bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies to incorporate a fluorinated acrylate monomer into polymer particles: from particle morphology to film morphology and anticorrosion properties
Authors: Chimenti S. , Vega J. M. , Paulis M. , Leiza J. R.
Published: March 2022

Four strategies to incorporate a fluorinated monomer (perfluoro octyl acrylate, POA) into a waterborne polymeric dispersion are investigated. Due to the very low water solubility of the POA monomer, three of the strategies use miniemulsion droplets containing the whole POA monomer in the initial charge. The rest of the comonomers of the formulation (methyl methacrylate, MMA, and n-butyl acrylate, BA) are partially incorporated in the initial miniemulsion or fed to the reactor as a preemulsion. In the fourth strategy, a conventional seeded semibatch emulsion polymerization is carried out using cyclodextrin in the seed and feeding the POA/MMA/BA preemulsion to the reactor. Each process strategy led to a distinct particle morphology and hence a particular film morphology. We found that the strategy that produced core–shell particles with the core composed by pure polyPOA yielded the films that showed the best corrosion protection as measured in salt-spray test (1200 h standing without damage).
First experiences with PET-MRI/CT in radiotherapy planning for cervical cancer
Authors: Scharl Sophia , Weidenbaecher Clara-Bianca , Hugo Christine , Brambs Christine E. , Knorr Karina , Combs Stephanie E. , Schüttrumpf Lars
Published: March 2022

Purpose

PET-CT has recently been included in the NCCN staging recommendations for cervical cancer stages II–IV and is already routinely applied to radiotherapy planning for other malignancies, as it is expected to provide higher accuracy for the detection of areas with tumor cell spread. In this study, we report on our first experiences of PET-based radiotherapy planning for cervical cancer.

Methods

19 patients with cervical cancer that underwent pre-therapeutic PET imaging treated at our institution between January 2016 and April 2019 were included in the study. Information on the primary tumor, lymph node involvement, metastatic spread and changes in the radiotherapy procedure based on the PET findings are described.

Results

A previously unknown primary tumor extension that was detected by PET imaging in one patient. In patients who underwent a PET before the systematic pelvic and paraaortic lymphonodectomy (n = 2), PET was false negative for pelvic lymph node metastases in 50%. In patients who underwent a PET after the systematic LNE (n = 13), additional lymph node metastases were detected in seven patients (53.80%). Distant metastases were suspected in three patients (15.7%) based on PET imaging. The suspicion was confirmed in one patient (peritoneal spread) and excluded in two patients (supra-diaphragmatic lymph nodes). In 13 patients (68.4%), RT procedures were altered due to findings in PET imaging.

Conclusion

PET-based radiochemotherapy planning may improve control rates by identifying areas of tumor cell spread eligible for dose escalation. False positivity, however, should be excluded in patients with findings that lead to major modifications of the therapeutic strategy.
Defining the limits and indications of the Draf III endoscopic approach to the lateral frontal sinus and maximizing visualization and maneuverability: a cadaveric and radiological study
Authors: Papatsoutsos Efstathios , Kalyvas Aristotelis , Drosos Evangelos , Neromyliotis Eleftherios , Koutsarnakis Christos , Komaitis Spyridon , Chatzinakis Vasileios , Stranjalis George , Georgalas Christos
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The DRAF III procedure has been used for access to the lateralmost part of the frontal sinus. We sought to identify anatomical and radiological measurements as well as modifications that predict the lateral limits of visualization and surgical access after this procedure.

Methods

Seven cadaver heads were imaged with computed tomography scan. The distance from midline to the medial orbital wall (MOWD), midline to the lateral end of the frontal sinus (MLD), the sum of MLDs (SMLD), interorbital distance (IOD) and the shortest anteroposterior distance of the frontal recess (APD) were utilized. The ratios MLD/MOWD, and SMLD/IOD were calculated. The same distances were measured on 41 CT scans. Orbital transposition (OT) and partial resection of the piriform aperture (PAR) were performed; the visualization and reach were assessed. The angle of insertion was measured before and after the modifications.

Results

Only the ratio MLD/MOWD was consistently predictive of access to the lateral, superior and posterior wall of the frontal sinus. Following the modifications, a visualization of 100% laterally was achieved with the 30- and 45 degree endoscopes and every lateral recess could be reached with the 70 degree suction. A mean increase of the angle of insertion of 25.3 and 59.6% was recorded after OT and PAR, respectively.

Conclusions

IOD rather than APD defines the limits of the Draf III approach to the lateral frontal sinus and MLD/MOWD ratio can serve as a useful preoperative tool. Along to the already described OT, PAR increases visualization and reach of the lateral frontal sinus.
Beneficial effects of Silexan on co-occurring depressive symptoms in patients with subthreshold anxiety and anxiety disorders: randomized, placebo-controlled trials revisited
Authors: Bartova Lucie , Dold Markus , Volz Hans-Peter , Seifritz Erich , Möller Hans-Jürgen , Kasper Siegfried
Published: March 2022

Silexan is a proprietary active substance produced from Lavandula angustifolia, with proven anxiolytic efficacy in subthreshold and generalized anxiety disorder as well as in mixed anxiety and depressive disorder with beneficial impact on anxiety-related sleep disturbances. The pharmacological profile and clinical observations suggest that Silexan may also have an antidepressant effect. To investigate the effect of Silexan on co-occurring depressive symptoms, we present a meta-analysis of the five placebo-controlled clinical trials hitherto performed with Silexan in subthreshold anxiety (n = 3) and anxiety disorders (n = 2). Patients of all trials received Silexan 1 × 80 mg/day or placebo for 10 weeks according to random assignment. Assessment of the antidepressant effect was based on item ‘depressed mood’ from the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) administered in all trials and on the total scores of the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) or the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) used in three trials. After 10-week treatment, patients receiving Silexan showed significantly more pronounced score reduction for HAMA item ‘depressed mood’ than those in the placebo group (p = 0.01). Significant superiority of Silexan over placebo could also be shown for mean MADRS or HAMD total score reduction (three studies; p < 0.01). Silexan-treated patients with more severe depressive symptoms at baseline showed more pronounced improvements than those with milder symptoms. Our meta-analysis clearly shows that Silexan has a beneficial effect on co-occurring depressive symptoms in patients with subthreshold anxiety and anxiety disorders and may, hence, lead to important therapeutic implications for depressive disorders.
Telestration with augmented reality for visual presentation of intraoperative target structures in minimally invasive surgery: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Wild C. , Lang F. , Gerhäuser A. S. , Schmidt M. W. , Kowalewski K. F. , Petersen J. , Kenngott H. G. , Müller-Stich B. P. , Nickel F.
Published: March 2022

Aims

In minimally invasive surgery (MIS), intraoperative guidance has been limited to verbal communication without direct visual guidance. Communication issues and mistaken instructions in training procedures can hinder correct identification of anatomical structures on the MIS screen. The iSurgeon system was developed to provide visual guidance in the operating room by telestration with augmented reality (AR).

Methods

Laparoscopic novices (n = 60) were randomized in two groups in a cross-over design: group 1 trained only with verbal guidance first and then with additional telestration with AR on the operative screen and vice versa for group 2. Training consisted of laparoscopic basic training and subsequently a specifically designed training course, including a porcine laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Outcome included time needed for training, performance with Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS), and Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) score for LC, complications, and subjective workload (NASA-TLX questionnaire).

Results

Telestration with AR led to significantly faster total training time (1163 ± 275 vs. 1658 ± 375 s, p < 0.001) and reduced error rates. LC on a porcine liver was performed significantly better (GOALS 21 ± 5 vs. 18 ± 4, p < 0.007 and OSATS 67 ± 11 vs. 61 ± 8, p < 0.015) and with less complications (13.3% vs. 40%, p < 0.020) with AR. Subjective workload and stress were significantly reduced during training with AR (33.6 ± 12.0 vs. 30.6 ± 12.9, p < 0.022).

Conclusion

Telestration with AR improves training success and safety in MIS. The next step will be the clinical application of telestration with AR and the development of a mobile version for remote guidance.
Der Linear-Planetenmotor
Authors: Nikowitz Mario , Brunner Andreas , Schrödl Manfred
Published: March 2022

Die vorliegende Abhandlung stellt einen neuartigen Ansatz eines Linearmotors basierend auf dem Planetenmotorprinzip vor. Bei dem so genannten Planetenmotor handelt es sich um eine Multi-Rotor-Permanentmagnet-Synchronmaschine (PMSM), welche erstmals im Jahr 2017 veröffentlicht wurde. Durch das elektromagnetische Design des Motors in Kombination mit der geschickten Verschaltung der einzelnen Wicklungen verhält sich der Planetenmotor wie eine herkömmliche dreiphasige PMSM und kann so mit handelsüblichen Umrichtern feldorientiert betrieben werden. Um nun eine lineare Bewegung zu ermöglichen, ist eine Modifikation des Wicklungssystems notwendig. Durch den speziellen Aufbau des Planetenmotors ist es außerdem möglich, eine kostengünstige Lagerung des Linearschlittens zu entwickeln, welche den Einsatz von zusätzlichen externen Lagern überflüssig macht. Messungen am Prototyp bestätigen die Performance des neuartigen Linear-Planetenmotors.
Usefulness of the trabecular bone score in maintenance dialysis patients
Authors: Malle Oliver , Bergthaler Markus , Krisper Peter , Amrein Karin , Dimai Hans Peter , Kirsch Alexander H. , Rosenkranz Alexander R. , Pieber Thomas , Obermayer-Pietsch Barbara , Fahrleitner-Pammer Astrid
Published: March 2022

Background

The number of dialysis patients is steadily increasing. Associated comorbidities include impaired bone and mineral metabolism, termed chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD), leading to a high fracture risk, increased morbidity and mortality and impaired quality of life. While the bone density is assessed with dual-energy X‑ray absorptiometry (DXA), the trabecular bone score (TBS) captures the image texture as a potential index of skeletal microarchitecture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of DXA and TBS in dialysis patients with and without prevalent fractures.

Methods

Bone disorders were evaluated in 82 dialysis patients (37% female) at the University Hospital of Graz, Austria, by DXA including the assessment of the TBS based on a patient interview and the local routine patient database software. The patient cohort was stratified by having sustained a fragility fracture in the past or not. Descriptive statistics, t‑tests for continuous variables and χ2-tests for nominal variables including results of DXA and TBS were performed to compare these groups considering the dialysis modality and duration as well as the number of kidney transplantations.

Results

Of the 82 patients, 32 (39%) had a positive history of fractures. There was a significant association between dialysis duration and fracture prevalence (p < 0.05) as well as musculoskeletal pain (p < 0.01). No significant correlation between DXA/TBS parameters and musculoskeletal pain could be established. The DXA scores did not correlate with fracture prevalence with the exception of DXA radius measurements; however, fracture prevalence significantly correlated inversely with TBS (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The use of DXA has a limited role in fracture prediction in dialysis patients; however, the TBS seems to add information as an additional tool for fracture risk estimation in this patient population.
Effect of CO2 Phase on Pore Geometry of Saline Reservoir Rock
Authors: Peter Ameh , Jin Xiaoqiang , Fan Xianfeng , Eshiet Kenneth Imo-Imo , Sheng Yong , Yang Dongmin
Published: March 2022

The phase of CO2 present in a saline reservoir influences the change of the pore geometry properties of reservoir rocks and consequently the transport and storage integrity of the reservoir. In this study, digital rock physics was used to evaluate pore geometry properties of rocks saturated with the different phaseCO2-brine under reservoir conditions. The changes in the pore geometry properties due to the different phaseCO2-brine-rock interaction were quantified. In addition to compression, CO2-brine-rock interaction caused a further reduction in porosity by precipitation. Compared to the dry sample, the porosity of the gaseous CO2-br sample was reduced the most, and was lower by 15% after saturation and compression. There was reduction in the pre-compression porosity after compression for all the samples, however, the reduction was highest in the gaseous CO2-br-saturated sample (13%). The flatness of pore surfaces was reduced, and pores became less rounded after compression, especially in supercritical CO2-br-saturated rock. The results from this research provide a valuable input to guide a robust simulation of CO2 storage in reservoir rocks where different phases of CO2 could be present.
Sixteen ways to adapt: a comparison of state-level climate change adaptation strategies in the federal states of Germany
Authors: King Julie P.
Published: March 2022

Climate change adaptation (CCA) to reduce or prevent negative climate change impacts and, in some cases, maximize potential benefits is a complex challenge demanding multi-level policy action. In federalist systems, sub-national governments are among key actors for enabling adaptation and their clear commitments can increase collaboration and innovation at the local level. Germany serves as a particularly insightful case for observing the variance among sub-national approaches due to its role as a “leader” in CCA at the national level. This paper provides the first systematic assessment of all sixteen state adaptation strategies in Germany and examines how German states are fostering adaptation, the extent to which their approaches vary, and which patterns have emerged. Based on a qualitative document analysis of over 30 documents, this assessment focuses on five indicators synthesized from literature climate policy analyses and on barriers and facilitating factors of adaptation. Results find that German state strategies are often non-committal sets of recommendations and identify three clusters displaying different degrees of institutionalization and guidance. While federalism allows for flexibility among state responses, the absence of federal mandates and policy standards allows some states to fall behind while others continue to develop their strategies to foster adaptation. These sixteen diverse approaches each have implications for adaptation governance at other levels.
Persisting in Physics and the Physics Olympiad — Impact of Gender Identification and Sense of Belonging on Expectancy-Value Outcomes
Authors: Ladewig Antonia , Köller Olaf , Neumann Knut
Published: March 2022

The German Physics Olympiad is an extracurricular science contest for students. Here, they have the opportunity to compete against other talented students, can do physics outside of school, and take a first step to more engagement in the domain. Yet, female students participate in the competition in fewer numbers and are disproportionally more likely to drop out of the contest earlier than the male students.

The present study hence explored the question to which extent the German Physics Olympiad provides a threatening environment for female contestants’ intentions of persisting in physics. A total of 298 participants (28% female) were surveyed with respect to stereotype and social identity threat, as well as gender identification and sense of belonging as predictors of success expectations for and value of choosing to study physics. Success expectations and value of choosing to study physics were used as a measure for career intentions within the expectancy-value model.

The results support the conclusion that the contest presents an equally supporting environment for female and male participants. We found no gender differences in success expectations for and value of studying physics. Sense of belonging and gender identification significantly predicted success expectations but not value of choosing to study physics. Female participants in the German Physics Olympiad were also neither affected by stereotype threat nor by social identity threat in their sense of belonging or gender identification.
Role of liver biopsy in management of liver diseases without hepatic nodules following end of the interferon era: experience of a tertiary referral center
Authors: Ehsan Nermine A. , Elsabaawy Maha M. , Sweed Dina M. , Karman Esraa A. , Abdelsameea Eman , Mohamed Anwar A.
Published: March 2022

Liver biopsy (LB) is the cornerstone in the management of patients with liver diseases. However, a lot of queries had emerged about its role following the end of the interferon era. The aim of this study was to re-evaluate the current role of LB in the diagnosis of liver diseases. All patients who had underwent LB at the Department of Hepatology, National Liver Institute, from January 2015 through December 2018 were recruited. Indications for LB, pathology reports and medical records of all cases were retrieved, reviewed and statistically analyzed. A total of 275 liver biopsies were collected, 191 males and 84 females with mean age 41.22 ± 13.36 years. Etiological diagnosis made by histopathological evaluation was 48 drug-induced liver injury (DILI), 42 nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), 34 chronic hepatitis B, or C with cholestasis, 29 autoimmune hepatitis, 34 primary sclerosing cholangitis, 13 primary biliary cholangitis, 7 autoimmune overlap syndrome, 13 active bilharziasis and 10 Wilson’s disease. Minor number of cases was diagnosed by different other etiologies. Initial diagnosis was made by liver biopsy and confirmed by clinical response and laboratory findings. Liver biopsy is still considered as the gold standard diagnostic measure of different liver diseases representing an integral component of management decisions in hepatology.
The Muon Puzzle in cosmic-ray induced air showers and its connection to the Large Hadron Collider
Authors: Albrecht Johannes , Cazon Lorenzo , Dembinski Hans , Fedynitch Anatoli , Kampert Karl-Heinz , Pierog Tanguy , Rhode Wolfgang , Soldin Dennis , Spaan Bernhard , Ulrich Ralf , Unger Michael
Published: March 2022

High-energy cosmic rays are observed indirectly by detecting the extensive air showers initiated in Earth’s atmosphere. The interpretation of these observations relies on accurate models of air shower physics, which is a challenge and an opportunity to test QCD under extreme conditions. Air showers are hadronic cascades, which give rise to a muon component through hadron decays. The muon number is a key observable to infer the mass composition of cosmic rays. Air shower simulations with state-of-the-art QCD models show a significant muon deficit with respect to measurements; this is called the Muon Puzzle. By eliminating other possibilities, we conclude that the most plausible cause for the muon discrepancy is a deviation in the composition of secondary particles produced in high-energy hadronic interactions from current model predictions. The muon discrepancy starts at the TeV scale, which suggests that this deviation is observable at the Large Hadron Collider. An enhancement of strangeness production has been observed at the LHC in high-density events, which can potentially explain the puzzle, but the impact of the effect on forward produced hadrons needs further study, in particular with future data from oxygen beam collisions.
Data assimilation with soft constraints (DASC) through a generalized iterative ensemble smoother
Authors: Luo Xiaodong , Cruz William C.
Published: March 2022

This work investigates an ensemble-based workflow to simultaneously handle generic, nonlinear equality and inequality constraints in reservoir data assimilation problems. The proposed workflow is built upon a recently proposed umbrella algorithm, called the generalized iterative ensemble smoother (GIES), and inherits the benefits of ensemble-based data assimilation algorithms in geoscience applications. Unlike the traditional ensemble assimilation algorithms, the proposed workflow admits cost functions beyond the form of nonlinear-least-squares, and has the potential to develop an infinite number of constrained assimilation algorithms. In the proposed workflow, we treat data assimilation with constraints as a constrained optimization problem. Instead of relying on a general-purpose numerical optimization algorithm to solve the constrained optimization problem, we derive an (approximate) closed form to iteratively update model variables, but without the need to explicitly linearize the constraint systems. The established model update formula bears similarities to that of an iterative ensemble smoother (IES). Therefore, in terms of theoretical analysis, it becomes relatively easy to transit from an ordinary IES to the proposed constrained assimilation algorithms, and in terms of practical implementation, it is also relatively straightforward to implement the proposed workflow for users who are familiar with the IES, or other conventional ensemble data assimilation algorithms like the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF). Apart from the aforementioned features, we also develop efficient methods to handle two noticed issues that would be of practical importance for ensemble-based constrained assimilation algorithms. These issues include localization in the presence of constraints, and the (possible) high dimensionality induced by the constraint systems. We use one 2D and one 3D case studies to demonstrate the performance of the proposed workflow. In particular, the 3D example contains experiment settings close to those of real field case studies. In both case studies, the proposed workflow achieves better data assimilation performance in comparison to the choice of using an original IES algorithm. As such, the proposed workflow has the potential to further improve the efficacy of ensemble-based data assimilation in practical reservoir data assimilation problems.
Fecal indicator organisms in northern oligotrophic rivers: An explorative study on Escherichia coli prevalence in a mountain region with intense tourism and reindeer herding
Authors: Maes Sharon , Odlare Monica , Jonsson Anders
Published: March 2022

Increasing pollution levels in waters from remote mountain areas in northern Sweden have been observed. To support a sustainable water quality management, it is necessary to know which environmental and antrophogenic factors influence the water quality. The purpose of this study was to map the Escherichia coli prevalence in the catchment area of the upper part of a large northern Scandinavian river and investigate the controlling factors of microbial contamination. A total of 112 water samples were collected from various locations in the research area between July 2020 and December 2020. These samples were analyzed for microbial and chemical characteristics, and information about tourism and reindeer herding was compiled. Additionally, microbial and physicochemical water characteristics collected by Indalsälven Water Conservation Association (IWCA, 1993–2020) and Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI, 2004–2020) were analyzed. The results showed that E. coli enumerations ranged between 0 and 500 CFU/100 ml. There was generally no obvious relation between suspected point sources, e.g., sewage treatment plants at mountain stations, and E. coli levels at downstream sampling points. Principal component analysis showed that E. coli was correlated to coliforms, total heterotrophic count, river discharge, CODMn and river color. Since microbial analyses are time-consuming, expensive and difficult to perform in remote areas, it is important to find more easily extracted water parameters that can serve as a proxy for E. coli. In particular, river color and discharge are promising parameters that may serve as an early indication of bacterial outbreak and fecal contamination in mountain waters.
Green preferences
Authors: Busato Francesco , Chiarini Bruno , Cisco Gianluigi , Ferrara Maria
Published: March 2022

This paper studies how interaction between economic decision-making and environmental awareness affects US business cycle and GHG emissions in a two-sector DSGE model. We emphasize the mechanisms that relate carbon emissions dynamics, consumer behavior, and environmental awareness in a framework incorporating two classes of goods (i.e., “clean” and “dirty”). This paper offers three main results. First, green consumption preferences play a key role in emissions reduction when they internalize emissions concentrations. Second, a green preference shock is the second source of fluctuation in many sectoral variables and stabilizes the business cycle. Third, a pollutant supply shock leads to sustainable consumption procyclicality documented in US data, only if households are environmentally aware.
Multiple imputation of multibeam angular response data for high resolution full coverage seabed mapping
Authors: Misiuk Benjamin , Brown Craig J.
Published: March 2022

Acoustic data collected by multibeam echosounders (MBES) are increasingly used for high resolution seabed mapping. The relationships between substrate properties and the acoustic response of the seafloor depends on the acoustic angle of incidence and the operating frequency of the sonar, and these dependencies can be analysed for discrimination of benthic substrates or habitats. An outstanding challenge for angular MBES mapping at a high spatial resolution is discontinuity; acoustic data are seldom represented at a full range of incidence angles across an entire survey area, hindering continuous spatial mapping. Given quantifiable relationships between MBES data at various incidence angles and frequencies, we propose to use multiple imputation to achieve complete estimates of angular MBES data over full survey extents at a high spatial resolution for seabed mapping. The primary goals of this study are (i) to evaluate the effectiveness of multiple imputation for producing accurate estimates of angular backscatter intensity and substrate penetration information, and (ii) to evaluate the usefulness of imputed angular data for benthic habitat and substrate mapping at a high spatial resolution. Using a multi-frequency case study, acoustic soundings were first aggregated to homogenous seabed units at a high spatial resolution via image segmentation. The effectiveness and limitations of imputation were explored in this context by simulating various amounts of missing angular data, and results suggested that a substantial proportion of missing measurements (> 40%) could be imputed with little error using Multiple Imputation by Chained Equations (MICE). The usefulness of imputed angular data for seabed mapping was then evaluated empirically by using MICE to generate multiple stochastic versions of a dataset with missing angular measurements. The complete, imputed datasets were used to model the distribution of substrate properties observed from ground-truth samples using Random Forest and neural networks. Model results were pooled for continuous spatial prediction and estimates of confidence were derived to reflect uncertainty resulting from multiple imputations. In addition to enabling continuous spatial prediction, the high-resolution imputed angular models performed favourably compared to broader segmentations or non-angular data.
Group awareness and regulation in computer-supported collaborative learning
Authors: Schnaubert Lenka , Bodemer Daniel
Published: March 2022

Group awareness is of critical relevance for collaborative learning and interaction and is thus often referred to in CSCL research. However, the concept is only vaguely defined as some kind of understanding or perception of characteristics of learning partners or the collaborating group. Most CSCL research activities concerned with group awareness aim at modifying learners' awareness using so-called group awareness tools. However, there are much less attempts to measure group awareness and to conceptualize its formation. Thus, building on existing group awareness research, this article derives a conceptualization with six defining aspects of group awareness: (1) group awareness is cognitive, (2) group awareness is conscious, (3) group awareness is current, (4) group awareness is individual, (5) group awareness is social, and (6) group awareness is perceived as valid. Additionally, while it is often assumed that group awareness builds on self-regulatory skills, its role in regulating behavior and cognition within a social context is seldom explored. Thus, this article aims at defining and analyzing the concept of group awareness, specifying its relation to regulatory processes, and sketching possible research paths whilst building on, complementing, and informing tool-driven research.
Configuration and Delivery of Primary Care in Rural and Urban Settings
Authors: Fraze Taressa K. , Lewis Valerie A. , Wood Andrew , Newton Helen , Colla Carrie H.
Published: March 2022

Background

There are concerns about the capacity of rural primary care due to potential workforce shortages and patients with disproportionately more clinical and socioeconomic risks. Little research examines the configuration and delivery of primary care along the spectrum of rurality.

Objective

Compare structure, capabilities, and payment reform participation of isolated, small town, micropolitan, and metropolitan physician practices, and the characteristics and utilization of their Medicare beneficiaries.

Design

Observational study of practices defined using IQVIA OneKey, 2017 Medicare claims, and, for a subset, the National Survey of Healthcare Organizations and Systems (response rate=47%).

Participants

A total of 27,716,967 beneficiaries with qualifying visits who were assigned to practices.

Main Measures

We characterized practices’ structure, capabilities, and payment reform participation and measured beneficiary utilization by rurality.

Key Results

Rural practices were smaller, more primary care dominant, and system-owned, and had more beneficiaries per practice. Beneficiaries in rural practices were more likely to be from high-poverty areas and disabled. There were few differences in patterns of outpatient utilization and practices’ care delivery capabilities. Isolated and micropolitan practices reported less engagement in quality-focused payment programs than metropolitan practices. Beneficiaries cared for in more rural settings received fewer recommended mammograms and had higher overall and condition-specific readmissions. Fewer beneficiaries with diabetes in rural practices had an eye exam. Most isolated rural beneficiaries traveled to more urban communities for care.

Conclusions

While most isolated Medicare beneficiaries traveled to more urban practices for outpatient care, those receiving care in rural practices had similar outpatient and inpatient utilization to urban counterparts except for readmissions and quality metrics that rely on services outside of primary care. Rural practices reported similar care capabilities to urban practices, suggesting that despite differences in workforce and demographics, rural patterns of primary care delivery are comparable to urban.
Rural smartness: Its determinants and impacts on rural economic welfare
Authors: Mukti Iqbal Yulizar , Henseler Jörg , Aldea Adina , Govindaraju Rajesri , Iacob Maria E.
Published: March 2022

Solving urbanization problems, especially in developing countries, solely through the adoption of smartness in urban areas is insufficient as urbanization is mostly driven by the wide urban-rural economic gap. To narrow this gap, the adoption of smartness needs to be extended into rural areas. However, studies in that direction are still lacking. Therefore, we developed a theoretical model that explains the determinants of rural smartness and its subsequent consequences on rural economic welfare. We validated the model with survey data from 179 villages in West Java Province, Indonesia. The results suggest that rural smartness is determined by the interplay of organizational, environmental, and technological readiness, and has a strong positive impact on innovativeness which, in turn, improves the competitiveness of the rural business ecosystem. This model can serve as a reference for further studies of rural smartness and as the foundation for the design of information platforms supporting it.
A GIS-based framework using fuzzy relation equation system solutions in urban planning
Authors: Cardone Barbara , Di Martino Ferdinando
Published: March 2022

Several fuzzy decision models are proposed in literature to solve urban planning problems. In this research we present a novel GIS-based framework to solve decision problems in urban planning based on a System of Fuzzy Relation Equations in which the unknowns represent characteristics affecting observable facts constituting the input variables. Aim of this research is to partition the urban study area into subzones, each of which identifies a sub-area of the study area within which the set of analyzed characteristics are homogeneous. The study area is initially decomposed in atomic urban areas called microzones; for each microzone are calculated the greatest and lowest solutions of a System of Fuzzy Relation Equations by using the Universal solution Algorithm and are calculated and fuzzified the values of the output variables. Spatially adjoining microzones with same output variables are dissolved forming homogeneous urban areas with reference to the problem analyzed, called Urban Contexts. For each output variable a thematic map is constructed; in addition, a thematic map of its reliability is created. This framework is tested on a study area given by the district of Ponticelli in the municipality of Naples (Italy); comparison tests performed with respect to a previous GIS-based framework based on a System of Fuzzy Relation Equations show that our method provides a more detailed knowledge of the characteristics of the urban study area with reference to the problem dealt with.
Synthesis of CuxCo3−xO4 nanocatalyst for degradation of nitrogenous organic wastewater in Fenton-like membrane reactor
Authors: Zhou Ming , Li Wenyue , Chen Min , Zhong Zhaoxiang , Xing Weihong
Published: March 2022

Membrane Fenton-like process with cobalt–copper spinel catalyst is proposed to degrade nitrogenous organic hazardous in wastewater. Cu-auxiliary cobalt oxide (CuxCo3–xO4) was synthesized with the dispersion co-precipitation method. As-prepared CuCo2O4 performed as the best catalyst for Fenton degradation on nitrogen-containing organic compound as methylene blue (C16H18N3ClS) in water and N,N-dimethylacetamide [CH3CON(CH3)2] in industrial wastewater. Lattice substation of Cu2+ to Co2+ ion increased the oxygen vacancies and catalytic activity. The catalyst stability was improved owing to hybrid polarization confinement (total metal elution less than 0.8 mg/L). Methylene blue in water (C0 = 100 mg/L) was completely decolorized in 50 min using 0.6 g/L CuCo2O4 and 0.09 M H2O2 at intrinsic pH 6.7. Degradation reaction rate constant was increased by two folds as k = 0.076 min−1 catalyzed by CuCo2O4 over k = 0.039 min−1 by Co3O4. DMAc-contaminant wastewater of high CODs 19,080 mg/L was treated using 2.4 g/L CuCo2O4 and 2.4 M H2O2 at intrinsic pH = 7.6. Removal rate of DMAc was enhanced from 81 to 99% in the ceramic membrane reactor when H2O2 was activated, and self-sweeping effect was suppressed. As a result, Total Organic Nitrogen (2900 mg/L) in the wastewater was mineralized by 99.9% with a fast transformation to inorganic NO3− ion. Biodegradability of the resistant organic wastewater was remarkably improved, and BOD/COD was increased by 18 folds.
Groundwater potential mapping using multi-criteria decision, bivariate statistic and machine learning algorithms: evidence from Chota Nagpur Plateau, India
Authors: Hasanuzzaman Md , Mandal Mehedi Hasan , Hasnine Md , Shit Pravat Kumar
Published: March 2022

Increased consumption of water resource due to rapid growth of population has certainly reduced the groundwater storage beneath the earth which leads certain challenges to human being in recent time. For optimal management of this vital resource, exploration of groundwater potential zone (GWPZ) has become essential. We have applied Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Frequency Ratio (FR) and two machine learning techniques specifically Random Forest (RF) and Naïve Bayes (NB) here to delineate GWPZ in Gandheswari River Basin in Chota Nagpur Plateau, India. To achieve the goal of the study, twelve factors that determine occurrence of groundwater have been selected for inter-thematic correlations and overlaid with location of wells. These factors include elevation, drainage density, slope, lithology, geomorphology, topographical wetness index (TWI), distance from the river, rainfall, lineament density, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), soil, and Land use and Land cover (LULC). A total 170 points including 85 in well site and 85 in non-well site have been selected randomly and allocated into two parts: training and testing at the share of 70:30. The implemented methods have significantly provided five GWPZs specifically Very Good (VG), Good (G), Moderate (M), Poor (P) and Very Poor (VP) with high and acceptable accuracy. The study also finds that geomorphology, slope, rainfall and elevation have greater importance in shaping GWPZs than LULC, NDVI, etc. Model performance has been tested with receiver operator characteristics (ROC), Accuracy (ACC), Kappa Coefficient, MAE, RMSE, etc., methods. Area under curve (AUC) in ROC curve has revealed that accuracy level of AHP, FR, RF and NB is 78.8%, 81%, 85.3% and 85.5, respectively. The machine learning techniques coupled with AHP and FR unveil effective delineation of groundwater potential area in said river basin which by genetically offers low primary porosity due to lithological constrains. Therefore, the study can be helpful in watershed management and identifying appropriate location wells in future.
Comparative analysis of groundwater potentiality zone using fuzzy AHP, frequency ratio and Bayesian weights of evidence methods
Authors: Maity Biswajit , Mallick Suraj Kumar , Das Pritiranjan , Rudra Somnath
Published: March 2022

Groundwater resource management in the urban area is one of the important aspects because of growing population demand and having inadequate water supply. So, proper information is needed to manage the future urban planning for such kinds of areas. This study emphasizes groundwater potentiality zone (GPZ) assessment in the Asansol urban agglomeration (AUA) region, West Bengal, India. For this purpose, we have incorporated eight conditioning factors namely LULC, lithology, slope, elevation, rainfall, drainage density, lineaments density, and soil map using conventional and remote sensing data in GIS software. All these conditioning factors have been reclassified in ArcGIS and processed by the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP), frequency ratio (FR), and Bayesian weights of evidence (BWOE) statistical methods. Then, the groundwater potential index has been formulated, and finally, GPZ maps are generated based on of selected three models. The result shows that very high area of GPZ, e.g. 9.13%, 11.62% and 7.43% are under BWOE, FR and FAHP models, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic validation curves show that FR method (AUC = 96.4%) is well obtained for GPZ in comparison with both BWOE (AUC = 83.8%) and FAHP methods (AUC = 82.9%). Therefore, this statistical method is highly recommended for the study of groundwater potential assessment and this outcome is very suitable for the groundwater resources management in future land use planning. Precautionary works in low potential areas should be given priority for long-term planning. Thus, this study can be considered as a good document for decision support in water exploitation planning and sustainable groundwater management in AUA region.
Decontamination of cationic dye brilliant green from the aqueous media
Authors: Singh Santosh , Gupta Himanshu , Dhiman Soniya , Sahu Nawal Kishore
Published: March 2022

Brilliant green is a synthetic and toxic dye that is currently being utilized for various purposes, such as dying paper, leather, wool, and silk. The present study demonstrates the activated carbon preparation from waste banana peels as well as its usefulness to remove cationic dye brilliant green from aqueous medium. The dye removal was examined under a set of diverse conditions. The obtained results indicate that dye adsorption was maximum after 60 min of contact time. The removal of brilliant green dye enhances due to a rise in adsorbent dosage and becomes quantitative at 15 min of adsorbent dose. At a pH of 2, the uptake of dye by adsorbent was maximum, which decreases with the rise in pH. Langmuir isotherm was slightly better fitted than Freundlich model at varying temperatures. The experimental value of adsorption capacity was > 900 mg/g, which was observed quite close with pseudo-second-order model for brilliant green adsorption on the prepared adsorbent based on banana peel. Thermodynamic studies suggested exothermic, spontaneous, and favorable adsorption process for brilliant green dye. The adsorbent prepared in the present study can be incorporated for the treatment of wastewater contaminated with brilliant green as well as other toxic pollutants.
The Effect of Work Requirements on Mental Health of Subsidized Housing Recipients: Evidence from the Housing Authority of Champaign County, Illinois
Authors: Lee Han Bum , McNamara Paul E.
Published: March 2022

This study examines the early effect of work requirements on mental health of subsidized housing recipients. The Housing Authority of Champaign County (HACC) enforced work requirements for working-aged and non-disabled recipients and supported their transition to work with case management services. In addition, non-compliance with work requirements might result in the loss of housing subsidy. We collected survey data 1 year prior to and 1 year following the implementation of HACC’s work requirements to compare changes in mental health measures between work-able recipients who were and were not subject to work requirements. We calculate the average treatment effects on the treated estimates obtained from difference-in-differences with propensity score matching to control potential bias stemming from unobserved time-invariant variables and support the model’s parallel trend assumption. Our main results show that, during the early phase of work requirements, impacted heads of households were predicted to increase depression scores and decrease hopefulness scores relative to changes in mental health measures of the matched control groups over the same period. Recipients’ mental health would play a critical role in the success of HACC’s self-sufficiency strategies, and therefore the housing authority may strengthen the transition of hard-to-employ recipients into the workforce by offering careful assessment and screening to identify recipients with serious mental health problems or other employment barriers and reinforcing their access to supportive health and social services.
Ground states for Maxwell’s equations in nonlocal nonlinear media
Authors: Mandel Rainer
Published: March 2022

In this paper we investigate the existence of ground states and dual ground states for Maxwell’s Equations in $${\mathbb {R}}^3$$

R

3

in nonlocal nonlinear metamaterials. We prove that several nonlocal models admit ground states in contrast to their local analogues.
LDHA Desuccinylase Sirtuin 5 as a Novel Cancer Metastatic Stimulator in Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kwon Oh Kwang , Bang In Hyuk , Choi So Young , Jeon Ju Mi , Na Ann-Yae , Gao Yan , Cho Sam Seok , Ki Sung Hwan , Choe Youngshik , Lee Jun Nyung , Ha Yun-Sok , Bae Eun Ju , Kwon Tae Gyun , Park Byung-Hyun , Lee Sangkyu
Published: March 2022

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed genital cancer in men worldwide. Around 80% of the patients who developed advanced PCa suffered from bone metastasis, with a sharp drop in the survival rate. Despite great efforts, the detailed mechanisms underlying castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) remain unclear. Sirtuin 5 (SIRT5), an NAD+-dependent desuccinylase, is hypothesized to be a key regulator of various cancers. However, compared to other SIRTs, the role of SIRT5 in cancer has not been extensively studied. Here, we revealed significantly decreased SIRT5 levels in aggressive PCa cells relative to the PCa stages. The correlation between the decrease in the SIRT5 level and the patient’s reduced survival rate was also confirmed. Using quantitative global succinylome analysis, we characterized a significant increase in the succinylation at lysine 118 (K118su) of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), which plays a role in increasing LDH activity. As a substrate of SIRT5, LDHA-K118su significantly increased the migration and invasion of PCa cells and LDH activity in PCa patients. This study reveals the reduction of SIRT5 protein expression and LDHA-K118su as a novel mechanism involved in PCa progression, which could serve as a new target to prevent CPRC progression for PCa treatment.
Ancient Egypt in its African Context
Authors: Manzo Andrea
Published: March 2022

This Element is aimed at discussing the relations between Egypt and its African neighbours. In the first section, the history of studies, the different kind of sources available on the issue, and a short outline of the environmental setting is provided. In the second section the relations between Egypt and its African neighbours from the late Prehistory to Late Antique times are summarized. In the third section the different kinds of interactions are described, as well as their effects on the lives of individuals and groups, and the related cultural dynamics, such as selection, adoption, entanglement and identity building. Finally, the possible future perspective of research on the issue is outlined, both in terms of methods, strategies, themes and specific topics, and of regions and sites whose exploration promises to provide a crucial contribution to the study of the relations between Egypt and Africa.