bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Netzintegration
Authors: Vertgewall Chris Martin , Wehbring Niklas , Ulbig Andreas
Published: September 2023

Vor allem aufgrund der laufenden Energiewende unterliegt die Energieversorgung in Deutschland seit der Jahrtausendwende einem stetigen Wandel. Konventionelle Kraftwerke werden durch klimafreundlichere Alternativen ersetzt, so dass mittlerweile die installierte Erzeugungsleistung von Windkraft- und Photovoltaikanlagen diejenige von Kohle-, Gas- und Kernkraftwerken deutlich übersteigt. Durch die mit dem Ziel der Dekarbonisierung betriebene Elektrifizierung des Wärme- und Mobilitätssektors beeinflussen neuartige Lasten wie E-Fahrzeuge oder Wärmepumpen zunehmend den elektrischen Energiebedarf.
Wertschöpfungspotenziale entlang der elektromobilen Wertschöpfungskette
Authors: Kasperk Garnet , Fluchs Sarah , Hausmann Julius
Published: September 2023

Das starke Wachstum der Elektromobilität aus der jüngeren Vergangenheit wird sich auch in den kommenden Jahren bis 2030 fortsetzen. Abb. 33.1 gibt einen Überblick zur Entwicklung der Verkaufszahlen von Automobilen, sortiert nach Antriebsart. Zu erkennen ist, dass die Folgen des Corona-Pandemie-Schocks bereits im Jahr 2021 insofern überwunden sind, als dass ein Wachstum in allen Antriebssegmenten zu erwarten war. 2024 soll der gesamte Fahrzeugmarkt – vorbehaltlich anderer weltweit bedeutsamer Entwicklungen – wieder sein Vorkrisenniveau erreichen. Für die Zeit ab dem Jahr 2026 wird prognostiziert, dass die Anzahl der verkauften Fahrzeuge mit Verbrennungsmotor zurückgeht, im Gegenzug jedoch die Verkaufszahlen für BEV und PHEV weiterhin so stark steigen, dass die Zahl der Gesamtverkäufe weiterwächst. Für 2030 wird erwartet, dass insgesamt 31,2 Mio. Elektrofahrzeuge verkauft werden. Bei einem Gesamtmarkt von knapp 100 Mio. Autos entspricht dies einem Marktanteil von rund 35 %. Insgesamt wird für das kommende Jahrzehnt eine durchschnittliche jährliche Wachstumsrate von 29 % prognostiziert.
Geschäftsmodelle der Elektromobilität
Authors: Kasperk Garnet , Fluchs Sarah , Hausmann Julius
Published: September 2023

Sowohl die Elektrifizierung des Antriebsstrangs als auch die mit der Vernetzung des Fahrzeugs erweiterten Dienstleistungsangebote eröffnen Automobilproduzenten, Energieversorgern, IT-Unternehmen und Start-up-Betrieben aus verschiedenen Bereichen die Möglichkeit, durch erweiterte und neue Geschäftsmodelle zusätzliche Wertschöpfungspotenziale zu erschließen. Unternehmen der Zulieferindustrie und der Energieversorgung weiten ihr Angebotsportfolio meist im Rahmen bestehender Geschäftsmodelle upstream und downstream aus, um ihren Anteil an Wertschöpfungspotenzialen zu erhöhen. Automobilproduzenten entwickeln parallel zu – und in Verbindung mit – ihren bestehenden Geschäftsmodellen neue Wege zur Bedienung von Kundennutzen, um zusätzliche Wertschöpfungspotenziale des in Transformation befindlichen Mobilitätssektors zu erschließen (Abb. 35.1).
Refurbishment von Lithium-Ionen-Batterien
Authors: Heimes Heiner Hans , Kampker Achim , Offermanns Christian , Vienenkötter Janis , Frank Merlin
Published: September 2023

In der Literatur existieren unterschiedliche Begriffserklärungen zur Beschreibung der Wieder- und Weiterverwendungsstrategien für Traktionsbatterien. Die Definitionen des „Refurbishment“ und des „Remanufacturing“ werden teilweise synonym verwendet. Des Weiteren variieren die Prozessgrenzen in der Literatur, so dass die einzelnen Aufbereitungsstrategien mehrere oder wenige Prozessschritte umfassen können. Die Festlegung des Begriffs „Refurbishment“ wird zusätzlich durch das Problem fehlender weltweit akzeptierter rechtlicher Definitionen erschwert.
Fahrzeugstruktur
Authors: Heimes Heiner Hans , Kampker Achim , Kehrer Mario , Dünnwald Simon , Heetfeld Lennart , Polzenberg Jens , Budde Lucas , Keusen Maximilian , Pandey Rahul , Röth Thilo
Published: September 2023

Um sowohl Treibhausgas-Emissionen zu verringern als auch Kraftstoffressourcen zu schonen, wird zunehmend an einer Transformation konventionell angetriebener Kraftfahrzeuge hin zu elektrifizierten Antriebskonzepten gearbeitet. Basierend auf herkömmlichen Fahrzeugen mit Verbrennungsmotor wurde eine Vielzahl neuer Antriebssysteme mit verschiedenem Elektrifizierungsgrad entwickelt. Mitte der 1990er-Jahre kamen erste Fahrzeuge mit einem Hybridantrieb auf den Markt. Die Kombination aus Verbrennungs- und Elektromotor erlaubt eine Verbrauchsreduktion und Bremsenergierückgewinnung sowie lokal emissionsfreies Fahren.
Elektrischer Antriebsstrang
Authors: Heimes Heiner Hans , Kampker Achim , Offermanns Christian , Dorn Benjamin , Hagedorn Sebastian , Sasse Konstantin , Backes Till Augustin , Frieges Moritz , Polzenberg Jens , Gómez José Guillermo Dorantes , Deutskens Christoph , Kreisköther Kai , Förstmann Ruben , Nee Carsten
Published: September 2023

Das entscheidende Differenzierungsmerkmal eines Elektrofahrzeugs gegenüber einem konventionellen Fahrzeug ist der Antriebsstrang. Die folgenden Ausführungen befassen sich mit der elektromobilspezifischen Veränderung des Antriebsstrangs sowie den einzelnen Komponenten. Im Fokus stehen dabei der Hochvoltspeicher, die elektrische Maschine sowie die für den Betrieb notwendige Elektronik. Darüber hinaus werden Anordnungsstrategien der Elektromobilkomponenten im Fahrzeug diskutiert, da sich durch die kompakte Bauweise der Komponenten neue Freiheitsgrade ergeben.
Elektrische Maschinen
Authors: Hameyer Kay , Butterweck Daniel , Driendl Niklas , Franck Marius , Groschup Benedikt , Jansen Kevin , Leuning Nora , Mönninghoff Sebastian , Nell Martin , Schröder Michael
Published: September 2023

Die elektrische Maschine repräsentiert physikalisch einen Energiewandler. Dabei wird zwischen nicht rotierenden elektrischen Maschinen und rotierenden elektrischen Maschinen mit bewegenden Hauptelementen unterschieden. Allen elektrischen Maschinen ist gemeinsam, dass sie in ihrem Aufbau über einen magnetischen Kreis verfügen, der für die Funktionsweise wesentlich ist.
Stringy scaling of n-point Regge string scattering amplitudes
Authors: Lai Sheng-Hong , Lee Jen-Chi , Yang Yi
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We discover a stringy scaling behavior for a class of n-point Regge string scattering amplitudes (RSSA). The number of independent kinematics variables is found to be reduced by dim$$ \mathcal{M} $$
M
.
The effect of natural organic matter (NOM) on the distribution and resources of mobile phosphorus in the bottom sediments of small retention reservoirs
Authors: Bartoszek Lilianna
Published: September 2023

The purpose of the work detailed here was to determine the impact of the distribution of natural organic matter and grain size on the resources and distribution of mobile phosphorus in the bottom sediments of small reservoirs located in catchments subject to different levels of anthropopressure. The research objects were five small reservoirs located in southeast Poland. In small retention reservoirs, it is the anthropogenic impact of the catchment and its geological structure, and to a lesser extent sediment granulation, that determine the distribution of phosphorus fractions (especially in inorganic compounds) and the share of total P they account for. In general, a higher level of contamination of sediments with organic matter (OSION increase) is shown to be associated with a higher content of the organic fraction of phosphorus and easily decomposable organic matter. Within small retention reservoirs under significant anthropogenic influence from the catchment, sandy sediments compared with silty sediments were significantly less loaded with potentially mobile phosphorus as well as with organic forms of phosphorus and (sometimes) nitrogen. The occurrence of humic-metal-phosphate complexes is determined by there being sufficient organic matter, especially humic fractions. Fractions of inorganic phosphorus compounds and organic matter have the terrigenous source of these pollutants in common. The organic sediment index can serve as an adjunctive indicator with which to assess the potential ability of the sediments in small retention reservoirs to internal supply of the water column in nutrients.
Individuelle Beckenteilersatz-Implantate: 3-D-Planung und Versorgungskonzepte
Authors: Wessling Martin , Jaenisch Max , Hanusrichter Yannik , Wirtz Dieter Christian , Gebert Carsten , Randau Thomas Martin
Published: September 2023

Die Planung und Implantation eines individuellen Beckenteilersatzes stellt hohe Anforderungen sowohl an den Operateur als auch an das gesamte Team (Ingenieur, Assistenten, Operationsteam). Durch die sorgfältige präoperative Planung sowie die stringente intraoperative Durchführung stellt der individuelle Beckenteilersatz ein aufwendiges, aber zuverlässig anwendbares Verfahren zur Defektrekonstruktion auch hochkomplexer azetabulärer Knochendefekte dar, auch nach multiplen Voroperationen.
Effects of species and moisture content on the behaviour of solid wood under impact
Authors: Hassan Vand Mojtaba , Tippner Jan , Brabec Martin
Published: September 2023

The article's main aim is to assess the effects of species and moisture content (MC) on the behaviour of solid wood material under the low velocity of impact and present a pattern for predicting loading vs time curves for these species in different moisture levels. Three groups of samples (300 × 20 × 20 mm) were made from beech, oak, and spruce wood. Each group was subdivided into two groups with low moisture content (LMC) level (10–12%) and high moisture content (HMC) level (40–60%). A drop-weight impact machine did the tests, and high-speed cameras recorded the lateral specimens' surface during the impact. The digital image correlation technique (DIC) determined the strain pattern and the deflection. The timing of the crack initiation was also observed. Also, the force–time charts, the maximum force required for crack initiation, the work needed for crack initiation, and the total work required for the breakage of every specimen were gathered. A general force–time pattern with five identifiable steps was determined for each group. It turned out that the maximum deflection and longitudinal tensile strain of the beams up to crack initiation increase with increased moisture content while maximum force decreases. Unlike beech, the required work for rupture of HMC samples of oak and spruce is higher than LMC group.
Superrosiness and dense pairs of geometric structures
Authors: Boxall Gareth J.
Published: September 2023

Let T be a complete geometric theory and let $$T_P$$

T
P

be the theory of dense pairs of models of T. We show that if T is superrosy with "Equation missing"-rank 1 then $$T_P$$

T
P

is superrosy with "Equation missing"-rank at most $$\omega $$
ω
.
Absolute field calibration of receiver antenna phase center models for GPS/BDS-3 signals
Authors: Zhou Renyu , Hu Zhigang , Zhao Qile , Chen Guo , Tao Jun
Published: September 2023

With the advancement of multi-GNSS systems, the field calibration of GNSS receiver antennas has been updated at Wuhan University. Benefiting from the use of a six-axis robot that can change its position and attitude precisely, multisession calibration experiments were implemented for several antennas of two types. The calibrations show a high stability of 1 mm for both the phase center offset and phase variation estimation. Compared to the models disclosed in igs14.atx and igsR3.atx, phase center correction differences at the 1 mm level can be obtained for most signals for elevation angles above 15°. For lower elevations, the consistency with the reference model increases to 2–3 mm or more. The consistency of calibrations with different receivers was investigated, and root mean square of differences between these models was better than 0.15 mm. In a short-baseline positioning experiment, the coordinate discrepancies introduced by an antenna phase center (APC) model between GPS and BDS-3 signals could be significantly reduced to the 1 mm level. Compared to the reference coordinates, the positioning accuracies for GPS and BDS-3 were both less than 2 mm with the adoption of the calibrated APC model. The multi-GNSS calibration system tested in this experiment is preliminarily proven reliable and could be applied to future antenna calibration for multi-GNSS applications.
Das Strafverfahren gegen den SS‑Oberführer Erich Ehrlinger aus rechtsmedizinischer Sicht
Authors: Schwarz Clara-Sophie , Münch Nikolai , Walz Cleo , Germerott Tanja
Published: September 2023

Hintergrund

Erich Ehrlinger wurde wegen nationalsozialistischer Kriegsverbrechen strafrechtlich verfolgt. Im ersten Teil des Beitrags ließen sich Anhaltspunkte für den taktischen Einsatz gesundheitlicher Probleme Ehrlingers zugunsten einer Verzögerung des Verfahrens zeigen. Der vom Gerichtsmediziner Berthold Mueller für haft- und verhandlungsunfähig erklärte Ehrlinger wurde 1965 aus der Haft entlassen.

Fragestellung

Im zweiten Teil des Beitrags soll auf den Gerichtsmediziner Berthold Mueller und seine Gutachten eingegangen werden. Hierbei soll geprüft werden, ob und inwiefern dem Vorwurf Simon Wiesenthals, Mediziner hätten Kriegsverbrechern zu einer Art Amnestie verholfen, im Fall Ehrlinger zugestimmt werden kann.

Material und Methoden

Nach beantragter und genehmigter Sperrfristverkürzung wurde eine Analyse der Verfahrensakten im Generallandesarchiv Karlsruhe vorgenommen.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Es lässt sich zeigen, dass Mueller die gesetzlichen Vorgaben im Fall Ehrlinger in auffälliger Weise zugunsten des Angeklagten anwendete und damit von der eigenen Lehrmeinung abwich. Zumindest, was Mueller angeht, kann der Vorwurf, Mediziner hätten Kriegsverbrechern zu einer Art Amnestie verholfen, nicht entkräftet werden. Um den Fall Ehrlinger diesbezüglich vollumfänglich einordnen zu können, bedarf es allerdings noch einer Auswertung der nervenärztlichen Gutachten, die im Fall Ehrlinger erstattet wurden, aus forensisch-psychiatrischer Sicht.
Schusstodesfälle am Institut für Rechtsmedizin Gießen (2009–2018)
Authors: Wolf P. M. , Dettmeyer R. B. , Holz F. , Birngruber C. G.
Published: September 2023

Eine retrospektive Auswertung der im Zeitraum von 2009 bis 2018 am Institut für Rechtsmedizin Gießen durchgeführten 5400 Sektionen und Leichenschauen ergab 111 Todesfälle als Folge eines Schusswaffengebrauchs. Diese Fälle wurden hinsichtlich allgemeiner Daten, demografischer Merkmale der Verstorbenen, Schussverletzungen, Todesumstände und -orte, verwendeter Waffen, weiterführender Untersuchungen und etwaiger Täter analysiert.

Die Schusstodesfälle verteilten sich auf knapp ein Viertel Homizide, drei Viertel Suizide sowie einen Unfall. Etwa 9 von 10 Schusstoten waren männlich; nahezu drei Viertel der Schusstodesfälle betraf Menschen in der 2. Lebenshälfte. Der häufigste Todesort war sowohl bei Homiziden als auch bei Suiziden das häusliche Umfeld. Ganz überwiegend wiesen die Leichname nur eine einzige Schussverletzung auf; bei den Suiziden lagen nie mehr als 3 Schussverletzungen vor. Die maximale Anzahl von 17 Schussverletzungen fand sich bei 2 Homiziden. Kurzwaffen kamen in zwei Dritteln aller Fälle zum Einsatz, bei den Homiziden deutlich häufiger als bei den Suiziden. Aussagen zum Legalitätsstatus des Waffenbesitzes konnten in etwa zwei Drittel aller Fälle getroffen werden.

Aus dem Vergleich mit Datenerhebungen aus rechtsmedizinischen Instituten in Deutschland und anderen Ländern lassen sich teils deutliche regionale Besonderheiten ableiten.
MK-801 and cognitive functions: Investigating the behavioral effects of a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist
Authors: Janus Anna , Lustyk Klaudia , Pytka Karolina
Published: September 2023

Rationale

MK-801 (dizocilpine) is a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist originally explored for anticonvulsant potential. Despite its original purpose, its amnestic properties led to the development of pivotal models of various cognitive impairments widely employed in research and greatly impacting scientific progress. MK-801 offers several advantages; however, it also presents drawbacks, including inducing dose-dependent hyperlocomotion or ambiguous effects on anxiety, which can impact the interpretation of behavioral research results.

Objectives

The present review attempts to summarize and discuss the effects of MK-801 on different types of memory and cognitive functions in animal studies.

Results

A plethora of behavioral research suggests that MK-801 can detrimentally impact cognitive functions. The specific effect of this compound is influenced by variables including developmental stage, gender, species, strain, and, crucially, the administered dose. Notably, when considering the undesirable effects of MK-801, doses up to 0.1 mg/kg were found not to induce stereotypy or hyperlocomotion.

Conclusion

Dizocilpine continues to be of significant importance in preclinical research, facilitating the exploration of various procognitive therapeutic agents. However, given its potential undesirable effects, it is imperative to meticulously determine the appropriate dosages and conduct supplementary evaluations for any undesirable outcomes, which could complicate the interpretation of the findings.
Myocardial injury and long-term oncological outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer
Authors: Zahid Jawad Ahmad , Orhan Adile , Hadi Noor Al-Huda , Ekeloef Sarah , Gögenur Ismail
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) is associated with increased mortality and postoperative complications. In patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), postoperative complications are a risk factor for cancer recurrence and disease-free survival. This study investigates the association between MINS and long-term oncological outcomes in patients with CRC in an ERAS setting.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Zealand University Hospital, Denmark, between June 2015 and July 2017. Patients undergoing CRC surgery were included if troponin was measured twice after surgery. Outcomes were all-cause mortality, recurrence, and disease-free survival within five years of surgery.

Results

Among 586 patients, 42 suffered MINS. After five years, 36% of patients with MINS and 26% without MINS had died, p = 0.15. When adjusted for sex, age and UICC, the hazard ratio (aHR) for 1-year all-cause mortality, recurrence, and disease-free survival were 2.40 [0.93–6.22], 1.47 [0.19–11.29], and 2.25 [0.95–5.32] for patients with MINS compared with those without, respectively. Further adjusting for ASA status, performance status, smoking, and laparotomies, the aHR for 3- and 5-year all-cause mortality were 1.05 [0.51–2.15] and 1.11 [0.62–1.99], respectively. Similarly, the aHR for 3- and 5-year recurrence were 1.38 [0.46–4.51], and 1.49 [0.56–3.98] and for 3- and 5-year disease-free survival the aHR were 1.19 [0.63–2.23], and 1.19 [0.70–2.03].

Conclusion

In absolute numbers, we found no difference in all-cause mortality and recurrence in patients with and without MINS. In adjusted Cox regression analyses, the hazard was increased for all-cause mortality, recurrence, and disease-free survival in patients with MINS without reaching statistical significance.
Diverticulosis and cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic literature review
Authors: Völkerer Andreas , Wernly Sarah , Semmler Georg , Flamm Maria , Aigner Elmar , Datz Christian , Wernly Bernhard
Published: September 2023

Background

There is a hypothesis of an association between diverticulosis and metabolic syndrome (MS) or its components, but data on this topic are inconsistent, and a systematic review has not been performed. We conducted a systematic review to investigate the possible association between cardiometabolic risk factors and diverticulosis.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted via PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science in December 2022 to collect the necessary data. Studies that examined the association between MS or individual metabolic factors and asymptomatic diverticulosis were included in the review.

Results

Of the potentially relevant articles identified via PubMed (477), Cochrane Library (224), and Web of Science (296), 29 articles met the inclusion criteria and were used for this work. These studies were assessed for study quality using GRADE. Overall, 6 studies were rated as “very low,” 19 studies as “low,” and 4 studies as “moderate.” The data suggest an association between arterial hypertension, obesity, and fatty liver disease in younger patients and diverticulosis. Patient age appears to play an important role in diverticular formation. Data on diabetes mellitus is inconclusive and may require further investigation depending on the location of the diverticula.

Conclusion

Based on the synthesized data, there is an association between arterial hypertension, obesity, and fatty liver disease in younger patients. The formation of diverticula seems to be influenced by age and genetic factors. The study suggests a connection with cardiometabolic risk factors. To gain a better understanding of the role of metabolic risk factors in asymptomatic diverticulosis, targeted studies are necessary based on these findings.
Balloon dilation improves both the hearing level and the quality of life in patients suffering from obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction
Authors: Pöyhönen Leena , Silvola Juha , Poe Dennis , Rautiainen Markus , Kivekäs Ilkka
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Chronic obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction (OETD) can lead to tympanic membrane (TM) retraction and middle ear effusion (MEE) which can cause conductive hearing impairment, which among other ear symptoms can lower the quality of life (QoL). In this prospective study we assess hearing results and subjective changes in QoL following balloon Eustachian tuboplasty (BET) in treatment of OETD.

Methods

Totally 25 ears with TM retraction and 18 ears with MEE due to chronic OETD underwent BET as the sole intervention. Outcomes including otoscopy, ability to perform the Valsalva maneuver, tympanometry, audiometry, Eustachian tube inflammation scale and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory questionnaire (GBI) were obtained on all patients preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively.

Results

Hearing thresholds improved statistically significantly (p < 0.05) with means of 3 dB in the TM retraction group and 9 dB in the MEE group. Total GBI results indicated a positive influence on patients’ QoL. Valsalva success rate was 80% in patients with TM retraction and 67% in patients with MEE. Tympanometry results improved in 50% of TM retraction patients and in 33% of MEE patients.

Conclusions

Here we demonstrated that the BET has a positive impact on patients’ conductive hearing loss and QoL in patients with TM retraction or MEE. Results were better in TM retraction group than in MEE group.
Effects of current alcohol use on brain volume among older adults in the Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort study 2014–16
Authors: Lindberg Olof , Ahlner Felicia , Tsevis Theofanis , Pereira Joana B. , Westman Eric , Skoog Ingmar , Wahlund Lars-Olof
Published: September 2023

Brain gray- and white matter changes is well described in alcohol-dependent elderly subjects; however, the effect of lower levels of alcohol consumption on the brain is poorly understood. We investigated the impact of different amounts of weekly alcohol consumption on brain structure in a population-based sample of 70-year-olds living in Gothenburg, Sweden. Cross-sectional data from 676 participants from The Gothenburg H70 Birth Cohort Study 2014–16 were included. Current alcohol consumers were divided into seven groups based on self-reported weekly amounts of alcohol consumption in grams (g) (0–50 g/week, used as reference group, 51–100 g/week, 101–150 g/week, 151–200 g/week, 201–250 g/week, 251–300 g/week, and > 300 g/week). Subcortical volumes and cortical thickness were assessed on T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance images using FreeSurfer 5.3, and white matter integrity assessed on diffusion tensor images, using tract-based statistics in FSL. General linear models were carried out to estimate associations between alcohol consumption and gray- and white matter changes in the brain. Self-reported consumption above 250 g/week was associated with thinning in the bilateral superior frontal gyrus, the right precentral gyrus, and the right lateral occipital cortex, in addition to reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) and increased mean diffusivity (MD) diffusively spread in many tracts all over the brain. No changes were found in subcortical gray matter structures. These results suggest that there is a non-linear relationship between alcohol consumption and structural brain changes, in which loss of cortical thickness only occur in non-demented 70-year-olds who consume more than 250 g/week.
Occupational physical activity and resting blood pressure in male construction workers
Authors: Öhlin Jerry , Liv Per , Andersson Martin , Järvholm Bengt , Slunga Järvholm Lisbeth , Stjernbrandt Albin , Wahlström Viktoria
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study investigated the association between occupational physical activity (OPA) and resting blood pressure in a cohort of Swedish construction workers.

Methods

The final sample included 241,176 male construction workers. Occupations with low OPA were foremen and white-collar workers. The most frequent occupations in the medium OPA group were electricians, pipe workers, and machine operators, and in the high OPA group woodworkers, concrete workers, and painters.

Results

Mixed effects models showed higher systolic and lower diastolic blood pressure with higher OPA, but the associations varied depending on the year of participation and participant age as shown by significant interaction terms (OPA*age, OPA*calendar year, age*calendar year). Age-stratified linear regression analyses showed a pattern of slightly higher systolic (1.49, 95% confidence interval: 1.08–1.90 mmHg) and lower diastolic (0.89, 95% confidence interval: 0.65–1.13 mmHg) blood pressure when comparing low with high OPA, but not among the oldest age groups.

Conclusion

Despite a rather large contrast in OPA, the differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure according to OPA were small.
Lobar or sublobar resection for early-stage second primary lung cancer ≤ 3 cm in size: a SEER population-based study
Authors: Zhao Ke , Xia Chunqiu , Qiu Minghan , Yang Zhen , Cui Tingkai , Song Teng , Li Shuping , Mei Hanwei , Zheng Yang , Wang Huaqing
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Surgical strategy for second primary lung cancer (SPLC) may be more conservative due to influence of first primary lung cancer (FPLC). The optimal surgical method for SPLC warrants discussion. We aimed to explore a more suitable surgical approach for early-stage (T1-T2N0, ≤ 3 cm) SPLC and provide insights for clinical practice.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database between 2004 and 2018, and data of patients with early-stage SPLC who underwent secondary surgery were collected. Propensity score matching (PSM) reduced potential bias between lobar and sublobar resection groups. The effect of lobar and sublobar resection on overall survival (OS) was assessed in all patients and subgroups.

Results

A total of 714 patients who met the study entry criteria were enrolled, including 476 patients in the sublobar resection group (66.67%) and 238 patients in the lobar resection group (33.33%). There was no difference in OS between the lobar and sublobar resection groups before and after PSM (P = 0.289) and (P = 0.608), respectively. Subgroup analyses showed that lobar resection achieved a significantly better OS than sublobar resection only in patients with an SPLC tumor size of 2–3 cm (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The OS of sublobar resection was not significantly different from that of lobar resection for early-stage SPLC. For SPLC with a 2–3 cm tumor size, lobar resection is more advantageous than sublobar resection.
Use and safety of peripherally inserted central catheters and midline catheters in palliative care cancer patients: a retrospective review
Authors: Gravdahl Eva , Steine Siri , Augestad Knut Magne , Fredheim Olav Magnus
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Some cancer patients in palliative care require intravenous administration of symptom relieving drugs. Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and midline catheters (MCs) provide easy and accessible intravenous access. However, limited evidence supports the use of these devices in palliative care. The aim was to assess the use, safety, and efficacy of PICC and MC in this patient population.

Methods

A retrospective study of all palliative care cancer patients who received PICC or MC at the Department of Palliative Medicine at Akershus University Hospital between 2020 and 2022.

Results

A total of 374 patients were included; 239 patients received a PICC and 135 an MC with a total catheterization duration of 11,698 days. The catheters remained in place until death in 91% of patients, with a median catheter dwell time of 21 days for PICCs and 2 days for MCs. The complication rate was 3.3 per 1000 catheter days, with minor bleeding and accidental dislocation as the most common. The catheters were utilized primarily for opioids and other symptom directed treatments, and 89% of patients received a patient or nurse-controlled analgesia pump. Patients with PICC or MC discharged to home or nursing homes spent 81% of their time out of hospital.

Conclusion

PICC and MC provide safe parenteral access for palliative care cancer patients where intravenous symptom treatment is indicated. Their use can facilitate intravenous symptom treatment beyond the confines of a hospital and supplement the traditional practice relying on subcutaneous administration.
Training models and simulators for endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Santona Giacomo , Madoglio Alba , Mattavelli Davide , Rigante Mario , Ferrari Marco , Lauretti Liverana , Mattogno Pierpaolo , Parrilla Claudio , De Bonis Pasquale , Galli Jacopo , Olivi Alessandro , Fontanella Marco Maria , Fiorentino Antonio , Serpelloni Mauro , Doglietto Francesco
Published: September 2023

Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is a novel surgical technique requiring specific training. Different models and simulators have been recently suggested for it, but no systematic review is available. To provide a systematic and critical literature review and up-to-date description of the training models or simulators dedicated to endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. A search was performed on PubMed and Scopus databases for articles published until February 2023; Google was also searched to document commercially available. For each model, the following features were recorded: training performed, tumor/arachnoid reproduction, assessment and validation, and cost. Of the 1199 retrieved articles, 101 were included in the final analysis. The described models can be subdivided into 5 major categories: (1) enhanced cadaveric heads; (2) animal models; (3) training artificial solutions, with increasing complexity (from “box-trainers” to multi-material, ct-based models); (4) training simulators, based on virtual or augmented reality; (5) Pre-operative planning models and simulators. Each available training model has specific advantages and limitations. Costs are high for cadaver-based solutions and vary significantly for the other solutions. Cheaper solutions seem useful only for the first stages of training. Most models do not provide a simulation of the sellar tumor, and a realistic simulation of the suprasellar arachnoid. Most artificial models do not provide a realistic and cost-efficient simulation of the most delicate and relatively common phase of surgery, i.e., tumor removal with arachnoid preservation; current research should optimize this to train future neurosurgical generations efficiently and safely.
Start thinking in graphs: using graphs to address critical attack paths in a Microsoft cloud tenant
Authors: Elmiger Marius , Lemoudden Mouad , Pitropakis Nikolaos , Buchanan William J.
Published: September 2023

The challenge of securing IT environments has reached a new complexity level as a growing number of organisations adopt cloud solutions. This trend increases the possibility of overseen attack paths in an organisation’s IT infrastructure. This paper proposes a methodology for assessing the security of a Microsoft cloud tenant based on the relationships between different cloud entities through the use of graphs. This paper argues for using graph theory as an effective method to understand and uncover complex entity attack paths. To achieve this, we implemented a graph analytics platform using data from a Microsoft cloud test tenant. Methods based on graph theory proved to measurably reduce possible attack paths. Our research can support defenders who want to better understand the interrelationships of Microsoft cloud entities as well as identify and remediate possible attack paths.
The worldwide epidemiology of lip and oral cavity cancer attributable to smoking based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Wang Yifeng , Zhuo Lidan , Yang Saiyan , Dong Cheng , Hu Xuzhi
Published: September 2023

Aim

To analyze the worldwide epidemiology of lip and oral cavity cancer attributable to smoking.

Methods

The worldwide epidemiology of lip and oral cavity cancer attributable to smoking and its spatial distribution differences were analyzed using the age-standardized mortality rate, age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rate, and estimated annual percent change (EAPC) according to information from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

Results

The number of deaths and DALYs associated with lip and oral cavity cancer attributable to smoking globally showed upward trends from 1990 to 2019, but the age-standardized mortality and DALYs rates decreased. The age-standardized mortality rate gradually increased with age. The age-standardized mortality and DALYs rates were markedly higher in low-middle social development index (SDI) regions than in other regions. The age-standardized mortality and DALYs rates showed slight increasing trends (EAPC = 0.16 and 0.07, respectively) in middle-SDI regions and the greatest decrease (EAPC = –1.60 and –1.74, respectively) in high-SDI regions. The three regions with the highest age-standardized mortality and DALYs rates were South Asia (1.59; 39.68), Eastern Europe (1.33; 40.59), and Central Europe (1.30; 37.67), but the largest increases were observed in East Asia (EAPC = 2.32, EAPC = 2.30), the Northern Mariana Islands (EAPC = 3.79, EAPC = 3.67), and Cabo Verde (EAPC = 2.84; DALY, EAPC = 3.38).

Conclusion

The overall disease burden attributable to smoking is decreasing, but the number of deaths and DALYs are still increasing. Moreover, there are regional and national differences, and high-risk regions and countries should implement targeted interventions to reduce the burden.
Ramifications of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) among developing countries’ higher education staffs
Authors: Bayaga Anass , du Plessis André
Published: September 2023

A considerable amount of research using Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) has been conducted worldwide to investigate the intention and actual usage of Learning Management Systems (LMS) by tertiary staff during COVID-19. However, there seems to be a lack of such research in developing countries like South Africa. Equally important is the examination of how UTAUT, in the context of developing countries, either supports or contradicts existing findings. Our motivation, therefore, was to determine whether the behavioural intention (BI) of tertiary staff within the context of a developing country aligns with or contradicts existing findings. Simultaneously, we aimed to explore the areas identified by UTAUT that should be addressed or considered based on these factors. We also incorporated additional context specific to developing countries. Guided by ten (10) hypotheses, we employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyse the measurement and structural models using a survey of two hundred and sixty-four (264) respondents from one university in the Province of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. According to the UTAUT model, several factors such as performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), attitude toward using technology (ATT), social influence (SF), self-efficacy (SE), anxiety (ANX), and facilitating conditions (FC) influence BI. However, the results obtained through path coefficient bootstrapping, using 10,000 subsamples, revealed that the intention to use LMS was explained by only three latent constructs: facilitating conditions (FC→ BI), performance expectancy (PE→ BI), and social-influence (SI→ BI). These three factors collectively accounted for approximately 44% of the variance (R-squared) in BI. We argue that instead of solely critiquing UTAUT, it is essential to consider its limitations and explore future research opportunities, particularly in connecting BI with actual usage. Overall, the theoretical implications of these results underscore the importance of acknowledging the influence of context and the limitations of existing theories in understanding technology acceptance in developing countries.
Verification modulo theories
Authors: Cimatti Alessandro , Griggio Alberto , Mover Sergio , Roveri Marco , Tonetta Stefano
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we consider the problem of model checking fair transition systems expressed symbolically in the framework of Satisfiability Modulo Theories. This problem, referred to as Verification Modulo Theories, is tackled by combining two key elements from the legacy of Ed Clarke: SAT-based verification and abstraction refinement. We show how fundamental SAT-based algorithms have been lifted to deal with the extended expressiveness with a tight integration of abstraction within a CEGAR loop. In turn, the case of nonlinear theories is based on a CEGAR loop over the linear case. These two elements have also deeply impacted the development of the NuSMV model checker, born from a joint project between FBK and CMU, and its successor nuXmv, whose core integrates SMT-based techniques for VMT.
Deinotherium levius and Tetralophodon longirostris (Proboscidea, Mammalia) from the Late Miocene hominid locality Hammerschmiede (Bavaria, Germany), and their biostratigraphic significance for the terrestrial faunas of the European Miocene
Authors: Konidaris George E. , Lechner Thomas , Kampouridis Panagiotis , Böhme Madelaine
Published: September 2023

During the Miocene, proboscideans reached their greatest diversification, and due to their marked evolutionary changes in dental size and morphology, they comprise an important biostratigraphic/biochronological tool. In this article, we study the proboscideans from the Late Miocene hominid locality Hammerschmiede (Germany), whose fossiliferous layers HAM 6, HAM 4 and HAM 5 are dated to 11.42, 11.44 and 11.62 Ma, respectively. The studied material consists of mandibular, tusk and cheek tooth specimens, which are attributed to the deinothere Deinotherium levius and the tetralophodont gomphothere Tetralophodon longirostris. An almost complete juvenile mandible of D. levius was CT-scanned and revealed that the erupting lower tusks represent the permanent ones. The mandible is most possibly associated with a lower deciduous tusk, and therefore these specimens capture the rare, and short in duration, moment of transition between deciduous and permanent lower tusks in fossil proboscideans and represent the first such example in deinotheres. The chronologically well-constrained proboscidean fauna from Hammerschmiede and the examination of other assemblages from European localities indicate that the coexistence of D. levius and T. longirostris characterizes the late Astaracian–earliest Vallesian, while Hammerschmiede may showcase the transition from the Middle Miocene trilophodont (Gomphotherium)-dominated faunas of central Europe to the Late Miocene tetralophodont-dominated ones. Finally, in order to decipher the dietary preferences of the Hammerschmiede Tetralophodon we performed dental mesowear angle analysis, which revealed a mixed-feeding diet with an important browsing component, significantly different from the heavily browsing one of Deinotherium known from other localities. Such distinct feeding habits between the taxa indicate niche partitioning, which allowed their sympatry.
WEASEL 2.0: a random dilated dictionary transform for fast, accurate and memory constrained time series classification
Authors: Schäfer Patrick , Leser Ulf
Published: September 2023

A time series is a sequence of sequentially ordered real values in time. Time series classification (TSC) is the task of assigning a time series to one of a set of predefined classes, usually based on a model learned from examples. Dictionary-based methods for TSC rely on counting the frequency of certain patterns in time series and are important components of the currently most accurate TSC ensembles. One of the early dictionary-based methods was WEASEL, which at its time achieved SotA results while also being very fast. However, it is outperformed both in terms of speed and accuracy by other methods. Furthermore, its design leads to an unpredictably large memory footprint, making it inapplicable for many applications. In this paper, we present WEASEL 2.0, a complete overhaul of WEASEL based on two recent advancements in TSC: Dilation and ensembling of randomized hyper-parameter settings. These two techniques allow WEASEL 2.0 to work with a fixed-size memory footprint while at the same time improving accuracy. Compared to 15 other SotA methods on the UCR benchmark set, WEASEL 2.0 is significantly more accurate than other dictionary methods and not significantly worse than the currently best methods. Actually, it achieves the highest median accuracy over all data sets, and it performs best in 5 out of 12 problem classes. We thus believe that WEASEL 2.0 is a viable alternative for current TSC and also a potentially interesting input for future ensembles.
Social competencies, classroom relationships, and academic engagement: A latent change score modeling approach among lower secondary school students
Authors: Eriksen Eli Vibeke , Vestad Lene , Bru Edvin , Caravita Simona C. S.
Published: September 2023

This longitudinal study applied latent change score (LCS) modeling to examine individual changes in students’ (N = 1205) academic engagement (behavioral and emotional), social competencies (relationship skills and social awareness), and classroom relationships (emotional support from teachers and collaborative peer relations). Average changes during the first year of lower secondary school were investigated, and an LCS model specifying that individual changes in social competencies are related to individual changes in academic engagement partially via individual changes in classroom relationships was tested. The results indicated an average decline for all variables, particularly emotional engagement. Changes in social competencies were associated with changes in classroom relationships and indirectly with changes in academic engagement via changes in emotional support from teachers. A direct association was found between changes in social awareness and behavioral engagement. The findings reflect that the promotion of social competencies in lower secondary school may foster positive classroom relationships and academic engagement, mainly via perceived social awareness for behavioral engagement or via emotional support from teachers for both dimensions of academic engagement.
Predicting people’s motivation to engage in urban predator control
Authors: Kaine Geoff , Stronge Dean , Wright Vic
Published: September 2023

Measures such as education, incentives, and regulations are used to change people’s behaviour and thereby achieve policy objectives. Understanding and predicting the willingness of people to change their behaviour in response to a policy measure is critical in assessing its likely effectiveness. We apply a dual-process framework of adoption proposed by Bagozzi (2006a, b) that distinguishes between goal setting and goal striving to predict urban trapping of rats. We employ ‘involvement’, a measure of motivation from the field of marketing, to operationalise two key variables in the dual-process model: goal desire and behavioural desire. We show how the dual-process model predicts urban residents’ trapping behaviour and discuss the implications of the model for efforts to promote rat trapping by public agencies.
Blood biomarker profiles and exceptional longevity: comparison of centenarians and non-centenarians in a 35-year follow-up of the Swedish AMORIS cohort
Authors: Murata Shunsuke , Ebeling Marcus , Meyer Anna C. , Schmidt-Mende Katharina , Hammar Niklas , Modig Karin
Published: September 2023

Comparing biomarker profiles measured at similar ages, but earlier in life, among exceptionally long-lived individuals and their shorter-lived peers can improve our understanding of aging processes. This study aimed to (i) describe and compare biomarker profiles at similar ages between 64 and 99 among individuals eventually becoming centenarians and their shorter-lived peers, (ii) investigate the association between specific biomarker values and the chance of reaching age 100, and (iii) examine to what extent centenarians have homogenous biomarker profiles earlier in life. Participants in the population-based AMORIS cohort with information on blood-based biomarkers measured during 1985–1996 were followed in Swedish register data for up to 35 years. We examined biomarkers of metabolism, inflammation, liver, renal, anemia, and nutritional status using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and cluster analysis. In total, 1224 participants (84.6% females) lived to their 100th birthday. Higher levels of total cholesterol and iron and lower levels of glucose, creatinine, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and total iron-binding capacity were associated with reaching 100 years. Centenarians overall displayed rather homogenous biomarker profiles. Already from age 65 and onwards, centenarians displayed more favorable biomarker values in commonly available biomarkers than individuals dying before age 100. The differences in biomarker values between centenarians and non-centenarians more than one decade prior death suggest that genetic and/or possibly modifiable lifestyle factors reflected in these biomarker levels may play an important role for exceptional longevity.