bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Di-terial – Matching Digital Fabrication and Natural Grown Resources for the Development of Resource Efficient Structures
Authors: Amtsberg Felix , Mueller Caitlin , Raspall Felix
Published: September 2021

The research presented in this paper focusses on the concept of “Di-terial” which aims to merge digital design and fabrication technology with natural materials such as bamboo poles and raw timber. It proposes a digital workflow that uses sensing techniques to gain individual material information of natural, unprocessed construction resources and identify their individual strengths and characteristics and therefore its potential in load-carrying structures. This information is then used to develop bespoke designs and fabrication concepts, bridging the gap between unprocessed material and automated fabrication setups. Two case studies, developed to prove this concept, are described and compared. Both cases focused on the development of spatial structures using node-bar combinations of local resources.
Bio-Tile: An Intelligent Hybrid-Infrastructure
Authors: Pezeshk Sara
Published: September 2021

Bio-tile is a multipurpose artifact designed for protecting the coastline from erosion while creating a landscape element and an architectural experience for visitors. Bio-tile performs as a mitigation strategy to slow down erosion while promoting biodiversity. This paper describes the methodology used to develop the bio-tile as the nexus between digital and environmental for resolving coastline challenges through material tectonics. A non-linear algorithm and nature’s inherent code are used to develop the Bio-tile, a nature-based hybrid infrastructure. This approach aims to generate a performance-oriented design by using emergence theory to construct shoreline elements adaptive to climatic conditions.
Two-loop radiative seesaw, muon g − 2, and τ-lepton-flavor violation with DM constraints
Authors: Chen Chuan-Hung , Nomura Takaaki
Published: September 2021

Abstract

The quartic scalar coupling λ5 term, which violates the lepton-number by two units in the Ma-model, is phenomenologically small when the model is applied to the lepton-flavor violation (LFV) processes. In order to dynamically generate the λ5 parameter through quantum loop effects and retain the dark matter (DM) candidate, we extend the Ma-model by adding a Z2-odd vector-like lepton doublet and a Z2-even Majorana singlet. With the new couplings to the Higgs and gauge bosons, the observed DM relic density can be explained when the upper limits from the DM-nucleon scattering cross sections are satisfied. In addition to the neutrino data and LFV constraints, it is found that the DM relic density can significantly exclude the free parameter space. Nevertheless, the resulting muon g − 2 mediated by the inert charged-Higgs can fit the 4.2σ deviation between the experimental measurement and the SM result, and the branching ratio for τ → μγ can be as large as the current upper limit when the rare μ → (eγ, 3e) decays are suppressed. In addition, it is found that the resulting BR(τ → μρ) can reach the sensitivity of Belle II with an integrated luminosity of 50 ab−1.
Efficient numerical integration of thermal interaction rates
Authors: Jackson G. , Laine M.
Published: September 2021

Abstract

In many problems in particle cosmology, interaction rates are dominated by 2 ↔ 2 scatterings, or get a substantial contribution from them, given that 1 ↔ 2 and 1 ↔ 3 reactions are phase-space suppressed. We describe an algorithm to represent, regularize, and evaluate a class of thermal 2 ↔ 2 and 1 ↔ 3 interaction rates for general momenta, masses, chemical potentials, and helicity projections. A key ingredient is an automated inclusion of virtual corrections to 1 ↔ 2 scatterings, which eliminate logarithmic and double-logarithmic IR divergences from the real 2 ↔ 2 and 1 ↔ 3 processes. We also review thermal and chemical potential induced contributions that require resummation if plasma particles are ultrarelativistic.
Casein Kinase-1-Alpha Inhibitor (D4476) Sensitizes Microsatellite Instable Colorectal Cancer Cells to 5-Fluorouracil via Authophagy Flux Inhibition
Authors: Siri Morvarid , Behrouj Hamid , Dastghaib Sanaz , Zamani Mozhdeh , Likus Wirginia , Rezaie Sedigheh , Hudecki Jacek , Khazayel Saeed , Łos Marek J. , Mokarram Pooneh , Ghavami Saeid
Published: September 2021

Adjuvant chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) does not improve survival of patients suffering from a form of colorectal cancer (CRC) characterized by high level of microsatellite instability (MSI-H). Given the importance of autophagy and multi-drug-resistant (MDR) proteins in chemotherapy resistance, as well as the role of casein kinase 1-alpha (CK1α) in the regulation of autophagy, we tested the combined effect of 5-FU and CK1α inhibitor (D4476) on HCT116 cells as a model of MSI-H colorectal cancer. To achieve this goal, the gene expression of Beclin1 and MDR genes, ABCG2 and ABCC3 were analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. We used immunoblotting to measure autophagy flux (LC3, p62) and flow cytometry to detect apoptosis. Our findings showed that combination treatment with 5-FU and D4476 inhibited autophagy flux. Moreover, 5-FU and D4476 combination therapy induced G2, S and G1 phase arrests and it depleted mRNA of both cell proliferation-related genes and MDR-related genes (ABCG2, cyclin D1 and c-myc). Hence, our data indicates that targeting of CK1α may increase the sensitivity of HCT116 cells to 5-FU. To our knowledge, this is the first description of sensitization of CRC cells to 5-FU chemotherapy by CK1α inhibitor.

Graphic abstract
The impact of CD4+CD28null T lymphocytes on atrial fibrillation: a potential pathophysiological pathway
Authors: Hammer Andreas , Niessner Alexander , Sulzgruber Patrick
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents the most common cardiac arrhythmia in daily clinical practice and substantially impacts affected patients by elevation of both morbidity and mortality. Previous investigations proved that inflammatory processes are closely linked to this multifactorial pathogenesis—especially autoreactive CD4+CD28nullT cells received in-depth attention.

Purpose

Consequently, a potential pathophysiological pathway of the impact of CD4+CD28null T lymphocytes on the development and progression AF can be outlined.

Conclusion

Considering the available data in the literature, it needs to be assumed that CD4+CD28nullT lymphocytes are mainly involved in the development of AF and disease progression. Of utmost importance, it can be considered as the result of a T-cell-mediated auto-immune reaction among myocardial tissue. However, mechanisms which recruit CD4+CD28nullcells in cardiac tissue remain unclear and need further investigation.
Asymptotic Properties of Solutions to the Cauchy Problem for Degenerate Parabolic Equations with Inhomogeneous Density on Manifolds
Authors: Andreucci Daniele , Tedeev Anatoli F.
Published: September 2021

We consider the Cauchy problem for doubly nonlinear degenerate parabolic equations with inhomogeneous density on noncompact Riemannian manifolds. We give a qualitative classification of the behavior of the solutions of the problem depending on the behavior of the density function at infinity and the geometry of the manifold, which is described in terms of its isoperimetric function. We establish for the solutions properties as: stabilization of the solution to zero for large times, finite speed of propagation, universal bounds of the solution, blow up of the interface. Each one of these behaviors of course takes place in a suitable range of parameters, whose definition involves a universal geometrical characteristic function, depending both on the geometry of the manifold and on the asymptotics of the density at infinity.
Temporal patterns in offshore bird abundance during the breeding season at the Dutch North Sea coast
Authors: van Erp Jens A. , van Loon E. Emiel , Camphuysen Kees J. , Shamoun-Baranes Judy
Published: September 2021

The expanding development of offshore wind farms brings a growing concern about the human impact on seabirds. To assess this impact a better understanding of offshore bird abundance is needed. The aim of this study was to investigate offshore bird abundance in the breeding season and model the effect of temporally predictable environmental variables. We used a bird radar, situated at the edge of a wind farm (52.427827° N, 4.185345° E), to record hourly aerial bird abundance at the North Sea near the Dutch coast between May 1st and July 15th in 2019 and 2020, of which 1879 h (51.5%) were analysed. The effect of sun azimuth, week in the breeding season, and astronomic tide was evaluated using generalized additive modelling. Sun azimuth and week in the breeding season had a modest and statistically significant (p < 0.001) effect on bird abundance, while astronomic tide did not. Hourly predicted abundance peaked after sunrise and before sunset, and abundance increased throughout the breeding season until the end of June, after which it decreased slightly. Though these effects were significant, a large portion of variance in hourly abundance remained unexplained. The high variability in bird abundance at scales ranging from hours up to weeks emphasizes the need for long-term and continuous data which radar technology can provide.
Two adjacent C-terminal mutations enable expression of aryl-alcohol oxidase from Pleurotus eryngii in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Jankowski Nina , Urlacher Vlada B. , Koschorreck Katja
Published: September 2021

Fungal aryl-alcohol oxidases (AAOs) are attractive biocatalysts because they selectively oxidize a broad range of aromatic and aliphatic allylic primary alcohols while yielding hydrogen peroxide as the only by-product. However, their use is hampered by challenging and often unsuccessful heterologous expression. Production of PeAAO1 from Pleurotus eryngii ATCC 90787 in Pichia pastoris failed, while PeAAO2 from P. eryngii P34 with an amino acid identity of 99% was expressed at high yields. By successively introducing mutations in PeAAO1 to mimic the sequence of PeAAO2, the double mutant PeAAO1 ER with mutations K583E and Q584R was constructed, that was successfully expressed in P. pastoris. Functional expression was enhanced up to 155 U/l via further replacements D361N (variant NER) or V367A (variant AER). Fed-batch cultivation of recombinant P. pastoris yielded up to 116 mg/l of active variants. Glycosylated PeAAO1 variants demonstrated high stability and catalytic efficiencies similar to PeAAO2. Interestingly, P. pastoris expressing PeAAO1 variant ER contained roughly 13 gene copies but showed similar volumetric activity as NER and AER with one to two gene copies and four times lower mRNA levels. Additional H-bonds and salt bridges introduced by mutations K583E and Q584R might facilitate heterologous expression by enhanced protein folding.

Key points

• PeAAO1 not expressed in P. pastoris and PeAAO2 well-expressed in Pichia differ at 7 positions.

• Expression of PeAAO1 in P. pastoris achieved through mutagenesis based on PeAAO2 sequence.

• Combination of K583E and Q584R is essential for expression of PeAAO1 in P. pastoris.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates, bacterially synthesized polymers, as a source of chemical compounds for the synthesis of advanced materials and bioactive molecules
Authors: Guzik Maciej W.
Published: September 2021

Research into polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) is growing exponentially. These bacterially derived polyesters offer a spectrum of possible applications, such as in manufacturing of daily-use objects, production of medical devices and implantable objects, or as synthons in chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Thanks to their broad physicochemical features, PHAs can be seen as polymers of the future, which can replace traditional petrochemical equivalents. As they are synthesized by bacteria through fermentation processes, these polyesters can be obtained from virtually any carbon source in a sustainable manner. Characterized by biodegradability and biocompatibility, they are used in many industries, ranging from production of everyday objects to medical applications. Furthermore, as they are built from bioactive monomers, namely (R)-3-hydroxyacids, they provide a platform for the synthesis of advanced chemical compounds. In this mini review, the reader will be acquainted with recent studies conducted at the Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences in collaboration with other groups that have contributed to the development of PHA-based medical materials, bioactive molecules and novel green solvents derived from PHA monomers.

Key points

• Polyhydroxyalkanoates are emerging polymers for biomedical applications

• Polyhydroxyalkanoates can be modified easily to provide novel materials

• (R)-3-Hydroxyacids are good synthons for bioactive substances and green solvents
How can fertility counseling be implemented for every newly diagnosed pediatric patient facing gonadotoxic treatment?-A single-center experience
Authors: Barnbrock Anke , Salzmann-Manrique Emilia , Sänger Nicole , Fiegel Henning , Ochsendorf Falk , Klingebiel Thomas , Bader Peter , Jarisch Andrea
Published: September 2021

Since the survival rates of pediatric patients undergoing cancer treatment or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have increased rapidly in recent decades, the late effects of treatment are now an important focus of patient care. Access to fertility preservation (FP) procedures as well as their financing differs considerably across Europe. However, some countries in Europe have recently changed the legal basis for financing FP procedures; therefore, the implementation of structures is mandatory to give patients access to FP. In this prospective cohort study, we characterized the process for establishing pediatric fertility counseling, including the development of an in-house standard procedure for recommendations regarding FP with potentially gonadotoxic treatment and valuating data from all FP counseling sessions. All data concerning patient characteristics (pubertal status, disease group) and recommendation of FP measures were prospectively collected and adoption of FP measures analyzed. Prior to the establishment of a structured process for FP in our pediatric oncology and stem cell transplantation center, there was no standardized FP counseling. We demonstrate that with the establishment of an inhouse standard procedure, it is possible to give consistent yet individualized FP counseling to approximately 90% of our patients facing gonadotoxic treatment, counseling over 200 patients between 2017 and 2019. This pilot study could potentially be adapted in other pediatric hematology, oncology, and stem cell transplantation centers to allow a more standardized handling of FP counseling for all patients facing gonadotoxic treatment.
Robotic versus transanal total mesorectal excision in sexual, anorectal, and urinary function: a multicenter, prospective, observational study
Authors: Grass Julia-Kristin , Persiani Roberto , Tirelli Flavio , Chen Chien-Chih , Caricato Marco , Pecorino Alice , Lang Isabelle J. , Kemper Marius , Izbicki Jakob R. , Melling Nathaniel , Perez Daniel
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Improved long-term survival after low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer highlights the importance of functional outcome. Urogenital and anorectal dysfunction is frequently reported after conventional LAR. Advanced minimally invasive techniques such as robotic (RoTME) and transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) might improve functional results by precisely dissecting and preserving autonomic nerves. We compared functional outcomes after RoTME or TaTME in a multicenter study.

Methods

One hundred twenty patients (55 RoTME/65 TaTME) were prospectively included in four participating centers. Anorectal (Wexner and low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) Score), urinary (International Consultation on Incontinence—Male/Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Score (ICIQ-MLUTS/ICIQ-FLUTS) and International Prostate Symptom Scale (IPSS)), and sexual (International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)) outcomes at 12 months after surgery were compared to preoperative scores. The response rate to the 1-year postoperative functional assessment by questionnaire was 79.5%.

Results

RoTME enabled better anorectal function compared to TaTME (LARS score 4.3 ± 2.2 vs. 9.8 ± 1.5, p = 0.038, respectively). TaTME proved superior at preserving male urinary function, while female urinary function was comparable in both groups, with only mild postoperative impairment (RoTME vs. TaTME, respectively: ICIQ-MLUTS 13.8 ± 4.9 vs. 1.8 ± 5.8, p = 0.038; ICIQ-FLUTS Incontinence Score − 0.3 ± 1.0 vs. − 0.2 ± 0.9, p = 0.844). Both techniques demonstrated comparable male (RoTME − 13.4 ± 2.7 vs. TaTME − 11.7 ± 3.4, p = 0.615) and female (RoTME 5.2 ± 4.6 vs. TaTME 10.5 ± 6.4, p = 0.254) sexual function.

Conclusion

After adjustment for risk factors, RoTME provided better anorectal functional results, whereas TaTME was better at preserving male urinary function. Overall, both techniques demonstrated only mild postoperative functional impairment.
Effects of coordinated operation management of HVDC links and PSTs on the redispatch in a Central European case study
Authors: Polster Stefan , Renner Herwig
Published: September 2021

In this paper, the effects of coordinated operation management of embedded HVDC links and phase shifting transformers on the optimal redispatch costs and volumes are examined. The underlying optimization problem, including these power flow controlling devices, is formulated for linear optimization using DC load flow equations. The evaluation is based on the results of a year-round simulation of the expected energy market and network situation of the ENTSO-E region of the year 2025. The results highlight the need for coordinated operation management of PFCs since uncoordinated operation management increases the accruing redispatch costs.
Performance assessment of meta-heuristics for composite layup optimisation
Authors: Jalili Shahin , Khani Reza , Maheri Alireza , Hosseinzadeh Yousef
Published: September 2021

This paper investigates the performance of several meta-heuristic algorithms, including Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO), different variants of Differential Evolution (DE), Biogeography-Based Optimisation (BBO), Cultural Algorithm (CA), Optics-Inspired Optimisation (OIO), and League Championship Algorithm (LCA), for optimum layup of laminated composite plates. The study provides detailed Pseudo codes for different algorithms. The buckling capacity maximisation of a 64-layer laminated composite plate under various load scenarios has been considered as the benchmark problem, in which the design variables are the stacking sequences of layers. A Deep Statistical Comparison (DSC) method is employed to rank the performance of different algorithms. The DSC uses a nonparametric two-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test to conduct the performance comparisons between the algorithms. The overall performance rankings obtained from the DSC suggest that the LCA, OIO, and PSO algorithms perform remarkably better in comparison to other algorithms. The comparisons provide some interesting conclusions on the performance of different algorithms.
Flowback Test Analyses at the Utah Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) Site
Authors: Xing Pengju , Damjanac Branko , Moore Joseph , McLennan John
Published: September 2021

In 2017 and 2019, injection testing was carried out in three zones in a vertical well in granite at the Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy site near Milford, Utah, USA. In several injection cycles, flowback was implemented rather than shut-in. The goal was to explore an alternative to prolonged shut-in periods for inferring closure stress, formation compressibility, and formation permeability (permeability thickness product). The flowback procedures involved a cyclic flowback/shut-in, while pressure decreased. The flowback data are presented, and analyses are shown. The inferred closure stress(es) from flowback analyses are lower than for equivalent injection cycles that were strictly shut-in. Relatively high formation compressibility obtained from the flowback analyses indicates an extensive, fractured system. This study also includes numerical simulation of the flowback events. The numerical model shows that the rebound pressure is not necessarily the lower bound of the minimum principal stress. The signature of stiffness change can be identified as the process when the depletion mainly transitions from hydraulic fracture to natural fractures from numerical analysis. Overall, flowback potentially has advantages over shut-in because of the reduced time to closure.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of technical aspects and clinical outcomes of botulinum toxin prior to abdominal wall reconstruction
Authors: Timmer A. S. , Claessen J. J. M. , Atema J. J. , Rutten M. V. H. , Hompes R. , Boermeester M. A.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To systematically review technical aspects and treatment regimens of botulinum toxin A (BTA) injections in the lateral abdominal wall musculature. We also investigated the effect of BTA on abdominal muscle- and hernia dimensions, and clinical outcome.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and CINAHL were searched for studies that investigate the injection of BTA in the lateral abdominal wall muscles. Study characteristics, BTA treatment regimens, surgical procedures, and clinical outcomes are presented descriptively. The effect of BTA on muscle- and hernia dimensions is analyzed using random-effects meta-analyses, and exclusively for studies that investigate ventral incisional hernia patients.

Results

We identified 23 studies, comprising 995 patients. Generally, either 500 units of Dysport® or 200–300 units of Botox® are injected at 3–5 locations bilaterally in all three muscles of the lateral abdominal wall, about 4 weeks prior to surgery. No major procedural complications are reported. Meta-analyses show that BTA provides significant elongation of the lateral abdominal wall of 3.2 cm per side (95% CI 2.0–4.3, I2 = 0%, p < 0.001); 6.3 cm total elongation, and a significant but heterogeneous decrease in transverse hernia width (95% CI 0.2–6.8, I2 = 94%, p = 0.04). Furthermore, meta-analysis shows that BTA pretreatment in ventral hernia patients significantly increases the fascial closure rate [RR 1.08 (95% CI 1.02–1.16, I2 = 0%, p = 0.02)].

Conclusion

The injection technique and treatment regimens of botulinum toxin A as well as patient selection require standardization. Bilateral pretreatment in hernia patients significantly elongates the lateral abdominal wall muscles, making fascial closure during surgical hernia repair more likely.

Study registration

A review protocol for this meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020198246).
Effects of block shape and inclination on the stability of melange bimrocks
Authors: Napoli Maria Lia , Barbero Monica , Scavia Claudio
Published: September 2021

A wide range of heterogeneous geological units composed of strong rock blocks enclosed in a bonded matrix of fine texture exists worldwide. Such geomaterials belong to geotechnically complex formations and are often referred to as bimrocks (block-in-matrix rocks) or bimsoils (block-in-matrix soils), as a function of their matrix characteristics and the interface strength between the matrix and blocks. Stability problems occurring in such complex geomaterials have been analysed almost exclusively by means of deterministic approaches and with the aim of investigating the effects of variable block contents on their mechanical behaviour. However, bimrocks and bimsoils can present very different internal block-in-matrix arrangements and properties according to their forming process and, consequently, significantly dissimilar mechanical behaviours. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to statistically investigate and compare the stability of theoretical slopes in the most widespread bimrock formations, i.e. sedimentary and tectonic melanges. These formations are characterised by substantial differences in their rock inclusion geometry. To this aim, a great number of 2D slope models were generated to enclose blocks with variable shapes, dimensions, arrangements, inclinations and contents. To obtain statistically based results, fifteen configurations were analysed for each block content and geometrical configuration considered. The results obtained indicate that block shapes and orientations significantly affect the stability of slopes in bimrocks only when the block contents are greater than 40%. Moreover, it is demonstrated that blocks inclined 0° to the horizontal provide the most tortuous and irregular failure surfaces and, consequently, the highest safety factors.
A review on initiatives for the management of daily medical emergencies prior to the arrival of emergency medical services
Authors: Matinrad Niki , Reuter-Oppermann Melanie
Published: September 2021

Emergency services worldwide face increasing cost pressure that potentially limits their existing resources. In many countries, emergency services also face the issues of staff shortage–creating extra challenges and constraints, especially during crisis times such as the COVID-19 pandemic–as well as long distances to sparsely populated areas resulting in longer response times. To overcome these issues and potentially reduce consequences of daily (medical) emergencies, several countries, such as Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands, have started initiatives using new types of human resources as well as equipment, which have not been part of the existing emergency systems before. These resources are employed in response to medical emergency cases if they can arrive earlier than emergency medical services (EMS). A good number of studies have investigated the use of these new types of resources in EMS systems, from medical, technical, and logistical perspectives as their study domains. Several review papers in the literature exist that focus on one or several of these new types of resources. However, to the best of our knowledge, no review paper that comprehensively considers all new types of resources in emergency medical response systems exists. We try to fill this gap by presenting a broad literature review of the studies focused on the different new types of resources, which are used prior to the arrival of EMS. Our objective is to present an application-based and methodological overview of these papers, to provide insights to this important field and to bring it to the attention of researchers as well as emergency managers and administrators.
A longitudinal analysis of the reciprocal relationship between academic procrastination, study satisfaction, and dropout intentions in higher education
Authors: Scheunemann Anne , Schnettler Theresa , Bobe Julia , Fries Stefan , Grunschel Carola
Published: September 2021

Student dropout is a multi-causal process. Different theoretical models on student dropout consider dysfunctional study behavior (e.g., academic procrastination) and low study satisfaction as possible determinants of students’ dropout intentions during their university studies. However, these models neglect contemporary conceptualizations that assume reverse relationships between dropout intentions and other determinants of the dropout process. Until now, empirical evidence on these assumptions is scant. The present three-wave longitudinal study explored the reciprocal relationships between academic procrastination, study satisfaction, and dropout intentions over one semester. To this end, we used data of N = 326 undergraduate students enrolled in mathematics and law. Our latent cross-lagged panel model replicated existing empirical cross-sectional findings between the variables (i.e., academic procrastination, study satisfaction, and dropout intentions). Regarding the longitudinal relations, as expected, the cross-lagged effects showed that higher dropout intentions significantly related to subsequent higher academic procrastination and lower study satisfaction. Unexpectedly, academic procrastination did not significantly relate to subsequent dropout intentions. Additionally, higher study satisfaction significantly associated with subsequent higher dropout intentions—possibly due to unfulfilled expectations. Further, higher study satisfaction significantly related to subsequent higher procrastination—possibly due to more confidence among satisfied students. Our results broaden the view on dropout intentions as part of the dynamic interplay of student dropout determinants and the need to refine dropout models’ assumptions accordingly. Practically, realistic expectations seem important to reduce dropout intentions. Further, student counselors should have a closer look at the reasons for academic procrastination to develop individual solutions for this dysfunctional behavior.
Digitale Ordnungspolitik — Wirtschaftspolitik daten- und evidenzbasiert weiterentwickeln
Authors: Steinberg Philipp , Börnsen Nils , Neumann Dirk
Published: September 2021

Die Digitalisierung bringt weitreichende Änderungen für Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft mit sich. Vor diesem Hintergrund hat das Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie als Teil der Umsetzungsstrategie „Digitalisierung gestalten“ der Bundesregierung im Dezember 2020 ein Konzeptpapier für ein ordnungspolitisches Handlungsprogramm zur Unterstützung des digitalen Wandels veröffentlicht. Dessen Kernthese ist, dass die Grundgedanken der Ordnungspolitik in der digitalen Wirtschaft gültig bleiben. Ihre Grundsätze sind bis heute Pfeiler der Sozialen Marktwirtschaft und können in einer zunehmend digitalen Wirtschaft klare Orientierung für die Wirtschaftspolitik der Zukunft bieten. Das Konzeptpapier wird vorgestellt und einer der dort skizzierten Ansätze für die Umsetzung einer digitalen Ordnungspolitik genauer beleuchtet: die daten- und evidenzbasierte Weiterentwicklung der Wirtschaftspolitik.
Digitalisierungsschub in Firmen während der Corona-Pandemie
Authors: Bellmann Lutz , Bourgeon Pauline , Gathmann Christina , Kagerl Christian , Marguerit David , Martin Ludivine , Pohlan Laura , Roth Duncan
Published: September 2021

Durch die Corona-Pandemie haben digitale Technologien in Unternehmen an Bedeutung gewonnen. Auf Basis einer Betriebsbefragung des Instituts für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung untersuchen die Autor:innen, ob Unternehmen vermehrt in digitale Technologien investiert haben und welche Rolle dabei die wirtschaftliche Situation gespielt hat. Neben den Investitionen in digitale Technologien haben auch Weiterbildungsaktivitäten in den Betrieben zugenommen.
Long non-coding RNA FOXP4-AS1 facilitates the biological functions of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via downregulating ZC3H12D by mediating H3K27me3 through recruitment of EZH2
Authors: Ye Junfeng , Fu Yu , Wang Zhongfeng , Yu Jinhai
Published: September 2021

Background

Some studies have reported the effect of long non-coding RNA forkhead box P4 antisense RNA 1 (lncRNA FOXP4-AS1) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we aimed to discuss the effects of FOXP4-AS1/enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2)/trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3)/zinc finger CCCH-type containing 12D (ZC3H12D) axis on HCC.

Methods

The expression of FOXP4-AS1, EZH2, and ZC3H12D, and abundance of H3K27me3 in HCC tissues and cells were tested. The relationship between FOXP4-AS1 expression and prognosis of HCC patients was analyzed. The biological functions of HCC cells were detected via loss- and gain-of-function assays. The tumor weight and volume in vivo were tested. The interaction between FOXP4-AS1 and EZH2 as well as that between EZH2 and H3K27me3 was verified.

Results

FOXP4-AS1 and EZH2 expression and H3K27me3 abundance were enhanced while ZC3H12D expression was depressed in HCC tissues and cells. Knockdown of FOXP4-AS1 suppressed biological functions of HCC cells as well as the weight and volume of HCC transplanted tumor. Depleting ZC3H12D reversed the effect of downregulated FOXP4-AS1 on HCC cells. FOXP4-AS1 suppressed ZC3H12D expression via mediating H3K27me3 by recruitment of EZH2.

Conclusion

The key findings of the present study demonstrate that FOXP4-AS1 suppresses ZC3H12D expression via mediating H3K27me3 by recruitment of EZH2, thus promoting the progression of HCC.

Graphical abstract
“Absent Contrary Indication”: On a Pernicious Form of Epistemic Luck, and its Epistemic Agency Antidote
Authors: Anaya Alfonso
Published: September 2021

It is widely accepted that knowledge is incompatible with the presence of non-neutralized defeaters. A common way of addressing this issue is to introduce a condition to the effect that there are no non-neutralized defeaters for the belief that p (i.e. a “no-defeaters condition”). I argue that meeting this condition leaves open a possibility for defeaters to squander our knowledge. The no-defeaters condition can be fortuitously met, and as a result it can be met luckily. I shall argue that this kind of luck is inconsistent with knowledge. In order to prevent this pernicious form of luck I introduce a “defeaters-responsiveness” condition, according to which subjects ought to be disposed to adequately address defeaters if they were to arise (even if they in fact do not arise).
Rules at Play: Correcting Projectable Violations of Who Plays Next
Authors: Svensson Hanna , Tekin Burak S.
Published: September 2021

This study examines the situated use of rules and the social practices people deploy to correct projectable rule violations in pétanque playing activities. Drawing on Ethnomethodology and Conversation Analysis, and using naturally occurring video recordings, this article investigates socially organized occasions of rule use, and more particularly how rules for turn-taking at play are reflexively established in and through interaction. The alternation of players in pétanque is dependent on and consequential for the progressivity of the game and it is a practical problem for the players when a participant projects to break a rule of “who plays next”. The empirical analysis shows that formulating rules is a practice for indicating and correcting incipient violations of who plays next, which retrospectively invoke and establish the situated expectations that constitute the game as that particular game. Focusing on the anticipative corrections of projectable violations of turn-taking rules, this study revisits the concept of rules, as they are played into being, from a social and interactional perspective. We argue and demonstrate that rules are not prescriptions of game conduct, but resources that reflexively render the players’ conducts intelligible as playing the game they are engaging in.
Towards psychology-aware preference construction in recommender systems: Overview and research issues
Authors: Atas Müslüm , Felfernig Alexander , Polat-Erdeniz Seda , Popescu Andrei , Tran Thi Ngoc Trang , Uta Mathias
Published: September 2021

User preferences are a crucial input needed by recommender systems to determine relevant items. In single-shot recommendation scenarios such as content-based filtering and collaborative filtering, user preferences are represented, for example, askeywords,categories, anditem ratings. In conversational recommendation approaches such as constraint-based and critiquing-based recommendation, user preferences are often represented on the semantic level in terms ofitem attribute valuesandcritiques. In this article, we provide an overview of preference representations used in different types of recommender systems. In this context, we take into account the fact thatpreferences aren’t stablebut are ratherconstructedwithin the scope of a recommendation process. In which way preferences are determined and adapted is influenced by various factors such aspersonality traits,emotional states, andcognitive biases. We summarize preference construction related research and also discuss aspects of counteracting cognitive biases.
Seeing is believing: the impact of body-worn cameras on court outcomes, a cluster-randomized controlled trial in Miami Beach
Authors: Petersen Kevin , Mouro Alejandro , Papy Donald , Castillo Noel , Ariel Barak
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To assess the effects of BWCs on prosecutorial and court-related charge outcomes across multiple crime types, including domestic violence charges, crimes committed against police officers, and drug/alcohol charges.

Methods

A cluster-randomized controlled trial with 22 spatiotemporal police units assigned to BWCs and 17 assigned to control conditions. Data from the State Attorney’s Office were used to track convictions, adjudication withheld dispositions, and declined prosecutions for both experimental and control charges. A series of multilevel logistic and negative binomial regression models were used to estimate the effect of BWC footage on charge outcomes.

Outcomes

BWCs led to a significantly higher proportion of crimes against police officers resulting in convictions or adjudication withheld outcomes, and a significantly higher proportion of domestic violence charges resulting in convictions alone, compared to control charges. However, after the clustering effect was taken into account, only the effect of BWCs on crimes against police officers remained statistically significant.

Conclusion

These early results suggest that BWCs have significant evidentiary value that varies by crime type. BWCs may be best suited to capture evidence of crimes committed against police officers and potentially in domestic violence offenses as well.
The impact of Rumex vesicarius seed water extracts on mice fertility
Authors: Alhimaidi Ahmad Rashed , Ammari Aiman Abdullah. , Okla Mohammad Khair , Algadi Muath Qasem , Amran Ramzi Ahmed , Alhusayni Hissah Ibrahim , Alhimaidi Mohammed Ahmad
Published: September 2021

Rumex vesicarius(RV) is an edible wild annual plant, and it is reported that it contains a good source of minerals, protein, and ascorbic acid. Several studies have indicated the anti-liver damage, anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties of the RV plant. There are currently no reports regarding the effect of RV on fertility. Therefore, this study focuses on the impact of RV water seed extracts on mice fertility. RV plants were collected, and water seed extracts were prepared; 50 mg/kg body weight (BW) of this was then injected into the mice (male and female) using an oral feeding tube 5 days before mating (group I) or during caging of the females with the males for 1 week to detect their fertility rate. In the different female groups, no significant difference between their BW and their newborn’s BW in the treated and control groups was found. Female fertility, pregnancy, and offspring rates showed some variation within each female group and between the different female groups. In comparing the fertility and offspring rate between the different groups, there was a significant difference (P< 0.05) between groups I and III females and between groups I and IV females, while the other groups showed no significant differences. In contrast, the other groups showed no significant differences. Regarding the impact of the water seed extract on males, the BW was approximately the same in control and treated males.
LCA and nutritional assessment of southern Benin market vegetable gardening across the production continuum
Authors: Avadí Angel , Hodomihou Nounagnon Richard , Amadji Guillaume Lucien , Feder Frédéric
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The goal of this work is to analyse the environmental impacts across the productive continuum of market gardening in southern Benin, to determine whether significant differences exist amongst the types of production, and to highlight their hotpots suitable to improvement. Moreover, the relative nutritional quality of products from different production system types were compared to determine whether there were differences and to assess them in relation to the associated environmental impacts.

Methods

LCA and laboratory analyses were performed on a representative sample of systems and products (carrot, cucumber, tomato, lettuce, watermelon). The resulting scores (single scores for LCA and Nutrient Rich Food scores for nutritional quality) were statistically treated to identify the representativeness of their differences across production sites and production types (featuring distinctive production strategies: Conventional — synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, Organic — organic fertilisers and pesticides and “Lean” — limited inputs).

Results and discussion

Statistically significant differences across environmental scores were found amongst production sites (for carrot, lettuce and all crops) and types (for carrot and all crops). For tomato, produced on all sites, under all production types, the natural and management-driven variability is large enough that no significant differences were found. Impacts are dominated by direct emissions from (over-)fertilisation and by fuel consumption for water pumping. Despite the absence of significant differences amongst production system types regarding the contents of both β-carotene and polyphenols, the nutritional indices suggest at least marginal differences across types regarding the overall nutritional value of carrot and tomato across types. Based on the limited data available, it cannot be stated that such differences are statistically significant. For carrot, there seems to be a correlation between nutritional quality and environmental impacts, with higher nutritional scores associated with lower environmental impacts. For tomato, it does not seem to exist a correlation.

Conclusions

Significant differences in environmental scores exist amongst the types of production, with the larger impact associated with organic production, whilst that no statistically significant differences on nutritional quality can be demonstrated across types. Overall improvement of these systems would be achieved by less energy-intensive irrigation, organic waste processing platforms to reduce volatilisation losses, knowledge on the fertilising value of organic waste, and agricultural extension services or technical guides on good agricultural practices to reduce over-fertilisation and other negative environmental impacts.
Novelty detection-based approach for Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment diagnosis from EEG
Authors: Cejnek Matous , Vysata Oldrich , Valis Martin , Bukovsky Ivo
Published: September 2021

Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed via means of daily activity assessment. The EEG recording evaluation is a supporting tool that can assist the practitioner to recognize the illness, especially in the early stages. This paper presents a new approach for detecting Alzheimer’s disease and potentially mild cognitive impairment according to the measured EEG records. The proposed method evaluates the amount of novelty in the EEG signal as a feature for EEG record classification. The novelty is measured from the parameters of EEG signal adaptive filtration. A linear neuron with gradient descent adaptation was used as the filter in predictive settings. The extracted feature (novelty measure) is later classified to obtain Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis. The proposed approach was cross-validated on a dataset containing EEG records of 59 patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease; seven patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 102 controls. The results of cross-validation yield 90.73% specificity and 89.51% sensitivity. The proposed method of feature extraction from EEG is completely new and can be used with any classifier for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease from EEG records.
CAOSS and transcendence: Modeling role-dependent constituent meanings in compounds
Authors: Günther Fritz , Marelli Marco
Published: September 2021

Many theories on the role of semantics in morphological representation and processing focus on the interplay between the lexicalized meaning of the complex word on the one hand, and the individual constituent meanings on the other hand. However, the constituent meaning representations at play do not necessarily correspond to the free-word meanings of the constituents: Role-dependent constituent meanings can be subject to sometimes substantial semantic shift from their corresponding free-word meanings (such as -bill in hornbill and razorbill, or step- in stepmother and stepson). While this phenomenon is extremely difficult to operationalize using the standard psycholinguistic toolkit, we demonstrate how these as-constituent meanings can be represented in a quantitative manner using a data-driven computational model. After a qualitative exploration, we validate the model against a large database of human ratings of the meaning retention of constituents in compounds. With this model at hand, we then proceed to investigate the internal semantic structure of compounds, focussing on differences in semantic shift and semantic transparency between the two constituents.
Experimental Study on the Phase Relations of the SiO2-MgO-TiO2 System in Air at 1500°C
Authors: Chen Min , Wan Xingbang , Shi Junjie , Taskinen Pekka , Jokilaakso Ari
Published: September 2021

We investigated the phase relations of the SiO2-MgO-TiO2 system in air at 1500°C using the high-temperature isothermal equilibration/quenching technique, followed by x-ray diffraction measurements and direct phase analysis using scanning electron microscopy coupled with x-ray energy dispersive spectrometry. One single liquid phase domain, five two-phase domains (liquid-TiO2, liquid-cristobalite, liquid-MgO·SiO2, liquid-2MgO·SiO2, and liquid-MgO·2TiO2), and five three-phase regions (liquid-TiO2-MgO·2TiO2, liquid-MgO·SiO2-cristobalite, liquid-TiO2-cristobalite, liquid-MgO·SiO2-2MgO·SiO2 and liquid-2MgO·SiO2-MgO·2TiO2) were observed. We constructed a 1500°C isothermal phase diagram based on the experimentally measured liquid compositions. We compared simulations using MTDATA and FactSage thermodynamic software and their databases with the experimental results obtained in this study. These results can be used to provide guidelines for updating the MTDATA and FactSage titania-bearing thermodynamic databases by reassessing the thermodynamic properties of the phase with new experimental data.
Lung transplantation: how we do it
Authors: Murala John Santosh , Hanif Hashim Muhammad , Peltz Matthias , Cheruku Sreekanth Reddy , Huffman Lynn Custer , Hackmann Amy Elizabeth , Jessen Michael Erik , Ring William Steves , Wait Michael Alton
Published: September 2021

Lung transplantation is considered the gold standard for patients with chronic end-stage pulmonary disease. However, due to the complexity of management and relatively lower median survival as compared to other solid organs, many programs across the world have been slow to adopt the same. In our institution, we started lung transplantation in September 1990. And since then, we performed close to 900 lung transplantations. Here, we describe in detail the operative steps adopted in our institution for a successful lung transplantation. There have been very few variations over the years. We believe that having a standardized technique is one of the important features for success of a lung transplant program.