bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prophylactic cholecystectomy offers best outcomes following ERCP clearance of common bile duct stones: a meta-analysis
Authors: Mc Geehan Gearóid , Melly Conor , O’ Connor Niall , Bass Gary , Mohseni Shahin , Bucholc Magda , Johnston Alison , Sugrue Michael
Published: September 2022

Background

Symptomatic calculus biliary disease is common with associated morbidity and occasional mortality, further confounded when there is concomitant common bile duct (CBD) stones. Choledocholithiasis and clearance of the duct reduces recurrent cholangitis, but the question is whether after clearance of the CBD if there is a need to perform a cholecystectomy. This meta-analysis evaluated outcomes in patients undergoing ERCP with or without sphincterotomy to determine if cholecystectomy post-ERCP clearance offers optimal outcomes over a wait-and-see approach.

Methods

A Prospero registered meta-analysis of the literature using PRISMA guidelines incorporating articles related to ERCP, choledocholithiasis, cholangitis and cholecystectomy was undertaken for papers published between 1st January 1991 and 31st May 2021. Existing research that demonstrates outcomes of ERCP with no cholecystectomy versus ERCP and cholecystectomy was reviewed to determine the related key events, complications and mortality of leaving the gallbladder in situ and removing it. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated using Review Manager Version 5.4 and meta-analyses performed using OR using fixed-effect (or random-effect) models, depending on the heterogeneity of studies.

Results

13 studies (n = 2598), published between 2002 and 2019, were included in this meta-analysis, 6 retrospective, 2 propensity score-matched retrospective studies, 3 prospective studies and 2 randomised control trials from a total of 11 countries. There were 1433 in the no cholecystectomy cohort (55.2%) and 1165 in the prophylactic cholecystectomy (44.8%) cohort. Cholecystectomy resulted in a decreased risk of cholecystitis (OR = 0.15; CI 0.07–0.36; p < 0.0001), cholangitis (OR = 0.51; CI 0.26–1.00; p = 0.05) and mortality (OR = 0.38; CI 0.16–0.9; p = 0.03). In addition, prophylactic cholecystectomy resulted in a significant reduction in biliary events, biliary pain and pancreatitis.

Conclusions

In patients undergoing CBD clearance, consideration should be given to performing prophylactic cholecystectomy to optimise outcomes.
Hybrid-PET/MRT bei inflammatorischer Kardiomyopathie
Authors: Krumm Patrick , Greulich Simon , la Fougère Christian , Nikolaou Konstantin
Published: September 2022

Hintergrund

Die Myokarditis und die inflammatorische Kardiomyopathie sind aufgrund ihrer unterschiedlichen Auslöser, Phänotypen und Stadien diagnostisch häufig schwer zu diagnostizieren.

Methodische Innovationen und Probleme

Die kardiale Positronen-Emissions-Tomographie/Magnetresonanztomographie (PET/MRT) zeichnet sich neben der myokardialen Gewebecharakterisierung mittels MRT durch den möglichen Nachweis einer aktiven myokardialen Entzündung (Inflammation) mittels PET aus. Die Kombination von MRT und PET ist somit eher synergistisch als rein summativ: Die möglicherweise in der MRT vorhandenen kardialen Veränderungen lassen sich durch die PET in aktive inflammatorische (und somit noch potenziell reversible) Prozesse oder ältere chronische (irreversible) Narben unterscheiden. Die kardiale Sarkoidose mit einem potenziellen Nebeneinander von aktiven und chronischen Veränderungen bietet sich an, um die Stärken einer hybriden PET/MRT zur Geltung bringen zu lassen. Wichtig für eine aussagekräftige kardiale PET ist eine gute Vorbereitung mit Low-Carb-Diät, um eine suffiziente Suppression der myokardialen Glukoseaufnahme zu gewährleisten.

Empfehlungen

Die Diagnostik einer inflammatorischen Herzerkrankung sowie deren Charakterisierung in akut vs. chronische Prozesse gelingt mit der kardialen Hybrid-PET/MRT, wie am Beispiel der kardialen Sarkoidose gezeigt werden konnte.
Selection and performance of AM superalloys for high-speed flight environments
Authors: James William Sean , Ganguly Supriyo , Pardal Goncalo
Published: September 2022

In developing the Wire + Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) process for the manufacture of components used in high-speed flight environments, a selection process for suitable alloys was devised. Using material properties from literature sources, creep-resistant alloys were down-selected based on the requirement for service in a high temperature, high stress environment and the need for an alloy suitable for manufacture using the WAAM process. Down-selected alloys, Inconel 718 (IN718), Rene 41 (RE41), Haynes 188 (H188) and Inconel 625 (IN625), were deposited by a plasma transferred arc WAAM process in an oxygen-controlled environment. Wall structures were built, and samples extracted for mechanical testing. The performance of as-deposited material was then compared against the wrought literature data. Tensile testing at room temperature revealed a performance mismatch, in comparison with wrought literature data, for precipitation strengthened IN718 & RE41; however, this performance mismatch was less significant for solution strengthened H188 and IN625. Results revealed that the AM material did not meet the wrought strength with performance varying depending on each alloy’s strengthening mechanism. Results illustrate the need for further processing to return the mechanical performance to wrought values.
Numerical Approaches for Investigating Quasiconvexity in the Context of Morrey’s Conjecture
Authors: Voss Jendrik , Martin Robert J. , Sander Oliver , Kumar Siddhant , Kochmann Dennis M. , Neff Patrizio
Published: September 2022

Deciding whether a given function is quasiconvex is generally a difficult task. Here, we discuss a number of numerical approaches that can be used in the search for a counterexample to the quasiconvexity of a given function W. We will demonstrate these methods using the planar isotropic rank-one convex function $$\begin{aligned} W_\textrm{magic}^+(F)=\frac{\lambda _\textrm{max}}{\lambda _\textrm{min}}-\log \frac{\lambda _\textrm{max}}{\lambda _\textrm{min}}+\log \det F=\frac{\lambda _\textrm{max}}{\lambda _\textrm{min}}+2\log \lambda _\textrm{min}\,, \end{aligned}$$

W
magic
+

(
F
)

=

λ
max

λ
min

-
log

λ
max

λ
min

+
log
det
F
=

λ
max

λ
min

+
2
log

λ
min

,

where $$\lambda _\textrm{max}\ge \lambda _\textrm{min}$$

λ
max

≥

λ
min

are the singular values of F, as our main example. In a previous contribution, we have shown that quasiconvexity of this function would imply quasiconvexity for all rank-one convex isotropic planar energies $$W:{\text {GL}}^+(2)\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}$$

W
:

GL

+

(
2
)

→
R

with an additive volumetric-isochoric split of the form $$\begin{aligned} W(F)=W_\textrm{iso}(F)+W_\textrm{vol}(\det F)={\widetilde{W}}_\textrm{iso}\bigg (\frac{F}{\sqrt{\det F}}\bigg )+W_\textrm{vol}(\det F) \end{aligned}$$

W

(
F
)

=

W
iso

(
F
)

+

W
vol

(
det
F
)

=

W
~

iso

(

F

det
F

)

+

W
vol

(
det
F
)

with a concave volumetric part. This example is therefore of particular interest with regard to Morrey’s open question whether or not rank-one convexity implies quasiconvexity in the planar case.
Multiprofessioneller Behandlungsansatz bei chronischen Rückenschmerzen
Authors: Manigold Tobias , Gantschnig Brigitte E. , Streitberger Konrad
Published: September 2022

Internationale Leitlinien empfehlen bei anhaltenden Rückenschmerzen bereits frühzeitig die Einbindung verschiedener Professionen und Disziplinen. Damit in Verbindung werden häufig Begriffe wie multiprofessionelle oder interprofessionelle Therapieansätze genannt ohne eine einheitliche Vorstellung, was darunter verstanden wird. Der vorliegende Beitrag soll Orientierung geben, welche multiprofessionellen Therapieansätze es bei chronischen Rückenschmerzen gibt und wie diese in ein interdisziplinäres und interprofessionelles multimodales Therapiekonzept integriert werden können. Dies stellen wir in einem biopsychosozialen Säulenmodell dar, das für jeden Patienten individuell erstellt werden sollte.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on early clinical outcome after total knee arthroplasty: a retrospective comparative analysis
Authors: Reinbacher Patrick , Wittig Ulrike , Hauer Georg , Draschl Alexander , Leithner Andreas , Sadoghi Patrick
Published: September 2022

Introduction

To help combat the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, elective inpatient procedures have been reduced. The authors hypothesized that a nationwide lockdown would negatively affect the postoperative outcome after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) due to reduced physiotherapy as well as restrictions in external facilities of physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

Materials and methods

We conducted a retrospective, comparative study including 41 patients who had undergone primary TKA during the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020 to April 2020 and a comparable control group consisting of 47 patients with a minimum follow-up of 6 months before the COVID-19 pandemic from 2019. Relevant end points were the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, Knee Society Function Score (KSS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and range of motion (ROM).

Results

The lockdown group had a significantly worse outcome compared to the control group 6 months after TKA regarding WOMAC (p = 0.001), KSS (p < 0.001), OKS (p < 0.001), and length of hospital stay (p < 0.001). We found no statistically significant difference between the groups in ROM (p = 0.132), KSFS (p = 0.933), VAS at rest (p = 0.9.22), and exercise (p = 0.304).

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected early clinical outcome parameters of elective primary TKA at 6 months of follow-up due to restrictions in postoperative care. We believe that standardized protocols for physiotherapy will improve clinical outcomes for TKA in the event of future lockdowns and underline the importance of appropriate postoperative care during this pandemic.
Proposal for a descriptive and differentiated presentation of the longitudinal impact of the new organized cancer screening guideline and HPV vaccination in Germany
Authors: Neis F. , Holleczek B. , Henes M. , Juhasz-Böss I. , Wallwiener D. , Neis K. J.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Since 01/01/2020, the cervical cancer screening in Germany has been carried out due to the organized early cancer diagnosis guideline (oKFE-RL). In 2007, HPV vaccination was initiated in Germany. The main goal of both initiatives is to further reduce the incidence of invasive cervical cancer. To assess the effect of the new screening strategy in a timely manner, monitoring of short-term changes need to be considered. Ideally, the effects of both prevention methods would be presented together in one model.

Materials and methods

Because no change in the incidence of invasive cervical cancer is initially expected, the incidence of CIN 3 is used as a surrogate parameter to assess the effects of the prevention efforts. Based on expected additional effects of vaccination and co-testing, a model-based estimation of the expected CIN 3 incidence during the evaluation of the screening program is performed using the CIN 3 incidence in the Saarland population.

Modeling results

The oKFE-RL provides for two groups: Primary cytodiagnosis continues until 35 years of age. Here, in the next few years, CIN 3 incidence will be reduced not by the oKFE-RL but by the increasing proportion of vaccinated women. In the group over 35 years, co-testing was introduced with a stringent algorithm. Due to the higher sensitivity of the HPV test, significantly more CIN 3 are detected in the first round of 3 years and thus, the CIN 3 incidence initially increases. As these CIN 3 are absent in the second round, significantly fewer CIN 3 cases will be detected then. These effects suggest a global decrease in CIN 3 incidence of 25.8% after 6 years.

Conclusion

Observation of the age distribution curve of CIN 3 allows both effects of prevention to be assessed in a timely manner and separately. In the future, data from epidemiologic cancer registries should be incorporated into the model to replace modeling with real data.
Neurocognitive deficits in depression: a systematic review of cognitive impairment in the acute and remitted state
Authors: Kriesche Dominik , Woll Christian F. J. , Tschentscher Nadja , Engel Rolf R. , Karch Susanne
Published: September 2022

Previous research suggests a broad range of deficits in major depressive disorder. Our goal was to update the current assumptions and investigate the extent of cognitive impairment in depression in the acute and remitted state. A systematic review of the existing literature between 2009 and 2019 assessing the risk of bias within the included studies was performed. Of the 42 articles reviewed, an unclear risk of bias was shown overall. The risk of bias mainly concerned the sample selection, inadequate remedial measures, as well as the lack of blinding the assessors. In the acute phase, we found strong support for impairment in processing speed, learning, and memory. Follow-up studies and direct comparisons revealed less pronounced deficits in remission, however, deficits were still present in attention, learning and memory, and working memory. A positive correlation between the number of episodes and cognitive deficits as well as depression severity and cognitive deficits was reported. The results also demonstrate a resemblance between the cognitive profiles in bipolar disorder and depression. Comparisons of depression with schizophrenia led to unclear results, at times suggesting an overlap in cognitive performance. The main findings support the global deficit hypothesis and align with results from prior meta-analyses and reviews. Recommendations for future research are also presented.
Adenosine A2A receptor availability in patients with early- and moderate-stage Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Waggan Imran , Rissanen Eero , Tuisku Jouni , Joutsa Juho , Helin Semi , Parkkola Riitta , Rinne Juha O. , Airas Laura
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Adenosine 2A (A2A) receptors co-localize with dopamine D2 receptors in striatopallidal medium spiny neurons of the indirect pathway. A2A receptor activation in the striatum or pallidum decreases D2 signaling. In contrast, A2A receptor antagonism may help potentiate it. Furthermore, previous PET studies have shown increased A2A receptor availability in striatum of late-stage PD patients with dyskinesia. However, human in vivo evidence for striatal A2A receptor availability in early-stage PD is limited. This study aimed to investigate possible differences in A2A receptor availability in the striatum and pallidum of early- and moderate-stage PD patients without dyskinesias.

Methods

Brain MRI and PET with [11C]TMSX radioligand, targeting A2A receptors, was performed in 9 patients with early- and 9 with moderate-stage PD without dyskinesia and in 6 healthy controls. Distribution volume ratios (DVR) were calculated to assess specific [11C]TMSX binding in caudate, putamen and pallidum.

Results

A2A receptor availability (DVR) was decreased in the bilateral caudate of early-stage PD patients when compared with healthy controls (P = 0.02). Conversely, DVR was increased bilaterally in the pallidum of moderate-stage PD patients compared to healthy controls (P = 0.03). Increased mean striatal DVR correlated with higher motor symptom severity ($$rho$$

rho

 = 0.47, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Our results imply regional and disease stage-dependent changes in A2A receptor signaling in PD pathophysiology and in response to dopaminergic medication.
Structural and functional MRI evidence for significant contribution of precentral gyrus to flexible oculomotor control: evidence from the antisaccade task
Authors: Jin Zhenlan , Jin Dong-gang , Xiao Min , Ding Aolin , Tian Jing , Zhang Junjun , Li Ling
Published: September 2022

Antisaccade task requires inhibition of a prepotent prosaccade to a peripheral target and initiation of a saccade to the opposite location, and, therefore, is used as a tool to investigate behavioral adjustment. The frontal and parietal cortices are both known for their activation during saccade generation, but it is unclear whether their neuroanatomical characteristics also contribute to antisaccades. Here, we took antisaccade cost (antisaccade latency minus prosaccade latency) as an index for additional time for generating antisaccades. Fifty-eight participants conducted pro and antisaccade tasks outside the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner and their structural MRI (sMRI) data were also collected to explore brain regions neuroanatomically related to antisaccade cost. Then, twelve participants performed saccade tasks in the scanner and their task-state functional MRI (fMRI) data were collected to verify the activation of structurally identified brain regions during the saccade generation. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) results revealed that gray matter volume (GMV) of the left precentral gyrus and the left insula were positively correlated with the antisaccade cost, which was validated by the prediction analysis. Brain activation results showed the activation of the precentral during both pro and antisaccade execution period, but not the insula. Our results suggest that precentral gyrus and insula play vital roles to antisaccade cost, but possibly in different ways. The insula, a key node of the salience network, possibly regulates the saliency processing of the target, while the precentral gyrus possibly mediates the generation of saccades. Our study especially highlights an outstanding role of the precentral gyrus in flexible oculomotor control.
Low rate of asymptomatic carriage and salivary immunoglobulin A response to Group A Streptococci in the healthy adult population in Finland
Authors: Lönnqvist Emilia , Gröndahl-Yli-Hannuksela Kirsi , Loimaranta Vuokko , Vuopio Jaana
Published: September 2022

Streptococcus pyogenes, also called group A streptococcus (GAS), is a human pathogen causing a wide range of infections ranging from mild tonsillitis to severe, life threatening conditions such as bacteraemia, necrotizing fasciitis, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. GAS may also colonise the oropharynx without causing any signs of disease which is known as asymptomatic carriage. This study aims to investigate IgA responses against GAS and oral streptococci from saliva samples collected from healthy Finnish adults. In addition, asymptomatic throat GAS carriage was studied. The study participants consisted of healthy adult volunteers who provided one saliva sample, a throat swab, and a background questionnaire. Total salivary IgA, and GAS specific IgA were analysed from the saliva samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and the results were compared to oral streptococci specific IgA levels. Asymptomatic GAS throat carriers were identified by bacterial culture, and the isolates were emm typed. Samples from a total of 182 individuals were analysed. The median salivary IgA concentration was 62.9 µg/ml (range 17.3–649.9 µg/ml), and median GAS and oral streptococcal specific IgA concentrations 2.7 and 3.3 arbitrary units (AU, range 1.4–7.4 AU and 1.6–12.0 AU), respectively. Three individuals with asymptomatic GAS throat carriage were identified.
Reduced pollinator service in small populations of Arabidopsis lyrata at its southern range limit
Authors: Sánchez-Castro Darío , Armbruster Georg , Willi Yvonne
Published: September 2022

Even though a high fraction of angiosperm plants depends on animal pollinators for sexual reproduction, little is known how pollinator service changes across the ranges of plant species and whether it may contribute to range limits. Here, we tested for variation in pollinator service in the North American Arabidopsis lyrata from its southern to northern range edge and evaluated the driving mechanisms. We monitored insect pollinators using time-lapse cameras in 13 populations over two years and spotted 67 pollinating insect taxa, indicating the generalist nature of this plant-pollinator system. Pollinator service was highest at intermediate local flower densities and higher in large compared to small plant populations. Southern populations had generally smaller population sizes, and visitation rate and pollination ratio decreased with latitude. We also found that pollinator visitation was positively correlated with the richness of other flowering plants. This study indicates that plant populations at southern range edges receive only marginal pollinator service if they are small, and the effect of lower pollination is also detectable within populations across the range when the local flower density is low. Results, therefore, suggest the potential for an Allee effect in pollination that manifests itself across spatial scales.
Modelling the transport and deposition of ash following a magnitude 7 eruption: the distal Mazama tephra
Authors: Buckland Hannah M. , Mastin Larry G. , Engwell Samantha L. , Cashman Katharine V.
Published: September 2022

Volcanic ash transport and dispersion models (VATDMs) are necessary for forecasting tephra dispersal during volcanic eruptions and are a useful tool for estimating the eruption source parameters (ESPs) of prehistoric eruptions. Here we use Ash3D, an Eulerian VATDM, to simulate the tephra deposition from the ~ 7.7 ka climactic eruption of Mount Mazama. We investigate how best to apply a VATDM using the ESPs characteristic of a large magnitude eruption (M ≥ 7). We simplify the approach to focus on the distal deposit as if it were formed by a single phase of Plinian activity. Our results demonstrate that it is possible to use modern wind profiles to simulate the tephra dispersal from a prehistoric eruption; however, this introduces an inherent uncertainty to the subsequent simulations where we explore different ESPs. We show, using the well-documented distal Mazama tephra, that lateral umbrella cloud spreading, rather than advection–diffusion alone, must be included in the VATDM to reproduce the width of the isopachs. In addition, the Ash3D particle size distribution must be modified to simulate the transport and deposition of distal fine-grained (< 125 µm) Mazama ash. With these modifications, the Ash3D simulations reproduce the thickness and grain size of the Mazama tephra deposit. Based on our simulations, however, we conclude that the exact relationship between mass eruption rate and the scale of umbrella cloud spreading remains unresolved. Furthermore, for ground-based grain size distributions to be input directly into Ash3D, further research is required into the atmospheric and particle processes that control the settling behaviour of fine volcanic ash.
Epigenetic regulation of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in the era of cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Kawakubo Kazumichi , Castillo Carlos Fernandez-del , Liss Andrew Scott
Published: September 2022

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a lethal cancer with poor response to chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Recent studies suggest that epigenetic alterations contribute to its aggressive biology and the tumor microenvironment which render it unresponsive to immune checkpoint blockade. Here, we review our current understandings of epigenetic dysregulation in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, its effect on the tumor immune microenvironment, and the potential for epigenetic therapy to be combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Opportunities arising from the COVID-19: an international orthopaedic surgeons’ perspective
Authors: Howard Anthony , Robinson Tom , Lind Amy , Pepple Sophanit ,   COVID Ortho Group Collaborators, Chloros George D. , Giannoudis Peter V.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The unprecedented COVID-19 experience has posed severe challenges to the health care system and several of these are documented in orthopaedic surgery; however, although the pandemic has also brought positive changes, these have not been precisely documented. The purpose of this survey is to identify positive perceptions by orthopaedic surgeons at an international level.

Methods

A cross-sectional, web-based survey inviting 120 orthopaedic surgeons was conducted in April 2020 querying about the positive lessons COVID-19 would teach us. From all responses, thematic codes were obtained and an exploratory thematic analysis was carried out to determine the prevalent themes.

Results

A total of 100 responses (83% response rate) from a total of seven countries were received. The variety of responses received were grouped into 13 different thematic codes. The thematic analysis generated two major themes: “Virtual reorganization” and “Wellness and sustainability”. Fifty-four per cent of the participants reported positive changes in service reorganization and virtual consultation, whereas 30% replied with an increased feeling of well-being which overlapped with environmental benefits, including reduced paperwork, reduced travelling and increased quality time for family and reflection.

Conclusions

Despite the negative aspects of the pandemic, responders reported several positive changes particularly relating to service reorganization and personal well-being. This study prompts further larger scale research to unravel further detail in those positive aspects and strongly enhance our future orthopaedic practice.
Application of high performance polymer gears in light urban electric vehicle powertrains
Authors: Reitschuster S. , Illenberger C. M. , Tobie T. , Stahl K.
Published: September 2022

The application of high-performance polymer gears in power transmissions is increasingly gaining focus in current research and industrial practice. The well-known advantages of thermoplastics such as cost-efficient production and low density compete with moderate strength and limited operating temperatures. However, the properties of thermoplastics can be used effectively to address the challenges of more efficient powertrains with higher power density, reduced fuel consumption, and reduced manufacturing costs. This work focuses on the implementation of high-performance polymer gears in the powertrain of a light electric vehicle. For demonstration purposes, a series transmission of a prototype of a light electric vehicle is modified and investigated considering the specific properties of polymers and steel materials. Due to its material properties, the high-performance polymer VESTAKEEP® 5000 G was used for the investigations. Different constructional modifications to the serial transmission as well as modifications of the micro geometry of the gears were applied to improve the load distribution and provide sufficient load carrying capacity to the polymer gears. Assuming usual driving cycles and lifetime, the calculations according to VDI 2736 [1] and RIKOR [2] indicate a sufficient load-carrying capacity for the polymer gears used inside. Under the given assumptions, the use of polymer gears in a powertrain of light electric vehicles appears to be possible.
Optimization of the ultrasound-assisted extraction of flavonoids and the antioxidant activity of Ruby S apple peel using the response surface method
Authors: Park NaYeong , Cho Sun-Duk , Chang Min-Sun , Kim Gun-Hee
Published: September 2022

A Box–Behnken Design (BBD) was employed to optimize the extraction of antioxidants from Ruby S apple peel by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The effect of extraction temperature (20–40 °C), extraction time (15–45 min), and ethanol concentration (50–90%) in water on extraction yield, total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and DPPH radical scavenging activity of Ruby S peel extracts (RPEs) were investigated. The optimized extraction conditions that maximized extraction yield, TPC, TFC, and DPPH radical scavenging ability, were temperature 20 °C, extraction time 25.30 min, and ethanol concentration 50%. The validity of designed model was verified, and experimental values obtained under optimum conditions concurred with predicted values. Hyperoside, isoquercitrin, and phloridzin, were among the major flavonoids extracted. Our findings demonstrate the suitability of UAE and RSM for the optimization of Ruby S peel extraction and suggest the potential use of RPEs as bioactive functional materials.
Completing the time trade-off with respondents who are older, in poorer health or with an immigrant background in an EQ-5D-5L valuation study
Authors: Hansen Tonya Moen , Stavem Knut , Rand Kim
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To determine the effects of age, immigrant background, and poor self-reported health in a general population sample on the probability of non-completion or slow completion of the time trade-off (TTO).

Methods

We used data from an interrupted Norwegian EQ-5D-5L valuation study conducted between 2019 and 2020. All participants responded to background items, irrespective of completion. We used mixed effect logistic regression analysis to assess the effect of old age, poor health, and immigrant background on the probability of non-completion of the TTO, and, for those who completed the TTO, of slow completion times.

Results

First experiences from a Norwegian valuation study were that 29 (5.5%) respondents failed to complete the TTO tasks. For those reporting age over 65 years, poor health, or an immigrant background, 12% failed to complete the TTO. Adjusted odds ratios for predictors of non-completion were statistically significant (age > 65 years, 8.3; EQ-VAS ≤ 50, 3.49; immigrant background, 4.56). Being over 65 years or with an immigrant background also predicted slow completion of both the introduction and TTO tasks.

Conclusions

High age, poor health, and immigrant status increased the risk of not being able to complete the TTO tasks, and of slow completion. Higher non-completion rates and increased completion times suggest that elements of the TTO may be demanding for some respondent groups, with possible implications for representativeness.
Multi-stakeholder Engagement for the Sustainable Development Goals: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Nonet G. Abord-Hugon , Gössling T. , Van Tulder R. , Bryson J. M.
Published: September 2022

The world is not on track to achieve Agenda 2030—the approach chosen in 2015 by all UN member states to engage multiple stakeholders for the common goal of sustainable development. The creation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) arguably offered a new take on sustainable development by adopting hybrid and principle-based governance approaches, where public, private, not for profit and knowledge-institutions were invited to engage around achieving common medium-term targets. Cross-sector partnerships and multi-stakeholder engagement for sustainability have consequently taken shape. But the call for collaboration has also come with fundamental challenges to meaningful engagement strategies—when private enterprises try to establish elaborate multi-stakeholder configurations. How can the purpose of businesses be mitigated through multi-stakeholder principle-based partnerships to effectively serve the purpose of a common sustainability agenda? In selecting nine scholarly contributions, this special issue aims at advancing this discourse. To stimulate further progress in business studies, this introductory essay, furthermore, identifies three pathways for research on multi-stakeholder engagement processes in support of the Decade of Action along three coupling lines: multi-sector alignment (relational coupling), operational perception alignment (cognitive coupling) and goal and strategic alignment (material coupling).
Robust berth scheduling using machine learning for vessel arrival time prediction
Authors: Kolley Lorenz , Rückert Nicolas , Kastner Marvin , Jahn Carlos , Fischer Kathrin
Published: September 2022

In this work, the potentials of data-driven optimization for the well-known berth allocation problem are studied. The aim of robust berth scheduling is to derive conflict-free vessel assignments at the quay of a terminal, taking into account uncertainty regarding the actual vessel arrival times which may result from external influences as, e.g., cross wind and sea current. In order to achieve robustness, four different Machine Learning methods-from linear regression to an artificial neural network-are employed for vessel arrival time prediction in this work. The different Machine Learning methods are analysed and evaluated with respect to their forecast quality. The calculation and use of so-called dynamic time buffers (DTBs), which are derived from the different AIS-based forecasts and whose length depends on the estimated forecast reliability, in the berth scheduling model enhance the robustness of the resulting schedules considerably, as is shown in an extensive numerical study. Furthermore, the results show that also rather simple Machine Learning approaches are able to reach high forecast accuracy. The optimization model does not only lead to more robust solutions, but also to less actual waiting times for the vessels and hence to an enhanced service quality, as can be shown by studying the resulting schedules for real vessel data. Moreover, it turns out that the accuracy of the resulting berthing schedules, measured as the deviation of planned and actually realisable schedules, exceeds the accuracy of all forecasts which underlines the usefulness of the DTB approach.
An Innovative Lens Type FinLine to Microstrip Transition
Authors: Valletti L. , Fantauzzi S. , Di Paolo F.
Published: September 2022

Due to the disadvantages of vacuum tubes in terms of warm-up time, size, and high-voltage needs, solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs) with gallium nitride (GaN) monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) are the key solution for power levels up to some kilowatts in continuous wave. An SSPA is the most convenient solution for these RF power levels due to its low weight, small size, negligible warm-up time, low-voltage operation, and high reliability. Spatial power amplifiers (SPAs) combining techniques are the best candidates for SSPAs due to the intrinsic low attenuation in dividing and combining functions. SPAs mainly use two types of probes: transverse and longitudinal, such as FinLines. This paper describes a broadband FinLine to microstrip (FLuS) transition based on dielectric lens theory. Comparative simulations with traditional FinLine transitions show a significant improvement in matching performances and a very significant increase in mechanical resistance of the transition. The proposed innovative FLuS uses a substrate shaping designed according to dielectric lens theory. Frequency simulations of a FLuS inside the WR22 waveguide are shown. These evidence the better performances of this transition than the classic FLuS transition using quarter-wave transformer (QWT) matching. A Q band spatial power combiner with dielectric lens FLuS was made and measured, showing the excellent performances of this innovative FLuS transition.
On the structure of regularization paths for piecewise differentiable regularization terms
Authors: Gebken Bennet , Bieker Katharina , Peitz Sebastian
Published: September 2022

Regularization is used in many different areas of optimization when solutions are sought which not only minimize a given function, but also possess a certain degree of regularity. Popular applications are image denoising, sparse regression and machine learning. Since the choice of the regularization parameter is crucial but often difficult, path-following methods are used to approximate the entire regularization path, i.e., the set of all possible solutions for all regularization parameters. Due to their nature, the development of these methods requires structural results about the regularization path. The goal of this article is to derive these results for the case of a smooth objective function which is penalized by a piecewise differentiable regularization term. We do this by treating regularization as a multiobjective optimization problem. Our results suggest that even in this general case, the regularization path is piecewise smooth. Moreover, our theory allows for a classification of the nonsmooth features that occur in between smooth parts. This is demonstrated in two applications, namely support-vector machines and exact penalty methods.
Lost in pandemic time: a phenomenological analysis of temporal disorientation during the Covid-19 crisis
Authors: Velasco Pablo Fernandez , Perroy Bastien , Gurchani Umer , Casati Roberto
Published: September 2022

People have experienced many forms of temporal disorientation during the Covid-19 crisis. For this study, we collected a rich corpus of reports on the multifaceted experiences of disorientation during the pandemic. In this paper, we study the resulting corpus using a descriptive approach. We identify six emerging themes: temporal rift; temporal vertigo; impoverished time; tunnel vision; spatial and social scaffolding of time; suspended time. We offer a phenomenological analysis of each of the themes. Based on the phenomenological analysis, we draw a key distinction between episodic and existential forms of temporal disorientation, and we argue that the Covid-19 crisis is best conceptualised as a period of suspended time.
“We cannot do away with exams: Parents believe in them, so does the wider community”. Reimagining the examination system in the Maldives
Authors: Sodiq Abdulla , Di Biase Rhonda
Published: September 2022

This article presents an exploratory analysis of the external secondary examination system in the Republic of Maldives. The school system is structured around primary grades following a local national curriculum, secondary grades leading to O-level (Ordinary Level) examinations and higher secondary grades leading to A-level (Advanced Level) examinations. Based on desk data, the article analyses different dimensions of secondary and higher secondary education enrolments and attainment levels. It considers the implications from the reliance on British international examinations for students and schools. In addition, there is an exploration of the National Curriculum and equity in secondary education in relation to gender-specific outcomes and outcomes for students in rural atolls in comparison to the outcomes in urban capital island, Male’. The article concludes by considering alternatives to the reliance on international examinations and potential options for national certification that may be more aligned to local needs and relevant to the context.
Influence of the Experimental Setup on the Damping Properties of SLM Lattice Structures
Authors: Scalzo F. , Totis G. , Sortino M.
Published: September 2022

Background

Metal lattice structures obtained through Selective Laser Melting may increase the strength-to-weight ratio of advanced 3D printed parts, as well as their damping properties. Recent experimental results showed that AlSi10Mg and AISI 316L lattices are characterized by higher Rayleigh damping coefficients with respect to the fully dense material. However, some unclear or contradictory results were found, depending on the experimental setup adopted for modal analysis.

Objective

In this work the influence of the experimental setup when performing modal analysis on different SLM AISI 316L lattice structures was deeply investigated. The study provides a critical comparison of various experimental modal analysis approaches, allowing to evaluate the influence of external damping sources and material internal damping phenomena.

Methods

The dynamic behaviour of SLM AISI 316L specimens incorporating lattice structures was estimated by means of pulse testing and sinusoidal excitation through an electromagnetic shaker. The validity of the viscous damping model was assessed by means of sinusoidal excitation with different levels of vibration velocity. Moreover, the influence of experimental setup on modal analysis results was critically evaluated, by considering different actuators, contact and non-contact sensors and boundary/clamping conditions.

Results

The classical viscous damping model describes with good approximation the damping properties of SLM lattice structures. When exciting single specimens in free-free conditions, those embedding lattice structure and unmelted metal powder filler were characterized by superior internal damping properties with respect to the specimens incorporating the lattice structure without any filler, which was however more effective than the full density equivalent material. Most of the other experimental setups introduced additional external damping sources, that could alter this important outcome.

Conclusions

SLM lattice structures embedded into 3D printed components provide superior damping properties against mechanical and acoustic vibrations and the metal powder filler does significantly enhance such damping capacity. A correct estimation of material internal damping was achieved by applying non-contact sensors and free-free boundary conditions, whereas other experimental setups were partly inadequate.
The development of dissolved oxygen forecast model using hybrid machine learning algorithm with hydro-meteorological variables
Authors: Ahmed Abul Abrar Masrur , Jui S. Janifer Jabin , Chowdhury Mohammad Aktarul Islam , Ahmed Oli , Sutradha Ambica
Published: September 2022

Dissolved oxygen (DO) forecasting is essential for aquatic managers responsible for maintaining ecosystem health and the management of water bodies affected by water quality parameters. This paper aims to forecast dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration using a multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS) hybrid model coupled with maximum overlap discrete wavelet transformation (MODWT) as a feature decomposition approach for Surma River water using a set of water quality hydro-meteorological variables. The proposed hybrid model is compared with numerous machine learning methods, namely Bayesian ridge regression (BNR), k-nearest neighbourhood (KNN), kernel ridge regression (KRR), random forest (RF), and support vector regression (SVR). The investigational results show that the proposed model of MODWT-MARS has a better prediction than the comparing benchmark models and individual standalone counter parts. The result shows that the hybrid algorithms (i.e. MODWT-MARS) outperformed the other models (r = 0.981, WI = 0.990, RMAE = 2.47%, and MAE = 0.089). This hybrid method may serve to forecast water quality variables with fewer predictor variables.
Improving environmental monitoring of Vibrionaceae in coastal ecosystems through 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing
Authors: Banchi Elisa , Manna Vincenzo , Fonti Viviana , Fabbro Cinzia , Celussi Mauro
Published: September 2022

The Vibrionaceae family groups genetically and metabolically diverse bacteria thriving in all marine environments. Despite often representing a minor fraction of bacterial assemblages, members of this family can exploit a wide variety of nutritional sources, which makes them important players in biogeochemical dynamics. Furthermore, several Vibrionaceae species are well-known pathogens, posing a threat to human and animal health. Here, we applied the phylogenetic placement coupled with a consensus-based approach using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, aiming to reach a reliable and fine-level Vibrionaceae characterization and identify the dynamics of blooming, ecologically important, and potentially pathogenic species in different sites of the northern Adriatic Sea. Water samples were collected monthly at a Long-Term Ecological Research network site from 2018 to 2021, and in spring and summer of 2019 and 2020 at two sites affected by depurated sewage discharge. The 41 identified Vibrionaceae species represented generally below 1% of the sampled communities; blooms (up to ~ 11%) mainly formed by Vibrio chagasii and Vibrio owensii occurred in summer, linked to increasing temperature and particulate matter concentration. Pathogenic species such as Vibrio anguilllarum, Vibrio tapetis, and Photobacterium damselae were found in low abundance. Depuration plant samples were characterized by a lower abundance and diversity of Vibrionaceae species compared to seawater, highlighting that Vibrionaceae dynamics at sea are unlikely to be related to wastewater inputs. Our work represents a further step to improve the molecular approach based on short reads, toward a shared, updated, and curated phylogeny of the Vibrionaceae family.
Kant’s Categories of Quantity and Quality, Reconsidered: From the Point of View of the History of Logic and Natural Science
Authors: Tomida Yasuhiko
Published: September 2022

According to Kant, the division of the categories “is not the result of a search after pure concepts undertaken at haphazard,” but is derived from the “complete” classification of judgments developed by traditional logic. However, the sorts of judgments that he enumerates in his table of judgments are not all ones that traditional logic has dealt with; consequently, we must say that he chose the sorts of judgments in question with a certain intention. Besides, we know that his choice of judgments and categories is strongly influenced by certain views of natural science that he fully accepts. For this reason, his argumentations are sometimes seriously inconsistent. As to Kant’s argumentations of categories, many problems have already been pointed out, but in this paper, I take up the categories of quantity and quality once more, and make clear his argumentations’ hidden logic and its distortion from the point of view of the history of logic and natural science. First, I confirm that there are non-negligible problems in his explanation to the effect that his derivation of the categories of quantity and quality is based on the quantity and quality of judgments. Next, I reconsider the meaning of his treating the categories of quantity and quality as pure concepts of the understanding. Finally, I conclude that by having recourse to the categories of quantity and quality Kant tried unjustly to apriorize the distinction between the “extensive magnitude” and “intensive magnitude” that has a long formational history since Aristotle.
Off-Gas System Scale-Up of HIsarna Iron-Making Process: A CFD-Based Approach
Authors: Hosseini Ashkan , Hage Johannes L. T. , Duiker Arjan , Meijer Koen , Peeters Tim , Offerman Erik , Yang Yongxiang
Published: September 2022

For all industrial applications, predicting system characteristics and behavior plays a vital role before constructing costly and complex multi-physic systems. Correct and reliable predictions become even more important once the aim is to go from small- to large-scale processes to establish an industrial demonstrations. In this study, a CFD-based scale-up of HIsarna off-gas system based on the Eulerian–Lagrangian approach is investigated and detailed step in scale-up procedure is discussed. A three-dimensional CFD model is developed and validated based on the available pilot scale data and used to design and scale up the post-combustion chamber (also known as reflux chamber). Detailed kinetics for volumetric and gas–solid reactions are incorporated in validated CFD model with a special attention to the wall boundary condition and modeling. The effect of reflux chamber geometry, oxygen injection ports, oxygen injection flowrate, isolation wall thickness, and inlet flue gas composition on different system characteristics such as heat loss through the wall, CO–H2–carbon mixture conversion, flue gas, and wall temperature are investigated. The aim of the scaled up geometry, like pilot scale, is to achieve full combustion of unwanted species inside the reflux chamber to assure zero emissions from the off-gas system. Compared to the pilot scale, the scaled up reflux chamber is capable of handling and removing higher amount of unwanted species coming from the main reactor and therefore lower CO–H2 and carbon particle emissions, mainly due to a larger size which provides larger volume and residence time for volumetric and gas–solid reaction to proceed.