bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A hand‐targeted auxiliary personal protective equipment for intervention of fomite transmission of viruses
Authors: Tan Justin Kok Soon , Song Shang Wei , Zeng Jialiu , Lo Chih Hung
Published: September 2022

In COVID‐19, fomite transmission has been shown to be a major route for the spreading of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus due to its ability to remain on surfaces for extended durations. Although glove wearing can mitigate the risk of viral transmission especially on high touch points, it is not prevalent due to concerns on diversion of frontline medical resources, cross‐contamination, social stigma, as well as discomfort and skin reactions derived from prolonged wearing. In this study, we developed FlexiPalm, a hand‐targeted auxiliary personal protective equipment (PPE) against fomite transmission of viruses. FlexiPalm is a unique palmar‐side hand protector designed to be skin‐conforming and transparent, fabricated from medical‐grade polyurethane transparent film material as a base substrate. It serves primarily as a barrier to microbial contamination like conventional gloves, but with augmented comfort and inconspicuousness to encourage a higher public adoption rate. Compared to conventional glove materials, FlexiPalm demonstrated enhanced mechanical durability and breathability, comparable hydrophobicity, and displayed a minimal adsorption of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein and virus‐like particles (VLP). Importantly, FlexiPalm was found to bind significantly less viral protein and VLP than artificial human skin, confirming its ability to reduce viral contamination. A pilot study involving participants completing activities of daily living showed a high level of comfort and task completion, illustrating the usability and functionality of FlexiPalm. Moreover, we have demonstrated that surface modification of FlexiPalm with microtextures enables further reduction in viral adsorption, thereby enhancing its functionality. An effective implementation of FlexiPalm will bolster PPE sustainability and lead to a paradigm shift in the global management of COVID‐19 and other infectious diseases in general.
Application of photoacoustic computed tomography in biomedical imaging: A literature review
Authors: Gu Yanru , Sun Yuanyuan , Wang Xiao , Li Hongyu , Qiu Jianfeng , Lu Weizhao
Published: September 2022

Photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT) is a hybrid imaging modality that combines optical excitation and acoustic detection techniques. It obtains high‐resolution deep‐tissue images based on the deep penetration of light, the anisotropy of light absorption in objects, and the photoacoustic effect. Hence, PACT shows great potential in biomedical sample imaging. Recently, due to its advantages of high sensitivity to optical absorption and wide scalability of spatial resolution with the desired imaging depth, PACT has received increasing attention in preclinical and clinical practice. To date, there has been a proliferation of PACT systems designed for specific biomedical imaging applications, from small animals to human organs, from ex vivo to in vivo real‐time imaging, and from simple structural imaging to functional and molecular imaging with external contrast agents. Therefore, it is of great importance to summarize the previous applications of PACT systems in biomedical imaging and clinical practice. In this review, we searched for studies related to PACT imaging of biomedical tissues and samples over the past two decades; divided the studies into two categories, PACT imaging of preclinical animals and PACT imaging of human organs and body parts; and discussed the significance of the studies. Finally, we pointed out the future directions of PACT in biomedical applications. With the development of exogenous contrast agents and advances of imaging technique, in the future, PACT will enable biomedical imaging from organs to whole bodies, from superficial vasculature to internal organs, from anatomy to functions, and will play an increasingly important role in biomedical research and clinical practice.
Intracellular Protein Photoactivation Using Sterically Bulky Caging
Authors: Yamaguchi Satoshi , Yamamoto Kazuho , Yamamoto Ryotaro , Takamori Satoshi , Ishiwatari Akira , Minamihata Kosuke , Nagamune Teruyuki , Okamoto Akimitsu
Published: September 2022

Methods for intracellular protein photoactivation have been studied to elucidate the spatial and temporal roles of proteins of interest. In this study, an intracellular protein photoactivation method was developed using sterically bulky caging. The protein of interest was modified with biotin via a photocleavable linker, and then conjugated with streptavidin to sterically block the protein surface for inactivation. The caged protein was transduced into cells and reactivated by light‐induced degradation of the conjugates. A cytotoxic protein, saporin, was caged and photoactivated both in vitro and in living cells with this method. This method achieved control of the cytotoxic activity in an off‐on manner, introducing cell death selectively at the designed location using light. This simple and versatile photoactivation method is a promising tool for studying spatio‐temporal cellular events that are related to intracellular proteins of interest.
Ricolinostat suppresses proliferation, promotes apoptosis, and enhances the antiproliferative activity of topoisomerase inhibitors in cervical cancer cells
Authors: Kaur Sumeet , Rajoria Prerna , Chopra Madhu
Published: September 2022

Ricolinostat has been found to exhibit anticancer effects alone and in combination with various chemotherapeutic drugs in several cancer types. However, to the best of our knowledge, the efficacy of ricolinostat in cervical cancer is still not investigated. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the effect of ricolinostat in cervical cancer alone and in combination with topoisomerase inhibitors. The effect of ricolinostat on cervical cancer cells was assessed using MTT, cell‐cycle arrest, Annexin V/PI staining assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement, and western blot analysis. The antiproliferative effect of ricolinostat in combination with topoisomerase inhibitors was assessed using the MTT assay and synergism was computed using “CompuSyn” software. We found that ricolinostat inhibited proliferation, and induced G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis in cervical cancer cells. We further found that ricolinostat treatment resulted in increased ROS production, decreased Bcl‐xL expression, and induced p21 expression. We also investigated the effect of ricolinostat in combination with topotecan and etoposide in cervical cancer cells. Ricolinostat was found to significantly enhance the antiproliferative activity of both, topotecan and etoposide, in cervical cancer cells in a concentration‐dependent manner. In conclusion, our study showed that ricolinostat suppressed proliferation by inducing G2/M phase arrest and promoted apoptosis in cervical cancer cells, indicating that ricolinostat may be a promising antitumor agent in cervical cancer. Also, ricolinostat and topotecan/etoposide combination are synergistic in cervical cancer cells.
Variation of glucose time in range in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hansen Klavs Würgler , Bibby Bo Martin
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The aim of the study was to assess the variation of glucose time in range (TIR) for persons with type 1 diabetes who perform intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM).

Methods

Glucose data for 8 weeks were analysed for 166 persons. TIR was calculated over four consecutive 2 weeks periods. Sixty‐one of the persons had two downloads with an interval of >3 months.

Results

A total of 140 individuals (84%) used multiple daily injection, and 26 (16%) used continuous insulin infusion. The within‐individual standard deviation (SD) for TIR was 6.3% corresponding to 95% limits of agreement for the difference between two TIR values of ±17.6%. Mean TIR calculated from the first and last 2 weeks was 52.2 ± 17.1% and 53.7 ± 16.4%, respectively (difference 1.5%, SD of the difference 10.4%, p = .07). For persons with two downloads separated by months, the SD of the difference in TIR was 12.6%.

Conclusions

The 95% limit of agreement for TIR is vast for persons using isCGM. It is difficult to draw firm conclusions regarding systematic differences when individual TIR from 2 weeks are compared. This may not be valid for users of insulin pumps with closed‐loop insulin delivery.
Copper‐Mediated Intramolecular Amidation/C−N‐Coupling Cascade Sequence: Straightforward One‐Pot Synthesis of N‐Aryl γ‐ and δ‐Lactams by Using Amino Acids as Precursors
Authors: Chowdhury Sushobhan , Chauhan Gunjan , Kumar Ajay , Chaturvedi Bipin , Behera Chinmaya
Published: September 2022

γ‐And δ‐lactams are important structural motifs present in a wide range of natural products, biologically active molecules, and functional materials. In this work, we disclose an operationally simple, one‐pot, straightforward synthesis of N‐aryl γ‐ and δ‐lactams through a copper‐mediated cascade intramolecular amidation/C−N‐coupling sequence. Starting from the readily available, cheap γ‐/δ‐amino acids and aryl halides, a variety of N‐aryl γ‐ and δ‐lactams have been synthesized in moderate to excellent yields under external ligand or additive‐free aerial conditions.
A deep learning approach for classification of COVID and pneumonia using DenseNet‐201
Authors: Sanghvi Harshal A. , Patel Riki H. , Agarwal Ankur , Gupta Shailesh , Sawhney Vivek , Pandya Abhijit S.
Published: September 2022

In the present paper, our model consists of deep learning approach: DenseNet201 for detection of COVID and Pneumonia using the Chest X‐ray Images. The model is a framework consisting of the modeling software which assists in Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Compliance which protects and secures the Protected Health Information . The need of the proposed framework in medical facilities shall give the feedback to the radiologist for detecting COVID and pneumonia though the transfer learning methods. A Graphical User Interface tool allows the technician to upload the chest X‐ray Image. The software then uploads chest X‐ray radiograph (CXR) to the developed detection model for the detection. Once the radiographs are processed, the radiologist shall receive the Classification of the disease which further aids them to verify the similar CXR Images and draw the conclusion. Our model consists of the dataset from Kaggle and if we observe the results, we get an accuracy of 99.1%, sensitivity of 98.5%, and specificity of 98.95%. The proposed Bio‐Medical Innovation is a user‐ready framework which assists the medical providers in providing the patients with the best‐suited medication regimen by looking into the previous CXR Images and confirming the results. There is a motivation to design more such applications for Medical Image Analysis in the future to serve the community and improve the patient care.
Reliability and Value of 3D Sequential QUantitative T1‐T2‐T2* MAppings (SQUMA) MR Multi‐Parametric Imaging in Characterizing Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis
Authors: Qiao Huiyu , Yang Qiansu , Huo Ran , Han Hualu , Ning Zihan , Shen Rui , Song Xiaowei , Chen Huijun , Chen Shuo , Zhao Xihai
Published: September 2022

Background

T1, T2, and T2* mappings are seldom performed in a single examination, and their values in evaluating symptomatic atherosclerosis are lacking.

Purpose

To perform three‐dimensional (3D) quantitative T1, T2, and T2* mappings (SQUMA) multi‐parametric imaging for carotid vessel wall and evaluate its reliability and value in assessing carotid atherosclerosis.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Eight healthy subjects and 20 patients with symptomatic carotid atherosclerosis.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T, SQUMA imaging T1‐, T2‐, and T2*‐mapping, multi‐contrast vessel wall imaging including T1‐ and T2‐weighted, time‐of‐flight, and SNAP sequences.

Assessment

SQUMA was acquired in all subjects and multi‐contrast images were acquired in healthy subjects. T1, T2, and T2* values and lumen area (LA), wall area (WA), mean wall thickness (MeanWT), and normalized wall index (NWI) of carotid arteries were measured. SQUMA and multi‐contrast measurements were compared in healthy subjects and differences in SQUMA measurements between healthy subjects and patients were assessed. The discriminative value of SQUMA measurements for symptomatic vessel was determined.

Statistical Tests

Paired t or Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, independent t or Mann–Whitney U test, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), intraclass correlation coefficients, and Bland–Altman plots. Statistically significant level, P < 0.05.

Results

There were no significant differences in LA (P = 0.340), WA (P = 0.317), MeanWT (P = 0.088), and NWI (P = 0.091) of carotid arteries between SQUMA and multi‐contrast vessel wall images. The values of T2 (50.9 ± 2.9 msec vs. 44.5 ± 4.2 msec), T2* (28.2 ± 4.3 msec vs. 24.7 ± 2.6 msec), WA (23.7 ± 4.6 mm2 vs. 36.2 ± 7.7 mm2), MeanWT (0.99 ± 0.05 mm vs. 1.50 ± 0.28 mm), and NWI (40.7 ± 3.0% vs. 53.8 ± 5.4%) of carotid arteries in healthy subjects were significantly different from those in atherosclerotic patients. The combination of quantitative T1, T2, and T2* values and MeanWT showed greatest AUC (0.81; 95% CI: 0.65–0.92) in discriminating symptomatic vessels.

Data Conclusion

Carotid MR 3D quantitative multi‐parametric imaging of SQUMA enables acquisition of T1, T2, and T2* maps, reliably measuring carotid morphology and discriminating carotid symptomatic atherosclerosis.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Technical aspects of flap fixation after mastectomy for breast cancer: Guidelines for improving seroma‐related outcome
Authors: Spiekerman van Weezelenburg Merel A. , Aldenhoven Loeki , van Kuijk Sander M. J. , Beets Geerard L. , van Bastelaar James
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Previous studies have identified the added value of flap fixation in reducing seroma formation and its sequelae after mastectomy. The seroma reduction after mastectomy (SAM)‐trial proved that sutures were superior to tissue glue. In this article, we will elaborate on the results of the SAM‐trial to provide a clear surgical guideline.

Methods

All patients in the suture flap fixation cohort from the SAM‐trial were analyzed if details regarding flap fixation were available. The most optimal number of sutures was determined using a receiving operator characteristics curve. The incidence of seroma formation between patients receiving the most optimal number of sutures and patients receiving fewer sutures was compared.

Results

The most optimal number of sutures proved to be 15. Patients with ≥15 sutures had a lower incidence of seroma formation at every time frame during follow‐up. There was a significant difference at 6 weeks (odds ratio [OR]: 3.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09–8.56), 3 months (OR: 4.62, 95% CI: 1.34–12.92), and 1 year postoperatively (OR: 20.48, 95% CI: 2.18–192.22). Ten days and 6 months postoperatively did not differ significantly.

Conclusions

Flap fixation in general, but also the surgical technique influences the incidence of seroma formation after mastectomy. Results suggest a minimum of 15 sutures, spaced approximately 3.7 cm apart.
Ultrasound‐guided lymphaticovenous anastomosis without indocyanine green lymphography mapping: A preliminary report
Authors: Hara Hisako , Mihara Makoto
Published: September 2022

Background

Although indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography is the standard preoperative examination for lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA), it cannot be performed in patients allergic to ICG. This report aimed to clarify the effects of LVA with lymphatic ultrasound and without ICG lymphography.

Method

Lymphatic ultrasound was performed preoperatively on six limbs of four patients with lower limb lymphedema who were allergic to ICG to detect the lymphatic vessels. All patients were women and had secondary lymphedema after uterine cancer treatment, with a mean age of 57.0 years (range; 47–68 years). The severity of lymphedema was stage 2a in two limbs, stage 2b in three limbs, and stage 3 in one limb. During the preoperative lymphatic ultrasound, we searched for the dilated lymphatic vessels in the saphenous, lateral calf, and lateral thigh lymphosomes. The incision sites were determined based on the ultrasonographic findings, and LVA was performed under local anesthesia. The surgical results were evaluated based on the limb volume calculated from the circumferences.

Result

Totally, 13 skin incisions were made, and the lymphatic vessels consistent with the ultrasonographic findings were found in all locations. The mean number of the lymphatic vessels anastomosed per limb was 2.2 (range; 1–4). The mean diameter of the lymphatic vessel was 0.69 mm (range; 0.3–1.0 mm). No complications were observed in the perioperative period. The mean follow‐up period was 386.8 days. The mean preoperative and postoperative limb volumes were 5468 ml (range; 4552–6378 ml) and 5027.4 ml (range; 4353–5561 ml). Limb volume decreased in all six limbs.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of performing LVA by identifying the lymphatic vessels using lymphatic ultrasound was demonstrated. More medical institutions will be able to perform LVA in the future, even without ICG devices.
Ultrasound‐guided‐electromyography in plegic muscle: Usefulness of nerve stimulation
Authors: Padua Luca , Fusco Augusto , Erra Carmen , Giovannini Silvia , Maccauro Giulio , Hobson‐Webb Lisa D. , Bernabei Roberto
Published: September 2022

Introduction/Aims

In traumatic nerve lesions (TNLs), motor unit potentials (MUPs) may be difficult to detect in early injury. Ultrasound‐guided electromyography (US‐EMG) can aid in identifying areas of muscle activation, but its sensitivity can be improved. In this study we compare the sensitivity of US‐EMG alone with US‐EMG after peripheral nerve stimulation (NC‐US‐EMG) to better identify active muscle regions.

Methods

In this prospective study, 32 patients with severe TNLs were evaluated with standard EMG (ST‐EMG), US‐EMG, and NC‐US‐EMG at baseline (T0), after 2 to 3 months (T1), and after 5 to 6 months (T2).

Results

NC‐US‐EMG was more sensitive in detecting MUPs compared with US‐EMG and ST‐EMG at T0 (19 patients vs 14 and 5 patients, respectively). In addition, both US‐guided techniques were more sensitive than ST‐EMG in detecting MUPs (ST‐EMG vs US‐EMG: P = .014; ST‐EMG vs NC‐US‐EMG: P = .003). At T1, ST‐EMG remained less sensitive NC‐US‐EMG (P = .019). No significant differences were observed among the three techniques at T2.

Discussion

In the evaluation of severe TNLs, the combination of peripheral nerve stimulation and US increases the sensitivity of EMG for MUP detection at baseline and 2 to 3 months postinjury.
Augmenting low‐order finite element method with partial nodal strain smoothing for flow‐deformation analysis of geomechanical problems
Authors: Shafee Ashkan , Khoshghalb Arman
Published: September 2022

In this study, the application of a numerical technique referred to as partial node‐based smoothed finite element method (PNS‐FEM) in flow‐deformation analysis of problems in geomechanics is presented. The PNS‐FEM is developed by augmenting the computation of the stiffness and permeability matrices of the domain in the linear finite element method (FEM) with partial nodal strain smoothing. The PNS‐FEM takes advantage of contradicting errors of the solutions of the linear FEM and the node‐based smooth point interpolation method (NSPIM) to yield close‐to‐exact solutions. The formulation of the PNS‐FEM and the steps required to develop a PNS‐FEM code from an FEM code are thoroughly presented. The performance of the PNS‐FEM is then examined through five numerical examples concerning linear and nonlinear porous materials undergoing various types of loading. The results show that partial nodal smoothing is a very simple, yet effective, technique to considerably improve the performance of the linear FEM in coupled problems of geomechanics.
Auxetic Materials for Personal Protection: A Review
Authors: Tahir Danish , Zhang Minglonghai , Hu Hong
Published: September 2022

Life‐changing illnesses and fatalities caused by inefficient personal protective clothing and equipment are increasing day by day. The discrepancy between the test standards, environmental conditions, and infield collision is the reason why personal protection equipment and clothing have not yet decreased the number of injuries in various fields such as military and sports. To further increase the efficiency of personal protection materials, auxetic materials are suggested because of their high energy absorption, good permeability, form‐fitting ability, and high indentation resistance. Auxetic materials are nonconventional materials with a negative Poisson's ratio and can shrink under compression and expand when subjected to stretching. In comparison to nonauxetic conventional materials, auxetic materials have improved properties that can be useful for personal protection applications. This review focuses on the importance of auxetic materials for personal protection, focusing on reducing the chances of injury and what possible ideas can further benefit the protection products. The first part of the review discusses the auxetic structures and their protection applications followed by the fabrication of auxetic structures. The review will conclude with limitations, economic prospects, and what possible work can further improve the potential use of auxetic materials in personal protection.
Dystrophic Calcinosis Cutis in a Patient with Cutaneous Sarcoidosis in Remission
Authors: Yoshikawa Miyuki , Akasaka Eijiro , Nakano Hajime , Sawamura Daisuke
Published: September 2022

A 65-year-old Japanese woman was referred to our department because of a 5-month history of asymptomatic papules on the face. She was diagnosed with cutaneous sarcoidosis on the face 20 years ago. All of the lesions had completely disappeared with oral corticosteroids. Twenty years after the diagnosis of sarcoidosis, small papules developed in areas where the cutaneous sarcoidosis had been located. Physical examination revealed four yellow-white papules on the face. Dermoscopy revealed a homogenous, round, and yellow-white lesion. Serum levels of calcium and phosphorus were normal. Histopathology demonstrated calcium deposits in the dermis surrounded by inflammatory infiltrates without sarcoid granulomas. We made a diagnosis of calcinosis cutis. Basal cell carcinoma with calcinosis cutis, milia-like calcinosis cutis, and subcutaneous calcified nodule should be differentiated. Calcinosis cutis can be classified into four subtypes based on pathogenesis: dystrophic, metastatic, idiopathic, and iatrogenic. Dystrophic calcinosis cutis is caused by local tissue damage or abnormalities. Whereas, metastatic calcinosis cutis is often associated with hypercalcaemia, hyperphosphatemia, or hyperparathyroidism. There are reported cases of metastatic calcinosis cutis associated with sarcoidosis because patients with sarcoidosis often present with hypercalcaemia. However, dystrophic calcinosis cutis associated with sarcoidosis has been rarely reported. In the present case, systemic treatment for sarcoidosis may have degraded sarcoid granulomas and yielded necrotic tissue and dermal fibrosis, which might have induced ectopic calcification. Thus, we thought the present case consisted of dystrophic calcinosis cutis that developed in areas with cutaneous sarcoidosis in remission.
Vascular phenotype at 35–37 weeks' gestation in women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mansukhani T. , Arechvo A. , Cecchini F. , Breim M. , Wright A. , Nicolaides K. H. , Charakida M.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To examine the vascular phenotype at 35–37 weeks' gestation of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and compare it to that in women without GDM, using ophthalmic artery Doppler and carotid–femoral pulse‐wave velocity.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study of women attending for a routine hospital visit at 35 + 0 to 37 + 6 weeks' gestation. This visit included recording of maternal demographic characteristics and medical history, ophthalmic artery Doppler for calculation of the peak systolic velocity (PSV) ratio and assessment of cardiac output, stroke volume, total peripheral resistance, central systolic and diastolic blood pressure, carotid–femoral pulse‐wave velocity and augmentation index. All measurements were standardized to remove the effects of maternal characteristics and elements from the medical history, and the adjusted values in the GDM group were compared with those in the non‐GDM group.

Results

The study population of 2018 pregnancies contained 218 (10.8%) that developed GDM, including 78 (35.8%) that were treated with diet alone, 81 (37.2%) treated with metformin and 59 (27.1%) treated with insulin with or without metformin. In the GDM group, compared with the non‐GDM group, there were significantly higher ophthalmic artery PSV ratio, carotid–femoral pulse‐wave velocity and central systolic blood pressure, but there was no significant difference in cardiac output, stroke volume, total peripheral resistance, central diastolic blood pressure or augmentation index. In the GDM group, women treated with metformin or insulin had a higher ophthalmic artery PSV ratio compared with those treated with diet alone. Additionally, compared with the diet group, the metformin group had higher central systolic blood pressure and the insulin group had a higher carotid–femoral pulse‐wave velocity.

Conclusion

Women with GDM have evidence of early vascular disease, and this may contribute to their long‐term cardiovascular risk. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Cholecystoduodenostomy for biliary obstruction treatment in a white‐collared lemur (Eulemur cinereiceps)
Authors: Vonfeld Irène , Ferreira Xavier , Gay Aline , Cornu Laurence , Gravet Alain , Brunet Julie , Lefaux Brice , Quintard Benoit
Published: September 2022

A 16‐year‐old male, white‐collared lemur (Eulemur cinereiceps) was presented for lethargy, anorexia and nausea. General examination showed dehydration and icterus. Blood analysis revealed neutrophilic leucocytosis and elevated hepatic enzyme concentrations. Abdominal CT scan revealed two biliary calculi and a dilatation of the pancreatic and common bile ducts, indicating biliary obstruction. Due to lack of response to supportive treatment (intravenous fluid therapy, long‐acting amoxicillin, tramadol, omeprazole, methionine, silybin), cholecystoduodenostomy was performed, and a hepatic granuloma and gallstone were removed. The animal recovered from the surgery within a week and blood parameters were within normal range 3 weeks later. Microbiological evaluation of the calculus revealed an Enterococcus casseiflavus biliary infection, and hepatic cysticercosis by Taenia martis was diagnosed by histology and PCR. Cholelithiasis has been described in primates, but successful surgical treatment is rare. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first description of an obstructive cholelithiasis treated successfully by cholecystoduodenostomy in a primate.
The Italian Forest Inventory in Brief
Authors: Gasparini Patrizia , Papitto Giancarlo
Published: September 2022

Large-scale forest inventories are important sources of forest information at the national level in individual countries. These surveys have undergone strong development in recent times, driven by new information needs and by advances in statistical-mathematical theory and in survey methods and techniques. In Italy, the first national forest inventory was carried out in the mid-1980s. A thorough review of the sampling design and survey protocols was carried out in the second inventory, and the third survey has just been completed. This chapter briefly describes the history and organisational structure of the Italian National Forest Inventory and summarises its content and products.
Changes of Italian Forests Over Time Captured by the National Forest Inventories
Authors: Gasparini Patrizia , Tabacchi Giovanni
Published: September 2022

In order to effectively compare the results of different surveys, they should share the study domain, and the definitions and the classification and measurement criteria of the observed variables should be consistent. The inventory domain in the two Italian forest inventories, INFC2005 and INFC2015, has remained unchanged. The two surveys adopt a common classification system and common stratification criteria, by region and forest category, as well as the same measurement thresholds for quantitative and qualitative variables. This chapter illustrates the results of the comparisons between the estimates obtained from the two surveys for some features considered relevant for the analysis of the current dynamics of the Italian forests, such as the extension of the areas, the growing stock volume, the aboveground tree biomass, the annual volume increment and removals, and the number of trees. The results of the comparisons are sufficiently clear at the national level, while the estimates disaggregated by region or forest category sometimes show very limited variations and are associated with high standard errors of estimates.
Forest Management and Productive Function
Authors: Di Cosmo Lucio , Gasparini Patrizia
Published: September 2022

Forestry originated as a science under the need to manage forests for timber production in a sustainable way. Since then, sustainability has been broadened to include a variety of values and services recognised as important for human well-being, while at maintaining a relevant productive function. Hence, silviculture exists as a need of humankind and not as a need of forests for their continued existence. Sustainability is obtained by adopting correct silvicultural practices and adjusting the planning in view of the most suitable management able to ensure the goals, for example, carbon balance under climate warming scenarios. National forest inventories provide reliable information that is needed for effective forest policies. This chapter shows area estimates on some variables important for production, such as forest accessibility, presence of roads or tracks, terrain roughness and availability for wood supply (Sect. 8.2). Silviculture practices are actualised by forest utilisation modes, which are also related to timber logging modes. Section 8.3 shows the statistics on these variables as well as those on the growing stock and the biomass annually removed from the forest. Section 8.4 shows the estimates on presence of forest planning or regulations that influence productive aspects of forests. The type of planning may vary consistently due to overlapping authorities protecting forests in Italy, so the presence of planning at different levels was emphasised.
Environmental Ethics: Modelling for Values and Choices
Authors: Fang Wei-Ta , Hassan Arba’at , LePage Ben A.
Published: September 2022

The framework of environmental ethics is built, challenging the way we view or interpret environmental education through the eyes of different stakeholders. In this chapter we consider aspects of land and ecological ethics as well as pedagogy as they relate to environmental ethics to form modelling. We classify that environmental ethics are “anthropocentrism,” or the human-centeredapproach; “biocentrism,” or the life-centered approach; and “ecocentrism,” or the ecosystem-centered approach. Environmental paradigms are explored, which include the theories and practices regarding to environmental ethics, new environmental, ecological and behavioral paradigms, and paradigm shifts. Regarding to our choices from environmental values and concerns, we may use a model to detect our problem-solving approach to identify environmental problems we face and, find our practical needs and implement solutions toward sustainability.
Mechatronic stiffness of cable-driven mechanisms: a study on production machine model
Authors: Neusser Zdeněk , Nečas Martin , Pelikán Jan , Karlíček Jindřich , Pawlik Vít , Beneš Petr , Machálka Martin , Šika Zbyněk , Valášek Michael
Published: September 2022

Position control of the mechanical structure with naturally limited stiffness is a common problem. Moreover, the system is usually exposed to random exciting by the external force effects and yet it is needed to hold the system in the desired position. Such an example in engineering practice can be the machine tool quill slim structure, which determines the machining accuracy and the machined surface quality. The limited structure stiffness can be overcome by suitable support structure solution. In principle, it is a matter of introducing the necessary force effect in the place where it is necessary to ensure the required position. A promising means how to apply control force to the flexible structure tip can be a thin cable structure with the force actuation and proper force control. The resulting system is characterized by increased stiffness achieved in a mechatronic manner. Therefore, the introduced concept is called mechatronic stiffness. The article describes selected mechanical arrangement of the mechatronic stiffness concept, its features, behaviour and control results. The proposed approach offers a solution for precise position control of the flexible structure. An experimental device was created in parallel with the simulation experiment and preliminary simulation results are obtained. The described concept is transferable to other flexible structures such as various manipulators.
Relating the magnetic coercivity to the L10 ordered FePd phase in annealed FexPd100-x nanoparticles
Authors: Luong Nguyen Hoang , Trung Truong Thanh , Hong Tran Thi , Nam Nguyen Hoang , Phan Manh-Huong , Jenei Péter , Lábár János L. , Gubicza Jenő
Published: September 2022

Rare-earth-free or iron-based permanent nanomagnets are emerging as promising candidates for energy-conversion and information technologies. In this interest, FexPd100-xnanoparticles (x = 50, 55, 60, and 63) were prepared from iron acetate and palladium acetate by sonoelectrodeposition. After annealing the nanoparticles at various temperatures from 450 to 700 °C for 1 h, structural changes were observed, and the samples exhibit hard magnetic properties that depend strongly on chemical composition and annealing temperature. The major phase in the as-prepared nanoparticles has a disordered face-centered cubic structure, which, upon annealing, transforms into a multi-phase material containing a L10ordered FePd phase. The fractions of different phases present in the annealed samples, including that of the L10phase as functions of chemical composition and annealing temperature, are quantified by means of X-ray diffraction and scanning transmission electron microscopy. Magnetic measurements show the desirable hard magnetic properties for the samples annealed at 550–600 °C. A correlation between the magnetic coercivity and the L10ordered FePd phase fraction is established for the first time in the FexPd100-xnanoparticles.
The role of resource orchestration in humanitarian operations: a COVID-19 case in the US healthcare
Authors: Baltas Konstantinos , Jayasekera Ranadeva , Uddin Gazi Salah , Papadopoulos Thanos
Published: September 2022

This paper investigates the role of resource allocation in alleviating the impact on from disruptions in healthcare operations. We draw on resource orchestration theory and analyse data stemming from US healthcare to discuss how the US healthcare system structured, bundled and reconfigured resources (i.e. number of hospital beds, and vaccines) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following a comprehensive and robust econometric analysis of two key resources (i.e. hospital beds and vaccines), we discuss its effect on the outcomes of the pandemic measured in terms of confirmed cases and deaths, and draw insights on how the learning curve effect and other factors might influence in the efficient and effective control of the pandemic outcomes through the resource usage. Our contribution lies in revealing how different resources are orchestrated (‘structured’, ‘bundled’, and ‘leveraged’) to help planning responses to and dealing with the disruptions to create resilient humanitarian operations. Managerial implications, limitations and future research directions are also discussed.
Beyond Homicide? The Feasibility of Extending the Doctrine of Partial Excuse across all Offence Categories
Authors: Kennefick Louise
Published: September 2022

Harboured between full excuses and mitigatory factors, with its application restricted to murder only, the doctrine of partial excuse presents as both a procedural irregularity and a theoretical outlier. Perhaps owing to its problematic nature and limited reach, the site and scope of the doctrine has received scant scholarly attention. This paper signals the potential of partial excuse as a means of addressing criticisms pertaining to moral injustice at the heart of responsibility attribution. In particular, it aims to set the scene for future theoretical development in this area by dismantling the three familiar arguments against expanding partial defences beyond homicide. First, it clarifies the nature of partial excuse by questioning the apparent dependency of the doctrine on the mandatory life sentence for murder, arguing that partial excuse can function independently of both penalty and offence. Next, it considers the conceptual challenge posed by the notion of “partial responsibility”, before attending finally to the practical obstacles facing an expansion of the doctrine. Ultimately, the paper concludes that the doctrine can apply to all offence categories, and that deeper consideration is needed on the question of whether or not it ought to apply universally.
“How to meme it”: reverse engineering the creative process of mathematical Internet memes
Authors: Bini Giulia , Bikner-Ahsbahs Angelika , Robutti Ornella
Published: September 2022

Mathematical Internet memes are examples of how the creative thrust characterising the Web 2.0 environment reaches the field of mathematics, translating mathematical statements into a new digital form endowed with an epistemic potential that is capable of initiating a process of mathematical argumentation. The research presented in this paper aims to shed light on the creative process of mathematical memes, contributing to building a body of knowledge on mathematical memes that, prospectively, could enable educators to profit from these objects in their teaching. Theoretically, this is based on a widened concept of creativity that focuses on the connection linking digital culture with mathematics, and on distinguishing and merging three perspectives to disclose the meanings of mathematical memes. Methodologically, the process of mathematical memes’ creation is investigated through a reverse engineering approach on a dataset of about 2100 items collected in a 3-year-long ethnographic observation within online communities. The result is a heuristic action model of the creation process, that is validated by creating two new mathematical Internet memes that are shared online within the observed communities to explore if they retain the mathematical and epistemic characteristics of Web-found ones.
The fate of phosphorus from bone char-based fertilizers in soil pools in a 5-year crop rotation
Authors: Kruse Jens , Panten Kerstin , Siebers Nina
Published: September 2022

Bone char (BC) is a promising P-recycling fertilizer but with rather low P-solubility, which can be increased by modifying the BC surface with elemental sulfur (BCplus), but effects on the soil P status have not been tested under field conditions yet. Hence, a long-time field experiment was started 2013 to track the fate of BC and BCplus P into different soil P pools compared to a control and triple superphosphate (TSP) treatment for severely P deficient (iSPTC-A) vs. sufficiently P fertilized (iSPTC-C) soil. The fingerprint of the recent land-use history (six years grassland prior arable land) was reflected by elevated labile-Po and NaOH-Po concentrations at the beginning of the experiment. However, after 3 years, labile Po concentrations converged and stabilized in both soils at a similar level. The formation of this new equilibrium of labile Po suggests that the rate of Po mineralization was, to some extent, controlled by the amount of available legacy P. After the first crop rotation, the effect of P fertilization on soil-P budgets and fractions were small and mostly insignificant. Only TSP increased the available-P pools in the soil. The other pools were not affected by treatments except stable-P increased significantly after BC application in iSPTC-A. The former laboratory results of higher P solubility of BCplus over BC could not be confirmed within the duration of the field trial. However, to prove that BC and BCplus are capable of maintaining adequate long-term crop P supply, the continuation of this unique field trial is highly recommended.
Penrose’s 1965 singularity theorem: from geodesic incompleteness to cosmic censorship
Authors: Landsman Klaas
Published: September 2022

Supplementing earlier literature by e.g. Tipler et al. (1980), Israel (1987), Thorne (1994), Earman (1999), Senovilla and Garfinkle (2015), Curiel (2019) and Landsman (2021), I provide a historical and conceptual analysis of Penrose’s path-breaking 1965 singularity (or incompleteness) theorem. The emphasis is on the nature and historical origin of the assumptions and definitions used in—or otherwise relevant to—the theorem, as well as on the discrepancy between the (astro)physical goals of the theorem and its actual content: even if its assumptions are met, the theorem fails to prove the existence or formation of black holes. Penrose himself was well aware of this gap, which he subsequently tried to overcome with his visionary and influential cosmic censorship conjectures. Roughly speaking, to infer from (null) geodesic incompleteness that there is a “black” object one needs weak cosmic censorship, whereas in addition a “hole” exists (as opposed to a boundary of an extendible space-time causing the incompleteness of geodesics) if strong cosmic censorship holds.
Determinants of Ph.D. progression: student’s abilities and lab local environment
Authors: Yoshioka-Kobayashi Tohru , Shibayama Sotaro
Published: September 2022

Ph.D. training is an important mechanism for developing scientists who will serve our knowledge-based society. Because the quality of students who join Ph.D. programs significantly impacts the outcome of Ph.D. training, students’ career choices at this initial stage—whether to proceed to Ph.D. or not—are of crucial interest. This study investigates how students’ attributes and the local lab environment influence their career choices using a unique empirical design in the Japanese graduate education context. The results show that students with high scientific abilities are more likely to proceed to Ph.D., and that students are more likely to proceed to Ph.D. if the lab has a favorable local environment for research and for training. Importantly, the findings suggest that students’ abilities and local environments interactively shape their career choices. In particular, high-ability students are drawn to local environments with high training capacities, whereas low-ability students are attracted to local environments with high research capacities.
The effects of the limited exhaustibility of knowledge on firm size and the direction of technological change
Authors: Antonelli Cristiano , Orsatti Gianluca , Pialli Guido
Published: September 2022

The new knowledge intensive direction of technological change is magnified at the firm level by the limited exhaustibility of knowledge. This limited exhaustibility triggers cumulability and extensibility for which the larger the firm, the lower the knowledge generation costs from using a larger stock of existing knowledge, and the lower the knowledge exploitation costs related to a larger output based on use of the same piece of knowledge. The consequences for the direction of technological change are twofold. First, the larger the firm size, the larger the share of intangible capital in total capital. Second, the output elasticity of intangible capital increases with the size of the firm. We test our hypotheses on data on US listed companies over the period 1977–2016. The results of ordinary least squares, two-stage least squares and production function estimations confirm our theoretical expectations.
Rediscovery of 23 Historical Records of Naked-Eye Sunspot Observations in AD 1618
Authors: Wang Hongrui , Li Huiduan
Published: September 2022

The year 1618 was once regarded as a minimum of the first observed solar cycle or even the beginning of the extended Maunder minimum. However, new results from the annual dataset of radiocarbon (Usoskin et al., Astron. Astrophys. 649, A141, 2021) shows that 1620 was the solar minimum, instead of the year 1618. We revisited the sunspot activity in 1618 from historical records of naked-eye sunspot observations (HRNSOs) in China, as daily telescopic observations were found on only 28 days in 1618, and they are far from sufficient to resolve the difference. We rediscovered 23 HRNSOs from 1618 by a search of more than 800 historical books, with 15 HRNSOs identified as independent observations. From the sunspot records rediscovered here, the Chinese had seen several large sunspots in 1618. On 20 and 21 June 1618, the vapor-like sunspots were so large that even ordinary people could see them and thought that the Sun was abnormal. On 22 June 1618, at least three Chinese observers reported a huge group as a diffusive, round, and vapor-like object with an impressive size. The 23 HRNSOs rediscovered here provide valuable observations to determine the sunspot activity in the year 1618. Our result confirms the one from the annual dataset of radiocarbon, and shows that the year 1618 was quite active.
Hybrid Cramer-Rao Bound on Carrier and Sampling Frequency Offset Estimation for OFDM Systems in Rayleigh Fading Channels
Authors: Cheng Qi , Russell Mosin
Published: September 2022

For the carrier frequency offset (CFO) and sampling (clock) frequency offset (SFO) estimation, the hybrid Cramer-Rao bound (HCRB) is developed when the CFO, SFO, information-bearing symbols are deterministic and channel coefficients are random. Both noise and channel coefficients are complex Gaussian. The HCRB is a lower bound on the mean squared estimation error for any unbiased estimator of a parameter. For the HCRB to be applicable, it is necessary for deterministic parameters to be identifiable (uniquely determined). Some necessary identifiability conditions of some deterministic parameters are found and presented. The HCRB is dependent on the initial time instant. The HCRB is used to assess the performances of some existing methods via simulation. Our results demonstrate that even the best performance is still around 10 dB higher than the HCRB. Further effort is needed to develop more accurate methods.
A God at Play? Reexamining the Concept of Līlā in Hindu Philosophy and Theology
Authors: Lipner Julius J.
Published: September 2022

Līlā, as a concept and term, has a long and complex history in Sanskritic Hinduism, yet, irrespective of context, it has routinely been translated by words signifying “play,” “sport,” and “game” in English and other languages. Focusing mainly on the term’s philosophical and theological connotations in Sanskritic Hinduism, this article challenges these facile and often misleading renderings. It analyzes the semantic functions and nuances of this deceptively multifaceted and important term over a range of contexts, from Vedāntic interpretations of Bādarāyaṇa’s Brahmasūtra 2.1.33 to the term’s meaning over a wide range of occurrences in Hindu tradition. In the process, attention is also given to the associated terms krīḍā and khelā.