bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A framework for classifying breast cancer based on deep features integration and selection
Authors: Hassan Abdallah M. , Yahya Ahmed , Aboshosha Ashraf
Published: February 2023

Deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) are one of the most advanced techniques for classifying images in a range of applications. One of the most prevalent cancers that cause death in women is breast cancer. For survival rates to increase, early detection and treatment of breast cancer is essential. Deep learning (DL) can help radiologists diagnose and classify breast cancer lesions. This paper proposes a computer-aided system based on DL techniques for automatically classify breast cancer tumors in histopathological images. There are nine DCNN architectures used in this work. Four schemes are performed in the proposed framework to find the best approach. The first scheme consists of pre-trained DCNNs based on the transfer learning concept. The second scheme performs feature extraction of the DCNN architectures and uses a support vector machine (SVM) classifier for evaluation. The third one performs feature integration to show how the integrated deep features may enhance the SVM classifiers' accuracy. Finally, in the fourth scheme, the Chi-square (χ2) feature selection method is applied to reduce the large feature size in the feature integration step. The results of the proposed system present a promising performance for breast cancer classification with an accuracy of 99.24%. The system performance shows that the proposed tool is suitable to assist radiologists in diagnosing breast cancer tumors.
Influence of antiresorptive/antiangiogenic therapy on the extension of experimentally induced peri-implantitis lesions
Authors: Schwarz Frank , Becker Kathrin , Lukman Fanya , Müller Katharina Melissa , Sarabhai Victoria , Rauch Nicole , Kerberger Robert , Ramanauskaite Ausra , Sader Robert , Obreja Karina
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To investigate the extension of experimentally induced peri-implantitis lesions under various antiresorptive and antiangiogenic medications.

Material and methods

Fourty-eight albino rats had randomly received the following medications (dual application, n = 8 each): (1) amino-bisphosphonate (zoledronate) (Zo), (2) RANKL inhibitor (denosumab) (De), (3) antiangiogenic (bevacizumab) (Be), (4) Zo+Be, (5) De+Be, or (6) no medication (Co). Ligature- and lipopolysaccharide-induced peri-implantitis lesions were established at 2 maxillary implants over a period of 16 weeks. Histological (e.g., apical extension and surface area of the inflammatory cell infiltrate—aICT, ICT; defect length; defect width; CD68 positive cells) and bone micromorphometric (μCT) outcomes were assessed. The animal was defined as a statistical unit.

Results

A total of n = 38 animals (Zo = 6, De = 6, Be = 8, Zo + Be = 6, De + Be = 5, Co = 7) were analyzed. ICT’s were commonly marked by a positive CD68 antigen reactivity. Comparable median aICT (lowest—Zo: 0.53 mm; highest—Be: 1.22 mm), ICT (lowest—De + Be: 0.00 mm2; highest—Co: 0.49 mm2), defect length (lowest—Zo: 0.90 mm; highest—Co: 1.93 mm) and defect width (lowest—De+Be: 1.27 mm; highest—Be: 1.80 mm) values were noted in all test and control groups. Within an inner (diameter: 0.8 mm) cylindric volume of interest, the bone microstructure did not significantly differ between groups.

Conclusions

The present analysis did not reveal any marked effects of various antiresorptive/ antiangiogenic medications on the extension of experimentally induced peri-implantitis lesions.

Clinical relevance

The extension of peri-implantitis lesions may not be facilitated by the antiresorptive and antiangiogenic medications investigated.
Variation of antlers in individual red deer (Cervus elaphus) stags: repeatability, age and side effects
Authors: Bils Katharina , Willems H. , Reiner G.
Published: February 2023

Antlers are formed anew each year to realise an optimal relationship between their size and weight and the physical body condition in Cervidae. This results in the objective to match fighting abilities with size and mechanical performance of the antlers, as well as to advertise these correlated abilities to other males and females. The resulting variation in individual antler characteristics from year to year can show considerable differences. To characterise and understand these differences is important in hunting, game management and deer breeding, as well as potentially to assess the habitat quality. However, relatively few traits of the antler have been scientifically tested for this purpose, and only a few studies were conducted on the same individual in free-ranging red deer over the years. The objective of the present study was to quantify the influence of the individual (repeatability), the age and the site on the expression of 125 antler characteristics. For this purpose, we collected 35 stags with an average of about 10 consecutive antlers per individual (confirmed by genetic analysis), a total of 355 antlers. The antlers were scanned 3-dimensionally and measured semi-automatically. Numbers, lengths, distances, circumferences, bending, curvatures, angles, forms and CIC (International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation) characteristics were compiled and evaluated in a generalised linear mixed model adapted to the distribution of the characteristics. The complete model explained 1.6 to 83% of character variation. Mean repeatability of the characteristics varied between 2.7 and 74.4%. The stags’ age explained 0 to 36.4%, and the side explained 0 to 2.5% of the variability. Some characteristics of burr, signet, beam and the lower tines reached the highest repeatability; the highest variability was found in characteristics of the crown. Values of 11 features that are frequently used in other studies corresponded very well with the present study. However, some features reached higher repeatability every year, whereas others varied more closely with age. Such characteristics might be selectively included into further research or practical applications to increase informative value.
European consumers’ beliefs about the main pillars of the sustainability: a comparison between wild and farmed fish
Authors: López-Mas Laura , Claret Anna , Arvisenet Gaëlle , del Castillo Roser Romero , Kallas Zein , Zuccaro Massimo , Guerrero Luis
Published: February 2023

Aquaculture can represent an alternative means of economic yield and food security. Despite this fact, consumers still have a more negative perception of farmed fish when compared with wild fish, including its sustainability. Understanding how consumers perceive sustainability is essential in building an effective strategy to encourage sustainable fish consumption. A survey with 2145 consumers was conducted in five European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain) to inquire into consumers’ beliefs about the main pillars of the sustainability (environmental, social, and economic) when farmed and wild fish are compared, as well as to identify segments of consumers with similar beliefs about fish sustainability. Overall, results showed that European consumers perceived farmed fish as being more sustainable, locally obtained, providing environmental benefits, generating employment, improving human living conditions, generating rural development, and ensuring more fair fish prices than wild fish. Conversely, wild fish was perceived as ensuring animal welfare and being more organic but causing more environmental damage than farmed fish. Additionally, it seems that to effectively communicate aquaculture sustainability, it would be better to focus on single aspects of sustainability (beliefs) rather than focusing on the whole concept of sustainability. Finally, four segments of consumers were identified according to consumers’ beliefs, which were labelled accordingly: ambivalent, pro aquaculture, pro wild fish, and impartial. Results obtained may be helpful to provide each segment with tailored marketing strategies to stimulate farmed fish consumption and improve the overall image of the aquaculture sector to foster its full development in Europe.
Effect of anthropic disturbances on the activity pattern of two generalist mesocarnivores inhabiting Mediterranean forestry plantations
Authors: Teixeira Daniela F. , Ares-Pereira Guilherme , Camarinha Cláudia , Lima Cátia , Magalhães Ana , Castro Guilherme , Fonseca Carlos , Rosalino Luís Miguel
Published: February 2023

Humans have been altering the Mediterranean landscapes for millennia. To diminish the probability of encounters with domestic animals, humans and their activities, many species adjust their behavior to become more nocturnal. Even habitat-generalist species, such as red fox and stone marten that are somehow tolerant to environmental changes, might be affected by anthropic disturbances. Nevertheless, only a small number of studies were implemented in Iberia targeting these mesocarnivores’ activity patterns, and fewer have assessed the temporal ecology of these species in Eucalyptus plantations, the current main forest cover in Portugal. Based on camera traps, we aimed to analyze: 1) the temporal and spatio-temporal activity patterns of red fox and stone marten; and 2) how they are affected by distinct human disturbances (i.e., humans, livestock, dogs, plantations, and hunting). Foxes presented a higher crepuscular activity, while martens were entirely nocturnal, suggesting some avoidance behavior. Both mesocarnivores showed a higher overlap with dogs’ activity than with humans or livestock. Foxes’ activity patterns vary between seasons and habitats but were not influenced by the hunting period. Results suggest that both mesocarnivores, besides setting apart their activity from humans related disturbances, also show a tendency to temporally avoid each other. While the increase of nocturnality may indicate an anthropic disturbance impact, a reduction of activity overlap between mesocarnivores may be a strategy to reduce competition. These results may help support the sustainable management of landscapes by highlighting critical periods where activity overlaps may occur, and thus the anthropic impacts on wildlife are higher.
German labor market reform and the rise of Eastern Europe: dissecting their effects on employment
Authors: Walter Timo
Published: February 2023

From the early 1990s until 2005 the unemployment rate rose in Germany from 7.3 to 11.7%. While the unemployment rate reached its peak in 2005, it decreased steadily in the following years. The fourth stage of the German labor market reform (Hartz IV) was implemented in 2005 with the intent to cut the unemployment rate. This paper investigates the employment and welfare effects of the Hartz IV reform. Moreover, I am interested in the employment impact of German labor market reform due the rise of the East, which is the productivity increase in Germany and Eastern Europe that has fostered joint fast-growing trade. The focus lies on the national and county level (including 402 counties). As the effects on regional labor markets differ and take time, the paper builds on the dynamic and spatial trade model of Caliendo et al. (2019). I find that the Hartz IV reform is responsible for a 25% drop in unemployment, with a particular impact on eastern German counties. The rise of the East leads to an additional positive contribution to the labor market.
Detection of irregular-shaped clusters on a network by controlling the shape compactness with a penalty function
Authors: Inoue Ryo , Shiode Shino , Shiode Narushige
Published: February 2023

Recent development of cluster detection methods focuses on the improvement of efficiency or accuracy, with the latter yielding a wide range of variants in the shape of the search window, from a simple circle and elliptic shape to more irregular shapes. Detection of irregular-shaped clusters has seen various new approaches as it is considered to capture the shape and extent of clusters more accurately. One of these newly developed approaches achieves the irregularity of the clusters by placing a penalty on the shape complexity of a candidate cluster. This study extends this approach and applies it to a network-space to detect irregular-shaped clusters along a street network segments in a small urban area. The study uses a genetic algorithm to search candidate clusters and identify the most likely cluster using the framework of spatial scan-statistics. Application of the method to a small synthetic data and a real data set revealed that providing options of different cluster patterns with different compactness parameters helps find more accurate as well as geometrically and contextually more meaningful clusters, as opposed to those detected without a shape controlling parameter.
Culture depth effect on Scenedesmus sp. growth, photo-physiology and nutrient removal rate in anaerobically digested abattoir effluent
Authors: Shayesteh Hajar , Raeisossadati Mohammadjavad , Vadiveloo Ashiwin , Bahri Parisa A. , Moheimani Navid R.
Published: February 2023

Here, we evaluated the effect of culture depth on the growth and nutrient removal rate of Scenedesmus sp. grown in anaerobically digested abattoir effluent (ADAE) and cultivated semi-continuously in raceway ponds at depths of 14 cm, 17 cm, 20 cm, and 23 cm during Austral winter and summer. Culture medium pH was kept constant at pH 6.5 for all treatments throughout the experimental period using a pH–stat system. Algal cultures grown in summer had 2.3- 2.7 times higher biomass productivity than the same grown in winter. In both seasons, maximum volumetric productivity of this alga was achieved at 14 cm depth (14 cm depth⩾ 17 cm depth⩾ 20 cm depth⩾ 23 cm depth). However, areal biomass productivity of culture grown at 23 cm depth was 12% and 29% higher than that of culture grown at 14 cm depth in winter and summer, respectively. In addition, nitrogen, phosphorus and COD areal removal rates were significantly higher in cultures operated at 23 cm among all treatments in both seasons. The effective quantum yield (Fq'/Fm') in summer was 23 cm depth = 20 cm depth > 17 cm depth = 14 cm depth while it followed 14 cm depth⩾ 17 cm depth⩾ 20 cm depth⩾ 23 cm depth in winter, indicating significance of operational conditions on algal photosynthesis. The outcome of this study shows that, irrespective of the season, operating the culture in higher depths significantly increased areal biomass productivity as well as areal nutrient removal rates when treating ADAE.
Do Group Mindfulness-Based Interventions Improve Emotion Regulation in Children? A Systematic Review
Authors: Rowland Georgia , Hindman Emily , Hassmén Peter
Published: February 2023

Emotion regulation is an essential component of prosocial behaviour and later life mental health outcomes. Group mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been shown to be effective at enhancing attention regulation and bodily awareness, skills necessary for efficient emotion regulation in children. We aimed to review the literature to determine whether MIB improved emotion regulation in children. Nine databases were systematically searched, yielding 502 papers. After removing duplicates and screening titles and abstracts, the inclusion criterium was applied to 68 full-text papers, leaving 15 eligible for inclusion. MBIs, including participants aged between 6 and 12 years old, and a quantitative post-intervention measure of emotion regulation were included. Data were extracted and synthesised following methodological quality assessment using PICO and Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data revealed mixed results regarding the efficacy of child-focused MBIs in improving emotion regulation. Results should be interpreted with caution due to disparate outcome measures of emotion regulation, mixed MBIs and poor methodological quality in many of the included studies. MBIs can be effective in improving ER in children. Further research is required to examine the effects in clinical samples with diverse baseline ER scores, determine the long-term effects of the MBIs, and explore moderators of treatment.
Machine learning approach to packaging compatibility testing in the new product development process
Authors: Piotrowski Norbert
Published: February 2023

The paper compares the effectiveness of selected machine learning methods as modelling tools supporting the selection of a packaging type in new product development process. The main goal of the developed model is to reduce the risk of failure in compatibility tests which are preformed to ensure safety, durability, and efficacy of the finished product for the entire period of its shelf life and consumer use. This kind of testing is mandatory inter alia for all aerosol packaging as any mechanical alterations of the packaging can cause the pressurized product to unseal and stop working properly. Moreover, aerosol products are classified as dangerous goods and any leaking of the product or propellent can be a serious hazard to the storage place, environment, and final consumer. Thus, basic compatibility observations of metal aerosol packaging (i.e. general corrosion, pitting corrosion, coating blistering or detinning) and different compatibility factors (e.g. formula ingredients, water contamination, pH, package material and coatings) were discussed. Artificial intelligence methods applied in the design process can reduce the lengthy testing time as well as developing costs and help benefit from the knowledge and experience of technologists stored in historical data in databases.
Computation of Conditional Expectations with Guarantees
Authors: Cheridito Patrick , Gersey Balint
Published: February 2023

Theoretically, the conditional expectation of a square-integrable random variable Y given a d-dimensional random vector X can be obtained by minimizing the mean squared distance between Y and f(X) over all Borel measurable functions $$f :\mathbb {R}^d \rightarrow \mathbb {R}$$

f
:

R

d

→
R

. However, in many applications this minimization problem cannot be solved exactly, and instead, a numerical method which computes an approximate minimum over a suitable subfamily of Borel functions has to be used. The quality of the result depends on the adequacy of the subfamily and the performance of the numerical method. In this paper, we derive an expected value representation of the minimal mean squared distance which in many applications can efficiently be approximated with a standard Monte Carlo average. This enables us to provide guarantees for the accuracy of any numerical approximation of a given conditional expectation. We illustrate the method by assessing the quality of approximate conditional expectations obtained by linear, polynomial and neural network regression in different concrete examples.
Is, Ought, and Cut
Authors: Gratzl Norbert , Pavlović Edi
Published: February 2023

In this paper we use proof-theoretic methods, specifically sequent calculi, admissibility of cut within them and the resultant subformula property, to examine a range of philosophically-motivated deontic logics. We show that for all of those logics it is a (meta)theorem that the Special Hume Thesis holds, namely that no purely normative conclusion follows non-trivially from purely descriptive premises (nor vice versa). In addition to its interest on its own, this also illustrates one way in which proof theory sheds light on philosophically substantial questions.
3D Quantitative Mineral Characterization of Particles Using X-ray Computed Tomography
Authors: Godinho Jose Ricardo Assunção , Hassanzadeh Ahmad , Heinig Thomas
Published: February 2023

A new method to measure and quantify the 3D mineralogical composition of particulate materials using X-ray computed micro-tomography (CT) is presented. The new method is part of a workflow designed to standardize the analysis of particles based on their microstructures without the need to segment the individual classes or grains. Classification follows a decision tree with criteria derived from particle histogram parameters that are specific to each microstructure, which in turn can be identified by 2D-based automated quantitative mineralogy. The quantification of mineral abundances is implemented at the particle level according to the complexity of the particle by taking into consideration the partial volume effect at interphases. The new method was tested on two samples with different particle size distributions from a carbonate rock containing various microstructures and phases. The method allowed differentiation and quantification of more mineral classes than traditional 3D image segmentation that uses only the grey-scale for mineral classification. Nevertheless, due to lower spatial resolution and lack of chemical information, not all phases identified in 2D could be distinguished. However, quantification of the mineral classes that could be distinguished was more representative than their 2D quantification, especially for coarser particle sizes and for minor phases. Therefore, the new 3D method shows great potential as a complement to 2D-based methods and as an alternative to traditional phase segmentation analysis of 3D images. Particle-based quantification of mineralogical and 3D geometrical properties of particles opens new applications in the raw materials and particle processing industries.
Network authentication by close-loop synchronized chaotic lasers
Authors: Lombardi Lorenzo , Aromataris Giuseppe , Annovazzi-Lodi Valerio
Published: February 2023

We numerically study a new hardware method for network authentication, using a pair of chaotic lasers subject to the same optical injection from a third chaotic laser, in a close-loop configuration. One laser is in the secure environment, the other is in the unsecure environment, and if their parameters are matched (i.e., they are ‘twins’), in suitable operating conditions they synchronize and generate the same pseudo-random amplitude modulation. Access to the secure environment is authorized only if the two responses are found equal. As in other schemes based on Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs), security relies on unavoidable small differences between nominally identical but physically separate devices: due to the strong sensitivity of chaos to laser parameter dispersion, finding a suitable laser to synchronize is a very difficult task for the Adversary, while the laser of the Authorized user can be selected as a twin of the one in the secure environment.
A social-ecological model of working from home during COVID-19
Authors: Pawluk De-Toledo Katherine , O’Hern Steve , Koppel Sjaan
Published: February 2023

Working from Home (WFH) is emerging as a critical measure for reducing transport demand. Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed that trip avoidance measures, especially WFH, could help address Sustainable Development Goal 11.2 (creating sustainable transport systems in cities) by decreasing commuter trips by private motor vehicles. This study aimed to explore and identify the attributes that supported WFH during the pandemic and construct a Social-Ecological Model (SEM) of WFH within the context of travel behaviour. We conducted in-depth interviews with 19 stakeholders from Melbourne, Australia and found that WFH during COVID-19 has fundamentally changed commuter travel behaviour. There was a consensus among participants that a hybrid-work model will emerge post-COVID-19 (e.g., working three days in the office and two days at home). We identified 21 attributes that influenced WFH and mapped these attributes across the five traditional SEM levels (intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, community and public policy). In addition, we proposed a sixth higher-order level: “global”, to reflect the worldwide phenomena of COVID-19 and computer programs that also supported WFH. We found that WFH attributes were concentrated at the intrapersonal (individual) and institutional (workplace) levels. Indeed, workplaces are key to supporting WFH in the long-term. Whereby, workplace provision of laptops, office equipment, internet connection and flexible work policies enable WFH, and unsupportive organisational cultures and managers are potential barriers to WFH. This SEM of WFH benefits both researchers and practitioners by providing guidance of the key attributes required to sustain WFH behaviours post-COVID-19.
Taking Back Control: Findings on the Cognitive, Behavioral, and Motivational Consequences of Victim Sensitivity
Authors: Buchholz Merle , Gollwitzer Mario , Magraw-Mickelson Zoe , Stolz Christopher , Süssenbach Philipp
Published: February 2023

Being duped is an aversive experience which people are motivated to avoid. For this reason, especially people with a high fear of exploitation (i.e., people high in victim sensitivity; VS) often behave pre-emptively selfish and defensive in socially uncertain situations. Because the cognitive and motivational processes underlying such defensiveness have received little attention so far, we conducted two studies aiming to close this research gap. In Study 1 (n = 84), we used virtual reality technology to examine whether social distancing, hostile interpretations of an interaction partner’s intentions and behavior, and legitimizing cognitions regarding own selfish reactions (as elements of a suspicious mindset) mediate the effect of VS on uncooperativeness. Results did not show the expected mediation, but VS was still related to hostile information processing and fear of exploitation. In Study 2 (n = 273), we extended these findings by showing that defensive reactions of people high in VS can be attenuated if a sense of control is reinforced. Together, the two studies crucially expand our knowledge of the defensive motivational system in victim-sensitive individuals.
Predictability performance of urinary C–C motif chemokine ligand 14 and renal resistive index for persistent sepsis-associated acute kidney injury in ICU patients
Authors: Jiang Wei , Liao Ting , Yu Jiangquan , Shao Jun , Zheng Ruiqiang
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The performance of renal resistance index (RRI) in predicting persistent sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (S-AKI) remains debatable, and the value of urinary C–C motif chemokine ligand 14 (CCL14) in predicting persistent S-AKI has not been validated yet. Therefore, we aimed to determine the applicability of a urinary biomarker CCL14 for the early detection of persistent S-AKI. Furthermore, the use of RRI obtained from renal Doppler ultrasonography was applied to differentiate transient from persistent S-AKI. Finally, we aimed to evaluate the use of these techniques in predicting different subtypes of S-AKI.

Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted at the internal medicine intensive care unit (ICU) of a university hospital. The RRI was determined within 12 h of ICU admission and the urinary CCL14 was evaluated at T0, T6, T12, and T24. The reversibility of renal dysfunction was assessed within 48 h. The receiver operating characteristic curves were then plotted to assess the diagnostic efficacy of the RRI and urinary CCL14 in predicting persistent S-AKI.

Results

Out of 48 patients, 23 developed persistent S-AKI upon admission. The RRI was higher in the persistent S-AKI group (P = 0.02) and the RRI ≥ 0.679 could predict persistent S-AKI with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.79 (95% CI 0.65–0.93), a sensitivity of 91.30% (95% CI 70–98%), and a specificity of 65.20% (95% CI 43–83%). Urinary CCL14 was not significantly different between the two groups at the tested period, showing poor diagnostic performance at T0, T6, T12, and T24, with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.56 (95% CI 0.38–0.73), 0.62 (95% CI 0.46–0.79), 0.52 (95% CI 0.35–0.68), and 0.60 (95% CI 0.43–0.77), respectively.

Conclusions

The RRI obtained from renal Doppler ultrasound is extremely effective in predicting persistent S-AKI in critically ill patients, and urinary CCL14 could not distinguish between transient and persistent S-AKIs.
Multi-material blind beam hardening correction in near real-time based on non-linearity adjustment of projections
Authors: Alsaffar Ammar , Sun Kaicong , Simon Sven
Published: February 2023

Beam hardening (BH) is one of the major artifacts that severely reduces the quality of computed tomography (CT) imaging. This BH artifact arises due to the polychromatic nature of the X-ray source and causes cupping and streak artifacts. This work aims to propose a fast and accurate BH correction method that requires no prior knowledge of the materials and corrects first and higher-order BH artifacts. This is achieved by performing a wide sweep of the material based on an experimentally measured look-up table to obtain the closest estimate of the material. Then, the non-linearity effect of the BH is corrected by adding the difference between the estimated monochromatic and the polychromatic simulated projections of the segmented image. The estimated polychromatic projection is accurately derived using the least square estimation (LSE) method by minimizing the difference between the experimental projection and the linear combination of simulated polychromatic projections. As a result, an accurate non-linearity correction term is derived that leads to an accurate BH correction result. The simulated projections in this work are performed using a multi-GPU-accelerated forward projection model which ensures a fast BH correction in near real-time. To evaluate the proposed BH correction method, we have conducted extensive experiments on real-world CT data. It is shown that the proposed method results in images with improved contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in comparison to the images corrected from only the scatter artifacts and the BH-corrected images using the state-of-the-art empirical BH correction method.
Ungleicher Besitz. Perspektiven einer klassensoziologischen Untersuchung von Vermögen
Authors: Waitkus Nora
Published: February 2023

Das Schisma zwischen Eigentum und Nicht-Eigentum an Produktivvermögen galt einst als der zentrale Klassengegensatz in kapitalistischen Gesellschaften. In den klassensoziologischen Debatten der letzten Dekaden wurde die Vermögensungleichheit dagegen eher randständig behandelt. In Deutschland besitzt das reichste Prozent der Bevölkerung rund 35 Prozent des gesamten Vermögens, und bis weit in die Mittelschichten hinein haben Wohneigentum und Finanzvermögen eine wichtige Funktion für die soziale Absicherung und Statusreproduktion. Der Beitrag geht der Frage nach, inwiefern die empirische Klassensoziologie Vermögen als Dimension sozialer Ungleichheit untersuchen kann. Auf der Grundlage von Daten des Sozio-oekonomischen Panels (SOEP) werden mit dem berufs-, eigentums- und portfoliobasierten Konzept drei Perspektiven dahingehend verglichen, inwiefern sie Vermögensungleichheiten als Klassenungleichheiten zu verstehen erlauben. Es zeigt sich, dass über den ungleichen Umfang der Vermögen hinaus die unterschiedlichen Zusammensetzungen wesentlich zur differenzierten Erfassung von Klassenunterschieden sind: Insbesondere in der oberen Mitte der Vermögensverteilung und Berufsklassenstruktur gibt es eine horizontale Differenzierung in den Vermögensportfolios, die bei einer Betrachtung nur der Nettovermögen verborgen bliebe. Der Berufsklassen- bzw. „employment-aggregate“-Ansatz bietet nur begrenzt die Möglichkeit, die sozialstrukturelle Varianz dieser Portfoliounterschiede zu veranschaulichen. Wenn es dagegen um eine vertikale Unterscheidung in Vermögende und Nicht-Vermögende in der Tradition der Besitzklassenlogik geht, stellen Eigentumsklassen eine einfach zu operationalisierende Variante dar. Das in Anlehnung an die Bourdieu’sche Kapitaltheorie gebildete Portfolioklassenmodell wird als eine mögliche Alternative daraufhin untersucht, ob es ein genaueres Bild von den Vermögenszusammensetzungen und deren sozialstruktureller Verortung zu geben vermag.
In-Situ X-ray Diffraction Analysis of Metastable Austenite Containing Steels Under Mechanical Loading at a Wide Strain Rate Range
Authors: Isakov Matti , Langi Veera , Pun Lalit , Soares Guilherme Corrêa , Kantor Innokenty , Jørgensen Mads Ry Vogel , Hokka Mikko
Published: February 2023

This paper presents and discusses the methodology and technical aspects of mechanical tests carried out at a wide strain rate range with simultaneous synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements. The motivation for the study was to develop capabilities forin-situcharacterization of the loading rate dependency of mechanically induced phase transformations in steels containing metastable austenite. The experiments were carried out at the DanMAX beamline of the MAX IV Laboratory, into which a custom-made tensile loading device was incorporated. The test setup was supplemented within-situoptical imaging of the specimen, which allowed digital image correlation-based deformation analysis. All the measurement channels were synchronized to a common time basis with trigger signals between the devices as well as post-test fine tuning based on diffraction ring shape analysis. This facilitated precise correlation between the mechanical and diffraction data at strain rates up to 1 s−1corresponding to test duration of less than one second. Diffraction data were collected at an acquisition rate of 250 Hz, which provided excellent temporal resolution. The feasibility of the methodology is demonstrated by providing novel data on the kinetics of the martensitic phase transformation in EN 1.4318-alloy following a rapid increase in strain rate (a so-called jump test).
Smaller, lighter coloured and less hairy Procladius (Diptera, Chironomidae) in warmer climate
Authors: Brodin Yngve , Hellberg Jörgen
Published: February 2023

The relationship between body size, colour and hairiness of Procladius of the Diptera family Chironomidae and climate measured as annual mean air temperature was analysed. The study was based on 453 males representing 31 species from 253 localities in 27 countries in Europe and six elsewhere. Wing length as well as three other characters reflecting body size showed significant decrease with warmer climate conditions. The results are in line with several other studies of insects concluding that adult insects are smaller in warmer climate, also considering the implications of global warming. Likewise, all five characters representing colour lightness showed significantly lighter coloured Procladius specimens with warmer climate. The relationship between hairiness and annual mean air temperature was weaker than that of size or colour and temperature, but all five characters studied showed a statistically significant decrease in hairiness with warmer climate. The biological relevance of smaller size, lighter colour and less hairiness in warmer climate can be related to several factors regulating flight and swarming, including less need of protection against cold weather, overheating avoidance, mating success agility and predator escape.
Adverse health outcomes in early childhood (birth to 5 years) and ambient air pollutant exposures: a systematic review
Authors: Spencer-Hwang Rhonda , Hwang Jayden , Sinclair Ryan , Dennis Stephanie , Montgomery Susanne
Published: February 2023

Air pollution is a significant health threat around the world. Young children are a more vulnerable population. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World Health Organizations (WHO) guidelines may not adequately protect them. Given children’s rapid growth, it is important to review studies, consider the weight of evidence, and identify knowledge gaps. Our purpose was to conduct a systematic literature review of epidemiological studies of adverse health outcomes not previously considered; specifically, we reviewed evidence for traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) CO, NO2, SO2, O3, PM10, and PM2.5 in children ≤ 5 years in age, with special attention to adverse effects occurring within current air pollutant guidelines. Data sources are electronic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. Articles on air pollutants and additional health outcomes in children (0–5 years), between Jan. 1997 and Dec. 2018. Search included terms such as “air pollution, children, and adverse effects”. Fifty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Seven (7) health outcome categories were identified: respiratory diseases; developmental disorders; allergies, eczema, and allergic rhinitis; ear infections; cancer; obesity; and others, with greatest associations for respiratory and developmental disorders. Strongest findings were for NO2, O3, PM10, and PM2.5, and most health effects reviewed occurred within WHO limits. Our findings are pertinent for health professionals, researchers, government officials, and others to collaboratively support policy efforts toward exposure reductions for pregnant women and children to prevent acute and chronic diseases. This is critical for building a culture of health and ensuring health equity for vulnerable populations.
Sleep Consequences of Prader-Willi Syndrome
Authors: Itani Reem , Gillett Emily S. , Perez Iris A.
Published: February 2023

Purpose of Review

This paper reviews how sleep is impacted in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), focusing on sleep-related breathing disturbances and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS).

Recent Findings

Hypothalamic dysfunction may underlie several aspects of the PWS phenotype. Central sleep apnea (CSA) can persist beyond infancy. Nocturnal hypoventilation is common and may occur without central or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Adenotonsillectomy, a mainstay of OSA treatment, may cause velopharyngeal insufficiency. Growth hormone (GH) is considered safe, but close surveillance for OSA remains important. Cardiac autonomic dysfunction occurs during slow wave sleep and may increase the risk of cardiovascular events. EDS and narcolepsy are also common. Modafinil and pitolisant are treatment options currently being studied.

Sleep disorders are prevalent in individuals with PWS. Sleep-related breathing disorders present as CSA in infancy and later in life as OSA and hypoventilation. GH therapy has improved the clinical outcomes of patients with PWS, but close surveillance and treatment for OSA is recommended. EDS can persist even after sleep-related breathing disorders are treated, and some individuals may even develop narcolepsy. Early recognition and treatment of sleep-related disorders may prevent morbidity and result in improved survival of patients with PWS.
Does status stability benefit or hurt team creativity? the roles of status legitimacy and team conflict
Authors: Luo Shiwen , Wang Jie , Xie Zaiyang , Kin Tong David Yoon
Published: February 2023

Status stability, which refers to the stability of team members’ relative status levels, has a profound effect on team effectiveness, but this effect may be either constructive or destructive; the literature has failed to reach consensus on this topic. To reconcile two contradictory views based on differentiating between different types of conflict, we constructed a comprehensive theoretical model of the mechanism underlying the effect of status stability; this model features relationship conflict and task conflict as mediators, status legitimacy as a moderator, and team creativity as an outcome variable. We also proposed four hypotheses on the basis of theoretical analysis. In this study, we used SPSS 23.0, AMOS 24.0 and R software to conduct empirical analysis and testing of 369 valid questionnaires collected from 83 teams using a two-stage measurement method. The results revealed that status stability negatively affects team creativity via task conflict and positively affects team creativity via relationship conflict. However, under the influence of status legitimacy, the negative effect is restrained, while the positive effect is enhanced. This study thus expands the research on the process mechanism and boundary conditions associated with status stability, and can serve as a useful reference for the design of the status structure of modern enterprises.
Defending the Pathological Complexity Thesis
Authors: Veit Walter
Published: February 2023

In this article, I respond to commentaries by Eva Jablonka and Simona Ginsburg and by David Spurrett on my target article “Complexity and the Evolution of Consciousness,” in which I have offered the first extended articulation of my pathological complexity thesis as a hypothesis about the evolutionary origins and function of consciousness. My reply is structured by the arguments raised rather than by author and will offer a more detailed explication of some aspects of the pathological complexity thesis.
Assessing Thai Hospitals’ Evacuation Preparedness Using the Flexible Surge Capacity Concept and Its Collaborative Tool
Authors: Phattharapornjaroen Phatthranit , Carlström Eric , Holmqvist Lina Dahlén , Sittichanbuncha Yuwares , Khorram-Manesh Amir
Published: February 2023

According to the concept of “flexible surge capacity,” hospitals may need to be evacuated on two occasions: (1) when they are exposed to danger, such as in war; and (2) when they are contaminated, such as during the Covid-19 pandemic. In the former, the entire hospital must be evacuated, while in the latter, the hospital becomes a pandemic center necessitating the transfer of its non-contaminated staff, patients, and routine activities to other facilities. Such occasions involve several degrees of evacuation—partial or total—yet all require deliberate surge planning and collaboration with diverse authorities. This study aimed to investigate the extent of hospital evacuation preparedness in Thailand, using the main elements of the flexible surge capacity concept. A mixed method cross-sectional study was conducted using a hospital evacuation questionnaire from a previously published multinational hospital evacuation study. The tool contained questions regarding evacuation preparedness encompassing surge capacity and collaborative elements and an open-ended inquiry to grasp potential perspectives. All 143 secondary care, tertiary care, and university hospitals received the questionnaire; 43 hospitals provided responses. The findings indicate glitches in evacuation protocols, particularly triage systems, the inadequacies of surge planning and multiagency collaboration, and knowledge limitations in community capabilities. In conclusion, the applications of the essential components of flexible surge capacity allow the assessment of hospital preparedness and facilitate the evaluation of guidelines and instructions through scenario-based training exercises.
Impact of Spatial Scale and Building Exposure Distribution on Earthquake Insurance Rates: A Case Study in Tangshan, China
Authors: Zhang Pan , Li Xiaojun , Liu Chen
Published: February 2023

In order to examine the effect of spatial scale and building exposure distribution on the pure rate of earthquake catastrophe insurance, this study described three modules for rate determination, put forward the general assumptions and principles for calculating the pure insurance rate, and introduced three types of building distribution and their calculation. Taking Tangshan City of Hebei Province in China as an example, we analyzed the pure rate of regional earthquake insurance in terms of spatial scale and building exposure distribution by using the method of control variables. The results show that for districts (or counties) with large differences in seismic risk, the risk areas can be further divided to apply differential rates. In areas with a diverse distribution of potential earthquake source areas and large differences in building density, there is a risk of overestimating or underestimating the pure rate of earthquake insurance when buildings are distributed evenly or partially evenly. This violates the break-even principle of rate setting. This study also provides a reference for earthquake catastrophe insurance companies to choose the spatial scale and the detailed level of exposure distribution in rate determination.
The emerging role of positron emission tomography (PET) in the management of photon radiotherapy-induced vasculitis in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Delman Allegra , Griffin Matthew T. , Werner Thomas J. , Alavi Abass , Raynor William Y. , Revheim Mona-Elisabeth
Published: February 2023

Purpose

While radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC) has made recent strides, RT-induced vasculitis continues to adversely affect long-term patient outcomes. Guidelines for managing this complication remain scarce, supporting the need for a sensitive imaging modality in post-treatment evaluations. In this review, we discuss the current literature regarding 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and 18F-sodium fluoride (NaF-PET) in evaluating RT-induced vasculitis in HNC patients, highlighting several arenas of evolving clinical significance: (1) early recognition and standardized evaluation of RT-induced vasculitis, and (2) potential for a multifaceted diagnostic tool to stratify cardiovascular risk in HNC patients.

Methods

Numerous databases, including, but not limited to, Google Scholar and PubMed, were utilized to compile a body of literature regarding PET imaging of RT-induced vasculitis in HNC and related malignancies.

Results

Multiple studies have established the clinical capabilities of FDG-PET/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) for detection and management of RT-induced vasculitis in HNC patients, while NaF-PET/CT remains under investigation. Inflammatory vascular stages may be best analyzed by FDG-PET/CT, while vascular microcalcification and atherosclerotic disease may be supplementally assessed by the unique properties of NaF-PET/CT. With these modalities detecting primary stages of more detrimental vascular complications, PET imaging may carry several advantages over conventional, structural techniques.

Conclusion

FDG-PET/CT and NaF-PET/CT hold significant potential as preliminary diagnostic tools in monitoring early inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque development, warranting further research and attention. Applying these techniques in this context may foster proactive and consistent assessments of RT-induced vasculitis in HNC patients, mitigating potential cardiovascular risks through better-informed treatment decisions.
Integrated twitter analysis to distinguish systems thinkers at various levels: a case study of COVID-19
Authors: Pirim Harun , Nagahi Morteza , Larif Oumaima , Nagahisarchoghaei Mohammad , Jaradat Raed
Published: February 2023

Systems Thinking (ST) has become essential for practitioners and experts when dealing with turbulent and complex environments. Twitter medium harbors social capital including systems thinkers, however there are limited studies available in the extant literature that investigate how experts' systems thinking skills, if possible at all, can be revealed within Twitter analysis. This study aims to reveal systems thinking levels of experts from their Twitter accounts represented as a network. Unraveling of latent Twitter network clusters ensues the centrality analysis of their follower networks inferred in terms of systems thinking dimensions. COVID-19 emerges as a relevant case study to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 experts’ Twitter network and their systems thinking capabilities. A sample of 55 trusted expert Twitter accounts related to COVID-19 has been selected for the current study based on the lists from Forbes, Fortune, and Bustle. The Twitter network has been constructed based on the features extracted from their Twitter accounts. Community detection reveals three distinct groups of experts. In order to relate system thinking qualities to each group, systems thinking dimensions are matched with the follower network characteristics such as node-level metrics and centrality measures including degree, betweenness, closeness and Eigen centrality. Comparison of the 55 expert follower network characteristics elucidates three clusters with significant differences in centrality scores and node-level metrics. The clusters with a higher, medium, lower scores can be classified as Twitter accounts of Holistic thinkers, Middle thinkers, and Reductionist thinkers, respectfully. In conclusion, systems thinking capabilities are traced through unique network patterns in relation to the follower network characteristics associated with systems thinking dimensions.