bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geometry and analysis in Anastácio da Cunha’s calculus
Authors: Domingues João Caramalho
Published: June 2023

It is well known that over the eighteenth century the calculus moved away from its geometric origins; Euler, and later Lagrange, aspired to transform it into a “purely analytical” discipline. In the 1780 s, the Portuguese mathematician José Anastácio da Cunha developed an original version of the calculus whose interpretation in view of that process presents challenges. Cunha was a strong admirer of Newton (who famously favoured geometry over algebra) and criticized Euler’s faith in analysis. However, the fundamental propositions of his calculus follow the analytical trend. This appears to have been possible due to a nominalistic conception of variable that allowed him to deal with expressions as names, rather than abstract quantities. Still, Cunha tried to keep the definition of fluxion directly applicable to geometrical magnitudes. According to a friend of Cunha’s, his calculus had an algebraic (analytical) branch and a geometrical branch, and it was because of this that his definition of fluxion appeared too complex to some contemporaries.
Patient-reported patterns of follow-up care in the ‘Aftercare in Blood Cancer Survivors’ (ABC) study
Authors: Baum Julia , Lax Hildegard , Lehmann Nils , Merkel-Jens Anja , Beelen Dietrich W. , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Dührsen Ulrich
Published: June 2023

Background

Follow-up care provides long-term support for cancer survivors. Little is known about follow-up care in hematologic malignancies.

Methods

Our questionnaire-based study included blood cancer survivors diagnosed at the University Hospital of Essen before 2010, with a ≥ 3-year interval since the last intense treatment. The primary goal of the retrospective study was the identification and characterization of follow-up institutions.

Results

Of 2386 survivors meeting the inclusion criteria, 1551 (65.0%) consented to participate, with a follow-up duration > 10 years in 731. The university hospital provided care for 1045 participants (67.4%), non-university oncologists for 231 (14.9%), and non-oncological internists or general practitioners for 203 (13.1%). Seventy-two participants (4.6%) abstained from follow-up care. The disease spectrum differed among follow-up institutions (p < 0.0001). While allogeneic transplant recipients clustered at the university hospital, survivors with monoclonal gammopathy, multiple myeloma, myeloproliferative disorders, or indolent lymphomas were often seen by non-university oncologists, and survivors with a history of aggressive lymphoma or acute leukemia by non-oncological internists or general practitioners. Follow-up intervals mirrored published recommendations. Follow-up visits were dominated by conversations, physical examination, and blood tests. Imaging was more often performed outside than inside the university hospital. Satisfaction with follow-up care was high, and quality of life was similar in all follow-up institutions. A need for improvement was reported in psychosocial support and information about late effects.

Conclusions

The naturally evolved patterns identified in the study resemble published care models: Follow-up clinics for complex needs, specialist-led care for unstable disease states, and general practitioner-led care for stable conditions.
Should I call psycho-oncology? Training nurses on psycho-oncological screening reduces uncertainties
Authors: Dreismann Lara , Schoknecht Karoline , Vogel Arndt , Zimmermann Tanja
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Psycho-oncological screening is required to identify distressed patients and direct them to psycho-oncological care. In practice, screening procedure and related communication are still insufficient due to various barriers on the side of the medical team. The aim of this study is to evaluate the specifically developed training (OptiScreen training) on screening from nurses’ perspective.

Methods

N = 72 nurses from visceral–oncological care at Hanover Medical School received the 6-h training, which consisted of three modules and targeted topics around screening, psycho-oncology and communication. The training was evaluated using a pre- and post-questionnaire assessing screening knowledge, uncertainties and further satisfaction outcomes.

Results

Personal uncertainties were significantly reduced by the training (t(63) = − 13.32, p < .001, d = 1.67). General satisfaction with the training was achieved (62.0–98.6% satisfied with the training elements). Feasibility (69%) and general acceptance (94.3%) for the training were rated positively.

Conclusion

The nurses rated the training as useful to reduce personal uncertainties regarding the screening process. Acceptability, feasibility and satisfaction with the training from the nursing perspective were achieved. The training contributes to minimizing barriers to inform about psycho-oncology and to recommend appropriate support services to patients.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) bei Patienten mit Fibromyalgiesyndrom (FMS)
Authors: Bettstetter Horst , Schäfer Arne
Published: June 2023

Hintergrund

Seit dem 1. März 2017 ist medizinisches Cannabis (MC) bundesweit verschreibungsfähig. Zur Wirksamkeit von MC bei Fibromyalgiesyndrom (FMS) existieren bisher einige qualitativ unterschiedliche Studien.

Fragestellung

Ziel der Untersuchung war, die Wirksamkeit von Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) im Verlauf einer IMST hinsichtlich des Schmerzes und mehrerer psychometrischer Variablen zu untersuchen.

Material und Methoden

Für die Studie wurden im Studienzeitraum (2017–2018) alle Patienten einer Schmerzstation, die an einem FMS erkrankt waren und in einem multimodalen, interdisziplinären Setting behandelt wurden, entsprechend den Einschlusskriterien selektioniert. Die Patienten wurden getrennt nach Gruppen mit und ohne THC-Medikation bzgl. der Schmerzintensität, verschiedener psychometrischer Parameter und des Analgetikaverbrauchs während des Aufenthalts untersucht.

Ergebnisse

Von den 120 in die Studie eingeschlossenen FMS-Patienten wurden 62 Patienten (51,7 %) mit THC behandelt. In den Parametern Schmerzintensität, Depressivität und Lebensqualität zeigte sich eine signifikante Besserung der Gesamtgruppe während des Aufenthalts (p < 0,001), die durch den Einsatz von THC signifikant stärker ausfiel. In fünf der sieben untersuchten Analgetikagruppen konnte bei den mit THC behandelten Patienten signifikant häufiger die Dosis reduziert bzw. das Medikament abgesetzt werden.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Ergebnisse liefern Hinweise dafür, dass THC als medikamentöse Alternative in Ergänzung zu den bisher in verschiedenen Leitlinien empfohlenen Substanzen für die Therapie des FMS in Betracht gezogen werden kann.
Simulation of bempedoic acid and ezetimibe in the lipid-lowering treatment pathway in Austria using the contemporary SANTORINI cohort of high and very high risk patients
Authors: Toplak Hermann , Bilitou Aikaterini , Alber Hannes , Auer Johann , Clodi Martin , Ebenbichler Christoph , Fließer-Görzer Evelyn , Gelsinger Carmen , Hanusch Ursula , Ludvik Bernhard , Maca Thomas , Schober Andreas , Sock Reinhard , Speidl Walter S. , Stulnig Thomas M. , Weitgasser Raimund , Zirlik Andreas , Koch Marina , Wienerroither Sebastian , Wolowacz Sorrel E. , Diamand Françoise , Catapano Alberico L.
Published: June 2023

Objective

The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goals in the 2019 European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society dyslipidaemia guidelines necessitate greater use of combination therapies. We describe a real-world cohort of patients in Austria and simulate the addition of oral bempedoic acid and ezetimibe to estimate the proportion of patients reaching goals.

Methods

Patients at high or very high cardiovascular risk on lipid-lowering treatments (excluding proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors) from the Austrian cohort of the observational SANTORINI study were included using specific criteria. For patients not at their risk-based goals at baseline, addition of ezetimibe (if not already received) and subsequently bempedoic acid was simulated using a Monte Carlo simulation.

Results

A cohort of patients (N = 144) with a mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of 76.4 mg/dL, with 94% (n = 135) on statins and 24% (n = 35) on ezetimibe monotherapy or in combination, were used in the simulation. Only 36% of patients were at goal (n = 52). Sequential simulation of ezetimibe (where applicable) and bempedoic acid increased the proportion of patients at goal to 69% (n = 100), with a decrease in the mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol from 76.4 mg/dL at baseline to 57.7 mg/dL overall.

Conclusions

The SANTORINI real-world data in Austria suggest that a proportion of high and very high-risk patients remain below the guideline-recommended low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goals. Optimising use of oral ezetimibe and bempedoic acid after statins in the lipid-lowering pathway could result in substantially more patients attaining low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goals, likely with additional health benefits.
A novel mammarenavirus (family Arenaviridae) in hedgehogs (Erinaceus roumanicus) in Europe
Authors: Reuter Gábor , Boros Ákos , Takáts Károly , Mátics Róbert , Pankovics Péter
Published: June 2023

In this study, a novel mammarenavirus (family Arenaviridae) was identified in a hedgehog (family Erinaceidae) in Hungary and genetically characterized. Mecsek Mountains virus (MEMV, OP191655, OP191656) was detected in nine (45%) out of 20 faecal specimens collected from a Northern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus). The L-segment proteins (RdRp and Z) and S-segment proteins (NP and GPC) of MEMV had 67.5%/70% and 74.6%/65.6% amino acid sequence identity, respectively, to the corresponding proteins of Alxa virus (species Mammarenavirus alashanense) identified recently in an anal swab from a three-toed jerboa (Dipus sagitta) in China. MEMV is the second known arenavirus endemic in Europe.
Determination of trimetazidine in urine by capillary electrophoresis with amperometric detection
Authors: Baroch Martin , Dejmková Hana , Matysik Frank-Michael
Published: June 2023

In this contribution, nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis with end-column amperometric detection using a platinum ultramicroelectrode is presented along with several extraction procedures, both liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) and solid-phase extraction (SPE), for extracting trimetazidine from urine. Trimetazidine is an anti-ischemic drug, which changes hearth metabolism pathways and is being abused as a doping. Electrochemical detection in a nonaqueous environment provided a stable response with a relative standard deviation of only 3.6% (n = 10) in repeatability measurement at concentration of 50 µg cm−3. LOD and LOQ of the proposed method were determined as 0.054 µg cm−3 and 0.180 µg cm−3, respectively. From the point of view of LLE, the most efficient procedure was the double extraction with ethyl acetate as an extraction agent in combination with prior alkalinization of the sample by Na2CO3. Nevertheless, the extraction efficiency was only around 68%. The most efficient SPE procedure was based on the combination of HLB cartridge and elution with background electrolyte containing 20% of methanol. Its recovery reached up to 92% and 101% in case of 50 µg cm−3 and 5.0 µg cm−3 of trimetazidine in urine, respectively.

Graphical abstract
The benefits of mixed-mode chromatography columns for separation of peptides and protein digests
Authors: Kadlecová Zuzana , Boudová Hana , Kalíková Květa
Published: June 2023

In this work, the evaluation and comparison of mixed-mode chromatography and reversed-phase chromatography for separation of peptides and protein digests have been performed. The effects of pH of aqueous part of mobile phase as well as the effects of organic modifier on retention, resolution, and peak shape were investigated on several columns including three mixed-mode columns possessing reversed-phase/anion-exchange mechanism, two reversed-phase octadecyl columns, and one column with mixed-mode reversed-phase/anion-exchange character only in defined pH range. The set of peptides varying in their polarity, length, amino acid sequence, and charge state, namely dipeptides,N-blocked dipeptides, and oligopeptides, was selected to describe the chromatographic behavior under different conditions properly. These measurements showed the potential of mixed-mode chromatography columns for analysis of differently charged peptides in a single run. The applicability of the tested conditions has been verified by the analysis of cytochrome C digested fragments. Two types of samples were analyzed and compared, i.e., commercial cytochrome C digested standard and cytochrome C digested via trypsin spin columns. The obtained results point to the necessity of using mass spectrometry detection because of large number of unknown peaks in cytochrome C digested standard, probably originating from chymotryptic and miscleavage activities.

Graphical abstract
Terrestrial Trentepohlia sp. (Ulvophyceae) from alpine and coastal collection sites show strong desiccation tolerance and broad light and temperature adaptation
Authors: Holzinger Andreas , Plag Niklas , Karsten Ulf , Glaser Karin
Published: June 2023

For the present study, we collected the Ulvophyceae species Trentepohlia aurea from limestone rock near Berchtesgaden, Germany, and the closely related taxa T. umbrina from Tilia cordata tree bark and T. jolithus from concrete wall both in Rostock, Germany. Freshly sampled material stained with Auramine O, DIOC6, and FM 1–43 showed an intact physiological status. Cell walls were depicted with calcofluor white and Carbotrace. When subjected to three repeated and controlled cycles of desiccation over silica gel (~ 10% relative humidity) followed by rehydration, T. aurea recovered about 50% of the initial photosynthetic yield of photosystem II (YII). In contrast, T. umbrina and T. jolithus recovered to 100% of the initial YII. HPLC and GC analysis of compatible solutes found highest proportions of erythritol in T. umbrina and mannitol/arabitol in T. jolithus. The lowest total compatible solute concentrations were detected in T. aurea, while the C/N ratio was highest in this species, indicative of nitrogen limitation. The prominent orange to red coloration of all Trentepohlia was due to extremely high carotenoid to Chl a ratio (15.9 in T. jolithus, 7.8 in T. aurea, and 6.6. in T. umbrina). Photosynthetic oxygen production was positive up to ~ 1500 µmol photons m−2 s−1 with the highest Pmax and alpha values in T. aurea. All strains showed a broad temperature tolerance with optima for gross photosynthesis between 20 and 35 °C. The presented data suggest that all investigated Trentepohlia species are well adapted to their terrestrial lifestyle on exposed to sunlight on a vertical substrate with little water holding capacity. Nevertheless, the three Trentepohlia species differed concerning their desiccation tolerance and compatible solute concentrations. The lower compatible solute contents in T. aurea explain the incomplete recovery of YII after rehydration.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Clinical characterization of familial 1p36.3 microduplication
Authors: Jiao Junping , Wang Yuping , Hou Yue , Gao Chao , Shi Huimin , Tian Shujuan
Published: June 2023

Unlike the 1p36 microdeletion syndrome, which has been extensively described, 1p36.3 microduplications have rarely been reported. We report the two siblings of familial 1p36.3 microduplication, presenting with a severe global developmental delay, epilepsy, and a few dysmorphic features. They were referred to moderate-to-severe developmental delay (DD) and intellectual disability (ID). Both were considered eyelid myoclonus with absence of epilepsy (Jeavons syndrome). The EEG is characterized by widespread 2.5–3.5 Hz spikes and spike slow complex wave, eye closure sensitivity, and photosensitivity. The children has same dysmorphic features, including mild bitemporal narrowing and sloping forehead, sparse eyebrows, hypertelorism, ptosis, strabismus, infraorbital creases, wide nasal bridge with bulbous nasal tip, dystaxia, hallux valgus, and flat feet. Family exome sequencing revealed a maternally inherited 3.2-Mb microduplication of chromosomal band 1p36.3p36.2. However, DNA purified from blood samples of either parent did not find evidence for a microduplication of 1p36 in somatic tissue, indicating that such a mutation might be carried in the germline of the parents as gonadal mosaicism. No other family members of the affected siblings’ parents were reported to be affected by the symptoms found.
A modified Rives–Stoppa technique with composite mesh (FLaPp) in large incisional hernia: a multicentric retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fei Landino , Munegato Gabriele , Allaria Alfredo , Catauro Antonio , Rosati Samanta , Giordano Flavio , Balestra Gabriella , Docimo Ludovico , Gambardella Claudio
Published: June 2023

Background

Large incisional hernias (LIH) are challenging conditions, often necessitating complex surgical procedures such as transversus abdominis muscle release (TAR). We evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of tension-free abdominal wall repair of LIH with an innovative modified Rives–Stoppa procedure employing a composite free lateral polypropylene (FLaPp) prosthesis.

Methods

Symptomatic patients affected by LIH and treated with FLaPp composite prosthesis between April 2010 and December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. The FLaPp prosthesis is made up of two layers: an internal layer based on a polypropylene film that can be used in contact with the intestinal loops to address the posterior peritoneal defect, and an external layer based on a macroporous lightweight mesh, with which a classic repair according to Rives–Stoppa is carried out.

Results

Forty-three patients were enrolled in the study. All hernias were W3. Early complications were seroma (16.3%), hematoma (11.6%), wound infection (7.0%), and bowel injury (2.3%). Late complications were sinus tract (4.7%), occasional pain (2.3%), and stiff abdomen (9.3%). The median operative time was 126 min and median hospitalization was 8 days. At the median follow-up of 40 months (range 37.5–117), the recurrence rate was 9.3% (4/43).

Conclusion

Use of FLaPp mesh with a tension-free surgical approach is an effective strategy for managing LIH in selected cases with the presence of a posterior defect, with low rates of complications and recurrences.
Social networks and health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study among older adults in the Netherlands
Authors: Steijvers Lisanne C. J. , Leeferink Floor , Brinkhues Stephanie , Hoebe Christian J. P. A. , Dukers-Muijrers Nicole H. T. M.
Published: June 2023

Aim

Social networks, all social relationships that people have, may influence people’s health behavior and well-being, which was evaluated in this qualitative study in older adults. Furthermore, we evaluated people’s needs for strengthening social networks.

Subject and methods

For this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted between May and July 2021 among 24 adults aged 60 years and older.

Results

Respondents provided information on social network structure (number and types of relations) and function (social support). They received informational support from friends, emotional support from their partner/spouse, and all types of support (including practical support) from family. Respondents stated that their health behavior was mainly influenced by a partner/spouse. Family and friends were mostly for socializing. To strengthen networks, in-person bilateral or small group interactions were preferred.

Conclusion

Family and friends were important social supporters and positively influenced health behaviors. This study emphasizes the importance of social networks in health promotion.
Nuts and berries from agroforestry systems in temperate regions can form the foundation for a healthier human diet and improved outcomes from diet-related diseases
Authors: Lovell Sarah Taylor , Krishnaswamy Kiruba , Lin Chung-Ho , Meier Nicholas , Revord Ronald S. , Thomas Andrew L.
Published: June 2023

Agroforestry is a specific type of agroecosystem that includes trees and shrubs with the potential to yield nutrient-rich products that contribute to human health. This paper reviews the literature on the human health benefits of tree nut and berry species commonly associated with agroforestry systems of the United States, considering their potential for preventing certain diet-related diseases. Emphasis is placed on those diseases that are most closely associated with poor outcomes from COVID-19, as they are indicators of confounding health prognoses. Results indicate that tree nuts reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, and walnuts (Juglans species) are particularly effective because of their unique fatty acid profile. Berries that are grown on shrubs have the potential to contribute to mitigation of hypertension, prevention of Type II diabetes, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. To optimize human health benefits, plant breeding programs can focus on the traits that enhance the naturally-occurring phytochemicals, through biofortification. Value-added processing techniques should be selected and employed to preserve the phytonutrients, so they are maintained through the point of consumption. Agroforestry systems can offer valuable human health outcomes for common diet-related diseases, in addition to providing many environmental benefits, particularly if they are purposefully designed with that goal in mind. The food system policies in the U.S. might be reoriented to prioritize these food production systems based on the health benefits.
On their way to the north: larval performance of Hemigrapsus sanguineus invasive on the European coast—a comparison with the native European population of Carcinus maenas
Authors: Espinosa-Novo Noé , Giménez Luis , Boersma Maarten , Torres Gabriela
Published: June 2023

The Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus has become invasive in North Europe and it co-occurs and competes with the native European shore crab Carcinus maenas. Both species develop through a feeding and dispersive larval phase characterised by several zoeal and a settling megalopa stage. Larvae of marine crabs are vulnerable to food limitation and warming has the potential to exacerbate the negative effects of food limitation on survival and growth. We quantified the combined effects of temperature and food limitation on larval performance (survival and growth) of H. sanguineus and we compared our results with those reported on performance of C. maenas larvae, under the same experimental design and methodology. Larvae from four females of H. sanguineus collected on Helgoland (North Sea) were experimentally reared from hatching to megalopa, at four temperatures (range 15–24 °C) and two food conditions (permanent vs. daily limited access to food). Larval survival of H. sanguineus was low at 15 °C and increased with temperature, in contrast to the high survival reported for C. maenas larvae in the range 15–24 °C. Food limitation reduced survival and body mass of H. sanguineus larvae at all temperatures, but without evidence of the exacerbating effect caused by high temperatures and reported for C. maenas. By contrast, high temperature (24 °C) mitigated the negative effect of food limitation on body mass on H. sanguineus larvae. Advantages of H. sanguineus over C. maenas appear especially under the increased temperatures expected from climate change.
Insulin Resistance Triggers Atherosclerosis: Caveolin 1 Cooperates with PKCzeta to Block Insulin Signaling in Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Tan Jingjing , Li Xiaoguang , Dou Ning
Published: June 2023

Objective

To date, therapies for endothelial dysfunction have primarily focused on ameliorating identified atherosclerosis (AS) risk factors rather than explicitly addressing endothelium-based mechanism. An in-depth exploration of the pathological mechanisms of endothelial injury was performed herein.

Methods

Aortic caveolin 1 (Cav1) knockdown was achieved in mice using lentivirus, and AS was induced using a high-fat diet. Mouse body weight, blood glucose, insulin, lipid parameters, aortic plaque, endothelial injury, vascular nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), injury marker, and oxidative stress were examined. The effect of Cav1 knockdown on the content of PKCzeta and PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway–related protein levels, as well as PKCzeta binding to Akt, was studied. ZIP, a PKCzeta inhibitor, was utilized to treat HUVECs in vitro, and the effect of ZIP on cell viability, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and Akt activation was evaluated.

Results

Cav1 knockdown had no significant effect on body weight or blood glucose in mice over an 8-week period, whereas drastically reduced insulin, lipid parameters, endothelial damage, E-selectin, and oxidative stress and elevated eNOS levels. Moreover, Cav1 knockdown triggered decreased PKCzeta enrichment and the activation of the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway. PKCzeta has a positive effect on cells without being coupled by Cav1, and ZIP had no marked influence on PKCzeta-Akt binding following Cav1/PKCzeta coupling.

Conclusion

Cav1/PKCzeta coupling antagonizes the activation of PI3K on Akt, leading to eNOS dysfunction, insulin resistance, and endothelial cell damage.
Same but Different: Providing a Probabilistic Foundation for the Feature-Matching Approach to Similarity and Categorization
Authors: Poth Nina
Published: June 2023

The feature-matching approach pioneered by Amos Tversky remains a groundwork for psychological models of similarity and categorization but is rarely explicitly justified considering recent advances in thinking about cognition. While psychologists often view similarity as an unproblematic foundational concept that explains generalization and conceptual thought, long-standing philosophical problems challenging this assumption suggest that similarity derives from processes of higher-level cognition, including inference and conceptual thought. This paper addresses three specific challenges to Tversky’s approach: (i) the feature-selection problem, (ii) the problem of cognitive implausibility, and (iii) the problem of unprincipled tweaking. It subsequently supports key insights from Tversky’s account based on recent developments in Bayesian modeling of cognition. A novel computational view of similarity as inference is proposed that addresses each challenge by considering the contrast class as constitutive of similarity and selecting for highly informative features. In so doing, this view illustrates the ongoing promise of the feature-matching approach in explaining perception, generalization and conceptual thought by grounding them in principles of probabilistic inference.
The Controlled Atmosphere Cone Calorimeter: A Literature Review
Authors: Bray Robert John , Tretsiakova-McNally Svetlana , Zhang Jianping
Published: June 2023

Cone calorimeters are widely used to assess heat release parameters and flammability of combustible materials, but their use is limited for applications where the global equivalence ratio (GER) exceeds one, because they can only replicate burning in open conditions. The standardisation of the controlled atmosphere cone calorimeter (CACC) in the ISO/TS 5660-5:2020 offers an opportunity to investigate the potential advantages and limitations of this apparatus. This paper presents a detailed review of existing studies conducted using the CACC. The review is aimed at examining the importance of atmospheric control for bench-scale experimental methods and the research-based development of key features of the apparatus. In addition, it highlights the research yet to be carried out to optimise the use of CACC as a tool in fire science. The effects of various design parameters are discussed including the method used for GER control, the chimney, the chamber, the gas inflow rate and others. Despite standardisation, it is concluded that there is limited consensus on optimal CACC control variables. A lack of consensus has led to significantly different testing conditions even where researchers use the same materials and have similar research objectives. The lack of best practice, particularly with regards to a gas sampling location and the method of GER control, motivates the need for further research so as to improve the value of data collected, reduce uncertainty and optimise CACC reproducibility.
Child Neuropsychological Functioning and Interpersonal Callousness as Predictors of Externalising Behaviour in Early Adolescence: A Prospective Population-based Study
Authors: de Graaf Isabel E. , Bolhuis Koen , Cecil Charlotte A. M. , White Tonya H. , van Dongen Josanne D. M.
Published: June 2023

Externalizing problems are a key predictor of individual functioning in adulthood. Therefore, identifying possible risk factors for externalising problems is valuable for optimising prevention and treatment programmes. Previous research has shown that (domains of) neuropsychological functioning predict externalising problems later in life. However, the influence of callous traits, and sex as potential moderators in this relation remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine associations between neuropsychological functioning in children (at age 8 years) and later externalising behaviour in adolescence (at age 14 years), as well as to test the role of callous traits (at age 10 years) and sex as moderating factors. The analyses were conducted using data from 661 Dutch children from the population-based Generation R Study (47.2% female). We found no association between neuropsychological functioning and later externalising behaviour. However, callous traits predicted externalising problems at age 14 years. Further, callous traits moderated the association between neuropsychological functioning and externalising behaviour, though this association dropped below the statistical significance level when adjusted for confounders. Specifically, while higher neuropsychological functioning was associated with more externalising behaviour in children with high callous traits, lower neuropsychological functioning was not associated with externalising behaviour in children with low callous traits. Although boys showed significantly higher externalising behaviours compared to girls, no moderating effect of sex was found on the association between neuropsychological functioning and externalising behaviour. These results add to a growing body of evidence supporting a distinct neurocognitive profile in children with high vs low callousness.
China’s growing influence in the global carrageenan industry and implications for Indonesia
Authors: Zhang Jing , Waldron Scott , Langford Zannie , Julianto Boedi , Komarek Adam Martin
Published: June 2023

China has reconfigured the global value chains of a wide range of commodities. This includes carrageenan, a polysaccharide extracted from specific types of red seaweeds used as a gelling and thickening agent in a wide range of applications. In the past 20 years, China has moved to centre stage in the global carrageenan processing sector, with wide-ranging implications for seaweed producing nations and farmers. This is especially the case for Indonesia, a pivotal carrageenan seaweeds producer that exports almost all seaweed to China, cemented by large Chinese investments in processing in Indonesia. Despite the importance, there is a dearth of studies on the Chinese domestic industry and associated trade and investment flows. This study fills the gap by triangulating a range of detailed industry, statistical and interview data, in multiple language sources. It finds that Chinese trade and investment linkages is of net benefit to Indonesia but that Indonesian government agencies at both central and local levels can begin to introduce terms in their favour.
Full charge incorporation in ab initio simulations of two-dimensional semiconductor-based devices
Authors: Duflou Rutger , Houssa Michel , Afzalian Aryan
Published: June 2023

Quantum transport simulations based on the non-equilibrium Green’s function formalism require accurate integration of the charges in the system. We demonstrate our implementation of a full charge integration scheme, which automatically incorporates electronic screening effects and is predicted to incorporate interface charges more correctly than the simpler excess charge approach. We first show that under certain conditions the two approaches are equivalent, e.g., for single doping type purely semiconducting devices. We then demonstrate that for devices containing metals, the two approaches may sometimes demonstrate significantly different behavior.
It Takes a Hui: Evaluating Outcomes of Family Hui, a Peer-led Parenting Program
Authors: Zhuang Winnie , Yonehiro Jade Noelani , Roberts Lucy Morse , Lopez Martha , Munakata Yuko
Published: June 2023

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), potentially traumatic life events that may occur during childhood (i.e., abuse, neglect, and household challenges), affect as many as 58% of children in the United States. Evidence suggests that interventions focused on strengthening individual, family, and community level protective factors could help mitigate the negative effects of ACEs on children’s development and potentially reduce overall exposure to ACEs. While parent education programs often target ACEs prevention at the individual level (i.e., only the parents or the child), peer-to-peer support groups can go a step further to help build protective factors at the individual, family, and community levels. The current study evaluated Lead4Tomorrow’s Family Hui 12-week program, a peer-led parenting program, before and after the addition of ACEs and resilience materials. In post-participation ratings of program participants, parents who completed the Family Hui program that included ACEs and resilience materials (the Bloom curriculum; n = 235) reported overall better learning outcomes and program ratings than those who completed the program before these materials were added (the original curriculum; n = 235). Importantly, non-English speaking parents (those who were administered the Farsi or Spanish versions of the curriculum) benefited as much as, if not more, than English-speaking parents. Future research should investigate the long-term effects of the Family Hui program and the Bloom curriculum on family and community ACEs related outcomes and compare the effects of peer-led parenting programs and other ACEs prevention approaches.
Synergies of material and geometrical non-linearities allow for the tuning of damping properties of functionally graded composite materials
Authors: Romanò Jacopo , Garavaglia Lorenzo , Lazzari Fabio , Volontè Francesco , Briatico Vangosa Francesco , Pittaccio Simone
Published: June 2023

In this study, we present an alternative fabrication technique to obtain functionally graded polymer–metal composites. The aim is to obtain a composite material with a graded damping factor, which is provided by the presence of pseudoelastic nickel–titanium (NiTi) fibres within an epoxy resin matrix. A preliminary dynamic mechanical characterisation of the NiTi wire revealed a pre-strain dependency of its damping factor. By fabricating wires with curved geometries in the free state, we were able to obtain fibres with a graded level of pre-strain when straightened. This feature in turn imparts a graded damping response. When encapsulating the straightened fibres in an epoxy resin, the graded damping response is transferred to the composite.
Externalities in the M/G/1 queue: LCFS-PR versus FCFS
Authors: Jacobovic Royi , Levering Nikki , Boxma Onno
Published: June 2023

Consider a stable M/G/1 system in which, at time $$t=0$$

t
=
0

, there are exactly n customers with residual service times equal to $$v_1,v_2,\ldots ,v_n$$

v
1

,

v
2

,
…
,

v
n

. In addition, assume that there is an extra customer c who arrives at time $$t=0$$

t
=
0

and has a service requirement of x. The externalities which are created by c are equal to the total waiting time that others will save if her service requirement is reduced to zero. In this work, we study the joint distribution (parameterized by $$n,v_1,v_2,\ldots ,v_n,x$$

n
,

v
1

,

v
2

,
…
,

v
n

,
x

) of the externalities created by c when the underlying service distribution is either last-come, first-served with preemption or first-come, first-served. We start by proving a decomposition of the externalities under the above-mentioned service disciplines. Then, this decomposition is used to derive several other results regarding the externalities: moments, asymptotic approximations as $$x\rightarrow \infty $$

x
→
∞

, asymptotics of the tail distribution, and a functional central limit theorem.
Cognitive impairment and health-related quality of life amongst older Australians: evidence from a longitudinal investigation
Authors: Keramat Syed Afroz , Lee Vanessa , Patel Rajat , Hashmi Rubayyat , Comans Tracy
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Australia’s population is steadily growing older, with older persons expected to make up over 20% of the population by 2066. Ageing is strongly associated with a significant drop in cognitive ability, ranging from mild cognitive impairment to severe cognitive impairment (dementia). This study examined the association between cognitive impairment and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older Australians.

Methods

Two waves of longitudinal data from the nationally representative Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey were utilised, with the age cut-off for older Australians defined as above 50. The final analysis included 10,737 person-year observations from 6892 unique individuals between 2012 and 2016. This study utilised the Backwards Digit Span (BDS) test and Symbol Digit Modalities test (SDMT) to assess cognitive function. HRQoL was measured using the physical and mental component summary scores of the SF-36 Health Survey (PCS and MCS). Additionally, HRQoL was measured using health state utility values (SF-6D score). A longitudinal random-effects GLS regression model was used to analyse the association between cognitive impairment and HRQoL.

Results

This study found that approximately 89% of Australian adults aged 50 or older had no cognitive impairment, 10.16% had moderate cognitive impairment, and 0.72% had severe cognitive impairment. This study also found that moderate and severe cognitive impairment were both negatively associated with HRQoL. Older Australians with moderate cognitive impairment scored worse on the PCS (β = − 1.765, SE = 0.317), MCS (β = − 1.612, SE = 0.326), and SF-6D (β = − 0.024, SE = 0.004) than peers without cognitive impairment given other covariates reference categories remain constant. Older adults experiencing severe cognitive had lower PCS (β = − 3.560, SE = 1.103), and SF-6D (β = − 0.034, SE = 0.012) scores compared to their counterparts with no cognitive impairment given other covariates reference categories remain constant.

Conclusion

We found evidence that HRQoL is negatively associated with cognitive impairment. Our findings will be beneficial for the future cost-effectiveness intervention targeted at reducing cognitive impairment since it provides information on the disutility associated with moderate and severe cognitive impairment.
The creation of digital innovative start-ups: the role of digital knowledge spillovers and digital skill endowment
Authors: Colombelli Alessandra , Paolucci Emilio , Raguseo Elisabetta , Elia Gianluca
Published: June 2023

Building on the Knowledge Spillover Theory of Entrepreneurship (KSTE) and the Digital Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (DEE) approach, this paper investigates the relationship between the local availability of digital knowledge (i.e., digital knowledge spillovers and digital skill endowment) and the creation of digital innovative start-ups in Italian NUTS3 regions. The obtained results show that both elements are significant for the creation of digital innovative start-ups at the province level, and a two-fold contribution has been made: from a theory perspective, an extension of KSTE to digital settings has been used to assess the relevance of geographical issues, while, from a DEE perspective, the study contributes by empirically analyzing the specific characteristics of the local ecosystem that can affect the creation of digital innovative start-ups. Finally, we discuss the implications for entrepreneurship and technology policy at the local level.
Energy-efficient computation offloading using hybrid GA with PSO in internet of robotic things environment
Authors: El Menbawy Noha , Ali Hesham A. , Saraya Mohamed S. , Ali-Eldin Amr M. T. , Abdelsalam Mohamed M.
Published: June 2023

The Internet of Robotic Things (IoRT) is an integration between autonomous robots and the Internet of Things (IoT) based on smart connectivity. It's critical to have intelligent connectivity and excellent communication for IoRT integration with digital platforms in order to maintain real-time engagement based on efficient consumer power in new-generation IoRT apps. The proposed model will be utilized to determine the optimal way of task offloading for IoRT devices for reducing the amount of energy consumed in IoRT environment and achieving the task deadline constraints. The approach is implemented based on fog computing to reduce the communication overhead between edge devices and the cloud. To validate the efficacy of the proposed schema, an extensive statistical simulation was conducted and compared to other related works. The proposed schema is evaluated against the Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA), Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), Ant Lion Optimizer (ALO), Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), and Salp Swarm Algorithm to confirm its effectiveness. After 200 iterations, our proposed schema was found to be the most effective in reducing energy, achieving a reduction of 22.85%. This was followed closely by GA and ABC, which achieved reductions of 21.5%. ALO, WOA, PSO, and GWO were found to be less effective, achieving energy reductions of 19.94%, 17.21%, 16.35%, and 11.71%, respectively. The current analytical results prove the effectiveness of the suggested energy consumption optimization strategy. The experimental findings demonstrate that the suggested schema reduces the energy consumption of task requests more effectively than the current technological advances.
Partial-order reduction in reachability-based response-time analyses of limited-preemptive DAG tasks
Authors: Ranjha Sayra , Gohari Pourya , Nelissen Geoffrey , Nasri Mitra
Published: June 2023

Response-time analysis (RTA) has been a means to evaluate the temporal correctness of real-time systems since the 1970 s. While early analyses were successful in capturing the exact upper bound on the worst-case response-time (WCRT) of systems with relatively simple computing platforms and task activation models, nowadays we see that most existing RTAs either become pessimistic or do not scale well as systems become more complex (e.g., parallel tasks running on a multicore platform). To make a trade-off between accuracy and scalability, recently, a new reachability-based RTA, called schedule-abstraction graph (SAG), has been proposed. The analysis is at least three orders of magnitude faster than other exact RTAs based on UPPAAL. However, it still has a fundamental limitation in scalability as it suffers from state-space explosion when there are large uncertainties in the timing parameters of the input jobs (e.g., large release jitters or execution-time variations). This could impede its applicability to large industrial use cases, or to be integrated with automated tools that explore alternative design choices. In this paper, we improve the scalability of the SAG analysis by introducing partial-order reduction rules that avoid combinatorial exploration of all possible scheduling decisions. We include systems with dependent and independent task execution models (i.e., with and without precedence constraint). Our empirical evaluations show that the proposed solution is able to reduce the runtime by five orders of magnitude and the number of explored states by 98% in comparison to the original SAG analysis. These achievements come only at a negligible cost of an over-estimation of 0.1% on the actual WCRT. We applied our solution on an automotive case study showing that it is able to scale to realistic systems made of hundreds of tasks for which the original analysis fails to finish.
The Ethics of Terminology: Can We Use Human Terms to Describe AI?
Authors: Deroy Ophelia
Published: June 2023

Despite facing significant criticism for assigning human-like characteristics to artificial intelligence, phrases like “trustworthy AI” are still commonly used in official documents and ethical guidelines. It is essential to consider why institutions continue to use these phrases, even though they are controversial. This article critically evaluates various reasons for using these terms, including ontological, legal, communicative, and psychological arguments. All these justifications share the common feature of trying to justify the official use of terms like “trustworthy AI” by appealing to the need to reflect pre-existing facts, be it the ontological status, ways of representing AI or legal categories. The article challenges the justifications for these linguistic practices observed in the field of AI ethics and AI science communication. In particular, it takes aim at two main arguments. The first is the notion that ethical discourse can move forward without the need for philosophical clarification, bypassing existing debates. The second justification argues that it’s acceptable to use anthropomorphic terms because they are consistent with the common concepts of AI held by non-experts—exaggerating this time the existing evidence and ignoring the possibility that folk beliefs about AI are not consistent and come closer to semi-propositional beliefs. The article sounds a strong warning against the use of human-centric language when discussing AI, both in terms of principle and the potential consequences. It argues that the use of such terminology risks shaping public opinion in ways that could have negative outcomes.
Paradoxes Within the Management of Volunteers
Authors: la Cour Anders , Hustinx Lesley , Eliasoph Nina
Published: June 2023

While scholars of management have extensively discussed paradoxes, scholars of volunteer management have given them little systematic attention. This special issue brings together the field of paradox studies with the research field of volunteer management. While many studies highlight paradoxes between different “missions” and mandates within volunteer-involving organizations, this introduction suggests using a “dramaturgical” approach that highlights the interplay between different actors, audiences, instruments for communication and action, and the broader moral, institutional frameworks in which the organizations operate. We review the field of paradox studies in management, then connect it to volunteer management, and then suggest ways that the dramaturgical approaches might help systematize some of the paradoxes that scholars have found in organizations that use volunteers. Next, the introduction summarizes this issue’s articles. Finally, we suggest that paradoxes take a more prominent role in studies of volunteer management.