bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA sequences as types: A discussion paper from the Special‐purpose Committee established at the XIX International Botanical Congress in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Thiele Kevin R. , Applequist Wendy L. , Renner Susanne S. , May Tom W. , Dönmez Ali A. , Groom Quentin , Lehtonen Samuli , Maggs Christine A. , Malécot Valéry , Yoon Hwan Su
Published: May 2023

A special‐purpose Committee on DNA Sequences as Types was established at the XIX International Botanical Congress (IBC) in Shenzhen, China, in 2017, with a mandate to report to the XX IBC in Madrid in 2024 with recommendations on a preferred course of action with respect to potential amendments of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants to allow DNA sequences as types. This is the first in an expected series of papers from the Special‐purpose Committee on this issue. We set out the background to the establishment of the Committee, explore key issues around typification that are pertinent to the question of DNA sequences as types, enumerate pros and cons of allowing DNA sequences as types, and foreshadow options for future discussion and potential recommendations.
[(SIPr)Ag(CF2H)]: A Shelf‐Stable, Versatile Difluoromethylation Reagent
Authors: Zhao Haiwei , Gu Yang , Shen Qilong
Published: May 2023

Due to its unique physical and electrophilic properties, the difluoromethyl group (−CF2H) has been playing an irreplaceable role in the field of pharmaceutical and agrochemical industry. Methods that could efficiently incorporate the difluoromethyl group into the target molecules are increasing in the recent years. Developing a stable and efficient difluoromethylating reagent is thus highly attractive. In this review, we describe the development of a nucleophilic difluoromethylation reagent [(SIPr)Ag(CF2H)], including its elemental reaction, difluoromethylation reaction with different types of electrophiles, and its application in the synthesis of a nucleophilic and an electrophilic difluoromethylthiolating reagent.
METTL14 represses osteoclast formation to ameliorate osteoporosis via enhancing GPX4 mRNA stability
Authors: Deng Mingsi , Luo Jia , Cao Heng , Li Yong , Chen Liangjian , Liu Gengyan
Published: May 2023

Excessive bone resorption by osteoclasts results in the development of multiple bone disorders including osteoporosis. This study aimed to explore the biological function of methyltransferase‐like14 (METTL14) in osteoclast formation, as well as its related mechanisms. Expression levels of METTL14, GPX4 and osteoclast‐related proteins TRAP, NFATc1, c‐Fos were detected by qRT‐PCR and Western blotting. The osteoporosis model was established in mice by bilateral ovariectomy (OVX). Bone histomorphology was determined by micro‐CT and H&E staining. NFATc1 expression in bone tissues was determined by immunohistochemical staining. Proliferation of primary bone marrow macrophages cells (BMMs) was assessed by MTT assay. Osteoclast formation was observed by TRAP staining. The regulatory mechanism was evaluated by RNA methylation quantification assay, MeRIP‐qPCR, dual luciferase reporter assay, and RIP, respectively. METTL14 was down‐regulated in the serum samples of postmenopausal osteoporotic women, which was positively associated with bone mineral density (BMD). Osteoclast formation was promoted in OVX‐treated METTL14+/− mice as compared with wild‐type littermates. Conversely, METTL14 overexpression repressed RANKL‐induced osteoclast differentiation of BMMs. Mechanistically, METTL14‐mediated m6A modification post‐transcriptionally stabilized glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), with the assistance of Hu‐Antigen R (HuR). Finally, GPX4 depletion‐mediated osteoclast formation in BMMs could be counteracted by METTL14 or HuR overexpression. Collectively, METTL14 inhibits osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption via enhancing GPX4 stability through an m6A‐HuR dependent mechanism. Therefore, targeting METTL14 might be a novel promising treatment strategy for osteoporosis.
Isolation and identification of Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida from symptomatic and asymptomatic sheep and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns in three selected districts of north Gondar zone, Gondar Ethiopia
Authors: Abate Fentahun Mitku , Fentie Kassa Tsegaw
Published: May 2023

Background

Small ruminants are the most numerous of man's domestic livestock. Although sheep represent a great resource for Ethiopia, the net rate of productivity per animal is very low due to many factors including respiratory disorders.

Objectives

The objectives of this work were to isolate and identify M. haemolytica and P. multocida as well as to assess the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of these isolates. Nasal swab samples were collected aseptically by using 70% alcohol as a disinfectant.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in three selected districts of the north Gondar zone, Ethiopia.

Results

From 148 samples collected in 94 (63.5%) asymptomatic and 54 (35.5%) symptomatic sheep, a total of 23 were isolated successfully based on cultural, staining, and biochemical characteristics. Of these isolates, 18 (78.3%) and 5 (21.7%) were M. haeimolytica and P. multocida, respectively. Compared with the total animals examined, the proportion of M. haeimolytica and P. multocida were 12.16 % (n = 18) and 3.38% (n = 5), respectively. All of the isolates were subjected to a panel of 8 antibiotic discs for sensitivity testing. Of the tested antibiotics, chloramphenicol (100%), gentamicin, and tetracycline (82.6%) each and co‐trimoxazole (60.8%) were found to be the most effective drugs whereas, both species were completely resistant to vancomycin and showed a very low degree of susceptibility for the rest drugs.

Conclusions

In conclusion, M. haemolytica was found to be the predominant isolate in all host‐related factors and most of the antibiotics were not fully effective against the isolates. Hence, treatment and/or vaccination of ovine pneumonic pasteurellosis should be emphasised to M. haeimolytica using the most effective drugs along with appropriate herd management practices.
Why Sustainability?
Authors: Fischer Manuel , Foord Daniel , Frecè Jan , Hillebrand Kirsten , Kissling-Näf Ingrid , Meili Rahel , Peskova Marie , Risi David , Schmidpeter René , Stucki Tobias
Published: May 2023

Over the past 30 years, sustainable development has become the central term worldwide in discussions about the future development of humanity and planet Earth. The struggle to define what sustainable development really means and how to achieve it, has become a central theme of national and international politics, science, and increasingly also of business and civil society. But why has the concept of sustainable development become central to many disparate debates across the world? In this chapter we discuss the biggest social and environmental challenges facing the world today and the basic processes, causes, and effects of climate change.
The Concept of Sustainable Development
Authors: Fischer Manuel , Foord Daniel , Frecè Jan , Hillebrand Kirsten , Kissling-Näf Ingrid , Meili Rahel , Peskova Marie , Risi David , Schmidpeter René , Stucki Tobias
Published: May 2023

There are various definitions of sustainable development. However, none is as widely accepted as the one published in 1987 in the report Our Common Future. When we speak of sustainable development, we usually mean the three dimensions of nature, society and economy. These cannot be separated, but seen as elements of a holistic system. Sufficiency, efficiency and consistency are three elementary approaches for a society within planetary boundaries. Since 2015, the Agenda 2030 with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals has provided us with a widely used reference framework for global sustainable development.
Policy Instruments and Financial System
Authors: Fischer Manuel , Foord Daniel , Frecè Jan , Hillebrand Kirsten , Kissling-Näf Ingrid , Meili Rahel , Peskova Marie , Risi David , Schmidpeter René , Stucki Tobias
Published: May 2023

This chapter introduces negative externalities, i.e., costs incurred by a third party without the polluter having to pay compensation, and exemplifies them by external costs of transport in Switzerland. Next, the chapter compares various policy instruments the state can use to address market failures in dealing with externalities. Finally, the role of the financial system is discussed, which can counteract the current market failure in connection with externalities via sustainable measures in the area of investment and lending.
Multipotent Embryonic Lung Progenitors: Foundational Units of In Vitro and In Vivo Lung Organogenesis
Authors: Ikonomou Laertis , Yampolskaya Maria , Mehta Pankaj
Published: May 2023

Transient, tissue-specific, embryonic progenitors are important cell populations in vertebrate development. In the course of respiratory system development, multipotent mesenchymal and epithelial progenitors drive the diversification of fates that results to the plethora of cell types that compose the airways and alveolar space of the adult lungs. Use of mouse genetic models, including lineage tracing and loss-of-function studies, has elucidated signaling pathways that guide proliferation and differentiation of embryonic lung progenitors as well as transcription factors that underlie lung progenitor identity. Furthermore, pluripotent stem cell-derived and ex vivo expanded respiratory progenitors offer novel, tractable, high-fidelity systems that allow for mechanistic studies of cell fate decisions and developmental processes. As our understanding of embryonic progenitor biology deepens, we move closer to the goal of in vitro lung organogenesis and resulting applications in developmental biology and medicine.
The Limits of Green Finance in Fossil-Based Emerging Economies—Lessons Beyond South Africa
Authors: Neumann Manuel
Published: May 2023

What do the findings imply? In this chapter, I situate the seven empirical findings developed in the previous chapter within the theoretical debates around Cultural Political Economy, financialization, and Transition Studies. After grounding these findings and demonstrating their significance for debates on finance-driven transition endeavors, I zoom out into the wider implications of green bond diffusion in South Africa and beyond. In the end, I discuss potential remedies to the shortcomings of green bonds and point out avenues for further research.
Dynamical Cobordism Conjecture: solutions for end-of-the-world branes
Authors: Blumenhagen Ralph , Kneißl Christian , Wang Chuying
Published: May 2023

Abstract

We analyze finite size solutions for a generalized D-dimensional Dudas-Mourad (DM) model featuring dynamical cobordism with neutral and charged end-of-the-world (ETW) defect branes. Confirming a dynamical version of the Cobordism Conjecture, we explicitly construct non-isotropic solutions for the latter codimension one branes and show the appearance of a lower bound $$ \delta \ge 2\sqrt{\left(D-1\right)/\left(D-2\right)} $$
δ
≥
2

D
−
1

/

D
−
2

for the critical exponent in the scaling behavior of the distance and the curvature close to the wall. This allows us to make a connection to the (sharpened) Swampland Distance Conjecture and the (Anti-) de Sitter Distance Conjecture. Moreover, BPS orientifold planes appear as special cases in our analysis and the whole picture is consistent with dimensional reduction from ten to D dimensions. An analogous analysis is performed for a generalized Blumenhagen-Font (BF) model featuring neutral codimension two ETW-branes where the same lower bound for the scaling parameter δ arises.
A supersymmetric nonlinear sigma model analogue of the ModMax theory
Authors: Kuzenko Sergei M. , McArthur I. N.
Published: May 2023

Abstract

A decade ago, it was shown that associated with any model for U(1) duality-invariant nonlinear electrodynamics there is a unique U(1) duality-invariant supersymmetric nonlinear sigma model formulated in terms of chiral and complex linear superfields. Here we study the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 superconformal σ-model analogue of the conformal duality-invariant electrodynamics known as the ModMax theory. We derive its dual formulation in terms of chiral superfields and show that the target space is a Kähler cone with U(1) × U(1) being the connected component of the isometry group.
Lightlike reduction of the M5 brane
Authors: Gustavsson Andreas
Published: May 2023

Abstract

We obtain a Lagrangian for a lightlike dimensional reduction of the nonabelian M5 brane theory in six dimension. We assume that the six-manifold has at least one conformal Killing spinor and two commuting lightlike Killing vector fields, and we perform the dimensional reduction along one of these lightlike directions.
On z-dominance, shift symmetry and spin locality in higher-spin theory
Authors: Didenko V. E. , Korybut A. V.
Published: May 2023

Abstract

The paper aims at the qualitative criterion of higher-spin locality. Perturbative analysis of the Vasiliev equations gives rise to the so-called z-dominated non-localities which nevertheless disappear from interaction vertices leaving the final result spin-local in all known cases. This has led one to the z-dominance conjecture that suggests universality of the observed cancellations. Here we specify conditions which include observation of the higher-spin shift symmetry and prove validity of this recently proposed conjecture. We also define a class of spin-local and shift-symmetric field redefinitions which is argued to be the admissible one with respect to spin-locality.
Lightest Higgs boson decays h → MZ in the μ from ν supersymmetric standard model
Authors: Liu Chang-Xin , Zhang Hai-Bin , Yang Jin-Lei , Zhao Shu-Min , Feng Tai-Fu
Published: May 2023

Abstract

We study the lightest Higgs boson decays h → MZ in the μ from ν supersymmetric standard model (μνSSM), where M is a vector meson (ρ, ω, ϕ, J/Ψ, Υ). Compared to the minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM), the μνSSM introduces three right-handed neutrino superfields, which lead to the mixing of the Higgs doublets with the right-handed sneutrinos. The mixing affects the lightest Higgs boson mass and the Higgs couplings. In suitable parameter space, the μνSSM can give large new physics (NP) contributions to the signal strengths of h → MZ and h → γγ, which may be detected by a 100 TeV collider or the other future high energy colliders.
Approximation of Uncoupled Quasi-Static Thermoelasticity Solutions Based on Gaussians
Authors: Lanzara Flavia , Maz’ya Vladimir , Schmidt Gunther
Published: May 2023

A fast approximation method to three dimensional equations in quasi-static uncoupled thermoelasticity is proposed. We approximate the density via Gaussian approximating functions introduced in the method approximate approximations. In this way the action of the integral operators on such functions is presented in a simple analytical form. If the density has separated representation, the problem is reduced to the computation of one-dimensional integrals which admit efficient cubature procedures. The comparison of the numerical and exact solution shows that these formulas are accurate and provide the predicted approximation rate $$2,4,6$$

2
,
4
,
6

and $$8$$

8

.
Limited medial posterior capsular release increases the intraoperative medial component gap while maintaining the joint varus angle at extension in posterior‐stabilized total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Katagiri Hiroki , Saito Ryusuke , Shioda Mikio , Jinno Tetsuya , Watanabe Toshifumi
Published: May 2023

Purpose

There is a lack of robust evidence for the magnitude of the effects of posterior capsular release (PCR) on intraoperative component gaps during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of the present study was to quantify and compare the effects of partial versus full PCR on the intraoperative component gaps at various degrees of flexion during posterior‐stabilized TKA.

Methods

Full PCR was performed on 39 consecutive cases (full PCR group), and partial PCR (the medial side up to and including the intercondylar notch) was performed on the subsequent 39 consecutive cases (partial PCR group) during posterior‐stabilized TKA using the measured resection technique for varus knee osteoarthritis. Medial component gaps and varus angles at 0°, 10°, 45°, 90°, and a maximum of flexion were measured with a tensor device before and after the PCR. Differences between the two groups in post‐release medial component gap increase and post‐release joint varus angle increase were assessed using a t test. Pre‐ to post‐release medial component gaps and joint varus angles in each group were compared using a paired samples t test.

Results

In both groups at 0° and 10° of flexion, post‐release medial compartment gaps were significantly greater than pre‐release gaps (all P < 0.001). At 45°, 90° and maximum flexion, the medial compartment gap increase did not exceed the minimal detectable change in either group. At 0° and 10° of flexion, there was no significant difference in post‐release medial compartment gap change between the two groups. In the full PCR group, post‐release joint varus angles at 0° of flexion were significantly greater than pre‐release angles (P < 0.001), while there was no significant pre‐ and post‐release difference in the partial PCR group. The change in post‐release joint varus angles at 0° of flexion was significantly greater in the full PCR group than in the partial PCR group.

Conclusion

Both full and partial PCR show similar clinical usefulness for increasing the medial component gap at extension and reducing component gap mismatch. A partial PCR can be used to avoid increasing joint varus angles at 0° of flexion.

Level of evidence

Level 2 (prospective comparative study).
Effects of bisphenol F, bisphenol S, and bisphenol AF on cultured human osteoblasts
Authors: García-Recio E. , Costela-Ruiz V. J. , Melguizo-Rodríguez L. , Ramos-Torrecillas J. , Illescas-Montes R. , De Luna-Bertos E. , Ruiz C.
Published: May 2023

Bisphenol A (BPA) analogs, like BPA, could have adverse effects on human health including bone health. The aim was to determine the effect of BPF, BPS and BPAF on the growth and differentiation of cultured human osteoblasts. Osteoblasts primary culture from bone chips harvested during routine dental work and treated with BPF, BPS, or BPAF for 24 h at doses of 10–5, 10–6, and 10–7 M. Next, cell proliferation was studied, apoptosis induction, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. In addition, mineralization was evaluated at 7, 14, and 21 days of cell culture in an osteogenic medium supplemented with BP analog at the studied doses. BPS treatment inhibited proliferation in a dose-dependent manner at all three doses by inducing apoptosis; BPF exerted a significant inhibitory effect on cell proliferation at the highest dose alone by an increase of apoptosis; while BPAF had no effect on proliferation or cell viability. Cell differentiation was adversely affected by treatment with BPA analogs in a dose-dependent, observing a reduction in calcium nodule formation at 21 days. According to the results obtained, these BPA analogs could potentially pose a threat to bone health, depending on their concentration in the organism.
Comparative sedimentation equilibrium analysis of two IgG1 glycoforms: IgGCri and IgGWid
Authors: Abu Hammad Khalil , Dinu Vlad , MacCalman Thomas E. , Pattem Jacob , Goodall Margaret , Gillis Richard B. , Jefferis Roy , Harding Stephen E.
Published: May 2023

The solution properties of two different glycoforms of IgG1 (IgG1Cri and IgG1Wid) are compared using primarily sedimentation equilibrium analysis with two complementary analysis routines: SEDFIT-MSTAR and MULTISIG. IgGCri bears diantennary complex-type glycans on its Fc domain that are fully core fucosylated and partially sialylated, whilst on IgGWid, they are non-fucosylated, partially galactosylated and non-sialylated. IgGWid is also Fab glycosylated. Despite these differences, SEDFIT-MSTAR analysis shows similar weight average molar masses Mw of ~ (150 ± 5) kDa for IgGCri and ~ (154 ± 5) kDa for IgGWid and both glycoforms show evidence of the presence of a small fraction of dimer confirmed by MULTISIG analysis and also by sedimentation coefficient distributions from supportive sedimentation velocity measurements. The closeness of the sedimentation equilibrium behaviour and sedimentation coefficient distributions with a main peak sedimentation coefficient of ~ 6.4S for both glycoforms at different concentrations suggest that the different glycosylation profiles do not significantly impact on molar mass (molecular weight) nor conformation in solution.
Evaluating the Social Impact of a Proposed Orthopedic Center of Excellence in Northern Tanzania: A Novel Use of the Impact Multiple of Money Methodology
Authors: Thota Praneeth , Dravid Avi , Ramesh Sireesh , Massawe Honest , Sheth Neil P.
Published: May 2023

Background

Musculoskeletal injuries—often a result of Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs)—represent a significant burden in sub‐Saharan Africa. RTA victims are faced with lifelong disability and diminished employment. Northern Tanzania in particular lacks the orthopedic surgical capacity needed to provide patients with definitive surgical fixation. While there is great potential in establishing an Orthopedic Center of Excellence (OCE), the precise social impact of such an initiative is currently unknown.

Methods

To demonstrate the social value of an orthopedic OCE in Northern Tanzania, this paper proposes a methodology for calculating social impact. This methodology draws upon RTA‐related Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), current and projected surgical complication rates, anticipated changes in surgical volume, and average per capita income to quantify how much social value can be gained by mitigating the impact of RTAs. These parameters can be utilized to calculate an impact multiplier of money (IMM), stating the social returns on each dollar invested.

Results

Modeling exercises demonstrate that improvements in the complication rate and surgical volume over the current baseline results in significant social impact. In the best‐case scenario, the COE is expected to yield over $131 million over 10 years, with an IMM of 13.19.

Conclusions

Investments in orthopedic care will yield significant dividends, as demonstrated by our novel methodology. The cost‐effectiveness of the OCE is comparable to, if not greater, than many other global health initiatives. More broadly, the IMM methodology can be used to quantify the impact of other projects aimed at reducing long‐term injury.
Changing nationwide trends away from overtreatment among patients undergoing radical prostatectomy over the past 25 years
Authors: Meissner Valentin H. , Glöckler Viviane , Jahnen Matthias , Schiele Stefan , Gschwend Jürgen E. , Herkommer Kathleen
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The objective of the current study was to assess whether and how preoperative risk group distribution and pathological outcomes have changed in men treated with radical prostatectomy (RP) over the past 25 years.

Methods

11,071 patients from a large contemporary registry-based nationwide cohort with RP as primary treatment between 1995 and 2019 were included. Preoperative risk stratification, postoperative outcomes, and 10 years other-cause mortality (OCM) were analyzed.

Results

After 2005, the proportion of low-risk prostate cancer (PCa) decreased from 39.6% to 25.5% in 2010 and decreased further to 15.5% in 2015, and 9.4% in 2019 (p < 0.001). The proportion of high-risk cases increased from 13.1% in 2005 to 23.1% in 2010 and 36.7% in 2015, and 40.4% in 2019 (p < 0.001). After 2005, the proportion of cases with favorable localized PCa decreased from 37.3% to 24.9% in 2010 and decreased further to 13.9% in 2015, and 1.6% in 2019 (p < 0.001). The overall 10 years OCM was 7.7%.

Conclusion

The current analysis documents a clear shift in utilization of RP toward higher-risk PCa in men with long life expectancy. Patients with low-risk PCa or favorable localized PCa are rarely operated. This suggests a shift in applying surgery only to patients who may really benefit from RP and the long-standing discussion of overtreatment might become outdated.
Histochemistry and Cell Biology—a glance into the past and a look ahead
Authors: Roth Jürgen , Taatjes Douglas J.
Published: May 2023

At the occasion of the 65th anniversary of Histochemistry and Cell Biology, we browse through its first ten years of publication and highlight a selection of papers from the early days of enzyme, protein, and carbohydrate histochemistry. In addition, we narrate recent progress to identify, quantify, and precisely determine the tissue localization of proteins and lipids, and small molecules by the combination of spectroscopic techniques and histology.
Efficacy of exercise interventions for women during and after gynaecological cancer treatment – a systematic scoping review
Authors: Rose Grace Laura , Stewart Elizabeth Mary , Clifford Briana Kristine , Bailey Tom George , Rush Alexandra Jane , Abbott Claudia Rose , Hayes Sandra Christine , Obermair Andreas , McCarthy Alexandra Leigh
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To systematically synthesise evidence of exercise intervention efficacy for physical/psychosocial outcomes that matter to women during/following treatment for gynaecological cancer.

Methods

Five databases were searched (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychInfo, Scopus). Exercise-only intervention studies that included women during/ following treatment for any gynaecological cancer, with/ without control comparison, on any physical or psychosocial outcome(s), were included and qualitatively appraised using the Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results

Seven randomised controlled trials (RCTs), three single-arm pre-post studies, and one prospective cohort study satisfied were included (11 studies). Most studies were completed following treatment (91%), included combined (aerobic and resistance; 36%) and aerobic (36%) training, were fully/mostly (63%) unsupervised, and had a moderate-to-high risk of bias. Overall, 33 outcomes (64% objectively-measured) were assessed. Improvements were observed in aerobic capacity (V̇O2 Peak +1.6 mL/kg/min, 6-minute walk distance +20-27 m), lower- (30-second sit-to-stand +2-4 repetitions) and upper-limb strength (30-second arm curl +5 repetitions; 1RM grip strength/chest press +2.4-3.1 kg), and agility (timed up-and-go -0.6 seconds). However, changes in quality of life, anthropometry/body composition, balance and flexibility were inconsistent. There was no evidence to support worsening of outcomes.

Conclusion

Preliminary research into the role of exercise post-gynaecological cancer suggests an improvement in exercise capacity, muscular strength, and agility which, in the absence of exercise, typically decline following gynaecological cancer. Future exercise trials involving larger and more diverse gynaecological cancer samples will improve understanding of the potential and magnitude of effect of guideline-recommended exercise on outcomes that matter to patients.
Knowledge guided multi-filter residual convolutional neural network for ICD coding from clinical text
Authors: Boukhers Zeyd , Goswami Prantik , Jürjens Jan
Published: May 2023

A common challenge encountered when using Deep Neural Network models for automatic ICD coding is their potential inability to effectively handle unseen clinical texts, especially when these models are only trained on a limited number of examples. This is because these models rely solely on the patterns and relationships present in the training data, and may not be able to effectively incorporate additional knowledge about the relationships between medical entities. To address this issue, we introduce KG-MultiResCNN—KnowledgeGuidedMulti-filterResidualConvolutionalNeuralNetwork model, which combines training examples with external knowledge from the Wikidata Knowledge Graph (KG) in order to better capture the relationships between medical entities. The KG is a structured database that contains a wealth of information about various entities, including medical concepts and their relationships with one another. By incorporating this external knowledge into our model, we are able to improve its ability to predict ICD codes for new clinical texts. In our experiments with the MIMIC-III dataset, we found that the KG-MultiResCNN model significantly outperformed the baseline approaches. This demonstrates the effectiveness of using external knowledge, in addition to training examples, to improve the performance of deep learning models for automatic ICD coding.
Optimal energy planning of multi-microgrids at stochastic nature of load demand and renewable energy resources using a modified Capuchin Search Algorithm
Authors: Ebeed Mohamed , Ahmed Deyaa , Kamel Salah , Jurado Francisco , Shaaban Mostafa F. , Ali Abdelfatah , Refai Ahmed
Published: May 2023

The concept of interconnected multi-microgrids (MMGs) is presented as a promising solution for the improvement in the operation, control, and economic performance of the distribution networks. The energy management of the MMGs is a strenuous and challenging task, especially with the integration of renewable energy resources (RERs) and variation in the loading due to the intermittency of these resources and the stochastic nature of the load demand. In this regard, the energy management of the MMGs is optimized with optimal inclusion of a hybrid system consisting of a photovoltaic (PV) and a wind turbine (WT)-based distributed generation (DGs) under uncertainties of the generated powers and the load variation. A modified Capuchin Search Algorithm (MCapSA) is presented and applied for the energy management of the MMGs. The MCapSA is based on enhancing the searching abilities of the standard Capuchin Search Algorithm (CapSA) using three improvement strategies including the quasi-oppositional-based learning (QOBL), the random movement-based Levy flight distribution, and the exploitation mechanism of the prairie dogs in the prairie dog optimization (PDO). The optimized function is a multi-objective function that comprises of the cost and the voltage deviation reduction along with stability enhancement. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is verified on standard benchmark functions and the obtained results. Then, the proposed method is used for energy management of IEEE 33-bus and 69-bus MMGs at uncertainties conation. The results depict that the energy management with inclusion of WTs and PVs using the proposed technique can reduce the cost and summation of the VD by 46.41% and 62.54%, and the VSI is enhanced by 15.1406% for the first MMG. Likewise, for the second MMG, the cost and summation of the VD are reduced by 44.19% and 39.70%, and the VSI is enhanced by 4.49%.
Hyperspherical Cluster Model for Bosons: Application to Sub-threshold Halo States in Helium Drops
Authors: Timofeyuk N. K.
Published: May 2023

To describe long-range behaviour of one particle removed from a few- or a many-body system, a hyperspherical cluster model has been developed. It has been applied to the ground and first excited states of helium drops with five, six, eight and ten atoms interacting via a two-body soft gaussian potential. Convergence of the hyperspherical cluster harmonics expansion is studied for binding energies, root-mean-squared radii and overlaps of the wave functions of two helium drops differing by one atom. It was shown that with increasing model space the functional form of such overlaps at large distances converges to the correct asymptotic behaviour. The asymptotic normalization coefficients that quantify the overlaps’ amplitudes in this region are calculated. It was also shown that in the first excited state one helium atom stays far apart from the rest forming a two-body molecule, or a halo. The probability of finding the halo atom in the classically-forbidden region of space depends on the definition of the latter and on the valence atom binding energy. The total norm of the overlap integrals, the spectroscopic factor, represents the number of partitions of a many-body state into a chosen state of the system with one particle removed. The spectroscopic factors have been calculated and their sum rules are discussed giving a further insight into the structure of helium drops.
Longitudinal associations between socioeconomic status and psychosocial problems in preschool children
Authors: Luo Jie , van Grieken Amy , Kruizinga Ingrid , Raat Hein
Published: May 2023

Socioeconomic status (SES) at different points in a child’s lifetime may have different effects on health outcomes. This study aimed to examine longitudinal associations between SES and psychosocial problems in preschool children (n = 2509, Mage = 24.2 ± 1.3 months). The psychosocial problems of children were assessed using the Brief Infant–Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment at age 2 years and age 3 years and categorized as having yes/no psychosocial problems. Four groups of pattern of presence/absence of psychosocial problems between age 2 and 3 years were classified: (1) ‘no problems’, (2) ‘problems at age two’, (3) ‘problems at age three’, and (4) ‘continuing problems’. Five indicators of SES (i.e., maternal education level, single-parent family, unemployment, financial problems, and neighborhood SES) were evaluated. Results showed around one-fifth (2Y = 20.0%, 3Y = 16.0%) of children had psychosocial problems. Multinomial logistic regression models revealed low and middle maternal education levels were associated with ‘problems at age two’; low maternal education level and financial problems were associated with ‘problems at age three’; low and middle maternal education level, single-parent family, and unemployment were associated with ‘continuing problems’. No associations were observed between neighborhood SES and any pattern. Results suggest children in a lower SES, indicated by maternal education, single-parent family, and financial stress, had higher odds of developing and continuously having psychosocial problems in early childhood. These findings call for optimally timing interventions to reduce the impact of disadvantaged SES in early childhood on psychosocial health.
Caseworkers’ participation in procurement: Infrastructuring Child Welfare Services in Norway
Authors: Dahl-Jørgensen Tangni C. , Parmiggiani Elena
Published: May 2023

Procurement is a widely adopted collaborative approach for acquiring new systems in the public sector. It exemplifies a situation in which the early stages of digital system design define the boundaries and constraints of a new system that must be specified in the tender document (i.e., a binding offer). Researchers and government officials have long recognized the benefit of end-user participation in system design. Given the central role of the pre-tender phases in procurement processes, however, there is a need to better understand what affects user participation in such early stages. In this paper, we research a procurement process in municipal Child Welfare Services in Norway. We focus on caseworkers' participation in procuring a future case management system. We build on the concept of participatory infrastructuring to characterize how the meaning of participation was shaped through three overarching participatory infrastructuring practices of decision-making within a rigid procurement process: (i) scaling up the project, (ii) negotiating participation in meetings with potential suppliers and in tender documents, and (iii) positioning caseworkers as subject experts. The analysis of these practices reveals that the definition of user needs in the tender documentation and the creation of knotworks define both the boundary conditions and the modalities of participation. We contribute to the conversation on participatory infrastructuring in Computer-Supported Cooperative Work by discussing how participatory infrastructuring provides a conceptual understanding of participation in the context of municipal systems procurement.
Deficit sustainability and fiscal theory of price level: the case of Italy, 1861–2020
Authors: Congregado Emilio , Díaz-Roldán Carmen , Esteve Vicente
Published: May 2023

We test sustainability of the Italian government deficit over the period 1861–2020 using the fiscal theory of the price level (FTPL). This approach takes into account monetary and fiscal policy interactions and assumes that fiscal policy may determine the price level even if monetary authorities pursue an inflation-targeting strategy. We consider a cointegrated model with multiple structural changes to characterize the sustainability of public finances and the prevalence of monetary or fiscal dominance during subperiods. We also use recursive unit root tests for explosiveness to test fiscal sustainability and to detect episodes of potential explosive behaviour in Italian public debt. We find two structural changes for the public debt and one change in the primary budget surplus, the alternation of monetary and fiscal dominant regimes, as well as evidence of bubbles related to three episodes of the Italian fiscal performance. Our results reveal the sensitiveness of the primary balance and the debt paths to shocks hitting fiscal, macroeconomic, and financial variables.
Niche modelling and molecular phylogenetics unravel the colonisation biology of three species of the freshwater planarian genus Girardia (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida)
Authors: Benítez-Álvarez Lisandra , Leria Laia , Sluys Ronald , Leal-Zanchet Ana M. , Riutort Marta
Published: May 2023

Freshwater planarians of the genus Girardia have been introduced all over the world, but little is known about the species involved and their possible impact on autochthonous ecosystems. Using molecular phylogenetics and niche modelling under different climatic scenarios we examine the human-induced spread of alien Girardia species from their original areas of distribution in the Americas to other areas. Our results corroborate that Girardia populations spreading worldwide belong to three species: G. dorotocephala, G. sinensis, and G. tigrina. Our study emphasizes that G. sinensis is native to North America and shows that G. dorotocephala has a broader range of introduced localities than previously known. Niche modelling revealed that the three species have a broad range of potential distribution in extensive regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Regardless of the future climatic scenario, their distributional range will increase towards northern Europe, without diminishing the high suitability of regions in the south. Their environmental requirements, being generalists with high suitability for human-modified habitats, and fissiparous reproduction explain their successful colonization. In the Iberian Peninsula, G. tigrina and G. sinensis have extensive areas of high suitability, overlapping with the more limited suitable areas of autochthonous planarians, pointing to potential detrimental effects of Girardia invaders.
The Effect of Holographic Heart Models and Mixed Reality for Anatomy Learning in Congenital Heart Disease: An Exploratory Study
Authors: d’Aiello Angelo Fabio , Cabitza Federico , Natali Chiara , Viganò Sophia , Ferrero Paolo , Bognoni Ludovica , Pasqualin Giulia , Giamberti Alessandro , Chessa Massimo
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we present an exploratory study on the potential impact of holographic heart models and mixed reality technology on medical training, and in particular in teaching complex Congenital Heart Diseases (CHD) to medical students. Fifty-nine medical students were randomly allocated into three groups. Each participant in each group received a 30-minute lecture on a CHD condition interpretation and transcatheter treatment with different instructional tools. The participants of the first group attended a lecture in which traditional slides were projected onto a flat screen (group “regular slideware”, RS). The second group was shown slides incorporating videos of holographic anatomical models (group “holographic videos”, HV). Finally, those in the third group wore immersive, head-mounted devices (HMD) to interact directly with holographic anatomical models (group “mixed reality”, MR). At the end of the lecture, the members of each group were asked to fill in a multiple-choice questionnaire aimed at evaluating their topic proficiency, as a proxy to evaluate the effectiveness of the training session (in terms of acquired notions); participants from group MR were also asked to fill in a questionnaire regarding the recommendability and usability of the MS Hololens HMDs, as a proxy of satisfaction regarding its use experience (UX). The findings show promising results for usability and user acceptance.
Enriching Representation and Enhancing Nearest Neighbor Classification of Slope/Landslide Data Using Rectified Feature Line Segments and Hypersphere-Based Scaling: A Reproducible Experimental Comparison
Authors: Ospina-Dávila Y. M. , Orozco-Alzate Mauricio
Published: May 2023

Measuring geotechnical and natural hazard engineering features, along with pattern recognition algorithms, allows us to categorize the stability of slopes into two main classes of interest: stable or at risk of collapse. The problem of slope stability can be further generalized to that of assessing landslide susceptibility. Many different methods have been applied to these problems, ranging from simple to complex, and often with a scarcity of available data. Simple classification methods are preferred for the sake of both parsimony and interpretability, as well as to avoid drawbacks such as overtraining. In this paper, an experimental comparison was carried out for three simple but powerful existing variants of the well-known nearest neighbor rule for classifying slope/landslide data. One of the variants enhances the representational capacity of the data using so-called feature line segments, while all three consider the concept of a territorial hypersphere per prototype feature point. Additionally, this experimental comparison is entirely reproducible, as Python implementations are provided for all the methods and the main simulation, and the experiments are performed using three publicly available datasets: two related to slope stability and one for landslide susceptibility. Results show that the three variants are very competitive and easily applicable.
Business groups’ internal labour markets and SME labour productivity
Authors: Doucet Pablo , Requejo Ignacio , Suárez-González Isabel
Published: May 2023

Labour market regulation constrains small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) ability to minimize redundant labour. However, it is often neglected that many SMEs might circumvent these constraints by accessing a business group’s internal labour market (ILM). In this study, we analyse whether SMEs with ILM access—i.e., with an increasing number of sister group companies in the same subnational region-industry—enjoy a labour productivity premium and whether this potential productivity premium depends on the bargaining power of labour. Because intra-group reallocation of redundant personnel often involves substantial changes in employment conditions, we argue that the value of ILM access might be reduced when the bargaining power of workers is high as they can oppose the reallocation or demand significant compensation. Using a panel of 119,801 European SMEs during 2011–2019 (639,675 firm-year observations), we find that SMEs with ILM access show relatively higher labour productivity. Further, our findings suggest that this productivity premium is higher in those contexts associated with lower labour bargaining power.
Oxidative Depolymerization of Kraft Lignin to Aromatics Over Bimetallic V–Cu/ZrO2 Catalysts
Authors: Abdelaziz Omar Y. , Clemmensen Ida , Meier Sebastian , Bjelić Saša , Hulteberg Christian P. , Riisager Anders
Published: May 2023

Zirconia-supported vanadium–copper catalysts (VCux:yZr) were used for the oxidative depolymerization of softwood LignoBoost Kraft lignin (LB). Various VCux:yZr catalysts were prepared (x:y = 0:1, 1:4, 1:2, 3:4, 1:1, and 1:0) by incipient wetness impregnation, and reactions were performed in alkaline water at 150 °C under an O2 pressure of 5 bar for 10 min. 1H–13C HSQC NMR spectroscopy was used for product identification and quantification. The most promising catalyst was VCu1:2Zr, giving a total monomer yield of 9 wt% and the highest selectivity for vanillin (59%). This catalyst was characterized before and after use by N2 physisorption, XRD, TGA, SEM-EDS, and XPS. Cleavage of the main interunit linkages in LB, including the β-O-4 bonds and recalcitrant C–C bonds, was also observed. The findings of this study demonstrate the potential of the V–Cu/ZrO2 catalyst system in the production of value-added aromatics from technical lignin under relatively mild conditions. This would contribute to the more sustainable use of an underutilized side-stream in forest-based industries, provided catalyst reuse can be successfully demonstrated.
Modeling the Residence Time of Metal Droplets in Slag During BOF Steelmaking
Authors: Mitas Bernhard , Visuri Ville-Valtteri , Schenk Johannes
Published: May 2023

The ejection of metal droplets into slag due to top-blowing is characteristic of the BOF process. The residence time of the metal droplets in the slag plays a significant role in the kinetics of the metal–slag reactions. In this study, the residence time of ejected metal in slag during BOF steelmaking is investigated and various approaches, based on the blowing number theory and mass balances are compared. Previously published blowing number theories are evaluated in comparison with physically based upper and lower boundaries. The results illustrate that only some of the laboratory-scale blowing number correlations apply to industrial blowing conditions. A mathematical model is developed to predict mass fraction return rates and thus the residence time of droplets in the slag emulsion. Combined with a previously published model for ejected droplet size distribution, it is possible to predict dynamic changes in the interfacial area and mass transfer conditions for metal–slag reactions.
Rechtebasierte Kinder- und Jugendhilfe
Authors: Schröer Wolfgang , Kutscher Nadia
Published: May 2023

Auch wenn in der Fachöffentlichkeit seit einiger Zeit eine rechtebasierte Kinder- und Jugendhilfe diskutiert wird, ist eine rechtebasierte Perspektive in diesem Bereich noch längst nicht Alltag. Diese Einleitung in den Schwerpunkt stellt den aktuellen Stand vor und problematisiert die Frage, wie eine diskriminierungsfreie Teilhabe aller jungen Menschen verwirklicht werden kann. Außerdem gibt sie einen kurzen Einblick in die Themen der Beiträge und ihre Autor_innen.
Solitary Bone Plasmacytoma Mimicking Oral Cavity Neoplasm – A Rare Case
Authors: Kamboj Vikrant , Shenoy S Vijendra , Sriperumbudur Susmita , Parvathareddy Navya
Published: May 2023

Plasmacytomas are localized monoclonal plasma cell lesions with no evidence of systemic involvement which are divided into solitary bone plasmacytoma (SBP) and extra-medullary plasmacytoma (EMP). The diagnosis of plasmacytomas (PCM) in the oral regions is challenging given the atypical clinical manifestations and low frequency. Here, we report an extremely rare case of plasmacytoma in an elderly male which initially appeared to be arising from the left buccal mucosa on clinical examination but after radiological imaging and intra-operative findings, the epicentre was found to be in the left infratemporal fossa (ITF). The patient underwent en-bloc compartment resection with high clearance of the ITF which proved to be an effective management strategy. It is crucial for the head and neck surgeon to be aware of the solitary bone plasmacytoma in the oral and maxillofacial region in order to identify it early and provide these patients with the best care possible before complications arise.