bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Super‐Stretchable Hybrid Aerogels by Self‐Templating Strategy for Cross‐Media Thermal Management
Authors: Shan Xiameng , Hu Peiying , Wang Jing , Liu Ling , Yuan Dengsen , Zhang Junxiong , Wang Jin
Published: January 2023

Personal thermal management (PTM) materials have attracted increasing attention owing to their application for personal comfort in an energy‐saving mode. However, they normally work in the same media such as in the air, and little is known about what will happen in other media like water. In this study, a system for cross‐media thermal management (CMTM): passive cooling in air and thermal insulation underwater is proposed. Hybrid aerogels comprising thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) matrix and superhydrophobic silica aerogel particle (SSAP) for CMTM are designed and synthesized using a thermally induced phase separation and self‐templating strategy. The TPU matrix endows the aerogels with super stretchability (500%), shape memory, and outstanding healing recovery rate (89.9%), which are ideal characteristics for potential wearable usage. Additionally, the TPU and SSAP endow the aerogel with high solar reflectivity and infrared emissivity, thus achieving a sub‐ambient cooling of 10.6 °C in air. Moreover, the SSAP endows the aerogels with low thermal conductivity (0.052 W m−1·K−1) and high hydrophobicity (143°), enabling the aerogels for underwater thermal insulation. The CMTM performance of the aerogels makes them for potential uses in cross‐media environments such as reefs and islands where cooling in air and thermal insulation in water are required.
A comparative analysis of fasciocutaneous versus muscle free flaps in peripheral vascular disease patients
Authors: Bovill John D. , Sayyed Adaah A. , Huffman Samuel S. , Deldar Romina , Haffner Zoë K. , Truong Brian N. , Gupta Nisha , Attinger Christopher E. , Akbari Cameron M. , Evans Karen K.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Chronic lower extremity (LE) wounds are common in patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Free tissue transfer (FTT) provides healthy soft tissue for wound coverage and additional blood supply to promote wound healing. Given previous studies demonstrate increased complications in LE fasciocutaneous flaps, it was hypothesized that low vascular resistance in muscle flaps may be more advantageous for wound healing in PVD patients. Therefore, this study compared outcomes in PVD patients undergoing LE reconstruction with fasciocutaneous versus muscle free flaps.

Methods

Retrospectively reviewed PVD patients undergoing FTT between 2011 and 2021. Patients were stratified into fasciocutaneous and muscle free flap groups. Primary outcomes included complications, flap success, post‐reconstruction vascular interventions, limb salvage, and ambulatory status.

Results

One hundred thirteen patients with PVD were identified, of which 60.2% received fasciocutaneous (n = 68) and 39.8% received muscle flaps (n = 45). Forty‐two patients (37.2%) underwent pre‐flap endovascular interventions. Flap success rate was 98.2% (n = 111). Overall complication rate was 41.2% following fasciocutaneous flaps compared to 24.4% in muscle flaps (p = 0.067). Fasciocutaneous flaps had higher odds of ulceration requiring repeat angiogram within 1 year of reconstruction compared to muscle flaps (OR 3.4, 95% CI: 1.07–10.95, p = 0.047), and higher odds of requiring repeat angiogram overall (OR 3.4, 95% CI: 1.07–10.95, p = 0.047). No difference in requiring procedures in the operated limb within 1 year was observed (p = 0.155). At mean follow‐up, there was no difference in limb salvage, ambulatory, and mortality rate between groups.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that fasciocutaneous flaps had higher postoperative complication rates and more commonly required repeat arteriograms following LE FTT reconstruction due to recurrent ulcerations, suggesting greater utility of muscle flaps for FTT reconstruction in PVD patients.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for pelvic pain: A scoping review of treatment protocols, practical indications, and caveats
Authors: Terzoni Stefano , Mora Cristina , Cloconi Constantina , Gaia Giorgia , Sighinolfi Maria C. , Maruccia Serena , Rocco Bernardo , Pinna Barbara , Ferrara Paolo , Parozzi Mauro , Destrebecq Anne
Published: January 2023

Background

Neuromodulation (NM) is a family of therapies based on electrical stimulation to target specific nerves that control LUTS (Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms) and pain. The aim is to modulate what is happening within the nervous system to achieve therapeutic effects. A particular type of neuromodulation, called TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), has proven effective for treating pelvic pain. The available evidence provides indications regarding the many aspects of TENS that influence therapeutic effects, but a comprehensive review has yet to be conducted.

Methods

Scoping review on Pubmed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science, including clinical trials, reviews, case studies or series, and other descriptive studies, according to the Joanna Briggs and PRISMA methodology.

Results

The 31 papers retrieved allowed the formulation of precise indications about the DOs and DON'Ts of electrode placement, waveform, pulse duration, pulse frequency, amplitude, session duration, and frequency of sessions. This paper also discusses the biochemical and neuro urological mechanisms of TENS.

Conclusion

TENS effectiveness is influenced by many factors, some self‐evident, others subtle, which this paper elucidates. Pelvic pain requires a multimodal approach, of which TENS is just a part. TENS should therefore be viewed as one of the components of the rehabilitation program in the frame of thorough and continuous patient assessment.
Cognitive impairment does not impact sacral neuromodulation implant rates for overactive bladder
Authors: Zillioux Jacqueline , Lewis Kevin C. , Hettel Daniel , Goldman Howard B. , Vasavada Sandip P. , Gill Bradley C.
Published: January 2023

Objective

To evaluate the impact of cognitive impairment (CI) diagnoses on sacral neuromodulation (SNM) outcomes in older patients.

Materials and Methods

We completed a retrospective review of all patients aged ≥55 years who underwent test‐phase SNM (peripheral nerve evaluation (PNE) or stage 1) for overactive bladder (OAB) between 2014 and 2021 within a large multi‐regional health system. Patient demographics, relevant comorbidities, CI diagnoses (dementia or mild CI), and SNM procedures were recorded. Logistic regression modeling was performed to evaluate the impact of CI on SNM implantation rates.

Results

Five‐hundred and ten patients underwent SNM test phase (161 PNE, 349 Stage 1) during the study period. The mean age was 71.0(8.5) years, and most (80.6%) were female. Overall, 52(10.1%) patients had a CI diagnosis at the time of SNM, and 30 (5.8%) were diagnosed at a median of 18.5 [9.25, 39.5] months after SNM. Patients with CI diagnoses were older, with more comorbidities, and were more likely to undergo PNE. Univariable comparison found no difference in implantation rate based on pre‐SNM CI (85.4% vs. 76.9%, p = 0.16). Multivariable analysis identified PNE (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.26–0.71), age (OR 0.96, 95%CI 0.93‐0.98), and prior beta‐3 agonist use (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.37‐0.99) but not CI or dementia as independent negative predictors of implantation. Implanted patients had a median follow‐up of 25 [12.0, 55.0] months. Explant and revision rates did not differ according to CI.

Conclusion

Patients with OAB and CI diagnoses proceed to SNM implant at rates similar to patients without CI diagnoses. A diagnosis of CI should not necessarily exclude patients from SNM therapy for refractory OAB.
Involvement, topics, and roles of nurses in shared decision‐making with patients with dementia in acute hospitals: An integrative review
Authors: Keuning‐Plantinga Annette , Stoffels Josephine , Roodbol Petrie F. , Finnema Evelyn J. , Van Munster Barbara C.
Published: January 2023

Aim

To describe nurses' roles, involvement, and topics in shared decision‐making with older patients with dementia in acute hospitals.

Design

An integrative review.

Methods

A systematic search was performed until April 2022 in PubMed, PsychInfo, CINAHL, and Cochrane, followed by a manual search on the reference lists of relevant systematic reviews. Studies were independently screened, appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology, and extracted by two reviewers.

Results

Nine studies were included. Nurses were involved as treatment team members, intermediates, or patient supporters. Nurses' roles were most explicit in the preparatory phase of shared decision‐making. The step of ‘developing tailor‐made options’ was limitedly identified. ‘Deliberating and trying options to reach a decision’ were described from an outsider's perspective in which nurses attempted to influence the decision. In conclusion, nurses primarily have a role in decision‐making by supplementing patient information. Patient and Public Contribution No Patient or Public Contribution.
Leverage Title V grant funding to scale student success projects on campus
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: January 2023

CHICAGO — Waubonsee Community College, a Hispanic‐Serving Institution an hour west of Chicago, has been awarded three consecutive Title V grants, starting in 2010, for building equity and helping scale projects that lead to increased completion rates for Latinx and adult students.
Superlinear convergence of Anderson accelerated Newton's method for solving stationary Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Xiao Mengying
Published: January 2023

This article studies the performance Newton's iteration applied with Anderson acceleration for solving the incompressible steady Navier–Stokes equations. We manifest that this method converges superlinearly with a good initial guess, and moreover, a large Anderson depth decelerates the convergence speed comparing to a small Anderson depth. We observe that the numerical tests confirm these analytical convergence results, and in addition, Anderson acceleration sometimes enlarges the domain of convergence for Newton's method.
Trends in obesity prevalence and cardiometabolic risk factor control in US adults with diabetes, 1999–2020
Authors: Hu Gang , Ding Jonathan , Ryan Donna H.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Trends in obesity prevalence and trends in control of cardiometabolic risk factors among National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants with diabetes from 1999 through 2020 were analyzed.

Methods

Adults who were 20 years or older and who reported having received a diagnosis of diabetes from a physician were included.

Results

The prevalence of overall obesity, obesity class II, and obesity class III increased from 46.9%, 14.1%, and 10.3% in 1999 to 2002 to 58.1%, 16.6%, and 14.8% in 2015 to 2020, respectively. The prevalence of participants who achieved glycemic control (HbA1c <7%) increased from 42.5% in 1999 to 2002 to 51.8% in 2007 to 2010, then decreased to 48.0% in 2015 to 2020. The prevalence of participants who achieved blood pressure control (<140/90 mmHg) or achieved non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol control (<130 mg/dL) increased throughout the study periods. The prevalence of participants who met all three risk factor goals increased from 8.3% in 1999 to 2002 to 21.2% in 2011 to 2014 and then decreased to 18.5 in 2015 to 2020. Participants with obesity showed worsening glycemic control and lipid control than participants with normal weight.

Conclusions

There were increasing trends in prevalence of obesity, blood pressure control, and lipid control from 1999 to 2002 to 2015 to 2020. Participants with obesity showed worsening glycemic control and lipid control than normal‐weight participants.
Expert Consensus Statement: Management of Pediatric Persistent Obstructive Sleep Apnea After Adenotonsillectomy
Authors: Ishman Stacey L. , Maturo Stephen , Schwartz Seth , McKenna Margo , Baldassari Cristina M. , Bergeron Mathieu , Chernobilsky Boris , Ehsan Zarmina , Gagnon Lisa , Liu Yi‐Chun Carol , Smith David F. , Stanley Jeffrey , Zalzal Habib , Dhepyasuwan Nui
Published: January 2023

Objective

To develop an expert consensus statement regarding persistent pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) focused on quality improvement and clarification of controversies. Persistent OSA was defined as OSA after adenotonsillectomy or OSA after tonsillectomy when adenoids are not enlarged.

Methods

An expert panel of clinicians, nominated by stakeholder organizations, used the published consensus statement methodology from the American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery to develop statements for a target population of children aged 2‐18 years. A medical librarian systematically searched the literature used as a basis for the clinical statements. A modified Delphi method was used to distill expert opinion and compose statements that met a standardized definition of consensus. Duplicate statements were combined prior to the final Delphi survey.

Results

After 3 iterative Delphi surveys, 34 statements met the criteria for consensus, while 18 statements did not. The clinical statements were grouped into 7 categories: general, patient assessment, management of patients with obesity, medical management, drug‐induced sleep endoscopy, surgical management, and postoperative care.

Conclusion

The panel reached a consensus for 34 statements related to the assessment, management and postoperative care of children with persistent OSA. These statements can be used to establish care algorithms, improve clinical care, and identify areas that would benefit from future research.
Current status of gastric and oral infection/diseases caused by Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Noiri Yuichiro , Nagata Ryoko
Published: January 2023

Helicobacter pylori is found in the stomach, which is its optimal habitat, and is considered an important factor in various serious diseases, including stomach cancer. The World Health Organization has identified H. pylori as a causative agent of gastric cancer, as confirmed by animal experiments in rodents. The fact that H. pylori can live in the harsh environment of stomach acid was the greatest hindrance to the discovery of H. pylori. It was not so long ago, in 1983, that it was successfully isolated and cultured. Subsequently, H. pylori eradication therapy was established, and it became possible to control gastric cancer to some extent. However, the mechanism, route, and mode of H. pylori infection still remain unclear. Furthermore, currently, the prevention of first‐episode gastric cancer and control of recurrent gastric cancer are not perfect. One of the reasons for this may be that the status of H. pylori in the oral cavity, which is the entry point for the organism (the beginning of the digestive system: the first route of infection), is still unknown. Therefore, we reviewed the current status of H. pylori infection in the stomach and oral cavity, focusing on (1) the mechanism of infection, (2) pathogenic factors, (3) the actual status of eradication therapy, and (4) control strategies.
The Lund taxonomy for bladder cancer classification – from gene expression clustering to cancer cell molecular phenotypes, and back again
Authors: Höglund Mattias , Bernardo Carina , Sjödahl Gottfrid , Eriksson Pontus , Axelson Håkan , Liedberg Fredrik
Published: January 2023

Treatment of bladder cancer patients depends on precise diagnosis. Molecular subtyping by gene expression profiling may contribute substantially to subclassification of bladder cancer. Several classification systems have been proposed. Most of these base their classification on whole biopsy features, and molecular subtypes are therefore often defined by a combination of features from the cancer cells as well as infiltrating noncancer cells. This makes the link to what is seen at the cancer cell level unclear. The aim of the Lund taxonomy (LundTax) has been to align gene expression‐level classification with immunohistochemical classification to identify cancer cell phenotypes independent of infiltration and proliferation. A systematic approach was used in which gene expression clusters were validated and adjusted by immunohistochemistry using markers expressed only by the cancer cells. This review provides a rationale for defining molecular subtypes and a step‐by‐step description of the development of the LundTax with motivations for each modification and extension. As the cancer cell phenotype defined by gene expression profiling corresponds with the immunohistochemistry of cancer cells, the LundTax represents a harmonization of the gene expression and immunohistochemical levels. Furthermore, the classification system is independent of pathological stage and is, thus, applicable to all urothelial carcinomas. A unified classification system relevant for both the molecular biologist and pathologist will facilitate systematization of current treatment practices, as well as the development of new treatments. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Reducing the risk of intentional domino effects in process plants: A risk‐based minimax strategy
Authors: Khakzad Nima
Published: January 2023

Compared with safety assessment, security risk assessment in chemical and process plants is more challenging. On top of uncertain environmental and operational parameters and interdependent failures, which are common in the safety risk assessment of complex systems and infrastructures, there are other uncertain parameters such as the likelihood of attack scenarios and attackers' expected outcomes. As such, the application of probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) techniques, which have long been applied to safety risk assessment and management, to security risk management may result in nonoptimal or suboptimal decisions. In the present study, we will demonstrate how a combination of PRA and game theory may outperform PRA and lead to a more cost‐effective allocation of security measures. For this purpose, the outcome of a dynamic Bayesian network—as a PRA technique—is used as input to the minimax strategy—as a game theoretic strategy—for security risk management of a tank terminal under attacks with a homemade bomb. The proposed risk‐based minimax strategy alleviates the need for estimation of attack likelihoods or attacker payoffs, which would have otherwise been too challenging to estimate if the analyst solely depended on a PRA technique.
Heat shock protein 70 and Cathepsin B genes are involved in the thermal tolerance of Aphis gossypii
Authors: Liu Jinping , Liu Yang , Li Qian , Lu Yanhui
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Elevated temperature can directly affect the insect pest population dynamics. Many experimental studies have indicated that high temperatures affect the biological and ecological characteristics of the widely distributed crop pest Aphis gossypii, but the molecular mechanisms underlying its response to heat stress remain unstudied. Here, we used transcriptomic analysis to explore the key genes and metabolic pathways involved in the regulation of thermotolerance in A. gossypii at 29 °C, 32 °C, and 35 °C.

RESULTS

The results of bioinformatics analysis show that few genes were consistently differentially expressed among the higher temperature treatments compared to 29 °C, and a moderate temperature increase of 3 °C can elicit gene expression changes that help A. gossypii adapt to warmer temperatures. Based on KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, we found that genes encoding four heat shock protein 70 s (Hsp70s) and nine cathepsin B (CathB) proteins were significantly upregulated at 35 °C compared with 32 °C. Genes related to glutathione production were also highly enriched between 32 °C and 29 °C. Silencing of two Hsp70s (ApHsp70A1–1 and ApHsp68) and two CathBs (ApCathB01 and ApCathB02) with RNA interference using a nanocarrier‐based transdermal dsRNA delivery system significantly increased sensitivity of A. gossypii to high temperatures.

CONCLUSION

A. gossypii is able to fine‐tune its response across a range of temperatures, and Hsp70 and CathB genes are essential for adaption of A. gossypii to warmer temperatures. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Using Dynamic Assessment to Measure Morpheme Identification and Predict Character Reading Among Chinese Children
Authors: Su Yongqiang , Chen Xi , Huo Michelle Ru Yun , Gan Yan , Zhang Jiawen , Li Hong
Published: January 2023

In the present study, we designed a dynamic measure to assess emerging morphological awareness in Chinese children and examined its concurrent and longitudinal relations with character recognition. The initial question of the dynamic assessment of morphological awareness (DAMA) task asked children to judge whether the first morphemes in a pair of words shared the same meaning. Subsequently, up to four prompts were provided for each word in the word pair to draw children's attention to the meaning of the target morpheme as well as the morphological structure of the word. The participants included 154 first‐grade Chinese children. In addition to the DAMA task, they received a battery of measures including nonverbal intelligence, rapid automatized naming, phonological awareness, vocabulary knowledge, and Chinese character reading. While all measures were administered at the beginning of grade 1, the character reading measure was administered again at the end of grade 1, and at the beginning and end of grade 2. The results showed that the prompts provided in the DAMA task increased children's ability to identify morpheme meanings in compound words by helping them separate morpheme meanings from word meanings. Furthermore, the DAMA task accounted for significant unique variance in character recognition concurrently at the beginning of grade 1 and longitudinally at all three other time points after controlling for static morphological awareness and other reading related variables. Our study suggests that dynamic assessment can be used to effectively assess morphological awareness and predict character reading abilities in young Chinese children.
New C‐indices for assessing importance of longitudinal biomarkers in fitting competing risks survival data in the presence of partially masked causes
Authors: Sheikh Md. Tuhin , Chen Ming‐Hui , Gelfond Jonathan A. , Sun Wei , Ibrahim Joseph G.
Published: January 2023

Competing risks survival data in the presence of partially masked causes are frequently encountered in medical research or clinical trials. When longitudinal biomarkers are also available, it is of great clinical importance to examine associations between the longitudinal biomarkers and the cause‐specific survival outcomes. In this article, we propose a cause‐specific C‐index for joint models of longitudinal and competing risks survival data accounting for masked causes. We also develop a posterior predictive algorithm for computing the out‐of‐sample cause‐specific C‐index using Markov chain Monte Carlo samples from the joint posterior of the in‐sample longitudinal and competing risks survival data. We further construct the C‐index to quantify the strength of association between the longitudinal and cause‐specific survival data, or between the out‐of‐sample longitudinal and survival data. Empirical performance of the proposed assessment criteria is examined through an extensive simulation study. An in‐depth analysis of the real data from large cancer prevention trials is carried out to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed methodology.
Design and modeling for drug combination experiments with order effects
Authors: Huang Hengzhen , Liu Min‐Qian , Tan Ming T. , Fang Hong‐Bin
Published: January 2023

Combinations of drugs are now ubiquitous in treating complex diseases such as cancer and HIV due to their potential for enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects. The traditional combination experiments of drugs focus primarily on the dose effects of the constituent drugs. However, with the doses of drugs remaining unchanged, different sequences of drug administration may also affect the efficacy endpoint. Such drug effects shall be called as order effects. The common order‐effect linear models are usually inadequate for analyzing combination experiments due to the nonlinear relationships and complex interactions among drugs. In this article, we propose a random field model for order‐effect modeling. This model is flexible, allowing nonlinearities, and interaction effects to be incorporated with a small number of model parameters. Moreover, we propose a subtle experimental design that will collect good quality data for modeling the order effects of drugs with a reasonable run size. A real‐data analysis and simulation studies are given to demonstrate that the proposed design and model are effective in predicting the optimal drug sequences in administration.
Shear vibration modes of granular structures: Continuous and discrete approaches
Authors: Massoumi Sina , Challamel Noël , Lerbet Jean , Wautier Antoine , Nicot François , Darve Félix
Published: January 2023

This work is dedicated to the study of shear vibration modes of one‐dimensional granular microstructured beams using a discrete Cosserat model. The dynamic response of the one‐dimensional granular beam (discrete beam) is investigated for various boundary conditions, through the analytical resolution of an exact discrete eigenvalue problem. For an infinite number of grains, the dynamic behavior of the discrete problem converges towards a Bresse–Timoshenko continuum beam model. First, the effective modeling parameters, the constitutive equations and the governing equations of motion are derived in a difference form. For simply supported granular beams, the appearance of pure shear modes of vibration is highlighted (vibration modes without deflection), a phenomenon which is already known in the free vibration of a continuous Bresse–Timoshenko beam problem. The eigenfrequencies of these pure shear modes for the discrete granular beam coincide with the critical frequencies of the discrete system. These pure shear modes may appear for granular beams composed of few grains, which give a physical support of a phenomenon well studied in the literature from a continuum beam model. The eigenfrequencies of the discrete granular beam are also calculated for various boundary conditions, including clamped, hinge and free end boundary conditions. Based on the discrete element method (DEM), several numerical simulations of dynamic tests in some representative examples have been performed. The responses of the numerical approach are accurately compared against the exact results of the analytical solutions based on the difference eigenvalue problem, which illustrates the relevance of the proposed approach.
Whipple-Trias mit erhöhten und erniedrigten Insulinspiegeln
Authors: Karrasch Thomas , Eul Bastian , Gattenlöhner Stefan , Steiner Dagmar , Roller Fritz , Padberg Winfried , Schäffler Andreas
Published: January 2023

Eine 69-jährige Patientin und ein 70-jähriger Patient wurden mit rezidivierenden, schweren Hypoglykämien und klinischer Whipple-Trias aufgenommen. Bei der Patientin ließen erhöhte Spiegel an Insulin und C‑Peptid, ein pathologischer insulinogener Index und ein Fastentest an ein Insulinom denken, welches im 68Ga-DOTATOC-PET-CT im Pankreasschwanz detektiert wurde. Es bestand eine Koinzidenz mit einem neuroendokrinen Merkel-Zell-Karzinom. Bei dem Patienten zeigten sich hingegen supprimierte Spiegel an Insulin und C‑Peptid und es konnte eine tumorassoziierte, paraneoplastische Hypoglykämie infolge IGF-2-Sekretion gesichert werden, mit Nachweis eines erhöhten Glukoseverbrauchs in der Skelettmuskulatur (18F‑FDG-PET-CT).
Creating meaningful work in the age of AI: explainable AI, explainability, and why it matters to organizational designers
Authors: Wulff Kristin , Finnestrand Hanne
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we contribute to research on enterprise artificial intelligence (AI), specifically to organizations improving the customer experiences and their internal processes through using the type of AI called machine learning (ML). Many organizations are struggling to get enough value from their AI efforts, and part of this is related to the area of explainability. The need for explainability is especially high in what is called black-box ML models, where decisions are made without anyone understanding how an AI reached a particular decision. This opaqueness creates a user need for explanations. Therefore, researchers and designers create different versions of so-called eXplainable AI (XAI). However, the demands for XAI can reduce the accuracy of the predictions the AI makes, which can reduce the perceived usefulness of the AI solution, which, in turn, reduces the interest in designing the organizational task structure to benefit from the AI solution. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the need for XAI is as low as possible. In this paper, we demonstrate how to achieve this by optimizing the task structure according to sociotechnical systems design principles. Our theoretical contribution is to the underexplored field of the intersection of AI design and organizational design. We find that explainability goals can be divided into two groups, pattern goals and experience goals, and that this division is helpful when defining the design process and the task structure that the AI solution will be used in. Our practical contribution is for AI designers who include organizational designers in their teams, and for organizational designers who answer that challenge.
A single center comparative study of two single use digital flexible ureteroscopy in the management of renal stones less than 2 cm
Authors: Zanaty Fouad , Elshazly Mohamed , Kandeel Hossam , Salman Baher
Published: January 2023

Purpose

For renal stones < 2 cm, guidelines recommend the use of retrograde intrarenal surgery as a first line treatment option. Many available single use flexible ureteroscopy were found. We aim to compare the effectiveness of two single use flexible ureteroscopy; Pusen Uscope 3011 versus LithoVue in the management of renal stones less than 2 cm.

Methods

Our study prospectively included 60 patients equally divided in to two groups: Pusen group and LithoVue group during the period from June 2020 to June 2021. The included patients were above 18 years old. Perioperative details as operative time, fluoroscopy time, hospital stay, and complications were recorded. Stone free rate was assessed. Base purchase cost was also compared.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding age, gender, and body mass index (BMI), stones size, side, number and location. The perioperative evaluation and outcome had no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding the operative time, hospital stay, access sheath use, and stone free rate or radiation exposure. Among all cases, we had 49 cases (81.6%) with no postoperative complications (21 cases for Pusen group and 28 cases for LithoVue group). The incidence of postoperative complications was significantly higher among Pusen group than LithoVue group (p = 0.02). Initial purchase cost for both FURS had no significant difference (P = 0.86).

Conclusion

RIRS can be performed effectively with Pusen 3011 and LithoVue single use flexible ureteroscopy in patients diagnosed with renal calculi < 2 cm with superior outcomes with LithoVue.
Variability in Tree-ring Width and NDVI Responses to Climate at a Landscape Level
Authors: Mašek Jiří , Tumajer Jan , Lange Jelena , Kaczka Ryszard , Fišer Petr , Treml Václav
Published: January 2023

Inter-annual climatically driven growth variability of above-ground biomass compartments (for example, tree stems and foliage) controls the intensity of carbon sequestration into forest ecosystems. However, understanding the differences between the climatic response of stem and foliage at the landscape level is limited. In this study, we examined the climate-growth response of stem and leaf biomass and their relationship forPinus sylvestris(PISY) andPicea abies(PCAB) in topographically complex landscapes. We used tree-ring width chronologies and time series of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) derived from high-resolution Landsat scenes as proxies for stem and leaf biomass, respectively. We then compared growth variability and climate-growth relationships of both biomass proxies between topographical categories. Our results show that the responses of tree rings to climate differ significantly from those found in NDVI, with the stronger climatic signal observed in tree rings. Topography had distinct but species-specific effects: At moisture-limited PISY stands, stem biomass (tree rings) was strongly topographically driven, and leaf biomass (NDVI) was relatively insensitive to topographic variability. In landscapes close to the climatic optimum of PCAB, the relationship between stem and leaf biomass was weak, and their correlations with climate were often inverse, with no significant effects of topography. Different climatic signals from NDVI and tree rings suggest that the response of canopy and stem growth to climate change might be decoupled. Furthermore, our results hint toward different prioritizations of biomass allocation in trees under stressful conditions which might change allometric relationships between individual tree compartments in the long term.
Motivation, stress, recovery, and physical activity of teachers: discoveries with the Reiss Motivation Profile® and the Firstbeat® measurement
Authors: Tuominen Pipsa P. A. , Mayor Päivi
Published: January 2023

Aim

Teaching is known as a high-stress occupation. Managing fatigue and promoting work engagement, teachers’ expectations and perceptions can impact work-related stress–recovery–balance and physical activity levels. The main objective of the current study was to investigate the relationship between intrinsic motivational factors and the autonomic nervous system, such as heart rate and heart rate variability regulation, sleep, and physical activity levels.

Methods

The research included 66 primary and high school teachers in Tampere, Finland, in 2020–2021. The Reiss Motivation Profile® (RMP) was selected as an instrument to provide a practical approach to understanding people’s intrinsic motivators and the effects of those on the Firstbeat®-measured heart rate and heart rate variability, and accelerometry. Stepwise multiple linear regression models were used to assess whether the RMP motives reflected Firstbeat®-measured outcomes.

Results

Motives such as Acceptance, Eating, Family, Physical Activity, Power, Tranquillity, and Vengeance were found to have a relationship with Firstbeat®-measured outcomes. An increase in the Physical Activity motive was related to lower stress and less light physical activity. Furthermore, an increase in the Physical Activity motive showed a relationship with better recovery and a higher amount of vigorous physical activity. However, the statistical analysis of heart rate and heart rate variability showed only low explanatory power (R2 = 0.111–0.140) for stress, recovery, and sleep. On the contrary, the explanatory power of measurements related to physical activity and sedentary behavior was higher (R2 = 0.171–0.298). In addition, the need for Acceptance as an important intrinsic motive that may prevent people from vigorous physical activity deserves further research.

Conclusion

The results indicated that there are several factors affecting the autonomous nervous system but also behavior. The basic desires explained sedentary and physical activity behavior better than the functioning of the autonomic nervous system. The 16 life motives can serve as a valuable theory for understanding better how to encourage people to have healthier habits.
Nanoscale zero-valent iron mitigates arsenic mobilization and accumulation in Sinapis alba grown on a metal(loid)-polluted soil treated with a dunite mining waste-compost amendment
Authors: Díaz A. M. , Forján R. , Gallego J. R. , Benavente-Hidalgo L. , Menéndez-Aguado J. M. , Baragaño D.
Published: January 2023

Background and aim

The use of amendments to immobilize metals in polluted soils is a widely accepted remediation approach, and in the framework of the circular economy, amendments produced from mining and/or biomass waste have gained relevance. However, the application of such amendments can also mobilize metalloids. Here we propose the combination of nanoscale zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) with dunite (mining waste) and compost for the remediation and restoration of soil affected by high concentrations of As and metals.

Methods

To this end, we treated pots containing the polluted soil with combinations of dunite, compost, and nZVI for 75 days. In addition, Sinapis alba was used to evaluate the effects of the amendments on pollutant accumulation in the plant. The mobility of the pollutants was monitored through TCLP extraction and by sampling pore water. Furthermore, pH, available P, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were also determined.

Results

Dunite application led to the immobilization of metals, and supplied Mg, thus improving CEC. On the other hand, compost increased nutrient content, and also promoted plant growth. However, this amendment caused a dramatic increase in As accumulation in the plants. Finally, the application of nZVI in combination with the other two amendments was found to be the most appropriate strategy since it not only prevented As mobilization and accumulation but also added nutrients to the soil, thus promoting plant growth.

Conclusion

The combination of nZVI with dunite mining waste and compost proved effective for the remediation of soil simultaneously polluted by As and metals.
Best Practices im Chatbot Coaching. Einblicke in Forschung und Entwicklung des StudiCoachBots der TH Köln und in die Coaching Chatbot Plattform evoach
Authors: Mai Vanessa , Rutschmann Rebecca
Published: January 2023

Der Beitrag stellt zwei Best Practices im Chatbot Coaching vor. Der erste Teil gibt Einblicke in die Entwicklung des StudiCoachBots der TH Köln, der Reflexionsprozesse bei Studierenden zu Prüfungsangst anregt. Er fasst zentrale Forschungsergebnisse zur Beziehungsgestaltung zusammen, die Hinweise auf beziehungsbildende Faktoren im Chatbot Coaching geben (technische Funktionalität, Disclosure-Verhalten, Interaktionsmethode). Der zweite Teil stellt das Startup evoach vor – eine Coaching Plattform, die hybrides Coaching mit maßgeschneiderten Chatbots anbietet – und beschreibt anhand konkreter Anwendungsfälle, wie Chatbots in Kombination mit persönlichem Coaching den Coachingprozess bereichern.
Four-Year Nutritional Outcomes in Single-Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy Patients: an Australian Experience
Authors: Rao Ravi , Mehta Munish , Sheth Devesh Ramesh , Hogan Gabrielle
Published: January 2023

Nutritional deficiencies following malabsorptive surgeries are a major concern.

Purpose

To present clinical-based, mid-term nutritional outcomes in single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) patients using a nutritional supplement based on the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) guidelines.

Setting

Single private institute, Australia.

Materials and Methods

Data from 196 patients who underwent a primary SADI-S by a single surgeon from January 2017 through March 2022 were retrospectively analysed. All patients received either original or altered formulated nutritional supplementation throughout the study. In total, three formulae, slightly different from each other, were used at three different time points to formulate the supplement.

Results

In total, 196 patients were included. The average age and preoperative body mass index were 44.9 ± 6.7 years and 43.6 ± 22.5 kg/m2, respectively. Nutritional follow-up was available on 77.5%, 73.2%, 73.4%, and 59.7% of patients at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months, respectively. At baseline, 48.3%, 30%, 14.9%, 13.3%, 12.4%, 3.8%, 2.3%, and 0.5% of the patients had vitamin D, calcium, folic acid, total protein, iron, vitamin B12, copper, and vitamin A deficiencies, respectively. Postoperatively, mild to moderate vitamin deficiencies were noted in 14.2% of the patients in the first 18 months; however, at 4 years, the cohort had zero nutritional deficiencies. There were no long-term complications, revisions/conversions, or mortalities related to nutritional deficiencies.

Conclusion

Factors, like preoperative and postoperative early, aggressive correction of nutritional deficiencies, regular laboratory monitoring and follow-ups with the multidisciplinary team, and adherence to our formulated nutritional supplement, have contributed to favourable nutritional outcomes at 4 years.

Graphical Abstract
Haltung als Ausdruck sozialprofessionellen Ethos’
Authors: Will Jakob Christoph , Dörr Margret
Published: January 2023

Haltung als Ausdruck eines sozialprofessionellen Ethos zu verstehen, verweist auf die Person als professionell Handelnde. Das ungebrochene Interesse an einer Auseinandersetzung um den Begriff der Haltung lässt sich in diesem Verständnis als Suchbewegung nach Handlungsorientierung in Krisenzeiten interpretieren. Der Beitrag spannt einen übergeordneten Bogen des Schwerpunkts und rahmt die Beiträge dieser Ausgabe.
Uncovering Spatial Patterns and Temporal Trends in the Ageing of the Tokyo Metropolis Population
Authors: Leyso Novee Lor , Umezaki Masahiro
Published: January 2023

Urban populations are ageing, but the spatial and temporal distribution of the older adult population is highly heterogeneous, which has implications for resource allocation, service provision, and infrastructure needs. Based on the method proposed by Atkins & Tonts (2016), we used the interplay between changes in the number and proportion of the older adult population to identify population ageing types: accumulation (both the number and proportion of the older adult population increases); decline (both the number and the proportion of the older adult population decreases); dilution (the number of individuals in the older adult population increases while the proportion decreases); and concentration (the number of individuals in the older adult population decreases while the proportion increases). We investigated the spatial distribution and temporal trends of these types of population ageing in the Tokyo Metropolis during 2000–2015 in a 500-m grid using distance from the JR Yamanote Line and the nearest train station as geographic reference points. Accumulation and dilution occurred in east Tokyo, peaking at 10–40 km from the JR Yamanote Line and decreasing within 1 km of the nearest train station, respectively. Decline and concentration increased with distance in west Tokyo, and were more prevalent at distances of more than 40 km from the JR Yamanote Line and more than 8 km from the nearest train station. The allocation of urban resources should be optimised to meet the changing needs of the ageing population, particularly in suburbs and mountainous areas.
Interpretable machine learning analysis to identify risk factors for diabetes using the anonymous living census data of Japan
Authors: Jiang Pei , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Obi Takashi
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Diabetes mellitus causes various problems in our life. With the big data boom in our society, some risk factors for Diabetes must still exist. To identify new risk factors for diabetes in the big data society and explore further efficient use of big data, the non-objective-oriented census data about the Japanese Citizen’s Survey of Living Conditions were analyzed using interpretable machine learning methods.

Methods

Seven interpretable machine learning methods were used to analysis Japan citizens’ census data. Firstly, logistic analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of diabetes from 19 selected initial elements. Then, the linear analysis, linear discriminate analysis, Hayashi’s quantification analysis method 2, random forest, XGBoost, and SHAP methods were used to re-check and find the different factor contributions. Finally, the relationship among the factors was analyzed to understand the relationship among factors.

Results

Four new risk factors: the number of family members, insurance type, public pension type, and health awareness level, were found as risk factors for diabetes mellitus for the first time, while another 11 risk factors were reconfirmed in this analysis. Especially the insurance type factor and health awareness level factor make more contributions to diabetes than factors: hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and stress in some interpretable models. We also found that work years were identified as a risk factor for diabetes because it has a high coefficient with the risk factor of age.

Conclusions

New risk factors for diabetes mellitus were identified based on Japan's non-objective-oriented anonymous census data using interpretable machine learning models. The newly identified risk factors inspire new possible policies for preventing diabetes. Moreover, our analysis certifies that big data can help us find helpful knowledge in today's prosperous society. Our study also paves the way for identifying more risk factors and promoting the efficiency of using big data.
The Epistemic Innocence of Elaborated Delusions Re-Examined
Authors: Białek Maja
Published: January 2023

The aim of this paper is twofold. First, I want to re-examine the epistemic status of elaborated delusions. Bortolotti (2016, 2020) claims that they can be epistemically innocent. However, I will show that this type of delusions is more unique than suggested by the existing analyses of their epistemic status. They typically cause more profound harms than other kinds of delusions, and in most cases, it would be counterproductive to classify them as epistemically beneficial or innocent. I will employ predictive and phenomenological models of delusions and the enactivist notion of sensus communis to explain the harms and possible benefits of elaborated delusions and why I think the existing definition does not fully grasp them. Based on this analysis, I will propose changes to the conditions for epistemic innocence.
Care Ethics and the Future of Work: a Different Voice
Authors: Ley Madelaine
Published: January 2023

The discourse on the future of work should learn from a turn in philosophy that occurred in the 1980s, one that recognizes the good life towards which ethics strives can only be reached on a foundation of caring relationships (Gillian, 1982; Noddings, 1984). Care ethics recognizes that human well-being is a group project, one that involves strong relationships, and concern for bodies and emotions. Too often, these features are left out of research exploring robotics in the workplace. This paper outlines the main tenets of care ethics, then applies the moral framework to the context of industrial and retail settings using robots. This approach sees these contexts through a relational lens, helping to identify, evaluate, and improve relationships critical to ensuring workers’ well-being. Second, care ethics considers taking care of people’s bodies beyond mere safety, examining how working with robots can exacerbate societal or economic pressures. Lastly, care ethics takes emotions as an important source of knowledge in building and supporting care. Additionally, this paper contributes to the care ethics literature by applying the framework to the context of robotized industrial workplaces, which has yet to be done.