bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender and Age Stereotypes in Robotics for Eldercare: Ethical Implications of Stakeholder Perspectives from Technology Development, Industry, and Nursing
Authors: Weßel Merle , Ellerich-Groppe Niklas , Koppelin Frauke , Schweda Mark
Published: August 2022

Social categorizations regarding gender or age have proven to be relevant in human-robot interaction. Their stereotypical application in the development and implementation of robotics in eldercare is even discussed as a strategy to enhance the acceptance, well-being, and quality of life of older people. This raises serious ethical concerns, e.g., regarding autonomy of and discrimination against users. In this paper, we examine how relevant professional stakeholders perceive and evaluate the use of social categorizations and stereotypes regarding gender and age in robotics for eldercare. Based on 16 semi-structured interviews with representatives from technology development, industry, and nursing science as well as practice, we explore the subjects’ awareness, evaluations, and lines of argument regarding the corresponding moral challenges. Six different approaches of dealing with categorizations and stereotypes regarding gender and age in care robotics for older people are identified: negation, functionalistic relativization, explanation, neutralization, stereotyping, and queering. We discuss the ethical implications of these approaches with regard to professional responsibility and draw conclusions for responsible age tech in pluralistic societies.
“We Live Just Like a Normal Family”: Exploring Local Renderings of the Global HIV Normalisation Discourse Among Serodiscordant Couples in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Persson Asha , Kelly-Hanku Angela , Mek Agnes , Mitchell Elke , Trumb Richard Nake , Worth Heather , Bell Stephen
Published: August 2022

The contemporary global discourse of “HIV normalisation” is intimately linked to the scientific consensus that, with effective antiretroviral therapy, an “undetectable” viral load renders HIV “non-infectious” and “untransmittable” between sexual partners. Beyond this correlation, HIV normality is rarely defined, leaving the impression that it is an objective and universally applicable phenomenon. But what does normality mean in settings where these concepts are not widely known or part of local understandings of HIV? Our research in Papua New Guinea with “serodiscordant” couples (one partner has HIV, but not the other) found that while HIV normality was a widespread narrative, it pivoted on culturally specific values and expectations, not on undetectability. We argue that narrow assumptions of what constitutes “HIV normalisation” limit our capacity to understand how global discourses can translate and manifest in local contexts and with what consequences for personal lives, relationships, and the epidemic.
Biofilm as an adaptation strategy to extreme conditions
Authors: Parrilli Ermenegilda , Tutino Maria Luisa , Marino Gennaro
Published: August 2022

Biofilm is the most successful and widely distributed form of life on earth, it is not simply structured collections of cells attached to surfaces but is a dynamic complex biological system able to respond to environmental changes. The biofilm characteristics make it unique and central to microbial evolution and adaptation. The ability to establish biofilms is a key trait for microorganisms growing in extreme environments like extreme temperature, high radiation, acidic or alkaline pH values, heavy metal pollution, and high salinity. In this article, we report the main features of biofilm and how these characteristics make biofilms a successful survival strategy in extreme conditions. All aspects examined in this article help to explain why biofilms are a successful survival strategy in extreme conditions and why the ability to establish biofilms is a key trait for microorganisms growing in extreme environments.
Freehand power-assisted pedicle screw placement in scoliotic patients: results on 5522 consecutive pedicle screws
Authors: Faldini C. , Barile F. , Viroli G. , Manzetti M. , Ialuna M. , Traversari M. , Paolucci A. , Rinaldi A. , D’Antonio G. , Ruffilli A.
Published: August 2022

Pedicle screws is the current gold standard in spine surgery, achieving a solid tricolumnar fixation which is unreachable by wires and hooks. The freehand technique is the most widely adopted for pedicle screws placing. While freehand technique has been classically performed with manual tools, there has been a recent trend toward the use of power tools. However, placing a pedicle screw remains a technically demanding procedure with significant risk of complications. The aim of this article is to retrospectively evaluate safety and accuracy of free-hand power-assisted pedicle screw placement in a cohort of patients who underwent correction and fusion surgery for scoliosis (both idiopathic and non-idiopathic) in our department. A retrospective review of all patients with scoliosis who underwent surgery and received a postoperative CT scan in our department in a 9-year period was undertaken. Screw density, number and location of pedicle screws were measured using pre and postoperative full-length standing and lateral supine side-bending radiographs. Then, postoperative CT scan was used to assess the accuracy of screw placement according to Gertzbein-Robbins scale. Malpositioned screws were divided according to their displacement direction. Finally, intra and postoperative neurological complications and the need for revision of misplaced screws were recorded. A total of 205 patients were included, with a follow-up of 64.9 ± 38.67 months. All constructs were high density (average density 1.97 ± 0.04), and the average number of fusion levels was 13.72 ± 1.97. A total of 5522 screws were placed: 5308 (96.12%) were grade A, 141 (2.5%) grade B, 73 (1.32%) grade C. Neither grade D nor grade E trajectories were found. The absolute accuracy (grade A) rate was 96.12% (5308/5522) and the effective accuracy (within the safe zone, grade A + B) was 98.6% (5449/5522). Of the 73 misplaced screws (grade C), 59 were lateral (80.80%), 8 anterior (10.95%) and 6 medial (8.22%); 58 were in convexity, while 15 were in concavity (the difference was not statistically significant, p = 0.33). Intraoperatively, neither neurological nor vascular complications were recorded. Postoperatively, 4 screws needed revision (0.072% of the total): Power-assisted pedicle screw placing may be a safe an accurate technique in the scoliosis surgery, both of idiopathic and non-idiopathic etiology. Further, and higher quality, research is necessary in order to better assess the results of this relatively emerging technique.
Age of Uranium Mineralisation from North Delhi Fold Belt (NDFB): Evidences from U-Pb, Pb-Pb and Sm-Nd Systematics
Authors: Pandey U. K. , Tripathi B. K. , Bisht B. S. , Sunil Kumar T.S. , Saravanan B. , Sinha D. K.
Published: August 2022

Results of multi-method geochronological study (U-Pb, Pb-Pb and Sm-Nd), on uranium mineralized rocks along the albitite line in the North Delhi Fold Belt (NDFB, Rajasthan, India) are presented. The Pb-Pb ages obtained, on uranium mineralized core samples, from Rohil uranium deposit, Sikar district, Rajasthan (south western part of NDFB), are 836 ± 5 Ma (Pb Sequential Leaching-PbSL, weighted average of 11 isochron ages), 826 ± 9 Ma (Pb-Pb isochron age on uraninite), 842 ± 18 Ma (U-Pb concordia upper intercept age, on uraninite). Similar ages of uraninites were also obtained from areas close to Rohil uranium deposit i.e. Jahaz (823 ± 10 Ma, U-Pb and 826 ± 14 Ma, Pb-Pb) and Ghateshwar areas (834 ± 14 Ma, U-Pb concordia upper intercept age and 826 ± 25 Ma, Pb-Pb isochron age). The ages of uranium mineralisation (PbSL) further in northeastern part of NDFB i.e. in Gorir area, Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan, are 827 ± 7 Ma, 818 ± 24 Ma (PbSL) and in Dhancholi area, Mahendragarh Dist., Haryana, are 824 ± 12 Ma (U-Pb) and 824 ± 6.5 Ma (Pb-Pb). The above age data in general indicates age of uranium mineralization as 830 Ma in the NDFB. These ages are consistent with age of uranium mineralization in albitites from Brazil.
Comparison of Metasomatic and Pegmatite Type of Mineralization in and near Rohil Uranium Deposit, Sikar District, Rajasthan, India: An Insight from Field Relations, Petrography and Mineral Chemistry
Authors: Saxena Anubhooti , Banerjee Atanu , Mitra Nabanita , Couto U.S. , Pandey U.K. , Bisht B.S , Sinha D.K.
Published: August 2022

A new type of uranium mineralization, associated with late stage pegmatitic activity and quartzo-feldspathic injections has been identified in Rohil West that lies at about 500 m west of main Rohil uranium deposit. The injections have caused extensive deformation and silicifications of host quartz-muscovite-biotite schist. Uranium mineralization is represented by uranitite occurring in association with high temperature phases like allanite, monazite and zircon. Uranitite forms coarse to medium euhedral - subhedral grains showing intergrowth textures with minerals like quartz, feldspar and biotite of quartzo-feldspathic injections. Uraninites contained high ThO2 2.67-7.21wt% (av. 4.78%, n=30) and high Re2O3 (2.35-4.31 wt.%, n=30). Chemical age of uranitite is calculated as 675-834Ma. In view of intergrowth textures, high ThO2 content and association with quartzo-feldspathic injections uranium mineralization in Rohil West block is interpreted as Pegmatitic Type.

The recognition of granite-pegmatite related uranium mineralization in Rohil West has opened up another dimension for the exploration, in addition to the largely Metasomatite Type uranium mineralization at Rohil. The possible extensions of newer type of uranium mineralization in NDFB need to be interpreted from heliborne geophysical data for the search of satellite deposit to Rohil.
Six Decades of Uranium Exploration in the Proterozoic and Phanerozoic Formations of Himalaya: Challenges, Understanding and Strategies
Authors: Pandey Pradeep , Kumar Pramod
Published: August 2022

The Himalayan geo-environment with a six-decade long history of Uranium exploration by Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) commenced way back in early 1960’s, has helped in identifying scores of uranium shows. Five major types of uranium mineralization viz., (i) Vein, (ii) Shear controlled hydrothermal, (iii) Disseminated, (iv) Syngenetic and (v) Sandstone hosted, have been identified, which for the ease of exploration, are further grouped as per their respective locales in the four Himalayan tectonic blocks. viz., (i) Sub or Outer Himalaya, (ii) The Lesser Himalaya (iii) Upper or Higher Himalaya and (iv) Para or Trans Himalaya. The vast spread of uranium metallogeny in the Himalaya from Precambrian to Tertiary is a very favorable factor for locating significant uranium deposits. Himalayan orogen is highly dynamic with continued tectonic evolution throughout its geological history. This poses several constraints on exploration strategies, both in terms of logistics and diversified geology. However, the tectonic evolution and regional correlation have been understood to a large extent, which have helped in identifying some common controls and potential locales for uranium metallogeny and hence may be taken as a guide for further detailed exploration.
ASPECT Score and Its Application to Vasospasm in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage: a Case–Control Study
Authors: Bautista Melissa , Burger Rebecca , Anderson Ian A. , Mathew Ryan K.
Published: August 2022

Delayed cerebral ischaemia (DCI) is a significant complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) and is strongly associated with poorer outcome. The Alberta Stroke Program Early Computer Tomography (ASPECT) score is an established scoring tool, used in acute ischaemic stroke, to quantify early ischaemic changes on CT head scans. We aim to identify if ASPECT scoring correlates with functional outcome in DCI following aSAH. Retrospective case–control study. Inclusion criteria: admission to the Department of Neurosurgery at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (a tertiary neurosurgical centre in the United Kingdom) between 2014 and 2018, with a diagnosis of anterior circulation aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage; as confirmed by initial CT scan and subsequent CT angiography or catheter digital subtraction angiography. Cases were those who developed DCI (n = 43) and controls were randomly selected from those who did not develop DCI (n = 46) but otherwise met the same inclusion criteria. The primary outcome measure was Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS): assessed at discharge and 3 months. ASPECT scores were calculated from non-contrast CT head scans by three researchers blinded to each other and clinical outcome. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to calculate correlation between ASPECT scores and GOS. ASPECT score positively correlated with GOS in the cases both at discharge (Spearman rho 0.436, p = 0.003) and at 3 months (Spearman rho 0.431, p = 0.004). When corrected for Fisher grading, the adjusted odds ratio of having a high GOS with a low ASPECT score at discharge was OR 0.74 (95% CI 0.61–0.94, p = 0.003), and 3 months OR 0.73 (95% CI 0.59–0.91, p = 0.005). ASPECT score significantly correlates with clinical outcome in DCI post aSAH, even after correcting for Fisher grade. ASPECT scoring may identify patients at risk of poor outcome following DCI and represents a quick and reliable tool that aids in clinical decision-making and prognostication.
Hypertension secondary to nitric oxide depletion produces oxidative imbalance and inflammatory/fibrotic outcomes in the cornea of C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Santana-Garrido Álvaro , Reyes-Goya Claudia , Arroyo-Barrios Ana , André Helder , Vázquez Carmen M. , Mate Alfonso
Published: August 2022

Arterial hypertension (AH) leads to oxidative and inflammatory imbalance that contribute to fibrosis development in many target organs. Here, we aimed to highlight the harmful effects of severe AH in the cornea. Our experimental model was established by administration of NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl-ester (L-NAME) to C57BL/6 mice, which were monitored weekly for arterial blood pressure and intraocular pressure (IOP). Morphological studies of ocular tissues were accompanied by analyses of reactive oxygen species generation, and localization/expression of NAPDH oxidase isoforms (NOX1, NOX2, NOX4) and inflammatory biomarkers (PPARα, PPARγ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and COX-2). Masson’s trichrome and Sirius Red staining were used to explore the fibrotic status of the cornea. The expression of collagen isoforms (COL1α1, COL1α2, COL3α1, COL4α1, COL4α2) and relevant metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) were also quantified to evaluate the participation of collagen metabolism in AH-related corneal damage. Hypertensive animals showed an increase in IOP values, and a thinner cornea compared with normotensive controls. Moreover, AH increased NADPH oxidase activity and reactive oxygen species generation in the cornea, which was accompanied by transcriptional upregulation of NOX isoforms and inflammatory biomarkers, while reducing PPAR expression. L-NAME-treated animals also developed corneal fibrosis with overexpression of collagen isoforms and reduction of factors responsible for collagen degradation. This is the first study reporting structural changes in the cornea and elevated IOP in L-NAME-treated mice. Overexpression of the NADPH oxidase system and collagen deposition might play a substantial role in the pathogenic mechanisms contributing to ocular disturbances in a context of severe hypertension.
Assessment of metal pollution in surface water using pollution indices and multivariate statistics: a case study of Talcher coalfield area, India
Authors: Sahoo Bishnu Prasad , Sahu Himanshu Bhushan
Published: August 2022

Metal pollution in aquatic environment of coal mines is of serious concern and requires to be dealt with to maintain sustainable mining practices. The spatio-temporal variation in metal pollution of surface water of Talcher coalfield area were determined by using multivariate statistical techniques and pollution indices. A total of 56 water samples were collected and analyzed for Fe, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, Co, Se, As, Hg, Cr, Ni, Mn, and Al in pre-monsoon and monsoon season. Spatial distribution maps were prepared so that the quality of surface water could easily be recognized. High values of Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), Degree of Contamination (Dc), and Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI) were observed for 3%, 6%, 0% samples in pre-monsoon and 1%, 6%, 3% samples in monsoon. Sewage Treatment Plants (STP), Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP), and Mine Discharge Treatment Plants (MDTP) were found to have low to moderate efficiency in treating metals. The HPI of streams and rivers were observed to be higher in pre-monsoon than that of the monsoon season possibly due to dilution effect caused by intense rain in monsoon. The HPI of downstream was noted to be higher than the upstream indicating pollution due to mine effluent discharge. The average concentrations of Cd, Se, As, Ni, and Al in pre-monsoon and Fe, Cd, Se, As, Ni, and Al in monsoon exceeded the permissible drinking water limits set by WHO (WHO, Guidelines for drinking-water quality, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2011) and BIS (BIS (2012) Drinking water specifications 2nd revision. Bureau of Indian standards (IS 10500: 2012). New Delhi.ftp://law.resource.org/in/bis/S06/is.10500.2012.pdf). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed significant seasonal variation (p < 0.05) of Fe concentration between pre-monsoon and monsoon. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified major sources of metal pollution in water such as earth’s crust and the geological formation of the region, coal mining activities, industrial pollution, vehicular emission and coal burning. Cluster analysis (CA) identified 19 moderately polluted sites, 6 highly polluted sites, 3 very highly polluted sites and 1 severely polluted site in and around the Talcher coalfield area. This study is useful for formulating the metal pollution mitigation plan to enhance the water quality of Talcher coalfield area which affect the aquatic organism as well as the human health.
Investigation of the Cretaceous total petroleum system using wireline logs, core, and geochemical data in Bahrah Field, Northern Basin, Kuwait
Authors: Aladwani Najeeb S. , Alenezi Abdulmohsen , Diab Ahmed
Published: August 2022

We used wireline logs, seismic, core data, fluid analysis, and geochemical data to investigate the total petroleum system in the Cretaceous period. Also, we used thin sections and fluid analysis throughout the investigation. Python’s 1-D backstripping technique was used to determine the abrupt changes in subsidence rates and their effect on the reservoir’s quality. The results defined that the potential reservoirs include, from top to bottom, Mauddud, Upper Burgan, Lower Zubair, and Ratawi Limestone. The reservoir facies reflect different environments between the carbonate ramp (Mauddud, Ratawi Limestone, and Minagish reservoirs), delta plain (Zubair reservoir), and margin shelf (Burgan reservoir), and its quality is graded from Mauddud to Ratawi Limestone from top to bottom. The field lies up-dip under Kuwait Bay and represents the continuation of super-giant Greater Burgan Field. It filled with the spilled oil from the down-dip Raudhatain and Sabriyah fields through a structural saddle. Two major tectonic events subsided the deposited sediments by 0.25 mm/year, besides three minor events; however, these events did not affect all Cretaceous reservoirs but only according to their deposition times. Furthermore, according to burial history, thermal maturity, and reservoirs’ fluid geochemical analysis, the Sulaiy (Makhoul) and Minagish formations are likely the primary sources for all Cretaceous reservoirs.
Kingsnorth's modified score as predictor of complications in open inguinal hernia repair
Authors: Bravo-Salva Alejandro , Salvá Puigserver Margarita , Téllez-Marqués Clara , Pérez-Guitart Marc , González-Martín Alba , Sancho-Insenser J. J. , Pera-Roman M. , Pereira-Rodríguez José A.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the postoperative complications (30 days) on unilateral primary inguinal hernia repair and prove their correlation with the preoperative modified scoring system of Kingsnorth (KN).

Methods

Prospective study design collecting data from patients who underwent surgery for unilateral primary inguinal hernia in a University Hospital. The data were collected in the National Inguinal Hernia Registry (EVEREG). A statistical analysis to assess the association between the presence of postoperative complications and the preoperative and intraoperative variables was performed. The patients were classified depending on their KN score. Surgical complications and their relationship with the classification were specifically analysed. Study design was performed following STROBE statements.

Results

The sample included 403 patients who met the inclusion criteria from which 62 (15.3%) subjects presented postoperative complications. The variables that presented a statistically significant relationship with the appearance of complications were a KN score of 5–8 (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.07–4.82; P = 0.03) and the involvement of a member of the abdominal wall surgery unit in the procedure (OR 0.28; 95% CI 0.08–0.92; P = 0.03). The KN score correlated with a longer duration of surgery (Pearson's correlation 0.291; P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The KN classification can predict the onset of surgical wound complications on patients who undergo a primary unilateral inguinal hernia surgery. A KN score of 5–8 has a higher probability of wound complications. When surgery is performed by the abdominal wall surgery unit, the chances of postoperative complications decrease.
Monotone methods in counterparty risk models with nonlinear Black–Scholes-type equations
Authors: Alziary Bénédicte , Takáč Peter
Published: August 2022

A nonlinear Black–Scholes-type equation is studied within counterparty risk models. The classical hypothesis on the uniform Lipschitz-continuity of the nonlinear reaction function allows for an equivalent transformation of the semilinear Black–Scholes equation into a standard parabolic problem with a monotone nonlinear reaction function and an inhomogeneous linear diffusion equation. This setting allows us to construct a scheme of monotone, increasing or decreasing, iterations that converge monotonically to the true solution. As typically any numerical solution of this problem uses most computational power for computing an approximate solution to the inhomogeneous linear diffusion equation, we discuss also this question and suggest several solution methods, including those based on Monte Carlo and finite differences/elements.
Changes in the size and electrophoretic mobility of HDL subpopulation particles in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Gliwińska Anna , Ćwiklińska Agnieszka , Czaplińska Monika , Wieczorek-Breitzke Ewa , Kortas-Stempak Barbara , Kuchta Agnieszka , Dębska-Ślizień Alicja , Król Ewa , Jankowski Maciej
Published: August 2022

Background

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a heterogeneous group of particles with anti-atherogenic properties whose metabolism is alterated in chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the particle size and mobility of HDL subpopulations in non-dialysis CKD patients.

Methods

The study involved 42 non-dialysis CKD patients (stages 3a–4) and 18 control subjects. HDL was separated by non-denaturing two-dimensional polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGGE) and eight HDL subpopulations; preβ1, preβ2a-c, and α1-4 were distinguished. The size and electrophoretic mobility of HDL subpopulation particles were compared between the groups, and a regression analysis was conducted.

Results

In CKD patients, the mean sizes of α-HDL and preβ2-HDL particles were significantly lower compared to the control group (8.42 ± 0.32 nm vs. 8.64 ± 0.26 nm, p = 0.014; 11.45 ± 0.51 vs. 12.34 ± 0.78 nm, p = 0.003, respectively). The electrophoretic mobility of preβ2-HDL relative to α-HDL was significantly higher in CKD patients compared to the control group (Rf 0.65 ± 0.06 vs. 0.53 ± 0.10, p = 0.002). The size and mobility of HDL subpopulations correlated with eGFR values (p < 0.01). These relationships remained statistically significant after adjusting for age, gender, statin treatment, apolipoprotein AI, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.

Discussion

CKD affects the size and mobility of HDL particles, which can be related to HDL dysfunction. The magnitude of HDL size and mobility changes depended on CKD stage and differed for individual HDL subpopulations, which indicates that some stages of HDL metabolism may be more affected by the presence of chronic kidney disease.

Graphical abstract
Scaffolding Human Champions: AI as a More Competent Other
Authors: Sætra Henrik Skaug
Published: August 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) has surpassed humans in a number of specialised intellectual activities—chess and Go being two of many examples. Amongst the many potential consequences of such a development, I focus on how we can utilise cutting edge AI to promote human learning. The purpose of this article is to explore how a specialised AI can be utilised in a manner that promotes human growth by acting as a tutor to our champions. A framework for using AI as a tutor of human champions based on Vygotsky’s theory of human learning is here presented. It is based on a philosophical analysis of AI capabilities, key aspects of Vygotsky’s theory of human learning, and existing research on intelligent tutoring systems. The main method employed is the theoretical development of a generalised framework for AI powered expert learning systems, using chess and Go as examples. In addition to this, data from public interviews with top professionals in the games of chess and Go are used to examine the feasibility and realism of using AI in such a manner. Basing the analysis on Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory of development, I explain how AI operates in the zone of proximal development of our champions and how even non-educational AI systems can perform certain scaffolding functions. I then argue that AI combined with basic modules from intelligent tutoring systems could perform even more scaffolding functions, but that the most interesting constellation right now is scaffolding by a group consisting of AI in combination with human peers and instructors.
„Imperiologie“? Neues nach der New Imperial History
Authors: Osterhammel Jürgen
Published: August 2022

In der Öffentlichkeit durch das verwandte Thema des Kolonialismus überschattet, haben Imperien dennoch in den letzten zwei Jahrzehnten ein zunehmendes Interesse gefunden, bei dem sich die Geschichtswissenschaft und die Sozialwissenschaften berühren. Der russische Angriff auf die Ukraine im Februar 2022 hat das Thema „Imperien“ und „Imperialismus“ erneut und unübersehbar auf die Tagesordnung gesetzt. Der Beitrag nimmt eine Vorstellung und Kritik der 2021 erschienenen „Oxford World History of Empire“ zum Anlass für eine breitere Skizzierung imperientheoretischer Grundpositionen im Spannungsfeld zwischen Geopolitik und Kulturgeschichte. Die ambitionierte Einleitung des Werkes wird mit einer Reihe ähnlicher programmatischer Texte aus den letzten Jahren verglichen. Die kritische Bilanz dieser Versuche, dem ausufernden Thema „Imperien“ gerecht zu werden, führt zu eher skeptischen Schlussfolgerungen. Ein Höhepunkt an intellektueller Raffinesse war in einigen Büchern erreicht worden, die um 2010 erschienen. Die „Oxford World History of Empire“ bleibt hinter diesem Niveau zurück.
Effectiveness and Biomechanical Analysis of the Ortho-Bridge System on Femoral Fracture Healing: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Qi Yubin , Yao Lin , Long Yuntao , Zuo Guilai , Zhang Qingjie , Liu Zhenlin , Wang Wen
Published: August 2022

Background

Among the surgical methods for femoral fractures, the Ortho-Bridge System (OBS) appears to heal fractures via an uncommon process. We compared its effectiveness and biomechanical aspects to those of a locking compression plate (LCP) and explained the healing process demonstrated by the OBS.

Methods

Eleven femoral shaft fracture cases treated with OBS between July 2017 and May 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical and radiographic data were collected during regular postoperative follow-up visits and assessed via the Harris Hip Score and Knee Society Score. We performed biomechanical experiments of OBS. We simulated different fracture conditions and selected appropriate screw holes at the fracture’s far and near segments. The OBS module was placed according to the position of LCP’s locking hole at both ends of the fracture; then, a static three-point bending test was performed.

Results

All patients had contralateral callus growth with secondary fracture healing. Healing time was 3–5 months with excellent hip and knee function. When the key screw distance was 22–34 mm, the OBS was significantly less stiff than the LCP (P < 0.05). The stiffness of LCP and OBS decreased significantly when the key screw distance was 49–82 mm, with the LCP being slightly stronger (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Femoral shaft fracture treatment with OBS demonstrated secondary healing. When the distance between the key screws was 20–40 mm, the elasticity was higher in OBS than in LCP, possibly producing axial micro-motion to stimulate callus formation and promote fracture healing, which differ from the plate’s primary healing process.
Stepping on invisible land: on the importance of communicating the value of soils
Authors: Latawiec Agnieszka E. , Markowicz Magdalena E. , Medeiros Bruna , Mendes Maiara S. , Rodrigues Aline F. , Gomes Fernanda , Valle Breno D. , Lisowska Katarzyna , Drosik Adam , Capeche Claudio , Maioli Veronica , Fedorowicz Karolina , Azevedo Luciana
Published: August 2022

Soils play fundamental roles in the functioning of the Earth's ecosystems. Despite numerous initiatives to protect soils, it continues to be generally perceived as dirt or, at best, the surface we walk on. To better understand soil perception by the public, we conducted a survey with 99 participants from Poland and Brazil. We applied opportunity sampling and conducted semi-structured interviews with 40 respondents from Poland and 30 from Brazil, and 29 unstructured interviews in Brazil. Most of the respondents (53%) of the semi-structured interviews associated soil with the surface where plants grow, while 27% said that it is the ground we step on. When asked about pro-environmental campaigns, none of the respondents pointed to soil-related initiatives. Most of the respondents (99%) claimed that there is a need to increase their knowledge about the importance of soils, mostly through education (30%). The majority of the respondents of the unstructured interviews in Brazil indicated provision services provided by soils and pointed to the need for youth engagement in soil communication, corroborating the results from the semi-structured interviews. To address this, we present the results on artistic workshops as an experimental model for teaching and dissemination. We present two short documentary movies reporting the results from unstructured interviews and artistic workshops that can be used as data gathering tools, teaching tools and for dissemination purposes. This is a novel approach to communicating with the relevant stakeholders to promote more sustainable resource management.
Kinetics of stearic acid destruction on TiO2 ‘self-cleaning’ films revisited
Authors: Alofi Saleh , O’Rourke Christopher , Mills Andrew
Published: August 2022

The photocatalytic oxidation of stearic acid, SA, by O2 is a common test method used to assess the activity of new materials and underpins a standard test for self-cleaning activity. The kinetics of this process have been well-studied and are often interpreted using one of two simple models, which are revisited here in this overview. The first model is based on the common scenario of a SA layer on top of an all-photocatalyst layer which yields zero order kinetics, for which it is suggested that all the reaction sites are occupied by SA during the bulk of the photocatalytic process. An important, but rarely noted feature of this system is that the rate of SA removal depends directly upon the fraction of absorbed ultra-bandgap radiation, which suggests that the photocatalyst particles are extensively networked, thereby allowing the photogenerated electrons and holes to move rapidly and efficiently to the surface to effect the destruction of SA. The second kinetic model has been used to describe the first order kinetics of SA removal observed for mesoporous photocatalytic films comprised of isolated photocatalyst particles, in which the SA is inside (rather than on top) of the photocatalytic film, and is developed further here. It is shown that, contrary to previous reports, this model is not appropriate for porous photocatalytic films in which the particles are extensively networked, such as ones based on powders or sol–gel films, even though they too may exhibit decay kinetics where the order is > 0. The reason for the latter kinetics appears to be a distribution of reactivities through such films, i.e. high and low activity sites.

Graphical abstract
Dominant periods and memory effect of the 2021 earthquake swarm in Hualien, Taiwan
Authors: Chen Kou-Cheng , Kim Kwang-Hee , Wang Jeen-Hwa , Chen Kuo-Chang
Published: August 2022

An earthquake sequence that occurred in the Hualien area during April 7 to August 30, 2021 has been recognized as two swarms by the Central Weather Bureau. Its earthquakes with ML ≤ 6.2 (ML = local magnitude) and focal depths ≤ 25 km were located in an area from 23°46’ N to 24°04’ N and from 121°25’ E to 121°42’ E. The Morlet wavelet technique is applied to analyze the dominant periods of temporal variations in numbers of daily events for the earthquake sequence in two magnitude ranges, i.e., ML ≥ 3 and ML ≥ 4. Results show that the dominant periods are 30.8 and 38.0 days when ML ≥ 3; while the dominant period does not exist when ML ≥ 4. The fluctuation analysis technique in the natural time domain is used to study the memory effect in the swarm for two magnitude ranges, i.e., ML ≥ 3 and ML ≥ 4. Calculated results show that the memory effect is stronger for the time sequence of magnitudes than for that of inter-event times and higher for ML ≥ 3 earthquakes than for ML ≥ 4 events. Consequently, only the short-term corrected memory effect was operative in the earthquake sequence of the Hualien swarms.
High Expression of the Costimulatory Checkpoint Factor DNAM-1 by CD4+ T-Cells from Multiple Myeloma Patients Refractory to Daratumumab-Containing Regimens
Authors: Iversen Katrine Fladeland , Nederby Line , Lund Thomas , Plesner Torben
Published: August 2022

Multiple myeloma is an incurable disease characterized by unregulated growth of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM). Tumor-induced dysfunction of T-cells may be responsible for immune evasion and failure of immunotherapy. Therefore, a better understanding of the phenotype of T-cells at the tumor site is needed. We assessed the expression of immune regulatory receptors on T-cell subsets from peripheral blood (PB) and BM using multicolor flow cytometry. Paired PB and BM samples were collected from newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve myeloma patients (n = 19) and patients progressing during treatment with the CD38 monoclonal antibody daratumumab alone or in combination with other anti-myeloma drugs (n = 39). We observed that CD4+ T-cells from both PB and BM of patients relapsing on daratumumab have a higher expression of the costimulatory checkpoint receptor DNAM-1. The potential role of DNAM-1+CD4+ T-cells in the development of resistance to daratumumab needs further exploration. We also observed that the inhibitory checkpoint receptor TIGIT is more frequently expressed by BM CD8+ T-cells from myeloma patients than PD-1 and CTLA-4, which supports the hypothesis that TIGIT may play a central role in the immune escape of the malignant plasma cells.
Modelling investigation on the influence of measurement error on performance evaluation of organic Rankine cycle system
Authors: Jin Yunli , Wang Tiantian , Gao Naiping
Published: August 2022

The evaluation of the performance of organic Rankine cycle (ORC) depends on the measured data of the operating parameters. The influences of the measurement errors during the evaluation of the system’s performance, which are derived from the measuring instruments, are rarely studied in the literature. In order to explore the effects of measuring instruments’ accuracy on the evaluation of system performance, the error propagation model of a subcritical ORC system was established. The working fluids adapting to different operating temperature range, including R134a, R245fa and R123, were selected. Temperature, pressure and flow rate of fluid were adopted as the operating parameters that were measured. The net output power and the efficiency were used as the performance parameters that were evaluated. Sensitivity analyses of the measurement errors of single parameter and multiple parameters were conducted under five designed conditions. The results show that the key positions of the measurement errors affecting the performance evaluation were at the expander’s inlet, followed by the expander’s outlet, and the inlet and outlet of the fluid pump. To keep the errors of net output power and thermal efficiency within ± 10%, the measurement errors of the temperature at the inlet and outlet of the expander and fluid pump were less than ± 2%, ± 5%, ± 9% and ± 9% in all cases, respectively. To meet the same requirements, the measurement errors of the pressure at the inlet and outlet of the expander were less than ± 10% and ± 100% in all cases, respectively. The fluid adapting to higher operating parameters allowed higher measurement errors for both the temperature and the pressure. To keep the errors of net output power and thermal efficiency within ± 10%, the allowable measurement error of the expander’s inlet temperature increased from ± 0.8% for R134a to ± 2.0% for R123. The allowable measurement errors at the expander’s inlet decreased with the increase in the operating parameters for the same fluid. In most of the operating parameters, the allowable measurement errors of R245fa were larger than R134a and less than R123 under the same operating temperature range. The importance of the accuracy of temperature’s measurement outweighed those of pressure and flow rate. Finally, recommendations were made for the selection of accuracy of the measuring instruments.
Association between inflammatory potential of diet and markers of malnutrition in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Arab Arman , Golpour-Hamedani Sahar , Tabibi Hadi , As’habi Atefeh
Published: August 2022

In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) and a comprehensive profile of malnutrition in Iranian haemodialysis (HD) patients. In this cross-sectional study, 291 participants on HD for at least 6 months before enrollment were included. The current dietary intakes of participants were assessed using a 4-d diet diary-assisted recall, including 2 non-dialysis days and 2 dialysis days to calculate E-DII. To determine the malnutrition status of HD patients, BMI, subjective global assessment (SGA), dialysis malnutrition score (DMS) and malnutrition inflammation score (MIS) were used. Overall, 291 HD patients comprised our study population. After controlling for potential confounders, E-DII was associated with a higher risk of malnutrition, as evidenced by SGA (OR = 2·23; 95 % CI: 1·11, 4·49), DMS (OR = 2·31; 95 % CI: 1·16, 4·60) and MIS (OR = 2·50; 95 % CI: 1·28, 4·88). No significant association was detected between E-DII and BMI either before (OR = 1·78; 95 % CI: 0·83, 3·81) or after adjustment for possible confounders (OR = 1·43; 95 % CI: 0·58, 3·54). This study showed that E-DII was significantly associated with reliable malnutrition markers including SGA, DMS and MIS in HD patients. However, further longitudinal studies are warranted to infer a cause-and-effect relationship between DII and malnutrition.
Changing fortunes of the Black-winged Petrel Pterodroma nigripennis following the Lord Howe Island Rodent Eradication Project - interactions with other recovering species
Authors: O’Dwyer Terence , Carlile Nicholas , O’Neill Lisa , Halpin Luke R.
Published: August 2022

In 2019, a Rodent Eradication Project (REP) was implemented on World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island, Australia. Among the species expected to benefit was a burrow-nesting seabird, the Black-winged Petrel Pterodroma nigripennis. Prior to the REP, we assessed causes of Black-winged Petrel nest failure using surveillance cameras. We also measured breeding success before and after the REP and investigated emerging pressures on breeding success from other native species. In 2017, ship rats Rattus rattus were a major cause of Black-winged Petrel nest failure, and breeding success was as low as 2.5%, compared to 47.5% on rodent-free Phillip Island (Norfolk Island Group). In 2020, in the absence of rodents, breeding success on Lord Howe Island increased dramatically to 67% and remained high (50%) in 2021. This result suggests that reproductive output of small seabirds has been heavily supressed by rodents on Lord Howe Island for decades. A subsequent increase in the population of a predatory endemic rail, the Lord Howe Woodhen Hypotaenida sylvestris, combined with burrow competition from Little Shearwaters Puffinus assimilis, indicated that initial high breeding success may not be sustained. However, the surge in successful breeding of Black-winged Petrels is likely to result in a significant increase in fledgling numbers and the recruitment of hundreds of additional birds each year. Given the important role of petrels in global nutrient cycling, and their positive influence on island biodiversity, their expansion should benefit the ecological restoration of Lord Howe Island.
Systematic self-reporting of patients’ symptoms: improving oncologic care and patients’ satisfaction
Authors: Osei Ernest , McKenna Catherine B. , Darko Johnson , McKnight Kathy , Peters Christine
Published: August 2022

Background:

In recent years, there has been a growing interest to enhance patients’ symptom management during routine cancer care using patient-reported outcome measures. The goal of this study is to analyse patients’ responses to the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) to determine whether patient-reported outcomes could help characterise those patients with the highest supportive care needs and symptom burden in order to help provide targeted support for patients.

Methods:

In this study, we analysed ESAS questionnaire responses completed by patients as part of their routine care and considered part of patients’ standard of care. Statistical analyses were performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics version 26.0. Descriptive statistics are used to summarise patient demographics, disease characteristics and patient-reported symptom severity and prevalence.

Results:

The overall mean age is 65.2 ± 12.8 years comprising 43.8% male and 56.2% female patients. The five common primary disease sites are breast (26.2%), haematology (21.1%), gastrointestinal (15.3%), genitourinary (12.7%) and lung (12.0%) cancers. The mean severity for each symptom is all mild (score: 1–3). The three most common reported symptoms causing distress are tiredness, poor overall wellbeing and anxiety, and the least reported symptom is nausea.

Conclusions:

Systematic self-reporting of patients’ symptoms is important to improve symptom management, timely facilitation of appropriate intervention, patient experience, and patient and family satisfaction. The awareness of disease site, gender and age-related symptom variations should help in the design and provision of appropriate symptom-directed, tumour-specific and patient-focused interventions to meet patients’ immediate needs.
Interventionen der Schulgesundheitspflege in Deutschland
Authors: Romberg Anna , Heinze Cornelia , Tannen Antje
Published: August 2022

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Das international etablierte Berufsbild der Schulgesundheitspflege ist in Deutschland noch nicht flächendeckend implementiert. In ersten Modellprojekten und einigen internationalen Schulen kann bereits die Umsetzbarkeit des Konzepts und der Arbeitsalltag von Schulgesundheitspflegenden in Deutschland beobachtet werden. Drängende und derzeit oft ungelöste Aufgaben im Setting Schule sind die Inklusion chronisch kranker Schüler_innen und die Gesundheitsförderung in der Lebenswelt. Ziel: Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Beschreibung der Interventionen von Schulgesundheitspflegenden im Schulalltag. Methode: Mittels eines standardisierten Onlinefragebogens wurden Schulgesundheitspflegende in Deutschland hinsichtlich ihrer durchgeführten Tätigkeiten und zu deren Häufigkeit befragt. Die Tätigkeiten wurden basierend auf der Nursing Intervention Classification (NIC) erhoben. Die Daten wurden mittels deskriptiver Statistik ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: Die Befragten ( n = 25) sind schwerpunktmäßig in der Akutversorgung und der Gesundheitsedukation bzw. -förderung tätig. Pflegeinterventionen, die einen familiären oder populationsbezogenen Ansatz haben, werden lediglich alle 2–3 Monate oder seltener von dem Durchschnitt der Befragten angewandt. Schlussfolgerungen: Die tägliche intensive Inanspruchnahme diverser Pflegeinterventionen deutet auf einen dringenden Bedarf an pflegerischer Expertise in der Schule hin.
The Shapes of Shrimp Farms Affect Their Groundwater Pollution
Authors: Yarber Aara’L
Published: August 2022

New findings may help decisionmakers optimize shrimp farm layouts, which could help improve coastal water quality.
Abundant Fe(III) Oxide‐Bound Arsenic and Depleted Mn Oxides Facilitate Arsenic Enrichment in Groundwater From a Sand‐Gravel Confined Aquifer
Authors: Gao Zhipeng , Guo Huaming , Qiao Wen , Ke Tiantian , Zhu Zijie , Cao Yuanyuan , Su Xiaosi , Wan Li
Published: August 2022

Enrichment mechanisms of high‐arsenic (>10 μg/L) groundwater in confined aquifers with sand‐gravel sediments were rarely documented. Both groundwater and sediment were sampled to investigate mechanisms of groundwater arsenic mobility in sand‐gravel confined aquifers from the Songnen Basin, China. The results show that, although high arsenic groundwater was present in both shallow sandy (<60 m) and deep sand‐gravel aquifers (60–100 m), relatively higher arsenic groundwater was hosted in the deep confined aquifers. The significantly higher proportion of biologically degradable organic carbon (BDOC) in deep confined groundwater than those in shallow unconfined ones (p = 0.03) suggests that higher arsenic concentrations were associated with higher DOM biodegradability. High‐arsenic groundwater was the result of Fe(III) oxide reduction facilitated by BDOC degradation. Arsenic‐rich pyrite framboids were observed in shallow aquifers, which would lower groundwater arsenic concentrations. Sand‐gravel sediments in deep aquifers had remarkably higher contents of extracted Fe(III) oxides and the bound arsenic, HCl‐extractable Fe(II) minerals, and adsorbed arsenic, but considerably lower contents of Mn oxides and Mn(II) minerals than the shallow sandy sediments. Siderite, which is not as efficient as pyrite in sequestering arsenic, was the dominant Fe(II) mineral in the deep aquifer. In the deep aquifer, Mn oxide reduction was almost completed and Fe(III) oxide reduction was predominated, which resulted in high concentrations of groundwater arsenic due to high arsenic/iron molar ratio in the Fe(III) oxides. This study proposed that geogenic high‐arsenic groundwater can occur in sand‐gravel aquifers being high in Fe(III) oxide‐bound arsenic but poor in Mn oxides under reducing conditions.