bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Third trimester fetal lung volume, thoracic circumference, and early infant lung function
Authors: Hilde Katarina , Gudmundsdóttir Hrefna Katrín , Bains Karen Eline S. , Carlsen Karin C. Lødrup , Färdig Martin , Jonassen Christine M. , Kreyberg Ina , LeBlanc Marissa , Nordlund Björn , Rehbinder Eva Maria , Roland Marie Cecilie Paasche , Skjerven Håvard O. , Staff Anne Cathrine , Vettukattil Riyas , Haugen Guttorm
Published: April 2023

Background

We aimed to investigate the relationship between fetal third trimester lung volume (LV), thoracic circumference (TC), fetal weight, as well as fetal thoracic and weight growth, and early infant lung function.

Methods

Fetal LV, TC and estimated weight were measured with ultrasound at 30 gestational weeks in 257 fetuses from the general population‐based prospective cohort study Preventing Atopic Dermatitis and ALLergies in Children (PreventADALL). Fetal thoracic growth rate and weight increase were calculated using TC and estimated fetal weight measured by ultrasound during pregnancy, and TC and birthweight of the newborn. Lung function was assessed by tidal flow‐volume measurement in awake infants at 3 months of age. The associations between fetal size (LV, TC, and estimated weight) and growth (thoracic growth rate and fetal weight increase) measures and the time to peak tidal expiratory flow to expiratory time ratio (tPTEF/tE) as well as tidal volume standardized for body weight (VT/kg) were analyzed using linear and logistic regression models.

Results

We observed no associations between fetal LV, TC or estimated fetal weight and tPTEF/tE as a continuous variable, tPTEF/tE < 25th percentile, or VT/kg. Similarly, fetal thoracic growth and weight increase were not associated with infant lung function. Analyses stratified for sex showed a significant inverse association between fetal weight increase and VT/kg (p = 0.02) in girls.

Conclusion

Overall, fetal third trimester LV, TC, estimated fetal weight, thoracic growth rate and weight increase were not associated with infant lung function at 3 months of age.
Disease progression joint model predicts time to type 1 diabetes onset: Optimizing future type 1 diabetes prevention studies
Authors: Morales Juan Francisco , Muse Rhoda , Podichetty Jagdeep T. , Burton Jackson , David Sarah , Lang Patrick , Schmidt Stephan , Romero Klaus , O'Doherty Inish , Martin Frank , Campbell‐Thompson Martha , Haller Michael J. , Atkinson Mark A. , Kim Sarah
Published: April 2023

Clinical trials seeking type 1 diabetes prevention are challenging in terms of identifying patient populations likely to progress to type 1 diabetes within limited (i.e., short‐term) trial durations. Hence, we sought to improve such efforts by developing a quantitative disease progression model for type 1 diabetes. Individual‐level data obtained from the TrialNet Pathway to Prevention and The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young natural history studies were used to develop a joint model that links the longitudinal glycemic measure to the timing of type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Baseline covariates were assessed using a stepwise covariate modeling approach. Our study focused on individuals at risk of developing type 1 diabetes with the presence of two or more diabetes‐related autoantibodies (AAbs). The developed model successfully quantified how patient features measured at baseline, including HbA1c and the presence of different AAbs, alter the timing of type 1 diabetes diagnosis with reasonable accuracy and precision (<30% RSE). In addition, selected covariates were statistically significant (p < 0.0001 Wald test). The Weibull model best captured the timing to type 1 diabetes diagnosis. The 2‐h oral glucose tolerance values assessed at each visit were included as a time‐varying biomarker, which was best quantified using the sigmoid maximum effect function. This model provides a framework to quantitatively predict and simulate the time to type 1 diabetes diagnosis in individuals at risk of developing the disease and thus, aligns with the needs of pharmaceutical companies and scientists seeking to advance therapies aimed at interdicting the disease process.
Spectroscopic Study of the Excitonic Structure in Monolayer MoS2 under Multivariate Physical and Chemical Stimuli
Authors: Bender Viktor , Bucher Tobias , Mishuk Mohammad Nasimuzzaman , Xie Yuxuan , Staude Isabelle , Eilenberger Falk , Busch Kurt , Pertsch Thomas , Tugchin Bayarjargal N.
Published: April 2023

Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy has proven to provide deep insights into the optoelectronic properties of monolayer . Herein, a corresponding study is conducted on the excitonic properties of mechanically exfoliated monolayer under multivariate physical and chemical stimuli. Specifically, midgap exciton states that originate from lattice defects are characterized and they are compared to existing models. Through statistical data analyses of substrate‐, temperature‐, and laser‐power‐dependent measurements, a PL enhancement is revealed through physisorption of water molecules of the controversially discussed excited‐state A biexciton (). In addition, analyses of monolayer on gold substrates show that surface roughness does not account for changes in doping level within the material. Also, a shift in the electron–phonon coupling properties that arises from thin films of water that are physisorbed on top of the samples is reported.
Racially diverse educational pathways and STEM college outcomes: A quantitative analysis of students in North Carolina
Authors: Bottia Martha Cecilia , Mickelson Roslyn Arlin , Stearns Elizabeth
Published: April 2023

This article investigates whether attending a sequence of racially diverse schools predicts science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) college outcomes. Such a relationship is important because of the increasingly diverse population of school‐aged children who are likely to attend racially segregated K‐12 schools and colleges, the benefits for individuals and society of STEM college graduates, and the projected shortage of people trained for future STEM workforce demands. We use a unique panel data set (N = 14,980) of the University of North Carolina graduates. Our main analytical approach is multilevel modeling to examine the relationship between attending a sequence of racially diverse educational institutions and the odds of declaring and/or graduating with a STEM major. We find that students who attended a diverse sequence of schools are more likely to declare and graduate with STEM majors than those who did not. Framing our results with theories of cumulative advantage and intergroup contact theories, we offer science education policy reform recommendations.
Metronidazole for the Treatment of Cutaneous Vulval Crohn Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Simon Nina , Moledina Zahra , Simpson Rosalind , Kirby Lisa
Published: April 2023

Background

Cutaneous vulval Crohn disease (VCD) is an under-recognised extra-intestinal manifestation of Crohn disease (CD) which is challenging to identify and treat. It causes significant oedema, painful deep fissures, and has potential to cause permanent disfiguring changes to vulval anatomy. There is no agreement on the best management for VCD.

Objectives

This systematic review evaluates the use of metronidazole for the treatment of VCD in women and children.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42021285033) of the use of metronidazole in clinically or histologically diagnosed non-contiguous VCD in patients of all ages and ethnicities. We recorded clinical improvement, reduction in flares, relapse and adverse events using a standardised form.

Results

49 records (40 case reports and 9 case series) met inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 57 patients with an age range of 5–61 years. The most reported presenting features in VCD were: oedema, erythema, ulcers/fissures and induration/thickening. Gastrointestinal CD was present in 33/57 (58%). Vulval biopsies were undertaken in 47/57 (83%). Daily doses ranged from 250 to 1500 mg with treatment duration 8 days to 18 months. Improvement of any magnitude was observed in 40/57 (70%) cases. Relapse was described in 11/57 (19%) cases. No response/worsening was reported in 17/57 (30%) cases. Adverse events occurred in two patients.

Conclusion

Metronidazole appears to be useful in managing VCD, either as a primary treatment or adjunctive therapy. However, the evidence is insufficient for firm conclusions to be drawn. Further studies including randomised controlled trials are recommended.
Deformation Rate‐Adaptive Conducting Polymers and Composites
Authors: Hernandez Victor , Jordan Robert S. , Hill Ian M. , Xu Bohao , Zhai Chenxi , Wu Di , Lee Hansong , Misiaszek John , Shirzad Kiana , Martinez Miguel F. , Kusoglu Ahmet , Yeo Jingjie , Wang Yue
Published: April 2023

Materials are more easily damaged during accidents that involve rapid deformation. Here, a design strategy is described for electronic materials comprised of conducting polymers that defies this orthodox property, making their extensibility and toughness dynamically adaptive to deformation rates. This counterintuitive property is achieved through a morphology of interconnected nanoscopic core–shell micelles, where the chemical interactions are stronger within the shells than the cores. As a result, the interlinked shells retain material integrity under strain, while the rate of dissociation of the cores controls the extent of micelle elongation, which is a process that adapts to deformation rates. A prototype based on polyaniline shows a 7.5‐fold increase in ultimate elongation and a 163‐fold increase in toughness when deformed at increasing rates from 2.5 to 10 000% min−1. This concept can be generalized to other conducting polymers and highly conductive composites to create “self‐protective” soft electronic materials with enhanced durability under dynamic movement or deformation.
Regulating d‐Band Center of Ti2C MXene Via Nb Alloying for Stable and High‐Efficient Supercapacitive Performances
Authors: Guan Yunfeng , Cong Ye , Zhao Rong , Li Ke , Li Xuanke , Zhu Hui , Zhang Qin , Dong Zhijun , Yang Nianjun
Published: April 2023

Ti2C MXene with the lowest formula weight is expected to gain superior advantages in gravimetric capacitances over other heavier MXenes. Nevertheless, its poor chemical and electrochemical stability is the most fatal drawback and seriously hinders its practical applications. Herein, an alloy engineering strategy at the transition metal‐sites of Ti2C MXene is proposed. Theoretical calculations reveal that the electronic redistribution of the solid‐solution TiNbC MXene improves the electronic conductivity, induces the upward d‐band center, tailors the surface functional groups, and increases the electron loss impedance, resulting in its excellent capacitive performance and high chemical stability. The as‐prepared flexible TiNbC film delivers specific capacitance up to 381 F g−1 at a scan rate of 2 mV s−1 and excellent electrochemical stability without capacitance loss after 10000 charge/discharging cycles. This work provides a universal approach to develop high‐performance and chemically stable MXene electrodes.
Hierarchical Porous Metal‐Organic Framework as Biocatalytic Microreactor for Enzymatic Biofuel Cell‐Based Self‐Powered Biosensing of MicroRNA Integrated with Cascade Signal Amplification
Authors: Yan Yongcun , Guo Li , Geng Hongyan , Bi Sai
Published: April 2023

Enzymatic biofuel cells have become powerful tools in biosensing, which however generally suffer from the limited loading efficiency as well as low catalytic activity and poor stability of bioenzymes. Herein, the hierarchical porous metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are synthesized using tannic acid (TA) for structural etching, which realizes co‐encapsulation of glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) cofactor in zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF‐L) and are further used as the biocatalytic microreactors to modify bioanode. In this work, the TA‐controlled etching can not only expand the pore size of microreactors, but also achieve the reorientation of enzymes in their lower surface energy form, therefore enhancing the biocatalysis of cofactor‐dependent enzyme. Meanwhile, the topological DNA tetrahedron is assembled on the microreactors, which acts as the microRNA‐responsive “lock” to perform the cascade signal amplification of exonuclease III‐assisted target recycling on bioanode and hybridization chain reaction (HCR) on biocathode. The proposed self‐powered biosensor has achieved a detection limit as low as 2 aM (6 copies miRNA‐21 in a 5 µL of sample), which is further successfully applied to identify cancer cells and clinical serums of breast cancer patients based on the different levels of miRNA‐21, holding great potential in accurate disease identification and clinical diagnosis.
2D Cobalt Chalcogenide Heteronanostructures Enable Efficient Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Sun Changchun , Wang Chao , Xie Haijiao , Han Guangting , Zhang Yuanming , Zhao Haiguang
Published: April 2023

The development of high‐efficiency non‐precious metal electrocatalysts for alkaline electrolyte hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) is of great significance in energy conversion to overcome the limited supply of fossil fuels and carbon emission. Here, a highly active electrocatalyst is presented for hydrogen production, consisting of 2D CoSe2/Co3S4heterostructured nanosheets along Co3O4nanofibers. The different reaction rate between the ion exchange reaction and redox reaction leads to the heterogeneous volume swelling, promoting the growth of 2D structure. The 2D/1D heteronanostructures enable the improved the electrochemical active area, the number of active sites, and more favorable H binding energy compared to individual cobalt chalcogenides. The roles of the different composition of the heterojunction are investigated, and the electrocatalysts based on the CoSe2/Co3S4@Co3O4exhibited an overpotential as low as 165 mV for 10 mA cm−2and 393 mV for 200 mA cm−2in 1 mKOH electrolyte. The as‐prepared electrocatalysts remained active after 55 h operation without any significant decrease, indicating the excellent long‐term operation stability of the electrode. The Faradaic efficiency of hydrogen production is close to 100% at different voltages. This work provides a new design strategy toward Co‐based catalysts for efficient alkaline HER.
Piezoelectric biomaterials for neural tissue engineering
Authors: Xu Dongyu , Zhang Hui , Wang Yu , Zhang Yuan , Ye Fanglei , Lu Ling , Chai Renjie
Published: April 2023

Nerve injury caused by trauma or iatrogenic trauma can lead to loss of sensory and motor function, resulting in paralysis of patients. Inspired by endogenous bioelectricity and extracellular matrix, various external physical and chemical stimuli have been introduced to treat nerve injury. Benefiting from the self‐power feature and great biocompatibility, piezoelectric biomaterials have attracted widespread attention in biomedical applications, especially in neural tissue engineering. Here, we provide an overview of the development of piezoelectric biomaterials for neural tissue engineering. First, several types of piezoelectric biomaterials are introduced, including inorganic piezoelectric nanomaterials, organic piezoelectric polymers, and their derivates. Then, we focus on the in vitro and in vivo external energy‐driven piezoelectric effects involving ultrasound, mechanical movement, and other external field‐driven piezoelectric effects. Neuroengineering applications of the piezoelectric biomaterials as in vivo grafts for the treatment of central nerve injury and peripheral nerve injury are also discussed and highlighted. Finally, the current challenges and future development of piezoelectric biomaterials for promoting nerve regeneration and treating neurological diseases are presented.
CoBRA without experts: New paradigm for software development effort estimation using COCOMO metrics
Authors: Feizpour Elham , Tahayori Hooman , Sami Ashkan
Published: April 2023

Software development effort estimation (SDEE) is a critical activity in developing software. Accurate effort estimation in the early phases of software design life cycle has important effects on the success of software projects. COCOMO (Constructive Cost Model) is a parametric data‐driven SDEE model whose parameters must be calibrated with an organization's local data for accurate estimation. Such data are scarce for most organizations. On the other hand, CoBRA (Cost estimation, Benchmarking, and Risk Assessment) is one of the powerful hybrid methods that need a small number of local historical data for effort estimation. However, data gathering in CoBRA is time‐consuming and costly. To ease the use of CoBRA, in this paper, we design a methodology that extracts CoBRA‐required data from COCOMO datasets. By the proposed method, data collected for COCOMO would be used in CoBRA. Using CoBRA, a more accurate estimation of the required effort would be achieved with fewer number of historical data than what is required to calibrate the COCOMO model. We apply the proposed method on six well‐known public COCOMO datasets and use them in CoBRA. Obtained results depict an increase in the accuracy of estimations in comparison with other existing methods.
In Situ Insight into the Interfacial Dynamics in “Water‐in‐Salt” Electrolyte‐Based Aqueous Zinc Batteries
Authors: Wang Jiao , Tian Jian‐Xin , Liu Gui‐Xian , Shen Zhen‐Zhen , Wen Rui
Published: April 2023

Water‐in‐salt (WIS) electrolyte is considered as one of most promising systems for aqueous zinc batteries (AZBs) due to its dendrite‐free plating/stripping with nearly 100% Coulombic efficiency. However, the understanding of the interfacial mechanisms remains elusive, which is crucial for further improvements in battery performance. Herein, the interfacial processes of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation and subsequent Zn plating/stripping are monitored by in situ atomic force microscopy and in situ optical microscopy. The live formation of uniform and compact LiF‐rich SEI in WIS systems could induce the uniform hexagonal Zn deposition with preferential orientation growth in the (002) crystal plane, showing excellent plating/stripping reversibility. In contrast, the SEI formed in 1 m zinc bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (Zn(TFSI)2) is uneven and rich in inert ZnO, adversely triggering the dendrite propagation and successive “dead” Zn accumulation in repeated deposition/dissolution cycles. This work provides an in‐depth understanding of the relationship between SEI evolution and Zn‐deposited behaviors in AZBs, possibly stimulating more research on rational composition design and structural optimization of solid/liquid interface for advanced rechargeable aqueous multivalent‐ion batteries.
Nanoporous Nonprecious High‐Entropy Alloys as Multisite Electrocatalysts for Ampere‐Level Current‐Density Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Shi Hang , Sun Xin-Ying , Zeng Shu-Pei , Liu Yang , Han Gao-Feng , Wang Tong-Hui , Wen Zi , Fang Qian-Rong , Lang Xing-You , Jiang Qing
Published: April 2023

Developing robust nonprecious metal‐based electrocatalysts toward hydrogen evolution reaction is crucial for large‐scale hydrogen production via electrochemical water splitting. Herein, surface high‐entropy NiFeCoCuTi alloy on column‐nanostructured nanoporous Ni skeleton is reported as multisite electrocatalyst for highly efficient hydrogen evolution in nonacidic environments by making use of surface heterogeneous atoms with distinct hydrogen and hydroxyl adsorption behaviors to accelerate water dissociation and mediate adsorption of hydrogen intermediates for combination into molecules. Associated with the column‐nanostructured nanoporous Ni skeleton that facilitates electron transfer/mass transportation and enables highly accessible and abundant electroactive sites, self‐supported monolithic nanoporous high‐entropy NiFeCoCuTi alloy electrode exhibits superior nonacidic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysis, with low onset overpotentials and Tafel slopes. It only takes overpotential of as low as ≈209 mV to deliver ultrahigh current density of 2 A cm−2, along with exceptional stability for more than 240 h, in 1 m KOH electrolyte. These outstanding properties make nanoporous NiFeCoCuTi high‐entropy alloy (HEA) electrode attractive candidate as cathode material in the water electrolysis for large‐scale hydrogen production and suggest HEAs as ideal platform to develop multisite electrocatalysts.
Acid Autocatalysis Best Served Hot: The Chlorate–Sulfite–Gluconolactone System as a Thermochemical Clock
Authors: Kürsteiner Ronny , Panzarasa Guido
Published: April 2023

The front cover artwork is provided by Guido Panzarasa (ETH Zürich). The image shows an artistic impression of the autonomous, time‐programmable temperature increase alongside acid generation in the chlorate‐sulfite‐gluconolactone reaction network. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/syst.202200042.
Interferential therapy for chronic constipation in adults: The CON‐COUR randomizedcontrolled trial
Authors: Vitton Veronique , Mion François , Leroi Anne‐Marie , Brochard Charlène , Coffin Benoit , Zerbib Frank , Damon Henri , Melchior Chloé , Duboc Henri , Queralto Michel , Baumstarck Karine
Published: April 2023

Background

Chronic constipation (CC) is a frequent condition, and the first‐line treatment includes dietary rules, the use of laxatives, and biofeedback for evacuation disorders. However, almost half of the patients are dissatisfied with their current treatment. We report the first double‐blind randomized multicenter trial assessing the effectiveness of transabdominal electrical stimulation by interferential therapy (IFT) in the treatment of CC in adults.

Methods

A prospective, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, sham‐controlled, parallel‐group, phase 3 trial was conducted at 7 centers in France. The primary endpoint was 8‐week efficacy as defined by the number of complete spontaneous bowel movements during the last 4 weeks of the 8‐week stimulation period. Secondary endpoints included the evaluation of the effects of IFT on symptoms (Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms questionnair (PAC‐SYM)), quality of life (QOL) (Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life), Colonic transit time (CTT), anorectal manometry, and patient satisfaction.

Results

The proportion of 8‐week responders was not significantly different between the two groups (73.2% in the IFT group vs. 67.1% in the sham group). After 8 weeks of stimulation, the mean overall PAC‐SYM score and the mean reduction in the overall PAC‐SYM score were significantly greater in the IFT group than in the sham group. No differences were observed concerning CTT, anorectal manometry, or patient satisfaction.

Conclusions

Although the primary endpoint was not reached, IFT can significantly alleviate the symptoms and improve the QOL of CC patients. It can be assumed that new treatments require different modes of evaluation and that the assessment of patient‐reported outcomes may become a priority among therapeutic targets of CC.

Trial registration number NCT02381665.
Normal and abnormal appearance of fetal ganglionic eminence on second‐trimester three‐dimensional ultrasound
Authors: Contro E. , Volpe N. , Larcher L. , Dall'Asta A. , Penas Da Costa M. A. , Vairo G. , Di Pasquo E. , Giorgini I. , Ghi T.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To describe the appearance and size of the ganglionic eminence (GE) in normal fetuses on midtrimester three‐dimensional (3D) neurosonography and to report on the association between GE alterations (cavitation or enlargement) and malformation of cortical development (MCD).

Methods

This was a prospective multicenter cohort study of normal fetuses and a retrospective analysis of pathological cases with MCD. From January 2022 to June 2022, patients attending our tertiary centers for an expert fetal brain scan were recruited for the purpose of the study. A 3D volume of the fetal head, starting from the sagittal plane, was acquired in apparently normal fetuses using a transabdominal or transvaginal approach. Stored volume datasets were then evaluated independently by two expert operators. Two measurements (longitudinal diameter and transverse diameter) of the GE in the coronal view were obtained twice by each operator. Intra‐ and interobserver measurement variation was calculated. Reference ranges for GE measurements were calculated in the normal population. A previously stored volume dataset of 60 cases with MCD was also analyzed independently by the two operators using the same method in order to assess if GE abnormalities (cavitation or enlargement) were present. Postnatal follow‐up was obtained in all cases.

Results

In the study period, 160 normal fetuses between 19 and 22 weeks of gestation were included in the study. The GE was visible in the coronal plane on 3D neurosonography in 144 (90%) cases and was not clearly visible in the remaining 16 (10%) cases. The intra‐ and interobserver agreement was almost perfect for the longitudinal diameter, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.90 (95% CI, 0.83–0.93) and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.86–0.92), respectively, and substantial for the transverse diameter, with an ICC of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.70–0.87) and 0.64 (95% CI, 0.53–0.72), respectively. A retrospective analysis of 50 cases with MCD in the second trimester showed that GE enlargement was present in 12 cases and GE cavitation was present in four cases.

Conclusions

Systematic assessment of the GE in fetuses at 19–22 weeks of gestation is feasible on 3D neurosonography, with good reproducibility in normal cases. Cavitation or enlargement of the GE can be demonstrated in fetuses with MCD. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Work-Based Learning in the Mexican Automotive Sector
Authors: Senderek Roman
Published: April 2023

A stronger work orientation or even the integration of learning into activities will be one of the central basic requirements for the success of Industry 4.0. Using the example of the project E-Mas (Exporting blended vocational education and training for industrial process design and optimization into the Mexican automotive sector), the paper discusses the development and implementation of a highly work oriented further education program. Together the partners Research Institute for Industrial Management at RWTH Aachen University e.V. [FIR], MTM ASSOCIATION e.V. [MTMA], WBA Aachener Werkzeugbau Akademie GmbH [WBA] in cooperation with the Mexican Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey [ITESM] pursue the goal of designing and exporting innovative further education programs for skilled workers, developers, and operative management personnel of the Mexican automotive sector and especially German companies operating in Mexico.
Capacity Building for Digital Work – A Case from Sino-German Cooperation
Authors: Kimmig Andreas , Peng Jieyang , Ovtcharova Jivka
Published: April 2023

The way humans work is constantly changing. This has always been the case, especially in dynamic environments. In the context of Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT), collaborative platforms, accelerated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, give rise to new automation opportunities of complex and previously labor-intensive tasks, while also creating new business models for multiple stakeholders.

Due to accelerated product innovation, the manufacturing industry needs to be able to generate solutions in a timely manner and quickly move them into production according to customer expectations. Today, machines in an Industry 4.0 factory are collaboratively connected. Such a development requires the application of advanced predictive tools that can systematically transform requirements and data into information and ultimately knowledge to manage uncertainties and make informed ad hoc decisions. In this context, a production system needs to perform rapid self-reconfiguration in response to different product characteristics to achieve an agile transition to the new manufacturing processes. However, a large number of non-standardized device interfaces and communication protocols are currently existing on the shop floor, which leads to high time and capital costs. Furthermore, this leads to insufficient reliability in the configuration of the production system, so that the requirements for customization and rapid adaptation cannot be met. In addition, there is also a large knowledge gap in the academic field of self-configurable intelligent production systems using collaborative engineering and IoT platforms.

Therefore, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT, Germany) and Tongji University (Shanghai, People´s Republic of China) have proposed the collaborative “Construction, Reference Implementation and Verification Platform of Reconfigurable Intelligent Production Systems” and the “Factory Automation Platform”, which meets the challenges of self-configuration, agile response, accumulation of domain knowledge and services, intelligent operation and maintenance of production systems.
Measuring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics on the Workplace
Authors: Staneva Mila , Elliott Stuart
Published: April 2023

Understanding how AI and robotics impact the workplace is fundamental for understanding the broader impact of these technologies on the economy and society. It can also help in developing realistic scenarios about how jobs and skill demand will be redefined in the next decades and how education systems should evolve in response. This chapter provides a literature review of studies that aim at measuring the extent to which AI and robotics can automate work. The chapter presents five assessment approaches: 1) an approach that focuses on occupational tasks and analyzes whether these tasks can be automated; 2) an approach that draws on information from patents to assess computer capabilities; 3) indicators that use AI-related job postings as a proxy for AI deployment in firms; 4) measures relying on benchmarks from computer science; 5) and an approach that compares computer capabilities to human skills using standardized tests developed for humans. The chapter discusses the differences between these measurement approaches and assesses their strengths and weaknesses. It concludes by formulating recommendations for future work.
Digital Work in Smart Production Systems
Authors: Deuse Jochen , Wöstmann René , Weßkamp Vanessa , Wagstyl David , Rieger Christoph
Published: April 2023

On the one hand, Industry 4.0 provides possibilities to address arising challenges such as globalisation, individualisation and shortening product lifecycles. On the other hand, it also increases changes and challenges in planning and operation processes of production systems.

The paper discusses the changes in digital work in the areas of planning, operating and improving smart production systems. Current research approaches show that especially in planning processes and supportive tasks a high dynamic is evident, but also the work on the shop floor is changing. Automation technology and intelligent algorithms as a base for production planning and control up to factory-as-a-service concepts reduce operational room for manual actions, but require new digital planning, implementation and maintenance tasks. Furthermore, technologies like cobots enable new forms of flexible coexistence between human and machine in production systems. Due to the increasing complexity of products and production systems, conventional improvement approaches from the fields of Lean Management and Six Sigma are reaching their limits, as the analyses are often limited to simple relationships and correlations. Data science in the industrial environment enables new opportunities to analyse large volumes of data to identify multivariate patterns and correlations. All of this leads to new requirements for competences, roles and work organisation.
Particle-dimer approach for the Roper resonance in a finite volume
Authors: Severt Daniel , Mai Maxim , Meißner Ulf-G.
Published: April 2023

Abstract

We propose a new finite-volume approach which implements two- and three-body dynamics in a transparent way based on an Effective Field Theory Lagrangian. The formalism utilizes a particle-dimer picture and formulates the quantization conditions based on the self-energy of the decaying particle. The formalism is studied for the case of the Roper resonance, using input from lattice QCD and phenomenology. Finally, finite-volume energy eigenvalues are predicted and compared to existing results of lattice QCD calculations. This crucially provides initial guidance on the necessary level of precision for the finite-volume spectrum.
Asymptotics in an asymptotic CFT
Authors: Schepers Lucas , Thompson Daniel C.
Published: April 2023

Abstract

In this work we illustrate the resurgent structure of the λ-deformation; a two-dimensional integrable quantum field theory that has an RG flow with an SU(N)k Wess-Zumino-Witten conformal fixed point in the UV. To do so we use modern matched asymptotic techniques applied to the thermodynamic Bethe ansatz formulation to compute the free energy to 38 perturbative orders in an expansion of large applied chemical potential. We find numerical evidence for factorial asymptotic behaviour with both alternating and non-alternating character which we match to an analytic expression. A curiosity of the system is that the leading non-alternating factorial growth vanishing when k divides N. The ambiguities associated to Borel resummation of this series are suggestive of non-perturbative contributions. This is verified with an analytic study of the TBA system demonstrating a cancellation between perturbative and non-perturbative ambiguities.
Limiting FCNC induced by a CP symmetry of order 4
Authors: Zhao Duanyang , Ivanov Igor P. , Pasechnik Roman , Zhang Pengming
Published: April 2023

Abstract

CP4 3HDM is a three-Higgs-doublet model based on the CP symmetry of order 4 (CP4). Imposing CP4 leads to remarkable connections between the scalar and Yukawa sectors and unavoidably generates tree-level flavor-changing neutral couplings (FCNC). It remains unclear whether FCNC can be sufficiently suppressed in the CP4 3HDM. In this paper, we systematically explore this issue. We first develop an efficient scanning procedure which takes the quark masses and mixing as input and expresses the FCNC matrices in terms of physical quark observables and quark rotation parameters. This procedure allows us to explore the FCNC effects for all the Yukawa sectors possible within the CP4 3HDM. We find that, out of the eight possible CP4 Yukawa sectors, only two scenarios are compatible with the K, B, Bs and, in particular, D-meson oscillation constraints. The results of this work serve as clear guidelines for future phenomenological scans of the model.
On the Commutativity of States in von Neumann Algebras
Authors: Łuczak Andrzej
Published: April 2023

The notion of commutativity of two normal states on a von Neumann algebra was defined some time ago by means of the Pedersen–Takesaki theorem. In this note, we aim at generalising this notion to an arbitrary number of states, and obtaining some results on so defined joint commutativity. Also relations between commutativity and broadcastability of states are investigated.
Does liming improve microbial carbon use efficiency after maize litter addition in a tropical acidic soil?
Authors: Moran-Rodas Virna Estefania , Joergensen Rainer Georg , Wachendorf Christine
Published: April 2023

Soil pH is one of the main drivers of soil microbial functions, including carbon use efficiency (CUE), the efficiency of microorganisms in converting substrate C into biomass, a key parameter for C sequestration. We evaluated liming effects after maize-litter addition on total CUE (including microbial residues), CUE of microbial biomass (CUEMB), and fungal biomass on an acidic Acrisol with a low C. We established a 6-week incubation experiment to compare limed and unlimed Acrisol treatments and a reference soil, a neighboring Nitisol with optimal pH. Fungal biomass (ergosterol) increased ~ 10 times after litter addition compared with soils without litter, and the final amount was greater in the limed Acrisol than the Nitisol. Litter addition induced a positive priming effect that increased with increasing pH. The increases in soil pH also led to increases in litter-derived CO2C and decreases in particulate organic matter (POM)C. Thus, in spite of increasing microbial biomass C, CUE decreased with increasing pH and CUEMB was similar across the three soils. CUEMB was positively associated with saprotrophic fungi, implying that fungi are more efficient in incorporating litter-derived C into microbial, especially fungal biomass after 42 days. By including undecomposed maize litter and microbial residues, CUE provided a more comprehensive interpretation of pH and liming effects than CUEMB. Nevertheless, longer-term studies may provide further information on substrate-C turnover and the persistence of liming and pH effects.
Association of meal timing with body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors in young adults
Authors: Dote-Montero Manuel , Acosta Francisco M. , Sanchez-Delgado Guillermo , Merchan-Ramirez Elisa , Amaro-Gahete Francisco J. , Labayen Idoia , Ruiz Jonatan R.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To investigate the association of meal timing with body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors in young adults.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study participated 118 young adults (82 women; 22 ± 2 years old; BMI: 25.1 ± 4.6 kg/m2). Meal timing was determined via three non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls. Sleep outcomes were objectively assessed using accelerometry. The eating window (time between first and last caloric intake), caloric midpoint (local time at which ≥ 50% of daily calories are consumed), eating jetlag (variability of the eating midpoint between non-working and working days), time from the midsleep point to first food intake, and time from last food intake to midsleep point were calculated. Body composition was determined by DXA. Blood pressure and fasting cardiometabolic risk factors (i.e., triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and insulin resistance) were measured.

Results

Meal timing was not associated with body composition (p > 0.05). The eating window was negatively related to HOMA-IR and cardiometabolic risk score in men (R2 = 0.348, β = − 0.605; R2 = 0.234, β = − 0.508; all p ≤ 0.003). The time from midsleep point to first food intake was positively related to HOMA-IR and cardiometabolic risk score in men (R2 = 0.212, β = 0.485; R2 = 0.228, β = 0.502; all p = 0.003). These associations remained after adjusting for confounders and multiplicity (all p ≤ 0.011).

Conclusions

Meal timing seems unrelated to body composition in young adults. However, a longer daily eating window and a shorter time from midsleep point to first food intake (i.e., earlier first food intake in a 24 h cycle) are associated with better cardiometabolic health in young men.

Clinical trial registration

NCT02365129 (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02365129?term=ACTIBATE&draw=2&rank=1).
“Koehlers teardrop is not a reliable landmark for assessing the centre of rotation after Total hip arthroplasty” – a retrospective radiological study
Authors: Heinz Kristian , Nowack Dimitri , von Eisenhart-Rothe Rüdiger , Wassilew Georgi , Matziolis Georg , Brodt Steffen
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Various anatomical landmarks have become established in radiography for the assessment of cup positioning after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The most important one is Koehler's teardrop figure (KTF). However, there is a lack of data on the validity of this landmark, which is widely used clinically for assessing the centre of rotation of the hip.

Method

A retrospective measurement of the lateral and cranial distance of the KTF to the centre of hip rotation was performed on the basis of 250 X-ray images of patients who had undergone THA. In addition, the dependence of these distances on pelvic tilt was determined in 16 patients by means of virtual X-ray projections based on pelvic CTs.

Results

It was shown that the distance of the KTF from the centre of hip rotation in the horizontal plane is gender-dependent (men: 42.8 ± 6.0 mm vs. women: 37.4 ± 4.7 mm; p < 0.001) and age-dependent (Pearson correlation  – 0.114; p < 0.05). Furthermore, the vertical and horizontal distances are subject to variation depending on height (Pearson correlation 0.14; p < 0.05 and 0.40; p < 0.001, respectively) and weight (Pearson correlation 0.158; p < 0.05). The distance between the KTF and the centre of hip rotation varies slightly depending on pelvic tilt.

Conclusion

The KTF is not a sufficiently valid landmark for assessing the centre of rotation after THA. It is influenced by many different disturbance variables. However, it is largely robust against changes in pelvic tilt, so that it can be used as a reference point when comparing different intraindividual radiographs to assess the change in the centre of rotation due to implantation or to detect cup migration.
Gastrointestinal complications after fast-track total hip and knee replacement: an observational study in a consecutive 36,932 patient cohort
Authors: Daugberg Louise O. H. , Kehlet Henrik , Petersen Pelle B. , Jakobsen Thomas , Jørgensen Christoffer C. ,   The Lundbeck Foundation Centre for Fast-track Hip and Knee Replacement collaborative Group, Madsen Frank , Hansen Torben Bæk , Gromov Kirill , Hansen Lars Tambour , Varnum Claus , Andersen Mikkel Rathsach , Krarup Niels Harry , Overgaard Søren
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Gastrointestinal complications after total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been reported to be between 0.3 and 2.6% with bleeding and C. difficile infection in 0–1%, and 0.1–1.7%, respectively. The use of enhanced recovery or “fast-track” protocols have focused on optimizing all aspects of perioperative care resulting in reduced length of hospital stay (LOS) and potentially also gastrointestinal complications. This study is a detailed analysis on the occurrence of postoperative gastrointestinal complications resulting in increased hospital stay or readmissions in a large consecutive cohort of fast-track THA and TKA with complete 90 days follow-up.

Materials and methods

This is an observational study on a consecutive cohort of primary unilateral THAs and TKAs performed between January 2010 and August 2017 in nine Danish high-volume fast-track centers. Discharge summaries and relevant patient records were reviewed in patients with readmissions within 90 days or LOS > 4 days caused by gastrointestinal complications.

Results

The cohort included 36,932 patients with 58.3% females and 54.1% THAs. Mean age and BMI were 68 years and 28. Median postoperative LOS was 2 days. Only n: 276 (0.75 %) had a LOS > 4 days or a readmission within 90 days due to a gastrointestinal complication (CI 0.67%–0.84%). Of these, only 34 (0.09%) were graded as severe ileus or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Conclusions

The risk of GI-complications within the first 90 postoperative days after fast-track THA and TKA was low (0.75%).
Impact of structural-level environmental interventions on physical activity: a systematic review
Authors: Hernández Edgar D. , Cobo Elisa A. , Cahalin Lawrence P. , Seron Pamela
Published: April 2023

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of structural-level environmental interventions on the changes in PA levels in the populations examined.

Methods

Natural experiments that involve environmental intervention with structural modification were included. The primary outcome PA levels with consideration of both objective and subjective measurements. An electronic search was carried out in Medline/Pubmed, SCIENCE DIRECT, WEB OF SCIENCE, and CINAHL up to January 2022. Two reviewers screened titles and abstracts, selected studies, extracted relevant data, and examined study quality. A qualitative synthesis was performed.

Results

Twenty-six articles were included. The structural-level environmental interventions included 4 fundamental areas: schools, work environments, streets or cities, and neighborhoods or parks. Of the 26 studies, 21 examined outdoor environments like parks, cities, pedestrian walkways, or steps, while 5 examined indoor or closed environments like schools and workplaces revealing that structural-level environmental interventions improve PA levels with the greatest effect in parks and active transportation. A risk of bias is inherent in natural experiments which is a limitation of this study. In schools and work areas, there is evidence of both decrease in sedentary time and an increase in PA related to environmental modifications.

Conclusion

Structural-level environmental modifications in parks and active transportation demonstrated greater effects in promoting PA. Environmental modifications can impact physical activity in the population. Given that the economic and cultural setting is a key variable when considering the effectiveness of structural interventions, and since only 1 of the 26 reviewed articles included such data, more studies examining economic factors are needed especially in low- and middle-income countries like in South America.

Trial registration

PROSPERO CRD42021229718.
Diabetesschulung und -beratung bei Erwachsenen mit Diabetes (Update 2023)
Authors: Weitgasser Raimund , Ciardi Christian , Traub Julia , Barta Merlena , Riedl Michaela , Clodi Martin , Ludvik Bernhard
Published: April 2023

Diabetesschulung und Selbstmanagement nehmen eine zentrale Rolle in der Diabetesbetreuung ein. Das dabei angestrebte Patient:innen-Empowerment zielt auf die aktive Beeinflussung des Diabetesverlaufs durch Selbstkontrolle und Therapieanpassung sowie die Befähigung der Betroffenen, den Diabetes in ihren Alltag zu integrieren und an ihre Lebensumstände entsprechend anzupassen. Eine Diabetesschulung ist allen Personen mit Diabetes zugänglich zu machen. Um ein strukturiertes und validiertes Schulungsprogramm anbieten zu können, sind adäquate personelle, räumliche, organisatorische und finanzielle Voraussetzungen nötig. Neben dem Zuwachs an Wissen über die Erkrankung konnte gezeigt werden, dass eine strukturierte Diabetesschulung ergebnisorientiert Parameter wie Blutzucker, HbA1c, Blutfette, Blutdruck und Körpergewicht positiv beeinflussen kann. Neuere Schulungsmodelle betonen neben der Ernährung die körperliche Bewegung als wichtigen Bestandteil der Lebensstil-Therapie und bedienen sich interaktiver Methoden, um die persönliche Verantwortung herauszuarbeiten. Spezifische Situationen (z. B. verminderte Hypoglykämie-Erkennung, Krankheit, Reisen), das Auftreten diabetischer Folgeerkrankungen und der Einsatz technischer Geräte wie Glukosesensor-Systeme und Insulinpumpen bedürfen zusätzlicher Schulungsmaßnahmen unterstützt durch adäquate elektronische Hilfsmittel (Diabetes-Apps, Diabetes-Web-Portale). Neue Erkenntnisse belegen den Nutzen telemedizinischer oder internetbasierter Dienste für die Diabetesprävention und das Diabetesmanagement.
Diabetische Neuropathie und diabetischer Fuß (Update 2023)
Authors: Köhler Gerd , Eichner Marlies , Abrahamian Heidemarie , Kofler Markus , Sturm Wolfgang , Menzel Anja
Published: April 2023

Der Begriff der diabetischen Neuropathie ist eine Sammelbezeichnung für Erkrankungen des peripheren Nervensystems die als Spätkomplikation des Diabetes mellitus auftreten.

Die Leitlinienempfehlungen beschreiben die klinischen Symptome und diagnostischen Möglichkeiten, sowie die Therapiemaßnahmen insbesondere bei der schmerzhaften Form der sensomotorischen Neuropathie, einschließlich der komplexen Problematik des diabetischen Fußes.