bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fazit
Authors: Röper Johann W. A.
Published: August 2022

Ziel dieser Arbeit war die ökonomische Modellierung und Analyse der Kosten der Luftrettung, um einen Erkenntnisgewinn über Möglichkeiten zur Steuerung der dynamischen und komplexen Zusammenhänge von Luftrettungssystemen zu erlangen. Die vorgestellten Ergebnisse bringen objektive Elemente in medizinische, aber auch sozio-politische Diskussionen. Gemeinsam mit dem methodischen Ansatz sind die Ergebnisse geeignet, die Gestaltung von Luftrettungssystemen zu unterstützen.
One-loop diagrams with quadratic propagators from the worldsheet
Authors: Feng Bo , He Song , Zhang Yong , Zhang Yao-Qi
Published: August 2022

Abstract

It is well known that forward limits of tree-level amplitudes (and those trivalent diagrams they consist of) produce one-loop amplitudes and trivalent diagrams with propagators linear in the loop momentum. They naturally arise from one-loop worldsheet formulae, and an important open problem is how to recombine them into usual one-loop diagrams with quadratic propagators. In this paper, we study a new collection of worldsheet functions: generalized one-loop Parke-Taylor factors with tensor numerators, which are conjectured to serve as a basis for one-loop worldsheet functions with this nice property. We present all-multiplicity, closed-form expressions for combinations of one-loop trivalent diagrams with quadratic propagators and tensor numerators to arbitrary rank (including possible tadpole contributions), produced by any pair of Parke-Taylor factors. We also briefly comment on reducing worldsheet functions onto such a basis, and applications to one-loop amplitudes in physical theories.
Complete calculation of exclusive heavy vector meson production at next-to-leading order in the dipole picture
Authors: Mäntysaari Heikki , Penttala Jani
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Exclusive production of transversely polarized heavy vector mesons in deep inelastic scattering at high energy is calculated at next-to-leading order accuracy in the Color Glass Condensate framework. In addition to the first QCD correction proportional to the strong coupling constant αs, we systematically also include the first relativistic correction proportional to the heavy quark velocity squared v2. When combined with our previously published results for longitudinal vector meson production at next-to-leading order accuracy, these results make phenomenological calculations of heavy vector meson production possible at the order $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(αsv0,$$ {\alpha}_{\mathrm{s}}^0 $$

α
s
0

v2). When applied to J/ψ and Υ production at HERA and at the LHC, a good agreement between the next-to-leading order calculations and experimental data is found. Additionally, we demonstrate that vector meson production can provide additional constraints compared to structure function analyses when the nonperturbative initial condition for the Balitsky-Kovchegov evolution equation is extracted.
Dedicated triggers for displaced jets using timing information from electromagnetic calorimeter at HL-LHC
Authors: Bhattacherjee Biplob , Ghosh Tapasi , Sengupta Rhitaja , Solanki Prabhat
Published: August 2022

Abstract

In this paper, we study the prospect of ECAL barrel timing to develop triggers dedicated to long-lived particles decaying to jets at the level-1 of HL-LHC. We construct over 20 timing-based variables, and identify two of them which have better performances and are robust against increasing PU. We estimate the QCD prompt jet background rates accurately using the “stitching” procedure for varying thresholds defining our triggers and compute the signal efficiencies for different LLP scenarios for a permissible background rate. The trigger efficiencies can go up to$$ \mathcal{O}\left(80\%\right) $$O80%for the most optimal trigger for pair-produced heavy LLPs having high decay lengths, which degrades with decreasing mass and decay length of the LLP. We also discuss the prospect of including the information of displaced L1 tracks to our triggers, which further improves the results, especially for LLPs characterised by lower decay lengths.
Higgs boson contribution to the leading two-loop Yukawa corrections to gg → HH
Authors: Davies Joshua , Mishima Go , Schönwald Kay , Steinhauser Matthias , Zhang Hantian
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We analytically compute two-loop Yukawa corrections to Higgs boson pair production in the high-energy limit. Such corrections are generated by an exchange of a Higgs boson between the virtual top quark lines. We propose two approaches to obtain expansions of the massive two-loop box integrals and show that precise results are obtained for transverse momenta of the Higgs bosons above about 150 GeV. We discuss in detail the computation of all 140 master integrals and present analytic results.
BPS skyrmions of generalized Skyrme model in higher dimensions
Authors: Fadhilla Emir Syahreza , Gunara Bobby Eka , Atmaja Ardian Nata
Published: August 2022

Abstract

In this work we consider the higher dimensional Skyrme model, with spatial dimension d > 3, focusing on its BPS submodels and their corresponding features. To accommodate the cases with a higher topological degree, B ≥ 1, a modified generalized hedgehog ansatz is used where we assign an integer ni for each rotational plane, resulting in a topological degree that proportional to product of these integers. It is found via BPS Lagrangian method that there are only two possible BPS submodels for this spherically symmetric ansatz which shall be called as BPS Skyrme model and scale-invariant model. The properties of the higher dimensional version of both submodels are studied and it is found that the BPS Skyrmions with B ≥ 1 exist in the first submodel but there is only B = 1 BPS Skyrmion in the second submodel. We also study the higher dimensional version of self-duality conditions in terms of strain tensor eigenvalues and find that, in general, the scale-invariant model has a stronger self-duality condition than the BPS Skyrme model.
Logarithmic corrections, entanglement entropy, and UV cutoffs in de Sitter spacetime
Authors: Arenas-Henriquez Gabriel , Diaz Felipe , Sundell Per
Published: August 2022

Abstract

It has been argued that the entropy of de Sitter space corresponds to the entanglement between disconnected regions computable by switching on a replica parameter q modeled by the quotient dS/ℤq. Within this framework, we show that the centrally-extended asymptotic symmetry algebra near the cosmic horizon is a single copy of the Virasoro algebra. The resulting density of states matches the semi-classical result of Gibbons and Hawking up to an undetermined constant that is chosen to reproduce the entanglement entropy previously found in the literature. It follows that the logarithmic quantum corrections to the Cardy entropy reproduces the known one-loop result computed in the bulk in the presence of a cutoff. The resulting entanglement entropy follows the divergent area law, where the UV cutoff is now a function of the replica parameter. Thus, as the near-horizon CFT fixes the cutoff in units of the Planck scale, the model can be viewed as a probe into whether the defect Hilbert space has a finite dimension; indeed, the limit q → 0, reproduces Banks’ formula. We also study the quantum corrections of the effective description of the horizon entropy by means of Liouville field theory, where the large q limit corresponds to a realization of dS3/CFT2 correspondence matching the logarithmic corrections to three-dimensional de Sitter space obtained by computing the one-loop contribution to the quantum gravity partition function in the round three-sphere.
New official Bulgarian list of seafood trade names: coping with EU labelling requirements and market trends to enhance consumers’ informed choice
Authors: Tinacci Lara , Stratev Deyan , Strateva Mariyana , Zhelyazkov Georgi , Kyuchukova Ralica , Armani Andrea
Published: August 2022

The present study aimed at assessing the validity and accuracy of the new official Bulgarian list of seafood trade names in compliance with EU requirements, and the list evolution and adherence to the Bulgarian market trends. The new list consists of 88 commercial designations (CD) associated with 81 scientific names (SN) provided as 72 species, 8 genera and 1 family mostly belonging to the fish category (86.4%, SN = 70) . The list analysis  highlighted the presence of 14 invalid SN (17.3%), with an obsolete classification. In terms of adherence to the Bulgarian market’s trend the inclusion of 51 new SN reflecting fishing data in total, both from inland waters and along the Black Sea coast was pointed out. However, 44 SN relating to commercially relevant species and currently available at purchase were deleted. In terms of accuracy, the introduction of SN as family, the significant reduction of CDs and the use of vague CDs lead the list to distance itself from the one name-one fish conception, proposed at international level, as ideal approach for unambiguous product identification by the consumer. To conclude, the analysis shows a clear will of the national Bulgarian Legislator to enhance local fisheries and aquaculture trade. Nevertheless, major issues related to the SN validity and the non-adherence to seafood market trends are highlighting the ineffectiveness of the current list in describing retail seafood products. This emphasizes the urgency to provide a further substantial list revision.
Results of Temporary Stent-assisted Coil Embolization (CATS) for the Treatment of Wide-neck Aneurysms
Authors: Gottmann F. , Nikoubashman O. , Höllig A. , Reich A. , Wiesmann M.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

In intracranial wide-neck aneurysms, simple coil embolization is often not a feasible treatment option. Balloon-assisted coiling comes with the drawback of blood flow impairment, whereas permanent stent placement requires long-term antiplatelet therapy. Temporary stent-assisted coiling (coiling assisted by temporary stenting, CATS) is an alternative that eliminates both disadvantages. Because prior studies included only small numbers of patients, it was our aim to analyze the safety and effectiveness of this technique in a larger cohort of patients.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated all endovascular aneurysm treatments at our institution from 2011 to 2020. Out of a total of 688 aneurysm treatments, we intended to perform 95 (14%) with temporary stent-assisted coiling and included them in our study.

Results

Sixty-four (64)% of aneurysms were acutely ruptured, 3% were symptomatic but unruptured, and 33% were incidental. Successful stent recovery was possible in 93% of treatments. Initial complete and adequate occlusion rate were 53% and 82%, respectively. Long-term follow-up at 6 and 12 months was available for 71% and 44% of cases. Aneurysm recurrence was observed in 10% of cases after 6 months, and in 17% after 1 year or later. Periprocedural complications were noted in 12 cases (13%), of which only 1 complication was definitely associated with temporary stent-assisted coiling (1%). One of the periprocedural complications resulted in neurological damage, the other complications were asymptomatic.

Conclusion

Temporary stent-assisted coiling appears to be a safe and effective treatment method in intracranial wide-neck aneurysms. Procedural safety appears to be comparable with balloon remodeling or permanent stent-assisted coiling, but it comes with the further benefit of diminished need for posttreatment antiplatelet therapy, which may improve the outcome of patients. However, to define the true value and potential benefit of this technique, further prospective studies are required.
Genome-wide association study and genomic prediction of resistance to stripe rust in current Central and Northern European winter wheat germplasm
Authors: Shahinnia Fahimeh , Geyer Manuel , Schürmann Friederike , Rudolphi Sabine , Holzapfel Josef , Kempf Hubert , Stadlmeier Melanie , Löschenberger Franziska , Morales Laura , Buerstmayr Hermann , Sánchez Julio Isidro y , Akdemir Deniz , Mohler Volker , Lillemo Morten , Hartl Lorenz
Published: August 2022

Key message

We found two loci on chromosomes 2BS and 6AL that significantly contribute to stripe rust resistance in current European winter wheat germplasm.

Stripe or yellow rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia striiformis Westend f. sp. tritici, is one of the most destructive wheat diseases. Sustainable management of wheat stripe rust can be achieved through the deployment of rust resistant cultivars. To detect effective resistance loci for use in breeding programs, an association mapping panel of 230 winter wheat cultivars and breeding lines from Northern and Central Europe was employed. Genotyping with the Illumina® iSelect® 25 K Infinium® single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping array yielded 8812 polymorphic markers. Structure analysis revealed two subpopulations with 92 Austrian breeding lines and cultivars, which were separated from the other 138 genotypes from Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, and Switzerland. Genome-wide association study for adult plant stripe rust resistance identified 12 SNP markers on six wheat chromosomes which showed consistent effects over several testing environments. Among these, two marker loci on chromosomes 2BS (RAC875_c1226_652) and 6AL (Tdurum_contig29607_413) were highly predictive in three independent validation populations of 1065, 1001, and 175 breeding lines. Lines with the resistant haplotype at both loci were nearly free of stipe rust symptoms. By using mixed linear models with those markers as fixed effects, we could increase predictive ability in the three populations by 0.13–0.46 compared to a standard genomic best linear unbiased prediction approach. The obtained results facilitate an efficient selection for stripe rust resistance against the current pathogen population in the Northern and Central European winter wheat gene pool.
The effect of process parameters on geometric deviations in 3D printing with fused deposition modelling
Authors: Cappellini Cristian , Borgianni Yuri , Maccioni Lorenzo , Nezzi Chiara
Published: August 2022

Despite the large diffusion of additive manufacturing, and markedly fused filament fabrication, some quality aspects of the 3D printed parts have not been dealt with sufficiently. This applies particularly to geometric accuracy and the influence process parameters have on it. The paper describes an experiment in which 27 copies of a part were manufactured by means of a desktop fused filament fabrication device while manipulating layer thickness, printing speed, and number of contours. The effect of such process parameters on five typologies of geometric deviations and the duration of the printing process was assessed. While all the process parameters showed effects on both the printing time and some geometric deviations, the number of contours resulted as the most critical factor. The paper includes a proposal to optimize geometric accuracy and the rapidity of the process, which foresees the maximization of the number of contours, the minimization of the layer thickness, and the use of an intermediate value for printing speed.
Rektale Blutungen beim Erhängen – seltene Befunde mit Verwechslungsgefahr
Authors: Basner A. , Hildebrandt J. , Koch K. , Buschmann C. , Preuß-Wössner J.
Published: August 2022

Bei der Obduktion von erhängt aufgefundenen Personen kommt dem Nachweis der Vitalität des Hängens und dem Ausschluss der Beteiligung von dritter Hand eine besondere Bedeutung zu. Jedoch kann es in einigen Fällen durch die Position des Leichnams zu postmortalen Befunden kommen, die für die Obduzenten erschwert zu interpretieren sein können. So sind in der Literatur seltene Fälle von rektaler Blutstauung mit Schleimhauteinrissen beschrieben, die als Folgen sexueller Handlungen fehlinterpretiert werden können.

Es wird über zwei Fälle von jungen Männern berichtet, die jeweils in sitzender Position an einer Türklinke erhängt aufgefunden wurden. Sowohl bei der polizeilichen als auch der rechtsmedizinischen Leichenschau fielen rektale Blutantragungen und Befunde auf, die zunächst an eine möglicherweise auch gewaltsame anale Penetration denken ließen.

Bei den durchgeführten gerichtlichen Sektionen konnte dann festgestellt werden, dass diese Befunde durch eine ausgeprägte rektale Blutstauung hervorgerufen wurden. Zusätzlich zeigten sich bei einem Leichnam Einblutungen der Dünndarmwand und eines Hodens.

Es werden sowohl die makroskopischen als auch die histologischen Befunde vorgestellt und in Zusammenschau mit der Auffindesituation und den bereits in der Literatur beschriebenen Fällen diskutiert.
Ultrasound-guided bursal injections
Authors: McGill Kevin C. , Patel Rina , Chen David , Okwelogu Nikki
Published: August 2022

The native bursa is a structure lined by synovium located adjacent to a joint which may serve to decrease friction between the tendons and overlying bone or skin. This extra-articular structure can become inflamed resulting in bursitis. Steroid injections have proven to be an effective method of treating bursal pathology in various anatomic locations. Performing these procedures requires a thorough understanding of relevant anatomy, proper technique, and expected outcomes. Ultrasound is a useful tool for pre procedure diagnostic evaluation and optimizing needle position during these procedures while avoiding adjacent structures. The purpose of this article is to review core principles of ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal procedures involving bursae throughout the upper and lower extremities.
A new method for characterising shared space use networks using animal trapping data
Authors: Wanelik Klara M. , Farine Damien R.
Published: August 2022

Studying the social behaviour of small or cryptic species often relies on constructing networks from sparse point-based observations of individuals (e.g. live trapping data). A common approach assumes that individuals that have been detected sequentially in the same trapping location will also be more likely to have come into indirect and/or direct contact. However, there is very little guidance on how much data are required for making robust networks from such data. In this study, we highlight that sequential trap sharing networks broadly capture shared space use (and, hence, the potential for contact) and that it may be more parsimonious to directly model shared space use. We first use empirical data to show that characteristics of how animals use space can help us to establish new ways to model the potential for individuals to come into contact. We then show that a method that explicitly models individuals’ home ranges and subsequent overlap in space among individuals (spatial overlap networks) requires fewer data for inferring observed networks that are more strongly correlated with the true shared space use network (relative to sequential trap sharing networks). Furthermore, we show that shared space use networks based on estimating spatial overlap are also more powerful for detecting biological effects. Finally, we discuss when it is appropriate to make inferences about social interactions from shared space use. Our study confirms the potential for using sparse trapping data from cryptic species to address a range of important questions in ecology and evolution.

Significance statement

Characterising animal social networks requires repeated (co-)observations of individuals. Collecting sufficient data to characterise the connections among individuals represents a major challenge when studying cryptic organisms—such as small rodents. This study draws from existing spatial mark-recapture data to inspire an approach that constructs networks by estimating space use overlap (representing the potential for contact). We then use simulations to demonstrate that the method provides consistently higher correlations between inferred (or observed) networks and the true underlying network compared to current approaches and requires fewer observations to reach higher correlations. We further demonstrate that these improvements translate to greater network accuracy and to more power for statistical hypothesis testing.
Performance Analysis of Chemotaxis-Inspired Stochastic Controllers for Multi-Agent Coverage
Authors: Izumi Shinsaku
Published: August 2022

In this study, we analyze the performance of stochastic coverage controllers inspired by the chemotaxis of bacteria. The control algorithm of bacteria to generate the chemotaxis switches between forward movement and random rotation based on the difference between the current and previous concentration of a chemical. The considered coverage controllers mimic this algorithm, where bacteria and the chemical concentration are regarded as agents and the achieved degree of coverage, respectively. Because the coverage controllers operate similar to the control algorithm of bacteria, they are potentially suitable for molecular robots. Molecular robots, which consist of biomolecules, are recognized as a key component in the development of future medical systems based on micro-robots working inside the human body. However, the performance of the controllers has not yet been analyzed, and no theoretical guarantee of coverage completion has been provided. We address this problem by determining whether a performance index that quantifies the achieved degree of coverage increases over time for the feedback system. We first show that the performance index is characterized by the distance between agents under certain conditions. Using this result, we prove that the performance index increases with probability 1 under some conditions although the controllers are stochastic. This provides partial evidence for coverage completion, which makes the controllers more reliable. The analysis result is validated by numerical experiments.
New-onset aortic dilatation in the population: a quarter-century follow-up
Authors: Cuspidi Cesare , Facchetti Rita , Bombelli Michele , Seravalle Gino , Grassi Guido , Mancia Giuseppe
Published: August 2022

Background

Aortic size tends to increase with aging but the extent of this dynamic process has not been evaluated in long-term longitudinal population-based studies. We investigated the incidence of new-onset aortic root (AR) dilatation and its principal correlates among middle-aged adults over a 25-year time period.

Methods

A total of 471 participants with measurable echocardiographic parameters at baseline and after a 25-year follow-up were included in the analysis. Sex-specific upper limits of normality for absolute AR diameter, AR diameter indexed to body surface area (BSA) and to height were derived from healthy normotensive PAMELA participants.

Results

New AR dilatation occurred in 7.4% (AR/BSA), 9.1% (AR/height) and 14.6% (absolute AR), respectively. According to the AR/height index, the risk of new dilation was similar in men and women. As for echocardiographic parameters, baseline AR diameter emerged as a key predictor of AR dilation, regardless of the diagnostic criteria and the 10-year change in LVMI was positively associated to new AR/height dilatation. No significant relationship was observed between baseline office and ambulatory systolic/diastolic blood pressure or their changes over time with incident AR dilatation. Baseline and the 25-year change in 24-h pulse pressure were negatively related to new AR dilatation.

Conclusions

The incidence of AR dilatation from mid to late adulthood occurs in a small but clinically relevant fraction of participants and is unaffected by both office and out-office BP. It is significant related to baseline AR diameter and to the 25-year change in LVMI. Our data suggest that echocardiography performed in middle-aged individuals of both sexes may identify those at increased risk of future AR dilatation; moreover, preventing LVH may reduce the risk of progressive AR enlargement.

Graphical abstract
History and nature of the Jeffreys–Lindley paradox
Authors: Wagenmakers Eric-Jan , Ly Alexander
Published: August 2022

The Jeffreys–Lindley paradox exposes a rift between Bayesian and frequentist hypothesis testing that strikes at the heart of statistical inference. Contrary to what most current literature suggests, the paradox was central to the Bayesian testing methodology developed by Sir Harold Jeffreys in the late 1930s. Jeffreys showed that the evidence for a point-null hypothesis $${\mathcal {H}}_0$$

H
0

scales with $$\sqrt{n}$$

n

and repeatedly argued that it would, therefore, be mistaken to set a threshold for rejecting $${\mathcal {H}}_0$$

H
0

at a constant multiple of the standard error. Here, we summarize Jeffreys’s early work on the paradox and clarify his reasons for including the $$\sqrt{n}$$

n

term. The prior distribution is seen to play a crucial role; by implicitly correcting for selection, small parameter values are identified as relatively surprising under $${\mathcal {H}}_1$$

H
1

. We highlight the general nature of the paradox by presenting both a fully frequentist and a fully Bayesian version. We also demonstrate that the paradox does not depend on assigning prior mass to a point hypothesis, as is commonly believed.
Habitatrestauration mit Ablaufdatum? Integration dynamischer Prozesse in der Sanierung von Fließgewässern
Authors: Hohensinner Severin , Schachner Tanja , Schmutz Stefan
Published: August 2022

Aktuelle Konzepte für gewässerökologisch-hydromorphologische Sanierungen von Fließgewässern sehen meist eine (teilweise) Wiederherstellung der Gewässerdynamik vor. Folglich werden heute vermehrt Uferschutzbauten entfernt, Gerinneaufweitungen vorgenommen und verlandete Altarme wieder reaktiviert. Doch viele der daraus entstandenen neuen Gewässer(strukturen) erweisen sich mittel- bis langfristig nicht als selbsterhaltend. So neigen neu entstandene Nebenarme oft zur Verlandung und weitere Erhaltungsmaßnahmen sind erforderlich – selbst wenn bei der Planung auf historische Referenzen Bezug genommen wurde. Am Beispiel der Oberen Mur zwischen Fisching/Zeltweg und Leoben wird aufgezeigt, dass viele dieser zweifelsfrei ökologisch wertvollen Renaturierungsmaßnahmen keiner echten prozessorientierten „Fließgewässer-Redynamisierung“, sondern eher ökologisch motivierten Restrukturierungen mit Ablaufdatum entsprechen. Für eine langfristig erfolgreiche Sanierung würden die meisten Fließgewässer wesentlich mehr Raum und eine Integration morphodynamischer Prozesse benötigen, damit autochthone flussmorphologische und gewässerökologische Entwicklungszyklen möglich sind, die ein Mosaik an Habitaten unterschiedlicher Sukzessionsstadien hervorbringen.
A higher-order plate theory for the analysis of vibrations of thick orthotropic laminates
Authors: Furtmüller Thomas , Adam Christoph
Published: August 2022

In this contribution, flexural vibrations of linear elastic laminates composed of thick orthotropic layers, such as cross-laminated timber, are addressed. For efficient computation, an equivalent single-layer plate theory with eight kinematic degrees of freedom is derived, both in terms of equations of motion at the continuum level and in terms of a finite element representation. The validity of the plate theory is demonstrated by comparing natural frequencies of a simply supported plate over a wide frequency range for which an analytical solution is available. Furthermore, the influence of individual material properties on the accuracy of the plate theory is investigated, demonstrating its broad applicability. The influence of material orientation on the accuracy of the plate theory is examined by comparative finite element simulations. It is shown that, for cross-ply laminates, the plate theory is valid for elements oriented at any angle to the material principal axes.
Development of the invasive candidiasis discharge [I Can discharge] model: a mixed methods analysis
Authors: Jo Jinhee , Tran Truc T. , Beyda Nicholas D. , Simmons Debora , Hendrickson Joshua A. , Almutairi Masaad Saeed , Alnezary Faris S. , Gonzales-Luna Anne J. , Septimus Edward J. , Garey Kevin W.
Published: August 2022

Patients with invasive candidiasis (IC) have complex medical and infectious disease problems that often require continued care after discharge. This study aimed to assess echinocandin use at hospital discharge and develop a transition of care (TOC) model to facilitate discharge for patients with IC. This was a mixed method study design that used epidemiologic assessment to better understand echinocandin use at hospital discharge TOC. Using grounded theory methodology focused on patients given echinocandins during their last day of hospitalization, a TOC model for patients with IC, the invasive candidiasis [I Can] discharge model was developed to better understand discharge barriers. A total of 33% (1405/4211) echinocandin courses were continued until the last day of hospitalization. Of 536 patients chosen for in-depth review, 220 (41%) were discharged home, 109 (20%) were transferred, and 207 (39%) died prior to discharge. Almost half (46%, 151/329) of patients discharged alive received outpatient echinocandin therapy. Independent predictors for outpatient echinocandin use were osteomyelitis (OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.1–15.7; p = 0.04), other deep-seated infection (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.7–12.0; p = 0.003), and non-home discharge location (OR, 3.9, 95% CI, 2.0–7.7; p < 0.001). The I Can discharge model was developed encompassing four distinct themes which was used to identify potential barriers to discharge. Significant echinocadin use occurs at hospital discharge TOC. The I Can discharge model may help clinical, policy, and research decision-making processes to facilitate smoother and earlier hospital discharges.
On geometric mean fitness: a reply to Takacs and Bourrat
Authors: Autzen Bengt , Okasha Samir
Published: August 2022

In a recent paper, Takacs and Bourrat (Biol Philos 37:12, 2022) examine the use of geometric mean reproductive output as a measure of biological fitness. We welcome Takacs and Bourrat’s scrutiny of a fitness definition that some philosophers have adopted uncritically. We also welcome Takacs and Bourrat’s attempt to marry the philosophical literature on fitness with the biological literature on mathematical measures of fitness. However, some of the main claims made by Takacs and Bourrat are not correct, while others are correct but not for the reasons they give.
Altered cardiac structure and function in newly diagnosed people living with HIV: a prospective cardiovascular magnetic resonance study after the initiation of antiretroviral treatment
Authors: Robbertse Pieter-Paul S. , Doubell Anton F. , Steyn Jan , Lombard Carl J. , Talle Mohammed A. , Herbst Philip G.
Published: August 2022

HIV associated cardiomyopathy (HIVAC) is a poorly understood entity that may progress along a continuum. We evaluated a group of persons newly diagnosed with HIV and studied the evolution of cardiac abnormalities after ART initiation. We recruited a group of newly diagnosed, ART naïve persons with HIV and a healthy, HIV uninfected group. Participants underwent comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation, including cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. The HIV group was started on ART and re-evaluated 9 months later. The cardiovascular parameters of the study groups were compared at diagnosis and after 9 months. The ART naïve group’s (n = 66) left- and right end diastolic volume indexed for height were larger compared with controls (n = 22) (p < 0.03). The left ventricular mass indexed for height was larger in the naïve group compared with controls (p = 0.04). The ART naïve group had decreased left- and right ventricular ejection fraction (p < 0.03) and negative, non-linear associations with high HIV viral load (p = 0.02). The left ventricular size increased after 9 months (p = 0.04), while the systolic function remained unchanged. The HIV group had a high rate of non-resolving pericardial effusions. HIV infected persons demonstrate structurally and functionally altered ventricles at diagnosis. High HIV viral load was associated with left- and right ventricular dysfunction. Cardiac parameters and pericardial effusion prevalence did not show improvement with ART. Conversely, a concerning trend of increase was observed with left ventricular size. These subclinical cardiac abnormalities may represent a stage on the continuum of HIVAC that can progress to symptomatic disease if the causes are not identified and addressed.
Access Isn’t Enough: Evaluating the Quality of a Hospital Medical Assistance in Dying Program
Authors: Frolic Andrea , Swinton Marilyn , Oliphant Allyson , Murray Leslie , Miller Paul
Published: August 2022

Following an initial study of the needs of healthcare providers (HCP) regarding the introduction of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), and the subsequent development of an assisted dying program, this study sought to determine the efficacy and impact of MAiD services following the first two years of implementation. The first of three aims of this research was to understand if the needs, concerns and hopes of stakeholders related to patient requests for MAiD were addressed appropriately. Assessing how HCPs and families perceived the quality of MAiD services, and determining if the program successfully accommodated the diverse needs and perspectives of HCPs, rounded out this quality evaluation. This research implemented a mixed-methods design incorporative of an online survey with Likert scale and open-ended questions, as well as focus groups and interviews with staff and physicians, and interviews with MAiD-involved family members. There were 356 online surveys, as well as 39 participants in six focus groups with HCP, as well as fourteen interviews with MAiD-involved family members. Participants indicated that high-quality MAiD care could only be provided with enabling resources such as policies and guidelines to ensure safe, evidence-based, standardized care, as well as a specialized, trained MAiD team. Both focus group and survey data from HCPs suggest the infrastructure developed by the hospital was effective in delivering high-quality MAiD care that supports the diverse needs of various stakeholders. This study may serve as a model for evaluating the impact and quality of services when novel and ethically-contentious clinical practices are introduced to healthcare organizations.
Assessment of drugs administered in the Middle East as part of the COVID-19 management protocols
Authors: Elekhnawy Engy , Negm Walaa A. , El-Sherbeni Suzy A. , Zayed Ahmed
Published: August 2022

The pandemic spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been reported first at the end of 2019. It continues disturbing various human aspects with multiple pandemic waves showing more fatal novel variants. Now Egypt faces the sixth wave of the pandemic with controlled governmental measures. COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory disease-causing mild to moderate illness that can be progressed into life-threatening complications based on patients- and variant type-related factors. The symptoms vary from dry cough, fever to difficulty in breathing that required urgent hospitalization. Most countries have authorized their national protocols for managing manifested symptoms and thus lowering the rate of patients’ hospitalization and boosting the healthcare systems. These protocols are still in use even with the development and approval of several vaccines. These protocols were instructed to aid home isolation, bed rest, dietary supplements, and additionally the administration of antipyretic, steroids, and antiviral drugs. The current review aimed to highlight the administered protocols in the Middle East, namely in Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia demonstrating how these protocols have shown potential effectiveness in treating patients and saving many soles.
New bounds for nonconvex quadratically constrained quadratic programming
Authors: Zamani Moslem
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we study some bounds for nonconvex quadratically constrained quadratic programs (QCQPs). We propose two types of bounds for QCQPs, quadratic and cubic bounds. We use affine functions as Lagrange multipliers for quadratic bounds. We demonstrate that most semidefinite relaxations can be obtained as the dual of a quadratic bound. In addition, we study bounds obtained by changing the ground set. For cubic bounds, in addition to affine multipliers we employ quadratic functions. We provide a comparison between the proposed cubic bound and typical bounds for standard quadratic programs. Moreover, we report comparison results of some quadratic and cubic bounds.
In the name of the University: the choice to promote as a tool to influence decision-making
Authors: D’Uggento Angela Maria , Petruzzellis Luca , Piper Luigi , Gurrieri Antonia Rosa
Published: August 2022

Choosing the University to attend is an important decision that is made once or twice in a lifetime and has relevant effects for a person’s entire life. In such a process, advice from others, especially current students, is a powerful influencing factor. Therefore, understanding the factors that lead students to become active advocates for their university is strategically important. Social identity theory states that when students choose a university, the image of the institution becomes part of their identity. In case of strong positive identification, the resulting sense of pride enhances their own self-identity and brings positive benefits beyond simply obtaining an education, which are then passed on to everyone. The current study focuses on brand experience and brand reputation and uses a moderated mediation analysis to investigate the mechanisms by which current students can be tools for university choice. Stimulating word-of-mouth (WOM) implies the institution to have and maintain a good reputation and engage students to develop a positive brand experience and pride. This research contributes to the development of a greater strategic awareness of universities’ appeal to better tailor their orientation activities to current or prospective students.
Evaluating different combination methods to analyse ultrasound and shear wave elastography images automatically through discriminative convolutional neural network in breast cancer imaging
Authors: Hoffmann Rudolf , Reich Christoph , Skerl Katrin
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Ultrasound (US) and Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) imaging are non-invasive methods used for breast lesion characterization. While US and SWE images provide both morphological information, SWE visualizes in addition the elasticity of tissue. In this study a Discriminative Convolutional Neural Network (DCNN) model is applied to US and SWE images and their combination to classify the breast lesions into malignant or benign cases. Furthermore, it is identified whether analysing only the region of the elastogram or including the surrounding B-mode image gives a superior performance.

Methods

The dataset used in this study consists of 746 images obtained from 207 patients comprising 486 malignant and 260 benign breast lesions. From each image the US and SWE image was extracted, once including only the region of the elastogram and once including also the surrounding B-mode image. These four datasets were applied individually to a DCNN to determine their predictive capability. Each the best US and SWE dataset were used to examine different combination methods with DCNN. The results were compared to the manual assessment by an expert radiologist.

Results

The combination of US and SWE images with the surrounding B-mode image using two ensembled DCNN models achieved best results with an accuracy of 93.53 %, sensitivity of 94.42 %, specificity of 90.75 % and area under the curve (AUC) of 96.55 %.

Conclusion

This study showed that using the whole US and SWE images through DCNN was superior to methods, in which only the region of elastogram was used. Combining breast cancer US and SWE images with two ensembled DCNN models in parallel improved the results. The accuracy, sensitivity and AUC of the best combination method were significantly superior to the results of using a single dataset through DCNN and to the results of the expert radiologist.
History Matters: Colonial-Based Connectivity and Foreign Headquarter Location Choice
Authors: Andreu Ana Botella , Lavoratori Katiuscia
Published: August 2022

In this study, we argue that European countries’ extensive relationships with former colonies represent a location factor that attracts foreign headquarter investments. The strategic role of foreign headquarters as coordinators, opportunity detectors, and global bridgeheads makes the location choice of headquarter activities sensitive to historical-based institutional connections. Drawing on a sample of 2230 foreign headquarter investments in Europe, we find that the stronger the combined effect of historical connections and current economic relationships with former colonies, the higher the probability of attracting headquarter investment projects. We refer to this combined characteristic as colonial-based connectivity. The study findings support the hypothesis that past colonial relationships and historical context influence FDI decisions and location preferences. We contribute to the literature by advancing the understanding of foreign headquarter location choices, and by demonstrating the importance of historical context in international business research. We emphasize how the former colonial influence continues to confer advantages upon some countries, including the attraction of FDI.
Do household energy services affect each other directly? The direct rebound effect of household electricity consumption in Spain
Authors: Bordón-Lesme Martín , Freire-González Jaume , Padilla Rosa Emilio
Published: August 2022

We estimate the magnitude of the direct rebound effect (DRE) of households’ electricity consumption in Spain, through an econometric estimation method of panel data. The results indicate a DRE between 26 and 35% in the short run and around 36% in the long run. Moreover, we find a significant influence of other energy sources that appear to be complementary to electricity consumption according to our estimation. Hence, our results suggest that an improvement in the energy efficiency of an energy service may affect its own energy consumption as well as the energy consumption of other energy services. This would entail a new source of DRE.
A generic optimization and learning framework for Parkinson disease via speech and handwritten records
Authors: Yousif Nada R. , Balaha Hossam Magdy , Haikal Amira Y. , El-Gendy Eman M.
Published: August 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with slow progression whose symptoms can be identified at late stages. Early diagnosis and treatment of PD can help to relieve the symptoms and delay progression. However, this is very challenging due to the similarities between the symptoms of PD and other diseases. The current study proposes a generic framework for the diagnosis of PD using handwritten images and (or) speech signals. For the handwriting images, 8 pre-trained convolutional neural networks (CNN) via transfer learning tuned by Aquila Optimizer were trained on the NewHandPD dataset to diagnose PD. For the speech signals, features from the MDVR-KCL dataset are extracted numerically using 16 feature extraction algorithms and fed to 4 different machine learning algorithms tuned by Grid Search algorithm, and graphically using 5 different techniques and fed to the 8 pretrained CNN structures. The authors propose a new technique in extracting the features from the voice dataset based on the segmentation of variable speech-signal-segment-durations, i.e., the use of different durations in the segmentation phase. Using the proposed technique, 5 datasets with 281 numerical features are generated. Results from different experiments are collected and recorded. For the NewHandPD dataset, the best-reported metric is 99.75% using the VGG19 structure. For the MDVR-KCL dataset, the best-reported metrics are 99.94% using the KNN and SVM ML algorithms and the combined numerical features; and 100% using the combined the mel-specgram graphical features and VGG19 structure. These results are better than other state-of-the-art researches.
The predictive reframing of machine learning applications: good predictions and bad measurements
Authors: Mussgnug Alexander Martin
Published: August 2022

Supervised machine learning has found its way into ever more areas of scientific inquiry, where the outcomes of supervised machine learning applications are almost universally classified as predictions. I argue that what researchers often present as a mere terminological particularity of the field involves the consequential transformation of tasks as diverse as classification, measurement, or image segmentation into prediction problems. Focusing on the case of machine-learning enabled poverty prediction, I explore how reframing a measurement problem as a prediction task alters the primary epistemic aim of the application. Instead of measuring a property, machine learning developers conceive of their models as predicting a given measurement of this property. I argue that thispredictive reframingcommon to supervised machine learning applications is epistemically and ethically problematic, as it allows developers to externalize concerns critical to the epistemic validity and ethical implications of their model’s inferences. I further hold that the predictive reframing is not a necessary feature of supervised machine learning by offering an alternative conception of machine learning models as measurement models. An interpretation of supervised machine learning applications to measurement tasks asautomatically-calibrated model-based measurementsinternalizes questions of construct validity and ethical desirability critical to the measurement problem these applications are intended to and presented as solving. Thereby, this paper introduces an initial framework for exploring technical, historical, and philosophical research at the intersection of measurement and machine learning.
Field tests and numerical analysis of the effects of scour on a full-scale soil–foundation–structural system
Authors: Tubaldi Enrico , Antonopoulos Christos , Mitoulis Stergios Aristoteles , Argyroudis Sotirios , Gara Fabrizio , Ragni Laura , Carbonari Sandro , Dezi Francesca , Vratsikidis Athanasios , Pitilakis Dimitris , Anastasiadis Anastasios
Published: August 2022

Scour is the prevailing cause of bridge failure worldwide, leading not only to traffic disruption, but also to social and economic losses and even to casualties. Many vibration-based monitoring techniques have been proposed for identifying the scour location and extent, based on the evaluation of the changes of the bridge modal properties due to scour. This study describes the experimental and numerical research carried out to investigate the effects of scour on the dynamic properties of structures with shallow foundations. Although these are the most vulnerable ones, they have received less attention compared to structures founded on pile foundations. To fill some existing knowledge gaps, field experiments were carried out on EuroProteas, a structural prototype with shallow foundation that was subjected to increasing levels of scour. The changes of the dynamic properties of the system are evaluated by postprocessing the ambient vibration recordings and by developing various models of the soil–foundation–structural system with different descriptions of the soil–structure interaction problem. The study results shed light on the effects of scour on systems with shallow foundations and on the accuracy of alternative modelling approaches. They are presented here to inform the development and validation of vibration-based techniques and modelling strategies for bridge scour identification.