bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Failure of Once‐Daily Vancomycin for Staphylococcal Endocarditis
Authors: Marik Paul E.
Published: September 2023

With the emergence of staphylococci as important hospital pathogens, administration of vancomycin has increased dramatically. Economic and other factors have led to the development of once‐daily dosing protocols to simplify and standardize the administration of antibiotics. A patient with Staphylococcus aureus prosthetic valve endocarditis and normal renal function failed therapy with vancomycin once/day. The infection was cured when the regimen was changed to the conventional 12‐hour dosing interval.
Network Meta‐Analysis Comparing the Efficacy of Therapeutic Treatments for Bronchiolitis in Children
Authors: Guo Caili , Sun Xiaomin , Wang Xiaowen , Guo Qing , Chen Dan
Published: September 2023

Background

This study aims to compare placebo (PBO) and 7 therapeutic regimens—namely, bronchodilator agents (BAs), hypertonic saline (HS), BA ± HS, corticosteroids (CS), epinephrine (EP), EP ± CS, and EP ± HS—to determine the optimal bronchiolitis treatment.

Methods

We plotted networks using the curative outcome of several studies and specified the relations among the experiments by using mean difference, standardized mean difference, and corresponding 95% credible interval. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was used to separately rank each therapy on clinical severity score (CSS) and length of hospital stay (LHS).

Results

This network meta‐analysis included 40 articles from 1995 to 2016 concerning the treatment of bronchiolitis in children. All 7 therapeutic regimens displayed no significant difference to PBO with regard to CSS in our study. Among the 7 therapies, BA performed better than CS. As for LHS, EP and EP ± HS had an advantage over PBO. Moreover, EP and EP ± HS were also more efficient than BA. The SUCRA results showed that EP ± CS is most effective, and EP ± HS is second most effective with regard to CSS. With regard to LHS, EP ± HS ranked first, EP ± CS ranked second, and EP ranked third.

Conclusions

We recommend EP ± CS and EP ± HS as the first choice for bronchiolitis treatment in children because of their outstanding performance with regard to CSS and LHS.
The effects of exercise on sleep disturbances and cancer‐related fatigue for female breast cancer survivors receiving adjuvant hormone therapy: A systematic review
Authors: McGrorry Anna Rose , Paterson Amy , Peddie Nicola
Published: September 2023

Background

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer, accounting for 15% of all new cases. Hormone therapy (HT) is extremely effective in reducing breast cancer recurrence. However, adherence to HT medication is often poor due to negative side effects such as fatigue and sleep disturbances. Physical activity has been identified as a possible intervention to improve quality of life and reduce side effects of HT.

Objective

The objective of this systematic review was to summarise evidence of exercise interventions for women being treated with HT for breast cancer.

Method

Electronic searches were conducted from inception to March 2022 using Medline, SPORTdiscus, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO and Web of Science databases. Searches included a combination of terms related to breast cancer, exercise, sleep disturbances, fatigue and HT.

Results

Ten eligible papers were identified, and their quality was assessed. Type, frequency, duration and intensity of exercise interventions varied. Exercise types included aerobics, strength/resistance training, walking and yoga. Heterogeneity of data made it difficult to draw conclusions. However, aerobic exercise interventions provide clear improvements in fatigue and sleep disturbances.

Conclusions

This review identified a lack of consistency in exercise recommendations for women being treated for breast cancer. It identifies that aerobic exercise can successfully improve fatigue and sleep disturbances, consistent with existing literature. Exercise has a range of benefits for this population, including improving psychological well‐being and quality of life. Clinicians should strongly advocate for engagement in exercise to promote overall physical and psychological well‐being in women being treated for breast cancer.
The transition from used fuel container corrosion under oxic conditions to corrosion in an anoxic environment
Authors: Salehi Alaei Elham , Guo Mengnan , Chen Jian , Behazin Mehran , Bergendal Erik , Lilja Christina , Shoesmith David W. , Noël James J.
Published: September 2023

The conversion of copper oxide films on copper to copper sulfide has been investigated in sulfide‐containing chloride solutions. Single‐phase Cu2O films and duplex films consisting of Cu2O and CuO, and possibly Cu(OH)2, were prepared electrochemically on copper specimens at various applied potentials and characterized using Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray analyses. The surface condition of the specimens subsequently exposed to a solution containing sulfide was monitored by measuring the corrosion potential (Ecorr) for various exposure periods, then cathodic stripping voltammetry was performed. Cuprite (Cu2O) was observed to be converted to Cu2S by chemical reaction with sulfide, while the conversion mechanism for the mixed deposit could comprise a galvanic process involving CuII reduction coupled to the formation of Cu2S by the reaction of sulfide with copper within pores in the Cu2O/CuO surface film and a chemical conversion of Cu2O to Cu2S. Cupric hydroxide was not converted to Cu2S on the time scale (24 h) of these experiments.
Investigation of Magnetic Electrodes in Conducting Polymeric Materials: Electrochemical Properties of a Fullerene[C60]‐Pd Polymer and Iron Oxide Magnetic Nanocomposite
Authors: Wysocka‐Zolopa Monika , Wojtulewski Kazimierz , Basa Anna , Satuła Dariusz M. , Markiewicz Karolina H. , Grądzka Emilia , Winkler Krzysztof
Published: September 2023

A composite of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles and coordination fullerene polymer (C60Pd3)n is formed by chemical deposition of spherical polymer nanoparticles on iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles in benzene containing C60 and Pd(0) complex. The composition of the composite can be controlled by the amount of magnetite and concentration of polymerization precursors as well as the time of polymerization. The magnetic composite material Fe3O4‐γFe2O3/(C60Pd3)n is used as a model system to investigate its deposition on a magnetic electrode and its electrochemical properties. The iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles ensure both the magnetic activity of the composite and its nanostructured morphology. Both of these factors are responsible for the enhancement of the electrochemical activity of the polymer phase forming the composite in comparison to the pure polymer material deposited on the same magnetic electrode. In the magnetic field of the electrode, the composite undergoes permanent and strong bonding with the surface of the electrode. The nanostructured morphology of the Fe3O4‐γFe2O3/(C60Pd3)n composite also provides very good capacitive properties.
Acceleration invariance principle for Hougaard processes in degradation analysis
Authors: Peng Chien‐Yu , Dong Yi‐Shian , Fan Tsai‐Hung
Published: September 2023

Accelerated degradation tests (ADTs) are widely used to assess lifetime information under normal use conditions for highly reliable products. For the accelerated tests, two basic assumptions are that changing stress levels does not affect the underlying distribution family and that there is stochastic ordering for the life distributions at different stress levels. The acceleration invariance (AI) principle for ADTs is proposed to study these fundamental assumptions. Using the AI principle, a theoretical connection between the model parameters and the accelerating variables is developed for Hougaard processes. This concept can be extended to heterogeneous gamma and inverse Gaussian processes. Simulation studies are presented to support the applicability and flexibility of the Hougaard process using the AI principle for ADTs. A real data analysis using the derived relationship is used to validate the AI principle for accelerated degradation analysis. All technical details, simulation results for nonlinear cases and model mis‐specification analysis are available online as Supporting Information.
Effectiveness of a virtual reality application‐based education programme on patient safety management for nursing students: A pre‐test–post‐test study
Authors: Oh Jae Woo , Kim Ji Eun
Published: September 2023

Aims

We aimed to develop a virtual reality‐based smartphone application that improves patient safety competency among nursing students in terms of knowledge, attitudes and confidence in patient safety management. We also sought to evaluate the effects and utility of the application in improving patient safety competency.

Design

A parallel, randomized controlled pre‐ and post‐test trial was conducted to test the effects of knowledge, attitudes and performance confidence in patient safety management.

Methods

Participants were randomly allocated to the experimental (n = 22), in which nursing students received a two‐week mobile web‐based training programme covering key topics in patient safety management or the control group (n = 22), in which nursing students received a training booklet. Participants completed a pre‐test and two post‐test questionnaires to assess the program's impact. The evaluation tools were patient safety management knowledge, attitude and patient safety management performance confidence scale. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, homogeneity test for pre‐test, unpaired t‐test and repeated measures ANOVA.

Results

Patient safety competency in the experimental group improved significantly in terms of knowledge (from 11.68 to 18.55, p < 0.000), attitude (from 3.38 to 4.01; p < 0.005) and performance confidence (from 3.93 to 4.52; p < 0.000) compared with the control group. Our findings suggest that mobile app‐based education using virtual reality may be effective in enhancing patient safety management in nursing education.
Concentration of ptaquiloside, a major carcinogen in bracken fern (Pteridium spp.), from eastern australia and from a cultivated worldwide collection held in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Smith Barry L. , Seawright Alan A. , Ng Jack C. , Hertle Andrew T. , Thomson John A. , Bostock Peter D.
Published: September 2023

Two surveys of bracken fern for the concentration of the carcinogen ptaquiloside (PT) have been carried out, one of bracken fern from the eastern side of Australia and the other from a worldwide collection of bracken clones held in Sydney Australia. Bracken from eastern Australia contained concentrations of ptaquiloside ranging from 0 to 12,945 μg PT/g. From 91 samples 15% contained greater than 5,000 μg PT/g and 57% of samples contained more than 1,000 μg PT/g bracken on the dry weight basis. Ptaquiloside concentrations were highest in Pteridium revolutum and from P. esculentum from areas where bovine enzootic haematuria was known to occur. Bracken from the cultivated bracken clone collection from worldwide sources tended to have lower concentrations of ptaquiloside ranging from 0 to 9,776 μg PT/g. From 77 samples, 8% contained more than 5,000 μg PT/g and 35% contained more than 1,000 μg PT/g bracken. Samples from both the eastern Australia survey and the Australian representatives in the worldwide collection showed significantly higher concentrations of PT in the P. esculentum collected from the more southern states. In samples from the worldwide collection there were no statistical differences in the concentrations of PT in bracken between taxa.
3‐Nitropropionic acid toxicity in cultured murine embryonal carcinoma cells
Authors: Pass Michael A. , Carlisle Carol H. , Reuhl Kenneth R.
Published: September 2023

The morphologic and histochemical effects of 3‐nitropropionic acid (NPA) were examined in cultured murine embryonal carcinoma cells. NPA caused a dose‐dependent inhibition of cell proliferation of cultured murine embryonal carcinoma cells at concentrations above 1.05 mM and was lethal at 4.2 mM. Morphologic changes included gross swelling of the cells, swelling of mitochondria and accumulation of organellar debris within the cytoplasm. NPA inhibited the activity of succinate dehydrogenase but not of malate, isocitrate or glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenases, resulting in a decrease in intracellular ATP. Although succinate dehydrogenase activity was decreased by NPA, propionic acid and its mercapto‐, 2‐chloro‐, and 3‐chloro‐ derivatives did not affect enzyme activity. 3‐Nitropropanol also inhibited succinate dehydrogenase but only at a much higher concentration than was required with NPA. The results provide evidence that cytotoxicity caused by NPA results from inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase activity leading to depression of ATP synthesis. Loss of cellular integrity is probably a direct consequence of failure of energy‐dependent cell homeostatic mechanisms such as the plasma membrane Na+/K+ pump, resulting in swelling and ultimately lysis of the cell.
Effect of glass fiber reinforcement on compressive strength of photopolymer composite fabricated using vat‐photopolymerization additive technique: An experimental and modeling approach
Authors: Moharana Annada Prasad , Kumar Siddharth , Raj Ratnesh , Singh Sarthak S. , Dixit Amit Rai
Published: September 2023

Short or nanofillers‐reinforced composites increase the thermo‐mechanical characteristics of additive manufacturing (AM) base materials. Effective outputs were regulated via parametric optimisation and custom production. One of the most used AM method, Vat photopolymerization (VPP), creates complex and geometrically precise photopolymer parts. This study prepares photopolymer composite (PPC) samples with 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, and 8.0 volume percentages of short glass fiber (SGF) using an inter‐stage stirring method in DLP‐based VPP process. An adequate curing time and formable layer thickness were evaluated for the printability performance of SGF‐photopolymer composite. The 4.0% PPC‐sample showed a 20% higher compressive yield strength than pure photopolymer and other volume fractions. The consequences of increased strength values were assessed by the effect of stirring method and the fractography analysis of PPC specimen. The investigation additionally encompassed numerical simulations that employed an innovative technique for constructing and simulating three‐dimensional representative volume elements (RVEs). The RVEs were designed to replicate the experimental outcomes by randomly situating and orienting fillers within the matrix. The study employs the calibrated Three Network (TN) viscoplastic constitutive material model as the matrix property, and the simulation results demonstrate a margin of error of 5%–10% when compared to the experimental findings.

Highlights

Layer‐wise availability of SGFs through inter‐stage stirring method

The exposure time and layer thickness were determined by Jacob's working curve

Concept of RVE is used to combine individual SGF layers into a single layer

SEM showed that increasing SGF layer resists cracking better than neat matrix

Experimental data and numerical simulations are in good agreement
Nanomechanical‐based classification of prostate tumor using atomic force microscopy
Authors: Zeng Jinshu , Zhang Yan , Xu Renfeng , Chen Huitin , Tang Xiaoqiong , Zhang Sheng , Yang Hongqin
Published: September 2023

Background

The loss of mechanical homeostasis between tumor cells and microenvironment is an important factor in tumor metastasis. In the process, mechanical forces affect cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and tissue development.

Aims

Using high spatial resolution of Atomic force microscopy (AFM) technology, our study provides the direct measurement of the nanomechanical properties of prostate cancer clinical tissue specimens.

Materials and Methods

AFM was used to determine the biomechanical properties of prostate tissue with different grade scores. K‐means clustering method and fuzzy C‐means were used to distinguish the cellular component in prostate tissue from non‐cellular component based on their viscoelasticity. Futhermore, AFM measurements in vitro cells, including metastatic prostate cells (PC‐3) and normal human prostate cells (PZ‐HPV‐7) were carried out.

Results

The Young's modulus was decreased in prostate cancer progression, and the elasticity of cellular component in prostate cancer tissue was smaller than that of normal prostate tissue. PC‐3 cells were softer than PZ‐HPV‐7 cells. Further mechanism investigation showed that the difference in modulus between cancerous and normal prostate tissue may be associated with a greater actin cytoskeleton distribution inside the cancer cells.

Conclusion

The results suggests that the nanomechanical properties can classify the prostate tumor, which could be used as an index for the identification and classification of cancer at cellular level.
Development and internal validation of a nomogram predicting significant prostate cancer: Is it clinically applicable in low prevalent prostate cancer countries? A multicenter study
Authors: Arafa Mostafa A. , Farhat Karim H. , Khan Farrukh K. , Rabah Danny M. , Elmorshedy Hala , Mokhtar Alaa , Al‐Taweel Waleed
Published: September 2023

Background

Accurately identifying aggressive prostate tumors and studying them as a separate outcome are urgently needed. Nomogram is a predictive tool using an algorithm, it has been widely applied in clinical practice to predict prognosis. We aimed to develop and internally validate a nomogram predicting clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa).

Methods

Data were retrieved from the records of the two main hospitals in Riyadh, during the period 2019–2022. Significant variables associated with csPCa cases were used to develop and internally validate a novel nomogram, utilizing the C index, and calibration curves. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to assess its clinical utility.

Results

Prostate imaging reporting and data system (PI‐RADS), smaller prostate volume, and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) > 10 ng/mL were significantly associated with the risk csPCa, respectively. The model developed by the nomogram showed an excellent accuracy for csPCa discrimination, as indicated by area under the curve (0.83), and calibration curves. DCA showed that our model was superior and surpassed all other models with a larger net benefit for various threshold probabilities. Based on our model, at a probability threshold of 30%, biopsying patients is the equivalent of a strategy that led to an absolute 5% reduction in the number of biopsies without missing any csPCa.

Conclusion

The developed nomogram consisting of PI‐RAD, total PSA, and prostate volume showed a robust predictive capacity for csPCa before prostate biopsy that may be valuable for clinical judgment to prevent needless biopsy. Yet, the small percentage (5%) of yielded unnecessary biopsies that could be saved by using such a model, cast an important question on its merit and clinical applicability.
Bulk and Surface Electrical Properties of BiSb on Flat and Ion‐Beam Nano‐Patterned InP Substrates
Authors: Elhoussieny Ibrahim G. , Rehaag Thomas J. , Bell Gavin R.
Published: September 2023

One route to the improvement of thermoelectric material performance is nanostructuring. Herein, BiSb thin films are grown by molecular‐beam epitaxy on two types of InP(001) substrate: flat epiready wafer, and nano‐patterned by ion bombardment and annealing (IBA). The effects of IBA on InP substrate are presented, and the structural and electrical properties of the BiSb films are measured. BiSb films on flat substrates are highly textured with (003) orientation, while films on IBA‐patterned substrates are less well ordered with mainly (012) orientation. A simple calculation method for nonplanar Hall measurements is proposed to explain the electrical conduction in rough films. The effects of BiSb film texture, roughness, and thickness on carrier density and mobility are provided. Sheet carrier density is independent of thickness at 77 K, which suggests conduction via surface states. Topological protection of such states may support nano‐patterning as a route to reducing thermal conductivity while maintaining electrical conductivity.
Implications of protecting the QCD axion in the dual description
Authors: Choi Gongjun , Leedom Jacob
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The QCD axion can be formulated in a dual description as a massive 2-form field. In this picture, the QCD axion quality problem translates into the question if there are additional 3-forms coupled to the axion other than the QCD 3-form that emerges at low energy. If such forms exist, the quality problem can be resolved via the introduction of other massive 2-forms (and thus corresponding axions), one for each additional 3-form. This can motivate an “axiverse from a high quality QCD axion”. In this work, we discuss this issue in the general case where the QCD axion couples to arbitrarily many 3-forms. Given the multiple axion solution, we discuss the phenomenological implications of the enhanced quality of the QCD axion in the dual description. These include sub-eV axion-like particle search through the axion-photon coupling, the cosmological consistency of a large decay constant QCD axion, and a model for the observed cosmic birefringence.
Celestial Berends-Giele current
Authors: Tao Yi-Xiao
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Celestial amplitude plays an important role in the understanding of holography. Computing celestial amplitudes by recursion can deepen our understanding of the structure of celestial amplitudes. As an important recursion method, the Berends-Giele (BG) currents on the celestial sphere are worth studying. In this paper, we study the celestial BG recursion and utilize this to calculate some typical examples. We also explore the OPE behavior of celestial BG currents. Moreover, we generalize the “sewing procedure” for BG currents to the celestial case.
(N)NLO+NLL’ accurate predictions for plain and groomed 1-jettiness in neutral current DIS
Authors: Knobbe Max , Reichelt Daniel , Schumann Steffen
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The possibility to reanalyse data taken by the HERA experiments offers the chance to study modern QCD jet and event-shape observables in deep-inelastic scattering. To address this, we compute resummed and matched predictions for the 1-jettiness distribution in neutral current DIS with and without grooming the hadronic final state using the soft-drop technique. Our theoretical predictions also account for non-perturbative corrections from hadronisation through parton-to-hadron level transfer matrices extracted from dedicated Monte Carlo simulations with Sherpa. To estimate parameter uncertainties in particular for the beam-fragmentation modelling we derive a family of replica tunes to data from the HERA experiments. While NNLO QCD normalisation corrections to the NLO+NLL’ prediction are numerically small, hadronisation corrections turn out to be quite sizeable. However, soft-drop grooming significantly reduces the impact of non-perturbative contributions. We supplement our study with hadron-level predictions from Sherpa based on the matching of NLO QCD matrix elements with the parton shower. Good agreement between the predictions from the two calculational methods is observed.
Recent advances and current limitations of available technology to optically manipulate and observe cardiac electrophysiology
Authors: Marchal Gerard A. , Biasci Valentina , Yan Ping , Palandri Chiara , Campione Marina , Cerbai Elisabetta , Loew Leslie M. , Sacconi Leonardo
Published: September 2023

Optogenetics, utilising light-reactive proteins to manipulate tissue activity, are a relatively novel approach in the field of cardiac electrophysiology. We here provide an overview of light-activated transmembrane channels (optogenetic actuators) currently applied in strategies to modulate cardiac activity, as well as newly developed variants yet to be implemented in the heart. In addition, we touch upon genetically encoded indicators (optogenetic sensors) and fluorescent dyes to monitor tissue activity, including cardiac transmembrane potential and ion homeostasis. The combination of the two allows for all-optical approaches to monitor and manipulate the heart without any physical contact. However, spectral congestion poses a major obstacle, arising due to the overlap of excitation/activation and emission spectra of various optogenetic proteins and/or fluorescent dyes, resulting in optical crosstalk. Therefore, optogenetic proteins and fluorescent dyes should be carefully selected to avoid optical crosstalk and consequent disruptions in readouts and/or cellular activity. We here present a novel approach to simultaneously monitor transmembrane potential and cytosolic calcium, while also performing optogenetic manipulation. For this, we used the novel voltage-sensitive dye ElectroFluor 730p and the cytosolic calcium indicator X-Rhod-1 in mouse hearts expressing channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2). By exploiting the isosbestic point of ElectroFluor 730p and avoiding the ChR2 activation spectrum, we here introduce a novel optical imaging and manipulation approach with minimal crosstalk. Future developments in both optogenetic proteins and fluorescent dyes will allow for additional and more optimised strategies, promising a bright future for all-optical approaches in the field of cardiac electrophysiology.
The tool effect is lower in older adults with or without cognitive impairments than in young adults
Authors: Luyat Marion , Dumez Kévin , Noël Myriam , Altintas Emin , Campion Cédric , Lafargue Gilles , Guerraz Michel
Published: September 2023

Grabbing a phone from a table or stepping over an obstacle on the ground are daily activities that require the brain to take account of both object and the body’s parameters. Research has shown that a person’s estimated maximum reach is temporarily overestimated after using a tool, even when the tool is no longer in hand. This tool effect reflects the high plasticity of the perceptual-motor system (e.g., body schema updating)—at least in young individuals. The objective of the present study was to determine whether the tool effect is smaller in older adults. Forty-four young adults, 37 older adults without cognitive impairment and 30 older adults with cognitive impairment took part in the experiment. The task consisted in visually estimating the ability to reach (using the index finger) a target positioned at different locations on a table, both before and after using a rake. We observed a strong after-effect of tool use in the young adults only. Conversely, a tool effect was similarly absent in the older adults without and with cognitive impairment. Moreover, even before the tool was used, the maximum reach was overestimated in each of the three groups, although the overestimation was greatest in the two groups of older adults. In summary, we showed that the tool effect, observed in young adults, was absent in older adults; this finding suggests that with advancing age, the perceptual-motor system is less able to adapt to novel sensorimotor contexts. This lack of adaptation might explain (at least in part) the overestimation of motor skills often reported in the elderly.
Global mapping of institutional and hospital-based (Level II–IV) arthroplasty registries: a scoping review
Authors: Zgouridou Aikaterini , Kenanidis Eustathios , Potoupnis Michael , Tsiridis Eleftherios
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Four joint arthroplasty registries (JARs) levels exist based on the recorded data type. Level I JARs are national registries that record primary data. Hospital or institutional JARs (Level II–IV) document further data (patient-reported outcomes, demographic, radiographic). A worldwide list of Level II–IV JARs must be created to effectively assess and categorize these data.

Methods

Our study is a systematic scoping review that followed the PRISMA guidelines and included 648 studies. Based on their publications, the study aimed to map the existing Level II–IV JARs worldwide. The secondary aim was to record their lifetime, publications’ number and frequency and recognise differences with national JARs.

Results

One hundred five Level II–IV JARs were identified. Forty-eight hospital-based, 45 institutional, and 12 regional JARs. Fifty JARs were found in America, 39 in Europe, nine in Asia, six in Oceania and one in Africa. They have published 485 cohorts, 91 case-series, 49 case–control, nine cross-sectional studies, eight registry protocols and six randomized trials. Most cohort studies were retrospective. Twenty-three per cent of papers studied patient-reported outcomes, 21.45% surgical complications, 13.73% postoperative clinical and 5.25% radiographic outcomes, and 11.88% were survival analyses. Forty-four JARs have published only one paper. Level I JARs primarily publish implant revision risk annual reports, while Level IV JARs collect comprehensive data to conduct retrospective cohort studies.

Conclusions

This is the first study mapping all Level II–IV JARs worldwide. Most JARs are found in Europe and America, reporting on retrospective cohorts, but only a few report on studies systematically.
Multi-day fair collaboration in demand-responsive transportation
Authors: Angelelli E. , Morandi V. , Speranza M. G.
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we consider the case of companies that offer a demand-responsive transportation service, such as a shared-taxi service, and are engaged in a horizontal collaboration initiative. The goal of the coalition is to optimize the transportation operations in such a way that no company is penalized, in terms of customers served and/or working time. We present an optimization model for a multi-day planning horizon that includes constraints aimed at guaranteeing a level of fairness to all companies that can be controlled over the planning horizon and day-by-day, if beneficial. An adaptive large neighborhood search heuristic is then presented for its solution. The computational experiments show that, although the model constraints the optimization space, it still guarantees substantial savings. Moreover, they show that the model is flexible and can guarantee the sustainability in the long term of the collaboration initiative.
Avoiding the Dutch Disease in tourism-led economies: reconciling tourism development and sectoral diversification
Authors: Inchausti-Sintes Federico
Published: September 2023

Although tourism has produced long-term growth and progress, the economic consequences of this economic specialisation, which is summarised by the paradoxical effect known as the Dutch Disease, alongside the worst financial performance in tourism-led economies as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, indicate the need for diversification in such economies. Previous research has overwhelmingly shown that tourism development results in decreases in traditional exports, overdevelopment of services and marginalises the weight of industry in the economy. Using a theoretical dynamic general equilibrium model, this article demonstrates that the Dutch Disease can be avoided in tourism-led economies, precisely owing to tourism specialisation, and non-tourism development is possible. More importantly, non-tourism development can be achieved by simultaneously enhancing the quality of tourism-based activities to increase international competitiveness.
Assessment of the ground coverage ratio of agrivoltaic systems as a proxy for potential crop productivity
Authors: Dupraz Christian
Published: September 2023

The yield of crops in both agrivoltaic (AV) and agroforestry (AF) systems is difficult to predict. The shade pattern of an AV system is not typical and is quite different from the one of AF systems. Most countries allow AV systems on croplands only if the crop productivity is maintained (e.g., in France) or slightly reduced, as in Japan and Germany, with 80% and 66% minimum relative yield (RY) required, respectively. I suggest using the Ground Coverage Ratio (GCR: ratio of area of photovoltaic panels to area of land) as an indicator of the crop potential productivity in AV systems. The GCR can easily be computed and controlled for all kinds of AV systems with panels that are either fixed (horizontal, tilted, or vertical) or mobile (on 1- or 2-axis trackers). Here, I provide a synthesis of published data for crop productivity under AV systems. Only publications that provided both the GCR of the system and the crop RYs were included. Measuring RYs requires a reliable non-AV control plot. Several publications were excluded because of doubts regarding the measurements’ validity (e.g., systems that are too small, resulting in strong edge effects, or unreliable control plots). Despite the scattering of results, a clear pattern is evidenced: RYs decrease rapidly when GCRs increase. It appears that a GCR < 25% is required to ensure that most crop RYs stay > 80%. These results are consistent with a recent meta-analysis examining the impact of shade on crops. The use of the GCR criterion to validate AV projects is a simple and cost-effective alternative to the tricky control of crop yields in the fields.
The rise of promotional communicative functions in medical research article abstracts: a diachronic (1940–2022) perspective
Authors: Martín Pedro , León Pérez Isabel
Published: September 2023

Academic genres are not static, but they may change according to the values and demands of the particular discourse communities that shape them. This paper explores the research article (RA) abstract, a relevant informative and promotional genre that exhibits the prevalent rhetorical practices of a specific disciplinary community. From a diachronic perspective, our purpose is to examine how these practices have evolved over time. To this end, using a genre-based approach, we have analysed the rhetorical moves and steps of 180 RA abstracts published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, over a period of nine decades (1940–2022). The findings revealed that the abstracts have increasingly become more promotional in terms of the persuasive rhetorical strategies that the authors use to enhance the contribution of their research. This is seen in the fact that the texts of more recent decades present a growing number of promotional communicative functions, mainly the moves/steps that claim the importance of the research topic and state the implications or significance of research. This study can have pedagogical implications for English for research publication purposes (ERPP) practitioners and early career researchers who seek to publish in international medical journals.
Seasonal fluctuations in pigment content of macrophytes: implications for monitoring brownification
Authors: Rajala Salla , Estlander Satu , Nurminen Leena , Sainio Kari , Horppila Jukka
Published: September 2023

Seasonal variations of floating-leaved macrophyte Nuphar lutea chlorophyll content were studied in lakes with different water quality. The aim was to investigate whether chlorophyll content of the plants could be used as an indicator of brownification. The relationship between chlorophyll a and b (CHL a:b) of the petioles decreased with increasing water colour. The relationship between CHL a:b and turbidity was less clear. The sum concentration of chlorophyll a and b of the petioles did not respond to water colour consistently. The strong effect of water colour on petiole CHL a:b was probably due to the effect of colour on the attenuation of short-wavelength light. CHL b absorbs short-wavelength light more effectively than CHL a. To maximize the harvesting of short-wavelength light, macrophytes increase their CHL b concentration relative to CHL a. The results suggested that petiole CHL a:b of N. lutea can be used as an indicator of brownification. High phytoplankton biomass may, however, disturb the relationship between water colour and CHL a:b. Therefore, the most reliable results are obtained by sampling several times during the growing season. The floating leaves cannot be recommended as brownification indicators because the relationship between their CHL content and water colour is weak.
A New Approach to Shooting Methods for Terminal Value Problems of Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Diethelm Kai , Uhlig Frank
Published: September 2023

For terminal value problems of fractional differential equations of order $$\alpha \in (0,1)$$

α
∈
(
0
,
1
)

that use Caputo derivatives, shooting methods are a well developed and investigated approach. Based on recently established analytic properties of such problems, we develop a new technique to select the required initial values that solves such shooting problems quickly and accurately. Numerical experiments indicate that this new proportional secting technique converges very quickly and accurately to the solution. Run time measurements indicate a speedup factor of between 4 and 10 when compared to the standard bisection method.
The Rationing of Essential Resources in Times of Crisis: Logan’s Run and the ‘Science-fictional’ Right to Life Under Article 2 of the ECHR
Authors: Diver Alice , Pulvirenti Rossella , Roberts Leigh
Published: September 2023

We argue that the right to life—for example under Article 2 of the European Convention—has become an increasingly fragile thing, prone to sharp rationing by domestic law and policy makers, almost to the extent seen in certain works of dystopian science fiction. The near-future novel ‘Logan’s Run’ (1967) depicts a brutally austere regime, that is ‘justified’ in law on the basis that finite, scarcening resources must somehow be preserved, to enable survival. Over—population means that human rights are now fictive however—there are neither family life rights nor privacy rights, and human dignity is in short supply. An all-powerful AI ‘being’ governs via algorithms to ration and curtail lifespans, so that no one is allowed to be older than 21. This rule is enforced via ‘voluntary’ submission to euthanasia, and the intervention of a murderous militia for those who do not comply. As ever, patriotic behaviour is key. Arguably, not dissimilar crisis thinking was seen during the pandemic, with various resources diverted or triaged towards the worthiest citizens—those with the best chances of survival—through the use of such things as ‘frailty algorithms.’ Recent UK case law is then analysed to gauge the extent to which dystopian reasoning might be encroaching upon the effectiveness of human rights protections, post-pandemic.
Extension of the bouncing ball model to a vibratory conveying system
Authors: Schiller Simon , Steiner Wolfgang , Schagerl Martin
Published: September 2023

Various special effects occur during the operation of vibratory conveyors, e.g., multiple feeding velocities at the same excitation amplitude or so-called microthrows. In this work, a model for the simulation and prediction of the behavior of such a conveying system is presented. The simulation model is based on the bouncing ball model which is known from literature. The introduced impact law is coupled in horizontal direction by a frictional force which enables modeling a feeding process. The mentioned effect of multiple feeding velocities is studied with the developed simulation model. For the estimation of the critical excitation amplitude where a second feeding velocity appears, an analytical approach is developed. The corresponding feeding velocity can also be calculated with this approach. Moreover, the sensitivity of the initial conditions is investigated and criteria for the estimation are found. These can be applied to optimally adjust the conveyor in practice. Furthermore, the effects of microthrows are studied and analytical formulas for the estimation of characteristic values of the microthrows are derived. The dragging process following a sequence of microthrows is also investigated. All the developed formulas are validated by the simulation model.
Methodological reductionism or methodological dualism? In search of a middle ground
Authors: Overgaard Morten
Published: September 2023

The contrasts between so-called objective and subjective measures of consciousness have been a dominating topic of discussion for decades. The debate has classically been dominated by two positions – that subjective measures may be completely or partially reduced to objective measures, and, alternatively that they must exist in parallel. I argue that many problems relate to subjective reports as they can be imprecise and vulnerable to a number of potential confounding factors. However, I also argue that despite the fact that subjective reports are fallible, all objective measures are derived from subjective measures, and, thus, will never under normal circumstances be more correct. I propose that the best and possibly only realistic way forward is a specific version of a “middle ground”: to attempt to improve subjective reports in a collaboration with objective research methods.
Chronic exposure to bisphenol A induces behavioural, neurochemical, histological, and ultrastructural alterations in the ganglia tissue of the date mussels Lithophaga lithophaga
Authors: Abd Elkader Heba-Tallah Abd Elrahim , Al-Shami Ahmed S.
Published: September 2023

Bisphenol A (BPA), a common plastic additive, has been demonstrated mechanistically to be a potential endocrine disruptor and to affect a variety of body functions in organisms. Although previous research has shown that BPA is toxic to aquatic organisms, the mechanism of neurotoxic effects in marine bivalves remains unknown. The current study aimed to elucidate the neurotoxic effects of BPA when administered at different concentrations (0.25, 1, 2, and 5 µg/L) for twenty-eight days in the ganglia of a bivalve model, the Mediterranean mussel (Lithophaga lithophaga), which is an ecologically and economically important human food source of bivalve species in the Mediterranean Sea. Our findings revealed an increase in behavioural disturbances and malondialdehyde levels in treated mussel ganglia compared to the control group. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase activity increased in the ganglia of L. lithophaga treated with 0.25 and 2 µg/L. However, at BPA concentrations of 1 and 5 µg/L, SOD activity was significantly reduced, as was total glutathione concentration. BPA causes neurotoxicity, as evidenced by concentration-dependent inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, dopamine, and serotonin. After chronic exposure to BPA, neurons showed distortion of the neuronal cell body and varying degrees of pyknosis. The ultrastructure changes in BPA-treated groups revealed the lightening of the nucleoplasm and a shrunken nuclear envelope. Overall, our findings suggest that BPA exposure altered antioxidation, neurochemical biomarkers, histopathological, and ultrastructural properties, resulting in behavioural changes. As a result, our findings provide a basis for further study into the toxicity of BPA in marine bivalves.
Strong and Broadband Visible Absorption Based on Titanium Patterned Resonator
Authors: Sayed Shimaa I. , Mahmoud K. R. , Mubarak Roaa I.
Published: September 2023

The visible band is characterized by a high concentration of solar energy, making it highly desirable to achieve perfect absorption within this spectral range. This paper presents a novel design of a broadband metamaterial absorber (BMA) based on titanium (Ti), which exhibits a superior level of high absorption in the visible regime. The absorber is composed of three layers arranged from top to bottom: a newly shaped Ti top layer resonator, a SiO2 dielectric spacer, and a Ti bottom reflector. With a thickness of 195 nm, the BMA structure demonstrates an average absorption of 98.11% across the wavelength range of 400–800 nm, ensuring absorption levels greater than 90% through the entire visible band. The influence of different geometrical parameters and structures on absorption was studied, and the physical mechanism behind the high absorption was explored. Additionally, the proposed structure offers the benefit of maintaining 90% absorption stability for large incident angles up to 60° for TE and up to 70° for TM mode oblique incidence. Therefore, our proposed absorber emerges as an optimal candidate for a variety of solar energy harvesting applications.
Nachhaltige Digitalisierung. Gesellschaftliche Transformation, autonome Materialität und der Fall des Digital Farming
Authors: Henkel Anna
Published: September 2023

Nachhaltigkeit und Digitalisierung sind zwei Tendenzen gesellschaftlichen Wandels, die in verschiedene Richtungen weisen. Nachhaltigkeit wird als angestrebte, jedoch im Ergebnis unzureichend bleibende Veränderung gesehen, während Digitalisierung – erwünscht oder auch nicht – schlicht erfolgt. Diese Diskrepanz zu untersuchen, ist eine Herausforderung auch für die soziologische Theorie. Nachdem Nachhaltigkeit und Digitalisierung bislang meist unabhängig voneinander in den Blick genommen wurden, erlaubt eine materialitätstheoretisch erweiterte Gesellschaftstheorie ein soziologisches Zusammendenken und eine Erklärung für die Unterschiedlichkeit der Dynamiken gesellschaftlichen Wandels: In der spezifischen, nämlich autonomen Materialität der modernen Gesellschaft ist Digitalisierung bereits angelegt, während eine nachhaltige Entwicklung eine Transformation dieser Materialität selbst erfordert. Am Fallbeispiel des Digital Farming wird diese These näher ausgeführt. Den Abschluss des Beitrags bilden Überlegungen zu Herausforderungen, Bedingungen und Möglichkeiten einer nachhaltigen Digitalisierung.
Das Verhältnis von sozialen und technischen Normen – Zur Frage, ob die Digitalisierung gesellschaftstransformatives Potenzial besitzt
Authors: Barth Jonas , Block Katharina , Lindemann Gesa , Fröhlich Johanna
Published: September 2023

Inwiefern Digitalisierung ein gesellschaftstransformatives Potenzial hat, ist umstritten. Diese Frage wird der empirischen Analyse zugänglich, wenn man die Steuerung von Verhalten in den Blick nimmt. Es fehlt jedoch bislang eine differenzierte sozialtheoretische Perspektive, mit der unterschiedliche Steuerungen von Verhalten präzise erfasst werden können. Der Beitrag geht von der Prämisse aus, dass Verhaltenssteuerung ausgehend von der Orientierung an Normen zu fassen ist, und macht einen Vorschlag, wie sich technische und soziale Normen in der Sozial‑, Sach- und Zeitdimension voneinander unterscheiden lassen und welche unterschiedlichen Modi der Verhaltenssteuerung mit ihnen korrespondieren. Am Beispiel assistiver Verkehrstechnologien werden zum einen die Fruchtbarkeit der Unterscheidung von sozialen und technischen Normen, zum anderen die sich ergebenden empirischen Anschlussfragen aufgezeigt.
Alltägliche Dynamik. Zur veränderbaren Rationalität von Praktiken
Authors: Neubert Christine
Published: September 2023

Im Beitrag wird die Annahme formuliert, dass sich Veränderungen von Alltag anhand von Rationalisierungsprozessen in sozialen Praktiken beobachten lassen. Um dieser Frage nachzugehen, wird bei klassischen Alltagssoziologien (Alfred Schütz, Harold Garfinkel) der Begriff der Rationalität sondiert und mit sozialtheoretischen Annahmen der Praxistheorien wie Kollektivität, Zielorientierung und geteilte Affekte zusammen diskutiert. Anhand des empirischen Beispiels der Aufsichtstätigkeit im Kunstmuseum wird schließlich illustriert, wie affektive Rationalität auf Irritationen antwortet und wie die temporäre Anpassung einer Praktik als Fall von alltäglicher Dynamik verstanden werden kann.