bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of carmustine wafers, followed by radiation, temozolomide, and bevacizumab therapy, for newly diagnosed glioblastoma with maximal resection
Authors: Kanamori Masayuki , Shibahara Ichiyo , Shimoda Yoshiteru , Akiyama Yukinori , Beppu Takaaki , Ohba Shigeo , Enomoto Toshiyuki , Ono Takahiro , Mitobe Yuta , Hanihara Mitsuto , Mineharu Yohei , Ishida Joji , Asano Kenichiro , Yoshida Yasuyuki , Natsumeda Manabu , Nomura Sadahiro , Abe Tatsuya , Yonezawa Hajime , Katakura Ryuichi , Shibui Soichiro , Kuroiwa Toshihiko , Suzuki Hiroyoshi , Takei Hidehiro , Matsushita Haruo , Saito Ryuta , Arakawa Yoshiki , Sonoda Yukihiko , Hirose Yuichi , Kumabe Toshihiro , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Endo Hidenori , Tominaga Teiji
Published: November 2024

Background

To improve the outcome in newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients with maximal resection, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of implantation of carmustine wafers (CWs), radiation concomitant with temozolomide and bevacizumab, and maintenance chemotherapy with six cycles of temozolomide and bevacizumab.

Method

This prospective phase II study enrolled glioblastoma patients considered candidates for complete resection (> 90%) of a contrast-enhanced lesion. The CWs were intraoperatively implanted into the resection cavity after achieving maximal resection. Patients without a measurable contrast-enhanced lesion on magnetic resonance imaging within 48 h after resection received concomitant radiotherapy and chemotherapy with temozolomide and bevacizumab, followed by maintenance treatment with up to six cycles of temozolomide and bevacizumab. The primary endpoint was the 2-year overall survival rate in glioblastoma patients with protocol treatment.

Results

From October 2015 to April 2018, we obtained consent for the first registration from 70 patients across 17 institutions in Japan, and 49 patients were treated according to the protocol. We evaluated the safety in 49 patients who were part of the second registration and the efficacy in 45 glioblastoma patients treated according to the protocol. The profile of hematological and most of the non-hematological adverse effects was similar to that in previous studies, but stroke occurred in 12% of cases (6/49 patients). The estimated 2-year overall survival rate was 51.3%.

Conclusion

Implantation of CWs, followed by concomitant radiation, temozolomide, and bevacizumab, and six cycles of temozolomide and bevacizumab may offer some benefit to survival in Japanese glioblastoma patients with maximal resection.

Trial ID

jRCTs021180007.
Quantitative Convergence of a Discretization of Dynamic Optimal Transport Using the Dual Formulation
Authors: Ishida Sadashige , Lavenant Hugo
Published: November 2024

We present a discretization of the dynamic optimal transport problem for which we can obtain the convergence rate for the value of the transport cost to its continuous value when the temporal and spatial stepsize vanish. This convergence result does not require any regularity assumption on the measures, though experiments suggest that the rate is not sharp. Via an analysis of the duality gap we also obtain the convergence rates for the gradient of the optimal potentials and the velocity field under mild regularity assumptions. To obtain such rates, we discretize the dual formulation of the dynamic optimal transport problem and use the mature literature related to the error due to discretizing the Hamilton–Jacobi equation.
Aging in place or aging out of place? Family caregivers’ perspectives on care for older Pakistani migrants in Norway
Authors: Shrestha Sunita , Arora Sanjana , Hunter Alistair , Debesay Jonas
Published: November 2024

The aging population in Europe is increasing, with growing ethnic diversity among older individuals due to migration. Public policies emphasize ‘aging in place’ to address financial challenges and reduce the burden on the healthcare system. However, research often overlooks the heterogeneity among older people, especially non-European migrants. Also, research on family caregivers’ role in enabling ‘aging in place’ for older relatives with migrant backgrounds is limited, despite many older non-European migrants’ preference for family care in comparison to long-term institutional care. This study aims to explore the experiences and perspectives of family caregivers in the context of formal and informal care and their preferences regarding the place of care for older family members with migrant backgrounds, particularly the Pakistani Ahmadiyya community in Norway. Eighteen semi-structured individual interviews and two group interviews were conducted in Urdu and English with nineteen female family caregivers of older relatives, ages 25–62, residing in Norway. The analysis yielded three main themes: (1) “Nursing homes are not for the ones who love their parents”, (2) Preferences for home with the possibility of sharing care, and (3) Mismatch between family care needs and formal care. Family caregivers’ perception of health services has a decisive impact on their older relatives’ demand and use of formal health services, emphasizing the need for trust. Even though home care services were seen as a viable option, they should be adapted so that the family caregivers can use them and feel supported in enabling ‘aging in place’ for older migrants.
Hermite interpolation with retractions on manifolds
Authors: Séguin Axel , Kressner Daniel
Published: November 2024

Interpolation of data on non-Euclidean spaces is an active research area fostered by its numerous applications. This work considers the Hermite interpolation problem: finding a sufficiently smooth manifold curve that interpolates a collection of data points on a Riemannian manifold while matching a prescribed derivative at each point. A novel procedure relying on the general concept of retractions is proposed to solve this problem on a large class of manifolds, including those for which computing the Riemannian exponential or logarithmic maps is not straightforward, such as the manifold of fixed-rank matrices. The well-posedness of the method is analyzed by introducing and showing the existence of retraction-convex sets, a generalization of geodesically convex sets. A classical result on the asymptotic interpolation error of Hermite interpolation is extended to the manifold setting. Finally numerical experiments on the manifold of fixed-rank matrices and the Stiefel manifold of matrices with orthonormal columns illustrate these results and the effectiveness of the method.
Ontogenetic scaling of disc width with total length in west African batoids
Authors: Gayford Joel H. , Seamone Scott G. , Seidu Issah
Published: November 2024

Morphological scaling describes changes in the size or shape of one morphological character (e.g. mass, length, width, area etc.) as another increases in size. Understanding how morphological characters scale with body size can shed light on how natural selection influences morphology, and the nature of ecomorphological relationships through ontogeny. Batoids (Elasmobranchii: Batoidea) are a highly specialised lineage of cartilaginous fishes displaying extreme dorsoventral flattening. Despite this, little is known about morphological scaling in batoids compared to sharks. In this study we test the relationship between disc width and total length in five batoid species (Torpedo torpedo, Mobula tarapacana, Fontitrygon margarita, Raja parva, Rhinobatos irvinei) representing four orders that differ in both ecology and morphology, measured from artisanal fisheries in Western and Central Ghana. Whilst a lack of existing ecological data presents some limitations, our results are broadly consistent with ecomorphological theory previously applied to sharks. Moreover, we find that for some lineages (including some myliobatiform taxa) total length may represent a valid proxy for estimating overall body size. This finding has applications for body size and shape estimation in partially processed batoids obtained from fishing camps, and extinct taxa known only from incomplete or fragmented remains.
Smart piezoelectric composite: impact of piezoelectric ceramic microparticles embedded in heat-treated 7075-T651 aluminium alloy
Authors: Ferreira Pedro M. , Caçador David , Machado Miguel A. , Carvalho Marta S. , Vilaça Pedro , Sorger Gonçalo , Farias Francisco Werley Cipriano , Figueiredo Arthur Ribeiro , Vidal Catarina
Published: November 2024

Significant advances have been made in material synthesis in the last two decades, with a focus on polymers, ceramics, metals, and smart materials. Piezoelectric-based smart materials generate an electric voltage in response to loads, enabling distributed monitoring in critical structural parts. Friction stir processing (FSP) is a versatile approach that can enhance material performance in various engineering fields. The primary objective of the current research is to examine the sensorial properties of heat-treated AA7075-T651 aluminium plates that have been included with Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) and Barium Titanate (BT) particles via FSP. This study includes a comparative analysis of sensitivities with AA5083-H111 self-sensing material, metallographic and physicochemical characterization, and an assessment of the mechanical properties impacted by the incorporation of piezoelectric particles. The sensitivity of AA7075-PZT was found to be significantly higher than that of AA7075-BT. AA7075-PZT achieved a maximum sensitivity of 15.27 × 10−4 μV/MPa while AA7075-BT had a sensitivity of only 7.28 × 10−4 μV/MPa, which is 52% lower. Microhardness and uniaxial tensile tests demonstrated that the presence of particles has an influence on both mechanical strength and electrical conductivity of aluminium components, as opposed to those that do not have particles. The complete investigation intends to give significant insights into the performance and prospective uses of these innovative smart materials, therefore advancing materials science and engineering.

Graphical abstract
Insight on novel sulfamoylphenyl pyrazole derivatives as anticancer carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Authors: Ahmed Rehab F. , Mahmoud Walaa R. , Abdelgawad Nagwa M. , Belal Amany , Alsantali Reem I. , Said Mona F.
Published: November 2024

As another part continue for our previous study, variable substituted pyrazoles bearing sulfamoylphenyl moiety were synthesized and screened against two cancer related human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) isoforms and acetazolamide (AAZ) used as a reference standard. Some compounds as 4e and 6c manifested a promising inhibitory activity against both isoforms (KI = 0.072, 0.081 and 0.073, 0.095 µM), respectively. While others as 4a and 5e showed inhibitory activity against hCA IX only (KI = 0.062, 0.04 µM) or against hCA XII only as compound 5b (KI = 0.106 µM) compared to AAZ (KI = 0.065, 0.046 µM), respectively. Also, the anticancer efficacy against 60 cancer cell lines for the target compounds was assessed, and the most promising ones were 4d and 5a-d. Further investigation of the anticancer activity of 5b on MCF-7 cell line explored (IC50 = 5.21 µM) compared to doxorubicin (IC50 = 11.58 µM). Moreover, compound 5b was exposed to cell cycle analysis and apoptotic assay on MCF-7 breast cancer cell line under both normal and hypoxic conditions at its IC50 concentration with elevation of total apoptotic cells % in MCF-7 relative to the control cells; respectively. Finally, molecular modelling simulations rationalized the in vitro testing results.
The impact of adjuvant radiotherapy on overall survival in spinal low-grade gliomas: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: El-Hajj Victor Gabriel , Ranganathan Sruthi , Hoang Harry , Ghaith Abdul Karim , Bydon Mohamad , Elmi-Terander Adrian
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Spinal low-grade gliomas (sLGGs) are a group of tumors that arise from glial cells in the spinal cord. Current evidence supporting the use of adjuvant radiotherapy for the management of sLGG is lacking. We hence aimed to compare overall survival rates in patients receiving surgery alone with those receiving surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy.

Methods

The NCDB, a large, nationwide, US-based cancer registry was used. Relevant cases were identified using the following ICD-O-3 histological codes: 9382, 9384, 9400, 9410, 9411, 9420, 9421, 9424, 9425, and 9450, along with the ICD-O-3 topographical codes for spinal meninges (C70.1) and spinal cord (C72.0), excluding spinal ependymomas. Overall survival was the primary outcome. Propensity score matching 1:1 was used to balance the cohorts prior to Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

Results

A total of 552 patients were included in the study, with 440 in the surgery alone group and 156 in the surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy group. Patients in the surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy group were significantly older (median age 40.0 vs. 24.0 years, p < 0.001), and exhibited higher proportions of WHO grade 2 tumors (p < 0.001). Adjuvant chemotherapy was more frequently administered in the surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy group (23% vs. 7%, p < 0.001). Overall, adjuvant radiotherapy was not associated with improved survival, with a significantly higher mortality in the radiotherapy group before propensity score matching (p < 0.0001). After matching, the difference in overall survival was no longer significant (p = 0.11).

Conclusion

This study found no significant overall survival benefit associated with the use of adjuvant radiotherapy for spinal low-grade gliomas (sLGG). Although patients who received adjuvant radiotherapy initially demonstrated higher mortality rates, this difference was largely due to confounding factors such as more advanced disease in this group.
Stay social, stay young: a bioanthropological outlook on the processes linking sociality and ageing
Authors: Iannuzzi Vincenzo , Narboux-Nême Nicolas , Lehoczki Andrea , Levi Giovanni , Giuliani Cristina
Published: November 2024

In modern human societies, social interactions and pro-social behaviours are associated with better individual and collective health, reduced mortality, and increased longevity. Conversely, social isolation is a predictor of shorter lifespan. The biological processes through which sociality affects the ageing process, as well as healthspan and lifespan, are still poorly understood. Unveiling the physiological, neurological, genomic, epigenomic, and evolutionary mechanisms underlying the association between sociality and longevity may open new perspectives to understand how lifespan is determined in a broader socio/evolutionary outlook. Here we summarize evidence showing how social dynamics can shape the evolution of life history traits through physiological and genetic processes directly or indirectly related to ageing and lifespan. We start by reviewing theories of ageing that incorporate social interactions into their model. Then, we address the link between sociality and lifespan from two separate points of view: (i) considering evidences from comparative evolutionary biology and bioanthropology that demonstrates how sociality contributes to natural variation in lifespan over the course of human evolution and among different human groups in both pre-industrial and post-industrial society, and (ii) discussing the main physiological, neurological, genetic, and epigenetic molecular processes at the interface between sociality and ageing. We highlight that the exposure to chronic social stressors deregulates neurophysiological and immunological pathways and promotes accelerated ageing and thereby reducing lifespan. In conclusion, we describe how sociality and social dynamics are intimately embedded in human biology, influencing healthy ageing and lifespan, and we highlight the need to foster interdisciplinary approaches including social sciences, biological anthropology, human ecology, physiology, and genetics.
S-LCA of lithium mining in Chile and its potential impacts on water and the local community
Authors: Roche Lindsey , Link Andreas , Marinova Sylvia , Coroama Vlad , Finkbeiner Matthias
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Lithium is critical to the clean energy transition, specifically for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and grid-level energy storage. Chile is a major source of lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate from brine. The main production facilities are in the Salar de Atacama (SdA), a hyper-arid region home to indigenous communities. A social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) was conducted to better understand the potential impacts of lithium mining on these communities, particularly in relation to water consumption as this is a concern within the region.

Methods

A cradle-to-gate S-LCA on lithium was performed from brine extraction to the gate of the chemical plant. A hotspot analysis using the Social Hotspots Database (SHDB), in combination with literature and local discussions, was used to prioritize stakeholder groups and subcategories for data collection. Local community, Worker, and Society were selected as stakeholder groups. Subcategories for the Local community included Access to material resources (with a focus on freshwater), Cultural heritage, Respect of indigenous rights, Community engagement, and Local employment. Data sources included primary data from a mining company and interviews with the local community during a site visit. The reference scale approach was applied using Chilean laws and international best practices.

Results and discussion

Two scoring approaches yielded different scores on the reference scale. With an average scoring approach, all subcategories were at compliance level or above for all stakeholders. The mining company has many projects and initiatives ongoing to improve the wellbeing of the local community. Policies and projects lead to higher scores when applying the average scoring approach. However, with a precautionary approach, where the worst performing indicator determines the score, four subcategories were identified as potential issues for the Local community: Access to material resources — freshwater, Access to material resources — agriculture, Delocalization and migration, and Respect of indigenous rights. For Access to material resources — freshwater, local community members had varying perspectives on freshwater scarcity, but some connected it to lithium mining and also described the cultural importance of water.

Conclusions

The results of this S-LCA can be used to better understand the potential social impacts from lithium production and how they can be improved. Recommendations are provided to address the potential social impacts of lithium mining in the SdA, including continuing increased communication and projects with the communities, fostering initiatives to improve the understanding of the lithium production process, and considering that community members have equal access to benefit from projects.
Less-Lethal Weapons and Civilian Injury in Police Use of Force Encounters: A Multi-agency Analysis
Authors: Petersen Kevin , Koper Christopher S. , Taylor Bruce G. , Liu Weiwei , Sheridan-Johnson Jackie
Published: November 2024

Police use-of-force is a growing public health concern, with recent estimates suggesting that over 70,000 people are injured by police each year. To reduce the risk of injury to civilians, most police agencies authorize the use of various less-lethal weapons. However, to date, there is little consensus as to which types of less-lethal weapons are most effective at reducing injury risk. In this study, we test the differential effects of less-lethal weapons on civilian injury and injury severity using data on 2348 use-of-force incidents originating from 17 large urban and metropolitan law enforcement agencies from 2015 to 2019. Specifically, we assess the injury risks associated with conducted energy devices, chemical agents, impact weapons, and police canines, while controlling for a robust set of officer, civilian, and situational characteristics. Our results indicate that chemical agents reduce the risk of hospitalization or death significantly more than other weapon types, while police canines increase the risk of all injury outcomes significantly more than other weapon types. Adjusting for incident characteristics, chemical agents are predicted to cause hospitalization or death in 4% of cases, compared to 13% for conducted energy devices, 16% for impact weapons, and 37% for police canines. These findings suggest that civilian injury may be reduced through use-of-force policies that prioritize less severe modalities of force, though more research is needed on the contextual and long-term effects of these weapons.
Selbstorganisiert und dennoch geführt – eine explorative Studie zur Führung durch Scrum Master
Authors: Frye Matthias , Möltner Hannah
Published: November 2024

Der vorliegende Beitrag in der Zeitschrift Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO) stellt eine qualitative Studie erfolgreichen Führungsverhaltens von Scrum Mastern vor. Die in der Softwareentwicklung weitverbreitete Scrum-Methode beschreibt das Scrum-Team als Self-Managing-Team und die Scrum Master als Servant Leader, die in der Praxis jedoch in ihrem Führungsverhalten große Varianz zeigen.

Ausgehend von elf leitfadengestützten Experteninterviews mit Mitgliedern von Scrum-Teams wurde mithilfe einer qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse ein Prozessmodell entwickelt, das erfolgreiches Führungsverhalten von Scrum Mastern und Voraussetzungen für den Führungserfolg beschreibt.

Das Prozessmodell stellt dar, dass erfolgreiches Führungsverhalten von Scrum Mastern durch Empowering Leadership, die Unterstützung der Teammitglieder und gute Beziehungen zu den Teammitgliedern gekennzeichnet ist. Konzepte von Servant Leadership, die über Empowering hinausgehen, spielen nur eine untergeordnete Rolle für den Führungserfolg. Eine wichtige Voraussetzung für erfolgreiche Führung ist die technische, organisatorische und kommunikative Kompetenz der Scrum Master. Der Führungserfolg ist zudem mit der Selbstorganisation des Teams und dem Wissensmanagement im Team eng verknüpft.

Das in der Studie entwickelte Prozessmodell eignet sich zur quantitativen Validierung im Rahmen zukünftiger Forschung und bietet darüber hinaus Orientierung bei der Auswahl und Weiterentwicklung von Scrum Mastern.
Beeinflussen individuelle und schulische Prädiktoren das Erleben der Emotionen Freude und Langeweile von Schüler:innen nach dem Übergang in die Sekundarschule?
Authors: Meyer Simon , Schlesier Juliane , Gläser-Zikuda Michaela
Published: November 2024

Bisherige Studien haben sich hauptsächlich mit affektbezogenen Faktoren von Schüler:innen im Grund- und Sekundarschulbereich beschäftigt. Insbesondere positive schulbezogene Selbstwirksamkeitserwartungen und intrinsische Motivation wurden in der Sekundarstufe als förderlich für die Entwicklung positiver Emotionen und als hemmend für negative Emotionen identifiziert. Allerdings gibt es derzeit kaum Erkenntnisse über die Zeit nach dem Übergang von der Grund- in die Sekundarschule, da systematische Längsschnittstudien fehlen, die diese Einflussfaktoren auf die Entwicklung von Lern- und Leistungsemotionen berücksichtigen. Ziel dieser Längsschnittstudie ist es daher, den Einfluss individueller Faktoren wie schulbezogener Selbstwirksamkeitserwartungen und Motivation sowie kontextueller Prädiktoren wie Klassenführung, Klarheit und Struktur auf das Erleben von Freude und Langeweile zu analysieren. Insgesamt wurden N = 584 Schüler:innen (MAlter = 10,19 Jahre, SD = 0,45, 84,9 % weiblich; 56,2 % an Realschulen, 43,8 % an Gymnasien) zu drei Messzeitpunkten im Verlauf des ersten Jahres der Sekundarstufe I befragt. Die Ergebnisse von Wachstumskurvenmodellen zeigen, dass der Rückgang der Freude hauptsächlich durch die Abnahme schulbezogener Selbstwirksamkeitserwartungen erklärt wird, während die Zunahme der Langeweile vor allem durch die erfassten Aspekte der Unterrichtsqualität erklärt wird.
Flame Retardation of Polyamide 6 by Electro-Sprayed Phosphorus–Copper Complex Supported by Layered Silicate
Authors: Majka Tomasz M. , Bukowczan Artur , Pielichowski Krzysztof
Published: November 2024

The primary objective of this study was to demonstrate the effect of a phosphorus–copper complex on the flammability of polyamide 6 (PA6) materials, including organoclay-reinforced nanocomposites. The secondary objective was to compare the effectiveness of the deposition methods of the three-layer copper complex. Our previous work successfully revealed the effectiveness of reducing the flammability of polyamide composites by depositing phosphorus and copper compounds using a Layer-by-Layer technique. In the current work, we turned our attention to modifying the PA6 surface by electro-spray (ES) using the same flame retardants as before, and we investigated the effectiveness of the resulting surface protection against high temperatures during combustion. Surface roughness analysis revealed that the use of the ES method favors the formation of surface unevenness. The UL-94 test results showed that composite materials having 5-15 triple layers were among the best flammability classes compared to the others. Both types of materials tested also showed a tendency to reduce the heat release rate (HRR) by increasing the degree of surface coverage when using the electro-spray technique. Remarkably, deposition of 15 triple layers on the surface of the nanocomposite reduced the maximum HRR point by 20%.

Graphical abstract
Final diagnoses and mortality rates in ambulance patients administered nebulized β2-agonists bronchodilators
Authors: Hagenau Victor , Mulvad Mathilde G. , Valentin Jan B. , Jensen Arne S. R. , Gude Martin F.
Published: November 2024

To assess final diagnoses and mortality rates (30 day and 1 year) in patients treated with the inhaled bronchodilator salbutamol by ambulance personnel, and to establish its role as an identifier of moderate to severe respiratory distress in the prehospital phase of treatment. In a descriptive retrospective observational study, patients experiencing respiratory distress and treated with inhaled bronchodilators, specifically salbutamol, in the prehospital setting within the Central Denmark Region during 2018–2019 were included. The study included 6318 ambulance transports, comprising 3686 cases of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), 234 with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), 320 with heart disease (HD), 233 adults with asthma, 1674 with various other primary ICD-10 diagnoses (other ≥ 18 years), and 171 patients under 18 years. The 30 day mortality rate for all patients was 10.7% (95% CI 9.8–11.6), with zero deaths within 30 days among adults with asthma and those under 18. Excluding low mortality groups, AECOPD patients had the lowest 30 day mortality at 10.2% (95% CI 9.1–11.3), and HD patients the highest at 15.3% (95% CI 10.6–19.9). The 1-year overall mortality rate increased to 32.1% (95% CI 30.2–34.0), with mortality staying low for asthma and under-18 groups, while differences between other groups lessened and became insignificant. Patients requiring inhaled bronchodilator treatment in ambulances exhibit notably high mortality rates at 30 days and 1 year, except for those with asthma or under 18. The need for prehospital bronchodilators could serve as a clear and unmistakable marker for moderate to severe respiratory distress, enabling early intervention.
Combining finite element analysis and reinforcement learning for optimal grip point planning of flexible components
Authors: Römer Martin , Demircan Fatih , Hürkamp André , Dröder Klaus
Published: November 2024

Handling large flexible components is still a challenge in many industries. Examples include the handling of fibre-reinforced plastics or the assembly of industrial-scale electrolytic cells. Difficulties often arise in the design of suitable endeffectors. Inefficient gripping point design, i.e. the total number and positioning of grippers, can lead to increased stress and deflection of the component being handled. To counteract this, endeffectors are often oversized resulting in the use of more grippers than needed. Correspondingly, heavier moving masses imply longer handling times as well as higher energy consumption. This paper presents a process for planning and optimising gripping points for large flexible components. In addition to the shape of the component, actual dynamic loads of the handling path are also taken into account. The key element to the process is an optimisation algorithm based on reinforcement learning and trained using an finite element method (FEM) simulation. After computing a desirable starting configuration, the algorithm optimises the placement of gripper positions while aiming for a reduced total number. In addition, the optimisation has prescribed handling limits, such as physical and geometric constraints, that must not be exceeded. It was shown that the algorithm satisfactorily optimises the gripping points for dynamic loads for different materials and shapes. Furthermore, it has been shown that the computation of an initial configuration yields preferable results for simple components, yet requiring optimisation in the case of more complex shapes.
Zentrale Schlafapnoe – eine heterogene Gruppe von Atemregulationsstörungen
Authors: Schwarz Esther Irene
Published: November 2024

Die zentralen Schlafapnoesyndrome umfassen eine heterogene Gruppe von zentralen Atemregulationsstörungen, die oft mit anderen Grunderkrankungen auftreten. Pathophysiologisch ist es wichtig, zwischen hypo-/normokapnischer zentraler Schlafapnoe (CSA) bei hohem „loop gain“ und hyperkapnischer CSA bei vermindertem Atemdrive zu unterscheiden. Bei Erwachsenen wird die CSA eingeteilt in CSA mit Cheyne-Stokes-Atmung (CSR) bei Herzinsuffizienz, CSA bei anderer Grunderkrankung, höheninduzierte CSA/periodische Atmung, opioidinduzierte zentrale Atemregulationsstörung, „treatment-emergent CSA“ und idiopathische CSA. Die Prävalenz der CSA ist deutlich geringer als diejenige der obstruktiven Schlafapnoe (OSA), beide Formen der schlafassoziierten Atmungsstörungen kommen häufig zusammen vor. Die häufigste Form ist die CSA/CSR bei Herzinsuffizienz. Da sie mit einer ungünstigen Prognose einhergeht und häufig symptomatisch ist, sind evidenzbasierte Therapieoptionen zur Verbesserung von Symptomen und Outcome hier besonders wichtig.
Women in Video Games: An Analysis of the Biased Representation of Female Characters in Current Video Games
Authors: De la Torre-Sierra Ana María , Guichot-Reina Virginia
Published: November 2024

Video games have become the largest sector of the global entertainment industry, making their cultural influence significant. This study examines gender representation in mainstream videogames in Spain across PlayStation, XBOX, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms. Using content analysis, we analyze 313 female and male characters presented in video games. The results show a problematic representation of women in terms of quantity and quality. Women are significantly underrepresented, starring in only 17.78% of game covers and 35.29% of in-game audiovisual content, limiting their visibility and relatability for players. Furthermore, female characters are frequently relegated to secondary roles, depicted with submissive attitudes, unrealistic body types, and subjected to various forms of violence. Despite some games promoting inclusion, a tendency to masculinize female figures persists. The research underscores the impact of these patterns on children and young players’ identity formation, urging reflection on gender values in popular videogames and proposing practical solutions for educators and the video game industry to foster more equitable and diverse portrayals of women in media.
Human values behind intensive parenting
Authors: Bryzek Marta , Mynarska Monika , Karaś Dominika , Marcinkowska Magda
Published: November 2024

Intensive parenting (IP) is a contemporary parenting norm that emphasizes investing in children for their optimal growth and often strains parental resources. It demands centering family life around children and providing them with stimulating environments. Previous studies predominantly link IP to socioeconomic factors, overlooking its psychological determinants. Our research explores how support for IP is tied to individuals’ value systems. We use data from CRONOS online survey, conducted as a part of the European Social Survey (ESS) in 2016–2018. It covered over 1,500 people aged 18 and older. The survey included items that allowed the measurement of two central dimensions of IP: child-centeredness and stimulation (dependent variables in our study). To measure individuals’ values (our explanatory variables), we use ESS Schwartz’s value scale. Our analyses also controlled for key socioeconomic variables (country, sex, age, education, parity). Regression analysis reveals that tradition and security values positively correlate with both dimensions of intensive parenting, highlighting motivations to preserve traditions and ensure a secure future for children. Centering family’s life around children is additionally linked to benevolence, while the stimulation dimension – to achievement and (negatively) to universalism. This suggests that different aspects of IP may be motivated to some extent differently.

Highlights

• Childrearing standard of intensive parenting (IP) is tied to human values.

• Importance of tradition and security is a shared core for different aspects of IP.

• Child-centeredness ties additionally to caring for family wellbeing.

• Providing children with stimulation appears to be additionally fueled by the need of achievement.

• Depending on how IP is motivated, it may carry different consequences for children and parents.
A dyadic multimethod study of “partner phubbing”, smartphone conflict, and relationship quality in opposite-sex couples from Belgium
Authors: Denecker Floor , Frackowiak Michal , Perneel Simon , Abeele Mariek Vanden , Ponnet Koen , De Marez Lieven
Published: November 2024

Existing research indicates that ‘partner phubbing’ is associated with heightened conflict and lower relationship satisfaction. However, previous studies have relied on cross-sectional designs involving subjective self-reports of only one partner. In this study, the main hypothesis entailed that the link between partner phubbing and relationship quality will be mediated by conflict over smartphone use. We utilized experience sampling (ESM) with objective smartphone logging measures collected over 14 days from 35 mixed-gender intimate dyads from Belgium (N = 70). An Actor-Partner Interdependence Model revealed that perceived relationship quality was negatively predicted by partner’s smartphone use in husbands only, but there were no indirect effects via smartphone conflict. We reported a low occurrence of smartphone frustration and conflict in couples. An outstanding dyad analysis revealed some incongruencies between partner’s smartphone use and its perception within couples. The design allowed us to distinguish between phone use frequency and screen time, which facilitated a nuanced understanding of smartphone use impact, and gender differences, to some extent refuting the previous literature. The findings prompt us to debate whether co-present smartphone use ought to be associated with negative outcomes exclusively, a rare notion to be explored in future research.
The Influence of Alkaline Treatment on Delamination resistance of Woven Flax Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composite Laminates
Authors: Mabrouk Osama M. , Khair-Eldeen Wael , Hassanin Ahmed H. , Hassan Mohsen A.
Published: November 2024

Delamination is one of the most typical failure modes of fiber-reinforced polymer composite laminates. Thus, investigating and improving the delamination behavior of these laminates are of vital importance. The present research discovers and investigates the role of the alkaline treatment of twill-woven flax fabric on the delamination resistance of flax fiber-reinforced epoxy composite laminates. Initially, flax fibers were treated with different sodium hydroxide solution concentrations (2–5–10%) for 2 h. The influence of alkaline treatment on fiber characteristics was evaluated by performing a single-yarn tensile test, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis for treated and untreated flax fibers. The appropriate treatment condition was selected based on the properties obtained from the tests conducted on the fiber level. Subsequently, to discover the role of alkaline treatment on delamination resistance, flax fabric was treated with the selected treatment condition for further composite fabrication. The treated and untreated flax fiber-reinforced epoxy composites were fabricated using a hand lay-up technique followed by hot compression. Interlaminar shear strength, double cantilever beam, and end-notch flexural tests were carried out for treated and untreated composites to determine the effect of alkaline treatment on the delamination resistance. The results proved that the alkaline treatment of flax fabric significantly improved the delamination resistance of treated composite laminates compared to untreated ones. The interlaminar shear strength, the mode I interlaminar fracture toughness (propagation), and mode II interlaminar fracture toughness were improved by 27.3%, 14%, and 24.9%, respectively, for treated composite laminates compared to untreated ones.
Printing with Natural Dye Extract from Japanese Knotweed Leaves
Authors: Klančnik Maja
Published: November 2024

Invasive alien plants are detrimentally displacing native plant species and pose a challenge in terms of how their overgrowth can be utilized effectively. In our study, the leaves of one of the world’s worst invasive species, Japanese knotweed, were used to produce a green natural dye. This dye was screen-printed onto various substrates, including cotton and polyester fabrics, commercial cellulose papers, and innovative papers made from the stems of Japanese knotweed. The printed substrates were evaluated using color measurements and fastness properties. The aim of the study was also to investigate the influence of additives in the printing inks, such as sodium carbonate, citric acid, copper and aluminum sulfates, on the color and fastness properties of the prints. The colors of the prints obtained varied, ranging from primarily yellowish-green to brownish-yellow with the addition of citric acid, orange-brown with sodium carbonate, orange-yellow with aluminum sulfate, and brown with copper sulfate. The prints had excellent fastness to dry rubbing and moderate fastness to light. The prints of lower and medium dye concentrations on fabrics had very good fastness to wet rubbing and wet ironing, and on cotton even good fastness to washing. The additives in the printing inks, such as sodium carbonate and metal sulfates, reduced the abrasion resistance of the prints on paper and the wet fastness of the prints on fabrics, but only the metal sulfates had a positive effect on the light fastness of the prints.
The Italian version of the Majeed pelvic score: translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation
Authors: Vittone G. , Cattaneo S. , Galante C. , Domenicucci M. , Saccomanno M. F. , Milano G. , Casiraghi A.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The assessment of functional outcomes after pelvic ring fracture remains a controversial topic. The Majeed pelvic score (MPS) is the most commonly used pelvic-specific questionnaire in the literature. The aim of this study is translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Italian version of MPS.

Methods

The study was articulated in two phases. Phase 1 consisted in translation and cross-cultural adaptation of MPS, from English into Italian. The psychometric properties were tested on 52 Italian patients (Phase 2). Construct validity was assessed by correlation with Short-Form 12 (SF-12). 33 patients repeated the questionnaire after 14 days to assess its reproducibility. All data were subsequently analyzed (descriptive statistics, multitrait analysis, reliability and construct validity assessment).

Results

The questionnaire was clear and easily understood (no missing data). A ceiling effect was detected for all items of the scale. Multitrait analysis showed good results for each outcome measure, except for the item “walking distance” that showed poor item discriminant validity. A significant correlation between the MPS and the physical component summary (PCS) of the SF-12 was found, while there was a weak correlation with the mental component summary (MCS). The questionnaire showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.91–0.99) and very good test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients: 0.92–0.96).

Conclusions

The Italian version of the MPS has demonstrated to be reliable and valid in the evaluation of patients with pelvic ring fractures. There is still however a need for an instrument capable of evaluating the mental component in these types of injuries.
What, how, and why? – anti-EHEC phages and their application potential in medicine and food industry
Authors: Necel Agnieszka , Dydecka Aleksandra , Topka-Bielecka Gracja , Wesołowski Wojciech , Lewandowska Natalia , Bloch Sylwia , Nejman-Faleńczyk Bożena
Published: November 2024

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia
coli (EHEC) are pathogens that, only in the United States, cause more than 250,000 foodborne infections a year. Since antibiotics or other antidiarrheal agents may increase the hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) development risk, currently only supportive therapy, including hydration, is used. Therefore, many methods to fight EHEC bacteria focus on their use in food processing to prevent human infection. One of the proposed anti-EHEC agents is bacteriophages, known for their bactericidal effect, host specificity, and lack of cross-resistance with antibiotics. In this review article, we provide an overview of the characteristics like source of isolation, morphology, kinetics of life cycle, and treatment potential of over 130 bacteriophages able to infect EHEC strains. Based on the reviewed literature, we conclude that bacteriophages may play a highly significant role in regulating EHEC propagation. In addition, we also point out the phage features that should be taken into account not only when using bacteriophages but also when examining their properties. This may contribute to accelerating the pace of work on the preventive use of bacteriophages, which is extremely needed in the modern world of the food industry, but also stimulate interest in phages and accelerate regulatory work that would enable the use of bacteriophages also in medicine, to fight the drug-resistant strains.
The alteration of lipid metabolism and its correlation with glycometabolism following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: A meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Bian , Wang Junyu , Chen Qiyun , Yang Wei , Qu Haiyan , Wang Yibo , Sun Guishun , Niu Ben
Published: November 2024

Background

The LSG has been shown to be effective in consistently reducing the body weight and improve the metabolism of patients with excessive obesity. However, its long-term effect in lipid metabolism and the correlation with glycometabolism have not been well summarized and analyzed.

Objective

The aims of this meta-analysis were to establish the panorama of lipid metabolism following LSG, study its correlation with glycometabolism, and provide evidence for therapeutic response assessment and prognosis prediction.

Methods

The meta-analysis identified all available studies reporting the lipid metabolism alterations following LSG from January, 2011, to March, 2023. Using relevant key words, articles were searched from the MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE databases and screened following the PRISMA guideline. A total of 46 studies reporting the levels of several lipid markers across time points up to 24 months following LSG were included in the final analysis.

Results

Significant level decrease was found with FBG, FBI, HbA1C, HOMA-IR, and TG, in parallel with the drop of BMI following LSG up to 24 months, and significant level increase was observed in HDL. In contrast, no significant level changes were observed with TC and LDL. FBI and HOMA-IR exhibited the earliest (3–7 days) significant alterations even before BMI changed, and they also showed the biggest percentage decrease in all markers, while HDL exhibited the biggest percentage increase. All markers except LDL showed significant linear correlation with BMI, and TC and TG showed significant correlation with individual glycometabolism markers. TC, TG, and HDL showed significant correlation with each other, while LDL showed no significant correlation with other lipid markers except TC.

Conclusions

Insulin-related markers, HDL and TG, could be early response markers for LSG. Good correlation was found between BMI change and glyco- or lipid markers, while only TC and TG appeared to correlate with glycomarkers.
Natural Language Processing-Driven Microscopy Ontology Development
Authors: Bayerlein Bernd , Schilling Markus , Curran Maurice , Campbell Carelyn E. , Dima Alden A. , Birkholz Henk , Lau June W.
Published: November 2024

This manuscript describes the accelerated development of an ontology for microscopy in materials science and engineering, leveraging natural language processing (NLP) techniques. Drawing from a comprehensive corpus comprising over 14 k contributions to the Microscopy and Microanalysis conference series, we employed two neural network-based algorithms for NLP. The goal was to semiautomatically create the Microscopy Ontology (MO) that encapsulates and interconnects the terminology most frequently used by the community. The MO, characterized by its interlinked entities and relationships, is designed to enhance the quality of user query results within NexusLIMS. This enhancement is facilitated through the concurrent querying of related terms and the seamless integration of logical connections.
Auto-Global Examination of Mental State (Auto-GEMS): a web-based self-administered cognitive screening
Authors: Pucci Veronica , Contemori Giulio , Saccani Maria Silvia , Arcara Giorgio , Mondini Sara , Bonato Mario
Published: November 2024

Recent methodological developments have contributed to a significant advance in computerised neuropsychological instruments and procedures, including those accessible from remote. In this paper we present Auto-GEMS, a newly developed, web-based, self-administered screening test allowing to quickly estimate an individual’s cognitive state also considering their cognitive reserve. Auto-GEMS measures cognitive functioning on eleven items similarly to the in-person paper-and-pencil version (GEMS) and to the remote (phone or video call) version (Tele-GEMS) of the same screening. We collected normative data on a sample of 1308 Italian-speaking participants (age range 18–93) to verify its psychometric properties and computed regression models on demographic variables to establish clinical cut-offs. The psychometric properties of Auto-GEMS have shown good internal consistency, test-retest reliability and convergent validity. This short and user-friendly tool has a number of potential applications. For instance, it can be useful in clinical practice to monitor the cognitive profile of patients or vulnerable individuals, or even administered in a face-to-face, standard clinical setting. It can also be used in research studies to screen participants. The testing materials and the collected data are freely available in a digital archive along with a web App to visualise the test outcome with reference to its normative data.