bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of geriatric co-management on outcomes in hospitalised cardiology patients aged 85 and over
Authors: Raijmann Renee C. M. A. , Koek Huiberdina L. , Emmelot-Vonk Marielle H. , Swaving Joost G. E. , Agema Willem R. P. , Kerckhoffs Angèle P. M. , Keijsers Carolina J. P. W.
Published: August 2023

Objective

Cardiovascular disease and frailty are common among the population aged 85+. We hypothesised these patients might benefit from geriatric co-management, as has been shown in other frail patient populations. However, there is limited evidence supporting geriatric co-management in older, hospitalised cardiology patients.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed in a large teaching hospital in the Netherlands. We compared patients aged 85 and over admitted to the cardiology ward before (control group) and after the implementation of standard geriatric co-management (intervention group). Data on readmission, mortality, length of stay, number of consultations, delirium, and falls were analysed.

Results

The data of 1163 patients were analysed (n = 542 control, n = 621 intervention). In the intervention group, 251 patients did not receive the intervention because of logistic reasons or the treating physician’s decision. Baseline characteristics were comparable in the intervention and control groups. Patients in the intervention group had a shorter length of stay (−1 day, p = 0.01) and were more often discharged to a geriatric rehabilitation facility (odds ratio [OR] 1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–3.54, p = 0.02) compared with the control patients. Other outcomes were not significantly different between the groups.

Conclusions

After implementation of standard geriatric co-management for hospitalised cardiology patients aged 85 and over, the length of hospital stay shortened and the number of patients discharged to a geriatric rehabilitation facility increased. The adherence to geriatric team recommendations was high. Geriatric co-management would appear to optimise care for older hospitalised patients with cardiac disease.
Digitale Bewegungsförderung und Sturzprävention in Pflegeeinrichtungen – der Status-Quo von Technikaffinität und der Bereitschaft zur Nutzung digitaler Lösungen bei Pflegepersonal
Authors: Rayling Sabine , Krafft Jelena , Diener Jonathan , Krell-Rösch Janina , Wunsch Kathrin , Woll Alexander
Published: August 2023

Hintergrund

Die Bedeutung der Digitalisierung im Gesundheitswesen wächst seit Jahren. Diese Studie untersucht das Ausmaß der Nutzung und Implementierung digitaler Lösungen im Bereich der Bewegungsförderung im Setting Pflege sowie die Technikaffinität und die Bereitschaft des Pflegepersonals zur Nutzung digitaler Lösungen. Ein weiterer Fokus liegt auf den Nutzungsbedingungen, die digitale Konzepte erfüllen sollten, sowie möglichen Risiken die bei der Nutzung derselbigen auftreten können.

Methodik

Es wurde ein Onlinefragebogen mit quantitativen und qualitativen Fragestellungen zur Nutzungsbereitschaft und Voraussetzungen für digitale Lösungen entwickelt, unter Einbezug von zwei Fragebögen zur Technikaffinität (ATI und TA-EG). Die Pflegeeinrichtungen wurden deutschlandweit rekrutiert. Die Daten wurden qualitativ mit MAXQDA und quantitativ mit SPSS Version 27 analysiert.

Ergebnisse

200 Personen aus 15 Bundesländern nahmen an der Befragung teil. Eine flächendeckende Ausstattung mit digitalen Geräten und WLAN ist in Pflegeeinrichtungen noch nicht gegeben. Es zeigten sich signifikante Unterschiede in der Technikaffinität bezogen auf das Alter (t (198) = 3,705; p = 0,000), das Geschlecht (t (196) = -2,952; p = 0,004) und die berufliche Funktion (ATI: t (198) = 2,286; p = 0,023; TA-EG: t (198) = 2,126, p = 0,035). 47 % der Teilnehmenden haben keine Erfahrung mit digitalen Lösungen im Bereich Bewegungsförderung und Sturzprävention. Als Risiken wurden Stürze, falsche Übungsausführungen und Verringerung der sozialen Kontakte identifiziert. 65,4 % (n = 53) der Einrichtungsleitungen, und 54,6 % (n = 65) der Angestellten sind bereit eine digitale Lösung zu nutzen. Die Erwartungen beinhalteten eine gute Wirksamkeit, Individualisierungsmöglichkeiten, einfache Handhabung, sowie eine gute Alltagsintegration.

Schlussfolgerung

Bei der Implementierung digitaler Lösungen muss die strukturelle, bislang wenig digitalisierte Situation von Pflegeeinrichtungen berücksichtigt werden. Die Ergebnisse zur Technikaffinität lassen darauf schließen, dass eine Bereitschaft zur Nutzung an sich vorhanden ist. Mögliche Risiken und bisherige Erfahrungen, sowie Erwartungen an digitale Lösungen müssen in die Entwicklung derselbigen einfließen, um eine langfristige Nutzung zu ermöglichen.
Does the Emotional Modulation of Visual Experience Entail the Cognitive Penetrability of Early Vision?
Authors: Raftopoulos Athanassios
Published: August 2023

Empirical research suggests that motive states modulate perception affecting perceptual processing either directly, or indirectly through the modulation of spatial attention. The affective modulation of perception occurs at various latencies, some of which fall within late vision, that is, after 150 ms. poststimulus. Earlier effects enhance the C1 and P1 ERP components in early vision, the former enhancement being the result of direct emotive effects on perceptual processing, and the latter being the result of indirect effects of emotional stimuli on perceptual processing that automatically capture exogenous attention. Other research suggests that emotional stimuli do not capture attention automatically but attentional capture is conditioned on the context. Since context dependent effects are first registered with the elicitation of N1 ERP component about 170 ms. poststimulus, emotional stimuli affect late vision. However, the early affective modulation of early vision by emotive states threatens the cognitive impenetrability of early vision since emotive states are associated with learning and past experiences. I argue that the emotive modulation of early vision does not entail the cognitive penetrability of early vision. First, the early indirect affective modulation of P1 is akin to the effects of spatial pre-cueing by non-emotive cues and these preparatory effects do not signify the cognitive impenetrability of early vision. Second, because the direct modulation of C1 signifies an initial, involuntary appraisal of threat in the incoming stimulus that precedes any cognitive states.
Formation of disinfection by-products within the drinking water production system and distribution network of a real case study
Authors: Ramírez Álvaro , de la Morena Alfonso , Sánchez Nieves , Peñuela Lucía , Sánchez-Carretero Ana , Muñoz Martín , Llanos Javier
Published: August 2023

This work presents a collaboration between the so-called Gasset Service Association (responsible for providing drinking water to 100,000 inhabitants from a surface water reservoir) and researchers from the University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain). The main aim of this work was providing a comprehensive characterization of the formation and removal of disinfection by-products in a real drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) and water distribution network. According to the results obtained, it can be stated that bromate is formed on the pre-oxidation stage and it is not eliminated throughout the DWTP; meanwhile, total organic carbon is partially removed on the clarification process. Moreover, it demonstrates the key role of the residence time and the type of water storage throughout the distribution network (either in pipes or in tanks) due to the combined effect of, at least, four overlapped mechanisms: THMs chemical generation, air stripping, hydrolysis and biological removal. This comprehensive view of the drinking water production and distribution network represents an excellent framework for allowing the improvement in the drinking water quality for a very common water production case study: a medium-size city fed by a surface water source.
Delineation of Nubian sandstone aquifer using geophysical data around Nuweiba area, Sinai, Egypt
Authors: Araffa S. A. S. , Sabet H. S. , Mahmoud M. H.
Published: August 2023

The Nubian sandstone aquifer (NSA) is defined by using 19 vertical electrical sounding (VES) stations, 201 gravity stations, which define the structures that control the configuration of the NSA, and 183 land magnetic stations, which define the lower surface of the NSA by determining the depth of the basement surface. In order to assess the top of the NSA, we collected and analyzed 19 deep VESes. The upper surface depth of the NSA spans from 707 to 1154 m, according to the interpretation results for various geophysical data. Additionally, the aquifer’s resistivities ranged from 30.2 to 477 Ω m, which indicates good groundwater quality. According to the interpretation of the gravity result, the study region is influenced by many structural characteristics of different trends, including northwest–southeast, northeast–southwest, and east–west trends. The upper surface depth of crystalline rocks (also known as basement rocks) is determined by three-dimensional magnetic modeling to range between 967 and 4122 m.
Developing a hybrid model for accurate short-term water demand prediction under extreme weather conditions: a case study in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Zubaidi Salah L. , Kumar Pavitra , Al-Bugharbee Hussein , Ahmed Ali Najah , Ridha Hussein Mohammed , Mo Kim Hung , El-Shafie Ahmed
Published: August 2023

Accurate prediction of short-term water demand, especially, in the case of extreme weather conditions such as flood, droughts and storms, is crucial information for the policy makers to manage the availability of freshwater. This study develops a hybrid model for the prediction of monthly water demand using the database of monthly urban water consumption in Melbourne, Australia. The dataset consisted of minimum, maximum, and mean temperature (°C), evaporation (mm), rainfall (mm), solar radiation (MJ/m2), maximum relative humidity (%), vapor pressure (hpa), and potential evapotranspiration (mm). The dataset was normalized using natural logarithm and denoized then by employing the discrete wavelet transform. Principle component analysis was used to determine which predictors were most reliable. Hybrid model development included the optimization of ANN coefficients (its weights and biases) using adaptive guided differential evolution algorithm. Post-optimization ANN model was trained using eleven different leaning algorithms. Models were trained several times with different configuration (nodes in hidden layers) to achieve better accuracy. The final optimum learning algorithm was selected based on the performance values (regression; mean absolute, relative and maximum error) and Taylor diagram.
Enzymatic valorization of cellulosic and hemicellulosic-based biomasses via the production of antioxidant water-soluble hydrolyzate of maize stalks and the green bio-deinking of mixed office waste paper
Authors: Hassan Amira A. , Hasanin Mohamed S. , Ismail Shaymaa A.
Published: August 2023

Bio-valorization of various biomasses provides a sustainable promising approach for the eco-friendly production of variable value-added products. Herein, the current study devoted to the enzymatic valorization of two widely available biomasses, namely, maize stalks and waste paper. The cellulytic and hemicellulytic-rich cocktail was produced through the fermentation of rice straw by a locally isolated fungal strain Aspergillus terreus. The potential applicability of the produced cocktail for the enzymatic hydrolysis of the polysaccharide constituents of maize stalks was evaluated under various strategies. The reported results indicated that the microwave pretreatment of the biomass yielding a water-soluble hydrolyzate rich in cellobiose and xylobiose, sustained by thin layer (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) measurements, in addition to phenolic compounds. Moreover, the enzymatic hydrolysis of the extracted hemicellulosic fraction from maize stalks was rich in xylooligosaccharides and phenolic compounds higher than that released from the hydrolysis of commercial xylan. The estimated antioxidant activity of the resulted hydrolyzate was also monitored by the scavenging of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical spectrophotometrically at 515 nm. Moreover, the potential applicability of the produced enzymatic cocktail was examined for the bio-deinking of waste paper. The physical, chemical, and surface morphological characteristics of the treated paper sample was compared to a blank one regarding the whiteness index, ash content, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). On the base of the estimated results, the produced enzymatic cocktail possessed efficient dislodgement ability for the printed ink from the paper surface.
Using Pre-Clinical Studies to Explore the Potential Clinical Uses of Exosomes Secreted from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Stem cells
Authors: Zhou Andrew Kailin , Jou Eric , Lu Victor , Zhang James , Chabra Shirom , Abishek Joshua , Wong Ethan , Zeng Xianwei , Guo Baoqiang
Published: August 2023

Recent studies of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have indicated high potential clinical applications in many diseases. However, the limited source of MSCs impedes their clinical research and application. Most recently, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have become a promising source of MSCs. Exosome therapy based on iPSC-derived MSCs (iMSCs) is a novel technique with much of its therapeutic potential untapped. Compared to MSCs, iMSCs have proved superior in cell proliferation, immunomodulation, generation of exosomes capable of controlling the microenvironment, and bioactive paracrine factor secretion, while also theoretically eliminating the dependence on immunosuppression drugs. The therapeutic effects of iMSC-derived exosomes are explored in many diseases and are best studied in wound healing, cardiovascular disease, and musculoskeletal pathology. It is pertinent clinicians have a strong understanding of stem cell therapy and the latest advances that will eventually translate into clinical practice. In this review, we discuss the various applications of exosomes derived from iMSCs in clinical medicine.
Parents’ knowledge of emergency management of avulsed permanent teeth in children and adolescents in the State of Qatar: a questionnaire cross-sectional study
Authors: Al Sheeb M. , Al Jawad F. A. , Nazzal H.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To elucidate the level of parental knowledge in Qatar regarding the management of avulsed teeth.

Methods

A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 400 parents attending their children’s routine dental appointments. The questionnaire comprised of items on sociodemographics, parents’ prior knowledge on management of avulsion, parents’ willingness to replant avulsed teeth at the site of injury, and parents’ opinion as to the best format for future parental education on the management of dental trauma. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were employed to assess the association between sociodemographic status and knowledge in the management of avulsion.

Results

The overall mean score of parents’ knowledge was (23%). Only 23.3% (n = 93) of parents thought that it was possible to reinsert an avulsed permanent tooth. Out of those, only 12.9% (n = 12) indicated willingness to reinsert the tooth back into its socket, while 48.4% (n = 49) indicated that an avulsed tooth should be stored using physiological media. Less than one third (27.8%) indicated that they would seek professional help within 30 min. Males were less likely to give favourable answers when compared to females (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.22–0.84). Age groups “31–40” years and “41–50” years were more likely to give favourable answers when compared to 20–30 years age group (OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.05–8.0and OR = 3.8, 95% CI = 1.3–11.48; respectively).

Conclusion

This study highlights critical deficiencies in parental knowledge on the management of tooth avulsion and the need to improve parents’ knowledge by developing easily accessible onsite emergency management tools.
Multi-agent system-based polymorphic distributed energy management for ships entering and leaving ports considering computing power resources
Authors: Shan Qihe , Qu Qi , Song Jing , Teng Fei , Xiao Geyang , Zhang Xin , Li Tieshan
Published: August 2023

In order to realize the intelligent energy management of the complex ship energy system, achieve the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goal and reduce the ship carbon emissions and ship operating costs, this paper proposes a distributed energy management method for ships entering and leaving ports based on polymorphic network considering computing power resources. Firstly, a polymorphic network-based energy management system for ships entering and leaving ports is proposed to enhance the information exchange between ship computing power, power and port power, simultaneously improve the communication quality and communication security among different modes. Secondly, in order to reduce the ship operating costs and port carbon emissions, the energy management model of ships entering and leaving ports is constructed considering computing power resources. Then, according to the ship’s berthing and departing operation modes, this paper uses the distributed algorithm to solve the energy management problem, and explores the impact on the ship microgrid when the ship’s data load changes. Finally, simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Progress and Challenges Toward Effective Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Xiongjie , Yu Haixuan , Liu Zhirong , Huang Junyi , Ma Xiaoting , Liu Yuping , Sun Qiang , Dai Letian , Ahmad Shahzada , Shen Yan , Wang Mingkui
Published: August 2023

The demand for building-integrated photovoltaics and portable energy systems based on flexible photovoltaic technology such as perovskite embedded with exceptional flexibility and a superior power-to-mass ratio is enormous. The photoactive layer, i.e., the perovskite thin film, as a critical component of flexible perovskite solar cells (F-PSCs), still faces long-term stability issues when deformation occurs due to encountering temperature changes that also affect intrinsic rigidity. This literature investigation summarizes the main factors responsible for the rapid destruction of F-PSCs. We focus on long-term mechanical stability of F-PSCs together with the recent research protocols for improving this performance. Furthermore, we specify the progress in F-PSCs concerning precise design strategies of the functional layer to enhance the flexural endurance of perovskite films, such as internal stress engineering, grain boundary modification, self-healing strategy, and crystallization regulation. The existing challenges of oxygen-moisture stability and advanced encapsulation technologies of F-PSCs are also discussed. As concluding remarks, we propose our viewpoints on the large-scale commercial application of F-PSCs.
Towards a quality protocol for enabling the reuse of post-consumer flat glass
Authors: Rota Angelica , Zaccaria Marco , Fiorito Francesco
Published: August 2023

Architectural flat glass typically follows a linear life cycle. Its recyclability potential is not yet fully exploited due to the challenges of collecting it as well as the issues in quality compatibility with a float furnace. While the challenges of recycling glass remain, there might be the opportunity to do even more than recycling: reuse. A robust reuse practice calls for a qualification of the properties and performances by means of a quality protocol as well as the identification of the new use. This study explored the prospect of reusing post-consumer architectural flat glass panes for remanufacturing in insulating glass units. A set of IGUs harvested from residential buildings in Belgium was disassembled manually in the laboratory and the collected glass panes were classified in different quality levels as a function of the size and density of surface defects. The influence of the lifespan of the insulating glass as well as the face of the insulating glass unit was also considered. Through this study, it was found that post-consumer glass with high surface quality can exhibit similar strength values of pre-consumer glass. This suggest that it would be possible to reuse post-consumer glass in a safe and valid manner.
Convergence conditions for p-adic continued fractions
Authors: Murru Nadir , Romeo Giuliano , Santilli Giordano
Published: August 2023

Continued fractions have been introduced in the field of p-adic numbers $$\mathbb {Q}_p$$

Q
p

by several authors. However, a standard definition is still missing since all the proposed algorithms are not able to replicate all the properties of continued fractions in $$\mathbb {R}$$
R
. In particular, an analogue of the Lagrange’s Theorem is not yet proved for any attempt of generalizing continued fractions in $$\mathbb {Q}_p$$

Q
p

. Thus, it is worth to study the definition of new algorithms for p-adic continued fractions. The main condition that a new method needs to fulfill is the convergence in $$\mathbb {Q}_p$$

Q
p

of the continued fractions. In this paper we study some convergence conditions for continued fractions in $$\mathbb {Q}_p$$

Q
p

. These results allow to define many new families of continued fractions whose convergence is guaranteed. Then we provide some new algorithms exploiting the new convergence condition and we prove that one of them terminates in a finite number of steps when the input is rational, as it happens for real continued fractions.
The Regional Innovation System and Smart Specialisation in the “energy region” Lusatia
Authors: Pomp Caron
Published: August 2023

Lusatia, a rural-peripheral region in Eastern Germany, currently faces structural change due to the planned phase-out of lignite mining. Against the backdrop of the EU Smart Specialisation (S2) strategy, structural change funds need to be invested where it can strengthen Lusatia’s Regional Innovation System (RIS). With Lusatia’s history, energy seems a promising topic S2. However, it is questionable if there is a critical mass of actors and research for energy topics in the region that could enable regional competitiveness. This paper addresses this issue by analysing the current state of Lusatia’s RIS and the potentials for S2. I use empirical data from statistical offices and the “Förderkatalog” as well as data on new research projects and institutes for my analysis. The gathered data suggest that the region’s RIS is rather thin. While the proclaimed image of an “energy region” is not reflected in the data yet, this may change due to the structural change program and the strategic orientation of the region. S2 may be successful if the new institutes and research projects enable the attraction of skilled workers and firms and at the same time manage to increase the absorption capacity of existing firms in the region. Building a critical mass for cooperation and innovation is achievable, at least in the larger cities such as Cottbus. Monitoring and evaluation of the impacts of the invested funds will be crucial.
Low-Carbon-Emission Hot Stamping: A Review from the Perspectives of Steel Grade, Heating Process, and Part Design
Authors: Hou Zeran , Liu Yi , He Qi , Wang Jianfeng , Min Junying
Published: August 2023

Hot stamping steels have become a crucial strategy for achieving lightweighting and enhancing crash safety in the automotive industry over the past two decades. However, the carbon emissions of the materials and their related stamping processes have been frequently overlooked. It is essential to consider these emissions during the design stage. Emerging materials and technologies in hot stamping pose challenges to the automotive industry's future development in carbon emission reduction. This review discusses the promising materials for future application and their special features, as well as the emerging manufacturing and part design processes that have extended the limit of application for new materials. Advanced heating processes and corresponding equipment have been proven to improve heating efficiency and control temperature uniformity. The material utilization and the overall performance of the components are improved by tailored blanks and an integrated part design approach. To achieve low-carbon-emission (LCE) hot stamping, it is necessary to systematically consider the steel grade, heating process, and part design, rather than solely focusing on reducing carbon emissions during the manufacturing process stage. This review aims to present the latest progress in steel grade, heating process, and part design of hot stamping in the automotive industry, providing solutions for LCE from a holistic perspective.
Learning Foams: Towards an Atmospheric Ethics of Education
Authors: Tyrrell Jessica , Shalavin Courtney
Published: August 2023

Where is the air in the design of learning futures? The Covid-19 pandemic and the unfolding climate crisis have rendered air as an explicit life support infrastructure of learning and as an agential force in design. As air becomes more contested and access to air is constricted, we need to design for atmospherically entangled learning futures. Existing discussion of atmospheres in educational literature focuses on their affective dimensions. We advocate for biometeorological dimensions of atmospheres to also be included by introducing air into the discourse around leaning futures. Addressing a networked learning context, we further ask, what constitutes digital air? By applying Peter Sloterdijk’s ontology of foams to educational situations, we develop ‘learning foams’ as a novel thought-image to aerate the existing concept of networked learning and provide a guide for thinking through atmospheric entanglements in education. We argue that being attuned to the air and atmospheres is necessary to design for breathable learning futures. Following Sloterdijk’s spatial and relational ontology, we show how the frame of learning foams surfaces the need for an atmospheric ethics of education that is centred on human and more-than-human relationality. We speculate on some emerging approaches to support this ethics, such as ‘planty’ pedagogies and more-than-human-centred design.
A quantum “black box” for entropy calculation
Authors: Koren Michal , Koren Oded , Peretz Or
Published: August 2023

A significant part of global quantum computing research has been conducted based on quantum mechanics, which can now be used with quantum computers. However, designing a quantum algorithm requires a deep understanding of quantum mechanics and physics procedures. This work presents a generic quantum “black box” for entropy calculation. It does not depend on the data type and can be applied to building and maintaining machine learning models. The method has two main advantages. First, it is accessible to those without preliminary knowledge of quantum computing. Second, it is based on the quantum circuit with a constant depth of three, which is equivalent to three operations the circuit would perform to achieve the same result. We implemented our method using the IBM simulator and tested it over different types of input. The results showed a high correspondence between the classical and quantum computations that raised an error of up to 8.8e−16 for different lengths and types of information.
Tokenizing assets with dividend payouts—a legally compliant and flexible design
Authors: Zhitomirskiy Efim , Schmid Stefan , Walther Martin
Published: August 2023

The tokenization of financial assets using blockchain technology is a transformative process that allows for the fractionalization of ownership, thereby creating more accessible investment opportunities compared to traditional financial assets. Recent research has shown that token offerings are subject to moral hazard and fraud. In response to these challenges, we propose a novel token design that is compliant with the legal framework of Switzerland. Our design is characterized by its flexibility and can represent any yield or dividend-bearing asset, such as stocks, bonds, or rental income from real estate. Further enhancing its compatibility, the token conforms to the Ethereum ERC-20 standard, enabling seamless integration with existing decentralized finance solutions. Another contribution of our token design is its innovative approach to dividend distribution. Unlike traditional models that distribute dividends based on ownership at the time of payment, our token design distributes dividends based on holding times. This distinctive approach promotes smoother asset prices between dividend payouts by eliminating the need for compensation payments. Our token prototype represents a potential starting point for future research on leveraging the opportunities of decentralized finance.
Impact of Pedestrian Pavement Design on the Users’ Comfort Level in an Intermodal Passenger Terminal
Authors: Garilli Erika , Autelitano Federico , Freddi Francesco , Giuliani Felice
Published: August 2023

The design of intermodal passenger terminals (IPTs) facilities requires a careful study of different aspects, including the walkability of their pedestrian paths. As for paved surfaces intended for pedestrians, these infrastructures must perform several tasks: greater attention is paid to functional requirements, considering different physical and perceptive people abilities. The regularity, grip and comfort are the prevailing aspects that need more attention from the designer. IPTs’ users are generally passengers performing long trips, who are more likely to carry a luggage: for this reason, the comfort and the effort to which the traveller is subjected when pulling or pushing a suitcase are significant features to analyse. Thus, an integrated approach of experimental measurements was introduced to characterise the comfort level of paved surfaces of the Mediopadana high-speed rail station (Italy), using a smart and original procedure, named stone pavement suitcase trolley test. Through these measurements the hand-arm vibrations perceived by the user, the horizontal forces required to pull or push the suitcase and the work done by the users along a real path were determined. These parameters make it possible to evaluate, from an objective point of view, the comfort of travellers on different pedestrian routes, providing useful tools for their design.
A damped Kačanov scheme for the numerical solution of a relaxed p(x)-Poisson equation
Authors: Heid Pascal
Published: August 2023

The focus of the present work is the (theoretical) approximation of a solution of thep(x)-Poisson equation. To devise an iterative solver with guaranteed convergence, we will consider a relaxation of the original problem in terms of a truncation of the nonlinearity from below and from above by using a pair of positive cut-off parameters. We will then verify that, for any such pair, a damped Kačanov scheme generates a sequence converging to a solution of the relaxed equation. Subsequently, it will be shown that the solutions of the relaxed problems converge to the solution of the original problem in the discrete setting. Finally, the discrete solutions of the unrelaxed problem converge to the continuous solution. Our work will finally be rounded up with some numerical experiments that underline the analytical findings.
Swyer syndrome: a rare cause of primary amenorrhea
Authors: Sandilya Ujjwala , Jha Sangam
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Swyer syndrome is one of the rare causes for disorders of sexual development.

Case report

An 18-year-old girl presented with complaints of inability to attain menarche. Physical examination revealed underdeveloped breast with absent pubic and axillary hair; however, the vagina was well canalized. Her hormonal profile was of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. USG and MRI demonstrated hypoplastic uterus with very small ovaries. Chromosomal analysis reported 46 XY genetic makeup. Given the higher risk of malignancy in dysgenetic gonads, the patient underwent laparoscopic gonadectomy and had been put on hormone replacement therapy.

Conclusion

Swyer syndrome, though a very rare entity, should be kept in mind while evaluating primary amenorrhea. Gonadectomy should be performed early once diagnosis is made to avoid the risk of malignancy.
Many lessons still to learn about autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Orr Sarah , Sayer John A.
Published: August 2023

We are still learning the genetic basis for many rare diseases. Here we provide a commentary on the analysis of the genetic landscape of patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD), one of the most common genetic kidney diseases. Approaches including both phenotype first and genotype first allows some interesting and informative observations within this disease population. PKD1 and PKD2 are the most frequent genetic causes of ADPKD accounting for 78% and 15% respectively, whilst around 7–8% of cases have an alternative genetic diagnosis. These rarer forms include IFT140, GANAB, PKHD1, HNF1B, ALG8, and ALG9. Some previously reported likely pathogenic PKD1 and PKD2 alleles may have a reduced penetrance, or indeed may have been misclassified in terms of their pathogenicity. This recent data concerning all forms of ADPKD points to the importance of performing genetics tests in all families with a clinical diagnosis of ADPKD as well as those with more atypical cystic kidney appearances. Following allele identification, performing segregation analysis wherever possible remains vital so that we continue to learn about these important genetic causes of kidney failure.
A review of dairy production and utilization in Ghana and Benin
Authors: Achaglinkame Matthew Atongbiik , Dari Linda , Mörlein Daniel
Published: August 2023

High dairy production and utilization have proven very effective in improving food and nutrition security in society, especially among the rural poor. This review sought to find out the status of dairy production and utilization in Ghana and Benin, the challenges, and the way forward. The review discovered low dairy production in both countries which meets only about 19% (Ghana) and 20% (Benin) of dairy demand. This low self-sufficiency compels both countries to depend heavily on imported dairy products to meet consumers’ dairy needs. However, dairy consumption in both countries is still abysmally low (Ghana = 9 kg/person/year, Benin = 8 kg/person/year). Cow milk is the most regarded and consumed animal milk in both states and is consumed both raw and processed. Local dairy products include “wagashi” (local soft cheese), yoghurt and “brukina”/“dèguè” (fermented milk-millet beverage). Some of the challenges found include low patronage of dairy farming, low-performing breeds, safety issues, inadequate sustainable pro-dairy policies, water and pasture/forage shortages, inadequate infrastructure, poor education, unorganized local sector and climate change. However, adopting effective pro-dairy policies, effective safety and quality regulations, smart dairy farming and processing and exploring other dairy options like goat, sheep, and donkey milk is key to improving dairy production and utilization in both countries and beyond.
Posttraumatische Verfärbungen
Authors: Attin Thomas
Published: August 2023

Nach einem Zahntrauma mit oder ohne Dislokationsverletzung kann es zu unterschiedlichen Verfärbungen der klinischen Krone kommen. So können graue, rötliche oder gelbliche Farbveränderungen beobachtet werden. Der folgende Beitrag befasst sich mit den Ursachen und Therapiemöglichkeiten der jeweiligen Verfärbung.
Test score equating of multiple-choice mathematics items: techniques from characteristic curve of modern psychometric theory
Authors: Ayanwale Musa Adekunle
Published: August 2023

Examination scores obtained by students from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) may not be directly comparable due to differences in examination administration, item characteristics of the subject in question, and student abilities. For more accurate comparisons, scores from different assessments or examibations must be equated. In the literature, little is known about using Stocking-Lord and Haebara Item Response Theory (IRT) methods to equalize WAEC and NABTEB mathematics multiple-choice items. The study used a counterbalanced quantitative design for a single group. As a method for dealing with order effects, counterbalancing was used to assess 50 multiple-choice four-option items developed by WAEC and NABTEB for Grade 12 mathematics. The study selected 1210 Grade 12 students who were divided into groups A (647), and B (563). The IRT equating methods were employed to compare the two test forms based on the obtained data. The findings indicate that WAEC and NABTEB have similar construct domains, though WAEC is more difficult, and discriminates better. Further, when placed on the same scale, both tests are comparable. These findings have implications for curriculum redesign, academic performance assessment, and policymaking in the education sector, as well as refuting public perceptions of the credibility and value of these certificates awarded by the testing organizations in Nigeria.
Fundamentals of Particle Physics
Authors: Paganini Pascal
Published: August 2023

This text is a modern introduction to the Standard Model of particle physics for graduate students and advanced undergraduate students. Assuming only prior knowledge of special relativity and non-relativistic quantum mechanics, it presents all aspects of the field, including step-by-step explanations of the theory and the most recent experimental results. Taking a pedagogical, first-principles approach, it demonstrates the essential tools for students to process and analyse experimental particle physics data for themselves. While relatively short compared to other texts, it provides enough material to be covered comfortably in a two-semester course. Some of the more technical details are given in optional supplementary boxes, while problems are provided at the end of each chapter. Written as a bridge between basic descriptive books and purely theoretical works, this text offers instructors ample flexibility to meet the needs of their courses.
The Uncertainty Doctrine
Authors: Homolar Alexandra
Published: August 2023

The post-Cold War era is often seen as a missed opportunity of epic proportions for the United States to turn swords into ploughshares, with much of the blame placed on international developments. The Uncertainty Doctrine challenges the conventional take on post-Cold War history as imposed on the US by events largely outside its control. It shows in rich empirical detail how America's 'peace dividend' did not merely fall by the wayside but was actively undermined by the narrative contests over the security implications of the New World Order. Committed to understanding the ontological significance of narrative in (inter)national security, Alexandra Homolar demonstrates that political agents have the capacity to respond to a systemic shock through discursive adaptation and reorganization. While narrative politics may not always matter in US defense policy, at moments perceived as bifurcation points it can be decisive in why some strategic responses prevail over possible alternatives.
Reasoning and cognitive control, fast and slow
Authors: Voudouri Aikaterini , Bago Bence , Borst Grégoire , De Neys Wim
Published: August 2023

Influential ‘fast-and-slow’ dual process models suggest that sound reasoning requires the correction of fast, intuitive thought processes by slower, controlled deliberation. Recent findings with high-level reasoning tasks started to question this characterization. Here we tested the generalizability of these findings to low-level cognitive control tasks. More specifically, we examined whether people who responded accurately to the classic Stroop and Flanker tasks could also do so when their deliberate control was minimized. A two-response paradigm, in which people were required to give an initial ‘fast’ response under time–pressure and cognitive load, allowed us to identify the presumed intuitive answer that preceded the final ‘slow’ response given after deliberation. Across our studies, we consistently find that correct final Stroop and Flanker responses are often non-corrective in nature. Good performance in cognitive control tasks seems to be driven by accurate ‘fast’ intuitive processing, rather than by ‘slow’ controlled correction of these intuitions. We also explore the association between Stroop and reasoning performance and discuss implications for the dual process view of human cognition.
Churches as Social Insurance: Oil Risk and Religion in the U.S. South
Authors: Ferrara Andreas , Testa Patrick A.
Published: August 2023

Religious communities are important providers of social insurance. We show that risk associated with oil dependence facilitated the proliferation of religious communities throughout the U.S. South during the twentieth century. Known oil abundance predicts higher rates of church membership, which are not driven by selective migration or local economic development. Consistent with a social insurance channel, greater oil price volatility increases effects, while greater access to credit, state-level social insurance, and private insurance crowd out effects. Religious communities limit spillovers of oil price shocks across sectors, reducing increases in unemployment following a negative shock by about 30 percent.
Partisan districting and the adoption of proportional representation: gerrymandering and its discontents
Authors: Emmenegger Patrick , Walter André
Published: August 2023

Electoral engineering strategies in majoritarian electoral systems, in particular the possibility to contain insurgent parties by manipulating electoral districts for partisan gain, are key determinants of parties’ positions on the adoption of proportional representation (PR). Providing both qualitative and quantitative evidence, this paper demonstrates that partisan districting can be an effective strategy to protect incumbent parties’ dominant political positions. In addition, it shows how insurgent parties push for the adoption of PR to end the practice of partisan districting. Finally, it demonstrates that incumbents – in the face of increasing electoral threats – cling to the existing majoritarian system if partisan districting allows them to influence vote-seat distortions in their favor. Together, these findings suggest that the possibility to contain insurgent parties by means of partisan districting is an important but overlooked alternative to the adoption of PR. Moreover, by demonstrating that vote-seat distortions moderate the relationship between district-level electoral threats and legislators’ support for PR adoption, this paper offers an important corrective to Stein Rokkan’s influential electoral threat thesis.
Time for “environmentarian corridors”? Investigating the concept of safe passage to protect the environment during armed conflict
Authors: Wartiainen Felicia
Published: August 2023

Actors engaging in a diverse set of environmental protection activities are experiencing serious difficulties executing their mandates during armed conflict, leading to environmental harm that could otherwise have been mitigated. This article examines to what extent the international legal and policy framework can ensure the protection of environmental protection actors during armed conflict. It is argued that environmental protection actors can be seen either as part of civil defence organizations or as humanitarian relief actors, and are therefore covered by special protections under international humanitarian law. However, two main challenges remain: (1) despite these existing provisions, environmental protection actors may still face access and safety issues during armed conflict, and (2) within this framework, environmental protection activities must be linked to civilian needs and cannot be conducted based on ecocentric motivations. To overcome these challenges, the article introduces the concept of “environmentarian corridors”. Environmentarian corridors would allow for the unimpeded movement of environmental protection workers and resources through contested territory and into emergency areas to protect the environment. They would also serve to increase awareness about obligations to protect the environment and would help to ensure the safety of environmental protection actors during armed conflict, as the role and mandate of these actors is explicitly accepted by stakeholders. Additionally, environmentarian corridors offer potential for conducting environmental protection activities on ecocentric grounds. The article concludes by advocating for stakeholders to employ the provisions and concepts articulated herein as a means to further promote and strengthen initiatives aimed at protecting the environment during armed conflict.
Roles of Regional Transport and Vertical Mixing in Aerosol Pollution in Shanghai Over the COVID‐19 Lockdown Period Observed Above Urban Canopy
Authors: Song Zhen , Gao Wei , Shen Hongru , Jin Yali , Zhang Chenqi , Luo Hao , Pan Liang , Yao Bo , Zhang Yijun , Huo Juntao , Sun Yele , Yu Dajiang , Chen Hui , Chen Jianmin , Duan Yusen , Zhao Defeng , Xu Jianming
Published: August 2023

Regional transport and vertical mixing are important for aerosol pollution of megacities, but their roles are often challenging to assess via ground observations. In this study, we measured aerosol chemical composition simultaneously above urban canopy (Shanghai Tower, 609 m), a site representative of aerosols from regional scale, and a nearby ground site and investigated the roles of regional transport and vertical mixing over 2020 COVID‐19 lockdown period (1 January to 18 April), when local emissions were first drastically reduced and then recovered. During the lockdown period, regional transport was the major source of most aerosol species (organics, NO3−, SO42−, and NH4+) at both heights according to the high correlation coefficients (R = 0.81–0.87) between both heights. Correlation coefficients and vertical ratios (609 m/ground) of most aerosol components showed similar diurnal variations with the evolution of planetary boundary layer height, indicating the role of vertical mixing in aerosol pollution. Moreover, the concentrations of aerosol components at 609 m generally preceded those at ground level by 1–2 hr, indicating that aerosols were first transported at upper boundary layer, and then were mixed downwards to ground level. At 609 m, highly oxidized oxygenated organic aerosol (OOA; a surrogate of secondary organic aerosol (SOA)) dominated in organic aerosol (≥75%). The high correlations (R = 0.96) between OOA and hydrocarbon‐like organic aerosol (HOA; a surrogate of primary organic aerosol (POA)) at 609 m indicated that they originated similarly from regional transport. This study highlights the importance of regional joint prevention and control of pollutant emissions and observation above urban canopy.