bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low‐profile wideband four‐element MIMO array using Giuseppe Peano AMC surface with improved efficiency and isolation for WLAN systems
Authors: Malekpoor Hossein
Published: May 2023

A low profile four‐element multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) array of printed dipole antenna (PDA) backed by second iteration of Giuseppe Peano fractal artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) is introduced for broadband wireless communications. First, a suggested PDA with a pair of microstrip E‐shaped dipoles excited by an E‐shaped microstrip feedline is used to expand the bandwidth in the range of 5.47–6.92 GHz (S11 ≤ −10 dB). Then, the suggested 4 × 4 Giuseppe Peano fractal AMC reflector is loaded into the PDA to exhibit −10 dB measured impedance bandwidth from 4.21 to 7.06 GHz (50.61%) for wireless local area network (WLAN) and worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) applications. The proposed four‐element MIMO array loaded by 6 × 6 AMC reflector with diverse polarizations of elements introduces a low profile wideband structure. The measured results of four elements include the broad bandwidths from 4.3 to 7.05 GHz with enhanced gains (more than 8 dBi) and high efficiencies. The high isolations between the four elements with diverse polarizations are obtained larger than 26.5 dB and they reach 66 dB over the operating bandwidth for MIMO systems. The suggested PDA with AMC compared to the PDA without AMC exhibits a size reduction of 51.33%, enhanced radiation efficiency up to 94%, and excellent impedance matching with uni‐directional radiation patterns.
Compact, flexible triple band Sierpinski fractal antenna on a Hilbert patterned ground for W‐WBSN
Authors: Sandhya Mallavarapu , Anjaneyulu Lokam
Published: May 2023

Wearable Wireless Body Sensor Networks (W‐WBSNs) are the best substitute for traditional healthcare systems by effectively monitoring patients within or remotely from the hospitals. Quite a few tiny sensors linked with one another on the body can efficiently observe the functional status of the human body. The paper introduces a new triple‐band step‐shaped Sierpinski fractal wearable antenna with a Hilbert fractal slot on the partial ground for W‐WBSN applications. It comprises the step‐shaped Sierpinski fractal radiator, situated on the upper side, and a partial ground placed on the lower side of the substrate. A partial ground with a Hilbert fractal slot is used to achieve a compact wearable antenna with improved bandwidth and electromagnetic exposure rate characteristics. The antenna is constructed using a flexible Jeans substrate (permittivity 1.7, loss tangent 0.025) of size 60 × 60 mm2 with a thickness of 2.5 mm as it is a potential candidate. It demonstrates an impedance bandwidth of 6%, 7%, and 10.1%, a gain of 2.57 dBi, 3.608 dBi, and 4.19 dBi, the radiation efficiency of 54.19%, 52.5%, and 54.8% at 3.3 GHz, 5.2 GHz, and 5.8 GHz correspondingly in free space. Also, the peak SAR value of 0.64 W/kg, 0.46 W/kg, and 1.17 W/kg at 3.3 GHz, 5.2 GHz, and 5.8 GHz correspondingly, for 10 g of an average human tissue. The compact, flexible low SAR makes the anticipated antenna a superior contender for wireless wearable network applications.
Nurses' perspectives on shift‐to‐shift handovers in relation to person‐centred nursing home care
Authors: Poelen Anneke , van Kuppenveld Marieke , Persoon Anke
Published: May 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to gain insight into nurses' perspectives on the shift‐to‐shift handover in relation to providing Person‐centred care (PCC) in nursing homes.

Background

PCC is perceived as the gold standard for nursing home care. To preserve the continuity of PCC, an adequate handover during the nurses' shift change is essential. There is, however, little empirical evidence for what constitutes best shift‐to‐shift nursing handover practices in nursing homes.

Design

An exploratory qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Nine nurses were selected purposively and through snowball sampling from five Dutch nursing homes. Semi‐structured face‐to‐face and telephone interviews were conducted. Analysis relied on Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis.

Results

Four main themes were identified related to enabling PCC informed handovers: (1) knowing the resident to be enable to provide PCC was key, (2) the actual handover, (3) additional ways of information transfer and (4) nurses' knowledge of the resident prior to start shift.

Conclusion

The shift‐to‐shift handover is one way that nurses become informed about residents. Knowing the resident is essential to enable PCC. The fundamental underlying question is to what extent nurses have to know the resident in order to enable PCC. Once that level of detail has been established, in‐depth research is needed to determine the best method for conveying this information to all nurses. Only then can we start to rethink the role of the shift‐to‐shift handover in conveying PCC‐driven information.

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Accumulated incidence of falls in people hospitalised with cancer and related factors
Authors: Martí‐Dillet Maria Montserrat , Fernández‐Rodriguez Cristina , Ginesta‐Guanter Aniol , Suñer‐Soler Rosa
Published: May 2023

Aim

To study the accumulated incidence of falls of people hospitalised with cancer and analyse the related intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

Design

A prospective study of people hospitalised with cancer at the Catalan Institute of Oncology.

Methods

Intrinsic factors and extrinsic factors related to the fall have been studied. The data were gathered from the clinical history and a specific adverse events notification programme and patients were followed during hospitalisation.

Results

A total of 117 of 6090 patients admitted during the period of study were included, with an accumulated incidence of falls of 0.019. Mean age 63.4 years (SD 11.5) and 65.5% men. Patients with lung cancer accounted for 25.6% of the total number of falls, followed by haematological cancer at 24.8%. Most falls were without consequences (71.8%). The data reveal that people hospitalised with cancer are at greater risk of falling, even though the accumulated incidence observed in the present study is low.
High order accurate and convergent numerical scheme for the strongly anisotropic Cahn–Hilliard model
Authors: Cheng Kelong , Wang Cheng , Wise Steven M.
Published: May 2023

We propose and analyze a second order accurate in time, energy stable numerical scheme for the strongly anisotropic Cahn–Hilliard system, in which a biharmonic regularization has to be introduced to make the equation well‐posed. A convexity analysis on the anisotropic interfacial energy is necessary to overcome an essential difficulty associated with its highly nonlinear and singular nature. The second order backward differentiation formula temporal approximation is applied, combined with Fourier pseudo‐spectral spatial discretization. The nonlinear surface energy part is updated by an explicit extrapolation formula. Meanwhile, the energy stability analysis is enforced by the fact that all the second order functional derivatives of the energy stay uniformly bounded by a global constant. A Douglas‐Dupont type regularization is added to stabilize the numerical scheme, and a careful estimate ensures a modified energy stability with a uniform constraint for the regularization parameter . In turn, the combination with an appropriate treatment for the nonlinear double well potential terms leads to a weakly nonlinear scheme. More importantly, such an energy stability is in terms of the interfacial energy with respect to the original phase variable, which enables us to derive an optimal rate convergence analysis.
Cause analysis framework from a safety capability perspective: Application to Tianjiayi hazardous chemical explosion accident
Authors: Lyu Qian , Fu Gui , Wang Yuxin , Zhang Ran , Wu Yali , Xie Xuecai
Published: May 2023

Identifying the causes of accidents is essential for learning lessons and preventing similar accidents. Safety capability factors cannot be ignored when considering the causes of accidents. Therefore, safety capability is an important perspective to develop a cause analysis framework. This study focuses on a cause analysis framework based on safety capability in the 24Model. First, this study introduces the safety capability in the 24Model and elaborates on the five safety capability dimensions. Second, a 24Model‐based causal analysis framework from a safety capability perspective and its application process is proposed. Third, the Tianjiayi explosion accident is analyzed using the proposed framework. In this accident, fourteen safety capability factors in four categories: safety knowledge, safety awareness, safety habits, and safety psychology are identified and analyzed. The case study provides a critical process demonstration for analyzing safety capability factors and validates the usability of the proposed framework. Additionally, the strengths of the framework and the limitations of the study are discussed. In the future, this framework can facilitate the development of a safety capability factor database and data‐driven safety management approaches.
Phase Transformations of Perovskite La0.64(Ba1−xCax)0.36FeO3−δ Investigated by Mechanical Spectroscopy
Authors: Zhou Xindi , Ying Xuenong , Lu Xiaomei
Published: May 2023

Herein, perovskite La0.64(Ba1−x
Ca
x
)0.36FeO3−δ () samples are synthesized and investigated by X‐ray diffraction and mechanical spectroscopy. The room‐temperature structure of La0.64Ba0.36FeO3−δ is a mixture of orthorhombic and cubic phases. The structures of calcium‐doped La0.64(Ba1−x
Ca
x
)0.36FeO3−δ are orthorhombic at room temperature. A modulus dip is observed above room temperature in La0.64(Ba1−x
Ca
x
)0.36FeO3−δ () samples. This corresponds to a phase transition from orthorhombic to rhombohedral structure with increasing temperature. The effect of oxygen nonstoichiometry on the room‐temperature structure and phase transition is observed by mechanical spectroscopy.
The impact of English reading attitude on students' achievement at a health science university
Authors: Althewini Abdulaziz , Al Roomy Muhammad A.
Published: May 2023

Reading occupies a prominent place in teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) as students learn best by engaging with written materials. Positive reading attitudes are believed to affect students' present and future academic success. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of English reading attitudes on students' achievement. A total of 267 first‐year Saudi health science university students were selected to participate in this study during the academic year 2021/2022. The study followed a simple random sampling technique where every students has an equal chance to participate. Two data sources were used: a reading attitude questionnaire administered to students and their cumulative GPA. The questionnaire was adopted from Yamashita (2007) and consisted of 22 items covering five categories: comfort, anxiety, intellectual value, practical value and linguistic value. The study revealed that students were clearly less comfortable and more anxious about reading in English. This had a negative impact on their achievements, especially on the three English courses they had to take that year. The study concluded with some pedagogical implications and recommendations for further research.
An Exploration on Copper‐Based Metal‐Organic Frameworks as Propitious Heterogeneous Catalyst for Coupling Reactions
Authors: Singh Shweta , Kumar Parveen , Soni Akta , Nemiwal Meena
Published: May 2023

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have been considered as adaptable alternatives of interest in catalytic reactions. Modern MOFs research and advancements strongly support their employment as catalysts to produce significant organic molecules. Concerning how such substances might be utilized in heterogeneous catalysis, the entire potency of MOFs in value‐added organic transformations must be thoroughly investigated. Standard MOFs components including encapsulation materials, linkers, metal‐nodes, and coated structures frequently provide effective catalytic active sites that provide ways to lessen human efforts to implement novel natural reactions. The significant aspects of using MOFs as recyclable catalysts are their convenient fabrication, consistent porosity, substantial pore volume, reusability and durable framework in addition to cost‐effectiveness. Since MOFs were extensively explored, they may have been used to fabricate medicinal active compounds through coupling and organic transformations. In this review, several Cu‐based MOFs are examined along with their catalytic attributes that assist with the selective fabrication of the product organic moieties via various cross‐coupling reactions.
Fabrication of a Superhydrophobic SiO2 Coating with Anticorrosive Protection
Authors: Zhou Chaogang , Chen Qiya , Wang Shuhuan , Zhao Jingjing , Ai Liqun , Chen Qinggong , Lin Xiuzhou , Hu Chuanbo
Published: May 2023

In this work, the carbon steel matrix obtained a silane coupling agent (KH550) modified rough SiO2 coating, covering it by dip‐coating method. The modified SiO2 (K‐SiO2) coating on the carbon steel was coated with stearic acid (STA) and adjusted the proportion of SiO2 nanoparticles and KH550 to achieve the more perfect superhydrophobic sample. It turns out that SiO2 particles were evenly disturbuted and linked together by KH550 to form a stable structure. The K‐SiO2 coating liquid was further added a modifier of STA to achieve low surface energy, and then developed a durable and corrosion resistant coating. The superhydrophobic coating liquid was coated on the carbon steel to obtain a multifunctional superhydrophobic coating (contact angle=163°, rolling angle=1.4°), having excellent self‐cleaning, adhension, durability and corrosion resistance.
Diverse Synthetic Transformations Using 4‐Bromo‐3,3,4,4‐tetrafluorobut‐1‐ene and Its Applications in the Preparation of CF2CF2‐Containing Sugars, Liquid Crystals, and Light‐Emitting Materials
Authors: Ohsato Haruka , Kawauchi Kazuma , Yamada Shigeyuki , Konno Tsutomu
Published: May 2023

Organic molecules with fluoroalkylene scaffolds, especially a tetrafluoroethylene (CF2CF2) moiety, in their molecular structures exhibit unique biological activities, or can be applied to functional materials such as liquid crystals and light‐emitting materials. Although several methods for the syntheses of CF2CF2‐containing organic molecules have been reported to date, they have been limited to methods using explosives and fluorinating agents. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop simple and efficient approaches to synthesize CF2CF2‐containing organic molecules from readily available fluorinated substrates using carbon‐carbon bond formation reactions. This personal account summarizes the simple and efficient transformation of functional groups at both ends of 4‐bromo‐3,3,4,4‐tetrafluorobut‐1‐ene and discusses its synthetic applications to biologically active fluorinated sugars and functional materials, such as liquid crystals and light‐emitting molecules.
A genome‐wide association study of morphometric traits in dromedaries
Authors: Bitaraf sani Morteza , Karimi Omid , Burger Pamela Anna , Javanmard Arash , Roudbari Zahra , Mohajer Mokhtar , Asadzadeh Nader , Zareh Harofteh Javad , Kazemi Ali , Naderi Ali Shafei
Published: May 2023

Background

Investigating genomic regions associated with morphometric traits in camels is valuable, because it allows a better understanding of adaptive and productive features to implement a sustainable management and a customised breeding program for dromedaries.

Objectives

With a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) including 96 Iranian dromedaries phenotyped for 12 morphometric traits and genotyped‐by‐sequencing (GBS) with 14,522 SNPs, we aimed at identifying associated candidate genes.

Methods

The association between SNPs and morphometric traits was investigated using a linear mixed model with principal component analysis (PCA) and kinship matrix.

Results

With this approach, we detected 59 SNPs located in 37 candidate genes potentially associated to morphometric traits in dromedaries. The top associated SNPs were related to pin width, whither to pin length, height at whither, muzzle girth, and tail length. Interestingly, the results highlight the association between whither height, muzzle circumference, tail length, whither to pin length. The identified candidate genes were associated with growth, body size, and immune system in other species.

Conclusions

We identified three key hub genes in the gene network analysis including ACTB, SOCS1 and ARFGEF1. In the central position of gene network, ACTB was detected as the most important gene related to muscle function. With this initial GWAS using GBS on dromedary camels for morphometric traits, we show that this SNP panel can be effective for genetic evaluation of growth in dromedaries. However, we suggest a higher‐density SNP array may greatly improve the reliability of the results.
Reducing Water Related Risks in the Lower Danube Through Nature Based Solution Design: A Stakeholder Participatory Process
Authors: Scrieciu Albert , Rotaru Sabin , Alexandrescu Bogdan , Catianis Irina , Nanu Florentina , Marchal Roxane , Pagano Alessandro , Giordano Raffaele
Published: May 2023

This chapter describes the research conducted in the Lower Danube case study to understand the role of natural assurance schemes in complex natural, economic and social contexts. In order to improve the accuracy, replicability and the scalability of the natural assurance scheme to be developed and potentially implemented, we have concentrated our efforts on the Dabuleni-Potelu-Corabia (DPC) enclosure, a land reclamation area exposed to water-related risks. NAIAD Project proposed the implementation of a wetland restoration project by designing a Nature Based Solution (NBS) for dealing with flood risk. The implementation in the Romanian case study aimed at providing support to facilitate both local collaboration between the different stakeholders and the engagement of these local stakeholders in decision-making and policy setting, by integrating their (local) knowledge with the results of scientific models. The entire process aimed to design intervention scenarios based on NBS implementation and the key co-benefits to be produced, followed by the assessment of its effectiveness.

Furthermore, to assess the DPC enclosure vulnerability to water-related hazards, we performed an economic assessment based on the literature review and the development of a GIS infra-territorial indicator methodology. The GIS-based indicators can support the lack of insurance data, with the objective to define the most exposed areas. The literature review together with the GIS analysis were able to provide a reliable cost estimation of the damage related to destroyed and affected dwellings. This indicator should be a tool to help the decision-making process to assess the case study vulnerability and to select the more appropriate NBS.
Urban River Restoration, a Scenario for Copenhagen
Authors: Jørgensen Morten Ejsing , Kidmose Jacob , van der Keur Peter , Gómez Eulalia , Giordano Raffaele , Henriksen Hans Jørgen
Published: May 2023

Urban flooding is an increasing hazard and expected to aggravate with climate change. The opening of a piped urban river in Copenhagen is explored to mitigate urban flooding as a result of a rising groundwater table. In the Copenhagen case study, a hydrological model has been used to calculate the effect of reopening a currently piped river to its natural environment as a nature-based solution (NBS). From the results of modelling scenarios, we have set up a simple damage function to calculate the avoided costs for the river basin by comparing difference in groundwater levels with and without NBS.

Stakeholders were engaged from the first stages of the case study. The integration of stakeholder’s knowledge in the co-design and implementation process of NBS to support complex decision-making processes was carried out by (1) participatory modelling activities to elicit and structure stakeholder’s risk perception, (2) mapping the interaction among decision-makers and stakeholders, and by (3) deriving Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCM) from Group Model Building.

The results show that by reopening the river, an economic benefit is obtained because the river now functions as a drainage channel which prevents flooding by groundwater of subterranean structures, notably housing cellars, and receives stormwater from cloudburst rainfall events. The FCM simulation showed that NBS implementation requires effective cooperation among different decision-makers to define potential interventions and to reduce the level of conflicts and to facilitate collaborative decision-making.
Insurance and the Natural Assurance Value (of Ecosystems) in Risk Prevention and Reduction
Authors: Marchal Roxane , Moncoulon David , López Gunn Elena , Weinberg Josh , Thakar Kanika , Altamirano Mónica , Piton Guillaume
Published: May 2023

Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of natural disasters and can threaten the functions of ecosystems. Affected, damaged or destroyed ecosystems in turn also make our societies more vulnerable to natural hazards and climate change (i.e. their assurance value). In addition, expanding communities and concentrations of wealth in high-risk areas are increasing risk exposure dramatically. This chapter outlines the growing interest in the protective role nature-based solutions (NBS) can play in buffering against risks posed by natural hazards. It presents mechanisms and potential roles of the insurance industry to facilitate loss prevention through NBS. The use of catastrophe models to quantify the assurance value of nature (in line with Chaps. 1 and 2), the benefits of nature in reducing natural hazards-related damages have been highlighted. Catastrophe models developed and run by insurance companies are well-suited to support the quantification of the avoided damage provided by NBS. This can be performed in complement to research institutions assessments of co-benefits NBS provide (as outlined in the case studies’ chapters). The findings developed in this chapter make a strong case for pro-active engagement of the insurance industry in assessing nature-based risk reduction measures and public/private plans for implementation and monitoring.

Graphical Abstract
Participatory Modelling for NBS Co-design and Implementation
Authors: Giordano Raffaele , Pagano Alessandro
Published: May 2023

This chapter summarizes the lessons learned in NAIAD concerning the role of risk perception and stakeholders’ engagement in NBS co-design and implementation. Specifically, this work describes the efforts done for overcoming two barriers hampering NBS implementation, i.e. lack of stakeholders’ engagement and lack of collaboration among different decision-makers. To this aim, scientific and stakeholders’ knowledge were integrated through participatory modelling exercises concerning risk assessment and NBS effectiveness assessment, described in this work. The impacts on stakeholders’ risk perception and NBS acceptance due to the participatory modelling process are also assessed and discussed. The chapter provides technical information on the methods and tools mainly for a scientific audience and for practitioners (particularly Sects. 5.1 and 5.2), although general principles and conclusions are suitable for a wider audience, including public authorities and decision-/policy-makers (Sect. 5.3). The work is structured around three main topics that arose during NAIAD implementation, namely: (i) the complexity of the cause-effects chains affecting NBS effectiveness and the role of socio-institutional measures; (ii) the need to account for the existence of potential trade-offs among different stakeholders in benefiting from NBS implementation and co-benefits production; (iii) the role of communication and information exchange in facilitating NBS co-design and implementation
Economic Assessment of Nature-Based Solutions for Water-Related Risks
Authors: Le Coent Philippe , Hérivaux Cécile , Calatrava Javier , Marchal Roxane , Moncoulon David , Benítez Ávila Camilo , Altamirano Mónica , Gnonlonfin Amandine , Douai Ali , Piton Guillaume , Dartée Kieran , Biffin Thomas , Arfaoui Nabila , Graveline Nina
Published: May 2023

Evidence are dearly needed to understand under which conditions it is relevant for decisions makers to invest in NBS for water-related risk. This chapter presents the methodological framework developed for the economic assessment of NBS for water-related risks and its application to seven case studies. We particularly develop methods for the evaluation of implementation and opportunity costs, the assessment of the reduction of damage costs, and the monetary value of co-benefits. The study confirms that the cost of implementation and maintenance of NBS strategies is lower than the cost of grey solutions for the same level of water risk management, emphasizing the better cost-effectiveness of these solutions. Benefits in terms of avoided damages are however generally not sufficient to cover investment and maintenance costs. Co-benefits represent the largest share of the value generated by NBS strategies. The overall cost-benefit analysis implemented in four cases, is positive in three case studies and negative in one. This confirms the importance to carry out thorough economic assessments for the elaboration of Natural Assurance Schemes.
Kultur im multilateralen Umfeld und der Begriff der Wissensgesellschaft
Authors: Metze-Mangold Verena
Published: May 2023

Kultur nimmt in der zweiten Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts in Wissenschaft und Politik als Antwort auf die zweite Phase der Globalisierung, die sogenannte reflexive Moderne, eine herausragende Bedeutung ein. Der Beitrag diskutiert die in den letzten 50 Jahren eingetretenen Veränderungen der Internationalen Ordnung und ihre neuen Instrumente universeller Kulturpolitik anhand des soziologischen Systembegriffs von Talcott Parsons. Untersucht wird das jeweilige Verständnis von Multilateralismus und Universalismus von zwei der wichtigsten Beitragszahler der Vereinten Nationen: Deutschland und China. Und dargelegt wird das von der UNESCO entwickelte Modell einer humanen Zukunftsgesellschaft, das aus den Turbulenzen der krisengeschüttelten globalen Risikogesellschaft führen könnte: Das Konzept der nachhaltiger Wissensgesellschaften für das 21. Jahrhundert.
China und Deutschland: Kulturaustausch zwischen Annäherungs- und Abstoßungstendenz
Authors: Senz Anja
Published: May 2023

Seit mehreren Jahrzehnten pflegen China und Deutschland einen engen Austausch und bilaterale Beziehungen auf zahlreichen Ebenen. Die Zusammenarbeit im Bereich Wirtschaft, Wissenschaft und Kultur ist kontinuierlich gewachsen. Gleichwohl sind die Beziehungen auch von unterschiedlichen politischen und wirtschaftlichen Interessen gekennzeichnet. In der deutschen Gesellschaft bestehen Vorbehalte gegen China, in der chinesischen Gesellschaft scheinen Irritationen über Deutschland zu existieren. Der nachfolgende Beitrag reflektiert die deutsch-chinesischen Kulturbeziehungen und fragt nach Tendenzen der Annäherung, nach gegenteiligen Effekten und deren Hintergründen. Es wird die These vertreten, dass die bilateralen Beziehungen durch Asymmetrien in der Konstellation von Staat und Gesellschaft gekennzeichnet sind, die zu Lücken in der Kommunikation und im Austausch führen und gegenseitige Missverständnisse befördern. Im Kern wird damit ein strukturelles Element zur Erklärung von Problemen in den deutsch-chinesischen Beziehungen herangezogen, nicht grundsätzliche und schwer überbrückbare kulturelle Unterschiede.
Gedanken zu einer neuen Debattenkultur zwischen Deutschland, Europa und China
Authors: Radtke Oliver
Published: May 2023

Vor dem Hintergrund großer geopolitischer Dynamiken, einer hartnäckigen Pandemie und massiver Klimawandelfolgen sind vertrauensvolle und effiziente deutsch-chinesische Kulturbeziehungen wichtiger, aber auch gefährdeter denn je. Im Beitrag wird die staatliche Kulturpolitik beider Länder analysiert und für einen erweiterten Kulturbegriff argumentiert. Darüber hinaus werden neue Themenfelder empfohlen, in denen sich nicht nur Engagement lohnt, sondern auch eine neue Debattenkultur erlernen lässt.
Eine Studie zur Interaktion zwischen deutschen Internet-Berühmtheiten und jungen Chinesen auf Bilibili
Authors: Zuo Can , Xu Zhaoying , Li Simin
Published: May 2023

Die vorliegende Studie befasst sich mit ausgewählten deutschen Vloggern auf der chinesischen Video-Plattform Bilibili sowie ihren Interaktionen mit jungen chinesischen Nutzern. Es wird festgestellt, dass in der Interaktion Wert auf gegenseitigen Respekt, interkulturelle Identitätsbildung und das Aufbrechen von Stereotypen gelegt wird. Politischen oder ideologischen Unterschieden wird hingegen keine große Aufmerksamkeit geschenkt. Derartige Interaktionen, die sich durch Merkmale einer flachen Struktur und dezentraler Inhalte auszeichnen, unterstreichen den zeitgenössischen Trend zur „Medialisierung“ in der interkulturellen Kommunikation.
China in der Welt aus deutscher Perspektive
Authors: Kuhn Berthold M.
Published: May 2023

Der Aufsatz bietet eine differenzierte Betrachtung des Chinabildes der Deutschen und ihrer Wahrnehmung der chinesischen Kultur angesichts der Entwicklungen in der Gegenwart und der Rolle Chinas in der modernen Welt. Analysiert wird Chinas Rolle als wirtschaftlicher und politischer Akteur, um Möglichkeiten und Grenzen in den deutsch-chinesischen Beziehungen zu verdeutlichen.
Von Propaganda und Kommunikation zum gesellschaftlich-kulturellen Austausch
Authors: Yu Zhouming
Published: May 2023

Der Artikel untersucht die auswärtige Kultur- und Bildungspolitik (AKBP) Chinas und setzt sich mit den Zielen, Richtlinien, Schwerpunkten, Inhalten und Akteuren in den unterschiedlichen Phasen nach der Gründung der Volksrepublik China 1949 auseinander. Aufgezeigt werden der gegenwärtige Stand sowie die Defizite und Herausforderungen der AKBP sowie die Möglichkeiten künftiger Entwicklungen.
Cold Seepage in the Southern South China Sea
Authors: Li Niu , Feng Junxi
Published: May 2023

Extensive submarine cold seep areas, i.e., the Beikang Basin and the Nansha Trough, were discovered on the southern continental slope of the South China Sea. Bottom-simulating reflections are widespread in these areas and show a close relationship to the cold seep system. High-resolution 2-D seismic data and multibeam bathymetry data have confirmed the existence of deep-routed conduits−mud volcanoes, diapirs, and gas chimneys. The geochemical characteristics of seep carbonates and headspace gas indicate that the fluid was mainly sourced from biogenic gas, with contributions from deep-rooted thermogenic gases. Additionally, negative pore water chloride anomalies and positive δ18O values (3.7‰ < δ18O < 5.0‰) of the seep carbonates provided indicators of hydrate water addition during carbonate precipitation. The negative δ13C excursion of planktonic foraminifera from the Nansha Trough indicated two methane release events, which occurred approximately 29–32 ka and 38–42 ka before present, and the driving mechanism for methane seepage in this area is possibly related to overpressure from the large sediment accumulation that occurred during sea level lowstands.
Gas Seepage Detection and Gas Migration Mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Kun , Song Haibin , Chen Jiangxin , Geng Minghui , Liu Boran
Published: May 2023

Gas seepages are often observed at the seafloor and can form cold seep systems, which are important for climate change, geohazards, and biogeochemical cycles. Many kinds of methods have been used to detect gas seepages, e.g., video imaging, active acoustic, passive acoustic, and direct gas sampling. In this chapter, we introduce the characteristics of these methods and show their applications in the South China Sea (SCS). Particle image velocimetry (PIV) technology is used here to quantitatively detect gas seepage in the northwestern SCS and visualize the seepage flow field. The gas migration mechanisms are also discussed. With the development of technologies, long-term, three-dimensional, and comprehensive observations is permitted to quantitatively characterize gas seepages, which can help us understand the formation and mechanism of gas seepages further in the future. Physical and numerical simulations of gas migration and geohazard processes would also be helpful in the future for understanding the fate of gas seepages.
Observable r, gravitino dark matter, and non-thermal leptogenesis in no-scale supergravity
Authors: Ahmed Waqas , Moosa Muhammad , Munir Shoaib , Zubair Umer
Published: May 2023

Abstract

We analyse the shifted hybrid inflation in a no-scale supersymmetric SU(5) GUT model which naturally circumvents the monopole problem. The no-scale framework is derivable as the effective field theory of the supersymmetric (SUSY) compactifications of string theory, and yields a flat potential with no anti-de Sitter vacua, resolving the η problem. The model predicts a scalar spectral tilt ns compatible with the most recent measurements by the Planck satellite, while also accommodating large values of the tensor-to-scalar ratio r (~ 0.0015), potentially measurable by the near-future experiments. Moreover, the proton decay lifetime in the presence of the dimension-5 operators is found to lie above the current limit imposed by the Super-Kamiokande experiment. A realistic scenario of reheating and non-thermal leptogenesis is employed, wherein the reheating temperature Tr lies in the (2 × 106 ≲ Tr ≲ 2 × 109) GeV range, and at the same time realizing gravitino as a viable dark matter (DM) candidate.
On the Mass Dependence of the Modular Operator for a Double Cone
Authors: Bostelmann Henning , Cadamuro Daniela , Minz Christoph
Published: May 2023

We present a numerical approximation scheme for the Tomita–Takesaki modular operator of local subalgebras in linear quantum fields, working at one-particle level. This is applied to the local subspaces for double cones in the vacuum sector of a massive scalar free field in $$(1+1)$$

(
1
+
1
)

- and $$(3+1)$$

(
3
+
1
)

-dimensional Minkowski spacetime, using a discretization of time-0 data in position space. In the case of a wedge region, one component of the modular generator is well known to be a mass-independent multiplication operator; our results strongly suggest that for the double cone, the corresponding component is still at least close to a multiplication operator, but that it is dependent on mass and angular momentum.
Anwendungsbereiche von künstlicher Intelligenz im Kontext von One Health mit Fokus auf antimikrobielle Resistenzen
Authors: Irrgang Christopher , Eckmanns Tim , v. Kleist Max , Antão Esther-Maria , Ladewig Katharina , Wieler Lothar H. , Körber Nils
Published: May 2023

Die Gesundheit der Menschen steht vor einer Reihe neuer Herausforderungen, die maßgeblich durch den fortschreitenden Klimawandel, den demografischen Wandel und die Globalisierung angetrieben werden. Der One-Health-Ansatz basiert auf dem Verständnis, dass die Gesundheit von Menschen, Tieren und Umwelt eng verknüpft ist. Bei der Umsetzung von One Health in die Praxis ergibt sich die Notwendigkeit, in der Forschung diverse und heterogene Datenströme und -typen aus den verschiedenen Sektoren zu kombinieren und zu analysieren. Verfahren der künstlichen Intelligenz (KI) bieten dabei neue Möglichkeiten zur sektorübergreifenden Beurteilung von heutigen und zukünftigen Gesundheitsgefahren.

Dieser Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über verschiedene Anwendungsbereiche von KI-Verfahren im Zusammenhang mit One Health und zeigt Herausforderungen auf. Am Beispiel der Ausbreitung antimikrobieller Resistenzen (AMR), die eine zunehmende globale Gefahr im One-Health-Kontext darstellt, werden bestehende und zukünftige KI-basierte Lösungsansätze zur Eindämmung und Prävention beschrieben. Diese reichen von neuartiger Arzneientwicklung und personalisierter Therapie über gezieltes Monitoring der Antibiotikanutzung in Tierhaltung und Landwirtschaft bis hin zu einer umfassenden Umwelt-Surveillance für zukünftige AMR-Risikobewertungen.
Exploiting the generative design potential to select the best conceptual design of an aerospace component to be produced by additive manufacturing
Authors: Pilagatti Adriano Nicola , Atzeni Eleonora , Salmi Alessandro
Published: May 2023

Since the advent of Industry 4.0, the manufacturing sector has had to face new challenges, which require the development of new skills and innovative tools. This scenario includes innovative production processes such as additive manufacturing (AM), a technology capable of producing a component layer-by-layer directly from the 3D model without needing specific tools during the building phase. Generative design (GD) may represent an opportunity to maximise the potential of AM techniques. GD is based on parametric computer-aided design (CAD) tools capable of generating multiple optimised outputs, among which the designer could select the most promising solution. This paper presents a general methodology for evaluating the GD outputs in the conceptual phase of design to select the best possible solution through a series of criteria at several levels. The evaluation method is deployed in an aerospace field case study. The procedure demonstrates the benefits of synergising GD with AM in the early stages of product development. This indicates that the developed methodology could reduce the number of iterations during the design process, and the result is a decrease in the overall time spent on the project, avoiding problems during the final stages of the design.
Study of the finish turning process based on the Parameter Space Investigation method
Authors: Leksycki Kamil , Feldshtein Eugene
Published: May 2023

This paper describes a future-proof Design of Experiment (DoE) method, namely the Parameter Space Investigation (PSI) method. This method reduces the number of test points compared to other DoE approaches, such as single factor design, full factorial design, fractional factorial design, and central composite design, and the number of test points is sufficient for statistical analysis. It allows an efficient analysis of process phenomena, among others, some cutting effects and surface texture forming. It has been shown that in the space of cutting parameters studied, changes in the chip thickness ratio Kh have extreme points, which can be caused by vibration or the build-up-edge formation, and different types of chip shapes are observed. Changes in Kh correlate with chip shapes. In the ranges of depth of cut ap = 0.2 − 1.2 mm and feeds f = 0.05 − 0.4 mm/rev, depending on cooling conditions, the changes in cutting force reach up to 80%. For cutting speeds vc = 50 − 200 m/min and feed rates f = 0.03 − 0.17 mm/rev, the relationships Ra = f(vc,f) are complicated, and the PSI method ensures finding minimum Ra values and areas of physicochemical phenomena. Optimizing the turning conditions over a wide range, at the first stage, the minimum Sa values were obtained in the area of vc = 150 − 300 m/min and f = 0.05 − 0.22 mm/rev, and at the second stage in the areas of vc > 240 m/min and f = 0.03 − 0.07 mm/rev and vc = 100 − 120 m/min and f = 0.01 − 0.13 mm/rev. In addition, the shaping of the machined surface was affected by vc, f, and their interaction. Compared to the first optimization stage, the second stage provided Sa values almost 2 times smaller. It has been proven that the PSI method is effective and can be widely used in various areas of multivariate experimental research and optimization of cutting processes.
Fourteen years of cube attacks
Authors: Cianfriglia Marco , Onofri Elia , Onofri Silvia , Pedicini Marco
Published: May 2023

Algebraic Cryptanalysis is a widely used technique that tackles the problem of breaking ciphers mainly relying on the ability to express a cryptosystem as a solvable polynomial system. Each output bit/word can be expressed as a polynomial equation in the cipher’s inputs—namely the key and the plaintext or the initialisation vector bits/words. A part of research in this area consists in finding suitable algebraic structures where polynomial systems can be effectively solved, e.g., by computing Gröbner bases. In 2009, Dinur and Shamir proposed the cube attack, a chosen plaintext algebraic cryptanalysis technique for the offline acquisition of an equivalent system by means of monomial reduction; interpolation on cubes in the space of variables enables retrieving a linear polynomial system, hence making it exploitable in the online phase to recover the secret key. Since its introduction, this attack has received both many criticisms and endorsements from the crypto community; this work aims at providing, under a unified notation, a complete state-of-the-art review of recent developments by categorising contributions in five classes. We conclude the work with an in-depth description of the kite attack framework, a cipher-independent tool that implements cube attacks on GPUs. Mickey2.0 is adopted as a showcase.
Cerebellar mutism syndrome of non-tumour surgical aetiology—a case report and literature review
Authors: Laustsen Aske Foldbjerg , Børresen Malene Landbo , Hauerberg John , Juhler Marianne
Published: May 2023

Cerebellar mutism syndrome (CMS) is a well-known complication of posterior fossa (PF) tumour surgery. CMS has previously been reported in cases of non-tumour surgical aetiology in a limited number of publications. We report a case of a 10-year-old girl who suffered a cerebellar haemorrhage and subsequent CMS following surgical treatment of a ruptured arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in the cerebellar vermis. The AVM was removed acutely through a transvermian access, and hydrocephalus was treated with temporary external drainage. In the postoperative period, she suffered diffuse vasospasms of the anterior cerebral circulation and had a permanent shunt placed for hydrocephalus. Her mutism resolved after 45 days but severe ataxia persisted. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of CMS related to a vermian haemorrhagic stroke with postoperative diffuse vasospasms. Based on this case, we present a literature review on CMS of non-tumour surgical origin in children.
Clinical and radiological outcomes of a modified anatomic posterolateral corner reconstruction technique using a single semitendinosus autograft
Authors: Helal Ahmed , Marei Abdelhakim E. , Shafik Ahmed , Elforse Elsayed
Published: May 2023

Purpose

We aimed to assess the clinical and radiological outcomes of a modified anatomical posterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction technique using a single autograft.

Methods

This prospective case series included 19 patients with a posterolateral corner injury. The posterolateral corner was reconstructed using a modified anatomical technique that utilized adjustable suspensory fixation on the tibial side. Patients were evaluated subjectively using the international knee documentation form (IKDC), Lysholm, and Tegner activity scales and objectively by measuring the tibial external rotation angle, knee hyperextension, and lateral joint line opening on stress varus radiographs before and after surgery. The patients were followed-up for a minimum of 2 years.

Results

Both IKDC and Lysholm knee scores significantly improved from 49 and 53 preoperatively to 77 and 81 postoperatively, respectively. The tibial external rotation angle and knee hyperextension showed significant reduction to normal values at the final follow-up. However, the lateral joint line opening measured on the varus stress radiograph remained larger than the contralateral normal knee.

Conclusion

Posterolateral corner reconstruction with a hamstring autograft using a modified anatomical reconstruction technique significantly improved both the subjective patient scores and objective knee stability. However, the varus stability was not completely restored compared with the uninjured knee.

Level of evidence

Prospective case series (Level of evidence IV).
Gadolinium contrast agents: dermal deposits and potential effects on epidermal small nerve fibers
Authors: Krämer Heidrun H. , Bücker Patrick , Jeibmann Astrid , Richter Henning , Rosenbohm Angela , Jeske Johanna , Baka Panoraia , Geber Christian , Wassenberg Matthias , Fangerau Tanja , Karst Uwe , Schänzer Anne , van Thriel Christoph
Published: May 2023

Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) affects unmyelinated and thinly myelinated nerve fibers causing neuropathic pain with distal distribution and autonomic symptoms. In idiopathic SFN (iSFN), 30% of the cases, the underlying aetiology remains unknown. Gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast agents (GBCA) are widely used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, side-effects including musculoskeletal disorders and burning skin sensations were reported. We investigated if dermal Gd deposits are more prevalent in iSFN patients exposed to GBCAs, and if dermal nerve fiber density and clinical parameters are likewise affected. 28 patients (19 females) with confirmed or no GBCA exposure were recruited in three German neuromuscular centers. ISFN was confirmed by clinical, neurophysiological, laboratory and genetic investigations. Six volunteers (two females) served as controls. Distal leg skin biopsies were obtained according to European recommendations. In these samples Gd was quantified by elemental bioimaging and intraepidermal nerve fibers (IENF) density via immunofluorescence analysis. Pain phenotyping was performed in all patients, quantitative sensory testing (QST) only in a subset (15 patients; 54%). All patients reported neuropathic pain, described as burning (n = 17), jabbing (n = 16) and hot (n = 11) and five QST scores were significantly altered. Compared to an equal distribution significantly more patients reported GBCA exposures (82%), while 18% confirmed no exposures. Compared to unexposed patients/controls significantly increased Gd deposits and lowerz-scores of the IENF density were confirmed in exposed patients. QST scores and pain characteristics were not affected. This study suggests that GBCA exposure might alter IENF density in iSFN patients. Our results pave the road for further studies investigating the possible role of GBCA in small fiber damage, but more investigations and larger samples are needed to draw firm conclusions.
Self-reported life-space mobility in the first year after ischemic stroke: longitudinal findings from the MOBITEC-Stroke project
Authors: Hinrichs Timo , Rössler Roland , Infanger Denis , Weibel Robert , Schär Janine , Peters Eva-Maria , Portegijs Erja , Rantanen Taina , Schmidt-Trucksäss Arno , Engelter Stefan T. , Peters Nils
Published: May 2023

Background

Life-space mobility is defined as the size of the area in which a person moves about within a specified period of time. Our study aimed to characterize life-space mobility, identify factors associated with its course, and detect typical trajectories in the first year after ischemic stroke.

Methods

MOBITEC-Stroke (ISRCTN85999967; 13/08/2020) was a cohort study with assessments performed 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after stroke onset. We applied linear mixed effects models (LMMs) with life-space mobility (Life-Space Assessment; LSA) as outcome and time point, sex, age, pre-stroke mobility limitation, stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale; NIHSS), modified Rankin Scale, comorbidities, neighborhood characteristics, availability of a car, Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), and lower extremity physical function (log-transformed timed up-and-go; TUG) as independent variables. We elucidated typical trajectories of LSA by latent class growth analysis (LCGA) and performed univariate tests for differences between classes.

Results

In 59 participants (mean age 71.6, SD 10.0 years; 33.9% women), mean LSA at 3 months was 69.3 (SD 27.3). LMMs revealed evidence (p ≤ 0.05) that pre-stroke mobility limitation, NIHSS, comorbidities, and FES-I were independently associated with the course of LSA; there was no evidence for a significant effect of time point. LCGA revealed three classes: “low stable”, “average stable”, and “high increasing”. Classes differed with regard to LSA starting value, pre-stroke mobility limitation, FES-I, and log-transformed TUG time.

Conclusion

Routinely assessing LSA starting value, pre-stroke mobility limitation, and FES-I may help clinicians identify patients at increased risk of failure to improve LSA.