bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pelvic organ movements in asymptomatic nulliparous and symptomatic premenopausal women with pelvic organ prolapse in dynamic MRI: a feasibility study comparing midsagittal single-slice with multi-slice sequences
Authors: Ghafoor Soleen , Beintner-Skawran Stephan M. , Stöckli Gian , Betschart Cornelia , Reiner Cäcilia S.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To compare multi-slice (MS) MRI sequences of the pelvis acquired at rest and straining to dynamic midsagittal single-slice (SS) sequences for the assessment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

This IRB-approved prospective single-center feasibility study included 23 premenopausal symptomatic patients with POP and 22 asymptomatic nulliparous volunteers. MRI of the pelvis at rest and straining was performed with midsagittal SS and MS sequences. Straining effort, visibility of organs and POP grade were scored on both. Organ points (bladder, cervix, anorectum) were measured. Differences between SS and MS sequences were compared with Wilcoxon test.

Results

Straining effort was good in 84.4% on SS and in 64.4% on MS sequences (p = 0.003). Organ points were always visible on MS sequences, whereas the cervix was not fully visible in 31.1–33.3% on SS sequences. At rest, there were no statistically significant differences of organ point measurements between SS and MS sequences in symptomatic patients. At straining, positions of bladder, cervix, and anorectum were + 1.1 cm (± 1.8 cm), − 0.7 cm (± 2.9 cm), and + 0.7 cm (± 1.3 cm) on SS and + 0.4 mm (± 1.7 cm), − 1.4 cm (± 2.6 cm), and + 0.4 cm (± 1.3 cm) on MS sequences (p < 0.05). Only 2 cases of higher-grade POP were missed on MS sequences (both with poor straining effort).

Conclusion

MS sequences increase the visibility of organ points compared to SS sequences. Dynamic MS sequences can depict POP if images are acquired with sufficient straining effort. Further work is needed to optimize the depiction of the maximum straining effort with MS sequences.

Graphical abstract
Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Hepatectomy: A Single Surgeon Experience of 629 Consecutive Minimally Invasive Liver Resections
Authors: Winckelmans Thomas , Wicherts Dennis A. , Parmentier Isabelle , De Meyere Celine , Verslype Chris , D'Hondt Mathieu
Published: May 2023

Background

Robotic surgery has the potential to broaden the indications for minimally invasive liver surgery owing to its technical advantages. This paper compares our experience with robotic liver surgery (RLS) with conventional laparoscopic liver surgery (LLS).

Methods

All consecutive liver resections between October 2011 and October 2022 were selected from our prospective database to be included in this cohort study. Patients who underwent RLS were compared with a LLS group for operative and postoperative outcomes.

Results

In total, 629 patients were selected from our database, including 177 patients who underwent a RLS and 452 patients who had LLS. Colorectal liver metastasis was the main indication for surgery in both groups. With the introduction of RLS, the percentage of open resections decreased significantly (32.6% from 2011 to 2020 vs. 11.5% from 2020 onward, P < 0.001). In the robotic group, redo liver surgery was more frequent (24.3% vs. 16.8%, P = 0.031) and the Southampton difficulty score was higher (4 [IQR 4 to 7] vs. 4 [IQR 3 to 6], P = 0.02). Median blood loss was lower (30 vs. 100 ml, P < 0.001), and postoperative length of stay (LOS) was shorter in the robotic group (median 3 vs. 4 days, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications. Cost related to the used instruments and LOS was significantly lower in the RLS group (median €1483 vs. €1796, P < 0.001 and €1218 vs. €1624, P < 0.001, respectively), while cost related to operative time was higher (median €2755 vs. €2470, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

RLS may allow for a higher percentage of liver resections to be completed in a minimally invasive way with lower blood loss and a shorter LOS.
Implementation of circulating tumour DNA multi-target mutation testing in plasma: a perspective from an external quality assessment providers’ survey
Authors: Fairley Jennifer A. , Badrick Tony , Denis Marc G. , Dimitrova Lora , Goodall Rebecca , Maas Joerg , Normanno Nicola , Patton Simon J. , Rouleau Etienne , Russo Antonio , Stockley Tracy L. , Deans Zandra C.
Published: May 2023

Demand for large-scale tumour profiling across cancer types has increased in recent years, driven by the emergence of targeted drug therapies. Analysing alternations in plasma circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) for cancer detection can improve survival; ctDNA testing is recommended when tumour tissue is unavailable. An online survey of molecular pathology testing was circulated by six external quality assessment members of IQN Path to registered laboratories and all IQN Path collaborative corporate members. Data from 275 laboratories across 45 countries were collected; 245 (89%) perform molecular pathology testing, including 177 (64%) which perform plasma ctDNA diagnostic service testing. The most common tests were next-generation sequencing-based (n = 113). Genes with known stratified treatment options, including KRAS (n = 97), NRAS (n = 84), and EGFR (n = 130), were common targets. The uptake of ctDNA plasma testing and plans to implement further testing demonstrates the importance of support from a well-designed EQA scheme.
Immunotherapy with cure potential of multi-drug resistant hematologic malignancies using IL-2 preactivated intentionally mismatched donor lymphocyte
Authors: Slavin Shimon
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Unfortunately, cure of multi-drug resistant (MDR) hematologic malignancies remains an unmet need. Donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) following allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) can sometimes eliminate multi-drug resistant leukemia but at a risk of acute and chronic graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) and procedure-related toxicity. Supported by pre-clinical experiments in animal models, we hypothesized that immunotherapy induced by non-engrafting intentionally mismatched IL-2 activated killers (IMAK) including both T & NK cells could induce safer, faster and much more effective immunotherapy while avoiding the need for SCT and the risks of GVHD.

Methods

IMAK treatment was applied in 33 patients with MDR hematologic malignancies conditioned with cyclophosphamide 1000 mg/m2 based protocol. Haploidentical or unrelated donor lymphocytes were preactivated with IL-2 6000 IU/ml for 4 days. IMAK was combined with Rituximab in 12/23 patients with CD20+ B cells.

Results

A total of 23/33 patients with MDR (4 failing SCT) achieved complete remission (CR). First patient currently 30 years with no further treatment and 6 observed for > 5 years (2 AML; 2 multiple myeloma, 1 ALL & 1 NHL) can be considered cured. No patient developed > grade 3 toxicity or GVHD. No residual male cells were detectable among six females treated with male cells beyond day + 6, confirming that GVHD was prevented by consistent early rejection of donor lymphocytes.

Conclusions

We hypothesize that safe and superior immunotherapy of MDR with cure potential may be accomplished by IMAK, most probably in patients with low tumor burden, but that remains to be confirmed by future clinical trials.
A review on the role of HAND2-AS1 in cancer
Authors: Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh , Hussen Bashdar Mahmud , Abdullah Snur Rasool , Dadyar Maryam , Taheri Mohammad , Kiani Arda
Published: May 2023

HAND2 antisense RNA 1 (HAND2-AS1) is a newly recognized lncRNA encoded by a gene on 4q34.1. This lncRNA has 10 exons and is predicted to have a positive effect on expression of certain genes. HAND2-AS1 is mainly considered as a tumor suppressive lncRNA in different tissues. Moreover, HAND2-AS1 has been shown to regulate expression of several targets with possible roles in the carcinogenesis through serving as a sponge for miRNAs. This lncRNA can also influence activity of BMP, TGF-β1, JAK/STAT and PI3K/Akt pathways. Down-regulation of HAND2-AS1 in tumor tissues has been associated with larger tumor size, higher tumor grade, higher chance of metastasis and poor clinical outcome. The present study aims at summarization of the impact of HAND2-AS1 in the carcinogenesis and its potential in cancer diagnosis or prediction of cancer prognosis.
Simplifying capacity planning for electricity systems with hydroelectric and renewable generation
Authors: Yagi Kenjiro , Sioshansi Ramteen
Published: May 2023

This work investigates approaches to simplify capacity planning for electricity systems with hydroelectric and renewable generators with three specific foci. First, we examine approaches to represent the efficiency of hydroelectric units. Next, we explore the effects of water-travel times and the representation of run-of-river units within cascaded hydroelectric systems. Third, we analyze the use of representative operating periods to capture electricity-system operations. We conduct these analyses using an archetypal planning models that is applied to the Columbia River system in the northwestern United States of America. We demonstrate that planning models can be simplified significantly, which improves model tractability with little loss of fidelity.
3D magnetic resonance fingerprinting on a low-field 50 mT point-of-care system prototype: evaluation of muscle and lipid relaxation time mapping and comparison with standard techniques
Authors: O’Reilly Thomas , Börnert Peter , Liu Hongyan , Webb Andrew , Koolstra Kirsten
Published: May 2023

Objective

To implement magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) on a permanent magnet 50 mT low-field system deployable as a future point-of-care (POC) unit and explore the quality of the parameter maps.

Materials and methods

3D MRF was implemented on a custom-built Halbach array using a slab-selective spoiled steady-state free precession sequence with 3D Cartesian readout. Undersampled scans were acquired with different MRF flip angle patterns and reconstructed using matrix completion and matched to the simulated dictionary, taking excitation profile and coil ringing into account. MRF relaxation times were compared to that of inversion recovery (IR) and multi-echo spin echo (MESE) experiments in phantom and in vivo. Furthermore, B0 inhomogeneities were encoded in the MRF sequence using an alternating TE pattern, and the estimated map was used to correct for image distortions in the MRF images using a model-based reconstruction.

Results

Phantom relaxation times measured with an optimized MRF sequence for low field were in better agreement with reference techniques than for a standard MRF sequence. In vivo muscle relaxation times measured with MRF were longer than those obtained with an IR sequence (T1: 182 ± 21.5 vs 168 ± 9.89 ms) and with an MESE sequence (T2: 69.8 ± 19.7 vs 46.1 ± 9.65 ms). In vivo lipid MRF relaxation times were also longer compared with IR (T1: 165 ± 15.1 ms vs 127 ± 8.28 ms) and with MESE (T2: 160 ± 15.0 ms vs 124 ± 4.27 ms). Integrated ΔB0 estimation and correction resulted in parameter maps with reduced distortions.

Discussion

It is possible to measure volumetric relaxation times with MRF at 2.5 × 2.5 × 3.0 mm3 resolution in a 13 min scan time on a 50 mT permanent magnet system. The measured MRF relaxation times are longer compared to those measured with reference techniques, especially for T2. This discrepancy can potentially be addressed by hardware, reconstruction and sequence design, but long-term reproducibility needs to be further improved.
Victims as Agents of Accountability: Strengthening Victims’ Right to Review at the International Criminal Court
Authors: Hodgson Natalie
Published: May 2023

Providing justice to victims is one of the most important justifications for international criminal justice. At the International Criminal Court, states have sought to respond to victims’ justice interests in a number of ways, including by allowing victim participation in criminal proceedings. However, while victim participation in domestic criminal courts has evolved to include an accountability function enabling victims to challenge decisions not to prosecute, victims are limited in the extent to which they can perform this same accountability function in relation to decisions not to open an investigation at the International Criminal Court. Empowering victims to request review of a decision not to open an investigation not only enhances procedural justice but enables victims to contribute towards the administration of justice more broadly. This article considers how victims could be provided with a strengthened ability to request review of a decision not to open an investigation at the International Criminal Court. The article suggests amending Article 53 of the Rome Statute to enable victims to request judicial review of a decision not to open an investigation and clarifying the process through which victims can seek internal review of a decision not to open an investigation through the Office of the Prosecutor. Doing so would demonstrate the commitment of states, the Prosecutor and the Court to procedural justice for victims, as well as their support for transparent and accountable decision-making processes.
On sign changes of Fourier coefficients of Hermitian cusp forms of degree two
Authors: Nandi Rimpa , Singh Sujeet Kumar , Tiwari Prashant
Published: May 2023

We prove a quantitative result for the number of sign changes of the Fourier coefficients of a Hermitian cusp form of degree 2. In addition, we prove a quantitative result for the number of sign changes of the primitive Fourier coefficients. We give an explicit upper bound for the first sign change of the Fourier coefficients of a Hermitian cusp form of degree 2 over certain imaginary quadratic extensions.
Conceptions of Recovery and Relapse of Severe Mental Illness from the Perspective of Mental Health Personnel in Mexico City
Authors: Gonzalez Veronica Valencia , Rios Jazmín Mora
Published: May 2023

This study explores recovery from severe mental disorders from the perspective of 89 mental health care professionals working in Mexico City, using a mixed method approach. The participants were recruited and interviewed from mental health and addiction treatment facilities in Mexico City using convenience sampling techniques. Transcribed interviews were coded and analyzed for thematic content regarding recovery and relapse of mental illness. On the quantitative level, we used a sample of 11 items from the Mexican adaptation of the Opinions about Mental Illness questionnaire to compare the attitudes of health personnel and consider differences by gender. Of the respondents, 18% did not believe that recovery was possible for individuals with severe mental disorders, but most believed in recovery in at least some cases. The results also indicated a strong orientation toward recovery in the clinical sense, focused on patients’ symptomatology. There were significant differences in attitudes toward mental illness items by gender. Men showed more favorable attitudes than women (F = 6.60, p = .05). However, the small size of our sample limits the generalizability of the findings. Educational strategies based on social contact with persons with mental health problems could be useful in modifying negative attitudes toward mental illness.
Monogenic Diabetes with GATA6 Mutations: Characterization of a Novel Family and a Comprehensive Analysis of the GATA6 Clinical and Genetics Traits
Authors: Yue Xing , Luo Yaheng , Wang Jing , Huang Debin
Published: May 2023

Monogenic diabetes caused by GATA6 mutations were almost described as neonatal diabetes, and the phenotypic spectrum has expanded since then. Our study underscores the broad phenotypic spectrum by reporting a de novo GATA6 mutation in a family. Furthermore, we reviewed related literature to summarize the clinical and genetic characteristics of monogenic diabetes with GATA6 mutations (n = 39) in order to improve clinicians’ understanding of the disease. We conclude that the GATA6 missense mutation (c. 749G > T, p. Gly250Val) is not reported presently, characterized by adult-onset diabetes with pancreatic dysplasia and located in transcriptional activation region. Carries with GATA6 mutations (n = 55) have a variable spectrum of diabetes, ranging from neonatal (72.7%), childhood-onset (20%) to adults-onset (7.5%). 83.5% of patients with abnormal pancreatic development. Heart and hepatobillary defects are the most common abnormalities of extrapancreatic features. Most mutations with GATA6 are loss of function (LOF, 71.8%) and located in functional region. Functional studies mostly support loss-of-function as the pathophysiological mechanism. In conclusion, there are various types of diabetes with GATA6 mutations, which can also occur in adult diabetes. Phenotypic defects with GATA6 mutations are most frequently malformations of pancreas and heart. This highlights the importance of comprehensive clinical evaluation of identified carriers to evaluate their full phenotypic spectrum.
The Effect of Simvastatin on the Dynamics of NF-κB-Regulated Neurodegenerative and Neuroprotective Processes in the Acute Phase of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lietzau Grazyna , Sienkiewicz Waldemar , Karwacki Zbigniew , Dziewiątkowski Jerzy , Kaleczyc Jerzy , Kowiański Przemysław
Published: May 2023

Statins are lipid-lowering drugs that act by inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, a rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. Animal studies have shown neuroprotective effects of statins in cerebral stroke. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) transcription factor is involved in the regulation of apoptosis in stroke. Different dimers of NF-κB regulate the gene expression of proteins involved in both neurodegeneration and neuroprotection. We aimed to determine whether simvastatin improves stroke outcome via inhibition of the RelA/p65-containing subunit and downregulation of stroke-induced pro-apoptotic genes or via activation of NF-κB dimers containing the c-Rel subunit and upregulation of anti-apoptotic genes during the acute stroke phase. Eighteen-month-old Wistar rats, subjected to permanent MCAO or sham surgery, were administered simvastatin (20 mg/kg b.w.) or saline for 5 days before the procedure. Stroke outcome was determined by measuring cerebral infarct and assessing motor functions. The expression of NF-κB subunits in various cell populations was investigated using immunofluorescence/confocal microscopy. RelA and c-Rel were detected by WB. The NF-κB-DNA binding activity was investigated using EMSA, and expression of Noxa, Puma, Bcl-2, and Bcl-x genes was analyzed by qRT-PCR. Results showed a 50% infarct size reduction and significant motor function improvement in the simvastatin-treated animals which correlated with a decrease in RelA and a transient increase in the c-Rel level in the nucleus, normalization of the NF-κB-DNA binding activity, and downregulation of the NF-κB-regulated genes. Our results provide new insights into the statin-mediated neuroprotective action against stroke based on NF-κB pathway inhibition.
Comparison of finite element density functional with NWChem results for 18 molecules
Authors: Braun Moritz , Obodo Kingsley Onyebuchi
Published: May 2023

Making use of the code presented in the previous work by Braun et al. (Eur Phys J B 92:230, 2019), finite element density functional calculations have been performed in Cartesian coordinates using the density functional approach for 18 mostly organic molecules, which are acetic acid, ammonia, benzene, butane, carbon-dioxide, ethane, ethanol, fluorine gas, iso-butane, methane, methanol, nitrogen gas, pentane, propane, urea, and water. The resulting total energies and densities were compared with those obtained using the Gaussian basis set package NWChem (Valiev et al. in Comput Phys Commun 181:1477, 2010) for a number of basis sets. We found very good agreement for the total energies and densities of the considered molecules using the two different approaches. This further highlights the success and usefulness of the finite element approach.
Exploring the usability of an internet-based intervention and its providing eHealth platform in an eye-tracking study
Authors: Idrees Abdul Rahman , Kraft Robin , Winter Michael , Küchler Ann-Marie , Baumeister Harald , Reilly Ronan , Reichert Manfred , Pryss Rüdiger
Published: May 2023

The proliferation of online eHealth has made it much easier for users to access healthcare services and interventions from the comfort of their own homes. This study looks at how well one such platform—eSano—performs in terms of user experience when delivering mindfulness interventions. In order to assess usability and user experience, several tools such as eye-tracking technology, think-aloud sessions, a system usability scale questionnaire, an application questionnaire, and post-experiment interviews were employed. Participants were evaluated while they accessed the first module of the mindfulness intervention provided by eSano to measure their interaction with the app, and their level of engagement, and to obtain feedback on both the intervention and its overall usability. The results revealed that although users generally rated their experience with the app positively in terms of overall satisfaction, according to data collected through the system usability scale questionnaire, participants rated the first module of the mindfulness intervention as below average. Additionally, eye-tracking data showed that some users skipped long text blocks in favor of answering questions quickly while others spent more than half their time reading them. Henceforth, recommendations were put forward to improve both the usability and persuasiveness of the app—such as incorporating shorter text blocks and more engaging interactive elements—in order to raise adherence rates. Overall findings from this study provide valuable insights into how users interact with the eSano's participant app which can be used as guidelines for the future development of more effective and user-friendly platforms. Moreover, considering these potential improvements will help foster more positive experiences that promote regular engagement with these types of apps; taking into account emotional states and needs that vary across different age groups and abilities.
Financial Inclusion and Income Inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa: Taking Socio-Cultural Particularities into Account
Authors: Atadouanla Segning Beauclair , Fouopi Djiogap Constant , Piabuo Serge Mandiefe , Ngasseu Noupie Elie
Published: May 2023

According to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, financial inclusion has a crucial role to play in achieving sustainable development goals in this case, reducing inequalities and reducing poverty. Certain cultures can be at the root of financial system imperfections and therefore influence financial inclusion and its effect on income inequality. This work analyzes the effect of financial inclusion on income inequalities in sub-Saharan African countries, taking into account cultural particularities. The data cover the period from 2002 to 2015 and are analyzed by the dynamic panel method generalized method of moments (GMM). Our overall sample is made up of 27 countries of sub-Saharan Africa grouped into 4 sub-groups: countries with predominantly Christian obedience, countries with obedience dominated by Islam, countries with French as the official language, and countries with English as official language. The first two are distinguished by the fact that Islam forbids interest-bearing savings and loans. The latter two have known different colonial systems which have forged their attitude to public life differently. Our results show that financial inclusion contributes to reducing income inequality in all the SSA countries considered, and also in the Christian-dominated and French-speaking countries. We found no effect of financial inclusion in Islamic-dominated and English-speaking countries. Similarly, we found evidence of an inverted U-shaped relationship in all the Sub-Saharan African countries considered and in Christian-dominated countries only. These results suggest on the one hand that the socio-cultural aspect has an influence on the relationship between financial inclusion and income inequality and the other hand that financial inclusion may be essential to reduce income inequality in SSA countries, but that it is important to tailor it taking into account the cultural, religious, political, institutional, and structural specificities of each country’s economy to have even more significant effects. Given this interference of socio-cultural and political factors on financial inclusion and its effect on income inequality, in addition to ensuring an effective regulatory system and a sound institutional framework, financial and public authorities should capitalize on the cultural and religious fiber to raise awareness on the use of financial products and services in order to improve financial access and its effect on wealth redistribution.
Zein nanoparticles as oral carrier for mometasone furoate delivery
Authors: Zimath Priscila , Pinto Soraia , Dias Sofia , Rafacho Alex , Sarmento Bruno
Published: May 2023

Mometasone furoate (MF) is a synthetic glucocorticoid used clinically to treat specific inflammatory disorders including superior and inferior respiratory tract. Due to its poor bioavailability we further investigated whether nanoparticles (NPs) made of zein protein may constitute a safe and effective choice to incorporate MF. Thus, in this work, we loaded MF into zein NPs aiming to evaluate possible advantages that could result from oral delivery and extend the range of MF application such as inflammatory gut diseases. MF-loaded zein NPs presented an average size in the range of 100 and 135 nm, narrow size distribution (polydispersity index < 0.300), zeta potential of around + 10 mV and association efficiency of MF over 70%. Transmission electron microscopy imaging revealed that NPs had a round shape and presented a smooth surface. The zein NPs showed low MF release in a buffer that mimics the gastric condition (pH = 1.2) and slower and controlled MF release in the intestinal condition (pH = 6.8). The short and intermediate safety of zein NPs was confirmed assessing the incubation against Caco-2 and HT29-MTX intestinal cells up to 24 h. Permeability studies of MF across Caco-2/HT29-MTX co-culture monolayer evidenced that zein NPs modulated MF transport across cell monolayer resulting in a stronger and prolonged interaction with mucus, potentially extending the time of absorption and overall local and systemic bioavailability. Overall, zein NPs showed to be suitable to carry MF to the intestine and future studies can be developed to investigate the use of MF-loaded zein NPs to treat intestinal inflammatory diseases.

Graphical abstract
Short-Chain Fatty Acids—A Product of the Microbiome and Its Participation in Two-Way Communication on the Microbiome-Host Mammal Line
Authors: Lange Oliwia , Proczko-Stepaniak Monika , Mika Adriana
Published: May 2023

Purpose of Review

The review aims to describe short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as metabolites of bacteria, their complex influence on whole-body metabolism, and alterations in the SCFA profile in obesity and after bariatric surgery (BS).

Recent Findings

The fecal profile of SCFAs in obese patients differs from that of lean patients, as well as their gut microbiota composition. In obese patients, a lower diversity of bacteria is observed, as well as higher concentrations of SCFAs in stool samples. Obesity is now considered a global epidemic and bariatric surgery (BS) is an effective treatment for severe obesity. BS affects the structure and functioning of the digestive system, and also alters gut microbiota and the concentration of fecal SCFAs. Generally, after BS, SCFA levels are lower but levels of branched short-chain fatty acids (BSCFAs) are elevated, the effect of which is not fully understood. Moreover, changes in the profile of circulating SCFAs are little known and this is an area for further research.

Summary

Obesity seems to be inherently associated with changes in the SCFA profile. It is necessary to better understand the impact of BS on microbiota and the metabolome in both feces and blood as only a small percentage of SCFAs are excreted. Further research may allow the development of a personalized therapeutic approach to the BS patient in terms of diet and prebiotic intervention.
Manufacturing of individualized sensors: Integration of conductive elements in additively manufactured PBT parts and qualification of functional sensors
Authors: Granse Tobias , Pfeffer Stefan , Springer Patrick , Refle Oliver , Leitl Simon , Neff Martin , Duffner Eberhard , Dorneich Albert , Fritton Markus
Published: May 2023

The growing variety of product variants requires smaller and more complex parts with increasing functionality. Additively manufactured parts with integrated, freely arranged standard electrical components would allow application-specific design and high integration density. Such systems can be used as proximity sensors for industrial applications, acoustic sensors for hearing aids, or ultrasonic sensors for food inspection, as well as integrated analog-to-digital converters for standard sensors or wear detection sensors in tools. Preliminary studies have shown that a hybrid manufacturing process can be used to additively manufacture such geometrically individualized sensors. In the approach chosen here, standard electrical components are integrated into housings produced using the ARBURG Plastic Freeforming (APF) process. The housing material used is a PBT granulate, which is a standard material in the electronics industry. The integrated electrical components are electrically connected using a silver conductive paste and are generated using a jet dispensing valve. Based on the hybrid manufacturing process, it is possible to produce geometrically customizable industrial proximity sensors in one production step. In this publication, various connection options were investigated and design guidelines for the microdispensing of silver paste were derived. In addition, twelve functional sensors were manufactured and subjected to three industrial standard quality tests. Five out of six passed the temperature shock test, three out of four passed the humidity-heat test, and two out of two passed the vibration and shock test. Thus, the proof of concept was principally provided that the investigated connection options are suitable to produce individualized electronic sensors.
Biochar application significantly increases soil organic carbon under conservation tillage: an 11-year field experiment
Authors: Ding Xinyu , Li Guitong , Zhao Xiaorong , Lin Qimei , Wang Xiang
Published: May 2023

Biochar application and conservation tillage are significant for long-term organic carbon (OC) sequestration in soil and enhancing crop yields, however, their effects on native soil organic carbon (native SOC) without biochar carbon sequestration in situ remain largely unknown. Here, an 11-year field experiment was carried out to examine different biochar application rates (0, 30, 60, and 90 Mg ha−1) on native SOC pools (native labile SOC pool I and II, and native recalcitrant SOC) and microbial activities in calcareous soil across an entire winter wheat–maize rotation. The proportions of C3 and C4-derived native SOC mineralization were quantified using soil basal respiration (SBR) combined with 13C natural isotope abundance measurements. The results showed that 39–51% of the biochar remained in the top 30 cm after 11 years. Biochar application rates significantly increased native SOC and native recalcitrant SOC contents but decreased the proportion of native labile SOC [native labile SOC pool I and II, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC)]. Biochar application tended to increase the indicators of microbial activities associated with SOC degradation, such as SBR, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis activity, and metabolic quotient (qCO2). Meanwhile, higher biochar application rates (B60 and B90) significantly increased the C4-derived CO2 proportion of the SBR and enhanced C4-derived native SOC mineralization. The effect of the biochar application rate on the content and proportion of native SOC fractions occurred in the 0–15 cm layer, however, there were no significant differences at 15–30 cm. Soil depth also significantly increased native labile SOC pool I and II contents and decreased qCO2. In conclusion, the biochar application rate significantly increased native SOC accumulation in calcareous soil by enhancing the proportion of native recalcitrant SOC, and biochar application and soil depth collectively influenced the seasonal turnover of native SOC fractions, which has important implications for long-term agricultural soil organic carbon sequestration.

Graphical Abstract
Comparison of Regulations for Arsenic and Heavy Metals in Herbal Medicines Using Pharmacopoeias of Nine Counties/Regions
Authors: Inada Isa , Kiuchi Fumiyuki , Urushihara Hisashi
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Standardization is an import factor in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of herbal medicines, and facilitates their international commerce. Heavy metal poisoning due to herbal medicines has been reported in many countries. Here, to better understand the current state of harmonization, we compared regulations for arsenic and heavy metals in herbal medicines across seven countries and two regions with two international standards.

Methods

We studied the monographs of herbal medicines of seven countries and two regions, as well as the WHO guidelines and ISO standards. We then compared the limits and test methods adopted for elemental impurities in herbal medicines listed in the monographs and standards among countries.

Results

The number of herbal medicines assessed amounted to over 2000. Limits and test methods adopted for elemental impurities in herbal medicines varied by country/region and organization. Although WHO recommends a uniform upper limit for lead and cadmium for all herbal medicines, some countries set unique upper limits for individual herbal medicines. ISO 18664:2015 lists only instrumental analysis methods, whereas Japan and India list only chemical methods.

Conclusions

Many countries do not adhere to the WHO or ISO recommendations on elemental impurities in herbal medicines. These findings suggest the presence of differences in regulations for herbal medicines among countries/regions, likely rooted in cultural differences and policies aimed at maintaining the diversity of herbal medicines. Regulatory convergence by “loose harmonization” to internationally agreed standards appears a feasible option to maintain diversity and safety, and promote international trade in herbal medicines.
Evolution of the microstructure and mechanical properties of Sanicro 25 austenitic stainless steel after long-term ageing
Authors: Sroka M. , Zieliński A. , Golański G. , Pawlyta M. , Purzyńska H. , Novy F.
Published: May 2023

A newly developed heat-resistant austenitic steel, Sanicro 25 is currently considered the leading candidate material for an advanced ultra-supercritical installation. The test material was subjected to long-term ageing (up to 30,000 h) at 700 and 750 °C, after which investigations into the microstructure, identification of precipitates, and testing of mechanical properties were conducted. Sanicro 25 had an austenitic microstructure with annealed twins and numerous large primary NbX and Z-phase precipitates in the as-received condition. It was found that the long-term ageing of the steel resulted in numerous precipitation processes. For example, M23C6 carbides, Laves, σ and G phases occurred at the grain boundaries. However, Z-phase precipitates, ε_Cu particles, and Laves phase were observed inside the grains. At the same time, compound complexes of precipitates based on the primary Z-phase precipitates were revealed in the microstructure. The ageing process increased the particle size of M23C6 carbides and the σ phase. After longer ageing times, a precipitate-free zone (PFZ) near the grain boundaries was observed. The precipitation processes initially lead to an increase in the strength properties of the steel. However, after 5000 h, an over-ageing effect was observed at 750 °C, which was not observed at 700 °C.
A scaling methodology for high-power magnetically shielded Hall thrusters
Authors: Giammarinaro Guido , Marconcini Francesco , Becatti Giulia , Saravia Manuel M. , Andrenucci Mariano , Paganucci Fabrizio
Published: May 2023

The past two decades have seen an increasing interest in Hall thrusters in space propulsion, thanks to their favorable performance characteristics with respect to a wide variety of missions of current and future interest and to the significant extension in operational life potential achievable with magnetic shielding. Nevertheless, the physics underlying their behavior is complex and not yet fully understood, limiting the practical applications of models based on first principles due to their inability to self-consistently predict the device performance. Fortunately, modern Hall thrusters were developed through a lengthy process of gradual refinement, and thus they represent convenient reference devices to design new thrusters using appropriately defined scaling criteria. The objective of this work is to propose a new scaling methodology, especially intended for magnetically shielded high-power Hall thrusters. To this purpose, a novel phenomenological model for shielded thrusters is presented and discussed. This model includes free coefficients, whose values are chosen based on the agreement with the empirical data collected in a specially created high-power Hall thruster database. The proposed methodology features a new reference thruster and aims at keeping unchanged its main plasma intensive parameters in a scaling transformation. The possibility of creating performance maps at constant discharge power, which show how the scaling results vary with the channel dimensions, is also proposed as a preliminary design tool.
Behavioural effects of noise on Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) in a walk-through enclosure
Authors: de Abreu Rezende Yuri Garcia , Queiroz Marina Bonde , Young Robert John , da Silva Vasconcellos Angélica
Published: May 2023

Anthropogenic noise has been related to stress in captive animals; despite this there have been few studies on animal welfare assessment in walk-through zoo enclosures. We aimed to investigate the behavioural effects of noise on a male-female pair of two-toed sloths (Choloepus didactylus), housed in a walk-through enclosure in a zoo in the UK. The animals were filmed for 24 h per day, during three days per week, including days with potential low and high flow of visitors, for three weeks. Sound pressure measurement was performed four times each collection day (twice in the morning, once at noon and once in the afternoon), for 15 min per session, using a sound level meter. The number of visitors passing the enclosure during each session was also recorded. The videos were analysed using focal sampling, with continuous recording of behaviour. Correlations between noise and the behaviours expressed during, and in the 24 h after the acoustic recording, were investigated. The number of visitors correlated with the acoustic parameters. At the moment of exposure, higher levels of noise correlated with decreased inactivity, and longer expression of locomotion and maintenance behaviours for the male; the female spent more time inside a box in these moments. During the 24 h hours after exposure to loud noise, the female showed no behavioural changes while the male tended to reduce foraging. The behavioural changes observed in both individuals have already been reported in other species, in response to stressful events. Our study indicates the need for a good acoustic management in walk-through zoo enclosures where sloths are housed.
Barriers and Gaps in Effective Health Communication at Both Public Health and Healthcare Delivery Levels During Epidemics and Pandemics; Systematic Review
Authors: Bauder Leah , Giangobbe Katrina , Asgary Ramin
Published: May 2023

Objective:

To assess gaps and barriers to effective health communication during epidemics, pandemics, and mass health emergencies.

Methods:

A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed (National Library of Medicine, Maryland, USA), SCOPUS (Elsevier, Amsterdam, Netherlands), Cochrane (Cochrane, London, UK), and grey literature between 2000 to 2020.

Results:

16043 of 16535 identified citations were eliminated through title/ abstracts screening, 437 through full-text review and 55 articles were assessed qualitatively. Key barriers to effective health communication included misinformation, distrust, limited collaboration, and messaging inconsistency. Lack of information/ research was not the primary challenge. Major gaps were in mass and social media strategies, characteristics of messages, sociocultural contexts, digital communication, rapid response, providers’ attitude and perception, and information source characteristics. Health messaging should be adaptable to information outlets and tailored for the most vulnerable. Denigration of individuals with inaccurate beliefs increases misinformation and baseline knowledge differences and fears should be addressed without polarization. Involving frontline providers in health communication strategies is crucial.

Conclusions:

Primary reason for misinformation is the failure of health sector to convincingly convey accurate information. With input from all stakeholders, especially trusted members of communities and providers, health communication should include reinvestment in methods, multidimensional and multidisciplinary approaches, consistent frameworks, improved social media usage, clear, simple, and targeted messaging, and addressing systematic disinformation and misinformation with intention.
The Power of Language and the Language of Power: Sociolinguistic Methods and Social Histories of Language and Political Power in Mobutu’s Congo-Zaire (1965–1997)
Authors: Castillo Joshua
Published: May 2023

This article argues for the potential of sociolinguistic methods to write post-colonial African history using a case study of the Mobutu regime’s use of Lingala as its language of power (langue du pouvoir) in order to rule Congo-Zaire. Oral history interviews conducted in DRC from 2019 to 2021, corroborated by sociolinguistic and political science analyses from the period under study, reveal how the Mobutu regime’s use of Lingala contributed to the privatization of the Zairian state, and the fracturing of Zairian society, but also the strengthening of Zairian and later Congolese national identity.
Laboring Lives: New Approaches to Biography and Labor History in Latin America
Authors: Drinot Paulo
Published: May 2023

Until recently, historians, including labor historians, tended to view biography as an inferior genre of historical writing. This has started to change, as biography moves away from its narrow focus on “great men.” Historians increasingly see it as a way to explore, as Marx famously suggested, how men make their own history albeit not under circumstances of their choosing. This essay examines recent biographies of three of the most important labor leaders in Latin America: Chile's Luis Emilio Recabarren, Mexico's Vícente Lombardo Toledano, and Brazil's Lula. Although they approach the study of the interplay of the personal and the political in different ways, all three studies provide strong evidence that biography has an important role to play in sharpening our understanding of the history of labor.
Abstract rationality: the ‘logical’ structure of attitudes
Authors: Dietrich Franz , Staras Antonios , Sugden Robert
Published: May 2023

We present an abstract model of rationality that focuses on structural properties of attitudes. Rationality requires coherence between your attitudes, such as your beliefs, values and intentions. We define three ‘logical’ conditions on attitudes: consistency, completeness and closedness. They parallel the familiar logical conditions on beliefs, but contrast with standard rationality conditions such as preference transitivity. We establish a formal correspondence between our logical conditions and standard rationality conditions. Addressing John Broome’s programme ‘rationality through reasoning’, we formally characterize how you can (not) become more logical by reasoning. Our analysis connects rationality with logic, and enables logical talk about multi-attitude psychology.
TESTING FOR ANTICIPATED CHANGES IN SPOT VOLATILITY AT EVENT TIMES
Authors: Todorov Viktor , Zhang Yang
Published: May 2023

We propose a test for anticipated changes in spot volatility, either due to continuous or discontinuous price moves, at the times of realization of event risk in the form of pre-scheduled releases of economic information such as earnings announcements by firms and macroeconomic news announcements. These events can generate nontrivial volatility in asset returns, which does not scale even locally in time. Our test is based on short-dated options written on an underlying asset subject to event risk, which takes place after the options’ observation time and prior to or after their expiration. We use options with different tenors to estimate the conditional (risk-neutral) characteristic functions of the underlying asset log-returns over the horizons of the options. Using these estimates and a relationship between the conditional characteristic functions with three different tenors, which holds true if and only if continuous and discontinuous spot volatility does not change at the event time, we design a test for this hypothesis. In an empirical application, we study anticipated individual stocks’ volatility changes following earnings announcements for a set of stocks with good option coverage.
Analysis and Discussion on Ellipsoidal and virtual sphere models used for transverse arrangement INS
Authors: Wen Zhe , Bian Hongwei , Ma Heng , Wang Rongying
Published: May 2023

Transverse arrangement is one of the main methods used in the polar inertial navigation system (INS). In the traditional algorithm, the calculation of using the earth ellipsoid model is complex, while using the earth sphere model cannot satisfy a high-accuracy application. Therefore, an approach based on the virtual sphere model is proposed, which has been proved in simulation experiments to reduce the computational complexity and maintain the same accuracy as the ellipsoid algorithm, but its accuracy has not yet been proved in theory. Starting from the basic principles of the ellipsoid and virtual sphere model algorithm, this paper compares the key formulations of the two. Finally, it is proved that the two arrangements are actually the same.
DISTRIBUTION OF FROBENIUS ELEMENTS IN FAMILIES OF GALOIS EXTENSIONS
Authors: Fiorilli Daniel , Jouve Florent
Published: May 2023

Given a Galois extension
$L/K$
of number fields, we describe fine distribution properties of Frobenius elements via invariants from representations of finite Galois groups and ramification theory. We exhibit explicit families of extensions in which we evaluate these invariants and deduce a detailed understanding and a precise description of the possible asymmetries. We establish a general bound on the generic fluctuations of the error term in the Chebotarev density theorem, which under GRH is sharper than the Murty–Murty–Saradha and Bellaïche refinements of the Lagarias–Odlyzko and Serre bounds, and which we believe is best possible (assuming simplicity, it is of the quality of Montgomery’s conjecture on primes in arithmetic progressions). Under GRH and a hypothesis on the multiplicities of zeros up to a certain height, we show that in certain families, these fluctuations are dominated by a constant lower order term. As an application of our ideas, we refine and generalize results of K. Murty and of Bellaïche, and we answer a question of Ng. In particular, in the case where
$L/{\mathbb {Q}}$
is Galois and supersolvable, we prove a strong form of a conjecture of K. Murty on the unramified prime ideal of least norm in a given Frobenius set. The tools we use include the Rubinstein–Sarnak machinery based on limiting distributions and a blend of algebraic, analytic, representation theoretic, probabilistic and combinatorial techniques.