bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Graph Cuts to Isoperimetric Inequalities: Convergence Rates of Cheeger Cuts on Data Clouds
Authors: García Trillos Nicolás , Murray Ryan , Thorpe Matthew
Published: April 2022

In this work we study statistical properties of graph-based clustering algorithms that rely on the optimization of balanced graph cuts, the main example being the optimization of Cheeger cuts. We consider proximity graphs built from data sampled from an underlying distribution supported on a generic smooth compact manifold$${\mathcal {M}}$$M. In this setting, we obtain high probability convergence rates for both the Cheeger constant and the associated Cheeger cuts towards their continuum counterparts. The key technical tools are careful estimates of interpolation operators which lift empirical Cheeger cuts to the continuum, as well as continuum stability estimates for isoperimetric problems. To the best of our knowledge the quantitative estimates obtained here are the first of their kind.
Predictive value of immediate pain relief after lumbar transforaminal epidural injection with local anesthetics and steroids for single level radiculopathy
Authors: Germann Christoph , Götschi Tobias , Sutter Reto
Published: April 2022

Objective

To assess the predictive value of immediate pain-relief after CT-guided transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) including local anesthetics for longer-term pain relief and patients’ global impression of change (PGIC) after 4 weeks.

Materials and methods

One hundred ninety-three patients (age 55.4 ± 14.9) with single-level discogenic lumbar radiculopathy and subsequent TFESI were included. Pain scores were recorded before (NRS0), 15 min (NRS15min), and 4 weeks (NRS4w) after treatment using a numerical-rating-scale (NRS; 0, no pain; 10, intolerable pain). Additionally, the PGIC was assessed after 4 weeks. Two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists evaluated nerve compression of the injected level and contrast dispersion. Spearman’s rank and point-biserial correlation were applied to assess associations between outcome variables and demographics/imaging findings. A p-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

There was a significant positive correlation between immediate pain-relief and longer-term pain-reduction (r = 0.24, p = 0.001) with an odds ratio of 2.0 (CI: 1.1–3.6). A good short-term response (NRS15min ≥ 50% reduction) was associated with a persistent longer-term good response (NRS4w ≥ 50% reduction) in 59.7% (CI: 50.9–68.0%) of patients. There was no association between short-term pain-relief and PGIC after 4 weeks (p = 0.18). Extent and location of nerve compression and contrast dispersion during TFESI did not correlate with longer-term pain-relief (all p ≥ 0.07).

Conclusion

Our results indicate a significant positive correlation between immediate post-procedural and longer-term pain relief after TFESI in patients with lumbar radiculopathy; however, no effect of short-term pain relief is seen on PGIC after 4 weeks. Patients with good longer-term outcome (≥ 50% pain reduction) are twice as likely to have already shown good immediate pain reduction after TFESI.
‘Old wine in a new bottle’: conceptualization of biodiversity offsets among environmental practitioners in Uganda
Authors: Kigonya Ritah
Published: April 2022

Biodiversity offsets are increasingly adopted to mitigate the negative impacts of development activities on biodiversity. However, in practice, there are inconsistencies in how biodiversity offsets are understood and implemented. Based on interviews with environmental practitioners, the study sought to explore the conceptual understanding of biodiversity offsets among personnel involved in the design and implementation of offset schemes in Uganda. The study employed a ‘technical use analysis’ to seek personal interpretation and operationalization of the concept of biodiversity offsets. The results revealed that the concept tends to be simplified and adjusted to individual, project, and country contexts. The respondents had varied perceptions of biodiversity offsets in practice as compared to the theoretical concept. Biodiversity offsets were classified under five terms: trade-offs, payments, substitutes, compensations, and mitigation measures. The terms were derived from perceived inability of the measure to attain no net loss, and similarities of biodiversity components and services across impact and offset sites. Biodiversity offsets were thus considered no different from ordinary environmental conservation measures, contributing nothing unique to the conservation agenda. The study concludes that widespread implementation of biodiversity offsets under prevailing perceptions will escalate biodiversity loss. The study recommends emphasis on attaining no net loss through implementing outcome-based offsets as opposed to purpose-based offsets, that require delivering of ‘no net loss’ gains prior to projects being considered biodiversity offsets.
CIRSE Standards of Practice on Bronchial Artery Embolisation
Authors: Kettenbach Joachim , Ittrich Harald , Gaubert Jean Yves , Gebauer Bernhard , Vos Jan Albert
Published: April 2022

This CIRSE Standards of Practice document is aimed at interventional radiologists and provides best practices for performing bronchial artery embolisation to effectively treat haemoptysis. It has been developed by an expert writing group established by the CIRSE Standards of Practice Committee.
The macrofauna associated to the bamboo coral Isidella elongata: to what extent the impact on isideidae affects diversification of deep-sea fauna
Authors: Cartes J. E. , Díaz-Viñolas D. , González-Irusta J. M. , Serrano A. , Mohamed S. , Lombarte A.
Published: April 2022

Macrofauna associated with the bamboo coral Isidella elongata was analysed in the Balearic Basin at depths of 697–1308 m. The diversity of associated macrofauna and the specific associations identified depended on different morphological characteristics of colonies, such as height or density of rami. Species associated with Isidella consisted mainly of sessile fauna, such as cnidarians (the actinian Amphianthus dornhii and the solitary coral Desmophyllum dianthus) and cirripeds (Gibossaverruca sp.). The strongest relationship (commensalism) occurred for the Pontogeneiidae amphipod Dautzenbergia megacheir, living attached to colonies of Isidella and represented by all population stages from adult (oostegal) females and males to juveniles. Species-coral relationships between Dautzenbergia and bamboo corals (Isididae) are plausible. Dautzenbergia spp. showed morphological differences between Atlantic (described by Walker 1897 as “eyes wanting”) and Mediterranean (with well-developed reddish eyes) specimens. This would suggest diversification of this genus, as has been recently suggested for Pleustidae associated with deep gorgonians. The diversity of the macrofaunal community associated with I. elongata was higher in the most mature (larger colonies with higher density) fields found NW of Mallorca, with higher colonies than in other parts of the Mediterranean. This was the only site where Gibossaverruca sp. (a first Mediterranean faunal record) and D. dianthus were collected. These complex associations between macrofauna and deep-water corals may provide arguments to protect these fragile ecosystems as a source of faunal diversity and diversification.
Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging measures as biomarkers of disease progression in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a phase 2 trial of domagrozumab
Authors: Sherlock Sarah P. , Palmer Jeffrey , Wagner Kathryn R. , Abdel-Hamid Hoda Z. , Bertini Enrico , Tian Cuixia , Mah Jean K. , Kostera-Pruszczyk Anna , Muntoni Francesco , Guglieri Michela , Brandsema John F. , Mercuri Eugenio , Butterfield Russell J. , McDonald Craig M. , Charnas Lawrence , Marraffino Shannon
Published: April 2022

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive, neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations in the DMD gene that results in a lack of functional dystrophin protein. Herein, we report the use of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures as biomarkers in the context of a multicenter phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating the myostatin inhibitor domagrozumab in ambulatory boys with DMD (n = 120 aged 6 to < 16 years). MRI scans of the thigh to measure muscle volume, muscle volume index (MVI), fat fraction, and T2 relaxation time were obtained at baseline and at weeks 17, 33, 49, and 97 as per protocol. These quantitative MRI measurements appeared to be sensitive and objective biomarkers for evaluating disease progression, with significant changes observed in muscle volume, MVI, and T2 mapping measures over time. To further explore the utility of quantitative MRI measures as biomarkers to inform longer term functional changes in this cohort, a regression analysis was performed and demonstrated that muscle volume, MVI, T2 mapping measures, and fat fraction assessment were significantly correlated with longer term changes in four-stair climb times and North Star Ambulatory Assessment functional scores. Finally, less favorable baseline measures of MVI, fat fraction of the muscle bundle, and fat fraction of lean muscle were significant risk factors for loss of ambulation over a 2-year monitoring period. These analyses suggest that MRI can be a valuable tool for use in clinical trials and may help inform future functional changes in DMD.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02310763; registered December 2014.
Objective evaluation of laparoscopic surgical skills in wet lab training based on motion analysis and machine learning
Authors: Ebina Koki , Abe Takashige , Hotta Kiyohiko , Higuchi Madoka , Furumido Jun , Iwahara Naoya , Kon Masafumi , Miyaji Kou , Shibuya Sayaka , Lingbo Yan , Komizunai Shunsuke , Kurashima Yo , Kikuchi Hiroshi , Matsumoto Ryuji , Osawa Takahiro , Murai Sachiyo , Tsujita Teppei , Sase Kazuya , Chen Xiaoshuai , Konno Atsushi , Shinohara Nobuo
Published: April 2022

Background

Our aim was to build a skill assessment system, providing objective feedback to trainees based on the motion metrics of laparoscopic surgical instruments.

Methods

Participants performed tissue dissection around the aorta (tissue dissection task) and renal parenchymal closure (parenchymal-suturing task), using swine organs in a box trainer under a motion capture (Mocap) system. Two experts assessed the recorded movies, according to the formula of global operative assessment of laparoscopic skills (GOALS: score range, 5–25), and the mean scores were utilized as objective variables in the regression analyses. The correlations between mean GOALS scores and Mocap metrics were evaluated, and potential Mocap metrics with a Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient value exceeding 0.4 were selected for each GOALS item estimation. Four regression algorithms, support vector regression (SVR), principal component analysis (PCA)-SVR, ridge regression, and partial least squares regression, were utilized for automatic GOALS estimation. Model validation was conducted by nested and repeated k-fold cross validation, and the mean absolute error (MAE) was calculated to evaluate the accuracy of each regression model.

Results

Forty-five urologic, 9 gastroenterological, and 3 gynecologic surgeons, 4 junior residents, and 9 medical students participated in the training. In both tasks, a positive correlation was observed between the speed-related parameters (e.g., velocity, velocity range, acceleration, jerk) and mean GOALS scores, with a negative correlation between the efficiency-related parameters (e.g., task time, path length, number of opening/closing operations) and mean GOALS scores. Among the 4 algorithms, SVR showed the highest accuracy in the tissue dissection task ($${\mathrm{MAE}}_{\mathrm{median}}=2.2352$$

MAE
median

=
2.2352

), and PCA-SVR in the parenchymal-suturing task ($${\mathrm{MAE}}_{\mathrm{median}}=1.2714$$

MAE
median

=
1.2714

), based on 100 iterations of the validation process of automatic GOALS estimation.

Conclusion

We developed a machine learning–based GOALS scoring system in wet lab training, with an error of approximately 1–2 points for the total score, and motion metrics that were explainable to trainees. Our future challenges are the further improvement of onsite GOALS feedback, exploring the educational benefit of our model and building an efficient training program.
Extracellular vesicles with diagnostic and therapeutic potential for prion diseases
Authors: Khadka Arun , Spiers Jereme G. , Cheng Lesley , Hill Andrew F.
Published: April 2022

Prion diseases (PrD) or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) are invariably fatal and pathogenic neurodegenerative disorders caused by the self-propagated misfolding of cellular prion protein (PrPC) to the neurotoxic pathogenic form (PrPTSE) via a yet undefined but profoundly complex mechanism. Despite several decades of research on PrD, the basic understanding of where and how PrPC is transformed to the misfolded, aggregation-prone and pathogenic PrPTSE remains elusive. The primary clinical hallmarks of PrD include vacuolation-associated spongiform changes and PrPTSE accumulation in neural tissue together with astrogliosis. The difficulty in unravelling the disease mechanisms has been related to the rare occurrence and long incubation period (over decades) followed by a very short clinical phase (few months). Additional challenge in unravelling the disease is implicated to the unique nature of the agent, its complexity and strain diversity, resulting in the heterogeneity of the clinical manifestations and potentially diverse disease mechanisms. Recent advances in tissue isolation and processing techniques have identified novel means of intercellular communication through extracellular vesicles (EVs) that contribute to PrPTSE transmission in PrD. This review will comprehensively discuss PrPTSE transmission and neurotoxicity, focusing on the role of EVs in disease progression, biomarker discovery and potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of PrD.
Occupations in the European Labour Market During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Flisi Sara , Santangelo Giulia
Published: April 2022

In order to capture the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labour market, several aspects need to be taken into account. First, containment measures put in place in member states at different times and with different levels of severity determined the interruption of several economic activities that were considered non-essential. Second, different occupations require varying degrees of physical proximity and social interaction to be carried out; this implies that they can be considered more or less teleworkable, and affected by different levels of epidemiological risk of contagion. This paper shows the labour market impact of the pandemic on different categories of workers in the EU. Occupations are distinguished by three main characteristics: whether they are critical or non-critical, their level of technical teleworkability and the level of social interaction required in the job. We show that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labour market has been heterogeneous across occupations and that all three dimensions are relevant to determine whether and to what extent the occupations were affected by the pandemic.
Comparative nonlinear soil-structure interaction analyses using macro-element and soil-block modelling approaches
Authors: Cavalieri Francesco , Correia António A. , Pinho Rui
Published: April 2022

In dynamic soil-structure interaction problems, involving the coupling of structure, foundation and soil, the use of a nonlinear macro-element modelling approach may result particularly advantageous not only to consider nonlinear effects and thus avoid the introduction of possible bias in seismic risk assessment analyses, especially when ground motion intensity levels are high, but also to greatly reduce the heavy computational effort required by 3D finite element soil-block models. In this work, a footing macro-element that models the soil nonlinear behaviour at near-field, as well as the far-field dynamic impedance and energy dissipation through radiation damping, is verified against results obtained from the analysis with OpenSees of a 3D nonlinear soil-block model, itself verified through cross-checks and cross-modelling efforts with equivalent-linear analyses in STRATA and nonlinear analyses in DEEPSOIL. Considering two soil profiles of different complexity and two records of different intensity, one of which leads to extensive soil nonlinearity, the soil-block is verified first. Then, the macro-element model, available in SeismoStruct, is verified against the soil-block model in terms of structural response of a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system as well as near-field soil-footing behaviour.
Fine spectral estimates with applications to the optimally fast solution of large FDE linear systems
Authors: Bogoya Manuel , Grudsky Sergei M. , Serra–Capizzano Stefano , Tablino–Possio Cristina
Published: April 2022

In the present article we consider a type of matrices stemming in the context of the numerical approximation of distributed order fractional differential equations (FDEs). From one side they could look standard, since they are real, symmetric and positive definite. On the other hand they cause specific difficulties which prevent the successful use of classical tools. In particular the associated matrix-sequence, with respect to the matrix-size, is ill-conditioned and it is such that a generating function does not exists, but we face the problem of dealing with a sequence of generating functions with an intricate expression. Nevertheless, we obtain a real interval where the smallest eigenvalue belongs to, showing also its asymptotic behavior. We observe that the new bounds improve those already present in the literature and give more accurate pieces of spectral information, which are in fact used in the design of fast numerical algorithms for the associated large linear systems, approximating the given distributed order FDEs. Very satisfactory numerical results are presented and critically discussed, while a section with conclusions and open problems ends the current work.
Improving Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Autistic Individuals: A Delphi Survey with Practitioners
Authors: Spain Debbie , Milner Victoria , Mason David , Iannelli Hannah , Attoe Chris , Ampegama Ruwani , Kenny Lorcan , Saunders Aleks , Happé Francesca , Marshall-Tate Karina
Published: April 2022

There is emerging evidence of the effectiveness of individual and group cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for autistic individuals, in particular to address anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and depression. Many CBT studies have incorporated relatively stringent standards, with regards to participant inclusion/exclusion criteria, delivery of manualised approaches and assurance of therapist training and oversight. We know less about what happens in routine CBT practice and, importantly, how service provision can be improved for autistic individuals. The present study recruited 50 CBT practitioners to a three round Delphi survey. The aims were to elicit professionals’ perspectives regarding barriers to the acceptability and effectiveness of CBT for autistic individuals, and to generate consensus, both about ways of enhancing service provision, as well as the autism-relevant training needs of CBT practitioners. Study findings indicated six barriers to accessible and effective CBT for autistic individuals, relating to service provision, practitioner-related factors, client-related factors, CBT-related factors, national guidelines, and systemic considerations. There was participant consensus that changes in five domains (specifically relating to process issues, service provision, practitioners, techniques and therapeutic approach) could improve the CBT care pathway. Consensus was generated about the training needs of CBT practitioners: training about autism, CBT-specific issues, co-occurring conditions and engagement, were deemed fundamental for enhancing practice. Participants also identified autism-relevant issues for clinical supervision. Further sustained research is needed to determine the effects of adapted service provision and improved practitioner knowledge and skills on the outcomes of autistic individuals who have CBT.
New data in Porotheleaceae and Cyphellaceae: epitypification of Prunulus scabripes Murrill, the status of Mycopan Redhead, Moncalvo & Vilgalys and a new combination in Pleurella Horak emend.
Authors: Vizzini Alfredo , Consiglio Giovanni , Marchetti Mauro , Borovička Jan , Campo Emanuele , Cooper Jerry , Lebeuf Renée , Ševčíková Hana
Published: April 2022

Mycopan is a genus established for Hydropus scabripes by Redhead, Moncalvo & Vilgalys (in Redhead 2013). They considered the genus to be distinct based on morphology and the phylogenetic analysis by Moncalvo et al. (2002) which included a sequence of Hydropus scabripes (AF042635, DAOM 192847) unrelated to the type species of Hydropus (H. fuliginarius). Subsequent sequences of material identified as Hydropus scabripes are not conspecific with the sequence of DAOM 192847. We consider this sequence (obtained from a mycelium culture) to be misidentified. We investigated the true phylogenetic position of authentic Mycopan including genera previously included in Cyphellaceae and Porotheleaceae. Sixteen collections of M. scabripes from Europe and North America were studied on morphological and molecular basis (nrITS and nrLSU sequences). No sequences were obtained from the holotype of Mycopan scabripes, and we designate an epitype to fix the interpretation of this species and the genus Mycopan. Mycopan is maintained as a good genus nested within Cyphellaceae as sister to the mycenoid genus Atheniella. The misidentified Hydropus scabripes AF042635 (DAOM 192847) represents a different species that is closely related to the holotype (and a new Italian collection) of Hebelomina microspora and the monospecific genus Pleurella described from New Zealand. Consequently, Hebelomina microspora is transferred to the emended genus Pleurella, which is sister to Baeospora within the Cyphellaceae. Additionally, based on these phylogenetic results, an updated taxonomic arrangement of Cyphellaceae and Porotheleaceae is proposed, emphasizing once again the polyphyletic nature of Hydropus and Gerronema.
Effects of Laser Shock Peening on Surface Roughness and Residual Stress of AA 7050-T7451
Authors: Attolico Michele Angelo , Barile Claudia , Casavola Caterina , Moramarco Vincenzo , Furfari Domenico , Busse David Osman
Published: April 2022

Surface treatment techniques such as laser shock peening (LSP) represent a consolidated strategy to induce the presence of compressive residual stresses beneath the surface of various metallic alloys. However, surface roughening caused by the process must be monitored, since it may negatively affect fatigue life, resulting in earlier crack initiation. For this reason, the interplay between the key factors affecting both the surface roughness and the development of residual stresses was experimentally examined. The surface roughness was assessed through the determination of roughness average and roughness total height values, whereas residual stresses were assessed using the x-ray diffraction technique and hole drilling method to obtain information about the stress status of the components. Higher values of laser power density resulted in higher values of maximum compressive stress both along scanning and stepping direction and residual stresses remained approximately constant up to a depth of about 0.7-0.8 mm beneath the treated surface. No substantial difference was observed between the residual stress components in the two main LSP directions. Moreover, it was found that the approach to use lower values of nominal power density together with a higher number of layers allows obtaining the same stress condition determined by the use of the highest value of nominal power density but a significantly lower impact on the surface roughness.
Numerical and Experimental Analysis of the Deformation Behavior of CoCrFeNiMn High Entropy Alloy Particles onto Various Substrates During Cold Spraying
Authors: Akisin C. J. , Bennett C. J. , Venturi F. , Assadi H. , Hussain T.
Published: April 2022

The bonding mechanisms of a wide range of metallic materials in cold spraying have been studied, mainly attributed to adiabatic shear instability (ASI) at high strain rates, whereas the impact and deformation behavior of high entropy alloys (HEAs) onto various substrates has not been widely explored. HEAs have been characterized by excellent strain-hardening ability and high resistance to shear localization, which can influence their bonding mechanism during cold spray. In this study, experimental and numerical analyses of single-particle impact behavior during cold spraying of CoCrFeNiMn onto commercially pure aluminum (CP Al), aluminum alloy (Al6082), stainless steel (SS304), and titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) substrates were carried out. The impact morphology revealed ASI in the HEA particle, and SS304 and Ti6Al4V substrates. The HEA/SS304 pair showed a higher critical velocity compared to HEA/Ti6Al4V due to the lower density and thermal conductivity of Ti6Al4V compared to SS304. Mechanical interlocking was observed on CP Al and Al6082 substrates and was attributed to the localized deformation of the substrates. An empirical equation showed this is influenced by the particle density and substrate hardness. This work critically evaluates and provides a better understanding of HEA particle–substrates deformation behavior, expanding its applicability to a wider range of substrates.
Lagrangian skeleta and plane curve singularities
Authors: Casals Roger
Published: April 2022

We construct closed arboreal Lagrangian skeleta associated to links of isolated plane curve singularities. This yields closed Lagrangian skeleta for Weinstein pairs$$(\mathbb {C}^2,\Lambda )$$(C2,Λ)and Weinstein 4-manifolds$$W(\Lambda )$$W(Λ)associated to max-tb Legendrian representatives of algebraic links$$\Lambda \subseteq (\mathbb {S}^3,\xi _\text {st})$$Λ⊆(S3,ξst). We provide computations of Legendrian and Weinstein invariants, and discuss the contact topological nature of the Fomin–Pylyavskyy–Shustin–Thurston cluster algebra associated to a singularity. Finally, we present a conjectural ADE-classification for Lagrangian fillings of certain Legendrian links and list some related problems.
Predictors of Nodal Metastasis in Cutaneous Head and Neck Cancers
Authors: Han Albert Y. , John Maie A. St.
Published: April 2022

Purpose of Review

The complex and varied drainage patterns in the head and neck present a challenge in the regional control of cutaneous neoplasms. Lymph node involvement significantly diminishes survival, often warranting more aggressive treatment. Here, we review the risk factors associated with lymphatic metastasis, in the context of the evolving role of sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Recent Findings

In cutaneous head and neck melanomas, tumor thickness, age, size, mitosis, ulceration, and specific histology have been associated with lymph node metastasis (LNM). In head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas, tumor thickness, size, perineural invasion, and immunosuppression are all risk factors for nodal metastasis. The risk factors for lymph node involvement in Merkel cell carcinoma are not yet fully defined, but emerging evidence indicates that tumor thickness and size may be  associated with regional metastasis.

The specific factors that predict a greater risk of LNM for cutaneous head and neck cancers generally include depth of invasion, tumor size, mitotic rate, ulceration, immunosuppression, and other histopathological factors.
Utilization of biomass-derived electrodes: a journey toward the high performance of microbial fuel cells
Authors: Yaqoob Asim Ali , Ibrahim Mohamad Nasir Mohamad , Yaakop Amira Suriaty , Rafatullah Mohd
Published: April 2022

This study aims to improve electron transfer and cobalt remediation efficiency through microbial fuel cells (MFCs) by modifying the electrode material. The fabrication and alteration of the anode can be accomplished by synthesizing biomass-derived graphene oxide (GO) and adding metal oxides (ZnO and TiO2) as modifiers. The prepared GO anode offered 0.148 mW/m2 power density while GO-ZnO delivered 8.2 times and GO-TiO2 composite anode delivered 5.3 times higher power density than GO. Similarly, the achieved current density of GO was 39.47 mA/m2 while GO-ZnO composite anode delivered 75.43 mA/m2 and GO-TiO2 composite anode offered 67.54 mA/m2. During the biological characterizations of biofilm, the Bacillus sp. and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were majorly found as exoelectrogens and metal-reducing species. The maximum remediation efficiency of cobalt (II) was 80.10% (GO), 91% (GO-ZnO composite anode), and 88.45% (GO-TiO2 composite anode) on day 45. The remediation and SEM results of anode biofilm clearly show that the prepared anodes are highly biocompatible with the bacteria. Furthermore, the effect of pH and temperature on MFCs performance are also explained with prepared anodes. Each anode offered significant perspectives in parameter optimizations.
Optimal dynamic reinsurance with worst-case default of the reinsurer
Authors: Korn Ralf , Müller Lukas
Published: April 2022

We consider the optimization problem of a large insurance company that wants to maximize the expected utility of its surplus through the optimal control of the proportional reinsurance. In addition, the insurer is exposed to the risk of default of its reinsurer at the worst possible time, a setting that is closely related to a scenario of the Swiss Solvency Test.
Influence of stress wave-induced disturbance on ultra-low friction in broken blocks
Authors: Li Liping , Zhang Haitao , Pan Yishan , Ju Xiangyu , Tang Lei , Li Minghui
Published: April 2022

Deep rock mass tends to be broken into blocks when mining for materials deep below the surface. The rock layer of the roof of the mine can be regarded as a system of blocks of fractured rock mass. When subjected to high ground stress and mining-induced disturbance, the effect of the ultra-low friction of the block system easily becomes apparent, and can induce rock burst and other accidents. By taking the block of rock mass as research object, this study developed a test system for ultra-low friction to experimentally examine its effects on the broken blocks under stress wave-induced disturbance. We used the horizontal displacement of the working block as the characteristic parameter reflecting the effect of ultra-low friction, and examine its characteristic laws of horizontal displacement, acceleration, and energy when subjected to the effects of ultra-low friction by changing the frequency and amplitude of the stress wave-induced disturbance. The results show that the frequency of stress wave-induced disturbance is related to the generation of ultra-low friction in the broken block. The frequency of disturbance of the stress wave is within 1–3 Hz, and significantly increases the maximum acceleration and horizontal displacement of the broken blocks. The greater the intensity of the stress wave-induced disturbance is, the higher is the degree of block fragmentation, and the more likely are effects of ultra-low friction to occur between the blocks. The greater the intensity of the horizontal impact load is, the higher is the degree of fragmentation of the rock mass, and the easier it is for the effects of ultra-low friction to occur. Stress wave-induced disturbance and horizontal impact are the main causes of sliding instability of the broken blocks. When the dominant frequency of the kinetic energy of the broken block is within 20 Hz, the effects of ultra-low friction are more likely.
Akzeptanz gesellschaftlicher Diversität durch junge Muslim:innen und Christ:innen in Abhängigkeit der Stärke der Religiosität und interreligiöser Kontakte
Authors: Zimmer Veronika , Stein Margit
Published: April 2022

Der Beitrag bietet, gestützt auf eine quantitative Fragebogenbefragung, einen Überblick über die Einstellungen junger Erwachsener (n = 1090) zwischen 18 und 24 Jahren muslimischen (13 %) und christlichen (68 %) Glaubens zur gesellschaftlichen Diversität operationalisiert über die Akzeptanz anderer Personengruppen wie insbesondere Personen verschiedenen ethnischen Hintergrundes und unterschiedlicher Zuwanderungsgeschichten, diverser religiöser Zugehörigkeiten sowie sexueller Orientierungen. Die Analyse der Daten erfolgt in Abhängigkeit der soziokulturellen Herkunft (Religionszugehörigkeit, Stärke der Religiosität, Migrationshintergrund), der sozioökonomischen Lebenslagen (eigener und elterlicher Bildungshintergrund) sowie interreligiöser und interethnischer Kontakte und Freundschaften.

Die Befragung zeigt, dass die Religionszugehörigkeit, die Stärke der Religiosität und die religiöse Zusammensetzung des Freundeskreises in stärkerem Maße als etwa der Migrationshintergrund oder die schulische Bildung Vorurteilsstrukturen gegenüber bestimmten Gruppen wie etwa gegenüber Homosexuellen determinieren. Interreligiöse und interethnische Begegnungen insbesondere in der Nachbarschaft und im erweiterten Freundeskreis stehen in positivem Zusammenhang mit der Diversitätsakzeptanz. Beispielweise sind Vorurteile gegenüber zugewanderten Familien bei jungen Erwachsenen christlichen Hintergrundes bei Freundschaften mit jungen Muslim:innen reduziert. Junge Muslim:innen mit Kontakten zu jungen Menschen christlicher Prägung haben wiederum geringere Ressentiments gegenüber Homosexuellen als Muslim:innen ohne interreligiöse Kontakte. In einem Fazit werden entsprechende Möglichkeiten diskutiert, Diversitätsakzeptanz als Konstrukt noch zielgenauer sozialwissenschaftlich zu erfassen und zu fördern sowie interreligiöse Begegnungskontexte im organisationalen Rahmen so zu gestalten, dass positive Beziehungen angestoßen und Vorurteile gegenüber anderen Personengruppen abgebaut werden.
Efficacy of agro-industrial wastes on the weed control, nutrient uptake, growth, and yield of onion crop (Allium cepa L.)
Authors: Shehata Said A. , El-Metwally Ibrahim M. , Abdelgawad Karima F. , Elkhawaga Fathia A.
Published: April 2022

Purpose Two field experiments were conducted to examine the efficacy of orange peel waste (ORPW), olive oil processing waste (OLPW), and mango leaf waste (MLW) as aqueous extracts or soil mulches on growth, yield, and bulb quality response; nutrient uptake; and weed control. Methods The treatments were aqueous extracts (ORPW20%, OLPW30%, and MLW30%) alone or mixed with half a dose of oxyfluorfen herbicide (938 ml ha−1, ½OXYF, the recommended dose is 1875 ml ha−1), soil mulching with orange peel waste, mango leaves, olive oil waste, and rice straw (ORPWM, OLPWM, MLW, and RSM, respectively) at 10 tons ha−1, hoeing, oxyfluorfen herbicide (at 938 and 1875 ml ha−1), and unweeded control treatment. Results The highest weed control efficacy, at 100 days after transplanting, was found in the ORPW20% + ½OXYF (89%), hoeing (88.3%), and ORPWM (88%) treatments. The ORPW20% + ½OXYF and hoeing treatments also showed the highest ability in saving N, P, K, Zn, Mn, and Fe nutrients, without significant differences from the MLW30% + ½OXYF and ORPWM treatments. The ORPW20% + ½OXYF, ORPWM, MLWM, and MLW30% + ½OXYF treatments significantly increased marketable onion bulb yield by 100.6%, 93.9%, 92.1%, and 89%, respectively, without significant difference from hoeing treatment (102.3%). Conversely, the increase of marketable bulb yield in the RSM, OLPWM, and OLPW30% + ½OXYF treatments was 85.4%, 83.5%, and 78.7%, respectively, statistically equaled that obtained from OXYF treatment (79.3%). Conclusion It was concluded that ORPW and MLW as aqueous extracts mixed with ½OXYF herbicide or as soil mulches could be used in controlling weeds and increasing onion crop yield and bulb quality.
Monitoring event-driven dynamics on Twitter: a case study in Belarus
Authors: Rice Natalie M. , Horne Benjamin D. , Luther Catherine A. , Borycz Joshua D. , Allard Suzie L. , Ruck Damian J. , Fitzgerald Michael , Manaev Oleg , Prins Brandon C. , Taylor Maureen , Bentley R. Alexander
Published: April 2022

Analysts of social media differ in their emphasis on the effects of message content versus social network structure. The balance of these factors may change substantially across time. When a major event occurs, initial independent reactions may give way to more social diffusion of interpretations of the event among different communities, including those committed to disinformation. Here, we explore these dynamics through a case study analysis of the Russian-language Twitter content emerging from Belarus before and after its presidential election of August 9, 2020. From these Russian-language tweets, we extracted a set of topics that characterize the social media data and construct networks to represent the sharing of these topics before and after the election. The case study in Belarus reveals how misinformation can be re-invigorated in discourse through the novelty of a major event. More generally, it suggests how audience networks can shift from influentials dispensing information before an event to a de-centralized sharing of information after it.
A review of DEMO reactor concepts: open questions and issues
Authors: Hong Suk-Ho
Published: April 2022

To solve climate change and to achieve the “2050 carbon neutrality,” fusion energy has to contribute to the power grid as soon as possible. Nonetheless, DEMO reactor concepts proposed so far were focused on producing 1 GW electricity with the best plasma performances and a very effective power conversion rate deduced by simple 0D/1D system codes. There are open questions and issues about how fusion energy would contribute to the electricity market timely. This paper asks questions and issues on the construction and operation of a DEMO reactor such as (1) identity, (2) net electricity output, (3) construction cost, and (4) public acceptance of fusion energy. Those questions are not simple to answer, but they must be clarified very soon. To achieve the 2050 carbon neutrality in time, a two-pathway approach towards the realization of fusion energy is suggested, and a conclusion is given.
Concerns About Internal Erectile Prostheses Among Transgender Men Who Have Undergone Phalloplasty
Authors: Boskey Elizabeth R. , Mehra Geetika , Jolly Divya , Ganor Oren
Published: April 2022

Background

Transgender men who undergo gender-affirming phalloplasty have limited options for attaining sufficient rigidity for sexual penetration.

Aim

The goal of this study was to understand interest in and concerns about internal erectile prostheses among transgender men who had undergone phalloplasty.

Methods

As part of a pilot study of an external erectile device, transgender men (n = 15) were surveyed about their interest in, and concerns about, getting an internal prosthesis. Descriptive analyses were performed for structured questions and content analysis was used to analyze open responses.

Outcomes

Measured outcomes included closed- and open-ended questions assessing patient attitudes about internal erectile prostheses.

Results

Before starting the study, approximately half the men stated they were interested in getting an internal device, 20% said they weren’t, and 33% said they didn’t know. More than half of this postphalloplasty population stated they were somewhat or very concerned about the need for additional surgery (73%), side effects (pain, damage to the phallus; 100%), and the risk of device failure (100%). An additional 47% stated they were somewhat or very concerned about cost and 33% stated they were somewhat or very concerned about finding a surgeon.

Clinical Implications

There is a need to develop appropriate alternatives to current internal prostheses for penetrative function after phalloplasty.

Strengths & Limitations

Generalizability of results is limited by the fact that data are from men who had enrolled in a pilot study to test an external erectile prosthesis, and as such were explicitly interested in exploring nonsurgical alternatives to attain an erection. The combination of quantitative and qualitative data demonstrates that transgender men’s concerns about internal prostheses are grounded in the current evidence.

Conclusion

Transgender men who have undergone phalloplasty have substantial concerns about the risks of getting an internal prosthesis and there is significant interest in alternatives to current devices.
Analysis and modelling of airport resilience, robustness, and vulnerability: impact of COVID-19 pandemic disease
Authors: Janić M.
Published: April 2022

Airports have been frequently affected by different internal and external disruptive events, which generally deteriorated their planned/regular performances. Their resilience is defined as the ability to withstand and maintain a certain level of functionality of performances compared to their reference regular/planned level during the impact of disruptive events and to recover reasonably rapidly afterwards. Robustness is defined as the level of saved functionality of performances compared to their planned/regular level, enabling continuous operations during the impact of disruptive events. The level of deteriorated functionality compared to that of the planned/regular functionality of performances represents their vulnerability. This paper develops a methodology for assessing resilience, robustness and vulnerability of airports affected by a given disruptive event(s). The methodology consists of analytical models of indicators of operational, economic, social and environmental performances of airports and other main actors/stakeholders involved. These indicators are used as figures-of-merit in analytical models for assessing their cumulative and time-dependent resilience, robustness, and vulnerability. The methodology is applied to assess resilience, robustness and vulnerability of two large airports – LHR (London Heathrow, UK) and NYC JFK (John F. Kennedy, US) – affected by a global and lasting external disruptive event – the COVID-19 pandemic disease. Based on the indicators of operational and economic performances, the results indicate very low resilience and robustness and very high vulnerability of both airports and their other main actors/stakeholders involved. Their resilience and robustness based on the indicators of social and environmental performances were not substantively different from the corresponding vulnerability. In absolute terms, LHR airport has been affected stronger than its NYC JFK counterpart. Savings in costs/externalities during the observed period under the given conditions have modestly compensated for total losses of both airports and their main actors/stakeholders involved.
Statues, History, and Identity: How Bad Public History Statues Wrong
Authors: ABRAHAMS DANIEL
Published: April 2022

There has recently been a focus on the question of statue removalism. This concerns what to do with public history statues that honor or otherwise celebrate ethically bad historical figures. The specific wrongs of these statues have been understood in terms of derogatory speech, inapt honors, or supporting bad ideologies. In this paper I understand these bad public history statues as history and identify a distinctive class of public history-specific wrongs. Specifically, public history plays an important identity-shaping role, and bad public history can commit specifically ontic injustice. Understanding bad public history in terms of ontic injustice helps understand not just how to address bad public history statues, but also the value of public history more broadly.
Prospective Evaluation of Health Communication Effects on Market Outcomes
Authors: Summers Rosemarie L. , Wood Dallas W. , Lew Nellie , Karns Shawn A. , Muth Mary K. , Nardinelli Clark , Peckham Janet G. , Wolff Carolyn
Published: April 2022

Partial equilibrium models have been used extensively by policy makers to prospectively determine the consequences of government programs that affect consumer incomes or the prices consumers pay. However, these models have not previously been used to analyze government programs that inform consumers. In this paper, we develop a model that policy makers can use to quantitatively predict how consumers will respond to risk communications that contain new health information. The model combines Bayesian learning with the utility-maximization of consumer choice. We discuss how this model can be used to evaluate information policies; we then test the model by simulating the impacts of the North Dakota Folic Acid Educational Campaign as a validation exercise.
The Role of Accountability in Workplace Democracy
Authors: Goncharenko Galina
Published: April 2022

Roberto Frega argues for the advancement of workplace democracy theorisation by synergising the conceptual pathways of various disciplines. He places a particular emphasis on the practice of employee involvement, which, according to him, constitutes one of the three pillars of workplace democracy, the other two being voice and representation. The present commentary broadens the interdisciplinary horizons of this debate by reflecting on the central role of accountability in workplace democracy and the workings of the three pillars identified by Frega. The commentary explores the potential of accountability and the insights drawn from critical accounting research to translate democratic ideals into meaningful and sustainable organisational practices and so strengthen workplace democracy.
Facilitating big-data management in modern business and organizations using cloud computing: a comprehensive study
Authors: Qi Wenhao , Sun Meng , Hosseini Seyed Reza Aghaseyed
Published: April 2022

Modern digital life has produced big data in modern businesses and organizations. To derive information for decision-making from these enormous data sets, a lot of work is required at several levels. The storage, transmission, processing, mining, and serving of big data create problems for digital domains. Despite several efforts to implement big data in businesses, basic issues with big data remain (particularly big-data management (BDM)). Cloud computing, for example, provides companies with well-suited, cost-effective, and consistent on-demand services for big data and analytics. This paper introduces the modern systems for organizational BDM. This article analyzes the latest research to manage organization-generated data using cloud computing. The findings revealed several benefits in integrating big data and cloud computing, the most notable of which is increased company efficiency and improved international trade. This study also highlighted some hazards in the sophisticated computing environment. Cloud computing has the potential to improve corporate management and accountants' jobs significantly. This article's major contribution is to discuss the demands, advantages, and problems of using big data and cloud computing in contemporary businesses and institutions.
Iron Age Mortuary Practices in Britain: An Assessment of Current Trends and their Characteristics within Contemporary North-western European Traditions
Authors: LAMB ANDREW W.
Published: April 2022

The past four decades have been a time of great activity for researchers examining the Iron Age in north-west Europe. Since the 1980s, the scale of archaeological fieldwork has expanded massively and, with it, the quantity of data available to study. Iron Age mortuary data have been one of the main beneficiaries of this. Britain is no exception to this trend, with a number of important discoveries made over the years, thereby improving our understanding of mortuary practicesduringthis period. The situation is comparable for the regions which immediately border Britain: Ireland, northern France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. This paper reviews the current state of research for this part of Europe, contextualising the Iron Age British data within the broader north-west European frame of these neighbouring regions. In so doing, a better understanding of how chronological developments in the British mortuary data relate to those elsewhere is possible. Additionally, these data may inform us of other aspects of past societies, such as population mobility, social structure, and the persistence of ritual practices over time.