bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between demoralization and quality of life in end‐of‐life cancer patients
Authors: Bovero Andrea , Opezzo Marta , Tesio Valentina
Published: January 2023

Objective

To examine the relationship between demoralization and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in a sample of end‐of‐life cancer patients with a life expectancy of 4 months or less undergoing palliative care, controlling for sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological variables.

Methods

Sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological data from 170 end‐of‐life cancer patients were collected using the following scales: Edmonton Symptom Assessment System for palliative care patients' symptoms; Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) for depressive symptoms; Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale ‐ General Measure (FACT‐G) for HRQoL; Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy ‐ Spiritual Well‐Being for spirituality (FACIT‐Sp); Demoralization Scale ‐ Italian Version (DS‐IT) for demoralization.

Results

The DS‐IT showed that 51.8% of cancer patients were severely demoralized. In addition, 36.5% of the sample had clinically significant depressive symptoms and QoL was severely impaired (FACT‐G). The result of regression analysis showed that demoralization (especially “Disheartenment” and “Sense of failure”) was the strongest contributor for HRQoL, followed by ESAS_Lack of Well‐Being and depression (PHQ‐9), with the final model explaining 66% of the variance of the FACT‐G.

Conclusions

The results highlight a very high prevalence of severe demoralization in end‐of life cancer patients. Moreover, demoralization was not only associated with patients' HRQoL, but it was also the most important contributing factor. This finding underscores the need to identify preventive or therapeutic psychological interventions that focus on preventing existential distress, and thus improve the QoL of dying patients in their last days of life.
Holographic Complexity of Braneworld in Horndeski Gravity
Authors: Santos Fabiano F. , Sokoliuk Oleksii , Baransky Alexander
Published: January 2023

This work investigates the influence of a probe string on a complexity of braneworld according to the CA (Complexity equals action) conjecture within the Horndeski gravity. In the current study, it is considered that scalar fields that source Horndeski gravity have a spatial dependence. In addition, our system contains a particle moving on the boundary, which corresponds to the insertion of a fundamental string in the higher dimensional bulk. Such an effect is given by the Nambu‐Goto term, that also incorporates the time‐dependence and evolution in our system. Both warp factor, scalar field and superpotential values are derived numerically assuming appropriate initial conditions and the growth rate of holographic complexity is analysed within the so‐called Wheeler‐De Witt (WDW) patch with null‐like hypersurfaces present.
Establishing an index for monitoring occupational health and well‐being of coal mines: Consideration of individual characteristics
Authors: Zhou Xiaofeng , Zhao Xu , Sun Ninghao , Wang Dongdong , Tong Ruipeng
Published: January 2023

It is crucial to enhance employee occupational health and well‐being (OHW) for the well‐run and prosperity of the industry, but there is very limited knowledge on the assessment of miners' well‐being that differs from person to person. Within this study, a new more direct method, as well as an instrument was constructed to measure the OHW through data analysis based on a representative sample of coal miners (N = 1037). Initially, the causal pathway of job stress and health consequences was characterized by the driving force‐pressure‐state‐impact‐response (DPSIR) model. The OHW index was represented by hazards, vulnerability, and severity through the data envelopment analysis and stochastic frontier approach method. The result was that the severity of the consequences of inadequate organizational response was the dominant factor. 75% of employees with poor OHW work in mining, and digging areas, including various drivers and support workers. This study provides an innovative and complete description of the interaction mechanisms among job stress, job burnout, and health outcomes. It demonstrates that a three‐level assessment method, namely hazards‐vulnerability‐severity, can effectively identify hierarchical management points. We provide metrics, objective data, and evidence‐based recommendations on stress and health management for miners.
Emerging Materials and Strategies for Passive Daytime Radiative Cooling
Authors: Gao Wei , Chen Yongping
Published: January 2023

In recent decades, the growing demands for energy saving and accompanying heat mitigation concerns, together with the vital goal for carbon neutrality, have drawn human attention to the zero‐energy‐consumption cooling technique. Recent breakthroughs in passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) might be a potent approach to combat the energy crisis and environmental challenges by directly dissipating ambient heat from the Earth to the cold outer space instead of only moving the heat across the Earth's surface. Despite significant progress in cooling mechanisms, materials design, and application exploration, PDRC faces potential functionalization, durability, and commercialization challenges. Herein, emerging materials and rational strategies for PDRC devices are reviewed. First, the fundamental physics and thermodynamic concepts of PDRC are examined, followed by a discussion on several categories of PDRC devices developed to date according to their implementation mechanism and material properties. Emerging strategies for performance enhancement and specific functions of PDRC are discussed in detail. Potential applications and possible directions for designing next‐generation high‐efficiency PDRC are also discussed. It is hoped that this review will contribute to exciting advances in PDRC and aid its potential applications in various fields.
Advance of Prussian Blue‐Derived Nanohybrids in Energy Storage: Current Status and Perspective
Authors: Wang Ronghao , Qian Chengfei , Zhang Zherui , Shen Hao , Xia Jingjie , Cui Dingyu , Sun Kaiwen , Liu He , Guo Cong , Yu Feng , Li Jingfa , Bao Weizhai
Published: January 2023

Great changes have occurred in the energy storage area in recent years as a result of rapid economic expansion. People have conducted substantial research on sustainable energy conversion and storage systems in order to mitigate the looming energy crisis. As a result, developing energy storage materials is critical. Materials with an open frame structure are known as Prussian blue analogs (PBAs). Anode materials for oxides, sulfides, selenides, phosphides, borides, and carbides have been extensively explored as anode materials in the field of energy conversion and storage in recent years. The advantages and disadvantages of oxides, sulfides, selenides, phosphides, borides, carbides, and other elements, as well as experimental methodologies and electrochemical properties, are discussed in this work. The findings reveal that employing oxides, sulfides, selenides, phosphides, borides, and other electrode materials to overcome the problems of low conductivity, excessive material loss, and low specific volume is ineffective. Therefore, this review intends to address the issues of diverse energy storage materials by combining multiple technologies to manufacture battery materials with low cost, large capacity, and extended service life.
Immunized Microspheres Engineered Hydrogel Membrane for Reprogramming Macrophage and Mucosal Repair
Authors: Wen Xiao , Xi Kun , Tang Yu , Bian Jie , Qin Yu , Xiao Wanshu , Pan Tingzheng , Cheng Xiaoming , Ge Zili , Cui Wenguo
Published: January 2023

The “double‐edged sword” effect of macrophages under the influence of different microenvironments determines the outcome and prognosis of tissue injury. Accurate and stable reprogramming macrophages (Mφ) are the key to rapid wound healing. In this study, an immunized microsphere‐engineered GelMA hydrogel membrane is constructed for oral mucosa treatment. The nanoporous poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) microsphere drug delivery system combined with the photo‐cross‐linkable hydrogel is used to release the soybean lecithin (SL)and IL‐4 complexes (SL/IL‐4) sustainedly. In this way, it is realized effective wound fit, improvement of drug encapsulation, and stable triphasic release of interleukin‐4 (IL‐4). In both in vivo and in vitro experiments, it is demonstrated that the hydrogel membrane can reprogram macrophages in the microenvironment into M2Mφ anti‐inflammatory types, thereby inhibiting the local excessive inflammatory response. Meanwhile, high levels of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) secreted by M2Mφ macrophages enhanced neovascular maturation by 5.7‐fold, which assisted in achieving rapid healing of oral mucosa. These findings suggest that the immuno‐engineered hydrogel membrane system can re‐modulating the biological effects of Mφ, and potentiating the maturation of neovascularization, ultimately achieving the rapid repair of mucosal tissue. This new strategy is expected to be a safe and promising immunomodulatory biomimetic material for clinical translation.
KOH‐Enabled Axial‐Oxygen Coordinated Ni Single‐Atom Catalyst for Efficient Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Chen Xuanyi , Liu Wei , Sun Yuxia , Tan Ting , Du Chen‐Xia , Li Yuehui
Published: January 2023

Precise control of the coordination structure of metal centers is an ideal approach to achieve reasonable selectivity, activity, and stability in the electrochemical reduction of CO2. In this work, the KOH activation strategy for preparation of hierarchically porous material containing Ni single‐atoms with axial‐oxygen coordination is reported. Spectroscopic measurements reveal the multiple roles of KOH as oxygen source, pore‐making reagent and promoter for the formation of key phthalocyanine structure. It exhibits superior surface area (1801 m2 g−1) and electrocatalytic performance (Faradaic efficiency of 94%, Turnover frequency of 11 362 h−1). Notably, KOH‐enabled architecture with abundant pores benefits the anchoring of Ni atoms and mass transfer for high activity and selectivity. Density functional theory calculations suggest that the axial‐oxygen ligand can promote the electronic delocalization of the Ni site for facilitating the *COOH formation and *CO desorption to efficiently produce CO.
Surgical safety checklists in UK veterinary practice: Current implementation and attitudes towards their use
Authors: Hill Jessica , Irwin‐Porter Gemma , Buckley Louise A.
Published: January 2023

Background

Surgical safety checklist (SSC) use benefits veterinary patients, but endorsement and implementation are essential for these benefits to be observed.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey assessed UK veterinary professionals' attitudes towards and usage of SSCs and identified factors associated with poorer attitude or failure to use SSCs.

Results

Of 513 respondents, 70% used SSCs. Of these, 87.1% used SSCs for every surgical procedure, 19.1% adapted SSCs for different procedures and 61.1% had a standard operating procedure detailing how to use SSCs. Attitudes towards SSC use were favourable, with increased positive attitude associated with employing at least one registered veterinary nurse with a post‐qualifying qualification (p < 0.001), current SSC use (p < 0.001), undertaking self‐directed reading (p = 0.033) or completing SSC‐relevant post‐qualification continuing professional development (p = 0.005). Factors associated with veterinary practices not using SSCs included Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) non‐membership (odds ratio [OR] 2.0, 1.1–3.4), no RCVS hospital status (OR 1.9, 1.1–3.5) or being a mixed first‐opinion veterinary practice (OR 2.4, 1.2–5.0).

Limitations

Study limitations include sampling methodology and non‐validated attitudinal scale usage.

Conclusion

Most respondents used SSCs. Familiarity, education and the RCVS PSS were associated with improved uptake and attitudes, but mixed practice was associated with reduced usage.
2022: a veterinary year in review
Authors: Clark Kathryn
Published: January 2023

With life slowly returning to normal after Covid‐19, 2022 brought with it new challenges dominated by infectious diseases and rising costs. Kathryn Clark reports.
Brian Thomas Lawrence
Authors: Peters Penny
Published: January 2023

A small animal vet who gave up a promising athletic career to pursue his studies. Alongside being a practitioner, his love of animals also led him to become a prison visitor.
BVA: a strong voice for the veterinary profession in 2023
Authors: Morley Malcolm
Published: January 2023

As the dust settles on another roller coaster year, BVA President Malcolm Morley looks forward to the challenges and opportunities facing the veterinary profession.
New webinar series launched
Authors: Lacey Hannah
Published: January 2023

Hannah Lacey, BVA membership and policy project manager, introduces ‘Good Veterinary Workplaces – taking action’, a new webinar series hosted by BVA and VDS Training.
Putting dog welfare high on the parliamentary agenda
Authors: Cottrell Vera
Published: January 2023

The BVA team has been busy engaging with MPs to help improve dog welfare, as Vera Cottrell, BVA policy and public affairs officer, reports.
A bio‐based compatibilizer for improved interfacial compatibility in thermally conductive and electrically insulating graphite/high density poly(ethylene) composites
Authors: Zhou Hua , Ye Liangdong , Chen Dongming , Li Ziwei , Li Shanrong , Li Dacheng , Huang Zhiyi , Wei Zhouqiao , Lu Shaorong
Published: January 2023

Graphite is a thermally conductive filler. However, when dispersed into high density poly(ethylene) (HDPE) resin, graphite particles tend to agglomerate and requires a compatibilizer to achieve desired thermal/physical properties. In this study, oleic acid (OA), a bio‐based additive and polyethylene‐polyamines (PEPA) were used to synthesize a new compatibilizer, PEPA‐g‐OA, containing numerous NR2 groups. The experimental results showed that PEPA‐g‐OA can significantly improve the compatibility between graphite particles and the HDPE matrix due to uniform dispersion of graphite in the HDPE matrix. When the graphite content was 25 wt%, the thermal conductivity of the composite recorded 1.2 W m−1 K−1 (three times that of neat HDPE) and the volume resistivity was 1.8 × 109 Ω cm, indicating excellent electrical insulation. Compared to the composites with no graphite content, the properties of the composites with 25 wt% graphite content exhibited narrower melting and crystallization peaks, more stable mechanical properties, and higher ultraviolet aging resistance. Synthesized new bio‐based compatibilizer and thermally conductive and electrically insulating composites developed in this study can be useful in different industrial fields for the preparation of the next generation composites.
Wandering, twisted spleen in a deerhound
Authors: Dillberger John E. , Stephenson Betty L.
Published: January 2023

A 14‐month‐old, entire, deerhound bitch experienced episodes of abdominal discomfort. During some episodes, the abnormally shaped spleen could be palpated in the dorsocaudal abdomen, rather than in its normal cranioventral location. Exploratory laparotomy revealed an enlarged spleen that was twisted on its long axis but not on its suspensory ligaments. The spleen was excised, and the dog made an uneventful recovery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a so‐called wandering spleen in a dog, a condition that has been described in humans, albeit rarely. This also is the first report of a twisted spleen in a dog. Veterinary practitioners should include these two possibilities (wandering spleen and twisted spleen) in their list of differential diagnoses when presented with a dog experiencing abdominal discomfort or with an abdominal mass.
Tandem spawning and development in the African freshwater pufferfish Tetraodon schoutedeni
Authors: Momota Kazuyuki , Doi Hiroyuki , Obata Hiroshi , Sakai Harumi
Published: January 2023

To advance breeding techniques for the African freshwater pufferfish Tetraodon schoutedeni and observe tandem spawning closely, we monitored the reproduction of captive individuals. Eight spawning sessions (stable water temperature 24−25°C; daily light period 07:00−19:00) occurred between May 2016 and November 2017. After 65−150 min of tandem swimming (the male biting and clinging to the female's abdomen), 3−50 spherical, weakly adhesive eggs were spawned, being scattered onto the sandy substrate or water plants. The removal of cohabitants (potentially eating spawned eggs) and provision of small initial food items, such as small‐type Brachionus spp., for larval fish were essential for successful breeding.
The influence of a large build area on the microstructure and mechanical properties of PBF-LB Ti-6Al-4 V alloy
Authors: Bagasol Axieh Joy I. , Kaschel Frederico R. , Ramachandran Saranarayanan , Mirihanage Wajira , Browne David J. , Dowling Denis P.
Published: January 2023

This study investigated the print homogeneity of Ti-6Al-4 V alloy parts, when printed over a large build area of 250 $$\times$$
×
250 $$\times$$
×
170 mm3, using a production scale laser powder bed additive manufacturing system. The effect of part location across this large build area was investigated based on printed part porosity, microstructure, hardness, and tensile properties. In addition, a Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) treatment was carried out on the as-built parts, to evaluate its impact on the material properties. A small increase in part porosity from 0.01 to 0.09%, was observed with increasing distance from the argon gas flow inlet, which was located on one side of the build plate, during printing. This effect, which was found to be independent of height from the build plate, is likely to be associated with enhanced levels of condensate or spatter residue, being deposited at distances, further from the gas flow. Despite small differences in porosity, no significant differences were obtained for microstructural features such as prior β grain, $$\alpha$$
α
lath thickness, and phase fraction, over the entire build area. Due to this, mechanical performances such as hardness and tensile strengths were also found to be homogenous across the build area. Additionally, it was also observed based on the lattice constants that partial in-situ decomposition of $${\alpha }^{^{\prime}}\to \alpha +\beta$$

α

′

→
α
+
β

phases occurred during printing. Post HIP treatment result showed a decrease of 7 and 6%, in the yield strength (YS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS), respectively, which was associated with a coarsening of $$\alpha$$
α
lath widths. The potential of the laser powder bed system for large area printing was successfully demonstrated based on the homogenous microstructure and mechanical properties of the Ti-6Al-4 V alloy parts.
“Taken-left” dynamics? Rethink the livelihood changes of affected villagers in the era of the global land rush
Authors: Xu Yunan
Published: January 2023

When large-scale common land is taken from villagers by investors with little compensation, their labour unneeded, villagers’ livelihoods tend to be largely destroyed. This implies a tendency to focus on what has been taken from villagers during the land-based change, which has valid and has far-reaching social relevance. But as the rise of the industrial tree plantation (ITP) sector in Guangxi shows, some villagers are capable of having their livelihoods maintained and even expanded when big investors come and acquire massive amounts of land. This seems to be an anomaly at a first glance, considering what has been taken from villagers, but these unexpected and positive livelihood changes can be explained when one closely examines the dynamic of what is taken and what has been left to villagers. During this ITP boom, although large-scale collectively owned forestland is taken by investors and few work opportunities are created to incorporate those affected, villagers’ control over farmland plots and their access to off-farm work opportunities remain (including the land system and labour dynamics). This paper highlights the importance of analysing “taken-left” dynamics to more fully capture diverse livelihood changes.
A comprehensive taxonomy for explainable artificial intelligence: a systematic survey of surveys on methods and concepts
Authors: Schwalbe Gesina , Finzel Bettina
Published: January 2023

In the meantime, a wide variety of terminologies, motivations, approaches, and evaluation criteria have been developed within the research field of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI). With the amount of XAI methods vastly growing, a taxonomy of methods is needed by researchers as well as practitioners: To grasp the breadth of the topic, compare methods, and to select the right XAI method based on traits required by a specific use-case context. Many taxonomies for XAI methods of varying level of detail and depth can be found in the literature. While they often have a different focus, they also exhibit many points of overlap. This paper unifies these efforts and provides a complete taxonomy of XAI methods with respect to notions present in the current state of research. In a structured literature analysis and meta-study, we identified and reviewed more than 50 of the most cited and current surveys on XAI methods, metrics, and method traits. After summarizing them in a survey of surveys, we merge terminologies and concepts of the articles into a unified structured taxonomy. Single concepts therein are illustrated by more than 50 diverse selected example methods in total, which we categorize accordingly. The taxonomy may serve both beginners, researchers, and practitioners as a reference and wide-ranging overview of XAI method traits and aspects. Hence, it provides foundations for targeted, use-case-oriented, and context-sensitive future research.
Bounding pandemic spread by heat spread
Authors: Lazebnik Teddy , Itai Uri
Published: January 2023

The beginning of a pandemic is a crucial stage for policymakers. Proper management at this stage can reduce overall health and economical damage. However, knowledge about the pandemic is insufficient. Thus, the use of complex and sophisticated models is challenging. In this study, we propose analytical and stochastic heat spread-based boundaries for the pandemic spread as indicated by the Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) model. We study the spread of a pandemic on an interaction (social) graph as a diffusion and compared it with the stochastic SIR model. The proposed boundaries are not requiring accurate biological knowledge such as the SIR model does.
Recent progress in practical applications of a potential carotenoid astaxanthin in aquaculture industry: a review
Authors: Elbahnaswy Samia , Elshopakey Gehad E.
Published: January 2023

Astaxanthin is the main natural C40 carotenoid used worldwide in the aquaculture industry. It normally occurs in red yeast Phaffia rhodozyma and green alga Haematococcus pluvialis and a variety of aquatic sea creatures, such as trout, salmon, and shrimp. Numerous biological functions reported its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities since astaxanthin possesses the highest oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and is considered to be over 500 more times effective than vitamin E and other carotenoids such as lutein and lycopene. Thus, synthetic and natural sources of astaxanthin have a commanding influence on industry trends, causing a wave in the world nutraceutical market of the encapsulated product. In vitro and in vivo studies have associated astaxanthin’s unique molecular features with various health benefits, including immunomodulatory, photoprotective, and antioxidant properties, providing its chemotherapeutic potential for improving stress tolerance, disease resistance, growth performance, survival, and improved egg quality in farmed fish and crustaceans without exhibiting any cytotoxic effects. Moreover, the most evident effect is the pigmentation merit, where astaxanthin is supplemented in formulated diets to ameliorate the variegation of aquatic species and eventually product quality. Hence, carotenoid astaxanthin could be used as a curative supplement for farmed fish, since it is regarded as an ecologically friendly functional feed additive in the aquaculture industry. In this review, the currently available scientific literature regarding the most significant benefits of astaxanthin is discussed, with a particular focus on potential mechanisms of action responsible for its biological activities.
The distant studio: a survey of design students’ experience with distance educational formats
Authors: Rosa Carlos , Ferreira João
Published: January 2023

The paper presents the results of a survey (n = 279) conducted with the students of an undergraduate design course. The questionnaire inquired design students’ preferences regarding educational formats (distance, in-person, or combination of both); the questionnaire further explored the issue by comparing between four types of classes (project, drawing, theoretical-practical, and theoretical) and by establishing comparisons between the students’ enrolment year. The main results reveal that design students prefer in-person formats, and preference for in-person educational formats increases regarding project-based or drawing type of classes; what is more, preference for in-person educational formats is appears to be higher in second and third-year students than in first-year ones. These results have implications for design education: a direct transfer of the typical design educational format to a distance setting may be misguided and design education may require specific formats (distance or otherwise) to offer a satisfactory pedagogical experience to its students.
Entertaining Commodities or Living Beings? Public Perception of Animal Welfare at Local Festivals in South Korea
Authors: Joo Seola , Bae Jaeye , Jung Yechan , Chun Myung-Sun , Park Hyomin
Published: January 2023

Many festivals use animals in the name of continuing traditions and religious acts of historical and cultural relevance, as well as for tourist entertainment; however, the welfare of these animals has been overlooked in favor of maintaining cultural identity or making economic profits. The criticism of animal-based festivals has been growing along with the increased public awareness of animal rights. However, this change in public perception has not yet been translated into actual government policies in Korea. This study addresses the unethical practices and challenges regarding animal welfare at festivals from the perspective of visitors to understand the public perception of the need for institutional and regulatory interventions to improve the treatment of animals at festivals. An online survey (N = 1000) is conducted to examine the public perception of animals and animal welfare at festivals and how strongly online survey participants support organizer- and state-level actions to protect the welfare of festival animals. Logistic regression analyses identify gender, pet ownership, pro-animal attitude, visiting experience, sensitivity to criticism regarding animal issues, and perception of animal welfare at festivals as significant predictors of online survey participants’ support for actions ensuring the welfare of animals used in festivals. Our findings also suggest that people sympathize with the need to enhance animal welfare but have low levels of sensitivity to the maltreatment of animals at festivals, indicating the existence of cognitive dissonance. Establishing guidelines and regulations for improving animal welfare can help festivals use animals in a more sustainable way and make visitors rethink and re-establish human–animal relationships.
Predictors of Fathers’ Participation in a Longitudinal Psychological Research Study on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
Authors: Schulz Wolfgang , Hahlweg Kurt , Supke Max
Published: January 2023

When compared with mothers, fathers continue to be considerably underrepresented in developmental research on child and adolescent psychopathology. The present study examined the factors contributing to fathers’ participation in such studies in which both mothers and fathers were asked to participate. The sample consisted of 477 families which were examined four times over the course of ten years (Pre to Follow-up after ten years [FU10]). The average age of the children at Pre was 4 years, and that of the adolescents ten years later was 14 years (FU10). On average, 70.4% of fathers participated in the assessments. The average transition probability for participation over four assessment points was 93.1%. Fathers from two-parent families participated significantly more often than fathers from single-parent families. Household income, a good father-adolescent relationship, and joint custody, if applicable, were related to paternal participation. For fathers from two-parent families, participation at previous assessment points was the decisive predictor. For fathers from single-parent families, the relationship between the adolescent and the father was the decisive predictor. Fathers who had participated in previous assessments remained involved in the study over the long run. Therefore, the primary goal should be to encourage as many fathers as possible to participate when starting clinical empirical studies. Monetary incentives could be used to recruit families with low household incomes.
Preoperative cerebral oxygenation in high-risk noncardiac surgical patients: an observational study on postoperative mortality and complications
Authors: Baehner Torsten , Perlewitz Olaf , Ellerkmann Richard K , Menzenbach Jan , Brand Georg , Thudium Marcus , Velten Markus
Published: January 2023

Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) has become widely accepted to evaluate regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2), potentially acting as a surrogate parameter of reduced cerebral oxygen delivery or increased consumption. Low preoperative rScO2 is associated with increased postoperative complications after cardiac surgery. However, its universal potential in pre-anesthesia risk assessment remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated whether low preoperative rScO2 is indicative of postoperative complications and associated with poor outcomes in noncardiac surgical patients. We prospectively enrolled 130 patients undergoing high-risk noncardiac surgery. During pre-anesthesia evaluation, baseline rScO2 was recorded with and without oxygen supplementation. The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality, while secondary endpoints were postoperative myocardial injury, respiratory complications, and renal failure. We further evaluated the impact of body position and preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) concentration on rScO2. Of the initially enrolled 130 patients, 126 remained for final analysis. Six (4.76%) patients died within 30 postoperative days. 95 (75.4%) patients were admitted to the ICU. 32 (25.4%) patients suffered from major postoperative complications. There was no significant association between rScO2 and 30-day mortality or secondary endpoints. Oxygen supplementation induced a significant increase of rScO2. Furthermore, Hb concentration correlated with rScO2 values and body position affected rScO2. No significant association between rScO2 values and NYHA, LVEF, or MET classes were observed. Preoperative rScO2 is not associated with postoperative complications in patients undergoing high-risk noncardiac surgery. We speculate that the discriminatory power of NIRS is insufficient due to individual variability of rScO2 values and confounding factors.
Benefits of secretion clearance with high frequency percussive ventilation in tracheostomized critically ill patients: a pilot study
Authors: Garofalo Eugenio , Rovida Serena , Cammarota Gianmaria , Biamonte Eugenio , Troisi Letizia , Cosenza Leonardo , Pelaia Corrado , Navalesi Paolo , Longhini Federico , Bruni Andrea
Published: January 2023

Clearance of secretions remains a challenge in ventilated patients. Despite high-frequency percussive ventilation (HFPV) showing benefits in patients with cystic fibrosis and neuromuscular disorders, very little is known about its effects on other patient categories. Therefore, we designed a physiological pilot study investigating the effects on lung aeration and gas exchange of short HFPV cycles in tracheostomized patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) was recorded at baseline (T0) by a belt wrapped around the patient's chest, followed by the HFPV cycle lasting 10 min. EIT data was collected again after the HFPV cycle (T1) as well as after 1 h (T2) and 3 h (T3) from T0. Variation from baseline of end-expiratory lung impedance (∆EELI), tidal variation (TIV) and global inhomogeneity index (GI) were computed. Arterial blood was also taken for gas analysis. HFPV cycle significantly improved the ∆EELI at T1, T2 and T3 when compared to baseline (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). The ratio between arterial partial pressure and inspired fraction of oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) also increased after the treatment (p < 0.001 for all comparison) whereas TIV (p = 0.132) and GI (p = 0.114) remained unchanged. Short cycles of HFPV superimposed to mechanical ventilation promoted alveolar recruitment, as suggested by improved ∆EELI, and improved oxygenation in tracheostomized patients with high load of secretion.

Trial Registration Prospectively registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05200507; dated 6th January 2022).
Macroscopic Behaviour in a Two-Species Exclusion Process Via the Method of Matched Asymptotics
Authors: Mason James , Jack Robert L. , Bruna Maria
Published: January 2023

We consider a two-species simple exclusion process on a periodic lattice. We use the method of matched asymptotics to derive evolution equations for the two population densities in the dilute regime, namely a cross-diffusion system of partial differential equations for the two species’ densities. First, our result captures non-trivial interaction terms neglected in the mean-field approach, including a non-diagonal mobility matrix with explicit density dependence. Second, it generalises the rigorous hydrodynamic limit of Quastel (Commun Pure Appl Math 45(6):623–679, 1992), valid for species with equal jump rates and given in terms of a non-explicit self-diffusion coefficient, to the case of unequal rates in the dilute regime. In the equal-rates case, by combining matched asymptotic approximations in the low- and high-density limits, we obtain a cubic polynomial approximation of the self-diffusion coefficient that is numerically accurate for all densities. This cubic approximation agrees extremely well with numerical simulations. It also coincides with the Taylor expansion up to the second-order in the density of the self-diffusion coefficient obtained using a rigorous recursive method.
On separation by function of bounded variation
Authors: Olbryś Andrzej
Published: January 2023

In the present paper we are concerned with the problem of separation of two given functions by an increasing (decreasing) function or by a function of bounded variation. In the context of separation by a function of bounded variation we give two approaches. The first one concerns the separation with respect to the classical order in the set of real numbers, and this allow us to the new concept of variation involving two functions. This approach in fact leads us to the unusual phenomenon, namely the bounded joint variation of two functions forces these functions to be essentially the same. The second approach concerns the separation with respect to the partial order generated by the Lorentz cone.
Park Rangers and Science-Public Expertise: Science as Care in Biosecurity for Kauri Trees in Aotearoa/New Zealand
Authors: McEntee Marie , Medvecky Fabien , MacBride-Stewart Sara , Macknight Vicki , Martin Michael
Published: January 2023

Park rangers hold a unique set of knowledge—of science, of publics, of institutional structures, of place, and of self—that should be recognised as valuable. For too long, models of the knowledge of scientists and publics have set people like rangers in an inbetweener position, seeing them as good at communicating, translating or negotiating from one side to the other, but not as making knowledge that is powerful in its own right. In this paper we argue that focus groups with park rangers across regional and conservation parks in Aotearoa/New Zealand reveal the complexity and multiplicity of rangers’ knowledge-making that shows the science-public model as incomplete. We argue further that the model is flawed for its focus on the making and holding of knowledge and not also on how it is enacted. Rangers, we argue, are responsible every day for making knowledgeable decisions for the health and well-being of parks and people. Making good decisions, though, requires not just knowledge but also care. An understanding of the many ways rangers know and enact their knowledge is important for biosecurity practice, especially in models of adaptive governance.
Alternative splicing is not a key source of chemerin isoforms diversity
Authors: Kwiecien Kamila , Majewski Pawel , Bak Maciej , Brzoza Piotr , Godlewska Urszula , Skulimowska Izabella , Cichy Joanna , Kwitniewski Mateusz
Published: January 2023

Background

Chemerin is a chemoattractant protein with adipokine and antimicrobial properties encoded by the retinoic acid receptor responder 2 (RARRES2) gene. Chemerin bioactivity largely depends on carboxyl-terminal proteolytic processing that generates chemerin isoforms with different chemotactic, regulatory, and antimicrobial potentials. While these mechanisms are relatively well known, the role of alternative splicing in generating isoform diversity remains obscure.

Methods and results

Using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) PCR, we determined RARRES2 transcript variants present in mouse and human tissues and identified novel transcript variant 4 of mouse Rarres2 encoding mChem153K. Moreover, analyses of real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and publicly-available next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) datasets showed that different alternatively spliced variants of mouse Rarres2 are present in mouse tissues and their expression patterns were unaffected by inflammatory and infectious stimuli except brown adipose tissue. However, only one transcript variant of human RARRES2 was present in liver and adipose tissue.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate a limited role for alternative splicing in generating chemerin isoform diversity under all tested conditions.
Automatic Computation of Linear Magneto-Hydro-Static Equilibria
Authors: Wiegelmann Thomas , Madjarska Maria S.
Published: January 2023

Deriving the physical parameters of observed phenomena in the solar atmosphere has fundamental importance, as these parameters are then employed to constrain and validate models. Here we report the development of a new computational algorithm based on a magneto-hydro-static model that computes the magnetic field in the solar atmosphere and automatically matches individual magnetic-field lines with observed structures that appear with enhanced emission in extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) images. Presently, for the quiet-Sun regions, we can only measure the vertical photospheric magnetic field $B_{z}$

B
z

, as accurate horizontal magnetic field measurements are not available. Thus, vertical photospheric magnetic-field measurements are extrapolated into the upper atmosphere, from the photosphere to the corona, with a magneto-hydro-static model. Free model parameters are then optimized with a downhill-simplex method by comparing quantitatively magnetic-field lines with the enhanced emission of loop structures composing the so-called coronal bright points recorded in EUV images taken with the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly on-board the Solar Dynamics Observatory. The algorithm will be applicable to any solar image data where individual structures with an enhanced emission can be resolved. Most importantly, the algorithm can be employed to obtain the magnetic properties of these structures above the photosphere.
Creating New Knowledge while Solving a Relevant Practical Problem: Success Factors for an Action Research-Based PhD Thesis in Business and Management
Authors: Alfaro-Tanco José A. , Mediavilla Miguel , Erro-Garcés Amaya
Published: January 2023

This paper focuses on university–firm relationships in terms of individual interactions between researchers and practitioners. More specifically, we focus on an analysis of the main factors that influence the use of the action research (AR) to achieve a successful doctoral thesis. In order to achieve this, we developed a Delphi study with 15 panelists whose common characteristic is that they defended or supervised an AR-based thesis in the field of business and management. The primary contribution of the research is the development of a reference framework that should be considered in the design of a doctoral thesis for which an AR methodology is put into practice. Four dimensions were defined: profiles of both the PhD candidate and supervisor, PhD program/university, and firm/organization. Three main conclusions were reached. First, it is crucial to have a cooperative “eye-to-eye” relationship between the university and the company. Second, the AR process must respond unequivocally to its own dichotomous nature. Third, there must be a straightforward academic process for the PhD thesis. We believe that this study may impel the development of doctoral theses based on AR as a tool to potentiate collaborative university–firm relationships.
Collective vice and collective self-knowledge
Authors: Schwengerer Lukas
Published: January 2023

Groups can be epistemically vicious just like individuals. And just like individuals, groups sometimes want to do something about their vices. They want to change. However, intentionally combating one’s own vices seems impossible without detecting those vices first. Self-knowledge seems to provide a first step towards changing one’s own epistemic vices. I argue that groups can acquire self-knowledge about their epistemic vices and I propose an account of such collective self-knowledge. I suggest that collective self-knowledge of vices is partially based on evidence that a group can generate by performing internal promptings. Whereas these promptings are done mentally in individual self-knowledge, these promptings are done by interactions of group members in the collective case. The group can then acquire inferential self-knowledge of their vices based on the evidence generated by the interactions within the group. Groups thereby bring themselves into a position from which they can combat and change those vices intentionally.
Multi-Scale Modeling and Simulation of Transport Processes in an Elastically Deformable Perforated Medium
Authors: Knoch Jonas , Gahn Markus , Neuss-Radu Maria , Neuß Nicolas
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we derive an effective model for transport processes in periodically perforated elastic media, taking into account, e.g., cyclic elastic deformations as they occur in lung tissue due to respiratory movement. The underlying microscopic problem couples the deformation of the domain with a diffusion process within a mixed Lagrangian/Eulerian formulation. After a transformation of the diffusion problem onto the fixed domain, we use the formal method of two-scale asymptotic expansion to derive the upscaled model, which is nonlinearly coupled through effective coefficients. The effective model is implemented and validated using an application-inspired model problem. Numerical solutions for both, cell problems and macroscopic equations, are investigated and interpreted. We use simulations to qualitatively determine the effect of the deformation on the transport process.
Is adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity in saliva and serum a more accurate disease detection tool than traditional redox balance parameters in early-lactating dairy cows?
Authors: Castillo Cristina , Hernandez Joaquín , Sotillo Juan , Muiño Rodrigo , Benedito Jose L. , Montes Ana , Arana Rafael , Matas-Quintanilla Marta , Panizo Cándido G. , Montes Ana María Gutiérrez
Published: January 2023

Enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA) is a marker of inflammation in domestic animals, but it is unclear whether it is a reliable marker of oxidative stress, especially in the transition period in dairy cows. This study aims to assess if ADA and redox status measurements in saliva provide the same utility to detect disease condition as that obtained from serum. Sixty-eight multiparous Holstein cows, between 2 and 3 weeks postpartum were selected. Five study groups were established: control (healthy), and cows with ketosis, mastitis, laminitis, and metritis. The parameters measured were ADA activity, total oxidants (TOS), antioxidants (TAC), and OSi ratio.

Regarding redox status, no significant differences arise in both saliva and serum being the correlations negative and not significant. In saliva, ADA activity in healthy cows differs from those with pathological processes, having the lowest activities. In serum, ADA activity is similar in the healthy and ketosis cows, showing the lowest activities meanwhile animals with mastitis, laminitis, or metritis have significantly higher activities. In conclusion, the measurement of ADA activities and redox status in saliva does not give consistent results, being preferable to measure them in serum during the transition period.
Ensemble Methods for APS In-Flight Particle Temperature and Velocity Prediction Considering Torch Electrodes Ageing
Authors: Yu K. R. , Cojocaru C. V. , Ilinca F. , Irissou E.
Published: January 2023

The nonlinear relationship between the input process parameters and in-flight particle characteristics of the atmospheric plasma spray (APS) is of paramount importance for coating properties design and quality. It is also known that the ageing of torch electrodes affects this relationship. In recent years, machine learning algorithms have proven to be able to take into account such complex nonlinear interactions. This work illustrates the application of ensemble methods to predict the in-flight particle temperature and velocity during an APS process considering torch electrodes ageing. Experiments were performed to record simultaneously the input process parameters, the in-flight powder particle characteristics and the electrodes usage time. Random Forest (RF) and Gradient Boosting (GB) were used to rank and select the features for the APS process data recorded as the electrodes aged and the corresponding predictive models were compared. The time series aspect of the multivariate APS in-flight particle characteristics data is explored. Two strategies of time series embedding are considered. The first one simply embeds the attributes and the targets from the previous $$n$$
n
time segments considered without any modification; whereas the second strategy first performs differencing to make the time series stationary before embedding. For the present application, RF is found to be more suitable than GB since RF can predict both the in-flight particle velocity and temperature simultaneously, properly considering the interactions between the two targets. On the other hand, GB can only predict these two targets one at a time. The superior performance of both embedded predictive models and the feature rankings of them suggest that it is better to consider the APS data as time series for the in-flight particle characteristic prediction. In particular, it is demonstrated that it is advantageous to first make the time series stationary using the traditional differencing technique, even when modeling using RF.