bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anisotropy and mechanical properties of dissimilar Al additive manufactured structures generated by multi-layer friction surfacing
Authors: Rath Lars , Kallien Zina , Roos Arne , Santos Jorge F. dos , Klusemann Benjamin
Published: January 2023

Friction surfacing (FS) is a solid-state layer deposition process for metallic materials at temperatures below their melting point. While the bonding of the deposited layers to the substrate is proven suitable for coating applications, so far the mechanical properties of additively manufactured stacks have not been systematically investigated. In particular, the effect of successive deposited FS layers, i.e., repetitive thermo-mechanical loading, on the interface properties as well as anisotropy and strength of the deposited stack is unknown. For this purpose, the mechanical properties of FS deposited multi-layer stacks from dissimilar aluminum alloys have been investigated, characterizing layer-to-layer as well as layer-to-substrate bonding interfaces via micro-flat tensile testing. Furthermore, directional dependencies in the stack and failure mechanisms are analyzed. The results show a homogeneous, fine-grained microstructure with average grain sizes between 4.2 and 4.6 μ m within the deposited material. The resulting tensile properties with no significant directional dependency present an ultimate tensile strength between 320 and 326 MPa exceeding the strength of the AA5083 H112 consumable base material. No difference was obtained in terms of layer-to-layer or layer-to-substrate interface strength. Furthermore, homogeneous hardness was observed within the deposited structure, which is in the range of AA5083 base material’s hardness of 91 HV. The results indicate that the FS process in conjunction with the material used is suitable for additively generated structures and highlight the potential of this solid-state layer deposition technology.
The Angers CT Score is a Risk Factor for the Failure of the Conservative Management of Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction: A Prospective Observational Multicentric Study
Authors: Paisant Anita , Burgmaier Jeanne , Calame Paul , Loison Mélanie , Molière Sébastien , Brigand Cécile , Belabbas Dihia , Duchalais Emilie , Regimbeau Jean‐Marc , Yzet Thierry , Alves Arnaud , Fohlen Audrey , Bergeat Damien , Vauclair Estelle , Pellegrini Julie , Ragot Emilia , Lansier Alexandre , Abet Emeric , Nevot Alexandre , Rousset Pascal , Ouaissi Mehdi , Besson Marie , Ronot Maxime , Giacca Massimo , Girard Edouard , Tessier Yann , Massalou Damien , Poirier Florent , Lakkis Zaher , Aubé Christophe , Hamel Jean Francois , Passot Guillaume , Venara Aurélien
Published: January 2023

Background

Identifying the 30% of adhesive small bowel obstructions (aSBO) for which conservative management will require surgery is essential. The association between the previously described radiological score and failure of the conservative management of aSBO remains to be confirmed in a large prospective multicentric cohort. Our aim was to assess the risk factors of failure of the conservative management of aSBO considering the radiological score.

Material and Methods

This prospective observational study took place in 15 French centers over 3 months. Consecutive patients experiencing aSBO with no early surgery were included. The six radiological features from the Angers radiological computed tomography (CT) score were noted (beak sign, closed loop, focal or diffuse intraperitoneal liquid, focal or diffuse mesenteric haziness, focal or diffuse mesenteric liquid, and diameter of the most dilated small bowel loop > 40 mm).

Results

Two hundred and seventy nine patients with aSBO were screened. Sixty patients (21.5%) underwent early surgery, and 219 (78.5%) had primary conservative management. In the end, 218 patients were included in the analysis of the risk factors for conservative treatment failure. Among them, 162 (74.3%) had had successful management while for 56 (25.7%) management had failed. In multivariate analysis, a history of surgery was not a significant risk factor for the failure of conservative treatment (OR = 0.11; 95%CI = 0–1.23). A previous episode of aSBO was protective against the failure of conservative treatment (OR = 0.36; 95%CI = 0.15–0.85) and an Angers CT score ≥ 5 as the only individual risk factor (OR = 2.39; 95%CI = 1.01–5.69).

Conclusion

The radiological score of aSBO is a promising tool in improving the management of aSBO patients. A first episode of aSBO and/or a radiological score ≥5 should lead physicians to consider early surgical management.
The amazing world of self-organized Ge quantum dots for Si photonics on SiN platforms
Authors: Hong Po-Yu , Lin Chin-Hsuan , Wang I.-Hsiang , Chiu Yu-Ju , Lee Bing-Ju , Kao Jiun-Chi , Huang Chun-Hao , Lin Horng-Chih , George Thomas , Li Pei-Wen
Published: January 2023

Beginning with our exciting discovery of germanium (Ge) spherical quantum-dot (QD) formation via the peculiar and symbiotic interactions of Si, Ge, and O interstitials, we have embarked on a journey of vigorous exploration, creating unique configurations of self-organized Ge-QDs/Si-containing layers. Our aim is to generate advanced Ge-QD photonic devices, while using standard, mainstream Si processing techniques. This paper summarizes our portfolio of innovative Ge-QD configurations. With emphasis on both controllability and repeatability, we have fabricated size-tunable, spherical Ge-QDs that are placed at predetermined spatial locations within Si-containing layers (SiO2, Si3N4, and Si) using a coordinated combination of lithographic patterning and self-assembled growth. We have successfully exploited the multi-dimensional, parameter spaces of process conditions in combination with layout designs to achieve exquisite control available through the thermal oxidation of lithographically patterned, poly-Si1 − xGex structures in close proximity with Si3N4/Si layers. In so doing, we have gained insight into the growth kinetics and formation mechanisms of self-organized, Ge spherical QDs embedded within SiO2, Si3N4, and Si layers, respectively. Our Ge-QD configurations have opened up a myriad of process/integration possibilities including top-to-bottom evanescent-wave coupling structures for SiN-waveguided Ge-QD photodetectors and Ge-QD light emitters for Si photonics within Si3N4 integrated photonics platforms for on-chip interconnects and sensing.
Study the multiferroic properties of BiFeO3/Ni0.1Fe2.9O4 for heavy metal removal
Authors: Ramadan Rania
Published: January 2023

The import marvel in multiferroic substances is the existence of spontaneous polarization and magnetization which enable these materials meet the needs of technological applications. Multiferroic of BiFeO3 and nickel-doped magnetite was synthesized separately by flash and co-precipitation methods, respectively. The two phases were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) analysis. The dielectric properties of BiFeO3/Ni0.1Fe2.9O4 nanocomposite were studied as a function of temperature as well as frequency. Based on the frequency dependent of ac conductivity results, it indicated that the conduction occurs through tunneling and small polaron hopping. The composite sample shows excellent results for heavy metal (Cr6+) removal from wastewater as the removal efficiency was reached to 75% at PH 6 after 40 min. The adsorption of Cr (VI) on the surface of nanocomposite was occurred through Langmuir isotherm and follows pseudo-second-order kinetics. The goal and novelty of this work were to investigate the structural, morphological and dielectric as well as magnetic properties of multiferroic nanocomposite material (BiFeO3/Ni0.1Fe2.9O4) and test its efficiency for heavy metal removal.
The discovery of a third breakdown: phenomenon, characterization and applications
Authors: Chung Steve S.
Published: January 2023

In the history of metal–oxide–semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), the quality of its gate oxide has been a cornerstone of the present semiconductor integrated circuits. The changes of gate dielectrics from conventional SiO2gate oxide into high-k materials has brought us more challenges in various aspects of transistors, especially the reliability improvement when MOSFET dimension is continually scaled. Depending on the making of high-quality gate dielectrics, it plays a major role for the manufacture of high-end CPU with ultra-low power and low leakage, nowadays. There are two major well-known breakdowns in MOSFET’s history. Not until 2015, a world first observation of the breakdown, different from soft and hard breakdown, named dielectric fuse breakdown, dFuse, was discovered, as a result of CMOS technology moving into the high-k metal-gate (HKMG) era. In this paper, we will introduce from the inception of the Ig-RTN (random telegraph noise) measurement on the understanding of breakdown in 2008 and briefly describe the fundamentals of the RTN technique. Later in 2015, a version 2.0 of this Ig-RTN measurement, named Ig-transient, was successfully developed to delineate the breakdown path in HKMG transistors, from which a third breakdown, named dielectric fuse breakdown, was discovered. Its origin and physical mechanism have been discussed. This breakdown relies on the understanding of a leakage path in the gate dielectric of MOSFET, especially the movement of oxygen ions and the oxygen vacancies in the gate dielectric. Sophisticated measurement technique has also been developed to identify the traps generated in the gate dielectrics which laid the foundations on the understanding of trap generation as a function of time. In the end, two major applications in memories are presented, one is in the use of one-time-programming memory and the other on the understanding of the switching phenomena involved in the operation of resistance random-access memory (RRAM).
A recalibrated prediction model can identify level-1 trauma patients at risk of nosocomial pneumonia
Authors: Kobes T. , Terpstra A. M. , IJpma F. F. A. , Leenen L. P. H. , Houwert R. M. , van Wessem K. J. P. , Groenwold R. H. H. , van Baal M. C. P. M.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Nosocomial pneumonia has poor prognosis in hospitalized trauma patients. Croce et al. published a model to predict post-traumatic ventilator-associated pneumonia, which achieved high discrimination and reasonable sensitivity. We aimed to externally validate Croce’s model to predict nosocomial pneumonia in patients admitted to a Dutch level-1 trauma center.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included all trauma patients (≥ 16y) admitted for > 24 h to our level-1 trauma center in 2017. Exclusion criteria were pneumonia or antibiotic treatment upon hospital admission, treatment elsewhere > 24 h, or death < 48 h. Croce’s model used eight clinical variables—on trauma severity and treatment, available in the emergency department—to predict nosocomial pneumonia risk. The model’s predictive performance was assessed through discrimination and calibration before and after re-estimating the model’s coefficients. In sensitivity analysis, the model was updated using Ridge regression.

Results

809 Patients were included (median age 51y, 67% male, 97% blunt trauma), of whom 86 (11%) developed nosocomial pneumonia. Pneumonia patients were older, more severely injured, and underwent more emergent interventions. Croce’s model showed good discrimination (AUC 0.83, 95% CI 0.79–0.87), yet predicted probabilities were too low (mean predicted risk 6.4%), and calibration was suboptimal (calibration slope 0.63). After full model recalibration, discrimination (AUC 0.84, 95% CI 0.80–0.88) and calibration improved. Adding age to the model increased the AUC to 0.87 (95% CI 0.84–0.91). Prediction parameters were similar after the models were updated using Ridge regression.

Conclusion

The externally validated and intercept-recalibrated models show good discrimination and have the potential to predict nosocomial pneumonia. At this time, clinicians could apply these models to identify high-risk patients, increase patient monitoring, and initiate preventative measures. Recalibration of Croce’s model improved the predictive performance (discrimination and calibration). The recalibrated model provides a further basis for nosocomial pneumonia prediction in level-1 trauma patients. Several models are accessible via an online tool.

Level of evidence

Level III, Prognostic/Epidemiological Study.
A large-scale RNAi screen reveals that mitochondrial function is important for meiotic chromosome organization in oocytes
Authors: Nieken Karen Jule , O’Brien Kathryn , McDonnell Alexander , Zhaunova Liudmila , Ohkura Hiroyuki
Published: January 2023

In prophase of the first meiotic division, chromatin forms a compact spherical cluster called the karyosome within the enlarged oocyte nucleus in Drosophila melanogaster. Similar clustering of chromatin has been widely observed in oocytes in many species including humans. It was previously shown that the proper karyosome formation is required for faithful chromosome segregation, but knowledge about its formation and maintenance is limited. To identify genes involved in karyosome formation, we carried out a large-scale cytological screen using Drosophila melanogaster oocytes. This screen comprised 3916 genes expressed in ovaries, of which 106 genes triggered reproducible karyosome defects upon knockdown. The karyosome defects in 24 out of these 106 genes resulted from activation of the meiotic recombination checkpoint, suggesting possible roles in DNA repair or piRNA processing. The other genes identified in this screen include genes with functions linked to chromatin, nuclear envelope, and actin. We also found that silencing of genes with mitochondrial functions, including electron transport chain components, induced a distinct karyosome defect typically with de-clustered chromosomes located close to the nuclear envelope. Furthermore, mitochondrial dysfunction not only impairs karyosome formation and maintenance, but also delays synaptonemal complex disassembly in cells not destined to become the oocyte. These karyosome defects do not appear to be mediated by apoptosis. This large-scale unbiased study uncovered a set of genes required for karyosome formation and revealed a new link between mitochondrial dysfunction and chromatin organization in oocytes.
Molecular age estimation based on posttranslational protein modifications in bone: why the type of bone matters
Authors: König Lisa , Becker Julia , Reckert Alexandra , Ritz-Timme Stefanie
Published: January 2023

Age-at-death estimation is of great relevance for the identification of unknown deceased individuals. In skeletonised corpses, teeth and bones are theoretically available for age estimation, but in many cases, only single bones or even only bone fragments are available for examination. In these cases, conventional morphological methods may not be applicable, and the application of molecular methods may be considered. Protein-based molecular methods based on the D-aspartic acid (D-Asp) or pentosidine (Pen) content have already been successfully applied to bone samples. However, the impact of the analysed type of bone has not yet been systematically investigated, and it is still unclear whether data from samples of one skeletal region (e.g. skull) can also be used for age estimation for samples of other regions (e.g. femur). To address this question, D-Asp and Pen were analysed in bone samples from three skeletal regions (skull, clavicle, and rib), each from the same individual. Differences between the bone types were tested by t-test, and correlation coefficients (ρ) were calculated according to Spearman. In all types of bone, an age-dependent accumulation of D-Asp and Pen was observed. However, both parameters (D-Asp and Pen) exhibited significant differences between bone samples from different anatomical regions. These differences can be explained by differences in structure and metabolism in the examined bone types and have to be addressed in age estimation based on D-Asp and Pen. In future studies, bone type-specific training and test data have to be collected, and bone type-specific models have to be established.
Intraoperative metabolic changes associated with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Authors: Rubio-López Jesús David , Durán-Martínez Manuel , Moreno-Blázquez Andrea , Rodríguez-Ortiz Lidia , Rufián-Andújar Blanca , Valenzuela-Molina Francisca , Adam Ángela Casado , Sánchez-Hidalgo Juan M. , Rufián-Peña Sebastián , Romero-Ruiz Antonio , Briceño-Delgado J , Arjona-Sánchez Álvaro
Published: January 2023

Background

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) causes considerable hemodynamic, respiratory, and metabolic changes during the perioperative period.

Objectives

To evaluate metabolic changes associated with this procedure. Understanding perioperative factors and their association with morbidity may improve the perioperative management of patients undergoing this treatment.

Methods

A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed. All consecutive unselected patients who underwent CRS plus HIPEC between January 2018 and December 2020 (n = 219) were included.

Results

The mean age was 58 ± 11.7 years and 167 (76.3%) were female. The most frequent histology diagnosis was serous ovarian carcinoma 49.3% (n = 108) and colon carcinoma 36.1% (n = 79). Mean peritoneal cancer index was 14.07 ± 10.47. There were significant variations in pH, lactic acid, sodium, potassium, glycemia, bicarbonate, excess bases, and temperature (p < 0.05) between the pre-HIPEC and post-HIPEC periods. The closed HIPEC technique resulted in higher levels of temperature than the open technique (p < 0.05). Age, potassium level post-HIPEC potassium level, and pre-HIPEC glycemia were identified as prognostic factors for morbidity in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

The administration of HIPEC after CRS causes significant changes in internal homeostasis. Although the closed technique causes a greater increase in temperature, it is not related to higher morbidity rates. The patient’s age, post-HIPEC potassium level, and pre-HIPEC glycemia are predictive factors for morbidity.
Electrochemistry at Krakowian research institutions
Authors: Skibińska Katarzyna , Żabiński Piotr
Published: January 2023

The electrochemistry research team activity from Poland is marked by significant increase in the last 20 years. The joining of European Community in 2004 gives an impulse for the development of Polish science. The development of electrochemistry has been stimulated by cooperation with industry and the establishment of technology transfer centers, technology parks, business incubators, etc. and the mostly by simplified international collaborations. Five research institutions from Krakow reports work in the field of electrochemistry. The achievements of all teams are briefly described.
Ulrich bundles on a general blow-up of the plane
Authors: Ciliberto Ciro , Flamini Flaminio , Knutsen Andreas Leopold
Published: January 2023

We prove that on $$X_n$$

X
n

, the plane blown-up at n very general points, there are Ulrich line bundles with respect to a line bundle corresponding to curves of degree m passing simply through the n blown-up points, with $$m\leqslant 2\sqrt{n}$$

m
⩽
2

n

and such that the line bundle in question is very ample on $$X_n$$

X
n

. We prove that the number of these Ulrich line bundles tends to infinity with n. We also prove the existence of slope-stable rank-r Ulrich vector bundles on $$X_n$$

X
n

, for $$n\geqslant 2$$

n
⩾
2

and any $$r \geqslant 1$$

r
⩾
1

and we compute the dimensions of their moduli spaces. These computations imply that $$X_n$$

X
n

is Ulrich wild.
Hemocompatibility and hemodynamic comparison of two centrifugal LVADs: HVAD and HeartMate3
Authors: Gil Antonio , Navarro Roberto , Quintero Pedro , Mares Andrea
Published: January 2023

Mechanical circulatory support using ventricular assist devices is a common technique for treating patients suffering from advanced heart failure. The latest generation of devices is characterized by centrifugal turbopumps which employ magnetic levitation bearings to ensure a gap clearance between moving and static parts. Despite the increasing use of these devices as a destination therapy, several long-term complications still exist regarding their hemocompatibility. The blood damage associated with different pump designs has been investigated profoundly in the literature, while the hemodynamic performance has been hardly considered. This work presents a novel comparison between the two main devices of the latest generation–HVAD and HM3–from both perspectives, hemodynamic performance and blood damage. Computational fluid dynamics simulations are performed to model the considered LVADs, and computational results are compared to experimental measurements of pressure head to validate the model. Enhanced performance and hemocompatibility are detected for HM3 owing to its design incorporating more conventional blades and larger gap clearances.
Extended Multimodal Flat Detector CT Imaging in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hoelter Philip , Lang Stefan , Beuscher Vanessa , Kallmuenzer Bernd , Manhart Michael , Schwab Stefan , Doerfler Arnd
Published: January 2023

By using Flat detector computed tomography (FD-CT), a one-stop-shop approach in the diagnostic workup of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) might be achieved. Although information on upstream vessels is warranted, dedicated FD-CT protocols which include the imaging of the cervical vasculature are still lacking. We aimed to prospectively evaluate the implementation of a new multimodal FD-CT protocol including cervical vessel imaging in AIS patients. In total, 16 patients were included in this study. Eight patients with AIS due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) prospectively received a fully multimodal FD-CT imaging, including non-enhanced flat detector computed tomography (NE-FDCT), dynamic perfusion flat detector computed tomography (FD-CTP) and flat detector computed tomography angiography (FD-CTA) including cervical imaging. For comparison of time metrics and image quality, eight AIS patients, which received multimodal CT imaging, were included retrospectively. Although image quality of NE-FDCT and FD-CTA was rated slightly lower than NE-CT and CTA, all FD-CT datasets were of diagnostic quality. Intracerebral hemorrhage exclusion and LVO detection was reliably possible. Median door-to-image time was comparable for the FD-CT group and the control group (CT:30 min, IQR27-58; FD-CT:44.5 min, IQR31-55, p = 0.491). Door-to-groin-puncture time (CT:79.5 min, IQR65-90; FD-CT:59.5 min, IQR51-67; p = 0.016) and image-to-groin-puncture time (CT:44 min, IQR30-50; FD-CT:14 min, IQR12-18; p < 0.001) were significantly shorter, when patients were directly transferred to the angiosuite, where FD-CT took place. Our study indicates that using a new fully multimodal FD-CT approach including imaging of cervical vessels for first-line imaging in AIS patients is feasible and comparable to multimodal CT imaging with substantial potential to streamline the stroke workflow.
Die Ziele der gemeinsamen Agrarpolitik der Europäischen Union gem. Art. 39 AEUV im Lichte der aktuellen Reform
Authors: Kreitz Benedict
Published: January 2023

Die gemeinsame Agrarpolitik der Europäischen Union (GAP) ist eine der ältesten vergemeinschafteten
Materien in Europa. Sie hat bis heute auf Grund der elementaren Notwendigkeit der Lebensmittelproduktion
eine existenziell wichtige Bedeutung für die europäische Gesellschaft, wie auch global mit Blick
auf die Relevanz Europas auf den Weltmärkten. Ferner ist ihre Gestaltung von besonderer Relevanz für
die Natur wegen der natürlichen Produktionsweise der Landwirtschaft und der einhergehenden Interkation
mit der Umwelt. Die GAP verfolgt dabei eine Reihe von Zielen, die enumerativ in Art. 39 AEUV aufgelistet
sind, und eine fundamentale Richtschnur bei der Gestaltung des Sekundärrechtsrahmens darstellen. Diese
Ziele sind auch vor dem Hintergrund der aktuellen Reform zu sehen, die zum neuen Jahr Gültigkeit erlangt.
Experimental investigations of a new highly ductile hold-down with adaptive stiffness for timber seismic bracing walls
Authors: Maître K. , Lestuzzi P. , Geiser M.
Published: January 2023

An efficient implementation of the capacity design requires high ductility combined with a low overstrength of the critical regions. Conventional timber connections do not generally offer such ideal combination, resulting in modest behaviour and relatively high overstrength factors. Inspired by the Buckling Restrained Brace a new hold-down has been developed where the timber wall directly acts as a casing. The new hold-down has been given an adaptive stiffness allowing the structure to be stiff in the wind, while becoming more flexible in the case of an earthquake. Furthermore, local crushing of the timber members is completely avoided, and the new hold-down could be replaced after an earthquake. Experimental investigations were performed on hold-down specimens. The results show ultimate displacement values vu,c of more than 30 mm in a cyclic test according to EN12512. Eleven Cross Laminated Timber shear walls, in which the new hold-down has been implemented, were tested following monotonic and static-cyclic tests procedures, with and without vertical load. A very high ductility has been achieved with almost no strength degradation, little pinching and limited overstrength.
Climate change adaptation behaviour of forest growers in New Zealand: an application of protection motivation theory
Authors: Villamor Grace B. , Wakelin Steve J. , Dunningham Andrew , Clinton Peter W.
Published: January 2023

Climate change is likely to have significant impacts on the forestry sector in New Zealand. However, an understanding of how forest growers are reducing their risks from climate change impacts is still in its infancy. This paper applies the protection motivation theory to identify socio-psychological factors influencing forest growers’ adaptation to climate change. This study presents the survey results from 60 forest growers who have the combined responsibility for managing more than 70% of New Zealand’s plantation forests. We investigated whether their perceived response efficacy, self-efficacy and their understanding of response costs are predictors of their protective or adaptive measures. Based on our survey, risk reduction and risk spreading are the two types of protective measure frequently reported by the respondents to deal with climate risks. Consistent with the protection motivation theory, our findings show that respondents who are more likely to implement protective or adaptive measures if they perceive the threat severity to be high have high self-efficacy and resource efficacy, and exhibit low maladaptive responses such as evading and postponing behaviours. Furthermore, our findings also suggest that there is a low self-efficacy belief with strong maladaptive behaviour among the respondents that negatively influence their motivation to implement adaptation measures. This result provides guidance to policy makers, researchers and forest companies on how to make climate change adaptation efforts effective by considering the forest growers motivation to adapt to climate change.
Majorization-minimization-based Levenberg–Marquardt method for constrained nonlinear least squares
Authors: Marumo Naoki , Okuno Takayuki , Takeda Akiko
Published: January 2023

A new Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) method for solving nonlinear least squares problems with convex constraints is described. Various versions of the LM method have been proposed, their main differences being in the choice of a damping parameter. In this paper, we propose a new rule for updating the parameter so as to achieve both global and local convergence even under the presence of a convex constraint set. The key to our results is a new perspective of the LM method from majorization-minimization methods. Specifically, we show that if the damping parameter is set in a specific way, the objective function of the standard subproblem in LM methods becomes an upper bound on the original objective function under certain standard assumptions. Our method solves a sequence of the subproblems approximately using an (accelerated) projected gradient method. It finds an $$\varepsilon$$
ε
-stationary point after $$O(\varepsilon ^{-2})$$

O
(

ε

-
2

)

computation and achieves local quadratic convergence for zero-residual problems under a local error bound condition. Numerical results on compressed sensing and matrix factorization show that our method converges faster in many cases than existing methods.
Lipoprotein receptors in ovary of eel, Anguilla australis: molecular characterisation of putative vitellogenin receptors
Authors: Babio Lucila , Damsteegt Erin L. , Lokman P. Mark
Published: January 2023

Lipoprotein receptors, including low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) relatives (Lrs) and LDLr-related proteins (Lrps), belong to the LDLr supergene family and participate in diverse physiological functions. In this study, novel sequences of lr and lrp genes expressed in the ovary of the short-finned eel, Anguilla australis, during early gonadal development are presented. The genes encoding the LDLr-like, Lrp1-like, Lrp1b-like, Lrp3, Lrp4-like, Lrp5-like, Lrp6, Lrp10, Lrp11, Lrp12-like, and Lr11-like proteins were found and identified by sequence and structure analysis, in addition to phylogenetic analysis. Genes encoding proteins previously implicated in follicle development and vitellogenin (Vtg) uptake in oviparous vertebrates were also identified, i.e. lr8 (including lr8 + and lr8- variants) and lrp13; their identification was reinforced by conserved synteny with orthologues in other teleost fish. Compared to other lr/lrp genes, the genes encoding Lr8 + , Lr8-, and Lrp13 were highly expressed in ovary during early development, decreasing as oocyte development advanced when induced by hypophysation. Furthermore, lr8 + , lr8-, and lrp13 were dominantly expressed in the ovary when compared with 17 other tissues. Finally, this study successfully detected the expression of both lr8 variants, which showed different expression patterns to those reported in other oviparous vertebrates and provided the first characterisation of Lrp13 in Anguilla sp. We propose that lr8 + , lr8-, and lrp13 encode putative Vtg receptors in anguillid eels.
Life-history omnivory in the fairy shrimp Branchinecta orientalis (Branchiopoda: Anostraca)
Authors: Lukić Dunja , Pormehr Navid , Beladjal Lynda , Vad Csaba F. , Ptacnik Robert , Van Stappen Gilbert , Agh Naser , Horváth Zsόfia
Published: January 2023

Very little is known about the feeding of naupliar and juvenile life stages of omnivorous fairy shrimps (Crustacea: Anostraca). Here, we aim to reveal whether the fairy shrimp Branchinecta orientalis is an ontogenetic omnivore and at which age and ontogenetic stage they gain the ability to feed on zooplankton. We assess how food uptake rates change with age until reaching maturity by providing algae (pico- and nanoplanktonic unicellular algae) and zooplankton (rotifers and copepod nauplii) as food in individual experiments. We found that the fairy shrimp B. orientalis started to feed on both types of algal prey immediately after hatching. Nanoplanktonic algae likely represented the most important food source until reaching maturity. Moreover, fairy shrimps started to feed on zooplankton already when they were 7 days old. Slow-moving rotifers gradually gained importance in the fairy shrimp diet with time. Our results reveal an ontogenetic change in the prey spectrum of fairy shrimp. The systematic shift towards omnivory likely affects both phyto- and zooplankton community composition, possibly contributing to temporal changes in food web dynamics in fairy shrimp habitats, and temporary ponds, which may warrant more detailed investigations in future studies.
Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Immunological Management of Chromosome 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome and Other Defects in Thymic Development
Authors: Mustillo Peter J. , Sullivan Kathleen E. , Chinn Ivan K. , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Haddad Elie , Davies E. Graham , de la Morena Maria Teresa , Hartog Nicholas , Yu Joyce E. , Hernandez-Trujillo Vivian P. , Ip Winnie , Franco Jose , Gambineri Eleonora , Hickey Scott E. , Varga Elizabeth , Markert M. Louise
Published: January 2023

Current practices vary widely regarding the immunological work-up and management of patients affected with defects in thymic development (DTD), which include chromosome 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome (22q11.2del) and other causes of DiGeorge syndrome (DGS) and coloboma, heart defect, atresia choanae, retardation of growth and development, genital hypoplasia, ear anomalies/deafness (CHARGE) syndrome. Practice variations affect the initial and subsequent assessment of immune function, the terminology used to describe the condition and immune status, the accepted criteria for recommending live vaccines, and how often follow-up is needed based on the degree of immune compromise. The lack of consensus and widely varying practices highlight the need to establish updated immunological clinical practice guidelines. These guideline recommendations provide a comprehensive review for immunologists and other clinicians who manage immune aspects of this group of disorders.
Determination of Monosodium Glutamate in Noodles Using a Simple Spectrofluorometric Method based on an Emission Turn-on Approach
Authors: Kamal Amira H. , El-Malla Samah F. , Elattar Rehab H. , Mansour Fotouh R.
Published: January 2023

A simple, fast, and ecofriendly spectrofluorometric method was developed and validated for determination of mono sodium glutamate (MSG). The method depended on the reaction between MSG and iron (III) salicylate based on ligand exchange mechanism. Addition of MSG turned-on the fluorescent response of iron (III) salicylate at λem 411 nm. Reaction conditions including reagent concentration, pH, and time were optimized. The method was validated regarding the ICH guidelines. The method determined MSG within the linearity range of 25—250 µM with a coefficient of determination of 0.9967 and a calculated limit of detection of 1.73 µM. Furthermore, the developed method was successfully applied for the determination of MSG in food preparation (instant noodles). The results were compared to those obtained by a published HPLC method using t-test and F-test at 95% confidence interval; no statistically significant difference was found. Based on the analytical Eco-scale and the green analytical procedure index (GAPI), the developed method was assessed to be greener than the published HPLC method. The developed method offered advantages over other spectrophotometric reported methods and was convenient for routine determination of MSG in foodstuffs.
Quantifying the cost of quality in construction projects: an insight into the base of the iceberg
Authors: Khadim Nouman , Thaheem Muhammad Jamaluddin , Ullah Fahim , Mahmood Muhammad Nateque
Published: January 2023

Construction projects are complex endeavors where achieving higher quality standards is challenging due to the intrinsic difficulties and dynamic quality management processes. Several quality management techniques exist to overcome quality concerns, such as the cost of quality (COQ). However, implementing COQ in building construction is challenging due to the absence of a comprehensive quality cost-capturing system. Several studies have tried to quantify different quality costs but are mainly focused on visible failure cost—the tip of the iceberg while the base of the iceberg has rarely been explored. This study develops and quantifies each component of the visible and hidden quality costs—the base of the iceberg. Accordingly, a modified prevention, appraisal, and failure model is developed and applied to the primary data of 25 building projects. The findings highlight the unfamiliarity and passive attitude of the involved construction firms towards quality, thus, incurring higher failure costs amounting to over 12% of the total project cost. Most of this cost remains hidden as traditional accounting systems cannot capture it. Such costs must be eliminated by implementing COQ systems as utilized in the current study. Further, a quality costing framework is established for building projects and applied to the local construction industry to reduce construction failures and improve the quality performance of building projects.
Water and Environmental Systems Management Under Uncertainty: From Scenario Construction to Robust Solutions and Adaptation
Authors: Cunha Maria da Conceição
Published: January 2023

This paper presents and discusses concepts, models, and methods for defining strategies, plans, and actions to achieve the sustainable development of water and environmental systems in a context of uncertainty. The complexity of such systems, including human and natural landscapes and their interactions, is a tremendous challenge with regard to decision-making processes. The future that is now being designed involves a myriad of uncertainties, climate and non-climate related, that request comprehensive decision frameworks involving multiple processes (institutional, political, social, economic, biophysical, etc.) to prevent disagreements and barriers from impeding the achievement of sustainable decisions. When it comes to assessing responses to future scenarios (or different states of the world), the idea of ​​robustness can include introducing the concept of adaptation. New terms such as “multiple plausible futures” and “deep uncertainty” have been emerging. How past frameworks should give rise to new frameworks so that decisions to be taken on water and environmental systems management and infrastructure planning are adapted to uncertain future conditions are the main issues tackled. The limitations on predicting the future and controlling and managing water and environmental systems mean that policy makers and society in general, especially knowledge-producing centres, need to shift from rhetoric to intervention, to tackle the many changing tendencies of today. Deciding now, at the present time, which has already been the future, the future of the next generations is an intricate and demanding task.
Potential of rainwater harvesting in the retail sector: a case study in Portugal
Authors: Ferreira Ana , Sousa Vitor , Pinheiro Manuel , Meireles Inês , Silva Cristina Matos , Brito Jorge , Mateus Ricardo
Published: January 2023

Water is a crucial resource for life, and it is increasingly scarce in many regions of the globe. In addition, retail water use is responsible for up to 19% of public water globally supplied. Hence, this study has set out to explore the technical and economic feasibility of rainwater harvesting systems as an alternative water source for a retail store located in southern Portugal. Water consumption data from 2018 to 2021 was collected from water bills, placing average monthly water consumption at around 400 m3. Next, rainfall data was collected from the nearest meteorological station, comprising 54 years of daily rainfall data between 1932 and 2008 with an annual average of 685 mm. The simulation of a rainwater harvesting system was performed, resorting to the mass-balance model. The optimal tank size was found to be 100 m3 considering simply the relation with the relative water savings variation on the graph relating the water savings with the tank size. Results show that the simulated rainwater harvesting system would allow saving 32–36% of the water consumed, despite the store’s location in a dry climate, representing a financial gain of €330–372 per month. Findings suggest a substantial potential for the technical and economic feasibility of rainwater systems in retail stores, which makes them relevant solutions to achieve important water-savings in the retail sector, thus positively influencing retailers’ direct water footprint.
Entwicklung eines Anforderungsprofils für Betriebliche Gesundheitsmanager:innen
Authors: Wedel Sebastian , Nöfer Eberhard , Schütz Astrid
Published: January 2023

Hintergrund

Die Aufgaben Betrieblicher Gesundheitsmanager:innen sind vielfältig. Für die zielgerichtete Personalauswahl und anforderungsgerechte Ausbildung im betrieblichen Gesundheitsmanagement (BGM) fehlt bislang aber ein entsprechendes Anforderungsprofil.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Entwicklung eines Anforderungsprofils für Betriebliche Gesundheitsmanager:innen unter Einbeziehung von Subject Matter Experts.

Material und Methoden

Das Anforderungsprofil wurde mithilfe der Task Analysis Tools (TAToo) [6] erstellt. Das 3‑stufige Vorgehen umfasste 21 semistrukturierte Interviews mit Stelleninhaber:innen und Führungskräften, zwei Workshops sowie eine Online-Befragung (n = 46) zur ökologischen Validierung der Ergebnisse. Auf Grundlage dieser Informationen wurde ein Anforderungsprofil für Betriebliche Gesundheitsmanager:innen erstellt.

Ergebnisse

Die Aufgaben, Ziele und Schnittstellen von Betrieblichen Gesundheitsmanager:innen sind vielfältig. Fachwissen aus den Bereichen Gesundheitswissenschaften, Psychologie, Ergonomie, Arbeitswissenschaften und Betriebswirtschaftslehre sind für die Tätigkeit im BGM besonders wichtig. Aus dem Bereich der Methodenkompetenzen sind Netzwerkfähigkeit, systematisches Arbeiten, Präsentationsvermögen sowie Projektmanagement relevant. Als wichtige Soft-Skills gelten Vertrauenswürdigkeit, Leidenschaft für das Thema Gesundheit, Begeisterungsfähigkeit sowie Zuverlässigkeit und Teamfähigkeit. COVID-19 („coronavirus disease 2019“) scheint das Anforderungsprofil leicht verändert zu haben, sodass die Themen Digitalisierung, gesunde Führung, psychische Gesundheit, Gesundheit im Homeoffice und Pandemiemanagement an Bedeutung gewonnen haben.

Diskussion

Limitationen hinsichtlich der Verallgemeinerbarkeit des Anforderungsprofils können sich aus der mangelnden Repräsentativität der Stichprobe ergeben. Arbeitssicherheit, Arbeitsmedizin, betriebliches Eingliederungsmanagement (BEM), Evaluation und Digitalisierung sollten bei der Ausbildung von Betrieblichen Gesundheitsmanager:innen sowie bei der Personalauswahl eine größere Rolle als bislang spielen.
A comparison of total thoracoscopic versus robotic approach for cardiac myxoma resection: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Liu Yanyi , Liu Zhuang , Li Xin , Jiang Yiyao , Lu Chenghao , Zhang Chengxin , Ge Shenglin
Published: January 2023

Advances in instrumentation and technique have facilitated minimally invasive surgeries for cardiac myxoma treatment. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes between the thoracoscopic and robotic approaches for myxoma resection. Intraoperative data and postoperative data of 46 patients who underwent either thoracoscopic (n = 15) or robotic (n = 31) cardiac myxoma resection in our center between July 2013 and September 2022 were retrospectively compared. There was no in-hospital death in either group. Meanwhile, the operative time and cardiopulmonary bypass time were significantly shorter in the robotic group than in thoracoscopic group (P = 0.015 and P = 0.035, respectively). Furthermore, shorter ICU stays (P = 0.006), shorter postoperative mechanical ventilation time (P = 0.035) and less thoracic drainage (P = 0.040) were observed in the robotic group. However, the operating room costs and total hospital costs were both significantly lower in thoracoscopic group (P = 0.004 and P = 0.007, respectively). There was no significant difference between two groups regarding the incidence of postoperative complications (P > 0.05). Lastly, a faster return to exercise was noted in robotic group than in thoracoscopic group (Log-Rank χ2 = 4.094, P = 0.043). Both approaches can be safe and feasible for myxoma resection. However, regardless of higher expenses, the robotic myxoma resection approach provides shorter operation time, less postoperative thoracic drainage, and faster recovery than total thoracoscopic technique.
Confessions of a Green Notebook: Reading Unpublished Documents About the Oppression of Iranian Archaeology Professors During the 1980s
Authors: Papoli-Yazdi Leila
Published: January 2023

A couple of months after the 1979 revolution of Iran, the universities were occupied by the Islamists who oppressed dissident academics drastically. Two years after the revolution, the headquarter of the Cultural Revolution was established, and universities were shuttered to be purified from any other ideology except Islamism. Due to the heavy censorship of the regime, very little is known about the documents and process of oppression during and after the occupation of the universities. In 2010, the author gained access to a ‘green notebook’ found in a trashcan at the University of Tehran, which contains informal minutes of several meetings held by the Islamic Association of Students (IAS). As a direct practice of oppression, IAS had the mission to report the behaviors of the professors working in the department of archaeology to authorities. In this article, the author elucidates the process of oppression of archaeology professors through reading documents of the ‘green notebook.’
The Effect of Species and Sex on the Element Content of Muskox (Ovibos moschatus) and Caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) Tissues
Authors: Ribeiro David Miguel , Raundrup Katrine , Mourato Miguel P. , Almeida André M.
Published: January 2023

Muskox (Ovibos moschatus) and caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) are wild ruminants that inhabit the Greenland tundra. They are part of the diet of many Greenlanders, being important sources of protein and micronutrients such as iron. The objective of this study is to analyse the element profiles of three tissues from these species: skeletal muscle, liver and adipose tissue, and to determine if they are affected by species and sex (male vs. female). Samples were obtained from annual hunts in two different regions of West Greenland. Element profiles were analysed using inductively-coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry. The interaction between species and sex was only detected in Na (sodium) in the muscle and adipose tissue, where male and female caribou had the highest concentrations, respectively. The effect of sex was not statistically significant in the liver samples and only occasionally in the other tissues. Species was the most relevant factor in element profiles found in this study. Caribou had higher concentrations of K (potassium) and S (sulphur) in the muscle and liver. Fewer differences were detected between species in the adipose tissue, compared to the other tissues. These differences may reflect the feeding behaviour and the geographical location of both species. This study contributes to evaluate the element composition of the edible tissue of these wild ungulate species, as well as evaluating the factors of sex and species that could differentiate their composition.
Cancer Stem Cells are Actually Stem Cells with Disordered Differentiation: the Monophyletic Origin of Cancer
Authors: Luo Qiankun , Liu Pan , Yu Pengfei , Qin Tao
Published: January 2023

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in cancer development. Based on advancements in CSC research, we propose a monophyletic model of cancer. This model is based on the idea that CSCs are stem cells with disordered differentiation whose original purpose was to repair damaged tissues. Inflammatory responses and damage repair signals are crucial for the creation and maintenance of CSCs. Normal quiescent stem cells are activated by environmental stimulation, such as an inflammatory response, and undergo cell division and differentiation. In the initial stage of cancer development, stem cell differentiation leads to heteromorphism due to the accumulation of gene mutations, resulting in the development of metaplasia or precancerosis. In the second stage, accumulated mutations induce poor differentiation and lead to cancer development. The monophyletic model illustrates the evolution, biological behavior, and hallmarks of CSCs, proposes a concise understanding of the origin of cancer, and may encourage a novel therapeutic approach.

Graphical Abstract