bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wie geht es dem akademischen Mittelbau?
Authors: Gleirscher Mario , Lenk Kerstin , Loebel Jens-Martin , Petersen Tom , Wagner Johannes
Published: August 2022

Zum sogenannten Mittelbau zählen Doktoranden und Doktorandinnen, Postdocs, Nachwuchsgruppenleiter und -leiterinnen, Junior- und Tenure-Track-Professoren und -Professorinnen. Insbesondere Promovierende sowie Postdoktoranden und Postdoktorandinnen sind, noch mehr als früher, von den komplexen strukturellen und finanziellen Problematiken des Wissenschafts- und Lehrbetriebs betroffen, und das in vielerlei Hinsicht über Fächer hinweg. Der Flaschenhals auf dem Weg zur Professur oder einer anderweitig verstetigten Forschungs- oder Lehrstelle führt in der akademischen Karriere zu prekären Beschäftigungsverhältnissen. Die schwierige Vereinbarkeit von Familie und akademischer Karriere erzeugt eine zusätzliche Benachteiligung, insbesondere von Wissenschaftlerinnen. Mangelnde Qualitätssicherung sowie fehlende zuverlässige und vertrauenswürdige Prozesse erschweren die Aufdeckung und Aufarbeitung von Konflikten während der Promotionsphase und der Zeit des Postdoktorats. Der Beirat des wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchses (GI-WiN) der Gesellschaft für Informatik e. V. (GI) fordert und empfiehlt in einem Positionspapier (https://doi.org/10.1007/s00287-020-01250-x) mehrere Maßnahmen zur Stabilisierung von Karriere- und Beschäftigungssituation des Mittelbaus. Der vorliegende Artikel fasst die Ergebnisse einer Umfrage zur Ergänzung und empirischen Untermauerung dieser Empfehlungen zusammen. Die vorliegende Umfrage wurde mit dem Anspruch erhoben, Daten aus allen Fachbereichen – nicht nur der Informatik – zu sammeln. In den Ergebnissen zeigte sich, dass diesen vielfältigen Herausforderungen begegnet werden muss, die in Nicht-MINT-Fächern und MINT-Fächern ähnlich empfunden werden. Die Schaffung von unbefristeten Stellen für die Phase nach der Promotion wurde im Rahmen der Umfrage als besonders wünschenswert angesehen. Vorgeschlagen wurde auch die Abschaffung von Lehrstühlen und die Einführung einer Departmentstruktur. Des Weiteren wurde die Trennung von Begutachtung und Betreuung vor allem bei der Promotion angeregt. Die letzten 2 Jahre im Zeichen der COVID-19-Pandemie waren für einen großen Teil der Betroffenen von fehlendem fachlichen Austausch und sowohl beruflichen als auch privaten Zusatzbelastungen geprägt. Diese Ergebnisse können über die genannten Fachbereiche hinaus eine Entscheidungsgrundlage für eine gerechtere Wissenschaftspolitik liefern und bessere Arbeits- und Karrierebedingungen für den wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchs erwirken.
Predictive value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte-ratio in neoadjuvant-treated patients with breast cancer
Authors: von Au Alexandra , Shencoru Samra , Uhlmann Lorenz , Mayer Luisa , Michel Laura , Wallwiener Markus , Hennigs André , Deutsch Thomas , Riedel Fabian , Heil Joerg , Golatta Michael , Schneeweiss Andreas , Schütz Florian , Domschke Christoph
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women and prognosis is strongly influenced by tumor subtype. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is the standard treatment for both locally advanced- and early-stage triple-negative and Her2-positive BC. Pathologic complete response (pCR) to NAC is an important predictor of patient outcomes. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte-ratio (NLR) in peripheral blood is associated with prognosis in various malignancies. Here, we investigated the value of the pretreatment NLR as a response predictor in neoadjuvant-treated patients with BC.

Methods

A retrospective chart analysis of 862 patients with invasive BC treated with NAC at the Heidelberg University Hospital during 2003–2015 was conducted. NLR was calculated as the ratio of the absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts in peripheral blood, and pCR was defined as absence of invasive or in situ carcinoma in breast and axillary lymph nodes.

Results

A total of 151 patients with invasive BC who underwent NAC were included in this study. NLR tended to be higher in the pCR group than the non-pCR group (p < 0.1). Analyses of BC subtypes demonstrated that NLR was significantly higher in the pCR- compared with the non-pCR group (3.304 vs. 2.379, respectively; p = 0.048) in patients with luminal B/Her2-negative tumors. Further, we found a significant difference in NLR according to remission status in postmenopausal patients (2.861 vs. 2.313, respectively; p = 0.043).

Conclusion

NLR was significantly higher only for patients achieving pCR in the Luminal B/Her2-negative and postmenopausal subgroups. Hence, NLR is a candidate additional predictive factor in patients with Luminal B/Her2-negative BC.
Robotic repair of perineal hernias: a video vignette and review of the literature
Authors: Watanaskul Sarah , Schwab Marisa E. , Colley Alexis , Chern Hueylan , Varma Madhulika G. , Hoffman William Y. , Sarin Ankit
Published: August 2022

Background

Perineal hernias can be secondarily acquired following abdominoperineal resection of the rectum. While transabdominal minimally invasive techniques have traditionally used laparoscopy, there are few studies published on the robotic platform, which has been gaining popularity for other types of hernia repairs. We review the existing literature, share a video vignette, and provide practical tips for surgeons interested in adopting this approach.

Methods

A literature search in Pubmed was performed to include all articles in English describing robotic repair of perineal hernias with identification of variables of interest related to repair. A case presentation with an accompanying video vignette and lessons learned from the experience are provided.

Results

Seven case reports (four containing video) published between 2019 and 2022 were included. Most articles (n = 5) utilized the Da Vinci Si or Xi, and most patients (n = 5) had undergone abdominoperineal resection with neoadjuvant chemotherapy to treat rectal cancer. Patients were positioned in Trendelenburg with rightward tilt (n = 2), modified lithotomy (n = 1), or a combination of the two (n = 1). All articles (n = 7) reported closing the defect and using mesh. Three articles describe placing five ports (one camera, three robotic, one assistant). There were no significant intraoperative or postoperative complications reported, and no recurrence noted at 3–27 months follow-up. Based on our experience, as shown in the video vignette, we recommend lithotomy positioning, using porous polypropylene mesh anchored to the periosteum of the sacrum and peritoneum overlying the bladder and side wall, and placing a drain above the mesh.

Conclusions

A robotic transabdominal approach to perineal hernia repair is a viable alternate to laparoscopy based on low complication rates and lack of recurrence. Prospective and longer duration data are needed to compare the techniques.
Clinical outcomes and return to sport after single-stage revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by bone-patellar tendon autograft combined with lateral extra-articular tenodesis
Authors: Zanna Luigi , Niccolò Giabbani , Matteo Innocenti , Malone Joseph , Roberto Civinini , Fabrizio Matassi
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) failure rate continues to increase. Involvement of a young population with a desire to return to sport, explains the increased need for ACLR (revACLR) revision. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcome, complications, failure rate and return to sport of a single-stage revACLR using bone patellar tendon-bone (BTBT) combined with lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET).

Material And Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 36 patients who underwent revACLR. Knee stability was assessed by Lachman and Pivot shift test. Objective anterior laxity was determined by KT-2000 arthrometer. The IKDC subjective, Lysholm, ACL-RSI Scores, level of sport activity and Forgotten Joint Score-12 were recorded.

Results

Of 36 patients, we collected data from 17 who underwent single-stage revACLR with autologous BTBT combined with LET, performed using an extra-articular MacIntosh procedure as modified by Arnold–Coker. The side-to-side difference in Lachman test and Pivot shift test significantly improved postoperatively. The subjective IKDC, Lysholm and ACL-RSI significantly improved from 71.4 ± 9.03 to 92 ± 6.9, from 58.3 ± 19.3 to 66.8 ± 27.7 and from 50.4 ± 12.2 to 68.6 ± 24.5, respectively during the post-operative follow-up. Ten patients (58.8%) returned to their desired level of sport. One patient was considered a failure because of the postoperative laxity.

Conclusion

Single-stage revACLR with BPTB combined with LET is a safe procedure that shows good objective and subjective outcomes, and a high rate of return to the same level of sport. Reducing rotational instability and strain on intra-articular reconstructed structures results in a low rate of complications and failure.
A systematic overview on methods to protect sensitive data provided for various analyses
Authors: Templ Matthias , Sariyar Murat
Published: August 2022

In view of the various methodological developments regarding the protection of sensitive data, especially with respect to privacy-preserving computation and federated learning, a conceptual categorization and comparison between various methods stemming from different fields is often desired. More concretely, it is important to provide guidance for the practice, which lacks an overview over suitable approaches for certain scenarios, whether it is differential privacy for interactive queries,k-anonymity methods and synthetic data generation for data publishing, or secure federated analysis for multiparty computation without sharing the data itself. Here, we provide an overview based on central criteria describing a context for privacy-preserving data handling, which allows informed decisions in view of the many alternatives. Besides guiding the practice, this categorization of concepts and methods is destined as a step towards a comprehensive ontology for anonymization. We emphasize throughout the paper that there is no panacea and that context matters.
All roads lead to the farmers market?: using network analysis to measure the orientation and central actors in a community food system through a case comparison of Yolo and Sacramento County, California
Authors: Fuchs-Chesney Jordana , Raj Subhashni , Daruwalla Tishtar , Brinkley Catherine
Published: August 2022

Little is known about how farms and markets are connected. Identifying critical gaps and central hubs in food systems is of importance in addressing a variety of concerns, such as navigating rapid shifts in marketing practices as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and related food shortages. The constellation of growers and markets can also reinforce opportunities to shift growing and eating policies and practices with attention to addressing racial and income inequities in food system ownership and access. With this research, we compare network methods for measuring centrality and sociospatial orientations in food systems using two of America’s most high-producing agricultural counties. Though the counties are adjacent, we demonstrate that their community food systems have little overlap in contributing farms and markets. Our findings show that the community food system for Yolo County is tightly interwoven with Bay Area restaurants and farmers’ markets. The adjacent county, Sacramento, branded itself as America’s Farm-to-Fork capital in 2012 and possesses network hubs focused more on grocery stores and restaurants. In both counties, the most central actors differ and have been involved with the community food system for decades. Such findings have implications beyond the case studies, and we conclude with considerations for how our methods could be standardized in the national agricultural census.
Sexual Identity and Birth Cohort Differences in Social Support and Its Link with Well-Being among Sexual Minority Individuals
Authors: la Roi Chaïm , Frost David M. , Mallory Allen , Lin Andy , Meyer Ilan H.
Published: August 2022

This study examined sexual identity and birth cohort differences in social support and its association with well-being, using a longitudinal national probability sample of 706 cisgender and non-binary sexual minority individuals from the USA. The data allowed for extensive descriptions of perceived social support and support networks across subgroups. Findings demonstrated that sexual identity and birth cohort differences in overall sizes of support networks and levels of perceived social support were small. Furthermore, fixed effects analyses indicated that changes in the size of respondents’ social support networks were not related to well-being, with a one-person change being associated with a .04 SD change in well-being or less, depending on the indicator of well-being being tested. Moreover, changes in perceived social support were only limitedly related to changes in respondents’ well-being, a 1-point change in the scale of perceived social support being associated with a .11 SD change in life-satisfaction. Associations were smaller for overall well-being or psychological distress, the other two indicators of well-being used. Together, these findings could imply that cross-sectional research has overestimated the relevance of social support for the well-being of sexual minority individuals, but also that general social support is insufficiently tailored to the support needs of the sexual minority population.
Calibration of Storage Model by Multi-Stage Statistical and Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Karimi Nader , Assa Hirbod , Salavati Erfan , Adibi Hojatollah
Published: August 2022

Calibration of multidimensional economic problems proven to be difficult, as there is a high risk of problem miss-identification. In this paper we propose a multi-stage calibration method to estimate the six parameters of a commodity market price model that includes storage. We assume that the commodity prices are derived from the optimal commodity storage time when the demand process follows a mean-reverting log-Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process. Using two alternative value functions, first we propose a two-stage method to maximize the likelihood functions obtained by Milstein method. Then by considering a regularized likelihood functions we propose a multi-stage method to calibrate the parameters of our problem. After we realize our method is perfectly performing on the simulated data, we encounter it to actual data and calibrate the parameters. We observe that our multi-stage calibration method is robust and that the storage model outperforms the non-storage model.
Impact of a First-Year Place-Based Learning Community on STEM Students’ Academic Achievement in their Second, Third, and Fourth Years
Authors: Johnson Matthew D. , Margell Steven T. , Goldenberg Katlin , Palomera Raven , Sprowles Amy. E.
Published: August 2022

Learning communities for college students have been shown to improve first-year student outcomes and narrow equity gaps, but longer-term data to evaluate whether these benefits persist through multi-year retention and graduation are rare. This is especially important for students in science, technology, engineering and math, who often confront gateway courses and challenging academic cultures in their second and subsequent years. Here, we report on the second, third, and fourth year academic outcomes of three cohorts of a first-year placed-based learning community. Relative to a reference group, participants in the learning community generally showed similar grade acquisition in second- and third-year STEM courses, and initially higher GPAs for learning community participants later diminished to be statistically indistinguishable from the reference group. Nonetheless, units completed after one, two, and three years were slightly higher for learning community participants than for the reference group, and with narrower equity gaps. The learning community also increased and narrowed equity gaps in second- and third-year retention at the institution and in STEM specifically (+6 to +17%). Four-year graduation rates from the institution and in STEM specifically also increased (+8 to +17%), but equity gaps were only narrowed slightly. These results suggest that while benefits of first-year learning communities on grades decline over time, benefits for retention and graduation can persist, though they are insufficient to erase equity gaps. Future work should examine how scaffolding practices in students’ second and third years can better sustain and even magnify inclusive success improvements initiated by first year learning communities.
Maternal Education and Children’s School Achievement: The Roles of Values, Parenting, and Behavior Regulation
Authors: Weis Mirjam , Trommsdorff Gisela , Muñoz Lorena , González Roberto
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine psychological factors that may contribute to explain the link between maternal education and children’s school achievement. As explanatory factors, mothers’ self-transcendence values (i.e., altruism, tolerance, and social responsibility), maternal restrictive control, and children’s behavior regulation were studied as part of an integrative framework. The sample consisted of 167 Chilean fourth graders (age:M = 10.16;SD = 0.42), their mothers, and their teachers. Mediation analyses using a bootstrapping method confirmed the proposed integrative model, revealing a triple indirect effect, indicating that mothers’ self-transcendence values, maternal restrictive control, and children’s behavior regulation mediated the positive relation between maternal education and children’s school achievement, even after controlling for intelligence, age, and gender. Mothers with lower levels of education reported lower self-transcendence values and used more restrictive control. Further, children of mothers who often used maternal restrictive control showed lower behavior regulation and poorer school achievement. Thus, the results of this intracultural study contribute to a better understanding of the relation between maternal education and children’s school achievement. Implications of these findings for further research are addressed.
Role of empirical isolation of the superior vena cava in patients with recurrence of atrial fibrillation after pulmonary vein isolation—a multi-center analysis
Authors: Knecht Sven , Zeljkovic Ivan , Badertscher Patrick , Krisai Philipp , Spies Florian , Vognstrup Jan , Pavlovic Nikola , Manola Sime , Osswald Stefan , Kühne Michael , Sticherling Christian
Published: August 2022

Background

Non-pulmonary vein (PV) triggers play a role in the initiation of atrial fibrillation (AF), with the superior vena cava (SVC) being a common location. The aim of the current study was to investigate a strategy of empirical SVC isolation (SVCI) in addition to re-isolation of PV in patients with recurrence of AF after index PV isolation (PVI).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients from two centers with recurrence of AF after index PVI, undergoing a repeat ablation. Whereas only a re-isolation of the PV was intended in patients with reconnections of equal or more than two PV (PVI group), an additional SVCI was aimed for in patients with < 2 isolated PV in addition to the re-isolation of the PV (PVI + group). Analysis was performed as-treated and per-protocol.

Results

Of the 344 patients included in the study (age 60 ± 10 years, 73% male, 66% paroxysmal AF), PVI only was performed in 269 patients (77%) and PVI plus SVCI (PVI +) in 75 patients (23%). Overall, freedom from AF/AT after repeat PVI was 80% (196 patients) in the PVI group and 73% in the PVI + group (p = 0.151). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, presence of persistent AF (HR 2.067 (95% CI 1.389–3.078), p < 0.001) and hypertension (HR 1.905 (95% CI 1.218–2.980), p = 0.005) were identified as only significant predictors of AF/AT recurrence. The per-protocol results did not differ from this observation.

Conclusions

A strategy of an empirical additional SVCI at repeat PVI ablation for recurrence of AF/AT does not improve outcome compared to a PVI only approach.
Does resilience to fire confer resilience to grazing in savanna ant communities of Northern Australia?
Authors: Arcoverde Gabriela B. , Setterfield Samantha A. , Leal Inara R. , Andersen Alan N.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Evolutionary traits acquired in response to one type of disturbance will potentially confer resilience to other disturbances that have similar environmental impacts, even if the biota has no evolutionary history of such disturbances. In grassy ecosystems the environmental impacts of grazing have important similarities to those of fire through the removal of grass biomass, and we hypothesise that high resilience to frequent fire confers high resilience to grazing.

Aims

We test this hypothesis by investigating the resilience of highly fire-resilient ant communities to grazing in a mesic Australian savanna, which has not historically experienced such high levels of mammalian grazing.

Methods

We sampled ants using pitfall traps at Annaburroo Station in the Australian seasonal tropics using ten plot triplets, with each triplet representing no, low and heavy grazing. Grazing has had a major impact on the basal area of perennial grasses and the cover of bare ground. We considered large (> 4 mm) ants only, which tend to be particularly sensitive to disturbance.

Results

We recorded 28 species of ‘large’ ants from 14 genera. Neither ant species richness nor overall composition varied significantly with grazing, and only one of the eight most common species responded to grazing.

Discussion

Ant communities at Annaburoo Station are highly resilient to livestock grazing. The limited number of relevant studies suggest that ant communities in Australian savannas more generally have higher resilience than those in southern rangelands where fire frequency is relatively low. This supports our hypothesis that an evolutionary history of frequent fire confers resilience to grazing. Many more studies are required, but we suggest that resilience to grazing might be related more to evolutionary history in relation to fire, a more pervasive remover of plant biomass globally, than to grazing.

Implications for insect conservation

Grazing by cattle is the dominant land-use in Australian savannas and the Australian savanna ant fauna is one of the richest on Earth; our findings of high resilience is therefore good news for insect conservation. Such good news is likely to have wide applicability to other fire-prone grassy ecosystems subject to livestock grazing.
On the (Complete) Reasons Behind Decisions
Authors: Darwiche Adnan , Hirth Auguste
Published: August 2022

Recent work has shown that the input-output behavior of some common machine learning classifiers can be captured in symbolic form, allowing one to reason about the behavior of these classifiers using symbolic techniques. This includes explaining decisions, measuring robustness, and proving formal properties of machine learning classifiers by reasoning about the corresponding symbolic classifiers. In this work, we present a theory for unveiling the reasons behind the decisions made by Boolean classifiers and study some of its theoretical and practical implications. At the core of our theory is the notion of a complete reason, which can be viewed as a necessary and sufficient condition for why a decision was made. We show how the complete reason can be used for computing notions such as sufficient reasons (also known as PI-explanations and abductive explanations), how it can be used for determining decision and classifier bias and how it can be used for evaluating counterfactual statements such as “a decision will stick even if ...because ... .” We present a linear-time algorithm for computing the complete reasoning behind a decision, assuming the classifier is represented by a Boolean circuit of appropriate form. We then show how the computed complete reason can be used to answer many queries about a decision in linear or polynomial time. We finally conclude with a case study that illustrates the various notions and techniques we introduced.
Ignatian Spirituality as Inspiration for a Pedagogical Theory of Accompaniment
Authors: Marek Zbigniew , Walulik Anna
Published: August 2022

The article presents Ignatian (Jesuit) spirituality as the source of a pedagogical concept that takes a subjective view of the human being regardless of their social position. Other subjects in the educational process (educator and personal God) are companions on the way to achieving good and developing one’s life potential. Another important aspect of Ignatian spirituality is the assumption that it can also perform a healing function, particularly transcendentally. This function concerns all the structures of human development and can be reflected in many ways of supporting human health. This perspective makes it possible to develop a model of Ignatian pedagogy in which the following elements are present: context, experience, reflection, action and evaluation. Recognising the educational values of these elements makes it possible to develop a pedagogical theory, called the pedagogy of accompaniment, which is reflected in a deep inner and outer sense of human existence. Thus, the purpose of this article is to describe the meaning of Ignatian spirituality for the pedagogy of accompaniment, with reference to its function of supporting the health of the human being, particularly the young.
Navigating the open innovation paradox: an integrative framework for adopting open innovation in pharmaceutical R&D in developing countries
Authors: Bhatnagar Bhawani , Dörfler Viktor , MacBryde Jillian
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we combine evidence from eight Indian pharmaceutical firms with extant literature and global best practices to conceptualize an integrative framework addressing the open innovation paradox (OIP), i.e., the tension between intellectual protection and openness. Firms in developing countries face additional challenges in the adoption of open innovation, such as the prevalence of open science norms, weak technology transfer systems, and mistrust between universities and industry; therefore, they employ open innovation selectively for pharmaceutical research. Prior research has examined the strategies to resolve OIP in the context of developed countries; the integrative framework proposed in this paper describes strategies for resolving the OIP in the context of developing countries. This framework illuminates the coping processes of the case firms and provides guidelines to uplift and accelerate the adoption of open innovation strategies in developing countries’ pharmaceutical sectors, and thus provides value to both theory and praxis.
Prompt gamma rays from fast neutron inelastic scattering on aluminum, titanium and copper
Authors: Mauerhofer Eric , Ilic Zeljko , Stieghorst Christian , Révay Zsolt , Vezhlev Egor , Ophoven Niklas , Randriamalala Tsitohaina H. , Brückel Thomas
Published: August 2022

Prompt gamma rays induced by inelastic scattering of fast neutrons on aluminum, titanium and copper were measured at an angle of 90o between fast neutron beam and detector of the instrument FaNGaS, operated by Jülich Centre of Neutron Science at Heinz-Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum in Garching. The fast neutron flux was 1.40 108 cm−2 s−1 with the average energy of 2.30 MeV. Intensities and neutron spectrum averaged isotopic partial cross section for production of 214 gamma lines (22 for aluminum, 72 for titanium and 120 for copper) are presented. The results are consistent with the literature data. However, the new sets of gamma lines are recommended to replace the old datasets from fast neutrons reactors with several new lines also recognizing a few false identifications. Additionally, the detection limits of aluminum, titanium, copper, iron and indium were determined as 1.0, 0.4, 0.9, 0.5 and 1.3 mg, respectively, for a counting time of 12 h.
A comparison of distance metrics for the multi-objective pathfinding problem
Authors: Weise Jens , Mostaghim Sanaz
Published: August 2022

Pathfinding, also known as route planning, is one of the most important aspects of logistics, robotics, and other applications where engineers must balance many competing interests. There is a significant challenge in pathfinding problems with multiple objectives because many paths can map to the same objective value. Such multi-modal solutions cannot easily be found in multi-objective optimisation algorithms, which are typically geared towards selection mechanisms in the objective space. A niching approach for preserving good diverse solutions in the decision space is proposed in this paper, which is tailored for pathfinding problems. The criteria used to compare the solutions within the decision space are path similarity metrics, which we extend from a previous study, and are used instead of the well-established crowding distance. In two variations, we investigate the proposed meta-heuristic approach on a range of benchmark instances and compare the methodology to a deterministic optimisation approach.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Neurocognitive impairment and patient–proxy agreement on health-related quality of life evaluations in recurrent high-grade glioma patients
Authors: Caramanna Ivan , Klein Martin , van den Bent Martin , Idbaih Ahmed , Wick Wolfgang , Taphoorn Martin J. B. , Dirven Linda , Bottomley Andrew , Reijneveld Jaap C. ,   The EORTC Quality of Life Group and EORTC Brain Tumor Group
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The rate of missing data on patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in brain tumor clinical trials is particularly high over time. One solution to this issue is the use of proxy (i.e., partner, relative, informal caregiver) ratings in lieu of patient-reported outcomes (PROs). In this study we investigated patient–proxy agreement on HRQOL outcomes in high-grade glioma (HGG) patients.

Methods

Generic and disease-specific HRQOL were assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BN20 in a sample of 501 patient–proxy dyads participating in EORTC trials 26101 and 26091. Patients were classified as impaired or intact, based on their neurocognitive performance. The level of patient–proxy agreement was measured using Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and the Bland–Altman limit of agreement. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to evaluate differences between patients’ and proxies’ HRQOL.

Results

Patient–proxy agreement in all HGG patients (N = 501) ranged from 0.082 to 0.460. Only 18.8% of all patients were neurocognitively intact. Lin’s CCC ranged from 0.088 to 0.455 in cognitively impaired patients and their proxies and from 0.027 to 0.538 in cognitively intact patients and their proxies.

Conclusion

While patient–proxy agreement on health-related quality of life outcomes is somewhat higher in cognitively intact patients, agreement in high-grade glioma patients is low in general. In light of these findings, we suggest to cautiously consider the use of proxy’s evaluation in lieu of patient-reported outcomes, regardless of patient’s neurocognitive status.
Measuring human capital in South Africa across socioeconomic subgroups using a latent-variable approach
Authors: Friderichs TJ , Correa F. M.
Published: August 2022

Human capital is a complex concept to measure given it is an unobserved latent construct. Education is a fundamental dimension of human capital and thus an education-based approach is the one most widely used. However, the international literature recommends a latent-variable approach to measuring human capital. This study thus aims to measure human capital in South Africa, a country experiencing extreme earnings and education inequalities, using a latent-variable approach and the National Income Dynamic Study (NIDS) dataset. The findings are that parental education is associated with the largest amount of variance in (latent) human capital, while the health indicator captures the least variance. Furthermore, the (latent) human capital variable provides a valuable measure to profile the distribution of human capital by socioeconomic subgroups.
Zebra Stripes with High Gyro-Harmonic Numbers
Authors: Benáček Jan , Karlický Marian
Published: August 2022

Solar radio zebras are used in the determination of the plasma density and magnetic field in solar flare plasmas. Analyzing observed zebra stripes and assuming their generation by the double-plasma resonance (DPR) instability, high values of the gyro-harmonic number are found. In some cases they exceed one hundred, in disagreement with the DPR growth rates computed up to now, which decrease with increasing gyro-harmonic number. We address the question of how zebras with high values of the gyro-harmonic numbers $s$
s
are generated. For this purpose, we compute the growth rates of the DPR instability in a very broad range of $s$
s
, considering a loss-cone $\kappa$
κ
-distribution of superthermal electrons and varying the loss-cone angle, electron energies, and background plasma temperature. We have numerically calculated the dispersion relations and the growth rates of the upper-hybrid waves and found that the growth rates increase with increasing gyro-harmonic numbers if the loss-cone angles are $\sim80^{\circ}$
∼

80
∘

. The highest growth rates for these loss-cone angles are obtained for velocity $v_{\kappa}= 0.15\,c$

v
κ

=
0.15

c
. The growth rates as a function of the gyro-harmonic number still show well distinct peaks, which correspond to zebra-stripe frequencies. The contrast between peak growth rates and surrounding growth rate levels increases as the $\kappa$
κ
index increases and the background temperature decreases. Zebras with high values of $s$
s
can be generated in regions where loss-cone distributions of superthermal electrons with large loss-cone angles ($\sim80^{\circ}$
∼

80
∘

) are present. Furthermore, owing to the high values of $s$
s
, the magnetic field is relatively weak and has a small spatial gradient in such regions.
Floating Islands Supported by LED Lighting: an Ecological Solution of Nutrients Removal from Municipal Wastewater?
Authors: Kilian S. , Bawiec A. , Pawęska K.
Published: August 2022

The aim of the study was to evaluate removal efficiency of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds by floating islands with macrophytes and influence of LED lights imitating the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on that effectiveness. Improving removal efficiency is crucial, thanks to ever-tightening legal requirements. Main reason for that is growing problem of eutrophication phenomenon. Nowadays, this problem is visible not only in lakes and ponds but also in water courses and coastal water. Study was conducted during time of 15 weeks. In that time, listed parameters were tested: pH, conductivity, total nitrogen, organic nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, total phosphorus, and phosphates. Each tank was filled with same amount of biologically treated wastewater; ambient temperature and dissolved oxygen concentrations were kept in same range for the time of experiment. Average concentrations of main pollutants in tanks with LED lighting have reached: conductivity, 936 μS/cm; TN, 8.55 mg/dm3; P-PO4, 0.74 mg/dm3; TP, 2.57 mg/dm3. In case of no LED lighting, concentrations of main pollutants have reached: conductivity, 949 μS/cm; TN, 12.85 mg/dm3; P-PO4, 1.28 mg/dm3; TP, 2.54 mg/dm3. Based on observations and analyses, it can be concluded that the use of LED lighting imitating PAR radiation has positive effect on removal efficiency of total nitrogen and phosphates. Data suggests optimal time for treatment with floating islands as 13 weeks, extending that time to 15 weeks leads to degradation of treated wastewater quality instead improving it.

Highlights

• Floating islands supported with LED lighting are an alternative solution for nutrients removal.

• LED light intensifies nitrogen and phosphorus removal from municipal wastewater.

• The use of macrophytes in third stage of wastewater purification may result in increased nutrient removal efficiency.
Haidt’s Durkheimian Utilitarianism—a Charitable Interpretation
Authors: Juzaszek Maciej
Published: August 2022

In the paper, I aim to reconstruct a charitable interpretation of Durkheimian utilitarianism, a normative theory of public morality proposed by well-recognised American moral psychologist – Jonathan Haidt, which might provide reasons to justify particular legal regulations and public policies. The reconstruction contains a coherent theory that includes elements of rule-utilitarianism, value pluralism, objective list theory and perfectionism, as well as references to Emile’s Durkheim views on human nature. I also compare Durkheimian utilitarianism with two similar theories – Brad Hooker’s rule consequentialism and Krzysztof Saja’s institutional function consequentialism.
Vermittlungsarbeit und Bewertungswissen
Authors: Berli Oliver , Alberth Lars
Published: August 2022

Die bewertungssoziologische Analyse von Genussmitteln orientiert sich primär an drei Forschungsprogrammen, die sich bislang theoretisch unvermittelt gegenüberstehen: Wirtschaftssoziologisch wird der Wert von Genussmitteln aus den strukturellen Rahmenbedingungen, Konventionen und Praktiken der Konsum- und Produktionswelten erschlossen. Kultursoziologisch werden Genussmittel hingegen als Objekt statusbezogenen Konsums untersucht, der die soziale Position und damit den sozialen Wert der Konsument*innen anzeigt. In ethnomethodologischer Perspektive kommen schließlich die Ausarbeitung und Anwendung von Vokabularen der Bewertung, Kennerschaft und des Geschmacks in den Blick. Wir versuchen diese drei Zugänge am Beispiel der Vermittlung des Kaffee-Schmeckens zusammenzuführen und körpersoziologisch zu akzentuieren. Empirischer Ausgangspunkt sind Feldbeobachtungen von Tastings. Diese Form der Vermittlungsarbeit stützt sich auf die gezielte Verknüpfung von sinnlichem Erleben (Schmecken des Kaffees) und diskursiver Kommunikation von Bewertungskategorien. Damit werden nicht nur geschmacks- und distinktionsfähige Körper sozialisiert, sondern auch die für das Fortbestehen der Röstereien notwendige Kundschaft produziert.
Combining Community Wastewater Genomic Surveillance with State Clinical Surveillance: A Framework for SARS-CoV-2 Public Health Practice
Authors: Smith Ted , Holm Rochelle H. , Yeager Ray , Moore Joseph B. , Rouchka Eric C. , Sokoloski Kevin J. , Elliott Erin M. , Talley Daymond , Arora Vaneet , Moyer Sarah , Bhatnagar Aruni
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to develop a framework for combining community wastewater surveillance with state clinical surveillance for the confirmation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants within the community and to provide recommendations on how to expand on such research and apply the findings in public health responses. Wastewater samples were collected weekly from 17 geographically resolved locations in Louisville/Jefferson County, Kentucky (USA), from February 10 to December 13, 2021. Genomic surveillance and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) platforms were used to screen for SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, and state clinical surveillance was used for confirmation. The study results highlighted an increased epidemiological value of combining community wastewater genomic surveillance and RT-qPCR with conventional case-auditing methods. The spatial scale and temporal frequency of wastewater sampling provided promising sensitivity and specificity for gaining public health screening insights about SARS-CoV-2 emergence, seeding, and spread in communities. Improved national surveillance systems are needed against future pathogens and variants, and wastewater-based genomic surveillance exhibits great potential when coupled with clinical testing. This paper presents evidence that complementary wastewater and clinical testing are cost-effectively enhanced when used in combination, as they provide a strong tool for a joint public health framework. Future pathogens of interest may be examined in either a targeted fashion or using a more global approach where all pathogens are monitored. This study has also provided novel insights developed from evidence-based public health practices.
Intelligence subcomponents and their relationship to general knowledge
Authors: Buades-Sitjar Francisco , Duñabeitia Jon Andoni
Published: August 2022

Research on the different components of fluid intelligence and how they relate to each other is quite extensive. Meanwhile, when it comes to crystallized intelligence, only vocabulary size has been somewhat thoroughly studied, while other key components, such as general knowledge, remain largely unexplored. This study aims to further our understanding of general knowledge as a key component of crystallized intelligence, and of general intelligence as a whole, by exploring how it is influenced by other components of intelligence. To that end, we had 90 participants complete an extensive general knowledge questionnaire, as well as several tests aimed at measuring various components of intelligence, and computed linear regressions to examine how these various components influence general knowledge scores. Our results reveal that, even though general intelligence is able to predict general knowledge scores, only some specific components of intelligence have a direct positive impact on general knowledge. These findings are discussed in regard to intellectual investment theories on the relationship between fluid and crystallized intelligence.
Automated monitoring and warning solution for concrete placement and vibration workmanship quality issues
Authors: Lee Sanggyu , Skibniewski Miroslaw J.
Published: August 2022

Placing and vibrating concrete are vital activities that affect its quality. The current monitoring method relies on visual and time-consuming feedbacks by project managers, which can be subjective. With this method, poor workmanship cannot be detected well on the spot; rather, the concrete is inspected and repaired after it becomes hardened. To address the problems of retroactive quality control measures and to achieve real-time quality assurance of concrete operations, this paper presents a monitoring and warning solution for concrete placement and vibration workmanship quality. Specifically, the solution allows for collecting and compiling real-time sensor data related to the workmanship quality and can send alerts to project managers when related parameters are out of the required ranges. This study consists of four steps: (1) identifying key operational factors (KOFs) which determine acceptable workmanship of concrete work; (2) reviewing and selecting an appropriate positioning technology for collecting the data of KOFs; (3) designing and programming modules for a solution that can interpret the positioning data and send alerts to project managers when poor workmanship is suspected; and (4) testing the solution at a certain construction site for validation by comparing the positioning and warning data with a video record. The test results show that the monitoring performance of concrete placement is accurate and reliable. Follow-up studies will focus on developing a communication channel between the proposed solution and concrete workers, so that feedbacks can be directly delivered to them.
A Dynastic History of Iran
Authors: Kamrava Mehran
Published: August 2022

This rich dynastic study examines the political histories of Iran's last two monarchical dynasties, the Qajars and the Pahlavis. Tracing the rise and fall of both dynasties, Mehran Kamrava addresses essential questions about how and why they rose to power; what domestic and international forces impacted them; how they ruled; and how they met their end. Exploring over two hundred years of political history, Kamrava's comprehensive yet concise account places developments within relevant frameworks in an accessible manner. With detailed examinations of Iran's history, politics, and economics, he interrogates the complexities of dynastic rule in Iran and considers its enduring legacy. Developing innovative interpretations and utilizing original primary sources, this book illuminates the impact of the monarchy's rule and ultimate collapse on Iranian history, as well as Iran's subsequent politics and revolution.
The Politics of Comprehensive School Reforms
Authors: Sass Katharina
Published: August 2022

Why are school systems structured differently across countries? The Politics of Comprehensive School Reform examines this question through an in-depth analysis of school politics in Germany and Norway during the post-war period of educational expansion. Using a Rokkanian theoretical framework, the book argues that school politics can only be understood in light of the cleavages, or political divides, that shape actors' interests, ideologies, and inclinations for who they want to cooperate with – or not. The book analyzes cross-cutting cleavages connected to religion, geography, language, anticommunism, and gender, and demonstrates how Norwegian social democrats and German Christian democrats built successful coalitions by mobilizing support from different social groups. Extensively researched and expansively applicable, this book contributes to the interdisciplinary literature on the politics of education, and to the field of comparative welfare and education regime research. This book is also available Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Surface Structure Determination by LEED and X-rays
Authors: Moritz Wolfgang , Van Hove Michel A.
Published: August 2022

This timely text covers the theory and practice of surface and nanostructure determination by low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) and surface X-ray diffraction (SXRD): it is the first book on such quantitative structure analysis in over 30 years. It provides a detailed description of the theory, including cutting-edge developments and tested experimental methods. The focus is on quantitative techniques, while the qualitative interpretation of the LEED pattern without quantitative I(V) analysis is also included. Topics covered include the future study of nanoparticles, quasicrystals, thermal parameters, disorder and modulations of surfaces with LEED, with introductory sections enabling the non-specialist to follow all the concepts and applications discussed. With numerous colour figures throughout, this text is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students and researchers, whether experimentalists or theorists, in the fields of surface science, nanoscience and related technologies. It can serve as a textbook for graduate-level courses of one or two semesters.
Homer and the Tradition of Political Philosophy
Authors: Ahrensdorf Peter J.
Published: August 2022

In this book, Peter Ahrensdorf explores an overlooked but crucial role that Homer played in the thought of Plato, Machiavelli, and Nietzsche concerning, notably, the relationship between politics, religion, and philosophy; and in their debates about human nature, morality, the proper education for human excellence, and the best way of life. By studying Homer in conjunction with these three political philosophers, Ahrensdorf demonstrates that Homer was himself a philosophical thinker and educator. He presents the full force of Plato's critique of Homer and the paramount significance of Plato's achievement in winning honor for philosophy. Ahrensdorf also makes possible an appreciation of the powerful concerns expressed by Machiavelli and Nietzsche regarding that achievement. By uncovering and bringing to life the rich philosophic conversation among these four foundational thinkers, Ahrensdorf shows that there are many ways of living a philosophic life. His book broadens and deepens our understanding of what a philosopher is.