bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful large-scale and long-term kelp forest restoration by culling sea urchins with quicklime and supported by crab predation
Authors: Christie Hartvig , Moy Frithjof E , Fagerli Camilla W , Rinde Eli , Strand Mette , Tveiten Lise A , Strand Hans K
Published: October 2024

In 2013, a large scale (70 hectare) kelp forest restoration experiment was conducted in a sea urchin barren that had been stable for 45 years. We used 200 tons of quicklime to eradicate the sea urchin population. Kelp recovered within a year in the lime-treated sites. Quickliming did not significantly affect the abundance of non-target species. Mobile kelp fauna colonized the restored kelps, but at a slower rate than kelp and other macroalgae, probably due to slower dispersal abilities. The monitoring period (2012–2021) encompassed the expansion of invasive red king crabs, which emerged as a novel predator of sea urchins. This led to a gradual decline in sea urchin populations and facilitated kelp recovery also in the control sites. This delayed recovery does not invalid the conclusions of the short-term efficiency of the quicklime treatment, but it makes it difficult to conclude about the long-term effects. The study shows that quickliming can initiate kelp recovery within large urchin barrens. We postulate that the recovery of kelps outside the limed areas was due to crab predation, and that successful kelp restoration in areas with recruitment of sea urchins depends on a persistent top-down control of the urchins.
Fabrication of optimized partial-reflection coatings for mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Niewczas Dominika , Pierścińska Dorota , Sobczak Grzegorz , Kozłowski Paweł , Krząstek Agata , Stefaniuk Tomasz , Pierściński Kamil
Published: October 2024

This study presents both numerical modeling and experimental fabrication of three different partial-reflection (PR) coatings each optimized for quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) that emit radiation in the mid-infrared range. A novel double-layer PR coating comprising silicon dioxide (SiO2) and silicon nitride (Si3N4) was proposed as a potential solution for compatibility with QCLs fabrication processes. Subsequently, the PR coating was compared with two well-known PR coatings: a single layer of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and a single layer of yttrium oxide (Y2O3). The coatings were designed to reduce the reflectivity of the front laser mirror from 30% to approximately 13%. The thickness of the dielectric layers was optimized for lasers emitting at 4.4 μm, with applicability in the 2.5–6 μm range. The proposed double-layer coating achieved the desired reflectivity while reducing the total coating thickness by 120 nm. By using the presented coatings it will be possible to increase the optical power of Mid-Infrared QCLs.
Land use drives prokaryotic community composition of directly adjacent grasslands
Authors: Martínez-Cuesta Rubén , Holmer Anna , Buegger Franz , Dannenmann Michael , Schloter Michael , Schulz Stefanie
Published: October 2024

Understanding the impact of agricultural land use on the soil prokaryotic communities in connected downslope sites is crucial for developing sustainable strategies to preserve ecosystem properties and mitigate agriculture’s environmental impacts. In this study, we investigated topsoil samples collected at three time points in 2022 (March, June, and November) from two adjacent catenas, reaching from hillslope to floodplain. The catenas differed in land use (extensive grassland vs. extensive cropland) at the top and middle parts, while the floodplain remained an extensive grassland due to legal restrictions. Using quantitative real-time PCRs and metabarcoding, we assessed prokaryotic abundance and prokaryotic community composition. Results show higher bacterial abundance in the cropland-influenced floodplain part across all time points compared to the grassland-influenced floodplain part. Temporal dynamics revealed a progressive decrease in the shared prokaryotic communities of the floodplain parts, peaking at the summer sampling time point, indicating a significant influence of the respective management type of the agricultural sites over the bacterial and archaeal communities of the floodplain parts. Differential abundance analyses identified several nitrifying taxa as more abundant in the cropland-influenced floodplain. Upstream land use also influenced the prokaryotic network of the cropland-floodplain, with some cropland taxa becoming keystone taxa and altering network morphology, an effect not observed in the grassland-influenced floodplain. These findings suggest that upstream agricultural land use practices have exerted a long-term influence on the floodplain prokaryotic communities over the past three decades. Moreover, there is evidence suggesting that these prokaryotic communities may undergo a potential reset during winter, which requires further investigation.
Staging Paradox and recurrence pattern among stage IIB, IIC, and IIIA Colon cancers: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liao Yu-Tso , Huang John , Hung Ji-Shiang , Huang Kai-Wen , Liang Jin-Tung
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The survival rates of patients with stage IIB and IIC colon cancer are paradoxically inferior to that of patients with stage IIIA colon cancer. This study aimed to examine the oncological outcomes and investigate the factors that could affect the staging paradox among stage IIB, IIC, and IIIA colon cancers based on a 9-year cancer database.

Methods

Patients with stage IIB (pT4aN0M0), IIC (pT4bN0M0), or IIIA (pT1-2N1M0) colon cancer were retrospectively selected from a prospectively maintained medical database from January 2011 to December 2019. Factors that might influence the staging paradox, including radicality, harvested lymph nodes, and chemotherapy administration, were examined.

Results

A total of 282 patients (stage IIB, n = 59; stage IIC, n = 46; and stage IIIA, n = 177) were enrolled. Patients with stage IIB/C cancer demonstrated higher carcinoembryonic antigen levels, larger tumor size, more frequent tumor obstruction, and higher locoregional recurrence than those with stage IIIA cancer. With respect to 10-year locoregional recurrence-free survival and cancer-specific survival, patients with stage IIB and IIC cancers had significantly lower survival rates than did those with stage IIIA cancer (73.7% vs. 66.3% vs. 91.2%, P = 0.0003; 5.4% vs. 10.9% vs. 11.2%, P = 0.0023). The staging paradox persisted in patients who underwent R0 resection, had harvested lymph nodes ≥ 12, and received chemotherapy, as confirmed by multivariate regression analysis.

Conclusions

Based on the inferior oncological outcomes and higher locoregional recurrence rate, this study highlighted the need for intensified cytotoxic chemotherapy specific to this recurrence pattern for patients with stage IIB/C colon cancer.
Alopecia Areata and malignancies: uncertainties clarified by a large-scale population-based study
Authors: Kridin Khalaf , Laufer-Britva Rimma , Jimenez Francisco , Cohen Arnon D. , Kaplan Baruch , Lyakhovitsky Anna
Published: October 2024

The association of AA with malignancies has been a scope of controversy as the current literature is highly inconsistent in this regard. To evaluate the association between AA and hematological malignancies (HMs) and solid malignancies (SMs) using a large-scale, real-life computerized database. A cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the prevalence of HMs and SMs among patients with AA relative to age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched control subjects. Chi-square and t-tests were used for univariate analysis, and a logistic regression model was used for multivariate analysis. The study included 51,561 patients with AA and 51,410 controls. AA was significantly associated with HMs (adjusted OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.07–1.51; P = 0.006). This association was more robust among patients with late-onset AA (≥ 50 years; OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.04–1.71; P = 0.025). On the other hand, AA was not found to be significantly associated with SM (adjusted OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.88–1.06; P = 0.487), excluding among patients with alopecia totalis and universalis (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.03–4.27; P = 0.036). In a granular analysis including 5 HMs and 18 SMs, non-Hodgkin lymphoma was the only malignancy that proved positively associated with AA (adjusted OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.03–1.69; P = 0.028). AA is associated with HMs but not SMs. Further research is warranted to validate our observations in other study cohorts.
Hyperspectral imaging of human liver allografts for prediction of initial graft function
Authors: Vogt Franziska , Wagner Tristan , Katou Shadi , Kneifel Felicia , Vogel Thomas , Morgül Haluk , Houben Philipp , Wahl Philip , Pascher Andreas , Radunz Sonia
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Ischemia reperfusion injury represents a significant yet difficult to assess risk factor for short- and long-term graft impairment in human liver transplantation (LT). As a non-invasive, non-ionizing tool, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is capable of correlating optical properties with organ microperfusion. Hence, we here performed a study of human liver allografts assessed by HSI for microperfusion and prediction of initial graft function.

Methods

Images of liver parenchyma of 37 human liver allografts were acquired at bench preparation, during normothermic machine perfusion (NMP), if applicable, and after reperfusion in the recipient. A specialized HSI acquisition software computed oxygen saturation (StO2), tissue hemoglobin indices (THI), near infrared perfusion indices (NIR), and tissue water indices (TWI). HSI parameters were analyzed for differences with regard to preservation technique, reperfusion sequence and presence of early allograft dysfunction (EAD).

Results

Organ preservation was performed by means of NMP (n = 31) or static cold storage (SCS; n = 6). Patients’ demographics, donor characteristics, presence of EAD (NMP 36.7% vs. SCS 50%, p = 0.6582), and HSI parameters were comparable between both groups of preservation method. In organs developing EAD, NIR at 1, 2, and 4 h NMP and after reperfusion in the recipient was significantly lower (1 h NMP: 18.6 [8.6–27.6] vs. 28.3 [22.5–39.4], p = 0.0468; 2 h NMP: 19.4 [8.7–30.4] vs. 37.1 [27.5–44.6], p = 0.0011; 4 h NMP: 26.0 [6.8–37.1] vs. 40.3 [32.3–49.9], p = 0.0080; reperfusion: 13.0 [11.5–34.3] vs. 30.6 [19.3–44.0], p = 0.0212).

Conclusion

HSI assessment of human liver allografts is feasible during organ preservation and in the recipient. NIR during NMP and after reperfusion might predict the onset of EAD. Larger trials are warranted for assessment of this novel technique in human LT.
Elevated fibrinogen-albumin ratio is an adverse prognostic factor for patients with primarily resected gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jomrich Gerd , Yan Winny , Kollmann Dagmar , Kristo Ivan , Winkler Daniel , Puhr Hannah , lhan-Mutlu Aysegül , Hollenstein Marlene , Asari Reza , Schoppmann Sebastian F.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Serum fibrinogen and albumin play important roles in systemic inflammation and are implicated in tumor progression. The fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) has shown a prognostic impact in several malignancies. This study aims to assess the prognostic value of the pretherapeutic FAR in patients with adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction (AEG) who underwent upfront resection.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent surgical resection at the Department of Surgery at the Medical University of Vienna between 1992 and 2014 were included into this study. Optimal cut-off values were determined with the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve, uni- and multivariate analyzes were calculated by the Cox proportional hazard regression model for overall survival (OS).

Results

Among 135 included patients, the majority were male (79.26%), with a mean age of 66.53 years. Elevated FAR correlated significantly (p = 0.002) with shorter OS in univariate analysis, also confirmed as independent prognostic factor (p = 0.005) in multivariable analysis. The ROC curve of FAR (AUC = 0.744) outperformed fibrinogen (AUC = 0.738) and albumin (AUC = 0.378) in predicting OS for AEG patients.

Conclusion

The FAR serves as an independent prognostic factor for OS in patients undergoing primarily resection for AEG. Given its routine availability and ease of calculation, FAR could help in diagnosis and treatment selection for AEG patients. Further validation studies are warranted to confirm these findings conclusively.
Esophageal tortuosity in achalasia: increased length-to-height ratio predicts inferior symptom relief and esophageal emptying following myotomy
Authors: Barron John O. , Jain Nethra , Toth Andrew J. , Moon Soon , Blackstone Eugene H. , Tasnim Sadia , Sanaka Madhusudhan , Sudarshan Monisha , Baker Mark E. , Murthy Sudish C. , Raja Siva
Published: October 2024

Background

Current classification of achalasia does not account for variability in esophageal tortuosity. The esophageal length-to-height ratio (LHR) was developed to objectively quantify tortuosity, based on the premise that the esophagus must elongate to become tortuous. Hence, we assess the relationship of esophageal tortuosity, measured by LHR, to preoperative patient characteristics and post-myotomy outcomes, including longitudinal symptom relief and esophageal emptying.

Methods

From 01/2014 to 01/2020, 420 eligible adult patients underwent myotomy for achalasia at our institution, 216 (51%) Heller myotomy and 204 (49%) per-oral endoscopic myotomy. LHR was measured on pre- and first postoperative timed barium esophagram (TBE), with larger values signifying greater tortuosity. Variable predictiveness and risk-adjusted longitudinal estimates of symptom relief (Eckardt score ≤ 3) and complete emptying, in relation to LHR and manometric subtype, were estimated.

Results

Median [15th, 85th percentile] preoperative LHR was 1.04 [1.01, 1.10]. Preoperative esophageal width > 3 cm and age > 68 years were most predictive of increased LHR. Increased LHR corresponded with decreases in longitudinal postoperative symptom relief and complete esophageal emptying, with a 4% difference in symptom relief and 20% difference in complete emptying, as LHR increased from 1.0 to 1.16. After adjusting for patient factors, including LHR, manometric subtype was less predictive of symptom relief, with estimated symptom relief occurring in 4% fewer patients with Type III achalasia, compared to Types I and II. Overall, LHR decreased following myotomy in patients with an initially tortuous esophagus.

Conclusion

Length-to-height ratio was the only variable highly predictive of both longitudinal post-myotomy symptom relief and complete esophageal emptying, whereas manometric subtype was less predictive. These findings highlight the importance of tortuosity in the treatment of patients with achalasia, suggesting that inclusion of esophageal morphology in future iterations of achalasia classification is warranted.

Graphical abstract
Symplectic Grassmannians and cyclic quivers
Authors: Feigin Evgeny , Lanini Martina , Micheli Matteo , Pütz Alexander
Published: October 2024

The goal of this paper is to extend the quiver Grassmannian description of certain degenerations of Grassmann varieties to the symplectic case. We introduce a symplectic version of quiver Grassmannians studied in our previous papers and prove a number of results on these projective algebraic varieties. First, we construct a cellular decomposition of the symplectic quiver Grassmannians in question and develop combinatorics needed to compute Euler characteristics and Poincaré polynomials. Second, we show that the number of irreducible components of our varieties coincides with the Euler characteristic of the classical symplectic Grassmannians. Third, we describe the automorphism groups of the underlying symplectic quiver representations and show that the cells are the orbits of this group. Lastly, we provide an embedding into the affine flag varieties for the affine symplectic group.
Approximation of $$L^\infty $$ functionals with generalized Orlicz norms
Authors: Bertazzoni Giacomo , Eleuteri Michela , Zappale Elvira
Published: October 2024

The aim of this paper is to deal with the asymptotics of generalized Orlicz norms when the lower growth rate tends to infinity. We generalize results proven by Bertazzoni, Harjulehto and Hästö in Journ. of Math. Anal. and Appl. (2024) for integral type energies (in generalized Orlicz spaces), considering milder convexity assumptions. $$\Gamma $$
Γ
-convergence results and related representation theorems in terms of $$L^\infty $$

L
∞

functionals are proven. The convexity hypotheses are completely removed in the variable exponent setting, thus extending the results in Eleuteri-Prinari in Nonlinear Anal. Real. World Appl. (2021) and Prinari-Zappale in JOTA (2020).
Low-degree gravity field coefficients based on inverse GNSS method: insights into hydrological and ice mass change studies
Authors: Nowak Adrian , Zajdel Radosław , Gałdyn Filip , Sośnica Krzysztof
Published: October 2024

The relative displacements of stations from a global network of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) sites provide information on global mass transport. In this study, we use 19 years of global GNSS station displacements from the 3rd International GNSS Service reprocessing campaign to estimate the coefficients of the spherical harmonics of the Earth’s gravity field up to degree and order 8 using the inverse GNSS method based on elastic loading theory. The results indicate that the C30 coefficient can be derived based on GNSS station displacements as an alternative to solutions provided by Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE). GNSS may support GRACE solutions that face the problems of deriving C30, which has fundamental meaning in estimating ice mass changes in polar regions. The recovery of Antarctic ice sheet mass change from January 2007 to December 2020 based on coefficients replaced by GNSS estimates results in a linear trend of − 152 ± 4 Gt/year, in comparison to − 149 ± 2 Gt/year for the replacement based on SLR from GRACE Technical Note #14. The results indicate that the spatial and seasonal patterns of terrestrial water storage changes derived from GNSS are consistent with those estimated using GRACE/GRACE Follow-On and SLR at a few-millimeter level in the Amazon and Brahmaputra River basin regions.
Blutungsstörungen unter hormonellen Kontrazeptiva
Authors: Niggli Angela , Merki-Feld Gabriele Susanne
Published: October 2024

Hormonelle Kontrazeptiva wie Pillen und intrauterine Systeme (IUS) gehören zu den meistverwendeten Verhütungsmethoden. Rein gestagenhaltige Methoden wie Progestin-only-Pillen, Injektionen, Implantate oder IUS stellen für fast alle Frauen eine zuverlässige Option der Kontrazeption dar. Als häufige Nebenwirkung von hormonellen Kontrazeptiva treten Blutungsstörungen auf, deren genaue Ursachen noch ungeklärt sind und die je nach kontrazeptiver Methode variieren können. Unakzeptable Blutungen sind für die Nutzerin belastend und einer der häufigsten Gründe für das Absetzen einer kontrazeptiven Methode. Therapieoptionen bei Blutungsstörungen umfassen unter anderem die Gabe von Östrogenen, Gestagenen oder nichtsteroidalen Antirheumatika.
Does social capital enhance political participation in older adults? Multi-level evidence from the European Quality of Life Survey
Authors: Nyqvist Fredrica , Serrat Rodrigo , Nygård Mikael , Näsman Marina
Published: October 2024

This study explored the role of social capital for non-institutionalised and institutionalised political participation among older adults compared to younger age groups using European Quality of Life Survey data (EQLS) from 2016 and 33 countries (n = 36,908). Multilevel logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the association between individual- and country-level social capital and political participation. Findings revealed that, at the individual level, active associational engagement was positively related to both forms of political participation, while social trust and political trust were linked only to non-institutionalised participation—higher social trust and lower political trust were associated with a greater likelihood of participation. Country-level associational engagement was related to non-institutionalised political participation and country-level political trust with institutionalised participation. For older adults, active associational engagement had stronger individual and contextual effects on non-institutionalised political participation. These results enrich our understanding of political engagement in later life and highlight the unexplored potential for civic involvement among older adults.
Willingness to Pay for Nature Protection: Crowdfunding as a Payment Mechanism
Authors: Cunha-e-Sá Maria A. , Dietrich Til , Faria Ana , Nunes Luis Catela , Ortigão Margarida , Rosa Renato , Vieira-da-Silva Carina
Published: October 2024

In this study, we use a discrete choice experiment to elicit the willingness-to-pay (WTP) for preventing and mitigating the effects of oil spills on marine and coastal ecosystem services, along a particularly vulnerable coastal region of mainland Portugal. We used a split-sample design to analyze the differences between two payment vehicles (PV): a mandatory extra income tax and a voluntary contribution collected by a crowdfunding campaign with a provision point mechanism and a money-back guarantee. The difference between the two PVs is examined in a setting where the local population has a negative perception of the quality of institutions. We find that respondents are more willing to contribute when presented with the crowdfunding version. Also, regardless of the payment vehicle, respondents who express a mistrust in institutions are more likely to choose the status quo. These results suggest the potential of using crowdfunding to support ecosystem services’ conservation initiatives.
The action of mapping class groups on de Rham quasimorphisms
Authors: Bargagnati Giuseppe , Bertolotti Federica , Capovilla Pietro , Milizia Francesco
Published: October 2024

We study the action of the mapping class group on the subspace of de Rham classes in the degree-two bounded cohomology of a hyperbolic surface. In particular, we show that the only fixed nontrivial finite-dimensional subspace is the one generated by the Euler class. As a consequence, we get that the action of the mapping class group on the space of de Rham quasimorphisms has no fixed points.
Non-degenerate metrics, hypersurface deformation algebra, non-anomalous representations and density weights in quantum gravity
Authors: Thiemann T.
Published: October 2024

Classical General Relativity is a dynamical theory of spacetime metrics of Lorentzian signature. In particular the classical metric field is nowhere degenerate in spacetime. In its initial value formulation with respect to a Cauchy surface the induced metric is of Euclidian signature and nowhere degenerate on it. It is only under this assumption of non-degeneracy of the induced metric that one can derive the hypersurface deformation algebra between the initial value constraints which is absolutely transparent from the fact that the inverse of the induced metric is needed to close the algebra. This statement is independent of the density weight that one may want to equip the spatial metric with. Accordingly, the very definition of a non-anomalous representation of the hypersurface deformation algebra in quantum gravity has to address the issue of non-degeneracy of the induced metric that is needed in the classical theory. In the Hilbert space representation employed in Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG) most emphasis has been laid to define an inverse metric operator on the dense domain of spin network states although they represent induced quantum geometries which are degenerate almost everywhere. It is no surprise that demonstration of closure of the constraint algebra on this domain meets difficulties because it is a sector of the quantum theory which is classically forbidden and which lies outside the domain of definition of the classical hypersurface deformation algebra. Various suggestions for addressing the issue such as non-standard operator topologies, dual spaces (habitats) and density weights have been proposed to address this issue with respect to the quantum dynamics of LQG. In this article we summarise these developments and argue that insisting on a dense domain of non-degenerate states within the LQG representation may provide a natural resolution of the issue thereby possibly avoiding the above mentioned non-standard constructions.
Differential Treatment Responses of Maltreated and Neglected Children and Adolescents Following an Evidence-based Multisystemic Intervention
Authors: Buderer Corinna , Kirsch Tom , Pérez Tania , Swenson Cynthia Cupit , Schmid Marc
Published: October 2024

Limited studies have investigated differential treatment responses to family-based treatment programs and subgroup trajectories in youth in a high-risk context. This study pioneered an examination of Multisystemic Therapy for Child Abuse and Neglect (MST-CAN) and built on prior research that identified subgroups with different psychopathologies. Participants included 208 parent–child dyads enrolled in the MST-CAN evaluation in Switzerland. Parents reported their children’s (M
age = 10.27 years, SD
age = 3.5, 44.2% girls, 55.8% boys, 98.6% White) emotional and behavioral problems. Longitudinal data were examined to analyze the differential changes within the pre- and post-treatment (T1 and T2) subgroups. The T1 cluster and T2 cluster were cross-tabulated to examine changes in the symptom class over time. Overall, the treatment proved to be highly beneficial. Subgroup analyses revealed that four out of the five subgroups (80%) showed positive changes in at least two outcome measures. The treatment was most successful for children with externalizing symptoms. Children with multiple symptoms also showed improvements across different symptoms. Regarding specific symptoms, children with anxious-avoidant symptoms benefited from the treatment. Additionally, the treatment was beneficial for children with normative emotions and behavior. Meanwhile, the treatment did not have any significant effects for children with internalizing symptoms. Notably, child neglect was reduced in three (60%) subgroups. The symptom class remained stable across time for children with externalizing and multiple symptoms. Ultimately, MST-CAN reduced emotional and behavioral problems and child neglect in most families. Understanding children’s differential treatment responses to complex treatment programs is essential to adequately address different needs.
A particle-filled hydrogel based on alginate and calcium phosphate nanoparticles as bone adhesive
Authors: Kruse Benedikt , Vasic Katarina , Böker Kai O. , Schilling Arndt F. , Lehmann Wolfgang , Epple Matthias
Published: October 2024

The clinical need for bone adhesives as an alternative to osteosynthesis is evident. However, this is a challenging problem due to the moist environment in surgical sites with bone surfaces covered with blood and biomolecules like lipids or proteins. A nanoparticle-loaded hydrogel that is based on a freeze-dried powder of silica-coated calcium phosphate/carboxymethyl cellulose nanoparticles (CaP/CMC/SiO2) and an aqueous solution of sodium alginate (2 wt%) was developed and optimized with respect to the gluing ability in air and in water. The final paste was crosslinked within about one minute by calcium ions released from the calcium phosphate nanoparticles and contained about 20 wt% nanoparticles and 80 wt% water. The mechanical properties of the hydrogel were determined by extensive rheological tests. The thixotropic pasty hydrogel can be applied with a syringe. The adhesion strength was about 84 kPa between moist bone fragments in air. The hydrogel kept fragments of cortical bone well connected for >3 months during complete submersion in water. Besides water, the material consists only of biocompatible and biodegradable components (calcium phosphate, CMC, alginate). It carries only a very low dose of these materials into the bone site (mainly calcium phosphate nanoparticles). In-vitro cell culture with hMSCs that differentiated to osteoblasts confirmed a good biocompatibility of the bone adhesive formulation.

Graphical Abstract
Investigating constraint programming and hybrid methods for real world industrial test laboratory scheduling
Authors: Geibinger Tobias , Mischek Florian , Musliu Nysret
Published: October 2024

In this paper we deal with a complex real world scheduling problem closely related to the well-known Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem (RCPSP). The problem concerns industrial test laboratories in which a large number of tests are performed by qualified personnel using specialised equipment, while respecting deadlines and other constraints. We present different constraint programming models and search strategies for this problem. Furthermore, we propose a Very Large Neighborhood Search approach based on our CP methods. Our models are evaluated using CP solvers and a MIP solver both on real-world test laboratory data and on a set of generated instances of different sizes based on the real-world data. Further, we compare the exact approaches with VLNS and a Simulated Annealing heuristic. We could find feasible solutions for all instances and several optimal solutions and we show that using VLNS we can improve upon the results of the other approaches.
A hybrid local search algorithm for the continuous energy-constrained scheduling problem
Authors: Brouwer Roel , van den Akker Marjan , Hoogeveen Han
Published: October 2024

We consider the continuous energy-constrained scheduling problem (CECSP). A set of jobs has to be processed on a continuous, shared resource. A schedule for a job consists of a start time, completion time, and a resource consumption profile. The goal is to find a schedule such that each job does not start before its release time, is completed before its deadline, satisfies its full resource requirement, and respects its lower and upper bounds on resource consumption during processing. The objective is to minimize the total weighted completion time. We present a hybrid local search approach, using simulated annealing and linear programming, and compare it to a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) formulation. We show that the hybrid local search approach matches the MILP formulation in solution quality for small instances and is able to find a feasible solution for larger instances in reasonable time.
A Dynamical Approach to the $$\alpha $$–$$\beta $$ Displacive Transition of Quartz
Authors: Carati Andrea , Gangemi Fabrizio , Gangemi Roberto , Galgani Luigi
Published: October 2024

The problem of displacive phase transitions (by which crystals pass on heating from a less symmetric to a more symmetric form) is investigated through numerical integration of the Newton equations of motion for a realistic model, in the paradigmatic case of quartz. Usually such transitions are discussed in terms of the positions of the atoms, while the role of normal modes is emphasized here. The key preliminary property established, in agreement with the indications given by Landau in his thermodynamic-like approach, is that four well definite modes are sufficient to describe the transition, the remaining modes just acting as a noise. The main result is then that such four modes constitute a closed Hamiltonian subsystem presenting an effective potential parametrically dependent on specific energy. The effective potential is actually computed, through (appropriately defined) time-averages of the accelerations of the relevant modes, and is found to describe, as energy is varied, a pitchfork bifurcation, once more confirming in dynamical terms the Landau result. The effective potential also allows one to advance a possible explanation of the “soft mode” phenomenon, namely the occuring, in the Raman spectrum, of a peak whose frequency depends on temperature and vanishes at the transition.
On the manipulator-focused response to manipulation cases
Authors: De Marco Gabriel , Cyr Taylor W.
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we identify a class of responses to cases of manipulation that we label manipulator-focused views. The key insight of such views is that being subject to the will of another agent significantly affects our freedom and moral responsibility. Though different authors take this key insight in different directions, and the mechanics of their views are quite different, these views turn out to share many key components, and this allows us to discuss several authors’ views at the same time, highlighting a variety of challenges for such views and helping to identify pitfalls to avoid in further developments of views of this type. Moreover, as we survey manipulator-focused views and the challenges that plague them, we go beyond the typical problem cases for such views—natural force variations of manipulation cases—and introduce several new manipulation cases. We conclude by comparing the prospects for this family of views with its main rival, namely bypassing views.
Beyond ideal and real types – methodological foundations of typologies in welfare state research
Authors: Höppner Julia
Published: October 2024

In welfare state research, typologies are a frequently applied methodological tool for comparative analyses. They are used for a variety of purposes, such as case selection, for providing a birds-eye perspective on welfare states and their differences and to determine welfare state change. The methodological discussion in welfare state research on the use of typologies is, however, limited because it is centred around the question of whether Esping-Andersen’s (1990) work and other related studies present an ideal type or a real type approach. This is misleading, as both concepts are ambiguous, and there are more relevant aspects when it comes to the characterisation of typologies. Instead, this paper suggests to differentiate between typologies along the four dimensions of a typology’s theoretical foundation, the assessment of cases and the use of qualitative and quantitative attributes and methods. In an integrative literature review, a selection of typological studies of welfare state research is analysed against the background of the suggested classification. Among the studies analysed, assigning country cases to groups is most common what serves the heuristic purpose of these typologies. There are typologies with theoretical types and dimensions and with empirical types and theoretical dimensions, both with a variety of qualitative and/or quantitative attributes and methods. This uncovers the complexity of the typological approaches in welfare state research. In doing so, this paper attempts to simulate a thematically broader and methodologically deeper discussion on typologies in welfare state research.
Experiences with healthcare navigation and bias among adult women with sickle cell disease: a qualitative study
Authors: Wu Jessica K. , McVay Kyler , Mahoney Katherine M. , Sayani Farzana A. , Roe Andrea H. , Cebert Morine
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to use qualitative interviews to understand the experiences of adult women with sickle cell disease (SCD) through daily life and navigating the healthcare system.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with reproductive-aged women with SCD and performed thematic analysis.

Results

We analyzed interviews from 20 participants. Our data demonstrated three overarching themes: perceptions of disease, transitions of care, and stigma and bias. Participants identified feelings of both empowerment and powerlessness from SCD that evolved over time and globally impacted their lives. The transition from pediatric to adult care was a vulnerable period, both surrounding changes in disease character and challenges transitioning healthcare systems. Finally, participants faced discrimination and prejudice within SCD care, which manifested as disvaluing of their own disease expertise or perpetuation of a “drug-seeking” stereotype. In the context of this bias, some participants prioritized seeking same-race providers.

Conclusion

Experiences with SCD contribute significantly to daily quality of life in women with SCD, and ongoing care gaps exist in relation to their disease. Within our population, SCD as a physical and mental stressor requiring interdisciplinary support should not be underestimated. More robust systems to support the transition from pediatric to adult care are also necessary, both on a healthcare institution level and to support patients’ engagement in their care. Finally, provider education and training on anti-racist practice and both recognizing and eliminating bias are essential to improving care of SCD patients. Possible interactions between sex, gender, and race in the experience of SCD warrant further exploration.
Bidirectional association between frailty and quality of life within English longitudinal study of aging
Authors: Alattas Ali , Shuweihdi Farag , Best Kate , Nikolova Silviya , West Robert
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The relationship between quality of life (QoL) and frailty has previously been investigated cross-sectionally and longitudinally as unidirectional where QoL depends upon frailty and where frailty depends on QoL. Here a bidirectional relationship is examined.

Methods

This work uses a latent curve model with structured residuals to address the bidirectional association between QoL and frailty in older English people considering within-person and group levels. The study measures frailty using a functional frailty measure and quality of life using CASP-12. The sample size is 17,529.

Results

There is a strong relationship between QoL (Quality of Life) and frailty, which is almost linear and inversely proportional over time. Although the cross-lagged coefficients from QoL to frailty and vice versa showed statistical significance, the impact was found to be minimal. The time between assessments (which are two years apart) and/or the few observations available per individual may have impacted the effect of this relationship. When accounting for gender, age, net wealth, and multimorbidity, some variations in the results were observed at the group level but not at the within-person level.

Conclusion

The study provides empirical evidence that supports a bidirectional association between QoL and frailty in older individuals who reside at home. These results offer valuable insights for healthcare providers, as participants did not exhibit an advanced need for health services. Additionally, involving participants in evaluating and assessing these services enhances their effectiveness and overall benefit.
Using Survey Data to Estimate Intergenerational Mobility in Income and Education in Portugal
Authors: Clemente-Casinhas Luís , Martins Luís Filipe , Ferreira-Lopes Alexandra
Published: October 2024

Previous studies about intergenerational mobility for the Portuguese economy find that education and income persistence is very high in comparison with other developed economies. We construct relative, absolute, global and local measures of mobility for Portugal, comparing them with existing evidence for this and other countries. These are the intergenerational income elasticity (computed using the two-sample two-stage least squares method), income correlation, rank-rank slope, bottom to top income level probability, the share of individuals earning more than their fathers and also the intergenerational education correlation, the low to high education level probability, and the share of individuals with a higher education level than their fathers. We consider the 1968–1988 cohorts and the 1995 and 2019 waves of the European Community Household Panel and the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions, respectively. Overall, based on the point estimates, women seem to present more mobility in income. Upward income mobility is verified at the bottom while persistence exists at the top. Women present a greater absolute educational mobility. More than 80% of individuals have a higher education than their fathers and full upward education mobility exists for children of low-educated fathers. Mobility in education is higher for the offspring of medium–high-income fathers. Individuals with a high education level, in the medium–high income level or with occupations requiring a higher education level show higher mobility.
The Measurement of Patients’ Satisfaction as a Key Indicator of Quality of Life for the Elderly: Two Services Compared
Authors: Renzi Pietro , Franci Alberto
Published: October 2024

The ageing population and increasing life expectancy in Italy, and in other developed countries, leads to an increasing number of elderly people suffering from loss of autonomy and dangers due to frailty. As a consequence, elderly patients usually suffer from chronic diseases which require long term care, with increasing healthcare needs and costs. Therefore, services provided by home care, day centers and residential services are necessary; their primary objective being to maximize patient well-being and satisfaction. Patient satisfaction is a key indicator of the quality of care and is an important outcome of care in its own right. This study aimed to develop two generic instruments to elicit patients’ satisfaction in residential care and in home care with a rigorous and systematic methodology. The two instruments were tested for psychometric performance with face-to-face interviews and applied to a Local Health District of the Marche Region. Furthermore, due to physical and mentally frailty, many elderly patients in residential homes or receiving home care, are unable to participate in studies on satisfaction with care services, while their carers/partners can often provide relevant information. Therefore, another aim of this study was to measure patients’ and carers’/partners’ agreement on patient satisfaction in the two services investigated. Finally, the principal factors influencing patient satisfaction in the two services investigated were investigated using logistic regression analysis.
The Behavior of Mixed Metal Based Copper–Organic Framework for Uptake of Chlorpyrifos Pesticide from Wastewater and its Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: NourEldin Basma M. , Gahlan Ahmed A. , Mahross Mahmoud H. , Abdelhameed Reda M.
Published: October 2024

Developing effective material for pesticide adsorption is a vital issue to protect the environment from their harmful effects. Copper-based metal–organic frameworks including Cu-BTC and its mixed metal derivatives (Fe-Cu-BTC, Co–Cu-BTC, and Mn-Cu-BTC) were successfully formed. Fe-Cu-BTC, Co–Cu-BTC and Mn-Cu-BTC MOFs were synthesized by direct substituting one Cu atom in Cu-BTC with Fe, Co, or Mn. Their structures were characterized using Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy FTIR, scanning electron microscopy with EDX, Transmission electron microscopy, BET surface area analysis, and Size distribution. Prepared MOFs adsorbed chlorpyrifos from wastewater and their adsorption capacities were compared. Pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isothermal models were the best to describe the adsorption of chlorpyrifos from water. The coordination bonding was the dominant mechanism; physical adsorption, π-π stacking interaction, and hydrogen bonding were also participated in the adsorption process. Cu-BTC, Fe-Cu-BTC, Co–Cu-BTC and Mn-Cu-BTC had elimination capacities of 379, 851, 683, and 762 mg/g, respectively. This study also investigates their antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and they exhibited a good inhibition effect. The inhibition zone of Co–Cu-BTC is greater than Cu-BTC with 1.44, 1.38, and 1.60 times for E. coli, Ps. Aeruginosa, S. aureus, respectively. The synthesized MOFs are promising materials for the removal of chlorpyrifos with effective antimicrobial agents.
Deep Rooting as an Indicator of Deep Soil Water and N Uptake in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Popovic Olga , Jensen Signe Marie , Thorup-Kristensen Kristian
Published: October 2024

Breeding for potato deep roots can increase water and nitrogen uptake by potatoes and it can be an option to maintain stable yields with decreased inputs. This study investigates the relationship between potato root characteristics, water stress resistance and deep soil nitrogen uptake, accessing variations among cultivars and nitrogen fertilization levels. Thirteen potato cultivars were grown during 2018 and 2020 at a semi-field root phenotyping platform in Denmark. Root growth was monitored via minirhizotron tubes down to 1.8 m soil depth. Drought treatment started in the mid-June and deep soil nitrogen uptake was tracked via 15N isotope application at 1.3–1.4 m soil depth during tuber formation. Water stress resilience was identified using 13C natural discrimination process in plants. Tuber samples were analyzed for 15N and 13C content. While drought affected potato yield (not always significantly), it did not affect nitrogen uptake. Root length and distribution varied among varieties, with deeper roots (down to 1.30 m) observed in August. Statistical differences (p < 0.05) in root length, yield and nitrogen uptake were found among varieties. Cultivars with longer growing season exhibited larger, deeper roots and increased nitrogen uptake from deep soil. High correlation (R = 0.8) between deep roots and 15N uptake was observed for all varieties. Deeper roots are contributing to deep soil nitrogen uptake, but 13C content in tubers is not a reliable indicator of water stress resilience. Despite this, the study suggests the potential for breeding potatoes with deep roots to achieve stable yields, considering differences in water and nitrogen uptake among varieties.
Körperliche Aktivität und Wohlbefinden im deutschen Handwerk
Authors: Biallas Bianca , Gorges Jonas , Hofmann Hannah Sophia
Published: October 2024

Hintergrund

Angesichts des Fachkräftemangels im Handwerk, der u. a. durch berufsbedingte Gesundheitsrisiken verschärft wird, gilt es, die gesundheitsbezogenen Potenziale und Ressourcen von Handwerker*innen genauer zu beleuchten. Ziel der Untersuchung ist es, eine umfassende Analyse der körperlichen Aktivität und des subjektiven Wohlbefindens im deutschen Handwerk vorzunehmen.

Methodik

Die Befragung erfolgte mittels computergestützter Telefoninterviews (CATI) und umfasste N = 1830 Handwerker*innen aus festgelegten Gewerken. Die Stichprobe wurde geschichtet und eine Design- und Anpassungsgewichtung berechnet. Die körperliche Aktivität wurde mit der deutschen Version des European Health Interview Survey – Physical Activity Questionnaire (EHIS-PAQ) erfasst, das subjektive Wohlbefinden mittels WHO-5-Wohlbefindens-Index der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO‑5). Die statistische Auswertung erfolgte unter Beachtung vorgegebener Kriterien und Einbeziehung von Gewichtungsfaktoren mit SPSS.

Ergebnisse

Es zeigt sich, dass Handwerker häufiger schwerer körperlicher Arbeit nachgehen als Handwerkerinnen. Die durchschnittliche Zeit, die mit gesundheitsförderlichen Aktivitäten verbracht wird, beträgt 222 min pro Woche, während das mittlere Wohlbefinden bei M = 69,62 liegt. Handwerker*innen, die schwer körperlich arbeiteten, weisen ein schlechteres Wohlbefinden auf als jene mit moderaten und sitzenden Tätigkeiten. Der Unterschied ist jedoch nicht signifikant. Freizeitbezogene Aktivitäten korrelieren signifikant mit dem subjektiven Wohlbefinden.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Ergebnisse bestätigen frühere Untersuchungen, die eine erhöhte arbeitsbezogene Aktivität von Handwerker*innen zeigten. Im Durchschnitt erfüllen deutsche Handwerker*innen die Empfehlungen der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) für gesundheitsförderliche Aktivitäten, jedoch bestehen deutliche Potenziale bei der Durchführung von Aktivitäten zur Muskelkräftigung. Maßnahmen zur Gesundheitsförderung sollten geschlechts- und altersspezifische Unterschiede berücksichtigen sowie an gewerksspezifische Arbeitsanforderungen angepasst werden.