bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High post‐chemotherapy TIL and increased CD4+TIL are independent prognostic factors of surgically resected NSCLC following neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Jia Wenxiao , Guo Hongbo , Wang Min , Li Ji , Yu Jinming , Zhu Hui , Wu Gang
Published: February 2023

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) has significantly improved the overall survival of patients with operable non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Chemotherapy can remodel the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and has an important influence on antitumor immunity. For patients who underwent surgery for resected NSCLC following NCT (NCT‐NSCLC), a prognostic value comparison between naïve and post‐chemotherapy TIME is absent. We enrolled 89 patients with NCT‐NSCLC in this study; the tumor‐infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), CD4+TIL, and CD8+TIL levels in naïve and post‐chemotherapy tumor tissues were detected using immunohistochemistry staining and divided into high and low groups. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that major pathology response, pathological tumor, node, and metastasis stage post‐NCT (ypTNM), high post‐chemotherapy TIL, high post‐chemotherapy CD8+TIL, low naïve CD4+TIL, low naïve CD4+/CD8+TIL ratio, and increased CD4+TIL levels post‐chemotherapy were favorable prognostic factors in patients with NCT‐NSCLC. Multivariate Cox analysis found that ypTNM, high post‐chemotherapy TIL, and increased CD4+TIL levels post‐chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors in patients with NCT‐NSCLC. These results indicate that a TIME remodeled by chemotherapy plays an important role in antitumor immunity and has a better prognostic value than the naïve TIME.
Long time well‐posedness of two dimensional Magnetohydrodynamic boundary layer equation without resistivity
Authors: Chen Dongxiang , Li Xiaoli
Published: February 2023

This paper investigates the long time well‐posedness of 2‐D MHD boundary layer equation without resistivity. It is proved that if the initial data satisfies

then the life span of the solution is at least of order
.
Fuzzy parallel dynamical systems on Zadeh operators
Authors: Aledo Juan A. , Manjabacas Guillermo , Robles Javier , Valverde José C.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we describe the orbital structure of homogeneous fuzzy parallel dynamical systems on Zadeh operators. In particular, we show that, when the (global) evolution operator is either the Zadeh conjunction operator AND or the Zadeh disjunction operator OR, all the points of the system are fixed points or eventually fixed points. Specifically, such systems present infinitely many fixed points. On the other hand, when the (global) evolution operator is either the Zadeh operator NOR or the Zadeh operator NAND, the orbital structure consists of an only fixed point and infinitely many 2‐periodic points.
Segmentation of multiple Organs‐at‐Risk associated with brain tumors based on coarse‐to‐fine stratified networks
Authors: Zhao Qianfei , Wang Guotai , Lei Wenhui , Fu Hao , Qu Yijie , Lu Jiangshan , Zhang Shichuan , Zhang Shaoting
Published: February 2023

Background

Delineation of Organs‐at‐Risks (OARs) is an important step in radiotherapy treatment planning. As manual delineation is time‐consuming, labor‐intensive and affected by inter‐ and intra‐observer variability, a robust and efficient automatic segmentation algorithm is highly desirable for improving the efficiency and repeatability of OAR delineation.

Purpose

Automatic segmentation of OARs in medical images is challenged by low contrast, various shapes and imbalanced sizes of different organs. We aim to overcome these challenges and develop a high‐performance method for automatic segmentation of 10 OARs required in radiotherapy planning for brain tumors.

Methods

A novel two‐stage segmentation framework is proposed, where a coarse and simultaneous localization of all the target organs is obtained in the first stage, and a fine segmentation is achieved for each organ, respectively, in the second stage. To deal with organs with various sizes and shapes, a stratified segmentation strategy is proposed, where a High‐ and Low‐Resolution Residual Network (HLRNet) that consists of a multiresolution branch and a high‐resolution branch is introduced to segment medium‐sized organs, and a High‐Resolution Residual Network (HRRNet) is used to segment small organs. In addition, a label fusion strategy is proposed to better deal with symmetric pairs of organs like the left and right cochleas and lacrimal glands.

Results

Our method was validated on the dataset of MICCAI ABCs 2020 challenge for OAR segmentation. It obtained an average Dice of 75.8% for 10 OARs, and significantly outperformed several state‐of‐the‐art models including nnU‐Net (71.6%) and FocusNet (72.4%). Our proposed HLRNet and HRRNet improved the segmentation accuracy for medium‐sized and small organs, respectively. The label fusion strategy led to higher accuracy for symmetric pairs of organs.

Conclusions

Our proposed method is effective for the segmentation of OARs of brain tumors, with a better performance than existing methods, especially on medium‐sized and small organs. It has a potential for improving the efficiency of radiotherapy planning with high segmentation accuracy.
IVIg for TS‐HDS and FGFR‐3 antibody–positive small‐fiber neuropathy: A fading signal for efficacy?
Authors: Katzberg Hans D. , Barnett Carolina
Published: February 2023

See article on pages 363–370 in this issue.
Effect of multi‐epoxy compatibilizers with branched structures on enhancing mechanical and compatibility of PLA/starch composite
Authors: Yu Chongdong , Feng Jianxiang , Feng Kailin , Mo Zhixiang , He Yulin , Wang Qingting , Yu Anyang , Leng Zhiwen , Shi Pu , Liu Yuejun
Published: February 2023

Polylactic acid/starch (PLA/ST) composites are all sustainable origin, have huge cost advantages and degradation tendency to replace petroleum‐based plastics. However, thermodynamic incompatibility between PLA and starch dragged the performance far below expectations. Considering that ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE), glycerol triglycidyl ether (GTE), and pentaerythritol glycidyl ether (PGE) have branched multi‐epoxy structure, high epoxy value, and excellent wettability, we firstly explored those materials as compatibilizers in PLA/ST composites. The reactive compatibilization between the epoxy groups on EGDE, GTE, and PGE with the hydroxyl groups on PLA and ST is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) analyses. The mechanical properties show that the introduction of only 3 wt% GTE in PLA/ST composites can induce the tensile strength and elongation at break to be increased by 80% and 38%, respectively. The rheological tests indicate that the introduction of only 3 wt% GTE in PLA/ST composites increased the slopes of Han plots from 0.48 to 0.88. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses show that the crystallinity increases with the content of compatibilizer, up to 31%. The reduction of the gap between PLA and starch interfaces characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) demonstrated that the compatibility of PLA and ST was improved. Furthermore, the effects of EGDE, GTE, and PGE with the same epoxy value but different branch chains on the compatibilization of PLA/ST blends are further discussed. The results show that GTE and PGE with star‐shaped branched structure has a better compatibilization effect on PLA/ST blends than EGDE with linear branched structure.
Investigations on anomalous behavior of ionic conductivity in NaPF6 salt loaded hydroxyethyl cellulose biodegradable polymer electrolyte for energy storage applications
Authors: Chavan Chetan , Bhajantri Rajashekhar F. , Cyriac Vipin , Ismayil  , Bulla Soumya S. , Sakthipandi K.
Published: February 2023

This article investigates the influence of NaPF6 salt content (0–30 wt.% in a varying interval of 5 wt.%) on the structural, electrical, and biodegradable properties of HEC/NaPF6 solid biopolymer electrolyte (SBE) films. The interaction of salt with the HEC polymer matrix is confirmed by FTIR and SEM studies. The elemental composition and mapping confirm the appearance of NaPF6 moieties in the HEC polymer matrix. XRD deconvolution reveals that HEC samples with 20 wt.% (H4) and 10 wt.% of salt (H2) have a significantly lower crystallinity index than pure HEC polymer. The H2 and H4 samples show the highest room temperature conductivity values (1.62 × 10−5 and 1.13 × 10−5 S cm−1, respectively) among all other prepared samples since carrier concentration influences the ionic conductivity and shares a similar order of conductivity. Thus, the H2 and H4 samples are employed as electrolyte separators in the sodium ion battery, and the results suggest that the H2‐based electrolyte system is more significant. Battery matrices like open circuit voltage (V), current density (μA cm−2), power density (mW kg−1), energy density (Wh kg−1) and discharge capacity (μA h−1) were calculated and found to be 2.48, 5.49, 44.60, 1.69, and 71.05, respectively for H2 electrolyte based cell. Wagner polarization reveals that H2 and H4 constitute the predominant charge carriers (ions) with total ion transference numbers of ⁓0.98 and ⁓0.99, respectively. To evaluate sample degradability, H2 and H4 samples were subjected to 20 and 5‐day biodegradation processes, during which the polymers completely (100%) broke down.
Computational multi‐target approach to target essential enzymes of Leishmania donovani using comparative molecular dynamic simulations and MMPBSA analysis
Authors: Saha Debanjan , Nath Jha Anupam
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by Leishmania donovani. The purine and pyrimidine pathways are essential for L. donovani. Simultaneously inhibiting multiple targets could be an effective strategy to eliminate the pathogen and treat VL.

Objective

We aimed to target the essential enzymes of L. donovani and inhibit them using a multi‐target approach.

Materials and methods

A systematic analytical method was followed, in which first reported inhibitors of two essential enzymes (adenine phosphoribosyl‐transferase [APRT] and dihydroorotate dehydrogenase [DHODH]) were collected and then ADMET and PASS analyses were conducted using the Lipinski rule and Veber's rule. Additionally, molecular docking between screened ligands and proteins were performed. The stability of complexes was analyzed using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and MMPBSA analysis.

Results

Initially, 6,220 unique molecules were collected from the PubChem database, and then the Lipinski rule and Veber's rule were used for screening. In total, 203 compounds passed the ADMET test; their antileishmanial properties were tested by PASS analysis. As a result, 15 ligands were identified. Molecular docking simulations between APRT or DHODH and these 15 ligands were performed. Four molecules were found to be plant‐derived compounds. Lig_2 and Lig_3 had good docking scores with both proteins. MD simulations were performed to determine the dynamic behavior and binding patterns of complexes. Both MD simulations and MMPBSA analysis showed Lig_3 is a promising antileishmanial inhibitor of both targets.

Conclusion

Promising plant‐derived compounds that might be used to combat VL were obtained through a multi‐target approach.
PhenoWell®—A novel screening system for soil‐grown plants
Authors: Li Ji , Mintgen Michael A. C. , D'Haeyer Sam , Helfer Anne , Nelissen Hilde , Inzé Dirk , Dhondt Stijn
Published: February 2023

As agricultural production is reaching its limits regarding outputs and land use, the need to further improve crop yield is greater than ever. The limited translatability from in vitro lab results into more natural growth conditions in soil remains problematic. Although considerable progress has been made in developing soil‐growth assays to tackle this bottleneck, the majority of these assays use pots or whole trays, making them not only space‐ and resource‐intensive, but also hampering the individual treatment of plants. Therefore, we developed a flexible and compact screening system named PhenoWell® in which individual seedlings are grown in wells filled with soil allowing single‐plant treatments. The system makes use of an automated image‐analysis pipeline that extracts multiple growth parameters from individual seedlings over time, including projected rosette area, relative growth rate, compactness, and stockiness. Macronutrient, hormone, salt, osmotic, and drought stress treatments were tested in the PhenoWell® system. The system is also optimized for maize with results that are consistent with Arabidopsis while different in amplitude. We conclude that the PhenoWell® system enables a high‐throughput, precise, and uniform application of a small amount of solution to individually soil‐grown plants, which increases the replicability and reduces variability and compound usage.
Development of an Undulator Magnetic Field Measurement System for the Free‐Electron Laser Facility at Chiang‐Mai University
Authors: Thongbai Chitrlada , Khangrang Noppadon , Jaikla Watchara , Kitisri Pitchayapak , Kongmali Kalayaporn , Rhodes Michael W. , Rimjaem Sakhorn , Saisut Jatuporn , Sukara Supasin , Suphakul Sikharin
Published: February 2023

A magnetic field measurement system for an undulator has been developed at the Plasma and Beam Physics (PBP) Research Facility, Chiang Mai University (CMU), as a part of the mid‐infrared (MIR) and terahertz (THz) radiation free‐electron laser (FEL) project. The measurement system consists of a motorized linear translation stage, a Hall magnetic probe, a teslameter, a motor control unit, and control software. The system is designed to precisely control the position of the probe, which can move up to 1.8 m with a minimum step of 25 μm, with high repeatability and at low cost. The system is able to record transverse magnetic field intensities as a function of the probe's position in real time and has been used to measure the magnetic field of the MIR and THz undulator. Herein, the components, construction, and test results of the system are described.
Robot‐assisted resection of multiple lung nodules through combination of intercostal incisions and a subxiphoid incision as a utility port
Authors: Han Jingquan , Zhang Hang , Ma Xiao , Lu Bei , Zhao Guibin , Xu Jinzhi
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Robotic‐assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) via subxiphoid incision may be superior in resection of multiple lung nodules.

Methods

Outcomes of robot‐assisted one‐stage bilateral lobectomy or segmentectomy via intercostal and subxiphoid incisions for multiple ground‐glass opacities were analysed.

Results

Total 36 cases were analysed in this study. Thirteen cases had bilateral lobectomy + segmentectomy, 15 cases underwent bilateral segmentectomies, and 8 cases underwent lobectomy + segmentectomy + wedge resection. The average intraoperative blood loss was 110.2 ± 57.8 mL, operation time was 154 ± 64.2 min, thoracic draining time was 2.6 ± 3.2 days, and postoperative hospital stay was 4.8 ± 3.3 days. Three patients had atrial fibrillation and 3 patients had continuous air leakage for over 3 days, but there was no death or postoperative pain.

Conclusion

Robot‐assisted one‐stage bilateral resection of multiple lung nodules through combination of intercostal and subxiphoid incision as a utility port is safe and reliable.
Modeling approach for coastal dune habitat detection on coastal ecosystems combining very high‐resolution UAV imagery and field survey
Authors: Agrillo Emiliano , Filipponi Federico , Salvati Riccardo , Pezzarossa Alice , Casella Laura
Published: February 2023

Earth observation (EO) data, derived from remote sensing and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), have been recently demonstrated to be essential tools for the ecosystem monitoring and habitat mapping, combining high technological and methodological procedures for applied ecology. However, research based on EO data analyses often tend to focus on image processing techniques, neglecting the development of a detailed sampling design scheme needed for an exhaustive habitat detection. This paper shows the results of a novel approach for mapping coastal dune habitats at a fine scale, using a supervised machine learning model, through the combination of vegetation plot sampling scheme, synergic use of multi‐sensor spectral imagery (UAV‐VHR) and environmental predictors (e.g., LiDAR), object‐based image analysis, and landscape metrics analysis. Proposed approach was tested in a protected area, established to preserve notable habitats along the Italian Tyrrhenian coast. A detailed sampling scheme was designed and carried out during spring and summer of 2019, combining simultaneously UAV flight acquisition and field vegetation survey data, collected at high precision positioning. The calibrated classification model achieved an overall accuracy of 78.6% (standard error 4.33), allowing us to accurately classify and map five coastal habitats, according to EUNIS (European Nature Information System) classification, which were further verified through a fully independent validation field survey. Results demonstrate that VHR imageries, combined with specific field survey schemes, can be exploited to train classification models used for the detection of plant communities (i.e., meso‐habitat) and plant species at local scale. Our findings demonstrate that UAV‐VHR data is a valid tool to produce high spatial resolution information in sand beach ecosystems, giving ecology research a new way for responsive, timely, and cost‐effective ecosystem monitoring.
Evaluation of Cathode Electrodes in Lithium‐Ion Battery: Pitfalls and the Befitting Counter Electrode
Authors: Han Mei , Duan Jian , Wang Zhongqiang , Wu Wangyan , Luo Wei
Published: February 2023

Boosting energy density and reducing the cost of lithium‐ion batteries are critical to accelerating their applications in transportation and grid energy storage. Battery design with increasing electrode thickness is an effective way to combine higher energy density and lower cost. However, the evaluation of electrodes with increased thickness is challenging and requires more attention. Here, some pitfalls are to be avoided and a reasonable evaluation strategy is provided for cathode electrodes regarding the choice of counter electrode. Though as the most common counter electrode, lithium metal anode is actually not suitable for evaluating cycling performance, which exhibits fast cell capacity decline, especially, in the case of areal capacity higher than 2 mAh cm−2. Two commercial anode materials, graphite and Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) as the potential alternatives, are systematically evaluated and compared, demonstrating LTO as the more suitable choice. The thick cathode electrode coupled with LTO exhibits excellent rate capability, stable cycling performance, and easy interpretation of charge/discharge profile. The relationship between cell balance and battery performance is further analyzed in detail. This strategy enables a reasonable evaluation of the cathode electrodes and advances the designing of thick electrode.
Development of Higher‐Order Interaction Parameter Formalisms for a Ternary Solution in a Thermodynamically Consistent Manner
Authors: Ishfaq Mir , Pande Manish M.
Published: February 2023

Wagner's interaction parameter formalism (WIPF), being thermodynamically inconsistent (on truncation) and limited in applicability to a very dilute solution, is modified, ever so often, to extend its utility. In WIPF, the activity coefficients of the solutes present in a solution are represented by Taylor's series. Herein, the analogy between the activity coefficient expression obtained by two different ways, that is, 1) by partially differentiating the (Redlich–Kister) polynomial representing the excess molar free energy and 2) by expressing the truncated Taylor's series (WIPF) along with the special relationships obtained between the interaction parameters by applying Gibbs–Duhem equation, is exhibited. WIPF truncated after the second order along with the special relations obtained by applying Gibbs–Duhem equation and the unified interaction parameter formalism (UIPF) truncated after the first order are identical to the Darken's quadratic formalism which is thermodynamically consistent and restricted to a limited concentration range. Therefore, these formalisms cannot be universal. Higher‐order terms must be included in Redlich–Kister polynomials or in WIPF in a thermodynamically consistent manner to extend its utility for a wide concentration range. Herein, a general quadratic and higher‐order formalisms such as cubic and quartic are developed for a ternary system.
Betongefüllte Hohlprofil‐Verbundstützen für Geschossbauten – Innovation und Bemessung
Authors: Schurgacz Przemyslaw , Knobloch Markus
Published: February 2023

Betongefüllte Hohlprofil‐Verbundstützen mit massivem Stahlkern (CFST‐SC) und betongefüllte Doppel‐Hohlprofil‐Verbundstützen (CFDST) eignen sich als innovative und wettbewerbsfähige Lösungen für die anspruchsvollen Anforderungen moderner Hochhaus‐, Geschoss‐ und Industriebauten. Durch den Einsatz höherfester Baustähle und von Hochleistungsbeton kann der Tragwiderstand dieser Verbundstützen in eingeschossiger Ausführung weiter gesteigert bzw. die Querschnitte zusätzlich verkleinert werden. Die Ergebnisse des AiF‐/FOSTA‐Forschungsvorhabens P1287 Hohlprofil‐Verbundstützen für Geschossbauten – Innovation und Bemessung (IGF‐Nr. 19677N) zeigen zudem, dass eine aus einem Versatz der Komponenten bzw. einer großen Vorkrümmung der Stahlkerne resultierende geometrische Imperfektion die Tragfähigkeit und das strukturelle Verhalten dieser Mehrkomponentenquerschnitte erheblich beeinflussen kann. Diesen Einflüssen sollte mit einer angemessenen Qualitätskontrolle und der Einhaltung erforderlicher Toleranzen in der Produktion, Fertigung und Montage wirkungsvoll begegnet werden. Die Ergebnisse des aktuellen AiF‐/FOSTA‐Forschungsvorhabens P1628 Innovative Hohlprofil‐Verbundstützen unter seismischen Beanspruchungen (IGF‐Nr. 22348N) belegen, dass die betongefüllten Hohlprofil‐Verbundstützen auch unter Verwendung von Hochleistungswerkstoffen eine hohe Verformungskapazität sowie ein gutes Energiedissipationsvermögen aufweisen und ihr Anwendungsbereich somit auf Regionen seismischer Aktivität ausgedehnt werden kann.
Steel and composite joints with dissipative connections for MRFs in moderate seismicity – Experimental and numerical programs
Authors: Don Rafaela , Balaskas Georgios , Vulcu Cristian , Hoffmeister Benno
Published: February 2023

Owing to the new rules of the German National Annex to EN 1998‐1, the relevance of the seismic action has increased, materialising in extended seismic areas and higher spectral accelerations. This may lead to seismic loading being decisive on the design of steel and composite frames. However, the demand is lower in Germany than in other seismic areas. Consequently, these challenges are addressed in an ongoing German national research project, by developing joints with dissipative connections, classified as semi‐rigid and partial‐strength, for steel and composite frames that could allow for the use of behaviour factors in the range of 1.5 to 3. The development started with typical connections from the German catalogue, designed to withstand static loads in the elastic range, followed by performance and detailing improvements. Developments (e.g., increase in sagging/hogging bending: 125 %/18 % of steel joints and 70 %/40 % of partially composite joints) resulted from pre‐test finite element analyses (FEA) on joints and frame models. Improvements to joint detailing were made according to the provisions of the newest draft of Eurocode 8. The optimised joints were integrated in frame specimens, which are currently being tested under monotonic and cyclic loads at RWTH‐Aachen University. This article introduces the developed joint solutions, describes the experimental and numerical programs and presents the monotonic response of frame specimens based on the results of FEA, as well as the main conclusions.
Behavior of RC columns incorporating with steel and recycled plastic fibers under eccentric load: An experimental work
Authors: Fayed Sabry , Mansour Walid
Published: February 2023

There was a dearth of research into the behavior of eccentric RC columns reinforced with fibers, particularly recycled plastic fiber (RF) reinforced columns. The effect of employing end hooked steel fiber (EF) and RF on the performance of eccentric columns was explored in this experiment. Under compressive eccentric load, eight RC columns of 150 × 150 × 1000 mm with a 2% longitudinal reinforcement ratio were tested up to failure. The ratio of load eccentricity to column dimension was 15%. The fiber content (Vf) was variable. Both EF and RF had a Vf of 1%, 2%, and 3%. The applied load was recorded axial/lateral displacement and transverse/longitudinal reinforcement strain. The ultimate load (Pu), ultimate displacement, yield load, stiffness, and ductility index (∆) were all calculated to investigate column behavior. Results showed that adding fibers prevented the concrete cover separation hence prevented the sudden failure as it happened in the control column without fiber (P0). 1% RF and 2% EF enhanced Pu by 10.4% and 34.8%, respectively, while fiber content 3% decreased Pu. Stiffness of columns containing 1% RF and 2% EF was 16.3% and 33.8% higher than that of P0, respectively. The use of 1% and 2% EF delayed yield load, resulting in improved column performance. All fiber contents significantly improved ductility, with enhancement rates ranging from 4.2% with 3% RF to 146.2% with 3% EF. Also, use of 1% RF increased ductility by 70.6%.
Digital innovation: An essence for Industry 4.0
Authors: Gupta Minisha , Jauhar Sunil Kumar
Published: February 2023

The goal of this paper is to explain why digital innovation is so important in business organizations in order to survive in Industry 4.0. The study helps to understand the new era of Industry 4.0 and the importance of introducing digital innovation into organizations. A systematic review of the literature and studies on Industry 4.0 and digital innovation were synthesized to find answers to the research questions. To improve their manufacturing industry, organizations have implemented digital technologies such as augmented reality, robotic sensing, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cyber physical systems, and remote sensing technologies. These technologies focused on automating logistics and supply chain systems, improving manufacturing system performance, and simplifying automated production systems. Because digital innovations save time and energy, employees can devote more time and energy to creative and innovative activities. Organizations should plan to implement digital technology in order to keep the environment healthy and sustainable while meeting the demands of customers, consumers, and the Industry 4.0 dimension.
From harmonic analysis of translation-invariant valuations to geometric inequalities for convex bodies
Authors: Kotrbatý Jan , Wannerer Thomas
Published: February 2023

The Alesker–Bernig–Schuster theorem asserts that each irreducible representation of the special orthogonal group appears with multiplicity at most one as a subrepresentation of the space of continuous translation-invariant valuations with fixed degree of homogeneity. Moreover, the theorem describes in terms of highest weights which irreducible representations appear with multiplicity one. In this paper, we present a refinement of this result, namely the explicit construction of a highest weight vector in each irreducible subrepresentation. We then describe how important natural operations on valuations (pullback, pushforward, Fourier transform, Lefschetz operator, Alesker–Poincaré pairing) act on these highest weight vectors. We use this information to prove the Hodge–Riemann relations for valuations in the case of Euclidean balls as reference bodies. Since special cases of the Hodge–Riemann relations have recently been used to prove new geometric inequalities for convex bodies, our work immediately extends the scope of these inequalities.
Digitale Hebammenbetreuung in der COVID-19-Pandemie in Deutschland – Akzeptanz bei Müttern
Authors: Bauer Nicola H. , Hertle Dagmar , Schumacher Luisa
Published: February 2023

Hintergrund

Zur Sicherstellung der ambulanten Hebammenversorgung während der COVID-19-Pandemie wurden im März 2020 in Deutschland erstmals digitale Hebammenleistungen ermöglicht. Ziel der Studie „Digitale Hebammenbetreuung im Kontext der Covid-19-Pandemie“ war eine erste Evaluation der neu eingeführten digitalen Angebote aus Sicht von Hebammen und Müttern. In dieser Publikation werden die Ergebnisse der Mütterbefragung dargestellt.

Methode

Im Februar und März 2021 wurde die Querschnittstudie durchgeführt. Es wurden bei der BARMER versicherte Frauen, die zwischen Mai und November 2020 ein gesundes Kind geboren haben, bundesweit mithilfe eines explorativ entwickelten Online-Fragebogens zu Inanspruchnahme, Zufriedenheit und den Potenzialen der digitalen Hebammenbetreuung in Schwangerschaft und Wochenbett anonymisiert befragt.

Ergebnisse

1821 Mütter nahmen an der Befragung teil. Rund ein Drittel der antwortenden Frauen hatte in der Schwangerschaft und/oder im Wochenbett digitale Hebammenleistungen in Anspruch genommen und diese Leistungen zu über 80 % positiv bewertet. Aus Sicht der Befragten eignen sich Kurse und Beratung sehr gut, wohingegen die Wochenbettbetreuung oft die Präsenz der Hebamme erfordere. Als Vorteile wurden der Infektionsschutz sowie die Zeit- und Wegeersparnis gesehen.

Fazit

Die COVID-19-Pandemie hat auch in der Hebammenversorgung einen Digitalisierungsschub bewirkt. Die digitalen Angebote wurden von den freiberuflichen Hebammen schnell umgesetzt. Diese wurden von den Frauen gut angenommen und können die Betreuung in Präsenz sinnvoll ergänzen. Chancen und Weiterentwicklungsmöglichkeiten der digitalen Hebammenbetreuung sollten nun genutzt werden.
The epistemic impossibility of an artificial intelligence take-over of democracy
Authors: Innerarity Daniel
Published: February 2023

Those who claim, whether with fear or with hope, that algorithmic governance can control politics or the whole political process or that artificial intelligence is capable of taking charge of or wrecking democracy, recognize that this is not yet possible with our current technological capabilities but that it could come about in the future if we had better quality data or more powerful computational tools. Those who fear or desire this algorithmic suppression of democracy assume that something similar will be possible someday and that it is only a question of technological progress. If that were the case, no limits would be insurmountable on principle. I want to challenge that conception with a limit that is less normative than epistemological; there are things that artificial intelligence cannot do, because it is unable to do them, not because it should not do them, and this is particularly apparent in politics, which is a peculiar decision-making realm. Machines and people take decisions in a very different fashion. Human beings are particularly gifted at one type of situation and very clumsy in others. The part of politics that is, strictly speaking, political is where this contrast and our greatest aptitude are most apparent. If that is the case, as I believe, then the possibility that democracy will one day be taken over by artificial intelligence is, as a fear or as a desire, manifestly exaggerated. The corresponding counterpart to this is: if the fear that democracy could disappear at the hands of artificial intelligence is not realistic, then we should not expect exorbitant benefits from it either. For epistemic reasons that I will explain, it does not seem likely that artificial intelligence is capable of taking over political logic.
Real-world treatment persistence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis initiating DMARDs in Germany—a health insurance claims data analysis
Authors: Fiehn Christoph , Zinke Silke , Haas Jennifer S. , Meise Dominic , Theil Julia , Gurrath Margot , Orzechowski Hans-Dieter
Published: February 2023

Objective

To investigate treatment patterns in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Germany who had previously received conventional synthetic (cs) or biologic (b) disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Methods

Patients with RA who initiated treatment with a csDMARD, bDMARD, or Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor between 2017 and 2018 and who had previously received csDMARD or bDMARD therapy were retrospectively selected from the Institute for Applied Health Research Berlin GmbH (InGef). Time on treatment and discontinuation risk were assessed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Cox regression identified variables associated with an increased discontinuation risk.

Results

A total of 990 patients had received prior csDMARD therapy; 375 had received prior bDMARD therapy. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors and JAK inhibitors were the most commonly prescribed DMARD class in those previously treated with a csDMARD or bDMARD, respectively. In both cohorts, more patients received DMARD monotherapy than combination therapy. In the prior csDMARD cohort, median time on treatment was 276, 252, and 148 days with JAK inhibitors, TNF‑α inhibitors, and csDMARDs, respectively, and those treated with JAK or TNF‑α inhibitors were less likely to discontinue treatment than those on csDMARDs (log-rank test p-value < 0.01 for both comparisons); no significant differences were found within the prior bDMARD cohort.

Conclusion

This is among the first detailed analyses of RA treatment patterns in a real-world setting in Germany since the introduction of JAK inhibitors. TNF‑α inhibitors were the most commonly prescribed DMARD after failure of an initial csDMARD, while JAK inhibitors were the most common among patients previously treated with a bDMARD. In both groups, monotherapy with bDMARD or targeted synthetic DMARD was common. In the prior csDMARD cohort, treatment duration was significantly longer with JAK or TNF‑α inhibitors than with csDMARDs.
Gestörte Lieferketten — wie reagieren die Betriebe in Deutschland?
Authors: Kagerl Christian , Moritz Michael , Roth Duncan , Stegmaier Jens , Stepanok Ignat
Published: February 2023

Der Ausbruch der Coronapandemie 2020 hat die Abhängigkeit der deutschen Wirtschaft von globalen Lieferketten offengelegt. Verzögerungen bei der Zulieferung oder der Ausfall von Vorprodukten infolge eingeschränkter Logistikkapazitäten, geschlossener Grenzen oder einer gestörten Produktion bei Zulieferern hat seitdem bei vielen Betrieben in Deutschland zu Problemen geführt. Mit dem Angriff Russlands auf die Ukraine im Februar 2022 wurde deutlich, dass Lieferketten auch erheblichen geopolitischen Risiken ausgesetzt sind. Die Unternehmen stehen vor der Aufgabe, ihre Zulieferketten resilienter gegen solche Risiken zu machen.
An algorithm to compute the average-of-awards rule for claims problems with an application to the allocation of CO$$_2$$ emissions
Authors: Mirás Calvo Miguel Ángel , Núñez Lugilde Iago , Quinteiro Sandomingo Carmen , Sánchez-Rodríguez Estela
Published: February 2023

The set of awards vectors for a claims problem coincides with the core of the associated coalitional game. We analyze the structure of this set by defining for each group of claimants a, so called, utopia game, whose core comprises the most advantageous imputations available for the group. We show that, given a claims problem, the imputation set of the associated coalitional game can be partitioned by the cores of the utopia games. A rule selects for each claims problem a unique allocation from the set of awards vectors. The average-of-awards rule associates to each claims problem the geometric center of the corresponding set of awards vectors. Based on the decomposition of the imputation set, we obtain an interpretation of the average-of-awards rule as a point of fairness between stable and utopia imputations and provide a backward recurrence algorithm to compute it. To illustrate our analysis, we present an application to the distribution of CO$$_2$$

2

emissions.
Data-driven dependency parsing of Vedic Sanskrit
Authors: Hellwig Oliver , Nehrdich Sebastian , Sellmer Sven
Published: February 2023

This paper describes the first data-driven parser for Vedic Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language in which a corpus of important religious and philosophical texts has been composed. We report and critically discuss experiments with the input feature representations, paying special attention to the performance of contextualized word embeddings and to the influence of morpho-syntactic representations on the parsing quality. In addition, we provide an in-depth discussion of the parsing errors that covers structural traits of the predicted trees as well as linguistic and extra-textual influence factors. In its optimal configuration, the proposed model achieves 87.61 unlabeled and 81.84 labeled attachment score on a held-out set of test sentences, demonstrating good performance for an under-resourced language.
Physiological and morphological responses of ‘Irukandji’ polyps to thermal and osmotic conditions: consequences for niche profiling
Authors: Rowley Olivia C. , Courtney Robert L. , Northfield Tobin D. , Seymour Jamie E.
Published: February 2023

The Irukandji jellyfish (Carukia barnesi) is a medically important species. While the medusa stage of this species is well known, due to its highly venomous sting, the benthic polyp has core roles in regulating both the timing and abundance of medusa making it a research priority. However, due to their small size, Carukia barnesi polyps have never been found in situ and, basic ecological knowledge surrounding this life stage is limited. In this study we adopt a lab-based approach, utilizing physiological tolerance as a functional tool, to gain new insights into the in situ location for Carukia barnesi polyps. The physiological tolerance of Carukia barnesi polyps was characterized by measuring the oxygen consumption rates of polyps exposed to different salinity/temperature combinations. A total of nine salinities and seven temperatures were investigated, ranging from 11 °C/16‰ to 34 °C/42.5‰, encompassing the spectrum of environments experienced on the Great Barrier Reef. Polyps were also monitored for morphological changes such as asexual reproduction, polyp deterioration, and mortality. Salinity did not have a significant effect on oxygen consumption rates, with Carukia barnesi polyps displaying a significant tolerance to a wide range of salinities. The effect of temperature, however, was statistically significant with oxygen °consumption rates increasing alongside water temperature. There was no statistical evidence to support an interactive effect between salinity and temperature. Based on these results, we conclude that the polyp stage of this species is likely located in an environment with stable temperatures and fluctuating salinities and, consequently, future endeavors aimed at locating this life stage should expand targeted survey areas outside stable oceanic environments, typical of medusa, and encompass dynamic environments such as estuaries and submarine freshwater upwellings.
Trends in the incidence of major birth defects after assisted reproductive technologies in Lombardy Region, Northern Italy
Authors: Galati Giulia , Esposito Giovanna , Somigliana Edgardo , Muzii Ludovico , Franchi Matteo , Corrao Giovanni , Parazzini Fabio
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The incidence of birth defects is increased in children born after assisted reproductive technologies (ART). However, changes in ART over time could influence this incidence. To investigate this issue, we present the frequency and trends of birth defects in ART and natural pregnancies in Lombardy, Northern Italy, during the period 2014–2020.

Methods

This is a population-based study using automated system of healthcare utilization (HCU) databases. ART pregnancies included only those obtained with conventional IVF or ICSI. After identifying the total number of deliveries, the rate of newborns with birth defects was compared between natural and ART pregnancies. A logistic regression model was used to calculate the adjusted odd ratio (OR). Analyses were repeated for every calendar year.

Results

Overall, 508,421 deliveries were identified, of which 14,067 (2.8%) were achieved after IVF-ICSI. A decreasing trend in birth defects over time was highlighted. The adjusted OR dropped from 1.40 (95%CI: 1.03–1.91) in 2014 to 0.92 (95%CI: 0.69–1.22) in 2020. During the study period, a significant reduction in multiple pregnancy and in the ratio of ICSI to conventional IVF was also observed, explaining at least in part the positive trend observed for birth defects.

Conclusion

The increased risk of birth defects in children born after IVF-ICSI is not steady over time. A decline of this risk emerged in our region. Policy changes in ART may explain this beneficial effect.
The Alarm Pheromone and Alarm Response of the Clonal Raider Ant
Authors: Lopes Lindsey E. , Frank Erik T. , Kárpáti Zsolt , Schmitt Thomas , Kronauer Daniel J. C.
Published: February 2023

Ants communicate via an arsenal of different pheromones produced in a variety of exocrine glands. For example, ants release alarm pheromones in response to danger to alert their nestmates and to trigger behavioral alarm responses. Here we characterize the alarm pheromone and the alarm response of the clonal raider ant Ooceraea biroi, a species that is amenable to laboratory studies but for which no pheromones have been identified. During an alarm response, ants quickly become unsettled, leave their nest pile, and are sometimes initially attracted to the source of alarm, but ultimately move away from it. We find that the alarm pheromone is released from the head of the ant and identify the putative alarm pheromone as a blend of two compounds found in the head, 4-methyl-3-heptanone and 4-methyl-3-heptanol. These compounds are sufficient to induce alarm behavior alone and in combination. They elicit similar, though slightly different behavioral features of the alarm response, with 4-methyl-3-heptanone being immediately repulsive and 4-methyl-3-heptanol being initially attractive before causing ants to move away. The behavioral response to these compounds in combination is dose-dependent, with ants becoming unsettled and attracted to the source of alarm pheromone at low concentrations and repulsed at high concentrations. While 4-methyl-3-heptanone and 4-methyl-3-heptanol are known alarm pheromones in other more distantly related ant species, this is the first report of the chemical identity of a pheromone in O. biroi, and the first alarm pheromone identified in the genus Ooceraea. Identification of a pheromone that triggers a robust, consistent, and conserved behavior, like the alarm pheromone, provides an avenue to dissect the behavioral and neuronal mechanisms underpinning chemical communication.
Hedging At-the-money Digital Options Near Maturity
Authors: Blanc-Blocquel Augusto , Ortiz-Gracia Luis , Oviedo Rodolfo
Published: February 2023

Hedging at-the-money digital options near maturity, remains a challenge in quantitative finance. In the present work, we carry out a hedging strategy by means of a bull spread. We study the probability of super- and sub-hedge the digital option and minimize the probability of a sub-hedge considering the cost of hedging and illiquidity issues. We perform a wide variety of numerical experiments under different models for the underlying asset dynamics. A calibration to market data is provided and used to get the optimal composition of the bull spread satisfying the cost of hedging restriction.
A multi-sensing scheme based on nonlinear coupled micromachined resonators
Authors: Fang Zhengliang , Theodossiades Stephanos , Ruzziconi Laura , Hajjaj Amal Z.
Published: February 2023

A new multi-sensing scheme via nonlinear weakly coupled resonators is introduced in this paper, which can simultaneously detect two different physical stimuli by monitoring the dynamic response around the first two lowest modes. The system consists of a mechanically coupled bridge resonator and cantilever resonator. The eigenvalue problem is solved to identify the right geometry for the resonators to optimize their resonance frequencies based on mode localization in order to provide outstanding sensitivity. A nonlinear equivalent model is developed using the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory while accounting for the geometric and electrostatic nonlinearities. The sensor's dynamics are explored using a reduced-order model based on two-mode Galerkin discretization, which reveals the richness of the response. To demonstrate the proposed sensing scheme, the dynamic response of the weakly coupled resonator is investigated by tuning the stiffness and mass of the bridge and cantilever resonators, respectively. With its simple and scalable design, the proposed system shows great potential for intelligent multi-sensing detection in many applications.
Hiring family or non-family managers when non-economic (sustainability) goals matter? A multitask agency model
Authors: Kragl Jenny , Palermo Alberto , Xi Guoqian , Block Joern
Published: February 2023

Nepotism, altruism, lower managerial abilities, and a small pool of qualified family candidates may speak against family management. However, a large share of family-owned firms is run by family managers. Our study develops a theoretical model that provides an explanation for this paradox, linked to the multitasking problem of managing economic and non-economic tasks in family firms. Comparing the performance of family and non-family managers under moral hazard and imperfect performance measurement, we find that incentive pay leads to an effort distortion towards economic outcomes for both manager types, however less so for family managers. This effort distortion is less pronounced when economic and non-economic management tasks are complements. We show that family managers with excellent skills regarding non-economic goals of the owner family often outperform non-family managers even if they have poor skills in economic tasks or, what is more, if they have lower average abilities altogether. We further show that the interdependence between economic and non-economic goals in the manager’s job tends to have a moderating effect on the family manager’s relative performance. Our study contributes to the literature about family management and agency costs in family firms and has practical implications for family firms’ hiring decisions. By highlighting the importance of non-economic goals, it moreover adds to the current discussion about the compliance with firms’ sustainability goals.