bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of self‐report and discrepancy measures of camouflaging: Exploring sex differences in diagnosed autistic versus high autistic trait young adults
Authors: Milner Victoria , Colvert Emma , Mandy William , Happé Francesca
Published: December 2022

Camouflaging describes masking or compensating for autistic traits and/or related difficulties. Some evidence suggests autistic females camouflage more than autistic males, potentially contributing to delayed or missed diagnosis. Studies predominantly adopt self‐report measures of camouflaging, potentially reflecting a person's intent to camouflage without accurately measuring effectiveness (i.e., success in fulfilling the intended effect of minimizing the appearance of autistic traits) of camouflaging. Discrepancy scores between underlying cognitive difficulties (e.g., theory of mind) and observed autistic traits (henceforth camoToM), or between self‐reported autistic traits and observed autistic traits (henceforth camoSRS), may provide a more accurate measure of camouflaging effectiveness. Three measures of camouflaging administered to autistic males (n = 46) and females (n = 40), and adults with equally high levels of autistic traits but no diagnosis (n = 45 males, n = 43 females) recruited from a large population‐based sample were compared. Self‐report measures of camouflaging were significantly correlated with camoSRS scores only. Both discrepancy scores were correlated with each other. Adults with high autistic traits, but no diagnosis, had higher discrepancy camouflaging scores than diagnosed adults, but self‐reported scores were similar. Diagnosed females scored higher than diagnosed males across all camouflaging measures, but no sex difference occurred in the high trait group. This might indicate that autistic females have higher intentions and greater effectiveness when camouflaging, compared with autistic males. For camoSRS only, high trait males scored significantly higher than diagnosed males; no group difference occurred for females. These results suggest that, despite all participants intending to camouflage to some extent, effective camouflaging as measured by discrepancy scores is higher in undiagnosed high autistic trait individuals. One interpretation is that effective camouflaging reduces the likelihood of autism diagnosis in males and females with high autistic traits.
Aufstockungen auf Siedlungsbauten der 1950er‐ und 1960er‐Jahre – Eine Potenzialanalyse am Fallbeispiel Hamburger Wohnungsgenossenschaftsbauten
Authors: Meyer Kathrin , Klotz Peter‐Matthias
Published: December 2022

Angesichts der wachsendenden Haushaltszahl in deutschen Großstädten mit einhergehender Wohnungsnachfrage sowie des hohen Flächen‐ und Ressourcenverbrauchs im Neubau wird am Fallbeispiel der Stadt Hamburg das Potenzial der Nachverdichtung durch Aufstockung untersucht. Ausgangslage bildet die These, dass drei‐ bis viergeschossige Siedlungsbauten der 1950er‐ und 1960er‐Jahre aufgrund ausreichender Lastreserven und der Abstände zu angrenzender Bebauung gute Voraussetzungen für ein‐ bis zweigeschossige Aufstockungen bieten. Untersuchungsgegenstand sind Mehrfamilienwohngebäude Hamburger Wohnungsbaugenossenschaften. Der Aufsatz soll Entscheidungsgrundlagen für zukünftige Aufstockungsvorhaben auf drei‐ bis viergeschossigen Siedlungsbauten zur Verfügung stellen. Die Aufstockungspotenzialanalyse erfolgt in drei Betrachtungsebenen: Stadt, Gebäude und Konstruktion. Auf der Ebene Stadt wurde das quantitative Potenzial für Wohnungsneubauten durch Aufstockung auf den o. g. Gebäuden anhand von digitalem Karten‐ und Bildmaterial untersucht und somit die Relevanz bestätigt. Für die Gebäudeebene wurden Wohngebäudetypologien anhand von Bestandsplänen definiert. Auf der Ebene Konstruktion wurden anhand von Bestandsstatiken vorhandene Lastreserven analysiert. Ausgehend von der Wohngebäudetypologie sowie den rechtlichen und bautechnischen Vorgaben können mithilfe der formulierten Entscheidungsgrundlagen Annahmen zu Aufstockungsmöglichkeiten getroffen und Handlungsoptionen hergeleitet werden.
Advances in MoS2based Hollow Structural Materials for High‐Performance Metal‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wang Yashi , Guo Shilong , Hui Yiqing , Wei Hanyue , Song Jianjun , Zhao Xiaoxian
Published: December 2022

The construction of a hollow structure could promote the diffusion of electrons and ions to improve the electrochemical performance of MoS2based materials for metal‐ion batteries. Herein, we summarize the preparation technique of MoS2hollow structural materials with different dimensions. The approaches to construct 0D hollow MoS2materials for electrodes of metal‐ion batteries can be divided into the hard template approach, soft template approach, self‐template approach, and template‐free approach. Among them, the hard template approach and self‐sacrifice template approach are controllable but complicated, the soft template approach and template‐free approach are simple and scalable but not controllable. Furthermore, as the electrode material of metal‐ion batteries including lithium‐ion battery, sodium‐ion battery, potassium‐ion battery or magnesium‐ion battery, the 0D hollow structural MoS2based materials could improve the diffusion kinetics of ion and electron and restrict the stack of MoS2. Furthermore, the 1D hollow MoS2can provide oriented electron diffusion along with the axial direction, and the 3D hollow MoS2can offer perforative pores for permeation of electrolytes and more active sites, which results in excellent rate capability and cycling stability. This paper could give inspiration for constructing MoS2hollow structural materials with different dimensions and provide a constructive suggestion for synthesizing hollow materials with excellent electrochemical performance.
Rapidly accelerated development of neutralizing COVID‐19 antibodies by reducing cell line and CMC development timelines
Authors: Tan Kee Wee , Ji Pengfei , Qian Zichen , Gao Qiao , Wang Shuai , Li Qin , Gu Mingzhu , Zhang Qi , Hou Chengjian , Huang Yang , Lian Dujuan , Wang Junghao , Zhang Zheng , Zhang Sam , Wu Jiansheng , Zhou Weichang
Published: December 2022

Since the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak, unconventional cell line development (CLD) strategies have been taken to enable development of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2)‐neutralizing antibodies at expedited speed. We previously reported a novel chemistry, manufacturing, and control (CMC) workflow and demonstrated a much‐shortened timeline of 3–6 months from DNA to investigational new drug (IND) application. Hereafter, we have incorporated this CMC strategy for many SARS‐CoV‐2‐neutralizing antibody programs at WuXi Biologics. In this paper, we summarize the accelerated development of a total of seven antibody programs, some of which have received emergency use authorization  approval in less than 2 years. Stable pools generated under good manufacturing practice (GMP) conditions consistently exhibited similar productivity and product quality at different scales and batches, enabling rapid initiation of phase I clinical trials. Clones with comparable product quality as parental pools were subsequently screened and selected for late‐stage development and manufacturing. Moreover, a preliminary stability study plan was devised to greatly reduce the time required for final clone determination and next‐generation sequencing‐based viral testing was implemented to support rapid conditional release of the master cell bank for GMP production. The successful execution of these COVID‐19 programs relies on our robust, fit for purpose, and continuously improving CLD platform. The speed achieved for pandemic‐related biologics development may innovate typical biologics development timelines and become a new standard in the industry.
Identification of the metabolites of neocnidilide in rat, monkey and human liver microsomes by liquid chromatography coupled to benchtop Orbitrap mass spectrometry
Authors: Xie Tiantian , Huang Lihua , Wang Chengcheng
Published: December 2022

Neocnidilide, a bioactive component isolated from Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, displayed anti‐inflammatory activity. The present work was performed to investigate in vitro metabolism of neocnidilide using liver microsomes. Neocnidilide (10 μM) was incubated with NADPH‐supplemented rat monkey and human liver microsomes. To identify the reactive metabolites, glutathione (GSH) was included in the incubations. Liquid chromatography coupled to an Orbitrap mass spectrometer was used to detect and identify the metabolites. The structures of the metabolites were characterized by accurate masses and fragmentation patterns. A total of six hydroxylation metabolites and nine GSH conjugates were tentatively identified characterized. The metabolic pathways included hydroxylation, dehydrogenation and GSH conjugation. M6 was the major metabolite in human liver microsomes. CYP1A2 (25%), 2B6 (31.6%), 2C9 (10.5%) and 3A4 (18%) were the predominant isoenzymes governing its formation. This study provides valuable information on the in vitro metabolism of neocnidilide, which is indispensable for the further safety assessment of this compound.
School absenteeism in the post‐pandemic world
Authors: Walters Anne S.
Published: December 2022

We are starting to learn about the long‐reaching effects of the pandemic on children's education. Media has tended to focus on declines in test scores, with particular attention paid to effects on educational disparities. At the same time, rates of truancy have also dramatically increased. McKinsey & Co (December 2021) reported the rates of chronically absent students to be 22%, which is double the rate from prior to the pandemic, and noted that this may result in an additional 1.7 million to 3.3 million 8th‐12th graders dropping out of school.
Determining the geographical origin of durum wheat samples by combining strontium isotope ratio and multielemental analyses
Authors: Monti Carlo , Cavanna Daniele , Rodushkin Ilia , Monti Arianna , Leporati Andrea , Suman Michele
Published: December 2022

Background and objectives

Determining the geographical origin of durum wheat is an important and emerging challenge because consumers perceive added value of final products (e.g., pasta) depending on the origin. Declaration of geographical origin is also an emerging requirement of specific national regulations. Among analytical strategies for determining geographical origins of samples, isotopic techniques based on both light and radiogenic isotope targets stand out, despite limitations of applicability, validation and assessment of interyear variability.

Findings

In this study, 87Sr/86Sr isotopic analysis was successfully used to discriminate Italian (ITA) samples versus rest‐of‐the world (RoW) samples and subsequently integrated with an elemental analysis (ICP‒MS) on 75 elements. A tiered approach was finally adopted in which the results of the 87Sr/86Sr analysis were input to a second step of support vector machine classification modeling (SVMC) based on the Al, Mn, Mo, P, S, Ti, Y, and Zn percentages in each sample. This model was tested against a blind group of samples with overall satisfactory performance.

Conclusion

Valuable information from multielemental and stable isotope ratio analyses was collected for authentic samples from different Italian, European, and non‐European regions harvested during different years.

Significance and novelty

This study demonstrates the potential and validity of an innovative combined multielemental and strontium isotope ratio approach for the geographic discrimination of durum wheat on a global scale: the developed predictive model has already been routinely employed to control industrial lots.
Was Menschen bewegt, die etwas bewegen
Authors: Stange Berit
Published: December 2022

Dr. Berit Stange ist Chemikerin und seit 2005 für Bayer, heute Covestro in Leverkusen tätig. 2019 wurde sie mit Dr. Christoph Gürtler und Prof. Dr. Walter Leitner* für ihre Arbeiten im Projekt “CO2 ‐ ein Rohstoff für nachhaltige Kunststoffe” für den deutschen Zukunftspreis nominiert. Das Team hat ein katalytisches Verfahren entwickelt, mit dem sich Kohlendioxid aus Abgasen zu marktfähigen Kosten als Ausgangsmaterial für die chemische Industrie nutzen lässt.
Unser wertvollstes Gut: der wissenschaftliche Nachwuchs
Authors: Beimdiek Franziska , Nagarajan Abhinav , Wachsmann Christian
Published: December 2022

Die kreativen jungen Verfahrensingenieure und ‐ingenieurinnen (kjVI) liefern den wertvollsten Rohstoff für die Ingenieurswissenschaften: begeisterten Nachwuchs. Das Ziel der kjVI ist es, die Neugier in Schülern und Studierenden auf Verfahrenstechnik zu wecken sowie junge Verfahrenstechniker und ‐technikerinnen und Promovierende den lebendigen Austausch zwischen Industrie und Wissenschaft zu ermöglichen.
Wirtschaftlich und vielseitig
Authors: van Dorp Annette
Published: December 2022

Wie lassen sich die Vorteile einer Verdrängerpumpe auf eine kostengünstige Kolbenpumpe übertragen? Diese Fragen stellten sich die Entwickler beim Pumpenhersteller Bungartz. Das Ergebnis ist eine hermetisch dichte Rotationskolbenpumpe, die nicht nur energieeffizient arbeitet sondern auch weitere Vorteile verschiedener bereits bekannter Technologien kombiniert. Die neue Pumpe fördert pulsationsarm und erfordert durch ihre Konstruktion wenig Wartung.
Severe, life‐threatening, and fatal chronic health conditions after allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation in childhood
Authors: Holmqvist Anna Sällfors , Chen Yanjun , Hageman Lindsey , Landier Wendy , Wu Jessica , Francisco Liton F. , Ross Elizabeth Schlichting , Balas Nora A. , Bosworth Alysia , Te Hok Sreng , Goldman Frederick D. , Rosenthal Joseph , Wong F. Lennie , Weisdorf Daniel J. , Armenian Saro H. , Bhatia Smita
Published: December 2022

Background

A comprehensive assessment of morbidity after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) performed in childhood remains understudied.

Methods

Seven hundred eighty‐nine allogeneic BMT recipients who had survived ≥2 years after BMT performed between 1974 and 2014 at age <22 years and 690 siblings completed a 255‐item survey self‐reporting sociodemographics and chronic health conditions. A severity score (grade 3 [severe], 4 [life‐threatening], or 5 [fatal]) was assigned to the conditions using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0. For the BMT cohort, the cumulative incidence of chronic health conditions was calculated as a function of time from BMT. Proportional subdistribution hazards models were used to determine predictors of grade 3–5 conditions. Logistic regression was used to estimate the risk of grade 3–4 conditions in BMT recipients who were alive at the time of this study compared with siblings.

Results

The median age at transplantation was 11.3 years (range, 0.4–22.0 years), and the median length of follow‐up was 11.7 years (range, 2.0–45.3 years). The most prevalent primary diagnoses were acute lymphoblastic leukemia (30.7%), and acute myeloid leukemia/myelodysplastic syndrome (26.9%). At age 35 years, the cumulative incidence of a grade 3–4 condition was 53.8% (95% CI, 46.7%–60.3%). The adjusted odds ratio of a grade 3–4 condition was 15.1 in survivors (95% CI, 9.5–24.0) compared with siblings. The risk of a grade 3–5 condition increased with age at BMT (hazard ratio [HR], 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01–1.05) and was higher among females (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.02–1.59), patients who received total body irradiation (HR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.27–2.31), and those reporting chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.09–1.74).

Conclusions

Two‐year survivors of allogeneic BMT in childhood have an increased risk of grade 3–4 chronic health conditions compared with siblings, suggesting the need for long‐term follow‐up.
A Single‐center, Open‐label, Parallel Control Study Comparing the Pharmacokinetics and Safety of a Single Oral Dose of Roflumilast and Its Active Metabolite Roflumilast N‐oxide in Healthy Chinese and Caucasian Volunteers
Authors: Han Mai , Lin Xiao‐yan , Cui Gang , Chen Shuai , Wu Wei , Mi Na , Wang Jing , Xiao Chun‐yan , Zhang Xin , Lu Xing , Li Jin‐tong
Published: December 2022

Roflumilast is a phosphodiesterase‐4 inhibitor which treats chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Roflumilast N‐oxide is the major metabolite of roflumilast with a similar mechanism of action to roflumilast. Although racial differences in roflumilast drug disposition have been observed, the necessity of dose adjustment is subject to debate. This study compares the pharmacokinetics of a single 500 μg dose of roflumilast in healthy Chinese and Caucasian subjects under uniform conditions. Chinese subjects were found to have longer t1/2 and higher AUC0‐t and Cmax than Caucasian subjects. The point estimates on the geometric mean of AUC0‐t in Chinese subjects were 22% higher for roflumilast and 46% higher for roflumilast N‐oxide. Point estimates on the geometric mean of Cmax were 9% and 24% higher for roflumilast and roflumilast N‐oxide, respectively. Total phosphodiesterase‐4 (PDE4) inhibitory (tPDE4i) activity, a theoretical parameter that describes the combined contribution to PDE4 inhibitory activity of roflumilast and roflumilast N‐oxide, was 44% higher in Chinese subjects than in Caucasian subjects. With about a 10‐fold higher plasma AUC compared to the parent roflumilast and a much longer observed half‐life, roflumilast N‐oxide has been estimated to contribute about 90% of tPDE4i, with 10% attributed to the parent compound roflumilast. Following body weight normalization, these figures were lower but remained significant. Safety analysis showed signs of reduced tolerance or different pharmacodynamic response to roflumilast in Chinese recipients than in Caucasians. Our results suggest that Chinese patients should receive a dose of roflumilast lower than 500 μg daily during future clinical trials.
Mega‐environment analysis and breeding for specific adaptation
Authors: Yan Weikai , Nilsen Kirby T. , Beattie Aaron
Published: December 2022

Mega‐environment (ME) analysis is analysis of multi‐year, multi‐location crop variety trial data conducted in a target region of a crop to understand the magnitude and nature of genotype‐by‐environment interaction (GE) of the crop in the region. If repeatable GE patterns are identified, then the target region must be divided into subregions or MEs. Breeding and utilizing ME‐specific cultivars will convert the repeatable GE into genotypic main effect (G) within ME, thereby improving heritability (selection reliability) and selection gain and maximize regional and overall productivity. If no repeatable GE is found, then the target region must be treated as a single ME and the GE must be accommodated by testing adequately, that is, at a sufficient number of locations in a sufficient number of years. This paper presents a theoretical framework of ME analysis, describes graphical tools to reveal the which‐won‐where patterns in a genotype‐by‐environment dataset, and demonstrates LG (location‐grouping) biplot analysis for revealing repeatable GE patterns and delineating MEs. The concept of G + GE or GGE, that is, GE relative to G, is emphasized. It is the relative GE that is the basis for ME analysis and breeding for specific adaptation; absolute magnitude of GE has little relevance for these purposes. Breeding ME‐specific oat cultivars in Canada is demonstrated with a real‐world example.
Migratory connectivity of North American waterfowl across administrative flyways
Authors: Roberts Anthony , Scarpignato Amy L. , Huysman Allison , Hostetler Jeffrey A. , Cohen Emily B.
Published: December 2022

Management of waterfowl that migrate seasonally across North America occurs within four flyways that were delineated in the early 1900s to include the annual movements of populations. Movements may have changed over the past century since the administrative flyways were established, and may do so while management plans are in use, so information about transitions among flyways through time can illustrate how management assumptions may change. Today there are more than 12 million records from 60 years of migratory waterfowl band recoveries to assess adaptive management approaches that will be most effective when they account for movements within and between flyways. We examined how much the movement of North American waterfowl occurs between flyways, whether those movements have changed through time, and whether movements of mallards are representative of multiple species, as suggested by current harvest management strategies. We estimated the probability a duck would transition from one flyway to another and the strength of migratory connectivity (MC) for each species within and among flyways. We used capture–mark–recovery models to estimate population‐specific movement within and among flyways (transition probabilities) for 15 migratory waterfowl species that were banded during breeding and recovered during winter. We developed new functionality in the R package MigConnectivity to estimate the species‐specific strength of MC using transition probability samples from the capture–mark–recovery models. We found the regular movement of duck populations among flyways, overall weak MC, and no consistent change in migratory movements through time. Mallard movements were median among all duck species, but significantly different from many species, particularly diving ducks. Despite the significant movement between flyways, our work suggests flyway management of waterfowl matches many of the seasonal movements of these species when considering mid‐continent flyway management. We recommend models accounting for all transition probabilities between populations and regularly estimating harvest derivations, transition probabilities, and MC metrics to verify that the current movements match model assumptions.
Multiscale relationships between humpback whales and forage species hotspots within a large marine ecosystem
Authors: Szesciorka Angela R. , Demer David A. , Santora Jarrod A. , Forney Karin A. , Moore Jeff E.
Published: December 2022

Fluctuations in prey abundance, composition, and distribution can impact predators, and when predators and fisheries target the same species, predators become essential to ecosystem‐based management. Because of the difficulty in collecting concomitant predator–prey data at appropriate scales in patchy environments, few studies have identified strong linkages between cetaceans and prey, especially across large geographic areas. During summer 2018, a line‐transect survey for cetaceans and coastal pelagic species was conducted over the continental shelf and slope of British Columbia, Canada, and the US West Coast, allowing for a large‐scale investigation of predator–prey spatial relationships. We report on a case study of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and their primary prey—Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii), northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax), and krill—using generalized additive models to explore the relationships between whale abundance on 10‐km transect segments and prey metrics. Prey metrics included direct measures of biomass densities on segments and an original hotspot metric. For each prey species, segments in the upper fifth percentile for biomass density (across all segments) were designated hotspots, and whale counts on a segment were evaluated for their relationship to number of hotspot segments (species‐specific and multispecies) within 25, 50, or 100 km. Whale abundance was not strongly related to direct measures of biomass densities, whereas models using hotspot metrics were more effective at describing variation in whale abundance, underscoring that evaluating prey at relevant and measurable scales is critical in patchy, dynamic marine environments. Our analysis highlighted differences in the distribution and prey availability for three humpback whale distinct population segments (DPSs) as defined under the US Endangered Species Act, including threatened and endangered DPSs that forage within the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem. These linkages provide insights into which prey species whales may be targeting in different regions and across multiple scales and, consequently, how climatic variability and anthropogenic risks may differentially impact these distinct predator–prey assemblages. By identifying scale‐appropriate prey hotspots that co‐occur with humpback whale aggregations, and with targeted, consistent prey sampling and estimations of potential consumption rates by whales, these findings can help inform the conservation and management of humpback whales within an ecosystem‐based management framework.
Different proxies, different stories? Imperfect correlations and different determinants of fitness in bighorn sheep
Authors: Van de Walle Joanie , Larue Benjamin , Pigeon Gabriel , Pelletier Fanie
Published: December 2022

Measuring individual fitness empirically is required to assess selective pressures and predicts evolutionary changes in nature. There is, however, little consensus on how fitness should be empirically estimated. As fitness proxies vary in their underlying assumptions, their relative sensitivity to individual, environmental, and demographic factors may also vary. Here, using a long‐term study, we aimed at identifying the determinants of individual fitness in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) using seven fitness proxies. Specifically, we compared four‐lifetime fitness proxies: lifetime breeding success, lifetime reproductive success, individual growth rate, individual contribution to population growth, and three multi‐generational proxies: number of granddaughters, individual descendance in the next generation, and relative genetic contribution to the next generation. We found that all proxies were positively correlated, but the magnitude of the correlations varied substantially. Longevity was the main determinant of most fitness proxies. Individual fitness calculated over more than one generation was also affected by population density and growth rate. Because they are affected by contrasting factors, our study suggests that different fitness proxies should not be used interchangeably as they may convey different information about selective pressures and lead to divergent evolutionary predictions. Uncovering the mechanisms underlying variation in individual fitness and improving our ability to predict evolutionary change might require the use of several, rather than one, the proxy of individual fitness.
Impacts of extreme climatic events on trophic network complexity and multidimensional stability
Authors: Polazzo Francesco , Hermann Markus , Crettaz‐Minaglia Melina , Rico Andreu
Published: December 2022

Untangling the relationship between network complexity and ecological stability under climate change is an arduous challenge for theoretical and empirical ecology. Even more so, when considering extreme climatic events. Here, we studied the effects of extreme climatic events (heatwaves) on the complexity of realistic freshwater ecosystems using topological and quantitative trophic network metrics. Next, we linked changes in network complexity with the investigation of four stability components (temporal stability, resistance, resilience, and recovery) of community's functional, compositional, and energy flux stability. We found reduction in topological network complexity to be correlated with reduction of functional and compositional resistance. However, temperature‐driven increase in link‐weighted network complexity increased functional and energy flux recovery and resilience, but at the cost of increased compositional instability. Overall, we propose an overarching approach to elucidate the effects of climate change on multidimensional stability through the lens of network complexity, providing helpful insights for preserving ecosystems stability under climate change.
Pragmatic screening for heart failure in the general population using an electrocardiogram‐based neural network
Authors: Surendra Kishore , Nürnberg Sylvia , Bremer Jan P. , Knorr Marius S. , Ückert Frank , Wenzel Jan Per , Bei der Kellen Ramona , Westermann Dirk , Schnabel Renate B. , Twerenbold Raphael , Magnussen Christina , Kirchhof Paulus , Blankenberg Stefan , Neumann Johannes , Schrage Benedikt
Published: December 2022

Aims

We aim to develop a pragmatic screening tool for heart failure at the general population level.

Methods and results

This study was conducted within the Hamburg‐City‐Health‐Study, an ongoing, prospective, observational study enrolling randomly selected inhabitants of the city of Hamburg aged 45–75 years. Heart failure was diagnosed per current guidelines. Using only digital electrocardiograms (ECGs), a convolutional neural network (CNN) was built to discriminate participants with and without heart failure. As comparisons, known risk variables for heart failure were fitted into a logistic regression model and a random forest classifier. Of the 5299 individuals included into this study, 318 individuals (6.0%) had heart failure. Using only the digital ECGs instead of several risk variables as an input, the CNN provided a comparable predictive accuracy for heart failure versus the logistic regression model and the random forest classifier [area under the curve (AUC) of 0.75, a sensitivity of 0.67 and a specificity of 0.69 for the CNN; AUC 0.77, a sensitivity of 0.63 and a specificity of 0.76 for the logistic regression; AUC 0.79, a sensitivity of 0.67 and a specificity of 0.72 for the random forest classifier].

Conclusions

Using a CNN build on digital ECGs only and requiring no additional input, we derived a screening tool for heart failure in the general population. This could be perfectly embedded into clinical routine of general practitioners, as it builds on an already established diagnostic tool and does not require additional, time‐consuming input. This could help to alleviate the underdiagnosis of heart failure.
Structural components for the development of a heart failure network
Authors: Luedike Peter , Papathanasiou Maria , Schmack Bastian , Kamler Markus , Perings Christian , Ruhparwar Arjang , Rassaf Tienush
Published: December 2022

Diagnosis and treatment of heart failure (HF) is challenging, and development of specialized HF networks is mandatory to warrant broad access to guideline directed therapies for patients. Numerous national cardiovascular societies recommend a three‐level association of health care providers. This comprises tertiary academic centres, specialized HF clinics and specialized general cardiologists to cover the large spectrum of HF severity and entities. Although this idea of a multi‐level care is widely accepted, optimal approach to build and implement a HF network service needs further definition. The core principle is that of network healthcare facilities that also consider regional peculiarities and that implements academic standards, quality indicators (QIs), interdisciplinarity and reimbursement strategies. These determinants of trans‐sectoral healthcare need to be embedded in a network that provides sustainability and that incorporates QIs to objectify the efficacy of specific measures. The basis of a HF‐network should be a certification system of the respective national HF association to warrant guideline standards and to prevent development of regional hierarchies or dependencies between members. This nationwide framework needs to be complemented by a federal system of regional networks, which also takes local demands into account. These regional units should incorporate digital communication and interaction pathways, structured educational programmes, certified telehealth concepts and follow‐up algorithms to meet the requirements of sustainability and efficacy. We here summarize different components of HF networks and introduce the structure and development philosophy of the RUHR‐HF‐network that constitutes the first certified HF‐clinics‐network in the Ruhr area—the largest metropolitan area in Germany.
Transfer learning data adaptation using conflation of low‐level textural features
Authors: Wanjiku Raphael Ngigi , Nderu Lawrence , Kimwele Michael
Published: December 2022

Adapting the target dataset for a pre‐trained model is still challenging. These adaptation problems result from a lack of adequate transfer of traits from the source dataset; this often leads to poor model performance resulting in trial and error in selecting the best‐performing pre‐trained model. This paper introduces the conflation of source domain low‐level textural features extracted using the first layer of the pre‐trained model. The extracted features are compared to the conflated low‐level features of the target dataset to select a higher‐quality target dataset for improved pre‐trained model performance and adaptation. From comparing the various probability distance metrics, Kullback‐Leibler is adopted to compare the samples from both domains. We experiment on three publicly available datasets and two ImageNet pre‐trained models used in past studies for results comparisons. This proposed approach method yields two categories of the target samples with those with lower Kullback‐Leibler values giving better accuracy, precision and recall. The samples with the lower Kullback‐Leibler values give a higher margin accuracy rate of 0.22%–9.15%, thereby leading to better model adaptation and easier model selection process for the target transfer learning datasets and tasks.
Vanadium redox battery parameter estimation using electrochemical model by reduced number of sensors
Authors: Khaki Bahman , Sawant Rutvika , Das Pritam
Published: December 2022

The voltage and current sensors are normally necessary to estimate parameters of batteries like redox flow batteries. The estimable internal battery parameters are normally the state of charge and the available capacity of the battery in charging and discharging modes. These sensors have inherent delay and error, which result in error and delay in estimations of the battery parameters. The cost of these sensors also increases the total cost of the battery system. Therefore, this research aims to propose algorithms with a reduced number of sensors to estimate the parameters of Vanadium redox flow batteries. An algorithm is introduced in the current study in discharging mode with only a voltage sensor and without current sensor, and further, the battery current is estimated. Another algorithm is proposed in charging mode without current and voltage sensors; further, the battery current and terminal voltage are estimated. The proposed algorithms are based on the electrochemical model of the battery. The algorithm is tested in discharging mode, and the results show the Root Mean Square (RMS) error of 0.39 for the estimated battery current. In charging mode, the proposed algorithm is verified via two CC‐CV charging datasets, and the results show the RMS errors of 0.29 and 0.61, respectively for the estimated battery current. The estimation errors in charging and discharging modes are considerably low, and further, the state‐of‐charge and the capacity of the battery are also estimated.
Solid acid HND‐26 as a novel catalyst: Green and sustainable alternatives towards synthesis of benzyl cinnamate
Authors: Yu Qian , Zhang Hao , Tian Liya , Sun Shangde
Published: December 2022

High melting point and hydrophilicity of phenolic acids limit their application in lipophilic environments such as fat‐containing cosmetics and foods. The esterification of the carboxyl group with fatty and aromatic alcohols has been considered as an effective way to enhance the lipophilicity of phenolic acids and thus enable better location of the antioxidant moiety into membranes and interface of emulsion systems where oxidation is expected to occur. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the catalytic properties of six solid acids (HND‐34, HND‐6, HND‐580, HND‐2, HND‐8 and HND‐26) for the synthesis of benzyl cinnamate. Results show that HND‐26 was the most effective solid acid to catalyse the esterification reaction of cinnamic acid with benzyl alcohol. By using response surface methodology, the influence of key experimental factors on the yield of benzyl cinnamate was investigated and the maximum yield (95.1%) was obtained under the optimized conditions (58°C, cinnamic acid/benzyl alcohol 1:20 (mol/mol), HND‐26 loading 13.8% and 25 hours). The activation energy of cinnamic acid conversion with benzyl alcohol was 30.3 kJ/mol. Obtained results provide a cost‐effective way of green synthesis of benzyl cinnamate and highlights the potential applications of HND‐26 as an efficient catalyst for the production of phenolic acid esters with broad usage in cosmetic industry.
Top Ten Resolutions for the Energy Industry in 2023—Addressing Major Issues Impacting the Energy Industry for the Coming Year and Decade Ahead
Authors: Price Jason , Shah Niki
Published: December 2022

“We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last to be able to do anything about it,” Barack Obama stated during a 2014 speech at a climate change summit in New York. Almost a decade later, this sentiment still holds true as the country grapples with the effects of climate change. As 2022 comes to an end, let us all reflect on the economic and emotional tolls of record‐breaking heat waves, life and property losses, threatening fires, and destructive flooding, and other devastating climate events.
2023 and the Battle Between Inflation and the Clean Energy Transition
Authors: Smead Richard G.
Published: December 2022

As we enter 2023 amidst a continual energy and inflation crisis mode, along with major initiatives to reduce the use of carbon‐based fuels, it is worth examining the relationship between environmental activism and inflation—both in oil and natural gas prices and in the prices for other goods dependent on oil and natural gas. I have been devoted to various environmental goals for most of my life, with the impact of carbon on climate change having been important since 1970. It was an underlying reason for my deciding to enter the natural gas industry, as the carbon content of coal and oil was already clearly problematic.
A Retrospective Look at Our Energy Future
Authors: de Ramos Kevin Monte
Published: December 2022

In this month's column we recap some previous columns. In this author's August 2020 column Our Energy Future: How Utilities Will Adapt to Changing Expectations, industry leaders had expressed and spoken about the following trends.
Pressure shafts of hydro power plants – Bridging a single fissure in the rock mass
Authors: Innerhofer Guntram , Greiner Richard , Innerhofer Guntram , Innerhofer Gerhard
Published: December 2022

In a former paper of the authors a concept for dimensioning pressure shafts, considering the passive resistance of rock‐mass, has been developed. The assumption made there was that many cracks are distributed evenly over the circumference. The width of a single fissure was estimated by a reduction factor on the cumulated width of cracks. This question was now investigated analytically on basis of common mechanical principles and was confirmed by FE calculations. On hand of examples a dimensioning concept for bridging a single fissure by the steel lining has been developed. In the annex questions frequently arising over the planning process are discussed. It is intended to facilitate an overall judgement of the individual system by better knowledge of the complex relations.
CO2 reduction in tunnel construction from a material technology point of view
Authors: Aldrian Wolfgang , Bantle Annika , Juhart Joachim
Published: December 2022

Tunnelling and underground construction is a material‐intensive undertaking that involves the use of large quantities of concrete. Analyses of the life‐cycle assessment of a new tunnel show that the carbon footprint is largely determined by cement and concrete consumption. Optimising the quantity used, composition and properties of this construction material is thus crucial to reducing ‘'grey'' emissions – CO2 emissions arising from the construction phase. While strength and durability requirements along with exposure classes are clearly set out in directives and tender specifications, CO2 emissions per cubic metre of concrete are not currently considered a relevant criterion when it comes to project design, award and implementation. And this, despite the fact that the current state of knowledge and research shows that substantially lower‐carbon concretes could be used than is generally the case today. A paradigm shift is required to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality in the construction industry.

This paper shows how CO2 emissions per cubic metre of concrete can be declared and reduced in tunnel construction, and how concrete recipes can be formulated using climate‐friendly materials, while maintaining the required strengths and durability properties. Using the design approaches outlined here, it is possible to increase clinker efficiency and reduce CO2 intensity without adversely affecting the structure and its functionality.
Safety gallery Kerenzerberg (CH) – Practical experiences with an innovative and emission‐free logistics concept
Authors: Schönlechner Christian , Längle Thomas , Müller Christoph , Weber Wolfgang
Published: December 2022

The main lot of the Kerenzerberg safety gallery, a project of the Swiss Federal Roads Office (ASTRA), is currently under construction. In addition to the main works, the construction of a 5.2 km long safety gallery with a tunnel boring machine, the contract includes the excavation of 20 cross‐passages and 52 ventilation galleries. The Joint Venture KER450 that was awarded the contact chose to excavate these cross headings simultaneously to the main drive. To implement the logistics concept, which needs to be highly capable and flexible at the same time, the contractor decided on an innovative and emission‐free supply system known as Automated Service Vehicles (ASV). These fully electric, wheel‐bound vehicles allow an almost automatic operation and were recently developed and supplied by the company VirtuRail. The first experiences after approximately one year of operation are very positive and have proven to be a main factor in the successful realisation of a challenging logistics concept.
Energiewende – Einblicke und Ausblicke
Authors: Kaspar Achim , Kunsch Andreas
Published: December 2022

The success of the energy transition in relation to achieving a low carbon fossil‐free energy of the future largely depends on the extent to which collective efforts are geared towards specific goals, as the actual transformation of the energy sector is shaped by many challenges and uncertainties. Pandemics, uninterrupted supply chains and ongoing conflicts add to the complexity of the situation. The International Energy Agency has published its ”World Energy Outlook“ since 1998 and demonstrates ways of achieving a decarbonised energy of the future based on different scenarios. Taking three energy scenarios as the starting point, possible routes and corresponding effects by 2050 are outlined.
CO2 reduction in tunnelling from the point of view of construction design and implementation
Authors: Golser Johann , Friess Jakob , Luniaczek Thomas
Published: December 2022

Tunnel construction is not immune to the climate crisis – here too there is an urgent need to improve the carbon footprint. The production of concrete and consumption of cement cause climate‐damaging CO2 emissions. A tunnel with a 10 m diameter, for example, generates around 10 t of CO2 per linear metre. The main priority is thus to reduce the amount of concrete and steel reinforcement used and to select low‐carbon cements and binders, as well as employing single‐shell construction methods suited to the requirements of the construction project. We need to consider practical approaches to reducing concrete volumes which go beyond structural requirements. CO2 reduction in tunnelling starts with the design and approval process, so financial incentives must be built into award criteria and construction contracts. This article aims to highlight ideas which in future will play an increasingly important role in the design of underground construction works than is currently the case. Although many well‐established work practices and design details in underground construction are based on decades of experience and are bound by normative and contractual framework conditions, it is now time to re‐examine the facts and consider new ideas that reflect the need to reduce CO2 in concrete construction.
CERN Future Circular Collider – the Mining the Future competition
Authors: Hauzinger Elisabeth , Galler Robert , Schneider Daniel , Benedikt Michael , Ulrici Luisa , Gutleber Johannes , Charitos Panagiotis
Published: December 2022

CERN (Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire) is the world's largest research centre for high‐energy and particle physics. The research infrastructure contributed to the greatest successes in the field of experimental physics. A new, approximatively 91 km long subsurface infrastructure connected to the existing particle accelerator complex is being conceived in the frame of the Future Circular Collider. It would serve a global community of researchers with two subsequently operated particle colliders until the end of the 21st century. Even at an early stage of such a project, comprehensive investigations have to be carried out into the nature of the subsoil in order to find an optimal utilisation strategy for the excavated material in accordance with the national and international regulations in order to promote the recycling of excavated tunnel material in terms of resource conservation and the improvement of the sustainability of underground construction projects.
Sustainable Tunnelling – An infrastructure operator's, planner's, contractor's and scientist's perspective
Authors: Heissenberger Roman , Grunicke Urs H. , Raschendorfer Jürgen , Holzer Clemens
Published: December 2022

Sustainability is a guiding principle for political, economic and ecological action, which in companies, societies and countries all over the world, is based on the following three pillars: ecology, economy and social aspects. With the associated worldwide efforts to reduce emissions, this topic has also arrived in the construction industry in general and thus in tunnel construction in particular. In addition to the actual planning, construction, use and maintenance of mined structures, tunnel builders certainly have a special role to play, since the creation of underground structures relieves overground structures and can also change living space for the better. However, the influences and impact must always be considered in the overall context of all three pillars of sustainability – and in our fast‐paced times, this requires a considerable change in mindset as well as a clear change and expansion of the assessment standards. The following article draws a current picture of “sustainable tunnelling” on the basis of four sub‐sections that describe selected tasks and approaches from the perspective of operators, planners, the construction industry and science as a basis for discussion.
A26 Linz motorway – Past and future challenges
Authors: Sempelmann Franz , Edlmair Gerald
Published: December 2022

After a long design and approval process, the construction works for the first phase of the A26 started in 2019. The A26 not only relieves the central part of the road network of the city of Linz but also allows the river Danube to be crossed by means of a bridge: a 300 m long bridge, anchored in the rock slopes forming the banks of the Danube. The elements of the first phase are the Danube bridge and the two underground motorway junctions, Danube North and South, with excavation cross‐sections of up to 400 m2 and the tight radii of the motorway on‐ramps. Besides these conditions, urban planning requirements such as the protection of residents against immissions caused by noise and vibration, and the increased negative impacts resulting from the traffic during construction have an effect on the construction works. The excavated material from the tunnel is transported off site by ship. The existing rock mass requires excavation by means of the drill‐and‐blast method. The project‐specific boundary conditions such as the high number of portals, the noise‐reflecting effect of the “Danube gorge” and the low overburden require substantial measures to limit and monitor the immissions.