bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Science Advisors and “Good Evidence”: A Case Study
Authors: Lombardo Gabi
Published: November 2022

This chapter addresses the place of research ethics in evidence-informed policy and the role of those who are elevated to special roles to advise governments. Science advisors are one type of institutional link between scientific research and policymakers. The aim of this chapter is to discuss the role for science advisors to provide the main guarantee that the research, which provides the evidence for policymaking, is based on methodologically robust and ethically grounded scientific work. This relies on the academic training and culture of the science advisers. There is currently no forum where policymakersand academic/higher education institution (HEI) researchers can easily come together to work jointly to develop the process of continuous expert policy advice and evaluation in response to key national strategic issues. In progressing this agenda, it is critical to design effective structures to identify research demand from government and ethically sound research supply from HEIs and other sources over the long term, at least at national levels. Even more importantly, there are no declared standards in scientific policy advice, except the assumption that those who have received an academic training are assumed to be bounded by robust academic values and carry these with them into their new roles in providing scientific advice for policymaking. To explore this issue, this chapter examines the case of the International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA). This is a gateway to the community of professional science advisers working inside governments, and to those engaged in other aspects of the production, brokerage and analysis of scientific advice, not just in the European Union (EU) but globally.
The UK Wave Power Project: Salter’s Duck
Authors: Iphofen Ron
Published: November 2022

This chapteroutlines what happened to research into a new and unorthodox energy technology that could have helped displace traditional energy supply methods by extracting energy from the waves at sea. The project received funding filtered via the administrative structure of the traditional and competing energy system—nuclear power. The funding source constantly delayed and obstructed the supply of funds making day-to-day operations difficult to manage and the results of the research were assessed by experts who worked within the old technology and so had vested and conflicting interests. This case offers an example of trying to do research with integrity while the researchers were placed in a ‘no win’ situation. Considerable ethical reflection is required to fully understand the context in which the research had to be conducted. The lessons are apt for innovative disruptive technologies that are framed by political, economic and ideological constraints. Those constraints, together with the evident research misconduct that took place, can only be described as sabotage. Again, such actions must be understood in terms of the balance of many interests, most of which failed to live up to standards of professional research integrity.
Electricity Access, Decarbonization, and Integration of Renewables: Insights and Lessons from the Energy Transformation in Bangladesh, South Asia, and Sub-Sahara Africa
Authors: Groh Sebastian , Barner Lukas , Dumitrescu Raluca , Heinemann Georg , von Hirschhausen Christian
Published: November 2022

This chapter provides an introduction to the book, identifies different perspectives, and describes the different sections of the book in more detail. It places the research issues in the context of the “great socio-ecological transformation” and defines different elements of this process. The chapter also includes the main take-away messages from subsequent book chapters.
100% Electrification but What Comes Next for Bangladesh? Lessons from Insiders
Authors: Wimmer Nancy
Published: November 2022

In 2002 when over 70% of the country’s rural population had for generations never known electric light, the most dynamic off-grid electrification program in the world was launched. Its purpose: to provide rural households with Solar Home Systems. Within a decade, Bangladesh was on its way to becoming the world’s fastest growing off-grid solar market. This market did not emerge by chance. Here new ideas were at work with both the leadership and the resources to put them into practice: the World Bank as investor; IDCOL, Bangladesh’s financial intermediary, as project manager; and rural entrepreneurs as solar service providers. Yet, there is a further remarkable achievement in the Bangladesh energy market. Over 90% of the people in Bangladesh now have access to the electric grid. What role will solar technology play in future? Will the solar market move away from Solar Home Systems towards grid-connected distributed renewable energy systems? What is next for Bangladesh? These are the topics we want to explore in this chapter. This chapter reports hands-on experience from the insiders of the program, and relates their lessons from the past to perspectives for the future.
Policy Options While Increasing Share of Renewable Energy: Technology Choices for Peaking Power in the Context of Bangladesh
Authors: Roy Riya , Al Jubayer Abdullah , Sakib Kazi Sadman , Sakib Najmus , Saha Avijit , Khan M. Rezwan , Alam M. Shahedul
Published: November 2022

In Bangladesh, the peaking power plants that serve the peak time loads use conventional fossil fuels for power generation. These power stations remain idle for a good part of their operating life, which therefore results in a high overhead cost. Continuous integration of renewables into the grid is increasing the dependency on these, so far, feasibility of no other less-expensive options has been studied. In this context, this paper aims to analyze the financial feasibility of different alternative options. Three possible options were analyzed and the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) was compared with that of conventional peaking power plants. It was found that Battery-based storage systems are not financially feasible at this moment, while the nation’s lone hydro power plant promises financial feasibility if solar PV driven pumped hydro storage is implemented. We also report that if the nation continues to add solar PV power stations even with costly peaking power plants using traditional fuels, this hybrid option was counter intuitively found to be financially feasible.
Decentralized Electrification Pathways in Sub-Saharan Africa—Assessment of Experiences and Business Models
Authors: Arende George , Gonçalves Sofia
Published: November 2022

The transition to “SDG7 -modern and sustainable energy for all” may reconfigure the lives of citizens who live “outside the grid” in the rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa. The decentralization approach for developing renewable energy in sub-Saharan Africa has constantly been promoted as a means to rural electrification. This paper reviews the barriers to private sector participation in decentralized electrification projects and the solutions that have been proposed and implemented. It is not only the economic approaches that are analysed but also some of the solutions or drivers that have contributed to rural electrification. There are specific technological pathways which have proven fruitful in sub-Saharan Africa that are unique to its economic and demographic settings and that otherwise would not be adopted or used in developed countries. This paper finally analyses these technological pathways with the objective of matching the drivers and obstacles to potential solutions. Long term energy planning with the integration of regional power pools is instrumental to reduce CAPEX as well as to increase the market size. Blended financing together with already working technologies such as pay-as-you-go, and mobile money will be the pillars to meeting SDG7 goals.
Identifying Effective Electrification Approaches and Combinations Thereof to Meet Universal Electricity Access Targets in Eastern Africa
Authors: Muchunku Charles , Heinemann Georg
Published: November 2022

The gains made in increasing electricity access between 2010 and 2018 indicate the benefit of a multi-pronged approach to electrification, which combines on-grid and off-grid electrification approaches and efforts from both public and private actors. The gains still fall short of the rate of increase needed to achieve universal access to electricity by 2030, indicating the need to increase the effectiveness of the multi-pronged approach. To do this the paper applies the triple embeddedness framework theory. Within the scope of Eastern Africa, we consider actors in the delivery of electricity access (irrespective of approach or whether public or private) as delivering similar goods and services, and conceptualize them as a collective entity i.e., firms in the electrification industry. The paper then analyses how these firms are shaped by the industry regime and influenced by the socio-political and economic environments, with a view to identifying where and how external pressure can be exerted to stimulate and facilitate the reorientation and recreation required to make progress towards universal electricity access. Through this exercise we demonstrate that the triple embeddedness framework provides a structured way of laying out the key aspects associated with electrification to create a picture that enables one to ‘see the forest for the trees’ and identify where and how to achieve more effective complementarity between on and off-grid approaches, and public and private firms.
Von produktbasierten zu hybriden Geschäftsmodellen
Authors: Iking Bernhard , Guth Michael , Sander Stefan , Holtermans Wolfgang
Published: November 2022

Über viele Jahrzehnte entschied sich der unternehmerische Erfolg am Markt in erster Linie über die Produktqualität und den Produktpreis. Für die Kaufentscheidung der Nutzer gewann in den letzten Jahren neben der Qualität-Preisrelation der begleitende Kundenservice im After Sales an Bedeutung. Durch Digitalisierungstechnologien, belastbare Datenautobahnen, neue Erkenntnisse im Bereich Künstlicher Intelligenz sowie Qualitätssprünge im Bereich Sensortechnik und Datenübertragung geraten die produktbasierten Geschäftsmodelle zusätzlich unter Druck. Die Bedeutung produktbegleitender Dienstleistungen nimmt aus Kundensicht immer mehr zu, da beispielsweise die Verarbeitung von Maschinendaten einen effizienteren Maschineneinsatz ermöglicht oder kostenträchtige Ausfallzeiten von Maschinen durch rechtzeitige Warnungen vermieden werden können. Aus diesem Grund sind insbesondere Unternehmen mit produktbasierten Geschäftsmodellen gut beraten, hybride Geschäftsmodelloptionen auf Relevanz und Erfolgswahrscheinlichkeit zu prüfen. Ein vereinfachtes Relevanzmodell zu Anfang dieses Kapitels soll veränderungsbereiten Unternehmen bei der Entscheidungsfindung helfen, ob eine Hybridisierung ihres Geschäftsmodells Aussicht auf Erfolg verspricht. Anschließend werden einige praxisbewährte Methoden vorgestellt, durch die Firmen effektiv und effizient durch diesen Hybridisierungsprozess begleitet werden. Dabei wird auch die Frage diskutiert, ob dieser Hybridisierungsprozess eher durch externe Moderationsunterstützung durchgeführt werden sollte, oder ob dies auch durch eine firmeninterne Moderation geschehen kann. Die Eignung der vorgestellten Methodiken hängt im Wesentlichen von den firmenspezifischen Ausgangsbedingungen ab. Diese werden im jeweiligen Methodenüberblick systematisch vorgestellt, wie auch Hinweise zur idealen Teilnehmerstruktur am Workshop und Ratschläge zur optimalen Workshopmoderation. Da häufig die Geschäftsmodellerweiterung auf die Nutzung produktbasierter Daten abstellt, ergänzt ein Abschnitt zur rechtskonformen Nutzung maschinenbasierter Daten das Kapitel.
Correction: Global Stability of the Pluriclosed Flow on Compact Simply Connected Simple Lie Groups of Rank Two
Authors: Barbaro Giuseppe
Published: November 2022

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00031-022-09777-x
Management of anterior cruciate ligament revision in adults: the 2022 ESSKA consensus part I—diagnostics and preoperative planning
Authors: Tischer Thomas , Beaufilis Philippe , Becker Roland , Ahmad Sufian S. , Bonomo Marco , Dejour David , Eriksson Karl , Filardo Giuseppe , Feucht Matthias J. , Grassi Alberto , Wilson Adrian , Menetrey Jacques , Pujol Nicolas , Rathcke Martin , Seil Romain , Strauss Marc J. , Condello Vincenzo
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The aim of this ESSKA consensus is to give recommendations based on evidence and expert opinion to improve diagnosis, preoperative planning, indication and surgical strategy in ACL revision.

Methods

The European expert surgeons and scientists were divided into four groups to participate in this consensus. A “literature group” (four surgeons); “steering group” (14 surgeons and scientists); “rating group” (19 surgeons) and finally “peer review group” (51 representatives of the ESSKA‐affiliated national societies from 27 countries). The steering group prepared eighteen question–answer sets. The quality of the answers received grades of recommendation ranging from A (high‐level scientific support), to B (scientific presumption), C (low level scientific support) or D (expert opinion). These question–answer sets were then evaluated by the rating group. All answers were scored from 1 to 9. The comments of the rating group were incorporated by the steering group and the consensus was submitted to the rating group a second time. Once a general consensus was reached between the steering and rating groups, the question–answer sets were submitted to the peer review group. A final combined meeting of all the members of the consensus was held to ratify the document.

Results

The literature review for the diagnosis and preoperative planning of ACL revision revealed a rather low scientific quality. None of the 18 questions was graded A and six received a grade B. The mean rating of all the questions by the rating group was 8.4 ± 0.3. The questions and recommendations are listed below.

Conclusion

ACL revision surgery is a widely debated subject with many different opinions and techniques. The literature reveals a poor level of standardisation. Therefore, this international consensus project is of great importance.

Level of Evidence

II.
Optimisation of downskin parameters to produce metallic parts via laser powder bed fusion process: an overview
Authors: Viale Vittorio , Stavridis John , Salmi Alessandro , Bondioli Federica , Saboori Abdollah
Published: November 2022

Additive manufacturing technologies are considered advanced processes in which it is possible to produce complex shape components layer-by-layer. In these technologies, it is reported that in producing parts with angles higher than 45°, no support is required. Depending on the material below this angle, it is necessary to use the support structures to dissipate the heat and counterbalance the force of the recoding blade. During the building process, it is well documented that there is a risk of part detachment at low angles that can result in failure. On the other hand, a heavy dross formation on the downskin surface will occur if no failure happens, resulting in a surface with scarce quality. Hence, many efforts have been undertaken to face this challenge and study the effect of various parameters, such as layer thickness, laser power, and scan speed, on the quality of the downskin surface of the minimum printable angle without the support requirement. This review offers an overview of the last progress on the effect of process parameters on the surface quality of the downward surfaces in the production of complex parts via the laser powder bed fusion process. This review highlights the best practices that may be considered for future works to find effective parameters for producing complex shape components with low angles without support structures.
In-process belt-image-based material removal rate monitoring for abrasive belt grinding using CatBoost algorithm
Authors: Wang Yuxiang , Huang Xiaokang , Ren Xukai , Chai Ze , Chen Xiaoqi
Published: November 2022

A reliable material removal rate (MRR) prediction method significantly optimizes the grinding surface quality and improves the processing efficiency for robotic abrasive belt grinding. Using worn-belt image features to predict MRR is a direct and reliable method; however, this method is rarely reported at present. This paper proposes an MRR prediction method for Inconel 718 grinding based on the abrasive belt image analysis and categorical boosting (CatBoost) algorithm. During belt grinding, four wear types of abrasive belts, namely fracture, adhesion, rubbing wear, and fall-off, are identified and analyzed. Under various grinding parameters, the experimental MRR rapidly decreases at first, then in a gradual manner. For an effective evaluation of belt wear severity, cutting grain area ratio, color moments, and texture features are extracted from belt images. MRR and abrasive belt image features are strongly correlated after normalization. All image features are taken into account for MRR prediction model training. Verification experiments indicate that the predicted data is in good agreement with the experimental data. The maximum absolute error, mean absolute error, root mean square error, and determination coefficient of the MRR prediction model are 0.17 μm, 0.4 μm, 0.2 μm, and 99.42%, respectively, which are superior to those of other popular machine learning algorithms. In this study, we present a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between MRR and abrasive belt characteristics, as well as demonstrate the feasibility of accurately predicting MRR using the CatBoost algorithm.
Effects of alcohol intoxication on driving performance, confidence in driving ability, and psychomotor function: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Garrisson Harriet , Scholey Andrew , Verster Joris C. , Shiferaw Brook , Benson Sarah
Published: November 2022

Rationale

Alcohol-induced driving impairment can occur with any departure from a zero-blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Because intoxication is characterised by impaired judgement, drivers under the influence of alcohol may overestimate their capacity to safely operate a vehicle.

Objectives

This study examined the effects of alcohol on driving performance, four-choice reaction time (FCRT), and self-rated confidence in driving ability. It specifically focused on alcohol doses equal to commonly enforced legal BAC limits (i.e. 0.05% and 0.08%).

Methods

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design was utilised. Seventeen participants were tested in three conditions: placebo and two alcohol conditions aiming for BACs of 0.05% and 0.08%. Participants underwent a baseline FCRT task and a 1-h simulated highway driving task before completing another FCRT task and rated their confidence in their driving ability.

Results

The high and low alcohol dose conditions resulted in a mean BAC of 0.07%, and 0.04%, respectively (n = 17). The high BAC treatment significantly increased standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP) by 4.06 ± 5.21 cm and standard deviation of speed (SDS) by 0.69 ± 0.17 km/h relative to placebo, while confidence in driving ability remained unchanged across treatments. FCRT performance was impaired by the high BAC treatment (all < 0.01), but there we no significant differences between placebo and low BAC conditions.

Conclusions

The findings of this study show that driving performance and associated psychomotor functioning become significantly impaired below legally permissible driving limits in some jurisdictions. We identified a dissociation between driving performance and subjective awareness of impairment. Despite a significantly diminished driving ability at 0.07% BAC, drivers were unaware of their impairment.
Local immunotherapy with the RNA-based immune stimulator CV8102 induces substantial anti-tumor responses and enhances checkpoint inhibitor activity
Authors: Lutz Johannes , Meister Michael , Habbeddine Mohamed , Fiedler Katja , Kowalczyk Aleksandra , Heidenreich Regina
Published: November 2022

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment in recent years. Although currently approved checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) yield remarkable anti-tumoral responses in several cancer types, a substantial proportion of patients do not benefit from such therapies. Local activation of innate immune signaling pathways is a promising approach to overcome the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, induce anti-tumor immunity, and improve the efficacy of CPI therapies. Here, we assessed the mode of action and efficacy of the RNA-based innate immune stimulator CV8102 for local immunotherapy in preclinical models. Intratumoral (i.t.) administration of CV8102 activated innate immune responses in the tumor microenvironment and draining lymph nodes, resulting in a dose-dependent anti-tumoral response. Combining i.t. CV8102 with systemic anti-programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) treatment further enhanced anti-tumoral responses, inducing tumor infiltration and activation of CD8+ T cells. The resulting memory response prevented tumor growth in rechallenged animals and impaired the growth of non-injected distal tumors. Therefore, i.t. CV8102 delivery is a promising approach for local cancer immunotherapy, especially in combination with CPIs. Clinical testing of CV8102 is ongoing (NCT03291002).
Hand-assisted versus straight laparoscopy for colorectal surgery — a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Frois Ashley O. , Huang Yeqian , Young Christopher J.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) is an alternative to straight laparoscopy (LAP) in colorectal surgery. Many studies have compared the two in terms of efficacy, complications, and outcomes. This meta-analysis aims to uncover if there are any significant differences in conversion rates, operative times, body mass index (BMI), incision lengths, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and length of stay.

Methods

Comprehensive searches were performed on databases from their respective inceptions to 16 December 2021, with a manual search performed through Scopus. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and case series involving more than 10 patients were included.

Results

A total of 47 studies were found fitting the inclusion criteria, with 5 RCTs, 41 cohort studies, and 1 case series. Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery was associated with lower conversion rates (odds ratio [OR] 0.41, 95%CI 0.28–0.60, p < 0.00001), shorter operative times (Mean Difference [MD] − 8.32 min, 95%CI − 14.05– − 2.59, p = 0.004), and higher BMI (MD 0.79, 95%CI 0.46–1.13, p < 0.00001), but it was also associated with longer incision lengths (MD 2.19 cm, 95%CI 1.66–2.73 cm, p < 0.00001), and higher postoperative complication rates (OR 1.15, 95%CI 1.06–1.24, p = 0.0004). Length of stay was not different in HALS as compared to Lap (MD 0.16 days, 95%CI − 0.06–0.38 days, p = 0.16, and intraoperative complications were the same between both techniques.

Conclusions

Hand-assisted laparoscopy is a suitable alternative to straight laparoscopy with benefits and risks. While there are many cohort studies comparing HALS and LAP, more RCTs would be needed for a better quality of evidence.
Associations between plasma sulfur amino acids and specific fat depots in two independent cohorts: CODAM and The Maastricht Study
Authors: Tore Elena C. , Elshorbagy Amany K. , Bakers Frans C. H. , Brouwers Martijn C. G. J. , Dagnelie Pieter C. , Eussen Simone J. P. M. , Jansen Jacobus F. A. , Kooi M. Eline , Kusters Yvo H. A. M. , Meex Steven J. R. , Olsen Thomas , Refsum Helga , Retterstøl Kjetil , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Vinknes Kathrine J. , van Greevenbroek Marleen M. J.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Sulfur amino acids (SAAs) have been associated with obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases. We investigated whether plasma SAAs (methionine, total cysteine (tCys), total homocysteine, cystathionine and total glutathione) are related to specific fat depots.

Methods

We examined cross-sectional subsets from the CODAM cohort (n = 470, 61.3% men, median [IQR]: 67 [61, 71] years) and The Maastricht Study (DMS; n = 371, 53.4% men, 63 [55, 68] years), enriched with (pre)diabetic individuals. SAAs were measured in fasting EDTA plasma with LC–MS/MS. Outcomes comprised BMI, skinfolds, waist circumference (WC), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, DMS), body composition, abdominal subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues (CODAM: ultrasound, DMS: MRI) and liver fat (estimated, in CODAM, or MRI-derived, in DMS, liver fat percentage and fatty liver disease). Associations were examined with linear or logistic regressions adjusted for relevant confounders with z-standardized primary exposures and outcomes.

Results

Methionine was associated with all measures of liver fat, e.g., fatty liver disease [CODAM: OR = 1.49 (95% CI 1.19, 1.88); DMS: OR = 1.51 (1.09, 2.14)], but not with other fat depots. tCys was associated with overall obesity, e.g., BMI [CODAM: β = 0.19 (0.09, 0.28); DMS: β = 0.24 (0.14, 0.34)]; peripheral adiposity, e.g., biceps and triceps skinfolds [CODAM: β = 0.15 (0.08, 0.23); DMS: β = 0.20 (0.12, 0.29)]; and central adiposity, e.g., WC [CODAM: β = 0.16 (0.08, 0.25); DMS: β = 0.17 (0.08, 0.27)]. Associations of tCys with VAT and liver fat were inconsistent. Other SAAs were not associated with body fat.

Conclusion

Plasma concentrations of methionine and tCys showed distinct associations with different fat depots, with similar strengths in the two cohorts.
Noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation improves vestibular perception in bilateral vestibulopathy
Authors: Wuehr Max , Eder Josefine , Keywan Aram , Jahn Klaus
Published: November 2022

Background

Patients with bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) suffer from impaired vestibular motion perception that is linked to deficits in spatial memory and navigation.

Objective

To examine the potential therapeutic effect of imperceptible noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) on impaired vestibular perceptual performance in BVP.

Methods

In 11 patients with BVP (mean age: 54.0 ± 8.3 years, 7 females), we initially determined the nGVS intensity that optimally stabilizes balance during a static posturographic assessment. Subsequently, effects of optimal nGVS vs. sham stimulation on vestibular motion perception were examined in randomized order. Vestibular perceptual performance was determined as direction recognition thresholds for head-centered roll tilt motion on a 6DOF motion platform in the absence of any visual or auditory motion cues.

Results

For each patient, an nGVS intensity that optimally stabilized static balance compared to sham stimulation could be identified (mean 0.36 ± 0.16 mA). nGVS at optimal intensity resulted in lowered vestibular perceptual thresholds (0.94 ± 0.30 deg/s) compared to sham stimulation (1.67 ± 1.11 deg/s; p = 0.040). nGVS-induced improvements in vestibular perception were observed in 8 of 11 patients (73%) and were greater in patients with poorer perceptual performance during sham stimulation (R = − 0.791; p = 0.007).

Conclusions

nGVS is effective in improving impaired vestibular motion perception in patients with BVP, in particular in those patients with poor baseline perceptual performance. Imperceptible vestibular noise stimulation might thus offer a non-invasive approach to target BVP-related impairments in spatial memory, orientation, and navigation.
The frequency of non-motor symptoms in SCA3 and their association with disease severity and lifestyle factors
Authors: Hengel Holger , Martus Peter , Faber Jennifer , Giunit Paola , Garcia-Moreno Hector , Solanky Nita , Klockgether Thomas , Reetz Kathrin , van de Warrenburg Bart P. , Santana Magda M. , Silva Patrick , Cunha Inês , de Almeida Luís Pereira , Timmann Dagmar , Infante Jon , de Vries Jeroen , Lima Manuela , Pires Paula , Bushara Khalaf , Jacobi Heike , Onyike Chiadi , Schmahmann Jeremy D. , Hübener-Schmid Jeannette , Synofzik Matthis ,   European Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type-3/Machado-Joseph Disease Initiative (ESMI) Study Group, Schöls Ludger
Published: November 2022

Background

Non-motor symptoms (NMS) are a substantial burden for patients with SCA3. There are limited data on their frequency, and their relation with disease severity and activities of daily living is not clear. In addition, lifestyle may either influence or be affected by the occurrence of NMS.

Objective

To characterize NMS in SCA3 and investigate possible associations with disease severity and lifestyle factors.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study, we performed a cross-sectional analysis of NMS in 227 SCA3 patients, 42 pre-ataxic mutation carriers, and 112 controls and tested for associations with SARA score, activities of daily living, and the lifestyle factors alcohol consumption, smoking and physical activity.

Results

Sleep disturbance, restless legs syndrome, mild cognitive impairment, depression, bladder dysfunction and pallhypesthesia were frequent among SCA3 patients, while mainly absent in pre-ataxic mutation carriers. Except for restless legs syndrome, NMS correlated significantly with disease severity and activities of daily living. Alcohol abstinence was associated with bladder dysfunction. Patients with higher physical activity showed less cognitive impairment and fewer depressive symptoms, but these differences were not significant.

Conclusion

This study revealed a clear association between disease severity and NMS, likely driven by the progression of the widespread neurodegenerative process. Associations between lifestyle and NMS can probably be attributed to the influence of NMS on lifestyle.
Brain metabolic differences between pure bulbar and pure spinal ALS: a 2-[18F]FDG-PET study
Authors: Canosa Antonio , Martino Alessio , Giuliani Alessandro , Moglia Cristina , Vasta Rosario , Grassano Maurizio , Palumbo Francesca , Cabras Sara , Di Pede Francesca , De Mattei Filippo , Matteoni Enrico , Polverari Giulia , Manera Umberto , Calvo Andrea , Pagani Marco , Chiò Adriano
Published: November 2022

Background

MRI studies reported that ALS patients with bulbar and spinal onset showed focal cortical changes in corresponding regions of the motor homunculus. We evaluated the capability of brain 2-[18F]FDG-PET to disclose the metabolic features characterizing patients with pure bulbar or spinal motor impairment.

Methods

We classified as pure bulbar (PB) patients with bulbar onset and a normal score in the spinal items of the ALSFRS-R, and as pure spinal (PS) patients with spinal onset and a normal score in the bulbar items at the time of PET. Forty healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. We compared PB and PS, and each patient group with HC. Metabolic clusters showing a statistically significant difference between PB and PS were tested to evaluate their accuracy in discriminating the two groups. We performed a leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) over the entire dataset. Four classifiers were considered: support vector machines (SVM), K-nearest neighbours, linear classifier, and decision tree. Then, we used a separate test set, including 10% of patients, with the remaining 90% composing the training set.

Results

We included 63 PB, 271 PS, and 40 HC. PB showed a relative hypometabolism compared to PS in bilateral precentral gyrus in the regions of the motor cortex involved in the control of bulbar function. SVM showed the best performance, resulting in the lowest error rate in both LOOCV (4.19%) and test set (9.09 ± 2.02%).

Conclusions

Our data support the concept of the focality of ALS onset and the use of 2-[18F]FDG-PET as a biomarker for precision medicine-oriented clinical trials.
Educational inequalities in self-rated health and emotional exhaustion among workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal study
Authors: Hulsegge G. , Eekhout I. , van de Ven H. A. , Burdorf A. , Oude Hengel K. M.
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study aimed to investigate trends in educational inequalities in poor health and emotional exhaustion during the pandemic among workers, and differences in trends between men and women.

Methods

Five waves (2019–2021) from the longitudinal study ‘the Netherlands Working Conditions Survey COVID-19 study’ were used (response rates: 32–38%). Generalized logistic mixed models were used to estimate the changes in absolute and relative educational inequalities in poor health and emotional exhaustion for all workers (n = 12,479) and for men and women, separately.

Results

Low and intermediate educated workers reported more often poor health (OR 2.54; 95% CI 1.71–3.77 and OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.68–2.61, respectively) than high educated workers. Intermediate educated women (OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.37–0.64) reported less emotional exhaustion than high educated women, but no differences were observed among men. The prevalence of poor health first decreased across all educational levels until March 2021, and bounced back in November 2021. A similar pattern was found for emotional exhaustion, but for low and intermediate educated workers only. Relative educational inequalities in poor health reduced among men during the pandemic, and absolute differences decreased among men and women by 2.4–2.6%. Relative educational inequalities in emotional exhaustion widened among men only. Absolute differences in emotional exhaustion first increased among both men and women, but narrowed between the last two waves.

Discussion

Socioeconomic inequalities for poor self-rated health remained but narrowed in relative and absolute terms during the pandemic. With regard to emotional exhaustion, socioeconomic inequalities returned to pre-COVID-19 levels at the end of 2021.
Nanotechnology-augmented sonodynamic therapy and associated immune-mediated effects for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hadi Marym Mohammad , Farrell Sian , Nesbitt Heather , Thomas Keith , Kubajewska Ilona , Ng Alex , Masood Hamzah , Patel Shiv , Sciscione Fabiola , Davidson Brian , Callan John F. , MacRobert Alexander J. , McHale Anthony P. , Nomikou Nikolitsa
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is emerging as a cancer treatment alternative with significant advantages over conventional therapies, including its minimally invasive and site-specific nature, its radical antitumour efficacy with minimal side effects, and its capacity to raise an antitumour immune response. The study explores the efficacy of SDT in combination with nanotechnology against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Methods

A nanoparticulate formulation (HPNP) based on a cathepsin B-degradable glutamate-tyrosine co-polymer that carries hematoporphyrin was used in this study for the SDT-based treatment of PDAC. Cathepsin B levels in BxPC-3 and PANC-1 cells were correlated to cellular uptake of HPNP. The HPNP efficiency to induce a sonodynamic effect at varying ultrasound parameters, and at different oxygenation and pH conditions, was investigated. The biodistribution, tumour accumulation profile, and antitumour efficacy of HPNP in SDT were examined in immunocompetent mice carrying bilateral ectopic murine pancreatic tumours. The immune response profile of excised tumour tissues was also examined.

Results

The HPNP formulation significantly improved cellular uptake of hematoporphyrin for both BxPC-3 and PANC-1 cells, while increase of cellular uptake was positively correlated in PANC-1 cells. There was a clear SDT-induced cytotoxicity at the ultrasound conditions tested, and the treatment impaired the capacity of both BxPC-3 and PANC-1 cells to form colonies. The overall acoustic energy and pulse length, rather than the power density, were key in eliciting the effects observed in vitro. The SDT treatment in combination with HPNP resulted in 21% and 27% reduction of the target and off-target tumour volumes, respectively, within 24 h. A single SDT treatment elicited an antitumour effect that was characterized by an SDT-induced decrease in immunosuppressive T cell phenotypes.

Conclusion

SDT has significant potential to serve as a monotherapy or adjunctive treatment for inoperable or borderline resectable PDAC.
Glutathione as green corrosion inhibitor for 6061Al-SiC(p) composite in HCl medium: electrochemical and theoretical investigation
Authors: Unnimaya  , Shetty Prakasha , Kumari Preethi , Kagatikar Sneha
Published: November 2022

This research deals with the inhibition activity of glutathione in 0.5 M HCl on the corrosion behavior of 6061Al-SiC(p)composite. Glutathione is an eco-friendly water-soluble inhibitor. Polarization results reveal the cathodic inhibitor behavior of glutathione (Gt). The inhibition performance of Gt increases by increasing its concentration and lowering the medium temperature. The decrease in the corrosion current density and increase in inhibition efficiency on increasing Gt concentration reveal the attenuation of composite corrosion. Experimental results indicate the mixed adsorption with predominantly physisorption of Gt molecules adsorption on the composite surface following Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The impedance measurements indicate the rise in polarization resistance with an increase in Gt concentration, showing the control of composite corrosion. The surface analysis of the corroded and inhibited composite samples using a scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope supports Gt molecules’ adsorption. The quantum chemical calculations confirm the conclusions of the experimental studies.
Coexistence of tet(A) and blaKPC-2 in the ST11 hypervirulent tigecycline- and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from a blood sample
Authors: Zhu Xiaokui , Yue Changwu , Geng Huaixin , Song Lingjie , Yuan Huiming , Zhang Xianqin , Sun Chuanyu , Luan Guangxin , Jia Xu
Published: November 2022

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae are distributed worldwide. This study aimed to characterize a hypervirulent tigecycline-resistant and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strain, XJ-K2, collected from a patient’s blood. We tested antimicrobial susceptibility, virulence, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) on strain XJ-K2. WGS data were used to identify virulence and resistance genes and to perform multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and phylogenetic analysis. Three novel plasmids, including a pLVPK-like virulence plasmid (pXJ-K2-p1) and two multiple resistance plasmids (pXJ-K2-KPC-2 and pXJ-K2-p3), were discovered in strain XJ-K2. The IncFII(pCRY) plasmid pXJ-K2-p3 carried the dfrA14, sul2, qnrS1, blaLAP-2, and tet(A) resistance genes. The IncFII(pHN7A8)/IncR plasmid pXJ-K2-KPC-2 also carried a range of resistance elements, containing rmtB, blaKPC-2, blaTEM-1, blaCTX-M-65, and fosA3. MLST analysis revealed that strain XJ-K2 belonged to sequence type 11 (ST11). Seven complete phage sequences and many virulence genes were found in strain XJ-K2. Meanwhile, antimicrobial susceptibility tests and G. mellonella larval infection models confirmed the extensively drug resistance (XDR) and hypervirulence of KJ-K2. To our knowledge, this is the first observation and description of the ST11 hypervirulent tigecycline- and carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae strain co-carrying blaKPC-2 and the tet(A) in a patient’s blood in China. Further investigation is needed to understand the resistance and virulence mechanisms of this significant hypervirulent tigecycline- and carbapenem-resistant strain.
Partial-order-based process mining: a survey and outlook
Authors: Leemans Sander J. J. , van Zelst Sebastiaan J. , Lu Xixi
Published: November 2022

The field of process mining focuses on distilling knowledge of the (historical) execution of a process based on the operational event data generated and stored during its execution. Most existing process mining techniques assume that the event data describe activity executions as degenerate time intervals, i.e., intervals of the form [t, t], yielding a strict total order on the observed activity instances. However, for various practical use cases, e.g., the logging of activity executions with a nonzero duration and uncertainty on the correctness of the recorded timestamps of the activity executions, assuming a partial order on the observed activity instances is more appropriate. Using partial orders to represent process executions, i.e., based on recorded event data, allows for new classes of process mining algorithms, i.e., aware of parallelism and robust to uncertainty. Yet, interestingly, only a limited number of studies consider using intermediate data abstractions that explicitly assume a partial order over a collection of observed activity instances. Considering recent developments in process mining, e.g., the prevalence of high-quality event data and techniques for event data abstraction, the need for algorithms designed to handle partially ordered event data is expected to grow in the upcoming years. Therefore, this paper presents a survey of process mining techniques that explicitly use partial orders to represent recorded process behavior. We performed a keyword search, followed by a snowball sampling strategy, yielding 68 relevant articles in the field. We observe a recent uptake in works covering partial-order-based process mining, e.g., due to the current trend of process mining based on uncertain event data. Furthermore, we outline promising novel research directions for the use of partial orders in the context of process mining algorithms.
AdaCC: cumulative cost-sensitive boosting for imbalanced classification
Authors: Iosifidis Vasileios , Papadopoulos Symeon , Rosenhahn Bodo , Ntoutsi Eirini
Published: November 2022

Class imbalance poses a major challenge for machine learning as most supervised learning models might exhibit bias towards the majority class and under-perform in the minority class. Cost-sensitive learning tackles this problem by treating the classes differently, formulated typically via a user-defined fixed misclassification cost matrix provided as input to the learner. Such parameter tuning is a challenging task that requires domain knowledge and moreover, wrong adjustments might lead to overall predictive performance deterioration. In this work, we propose a novel cost-sensitive boosting approach for imbalanced data that dynamically adjusts the misclassification costs over the boosting rounds in response to model’s performance instead of using a fixed misclassification cost matrix. Our method, called AdaCC, is parameter-free as it relies on the cumulative behavior of the boosting model in order to adjust the misclassification costs for the next boosting round and comes with theoretical guarantees regarding the training error. Experiments on 27 real-world datasets from different domains with high class imbalance demonstrate the superiority of our method over 12 state-of-the-art cost-sensitive boosting approaches exhibiting consistent improvements in different measures, for instance, in the range of [0.3–28.56%] for AUC, [3.4–21.4%] for balanced accuracy, [4.8–45%] for gmean and [7.4–85.5%] for recall.
Cyber–physical risk assessment for false data injection attacks considering moving target defences
Authors: Higgins Martin , Xu Wangkun , Teng Fei , Parisini Thomas
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we examine the factors that influence the success of false data injection (FDI) attacks in the context of both cyber and physical styles of reinforcement. Existing research considers the FDI attack in the context of the ability to change a measurement in a static system only. However, successful attacks will require first intrusion into a system followed by construction of an attack vector that can bypass bad data detection to cause a consequence (such as overloading). Furthermore, the recent development of moving target defences (MTD) introduces dynamically changing system topology, which is beyond the capability of existing research to assess. In this way, we develop a full service framework for FDI risk assessment. The framework considers both the costs of system intrusion via a weighted graph assessment in combination with a physical, line overload-based vulnerability assessment under the existence of MTD. We present our simulations on a IEEE 14-bus system with an overlain RTU network to model the true risk of intrusion. The cyber model considers multiple methods of entry for the FDI attack including meter intrusion, RTU intrusion and combined style attacks. Post-intrusion, our physical reinforcement model analyses the required level of topology divergence to protect against a branch overload from an optimised attack vector. The combined cyber and physical index is used to represent the system vulnerability against FDIA.
The art of forming habits: applying habit theory in changing physical activity behaviour
Authors: Hawlader Mohammad Delwer Hossain , Mozid Nusrat-E , Sharmin Shakila , Monju Imran Hossain , Ahmed Sanjana Binte , Sarker Wharesha , Amin Mohammad Ashraful , Jhumur Shirin Shahadat , Dalal Koustuv
Published: November 2022

Background

Habits are obtained as a consequence of cue-contingent behavioural repetition. Context cues stimulate strong habits without an individual contemplating that action has been initiated. Because of its health-enhancing effects, making physical activity a part of one’s life is essential. This study examined the associations of physical activity (PA) behaviours with PA habits and the role of autonomous motivation in developing PA habits.

Methods

This study used a cross-sectional design. A structured questionnaire was implemented through emails to 226 university students, where PA levels, habits and autonomous motivation were self-reported.

Results

Binary logistic regression identified age groups, gender and participants who were trying to lose weight as the significant predictors in meeting physical activity guidelines. Path analysis showed that moderate-intensity physical activity (β = 0.045, CI = 0.069–0.248) and strength training exercises (β = 0.133, CI = 0.148–0.674) were significantly associated with PA habits (p < 0.01). Autonomous motivation was directly associated with PA habits (β = 0.062, CI = [0.295–0.541], p < 0.01) and was also significantly related to moderate-intensity physical activity (β = 0.243, CI = [0.078–0.266], p < 0.01) and strength training exercises (β = 0.202, CI = [0.033–0.594], p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The emphasis on experiment-based logic and interest in habit formation in the research community is extensive. As the college years offer an excellent opportunity to establish healthy behavioural interventions, encouraging students in regular PA and exhibiting an autonomous motivation towards PA may be necessary.
Integrating Adolescent Mental Health into HIV Prevention and Treatment Programs: Can Implementation Science Pave the Path Forward?
Authors: Boshe Judith , Brtek Veronica , Beima-Sofie Kristin , Braitstein Paula , Brooks Merrian , Denison Julie , Donenberg Geri , Kemigisha Elizabeth , Memiah Peter , Njuguna Irene , Poku Ohemaa , Roberts Sarah T. , Shayo Aisa M. , Dow Dorothy E.
Published: November 2022

Adolescent mental health (AMH) is a critical driver of HIV outcomes, but is often overlooked in HIV research and programming. The implementation science Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework informed development of a questionnaire that was sent to a global alliance of adolescent HIV researchers, providers, and implementors working in sub-Saharan Africa with the aim to (1) describe current AMH outcomes incorporated into HIV research within the alliance; (2) identify determinants (barriers/gaps) of integrating AMH into HIV research and care; and (3) describe current AMH screening and referral systems in adolescent HIV programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Respondents reported on fourteen named studies that included AMH outcomes in HIV research. Barriers to AMH integration in HIV research and care programs were explored with suggested implementation science strategies to achieve the goal of integrated and sustained mental health services within adolescent HIV programs.