bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Out‐of‐pocket expenditures in adult patients with prurigo nodularis in France
Authors: Misery Laurent , de Campaigno Christine Patras , Jullien Denis , Marquie Adrien , Gabriel Sylvie , Taieb Charles , Paul Carle
Published: March 2023

Background

Chronic prurigo or prurigo nodularis is a severe condition with chronic pruritus and skin lesions. Current unnmet medical needs are numerous and generate a significant burden for the patients. Financial consequences are poorly known.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate out‐of‐pocket (OOP) expenditures for the patients.

Methods

A digital detailed questionnaire was submitted to adult patients living in France. The severity of pruritus was assessed with the 5‐D itch scale and the psychological well‐being was assessed with the well‐being questionnaire WBQ‐12.

Results

A total of 141 patients answered to all questions. The mean global score for the 5‐D itch scale was 16/25. The mean WBQ‐12 score was low: 14.7/36. The amount of OOP expenditures was high in patients with chronic prurigo (€855 ± 769 [median €605]). It was correlated with the severity of itch, higher in women than in men, higher when lesions were visible, and inversely correlated with psychological well‐being.

Conclusions

Chronic prurigo or prurigo nodularis is insufficiently managed and treated until now. Consequently, itch remains poorly treated, the psychological well‐being is deeply altered, and the personal cost related to the disease remains high for these patients.
Comparison of the disease severity with infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Delta and Omicron variants: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Qiu Ying , Li Zhenghao , Lin Fan , Yang Yilin , Yang Lanxuan , Li Ting
Published: March 2023

The increased transmissibility of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Delta and Omicron variants due to their complex mutations has been confirmed by many studies, but the disease severity caused by these two variants and vaccine efficacy have not been clearly concluded. This meta‐analysis evaluated and compared disease severity and vaccine efficacy for infection with these two variants. Databases were searched on July 29, 2022, for original studies. Data extracted included participants, hospitalization rate, intensive care unit (ICU) admission rate, mortality rate, and vaccination status. Total 15 studies (570,713 subjects) were included. The risk of hospitalization, ICU admission and death in patients with Delta were increased compared with patients with Omicron, especially hospitalization (Log risk ratio [RR]: 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65–1.53). The Delta was associated with a higher risk of death in the unvaccinated population (Log RR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.04–0.93). No significant differences in the risk of severe illness between BA.1 and BA.2 were observed. All three risks were reduced in fully vaccinated populations infected with Delta and Omicron. The existing evidence shows that the inherent virulence and disease severity of Omicron are reduced compared with Delta, and fully vaccination is effective in preventing severe infection of both variants.
Tell me what you want, what you really really want: Estimands in observational pharmacoepidemiologic comparative effectiveness and safety studies
Authors: Luijken Kim , van Eekelen Rik , Gardarsdottir Helga , Groenwold Rolf H. H. , van Geloven Nan
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Ideally, the objectives of a pharmacoepidemiologic comparative effectiveness or safety study should dictate its design and data analysis. This paper discusses how defining an estimand is instrumental to this process.

Methods

We applied the ICH‐E9 (Statistical Principles for Clinical Trials) R1 addendum on estimands – which originally focused on randomized trials – to three examples of observational pharmacoepidemiologic comparative effectiveness and safety studies. Five key elements specify the estimand: the population, contrasted treatments, endpoint, intercurrent events, and population‐level summary measure.

Results

Different estimands were defined for case studies representing three types of pharmacological treatments: (1) single‐dose treatments using a case study about the effect of influenza vaccination versus no vaccination on mortality risk in an adult population of ≥60 years of age; (2) sustained‐treatments using a case study about the effect of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor versus glucagon‐like peptide‐1 agonist on hypoglycemia risk in treatment of uncontrolled diabetes; and (3) as needed treatments using a case study on the effect of nitroglycerin spray as‐needed versus no nitroglycerin on syncope risk in treatment of stabile angina pectoris.

Conclusions

The case studies illustrated that a seemingly clear research question can still be open to multiple interpretations. Defining an estimand ensures that the study targets a treatment effect that aligns with the treatment decision the study aims to inform. Estimand definitions further help to inform choices regarding study design and data‐analysis and clarify how to interpret study findings.
Polymer‐based neuromorphic devices: resistive switches and organic electrochemical transistors
Authors: Yamamoto Shunsuke
Published: March 2023

This article summarizes the recent developments in organic neuromorphic devices, mainly resistive switches (memristors) and organic electrochemical transistors. The materials for the active layers and device architectures are summarized to highlight particular aspects of organic devices, including flexibility, biocompatibility and facile fabrication processes. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
The role of transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) in patients with underactive bladder: 12 months follow‐up in different grades of detrusor contractility
Authors: Lebani Bruno Rodrigues , Barcelos André da Silva , Gouveia Denise Sbrissia e Silva , Girotti Marcia Eli , Remaille Eduardo Pinto , Skaff Milton , Almeida Fernando Gonçalves
Published: March 2023

Introduction and Objective

Male detrusor underactivity (DUA) definition remains controversial and no effective treatment is consolidated. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is one of the cornerstones surgical treatments recommended in bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). However, the role of prostatic surgery in male DUA is not clear. The primary endpoint was the clinical and voiding improvement based on IPSS and the maximum flow rate in uroflowmetry (Qmax) within 12 months.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed an ongoing prospective database that embraces benign prostata hyperplasia (BPH) male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms who have undergone to TURP. All patients were evaluated pre and postoperatively based on IPSS questionnaires, prostate volume measured by ultrasound, postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), Prostate Specific Antigen measurement and urodynamic study (UDS) before the procedure. After surgery, all patients were evaluated at 1‐, 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐months. Patients were categorized in 3 groups: Group 1—Detrusor Underactive (Bladder Contractility Index (BCI) [BCI] < 100 and BOO index [BOOI] < 40); Group 2—Detrusor Underactive and BOO (BCI < 100 and BOOI ≥ 40); Group 3—BOO (BCI ≥ 100 and BOOI ≥ 0).

Results

It was included 158 patients underwent monopolar or bipolar TURP since November 2015 to March 2021. According to UDS, patients were categorized in: group 1 (n = 39 patients); group 2 (n = 41 patients); group 3 (n = 77 patients). Preoperative IPSS was similar between groups (group 1—24.9 ± 6.33; group 2—24.8 ± 7.33; group 3—24.5 ± 6.23). Qmax was statistically lower in the group 2 (group 1—5.43 ± 3.69; group 2—3.91 ± 2.08; group 3—6.3 ± 3.18) as well as greater PVR. The 3 groups presented similar outcomes regard to IPSS score during the follow‐up. There was a significant increase in Qmax in the 3 groups. However, group 1 presented the lowest Qmax improvement.

Conclusion

There were different objective outcomes depending on the degree of DUA at 12 months follow‐up. Patients with DUA had similar IPSS improvement. However, DUA patients had worst Qmax improvement than men with normal bladder contraction.
Cognitive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia with L‐Carnosine adjuvant therapy – A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Tharoor Hema , Maran Sindhu , Chandan Antra K. , Pari Manikandan , Rao Shruti , Durairaj Jothilakshmi
Published: March 2023

The antioxidant L‐Carnosine is reported to improve negative and cognitive symptoms in Schizophrenia. A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study was planned to study the effectiveness of adjuvant L‐Carnosine therapy in patients with Schizophrenia. 100 eligible patients with predominant negative symptoms as measured by scale for assessment of negative symptoms (SANS total score ≥ 60) and Schizophrenia diagnosis (International Classification of Disorder‐Tenth Edition, ICD‐10) were recruited. They were randomly allocated to receive a fixed dose of either 400 mg L‐Carnosine or identical placebo for 3 months and increased to 800 mg from 13th week till completion of study. Primary outcome measures assessed changes in SANS scores with L‐Carnosine at 24 weeks compared to baseline, 4 and 12 weeks. Secondary outcome measures were done to assess the improvement in cognitive symptoms (executive function, attention, and memory) at 24 weeks using subtests of NIMHANS (National Institute for Mental Health and Neurosciences) cognitive battery. Side effects were assessed using adverse events reporting form. The attention scores (p = .023) showed significant differences in patients receiving 800 mg of L‐Carnosine at the end of the study. There were no significant differences in negative symptoms in the two arms at study completion. L‐Carnosine dosing of 800 mg may be a promising agent to enhance executive functions in Schizophrenia.
Confirmation of the Y215H mutation in the β2‐octopamine receptor in Varroa destructor is associated with contemporary cases of amitraz resistance in the United States
Authors: Rinkevich Frank D. , Moreno‐Martí Sara , Hernández‐Rodríguez Carmen Sara , González‐Cabrera Joel
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

The parasitic mite, Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman), is a leading cause of honey bee colony losses around the world. Application of miticides such as amitraz are often the primary method of Varroa control in commercial beekeeping operations in the United States. It is likely that excessive and exclusive amitraz application has led to the development of amitraz resistance in Varroa. A mutation of tyrosine at amino acid position 215 to histidine (Y215H) in the β2‐octopamine receptor was identified in putatively amitraz‐resistant Varroa in the United States. This research investigated the presence of the Y215H mutation in quantitatively confirmed amitraz‐resistant Varroa from the United States.

RESULTS

There was a strong association of susceptible and resistant phenotypes with the corresponding susceptible and resistant genotypes respectively, and vice versa. The resistance bioassay may understate resistance levels because of the influence of environmental conditions on the outcome of the test, whereby Varroa with an amitraz‐resistant genotype may appear with a susceptible phenotype.

CONCLUSION

Confirmation of the Y215H mutation in the β2‐octopamine receptor of amitraz‐resistant Varroa encourages the development and validation of low‐cost, high‐throughput genotyping protocols to assess amitraz resistance. Resistance monitoring via genotyping will allow for large‐scale passive monitoring to accurately determine the prevalence of amitraz resistance rather than directed sampling of apiaries with known resistance issues. Genotyping of Varroa for amitraz resistance early in the beekeeping season may predict late‐season resistance at the colony level and provide beekeepers with enough time to develop an effective Varroa management strategy. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
The High Efficient Investigations of Properties of Co3O4 Nanostructured by Facile Spray Pyrolysis Technique for Future Gas Sensors Application
Authors: Doubi Youssef , Hartiti Bouchaib , Siadat Maryam , Labrim Hicham , Fadili Salah , Tahri Mounia , Thevenin Philippe
Published: March 2023

Herein, the cobalt oxide thin films are elaborated by spray pyrolysis technique. The effect of temperature of substrates on several properties of cobalt oxide is studied. The thin layers are characterized by using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectrometry (RS), and UV–vis spectrophotometer. The XRD analysis shows that Co3O4 thin layers have been formed along <111> preferential orientation. The RS displays the characteristic vibration modes of cobalt oxide phase, which confirms the formation of a single phase of spinel Co3O4 thin layers. The UV–vis spectrophotometer allows us to investigate the optical properties such as the absorbance, the transmittance, and the optical bandgap. The variation of electrical properties with the variation of temperature deposition confirms the high impact of the effect that study to make the cobalt oxide an important candidate for gas sensor devices.
A trilateral approach to design a model course on information literacy and research ethics for tertiary‐level curricula: A pathway to university ranking success
Authors: Yesmin Shamima , Atikuzzaman Md.
Published: March 2023

The present study aims to design a model course on Information Literacy (IL) and Research Ethics (RE) for university curricula and examine the role of this course in university ranking. The study followed a mixed approach to collect required data for designing the course. First, research students' responses regarding IL and RE were collected using a structured questionnaire. Then, responses regarding students' ethical practices were collected from the heads of departments of a university. The Director of the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of the university was also consulted for his opinions regarding the design of a model course on IL and RE for university curriculum. A total of 142 research students responded to the survey. Results showed that most of the students are unfamiliar with different ethical terms except plagiarism (71.8%). Similarly, departments' heads think that their students are mostly unfamiliar with the terms like intellectual property, paraphrasing and fair use; and inefficient in evaluating information source, ethically using that information and disseminating it through proper channels. Only 23% of students maintained ethics while conducting research works, which sometimes led them into violation of academic integrity. Considering these issues and consulting with IQAC, a course has been designed which might be incorporated in the university curriculum. This is the first initiative in Bangladesh where a model course has been designed and it has been shown how this course can play a vital role in ensuring quality education and influencing university ranking.
Wireless‐SpaceWire bridge for intrasatellite transmissions
Authors: Buta Rares , Puschita Emanuel , Kirei Botond Sandor , Codau Cristian , Palade Tudor , Dolea Paul , Pastrav Andra
Published: March 2023

The scope of this paper is to present the proof‐of‐concept and functional verification of a Wireless‐SpaceWire bridge (High‐Throughput Wireless‐SpaceWire Bridge for Intra‐Satellite Transmissions [HiSAT] bridge) designed to replace the wired SpaceWire (SpW) connections for intraspacecraft communications. To provide proper data handling and conversion, the proposed solution implements two main components: (1) the SpW Converter, which provides the SpW interface, and (2) the Wireless Converter, which provides the multiantenna radio frequency (RF) front‐end. High‐end research infrastructure is used in the solution implementation. STAR‐Dundee SpW products emulate real spacecraft instrumentation and implement the SpW links and interfaces. Xilinx FPGA ZCU102 boards are used for the implementation of the hardware/software communication stack of the SpW Converter. A comprehensive National Instruments USRP Software Defined Radio platform is used to implement the Wireless Converter. End‐to‐end laboratory tests are run to evaluate the performance of the proposed solution in terms of average end‐to‐end delay, average data rate, and packet success rate and to assess the technology readiness. The results demonstrate that the HiSAT bridge is TRL4 and that the technological approach (i.e., using FPGAs and OFDM transmissions) can successfully replace an on‐board intraspacecraft SpW link.
High‐Yield, Green, and Scalable Solar‐Powered Interfacial Evaporation of Multibioinspired Hierarchical‐Integrated Nanofibrous Wood Surface with Sustainable Steam Escape
Authors: Mi Lintao , Zhang Zhiwen , Zhang Xingli , Wang Wensheng , Han Chuanlong , Jing Mingxing , Sun Qi , Song Wenlong , Sun Zhuangzhi
Published: March 2023

Solar‐powered interfacial evaporation offers a cost‐effective technique for freshwater scarcity in arid areas. However, further performance improvements have encountered bottlenecks due to the lack of more simplified material design and optimized functional structures resulting in a trade‐off between photothermal conversion and steam transport. Herein, a high‐yield, green, and scalable solar‐driven evaporator with multibioinspired hierarchical‐integrated architecture‐modified wood surface via highly oriented nanofibers is developed. Furthermore, inspired by natural biological structures, a 3D bionic wood cribs structure (BWS) evaporator on the basis of 2D bionic butterfly scales structure (BS) with efficient light absorption, light‐to‐heat conversion, evaporation rate, as well as recyclable steam escape is integrally fabricated. As a result, this well‐designed BWS evaporator shows a high solar absorption of 96%, and a greatly promoted evaporation rate of 1.8 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 sun illumination, leading to a 23.3% higher than that of the BS. More importantly, the effective convection of the BWS from sides and surface is demonstrated that promotes sustainable steam escape to achieve continuous water evaporation. This proof of concept work provides an insightful attempt to develop scalable evaporation systems with green biomass‐derived resources and functional biomimetic structure.
Struvite recovery efficiency using flocculation in batch and continuous settling systems for ammonia removal of mining wastewater
Authors: Pometti Lisa , Provost Philippe‐Olivier , Rancourt David , Poncet Sébastien
Published: March 2023

An approach to remove ammonia from mining wastewater is to precipitate ammonia into struvite, and flocculation was proved to enhance settling of struvite flocs. But the current literature fails to consider flocculent properties of struvite flocs, and previous studies focused only on small volumes. This study evaluates the effect of ammonia concentration and height on removal efficiency of struvite flocs in a batch system and compares removal efficiency of struvite flocs between a batch and a pilot‐scale continuous settling process to evaluate the potential of using flocculation to recover struvite crystals as a stand‐alone method. Removal efficiency of struvite using flocculation is evaluated depending on depth in a batch system for two different ammonia concentrations (45 and 90 ppm) and in a continuous system for different flowrates. It is shown that a higher concentration promotes flocculation and enhances settling velocities of struvite flocs. The difference between the batch and the continuous processes for the same removal efficiency was significantly higher from what has been reported in the literature: in the continuous process, 89% of struvite flocs have been recovered with a surface overflow rate (SOR) of 1.8 m.h−1, whereas, for the same height, the same efficiency corresponds to SOR = 9 m.h−1 in the batch process. The fragile nature of struvite flocs is potentially responsible for such a difference.

Practitioner Points

Settling velocities of struvite flocs are highly dependant on concentration and depth.

Removal efficiency are considerably higher with a batch settling process for the same surface overflow rate.

Flocculation enable 89% of struvite fines to be recovered in a continuous settling process with a SOR of 1.8 m.hs−1.
Reframing leadership for a more just society
Authors: Mitchell Tania D. , Museus Samuel D. , Puente Mayra , Ting Marie P.
Published: March 2023

This article provides an overview of important social and political contexts that underscore the need for an increased focus on the role of social justice in leadership education and development discourse. The article also discusses key misconceptions that inhibit critical conversations about leadership education and a leadership framework that designed to center social justice in leadership development efforts.
Analytics
Authors: Steinbach Ingo , Salama Hesham
Published: March 2023

The chapter reviews the basic analytic solutions of phase-field models at the mesoscopic scale. First the phase-field equation is derived by the Clausius-Duhem relation applied to a simple phase-field functional. The concept of variational derivative, related to the gradient contribution in the phase-field functional, is introduced. The traveling wave solution, or solitonian wave solution, for the phase-field equation in 1-dimension is derived for two relevant potential functions. Finally, the relations between model parameters and physically defined material parameters are derived.
Capillarity
Authors: Steinbach Ingo , Salama Hesham
Published: March 2023

The chapter reviews the basics of the effect of capillarity, i.e. the influence of interface energy on microstructure evolution in materials. This will be done from a phenomenological aspect on the one hand and related to the representation of capillarity in a phase-field model on the other hand. The expression for curvature related to the gradient of the phase field is derived as well as the expression for Herring torque at an interface with anisotropic interface energy
Concentration
Authors: Steinbach Ingo , Salama Hesham
Published: March 2023

In this chapter the coupling to solute concentration in an alloy is reviewed. During transformation the concentration between the phases must be redistributed, causing solute diffusion. First different approached to handle this problem are discussed comparatively. Special emphasis is given to the problem of scale in a mesoscopic phase field model. In detail the currently most advanced model, the so-called finite interface dissipation model is explained in detail. The chapter concludes with the discussion of the effect of multi-component diffusion and its handling in a phase-field model. As an example, solidification under additive manufacturing condition is presented with special emphasis of the microsegregation after solidification in a multi-component alloy.
Revealing the origin of neutrino masses through the Type II Seesaw mechanism at high-energy muon colliders
Authors: Li Tong , Yao Chang-Yuan , Yuan Man
Published: March 2023

Abstract

The future muon collider can play as an ideal machine to search for new physics at high energies. In this work, we study the search potential of the heavy Higgs triplet in the Type II Seesaw mechanism at muon colliders with high collision energy and high luminosity. The latest neutrino oscillation data are taken into account for realizing the leptonic decay modes of the charged Higgs bosons (H±±, H±) in the Type II Seesaw. We show the impact of neutrino mass and mixing parameters on the purely leptonic decays. The pair production of doubly charged Higgs H++H−− is through direct μ+μ− annihilation and vector boson fusion (VBF) processes at muon collider. The associated production H±±H∓ can only be induced by VBF processes. We simulate both the purely leptonic and bosonic signal channels of charged Higgs bosons in Type II Seesaw, together with the Standard Model backgrounds. We show the required luminosity for the discovery of the charged Higgses and the reachable limits on the leptonic decay branching fractions.
Operators Induced by Radial Measures Acting on the Dirichlet Space
Authors: Galanopoulos Petros , Girela Daniel , Mas Alejandro , Merchán Noel
Published: March 2023

Let $${\mathbb {D}}$$
D
be the unit disc in the complex plane. Given a positive finite Borel measure $$\mu $$
μ
on the radius [0, 1), we let $$\mu _n$$

μ
n

denote the n-th moment of $$\mu $$
μ
and we deal with the action on spaces of analytic functions in $${\mathbb {D}}$$
D
of the operator of Hibert-type $${\mathcal {H}}_\mu $$

H
μ

and the operator of Cesàro-type $${\mathcal {C}}_\mu $$

C
μ

which are defined as follows: If f is holomorphic in $${\mathbb {D}}$$
D
, $$f(z)=\sum _{n=0}^\infty a_nz^n$$

f

(
z
)

=

∑

n
=
0

∞

a
n

z
n

($$z\in {\mathbb {D}})$$

z
∈
D
)

, then $${\mathcal {H}}_\mu (f)$$

H
μ

(
f
)

is formally defined by $${\mathcal {H}}_\mu (f)(z) = \sum _{n=0}^\infty \left( \sum _{k=0}^\infty \mu _{n+k}a_k\right) z^n$$

H
μ

(
f
)

(
z
)

=

∑

n
=
0

∞

∑

k
=
0

∞

μ

n
+
k

a
k

z
n

($$z\in {\mathbb {D}}$$

z
∈
D

) and $${\mathcal {C}}_\mu (f)$$

C
μ

(
f
)

is defined by $$\mathcal C_\mu (f)(z) = \sum _{n=0}^\infty \mu _n\left( \sum _{k=0}^na_k\right) z^n$$

C
μ

(
f
)

(
z
)

=

∑

n
=
0

∞

μ
n

∑

k
=
0

n

a
k

z
n

($$z\in {\mathbb {D}}$$

z
∈
D

). These are natural generalizations of the classical Hilbert and Cesàro operators. A good amount of work has been devoted recently to study the action of these operators on distinct spaces of analytic functions in $${\mathbb {D}}$$
D
. In this paper we study the action of the operators $${\mathcal {H}}_\mu $$

H
μ

and $${\mathcal {C}}_\mu $$

C
μ

on the Dirichlet space $${\mathcal {D}}$$
D
and, more generally, on the analytic Besov spaces $$B^p$$

B
p

($$1\le p<\infty $$

1
≤
p
<
∞

).
Deformierende endonasale Raumforderung während der Schwangerschaft
Authors: Maas A. P. , Eckrich J. , Send T. , Bernhardt M. , Strieth S. , Ernst B. P.
Published: March 2023

Beschrieben wird der Fall einer 33-jährigen Patientin, die in der 39. Schwangerschaftswoche mit rezidivierender Epistaxis in unserer HNO-Ambulanz vorstellig wurde. Es zeigte sich endonasal links eine livide, die Nase subtotal verlegende Raumforderung, die zur Verformung der äußeren Nase führte. Eine externe Biopsie erbrachte keinen Hinweis auf Malignität. In der postpartal durchgeführten Computertomographie der Nasennebenhöhlen zeigte sich eine das knorpelige Nasenseptum destruierende Raumforderung. Es erfolgte eine endoskopische Resektion des Befundes unter Erhalt des klinisch nicht arrodierten Nasenseptumknorpels. Die histopathologische Aufarbeitung erbrachte den Nachweis eines kapillären Hämangioms, das angesichts des Auftretens in der Schwangerschaft als Granuloma gravidarum eingeordnet wurde.
Fully efficient, two-stage analysis of multi-environment trials with directional dominance and multi-trait genomic selection
Authors: Endelman Jeffrey B.
Published: March 2023

Key message

R/StageWise enables fully efficient, two-stage analysis of multi-environment, multi-trait datasets for genomic selection, including support for dominance heterosis and polyploidy.

Plant breeders interested in genomic selection often face challenges to fully utilizing multi-trait, multi-environment datasets. R package StageWise was developed to go beyond the capabilities of most specialized software for genomic prediction, without requiring the programming skills needed for more general-purpose software for mixed models. As the name suggests, one of the core features is a fully efficient, two-stage analysis for multiple environments, in which the full variance–covariance matrix of the Stage 1 genotype means is used in Stage 2. Another feature is directional dominance, including for polyploids, to account for inbreeding depression in outbred crops. StageWise enables selection with multi-trait indices, including restricted indices with one or more traits constrained to have zero response. For a potato dataset with 943 genotypes evaluated over 6 years, including the Stage 1 errors in Stage 2 reduced the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) by 29, 67, and 104 for maturity, yield, and fry color, respectively. The proportion of variation explained by heterosis was largest for yield but still only 0.03, likely because of limited variation for the genomic inbreeding coefficient. Due to the large additive genetic correlation (0.57) between yield and maturity, naïve selection on an index combining yield and fry color led to an undesirable response for later maturity. The restricted index coefficients to maximize genetic merit without delaying maturity were identified. The software and three vignettes are available at https://github.com/jendelman/StageWise.
Innovative reference materials for method validation in microplastic analysis including interlaboratory comparison exercises
Authors: Martínez-Francés Elena , van Bavel Bert , Hurley Rachel , Nizzetto Luca , Pakhomova Svetlana , Buenaventura Nina T. , Singdahl-Larsen Cecilie , Magni Marie-Louise Tambo , Johansen Jon Eigill , Lusher Amy
Published: March 2023

Reference materials (RMs) are vital tools in the validation of methods used to detect environmental pollutants. Microplastics, a relatively new environmental pollutant, require a variety of complex approaches to address their presence in environmental samples. Both interlaboratory comparison (ILC) studies and RMs are essential to support the validation of methods used in microplastic analysis. Presented here are results of quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) performed on two types of candidate microplastic RMs: dissolvable gelatin capsules and soda tablets. These RMs have been used to support numerous international ILC studies in recent years (2019–2022). Dissolvable capsules containing polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), and polystyrene (PS), in different size fractions from 50 to 1000 µm, were produced for one ILC study, obtaining relative standard deviation (RSD) from 0 to 24%. The larger size fraction allowed for manual addition of particles to the capsules, yielding 0% error and 100% recovery during QA/QC. Dissolvable capsules were replaced by soda tablets in subsequent ILC studies and recovery test exercises because they were found to be a more reliable carrier for microplastic RMs. Batches of soda tablets were produced containing different single and multiple polymer mixtures, i.e., PE, PET, PS, PVC, polypropylene (PP), and polycarbonate (PC), with RSD ranging from 8 to 21%. Lastly, soda tablets consisting of a mixture of PE, PVC, and PS (125–355 µm) were produced and used for recovery testing during pretreatment of environmental samples. These had an RSD of 9%. Results showed that soda tablets and capsules containing microplastics >50 µm could be produced with sufficient precision for internal recovery tests and external ILC studies. Further work is required to optimize this method for smaller microplastics (< 50 µm) because variation was found to be too large during QA/QC. Nevertheless, this approach represents a valuable solution addressing many of the challenges associated with validating microplastic analytical methods.
Venous Leak Embolization in Patients with Venogenic Erectile Dysfunction via Deep Dorsal Penile Vein Access: Safety and Early Efficacy
Authors: Diehm N. , Pelz S. , Kalka C. , Keo H. H. , Mohan V. , Schumacher M. C. , Do D. D. , Hoppe H.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This all-comers registry aimed to assess safety and early efficacy of venous embolization in patients with venogenic erectile dysfunction due to venous leak in an unselected cohort.

Methods

Between October 2019 and September 2022, patients with venogenic erectile dysfunction resistant to phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitors were treated with venous embolization using ultrasound-guided anterograde access via a deep dorsal penile vein in a single center. A mix of ethiodized oil and modified cyanoacrylate-based glue n-butyl 2 cyanoacrylate (NBCA) monomer plus methacryloxy-sulpholane monomer (Glubran-2, GEM, Italy) was used as liquid embolic agent. Prior to embolization, venous leak had been verified based on penile duplex sonography and computed tomography cavernosography. Procedural success was defined as technically successful and complete target vein embolization. The primary safety outcome measure was any major adverse event 6 weeks after the procedure. The primary feasibility outcome measure was IIEF-15 (International Index of Erectile Function-15) score improvement ≥ 4 points in ≥ 50% of subjects on 6 weeks follow-up post intervention.

Results

Fifty consecutive patients (mean age 61.8 ± 10.0 years) with severe erectile dysfunction due to venous leak underwent venous embolization. Procedural success was achieved in 49/50 (98%) of patients with no major adverse events on follow-up. The primary feasibility outcome measure at 6 weeks was reached by 34/50 (68%) of patients.

Conclusion

Venous leak embolization via deep dorsal penile vein access using a liquid embolic agent was safe for all and efficacious in the majority of patients with severe venogenic erectile dysfunction on 6 weeks follow-up.
Two-dimensional glass transition–like behavior of Janus particle–laden interface
Authors: Correia Elton L. , Winter H. Henning , Razavi Sepideh
Published: March 2023

Understanding the interactive behavior of Janus particles (JPs) is a growing field of research. The enhancement in binding energy, in comparison to homogenous particles, and the dual characteristic of JPs open up new possibilities for novel applications. In many such applications, interfacial materials become subjected to flows that produce dilational and shear stresses. Therefore, it is important to understand the impact that the Janus character brings to interfaces. In this work, we study the microstructure of two-dimensional (2D) JP monolayers formed at the air–water interface and examine the shear viscoelasticity with an interface rheometer that was adapted for in situ surface pressure control via a Langmuir trough. We extend concepts from bulk rheology to data obtained from interfacial rheology as a tool to understand and predict the monolayer’s viscoelastic behavior. Finally, by calculating the time relaxation spectrum from the measured 2D dynamic moduli, we conclude that a phenomenon similar to glass transition is taking place by analogy.
Assessment of aging of anaerobic digester paddle-mixer material: experimental studies and long-term numerical simulation
Authors: Psarras Spyridon , Zaragkas Thomas , Pegkos Dimitris , Dimoka Polyxeni , Eftaxias Alexandros , Charitidis Panagiotis , Diamantis Vasileios , Aivasidis Alexandros , Kostopoulos Vasileios
Published: March 2023

In this study, experimental tests and numerical simulations (Abaqus) were performed to examine the durability of four impeller materials [steel, polyethylene, polypropylene and glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP)] in an anaerobic digester environment. Specimens of these materials were prepared and immersed in a bath containing anaerobic digester liquor while operated at 40 °C for a period of 8 months. Periodically (2, 4, 6 and 8 months) sample specimens were removed from the bath and the tensile strength and elastic modulus were determined. As expected, thermoplastic materials and especially GFRP exceeded higher absorption of moisture than steel, although aging effect on steel was more pronounced due to corrosion, as evidenced by SEM imaging. The results demonstrate that polyethylene was not acceptable as construction material for anaerobic digester paddle mixer. On the contrary steel, GFRP and PP remained highly unaffected with a negligible increase of the maximum stress, 1.6%, 0.9% and 3.0%, respectively.
Influence of stent-induced vessel deformation on hemodynamic feature of bloodstream inside ICA aneurysms
Authors: Sabernaeemi Amir , Barzegar Gerdroodbary M. , Salavatidezfouli Sajad , Valipour Peiman
Published: March 2023

One of the effective treatment options for intracranial aneurysms is stent-assisted coiling. Though, previous works have demonstrated that stent usage would result in the deformation of the local vasculature. The effect of simple stent on the blood hemodynamics is still uncertain. In this work, hemodynamic features of the blood stream on four different ICA aneurysm with/without interventional are investigated. To estimate the relative impacts of vessel deformation, four distinctive ICA aneurysm is simulated by the one-way FSI technique. Four hemodynamic factors of aneurysm blood velocity, wall pressure and WSS are compared in the peak systolic stage to disclose the impact of defamation by the stent in two conditions. The stent usage would decrease almost all of the mentioned parameters, except for OSI. Stenting reduces neck inflow rate, while the effect of interventional was not consistent among the aneurysms. The deformation of an aneurysm has a strong influence on the hemodynamics of an aneurysm. This outcome is ignored by most of the preceding investigations, which focused on the pre-interventional state for studying the relationship between hemodynamics and stents. Present results show that the application of stent without coiling would improve most hemodynamic factors, especially when the deformation of the aneurysm is high enough.
Performance investigation of a novel design of vertical micro-screen drum filter for a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS)
Authors: Tawfik M. A. , Salem M. A. , Zaki R. I.
Published: March 2023

The present study proposes a new design of mechanical filter to suit the recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) as a high-efficiency alternative filter to the conventional swirl separator (CSS). The new filter is considered the developed version of CSS; thus, it is called thereafter as the swirl-vertical drum filter (SVDF) which is provided with a rotating vertical micro-screen drum equipped with a fixed vertical brush as a self-cleaning tool instead of the conventional backwash system. The performance of SVDF was evaluated under different drum rotational speeds, and drum rotation times using sinking and floating fish feed pellets and magnetic field device, and then, it was compared to CSS in terms of water quality and filtration efficiency under the same operational conditions. Experimental results showed better values of water quality including Dissolved oxygen (DO), pH and unionized ammonia (NH3). Also, the lowest value of COD was found to be 18.33 mg/L by using SVDF with floating feed pellets, whilst the highest value of 100.73 mg/L was found in the case of using the CSS with sinking pellets. Meanwhile, the magnetic field device had no effect on the filtration process. The lowest surface area of the vertical micro-screen drum of 0.217 ± 0.013 m2 was obtained at the drum’s rotational speed of 20 rpm (0.39 m/s), rotation time of 150 min with floating feed pellets. Experimentally, it is found that the new SVDF has higher filtration efficiency than the CSS by about 57.57% under the same operational conditions.
Seismic analysis of failure mechanisms in adjacent interacting stone masonry buildings via rigid block modeling
Authors: Gagliardo Raffaele , Godio Michele , Portioli Francesco P. A. , Landolfo Raffaele
Published: March 2023

Groups of contiguous unreinforced stone masonry buildings are a common type of housing seen in old European downtowns. However, assessing their response to earthquakes poses several challenges to the analysts, especially when the housing units are laid out in compact configurations. In fact, in those circumstances a modeling technique that allows for the dynamic interaction of the units is required. The numerical study carried out in this paper makes use of a rigid block modeling approach implemented into in-house software tools to simulate the static behavior and dynamic response of an aggregate stone masonry building. Said approach is used to reproduce the results of bi-axial shake-table tests that were performed on a building prototype as part of the activities organized within the Adjacent Interacting Masonry Structures project, sponsored by the Seismology and Earthquake Engineering Research Infrastructure Alliance for Europe. The experimental mock-up consisted of two adjacent interacting units with matching layout but different height. Two rigid block models are used to investigate the seismic response of the mock-up: a 3D model allowing for the limit analysis of the building on one hand, and a 2D model allowing for the non-linear static pushover and time-history analysis on the other. The 3D model was built for the blind prediction of the test results, as part of a competition organized to test different modeling approaches that are nowadays available to the analysts. The 2D model was implemented once the experimental data were made available, to deepen the investigation by non-linear static pushover and time-history analysis. In both models, the stonework is idealized into an assemblage of rigid blocks interacting via no-tension frictional interfaces, and mathematical programming is utilized to solve the optimization problems associated to the different types of analysis. Differences between numerical and experimental failure mechanisms, base shears, peak ground accelerations, and displacement histories are discussed. Potentialities and limitations of the adopted rigid block models for limit, pushover and time-history analyses are pointed out on the basis of their comparisons with the experimental results.
Assessing directional vulnerability to wildfire
Authors: Beverly Jennifer L. , Forbes Air M.
Published: March 2023

Wildfires spread along trajectories set by a coincident wind direction. Despite the highly directional nature of wildfire threats to public safety, landscape fire risk assessments are typically omnidirectional. We used a simple metric of landscape fire exposure to develop a systematic and standardized approach for assessing directional vulnerability to wildfire within a circular assessment area centered on locale of interest. First, we defined a viable wildfire trajectory by analyzing 573 sample trajectories delineated within the burned areas of historical fires in the province of Alberta, Canada. On average, sample trajectories intersected locations assessed as having high wildfire exposure for 79% of their length. We, therefore, defined a viable fire trajectory as one with at least 80% of its length traversing high exposure. Using this criterion, we assessed the viability of directional trajectories representing possible wildfire pathways from outlying landscape areas into a locale of interest centered within a roughly 70,000-ha circular assessment area. At each central assessment point (i.e., community centroid), we delineated 360 linear trajectories into the community at 1° directional intervals. Each 15-km trajectory was divided into three 5-km segments for analysis (inner, middle, and outer). The length of each directional trajectory segment that intersected high exposure was computed for all 1080 directional segments in each community assessment area. In total, we evaluated 986,040 directional segments for 913 communities in the province. Communities exhibited highly unique and varied patterns of directional vulnerabilities to wildfire encroachment. Of the communities analyzed, 136 had at least one continuous viable trajectory spanning the full 15-km distance from the community centroid, and 211 communities had at least one continuous viable trajectory spanning 5–15 km from the community centroid. We developed customized rose or polar diagrams for displaying spatially referenced directional vulnerabilities to wildfire for a given community and combined results for all 913 analyzed communities to assess regional vulnerabilities within administrative management areas (i.e., Forest Areas). Potential applications of our directional assessment method are discussed, including prepositioning and prioritizing limited fire suppression resources, planning fuel reduction treatments, proactively identifying candidate locations for operational activities, assessing transportation network vulnerabilities during evacuations, and scenario planning.
Nutritional and Health Benefits of the Brown Seaweed Himanthalia elongata
Authors: Ilyas Zahra , Ali Redha Ali , Wu Yuan Seng , Ozeer Fathima Zahraa , Aluko Rotimi E.
Published: March 2023

Himanthalia elongata is a brown seaweed containing several nutritional compounds and bioactive substances including antioxidants, dietary fibre, vitamins, fatty acids, amino acids, and macro- and trace- elements. A variety of bioactive compounds including phlorotannins, flavonoids, dietary fucoxanthin, hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, polyphenols and carotenoids are also present in this seaweed. Multiple comparative studies were carried out between different seaweed species, wherein H. elongata was determined to exhibit high antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, fucose content and potassium concentrations compared to other species. H. elongata extracts have also shown promising anti-hyperglycaemic and neuroprotective activities. H. elongata is being studied for its potential industrial food applications. In new meat product formulations, it lowered sodium content, improved phytochemical and fiber content in beef patties, improved properties of meat gel/emulsion systems, firmer and tougher with improved water and fat binding properties. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the nutritional composition, bioactive properties, and food applications of H. elongata.
A self-sustainable opportunistic solution for emergency detection in ageing people living in rural areas
Authors: Jesús-Azabal Manuel , Berrocal Javier , Soares Vasco N. G. J. , García-Alonso José , Galán-Jiménez Jaime
Published: March 2023

There are contexts where communication with TCP/IP protocol is not possible due to the lack of infrastructure or a reliable and continuous data transmission. In this cases, alternatives such as Opportunistic Networks (OPPNets) are valid. Such challenging conditions are common in rural areas and are a significant obstacle for the deployment of eHealth technologies for older adults. Considering this context, the present work introduces Interest-based System for Communication in Isolated Areas (ISCA), an OPPNet architecture for remote monitoring and emergency detection in ageing people who live alone. For this, the energetic requirements are considered, providing efficient and sustainable operation. The proposal makes use of a routing algorithm based on interests which enables asynchronous communication among entities. ISCA is evaluated over a realistic scenario and compared with similar state-of-the-art solutions. Experimental results show that ISCA notably improves the delivery probability with an enhancement of 52.25% in comparison to the second best alternative and provides a suitable average latency. Moreover, it also achieves better performance in terms of overhead and hops number compared to the other studied protocols