bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sandwiching dense random regular graphs between binomial random graphs
Authors: Gao Pu , Isaev Mikhail , McKay Brendan D.
Published: August 2022

Kim and Vu made the following conjecture (Advances in Mathematics, 2004): if $$d\gg \log n$$

d
≫
log
n

, then the random d-regular graph $${\mathscr {G}}(n,d)$$

G
(
n
,
d
)

can asymptotically almost surely be “sandwiched” between $${\mathscr {G}}(n,p_1)$$

G
(
n
,

p
1

)

and $${\mathscr {G}}(n,p_2)$$

G
(
n
,

p
2

)

where $$p_1$$

p
1

and $$p_2$$

p
2

are both $$(1+o(1))d/n$$

(
1
+
o
(
1
)
)
d
/
n

. They proved this conjecture for $$\log n\ll d\leqslant n^{1/3-o(1)}$$

log
n
≪
d
⩽

n

1
/
3
-
o
(
1
)

, with a defect in the sandwiching: $${\mathscr {G}}(n,d)$$

G
(
n
,
d
)

contains $${\mathscr {G}}(n,p_1)$$

G
(
n
,

p
1

)

perfectly, but is not completely contained in $${\mathscr {G}}(n,p_2)$$

G
(
n
,

p
2

)

. The embedding $${\mathscr {G}}(n,p_1) \subseteq {\mathscr {G}}(n,d)$$

G

(
n
,

p
1

)

⊆
G

(
n
,
d
)

was improved by Dudek, Frieze, Ruciński and Šileikis to $$d=o(n)$$

d
=
o
(
n
)

. In this paper, we prove Kim–Vu’s sandwich conjecture, with perfect containment on both sides, for all d where $$\min \{d, n-d\}\gg n/\sqrt{\log n}$$

min

{
d
,
n
-
d
}

≫
n
/

log
n

. The sandwich theorem allows translation of many results from $${\mathscr {G}}(n,p)$$

G
(
n
,
p
)

to $${\mathscr {G}}(n,d)$$

G
(
n
,
d
)

such as Hamiltonicity, the chromatic number, the diameter, etc. It also allows translation of threshold functions of phase transitions from $${\mathscr {G}}(n,p)$$

G
(
n
,
p
)

to bond percolation of $${\mathscr {G}}(n,d)$$

G
(
n
,
d
)

. In addition to sandwiching regular graphs, our results cover graphs whose degrees are asymptotically equal. The proofs rely on estimates for the probability of small subgraph appearances in a random factor of a pseudorandom graph, which is of independent interest.
Die zeitliche Dimension des Broad Consent
Authors: Wiertz Svenja
Published: August 2022

Die informierte Einwilligung von Teilnehmer:innen gilt in vielen Fällen als Voraussetzung auch für die rein datenbasierte medizinische Forschung. In diesem Kontext wird ein Modell der breiten Einwilligung (Broad Consent) diskutiert. In Deutschland hat die Medizininformatik-Initiative einen konkreten Vorschlag für deutsche Kliniken ausgearbeitet, der eine Gültigkeit der Einwilligung für einen Zeitraum von 30 Jahren vorsieht. Der vorliegende Artikel diskutiert vor diesem Hintergrund die Frage, wie der Anspruch der Informiertheit in dieser zeitlichen Perspektive einzuordnen ist. Die Praxis der Einwilligung wird dabei so verstanden, dass sie auf die Verwirklichung von Wohlergehen, persönlicher Souveränität und Vertrauen ausgerichtet ist. Eine anzunehmende Informationsasymmetrie zwischen Forschungsteilnehmenden, Forschenden, und datenspeichernden Institutionen wird dabei als spezifisches Kontextmerkmal herausgestellt. Um dieser Informationsasymmetrie in angemessener Weise zu begegnen, so die These, ist eine kontinuierliche Weitergabe von verständlich aufbereiteten Informationen an Forschungsteilnehmende notwendig, um die Wahrnehmung persönlicher Souveränität zu ermöglichen.
Complexity and clinical significance of drug–drug interactions (DDIs) in oncology: challenging issues in the care of patients regarding cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT)
Authors: Tsoukalas Nikolaos , Brito-Dellan Norman , Font Carme , Butler Taylor , Rojas-Hernandez Cristhiam M. , Butler Thomas , Escalante Carmen ,   on behalf of the MASCC Hemostasis Study Group
Published: August 2022

Cancer patients have an increased risk of developing venous thromboembolic events. Anticoagulation management includes prophylactic or therapeutic doses of low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). However, the management of thrombosis in patients with cancer is complex due to various individual and disease-related factors, including drug–drug interactions (DDIs). Furthermore, DDIs may impact both, cancer and venous thrombosis, treatment effectiveness and safety; their relevance is highlighted by the advances in cancer therapeutics. Given that these new oncology drugs are extensively used, more attention should be given to monitoring potential DDIs to minimize risks. Recognition of DDIs is of utmost importance in an era of rapid developments in cancer treatments and introduction of novel treatments and protocols. When managing cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT), the concomitant use of a DOAC and a moderate or strong modulator (inhibitor or inducer) of CYP3A4 or a P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is most likely to be associated with significant DDIs. Therefore, LMWHs remain the first-line option for the long-term management of CAT under these circumstances and physicians must consider utilizing LMWHs as first line. This review describes the risk of DDIs and their potential impact and outcomes in patients with cancer associated thrombosis (CAT) receiving anticoagulation.
Glucocerebrosidase mutations and Parkinson disease
Authors: Vieira Sophia R. L. , Schapira Anthony H. V.
Published: August 2022

The discovery of glucocerebrosidase (GBA1) mutations as the greatest numerical genetic risk factor for the development of Parkinson disease (PD) resulted in a paradigm shift within the research landscape. Efforts to elucidate the mechanisms behind GBA1-associated PD have highlighted shared pathways in idiopathic PD including the loss and gain-of-function hypotheses, endoplasmic reticulum stress, lipid metabolism, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction and altered autophagy–lysosomal pathway responsible for degradation of aggregated and misfolded a-synuclein. GBA1-associated PD exhibits subtle differences in phenotype and disease progression compared to idiopathic counterparts notably an earlier age of onset, faster motor decline and greater frequency of non-motor symptoms (which also constitute a significant aspect of the prodromal phase of the disease). GBA1-targeted therapies have been developed and are being investigated in clinical trials. The most notable are Ambroxol, a small molecule chaperone, and Venglustat, a blood–brain-barrier-penetrant substrate reduction therapy agent. It is imperative that further studies clarify the aetiology of GBA1-associated PD, enabling the development of a greater abundance of targeted therapies in this new era of precision medicine.
An optimal investor-state dispute settlement mechanism
Authors: Stähler Frank
Published: August 2022

Many investment treaties include investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) provisions which are supposed to protect a foreign investor against opportunistic behavior of a host country. This paper scrutinizes the optimal design of ISDS provisions that solve the holdup problem. It shows that an efficient investor protection mechanism requires an arbitrator as established in investment treaties. However, this arbitrator does neither have to learn nor to evaluate the circumstances of the dispute. Furthermore, any ISDS compensation from the government to the investor should not be based on reductions in investor profits but on the host country’s welfare effects.
Educational attainment of adolescents treated in psychiatric inpatient care: a register study over 3 decades
Authors: Holttinen Timo , Lindberg Nina , Rissanen Pekka , Kaltiala Riittakerttu
Published: August 2022

Mental disorders may for various reasons impair educational attainment, and with far-reaching consequences given the impact of education on subsequent employment, social life, life choices and even health and mortality. This register-based study addresses trends in educational attainment among Finnish adolescents aged 13–17 with mental disorders severe enough to necessitate inpatient treatment between 1980 and 2010. Our subjects (N = 14,435), followed up until the end of 2014, were at greater risk of discontinuing education beyond compulsory comprehensive school or of lower educational attainment than their age-peers in general population. Only 50.0% had completed any post-comprehensive education compared to 84.9% in same-aged general population. Those at highest risk were males and those with organic, intellectual disabilities and developmental, externalizing disorders or schizophrenia group diagnoses. Despite improvements in adolescent psychiatric care, school welfare services and pedagogical support, risks have remained high. Greater effort in psychiatric treatment, school welfare and pedagogy are needed to combat this severe inequality.
Grain characterisation of fresh and used railway ballast
Authors: Gupta Akash , Madhusudhan B. N. , Zervos Antonis , Powrie William , Harkness John , Le Pen Louis
Published: August 2022

Ballasted railway track requires regular maintenance to reverse the effects of plastic deformation of the trackbed, which leads to a gradual loss of level. Maintenance is usually by tamping, an aggressive process, which damages ballast grains such that the interval between maintenance interventions steadily reduces with increasing number of tamps. After a certain number of tamps, the ballast is deemed life expired and renewed, with the recovered ballast usually being down-cycled to lower grade uses. The ability to re-use the recovered ballast in the trackbed would make a significant contribution to decarbonising and improving the sustainability of railway infrastructure. This requires detailed knowledge of how the grain characteristics affecting mechanical behaviour differ between fresh and used ballast—specifically grain shape. This paper compares the shape parameters of form, angularity and surface roughness of fresh and used ballast, and proposes a method to synthesize full-size and scaled used ballast for use in laboratory and model tests.
Psychometrics, diagnostics and usability of Italian tools assessing behavioural and functional outcomes in neurological, geriatric and psychiatric disorders: a systematic review
Authors: Aiello Edoardo Nicolò , D’Iorio Alfonsina , Montemurro Sonia , Maggi Gianpaolo , Giacobbe Chiara , Bari Valentina , Di Tella Gianluca Scotto , Pischedda Francesca , Bolognini Nadia , Appollonio Ildebrando , Arcara Giorgio , Santangelo Gabriella
Published: August 2022

Background

Psychometric instruments assessing behavioural and functional outcomes (BFIs) in neurological, geriatric and psychiatric populations are relevant towards diagnostics, prognosis and intervention. However, BFIs often happen not to meet methodological-statistical standards, thus lowering their level of recommendation in clinical practice and research. This work thus aimed at (1) providing an up-to-datecompendiumon psychometrics, diagnostics and usability of available Italian BFIs and (2) delivering evidence-based information on their level of recommendation.

Methods

This review was pre-registered (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021295430) and performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Several psychometric, diagnostic and usability measures were addressed as outcomes. Quality assessment was performed via an ad hoc checklist, the Behavioural and Functional Instrument Quality Assessment.

Results

Out of an initialN = 830 reports, 108 studies were included (N = 102 BFIs). Target constructs included behavioural/psychiatric symptoms, quality of life and physical functioning. BFIs were either self- or caregiver-/clinician-report. Studies in clinical conditions (including neurological, psychiatric and geriatric ones) were the most represented. Validity was investigated for 85 and reliability for 80 BFIs, respectively. Criterion and factorial validity testing were infrequent, whereas content and ecological validity and parallel forms were almost never addressed. Item response theory analyses were seldom carried out. Diagnostics and norms lacked for about one-third of BFIs. Information on administration time, ease of use and ceiling/floor effects were often unreported.

Discussion

Several available BFIs for the Italian population do not meet adequate statistical-methodological standards, this prompting a greater care from researchers involved in their development.
Reference architectures modelling and compliance checking
Authors: Bucaioni Alessio , Di Salle Amleto , Iovino Ludovico , Malavolta Ivano , Pelliccione Patrizio
Published: August 2022

Reference architectures (RAs) are successfully used to represent families of concrete software architectures in several domains such as automotive, banking, and the Internet of Things. RAs inspire architects when designing concrete architectures, and they help to guarantee compliance with architectural decisions, regulatory requirements, as well as architectural qualities. Despite their importance, reference architectures still suffer from a number of open technical issues, including (i) the lack of a common interpretation, a precise notation for their representation and documentation, and (ii) the lack of conformance mechanisms for checking the compliance of concrete architectures to their related reference architecture, architectural decisions, regulatory requirements, etc. This paper addresses these two issues by introducing a model-driven approach that leverages (i) a domain-independent metamodel for the representation of reference architectures and (ii) the combination of model transformation and weaving techniques for the automatic conformance checking of concrete architectures. We evaluate the applicability, effectiveness, and generalizability of our approach using illustrative examples from the web browsers and automotive domains, including an assessment from an independent practitioner.
Green Financial Products in the EU — A Critical Review of the Status Quo
Authors: Brühl Volker
Published: August 2022

The financial sector plays an important role in supporting the green transformation of the European economy. A critical assessment of the current regulatory framework for sustainable finance in Europe leads to ambiguous results. Although the level of transparency on environmental, social and governance aspects of financial products has improved significantly, it is questionable whether the complex, mainly disclosure-oriented architecture is sufficient to mobilise more private capital into sustainable investments. It should be discussed whether a minimum taxonomy ratio or Green Asset Ratio has to be fulfilled to market a financial product as “green”. Furthermore, because of the high complexity of the regulation, it could be helpful for private investors to establish a simplified green rating, based on the taxonomy ratio, to facilitate the selection of green financial products.
A Transatlantic Energy and Climate Pact Is Now More Necessary Than Ever
Authors: Lenaerts Klaas , Tagliapietra Simone
Published: August 2022

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has pushed Europe to re-design its energy map at speed. Amid this unprecedented energy overhaul, the EU and the United States have flagged their commitment to reinforce their bilateral energy partnership, starting with short-term measures to boost US liquefied natural gas supplies to Europe to promptly replace part of Russian gas imports. This article develops five issues around which a stronger transatlantic energy and climate pact might be built.
Ukraine and the EU: Enlargement at a New Crossroads
Authors: Sapir André
Published: August 2022

Joining the EU requires not only that candidate countries fulfil a certain number of conditions, but also that EU countries feel ready to welcome new members.
Forecasting the landslide evolution: from theory to practice
Authors: Cascini Leonardo , Scoppettuolo Maria Rosaria , Babilio Enrico
Published: August 2022

This paper proposes a new, physically based, and mathematically consistent method for predicting the evolution of existing landslides and first-failure phenomena based on slope displacement measurements. The method is the latest step in a long-term research program and, as such, uses the preliminary framework introduced in two previous papers. The first characterizes slope movements through a limited number of displacement trends, and the second analyzes their dynamic characteristics. The approach is here extended to the prediction of landslide evolution and its validity and effectiveness are tested on landslides well known in the scientific literature for the accuracy of the studies carried out and, in some cases, for the consequences they have caused. Although the results obtained so far are very encouraging, in full awareness of the relevance and complexity of the subject matter, the authors emphasize that the method should be used, in the current state of knowledge, only by experienced professionals and especially for research purposes.
Time Delta Head Impact Frequency: An Analysis on Head Impact Exposure in the Lead Up to a Concussion: Findings from the NCAA-DOD Care Consortium
Authors: Seifert Jack , Shah Alok S. , Harezlak Jaroslaw , Rowson Steven , Mihalik Jason P. , Riggen Larry , Duma Stefan , Brooks Alison , Cameron Kenneth L. , Giza Christopher C. , Goldman Joshua , Guskiewicz Kevin M. , Houston Megan N. , Jackson Jonathan C. , McGinty Gerald , Pasquina Paul , Broglio Steven P. , McAllister Thomas W. , McCrea Michael A. , Stemper Brian D.
Published: August 2022

Sport-related concussions can result from a single high magnitude impact that generates concussive symptoms, repeated subconcussive head impacts aggregating to generate concussive symptoms, or a combined effect from the two mechanisms. The array of symptoms produced by these mechanisms may be clinically interpreted as a sport-related concussion. It was hypothesized that head impact exposure resulting in concussion is influenced by severity, total number, and frequency of subconcussive head impacts. The influence of total number and magnitude of impacts was previously explored, but frequency was investigated to a lesser degree. In this analysis, head impact frequency was investigated over a new metric called ‘time delta’, the time difference from the first recorded head impact of the day until the concussive impact. Four exposure metrics were analyzed over the time delta to determine whether frequency of head impact exposure was greater for athletes on their concussion date relative to other dates of contact participation. Those metrics included head impact frequency, head impact accrual rate, risk weighted exposure (RWE), and RWE accrual rate. Athletes experienced an elevated median number of impacts, RWE, and RWE accrual rate over the time delta on their concussion date compared to non-injury sessions. This finding suggests elevated frequency of head impact exposure on the concussion date compared to other dates that may precipitate the onset of concussion.
The Role of Formal Policy to Promote Informed Consent of Psychotropic Medications for Youth in Child Welfare Custody: A National Examination
Authors: Mackie Thomas I. , Schaefer Ana J. , Palatucci John S. , Leslie Laurel K. , Crystal Stephen , Gusmano Michael , Karpman Hannah E.
Published: August 2022

Active participation of youth and surrogate decision-makers in providing informed consent and assent for mental health treatment is critical. However, the procedural elements of an informed consent process, particularly for youth in child welfare custody, are not well defined. Given calls for psychotropic medication oversight for youth in child welfare custody, this study proposes a taxonomy for the procedural elements of informed consent policies based upon formal and informal child welfare policies and then examines whether enacted state formal policies across the United States endorsed these elements. A sequential multi-method study design included: (1) semi-structured interviews with key informants (n = 58) primarily from state child welfare agencies to identify a taxonomy of procedural elements for informed consent of psychotropic medications and then (2) a legislative review of the 50 states and D.C. to characterize whether formal policies endorsed each procedural element through February 2022. Key informants reported five procedural elements in policy, including how to: (1) gather social and medical history, (2) prescribe the medication, (3) authorize its use through consent and youth assent, (4) notify relevant stakeholders, and (5) routinely review the consenting decision. Twenty-three states endorsed relevant legislation; however, only two states specified all five procedural elements. Additionally, the content of a procedural element, when included, varied substantively across policies. Further research and expert consensus are needed to set best practices and guide policymakers in setting policies to advance transparency and accountability for informed consent of mental health treatment among youth in child welfare custody.
A “toy model” analysis of causes of nitrogen limitation in terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Vitousek Peter M. , Treseder Kathleen K. , Howarth Robert W. , Menge Duncan N. L.
Published: August 2022

Nitrogen (N) limitation to net primary production is widespread and influences the responsiveness of ecosystems to many components of global environmental change. Logic and both simple simulation (Vitousek and Fieldin in Biogeochemistry
46: 179–202, 1999) and analytical models (Menge in Ecosystems 14:519–532, 2011) demonstrate that the co-occurrence of losses of N in forms that organisms within an ecosystem cannot control and barriers to biological N fixation (BNF) that keep this process from responding to N deficiency are necessary for the development and persistence of N limitation. Models have focused on the continuous process of leaching losses of dissolved organic N in biologically unavailable forms, but here we use a simple simulation model to show that discontinuous losses of ammonium and nitrate, normally forms of N whose losses organisms can control, can be uncontrollable by organisms and can contribute to N limitation under realistic conditions. These discontinuous losses can be caused by temporal variation in precipitation or by ecosystem-level disturbance like harvest, fire, and windthrow. Temporal variation in precipitation is likely to increase and to become increasingly important in causing N losses as anthropogenic climate change proceeds. We also demonstrate that under the conditions simulated here, differentially intense grazing on N- and P-rich symbiotic N fixers is the most important barrier to the responsiveness of BNF to N deficiency.
Phase 1 study to evaluate the effects of rifampin on pharmacokinetics of pevonedistat, a NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor in patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Zhou Xiaofei , Vaishampayan Ulka , Mahalingam Devalingam , Harvey R. Donald , Chung Ki Young , Sedarati Farhad , Dong Cassie , Faller Douglas V. , Venkatakrishnan Karthik , Gupta Neeraj
Published: August 2022

Pevonedistat (TAK-924/MLN4924) is an investigational small molecule inhibitor of the NEDD8-activating enzyme that has demonstrated clinical activity across solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Here we report the results of a phase 1 study evaluating the effect of rifampin, a strong CYP3A inducer, on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of pevonedistat in patients with advanced solid tumors (NCT03486314). Patients received a single 50 mg/m2 pevonedistat dose via a 1-h infusion on Days 1 (in the absence of rifampin) and 10 (in the presence of rifampin), and daily oral dosing of rifampin 600 mg on Days 3–11. Twenty patients were enrolled and were evaluable for PK and safety. Following a single dose of pevonedistat at 50 mg/m2, the mean terminal half-life of pevonedistat was 5.7 and 7.4 h in the presence and in the absence of rifampin, respectively. The geometric mean AUC0–inf of pevonedistat in the presence of rifampin was 79% of that without rifampin (90% CI: 69.2%–90.2%). The geometric mean Cmax of pevonedistat in the presence of rifampin was similar to that in the absence of rifampin (96.2%; 90% CI: 79.2%–117%). Coadministration of pevonedistat with rifampin, a strong metabolic enzyme inducer, did not result in clinically meaningful decreases in systemic exposures of pevonedistat. The study results support the recommendation that no pevonedistat dose adjustment is needed for patients receiving concomitant CYP3A inducers.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier

NCT03486314.
A configurable method for benchmarking scalability of cloud-native applications
Authors: Henning Sören , Hasselbring Wilhelm
Published: August 2022

Cloud-native applications constitute a recent trend for designing large-scale software systems. However, even though several cloud-native tools and patterns have emerged to support scalability, there is no commonly accepted method to empirically benchmark their scalability. In this study, we present a benchmarking method, allowing researchers and practitioners to conduct empirical scalability evaluations of cloud-native applications, frameworks, and deployment options. Our benchmarking method consists of scalability metrics, measurement methods, and an architecture for a scalability benchmarking tool, particularly suited for cloud-native applications. Following fundamental scalability definitions and established benchmarking best practices, we propose to quantify scalability by performing isolated experiments for different load and resource combinations, which asses whether specified service level objectives (SLOs) are achieved. To balance usability and reproducibility, our benchmarking method provides configuration options, controlling the trade-off between overall execution time and statistical grounding. We perform an extensive experimental evaluation of our method’s configuration options for the special case of event-driven microservices. For this purpose, we use benchmark implementations of the two stream processing frameworks Kafka Streams and Flink and run our experiments in two public clouds and one private cloud. We find that, independent of the cloud platform, it only takes a few repetitions (≤ 5) and short execution times (≤ 5 minutes) to assess whether SLOs are achieved. Combined with our findings from evaluating different search strategies, we conclude that our method allows to benchmark scalability in reasonable time.
On effort-aware metrics for defect prediction
Authors: Çarka Jonida , Esposito Matteo , Falessi Davide
Published: August 2022

Context

Advances in defect prediction models, aka classifiers, have been validated via accuracy metrics. Effort-aware metrics (EAMs) relate to benefits provided by a classifier in accurately ranking defective entities such as classes or methods. PofB is an EAM that relates to a user that follows a ranking of the probability that an entity is defective, provided by the classifier. Despite the importance of EAMs, there is no study investigating EAMs trends and validity.

Aim

The aim of this paper is twofold: 1) we reveal issues in EAMs usage, and 2) we propose and evaluate a normalization of PofBs (aka NPofBs), which is based on ranking defective entities by predicted defect density.

Method

We perform a systematic mapping study featuring 152 primary studies in major journals and an empirical study featuring 10 EAMs, 10 classifiers, two industrial, and 12 open-source projects.

Results

Our systematic mapping study reveals that most studies using EAMs use only a single EAM (e.g., PofB20) and that some studies mismatched EAMs names. The main result of our empirical study is that NPofBs are statistically and by orders of magnitude higher than PofBs.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the proposed normalization of PofBs: (i) increases the realism of results as it relates to a better use of classifiers, and (ii) promotes the practical adoption of prediction models in industry as it shows higher benefits. Finally, we provide a tool to compute EAMs to support researchers in avoiding past issues in using EAMs.
Zooarchaeology of the Modern Era: An Introduction
Authors: Tourigny Eric , Gordon Rebecca
Published: August 2022

The last 500 years is characterized by immense socioeconomic and environmental transformations on a global scale. Animals were significantly affected by these processes but were also central to many of the transformations that shaped the modern world. While there has been a growing number of researchers investigating animal bones from archaeological sites from this period, the “Zooarchaeology of the Modern Era” working group provides the first dedicated forum for these scholars to meet. This paper introduces a special collection of studies which resulted from the first meeting of this research group and explores how these investigations help us understand our modern world.
Rationale and study design for empirical additional lesions for premature ventricular complex from the outflow tract: a multi-center, prospective randomized trial (EASE-PVC study)
Authors: Wang Zhe , Xiao Fangyi , Yi Fu , Li Chengzong , Chen Long , Zou Cao , Zhang Yuzhen , Wang Yuegang , Ji Yuan , Ruan Zhongbao , Shen Wenzhi , Shi Linsheng , Sun Yumin , Wei Youquan , Xu Qiang , Wang Chen , Ju Weizhu , Chen Minglong
Published: August 2022

Background

Late recurrence after ablation remains a significant issue in patients with premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) who undergo catheter ablation. In this study, we aimed to test the hypothesis that empirical additional ablation (EAA) would improve the long-term control of PVCs from outflow tracts (OT-PVCs) compared with the approach of limited single point ablation at the assumptive location.

Methods

EASE-PVC study (ChiCTR2200055340) is a prospective multi-center, randomized, and controlled trial designed to assess the effectiveness and safety of empirical additional ablation in patients with OT-PVCs. After successful elimination of OT-PVCs, the patients will be randomized into two groups. In patients randomized to the EAA group, additional lesion applications at sites surrounding the successful ablation site will be delivered empirically. For patients randomized to the control group, no additional empiric ablation will be performed around the successful ablation site. The primary endpoint will be freedom from PVC recurrence at 3 months following ablation, without antiarrhythmic drug therapy.

Conclusions

The EASE-PVC study is designed to compare the effectiveness and safety of two different strategies for ablation in patients with OT-PVCs, namely empirical additional ablation strategy versus conventional single point ablation strategy. This prospective, multi-center, and randomized controlled trial, with comparative data evaluating procedural and long-term follow-up results, aims to elucidate the superiority of empirical additional ablation for the long-term control of OT-PVCs compared with the traditional single point ablation strategy.

Clinical trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trials Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2200055340.
Human–Machine Network Through Bio-Inspired Decentralized Swarm Intelligence and Heterogeneous Teaming in SAR Operations
Authors: Longa Marc Espinós , Tsourdos Antonios , Inalhan Gokhan
Published: August 2022

Disaster management has always been a struggle due to unpredictable changing conditions and chaotic occurrences that require real-time adaption. Highly optimized missions and robust systems mitigate uncertainty effects and improve notoriously success rates. This paper brings a niching hybrid human–machine system that combines UAVs fast responsiveness with two robust, decentralized, and scalable bio-inspired techniques. Cloud-Sharing Network (CSN) and Pseudo-Central Network (PCN), based on Bacterial and Honeybee behaviors, are presented, and applied to Safe and Rescue (SAR) operations. A post-earthquake scenario is proposed, where a heterogeneous fleet of UAVs cooperates with human rescue teams to detect and locate victims distributed along the map. Monte Carlo simulations are carried out to test both approaches through state-of-the-art metrics. This paper introduces two hybrid and bio-inspired schemes to deal with critical scouting stages, poor communications environments and high uncertainly levels in disaster release operations. Role heterogeneity, path optimization and hive data-sharing structure give PCN an efficient performance as far as task allocation and communications are concerned. Cloud-sharing network gains strength when the allocated agents per victim and square meter is high, allowing fast data transmission. Potential applications of these algorithms are not only comprehended in SAR field, but also in surveillance, geophysical mapping, security and planetary exploration.
Temperature-controlled nanomosaics of AuCu bimetallic structure towards smart light management
Authors: Lipińska Wiktoria , Grochowska Katarzyna , Karczewski Jakub , Ryl Jacek , Siuzdak Katarzyna
Published: August 2022

Gold–copper nanostructures are promising in solar-driven processes because of their optical, photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical properties, especially those which result from the synergy between the two metals. Increasing interest in their internal structure, such as the composition or distribution of the Au and Cu as well as the size and shape of the nanoparticles, have developed to define their physicochemical properties.

In this work, we present the influence of thermal treatment in temperature ranges from 100 to 600 °C on the formation process of bimetallic AuCu structures and their properties. AuCu materials were placed on nanostructured titanium foil substrates that were fabricated using electrochemical anodisation and chemical etching. Thin layers of AuCu mixture, as well as Au and Cu, were sputtered on the obtained Ti nanodimples. The materials were then annealed in a rapid thermal annealing furnace in an air atmosphere. Thermal treatment strongly affected the morphology and optical properties of the fabricated materials. AuCu NPs formed at 400 °C in titanium dimples. The material exhibits absorption of visible light in the range from c.a. 400 to 700 nm. The characterisation of the chemical nature of the samples was determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy defined composition and crystallinity. Based on photoelectrochemical studies carried out with the use of linear voltammetry in 0.1 M NaOH, it is possible to distinguish two types of interactions of light with the materials such as photogenerated charge accumulation and electron–hole pair separation. A 10AuCu electrode annealed at 300 °C achieved the highest current registered under illumination at − 0.17 V vs. Ag/AgCl/0.1 M KCl. The value was 11 times higher than for a non-annealed structure.
Who are the actors and what are the factors that are used in models to map forest fire susceptibility? A systematic review
Authors: Chicas Santos Daniel , Østergaard Nielsen Jonas
Published: August 2022

In the last decades, natural fire regimes have experienced significant alterations in terms of intensity, frequency and severity in fire prone regions of the world. Modelling forest fire susceptibility has been essential in identifying areas of high risk to minimize threats to natural resources, biodiversity and life. There have been significant improvements in forest fire susceptibility modelling over the past two decades 2001–2021. In this study, we conducted a systematic literature review of literature covering forest fire susceptibility modelling published during this period. The review provides insights on the main themes of forest fire susceptibility modelling research, the main base input factors used in models to map forest fire susceptibility, the main researchers, the areas where this type of research were implemented, technology and models used. It also highlights collaboration opportunities, and regions, such as Central America and Africa, where mapping of forest fire susceptibility is needed. We argue that such knowledge is crucial in order to identify critical factors and opportunities which can aid in improving factor selection and forest fire management.
Policy analytical capacity and "Eastern" styles of policy analysis: evidence from West Java Province, Indonesia
Authors: Newman Joshua , Patmisari Emi , Widianingsih Ida
Published: August 2022

An emerging body of scholarship suggests that "Western" notions of policy analysis may not be relevant in "Eastern" jurisdictions, and that non-Western countries, particularly in Asia, may have their own local policy analytical style or tradition. However, in many Asian countries, little is known about the work that public sector policy analysts do. Using data from a survey and focus groups, this article investigates policy analysis and analytical capacity in the provincial government of West Java, Indonesia. We find ample signs of policy analytical activity as it would be understood by Western scholars, with little evidence of any specific Asian style.
Child marriage: using the Indonesian family life survey to examine the lives of women and men who married at an early age
Authors: Cameron Lisa , Contreras Suarez Diana , Wieczkiewicz Susan
Published: August 2022

An understanding of the experiences of men and women who marry before adulthood is important in motivating social change. Using fixed effects estimation (the inclusion of geographic fixed effects at diminishing levels of aggregation and sister fixed effects where possible) on panel data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS), we follow the lives of a sample of 40,800 women and men for up to two decades and examine a wide range of factors associated with child marriage. We examine the lives of both girls and boys who marry early, and the differential experience of girls marrying older men versus young boys. Child marriage is found to be associated with lesser educational attainment, lower earnings and less say in household decision-making, for both men and women. Women are less likely to have a medically-supervised birth and their children are more likely to die, be stunted and perform worse on cognitive tests. Negative factors are mostly exacerbated when young girls marry similarly underage men.
Sexuality Support After Spinal Cord Injury: What is Provided in Australian Practice Settings?
Authors: Bryant Chloe , Aplin Tammy , Setchell Jenny
Published: August 2022

This study sought to understand what sexuality support Australian health professionals currently provide to people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and their perspectives on what changes may better support the sexuality needs of people with SCI. Australian Health professionals who had worked with people with SCI within the last 10 years were invited to participate in an online survey. Results were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive statistics. The 39 participants were from a range of health professions including medical, allied health, nursing, and peer support. Participants worked in various service settings, with the highest frequency in the community (33%) or inpatient rehabilitation (28%). Analysis indicated 85% of participants had provided sexuality support, however this provision was rarely routine. Discussing sexuality education topics were reported to be routinely provided for less than 16% of participants. Overall, 32% of participants felt sexuality was addressed ‘not well at all’ in their workplace. Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses produced five themes: barriers to supporting sexuality, health professionals require training, utilizing a team approach, responsibility to initiate conversation, and involving others in support. Barriers to provision included stigma and lack of education. Commonly suggested strategies to improve practice included: increasing sexuality training, utilizing a team approach, initiating the conversation of sexuality early, and consensual inclusion of significant others in sexuality support. The results therefore indicate sexuality support is not routinely provided to people with SCI and findings suggest a need for sexuality training, utilizing a team approach, initiating the conversation, and including significant others.
Economic growth and global warming effects on electricity consumption in Spain: a sectoral study
Authors: Pablo-Romero Maria del P. , Sánchez-Braza Antonio , González-Jara Daniel
Published: August 2022

This paper analyzes the effect of certain factors on electricity consumption in Spain at a sectoral level. An electricity consumption function has been estimated by using panel data, depending on gross value added (GVA), temperatures, capitalization, and human capital. This function is obtained for total productive electricity consumption and for the agricultural, construction, industrial, service, and public administration sectors, referring to the 17 Autonomous Communities of Spain for the 2000–2013 period. The obtained results show important sectoral differences in the effect that GVA has on electricity consumption, indicating a positive and increasing effect of temperatures above 22 °C in the total economy and in the tertiary sector, and a negative effect of temperatures below 18 °C in some sectors. These results may indicate that global warming may induce an electricity demand growth in Spain, especially related to cooling needs. The results also highlight the positive effects of capitalization in all sectors, and the negative effects of human capital, except for the public administration sector. In this context, it may be appropriate to carry out policies that mitigate this consumption growth, reinforcing energy efficiency measures, and human capital investments.
A downscaled economic model validated and applied to sediment management projects in Ireland and Scotland
Authors: Harrington J. , Sullivan R. O.’ , Hamilton A. , Lord R. , Torrance K. , Wijdeveld A. , Debuigne T. , Masson E. , Batel B.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper presents a regionally downscaled economic model developed to assess the impacts of the management of dredged sediments on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and jobs created; the model is validated and applied using real project data from sediment management projects in Ireland and Scotland. The model provides significant insight into and allows impact analysis for the economic aspect of sediment management projects with the potential to facilitate and inform stakeholders across the sediment management sector.

Methods

The economic model facilitates regional analysis of the impacts of sediment management projects on GDP and job creation for direct, indirect and induced effects. Methods for estimating the economic induced impacts are based on industry-specific type I and type II economic multipliers and coefficients, derived for the EU Interreg SURICATES partner countries (Ireland, Scotland, France and the Netherlands) using symmetric input–output tables and application of the open Leontief model and based on available economic data for the identified countries.

The model is applied to sediment management projects in Ireland (a harbour development project at Castletownbere) and in Scotland (a bioremediation project at Falkirk). Model results are compared to project data for direct contribution to GDP and direct jobs created, and the model also estimates the indirect and induced economic project impacts. The model has been applied to undertake sensitivity analyses and compare different sediment management options.

Results

Model results provide a satisfactory comparison to real project data for direct cost and jobs created. Indirect economic benefits for GDP and employment created were estimated from 47 to 53% of direct impacts. The model has been applied to undertake sensitivity analyses and assess a range of different site-specific sediment management options with indirect economic impacts ranging from 42 to 53% of direct impacts.

Conclusions

The economic model results are compared to real project economic data, the validation exercise proving satisfactory with promising results. Sensitivity analyses and site-specific sediment management options have been assessed. The positive economic impacts of the Castletownbere Harbour project in particular are evident. These results highlight the potentially different economic impacts of the implementation of different sediment management options and in different regions and countries.

The model allows the quantification of the economic benefits of sediment management projects. The model provides significant insight into and allows impact analysis for the economic aspect of sediment management projects and has the potential to facilitate and inform stakeholders and decision-makers across the sector.
Influence of long-term storage temperatures and sodium fluoride preservation on the stability of synthetic cathinones and dihydro-metabolites in human whole blood
Authors: Aldubayyan Abdulaziz A. , Castrignanò Erika , Elliott Simon , Abbate Vincenzo
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Synthetic cathinones, one of the largest groups of new psychoactive substances, represent a large analytical and interpretative challenge in forensic laboratories. Of these is the synthetic cathinones’ instability in different biological samples, which may lead to drug concentration discrepancies when interpreting toxicological findings. In this study, the stability of a panel of synthetic cathinones and their dihydro-metabolites (n = 26) together with internal standard was monitored in human whole blood stored at various temperatures over 6 months. The influence of sodium fluoride as a preservative in blood collection tubes was also investigated.

Methods

Samples were extracted using a two-step liquid-liquid extraction technique, and analyzed using a validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method following recommendations of published guidelines.

Results

The influence of temperature over analytes’ stability was an important element in whole blood samples, with − 40 °C being the best storage temperature for all tested analytes. Sodium fluoride did not significantly affect the stability of cathinones except at room temperature. Dihydro-metabolites displayed better stability in whole blood samples and remained detectable for a longer period of time under all tested conditions.

Conclusions

The data suggest that samples containing synthetic cathinones should be analyzed immediately, if possible. Alternatively, whole blood samples should be stored frozen (at − 40 °C or lower); however, (quantitative) results should be interpreted with caution after long-term storage. The data also promote the use of dihydro-metabolites as biomarkers for synthetic cathinones intake, as these reduced metabolites may be detected for longer period of time when compared with parent drugs in whole blood samples.
Different perspectives on a common goal? The Q-method as a formative assessment to elucidate varying expectations towards transdisciplinary research collaborations
Authors: Radinger-Peer Verena , Schauppenlehner-Kloyber Elisabeth , Penker Marianne , Gugerell Katharina
Published: August 2022

Transdisciplinary research (TDR) collaborations are considered effective when they yield relevant results for science and practice. In this context, the different expectations, experiences, skills, and disciplines of the team members involved determine TDR collaboration. Using the example of 13 team members involved in the 3-year TDR project ‘Römerland Carnuntum 2040’ (Austria), we aim to identify and compare diverse expectations regarding TDR collaboration. In doing so, we question the often emphasised dichotomy between science and practice as the main challenge of TDR collaboration and aim towards making individual expectations regarding TDR collaboration visible and tangible. The contribution of the present paper is twofold: on the one hand, we provide statements for a formative assessment to externalise implicit expectations, assumptions, and epistemologies of TDR project team members regarding TDR collaboration and results. On the other hand, we present the Q-methodology as a viable approach to uncover diverging viewpoints as visible, tangible, and enunciable differences that need to be acknowledged in early stages of TDR projects when allocating resources and planning further project steps. Our investigations result in two viewpoints: one emphasises learning, collective reflection, and knowledge exchange as the main TDR expectation. The second focuses on ‘changing practices’, assuming that the project supports the introduction of new practices for (sustainable) regional development. These diverging expectations reveal subconscious tensions, which have to be addressed when allocating resources and defining project success within the TDR project.