bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Approach for Generation of Oxygen Vacancies in Trirutile MnSb2O6 and Their Impact on Photocatalytic Degradation of MO Dye
Authors: Sunku Manasa , Venkataswamy Perala , Bindu Gaddameedi Hima , Srilekha Pallati , Srinivas M. , Vithal M.
Published: December 2022

Visible light‐driven photocatalysis has gained much attention due to its light‐harnessing characteristics and is extensively used in wastewater remediation. This paper presents a novel oxygen‐deficient manganese antimonate, MnSb2O6‐x, with a trirutile structure as an effective visible‐light‐driven photocatalyst for dye degradation. The synthesized samples were subjected to XRD, UV‐Vis DRS, SEM‐EDS, Raman, XPS, and PL analyses to study their physic chemical properties. The influence of sequential or single heating during the preparation method on the generation of oxygen vacancies is evaluated using UV‐Vis DRS, XPS, ESR, and Raman techniques. The oxygen‐deficient MnSb2O6 could achieve up to 85 % of MO degradation in 180 min under visible light irradiation, and its reusability up to six cycles was also investigated. In addition, the mechanism of dye degradation was supported with a scavenger test, and the degradation activities are correlated to the electron‐hole pair separation as convinced from the PL spectra. The simple and unique method of oxygen vacancy generation can inspire the development of antimonates with oxygen deficiencies, which have significant scope of application in environmental and energy conservation.
Characterizing seasonal differences in hydrological flow paths and source water contributions to alpine tundra streamflow
Authors: Kershaw Geoffrey G. L. , Wolfe Brent B. , English Michael C.
Published: December 2022

Alpine headwaters collect larger volumes of precipitation per unit area than neighbouring lowlands, recharge regional aquifers, and generate a greater proportion of river discharge than their limited extent would suggest. Despite the importance of alpine headwaters, field observations and assessments of source water contributions to streamflow in alpine tundra settings are sparse throughout the subarctic and absent in the Taiga Cordillera ecozone specifically. As such, it remains uncertain how changes to seasonally specific hydrological processes control discharge of the larger rivers to which these alpine headwaters contribute. This study quantified variability in source water contributions and flow paths during the 2019 open water season within a Mackenzie Mountain alpine tundra basin based on measurements of stable water isotopes, specific conductivity (SPC), and water volumes during runoff generating events. During the freshet, large daily snowmelt volumes resulted in the greatest volume of streamflow, which was composed mainly of pre‐event water (~92%). As the summer progressed, evapotranspiration increased, and groundwater flow paths extended, resulting in reduced event water fractions and hydrograph amplitude, and an extended duration of streamflow response. A headwater subbasin within the larger study basin was both hydrologically and isotopically unresponsive to summer rains, and instead was characterized by a delayed hydrograph response and reduced event water fraction. Results indicate this portion of the catchment was regulated by discharge from groundwater springs capable of sustaining streamflow before snowmelt commenced and during the dry summer months. As climate change continues, greater precipitation volumes and a longer open water season will likely result in reduced runoff and stream discharge from alpine basins as greater evapotranspiration and channel bed infiltration occur. This study provides a valuable data set and observations of seasonally distinct runoff generation processes to inform prediction of changes in northern alpine tundra hydrology in response to a warming climate.
Guiding task work in the context of an emotion‐focused relationship
Authors: Goldman Rhonda , Goldstein Zoë
Published: December 2022

In undertaking the complex process of being an emotion‐focused therapist, one needs to strike a careful balance between providing a safe relational environment, while navigating with clients through their emotional world. In response to in‐session verbal and non‐verbal indicators, they invite clients to engage in chair work tasks designed to facilitate emotional exploration and deepening with a goal of emotional transformation. Therapists may be daunted by the prospect of introducing chair work tasks, and concerned about the impact on the relational bond. However, chair work tasks can deepen emotional exploration and shifts, and streamline the process of change. The case of Emma* will illustrate how therapists navigate the interplay between striking an empathic relationship and facilitating chair work tasks. The case will demonstrate how the therapist addresses hesitation or reluctance expressed by the client, while strengthening the bond and deepening emotional processing (*Pseudonym).
Examining a decade of racial disparity in partial mastectomy and oncoplastic surgery
Authors: Jonczyk Michael M. , Homsy Christopher , Naber Stephen , Chatterjee Abhishek
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives

Understanding racial disparity is crucial to addressing health equity and access to care. Our study aims to examine racial differences in breast conserving surgery (BCS) utilization rates and determine how these rates have changed over time.

Methods

This retrospective cohort analysis utilized the NSQIP database to identify women diagnosed with breast cancer who underwent BCS procedures between 2008 and 2019. Racial utilization trends were analyzed using a Cochran—Armitage test and Index of Disparity analysis.

Results

In the 12‐year period, 202 492 women underwent a breast cancer surgery, of which 47% underwent BCS. Within the BCS subgroup, oncoplastic surgery utilization increased from 3% to 10%, leading to a declining proportion of partial mastectomies: 97% to 90.0% (both p < 0.01). The racial index of disparity for overall BCS patients decreased from 7% to 6%, remained unchanged (1%) for partial mastectomies, and significantly decreased in oncoplastics (23%–7.6%).

Conclusion

BCS represents a mainstay option for early‐staged breast cancer interventions, this study demonstrate promising progress in decreasing the index of disparity among races and persistent racial inequalities.
Biphasic oxidation of diaquadichloro(1,10‐phenanthroline)chromium(III) by N‐bromosuccinimide and the formation of chromium(IV) and chromium(V)
Authors: Elsiddig Sulafa M. , Sulfab Yousif
Published: December 2022

The kinetics of oxidation of diaquadichloro(1,10‐phenanthroline)chromium(III) complex, [CrIII(phen)(H2O)2Cl2]+, by N‐bromosuccinimide (NBS) is biphasic. The first faster step involves the oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(IV). The second slower step is due to the oxidation of Cr(IV) to Cr(V). The reaction product is isolated and characterized by electron spin resonance (ESR), IR, and elemental analysis. The chromium(V) product is consistent with the formula [CrV(phen)Cl2(O)]Br. The rate constants kf and ks, for the faster and the slower steps respectively, were obtained using an Origin 9.0 software program. Values of both kf and ks, varied linearly with [NBS] at constant reaction conditions. The effect of pH on the reaction rate is investigated over the pH (4.11–6.01) range at 25.0°C. The rate constants kf and ks increased with increasing pH. This is consistent with hydroxo forms of the chromium species being more reactive than the aqua forms. Chromium(III) complexes, more often than not, are inert. The oxidation of the Cr(III) complex to Cr(IV), most likely, proceeds by an outer sphere mechanism. Since chromium(IV) is labile the mechanism of its oxidation to chromium(V) is not certain.
Litter quality modifies soil organic carbon mineralization in an ecological restoration area
Authors: Li Yunfei , Wang Zhanjun , Shi Wanli , Yang Haotian
Published: December 2022

Soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralization impacts the loss and accumulation of carbon (C) in crucial ways. However, it is still unclear how exactly litter quality regulates the SOC mineralization process and SOC stock. We conducted a laboratory incubation experiment under different temperatures, that is 10°C, 20°C, 30°C, and 40°C, and moisture, that is 5%, 10%, and 20% regimes, as well as a control (CK), and different litter qualities, that is, Artemisia ordosica, Caragana korshinskii, and Eragrostis minor. This was conducted in soil from a revegetated area in the Tengger Desert, northern China. We investigated the impacts of litter addition on SOC mineralization by considering the chemical properties of litter, temperature, and soil moisture, as well as the cumulative CO2‐C emissions (CCE), maximum rate (MR), potential mineralizable C (C0), priming effect (PE), temperature sensitivity (Q10), moisture sensitivity (MS), and SOC stock. Litter addition increased the CCE, MR, C0, and MS but decreased the Q10, and the effects of different litter qualities on CCE, MR, C0, MS, and Q10 differed significantly. The SOC mineralization rate increased with increasing temperature and moisture and was also accelerated by the interactions between temperature and moisture. The total C and lignin contents of litter were the key factors that governed SOC mineralization. Litter addition had a positive PE on SOC mineralization, and high‐quality litter with low C:N ratio (A. ordosica and C. korshinskii) increased the PE compared with low‐quality litter with high C:N ratio (E. minor). The PE also decreased with increasing temperature and moisture. Litter addition resulted in an acceleration of the loss of SOC mineralization, and an increase in the SOC mineralization response toward moisture but reduced the SOC mineralization response toward temperature, whereas litter quality was inversely correlated with the SOC stock. Therefore, the input of low‐quality litter will decrease the loss of mineralized SOC caused by PE and diminish the accumulation of SOC in the revegetated regions. These findings may provide a reasonable litter management model to promote the stability of soil C pool in arid revegetated areas.
Existence and nonexistence results for a class of non‐self‐adjoint fourth‐order singular boundary value problems arising in real life
Authors: Pandit Biswajit , Verma Amit Kumar , Agarwal Ravi P.
Published: December 2022

In this work, we propose the following fourth‐order non‐self‐adjoint SBVPs to investigate

where
is the parameter,
and
with respect to three different homogeneous boundary conditions. By using monotone iterative technique we show the existence of at least one solution, which depends on the parameter
. We report presence of two solutions computationally. We show the sign of the both solutions and derive the estimations of the parameter
which indicates the region of nonexistence. To validate the estimations of
we propose an iterative technique with the help of Greens function. We place the numerical results as an evidence of our derived theoretical results.
Behavioral and axon histomorphometric analyses after intraneural transplantation of human skin‐ and nerve‐derived Schwann cells in nude rats
Authors: Chu Tak‐Ho , Midha Rajiv
Published: December 2022

Introduction/Aims

We have recently isolated and expanded skin‐derived Schwann cells (Sk‐SCs) from human skin and showed that they are largely similar to nerve‐derived Schwann cells (N‐SCs). Here, we extend our investigation into functional assessments of the nude rats that received human Sk‐SCs and N‐SCs after intraneural delivery into crushed and decellularized tibial nerve in adult nude rats.

Methods

Sk‐SCs, N‐SCs, dermal fibroblasts, or control culture medium was injected into the crushed and decellularized tibial nerve using in situ repeated freeze‐thaw cycles. Animals were then subjected to a ladder rung walking test, nociceptive von Frey testing, and walking gait analysis weekly. Animals were euthanized 6 weeks after surgery, gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were weighed, distal nerves were harvested, and whole semithin cross‐sections were analyzed using segmentation software.

Results

N‐SC–injected and dermal fibroblast–injected animals improved significantly at 4 to 6 weeks postinjury in nociceptive assessment compared with medium‐injected controls. Sk‐SCs recovered more rapidly in tibial functional index at 2 weeks postinjury compared with medium‐injected controls. No significant difference was observed for the ladder rung walking test or muscle weight ratio. Histologically, the number of myelinated axons was significantly higher in all cell injection groups compared with medium‐injected controls. No significant difference was observed in g ratio, axon diameter, or myelin thickness.

Discussion

Cell injection significantly improved axon regeneration across an in situ decellularized nerve segment. However, a more human cell–permissive animal model is required to delineate functional differences between cell types for preclinical transplantation studies.
Development of a knowledge, attitude and practice questionnaire on urine leakage with an indwelling urethral catheter for nurses in China
Authors: Chen Hanxi , Li Xinxin , Cui Hong , Xiao Xiling , Zhang Qiuping , Gao Xiaowen
Published: December 2022

Aim

A knowledge, attitude and practice questionnaire on urine leakage (UL) with an indwelling urethral catheter (IUC) was developed for nurses in China and validated.

Design

Observational study.

Methods

A systematic literature review, the Delphi method and focus group evaluation were used to develop the questionnaire, which was administered to 304 registered nurses at two hospitals in Guangdong, China. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were assessed.

Results

The 27‐item questionnaire had four dimensions: knowledge I (aetiology), knowledge II (prevention and treatment), attitude and practice. The questionnaire showed excellent content validity and reliability. Four factors accounted for 70.526% of the variance. The data were well‐fitted to the four‐factor construct model. The questionnaire can be used to measure the knowledge of UL with an IUC among nurses in China, along with related attitudes and practices. This can improve nursing care of patients with IUCs. No patient or public contribution.
Variation in cystic fibrosis newborn screening algorithms in the United States
Authors: Rehani Maryann R. , Marcus Mary S. , Harris Anne B. , Farrell Philip M. , Ren Clement L.
Published: December 2022

Rationale

Cystic fibrosis (CF) newborn screening (NBS) algorithms in the United States vary by state. Differences in CF NBS algorithms could potentially affect the detection rate of CF newborns and lead to disparities in CF diagnosis amongst different racial and ethnic groups.

Objectives

Generate a database of CF NBS algorithms in the United States and identify processes that may potentially lead to missed diagnoses or lead to healthcare disparities.

Methods

We sent an online survey to state and regional CF and NBS leaders about the type and threshold of immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT) cutoff used and methods used for CFTR  gene variant analysis. Follow‐up by email and phone was done to ensure a response from every state, clarify responses, and resolve discordances.

Results

There is wide variation in the NBS algorithms employed by different states. Approximately half the states use a floating IRT cutoff, and half use a fixed IRT cutoff. CFTR variant analysis also varies widely, with two states analyzing only for the F508del variant and four states incorporating CFTR gene sequencing. The other states use CFTR variant panels ranging from 23 to 365 CFTR variants.

Conclusions

CF NBS algorithms vary widely amongst the different states in the United States, which affects the ability of CF NBS to diagnose newborn infants with CF consistently and uniformly across the country and potentially may miss more infants with CF from minority populations. Our results identify an important area for quality improvement in CF NBS.
COVID‐19 susceptibility and clinical outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lee Min Ho , Li Han Jacob , Wasuwanich Paul , Kim Sung Eun , Kim Jong Yeob , Jeong Gwang Hun , Park Seoyeon , Yang Jae Won , Kim Min Seo , Yon Dong Keon , Lee Seung Won , Koyanagi Ai , Jacob Louis , Kim Eun‐Young , Cheon Jae Hee , Shin Jae Il , Smith Lee
Published: December 2022

The susceptibility, risk factors, and prognosis of COVID‐19 in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remain unknown. Thus, our study aims to assess the prevalence and clinical outcomes of COVID‐19 in IBD. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and medRxiv from 2019 to 1 June 2022 for cohort and case‐control studies comparing the prevalence and clinical outcomes of COVID‐19 in patients with IBD and in the general population. We also compared the outcomes of patients receiving and not receiving 5‐aminosalicylates (ASA), tumour necrosis factor antagonists, biologics, systemic corticosteroids, or immunomodulators for IBD. Thirty five studies were eligible for our analysis. Pooled odds ratio of COVID‐19‐related hospitalisation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, or death in IBD compared to in non‐IBD were 0.58 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.28–1.18), 1.09 (95% CI = 0.27–4.47), and 0.67 (95% CI = 0.32–1.42), respectively. Inflammatory bowel disease was not associated with increased hospitalisation, ICU admission, or death. Susceptibility to COVID‐19 did not increase with any drugs for IBD. Hospitalisation, ICU admission, and death were more likely with 5‐ASA and corticosteroid use. COVID‐19‐related hospitalisation (Odds Ratio (OR): 0.53; 95% CI = 0.38–0.74) and death (OR: 0.13; 95% CI = 0.13–0.70) were less likely with Crohn's disease than ulcerative colitis (UC). In conclusion, IBD does not increase the mortality and morbidity of COVID‐19. However, physicians should be aware that additional monitoring is needed in UC patients or in patients taking 5‐ASA or systemic corticosteroids.
Design of XS2 (X = W or Mo)‐Decorated VS2 Hybrid Nano‐Architectures with Abundant Active Edge Sites for High‐Rate Asymmetric Supercapacitors and Hydrogen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Hussain Sajjad , Vikraman Dhanasekaran , Sarfraz Maria , Faizan Muhammad , Patil Supriya A. , Batoo Khalid Mujasam , Nam Kyung‐Wan , Kim Hyun‐Seok , Jung Jongwan
Published: December 2022

Two‐dimensional layered transition metal dichalcogenides have emerged as promising materials for supercapacitors and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) applications. Herein, the molybdenum sulfide (MoS2)@vanadium sulfide (VS2) and tungsten sulfide (WS2)@VS2 hybrid nano‐architectures prepared via a facile one‐step hydrothermal approach is reported. Hierarchical hybrids lead to rich exposed active edge sites, tuned porous nanopetals‐decorated morphologies, and high intrinsic activity owing to the strong interfacial interaction between the two materials. Fabricated supercapacitors using MoS2@VS2 and WS2@VS2 electrodes exhibit high specific capacitances of 513 and 615 F g−1, respectively, at an applied current of 2.5 A g−1 by the three‐electrode configuration. The asymmetric device fabricated using WS2@VS2 electrode exhibits a high specific capacitance of 222 F g−1 at an applied current of 2.5 A g−1 with the specific energy of 52 Wh kg−1 at a specific power of 1 kW kg−1. For HER, the WS2@VS2 catalyst shows noble characteristics with an overpotential of 56 mV to yield 10 mA cm−2, a Tafel slope of 39 mV dec−1, and an exchange current density of 1.73 mA cm−2. In addition, density functional theory calculations are used to evaluate the durable heterostructure formation and adsorption of hydrogen atom on the various accessible sites of MoS2@VS2 and WS2@VS2 heterostructures.
Degree of osteophyte formation seen on radiographs provides useful prognostic information for dogs with cruciate ligament disease
Authors: Engdahl Karolina , Boge Gudrun Seeberg , Ingman Jessica , Näslund Veronica , Ley Charles J
Published: December 2022

Background

Concurrent osteoarthritis is generally present in the stifle joints of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD), but it is not known if the degree of osteoarthritis‐related changes affects the prognosis. Development of osteophytes is a key radiographic feature of osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the degree of osteophyte formation seen on radiographs and CCLD‐related euthanasia in dogs with CCLD.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study including 226 dogs treated for CCLD at two university animal hospitals was performed. Clinical and follow‐up information was retrieved, and stifle radiographs taken during the 31 days before treatment for the CCLD were graded for osteophyte formation by three veterinary radiologists. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was applied to assess the association between the degree of osteophyte formation and CCLD‐related euthanasia.

Results

An association between the degree of osteophyte formation and CCLD‐related euthanasia was found, with increased osteophyte formation associated with an increased hazard of CCLD‐related euthanasia (hazard ratio 1.06, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.11,p= 0.01).

Limitations

No clinical assessment of the outcome was performed.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that evaluation of stifle radiographs for osteophyte formation could provide useful prognostic information for dogs with CCLD.
New geographical records for tick‐borne pathogens in ticks collected from cattle in Benin and Togo
Authors: Yessinou Roland Eric , Cazan Cristina Daniela , Panait Luciana Cătălina , Mollong Eyabana , Biguezoton Abel S. , Bonnet Sarah Irène , Farougou Souaïbou , Groschup Martin H. , Mihalca Andrei Daniel
Published: December 2022

Background

Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods capable of transmitting a great variety of endemic and emerging pathogens causing diseases in animals and humans.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence ofBartonellaspp.,Rickettsiaspp., Borrelia burgdorferisensu lato (s.l.) andAnaplasma phagocytophilumin ticks collected from cattle in Benin and Togo.

Methods

Overall, 396 (148 males, 205 females and 43 nymphs) ticks were collected from cattle in 17 districts (Benin and Togo) between 2019 and 2020. Ticks were pooled into groups of 2–6 ticks per pool according to individual host, location, species and developmental stage. The DNA of each pool was extracted for molecular screening.

Results

PCR results revealed that 20 tick pools were positive forBartonellaspp. (Benin and Togo) and 23 tick pools positive forRickettsiaspp. (Benin), while all pools were negative forA. phagocytophilumandB. burgdorferis.l. Sequence analysis of positiveRickettsiasamples revealed the presence ofRickettsia aeschlimannii.

Conclusions

The present study highlights the presence of zoonotic agents in ticks collected from cattle in Benin and Togo. This information will raise awareness of tick‐borne diseases among physicians and veterinarians, stimulate further studies to monitor these pathogens, and advise on necessary measures to control the spread of these zoonoses.
The Global Reach of the Right to Data Protection
Authors: Naef Tobias
Published: December 2022

The internet as a technology not only revolutionized communication, it also enabled new forms of trade. Digital trade often involves personal data. Information about individuals now travels around the world on an unprecedented and rapidly growing scale. The key to understanding the implications of data protection in the EU for trade with the wider world is the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU (Charter, CFR). The Charter has the status of primary Union law and data protection is enshrined as a fundamental right in Article 8 CFR. The first section of this chapter traces the development of the right to data protection from the early data protection laws in Europe to the inclusion of Article 8 into the Charter. It identifies the driving forces behind this development and offers insights into the origins of this new fundamental right (Sect. 2.1). The second section addresses the substance of the right to data protection. It explains the underlying values for the interpretation of the new fundamental right and analyzes the six written constituent parts of Article 8 CFR. It shows that the right to data protection must be distinguished from the right to private life in Article 7 CFR. The second section also explains what counts as an interference with the right to data protection and addresses lawful limitations on the exercise of this new fundamental right (Sect. 2.2). The third section focuses on the extraterritorial dimension of the right to data protection. The jurisprudence of the ECJ reveals an unwritten constituent part of the new fundamental right: the right to continuous protection of personal data. Personal data cannot be exported to third states that do not provide a level of protection for the transferred personal data that is essentially equivalent to that guaranteed within the EU (Sect. 2.3). Certain practices in third states are of particular relevance for the extraterritorial dimension of Article 8 CFR. Foreign internet surveillance often targets personal data that is transferred from the EU to a third country. The fourth section analyzes the requirements for foreign internet surveillance practices emanating from the right to data protection in Article 8 CFR (Sect. 2.4).
The Restrictive Effect of the Legal Mechanisms for Data Transfers in the European Union
Authors: Naef Tobias
Published: December 2022

The right to data protection in Article 8 CFR has an extraterritorial dimension, which requires continuous protection for personal data that is essentially equivalent to the protection guaranteed within the EU. This right to continuous protection of personal data is an unwritten constituent part of the right to data protection in Article 8 CFR. Primary Union law in Article 16(2) TFEU instructs the European Parliament and the Council to establish rules relating to the protection of individuals regarding the processing of their personal data. This mandate also extends to the extraterritorial dimension of the right to data protection. Accordingly, Chapter V GDPR sets out the system for the transfer of personal data from the EU to third countries. The first section of this chapter defines the legal concept of “data transfers” and introduces the three legal mechanisms for the transfer of personal data in Chapter V GDPR (Sect. 3.1). The following sections address the three legal mechanism and their role in guaranteeing the right to continuous protection for personal data. Each section entails a fundamental rights analysis for the transfer of personal data on the basis of a legal mechanism in Chapter V GDPR. The second section is dedicated to data transfers based on adequacy decisions for third countries following Article 45 GDPR (Sect. 3.2). The third section is dedicated to data transfers based on the instruments providing appropriate safeguards in Article 46 GDPR such as standard data protection clauses and binding corporate rules (BCRs) (Sect. 3.3). Finally, the fourth section is dedicated to data transfers subject to contract-based and consent-based derogations in Article 49 GDPR (Sect. 3.4).
Concluding Remarks: Data Protection Without Data Protectionism
Authors: Naef Tobias
Published: December 2022

Many states recognize, at least on paper, that data protection and privacy are important values. Nevertheless, they diverge quite jarringly on what the correct level or design of such protection should be. In particular, there is deep disagreement about when data protection crosses the line and becomes data protectionism. In this book, I have shown—using the example of EU law—where the line between data protection and data protectionism in international trade law currently is, and how it can, or should be redrawn.
Diachrone Entwicklung der Bedeutung von Raum in literarischen Texten
Authors: Schumacher Mareike K.
Published: December 2022

Wenn alle Annotationen von Indikatoren für literarische Raumdarstellung nach der in Kapitel 7 vorgestellten Formel zusammengerechnet werden, so kann für jeden Text im Teilkorpus ein Raumindexwert festgelegt werden, der dabei hilft, die Raumdarstellung der Texte quantitativ zueinander in Bezug zu setzen. In diesem Abschnitt werden diese Raumindexwerte im gesamten Teilkorpus vergleichend analysiert, und somit die quantitative Bedeutung von Raumdarstellungen in der Literatur des 18.–21. Jahrhunderts betrachtet. Auch für alternative Raumbegriffe (enger Raumbegriff, relationaler Raumbegriff) und Raumthemen werden Indexwerte berechnet anhand derer das Teilkorpus quantitativ untersucht wird.
Comprehensive analysis of charged lepton flavour violation in the symmetry protected type-I seesaw
Authors: Crivellin Andreas , Kirk Fiona , Manzari Claudio Andrea
Published: December 2022

Abstract

The type-I seesaw model is probably the most straightforward and best studied extension of the Standard Model that can account for the tiny active neutrino masses determined from neutrino oscillation data. In this article, we calculate the complete set of one-loop corrections to charged lepton flavour violating processes within this model. We give the results both using exact diagonalisation of the neutrino mass matrix, and at leading order in the seesaw expansion (i.e. $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(v2/$$ {M}_R^2 $$

M
R
2

)). Furthermore, we perform the matching onto the SU(2)L invariant Standard Model Effective Field Theory at the dimension 6 level. These results can be used as initial conditions for the renormalisation group evolution from the right-handed neutrino scale down to the scale of the physical processes, which resums large logarithms. In our numerical analysis, we study the inverse seesaw limit, i.e. the symmetry protected type-I seesaw, where the Wilson coefficient of the Weinberg operator is zero such that sizeable neutrino Yukawas are permissible and relevant effects in charged lepton flavour violating observables are possible. We correlate the different charged lepton flavour violating processes, e.g. ℓ → ℓ′γ, ℓ → 3ℓ′, μ → e conversion and Z → ℓℓ′, taking into account the constraints from electroweak precision observables and tests of lepton flavour universality.
Classifying divisor topologies for string phenomenology
Authors: Shukla Pramod
Published: December 2022

Abstract

In this article we present a pheno-inspired classification for the divisor topologies of the favorable Calabi Yau (CY) threefolds with 1 ≤ h1,1(CY) ≤ 5 arising from the four-dimensional reflexive polytopes of the Kreuzer-Skarke database. Based on some empirical observations we conjecture that the topologies of the so-called coordinate divisors can be classified into two categories: (i). χh (D) ≥ 1 with Hodge numbers given by {h0,0 = 1, h1,0 = 0, h2,0 = χh (D) − 1, h1,1 = χ(D) − 2χh (D)} and (ii). χh (D) ≤ 1 with Hodge numbers given by {h0,0 = 1, h1,0 = 1 −χh (D), h2,0 = 0, h1,1 = χ(D) + 2 − 4χh (D)}, where χh (D) denotes the Arithmetic genus while χ(D) denotes the Euler characteristic of the divisor D. We present the Hodge numbers of around 140000 coordinate divisors corresponding to all the CY threefolds with 1 ≤ h1,1(CY) ≤ 5 which corresponds to a total of nearly 16000 distinct CY geometries. Subsequently we argue that our conjecture can help in “bypassing” the need of cohomCalg for computing Hodge numbers of coordinate divisors, and hence can be significantly useful for studying the divisor topologies of CY threefolds with higher h1,1 for which cohomCalg gets too slow and sometimes even breaks as well. We also demonstrate how these scanning results can be directly used for phenomenological model building, e.g. in estimating the D3-brane tadpole charge (under reflection involutions) which is a central ingredient for constructing explicit global models due to several different reasons/interests such as the de-Sitter uplifting through anti-D3 brane and (flat) flux vacua searches.
Hospital and laboratory outcomes of patients with COVID-19 who received vitamin D supplementation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zaazouee Mohamed Sayed , Eleisawy Mahmoud , Abdalalaziz Amira M. , Elhady Mahmoud M. , Ali Omar Adel , Abdelbari Taghreed Mohamed , Hasan Sara Mohamed , Almadhoon Hossam Waleed , Ahmed Alaa Yehia , Fassad Alaa Shaban , Elgendy Rewan , Abdel-Baset Eman Adnan , Elsayed Hamis A. , Elsnhory Ahmed Bostamy , Abdraboh Alaa Bahaaeldin , Faragalla Hazem Metwally , Elshanbary Alaa Ahmed , Kensara Osama A. , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M.
Published: December 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a wide-ranging spectrum of clinical symptoms, from asymptomatic/mild to severe. Recent research indicates that, among several factors, a low vitamin D level is a modifiable risk factor for COVID-19 patients. This study aims to evaluate the effect of vitamin D on hospital and laboratory outcomes of patients with COVID-19.

Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) and clinicaltrials.gov were searched until July 2022, using relevant keywords/Mesh terms. Only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that addressed the topic were included. The Cochrane tool was used to assess the studies’ risk of bias, and the data were analyzed using the review manager (RevMan 5.4).

We included nine RCTs with 1586 confirmed COVID-19 patients. Vitamin D group showed a significant reduction of intensive care unit (ICU) admission (risk ratio = 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.41, 0.84], P = 0.003), and higher change in vitamin D level (standardized mean difference = 2.27, 95% CI [2.08, 2.47], P < 0.00001) compared to the control group. Other studied hospital and laboratory outcomes showed non-significant difference between vitamin D and the control group (P ≥ 0.05).

In conclusion, vitamin D reduced the risk of ICU admission and showed superiority in changing vitamin D level compared to the control group. However, other outcomes showed no difference between the two groups. More RCTs are needed to confirm these results.
Alternate Cervical Venous Access Sites for Implantable Port Catheters: Experience at a Single Quaternary Care Institution
Authors: Liou Frank K. , Kim Patrick Y. , Yap S. Paran , Khan Abdullah , Taylor Sandra , Pillai Rex , King Eric , Shah Amol , Andrews R. Torrance , Vu Catherine T. , Goldman Roger E.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Clinical outcomes of implantable port catheters (IPCs) placed via alternative veins such as the external jugular and cervical collaterals have not been well established. This investigation evaluates the short- and long-term outcomes of IPCs inserted via alternate cervical veins (ACV) compared to traditionally inserted IPCs via the internal jugular vein (IJV).

Materials and Methods

A total of 24 patients who received an IPC between 2010 and 2020 via an ACV—defined as the external jugular vein, superficial cervical vein, or unnamed collateral veins—were identified. Based on power analysis, a matched control group of 72 patients who received IPCs via the IJV was identified. Non-inferiority analysis for port complications was performed between the two groups based on the selected non-inferiority margin of 20%. Secondary end points included complication-free survival and comparison of complications by the time at which they occurred.

Results

ACV access was non-inferior to traditional access for overall complications. Alternate access resulted in fewer complications than traditional access with an estimated reduction of − 7.0% [95% CI − 23.6%, 39.7%]. There was no significant difference in peri-procedural and post-procedural complications between the two groups. Complication-free survival was also equivalent between the two groups.

Conclusion

IPC placement via ACVs was non-inferior to IPCs placed via traditional access through the IJV. When abnormal pathology obviates the use of IJV access, other cervical veins may be considered prior to seeking alternate locations such as femoral, translumbar, inferior vena cava, and hepatic veins.
Global warming modifies the seasonal distribution of clutches on a Mediterranean great tit population
Authors: Solís Iris , Álvarez Elena , Barba Emilio
Published: December 2022

Global warming has multiple effects on phenological events on a wide range of plants and animals. Specifically, many bird species have advanced the start of their breeding season, which could also imply an extension in its duration and also a change in the distribution of clutches throughout the breeding season. We have tested whether this occurred in a population of Great Tits (Parus major), in Sagunto (eastern Spain). The increase of March temperatures between 1986 and 2019 was related to an advancement of the breeding season. Although the breeding season was longer in years with higher June temperatures, the length did not show a temporal trend throughout the study period. The clutches were more concentrated at the beginning of the season (increase in the skewness), while the kurtosis (“tailedness” of the distribution) or the modality did not change significantly. Finally, the number of “equally good months” for breeding (a combined measure of length and distribution) has not changed throughout the years. Overall, all these phenological changes probably caused the observed increased proportion of pairs laying two clutches per year. It remains to be studied whether this increase in reproductive effort has positive or negative impact on fitness.
A New In Situ Test for the Assessment of the Rock-Burst Alarm Threshold During Tunnelling
Authors: Voza A. , Valguarnera L. , Marrazzo R. , Ascari G. , Boldini D.
Published: December 2022

Rock-burst is one of the most serious risks associated with hard rock tunnelling and mining at high depths. Monitoring of acoustic emissions emitted by the rock-mass during excavation and their interpretation now permits the early assessment of failure events and makes the safe management of the construction works possible. A reliable set-up of the alarm threshold is thus fundamental for the correct implementation of the procedures planned to minimise rock-burst related risk. This paper focuses on a novel in situ test specifically developed to provide an experimental basis for a more accurate assessment of the alarm threshold during tunnelling, representative of the local geomechanical conditions. The test, thanks to the compression induced by two flat jacks at the tunnel side wall, produces an artificial failure process during which acoustic emissions are measured and correlated to the mechanical response of the rock-mass, without the typical limitations of scale that characterised the laboratory experiments. The new methodology, named the Mules method, was successfully tested during the excavation of some stretches of the Brenner Base Tunnel in the Brixner granite, affected by mild spalling episodes. The case-history is fully described in the paper to illustrate the practical application of the proposed approach.
Chalcopyrite solar cells —state-of-the-art and options for improvement
Authors: Siebentritt S. , Weiss T. P.
Published: December 2022

Chalcopyrite solar cells will have to play an important role to mitigate the climate crisis, because of their particularly low carbon emissions. Doping in these semiconductors is due to native defects and intentional alkali impurities. The recent progress in efficiency has been made possible by post-deposition treatments with heavy alkalis. Tail states and band gap distribution are the main limitations for the open circuit voltage in state-of-the-art chalcopyrite solar cells. Further efficiency limitations are due to the increased diode factor because of metastable defect transitions. Alloying with Ag opens new possibilities of band-edge engineering, as well as seems to improve the diode factor. In state-of-the-art cells the back contact is passivated by a Ga gradient; considerable research has been done to passivate the back contact by structured or continuous dielectric layers. A leap forward in efficiency can be expected from tandem cells. Chalcopyrite solar cells show promising potential as bottom cells as well as top cells.
Comparison of Sleeve Volume Between Banded and Non-banded Sleeve Gastrectomy: Midterm Effect on Weight and Food Tolerance—a Retrospective Study
Authors: Hany Mohamed , Torensma Bart , Zidan Ahmed , Agayby Ann Samy Shafiq , Ibrahim Mohamed , Shafie Mohamed El , Sayed Iman El
Published: December 2022

Background

Sleeve dilatation after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) causes weight regain (WR). Banded sleeve gastrectomy (BSG) was proposed to prevent dilatation and reduce WR.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study on patients who underwent BSG and LSG and completed 4 years of follow-up from 2016 to 2021 was included. Body mass index (BMI), percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), percentage of total weight loss (%TWL), and FT scores were calculated at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years. The sleeve volume was estimated at 6 months, 1 year, and 4 years. Multi-variate analysis was conducted to assess correlations between covariates. WR was calculated as weight gain > 10%, > 10 kg above the nadir, or BMI increase of ≥ 5 kg/m 2 above the nadir.

Results

This study included LSG 1279 patients and BSG 132 patients. Mean %EWL at 1 year was 83.87 ± 17.25% in LSG vs. 85.71 ± 7.92% in BSG and was 83.47 ± 18.87% in LSG and 85.54 ± 7.48% in BSG at 4 years. Both had significant weight loss over time (p. < 0.001) with no significant main effect of surgery (p.0.438). Mean sleeve volume at 6 months was 102.32 ± 9.88 ± 10.28 ml in LSG vs. 101.89 ± 10.019 ml in BSG and at 4 years was 580.25 ± 112.25 ml in LSG vs. 157.94 ± 12.54 ml in BSG (p. < 0.001).

WR occurred in 136 (10.6%) and 4 (3.1%) (p.0.002) in LSG and BSG patients, 90 (7%) vs. zero (0%) (p.0.002) and 31 (2.4%) vs. zero (0%) (p.0.07) using the > 10%, > 10 kg increase above the nadir and the ≥ 5 kg/m 2 BMI increases above the nadir formulas, respectively.

Conclusion

BSG had significantly lower sleeve volume, significantly lower WR, and significantly lower FT scores than LSG after 4 years from surgery; however, volume changes were not correlated with weight loss.

Graphical Abstract
Initial experience with orbital atherectomy in a tertiary centre in the Netherlands
Authors: den Dekker Wijnand K. , Siskos Anastasios-Alexandros , Wilschut Jeroen M. , Nuis Rutger-Jan , Scarparo Paola , Neleman Tara , Masdjedi Kaneshka , Ligthart Jurgen M. R. , Diletti Roberto , Daemen Joost , Van Mieghem Nicolas M.
Published: December 2022

Background

In January 2021, the Diamondback 360 orbital atherectomy (OA) system received CE mark approval and became available in Europe. The first procedure in Europe was performed at the Thoraxcenter, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Aims

To report the procedural safety and efficacy of the initial experience with OA in a tertiary care institution in the Netherlands.

Methods

Patients with de novo severely calcified coronary artery disease who were treated with intended invasive imaging-guided OA were included in a prospective single-centre registry. Device success, defined as less than 50% stenosis after OA, and procedural success, defined as successful stent implantation with less than 50% residual stenosis, were evaluated. Calcium debulking effects were assessed by invasive imaging. Safety was assessed up to 30 days after the index procedure.

Results

Between February 2021 and June 2021, 29 patients with a total of 39 coronary arteries underwent OA. Target lesions were heavily calcified with a mean length of 32 mm and a calcium arc of 320 degrees. Invasive imaging was applied in all but one patient and 36 vessels. Superficial sanding was observed in almost all vessels (90%) and fracturing of deeper medial calcium in more than half of the vessels (63%), with a device success of 66% and procedural success of 94%. The mean stent symmetry index was 0.84, indicating good circular stent expansion. No primary safety events occurred during 30 days of follow-up.

Conclusion

Our initial experience with OA for heavily calcified coronary lesions demonstrated favourable debulking effects and plaque modification, with high procedural success and clinical safety.
Designing a feature selection method based on explainable artificial intelligence
Authors: Zacharias Jan , von Zahn Moritz , Chen Johannes , Hinz Oliver
Published: December 2022

Nowadays, artificial intelligence (AI) systems make predictions in numerous high stakes domains, including credit-risk assessment and medical diagnostics. Consequently, AI systems increasingly affect humans, yet many state-of-the-art systems lack transparency and thus, deny the individual’s “right to explanation”. As a remedy, researchers and practitioners have developed explainable AI, which provides reasoning on how AI systems infer individual predictions. However, with recent legal initiatives demanding comprehensive explainability throughout the (development of an) AI system, we argue that the pre-processing stage has been unjustifiably neglected and should receive greater attention in current efforts to establish explainability. In this paper, we focus on introducing explainability to an integral part of the pre-processing stage: feature selection. Specifically, we build upon design science research to develop a design framework for explainable feature selection. We instantiate the design framework in a running software artifact and evaluate it in two focus group sessions. Our artifact helps organizations to persuasively justify feature selection to stakeholders and, thus, comply with upcoming AI legislation. We further provide researchers and practitioners with a design framework consisting of meta-requirements and design principles for explainable feature selection.
Interdisciplinary perspectives on privacy awareness in lifelogging technology development
Authors: Wilkowska Wiktoria , Offermann Julia , Colonna Liane , Florez-Revuelta Francisco , Climent-Pérez Pau , Mihailidis Alex , Poli Angelica , Spinsante Susanna , Ziefle Martina
Published: December 2022

Population aging resulting from demographic changes requires some challenging decisions and necessary steps to be taken by different stakeholders to manage current and future demand for assistance and support. The consequences of population aging can be mitigated to some extent by assisting technologies that can support the autonomous living of older individuals and persons in need of care in their private environments as long as possible. A variety of technical solutions are already available on the market, but privacy protection is a serious, often neglected, issue when using such (assisting) technology. Thus, privacy needs to be thoroughly taken under consideration in this context. In a three-year project PAAL (‘Privacy-Aware and Acceptable Lifelogging Services for Older and Frail People’), researchers from different disciplines, such as law, rehabilitation, human-computer interaction, and computer science, investigated the phenomenon of privacy when using assistive lifelogging technologies. In concrete terms, the concept of Privacy by Design was realized using two exemplary lifelogging applications in private and professional environments. A user-centered empirical approach was applied to the lifelogging technologies, investigating the perceptions and attitudes of (older) users with different health-related and biographical profiles. The knowledge gained through the interdisciplinary collaboration can improve the implementation and optimization of assistive applications. In this paper, partners of the PAAL project present insights gained from their cross-national, interdisciplinary work regarding privacy-aware and acceptable lifelogging technologies.