bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioengineering Bacillus spp. for Sustainable Crop Production: Recent Advances and Resources for Biotechnological Applications
Authors: Ortiz Aurelio , Sansinenea Estibaliz , Keswani Chetan , Minkina Tatiana , Singh Satyendra Pratap , Rekadwad Bhagwan , Borriss Rainer , Hefferon Kathleen , Hoat Trinh Xuan , Mitra Debasis , Das Mohapatra Pradeep Kumar , Panneerselvam Periyasamy
Published: November 2024

The goal of sustainable agriculture is to meet the rising need for food, while minimizing adverse impacts on the environment, protecting natural resources, and ensuring agricultural output over the long term. The pressing need to increase agricultural yield through sustainable agriculture is being emphasized. Several Bacillus species have been used as commercial biopesticides since they can act against plant pathogens by potentially suppressing them. At the same time, they can act as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and are known for their diverse characteristics and beneficial properties, making them potential candidates for use sustainable crop production programs. Knowledge of genetic information opens the door of possibility for understanding the way these microorganisms behave. By applying biotechnological tools to Bacillus, strategies can be adopted for the purpose of increasing the yield of crops and managing pests and pathogens that infect them. In this review, we identify the genes in the most significant Bacillus spp. that contribute to plant improvement. The most important biotechnological tools and advance computational approaches are described to provide an extended vision on this topic. However, increasing the crop production through application of beneficial microbial strains requires a multifaceted approach that considers ecological, economic, and social aspects. By implementing these strategies and practices, we can work towards a sustainable and resilient agricultural system that meets the growing food demand, while preserving the environment for future generations.
Lung cancer mortality attributable to residential radon in Germany
Authors: Heinzl Felix , Schnelzer Maria , Scholz-Kreisel Peter
Published: November 2024

The radioactive gas radon is one of the most important risk factors for lung cancer after smoking. This article aims to estimate the annual number of lung cancer deaths attributable to residential radon exposure in Germany and its federal states using updated data and an advanced calculation method. Data on lung cancer mortality (2018–2022), smoking behavior (2017), and on the estimated distribution of radon concentration based on a radon residential study (2019–2021) in Germany are used. The risk model employed is derived from the pooled European residential radon study, indicating that excess relative risk for lung cancer increases by 16% per 100 becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m$$^{3}$$

3

) of corrected long-term radon concentration. It is estimated that a total of around 2800 lung cancer deaths per year (95% confidence interval (CI) 900–5100) are attributable to residential radon in Germany. This represents a population attributable fraction of 6.3% (95% CI 2.1–11.4%). Notably, radon-attributable lung cancer deaths occur not only among current (41%) but also significantly among former smokers (41%) and those who have never smoked (19%). The results confirm that radon in homes is an important risk factor for lung cancer, highlighting the need for protective measures against radon for all population groups in Germany.
Progression to complete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retinal atrophy (cRORA): post hoc analysis of the GATHER1 trial
Authors: Corradetti Giulia , Karamat Ayesha , Srinivas Sowmya , Lindenberg Sophiana , Velaga Swetha B. , Corvi Federico , Attiku Yamini , Nittala Muneeswar Gupta , Desai Dhaval , Zhu Liansheng , Abulon Dina , Sadda SriniVas R.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Determine rates of progression of incomplete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retinal atrophy (iRORA) to complete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retinal atrophy (cRORA) and rates of progression of drusen to iRORA/cRORA in eyes with geographic atrophy (GA) treated with avacincaptad pegol (ACP).

Methods

Post hoc analysis of the GATHER1 prospective, randomized, double-masked Phase II/III study that evaluated ACP 2 mg vs. sham. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) data from GATHER1 were transferred to the Doheny Image Reading and Research Lab for masked analysis by readers experienced with Classification of Atrophy Meeting (CAM) grading features. Regions of OCT volume scans more than 500 µm from the border of GA lesions were evaluated at baseline and at months 6, 12, and 18. Participants with iRORA and/or drusen (≥ 40 µm height on OCT) at baseline were included in the analysis.

Results

The proportion of eyes progressing from iRORA to cRORA in the ACP 2 mg group was 5.0%, 15.0%, and 20.0% at months 6, 12, and 18 respectively, as compared with 11.8%, 30.2%, and 41.8% of eyes in the sham group. The proportion of ACP 2 mg-treated eyes progressing from drusen to iRORA or cRORA was 3.8%, 7.6%, and 7.6% at months 6, 12, and 18 compared with 15.9%, 18.1%, and 27.2% of sham-treated eyes.

Conclusions

Rates of progression from iRORA to cRORA and drusen to iRORA/cRORA were reduced in eyes treated with ACP 2 mg vs. sham, with increasing separation between groups over time, suggesting early intervention may slow disease progression.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02686658. Date of registration: February 16, 2016.

Key messages

What is known

Geographic atrophy is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that leads to irreversible vision loss, presenting a significant public health unmet need.

The Classification of Atrophy Meeting (CAM) group recommended a new nomenclature for advanced AMD lesions, based on the affected anatomical layers on optical coherence tomography. Accordingly, the terms incomplete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retinal atrophy (iRORA) and complete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retinal atrophy (cRORA) were introduced (Guymer et al., Ophthalmology 127:394–409, 2020; Sadda et al., Ophthalmology 125:537–548, 2018).

What is new

GATHER1 post hoc analysis shows that treatment with avacincaptad pegol (ACP) 2 mg decreases the proportion of eyes that progress from iRORA to cRORA, and from drusen to iRORA or cRORA, compared with sham, over 6, 12, and 18 months.

These findings suggest a potential role for ACP in delaying the progression of existing pre-atrophic AMD lesions
Time to Onset of Dysphagia Following Head and Neck Radiation
Authors: Miller E. Marin , Walters Rameen K. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Harper Jennifer L. , Depaoli Bradley , O’Rourke Ashli K.
Published: November 2024

To evaluate the time of onset of dysphagia in a cohort of head and neck cancer patients treated with radiation or chemoradiation. Retrospective chart review of adult patients. 237 patients met inclusion criteria for the study. The average age at cancer diagnosis was 62 years (± 12.6) in a predominantly male cohort (n = 198, 83.5%). The most common subsite was oropharyngeal (n = 146, 60.8%) and squamous cell carcinoma in origin (n = 232, 97.9%). Of head and neck cancer patients diagnosed with new onset dysphagia or a dysphagia related diagnosis, nine (3.8%) were diagnosed at six months to 1 year, 12 (5.1%) at 1–2 years, and 17 (7.1%) at greater than 2 years. The mean radiation dose to the larynx was 43.8 Gy (Gy) (± 14.5) and statistically significant across time the periods (p = 0.018, η2 = 0.161). No difference was found between age, HPV status, T stage, smoking history, or tumor site. The majority of head and neck cancer patients treated with chemoradiation who developed dysphagia did so within the acute time period (during treatment and up to 6 months post treatment). However, a substantial proportion of patients also developed dysphagia in later time periods (16%). The incidence of dysphagia in certain time periods may be impacted by laryngeal radiation dose. Therefore, we recommend long term monitoring/screening of these patients so early intervention can occur.
Involvement of anesthesiologists in pediatric sedation and analgesia outside the operating room in Japan: is it too late, or is there still time?
Authors: Obara Soichiro
Published: November 2024

The global COVID-19 pandemic highlighted significant existing supply–demand imbalances in anesthesia workforce, particularly impacting non-operating room anesthesia. Despite documented risks and mortality rates associated with pediatric procedural sedation and analgesia (PPSA) outside the operating room (OR), there is a pressing need for improvements in safety infrastructure. Comparative analysis with international practices reveals that anesthesiologists’ involvement is associated with fewer adverse events and improved outcomes. However, lower reimbursement rate for sedation and anesthesia workforce shortage, and decentralized health resources are contributing factors to limit their participation in PPSA outside the OR in Japan. Enhancing the involvement of anesthesiologists through the public health frameworks such as “high-risk approach” and “population approach” can contribute to improvement of the safety and quality of PPSA. By tackling these challenges and implementing effective solutions, anesthesiologists can play a key role in ensuring safer and more effective PPSA outside the OR. Future challenges include enhancing training, addressing reduced clinical exposure due to work style reform, and developing effective educational systems. Research on improved educational approaches and fundamental outcome indices is crucial for improving PPSA practices outside the OR.
Design of multi-row parallel-transmit coil arrays for enhanced SAR efficiency with deep brain electrodes at 3T: an electromagnetic simulation study
Authors: Karadeniz Nejat , Hajnal Joseph V. , Ipek Özlem
Published: November 2024

Objective

Tissue heating near the implanted deep brain stimulation (DBS) during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) poses a significant safety constraint. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of parallel transmit (pTx) head transmit radiofrequency (RF) coils in DBS patients, with a focus on excitation fidelity under specific absorption rate (SAR) control for brain imaging at 3T MRI.

Materials and methods

We employed electromagnetic simulations to assess different coil configurations, including multi-row pTx coils of 16–24 channels arranged in 1, 2, and 3 rows, and compared these to a circularly polarised and pTx birdcage coil using a realistic human model without and with DBS leads and electrodes.

Results

Two- and three-row pTx coils with overlapping loop elements exhibited similar performance, which was superior in excitation homogeneity and local SAR compared to the single-row coil and the birdcage coil both without and with DBS.

Discussion

These findings suggest that multi-row coils can enhance the safety and efficacy of MRI in patients with DBS devices, so potentially improving imaging performance in this expanding patient population. There was a minimal difference in performance between the 2 and 3-row coils, favouring the simpler, lower channel count design for practical implementation.
The Amenity Value of Bicycle Infrastructure: A Hedonic Application to Greater Manchester, UK
Authors: Hearne David , Yerushalmi Erez
Published: November 2024

Using hedonic and spatial regressions, this paper estimates a significantly larger association between proximity to bicycle networks and property prices than previously reported. As cities face increasing challenges of congestion and pollution, many are implementing policies to integrate bicycle facilities and other active modes of transport. However, policymakers are slow to support these initiatives and remain skeptical due to the investment costs required and appropriation of limited land. Drawing on a large dataset of approximately 253,000 transactions in Greater Manchester, over a 9-year period, we find clear evidenced that a 1 km reduction in distance to the nearest bicycle network is associated with property values being around 2.8% higher, on average, and 7.7% higher in the central borough of Manchester. We also provide an applied example to rank new bicycle routes by comparing their benefit-to-cost ratios and a discussion on the property tax system.
Profile of urban sustainability in Bulgaria
Authors: Rodrigues Margarida , Franco Mário , Filipova Hristina , Silva Rui Jorge , Kazandzhieva Velina , Nacheva Radka , Koleva Velina , Lyubenov Lyubomir , Oliveira Cidália , Borges Ana Pinto , Braga José , Ivanova Pavlina , Antonova Katya
Published: November 2024

Sustainability is becoming increasingly relevant due to the need to decide on planned management of land use and natural resources as well as sustainable development in the context of cities. This study aims to identify indicators for measuring the sustainable development of districts/countries in Bulgaria. Using the Multivariate Analysis (MVA) method, where we examine multiple variables in several dimensions, the results show that in the environmental pillar, the management of natural resources, including water and soil, was under pressure due to industrial and urban activities. Air quality and waste management were also critical issues in some urban areas. The promotion of sustainable building practices and the adoption of renewable energies could be areas of focus for improving environmental sustainability in Bulgarian cities. This study is innovative becouse it underscores the imperative need for urban sustainability to integrate the foundational pillars of sustainability harmoniously. Central to this integration is the cultivation of economic growth that upholds environmental integrity and fosters social equity and opportunity. More theorectical and managerial contributios are also presented.
How Accurate are Your Experimental Data? A More Accessible GUM-Based Methodology for Uncertainty Evaluation
Authors: Bernardini Luca , McLinden Mark O. , Yang Xiaoxian , Richter Markus
Published: November 2024

A methodology for evaluating experimental uncertainty is presented. Based on the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) in conjunction with a sensitivity analysis, this method readily applies to systems of various degrees of complexity. It consists of three steps: (1) to estimate each uncertainty contribution of the system based on GUM; (2) to determine the sensitivity of the calculated results to variations in each of the input measurands in turn, replacing the partial derivatives of the GUM with a purely numerical approach; and (3) to calculate the overall uncertainty using the error propagation principle. Furthermore, the calculated sensitivity coefficients enable a critical evaluation of the investigated system, allowing the detection of possible targeted improvements. For this reason, the presented method is called “the sensitivity analysis method.” This is applied to three case studies with increasing complexity: a mass calibration procedure, a volume calibration procedure, and a gravimetric densimeter characterized by a multi-parameter nonlinear measuring model. When possible, the results are compared to the GUM uncertainty framework or values available in the literature.
A physics-guided deep generative model for predicting melt pool behavior in laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing
Authors: Kim Jaehyuk , Yang Zhuo , Lu Yan
Published: November 2024

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is a promising metal additive manufacturing process that enables the production of highly intricate geometries. Achieving consistent quality and repeatability in LPBF lies in accurately predicting and controlling melt pool behavior. Recent studies have primarily utilized data-driven approaches using real-time melt pool monitoring (MPM) data. However, these methods often lack accuracy and interpretability, primarily because they rely on data without adequately considering the underlying physical mechanisms related to melt pool formation. To address this issue, our study introduces a novel physics-guided deep generative model to predict melt pool behavior in LPBF. We employ a Convolutional Neural Network Transformer Generative Adversarial Network to predict future MPM images, leveraging a physics-based model to enhance the accuracy and interpretation of our predictions. Our experimental validation highlights the model’s effectiveness and accuracy in predicting melt pool behaviors in LPBF. A comparison with related studies shows that the proposed model achieves better prediction accuracy, demonstrating improvements in melt pool geometry and image quality. This advancement in melt pool modeling significantly contributes to the LPBF, promising to improve its process control and part quality.
Identifying latent subgroups of primary head injury: an explorative latent class analysis on neuropathologically examined medico-legal autopsy cases
Authors: Laakko Essi , Oura Petteri
Published: November 2024

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant global health concern and frequently encountered in medico-legal autopsies. Previous studies suggest that certain TBI subtypes are more likely to co-occur than others. Therefore, we aimed to explore the potential of latent class analysis (LCA) to identify and characterize primary head injury combinations in neuropathologically examined medico-legal autopsy cases. The dataset comprised 78 cases from the Forensic Medicine Unit of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare over the period of 2016–2022. Data on background and circumstantial characteristics as well as primary and secondary head and brain injuries were collected from police documents, medical records, general autopsy reports and neuropathology reports. Latent class solutions with two to five classes were explored to identify clustering of primary head injuries among the sample. The dataset comprised 69.2% males and the median age was 49 years. In LCA, the solutions appeared reasonable, and each class appeared to represent a distinct TBI profile. The two-class solution was found to fit the present dataset best. Class 1 was characterized by older age, presence of an underlying CNS disease, and less diverse primary head injuries; these were interpreted as suggestive of lower traumatic forces. Class 2 was characterized by male sex and assaults as a prominent injury circumstance; subarachnoid and intracerebral/ventricular haemorrhages and contusions were classified exclusively into this class. In conclusion, this study identified two distinct subgroups of primary head injuries. Understanding typical injury combinations related to distinct circumstances could assist not only forensic pathologists but also clinicians treating TBI patients. However, the present latent class solution should not be interpreted as “ground truth”, but instead further research is needed.
The Role of Zooplankton Community Composition in Fecal Pellet Carbon Production in the York River Estuary, Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Sharpe Kristen N. , Steinberg Deborah K. , Stamieszkin Karen
Published: November 2024

Zooplankton play a key role in the cycling of carbon in aquatic ecosystems, yet their production of carbon-rich fecal pellets, which sink to depth and can fuel benthic community metabolism, is rarely quantified in estuaries. We measured fecal pellet carbon (FPC) production by the whole near-surface mesozooplankton community in the York River sub-estuary of Chesapeake Bay. Zooplankton biomass and taxonomic composition were measured with monthly paired day/night net tows. Live animal experiments were used to quantify FPC production rates of the whole community and dominant individual taxa. Zooplankton biomass increased in surface waters at night (2- to 29-fold) due to diel vertical migration, especially by Acartia spp. copepods. Biomass and diversity were seasonally low in the winter and high in the summer and often dominated by Acartia copepods. Whole community FPC production rates were higher (3- to 65-fold) at night than during the day, with the 0.5–1 mm size class contributing 2–26% to FPC production in the day versus 40–70% at night. An increase in the relative contribution of larger size fractions to total FPC production occurred at night due to diel vertical migration of larger animals into surface waters. Community FPC production was highest in fall due to increased diversity and abundance of larger animals producing larger fecal pellets, and lowest in summer likely due to top-down control of abundant crustacean taxa by gelatinous predators. This study indicates that zooplankton FPC production in estuaries can surpass that in oceanic systems and suggests that fecal pellet export is important in benthic-pelagic coupling in estuaries.
Expert consensus for pertussis in children: new concepts in diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Mi Yu-Mei , Deng Ji-Kui , Zhang Ting , Cao Qing , Wang Chuan-Qing , Ye Sheng , Chen Ying-Hu , He Han-Qing , Wu Bei-Bei , Liu Yan , Zeng Mei , Li Wei , Wu Fang , Xu Hong-Mei , Zhao Shi-Yong , Liu Gang , Hua Wang , Xu Dan , Bai Guan-Nan , Yang Ying , Huang Li-Su , Chen Yi-Ping , Yao Kai-Hu , Shao Zhu-Jun , Hua Chun-Zhen
Published: November 2024

Background

Pertussis resurgence has been reported worldwide in the past two decades. Pertussis is still endemic and difficult to control though with universal vaccination in children. The resurgence may be related to multiple variables, such as increased disease awareness and laboratory tests, waning of immunity following vaccination, and/or genetic mutations of Bordetella pertussis. For better pertussis prevention, diagnosis, and management, we called up an expert panel to develop this expert consensus to provide new concepts in diagnosis and treatment for clinical practice.

Data sources

The expert groups collected clinical evidence, summarized their clinical experiences, evaluated preliminary recommendations or guidelines, and then organized open-ended discussions to form the recommendations. This consensus was developed by reviewing the literature and studies in databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, the China Biomedical Database, and the Chinese Journal Full-text Database up to May 2024. The search terms included “pertussis” or “whooping cough”, “children”, “diagnosis”, and “treatment”.

Results

The burden of pertussis has also changed from infants to  school children and adults, and these age groups have consequently become the main source of infection for vulnerable population including infants and newborns. In China, a high prevalence of erythromycin-resistant Bordetella pertussis (ERBP) has been reported in the past decade. ERBP may lead to failed clinical empirical treatment with macrolides, which poses a great challenge for pertussis management and control. For better management of pertussis, a flow diagram for diagnosis and treatment of pertussis was presented in this consensus. This consensus also described the diagnostic criteria for pertussis, high-risk cases, and severe pertussis. Macrolides can still be used to treat confirmed erythromycin-sensitive B. pertussis (ESBP) infections, whereas oral trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole therapy is the initial treatment option for children older than two months. For infants younger than two months, severe patients, or those exhibiting a high degree of sulfonamide allergy, intravenous administration of piperacillin or cefoperazone–sulbactam is advised.

Conclusions

This expert consensus provides a comprehensive guidance and a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of pertussis in children.

Graphic abstract
Still doing it yourself? Investigating determinants for the adoption of intelligent process automation
Authors: Mayr Alexander , Stahmann Philip , Nebel Maximilian , Janiesch Christian
Published: November 2024

Intelligent process automation (IPA) augments symbolic process automation using artificial intelligence. Emulating human decision-making, IPA enables the execution of complex processes requiring decision-making capacities. IPA promises great economic potential as it enables more efficient use of the human workforce. However, the adoption rate in practice falls behind these potentials. Our study aims to investigate reasons and identify areas for action towards IPA adoption. To this end, we identified 13 determinants and created an extended UTAUT model. We tested the model with partial least squares structural equation modeling for significant influential relationships between the determinants based on a user study. We contribute to theory and practice finding a special role of trust and transparency for the adoption of IPA. Likewise, we show that organizations should cultivate a positive attitude towards IPA diffusion. Further, our results contribute with a focus on the potential adopters as IPA adoption is contingent upon their characteristics, such as experience and job level.
Infants < 90 days of age with late-onset sepsis display disturbances of the microbiome-immunity interplay
Authors: Graspeuntner Simon , Lupatsii Mariia , van Zandbergen Vera , Dammann Marie-Theres , Pagel Julia , Nguyen Duc Ninh , Humberg Alexander , Göpel Wolfgang , Herting Egbert , Rupp Jan , Härtel Christoph , Fortmann Ingmar
Published: November 2024

Objective

We hypothesized that previously healthy infants < 90 days of age with late-onset sepsis (LOS) have disturbances of the gut microbiome with yet undefined specific immunological patterns.

Methods

We performed a prospective single-center convenience sample study between January 2019 and July 2021 in a case-control design. Routine diagnostics included conventional cultures (blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine), PCRs and inflammatory markers in infants aged < 90 days with clinical LOS. We additionally analyzed blood lymphocyte subsets including CD4 + CD25 + forkhead box protein (FoxP3)+ Tregs and performed 16 S rRNA sequencing of stool samples, both compared to age-matched healthy controls. Results were adjusted for potential confounders that may influence microbial composition.

Results

51 infants with fever and clinical LOS were enrolled. Bacterial sepsis was diagnosed in n = 24 (47.1%) and viral infection in n = 13 (25.5%) infants, whereas in 14 (27.3%) infants the cause of fever remained undetermined. When compared to healthy controls, the gut microbiome of LOS infants at disease onset was characterized by a shift in community composition, specifically, decreased abundance of B. longum and an increase of Bacteroidia spp. Intriguingly, the abundance of B. longum negatively correlated with the frequency of blood CD4-positive cells in healthy controls but not in infants with LOS. At one year of age, we observed microbiome differences in infants with history of LOS when compared to healthy controls, such as an increased gut microbial diversity.

Conclusion

Our data suggest potential signatures of the microbiome-immunity interplay in infants with LOS, which should be investigated further as possible targets for prevention.
Induratio penis plastica – Ätiologie, Symptome, Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Heining Franziska , Hunziker Manuela , Eberli Daniel
Published: November 2024

Die Induratio penis plastica – auch unter dem Eigennamen Peyronie-Krankheit bekannt – ist eine Erkrankung des älteren Mannes, welche durch die Ausbildung von Plaques in den Schwellkörpern zu einer Verkrümmung des Penis führt. Die Ursache der Erkrankung ist nicht abschliessend geklärt, wobei wiederholte Mikrotraumata ebenso eine Rolle spielen können wie genetische Faktoren sowie Stoffwechselerkrankungen. Zu den typischen Symptomen zählen die häufig schmerzhafte Verbiegung des Penis – insbesondere im erigierten Zustand – bis hin zur Unmöglichkeit eines penetrativen Geschlechtsverkehrs sowie die erektile Dysfunktion. Zur Diagnosestellung gehören eine detaillierte Anamnese, die körperliche Untersuchung sowie wahlweise bildgebende Verfahren. Eine gründliche Diagnosestellung ist essenziell, um andere Ursachen für die Symptome auszuschliessen sowie einen optimalen individuellen Behandlungsplan für jeden Patienten zu erstellen.

Die Induratio penis plastica verläuft typischerweise in 2 Phasen: der akuten Phase, die durch Schmerzen, aktive Entzündung und sich entwickelnde Krümmung gekennzeichnet ist, und der chronischen Phase, in der sich die Symptome stabilisieren und die Schmerzen nachlassen. Die Behandlung der Erkrankung variiert je nach Phase und zielt darauf ab, Schmerzen zu lindern, die Verformung zu korrigieren und die erektile Funktion zu verbessern. Zu den konservativen Massnahmen zählen orale Therapien und Injektionstherapien sowie Verfahren mit Stosswellen. Bei den chirurgischen Prozeduren unterscheitet man Verfahren der Penisverkürzung von solchen zum Erhalt der Penislänge. In Fällen einer therapieresistenten erektilen Dysfunktion sind Penisprothesen die Methode der Wahl.

Die Induratio penis plastica ist eine komplexe Erkrankung. Der Verlauf sowie die Prognose sind sehr variabel, und betroffene Männer entwickeln einen unterschiedlich stark ausgeprägten Leidensdruck. Eine frühzeitige Diagnose und Behandlung können helfen, die Symptome zu lindern und die Lebensqualität der Patienten zu verbessern.
Spatiotemporal analysis of Zika virus transmission dynamics incorporating human mobility and seasonal variations using modified homotopy perturbation method
Authors: Alaje Adedapo Ismaila , Olayiwola Morufu Oyedunsi , Odeleye John Femi
Published: November 2024

This study employed a mathematical model to evaluate how seasonal variations, vector dispersal, and mobility of people affect the spread of the Zika virus. The model's positive solutions, invariant zones, and solution existence and uniqueness were validated through proved theorems. The equilibria points were identified, and the basic reproduction number was calculated. The model was semi-analytically solved using a modified homotopy perturbation approach, and an applied convergence test proved that the solution converges. The simulation results indicated that under optimal breeding conditions, the density of healthy mosquitoes peaked in the fourth month. Two months later, increased mosquito dispersal and human carriers facilitated by favorable weather led to a rise in mosquito infectiousness, peaking between the fourth and eighth months due to significant seasonal effects, resulting in high Zika transmission. To effectively control mosquito populations and reduce Zika transmission, it is recommended that public health interventions focus on the critical periods spanning the third to eighth months.
Retrospective analysis of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia: prevalence, associated factors, and treatment outcome
Authors: Shugri Mohamed Abdirahman , Libe Temesgen Teferi , Gebru Feven Mekonnen
Published: November 2024

Background

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, a condition marked by yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels, poses significant risks including kernicterus, a severe form of bilirubin encephalopathy. Understanding its prevalence, associated factors, and outcomes is crucial for effective management.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the prevalence, associated factors, and treatment outcomes of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia.

Methodology

A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted. We reviewed the medical charts of 328 neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital between January 1, 2019, and December 30, 2020. Data were collected using a checklist and analyzed with SPSS version 22, employing descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

Result

The prevalence of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia was 44.2% (95% CI 38.9, 49.6). Sepsis (66.9%) and Rh incompatibility (4.8%) were prevalent among neonates with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Prematurity and age at admission were significantly associated with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Most neonates with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (94%) were treated with phototherapy alone, while a smaller proportion (6%) required a combination of phototherapy and exchange transfusion. The overall improvement rate was 93.8%, with a mortality rate of 1.4% due to bilirubin encephalopathy.

Conclusion

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia was prevalent among neonates admitted to Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, with significant associations to age at admission, prematurity, and sepsis. Effective management, including timely phototherapy and addressing resource shortages, is crucial to improving neonatal outcomes.
The Transformation of Boeing from Technological Leadership to Financial Engineering and Decline
Authors: McMillan Charles
Published: November 2024

Organizations rise or fall based on misreading of external signals as well as internal factors – strong or weak management, leadership and governance, proactive or reactive benchmarks of innovation and performance. This Element addresses the commercial aerospace sector the case study of Boeing Corporation. Boeing and Airbus illustrate the dynamics of competitive rivalry, the shifting attention span of senior leaders. Beset by internal dysfunctions, product delays and certification challenges, Boeing has a negative net worth, and perverse executive incentives, financial engineering values, and governance dysfunctions when confronting the changes facing the main customers, the airline industry. Boeing trails its European rival in market share, R&D investments, and diverse product line based on seat size, pricing, and distance. This case study provides an opportunity to suggest new research directions on governance and managing truly complex organizations.
Ethics in Econometrics
Authors: Franses Philip Hans
Published: November 2024

Applied econometrics uses the tools of theoretical econometrics and real-word data to develop predictive models and assess economic theories. Due to the complex nature of such analysis, various assumptions are often not understood by those people who rely on it. The danger of this is that economic policies can be assessed favourably to suit a particular political agenda and forecasts can be generated to match the needs of a particular customer. Ethics in Econometrics argues that econometricians need to be aware of potential ethical pitfalls when carrying out their analysis and that they need to be encouraged to avoid them. Using a range of empirical examples and detailed discussions of real cases, this book provides a guide for research practices in econometrics, illustrating why it is imperative that econometricians act ethically in terms of the way they conduct their analysis and treat their data.
Approximation Algorithms for Traveling Salesman Problems
Authors: Traub Vera , Vygen Jens
Published: November 2024

The Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) is a central topic in discrete mathematics and theoretical computer science. It has been one of the driving forces in combinatorial optimization. The design and analysis of better and better approximation algorithms for the TSP has proved challenging but very fruitful. This is the first book on approximation algorithms for the TSP, featuring a comprehensive collection of all major results and an overview of the most intriguing open problems. Many of the presented results have been discovered only recently, and some are published here for the first time, including better approximation algorithms for the asymmetric TSP and its path version. This book constitutes and advances the state of the art and makes it accessible to a wider audience. Featuring detailed proofs, over 170 exercises, and 100 color figures, this book is an excellent resource for teaching, self-study, and further research.
The Ethical Philosophy of Bernard Williams
Authors: Thomas Alan
Published: November 2024

This Element surveys the main claims of Bernard Williams's ethical philosophy. Topics include ethical scepticism, virtue, reasons for action, the critique of the Morality System, moral realism and the nature of theorising in ethics.
The Einstein Paradox
Authors: Bacciagaluppi Guido , Crull Elise
Published: November 2024

The famously controversial 1935 paper by Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen (EPR) took aim at the heart of the flourishing field of quantum mechanics. The paper provoked responses from the leading theoretical physicists of the day, and brought entanglement and nonlocality to the forefront of discussion. This book looks back at the seminal year in which the EPR paper was published and explores the intense debate it unleashed. These conversations in print and in private correspondence offer significant insight into the minds of pioneering quantum physicists including Niels Bohr, Erwin Schrödinger and Albert Einstein himself. Offering the most complete collection of sources to date – many published or translated here for the first time – this text brings a rich new context to this pivotal moment in physics history. Both researchers and students in the history and philosophy of science, and enthusiasts alike, will find this book illuminating.
“Watch Your Tone!”: Music and Meaning in Bobi Wine’s “Tugambire ku Jennifer” and the Kampala Street Vendors
Authors: Lwanga Charles
Published: November 2024

Music enhances participation in emerging democracies where the rights of association, assemblage, and and the freedom of expression are suppressed by the state apparatus meant to guarantee them in the first place. Ugandan Afropop musician and politician, Robert Kyagulanya (aka Bobi Wine), composed the song “Tugambire ku Jennifer” (Tell Jennifer on Our Behalf), which articulated the social aspirations of Kampala’s street vendors. The song’s meaning does not begin and end with the composer’s intent but stretches to its effects on the listeners. Analyzing meaning through the lens of speech act theory provides an understanding of what music means when it simultaneously reflects and shapes society.
Meta-Analysis: Prevalence of Youth Mental Disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Jakobsson Cecilia E. , Johnson Natalie E. , Ochuku Brenda , Baseke Rosine , Wong Evelyn , Musyimi Christine W. , Ndetei David M. , Venturo-Conerly Katherine E.
Published: November 2024

Youth in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) face limited access to professional mental health resources. A comprehensive assessment of the prevalence of mental disorders would build an understanding of the scope of the need.

We conducted systematic searches in PsycInfo, Pubmed, AfriBib and Africa Journals Online to identify prevalence rates for five disorders (anxiety, depression, conduct disorder, attention problems and post-traumatic stress) among SSA youth with a mean age of less than 19 years. We calculated a random-effects pooled prevalence for each disorder and assessed possible moderators.

The meta-analysis included 63 studies with 55,071 participants. We found the following pooled prevalence rates: 12.53% post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 15.27% depression, 6.55% attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, 11.78% anxiety and 9.76% conduct disorder. We found high heterogeneity across the studies, which may have resulted from differences in samples or measurement tools. Reported prevalence rates were not explained by the sample (i.e., special or general population), but whether the psychometric tool was validated for SSA youth affected the reported prevalence of PTSD and anxiety. In a meta-regression, prevalence rates were associated with the disorder type, with a higher prevalence of depression and PTSD. We found the mean age significantly moderated the prevalence in univariate meta-regression, with increased age correlated with greater prevalence.

Our findings suggest there is a need to explore reasons for varying prevalence rates further and to develop interventions that support youth mental health in SSA, particularly interventions for depression and PTSD. Limitations included a lack of standardization in psychometric tools and limited reporting on research methods, which influenced quality rating. Importantly, the search only considered studies published in English and was conducted 2 years ago. Although recent estimates reported slightly higher than our prevalence estimates, these reviews together highlight the prevalence and importance of youth mental health difficulties in SSA.
On dewetting and concentration evolution of thin binary fluid films
Authors: Diez J.A. , González A.G. , Kondic L.
Published: November 2024

We study the stability and dewetting dynamics of a thin free-surface film composed of two miscible liquids placed on a solid substrate. Our study focuses on the development of a self-consistent model such that the mixture concentration influences both free-surface and wetting energies. By assuming a simple relation between these energies and the bulk and surface concentrations, we analyse their effect on the concentration distribution and dewetting down to the equilibrium film thickness determined by the fluid–solid interaction potential. The model, developed within the gradient dynamics formulation, includes the dependence of the free-surface energy on surface concentration leading to the Marangoni effect, while a composition-dependent Hamaker constant describes the wetting energy resulting from the fluid–solid interaction. We analyse the restrictions that must be fulfilled to ensure an equilibrium state for a flat film of a binary fluid. Then, we proceed by studying its linear stability. First, we consider the Marangoni effect while assuming that wetting energy depends only on the fluid thickness. Then, we include a dependence of wetting energy on concentration and study its effects. We find that the linear stability results compare very well with those of numerical simulations of the full nonlinear problem applied to the particular case of a binary melted metal alloy, even close to breakup times. Therefore, in practice, most of the evolution can be studied by using the linear theory, simplifying the problem considerably.
Stochastic modal velocity field in rough-wall turbulence
Authors: Ehsani Roozbeh , Heisel Michael , Puccioni Matteo , Hong Jiarong , Iungo Valerio , Voller Vaughan , Guala Michele
Published: November 2024

Stochastically generated instantaneous velocity profiles are used to reproduce the outer region of rough-wall turbulent boundary layers in a range of Reynolds numbers extending from the wind tunnel to field conditions. Each profile consists in a sequence of steps, defined by the modal velocities and representing uniform momentum zones (UMZs), separated by velocity jumps representing the internal shear layers. Height-dependent UMZ is described by a minimal set of attributes: thickness, mid-height elevation, and streamwise (modal) and vertical velocities. These are informed by experimental observations and reproducing the statistical behaviour of rough-wall turbulence and attached eddy scaling, consistent with the corresponding experimental datasets. Sets of independently generated profiles are reorganized in the streamwise direction to form a spatially consistent modal velocity field, starting from any randomly selected profile. The operation allows one to stretch or compress the velocity field in space, increases the size of the domain and adjusts the size of the largest emerging structures to the Reynolds number of the simulated flow. By imposing the autocorrelation function of the modal velocity field to be anchored on the experimental measurements, we obtain a physically based spatial resolution, which is employed in the computation of the velocity spectrum, and second-order structure functions. The results reproduce the Kolmogorov inertial range extending from the UMZ and their attached-eddy vertical organization to the very-large-scale motions (VLSMs) introduced with the reordering process. The dynamic role of VLSM is confirmed in the

$-u^{\prime }w^{\prime }$

co-spectra and in their vertical derivative, representing a scale-dependent pressure gradient contribution.
Influence of spanwise wall vibration on non-modal perturbations subject to freestream vortical disturbances in hypersonic boundary layers
Authors: Song Qinyang , Dong Ming , Zhao Lei , Chu Xianying , Wu Ningning
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we study the effect of lateral wall vibrations on the excitation and evolution of non-modal perturbations in hypersonic boundary layers subject to low-frequency freestream vortical disturbances (FSVDs). A novel, high-efficiency numerical approach, combining the harmonic weakly nonlinear Navier–Stokes and nonlinear parabolised stability equation approaches, is developed, which is sufficient to accommodate both the rapid distortion of the perturbation in the leading-edge vicinity and the nonlinear development of finite-amplitude high-order harmonics in the downstream region. The boundary-layer response to low-frequency FSVDs shows a longitudinal streaky structure, for which the temperature perturbation shows much greater magnitude than the streamwise velocity perturbation. The lateral vibration induces a Stokes layer solution for the spanwise velocity perturbation, which interacts with the FSVD-induced perturbations and leads to a suppression of the non-modal perturbation and an enhancement of the downstream modal perturbation. The new perturbations excited by the FSVD–vibration interaction strengthen as the vibration intensifies, and they could become comparable with the FSVD-induced perturbations in downstream locations at a high vibration intensity, indicating a remarkable modification of the streaky structure and its instability property. Secondary instability (SI) analyses based on the streaky base flow indicate that the vibration could enhance or suppress the SI modes, depending on their initial phases over the vibration period. Overall, the average effect is that the low-frequency and high-frequency SI modes are stabilised and destabilised by the vibration, respectively. Since the high-frequency SI modes undergo higher amplifications, the subsequent bypass transition is likely to be promoted by relatively strong vibrations.
Prasun historical linguistics: new etymologies and the fate of the Indo-Iranian morphemes *-am and *-ka-
Authors: Kreidl Julian
Published: November 2024

In this article, I touch on some lexical and morphological aspects of Prasun historical linguistics. I propose six new etymologies for Prasun words that have not been etymologized at all (üžóg “resin”, ćəwā́ “rhubarb”, wulóg “footprint”, žíma “tent, camp”) or differently (wuzógrog, zógrog “knee”, wuẓnúg, wuẓéŋ “salt”), and add further remarks to three words (üzǖ́ etc. “ice; cold”, lümī́, lümǖ́ “tail”, wəs “day”) with whose traditional etymologizations I basically agree. Furthermore, it is argued that the common epenthetic wu- ~ ü- and the final (usually) -u ~ -ü have the same origin and largely go back to the acc.sg.m/n, nom.sg.n *-am of the Indo-Iranian a-stems. Additionally, while the *-ka-suffix is present in all Nuristani languages in various functions, there is a noticeable split between Prasun, where *-ka- is added to many nouns of the inherited basic vocabulary while it is absent in the cognates in the other Nuristani languages.