bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of hemodynamic and blood parameters that may reflect macroscopic quality of porcine kidneys during normothermic machine perfusion using whole blood
Authors: Steinhauser Carla , Yakac Abdulbaki Emre , Markgraf Wenke , Kromnik Susanne , Döcke Andreas , Talhofer Philipp , Thiele Christine , Malberg Hagen , Füssel Susanne , Thomas Christian , Putz Juliane
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Using ex vivo normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) with whole blood we assessed marginal porcine kidneys under reperfusion. The aim was to link measureable machine and clinical blood parameters with the currently used visual assessment. This could serve as a baseline for a standardized evaluation score to identify potentially transplantable kidneys in the future.

Methods

Kidneys and autologous whole blood were procured from slaughterhouse pigs (n = 33) and were perfused for 4 h using NMP. The hemodynamic parameters arterial pressure (AP), renal blood flow (RBF) and intrarenal resistance (IRR) were measured. Activity of aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and lactate were assessed in blood at 0/1/2/4 h. Kidneys were grouped into “potentially transplantable” (PT) or “not transplantable” (NT) based on their overall macroscopic appearance after NMP by an experienced physician.

Results

PT-kidneys (n = 20) had a significantly lower IRR and higher RBF than NT-kidneys (n = 13). GGT, ALP and LDH did not differ significantly, but at 4 h, AST was significantly higher in PT-kidneys compared to NT-kidneys. Lactate levels kept increasing during NMP in NT-kidneys and were significantly higher at 1/2/4 h than in PT-kidneys.

Conclusion

The immediately assessed macroscopic aspects of examined kidneys correlated with hemodynamic parameters, increased lactate and lower AST in this study. In the future, NMP with whole blood could be a useful tool to extend the donor pool by allowing the assessment of otherwise unknown characteristics of marginal kidneys before transplantation.
Recurrences after nephron-sparing treatments of renal cell carcinoma: a competing risk analysis
Authors: Rosenblad Andreas Karlsson , Hashim Bassam Mazin , Lindblad Per , Ljungberg Börje ,   the National Swedish Kidney Cancer Register Steering Committee
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To examine associations between ablative therapy (AT) and partial nephrectomy (PN) and the occurrence of local recurrence (LR), distant metastatic recurrence (DMR) and all-cause mortality in a nation-wide real-world population-based cohort of patients with nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma (nmRCC).

Methods

Data on 2751 AT- or PN-treated nmRCC tumours diagnosed during 2005–2018, representing 2701 unique patients, were obtained from the National Swedish Kidney Cancer Register. Time to LR/DMR or death with/without LR/DMR was analysed using Cox regression models.

Results

During a mean of 4.8 years follow-up, LR was observed for 111 (4.0%) tumours, DMR for 108 (3.9%) tumours, and death without LR/DMR for 206 (7.5%) tumours. AT-treated tumours had a 4.31 times higher risk of LR (P < 0.001) and a 1.91 times higher risk of DMR (P = 0.018) than PN-treated, with no significant differences in risk of death without LR/DMR. During a mean of 3.2 and 2.5 years of follow-up after LR/DMR, respectively, 24 (21.6%) of the LR cases and 56 (51.9%) of the DMR cases died, compared to 7.5% in patients without LR/DMR. There were no significant differences between AT- and PN-treated regarding risks of early death after occurrence of LR or DMR.

Conclusion

AT treatment of patients with nmRCC implied significantly higher risks of LR and DMR compared with PN treatment. To minimize the risks of LR and DMR, these results suggest that PN is preferred over AT as primary treatment, supporting the EAU guidelines to recommended AT mainly to frail and/or comorbid patients.
Image analysis for bright-field HER2 in situ hybridization: validation for clinical use
Authors: Shi Ruoyu , Pinto João Correia , Rienda Ivan , Caie Peter , Eloy Catarina , Polónia António
Published: August 2024

The aim of the present study was to develop and validate a quantitative image analysis (IA) algorithm to aid pathologists in assessing bright-field HER2 in situ hybridization (ISH) tests in solid cancers. A cohort of 80 sequential cases (40 HER2-negative and 40 HER2-positive) were evaluated for HER2 gene amplification with bright-field ISH. We developed an IA algorithm using the ISH Module from HALO software to automatically quantify HER2 and CEP17 copy numbers per cell as well as the HER2/CEP17 ratio. We observed a high correlation of HER2/CEP17 ratio, an average of HER2 and CEP17 copy number per cell between visual and IA quantification (Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.842, 0.916, and 0.765, respectively). IA was able to count from 124 cells to 47,044 cells (median of 5565 cells). The margin of error for the visual quantification of the HER2/CEP17 ratio and of the average of HER2 copy number per cell decreased from a median of 0.23 to 0.02 and from a median of 0.49 to 0.04, respectively, in IA. Curve estimation regression models showed that a minimum of 469 or 953 invasive cancer cells per case is needed to reach an average margin of error below 0.1 for the HER2/CEP17 ratio or for the average of HER2 copy number per cell, respectively. Lastly, on average, a case took 212.1 s to execute the IA, which means that it evaluates about 130 cells/s and requires 6.7 s/mm2. The concordance of the IA software with the visual scoring was 95%, with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 100%. All four discordant cases were able to achieve concordant results after the region of interest adjustment. In conclusion, this validation study underscores the usefulness of IA in HER2 ISH testing, displaying excellent concordance with visual scoring and significantly reducing margins of error.
Early EEG and NIRS measurements in preterm babies: a systematic review
Authors: Llamas-Ramos R. , Alvarado-Omenat J. J. , Llamas-Ramos I.
Published: August 2024

Preterm birth represents a public health problem, with prematurity being the leading cause of infant mortality. An objective brain maturation and oxygenation measurement are necessary. The objective has been To test the feasibility of EEG and NIRS combination in the assessment of physiological brain maturation and oxygenation in preterm and non-preterm babies. A systematic review in Pubmed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Cochrane, Dialnet, CINAHL, Scopus, Lilacs and PEDro databases until December 2022 was developed. 598 registers were found, finally 5 of them reached the inclusion criteria. Two independent reviewers analyzed data and a third reviewer were available for discrepancies. All articles combined EEG and NIRS to assess brain oxygenation and maturation in healthy new-born babies. There is an agreement on the electrode’s placement for EEG at P3 and P4; besides, these regions have been shown to be a development predictive area, as well as the frontoparietal region for the NIRS region and comparison between regions. There is little evidence about the physiological brain electrical activity and oxygenation without stimuli.

Conclusion: EEG and NIRS have been useful to assess brain electrical activity and oxygenation in preterm and non-preterm. The combined measurement of these instruments could be essential in neurological disorders diagnosis or their sequels. Unfortunately, the heterogeneity of the results found prevents a consensus on which variables are the most appropriate for the assessment of this population.

What is Known

• Brain assessment could help clinicians to prevent sequels.

• There is an agreement for EEG electrodes placement at P3 and P4 region.

What is New

• EEG and NIRS assessment are effective measurements for preterm babies.

• P3 and P4 regions have shown to be a predictive area of development, as well as the frontoparietal region for NIRS assessment.
One-to-one peer-coaching for patients with cancer — results of a pilot study
Authors: Valjanow Alice , Weis Joachim
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Cancer is a life threatening disease with negative impact on quality of life and psychological well-being. In international studies, one-to-one peer support and counseling have been shown to improve the psychological well-being of cancer patients. In the study presented, we developed and evaluated an innovative program of peer-coaching. In this program at the University Hospital of Freiburg, cancer survivors were trained to support peers by sharing experience.

Methods

In the project, N = 25 cancer survivors were trained to conduct supportive one-to-one conversations with acute patients or patients in aftercare. Based on a prospective observational study, patients were interviewed using questionnaires before and after the conversations. We assessed expectations and experiences with the peer-coaching as well as psychosocial parameters (PHQ9, GAD7, SSUK, NCCN-distress thermometer).

Results

A total of 52 patients had at least one contact with a peer-coach. Most of the patients attended 1–3 sessions. In total, 85 contacts pairing peer-coaches with patients were conducted. Patients showed on average a high level of distress but a low rate of psychiatric comorbidity. The supportive conversations met the patients` needs. Sharing experiences and empowerment were the most relevant benefits for the patients. Both patients and trained peers showed high satisfaction levels with the program.

Conclusion

Our findings support the feasibility and utility of a peer-coaching program in which trained cancer survivors, acting as peer-coaches, support other patients during or after their oncological treatment. In a further study, the efficacy of peer-coaching should be investigated based on a randomized-controlled trial.

Trial registration

The trial was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (No. DRKS DRKS00017500) on 12.12.2019.
Outcome of gastric electrical stimulator with and without pyloromyotomy for refractory gastroparesis
Authors: Aeschbacher Pauline , Garcia Angelica , Dourado Justin , Rogers Peter , Zoe Garoufalia , Pena Ana , Szomstein Samuel , Menzo Emanuele Lo , Rosenthal Raul
Published: August 2024

Background

Surgical treatments of refractory gastroparesis include pyloromyotomy and gastric electrical stimulator (GES). It is unclear if patients may benefit from a combined approach with concomitant GES and pyloromyotomy.

Methods

Retrospective cohort analysis of all patients with refractory gastroparesis treated with GES implantation with and without concomitant pyloromyotomy at Cleveland Clinic Florida from January 2003 to January 2023. Primary endpoint was efficacy (clinical response duration and success rate) and secondary endpoints included safety (postoperative morbidity) and length of stay. Success rate was defined as the absence of one of the following reinterventions during follow-up: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), pyloromyotomy, GES removal.

Results

During a period of 20 years, 134 patients were treated with GES implantation. Three patients with history of previous surgical pyloromyotomy or RYGB were excluded from the analysis. Median follow-up was 31 months (IQR 10, 72). Forty patients (30.5%) had GES with pyloromyotomy, whereas 91 (69.5%) did not have pyloromyotomy. Most of the patients had idiopathic (n = 68, 51.9%) or diabetic (n = 58, 43.3%) gastroparesis. Except for preoperative use of opioids (47.5 vs 14.3%; p < 0.001), patient’s characteristics were similar in both groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of overall postoperative complications (17.5% vs 14.3%; p = 0.610), major postoperative complications (0% vs 2.2%; p = 1), and length of stay (2(IQR 1, 2) vs 2(IQR 1, 3) days; p = 0.068). At 5 years, success rate was higher in patients with than without pyloromyotomy however not statistically significant (82% versus 62%, p = 0.066). Especially patients with diabetic gastroparesis seemed to benefit from pyloromyotomy during GES (100% versus 67%, p = 0.053). In an adjusted Cox regression, GES implantation without pyloromyotomy was associated with a 2.66 times higher risk of treatment failure compared to GES implantation with pyloromyotomy (HR 2.66, 95% CI 1.03–6.94, p = 0.044).

Conclusion

Pyloromyotomy during GES implantation for gastroparesis seems to be associated with a longer clinical response with similar postoperative morbidity and length of hospital stay than GES without pyloromyotomy. Patient with diabetic gastroparesis might benefit from a combination of GES implantation and pyloromyotomy.
Da Vinci single-port robotic system current application and future perspective in general surgery: A scoping review
Authors: Celotto Francesco , Ramacciotti Niccolò , Mangano Alberto , Danieli Giacomo , Pinto Federico , Lopez Paula , Ducas Alvaro , Cassiani Jessica , Morelli Luca , Spolverato Gaya , Bianco Francesco Maria
Published: August 2024

Background

The da Vinci Single-Port Robot System (DVSP) allows three robotic instruments and an articulated scope to be inserted through a single small incision. It received FDA approval in 2014 and was first introduced in 2018. The aim of this new system was to overcome the limitations of single-incision laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Since then, it has been approved for use only for urologic and transoral surgeries in some countries. It has been used as part of experimental protocols in general surgery.

Objective

By obtaining the CE mark at the end of January 2024, DVSP will soon enter the European market. This review aims to comprehensively describe the applications of DVSP in general surgery.

Design

A search of PubMed, Embase, and Ebsco databases up to March 2024 was conducted, with registration in PROSPERO (CRD42024536430), following the preferred reporting items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses for scoping review (PRISMA-Scr) guidelines. All the studies about the use of DVSP in general surgery were included.

Results

Fifty-six studies were included. The following surgical areas of use were identified: transabdominal and transanal colorectal, cholecystectomy, abdominal wall repair, upper gastroesophageal tract, liver, pancreas, breast, and thyroid surgery. The reported surgical and short-term outcomes are promising; a wide range of procedures have been performed safely. Some groups have found advantages, such as faster discharge, shorter operative time, and less postoperative pain compared to multiport robotic surgery.

Conclusion

Five years after its initial clinical applications, the use of the DVSP in general surgery procedures has demonstrated feasibility and safety. Hernia repair, cholecystectomy, and colorectal surgery emerge as the most frequently conducted interventions with this robotic system. Nevertheless, there is anticipation for further studies with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods to provide more comprehensive insights and data on the long-term outcomes, including the incidence of incisional hernia.

Graphical Abstract
Prognostic factors for pediatric patients with severe intestinal motility disorders: a single institution’s experience
Authors: Yano Keisuke , Muto Mitsuru , Sugita Koshiro , Murakami Masakazu , Onishi Shun , Harumatsu Toshio , Iwamoto Yumiko , Ogata Masato , Takada Lynne , Nishida Nanako , Kedoin Chihiro , Nagano Ayaka , Matsui Mayu , Yamada Koji , Yamada Waka , Matsukubo Makoto , Kawano Takafumi , Kaji Tatsuru , Ieiri Satoshi
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To identify the prognostic factors for pediatric severe intestinal motility disorder (IMD).

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of patients with severe IMD, who required total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for ≥ 60 days at our institution between April, 1984 and March, 2023, examining their characteristics to identify prognostic factors.

Results

The types of IMD in the 14 patients enrolled in this study were as follows: isolated hypoganglionosis (IHG, n = 6), extensive aganglionosis (EAG: n = 6), and chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIIP, n = 2). There was no significant difference in mortality among the three types of severe IMD. Weaning-off TPN and the use of the colon were not significant prognostic factors, but cholestasis was a significant prognostic factor (p = 0.005). There was a high mortality rate (50%), with the major causes of death being intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) following hepatic failure, and catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI). One IHG patient underwent small bowel transplantation but died of acute rejection.

Conclusion

Severe IMD is still associated with a high mortality rate and cholestasis predicts the prognosis. Thus, preventing or improving IFALD and CRBSI caused by long-term TPN is important for reducing the mortality rate.
Acceptance of psychosocial bridging measures in context of dementia
Authors: Leicher Barbara , Buschert Verena , Benninghoff Jens , Scherbaum Norbert
Published: August 2024

Participants from an outpatient treatment program for cognitive disorders have been offered bridging measures because of limited access to the outpatient clinic during a Covid-19-caused lock-down. The aim of this study was to assess perceived stress, acceptance, and appreciation of the measures among patients and their caregivers compared to the previous bridging measure. Forty participants were offered treatment in person or online depending on their cognitive performance level. To evaluate acceptance, data collected from clinical routine was incorporated into a treatment observation. The evaluation of bridging measures by 25 participants was positive. Perceived stress was moderate to high among participants and has increased significantly compared to previous special treatment. Perceived stress in older patients had increased over the course of the pandemic. Bridging measures represented a treatment alternative and may offer previously untapped potential for location-independent psychosocial treatments in order to ameliorate both the patients’ and their caregivers’ convenience.
Unraveling the molecular complexity: Wtap/Ythdf1 and Lcn2 in novel traumatic brain injury secondary injury mechanisms
Authors: Ma Chaobang , Gou Caili , Sun Shiyu , Wang Junmin , Wei Xin , Xing Fei , Xing Na , Yuan Jingjing , Wang Zhongyu
Published: August 2024

The primary aim of this research was to explore the functions of Wtap and Ythdf1 in regulating neuronal Lipocalin-2 (Lcn2) through m6A modification in traumatic brain injury (TBI). By employing transcriptome sequencing and enrichment analysis, we identified the Wtap/Ythdf1-mediated Lcn2 m6A modification pathway as crucial in TBI. In our in vitro experiments using primary cortical neurons, knockout of Wtap and Ythdf1 led to the inhibition of Lcn2 m6A modification, resulting in reduced neuronal death and inflammation. Furthermore, overexpression of Lcn2 in cortical neurons induced the activation of reactive astrocytes and M1-like microglial cells, causing neuronal apoptosis. In vivo experiments confirmed the activation of reactive astrocytes and microglial cells in TBI and importantly demonstrated that Wtap knockdown improved neuroinflammation and functional impairment. These findings underscore the significance of Wtap/Ythdf1-mediated Lcn2 regulation in TBI secondary injury and suggest potential therapeutic implications for combating TBI-induced neuroinflammation and neuronal damage.
Incorporating aquatic biodiversity into sustainability index for hydrographic sub-basins: a multi-criteria stakeholder assessment approach in the Upper Paraná River
Authors: Tomadon Leonardo da Silva , do Couto Edivando Vitor , Bailly Dayani , Ferreira Jóse Hilário Delconte , de Vries Walter Timo , Agostinho Angelo Antonio
Published: August 2024

Sustainable development assessments in hydrographic sub-basins are powerful tools used to guide stakeholders. However, there remains a gap in incorporating new indicators (e.g., biodiversity indicators) into sustainability indexes, which have generally underestimated the environmental dimension. We propose an update to these indexes by incorporating biodiversity data on hydrographic sub-basins. Our goal was to introduce a new ecological sustainability index for hydrographic sub-basins (ESI-sb) that utilizes aquatic ecological indicators. We selected 16 indicators and aggregated them into four sustainability dimensions: economic, social, eco-environmental and negative environmental. We used a multi-criteria analysis based on the analysis hierarchy process (AHP) method to catch stakeholders' importance level of each indicator. The ESI-sb was calculated using the weighted average between the sub-indexes that represent the dimensions. Finally, we applied Gi* statistics to identify the ecological sustainability hotspots and coldspots regions, and the results showed in the Serra do Mar region, the southern region, and the Federal District had high ecological sustainability values; meanwhile, the hydrographic sub-basins that formed the coldspot clusters were located in the western region of the Upper Paraná River basin. The incorporation of aquatic biodiversity data into the index represents an innovation in sustainability indexes recently proposed to hydrographic sub-basins.

Graphical abstract
Stable isotope analysis reveals fish juveniles as a temporal main resource consumed by invasive pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus)
Authors: Hnilička Michal , Janáč Michal , Palupová Eva , Tkachenko Maria Yu. , Horká Petra , Jandová Kateřina , Holubová Kateřina , Jurajda Pavel , Ondračková Markéta
Published: August 2024

The pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus (Linnaeus, 1758) is a small centrarchid fish species from North America that has invaded most European basins, with pronounced expected impacts. Analyses of pumpkinseed diet in its invasive range using gut content analysis (GCA) show macrozoobenthos as the most common dietary item, suggesting a competitive effect on native fish communities. Our study uses a combination of GCA and stable isotope analysis (SIA) to document pumpkinseed diet at two sites in its invaded range and relates pumpkinseed diet preferences with parasitic load. SIA revealed juvenile fish as a major prey item at one of the sites (63 and 50% of the diet of small and the large fish), while GCA showed pumpkinseed preying mostly on macroinvertebrates (chironomids, gastropods, Ephemeroptera, and Zygoptera larvae) at both sites. While infrequent infection by trophically transmitted parasitic nematodes could be related to low consumption of zooplankton, substantial infection by metacercariae of Posthodiplostomum centrarchi Hoffman1958 appears to reflect relatively high consumption rates of its intermediate host, physid snails. Using SIA allowed to demonstrate that pumpkinseed feeding in its non-native range can be based on piscivory, emphasising the need for combining multiple methods when studying the impact of non-native species on food webs.
Impact of Inter and Intra Organizational Factors in Healthcare Digitalization: a Conditional Mediation Analysis
Authors: Pattanaik Prasanta Kumar , Gupta Shivam , Pani Ashis K. , Himanshu Urmii , Pappas Ilias O.
Published: August 2024

Digitalization of the healthcare industry is a major trend and focus worldwide. It has the capability to improve the quality of care, reduce costs, and increase accessibility. India’s Healthcare Vision 2030 serves as a driving force compelling healthcare organization in India to embrace digitalization in their operations and services. We surveyed Indian healthcare employees to provide a comprehensive understanding of how external factors impact an organization's internal resources towards successful adoption of healthcare digitalization. The integration of three theoretical perspectives Institutional Theory (IP), Resource-Based View (RBV), and Absorptive Capacity Theory (ACT)) enables a more holistic and intricacies view. Our results emphasize that healthcare digital transformation requires more than just investment and time. Neglecting to respond to external pressures can lead to limited outcomes in digitalization efforts. It necessitates the presence of an appropriate organizational culture, accompanied by strong belief and support from top management.
Approximating the probabilistic p-Center problem under pressure
Authors: Demange Marc , Haddad Marcel A. , Murat Cécile
Published: August 2024

The Probabilistic p-Center problem under Pressure (p) is a variant of the usual p problem we recently introduced in the context of wildfire management. The problem is to locate p shelters minimizing the maximum distance people will have to cover in case of fire in order to reach the closest accessible shelter. The landscape is divided into zones and is modeled as an edge-weighted graph with vertices corresponding to zones and edges corresponding to direct connections between two adjacent zones. The risk associated with fire outbreaks is modeled using a finite set of fire scenarios. Each scenario corresponds to a fire outbreak on a single zone (i.e., on a vertex) with the main consequence of modifying evacuation paths in two ways. First, an evacuation path cannot pass through the vertex on fire. Second, the fact that someone close to the fire may not take rational decisions when selecting a direction to escape is modeled using new kinds of evacuation paths. In this paper, we characterize the set of feasible solutions of p-instance. Then, we propose some approximation results for p. These results require approximation results for two variants of the (deterministic) p problem called p and p.
Global Existence for Long Wave Hopf Unstable Spatially Extended Systems with a Conservation Law
Authors: Gauss Nicole , Logioti Anna , Schneider Guido , Zimmermann Dominik
Published: August 2024

We are interested in reaction–diffusion systems, with a conservation law, exhibiting a Hopf bifurcation at the spatial wave number $$ k = 0 $$

k
=
0

. With the help of a multiple scaling perturbation ansatz a Ginzburg–Landau equation coupled to a scalar conservation law can be derived as an amplitude system for the approximate description of the dynamics of the original reaction–diffusion system near the first instability. We use the amplitude system to show the global existence of all solutions starting in a small neighborhood of the weakly unstable ground state for original systems posed on a large spatial interval with periodic boundary conditions.
The Role of Cultural Heterogeneity in Strengthening the Link Between Family Relationships and Life Satisfaction in 50 Societies
Authors: Li Liman Man Wai , Lun Vivian Miu-Chi , Bond Michael Harris , Yeung June Chun , Igou Eric Raymond , Haas Brian W. , Stoyanova Stanislava , Maricchiolo Fridanna , Zelenski John M. , Vauclair Christin-Melanie , Uchida Yukiko , Poláčková Šolcová Iva , Sirlopú David , Park Joonha , Kosiarczyk Aleksandra , Kocimska-Zych Agata , Capaldi Colin A. , Adamovic Mladen , Akotia Charity S. , Albert Isabelle , Appoh Lily , Arevalo Douglas , Baltin Arno , Denoux Patrick , Domínguez-Espinosa Alejandra , Esteves Carla Sofia , Gamsakhurdia Vladimer , Fülöp Márta , Garðarsdóttir Ragna B. , Gavreliuc Alin , Boer Diana , Igbokwe David O. , Işık İdil , Kascakova Natalia , Klůzová Kračmárová Lucie , Kostoula Olga , Kronberger Nicole , Kwiatkowska Anna , Lee J. Hannah , Liu Xinhui , Łużniak-Piecha Magdalena , Malyonova Arina , Barrientos Marroquin Pablo Eduardo , Mohorić Tamara , Mosca Oriana , Murdock Elke , Mustaffa Nur Fariza , Nader Martin , Nadi Azar , Okvitawanli Ayu , van Osch Yvette , Pavlopoulos Vassilis , Pavlović Zoran , Rizwan Muhammad , Romashov Vladyslav , Røysamb Espen , Sargautyte Ruta , Schwarz Beate , Selim Heyla A. , Serdarevich Ursula , Stogianni Maria , Sun Chien-Ru , Teyssier Julien , van Tilburg Wijnand A. P. , Torres Claudio , Vignoles Vivian L. , Xing Cai , Krys Kuba
Published: August 2024

We argue that the importance of family relationships for individual well-being varies across societies as a function of a society’s degree of cultural heterogeneity. To examine the role of family relationships, we analyzed the responses from 13,009 participants in 50 societies on their life satisfaction across societies varying in their levels of historical and contemporary cultural heterogeneity. Such heterogeneity creates differences in the frequency of interacting with unfamiliar groups, which leads families to become more central to their members’ satisfaction with life. Multi-level analyses showed that historical and contemporary cultural heterogeneity moderated the pattern such that greater historical or contemporary cultural heterogeneity of society promoted a stronger positive relation between family relationship satisfaction and individual life satisfaction. Our results also revealed that the moderating role of historical cultural heterogeneity was more reliable than that of contemporary cultural heterogeneity. These findings demonstrate the importance of societal demography in shaping people’s psychological processes in different historical periods, suggesting a universal, trans-historical cultural process.
Generalized double affine Hecke algebra for double torus
Authors: Hikami Kazuhiro
Published: August 2024

We propose a generalization of the double affine Hecke algebra of type-$$C^\vee C_1$$

C
∨

C
1

at specific parameters by introducing a “Heegaard dual” of the Hecke operators. Shown is a relationship with the skein algebra on double torus. We give automorphisms of the algebra associated with the Dehn twists on the double torus.
A novel image denoising technique with Caputo type space–time fractional operators
Authors: Tanriover Evren , Kiris Ahmet , Tunga Burcu , Tunga M. Alper
Published: August 2024

A novel image denoising model, namely Full Fractional Total Variation (TVFF), based on the Rudin-Osher-Fatemi (ROF) and the fractional total variation models is presented. The leading advantage of TVFF model is that it uses fractional derivatives with length scale parameters instead of ordinary derivatives with respect to both time and spatial variables in the diffusion equation. The Riesz–Caputo fractional derivative operator is used to disperse nonlocal influence throughout all directions, whereas the Caputo fractional derivative concept is employed for time fractional derivatives. Therefore, the influence of neighboring pixels is given greater weight compared to those situated farther away and this reflects the consideration behind denoising process better. Moreover, the numerical approach is constructed, and its stability and convergence properties are thoroughly examined. To show the superiority of our model, the denoised images are subjected to visual and numerical comparisons using metrics such as the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), the Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM) and the Edge-Retention Ratio (ERR). The performance of the TVFF method is evaluated under various types of noise, including Poisson, Speckle, and Salt & Pepper, and the results are compared with those obtained using Gauss and Median Filters. Furthermore, the proposed method is applied to both blind and synthetic images, thereby showcasing its versatility and applicability across diverse datasets. The outcomes showcase the substantial potential of our enhanced model as a versatile and efficient tool for image denoising.
Effect of Ash and Sulphate on Corrosion of Ni-Based Alloys in a Simulated Oxyfuel Combustion Environment
Authors: Xi Xuteng , Zhang Jianqiang , Young David J.
Published: August 2024

Alloys of Ni–25Cr–(2Mn–1Si) under mixed deposits of ash + (0, 10, 50 and 90) wt% sulphate were exposed to an Ar–60CO2–20H2O gas at 650 and 750 °C for up to 300 h, forming both protective chromia and regions of Ni-rich oxide. The presence of ash + sulphate mixtures improved Ni–25Cr alloy protection, increasing surface coverage by thin, protective chromia compared with the deposit-free condition. Increasing sulphate proportions in these mixtures led to an accelerated chromia scale growth and reduced internal oxidation zone (IOZ). These beneficial effects were more significant at 750 °C, where surface coverage by the protective scale was increased, and a chromia band was formed beneath nonprotective regions at the IOZ-substrate interface. Alloy additions of Mn and Si generally slowed the growth of outer NiO and IOZ but did not lead to exclusive chromia scale formation.
Development and validation of a national clinical pharmacy competency framework for hospital pharmacists in Austria: a multi-method study
Authors: Stoll J. T. , Böhmdorfer-McNair B. , Jeske M. , Weidmann A. E.
Published: August 2024

Background

Despite the publication of a European wide competency framework for hospital pharmacy by the European Association of Hospital Pharmacist (EAHP) in 2017, not all countries have adopted and implemented such a framework.

Aim

This study aimed to develop and validate a bespoke national hospital pharmacy competency framework for Austria that supports the hospital pharmacy workforce development.

Method

A multi-method study was carried out in three phases. (I) A systematic literature review across 48 websites of healthcare-related associations and six scientific databases was conducted, identifying competency frameworks, guidelines and related documents. (II) Extracted behaviour competencies were reviewed for contextual national appropriateness by three researchers prior to mapping against the “Patient Care and Clinical Pharmacy Skills” domain of European Common Training Framework (CTF). (III) Validation of the resultant draft clinical skills competency framework took place by an expert panel (n = 4; Austrian Association of Hospital Pharmacists (AAHP) board members) discussion. Reporting of findings is aligned with the recommendations for reporting Competency Framework Development in health professions (CONFERD-HP guidelines) and the PRISMA 2020 checklist.

Results

The systematic review (SR) resulted in 28 frameworks, guidelines and related documents and the identification of 379 behaviour competencies, with nineteen mapped to the “Patient Care and Clinical Pharmacy Skills” domain of the CTF (after removal of duplicates). Expert panel discussion resulted in suggested changes to ensure contextual national appropriateness.

Conclusion

This study resulted in the development and validation of the first clinical national pharmacy competency framework for Austria. Future studies should focus on political and practical structures necessary for its successful implementation.
Visions of peace: Exploring how Scottish youth understand and define peace
Authors: Nesterova Yulia , Anderson Sarah K.
Published: August 2024

In this article, we report on a study that explored how young people in Scotland understand and define peace. A total of 59 young people aged 12–18, from three schools (independent, state Roman Catholic, and state non-denominational) participated in this study. The young people were asked to participate in a peace data walk and, after that, to draw or paint pictures of what peace means for them in their local community and beyond. We utilize a combination of Personal Meaning Mapping, visual content analytic procedures, and visual art coding scheme to analyse the pictures. We drew on Critical Peace Education as an overarching framework to approach data collection and on the Peace Education Curricular Analysis framework to examine the presence of positive peace elements in youth drawings/paintings. Previous research in different contexts suggests that youth find it difficult to conceptualize peace, whereas it appears to be easy to explain war and negative peace (i.e., absence of war). Previous research conducted in Scotland showed that the curriculum focused on the element of wellbeing, with many other positive peace elements being either absent or not well represented. By contrast, youth in our study showed a strong understanding of positive peace, with a particular emphasis on the following facets: peace zone, eco mind, wellbeing, peace bond, and social justice. In our conclusion, we discuss these findings in relation to Scottish education policies and ways of capitalizing on this method of engagement and overall findings to support youth learning about peace.
Examining the merits of feature-specific similarity functions in the news domain using human judgments
Authors: Starke Alain D. , Solberg Vegard R. , Øverhaug Sebastian , Trattner Christoph
Published: August 2024

Online news article recommendations are typically of the ‘more like this’ type, generated by similarity functions. Across three studies, we examined the representativeness of different similarity functions for news item retrieval, by comparing them to human judgments of similarity. In Study 1 ($$N=401$$

N
=
401

), participants assessed the overall similarity of ten randomly paired news articles on politics and compared their judgments to different feature-specific similarity functions (e.g., based on body text or images). In Study 2, we checked for domain differences in a mixed-methods survey ($$N=45$$

N
=
45

), surfacing evidence that the effectiveness of similarity functions differs across different news categories (‘Recent Events’, ‘Sport’). In Study 3 ($$N=173$$

N
=
173

), we improved the design of Study 1, by controlling for how news articles were matched, differentiating between dissimilar news articles and articles that were matched on a shared topic, named entities, and/or date of publication, across ‘Recent Events’ and ‘Sport’ categories. Across all studies, we found that users mostly used text-based features (e.g., body text, title) for their similarity judgments, while BodyText:TF-IDF was found to be the most representative for their judgments. Moreover, the strength of similarity judgments by humans and similarity scores by feature-specific functions was strongly affected by how news article pairs were matched. We show that humans and similarity functions are better aligned when two news articles are more alike, such as in a news recommendation scenario.
Impact of Indoor Environment and Biological Processes on Bioaerosol Levels in a University Wastewater Treatment Lab
Authors: Upadhyay Ruchi , Przystaś Wioletta , Gautam Sneha
Published: August 2024

Bioaerosol emitted in university biological laboratories may exert adversely effects on employees and students. The occupational health and safety have been given much importance. This study aimed to monitor the risk of bioaerosol formation inside a biological wastewater treatment laboratory where other biological activities were performed along with wastewater treatment using the biological method. The concentration of bacterial and fungal bioaerosols was studied, and the diversity of the air microbiota was evaluated, using a single-stage impactor. The purpose of the Corelation research was to evaluate the effects of indoor biological activity unique to wastewater labs and building characteristics. Increased number of occupants (corelation efficient- 0.71 and 0.47 respectively) and their experimental activity related to wastewater treatment drastically elevated both mesophiles (2018 MPN·m−3) and psychrophiles (1128 MPN·m−3) concentrations in early winter, which crossed permissible limits, whereas the fungal concentration was found below the upper permissible limits (78 MPN·m−3) in same condition. The fungal bioaerosols were found to get influenced by seasonal change and humidity (highest during autumn- 406 MPN·m−3) and were not really influenced by number of occupants (corelation efficient- 0.33). This result suggests a moderate risk of bacterial bioaerosol to occupants working in wastewater treatment laboratory. These findings may contribute to promotion and implementation of indoor environment safety at educational institute and may help in formation of policy to regulate indoor bioaerosol levels.
Agitation dredging of silt and fine sand with Water Injection Dredging, Tiamat and Underwater Plough: a case study in the Port of Rotterdam
Authors: Neumann Sterre , Kirichek Alex , van Hassent Andre
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Agitation dredging has gained popularity as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method for port maintenance. One of the advantages of agitation dredging is the ability to transport sediments out of the port area using natural currents. The effect of the different agitation methods on sediment and water properties has rarely been investigated in a single pilot project. This research aims to study the effects of agitation methods in silt and sand-dominated areas that are frequently maintained.

Methods

The effects of water injection dredging, (WID) underwater ploughing (UWP) and Tiamat on sediment properties are investigated in the Port of Rotterdam. In-situ measurements and laboratory measurements are carried out to determine changes in the bed level, the particle size distribution of the bed, the turbidity in the water column and the dispersion distance of the sediment plume due to agitation dredging.

Results

The results of the in-situ monitoring of the agitation pilots allow a comparison of the changes in sediment and water properties before, during and after agitation dredging. The production, advantages and limitations of the tested agitation dredging methods are discussed.

Conclusion

The in-situ measurements show that WID, Tiamat and UWP can be successfully used for the agitation of sediments and their removal from the silt and sand-dominated areas. The production of the tested agitation methods is higher for silty than sandy sediments. In general, the selection of the agitation equipment can be made based on environmental regulations, sediment properties and hydrodynamic conditions.
Utilization of retentates for white brined cheese production: comparative evaluation of physico-chemical and sensory properties
Authors: Cinar Kadir , Gulec Haci Ali , Gunes Gurbuz , Hicsasmaz Zeynep
Published: August 2024

The aim of the present study is (1) to enhance the protein fraction in cheese milk through membrane filtration and consequently (2) to separate the majority of whey as ‘ideal whey’ prior to the production of white brined cheese, and (3) to explore the potential utilization of retentates in the production of white brined cheese. The chemical, physical, textural and sensory properties of cheeses produced from microfiltration (MF) retentates were characterized to investigate the effects of cross-flow MF on white brined cheese. Polyether sulfone (MP005) membranes featuring a pore diameter of 0.05 μm and polyvinylidene fluoride (MV020) membranes with a pore diameter of 0.20 μm were utilized. The assessed quality parameters of cheeses derived from polyethersulfone membrane (MP005) retentates were similar to the control (p > 0.05), whereas the cheese obtained from polyvinylidene fluoride membrane (MV020) retentates exhibited notable differences (p < 0.05) from the control. The traditional whey generated after cheese-making, which typically requires substantial on-site processing and/or treatment, was reduced by 3.5–6.7 times using the MP005 retentates. Simultaneously, 58–70% of the cheese milk (w/w) was separated as ideal whey before the cheese-making process. MF shows potential as an eco-friendly technology suitable for use in cheese production processes. The potential utilization of MP005 for enriching the protein content in cheese milk holds promise for white cheese production.
Influence of material in sheet-bulk metal forming from coil
Authors: Leicht Miriam , Merklein Marion
Published: August 2024

Sheet-bulk metal forming (SBMF) represents an innovative approach for the efficient manufacturing of functional integrated parts from sheet metal by applying bulk forming processes to sheet metal. It combines the advantages of part weight optimization and process chain shortening. In view of the increasing demand for functionally integrated components, the forming from coil offers an economical possibility to produce high output rates. Nevertheless, an underfilling of functional elements as well as an asymmetric part forming are current challenges. In order to apply SBMF from coil in industrial contexts, it is necessary to understand the causes of these process limits and to develop measures for improving the forming of functional elements and thereby push existing forming limits. In this paper, both a lateral and a backward extrusion process from coil for the forming of internal and external geared SBMF parts are investigated to develop a fundamental process understanding. In a combined numerical-experimental approach, the influence of the flow behavior of different materials as well as the impact of the main material flow direction of the process on the dimensional part accuracy is analyzed. This enables the evaluation of fundamental material-related dependencies and influences regarding the geometrical part accuracy, the mechanical component properties and the tool load for forming of the conventional deep-drawing steel DC04 (t0 = 2 mm), a high-strength steel material (HC260LA) and an aluminum alloy (AA6082 T6). Based on these findings, measures for material flow control are identified and investigated to counteract the challenges of SBMF from coil. These findings permit the identification of potential transferability of the identified cause-effect mechanisms to different processes, component geometries and materials. Thereby, in particular, an increase in coil width as well as lower a strain hardening behavior of the material offers the possibility to improve the geometrical accuracy of the components.
The food production–consumption chain: Fighting food insecurity, loss, and waste with technology
Authors: Grewal Dhruv , Guha Abhijit , Noble Stephanie M. , Bentley Kara
Published: August 2024

The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 seeks to achieve sustainable food production and consumption, including reduced food loss and waste; SDG 2 proposes the goal of zero hunger. In pursuit of these goals, technology arguably has a central role, at every level of the food value chain. To establish this role, the authors identify and examine current technologies aimed at increasing food production and suitably redistributing unused food, as tactics to combat food loss and waste, with the shared end goal of reducing food insecurity. A proposed 2 × 2 typology illustrates how existing technologies can influence food production, distribution, and consumption, as well as influence the stakeholders in the food production–consumption chain. These insights also inform a research and development agenda pertaining to the need for technology applications that can increase food production and/or reduce food waste effectively enough to achieve the goal of zero hunger.
Causes of Oral Granulomatous Disorders: An Update and Narrative Review of the Literature
Authors: Alamoudi Waleed A. , Abdelsayed Rafik A. , Sollecito Thomas P. , Alhassan Ghaida A. , Kulkarni Roopali , Bindakhil Mohammed A.
Published: August 2024

Granulomatous diseases include a diverse range of chronic inflammatory disorders with a wide variety of pathologies and clinical characteristics. In particular, the orofacial region can be affected by granulomatous conditions—whether as an isolated disease or as part of a systemic disorder. Regardless of the nature of the disease or its mechanism of development, precise diagnosis can be challenging, as etiopathogenesis may be driven by several causes. These include reactions to foreign bodies, infections, immune dysregulation, proliferative disorders,, medications, illicit drugs, and hereditary disorders. Granulomas can be identified using histopathological assessment but are not pathognomonic of a specific disease, and therefore require correlation between clinical, serological, radiographical, and histopathological findings. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of the etiopathogenesis, clinical and histopathologic characteristics, and treatment of oral granulomatous disorders.