bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing intensive culture protocols for Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) larvae
Authors: Puvanendran Velmurugu , Swain Trilochan , Tveiten Helge , Hansen Øyvind J. , Mortensen Atle
Published: May 2023

Larval cod require live prey as food, and prey concentration (PC) and feeding frequency (FF) often affect their growth and survival. Apart from this, water exchange rates/water flow (WER/WF) and water current (WC) also affect the prey resident time in the tank and larval/early juvenile behaviour, respectively. High water current is also known to induce stress in finfish larvae, and this stress response is believed to be dependent on larval developmental stage. Thus, we conducted a study to evaluate three larval rearing protocols varying in prey concentration, feeding frequency, and water current/exchange rate. Three protocols were used: low prey concentration (PC), low feeding frequency (FF), and low water flow (protocol 1); medium PC, medium FF, and medium WF (protocol 2); and high PC, high FF, and high WF (protocol 3) (see Table 1). Larvae were sampled periodically for growth and cortisol measurements. Cortisol extraction and radioimmunoassay (RIA) were conducted using methods previously validated for cod larvae. Larvae reared using protocols 2 and 3 were significantly bigger and heavier than larvae reared using protocol 1. Rearing protocol had a significant effect on the cortisol level in larval cod. Larvae showed a developmental stage-dependent stress response. Protocol 2 had significantly higher survival than protocols 1 and 3. Our results indicate that an intermediate PC, FF, and WF (protocol 2) is suitable during cod larval rearing.
A subjective interpretation of Liu–Liu’s credibility measures and expectations
Authors: Petturiti Davide
Published: May 2023

We consider credibility measures introduced by Liu and Liu and the corresponding credibility expectations, obtained through the Choquet integral. In analogy with de Finetti’s approach to probability, we show that also for credibility measures and expectations, a subjective interpretation can be given through suitable notions of coherence. In detail, coherence can be expressed equivalently in terms of consistency, through a fair betting scheme and through a penalty criterion. Such notions of coherence rest upon the concepts of partially resolving uncertainty due to Jaffray, the notion of consonance due to Shafer and the notion of pessimism-optimism indifference introduced in this paper.
Investigation of the tensile deformation behaviour in Ni-based superalloy inconel alloy 617 using EBSD-based finite element simulations and optical flow method
Authors: Liesegang M. , Lion P. , Beck T. , Gräf M. , Steidl G.
Published: May 2023

To improve component design, the fundamental understanding of the fatigue behaviour of gas turbine materials is essential. Since Ni-alloys exhibit pronounced elastic anisotropy, the local grain orientation strongly affects the stress and strain distribution in the material under mechanical loadings. This work addresses the characterisation of anisotropic elastic–plastic deformation and its consequences for crack initiation of nickel-base superalloy IN617 under tensile loading. Samples were loaded in situ in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to correlate the deformation behaviour with the grain structure and the grain orientation determined by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) measurements. To calculate the resulting stresses and strains, the EBSD data were used to develop a model by finite element method (FEM) considering the grain structure and orientation. The results of the elastic–plastic finite element (FE) simulation were compared with the theories of the E⋅m model based on the Schmidt factor (m) and anisotropic Young’s modulus (E). A mathematical image registration method called “optical flow method” (OFM), which is capable to calculate the transformation of EBSD measuring points during deformation, was applied to the EBSD data. The strains calculated by the optical flow method and by FE simulation were compared for two samples. The findings revealed large strains in the later crack initiation area found in both the OFM and FEM. The developed FEM model was verified by the successful correlation of hypotheses of the E·m model with the simulated mechanical behaviour. Furthermore, the impact of the microstructural neighbourhood on the mechanical behaviour was emphasised.

Graphical Abstract
Lipid profiles of plants and soil microbial communities are shaped by soil parent material in Australian sclerophyll forests
Authors: Liang Grace H. , Butler Orpheus M. , Warren Charles R.
Published: May 2023

Background and aims

Plant and soil microbes can reduce their phosphorus (P)-requirements by replacing phospholipids with non-P containing lipids (e.g., galactolipids, sulfolipids, and betaine lipids). There have been few studies of this process in the field (i.e., in natural ecosystems); thus, it is unclear whether a similar replacement of phospholipids with non-P lipids occurs across natural gradients of soil P-availability.

Methods

We compared the membrane lipid profiles of plant leaves, roots, and soil microbial communities between two adjacent native Australian sclerophyll forest ecosystems—one situated on a severely P-deficient sandstone-derived soil and the other on a comparatively P-rich shale-derived soil. The herbaceous species, Lomandra longifolia, which occurred across both soils was sampled, along with two Myrtaceae tree species associated with each soil type.

Results

The phospholipid content of plant leaves and soil microbes was two- to three-fold greater in the shale site than the sandstone site, but non-P lipid content did not differ between sites.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that plants and soil microbes can have a lower investment of P into phospholipids in response to P-deficiency without a concomitant increase in non-P lipid content. Modulations in phospholipid concentration occurred across all plant- and soil microbial-associated phospholipid classes.
Content validation of a daily patient-reported outcome measure for assessing symptoms in patients with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Authors: Durgam Neha , Dashputre Ankur A. , Moshkovich Olga , Rezaie Ali , Martinez Nicholas , Enayati Pedram , Stansbury James , Joseph George
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to generate evidence supporting the development and content validity of a new PRO instrument, the Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) Symptom Measure (SSM) daily diary. The SSM assesses symptom severity in SIBO patients, with the ultimate goal of providing a fit for purpose PRO for endpoint measurement.

Methods

Qualitative research included 35 SIBO patients in three study stages, using a hybrid concept elicitation (CE)/cognitive interview (CI) method with US patients, ≥ 18 years. Stage 1 included a literature review, clinician interviews, and initial CE interviews with SIBO patients to identify symptoms important to patients for inclusion in the SSM. Stage 2 included hybrid CE/CI to learn more about patients’ SIBO experience and test the draft SSM. Finally, stage 3 used CIs to refine the instrument and test its content validity.

Results

In stage 1 (n = 8), 15 relevant concepts were identified, with items drafted based on the literature review/clinician interviews and elicitation work. Within stage 2 (n = 15), the SSM was refined to include 11 items; with wording revised for three items. Stage 3 (n = 12) confirmed the comprehensiveness of the SSM, as well as appropriateness of the item wording, recall period, and response scale. The resulting 11-item SSM assesses the severity of bloating, abdominal distention, abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, flatulence, physical tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, appetite loss, and belching.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence supporting the content validity of the new PRO. Comprehensive patient input ensures that the SSM is a well-defined measure of SIBO, ready for psychometric validation studies.
The impact of entrepreneurship research on other academic fields
Authors: Thurik A. Roy , Audretsch David B. , Block Jörn H. , Burke Andrew , Carree Martin A. , Dejardin Marcus , Rietveld Cornelius A. , Sanders Mark , Stephan Ute , Wiklund Johan
Published: May 2023

The remarkable ascent of entrepreneurship witnessed as a scientific field over the last 4 decades has been made possible by entrepreneurship’s ability to absorb theories, paradigms, and methods from other fields such as economics, psychology, sociology, geography, and even biology. The respectability of entrepreneurship as an academic discipline is now evidenced by many other fields starting to borrow from the entrepreneurship view. In the present paper, seven examples are given from this “pay back” development. These examples were first presented during a seminar at the Erasmus Entrepreneurship Event called what has the entrepreneurship view to offer to other academic fields? This article elaborates on the core ideas of these presentations and focuses on the overarching question of how entrepreneurship research impacts the development of other academic fields. We found that entrepreneurship research questions the core assumptions of other academic fields and provides new insights into the antecedents, mechanisms, and consequences of their respective core phenomena. Moreover, entrepreneurship research helps to legitimize other academic fields both practically and academically.
Water scarcity can be a critical limitation for the poultry industry
Authors: El Sabry Mohamed I. , Romeih Zeinab U. , Stino Farid K. R. , Khosht Abeer R. , Aggrey Samul E.
Published: May 2023

Water is essential for various physiological functions and the productive performance of animals. However, with climatic uncertainties exacerbated by climatic changes, water could become a scarce nutrient shortly. This is already the case in one-third of the world’s countries, which are under medium to high levels of water stress. Accordingly, with the growth of poultry production, the availability of water at ad libitum level may not be guaranteed, and birds can be under water restriction for variable periods. Thus, this article aims at attracting the attention of animal scientists to the freshwater shortage challenge, as well as shedding light on (1) the effects of climate change on the freshwater resources; (2) the effects of limited access to water, either by water restriction (WR) or water deprivation (WD), on the growth, feed efficiency, and meat quality of broilers; (3) the effects of different levels of WR or WD on egg production and egg quality traits; (4) the effects of limited access to water on the health, behavior, and welfare status of chickens; and (5) suggested solutions to overcome future water shortage challenges. In conclusion, severe water shortage/restriction might negatively influence the productivity, behavior, and welfare status of the chickens. Genetic background and environmental conditions may interact with the WR effects. The tolerance level of indigenous chicken breeds to limited water access could provide the knowhow to potential solutions to overcome water shortage problems. Selection of chicken strains with high tolerance capacity to thirst and limited water access regimens may be a sustainable solution for solving water scarcity problems.
The US Way or Huawei? An Analysis of the Positioning of Secondary States in the US-China Rivalry
Authors: Christie Øystein Soknes , Jakobsen Jo , Jakobsen Tor Georg
Published: May 2023

This article examines the determinants of the positioning of secondary states in the US-China conflict over market access for China’s Huawei. Our explanations draw on three branches of realism: balance-of-threat theory, patron-client theory, and Hirschman’s theory on trade relationships and foreign-policy convergence. For the dependent variable, we assemble a new dataset of the attitudes of 70 states toward Huawei’s investment aspirations. We present a series of ordered logit regression models from which three main patterns appear. First, less powerful states seem more acceptive of the Chinese company. Second, those states that rely on US security guarantees tend to be far more rejective of Huawei. Third, whereas trade with China appears to be a factor in the reasonings of other states, trade with the US is not. In sum, the patron-client theory offers the most cogent explanation of the divergence of responses to Huawei.
Advanced methodologies for the cleaning of works of art
Authors: Casini Andrea , Chelazzi David , Baglioni Piero
Published: May 2023

Cultural heritage assets constitute a fundamental socioeconomic resource, but the actual works of art need to be maintained, counteracting degradation processes, to transfer these benefits to future generations. In particular, the removal of soil, aged coatings, and vandalism/overpaints is one of the most needed interventions in art restoration. Traditional cleaning methodologies, based on classical solution and polymer chemistry, only grant limited control of the cleaning interventions, with the risk of affecting the original components of the artifacts, and often involving the use of toxic or non-environmentally friendly compounds. Alternatively, materials science, colloids, and soft matter have provided valuable and safe solutions in the last decades. This review provides a selection of the most recent and advanced methodologies for the wet cleaning of works of art, spanning from nanostructured cleaning fluids (microemulsions, surfactants swollen micelles) to physical and chemical gels. The new methodologies work on different physico-chemical mechanisms, such as processes for detaching/dewetting, to selectively remove the unwanted layers in sustainable and cost-effective interventions. The best performing systems, like microemulsions confined in “twin-chain” polyvinyl alcohol gels, have been assessed in the cleaning of masterpieces such as works by Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock and Roy Lichtenstein. Particular attention is dedicated to “green” chemistry systems, using low-toxicity solvents or bio-based/waste materials to build gel networks. Finally, current trends and future perspectives are given, showing that advanced systems for art cleaning link with transversal fields of crucial importance even beyond Cultural heritage conservation, e.g., detergency, tissue engineering, drug-delivery, food industry and cosmetics.
Few Interventions Support the Affected Other on Their Own: a Systematic Review of Individual Level Psychosocial Interventions to Support Those Harmed by Others’ Alcohol Use
Authors: Shorter G. W. , Campbell K. B. D. , Miller N. M. , Epton T. , O’Hara L. , Millen S. , Gunnarsson K. Ulfsdotter , Berry E. , Bendtsen M.
Published: May 2023

Over
100 million individuals worldwide experience negative outcomes as a function of a family member or loved one’s substance use. Other reviews have summarized evidence on interventions; however, success often depends on the behavior of the individual causing harm, and they may not be ready or able to change. The aim of this study was to identify and describe evaluations of psychosocial interventions which can support those affected by alcohol harm to others independent of their drinking relative or friend. A systematic review/narrative synthesis of articles from 11 databases pre-registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021203204) was conducted. Those experiencing the harm were spouses/partners or adult children/students who have parents with alcohol problems. Studies (n = 7) were from the UK, the USA, Korea, Sweden, Mexico, and India. Most participants were female (71–100%). Interventions varied from guided imagery, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and anger management. Independent interventions may support those affected by another’s alcohol use, although there was considerable variation in outcomes targeted by the intervention design. Small-scale studies suggest psychosocial interventions ease suffering from alcohol’s harm to others, independent of the drinking family member. Understanding affected others’ experience and need is important given the impact of alcohol’s harm to others; however, there is a lack of quality evidence and theoretical underpinning informing strategies to support these individuals.
Aluminum Nitride in Al–Si–Mg Alloy
Authors: Arya Samira M. , Griffiths W. D.
Published: May 2023

When liquid aluminum is exposed to air, an oxide layer instantaneously forms on the surface of the melt, which, when enfolded, becomes a double oxide film defect (bifilm), producing entrained air pockets forming voids, cracks, and areas of stress. Studies of the reactions between the air trapped inside the bifilms and the surrounding melt have produced reaction products such as AlN. In this study, examination of the fracture surfaces of an Al–7Si–0.3Mg (2L99) as-cast alloy revealed AlN apparently of a different “nodular” morphology of approximately 15 μm in length. In contrast to the “feather-shaped” AlN morphology grown through holding in nitrogen or the addition of Mo to 2L99 observed in previous research, the observed nodular morphology in this study was thought to be less permeable. This confirmed the hypothesis of Nyahumwa et al. (AFS Trans 106:215–223, 1998), who suggested that the entrapped air in bifilms can react with the surrounding liquid melt by initially consuming oxygen to form oxides, such as spinel (MgAl2O4), followed by the consumption of the nitrogen to form AlN. The AlN observed has been proposed to reduce the size of bifilms and correspondingly improve the mechanical properties of the alloy. In this work, AlN was also grown by holding alloys in a controlled nitrogen gas environment at 850 °C at various holding times to reveal AlN morphologies.
Phase Evolution at the Interface between Liquid Solder Sn-Zn-Ag and Cu Substrate Studied by In Situ Heating Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Czaja Paweł , Dybeł Aleksandra , Pstruś Janusz
Published: May 2023

Wetting phenomena concerning Sn-Zn eutectic alloys with Ag addition were studied in contact with Cu substrate at 250 °C and in the presence of ALU33 flux. The chosen wetting time was 5 s. Then in situ STEM isothermal heating at 150 °C lasting for 10, 40 and 70 min was conducted to establish the sequence of phase appearance. The intermetallic phases within the Cu-Zn system were identified. The formation sequence and interface microstructure were determined. It is demonstrated that the ε-Cu(Ag)Zn4 phase appears first and it is followed by the γ-Cu(Ag)5Zn8. The resulting Cu saturated solder transforms into γ phase taking scallop-like shape.
Lamb–Mössbauer factor of powders determined by Mössbauer spectroscopy with resonant detector
Authors: Novák Petr , Schlattauerová Tereza , Procházka Vít , Kopp Josef , Vrba Vlastimil
Published: May 2023

The Lamb–Mössbauer factor is a crucial material parameter for the proper quantitative analysis of Mössbauer experiments. We report on a method for determining the Lamb–Mössbauer factor of powdered samples. It utilizes a resonant Mössbauer spectrometer together with a customized sample preparation, which ensures a homogeneous thickness of the powdered absorbers. Compared with other methods of Lamb‒Mössbauer factor determination, the presented approach is direct and requires only a single Mössbauer measurement. To demonstrate this method, the Lamb–Mössbauer factor of iron(II) oxalate dihydrate samples with varying thickness was measured. The resulting value of the Lamb–Mössbauer factor was 0.38 ± 0.03. The presented approach can be used for a large variety of powdered materials.
Knowledge gap in a cross section of Irish general practitioners prescribing denosumab for osteoporosis
Authors: Reilly Eimear O’ , Fitzpatrick Donal , Lannon Rosaleen , McCarroll Kevin
Published: May 2023

Background

Denosumab is commonly used by general practitioners (GPs) in Ireland to treat osteoporosis though drug holidays are not recommended with rebound bone loss and risk of vertebral fractures if stopped. We aimed to investigate GP practice and knowledge regarding denosumab including use and reasons for use, therapy duration, blood monitoring and recommended vitamin D status/calcium intake on treatment, staff administering, methods of recall, delays in receiving injections, management of and awarenes of guidelines if stopped, reasons for stopping and concerns about same.

Methods

GPs were contacted (n = 846) by email and invited to complete an online anonymous survey comprising 25 questions in January 2022. We collated responses and explored for differences between GP principals/trainers and GP trainees.

Results

There were 146 responses. Sixty-seven percent were female and 50% were GP principal/trainers. Forty-three percent used denosumab as a first line therapy citing convenience in 32% of cases. Half (50%) envisaged therapy for 3–5 years and 15% lifelong use. A fifth (21%) had no concerns about it being stopped (11% trainors vs 31% trainees, P = 0.002). If stopped, 41% cited opting for a drug holiday with monitoring. Forty percent of GPs gave patients a reminder card for the next injection and 27% had an alert system.

Conclusion

We identified a knowledge gap in denosumab prescribing among a sample of Irish GPs. Findings suggest a need for education to increase awareness around denosumab use and to consider recall systems in GP practices as suggested elsewhere to ensure persistence with therapy.
Production method of the Königsaue birch tar documents cumulative culture in Neanderthals
Authors: Schmidt Patrick , Koch Tabea J. , Blessing Matthias A. , Karakostis F. Alexandros , Harvati Katerina , Dresely Veit , Charrié-Duhaut Armelle
Published: May 2023

Birch tar is the oldest synthetic substance made by early humans. The earliest such artefacts are associated with Neanderthals. According to traditional interpretations, their study allows understanding Neanderthal tool behaviours, skills and cultural evolution. However, recent work has found that birch tar can also be produced with simple processes, or even result from fortuitous accidents. Even though these findings suggest that birch tar per se is not a proxy for cognition, they do not shed light on the process by which Neanderthals produced it, and, therefore, cannot evaluate the implications of that behaviour. Here, we address the question of how tar was made by Neanderthals. Through a comparative chemical analysis of the two exceptional birch tar pieces from Königsaue (Germany) and a large reference birch tar collection made with Stone Age techniques, we found that Neanderthals did not use the simplest method to make tar. Rather, they distilled tar in an intentionally created underground environment that restricted oxygen flow and remained invisible during the process. This degree of complexity is unlikely to have been invented spontaneously. Our results suggest that Neanderthals invented or developed this process based on previous simpler methods and constitute one of the clearest indicators of cumulative cultural evolution in the European Middle Palaeolithic.
A taxonomy of data governance decision domains in data marketplaces
Authors: Abraham Rene , Schneider Johannes , vom Brocke Jan
Published: May 2023

Commercializing data and data-related services has gained in importance in recent years. Driven by digitalization and the Internet-of-Things (IoT), companies and individuals continuously generate vast amounts of data. Data marketplaces have emerged to support these data providers in selling their data to different data consumers. However, data marketplaces face challenges in different data governance decision domains that inhibit their adoption. To get a better understanding of how data marketplaces counteract these challenges, this paper develops a taxonomy of data governance decision domains in data marketplaces. We used a taxonomy development method to inspect 13 data marketplaces from eight countries. The resulting taxonomy shows an overview of mechanisms concerning data quality, data security, data architecture, metadata, data lifecycle, data storage, and data pricing. We discuss common instantiation patterns, highlight gaps, and propose possible solutions. The taxonomy sets a foundation for further research and theory-building on data marketplaces. Practitioners can use the taxonomy to develop customized data governance strategies for data marketplaces.
CT based intratumor and peritumoral radiomics for differentiating complete from incomplete capsular characteristics of parotid pleomorphic adenoma: a two-center study
Authors: Li Shuang , Su Xiaorui , Ning Youquan , Zhang Simin , Shao Hanbing , Wan Xinyue , Tan Qiaoyue , Yang Xibiao , Peng Juan , Gong Qiyong , Yue Qiang
Published: May 2023

Objective

Capsular characteristics of pleomorphic adenoma (PA) has various forms. Patients without complete capsule has a higher risk of recurrence than patients with complete capsule. We aimed to develop and validate CT-based intratumoral and peritumoral radiomics models to make a differential diagnosis between parotid PA with and without complete capsule.

Methods

Data of 260 patients (166 patients with PA from institution 1 (training set) and 94 patients (test set) from institution 2) were retrospectively analyzed. Three Volume of interest (VOIs) were defined in the CT images of each patient: tumor volume of interest (VOItumor), VOIperitumor, and VOIintra-plus peritumor. Radiomics features were extracted from each VOI and used to train nine different machine learning algorithms. Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the curve (AUC).

Results

The results showed that the radiomics models based on features from VOIintra-plus peritumor achieved higher AUCs compared to models based on features from VOItumor. The best performing model was Linear discriminant analysis, which achieved an AUC of 0.86 in the tenfold cross-validation and 0.869 in the test set. The model was based on 15 features, including shape-based features and texture features.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the feasibility of combining artificial intelligence with CT-based peritumoral radiomics features can be used to accurately predict capsular characteristics of parotid PA. This may assist in clinical decision-making by preoperative identification of capsular characteristics of parotid PA.
Machine learning techniques in estimation of eggplant crop evapotranspiration
Authors: Cemek Bilal , Tasan Sevda , Canturk Aslıhan , Tasan Mehmet , Simsek Halis
Published: May 2023

This study predicted the daily evapotranspiration of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) under full and deficit irrigation in the Bafra district of Samsun province, Turkey, using machine learning methods. Artificial neural networks (ANNs), deep neural networks (DNN), M5 model tree (M5Tree), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), k-nearest neighbor (kNN), and adaptive boosting were investigated as machine learning approaches. Determination of evapotranspiration in this study consists of three methods: (i) The reference evapotranspiration (ETo) was obtained from the Food and Agriculture Organization-56 Penman–Monteith equation, (ii) the values of evapotranspiration (ETc) calculated by multiplying the reference evapotranspiration by the crop coefficient (Kc), and (iii) the values of evapotranspiration (ETa) measured using soil water balance between successive soil water measurements as the outputs. The model’s performance in ETo estimation was higher when minimum and maximum temperature (Tmax and Tmin), wind speed (u2), average relative humidity (RHavg), solar radiation (Rs), and days of the year were used as inputs. The best performance was obtained in the ANN model with a coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.984, a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.098 mm d−1, a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 0.153 mm d−1, and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.983. The model’s performance in ETc estimation was significantly improved with the addition of leaf area index (LAI) and crop height (hc) to the climate parameters (MAE and RMSE values decreased by 22.6 and 23.2%, respectively). The accuracy of ETc estimation for some plant traits (hc and LAI) and average temperature (Tavg) was sufficient. The best statistical performance in estimating ETa was obtained by the RF model (Tavg, u2, RHavg, and Rs) using climate parameters. DNN proved to be the least successful model compared to the other six models in predicting ETo, ETc, and ETa.
Is Transparency a ‘Free Lunch’? Evidence from the Italian Local Health Authorities
Authors: Ferrara Paolo Lorenzo , Guccio Calogero , Scaglioni Carla
Published: May 2023

The healthcare is often considered one of the sectors most prone to corruption, and transparency policies have been proposed in several countries to fight bribery and corruption. Indeed, the transparency of public bodies potentially plays a relevant role in preventing misbehaviour and favouring accountability. This study contributes to a broader understanding of the role of transparency in the healthcare sector using Italy as a case study. For this purpose, we first built a composite indicator to assess the differences in transparency, performance, and integrity between Italian local health authorities (LHAs) retrieving the administrative data available on their websites. Then, we used both non-parametric method and multivariate regression to explore the relationship between the performance of different expenditure functions (total production costs, administrative costs, and medical and non-medical-related service costs) at the LHA level and the transparency index. Our results show a wide difference in transparency, performance, and integrity among LHAs that does not always follow the classic north–south divide in Italy. In addition, we find results consistent with the idea that transparency is generally associated with a better capability of LHAs in the containment of healthcare expenditure while imposing larger administrative burdens. Overall, reforms promoting transparency impose administrative costs, which policymakers should bear in mind to develop less burdensome transparency measures, as they might not be a ‘free lunch’.
Metal-Free 2D/2D van der Waals Heterojunction Based on Covalent Organic Frameworks for Highly Efficient Solar Energy Catalysis
Authors: Yan Ge , Sun Xiaodong , Zhang Yu , Li Hui , Huang Hongwei , Jia Baohua , Su Dawei , Ma Tianyi
Published: May 2023

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as a kind of rising star materials in photocatalysis. However, their photocatalytic activities are restricted by the high photogenerated electron–hole pairs recombination rate. Herein, a novel metal-free 2D/2D van der Waals heterojunction, composed of a two-dimensional (2D) COF with ketoenamine linkage (TpPa-1-COF) and 2D defective hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), is successfully constructed through in situ solvothermal method. Benefitting from the presence of VDW heterojunction, larger contact area and intimate electronic coupling can be formed between the interface of TpPa-1-COF and defective h-BN, which make contributions to promoting charge carriers separation. The introduced defects can also endow the h-BN with porous structure, thus providing more reactive sites. Moreover, the TpPa-1-COF will undergo a structural transformation after being integrated with defective h-BN, which can enlarge the gap between the conduction band position of the h-BN and TpPa-1-COF, and suppress electron backflow, corroborated by experimental and density functional theory calculations results. Accordingly, the resulting porous h-BN/TpPa-1-COF metal-free VDW heterojunction displays outstanding solar energy catalytic activity for water splitting without co-catalysts, and the H2 evolution rate can reach up to 3.15 mmol g−1 h−1, which is about 67 times greater than that of pristine TpPa-1-COF, also surpassing that of state-of-the-art metal-free-based photocatalysts reported to date. In particular, it is the first work for constructing COFs-based heterojunctions with the help of h-BN, which may provide new avenue for designing highly efficient metal-free-based photocatalysts for H2 evolution.
Mental Health Concerns and Help-Seeking Behaviors Among Adolescents in High Socioeconomic Status Groups: A Scoping Review
Authors: Matar Jodie. L. , Laletas Stella , Lubman Dan. I.
Published: May 2023

There is growing evidence that adolescents in high socioeconomic status groups may be at increased risk for some mental health concerns. This scoping review aims to synthesize empirical literature from 2010 to 2021 on mental health concerns and help-seeking behaviors among this adolescent group. Six comprehensive electronic databases yielded 1316 studies that were systematically reviewed in Covidence to identify relevant research. PRISMA-ScR analysis was used. Eighty-three studies met the eligibility requirements. NVivo was employed for coding, data extraction, and analysis. Key findings suggest substance use, in particular, alcohol, is the main mental health concern among adolescents in high socioeconomic status groups. Other main mental health concerns were externalizing and risk behaviors, bullying, depression, anxiety and stress. These concerns were shown to be influenced by parents, peers, school, and neighborhood contextual factors. Three emerging subgroups were identified as being at higher risk of mental health concerns among adolescents in high socioeconomic status groups. Specifically, adolescents residing in boarding schools, those with high subjective social status (e.g., popular) or low academic performance. Being pressured by parents to perform well academically was identified as a risk-factor for substance use, depression and anxiety. Albeit limited, areas explored for help-seeking behaviors centered on formal, semi-formal and informal support. Further research examining multi-level socioeconomic status factors and mental health concerns and help-seeking behaviors are urgently needed to inform appropriate interventions for this under-represented group.
Automation Strategies for the Photogrammetric Reconstruction of Pipelines
Authors: Hart Lukas , Knoblach Stefan , Möser Michael
Published: May 2023

A responsible use of energy resources is currently more important than ever. For the effective insulation of industrial plants, a three-camera measurement system was, therefore, developed. With this system, the as-built geometry of pipelines can be captured, which is the basis for the production of a precisely fitting and effective insulation. In addition, the digital twin can also be used for Building Information Modelling, e.g. for planning purposes or maintenance work. In contrast to the classical approach of processing the images by calculating a point cloud, the reconstruction is performed directly on the basis of the object edges in the image. For the optimisation of the, initially purely geometrically calculated components, an adjustment approach is used. In addition to the image information, this approach takes into account standardised parameters (such as the diameter) as well as the positional relationships between the components and thus eliminates discontinuities at the transitions. Furthermore, different automation approaches were developed to facilitate the evaluation of the images and the manual object recognition in the images for the user. For straight pipes, the selection of the object edges in one image is sufficient in most cases to calculate the 3D cylinder. Based on the normalised diameter, the missing depth can be derived approximately. Elbows can be localised on the basis of coplanar neighbouring elements. The other elbow parameters can be determined by matching the back projection with the image edges. The same applies to flanges. For merging multiple viewpoints, a transformation approach is used which works with homologous components instead of control points and minimises the orthogonal distances between the component axes in the datasets.
Reparation Policy in Gendered Political Violence: Gendered Torture During the Dictatorship and the Recent “Social Explosion” in Chile
Authors: Cubillos-Vega Carla
Published: May 2023

This study explores the gendered violence dimension present in the torture exerted in Chile and the problems that continue to affect the reparation policies. The analysis covers the cases of political prisoners during the Chilean dictatorship (1973–1990) and that of the people detained within the context of the social protest of October 18, 2019. The methodology used for this study includes desk research on secondary sources on gendered political violence and torture such as scholarly books, journalistic and academic articles, and non-governmental organization reports, analyzing their contents from a perspective based on human rights and gender. We argue that the crystallization of gender-based violence exerted by Chilean State agents is linked to the biases present in post-dictatorship reparation policy and reflect on the impact of these biases on the assurances of non-repetition of human rights violations.
Verräterische Diskretion
Authors: Franzen Johannes
Published: May 2023

Anonymität oder markierte Pseudonymität deuten an, dass die Autor:in eines Textes sich in Gefahr befindet. Die Nichtnennung des Namens soll vor negativen Konsequenzen schützen. Ein solcher Schutz wäre bei einer fiktionalen Erzählung eigentlich nicht nötig, da die Erfundenheit von Handlung und Figuren referenzialisierende Lesarten ausschließen sollte. Trotzdem werden auch fiktionale Texte immer wieder anonym veröffentlicht. Diese Form der Publikation dient zwar vordergründig als Diskretionsstrategie, fungiert aber inoffiziell oft auch als Faktualitätssignal, das eine gefährliche oder skandalöse Realität hinter der Fiktion andeutet. So kann prekäre Autorschaft aufmerksamkeitsökonomisch effektiv inszeniert werden.
Natur, Recht, Kultur
Authors: Vollhardt Friedrich
Published: May 2023

In der auf verschiedene Disziplinen verteilten Forschung zur Frühen Neuzeit − Geschichte, Religion, Philosophie, Recht, Literatur − gilt es als ausgemacht, dass Samuel Pufendorf (1632–1694) zu den herausragenden Vertretern des modernen, säkularen Naturrechts gehört, dessen Werk über ein Jahrhundert eine kaum zu überschätzende Wirkung entfaltete. Wann hat die mit dem Namen von Pufendorf verbundene Forschungsentwicklung begonnen? Der Beitrag untersucht die wissenschaftsgeschichtliche Fragestellung am Beispiel der juristischen Dissertation von Hans Welzel (1904–1977), die 1931 in einem Teildruck in der DVjs erschienen ist.
Mediävistik zwischen Literaturwissenschaft und Geistesgeschichte
Authors: Kiening Christian , Reichlin Susanne
Published: May 2023

Für die 1923 ins Leben gerufene DVjs sollten gemäß dem Programm ihrer Gründer das Mittelalter und die mittelalterliche Literatur eine wichtige Rolle spielen. Der vorliegende Beitrag analysiert, wie dieses Programm in der Praxis realisiert und wie das Verhältnis von Literaturwissenschaft und Geistesgeschichte in wechselnden Perspektiven konturiert wurde: von den frühen Ansätzen eines Günther Müller, Wolfgang Stammler oder Walther Rehm bis hin zu den Neubegründungen der Nachkriegszeit bei Hugo Kuhn. Sichtbar wird ein Stück Wissenschaftsgeschichte der germanistischen Mediävistik, das heute noch Aktualität besitzt.
Heat transfer and flow around curved corner cylinder: effect of attack angle
Authors: Abdelhamid Talaat , Rahma Ahmed G. , Alam Md. Mahbub , Chen Rongliang , Islam Md. , Zhou Qiang , Zhu Hongjun
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study is to investigate the fluid flow structure and heat transfer from an isothermal cylinder with a curved corner radius ratio (r/R) of 0.5, and attack angle (α) is varied between 0° ≤ α ≤ 45°. The cylinder is subjected to airflow at a Reynolds number (Re) = 180 and Prandtl number (Pr) = 0.7. This study focuses on the effect of α on the fluid forces, Strouhal number, Nusselt number, and flow structure, and wake bubble size. The sensitivity of the time-mean drag and lift forces is investigated to α, and they appear to be minimum at critical α of 5° and 12°, respectively. The increase of α from 0 to 45° results in about 12.9% enhancement in the heat transfer from the cylinder.
Denitrification is not Necessarily the Main Source of N2O from Rewetted Fens
Authors: Berendt Jacqueline , Wrage-Mönnig Nicole
Published: May 2023

Drained agricultural peatlands are being increasingly rewetted for global warming mitigation. This creates novel ecosystems, with unclear effects on nitrogen cycling. Therefore, we aim to understand the impact of rewetting on nitrous oxide (N2O) production and its sources. Soil samples from pairs of sites differing in water regime (drained [D] and rewetted [W]) and peatland type (coastal fen [C], percolation fen [P] and alder forest [A]) in North-Eastern Germany were analyzed for microbial production pathways of N2O using the dual-isotope method with four tracers (H218O, N18O3−, 15NO3−, 15NH4+) in a laboratory incubation experiment. Unexpectedly, the largest N2O fluxes were found for rewetted sites. In four sites, denitrification dominated N2O production (80—90%). Only CW and AD displayed almost equal contributions of N2O from NO3− and NH4+, showing also largest maximum contributions of nitrifier denitrification (44–48%). Nitrification contributed less than 8% in all soils. Less than 20% of N2O was from nitrification-coupled denitrification. Soil samples with high initial water content, requiring drying prior to preincubation, displayed largest emissions, irrespective of peatland type or field water regime. Interestingly, if field conditions were dry and water was added for the preincubation, the contribution of nitrifiers to N2O production was increased, in line with larger concentrations of NO3−. The results confirm the enhancing effect of drainage on N2O fluxes. However, they also indicate a legacy effect of previous conditions on sources of N2O. Overall, short-term changes in water content had strong effects on fluxes, but not sources of N2O.
The Efficacy of Dienogest in Reducing Disease and Pain Recurrence After Endometriosis Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Muzii Ludovico , Di Tucci Chiara , Galati Giulia , Carbone Fabiana , Palaia Innocenza , Bogani Giorgio , Perniola Giorgia , Tomao Federica , Kontopantelis Evangelos , Di Donato Violante
Published: May 2023

The objective of this study is to determine whether dienogest therapy after endometriosis surgery reduces the risk of recurrence compared with placebo or alternative treatments (GnRH agonist, other progestins, and estro-progestins). The design used in this study is systematic review with meta-analysis. The data source includes PubMed and EMBASE searched up to March 2022. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in accordance with guidelines from the Cochrane Collaboration. Keywords such as “dienogest,” “endometriosis surgery,” “endometriosis treatment,” and “endometriosis medical therapy” were used to identify relevant studies. The primary outcome was recurrence of endometriosis after surgery. The secondary outcome was pain recurrence. An additional analysis focused on comparing side effects between groups. Nine studies were eligible, including a total of 1668 patients. At primary analysis, dienogest significantly reduced the rate of cyst recurrence compared with placebo (p < 0.0001). In 191 patients, the rate of cyst recurrence comparing dienogest vs GnRHa was evaluated, but no statistically significant difference was reported. In the secondary analysis, a trend toward reduction of pain at 6 months was reported in patients treated with dienogest over placebo, with each study reporting a significantly higher reduction of pain after dienogest treatment. In terms of side effects, dienogest treatment compared with GnRHa significantly increased the rate of spotting (p = 0.0007) and weight gain (p = 0.03), but it was associated with a lower rate of hot flashes (p = 0.0006) and a trend to lower incidence of vaginal dryness. Dienogest is superior to placebo and similar to GnRHa in decreasing rate of recurrence after endometriosis surgery. A significantly higher reduction of pain after dienogest compared with placebo was reported in two separate studies, whereas a trend toward reduction of pain at 6 months was evident at meta-analysis. Dienogest treatment compared with GnRHa was associated with a lower rate of hot flashes and a trend to lower incidence of vaginal dryness.
An Army Marches on Its Stomach: Comparing Military Provisioning across North American Sixteenth- to Nineteenth-Century Forts
Authors: Welker Martin H. , Mathwich Nicole M.
Published: May 2023

Military garrisons in North America were provisioned with a diet based primarily on domesticates. A relationship between colonial diets and nationality has been an assumed truism, encouraging the belief that colonial diets were static and predetermined by European norms and leading to devaluation of colonists’ adaptability and agency. We challenge that perspective using zooarchaeological data on soldiers’ diets at 49 American fortifications in North America. Statistical comparisons reveal that some sites relied heavily on provisioned livestock, while others did not. Dietary patterns were significantly impacted by accessibility, length of occupation, garrison size, and local infrastructure. This evidence suggests that reliance on wild game was an adaptive response to local environmental and cultural factors influencing the accessibility of preferred domesticates, regardless of nationality.
A Test of Hirschman’s Hiding Hand Principle in World Bank-Financed Hydropower Projects
Authors: Olasehinde-Williams Godwin , Jenkins Glenn P.
Published: May 2023

This study is an attempt to determine whether the need to get hydropower project appraisals perfectly right during the pre-construction phase, so as to prevent significant overruns along with benefit shortfalls, should supersede the need to deliver projects at the earliest possible time so as to meet the needs of the people. To achieve the study objective, we test whether the Hiding Hand principle is predominantly benevolent or malevolent. We argue that if the Hiding Hand is benevolent, then project stakeholders are better off focusing on the quick delivery of power projects; however, if it is malevolent, then more attention should be given to perfecting project appraisals. It transpires from the statistical analysis that the Benevolent Hiding Hand dominates the Malevolent Hiding Hand in the selected World Bank-financed hydropower projects (33% v. 21%), and that ultimately, 75% of the projects were even more successful than anticipated—while 25% of the projects failed. Our findings further show that while a total loss of 2.335 billion USD in the sampled dams was caused by the Malevolent Hiding Hand, 11.259 billion USD was gained as a result of the Benevolent Hiding Hand. The predominance of the Benevolent Hiding Hand justifies placing some weight on proceeding with hydropower projects that show significant promise even if all the implantation risks are not fully quantified at the appraisal stage, especially in developing countries.