wiseman Kathryn B. , McCreery Ryan W.
Published: March 2023

This article reviews the research of Pat Stelmachowicz on traditional and novel measures for quantifying speech audibility (i.e., pure-tone average [PTA], the articulation/audibility index [AI], the speech intelligibility index, and auditory dosage) as predictors of speech perception and language outcomes in children. We discuss the limitations of using audiometric PTA as a predictor of perceptual outcomes in children and how Pat's research shed light on the importance of measures that characterize high-frequency audibility. We also discuss the AI, Pat's work on the calculation of the AI as a hearing aid outcome measure, and how this work led to the application of the speech intelligibility index as a clinically utilized measure of unaided and aided audibility. Finally, we describe a novel measure of audibility—auditory dosage—that was developed based on Pat's work on audibility and hearing aid use for children who are hard of hearing.
Ewing Sarcoma with Ganglion Cells Post-Chemotherapy: A Case Report with Review of Literature
Authors: Dhandapani Karthik , Gandhi Jahnavi , Gami Amisha
Published: March 2023

Ewing sarcoma arises in both bones (most common) and soft tissues and it commonly affects young adults. The tumor is composed of small round cells showing positivity for CD99 and FLI1 on immunohistochemistry (IHC). We describe ganglion cell differentiation post-chemotherapy in Ewing sarcoma which is a rare phenomenon.

A 13-year-old girl presented with a chest wall mass. On biopsy correlating with IHC, the diagnosis was rendered as Ewing sarcoma. She underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by resection of the tumor. On microscopic evaluation, the tumor showed prominent ganglionic differentiation with expression of neuronal markers.

Although maturation post-chemotherapy is an established finding with better prognosis in other primitive pediatric tumors, such neural differentiation is rare with only a few case reports in Ewing sarcoma both post- and pre-chemotherapy. Clinical significance and prognosis of such differentiation which appear to be better are not yet established and needs to be elucidated.
Real-time nondestructive methods for examining battery electrode materials
Authors: Grant Alex , O'Dwyer Colm
Published: March 2023

With the importance of Li-ion and emerging alternative batteries to our electric future, predicting new sustainable materials, electrolytes, and complete cells that safely provide high performance, long life, and energy dense capability is critically important. Understanding the interface, the microstructure of materials, and the nature of electrolytes and factors that affect or limit long-term performance is key to new battery chemistries, cell form factors, and alternative materials. The electrochemical processes `that cause these changes are also difficult to probe because of their metastability and lifetimes, which can be of nanosecond to sub-nanosecond time domains. Consequently, developing and adapting high-resolution, nondestructive methods to capture these processes proves challenging, requiring state-of-the-art techniques. Recent progress is very promising, where optical spectroscopies, synchrotron radiation techniques, and energy-specific atom probe tomography and microscopy methods are just some of the approaches that are unraveling the true internal behavior of battery cells in real-time. In this review, we overview many of the most promising nondestructive methods developed in recent years to assess battery material properties, interfaces, processes, and reactions under operando conditions similar in electrodes and full cells.
Abnormal topological domains in a high-density array of ferroelectric nanodots
Authors: Li Zhongwen , Bo Rui , Shen Hui , Lin Yi , Song Guang , Wang Yanzong , Li Guannan , Nan Feng , Wang Chao , Wu Yangjiang , Zhang Zhengzhong , Liu Hao
Published: March 2023

Utilizing vector PFM (piezoresponse force microscopy) on high-density nanodot arrays, ferroelectric nanodots and domain structure in nanodot arrays were investigated in the current study. Accordingly, we identified four types of topological domain states based on the measurements of spontaneous polarization vectors vs writing results in nanodots. In addition to convergent and divergent domains with upward and downward polarization, double-center domains and triple-center domains were also identified. In addition, center domains could be reversibly switched under the electric field produced by the biased PFM tip, and their stability could be maintained by compensating the polarization charge with the accumulated charge. These stable topological domain states in discrete nanodots present an opportunity to further investigate their new properties in high-density memory devices.
Far-UVC emission of polarity-engineered AlGaN MQW using carbon nanotube-based cold cathode electron beam
Authors: Choi Uiho , Yoo Sung Tae , Kim Minho , So Byeongchan , Cheon Changheon , Yang Mino , Lee Moonsang , Park Kyu Chang , Nam Okhyun
Published: March 2023

Far-ultraviolet-C (UVC) light is an efficient and safe germicide because the wavelength band eradicates viruses but is harmless to human cells. In this study, electron-beam-pumped AlGaN emitters have been introduced as an alternative to far-UVC light emitting diodes which are limited by certain drawbacks, such as low conductivity and light absorption of the p-layer and side emission due to polarization at short wavelengths. We demonstrate a highly efficient far-UVC AlGaN emitter using a carbon nanotube-based cold cathode electron beam (C-beam). To maximize light emission, materials were grown via novel in situ lateral polarity engineering epitaxy. The C-beam enables the large-area emission of up to 528 mm2, and the maximum power conversion efficiency is 0.5% at 232 nm.
Correcting aberrations of a transverse-field neutron resonance spin echo instrument
Authors: Kuhn Stephen J. , McKay Sam , Li Fankang , Dalgliesh Robert M. , Dees Eric , Burrage Kaleb , Shen Jiazhou , Pynn Roger
Published: March 2023

Neutron resonance spin echo (NRSE) technique has the potential to increase the Fourier time and energy resolution in neutron scattering by using radio frequency (rf) neutron spin-flippers. However, aberrations arising from variations in the neutron path length between the rf flippers reduce the polarization. Here, we develop and test a transverse static-field magnet, a series of which are placed between the rf flippers, to correct for these aberrations. The prototype correction magnet was both simulated in an NRSE beamline using McStas, a Monte Carlo neutron ray-tracing software package, and measured using neutrons. The results from the prototype demonstrate that this static-field design corrects for transverse-field NRSE aberrations.