bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Failure Mechanism, Electrolyte Design, and Electrolyte/Electrode Interface Regulation for Low‐Temperature Zinc‐Based Batteries
Authors: Zhang Weiqi , Dong Qiujiang , Wang Jiajun , Han Xiaopeng , Hu Wenbin
Published: June 2023

With more renewable energy developed to satisfy the human need in the energy crisis, electricity storage is critical in power utilization and storage. Due to its high safety, high nature reserve, and high energy density, the zinc‐based battery is drawing increasing attention. Together with the expansion of human activities, the low‐temperature battery is developed to satisfy the power demand in extreme environments, and as a critical component, electrolytes shall have a low freezing point and satisfying electrochemical properties in cold conditions. In this review, the development of low‐temperature electrolytes for zinc‐based batteries will be comprehensively introduced. First, the failure mechanism of zinc‐based battery at low temperature will be illustrated. Second, five main types of low‐temperature electrolytes will be introduced in detail. Finally, the regulation of electrolyte/electrode surface at low temperature will be discussed. This review aims to provide a guideline for low‐temperature electrolyte design from the perspective of molecular behavior regulation.
On the relative value of imbalanced learning for code smell detection
Authors: Li Fuyang , Zou Kuan , Keung Jacky Wai , Yu Xiao , Feng Shuo , Xiao Yan
Published: June 2023

Machine learning‐based code smell detection (CSD) has been demonstrated to be a valuable approach for improving software quality and enabling developers to identify problematic patterns in code. However, previous researches have shown that the code smell datasets commonly used to train these models are heavily imbalanced. While some recent studies have explored the use of imbalanced learning techniques for CSD, they have only evaluated a limited number of techniques and thus their conclusions about the most effective methods may be biased and inconclusive. To thoroughly evaluate the effect of imbalanced learning techniques for machine learning‐based CSD, we examine 31 imbalanced learning techniques with seven classifiers to build CSD models on four code smell data sets. We employ four evaluation metrics to assess the detection performance with the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test and Cliff's . The results show that (1) Not all imbalanced learning techniques significantly improve detection performance, but deep forest significantly outperforms the other techniques on all code smell data sets. (2) SMOTE (Synthetic Minority Over‐sampling TEchnique) is not the most effective technique for resampling code smell data sets. (3) The best‐performing imbalanced learning techniques and the top‐3 data resampling techniques have little time cost for code smell detection. Therefore, we provide some practical guidelines. First, researchers and practitioners should select the appropriate imbalanced learning techniques (e.g., deep forest) to ameliorate the class imbalance problem. In contrast, the blind application of imbalanced learning techniques could be harmful. Then, better data resampling techniques than SMOTE should be selected to preprocess the code smell data sets.
Performance of co‐culture strategy on nutrient removal and biogas upgrading by strigolactone induction
Authors: Shu Lixing , Wang Zhengfang , Li Yaguang , Zheng Zheng
Published: June 2023

In this study, we investigated the performance and elucidated the synergistic effects of microalgae–fungi symbionts co‐cultured with 10−7 and 10−9 mol L−1 of GR24 and supplemented with endophytic bacteria, multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) or vitamin B12 (VB12), on nutrient removal and biogas upgrading. The results showed that the microalgae–fungi–bacteria symbiotic system co‐cultured with 10−9 mol L−1 GR24 presented the optimal growth performance of 0.368 ± 0.04 d−1, chlorophyll a of 249.36 ± 22.31 μg L−1, and extracellular carbonic anhydrase activity of 42.55 ± 3.755 enzyme units. In this co‐culture system, the organic matter, nutrients, and CO2 purification obtained the highest removal efficiency, with 81.35 ± 7.96% for chemical oxygen demand, 83.56 ± 7.91% total nitrogen, 84.17 ± 7.95% total phosphorus, and 63.72 ± 6.06% CO2. The symbiont system also greatly increased the methane content in the biogas by 30.67%. The remarkable performance of the microalgae–fungi–bacteria symbiotic system shows its ability to be broadly applied in simultaneous biogas upgrading and wastewater treatment.

Practitioner Points

The optimal GR24 concentration for microalgae–fungi consortia was 10−9 M.

Endophytic bacteria were superior to MWCNTs and VB12.

Fungi–algae–bacteria consortia presented excellent growth and removal performance.

Removal efficiencies of COD, TN, and TP were about 81% under optimum treatment.
Trirefringence and the M5-brane
Authors: Bandos Igor , Lechner Kurt , Sorokin Dmitri , Townsend Paul K.
Published: June 2023

Abstract

The Hamiltonian formulation for nonlinear chiral 2-form electrodynamics in six-dimensional Minkowski spacetime is used to show that small-amplitude plane-wave perturbations of a generic uniform constant ‘magnetic’ background exhibit trirefringence: all three independent wave-polarisations have distinct dispersion relations. While two coincide for Lorentz invariant theories, all three coincide uniquely for the chiral 2-form theory on the worldvolume of the M5-brane of M-theory. We argue that this is because, in this M-theory context, the waves propagate in a planar M5-M2-M2 bound-state preserving 16 supersymmetries. We also show how our results imply analogous results for nonlinear electrodynamics in a Minkowski spacetime of five and four dimensions.
On the Design of Global-in-Time Newton-Multigrid-Pressure Schur Complement Solvers for Incompressible Flow Problems
Authors: Lohmann Christoph , Turek Stefan
Published: June 2023

In this work, a new global-in-time solution strategy for incompressible flow problems is presented, which highly exploits the pressure Schur complement (PSC) approach for the construction of a space–time multigrid algorithm. For linear problems like the incompressible Stokes equations discretized in space using an inf-sup-stable finite element pair, the fundamental idea is to block the linear systems of equations associated with individual time steps into a single all-at-once saddle point problem for all velocity and pressure unknowns. Then the pressure Schur complement can be used to eliminate the velocity fields and set up an implicitly defined linear system for all pressure variables only. This algebraic manipulation allows the construction of parallel-in-time preconditioners for the corresponding all-at-once Picard iteration by extending frequently used sequential PSC preconditioners in a straightforward manner. For the construction of efficient solution strategies, the so defined preconditioners are employed in a GMRES method and then embedded as a smoother into a space–time multigrid algorithm, where the computational complexity of the coarse grid problem highly depends on the coarsening strategy in space and/or time. While commonly used finite element intergrid transfer operators are used in space, tailor-made prolongation and restriction matrices in time are required due to a special treatment of the pressure variable in the underlying time discretization. The so defined all-at-once multigrid solver is extended to the solution of the nonlinear Navier–Stokes equations by using Newton’s method for linearization of the global-in-time problem. In summary, the presented multigrid solution strategy only requires the efficient solution of time-dependent linear convection–diffusion–reaction equations and several independent Poisson-like problems. In order to demonstrate the potential of the proposed solution strategy for viscous fluid simulations with large time intervals, the convergence behavior is examined for various linear and nonlinear test cases.
Dangerous passage: the utility and accuracy of modern chest computed tomography in penetrating thoracic injuries with potential transmediastinal trajectory
Authors: Sozzi Marco , Inaba Kenji , Schellenberg Morgan A. , Matsushima Kazuhide , Martin Matthew J.
Published: June 2023

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate utility and reliability of chest CT as a standalone screening modality for stable patients with thoracic GSWs and potential transmediastinal trajectories.

Methods

All patients with thoracic GSWs over a 5-year period were identified. Unstable patients requiring immediate surgery were excluded and the remaining underwent chest CT with intravenous contrast. Sensitivity and specificity for clinically significant injuries were tested against an aggregate gold standard of discharge diagnosis including imaging, operative and clinical findings.

Results

A total of 216 patients met inclusion criteria and underwent chest CT. After imaging, 65 (30.1%) had indication for immediate surgery, of which 10 (4.6%) underwent a thoracic procedure for chest injuries while 151 (69.9%) were selected for nonoperative management (NOM). 11 (5.1%) required a delayed thoracic operation, none due to injuries missed on CT. The remaining 140 (64.8%) underwent successful NOM. Up to 195 (90.3%) patients had successful NOM of thoracic injuries. Only 9.2% required additional imaging, all negative. CT identified a cardiac injury in one case and a vascular injury in two cases, all confirmed by surgery, while one thoracic IVC injury missed on CT was found intraoperatively. 2 patients had CT suspicious for esophageal injury, ruled out by following investigations. There was one death in the total cohort, none in the NOM group.

Conclusions

Modern high-quality CT provides highly accurate and reliable screening modality for penetrating chest and mediastinal injuries and can be used as a standalone study in most patients or to guide further tests. Chest CT facilitated successful NOM.
Change of boundary: towards a mathematical foundation of global gravity models
Authors: Sansò Fernando , Bucha Blažej
Published: June 2023

Change of boundary is a method that iteratively downward continues data from a star-shaped boundary to a regular surface, such as the sphere or the ellipsoid of revolution, and then solves a boundary value problem using the downward continued data on the changed boundary. Although the method belongs to concepts involved in the development of recent high-degree Earth’s gravity models, it is still unclear whether the iterations converge to the true solution for boundaries as complex as, for instance, the Earth’s surface. In this paper, we revisit the method and show that convergence in terms of the Cesaro limit can be achieved under the assumption that the operator performing the iterations is non-expansive. The validity of the assumption is, however, still not proved. Therefore, we examine the hypothesis numerically using boundaries of various complexity. We start with a simple synthetic topography defined by a Legendre polynomial and move to more realistic finite-degree shapes of the asteroids Bennu and Eros. The numerical experiments indicate that the assumption is valid as long as the boundary deviates not too far from a sphere and the truncation degree of the gravity model is not too high (the experiments with the synthetic topography and Bennu). Otherwise, the hypothesis seems to be false (the Eros case). Finding an analytical condition to separate between shapes for which the change of boundary method converges/diverges remains an open issue.
Next-generation PET/CT imaging in meningioma—first clinical experiences using the novel SSTR-targeting peptide [18F]SiTATE
Authors: Unterrainer Marcus , Kunte Sophie C. , Unterrainer Lena M. , Holzgreve Adrien , Delker Astrid , Lindner Simon , Beyer Leonie , Brendel Matthias , Kunz Wolfgang G. , Winkelmann Michael , Cyran Clemens C. , Ricke Jens , Jurkschat Klaus , Wängler Carmen , Wängler Björn , Schirrmacher Ralf , Belka Claus , Niyazi Maximilian , Tonn Joerg-Christian , Bartenstein Peter , Albert Nathalie L.
Published: June 2023

Background

Somatostatin-receptor (SSTR)-targeted PET/CT provides important clinical information in addition to standard imaging in meningioma patients. [18F]SiTATE is a novel, 18F-labeled SSTR-targeting peptide with superior imaging properties according to preliminary data. We provide the first [18F]SiTATE PET/CT data of a large cohort of meningioma patients.

Methods

Patients with known or suspected meningioma undergoing [18F]SiTATE PET/CT were included. Uptake intensity (SUV) of meningiomas, non-meningioma lesions, and healthy organs were assessed using a 50% isocontour volume of interest (VOI) or a spherical VOI, respectively. Also, trans-osseous extension on PET/CT was assessed.

Results

A total of 107 patients with 117 [18F]SiTATE PET/CT scans were included. Overall, 231 meningioma lesions and 61 non-meningioma lesions (e.g., post-therapeutic changes) were analyzed. Physiological uptake was lowest in healthy brain tissue, followed by bone marrow, parotid, and pituitary (SUVmean 0.06 ± 0.04 vs. 1.4 ± 0.9 vs. 1.6 ± 1.0 vs. 9.8 ± 4.6; p < 0.001). Meningiomas showed significantly higher uptake than non-meningioma lesions (SUVmax 11.6 ± 10.6 vs. 4.0 ± 3.3, p < 0.001). Meningiomas showed significantly higher uptake than non-meningioma lesions (SUVmax 11.6±10.6 vs. 4.0±3.3, p<0.001). 93/231 (40.3%) meningiomas showed partial trans-osseous extension and 34/231 (14.7%) predominant intra-osseous extension. 59/231 (25.6%) meningioma lesions found on PET/CT had not been reported on previous standard imaging.

Conclusion

This is the first PET/CT study using an 18F-labeled SSTR-ligand in meningioma patients: [18F]SiTATE provides extraordinary contrast in meningioma compared to healthy tissue and non-meningioma lesions, which leads to a high detection rate of so far unknown meningioma sites and osseous involvement. Having in mind the advantageous logistic features of 18F-labeled compared to 68Ga-labeled compounds (e.g., longer half-life and large-badge production), [18F]SiTATE has the potential to foster a widespread use of SSTR-targeted imaging in neuro-oncology.
Treatment with idelalisib in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia – real world data from the registry of the German CLL Study Group
Authors: von Tresckow Julia , Heyl Nikola , Robrecht Sandra , Giza Adam , Aldaoud Ali , Schlag Rudolf , Klausmann Martine , Linde Hartmut , Stein Wolfgang , Schwarzer Andreas , Fischer Kirsten , Cramer Paula , Eichhorst Barbara , Hallek Michael , Fink Anna Maria
Published: June 2023

Idelalisib in combination with rituximab is an efficacious treatment for patients suffering from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with known limitations due to toxicities. However, the benefit after prior Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) therapy remains unclear. For this analysis, 81 patients included in a non-interventional registry study of the German CLL study group (registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as # NCT02863692) meeting the predefined criteria of a confirmed diagnosis of CLL and being treated with idelalisib containing regimens outside clinical trials were considered. 11 patients were treatment naïve (13.6%) and 70 patients (86.4%) pretreated. Patients had median of one prior therapy line (range 0–11). Median treatment duration with idelalisib was 5.1 months (range 0–55.0 months). Of 58 patients with documented treatment outcome, 39 responded to idelalisib containing therapy (67.2%). Patients treated with the BTKi ibrutinib as last prior treatment prior to idelalisib responded in 71.4% compared to a response rate of 61.9% in patients without prior ibrutinib. Median event free survival (EFS) was 15.9 months with a 16 versus 14 months EFS in patients with ibrutinib as last prior treatment or not, respectively. Median overall survival was 46.6 months. In conclusion, treatment with idelalisib appears to have a valuable impact in patients being refractory to prior ibrutinib therapy even though there are limitations in our analysis due to the low number of patients included.
Impact of AI system on recognition for anatomical landmarks related to reducing bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Endo Yuichi , Tokuyasu Tatsushi , Mori Yasuhisa , Asai Koji , Umezawa Akiko , Kawamura Masahiro , Fujinaga Atsuro , Ejima Aika , Kimura Misako , Inomata Masafumi
Published: June 2023

Background

According to the National Clinical Database of Japan, the incidence of bile duct injury (BDI) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy has hovered around 0.4% for the last 10 years and has not declined. On the other hand, it has been found that about 60% of BDI occurrences are due to misidentifying anatomical landmarks. However, the authors developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system that gave intraoperative data to recognize the extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD), cystic duct (CD), inferior border of liver S4 (S4), and Rouviere sulcus (RS). The purpose of this research was to evaluate how the AI system affects landmark identification.

Methods

We prepared a 20-s intraoperative video before the serosal incision of Calot’s triangle dissection and created a short video with landmarks overwritten by AI. The landmarks were defined as landmark (LM)-EHBD, LM-CD, LM-RS, and LM-S4. Four beginners and four experts were recruited as subjects. After viewing a 20-s intraoperative video, subjects annotated the LM-EHBD and LM-CD. Then, a short video is shown with the AI overwriting landmark instructions; if there is a change in each perspective, the annotation is changed. The subjects answered a three-point scale questionnaire to clarify whether the AI teaching data advanced their confidence in verifying the LM-RS and LM-S4. Four external evaluation committee members investigated the clinical importance.

Results

In 43 of 160 (26.9%) images, the subjects transformed their annotations. Annotation changes were primarily observed in the gallbladder line of the LM-EHBD and LM-CD, and 70% of these shifts were considered safer changes. The AI-based teaching data encouraged both beginners and experts to affirm the LM-RS and LM-S4.

Conclusion

The AI system provided significant awareness to beginners and experts and prompted them to identify anatomical landmarks linked to reducing BDI.
A novel Physarum-inspired competition algorithm for discrete multi-objective optimisation problems
Authors: Awad Abubakr , Coghill George M. , Pang Wei
Published: June 2023

Many real-world problems can be naturally formulated as discrete multi-objective optimisation (DMOO) problems. We have proposed a novel Physarum-inspired competition algorithm (PCA) to tackle these DMOO problems. Our algorithm is based on hexagonal cellular automata (CA) as a representation of problem search space and reaction–diffusion systems that control the Physarum motility. Physarum’s decision-making power and the discrete properties of CA have made our algorithm a perfectly suitable approach to solve DMOO problems. Each cell in the CA grid will be decoded as a solution (objective function) and will be regarded as a food resource to attract Physarum. The n-dimensional generalisation of the hexagonal CA grid has allowed us to extend the solving capabilities of our PCA from only 2-D to n-D optimisation problems. We have implemented a novel restart procedure to select the global Pareto frontier based on both personal experience and shared information. Extensive experimental and statistical analyses were conducted on several benchmark functions to assess the performance of our PCA against other evolutionary algorithms. As far as we know, this study is the first attempt to assess algorithms that solve DMOO problems, with a large number of benchmark functions and performance indicators. Our PCA has confirmed our assumption that individual skills of competing Physarum are more efficient in exploration and increase the diversity of the solutions. It has achieved the best performance for the Spread indicator (diversity), similar performance results compared to the strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm (SPEA2) and even outperformed other well-established genetic algorithms.
Psychological and reproductive decision-making experiences of young women after breast cancer diagnosis: a qualitative study
Authors: Qiu Jiajia , Tang Lichen , Li Ping , Liu Guangyu , Rong Xinyi
Published: June 2023

Background

Breast cancer has the highest incidence rate among malignant tumors in China, with a trend of affecting younger women. The treatment has short- and long-term adverse effects such as damage to the ovaries, which may result in infertility. Such consequences then increase patients’ concerns over future reproduction. At present, nor do medical staffs continuously assess their overall well-being, or ensure that they have the knowledge necessary to manage their reproductive concerns. This qualitative study aimed to explore psychological and reproductive decision-making experiences of young women who had experienced childbirth after their diagnosis.

Methods

The phenomenological research, as a kind of qualitative study, was conducted on 12 young women who experienced childbirth after breast cancer diagnosis. Data collection was from September 2021 to January 2022 and content analysis method was used to analyze the data.

Results

Five main themes were identified: (1) desire for childbearing from individual, familial, and social aspects after the diagnosis of breast cancer; (2) emotional experiences through pregnancy till raising children; (3) support needs from professionals, family, and peer; (4) self and doctors’ influencing factors on reproductive decision-making; and (5) satisfaction with the outcome of reproductive decision-making.

Conclusions

The desire for childbearing of young women should be considered during the reproductive decision-making process. A multidisciplinary team is suggested to be set up to provide professional support. During the reproductive process, professional and peer support should be strengthened to improve decision-making abilities, alleviate negative emotional experience, and smoothen the process of reproductive experience for young patients.
Polarography and pharmacy: a centenary of mutual interaction
Authors: Nesměrák Karel , Chalupa Radek
Published: June 2023

On the occasion of the centenary of the discovery of polarography, this article studies the mutual interactions between polarography and pharmacy. It highlights the relationship of the discoverer of polarography, Jaroslav Heyrovský (1890–1967), to pharmacy. The article shows how quickly and widely polarography has been applied to pharmacy. The contribution of polarography to the quality control of pharmaceutical substances and dosage forms is discussed, including some interesting solutions to problems with the measurement of substances that are difficult to determine electrochemically. The integration of polarography into pharmacopoeias is also followed. Next, the use of polarography in the determination of drugs and their metabolites in biological samples for pharmacological purposes is discussed. Finally, the application of polarography in the development of new drugs is reviewed. Although classical polarography on a dropping mercury electrode is nowadays seldom used, its contribution to pharmacy is considerable, and, moreover, new voltammetric methods derived from polarography still have a useful and irreplaceable position in pharmacy.

Graphical abstract
Auf dem Weg zum regional integrierten Grundwassermanagement: Strömungsmodellierung Ostfriesland
Authors: Scheihing Konstantin W. , Voss Axel , Beienz Johannes , Bischke Malko , Howahr Michael , Schäfer Wolfgang , Sütering Uwe
Published: June 2023

Wachsende Herausforderungen im Wasserversorgungsmanagement unter Einflüssen des globalen Wandels erfordern institutionsübergreifende, regionale und dauerhaft etablierte Grundwassermodelle, um unterschiedliche wasserwirtschaftliche Akteure und Vorhaben kontinuierlich aufeinander abzustimmen. Das vorgestellte stationäre Strömungsmodell für Ostfriesland ist ein erster Schritt hin zu einem solchen regional integrierten Grundwassermanagement. Das Strömungsmodell fußt auf einem geologischen Modell, erstellt aus über 28.000 Bohrprofilen, und wurde kalibriert an über 800 Grundwasserstandszeitreihen. Die Kalibrierung ist gut gelungen. Ein Modelltest plausibilisiert die Eignung des Modells als Planungs- und Prognosewerkzeug. Anwendungsfelder des Models gliedern sich in die Analyse einer möglichen Überlagerung von Grundwasserabsenkungen verschiedener Nutzer, die Abschätzung der Betroffenheit ökologischer Schutzgüter, die Prüfung des mengenmäßigen Zustandes verschiedener Grundwasserkörper, die Auswirkung veränderter Grundwasserneubilungsszenarien unter Einflüssen des Klimawandels oder die planerische Erkundung und Entwicklung neuer Grundwassergewinnungsgebiete. Aufgrund der detaillierten Modellbeschreibung kann der vorliegende Fall als orientierendes Beispiel für die Ansätze, Chancen und Herausforderungen regionaler Grundwasserströmungsmodelle dienen.
Universitätskarriere von Frauen in der Gefäßchirurgie
Authors: Fehler G. , Hinterseher I.
Published: June 2023

Mehr als 50 % der Studienabschlüsse in der Medizin werden von Frauen geleistet, jedoch erklimmen vor allem im universitätsmedizinischen Sektor nur knapp 9 % der Frauen auch Leitungspositionen. Die Gründe hierfür sind komplex und nicht allein mit gleichstellungspolitischen Instrumenten zu bewältigen. Vielmehr muss eine Kulturveränderung im Arbeitssektor erreicht werden, in der Chancen und Teilhabe nicht über das Geschlecht segregiert werden. Ziel des Vortrags auf der Wiener Dreiländertagung war, Zahlen aus der universitären Gefäßchirurgie in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz und die Beteiligung von Frauen an dem wissenschaftlichen Kongress darzustellen und die Notwendigkeit eines Umdenkens zu unterstreichen, um den Bereich auch langfristig qualitativ und quantitativ gut präsentieren zu können.
Floating offshore wind projects development in South Korea without government subsidies
Authors: Lee Jongmin , Xydis George
Published: June 2023

The South Korean government is encouraging the active participation of power generation companies in the offshore wind power project by announcing the renewable energy certificates (REC) weighting plan. However, from a long-term perspective, the offshore wind power must be able to generate profits without government support to demonstrate its business feasibility and attract the voluntary participation of power generation companies. This is because government support may be subject to change, depending on the internal and external political circumstances of the country. This report calculates the expected costs for a 495 MW floating offshore wind farm in South Korea’s market environment and examines how the feasibility of the project shifts depending on the country’s current REC weights. Furthermore, this study intends to determine whether floating offshore wind power can generate profits without the Korean government’s support by calculating the expected profit in combination with the green hydrogen project. The net present value, levelized cost of energy and internal rate of return (IRR) indexes are calculated according to the project’s specific particularities, such as power purchase agreement, REC weighting, distance from shore and sea depth. Based on this, an index-based comparison is revealed and the margin for profitability for such an investment is discussed. The calculation results revealed that with a decrease in capital expenditures and operating expenditure or an increase in the system marginal price under specific assumptions, the value of IRR increased.
Changing local climate patterns through hail suppression systems: conflict and inequalities between farmers and wine producers in the Burgundy Region (France)
Authors: Petit Sandrine , Castel Thierry , Henrion Gabrielle , Richard Yves , Traore Mamadou , Vergote Marie-Hélène , Young Juliette
Published: June 2023

Meteorological hazards can lead farmers to resort to strategies such as weather modifications. In this paper, we study how the use of such strategies, in this case silver iodide ground generators aimed at protecting vineyards from hail, caused a conflict between farmers (wine producers and cattle breeders) in Burgundy, France. The conflict emerged as the installation of these generators coincided with 3 years of severe droughts (2018, 2019 and 2020), which incurred additional expenses and organisational difficulties for local cattle breeders and led them to suspect a potential link between the generators and the droughts. We followed a transdisciplinary research approach, based on local stakeholder input and their need to mitigate the negative impacts of the conflict. Based on this approach, we studied the links between generator use and precipitation, and carried out in-depth interviews to study farmers’ experiences of climate, generators and conflicts in the region. Whilst the climatic analysis shows no local or regional effects of the generators on precipitation volumes, the sociological study highlights the vulnerability of farmers to successive droughts, found to be part of a wider pattern of climate change based on water balance variables (temperature, precipitation, evapotranspiration potential, soil wetness index) over a long period (1959–2020). Our results suggest that the use of technical solutions to mitigate meteorological hazards, within a broader context of climate engineering, can lead to conflicts at the regional level, and that the climate change challenge in the context of agriculture requires a focus on wider social issues including vulnerability.
The role of neuronal plasticity in cervical spondylotic myelopathy surgery: functional assessment and prognostic implication
Authors: Bonosi Lapo , Musso Sofia , Cusimano Luigi Maria , Porzio Massimiliano , Giovannini Evier Andrea , Benigno Umberto Emanuele , Giammalva Giuseppe Roberto , Gerardi Rosa Maria , Brunasso Lara , Costanzo Roberta , Paolini Federica , Sciortino Andrea , Campisi Benedetta Maria , Giardina Kevin , Scalia Gianluca , Iacopino Domenico Gerardo , Maugeri Rosario
Published: June 2023

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a degenerative disease representing the most common spinal cord disorder in the adult population. It is characterized by chronic compression leading to neurological dysfunction due to static and dynamic injury of the spinal cord in cervical spine. These insidious damage mechanisms can result in the reorganization of cortical and subcortical areas. The cerebral cortex can reorganize due to spinal cord injury and may play a role in preserving neurological function. To date, the gold standard treatment of cervical myelopathy is surgery, comprising anterior, posterior, and combined approaches. However, the complex physiologic recovery processes involving cortical and subcortical neural reorganization following surgery are still inadequately understood. It has been demonstrated that diffusion MRI and functional imaging and techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), can provide new insights into the diagnosis and prognosis of CSM. This review aims to shed light on the state-of-the-art regarding the pattern of cortical and subcortical areas reorganization and recovery before and after surgery in CSM patients, underlighting the critical role of neuroplasticity.
Surgical management of syringomyelia associated with spinal arachnoid web: strategies and outcomes
Authors: Adib Sasan Darius , Schittenhelm Jens , Kurucz Peter , Hauser Till-Karsten , Tatagiba Marcos
Published: June 2023

Spinal arachnoid web (SAW) is a rare disease entity characterized as band-like arachnoid tissue that can cause spinal cord compression and syringomyelia. This study aimed to analyze the surgical management of the spinal arachnoid web in patients with syringomyelia, focusing on surgical strategies and outcomes. A total of 135 patients with syringomyelia underwent surgery at our department between November 2003 and December 2022. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with a special syringomyelia protocol (including TrueFISP and CINE), and electrophysiology. Among these patients, we searched for patients with SAW with syringomyelia following careful analysis of neuroradiological data and surgical reports. The criteria for SAW were as follows: displacement of the spinal cord, disturbed but preserved CSF flow, and intraoperative arachnoid web. Patients were evaluated for initial symptoms, surgical strategies, and complications by reviewing surgical reports, patient documents, neuroradiological data, and follow-up data. Of the 135 patients, 3 (2.22%) fulfilled the SAW criteria. The mean patient age was 51.67 ± 8.33 years. Two patients were male, and one was female. The affected levels were T2/3, T6, and T8. Excision of the arachnoid web was performed in all cases. No significant change in intraoperative monitoring was noted. Postoperatively, none of the patients presented new neurological symptoms. The MRI 3 months after surgery revealed that the syringomyelia improved in all cases, and caliber variation of the spinal cord could not be detected anymore. All clinical symptoms improved. In summary, SAW can be safely treated by surgery. Even though syringomyelia usually improves on MRI and symptoms also improve, residual symptoms might be observed. We advocate for clear criteria for the diagnosis of SAW and a standardized diagnostic (MRI including TrueFISP and CINE).
Intimate Partner Violence and Business: Exploring the Boundaries of Ethical Enquiry
Authors: Karam Charlotte M. , Greenwood Michelle , Kauzlarich Laura , Kelly Anne O’Leary , Wilcox Tracy
Published: June 2023

In this article, we conceptualize the under investigated and under theorized relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and business responsibility. As an urgent social issue, IPV—understood as abuse of power within the context of an intimate partner relationship, mainly perpetrated by men and involving a pattern of behavior—has been studied for decades in many disciplines. A less common yet vital research perspective is to examine IPV as it relates to the business and to ask how organizations should engage with IPV. In response to this question, we contribute a framework drawing from two distinctions in the business responsibility scholarship: the assumed role of the organization (responsibility to the firm/market; responsibility to the broader socio-political-economic environment); and the second focused on the approach to conceptualizing ethics (justice/fairness; ethics of care). Thus, we explicate four approaches to business responsibility and IPV, which serve the purposes of mapping three selected contributions, identifying limitations of these approaches, and opening up future research opportunities.
Numerical analysis of glass edge chipping by impact loading
Authors: Hirobe Sayako , Sato Yosuke , Takato Yoichi , Oguni Kenji
Published: June 2023

This study presents numerical analyses for edge chipping by impact loading. As a numerical analysis method, we extend Particle Discretization Scheme Finite Element Method (PDS-FEM) developed by the authors to be able to simulate fracture due to impact loading. We performed simulations targeting edge chipping of soda-lime glass by impact of rigid steel sphere and examined the crack morphology while varying the diameter of the impactor, the impact velocity, and the impact distance. The proposed method successfully simulates the 3D complex crack pattern on edge chipping such as Hertzian cone crack and conchoidal chip scar. The method also reproduces the change of crack morphologies depending on the impact force and the impact distance. Also, a series of numerical analyses is presented to reveal the effect of the impactor geometry on the chip dimensions. The height of chip is independent of the impactor geometry while the width of chip depends on it. According to the agreement with experimental results, it is confirmed that the proposed method is capable of realizing edge chipping due to impact loading.
Theory and methods of the multiverse: an application for panel-based models
Authors: Cantone Giulio Giacomo , Tomaselli Venera
Published: June 2023

Multiverse analysis involves systematically sampling a vast set of model specifications, known as a multiverse, to estimate the uncertainty surrounding the validity of a scientific claim. By fitting these specifications to a sample of observations, statistics are obtained as analytical results. Examining the variability of these statistics across different groups of model specifications helps to assess the robustness of the claim and gives insights into its underlying assumptions. However, the theoretical premises of multiverse analysis are often implicit and not universally agreed upon. To address this, a new formal categorisation of the analytical choices involved in modelling the set of specifications is proposed. This method of indexing the specification highlights that the sampling structure of the multiversal sample does not conform to a model of independent and identically distributed draws of specifications and that it can be modelled as an information network instead. Hamming’s distance is proposed as a measure of network distance, and, with an application to a panel dataset, it is shown how this approach enhances transparency in procedures and inferred claims and that it facilitates the check of implicit parametric assumptions. In the conclusions, the proposed theory of multiversal sampling is linked to the ongoing debate on how to weigh a multiverse, including the debate on the epistemic value of crowdsourced multiverses.
COVID-19, Coronavirus Vaccines, and Possible Association with Lipschütz Vulvar Ulcer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vismara Stefano A. , Ridolfi Andrea , Faré Pietro B. , Bianchetti Mario G. , Lava Sebastiano A. G. , Renzi Samuele , Piccoli Benedetta Terziroli Beretta , Milani Gregorio P. , Kottanattu Lisa
Published: June 2023

Lipschütz genital ulcer is a self-limited, non-sexually acquired disorder characterized by the sudden onset of a few ulcers. A primary Epstein-Barr virus infection is currently considered the most recognized cause. Recent reports document cases temporally related with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or immunization against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We carried out a review of the literature to investigate the possible association between COVID-19 or the immunization against SARS-CoV-2 and genital ulcer. The pre-registered study (CRD42023376260) was undertaken following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology. Excerpta Medica, the National Library of Medicine, and Web of Sciences were searched. Inclusion criteria encompassed instances of acute Lipschütz ulcer episodes that were temporally linked to either COVID-19 or a vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. Eighteen articles were retained. They provided information on 33 patients 15 (14–24) years of age (median and interquartile range), who experienced a total of 39 episodes of Lipschütz ulcer temporally associated with COVID-19 (N = 18) or an immunization against SARS-CoV-2 (N = 21). The possible concomitant existence of an acute Epstein-Barr virus infection was excluded in 30 of the 39 episodes. The clinical presentation and the disease duration were similar in episodes temporally associated with COVID-19 and in those associated with an immunization against SARS-CoV-2. In conclusion, COVID-19 and immunization against SARS-CoV-2 add to Epstein-Barr virus as plausible triggers of Lipschütz genital ulcer.
Follow-up study of children and adolescents during the stay-at-home directive decreed during the COVID-19 pandemic: how the way lockdown is interpreted affects mental health
Authors: Ordóñez-Camblor Nuria , Ubillos-Landa Silvia , González-Castro José Luis , Pizarro-Ruiz Juan Pablo
Published: June 2023

The present study is, to the best of our knowledge, the first study to follow up on the mental health of children and adolescents in Spain during COVID-19, a country in which a strict stay-at-home directive was issued as a result of the pandemic. We also explore the influence of fear of contagion and the attribution for lockdown on young people’s mental health. A sample of 278 children (8 to 12 years) and adolescents (13 to 18 years) were assessed at two time points in relation to different areas linked to well-being, fear of contagion and interpretation of the stringent lockdown as (i) a Punishment, (ii) a means of Slowing the Spread of the Virus, or (iii) a way of Protecting Others. The first time point (T1) was from March 22–25, 2020 (eight to eleven days into lockdown), and the second (T2) was from April 11–14, 2020 (28 to 31 days into lockdown). The results indicate that, following the initial impact of the lockdown, the deterioration observed in the mental health of children and adolescents seemed to stabilize, despite the prolonged nature of the strict stay-at-home directive. A more negative interpretation of the lockdown and greater fear of contagion by the COVID-19 virus resulted in poorer mental health. The present study may help inform the decision-making process regarding stringent lockdown orders for children and adolescents in future pandemics and establish guidelines for providing better support both during and after health crises.
Comparative Assessment of FR and AHP Models for Landslide Susceptibility Mapping for Sikkim, India and Preparation of Suitable Mitigation Techniques
Authors: Biswas Brototi , Rahaman Aneesah , Barman Jonmenjoy
Published: June 2023

The Gangtok subdivision in east Sikkim district was developed under different geographical, lithological, and historical conditions. This research aimed towards creating a landslide susceptibility zone with the help of two GIS models, namely AHP (analytical hierarchy process) and FRM (frequency ratio model), used for landslide susceptibility mapping and make a comparison in accordance with their outputs. Primary data like the landslide location was collected by using the GPS technique and BHUVAN landslide inventory, while, photographic data were collected from various satellite images and theme-based images from BHUVAN, ENVIS, and Earth Explorer. Other secondary data were collected from the Survey of India (SOI), National Bureau of Soil Survey, Geological Survey of India, NRSC, India, and land use planning (NBSS&LUP), Census of India and Indian Meteorological Department. Eleven thematic layers including landslide inventory, rainfall, lithology, geomorphology, slope, aspect, curvature, distance from lineament, distance from the road, distance from drainage, and land use/land cover, were considered for the FRM method and the AHP method. AHP map captures 80% of the active slides in the very high to the high susceptible zones in comparison to the 75% active slide capture by the FRM method in the very high to high susceptible zone. For validation and comparison of the model output, the receiver operating curve (ROC) was applied to 30% cases out of the 100% of total landslides (92 landslide locations were marked). AHP method was found out to be the best among the two models with a 98% accuracy level. The risk mapping was done by integrating exposure map with hazard map along with physical vulnerability map of the study area. Through risk mapping it is seen that the eastern section of the study area has the least risk but on the contrary, the western zone is the riskier zone for landslide hazard. There has been also an attempt to find out plausible methods for landslide disaster management and mitigation for the study area.
Maternal Mindfulness During Pregnancy and Early Child Social-Emotional Development and Behavior Problems: The Potential Mediating Role of Maternal Mental Health
Authors: de Waal Noor , Boekhorst Myrthe G. B. M. , Nyklíček Ivan , Pop Victor J. M.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

During the perinatal period, women are exposed to major changes, holding possible adverse effects on psychological well-being and child development. An effective way of coping with these challenges and adjustments could be mindfulness. The current study examined associations of mindfulness facets during pregnancy with toddler’s social-emotional development and behavior problems, as well as potentially mediating effects of maternal mental health.

Method

A total of 167 women completed questionnaires during pregnancy, the postpartum period, and 2 and 3 years after childbirth, assessing dispositional mindfulness, pregnancy distress, symptoms of anxiety and depression, child social-emotional development, and child behavior problems.

Results

There was a positive association between maternal non-reacting mindfulness skills and child social-emotional development at 2 years of age, regardless of mothers’ perinatal mental health, whereas other mindfulness facets were unrelated. Pregnancy distress mediated the association between maternal non-judging skills during pregnancy and child externalizing problem behavior, but no other mediating effects were found.

Conclusions

Non-reacting skills in mothers during pregnancy may have favorable implications for child social-emotional development. Due to the relatively high number of tests that were conducted, the mediating effect of pregnancy distress must be interpreted with caution.
Children with Mathematical Learning Difficulties—How Do Their Working Memory Skills Differ from Typically Developing First Graders?
Authors: Winkel Kirsten , Zipperle Isabell
Published: June 2023

Children with mathematical learning difficulties differ from their peers not only in terms of their mathematics-specific competencies, but also in terms of other cross-curricular areas of competence. In many of these areas, they make more mistakes and need more time. Numerous studies show that they also make more mistakes in working memory tasks. However, there is little research on whether they also need more time in working memory tasks. The present study addresses this question. Methodologically, our study is aligned to peer studies that are included in a current meta-analysis. Our results from over 400 first graders reveal that children with mathematical learning difficulties do not only make more mistakes in working memory tasks, but also need significantly more time for these cognitive processes already. Our findings highlight how important it is to consider not only mathematics-specific competencies but also working memory skills and the time needed when diagnosing and supporting children in order to effectively implement individualized interventions and meet heterogeneous learning conditions in mathematics classroom in primary school.
Numerical analytic continuation
Authors: Trefethen Lloyd N.
Published: June 2023

Letfbe an analytic function on a simply-connected compact continuumEof the complexz-plane. This might be an interval of the real line, wherefmight be real analytic. How can we calculate good estimates of the analytic continuation offto other points$$z\in {\mathbb C}$$z∈C? How can we estimate the locations of real or complex singularities off? We review both the theory and the practice of some existing methods for these problems and propose that excellent results can be obtained from the computation of rational approximations offby the AAA algorithm. In the case of analytic functions of two or more variables, the rational approximations are applied along line segments or other analytic arcs.