bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing artificial intelligence in international business: Toward a research agenda on sustainable production and consumption
Authors: Hasan Rakibul , Ojala Arto
Published: February 2024

The collaboration between artificial intelligence (AI) and humans is reshaping international business (IB) management dynamics, aiming to achieve global sustainable development. Recent IB literature indicates that managing AI brings benefits such as better resource reconfiguration, reduced transaction costs, and global sustainable development. However, existing IB literature provides only meager knowledge about the characteristics of AI and how these characteristics can be employed for international expansion at the intersection of sustainable development. In response, our aim is to construct these characteristics by employing directed qualitative content analysis of empirical AI research. Based on our three constructed characteristics of AI, we contribute to current IB literature by providing a framework to balance economic and social goals and utilizing AI for global sustainable development. Further, we provide future IB research themes to guide IB and AI research toward achieving a sustainable production and consumption agenda.
Simulations of multiple breeding strategy scenarios in common bean for assessing genomic selection accuracy and model updating
Authors: Chiaravallotti Isabella , Lin Jennifer , Arief Vivi , Jahufer Zulfi , Osorno Juan M. , McClean Phil , Jarquin Diego , Hoyos‐Villegas Valerio
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the ridge regression best linear unbiased prediction model across different traits, parent population sizes, and breeding strategies when estimating breeding values in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Genomic selection was implemented to make selections within a breeding cycle and compared across five different breeding strategies (single seed descent, mass selection, pedigree method, modified pedigree method, and bulk breeding) following 10 breeding cycles. The model was trained on a simulated population of recombinant inbreds genotyped for 1010 single nucleotide polymorphism markers including 38 known quantitative trait loci identified in the literature. These QTL included 11 for seed yield, eight for white mold disease incidence, and 19 for days to flowering. Simulation results revealed that realized accuracies fluctuate depending on the factors investigated: trait genetic architecture, breeding strategy, and the number of initial parents used to begin the first breeding cycle. Trait architecture and breeding strategy appeared to have a larger impact on accuracy than the initial number of parents. Generally, maximum accuracies (in terms of the correlation between true and estimated breeding value) were consistently achieved under a mass selection strategy, pedigree method, and single seed descent method depending on the simulation parameters being tested. This study also investigated model updating, which involves retraining the prediction model with a new set of genotypes and phenotypes that have a closer relation to the population being tested. While it has been repeatedly shown that model updating generally improves prediction accuracy, it benefited some breeding strategies more than others. For low heritability traits (e.g., yield), conventional phenotype‐based selection methods showed consistent rates of genetic gain, but genetic gain under genomic selection reached a plateau after fewer cycles. This plateauing is likely a cause of faster fixation of alleles and a diminishing of genetic variance when selections are made based on estimated breeding value as opposed to phenotype.
Psychological symptoms and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in China: A multicenter study
Authors: Zhang Jixiang , Liu Chuan , An Ping , Chen Min , Wei Yuping , Li Jinting , Zeng Suqi , Xiang Dan , Cai Yanhui , Li Jun , Chen Baili , Cui Liqian , Qian Jiaming , Liu Zhongchun , Jiang Changqing , Shi Jie , Wu Kaichun , Dong Weiguo ,   Psychology Club of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Group, Chinese Society of Gastroenterology, Chinese Medical Association; Chinese Association for Mental Hygiene
Published: February 2024

Aims

To investigate the current situation of mental psychology and quality of life (QoL) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in China, and analyze the influencing factors.

Methods

A unified questionnaire was developed to collect clinical data on IBD patients from 42 hospitals in 22 provinces from September 2021 to May 2022. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted, and independent influencing factors were screened out to construct nomogram. The consistency index (C‐index), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, area under the ROC curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the discrimination, accuracy, and clinical utility of the nomogram model.

Results

A total of 2478 IBD patients were surveyed, including 1371 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 1107 patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Among them, 25.5%, 29.7%, 60.2%, and 37.7% of IBD patients had anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance and poor QoL, respectively. The proportion of anxiety, depression, and poor QoL in UC patients was significantly higher than that in CD patients (all p < 0.05), but there was no difference in sleep disturbance between them (p = 0.737). Female, higher disease activity and the first visit were independent risk factors for anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance in IBD patients (all p < 0.05). The first visit, higher disease activity, abdominal pain and diarrhea symptoms, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance were independent risk factors for the poor QoL of patients (all p < 0.05). The AUC value of the nomogram prediction model for predicting poor QoL was 0.773 (95% CI: 0.754–0.792). The calibration diagram of the model showed that the calibration curve fit well with the ideal curve, and DCA showed that the nomogram model could bring clinical benefits.

Conclusion

IBD patients have higher anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance, which affect their QoL. The nomogram prediction model we constructed has high accuracy and performance when predicting QoL.
Patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis in Denmark have higher use of psychotropic drugs: A Danish nationwide study of psychotropic drug use in 3367 patients and 16,835 matched comparators
Authors: Øvlisen Andreas Kiesbye , Frandsen Line Tegtmeier , Hollænder Martin , Bredal Kasper , Terkelsen Jacob Holmen , Kragholm Kristian Hay , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Melgaard Dorte , Krarup Anne Lund
Published: February 2024

Background

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, immune‐mediated disease of the oesophagus. Eosinophilic oesophagitis is associated with a substantial disease burden affecting the quality of life and affecting mental health. There are limited data describing the incidence of psychiatric disorders and the use of psychotropic drugs (PDs) in EoE patients.

Objectives

The aim was to investigate whether EoE patients in Denmark have higher use of PDs, contacts with the department of psychiatry, and attempts of suicide or intentional self‐harm compared with the general population after being diagnosed with EoE.

Methods

This study was a nationwide, population‐based register study including 3367 EoE patients and 16,835 age‐ and sex‐matched comparators. A register‐based EoE definition was used to identify cases. Incident PD use was extracted from the prescription register and information regarding psychiatric contacts was retrieved from the Danish Psychiatric Central Research Register.

Results

The 5‐year incidence of PD use in EoE patients was 13.8% compared to 7.1% of the matched comparators (Hazard ratio 1.83; confidence interval 1.6–2.0; p ≤ 0.001). Antidepressants were the most frequently prescribed PD, whereas antipsychotics were the least prescribed PD. Increasing age, lower educational level, and comorbidity (Charlson Comorbidity Index score ≥1) were associated with the prescription of PDs. The risk of PD use was lower in men than in women with EoE.

Conclusion

Treatment with PDs were more common in EoE patients after they were diagnosed than in the general Danish population, indicating that EoE patients have an increased risk of psychiatric disorders.
Trimester‐specific diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for detection of placenta accreta spectrum: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hessami K. , Horgan R. , Munoz J. L. , Norooznezhad A. H. , Nassr A. A. , Fox K. A. , Di Mascio D. , Caldwell M. , Catania V. , D'Antonio F. , Abuhamad A. Z.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for detecting placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) during the first trimester of pregnancy and compare it with the accuracy of second‐ and third‐trimester ultrasound examination in pregnancies at risk for PAS.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant studies published from inception until 10 March 2023. Inclusion criteria were cohort, case–control or cross‐sectional studies that evaluated the accuracy of ultrasound examination performed at < 14 weeks of gestation (first trimester) or ≥ 14 weeks of gestation (second/third trimester) for the diagnosis of PAS in pregnancies with clinical risk factors. The primary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of sonography in detecting PAS in the first trimester, compared with the accuracy of ultrasound examination in the second and third trimesters. The secondary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of each sonographic marker individually across the trimesters of pregnancy. The reference standard was PAS confirmed at pathological or surgical examination. The potential of ultrasound and different ultrasound signs to detect PAS was assessed by computing summary estimates of sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio and positive and negative likelihood ratios.

Results

A total of 37 studies, including 5764 pregnancies at risk of PAS, with 1348 cases of confirmed PAS, were included in our analysis. The meta‐analysis demonstrated that ultrasound had a sensitivity of 86% (95% CI, 78–92%) and specificity of 63% (95% CI, 55–70%) during the first trimester, and a sensitivity of 88% (95% CI, 84–91%) and specificity of 92% (95% CI, 85–96%) during the second/third trimester. Regarding sonographic markers examined in the first trimester, lower uterine hypervascularity exhibited the highest sensitivity (97% (95% CI, 19–100%)), and uterovesical interface irregularity demonstrated the highest specificity (99% (95% CI, 96–100%)). In the second/third trimester, loss of clear zone had the highest sensitivity (80% (95% CI, 72–86%)), and uterovesical interface irregularity exhibited the highest specificity (99% (95% CI, 97–100%)).

Conclusions

First‐trimester ultrasound examination has similar accuracy to second‐ and third‐trimester ultrasound examinations for the diagnosis of PAS. Routine first‐trimester ultrasound screening for patients at high risk of PAS may improve detection rates and allow earlier referral to tertiary care centers for pregnancy management. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Molecular mechanism and promising treatments of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: An exploratory bibliometric analysis and literature review of preclinical studies
Authors: Lao Yongfeng , Guan Xin , Wang Jian , Bai Yanan , Li Zewen , Wang Zhiping , Dong Zhilong
Published: February 2024

Background

As one of the most common diseases in urology, a large number of preclinical studies have been accumulated to explore the etiological mechanism and potential intervention of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).

Methods

In this study, we systematically evaluated the current status of preclinical research on CP/CPPS through bibliometrics analysis using VOSviewer and Citespace. Characteristics of publication such as year, country/region, institution, author, journal, citation, and keywords were analyzed. Based on the bibliometrics analysis results of keywords, we summarized the possible mechanisms and promising treatments for CP/CPPS narratively.

Results

According to the results of this study, the most common mechanisms involved in CP/CPPS were as follows: Disturbed immune and inflammation mediators, immune cell dysfunction, oxidative stress, dysregulated signaling pathways, apoptosis, gut microbiota, and testosterone metabolism. Traditional Chinese Medicine and extracorporeal shock wave therapy have important potential in the treatment of CP/CPPS.

Conclusion

Further translational studies targeting the above mechanisms and validating the objective efficacy of potential treatments indicated by preclinical studies in clinical patients are needed in the future.
Pyelocaliceal diverticula in a ferret (Mustela furo)
Authors: Murciano Glenda , Santa Daniele Della , Melillo Alessandro , Meini Saverio , De Felice Elisa
Published: February 2024

Through uro‐computed tomography in a female ferret sterilised with Deslorelin Acetate implant, it was possible to discriminate the presence of a pyelocaliceal diverticula, differentiating it from a simple cyst. This method made it possible to obtain relevant information that cannot be acquired with ultrasound. Clearly, in animals such as ferrets, in which the incidence of diagnosed renal cysts is conspicuous, lesions that currently appear to be less common should be excluded through advanced diagnostics to understand the real incidence.
Differences in trauma care between district and regional hospitals and impact of a trauma intake form with decision support prompts in Ghana: A stepped‐wedge cluster randomized trial
Authors: Gyedu Adam , Amponsah‐Manu Forster , Awuku Kwabena , Ameyaw Ernest , Korankye Kennedy K. , Donkor Peter , Mock Charles
Published: February 2024

Background

We sought to determine the achievement of key performance indicators (KPIs) of initial trauma care at district (first‐level) and regional (second‐level) hospitals in Ghana and to assess the effectiveness of a standardized trauma intake form (TIF) to improve care.

Methods

A stepped‐wedge cluster randomized trial was performed with direct observations of trauma management before and after introducing the TIF at emergency units of eight hospitals for 17.5 months. Differences in KPIs were assessed using multivariable logistic regression and generalized linear mixed regression.

Results

Management of 4077 patients was observed; 30% at regional and 70% at district hospitals. Eight of 20 KPIs were performed significantly more often at regional hospitals. TIF improved care at both levels. Fourteen KPIs improved significantly at district and eight KPIs improved significantly at regional hospitals. After TIF, regional hospitals still performed better with 18 KPIs being performed significantly more often than district hospitals. After TIF, all KPIs were performed in >90% of patients at regional hospitals. Examples of KPIs for which regional performed better than district hospitals after TIF included: assessment for oxygen saturation (83% vs. 98%) and evaluation for intra‐abdominal bleeding (82% vs. 99%, all p < 0.001). Mortality decreased among seriously injured patients (injury severity score ≥9) at both district (15% before vs. 8% after, p = 0.04) and regional (23% vs. 7%, p = 0.004) hospitals.

Conclusions

TIF improved care and lowered mortality at both hospital levels, but KPIs remained lower at district hospitals. Further measures are needed to improve initial trauma care at this level.

Clinical trials registration

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04547192).
Warzone pediatric trauma care: Lessons from civilian medical staff in Kyiv
Authors: Benzar Iryna , Levytskyi Anatolii , Khrapach Vasyl , Unukovych Dmytro
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The article discusses the challenges faced by civilian healthcare providers in Kyiv, Ukraine, during the conflict in treating pediatric trauma resulting from war‐related incidents.

Methods

The authors share their experiences and insights from managing a series of 12 pediatric patients admitted to the Ohmatdyt children's hospital between February 25 and April 1, 2022. During this period, the hospital was under constant threat due to the military conflict.

Results

The patients, ranging in age from 3 months to 17 years, suffered injuries from various causes, including vehicle shootings, explosions, and other traumatic events. The interventions and timely management are discussed, and two detailed clinical cases are presented to illustrate the complexities of treating pediatric trauma in a warzone.

Conclusion

In summary, the article sheds light on the unique challenges faced by healthcare providers in a warzone when treating pediatric trauma. It underscores the importance of timely intervention, effective triage, and the utilization of advanced medical techniques to improve patient outcomes in such challenging circumstances.
Military Leadership and Resilience
Authors: Boga MAJ Danny
Published: February 2024

Military service exposes personnel to a variety of stressors and potentially traumatic events, ranging from combat through to common occupational demands found in any job. Military personnel frequently face demands such as extended time away from family and friends, exposure to ambiguous and potentially lethal situations, restrictions on personal freedoms, increased legal powers from supervisors, and the constant need to maintain “operational readiness.” The stressors faced during military service can have significant repercussions on operational effectiveness and force sustainment. How personnel respond to these demands while maintaining effective performance over time is often considered to be a matter of resilience. Resilience involves the ability to bounce back with minimal impact from adversity. Military leaders at all levels have become increasingly concerned about how the resilience of their personnel might impact or enhance operational capability. Commanders are increasingly recognizing the important roles leadership and organizational support play in the development of resilience.

This chapter aims to provide a broad overview of some of the research, concepts, and practices being employed by modern militaries to foster resilience. It examines what is meant by resilience, then looks at how different concepts have been used at both individual and organizational levels to encourage greater resilience among military personnel. Overall, the development of resilience is a multifaceted process which leaders need to be aware of if they are to get the best out of their personnel. The promotion of adaptive “resilient” behaviors is particularly important in high-performance/high-stress organizations such as the military.
Einleitung
Authors: Barton Daniel
Published: February 2024

Die Gestaltung von Lernumgebungen ist zumeist darauf ausgerichtet, Lernprozesse hinsichtlich der optimalen Entwicklung von SchülerInnen zu unterstützen. Affektive und motivationale Faktoren des Lernprozesses wurden in Bezug auf die Lernumgebungsgestaltung in der erziehungswissenschaftlichen sowie fachdidaktischen Forschung jedoch bisher oftmals vernachlässigt.  In der vorliegenden Studie wurde ein Unterrichtsprojekt zur Förderung von lernförderlichen Emotionen sowie Motivation und Kompetenzen im Mathematikunterricht entwickelt und evaluiert. Der unterrichtliche Rahmen des Projekts orientiert sich dabei an theoretischen Gestaltungsmerkmalen zur Emotions- und Motivationsförderung.
Lernumgebung
Authors: Barton Daniel
Published: February 2024

In diesem Kapitel werden zunächst lerntheoretische Grundlagen zur Gestaltung von Lernumgebungen betrachtet und anschließend konkrete Gestaltungsmerkmale für eine emotions- und motivationsfördernde Lernumgebung auf Grundlage theoretischer Modelle und empirischer Studien abgeleitet.
Investigation on micro-milling of cemented carbide with ball nose and corner radius diamond-coated end mills
Authors: Figueiredo Daniel , Silva Joana , Silva Tiago E. F. , de Jesus AbÍlio M. P. , Fernandes Cristina M. , Davim J. Paulo
Published: February 2024

Micro-milling of cemented carbides is a challenging task due to their high hardness, low toughness and high wear resistance. Ensuring good surface quality and dimensional accuracy is crucial for extending parts service life, which in turn enhances economical and environmental sustainability. This paper is mainly focused on evaluating surface formation mechanisms, scale effects, fracture behaviour and chip formation using distinct cemented carbide micro-milling tools with multi-layer diamond HF-CVD. In order to achieve higher precision and more efficient micro-milling operations on WC-15Co and WC-10Co, a systematic experimental approach has been carried out. The influence of cutting parameters, achievable surface quality and defects occurrence were thoroughly examined. Experimental results evidence the influence of operational conditions on the chip formation of cemented carbides as well as an important impact of the utilized cutting tool. Micro-pits, cracks, thin ploughing layer and fractured workpiece edges are amongst the observed surface damage mechanisms. A ductile cutting regime of the high-hardness composite material is confirmed, exhibited by the plastic deformation even when small depths of cut are considered.
Bifunctional peptides as alternatives to copper-based formulations to control citrus canker
Authors: Dilarri Guilherme , de Lencastre Novaes Leticia Celia , Jakob Felix , Schwaneberg Ulrich , Ferreira Henrique
Published: February 2024

Citrus canker is an infectious bacterial disease and one of the major threats to the orange juice industry, a multibillion-dollar market that generates hundreds of thousands of jobs worldwide. This disease is caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri. In Brazil, the largest producer and exporter of concentrate orange juice, the control of citrus canker is exerted by integrated management practices, in which cupric solutions are intensively used in the orchards to refrain bacterial spreading. Copper ions accumulate and are as heavy metals toxic to the environment. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to evaluate bifunctional fusion proteins (BiFuProts) as novel and bio-/peptide-based alternatives to copper formulations to control citrus canker. BiFuProts are composed of an anchor peptide able to bind to citrus leaves, and an antimicrobial “killer” peptide to protect against bacterial infections of plants. The selected BiFuProt (Mel-CgDEF) was bactericidal against X. citri at 125 μg mL−1, targeting the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane within the first minutes of contact. The results in the greenhouse assays proved that Mel-CgDEF at 250 μg mL−1 provided protection against X. citri infection on the leaves, significantly reducing the number of lesions by area when compared with the controls. Overall, the present work showed that the BiFuProt Mel-CgDEF is a biobased and biodegradable possible alternative for substitute cupric formulations.

Key points

• The bifunctional fusion protein Mel-CgDEF was effective against Xanthomonas citri.

• Mel-CgDEF action mechanism was the disruption of the cytoplasmic membrane.

• Mel-CgDEF protected citrus leaves against citrus canker disease.
Phylogenetic conservation of the interdependent homeostatic relationship of sleep regulation and redox metabolism
Authors: Terzi Aslihan , Ngo Keri J. , Mourrain Philippe
Published: February 2024

Sleep is an essential and evolutionarily conserved process that affects many biological functions that are also strongly regulated by cellular metabolism. The interdependence between sleep homeostasis and redox metabolism, in particular, is such that sleep deprivation causes redox metabolic imbalances in the form of over-production of ROS. Likewise (and vice versa), accumulation of ROS leads to greater sleep pressure. Thus, it is theorized that one of the functions of sleep is to act as the brain’s “antioxidant” at night by clearing oxidation built up from daily stress of the active day phase. In this review, we will highlight evidence linking sleep homeostasis and regulation to redox metabolism by discussing (1) the bipartite role that sleep–wake neuropeptides and hormones have in redox metabolism through comparing cross-species cellular and molecular mechanisms, (2) the evolutionarily metabolic changes that accompanied the development of sleep loss in cavefish, and finally, (3) some of the challenges of uncovering the cellular mechanism underpinning how ROS accumulation builds sleep pressure and cellularly, how this pressure is cleared.
Epicardial adipose tissue as an independent predictor of long-term outcome in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Schulz Alexander , Beuthner Bo E. , Böttiger Zoé M. , Gersch Svante S. , Lange Torben , Gronwald Judith , Evertz Ruben , Backhaus Sören J. , Kowallick Johannes T. , Hasenfuß Gerd , Schuster Andreas
Published: February 2024

Background

Accurate risk stratification is important to improve patient selection and outcome of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). As epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is discussed to be involved in cardiovascular disease, it could be useful as a marker of poor prognosis in patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR.

Methods

A total of 416 patients diagnosed with severe AS by transthoracic echocardiography were assigned for TAVR and enrolled for systematic assessment. Patients underwent clinical surveys and 5-year long-term follow-up, with all-cause mortality as the primary endpoint. EAT volume was quantified on pre-TAVR planning CTs. Patients were retrospectively dichotomized at the median of 74 cm3 of EAT into groups with low EAT and high EAT volumes. Mortality rates were compared using Kaplan-Meyer plots and uni- and multivariable cox regression analyses.

Results

A total number of 341 of 416 patients (median age 80.9 years, 45% female) were included in the final analysis. Patients with high EAT volumes had similar short-term outcome (p = 0.794) but significantly worse long-term prognosis (p = 0.023) compared to patients with low EAT volumes. Increased EAT volumes were associated with worse long-term outcome (HR1.59; p = 0.031) independently from concomitant cardiovascular risk factors, general type of AS, and functional echocardiography parameters of AS severity (HR1.69; p = 0.013).

Conclusion

Increased EAT volume is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR. It can be easily obtained from pre-TAVR planning CTs and may thus qualify as a novel marker to improve prognostication and management of patient with severe AS.

Trial registration

DRKS, DRKS00024479.

Graphical abstract

AS, aortic stenosis; TAVR, transcatheter aortic valve replacement; EAT, epicardial adipose tissue
Comparison of hearing performance in patients with borderline indication for active middle ear or cochlear implants: clinical outcomes to guide preoperative counseling and decision making
Authors: Herr Constanze , Stöver Timo , Baumann Uwe , Weissgerber Tobias
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The aim of the presented study was to compare the audiological benefit achieved in cochlear implant (CI) patients who, in principle, could still have been treated with an active middle ear implant (AMEI) with a group of AMEI users.

Methods

Results of 20 CI patients with a pure-tone average (PTA) of 70 dB HL prior to surgery were compared with a group of 12 subjects treated with a Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB). Pre-surgical comparison included PTA for air conduction and bone conduction, maximum speech recognition score for monosyllabic words (WRSmax), and aided monosyllabic word recognition at 65 dB SPL. One year after surgery, aided monosyllabic speech recognition score at 65 dB SPL was compared.

Results

Mean PTA for air conduction in the VSB group was significantly lower than in the CI group (4.8 dB, Z =  − 2.011, p < 0.05). Mean PTA for bone conduction in the VSB group was also significantly lower than in the CI group (23.4 dB, Z =  − 4.673, p < 0.001). WRSmax in the VSB group was significantly better than in the CI group (40.7%, Z =  − 3.705, p < 0.001). One year after treatment, there was no significant difference in aided speech perception in quiet between both subject groups.

Conclusion

Comparison of the two methods showed equivalent results for both treatments in subjects with a borderline indication. Not only pure-tone audiometry results but, particularly, speech perception scores pre-surgery should be taken into account in preoperative counseling.
Parasites alter food-web topology of a subarctic lake food web and its pelagic and benthic compartments
Authors: Moore Shannon E. , Siwertsson Anna , Lafferty Kevin D. , Kuris Armand M. , Soldánová Miroslava , Morton Dana , Primicerio Raul , Amundsen Per-Arne
Published: February 2024

We compared three sets of highly resolved food webs with and without parasites for a subarctic lake system corresponding to its pelagic and benthic compartments and the whole-lake food web. Key topological food-web metrics were calculated for each set of compartments to explore the role parasites play in food-web topology in these highly contrasting webs. After controlling for effects from differences in web size, we observed similar responses to the addition of parasites in both the pelagic and benthic compartments demonstrated by increases in trophic levels, linkage density, connectance, generality, and vulnerability despite the contrasting composition of free-living and parasitic species between the two compartments. Similar effects on food-web topology can be expected with the inclusion of parasites, regardless of the physical characteristics and taxonomic community compositions of contrasting environments. Additionally, similar increases in key topological metrics were found in the whole-lake food web that combines the pelagic and benthic webs, effects that are comparable to parasite food-web analyses from other systems. These changes in topological metrics are a result of the unique properties of parasites as infectious agents and the links they participate in. Trematodes were key contributors to these results, as these parasites have distinct characteristics in aquatic systems that introduce new link types and increase the food web’s generality and vulnerability disproportionate to other parasites. Our analysis highlights the importance of incorporating parasites, especially trophically transmitted parasites, into food webs as they significantly alter key topological metrics and are thus essential for understanding an ecosystem’s structure and functioning.
Labormessungen im Maßstab 1:1 und Modellentwicklung zur Verformung und Rauigkeit flexibler Vegetation in Fließgewässern
Authors: Klösch M. , Waygand M. , Buchinger M. , Busch E. , Dunst R. , Egger G. , Habersack H.
Published: February 2024

Die Vegetation gewinnt im Hochwasserschutz zunehmend an Bedeutung, da aktuelle Wasserbauprojekte auch ökologische Ziele verfolgen und die Vegetation integraler Bestandteil natürlicher und renaturierter Flüsse ist. Darüber hinaus werden Funktionen der Vegetation – wie jene der Beschattung und fließenden Retention – bewusst eingesetzt, die im Zusammenhang mit dem Klimawandel angesichts steigender Wassertemperaturen und zunehmender Hochwasserabflüsse an Bedeutung gewinnen. Die Vegetation steht bei Hochwasserereignissen in Wechselwirkung mit der Strömung und dem Sedimenttransport und die durch die Wechselwirkung hervorgerufenen Sohlhöhenänderungen und Strömungswiderstände beeinflussen die Wasserspiegelhöhen und somit die Hochwassersicherheit. Bisher werden die Strömungswiderstände in hydrodynamisch-numerischen Modellen durch einen Rauigkeitsbeiwert berücksichtigt. Dieser wird meist als konstant angenommen, während flexible Vegetation aber ihre Form und somit den Strömungswiderstand anpasst.

Wir stellen Entwicklungen zu einem numerischen Modell der mechanischen Verformung einer Pflanze unter Strömungsbelastung vor, welches die Pflanze als Stabmodell mithilfe der Finite-Elemente-Methode diskretisiert. Die Geometrie der untersuchten Pflanzen wurde mittels Fotogrammmetrie erfasst und mit Messungen zu den Stamm- und Astdurchmessern und der Belaubung ergänzt. Parameter betreffend die Steifigkeit gegenüber Biegung und Torsion wurden in Abhängigkeit von den Durchmessern der Äste erfasst. Der im BOKU-Wasserbaulabor gegebene Durchfluss von bis zu 10 m3s−1 erlaubt Versuche im 1:1-Maßstab an einzelnen Pflanzen und ganzen Pflanzenverbänden. Messungen zur Verformung und Strömungswiderstandskraft einzelner Pflanzen sowie zu den Fließgeschwindigkeiten in Pflanzenverbänden bilden die Grundlage für die Überprüfung des Modells. Eine Umrechnung der Strömungswiderstandskraft in einen Rauigkeitsbeiwert ermöglicht die Einbindung des Modells in zweidimensionale hydrodynamisch-numerische Modelle, die eine häufige Anwendung in der Simulation von Hochwasserabflüssen finden.
Two-year clinical performance of dual- and light-cure bulk-fill resin composites in Class ӀӀ restorations: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Elawsya Mohamed Elshirbeny , Montaser Marmar Ahmed , El-Wassefy Noha Abdel-Mawla , Zaghloul Nadia Mohamed
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study aimed to compare the clinical performance of dual- and light-cure bulk-fill resin composites (BFRCs) in Class ӀӀ restorations after 2 years.

Materials and methods

A double-blinded, prospective, randomized clinical trial (RCT) was conducted following the CONSORT (Consolidated Standard of Reporting Trials) guidelines. Forty patients were enrolled in the study. Each patient received three compound Class ӀӀ restorations. One dual-cure (Fill-Up; Coltene Waledent AG) and two light-cure (QuiXfil; Dentsply, and Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill; Ivoclar Vivadent) BFRCs were used for 120 Class ӀӀ restorations. A universal adhesive (ONE COAT 7 UNIVERSAL; Coltene Waledent AG) was used with all restorations. Restorations were clinically evaluated after 1 week (baseline), 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, and finally after 24 months using the FDI World Dental Federation (FDI) criteria. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used for comparison between BFRCs groups at baseline and at each recall period, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for comparing different follow-up times of each BFRC to baseline. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

All BFRCs restorations showed only minor changes and revealed no statistically significant differences between their clinical performance for all evaluated parameters at all recall periods; also, there was no statistically significant difference between all recall periods and baseline for all evaluated parameters.

Conclusion

The two-year clinical performance of dual-cure BFRC was comparable to light-cure BFRCs in Class ӀӀ restorations.

Clinical relevance

Dual- and light-cure BFRCs showed excellent clinical performance in Class ӀӀ restorations after a 2-year clinical follow-up.
The United Kingdom, the Belt and Road Initiative, and policy amalgams
Authors: Ashbee Edward
Published: February 2024

Although it never formally participated, the British government described the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and relations with China more broadly in strikingly positive terms between 2015 and 2019. Nonetheless, by late 2019 and amidst a sharp deterioration in relations, the prospect of the UK joining the BRI had more or less disappeared from the government’s agenda. This article argues that there was not a ruptural policy break. While there was a turnaround, there were also significant numbers of short-run policy zigzags. The principal reason for this instability, the article argues, lies in the relatively weak character of the UK-China policy regime which was an amalgam that sought to accommodate and integrate three different ideational clusters. Such amalgams are inherently unstable and policies drawn from them are likely to change quickly in response to internal tensions as well as exogenous events and developments. Given this, British policy towards China moved quickly and erratically between a “golden era”, a repudiation of this as “naïve”, and the designation of China as a “systemic challenge”. Within this context, expressions of enthusiasm for the BRI were displaced by uninterest or scepticism.
Gravitational Fields of Polyhedral Bodies with 3D Polynomial Density Contrast
Authors: D’Urso M. G. , Di Lieto D.
Published: February 2024

For polyhedral mass bodies having arbitrary shape and density distribution of polynomial type we present a tensorial approach to derive analytical expressions of the gravitational potential and gravity vector. They are evaluated at an arbitrary point by means of formulas, referred to a Cartesian reference frame having an arbitrary origin, that are shown to be singularity-free whatever is the position of the observation point with respect to the body. The solution is expressed as a sum of algebraic quantities depending solely upon the 3D coordinates of the polyhedron vertices and the coefficients of the polynomial density function. Hence, no recursive expression needs to be invoked as in the recent contribution by Ren et al. (Surv Geophys 41:695–722, 2020). Moreover, the tensorial formalism developed in the paper allows one to obtain more concise, coordinate-free expressions that can also be extended to address polynomial functions of greater order. The analytical expressions of the gravitational potential and gravity vector are numerically validated and compared with alternative methods retrieved from the literature.
A Multi-strategy Enhanced Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm and Its Application in Path Planning of Mobile Robots
Authors: Deng Xuzhen , He Dengxu , Qu Liangdong
Published: February 2024

A multi-strategy enhanced arithmetic optimization algorithm called MSEAOA is proposed to address the issues of low population diversity, imbalanced exploration and exploitation capabilities, and low accuracy of optimal solution in the Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm. Firstly, using the good point set strategy for population initialization to improve population diversity and thus accelerate convergence speed. Secondly, we integrate the exploration and exploition capabilities of differential self-learning strategy, best example learning strategy, and second-order differential perturbation strategy balancing algorithm. Finally, the introduction of somersault foraging strategy improves the accuracy of the optimal solution. We select 14 classical benchmark test functions and the CEC2019 function test set to test the optimization ability of MSEAOA, and apply MSEAOA to the path planning problem of mobile robots. MSEAOA is compared with other meta-heuristic optimization algorithms, and the experimental results are statistically analyzed by the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. The simulation experimental results show that MSEAOA performs the best among 14 benchmark functions, but for 10 CEC2019 functions, MSEAOA has the best optimization performance among 5 of them (50%). In the path optimization problem of mobile robots, the path obtained by MSEAOA is also the best among all algorithms, its path shortening rate exceeds 8.8% in 83% of environments. The results indicate that MSEAOA is a reliable algorithm suitable for function optimization and practical optimization problems.
BIKAGCN: Knowledge-Aware Recommendations Under Bi-layer Graph Convolutional Networks
Authors: Li Guoshu , Yang Li , Bai Sichang , Song Xinyu , Ren Yijun , Liu Shanqiang
Published: February 2024

Recommender systems are a popular solution for the problem of information overload, offering personalized recommendations to users. Recent years, research has aimed to enhance recommender systems by employing knowledge graphs in conjunction with Graph convolutional network (GCN) to extract user and item features. Although GCN possess a great potential, they are still far from reaching their full capability in recommender systems. This paper introduces a novel approach—knowledge-aware recommendations under bi-layer graph convolutional networks (BIKAGCN) that combines attention and bi-layer GCNs to improve performance. The first layer of the BIKAGCN model trains embedding representations of users and items based on user-item interaction graphs. The second layer introduces a novel knowledge-aware layer of attention and graph convolutional network (KAGCN) layer that leverages both the first layer’s user-item embeddings and item knowledge graph embeddings. Experimental results on three publicly available datasets (MovieLens-20M, Last-FM, and Book-Crossing) demonstrate that BIKAGCN leads to significant performance improvements in recall@20 metric (14.41%, 8.86%, and 20.90%, respectively) compared to currently available state-of-the-art approaches. Moreover, the model maintains satisfactory performance in cold-start cases.The research provides some guidance for the direction of subsequent research on recommender systems.
Nonlinear double-mass pendulum for vibration-based energy harvesting
Authors: Cai Qinlin , Zhu Songye
Published: February 2024

To enhance the performance of a vibration-based energy harvester, typical approaches employ frequency-matching strategies by either using nonlinear broadband or frequency-tunable harvesters. This study systematically analyzes the nonlinear dynamics and energy harvesting performance of a recently emerging tunable low-frequency vibration-based energy harvester, namely, a double-mass pendulum (DMP) energy harvester. This energy harvester can, to some extent, eliminate frequency dependence on pendulum length but exhibit vibration-amplitude-dependent softening nonlinearity. The natural frequency of the DMP structure is theoretically derived, showing several unique characteristics compared with the typical simple pendulum. The DMP energy harvester exhibits alternate single-period, multiple-period, and chaotic vibration behaviors with increase in excitation amplitudes. The analysis of gross output power indicates that the rotating motion, regardless of chaotic or periodic rolling motions, improves the energy harvesting performance in terms of power leap and broader bandwidth. Based on the parameter space analysis, the rotating motions usually occur at the shift-left locations of frequency ratios 1 and 2; a smaller damping ratio corresponds to a lower on-demand excitation amplitude for the rotating-motion occurrence. Numerical results confirm that the DMP is suitable for low-frequency energy harvesting scenarios, suggesting the realization of rotating motion for improving energy harvesting performance. Moreover, a shake table test was performed, and the experimental results validated the accuracy and effectiveness of the DMP modeling analysis. Practical issues related to DMP energy harvesters under different types of excitations are finally discussed. Although the analysis is for the DMP, the corresponding conclusions may shed light on other pendulum-type energy harvesters.
Representative Functions, Variational Convergence and Almost Convexity
Authors: Eberhard A. , Wenczel R.
Published: February 2024

We develop a new epi-convergence based on the use of bounded convergent nets on the product topology of the strong topology on the primal space and weak star topology on the dual space of a general real Banach space. We study the propagation of the associated variational convergences through conjugation of convex functions defined on this product space. These results are then applied to the problem of construction of a bigger-conjugate representative function for the recession operator associated with a maximal monotone operator on this real Banach space. This is then used to study the relationship between the recession operator of a maximal monotone operator and the normal–cone operator associated with the closed, convex hull of the domain of that monotone operator. This allows us to show that the strong closure of the domain of any maximal monotone operator is convex in a general real Banach space.
Targeting exercise intensity and aerobic training to improve outcomes in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Panassollo Tone Ricardo Benevides , Mawston Grant , Taylor Denise , Lord Sue
Published: February 2024

Aerobic training is popular for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) given its potential to improve aerobic capacity, relieve symptoms, and to stabilise disease progression. Although current evidence supports some of the assertions surrounding this view, the effect of exercise intensity on PD is currently unclear. Reasons for this include inconsistent reporting of exercise intensity, training regimes based on general guidelines rather than individualised physiological markers, poor correspondence between intended exercise intensities and training zones, and lack of awareness of autonomic disturbance in PD and its impact on training regimes and outcome. We also consider the selective effect of exercise intensity on motor symptoms, function and disease progression. We review aerobic training protocols and recent guidelines for people with PD, highlighting their limitations. Considering this, we make suggestions for a more selective and discerning approach to aerobic training programming.
Higher heavy metal contamination indoors than outdoors during COVID-19 in Mexico City
Authors: Aguilera Anahí , Gallegos Ángeles , Luna Víctor , Hernández Luciano , Gutiérrez Margarita , Amaro Daniel , Goguitchaichvili Avto , Quintana Patricia , Bautista Francisco
Published: February 2024

People spend most of their time indoors, especially during the coronavirus disease. Prolonged exposure to heavy metal-contaminated dust can be harmful to human health. The objectives of this study were to identify the contamination level in outdoor and indoor dust, compare contamination in both environments, and assess the human health risk. Two-hundred thirty-nine samples of dust were taken by Mexico City citizens in 38 homes on the weekends of May 2020. Heavy metal concentrations were measured through XRF. The contamination level was set using the contamination factor with a local and global background value, mixed linear models were used to identify indoor and outdoor differences, and USEPA human health risk methodology was used. Pb, Zn, and Cu had the highest contamination levels, followed by Sr and Mn, using both the local and global background values. The Pb, Zn, and Cu contamination was greater indoors, while higher Mn, Sr, and Fe were detected outdoors. According to the outdoor/indoor ratios, the main sources of Ca, Pb, Zn, and Cu must be indoors, while the main sources of Fe, Mn, Sr, Y, and Ti are outdoors. A human health risk was not detected, as the hazard index was lower than one. However, ailments can be developed due to exposure to Pb, Mn, and Fe in children (hazard index > 0.1). A higher risk due to Pb exposition was found indoors. Indoor environments in Mexico City were more contaminated by heavy metals and represented a higher risk to human health than outdoors during the pandemic isolation.