bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An extended laser beam heating model for a numerical platform to simulate multi-material selective laser melting
Authors: Dmytro Svyetlichnyy , Szymon Bajda , Michal Krzyzanowski
Published: August 2023

A laser beam heating model (LBHM) is an important part of a platform for numerical modelling of a multi-material selective laser melting process. The LBHM is utilised as a ray-tracing algorithm that is widely applied for rendering in different applications, mainly for visualisation and very recently for laser heating models in selective laser melting. The model presented in this paper was further extended to transparent and translucent materials, including materials where transparency is dependent on the material temperature. In addition to reflection and surface absorption, commonly considered in such models, phenomena such as refraction, scattering and volume absorption were also implemented. Considering associated energy transfer, the model represents a laser beam as a stream of moving particles, i.e. photons of the same energy. When the photons meet a boundary between materials, they are reflected, absorbed or transmitted according to geometric and thermal interfacial characteristics. This paper describes the LBHM in detail, its verification and validation, and also presents several simulation examples of the entire selective laser melting process with implemented LBHM.
LAM additive manufacturing: a fundamental review on mechanical properties, common defects, dominant processing variables, and its applications
Authors: Sibisi Thabiso Hopewell , Shongwe Mxolisi Brendon , Tshabalala Lerato C. , Mathoho Ipfi
Published: August 2023

A cutting-edge manufacturing technology that uses powder or wire as the feeding material and a high-energy heating source is known as metal additive manufacturing (AM). High-performance components for automotive, aerospace, medical, and energy applications are designed and produced using additive manufacturing (AM). In this overview, only laser additive manufacturing (LAM) procedures such as powder bed fusion (PBF) and directed energy deposition are discussed (DED). LAM provides an alternate path for fabricating current designs and permits the creation of new designs with complexity that is not possible with conventional methods. One of the most promising forms of additive manufacturing is laser additive manufacturing, which may produce things at low cost while keeping high value and yield (LAM). Specifically, when it comes to directed energy deposition (DED) or powder bed fusion (PBF), which involve various types of wire-fed, powder fed, and powder-bed assembly, it examines the key metallurgical phenomena that occur during LAM as well as the distinctions between different LAM technological pathways. This study offers a thorough overview of the classification of LAM systems, applications of LAM processes, key processing factors, frequent flaws, mechanical characteristics of manufactured parts, numerous machine-related parameters, and optimization of deposition conditions.
Ten years after: findings from the medical surveillance program on Health Effects in High-Level Exposure to PCB (HELPcB)
Authors: Rengelshausen Jens , Randerath Isabella , Schettgen Thomas , Esser Andre , Kaifie Andrea , Lang Jessica , Kraus Thomas , Ziegler Patrick
Published: August 2023

After the detection of high environmental and occupational exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in a German recycling company for transformers and capacitors in 2010, the multidisciplinary medical surveillance program “HELPcB” (Health Effects in High-Level Exposure to PCB) was established for former PCB-exposed workers of the company, their family members, employees of surrounding companies, and area residents to investigate potential adverse health effects by PCB exposure in a longitudinal study approach with up to seven examination time points between 2010 and 2019. More than 300 individuals were enrolled into the program. Assessments particularly included plasma and urine concentrations of PCB congeners and their metabolites, clinical laboratory parameters, Comet assay, analysis of telomere length, neuropsychological examinations, psychological screening, abdominal and thyroid ultrasound examination. This review summarizes the main results of the studies conducted in the HELPcB program yielding relevant new data on potential adverse effects of PCB exposure in humans and potential mechanisms that underlie these effects. Even larger studies in PCB-exposed individuals are warranted to confirm the results of this program and to further establish causality between PCB exposure and clinical effects in humans.
Regularity for Double Phase Problems at Nearly Linear Growth
Authors: De Filippis Cristiana , Mingione Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

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Method for determination of beech veneer behavior under compressive load using the short-span compression test
Authors: Krüger Robert , Buchelt Beate , Wagenführ André
Published: August 2023

A method for the determination of mechanical properties under compressive load is presented in this study. The short-span compression test is standardized for paper-based materials and was adapted for veneer in this study. Rotary cut veneer and solid wood of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) was tested parallel and transversal to fiber direction. The veneer thickness was varied between 1 and 3 mm. The mechanical properties Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, yield point and compressive strength were measured. The results show that the correct determination of Poisson's ratio depends on the veneer thickness as well as on the fiber direction. For veneer with a thickness of at least 3 mm, it is suitable in fiber direction, but not transversal to the fiber direction. The comparison of the mechanical properties between veneer and solid wood confirms that the lathe checks mainly influence the veneer properties transversal to the fiber direction.
Analysis of muscle magnetic resonance imaging of a large cohort of patient with VCP-mediated disease reveals characteristic features useful for diagnosis
Authors: Esteller Diana , Schiava Marianela , Verdú-Díaz José , Villar-Quiles Rocío-Nur , Dibowski Boris , Venturelli Nadia , Laforet Pascal , Alonso-Pérez Jorge , Olive Montse , Domínguez-González Cristina , Paradas Carmen , Vélez Beatriz , Kostera-Pruszczyk Anna , Kierdaszuk Biruta , Rodolico Carmelo , Claeys Kristl , Pál Endre , Malfatti Edoardo , Souvannanorath Sarah , Alonso-Jiménez Alicia , de Ridder Willem , De Smet Eline , Papadimas George , Papadopoulos Constantinos , Xirou Sofia , Luo Sushan , Muelas Nuria , Vilchez Juan J. , Ramos-Fransi Alba , Monforte Mauro , Tasca Giorgio , Udd Bjarne , Palmio Johanna , Sri Srtuhi , Krause Sabine , Schoser Benedikt , Fernández-Torrón Roberto , López de Munain Adolfo , Pegoraro Elena , Farrugia Maria Elena , Vorgerd Mathias , Manousakis Georgious , Chanson Jean Baptiste , Nadaj-Pakleza Aleksandra , Cetin Hakan , Badrising Umesh , Warman-Chardon Jodi , Bevilacqua Jorge , Earle Nicholas , Campero Mario , Díaz Jorge , Ikenaga Chiseko , Lloyd Thomas E. , Nishino Ichizo , Nishimori Yukako , Saito Yoshihiko , Oya Yasushi , Takahashi Yoshiaki , Nishikawa Atsuko , Sasaki Ryo , Marini-Bettolo Chiara , Guglieri Michela , Straub Volker , Stojkovic Tanya , Carlier Robert Y. , Díaz-Manera Jordi
Published: August 2023

Background

The diagnosis of patients with mutations in the VCP gene can be complicated due to their broad phenotypic spectrum including myopathy, motor neuron disease and peripheral neuropathy. Muscle MRI guides the diagnosis in neuromuscular diseases (NMDs); however, comprehensive muscle MRI features for VCP patients have not been reported so far.

Methods

We collected muscle MRIs of 80 of the 255 patients who participated in the “VCP International Study” and reviewed the T1-weighted (T1w) and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences. We identified a series of potential diagnostic MRI based characteristics useful for the diagnosis of VCP disease and validated them in 1089 MRIs from patients with other genetically confirmed NMDs.

Results

Fat replacement of at least one muscle was identified in all symptomatic patients. The most common finding was the existence of patchy areas of fat replacement. Although there was a wide variability of muscles affected, we observed a common pattern characterized by the involvement of periscapular, paraspinal, gluteal and quadriceps muscles. STIR signal was enhanced in 67% of the patients, either in the muscle itself or in the surrounding fascia. We identified 10 diagnostic characteristics based on the pattern identified that allowed us to distinguish VCP disease from other neuromuscular diseases with high accuracy.

Conclusions

Patients with mutations in the VCP gene had common features on muscle MRI that are helpful for diagnosis purposes, including the presence of patchy fat replacement and a prominent involvement of the periscapular, paraspinal, abdominal and thigh muscles.
Autoimmune processes in neurological patients are much more common than presently suspected
Authors: Goertzen Angelika , Altawashi Abdul Kareem , Rieck Julian , Veh Rüdiger W.
Published: August 2023

Autoimmune encephalitides are seldom diseases. How rare they actually are, however, is not known. The low incidence combined with the problematic identification may dampen efforts of neurologists, to identify patients with unclear symptoms as suffering from autoimmune encephalitis. Here, we aim to obtain a better estimate, how many patients with autoimmune disorders should be expected among 100 inpatients in a conventional neurological department. From a total number of 2603 non-stroke patients attended in a 2-year period (2018–2019) 460 CSFs were obtained. From this collection 187 samples (40.7%, > 500 sections) could be analyzed with our immunocytochemical technique. Autoreactive antibodies were detected in 102 (55%) of these 187 CSF samples. Certainly, the presence of autoreactive antibodies does not necessarily indicate that the patient suffers from an autoimmune disease. Our data indicate that from roughly 2000 patients during 1 year about 125 patients with autoreactive CSF antibodies should be expected in a conventional neurological department. This represents the about 35-fold value of what is generally expected at present. Being aware of this high incidence may intensify the efforts of neurologist to identify patients with any type of autoimmune encephalitis. This will be beneficial for patients, because they often profit from immunomodulatory therapy. Interestingly, some CFSs from our patients react with the CA2 subdivision of the hippocampus. While long neglected, recent research places this area into an important position to influence hippocampal network physiology. Autoreactive antibodies in the CSF may disturb the function of CA2 neurons, thereby explaining some neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with autoimmune encephalitides.
Increased brain age and relationships with blood-based biomarkers following concussion in younger populations
Authors: Mayer Andrew R. , Meier Timothy B. , Ling Josef M. , Dodd Andrew B. , Brett Benjamin L. , Robertson-Benta Cidney R. , Huber Daniel L. , Van der Horn Harm J. , Broglio Steven P. , McCrea Michael A. , McAllister Thomas
Published: August 2023

Objective

Brain age is increasingly being applied to the spectrum of brain injury to define neuropathological changes in conjunction with blood-based biomarkers. However, data from the acute/sub-acute stages of concussion are lacking, especially among younger cohorts.

Methods

Predicted brain age differences were independently calculated in large, prospectively recruited cohorts of pediatric concussion and matched healthy controls (totalN = 446), as well as collegiate athletes with sport-related concussion and matched non-contact sport controls (totalN = 184). Effects of repetitive head injury (i.e., exposure) were examined in a separate cohort of contact sport athletes (N = 82), as well as by quantifying concussion history through semi-structured interviews and years of contact sport participation.

Results

Findings of increased brain age during acute and sub-acute concussion were independently replicated across both cohorts, with stronger evidence of recovery for pediatric (4 months) relative to concussed athletes (6 months). Mixed evidence existed for effects of repetitive head injury, as brain age was increased in contact sport athletes, but was not associated with concussion history or years of contact sport exposure. There was no difference in brain age between concussed and contact sport athletes. Total tau decreased immediately (~ 1.5 days) post-concussion relative to the non-contact group, whereas pro-inflammatory markers were increased in both concussed and contact sport athletes. Anti-inflammatory markers were inversely related to brain age, whereas markers of axonal injury (neurofilament light) exhibited a trend positive association.

Conclusion

Current and previous findings collectively suggest that the chronicity of brain age differences may be mediated by age at injury (adults > children), with preliminary findings suggesting that exposure to contact sports may also increase brain age.
Radiofrequency ablation versus hybrid argon plasma coagulation in Barrett’s esophagus: a prospective randomised trial
Authors: Knabe Mate , Wetzka Jens , Welsch Lukas , Richl Johannes , Michael Florian , Blößer Sandra , Heilani Myriam , Kronsbein Holger , May Andrea
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and hybrid argon plasma coagulation (H-APC) are established thermal ablation techniques for eradicating Barrett’s esophagus after endoscopic resection. This study aimed to compare RFA with H-APC in relation to safety, effectiveness and eradication rates.

Methods

After endoscopic resection, patients were randomly assigned to H-APC or RFA. A simplified H-APC technique was applied at 60 W. RFA was used with a 90° focal catheter and a simplified protocol of 12 J/cm2 × 3 or with a Halo 360° balloon and 10 J/cm2/cleaning/10 J/cm2. Eradication rates and adverse events were recorded. Patients received follow-up examinations after 3, 6, 12 and 24 months.

Results

One hundred and one patients were finally included in the study (RFA N = 47, H-APC N = 54). The median follow-up period for short-term was 6.0 (CI 5.4–6.9) months and for long term 21 (CI 19.2.5–22.7) months. In total 211 ablations were performed. The eradication rates after long-term follow-up were 74.2% in the RFA group and 82.9% in the H-APC group. Post-interventional pain was significantly greater in the RFA group, with a mean score of 4.56/10 and duration of 7.54 days, in comparison with a mean score of 2.07/10 over 3.59 days in the H-APC group. Stenoses requiring intervention were noted in 3.7% of patients in the H-APC arm and 14.9% of those in the RFA arm.

Conclusions

Both ablation techniques have good results in relation to the eradication rate, with a slightly better outcome in the H-APC group. The severity and duration of pain were significantly greater in the RFA group.
The rationale for nephron-sparing surgery in unilateral non-syndromic Wilms tumour
Authors: Taghavi Kiarash , Sarnacki Sabine , Blanc Thomas , Boyer Olivia , Heloury Yves
Published: August 2023

The central question of nephron-sparing surgery in unilateral non-syndromic Wilms tumour sits at a crossroads between surgery, oncology, and nephrology. There has been a significant paradigm shift in paediatric oncology towards reducing toxicity and addressing long-term treatment-related sequalae amongst childhood cancer survivors. After paediatric nephrectomy and 30–50 years of follow-up, 40% of patients will have chronic kidney disease, including 22% with hypertension and 23% with albuminuria. It is difficult to predict which patients will progress to develop hypertension, reduced glomerular filtration rate, albuminuria, and a higher cardiovascular risk. For these reasons, nephron-sparing surgery when it is technically feasible must be considered. To decrease the incidence of positive surgical margins (viable tumour present at a resection margin), incomplete lymph node sampling, and complications, these procedures should be performed at specialist and experienced reference centres. Based on the impacts of individual treatment pathways, survivors of childhood WT need to be followed through adulthood for early detection of chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and prevention of cardiovascular events.
Growth and drought reaction of European hornbeam, European white elm, field maple and wild service tree
Authors: Schmucker Julia , Uhl Enno , Schmied Gerhard , Pretzsch Hans
Published: August 2023

Key message

Considering their drought tolerance and growth characteristics, rare native tree species are well-suited admixed species for the development of climate-stable forests in Central Europe.

In our study, we assessed the growth and drought reaction of the four rare native tree species European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.), European white elm (Ulmus laevis Pall.), field maple (Acer campestre L.), and wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz). Based on tree-ring data, we (I) evaluated their species-specific growth characteristics and variability and examined the influencing site and tree characteristics on annual growth. (II) We quantified their reaction to single drought events, also depending on site and tree variables. (III) We compared our results to oak (Quercus robur L., Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). As they are well-known Central European tree species, there is a broad knowledge about their growth and drought response across wide geographical ranges available. Bringing the results of European beech and oak in relation with the rare native species, it allows to categorise their growth and drought reaction and to contextualise their performance. Our results show, that besides European white elm, the rare species showed an overall lower annual growth with a higher variability than European beech and oak. However, especially field maple and wild service tree were better adapted to drought than European beech and partially even recovered better than oak. Combining the aspects of growth stability and drought tolerance, we conclude that rare native tree species are well suited as admixed species in future forest stands. European hornbeam is a suitable match for European beech on wetter sites, while field maple and wild service tree are a sensible complement for the climate stable oak on drier sites.
A survey on compressed sensing approach to systems and control
Authors: Nagahara Masaaki , Yamamoto Yutaka
Published: August 2023

In this survey paper, we review recent advances of compressed sensing applied to systems and control. Compressed sensing has been actively researched in the field of signal processing and machine learning. More recently, the method has been applied to systems and control problems, such as sparse feedback gain design, reduced-order control, and maximum hands-off control. This paper introduces these important applications of compressed sensing to systems and control. MATLAB programs for the numerical examples shown in this survey paper are available as supplementary materials.
Impulse-controllability of system classes of switched differential algebraic equations
Authors: Wijnbergen Paul , Trenn Stephan
Published: August 2023

In this paper, impulse-controllability of system classes containing switched DAEs is studied. We introduce several notions of impulse-controllability of system classes and provide a characterization of strong impulse-controllability of system classes generated by arbitrary switching signals. For a system class generated by switching signals with a fixed-mode sequence, it is shown that either almost all systems are impulse-controllable, or almost all systems are impulse-uncontrollable. Sufficient conditions for all systems in this system class to be impulse-controllable or impulse-uncontrollable are presented. Furthermore, it is observed that even if all systems in a system class are impulse-controllable, knowledge of all the switching times is generally necessary to construct an input that ensures impulse-free solutions. Consequently, it is impossible to design a controller in real time if the switching times in the future are unknown. This phenomenon can be regarded as a causality issue. Therefore, the concept of (quasi-) causal impulse-controllability is introduced, and system classes which are (quasi-) causal are characterized. Finally, necessary and sufficient conditions for a system class to be causal given some dwell-time are stated.
Integral representation and $$\Gamma $$-convergence for free-discontinuity problems with $$p(\cdot )$$-growth
Authors: Scilla Giovanni , Solombrino Francesco , Stroffolini Bianca
Published: August 2023

An integral representation result for free-discontinuity energies defined on the space$$GSBV^{p(\cdot )}$$GSBVp(·)of generalized special functions of bounded variation with variable exponent is proved, under the assumption of log-Hölder continuity for the variable exponentp(x). Our analysis is based on a variable exponent version of the global method for relaxation devised in Bouchitté et al. (Arch Ration Mech Anal 165:187–242, 2002) for a constant exponent. We prove$$\Gamma $$Γ-convergence of sequences of energies of the same type, we identify the limit integrands in terms of asymptotic cell formulas and prove a non-interaction property between bulk and surface contributions.
Indications for replantation and factors that predict success
Authors: Bregman Dana , Nicholson Luke
Published: August 2023

Since the advent of replantation techniques, there has been uneven progress in terms of success—even considering whether success is defined as continued perfusion of the digit or long term functional outcomes. Early enthusiasm and success have not been maintained despite increasing familiarity with microsurgical techniques and greater understanding of how to optimize outcomes for the individual components of replantation such as tendon repair, nerve repair, and osteosynthesis. Practitioners participating in the care of patients undergoing replantation should be familiar with the history and current understanding of both the indications and contraindications for the procedure, post-operative rehabilitation, and factors contributing to functional outcomes. A review of the literature from the first publications on the topic demonstrates evolution in practice and understanding of which patients should be indicated for replantation. Indications can be considered in three broad categories: injury factors, patient factors, and care context factors. These factors intersect with one another and can inform the surgeon pre-operatively regarding the most likely outcome for a given patient. This insight is critical to discuss pre-operatively with the patient in order to make a shared decision about how to manage their injury.
Chain Dynamics in a Polyelectrolyte Solution Under Shear: A Rheological NMR Investigation
Authors: Bartosch Sascha , Kohn Benjamin , Scheler Ulrich
Published: August 2023

Rheological nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has been applied to study the effect of shear on the chain dynamics in a solution of a linear poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate). Information on the chain dynamics of poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) sheared in a narrow-gap concentric double cylinder cell is inferred from the NMR transverse relaxation T2 for a concentration in the semidilute-entangled and in the concentrated regime. In the semidilute-entangled concentration enhanced relaxation is observed. In the concentrated regime signatures of a loss of entanglements are seen with increasing T2 and a decreasing fraction of the polymer showing restricted motion. The effect is enhanced when the electrostatic interaction along the polymer chain is reduced by the addition of NaCl.
Is more always better? Unveiling the impact of contributor dynamics on collaborative mapping
Authors: McGough Aylin , Kavak Hamdi , Mahabir Ron
Published: August 2023

Open, collaborative mapping initiatives such as OpenStreetMap, a wiki-style map of the world, continually face concerns about the reliability and authority of its data. Based on harnessing the power of millions of volunteers globally, the data production process is decentralized and reflects a mosaic of individual contributors’ skills, motivations, and experiences. Linus’ Law, a widespread assumption within open-source communities, suggests that data quality increases with the number of contributors. In this paper, we evaluate Linus’ Law as applied to the co-production of volunteered geographic information using an agent-based model and examine the effects of knowledge level, variability, and prioritization on emergent production patterns and overall data quality. Our results demonstrate how diminishing returns and the experience of contributors limit Linus’ Law as an intrinsic assessment of data quality.
Belief: What is it Good for?
Authors: MacFarlane John
Published: August 2023

“Absolutely nothing,” say the radical Bayesians. “Simplifying decisions,” say the moderates. “Providing premises in practical reasoning,” say the epistemologists. “Coordinating with others,” say I. It is hard to see how to construct an adequate theory of rational behavior without using a graded notion of belief, such as credence. But once we have credence, what role is left for belief? After surveying some answers to this question, I will explore the idea that belief is in a different line of work altogether. Its job is not to rationalize and explain an agent’s behavior, but to track what the agent would accept as a reason. Although some philosophers have seen the connection between belief and reasons, they have tended to see reasons as part of a theory of rational action. This locates belief in the rationalizing and explaining business, where it must vie with credence. In contrast, I argue that reasons play no essential role in an account of individual rationality; they are important because we need to coordinate with others. Credence and belief thus answer to separate needs.
Long-term follow up of patients with WHO grade 2 oligodendroglioma
Authors: Carstam Louise , Latini Francesco , Solheim Ole , Bartek Jiri , Pedersen Lars K. , Zetterling Maria , Beniaminov Stanislav , Sjåvik Kristin , Ryttlefors Mats , Jensdottir Margret , Rydenhag Bertil , Smits Anja , Jakola Asgeir S.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Since the introduction of the molecular definition of oligodendrogliomas based on isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-status and the 1p19q-codeletion, it has become increasingly evident how this glioma entity differs much from other diffuse lower grade gliomas and stands out with longer survival and often better responsiveness to adjuvant therapy. Therefore, apart from using a molecular oligodendroglioma definition, an extended follow-up time is necessary to understand the nature of this slow growing, yet malignant condition. The aim of this study was to describe the long-term course of the oligodendroglioma disease in a population-based setting and to determine which factors affect outcome in terms of survival.

Methods

All adults with WHO-grade 2 oligodendrogliomas with known 1p19q-codeletion from five Scandinavian neurosurgical centers and with a follow-up time exceeding 5 years, were analyzed regarding survival and factors potentially affecting survival.

Results

126 patients diagnosed between 1998 and 2016 were identified. The median follow-up was 12.0 years, and the median survival was 17.8 years (95% CI 16.0–19.6).

Factors associated with shorter survival in multivariable analysis were age (HR 1.05 per year; CI 1.02–1.08, p < 0.001), tumor diameter (HR 1.05 per millimeter; CI 1.02–1.08, p < 0.001) and poor preoperative functional status (KPS < 80) (HR 4.47; CI 1.70–11.78, p = 0.002). In our material, surgical strategy was not associated with survival.

Conclusion

Individuals with molecularly defined oligodendrogliomas demonstrate long survival, also in a population-based setting. This is important to consider for optimal timing of therapies that may cause long-term side effects. Advanced age, large tumors and poor function before surgery are predictors of shorter survival.

Graphical Abstract
Cartel Leniency and Settlements: A Joint Perspective
Authors: Dijkstra Peter T. , Seifert Jacob
Published: August 2023

This paper studies the interactions between a cartel leniency program and a settlement procedure. The EU settlement procedure gives colluding firms that do not apply for leniency an additional opportunity to cooperate with the competition authority in exchange for a reduced fine after a preliminary case has been established against them. We derive the conditions under which colluding firms apply for leniency, settle, or refuse to cooperate with the authority in equilibrium. Our policy results show that settlements can act as a complement or as a substitute to the leniency program. We also study the welfare-optimal policy and highlight a novel interdependence between the fine reductions that should be offered to leniency applicants and to settling firms.
Influence of sanitation facilities on diarrhea prevalence among children aged below 5 years in flood-prone areas of Bangladesh: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Kikuchi Michiko
Published: August 2023

Although the improvement of sanitation facilities has been a major contributor to improving public health, it is not guaranteed to prevent negative health outcomes. This is especially true in areas affected by severe natural disasters, such as flooding or extreme rainfall. Previous studies have examined the association between catastrophic natural disasters and negative health outcomes. However, studies on disaster-prone areas are limited. This study focused on the impact of flood risks and examined whether the improvement of sanitation facilities would be sufficient to suppress the prevalence of diarrhea in flood-prone areas. Two secondary datasets including geodata on flood-prone areas were used for the analysis: one each was obtained from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council. Two models with categorizations of sanitation facilities based on containment type and excreta flow were applied for analysis. Results showed that the severe flood-prone areas and “diffused” type of sanitation, where the feces are diffused without any containment, had significant positive associations with diarrhea prevalence; however, the interaction between them was negative. Moderate flood-prone areas had a significant positive association with diarrhea prevalence; however, the interaction with unimproved sanitation, which includes containment without clear partition from feces, was significantly negative. These findings indicate that improved sanitation or containment type of sanitation may not positively contribute to the prevention of diarrhea in these severe- and moderate-flood prone areas. The urgent need for alternative sanitation technologies should be addressed in flood-prone regions.
Impact of Bariatric Surgery in the Short and Long Term: A Need for Time-Dependent Dosing of Drugs
Authors: Lau Cedric , van Kesteren Charlotte , Smeenk Robert , Huitema Alwin , Knibbe Catherijne A. J.
Published: August 2023

Sparse information is available on pharmacokinetic changes of drugs over time after bariatric surgery. By reviewing the literature on the short- and long-term pharmacokinetic changes of drugs, several patterns were identified for 39 drugs. No relevant pharmacokinetic changes were identified for roughly a third of the drugs. Of the remaining drugs, levels were variable and partly unpredictable shortly after the surgery. In the long term, most of the drug levels remain altered, but in some cases they returned to preoperative values. Based on the changes and the efficacy-safety balance of each drug, clinicians may need to perform additional clinical monitoring for specific drugs, including measuring drug levels. This review provides suggestions for clinicians and pharmacists for specific time-dependent drug dosing advice.
Incidence and risk factors of asymptomatic bacteriuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis
Authors: Dai Mengqiao , Hua Shan , Yang Jiechao , Geng Dandan , Li Weina , Hu Shuqin , Chen Hu , Liao Xiaoqin
Published: August 2023

Background

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing each year and has become one of the most prominent health concerns worldwide. Patients with T2DM are prone to infectious diseases, and urinary tract infections are also widespread. Despite a comprehensive understanding of urinary tract infection (UTI), there is a lack of research regarding primary prevention strategies for asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB).

Objective

To clarify the incidence and risk factors of asymptomatic urinary tract infection in patients with T2DM by meta-analysis to provide evidence for preventing UTI. Help patients, their families, and caregivers to identify the risk factors of patients in time and intervene to reduce the incidence of ASB in patients with T2DM. Fill in the gaps in existing research.

Study design

Meta-analyses were conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines.

Methods

Eleven databases were systematically searched for articles about ASB in T2DM, and the retrieval time was selected from the establishment of the database to February 5, 2023. Literature screening, quality evaluation, and meta-analysis were independently performed by two researchers according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a meta-analysis was performed using Stata 17.0.

Results

Fourteen articles were included, including cohort and case–control studies. A meta-analysis of 4044 patients with T2DM was included. The incidence of ASB in patients with T2DM was 23.7%(95% CI (0.183, 0.291); P < 0.001). After controlling for confounding variables, the following risk factors were associated with ASB in patients with T2DM: age (WMD = 3.18, 95% CI (1.91, 4.45), I2 = 75.5%, P < 0.001), female sex (OR = 1.07, 95% CI(1.02, 1.12), I2 = 79.3%, P = 0.002), duration of type 2 diabetes (WMD = 2.54, 95% CI (1.53, 5.43), I2 = 80.7%, P < 0.001), HbA1c (WMD = 0.63, 95% CI (0.43, 0.84), I2 = 62.6,%. P < 0.001), hypertension (OR = 1.59, 95% CI (1.24, 2.04), I2 = 0%, <0.001), hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.66, 95% CI (1.27, 2.18), I2 = 0%, P < 0.001), Neuropathy (OR = 1.81, 95% CI (1.38, 2.37), I2 = 0%, P < 0.001), proteinuria (OR = 3.00, 95% CI (1.82, 4.95), I2 = 62.7%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The overall prevalence of ASB in T2DM is 23.7%. Age, female sex, course of T2DM, HbA1C, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, neuropathy, and proteinuria were identified as related risk factors for ASB in T2DM. These findings can provide a robust theoretical basis for preventing and managing ASB in T2DM.
Elliptic curves, ACM bundles and Ulrich bundles on prime Fano threefolds
Authors: Ciliberto Ciro , Flamini Flaminio , Knutsen Andreas Leopold
Published: August 2023

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∈
{
3
,
…
,
10
,
12
}

. We prove that for any integer d satisfying $$\left\lfloor \frac{g+3}{2} \right\rfloor \leqslant d \leqslant g+3$$

g
+
3

2

⩽
d
⩽
g
+
3

the Hilbert scheme parametrizing smooth irreducible elliptic curves of degree d in X is nonempty and has a component of dimension d, which is furthermore reduced except for the case when $$(g,d)=(4,3)$$

(
g
,
d
)
=
(
4
,
3
)

and X is contained in a singular quadric. Consequently, we deduce that the moduli space of rank–two slope–stable ACM bundles $${\mathcal F}_d$$

F
d

on X such that $$\det ({\mathcal F}_d)={\mathcal O}_X(1)$$

det

(

F
d

)

=

O
X

(
1
)

, $$c_2({\mathcal F}_d)\cdot {\mathcal O}_X(1)=d$$

c
2

(

F
d

)

·

O
X

(
1
)

=
d

and $$h^0({\mathcal F}_d(-1))=0$$

h
0

(

F
d

(
-
1
)

)

=
0

is nonempty and has a component of dimension $$2d-g-2$$

2
d
-
g
-
2

, which is furthermore reduced except for the case when $$(g,d)=(4,3)$$

(
g
,
d
)
=
(
4
,
3
)

and X is contained in a singular quadric. This completes the classification of rank–two ACM bundles on prime Fano threefolds. Secondly, we prove that for every $$h \in {\mathbb Z}^+$$

h
∈

Z

+

the moduli space of stable Ulrich bundles $${\mathcal E}$$
E
of rank 2h and determinant $${\mathcal O}_X(3h)$$

O
X

(
3
h
)

on X is nonempty and has a reduced component of dimension $$h^2(g+3)+1$$

h
2

(
g
+
3
)

+
1

; this result is optimal in the sense that there are no other Ulrich bundles occurring on X. This in particular shows that any prime Fano threefold is Ulrich wild.
Quality assurance of postharvest grapes against Botrytis cinerea by terbinafine
Authors: Zhao Yun , Jin Qiong , Wang Zi-Jiao , Tao Xing-Yu , Luo Xiao-Dong
Published: August 2023

Worldwide, fruit is an indispensable treasure house of nutrition for human beings, occupying a vital position of human diet. Postharvest fruit storage requires efficient antifungal agents to control Botrytis cinerea, which is a vital postharvest disease affecting fruit and leading to enormous losses. However, with the enormous abuse of existing antifungal drugs, the problem of drug-resistant fungi is imminent, making the controlling diseases caused by pathogenic fungi even more challenging. Drug repurposing is an efficient alternative method, we evaluated a well-known antifungal chemical, terbinafine, against the agricultural pathogen, B. cinerea in vitro, as a result, terbinafine showed strong antifungal activity. Furthermore, the in vivo antifungal activity of terbinafine was evaluated, the results showed that terbinafine could reduce the decay area on grapes. Terbinafine could disrupt the cell membrane integrity, increase cell membrane permeability, and eventual cell death of B. cinerea. In addition, terbinafine reduced decay incidence, and weight loss and maintained the soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total phenolic, and malondialdehyde content during the storage period of grapes. Overall, terbinafine could be an antifungal preservative for postharvest table grapes fresh-keeping.

Graphical abstract
In what ways does age-differentiated leadership influence employee health?
Authors: Uhlmann Lena Marie , Karabinski Tina , Wendsche Johannes , Wegge Jürgen
Published: August 2023

According to Wegge et al. (2014), leadership behavior can affect employee health in several ways. The model describes leaders (1) as actors with a direct influence on the health of employees, (2) as designers of work systems, (3) as a moderating factor (buffer/amplifier) of the effects of work requirements and resources on health, (4) as a developer of group climate and identification and (5) as direct role models for health-related behavior. In order to collect evidence for the usefulness of this multi-path model, connections between age-differentiated leadership (ADL) and health were analyzed in 947 employees of a German technology company. ADL is a management style that takes into account the particularities of mixed-age teams and also differentiates between the different needs of different age groups. It was found that better ADL (when controlling for employee-oriented leadership) is associated with fewer physical and psychological complaints (pathway 1). This relationship is mediated by the manager’s social support (path 2) and a better recreational climate in the team (path 4). Better ADL also reduced the negative effects of psychological work demands on the psychological symptoms (pathway 3).

Practical Relevance: This article provides practical evidence for the multi-way model of leadership and health. Using the example of age-differentiated leadership (ADL)—with control of employee-oriented leadership—it was also found that this leadership behavior has a positive effect on the mental and physical health of employees via four different paths and should therefore be encouraged.
On-Chain Video Copy Detection Based on Swin-Transformer and Deep Hashing
Authors: Shang Wenqian , Liu Xintao , Song Miaoran
Published: August 2023

In recent years, short videos are spreading faster and become higher quality due to edge-cloud technology. People receive information gradually from graphic to video. At the same time as the number of videos spread rapidly, infringing videos are also flooding the Internet. The wild spread of infringing videos on the Internet has brought serious losses to video websites and original authors. Although video copy detection can solve such problems, the detection results are easy to be tampered with, and the detection results are hardly convincing. Based on this, this paper proposes an open, transparent and verifiable video copy detection method, which uses blockchain technology to ensure the transparency and openness of the results. In addition, this method adopts the combination of on-chain and off-chain methods to automatically perform copyright detection by invoking smart contracts on the chain. This mechanism can securely and immutably store video feature values on the blockchain, ensuring the originality of copyrighted works and the ability to verify detection results. Swin-Transformer and deep hashing are used to obtain video features off the blockchain, which can efficiently match the similarity of existing videos. The method of block comparison can greatly shorten the comparison time, which is 1/50 of the traditional comparison time. Experimental results show that this method is very effective in retrieving similar images and detecting the similarity between original and pirated videos.
Boredom
Authors: Carrera Elena
Published: August 2023

This Element challenges prevailing views of boredom as a modern phenomenon and as an experience occurring inside our minds. It discusses the changing perspectives on boredom within psychology, psychiatry and psychoanalysis on both sides of the Atlantic in the last 100 years. It also analyzes visual and textual material from France, Germany, Britain, Argentina and Spain, which illustrates the kinds of social situations, people and interactions that have been considered tedious or boring in the past five centuries. Examining the multidirectional ways in which words like ennuyeux, 'tedious', langweilig, aburrido and 'boring' have been transferred between different cultural contexts (to denote a range of interrelated feelings that include displeasure, unease and annoyance), it demonstrates how the terms, concepts and categories through which individuals have experienced their states of mind are not simply culture-bound. They have also travelled across geographical and linguistic barriers, through translation, imitation and adaptation. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Conditional mixing in deterministic chaos
Authors: WORMELL CAROLINE L.
Published: August 2023

While on the one hand, chaotic dynamical systems can be predicted for all time given exact knowledge of an initial state, they are also in many cases rapidly mixing, meaning that smooth probabilistic information (quantified by measures) on the system’s state has negligible value for predicting the long-term future. However, an understanding of the long-term predictive value of intermediate kinds of probabilistic information is necessary in various physical problems, and largely remains lacking. Of particular interest in data assimilation and linear response theory are the conditional measures of the Sinai–Ruelle–Bowen (SRB) measure on zero sets of general smooth functions of the phase space. In this paper we give rigorous and numerical evidence that such measures generically converge back under the dynamics to the full SRB measures, exponentially quickly. We call this property conditional mixing. While conditional mixing typically cannot be proven from standard transfer operator theory, we will prove that conditional mixing holds in a class of generalized baker’s maps, and demonstrate it numerically in some non-Markovian piecewise hyperbolic maps. Conditional mixing provides a natural limit on the effectiveness of long-term forecasting of chaotic systems via partial observations, and appears key to proving the existence of linear response outside the setting of smooth uniform hyperbolicity.
Modeling the Propagation of Fast Magnetosonic Waves and Their Conversion to Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron Waves at Low L Shells
Authors: Xu Xiang , Zhou Chen , Chen Lunjin , Horne Richard B.
Published: August 2023

The propagation of fast magnetosonic (MS) waves from high to extremely low L shells and their conversion into electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves is investigated with a ray tracing model and a full‐wave model. The ray tracing simulations show that MS waves in the vicinity of the local crossover frequency at low L shells have a latitudinal range from to with wave normal angles from to , both of which provide the opportunity for their mode conversion to EMIC waves. Results from ray tracing are fed into the full‐wave model as initial conditions. The full‐wave simulations show that the incoming MS waves with small () and intermediate () wave normal angles may be efficiently converted to right‐handedly polarized band EMIC waves, which may be further converted to right‐handedly polarized band EMIC waves or to guided left‐handedly polarized band EMIC waves through bi‐ion resonance reflection and polarization reversal. With intermediate () or larger wave normal angles, via polarization reversal and left‐handed polarization cut‐off reflection, the incoming MS waves may be efficiently converted to guided left‐handedly polarized band EMIC waves and the optimal wave normal angles corresponding to the maximum conversion efficiencies decrease with magnetic latitudes. Our study verifies the mode conversion mechanism of MS waves to EMIC waves proposed with a previous ray tracing study and examines the dependence of the efficiency of the wave energy transfer on the magnetic latitudes and wave normal angles, which may help to understand the wave properties and distribution of MS and EMIC waves observed at extremely low L shells.
Characterizing Errors Using Satellite Metadata for Eco‐Hydrological Model Calibration
Authors: Zou Hui , Marshall Lucy , Sharma Ashish
Published: August 2023

Understanding the origins of errors between model predictions and catchment observations is a critical element in hydrologic model calibration and uncertainty estimation. Difficulties arise because there are a variety of error sources but only one measure of the total residual error between model predictions and catchment observations. One promising approach is to collect extra information a priori to characterize the data error before calibration. We implement here a new model calibration strategy for an ecohydrological model, using the satellite metadata information as a means to inform the model priors, to decompose data error from total residual error. This approach, referred to as Bayesian ecohydrological error model (BEEM), is first examined in a synthetic setting to establish its validity, and then applied to three real catchments across Australia. Results show that (a) BEEM is valid in a synthetic setting, as it can perfectly ascertain the true underlying error; (b) in real catchments the model error is reduced when utilizing the observation error variance as added error contributing to total error variance, while the magnitude of total residual error is more robust when utilizing metadata about the data quality proportionality as the basis for assigning total error variance; (c) BEEM improves model calibration by estimating the model error appropriately and estimating the uncertainty interval more precisely. Overall, our work demonstrates a new approach to collect prior error information in satellite metadata and reveals the potential for fully utilizing metadata about error sources in uncertainty estimation.