bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Memristors with Biomaterials for Biorealistic Neuromorphic Applications
Authors: Xu Jiaqi , Zhao Xiaoning , Zhao Xiaoli , Wang Zhongqiang , Tang Qingxin , Xu Haiyang , Liu Yichun
Published: August 2022

Electronic devices with biomaterials have paved a way toward “green electronics” to create a sustainable future. Memristors are drawing growing attention with integrated sensing, memory, and computing for future artificial intelligence applications. Biomaterial is an emerging class of memristive materials (the device is called as biomemristor) for transient and/or biodegradable purpose. Importantly, several unique features such as faithful synaptic behaviors, bimodal switching, and biovoltage operations are observed in biomemristors. Moreover, the biomemristors are suitable for human‐related applications due to the inherent biocompatibility of biomaterials and flexibility of the device with ultrathin thickness. These features make the biomemristors promising for biorealistic neuromorphic applications. Herein, the state of the art of biomemristors are comprehensively summarized and systematically discussed with particular attention on their unique biorealistic features. Challenges and prospects toward the further development of biomemristors are also provided and discussed.
Radiolysis of Electrolytes in Batteries: A Quick and Efficient Screening Process for the Selection of Electrolyte‐Additive Formulations
Authors: Levieux‐Souid Yanis , Martin Jean‐Frédéric , Moreau Philippe , Herlin‐Boime Nathalie , Le Caër Sophie
Published: August 2022

Understanding aging phenomena in batteries is crucial to the design of efficient, safe, and reliable energy storage devices as a part of the current green energy transition. Among the different aspects of a battery, the behavior of the electrolyte is a key parameter. Therefore, screening the aging characteristics of different electrolytes is of major interest. However, few screening studies exist because these are time‐consuming and require the monitoring of numerous charge and discharge cycles. It has been demonstrated here that radiation chemistry, i.e., the interaction between ionizing radiation and matter, is a valuable tool to screen the behavior of various electrolytes within a few hours. Indeed, the rapid radiolysis of electrolytes leads to the production of the same gases as produced by electrochemical cycling (i.e., H2, CO2), and the ranking of electrolytes by their H2 production yields similar performance ratings to those reported in the literature. Therefore, this direct comparison of electrolytes alone, lasting a few hours without any manufacturing operations such as the fabrication of electrochemical cells, demonstrates that controlled irradiation makes it possible to predict battery cycling behavior. Additionally, mechanisms involved in the degradation processes of different electrolytes are proposed.
Vertebrate predation in the Late Devonian evidenced by bite traces and regurgitations: implications within an early tetrapod freshwater ecosystem
Authors: Robin Ninon , Noirit Florian , Chevrinais Marion , Clément Gaël , Olive Sébastien
Published: August 2022

The terrestrialization process by vertebrates occurred during the Devonian period, with fully land‐dwelling tetrapods recorded in the Carboniferous. Thus, the Late Devonian is an important period for deciphering the ecological pressures that applied during the water‐to‐land transition. Higher predation pressures in the underwater environment have been suggested as an influential biotic evolutionary factor in this key habitat shift. Direct evidence of ancient predation on Palaeozoic vertebrates is seen in the form of rare traces preserved on fossils, and these range from trauma observed on the skeleton (such as attack marks) to ingested food remains (bromalites). The late Famennian freshwater ecosystem of Strud (Belgium) consists of a rich assemblage of many coeval gnathostomes or jawed fishes (placoderms, ‘acanthodians’, actinopterygians, and various sarcopterygian groups including tetrapods). Here we analyse the record of direct evidence for predation in the Strud vertebrate fossil assemblage. We recognize 12 regurgitalites and 13 bite traces, including a rare case of a tooth embedded in its original prey body target. Fossils from regurgitalites were imaged using scanning electron microscopy and chemically analysed to test for their possible ingestion signature by comparison with other isolated skeletal remains from the same locality. From this evidence, tristichopterid tetrapodomorphs are inferred to be the highest consumers of the trophic network, targeting small placoderms, and porolepiforms, and probably congeners. We observe two possible prey patterns in regurgitalites, for sarcopterygians and actinopterygians, both of which are associated with acanthodians. In Strud, no trophic position can be deduced for tetrapods from direct fossil evidence of predation.
Schlanke Stadiondachkonstruktion – Die neue Spielstätte des SC Freiburg
Authors: Peter Boris , Oppe Matthias , Riederer Jochen , Müller Thomas , Walach Raphael
Published: August 2022

Die Stadt Freiburg und der Fußballverein SC Freiburg haben ein neues Stadion sowie angrenzende Trainingsplätze und ein Verwaltungsgebäude mit identitätsstiftender Architektur errichtet. Dabei stand das gemeinsame Erlebnis für die Fans neben der klaren Architektursprache von Beginn an im Mittelpunkt. Das Stadion besitzt eine rechteckige Grundform mit einem umlaufenden Massivbau für die Tribünen sowie ein dreistöckiges Verwaltungsgebäude, welches in das Stadion integriert ist. Das gesamte Stadion wird durch eine Stahldachkonstruktion mit einer Grundfläche von 24.000 m2 überdacht. Das Dachtragwerk des Stadions ist als Stahlfachwerkkonstruktion mit knapp 44 m langen und weit auskragenden, geschweißten Hauptfachwerkträgern geplant. Mit seinen rundum laufenden diagonalen Stützen, welche die Zugkräfte in den Baugrund einleiten, ist die neue Spielstätte des SC Freiburg schon von außen ein echter Hingucker.
New conceptual approaches to cognition in systems engineering: applying the 4 E's of cognition
Authors: Rao Vikram M , Francis Royce A
Published: August 2022

This paper presents novel approaches to investigate aspects of cognition in organization and team‐based decision making. The authors draw on recent literature in team and organizational learning, cognition, behavior, knowledge management, macrocognition, and human factors to support this approach. The authors discuss five novel cognitive approaches based on this literature. The authors draw parallels with the philosophical “4E cognition” of organism model, which describes four types of cognition present in organisms. The authors note that previous literature has discussed analogous behavior between organizations and organisms, and that organizations can be described as complex systems mimicking organism structure and behavior. The authors discuss applications of these approaches in systems engineering contexts, including complex system design, decision making, and knowledge management that future research should pursue.
(Il)Legitimating Filipino Teachers' English on Webpages for Japanese Learners of English
Authors: Morikawa Tomoaki , Parba Jayson
Published: August 2022

Recent studies indicate that many foreign students now choose to go to the Philippines for university and language education. In this paper, we examine how Filipino Teachers' English (FTE) is represented on English language schools' webpages to market the Philippines as an alternative destination for acquiring “good” English among Japanese nationals. By examining a combination of online texts, photos, and videos through the lens of multimodal discourse analysis, we found that FTE is often presented as affordable and native‐like or somewhat akin to American English. While on the surface the shift of focus to the Philippines as a place for English education may appear to dismantle Japanese learners' strong preference for native speakers of English, the schools reinforce the hierarchization of English by invoking American English and/or native‐speakerist ideals. In short, FTE is promoted as a desirable option because it can pass as native‐like and is affordable. Unlike the less prestigious varieties of English spoken by the majority of Filipinos, which are implicitly stigmatized as impure and therefore inferior and undesirable, FTE is constructed as high quality at low cost. Through this representation, English language schools in the Philippines participate in the complex process of legitimating and illegitimating Philippine English, while at the same time reinforcing the hierarchization of English and the ideology of native speakerness.
Rapid review of the front‐of‐pack labelling schemes in Thailand
Authors: Suya Inthira , Lorenzetti Lara , Lebrun Victoria , Poowanasatien Amphika , Jones Alexandra , Pettigrew Simone , Bhatia Tazeem , Kantachuvesiri Surasak , Hanbunjerd Krisada , Vijitsoonthornkul Kamolthip , Yuan Mymai , Saenyakul Pimpanitta , Kowal Paul
Published: August 2022

Thailand has used front‐of‐pack labelling (FoPL) policies to support its public health objectives of improving consumer nutrition to reduce the risk of noncommunicable disease. A rapid literature review explored the current types of FoPL systems in Thailand and how they are understood by consumers. Twelve studies were included, most of which examined the mandatory Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) label. Evidence showed gaps in consumer comprehension of the GDA—consistent with international literature demonstrating the GDA is not as effective at improving identification and choice of healthier foods as interpretive labels. Thai consumers reported somewhat better comprehension when colors or text were added to the GDA. Thai stakeholders should consider supplementing or replacing the GDA with one of the newer FoPL systems shown to be more effective in other countries. More rigorous research is necessary to ensure potential FoPL schemes have intended effects among Thai consumers to inform policy action.
Does prey scarcity increase the risk of wolf attacks on domestic dogs?
Authors: Kojola Ilpo , Hallikainen Ville , Kübarsepp Marko , Männil Peep , Tikkunen Mari , Heikkinen Samuli
Published: August 2022

Gray wolf Canis lupus predation on domestic dogs Canis familiaris is a considerable wolf–human conflict issue in several regions of Europe and North America but it has not been well documented in the scientific literature. Livestock depredations by wolves may be related to the abundance of wild prey. Regardless of the presumed motivations of wolves for attacking dogs (likely due to interference competition and predation), the abundance of wild prey populations may also influence the risk of wolf attacks on dogs. We examined whether the annual number of fatal attacks by wolves on dogs was related to the abundance of primary prey, including wild boar Sus scrofa and roe deer Capreolus capreolus in Estonia, as well as the abundance of moose Alces alces in Finland. Statistical models resulted in significant negative relationships, thus providing evidence that the risk of attacks in both house yards (Estonia) and hunting situations (Finland) was highest when the density of wild prey was low. Wild ungulates cause damage to agriculture and forestry, but they seem to mitigate conflicts between wolves and humans; therefore, it is necessary to develop a holistic, multispecies management approach in which the importance of wild ungulates for large carnivore conservation is addressed.
Open Schools in Developing Countries
Authors: Jha Jyotsna , Ghatak Neha
Published: August 2022

This chapter examines the reach and experiences of virtual and Open and Distance Learning (ODL)-based education in the context of developing countries with high socioeconomic inequalities and highly uneven access to literacy and technology, through a study of the ODL experience in India. Using the perspective of inclusiveness, the chapter first examines the available evidence related to the virtual schooling experiences during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic made virtual schooling suddenly a reality in the entire country, as has been the case in most parts of the globe. It then moves to analyze the available evidence with regards to the existing ODL-based system in India, which also happens to be one of the largest in terms of the numbers covered through this mode in the world. Based on these analyses, the chapter identified three kinds of thresholds: access related, learning related and systems related, to outline the prerequisites for the success of virtual or open schooling, especially from the perspective of those who belong to educationally disadvantages groups or locations and face marginalization of some kind. While arguing for making the ODL-based education far more inclusive and responsive to specific disadvantages, the chapter recognizes the need for the mainstream regular school system to become more flexible and open by learning form the ODL-based education system. Finally, the chapter argues for the need for adopting a proactive and layered learner support approach in order to ensure that virtual teaching actually leads to meaningful learning.
Quantum simulation of chiral phase transitions
Authors: Czajka Alexander M. , Kang Zhong-Bo , Ma Henry , Zhao Fanyi
Published: August 2022

Abstract

The Nambu–Jona-Lasinio (NJL) model has been widely studied for investigating the chiral phase structure of strongly interacting matter. The study of the thermodynamics of field theories within the framework of Lattice Field Theory is limited by the sign problem, which prevents Monte Carlo evaluation of the functional integral at a finite chemical potential. Using the quantum imaginary time evolution (QITE) algorithm, we construct a quantum simulation for the (1 + 1) dimensional NJL model at finite temperature and finite chemical potential. We observe consistency among digital quantum simulation, exact diagonalization and analytical solution, indicating further applications of quantum computing in simulating QCD thermodynamics.
Der Kongress Armut und Gesundheit 2022 vor dem Hintergrund der aktuellen Krisen
Authors: Janella Maren , Amler Marion , Bollmann Julian , Böhme Nicole , Czernik Claudia , Martin Marina , Waldhauer Julia
Published: August 2022

Der Kongress Armut und Gesundheit wird seit 1995 jährlich von Gesundheit Berlin-Brandenburg e. V. in Zusammenarbeit mit verschiedenen Kooperationspartner*innen ausgerichtet. Inzwischen gehört er zu den größten regelmäßig stattfindenden Public-Health-Veranstaltungen in Deutschland. Der Kongress versteht sich als eine Plattform für den Austausch zwischen Wissenschaft, Praxis, Zivilgesellschaft und Politik. Unter dem Motto „Was jetzt zählt“ wurden in diesem Jahr Aspekte gesundheitlicher Ungleichheit und Public-Health-relevante Fragestellungen vor allem vor dem Hintergrund der COVID-19-Pandemie und des Krieges in der Ukraine diskutiert. In über 100 digitalen Veranstaltungen mit mehr als 2000 Teilnehmenden, darunter ca. 500 Referierenden, fand ein vielfältiger Austausch statt.
Human-Biomonitoring für Europa (HBM4EU) – erste Einblicke in die Ergebnisse der Initiative
Authors: Weise Philipp , Apel Petra , Kolossa-Gehring Marike
Published: August 2022

Beim Human-Biomonitoring wird die innere Schadstoffbelastung des Menschen aus verschiedenen Quellen wie Nahrung, Alltagsgegenständen oder Atemluft erfasst, indem z. B. Blut und Urin analysiert werden. Um das Human-Biomonitoring in Europa zu fördern und zu koordinieren, wurde 2017 das Projekt „Human-Biomonitoring für Europa“ (HBM4EU) begonnen, an dem sich 30 Länder, die Europäische Umweltagentur und die Europäische Kommission beteiligt haben. Im Juni 2022 wurde das Projekt abgeschlossen.

Vergleichbare und zuverlässige Belastungsdaten konnten für eine breite Palette von Umweltchemikalien erfasst und einheitlich bewertet werden. Weitere wichtige Erfolge der Initiative waren die Etablierung eines Kontrollprogramms zur Qualitätssicherung, ein Konzept zur Vereinheitlichung zukünftiger HBM-Studien, eine gemeinsame Strategie zur Ableitung von gesundheitsbezogenen Beurteilungswerten (HBM Guidance Values – HBM-GVs) und die Einrichtung nationaler Gremien. Die gewonnenen Belastungsdaten sind über die Informationsplattform für die Überwachung von Chemikalien (IPCHEM) und das EU HBM-Dashboard zugänglich. Publikationen sind über die HBM4EU-Onlinebibliothek frei verfügbar.

Insgesamt zeigen die Ergebnisse, dass die Belastungen der EU-Bevölkerung für viele Chemikalien wie etwa Phthalate und perfluorierte Alkylsubstanzen (PFAS) zu hoch sind und weiterhin Handlungsbedarf seitens der Politik besteht. Das im Projekt HBM4EU generierte Wissen kann die politischen Entscheidungsträger:innen bei der Verbesserung der Chemikalien‑, Umwelt- und Gesundheitspolitik unterstützen.
Versorgungssituation von CIDP-Patienten in neun deutschen Zentren des Neuritis Netzes
Authors: Fisse Anna Lena , Motte Jeremias , Grüter Thomas , Kohle Felix , Kronlage Cornelius , Stahl Jan-Hendrik , Winter Natalie , Seeliger Tabea , Gingele Stefan , Stascheit Frauke , Hotter Benjamin , Klehmet Juliane , Kummer Karsten , Enax-Krumova Elena K. , Sturm Dietrich , Skripuletz Thomas , Schmidt Jens , Yoon Min-Suk , Pitarokoili Kalliopi , Lehmann Helmar C. , Grimm Alexander ,   Mitglieder des Neuritis Netz, Pitarokoili Kalliopi , Motte Jeremias , Fisse Anna Lena , Grüter Thomas , Klehmet Juliane , Stascheit Frauke , Hotter Benjamin , Yoon Min-Suk , Sevindik Melis , Ismael Dilovan , Lehmann Helmar , Kohle Felix , Svačina Martin , Schneider Christian , Zschüntzsch Jana , Hasanov Kanan , Kummer Karsten , Zeng Rachel , Glaubitz Stefanie , Meyer Stefanie , Schmidt Karsten , Skripuletz Thomas , Gingele Stefan , Seeliger Tabea , Sturm Dietrich , Enax-Krumova Elena , Schmidt Jens , Grimm Alexander , Winter Natalie , Kronlage Cornelius , Stahl Jan-Hendrik
Published: August 2022

Hintergrund

Die Diagnose und Behandlung von Patienten mit immunvermittelten Polyneuropathien ist aufgrund der Heterogenität der Erkrankungen herausfordernd.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ein aktueller epidemiologischer Überblick über die Versorgungssituation von Patienten mit immunvermittelten Polyneuropathien innerhalb des deutschen Neuritis-Netzwerks „Neuritis Netz“.

Material und Methoden

Es erfolgte eine Umfrage in neun deutschen neurologischen Zentren, die auf die Betreuung von Patienten mit Immunneuropathie spezialisiert sind. Wir erfassten Diagnose, Vorgehen in der Diagnostik und Nachsorge, typische Symptome bei Manifestation und im Krankheitsverlauf sowie Therapiedaten.

Ergebnisse

Die Erhebung umfasst Daten von 1529 jährlich behandelten Patienten mit Immunneuropathien, 1320 davon mit chronisch inflammatorisch demyelinisierender Polyneuropathie (CIDP). Die Diagnostik umfasste fast immer Lumbalpunktionen sowie Elektroneuro- und -myografien entsprechend den aktuellen Leitlinien. Der Einsatz von Ultraschall, Biopsie und MRT war unterschiedlich. Wichtigster klinischer Parameter zum Therapiemonitoring in allen Zentren war die motorische Funktion in den klinischen Nachuntersuchungen. Zur Erhaltungstherapie wurde bei rund 15 % der Patienten ein breites Spektrum unterschiedlicher Immunsuppressiva eingesetzt.

Diskussion

Die Studie liefert wichtige epidemiologische Daten zur aktuellen Versorgungsituation von Patienten mit Immunneuropathien in Deutschland. Die Weiterentwicklung spezifischer Empfehlungen zur Therapie und Nachverfolgung von CIDP-Patienten ist notwendig, um einen einheitlichen Standard der Patientenversorgung zu gewährleisten. Dieses wird durch die strukturierte Zusammenarbeit von Exzellenzzentren wie dem deutschen Neuritis Netz erheblich unterstützt.
“Cost-effectiveness of ACL treatment is dependent on age and activity level: a systematic review”
Authors: Deviandri R. , van der Veen H. C. , Lubis A. M. T. , van den Akker-Scheek I. , Postma M. J.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To systematically review the literature on health-economic evaluations of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury between reconstruction surgery (ACLR) and non-operative treatment (NO) and suggest the most cost-effective strategy between the two.

Methods

All economic studies related to ACLR versus NO post-ACL injury, either trial based or model based, published until April 2022, were identified using PubMed and Embase. The methodology of the health-economic analysis for each included study was categorized according to the four approaches: cost-minimization analysis (CMA), cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), cost–benefit analysis (CBA), and cost-utility analysis (CUA). The quality of each included study was assessed using the Consensus on Health Economic Criteria (CHEC) list.

Results

Of the seven included studies, two compared the strategies of early ACLR and NO alone, and five compared early ACLR and NO with optional delayed ACLR. All studies performed a CUA, and one study performed a CBA additionally. The CHEC scores of the included studies can be considered good, ranging from 15 to 18 from a maximum of 19. Applying the common standard threshold of $50,000 per QALY, six studies in young people with high-activity levels or athletes showed that early ACLR would be preferred over either NO alone or delayed ACLR. Of six studies, two even showed early ACLR to be the dominant strategy over either NO alone or delayed ACLR, with per-patient cost savings of $5,164 and $1,803 and incremental per-patient QALY gains of 0.18 and 0.28, respectively. The one study in the middle-aged people with a moderate activity level showed that early ACLR was not more cost-effective than delayed ACLR, with ICER $101,939/QALY using the societal perspective and ICER $63,188/QALY using the healthcare system perspective.

Conclusion

Early ACLR is likely the more cost-effective strategy for ACL injury cases in athletes and young populations with high-activity levels. On the other hand, non-operative treatment with optional delayed ACLR may be the more cost-effective strategy in the middle age population with moderate activity levels.

Level of evidence

Systematic review of level III studies.
Failure mode classification for condition-based maintenance in a bearing ring grinding machine
Authors: Ahmer Muhammad , Sandin Fredrik , Marklund Pär , Gustafsson Martin , Berglund Kim
Published: August 2022

Technical failures in machines are major sources of unplanned downtime in any production and result in reduced efficiency and system reliability. Despite the well-established potential of Machine Learning techniques in condition-based maintenance (CBM), the lack of access to failure data in production machines has limited the development of a holistic approach to address machine-level CBM. This paper presents a practical approach for failure mode prediction using multiple sensors installed in a bearing ring grinder for process control as well as condition monitoring. Bearing rings are produced in a set of 7 experimental runs, including 5 frequently occurring production failures in the critical subsystems. An advanced data acquisition setup, implemented for CBM in the grinder, is used to capture information about each individual grinding cycle. The dataset is pre-processed and segmented into grinding cycle stages before time and frequency domain feature extraction. A sensor ranking algorithm is proposed to optimize feature selection for failure classification and the installation cost. Random forest models, benchmarked as best performing classifiers, are trained in a two-step classification framework. The presence of failure mode is predicted in the first step and the failure mode type is identified in the second step using the same feature set. Defining the feature set in the failure detection step improves the predictor generalization with the classifiers’ performance accuracy of$$99\%$$99%on the test dataset. The presented approach demonstrates an efficient failure mode classification by selecting crucial sensors resulting in a cost-effective CBM implementation in a bearing ring grinder.
The dynamical motion of a rolling cylinder and its stability analysis: analytical and numerical investigation
Authors: Amer W. S.
Published: August 2022

The present paper addresses the dynamical motion of two degrees-of-freedom (DOF) auto-parametric system consisting of a connected rolling cylinder with a damped spring. This motion has been considered under the action of an excitation force. Lagrange's equations from second kind are utilized to obtain the governing system of motion. The uniform approximate solutions of this system are acquired up to higher order of approximation using the technique of multiple scales in view of the abolition of emerging secular terms. All resonance cases are characterized, and the primary and internal resonances are examined simultaneously to set up the corresponding modulation equations and the solvability conditions. The time histories of the amplitudes, modified phases, and the obtained solutions are graphed to illustrate the system's motion at any given time. The nonlinear stability approach of Routh–Hurwitz is used to examine the stability of the system, and the different zones of stability and instability are drawn and discussed. The characteristics of the nonlinear amplitude for the modulation equations are investigated and described, as well as their stabilities. The gained results can be considered novel and original, where the methodology was applied to a specific dynamical system.
Autologous microfragmented adipose tissue and leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma combined with hyaluronic acid show comparable clinical outcomes for symptomatic early knee osteoarthritis over a two-year follow-up period: a prospective randomized clinical trial
Authors: Gobbi Alberto , Dallo Ignacio , D’Ambrosi Riccardo
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this prospective randomized clinical trial is to compare the clinical outcomes of three injections of leucocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (LP-PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) to a single dose of autologous microfragmented adipose tissue (AMAT) in patients with mild osteoarthritis at a two-year follow-up.

Methods

Eighty symptomatic knees in fifty patients (mean age: 62.38 ± 11.88 years) with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 0 to 2 osteoarthritis were non blinded, randomly allocated into two equal groups. Group 1 consisted of 40 knees that received autologous LP-PRP + HA; Group 2 consisted of 40 knees treated with a single dose of AMAT injection. The outcomes were measured by Tegner, Marx, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, International Knee Documentation Committee, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at 6 (T1), 12 (T2), and 24 (T3) months. Adverse events were recorded at each follow-up timepoint. To assess score differences among subjects of the same gender and age, a subgroup analysis was performed.

Results

Both groups had significant clinical and functional improvement at 6, 12, and 24 months (p < 0.05). Comparing the two groups, the AMAT groups showed significantly higher pre-operative Marx score (3.35 ± 4.91 vs. 1.78 ± 3.91) and VAS score (5.03 ± 2.02 vs. 3.85 ± 1.68) (p < 0.05), higher VAS (3.89 ± 2.51 vs. 2.64 ± 2.00) at T2 and KOOS-ADL (79.60 ± 20.20 vs. 65.68 ± 23.62), and lower KOOS-Sports (50.30 ± 30.15 vs. 68.35 ± 30.39) at T3 (p < 0.05). No patient from either group had experienced major adverse effects. In the LP-PRP group 12 (30%) patients presented swelling, redness, and mild pain for one day after injection and two patients had synovitis for two days and required paracetamol and local ice. In AMAT group 5 (12.5%) patients had ecchymosis and bruising at the fat aspiration site for three days.

Conclusion

AMAT did not show significant superior clinical improvement compared with three LP-PRP combined with HA injections in terms of functional improvement at different follow-up points. Both procedures were safe with no major complications reporting good results at mid-term follow-up, improving knee function, pain, and quality of live regardless of age and gender.

Level of evidence

Level I—Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial.
How do requirements evolve during elicitation? An empirical study combining interviews and app store analysis
Authors: Ferrari Alessio , Spoletini Paola , Debnath Sourav
Published: August 2022

Requirements are elicited from the customer and other stakeholders through an iterative process of interviews, prototyping, and other interactive sessions. Then, requirements can be further extended, based on the analysis of the features of competing products available on the market. Understanding how this process takes place can help to identify the contribution of the different elicitation phases, thereby allowing requirements analysts to better distribute their resources. In this work, we empirically study in which way requirements get transformed from initial ideas into documented needs, and then evolve based on the inspiration coming from similar products. To this end, we select 30 subjects that act as requirements analysts, and we perform interview-based elicitation sessions with a fictional customer. After the sessions, the analysts produce a first set of requirements for the system. Then, they are required to search similar products in the app stores and extend the requirements, inspired by the identified apps. The requirements documented at each step are evaluated, to assess to which extent and in which way the initial idea evolved throughout the process. Our results show that only between 30% and 38% of the requirements produced after the interviews include content that can be fully traced to initial customer’s ideas. The rest of the content is dedicated to new requirements, and up to 21% of it belongs to completely novel topics. Furthermore, up to 42% of the requirements inspired by the app stores cover additional features compared to the ones identified after the interviews. The results empirically show that requirements are not elicited in strict sense, but actually co-created through interviews, with analysts playing a crucial role in the process. In addition, we show evidence that app store-inspired elicitation can be particularly beneficial to complete the requirements.
Standardized suturing can prevent slackening or bursting suture lines in midline abdominal incisions and defects
Authors: Lesch C. , Uhr K. , Vollmer M. , Raschidi R. , Nessel R. , Kallinowski F.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Incisional hernias often follow open abdominal surgery. A small-stitch–small-bite suture might close the incision durably. We analyzed specific details of this closure technique and assessed their influence on the closure stability.

Methods

The effects of cyclic loads, simulating coughs were investigated on a bench test. We prepared porcine bellies in the median line and bovine flanks parallel to the muscle fibers with 15 cm long incisions. Then we punched round or rhomboid defects with a diameter of 5–10 cm into the center of the incision. Monomax® 2–0 and Maxon® 1 and 2–0 were used as suture materials. We tested the durability of the closure with pressure impacts of 210 mmHg repeated 425 times. Throughout the experiments, we modified the suturing technique, the surgeon, the tissue tension, the defect size and shape and the suture diameter.

Results

Standardizing the suture technique improved the durability of the closure significantly. Any other variations showed minor influences after standardization. All incisions with round defects up to 7.5 cm width withstood 425 impacts using standardized suturing. Unstandardized sutures failed in all cases. When closing an incision with a 10 cm wide defect, the tissues ruptured frequently next to the suture line. We defined criteria to standardize this suturing technique. For the first time, we developed a suture factor related to the durability of a sutured tissue closure. We integrated the suture factor into the concept of biomechanically durable repairs.

Conclusions

Suturing the abdominal wall with a standardized suturing technique improves its durability significantly.
Calcification patterns of Rivularia-type cyanobacteria: examples from the Miocene of the North Alpine Foreland Basin
Authors: Willmer Bernd J. , Rasser Michael W.
Published: August 2022

During the Middle Miocene, an extensive lake district existed along the southern margin of today’s Swabian Alb (Baden–Württemberg). Sediments include a wide range from marls to pure carbonates of lacustrine and palustrine origin that contain microbialites studied here. These sediments are part of the Obere Süßwassermolasse known as Silvana Beds. Macroscopically the studied microbialites show a distinctive layering with an alternation of whitish and tan-colored layers. Petrographic thin sections as well as SEM studies reveal a microstructure of the microbialites comprising an unbranched filament zone formed by erect and parallel calcified filaments as well as a zone of branching filaments forming shrubs of the Dichothrix morphotype. We define two patterns of mineralization for the studied microbialites: (1) shape-retentive mineralization: successive carbonate precipitation along the filament surface. (2) shape-obscuring mineralization: clusters of clotted micritic precipitates along and within the vicinity of micro-sparitic tubules that probably represent remains of the former cyanobacterial sheaths.
Sponge holobionts shift their prokaryotic communities and antimicrobial activity from shallow to lower mesophotic depths
Authors: Indraningrat Anak Agung Gede , Steinert Georg , Becking Leontine E. , Mueller Benjamin , de Goeij Jasper M. , Smidt Hauke , Sipkema Detmer
Published: August 2022

In this study, we used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to investigate prokaryotic community composition of the Caribbean spongesXestospongia mutaandAgelas sventresfrom three depth ranges: < 30 m (shallow), 30–60 m (upper mesophotic), and 60–90 m (lower mesophotic). The prokaryotic community in shallow samples ofX. mutawas enriched in Cyanobacteria, Chloroflexota, and Crenarchaeota compared to samples from mesophotic depths, while mesophotic samples ofX. mutawere enriched in Acidobacteriota. ForA. sventres, relative abundance of Acidobacteriota, Chloroflexota, and Gammaproteobacteria was higher in shallow samples, while Proteobacteria and Crenarchaeota were enriched in mesophoticA. sventressamples. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by screening crude extracts of sponges against a set of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, a yeast, and an oomycete. Antibacterial activities from crude extracts of shallow sponge individuals were generally higher than observed from mesophotic individuals, that showed limited or no antibacterial activities. Conversely, the highest anti-oomycete activity was found from crude extracts ofX. mutaindividuals from lower mesophotic depth, but without a clear pattern across the depth gradient. These results indicate that sponge-associated prokaryotic communities and the antimicrobial activity of sponges change within species across a depth gradient from shallow to mesophotic depth.
The impact of system contraction on the rural youth access to higher education in Poland
Authors: Antonowicz Dominik , Wasielewski Krzysztof , Domalewski Jarosław
Published: August 2022

This papers explores the impact of the contraction of the mass HE system (after 2005) on rural youth who represent the biggest disadvantages group in Polish higher education. It provides empirical evidence that the system contraction is the major reason for widening access for rural youth to public (prestigious) higher education institutions. By doing so, it challenges a long established assumption that the HE system expansion reduced inequalities in access to higher learning. Instead, we argue that it was the contraction of HE system that widely opened university campuses to those previously underrepresented. The most prestigious public universities become more inclusive and less selective only when the traditional pool of students was exhausted and a big number of state?s funded places needed to be filled.
Distinguishing Benign and Malignant Findings on [68 Ga]-FAPI PET/CT Based on Quantitative SUV Measurements
Authors: Dabir M. , Novruzov E. , Mattes-György K. , Beu M. , Dendl K. , Antke C. , Koerber S. A. , Röhrich M. , Kratochwil C. , Debus J. , Haberkorn U. , Giesel F. L.
Published: August 2022

Aim/Purpose

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is overexpressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts. However, activated fibroblasts have been shown to play a significant role also in certain benign conditions such as wound healing or chronic inflammation. Therefore, the current study aimed to identify whether FAPI uptake might differ between malignant lesions and benign conditions.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 155 patients with various cancer types who received [68 Ga]-FAPI-04/02-PET/CT between July 2017 and March 2020. SUVmax, SUVmean, and lesion-to-background ratios (LBR) of FAPI uptake were measured in benign processes compared to malignant lesions (primary and/or 2 exemplary metastases). In addition, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to compare the predictive capabilities of semiquantitative PET/CT parameters. Furthermore, the sensitivity, specificity, optimal cutoff value, and 95% confidence interval (CI) were determined for each parameter.

Results

Benign lesions exhibited significantly lower FAPI uptake compared to malignant lesions (mean SUVmax benign vs. malignant: 4.2 vs. 10.6; p < 0.001). In ROC analysis, cutoff values of these lesions (benign vs. malignant) were established based on SUVmax, SUVmean, and LBR. The SUVmax cutoff value for all lesions was 5.5 and the corresponding sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and AUC were 78.8%, 85.1%, 82.0%, and 0.89%, respectively.

Conclusion

Our aim was to systematically analyze the pattern of FAPI uptake in benign and malignant processes. This investigation demonstrates that FAPI uptake might be useful to differentiate malignant and benign findings due to different patho-physiological origins.
Fire-induced effects on the bioavailability of potentially toxic elements in a polluted agricultural soil: implications for Cr uptake by durum wheat plants
Authors: Rascio Ida , Gattullo Concetta Eliana , Porfido Carlo , Allegretta Ignazio , Spagnuolo Matteo , Tiziani Raphael , Celletti Silvia , Cesco Stefano , Mimmo Tanja , Terzano Roberto
Published: August 2022

Fire events can modify the distribution and speciation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soil, especially if they are associated to organic matter (OM). In fact, OM can undergo substantial structural modifications at high temperatures, up to the complete mineralization. The present study aims to investigate the changes of PTEs’ bioavailability to durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) plants after simulating fire events (up to 300 °C and 500 °C) in an agricultural soil polluted by Cr, Zn, Cu, and Pb. The PTEs’ uptake and allocation in plant tissues were assessed using the RHIZOtest system. After the fire simulations, no evident risk of accumulation and translocation in plants was observed for Zn, Pb, and Cu. Conversely, a high accumulation in roots and a significant translocation to shoots were observed for Cr, which reached concentrations of 829 mg kg−1 in roots and 52 mg kg−1 in shoots at 500 °C. Additional experimental evidence suggested that Cr was taken up by plants grown on heated soils as Cr(VI). Once acquired by roots, only a small part of Cr (up to 6%) was translocated to shoots where it was likely present as mobile forms, as evidenced by micro X-ray fluorescence (µ-XRF) analyses. Overall, the results obtained provide evidence that the high temperatures occurring during fire events can increase the mobility and bioavailability of certain PTEs transforming apparently safe environments into potentially dangerous sources of pollution. These processes can ultimately affect the human health through the food chain transfer of PTEs or their migration into surface water and groundwater.
Neuroimmune crosstalk and its impact on cancer therapy and research
Authors: Sharawy Iman
Published: August 2022

Cancer is a major health problem as it is the first or second leading cause of death worldwide. The global cancer burden is expected to rise 47% relative to 2020 cancer incidence. Recently, the fields of neuroscience, neuroimmunology and oncology have elaborated the neuroimmune crosstalk role in tumor initiation, invasion, progression, and metastases. The nervous system exerts a broad impact on the tumor microenvironment by interacting with a complex network of cells such as stromal, endothelial, malignant cells and immune cells. This communication modulates cancer proliferation, invasion, metastasis, induce resistance to apoptosis and promote immune evasion. This paper has two aims, the first aim is to explain neuroimmune crosstalk in cancer, tumor innervation origin and peripheral nervous system, exosomes, and miRNA roles. The second aim is to elaborate neuroimmune crosstalk impact on cancer therapy and research highlighting various potential novel strategies such as use of immune checkpoint inhibitors and anti-neurogenic drugs as single agents, drug repurposing, miRNA-based and si-RNA-based therapies, tumor denervation, cellular therapies, and oncolytic virus therapy.
Expanding Donor Heart Utilization Through Machine Perfusion Technologies
Authors: Villanueva Jeanette E. , Joshi Yashutosh , Emmanuel Sam , Gao Ling , Macdonald Peter S.
Published: August 2022

Purpose of Review

Recent advances in donor heart preservation have allowed the utilization of hearts that would typically be discarded due to prolonged ischemic times or donation via the circulatory death pathway. This review will discuss recent advances in donor heart preservation including optimization of machine perfusion technologies and future strategies of potential benefit for the donor heart and transplant outcomes.

Recent Findings

Improvements in organ preservation strategies have enabled retrieval of donor hearts that were not ideal for static cold storage. Machine perfusion (normothermic and hypothermic) and normothermic regional perfusion have ultimately expanded the donor pool for adult heart transplantation. Xenotransplantation has also incorporated machine perfusion for porcine donor heart preservation.

Traditional static cold storage is feasible for non-complex donors and transplants. Machine perfusion has enabled increased donor heart utilization however optimal preservation strategies are dependent on the donor criteria, predicted ischemic times and surgical complexity.
The Uses of the Outputs of the International Law Commission in International Adjudication: Subsidiary Means or Artefacts of Rules?
Authors: Lekkas Sotirios-Ioannis
Published: August 2022

This paper examines the methods which international courts and tribunals (ICTs) employ when using ILC outputs for the purpose of determining rules of international law and their content. Specifically, it identifies common patterns in the ways in which ICTs, first, justify their reliance on ILC outputs and, second, deal with their ambiguities. The paper argues in favour of a consistent methodology for the treatment of ILC outputs in international adjudication. Such a framework is based on the distinction between the identification of the status of a normative proposition contained in these texts and the determination of its content or its interpretation. The identification of the status of a normative proposition requires a critical assessment and reconstruction of the evidence leading up to its development taking also into account that these instruments are not a monolith from the perspective of sources. However, the interpretation of a proposition whose status is uncontested follows a line of inquiry akin to treaty interpretation. This observation has broader implications for the process of interpretation in international law. Specifically, apart from the context of treaty interpretation, international courts or tribunals interpret the normative propositions contained in ILC outputs as a methodological shortcut for the interpretation of rules of customary international law or general principles of law. Conversely, the employment of methods akin to treaty interpretation in this context can constitute evidence of the emergence of common rules, principles, or good practices of interpretation that are also applicable to unwritten international law.
Systematic review of measurement properties of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure in geriatric rehabilitation
Authors: de Waal Margot W. M. , Haaksma Miriam L. , Doornebosch Arno J. , Meijs Rimmie , Achterberg Wilco P.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) is used to inventory problems experienced by the patient to set goals and evaluate treatment. We aimed to make a systematic overview of measurement properties for people in geriatric rehabilitation.

Methods

Seven electronic databases were searched for psychometric studies investigating content validity, construct validity, responsiveness, or reliability of the COPM in geriatric rehabilitation populations aged ≥ 60 years. Two reviewers independently abstracted data and assessed methodological quality from included studies.

Results

Of 292 identified articles, 13 studies were included. The COPM showed good test–retest reliability (two studies), moderate inter-rater reliability (one study), and good content validity (one study with some risk of bias). Four studies with minimal risk of bias showed good construct validity as their hypotheses were confirmed. Responsiveness was moderate in three studies with adequate methodological quality.

Conclusion

All measurement properties have been studied in geriatric rehabilitation populations, and indicate that the COPM gives relevant information for geriatric rehabilitation, and scores can be assessed reliably and are responsive to change. Although there were many studies on construct validity, authors had different opinions on what exactly COPM-scores tell us, as they used a variety of comparator instruments and different hypotheses. Consensus on exact interpretation of the scores is needed.
Challenges and Opportunities of Green Propellants and Electric Pump Feeding for Future European Kick Stages
Authors: Ordonez Valles L. , Blondel Canepari L. , Apel U. , Tajmar M. , Pasini A.
Published: August 2022

This paper analyses the synergy between two innovative technologies: green propellants and electric pump feeding, for a 500 N engine thrust range. The novel approach is then compared to the legacy configuration, i.e., an MMH/NTO pressure fed system. First, a discussion of the benefits and challenges of the different technologies is presented. Subsequently, the proposed configuration relying on green propellants and e-pumps is investigated. After selecting hydrogen peroxide as the baseline oxidiser, a comparative analysis of different fuel candidates is conducted, leading to the selection of propane as fuel. Furthermore, the second part of the paper weights the novel configuration against the standard one and confronts their propulsive performance and mass budget. Results show that the implementation of electric pump feeding can leverage the performance of the selected green propellant outpacing the conventional solution.