bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behind the Scenes
Authors: Marcus Pamela M.
Published: April 2022

Cancer screening aims to interfere with disease progression by detecting cancer at a point in its natural history when it is either curable or, if not curable, when treatment will extend life beyond what it would have been in the absence of cancer screening. A simple, four phase model of cancer progression is presented in Chap. 2 and is used to demonstrate how the natural history of cancer is perturbed in the presence of cancer screening. Lead time, length-weighted sampling, and overdiagnosis, three phenomena that are frequently discussed in the context of cancer screening, are defined. Examples are presented to assist in comprehension of the impact of the phenomena.
Cancer Prevention Screening
Authors: Marcus Pamela M.
Published: April 2022

Cancer screening for certain organs leads to detection of precancer. Detection of precancer is a form of cancer prevention if one uses the word cancer to exclusively mean invasive cancer, which is customary but not universal. The phrase cancer prevention screening is used to refer to cancer screening practices that aim to detect precancer, and the phrase early detection cancer screening to refer to cancer screening practices that aim to detect invasive cancer. Chapters 10.1007/978-3-030-94577-0_1, 10.1007/978-3-030-94577-0_2, 10.1007/978-3-030-94577-0_3, 10.1007/978-3-030-94577-0_4, 10.1007/978-3-030-94577-0_5, 10.1007/978-3-030-94577-0_6, and 10.1007/978-3-030-94577-0_7 presented material with an eye towards early detection cancer screening. Chapter 10.1007/978-3-030-94577-0_8 revisits the previously presented material with an eye towards cancer prevention screening.
„das braucht die Technik nicht alles zu wissen“ – Digitale Datenerfassung im Spannungsfeld zwischen Privatheit, Datenschutz und gesellschaftlichem Auftrag
Authors: Schneider Diana
Published: April 2022

Die Teilhabeplanung für Menschen mit Behinderung ist ein Instrument der Eingliederungshilfe, um soziale Partizipation und gleichberechtigte Teilhabe am Leben in der Gesellschaft zu fördern sowie die individuelle Selbstbestimmung zu ermöglichen. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird auf Basis von 20 leitfadengestützten Interviews mit Personen aus dem Feld der Eingliederungshilfe dargelegt, wie die Praxis des Dokumentierens aussieht und unter welchen Umständen ggf. Informationen der Menschen mit Behinderungen zurückgehalten, d. h. nicht digital notiert werden. Dies soll Aufschluss darauf geben, welches Konzept von Privatheit die interviewten Personen vertreten. Zudem werden die Ergebnisse hinsichtlich der Datenschutzprinzipien diskutiert.
Datenübertragbarkeit – Zwischen Abwarten und Umsetzen
Authors: Karasoy Özlem , Turgut Gülcan , Degeling Martin
Published: April 2022

Mit der europäischen Datenschutzgrundverordnung wurde das Recht auf Datenübertragbarkeit eingeführt. Die Erwartungen an dieses neue Betroffenenrecht waren, dass es die informationelle Selbstbestimmung der Einzelnen stärken und Netzwerk-Effekte verringern kann. Basierend auf zwei qualitativen Studien mit Betroffenen und Unternehmen ziehen wir eine erste Bilanz. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen, dass das Recht bisher in der Praxis kaum Relevanz hat. Aufgrund der geringen Nachfrage zögern Unternehmen, Schnittstellen bereitzustellen und Anfragen werden häufig per Hand beantwortet. Die Betroffenen wiederum sehen zwar theoretische Vorteile, aber Dienste, die den Import von Daten von Plattformen erlauben, sind rar und es besteht Skepsis gegenüber der Weitergabe umfangreicher Datensätze. Beide Gruppen sehen große Überschneidungen zwischen dem Recht auf Datenübertragbarkeit und dem Recht auf Auskunft. Für die Praxis scheint es daher sinnvoll, Hybridmodelle zu entwickeln, bei denen sowohl eine erklärende Auskunft als auch eine konfigurierbare Abrufmöglichkeit für die Daten bereitgestellt werden. Um in Zukunft die gewünschte Übertragung zwischen zwei Verantwortlichen zu ermöglichen, braucht es darüber hinaus Anreize zur Entwicklung von Schnittstellen sowie Vorgaben zu Formaten und Umfang.
Digitale Selbstermächtigung. Hürden für Privatheit und Autonomie in einer algorithmisch konstruierten Wirklichkeit
Authors: Biniok Peter
Published: April 2022

Digitalisierung und algorithmische Konstruktion der Gesellschaft orientieren sich (derzeit) einseitig vor allem an techno-ökonomischen und machtpolitischen Kriterien. Algorithmisierung und damit verbundene digitale Dynamiken verändern grundsätzliche Handlungs- und Strukturmuster, womit sich Fragen nach Privatheit und Autonomie der Nutzer:innen im Umgang mit Technik neu stellen. Im Beitrag werden Herausforderungen und Chancen digitaler Selbstermächtigung anhand von drei Dimensionen algorithmischer Konstruktion diskutiert: Algorithmen als Besitztümer, Algorithmen als Akteure und Algorithmen als Kontrollmittel. Sozial konstruierte Algorithmen agieren autonom, interagieren mit Nutzer:innen, sortieren und filtern für sie die Wirklichkeit, übernehmen gesellschaftliche Kontrollfunktionen. Selbstermächtigung im Bereich des Digitalen steht diesbezüglich nicht nur für eine Form der praktischen Befähigung, sondern schließt auch Reflexion und Bewertung des eigenen Handelns ein. Selbstermächtigung ist gleichzeitig an fremde Unterstützung gekoppelt und konstituiert sich in einem kollektiven Prozess.
Zum Datenschutz gestupst? Gestaltungsorientierte Entwicklung von Privacy Nudges vor dem Hintergrund ethischer und rechtlicher Leitlinien
Authors: Schöbel Sofia Marlena , Schomberg Sabrina , Barev Torben Jan , Grote Thomas , Janson Andreas , Hornung Gerrit , Leimeister Jan Marco
Published: April 2022

Die Digitalisierung verändert unsere Gesellschaft, die Art wie wir miteinander kommunizieren und wie wir arbeiten. Dabei birgt Digitalisierung nicht nur Vorteile, sondern führt auch dazu, dass jedes Individuum durch sein Agieren in der digitalen Welt Datenspuren hinterlässt. Diese Daten werden gesammelt, aggregiert und ausgewertet, und das vielfach, ohne dass sich Individuen dessen bewusst sind. Hier kann das sogenannte Privacy Nudging genutzt werden, durch das Nutzende „angestupst“ werden, um ihr Verhalten so zu verändern, dass sie ihre eigenen Daten besser schützen. Bei der Gestaltung von Nudging Konzepten gibt es zahlreiche rechtliche, ethische und soziotechnische Hürden, die es zu berücksichtigen gilt. Hierzu existieren bisher keine einheitlichen Richtlinien und Empfehlungen. Entsprechend präsentiert der Beitrag eine integrative soziotechnische Gestaltungsperspektive für digitale privacy Nudges, indem Technik, Ethik und Recht nicht mehr nur isoliert betrachtet werden.
Conducting a Usability Evaluation of Decentralized Identity Management Solutions
Authors: Khayretdinova Alina , Kubach Michael , Sellung Rachelle , Roßnagel Heiko
Published: April 2022

New approaches to identity management based on technologies such as blockchain and distributed ledgers are promoted as a chance to give users full control over their own identity data. Despite being often called the future of digital identity management, Decentralized Identity Management (DIdM) and Self-sovereign Identities (SSI) are still facing a number of challenges, usability being a major one: their concepts are too sophisticated for users and do not fit their mental models. We address this by conducting a study that analyses and evaluates the usability and practical applicability of some of the most advanced DIdM solutions. The results of the user tests reveal existing usability issues and outline the way they deprive end users of experiencing the entire range of claimed privacy and security benefits of these identity solutions.
Entwurfsmuster für die interdisziplinäre Gestaltung rechtsverträglicher Systeme
Authors: Dickhaut Ernestine , Thies Laura Friederike , Janson Andreas , Leimeister Jan Marco , Söllner Matthias
Published: April 2022

Durch die Digitalisierung werden immer mehr Technologien entwickelt. Dabei gewinnt die soziotechnische Systementwicklung zunehmend an Bedeutung, in deren Rahmen nicht nur das technische System isoliert betrachtet wird, sondern auch der Nutzer und sein Umfeld. Insbesondere bei der Entwicklung rechtsverträglicher Systeme stehen Entwickler häufig aufgrund fehlenden rechtlichen Fachwissens vor großen Herausforderungen. Dies gilt insbesondere dann, wenn es um intelligente, selbstlernende Systeme geht. Diese Systeme sammeln, um die Qualität ihrer Dienste zu optimieren und Nutzerbedürfnissen zu entsprechen mithilfe leistungsfähiger Technologien große Mengen an personenbezogenen Daten, was Risiken für die informationelle Selbstbestimmung der Nutzer mit sich bringt. Um diesen Risiken entgegenzuwirken nutzen wir Anforderungs- und Entwurfsmuster. Ziel des Beitrags ist daher mittels eines multi-methodischen Ansatzes aufzuzeigen, welchen Beitrag interdisziplinäre Anforderungs- und Entwurfsmuster für die Entwicklung rechtsverträglicher und qualitativ hochwertiger KI-basierter Systeme leisten können. Um die Wirksamkeit der Muster zu untersuchen wurde mithilfe der Muster ein Lernassistent entwickelt und durch die Methode der Simulationsstudie evaluiert.
Datenbasierte Sichtbarkeit: Gesellschaftsstrukturelle Bedingungen zeitgenössischer Technikgestaltung
Authors: Ochs Carsten
Published: April 2022

Dass wertorientierte Technikgestaltung kaum umhinkommt, die gesellschaftsstrukturellen Bedingungen mit zu reflektieren, unter denen sie agiert, ist bekannt. Der Vortrag überträgt diese Einsicht auf den Bereich der Privatheit, indem er die strukturhistorischen Konstellationen rekonstruiert, aus denen sich versch. Formen der informationellen Privatheit in unterschiedlichen Vergesellschaftungsphasen der Moderne jeweils herausgeschält haben. Bei den so identifizierten Privatheitsformen handelt es sich um a) Reputation Management; b) Rückzug; sowie c) individuelle Informationskontrolle. Basierend auf einer solchen Genealogie informationeller Privatheitspraktiken werden in einem weiteren Schritt die strukturellen Treiber zeitgenössischer Privatheit herausgearbeitet, deren Form solchermaßen als d) Unschärfegarantie erkennbar wird. Abschließend werden Konsequenzen diskutiert, die sich aus den somit herausgearbeiteten gesellschaftsstrukturellen Bedingungen zeitgenössischer Technikgestaltung ergeben.
Der Wert des Anonymen
Authors: Landwirth Robert
Published: April 2022

Das vorliegende Paper verhandelt Anonymität und Privatheit im Kontext des Internets. Wir fassen Anonymität als Differenzierung von Handlungskontexten durch Verschleierung von Identitätsmarkern. Autonomie wird mit Rössler verstanden als autonom-authentische Wahl und ihr Ausdruck in sozialem Handeln. Privatheit schützt diese Autonomie. Anonymität bezieht sich auf Privatheit technisch als kompensatorischer Schutz kontextdifferenziert gewünschten Wissens. Das Internet wird charakterisiert als Fernkommunikation, soziales Gedächtnis und Arena technischer Beobachtung. Anonymität und Privatheit werden auf die Kommunikationssituation im Internet bezogen, dabei wird herausgestellt, wie sich Darknets zu diesem Komplex verhalten. Letztlich werden einige Anmerkungen zum Wert einer „Kultur der Anonymität“ gemacht.
Online-Privatheitskompetenz und Möglichkeiten der technischen Umsetzung mit dem Anonymisierungsnetzwerk Tor
Authors: Lux Alexandra , Platzer Florian
Published: April 2022

Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist die Erstellung einer Anonymitätsmatrix. Der Fokus liegt hierbei insbesondere in der Verbindung der technischen und psychologischen Komponenten der Betrachtung. Ausgangssituation ist die Verwendung einer Privacy Enhancing Technology, konkret dem Tor-Browser. So ist das Ziel, die Tor-Nutzergruppe in Bezug auf ihre Online-Privatheitskompetenz, Nutzungsweise und Grad der Anonymität zu erforschen. Hierzu wurde eine Online-Befragung ($$N = 120$$

N
=
120

) sowie ein Leitfadeninterview mit einem Experten aus der IT-Sicherheitsforschung durchgeführt.
Geometric soft theorems
Authors: Cheung Clifford , Helset Andreas , Parra-Martinez Julio
Published: April 2022

Abstract

We derive a universal soft theorem for every scattering amplitude with at least one massless particle in an arbitrary theory of scalars. Our results follow from the geometry of field space and are valid for any choice of mass spectrum, potential terms, and higher-derivative interactions. For a vanishing potential, the soft limit of every amplitude is equal to the field-space covariant derivative of an amplitude with one fewer particle. Furthermore, the Adler zero and the dilaton soft theorem are special cases of our results. We also discuss more exotic scenarios in which the soft limit is non-trivial but still universal. Last but not least, we derive new theorems for multiple-soft limits which directly probe the field-space curvature, as well as on-shell recursion relations applicable to two-derivative scalar field theories exhibiting no symmetries whatsoever.
Bidirectional regulation of desmosome hyperadhesion by keratin isotypes and desmosomal components
Authors: Büchau Fanny , Vielmuth Franziska , Waschke Jens , Magin Thomas M.
Published: April 2022

Desmosomes are intercellular junctions which mediate cohesion and communication in tissues exposed to mechanical strain by tethering the intermediate filament cytoskeleton to the plasma membrane. While mature desmosomes are characterized by a hyperadhesive, Ca2+-independent state, they transiently loose this state during wound healing, pathogenesis and tissue regeneration. The mechanisms controlling the hyperadhesive state remain incompletely understood. Here, we show that upon Ca2+-induced keratinocyte differentiation, expression of keratin 17 (K17) prevents the formation of stable and hyperadhesive desmosomes, accompanied by a significant reduction of desmoplakin (DP), plakophilin-1 (PKP1), desmoglein-1 (Dsg1) and -3 (Dsg3) at intercellular cell borders. Atomic force microscopy revealed that both increased binding strength of desmoglein-3 molecules and amount of desmoglein-3 oligomers, known hallmarks of hyperadhesion, were reduced in K17- compared to K14-expressing cells. Importantly, overexpression of Dsg3 or DPII enhanced their localization at intercellular cell borders and increased the formation of Dsg3 oligomers, resulting in stable, hyperadhesive desmosomes despite the presence of K17. Notably, PKP1 was enriched in these desmosomes. Quantitative image analysis revealed that DPII overexpression contributed to desmosome hyperadhesion by increasing the abundance of K5/K17-positive keratin filaments in the proximity of desmosomes enriched in desmoglein-3. Thus, our data show that hyperadhesion can result from recruitment of keratin isotypes K5/K17 to desmosomes or from enhanced expression of DP and Dsg3 irrespective of keratin composition. The notion that hyperadhesive desmosomes failed to form in the absence of keratins underscores the essential role of keratins and suggest bidirectional control mechanisms at several levels.
On the divergence theorem for submanifolds of Euclidean vector spaces within the theory of second-gradient continua
Authors: Capobianco Giuseppe , Eugster Simon R.
Published: April 2022

In the theory of second-gradient continua, the internal virtual work functional can be considered as a second-order distribution in which the virtual displacements take the role of test functions. In its easiest representation, the internal virtual work functional is represented as a volume integral over a subset of the three-dimensional Euclidean vector space and involves first and second derivatives of the virtual displacements. In this paper, we show by an iterative integration by parts procedure how an alternative representation of such a functional can be obtained when the integration domain is a subset that contains also edges and wedges. Since this procedure strongly relies on the divergence theorem for submanifolds of a Euclidean vector space, it is a main goal to derive this divergence theorem for submanifolds starting from Stokes’ theorem for manifolds. To that end, results from Riemannian geometry are gathered and applied to the submanifold case.
Coordination of glucose monitoring, self-care behaviour and mental health: achieving precision monitoring in diabetes
Authors: Hermanns Norbert , Ehrmann Dominic , Shapira Amit , Kulzer Bernhard , Schmitt Andreas , Laffel Lori
Published: April 2022

Monitoring of glucose plays an essential role in the management of diabetes. However, to fully understand and meaningfully interpret glucose levels, additional information on context is necessary. Important contextual factors include data on behaviours such as eating, exercise, medication-taking and sleep, as well as data on mental health aspects such as stress, affect, diabetes distress and depressive symptoms. This narrative review provides an overview of the current state and future directions of precision monitoring in diabetes. Precision monitoring of glucose has made great progress over the last 5 years with the emergence of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), automated analysis of new glucose variables and visualisation of CGM data via the ambulatory glucose profile. Interestingly, there has been little progress in the identification of subgroups of people with diabetes based on their glycaemic profile. The integration of behavioural and mental health data could enrich such identification of subgroups to stimulate precision medicine. There are a handful of studies that have used innovative methodology such as ecological momentary assessment to monitor behaviour and mental health in people’s everyday life. These studies indicate the importance of the interplay between behaviour, mental health and glucose. However, automated integration and intelligent interpretation of these data sources are currently not available. Automated integration of behaviour, mental health and glucose could lead to the identification of certain subgroups that, for example, show a strong association between mental health and glucose in contrast to subgroups that show independence of mental health and glucose. This could inform precision diagnostics and precision therapeutics. We identified just-in-time adaptive interventions as a potential means by which precision monitoring could lead to precision therapeutics. Just-in-time adaptive interventions consist of micro-interventions that are triggered in people’s everyday lives when a certain problem is identified using monitored behaviour, mental health and glucose variables. Thus, these micro-interventions are responsive to real-life circumstances and are adaptive to the specific needs of an individual with diabetes. We conclude that, with current developments in big data analysis, there is a huge potential for precision monitoring in diabetes.

Graphical abstract
In employees we Trust: Employee fraud in small businesses
Authors: Othman Radiah , Ameer Rashid
Published: April 2022

This paper examines how and why employees used online computer access to commit fraud in New Zealand small businesses. Drawing on data from 18 court documents between 2006 and 2020, we use document analysis to examine the pressure, opportunity, rationalization, and capability elements using the fraud diamond framework. We provide three major findings. First, the employee frauds were motivated by vice and family circumstances. The combination of opportunity and capability had a devastating effect on the length of the fraud and the amount of financial loss. Second, the frauds were mostly perpetrated by middle-aged women in both managerial and nonmanagerial positions who displayed unusual behaviour but had no prior convictions. Third, small businesses are vulnerable to fraud in their billing, accounts payable, and payroll systems; thus, relevant prevention strategies are recommended. Overall, we conclude that the tendency for fraud is heightened in small businesses where trusted employees: have multiple responsibilities; have an occupational position that provides them with opportunity; are capable of manipulating online access; and have external pressures of addictions or adverse family circumstances. Our multiple cases approach facilitates a better understanding of the employee fraud contexts, including the motivation and the methods employed to commit such fraud in New Zealand.
A square function involving the center of mass and rectifiability
Authors: Villa Michele
Published: April 2022

For a Radon measure $$\mu $$
μ
on $$\mathbb {R}^d$$

R

d

, define $$C^n_\mu (x, t)= \left( \frac{1}{t^n} \left| \int _{B(x,t)} \frac{x-y}{t} \, d\mu (y)\right| \right) $$

C
μ
n

(
x
,
t
)

=

1

t
n

∫

B
(
x
,
t
)

x
-
y

t

d
μ

(
y
)

. This coefficient quantifies how symmetric the measure $$\mu $$
μ
is by comparing the center of mass at a given scale and location to the actual center of the ball. We show that if $$\mu $$
μ
is n-rectifiable, then $$\begin{aligned} \int _0^\infty |C^n_\mu (x,t)|^2 \frac{dt}{t}< \infty \mu \text{-almost } \text{ everywhere }. \end{aligned}$$

∫
0
∞

|

C
μ
n

(
x
,
t
)

|

2

dt

t

<
∞
μ
-almost

everywhere

.

Together with a previous result of Mayboroda and Volberg, where they showed that the converse holds true, this gives a new characterisation of n-rectifiability. To prove our main result, we also show that for an n-uniformly rectifiable measure, $$|C_\mu ^n(x,t)|^2 \frac{dt}{t}d\mu $$

|

C
μ
n

(
x
,
t
)

|

2

dt

t

d
μ

is a Carleson measure on $$\mathrm {spt}(\mu ) \times (0,\infty )$$

spt
(
μ
)
×
(
0
,
∞
)

. We also show that, whenever a measure $$\mu $$
μ
is 1-rectifiable in the plane, then the same Dini condition as above holds for more general kernels. We also give a characterisation of uniform 1-rectifiability in the plane in terms of a Carleson measure condition. This uses a classification of $$\Omega $$
Ω
-symmetric measures from Villa (Rev Mat Iberoam, 2019).
NMR measurement of biomolecular translational and rotational motion for evaluating changes of protein oligomeric state in solution
Authors: Yao Shenggen , Keizer David W. , Babon Jeffrey J. , Separovic Frances
Published: April 2022

Defining protein oligomeric state and/or its changes in solution is of significant interest for many biophysical studies carried out in vitro, especially when the nature of the oligomeric state is crucial in the subsequent interpretation of experimental results and their biological relevance. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a well-established methodology for the characterization of protein structure, dynamics, and interactions at the atomic level. As a spectroscopic method, NMR also provides a compelling means for probing both molecular translational and rotational motion, two predominant measures of effective molecular size in solution, under identical conditions as employed for structural, dynamic and interaction studies. Protein translational diffusion is readily measurable by pulse gradient spin echo (PGSE) NMR, whereas its rotational correlation time, or rotational diffusion tensor when its 3D structure is known, can also be quantified from NMR relaxation parameters, such as 15N relaxation parameters of backbone amides which are frequently employed for probing residue-specific protein backbone dynamics. In this article, we present an introductory overview to the NMR measurement of bimolecular translational and rotational motion for assessing changes of protein oligomeric state in aqueous solution, via translational diffusion coefficients measured by PGSE NMR and rotational correlation times derived from composite 15N relaxation parameters of backbone amides, without need for the protein structure being available.

Graphical abstract
Erstellung einer kollaborativen Arbeitsumgebung für die pandemiebedingte Online-Lehre — ein Praxisbericht
Authors: Tefke Tobias , Petri Elias , Staudemeyer Ralf C. , Kucza Timo
Published: April 2022

Durch die pandemische Lage sind viele Lehrangebote nicht in ihrer ursprünglichen Form durchführbar. Im hier vorgestellten Fall soll das Programmieren einer Hardware-Entwicklungsplattform für das Internet der Dinge (IoT) erlernt werden. Die Studierenden arbeiten in Arbeitsgruppen mit bis zu fünf Teilnehmern. In der dezentralen Lehre ist dies nur schwer umsetzbar. Im vorliegenden Fall hätten dann drei Geräte pro Teilnehmer ausgegeben werden müssen. Ein Austausch innerhalb der Projektgruppen war zunächst nur eingeschränkt per Videokonferenz möglich. Das fragliche IoT-Labor wurde deshalb in eine virtuelle Umgebung integriert, so dass dort in Gruppen programmiert werden kann, während die IoT-Hardware mittels Video in Echtzeit beobachtet wird. Die geschaffene Lehrumgebung vereint die Durchführung von Vorlesungen, Übungen, Tutorien und Arbeitsgruppentreffen. Die Möglichkeiten zur Interaktion erleichtern es den Studierenden unter anderem, während der Vorlesung in Kontakt miteinander zu treten.
Synthesis of smooth amorphous thin films of silicon carbide with controlled properties through pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Oujja Mohamed , Tabakkouht Karima , Sanz Mikel , Rebollar Esther , Sánchez-Arenillas María , Marco José F. , Castillejo Marta , de Nalda Rebeca
Published: April 2022

Thin films of silicon carbide (SiC) on Si (100) and SrTiO3 (100) substrates have been grown by nanosecond pulsed laser deposition (PLD) with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser operating at the wavelengths of 1064, 532 and 266 nm. The deposits obtained consisted of smooth and uniform layers of amorphous SiC, free of holes and cracks, with thicknesses in the range of 30–100 nm and average roughness substantially lower than 1 nm. The role of laser wavelength and of substrate temperature (300 K vs. 1025 K) on morphology, crystallinity and composition of the deposits was assessed. The films were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, micro-Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition, optical emission spectroscopy was employed to evaluate the characteristics of the ablation plasma and its correlation with the film growth.
Beyond the pedicle screw–a patent review
Authors: de Kater Esther P. , Sakes Aimée , Edström Erik , Elmi-Terander Adrian , Kraan Gerald , Breedveld Paul
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This review provides an overview of the patent literature on posteriorly placed intrapedicular bone anchors. Conventional pedicle screws are the gold standard to create a fixation in the vertebra for spinal fusion surgery but may lack fixation strength, especially in osteoporotic bone. The ageing population demands new bone anchors that have an increased fixation strength, that can be placed safely, and, if necessary, can be removed without damaging the surrounding tissue.

Methods

The patent search was conducted using a classification search in the Espacenet patent database. Only patents with a Cooperative Patent Classification of A61B17/70 or A61B17/7001 concerning spinal positioners and stabilizers were eligible for inclusion. The search query resulted in the identification of 731 patents. Based on preset inclusion criteria, a total of 56 unique patents on different anchoring methods were included, reviewed and categorized in this study.

Results

Five unique fixation methods were identified; (1) anchors that use threading, (2) anchors that utilize a curved path through the vertebra, (3) anchors that (partly) expand, (4) anchors that use cement and (5) anchors that are designed to initiate bone ingrowth. Of the anchor designs included in this study, eight had a corresponding commercial product, six of which were evaluated in clinical trials.

Conclusion

This review provides insights into worldwide patented intrapedicular bone anchors that aim to increase the fixation strength compared to the conventional pedicle screw. The identified anchoring methods and their working principles can be used for clinical decision-making and as a source of inspiration when designing novel bone anchors.
Use of prophylactic stoma mesh is a risk factor for developing rectus abdominis muscle atrophy
Authors: Täckström S. , Chabok A. , Smedh K. , Nikberg M.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible risk factors for developing a parastomal hernia (PSH) in a cohort of rectal cancer patients with and without the application of a retro-muscular prophylactic mesh. The evaluated risk factors included the position of the stoma in the rectus abdominis muscle (RAM), RAM atrophy and shift of abdominal wall midline structures.

Methods

Rectal cancer patients treated with an abdominoperineal excision or Hartmann’s procedure between 2002 and 2015 at Västmanland Hospital, Sweden was included. Postoperative CT examinations were retrospectively reviewed regarding the presence of PSH and RAM atrophy and for measurements such as position of the stoma in the RAM.

Results

116 patients were included, with a median age of 71 years. 70 patients received a prophylactic stoma mesh. 55 patients (47%) had a parastomal hernia at three-year follow-up. Rectus abdominis muscle atrophy was significantly higher in the mesh group compared with the non-mesh group (37% vs 2%; P = 0.04). RAM atrophy was a significant independent protective factor for developing a PSH (P = 0.007; OR 0.15; 95% CI 0.03–0.55).

Conclusion

Placement of a prophylactic retro-muscular stoma mesh resulted in a high frequency of RAM atrophy distal to the stomal aperture and patients with such atrophy had a lower risk of developing a PSH.
A novel probe for point injections in groundwater monitoring wells
Authors: Fahrmeier Nikolai , Goeppert Nadine , Goldscheider Nico
Published: April 2022

Groundwater monitoring wells or boreholes often show complex flow behaviors that are essential to understand for the characterization of aquifer systems. In karst or fractured aquifers, where complex conduit and/or fracture networks with differing hydraulic heads can be intersected by a well or borehole, vertical flow is highly probable. Single-borehole dilution tests (SBDT) with uniform injections are, in general, a good method to gain knowledge about a specific well or borehole, but tend to deliver ambiguous results regarding vertical flow, while SBDTs with point injections are an effective method to identify vertical flow. This technical note introduces a newly developed probe for point injections in groundwater without disturbing the natural flow field. In order to evaluate this probe, several tests were conducted in the laboratory and in groundwater monitoring wells that show vertical flow. During repeated tests in the laboratory, the new point injection probe showed a good reproducibility regarding the shape and extent of the tracer cloud after an injection. The opening mechanism was found to be well-functioning and reliable. Field tests lead to significant results for all tested wells and showed that the probe can easily be operated by a single person. Due to the flexibility regarding tracer, aquifer and injection depth, combined with the easy handling, it is a useful device, suitable for the investigation of boreholes and groundwater monitoring wells, and a good alternative to existing methods.
Habitat selection and density of common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) in Northern Italy: effects of land use cover and landscape configuration
Authors: Chiatante Gianpasquale , Meriggi Alberto
Published: April 2022

Knowing the ecology of game species is important to define sustainable hunting pressure and to plan management actions aimed to maintain viable populations. Common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is one of the main gamebird species in Europe and North America, despite its native range extending from the Caucasus to Eastern China. This research aimed to define the environmental variables shaping the spatial distribution of male pheasants and to estimate their breeding density in an agroecosystem of northern Italy. During the breeding season, 2015, we carried out 372 point counts with unlimited distances, randomly placed following a stratified sampling survey design. The habitat requirements of the pheasant were evaluated following a presence vs. availability approach, using environmental variables related to land use cover and landscape configuration. We built generalized linear models with a binary distribution, selecting variables following an information-theoretic approach. Densities were estimated through both conventional and multiple-covariate distance sampling. We estimated a density of 1.45 males/km2, with 4.26 males/km2 in suitable areas and 0.91 males/km2 in unsuitable ones. We found pheasants in areas with meadows and tree plantations, which were used to find food and refuges from predators and bad weather conditions. Similarly, woodlands have a positive effect on species occurrence, whereas arable lands were avoided, specifically maize and paddy fields. We found little evidence that landscape configuration affects pheasant occurrence. We found pheasants to be negatively affected by the length of edges between woodlands and arable lands, whereas edges between woodlands and grasslands seem to be beneficial for the species. These findings could help landscape and wildlife managers to plan habitat improvement actions useful to maintain self-sustaining populations of this species, by increasing cover of woodlands, meadows, and tree plantations.
Recent innovations in the LaRiMiT risk mitigation tool: implementing a novel methodology for expert scoring and extending the database to include nature-based solutions
Authors: Capobianco Vittoria , Uzielli Marco , Kalsnes Bjørn , Choi Jung Chan , Strout James Michael , von der Tann Loretta , Steinholt Ingar Haug , Solheim Anders , Nadim Farrokh , Lacasse Suzanne
Published: April 2022

This paper presents recent innovations implemented in the LaRiMiT (Landslide Risk Mitigation Toolbox) webtool. These include an innovative methodology for utilising experts’ scoring of landslide risk mitigation measures directly within the decision support tool, and updating of the tool’s database over structural measures to include many nature-based solutions (NBS) for mitigating landslide risk. Landslides are a common and treacherous natural hazard, and due to the effect of climate change on the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, climate-driven landslides are expected to become more frequent. This negative trend is a driving factor for developing decision-support solutions for risk mitigation, and the LaRiMiT toolbox and the expert scoring methodology presented in this article contribute to meeting these needs. Selecting suitable structural measures is complicated due to factors such as site-specific conditions, local knowledge and resources, socio-economic constraints, and environmental considerations. LaRiMiT uses user-input attributes of site-specific slope movements combined with expert scoring of the suitability of various mitigation solutions to identify and select appropriate mitigation measures from an extensive database of structural solutions. While the LaRiMiT database initially included only conventional (grey) solutions relying on traditional methods, it has been recently expanded to include nature-based solutions (NBS), which are sustainable techniques for managing erosion and mitigating shallow landslides using vegetation and the use of natural materials. NBS and conventional solutions can also be combined to provide hybrid solutions. The proposed methodology for implementing expert scoring is dynamic and iterative, consisting of statistical pooling of experts’ scores collected via online surveys, and consolidating these into an expert scoring utility embedded in the LaRiMiT web portal engine. An initial application of this methodology has been tested by surveying a set of landslides experts, mostly in Europe, and applying it to the structural measures database in the LaRiMiT tool. Although the number of experts in this initial application is limited, dynamic updating of the scoring allows the tool to continuously improve as additional experts contribute.
Neck Loads During Head-First Entries into Trampoline Dismount Foam Pits: Considerations for Trampoline Park Safety
Authors: Whyte Tom , Lind Edward , Richards Adam , Eager David , Bilston Lynne E. , Brown Julie
Published: April 2022

Serious cervical spine injuries have been documented from falls into foam pits at trampoline parks. To address the lack of evidence on how foam pits should be designed for mitigating neck injury risk, this study aimed to quantify neck loads during head-first entry into varying foam pit designs. An instrumented Hybrid III anthropomorphic test device was dropped head-first from a height of up to 1.5 m into three differently constructed foam pits, each using a different mechanism to prevent direct contact between the falling person and the floor (foam slab, trampoline or net bed). Measured neck loads were compared to published injury reference values. In the simplest, foam-only pit design, increasing foam depth tended to reduce peak compressive force. At least one injury assessment reference metric was exceeded in all pit conditions tested for 1.5 m falls, most commonly the time-dependent neck compression criterion. The results highlight the importance of adequate foam depth in combination with appropriate pit design in minimizing injury risk. The risk of cervical spine injury may not be reduced sufficiently with current foam pit designs.
The Association Between Puberty Timing and Body Mass Index in a Longitudinal Setting: The Contribution of Genetic Factors
Authors: Silventoinen Karri , Jelenkovic Aline , Palviainen Teemu , Dunkel Leo , Kaprio Jaakko
Published: April 2022

We analyzed the contribution of genetic factors on the association between puberty timing and body mass index (BMI) using longitudinal data and two approaches: (i) genetic twin design and (ii) polygenic scores (PGS) of obesity indices. Our data were derived from Finnish cohorts: 9080 twins had information on puberty timing and BMI and 2468 twins also had genetic data. Early puberty timing was moderately associated with higher BMI in childhood in both boys and girls; in adulthood these correlations were weaker and largely disappeared after adjusting for childhood BMI. The largest proportion of these correlations was attributable to genetic factors. The higher PGSs of BMI and waist circumference were associated with earlier timing of puberty in girls, whereas weaker associations were found in boys. Early puberty is not an independent risk factor for adult obesity but rather reflects the association between puberty timing and childhood BMI contributed by genetic predisposition.
Enhancing Police Efficiency in Detecting Crime in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong Gabriel T. W. , Manning Matthew
Published: April 2022

In this study we examine how the process of crime detection by frontline and investigative police can be modified so that the same level of policing inputs (i.e. police strength) can produce more outcomes (i.e. crime detection rate). A pooled frontier analysis method is used to measure the relative efficiency of 18 police districts in Hong Kong from 2007 to 2015 (n = 18 districts × 9 years = 162 decision making units (DMUs)), demonstrating variable returns-to-scale. Findings reveal that 95 of the 162 DMUs were found to be inefficient compared to the benchmark DMUs (those police districts identified by the Free Disposable Hull (FDH) approach as efficient) with an average FDH efficiency score of 95.37 out of a possible score of 100. Efficient districts provide an exemplar on how an inefficient district could achieve an optimal input–output translation for the detection of crime. This evidence can be used to shape police policy at the district level. This study represents the first frontier analysis of police efficiency in the detection of crime in Hong Kong using the most recent efficiency technique. We produce evidence that can inform police policy regarding the deployment of finite resources that improve the efficiency of detection without compromising other institutional targets.
MICAR: multi-inhabitant context-aware activity recognition in home environments
Authors: Arrotta Luca , Bettini Claudio , Civitarese Gabriele
Published: April 2022

The sensor-based recognition of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) in smart-home environments enables several important applications, including the continuous monitoring of fragile subjects in their homes for healthcare systems. The majority of the approaches in the literature assume that only one resident is living in the home. Multi-inhabitant ADLs recognition is significantly more challenging, and only a limited effort has been devoted to address this setting by the research community. One of the major open problems is called data association, which is correctly associating each environmental sensor event (e.g., the opening of a fridge door) with the inhabitant that actually triggered it. Moreover, existing multi-inhabitant approaches rely on supervised learning, assuming a high availability of labeled data. However, collecting a comprehensive training set of ADLs (especially in multiple-residents settings) is prohibitive. In this work, we propose MICAR: a novel multi-inhabitant ADLs recognition approach that combines semi-supervised learning and knowledge-based reasoning. Data association is performed by semantic reasoning, combining high-level context information (e.g., residents’ postures and semantic locations) with triggered sensor events. The personalized stream of sensor events is processed by an incremental classifier, that is initialized with a limited amount of labeled ADLs. A novel cache-based active learning strategy is adopted to continuously improve the classifier. Our results on a dataset where up to 4 subjects perform ADLs at the same time show that MICAR reliably recognizes individual and joint activities while triggering a significantly low number of active learning queries.
Rights redistribution and COVID-19 lockdown policy
Authors: Garzarelli Giampaolo , Keeton Lyndal , Sitoe Aldo A.
Published: April 2022

What is the tenet upon which the public policy of lockdown by fiat experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic is based on? The work approaches this question about the rationale of the mandatory shelter-in-place policy as an interpersonal exchange of rights, but where the exchange occurs coercively instead of voluntarily. It compares, in positive political economy terms, the normative principles of utilitarianism and Rawlsianism, and shows that lockdown by fiat is a policy that is closer to a maximin equity criterion rather than to a utilitarian one. The work moreover shows, also with the aid of a thought experiment and with factual applications, that the fiat redistribution of rights to liberty in favor of rights to health—from those least affected to those most affected by COVID-19—is, in the main, a policy choice that is to be expected under certain constraints.
Influence of cerium oxide nanoparticles on dairy effluent nitrate and phosphate bioremediation
Authors: Salama Abeer M. , Behaery Moktar S. , Elaal Amira E. Abd , Abdelaal Ahmed
Published: April 2022

This study investigated, for the first time, the role of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) on dairy effluent nitrate and phosphate bioremediation using different inoculum sources. Two inoculum sources (wastewater and sludge) were obtained from the dairy wastewater treatment plant unit. A culture was prepared to be tested in the treatment of nitrate and phosphate effluent, and the role of CeO2 NPs was checked to be completely efficient after 5 days of incubation. The reduction efficiency of nitrate using sludge as inoculum source was improved up to 89.01% and 68.12% for phosphate compared to control. In the case of using wastewater as an inoculum source, the nitrate reduction was improved up to 83.30% and 87.75% for phosphate compared to control. The bacterial richness showed a significant variance (higher richness) between control and other samples. The optimal concentration of CeO2 NPs for inoculum richness and nitrate and phosphate reduction was (sludge: 1 × 10−10 ppm) and (wastewater: 1 × 10−12 ppm). The results revealed that CeO2 NPs could enhance the microbial growth of different inoculum sources that have a key role in dairy effluent nitrate and phosphate bioremediation.
Help-seeking for Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse: Experiences of Civilian Partners of UK Military Personnel
Authors: Alves-Costa Filipa , Lane Rebecca , Gribble Rachael , Taylor Anna , Fear Nicola T , MacManus Deirdre
Published: April 2022

There is evidence that Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse (IPVA) is more prevalent among military populations compared with civilian populations. However, there has been limited research into the help-seeking experiences of civilian victim-survivors who have experienced IPVA within relationships with military personnel. This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of, and barriers to, help-seeking for IPVA victimisation among civilian partners of military personnel in order to identify strategies to improve the management of IPVA both within the military and civilian sectors. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study design and used qualitative research methods. One-to-one telephone interviews were conducted with civilian victim-survivors (n = 25) between January and August 2018. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Three superordinate themes were derived: (1) Drivers to help-seeking; (2) Barriers to help-seeking; and (3) Experiences of services. The findings indicate difficulties in help-seeking for IPVA among civilian partners of military personnel due to stigma, fear, dependency, poor understanding of IPVA, lack of appropriate and timely support, and a perceived lack of victim support. Difficulties in help-seeking were perceived by participants to be amplified by military culture, public perceptions of the military, military protection of personnel and the lack of coordination between civilian and military judicial services. This study reinforces the need for a military specific Domestic Abuse strategy, identifies vulnerable groups and highlights a need for both increased awareness and understanding of IPVA within civilian and military services in order to provide adequate victim protection.
Hybrid flexible (HyFlex) teaching and learning: climbing the mountain of implementation challenges for synchronous online and face-to-face seminars during a pandemic
Authors: Detyna Michael , Sanchez-Pizani Rodrigo , Giampietro Vincent , Dommett Eleanor J. , Dyer Kyle
Published: April 2022

In 2020, King’s College London introduced HyFlex teaching as a means to supplement online and face-to-face teaching and to respond to Covid-19 restrictions. This enabled teaching to a mixed cohort of students (both online and on campus). This article provides an outline of how such an approach was conceptualized and implemented in a higher-education institution during an intense three-month period over that summer and prior to the limited re-opening of the university campus. This was a new approach that offers a number of pointers for reflection and provides key insights in on this novel learning environment and the physical and pedagogical contexts in which learning can occur. Technical implementation factors are detailed, along with both reflections on challenges and solutions. Pedagogical issues such as cognitive load, social presence, and resolving the issues of a cohort spread across two locations are discussed. While we should be mindful of the limitations of this relatively-specific research, and shouldn’t therefore over-extrapolate our findings, one key finding is that delivering Hyflex is associated with a higher cognitive load. Further, the audio quality of our implementation enhanced the feeling of presence in the learning environment. We recommend providing appropriate technical and pedagogical training, as well as audio-visual and digital education support.