bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical social contracts and their legacy: a disaggregated analysis of the medieval republics
Authors: Buonanno P. , Cervellati M. , Lazzaroni S. , Prarolo G.
Published: July 2022

We study the comparative political economy within the territories ruled by the medieval republics in Northern Italy. Building on the historical evidence, we conceptualize the emergence of more inclusive vs. extractive institutions in these sovereign polities as driven by the interests of local rulers and their need to build state capacity. We provide novel insights on the role of geography and historical contingencies in the development of public governance, individual attitudes, and social-inclusion, which mutually supported each other and persisted over time. We measure the origin, territorial evolution, and disappearance of all the sovereign polities that ruled over the Italian peninsula during the period of 1000-1800 AD. The empirical analysis connects contemporary socio-economic outcomes across spatially disaggregated northern Italian localities, at the municipality level, to local political history. We distinguish between so-called “communal” and “maritime republics” and show that the intensity and stability of exposure to the different types of republican rule in pre-industrial times continues to shape local public good provision and individual fiscal compliance, and has left a tangible imprint on today’s population diversity.
Fascistville: Mussolini’s new towns and the persistence of neo-fascism
Authors: Carillo Mario F.
Published: July 2022

This paper explores the link between infrastructures built by autocratic regimes and political values in the wake of the transition to democracy and in the long run. In Fascist Italy (1922–43), Mussolini founded 147 “New Towns” (Città di Fondazione). Exploring municipality-level data before and after their construction, I document (1) that the New Towns enhanced local electoral support for the Fascist Party and (2) that the effect persisted through democratization, enhancing local support for Italy’s neo-fascist party, which endured until recent times. Placebo estimates of New Towns planned but not built and spatial regression discontinuity design both support a causal interpretation of this pattern. Survey respondents near the New Towns currently exhibit preferences for a stronger leader in politics, for nationalism, and for the fascists as such. The effect is greater for individuals who lived under the Fascist Regime and is transmitted across generations inside the family. The findings suggest that authoritarian leaders may exploit public investment programs to induce a favorable view of their ideology, which persists across institutional transitions and over the long term.
Optimising portfolio diversification and dimensionality
Authors: Barkhagen M. , García S. , Gondzio J. , Kalcsics J. , Kroeske J. , Sabanis S. , Staal A.
Published: July 2022

A new framework for portfolio diversification is introduced which goes beyond the classical mean-variance approach and portfolio allocation strategies such as risk parity. It is based on a novel concept called portfolio dimensionality that connects diversification to the non-Gaussianity of portfolio returns and can typically be defined in terms of the ratio of risk measures which are homogenous functions of equal degree. The latter arises naturally due to our requirement that diversification measures should be leverage invariant. We introduce this new framework and argue the benefits relative to existing measures of diversification in the literature, before addressing the question of optimizing diversification or, equivalently, dimensionality. Maximising portfolio dimensionality leads to highly non-trivial optimization problems with objective functions which are typically non-convex and potentially have multiple local optima. Two complementary global optimization algorithms are thus presented. For problems of moderate size and more akin to asset allocation problems, a deterministic Branch and Bound algorithm is developed, whereas for problems of larger size a stochastic global optimization algorithm based on Gradient Langevin Dynamics is given. We demonstrate analytically and through numerical experiments that the framework reflects the desired properties often discussed in the literature.
Real-Time Task Scheduling Algorithm for IoT-Based Applications in the Cloud–Fog Environment
Authors: Abohamama A. S. , El-Ghamry Amir , Hamouda Eslam
Published: July 2022

IoT applications have become a pillar for enhancing the quality of life. However, the increasing amount of data generated by IoT devices places pressure on the resources of traditional cloud data centers. This prevents cloud data centers from fulfilling the requirements of IoT applications, particularly delay-sensitive applications. Fog computing is a relatively recent computing paradigm that extends cloud resources to the edge of the network. However, task scheduling in this computing paradigm is still a challenge. In this study, a semidynamic real-time task scheduling algorithm is proposed for bag-of-tasks applications in the cloud–fog environment. The proposed scheduling algorithm formulates task scheduling as a permutation-based optimization problem. A modified version of the genetic algorithm is used to provide different permutations for arrived tasks at each scheduling round. Then, the tasks are assigned, in the order defined by the best permutation, to a virtual machine, which has sufficient resources and achieves the minimum expected execution time. A conducted optimality study reveals that the proposed algorithm has a comparative performance with respect to the optimal solution. Additionally, the proposed algorithm is compared with first fit, best fit, the genetic algorithm, and the bees life algorithm in terms of makespan, total execution time, failure rate, average delay time, and elapsed run time. The experimental results show the superiority of the proposed algorithm over the other algorithms. Moreover, the proposed algorithm achieves a good balance between the makespan and the total execution cost and minimizes the task failure rate compared to the other algorithms.

Graphical Abstract
Effectiveness of Physical Activity Interventions on Return to Work After a Cancer Diagnosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Wilson Têtê Norbert , Nambiema Aboubakari , Porro Bertrand , Descatha Alexis , Aublet-Cuvelier Agnès , Evanoff Bradley , Roquelaure Yves
Published: July 2022

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of physical activity (PA) interventions on return to work (RTW) in cancer survivors, compared to usual care, and to determine the dose of PA needed to improve this outcome. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Six electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched to identify studies, and completed by a search of grey literature and health organization websites. Two authors performed screening, selection, and data extraction independently. Study and intervention characteristics were extracted and summarized. Pooled risk ratio (RR) was estimated using a weight random-effects model with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results A total of 2655 records were identified, of which 8 intervention studies were included. The sample size of the included studies varied between 41 and 240, giving a total of 1087 participants aged between 18 and 75 years. Compared with usual care, PA interventions had a significant positive effect on RTW among cancer survivors with a pooled RR of 1.29 (95% CI 1.17, 1.42). We found that PA interventions (aerobic and resistance exercises) with an exercise dose between 7.6 METs.h/week and 15 METs.h/week, consisting in 50–60 min per session of moderate to vigorous physical exercise, twice a week seems relevant in improving RTW. Conclusions Our results showed, with moderate quality evidence that PA interventions are more effective than usual care in increasing the rate of RTW in cancer survivors.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO Registration Number, CRD42020203614.
Suppression of wind turbine noise from seismological data using nonlinear thresholding and denoising autoencoder
Authors: Heuel Janis , Friederich Wolfgang
Published: July 2022

Seismologists found a significant deterioration in station quality after installation of wind turbines (WTs), which led to conflicts between WT operators and seismic services. We compare different techniques to reduce the disturbing signals from WTs at seismological stations by selection of an affected station. WT noise and earthquake signals have overlapping frequency bands, and thus spectral filtering cannot be used. As a first method, we apply the continuous wavelet transform on our data to obtain a time-scale representation. From this representation, we estimate a noise threshold function either from noise before the theoretical P-arrival or using a noise signal from the past with similar ground velocity conditions at the surrounding WTs. As a second method, we use a denoising autoencoder (DAE) that learns mapping functions to distinguish between noise and signal. In our tests, the threshold function performs well when the event is visible in the raw or spectral filtered data, but it fails when WT noise dominates. The use of the threshold function and pre-noise can be applied immediately to real-time data and has low computational cost. Using a noise model from our prerecorded database at the seismological station does not improve the result and is more time consuming. In contrast, the DAE is able to remove WT noise even when the event is completely covered by noise. However, the DAE must be trained with typical noise samples and high signal-to-noise ratio events to distinguish between signal and interfering noise.
SOX9 is a target of miR-134-3p and miR-224-3p in breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Chao Tsu-Yang , Kordaß Theresa , Osen Wolfram , Eichmüller Stefan B.
Published: July 2022

The transcription factor SOX9 represents an important mediator of breast cancer progression. miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs inhibiting translation of target genes upon interaction with the 3′-UTR region of respective mRNA molecules. Deregulated miRNA expression is involved in hallmarks of cancer like sustained proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis. Here, we investigated the miRNA-mediated regulation of SOX9 expression in two breast cancer cell lines, thereby providing further insights into cellular mechanisms driving breast cancer progression. The modulating effects of miR-134-3p, miR-224-3p, and miR-6859-3p on SOX9 expression were analyzed by qPCR and Western blot in human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Direct binding of the above-mentioned miRNAs to the SOX9 3′-UTR was assessed by luciferase reporter assays and site-directed mutagenesis. Expression levels of the investigated miRNAs in tumor samples versus healthy tissues were analyzed in silico using publicly available databases. Transfection of miR-134-3p, miR-224-3p, or miR-6859-3p reduced SOX9 expression on mRNA and protein level. Reporter assays proved direct binding of miR-134-3p and miR-224-3p to the SOX9 3′-UTR in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. Expression analysis performed in silico revealed reduced expression of both miRNAs in breast cancer tissues. We describe three novel miRNAs targeting SOX9 in human breast cancer cell lines. Among them miR-134-2p and miR-224-3p might act as tumor suppressors, whose down-regulation induces elevated SOX9 levels thereby promoting breast cancer progression.
Unraveling Reactionary Care: The Experience of Mother-Caregivers of Adults with Severe Mental Disorders in Catalonia
Authors: Alegre-Agís Elisa , García-Santesmases Andrea , Pié-Balaguer Asun , Martínez-Hernáez Àngel , Bekele Deborah , Morales-Sáez Nicolás , Serrano-Miguel Mercedes
Published: July 2022

In most Mediterranean countries, people diagnosed with severe mental disorders (SMDs) are typically cared for by the mother, causing a significant burden on people in this family role. Based on a broader mental health participatory action and qualitative research carried out in Catalonia (Spain) of 12 in-depth interviews and 3 focus groups, this article analyses the mother-caregivers’ experience in the domestic space. The results show that patients and caregivers are engaged in a relationship of “nested dependencies”, which create social isolation. This produces the conditions of “reactionary care”, practices that limit the autonomy of those affected and that reproduce forms of disciplinary psychiatric institutions. We conclude that both institutional violence derived from economic rationality and that which stems from the gender mandate feed off each other into the domestic sphere. This research argues for placing care at the center of clinical practice and shows the need to consider the structural forces shaping it.
A cool spot in a biodiversity hotspot: why do tall Eucalyptus forests in Southwest Australia exhibit low diversity?
Authors: Zhou Xue Meng , Ranathunge Kosala , Cambridge Marion L. , Dixon Kingsley W. , Hayes Patrick E. , Nikolic Miroslav , Shen Qi , Zhong Hongtao , Lambers Hans
Published: July 2022

Background and aims

Southwest Australia is a biodiversity hotspot, with greatest plant species diversity on the most severely phosphorus (P)-impoverished soils. Here, non-mycorrhizal species with highly-effective carboxylate-releasing P-acquisition strategies coexist with mycorrhizal species that are less effective at accessing P on these soils. Non-mycorrhizal carboxylate-releasing species facilitate P acquisition of mycorrhizal neighbours that are better defended against pathogens. In the Southwest Australian Biodiversity Hotspot, there are also ‘cool spots’ of low-diversity tall mycorrhizal Eucalyptus communities on P-impoverished soils. These Eucalyptus trees obviously do not require facilitation of their P acquisition by carboxylate-releasing neighbours, because these are only a minor component of the low-diversity communities. We hypothesised that in low-diversity tall Eucalyptus forests, mycorrhizal species release carboxylates to acquire P. Thus, they would not depend on facilitation, and must be strong competitors. However, because they would not depend on external mycorrhizal hyphae to acquire P, they would also not be able to access soil organic nitrogen (N), for which they would need external hyphae.

Methods

Since carboxylates not only mobilise P, but also manganese (Mn), we used leaf Mn concentrations ([Mn]) in the natural habitat to proxy rhizosphere carboxylates. To verify this proxy, we also measured carboxylate exudation of targeted species with high leaf [Mn] using seedlings grown in low-P nutrient solutions.

Results

Using these complementary approaches, we confirmed our hypothesis that dominant Eucalyptus species in ‘cool spots’ release carboxylates. Since mineralisation of organic N is associated with fractionation of N, enriching organic N with 15N while nitrate is depleted in 15N, we measured the stable N isotope composition of leaf material. The results show that dominant Eucalyptus species did not access organic N, despite being ectomycorrhizal.

Conclusions

The low diversity of tall Eucalyptus forests in southwest Australia can be explained by dominant mycorrhizal species exhibiting a carboxylate-releasing strategy. The tall eucalypts are therefore strong competitors that do not require facilitation, but also do not access organic N.
Patient-reported outcome measures for assessing health-related quality of life in people with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review
Authors: Langendoen-Gort Marlous , Groeneveld Lenka , Prinsen Cecilia A. C. , Beulens Joline W. , Elders Petra J. M. , Halperin Ilana , Mukerji Geetha , Terwee Caroline B. , Rutters Femke
Published: July 2022

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) are important tools to assess outcomes relevant to patients, with Health-Related Quality Of Life (HRQOL) as an important construct to be measured. Many different HRQOL PROMs are used in the type 2 diabetes field, however a complete overview of these PROMs is currently lacking. We therefore aimed to systematically describe and classify the content of all PROMs that have specifically been developed or validated to measure (aspects of) HRQOL in people with type 2 diabetes. A literature search was performed in PubMed and EMBASE until 31 December 2021. Studies on the development or validation of a PROM measuring HRQOL, or aspects of HRQOL, in people with type 2 diabetes were included. Title and abstract and full-text screening were conducted by two independent researchers and data extraction was performed independently by one of the researchers. Data were extracted on language in which the PROM was developed, target population, construct(s) being measured, names of (sub)scales and number of items per (sub)scale. In addition, all PROMs and subscales were classified according to specific aspects of HRQOL based on the Wilson & Cleary model (symptom status, functional status, general health perceptions) to aid researchers in PROM selection. In total 220 studies were identified that developed or validated PROMs that measure (aspects of) HRQOL in people with type 2 diabetes. Of the 116 unique HRQOL PROMs, 91 (of the subscales) measured symptom status, 60 measured functional status and 26 measured general health perceptions. In addition, 16 of the PROMs (subscales) measured global quality of life. 61 of the 116 PROMs (subscales) also include characteristics of the individual (e.g. aspects of personality, coping) or environment (e.g. social or financial support) and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs, e.g. measure of a patient's perception of their personal experience of the healthcare they have received, e.g. treatment satisfaction), which are not part of the HRQOL construct. Only 9 of the 116 PROMs measure all aspects of HRQOL based on the Wilson & Cleary model. Finally, 8 of the 116 PROMs stating to measure HRQOL, measured no HRQOL construct. In conclusion, a large number of PROMs are available for people with type 2 diabetes, which intend to measure (aspects of) HRQOL. These PROMs measure a large variety of (sub)constructs, which are not all HRQOL constructs, with a small amount of PROMs not measuring HRQOL at all. There is a need for consensus on which aspects of HRQOL should be measured in people with type 2 diabetes and which PROMs to use in research and daily practice. PROSPERO: CRD42017071012. COMET database:http://www.comet-initiative.org/studies/details/956.
Academic self-efficacy, self-esteem, and grit in higher online education: Consistency of interests predicts academic success
Authors: Neroni Joyce , Meijs Celeste , Kirschner Paul A. , Xu Kate M. , de Groot Renate H. M.
Published: July 2022

Academic self-efficacy, self-esteem, and grit (i.e., perseverance of effort and consistency of interests) have all separately shown to predict academic success within traditional education. In higher online education, information on these relationships is lacking, while this group of learners is growing in size and importance. We therefore investigated the total as well as the unique predictive value of academic self-efficacy, self-esteem, and grit on academic success in higher online education. Moreover, mediation effects were investigated. Students of a higher online education university in the Netherlands participated (N = 2027, age 18–80 years) in this observational study. Participants filled out online questionnaires on the variables of interest and potential confounding variables at baseline. Academic success was measured objectively through information provided by the exam registration office and operationalized in three variables: exam attempt, study progress, and academic performance. Logistic regression analyses showed that consistency of interests significantly predicted exam attempt (B = .43, p < .001). Generalized multiple linear regression analyses with negative binomial distribution showed that consistency of interests was a significant predictor of study progress (B = .16, p < .001). Mixed model analyses revealed no significant predictors for academic performance (ps > .06). The fact that of our three predictors solely consistency of interests was found to be predictive for academic success indicates that online educational institutes should pay attention to consistency of interests of their students to improve the academic success rates.
Ferrofluid Impregnation Efficiency and Its Spatial Variability in Natural and Synthetic Porous Media: Implications for Magnetic Pore Fabric Studies
Authors: Pugnetti Michele , Zhou Yi , Biedermann Andrea R.
Published: July 2022

Magnetic pore fabrics (MPF) are an efficient way to characterize pore space anisotropy, i.e., the average pore shape and orientation. They are determined by impregnating rocks with ferrofluid and then measuring their magnetic anisotropy. Obtaining even impregnation of the entire pore space is key for reliable results, and a major challenge in MPF studies. Here, impregnation efficiency and its spatial variability are systematically tested for natural (wood, rock) and synthetic (gel) samples, using oil- and water-based ferrofluids, and comparing various impregnation methods: percolation, standard vacuum impregnation, flowthrough vacuum impregnation, immersion, diffusion, and diffusion assisted by magnetic forcing. Seemingly best impregnation was achieved by standard vacuum impregnation and oil-based ferrofluid (76%), and percolation (53%) on rock samples; however, sub-sampling revealed inhomogeneous distribution of the fluid within the samples. Flowthrough vacuum impregnation yielded slightly lower bulk impregnation efficiencies, but more homogeneous distribution of the fluid. Magnetically assisted diffusion led to faster impregnation in gel samples, but appeared to be hindered in rocks by particle aggregation. This suggests that processes other than the mechanical transport of nanoparticles in the pore space need to be taken into account, including potential interactions between the ferrofluid and rock, particle aggregation and filtering. Our results indicate that bulk measurements are not sufficient to assess impregnation efficiency. Since spatial variation of impregnation efficiency may affect MPF orientation, degree and shape, impregnation efficiency should be tested on sub-samples prior to MPF interpretation.
Seasonal pattern in elderly hospitalized with acute kidney injury: a retrospective nationwide study in Italy
Authors: De Giorgi Alfredo , Storari Alda , Rodríguez-Muñoz Pedro Manuel , Cappadona Rosaria , Lamberti Nicola , Manfredini Fabio , López-Soto Pablo Jesús , Manfredini Roberto , Fabbian Fabio
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Acute kidney injury (AKI) frequently complicates hospitalization and is associated with in-hospital mortality (IHM). It has been reported a seasonal trend in different clinical conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible relationship between seasons of the year and IHM in elderly hospitalized patients with AKI.

Methods

We selected all admissions complicated by AKI between 2000 and 2015 recorded in the Italian National Hospital Database. ICD-9-CM code 584.xx identified subjects with age ≥ 65 years and age, sex, comorbidity burden, need of dialysis treatment and IHM were compared in hospitalizations recorded during the four seasons. Moreover, we plotted the AKI observed/expected ratio and percentage of mortality during the study period.

Results

We evaluated 759,720 AKI hospitalizations (mean age 80.5 ± 7.8 years, 52.2% males). Patients hospitalized with AKI during winter months had higher age, prevalence of dialysis-dependent AKI, and number of deceased patients. In whole population IHM was higher in winter and lower in summer, while the AKI observed/expected ratio demonstrated two peaks, one in summer and one in winter. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that parameters such as age, autumn, winter, comorbidity burden were positively associated with IHM.

Conclusion

We conclude that a seasonality exists in AKI, however, relationship between seasons and AKI could vary depending on the aspects considered. Both autumn and winter months are independent risk factors for IHM in patients with AKI regardless of age, sex and comorbidity burden. On the contrary, summer time reduces the risk of death during hospitalizations with AKI.
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation versus positive airway pressure therapy for obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Heiser Clemens , Steffen Armin , Strollo Patrick J. , Giaie-Miniet Claire , Vanderveken Olivier M. , Hofauer Benedikt
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) has been shown to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) effectively. The aim of this study was to compare HNS with positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment regarding outcome parameters: (1) sleepiness, (2) apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), and (3) effectiveness.

Methods

Propensity score matching with nearest neighbor algorithm was used to compare outcomes of HNS and PAP therapy in a real-world setting. Data were collected at baseline and 12 months after initiating OSA treatment including demographics, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), AHI, and objective adherence data. To account for overall treatment efficacy, the mean disease alleviation (MDA) was calculated.

Results

Of 227 patients who received treatment consecutively, 126 could be matched 1:1 with regard to age, body mass index, and AHI. After matching, no statistically significant differences between the groups were found. A clinically important symptom improvement was seen at 12 months in both cohorts, though there was a greater difference in ESS improvement in patients treated with HNS (8.0 ± 5.1 points vs. 3.9 ± 6.8 points; p = 0.042). In both groups, mean posttreatment AHI was significantly reduced (HNS: 8.1 ± 6.3/h; PAP: 6.6 ± 8.0/h; p < 0.001). Adherence after 12 months among patients treated with HNS was higher than in those receiving PAP therapy (5.0 ± 2.6 h/night; 4.0 ± 2.1 h/night) but not with statistical significance. Overall effectiveness calculated with the MDA was 59% in patients treated with HNS compared to 51% receiving PAP.

Conclusion

Patients treated with HNS therapy had significantly greater improvements in daytime sleepiness compared to PAP therapy, while the mean reduction of AHI and overall effectiveness were comparable for both treatments.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier: NCT03756805.
Characterization of ectomycorrhizal fungal communities associated with tree species on an iron tailings deposit undergoing restoration
Authors: Zhu Wenxu , Ding Changjun , Zhu Keye , Zhang Weixi , Liang Dejun , Wang XiaoJiang , Li Aiping , Su Xiaohua
Published: July 2022

Vegetation restoration is an effective method to improve the ecological environment of mine tailings, which has a profound impact on the potential ecological functions of soil fungal communities; yet, little is known about its beneficial effect on soil ectomycorrhizal fungal community. In this study, the responses of soil characteristics and soil ectomycorrhizal fungal community diversity and structure to different revegetation, as well as the contribution of soil factors to soil ectomycorrhizal community were investigated in Liaoning Province, China. As we anticipated, the presence of vegetation significantly improved most soil properties we studied. What’s more, compared to Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc.), Chinese poplar (Populus simonii Carr), and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L) could better improve soil total carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and available phosphorus. In addition, soil ectomycorrhizal fungal community diversity in black locust was greater than Korean pine and Populus simonii. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling analyses indicated that soil ectomycorrhizal community significantly differed depending on different revegetation types. Thus, these results indicated that black locust could be a suitable species for the revegetation of iron mine tailings. The study provided theoretical basis for ecological restoration of iron mine tailings using local plant species.
Synthesis of new Cr2O3/Fe2O3/glass composites from industrial wastes; from undesired to advanced optical products
Authors: Besisa Dina H. A. , Mohamed Hanan H. , Ewais Emad M. M. , Ahmed Yasser M. Z. , Amin Amira M. M.
Published: July 2022

For the tendency toward cleaner production and safe conversion of undesired toxic wastes to highly priced advanced products, this work introduces new ceramics/glass composites of Cr2O3/Fe2O3/lead silicate glass (LSG) from industrial LSG wastes. Both chromia Cr2O3 and hematite Fe2O3 ceramics are added equally to the LSG wastes with different percentages (10, 20, and 30 wt.%) via the pressureless sintering method. The competitiveness of this work is dependent on the conversion of undesired waste materials into advanced/smart optical materials with a low cost and an environmentally friendly method. Hence, the influence of both Cr2O3 and Fe2O3 additions on the behavior and the different characteristics of the lead silicate wastes are comprehensively investigated. Evaluation of the final ceramics/glass composites was achieved through their phase composition, microstructure, optical, and magnetic characteristics. The results verified that the insertion of both chromia and hematite together into the glass waste had a key role in improving its morphological properties and optical and magnetic behaviors. Composite with 30% of Cr2O3/Fe2O3 gave the highest optical absorbance of 90%, the lowest and best band gap energy of 1.68 ev, and the highest refractive index of 2.85. Also, it recorded the best magnetic behavior with the highest saturation magnetization of 139.700 × 10−2A m2 kg−1 and the best coercivity of 190.0 Oe. These findings confirmed the successful clean conversion of the hazardous lead silicate waste into advanced products with promising optoelectronic characteristics.

Graphical abstract
Up-to-date evidence on image-guided thermal ablation for metastatic lung tumors: a review
Authors: Matsui Yusuke , Tomita Koji , Uka Mayu , Umakoshi Noriyuki , Kawabata Takahiro , Munetomo Kazuaki , Nagata Shoma , Iguchi Toshihiro , Hiraki Takao
Published: July 2022

The aim of this review was to summarize the latest evidence on image-guided thermal ablation therapies for lung metastases. PubMed was used to search for relevant articles that reported the oncological outcomes of thermal ablation for metastatic lung tumors, and those published in 2010 or later were selected for review. Ablative therapies were applied for lung metastases from various types of primary tumors, but most commonly colorectal ones. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was the most evaluated technique, followed by microwave ablation (MWA). The local control rates of ablative therapies were generally favorable, approximately 80–90% in many studies. Representative studies demonstrated promising overall survival rates of approximately 50% or higher 5 years after ablation for lung metastases from colorectal cancer or mixed types of primary tumors. Nevertheless, the survival outcomes varied depending on the type of primary tumor and background factors of patients such as other metastases and comorbidities. Several studies had aimed to compare the outcomes of various ablative therapies such as RFA, MWA, and cryoablation; however, conclusive data are not yet available to determine the most appropriate ablation modality for lung metastases. Further data accumulation is needed, especially for long-term outcomes and comparisons with other therapies.
Regionale Schizophrenie – Mediendiskurse zur Internationalisierung des Wiener Bankensektors. Eine Langzeitanalyse
Authors: Seethaler Josef , Musil Robert , Dietrich-Gsenger Marlene
Published: July 2022

Große Unternehmen und insbesondere Banken sind wichtige regionale Identitätsanker. Veränderungen bei den Eigentümern können nicht nur beträchtliche Auswirkungen auf Wirtschaftsstruktur und Beschäftigungsdynamik haben, sondern auch auf das Image und Selbstverständnis einer Region. In diesem Sinne geht der Beitrag den Fragen nach, wie aktive und passive Unternehmensübernahmen im regionalen Kontext – also Übernahmen im Ausland durch inländische Unternehmen und Übernahmen im Inland durch ausländische Unternehmen – in den Medien dargestellt, welche Ursachen und Folgen diskutiert und welche Argumente verwendet werden und ob sich die Darstellung unter sich wandelnden wirtschaftlichen Rahmenbedingungen im Laufe der Zeit verändert. Vermitteln die Medien alle Übernahmen nach ähnlichen Kriterien, die einer den Mainstream-Medien oft zugeschriebenen neoliberalen Grundhaltung entsprechen, oder folgen sie eher einer identitätsbildenden „Wir versus sie“-Dichotomie, die zu einer Ungleichbehandlung aktiver und passiver Übernahmen beiträgt? Die Ergebnisse einer Langzeitanalyse der Berichterstattung der Wiener Qualitätspresse über Übernahmen im regionalen Bankensektor zeigen eine deutliche „asymmetrische“ Darstellung aktiver und passiver Übernahmen, die wir „regionale Schizophrenie“ nennen: Die Implikationen für Wien, seinen Arbeitsmarkt, die Rentabilität lokaler Banken und seine Position als Bankenzentrum bilden für aktive und passive Übernahmen den bedeutungsvollsten Bezugspunkt. Methodisch zeigt das angewandte kombinierte quantitativ-qualitative Verfahren das Potenzial des Framing-Ansatzes für die Analyse der medialen Darstellung wirtschaftlicher Themen.
MetaMAP: a graphical tool for designing initiatives to support multiple sustainability goals
Authors: Maher Ray , Mann Samuel , McAlpine Clive A.
Published: July 2022

This paper presents MetaMAP: a new graphical tool and framework for designing well-integrated sustainability initiatives, and managing synergies and trade-offs regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are highly interconnected, but many institutional structures and thinking paradigms lead us to look at them in isolation. This stifles innovation and social transformation. Most tools and frameworks, while valuable, focus on analysis, not design, and are limited to a particular discipline, sector, SDG, or geographic scale. Without holistic frameworks and collaborative tools, many sustainability practitioners may be playing chess without a board. To support a more integrated approach to achieve the SDGs, MetaMAP resembles architectural design tools which help users to synthesise knowledge, reframe complex situations, and identify stakeholders, leverage points, synergies, and trade-offs. MetaMAP applies a new meta-framework to organise concept maps developed collaboratively by interdisciplinary teams following a guided process. This framework integrates components of the natural environment, built environment, and society across multiple spatial and temporal scales. It incorporates concepts from social-ecological systems, planetary boundaries, design thinking, integral theory, ecosystem services, and ecological footprint, among others. MetaMAP was designed with input from over 170 people from diverse disciplines in five workshops, numerous case studies, and critique. This article demonstrates MetaMAP through its application to a case study in which a multidisciplinary team analysed the impacts of an Ecovillage across scales and designed synergetic initiatives. We then critique MetaMAP from four disciplinary perspectives. We envision that MetaMAP will support the design of sustainability initiatives which are more efficient, more broadly supported, and contribute to multiple SDGs simultaneously. By taking a systems view and applying design thinking, MetaMAP helps users to understand interlinkages, maximise synergies, and minimise trade-offs when designing specific SDG initiatives.
From Teleoperation to Autonomous Robot-assisted Microsurgery: A Survey
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Si Weiyong , Fan Wen , Guan Yuan , Yang Chenguang
Published: July 2022

Robot-assisted microsurgery (RAMS) has many benefits compared to traditional microsurgery. Microsurgical platforms with advanced control strategies, high-quality micro-imaging modalities and micro-sensing systems are worth developing to further enhance the clinical outcomes of RAMS. Within only a few decades, microsurgical robotics has evolved into a rapidly developing research field with increasing attention all over the world. Despite the appreciated benefits, significant challenges remain to be solved. In this review paper, the emerging concepts and achievements of RAMS will be presented. We introduce the development tendency of RAMS from teleoperation to autonomous systems. We highlight the upcoming new research opportunities that require joint efforts from both clinicians and engineers to pursue further outcomes for RAMS in years to come.
Influence of XHV-adequate atmosphere on surface integrity
Authors: Prasanthan V. , Denkena B. , Bergmann B.
Published: July 2022

In aerospace engineering, high temperature alloys such as titanium are the preferred choice. However, machining of such materials remains a major challenge due to high process forces and process temperatures. Currently, machining is performed almost entirely in the presence of oxygen. This results in a process-inherent oxidation of the metal surface, which leads to higher tool wear during machining. By means of an oxygen-free machining undesirable oxidation reactions will be avoided and thus results in an extension of tool life. In addition, oxygen-free machining in an extreme high vacuum (XHV) adequate environment can influence the resulting workpiece surface and subsurface properties due to change in process forces and chip formation. In the present work, the influence of machining under air and XHV-adequate atmosphere is examined with regard to chip formation, workpiece surface topography and residual stresses. Significant differences can be seen in resulting surface integrity depending on the machining atmosphere.
Psychological complications in patients with acromegaly: relationships with sex, arthropathy, and quality of life
Authors: Cangiano Biagio , Giusti Emanuele , Premoli Caterina , Soranna Davide , Vitale Giovanni , Grottoli Silvia , Cambria Valeria , Mantovani Giovanna , Mungari Roberta , Maffei Pietro , Dassie Francesca , Giampietro Antonella , Chiloiro Sabrina , Tanda Maria Laura , Ippolito Silvia , Cannavò Salvatore , Ragonese Marta , Zambon Antonella , Persani Luca , Fatti Letizia Maria , Scacchi Massimo ,   on behalf of the “PRO-ACRO” study group on Motor Disability in Acromegaly, of the Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE), Cavagnini Francesco , Ferone Diego , Corbetta Sabrina , Bartalena Luigi , Peccoz Paolo Beck , Arosio Maura , Lania Andrea , Colao Annamaria , Pivonello Rosario , Uberti Ettore Degli , Ghigo Ezio , Giustina Andrea , Martino Enio , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Sicolo Nicola , Trimarchi Francesco
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Current treatment of acromegaly restores a normal life expectancy in most cases. So, the study of persistent complications affecting patients’ quality of life (QoL) is of paramount importance, especially motor disability and depression. In a large cohort of acromegalic patients we aimed at establishing the prevalence of depression, to look for clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with it, and to investigate the respective roles (and interactions) of depression and arthropathy in influencing QoL.

Methods

One hundred and seventy-one acromegalic patients (95 women and 76 men, aged 20–85 years) among those recruited in a cross-sectional Italian multicentric study were investigated. Each patient filled in three validated questionnaires: AcroQoL, WOMAC (measuring articular pain, stiffness and functionality), and AIMS (evaluating articular symptoms and depression).

Results

A very high (up to 28%) depression rate was detected in acromegalic subjects. Two patients showing pathological AIMS depression scores, committed suicide during the three years observational period. In our population poor psychological status was significantly associated with female sex. Furthermore, a significant strong correlation was found between AIMS depression score and WOMAC score. Both depression and arthropathy-related motor disability turned out to independently contribute with similar strength to the impairment of QoL.

Conclusions

We report a high prevalence of depression in acromegaly, which is associated with female sex and arthropathy. Both depression and arthropathy strongly and independently contribute to the impaired QoL of patients. Our study shows that assessment and monitoring of psychological status is mandatory in acromegaly, also suggesting an inexpensive tool for this assessment.
Analysis of damage and fracture behavior in ductile metal sheets undergoing compression and shear preloading
Authors: Zistl Moritz , Brünig Michael , Gerke Steffen
Published: July 2022

The present paper comprises the experimental and numerical analysis of damage and fracture behavior of ductile metals under non-proportional loading with compression and shear preloading. For this purpose, biaxial experiments with the H-specimen using a pneumatic downholder for compression loading followed by failure under a tension stress state and corresponding numerical simulations are performed and analyzed. A thermodynamically consistent anisotropic continuum model is presented. It takes the effects of micromechanical damage mechanisms on the macro scale behavior as a motivation for a phenomenological description of damage behavior as a function of stress state. The experimental findings are compared with the results of tests with proportional load paths and corresponding numerical simulations. Thereto, strain fields of the critical areas of the specimens are analyzed by means of digital image correlation (DIC) technique. Compression and shear preloading can lead to significantly reduced ductility of the material with initiation of failure processes in the small damage strain range. Evolution of numerically predicted plastic and damage equivalent strains illustrates their stress state dependence. The numerical results are also confirmed by images of fracture surfaces taken by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This experimental-numerical methodology is therefore an efficient tool to develop and validate general modeling approaches, and it is characterized by almost arbitrarily definable load paths with changes in stress states occurring in forming processes.
Relationship between landslides and long-term rainfall trends
Authors: Sato Tadamichi , Shuin Yasuhiro
Published: July 2022

Evaluating how the changes in rainfall caused landslides is important to prevent sediment disasters. Using the soil water index (SWI) and a three-layer tank model, this study examined the relationship between the occurrence of landslides and long-term changes in rainfall in Miyagawa Village, Mie Prefecture, Japan, where shallow and deep-seated landslides have occurred at different times. The three-layer tank model detected the effects of long-term changes in rainfall on landslides. We educated that the change in the first storage tank layer indicates the potential risk of shallow landslides, while that in the second and third storage tanks indicates the potential risk of deep-seated landslides. Our method could be used to examine the effects of long-term changes in rainfall on landslides in the same region at different times, or over a wider area. Besides, these results are valid because the three-layer tank model used to calculate the SWI is applied throughout Japan, and its effectiveness has been verified.
An integrated local-search/set-partitioning refinement heuristic for the Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Cavaliere Francesco , Bendotti Emilio , Fischetti Matteo
Published: July 2022

In this paper, an effective heuristic algorithm for large-scale instances of the Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem is proposed. The technique consists in a local search method entangled with a restricted Set Partitioning problem optimization. Helsgaun’s LKH-3 algorithm has been used for the local search phase, with a number of implementation improvements. The restricted Set Partitioning formulation is solved by means of an exact commercial Integer Liner Programming solver. The resulting algorithm is able to consistently improve the solutions obtained by a state-of-the-art heuristic from the literature, as well as some of the best-know solutions maintained by the CVRPLIB website.
Addressing biohazards to food security in primary production
Authors: Djurle Annika , Young Beth , Berlin Anna , Vågsholm Ivar , Blomström Anne-Lie , Nygren Jim , Kvarnheden Anders
Published: July 2022

This review addresses ways to prepare for and to mitigate effects of biohazards on primary production of crops and livestock. These biohazards can be natural or intentional introductions of pathogens, and they can cause major economic damage to farmers, the agricultural industry, society, and international trade. Agroterrorism is the intentional introduction of animal or plant pathogens into agricultural production systems with the intention to cause socioeconomic harm and generate public fear. Although few acts of agroterrorism are reported, the threat of agroterrorism in Europe is real. New concerns about threats arise from the rapid advancements in biotechnology and emerging technologies. FORSA, an analytical framework for risk and vulnerability analysis, was used to review how to prepare for and mitigate the possible effects of natural or intentional biohazards in agricultural production. Analyzing the effects of a biohazard event involves multiple scientific disciplines. A comprehensive analysis of biohazards therefore requires a systems approach. The preparedness and ability to manage events are strengthened by bolstered farm biosecurity, increased monitoring and laboratory capacity, improved inter-agency communication and resource allocation. The focus of this review is on Europe, but the insights gained have worldwide applications. The analytical framework used here is compared to other frameworks. With climate change, Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine, the supply chains are challenged, and we foresee increasing food prices associated with social tensions. Our food supply chain becomes more fragile with more unknowns, thereby increasing the needs for risk and vulnerability analyses, of which FORSA is one example.
Immobilized CotA Laccase for Efficient Recovery of HEAVY OIL
Authors: Mahmoud Tahany , Liu Chunzhao , Samak Nadia A.
Published: July 2022

CotA laccase was successfully expressed from Pichia pastoris. Magnetic reduced graphene oxide (MRGO) nanocomposite was synthesized and functionalized with iminodiacetic acid (IDA-NH2), and then chelated with Cu2+ for effective immobilization with His-tagged CotA laccase. The Cu2+-chelated MRGO (MRGO-IDA-Cu2+) showed 175 mg/g-support adsorption capacity. The immobilization of CotA laccase with MRGO-IDA-Cu2+ nano-hybrid composite was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis, and X-ray diffraction. The use of nano-hybrid MRGO-IDA-Cu2+ composite to improve heavy oil recovery was investigated. The findings revealed that the interfacial tension between oil and water was reduced to ~ 90% of its original value, and the wettability was changed from the oil-wet state [θ = ∼ 115.2 − 124.5°] to the water-wet state [θ = ∼ 8.9 − 30.1°]. The increase of immobilized CotA laccase concentration and the ratio of nano-hybrid MRGO-IDA-Cu2+ composite decreases the value of interfacial tension (IFT) and contact angle (CA). The core-flooding studies revealed that the oil recovery process of 0.3 wt% nano-hybrid MRGO-IDA-Cu2+ composite was enhanced by 82.8%.

Graphical Abstract