bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust space-time finite element methods for parabolic distributed optimal control problems with energy regularization
Authors: Langer Ulrich , Steinbach Olaf , Yang Huidong
Published: April 2024

As in our previous work (SINUM59(2):660–674, 2021) we consider space-time tracking optimal control problems for linear parabolic initial boundary value problems that are given in the space-time cylinder$$Q = \Omega \times (0,T)$$Q=Ω×(0,T), and that are controlled by the right-hand side$$z_\varrho $$zϱfrom the Bochner space$$L^2(0,T;H^{-1}(\Omega ))$$L2(0,T;H-1(Ω)). So it is natural to replace the usual$$L^2(Q)$$L2(Q)norm regularization by the energy regularization in the$$L^2(0,T;H^{-1}(\Omega ))$$L2(0,T;H-1(Ω))norm. We derive new a priori estimates for the error$$\Vert \widetilde{u}_{\varrho h} - \overline{u}\Vert _{L^2(Q)}$$‖u~ϱh-u¯‖L2(Q)between the computed state$$\widetilde{u}_{\varrho h}$$u~ϱhand the desired state$$\overline{u}$$u¯in terms of the regularization parameter$$\varrho $$ϱand the space-time finite element mesh sizeh, and depending on the regularity of the desired state$$\overline{u}$$u¯. These new estimates lead to the optimal choice$$\varrho = h^2$$ϱ=h2. The approximate state$$\widetilde{u}_{\varrho h}$$u~ϱhis computed by means of a space-time finite element method using piecewise linear and continuous basis functions on completely unstructured simplicial meshes forQ. The theoretical results are quantitatively illustrated by a series of numerical examples in two and three space dimensions. We also provide performance studies for different solvers.
Acceptability of Long-Acting Injectable Antiretroviral Therapy Among People with HIV Receiving Care at Three Ryan White Funded Clinics in the United States
Authors: Erguera Xavier A. , Koester Kimberly A. , Diaz Tsuzuki Manami , Dance Kaylin V. , Flores Rey , Kerman Jared , McNulty Moira C. , Colasanti Jonathan A. , Collins Lauren F. , Montgomery Elizabeth T. , Johnson Mallory O. , Sauceda John A. , Christopoulos Katerina A.
Published: April 2024

Understanding the acceptability of long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy (LAI-ART) among people with HIV (PWH), especially priority populations, is essential for effective implementation. We conducted semi-structured interviews with patients in three Ryan White-funded HIV clinics in San Francisco, Chicago, and Atlanta. We employed maximal variation sampling across age, gender, race, ethnicity, and time living with HIV and oversampled for individuals with suboptimal clinical engagement. An 8-step hybrid deductive and inductive thematic analysis approach guided data analysis. Between August 2020 and July 2021, we conducted 72 interviews. Median age was 46 years; 28% were ciswomen, 7% transwomen, 44% Black/African-American and 35% Latinx, 43% endorsed a psychiatric diagnosis, 35% were experiencing homelessness/unstable housing, and 10% had recent substance use. Approximately 24% were sub-optimally engaged in care. We observed a spectrum of LAI-ART acceptability, ranging from enthusiasm to hesitancy to rejection. We also characterized four emergent orientations towards LAI-ART: innovator, pragmatist, deliberator, and skeptic. Overall, the majority of participants expressed favorable initial reactions towards LAI-ART. Most approached LAI-ART pragmatically, but acceptability was not static, often increasing over the course of the interview. Participants considered their HIV providers as essential for affirming personal relevance. HIV stigma, privacy concerns, and medical mistrust had varied impacts, sometimes facilitating and other times hindering personal relevance. These findings held across priority populations, specifically young adults, cis/trans women, racial/ethnic minorities, and individuals with suboptimal clinical engagement. Further research is needed to explore the transition from hypothetical acceptance to uptake and to confirm the actual benefits and drawbacks of this treatment.
Isotopic diversity and niche patterns reveal contrasting resource use among co-occurring non-native fishes within a flow-altered African river system
Authors: Mpopetsi Pule P. , Kadye Wilbert T.
Published: April 2024

Classic and contemporary trophic ecology-based studies have shown that most non-native freshwater fish species (NNS) that integrate into novel environments have the potential to influence the recipient ecosystems’ structure and function. However, the interspecific trophic interactions amongst co-occurring NNS within invaded systems remain poorly studied. Here, we used carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope analyses to examine general fish trophic diversity patterns (native and non-native fishes) and to explore trophic niche patterns amongst co-occurring NNS within a flow-modified river system, the Great Fish River (South Africa). The system was characterised by isotopic variation, which revealed spatial differences in trophic complexity from uninvaded headwater tributaries to invaded mainstem and downstream sections. Two of the invaded sections, the upper mainstem of the Great Fish River (UGFR) and the Koonap River, had low isotopic overlaps between NNS and the native fish assemblages. Furthermore, co-occurring NNS in these two invaded sections had variable isotopic niche sizes and low interspecific isotopic niche overlaps, suggesting the potential for trophic differentiation. By comparison, there was evidence of high resource use patterns among NNS within the lower mainstem section of the Great Fish River (LGFR), which likely reflected trophic plasticity. Overall, results of this study provided evidence of both trophic niche differentiation (UGFR and Koonap River) and niche overlap (LGFR) as probable mechanisms of co-occurrences of the non-native fishes within different invaded sections of the Great Fish River system, and underscores the difficulties associated with predicting their trophic impacts.
Moisture as key for understanding the fluorescence of lignocellulose in wood
Authors: Peters Frank B. , Rapp Andreas O.
Published: April 2024

The fluorescence behaviour of lignocellulose in Pinus sylvestris L. was studied under the influence of moisture. Fluorescence excitation-emission-matrices (EEMs) of the solid wood surfaces were recorded. Two emission peaks were identified, one attributed to lignocellulose, the other to pinosylvins. The two peaks were successfully modelled with PARAFAC2-deconvolution. Lignocellulose showed excitation-dependent emission. Its emission was quenched and blue-shifted by moisture, while pinosylvin showed none of these properties. The quenching efficiency was proportional to the moisture content (linear Stern–Volmer plot), a phenomenon first demonstrated for wood in this study. Potential mechanisms for the moisture quenching are discussed, with clustering-triggered emission best explaining most of the observed peculiarities. The strong influence of moisture on the fluorescence of pine wood suggests that carbohydrates, or interactions between carbohydrates and lignin, play an important role in lignocellulose fluorescence.
Global warming determines future increase in compound dry and hot days within wheat growing seasons worldwide
Authors: He Yan , Zhao Yanxia , Sun Shao , Fang Jiayi , Zhang Yi , Sun Qing , Liu Li , Duan Yihong , Hu Xiaokang , Shi Peijun
Published: April 2024

Compound dry and hot extremes are proved to be the most damaging climatic stressor to wheat thereby with grave implications for food security, thus it is critical to systematically reveal their changes under unabated global warming. In this study, we comprehensively investigate the global change in compound dry and hot days (CDHD) within dynamic wheat growing seasons during 2015–2100 under 4 socio-economic scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5) based on the latest downscaled Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models. Our results demonstrate a notable increase in CDHD’s frequency ($${CDHD}_{f}$$

CDHD

f

) and severity ($${CDHD}_{s}$$

CDHD

s

) worldwide under all SSPs, such increase is sharper over southern Asia in winter wheat growing season, and southern Canada, northern America, Ukraine, Turkey and northern Kazakhstan in spring wheat growing season. As the top 10 wheat producer, India and America will suffer much more detrimental CDHD in their wheat growing season. Adopting a low forcing pathway will mitigate CDHD risks in up to 93.3% of wheat areas. Positive dependence between droughts and heats in wheat growing season is found over more than 74.2% of wheat areas, which will effectively promote the frequency and severity of CDHD. Global warming will dominate the increase of CDHD directly by increasing hot days and indirectly by enhancing potential evapotranspiration thereby aggravating droughts. This study helps to optimize adaptation strategies for mitigating CDHD risks on wheat production, and provides new insights and analysis paradigm for investigating future variations in compound extremes occurring within dynamic crops growing seasons.
Axonal protection by combination of ripasudil and brimonidine with upregulation of p-AMPK in TNF-induced optic nerve degeneration
Authors: Otsubo Mizuki , Sase Kana , Tsukahara Chihiro , Fujita Naoki , Arizono Ibuki , Tokuda Naoto , Kitaoka Yasushi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The ROCK inhibitor ripasudil hydrochloride hydrate was shown to have axonal protective effects in TNF-induced optic nerve degeneration. The α2-adrenoreceptor agonist brimonidine was also shown to exert axonal protection. The current study aimed to elucidate whether additive axonal protection was achieved by the simultaneous injection of ripasudil and brimonidine and examine the association with AMPK activation.

Methods

Intravitreal administration was performed in the following groups: PBS, TNF, or TNF with ripasudil, with brimonidine, or with a combination of ripasudil and brimonidine. Axon numbers were counted to evaluate the effects against axon loss. Immunoblot analysis was performed to examine phosphorylated AMPK expression in optic nerves, and immunohistochemical analysis was performed to evaluate the expression levels of p-AMPK and neurofilament in the optic nerve.

Results

Both ripasudil alone or brimonidine alone resulted in significant neuroprotection against TNF-induced axon loss. The combination of ripasudil and brimonidine showed additive protective effects. Combined ripasudil and brimonidine plus TNF significantly upregulated p-AMPK levels in the optic nerve compared with the TNF groups. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that p-AMPK is present in axons and enhanced by combination therapy.

Conclusion

The combination of ripasudil and brimonidine may have additive protective effects compared with single-agent treatment alone. These protective effects may be at least partially associated with AMPK activation.
Potential of bacterial cellulose for sustainable fashion and textile applications: A review
Authors: Nayak Rajkishore , Cleveland Donna , Tran Giang , Joseph Frances
Published: April 2024

The fashion and textile manufacturing sectors are increasingly focusing on innovative raw materials that are renewable and biodegradable. Such materials not only mitigate environmental impacts but also prevent resource depletion. Bacterial cellulose (BC) has emerged as a prime candidate, derivable from a variety of natural ingredients such as tea and coffee in addition to a sugar source in presence of the bacterial microorganisms. Numerous studies have established the potential of BC in future fashion, and some brands have already started to utilise BC as a sustainable raw material. The applications of BC ranges from basic clothing and accessories to wearable electronics. This paper discusses the scope of BC in fashion and textiles, positioning it as a sustainable alternative to conventional materials. We present a comprehensive scoping review, covering the unique properties of BC, the factors influencing its production, and its applications in textile, clothing, and footwear over the past decade. The advantages of BC in fashion are manifold: zero-waste manufacturing, reliance on renewable sources, diminished environmental pollution, and biodegradability. Furthermore, the use of BC aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 6, 7, 12, 13 and 15. However, there exist challenges pertaining to production costs, scalability, and quality, in addition to the imperative of harnessing food waste streams instead of contending for human food resources. Addressing these challenges is vital to cement BC’s position as a pivotal sustainable material in future fashion.
Omenn Syndrome in Two Infants with Different Hypomorphic Variants in Janus Kinase 3
Authors: Tsilifis Christo , Spegarova Jarmila Stremenova , Good Ross , Griffin Helen , Engelhardt Karin R. , Graham Sophie , Hughes Stephen , Arkwright Peter D. , Hambleton Sophie , Gennery Andrew R.
Published: April 2024

Biallelic null or hypomorphic variants in JAK3 cause SCID and less frequently Omenn syndrome. We investigated homozygous hypomorphic JAK3 mutations in two patients, and expression and function of a novel JAK3R431P variant in Omenn syndrome. Immunophenotyping of PBMC from the patient with the novel JAK3R431P variant was undertaken, by flow cytometry and Phosflow after stimulation with IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15. JAK3 expression was investigated by Western blotting. We report two patients with homozygous hypomorphic JAK3 variants and clinical features of Omenn syndrome. One patient had a previously described JAK3R775H variant, and the second had a novel JAK3R431P variant. One patient with a novel JAK3R431P variant had normal expression of JAK3 in immortalised EBV-LCL cells but reduced phosphorylation of STAT5 after stimulation with IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15 consistent with impaired kinase activity. These results suggest the JAK3R431P variant to be hypomorphic. Both patients are alive and well after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. They have full donor chimerism, restitution of thymopoiesis and development of appropriate antibody responses following vaccination. We expand the phenotype of hypomorphic JAK3 deficiency and demonstrate the importance of functional testing of novel variants in disease-causing genes.
SingDistVis: interactive Overview+Detail visualization for F0 trajectories of numerous singers singing the same song
Authors: Itoh Takayuki , Nakano Tomoyasu , Fukayama Satoru , Hamasaki Masahiro , Goto Masataka
Published: April 2024

This paper describes SingDistVis, an information visualization technique for fundamental frequency (F0) trajectories of large-scale singing data where numerous singers sing the same song. SingDistVis allows to explore F0 trajectories interactively by combining two views: OverallView and DetailedView. OverallView visualizes a distribution of the F0 trajectories of the song in a time-frequency heatmap. When a user specifies an interesting part, DetailedView zooms in on the specified part and visualizes singing assessment (rating) results. Here, it displays high-rated singings in red and low-rated singings in blue. When the user clicks on a particular singing, the audio source is played and its F0 trajectory through the song is displayed in OverallView. We selected heatmap-based visualization for OverallView to provide an overview of a large-scale F0 dataset, and polyline-based visualization for DetailedView to provide a more precise representation of a small number of particular F0 trajectories. This paper introduces a subjective experiment using 1,000 singing voices to determine suitable visualization parameters. Then, this paper presents user evaluations where we asked participants to compare visualization results of four types of Overview+Detail designs and concluded that the presented design archived better evaluations than other designs in all the seven questions. Finally, this paper describes a user experiment in which eight participants compare SingDistVis with a baseline implementation in exploring interested singing voices and concludes that the proposed SingDistVis archived better evaluations in nine of the questions.
Image de-photobombing benchmark
Authors: Patel Vatsa S. , Agrawal Kunal , Baraheem Samah S. , Yousif Amira , Nguyen Tam V.
Published: April 2024

Removing photobombing elements from images is a challenging task that requires sophisticated image inpainting techniques. Despite the availability of various methods, their effectiveness depends on the complexity of the image and the nature of the distracting element. To address this issue, we conducted a benchmark study to evaluate 10 state-of-the-art photobombing removal methods on a dataset of over 300 images. Our study focused on identifying the most effective image inpainting techniques for removing unwanted regions from images. We annotated the photobombed regions that require removal and evaluated the performance of each method using peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index (SSIM), and Fréchet inception distance (FID). The results show that image inpainting techniques can effectively remove photobombing elements, but more robust and accurate methods are needed to handle various image complexities. Our benchmarking study provides a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners to select the most suitable method for their specific photobombing removal task.
Biomonitoring of lead in blood of children living in a former mining area in Lower Saxony, Germany
Authors: Strieker Sonja , Radon Katja , Forster Felix , Örnek Özlem Köseoglu , Wengenroth Laura , Schmotz Walter , Sonnemann Finn , Hoopmann Michael , Hepp Martin , Nowak Dennis , Weinmann Tobias , Rakete Stefan
Published: April 2024

Environmental exposure to lead substantially decreased over the past decades. However, soil of former mining areas still contains high lead levels. We therefore performed a biomonitoring study among children living in two former mining communities in Lower Saxony, Germany. In these communities, soil contains lead levels of 1000 to 30,000 mg/kg. Overall, 75 children (6–10 years of age) attending the two primary schools of the study area took part in the study. Parents completed a short questionnaire on sociodemographics, and children provided capillary whole blood samples. We analysed lead using inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometer. We compared the results to current German (20 μg/l for boys, 15 μg/l for girls) and US (35 μg/l) reference values. Potential associations between questionnaire information and lead results were tested using lead as continuous outcome and using lead dichotomized at the reference values. Finally, we analysed spatial patterns of elevated biomonitoring results. Of all children, 48% exceeded the German reference values for lead (5% expected) and 8% the US reference value (2.5% expected). Children 6–8 years of age were more likely to exceed German reference values (63%) than 9–10 year old children were (32%; pFisher = 0.01). No other questionnaire information was statistically significantly associated with biomonitoring results. Additionally, we did not find any indication of spatial clustering. In conclusion, we observed elevated blood lead levels in primary school children living in a former mining area. In the next step, exposure pathways need to be identified to implement effective public health measures.
Selective load control of lumbar muscles in robot-assisted isometric lumbar stabilization exercise
Authors: Kim Joowan , Choi Wonje , Park Jaeheung
Published: April 2024

Lumbar stabilization exercises are commonly employed in the rehabilitation of patients with low back pain. However, many patients discontinue these exercises, generally calisthenics using various postures or tools, due to the difficulty of providing an appropriate exercise load intensity. This challenge results in an inability to apply the desired strength to the target lumbar muscles and sometimes leads to an excessive load on unintended areas during calisthenics. Consequently, a method that enables patients to exercise continuously and progressively recover is required, specifically one that can target the lumbar muscles with a desired load. To address this issue, we propose a rehabilitation assistive device that quantitatively controls the lumbar spine load. In isometric lumbar stabilization exercises, our method involves precise compensation for gravity. The device, equipped with a series elastic actuator, is positioned beneath the patient in a lying posture. It applies an assistive force in the direction opposite to gravity, enabling precise control of the load on the lumbar region and reducing the vertical load on the spine. To validate the effectiveness of our proposed method, we conducted experiments with 20 healthy subjects across three exercises and analyzed the electromyography signal using nonparametric statistical methods. Our objective was to determine whether the load on the target lumbar muscles could be precisely and gradually controlled. The statistical results indicate that exercises performed using the proposed device produce statistically significant load changes in the target lumbar muscles.
Sympathies for Putin Within the German Public: A Consequence of Political Alienation?
Authors: Hoffeller Lucca , Steiner Nils D.
Published: April 2024

Why do individuals in democratic nations sympathize with autocratic leaders from abroad? In this article, we address this general question with regard to Germans’ attitudes toward Vladimir Putin in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Building on the intuition that “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” and its formalization in balance theory, our study focuses on the role of political alienation at home. To study this role comprehensively, we consider several facets of political alienation: a lack of trust in political institutions, low support for democracy as a regime, a sense of estrangement from public discourse, and an inclination toward conspiracy thinking. Using longitudinal analyses on data from the German Longitudinal Election Study panel, we provide empirical evidence consistent with our argument that political alienation—particularly in terms of low political trust and a proclivity for conspiracy thinking—drives sympathies for Putin and his regime. Against the backdrop of mounting attempts by Russia and other autocratic powers to influence discourses in Western societies via some segments of society, our findings illuminate one important source of sympathy for Putin and, potentially, foreign autocrats more broadly.
Anaphylaxis: first clinical presentation, subsequent referral practise, and suspected elicitor—an observational study
Authors: Gudichsen Julie Holst , Bækdal Emil Aggerholm , Jessen Frederik Bloch , Lassen Annmarie Touborg , Bindslev-Jensen Carsten , Mortz Charlotte G. , Mikkelsen Søren
Published: April 2024

Anaphylaxis is an allergic manifestation characterised by rapid onset and progression. Rapid treatment may be challenging in patients with atypical symptoms or no previous history of anaphylaxis. This study aimed to describe the clinical prehospital presentation of first-time anaphylactic patients. To help target educational initiatives, we sought to identify which groups of medical professionals are most likely to encounter first-time anaphylactic patients and investigated the referral pattern for suspected anaphylactic patients for specialised treatment. A retrospective register-based study from the Region of Southern Denmark. Patients referred to the Allergy Centre, Odense University Hospital, from 2019 to 2021 were included. The medical records were manually reviewed for first contact with the emergency departments or the emergency medical service. 444 patients with suspected anaphylaxis were referred. 226 patients had grade 3–5 systemic allergic reactions as classified by the World Allergy Organisation; 90% had cutaneous symptoms, 63% symptoms from the central nervous system, 42% gastrointestinal symptoms, 40% cardiovascular symptoms, 36% had upper-airway symptoms, and 36% had lower-airway symptoms. Patients treated prehospitally had a significantly more severe degree of anaphylaxis than patients only treated within the hospital. More than half of the patients with suspected anaphylaxis were referred to the Allergy Centre from the emergency departments. Patients with allergies progressing to severe anaphylaxis most often are treated prehospitally before transport to emergency departments. From the emergency departments, they are referred to the allergy centre. Education concerning the immediate treatment of severe anaphylaxis should primarily be targeted towards prehospital care providers.
Machine learning implementation in small and medium-sized enterprises: insights and recommendations from a quantitative study
Authors: Burggräf Peter , Steinberg Fabian , Sauer Carl René , Nettesheim Philipp
Published: April 2024

Machine learning (ML) offers high potential in manufacturing industry; moreover, for example the effectiveness of quality prediction and evaluation can be greatly improved using Machine Learning, which can generate significant competitive advantages. However, the potentials of ML are not fully exploited by small and medium-sized enterprises. A qualitative empirical study was conducted with 60 companies from different industry sectors to determine when SMEs are more likely to use ML. Here, it is shown that the willingness to invest in applications is substantial for the implementation of ML. Also, the availability of sufficient qualitative data within the SME is imperative for applying ML. Furthermore, recommendations for action for SMEs are established to close the technology adoption gap in SMEs and to leverage the benefits of ML.
SME’s bond issuance and access to bank credit: evidence from Italy
Authors: Croce Annalisa , Quas Anita , Tenca Francesca
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we rely on the information asymmetries framework and relationship lending theory to study how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)’s access to bank credit improves after the issuance of a Minibond. Minibonds are fixed-income securities issued by SMEs aimed at supporting growth projects and refinancing operations. They were introduced by different European countries only recently, in response to the European sovereign debt crisis, which considerably constrained bank credit for SMEs.

Using a representative sample of Italian companies that issued Minibonds in the 2012–2020 period, we find support to our hypotheses. Issuing Minibonds helps SMEs access higher amounts of debt and improves credit conditions in terms of cost of debt and debt maturity, but with some caveats: only Minibonds issued with lower interest rates and longer maturities lead to better access to credit. Moreover, we find that some companies more exposed to information asymmetries (i.e. younger), with better access to transaction lending (depending on their location) and with larger amounts of collateral available (i.e., tangible assets) benefit more from Minibond issuance.
A Descriptive Analysis of Nasal Polyposis in HIV Positive Versus HIV Negative Patients
Authors: Molokomme Thobile , Maharaj Shivesh , Motakef Shahpar
Published: April 2024

Nasal polyposis (NP) represents a benign proliferation of soft tissue tumors within the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, characterized by chronic inflammation of the sinonasal mucosa. This phenomenon, attributed to various environmental and physiological factors, presents clinically as semi-transparent masses with variable morphology, often obstructing nasal passages and causing respiratory compromise, olfactory dysfunction, and recurrent infections. Predominantly associated with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), NP poses significant challenges in diagnosis and management, particularly in the context of comorbid conditions such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV infection, known for its debilitating effects on the immune system, is theorized to exacerbate NP development and manifestation through mechanisms involving CD4 cell depletion and dysregulation of immune responses. Despite extensive research, elucidating potential pathways linking HIV infection to NP, comprehensive understanding remains elusive. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by conducting a retrospective chart review of patients presenting with NP at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital between January 2016 and December 2020. The primary objective is to investigate the influence of HIV status on the clinical, radiological, and histological features of NP. Data collection, encompassing patient demographics, HIV status, clinical presentations, radiological findings, and histopathological characteristics, will be conducted between March 2021 and August 2022. Preliminary analysis of collected data reveals a cohort of 41 patients meeting inclusion criteria, with notable exclusions based on undisclosed HIV status and incomplete documentation. Initial findings suggest a nuanced interplay between genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and HIV status in NP pathogenesis, underscoring the need for further research to validate these observations. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of elucidating the complex relationship between HIV infection and NP to optimize diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, particularly in regions with a high HIV prevalence such as South Africa. By comprehensively assessing the clinical, radiological, and histological features of NP in HIV-positive and HIV-negative populations, this research endeavours to enhance our understanding of NP pathophysiology and improve patient outcomes.
ECLIM-SEHOP: how to develop a platform to conduct academic trials for childhood cancer
Authors: Juan-Ribelles Antonio , Bautista Francisco , Cañete Adela , Rubio-San-Simón Alba , Alonso-Saladrigues Anna , Hladun Raquel , Rives Susana , Dapena Jose Luís , Fernández Jose María , Lassaletta Álvaro , Cruz Ofelia , Ramírez-Villar Gemma , Fuster Jose Luís , de Heredia Cristina Diaz , García-Ariza Miguel , Quiroga Eduardo , del Mar Andrés María , Verdú-Amorós Jaime , Molinés Antonio , Herrero Blanca , López Mónica , Márquez Catalina , Toboso María , Lendínez Frencisco , Sirvent Jose Gómez , Tallón María , Rodríguez Guiomar , Acha Tomás , Moreno Lucas , Fernández-Teijeiro Ana ,   the Sociedad Española de Hematología y Oncología Pediátrica (SEHOP)
Published: April 2024

Introduction

ECLIM-SEHOP platform was created in 2017. Its main objective is to establish the infrastructure to allow Spanish participation into international academic collaborative clinical trials, observational studies, and registries in pediatric oncology. The aim of this manuscript is to describe the activity conducted by ECLIM-SEHOP since its creation.

Methods

The platform’s database was queried to provide an overview of the studies integrally and partially supported by the organization. Data on trial recruitment and set-up/conduct metrics since its creation until November 2023 were extracted.

Results

ECLIM-SEHOP has supported 47 studies: 29 clinical trials and 18 observational studies/registries that have recruited a total of 5250 patients. Integral support has been given to 25 studies: 16 trials recruiting 584 patients and nine observational studies/registries recruiting 278 patients. The trials include front-line studies for leukemia, lymphoma, brain and solid extracranial tumors, and other key transversal topics such as off-label use of targeted therapies and survivorship. The mean time from regulatory authority submission to first patient recruited was 12.2 months and from first international site open to first Spanish site open was 31.3 months.

Discussion

ECLIM-SEHOP platform has remarkably improved the availability and accessibility of international academic clinical trials and has facilitated the centralization of resources in childhood cancer treatment. Despite the progressive improvement on clinical trial set-up metrics, timings should still be improved. The program has contributed to leveling survival rates in Spain with those of other European countries that presented major differences in the past.
Mumford representation and Riemann-Roch space of a divisor on a hyperelliptic curve
Authors: Falcone Giovanni , Filippone Giuseppe
Published: April 2024

For an (imaginary) hyperelliptic curve $$\mathcal {H}$$
H
of genus g, with a Weierstrass point $$\Omega $$
Ω
, taken as the point at infinity, we determine a basis of the Riemann-Roch space $$\mathcal {L}(\Delta + m \Omega )$$

L
(
Δ
+
m
Ω
)

, where $$\Delta $$
Δ
is of degree zero, directly from the Mumford representation of $$\Delta $$
Δ
. This provides in turn a generating matrix of a Goppa code.
The Public Role of Italian Sociology: Among Institutions, Universities and Social Engagement
Authors: Sorice Michele , Viviani Lorenzo
Published: April 2024

Sociology has played an important role in Italy, although its centrality in public debate has fluctuated, and it has been supported or opposed by political power at different historical moments. Contemporary Italian sociology has developed since the 1950s and has been influenced in various ways by European and American sociological theories. Sociology has played an important role in Italian public debate and has offered a critical and scientific perspective on the country’s social reality. However, this role should be understood in the context of the different stages of development that have accompanied the academic growth of the discipline and the presence of sociologists in ‘policy making’ processes. In the latter sense, Italian sociology has played an important role in the formation of public policies, as it offers a scientific analysis of social problems and proposes solutions based on empirical research. Within this framework, the training processes also need to be situated within what has been defined—albeit with conceptual ambiguity—as ‘professional sociology’, which involves important figures such as social workers, psychologists, and health workers. However, sociology has also played an important political role both in supporting the actions of policy makers and in analysing the contradictions of the capitalist system. This article also analyses the emergence of a ‘transformative’ positional sociology alongside the traditional public sociology. The goal of this transformative approach is to counteract the public role of Italian sociology, which seems to have lost its critical-explanatory vocation without ever having truly acquired a propositional function in the social context.
On the Isometry Group of Immortal Homogeneous Ricci Flows
Authors: Araujo Roberto
Published: April 2024

We establish a structure result for the isometry group of non-compact, homogeneous manifolds admitting an immortal homogeneous Ricci flow solution.
Sacituzumab govitecan in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer patients treated at Institut Curie Hospitals: efficacy, safety, and impact of brain metastases
Authors: De Moura Alexandre , Loirat Delphine , Vaillant Sarah , Korbi Sinen , Kiavue Nicolas , Bello Roufai Diana , Escalup Laurence , Desmaris Romain , Vaflard Pauline , Cottu Paul , Pierga Jean-Yves , Bidard François-Clément , Cabel Luc , Acramel Alexandre
Published: April 2024

Background

Sacituzumab govitecan (SG) has been approved by FDA in April 2021 for pre-treated metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC), following the ASCENT trial results.

Methods

We set up an ambispective bicentric cohort study to assess the real-world effectiveness and safety of SG in patients with mTNBC treated at Institut Curie Hospitals, with a focus on patients with brain metastases.

Results

This study included 99 patients treated through the French Early Access Program to SG from May 2021 to January 2023. Median age was 55 years [26–89], N = 8 patients (8%) had BRCA1/2 mutation, N = 12 (12%) de novo stage IV disease and N = 31 (31%) brain metastases. Patients had previously received a median of two [1–10] lines of treatment in advanced setting. After a median follow-up of 9.7 months, the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 3.9 months (95%CI[3.4–5.0]) and 8.6 months (95%CI[7.1–11.9]), respectively, while objective response rate was 29% (95%CI[21–39]). Among patients with brain metastases, median PFS and OS were 3.7 months (95%CI[2.6–6.2]) and 6.7 months (95%CI[6.3–NR]), respectively, with intracranial tumor responses. Dose reductions were required in N = 17 patients (17%) within a median of three [2–11] cycles, due to gastrointestinal toxicity (N = 6; 6%), hematological toxicity (N = 9; 9%) including febrile neutropenia (N = 2; 2%), liver enzyme elevation (N = 1; 1%), and physical deterioration (N = 1; 1%). There was no related death to SG.

Conclusions

The observed response rate and safety of SG are consistent with the results of the ASCENT trial, with efficacy observed in patients with brain metastases, but observed PFS and OS are numerically shorter.
Numerical simulation of friction extrusion: process characteristics and material deformation due to friction
Authors: Diyoke George , Rath Lars , Chafle Rupesh , Ben Khalifa Noomane , Klusemann Benjamin
Published: April 2024

This study employs a finite element thermo-mechanical model, using a Lagrangian incremental setting to investigate friction extrusion (FE) under varying process conditions. The incorporation of rotation in FE generates substantial frictional heat, leading to significantly reduced process forces in comparison to conventional extrusion (CE). The model reveals the interplay between temperature, strain, and strain rate across different microstructural zones of the resulting wire. Specifically, the sticking friction condition in FE enhances initial shear deformation, aligning with a homogeneous spatial strain distribution and predicting complete grain refinement in the extruded wire, as per Zener-Hollomon calculations. On the other hand, under the sliding friction condition in FE, the shear deformation is reduced which results in an inhomogeneous microstructure in the extruded wire. The analysis of material flow in the workpiece reveals distinct transitions from the base material to the thermo-mechanically affected zones. The simulated process force, thermal history, and microstructure during sliding friction conditions align well with the findings from performed friction extrusion experiments.
Identifying alternative stops for first and last-mile urban travel planning
Authors: Horstmannshoff Thomas , Redmond Michael
Published: April 2024

Urban travelers today are seeking increasingly more information to plan their optimal trip, based on additional factors other than scheduled departure times. Still, some route planning applications provide a simple approach with a few parameter settings (e.g. to minimize travel time between two specific places at a certain time) and without any multimodal solutions. Our approach provides travelers with a set of non-dominated nearby stops that presents a number of traveler preferences in an easily comprehensible and quickly calculable manner. We display first and last-mile stops that fall on a Pareto front based on multiple criteria such as travel time, number of transfers, and frequency of service. Our algorithm combines stop and route-based information to quickly present the traveler with numerous nearby quality options for their itinerary decision making. We expand this algorithm to include multimodal itineraries with the incorporation of free-floating scooters to investigate the change in stop and itinerary characteristics. We then analyze the results on the star-shaped public transportation network of Göttingen, Germany, to show what advantages stops on the Pareto front have as well as demonstrate the increased effect on frequency and service lines when incorporating a broadened multimodal approach.
Lehren und Lernen mit und über Medien im Sportunterricht
Authors: Rehlinghaus Konstantin
Published: April 2024

Kinder und Jugendliche wachsen in einer digital geprägten Lebenswelt auf. Dies verleiht medienpädagogischen Zielen und Inhalten in der Schule eine wachsende Bedeutung. Dahingehend hat die Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK) in der Strategie „Bildung in der digitalen Welt“ bereits 2016 beschlossen, dass digitale Lehr- und Lernformate im Unterricht integriert sowie Medienkompetenzen in allen Fächern gefördert werden sollen. Dies gilt auch für den Sportunterricht. Lehrkräfte können hier als zentrale Akteur*innen bei der Inszenierung angesehen werden. Deshalb ist es notwendig, mehr über deren Sichtweisen auf ein Lehren mit und über (digitale) Medien im Sportunterricht zu erfahren. In diesem thematischen Rahmen wurden im Zeitraum Juli bis Dezember 2022 in einer leitfadengestützten Interviewstudie nordrhein-westfälische Sportlehrkräfte (N = 20) von Gesamtschulen (n = 7) und Gymnasien (n = 13) befragt. Die Ergebnisse verweisen darauf, dass Sportlehrkräfte ambivalent auf medienpädagogische Aufgaben blicken. Es zeigt sich zudem, dass bereits bekannte fachkulturelle Vorstellungen von Sportlehrkräften bezüglich der Inszenierung medienpädagogischer Aufgaben zu einer Vernachlässigung eines Lehrens und Lernens über Medien im Sportunterricht aus Sicht der interviewten Lehrkräfte führen.
Trajectories of socio-ecological systems: A case study in the tropical Andes
Authors: Berrio-Giraldo Linda , Villegas-Palacio Clara , Arango-Aramburo Santiago , Berrouet Lina
Published: April 2024

Scenario and policy assessments in socioeconomic and environmental studies face significant challenges in socio-ecological systems (SES). There are a limited number of studies that have looked at the impact of different scenarios within integrated approaches, and many have used a static approach with a single driver of change. The present work analyzes the SES dynamics for a strategic basin in the Colombian Andes when implementing and analyzing scenarios and policies related to land cover and land use change using a system dynamics simulation model. The model includes natural, ecosystem services, sociocultural, and economic components. Scenarios and policy options are analyzed both individually and jointly to identify synergies or trade-off effects between the different SES components. The results showed the different trajectories of the socio-ecological system according to the cases studied, and its impact on different variables in the analyzed components. Some counterintuitive effects were also identified, such as the importance of intrinsic motivations in decision-making processes, and determinants in land management and policy design.
Effects of a Learning Trajectory for statistical inference on 9th-grade students’ statistical literacy
Authors: van Dijke-Droogers Marianne , Drijvers Paul , Bakker Arthur
Published: April 2024

In our data-driven society, it is essential for students to become statistically literate. A core domain within Statistical Literacy is Statistical Inference, the ability to draw inferences from sample data. Acquiring and applying inferences is difficult for students and, therefore, usually not included in the pre-10th-grade curriculum. However, recent studies suggest that developing a good understanding of key statistical concepts at an early age facilitates the understanding of Statistical Inference later on. This study evaluates the effects of a Learning Trajectory for Statistical Inference on Dutch 9th-grade students’ Statistical Literacy. Theories on informal Statistical Inference and repeated sampling guided the Learning Trajectory’s design. For the evaluation, we used a pre-post research design with an intervention group (n = 267). The results indicated that students made significant progress on Statistical Literacy and on the ability to make inferences in particular, but also on the other domains of Statistical Literacy. To further interpret the learning gains of this group, we compared students’ results with national baseline achievements from a comparison group (n = 217) who followed the regular 9th-grade curriculum, and with international studies using similar test items. Both comparisons confirmed a significant positive effect on all domains of Statistical Literacy. These findings suggest that current statistics curricula for grades 7–9, usually with a strong descriptive focus, can be enriched with an inferential focus.
Experimental and Numerical Investigations of the Effect of Curing Conditions on the Temperature Rise of Concrete
Authors: Kuryłowicz-Cudowska Aleksandra
Published: April 2024

This paper presents experimental and numerical studies investigating the impact of three curing conditions on temperature evolution in concrete cubes. The tests were performed on samples of the same volume (3.375 dm3) under different curing conditions: room temperature, insulation boxes, and adiabatic calorimeter. Various cements (Portland cement, Portland composite cement, and blast furnace slag cement) and aggregates (gravel and basalt) were examined. The temperature evolution for all mixtures was analyzed, revealing a correlation between temperature increase and concrete type. Under insulation and adiabatic curing, Portland cement with gravel aggregate exhibited the highest temperature rise, while blast furnace slag cement with basalt aggregate showed the lowest increase. The incorporation of slag, ash, or other mineral additives reduced temperature rise. Additionally, basalt aggregate’s higher heat capacity and thermal energy accumulation led to a decreased temperature increase compared to gravel. Using recorded thermal data, a numerical procedure predicting temperature development in nonadiabatic conditions through direct adiabatic tests is proposed. Comparisons between experimental and numerical temperature evolutions confirmed the model’s accuracy.
Bipolar I disorder and anxiety disorder with spontaneous ejaculations
Authors: Chakrabarty Deeksha , Tardif Irina , Carpenter Rachel
Published: April 2024

Anxiety and ejaculation share similar sympathetic neuronal pathways and hence they may coincide. In this case report, we describe a 30-year-old male with ongoing perceptual disturbances and spontaneous ejaculations that occur without sexual arousal. The patient ultimately benefited from pharmacological therapy with risperidone.
Analysis of the external attraction of Shanghai urban functions based on the travel characteristics
Authors: Li Peilin , Yu Yuhan , Wang Zeyu , Zhang Feng
Published: April 2024

The external attraction of urban functions refers to the ability of specific urban functional areas to attract foreign populations, which can reflect the importance of urban functions in the regional or even global scope. Existing research tends to discuss urban attraction at the macro level, which is insufficient for understanding the importance of internal city functions. Analyzing the attraction of urban functions from the perspective of travel characteristics can reveal the distribution and preferences of the foreign population, which can help the rational planning of urban functions. In this study, we combine Points of interest (POI) and signaling data to identify Shanghai’s urban functional areas and the external population's distribution patterns. The attraction index is calculated based on cross-city geographic flow to evaluate the external attraction of Shanghai's functions from real fine-level human activities. The results show that both Shanghai’s urban functional area and external population distribution present a “ring-radial” distribution with the city center as the core, high in the Central Business District (CBD), and gradually decreasing outward. The overall external attraction also presents a gradual decrease from the center outward with a similar “ring-radial” distribution. At the same time, the regional subcenter of Shanghai also excels in external attraction. Universities, well-known business districts, industrial districts, and famous tourist spots become the dominant functions with high external attraction. Above all, the economic factor is the most important driver for migration. Our research provides valuable insights into Shanghai’s global city vision and lays a scientific foundation for long-term future urban development and planning.