bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Botanical composition of meadows and pastures and their role in the functioning of early medieval semi-artificial lake islands in Ziemia Lubuska (Lubusz land), western Poland
Authors: Maciejewska Karolina , Badura Monika , Noryśkiewicz Agnieszka M.
Published: May 2022

Continuation of archaeobotanical and palaeoecological research on three semi-artificial lake islands, Nowy Dworek, Chycina and Lubniewice, has provided new information on the history, development and use of grasslands in Ziemia Lubuska (Lubusz land) in western Poland during the early Middle Ages. Pollen analysis reveals that the reduction in woodland and opening up of the regional landscape and the appearance of grassland communities there began around the 7th centuryad, which preceded the construction of the islands in the lakes. The analysis of plant macroremains collected from the settlement layers on these islands, of pollen from cores in the lakes and studies of the phytosociological plant communities of recent vegetation have helped to describe the botanical composition of these past meadows and pastures. The results show strong similarities between the three sites, which suggests that the local populations were using the same grassland types, which were on soils ranging from damp to rather dry and sandy. The main grassland in the vicinity of the islands included theMolinio-Arrhenathereteasyntaxonomical class of communities, althoughFestuco-Brometeagrasslands were also present. The presence of plant remains associated with various other types of meadows and pastures shows the diversity of habitats represented by the plant remains.
Electrical properties of amorphous Ge26InxSe74-x chalcogenide thin films
Authors: Abd El-Ghany W. A. , Salem A. M. , Teleb Nahed H.
Published: May 2022

Amorphous Ge26InxSe74-x (1 ≤ × ≤ 5) chalcogenide thin films have been deposited by thermal evaporation technique. The temperature-dependence of DC conductivity and the temperature and frequency dependence of AC conductivity have been studied in the temperature range 295–523 K and in the frequency range 4–8 MHz. The study of the temperature-dependent of DC conductivity refers to the presence of two distinct conduction mechanisms; the activation energies for each were calculated and it was observed that their values decrease by increasing In content. Besides, in the low-temperature region, the variation of the conductivity against temperature was further analyzed according to the variable-range hopping model based on Mott’s relation, whereby the hopping parameters were evaluated. For all investigated compositions, the variation of the AC conductivity against frequency at the studied temperatures was interpreted according to the correlated barrier hopping (CBH) model which based on Jonscher’s power law, whereby the potential barrier height, WM, and the theoretical optical bandgap, Eg, were calculated.
Two-stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: clinical and radiological results
Authors: Cavagnaro Luca , Chiarlone Francesco , Mosconi Lorenzo , Zanirato Andrea , Formica Matteo , Burastero Giorgio
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has an infection rate of 0.1–0.8%. Despite the wide amount of literature about septic total knee arthroplasty management, few data are available for UKA infection treatment. The aim is to present the clinical and radiological outcomes along with complication rates of a series of septic UKA treated with two-stage exchange.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 16 patient treated with staged UKA revision for infection between June 2015 and September 2019 in a single bone infection unit. The main demographic and surgical data were recorded. Clinical scores (VAS, KSS, OKS, postoperative ROM), radiological parameters (osseointegration, loosening and radiolucencies) and complications were reported. The mean follow-up was 33.5 ± 6.9 months.

Results

Mean age at surgery was 68.5 ± 9.1. All but two were medial UKA. The mean number of previous surgeries was 2.9 ± 1.9. The mean ROM, VAS, KSS and OKS of the entire population improved significantly (p < 0.01). Radiological analysis did not show any migration or implant loosening. Ten constrained condylar and six posterior stabilized prosthesis were finally implanted. One intraoperative pathogen isolation was recorded and managed with suppressive therapy and good final outcome. The implant survivorship free from infection was 100% at the final follow-up. The overall survival rate for any reason of revision was 100%

Conclusion

According to our results, staged revision represents a reliable ad effective option in delayed and late UKA infections. This technique provides optimal clinical and radiological results with acceptable complication rates. To the best of our knowledge, this represent the widest case series on infected UKA managed with two-stage exchange.
Nachhaltigkeitsziele in der Wirtschaftspolitik — juristische Überlegungen
Authors: Bechtold Stefan
Published: May 2022

In Europe, legislators are increasingly introducing sustainability goals into the system of private law. By prohibiting certain conduct, increasing transparency, nudging companies, as well as changing institutions, procedures and liability regimes, legislators complement private law with tools and goals traditionally attributed to public law. This article provides an overview and points to critical aspects, including the limited empirical evidence on how effective such measures are, whether such measures invite strategic maneuvers by companies, and how this affects the general relationship between private and public law.
Nachhaltigkeitsziele in der Wirtschaftspolitik — volkswirtschaftliche Überlegungen
Authors: Wambach Achim , Zulehner Christine
Published: May 2022

Through the canon of the UN SDGs or the European Green Deal, sustainability goals are finding their way into legislation. From an economic point of view, these targets often aim to reduce negative external effects, which is in many cases in line with the economic goal of maximising welfare. The determination of welfare gains in this context is not trivial and raises new questions in economics. Because they are often not clearly defined, the anchoring of sustainability goals in legislation may weaken legal certainty and lead to an abusive pursuit of other goals under their guise. This should be prevented by formulating the goals as concretely and legally securely as possible and by building up competence in the authorities entrusted with their implementation.
Handelssanktionen — Wirkungen und Nebenwirkungen
Authors: Petersen Thieß , Schwab Thomas
Published: May 2022

Länder setzen immer wieder Wirtschaftssanktionen gegen andere Nationen ein, um diese zu einem bestimmten Handeln zu bewegen. Ein verändertes Verhalten soll dadurch erwirkt werden, dass dem von der Sanktion betroffenen Land ein wirtschaftlicher Schaden zugefügt wird. Er erhöht den Preis für Handlungen, die als unerwünscht angesehen werden. Dieser Beitrag untersucht die ökonomischen Auswirkungen von Handelssanktionen auf die beteiligten Volkswirtschaften und diskutiert diese in der aktuellen Situation mit Russland.
Wohlstand schaffen oder verteilen? Ein kurzer Blick auf Wahl- und Regierungsprogramme
Authors: Menkhoff Lukas
Published: May 2022

Wirtschaftspolitik in einer sozialen Marktwirtschaft möchte Wohlstand schaffen und verteilen. Dies zeigt sich in den Wahl- und Regierungsprogrammen auf Bundesebene seit 2002, allerdings mit sehr unterschiedlichen Akzenten. Zur Analyse wird deshalb die relative Häufigkeit der Begriffe „Soziales“ und „Wettbewerb“ in Programmen errechnet. Der daraus gebildete S/W-Koeffizient zeigt die Positionierung der Parteien, ihre Veränderung, die Reaktion auf die Wirtschaftslage, den Unterschied zwischen Wahl- und Regierungsprogramm und schließlich den Kompromiss der Regierungsbildung.
Wohnimmobilienpreise, Inflationsmessung und Geldpolitik im Euroraum
Authors: Herborn Alexander , Schnabl Gunther
Published: May 2022

Die Niedrigzinspolitik der EZB hat in vielen Ländern des Euroraums zu einem starken Anstieg der Wohnimmobilienpreise beigetragen. In einigen Mitgliedstaaten mündeten diese Übertreibungen am Wohnimmobilienmarkt bereits in Finanz- und Schuldenkrisen. Der Harmonisierte Verbraucherpreisindex (HVPI) von Eurostat, auf den die EZB ihre Geldpolitik ausrichtet, berücksichtigt die Wohnimmobilienpreise nicht. In der jüngsten Strategieüberprüfung der EZB wurde die Integration von selbstgenutztem Wohneigentum in den HVPI auf der Grundlage eines neuen Index von Eurostat in Aussicht gestellt. Der Beitrag untersucht mit Fokus auf Deutschland den Einfluss von selbstgenutztem Wohneigentum auf die offiziell gemessenen Inflationsraten und zeigt die Schwächen des geplanten Ansatzes auf.
Measuring of strain parameters reflects changes of right ventricular function before and after thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Li Shen-Yi , Zhang Yi , Shen Ting-Ting , Lu Tian-Tian , Li Xi
Published: May 2022

Strain parameters on speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) have been proposed as effective indexes for evaluating right ventricular (RV) function. This pilot study investigated the role of STE-derived strain parameters in assessing global and regional RV myocardial mechanical changes in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) before and after thrombolytic therapy. In this case–control study, a total of 73 PE patients, 34 with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and 39 without PH, who underwent thrombolytic therapy were included. Healthy volunteers were included as controls. The peak longitudinal systolic strain (PLSS) and time to PLSS (TTP) for the global and regional RV were analyzed by STE software immediately before and 14 days after thrombolytic therapy. Changes in STE-derived strain parameters and conventional ultrasound parameters were compared. PLSS and TTP decreased before treatment in PE patients compared with measurements in the control group, particularly in those with PH. Also, the strain parameters decreased more significantly for the free wall than for the septum wall (P < 0.05). Moreover, the RV diastolic diameter (RVDD) and RV/left ventricular (LV) diameter ratio increased, while RV fraction shortening (RVFS), RV fractional area change (RVFAC), tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient (TRPG), and tricuspid annular peak systolic excursion (TAPSE) decreased (P < 0.05). The global strain parameters for the RV were positively correlated with RVDD and RV/LV diameter ratio, but negatively correlated with RVFS, RVFAC, TRPG, and TAPSE (P < 0.05). After treatment, the strain parameters differed significantly between PE patients with PH and controls but did not differ between PE patients without PH and controls. STE-derived parameters are effective for detecting changes in global and regional RV function in PE patients with or without acute PH.
Physicalism or Anti-physicalism: A Disjunctive Account
Authors: Baysan Umut , Wildman Nathan
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we make a case for the disjunctive view of phenomenal consciousness: consciousness is essentially disjunctive in being either physical or non-physical in the sense that it has both physical and non-physical possible instances. We motivate this view by showing that it undermines two well-known conceivability arguments in philosophy of mind: the zombie argument for anti-physicalism, and the anti-zombie argument for physicalism. By appealing to the disjunctive view, we argue that two hitherto unquestioned premises of these arguments are false. Furthermore, making use of the resources of this view, we formulate distinct forms of both physicalism and anti-physicalism. On these formulations, it is easy to see how physicalists and anti-physicalists can accommodate the modal intuitions of their opponents regarding zombies and anti-zombies. We conclude that these formulations of physicalism and anti-physicalism are superior to their more traditional counterparts.
Two-party Bargaining Processes Based on Subjective Expectations: A Model and a Simulation Study
Authors: Dias Luis C. , Vetschera Rudolf
Published: May 2022

This work presents a model for a two-party bargaining process in which multiple offers are exchanged as the negotiation goes on, under a risk of breakdown. Typical game theoretical analyses of such settings assume the breakdown risk is known and the parties are able to calculate an initial offer that is immediately accepted by the other party, ending the negotiation. Aiming to develop a model that is closer to real-life situations, in which parties do exchange many offers in a bargaining process, we consider the parties are unable to compute the far-reaching consequences of their offers, and are guided by their subjective expectations of the outcome of the negotiation. This introduces a new perspective to the analysis of two-party bargaining processes: the confidence of the bargainers in terms of what they hope to achieve by bargaining with each other. The resulting model can be seen as an extension of the Zeuthen-Hicks bargaining model. We show analytically that under the assumption of concave utilities of both parties, the bargaining process converges to the nonsymmetric Nash bargaining solution, where the asymmetry is caused by differences in expectations. This result provides a new interpretation of the parameters of the nonsymmetric Nash bargaining solution, linking them to behavior in the bargaining process. As an additional contribution, we perform a simulation study to examine the role of confidence and to analyze the outcomes for non-concave utility functions.
Blockchain for SME Clusters: An Ideation using the Framework of Ostrom Commons Governance
Authors: Jain Geetika , Shrivastava Archana , Paul Justin , Batra Ronak
Published: May 2022

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) organize themselves into clusters by sharing a set of limited resources to achieve the holistic success of the cluster. However, these SMEs often face conflicts and deadlock situations that hinder the fundamental operational dynamics of the cluster due to varied reasons, including lack of trust and transparency in interactions, lack of common consensus, and lack of accountability and non-repudiation. Blockchain technology brings trust, transparency, and traceability to systems, as demonstrated by previous research and practice. In this paper, we explore the role of blockchain technology in building a trustworthy yet collaborative environment in SME clusters through the principles of community self-governance based on the work of Nobel Laureate Elinor Ostrom. We develop and present a blockchain commons governance framework for the three main dimensions i.e., interaction, autonomy, and control, based on the theoretical premise of equivalence mapping and qualitative analysis. This paper examines the role of blockchain technology to act as a guiding mechanism and support the smooth functioning of SMEs for their holistic good. The study focuses on sustainability and improving productivity of SMEs operating in clusters under public and private partnership. This is the first study to address the operational challenges faced by SEMs in clusters by highlighting the dimensions of blockchain commons governance dimensions.
The Developmental Crisis Questionnaire (DCQ-12): Psychometric Development and Validation
Authors: Petrov Nikolay , Robinson Oliver C. , Arnett Jeffrey J.
Published: May 2022

Developmental crisis is a construct that is central to many theories of psychosocial adult development, yet there is currently no validated psychometric measure of adult developmental crisis that can be used across adult age groups. To address this gap in the literature, we developed and validated an age-independent measure of adult developmental crisis for research and applied purposes, entitled the Developmental Crisis Questionnaire (DCQ-12). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted separately on different samples. A three-factor structure emerged as the best fit with the data: (1) Disconnection and Distress; (2) Lack of Clarity and Control and (3) Transition and Turning Point. The DCQ-12 showed predictive validity with measures of self-esteem, locus of control, authentic living, optimism, presence of and search for meaning, turning points and a related crisis measure. Four-week test–retest reliability ranged from 0.78 to 0.89 across subscales. As well as research uses, the DCQ-12 measure has potential application in practice, given that assessment of developmental crisis has relevance to professionals working in clinical and non-clinical roles to support and coach adults through periods of transition.
Rod-packing arrangements of invariant tori in solenoidal vector fields with cubic symmetries
Authors: Nishiyama Takahiro
Published: May 2022

The arrangements of invariant tori that resemble rod packings with cubic symmetries are considered in three-dimensional solenoidal vector fields. To find them systematically, vector fields whose components are represented in the form of multiple Fourier series with finite terms are classified using magnetic groups. The maximal magnetic group compatible with each arrangement is specified on the assumption that the cores of the nested invariant tori are straight and located on the lines corresponding to the central axes of the rods packed. Desired rod-packing arrangements are demonstrated by selecting vector fields whose magnetic groups are the maximal ones and by drawing their integral curves that twine around invariant tori. In the demonstration of chiral arrangements, Beltrami flows (or force-free fields in plasma physics), which have the strongest chirality of all solenoidal vector fields satisfying the same vector Helmholtz equation, are used. As by-products, several chain-like arrangements of closed invariant tori were found. One of the chains consists of knotted invariant tori. In all vector fields (chiral or achiral) selected for the demonstration, the volume percentages of ordered regions formed by invariant tori in a unit cell were roughly measured with the aid of a supervised machine learning technique.
The Dropsy of Popes (1555–1978): A Bad Prognostic Sign Foreboding of Death
Authors: De Santo Natale Gaspare , Bisaccia Carmela , De Santo Luca Salvatore
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study is to explore the historical background of edema as a prognostic sign in popes, a special category of medical subjects whose health status was closely monitored and chronicled because of their unique important status in the events of their times. Nine out of 51 popes, who reigned in the years 1555–1978, died edematous at a mean age of 75.5 years of age. The cause of edema was: heart failure for John Paul I, liver disease, obstructive nephropathy associated with anemia for Paul IV, who also suffered from deep vein thrombosis, and malnutrition for Innocent XIII. Chronic kidney disease due to renal stones of gouty origin caused edema in Clement VIII, Clement X, Clement XI, and Benedict XIV. Obstructive nephropathy due to renal stones of non-gouty origin caused edema in Clement XIII, whereas toxic nephropathy due to the use of mercurials caused edema in Clement XIV. Innocent XI, Benedict XIV, and Clement XIV were bled before death because of impending pulmonary edema. It is not surprising that chronic kidney disease was a significant cause of edema in popes with chronic kidney disease which is associated with impaired sodium excretion. The edema was likely aggravated by the excessive dietary salt intake of the period when the importance of sodium chloride restriction was still not discovered and effective diuretic agents were not available.
Use of Parental Disability Trajectories to Identify Adolescents Who are Young Carers
Authors: King Tania L. , Shields Marissa , O’Flaherty Martin , Kavanagh Anne , Spittal Matthew J.
Published: May 2022

Being a young carer can have significant impacts on the lives of children and adolescents. Identifying young carers is difficult, making the provision of support challenging for service providers. This sample contained 4464 Australian children/adolescents across 11 years (49% female, aged 6/7 years at baseline, and 16/17 years at final wave). Group-based trajectory modeling was applied to examine parental disability trajectories across 5 waves of data collection. Associations between estimated trajectories and unpaid/informal caring at age 16/17 years were then assessed. Three trajectory groups were identified: consistently-low (80%), low-increasing-high (10%) and moderate-high (10%) levels of parental disability. There was strong evidence that caring was elevated in the low-increasing-high group compared to the consistently-low group, and moderate evidence of elevation in the moderate-high group. By identifying adolescents with increased odds of becoming young carers, this study shows that parental disability may be an important way for service providers to identify and support young carers.
Performance review of locking alleviation methods for continuum ANCF beam elements
Authors: Obrezkov Leonid P. , Mikkola Aki , Matikainen Marko K.
Published: May 2022

The absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) is a nonlinear finite element approach proposed for the large deformation dynamics analysis of beam- and plate/shell-type structures. In the ANCF approach, elastic forces can be defined using three-dimensional elasticity-based continuum mechanics. This approach is often straightforward, and it makes it possible to use advanced material models in the ANCF framework. However, it has been pointed out in several studies that continuum ANCF-based elements with a full three-dimensional elasticity description can suffer from locking phenomena. In this study, a comparison between various combinations of locking alleviation techniques and their applicability to different ANCF beam variants is studied using numerical examples. Furthermore, the enhanced deformation gradient (EDG) technique, which has been proposed recently in finite element literature, is demonstrated for high-order ANCF beam elements. Based on the numerical tests, none of the currently available techniques are suitable for all types of ANCF elements. The paper also shows that the efficiency and accuracy of the techniques are case-dependent. For the ANCF beam element involving higher-order terms with respect to trapezoidal mode, however, the EDG-based techniques are preferable to reduce locking phenomena.
Nitrate-uptake restraint in Banksia spp. (Proteaceae) and Melaleuca spp. (Myrtaceae) from a severely phosphorus-impoverished environment
Authors: Liu Shu Tong , Ranathunge Kosala , Lambers Hans , Finnegan Patrick M.
Published: May 2022

Aims

South-western Australia has some of the most phosphorus (P)-impoverished soils in the world. Hakea prostrata (Proteaceae) has nitrate (NO3−)-uptake restraint, associated with its high P-use efficiency. This research explores how common this trait is in other Proteaceae and in co-occurring plant species in south-western Australia.

Methods

Banksia attenuata (Proteaceae), B. telmatiaea (Proteaceae), Melaleuca seriata (Myrtaceae) and M. rhaphiophylla (Myrtaceae) were grown with no NO3−, Medium (500 µM) NO3− or High (2500 µM) NO3− treatments with no other source of nitrogen (N). Plants were harvested after treatments. Leaf nitrate and phosphate concentrations were determined, as well as biomass, total N and total P concentrations of leaves, stems and roots separately.

Results

Banksia attenuata, B. telmatiaea and M. seriata had similar total N content when supplied with High NO3− as they did when supplied with Medium NO3−. All four species had the same low leaf NO3−-N concentration in High and Medium NO3− treatments, no more than 6% of leaf total N. All species had similar leaf NO3− concentrations as those of plants growing in their natural habitat where the available soil nitrate concentration was much lower. These results are in sharp contrast with plants that are typically studied, for example Arabidopsis thaliana.

Conclusions

All four species exhibited NO3−-uptake restraint to different degrees. Nitrate-uptake restraint appears a convergent trait common to many species that evolved in severely P-impoverished landscapes, allowing them to be more P-efficient.
RESET-APP: ein App-basiertes Angebot zur Selbstregulation für Schüler*innen der Sekundarstufe I – Akzeptanz und Nutzungsverhalten
Authors: Bundscherer-Meierhofer Katharina , Rauch Margarete , Loew Thomas H. , Leinberger Beate
Published: May 2022

Hintergrund

Die COVID-19-Pandemie („coronavirus disease 2019“) hat immense Auswirkungen auf die psychische Gesundheit. Kinder und Jugendliche gelten hierbei als besonders vulnerabel. Deshalb sind gerade für sie Angebote zur Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention wichtig. Gesundheitsförderung sollte motivierend gestaltet werden, um für diese Altersgruppe attraktiv zu sein. Ziel dieser Arbeit war zu untersuchen, ob Jugendliche mithilfe von innovativen digitalen Formaten erreicht werden können.

Methodik

Es wurde ein App-basiertes Training zur Förderung der Selbstregulation für die Sekundarstufe I konzipiert und Jugendlichen der Sekundarstufe I im Herbst 2020 angeboten. Hier wurde u. a. die Art der Motivation zur Teilnahme am Training abgefragt. Zudem konnten die Schüler*innen die Attraktivität des Trainings abschließend bewerten.

Ergebnis

Von den registrierten Schüler*innen (n = 91) absolvierten 39,56 % das komplette Training. 40,91 % der Schüler*innen, die das Training vollständig absolviert haben, gaben an, dass das Training „sehr“ hilfreich war, 36,36 % bewerteten es als „ziemlich“ hilfreich. 50 % der Befragten fand das App-basierte Training „modern und motivierend“, die andere Hälfte hätte sich jedoch mehr persönliche Betreuung gewünscht.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Ergebnisse decken sich mit den Ergebnissen bereits veröffentlichter Studien: Heranwachsende sind zwar prinzipiell offen für digitale Formate, jene werden aber kaum verbindlich und kontinuierlich genutzt.
Data Quality of Digital Process Data
Authors: Schmitz Andreas , Riebling Jan R.
Published: May 2022

Digital process data are becoming increasingly important for social science research, but their quality has been gravely neglected so far. In this article, we adopt a process perspective and argue that data extracted from socio-technical systems are, in principle, subject to the same error-inducing mechanisms as traditional forms of social science data, namely biases that arise before their acquisition (observational design), during their acquisition (data generation), and after their acquisition (data processing). As the lack of access and insight into the actual processes of data production renders key traditional mechanisms of quality assurance largely impossible, it is essential to identify data quality problems in the data available—that is, to focus on the possibilities post-hoc quality assessment offers to us. We advance a post-hoc strategy of data quality assurance, integrating simulation and explorative identification techniques. As a use case, we illustrate this approach with the example of bot activity and the effects this phenomenon can have on digital process data. First, we employ agent-based modelling to simulate datasets containing these data problems. Subsequently, we demonstrate the possibilities and challenges of post-hoc control by mobilizing geometric data analysis, an exemplary technique for identifying data quality issues.
Goal frames and sustainability transitions: how cognitive lock-ins can impede crop diversification
Authors: Weituschat Chiara Sophia , Pascucci Stefano , Materia Valentina Cristiana , Tamas Peter , de Jong Ruth , Trienekens Jacques
Published: May 2022

Transitions towards more sustainable agricultural systems are often characterised by ‘lock-ins’, understood as self-reinforcing mechanisms that reproduce the status quo and impede change. While socioeconomic, technological and institutional lock-ins have been widely used to understand processes of sustainable transitions in agri-food systems, the role of so-called cognitive lock-ins is still under-investigated. In this study, we focus on how institutional settings create cognitive lock-ins in farmers’ decision-making related to the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. We apply goal framing for environmental behaviour and transition theory in explaining how socio-technical conditions may shape farmer’s decision-making. Empirically, we focus on the example of diversifying crop rotations with legumes as an established strategy to increase biodiversity and soil health, and reduce agrochemical use, emissions and pollution, which still remains rare in European agriculture. We use two cases in the Atlantic pedo-climatic region, Cornwall, UK, and Gelderland, Netherlands. Using in-depth interview data with farmers and extensive supplementary secondary data, we explore how context-specific socio-technical settings interact with farmers’ normative, gain-oriented and hedonic goal frames to shape the (un-)desirability of crop diversification with legumes. This creates conditions recognisable as cognitive lock-ins: the context of farmers’ decision-making creates cognitive processes that drastically reduce the perceived viability of alternative agricultural practices. Our findings in this case suggest the framework developed for this study may help to identify regionally specific, as well as common, barriers and solutions to crop diversification and comparable practices that are relevant to transitions towards sustainability in agri-food systems.
A conceptual data model promoting data-driven circular manufacturing
Authors: Acerbi Federica , Sassanelli Claudio , Taisch Marco
Published: May 2022

Circular economy (CE) paradigm fosters manufacturing companies’ sustainability taking place through different circular manufacturing (CM) strategies. These strategies allow companies to be internally committed to embrace circular values and to be externally aligned with several stakeholders not necessarily belonging to the same supply chain. Nevertheless, these CM strategies adoption is limited by heterogeneous barriers, among which the management and sharing of data and information remain the most relevant ones, bounding the decision-making process of manufacturers in CM. Moreover, the extant literature unveiled the need to structure data and information in a reference model to make them usable by manufacturers. Therefore, the goal of the present work is to propose a reference model by developing a conceptual data model to standardise and structure the necessary data in CM to support manufacturers’ decision-making process. Through this model, data and information to be gathered by manufacturers are elucidated, providing an overview of which ones should be managed internally, and shared externally, clarifying the presence of their mutual interdependencies. The model was conceptualised and developed relying on the extant literature and improved and validated through academic and industrial experts’ interviews.
Spatial assessment of groundwater quality using CCME-WQI and hydrochemical indices: a case study from Talupula Mandal, Ananthapuramu district, South India
Authors: Basha U Imran , Rajasekhar M , Ghosh Suravi , Das Priyanko , Suresh U
Published: May 2022

Fluoride contamination in groundwater is known from different villages of Talupula Mandal. In the present study in part of SoI toposheet no.57 J/8) of Ananthapuramu district, Andhra Pradesh, the magnitude and credible geogenic sources of the fluoride contamination in groundwater are studied. The present study carried out includes 30 groundwater samples covering an area of 442.89 sq km using (GIS) and (CCME-WQI) techniques. Problem is causally related to fluoride intoxication of human beings and animals through drinking waters. Well waters in the Talupula Mandal surrounded areas carry a high level of fluoride concentrations, much above the internationally decided safety limits. ‘Fluorosis’ is imminent as a result of prolonged intake of waters with more than 1 to 1.5 ppm of fluoride. Fluoride testing results of groundwater from borewell pump using fluoride test kit reveal that about 50% groundwater samples show fluoride concentration more than 4.0 mg/l, 30% samples show between 2.0 and 3.0 mg/l and 20% samples show fluoride concentration is 1–2 mg/l and above (BIS permissible limit: 1.5 mg/l). Agriculture indices are as follows: sodium percentage (Na%) was found between ranges (20.04–55.26), sodium absorption ratio varies from 0.86 to 3.91), Kelly's ratio (KR) varies from 0.22 to 1.16, residual sodium carbonate varies from − 4.12 to 20.66), permeability index (PI) varies from 39.00 to 82.28, magnesium hazard varies from 52.83 to 85.47, potential salinity varies from (0.71–3.15); results shown that the majority of the groundwater samples were suitable for irrigation uses. According to Gibbs’ ratio samples Gibbs ratio 1 (0.04–0.45) and Gibbs ratio 2 (0.44–0.81) fall in the rock dominance. Major ion compositions plotted on a Piper tri-linear diagram indicate that the water is of Ca-HCO3 type and is mixed Ca–Mg–Cl type. The present study indicates that the groundwater chemistry is mostly controlled by geogenic processes (weathering, dissolution and ion exchange) and some extent of anthropogenic activities.
Automatic breast lesion segmentation in phase preserved DCE-MRIs
Authors: Pandey Dinesh , Wang Hua , Yin Xiaoxia , Wang Kate , Zhang Yanchun , Shen Jing
Published: May 2022

We offer a framework for automatically and accurately segmenting breast lesions from Dynamic Contrast Enhanced (DCE) MRI in this paper. The framework is built using max flow and min cut problems in the continuous domain over phase preserved denoised images. Three stages are required to complete the proposed approach. First, post-contrast and pre-contrast images are subtracted, followed by image registrations that benefit to enhancing lesion areas. Second, a phase preserved denoising and pixel-wise adaptive Wiener filtering technique is used, followed by max flow and min cut problems in a continuous domain. A denoising mechanism clears the noise in the images by preserving useful and detailed features such as edges. Then, lesion detection is performed using continuous max flow. Finally, a morphological operation is used as a post-processing step to further delineate the obtained results. A series of qualitative and quantitative trials employing nine performance metrics on 21 cases with two different MR image resolutions were used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Performance results demonstrate the quality of segmentation obtained from the proposed method.
Investigation on the oil transfer behaviors and the air-oil interfacial flow patterns in a ball bearing under different capillary conditions
Authors: Chen Hongbai , Liang He , Wang Wenzhong , Zhang Shengguang
Published: May 2022

Lubricant oil is crucial to the rolling bearings as the main medium of lubricating, cooling, cleaning, and so on. The oil starvation in and around the contacts is harmful to the performance and fatigue life of rolling bearings. Therefore, it is of necessity to understand the behaviors of oil transfer and the patterns of air-oil two-phase flow in bearings, especially with the influence of different capillary properties. This work established a transient air-oil two-phase flow model in a ball bearing based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Groups of cases are implemented to investigate the behaviors of oil transfer and air-oil flow under different capillary conditions with speed, surface tension, and viscosity. Flow patterns are classified by the morphological features of the air-oil flow. Staged phenomena are analyzed with flow patterns and reach good agreements with the observations from experiments. It is found that the oil distribution and air-oil flow behaviors in a ball bearing are strongly related to the speed and the ratio of oil viscosity and air-oil surface tension (μoil/σ). The flow maps imply that the levels of capillary number (Ca) may be the boundaries and the critical points of flow pattern transition between the different flow patterns in bearing.
Perception and privilege
Authors: Mayerhoffer Daniel M. , Schulz Jan
Published: May 2022

Inequality perceptions differ along racial and gendered lines. To explain these disparities, we propose an agent-based model of localised perceptions of the gender and racial wage gap in networks. We show that the combination of homophilic graph formation and estimation based on locally limited knowledge can replicate both the underestimation of the gender or racial wage gap that empirical studies find and the well-documented fact that the underprivileged perceive the wage gap to be higher on average and with less bias. Similarly, we demonstrate that the underprivileged perceive overall inequality to be higher on average. In contrast to this qualitative replication, we also show that the effect of homophilic graph formation is quantitatively too strong to account for the empirically observed effect sizes within a recent Israeli sample on perceived gender wage gaps. As a parsimonious extension, we let agents estimate using a composite signal based on local and global information. Our calibration suggests that women place much more weight on the (correct) global signal than men, in line with psychological evidence that people adversely affected by group-based inequities pay more attention to global information about the issue. Our findings suggest that (educational) interventions about the global state of gender equality are much more likely to succeed than information treatments about overall inequality and that these interventions should target the privileged.
A Critical Review of Bioaccumulation and Biotransformation of Organic Chemicals in Birds
Authors: Kuo Dave T. F. , Rattner Barnett A. , Marteinson Sarah C. , Letcher Robert , Fernie Kim J. , Treu Gabriele , Deutsch Markus , Johnson Mark S. , Deglin Sandrine , Embry Michelle
Published: May 2022

A literature review of bioaccumulation and biotransformation of organic chemicals in birds was undertaken, aiming to support scoping and prioritization of future research. The objectives were to characterize available bioaccumulation/biotransformation data, identify knowledge gaps, determine how extant data can be used, and explore the strategy and steps forward. An intermediate approach balanced between expediency and rigor was taken given the vastness of the literature. Following a critical review of > 500 peer-reviewed studies, > 25,000 data entries and 2 million information bytes were compiled on > 700 organic compounds for ~ 320 wild species and 60 domestic breeds of birds. These data were organized into themed databases on bioaccumulation and biotransformation, field survey, microsomal enzyme activity, metabolic pathway, and bird taxonomy and diet. Significant data gaps were identified in all databases at multiple levels. Biotransformation characterization was largely fragmented over metabolite/pathway identification and characterization of enzyme activity or biotransformation kinetics. Limited biotransformation kinetic data constrained development of an avian biotransformation model. A substantial shortage of in vivo biotransformation kinetics has been observed as most reported rate constants were derived in vitro. No metric comprehensively captured all key contaminant classes or chemical groups to support broad-scope modeling of bioaccumulation or biotransformation. However, metrics such as biota-feed accumulation factor, maximum transfer factor, and total elimination rate constant were more readily usable for modeling or benchmarking than other reviewed parameters. Analysis demonstrated the lack of bioaccumulation/biotransformation characterization of shorebirds, seabirds, and raptors. In the study of bioaccumulation and biotransformation of organic chemicals in birds, this review revealed the need for greater chemical and avian species diversity, chemical measurements in environmental media, basic biometrics and exposure conditions, multiple tissues/matrices sampling, and further exploration on biotransformation. Limitations of classical bioaccumulation metrics and current research strategies used in bird studies were also discussed. Forward-looking research strategies were proposed: adopting a chemical roadmap for future investigations, integrating existing biomonitoring data, gap-filling with non-testing approaches, improving data reporting practices, expanding field sampling scopes, bridging existing models and theories, exploring biotransformation via avian genomics, and establishing an online data repository.
Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology
Authors: Stahl Stephen M.
Published: May 2022

The eagerly anticipated fifth edition of Dr Stahl's essential textbook of psychopharmacology is here! Using Dr Stahl's unique 'visual language', the book is the single most readable source of information on disease and drug mechanisms for all students and mental health professionals seeking to understand and utilize current therapeutics, and to anticipate the future for novel medications. The new edition includes over 500 new or refreshed figures, an intuitive color scheme, 14 new uses for older drugs and 18 brand new drugs, coverage of Parkinson's Disease Psychosis, behavioural symptoms of dementia, and mixed features in major depressive episodes, and expanded information on the medical uses of cannabis and hallucinogen assisted psychotherapy. This product combines the fifth edition of the textbook with a one-year subscription to www.stahlonline.org, providing access to the full range of Dr Stahl's content. The one-year subscription is activated via a code provided with the printed book.
Regression for Health and Social Science
Authors: Zelterman Daniel
Published: May 2022

This textbook for students in the health and social sciences covers the basics of linear model methods with a minimum of mathematics, assuming only a pre-calculus background. Numerous examples drawn from the news and current events with an emphasis on health issues, illustrate the concepts in an immediately accessible way. Methods covered include linear regression models, Poisson regression, logistic regression, proportional hazards regression, survival analysis, and nonparametric regression. The author emphasizes interpretation of computer output in terms of the motivating example. All of the R code is provided and carefully explained, allowing readers to quickly apply the methods to their own data. Plenty of exercises help students think about the issues involved in the analysis and its interpretation. Code and datasets are available for download from the book's website at www.cambridge.org/zelterman
Successful Leadership in Academic Medicine
Authors: Greer David M.
Published: May 2022

Good leadership in medicine is crucial, but unfortunately, often woefully inadequate. Those chosen to lead often have limited experience in leadership themselves, or worse, are appointed because of achievements that have nothing to do with their ability to lead. Serving as a guide for those in, or considering, leadership positions in medicine, this book demonstrates how to play to one's strengths and effectively recognise and overcome weaknesses. Describing how to form a functional team, and align your goals with those of upper leadership, advice is applicable to all disciplines and hierarchy structures. The author, David Greer, is a renowned clinician and educator, and has held department chair positions in several prestigious institutions, positioning him perfectly to educate on the qualities of a successful leader. Readers will learn how to work within a team, manage unforeseen crises and to embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth.
Clinical outcomes following dalbavancin administration in patients with barriers to outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy
Authors: Tuan Jessica J. , Kayani Jehanzeb , Fisher Ann , Kotansky Brian , Dembry Louise-Marie , Datta Rupak
Published: May 2022

Between 2016 and 2021, we retrospectively identified 42 patients receiving ≥1 dose of dalbavancin for osteomyelitis, skin and soft-tissue infection, endocarditis or bacteremia, or septic arthritis. Median antibiotic duration prior to dalbavancin administration was 7 days. Within 90 days, 93% achieved clinical cure, 12% were readmitted, 12% developed hepatotoxicity, and 5% died.
Psychological Impact and Workload of COVID-19 on Healthcare Workers in China During the Early Time of the Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Zhong Jing , Luo Zhe , Sun Xingfeng , Zhao Xining , Liang Chao , Liang Peng , Ge Feng , Yu Kaihuan , Miao Changhong
Published: May 2022

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the organization, workload, and psychological impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers from the domestic Medical Aid Teams (MATs) sent to Wuhan in China.

Methods:

Leaders and members of MATs involved in the care for COVID-19 patients were invited to participate in a study by completing 2 separate self-report questionnaires from April 1 to 24, 2020.

Results:

A total of 9 MAT leaders were involved and 464 valid questionnaires were collected from 140 doctors and 324 nurses. Mean age of the doctors and nurses were 39.34 ± 6.70 (26∼58 years old) and 31.88 ± 5.29 (21∼52 years old), with 72 (15.5%) being males. Nurses were identified as an independent risk factor (HR 1.898; P = 0.001) for a day working time in the multivariate analysis. The proportions of psychological consulting received among nurses were higher than those among doctors (49.7 vs 30.0%, P < 0.001). More than 50% of the anesthetists and emergency doctors who have received psychological consulting thought that it was effective according to self-evaluation.

Conclusions:

This study focused on healthcare workers’ situation during the early period of the pandemic. Nurses worked longer than doctors. The effectiveness of psychological consulting depends on the physicians’ specialties and the working conditions of the nurses and psychological consulting targeting different specialties need to be improved.
Strategies to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia, ventilator-associated events, and nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia in acute-care hospitals: 2022 Update
Authors: Klompas Michael , Branson Richard , Cawcutt Kelly , Crist Matthew , Eichenwald Eric C. , Greene Linda R. , Lee Grace , Maragakis Lisa L. , Powell Krista , Priebe Gregory P. , Speck Kathleen , Yokoe Deborah S. , Berenholtz Sean M.
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this document is to highlight practical recommendations to assist acute care hospitals to prioritize and implement strategies to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), ventilator-associated events (VAE), and non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) in adults, children, and neonates. This document updates the Strategies to Prevent Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Acute Care Hospitals published in 2014. This expert guidance document is sponsored by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology (SHEA), and is the product of a collaborative effort led by SHEA, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the American Hospital Association, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, and The Joint Commission, with major contributions from representatives of a number of organizations and societies with content expertise.
Two new eurypterids (Arthropoda, Chelicerata) from the upper Silurian Yulongsi Formation of south-west China
Authors: Ma Zhiheng , Selden Paul A. , Lamsdell James C. , Zhang Tingshan , Chen Jingwen , Zhang Xi
Published: May 2022

Two new eurypterids, a pterygotidErettopterus qujingensisn. sp., and a slimoniid,Slimoniasp., are described from the upper Silurian (Pridolian) Yulongsi Formation of Yunnan Province, China.Erettopterus qujingensisn. sp. is characterized by several inversely curved ramus denticles and a metastoma with a deep notch in the center. The discovery not only extends the geographic extent of the genusErettopterusandSlimoniafrom Euramerica to southwest China, but also gives insight into the similarity of ecosystem structures across the Silurian world.

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