bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weak-strong Uniqueness for the Navier–Stokes Equation for Two Fluids with Ninety Degree Contact Angle and Same Viscosities
Authors: Hensel Sebastian , Marveggio Alice
Published: August 2022

We consider the flow of two viscous and incompressible fluids within a bounded domain modeled by means of a two-phase Navier–Stokes system. The two fluids are assumed to be immiscible, meaning that they are separated by an interface. With respect to the motion of the interface, we consider pure transport by the fluid flow. Along the boundary of the domain, a complete slip boundary condition for the fluid velocities and a constant ninety degree contact angle condition for the interface are assumed. In the present work, we devise for the resulting evolution problem a suitable weak solution concept based on the framework of varifolds and establish as the main result a weak-strong uniqueness principle in 2D. The proof is based on a relative entropy argument and requires a non-trivial further development of ideas from the recent work of Fischer and the first author (Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal. 236, 2020) to incorporate the contact angle condition. To focus on the effects of the necessarily singular geometry of the evolving fluid domains, we work for simplicity in the regime of same viscosities for the two fluids.
Klinische Erfahrungen mit Cefiderocol
Authors: Witzke Oliver , Brenner Thorsten
Published: August 2022

Hintergrund

Infektionen mit antibiotikaresistenten Bakterien stellen eine hohe Gesundheitsbelastung dar, da sie mit erhöhter Letalität assoziiert sind und längerfristige dramatische Beeinträchtigungen der Lebensqualität hervorrufen können. In Deutschland erkranken jährlich etwa 54.500 Menschen an Infektionen durch antibiotikaresistente Erreger, von denen etwa 2400 Menschen versterben. Infektionen mit multiresistenten gramnegativen Bakterien (MRGN), insbesondere mit carbapenemresistenten Erregern, stellen ein besonderes Risiko dar, da nur eine begrenzte Zahl an Therapieoptionen verfügbar ist.

Fragestellung

Wie sind die Ergebnisse aus Studien und Compassionate-Use-Programm mit dem neuen Siderophorantibiotikum Cefiderocol, das im April 2020 von der Europäischen Arzneimittel-Agentur (EMA) bei Erwachsenen zur Behandlung von Infektionen durch aerobe gramnegative Erreger zugelassen wurde, wenn nur begrenzte Behandlungsmöglichkeiten zur Verfügung stehen? Die Zulassung ist pathogenbasiert und fokusunabhängig [5].

Ergebnisse

Cefiderocol, das über einen innovativen Zelleintrittsmechanismus verfügt, ist als erstes β‑Laktam-Antibiotikum aus der Gruppe der Cephalosporine stabil gegenüber allen klinisch relevanten β‑Laktamasen, einschließlich Carbapenemasen, und hat eine hohe In-vitro-Wirksamkeit gegenüber carbapenemresistenten MRGN. Die Ergebnisse werden durch klinische Studien bei komplizierten Harnwegsinfektionen, nosokomialer Pneumonie/Beatmungspneumonie und schweren Infektionen durch carbapenemresistente Erreger bestätigt.

Fazit

Klinische Studiendaten sowie die Ergebnisse aus den weltweiten Erfahrungsberichten zeigen, dass Cefiderocol eine vielversprechende Behandlungsoption für schwere Infektionen durch multiresistente, insbesondere carbapenemresistente gramnegative Bakterien darstellt.
Serum exosomal coronin 1A and dynamin 2 as neural tube defect biomarkers
Authors: Wang Yanfu , Ma Ling , Jia Shanshan , Liu Dan , Gu Hui , Wei Xiaowei , Ma Wei , Luo Wenting , Bai Yuzuo , Wang Weilin , Yuan Zhengwei
Published: August 2022

No highly specific and sensitive biomarkers have been identified for early diagnosis of neural tube defects (NTDs). In this study, we used proteomics to identify novel proteins specific for NTDs. Our findings revealed three proteins showing differential expression during fetal development. In a rat model of NTDs, we used western blotting to quantify proteins in maternal serum exosomes on gestational days E18, E16, E14, and E12, in serum on E18 and E12, in neural tubes on E18 and E12, and in fetal neural exosomes on E18. The expression of coronin 1A and dynamin 2 was exosome-specific and associated with spina bifida aperta embryogenesis. Furthermore, coronin 1A and dynamin 2 were significantly downregulated in maternal serum exosomes (E12–E18), neural tubes, and fetal neural exosomes. Although downregulation was also observed in serum, the difference was not significant. Differentially expressed proteins were further analyzed in the serum exosomes of pregnant women during gestational weeks 12–40 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The findings revealed that coronin 1A and dynamin 2 showed potential diagnostic efficacy during gestational weeks 12–40, particularly during early gestation (12–18 weeks). Therefore, these two targets are used as candidate NTD screening and diagnostic biomarkers during early gestation.

Key messages

We used proteomics to identify novel proteins specific for NTDs.

CORO1A and DNM2 showed exosome-specific expression and were associated with SBA.

CORO1A and DNM2 were downregulated in maternal serum exosomes and FNEs.

CORO1A and DNM2 showed good diagnostic efficacy for NTDs during early gestation.

These two targets may have applications as NTD screening and diagnostic biomarkers.
Age- and sex-specific associations between risk scores for schizophrenia and self-reported health in the general population
Authors: Paquin Vincent , Pries Lotta-Katrin , ten Have Margreet , Bak Maarten , Gunther Nicole , de Graaf Ron , van Dorsselaer Saskia , Lin Bochao D. , van Eijk Kristel R. , Kenis Gunter , Richards Alexander , O’Donovan Michael C. , Luykx Jurjen J. , Rutten Bart P. F. , van Os Jim , Shah Jai L. , Guloksuz Sinan
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The health correlates of polygenic risk (PRS-SCZ) and exposome (ES-SCZ) scores for schizophrenia may vary depending on age and sex. We aimed to examine age- and sex-specific associations of PRS-SCZ and ES-SCZ with self-reported health in the general population.

Methods

Participants were from the population-based Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study–2 (NEMESIS-2). Mental and physical health were measured with the 36-item Short Form Survey 4 times between 2007 and 2018. The PRS-SCZ and ES-SCZ were respectively calculated from common genetic variants and exposures (cannabis use, winter birth, hearing impairment, and five childhood adversity categories). Moderation by age and sex was examined in linear mixed models.

Results

For PRS-SCZ and ES-SCZ analyses, we included 3099 and 6264 participants, respectively (age range 18–65 years; 55.7–56.1% female). Age and sex did not interact with PRS-SCZ. Age moderated the association between ES-SCZ and mental (interaction: p = 0.02) and physical health (p = 0.0007): at age 18, + 1.00 of ES-SCZ was associated with − 0.10 of mental health and − 0.08 of physical health, whereas at age 65, it was associated with − 0.21 and − 0.23, respectively (all units in standard deviations). Sex moderated the association between ES-SCZ and physical health (p < .0001): + 1.00 of ES-SCZ was associated with − 0.19 of physical health among female and − 0.11 among male individuals.

Conclusion

There were larger associations between higher ES-SCZ and poorer health among female and older individuals. Accounting for these interactions may increase ES-SCZ precision and help uncover populational determinants of environmental influences on health.
Generating Diffusions with Fractional Brownian Motion
Authors: Hairer Martin , Li Xue-Mei
Published: August 2022

We study fast/slow systems driven by a fractional Brownian motion B with Hurst parameter $$H\in (\frac{1}{3}, 1]$$

H
∈
(

1
3

,
1
]

. Surprisingly, the slow dynamic converges on suitable timescales to a limiting Markov process and we describe its generator. More precisely, if $$Y^\varepsilon $$

Y
ε

denotes a Markov process with sufficiently good mixing properties evolving on a fast timescale $$\varepsilon \ll 1$$

ε
≪
1

, the solutions of the equation $$\begin{aligned} dX^\varepsilon = {\varepsilon }^{\frac{1}{2}-H} F(X^\varepsilon ,Y^\varepsilon )\,dB+F_0(X^\varepsilon ,Y^{\varepsilon })\,dt\; \end{aligned}$$

d

X
ε

=

ε

1
2

-
H

F

(

X
ε

,

Y
ε

)

d
B
+

F
0

(

X
ε

,

Y
ε

)

d
t

converge to a regular diffusion without having to assume that F averages to 0, provided that $$H< \frac{1}{2}$$

H
<

1
2

. For $$H > \frac{1}{2}$$

H
>

1
2

, a similar result holds, but this time it does require F to average to 0. We also prove that the n-point motions converge to those of a Kunita type SDE. One nice interpretation of this result is that it provides a continuous interpolation between the time homogenisation theorem for random ODEs with rapidly oscillating right-hand sides ($$H=1$$

H
=
1

) and the averaging of diffusion processes ($$H= \frac{1}{2}$$

H
=

1
2

).
Microstructural alterations measured by diffusion tensor imaging following transcatheter aortic valve replacement and their association with cerebral ischemic injury and cognitive function — a prospective study
Authors: Varga Andrea , Gyebnár Gyula , Suhai Ferenc Imre , Nagy Anikó Ilona , Kozák Lajos Rudolf , Póka Csenge Ágnes , Turáni Mirjam Franciska , Borzsák Sarolta , Apor Astrid , Bartykowszki Andrea , Szilveszter Bálint , Kolossváry Márton , Maurovich-Horvat Pál , Merkely Béla
Published: August 2022

Purpose

We assessed diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metric changes of the corpus callosum and cingulum correlated to postprocedural ischemic lesion load (ILL) and cognitive performance in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods

TAVR subjects had DTI post-TAVR (≤ 8 days) and at 6 months (78 participants, males 56%, age 78.8 years ± 6.3) and four neurocognitive tests (pre-TAVR, post-TAVR, 6 months, 1 year). DTI metrics (fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), radial diffusivity (RD)) were calculated for 7 regions: corpus callosum (genu, body, splenium) and cingulum (cingulate gyrus, parahippocampal cingulum bilaterally). DTI metrics post-TAVR and at 6 months were compared with Student’s t-test (p < 0.0071) and ANOVA covarying for sex, ILL (p < 0.05) with post hoc analysis of ILL groups (p < 0.0167). Repeated-measures linear mixed-effect model (p < 0.05) was performed to investigate the effect of time and ILL on cognition.

Results

At 6 months, significant decrease of the following DTI metrics was detected: AD (genu, body, splenium, right parahippocampal cingulum: p ≤ 0.0046); MD (body, both cingulate gyri: p ≤ 0.0050); RD (left cingulate gyrus: p = 0.0021); FA (splenium: p < 0.0001). ANOVA confirmed significant effect of female sex on AD + MD reduction (body, right cingulate gyrus) and AD reduction (left cingulate gyrus) (p ≤ 0.0254). Significant negative effect of ILL on some DTI metric changes was found (AD + MD-body: p ≤ 0.0050; MD-left cingulate gyrus: p = 0.0087).

Cognitive performance remained stable with significant negative correlation of ILL and retrograde memory and visual scores (p ≤ 0.0483).

Conclusion

Significant effect of TAVR on cerebral microstructural integrity was found with reduced diffusivities opposite to the trends reported in various neurodegenerative conditions/ageing, notably in women and lower ILL, and with preserved/improved cognition.

Trial registration number.

NCT02826200 at ClinicalTrials.gov; date of registration: 07. July 2016.
The Adhesive Perinephric Fat Score is Correlated with Outcomes of Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy for Benign Diseases
Authors: Chen Wei , Fang Qixiang , Ding Shangshu , Wu Xiaonan , Zhang Pan , Cao Jing , Wu Dapeng
Published: August 2022

Background

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy (RLA) possessing unique superiority with minimal abdominal interference is complicated by the status of periadrenal fat, including its quantity and texture. We hypothesized that an adherent perinephric fat predictor, the Mayo Adhesive Probability score (Mayo score), is associated with the perioperative outcomes of RLA.

Methods

This retrospective study included consecutive patients who underwent RLA for the diagnosis of benign adrenal tumors at our institution between 2017 and 2020. Medical records were reviewed to evaluate the association between Mayo scores obtained from preoperative computed tomography imaging and surgical outcomes as well as complications. Factors independently related to perioperative results were analyzed using multivariable regression models.

Results

In total, 186 RLA were included. According to their Mayo scores, the patients were divided as follows: 0 (n = 51, 27.4%), 1 (n = 34, 18.3%), 2 (n = 45, 24.2%), 3 (n = 29, 15.6%), 4 (n = 16, 8.6%) and 5 (n = 11, 5.9%). Longer operative time (92.0 ± 25.0 vs. 114.7 ± 30.6 vs. 137.4 ± 27.1 min, P < 0.001), higher estimated blood loss (42.2 ± 28.1 vs. 70.5 ± 44.9 vs. 132.6 ± 63.4 mL, P < 0.001) and greater decline of hemoglobin (0.7 ± 0.4 vs. 1.0 ± 0.4 vs. 1.3 ± 0.6 g/dL, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with elevated Mayo score risks. No difference in complication rates was found. The score was identified as a unique, independent risk factor for perioperative outcomes on multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

The Mayo score is a vital outcome predictor of RLA. It may be utilized in the preoperative planning for patients undergoing RLA.
Low-dose ionizing radiation and adverse birth outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Frangione Brianna , Hinton Patrick , Villeneuve Paul J.
Published: August 2022

Objective

Ionizing radiation is a human carcinogen, and there is evidence that exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation increases the risk of adverse birth outcomes.

Methods

We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize the research of maternal and paternal exposure to low-dose radiation on low birth weight, miscarriage, pre-term delivery, and stillbirth. Our literature search used four databases (PubMed, Environmental Index, GeoBASE, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature). We included study populations exposed to occupational and medical sources of radiation, nuclear disasters, and those living near nuclear power plants. We considered papers published between January 1st, 1990, and June 30th, 2021. The quality of the studies was assessed, and we performed meta-analysis using random effects models to generate summary measures of association. Forest plots were created to assess the heterogeneity in these measures, and funnel plots were used to assess publication bias.

Results

Overall, 26 studies were identified, and these yielded measures of association from 10, 11, and 8 studies for low birth weight, miscarriage, and stillbirth outcomes, respectively. It was not possible to perform meta-analyses for pre-term delivery due to a small number of studies. The meta-analysis summary relative risk (RR) of having a low-birth-weight infant among those ever exposed to radiation relative to those unexposed, after adjusting for publication bias, was 1.29 (95% CI 0.97–1.73). The corresponding risk estimates for miscarriage and stillbirth were 1.15 (95% CI 1.02–1.30), and 1.19 (95% CI 0.98–1.45), respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that ionizing radiation increases the risk of adverse birth outcomes. Future work should strive to provide data needed to better understand the shape of the exposure–response curve.
Modulation of Popocatépetl’s activity by regional and worldwide earthquakes
Authors: Boulesteix Thomas , Legrand Denis , Taquet Noémie , Coppola Diego , Laiolo Marco , Valade Sébastien , Massimetti Francesco , Caballero-Jiménez Gema , Campion Robin
Published: August 2022

Volcanoes switching from quiescence to eruption shortly after catastrophic earthquakes have raised interest for volcanic triggering and the influence of earthquakes on volcanic activity. Its influence on already active systems and especially at open-vent volcanoes is more difficult to apprehend. A number of recent observations suggest an influence of tectonic earthquakes on Popocatépetl’s activity, the importance of which remains unknown. To further investigate this, we introduce an index, based on the near-field concept, identifying the earthquakes with the highest potential to promote volcanic activity (hereafter termed “significant earthquakes”). The time series of significant earthquakes is compared with the intensity of the volcanic activity, as characterized by the number and energy of volcano-tectonic earthquakes, the number of dome extrusions, the intensity of thermal and degassing fluxes, and ash production. Three main periods with contrasting activity stand out showing that Popocatépetl presents intense activity when significant tectonic earthquakes are frequent. Enhanced extrusion apparently follows significant earthquakes quickly with pulses of dome extrusion that peak after 1.3 ± 0.3 years. Conversely, extrusive activity vanishes when significant seismicity disappears, as during the period 2003–2011, which coincides with a 12-year-long significant seismicity gap. Hence, we propose that the 1994–2022 open-vent activity at Popocatépetl is in part modulated by the repetitive occurrence of significant earthquakes that periodically promote volcanic activity.
Outcome a decade after laparoscopic and open Nissen fundoplication in children: results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fyhn Thomas J. , Kvello Morten , Edwin Bjørn , Schistad Ole , Pripp Are H. , Emblem Ragnhild , Knatten Charlotte K. , Bjørnland Kristin
Published: August 2022

Background

Randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing long-term outcome after laparoscopic (LF) and open fundoplication (OF) in children are lacking. Here we report recurrence rates and time to recurrence, frequency of re-interventions, use of antisecretory drugs, gastrointestinal symptoms, and patient/parental satisfaction a decade after children were randomized to LF or OF.

Methods

Cross-sectional long-term follow-up study of a two-center RCT that included patients during 2003–2009. Patients/parents were interviewed and medical charts reviewed for any events that might be related to the fundoplication. If suspicion of recurrence, further diagnostics were performed. Informed consent and ethical approval were obtained. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01551134.

Results

Eighty-eight children, 56 (64%) boys, were randomized (LF 44, OF 44) at median 4.4 [interquartile range (IQR) 2.0–8.9] years. 46 (52%) had neurological impairment. Three were lost to follow-up before first scheduled control. Recurrence was significantly more frequent after LF (24/43, 56%) than after OF (13/42, 31%, p = 0.004). Median time to recurrence was 1.0 [IQR 0.3–2.2] and 5.1 [IQR 1.5–9.3] years after LF and OF, respectively. Eight (19%) underwent redo fundoplication after LF and three (7%) after OF (p = 0.094). Seventy patients/parents were interviewed median 11.9 [IQR 9.9–12.8] years postoperatively. Among these, use of anti-secretory drugs was significantly decreased from preoperatively after both LF (94% vs. 35%, p < 0.001) and OF (97% vs. 19%, p < 0.001). Regurgitation/vomiting were observed in 6% after LF and 3% after OF (p = 0.609), and heartburn in 14% after LF and 17% after OF (p = 1.000). Overall opinion of the surgical scars was good in both groups (LF: 95%, OF: 86%, p = 0.610). Patient/parental satisfaction with outcome was high, independent of surgical approach (LF: 81%, OF: 88%, p = 0.500).

Conclusions

The recurrence rate was higher and recurrence occurred earlier after LF than after OF. Patient/parental satisfaction with outcome after both LF and OF was equally high.

Graphical abstract
Efficacy and safety of lumasiran for infants and young children with primary hyperoxaluria type 1: 12-month analysis of the phase 3 ILLUMINATE-B trial
Authors: Hayes Wesley , Sas David J. , Magen Daniella , Shasha-Lavsky Hadas , Michael Mini , Sellier-Leclerc Anne-Laure , Hogan Julien , Ngo Taylor , Sweetser Marianne T. , Gansner John M. , McGregor Tracy L. , Frishberg Yaacov
Published: August 2022

Background

Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is a rare genetic disease that causes progressive kidney damage and systemic oxalosis due to hepatic overproduction of oxalate. Lumasiran demonstrated efficacy and safety in the 6-month primary analysis period of the phase 3, multinational, open-label, single-arm ILLUMINATE-B study of infants and children < 6 years old with PH1 (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03905694 (4/1/2019); EudraCT: 2018–004,014-17 (10/12/2018)). Outcomes in the ILLUMINATE-B extension period (EP) for patients who completed ≥ 12 months on study are reported here.

Methods

Of the 18 patients enrolled in the 6-month primary analysis period, all entered the EP and completed ≥ 6 additional months of lumasiran treatment (median (range) duration of total exposure, 17.8 (12.7–20.5) months).

Results

Lumasiran treatment was previously reported to reduce spot urinary oxalate:creatinine ratio by 72% at month 6, which was maintained at 72% at month 12; mean month 12 reductions in prespecified weight subgroups were 89%, 68%, and 71% for patients weighing < 10 kg, 10 to < 20 kg, and ≥ 20 kg, respectively. The mean reduction from baseline in plasma oxalate level was reported to be 32% at month 6, and this improved to 47% at month 12. Additional improvements were also seen in nephrocalcinosis grade, and kidney stone event rates remained low. The most common lumasiran-related adverse events were mild, transient injection-site reactions (3 patients (17%)).

Conclusions

Lumasiran treatment provided sustained reductions in urinary and plasma oxalate through month 12 across all weight subgroups, with an acceptable safety profile, in infants and young children with PH1.

Graphical abstract

A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information
Numerical approximation and simulation of the stochastic wave equation on the sphere
Authors: Cohen David , Lang Annika
Published: August 2022

Solutions to the stochastic wave equation on the unit sphere are approximated by spectral methods. Strong, weak, and almost sure convergence rates for the proposed numerical schemes are provided and shown to depend only on the smoothness of the driving noise and the initial conditions. Numerical experiments confirm the theoretical rates. The developed numerical method is extended to stochastic wave equations on higher-dimensional spheres and to the free stochastic Schrödinger equation on the unit sphere.
Causal Structure Learning: A Combinatorial Perspective
Authors: Squires Chandler , Uhler Caroline
Published: August 2022

In this review, we discuss approaches for learning causal structure from data, also called causal discovery. In particular, we focus on approaches for learning directed acyclic graphs and various generalizations which allow for some variables to be unobserved in the available data. We devote special attention to two fundamental combinatorial aspects of causal structure learning. First, we discuss the structure of the search space over causal graphs. Second, we discuss the structure of equivalence classes over causal graphs, i.e., sets of graphs which represent what can be learned from observational data alone, and how these equivalence classes can be refined by adding interventional data.
Natural Radioactivity and Metals in Pit Lakes in Sweden Analyzed by Principal Component and Cluster Analysis
Authors: Thomas Rimon , Piñero-García Francisco , Forssell-Aronsson Eva , Mantero Juan , Isaksson Mats
Published: August 2022

The aim of this work was to determine which parameters are sufficient to measure in order to describe the water quality of a pit lake and to identify patterns in the data among different kind of pit lakes. The data consisted of ambient dose equivalent rate, elemental and radionuclide concentration, pH, and specific conductance in surface water and sediment samples collected from different types of mines. Data were tested for normality and log-normality and used in principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The normality tests indicated that only 40K was normally distributed, while only the 234,238U isotopes were log-normally distributed. HCA performed on parameters measured in surface water provided clusters that in most cases separated the elements according to their chemical groups. However, when HCA was performed on pit lakes, the clustering seemed to indicate that surface water might not be the preferred sample to differentiate between different types of pit lakes. PCA of surface water data resulted in three components that explained 72% of the variance when pH, SC, concentration of the elements Mg, K, Ca, Cu, Zn, Sr, Pb, activity concentration of 234,238U and 210Po, and ambient dose equivalent rate were included. For surface sediment data, the PCA resulted in three components explaining 83% of the variance when the concentration of Na, Mg, Al, P, K, Ca, Rb, Sr, Y, Tl, activity concentration of 234Th, 226Ra, 210Pb, 232Th (series average), and 40K, and ambient dose equivalent rate were included.
Learning deliberate reflection in medical diagnosis: does learning-by-teaching help?
Authors: Kuhn Josepha , Mamede Silvia , van den Berg Pieter , Zwaan Laura , van Peet Petra , Bindels Patrick , van Gog Tamara
Published: August 2022

Deliberate reflection has been found to foster diagnostic accuracy on complex cases or under circumstances that tend to induce cognitive bias. However, it is unclear whether the procedure can also be learned and thereby autonomously applied when diagnosing future cases without instructions to reflect. We investigated whether general practice residents would learn the deliberate reflection procedure through ‘learning-by-teaching’ and apply it to diagnose new cases. The study was a two-phase experiment. In the learning phase, 56 general-practice residents were randomly assigned to one of two conditions. They either (1) studied examples of deliberate reflection and then explained the procedure to a fictitious peer on video; or (2) solved cases without reflection (control). In the test phase, one to three weeks later, all participants diagnosed new cases while thinking aloud. The analysis of the test phase showed no significant differences between the conditions on any of the outcome measures (diagnostic accuracy, p = .263; time to diagnose, p = .598; mental effort ratings, p = .544; confidence ratings, p = .710; proportion of contradiction units (i.e. measure of deliberate reflection), p = .544). In contrast to findings on learning-by-teaching from other domains, teaching deliberate reflection to a fictitious peer, did not increase reflective reasoning when diagnosing future cases. Potential explanations that future research might address are that either residents in the experimental condition did not apply the learned deliberate reflection procedure in the test phase, or residents in the control condition also engaged in reflection.
How digital communications contribute to shaping the career paths of youth: a review study focused on farming as a career option
Authors: Unay-Gailhard İlkay , Brennen Mark A.
Published: August 2022

Can the power of digital communications create opportunities for overcoming generational renewal problems on farms? This interdisciplinary review explores the reported impacts of digital communication on career initiation into farming from a global perspective via the lens of career theories. Seventy-three papers were synthesized into two domains: (1) the impact of digital communication interactions on farming career initiation, and (2) the dynamics of digital communication initiatives that create opportunities to inspire youth into farming. The finding shows that the mainstream literature primarily aims to support the continuity of farming careers but pay little attention to the potential of digital communication to attract youth into farming. This review argues that career communications for farming receives insufficient attention, and could be better integrated into agricultural communications strategies by using the potential of digital communications. Study concludes that while economic and geographic factors, as well as societal and cultural norms, lead to negative perceptions on farming careers, there are three pathways that may contribute to breaking down these negative perceptions. Firstly, taking the changing nature of career motivations, such as the trend towards sustainable farming linked to self-fulfillment, among today’s youth into consideration is essential. Secondly, highlighting technological advances in digital agriculture practices, like geographical flexibility or innovation capacity of farming, for example, is important to increase awareness about new opportunities in the profession. Lastly, communication campaigns with targeted groups (e.g., young females) play a role to change the negative perceptions of the rural way of life and the farming profession.
A method for chemical and physical modification of oriented pulp fibre sheets
Authors: Forsberg Diana Carolina Reyes , Westin Per-Oskar , Li Lengwan , Svedberg Anna , Grundberg Hans , Berglund Lars A.
Published: August 2022

Wood pulp fibres are promising reinforcements for biocomposites due to their renewable resource origin and mechanical properties. An oriented and dense fibre reinforcement structure is beneficial for biocomposite properties. We present a method of modifying fibres (e.g. to increase strain to failure) in pre-formed oriented high-density paper structures intended for biocomposites or as hot-pressed fibre materials. Mildly delignified, well-preserved holocellulose fibres from softwood are used. Cold alkali treatment (hemicellulose removal) and mercerisation (conversion to cellulose II) were carried out successfully on oriented fibre sheets. Controlled anisotropy and sheet density are achieved from untreated and straight fibres in the sheet formation step. High mechanical properties and increased ductility of mercerised sheets were observed, which may be valuable for hot-pressed fibre materials (E ≈ 7.1 GPa, strength of 108 MPa and strain to failure of 5.3%) and biocomposites. In contrast, modified wood pulp fibres were difficult to orient, resulting in higher sheet porosity and weak interfibre bonding.

Graphical abstract
Semi-guided learning tool as framework for STEM students learning: A case study for final year projects
Authors: Morales-Botello María Luz , Moreno Martínez Carlos
Published: August 2022

Communication and planning are skills expected among graduates. However, a skills deficit continues to be present among students. To address this problem, here we considered the final year project (FYP), a widely used way of working on skills in STEM degrees. Furthermore, we took into account recent research that highlights the importance of students' thoughts, beliefs, and emotions, in addition to characteristics such as self-efficacy or self-management within the learning process. Here a framework was designed around a semi-guided learning approach, with the aim of improving STEM students' skills and providing them with a work context that facilitates favorable behaviors and feelings associated with writing their FYP report. This framework, implemented in a Spanish university in Madrid, was designed to accomplish their work during restricted face-to-face work due to COVID-19. Through mixed-focus surveys, the perceptions of 55 students (male/female ratio = 4) were collected in relation to what the framework had provided them. The results showed that most of the students perceived improvement both in planning and written communication skills. The qualitative analysis also allowed us to determine the most common difficulties found among students, as well as benefits provided by the framework, among which they highlighted, greater efficiency in the writing process and help to ensure the quality of the FYP report. Our findings allow promoting beneficial results for STEM student and support the idea of considering the cognitive-emotional context of the student as a part of the environment in which to develop facilitating tools for learning and skills development.
Spatial modelling of malaria prevalence associated with geographical factors in Houet province of Burkina Faso, West Africa
Authors: Millogo Abdoul Azize , Yaméogo Lassane , Kassié Daouda , de Charles Ouédraogo François , Guissou Charles , Diabaté Abdoulaye
Published: August 2022

Malaria is a permanent threat to health in western Burkina Faso. Research has shown that geographical variables contribute to the spatial distribution in its transmission. The objective of this study is to assess the relationship between malaria prevalence and potential explanatory geographical variables in the Houet province in Burkina Faso. Statistics on malaria prevalence registered by health centres in the Houet province in 2017 and potential geographical variables identified through a literature review were collected. An Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression was used to identify key geographical variables and to measure their association with malaria while the Getis Ord Gi* index was used to locate malaria hotspots. The results showed that average annual temperature, vegetation density, percentage of clay in the soil, total annual rainfall and distance to the nearest waterbody are the main variables associated with malaria prevalence. These variables account for two-thirds of the spatial variability of malaria prevalence observed in Houet province. The intensity and direction of the relationship between malaria prevalence and geographical factors vary according to the variable. Hence, only vegetation density is positively correlated with malaria prevalence. Average temperature, for soil clay content, annual rainfall and for distance to the nearest water body are negatively correlated with the disease prevalence. These results show that even in an endemic area, malaria prevalence has significant spatial variation. The results could contribute to the choice of intervention sites, as this choice is crucial for reducing the malaria burden.
The effect of replacing copper metal or oxide with neodymium on the optical properties of lithium tetraborate glass
Authors: Kashif I. , Ratep A.
Published: August 2022

The melting quenching technique is used to create lithium tetraborate glasses with the following composition (in mol %): 80 Li2B4O7-(20-x) Nd2O3-x Cu metal or x CuO mol% (x = 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20). X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical absorption, photoluminescence, thermal analysis, and Fourier transmission infrared (FTIR) were studied. The optical absorption spectra indicate the presence of Nd3+ and Cu2+ ions. The absorption spectra determine the Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters (Ωλ), the oscillator strengths, and bonding parameters. The high value of Ω2 indicates the increasing covalent bonding within the host structure. The ratio between emission intensities and excitation indicates that glass samples are used as laser sources. The photoluminescence spectra revealed neodymium ion emission. The glasses containing 20 mol % Nd2O3 (free from copper) emitted light at 1053 nm. The strength of emission peaks decreases as copper concentration increases according to the quenching effect. The findings indicate that the samples investigated are suitable for use in solid-state lasers.
Variational Physics Informed Neural Networks: the Role of Quadratures and Test Functions
Authors: Berrone Stefano , Canuto Claudio , Pintore Moreno
Published: August 2022

In this work we analyze how quadrature rules of different precisions and piecewise polynomial test functions of different degrees affect the convergence rate of Variational Physics Informed Neural Networks (VPINN) with respect to mesh refinement, while solving elliptic boundary-value problems. Using a Petrov-Galerkin framework relying on an inf-sup condition, we derive an a priori error estimate in the energy norm between the exact solution and a suitable high-order piecewise interpolant of a computed neural network. Numerical experiments confirm the theoretical predictions and highlight the importance of the inf-sup condition. Our results suggest, somehow counterintuitively, that for smooth solutions the best strategy to achieve a high decay rate of the error consists in choosing test functions of the lowest polynomial degree, while using quadrature formulas of suitably high precision.
Thermal behaviour of sulphate-bearing multicomponent silicate–phosphate glasses
Authors: Berezicka Anna , Sułowska Justyna , Jeleń Piotr , Lach Radosław , Szumera Magdalena
Published: August 2022

The present study provides a deep insight into the implications of sulphate addition on glass forming properties of materials from the SiO2–P2O5–K2O–MgO/CaO/MgOCaO systems, by combining: preliminary investigation of as-synthesized materials (XRD, XRF, SEM–EDS), detailed characteristics of their thermal behaviour (DSC), estimation of various glass-stability parameters, in-depth analysis of the course of crystallization and an identification of the crystallized products (XRD, Raman imaging technique). Performed investigations revealed that obtaining amorphous materials is only possible in the system containing MgO as a alkaline earth glass modifier, whereas melts of other tested compositions display high tendency to crystallize during cooling. Thermal investigation showed that the influence of SO3addition on thermal properties of studied materials strongly depends on their composition, but generally such additive increased values of glass transformation temperature and decreased vitreous state transformation range and onset of the crystallization process, compared to the base samples, which is a signal of decrease in thermal stability. Examination of devitrificates revealed the character and distribution of domains present in the structure of studied materials. It was showed that irrespective of composition of the base glass, it is K2SO4that precipitates once the sulphate capacity of glass is exceeded and exists in the studied materials as groupings either distributed in the voids of silicate phase, or surrounding the remnants of the gas bubbles embodied within the glass body. The results demonstrated in the present study provide guiding suggestions for development of SO3-containing silicate–phosphate glasses intended especially for applications where release of bioactive ions is sought.
Community-specific patterns of nitrogen transformations along an elevational gradient in alpine and subalpine ecosystems
Authors: Rajsz Adam , Wojtuń Bronisław , Samecka-Cymerman Aleksandra
Published: August 2022

Aims

The aim of the study was to investigate N biogeochemistry of four neighboring, high mountain plant communities and to identify main factors which drive variability among them. We hypothesized that the vegetation types differ in terms of N transformations, and that spatial differentiation of the communities and dominant growth form can reflect an existence of several N-environments along an elevational gradient.

Methods

Plant and soil N characteristics were studied in four vegetation types: heathland, scrub, sward and tall forb. Leaf nitrate reductase activity and total N were measured in the dominant species. Soil pH, total C, N, inorganic and dissolved organic N concentrations were measured. The soil net N mineralization rate was examined.

Results

The DistLM and PERMANOVA analyses revealed that variability among the vegetation types was driven primarily by elevation, soil N–NH4+, soil pH and soil total C. We identified three distinct N-environments along an elevational gradient. The “N-poor alpine” located at the highest altitudes, strongly N-limited and dominated by dwarf-shrub. The "N-mixed subalpine" located in the middle of the gradient and covered by scrub and sward. It was characterized by moderate N turnover rate. The "N-rich subalpine" occurred at lowest locations and was covered by subalpine tall forb community. It exhibited the highest dynamics of N transformations and was rich in inorganic N.

Conclusion

Three main N-environments were identified: N-poor alpine, N-mixed subalpine, N-rich subalpine. Variability among the vegetation types was driven primarily by elevation, soil N–NH4+, soil pH and soil total C.
Benchmarking carbon sequestration potentials in arable soils by on-farm research on innovative pioneer farms
Authors: Rosinger Christoph , Bodner Gernot , Bernardini Luca Giuliano , Huber Sabine , Mentler Axel , Sae-Tun Orracha , Scharf Bernhard , Steiner Philipp , Tintner-Olifiers Johannes , Keiblinger Katharina
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Tackling the global carbon deficit through soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in agricultural systems has been a focal point in recent years. However, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of actual on-farm SOC sequestration potentials in order to derive effective strategies.

Methods

Therefore, we chose 21 study sites in North-Eastern Austria covering a wide range of relevant arable soil types and determined SOC pool sizes (0–35 cm soil depth) in pioneer versus conventional management systems in relation to permanently covered reference soils. We evaluated physico-chemical predictors of SOC stocks and SOC quality differences between systems using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.

Results

Compared to conventional farming systems, SOC stocks were 14.3 Mg ha− 1 or 15.7% higher in pioneer farming systems, equaling a SOC sequestration rate of 0.56 Mg ha− 1 yr− 1. Reference soils however showed approximately 30 and 50% higher SOC stocks than pioneer and conventional farming systems, respectively. Nitrogen and dissolved organic carbon stocks showed similar patterns. While pioneer systems could close the SOC storage deficit in coarse-textured soils, SOC stocks in medium- and fine-textured soils were still 30–40% lower compared to the reference soils. SOC quality, as inferred by FTIR spectra, differed between land-use systems, yet to a lesser extent between cropping systems.

Conclusions

Innovative pioneer management alleviates SOC storage. Actual realized on-farm storage potentials are rather similar to estimated SOC sequestration potentials derived from field experiments and models. The SOC sequestration potential is governed by soil physico-chemical parameters. More on-farm approaches are necessary to evaluate close-to-reality SOC sequestration potentials in pioneer agroecosystems.
Measurement properties of the EQ-5D in populations with a mean age of ≥ 75 years: a systematic review
Authors: Gottschalk Sophie , König Hans-Helmut , Nejad Mona , Dams Judith
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Healthcare interventions for middle-old and oldest-old individuals are often (economically) evaluated using the EQ-5D to measure health-related quality of life (HrQoL). This requires sufficient measurement properties of the EQ-5D. Therefore, the current study aimed to systematically review studies assessing the measurement properties of the EQ-5D in this population.

Methods

The databases PubMed, Cochrane library, Web of Science, Embase, and EconLit were searched for studies providing empirical evidence of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness of the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L in samples with a mean age ≥ 75 years. Studies were selected by two independent reviewers, and the methodological quality was assessed using the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist. Results were rated against updated criteria for good measurement properties (sufficient, insufficient, inconsistent, indeterminate). The evidence was summarized, and the quality of evidence was graded using a modified GRADE approach.

Results

For both EQ-5D versions, high-quality evidence for sufficient convergent validity was found. Known-groups validity was sufficient for the EQ-5D-5L (high-quality evidence), whereas the results were inconsistent for the EQ-5D-3L. Results regarding the reliability were inconsistent (EQ-5D-3L) or entirely lacking (EQ-5D-5L). Responsiveness based on correlations of change scores with instruments measuring related/similar constructs was insufficient for the EQ-5D-3L (high-quality evidence). For the EQ-5D-5L, the available evidence on responsiveness to change in (Hr)QoL instruments was limited.

Conclusion

Since the responsiveness of the EQ-5D in a population of middle-old and oldest-old individuals was questionable, either using additional instruments or considering the use of an alternative, more comprehensive instrument of (Hr)QoL might be advisable, especially for economic evaluations.
Social Ties, Network Socioeconomic Diversity and Sporting Event Attendance
Authors: Rungo Paolo , Sánchez-Santos José Manuel
Published: August 2022

Heterogeneous social networks are the source of valued life outcomes, and this heterogeneity is associated with different circumstances and personal attributes. This paper analyses the size and socioeconomic diversity of social networks of people who attend sporting events. The relationship between sports participation and social networks has been widely analysed. However, the role of attending sporting events in the creation of different forms of social capital, specifically networks’ socioeconomic heterogeneity, remains unclear. A better understanding of this issue may help to clarify the social impact of sports participation. Drawing on a unique dataset collected through the administration of a questionnaire to a representative sample of the Spanish population and employing an ad hoc, class-based position generator, we show that attendance to sporting events is associated with social mixing and the creation of networks of people from different occupational classes. Indeed, the size of these effects increases with the frequency of attendance. These results suggest that attending sporting events is associated with bridging social capital and may foster social integration and life opportunities for those who are less advantaged.
In Virus Veritas Lockdown and Happiness Under COVID-19
Authors: Bimonte Salvatore , Bosco Luigi , Stabile Arsenio
Published: August 2022

It is widely accepted that individual happiness is not, or not solely, related to material possessions, at least once basic needs are fulfilled. It has been demonstrated that interpersonal relationships and social capital matter too, and people whose values are more centred on material possessions have a greater probability of being less happy. Is this still true during the COVID-19 pandemic, when interpersonal relations, health and economic security are threatened and feelings of insecurity emerge? This is the issue that we address in this paper. We exploited the unique natural situation of the pandemic and lockdown in Italy to investigate the relationship between happiness and relational and material goods. Data collected by questionnaire during the lockdown suggests that the main direct effect of the pandemic on the happiness of respondents was related to the effect of the pandemic and lockdown on interpersonal relationships. Those who declared that COVID and lockdown had jeopardized their interpersonal relationships were significantly less likely to report higher levels of happiness, especially when controlling for other personal and contextual covariates. An important gender, religious and town size effect also emerged. Moreover, relational goods and good health were considered to be the most important determinants of happiness, though people were not so worried about their own health.