bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bubble-wall velocity in local thermal equilibrium: hydrodynamical simulations vs analytical treatment
Authors: Krajewski Tomasz , Lewicki Marek , Zych Mateusz
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We perform real-time hydrodynamical simulations of the growth of bubbles formed during cosmological first-order phase transitions under the assumption of local thermal equilibrium. We confirm that pure hydrodynamic backreaction can lead to steady-state expansion and that bubble-wall velocity in such case agrees very well with the analytical estimates. However, this is not the generic outcome. Instead, it is much more common to observe runaways, as the early-stage dynamics right after the nucleation allow the bubble walls to achieve supersonic velocities before the heated fluid shell in front of the bubble is formed. This effect is not captured by other methods of calculation of the bubble-wall velocity which assume stationary solutions to exist at all times and would have a crucial impact on the possible generation of both baryon asymmetry and gravitational wave signals.
Präoperative Evaluation erwachsener Patientinnen und Patienten vor elektiven, nicht herz-thoraxchirurgischen Eingriffen
Authors: Zöllner Christian ,   Deutsche Gesellschaft für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin, Böhmer Andreas , Geldner Götz , Karst Jörg , Wappler Frank , Zwissler Bernhard , Pauschinger Matthias , Obertacke Udo , Vilz Tim ,   Deutsche Gesellschaft für Chirurgie,   Deutsche Gesellschaft für Innere Medizin
Published: May 2024

Die 70 Empfehlungen fassen den aktuellen Stand der präoperativen Risikoevaluation von erwachsenen Patientinnen und Patienten vor elektiven, nicht herz-thoraxchirurgischen Eingriffen zusammen. Basierend auf den gemeinsamen Publikationen der deutschen wissenschaftlichen Fachgesellschaften für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin (DGAI), Chirurgie (DGCH) und Innere Medizin (DGIM), die erstmals im Jahr 2010 publiziert und 2017 aktualisiert wurden, sowie der 2022 publizierten europäischen Leitlinie zur präoperativen kardialen Risikoevaluation, findet eine umfassende Neubewertung der Empfehlungen unter Berücksichtigung neuer Erkenntnisse, der aktuellen Literatur sowie aktueller Leitlinien internationaler Fachgesellschaften statt. Die überarbeiteten, fachübergreifenden Empfehlungen sollen ein strukturiertes und gemeinsames Vorgehen in der präoperativen Evaluation der Patientinnen und Patienten ermöglichen. Ziel ist es, eine für die Patientin und den Patienten individualisierte Vorbereitung vor dem operativen Eingriff sicherzustellen und hierdurch die Patientinnen- und Patientensicherheit zu erhöhen. Unter Berücksichtigung eingriffs- und patientinnen- und patientenspezifischer Faktoren, die in der präoperativen Risikoevaluation unabdingbar sind, soll das perioperative Risiko für die Patientin und den Patienten minimiert und die Sicherheit erhöht werden. Die Handlungsempfehlungen sind unter „Allgemeine Prinzipien (A)“, „Erweiterte Diagnostik (B)“ und dem „Präoperativen Umgang mit der Dauermedikation (C)“ zusammengefasst. Erstmals wurde in den vorliegenden Empfehlungen eine Wertung der Einzelmaßnahmen hinsichtlich ihrer klinischen Relevanz gegeben. Durch eine gemeinsame und transparente Absprache sollen eine hohe Patientinnen- und Patientenorientierung unter Vermeidung unnötiger Voruntersuchungen gewährleistet, präoperative Untersuchungsabläufe verkürzt sowie letztlich Kosten eingespart werden. Die gemeinsamen Empfehlungen von DGAI, DGCH und DGIM spiegeln den gegenwärtigen Kenntnisstand sowie die Meinung von Experten wider. Die Empfehlung ersetzt nicht die individualisierte Entscheidung zwischen Patientin und Patient und Ärztin und Arzt über die beste präoperative Strategie und Behandlung.
Near-infrared spectroscopy in resin transfer molding—determination of the degree of cure
Authors: Salzmann Moritz , Märzinger Wolfgang , Teuchtmann Michael , Ravindran Bharath , Kirschnick Ulrike , Fauster Ewald
Published: May 2024

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is employed to directly monitor the degree of cure of composite material during the curing phase in the resin transfer molding (RTM) process. The composite material consists of natural fibers and an epoxy-amine resin system. The quantitative determination of the degree of cure, α, from the NIR spectra is realized by partial least square (PLS) regression in conjunction with various pre-treatments of the spectral data. As a reference, the degree of cure is determined by isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments. The best PLS model that could be obtained for α is characterized by a determination coefficient of prediction (R²P) of 0.980 and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 4.4 %. While the spectra change during curing according to the literature for each RTM trial, significant differences can be observed between the spectra of different RTM trials. The reasons for this are discussed in detail. The findings show the potential of inline NIR spectroscopy for monitoring α in the RTM process.
Remote ischemic preconditioning versus sham-control for prevention of anastomotic leakage after resection for rectal cancer (RIPAL trial): a pilot randomized controlled, triple-blinded monocenter trial
Authors: Hardt Julia , Seyfried Steffen , Brodrecht Hannah , Khalil Leila , Büttner Sylvia , Herrle Florian , Reissfelder Christoph , Rahbari Nuh N.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) reportedly reduces ischemia‒reperfusion injury (IRI) in various organ systems. In addition to tension and technical factors, ischemia is a common cause of anastomotic leakage (AL) after rectal resection. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the potentially protective effect of RIPC on anastomotic healing and to determine the effect size to facilitate the development of a subsequent confirmatory trial.

Materials and methods

Fifty-four patients with rectal cancer (RC) who underwent anterior resection were enrolled in this prospectively registered (DRKS0001894) pilot randomized controlled triple-blinded monocenter trial at the Department of Surgery, University Medicine Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany, between 10/12/2019 and 19/06/2022. The primary endpoint was AL within 30 days after surgery. The secondary endpoints were perioperative morbidity and mortality, reintervention, hospital stay, readmission and biomarkers of ischemia‒reperfusion injury (vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF) and cell death (high mobility group box 1 protein, HMGB1). RIPC was induced through three 10-min cycles of alternating ischemia and reperfusion to the upper extremity.

Results

Of the 207 patients assessed, 153 were excluded, leaving 54 patients to be randomized to the RIPC or the sham-RIPC arm (27 each per arm). The mean age was 61 years, and the majority of patients were male (37:17 (68.5:31.5%)). Most of the patients underwent surgery after neoadjuvant therapy (29/54 (53.7%)) for adenocarcinoma (52/54 (96.3%)). The primary endpoint, AL, occurred almost equally frequently in both arms (RIPC arm: 4/25 (16%), sham arm: 4/26 (15.4%), p = 1.000). The secondary outcomes were comparable except for a greater rate of reintervention in the sham arm (9 (6–12) vs. 3 (1–5), p = 0.034). The median duration of endoscopic vacuum therapy was shorter in the RIPC arm (10.5 (10–11) vs. 38 (24–39) days, p = 0.083), although the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

A clinically relevant protective effect of RIPC on anastomotic healing after rectal resection cannot be assumed on the basis of these data.
Incidence and management of secondary deformities after megaendoprosthetic proximal femur replacement in skeletally immature bone sarcoma patients
Authors: Guder Wiebke K. , Engel Nina M. , Streitbürger Arne , Polan Christina , Dudda Marcel , Podleska Lars E. , Nottrott Markus , Hardes Jendrik
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Megaendoprosthetic reconstruction of bone defects in skeletally immature patients has led to the development of unique complications and secondary deformities not observed in adult patient cohorts. With an increasing number of megaendoprosthetic replacements performed, orthopedic oncologists still gain experience in the incidence and type of secondary deformities caused. In this study, we report the incidence, probable cause and management outcome of two secondary deformities after megaendoprosthetic reconstruction of the proximal femur: hip dysplasia and genu valgum.

Materials and methods

Retrospective analysis of 14 patients who underwent primary and/or repeat reconstruction/surgery with a megaendoprosthetic proximal femur replacement between 2018 and 2022.

Results

Mean patient age was 9.1 years (range 4–17 years). Stress shielding was observed in 71.4%. Hip dislocation was the most frequent complication (50%). While four dislocations occurred without an underlying deformity, secondary hip dysplasia was identified in 58.3% (n = 7/12) of intraarticular resections and reconstructions, leading to dislocation in 71.4% (n = 5/7). A genu valgum deformity was observed in 41.6% (n = 5/12). The incidence of secondary hip dysplasia and concomitant genu valgum was 42.9% (n = 3/7). Triple pelvic osteotomy led to rebound hip dysplasia in two cases (patients aged < 10 years), whereas acetabular socket replacement led to stable hip joints over the course of follow-up. Temporary hemiepiphyseodesis was applied to address secondary genu valgum.

Conclusions

Patients aged < 10 years were prone to develop secondary hip dysplasia and genu valgum following proximal femur replacement in this study. Management of secondary deformities should depend on remaining skeletal growth. Stress shielding was observed in almost all skeletally immature patients.
Retrospective evaluation of radiological and clinical outcomes after surgical treatment of proximal femoral fractures utilizing PFNA and PFNA augmented
Authors: Schneider Friedemann , Oettle Cedric , Runer Armin , Wagner Moritz , Arora Rohit , Lindtner Richard A.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes after surgical treatment of proximal femoral fractures utilizing the Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation (PFNA), with the main focus on complications and reoperations. The secondary aim was to compare the outcomes of patients with and without cement augmentation of the cephalomedullary nails.

Materials and methods

All patients with an acute proximal femoral fracture consequently treated with a PFNA between January 2011 and Dezember  2018 were evaluated. Clinical and radiological data were assessed for intra- and postoperative complications, including treatment failure. In addition, intra- and postoperative radiographs were used to determine the position of the implant, and any migration, via Tip-Apex-Distance (TAD) and the caput-collum-diaphyseal angle (CCD). The accuracy of the fracture reduction was rated according to Baumgaertners criteria.

Results

Two hundred sixty-four consecutive patients (mean age 78.8 ± 12.0; 73.1% female) were included. The predominant OTA/AO fracture classification was 31A1 (153 cases, 58.0%). The average duration of surgery was 63.1 ± 28.0 min and showed no significant differences between PFNA and PFNA with augmentation. The implant positioning was rated as good in 222 cases (84.1%). Two hundred sixty-three patients (99.6%) showed evidence of healing within the time frame of three months postoperatively, one case of delayed union healed after secondary dynamization. During the observational period, 18 patients (6.8%) required a total of 23 additional surgeries. Overall, a lower reoperation rate was observed following the use of the augmentation option (2/86 patients (2.3%) vs. 16/178 patients (9.0%), p = 0.04). In particular, there were no cases of cut-out or cut-through among patients who underwent augmentation as part of osteosynthesis.

Conclusions

Overall reoperation rate after surgical treatment of proximal femoral fractures utilizing the Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation (PFNA) was 6.8%, with 23 additional surgeries performed in 18 patients. The usage of the PFNA with augmentation showed equally good implant positioning, excellent healing rates and fewer postoperative complications compared to the PFNA implant alone with a similar overall duration of surgery.
Functional results after hiatal repair and gastropexy without fundoplication in patients with paraoesophageal hernia
Authors: Bomio-Pacciorini Laura , Gaspar-Figueiredo Sérgio , Mantziari Styliani , Godat Sébastien , Schäfer Markus , Teixeira Farinha Hugo
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Paraoesophageal hernias (PEH) are associated with a high complication rate and often occur in elderly and fragile patients. Surgical gastropexy without fundoplication is an accepted alternative procedure; however, outcomes and functional results are rarely described. Our study aims to evaluate short-term outcomes and the long-term quality of life after gastropexy as treatment for PEH.

Methods

Single center cohort analysis of all consecutive patients who underwent gastropexy for PEH without fundoplication. Postoperative outcomes and functional results were retrospectively collected. Reflux symptoms developed postoperatively were reported using the validated quality of life questionnaire: GERD-Health Related Quality of Life Qestionnaire (GERD-HRQL).

Results

Thirty patients (median age: 72 years (65–80)) were included, 40% classified as ASA III. Main PEH symptoms were reflux (63%), abdominal/thoracic pain (47%), pyrosis (33%), anorexia (30%), and food blockage (26%). Twenty-six laparoscopies were performed (86%). Major complications (III-IVb) occurred in 9 patients (30%). Seven patients (23%) had PEH recurrence, all re-operated, performing a new gastropexy. Median follow-up was 38 (17–50) months. Twenty-two patients (75%) reported symptoms resolution with median GERD-HRQL scale of 4 (1–6). 72% (n = 21) reported operation satisfaction. GERD-HRQL was comparable between patients who were re-operated for recurrence and others: 5 (2–19) versus 3 (0–6), p = 0.100.

Conclusion

Gastropexy without fundoplication was performed by laparoscopy in most cases with acceptable complications rates. Two-thirds of patients reported symptoms resolution, and long-term quality-of-live associated to reflux symptoms is good. Although the rate of PEH recurrence requiring a new re-intervention remained increased (23%), it does not seem to affect long-term functional results.
Prognostic value of perioperative changes in the prognostic nutritional index in patients with surgically resected non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Hayasaka Kazuki , Notsuda Hirotsugu , Onodera Ken , Watanabe Tatsuaki , Watanabe Yui , Suzuki Takaya , Hirama Takashi , Oishi Hisashi , Niikawa Hiromichi , Okada Yoshinori
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This single-institution retrospective cohort study was conducted to assess the prognostic significance of perioperative changes in the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in patients who underwent surgery for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Clinicopathological data were collected from 441 patients who underwent lobectomy for NSCLC between 2010 and 2016.The PNI ratio (postoperative PNI/preoperative PNI) was used as an indicator of perioperative PNI changes. Prognostic differences were investigated based on PNI ratios.

Results

The optimal cut-off value of the PNI ratio for overall survival (OS) was set at 0.88 using a receiver operating characteristic curve. The PNI ratio was inversely related to a high smoking index, interstitial lung disease, and postoperative pulmonary complications. The 5-year OS rates for the high vs. low PNI ratio groups were 88.2% vs. 68.5%, respectively (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.90–4.86). Multivariable analysis revealed that a low PNI ratio was significantly associated with poor prognosis (HR: 2.94, 95% CI: 1.77–4.87). The PNI ratio was a more sensitive indicator than postoperative PNI status alone for identifying patients at high risk of mortality, particularly those with non-lung cancer causes.

Conclusion

The perioperative PNI change is a significant prognostic factor for patients with NSCLC.
Serum neurofilament light chain levels correlate with small fiber related parameters in patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy (ATTRv-PN)
Authors: Galosi Eleonora , Costanzo Rocco , Forcina Francesca , Morino Stefania , Antonini Giovanni , Salvetti Marco , Lauletta Antonio , Luigetti Marco , Romano Angela , Primiano Guido , Guglielmino Valeria , Fionda Laura , Garibaldi Matteo , Esposito Nicoletta , Falco Pietro , di Pietro Giuseppe , Truini Andrea , Leonardi Luca
Published: May 2024

Background

Recent evidence suggests that both serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels and small fiber related diagnostic variables may be valuable disease biomarkers of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy (ATTRv-PN).

Our study aimed to explore the relations between sNfL and small fiber related skin biopsy and quantitative sensory testing (QST) parameters in a cohort of ATTRv-PN patients and pre-symptomatic carriers.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from 13 ATTRv patients and 21 pre-symptomatic carriers who underwent sNfL dosage, skin biopsy, and QST, and analyzed correlations between sNFL, intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD), and cold (CDT) and warm detection thresholds (WDT).

Results

Both sNfL and small fiber related parameters significantly differed between carriers and patients (sNfL: p < 0.0001; IENFD: p = 0.0008; CDT, WDT: < 0.0001). sNFL levels were normal in all carriers, altered in 85% of patients, negatively correlated with distal IENFD (r = -0.47, p = 0.005), and significantly correlated with CDT (r = -0.68; p < 0.0001) and WDT (r = 0.57; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Our study showed that sNfL reliably discriminates symptomatic ATTRv-PN patients from pre-symptomatic carriers, and found significant relations between sNfL, skin biopsy, and QST small fiber related parameters, suggesting that sNfL might be a valuable biomarker of peripheral nerve involvement in ATTRv-PN and a supportive criterion for symptomatic disease transition.
Probing the carbon neutrality drive of environmental-related technologies and energy transition in France and Germany: a novel time–frequency technique
Authors: Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday , Alola Andrew Adewale , Ullah Sami
Published: May 2024

This study presents a rare comparative analysis of the factors influencing environmental quality through greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the European Union member states’ largest economies, i.e., France and Germany. By considering the unique economic, energy, and environmental characteristics of both countries, the finding unveils a novel perspective in the literature. The research utilizes a recently developed wavelet local multiple correlation (WLMC) technique with quarterly dataset spanning from 1990/Q1 to 2020/Q4. The results demonstrate that environmental-related information and communication technologies innovations, energy transition, and financial development play significant roles in limiting the growth of GHGs emission, particularly in the medium and long term. The wavelet-based Granger causality analysis reveals evidence of feedback causality among the variables in both countries in the medium and long term. Moreover, there are slight differences in the short-term relationships given that the observations are generally similar in later period. Overall, the findings offer a deeper understanding and policy insights regarding the time and frequency dynamics of GHG drivers in France and Germany.

Graphical abstract
Optimization of municipal solid waste collection system: systematic review with bibliometric literature analysis
Authors: Neto Alice B. P. Santos , Simões Carla L. , Simoes Ricardo
Published: May 2024

Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) requires significant planning and objective definitions of each of its stages. Waste collection and transportation stages are of utmost importance, and they represent a significant cost of the process. In this context, a systematic study using bibliometric analysis was conducted, seeking to identify and understand the applied methodologies and tools, as well as which parameters and approaches are employed to optimize the solid urban waste collection system. The analysis portfolio features 12 publications, focusing on the optimization of municipal solid waste (MSW) collection systems, mostly with the aim of optimizing routes for transporting waste from the collection points to the final destination, with the goal of reducing the costs of this stage. Results highlight how these studies only consider as optimization criteria the reduction of the travelled distance and lack other dimensions (such as an environmental impact perspective). Some of the studies demonstrate the vital role of technology in optimizing the waste collection operation, from the use of geographic information systems (GIS) to using sensors or smart bins. Future research efforts should widen the scope of what is considered in optimizing the waste collection system.
The impact of different perspectives on the cost-effectiveness of remote patient monitoring for patients with heart failure in different European countries
Authors: Mokri Hamraz , van Baal Pieter , Rutten-van Mölken Maureen
Published: May 2024

Background and objective

Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome with high mortality and hospitalization rates. Non-invasive remote patient monitoring (RPM) interventions have the potential to prevent disease worsening. However, the long-term cost-effectiveness of RPM remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of RPM in the Netherlands (NL), the United Kingdom (UK), and Germany (DE) highlighting the differences between cost-effectiveness from a societal and healthcare perspective.

Methods

We developed a Markov model with a lifetime horizon to assess the cost-effectiveness of RPM compared with usual care. We included HF-related hospitalization and non-hospitalization costs, intervention costs, other medical costs, informal care costs, and costs of non-medical consumption. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis and scenario analyses were performed.

Results

RPM led to reductions in HF-related hospitalization costs, but total lifetime costs were higher in all three countries compared to usual care. The estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), from a societal perspective, were €27,921, €32,263, and €35,258 in NL, UK, and DE respectively. The lower ICER in the Netherlands was mainly explained by lower costs of non-medical consumption and HF-related costs outside of the hospital. ICERs, from a healthcare perspective, were €12,977, €11,432, and €11,546 in NL, the UK, and DE, respectively. The ICER was most sensitive to the effectiveness of RPM and utility values.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that RPM for HF can be cost-effective from both healthcare and societal perspective. Including costs of living longer, such as informal care and non-medical consumption during life years gained, increased the ICER.
Dietary supplementation and health behavior in a sample of young adults in Austria
Authors: Dorczok Marie Celine , Schrank Beate , Mittmann Gloria , Steiner-Hofbauer Verena
Published: May 2024

Aim

The market for dietary supplements (DS) is booming since DS can be a simple and targeted dietary component if a wholesome nutrition is not available. DS consumption might be linked to other health behaviors that help people to maintain health and reduce potential health risks. The aim of this study was to identify and compare selected health behaviors among young Austrian DS consumers.

Subjects and methods

An online questionnaire (including dietary habits, consumption of DS, physical activity, general state of health, DEGS FFQ) was handed out via a pannel distribution to young Austrian adults aged 18 to 30 years.

Results

The questionnaire was answered by 400 participants, of which 33% consumed DS regularly. There were no significant differences between the sexes with regard to the consumption of DS. Most participants (66%) consumed DS without medical prescription. Only the consumption of healthy food as well as weekly time spent on sports as part of health behavior was able to predict DS consumption.

Conclusion

Although DS consumers show significantly higher levels of health behavior in some facets, they do not differ from non-DS consumers in a large number of health-relevant aspects. Our results indicate that DS consumers exhibit a broader spectrum of health-relevant behaviors than non-DS consumers and thus contribute to maintaining their health. Further studies with larger national samples and alternative assessment methods are necessary to consolidate the existing results and hypotheses.
Perspectives of environmental health officers on climate change adaptation in Australia: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Walter Tony G. , Bricknell Lisa K. , Preston Robyn G. , Crawford Elise G. C.
Published: May 2024

Aim

Climate change adaptation is critical for reducing and preventing many community health risks. The Environmental Health Profession has decades of experience of effective interventions for reducing and preventing many community health risks. However, in Australia adaptation is not included in the profession’s scope of practice leaving the community health at risk to climate change. The aim of this study was to assess the perspectives of Australian Environmental Health Officers concerning climate change health adaptation and whether this should be included in their role.

Subject and methods

Eighty-nine (89) eligible participants undertook a mixed method survey between November 2021 and January 2022. These participants were members of Environmental Health Australia and held a relevant degree in environmental health. The questions on the survey were related to six themed items: (1) climate change and health, (2) climate change adaptation, (3) the profession’s role in capacity building for adaptation, (4) hurdles for building adaptive capacity, (5) health awareness as a bridging concept and finally, (6) disaster risk reduction.

Results

The findings from this study indicate that the majority of participants were concerned for their community health from climate change impacts. A system thinking approach is required to effectively address and understand complex health risks. There was also an overwhelming support for the profession to integrate approaches of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in health. However, the environmental health profession is facing some significant hurdles to building adaptive capacity to climate change.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the environmental health profession does want to have a role in climate change adaptation in Australia. These findings, with further qualitative research, could bolster the preventive public health approach in building community health resilience to climate change and related disasters.
Preliminary study of standardized semiquantitative method for ultrasonographic breast composition assessment
Authors: Uematsu Takayoshi , Nakashima Kazuaki , Nasu Hatsuko , Igarashi Tatsuya , Okayama Yukiko , Notsu Akifumi
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To develop a classification tree via semiquantitative analysis for ultrasonographic breast composition assessment using routine breast ultrasonography examination images.

Methods

This study retrospectively enrolled 100 consecutive normal women who underwent screening mammography and supplemental ultrasonography. Based on sonographic breast composition, the patients’ breasts were classified as nondense or dense, which were correlated with mammographic breast composition. Ultrasonographic breast composition was classified based on the fibroglandular tissue (FGT) thickness-to-subcutaneous fat and retromammary fat (FAT) thickness ratio. In addition, the presence of a high glandular tissue component (GTC) in FGT or the presence of evident fat lobules in FGT was investigated. The cutoff point between the nondense and dense breasts was calculated from the area under the curve (AUC).

Results

All cases with a high GTC were dense breasts, and all cases with evident fat lobules in the FGT were nondense breasts. The AUC of the FGT thickness-to-FAT ratio of all cases, the group without a high GTC, the group without evident fat lobules in the FGT, and the group without a high GTC or evident fat lobules in the FGT were 0.93, 0.94, 0.99, and 1, respectively.

Conclusion

The presence of a high GTC indicated dense breasts, and the presence of evident fat lobules in the FGT represented nondense breasts. For the remaining cases, the cutoff point of the FGT thickness-to-FAT thickness ratio was 0.93 for ultrasonographic two-grade scale breast composition assessment with 100% accuracy.
Experimental Method to Determine the Draping Behavior of Auxiliary Materials for the Vacuum Bagging of CFRP Parts on Doubled-Curved Surfaces
Authors: Schmidt-Eisenlohr Clemens , Voggenreiter Heinz , Kupke Michael
Published: May 2024

The production costs of aircraft primary structures made of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) are significantly higher than for comparable metal-based structures. Today substantial effort is made to achieve a sufficient reproducibility and parts’ quality in manufacturing processes of CFRP structures. Especially the sub process vacuum bagging for infusion processes is still expensive. One of the reasons is the complex positioning of the flexible auxiliary materials which have to be stacked on the preform. During the positioning on doubled-curved surfaces these materials tend to form wrinkles, which can lead to defects of the composite part. Yet, a defined description of the wrinkling behavior of the auxiliary materials on doubled-curved surfaces does not exist. In this work a characterization of the wrinkling behavior on doubled-curved surfaces is investigated for the auxiliary materials of the Vacuum Assisted infusion Process (VAP®): release film, perforated peel ply, flow media, membrane and vacuum foil. Therefore, an experimental test method is derived similar to established hemisphere deformation test methods. The wrinkling behavior for the specific VAP auxiliary materials is empirically determined on differently curved surface geometries. It is shown that the draping behavior can be characterized by partial wrinkle-free surfaces between the wrinkles. A material specific threshold is derived to determine the appearance of wrinkles. The work shows that a characterization of the draping behavior of auxiliary materials on doubled-curved surfaces is possible. With the gained knowledge the potential for an increase of the vacuum bagging reproducibility is given.
Dominant subspaces of high-fidelity polynomial structured parametric dynamical systems and model reduction
Authors: Goyal Pawan , Duff Igor Pontes , Benner Peter
Published: May 2024

In this work, we investigate a model order reduction scheme for high-fidelity nonlinear structured parametric dynamical systems. More specifically, we consider a class of nonlinear dynamical systems whose nonlinear terms are polynomial functions, and the linear part corresponds to a linear structured model, such as second-order, time-delay, or fractional-order systems. Our approach relies on the Volterra series representation of these dynamical systems. Using this representation, we identify the kernels and, thus, the generalized multivariate transfer functions associated with these systems. Consequently, we present results allowing the construction of reduced-order models whose generalized transfer functions interpolate these of the original system at pre-defined frequency points. For efficient calculations, we also need the concept of a symmetric Kronecker product representation of a tensor and derive particular properties of them. Moreover, we propose an algorithm that extracts dominant subspaces from the prescribed interpolation conditions. This allows the construction of reduced-order models that preserve the structure. We also extend these results to parametric systems and a special case (delay in input/output). We demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method by means of various numerical benchmarks.
Redefining Academic Safe Space for Responsible Management Education
Authors: Martineau Joé T. , Cyr Audrey-Anne
Published: May 2024

In a time of increasing polarization, how can we address sensitive topics and ensure that university classrooms remain places of healthy discussions and ethical deliberations? This paper addresses this important question by drawing on unique qualitative data from our students’ accounts of their experience in an organizational ethics course. We developed the course using a novel pedagogical strategy centered around the creation of an artistic portfolio. We find that student engagement in an alternative individual space, such as the artistic portfolio, supports them in developing (inter)personal skills in preparation for constructive participation in sensitive discussions and ethical deliberation in the classroom. Additionally, engagement with the artistic portfolio provides them with an alternative means for alleviating tension that arises from these discussions and a space for expressing their opinions. Our findings highlight the role of the portfolio as an individual safe haven that supports teachers in facilitating a positive classroom atmosphere and guides students through challenging discussions and deliberations intrinsic to responsible management education. Considering these new insights, we advocate for a shift from a collective to an individual perspective on safety in academia. This transition liberates the classroom from the constraints and limitations often associated with the establishment of collective safe spaces.
The efficacy and safety of continuous intravenous infusion of rh-endostatin combined with platinum-based doublet chemotherapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Xinyi , Guo Zihan , Su Lin , Zuo Anli , Gao Min , Ji Xiang , Lu Jiameng , Yang Shuran , Jiang Yunxiu , Lu Degan
Published: May 2024

Background

Platinum-based doublet chemotherapy is commonly used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A growing body of evidence indicates that incorporating antiangiogenic agents into platinum-based chemotherapy may enhance the survival outcomes for NSCLC patients. However, the optimal administration protocol for intravenous recombinant human endostatin (rh-endostatin), an antiangiogenic agent, remains uncertain at present.

Aim

This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of 5-d continuous intravenous infusion of rh-endostatin in combination with chemotherapy for patients with advanced NSCLC. The predictive biomarkers for this treatment regimen were further probed.

Methods

This prospective, single-arm multicenter study enrolled a total of 48 patients with advanced NSCLC who were histologically or cytologically confirmed but had not received any prior treatment from January 2021 to December 2022. Prior to the chemotherapy, these patients received a continuous intravenous infusion of rh-endostatin (210 mg) over a period of 120 h, using an infusion pump. The chemotherapy regimen included a combination of platinum with either pemetrexed or paclitaxel, given in 21-day cycles. The primary endpoint of the study was median progression-free survival (mPFS), and the secondary endpoints included median overall survival (mOS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and assessment of adverse events (AEs).

Results

The mPFS was 6.5 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.8–9.1 m) while the mOS was 12.3 months (95% CI: 7.6–18.5 m). The ORR and DCR was 52.1% and 75.0%, respectively. Leukopenia (52.1%), anemia (33.3%), and thrombocytopenia (20.8%) were the most common adverse effects and these toxicities were deemed acceptable and manageable. In addition, a correlation was noted between elevated serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels and decreased PFS and OS.

Conclusions

The incorporation of a 5-day continuous intravenous infusion of rh-endostatin into platinum-based doublet chemotherapy has demonstrated both safety and efficacy in the treatment of advanced NSCLC. Furthermore, the baseline serum levels of CEA may potentially function as a predictor for the efficacy of rh-endostatin when combined with chemotherapy in NSCLC patients.

ClinicalTrials.gov

NCT05574998.
Prediction of student exam performance using data mining classification algorithms
Authors: Khairy Dalia , Alharbi Nouf , Amasha Mohamed A. , Areed Marwa F. , Alkhalaf Salem , Abougalala Rania A.
Published: May 2024

Student outcomes are of great importance in higher education institutions. Accreditation bodies focus on them as an indicator to measure the performance and effectiveness of the institution. Forecasting students’ academic performance is crucial for every educational establishment seeking to enhance performance and perseverance of its students and reduce the failure rate in the future. The main goal of this study is to predict the performance of undergraduate first-level students in the Computer Department during the years 2016 to 2021 to enhance their performance in future by discovering the best algorithm use to analyze the educational data to identify the students’ academic performance. The secondary data was collected by reviewing the Student Affairs Department at the Faculty of Specific Education at Damietta University, in addition to the Statistics Department at the university. The dataset contained 830 instances after excluding 139 instances of missing values, irrelevant rows, and outliers. The dataset was divided into train (577 instances (70%)), test (253 instances (30%)) and involved six features such year, midterm, practical exam, writing exam, final total degree, and grade. This paper use five machine learning (ML) algorithms which was selected according to the literature review and high accuracy in predicting educational data mining: For the purpose of comparison, a number of different machine learning algorithms, such as Random Forest, Decision Tree, Naive Bayes, Neural Network, and K-Nearest Neighbours, were utilized and evaluated with evaluation metrics such as confusion matrix, accuracy, precision, recall, and F-measure. The Random Forest and Decision Tree classifiers emerged as the top-performing algorithms, accurately categorizing 250 instances when predicting students' performance in the statistics course. This was determined based on the findings of the study. Out of a total of 253 instances that were included in the testing set, they only made three incorrect classifications.
Affectivity in its Relation to Personal Identity
Authors: Zaborowski Robert
Published: May 2024

My aim is to propose affectivity as a criterion for personal identity. My proposal is to be taken in its weak version: affectivity as only one of the criteria for personal identity. I start by arguing for affectivity being a better candidate as a criterion for personal identity than thinking. Next, I focus on synchronic vs. diachronic and on ontic vs. epistemic distinctions (my proposal will concern diachronic ontic personal identity) and consider the realm of affectivity in its temporal dimension. In my argument, I rely on the genuineness of affectivity and I exploit chiefly long- or everlasting feelings (or emotions) and those which involve the feeling subject more rather than less. I conclude by stating that genuine long-lasting feelings (or emotions) are constitutive of diachronic ontic personal identity.
Healthcare Students’ Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Peers with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Zarokanellou Vasiliki , Papagiannopoulou Evridiki , Gryparis Alexandros , Siafaka Vassiliki , Tafiadis Dionysios , Ntre Vassiliki , Ziavra Nafsika
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The present study investigates healthcare students’ affective, behavioral, and cognitive attitudes toward hypothetical peers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the effect of the ASD label on their attitudes.

Methods

The MAS scale for ASD persons in the postsecondary education (Matthews et al., 2015) was translated and adapted in Greek according to the guidelines of World Health Organization (2016). Participants (n = 444) were randomly divided into three equal groups and completed their demographic information. Each participant read the three vignettes of the Greek-adapted MAS scale describing a communicative interaction with one hypothetical fellow student with autistic characteristics in three different social situations but in each group, the vignette’s character was labeled differently (High-functioning, typical college student, and no-label).

Results

Students in the High-functioning group demonstrated more positive affective, behavioral, and cognitive attitudes toward the vignette characters than students in the no-label condition. Furthermore, students in the typical student group reported more rejective behaviors toward the vignette characters than students in the high-functioning group, implying that atypical behavior evokes rejection and stigmatization, while the label did not. Male students presented more positive cognitive attitudes across study groups in comparison to female students, while previous contact with individuals with ASD did not seem to impact significantly attitudes.

Conclusion

The findings of the study indicate that knowledge of an ASD diagnosis leads to greater acceptance and have important implications for future research, disability policy makers, and university support services.
Understanding the Landscape of Consultation Liaison Psychologists in Academic Medical Centers
Authors: LaGrotte Caitlin A. , Bullock Anastasia , Doremus Corey , Aricola Carissa
Published: May 2024

Current literature lacks data related to the role of psychologists on consultation-liaison (CL) services; previous data indicates only 4% of CL services are run by psychologists, while 32% of liaison mental health services include a psychologist. As CL psychologists’ roles within hospitals grow, it is critical to identify clinical strategies and organizational structures of CL services across hospital systems. The current study seeks to provide a deeper understanding of CL psychologists’ scope of work. Participants (N = 77) (15% response rate) completed a measure developed for this study, exploring psychologist roles, clinical practice, and departmental structures. Thirty-two percent of respondents were in Psychiatry Departments, 58% were in academic medical centers, almost half had training programs and the most frequently utilized billing code was: Given the limited data available, this study provided a contemporary and foundational understanding of the CL psychologist roles as well as future avenues of empirical inquiry such as discrete organization and structural characteristics.
Is there a role for cooperative actors in the management of public housing? Hybrid partnerships as trojan horses for profit extraction or vehicle of housing commons: reflections on a pioneering project in Milan
Authors: Peverini Marco , Bricocoli Massimo , Tagliaferri Anna
Published: May 2024

After its expansionist phase in the XX Century, in most countries public housing has incurred in a state of long-term crisis that still lasts until today. With long-lasting disinvestment in the Italian public housing, many dwellings and buildings are vacant or in decay. Public housing companies yet rely heavily on dismissal and sales to cover high overheads and low rents. In this context, there has been sporadic experimentation of partnerships between public authorities and cooperative actors in enacting hybrid forms of management as an alternative to the sale of public assets. The article uses the case study of the Quattro Corti project in Milan and experts’ panels in four Italian cities to explore potential innovation pathways for public housing in different contexts and to identify opportunities and challenges of the involvement of cooperatives through partnerships for hybrid management. A main question is whether such partnerships may be trojan horses for profit-actors or vehicles of housing commons. The article contributes to the emerging literature on the role of cooperative actors in public and social housing policies.
Bidirectional Within-Family Effects of Restrictive Mediation Practices and Adolescents’ Problematic Social Media Use
Authors: Geurts Suzanne M. , Vossen Helen G. M. , Van den Eijnden Regina J. J. M. , Koning Ina M.
Published: May 2024

Much remains unknown about whether restrictive mediation is an effective parenting strategy to prevent or reduce problematic social media use among adolescents. Therefore, this study examined bidirectional within-family effects between two restrictive mediation practices (rule-setting and reactive restrictions) and problematic social media use using random-intercept cross-lagged panel modeling. Three-wave survey data collected among Dutch adolescents (T1: N = 1928, Mage = 13.31 years, SD = 0.91, 43.3% girl) with a 1 year-interval were used. Results showed that within-family changes in problematic social media use symptoms predicted subsequent within-family changes in perceived parental restrictive mediation. More specifically, an increase in symptoms predicted a decrease in rule-setting and an increase in reactive restrictions 1 year later. Within-family changes in perceived parental restrictive mediation practices did not predict within-family changes in problematic social media use symptoms, suggesting that the relation is unidirectional. However, concluding that limiting adolescents’ Internet use is ineffective to prevent problematic social media use would be premature. Future research should investigate whether it may be an effective parenting strategy for a certain subgroup of adolescents or under certain circumstances.
Asymmetric effects of long-term war on human resource development in Af…ghanistan: evidence from NARDL approach
Authors: Hameed Mohammad Ajmal , Rahman Mohammad Mafizur , Khanam Rasheda
Published: May 2024

This study explores the effects of war on human resource development in Afghanistan using non-linear autoregressive distributed lags (NARDL) and asymmetric causality analysis. The results of the NARDL bound test support an asymmetric long-run relationship between predictors. It reveals that positive and negative shocks from the per capita cost of war, child mortality rate, and population growth rate asymmetrically affect the school enrollment rate in both the short and long runs. Furthermore, it shows that positive shocks from per capita GDP and per capita government expenditures on education increase the school enrollment rate, while their negative shocks have adverse effects, in both the short and long runs. This implies that school enrollment is highly sensitive to changes in the per capita cost of war and reacts swiftly. Moreover, the results reveal significant causality from both the positive and negative components of the per capita cost of war, per capita GDP, per capita government expenditures on education, and population growth to both the positive and negative components of the school enrollment rate. However, there is only a causal nexus from the negative component of the child mortality rate to the school enrollment rate. Based on these findings, relevant policy implications are discussed.