bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous application of soot and temperature measurements in a pressurized turbulent flame by laser-induced incandescence and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering for particle sizing
Authors: Geigle Klaus Peter , Scheffold Hannah , Nau Patrick , Yin Zhiyao
Published: April 2023

Simultaneous application of multi-channel laser-induced incandescence (LII) and shifted vibrational coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (SV-CARS) to study sooting flames is demonstrated for the first time. The potential of this diagnostics combination is evaluated on the basis of characterization of soot particles and correlation of soot presence with temperature. For that purpose, a sooting swirl flame operated at three bars has been employed with ethylene as fuel. The novel combination of CARS and time-resolved LII (TiRe LII) enables the estimation of particle size and correlation of this quantity with local gas temperature; simultaneously acquired 2D LII images provide information on the soot distribution in the ambience of the measurement volume which is used by CARS and TiRe LII. Even if the used LII model is approximative in some respect, the detected LII decay times indicate very small particle size throughout the flame relative to an atmospheric laminar diffusion flame which was used for comparison. In most instances, soot presence relates to local gas temperatures in a range between 1600 and 2400 K. Rare soot events at cooler temperatures occur near the nozzle exit and are attributed to transported soot. Comparison of the peak soot temperatures during the LII process shows a significant decrease in the turbulent pressurized flame relative to the laminar atmospheric reference flame. This is attributed to a less-efficient LII heat-up process at turbulent pressurized conditions due to beam steering. The background blackbody temperature, which can be derived by evaluating the signal captured in the different color channels of the LII system towards the end of the LII process, has been identified to be mostly controlled by hotter soot filaments between the laser plane and the detector. Thus, the LII signal tail is not a good measure of the local gas temperature in the measurement volume for this type of configuration.
Incidence and management of early postoperative complications in lamellar corneal transplantation
Authors: Romano Davide , Aiello Francesco , Parekh Mohit , Levis Hannah J. , Gadhvi Kunal A. , Moramarco Antonio , Viola Pietro , Fontana Luigi , Semeraro Francesco , Romano Vito
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To provide a comprehensive review of the incidence, risk factors, and management of early complications after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), Descemet stripping automated keratoplasty (DSAEK), and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).

Methods

A literature review of complications, that can occur from the time of the transplant up to 1 month after the transplant procedure, was conducted. Case reports and case series were included in the review.

Results

Complications in the earliest postoperative days following anterior and posterior lamellar keratoplasty have shown to affect graft survival. These complications include, but are not limited to, double anterior chamber, sclerokeratitis endothelial graft detachment, acute glaucoma, fluid misdirection syndrome, donor-transmitted and recurrent infection, and Uretts-Zavalia syndrome.

Conclusion

It is essential for surgeons and clinicians to not only be aware of these complications but also know how to manage them to minimize their impact on long-term transplant survival and visual outcomes.
Surface Electromyography for Evaluating the Effect of Aging on the Coordination of Swallowing Muscles
Authors: Chang Wei-Han , Chen Mei-Hui , Liu Jen-Fang , Chung Wei Li , Chiu Li-Ling , Huang Yi-Fang
Published: April 2023

Swallowing function can deteriorate with age, leading to a risk of dysphagia. Swallowing evaluation by surface electromyography (sEMG) can be easily and extensively applied for an elderly population. This study evaluated the temporal events observed by sEMG to clarify how aging affects the coordination among the masticatory and suprahyoid muscles. We recruited elderly individuals (over 65 years old) who denied dysphagia. The sEMG activities of anterior temporalis, masseter, and suprahyoid muscles were recorded during 3, 15, and 30 ml water swallowing tests (WST). We calculated the time interval between anterior temporalis and suprahyoid peak activity (T-SH interval) and masseter and suprahyoid peak activity (M-SH interval) and analyzed their correlation with age. The subjects who could and could not swallow 30 ml of water in one gulp were further assigned into the one-gulp and piecemeal groups, respectively, for subgroup analysis. We recruited 101 subjects, among whom 75 (26 males and 49 females) were analyzed after excluding those with suspected dysphagia or low-quality sEMG recordings. Age was significantly correlated with the bilateral T-SH (left: r = 0.249, p = 0.031; right: r = 0.412, p < 0.01) and right M-SH (r = 0.242, p = 0.037) intervals in the 30 ml WST. The correlation between intervals and age were observed in both subgroups. sEMG can be used to investigate the effect of aging on the temporal coordination between masticatory and suprahyoid contraction. Further studies are needed to verify the validity of screening subclinical dysphagia in the elderly.
Actor-critic reinforcement learning leads decision-making in energy systems optimization—steam injection optimization
Authors: Abdalla Ramez , Hollstein Wolfgang , Carvajal Carlos Paz , Jaeger Philip
Published: April 2023

Steam injection is a popular technique to enhance oil recovery in mature oil fields. However, the conventional approach of using a constant steam rate over an extended period can lead to sub-optimal performance due to the complex nature of the problem and reservoir heterogeneity. To address this issue, the Markov decision process can be employed to formulate the problem for reinforcement learning (RL) applications. The RL agent is trained to optimize the steam injection rate by interacting with a reservoir simulation model and receives rewards for each action. The agent’s policy and value functions are updated through continuous interaction with the environment until convergence is achieved, leading to a more efficient steam injection strategy for enhancing oil recovery. In this study, an actor-critic RL architecture was employed to train the agent to find the optimal strategy (i.e., policy). The environment was represented by a reservoir simulation model, and the agent’s actions were based on the observed state. The policy function gave a probability distribution of the actions that the agent could take, while the value function determined the expected yield for an agent starting from a given state. The agent interacted with the environment for several episodes until convergence was achieved. The improvement in net present value (NPV) achieved by the agent was a significant indication of the effectiveness of the RL-based approach. The NPV reflects the economic benefits of the optimized steam injection strategy. The agent was able to achieve this improvement by finding the optimal policies. One of the key advantages of the optimal policy was the decrease in total field heat losses. This is a critical factor in the efficiency of the steam injection process. Heat loss can reduce the efficiency of the process and lead to lower oil recovery rates. By minimizing heat loss, the agent was able to optimize the steam injection process and increase oil recovery rates. The optimal policy had four regions characterized by slight changes in a stable injection rate to increase the average reservoir pressure, increasing the injection rate to a maximum value, steeply decreasing the injection rate, and slightly changing the injection rate to maintain the average reservoir temperature. These regions reflect the different phases of the steam injection process and demonstrate the complexity of the problem. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of RL in optimizing steam injection in mature oil fields. The use of RL can help address the complexity of the problem and improve the efficiency of the oil recovery process. This study provides a framework for future research in this area and highlights the potential of RL for addressing other complex problems in the energy industry.
Chitosan 3D scaffolds with resolvin D1 for vertebral arthrodesis: a pilot study
Authors: Vasconcelos Daniela P. , Costa Madalena , Reis Joaquim L. , Pinto Vasco S. , Sousa Ana B. , Águas Artur P. , Barbosa Mário A. , Barbosa Judite N.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Over the last years, the number of vertebral arthrodesis has been steadily increasing. The use of iliac crest bone autograft remains the “gold standard” for bone graft substitute in these procedures. However, this solution has some side effects, such as the problem of donor site morbidity indicating that there is a real need for adequate alternatives. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of chitosan (Ch) porous 3D scaffolds incorporated with resolvin D1 (RvD1) as an alternative implant to iliac bone autograft.

Methods

We have performed bilateral posterolateral lumbar vertebral arthrodesis in a rat animal model. Three experimental groups were used: (i) non-operated animals; (ii) animals implanted with Ch scaffolds incorporated with RvD1 and (iii) animals implanted with iliac bone autograft.

Results

The collagenous fibrous capsule formed around the Ch scaffolds with RvD1 is less dense when compared with the iliac bone autograft, suggesting an important anti-inflammatory effect of RvD1. Additionally, new bone formation was observed in the Ch scaffolds with RvD1.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate the potential of these scaffolds for bone tissue repair applications.
Safety and technical efficacy of early minimally invasive endoscopy-guided surgery for intracerebral haemorrhage: the Dutch Intracerebral haemorrhage Surgery Trial pilot study
Authors: Sondag Lotte , Schreuder Floris H.B.M. , Pegge Sjoert A.H. , Coutinho Jonathan M. , Dippel Diederik W.J. , Janssen Paula M. , Vandertop W. Peter , Boogaarts Hieronymus D. , Dammers Ruben , Klijn Catharina J.M. ,   On behalf of the Dutch ICH Surgery Trial Study Group, part of the CONTRAST consortium, Sondag Lotte , Schreuder Floris H.B.M. , Boiten Jelis , Brouwers Paul J.A.M. , Coutinho Jonathan , den Hertog M. Heleen , Janssen Paula M. , Jolink Wilmar M.T. , Kappelle L. Jaap , Kho Kuan H. , Koot Radboud W. , de Kort Paul L.M. , Moojen Wouter A. , Nanda Dharmin , Teernstra Onno P.M. , van der Pol Bram , de Ridder Inger R. , Wermer Marieke J.H. , van der Zwan Albert , Vandertop W. Peter , Boogaarts Hieronymus D. , Dammers Ruben , Klijn Catharina J.M. , Holl Dana , Can Anil
Published: April 2023

Background

Previous randomised controlled trials could not demonstrate that surgical evacuation of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) improves functional outcome. Increasing evidence suggests that minimally invasive surgery may be beneficial, in particular when performed early after symptom onset. The aim of this study was to investigate safety and technical efficacy of early minimally invasive endoscopy-guided surgery in patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH.

Methods

The Dutch Intracerebral Haemorrhage Surgery Trial pilot study was a prospective intervention study with blinded outcome assessment in three neurosurgical centres in the Netherlands. We included adult patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH ≥10mL and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥2 for minimally invasive endoscopy-guided surgery within 8 h after symptom onset in addition to medical management. Primary safety outcome was death or increase in NIHSS ≥4 points at 24 h. Secondary safety outcomes were procedure-related serious adverse events (SAEs) within 7 days and death within 30 days. Primary technical efficacy outcome was ICH volume reduction (%) at 24 h.

Results

We included 40 patients (median age 61 years; IQR 51–67; 28 men). Median baseline NIHSS was 19.5 (IQR 13.3–22.0) and median ICH volume 47.7mL (IQR 29.4–72.0). Six patients had a primary safety outcome, of whom two already deteriorated before surgery and one died within 24 h. Sixteen other SAEs were reported within 7 days in 11 patients (of whom two patients that already had a primary safety outcome), none device related. In total, four (10%) patients died within 30 days. Median ICH volume reduction at 24 h was 78% (IQR 50–89) and median postoperative ICH volume 10.5mL (IQR 5.1–23.8).

Conclusions

Minimally invasive endoscopy-guided surgery within 8 h after symptom onset for supratentorial ICH appears to be safe and can effectively reduce ICH volume. Randomised controlled trials are needed to determine whether this intervention also improves functional outcome.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03608423, August 1st, 2018.
Toward a ground-based and long-term meteorological forcing dataset for South Korea
Authors: Lee Kyungtae , Kang Do Hyuk , Jung Hahn Chul , Park Gwangha , Gye Changwoo , Kumar Sujay , Kim Edward J. , Peters-lidard Christa D. , Hwang EuiHo
Published: April 2023

The Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Application version 2 (MERRA-2) is a well-established reanalysis dataset and is widely used for driving global-scale hydrological models. However, owing to its relatively coarse spatial resolution (0.5°), the capability of MERRA-2 is repeatedly challenged in regional-scale studies, especially for smaller areas of interest. In addition, the availability of in situ observation data is a pressing issue for generating meteorological forcing. We developed a grid-based high spatial (0.125°) and temporal (hourly) resolution meteorological forcing dataset, which can evaluate hydrological processes in South Korea using state-of-the-art meteorological observations from 1980 to 2020. The forcing dataset was created by combining Automated Synoptic Observing System (ASOS) in situ measurement data from the Korean Meteorological Administration and MERRA-2 reanalysis datasets. Five meteorological variables were provided in the ASOS-MERRA2 (precipitation, air temperature, surface pressure, specific humidity, and wind speed). The study demonstrates that the region-based and high spatial resolution of ASOS-MERRA2 is superior to the existing MERRA-2 with improvements of all five weather variables, for example, from 5.6 to 2.8 mm root mean square error of precipitation. The ASOS-MERRA2 was more capable of reducing the biases and root mean squared error by improving the coefficient of determination compared with MERRA-2 for all five variables. The newly developed ASOS-MERRA2 provides an opportunity to drive land surface models to evaluate the hydroclimatic conditions in South Korea.
Spatiotemporal variability and trend of rainfall and temperature in Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Ware Markos Budusa , Matewos Tafesse , Guye Mekuria , Legesse Abiyot , Mohammed Yimer
Published: April 2023

This study aims to investigate spatiotemporal variability, trends, and anomaly in rainfall and temperature in the Sidama region, Ethiopia. The TerraClimate gridded dataset on a monthly time scale for 30 years (1991–2020) with a horizontal resolution of approximately 4 km was used for the study. Trends in annual and seasonal rainfall and temperature were assessed using a nonparametric test (Mann-Kendal test) and Sen’s slope to test the statistical significance and magnitude of trends (increase/decrease), respectively. Our findings revealed that annual rainfall, summer (Hawado), and spring (Badhessa) rainfall have shown an increasing trend in most parts of the region, except for its northwest parts. We found a low annual rainfall variability (CV < 13%) over the southeastern and northwestern parts of the region. Rainfall variability revealed the difference in both time and space across the region. Six drought years (1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2012, and 2019) with different magnitudes were identified across the region. Annual average maximum (up to 0.4 °C decade−1) and minimum (up to 0.25 °C decade−1) temperatures revealed significantly increasing trends across the region. The standardized anomaly in the mean annual temperature indicated that the years in the recent decade (2011–2020) are getting warmer compared to the past two decades (1991–2010) due to natural and anthropogenic activities causing weather extremes in the region. The results of this study for rainfall contradict the other studies in the rift valley part of the region. Therefore, we suggest appropriate climate change adaptation strategies so that there is high rainfall and temperature variability across the region and between seasons.
Spatial and relational peer effects on environmental behavioral imitation
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Liu Xiaolong , Ballas Dimitris
Published: April 2023

From a behavioral perspective, this study investigates the impacts of spatial and relational peer effects on shaping individual environmental behaviors. Utilizing microdata from 53,590 residents in the Netherlands, this study explores the spatial heterogeneity of environmental behaviors at the municipal level. Regression results reveal the existence of peer effects on environmental behavioral imitation among both spatially and relationally proximate peers. The roles of social interactions and observations in reinforcing peer effects are highlighted. A key contribution of this study is its inclusion of spatial dimension in understanding environmental behavioral imitation, taking into account both spatial and relational proximity.
Subdiffusion in the Presence of Reactive Boundaries: A Generalized Feynman–Kac Approach
Authors: Kay Toby , Giuggioli Luca
Published: April 2023

We derive, through subordination techniques, a generalized Feynman–Kac equation in the form of a time fractional Schrödinger equation. We relate such equation to a functional which we name the subordinated local time. We demonstrate through a stochastic treatment how this generalized Feynman–Kac equation describes subdiffusive processes with reactions. In this interpretation, the subordinated local time represents the number of times a specific spatial point is reached, with the amount of time spent there being immaterial. This distinction provides a practical advance due to the potential long waiting time nature of subdiffusive processes. The subordinated local time is used to formulate a probabilistic understanding of subdiffusion with reactions, leading to the well known radiation boundary condition. We demonstrate the equivalence between the generalized Feynman–Kac equation with a reflecting boundary and the fractional diffusion equation with a radiation boundary. We solve the former and find the first-reaction probability density in analytic form in the time domain, in terms of the Wright function. We are also able to find the survival probability and subordinated local time density analytically. These results are validated by stochastic simulations that use the subordinated local time description of subdiffusion in the presence of reactions.
Assessment of E/A ratio helps emergency clinicians in the management of patients with acute dyspnea
Authors: Arnone Maria Immacolata , Sforza Alfonso , Carlino Maria Viviana , Guarino Mario , Candido Riccardo , Bertolone Dario , Fucile Ilaria , De Luca Nicola , Mancusi Costantino
Published: April 2023

Acute dyspnea (AD) is one of the main reasons for admission to the Emergency Department (ED). In the last years integrated ultrasound examination (IUE) of lung, heart and inferior vena cava (IVC) has become an extension of clinical examination for a fast differential diagnosis. The aim of present study is to assess the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of E/A ratio for diagnosing acute heart failure (aHF) in patients with acute dyspnea. We included 92 patients presenting to the ED of CTO Hospital in Naples (Italy) for AD. All patients underwent IUE of lung-heart-IVC with a portable ultrasound device. Left ventricle diastolic function was assessed using pulse wave doppler at the tips of the mitral valve and E wave velocity and E/A ratio were recorded. The FINAL diagnosis was determined by two expert reviewers: acute HF or non-acute HF (non-aHF). We used 2 × 2 contingency tables to analyze sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive value of ultrasound parameters for the diagnosis of AD, comparing with the FINAL diagnosis. Lung ultrasound (LUS) showed high sensitivity, good specificity and accuracy in identification of patients with aHF. However, the highest accuracy was obtained by diastolic function parameters. The E/A ratio showed the highest diagnostic performance with an AUC for aHF of 0.93. In patients presenting with AD, E/A ratio is easy to obtain in a fast ultrasound protocol and showed an excellent accuracy for diagnosis of aHF.
Applying the extended attitude formation theory to central bank digital currencies
Authors: Tronnier Frédéric , Harborth David , Biker Patrick
Published: April 2023

This work analyzes the attitude formation process of individuals for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), specifically for the digital euro. CBDCs are heavily researched, with pilot projects being conducted worldwide. Following the emergence of cryptocurrencies and a decrease in cash usage for retail transactions, CBDCs are viewed as the possible payment solution of the future. Using a qualitative approach, we conduct expert and non-expert interviews to apply and extend existing research on attitude formation to study how individuals form attitudes towards a CBDC in Germany. We find that individuals form their attitudes towards a digital euro through the perceived benefits, limitations, and concerns regarding related payment solutions, moderated through the perceived equivalence of these related technologies and the CBDC. The results contribute to the literature on CBDC and can be used by practitioners to develop a digital euro that offers a competitive advantage for retail transactions over established payment solutions.
Assessment of soil loss using RUSLE around Mongolian mining sites: a case study on soil erosion at the Baganuur lignite and Erdenet copper–molybdenum mines
Authors: Sodnomdarjaa Enkhjargal , Lehmkuhl Frank , Karthe Daniel , Knippertz Martin , Ganbat Gantuya
Published: April 2023

Mining constitutes an integral part of Mongolia’s national economy and dominates the country’s export revenue. At the same time, a wide range of mining impacts on soil, water resources, the atmosphere and the biosphere have been documented across the country. This case study addresses the long-term soil degradation around two mining sites located in the semi-arid steppe zone of Mongolia: the open-cast lignite mine of Baganuur about 140 km east of Ulaanbaatar, and the open-pit copper–molybdenum mine of Erdenet about 240 km northwest of Ulaanbaatar, both of which started commercial extraction in the late 1970s. For the assessment of soil erosion, the RUSLE model was applied in different seasons for the period from 1989 to 2018 at 3-year intervals, considering both climatic variation and the expansion of the mines based on maps and satellite imagery. Rainfall erosivity was identified as the most dominant factor driving soil erosion in the study regions, with mining leading to local increases in soil erodibility. The highest soil erosion rates were found in both areas in July 2018, reaching 7.88 t ha–1 month–1 in the Erdenet area and 9.46 t ha–1 month–1 in the Baganuur area. The spatial patterns of soil erosion showed higher soil loss rates were in the vicinity of the mines and adjoining industrial sites. Particularly high soil losses were identified in July 1998, July and August in 2013 and July 2018 in both mining areas. The combination of the RUSLE model, remote sensing and ground truth data as and their processing by GIS was found to be a time-saving and cost-effective technique for continuous monitoring of soil erosion and planning of preventive measures in and around mining areas.
Energy harvesting from tropical biomasses in Wallacea region: scenarios, technologies, and perspectives
Authors: Darmawan Arif , Asyhari Taufiq , Dunggio Iswan , Salmahaminati  , Aziz Muhammad
Published: April 2023

Wallacea attracts much attention from researchers because it is a meeting point between Asia and Australia with rich biodiversity. Therefore, bioenergy source identification in this region is crucial to better understanding biomass potential and utilization. On the other hand, national bioenergy development usually refers to government policies, including granting permits to use forest land, especially on unproductive land. Thus, balanced utilization of tropical forests as an energy source is required. It must consider several aspects comprehensively, including its function in protecting the surrounding landscape, contributing to food security, and creating economic opportunities for communities around forest areas. This paper addresses biomass utilization in the Wallacea region aligned with Indonesian policy targets for bioenergy generation to achieve the net zero emission target by 2060. The study is carried out by limiting the scope of the area and relying on international databases and the nation’s potential targeting biomass research. In addition, the recent development of conversion technologies is adjusted based on available biomass types, including geographic information systems for potential biomass analysis. The analysis and data synchronization are presented in charts, graphs, and tables. In the early section, the potential of biomass in the Wallacea is explained. The following section discusses several scenarios, routes, and utilization technology options for biomass utilization. Various studies that have been conducted are presented in this section, including machine learning adoptions to model and optimize biomass conversion processes. Furthermore, challenges and opportunities are discussed by looking at various factors, such as accessibility, socio-economics, life cycle assessment, and environmental issues.
Phenology and Fruit Growth Dynamics of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) in Greenhouse and Open Air in Mediterranean Climate
Authors: Scuderi Dario , Gianguzzi Giuseppe , Tinebra Ilenia , Gugliuzza Giovanni , Farina Vittorio
Published: April 2023

Phenological evolution of shoots and fruit growth of three mango varieties—Keitt, Osteen and Tommy Atkins—were monitored during two reproductive seasons, from full flowering to fruit harvest on trees cultivated in the open air and inside a greenhouse, in the island of Sicily—Italy. The aim of the study was to assess the behavior of mango trees subjected to summer high temperatures under a permanent plastic cover in the Mediterranean climate. Differences between open air and greenhouse emerged in the dates of first record of major phenological stages and in their duration, and in the fruit growth rates. Greenhouse cultivated trees showed a significant anticipation of flowering and ripening of the fruits respect to open air trees, with harvest conducted earlier during the season. On the other hand, open air cultivated trees achieved fruit maturity in a shorter time compared to the greenhouse, with fruits needing between 90 and 110 days after full flowering to reach their final dimensions—while the trees in the greenhouse needed at least 125 days. The study allowed to understand the growth dynamics of mango fruits subjected to extreme high temperatures and provides new information to evaluate the opportunity of greenhouse cultivation of mango in the Mediterranean climate.
On the Use of the Value Added Tax for Redistributive Purposes in Italy
Authors: Lanterna Federica , Liberati Paolo
Published: April 2023

This paper shows that a Value Added Tax (VAT) with multiple tax rates in Italy is not the most effective way to pursue redistributive aims. As the tax revenue of the Italian VAT is significantly affected by the use of reduced tax rates and exemptions, we suggest that a shift to a uniform VAT coupled with cash transfers to households with children might better achieve redistributive targets. This outcome is also robust to alternative ways of targeting cash transfers to the poorest households. We also show that a uniform VAT with cash transfers, from a distributive point of view, is preferred to the extensive use of the zero rate on specific goods and services. Further improvement in the distributional results could even be achieved by considering that a uniform VAT may significantly reduce VAT evasion due to the difference of tax rates applied to the intermediate stages.
ztree2stata: a data converter for z-Tree and Stata users
Authors: Takeuchi Kan
Published: April 2023

This technical note briefly explains the structure of the z-Tree dataset and presents ztree2stata, a data converting tool for researchers who conduct economic experiments using z-Tree and analyze the data with Stata.
Software-Tool Support for Collaborative, Virtual, Multi-Site Molecular Tumor Boards
Authors: Schapranow Matthieu-P. , Borchert Florian , Bougatf Nina , Hund Hauke , Eils Roland
Published: April 2023

The availability of high-throughput molecular diagnostics builds the foundation for Molecular Tumor Boards (MTBs). Although more fine-grained data is expected to support decision making of oncologists, assessment of data is complex and time-consuming slowing down the implementation of MTBs, e.g., due to retrieval of the latest medical publications, assessment of clinical evidence, or linkage to the latest clinical guidelines. We share our findings from analysis of existing tumor board processes and defininion of clinical processes for the adoption of MTBs. Building on our findings, we have developed a real-world software prototype together with oncologists and medical professionals, which supports the preparation and conduct of MTBs and enables collaboration between medical experts by sharing medical knowledge even across the hospital locations. We worked in interdisciplinary teams of clinicians, oncologists, medical experts, medical informaticians, and software engineers using design thinking methodology. With their input, we identified challenges and limitations of the current MTB approaches, derived clinical process models using Business Process and Modeling Notation (BMPN), and defined personas, functional and non-functional requirements for software tool support. Based on it, we developed software prototypes and evaluated them with clinical experts from major university hospitals across Germany. We extended the Kanban methodology enabling holistic tracking of patient cases from “backlog” to “follow-up” in our app. The feedback from interviewed medical professionals showed that our clinical process models and software prototype provide suitable process support for the preparation and conduction of molecular tumor boards. The combination of oncology knowledge across hospitals and the documentation of treatment decision can be used to form a unique medical knowledge base by oncologists for oncologists. Due to the high heterogeneity of tumor diseases and the spread of the latest medical knowledge, a cooperative decision-making process including insights from similar patient cases was considered as a very valuable feature. The ability to transform prepared case data into a screen presentation was recognized as an essential feature speeding up the preparation process. Oncologists require special software tool support to incorporate and assess molecular data for the decision-making process. In particular, the need for linkage to the latest medical knowledge, clinical evidence, and collaborative tools to discuss individual cases were named to be of importance. With the experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic, the acceptance of online tools and collaborative working is expected to grow. Our virtual multi-site approach proved to allow a collaborative decision-making process for the first time, which we consider to have a positive impact on the overall treatment quality.
Approximate smoothness in normed linear spaces
Authors: Chmieliński Jacek , Khurana Divya , Sain Debmalya
Published: April 2023

We introduce the notion of approximate smoothness in a normed linear space. We characterize this property and show the connections between smoothness and approximate smoothness for some spaces. As an application, we consider in particular the Birkhoff–James orthogonality and its right-additivity under the assumption of approximate smoothness.
Materiovigilance in Perspective: Understanding Its Concept and Practice in the Global Healthcare System
Authors: Sapkota Binaya , Palaian Subish , Shrestha Sunil , Ibrahim Mohamed Izham Mohamed
Published: April 2023

Materiovigilance (Mv) has the same purpose and approach in ensuring patient safety as pharmacovigilance but deals with medical devices associated with adverse events (MDAEs) and their monitoring. Mv has been instrumental in recalling many defective or malfunctioning devices based on their safety data. All MDAEs, such as critical or non-critical, known, or unknown, those with inadequate or incomplete specifications, and frequent or rare events should be reported and evaluated. Mv helps to improve medical devices’ design and efficiency profile and avoid device-related complications and associated failures. It alerts consumers and health professionals regarding counterfeit or substandard devices. Common events reported through Mv are device breakage and malfunction, entry- and exit-site infections, organ perforations or injuries, need for surgery and even death, and life cycle assessment of devices. Health authorities globally have developed reporting frameworks with timeframes for MDAEs, such as MedWatch in the USA, MedSafe in New Zealand, and others. Health professionals and consumers need to be made aware of the significance of Mv in ensuring the safe use of medical devices and getting familiar with the reporting procedures and action plans in case of a device-induced adverse event.
Physically and chemically-crosslinked L-arginine-loaded polyvinyl alcohol- hyaluronic acid- cellulose nanocrystals hydrogel membranes for wound healing: influence of crosslinking methods on biological performance of membranes in-Vitro
Authors: Hussein Yasmein , Kamoun Elbadawy A. , Loutfy Samah A. , Amin Rehab , El-Fakharany Esmail M. , Taha Tarek H. , Amer Mahmoud
Published: April 2023

Two types of polyvinyl alcohol-blended hyaluronic acid and cellulose nanocrystals (PVA/HA/CNCs) hydrogels membranes were developed as delivery agents for L-arginine using chemical/and/physical crosslinking methods for exploring biological performance of the obtained membranes. Chemically and physically/crosslinked membranes were fabricated by solution-casting and freeze-thawing techniques, respectively. The characterization of the crosslinked PVA/HA/CNCs/L-arginine membranes were conducted by SEM, FTIR, TGA, swelling ratio, andin—vitroL-arginine release. Furthermore, applying two types of crosslinked membranes in vitro were investigated in terms of cytotoxicity, hemocompatibility, and cell adhesion affinity ofHFB-4cell line. Chemical and physical-crosslinked membranes were verified through the esterification and hydrogen bonds interactions, respectively as shown the FTIR spectra. The chemically-crosslinked membranes showed more thermal and mechanical stability than the physically-crosslinked ones. Besides, the chemically-crosslinked hydrogels exhibited biphasic release behavior of L-arginine reached 50% in the first hour and 92% after 48 h. Notably, chemically-crosslinked membranes a somewhat affect the cell viability %, while both crosslinked membranes exhibited excellent cell adhesion affinity and low hemolysis. However, the physically- crosslinked members showed high cell viability ~ 172%, compared to the chemically-crosslinked membranes at 98.5%; and low hemolysisca. 0.84versus1.34 for chemically-crosslinked membranes. Accordingly, both types of crosslinked membranes have a potential for applying in biomedical applications, particularly for designing promising wound dressing biomaterials.
Stranger things: the erector spinae block, extra sensory perception, or paranormal block by proxy?
Authors: Coppens Steve , Eochagain Aisling Ni , Hoogma Danny Feike , Dewinter Geertrui
Published: April 2023

The erector spinae plane block remains a divisive regional technique which has split the regional anesthesia community into believers and non-believers. Its main mechanism of action remains controversial and this has been pivotal in the controversy. We explore our current understanding of fascial plane blocks and erector spinae blocks as well as explore the gaps in knowledge. This opinion paper is meant to give a balanced view of the current state of this block in regard to guidelines, research and future. The viewpoint of the authors may not necessarily align with current ideas, however, hopefully will guide subsequent trials to more robust evidence.
Inertial confinement fusion ignition achieved at the National Ignition Facility – an editorial
Authors: Danson C. N. , Gizzi L. A.
Published: April 2023

On behalf of all at High Power Laser Science and Engineering we would like to congratulate the team at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) on demonstrating fusion ignition at the National Ignition Facility. This major scientific achievement was realized on the 5 December 2022 at the LLNL and announced at a press briefing on the 13 December 2022 by the United States Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration. This was a historic milestone and the culmination of decades of effort.
Stability of drawing of microstructured optical fibres
Authors: Wylie Jonathan J. , Papri Nazmun N. , Stokes Yvonne M. , He Dongdong
Published: April 2023

We consider the stability of the drawing of a long and thin viscous thread with an arbitrary number of internal holes of arbitrary shape that evolves due to axial drawing, inertia and surface tension effects. Despite the complicated geometry of the boundaries, we use asymptotic techniques to determine a particularly convenient formulation of the equations of motion that is well-suited to stability calculations. We will determine an explicit asymptotic solution for steady states with (a) large surface tension and negligible inertia, and (b) large inertia. In both cases, we will show that complicated boundary layer structures can occur. We will use linear stability analysis to show that the presence of an axisymmetric hole destabilises the flow for finite capillary number and which answers a question raised in the literature. However, our formulation allows us to go much further and consider arbitrary hole structures or non-axisymmetric shapes, and show that any structure with holes will be less stable than the case of a solid axisymmetric thread. For a solid axisymmetric thread, we will also determine a closed-form expression that delineates the unconditional instability boundary in which case the thread is unstable for all draw ratios. We will determine how the detailed effects of the microstructure affect the stability, and show that they manifest themselves only via a single function that occurs in the stability problem and hence have a surprisingly limited effect on the stability.
Conulariid soft parts replicated in silica from the Scotch Grove Formation (lower Middle Silurian) of east-central Iowa
Authors: Van Iten Heyo , Hughes Nigel C. , John Douglas L. , Gaines Robert R. , Colbert Matthew W.
Published: April 2023

Two specimens ofMetaconularia manni(Roy, 1935) from the lower Middle Silurian Scotch Grove Formation (eastern Iowa) exhibit well-defined, relict soft parts replicated in silica. One of these specimens bears phosphatic periderm, whereas the other specimen is a mold. Present within the erect, undistorted apical region of the specimen preserving periderm, on opposite sides of the peridermal cavity, are two small, elongate masses of silica located near the midlines of two of the four faces. Present in the central portion of the other specimen, at a somewhat greater distance from the apex, are five pairs of hollow, elongate, keeled pouch-like bodies (hereafter pouches), the long axes of which converge on the center of the fossil. Each pair of pouches is associated with a short, narrow, gently curved or broadly U-shaped tube, also composed of silica. Additionally, two of the pouch/tube combinations are associated with a pair of rectilinear furrows that correspond to the paired internal carinae that straddled the conulariid's facial midlines. We interpret the paired pouches and short tubes in the moldic specimen as relic conulariid soft parts homologous, respectively, to the interradial gonads and retractor muscles of extant, stauromedusan and polypoid scyphozoan cnidarians. Unlike most conulariids, which exhibit four faces, this individual had five faces, an aberrant morphology known in one other conulariid. The two small masses in the other specimen are more difficult to interpret, but they, too, could be relic gonads or longitudinal muscles. These interpretations suggest that, as in certain extant scyphozoans, at least one conulariid lost the free-living, sexual medusoid life phase.
Does Shareholder Litigation Risk Cause Public Firms to Delist? Evidence from Securities Class Action Lawsuits
Authors: Brogaard Jonathan , Le Nhan , Nguyen Duc Duy , Sila Vathunyoo
Published: April 2023

Using three exogenous shocks to ex ante litigation risk, including federal judge ideology and two influential judicial precedents, we find that lower shareholder litigation risk reduces a firm’s propensity to delist from the U.S. stock markets. The effect is at least partially driven by indirect costs of litigation and that being a private firm can significantly reduce the threat of litigation. Overall, the results suggest that mitigating excessive litigation costs for public firms is crucial to ensure the continued vibrancy of the U.S. stock market.
Convertible Debt Arbitrage Crashes Revisited
Authors: Lewis Craig , Munyan Ben , Verwijmeren Patrick
Published: April 2023

This article examines the severity of the 2008 arbitrage crash in the convertible bond market by estimating how expensive it would have been to liquidate portfolio securities immediately. We consider whether funds actually demanded immediate liquidity or were able to delay trades. Our results indicate that the cost of immediacy was high, but that convertible bond sellers could largely avoid selling at fire sale prices. These results can be explained by dealers recognizing when trades are liquidity-motivated rather than information-based and by a shift to riskless principal trading, allowing dealers to avoid taking bonds into inventory.
Do religious fictionalists face a problem of evil?
Authors: Deng Natalja
Published: April 2023

Much of the literature on religious fictionalism has emphasized that religious fictionalists employing a theistic fiction cannot just leave evil out of the fiction, and that on the contrary, they face worries that very closely parallel the worries raised by the problem of evil. This article argues that when religious fictionalism is construed most charitably, these worries do not arise. It explores three fictionalist approaches to evil (Excision, Completeness, and Inconsistency), shows that each can serve religious fictionalist ends, and recommends a pluralist stance towards them.
(Il)legitimacy of international intellectual property regime?
Authors: Çapar Gürkan
Published: April 2023

The recent Covid-19 global health crisis not only brings into sharp relief the current problems afflicting the international intellectual property regime (IIPR) but also calls into question its legitimacy as an international authority. Against this backdrop, the article aims to launch an investigation into the legitimacy of the IIPR, as an international co-ordinative authority, designed to protect IP rights without prejudice to international trade norms. Drawing on Raz’s service conception of authority, it explores whether the IIPR lives up to its promises by enabling co-ordination between states over IP rights without undermining the initial balance on which it is founded, struck between developing and developed countries, as well as between international protection of IP- cum-trade rights and domestic regulatory autonomy. It does so by classifying the historical evolution of the IIPR under three different phases: (i) its foundation, (ii) before, and (iii) after the TRIPS-plus. Upon showing the legitimacy challenges inherent in its undemocratic foundation, the article points to the success of the regime in finding a balance between conflicting interests before the TRIPS-plus era. Later, it underlines the many challenges that come with linking the IIPR to the investment regime and argues that the FTAs and frequent regime-shifting activities put further pressure on the authority and legitimacy of the regime. Stressing the importance of democratic participation for the legitimacy of any co-ordinative authority, the article casts doubt on the IIPR’s legitimacy and concludes by raising some points to overcome the ongoing legitimacy challenges.
Accounting for Mexican business cycles
Authors: Brinca Pedro , Costa Filho João Ricardo
Published: April 2023

The Mexican economy experienced two large crises: in 1995 and in 2008. The dynamics and origins of the episodes are very different; nevertheless, is there a common underlying mechanism? First, by applying the Business Cycle Accounting method, we find that the efficiency wedge is the main driver of output during both episodes. We present an equivalence between the neoclassical growth model with distortions and a small open economy with imported intermediate goods inputs, in which relative price changes manifest themselves as changes on the efficiency wedge. This result proposes a solution for the theoretical puzzle regarding the relationship between terms of trade shocks and productivity. Finally, the model is able to reproduce both the intensities and velocities of the crises in Mexico.
Assessing Future Projections of Warm‐Season Marine Heatwave Characteristics With Three CMIP6 Models
Authors: Li Xinru , Donner Simon
Published: April 2023

Marine heatwaves in the summertime when temperatures may exceed organisms' thermal thresholds (“warm‐season marine heatwaves (MHWs)”) have huge impacts on the health and function of ecosystems like kelp forests and coral reefs. While previous studies showed that MHWs are likely to become more frequent and severe under future climate change, there has been less analysis of the thermal properties of warm‐season MHWs or on the effects of climate model biases on these projections. In this study, we examine CMIP6 model ability to simulate five key thermal properties of warm‐season MHWs, and evaluate the global pattern of future projections for coral reef and kelp systems. The results show that the duration, accumulated heat stress and peak intensity are projected to increase by >60 days, 160°C·day and 1°C, respectively, across most of the ocean by the end of the 21st century. In contrast, the duration of “priming” (a period of sub‐lethal heat stress prior to substantial MHW heat stress) is projected to decrease by >30 days in the tropics, potentially reducing organisms' ability to acclimate to heat stress. The projected increases in MHW duration and accumulated heat stress in some coral reef and kelp forest locations, however, are likely overestimated due to model limitations in simulating surface winds, deep convection and some other processes that influence MHW evolution. The findings point to some possible processes to target in model development and regional biases to be considered when projecting the impacts of MHWs on marine ecosystems.